Market Mondays - Open Farm Day adventures

This weekend was the Open Farm Days that I have been talking about for the past few weeks. We had such a great time, even though the first 2 hours it was a complete downpour. But that didn't stop us from venturing out. A little rain never hurt anyone. So off we went.

The first place we stopped was a local hops farmer. We were the first ones there and got a personal tour of the grounds. The guy explained how this year, due to no rain, they will probably only produce 20% of what they had hoped to produce. They had awesome handmade machines made by master welders instead of them buying big expensive commercial machines. I'm an idiot because I didn't get pictures of the machines. They were so amazing looking. Kind of Mad-Max looking..so the mister talked to him about beer and hops and was shown that they have a shop that sells brew kits etc. It was a pretty amazing place. Plus they had this beauty..

They also had a male with ginormous antlers, but he was in the other stall and apparently in a bad mood. So I couldn't get a good picture of him.

We then ventured to a farm that apparently decided not to open?! But it was right on our way to other stops, so luckily we didn't go out of our way. Next stop - farm stand: nectarines, potatoes and apricots were purchased. 

Off we then went to the "bee guy". This was when it was complete down pour, so it worked out perfect because we were inside for the tour. They were showing how to make candles and then upstairs had demonstrations on collecting and extracting the honey. The mister has been very interested in having his own hives and is something he wanted to do within the next year. He tried talking to the "bee guy" but..well..the guy was just not a people person. He was a person when you ask a question, you get a one or two word answer. He didn't seem willing to really talk about the process etc. Which makes you wonder why someone would participate in this sort of "open farm day" if they didn't want to be "open" and actually talk to people showing an actual interest asking intelligent questions. But we did score a jar of free honey and earned our first free bumper sticker. (All the farms were split up in regions - there were four regions and after going to 3 farms in one region, you would receive a bumper sticker. Once you went to 3 farms, and then went to the next region you automatically received that regions bumper sticker - you didn't have to go to another 3 in that certain region..)

Then off we went to our farmer's market: purple potatoes, baby carrots, HUGE tomatoes, corn on the cob, hamburg patties, were purchased. Then we received free onions from one of the vendors we stop at every week. She joked its because we come out every weekend - even when its rainy. (second bumper sticker received as it was a different region)

Back in the car and back on the road. Now headed about 20 minutes in the opposite direction. The first farm we stopped at was actually by accident. I had thought it was the farm we were headed to. We parked and got out and realized it was a different farm! But this one was simply gorgeous and one of our favorites. They raise Wagyu Cattle (they produce Kobe beef - and are the only farm in the Northeast supplying Kobe beef). We also met this guy..

A huge pot belly pig. He was hard to get a photo off because he kept moving around, he actually came down from where he was and walked toward me. I wasn't sure if I could pet him or not because he was making funny noises. haha He was huge, I wish we could have gotten better pictures. (3rd region bumper sticker received)

Back in the car and off to the farm (we thought we were already at), just a few more miles down the road. The next place was a cider mill but also a corn maze and is my sister's competition. (shhhhh don't tell her we went there! haha). We wanted to see the cider operation. But there really wasn't anyone around to talk about it, they were all out in the "bar". So we went there and they were selling samples and then selling bottles of wine and hard ciders. Mister got a bottle of a hard cider called Four Screw. (he has since drunk it and stated it tasted like "ass", good to know)

Next up buffalo territory. We had planned to have lunch at this stop but once we got there we changed our minds quite quickly.

The pictures came out pretty neat from there tho. It was super foggy misty up there. It was just starting to let up from all the rain. It was a strange stop. No one was there to talk to you about anything and it seemed more like just a food rest stop than anything. But when I saw $8 for a teeny tiny burger, we both agreed that was just silly and we'd rather not eat. It was a pretty big disappointment because it was one that I had really been looking forward to. (4th region sticker obtained)

Then off we went to Daniel's. Daniel is an Amish farmer that we buy our meats from each week. His family and his home are beautiful (we had been there the year prior). They have AMAZING gardens - and between them and another stop we made, I am going to feature all my photos later in the week in my garden post so make sure you stop by to see those. 

We walked around their gardens and each year they give buggy rides around their property. They also had funny furry chickens and a litter of puppies in one of their barns. (no puppy pictures because they were MOBBED by little children)

That one little guy in the back was so cute and furry! I can not say enough great things about this family. After buying some pork chops, eggs and a chicken we headed off to our next destination. 

The next stop was a place called Growing Wild. Its a small nursery that grows native perennials. Flower pictures will be posted later in the week..but check out these views!

I can't even explain how gorgeous it was up there. They had 360 degree views that were breath taking. It's so funny that I grew up here and had no clue that this surrounded me. It's just stunning driving on all the back roads around where I live. The entire day we were just gawking and shaking our heads that we didn't even know some of this was around us.

Up next, and our last stop was another Amish family farm. They are an organic dairy farm and hand built a timber framed carriage house without any nails! They only use "framing pegs". The craftsmanship was simple amazing. And their house..it was a dream house..this little guy came out to greet us as we came up the driveway. Meowing away. I forgot how adorable kittens can be!

 It was such a great day. I love going on adventures and exploring. Especially seeing places where our food is coming from. I think it's really important to support local farms and your local community.

Here are my bumper stickers from all four regions collected and my booklet with stickers collected:

 I was bummed because we actually missed two places I had wanted to go to. But there is always next year!

Buy Handmade vol 15

This week behind the scenes travels to Ohio by way of Uzbekistan

Name: Dinara Mirtalipova
Age: 29
Occupation: Artist
Etsy Shop: mirdinara.etsy.com

Blog: http://www.mirdinara.blogspot.com/

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm an Uzbek girl, a mom, a wife who also happen to be an artist. I never believed I was one until I started a blog (mirdinara.blogspot.com) and my etsy shop.

When did you start creating and how long have you been on Etsy? 

I have been creating my whole life, my mom taught me how to sew and stitch, and I have been a doodler ever since I remember myself. I opened my Etsy in 2007 just as a joke. I snapped  a few pictures of my first product and uploaded to see what's gonna happen. And ever since it has been happening, I'm very glad people are stopping by my shop to support what I do. 

How did you come up with your business name, is there any special meaning behind it?

Back in high school it was my first attempted to open my very first e-mail box (yeah, I come from that time). I had to register my name and I realized it was already taken. (surprise, ha?! :))) So I just simply combined the beginning of my last name ( the first three letters) along with my first name. Ever since then it became my online nickname. So when I opened my etsy it was no doubt it would be named so.

How would you describe your creative process?

I would say it is very impulsive. My creativity comes and goes in waves. There would be time when I feel so blank and unmotivated. During that period I go to bed very early and catch my long sleep. But then, there is time when I feel extremely hyper about all kinds of different projects and ideas. I would be eager to try new methods and read and look and browse and learn. I might skip sleep a few nights in a row and become a zombie. Even  when I try to sleep I can't because it becomes so loud in my head and during that period I make sure I carry an idea log with me no matter where I go. 

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I like simple things like personal childhood memories, music, colors. I get overwhelmed looking through magazine pages, that's why I tend not to go to pretty shops and galleries. The inspiration comes from the inside. It usually happens when I'm trying to sleep and my brain is relaxed, then BOOM! I think of something and I get up to write it down otherwise I will lose that string when I wake up in the morning. 

Apart from creating things, what do you like to do?

I like to travel and visiting new places. I love love love taking pictures of beautiful places and beautiful people. I love playing with my daughter and dancing with her :) And of course sometimes I just simply love to not do anything at all and just let myself be a couch potato :))

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be and why?

I tried that. I never believed being an artist is a serious profession. I always claimed it was just my hobby. I tried so hard to not become one. After I graduated from high school I went to the University of Economics in Uzbekistan (where I'm from) to study Cybernetics. I graduated with honors, but found myself doing what I LOVE to do instead. So I guess I failed to not to be an artist.

Five years from now you will be…

Hopefully I will still be here making and selling things.

Describe yourself in five words:

Curious, spontaneous, passionate, happy and loving 

Lastly, do you have any advice for anyone thinking about opening their own shop or participating in craft shows?

Just open it and don't over think it. Don't wait for a special day until you design your perfect banner or shoot nice photos. Just open is and start living. Things will get adjusted as you go and as you grow. And everything comes with experience.

MirDinara

fff vol 25

Favorite finds from the last week:


1. Etsy find of the week:

source

I love this bag for my farmer's market adventures. I prefer heavy duty bags though. The current bags I use are super heavy duty and are able to stand up on their own with flat bottoms. I just can't find any cute ones that are constructed that way. Someone please make cute HEAVY duty, flat bottom bags for me! I'd do it myself..but you know I have 797 other things to do first.

2. Blog of the week: Gypsy in Jasper

I love my blogging buddy Nicole. She wrote me an email a couple months ago after she saw a comment on a blog about me putting mannequin heads in my walls and sealing them up.  We've been fast friends ever since. It's really so awesome to meet someone who can live so far away from you, that you never would have met otherwise and just click. That's how I feel with her. Like I've known her forever. She's awesome..you should think she's awesome too. Go check out her blog and laugh at her pink "flippie-floppies"!

3. Please can I move in?

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Who wouldn't want to start their day off by sliding down a super twisty slide to get breakfast?! I know my days would start off so much happier.

4. Get in my belly...

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Buttermilk blueberry breakfast cake. I just may have to make this for the weekend. Looks so so yummy!

5. Tee shirt of the week from Dark Cycle Clothing

I actually like it best in teal, but this picture showed the image the best. I might have to get this to wear to a air balloon festival at my sister's place this fall. I will be selling my soaps and goodies!!


Open Farm Day is finally upon us tomorrow!! Woo Hoo I can not wait! Super adventures will be had. 


Hope everyone has great weekends, any good plans in the works??

cabinet makeover - How to remove old paint and give your old cabinet a much needed face lift

So if you remember a couple weeks ago we scored this awesome beauty

The paint was chipping and the top was so gross and dirty. But we saw past that and I just knew it would be perfect in our kitchen. When we renovate our kitchen it will not be like your standard kitchen in your standard, cookie-cutter home. 

Our plans are the following: Gut out the current cabinets, stove and fridge. Right now there is this area (oh man I don't even know how to explain this part..) Ok there is a way in the kitchen with THREE doors. One door is to a very small bathroom, the middle door is actually an old back stairway but it was blocked off way before our time owning the home and if we had wanted to open it back up (because it's just cool to have  second stairway!) it would have led right into the bathroom upstairs..and well..I really don't think anyone wants to have a stairway in the middle of a bathroom. Okay. The third door leads down into the basement. Our plans are to remove the actual stairs and block off the stairs going into the basement. (Once the upstairs is complete- the laundry will be upstairs) and the only other reason to go in the basement would be for Kevin to get to one of his workshops. So he will just utilize the stairs from outside. By converting all this - it will leave a VERY large pantry. The fridge, a small freezer, and shelving will be in the pantry. So all our plates and everything you put in a pantry will be..well in the pantry! 

As for the main kitchen: We are searching for a large farm table. We found one at a local antique shop that is  9' by 3'. When we find one - that will be the centerpiece of the kitchen. It will be our work space and also eating spot. We will only have a few shelves on the walls and then we are also looking for an antique stove - So we bought this piece and it will have my mixer on it. I can't even explain how excited I am about this plan we have. I'm not sure if you can envision what I just explained without you seeing my kitchen. But it will be awesome, trust me!

Ok..now back to the cabinet. I thought it was going to be a quick process. While I detest chemicals. We had some paint remover here from ages ago that we never used, so I thought I would just use that and be done with it. 

I put on the remover in a small area..waited the allotted time..and a big fat nothing happened. I was already disgusted with myself that I even tried to use a chemical to remove the paint so I immediately stopped  and moved to the source I KNOW works.

That would be my trusty heat gun. It is awesome but is very time consuming. 

The tools you will need are a heat gun, a scraper (metal, plastic will melt) and muscle power. You point the heat gun at the paint surface and the paint will begin to bubble. Once it bubbles you take your scrapper and scrape with the grain of the wood (more like pushing the melted paint) This will take off the first layer. Then you do it a second time and the bubbles will be smaller and you can get it right down to the bare wood. 

Take off all the hardware and remove the drawers and door. 

Next step sanding.

It definitely helps having a sweet little baby dog sleeping next to you while you work.

Paint: Super Matte, Valspar, Icy Blue.

Reattach the handles and the door (we..well I should say the mister cleaned the hinges for me - those things were so gross and covered in who knows how many layers of paint.) and SCRUB the crap out of the top. Around the entire thing it was covered in dirt and paint. How someone would have gotten paint on it is beyond me. It was pretty simple to paint and NOT get any on the top! But who knows what people do to their things!

Drum roll.....

And here it is in its current home until renovations can be under way..who knows when that will be! You might be wondering why there are two radiators next to each other. We have forced air in our house and are going to be converting our heat over to radiators and we scored a bunch of gorgeous ones. The white one will be in the kitchen and the small one is going to be in the room we are currently using as our bedroom. So right now it's just hanging out until we move on to that conversion.

Before and After

I am absolutely in love with how it turned out. I LOVE the color and am just so happy with it. Woo-Hoo!! I love completing projects!

feeling some love.. Liebster Award x TWO!

Over the past week I have been nominated for not one but two Liebster awards (aka. Lobster Award- when I first read the award from Nicole I swore it said Lobster and all I could picture was a gold lobster trophy). While it's not an official, tangible award I can put on my mantle and stand at a podium giving a tearful speech...I do sincerely appreciate both ladies that have bestowed this upon me. My first reaction when I received this award from Nicole at Gypsy in Jasper (besides "what on earth is a LOBSTER award?- I definitely need to get my eyes checked again for new glasses) was I don't think I can pass this along - as the premise is you pass it along to 11 other bloggers who all have under 200 readers/followers. A great deal of the blogs that I do frequent seem to be established blogs..some with thousands and thousands of readers daily.

Here's a quick description:

The Liebster award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome. 

Rules for receiving this award:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions that the tagger set for you, plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. No tag backs.

11 random facts about me

1. I hate the heat. I prefer cold rainy days over sunny hot days any day of the week.
2. I don't drink anything with caffeine and haven't had a caffeinated soda since I was about 12
3. For some reason when people meet me they think I am a "party girl" when in fact, I don't drink alcohol and have never tried any sort of drug. I've been told this by multiple people and am always so shocked when someone thinks this of me. They usually joke that it's always the "quiet" ones. Or else they make a comment because of me having piercings and being creative. I think thats pretty lame to make that kind of judgment and I always put them in their place quite quickly!
4. I couldn't wait to leave small town life to live in a city when I graduated high school, but after having lived in many major cities, I actually prefer to live in a small town. I'd be even more happy in the woods with lots of land.
5. I lived in 6 different states from the time I was 18 to 22
6. I'm still searching and trying to figure out "What I want to be when I grow up"
7. My favorite moment of every day is giving all my girls hugs and making them dance with me
8. I am most content and at peace when my house is completely still with my girls laying around me while I crochet
9. I look forward to every Saturday morning because I know that I get to spend time with my husband going to the farmer's market and antiquing while chatting away about randomness. 
10. I have super tiny feet and can fit into kids shoes
11. I have really bad eyesight. If I don't have my glasses on, you could be five feet from me and I wouldn't be able to see you. You'd just be fuzz

Nicole's questions:

1. Why do you blog?  I used to have a livejournal account a while back and met so many crafty girls like myself. I missed that connection of meeting like minded people that you would have never met other wise. I am a pretty shy person and have turned into a hermit. so having a blog and sharing a small smidge of my world is nice.
2. What was your first post about? It was a "welcome" post and a little about me and what I am about. 
3. How has your blog evolved since then? I wasn't 100% sure which direction I was going to take it. I posted craft projects I was working on and also had weekly segments on mid-century modern and antiques. I've only been blogging for 6 months and have evolved into sharing some of my passions. Which include handmade businesses, my crafts, baking, gardening, a few of my favorite things, movie and tv critiques, random rants/..
4. Who inspires you in the blog world? I don't think I can name one person that inspires me. Different bloggers inspire me for different reasons. But mainly anyone that is true to themselves and passionate about what they are doing..that's who I find inspiring.
5. Who inspires you in your day to day life? Again, it's not one person. I think anyone that has the balls to go out and do what they are passionate about, make that into their  source of income and just be truly happy on a daily basis..that who inspires me, and who I aspire to become.
6. When you sit down to write, are there certain things you have to have with you? Like a mug of tea, a glass of water, your glasses, or a cozy blanket? I'm pretty simple..usually a glass of water seeing that I carry my glass from room to room through out the day.
7. Where are you when you're the most inspired? Any where. It could be at the Farmer's Market..reading a post..laying in bed crocheting and just thinking..
8. What's your passion in life? Trying to be environmentally conscious as possible, my girls, my husband, and simply creating.
9. When the shit hits the fan, who's the one person you always call? It depends on what exactly has happened. But mostly I tell everything to my husband..so no phone call is needed
10. Who's your best friend and how would you describe them? My husband.. a wise ass
11. What kind of friend are you? a good one

Amber's questions:

1. What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry? I honestly can't remember. I am super emotional too. But I really haven't watched anything too moving lately. 
2. If you were to win the lottery,what would you do with the money? I'd obviously make sure my family was taken care of and I would donate to local animal charities. But besides that, I'd be responsible. I'd pay off all my debts and would buy a small cottage in the woods either in Maine or Colorado as my "home base" and travel a lot. But I would also love to have a small shop and just live a simple life without any financial worries.
3. What is a song that you're listening to on repeat lately
4.  What chore do you hate doing? cleaning the bathroom
5. What are some things that help you relax? listening to music, telling myself to take deep breaths, crocheting, hugging my girls
6. What story does your family always tell about you? i'm not really sure, you'd have to ask them
7. What is the farthest you have ever been from home? California
8. Name a movie that you could watch over and over again. Everything is Illuminated
9. What is one of your favorite quotes? Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new - Albert Einstein
10. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I teach myself anything I want to learn. Nothing is too big or too small.
11. What do you miss most about being a kid? no worries or responsibilities. 

My questions I'd like answered:

1. What made you start blogging?
2. What is your dream job?
3. If money was no object, where would you live and why?
4. What is your favorite time of day?
5. How would you describe true happiness?
6. If you could have one random super power, what would it be and why?
7. Did you go to college/ university and where? (if yes, are you using your degree?)
8. Where is your favorite place to go on vacation?
9. Do you prefer big city life or country life?
10. Do you have something you look forward to each week?
11. Where do you see yourself (or hope to) in the next 5 years?

Now this is where I'm supposed to "tag" 11 bloggers. I fell short here. I don't normally read and know 11 bloggers who have a small readership. There are a few, but many have been already given the award in the past few weeks (because we run in the same circles it seems!) Then I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. I don't want to leave someone out that may have a super blog..So well here's the deal. You are OBVIOUSLY awesome if 1. you have made it this far and are still reading this! 2. you are simply reading my blog ..that makes you awesome with a gold star on your forehead. So I tag anyone that would like to participate and answer my random questions and have an imaginary gold lobster trophy on your mantle. 

Please leave a comment if you do this! I would love to read your answers to my questions and maybe you will have more of a backbone, not care if you hurt other new bloggers feelings by picking your 11 favorites hahah (just kidding) now go..waste hours working on random things about yourselves and post away!

Market Mondays-

Sugar plums and peaches, oh my! I was so excited to see new fruits out this week. Especially sugar plums. They may just be one of my absolute favorite fruits. The bread people weren't this this week so we were horribly bummed out. Next weekend is Open Farm day. I can not even tell you how excited we are. We got our "passport" and I have mapped out the route to take so that we get to the Buffalo farm at lunch time to get burgers! I've never eaten Buffalo. I might be sad eating one after getting to hang out with them though. It's such a weird thing. The mister and I were vegetarian for over 10 years each and gradually have gone back to eating meats. I think it makes a huge difference though - getting your meats from a local farm where you can go and see how the animals are being treated, what they are fed and how they are cared for. Rather than buying meat at a grocery store or prepackaged from some big company like Perdue (don't get me started about that company and what they do to their chickens) Does anyone else live in a community that does something similar? We went last year and had so much fun..I can't wait.

Per usual, after our farmer's market adventure we headed to the next town over to go to a couple antique shops. I have been looking for a vintage wire plant stand for a while now with no success. I had actually found one at a local shop, but it specifically said "not for sale- for display only". I was quite heart broken because it was the exact one I had been wanting. On our adventures we were told about a new shop that was a few miles away..so of course we went. When we pulled in I almost crashed because I got so excited..right out front was TONS of wire baskets, stands and odds and ends. I was so excited. I jumped out and raced over to the stand. While it was not the style I had been looking for (I had wanted a circle one) this one was really cool. How could I pass it up for 16 dollars!?

I think this is the first peek I've let anyone see into my home. It's pretty much under renovations, everywhere! But I put the stand next to where I work from home. I have a small desk with my computer set up (which is why you see so many cords) Oh, I can not wait for this house to get done so I can have nice crisp white walls and nice furniture..anyway..So the stand..pretty awesome, huh?! Now I just need to fill it with some plants. The top one is two geranium clippings my aunt gave me. They seem to be doing pretty well. The other is an african violet..Do you have any favorite house plants? I usually kill everything if it's inside - so I'm really trying my best to keep things alive and get some green into the house.

The second find (at the same shop) was this adorable, pyrex lemonade pitcher. I'm so excited to make fresh squeezed lemonade!!

This weekend was really productive and a good time. My brother was in town so Saturday night we went to see Batman. I know it sounds silly but I had sincere anxiety anytime someone got up or the door opened. The movie was, eh.. I've said it before..I'm not a huge hollywood, big-budget movie type of girl (not saying I don't enjoy some..just in general..I could really care less) I actually didn't even know there was a new Batman movie until I heard everything about the shooting. That's how out of touch I am with new movies (It also is because we don't have tv- so no commercials!!) 

After the forever long movie (almost 3 hours!) we went to get pizza. It was so uncomfortable..The pizza place stated they were open til midnight. The movie got done just a couple minutes after 11 and we headed over. When we got their we were met with rolling eyes (no one else was in the place) A waitress was vacuuming and looking at us like we just ruined her entire night. While we had every intention of eating there we decided to get it to go based on their annoyance. Now, I used to waitress myself. But like I explained to my brother and the mister. I was working fine dinning and if we were open to a certain hour we served and sat people until exactly that time. This was just a pizza shop. It's not like people were going to be ordering wine..dinners..desserts..coffees etc. Plus it was still slated to be open another hour. Oh well, we ordered our pizza and brought it back here to eat. It was really good to see my brother, he's such a good guy. While I was up way past my normal bedtime I had a really good time. 

Sunday was spent working on my cabinet makeover. It's almost done, just have to put the hardware back on  and get some contact paper for the bottom portion and it will be all set.

How was everyone's weekends? Anything exciting happen?

Buy Handmade vol 15

(source)

I am very sorry to tell you that I have been stood up. I thought I was going to be having another amazing interview for you all to read and be inspired. Instead I have evil, crazy dogs that have been unleashed to seek out vengeance. Just kidding (maybe)

I have always had a hard time giving up control and relying on other people to do what they say they are going to. I guess you could say I have some significant trust issues. So that is the one part that is difficult for me, having to rely on the sellers to get me their interviews in the time frame I ask so that I still have time to create photo layouts and to get the posts together. I'm not really sure how to avoid this situation in the future. I actually had a feeling mid week but was giving the person the benefit of the doubt that it would be sent in last minute. But I was wrong...life happens.

So I deeply apologize. These posts are my favorite and I look forward to them each week. I promise to do everything in my power to get one up for you next week. We'll just keep our fingers crossed there won't be another unleashing of the hounds in the future!

fff vol 24

Favorite finds from the last week:


1. Etsy find of the week:

source

I love pretty much anything and all things daschund. But this print..it's just so great!!

2. Blog of the week:

Little Tranquility

I came across Amanda's blog this past week when she posted on one of my posts. Her blog is so sweet and it makes me miss the DC metro area. (I used to live down there) Definitely go and check her out if you haven't had the pleasure to visit before.

3. Please can I move in?

source

Perfection. I would love to curl up on that bench and crochet the afternoon away. This house is just divine. 

4. Get in my belly...

source

Black forest cake is my absolute favorite. There was an amazing bakery when we lived in Northampton, MA and I'd always get a piece. So so good!!

5. Tee shirt of the week from Threadless

water balloons

I love this tee shirt and it's currently on clearance over at Threadless.

It's been a weird, emotionally draining week here and I'm very glad that friday is finally here. This weekend my brother is up from DC and we are going to go visit him while he works at Syracuse Nationals and then go out to dinner at my favorite restaurant. Hopefully it will be a fun and relaxing weekend.

What does everyone have planned? Any exciting ventures going to take place? I had wanted to go up north for the day and surprise the mister with a fun day away from the normal..but then I remembered my brother was in town! 

Starting a Revolution

Today I am honored to be guest posting over at Gypsy in Jasper.

Please go check out that post too because I provide a lot more information regarding my revolution and stance behind it.

Because I was given the opportunity to reach out to other readers than I normally would be reaching, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to start a revolution of sorts. It's something I've been wanting to do since I watched Bag It this past spring.

WHAT IT'S FOR: 

• To raise awareness on just how bad plastic bags and plastics in general are to our environment

A LIFE LESS PLASTIC (taken from Bag It)

TEN ALTERNATIVES 

1. CARRY REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS

Whether you're shopping for groceries, clothes or electronics, be sure to bring along the reusable bag(s) of your choice. Keep them in your car so you don't forget to use them. We recommend theChico Bag—small enough to fit in your pocket or purse!

2. GIVE UP BOTTLED WATER

By drinking your water from a glass jar or a reusable bottle, you can help reduce the environmental costs associated with producing bottled water and save money while you're at it. Unlike bottle water, the quality of your tap water is regularly monitored by your city. Click here to learn more about your local tap water supply.

3. SAY NO TO PLASTIC PRODUCE BAGS

Bagging your produce is generally unnecessary. If you do want a separate bag for produce, cloth options are available. Some alternatives are EcoBags, Acme produce bags or making your own from old t-shirts.

4. BUY FROM BULK BINS

You can find almost all dry foods, as well as some personal care products, from bulk bins. If you can't find bulk bins in your neighborhood, you can still buy non-perishable goods in large packages, which will decrease the amount of plastic used.

5. MAKE YOUR OWN SELTZER

When it comes to carbonated drinks, you can avoid high intakes of high fructose corn syrup AND the need for purchasing disposable bottles by making your own seltzer. We recommend adding a splash of juice to your homemade soda to create a delicious bubbly drink. Kids love it!

6. PACK FOOD IN REUSABLE CONTAINERS

Bring reusable containers to restaurants to take home your leftovers. Ask the butcher or deli server at your grocery store to package your food in your reusable container. Use them to pack your lunch, and don't forget to carry along reusable utensils. We love these containers from LunchBots andLife Without Plastic.

7. CHOOSE MILK IN RETURNABLE GLASS BOTTLES

Many communities have local dairies that provide milk in returnable glass bottles rather than plastic or plastic-coated cardboard. All cardboard milk containers are coated inside and out with plastic, not wax. Check out local dairies in your area to see if this is offered, or ask them to start a co-op.

8. USE BAR SOAP AND SHAMPOO

Make the change from liquid to bar! Try Lush shampoo bar, Chagrin Valley shampoo bars,Burt's Bees, or J.R. Liggett's Old Fashioned shampoo bar.

9. CHOOSE LOTIONS AND LIP BALMS IN PLASTIC-FREE CONTAINERS

Organic Essence is packaging its body lotions in compostable cardboard jars and its lip balms in ingenious cardboard tubes that squeeze from the end. There are also lotion bars and lip balms and glosses that come in glass or metal containers. Or you can even make your own products.

10. MAKE SURE YOUR PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS ARE PHTHALATE-FREE

Phthalates, which are plasticizers, have become standard as additives to scented products because they help fragrances last longer. But research has shown reasons to be concerned about the impact of phthalates on our health . Use this list to find phthalate-free products.

Join the revolution, start with baby steps and say NO to plastic bags for the next 30 days. If you can make it through 30 days..then try 45..then 60... move into other categories. It all starts with baby steps. But it needs to start somewhere. Please take a button and post it on your blog. Spread the word and make a difference.

                   

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