Does it ever confuse you why green living can be so complicated? Some practices are almost a deterrent from incorporating this into our lifestyles. I have found that I desire to use green practices, but not at the cost of sacrificing my simple life practices. But there is one good thing that keeps me from feeling guilty, simple living often incorporates green living by its essence. Having less, means less garbage, less waste, less cleaning products to care for stuff, less time to care for stuff, less stuff to replace, etc. But how can you do more when you are already struggling to incorporate my simple living practices into your life?
Be thoughtful before you purchase an item. Do you need it? How will it affect the environment and now and in the future? Will there be continuing resources to purchase with using the product? Is there an environmentally friendly way to do this? Some products are now environmentally friendly due to companies making it easy for you. Refillable items, sold in recycled easily disposable items that are poured into a permanently re-usable dispenser are a great example of this. Technology companies often offer an easy method to recycle items such as ink cartridges and batteries by including prepaid envelopes to send the old and empty containers back to them in.
Wash your clothes in cold water only. This completely eliminates the heating of water. I have not found any significant difference in the cleanliness or stain removal of our clothing. I have not used warm or hot water for years. Once you get into this practice, if you have to purchase a new washer, you can often save money by purchasing a model that has fewer options. Additionally, with cold water I have noticed that I can use significantly less detergent to clean a load of laundry.
If at all possible, try carpooling for different activities. Even if you can’t use this practice every day, try finding ways to incorporate carpooling one or two days per week. You will save money, and be able save the environment at the same time. When you can’t carpool, consider sharing errands with a friend or neighbor. If you and a friend both have a designated errand day, that fall on different days, call each other the night before to ask if the other needs anything. This will help eliminate the need for you to make an extra trip out for some forgotten, but needed item for you AND your friend. This saves, time, gas, and emissions!
There are lots of ways to being incorporating green practices into your life style in a simple way. As with other simple living practices, don’t wait, and get started today, with just one idea that you can change this month!
These are my thoughts.
Leslie Valeska
~Contributing Writer~
Leslie Valeska is the lucky wife of Thomas.With children ranging in ages from 4-16, she has had a lot of time to learn and experience much of the fine art of homemaking.
For FREE daily tips and a FREE E-zine on simple and frugal living visither blog Journey to Simplicity. Need a source of encouragement, inspiration, and support on your journey to Godly womanhood? Visit Simple Journey Ministries (she has a FREE E-zine too!) Of course, don’t forget to visit the Simple Journey Bookstore!
Birthdays are often accompanied by birthday cakes. Whether store bought or homemade, kids rarely seem to eat it all. So, we cover the cake and hope that mom doesn’t eat it all one night (ummm…yes I am speaking from experience), but also that we the cake before it gets stale. Here are some ideas for eliminating and wasting leftover birthday cake.
OK, here's the new game for all us bloggers. First, someone tags you, then you follow these rules:
Link to the person who tagged you.
Post the rules on your blog.
List 6 unspectacular quirks you have.
Tag 6 bloggers by linking to them.
Leave a comment on each taggee's blog to let them know they were tagged.
Thank you Laurie for the tag! Well I don't dare ask my children if I am quirky cause they would never tell me in fear of hurting my feelings. Sooo I am going to list the ones I KNOW I have and then have the children read it and comment with thier own idea's of my quirks. Be nice kids, I will be watching you!
Well, here are what I think are my quirks!
1) I stay up at least twice a week until 4 am or get up at 4 am so that I can have time to myself for at least 4 hours before anyone else is awake.
2) I love MICE, all kinds of mice, don't get me wrong I don't like when they invade my kitchen (although I have never had that problem before, I guess cause they know I like them but my cats don't). I am not talking the Mickey mouse type of mouse I like the cute cuddly mice and realistic mice. My family thinks that is weird but hey,. everyone is weird in one way or another.
3) AT 44 yrs old I like to draw and color and paint little kid things. Some say it's my artistic talent and some say I am quirky.
4) My house can be a wreck but if my bed is not made it drives me NUTS!!!
5) I like to drink milk with ice.
6) I can EAT 12 thirty two ounce glasses of ice a day, nothing added, just the ice!
So what are your quirks? Now I am supposed to tag six other people so here it goes....
I am thinking... of how to arrange my schedule this week to get everything done that needs to get done in the time frame it needs to get done.
From the learning room... a bit of a slow start to our school day- it is after all, a Monday. We enjoyed a bit of lapbooking with our Botany and will take a nature walk later today to look for moncots/dicots to add to our nature journals. Mr. Conductor asked for a countdown chain for pumpkin carving and so we made one. 21 days is a long chain- hope he makes it. American History continues on- we’ll be making a Teepee sometime this week (I say we- I mean Mr. Steady and the girls!). I am thankful for… tried and true recipes that you can always fall back on. I was going to try a new dessert recipe for homeschool group but with my full schedule I decided to stick with what I do best- triple fudge brownies.
From the kitchen... breakfast was apple pancakes and sliced bananas. [Mr. Steady made a HUGE batch last week and we’re still enjoying them- note- best was to freeze pancakes is to put them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze- then take out, remove from tray and place in a freezer bag- that way they are individually frozen and not stuck together!] Lunch is Sunday’s leftovers (stroganoff) and supper will be Spanish rice with bacon and homemade bread. Check out the rest of my weekly menu here.
I am creating... learners. Some great homeschooling going on here this week. Plus I’m also creating youth ministry reports for this week’s church board meeting. And a framed special verse for a couple of friends. And doctored photo postcards to send to a couple of youth group kiddos. Lots going on!
I am going... to town later- errand running. After Mr. Steady comes home- so I can go “alone”.
I am wearing... well worn and frayed blue jeans, Trevecca Naz University Tshirt and zip up fleece, thick socks.
I am reading... On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang and another book I can’t remember the title of.
I am hoping... to get everything done that needs doing without stress or worry.
I am hearing... Mr. Conductor sing his ABCs (it still needs a bit of work) and the girls laughing.
Around the house... we’re babysitting my parent’s pampered pooch so we need to keep things picked up so she won’t think they are her chew toys. Plus the ever present loads of laundry and weekly cleaning schedule. Mr. C has taken to cleaning the downstairs bathroom every Monday after his school is done. I will continue to enjoy this while it lasts . . . . .
One of my favorite things... gator rides with the family.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... another high school football game, church board meeting, worship team practice, a trip to a local mill and cider press that is having a Civil War reenactment. And homeschooling. And teaching creative writing at Homeschool Group.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Notes:From the Garden: The garden is just about done. We’ve taken to stopping at a local orchard/farmer’s stand for tomatoes, potatoes and apples. Nothing like real local produce to remind you why store bought just doesn’t taste the same. Monday B: Apple pancakes, sliced bananas
L: Diner Dinner (Sunday leftovers and then some)
D: Spanish Rice, homemade bread
Dessert: none Daily Cost: $2.65 (Yay! Cheap night!) Tuesday
B: Cherry & brown sugar oatmeal, toast
L: Homeschool group lunch: bring: Triple Fudge Brownies
D: Crockpot: Chicken Bacon Swiss Melts
Dessert: any leftover brownies Daily Cost: $10.39 Wednesday
B: Choice: yogurt or cereal
L: Macaroni-n-cheese w/bacon crumbles
D: Messy Tacos
Dessert: none Daily Cost: $4.37
Thursday B: Baked apple and toast
L: Nachos
D: Chicken Alfredo, biscuits & salad
Dessert: warm tapioca pudding Daily Cost: $10.30 Friday-Football Game B: Eggs in a basket
L: Diner Dinner
D: One Pot Salsa Beef Skillet
Dessert: none Daily Cost: $5.28 Saturday–Field Trip- Civil War Reenactment B: Daddy Cook (eggs, toast, bacon etc)
L: Leftover Smorgasbord
D: Leftover Smorgasbord Daily Cost: $3.00 Sunday
B: Cocoa Wheats, toast
L: Crockpot White Chicken Chili & corn dodgers
D: lunch leftovers Daily Cost: $7.15
Weekly Total: $43.14 ~~ Don’t forget to check out the yummy menu ideas every Monday over at The Organizing Junkie’s blog. You just might find your next favorite family recipe!
Little House and the Big Garden posted these great pictures of their new greenhouse, go check it out! They did a good job, and I know it will be a blessing to their family. I am definitely showing this post to my own husband for a little "inspiration" . The greenhouse that a friend "donated to my cause" was in such bad repair that it wasn't worth salvaging, which was very disappointing. Perhaps we just might find room for one of these somewhere in our new yard.
There is a link in the post to the book they got the plans from for my fellow book-lovers, too!
Hello all! I apologize (again) for being so scarce here lately. I have many a post written in my head to share with you but can't seem find the time or energy to get it into the computer. Ah, such is life.
Chas asked me the other day how I made Apple Cider Vinegar since she has been blessed recently with an abundance. Apple Cider Vinegar is very simple and can be made with the leftover peels and cores from other apple-making projects.
I've written these very simple Apple Cider Vinegar making instruction here. So go ahead and try it. This vinegar is not as strong as true cider vinegar made from cider (i.e. apple juice) but it does the trick and costs a lot less than the vinegars at the grocery store! Enjoy!
Kristin Hoffman homesteads with her family in the hills of East Tennessee and blogs about alternative energy, family farming, and home schooling with her husband at www.solarfamilyfarm.com. She can also be found cooking in the kitchen with her homemade apple cider vinegar.
Outside my Window...a beautiful sun-shiny day. The only disappointment about the weather is that it's supposed to get up into the low 70s...I'm ready for it to stay down in the 60s and 50s.
I am thinking...that my friend, whose son was just murdered in front of his wife, is grieving and needs so much prayer.
From the learning rooms...the usual for my last homeschooler, Jenna, who is a Senior this year...Bible, American Government, Composition, Current Events, Far Above Rubies (life skills), Marine Biology and Art/Nature Journal.
I am thankful for...a wonderful church home; 24 years w/my wonderful husband.
From the kitchen...Asian style chicken and rice for lunch. Fast fooding it tonight a the vollyball game.
I am wearing...jeans, one of my many comfy, cozy Lakeside hoodies, hair in a headband and bare feet.
I am reading...the e-book Homestead Simplicity. Lovely.
I am hoping...be able to get some household things accomplished before I have to pick up my order at the food co-op this afternoon.
I am creating...an attitude of peace for my home.
I am hearing...the radio, the clothes dryer and Jenna asking me a homeschool question.
Around the house...trying to decide if the girls and I can afford to give surprise support to a friend of ours who had to rush to Atlanta b/c her only son was killed defending his wife against would-be robbers this past weekend. His funeral is Wednesday, in Atlanta, and she is there alone not only having to deal w/the tragic death of her 22 yr old son, but she has to contend w/a hostile ex-husband, too.
One of my favorite things...I just got back from a morning trip to our local Old Order German Baptist farm stores. I LOVE to go there, and do just about every week for cheap groceries (one family has a scratch n dent store), brown eggs and whole milk right off the farm and another Old Order lady has a bulk store in a building attached to her home.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Homeschool, homeschool volleyball games, the possible trip to Atlanta for the funeral...celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary TODAY!!
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Where it all begain...24 years ago TODAY!!
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Well this weekend I pulled in the rest of the garden...almost, everything except the leeks and a few onions I'd like to leave a little longer to finish bulbing up, so, here is the tally for this weekend.
10 Brussell sprout plants, not sure how many lbs. yet, but looks like about 8
30 onions, white, yellow and red
12 or so sunflower head, all over a foot accross!!
10 celery bunches
10 cabbage heads
1 pound broccolli ~ still producing, but we need to put the garden to sleep before the ground starts to freeze, the snow is halfway down Mt. Washington now, so it's only a week or so away from snow...
This weekend started getting harvest decorations up, finished in the garden, we had our annual church harvest dinner, I was in charge of the dining room this year (nervewracking!!), and yesterday after church rested ~ my knee was throbbing ~ notsomuch from gardening, but the church dinner is served in a hall w/ cement, and I was on my feet there for 4 hours after being in the garden for 4-5 hours...can we say overdoing it?!
I packed up the cranberry beans, finally all dry ~ packed up the edamame for freezing. Tonight I plan to bake the chocolate zucchini bread and make ketchup ~ yes ketchup ~ I was talking out loud to myself about what I was going to do with the tomatoes, whether I was going to just can them off or if I was going to make sauce and my dad asked, can you make ketchup? so I looked up some recipes and I'm going to try it tonight, we'll see.
We started our week-end off by going over to my father-in-laws. My husband needed to work on the tractor and so I made a pot of Taco soup for everyone for supper. It was a beauiful afternoon there. The pictures I will be sharing here are from our afternoon there.
As you can see, he got the tractor going again. He loves being on a tractor. I believe if he could, he would search out for pastures that need to be cut, just so he could "ride his tractor", lol.....
It is a beauiful place his father has. His parents bought this place together many years ago. It has always been a second home to us. We only live about 5 mintues from the home place. We have thoughts that maybe when the day comes, we will buy it and retire here.
The house is small, but comfortable and homey. We have spent many of days in there with family. Many dinners for holidays, birthdays and just to be together. The front yard has seen many egg hunts, football games and playing tag.
Many of "men talks" have happened right here in this barn. Oh, they say they are working on something, but we ladies know. They are just getting together, bonding (or what ever 4 brothers and a father call it) talk. Sometimes they are just standing there and starring at the gound. But that is my husbands family. They may not say much, but the quietness says so much between them.
But as usual, everything must come to end, the tractor needs to head to the barn, and everyone comes to the dinner table for "supper". It was a good visit, all of my daughters were there and more memories were made.
Yes, we pray that "grandpa" is here with us for a long time. But when that day does comes, we pray that we may be able to own the "home-place" and keep the memories coming.........for everyone.
Now off to the kitchen. I need to get some baking done. On my list is:
Wheat Bread
Rolls
Apple muffins
Oatmeal Cookies
I also have pears and apples to get put up. I am hoping to make apple butter and pear butter. We will see how the day goes.
I also need to get the laundry going. So, boy have I got a lot to do and I did not even mention school work. There is always school work that needs done each day.
Leslie Valeska is the lucky wife of Thomas.
