New Year’s Eve Countdown to Greener Rainbows!

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Photo credit: Optical Illusion via flickr

Really… are we SERIOUSLY only hours away from the countdown?! WTF! Where did this year go? I can’t believe I became a mother of two this year. What??? I’m in disbelief at how quickly this year time has slipped by! It’s been a great year but it has also been filled with a whirlwind of events. Since having Clark I feel like it’s been go-go-go! I’m really hoping for more relaxed time in 2010… more concentration on family!

I did a reflection post in September and haven’t added much else to the list. Except, that I do intend to read , do yoga and even play outdoors more. The hub and I are planning to hike Mt. Whitney this Spring with the boys in tow. This year we hiked to Vernal Falls in Yosemite with them and it that was awesome.

This year was filled with many events! I turned 30 in January – gave birth at home in the water to a 9lb. bouncing baby boy in April- had a root canal (the most horrible moment) -started to vlog and share more with you-  like celebrating all the wonderful events of toddler hood… having a 2 yr. old boy is a lotta work sometimes…. LOL!

With all the work Tyler had to take on this year and the many weekends he worked…in 2010 we vow to take on less side jobs and concentrate on the greenhouse we started to build this year. Not to mention, all the other tiny side projects here … for instance our bathroom that still doesn’t have a working sink!!! Yes, projects in here get put on the back burner when your husband is doing everyone else’s projects!! It’s all good though.

I can’t believe 10 years has passed.In 2000, I became a mom for the first time! Well, to a dog anyway. I was the new owner of a Golden Retriever puppy, Heinken. Luckily, my father was the landlord and didn’t mind much. A year later, the hub and I bought our first home and became owners/parents of our second Golden Wonderful, Durgen. It’s crazy to think that I’ve been in the same place for 10 years and so, so much has taken place.  The fact that we had two children in our own home in the past 3 years… and all the memories we made here. It makes me teary! Especially, since Durgen has been sick (I’ll spare the details for another post!).

Being green has been a journey in and of itself. I try not to set myself up for failure and only make changes that are within my limits. Honestly, when I started I didn’t think I’d be where I am. I actually didn’t know what to expect out of the bloggy blog world but I’m so happy I chose to start blogging even if I can’t post every single day. I’ve made some really great connections and have shared some great memories and my green lifestyle with YOU which makes it all so worth it!

2010 is going to be filled with many new adventures and experiences… I’m ready to ring in 2010!! Are you with me?

Cheers to greener rainbows!

Peace & Love

&

Happy New Year to you!

A very UN birthday & misc eats!

Hola everyone! I’m considering this my {Meatless Monday} post.  Hey, better late than never! LOL!

My hubby’s 31st birthday was just last week before Christmas! I wanted to celebrate in rawkstar style so I decided I would make him a RAW cheesecake.

No, it doesn’t mean I put all the standard cheesecake ingredients into a bowl and asked him to eat it. LOL!  It went a little something like that but not quite. I could not believe it only took me approximately 15-20 mins TOPS to make this! The hardest part was waiting for the no cheese cake to freeze up and harden.

I looked around for an easy recipe and found this ONE!

It had a macadamia nut crust and cashew cream as the filling.  The only thing I did differently was use maple syrup rather than agave! I haven’t been using agave since I heard it scales close with High Fructose Corn Syrup! Crazy! As you can see in the picture above I topped it with fresh organic blackberry’s from the farmer’s market.

The uncheesecake was fabulous and delish! A friend of mine who had leftovers commented that at least she could eat the entire piece over the real thing! I agree… I could of eaten the whole cake. Everyone at dinner that evening seemed to enjoy it … even my husband for his very un birthday!  Score!

We can’t wait to mix and match and play with the ingredients some. Mmm! I’m thinking strawberries whirled in next time would be oh so superb.

I also made these raw thumbprint cookies by Earth Mother… they were nutty, sweet and flavorful.

AND I want to mention, I had the opportunity to make Gena’s Carrot Falafel with Tangy Tahini Sauce a few weeks back and it was super!

The only problem… no pics were taken we gobbled em’ up so fast (actually I had quite a few Falafels leftover which was awesome)… I do believe my Nikon battery took a dive on me that night! In any case, were planning to do a remake of this yummy dish and I pinky promise to take pics.

So if you’re planning any meals that are raw/vegan- dairy free… and the like … these three recipes are kick ass!

P.S.

I was gifted a VitaMixtavegamin for X-Mas! Yahoo!!!

What have you been making in the kitchen?

a recycled post, gearing up for 2010, & homemade recipes!

Hiya RYD readers!! How are ya? Hope you had a wonderful holiday.

Here’s a post I wrote about last year… if you need any ideas for what to do with your X-Mas cards!

Donate Your Christmas Cards

I’ve been looking at last year’s Green Vision’s and thinking about what some will be in 2010…

My vision board is a work in progress as I find pictures and words to summarize my goals and future!

Lately, I’ve been doing my best to meditate and visual what it is I truly want and what makes me happy. I also focus some time on my boys’ and our future together as unschooler’s. It’s going to be a great journey. I can only hope  we make it the greatest experience.

{Anywho}

I mentioned in an earlier post; I was going to make homemade gifts/goods for Christmas and that’s exactly what I did. ( I didn’t get any pictures of the green cleaning supplies; but I promise I made them.) I bought 2 new squirt bottles and reused and old one. I filled them up with…

1/2 cup of vinegar

1/4 cup of baking soda

10-20 drops of peppermint essential oil

put contents into a glass pitcher and add 1/2 gallon (2 liters) H20!

That’s it! You’re ready to go clean as it is an all purpose solution!

I put the squirt bottles in a reused gift bag along with a sample of Dr. Bronner’s Almond scented soap,  a glass mason jar filled with baking soda and a coconut scrub brush. The Dr. Bronner’s and baking soda make a good soft scrub in case you didn’t know. Something I’ve been doing for years.  I HEART Dr. Bronner’s soap. I highly recommend buying some- you can even find it at Target. A little goes a long way… it’s an all purpose soap. It’s amazing. 2 squirts to 2 gallons… is the recipe on their bottle.

Since my bro didn’t get any Dr. Bronner’s soap; I reused a baking soda can added in more baking soda, put in about 10-20 drops of Tangerine essential oil and sealed it with it’s lid. Poked holes in the top- voila’ it’s an instant carpet deodorizer! He’s always complaining about smells in his house… he’s a bachelor with roommates… so you know what I mean. LOL!

I also made a salt scrub for a close friend of the family. She loved the one I made for her on Mother’s Day so I decided to whip up a winter batch she would like!

Here’s what I did…

Bath Salt Scrub

1 cup of sea salt – fine works best… if you have course you can blend it down into fine using your blender or food processor.

1 cup of epsom salts

1/2 -3/4’s of oat powder (oats put into the blender and pulverized)

20 drops of essential oil of your choice … I chose peppermint for the holidays!

1/3 cup of organic EVOO

Stir all ingredients in a stainless steel or glass bowl for 2min’s or more then put into a glass mason jar! Or whatever dish suits your fancy.

For mother’s day I added in a lot more EVOO… you can do more or less depending on how slick you like to feel when you get out of the shower.

Enjoy!

P.S.

I will attempt to post a Meatless Monday recipe today! We’ll see…

Merry Christmas!!

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Christmas is Here!

Hola RYD readers!

Season’s Greetings!

I’ve been in the kitchen these past few days making up all sorts of home baked goods. From apple jelly candies, to lemon curd, homemade doggy treats, pumpkin bread, gingerbread cookies and banana nut bread… + homemade green cleaning supplies & bath salts. We also celebrated Tyler’s 31st birthday at his parents. I made a raw cheesecake (which was really good) and his mother made her famous Texas cake. It was a great night.  Needless to say, it’s been non stop!  I just finished wrapping a few gifts for the eco tot and baby C. Still have a little more baking to do.

We plan to do Christmas morning with Ty’s parents and dinner with mine. Luckily, both parents are in the same town so we don’t feel too stretched. I signed up to make the Pioneer Woman’s turnip gratin. I made it at Thanksgiving and it was a hit! It’s nice and fattening – just what the Christmas table ordered! I’m also planning something raw (not sure what yet).

It will probably continue to be quiet around here. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do with my site design… but I promise you it’s coming! I’ve really enjoyed this month and I will be sad to see the holiday spirit go. We made a lot of fun festive crafts that are so nostalgic; I want to save everyone of them (not practical, I know).

Maybe, if I get a chance I’ll upload some pictures… I have been taking a few here and there. The line for Santa was REEdicUlous last night! We had to leave and promise the eco tot we’d return today. So far, the hub has not called from the mall yet!

Oh! What us parents must do & worth it!

Well… it’s officially the EVE of Christmas.

Have a wonderful holiday & Happy New Year!

Green Your Cup of Cocoa This Winter

Photo credit: stevendepolo via flickr

Winter bring lots of goodies and treats including the infamous cup of Hot Cocoa! Lately, it seems my little guy and I can’t get enough of it. It can get to be pretty expensive if you’re having a cup of hot cocoa each afternoon. Especially, if you’re buying them in packets (which I haven’t done in years!). I stopped buying the packets when I discovered Ovaltine…and stopped buying Ovaltine to start making my own. In the long run, making your own will save you some money. In a homemade recipe you have the opportunity to tweak with the ingredients and use quality ingredients such as organic.

The cast of Christmas spirit….

Nativa’s Raw Cacao Powder Suzanne’ s Ricemellow Pure Fun Organic Candy Cane’s

** You can make this recipe dairy free by replacing cow’s milk with almond, coconut, rice, or soy milk.

Just remember that to GREEN your cup of hot cocoa – you’ll want to look for ingredients that are organic, have NO High Fructose Corn Syrup, no artificial colors or favor and no JUNK period. Chemical and preservative free, if at possible. Most companies who make all natural and organic products are conscience about the planet. Besides, keeping the planet healthy the consumer’s health is also kept in mind. On top of it all, most eco companies donate certain percentages to environmental causes. So, by supporting them you’re more than likely supporting a wonderful cause and helping to SAVE THE PLANET!

the {upcycled & recycled} Guffly has got it goin’ on!

Upcycled Scarf Necklace

Okay, so yesterday as I was checking out the twitter stream I came across this tweet from @Guffly

Daily Guff: Recycled Sterling Silver Ring made from recycled silver and vintage paper – wear one or stack em: http://guffly.com

I had to follow the link because inquiring minds wanted to know AND behold {upcycled & recycled} eco stylish- fashion heaven!!!

Recycled Game Tile Pendant

At Guffly it’s   “Good stuff for good living”

& their labels include:

- Recycled, Reusable, Organic, Fair Trade, Natural, Sustainable, Biodegradable and Energy

which is right up RYD’s alley

AND

everyday Guffly features a new product at an extra affordable price with only $2 shipping ….

So, make you get check em’ and find out  what the “Word on the street” is at Guffly.

LOT’’s of great stocking stuffer’s… festive wear for the holidays, and fabu eco rockin gift ideas.

Nut Blob Ring

My wish list has just expanded tri-fold!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

I’m going to be in the kitchen …. making homemade gifts.

What will you be doing?!?  What would you buy from Guffly???

We have a winner!!

it’s @PsychMamma! Yay! Woohoo!
Enjoy you new Retro Razor!
Thanks to all those who entered. Much appreciated.
Stay tuned… & Have a great day!

RYD’s Favorite Things: Last Minute Gift Ideas for Him!

If you haven’t yet visited the Green Shopping Guide for her go here…

& be sure what’s hot for the eco tot’s!

Wish there was more time… cuz they’re are so many ideas…just soooo little time!!!!

Him

Retro Razor

I recently ranted and raved about the Retro Razor here!

Not A Paper Cup ceramic cup

A great concept and perfect way to be disposable free… especially, if you’re a coffee junkie!

We ADD Up tee

WE ADD UP is a global campaign using organic cotton t-shirts that literally “counts you in” to help solve the climate crisis. Every shirt is printed by hand with a unique number. YOUR number is your position in our sequential global count of people who are taking steps to do their part.

Both the hub and I own one of these tees! The hub has “Shower Together & mine is “Recycle” Great messages… and great cause!

Mode home Premium Recycling Center

For the geeky yet chic y dude! A great way to organize the recyclables without lookin’ like a treeguggin’ slob (this one’s for the ladies, too!).

Soda Stream

If your hubby is anything like mine- he’s hooked on soda pop! Actually, Ineed to give him MORE credit. He’s done so well over this past year! I’d like to wean him completely but since that may not be likely any time soon. The Soda Stream may end up in our kitchen. Start saving money and make your own sodas.  Or quit drinking them…they’re bad for your health…LOL! But, at least this version is somewhat healthier.

Eton Grundig 350 Radio

For the techy man in your life!

Self-Powered Water-Resistant AM/FM/Shortwave Radio with Flashlight, Siren and Cell Phone Charger!!!

Klean Kanteen

A great resusable water bottle- for everyday and for camping trips!

Simple Shoes

Simple Shoes are simply eco fashionable! Vegan, earth friendly, and stylish! Check out their woman’s selection too! {drool}

Green Guru

After meeting the guys over at Green Guru it’s obvious they’re  passionate about the planet & passionate about creating fashion forward upcycled products for him! This wallet is made from an old bike inner tube. Perfect gift for the guy who’s a lighter shade of green – or an all around greenie!

Rain Barrell

It’s raining, it’s pouring… the old man is snoring… dreaming he’ll have a well of water in the morning!

Swiss Army Knife

Timeless classic! Now made with hardwood. Another gift that’s both for the him or for her!!

******

That’s all folks! I’ll try to get in a stocking stuffer post…but stay tuned…I’m hoping {giveaways} are next!!!

Happy Holidays from RYD!

RYD’s Favorite Things: Last Minute Gift Ideas for Her!

Only 8 days left till X-Mas!!! OMG!!! Forget 12…. it’s 8! That’s right, folks… if you haven’t started (like me, gasp!) then this green shopping guide is sure to help!

These are just a few green gifts ideas for that special green goddess in your life…

Her:

Soaptopia

I fell in love with Soaptopia when I happened to come across their booth at the Poppy Festival my town hosts each year. This little shop is based in Venice, Ca and believes that soap should be JUNK FREE! We here at RYD couldn’t agree more. Any woman in your life will love everything Soaptopia has to offer. I love their bath salts and bubbles (fun for the kids too!) So fall in love this season with Soaptopia!

Illuminated Perfume

Roxana Villa creates natural & pure botanical perfumes. Her perfumes are handcrafted with love and smell divine. I personally love the Sierra & Lyra scents. I love the classic & mythical style Roxana’s products/accessories exude. I always feel so uplifted when I’m wearing one of her perfumes. Ahhh!

Bungalow 360

This mod & hip online boutique has super cute totes, purses, wallets + more! I own a wallet with recycle symbols all over (which seems to be discontinued).  For every bag sold Bungalow 360 donates $2 to a local animal shelter. At Bungalow 360 they are “Earth Happy!”

Seatbelt purse

I dig this purse! A great way to upcycle seat belts. This purse is for those green gals liven’ in the fast lane!

Eco Yoga Mat by Lotus Pad

A yoga mat that will awaken your senses without all the toxic exposure. One of my resolutions for 2010 is too do more YOGA.

AndeanCollection

A beautiful fair trade collection of jewelry! The Andean Collection is an eco-fashion and fair trade company that uses all natural rainforest seeds to make beautiful jewelry pieces. The AC has just launched its latest autumn line of fashion forward, eco-friendly & fair-trade jewelry, and the new Fall 2009 collection features brand new stunning (and stunningly ethical) pieces by NYC designer, Amanda Judge, hand made by artisans in Ecuador, using environmentally friendly materials to create fashionable designs for our socially conscious supporters.

Misessence Lip Gloss

A lip gloss that I personally can’t live without! All natural, no chemicals and makes your lips feel lusciously soft.

Beanpod Candle

These soy wax candles rock!  I use them in my own home. A quality candle that lasts.

Eco Jot Stationary

Creative and conscience stationary with the funkiest and freshest designs! Made from 100% recycled paper. Plus stationary is acid free, chlorine free – inks are vegetable based and their packaging is corn based.

Madsen Cycles

The perfect eco mom ride!

Coco Zen Chocolate

Yummy organic fair trade chocolate  by a company who cares! I had the opportunity to review Joyce’s chocolate last X-Mas and trust me it’s GOOD.

Zoya Nail Polish

Toxin free nail polish! It’s one of my favorite eco polish brands. Tons of great colors to choose from…would make a great stocking stuffer!

A few more of my favorite things…

Canning set, grain grinder, organic kitchen tea towels,&  bamboo kitchen utensils

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Green Gift Guide for Him coming up shortly!    Was going to combine them but my favorite things list for her is bigger than I thought.

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