Composting

This are just some pictures of our compost heap.  Not much going on yet but the soil is looking a little bit richer.

Here it is after we added some yard leftovers.

Nick working hard.

Food waste...smells bad but great for the compost.

Here's our bin...yeah!!

Garden Pictures

These are my "babies".  Growing strong and healthy.  I have mostly parsley growing, but there are 4 chive sprouts and 1 thyme sprout.  I had a slight problem with mold being on some of the containers so I am not sure if that has affect some of the growth, but I got rid of all of it.  We'll see what happens with the rest.

Remodel

This the vinyl decal I put on my new cabinet/future kitchen island.  I love it and it fit perfectly!!

Fiesta Chicken

This is one of my favorite recipes.  It is one of those that just cleaned out the cabinet and worked.  I have fixed several times and all my friends love it!  Hope you try it and enjoy just as much as I do.

Fiesta Chicken:  Serves 2

2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 can of corn

1 can of black beans (optional)

1 cup of salsa

1 cup of cheddar cheese (mexican blend or traditional mexican cheese can be used)

Cilantro, for garnish

Heat oven to 400* and grease 9x9 glass pan.  Drain and rinse corn and black beans.  Pour into pan and mix with 1/2 cup of salsa.  Lay chicken breasts on top of mixture and top with rest of salsa and cheese.  Bake 35-40 mins or until chicken reaches 170*.  Garnish with cilantro, if desired.  Enjoy!!

Herb Garden Update

This is my herb garden.  It is only in the beginning stage here.

Here is the garden on day 5 (I think), and the white/green dots are my herb starting to germinate!!  Only the parsley is grwoing yet, but over the next couple days the chives and thyme should start to appear.  

Success, yeah!!!

Taking "Stock"

I made my own chicken stock tonight, and it is delicious!  There are tons of recipes out there for it but I always thought  it would be to hard.  However, I was clearly wrong.  It was so simple and I just threw whatever I had on hand into the pot.  Below is my recipe, but just use whatever lever chicken and veggies you have.

Chicken Stock:

1 leftover rostiserrie chicken (from hubby's Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls....delish!)

2 celery stalks, cut into large chunks

3 large onion pieces

3 cabbage leaves

few sprigs of fresh oregano, whole

few sprigs of fresh parsley, roughly chopped

s/p

two leftover packets of ramen chicken seasoning

Put everything into a large pot/dutch oven and fill with water just until all is covered.  Bring to a boil and cook about 10 mins.  Turn off and let set another 20 mins (or until cooled to pour).  Strain out bones, skin, veggies and herbs**.  Distribute evenly into containers* and cool to room temp.  Freeze.

* I used four jars and filled about 3/4 full as you need leave room for expanding when frozen.  Also you can put the veggies into the stock if desired.

**All except the bones can be composted.

Another tidbit is if you have to cut up alot of veggies for a meal (peeling potatoes, carrots, broccoli stalks, etc.) just put it all into a pot, add seasoning, and boil like above.  You make a great veggie stock.  You can use this just like chicken, beef or seafood stock.

Green Thumb

I have an herb garden!!  So I LOVE to cook and use tons of fresh herbs to add flavor (add reduce sodium intake).    Normally I just buy packages of herbs, but why?  Herbs are some of the easiest things to grow.  This year I found a completely boidegradable/compostable seed starting kit--Burpee eco-friendly seed starting 25-cell greenhouse kit.  It was so easy.  I planted thyme, parsley, and chives.  Next week I'll be planting cilantro--my all-time favorite herb!!  

Also we, as a family, might go over Nick's granparents and plant a garden.  They have had one every every since...well as long as anyone can remember, but they have some health problems and can't do it this year.  We are going simple just tomatoes, corn, squash, maybe field peas, and cucumbers.  In the late summer/early fall we might do some potatoes, carrots and onions.  It is going to hard work, but a new and rewarding experience.  It just makes me so excited!

I'll update as I go along, throw in a few tips along the way if you want totry to start a garden.  I am sure there will some new recipes as well.

Kickin' Corn Chowder

I made this chowder last night and it was fabulous and only took about 30 mins.

Recipe: Serves 4-6 people

1 celery stalk. halved lengthwise and chopped

1/2 white onion, chopped

1 tablespoon butter/margarine

1 handful cilantro, chopped

2 medium russet potatoes, 1/2 inch cubes

1 bag of steamfresh corn (about 2 cups)*

1 lb of shrimp (thawed, cooked), cut in half*

1 can rotel or diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 can cream of celery

3 canfuls of milk (about 3 cups)

1/2 tsp. each salt, pepper, garlic powder

1 tsp. each cayenne pepper, chili powder

about 1-2 tsp of kickin' chicken grillmate (or other cajun/fajita/spicy seasoning mix)

Heat dutch ovenor other large pot with butter/margarine.  Add celery and cook 3-4 mins, then add onion and cilantro.  Cook another 3-4 mins.  Add potatoes, cream of celery, milk, rotel and all seasoning.  Let this come to a boil, reduce heat to very low boil, and cook 10 mins--stir occasionally so milk does not burn.  Reduce heat to low and add corn--cook 10 mins, continuing to stir some.  Stir in shrimp right before serving.

*If you opt to use fresh corn and/or shrimp, cook additional 5 mins.

Composting

Since moving in with the in-laws, we have started to compost.  It is a great way to reduce your trash and have great soil for gardening.  We could do more and are constantly working on changing our daily habits of throwing all in the trash (for the landfill).  Little by little we are making progress though.  I really want to get down to two bags of trash a week (that would about half).  We could also recycle alot more and that would help redue as well.  Anyways, check out more on composting.  It is pretty simple to do and it is great for the enviroment.  

Check out these 163 things that can be composted.  There are some really interesting items.

Eco-Guilt

Yesterday, I brushed my teeth while running the water.  Ran it to wet my toothbrush, ran it to rinse out my toothbrush and to rinse the sink.  It was alot of water.  More than the 1/2 cup I normally use.  I felt terrible for letting all the clean water just run down the drain.  

Nick and I have been changing some of our habits to be more environmetally conscious.  However, I haven't really thought about how it was affecting/effecting my view on how I live--until yesterday.  I really felt guiltyfor just letting the water run.  Whodathunkit?

Also, an update on electric shavers. DO NOT use a men's foil shaver to shave your underarms.  NOT GOOD!!  I sacrificed my body for this experiment and got burned--literally, terrible razor burn.  That was two days ago and it is just feeling better.  I can finally wear deoderant today.  Well, I learned my lesson.  For underarms, only use a disposable razor or a woman's shaver.

Lastly, I started reading some classics.  Right now I am reading Rappaccini's Daughter.  It is supposed to be a horror, but I am not really sure what's going on yet.  I don't read classics.  I just don't like the way they're written--too wordy, too much detail, sometimes language is a barrier.  However, I love to read and am trying to stretch my horizons.  We'll see how long it lasts.  

Tough Choices

"So our new president is in office less than 3 months and already has reversed GWB's moral standing on overseas abortions and embryonic stem cell research. I don't know what to make of that considering the unbelievable mess we are in as a nation. When is he finding the time to deal with things that are so far removed - and were just fine the way they were? It's unfortunate.

 What I find more unfortunate is the fact that we are even having a discussion about whether life made in a petri dish can be frozen or destroyed. Or whether women in 3rd world countries should be aborting their babies.  I feel like I just stepped into the middle of a bad sci-fi movie.

Science has obviously done amazing, life-saving, and world changing things for humanity. But science without a moral compass is just asking for trouble. Let's put aside the unborn children for a moment and think about the weight of these choices on the adults involved. I wouldn't want that kind of decision hanging over my head."  Jenna Hallock

I read this post earlier today and thought I would respond.  First I'll state that I am against abortion, but not because I am a Christian.  I just don't understand how anyone could make a choice to kill their own baby (or kill anyone for that matter).  Anyways, in America I don't see why stem cell research is such a big deal.  We have access to so much technology and know that not all stem cells are obtained from aborted fetuses.  However, we also know that women, for whatever resaon, will have abortions so why not us the fetal stem cells for research?  Also, stem cells can be obtained from umbical cord blood so opt to have your baby's donated for science.  I know this may seem simplistic but it's not like women are just having abortions solely to donate their fetus for stem cell research.

This post also got me thinking about abortions overseas.  With all the food shortages, lack of medical care, civil wars/war crimes, sex trafficking, slave trade, etc why should they be punished for having an abortion (or rather not having the option to have an abortion)?  I am still not for abortion, but condoms and birth control are not readily available and it will take years to move a country to absteinance or even understanding why absteinance is needed.  Also in many African countries there is still a beilef (though changing slowly) that sex with a virgin will cure their HIV/AIDS.  And how do you began to heal a country full of children concieved from a rape?  How are these mothers supposed to provide?  It just makes me mad that we, as Americans, think it is so simple to keep these women from getting pregnant.  In America, we have so many alternatives for abortion (drop off at a safe place, adoption, programs to help women who keep their baby).  Women in 3rd world countries have no other alternative.  It is either have another mouth to stuggle to feed, clothe, and maybe, MAYBE send to school or have an abortion.  I really have no where to go with this. It is just nuts.

Kitchen Remodel

Below is my second recent purchase for my (future) kitchen. It is a 1960s changing table. However, I am "updating" it to be a moving kitchen island. Right now I am putting sliders on it to keep it for extra storage at Nick's parents--considering we moved from a two-bedroom apt. to one bedroom period, we need all the etra storage we can get. My eventual goal is to add a piece of butcher block to the top and use as a cutting board/extra serving and counter space. I love it and even though it is going to be awhile before I have my own kitchen, I don't see why I can't get few pieces when I find 'em.

On another note, the Dominican Republic baseball team lost tonight to the Netherlands--the Netherlands!! I am embarassed. It should have been a shut out, esp. with all the exceptional players the DR has. They are out the World Baseball Classic this time around, but they'll be back and be better than ever!

Also, nine days until the NCAA Tournament. THE most wonderful time of the year!!! Selection Sunday, brackets, office pools (for some), two and a half weeks of nothing but great victories, surprising upsets, and that one team no one ever saw coming. I LOVE MARCH MADNESS!!

Arts and Crafts

Here are some photos of things I've made/bought recently.

This is dinner I made the other night--Garlic Herb Chicken and Chummichurri Rice and Black Beans with Steamed Spinach (not pictured).  Ilove cooking and this is one of my favorites.

This is a one (in a set of four) canister I bought from Portobello Road--a local recycled and vintage shop.  I love the style and it is going to look great in my future kitchen.

This is the centerpiece I made for my sister's wedding reception.  She LOVED it.  It is the first time I have coordinated anything like this and it was a definite success.  Also I made this for very for about half the cost of a decorator or florist.  It cost me about $25.

Well, this weekend was crazy with the reception and making sure everything was perfect.  It all turned out great (more photos to come), but it is exhausting working on something like this.  I really want to be an event planner, and this was great experience.  I think it would have been better if I had not be planning it for family (I couldn't work with 'em, but I couldn't work without 'em...haha).  

Websites to Check Out

Electric Shaver Recommendations: Best Rating--Panasonic Close Curves (around $40)

www.comsumersearch.com

www.amazon.com

www.consumerreports.com (need a subscritption to view)

**Also I said to myself "my husband already has an electric shaver so why not use that"? I tried it today, after about 4 days of not shaving, and got good results. Not super close, but then who is lloking that closely at my legs. Also I will probably get used to it by summer and should be fine for "bikini season". Lastly, the trimmer is good for my bikini line (don't worry he never uses the trimmer for his face).

Clothing Sites:

www.thehungersite.com

www.simpleshoes.com (having a winter sale right now)

www.fairindigo.com (somethings are a little pricey)

www.pristineplanet.com

wwwgaiam.com

Organic Sheets and Towels:

www.pristineplanet.com

www.thecompanystore.com (great variety and made in the USA)

www.kushtush.com (great selesction of baby products)

Food:

local farmer's markets

shop local grocers or grocery chains that supply local meat, produce and other products

go online and find area farms that are part of a CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) or google farms shares in you area

"Green" Office Space

Recently, I came across a company, Greenline, that offers compostable, chemical free, biodegradable office products.  Right now I am using them to supply plates, cups and silverware for my sister's wedding reception.  Each of these products are sturdy, lightweight and could be used for any event where disposable can't be avioded.  They provide a wide variety--paper, envelopes, whiteout, kitchen products, sticky notes, etc. If you company would like to do more to support the environment and help suppliers produce les waste then check out Greenline Paper Company.

Also I've been thinking more about why we as Christ Followers need to take care of our evironment.  One, God puts Adam in the garden to tend and keep it not destroy it.  Two, we want to provide a cleaner world for those to come.  If we just keep choosing cheap, chemically processed products with harsh dyes then we will continue to pollute to soil and underground water supply thus costing more to process water that is drinkable, to clean soil so that it is sowable, and to find products that are "pure" (without unnatural pesticides, dyes, or chemicals).  And lastly, Jesus taught us to lead by example.  So how does this relate?   If the Bible tells us we are the keepers of the Earth then why would we not want to show others how to do the same and cause a chain reaction.

Lastly, I have been trying to be conscientious about my purchases.  I am looking at where stuff is made and researching companies.  For instance I have not purchased any new clothes since December (that's a long time for me).  However, I am looking at companies that are passionate about Fair Trade and work with women/villages to provide fair wages, proper working enviroments, and quality products.  One in particular is the Hunger site.  Not only do they offer Fair Trade clothing and accessories but also purchases provides 25-100 cups of food for hungry children around the world.  Another thing I have been researching is organic sheets and towels.  These are way more expensive but they are softer, use low-impact dyes (like vegetable) or no dyes, and usually made in the USA so you know people are at least making a decent wage and work in a good environment.  

Well, I hope this helps you make a better choice.  Maybe later I'll post some websites to check. 

Strawberry Cupcakes

Another blogger I read consistantly posted a receipe for homemade strawberry cupcakes.  I love homemade dishes and baked goodies, but some people don't (or won't) have time to do this.  Recently, I made my own "semi-homemade" version of these very cupcakes and must say they were tasty!! (And a big hit with the church volunteers).  The receipe is simple and takes no more time than if you followed the directions in the box.  So give it a try.

Strawberry Cupcakes:

1 box of Duncan Hines Strawberry Cake mix

1/4 to 1/2 cup of strawberry jam or preserves

Follow package directions for cupcakes and fold on jam/preserves.  Fill cupcake papers about 2/3 full and bake 18-20 mins.  Cool.

Cupcake Icing:

1 Pillsbury Whipped Cream Cheese Icing

4 oz  Tofutti or other cream cheese*

maybe some powdered surgar

Mix icing and cream cheese together and adjust flavor to taste (more cheese for creamier taste and flavor or a little powdered sugar if sweeter taste and stiffer icing if desired).  Take on teaspoonful and spread on cupcakes.  Garnish with sprinkles or strawberry slice if desired.  Enjoy!

*Tofutti is a non-dairy, vegan cream cheese imitation, but works well in recipies when creaminess and healthiness is needed.  Would not recommend eating by itself as it has a slight powdery aftertaste.

Water Waste

Recently, Nick and I changed the way we begin and end our day.  One thing we do now is fill a cup with a little water and use that to wet and rinse our toothbrush.  Then that water get used to clean the spit out of the sink.  It beats letting 3 or 4 cups of water go down the drain while you wet your brush and while rinising out your spit and the toothbrush.  

Also at Nick's parents we have alot of water pressure so we switched to a "lower" flow showerhead (uses about 2.5 gals. rather than the 4-5 gals. the old one used).  My favorite thing though is just cutting back on shower times.  I used to shampoo, soap, rinse, condition, maybe shave and then rinse again.  Now I changed to Dr. Bronner's castille soap and use about half-dollar size handful to shampoo, soap up and shave (when needed).  I cut my showering time from about 10mins to about 5 mins.  One thing I need to do better is shaving out side the shower--that would save a little more time and water.  Actually I should just get a rechargable shaver and then I wouldn't need to use any water.  I'll look around for a few good ones and give some reviews later.

Lastly, just not flushing when you pee is a good idea.  I try to do this (it is a hard habit to break though).  Also you can dampen your hands, turn off the water, soap them for 10 seconds and then turn the water back on to rinse.  You don't need to have the water on full blast either.  Just a enough to get a good quick rinse.

I am sure there are lots of other things you can do, but when you want to make changes to help the environment sometimes small steps are better to start with.  If you start to big you will either get overwhelmed or just think it costs to much to do so many changes at once.  Anyways if you have any more helpful ideas, let me know.

The Simple Choice

I've started becoming more aware that I need to make decisions that have a positive effect/affect on the world around me.  One thing I've done is to switch purses.  Not a big deal, but when I think about the way my purses are made it doesn't make sense for to keep supporting what is essentially slave labor (or at least by American standards).  Also why should I support killing an animal just to have a fasionable purse?  or use of harmful chemicals to create a "beautiful" product?  I would rather support a company that has ethical standards, helps their workers have safe working environments, and use sutainable and/or recycled products.  Simple Shoes is a great company I have started purchasing shoes and bags from.  If you want a quality, environmentally conscious product, I think they are definitely worth checking out.

Just think about what you purchase and the lives affect just to get it to you.  Don't just settle for the cheapest, go a step beyond and choose to support life and the environment.  You'll be glad you did.