tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56940502153551945152024-03-05T19:57:15.355-08:00RE-create your spaceJessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-35620494805749275592011-07-29T19:42:00.000-07:002011-07-29T20:05:40.851-07:00Soap Nuts: 100% safe Laundry & Dishwasher detergentToday I sought out to find a completely safe laundry & dish detergent through research and lots of internet searching. All this came about after reading through the first couple chapters of my new summer read "<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pollution-Inside-You-Rhonda-Donahue/dp/1884820964/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311983856&sr=8-1">The pollution inside you: what is your body dying to say?</a></i>" by Rhonda Donahue. She is a highly educated organic and naturopathic Doctor that has written a book about how and why our bodies react to all the chemicals and poisons of our everyday life. In the book she makes a list of the most toxic everyday household chemicals. There are too many to name but some that made it to the top of my "change immediately list" were laundry and dishwasher detergent, make-up, toothpaste, deodorant, and hair products. I plan on changing out all of these to an all natural alternative within a month or two. It wasn't her persuasive writing that had me wanting to make a lifestyle change, it was her extensive research on the problems and devastating diseases that the chemicals in our everyday hygiene products cause. It is most definitely an eye opening read and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in knowing what causes their health issues.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYi9ad6NyIYmfiSvbrU0EfNTwc_ESmidnIjw2woMIDMPM1t1Z3F7q1z34L2pMMlpG9PcJ9t8kl-0zYulpszFKPxbfch6KNteyOwHO0NmEJjzEbvUcrd8iYLwLFymhpOop47FoWRoj0-JE0/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYi9ad6NyIYmfiSvbrU0EfNTwc_ESmidnIjw2woMIDMPM1t1Z3F7q1z34L2pMMlpG9PcJ9t8kl-0zYulpszFKPxbfch6KNteyOwHO0NmEJjzEbvUcrd8iYLwLFymhpOop47FoWRoj0-JE0/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>On to the research! </div><div><br />
</div><div>So I got to thinking I need to look for a better detergent and read all the ingredients before I buy. ALL.. I mean ALL of them are chemically ridden. I went through every detergent (laundry and dish) and found not one without caustic chemicals listed. That includes seventh generation products which list their product as environmentally safe. Just because it's environmentally safe does not mean it's safe for our use. Which is kinda scary and sad. </div><div>Awhile back I saw a blog post about making your own detergents. I thought that had to be the way to go about this dilemma. It's better than store bought but not much. Most of the recipes call for; Washing Soda, Borax, Glycerin, and then a bar of plain soap (ivory, dial, Fels Naptha, ect.) which most likely contains lye and other chemicals. I read over the reviews and some readers were commenting on the caustic compounds of Borax, Washing Soda, and lye. It was enough to convince me that this was not the route I wanted. I kept thinking, there is got to be a way to naturally clean your clothes and not have the harmful chemical residues left in the fibers. I typed into google search: natural and safe laundry cleaning and the answer to my searching appeared! <a href="http://stores.buysoapnuts.com/StoreFront.bok">SOAP NUTS</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQbj8BIerNo2AiYiFcu-o0W29rBNPwZZewzgkccyYfYDLxrNhI86u4TMacNd3-o8B8OYrpXfc7kSVPINZKGvrnWWETohvW4Lu1jrv2PrCvcUzpQC9Dj9DFs3AuLbeJ_V6vxxbekGxxtFq/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQbj8BIerNo2AiYiFcu-o0W29rBNPwZZewzgkccyYfYDLxrNhI86u4TMacNd3-o8B8OYrpXfc7kSVPINZKGvrnWWETohvW4Lu1jrv2PrCvcUzpQC9Dj9DFs3AuLbeJ_V6vxxbekGxxtFq/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>Wikipedia explains: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><b><i><a href="http://www.buysoapnuts.com/index.html">Greener Living Soap Nuts</a></i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> is a </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>USDA certified</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>, </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>natural</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> and </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>eco-friendly</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>cleaning detergent</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> and </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>soap</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> founded by </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>Melfort</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>, </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>Saskatchewan</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> couple Erin and Matt Johnson that was featured on </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>CBC</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>'s </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>Dragons' Den</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> and received </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>capital</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> from Dragon </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>W. Brett Wilson</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> The </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>detergent</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> is a </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>green </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>alternative to </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>chemical</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> cleaners and can be used for </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>laundry</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> cleaning or used to make </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>green</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>dish</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> and </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>dishwasher detergent</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"><i> </i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>among many other uses, including using as a </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>natural</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>soap</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> to prevent </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>allergic reactions</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> or </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>shampoo</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> to fight dry </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>hair</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>, </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>dandruff</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i> and </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>lice</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><b><i>Greener Living Soap Nuts</i></b><i> are natural soap berries that the Johnsons have been importing from from South Asian counties like India and Nepal since 2008. They contain large quantities of saponin in their shells and as such, act as a natural detergent. The reason they are considered eco-friendly is not only because they are a natural resource but also because they are antimicrobial and biodegradable.</i></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><i>Used as natural soaps, they have also been known to cure eczema and psoriasis caused by chemicals in regular laundry detergent and since they are hypoallergenic, soap nuts do not harm the skin or trigger any allergic reactions.The soap nuts can also be used as shampoo to fight dandruff and lice, detoxify food, clean jewelry, among many other uses.</i></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">HALLELUJAH!!!</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is what I have been looking for....... well not exactly. I expected to find some recipe for a mixtures of baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and essential oils but this is better! Now, does it clean your clothes, does it leave a odor or take away odor for that matter...? </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The website says; "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="size12 Helvetica12" style="color: black; line-height: 18px; min-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>They are one of the best detergents to get rid of bad odors. Musty towels and wash cloths, even </i></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="size12 Helvetica12" style="color: black; line-height: 18px; min-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>cloth diapers</i></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="size12 Helvetica12" style="color: black; line-height: 18px; min-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>, come out smelling fresh and new. Stubborn stains, though, such as blood & red wine, require a stain remover to help the cleaning process. You can also use 1/2c. lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to help brighten your white clothes." </i></span></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">I'm convinced! And I know for a fact hydrogen peroxide and baking soda take blood and other stains out even the whitest whites...I have done it!</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">What is even more awesome about this company is that even if your a little skeptical and want to try them out first they offer a trial size for $1.69! I've placed my order for the trial size if you hadn't already assumed.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">I'll post bragging and boasting on this amazing natural cleaner in a later blog entry :)</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">There are many brands and consistency's you can get the soap nuts and all of them wash more loads than the usual laundry detergents and they cost less.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium0piK4Kqix8yYRqQfT8A58Uui-Jfc3DPlalI9tRM2K8FGvWHmlK0Q1Z5ct8RYtzAoyBZx_Rg0KQAIpojoww31-RjZgTJHgAZIPAOJUIf2Wx23-8NMTQgA9Tu1pu1b_xsu2fJ54ttfpPo/s1600/Slide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium0piK4Kqix8yYRqQfT8A58Uui-Jfc3DPlalI9tRM2K8FGvWHmlK0Q1Z5ct8RYtzAoyBZx_Rg0KQAIpojoww31-RjZgTJHgAZIPAOJUIf2Wx23-8NMTQgA9Tu1pu1b_xsu2fJ54ttfpPo/s400/Slide3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">A few other Blogs and Articles I found during my research post on soap nuts:</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.healthhomehappy.com/2010/02/all-natural-hypoallergenic-laundry-detergent-liquid-soapnuts.html">Healthy Home Happy: Compares reg. laundry detergent to Soap Nuts</a></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.oureverydayearth.com/soap-nuts/">Our Every Day Earth: Soap Nuts Washing post</a></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.pasadenahousewife.com/2008/05/03/soap-nuts/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pasadena House Wife</span></a></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></span></div></span></div></div></div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-35218636321666163732011-07-25T11:18:00.000-07:002011-07-25T11:18:55.828-07:00Office/Craft Room InspirationI was complaining today about how much I hate my office space and decided to start getting some fresh ideas for my future home. Since I'm renting right now there is only so much I can do to help the look and feel of the space, but I may make a few changes after some of these inspiration spaces!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this because of the natural light pouring into the space. I want to feel like i'm outside even if I have to be locked into the office for a couple hours. The design and decor is very "Pottery Barn" and for me is a little too mainstream but very organized which is a MUST for me!</td></tr>
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Organized craft space in a cottage style decor. I think I like the crisp bright whites and blues so your creativeness is focused on your task at hand and not the mustard or pink colored walls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is similar to how I have my sewing and craft space right now except mine is jam packed full of every kind of craft and art item you can imagine. Need more room!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/59201899_rTqqdxJB_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE THIS!! Love the Natural light, SKY LIGHTS!, the white walls and the organization. The style is a little to contemporary/traditional for me but it definitely works in the space!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artistic vibes and ecectic decor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/59350324_LlMZfShN_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found IT!!! This is perfect! Hardwood floors, dressers for storage, shelving annnnndd, NATURAL LIGHT.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
If you hadn't noticed my Office/ Craft room at the moment is severly lacking natural light. It's depressing. I never want to be in there because it feels like a dungeon.<br />
<br />
Santa, all I want for christmas is a craft room with NATURAL Light.....thanks<br />
Yours truely, <br />
JessieJessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-576892281048757582011-07-23T16:24:00.000-07:002011-07-23T16:24:33.669-07:00Summer Getaway: my family beach trip to Wrightsville Beach, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBph2qy47kEcDsPHVj2-QBO1NGRD9DYVy0PZlEvYlp3eCx7YVPZWMUKpiimr7I72E6Kc6oICX8YjftRzP5H52tZP_ZFVaO6VI1dNWHzLka2uHo3LSTGM-0d3W4VdZTI1YwfdAQIZ_WhwhX/s1600/Wrightsville+Post+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBph2qy47kEcDsPHVj2-QBO1NGRD9DYVy0PZlEvYlp3eCx7YVPZWMUKpiimr7I72E6Kc6oICX8YjftRzP5H52tZP_ZFVaO6VI1dNWHzLka2uHo3LSTGM-0d3W4VdZTI1YwfdAQIZ_WhwhX/s400/Wrightsville+Post+1.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Relaxation isn't so far off when you see clothes on a line blowing in the wind. Wrightsville beach has been my familys vacation spot for several years now and only this year did I realize why. This is a small, up and coming, atheletic, beautiful, and close knit community. You can wake up and walk or bike to the local coffee shop and get your brew and a burrito. There are plenty of boutique shops with the latest fashion trends which happend to be right next to the strip of watering holes of your choice. The beach's long beautiful white sand streaches into the cool blue green ocean where we have found sand dollars, sea shells and shipwreckage artifacts. The beach isn't too crowded and the water temperature is always perfect. We enjoyed venturing into wilmington and finding the local health food shops and eco boutiques around the end of the week when sunbathing was just too painful. The week went by too fast like usual but I managed to captured a few memories on the last couple days to share with my readers and family. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZEFp1s_Y3QGT6cuadeEN0NUIVeqYUbi4YNIb4cs-tAqwrLuPImzhUJ8RFOsKfXlhh0piXZFA_BQWiq2VHMFc8hvdd8Tq9uQds6sT3TIf1TpafIvOGNJLnriNDQJUZC2MxE0tHaPVYAFB/s1600/Wrightsville+Post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZEFp1s_Y3QGT6cuadeEN0NUIVeqYUbi4YNIb4cs-tAqwrLuPImzhUJ8RFOsKfXlhh0piXZFA_BQWiq2VHMFc8hvdd8Tq9uQds6sT3TIf1TpafIvOGNJLnriNDQJUZC2MxE0tHaPVYAFB/s400/Wrightsville+Post+2.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xAz_MYY_rcpNDpCxtxzqz0aKIu6SLYpgo1op3_i4By6jLzdzqyXVTpr1oCYfG3YiIZeNGENpjQxHETqZZ9cnUmd3D-df09rwmjdG0-86Vlx3F1UcDrclYbT4lPNAkAfrHMI6_SI7QrxM/s1600/Wrightsville+Post+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xAz_MYY_rcpNDpCxtxzqz0aKIu6SLYpgo1op3_i4By6jLzdzqyXVTpr1oCYfG3YiIZeNGENpjQxHETqZZ9cnUmd3D-df09rwmjdG0-86Vlx3F1UcDrclYbT4lPNAkAfrHMI6_SI7QrxM/s400/Wrightsville+Post+3.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVGVVeLg4vM6nBQXRRBfFgRsjpCxSKU59Z7CgZc1wr1dF7ctHiD73YAVCIBSG8f_85XTuXcE4_3zfq4h80tFw4zjR86BOtkFFDq1RQYPpsVKh5zw_Rg2fMv4BuKd3Nz3mE9_1P6udVWqK/s1600/Wrightsville+Post+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVGVVeLg4vM6nBQXRRBfFgRsjpCxSKU59Z7CgZc1wr1dF7ctHiD73YAVCIBSG8f_85XTuXcE4_3zfq4h80tFw4zjR86BOtkFFDq1RQYPpsVKh5zw_Rg2fMv4BuKd3Nz3mE9_1P6udVWqK/s400/Wrightsville+Post+4.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the Hunny</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwefPqI15Oa973-5FvqwvPH1NhzYMQA2LO3MT2Rhd3SpKpmZhone2bf_cy1syFyVAbO2wr6vAEeEdebbkJ4hKgrMYREp2CSifAC3g51n3UAKh-yNr6yVjiJxXSW-Xi_6VjnZm9CZ-WvmPg/s1600/Wrightsville+Post+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwefPqI15Oa973-5FvqwvPH1NhzYMQA2LO3MT2Rhd3SpKpmZhone2bf_cy1syFyVAbO2wr6vAEeEdebbkJ4hKgrMYREp2CSifAC3g51n3UAKh-yNr6yVjiJxXSW-Xi_6VjnZm9CZ-WvmPg/s400/Wrightsville+Post+5.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few photos of the Family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-10948448866921534622011-07-14T09:10:00.000-07:002011-07-14T09:14:03.966-07:00In a White Room..... Inspiration: PUREHere is some clean inspiration for the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl0hulwV0EeVbwuWnfIGTKAOodZoyIiCYq1tnFArHzSjA9HPgcGzQI7I2Uzz-h9BC8DZiD69ta8NqOa2lmpUO1wvDl1TOIK2zT1_BFs3bh2xWuDPsWHJzryJtVOP88NMzhXT4pzAmfGKT/s1600/Blog+white+style+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl0hulwV0EeVbwuWnfIGTKAOodZoyIiCYq1tnFArHzSjA9HPgcGzQI7I2Uzz-h9BC8DZiD69ta8NqOa2lmpUO1wvDl1TOIK2zT1_BFs3bh2xWuDPsWHJzryJtVOP88NMzhXT4pzAmfGKT/s400/Blog+white+style+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPweodIQJjUYpp2qWksJzCn6neA6Pto4wH6vedupbqDG4qfY42D63PeKtSy-rb77-3GJ3UzhvTtpK3-Sk-6E6xvI83ptDQwbalN0khfWUa0wB_ioB8xubbHG_DZrurlRDhJYlQFvsQNTD/s1600/Blog+white+style+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPweodIQJjUYpp2qWksJzCn6neA6Pto4wH6vedupbqDG4qfY42D63PeKtSy-rb77-3GJ3UzhvTtpK3-Sk-6E6xvI83ptDQwbalN0khfWUa0wB_ioB8xubbHG_DZrurlRDhJYlQFvsQNTD/s400/Blog+white+style+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-61595645951198928942011-07-11T19:24:00.000-07:002011-07-11T19:44:31.393-07:00Mid Summer Harvest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhh-UVdpYCwkuiKhL6JtmlumDOUCGdRo0hyphenhyphenVeFmgkug1te-4-cGlnu6p0q1guI5Az_EF7SbEz_fm3HT0QE80udHCfWy2SyH-1IJvxCif_ro1pVmaB4J2jwW17TOm0b65Qa1XY4g3Y163g/s1600/Basil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhh-UVdpYCwkuiKhL6JtmlumDOUCGdRo0hyphenhyphenVeFmgkug1te-4-cGlnu6p0q1guI5Az_EF7SbEz_fm3HT0QE80udHCfWy2SyH-1IJvxCif_ro1pVmaB4J2jwW17TOm0b65Qa1XY4g3Y163g/s400/Basil.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpo2qAStWAgTgmiEUn61p5fesHxZadX5KsbtHKo_cYHyJzW4nPry-wQ9WPtF2VlbYo7pG2BA7oR0D81d3a7-WK0bFf0fLUtmprxrVxIxhJ6sNiiOMyMUyrwYx0MDGPvkIg3vOJGW1T1qy/s1600/Bluebottle+pink+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpo2qAStWAgTgmiEUn61p5fesHxZadX5KsbtHKo_cYHyJzW4nPry-wQ9WPtF2VlbYo7pG2BA7oR0D81d3a7-WK0bFf0fLUtmprxrVxIxhJ6sNiiOMyMUyrwYx0MDGPvkIg3vOJGW1T1qy/s400/Bluebottle+pink+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7fffWiTxtrjtMU7Dy2jJnnd-8PNxCuxHP0c6ptsPmxd9CUoDDXaeDITOg43q0VTmFs2dvZKSqYsxt2bW_gITrs3kCOtLxNNi6v3fe6j1Su8wrhO1pIx63y-_f-dsl9UM1Spft_Z5k1OZ/s1600/Pink+Zinnia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7fffWiTxtrjtMU7Dy2jJnnd-8PNxCuxHP0c6ptsPmxd9CUoDDXaeDITOg43q0VTmFs2dvZKSqYsxt2bW_gITrs3kCOtLxNNi6v3fe6j1Su8wrhO1pIx63y-_f-dsl9UM1Spft_Z5k1OZ/s400/Pink+Zinnia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-78004702041995583332011-06-08T11:32:00.000-07:002011-06-08T11:32:57.912-07:00Kanelstrand blog: Raw and Repurposed GiveawayCHECK OUT THE AWESOME GIVEAWAY AT KANELSTRAND BLOG!<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/2011/06/raw-and-repurposed-giveaway.html?spref=bl">Kanelstrand blog: Raw and Repurposed Giveaway</a>: "This week I am thrilled to announce a very RE(using), RE(purposing) and RE(cycling) giveaway, sponsored by Jessie from Raw & Repurposed ! If..."Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-7357756370389721942011-05-26T21:42:00.000-07:002011-07-11T19:06:43.560-07:00Memorial Day Cool Down: Organic Ice Cream Style<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing says "Hello Summer" like Organic Homemade Ice Cream! I decided to go outside the box, stray from the norm, not be a square, haha and try some very different ice cream recipes. I was wanting a light and refreshing taste but rich texture and I found the motherload recipes. Check them out!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">LEMON VERBENA & LAVENDER ICE CREAM</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_Cb2HBJ0tEkI9l18sHrbHhlEko9gOLdTud-Tg4OQVPnYdoYwEWk-ndYx_gLhY3VB9NoW3ryZLW9KgK9wGMFFjHMSLhRGviW22X5wuBQaDVHc44mvXuDHm1jxKtRteqmqklUY7WUeJ9l0/s1600/lemon-verbena-lavender-ice-cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_Cb2HBJ0tEkI9l18sHrbHhlEko9gOLdTud-Tg4OQVPnYdoYwEWk-ndYx_gLhY3VB9NoW3ryZLW9KgK9wGMFFjHMSLhRGviW22X5wuBQaDVHc44mvXuDHm1jxKtRteqmqklUY7WUeJ9l0/s400/lemon-verbena-lavender-ice-cream.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
3/4 cup granulated organic sugar<br />
2 Tbls granulated organic sugar for egg mixture<br />
1/2 cup of fresh organic lemon verbena leaves packed (if you can't find fresh lemon verbena, use the zest of 2 </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/fruits/lemons.html"><span style="color: #417f3c; font-size: small;">lemons</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">)<br />
1/8 cup fresh organic lavender <br />
2 cups whole organic milk<br />
2 cups heavy organic cream<br />
8 egg organic yolks<br />
sprigs of fresh organic lavender and lemon verbena for garnish<br />
<strong>Method:</strong><br />
In a medium saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar, lemon verbena leaves, lavender, milk and cream. Bring to a boil and steep for 20 minutes covered. If it steeps any longer than this the lavender can be too powerful and give the ice cream a perfumey taste. Strain into another bowl. Whisk together egg yolks and 2tbls sugar.<br />
Whisk one cup of hot cream into egg mixture. Slowly whisk in new mixture to sauce pan with remaining milk. Stir constantly over low heat until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.<br />
Immediately remove from heat and cool in an ice water bath or refrigerator until completely cool. Strain. Add the mixture to the electric ice cream maker. Process according to the manufacturers' directions.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also substituted lemon balm leaves for lemon verbena and then just added a little lemon zest. Absolutely AMAZING!! The next two I am DYING to make! I have had the green tea ice cream before and loved it!! I have to remember to order the Matcha because I cannot find it in any of the stores around me. I am reposting the Green Tea Ice Cream recipe and pictures from another blog: <a href="http://elinluv.blogspot.com/2009/02/green-tea-ice-cream.html">Elinluv's Corner Tidbits</a>. Thanks for the great recipe!</span></span></span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">ORGANIC GREEN TEA ICE CREAM</span></div><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305795486539085906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0Q-NGs2wK4CVAgQnlgB1WprPcAWS7HtrnePj0d9oASZ0mSPrypT-ACHh90rHS5Is8vBfA58cMdIL88T7uCcLOahBEcYk7b4TlUhyQjPqtgkNnxxHbLEmDZZzEYYfXUkzNIsDuR29-mI/s400/green-tea-ice-cream-3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400" /></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Ingredients:<br />
<br />
1.5 cups milk<br />
4 egg yolks<br />
9 tbsp sugar<br />
1.5 cups heavy cream<br />
2.5 tbsp maccha green tea powder<br />
6 tbsp hot water<br />
<br />
Method:<br />
<br />
Mix hot water and green tea powder together in a bowl and set aside. Lightly whisk egg yolks in a pan. Add sugar in the pan and mix well. Gradually add milk in the pan and mix well. Put the pan on low heat and heat the mixture, stirring constantly.</span></span><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">When the mixture is thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Soak the bottom of the pan in ice water and cool the mixture. Add green tea in the egg mixture and mix well, cooling in ice water. Add whipped heavy cream in the mixture and stir gently. Pour the mixture in an ice cream maker and freeze, following instructions of the ice cream maker. Or, pour the mixture in a container and freeze, stirring the ice cream a few times if not using an ice cream maker.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I am definitely making this recipe tomorrow night! Rhubarb & Strawberry's are both in season right now and easy to find. It's a wonderful toast to the spring season bounty!</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">ORGANIC STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB ICE CREAM</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img height="400" id="il_fi" src="http://www.delish.com/cm/delish/images/4b/rhubarb-strawberry-ice-cream-rb0607-xl-54341059.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></div><div class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="amount">1<span class="value-title" title="1 pound(s)"></span></span> <span class="unit">pound(s) </span><span class="name">fresh rhubarb</span>, tops trimmed, cut into 3/4-inch pieces</span></span></div><div class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="amount">1<span class="value-title" title="1 cup(s)"></span></span> <span class="unit">cup(s) </span><span class="name">sugar</span>, divided</span></span></div><div class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="amount">1<span class="value-title" title="1 pound(s)"></span></span> <span class="unit">pound(s) </span><span class="name">frozen strawberries</span></span></span></div><div class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="amount">1<span class="value-title" title="1 tablespoon(s)"></span></span> <span class="unit">tablespoon(s) </span><span class="name">fresh lemon juice</span></span></span></div><div class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="amount">3/4</span> <span class="unit">cup(s) </span><span class="name">heavy cream</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="header" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="header" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">Directions:</span></div><ol class="directions instructions"><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">In a large saucepan, combine rhubarb and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer until rhubarb is very soft and forms a sauce, 6 to 8 minutes. Pour into a bowl; refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">In a food processor, combine frozen strawberries, the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon juice. Process strawberries until finely chopped but still frozen. With motor running, pour in cream. Process until creamy but still frozen, scraping frequently. Spoon ice cream into a large bowl. Fold in rhubarb sauce just until combined, with streaks of rhubarb remaining. Freeze until firm, 2 hours or overnight. If frozen overnight, let stand at room temperature 15 minutes, or until soft enough to scoop.</span></div></li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FOLKS!</span></div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-70437849173409131892011-04-19T17:43:00.000-07:002011-04-19T20:43:40.570-07:00I GOT WORMS!: My Composting DiariesI grew up composting & gardening out on the family farm. With a 7 person family we created alot of food scraps My mom experimented with different composting techniques over the years and through it all taught me alot about the brake down of waste. After graduating college, moving to the beach and settling in with my fiance', we began our own little garden & container planting. Our first year was a very amateur attempt at it all. I felt like I had forgotten alot of what I grew up doing. After talking over my mistakes and losses with my parents, listening to their advice and then doing lots of re-educating on new and old ways to garden I felt ready for the spring season! The soil where I live is sandy, so when it rains the water runs through the soil quickly and leaches any nutrients that might have been there. So last spring we bought TONS of bagged hummus, manure, and compost and rented a tiller to blend it all into the garden. We dug a hole in a corner of the garden and started a small compost pile. It was incorrect and was not meant to be permanent but due to lack of time it ended up being the compost pile for that year. I had planned out where plants would go according to their light and water needs and was little more educated than the year before. So last years crop was better but I was still having to use miracle grow and fertilizers to get my plants to produce. We had some losses (squash, cucumber, watermelon, broccoli, sweet potatoes, corn) but also had some gains (Tomatoes, Okra, Beans, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, herbs).<br />
<br />
This year I AM READY! I have planned out my fruit and veggie locations better, we have built 3 raised garden beds for the plants that needed more sunlight and space and have finally built a better compost bin. The garden that was built by previous renters behind the house didn't give some of the plants enough light.<br />
<br />
Because I have been trying to eat organically I want to try and garden that way as well. That means organic seeds and no artificial fertilizers! I can DO IT! Using compost!<br />
The compost scraps that had broken down in my previous pile I mixed in with old potting soil. Oh, did I mention I don't throw anything out?? I keep all my old potting soil because it can be re nourished and used again. I use my rejuvenated potting mix for starting my seeds and I remembered something my mom had done back on the farm with her flower beds and thought I'd try it out on my dying Hydrangeas. Back in March I dug a hole about 2 feet down in the location where I wanted to plant my hydrangea. First I threw in some rocks, then fresh compost, then my newly enriched potting mix and then finally planted the hydrangea and filled in around it with enriched potting mix and left over soil. The plant roots want to grow toward the nutrients and the rocks provides good drainage. A month later and I have a fully green and bushy hydrangea plant that will possibly flower this year!<br />
<br />
All my gardening done this year has been on budget. We recently found someone on craigslist selling almost $200 of lumber for $20. We felt very proud that we had re-used old lumber to build 3 raised garden beds and for very cheap! I knew I also was going to need more compost and fertilizer for the upcoming garden planting but was searching for a cheaper and more organic way. Intro WORM COMPOSTING or Vermicomposting as professionals call it :)<br />
<br />
After doing lots of research I found that worm composting was the most effective & best way to get fresh fertilizer and compost. What makes the fertilizer so rich is the worm castings or worm poop. They eat their weight of kitchen scraps, yard clippings, shredded newspapers, ect. everyday and create a nutrient rich fertilizer! So awesome how nature works. I read that 2,000 worms can go through a lb. of food a day! When they are working (eating) they reproduce rather rapidly and I could have grandchildren to the first worms I put in my bin in 3 months!! So, I bought 2,000 worms from <a href="http://www.unclejimswormfarm.com/">Uncle Jims Worm Farm.</a> and began getting their bedding ready.<br />
<br />
The bedding the most important part of vermicomposting and if the conditions aren't right for the worms they could die or try and wiggle out. I wanted be sure to do it right so I wasn't wasting money and killing worms for nothing. <br />
<br />
To prep for their arrival I bought a large plastic tub with the lid and cut out 1/2" holes all over the bottom, sides and top of lid. Then I hot glued regular screening to the sides and bottom so the worms couldn't get out but still had enough air to ventilate their bedding. I shredded newspaper into thin strips which will go on the bottom of the container and be the worms bedding. It doesn't have to be newspaper. It could be leaves, pine needles, old potting soil, lawn clippings ect. anything that is fluffy and brakes down well. It just needs to be shredded finely so it's easier for the worms to brake down.<br />
<br />
I GOT WORMS!<br />
They came in dry peat moss and were very small and skinny. Because they travel a couple days in the mail they lose 70% of their weight and are starving and ready to be fed as soon they arrive. I was ready to put the work so it's good they were hungry.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79JoBBQ_RWTZrv5sFNtLv-_tHEJwFUKtvKhsDLN3XCe517xZkyljGtqqJAeZO5IY_qWgWhKQZpWMde2ANUznS0xa6TzWqCmiMSSdgujkS4HSRybtcVupX2x4dnwmr-ryhUE02aXcBgWl_/s1600/DSC_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79JoBBQ_RWTZrv5sFNtLv-_tHEJwFUKtvKhsDLN3XCe517xZkyljGtqqJAeZO5IY_qWgWhKQZpWMde2ANUznS0xa6TzWqCmiMSSdgujkS4HSRybtcVupX2x4dnwmr-ryhUE02aXcBgWl_/s640/DSC_2907.JPG" width="427" /></a></div><br />
I put the shredded paper in the bottom and sprayed water and tossed it until it was damp. I did make a mistake here that I corrected later. I read later on that you should ring out the newspaper until you only get a few drops from it. Worms like moist environments, not soaking wet ones. Kinda like when it rains hard and then the next day you see worms all over the sidewalk. They are trying to escape the water. I made the mistake of soaking the newspaper and then adding all the rest of the layers and then hours later my worms were trying to wiggle out! If this happens just add a substantial amount of dry material; dirt, leaves, more newspaper, ect. and then leave the top off. The worms will wiggle to the dry materials and wait for better conditions below.<br />
<br />
* I read later that it is better to add the worms to the newspaper then put food scraps on top of them..I think either way will work.<br />
<br />
Next you put the food scraps you've collect from the week or past days. These can be moist or wet but food chunks need to be cut in small pieces. So bigger things like corn cobs or pineapple cores need to be cut up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNk4pXXpMfKpI4c9plgGui9eY55bEyyrTiL8p-bbhfEy5tqASH8Us1T9HfSArMt-n-b1s63jhNOfz0-6hkKjjXVrpadmpxWqN_0WF1izWZHIluQSljEkBwycQw3PykZrAS7DGVmb1EkyFX/s1600/DSC_2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNk4pXXpMfKpI4c9plgGui9eY55bEyyrTiL8p-bbhfEy5tqASH8Us1T9HfSArMt-n-b1s63jhNOfz0-6hkKjjXVrpadmpxWqN_0WF1izWZHIluQSljEkBwycQw3PykZrAS7DGVmb1EkyFX/s640/DSC_2908.JPG" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then I lightly added a thin layer of potting mix/soil to soak up too much moisture caused by the food scraps. and put the worms right on top.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb9qalnt0KjlgKOTPX1-_spkcI4BezDGhJbczOtAye5cLEuEuy9_vuZyjq0IHRgKLCd1lirWe3HppJlZFxr-Gi7dP9mYnqadn-4I06k6FYOLxLH-wCCLraKK23cBZjWekA8oiVn2pdinA/s1600/DSC_2910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb9qalnt0KjlgKOTPX1-_spkcI4BezDGhJbczOtAye5cLEuEuy9_vuZyjq0IHRgKLCd1lirWe3HppJlZFxr-Gi7dP9mYnqadn-4I06k6FYOLxLH-wCCLraKK23cBZjWekA8oiVn2pdinA/s640/DSC_2910.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXgQ2FI4BniW9_oZ3g5KRqjkMkYUUmSgPYkuXYa8EoEvQqNnTOxH1hyIwzVRanjQ1HwPLpg3SNFV5_-qUIJOIAzoBHPizmBlCxsYcV9a_BqR13E90s9kcG0cdUg7Dhtu2ZcAtsU3B6ou7/s1600/DSC_2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXgQ2FI4BniW9_oZ3g5KRqjkMkYUUmSgPYkuXYa8EoEvQqNnTOxH1hyIwzVRanjQ1HwPLpg3SNFV5_-qUIJOIAzoBHPizmBlCxsYcV9a_BqR13E90s9kcG0cdUg7Dhtu2ZcAtsU3B6ou7/s640/DSC_2911.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These hungry worms are getting right to work! Look at that worm ball to the left!! Holy Worms!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then I added a thick layer of damp shredded newspaper over the worms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAao5XYJjFmtlYOXjxshfzxViPHBx3KRn5s3zEwp5-i7dncy_vURp4r6Le74ktfpDhfl1iQ1DAYEfYmSRWwTzylhsEuVMiVPNsGnDEP4huWFaLaP1nSz9AZuWk0wQ-gSbs8LNIcb3ZQ0O/s1600/DSC_2913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAao5XYJjFmtlYOXjxshfzxViPHBx3KRn5s3zEwp5-i7dncy_vURp4r6Le74ktfpDhfl1iQ1DAYEfYmSRWwTzylhsEuVMiVPNsGnDEP4huWFaLaP1nSz9AZuWk0wQ-gSbs8LNIcb3ZQ0O/s640/DSC_2913.JPG" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then closed the lid and placed it into another bin that has support in the bottom so the worm draining or worm tea as some call it will be caught in the bin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81qVGpy4dP6qd9rn0Io412w-tXOLSV9XzhEB0eeHWzqEIDMZxoDVsyp0isogzuOlqfWDDvtRBi-M-M1jTl0nS9iSZpt3EpyyQ4s6M0-b_XTxil8fu6xGATqURo1FLDWskHzB72e2gYnP2/s1600/DSC_2915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81qVGpy4dP6qd9rn0Io412w-tXOLSV9XzhEB0eeHWzqEIDMZxoDVsyp0isogzuOlqfWDDvtRBi-M-M1jTl0nS9iSZpt3EpyyQ4s6M0-b_XTxil8fu6xGATqURo1FLDWskHzB72e2gYnP2/s640/DSC_2915.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwlCBWADnDI_UHpdM-Y_yefmHMsJpZVwqGw8OnCtEaJPRY-pjKv0bk3apm4-taTENLatcnunQqxbVJgNPLBG_NqFfjkbea82RTDjyvMmX1NSQE3R7FrE8oXptIg4_siwqh4fRN9i3e0GZ/s1600/DSC_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwlCBWADnDI_UHpdM-Y_yefmHMsJpZVwqGw8OnCtEaJPRY-pjKv0bk3apm4-taTENLatcnunQqxbVJgNPLBG_NqFfjkbea82RTDjyvMmX1NSQE3R7FrE8oXptIg4_siwqh4fRN9i3e0GZ/s640/DSC_2914.JPG" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I stuck it in a cool temp. place outside that doesn't get alot of light. You can keep them in your home or garage because they DO NOT SMELL! Will post updates on the worms and how their liking their new home. Then of course the next step is harvesting the compost!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a few sites I used to get started.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.journeytoforever.org/compost_worm.html">Vermicomposting: Journey to Forver Organic </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h/h-164.pdf">Vermicomposting Info from College Of Agriculture in New Mexico</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/03/build-your-own-worm-bin.php">How to Start Vermicomposting</a> : Informative and hilarious video in this link on two guys making their worm bin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is my newly built composting bin! Full to the brim.. I told my neighbor he was welcome to put his lawn trimmings and leaves in the compost box....Well he literally filled it to the top!! I had food scraps and some trimmings that came up to the second board and the rest was his! I know it will not decompose like this so I'm gonna have to figure out what to do with all those trimmings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilm4DZQMccZvrAfuYWqi06QsTqW3AGZ00Rt4HMmXt9UTHdRifzQUWt7b5-RyuISbRaCu6qY0whaBwLf8s9Lv3XVvyIC4vKKhpWiEnnKZgg1Ud9zT0q3S-DQZ-jtP-faY16zmhfOeHSTAGE/s1600/DSC_2916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilm4DZQMccZvrAfuYWqi06QsTqW3AGZ00Rt4HMmXt9UTHdRifzQUWt7b5-RyuISbRaCu6qY0whaBwLf8s9Lv3XVvyIC4vKKhpWiEnnKZgg1Ud9zT0q3S-DQZ-jtP-faY16zmhfOeHSTAGE/s640/DSC_2916.JPG" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm so glad to finally have good ways to decompose and use our waste to our advantage. Next on the list: RAIN BARREL! It will definitely be a future post for sure!</div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-29112443282651442172011-04-10T09:25:00.000-07:002011-04-10T09:25:59.130-07:00Sunday Morning BreakfastA couple weeks ago we had some good friends move in within us for a couple months to save money for road tripping travels in their RV. They are an amazing couple, completely whole heartedly the sweetest people I know. Both are massage therapist and yoga instructors. They eat organicly and believe in being good servants to this earth. It has been amazing having them here. I am learning from them just as much as they are learning from us. This morning I am typing away at the computer and ejoying hear the birds sing from the open window next to me and my wonderful roomate John brings me plate of mini buckwheat pancakes with fresh strawberrys and organic maple syrup and the sight of it just sent joy through my body. It was so beautiful I just had to take a picture! Then his wife Astrud brings me a wonderfully refreshing and healthy smoothie made with spinach, celery, hazelnuts, almonds, apple, orange, banana, flax seed, greek yougurt, honey, distilled water, and brown rice powder. All ingredients are put in whole, meaning no seeds or skin is removed, they help your digestion and health. I am too lucky to be blessed with such wonderful friends.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpOq4OydLtzJxcWvf7pYqa-R7z8SvzwDVA8RwUTRfAnhvq8pNNmn6y-9OYT6EtbTxrmJbMvTZ0bqwZRfYxWwIQ_EsjgBq1D-VD_T5L4fZNvkDTBt53T6uz6g26Xj9VadIl0uDExKRV2kC/s1600/DSC_2894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpOq4OydLtzJxcWvf7pYqa-R7z8SvzwDVA8RwUTRfAnhvq8pNNmn6y-9OYT6EtbTxrmJbMvTZ0bqwZRfYxWwIQ_EsjgBq1D-VD_T5L4fZNvkDTBt53T6uz6g26Xj9VadIl0uDExKRV2kC/s640/DSC_2894.JPG" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I devoured the smoothie before I could get a picture and it was deliciuos! She was telling me all about these books where she gets the recipes and what each ingredient in the smoothie does to help your body. I of course have been nose deep in the books since she brought them in the house and want to share them with you. The title is "Conquering ANY Disease" and that is exactly what happens if you follow the simple high-phytochemical food healing diet. The author writes of healing people with all types of cancers, alzheimers, liver diseases, arthritis, diabetes, common cold and flu and many many others. They are being healed by eating high amounts of the right foods that their body has been defiicient of. And of course making sure all the fruits and veggies you consume are organic or farm grown so that your not thinking your healing yourself but inadvertently harming yourself with pesticide chemicals and fertilizers. I would Highly HIGHLY reccomend these books to anyone whos suffering or anyone who knows someone who is suffering from diseases and supposedly incurable health conditions. In the note from the Author there is a quote at the top:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"And God said "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is a tree yeilding seed; to you it shall be for meat."-Genesis Verse 1:29</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="359" id="il_fi" src="http://www.fiveringswellness.com/Food%20Based%20Healing/Book_Conquering_any_Disease.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="409" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.qirevolution.com/Products_files/Smoothie_New_270pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" id="il_fi" src="http://www.qirevolution.com/Products_files/Smoothie_New_270pix.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These books are not cheap. On Amazon the top pictured red book is going for $65 and the bottom I can only find in hardcover on Amazon for $159. My friends got the books through herbalist and massage therapist friends. Either way I plan on getting the books because they are THAT informative. I hope this inspires you to do some research and check the books! Here are the Amazon links. Have a beautiful Sunday.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_33?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=smoothie+formulas+by+jeff+primack&sprefix=smoothie+formulas+by+jeff+primack">Conquering Any Disease</a></div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-57268358882629068932011-03-24T15:14:00.000-07:002011-03-24T16:00:19.094-07:00Reusable Thursday: Baggies & Meal ContainersI recently went on STRIKE against plastic baggies. Everything from sandwhich bags to grocery bags to the plastic bags bread is stored in. I will not buy plastic sandwich, snack, or gallon baggies anymore but they were replaced with a better options for storing food for travel. Today I'm featuring a few reusable baggie's that are practical, save you money and save our EARTH from being littered with plastic baggies!<br />
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So the natural look is always a favorite of mine and these are a few I absolutely LOVE. Not to "dis" the other fabrics...it's just a personal preference. These were all found on wonderful ETSY. All the reusable sandwhich bags are washable and can be found with coated/non coated nylon or cotton inside liners. They close shut with velcro, zippers, wrap-up or folding methods. Use them and abuse them because you can always throw them in the washer or dish washer and hang or toss dry. Each photo has a number which corresponds to the creators link below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1qW_jro22WNTGJIhaas0gChuScrAuS_KAtxOKFn4RFfKkfaT1wQas-CN6eiVDZaohmHRKjDUksGtkv4k7Td2ZT4fZKiWEeYHJwyy-w3PIYSIWQQuY-i6Ft1ItzXuG0zJ4XplAcXoWnRc/s1600/Reusable+Baggie+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1qW_jro22WNTGJIhaas0gChuScrAuS_KAtxOKFn4RFfKkfaT1wQas-CN6eiVDZaohmHRKjDUksGtkv4k7Td2ZT4fZKiWEeYHJwyy-w3PIYSIWQQuY-i6Ft1ItzXuG0zJ4XplAcXoWnRc/s400/Reusable+Baggie+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HarrietsHaven?ref=seller_info">HarrietsHaven</a> 2. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BebelooshMini?ref=pr_shop_more">BebelooshMini</a> 3. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Bagitconscious?ref=seller_info">Bagitconsious</a> 4. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MySunshineDesigns?ref=seller_info">MySunshineDesigns</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So here are some different styles with cool colors & patterns for reusable sandwhich baggies. Love all of them!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJP8dCYdgtvU7kp-M9pKub6guvChPuwPq0ssHuPzSlwbcgyIT7bvWPkOzlSOkWKZwmOj-tF2JYnZ7iZvdQQS0k8h4CSfrlJk4pC0Vn1mqmpBKtKivfUN2FpbcqGjMmMKz6fIESfnO608ts/s1600/Reusable+Baggie+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJP8dCYdgtvU7kp-M9pKub6guvChPuwPq0ssHuPzSlwbcgyIT7bvWPkOzlSOkWKZwmOj-tF2JYnZ7iZvdQQS0k8h4CSfrlJk4pC0Vn1mqmpBKtKivfUN2FpbcqGjMmMKz6fIESfnO608ts/s400/Reusable+Baggie+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bleuroo?ref=pr_shop_more">Bleuroo</a> 6.<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveForEarth?ref=seller_info">LoveForEarth</a> 7. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/yulco?ref=seller_info">Yulco</a> 8.<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/roundbottombaby?ref=seller_info">roundbottombaby</a> 9. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cottontopquilts?ref=seller_info">Cottontopquilts</a> 10. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bugbabydesigns?ref=seller_info">Bugbabydesigns</a> 11. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mamamade?ref=seller_info">Mamamade</a> 12.<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/UldeYrth?ref=pr_shop_more">UldeYrth</a> 13. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/blota?ref=pr_shop_more">Blota</a> 14. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CelesteBlakeDesigns?ref=seller_info">CelesteBlakeDesigns</a></div><br />
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<div align="center">Taking lunch sack back to it's original meaning but with a new school flair. Awesome creativity and earth consciousness went into the making of these. Great Job All!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlVtdmttXTrwoPUyLX9CkwLtOrKnDeXBqANn_elhVJszzQdT20lpMWWiBqH6Uo0z34YpSnUfQRvTyUqB-2jTcAQA6LymfIHYH6-vn812kjdypl-7xNBnk6ePQb9_tQEuHba3OmHQ_Vt8W/s1600/Reusable+Baggie+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlVtdmttXTrwoPUyLX9CkwLtOrKnDeXBqANn_elhVJszzQdT20lpMWWiBqH6Uo0z34YpSnUfQRvTyUqB-2jTcAQA6LymfIHYH6-vn812kjdypl-7xNBnk6ePQb9_tQEuHba3OmHQ_Vt8W/s400/Reusable+Baggie+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JBworld?ref=seller_info">JBworld</a> 2. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/uhreusable?ga_search_query=reusable+lunch+box&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Uhreusable</a> 3. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bunnywhipped?ref=seller_info">Bunnywhipped</a> 4. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BebelooshMini">BebelooshMini</a> 5. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/offthebeatenpath?ref=seller_info">Offthebeatenpath</a> 6. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/zenthreads?ref=pr_shop_more">ZenThreads</a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">So I know EVERYONE and their mother's baby brother has a reusable grocery bag. If you don't....Do you live under a rock?! They sell them or give them away at most grocery stores and now you get them in local shops, marathons, giveaways, ect. It's hard not to own one of these handy little bags. Buuuuuut i thought I would feature some UNIQUE Reusable Upcycled Grocery Bags for "Resuable Thursday". Also you can now find reusable producebags and loose nuts/granola baggies so you don't have to use & waste those thin green produce bags. The key to remembering to use them and take them in the store in keeping them on you or in the car in the front seat. Don't feel to bad if you've forgotten, I have too, but I usually tell an associate to watch my cart before check out so I can run out and grab my bags :) </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><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/AVvXsEid07yE0CEnPa5h1P8LwsUmUr4hc_OnxVDssH8-awUYXkjdYETl_BZXaquxSWeZvcyVjF72sx5WZBrNDnRvWs70jbG8s19OfJYD_7yVjV4w4FypUNrORnpmvxW87ibm6WIIK0YcsQPSdfW5/s1600/Reusable+Upcycled+Grocery+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid07yE0CEnPa5h1P8LwsUmUr4hc_OnxVDssH8-awUYXkjdYETl_BZXaquxSWeZvcyVjF72sx5WZBrNDnRvWs70jbG8s19OfJYD_7yVjV4w4FypUNrORnpmvxW87ibm6WIIK0YcsQPSdfW5/s400/Reusable+Upcycled+Grocery+bags.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>1. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NorthStBags">NorthStBags</a> 2. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sarakaycow">sarakaycow</a> 3.<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RaspberryLatte">RaspberryLatte</a> 4.<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JorjaLily">JorjaLily</a> 5. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelsodoesntdance?ref=pr_shop_more">kelsodoesntdance</a> 6. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wonderthunder">wonderthunder</a><br />
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I discovered some creative people taking plastic bread bags and other plastic bags and turning it into yarn or "plarn" and making all kinds of things from it! That will definitley be a feature soon!! Have a Happy Thursday!Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-73208690617092904212011-03-01T18:09:00.000-08:002011-03-01T19:19:44.648-08:00Ecodisiac: handmade earth friendly items that make you feel good<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhVzEv62-Qg-grcdY4qiy64sFU_qCLDWLWR1B_kOrboMtTYz_oZba4XaUSChYhL8azyVucpgjoT42bhUppkJNrUbZCWGIZCaH8sLt327zf5eyjRG9CzEUe1r0zOsw8qbw_O5OJJ-BmoLA/s400/Chrysanthemum+Pillow+slide.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1z3W_FXAc9J7C0JZda3X64kFsS7eWTYNPgy67A9xPMEpsNHaLHPrnilB6cBKWBi9l6RQWqeX74W1XLcF0lwfPJzqCoU0AU3bmwXA4VZDSpSVK2FoEYssX8CSnpIOtbh9T4wwkDogy2mmB/s1600/Seaside+Scalloped+pillow+slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1z3W_FXAc9J7C0JZda3X64kFsS7eWTYNPgy67A9xPMEpsNHaLHPrnilB6cBKWBi9l6RQWqeX74W1XLcF0lwfPJzqCoU0AU3bmwXA4VZDSpSVK2FoEYssX8CSnpIOtbh9T4wwkDogy2mmB/s400/Seaside+Scalloped+pillow+slide.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvROLXVLg4lc02lHESSw3qElgXsI10oS61kMZWSAchSEOty7jMHifFpZd7qBsKpSsxHZ1oj36EI8mjejFE7ViD7-Zw65F_4lI9xBFOGRxfoUm0fJU_vEw1X4nETr0Gl3Z0rMZyQm27_j00/s1600/Tea+time+Apron+slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvROLXVLg4lc02lHESSw3qElgXsI10oS61kMZWSAchSEOty7jMHifFpZd7qBsKpSsxHZ1oj36EI8mjejFE7ViD7-Zw65F_4lI9xBFOGRxfoUm0fJU_vEw1X4nETr0Gl3Z0rMZyQm27_j00/s400/Tea+time+Apron+slide.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg572aZnn4qUO7TJDRcMBU14fyak4pKlvFjhS5U0OG0oQ0VQzMc-5LyS6uFOgDQwdMFKkgncW35ghOx1K1aocO1-KwKPWsS6TCo5w1QGzuVB9EfjIjd-tqubB7XBSFO4w6k1hItP00-q-l/s1600/Rainbow+Jars+Slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg572aZnn4qUO7TJDRcMBU14fyak4pKlvFjhS5U0OG0oQ0VQzMc-5LyS6uFOgDQwdMFKkgncW35ghOx1K1aocO1-KwKPWsS6TCo5w1QGzuVB9EfjIjd-tqubB7XBSFO4w6k1hItP00-q-l/s400/Rainbow+Jars+Slide.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
TA-DA!! Here are some of my own Handmade Earth Friendly goodies I sell in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rawNrepuposed?ref=si_shop">Etsy Shop!</a> The pillows are completely earth friendly inside and out! Made from furniture sample scraps and sheets found still in their packaging at the thrift store. The filling is shredded scrap fabrics, dryer sheets, and random cut threads from my sewing prjects. The pillow feels like down and is easy to form and fluff. They release no chemical offings like poly-fil would. The Jars are great for Mom's trying to organize kids things. I also make them with silver lids. I use them all over my house! My sister is happily modeling the "Tea Time Apron" made from all upcycled materials. Dosn't it make you want to just have a Tea Party! The pillows have not been listed yet in my shop. My shop in under construction right now but I am having a Big Re-Opening in a week to show off my new shop look and new products! So excited!Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-49808766934151432382011-02-17T21:14:00.000-08:002011-02-17T21:14:33.481-08:00Green CleaningIt was gorgeous here today on the beach and it put me in the mood for a little spring cleaning. I opened up all the windows and doors and let the sun and fresh air in. Man it felt good! You know that stale air/foot/dog smell your house gets in the winter because you never have the doors or windows open? Well maybe it's only my house that smells like that......anyways, that smell has now been replaced by earth friednly cleaning solutions (mint, lemon, & rosemary) and fresh beach air. I had been dying to try out this new reusable swiffer pad I purchased on Etsy. I had always used old rags in my swiffer up til now and when I came across the reusable swiffer pad I had to have it! I had actually thought about trying to design a reusable swiffer pad out of old towels but this is way more functional! So here is my new Green Cleaning Toy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HWlvrJTR_fh0e2LyKKyhtqiAxtccr6KQZVf4vjJRH4Nynj5Xsdod6PKKQDfcz3Gyhk_lIGIgwvvoV_8wUFztE5O1_cO28LNs8yrZKHN0SOFaYG5CFfTeZ1lFX60vAOEch8wJvwpBwxGe/s1600/DSC_2638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HWlvrJTR_fh0e2LyKKyhtqiAxtccr6KQZVf4vjJRH4Nynj5Xsdod6PKKQDfcz3Gyhk_lIGIgwvvoV_8wUFztE5O1_cO28LNs8yrZKHN0SOFaYG5CFfTeZ1lFX60vAOEch8wJvwpBwxGe/s320/DSC_2638.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning the floor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidosA-rqV9SLw8pleiXUBq06zPAkQYggRpMeLym3bcfm0z6yqMvD-ffmnP1vUtSo0TEEwxQcyfqVYtBo81HbXKf_q6Tdrsl8U0_rHbgDHp4eqRcfyKEwcjM68rvoTn_lPzSUp8FZmXTB-q/s1600/DSC_2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidosA-rqV9SLw8pleiXUBq06zPAkQYggRpMeLym3bcfm0z6yqMvD-ffmnP1vUtSo0TEEwxQcyfqVYtBo81HbXKf_q6Tdrsl8U0_rHbgDHp4eqRcfyKEwcjM68rvoTn_lPzSUp8FZmXTB-q/s320/DSC_2639.JPG" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It catches dog hair, lint, & dirt!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6CniS07kQ1Sn11svAs4f6pbLyD0Ia3DQ5eW5MC6Lpj-Qo1r_HULcd8Vwt0bUe-LAynMRPtw34ynw9z6a3jrj8a1sGyEtbi0KxqRVKLIAP1eT3RC7v-nAUifKbeeT-3nYBp2J73vYbrUk/s1600/DSC_2640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6CniS07kQ1Sn11svAs4f6pbLyD0Ia3DQ5eW5MC6Lpj-Qo1r_HULcd8Vwt0bUe-LAynMRPtw34ynw9z6a3jrj8a1sGyEtbi0KxqRVKLIAP1eT3RC7v-nAUifKbeeT-3nYBp2J73vYbrUk/s320/DSC_2640.JPG" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toss it in the wash when your done!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKj2WoweqpzE9JGAQnyRidHNq7bSfLvjZloEWNr7nuQwhFHL2iM6P1ApuDI4vslbW3dYHsyCWW4kn9ws2KpLUiLzv7KIQG3HoWgw4i0CB7GKwvJoUWwKtFpUDW-flr11j6Oi1drj32cEPs/s1600/DSC_2641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKj2WoweqpzE9JGAQnyRidHNq7bSfLvjZloEWNr7nuQwhFHL2iM6P1ApuDI4vslbW3dYHsyCWW4kn9ws2KpLUiLzv7KIQG3HoWgw4i0CB7GKwvJoUWwKtFpUDW-flr11j6Oi1drj32cEPs/s320/DSC_2641.JPG" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotless floor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BHpknU5R734zq2SZMCmBxGeqLgIMDTHwFE5Wqgl0cwyxCKB8cL61BjefNyPW8tG8sm7t4D1C_GnhRPoQ-HjeJkbfEfG0iCTKMYN0rUIg9kh1xnJxvgjVP05XbqbKGFCJqmI4VUw9Wn8E/s1600/DSC_2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BHpknU5R734zq2SZMCmBxGeqLgIMDTHwFE5Wqgl0cwyxCKB8cL61BjefNyPW8tG8sm7t4D1C_GnhRPoQ-HjeJkbfEfG0iCTKMYN0rUIg9kh1xnJxvgjVP05XbqbKGFCJqmI4VUw9Wn8E/s320/DSC_2643.JPG" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing out the clean floor<br />
"Yep my butt thinks its clean"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ok so I might be a tad bit overexcited about my new swiffer cover but it's more about the ease of cleaning and not using endless amounts of swiffer wet towels. Even though I always used rags anyways, but this looks way better and... and...and...ok I'll stop raving about my swiffer cover and Feature some people who sell them!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Eco Friendly Handmade Cotton Swiffer Cover in Light Pink by MontanaDaisyGirl on Etsy" height="239" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.191015874.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swiffer Cover $7 made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61265927/eco-friendly-handmade-cotton-swiffer">MontanaDaisyGirl</a><br />
This is where I purchased mine. She has lots more colors and accepts custom orders.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Eco Friendly Natural ReUsable Swiffer Duster Dust Cloth" height="253" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.177157744.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reusable Swiffer Duster $8 made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57128008/eco-friendly-natural-reusable-swiffer?ref=sr_list_6&ga_shopname=MontanaDaisyGirl&ga_search_query=swiffer+covers&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">honeybeebungalow</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Swiffer Fleece Washable Hand Duster Refill, Set of 2, You Pick the Color" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.174285425.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="313" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reusable Swiffer Fleece Dusters, $8 made by<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56270051/swiffer-fleece-washable-hand-duster?ref=sr_list_11&ga_shopname=MontanaDaisyGirl&ga_search_query=swiffer+covers&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade"> MitsuyoDay</a><br />
How cool are these!? This is my next purchase!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="SWIFFER - 2 pack dusting sheets - 42 Patterns - Compare to Swiffer disposable sheets" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.203373180.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swiffer Duster Sheets, $3.75 for 2 made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DetroitKnitter?ref=seller_info">DetroitKnitter</a><br />
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</tbody></table>There are so many variations for the style of cover. You can find them for large or small swiffers; Wet-Jet or Dusters. And the prices are all so affordable and considering one of those containers of wet towels probably cost around $6-8 and you would have to keep buying them once you run out, it just makes sense to use reusable things! I going to be giving these as gifts and raving about them to friends. Have my own little reusable swiffer party.......ok...maybe I took that a little to far. Hehe. <br />
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Well get on Green Cleaning my friends.Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-59681299906817118762011-02-16T16:22:00.000-08:002011-02-16T21:16:19.790-08:00Pillow TalkSo I was browsing through Anthropologie a while back and came across this pillow that was just eye catching.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBTXSL9A18c9kJUFv1qbw_wBWUQicAcUrmMcknpc73da15klpCXOchgyE3sliRRoUzOsE3cLn_WH62_xQUYXyx4JEP5Q24cjJdKDb9cL0JiyCC1owis9xbNvxNBO-EOlxD7UISwIzsIZ9/s1600/76301_mul_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBTXSL9A18c9kJUFv1qbw_wBWUQicAcUrmMcknpc73da15klpCXOchgyE3sliRRoUzOsE3cLn_WH62_xQUYXyx4JEP5Q24cjJdKDb9cL0JiyCC1owis9xbNvxNBO-EOlxD7UISwIzsIZ9/s320/76301_mul_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left">It gave me the inspiration and idea of how to use my scrap fabrics. I made one that looks very similar but is completely different in so many ways. What ways you ask? </div><div align="left">1. It's completely upcycled and earth friendly</div><div align="left">2. It's not an arm and a leg to buy (this pillow is $88!!)</div><div align="left">3. It's handmade not mass manufactured to look handmde</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I did some research on what was a good earth friendly pillow stuffing. There is some new fill out there that is called something like Fiber Fill but you can only get it in bulk and it's only offered online or in select stores. So that idea was out. Then it came to me! I had been shredding big scrap pieces of fabric that I wasn't all that excited about anymore into a shredded fabric fill for some dog toys I was making. I could use that! It took a whole reusable grocery bag full of shredded fabric to fill up a 17"x17" pillow case! Yeah...ALOT! But It feels like a down pillow almost becasue of the weight and forms well. It will never go lumpy or get matted. It won't release any toxins that a poly-fill might and barely used any energy in the making process (sewing machine & lights). I was so proud! I decided to start making ECO throw pillows for my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rawNrepuposed">Etsy Shop</a> ! So I was searching for more inspiration and creations just like mine. Here is some pillows I've found that are eco-friendly, creative, and don't break the bank.</div><div align="left"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.207620659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; height: 293px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 330px;"><img alt="Octopus Organic Cotton and Felt Pillow Cover" border="0" height="265" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.207620659.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65771929/octopus-organic-cotton-and-felt-pillow?ref=sr_list_15&ga_search_query=eco+friendly+pillows&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=0&ga_order=most_relevant">Octopus Organic Cotton & Recycled Felt from ekofabrik $45</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_154429553"><img alt="farmhouse pillow with organic bamboo fiber stuffing" height="320" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.217709695.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_154429553">Farmhouse Pillow by ImSoVintage $34</a></td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68230512/farmhouse-pillow-with-organic-bamboo?ref=sr_list_34&ga_search_query=eco%2Bfriendly%2Bpillows&ga_search_type=handmade"></a></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img alt="" border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxV9reB81PhwaxnMjjnRWGpVw3DQoDrnNnap8TmHdgWqFEEtVZfwOv58uMbrWnEjKFaIZLQjyJWSy_WQ_CcpGscnGfQ23n79620lbtEPXGKKg6aqEDR7SuwVg6x8j3C_BxbfplSFU6CY/s320/IMG_4427.jpg" style="height: 273px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="320" /></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pabrika?section_id=7434702&view_type=gallery">Recycled T-Shirt Pillows from Pabrika</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="576" id="il_fi" src="http://www.re-nest.com/uimages/re-nest/Pillows2008Mixes81Gallery.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="432" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/bedding-blankets/ouno-design-upcycled-decor-from-vintage-materials-081837">Upcycled Vintage Textile Pillows from Ouno Design</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="470" id="il_fi" src="http://lotushaus.typepad.com/lotushaus/images/2007/08/13/silkscrap_pillows.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="470" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upcycled Silk Scraps made in India from <a href="http://www.vivaterra.com/bed-bath?material_description=396">Viva Terra</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="358" id="il_fi" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/atimg/2137924/il_570xN.195220313_rect540.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="540" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62518853/custom-quick-hide-your-stache-16x16?ref=sr_gallery_31&ga_search_query=eco%2C+pillow+case&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade">Quick Hide Your Stache from Eristotle</a> $40</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">There are so many great designers and Eco-Creaters out there. These were just a few of many earth friendly pillows I found. I will be posting mine soon!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-8582004635725209872011-01-01T17:28:00.000-08:002011-01-01T17:45:47.344-08:00How Tom Szacky made Millions from TRASHI was in the gardening section at walmart over the summer and walked by a product that caught my eye. Pre-planted seedlings of a variety of plants packaged in used stoneyfield yogurt containers and sworn to grow better than any seedling you could ever try and grow on your own. Impressive. Not the promise, every company swears to do something better than the next so it's made me and possibly society kinda numb to the empty marketing strategy. The seedling cups were what grabbed my attention. A company had finally started using trash to their benefit. Taking old yogurt containers, putting holes in the bottom and packaging them in a 6 pack with soil and seeds included! Genius! I mean i've been using old plastic containers for planting for years but someone finally got the idea to market and sell it. I made a mental note of the company name after reading over their motto and goals stated on the front. After that "Terracyle" got my attention everywhere I went. I started seeing it in grocery stores and of course garden centers and home improvement stores. It wasn't always the same yogurt cups either, I started seeing plant food fertilizer in soda liter bottles and recycled pots and hand bags made from juices boxes. I was happy to see they were thriving and making good use of regular old trash. When summer faded to fall and winter I stopped going in the garden sections so I lost track of "Terracyle". To be honest I should have looked up the company on google and found out how they got their start and where they get the trash and so on. But I didn't, ADD causes me to think about doing something and then 10 minutes later think about doing something else, it's annoying. So i'm on the couch the other night, completely vegging out and fiance is flipping through channels when he skips past some show called "How I made my Millions". I was like "oh!" "lets watch this and see what simple things we should have thought of and made millions from". My sarcasm streams from jealousy because....I didn't think of the simple million dollar idea. "Lucky Bastards". The host states that the next millionaire made his money from trash. Tom Szacky owner of "Terracycle" explains how he got his start and what his company is all about! I was completely impressed this guy. The soil that claims to grow your plants better is not an empty promise after all. It's how he got his start. WORM POOP! That was his million dollar moment! He and some college friends were visiting friends in Montreal and saw how they used worms in their composting to brake down the waste faster. They then used the compost juice for fertilizer for indoor plants. (he dosn't say what kind of indoor plants these were....hmmmm?) He determined it wasn't the worms presence that made the soil better but their waste. He and a friend bought worms and begin harvesting worm poop and selling the fertilizer in empty liter bottles. He grew from worm poop when he started thinking their waste can be used so ours should be able to also. What a great idea and derserving of millions. I'll continue to support Terracycle and after visiting the website I will start benefiting from my trash too! You can send in specific waste items they are using to make new products and they donate 2-3 cents for each shipment to a charity of your choice. Better than taking it to the dump and getting nothing! I thought I'd share their story and everything they do and stand for so maybe other people will start supporting them too! Good job Terracycle!<br />
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<a href="http://www.terracycle.net/">http://www.terracycle.net/</a> - Check out their website! They have so many cool products that are worthy of support!<br />
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Terracycle had their own reality show called "Garbage Moguls" on the National Geographic Channel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/meV-clgVnJ0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-80225286279274072010-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:002011-02-09T20:46:01.253-08:00Eat WildThis website is awsome! It offers a directory of Organic farmers across america with everything from crops to animals. It is such a great opportunity to eat absolutely fresh and support your local farmers! The website has pages that list benefits of eating homegrown food, a store where you can get books and kitchen items, and safety concerns for those who are not used to eating from a farm. You can reserve Turkeys for thanksgiving, or pay a share on an animal and get a box of the organic meat around the holidays to last all winter. You can purchase a chicken and have the eggs delivered to your door every week or a Dairy Cow and have Milk and Cheese every week!! This is the best way to eat. It's healthy, safe, and tastes AMAZING!! It can get pricey and is more expensive than your local super market but well worth the price since you know the food has never been processed, chemically injected and never had preservitives added. Im considering buying a chicken to get eggs because to me chicken is the most hormone pumped, unsanitary, and mistreated food in the supermarket...my opinion. I'm sure cows and pigs go through similar torments too but they usually end up living through the transportation from the factory farm to the butchery. It's sad and disgusting what the animals go through before they end up in the grocery store. A farm raised animal has free range to eat whatever it pleases and walk where ever it wants. Some are transported to a butchery but it's not with a thousand others in cramped conditions that usually casues death. Some farmers run there own butchery that is extremely sanitary and is check by the state. I could go on and on about this but Check out the Website and EAT WILD!<br />
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<a href="http://www.eatwild.com/">Eat Wild.com</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgML8KyJGapp1QTotPlP0tWCRhaqr_YLDjMCoks4AkIwD_vouJ9PhKDzpnfbNISPmzZra8OkX-PX2v5Nu3VY88tie8nqSAa8SeiO7ulkTyycFOJKs7iIxVe7NdeyT7JL8V6cm6759q_n3Te/s1600/Eat+Wild+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgML8KyJGapp1QTotPlP0tWCRhaqr_YLDjMCoks4AkIwD_vouJ9PhKDzpnfbNISPmzZra8OkX-PX2v5Nu3VY88tie8nqSAa8SeiO7ulkTyycFOJKs7iIxVe7NdeyT7JL8V6cm6759q_n3Te/s400/Eat+Wild+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7h-qDL6iLvr4tJvd3HrF-BpGzy5G8dDpob753uugtjXZ7Rns6fEA2ZL3imoJgTOWSAdeITDsXCFLqac9FmxHT2bzSaXOIwZe_I7VprmZFKkprFnmy5wFyQDdGp-e7FnTw8pXvrzuBTclu/s1600/Eat+Wild+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7h-qDL6iLvr4tJvd3HrF-BpGzy5G8dDpob753uugtjXZ7Rns6fEA2ZL3imoJgTOWSAdeITDsXCFLqac9FmxHT2bzSaXOIwZe_I7VprmZFKkprFnmy5wFyQDdGp-e7FnTw8pXvrzuBTclu/s400/Eat+Wild+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-56262595292432146912010-12-08T11:30:00.000-08:002010-12-08T11:30:14.246-08:00Top 10 Must Read Books for Creative EntrepreneursI actually stole this from another blog but I liked it so much I had to share it! I plan on reading most of these and I have plenty of friends that could use these as well. So below are not my comments or writing just to claify.<br />
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Thank you <a href="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/2010/12/10-must-read-books-for-creative-entrepreneurs/">Blacksburg Belle</a>!<br />
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<h1 class="title"><a href="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/2010/12/10-must-read-books-for-creative-entrepreneurs/" rel="bookmark" title="10 Must-Read Books for Creative Entrepreneurs">10 Must-Read Books for Creative Entrepreneurs</a></h1><div class="post-meta"><span class="post-author"><span class="small">by</span> <a href="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/author/admin/" title="Posts by April">April</a></span> <span class="post-date"><span class="small">on</span> 02. Dec, 2010</span> <span class="post-category"><span class="small">in</span> <a href="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/category/creative-business-development/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Creative Business Development"><span style="color: #20a0c7;">Creative Business Development</span></a>, <a href="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/category/success/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Success"><span style="color: #20a0c7;">Success</span></a></span> </div><div class="entry">You don’t need business school to rock it out as a creative entrepreneur. I haven’t taken a single “business course” and I’m pretty good at it. Lots of people ask me how I’ve learned all that I have—and one of the ways has been through lots and lots of reading.<br />
I’m a book-aholic. If I go into a bookstore like Barnes and Nobles, don’t expect me to leave with less than 3 books and magazines. I just can’t help myself. And, I read every dang day.<br />
Over the past year, I’ve read some fan-freaking-tastic marketing, business, and inspirational books that have helped me get to the place that I am today. I guarantee that if you read the 10 books below, you’ll know how to build an outstanding business.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/047061787X?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=047061787X" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1454" height="160" src="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/unmarketing1.jpg" title="unmarketing" width="106" /></a><br />
<h2>1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/047061787X?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=047061787X" target="_blank"><span style="color: #20a0c7;">Unmarketing</span></a> by Scott Stratten</h2>If you were only going to read one business book this year, I’d tell you to read this one.<br />
Let’s face it. A lot of creative entrepreneurs stink at marketing. This is obvious by the amount of Etsy sellers who send out tweets 10 times per day linking to their newest product on Etsy and wonder why they only have 3 followers.<br />
Creative entrepreneurs would rather be creating. I get that, but you’ve got to learn how to market your products if you want to make it big. That’s just the harsh truth, and this book will give you the tools to market the right way. Plus, Scott’s hilarious, his stories will make you laugh out loud, and you won’t get bored with this marketing book.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592534597?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1592534597" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1457" height="160" src="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/creative-entrepreneur.jpg" title="creative entrepreneur" width="118" /></a><br />
<h2>2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592534597?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1592534597" target="_blank"><span style="color: #20a0c7;">The Creative Entrepreneur</span></a> by Lisa Sonora Beam</h2>This is a DIY visual guidebook for making business ideas real. Do you ever wonder why business, numbers, and marketing aren’t that easy for artists and other creatives? It’s because we live in our right brains—and we have to engage our left brains to do all the business stuff.<br />
Well, the author of this book figured out a way that creative entrepreneurs can plan their businesses while using their strengths by combining left-brain and right-brain activities. Genius.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603424776?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1603424776" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1459" height="160" src="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/handmade-marketplace.jpg" title="handmade marketplace" width="139" /></a><br />
<h2>3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603424776?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1603424776" target="_blank"><span style="color: #20a0c7;">The Handmade Marketplace</span></a> by Kari Chapin</h2>Anybody new to selling their handmade products online or at craft shows needs this book. It will walk you through branding your business, marketing, craft shows, selling online and in stores, and more. Seriously, this is like a step-by-step guide for anyone new to the handmade scene. If you’ve been doing this for awhile, you might not need this one.<br />
<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=blackbelle-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=0142001104" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1460" height="160" src="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/art-of-possibility.jpg" title="art of possibility" width="100" /></a><br />
<h2>4. <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=blackbelle-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=0142001104" target="_blank"><span style="color: #20a0c7;">The Art of Possibility</span></a> by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander</h2>At first, this book might not seem like a business book—and that’s because it’s so much more. If you worry that there aren’t enough customers or that they are too many handmade sellers, you need this book. If you let it, this book may just change your outlook on life and open up a lot of possibilities. It’s one of those books that makes you feel really good without being too mushy-gushy.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591842336?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1591842336" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1461" height="160" src="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tribes.jpg" title="tribes" width="108" /></a><br />
<h2>5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591842336?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1591842336" target="_blank"><span style="color: #20a0c7;">Tribes</span></a> by Seth Godin</h2>I love me some Seth Godin. I’ve read almost all of his books, but this one is must read for creative entrepreneurs—because it challenges you to be a leader. Now, I’m not talking about a leader of your business. Most of us don’t have a lot of people working under us. I’m talking about a leader of your tribe. If you built a tribe of loyal fans, you’d never run out of customers. You wouldn’t have to worry about selling, because your tribe would do it for you.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061714704?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061714704" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1463" height="160" src="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/fascinate.jpg" title="fascinate" width="104" /></a><br />
<h2>6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061714704?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061714704" target="_blank"><span style="color: #20a0c7;">Fascinate</span></a> by Sally Hogshead</h2>I read this book in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down. If you want to know what makes people buy things, what triggers you should be using in your marketing, and how to connect better with your target market, you need to read this book. Sally provides lots of real world examples and gives you concepts you can start applying to your creative business today.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159555131X?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=159555131X" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1464" height="160" src="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/duct-tape-marketing.jpg" title="duct tape marketing" width="103" /></a><br />
<h2>7. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159555131X?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=159555131X" target="_blank"><span style="color: #20a0c7;">Duct Tape Marketing</span></a> by John Jantsch</h2>Yes, this is another marketing book—but I’m serious when I say, you gotta learn to love marketing if you want to kill it with your creative business. Duct Tape Marketing is much different than Unmarketing, so both books are necessary. With this book, you’ll learn how to identify your ideal customer, write your core marketing message, and build a website that will work day and night—and that’s all in the first section.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1585421472?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1585421472" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1465" height="160" src="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/artists-way.jpg" title="artists way" width="129" /></a><br />
<h2>8. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1585421472?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1585421472" target="_blank"><span style="color: #20a0c7;">The Artist’s Way</span></a> by Julia Cameron</h2>I talk about a lot of concepts from The Artist’s Way on Blacksburg Belle. Julia will help you break through your creative blocks and build a daily routine that will inspire your creative self. I’m not a woo-woo type of person, and this book was sometimes a little too woo-woo to me, if you know what I mean. But, the amazing concepts such as morning pages and artist’s dates out weigh the negative, woo-woo stuff. I really recommend spending some time with this book.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416576142?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416576142" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1466" height="160" src="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/yes.jpg" title="yes" width="99" /></a><br />
<h2>9. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416576142?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416576142" target="_blank"><span style="color: #20a0c7;">Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive</span></a> by Robert Cialdini</h2>Understanding the psychology behind influence and persuasion will help you understand purchasing decisions and give you even more tools to build a successful creative business. For instance, I bet you didn’t realize that inconveniencing your target audience can lead to more sales. But, you gotta get the book to find out why.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811871614?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0811871614" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1467" height="160" src="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/creative-inc.jpg" title="creative inc" width="110" /></a><br />
<h2>10. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811871614?ie=UTF8&tag=blackbelle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0811871614" target="_blank"><span style="color: #20a0c7;">Creative, Inc.</span></a> by Joy Deangdeelert Cho and Meg Mateo Ilasco</h2>If you’re a creative freelancer {graphic designer, illustrator, photographer}, this book will rock your world. It takes you step-by-step from setting up your “shop” to getting the word out to working with clients and so much more. It also includes interviews and profiles of successful freelancers. Love it.</div>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-88343721369316304722010-12-02T10:48:00.000-08:002010-12-02T10:49:46.255-08:00This Shop is open for Business!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Etsy Shop: Raw & Repurposed is open for business! These eye pillows and more are all up for sale at the website below. All the items I make are from recycled or organic materials. The lavender scent fills my house when I make them and puts me in this calming and happy mood so I hope they will do the same for you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmvbV7njLDt64j6s4UhAZJrBhEzwK-Ylpay42zcQUiReaV2bto31-JkOOJr9DNYjBuh6i7J7Q8PVSTi5lVYnLA0GbMnfG729kwKmMRGV6272k5b3dOy6dzpGukTggmY0B_n1Hem1sgJcv/s1600/Eye+Pillows+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmvbV7njLDt64j6s4UhAZJrBhEzwK-Ylpay42zcQUiReaV2bto31-JkOOJr9DNYjBuh6i7J7Q8PVSTi5lVYnLA0GbMnfG729kwKmMRGV6272k5b3dOy6dzpGukTggmY0B_n1Hem1sgJcv/s400/Eye+Pillows+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9LJ2HKDYj1JElEvNWmKs3Aba7huFst5yg8JXQWViwAZ9qJWJb1q4u_b9dtKtTfxEpplnvqTFcWnZDRJF-P1JKnOChZ15WNVS_yiXzUOvfIUAIloTCV-d5i9hAMekddhpls8_i2xfhkXj/s1600/Eye+pillows+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9LJ2HKDYj1JElEvNWmKs3Aba7huFst5yg8JXQWViwAZ9qJWJb1q4u_b9dtKtTfxEpplnvqTFcWnZDRJF-P1JKnOChZ15WNVS_yiXzUOvfIUAIloTCV-d5i9hAMekddhpls8_i2xfhkXj/s640/Eye+pillows+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rawNrepuposed">http://www.etsy.com/shop/rawNrepuposed</a>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-35810274111794887692010-12-02T09:37:00.000-08:002010-12-02T10:50:23.068-08:00Milk Paint: The rustic earth friendly paint that is BEAUTIFUL!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVax_U2aBNGV0j-44orYYvnCbHL3reZloKdpk9hFYfUlgCDkPR66kL5DbWFNAA6oNSWB5G1lcYo7zlKeQWFGo8_3O_Xrp85nVorbCHXfLr5fTchYk-J4gM_Uv-mYK1VNGI7qs5fPsVZjV/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVax_U2aBNGV0j-44orYYvnCbHL3reZloKdpk9hFYfUlgCDkPR66kL5DbWFNAA6oNSWB5G1lcYo7zlKeQWFGo8_3O_Xrp85nVorbCHXfLr5fTchYk-J4gM_Uv-mYK1VNGI7qs5fPsVZjV/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c89EGMMtVWqD_-mMm9_ZdprI8lbUCGpVRJK3JD49oY9iQuR3YqDnbjUfPdgx_WFn1C9f2Xv1bkwS38KpY96wrBDRu1ieMoeWab0Nr8TRZjdaaDB0W3ZwuE8aodQ7xfaD-CY4_7FYI3Cu/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c89EGMMtVWqD_-mMm9_ZdprI8lbUCGpVRJK3JD49oY9iQuR3YqDnbjUfPdgx_WFn1C9f2Xv1bkwS38KpY96wrBDRu1ieMoeWab0Nr8TRZjdaaDB0W3ZwuE8aodQ7xfaD-CY4_7FYI3Cu/s640/Slide2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTPM2IOmVBYjeKoVT8MPNaeKqvJiVe5SSOOLDQuuusn-hRm-3jB70b3PKQuZxptNpWQszl_8YtMh2YML8SJbu15wYH4IBqsPZy5R5z36DI7H3K4y81YsRatEW3zvkHiBPcLVMVpizVCm8/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTPM2IOmVBYjeKoVT8MPNaeKqvJiVe5SSOOLDQuuusn-hRm-3jB70b3PKQuZxptNpWQszl_8YtMh2YML8SJbu15wYH4IBqsPZy5R5z36DI7H3K4y81YsRatEW3zvkHiBPcLVMVpizVCm8/s640/Slide3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<em>The Old Fashion Milk Paint Company explains how they got their start and what milk paint is to us now.</em><br />
"In 1974, after much experimentation, we recreated an old Milk Paint formula to provide an authentic finish for our primary business of building reproduction furniture. Since then we have sold our paint to professionals who are either restoring original Colonial or Shaker furniture, making reproductions, or striving for an interior design look that is both authentic and beautiful. Milk Paint is now gaining an even wider usage because it contains only ingredients that are all-natural and will not harm the environment. Our authentic real milk paint is truely a "green paint" that comes in 20 colors!<br />
<b>GREEN is not just a color anymore!"</b><br />
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<em>Check out their website for more information and awsome pictures of finished projects with Milk Paint.</em>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694050215355194515.post-63102557715508388102010-12-02T07:17:00.000-08:002010-12-04T12:20:40.244-08:00Working toward a solution.....It's scary to think what the world could become if there weren’t people like me. Ok that sounds a little concieted haha. What I meant by "people like me" is environmentalist. If there were no "environmentalist" we would have sky scrapers and huge industry buildings in our forests and fields. Mass production plants and warehouses would be invading our homes and lives, using up all our resources, and killing our few necessities to live. Necessities like; clean air, fresh water, and non-chemical induced produce & livestock. These would be scarce if there were no environmentalist. But, I didn't create this blog to talk about what could happen if the world were taken over by the industry man. I think we can all "suppose" our way through that. And Im not saying I have not benefited from Industries and large corporations. I've started this blog to talk about the ways I can help myself be a better environmentalist, farmer, recycler, ect. and hopefully in the process maybe help a few readers too! To explain how I got to this point might help me express my passion and energy for the purpose. <br />
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I grew up in the country, on a farm, and was homeschooled for 5 years (3rd-7th grade). Maybe part of that makes me how I am but not all. My mother was a big influence. She was always recycling, gardening, and creating new ideas for around the house. If we sat in front of the TV for an hour she turned it off, unplugged it, removed and hid it and then made us find something to do outside. We had chickens, dogs, cows, goats, deer and a horse. Goats were the biggest learning experience for me and my mom. After getting the female goat accidently preggo we learned ALOT! We were forced to milk "Daisy" after her kids(baby goats) stopped feeding. From this we discovered many cures to life’s problems. Goats milk is better than cow’s milk (not a life problem but just wanted to note it). Not that it tastes better but better for you! I'm sure your thinking "yeah yeah" every new milk claims something, but we know for a fact it cured my mom's allergic reaction to poison oak and ivy. Goats eat the poisonous plant and it gets filtered through their digestive system and then very small amounts are processed through the milk. It’s similar to the homeopathic style: "Like cures Like" of curing ailments. Basically in extremely small doses that have been filtered out you could cure yourself with whatever is causing the problem. I mean it's a little more to it than that but you get the idea. Anyways my life growing up was a constant discovery of new ideas and solving problems with whatever we had. Although this may have affected who I am partially I can't claim it fully because I have 4 other brothers and sisters whom are nothing like me. They are the complete opposite at times, but all were raised in similar situations out at the farm. When I got to college I was in for a major awakening! I couldn't believe all the waste and carelessness. But then I had never known people who just didn't care at all. It was so blatant and in your face, trash was always on the streets and the garbage bins were overflowing with bags and bags of trash. Kids throw out any and everything! I mean just out of laziness! I witnessed a friend throw out a dirty pan because they didn't feel like cleaning it!! I couldn't believe it! I came out of college enraged and disgusted. Most (but not all) of the kids who participate in just throwing away things because they don't care seem to do this because it is usually cheap enough to just get it again brand new. Those type of people go on to make more money and the process of throwing big items gets worse. From this I learned that I am a minority in this culture. What I believe makes me different from the rest is the ability to do several things; solve problems on my own with research and discovery, think open mindedly about new ideas, and think about how my actions are affecting others and our world. I use these three things every day. When it became obvious that not everyone was taught the way I was, the passion to express how and why I live my life came out. <br />
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So this is how I got to….HERE… My next’s blogs won’t be as long or boring(sorry). My whole idea behind this is to help myself discover new ways and things that are environmentally friendly and promote healthy living. The question I ask myself every day that helps me find an earth friendly solution to a problem I’m having is “What did people in the past do”. Not like 20 years ago, but 100’s of years ago. How did the Indians live and survive, how did the pilgrims, how did the Egyptians do things. They used what the earth gave them in some way to make what they needed. I’m not perfect, nor do I have the money to have a completely homemade/organic/sustainable lifestyle. But I’m trying to do as much as I possibly can with what I do have and teach myself to do more with the curiosity and passion for learning. I hope all you readers learn from what I post and please comment if you know of something relative that I would like!Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248232311587677218noreply@blogger.com0