Remodel

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

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. 

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.