beauty that moves

the simplest idea...

 

Over the holiday weekend I shared in conversation with my cousin and aunt how I bring my bulk foods home from the Co-op. I'm pretty sure I've never specifically discussed that here, and it is by no means an elaborate system, quite the opposite actually. But it works for me, and it just might work for someone else out there looking for their own improved system.

In my pantry, all of my grains, beans, dried fruits and so on are stored in glass canisters and jars. I've seen many people take their empty glass jars down to the Co-op and even have the tare weight marked with permanent marker on the bottom of them. I would definitely break a few with each shopping trip, I can't be trusted with that many glass jars against the Co-op's cement floor.

Looking at the basket in the photo, you've probably already figured out my entire system and words here are totally unnecessary. It's filled with heavy duty ziploc bags, gallon size. While I'm not comfortable storing my food in plastic bags long term in my home, I am okay with transporting them home this way. And let me tell you, slipping the ziplocs under the bulk bin dispenser to fill, and  then closing them quickly brings tremendous ease to my life (it's the little things), the bags will last for years as well. This basket sits in the pantry filled with labeled bags. Each has the name of food and the PLU # for weighing them at check out. I have bags for coffee as well.

When I write up my shopping list I just head into the pantry and pull out the bags that are needed for that trip and I'm on my way. When I return home I dump the contents from the ziplocs into my glass jars and place the bags back in the basket for another time. There is no need to wash them out in between each trip, maybe a once every six months hot water rinse but nothing more than that.

This idea is so incredibly simple it is almost embarrassing to write about. But I bet many of you have similar ideas that are working for you. Please share your best earth friendly, purse friendly homemaking tip in the comments. What little and simple thing have you put into practice in your home?

Also... after you leave us your tip, stop on by Simple Green Frugal Co-op!

a performance to remember

Good morning! Emily has been home with a fever (this is day two), which means the working mom is home too... hence my ability to post two days in a row, just like the old days. ;)

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Before I get to the main point of this post, I'd like to direct you to a wonderful interview Rhonda Jean of Down to Earth and the creator of the Simple Green Frugal Co-op (of which I am so honored to write for twice a month) was invited to do with Radio National  in Australia (seems like our NPR here in the states). You can listen to the entire program online  (Thursday, April 2 - Not cheap, just frugal!), or to hear Rhonda's segment only, fast forward to the 8 minute 33 second mark. Rhonda is so sweet to listen to (that beautiful accent!), but I was most impressed with how natural and comfortable she sounds. It doesn't surprise me, I know how warm and genuine Rhonda is from our behind the scenes Co-op group emails (which I think she once referred to as the bat cave - ha!), where we brainstorm and support one another... Rhonda is a very wise lady and sets the tone for us, making sure that everyone is encouraged, valued and happy. I'm so proud of her and wish her all the best on this book writing journey.

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Now, for all you parents out there, or anyone who just needs a little comic relief... please come on a little tour with me of Emily's Geography Fair at school two nights ago.

This post isn't about her highly unusual request for a special dress and magnetic clip earrings... or that awesome, goofy smile.

It's not about whether or not she wanted an up-doo or a down-doo or an up-doo or a down-doo (repeat that 12 times...).

It's not even about the fantastic job she did on her presentation of Venezuela, or the delicious platter of Arepas Con Queso that she offered as people stopped by her booth. Those were actually really good by the way... we used 1/2 the sugar suggested, pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella, and left the corn kernels whole. We also mixed the batter a day in advance and it made them even fluffier and more pancake like. Trying to be frugal and efficient... when Emily and I sat down to choose her recipe, I suggested we make something that we already had all the ingredients for... and so we did!

This isn't even about the fact that my girl actually loves playing the recorder and how cute I think that is - because when I was in 5th grade, pretty much nobody in my class found this to be fun.

No, this post is about none of that. This post is about those moments in our lives as parents that will remain etched in our memories forever. You see, after her class played a few South American numbers on these traditional instruments, it was time to perform a number using their homemade instruments that they had made in art class. These instruments have been in the creative stage for some time... I'm just saying there was probably time to change one's direction if they were so inclined, but they were not. They were perfectly content and quite amused (as was the rest of the class) with their bamboo flute type thing with the trumpet mouth piece insert... yeah.

It was quite a sound, check it out...

Am I a terrible mother for laughing out loud while video taping this performance and practically dropping the camera in my husband's lap? It was made even funnier by the fact that she just saw the humor in it and wasn't too shy or mortified to get up there and play her flute in front the crowd and her peers... even if they all do lovingly refer to it as The Fart Flute. I think that may be the one and only time you will see that word typed on this blog. ;)

Oh well, all in good fun. Her music teacher (who is my good friend and neighbor) was just so proud of her for being able to "get a sound out of such a very difficult instrument, flutes are so hard to play!" This cracked me up because she meant it in all seriousness and kindness.

Have a good one friends, Emily will be resting up today hoping to kick this fever. She needs to get back to her musical pursuits... afterall, there is talk of a summer tour to prepare for.

abe lincoln fest 2009

What exactly is an Abe Lincoln Fest you ask? Well, I don't really know... but Emily asked if we could have one in honor of President Lincoln's 200th birthday this year. So the three of us set out to plan an afternoon that was both fun and exciting while still showing great appreciation for one of the most admired men in history (according to this little family).

First things first, create a festive and welcoming vibe.

Spiffy up on the inside too. Nothing crazy, keep it simple and homespun.

Set out a special cake and some punch. Like any good child of the 70's, make sure to put rainbow sherbet in it. 

Prepare some parting gifts for your guests... how about an Abe Lincoln crossword puzzle, a copy of the Gettysburg Address, a few sweet things, tissue cozy, and a mini stapler... because when you are between the ages of 9-11, office supplies are always well received.

Get things rolling when your friends arrive by playing a rousing Abe Lincoln Game, created by Emily. The object is to roll the dice, move along the path and reach the end. Of course there are many stops along the way where you need to choose a card... they say things like... You need to talk to Lee! Stay back two turns...There is a cow on the loose! Go catch it! Go ahead four spaces... Boothe has been sending scary letters! Stay back one turn... You've been shot! Go back to start... You have just received news that you have been accepted as postmaster! Go ahead four spaces... I'm telling you, this game is a really good time. Head outside for a game of Presidential Tag.

Time to go in and design your own Abe Lincoln campaign/supporter t-shirt! This was a blast. The conversation among the kids the entire time was about different presidents... John Wilkes Boothe... and of course a whole lot of Abe Lincoln discussion. Take turns reciting the Gettysburg Address while your friends videotape you. Some of the kids chose to write their own political speeches, which were so great. You could hear a lot of "Quiet on the set! ...Action in three... two... one...!" Stuff like that. Awesome. There was cake and singing. And finally we wound things down by playing Abe Lincoln mad libs... written by Adam. Pretty cool.

I think we pulled it off nicely, everyone seemed to have a great time.

Here's one more little item from the day...

The video explains itself pretty well (this blog now has a voice!), sorry it's a little dark. There was no way around all of that back lighting! Emily did the time-line when she was nine years old, I love this creative way for younger children to take on big research projects and feel really proud of their work.

Well, I guess that's about it. I should go clean up the place now... that sherbet is sticky! Thanks for stopping by our party, it was great to have you!

Looking for more ramblings? Stop by the Simple, Green, Frugal Co-op!

still putting up those apples

 

It never fails to surprise me how little sauce results from pounds and pounds of apples. Every time I make applesauce there's a "no way, that's it?" moment. Never fails. But this is it, the very last of the apples (picked in the fall) have been put up to get us through until next apple season. Those apples in the basket don't count, they are from a friend... for snacking. Total  apple-y goodness tallies for the season are:

6 quarts applesauce (freezer)
8 1/2 pints applesauce (canned)
12 apple pie fillings (freezer)
12 1/2 pints apple butter (canned)

And you know what? Crazy as it sounds, I bet it won't be enough. But it will make such a huge difference. Dare I say 200 pounds are in order for next year?

I wanted to take a moment and say thank you for your considerable support and generosity in my little shop lately. It has truly meant more than I can really convey at this time, but I am incredibly grateful, thank you. I do have an idea that I hope to share on Friday... hint... custom mantra quilts. Your mantra, maybe your child's name, you decide the word(s) then choose from 5 fabric combination options. I design and ship it out to you. Awesome! I suppose that was way more than a hint... if you think that might interest you, look for the details on Friday.

Now, how about some things I'm loving...

Holiday cards from blog friends.

Boho baby's arrival

Cathleen's knitted dishcloths. (oops... I just nabbed some. don't worry, there's more. and such a bargain!)

Rhonda Jean's latest post at Simple Green Frugal Co-op.

Rubarbsky- I love Carrie, she is so funny and always has rockstar recipes. I wish she lived closer.

And, what's a link list without a you tube contribution... my favorite Graham Parson's song, She, performed by Norah Jones, so pretty.  

Hope you are enjoying holiday preparations and are making it top priority to keep it mellow and stress free. I am pretty deep into gift crafting myself, which explains why I am blogging about apples in December - can't show much else here right now! I love being a busy elf...

news!

 

Today I am so pleased to let you all know about an exciting new project and revolutionary idea. Rhonda, of the ever inspiring and educational Down to Earth blog from Australia, has invited me to join a cooperative of writers on a new blog called Simple~Green~Frugal~Co-op. Rhonda has chosen a diverse group of writers from around the world for this project. Her vision is one of a blog that is chock full of information, instruction, and stories that pertain to living simply. Topics will include different aspects of domestic life, homesteading, green living, slowing down, budgeting, family, sustainability and more. There is going to be incredible ideas put forth here from a diverse group of contributors. Each of us will write a couple of times a month, maybe a little more. The hope is to have something new for you each day. Mostly we are giving introductions right now, but there are a few substantial and useful posts already. Stop by and learn about composting or how to properly patch a pair of jeans!

Be sure to bookmark or add the site to your reader.

Please come on over and say hello!