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| Recycling, Reducing, and Reusing Recycle, Reduce, and Reuse are the three Rs of becoming an eco- friendly person. It’s really simple to incorporate these thoughts into your daily life, without disrupting it too much. Going “green” does not need to be all consuming and time prohibitive- it just takes a little bit more thought. Recycle. We all know to recycle our canned goods and newspapers, but have you looked deeper into the dark reaches of your basement or attic. For example, I am in the process of breaking down some metal shelving that is too rickety to be used for anything. I will then bring it to a recycling center- maybe even make a bit of money on it! It frees up my basement space for shelves that I can use, and it will be recycled into something useful. I hate to say it, but 5 years ago I would have put it out in the trash and thought nothing of it. Now those shelves can be repurposed into something useful. Reduce. Reducing your waste is something that you should target for. Buy in bulk whenever possible, even though the packaging looks great. By reducing your use of paper products, think of the trees that you will save. And fuel costs- it’s even economical to carpool with the cost of gasoline right now. Share a ride and conserve energy. Reduce the number of errands that you run, or at least map them out to be accomplished in one trip. Not only will you reduce the amount of gasoline used, but you will gain precious free time by planning a bit. This, of course, will reduce your stress level, another advantage! Reuse. Reusing items is probably the hardest step to work into your life. I like to think of it as repurposing something that you already have. Use those empty canning jars to store office supplies, an old mirror becomes a great serving tray, and breath new life into window treatments by simply adding some funky trim or beads. If there is really nothing that you can do with an item- donate it or sell it on consignment. Someone else can reuse that piece, and you will have succeeded in repurposing it, not throwing it out! These are just some ideas that can be incorporated into your daily lives. By living with less (reducing), reusing what you have, and recycling, life becomes simple again. Enjoy the free time that you will gain and take time to smell the flowers again! You have done a good thing for yourself, your family, and generations to come. | | |
| Kids' crafts: Ideas for using natural materials As a parent and interior decorator, crafting or “making art” using natural elements with my child is one of my favorite activities. Not only is it a teaching moment about nature and working with the environment, but we get to get our hands dirty together! What could possibly be a better family moment and photo op! One of my favorite projects is actually a now, and in the future, idea. Whenever we see a pretty leaf, flower (pansies and violas work the best), interesting twig or other found object, we press them and dry them for future use. Pressing the items requires only some wax paper and very heavy books- items that are always on hand. You take the flower and sandwich it between two sheets of wax paper and then place it in a book. Pile more books on top and in a few days, you will have a perfectly pressed flower for future use. These flowers can be laminated and made into jewelry, glued onto note cards, even used as cupcake decorations- all of this is great for a rainy day project. The treasure hunt is as much fun as the actual projects that are made! Stepping-stones are another project that comes to mind. I would actually start with a kit for this project, and then embellish it with found projects. Gather your child’s treasures- seashells, twigs, leaves, and stones and have them make a pretty design or pattern out of them. Before actually starting the stepping stone- use a template and lay out the design first. This saves time, and your concrete is not drying out, when many crucial design decisions are being made. Place the finished stone in your garden or walkway. I also encourage” would be artists”, myself included, to set up an easel in the backyard on a sunny day. Nothing inspires a great painting more than nature itself- a butterfly fluttering amidst a flower, the perfect bloom, lush landscapes, and the sun itself. Of course, you are outside, so try different painting techniques and mediums like finger painting, splattering, even mixing your own style with a leaf or branch. Let Rembrandt out and have fun with the art. Nature inspires in so many ways, and through a child’s eye, it is positively glorious. Share the joy of crafting and love of “green things” with your child today. Rain or shine, there are endless opportunities awaiting- just look out your window! | | |
| Is yoga for everyone? Absolutely! Yoga is for anyone who is willing to learn the techniques and ideas behind it, and to get a bit of exercise and stretching as well. There is nothing wrong with doing yoga simply to stay fit and be healthy (link to gaiam). The practice of yoga can take you further into a stress free lifestyle, however, if you wish to go there. First, what is yoga? Yoga is commonly misunderstood as a religion. It is more of a guideline toward spirituality. Yoga is also not only an exercise form. Yoga focuses on the body and mind- making both healthy and harmonious. Yogis feel that in order to be in harmony with themselves and the world, three things must be in balance- the body, the mind, and the spirit. Yoga follows three main thoughts to achieve this harmony between self and environment: exercise, breathing, and meditation. Exercise is used to improve a person’s core, circulation, and stimulation. Breathing is used to relax and to gain control of one’s thoughts. Meditation leads to a quiet mind- a peaceful, stress free thought process. There are many branches and techniques practiced. Find the one that works for you, and be healthy, in not only body, but mind as well. Here are some of my favorite products from Gaiam- A Lifestyle Company. I have never been disappointed with their products!  Based on the century-old teachings of Joseph Pilates, this artful discipline can improve your posture and increase flexibility and stamina. The elegant and flowing movements of Pilates isolate core muscles and are well suited for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Pilates Bodyring and DVD
$30. 
Build strength from within as you workout with this DVD at your own pace. Increases stamina, endurance, and strength. Power yoga Total Body Workout DVD $15.  Throw your bag in the car and find a serene place to practice yoga and pilates. Take the stress out of preparing to go to the gym because your bag is already packed.
The Everything Fits Gym Bag . Made from recycled material. $60.  Yoga mats- the only piece of workout equipment that you really need with yoga! Choose your color and yoga in style! Yoga Essential Mats (68"). $22. | | |
| Green Living - Tips From A-Z For A Healthy LifestyleThis is an easy to follow list to add some "Green Living" to your home and life. Try a couple of the ideas or all of them and help in saving the environment, as well as making healthy changes in your life. Together, we can keep our world happy and healthy for our families! read more | | |
| Going Green- Try these Simple Steps Living organically, or “green”, takes some work on our parts. But we can start with baby steps! Here are a couple of steps that a household can incorporate right away, and not even feel the difference. - Plant a tree! Trees are being eliminated faster than they are being grown. We can go into all of the alternatives to wood usage, but remember- these are baby steps to living green. Plant a tree, gain oxygen and shade, and do something wonderful for the environment all at the same time.
- Turn the water off while you brush your teeth. I know it sounds simple, but this baby step conserves water, and will maybe save a little on that water bill. Why wouldn’t you do this?
- All that old paint that you are saving for touch-up painting. Use up or dispose of in the proper fashion. The gases that are emitted from the paint can sitting there are harmful to you and your family. Anyway, the touch up spot always looks a bit different! If you must keep a little-put some in a baby food jar and seal it tightly.
- Make your own cleaners or use an environmentally friendly brand- like method. You would be amazed at what plain old water and vinegar can clean! I have posted some recipes following this.
- Have a “no electronics” evening. Not only turn off, but unplug the television, computer, game boys, coffee machine, hairdryers, etc. Sit with your family and play good old board games- scrabble, twister, checkers go for a walk together, or the book you keep putting off. Great family time and great for the body and mind! Going “green” really can be an easy thing to do!
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