tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60777660087036770462024-03-13T06:03:17.350-04:00Saving Family GreenLiving Green:
Organization, Cleaning, Food Purchase & PreparationSaving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.comBlogger659125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-67326023386577597162012-07-28T07:56:00.000-04:002012-07-28T07:56:41.484-04:00Saving Family Green! - Site moved!I am in the process of moving this site, please visit <a href="http://savingfamilygreen.com/">Saving Family Green</a> for current information.<br />
<br />
Thanks so much for following symhomemom (now <a href="http://savingfamilygreen.com/">Saving Family Green</a>)! I hope you will continue to follow on the new platform as well as on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saving-Family-Green/170746332948851?ref=hl">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SavingFamGreen">Twitter</a>!<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<br />
Amy
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i><br />
<i> </i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-28768055511938815092012-07-23T22:14:00.001-04:002012-07-23T22:15:37.338-04:00Menu Plan Monday - Week of 7/22 - 7/28<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomEOWOmu9m0vs_xao1youvDMt3l-W-XYw_ZHLFNe7d4XwFHa4VZEgNlpvWhlWyT6P7p-iSsZ2AmkgsUoU7L_2vSHrmoavcK2sj-Iz9GnIP5tVs5FmQUMI6bKkX_i9UHnZpz4KuBYRfA/s1600/Organizing+Junkie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomEOWOmu9m0vs_xao1youvDMt3l-W-XYw_ZHLFNe7d4XwFHa4VZEgNlpvWhlWyT6P7p-iSsZ2AmkgsUoU7L_2vSHrmoavcK2sj-Iz9GnIP5tVs5FmQUMI6bKkX_i9UHnZpz4KuBYRfA/s1600/Organizing+Junkie.jpg" /></a></div>
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As you will see below, I list items that have been grown in <i>our garden (in italics)</i>, purchased locally and/or are Organic!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09fimNvZVX2Izw4U7LahY_cXAUTKw4JqbLimacomdi6_rwUZ03MZDTlDCoHn3VUFQEyFqH7fjtB0OU2Ubl4VXYlP_5gl90Aan2YktNdN3DekhVKZOw7HV31fEH73aDtXPf2UAFAneeA/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09fimNvZVX2Izw4U7LahY_cXAUTKw4JqbLimacomdi6_rwUZ03MZDTlDCoHn3VUFQEyFqH7fjtB0OU2Ubl4VXYlP_5gl90Aan2YktNdN3DekhVKZOw7HV31fEH73aDtXPf2UAFAneeA/s320/IMG_2838.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This week is challenging as my daughter and son have swim lessons every evening, so I will be planning meals that can be served cold and at the pool! <br />
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<b>Breakfast</b><br />
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Cereal, fruit<br />
English muffin w/ peanut butter, banana<br />
Homemade Banana Bread, fruit<br />
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<b>Lunch</b><br />
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Whole wheat tortilla w/ hummus, turkey, local tomatoes and local spinach, carrot sticks, fruit<br />
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Whole wheat tortilla w/ <a href="http://www.facebook.com/shagbarkseedandmillco">Organic local black beans</a>
w/ combination of some or all of the following: salsa,<br />
Organic
local grass-fed cheddar cheese, local tomatoes and/or organic plain yogurt,
fruit<br />
<br />
Green <i>salad</i> w/ local hard boiled eggs, local tomatoes, carrots, Organic
local grass-fed cheddar cheese and honey mustard dressing<br />
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Leftovers <br />
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<b>Supper</b><br />
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Sunday
- Chicken, zucchini, yellow squash, onion kabobs. Peaches grilled on kabobs as well. Green <i>salad </i>with dressing.<br />
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Monday - Chipotle (One of the best "fast" food type places you can eat in terms of how they source their food). <br />
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Tuesday - Hot dog night at the pool, veggie sticks, green <i>salad</i>, local plums and local apricots.<br />
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Wednesday -<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/tomato-basil-pasta/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=tomato%20basil%20pasta&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=%2fmy%2frecipebox%2fdefault.aspx">Tomato Basil Pasta</a>, green <i>salad</i>, local fruit<br />
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Thursday - Pizza, fruit<br />
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Friday
- Organic local black bean quesadillas w/ local onions, cheddar cheese, salsa, Organic plain greek yogurt (in lieu of sour cream) and <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/melon-agua-fresca-10000001010529/">Melon Agua Fresca</a> <br />
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Saturday - Local hamburgers, local tomato/ mozzarella/ <i>basil</i> salad, <i>green beans</i>, local fruit<br />
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<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="_blank">I’m an Organizing Junkie</a> is home to Menu Plan Monday.<br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-3305869285009310522012-07-21T08:17:00.000-04:002012-07-21T08:17:55.130-04:00Sustainable Saturday - 2012 Suburban Family Garden - July Update!Since I have been absent from the blogging world for most of this year, I thought I would give a quick update as to what we've been up to. The family health issues we've been dealing with have improved in some ways, and are more challenging in other ways. <br />
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Here is the quick update of where we've been this year. One of my main goals for Saving Family Green this year was to create the <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2011/07/sustainable-saturday-book-review-edible.html">Edible Front Yard</a>. Due to much shade in our backyard, the idea was to move many of the sun loving plants to the front yard where there are no trees. <br />
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We started many of our seeds early and indoors this year. I based my guidelines for when to plant what on the Farmer's Almanac online in which you can type in your zip code and it will provide you with a chart of dates to start seeds indoors or as transplants outdoors. I also purchased this year self watering trays from <a href="http://www.burpee.com/seed-starting/32-xl-cell-eco-friendly-self-watering-greenhouse-prod001810.html">Burpee</a> (Home Depot) which were AWESOME! I will be using these exclusively next year. The plants that were started in this system grew quickly and were incredibly healthy seedlings. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJ_KTHn-Qb9S65k0L2T5vL2PIxrx5IgTvf0X8ZYc9oT58C8UXeV0JAQayge2rau0C4a2Dui-dDPR2OKgEevOTYQJlysVyaP6tBHwvHKLBe4EUO5pO1bauJQvRZkmJUQr8abhmDqu9qA/s1600/IMG_2332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJ_KTHn-Qb9S65k0L2T5vL2PIxrx5IgTvf0X8ZYc9oT58C8UXeV0JAQayge2rau0C4a2Dui-dDPR2OKgEevOTYQJlysVyaP6tBHwvHKLBe4EUO5pO1bauJQvRZkmJUQr8abhmDqu9qA/s320/IMG_2332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since the goal was to garden in the Front Yard, I needed a new garden bed. My very kind husband built this bed for our new garden using some old timbers and corrugated metal panels that we had leftover from our home renovation project. I will give the full details of this construction project in a later post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jSnVocuy4p6xyynpQ3m6RyAwv12_Ummqw-TXkzL3WIZ3_1Czis4MWzGcykArmOYJRQHse33SNyitAwzKdG2jPUNGIUHepDQf3Zspceg8cZn8QlSO6P4ODIT4Ps6K1S2-x2LkaKo7gA/s1600/Front+Yard+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jSnVocuy4p6xyynpQ3m6RyAwv12_Ummqw-TXkzL3WIZ3_1Czis4MWzGcykArmOYJRQHse33SNyitAwzKdG2jPUNGIUHepDQf3Zspceg8cZn8QlSO6P4ODIT4Ps6K1S2-x2LkaKo7gA/s320/Front+Yard+Garden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The progress of our garden has been overwhelmingly good this year! Surprising since in Central Ohio we have had extreme temperatures early in the growing season and little rain. We are already thinking ahead to the next Summer and drip irrigation system (possibly connected to our rain barrels) to water this new Front Yard garden.<br />
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This Front Yard garden has been quite the conversation piece, as my neighbor's are taking notice. This was another goal I had for this year, Community Awareness of Local Foods and Gardening. <br />
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Here is an update on our 2012 Suburban Family Garden:<br />
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Front Yard Garden:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ2hoGSpqmJBiNg1oqLj2smYnZv-ijjeg7MWx2_Wf4xCmG8UrwReJYJGm6TdvPVZnoiZj58DlO5FfKydsIBfz5A7ia2PxBN_MNH_IG-_H60q7aS7R_O5nDv_YKC1NO8GC0cL51bYVhw/s1600/IMG_2846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ2hoGSpqmJBiNg1oqLj2smYnZv-ijjeg7MWx2_Wf4xCmG8UrwReJYJGm6TdvPVZnoiZj58DlO5FfKydsIBfz5A7ia2PxBN_MNH_IG-_H60q7aS7R_O5nDv_YKC1NO8GC0cL51bYVhw/s320/IMG_2846.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VwrBYdSTRHZEb0tmWHsiIivtp4qw3aW5MDcZrlFgYbTX68ltkAOpjO93Jcs7a_1phPRdWYww_ofy_WTa5_2zzmt5BFeTuEoHio-tkmdbrNkyzSu0w02Xy5p9UKzWU4Tu7wPu3VRl_w/s1600/IMG_2843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VwrBYdSTRHZEb0tmWHsiIivtp4qw3aW5MDcZrlFgYbTX68ltkAOpjO93Jcs7a_1phPRdWYww_ofy_WTa5_2zzmt5BFeTuEoHio-tkmdbrNkyzSu0w02Xy5p9UKzWU4Tu7wPu3VRl_w/s320/IMG_2843.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Included in this garden bed are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Edible flowers</li>
<li>Lettuce (multiple varieties)</li>
<li>Cutting celery</li>
<li>Basil</li>
<li>Tomatoes (multiple varieties)</li>
<li>Spinach</li>
<li>Peppers</li>
<li>Broccoli</li>
<li>Beans (Pole)</li>
<li>Onions </li>
</ul>
Raised Garden Bed (Backyard):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5ccQuU2o7z8G8VHoHcdg5Db3iYEjbh34wef2Yk6CpFSFo8dgoyELY_L14w-xD6b97Srz1HWehbdxsD5tYBG1dFrtZqWaY9x2gvLMRVDX-2U5b-8X1cvLK6Xc16_r2ywUhcvXHYyeew/s1600/IMG_2854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5ccQuU2o7z8G8VHoHcdg5Db3iYEjbh34wef2Yk6CpFSFo8dgoyELY_L14w-xD6b97Srz1HWehbdxsD5tYBG1dFrtZqWaY9x2gvLMRVDX-2U5b-8X1cvLK6Xc16_r2ywUhcvXHYyeew/s320/IMG_2854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Included in this 4 foot x 8 foot garden bed are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Eggplant</li>
<li>Jalapeno Pepper</li>
<li>Banana Pepper</li>
<li>Yellow Pear Tomatoes</li>
<li>Basil</li>
<li>Beans (Pole)</li>
<li>Lettuce</li>
</ul>
4 foot x 8 foot In Ground Garden Bed (Backyard):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaI6E8pOOtg4Pcj8bs6tqSX4ZdPaaSWCh0k78JW2cQtB156ZIQtJcgQTKdk4etTu75gB3BxzvKgTb8hyr5f0MbfrxlhcDHN-3do8EAo1AAoMJN7i_krrurAhhciB-BqlgrMFwQEFZDg/s1600/IMG_2850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaI6E8pOOtg4Pcj8bs6tqSX4ZdPaaSWCh0k78JW2cQtB156ZIQtJcgQTKdk4etTu75gB3BxzvKgTb8hyr5f0MbfrxlhcDHN-3do8EAo1AAoMJN7i_krrurAhhciB-BqlgrMFwQEFZDg/s320/IMG_2850.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Included in this 4 foot x 8 foot garden bed are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Zucchini</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Qpx4oDGuhDsHhYdGIzI01N-9fuNShZKtMAhfp9zEt7KNdboIbUArjqysbR7DoS5YxP2l62osot9aCNJ7pOELv_kUJgnq2xx9YCTzBipJ1soq4xZbTghy2rY573Hvpp-azykRBHe_MA/s1600/IMG_2851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Qpx4oDGuhDsHhYdGIzI01N-9fuNShZKtMAhfp9zEt7KNdboIbUArjqysbR7DoS5YxP2l62osot9aCNJ7pOELv_kUJgnq2xx9YCTzBipJ1soq4xZbTghy2rY573Hvpp-azykRBHe_MA/s320/IMG_2851.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Included in this 4 foot x 8 foot garden bed are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Beans (Pole)</li>
<li>Beans (Bush)</li>
<li>Peppers</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHLQzc4ZoWeqrG0mCyPAf8ccJOePFsKCXyc4pYcynjyE0EUVYho2xXSNPsNsr7b7RqCn-WVs2k1q5eBv2_CRzTMUlLEuNwX5OOq2lxt9xhvuRaA8V3SNauA9OqlfNz08Krf27jbyeSA/s1600/IMG_2852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHLQzc4ZoWeqrG0mCyPAf8ccJOePFsKCXyc4pYcynjyE0EUVYho2xXSNPsNsr7b7RqCn-WVs2k1q5eBv2_CRzTMUlLEuNwX5OOq2lxt9xhvuRaA8V3SNauA9OqlfNz08Krf27jbyeSA/s320/IMG_2852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Included in this 4 foot x 8 foot garden bed are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Cucumbers</li>
<li>Cantaloupe </li>
</ul>
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This is all 4 - 4 foot x 8 foot In Ground Garden Beds. The last bed only has peas planted as it receives little sun during the day. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaRDbQofkdOHSjZzDV8YiVVwTFaLT_NzHKAXoQD_XS031nRgzSK3sCPKfi3jqIkn-qeoU41R9HrgUv9REha8mseyMYtAc19kog1XOPITJxagJbfKBru7ikkeYKjvEeNF4_bAHgP6jHQ/s1600/IMG_2858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaRDbQofkdOHSjZzDV8YiVVwTFaLT_NzHKAXoQD_XS031nRgzSK3sCPKfi3jqIkn-qeoU41R9HrgUv9REha8mseyMYtAc19kog1XOPITJxagJbfKBru7ikkeYKjvEeNF4_bAHgP6jHQ/s320/IMG_2858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_758690389"> </a></b><br />
Photo Credit: A<span id="goog_1830276773">my Lloyd.</span><br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-84837224102661150772012-07-17T15:24:00.000-04:002012-07-17T15:24:44.695-04:00Menu Plan Monday - Week of 7/15 - 7/21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomEOWOmu9m0vs_xao1youvDMt3l-W-XYw_ZHLFNe7d4XwFHa4VZEgNlpvWhlWyT6P7p-iSsZ2AmkgsUoU7L_2vSHrmoavcK2sj-Iz9GnIP5tVs5FmQUMI6bKkX_i9UHnZpz4KuBYRfA/s1600/Organizing+Junkie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomEOWOmu9m0vs_xao1youvDMt3l-W-XYw_ZHLFNe7d4XwFHa4VZEgNlpvWhlWyT6P7p-iSsZ2AmkgsUoU7L_2vSHrmoavcK2sj-Iz9GnIP5tVs5FmQUMI6bKkX_i9UHnZpz4KuBYRfA/s1600/Organizing+Junkie.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As you will see below, I list items that have been grown in <i>our garden (in italics)</i>, purchased locally and/or are Organic!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYn7sPvLeQ27h5NqK5RBNZSKW5FXsB4lB58VZtfs1Libh8JbL6e5CLdr10-3_gjVA_ROpVoPfQ_vGXBNZvXvB1idEdDbTQBYP2ZnchSkfDJnP06EQu_ekhPMDX9siNWNkmkxqZXdkAA/s1600/IMG_2837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYn7sPvLeQ27h5NqK5RBNZSKW5FXsB4lB58VZtfs1Libh8JbL6e5CLdr10-3_gjVA_ROpVoPfQ_vGXBNZvXvB1idEdDbTQBYP2ZnchSkfDJnP06EQu_ekhPMDX9siNWNkmkxqZXdkAA/s320/IMG_2837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This week is challenging as my daughter has swim lessons every evening, so I will be planning meals that can be served cold and at the pool! <br />
<br />
<b>Breakfast</b><br />
<br />
Cereal, fruit<br />
English muffin w/ peanut butter, banana<br />
Homemade Banana Bread, fruit<br />
<br />
<b>Lunch</b><br />
<br />
Whole wheat tortilla w/ hummus, turkey, local tomatoes and local spinach, carrot sticks, fruit<br />
<br />
Whole wheat tortilla w/ <a href="http://www.facebook.com/shagbarkseedandmillco">Organic local black beans</a>
w/ combination of some or all of the following: salsa,<br />
Organic
local grass-fed cheddar cheese, local tomatoes and/or organic plain yogurt,
fruit<br />
<br />
Green <i>salad</i> w/ local hard boiled eggs, local tomatoes, carrots, Organic
local grass-fed cheddar cheese and honey mustard dressing<br />
<br />
Leftovers <br />
<br />
<b>Supper</b><br />
<br />
Sunday
- Snacks after a late afternoon bridal shower.<br />
<br />
Monday - <a href="http://ediblecolumbus.com/blog/edible-favorites/basil-beyond-pesto">Basil, Beyond Pesto</a> (recipe adapted from Edible Columbus). The only modification I made was I used red wine vinegar in lieu of the white wine vinegar the recipe called for. <br />
<br />
Tuesday - Hot dog night at the pool, carrot sticks, local cantaloupe and pretzel sticks.<br />
<br />
Wednesday - Veggie Fettuccine with Tomatoes, fruit<br />
<br />
Veggie Fettuccine with Tomatoes (from July August 2012 Weight Watchers Magazine)<br />
<br />
With swivel-blade peeler, peel 2 green zucchini and 2 golden zucchini lengthwise into 3/4-inch-wide strips, stopping at seeded center of each. Discard seeded centers. Cut 2 carrots into matchstick strips. Transfer vegetables to colander; toss with 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Let stand 30 minutes; drain. Rinse vegetables, pat dry with paper towels and transfer to large bowl. Meanwhile, mix 2 diced seeded beefsteak tomatoes, 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 minced small garlic close, 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano and 1/2 minced jalapeno pepper in bowl. Top veggies with tomato mixture and 6 Tbsp crumbled feta cheese.<br />
<br />
Thursday - Pizza, fruit<br />
<br />
Friday
- Organic local black bean quesadillas w/ local onions, cheddar cheese, salsa, Organic plain greek yogurt (in lieu of sour cream) and <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/melon-agua-fresca-10000001010529/">Melon Agua Fresca</a> <br />
<br />
Saturday - Local hamburgers, local tomato/ mozzarella/ <i>basil</i> salad, green beans, fruit<br />
<br />
<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="_blank">I’m an Organizing Junkie</a> is home to Menu Plan Monday.<br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-31401042059413031512012-07-13T22:45:00.000-04:002012-07-13T22:45:32.371-04:00Sustainable Saturday - Top 5 Ways To Save On Energy Costs<i><span style="color: black;">This is a guest post from </span><span style="color: black;"> Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating. As the summer temperatures have heated up around the country, </span></i><span style="color: black;"><i> Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating offers 5 Ways to Save on Energy Costs. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">In this day and age, it seems every time we turn around there’s a new bill or fee that we have to pay. It can get pretty overwhelming, to say the least. So when there’s a way to save a little cash, why not seize the opportunity? Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating who specializes in <a href="http://www.interstateair.com/hvac-services/air-conditioning-maintenance" title="Air Conditioning Maintenance in NYC">air conditioning maintenance in NYC</a> has come up with 5 ways to save on energy costs this summer.</span><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><b>1. Buy a High-Efficiency Unit</b></span><br />
<ol>
</ol>
<span style="color: black;">We all have material objects that we get attached to – an old baby blanket, a first car, a piece of jewelry. No matter what happens, we hold onto these items through thick and thin…because they mean something to us. I’m sure in the list you just made in your head of things you would never want to replace – your air conditioning unit was not one of them; because your unit is simply a machine that cools your home and costs you x amount of dollars to do so. When “x” becomes astronomical, however, it’s time to move on to greener pastures – literally. Go Green with your AC and buy a high-efficiency unit. Your new unit can reduce energy costs by 20 to 50 percent! If you have a central air unit, look for a SEER rating of at least 14; if you have a window unit, look for an EER rating of at least 10.7.</span>
<span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><b>2. Use Ductless Air Conditioners</b></span><br />
<ol>
</ol>
<span style="color: black;">Very rarely do two people agree on what a comfortable temperature is. There is almost always an angry party or a compromise that has to be made in regards to how high or low the AC is turned up. Those arguments and compromises can be a thing of the past, though, with ductless air conditioners (or split systems). These units allow you to independently control the temperature of each room in your house or apartment. Now you can have your living room set to 65 degrees and a bedroom set to 72. No more need to freeze or melt!</span>
<span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><b>3. </b><b>Purchase A Programmable Thermostat</b></span><br />
<ol>
</ol>
<span style="color: black;">When you make a decision to start saving money, every penny counts. Programmable thermostats can reduce energy costs by $180 a year! How do they work? Simple! All you do is use the 4 pre-programmed settings to control your home’s temperature for particular times of the day or night. For example, you don’t want your AC pumping when you’re not even home, right? What a waste of energy and money! Set it so that it’ll start cooling a half hour or so before you get in. Or set it lower while everyone is asleep. Goodbye wasteful air conditioning, hello $180!</span>
<span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><b>4. Mount a Whole House Fan</b></span><br />
<ol>
</ol>
<span style="color: black;">A whole house fan is exactly what it sounds like. You install it in the ceiling that connects to your attic, and it cools your house by pulling the cool air from outside through open windows into your home, and ejects warmer air up and out through a ventilated attic space. This clever process of taking in cool air from outside and getting rid of hot air from the inside allows you to turn your AC up a few degrees or even leave it off completely.</span><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><b>5. Invest In a Properly Sized Unit</b></span><br />
<ol>
</ol>
<span style="color: black;">You wouldn’t go out and buy jeans that you can’t zip up, so why try it with your AC unit? If an air conditioning unit isn’t the correct size, it isn’t going to work properly. A small unit won’t be able to cover the square footage, and a large unit will be too much. If it isn’t sized properly, it’s going to run inefficiently, waste energy, not dehumidify well, and can cost you thousands in repairs and/or energy costs. If you invest in a properly-sized unit, though, you’ll feel a significant difference in cooling, and energy costs!</span>
<span style="color: black;">As an <a href="http://www.interstateair.com/hvac-services/air-conditioning-repair" title="Air Conditioning Repair Company in NYC">air conditioning repair company in NYC</a>, the goal of Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating's blog is to help educate our customers and the public on air conditioning and heating related issues.</span>
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-70052579676020389692012-06-11T22:16:00.002-04:002012-06-11T22:18:14.776-04:00Menu Plan Monday - Week of 6/10-6/16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomEOWOmu9m0vs_xao1youvDMt3l-W-XYw_ZHLFNe7d4XwFHa4VZEgNlpvWhlWyT6P7p-iSsZ2AmkgsUoU7L_2vSHrmoavcK2sj-Iz9GnIP5tVs5FmQUMI6bKkX_i9UHnZpz4KuBYRfA/s1600/Organizing+Junkie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomEOWOmu9m0vs_xao1youvDMt3l-W-XYw_ZHLFNe7d4XwFHa4VZEgNlpvWhlWyT6P7p-iSsZ2AmkgsUoU7L_2vSHrmoavcK2sj-Iz9GnIP5tVs5FmQUMI6bKkX_i9UHnZpz4KuBYRfA/s1600/Organizing+Junkie.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As you will see below, I list items that have been purchased locally or are Organic (some are both!) <br />
<br />
<b>Breakfast</b><br />
<br />
Cereal, fruit<br />
Organic plain yogurt with local strawberries and locally made granola<br />
English muffin w/ peanut butter, banana<br />
<a href="http://www.parents.com/recipes/cooking/kid-friendly-food/power-breakfasts/?page=7&socsrc=pmmfb0610121">Jazzed up pizza</a> (<a href="http://tammysrecipes.com/homemade_pita_pocket_bread">homemade whole wheat pitas</a> w/ homemade local strawberry jam, local strawberries and bananas) <b> </b><br />
<b>Lunch</b><br />
<br />
Whole wheat tortilla w/ hummus, turkey, local tomatoes and local spinach, carrot sticks, fruit<br />
Whole wheat tortilla w/ <a href="http://www.facebook.com/shagbarkseedandmillco">Organic local black beans</a>
w/ combination of some or all of the following: salsa, Organic
grass-fed cheddar cheese, local tomatoes and/or organic plain yogurt,
fruit<br />
Green salad w/ local hard boiled eggs, local tomatoes, carrots and honey mustard dressing<br />
<a href="http://tammysrecipes.com/homemade_pita_pocket_bread">Homemade whole wheat pitas</a> w/ falafel, cucumber sauce, lettuce, local cucumbers and local tomatoes, carrot sticks, fruit <br />
<br />
<b>Supper</b><br />
<br />
Sunday
- Local hamburgers, whole wheat buns, local asparagus, local green salad w/ local carrots, local cucumber and red peppers.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152019243/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=savfamgre-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152019243" style="color: black;"></a><br />
<br />
Monday - <a href="http://tammysrecipes.com/homemade_pita_pocket_bread">Homemade whole wheat pitas</a> w/ falafel, cucumber sauce, lettuce, local cucumbers and local tomatoes or hummus, carrot sticks, fruit <br />
<br />
Tuesday - Hot dog night at the pool, carrot sticks, pineapple, local strawberries and pretzel sticks.<br />
<br />
Wednesday - Local black bean quesadillas w/ red peppers and local onions<a href="http://www.skinnymomskitchen.com/2012/01/09/slow-cooker-refried-beans/"></a>, cheddar cheese, salsa, Organic plain yogurt (in lieu of sour cream).<br />
<br />
Thursday - Leftovers<br />
<br />
Friday
- Dinner out<br />
<br />
Saturday - Homemade pizza w/ local italian sausage, local onions, red peppers and local Organic grass-fed mozzarella cheese. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="_blank">I’m an Organizing Junkie</a> is home to Menu Plan Monday.<br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-34240365657896168302012-06-09T23:45:00.001-04:002012-06-09T23:45:44.547-04:00Sustainable Saturday - Strawberry Freezer JamWe purchased strawberries again today at our local farmer's market, however this is probably the last week for local berries in Central Ohio. I thought I would share a post from last year, August 2011, on making homemade strawberry jam.<br />
<br />
<i>This post is originally from Saving Family Green in August 2011. </i><br />
<br />
In July we ran out of homemade strawberry jam. We had exhausted our supply of freezer jam we made from strawberries we picked from a local farm and jam my Aunt had made. I purchased some strawberry jam from the grocery store, but it just wasn't the same. We were lucky this past Saturday that one of the vendors at our local Farmer's Market had strawberries! We used Ball Instant Fruit Pectin, Organic Turbinado and fresh local strawberries. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFtEvPGpIiGuzct0e2Q-gkdTSuwPpSIhZKpju89RbslMWeYZfUkdoOgZ97JztF8CecZ5EtXujGhgqt5bYa1wfIVror1d2qHr69Z0S0ZQaZuCVKDJjWdbV37XzOfQVpY9zjfjdu7jvAQ/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFtEvPGpIiGuzct0e2Q-gkdTSuwPpSIhZKpju89RbslMWeYZfUkdoOgZ97JztF8CecZ5EtXujGhgqt5bYa1wfIVror1d2qHr69Z0S0ZQaZuCVKDJjWdbV37XzOfQVpY9zjfjdu7jvAQ/s320/IMG_1439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> </i><br />
<br />
First, we cleaned and cut the strawberries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsYNbzCEvB2qqnC5uCrtqSM7KGfdhC_KWMVurGJiZfm3RR9X1xBnDxZXNO-VVVU4HL_esMBE3jSJSsZzueSAB6E4HNZHHKdCaLPexPykFW0cwPkxdGkdMvbf_Mml4dCxyxEemTJDUOw/s1600/IMG_1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsYNbzCEvB2qqnC5uCrtqSM7KGfdhC_KWMVurGJiZfm3RR9X1xBnDxZXNO-VVVU4HL_esMBE3jSJSsZzueSAB6E4HNZHHKdCaLPexPykFW0cwPkxdGkdMvbf_Mml4dCxyxEemTJDUOw/s320/IMG_1440.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, we placed the strawberries in the blender.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_JXQYIKt_F5M8sieJVqsdp-yXHkpyaOtnPiM-W388Pnug_pVuc4qlQBK706timEZ9pIqXNLrXOR-zzLFj_4wWluAVqV3FmWbSVh5zctdv7sVFbVOiAWkOjKx21xulC-ANUtzSbISOw/s1600/IMG_1441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_JXQYIKt_F5M8sieJVqsdp-yXHkpyaOtnPiM-W388Pnug_pVuc4qlQBK706timEZ9pIqXNLrXOR-zzLFj_4wWluAVqV3FmWbSVh5zctdv7sVFbVOiAWkOjKx21xulC-ANUtzSbISOw/s320/IMG_1441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, we stirred together the pectin, sugar and strawberry puree.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4QlG_glkKWT1KcspTznGEyWQw5QjeT7CybojIpAG-o7jsm_sBQV_iwo0rKEmzNmqgXbLalhqejYoZGcee4P5eWgDnF-ZT8iGV2y0MfzS4jLGytzQgBXZ2qXaqhwc7oRcZ7O7zOSigQ/s1600/IMG_1446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4QlG_glkKWT1KcspTznGEyWQw5QjeT7CybojIpAG-o7jsm_sBQV_iwo0rKEmzNmqgXbLalhqejYoZGcee4P5eWgDnF-ZT8iGV2y0MfzS4jLGytzQgBXZ2qXaqhwc7oRcZ7O7zOSigQ/s320/IMG_1446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The finished product!<br />
<br />
Total cost: We spent $20 for the entire container of strawberries (4 quarts), however we probably only used half the berries to make the jam, so probably $10-12 dollars worth. The Ball Freezer containers were reused from last year, so $0 and the Ball Instant Fruit Pectin I found on Clearance at KMart for $0.90. To purchase 6 (8 oz) jars of jam at our local Farmer's Market would have cost $4-5 each.<br />
<br />
This is a very economical way to make jam, you will know exactly what is in it and it tastes great!<br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-75066404373776602322012-06-05T22:44:00.000-04:002012-06-05T22:44:32.664-04:00Menu Plan Monday - Week of 6/3-6/9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomEOWOmu9m0vs_xao1youvDMt3l-W-XYw_ZHLFNe7d4XwFHa4VZEgNlpvWhlWyT6P7p-iSsZ2AmkgsUoU7L_2vSHrmoavcK2sj-Iz9GnIP5tVs5FmQUMI6bKkX_i9UHnZpz4KuBYRfA/s1600/Organizing+Junkie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomEOWOmu9m0vs_xao1youvDMt3l-W-XYw_ZHLFNe7d4XwFHa4VZEgNlpvWhlWyT6P7p-iSsZ2AmkgsUoU7L_2vSHrmoavcK2sj-Iz9GnIP5tVs5FmQUMI6bKkX_i9UHnZpz4KuBYRfA/s1600/Organizing+Junkie.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So it's been awhile for my family and actually writing down a menu plan. A <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2010/03/menu-plan-monday.html">long time ago</a> I explained how <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2010/03/menu-plan-monday.html">I roughly follow a "plan" </a>each week in terms of what type of meat or theme I might have each evening for supper. Breakfast and Lunch are usually day-by-day, but all our meals mostly come from our kitchen.<br />
<br />
I've been inspired by <a href="http://www.skinnymomskitchen.com/">Skinny Mom's Kitchen</a> to begin writing down a menu plan each week. (If you haven't checked out her blog yet, you should as it is really great!)<br />
<br />
As you will see below, I list items that have been purchased locally or are Organic (some are both!) <br />
<br />
<b>Breakfast</b><br />
<br />
Cereal, fruit<br />
Organic plain yogurt with local strawberries and locally made granola<br />
English muffin w/ peanut butter, banana<br />
Homemade banana bread<br />
<br />
<b>Lunch</b><br />
<br />
Whole wheat tortilla w/ hummus, local tomatoes and local spinach, carrot sticks, fruit<br />
Whole wheat tortilla w/ <a href="http://www.facebook.com/shagbarkseedandmillco">Organic local black beans</a> w/ combination of some or all of the following: salsa, Organic grass-fed cheddar cheese, local tomatoes and/or organic plain yogurt, fruit<br />
Whole wheat tortilla w/ local bacon, local lettuce and local tomatoes, carrot sticks, fruit<br />
Whole wheat tortilla w/ peanut butter, homemade strawberry jam, local strawberries and bananas, carrot sticks, local snap peas<br />
Green salad w/ local tomatoes, carrots and honey mustard dressing<br />
<br />
<b>Supper</b><br />
<br />
Sunday - Chicken kabobs w/ red peppers, local onions and local squash, brown rice, local asparagus and garlic bread. Homemade strawberry shortcake w/ local strawberries. (Recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152019243/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=savfamgre-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152019243" style="color: black;">Cook-a-Doodle-Doo.)</a><br />
<br />
Monday - Spaghetti w/ Organic Tomato Sauce and Veggie "Meatballs", local green beans and garlic bread.<br />
<br />
Tuesday - Hot dog night at the pool, carrot sticks, pineapple, local strawberries and pretzel sticks.<br />
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Wednesday - Tostadas w/ <a href="http://www.skinnymomskitchen.com/2012/01/09/slow-cooker-refried-beans/">Crockpot refried beans</a>, local grass-fed cheddar cheese, local tomatoes, guacamole, salsa and local lettuce.<br />
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Thursday - Vegetable Stir-fry (local squash, local onions, red peppers, local spinach) w/ brown rice, pineapple.<br />
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Friday - Local italian sausage w/ onions and whole wheat bun or Veggie burger w/ whole wheat bun, local green beans and local green salad w/ carrots, local tomatoes and local snap peas.<br />
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Saturday - Homemade pizza w/ local italian sausage, local onions, red peppers and local Organic grass-fed mozzarella cheese. <br />
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<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="_blank">I’m an Organizing Junkie</a> is home to Menu Plan Monday.<br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-1808406364556214922012-04-27T20:54:00.001-04:002012-04-27T20:59:12.484-04:00Sustainable Saturday - Book Review: The Way We Eat - Why Our Food Choices Matter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Way We Eat has dramatically changed how I think about food. I truly believe that knowledge is power and that the more you read and educate yourself about a variety of topics, the more well rounded you are and the better you are at making important decisions especially when it comes to your family and lifestyle. <br />
<br />
In reading this book one of the most thought provoking topics is that of food ethics. While I have believed for awhile that local food is better from a variety of standpoints, I hadn't really thought about the ethics and economics of the food choices that I make for our family as the primary purchaser of food. <b>The concept of "Voting at the Supermarket" with your money is a great one because we all have the power to impact change. </b><br />
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In The Way We Eat, they follow three American families and talk in depth about their food choices.<br />
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The first family is what I would call the "typical" American family in regards to food choices. While they care about what they purchase and attempt provide nutritious meals including meat, vegetables and fruit for their family of 4, much of it is food that comes from factory farming and highly processed foods.<br />
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<b>"S.A.D." or the Standard American Diet is basically lots of meat, eggs and dairy products. </b> This diet also includes rice and bread in refined forms. Low amounts of veggies and most fat in this type of diet comes from animal fat.<br />
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The second family of four attempts to eat Organically by purchasing food from local farmers when possible and orders meats and fish from a company perceived to be more environmentally friendly. Some of the choices that this family makes in which they believe are more environmentally friendly are actually worse than the first family's choices. <br />
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The third family of four is Vegan which means they eat no animal products. They also purchase organic produce and really scrutinize where their food comes from including tofu and the ingredients or processes used to process that particular item. <br />
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There are many interesting facts that are shared about food ethics and economics. <b>Did you know that 5% of the populations creates 25% of emissions which contribute to pollution which impacts the environment? Aviation alone by 2050 will account for 15% of all greenhouse gases emitted.</b><br />
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The Way We Eat also speaks to the economics of our food. For instance, the impact of tomatoes growing in a greenhouse vs. tomatoes that were trucked in from Florida. The tomatoes trucked from Florida actually have less environmental impact than those grown in a local greenhouse if the local greenhouse is using heating oil to foster growth.<br />
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<b>We <i>should</i> consider the energy it takes to produce the food we eat. </b> Cooking also uses energy, so buy eating raw foods, you will reduce energy usage.<br />
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<b>Buying local and seasonally is the best policy! In the off-season, you should consider supporting the World's poorest farmers in lieu of local. The economic impact of the dollar you spend for a farmer in another country, may have more economic benefit to the actual grower than buying it locally. This concept could relieve poverty in the poorest countries. Buying from least developed countries, transported by boat not plane, may have the most economic impact.</b><br />
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Pesticides have been detected in children's urine who eat a typical America diet vs. an Organic diet. This is something that absolutely disturbed me and I guess I never really thought about it in this way. <br />
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Currently there are no labels that are required on genetically modified foods! Anything that contains corn or soy, unless Organic, are genetically modified.<br />
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We have always purchased Organic milk for our kids and more recently have transitioned to organic milk for my husband and myself in addition to organic or grass fed cheeses, cream cheese, yogurt, etc. Horizon Organic milk has been a staple in our household for years. So what I am about to share was enlightening to me regarding the "good" choices I thought I was making for our family.<br />
<br />
Horizon is owned by Dean Foods and has been a staple company that we have purchased primarily milk individual serving boxes from for years. Horizon along with Aurora Organics which is sold at Trader Joe's, may be Organic, but do not necessarily raise their cows in the way in which we all probably visualize. Not all farms who produce milk for these two companies are not raising their cows on pasture. Horizon buys from 300 local farmers in addition tot heir 5400 acre Idaho "main campus" farm which is much like a factory farm. Organic Valley on the other hand is still owned by a Local farmers and is not a corporate entity unlike the other two listed above.<br />
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As I finished reading this book, another idea that really stuck in my mind is that <b>"If you want to make change, you have to make it easier for people."</b> That is true on so many levels and is really a reason why I am writing this blog and sharing my knowledge. There is so much information out there and it can be incredibly overwhelming. As shown by the examples of the three families in this book, even when you think you are making "good" choices, there may be better alternatives. However, giving some thought to where your food comes from and the economics of where it has traveled from is a great start!<br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-20838569611286233702012-04-06T21:51:00.001-04:002012-04-06T21:51:55.918-04:00Sustainable Saturday - Update on our Year<i> </i><br />
I have been absent from the blogging world for quite some time now. Periodically I have been updating with interesting articles and events on my facebook page for both <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saving-Family-Green/170746332948851">Saving Family Green</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/SuburbanFamilyGarden/193243457367934">Suburban Family Garden</a>. I have big goals for this year to have both blogs up and running, unfortunately some serious family health issues have required much of my time in 2012.<br />
<br />
I am here. We are here. We are continuing to live our lives the way we believe is best for our family and the environment. I have not stopped reading, growing and sharing. These family health issues have further affirmed for myself that our health is dependent on the food we eat and the air we breath.<br />
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That all said, here is a look into what we've been up to so far this year:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn"><i><b>Saving Family Green</b></i></a><br />
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There are big goals for this year. Hope to be sharing more in the coming weeks. Since this month is Earth Day, my goal is to start our "year" then.<br />
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We've been cooking and baking from scratch more than ever. Our freezer is full of local fruits, vegetables, beans, meats and baked goods made from scratch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwG_tupubsPYZeUESmre5q7QdU2uoG3JlaI4aBeNh4I6bmVMV2KjZekFIy9swNAs07aaf3ftOYYud1QBas6xlhWk_H0BJ6zCrECkvLX6VguBS2EnOXQ0Kg_ps45ySnX5lwfEKujkKQg/s1600/IMG_2172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwG_tupubsPYZeUESmre5q7QdU2uoG3JlaI4aBeNh4I6bmVMV2KjZekFIy9swNAs07aaf3ftOYYud1QBas6xlhWk_H0BJ6zCrECkvLX6VguBS2EnOXQ0Kg_ps45ySnX5lwfEKujkKQg/s320/IMG_2172.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Homemade pizza has become a regular event. I love being able to control the ingredients including grass-fed mozzarella cheese from a local farmer. The meat is local, the vegetables are local and we are loving it! For now, the sauce is store bought, although Organic, due to my freezer episode last year. We have many, many tomato plants started though to make enough sauce for the entire year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNFjsVZct3tQZQHrUTKKaIZGM27xfUUoGGTQmJmMJXTKBnAO-68N7lFkFJaAKuA19Yc8Z6xZrtSLp44BUZd4yE_6THBoiLrEM7J7mfC2T-Kal2hACab3QSZx3y4aHu6RkQ5U42Nw58A/s1600/IMG_2167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNFjsVZct3tQZQHrUTKKaIZGM27xfUUoGGTQmJmMJXTKBnAO-68N7lFkFJaAKuA19Yc8Z6xZrtSLp44BUZd4yE_6THBoiLrEM7J7mfC2T-Kal2hACab3QSZx3y4aHu6RkQ5U42Nw58A/s320/IMG_2167.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We've been eating more beans this year. (Pictured top left to right are Kidney Beans, Lentils and Pinto Beans). We've found a local source for Organic Black Beans with <a href="http://asfc.weebly.com/shagbark-seed--mill.html">Shagbark Seed & Mill.</a> <br />
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We've made refried beans (using Pinto Beans beans pictured above) using a recipe from<a href="http://www.skinnymomskitchen.com/"> Skinny Mom's Kitchen</a>, which is a new favorite blog I'm following. You can find many of the recipes we've used this year by following me on <a href="http://pinterest.com/lloydamy/">Pinterest.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dWocvODevqdB_apqEcIfPGr0s5FJNcvmJgLmtEOBM_m_ks_IjjNmL54_0Y2Tqz1oKEGMIQMsUyKYwkclHK0xDGmsN06IhAKV8wvYIMyPjPOm5aNcY6zKhY-U_ZuMyH0Mad5xB1aOnQ/s1600/IMG_2168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dWocvODevqdB_apqEcIfPGr0s5FJNcvmJgLmtEOBM_m_ks_IjjNmL54_0Y2Tqz1oKEGMIQMsUyKYwkclHK0xDGmsN06IhAKV8wvYIMyPjPOm5aNcY6zKhY-U_ZuMyH0Mad5xB1aOnQ/s320/IMG_2168.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn"><i><b>Suburban Family Garden</b></i></a><br />
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Goals for 2012:<br />
<ol>
<li>Front Yard Garden - Inspired by <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2011/07/sustainable-saturday-book-review-edible.html">the Edible Front Yard</a></li>
<li>Produce enough produce to last 12 months</li>
<li>Community Awareness</li>
<li>Giveaway and/ or donate produce</li>
<li>Year round gardening</li>
</ol>
The seeds are started and we will be planting more soon in the ground. The weather here in Ohio has been unseasonable warm and has allowed us to get the seeds started early. <br />
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<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-81440136803140635142012-02-20T22:10:00.003-05:002012-02-20T22:11:50.865-05:00Sustainable Saturday - Bulk Foods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ugcpYx_1KJq0O2yyTg61FSzhskBN6du3UL4XPYLZiHa8zCyNgJc0iLX-7vSXLD92UInzCWc8kujqzCfMyPJ3eaU-aMVJEu0RiQIAPFotHfHRzXKLAUC4WzG-MIoRiOnYY12J4qAXig/s1600/IMG_2174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ugcpYx_1KJq0O2yyTg61FSzhskBN6du3UL4XPYLZiHa8zCyNgJc0iLX-7vSXLD92UInzCWc8kujqzCfMyPJ3eaU-aMVJEu0RiQIAPFotHfHRzXKLAUC4WzG-MIoRiOnYY12J4qAXig/s320/IMG_2174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today we visited an Amish Bulk Foods store that is about 45 miles from Central Ohio. We have visited before and enjoy purchasing flour, raw sugar, brown rice, cheese, etc. in bulk. We buy 2 lb, 5 lb and 10 lb quantities of these items. You can also purchase 25 lb and 50 lb bags of a variety of types of flour, oats and sugar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFL5CDJuFpdyYF-92ihWMN0F9nQP4gJ6W9tpgz8x1PeTUW-u0Akt-s1mY_29wAM994esu2zbLDROURjcpu0B29tZV8mijyqTyI3BwbQZbIpTOoFedxzc7V8tCxfkE2jq6sNNqtBf9HKg/s1600/candy-amish-store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFL5CDJuFpdyYF-92ihWMN0F9nQP4gJ6W9tpgz8x1PeTUW-u0Akt-s1mY_29wAM994esu2zbLDROURjcpu0B29tZV8mijyqTyI3BwbQZbIpTOoFedxzc7V8tCxfkE2jq6sNNqtBf9HKg/s320/candy-amish-store.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are interested in visiting a Bulk Foods store, I can recommend a few. If you live in other parts of Ohio or another state, I've found a great way to find Bulk Food Stores is to search Google.<br />
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<b>Yoder's Bulk Foods Store</b><br />
OH-314 N<br />
Chesterville, OH<br />
<br />
<b>The Homestead Store</b><br />
<span class="listing-address adr"><span class="street-address">13877 McBeth Rd
</span>
<span class="city-state"><span class="locality"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="listing-address adr"><span class="city-state"><span class="locality">New Hampshire</span>,
<span class="region">OH</span>
<span class="postal-code">45870</span></span></span><br />
<span class="listing-address adr"><span class="city-state"><span class="postal-code"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">419-568-2855</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Country Variety Store & Bakery</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">6263 US 68 N</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Bellefontaine, OH 43311 </span><br />
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Previously I have posted information about <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2011/10/sustainable-saturday-produce-auctions.html">Produce Auctions</a>, organized by State. You can also find this information under <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/coupons.html">Coupons</a>.<br />
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Photo Credit: <a href="http://amishamerica.com/amish-bulk-foods-store/">Amish America</a> and Amy Lloyd. <br />
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<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-84161358296032645892012-01-22T22:08:00.000-05:002012-01-22T22:08:55.589-05:00Saving Family Green: 2012 Goals for the YearAs we enter into 2012, I have been thinking a lot about what can we
as individuals do better in the year that lies ahead. Some of this has
been prompted by my recent reading of <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2011/12/sustainable-saturday-book-review-no.html">No Impact Man</a>, however some of
these ideas are just reemerging for me as I think about the new year and
what I would like for my family to challenge ourselves with.<br />
<br />
For 2012, I really want to share more about where we are in terms of Sustainability. As I've mentioned before this blog is not really intended for deals related to Organic or Natural foods. There are many great bloggers out there who detail how to purchase more healthy options while maintaining a budget. The intent of this blog is really to chronicle where we are as a family, how we got here, how it has been done on an average family's budget and really share ways in which anyone can really change the way in which we do things.<br />
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A lot of these ideas are counter cultural. We live in a disposable society of convenience everything. The big question for myself is, how can I change that perspective for my little family in Suburban Ohio?<br />
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So, here is what I've come up with. Ways in which we can lessen our impact on the environment, but still keep some modern conveniences. Ultimately my goal is to keep my children healthy in terms of the food I give them and the air they breath (indoor air quality).<br />
<br />
In the book, <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2011/12/sustainable-saturday-book-review-no.html">No Impact Man</a>, Colin Beavan speaks towards the next great person who will make a difference in terms of idea of Sustainability. The more I think about it, why can't my family be an advocate for living a different way. We are truly embedded in it. I have shared here before that I work in Construction, building "Green" Schools (United States Green Building Council - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver Certified) in the State of Ohio. I am an advocate for better learning environments, good indoor air quality, day-lighting and overall building efficient school buildings for future generations. My husband, while an Architect by trade, has become an Energy Auditor spending his days analyzing homes to determine how they might make a home more energy efficient by additional insulation for example. Prior to becoming an Energy Auditor, he was on the forefront of Sustainable Architecture specializing in residential design. He continues to provide these services through his company, <a href="http://www.symhome.net/">Symhome</a>. <br />
<br />
I jokingly say that we are raising little "Teenie Weenie Greenies", but I think we have impacted them already at 6 and 3. My son, the 3-year-old, informs me constantly about things wasting energy. The kids know that when they are finished with their fruit, the remnants go in the compost bin.<br />
<br />
<b>Saving Family Green - Goals for 2012</b><br />
<br />
For 2012, I have broken down the goals we would like to accomplish as a family into 3 areas of concentration. They are as follows:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Rethink Food Choices. </b>This will include where food comes from. We will strive to eat foods that are grown and/ or processed within 500 miles of our home.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=600x500&path=fillcolor:0x00FF00%7Cweight:1%7Ccolor:0xFFFFFF%7Cenc:eoy_HhmuyN%60mBsv_CrhIob_CpbPmz%7DBzyVu%7E%7BBlm]ioyBh%7Cc@%7DlvBjej@%7DwrBtgp@ypnBhbv@kxiBlt%7B@godB%60%7D%60Aiv%7EAj%7BeAmnxArnjAsxqAbvnA%7DujAfqrAkgcAf_vAen%7B@x_yAqks@dr%7BA%7B%60k@fv%7DAeob@nk_BaxYtq%60Bu%7CPthaBo%7EGlpaB?thaBn%7EGtq%60Bt%7CPnk_B%60xYfv%7DAdob@fr%7BAz%60k@v_yApks@f_vAdn%7B@fqrAjgcAbvnA%7CujAtnjArxqAh%7BeAlnxA%60%7D%60Ahv%7EAlt%7B@fodBhbv@jxiBvgp@xpnBhej@%7CwrBh%7Cc@%7ClvBlm]hoyBzyVt%7E%7BBpbPlz%7DBrhInb_C%60mBrv_CamBpv_CshInb_CqbPnz%7DB%7ByVr%7E%7BBmm]hoyBi%7Cc@%7ClvBiej@%7CwrBwgp@xpnBibv@jxiBmt%7B@fodBa%7D%60Ahv%7EAi%7BeAlnxAunjArxqAcvnA%7CujAgqrAjgcAg_vAdn%7B@w_yArks@gr%7BAx%60k@gv%7DAfob@ok_B%7EwYuq%60Bt%7CPuhaBp%7EGmpaB?uhaBq%7EGuq%60Bu%7CPok_B_xYgv%7DAgob@er%7BAy%60k@y_yAsks@g_vAen%7B@gqrAkgcAcvnA%7DujAsnjAsxqAk%7BeAmnxAa%7D%60Aiv%7EAmt%7B@godBibv@kxiBugp@ypnBkej@%7DwrBi%7Cc@%7DlvBmm]ioyB%7ByVs%7E%7BBqbPoz%7DBshIob_CamBqv_C&sensor=true" />
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<br />
<br />
<b>2. Reduce Waste. </b> How can we better reduce the abundance of waste that is such a huge part of our culture?<br />
<br />
<b>3. Cook and Bake from Scratch.</b> This also ties into reducing waste. We will be figuring out ways to cook and bake from scratch with local ingredients (again, 500 mile radius) and to reduce waste by reducing packaging from items that we would typically purchase (i.e. bread).<br />
<br />
Next week I will share the Goal for each month for each of these categories. To give you an idea, the following is what we have already been up to this month (January).<br />
<br />
<u><b>January Goals</b></u><br />
<br />
<b>Rethink Food Choices: Eat only Ohio grown produce.</b> With the exception of bananas, mandarin oranges and some grapes, we have maintained this goal since January 1.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6XSIdz88LhC1eNRoact0a5WuAd5oe_kchshjebVw6eYEAlXQocN6JJmPRgRjyi9fwmmZX-KUSJg9qQQkXWBaxNfoSacTeDOYzZsBq_WQGAvHzGSmSw_OBIGS0zvbx_wLpTsCsHEmdw/s1600/IMG_2138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6XSIdz88LhC1eNRoact0a5WuAd5oe_kchshjebVw6eYEAlXQocN6JJmPRgRjyi9fwmmZX-KUSJg9qQQkXWBaxNfoSacTeDOYzZsBq_WQGAvHzGSmSw_OBIGS0zvbx_wLpTsCsHEmdw/s320/IMG_2138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Reduce Waste: No Fast Food. </b> For the entire year. If it has a drive-thru, it is not an option.<br />
<br />
<b>Cook and Bake from Scratch: Bake bread. </b><br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i><br />
<i> </i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-43289714108267329892012-01-14T08:33:00.000-05:002012-01-14T08:37:03.803-05:00Sustainable Saturday - It's All About Food! (and Local Resources)This week I am sharing an article and resources which focus on Local Eating, Growing and Self-Sufficiency. Next week I hope to share on Saving Family Green our Family's Goals for 2012 and specifically those related to Local Eating, Growing and Self-Sufficiency.<br />
<br />
<i></i><b><a href="http://wakeup-world.com/2011/12/14/a-deliciously-resourceful-town-aims-for-total-food-self-sufficiency-within-7-years/">A Deliciously Resourceful Town Aims For Total Food Self-Sufficiency Within 7 Years</a></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Admittedly, it sounds like the most foolhardy of criminal capers, and one of the cheekiest, too. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Outside the police station in the small
Victorian mill town of Todmorden, West Yorkshire, there are three large
raised flower beds. </i><br />
<br />
<i>If you’d visited a few months ago, you’d
have found them overflowing with curly kale, carrot plants, lettuces,
spring onions — all manner of vegetables and salad leaves. </i></div>
<br />
<i>Read more of this article <a href="http://wakeup-world.com/2011/12/14/a-deliciously-resourceful-town-aims-for-total-food-self-sufficiency-within-7-years/">here</a>. <a href="http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/">About Incredible Edible</a>: We grow and campaign for local food. Our growing around town is organised by our community growers’ group: find out about that here. From our beginnings with herb gardens, we’ve taken to planting and growing veggies and trees round town we’ve planted several orchards and there are more to come, and we’re working with public bodies
round town to use their land – like the fire station and the railway
station – or to work with them on their own Incredible ideas – like
social landlord Pennine Housing. Every school in the town is now involved in growing with us and we promote food-based learning for the community as a whole.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Here in Central Ohio we have some great local resources available on the topic of Local Eating and Growing: </b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://local-matters.org/blog/cole/growing-our-own-free-workshop-series">Local Matters</a> has put together '<a href="http://local-matters.org/blog/cole/growing-our-own-free-workshop-series">Growing Our Own</a>' Free Workshop Series.</b> "<a href="http://local-matters.org/blog/cole/growing-our-own-free-workshop-series">Growing Our Own</a>" is a FREE workshop series packed with opportunities to learn exciting new things, network with growers and other members of the community, eat delicious foods and get some free giveaways!<b> </b><i> </i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: olive;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: olive;">JANUARY 21 — 12:00–2:00PM</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #339966;"><b>Art and Gardens</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Artists and growers, don’t miss
this opportunity to connect creatives with gardeners who are interested
in having creative input and art in their gardens. Artists <b>Melissa Vogley-Woods</b> and <b>Elena Harvey Collins</b> will discuss planning, funding and shared visions. Lunch provided.<span style="color: olive;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: olive;">FEBRUARY 11 & 12 — 8:30AM–4:00PM</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #339966;"><b>Growing Communities Free Weekend Workshop</b></span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In this award-winning 2-day workshop designed by the<b> American Community Gardening Association</b> you’ll gain skills and strategies to work with the most important aspect of gardens—people. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Attendees will learn proven
strategies to build dynamic leaders and create strong gardening
programs, using a participatory approach to community building. <i>Delicious food provided!</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>*Remember, this workshop will NOT be located at The Godman Guild. Check back for an update about the location TBA!*</b></i><span style="color: olive;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: olive;">FEBRUARY 25 — 9:00AM–12:00PM</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #339966;"><b>Grow Year-Round: Hoop Houses, Low Tunnels & Cold Frames</b> </span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Learn how to grow food and herbs
year round! Join us for an information session on the wide range of
ways that we can all extend the midwest seasons. Featuring a
presentation from <b>Hal Green</b> with OSU Extension greenhouses. You'll leave the workshop with inspiration and building plans.<span style="color: olive;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: olive;">MARCH 3 — 9:00AM–1:00PM</span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #339966;"><b>Planning and Seeding Your Garden</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Join <b>Pam Bennet</b>
from OSU Extension for essential garden planning tips and learn how to
grow your own seedlings. Growers can increase diverse, healthy plants in
their gardens, adding more to our kitchens and plate. Learn about
heirloom plants and gain successful growing tips for lush gardens. <i>All attendees will also receive free seeds!</i> <span style="color: olive;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: olive;">MARCH 24 — 9:00AM–1:00PM</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #339966;"><b>Fruits and Berries</b></span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Mark Meckling</b> and <b>Mark Langifeld</b>
of OSU extension will lead this two-part workshop about fruit and
berries, the most in-demand local crop. Learn the basics of fruit tree
growing and care and, plus</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">ways to include healthy,
delicious berries in your meals. You’ll also learn about the best
sources to purchase fruit trees and berries in Ohio. <i>Includes a tasting of local fruits for all attendees. Yum! </i><span style="color: olive;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: olive;">APRIL 14 — 10:00–12:00</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #339966;"><b>Mushrooms!</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Join the owners of <b>Green Edge Gardens</b> to learn how to grow your own mushrooms from start to finish. <i>We’ll conclude by sharing a delicious mushroom and local herb pizza!</i><span style="color: olive;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: olive;">MAY 19 — 9:00–12:00</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #339966;"><b>Irrigating Urban Gardens</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Dr. Larry Brown </b>and <b>Angelica Huerta</b>
from OSU will lead this hands-on workshop to learn how to build
irrigation systems that will allow you to grow higher-yielding crops
with less labor! </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: olive;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: olive;">JUNE 2 — 10:00–12:00</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #339966;"><b>Water Harvesting: Methods, Care and Resources</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Local experts <b>Rain Brothers </b>and <b>FLOW</b>
(Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed) will talk about programs
for discounted or free rain barrels, how to care for rain barrels and
cisterns, winterization and other helpful tips.<br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
You’ll also receive free materials for planning and planting rain gardens to direct water for your individual garden needs.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #339966;">TO REGISTER: Please RSVP to Cole Wardell via email at <a href="mailto:cwardell@local-matters.org?subject=Workshop%20RSVP">cwardell@local-matters.org</a> </span></b><b><span style="color: #339966;">or by calling the <a href="http://local-matters.org/blog/cole/growing-our-own-free-workshop-series">Local Matters</a> office at 614-263-5662.</span></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
<b>The <a href="http://www.worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar/2012-2-16/new-directions-suburban-gardens">Worthington Library</a> is also sponsoring a Series, <a href="http://www.worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar/2012-2-16/new-directions-suburban-gardens">New Directions for Suburban Gardeners</a>.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<b><a href="http://www.worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar/2012-2-16/new-directions-suburban-gardens"><span style="font-size: small;">New Directions for Suburban Gardens</span></a></b></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="content">
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar/2012-2-16/new-directions-suburban-gardens"><img alt="A cedar waxwing enjoys a berry" class="event-image" height="155" src="http://www.worthingtonlibraries.org/img/calendar/2011_10_20_cedarwaxwing.jpg" style="border: medium none ! important; float: right; margin-bottom: 0.75em ! important; margin-left: 0.75em ! important; margin-top: 0.313em ! important;" width="200" /></a>This six-part series will challenge your concept of suburban
gardening. Learn more about beekeeping, urban farming, growing
not-usually-found-at-the-nursery plants, the benefits of using native
plants, intensive vegetable growing and spring flowers. Call
614-842-6320 for more information.<br /><br />October 20: Jayne Barnes of <a href="http://www.honeyrunfarm.com/">Honeyrun Farm</a> will discuss beekeeping and how to make honey and honey products. Items will be available for purchase.<br /><br />November 17: Native shrubs and small trees play an important role in the ecology of suburban landscapes. Peter Lowe, a <a href="http://hcs.osu.edu/">public garden horticulturalist at The Ohio State University</a>, will explain more.<br /><br />February
16: Don't miss the planting time! Don Humphrey, lifelong gardener and
Worthington resident, will discuss how, through intensive gardening, you
can grow a wide variety of vegetables for nine months of the year.<br /><br />March
15: Welcome the arrival of spring wild flowers, a sure cure for the
winter blues, as Sue Stevens talks about the principles of shade
gardening.<br /><br />April 19: Veteran hobby gardener Dave Marsolo grows
plants you may not find in local nurseries and explains how you, too,
can become a certified "plants person."<br /><br />May 17: Urban farms? Yes! They are happening across the United States. <a href="http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/clintonville/stories/2010/05/12/rotator.html">Clintonville farmer Joseph Swain</a> shares his experience with this new phenomenon.<span class="teaser_offsite"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="teaser_offsite">Where: Griswold Center, 777 High Street, Worthington, OH 43085</span></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-39723161317601542502012-01-03T13:03:00.001-05:002012-01-03T22:01:08.013-05:00health freedom alliance: 7 Foods You Should Never Eat<i></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZseDe25lmc/TwPAmxF9nbI/AAAAAAAABJs/ibckdjFZv_o/s1600/chemical-apples-300x169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZseDe25lmc/TwPAmxF9nbI/AAAAAAAABJs/ibckdjFZv_o/s1600/chemical-apples-300x169.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://healthfreedoms.org/2011/12/06/7-foods-you-should-never-eat/">7 Foods You Should Never Eat</a><br />
<br />
Although this article was published almost a month ago, I just happened to stumble across the other day. I thought it was worth sharing. Some of these ideas I will be sharing when I publish our Family Goals for 2012.<br />
<br />
<i>Here is article which shows why a toxicologist won’t eat
microwavable popcorn or why a farmer will not eat non organic potatoes
or why a fishery expert stays away from farmed salmon. Read on to learn
why, as well as other foods you should stay away from.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<i> </i><i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i> <iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2011/06/recyclebank-green-your-vacation-contest.html&layout=button_count&show_faces=true&width=450&action=like&colorscheme=light&height=21" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 21px; overflow: hidden; width: 450px;"></iframe><a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="SavingFamGreen" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-82914697257854791362011-12-25T07:00:00.000-05:002011-12-25T07:00:04.202-05:00Merry Christmas!I just wanted to take a moment today to say "Merry Christmas"!<br />
<br />
It has been another busy year and one filled with growing children and new discoveries. I am hopeful that you have a blessed Christmas, one that is not measured by material gifts alone, but by those who surround you on the day of the birth of Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMDZeNfQ5K4/TvVHwIPp6SI/AAAAAAAABJg/nrDZJhbVrqU/s1600/familypic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMDZeNfQ5K4/TvVHwIPp6SI/AAAAAAAABJg/nrDZJhbVrqU/s320/familypic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-42138249462054795612011-12-23T21:27:00.001-05:002011-12-23T22:23:45.318-05:00Sustainable Saturday - Book Review: No Impact Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5Civ6pZznM/TvU5I0ATjeI/AAAAAAAABJI/Zbkgj-53QcU/s1600/51ca9qHiDYL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5Civ6pZznM/TvU5I0ATjeI/AAAAAAAABJI/Zbkgj-53QcU/s1600/51ca9qHiDYL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't think I could have intentionally picked a better book to end the year with as we think about goals for our lives for 2012. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312429835/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=savfamgre-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312429835">No Impact Man: The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet, and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the Process</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=savfamgre-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0312429835" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is written by Colin Beavan who is a self proclaimed environmentalist. I have referred to him as an overnight environmentalist, however at the same time many who say they are experts in the field have not gone as he has in lifestyle changes. <br />
<br />
Colin Beavan and his family, wife Michelle and daughter Isabella for one year, living in New York City, challenge themselves to live as sustainably as possible. We are not talking about shopping at Whole Foods and buying environmentally friendly cleaning products, but complete, intentional, lifestyle overhaul. The idea that we should think about what the earth can productively offer not just what we want in that moment. The idea that Convenience means more time to work instead of taking care of our families. We as a society are so focused on where we are going, not what we are doing right now!<br />
<br />
The year begins with the goal of reducing trash. Self proclaimed "take-out junkies" have a tough habit to quit. They successfully reduce their trash including their 2 year-old daughter's disposable diapers (transitioning her to cloth). They then reduce and practically eliminate motorized transportation of any kind including elevators (they live on the 9th floor of their apartment building), with the exception of Michelle's office which resides on the 40th+ floor of a building.<br />
<br />
The family then moves to eating Sustainably. After some research, they determine that all their food must come from within 250 miles. This short distance radius means that they will become vegetarian and since they have no stockpile or deep freeze full of food from the past seasons, they will eat only vegetables and fruits that are in season. At one point, Colin refers to himself as a 1950s housewife who cooks and bakes to sustain his family. He talks about how different the food industry is in Europe and how fresh markets are the norm.<br />
<br />
From the Sustainable eating phase, they move into much more challenging goals such as purchasing nothing new (used is allowed), reducing all waste (including toilet paper), cleaning products (they make their own), and eventually turn off the electricity in their apartment. This means no refrigerator, no washing machine, no dishwasher, etc.<br />
<br />
Overall the book speaks to the great emphasis that we have on Consumerism in the United States. Early on in the project, the family gets rid of their television. Colin's wife Michelle is addicted to reality television. They determine that the television is the enemy in the living room that feeds consumerism by the plethora of commercials or ads that we are exposed to everyday. We are a society that thrives on disposable goods of every kind from paper products to appliances with life expectancies of only 5 years . . . then off to the landfill. Colin talks about how scarce fresh water will become in the coming years and the overall impacts on the environment and Global Warming. <br />
<br />
All I can say is what a absolutely inspiring book. While I found myself at times laughing at Colin's discoveries, such as his realization that Organic produce travels many times farther than regular produce. That local farmer's, even though they may not have the USDA Organic Label, are many times producing animals or crops in an truly Organic way. These are discoveries that we have made over the years in our personal quest to live and raise our children in a environmentally friendly way.<br />
<br />
This book really makes me believe that we can all be doing so much more. What an inspiration as we move into 2012 and as my family thinks about what we want to accomplish this coming year.<br />
<br />
There is also a DVD: No Impact Man which is a great accompaniment to the book. I read the book first and then my husband and I watched the DVD documentary together. It profiles Colin, Michelle and Isabella on their journey through the year long project. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8XRQqlaGHQ/TvU_C8hI2GI/AAAAAAAABJU/TuDHrlDsz-k/s1600/51%252B7MeJv3UL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8XRQqlaGHQ/TvU_C8hI2GI/AAAAAAAABJU/TuDHrlDsz-k/s1600/51%252B7MeJv3UL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RX8G5E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=savfamgre-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002RX8G5E">DVD: No Impact Man</a><br />
<br />
As the news stories go: "Colin Beavan is a liberal schlub who got tired
of listening to himself complain about the world without ever actually
doing anything about it" Thus, in November, 2006, Beavan launched a
year-long project in which he, his wife, his two-year-old daughter and
his four-year-old dog went off the grid and attempted to live in the
middle of New York City with as little environmental impact as possible.
The No Impact project has been the subject of stories in the New York
Times, the Christian Science Monitor, and many other national and
international news outlets. Beavan has appeared on The Colbert Report,
Good Morning America, Nightline, The Montel Show, and all the major NPR
shows. He speaks regularly to a wide variety of audiences, is frequently
quoted in the press and consults to business on the intersection of
sustainability and human quality of life.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-16173741564992897292011-12-16T08:50:00.000-05:002011-12-16T08:50:00.203-05:00DIY: Christmas Card Boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6hQzco5X3vBG7fflU-NLFQUkJ0UWgtvOANCv4v41yzJqUSqa3s5ZorNwV0SiLMVsIEh-9E1KOpXBm0DkEVTM780CgHoozkXTGm75a654jouH_CLab_F21XkbcsHqJm9m0MbMZtdBfQ/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6hQzco5X3vBG7fflU-NLFQUkJ0UWgtvOANCv4v41yzJqUSqa3s5ZorNwV0SiLMVsIEh-9E1KOpXBm0DkEVTM780CgHoozkXTGm75a654jouH_CLab_F21XkbcsHqJm9m0MbMZtdBfQ/s320/IMG_0730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a craft idea I learned many years ago at an Advent Craft Night at our church. These Christmas card boxes are a great way to create an ornament, a small gift box or advent boxes. It is also a way to reuse old Christmas cards!<br />
<br />
The instructions:<br />
<ul>
<li>Tear or cut card in half. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXdCqcJuJt4nnMU4yx4nKZou-Esfuwi-7CQiKPVWwD-4o50AnNhWM9Y1bf0_6QsXxdS18042JuGYJJSuVeVHZqEsn0hZ5uZtyT0Pl8LqxjZqz-Sxzyr37evUhHXy0m4oKPIRcnjGWRA/s1600/IMG_0700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXdCqcJuJt4nnMU4yx4nKZou-Esfuwi-7CQiKPVWwD-4o50AnNhWM9Y1bf0_6QsXxdS18042JuGYJJSuVeVHZqEsn0hZ5uZtyT0Pl8LqxjZqz-Sxzyr37evUhHXy0m4oKPIRcnjGWRA/s320/IMG_0700.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Overlap front of card over back of card and draw a line to create a square. Do the same for the back of the card and cut along line. (Note: Cut bottom square 1/4" smaller on all four sides than top square.)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzsMib7Ll5EeDkd0nG_gLQn2mjSV_U23gOzcSsrgHYPEZnHINFyXS56EqFUv0TC0RmcxSxGf9-JO53UqPLiY9B4Vn77OFdV2_8HV4ZFGXaNgGwEn_x3xiO7Uo-rFUin8zPgFg6bFyQA/s1600/IMG_0701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzsMib7Ll5EeDkd0nG_gLQn2mjSV_U23gOzcSsrgHYPEZnHINFyXS56EqFUv0TC0RmcxSxGf9-JO53UqPLiY9B4Vn77OFdV2_8HV4ZFGXaNgGwEn_x3xiO7Uo-rFUin8zPgFg6bFyQA/s320/IMG_0701.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li> Using a ruler, draw a line from corner to corner on the inside of the card.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx8qBXNgkpL7Dp_15Wk6ue3JLVjcE_DFnVFwm7aFyy3_FEJpX-ch3nbc-kYL9arEeJN_6Qgi_42l0spudgsjjQDrWGl91wknhxdWOEW9ijwJxR7wk2HXWILzUChsqqCS8sccNLhRMPg/s1600/IMG_0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx8qBXNgkpL7Dp_15Wk6ue3JLVjcE_DFnVFwm7aFyy3_FEJpX-ch3nbc-kYL9arEeJN_6Qgi_42l0spudgsjjQDrWGl91wknhxdWOEW9ijwJxR7wk2HXWILzUChsqqCS8sccNLhRMPg/s320/IMG_0705.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Fold card from each corner to the center of the "X".</li>
<li>Unfold card. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIq5Ds_ULXOJesMjlQTEZI3Ch_cJhsZFBeb9mxK-VF75_dbbaSw5qtqxJVPf9OIVRf9XlTFF9XXvZfXIxkCLQ-0SdK4YxTaJQcxHof5HHHTspllEzaJz5o1nOwKZuX7PAjNOZagDctPg/s1600/IMG_0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIq5Ds_ULXOJesMjlQTEZI3Ch_cJhsZFBeb9mxK-VF75_dbbaSw5qtqxJVPf9OIVRf9XlTFF9XXvZfXIxkCLQ-0SdK4YxTaJQcxHof5HHHTspllEzaJz5o1nOwKZuX7PAjNOZagDctPg/s320/IMG_0707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Fold card up to crease you just created on all four corners.</li>
<li>Repeat on all four corners. </li>
<li>Unfold card.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5pjLxqLc6LpNpvWCcAWnm-maF6xWEJOoSKylPcjKRB160LViGKcwhtSv09uK0g-G2liIqVck58nbcNuhssSYTibJHcVJ_dyMFkFnOJ4IqSMTQ5kI5u8SNm3sPDNg9jYQomGT3YtsRQ/s1600/IMG_0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5pjLxqLc6LpNpvWCcAWnm-maF6xWEJOoSKylPcjKRB160LViGKcwhtSv09uK0g-G2liIqVck58nbcNuhssSYTibJHcVJ_dyMFkFnOJ4IqSMTQ5kI5u8SNm3sPDNg9jYQomGT3YtsRQ/s320/IMG_0710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Fold card up to original crease on opposite side corner.</li>
<li>Repeat on all four corners. </li>
<li>Unfold card.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-BKVmgQm-k-_499KUv254uNwgSOQyA2pTtkqV2DelZpCuks_g37_7i6mRbVi4296eTkM6EV3s0vHpvJ2nEpHLJsG-943bomi3ND54BE9zJPxoq_5uN7yJtHNHgjCVTLFLgebGKARLw/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-BKVmgQm-k-_499KUv254uNwgSOQyA2pTtkqV2DelZpCuks_g37_7i6mRbVi4296eTkM6EV3s0vHpvJ2nEpHLJsG-943bomi3ND54BE9zJPxoq_5uN7yJtHNHgjCVTLFLgebGKARLw/s320/IMG_0712.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Cut along line created by the folds. You will stop cutting once you reach the corner of the box. (This will be visible by the lines created when you folded the card in the previous steps.)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gzMj4_gxwMaq57z_rMtYuiQlTYrdzEf6tUgJe_8grSakzzQy2vpb9-qTbpzsV6ftkG71r3DSrQ4TMkGxX4wooZetkG4HAEBe38BnhQGVgEh9YcxbDc3w4hWeC2fFF_yDogA6ZGtazA/s1600/IMG_0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gzMj4_gxwMaq57z_rMtYuiQlTYrdzEf6tUgJe_8grSakzzQy2vpb9-qTbpzsV6ftkG71r3DSrQ4TMkGxX4wooZetkG4HAEBe38BnhQGVgEh9YcxbDc3w4hWeC2fFF_yDogA6ZGtazA/s320/IMG_0714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul></ul>
<ul>
<li>Fold up sides along the crease created by folding the card until you get to the edge of the top/bottom of the box, then fold in the sides to create the box.</li>
<li>Repeat on the opposite side.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4g6aG_gVr5BxbEAFHetLuf2kjCkxlSz-95sZ2bmC9KrE7Flqp9H15Hk2gU2-8d2FBnOP2QpcKApcCCppPToSdnp9kLxLK0wJlAhFGa2Q0uC80De0U3zmJm_sbtyT_reiiw7hBXcKDg/s1600/IMG_0715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4g6aG_gVr5BxbEAFHetLuf2kjCkxlSz-95sZ2bmC9KrE7Flqp9H15Hk2gU2-8d2FBnOP2QpcKApcCCppPToSdnp9kLxLK0wJlAhFGa2Q0uC80De0U3zmJm_sbtyT_reiiw7hBXcKDg/s320/IMG_0715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Once you have folded up the two sides to form the box, fold over the other two sides to finish and secure the box.</li>
<li>Repeat all the steps to create the bottom of the box.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidj91HPwpAQWHxuBon8GA4xnc4lhTD8ZwMlupNeIMM4YJP3SNJieYzzknjFIO2o9Ox1ijou9vScwnx9PmvrEXT5E1R0vLlq_ZVBwcand9f12c_QMNycctcFn4mwoPnHUCt4LMBAwP_QA/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidj91HPwpAQWHxuBon8GA4xnc4lhTD8ZwMlupNeIMM4YJP3SNJieYzzknjFIO2o9Ox1ijou9vScwnx9PmvrEXT5E1R0vLlq_ZVBwcand9f12c_QMNycctcFn4mwoPnHUCt4LMBAwP_QA/s320/IMG_0723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>To make box into an ornament punch two holes on one corner of box. Thread ribbon thru box and tie.</li>
</ul>
To see more DIY ideas from Saving Family Green, check out <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2010/11/sustainable-saturday-dyi-fleece-hats.html">Sustainable Saturday - DIY Fleece Hats & Scarves for Kids (& Adults)</a>!
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Originally posted by Saving Family Green in December 2010. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-6512999810023913232011-12-10T09:19:00.001-05:002011-12-10T09:20:10.509-05:00Sustainable Saturday - Preparing for a Green ChristmasAs Christmas is fast approaching and only two weeks away, many of us
are thinking about decorating our homes or purchasing gifts for loved
ones.<br />
<br />
<b>Here are a few ideas to lessen your impact on the environment this holiday season:</b><br />
<br />
<b>Consider a Living Tree</b>
- Our local stores have trees which you can purchase, have in your home
for the holidays and then plant in your yard at the end of the season.
While we have yet to go this route at our house, the idea is definitely
one we want to use in the future.<br />
<br />
<b>Recycle Your Real Christmas Tree</b> - There is actually a <a href="http://www.christmastree.org/environment.cfm">National Christmas Tree Association</a>
which explains the benefits of real trees. Real Christmas Trees are
biodegradable and can be reused or recycled. To learn about the many
ways the Real Christmas Trees are being recycled and reused in
communities nationwide, you can follow the links <a href="http://www.christmastree.org/recycle.cfm">here</a>. <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>LED Holiday Lights</b>
- Over the last few years, LED lights have come down in price and there
have even been incentives offered by popular retailers like Home Depot
for you to "turn in" your old lights in exchange for a discount on new
LED lights. They conserve energy, last longer and are cool to the
touch!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Recycle gifts</b> - At my office we
do a White Elephant gift exchange. Interesting things happen when you
re-gift something, but every year I am amazed at how one person's junk
is another person's treasure!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Make gifts from scratch</b> - One of our favorite holiday gifts to give, is homemade items. This year we have made a <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2011/12/diy-childrens-fleece-blanket-christmas.html">Children's Tie Fleece Blanket</a> for my niece (my children's cousin), <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2010/11/sustainable-saturday-dyi-fleece-hats.html">Fleece Hats and Scarves</a>
for my children and niece, sugar cookies for teachers, friends and
family and I have grand plans to make both of my children holiday aprons
to give to them as Christmas gifts (we love to bake at our house)!<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i><br />
<i> </i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-47972573390754170232011-12-08T06:17:00.001-05:002011-12-08T06:34:22.054-05:00Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7YDiMOqbrX3aVoRJUfcjQ6fLpBSkMc-qFUakt5natKD0BRvb2R63_MaFjcK51DduG0lKBDnn1bTiL3JT6XplNkQFJj4fuLamnm31LXRykMSia6NPgR4SY2L-DMqJhB3ZOR2uxjUbxQ/s1600-h/wfm_logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7YDiMOqbrX3aVoRJUfcjQ6fLpBSkMc-qFUakt5natKD0BRvb2R63_MaFjcK51DduG0lKBDnn1bTiL3JT6XplNkQFJj4fuLamnm31LXRykMSia6NPgR4SY2L-DMqJhB3ZOR2uxjUbxQ/s320/wfm_logo.png" /></a></div>
<br />
These prices are valid from December 7 thru December 13. <br />
<br />
You can read all about the
current coupon deals available in both the
whole deal and available to print online <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/coupons/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Sales
appear to be regional or even by State. Please
confirm with your store their coupon policy as
some stores will allow you to use one
manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.<br />
<br />
<i><b>UPDATE:
Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons
due to a change in store management. </b></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>One Day
Deals!</b></i></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></span><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">TBD</span><b><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"></span></b><br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">This Week's Hot Deals!</span></i></b> </h6>
TEXAS Large Red Grapefruit<br />
5 for $5<br />
Reg. $1.99 ea<br />
<br />
CALIFORNIA Navel Oranges<br />
Brighten winter meals. Try segmenting them into salads, or slice and roast with salmon or pork chops.<br />
(8-lb bag)<br />
$5.99 ea<br />
Reg. $7.99 ea<br />
<br />
CALIFORNIA Organic Bunched Carrots<br />
2 for $3<br />
Reg. $2.49 ea<br />
<br />
PRODUCT OF CANADA Wild-Caught King Salmon Fillet<br />
Holiday favorite! Drizzle with fruity olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then sear or broil. Previously frozen.<br />
$15.99 lb<br />
Reg. $19.99 lb<br />
<br />
FARM RAISED IN GREECE Euro Sea Bass (Branzini)<br />
$8.99 lb<br />
Reg. $10.99 lb<br />
<br />
FROM OUR BUTCHER 93% Lean Ground Beef<br />
Ground fresh daily for juicy burgers and tender meatloaf. From cattle raised on a vegetarian diet;<br />
no antibiotics or added hormones.<br />
$4.49 lb<br />
Reg. $5.99 lb<br />
<br />
FROM OUR BUTCHER Beef Chuck Roast or Stew Meat<br />
It's the season for melt-in-your-mouth pot roasts and stews. From cattle raised on a vegetarian diet, with no added hormones and no antibiotics ever.<br />
$4.49 lb<br />
Reg. $5.99 lb<br />
<br />
FROM OUR BUTCHER Bone-In Pork Loin Chops<br />
In Regular or Quick Fry.<br />
$5.49 lb<br />
Reg. $6.99 lb<br />
<br />
SIGG Water Bottles<br />
In select varieties.<br />
(0.4 Liter)<br />
$12.99 ea<br />
Reg. $16.99 ea<br />
<br />
IN-HOUSE COOKED Roast Beef<br />
In assorted flavors. From our Prepared Foods Department.<br />
$9.99 lb<br />
Reg. $12.99 lb<br />
<br />
DE CECCO PastaIn select varieties. (16 oz)<br />
BUY ONE, GET ONE<br />
FREE<br />
Reg. $2.79 ea<br />
<br />
FROM OUR CHEESEMONGERS Organic Cheddar<br />
Perfect addition to your holiday cheese platter!<br />
$9.99 lb<br />
Reg. $13.99 lb<br />
<br />
SOUTH OF FRANCE Bar Soap<br />
In select scents.<br />
(8 oz)<br />
$4.99 ea<br />
Reg. $5.99 ea<br />
<br />
AMAZING GRASS Green SuperFood Energy Bars<br />
In select varieties. (2.11 oz)<br />
$2.19 ea<br />
Reg. $2.99 ea<br />
<br />
DIVINE CHOCOLATE Chocolate Bars<br />
(3.5 oz)<br />
2 for $4<br />
Reg. $3.19 ea<br />
<br />
Valid in our Washington, D.C.; Marlton and Princeton,
New Jersey; Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia stores.
Certain items may not be available in all stores.<br />
<br />
Check
out
even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting <a href="http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=W5EVNYWXW2LHQ">Healthy
Life Deals</a>.<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-39773804649336606082011-12-02T07:00:00.000-05:002011-12-02T07:00:15.836-05:00DIY: Children's Fleece Blanket (Christmas Gift Idea!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-1Mhigx9N1CP0-IulmEPHb7FhiEJ8MDn1HTYrOVgEr5F2dz9D6hmt0URct9pYTy4WThieW8TWMui0K82nkoK5MAt78KlmWSPOA2AzAPxiWd1Mxnq_CKT1WNNuGS_tWfUlUqEodYffQ/s1600/IMG_1931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-1Mhigx9N1CP0-IulmEPHb7FhiEJ8MDn1HTYrOVgEr5F2dz9D6hmt0URct9pYTy4WThieW8TWMui0K82nkoK5MAt78KlmWSPOA2AzAPxiWd1Mxnq_CKT1WNNuGS_tWfUlUqEodYffQ/s320/IMG_1931.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Two years ago, my children received "child size" fleece tie blankets for Christmas from my Aunt. They are the perfect size for our 3 and 5 year old to curl up on the couch on a cool winter day.
Looking for inspiration for a Christmas gift for our new niece and my children's cousin, my daughter and I made a "child size" fleece tie blanket.<br />
<br />
We started with a little over 1 yard of two different coordinating fleece fabrics. We trimmed the fabric. Then we measured in 5 inches from each side and cut 1/2 inch strips around the entire perimeter of the fleece. We removed the four corners (5 inch x 5 inch) and then began tying knots joining the two different pieces of fleece together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmi9_Y77kEifPvdlGzFh2bZGS6F1RWLXzcSja_YXcrI6X893m1RfhoV1BUm_FNYP5GOVkxh7sqv0csKik_xsLTGArXRJvEUS5D9J1_ftLayeLtWazT7JNBAJa2nEP9IcO3a9d2TS46QA/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmi9_Y77kEifPvdlGzFh2bZGS6F1RWLXzcSja_YXcrI6X893m1RfhoV1BUm_FNYP5GOVkxh7sqv0csKik_xsLTGArXRJvEUS5D9J1_ftLayeLtWazT7JNBAJa2nEP9IcO3a9d2TS46QA/s320/IMG_1925.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My daughter and I worked on this project together. I cut the fabric and she did the majority of the ties adjoining the two pieces of fleece.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEd-rqPjGiADo2HDkR0YsMUMLdqcnzUbPVsY9QzY5wlIW3zTxaQ-aWMKybtnx0wbxjsqENhAqhX9ewEOSXgiYN61Weg8TqjfhV01dsuy8-06-erVnPmkm2hF89aaSwsFyfLApxhG0Yw/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEd-rqPjGiADo2HDkR0YsMUMLdqcnzUbPVsY9QzY5wlIW3zTxaQ-aWMKybtnx0wbxjsqENhAqhX9ewEOSXgiYN61Weg8TqjfhV01dsuy8-06-erVnPmkm2hF89aaSwsFyfLApxhG0Yw/s320/IMG_1923.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The end result is a really cute and soft fleece blanket that we hope our niece and cousin will really enjoy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX34s98r5kt7M1DJ9DAZTOtR_SG_Kw0HYkbEaZkTw7es_Te3sq3wHLnVPGdK4Ywse-UDaP6t2YboajJxmo4JPkiYihgb4EYc83jQYx1-eOKPi7I499jmgRe5xTbVgPsAU7WdRaz4UmQ/s1600/IMG_1930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX34s98r5kt7M1DJ9DAZTOtR_SG_Kw0HYkbEaZkTw7es_Te3sq3wHLnVPGdK4Ywse-UDaP6t2YboajJxmo4JPkiYihgb4EYc83jQYx1-eOKPi7I499jmgRe5xTbVgPsAU7WdRaz4UmQ/s320/IMG_1930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2011/06/recyclebank-green-your-vacation-contest.html&layout=button_count&show_faces=true&width=450&action=like&colorscheme=light&height=21" style="border: medium none; height: 21px; overflow: hidden; width: 450px;"></iframe><a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="SavingFamGreen" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-152675395729357782011-12-01T21:21:00.001-05:002011-12-01T21:35:56.859-05:00Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7YDiMOqbrX3aVoRJUfcjQ6fLpBSkMc-qFUakt5natKD0BRvb2R63_MaFjcK51DduG0lKBDnn1bTiL3JT6XplNkQFJj4fuLamnm31LXRykMSia6NPgR4SY2L-DMqJhB3ZOR2uxjUbxQ/s1600-h/wfm_logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7YDiMOqbrX3aVoRJUfcjQ6fLpBSkMc-qFUakt5natKD0BRvb2R63_MaFjcK51DduG0lKBDnn1bTiL3JT6XplNkQFJj4fuLamnm31LXRykMSia6NPgR4SY2L-DMqJhB3ZOR2uxjUbxQ/s320/wfm_logo.png" /></a></div>
<br />
These prices are valid from November 30 thru December 6. <br />
<br />
You can read all about the
current coupon deals available in both the
whole deal and available to print online <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/coupons/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Sales
appear to be regional or even by State. Please
confirm with your store their coupon policy as
some stores will allow you to use one
manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.<br />
<br />
<i><b>UPDATE:
Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons
due to a change in store management. </b></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>One Day
Deals!</b></i></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></span><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">The One Day Deal tomorrow is a 5lb box of</span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> Satsumas from California </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">for $4.99!</span></b><br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">This Week's Hot Deals!</span></i></b> </h6>
<b>Hot Deal!</b><br />
<br />
<b>$2.29 365 Everyday Value<span class="”superscript”">®</span> Dark Chocolate Mini Chunks, White Chocolate Chunks, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Organic Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips</b><br />
<b><u>Use $2/1 Whole Foods Coupon available in store</u></b><br />
<b>Total: $0.29 for a bag of Chocolate Chips!</b><br />
<br />
CALIFORNIA Meyer Lemons<br />
(1-lb bag)<br />
$1.99 ea<br />
Reg. $2.99 ea<br />
<br />
CALIFORNIA Organic Kale<br />
$1.99 ea<br />
Reg. $2.49 ea<br />
<br />
MEXICO Blackberries<br />
(5 oz)<br />
2 for $4<br />
Reg. $3.99 ea <br />
<br />
PRODUCT OF USA WILD-CAUGHT Raw, Shell-On Shrimp<br />
Tender, succulent shrimp, ready to be cooked in your favorite soups, curries and pastas. Previously frozen.<br />
26/30 count<br />
$9.99 lb<br />
Reg. $12.99 lb <br />
<br />
FROM OUR BUTCHER Bone-In Beef Rib Steaks and Roasts<br />
Great choice for the holidays, and so tender you don’t need a marinade. From cattle raised on 100% vegetarian feed; no added hormones and no antibiotics ever.<br />
$10.99 lb<br />
Reg. $13.99 lb<br />
<br />
FROM OUR BUTCHER BONELESS, SKINLESS Chicken Breasts or Cutlets<br />
Easy meals begin with this tender white meat. Air-chilled for best flavor.<br />
$4.99–$5.99 lb<br />
Reg. $6.49–$7.49 lb<br />
<br />
CALIFORNIA EARTHBOUND FARMS Organic Mixed Baby Greens<br />
These young, delicate greens make the tastiest holiday salads. Try them tossed with chopped walnuts, goat<br />
cheese and more. (5 oz)<br />
$2.99 ea<br />
Reg. $3.99 ea<br />
<br />
FROM OUR BUTCHER St. Louis-Style Pork Spareribs<br />
$4.49 lb<br />
Reg. $5.99 lb<br />
<br />
FROM OUR CHEESEMONGERS Snofrisk Goat Cheese<br />
Made in Norway exclusively for Whole Foods Market.<br />
$11.99 lb<br />
Reg. $15.99 lb <br />
<br />
IN-HOUSE COOKED Roast Beef<br />
In assorted flavors. From our Prepared Foods department.<br />
$9.99 lb<br />
Reg. $12.99 lb<br />
<br />
BONNE MAMAN Preserves<br />
In select varieties.<br />
(13 oz)<br />
2 for $5<br />
Reg. $4.49 ea<br />
<br />
Q GINGER Ginger Ale<br />
(750 ml)<br />
$3.99 ea<br />
Reg. $6.39 ea<br />
<br />
<b>IMAGINE FOODS Organic Soup</b><br />
<b>In select varieties.</b><br />
<b>(14.5 fl oz)</b><br />
<b>2 for $4</b><br />
<b>Reg. $3.19 ea</b><br />
<b>$1/1 Whole Foods Coupon available <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/coupons/">here</a> </b><br />
<b>+</b><br />
<b>$1/2 Manuf. Coupon available <a href="http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=yadfcxs49241261&bt=vg&o=60434&c=IS&p=0Dy3LOXw">here </a></b><br />
<b><u>$1/1 Manuf. Coupon 10/16 SmartSource Insert</u></b><br />
<b>Total: FREE - $0.50 each (if your store allows stacked coupons)</b><br />
<br />
HIMALAYAN INSTITUTE Neti Pot Starter Kit<br />
$26.99 ea<br />
Reg. $29.99 ea<br />
<br />
NATURTINT Hair Color<br />
In select colors.<br />
(5.4 oz)<br />
$13.99 ea<br />
Reg. $17.99 ea<br />
<br />
PAMELA’S PRODUCTS Gluten-Free Cookies<br />
In select flavors.<br />
(7.25 oz)<br />
2 for $5<br />
Reg. $3.79 ea<br />
<br />
<i>Valid in our Washington, D.C.; Marlton and Princeton,
New Jersey; Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia stores.
Certain items may not be available in all stores.</i><br />
<br />
Check
out
even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting <a href="http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=W5EVNYWXW2LHQ">Healthy
Life Deals</a>.<i> </i><br />
<br />
<br />
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-17409739490307067002011-11-25T19:49:00.001-05:002011-11-25T20:07:04.534-05:00Sustainable Saturday - Consumerism and Your Christmas List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3oDcPTA0GpjLbS0eMyAQ20V1b9ZxY8h9OVrtMCe6b4F4gIpiAj1Atu3atoy0KeWCwpZW5LUGGEx8Pr5QDGKEUXbeAyL5Be7vsFSyok4QSHhVgjRIZReqJNDwHFzFhbrauvyXThAaUQ/s1600/black-friday-shoppers-ae046c643107eb751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3oDcPTA0GpjLbS0eMyAQ20V1b9ZxY8h9OVrtMCe6b4F4gIpiAj1Atu3atoy0KeWCwpZW5LUGGEx8Pr5QDGKEUXbeAyL5Be7vsFSyok4QSHhVgjRIZReqJNDwHFzFhbrauvyXThAaUQ/s320/black-friday-shoppers-ae046c643107eb751.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Black Friday has come and gone. Tomorrow is <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2011/11/2nd-annual-small-business-saturday-nov.html">Small Business Saturday</a>.<br />
<i> </i><br />
I did end up participating in Black Friday this year, but more on my terms. I ordered a few things online and went out with family at 6 a.m. to pick up a few must have deals (theirs not mine).<br />
<br />
I will echo what many have said before, that we are a society of consumers. We are a society that turns wants into needs or so we think.<br />
<br />
As you think about your shopping list this year, perhaps think about where things come from, how far they have to travel to get to you, what they are made of, etc. Sure we will purchase some toys for our children, clothes and gifts for others from both big box retailers and online, however we will try to be mindful to not overdue it. We will try to remember the difference between need and want. We will most importantly remember to think of others who have not.<br />
<br />
I guess I feel today like I've been slapped in the face with consumerism. Not sure I can change the way the majority of people feel, but at least offer some suggestions:<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Keep it simple.</b> Sometimes the best gifts are handmade or homemade. We traditionally give many on our list cookies that we make together as a family. I think people appreciate that you thought of them, not the cost of the gift.<br />
<br />
<b>Keep it local.</b> Check out local retailers that offer either locally made products or even products that you might purchase from an online retailer or big box store.<br />
<br />
<b>Remember the difference between need and want.</b> Children don't need every new toy that is out there. Last year's winter coat can be worn for more than one winter. You don't need to get someone something just to get them something. Take a few minutes to write a nice card or give something you've made and put thought into. <br />
<br />
Most importantly, remember the importance of the holidays. Christmas is about the birth of Christ and we all seem to forget that in the consumerism that we are constantly surrounded by. <br />
<br />
Merry Christmas & Happy (Simple, Local, Need-to-have) Consuming!<br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/">Digital Trends</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/2011/06/recyclebank-green-your-vacation-contest.html&layout=button_count&show_faces=true&width=450&action=like&colorscheme=light&height=21" style="border: medium none; height: 21px; overflow: hidden; width: 450px;"></iframe><a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="SavingFamGreen" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-84396493268493064692011-11-23T10:11:00.001-05:002011-11-23T17:01:28.088-05:00Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7YDiMOqbrX3aVoRJUfcjQ6fLpBSkMc-qFUakt5natKD0BRvb2R63_MaFjcK51DduG0lKBDnn1bTiL3JT6XplNkQFJj4fuLamnm31LXRykMSia6NPgR4SY2L-DMqJhB3ZOR2uxjUbxQ/s1600-h/wfm_logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7YDiMOqbrX3aVoRJUfcjQ6fLpBSkMc-qFUakt5natKD0BRvb2R63_MaFjcK51DduG0lKBDnn1bTiL3JT6XplNkQFJj4fuLamnm31LXRykMSia6NPgR4SY2L-DMqJhB3ZOR2uxjUbxQ/s320/wfm_logo.png" /></a></div>
<br />
These prices are valid from November 23 thru November 29. <br />
<br />
You can read all about the
current coupon deals available in both the
whole deal and available to print online <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/coupons/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Sales
appear to be regional or even by State. Please
confirm with your store their coupon policy as
some stores will allow you to use one
manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.<br />
<br />
<i><b>UPDATE:
Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons
due to a change in store management. </b></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>One Day
Deals!</b></i></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<b>One Day Deal on Friday, November 25th</b><br />
<b>FREE Cup of Coffee!</b><br />
<b>Black Friday shoppers, this one is for you! Come in and warm up with a
free 8-ounce cup of our seasonal holiday blend, Allegro Celebration
Caffè.</b><br />
<br />
<i>Limit one 8-ounce coffee per customer. Offer good Friday, November 25, 2011, only; while supplies last.</i><br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">This Week's Hot Deals!</span></i></b> </h6>
<b>Hot Deal!</b><br />
<br />
<b>$2.29 365 Everyday Value<span class="”superscript”">®</span> Dark Chocolate Mini Chunks, White Chocolate Chunks, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Organic Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips</b><br />
<b><u>Use $2/1 Whole Foods Coupon available in store</u></b><br />
<b>Total: $0.29 for a bag of Chocolate Chips!</b><br />
<br />
PACIFIC FOODS Organic Broth<br />
Ready to be used as a base for hearty winter soups or pan sauces. Comes in a wide variety of flavors, including chicken, beef, mushroom or vegetable—all made with the finest ingredients.<br />
(32 fl oz)<br />
$2.69 ea<br />
Reg. $3.69 ea<br />
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available<a href="http://www.pacificfoods.com/where-to-buy/coupons"> here </a><br />
<br />
FROM OUR BUTCHER Boneless Beef Sirloin Steaks<br />
Craving a juicy, tender steak? Just pan-sear or broil. From cattle raised on a vegetarian diet with no added hormones or antibiotics, ever.<br />
$9.99 lb<br />
Reg. $13.99 lb<br />
<br />
MEXICO Blackberries*<br />
A sweet, tangy, irresistible taste. Excellent for breakfasts, holiday desserts and cheese plates. A good source of antioxidants too.<br />
(6 oz)<br />
2 for $5<br />
Reg. $3.99 ea<br />
<br />
PRODUCT OF USA WILD-CAUGHT Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Fillet<br />
Rich and flavorful, and cooks up quick. Certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.<br />
Previously frozen.<br />
$6.99 lb<br />
Reg. $9.99 lb<br />
*Special pricing valid November 25–29, 2011, only.<br />
<br />
APPLEGATE FARMS Breakfast Sausages<br />
Find them in our frozen foods aisle. Selection varies by store. (8 oz)<br />
2 for $5.99<br />
Reg. $5.99 ea<br />
<br />
WASHINGTON STATE Organic Fuji Apples*<br />
$1.99 lb<br />
Reg. $2.49 lb<br />
*Special pricing valid November 25–29, 2011, only.<br />
<br />
ARGENTINA Blueberries*<br />
(6 oz) $2.99 ea<br />
Reg. $3.99 ea<br />
*Special pricing valid November 25–29, 2011, only.<br />
<br />
FARM RAISED IN THAILAND Cooked Shrimp<br />
Previously frozen.(31/40 count)<br />
$9.99 lb<br />
Reg. $12.99 lb<br />
<br />
CALIFORNIA Organic Kale*<br />
Green, Red or Lacinato (Dino) $1.99 ea<br />
Reg. $2.49 ea<br />
*Special pricing valid November 25–29, 2011, only.<br />
<br />
FROM OUR BUTCHER 85% Lean Ground Beef or Chili Meat<br />
$3.49 lb<br />
Reg. $4.99 lb<br />
<br />
GREEN & BLACK’S Organic Chocolate Bars<br />
In select varieties. (3.5 oz)<br />
$2.39 ea<br />
Reg. $3.69 ea<br />
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available<a href="http://www.greenandblacks.com/us/"> here </a><br />
<br />
SOUTH OF FRANCE Bar Soaps<br />
In select varieties.<br />
(8.8 oz)<br />
$3.99 ea<br />
Reg. $5.99 ea<br />
<br />
SHIKAI Lotions and Shower Gels<br />
Mix and match 8-oz lotions and 12-oz shower gels for perfect gifts.<br />
$4.99 ea<br />
Reg. $8.99 ea<br />
<br />
IMMACULATE BAKING COMPANY Pie Crusts<br />
(15 oz)<br />
2 for $5<br />
Reg. $3.99 ea<br />
<br />
ALEXIA FOODS Appetizers<br />
Mozzarella Stix, Mushroom Bites or Onion Rings.<br />
(8–12 oz)<br />
$3.29 ea<br />
Reg. $4.39 ea<br />
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available <a href="http://www.alexiafoods.com/index.jsp">here</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/alexiafoods">here </a><br />
<br />
WELLSHIRE FARMS All-Natural Beef Bologna<br />
Sliced to order in our Prepared Foods Department.<br />
$6.99 lb<br />
Reg. $8.99 lb<br />
<br />
<i>Valid in our Washington, D.C.; Marlton and Princeton,
New Jersey; Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia stores.
Certain items may not be available in all stores.</i><br />
<br />
Check
out
even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting <a href="http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=W5EVNYWXW2LHQ">Healthy
Life Deals</a>.<i> </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-41470616434243476432011-11-22T11:47:00.001-05:002011-11-22T11:57:51.624-05:002nd Annual Small Business Saturday - Nov. 26th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1ExK1KUmC4-SwYfbLNVHHHFq9I8pzf5gKbPMwmAFu2d7SqxvJlR7MXAiOOcSqdwKBeEjtzeaBVAsYp5HKhy5Bj4eyDghbwvhm97ZuyZAS3brpKUG5EerAnRoP-eb5487rQE-21TqlQ/s1600/297466_273827439301853_167641889920409_1091988_552742318_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1ExK1KUmC4-SwYfbLNVHHHFq9I8pzf5gKbPMwmAFu2d7SqxvJlR7MXAiOOcSqdwKBeEjtzeaBVAsYp5HKhy5Bj4eyDghbwvhm97ZuyZAS3brpKUG5EerAnRoP-eb5487rQE-21TqlQ/s320/297466_273827439301853_167641889920409_1091988_552742318_n.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<br />
In year's past I have been an avid Black Friday shopper mostly because it was just fun to be out shopping at 5 a.m. It was a day to get into the spirit of the holiday season. However, this year I'm not sure I want to even participate.<br />
<br />
While listening to the radio the other morning I heard an advertisement for <a href="http://smallbusinesssaturday.com/">Small Business Saturday</a><span class="reg">®</span>.
<br />
<br />
The 2nd annual <a href="http://smallbusinesssaturday.com/">Small Business Saturday</a><span class="reg">®</span> is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.<br />
<br />
On November 26, they're asking millions of people to Shop Small<sup>sm</sup> at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge.<br />
<br />
Find out how you can get involved by checking out their facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday">here</a>. Enter your zip code <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday?extlink=ps-gabmd-2011SBS-GoogleSearch&sk=app_183558821725512">here</a> to find local Small Businesses. <br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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</script>Saving Family Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08063959611549501732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077766008703677046.post-1047792973466655182011-11-19T10:54:00.001-05:002011-11-19T11:26:28.896-05:00Sustainable Saturday - 5 Low Cost Ways to Reduce Winter Heating Bills<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.symhome.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/open_by_misswhitlynn-d41kbkx.jpg" rel="lightbox[1503]" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="open by ~misswhitlynn via deviantart.com" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1512" height="200" src="http://www.symhome.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/open_by_misswhitlynn-d41kbkx-150x150.jpg" title="Open Blinds" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Guest post by Joshua Lloyd from <a href="http://www.symhome.net/blog/">Symhome</a>.</i><br />
<br />
The
temperature is dropping and many are looking for ways to control their
winter heating costs. There are some easy, low cost strategies that
everyone can use to help control their winter heating bills. These are
my top 5 tips that even the not so handy homeowners can use to keep the
heating cost at bay:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>1. Open the blinds: </b>Some
of the coldest days of the year are the clearest and brightest, so let
the sun shine in and help heat your home. There are homes designed to
utilize the sun’s rays as their primary heating source (<a href="http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/designing_remodeling/index.cfm/mytopic=10250" target="_blank" title="Passive Solar Home Design: DOE Energy Savers">Passive Solar</a>),
so there is no reason your home can’t take advantage of this free heat
source. Just be sure at night to close the blinds to retain the heat in
the home and help reduce drafts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>2. Add layers: </b>Not only
am I surprised by the number of people that live in complete darkness
during the day, but how many want to keep their home warm enough to
wear shorts & a t-shirt. By wearing clothing appropriate to the
weather outside can greatly increase your comfort and allow you to
reduce the temperature in your home, thus saving you money.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>3. Set back your temperature: </b>The
rule of thumb is you can save between 1-3% for every degree that you
set your thermostat back for an 8 hour period of time while you are at
work and sleeping. The Department Of Energy estimates that you can save
up to $180 a year with this simple strategy. You can make this even
easier by installing a <a href="http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=TH" target="_blank" title="Programmable Thermostats: Energy Star">programmable thermostat</a>
that you can have automatically adjust the temperature in the home and
can have it start to heat the home before you wake up in the morning or
get home from work so you do not have to contend with the cold
temperatures.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>4. Maintain your heating equipment: </b>Servicing your heating units and replacing filters regularly can boost efficiency by 3-10% according to the <a href="http://www.aceee.org/" target="_blank">American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy</a>
(ACEEE). It is recommended to have oil-fired boilers cleaned
and tuned annually, and gas systems, every two years. Not only will
regularly servicing your oil and gas fired heating equipment help
improve efficiency, but ensure safety if your heating contractor
performs combustion testing, in the hopes they catch high levels of
carbon monoxide.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>5. Seal those leaks: </b>Excessive
air leakage into the home can waste up to 25% of your homes heating and
cooling costs. Installing foam gaskets behind outlet and switch covers
on exterior walls is the simplest strategy. Sealing the
gaps around window & door trim is another easy cost effective way to
reduce infiltration and reduce drafts. However sealing those <a href="http://www.symhome.net/blog/2011/10/attic-air-sealing/" title="Attic Air Sealing">air leaks in the attic</a> is where you will get the most bang for your buck as you will trap the warm air in the home as it rises.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are a handy homeowner and looking
for other ways around your home to conserve energy and reduce your
heating and cooling costs, follow my blog series <a href="http://www.symhome.net/blog/category/energy-hog/">Kill’n a Hog….an Energy Hog</a> as my family reduces the energy consumption of our 1960’s home.</div>
<br />
<i>Joshua
has a degree in architecture and is a LEED Accredited Professional that
has worked in the design and construction industry for over 10 years,
focusing his efforts on energy efficiency and building science. He has
organized multiple events in Ohio to give young designers the
opportunity to learn about “green” home design and produce actual
projects. He was also a key player in Ohio’s first LEED for Homes
Platinum project. Joshua is also a certified Building Analyst through
the Building Performance Institute and performs home energy audits,
assisting home owners in reducing their energy usage. </i><br />
<br />
<i>You can follow his blog Symhome <a href="http://www.symhome.net/blog/">here</a>. You can also follow him on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/symhome">facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/JLSymHome">twitter</a>. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy <a href="http://symhomemom.blogspot.com/p/material-connection-disclosure.html">here</a>.</i>
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