New Year's Eve- going energy efficient

     My husband and I aren't much for partying. Our idea of bliss is hanging out at home in front of a big fire (preferably rain outside) and a nice glass of wine. However, today's New Year's Eve and one has to do something to usher in the new year, right? So, we headed off to our local Ace and started changing out our light bulbs to CFL's. Yep, we're pretty darn cool!

     I know many of you, like me, may have questions about the new energy efficient light bulbs. I've borrowed some research from Audubon.org to help answer some questions about these new bulbs and hopefully dispel some myths as well.

1. CFL's contain mercury- while this is true the actual amount of mercury is minute, the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen. However, "CFLs sharply reduce coal-fired power plant emissions, created by powering incandescent bulbs, preventing much greater quantities of mercury from being pumped into the atmosphere from smoke stacks — coal fired power plants spew 45 thousand tons of mercury into the air each year."


2. CFL's don't really save money- Fact- "Yes, compact fluorescent bulbs require less energy to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb. Watts are a measure of energy consumption not the amount of light output.

• A CFL that uses 20-watts of electricity can produce the same amount of light as a 75-watt incandescent bulb.

• CFLs make 90 to 95 percent less heat then incandes- cent bulbs, making for cooler home in the summer and saving on air conditioning costs.

• Replacing three incandescent bulbs with CFLs will save on average 300lbs of carbon dioxide and $60 dollars a year."

     Other things we've noticed, the lights do take a second to warm up but the time is literally minimal. We actually like the way the new lights look and after they are on, you aren't looking into them anyway. The new lights fit our can lighting better than the old light bulbs too! 

Today we spent $60 starting to replace the HUGE amount of bulbs we have in the house. Each paycheck of the new year we'll replace a few more bulbs. I'll start monitoring our bills in comparison to last year and let you know what we discover. I think that reducing our energy consumption is a great way to ring in the new year. 

   

Making resolutions, yay or nay....

Right after Christmas I start thinking about New Year's resolutions. The inevitable "lose weight" pops into my mind first, and then I start digging in looking for concrete resolutions that will help me meet more personal goals.

I know a lot of folks shun the ideas of resolutions, but I find they are really quite an ideal way to start a new year. You can be anybody you'd like to be in 2012 if you put your mind to it. You can be a better friend or a better lover, a nicer person or someone more involved, you can change yourself on the inside or the outside. Resolutions are meant to push ourselves towards our better selves. I for one am working on a small but attainable list right now.

I'd like to make 2012 the year I really get in shape. I'm not putting a scale number out there, but focusing on more hiking and giving myself more time for walks. Walking is my time to think and my dogs times to tire their little legs out so they'll calm down. I do love walking even though I often need to remind myself of this fact. I'd also like to make a priority to camp more. Being outside and in nature inspires my creativity and gives me a more passionate view of life. For me camping is a small goal that leads to many broader goals. I'd like to be more intent with my garden, growing more and blogging even more than I did in 2011. I hope to inspire more friends, neighbors and blog followers to find small spaces they can transform and show others how exciting it is to grow your own food. Lastly, the hubby and I have decided to give up fast food 100%. Yep, no more. We've decided we're finished with that.

As you put away the Christmas decorations this week perhaps you can think about ways to make your 2012 the best year of your life. What changes would you make? What resolutions could you make and keep?

Merry Christmas my gardening friends......

     I found this darling poem over on Crafty Gardener and had to share. As I'm missing my gardening right now, and all my tools are stored for what proposes to be a very cold winter, I can certainly relate to the words....
A Gardener's Night Before Christmas
 'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the yard,
Not a vegetable was growing, not even Swiss chard.
The hoses were stored in the cellar with care
And I, rest assured, knew they wouldn't freeze there.
The perennials were mulched, all snug in their beds,
While vision of springtime danced in their heads.
The new planted shrubs had been soaked by the hose,
To settle their roots for the long, winter's doze.
And out on the lawn, the new fallen snow
Protected the roots of the grasses below.
When out in the drive there arose such a clatter,
I ran with my hoe to see what was the matter.
And what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a truck full of useful gardening gear.
Saint Nick, the driver, so plump and so jolly
Jumped out of his truck with a sackful of holly.
"I've bought trimmers and clippers and tubers and seeds
And landscape fabric to eliminate weeds,
Well aged manure, strained finely for spreading,
Just what you need for your annual flower bedding,
And for birds and bird watchers, a feeder and bath.
I've an insect pest guide to help you to know
Which of the bugs will cause plants to grow slow,
A new sprayer to fill with safe soap and oil,
A floating row cover, there are insects to foil!
For gardening with ease, I've a new rototiller,
Pads for your knees and organic bug killer.
for pH detecting, here's a soil testing kit
For soil preparation that's sure to be a hit,
A new mulching mower for grass blade clipping,
And a long soaker hose that saves water by dripping."
With jolly Saint Nick's gift-giving complete,
He started his truck and took off down the street.
And I heard him exclaim through the motor's loud hum,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a green thumb!"-unknown

Custom Lego Tab- Part Two, the completion

     Tonight we finished up the custom Lego table for our son. You can check out the first part here. We finished up the painting of the road and glued down the custom routed Lego base boards. We added a set of three Ikea Glis storage boxes ($3 for 3) glued down for permanent storage and another three stacked on top for moveable storage. I love these boxes as they have a very Lego like look to them.

     Next, we added the Ikea Kisiner wall pocket ($4) on one side of the table that can hold instruction manuals, building blocks and more. The colors worked out perfectly with the storage boxes and with Legos themselves. We used two screws per pocket and simply cut off the loops at the top of the pockets. We burned the edges of the cut off loops to make sure they wouldn't fray.

     There you have it, an inexpensive but very cool Lego play table!

Custom lego table- Part One

     My husband and I really wanted to make something for our son this year. We tossed ideas back and forth and checked out some google searches. Finally we decided upon a custom lego table that would be stylish enough to keep our son entertained for years. Though lego tables are available commercially they are usually unattractive.

     We started with a trip to Ikea for the perfect, and inexpensive table. This saved money on the purchase of wood although it's certainly possible to build a table. We chose the Ikea Lack side table for $10. We opted for the birch color so we could alter the top.

     Next up we taped off an area for incorporated storage (more on that in Part Two). My husband used a router to cut two lego boards in a desired shape around his drawn out road. Then, using $.59 paint from Michaels I painted the road black and added brown to some empty space. Now, we could have added more lego squares to cover the blank space but this was intentionally left open so our son could play freely with this space. We apoxied the lego bases down after sanding the edges.


     So far our table cost is $13, the cost of the table plus paint. In my next blog post I'll show off the finished project complete with added storage and detailing.

Mindfulnest- my new favorite haunt....

     We ran off to Ikea this morning for some supplies to make a custom lego table (more on that in the next few days) and we happened upon a super sweet all American shop called Mindfulnest (3319 W. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505) which features local artists, crafters and locally made products.

     Wow, what a fun find. This shop is jam packed with beautiful artwork and fun jewelry, handbags and a body bar. You are sure to find a gift for everyone on your list in this little gem of a shop. My husband purchased a beautiful fused glass necklace for me with a painted squid on the front. The piece is really well crafted and set on a lovely sterling silver chain. The artist is Scarlett Glass and each of the pieces in the shop was truly an individual! I'll be back for more.

      The entire area around this shop has quirky thrift shops, vintage clothiers and antique shops. Plus, there are some great looking little cafes and some posh pooch shops as well. If you are in L.A. and looking for a new place to spend a Saturday I highly recommend heading on over to Magnolia.

Obsessive rearranging- the finished product...

     Yesterday I blogged about my obsessive need to rearrange furniture. Today I completed my project and the finished wall is every bit as functional and fun as I was hoping for. This project all started when I found an Etsy graphic designer selling lyric posters. I asked her to make a poster of my wedding song and then sent it off to be printed. It's such a sentimental piece without screaming sentimental piece.

     Next stop was Ikea. Before anyone gives me grief for purchasing Ikea, please note that Ikea has really come a long way in the past ten years and their stylish furniture is very durable and chic. You can find great pieces if you are selective. I found my expedit shelf system there along with baskets and some file boxes. The lower baskets clear up our shoe clutter and the upper shelves offer room for our records and other miscellaneous household disarray.

     My record player was a killer vintage find for just $10 with the speakers. It has excellent sound quality with a great 1950's stylish and aviator type look to it. You can find a similar style on Ebay here. We added my husband's guitar, an anniversary gift actually, to finish this entry space along with our PB coat rack which was a wedding gift (many moons ago). Now the space has function, style and practicality. Plus, it's very budget worthy!

Obsessive rearranging.....

     When I get bored I like rearrange furniture. It's a dirty little habit which has often lead to my husband coming home late only to bump into something that wasn't there when he left. I'm also a compulsive chair and lamp buyer. Yep, (deep breath) I admit it. Even with all of the Christmas planning and gifts yet to purchase and wrap I find myself changing an entire wall in our house. Perhaps it's a bit salubrious.

     Here is the before of this wall (an entry wall) and check back tomorrow for a transformation.

Um, chickens aren't the brightest....

     So, today my Rhode Island Red, Harriet, decided that she wanted some dog food. The next door neighbor's house looked enticing and over the fence she went. None of my chickens have ever gone over the fence. My neighbor has an English Bulldog, who is about eight. Apparently this breed of dog is not overly concerned with sharing his food.

     What I witnessed upon coming out to check on my flock was Harriet nosing around the dog's kennel, nibbling on some kibble with the dog INSIDE with her. Yep, the dog was lying down facing out and looked up at me as if to say, "please call off your chicken." He didn't bark, didn't growl or sniff. He just sat there in all his pudgy, wrinkly glory watching my chicken check things out. 

     What's even worse is that this isn't a big space. My chicken had to scootch by the dog to come when I called. The dog, he didn't move. So, needless to say the chickens are locked in the walk in run for the foreseeable future. I mean, listen chicken, I know the dog doesn't bark at you and didn't try to eat you, but let's leave him with a little dignity okay!

P.S. Believe me I wish I had a photo, but all that went through my head was, OMG, my chicken is stealing a dog's food. 

Recipe share- Honey garlic pasta..

I wanted to use some locally grown honey I had as well as my favorite brown rice pasta from Trader Joes. I looked around the net but didn't find a recipe that completely struck my fancy so I incorporated some ideas into my own creation. Hope you enjoy....

Half a pack of Trader Joes brown rice pasta (cook to instructions)

Over low heat mix the following

3/4 cup of butter
4 tablespoons of honey
1 teaspoon of thyme
1 teaspoon of fresh basil minced
2 generous tablespoons of minced garlic
1/4 cup pecan pieces

Simmer until hot and then mix with your pasta. Add some Trader Joes turkey meatballs if you so desire, though this is a tasty meatless dish. The sauce should be light and not overwhelming. Delicious!

Themed Christmas Trees.....

     It seems that the trend of themed Christmas trees has grown much to my enjoyment. I've always appreciated the uniformity of a themed tree. This year, and for the past two years, we've decorated our tree with woodland owls and changed the other extras. This year our tree has red balls and glitter snowflakes. Our tree topper is a paper mache moon that I ordered custom made on Etsy. Our tree skirt features leaves and twigs.

 In contrast to our traditional colors my neighbor, Shelly, created a tree with a purple, teal and green theme that looks really beautiful. Shelly is an artist with a very good eye for color and pulled off an unconventional color scheme that makes me want to defy convention as well.


So, do you go tradition with a wide array of ornaments or themed. What is your theme this year?

Every child needs a pet. Period.

Will reads to Frankie

     I've had more than a few people comment on the number of animals in our house as if we have a lot. Sure, compared to the average American family we are a little bit heavy in the animal department, but certainly not filled to capacity. I happen to be a big believer in the life experiences that pets can teach children (and adults). Pets are character builders and I always feel sorry for those parents who automatically say no when Suzie wants a fluffy critter of her own.

Blossom enjoys free time

     Animals, by nature, love unconditionally. They want very little out of life other than food, water and attention. Having pets build life skills. Through having animals a child learns responsibility, compassion, empathy, and yes, sometimes about sickness and dying. Simply having a pet encourages children to ask questions, observe behavior and in return receive a non-judgemental friend.

     In our house we have chickens, dogs and a rabbit. All of which open up discussions on the food we eat, the food they eat, the responsibility of caring for something that can't care for itself. Some might say animals are too much work, but life is work. Having your children help with the responsibilities teaches them so many lessons. It's part of our daily routine to feed and water the chickens, the dogs and the rabbit before we eat breakfast. There are those who say they don't want their children to experience death, but life also hands us death and it's easier to teach this lesson with a pet than a human being who no longer comes to visit.

Will gives Moxie a hug

     So, if your kids have been begging and pleading for an animal this Christmas, maybe it's time to cave. The experiences your child has will be carried on to adulthood. I know I remember my first dog with fondness. Sure, pets are messy, but so if life. Live it up!

   

Fond memories of a friend.....

     A while back, on my blog, I wrote about losing a dear friend. She was a person I could call for comfort at any time, a very warm and wonderful person. Her passing has been slow healing and I still think of her very often, especially when the urge to call her strikes me. I haven't brought myself to remove her number from my cell phone even though the number is no longer in service.

     Yesterday my friend's husband called and asked me if I'd like to take a look at some things of his wife's that he thought I might like to have. He'd already given me some special things but it's hard to turn down getting together if even for a visit. What he surprised me with was my friend's Fiestaware collection. I can still remember when I met my friend and she had a vintage kitchen with open cabinets. The Fiestaware was the highlight with it's bright colors.

     I know that each time I use these dishes I'll be reminded of my friend. Now these dishes are the bright spot in my kitchen and I'll cherish them. This is only a small fraction of the collection. Fiestaware has always been a favorite of mine, and now it's even more special having come from her.

Grrr.... not NOW!

     It's the holidays so something breaking is inevitable. Do you ever feel that way? In the last couple of weeks our built in microwave broke. In fact, my husband opened it and it was still microwaving while open. Yep, that's pretty crazy. Needless to say that puppy is unplugged and has a one way ticket to the recycling center.

     Then, just this week our dishwasher also broke beyond repair. Yep, and at the holidays too. Both appliances are less than eight years old. They sure don't make things the way they used to. In addition, tonight, our brand new vacuum (about three months old) started smoking. It's not the belt, I can't find any clogs. So the vacuum has been relegated to the garage until the hubby can take a peek. Yep, it's the holidays.

     If these things had happened to me a couple years ago, I probably would have yelled and screamed and cried. Sure, it's frustrating, but after putting things in perspective it's not the end of the world. We'll save up and purchase new appliances. In the meantime we'll eat a little healthier and more creatively without the use of the microwave (we don't miss it so much) and we'll hand wash dishes which was good enough for a couple hundred years (we miss the dishwasher like crazy) and we'll make do.

     I've taken a deep breath, thrown up my hands and just said to heck with it. I'm still gong to make this a great holiday season. After all, there are so many things to be thankful for: health, family, friends and sharing a season of giving.

Gift giving on a budget....

I've seen so many articles lately with gift ideas. Magazines are pouring in with lists for every person on your list and the news details the top items on everyone's want list. But what if you, like me, are on a tighter budget this year? Does this mean you skip gift giving all together? I prefer to think outside the box store!

1. Make stationary gift sets for a fraction of the cost of purchasing them. Simply pick up a set of blank cards and envelopes at your nearest craft store. Then simply add a stamp detail, possibly some glitter or magazine clippings, newsprint or leftover wrapping/ wall paper. Blank cards make great fits. Tie them up with ribbon or present them in an inexpensive brown box tied up with twine.

2. Clear glass ornaments, also available from craft stores, can be painted on the inside with glass paints. A box of twelve glass ornaments is about $6. You can give the ornaments out individually. Box stores have a wide selection of nice small boxes to make the gift beautifully presentable.

3. Wine corks can be made into trivets using inexpensive frames from thrift stores or places like Ikea. You can also create larger wall art with corks if you have enough from different wineries. Add a pack of tacks and you've gifted a fun pin board. Use an embroidery hoop and a little glue to put some together as trivets. Add ribbon to the outside edge and voila, great gift.

Our guide dog Moxie

4. Baking is also a fun way to show someone that you were thinking of them. Plus, with great confectionary boxes available at Michaels, The Container Store and the like, your gift will look lovely. Bake a few different kinds of cookies for a cookie sampler or try candied nuts in glass jars ($2 and up at World Market) for another option.

5. Sometimes the best gift you can give is your time. Offer a coupon book with chore help, babysitting, painting a room or any other skill you might be able to think of. New moms, busy families and parents are always in need of help. You can start with a coupon to help pack away the Christmas decorations!

What fun DIY holiday gifts will you be giving this year?

Introducing Blossom.....

     You may remember a while back when I had considered raising rabbits for either meat, or their rich waste either which would benefit our backyard farming. At the same time we'd been considering a first pet for our son, one that he would be responsible for.

     Yesterday we visited the feed store to pick up chicken supplies and thankfully they don't have any chickens. After all, it was a trip to the feed store which helped our flock grow from three to six chickens. The problem was they had these adorable bunnies who had been raised by the local 4H. They were tame, adorable and one in particular seemed to love me. Of course I had to bring her home as a surprise for my son. Why not right?

     So, this is Blossom (my son named her after a Power Puff Girl) the newest member of our household. Her bedding and waste will go into our compost pile and she'll enjoy food castoffs like the chickens do. It's our hope that next year with the rabbit, chickens, worms and compost pile we'll have no food waste. In the meantime we'll enjoy getting to know Blossom and learning about her.

Granada Hills Parade

Yesterday my husband and I marched in the Granada Hills Parade with Guide Dogs of America. Our guide dog in training, Moxie, did very well and we were happy that he didn't seem overly distracted while we walked the parade route. Unfortunately this is my only photo so far as my husband played photographer. Bad Trey! Ha ha

Winter hiking.......

While the garden is gone for the winter I'm able to pursue my other favorite activity: hiking! Today after dropping our son off at school we went to the adjacent mountain for a wintery hike on what the locals refer to as South Ridge Trail in Pine Mountain Club, CA. The temps were 32 degrees at 7000 feet, there were patches of snow up to about 1.5' and a slight breeze. We had a great time with only the sound of our own breathing and moving feet. It was blissful!

< On him- Columbia jacket, Underarmour beanie, backpack by REI walking stick by WalkerStics, available on Etsy.

>On me- Columbia Jacket, shoes by North Face, beanie by Gap, backpack by Gregory (Z35) and YakTrax for extra traction.