Happy Earth Day!

Who would have guessed that the Earth has it’s own day? Apparently, this event has been going on for a long time and I was just not aware. It’s kind of embarrassing to tell the truth. I’ve been around a long time and I didn’t know anything about this.

In fact, as you can see, my own daughter has a shirt that sort of rips on the idea that the Earth–you know the big, huge, all-the-people-in-the-world, EARTH only gets one day–when it appears it would like more — all 365 in fact.

So, I did a tiny bit of research, and found that this has been going on since the 70’s—I remember them–and has evolved to the point that the more earth-conscious folks actually, you know…like…DO stuff.

At first, I figured that it was just one more rigged plot to make me feel guilty–but I was wrong. The more I read, the more I learned about how easy it can be to do things a bit better–and really help a lot. It made me feel a bit super heroish. Just doing my part to save the universe.

So first, we should all take the Green QUIZ to see how green we are really living. Don’t be afraid. It is fun. You might be surprised at how well you’re doing. If you need some new tips that’s ok too.

Then, I read about this cute idea for making a compost bin. As long as it doesn’t stink up the place or attract rats or bears or anything–I’m game. It looks pretty cute and my dad used to swear by compost for his garden.

Next, I stumbled onto an adorable paper mache globe that is easy enough to make during nap time. I love globes–they remind me of that little baby that had memorized the map. So cool. Anyway, this globe would be a fun activity for the day.

If you need a Mall adventure here’s one. Take 3 plastic bottles to a Disney Store near you and they will give you a free reusable tote bag , or reusable water bottle.

Earth Day Tips:

Plant some flowers or even a tree.

Step up your recycling efforts by calling the city and ordering a recycle bin.

Find alternatives to bringing your groceries home in plastic bags.

Drink from a reusable water bottle.

Reuse the bags that you have to give them a new purpose–forgive the shameless plug.

Pick up and throw away litter in your neighborhood.

Walk somewhere instead of driving.

Send an Earth-Day greeting to a friend.

Turn off the lights.

Open the windows for a nice cool breeze.

Smile at someone you don’t know.

Buy the organic version of a product you love.

Finally–as a nice bedtime story—watch Wall-E.

I know this post is a link-fest, but there was just so much good stuff–I couldn’t help myself. I hope you’ll click on them.

Even more cool Earth Day Stuff!

Let me know what you’re doing to celebrate our planet.

Happy Earth Day.

An Apple a Day…

Update–

New Year’s Goal #7

“To eat more healthily and cut wayyyy back on sugar–so that I can be here to play with my babies for a long, long time.”

Who wouldn’t want that?

Too bad, all I can say here is a great, big, “Yikes!”

Actually, believe it or not, I was doing great for about 5 weeks. Sugar and I were barely speaking…

Oh, I wasn’t doing too much label reading or anything–it was more like just not eating the cookie, or donut, or ice cream. Now and then I’d make a treat or something and taste it, but honestly, skipping it wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be.

For me, the secret was to  tell myself that I could have whatever I wanted–if I REALLY wanted it. However, I needed to drink water first–which magically made an apple sound and taste better.

Anyway, it worked. The weight was coming off. Wahooo!

Until, that is, the evil Easter candy came along. It was bad, as you may remember.

There’s more. What you didn’t know–unless you’ve been to my house in the last week–is that one quick trip to a town called Logan and you can really end up with a kink in your cart.  Logan is a two hour drive from my place and so whenever we go there, we always stop at the Gossner’s Cheese Outlet. Sounds harmless enough.

We buy Provalone, Swiss, Mozzarella, Smokey Gouda…

…squeeky Cheddar.

…and root beer milk. Incredible.

These things are pretty much good for you, right?— so I’m not worried. Also, when it’s as fresh as you can possibly get it–yeah, the cows are right outside the back door– I can’t feel really bad about this place.

Sadly, now we come to the truly evil part of the story.

Down the road a spell from Logan, there is a great, huge, magical factory that no doubt employs hundreds and thousands of people, thus raising the standard of living in the Logan area to a…um…well, a higher standard.

That’s a plus–right? Of course, right.

The frightening news is that this factory is…a…dare I say it?

I dare…

a…cookie factory. You should be screaming right about now.

Here is how we handled the Pepperidge Farm Cookie Outlet.

There are no words to describe it. In fact, this whole experience may require some intense group therapy…

we can meet at my house…I have cookies! HA!

Ok, ok…seriously. I’m ready to behave again. Truly, I am.

And to prove my determination–

First: I put all my Easter candy in the bald kid room. Trust me, it now has the life expectancy of a sycamore moth.

Some clapping here–please.

Second: I put new twist ties on the cookie bags and ate a banana instead of ripping a big hole in the Milano bag–as previously planned.

A bit of cheering is in order now.

Thirdly: Later in the day, instead of downing 47 Brussels and 22 Piroettes, I opted for a handful of the babys’ animal cookies…and they weren’t even good.

Ovations…anyone?

I intend to be thin and gorgeous really soon so I can play with my babies forever. Or at least to fit better in an squishy, ridiculous airplane seat. I’ll do it–you’ll see.

In the meantime…I have a hot date with a treadmill.

Toss me an apple, would ya?

The Perfectly Carved Family

So, what do you think of my cute little family? They are carved and stamped out of scraps of leather, and are suppose to be my dad–the chef, my mom and her poofy hair and…ahhh…me. I found them in a box of old treasures–and they are 31 years old!

Long, long ago, my brother was the manager of Tandy Leather company in Garden Grove, California and for a few months—when I was 19, my job was to be the cashier girl. When things were slow we sat in the back making stuff. Of course, he made real things like belts and sandals and wallets but I just goofed around at this kind of thing.

The best part about finding these little guys is that they really look just like my parents–no, they really do. So it’s been fun to have them around!

Crock Pot Beef Stew

Fine then…

If it’s going to act like winter–we’ll cook like it’s winter.

Here’s a fabulous stew recipe to keep you warm–if it’s cold at your place.

This will warm you up (or down) to the tips of your toes–if you need warming.

If you don’t, then eat a Popsicle by the pool…and think of us.

Still chanting–still chanting–still chanting.

spring-spring-spring-spring-spring-spring…..

Ingredients:

4 Medium Potatoes cubed

flour

4 carrots sliced

1 medium onion

2 cans Cream of Tomato soup

1 lb. stew beef cubed

5 tsp. beef bouillon

1/4 tsp. salt

pinch of oregano

dash of pepper

water

Dust beef in flour and brown in 2 tbsp. olive oil; set aside. Add ingredients to Crock pot in the order given. Add enough water to cover 1-2 inches above ingredients. Cook on medium for 8 hours or high for 4-6 hours or until vegetables are tender.

Crock Pot Beef Stew
 
Ingredients
  • 4 Medium Potatoes cubed
  • flour
  • 4 carrots sliced
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cans Cream of Tomato soup
  • 1 lb. stew beef cubed
  • 5 tsp. beef bouillon
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • pinch of oregano
  • dash of pepper
  • water
Instructions
  1. Dust beef in flour and brown in 2 tbsp. olive oil; set aside.
  2. Add ingredients to Crock pot in the order given.
  3. Add enough water to cover 1-2 inches above ingredients.
  4. Cook on medium for 8 hours or high for 4-6 hours or until vegetables are tender.