Applesauce

Here's a quick recipe tip: Substitute an equal amount of unsweetened organic applesauce for oil when baking. You'll want to reduce the amount of sugar too, as apples are naturally sweet. The result? Less fat, less refined sugar, a serving of fruit. Good Stuff!

Bargain Alert!

I found Flip and Tumble reusable bags on clearance at Caribou Coffee...just $4.50 each! I got three. :P

I love these bags. They have a flat bottom, unlike my Chico Bags, and a long enough strap to fling over a shoulder. I want more!

ETA: I should have been more clear...these were in my local Caribou Coffee store.

Blog Changes

You've no doubt noticed the new look of the blog. It's still a work in progress! One of the things I've added is a list of labels to make post-hunting easier if you're looking to read about a certain topic. I'm still going back and tagging all of my old posts. It's quite a task, but I should be finished in a couple of days. I hope you like this feature!

Farmers' Co-Op

I finally joined a local Farmer's Co-Op. I've been wanting to join for over a year, but didn't pull the trigger. I got an email last week offering $5 off the annual membership fee...it seemed like a sign. I'm really excited about it for several reasons.

1. The Goods

• Locally grown organic produce
• Eggs from happy chickens (until I get my own!)
• Honey, jams and more
• Locally raised, grass-fed meat
• Artisan breads and cheeses

2. All of the above delivered to a central location for pick up

3. "The Farmers' Pick"

• This is a pre-selected assortment of produce, based on current crops. It costs less than picking and choosing your own produce, but perhaps my favorite thing about it is that I don't pick. I'm excited about the prospect of a box of mystery fruits and veggies. I can't wait to see what I get and plan recipes accordingly. I think it will make all of us more adventurous in our eating. We've paid for the whole box, so I'll find ways to serve every healthy morsel!

The Farmers' Pick this week includes Lettuces, Florida Citrus, Swiss Chard, Sweet Potatoes, Snap Peas, Avocados, and Popcorn! I have three days to plan my menu before I pick up my box of goodies on Tuesday...Fun!

Happy New Year!

How are you resolving to be more "green?" Let's inspire each other!

The New Year 50 and Resolution

I got this great idea from my friend over at Valley Girl Has Baby, Goes Crunchy. The idea? Get rid of 50 things from your home between now and January first. Of course, try to keep them out of the landfill at the same time. Upcycle, recycle, donate. You'll start the year off right!


Who's with me?

I'm resolving to write one blog post a week. I really do miss the blog. Maybe I need to give it a new look to give me some motivation. What do you think?

A Vent

On Sunday, our air conditioning went out. It was horrible. It's just far too hot and humid right now to be without it. By the time it was fixed yesterday, it was nearly 90 degrees in our house. But that's not my vent. My complaint is with a/c repair dude.

Dude comes over, checks out the unit, and tells me the problem is that some sort of critter chewed the wires. He the proceeds to lecture me as I hold my near-two year old on one hip, carefully avoiding my enormous belly. The dog runs circles around us. Dude says,

"You know, you really need to have poison around the perimeter of your yard and in problem areas. In this case, it would have saved you $400."

Seriously, dude? We LIVE here. This is our YARD. Where our dog and kids will play. $400 saved at what cost?

I say, "I was just thinking I'd find something to encase and protect the wires. I'd rather not use poison."

Dude replies, "I guess that would work. But poison is very effective."

I couldn't believe it. Does he go from house to house with this recommendation? Do people listen? I plan to call the company today, now that I've cooled off, both physically and emotionally. Sure, I'm a bit crunchy, and I don't do poison. But this was an asinine suggestion to make to ANYONE, no?