The Third Annual Clover Crawl is happening this Saturday, March 20 at Vulcan Park. OK, so I missed Clover Crawl I and II. I think I’ll try to check this out. If you’re interested in good food (Chez Lulu) and recycling (e-cycling available) or just want a fun family event to find out more about living a little more sustainably, this seems like the weekend event for you. I’m gonna check it out, barring pouring rain. I say I’m going to check out all of the green products, but I’m really interested in checking out the organic wine tasting! See ya there!
March 18, 2010
French Quarter Candle lights my way each morning
My soy candle burns creamy, slow and smooth. I found this candle while poking around in the French Market in New Orleans a few weekends ago. I had endured gray skies and long underwear for about as long as a Southern girl can, so I jumped in the car with some friends and headed even further south to NOLA. What a blessed trip. Yes, I know, we used untold amount of fossil fuel to get there, but I figure if it kept me from murdering someone, it was probably worth it. And, when we got there, we parked the car and walked virtually everywhere!
My soy candle was the only (inedible) purchase I made for myself on our little weekend tour. It is made by French Quarter Candles. And, it really is 100% soy. So what exactly is so great about a soy candle? Well, I was actually wondering the same thing. Marketing is a strong motivator, and soy candles are marketed pretty heavily these days as eco-friendly, earth-friendly, but I wasn’t really sure what I was buying.
Rita was so patient with me as I picked out just the right fragrance!
I really bought this particular soy candle because the lovely Rita, who was selling it in the market, was so friendly; the sky was so blue and the packaging so pretty and eco-friendly, I couldn’t resist! Plus, the scents were soft, enticing, and not over-powering. But, when I got home I did a little research to see exactly why I should have bought a soy candle. Here’s the run-down as I see it.
• Soy candles are made from a renewable resource, vegetable matter. (uh, soybeans). Paraffin wax found in most candles is made from fossil fuels.
• Buy a soy candle, help out a U.S. farmer. The majority of soybeans are grown in the U.S. Can’t say the same for petroleum.
• Soy candles really do burn up to twice as long as paraffin wax candles. Some people claim that they burn cleaner, but I’m not so sure that’s true.
• Personally, I love the creamy texture of soy wax. If you buy a pillar candle that claims to be soy, just know that you are really getting a blend of soy wax and paraffin wax. 100% soy wax is extremely soft, and must be formed in a container. French Quarter Candles come in a recycled glass container. I love that!
• The wick in the candle I purchased is 100% cotton. I thought that was nice, but really… what difference does that make? Well, it seems in the past, many candle wicks actually contained lead. That is not as true today, but it’s comforting to know that I’m not releasing all kinds of toxins into the air I breathe.
My soy candle sits on my dresser now and I burn it every morning as I do my morning stretches. I finally settled on the Mango Chai Tea scent which is light, fresh and calming. I couldn’t have picked a better souvenir.
Want to see more of our New Orleans trip? Visit me on Flickr, to share in the New Orleans fun.
March 16, 2010
Do you watch TV? If you do, you may have noticed plenty of commercials for pre-emergence herbicides. I was thinking about that name. Pre-emergence. (Or as my mother calls it, pre-emergency). That’s me, I think… I’m almost ready to… emerge, and believe me, it IS an emergency! If I don’t get out of the house soon, I will surely crack. Although I live in the Southeastern US, where the winters are normally mild, this particular winter has been brutal by southern standards. (Right, I know I have no right to whine). Nonetheless, the result is that I have burrowed into my house and become complacent, less motivated and well, stagnant. Like the weeds in my yard, I’ve lain dormant all winter, just waiting to emerge. Well, get ready, y’all! It’s time to peek your head out the door, because spring is just around the corner.
So, my little weeds, what are you doing to chase away those final winter blahs and emerge fresh as a daisy? Here’s how I get ready for the grand blossoming of spring. Today I went out and bought a couple of pallets of rock, 25 bags of granite and some landscape fabric. That probably isn’t the average girl’s idea of a fab shopping trip, but for me it was rejuvenating. (More on this little project to come). Never mind the fact that I strolled the nursery amidst howling winds, gray skies and the occasional raindrop, I faithfully believe that spring is really going to arrive. After all, it’s showed up every year so far!
Need some motivation but you say you’re not ready to traipse out and purchase a thousand pounds of stone? Well, there are easier (and less expensive) ways to gear up for spring. Here’s a few ideas:
• Purchase potted herbs or tulips. Think of it as color in a pot. You don’t have to work, or plant, or anything. Just set a pre-potted spring flower in your window, add a little water every now and then and Voila! Instant spring! When the blooms get crunchy, pick off the bloom and plant them in your yard. You can plant over them, if you wish. They will remain dormant just waiting for next spring, when they’ll pop up fresh in your yard.
• Get a jump on spring cleaning. Just a little de-cluttering will go a long long way towards making you feel lighter and a little more free. Isn’t that the purpose of spring, to feel lighthearted? And when it comes time to really clean, you’ll be ahead of the game. While you’re at it, if the weather permits, fling open your windows. The benefit? Fresh air and less energy use!
• Go to your local nursery. Yes, put on a raincoat if necessary. Just browse the aisle to see the early selections. Soon you’ll have mentally dressed your porch or garden in spring color. Still too early where you are? Browse the library shelves for a whole slew of books on landscaping, gardening and color design!
• Visit your local farmer’s market. It may seem early, but there are early crops and some markets feature local farmers who are growing early vegetables in hydroponic greenhouses. One of my favorite local markets, Pepper Place Saturday Market now has a year-round store as well. When vegetables are few and far between, you can browse locally made soaps, books on gardening, local honey, yummy preserves and more. Don’t know where your local market is? Visit LocalHarvest.org to find a farmer’s market near you.
• Get your body moving! When spring arrives, you’ll most likely be outside. Whether you are a gardener, a part-time cyclist or a walker, chances are you’ll be moving your body more than you have all winter. Avoid those early spring stiff joints with a little prep now. Visit your gym. Bundle up and take a brisk walk. Whether you are a yoga fan or not, here’ s a little exercise to detox and get ready for spring. Try it now at Living Healthy.
Any other suggestions?
photo via Flicker, David Turner
March 14, 2010
Here’s my winter morning routine: Hat, coat, scarf – run outside…. start the car. Run back inside; have another cup of coffee while the car warms up. Sound familiar? I’ve been doing this for years. I learned it from my mom, who many years ago, would go out and warm my car up before I left for school. If you don’t have your car in a garage, it’s pretty darn chilling to hop in that little igloo on wheels. Way back when, I was taught that it was really better for the car to idle a bit to warm it up before jetting off into the arctic morning. Well, seems that while I thought I was doing my car a favor (not to mention my own warm self), I’ve been wasting lots, and lots of energy.
According to The Little Green Book, the best way to warm up your vehicle it to actually drive it. According to the authors, 30 seconds of idling is really all you need before you’re ready to drive. Your car uses 0.2 gallongs of fuel when idling. That’s enough gas for me to travel the 5 miles it takes to get to work. Not only are you wasting fuel, but, when you let your car idle you’re producing carbon dioxide, close to 20 pounds during that 10 minutes of toasty warm-up time. I really don’t know anything about the inner workings of a car. I just want it to go. But these guys claim that idling only warms your engine, not the other parts of the car that need to be warmed up.
So as nice as it is to slide across that warm leather seat on a winter morning, I’ll have to learn to layer more and idle less. I guess I’ll have that extra cup of coffee to go!
February 8, 2010
Birds have been flocking to the small, backyard tube bird feeder that hangs just outside my kitchen window. Sitting at my table, I love seeing them, hungrily going about their business, their feathers all fluffed up against the winter cold. A couple of weeks ago, I noticed large flocks of some type of black birds grouping about in the trees and bushes of my front yard. Feeling sorry for all of the migratory birds, making their way along their secret bird highway, I impulsively ran out and purchased an additional bird feeder.
My new birdfeeder came from Wild Birds Unlimited and I’m happy to report that the feeder I purchased is made from recycled plastic milk jugs! So, a few less jugs in the landfill and my birds and I are both happy! While I’m sure there are many places to get cool birdhouses, this one is guaranteed not to crack and has a limited lifetime guarantee. So, it’s worth a few extra dollars I think. (Or course, I’m waiting on them to come up with a durable, biodegradable version).
I’ve had quite a few happy “customers” since I placed the birdfeeder in the front yard. It’s migratory time for many species and they now descend on my yard in hoards. I love watching them; I get out the binoculars and peer through the window at them in the mornings. My neighbors probably think I’m a voyeur, but nah, just a bird watcher.
My birdbath is upcycled. I made it from an old, leftover terracotta planter dish. I created a mosaic border along the edges with broken plates that I garnered from a garage awhile back. I painted the bottom blue to reflect the light, and placed it on an old wrought iron plant stand. So, if you’re feeling crafty, you can create all kinds of creative watering stations this way!
One of my goals for the next year is to make my yard a friendlier place for birds, and other animal friends. Slowly I’ll plant more native plants to create more habitat and food sources for my feathered friends. If you’re interested in feeding the birds this winter, check out these tips:
• Water. Birds need water, too. Watch your birdbaths to keep the water from freezing.
• Food. During the winter, birds need lots of food to keep their energy and warmth! Insects and berries are harder to find, so supply bird food that is high in fat and oil content. Black oil sunflower seed and millet seed are favorites of a large variety of birds.
• Storage. Store your birdseed in a closed moisture-proof container. If the food gets damp, it might mold before it’s used up. And… if it’s not kept in a sealed container, you may have some new little rodent friends!
• Options. You can also purchase suet and place it in special suet containers on your trees. Or, you COULD just put peanut butter and sunflower seeds on pinecones and hang’em around the yard.
• Habitat. If you’re putting out new feeders, think about placing them in areas that may be protected from the roughest winds, but not so close to woods and other foliage where predators may lurk. Place a baffle on the feeder to discourage squirrels.
If you get lots of bird visitors, you’ll soon get curious about who’s visiting the feeder. A great online field guide is whatbird.com. This site allows you to identify birds based on all kinds of values, such as shape, size, color, and location. Although I have say, the mystery black birds I’ve had in my front yard remain a mystery. A friend of mine told me they were tanagers, but I’ve come to realize that’s a really broad category. They are about the size of a small dove, black with orange under their wings, and they travel in flocks, descending like a black hoard on berry-bearing bushes and birdfeeders. Anybody got any ideas?
January 20, 2010
The holidays have come and gone (thank goodness), and as we all settle back into our usual routines, I’m actually putting some of my Christmas booty to use. So, I decided to scroll through a quick gift review. I was fortunate enough to receive many lovely gifts from people I care about this Christmas. Perhaps this shortlist of green gifts I received will give you some ideas for green gift-giving for the rest of the year!
My terrific sis gave me these beautiful glasses created from reclaimed wine bottles. They are softly etched with a dragonfly motif (the dragonfly is my totem, btw). The picture is terrible, but the glasses are beautiful, and actually clear rather than amber. I love these, because I love the way they feel, and they are the perfect size! What could be nicer than upcycled beauty with a practical use? I’m not sure where these little art pieces came from , but there are several sites online where you can pick up a set for yourself, or for your next gift to give. Check out Uncommon Goods for several items made from recycled wine bottles.
Don’t discount gifts that you may already have around your house. Items that have sentimental value, or are retro chic, may be just the right gift for the “hard-to-buy-for” person on your list. My darling mother passed along this wonderful yellow vase that belonged to my grandmother along with a set of her own linen napkins. This vase is the gift that brought tears of joy. (I am such a marshmallow). I love the shape, the color and even the aura of this sweet vase. Talk about passing on the love…
Check out this awesome bean pot. It’s La Chamba cookware, hand made in Columbia. You just want to touch it, and rub your hands over it’s smooth finish. It is burnished, not glazed and it’s inspiring to see the imprints artistic hands have left, as they turned and worked the piece. I have yet to cook in it, but I’ll be sure to post my first foray into cooking with this fab clay pot! Check out La Vida Verde, Inc. a Free Trade importer, for more info on how these lovely vessels are made. With many types of cookware to choose from, the eco-cook on your list would love any of these pieces!
Other great ideas that I either received, or gave (or both):
• Original artwork
• Handmade jewery
• Pottery
• Organic wine
• Free trade, shade-grown coffee
• Stainless steel or BPA-free water bottles
Thank you to everyone for the lovely gifts (mentioned and not mentioned here) and for friends and family who made the holidays endearing. Though the holidays are generally a time of frenzy and stress, when you finally slow down and look around, and look back, you realize the great good fortune that family and friends bring to the season. Love you all!
P.S. – Did you receive a particularly eco-friendly, or unusual gift this year? Have ideas for future, green gift-giving. Share it here, or shoot me an email with a photo and post it up for all to see!
January 18, 2010
I’m stunned. Stunned that it is 2k10. Stunned by the relentless cold weather and the daily wearing of long underwear that is required to keep warm. I’m stunned. Perhaps that’s why I’ve cocooned into my house, burrowed into my work and become a recluse on par with Howard (you know, of long fingernail fame).
I woke the other morning dreaming of a garden. It was actually a nightmare; all of my plants had frozen. But, I’m truly yearning, already, for spring. I have a running list ticking in my mind, of all manners of things that will be accomplished once we defrost.
Composting is high on my list. I know, I’m a weanie for not going ahead with this project now. January and February are just so great for sitting by the fire and dreaming.
Raised bed gardening is on my list, too; along with container gardening. I’ve started trying to find interesting containers on ebay to make my side garden interesting. Oh, how I ache for longer days, when the classified ads will be filled with garage sales just waiting to be explored!
January 13, 2010
Monday seems to come around quicker these days. Planning for a Meatless Monday has turned out to be a little harder than I expected. For something that looks pretty quick and VERY tasty, check out this recipe for Cornmeal Cinnamon Pancakes from Domestic Divas. I love breakfast foods for dinner on occasion. However, you’ll need to watch your portions if you’re watching your weight. These sweet pancakes pack a calorie punch of 500 calories per serving!
December 28, 2009
Each year, during the Christmas season, there is one morning where I walk into my office and find, instead of files and papers, a sweet little bag of goodies left by an anonymous donor. Of course, the donor isn’t really a mystery. The entire office knows that Pat leaves this special gift each year. It’s a small baggie filled with gift tags that she has lovingly worked on all year, creating each little gift tag from Christmas cards that she has received throughout the years. This is a tradition handed down from her mother. I love this gift of the heart.
Finding that little gift on my chair is such an uplifting experience, I wonder if she has any idea how much we all look forward to it. The tags are at once nostalgic and modern. I love putting them on my gifts, except it really slows down the wrapping process, as I have to inspect every tag. I try to imagine what the entire card looked like in its original form, and the joy that Pat felt as she received each one. This is a prime example of “passing it on”.
This year, save your Christmas cards. Or if you’re lucky, you may come across a boxful of vintage cards at a garage sale. Before you recycle these little treasures, you can REUSE them, and pass along some love as well.
Thank you, Pat, for passing along the love and the inspiration. Merry Christmas!
December 17, 2009
There is a tree in my kitchen. Finally.
The holiday season is here, and I finally came up for air this past weekend. Instead of working, I turned my sights towards making my home a little more, well… homey. My kids are pretty much grown, but fortunately they still love the tradition of piling in the car to fetch the Christmas tree and getting the house decked out in red, green and gold for the holidays.
Pine Hill Christmas Tree Farm
It was drizzly and soupy-gray this weekend, Alabama’s version of snow. In the past we have, without fail, purchased our live Christmas tree from the local Boy Scout troop. The trees there are beautiful, expensive and support a good cause. On top of that, they are shipped in from a tree farm in North Carolina, so at least they don’t travel all the way across the country to get here. It is a good choice. Still, this year, in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, I decided to look for a tree farm and purchase my tree locally.
We had so much FUN!
In a section of town, where you would never expect to find a farm of ANY kind, we located Pine Hill Tree Farm. Sloping hills dotted with trees, a barn-like structure complete with complimentary hot chocolate, and a smelly, but clean shed for a couple of live reindeer made the trip to get this year’s tree an adventure. (No comment on the reindeer, that’s a whole separate post). We were the only customers, due to the heavy fog and rain… but there we were, traipsing around the hills to find just the right tree.
This family-owned farm has cut trees that have been shipped in from North Carolina, and as far away as Oregon. However, they also grow several varieties of Cedar trees such as Leland Cypress and Deodara Cypress. The well-known Frasier Fir doesn’t grow at elevations this low, so they ship those in pre-cut. We chose a beautiful Leland Cypress Cedar tree, which we have never had. At first I was hesitant, it seemed like something you get at the nursery to make a hedge between yourself and your neighbor. But, we love it! It is fragrant and the foliage is soft and not so prickly as a Frasier Fir tree. It has been lovingly shaped into the traditional teardrop expected of a Christmas tree, and it works perfectly in our space. The guys working the farm even cut the tree for us! What more could you ask for? Oh yes, did I mention it was very reasonably priced?
We have always been a live-tree family, even though I admit, I do have a small, silver tinsel tree in my front window. Straight from Target, it is retro and cute and I love it, but I will never purchase another artificial tree. Oh, let’s call them what they are, FAKE trees. I admit in the past, I’ve been tempted by the “ease” of owning a fake tree, but just couldn’t ever bring myself to go there. Something about decorating a plastic tree just didn’t seem, well… real.
Here are my reasons for loving a live tree:
• Live trees are grown on farms, not cut out of the forest. This is a fairly recent innovation; so many people still think trees are being ravished in the forest to supply the demand for Christmas trees. Instead, think of this: in the U.S. there are around a half billion trees growing on Christmas tree farms. On average, 2,000 Christmas trees are planted per acre.
• Growing Christmas trees provide a habitat for wildlife, plus an acre of Christmas trees provides for the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.
• Live Christmas trees smell really good (unless you have allergies) and make your home feel festive and warm
• Artificial trees may be easy to set-up and may cost a little less in the long run. But, most artificial trees have a place in your home for an average of 6-8 years. At some point they ALL end up in the landfill, where they are not biodegradable and will last for eons!
• Artificial trees are mostly manufactured in China from recycled PVC plastic, and shipped to the U.S. Let me say that again, PVC plastic. (Think chemicals and petroleum based products)
Whatever your choice of tree this year, I do hope that you and your family have as much fun picking out your tree as we did picking out ours. I admit it’s easy for me to turn scrooge-ish this time of year, with all of the time constraints and pressures that are imposed on me. The choice to go out in the rain in search of a tree turned out to be great fun and went a long way toward reviving my own sense of wonder and holiday joy.
December 15, 2009
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