couscous with saffron

3 cups (1-1/2 pounds)  couscous

3 cups chicken broth

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled

   salt

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put the couscous in a 9x13-inch baking dish; set aside.

2. In a small saucepan, heat the chicken broth, butter, saffron, and 1 teaspoon salt over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the broth is hot. Pour the mixture over the couscous and mix well.

3. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake until the liquid has been absorbed by the couscous, 10 to 12 minutes. Let sit at room temperature, covered, for 5 minutes. Drizzle the olive oil over the couscous. Using a fork gently mix to coat the couscous in oil and break apart any clumps. Transfer to a serving dish.

creamy spinach

 

3 bunches  spinach (10 to 12 ounces each), trimmed and washed

2 tablespoons  unsalted butter

1/4 cup  minced scallions or spring onions (white and light green parts)

3/4 cup  heavy cream

  Scant 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

  black pepper

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salting it well (about 1 tablespoon) Add the spinach to the boiling water and cover the pot to return it to a boil. Uncover and boil the spinach until it wilts completely, about 1 min. Drain in a colander and hold the colander under cold running water to cool the spinach. Squeeze the spinach with your hands to remove excess water.  Chop the spinach coarsely (you should have about 1 cup); set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the scallions and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped spinach, the cream, and the salt. Raise the heat to medium high. Cook, breaking up the spinach with a wooden spoon, until the spinach is tender and has absorbed most but not all of the cream and the pan is still a bit saucy, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, season with pepper, adjust the seasonings as needed, and serve. 

natural holiday /christmas decorations

1. Use seasonal fruits as decoration, which you can eat afterward, or are at least biodegradable. Pomegranates and gourds are good choices.
2. Seedlings or potted evergreens are another option. When it's time to take down decorations, you will have a tree to plant.
3. Decorate with bulbs. Amaryllis plants are always popular at Christmas, and they can be potted after the holiday.
4. Try pulling a few branches from an outdoor tree to decorate around the house.
5. Other found objects like pine cones, horse chestnuts, and leaves are great natural touches. 

cashew spinach

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 cup chopped unsalted cashews

1 (10-ounce) bag fresh spinach

2 tablespoons  lime zest

2 tablespoons  lime juice

1/2 teaspoon  salt

1/4 teaspoon  black pepper

1. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add cashews and toast for 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add spinach and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until spinach is wilted. Add lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through. 

berry almond gratin

1/3 cup  slivered almonds, (1 1/4 ounces)

1/2 cup  granulated sugar, or Splenda

2 tablespoons  all-purpose flour

Pinch of  salt

1   large egg

1/3 cup  firm silken low-fat tofu

1 tablespoon  butter, softened

1/4 teaspoon  pure almond extract

3 cups  mixed berries, such as raspberries, blackberries and blueberries

  Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a 1-quart gratin dish or a 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray.

2. Spread almonds in a shallow baking pan and bake until light golden and fragrant, 4 to 6 minutes. Let cool.

3. Place sugar (or Splenda), flour, salt and almonds in a food processor; process until finely ground. Add egg, tofu, butter and almond extract; process until smooth.

4. Spread berries evenly in the prepared gratin dish. Scrape the almond mixture over the top, spreading evenly.

5. Bake the gratin until light golden and set, 40 to 50 minutes. Let cool for at least 20 minutes. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve warm.

gift packing materials

Reuse or recycle gift packing materials - Bubble wrap can be stored for reuse, or recycled. Foam packing chips are not as easily recycled; if you don't want to store this material for reuse, take it to a shipping center like Mailboxes. etc, who will accept it for their own use. Cardboard boxes should be opened flat and recycled; storing and reusing these boxes is even better as no additional energy is used in re-manufacturing.

holiday tree for the birds

Decorate a tree for the birds - place seed bells, suet, pine cones with peanut butter, fruit / dried fruit and seed trays on any tree in your yard. To attract a wide variety of birds, use varied seed types such as black oil sunflower seed, wild bird mixed seed and nyger seed bells. This is a great activity for all ages, and offers an important food source for birds during the winter.

almond brussels sprouts

 

2 pounds fresh or frozen Brussels sprouts

2 tablespoons  olive oil

14-ounce chicken broth

2 tablespoons  butter

3/4 teaspoon  ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon  salt

1/3 cup  sliced almonds, toasted

1. Trim stems and remove any wilted outer leaves from Brussels sprouts; wash sprouts. Halve Brussels sprouts. In a very large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add Brussels sprouts; cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

2. Add broth to sprouts. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Uncover and continue to simmer about 10 minutes more or until most of the liquid has evaporated and the sprouts are tender, stirring occasionally. Add butter, pepper, and salt, stirring until sprouts are coated. Gently stir in toasted sliced almonds. Serve warm. 

the green card

Do not send a traditional card but use an electronic card which does not require physical resources to make or distribute. Many electronic cards can be personalized.

LED lights for christmas / holiays

Use LED lights. Trade in the old style light bulbs with modern LED lights. LED lights use 80-90% less energy compared to old light bulbs. You can also use living lights like people do in many countries. You can choose soy, vegetable, wax or beeswax candles all of which are renewable and biodegradable materials rather than paraffin wax candles.

Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Filling

2 teaspoons  vegetable oil

1   medium onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)

1 tablespoon  minced fresh ginger

1 tablespoon  minced lemongrass

2   cloves garlic, minced (2 teaspoons)

1 pound  extra-firm tofu, crumbled

1   8-ounce can water chestnuts, drained and chopped

4 tablespoons  low-sodium soy sauce

4 tablespoons  hoisin sauce

1   to 2 teaspoons chile sauce (exp: sriracha)

16   butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves

Garnishes

1 large carrot, peeled and grated

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/2 cup chopped fresh mint

1/2 cup finely chopped peanuts

  Hoisin and chile sauces

Directions

1. To make Filling: Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, ginger, lemongrass, and garlic, and cook 7 to 10 minutes, or until onions are soft and beginning to brown. Add tofu and water chestnuts, breaking tofu into small crumbles; cook 4 minutes, or until heated through. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chile sauce. Transfer to serving bowl.

2. Place lettuce leaves on platter, and set out garnishes in small serving bowls. Let guests wrap tofu mixture in lettuce leaves, and top with their choice of garnishes.

giftwrap alternatives

• Skip wrapping paper whenever possible. Wasting an entire roll of paper disguising a new bike, for instance, is a real waste.
  Try hiding gifts around the house and then giving kids clues as to where they are—if a gift is well hidden, it needn't be wrapped at all.
   
• Recycle magazines, fabric, newspaper, or paper bags into wrapping paper.
   
• Get even more creative by using old maps, posters, kids' coloring book pages, or sheet music to wrap gifts.
   
• Make the wrapping part of the gift by using scarves, kitchen towels, pillowcase or tablecloths. A canvas bag can hold gifts and be reused for grocery shopping throughout the year. A tin full of cookies can be used again. A pair of earrings could be placed in a wooden box used later to store buttons, jewelry, or safety pins.
   
• Reuse bows. 

 

exfoliating sugar scrub

2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
16 drops lavender essential oil
7 drops peppermint essential oil

Mix oils and sugar.

Use in shower or bath.  Apply the sugar scrub in gentle circular motions.  Rinse.

cranberry jalapeno relish

1 cup  cranberries, fresh or frozen

2 cups  diced fresh pineapple

1   to 2 jalapenos, seeded, diced

2 tablespoons  fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon  chopped fresh cilantro

2 teaspoons  light brown sugar

1/8 teaspoon  salt

1. In processor, pulse berries to finely chop. Mix with remaining ingredients. Refrigerate 1/2 hour or up to 4 hours.

lemon herb and white beans

• 6 c. cooked white beans (such as cannellini)
• 1 large sweet onions
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil
• zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 1/2 preserved lemon, interior only, chopped fine
• salt to taste
• 1 t. black pepper
• 1/4 c. packed sage leaves, cut into thin strips
• 1 T. minced rosemary leaves
• 1 jalapeno, minced
• 2 yellow bell peppers, diced small
• 1 handful flat leaf parsley, minced
• 1 handful chives, minced

1. Cook the beans (or open a can), and drain thoroughly). Heat the beans to a very warm temperature so they absorb flavors.
2. Slice the onions into thick circles and grill until fairly charred, then dice.
3. Combine all of the ingredients thoroughly and check for seasoning.
4. Serve warm or at room temperature. This will keep for a few days in the refrigerator and the flavor will continue to improve.

buy organic

Buy everything you can buy organic, milk, veggies, fruits, etc. This includes any boxed, canned or frozen items you may purchase. Remember to go online and search for Organic coupons to help cut down on costs.

beeswax or soy candles

No one likes carcinogens, no matter how nice they smell!  Use beeswax or soy candles. These are great alternatives to petroleum based candles.

gifts in a jar

Reuse glass jars by giving gifts in a jar. Gift ideas include homemade mixes, candies, cookies, pet treats, etc. But your gift doesn’t have to be food-related. Use a jar to hold anything you would normally place into a gift basket such as craft supplies, toys, first-aid supplies, beads, sewing or office-supplies kit, cosmetics, gumballs,  bath salts, bath beads, manicure set, or anything else you can fit in a jar.

vegetarian thanksgiving

Go vegetarian – If you’ve been thinking about trying out a vegetarian diet, Thanksgiving is actually a great time to do it. You’ll be amazed at how many options there are – you won’t even miss the turkey. Livestock put a huge strain on the planet, and factory farms do abominable things to those poor little animals before they end up on your plate. Add more delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving dishes and cut the meat! Check out vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes and meal ideas at VegWeb.com and The Veggie Table among many others!

paint can storage

Store paint cans upside down so the solvents--which separate and rise to the top--get trapped under the bottom of the can. Not only will paint last longer, but solvents won't be able to slowly seep out through the lid this way.

sauted swiss chard

• 1 large bunch of fresh Swiss chard
• 1 small clove garlic, sliced
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp water
• Pinch of dried crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon butter
• Salt

1 Rinse out the Swiss chard leaves thoroughly. Remove the toughest third of the stalk, discard or save for another recipe. Roughly chop the leaves into inch-wide strips.
2 Heat a saucepan on a medium heat setting, add olive oil, a few small slices of garlic and the crushed red pepper. Saute for about a minute. Add the chopped Swiss chard leaves. Cover. Check after about 5 minutes. If it looks dry, add a couple tablespoons of water. Flip the leaves over in the pan, so that what was on the bottom, is now on the top. Cover again. Check to see if done after another 5 minutes. Add salt to taste, and a small amount of butter.  Serve. 

pureed cauliflower

 

• 1 head cauliflower, stem trimmed and florets roughly chopped
• 1 cup vegetable stock or water
• 2 to 3 Tbsp of sour cream
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• Salt and pepper

1 Combine cauliflower and water or stock in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until cauliflower is very tender, about 10 minutes.
2 Transfer cauliflower to a blender using a slotted spoon. Add a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid and blend until smooth, about 15 to 20 seconds. Add sour cream and butter, and blend 5 to 10 seconds more. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

plants everywhere

Get some house plants next time you visit your local nursery.  Here are some examples:  palms, ferns, corn plant, dragon tree (dracaena), rubber plant, weeping fig (ficus), English ivy, peace lily, florist mum, gerber daisy, dumb cane (dieffenbachia), schefflera, orchid, spider plant, philodendron, arrowhead plant, pothos, dwarf banana and Chinese evergreen. 

Why? Houseplants can help remove certain harmful volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) from indoor air. Things nobody wants around their lungs, or their families. 

In the late 1980s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) conducted a study of 19 houseplants in an attempt to find ways to purify air for extended stays in orbiting space stations. The tests were conducted in sealed test chambers that contained pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene, commonly present in indoor air from paints, varnishes, insulation, particleboard, pressed wood, adhesives and other sources.

What they learned for outer space can be applied to your inner space as well. Many house plants are adapted to tropical climates and grow under dense canopies and low-light conditions. They have to be super efficient in capturing light as well as in processing the gases necessary for photosynthesis. Because of these traits, they have greater potential for capturing other gases, including harmful ones.

carpool

Carpool to reduce the number of cars on the road and your transportation expenses. 


Check out zimride.com, goloco.org and nuride.com to find rides near you.

oven roasted potatoes

• 8 large potatoes, peeled, cut into large wedges (about 6-7 wedges per potato)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 
• olive oil to coat (approx. 1/4 cup -more if needed)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 lemon - juiced
• salt
• fresh coarse ground black pepper
• Preheat oven to 420°F
• Put all the ingredients into a greased baking pan large enough to hold them.
• The garlic will drop into the water/oil solution but its flavor will permeate the potatoes, and this way, it won't burn.
• Bake for 40 minutes. Stir.
• Add 1/2 cup more water if pan appears to be getting dry, and put back into oven to brown other side of potatoes.
• This will take about another 40 minutes. 
•  Do not be afraid of overcooking the potatoes- they will be delicious.

happy halloween!!

Happy Halloween!

baking soda uses

*To make your own baking powder, stir and sift together 2 parts of Cream of Tartar to 1 part baking soda and 1 part cornstarch.

Be sure to keep an extra box of baking soda by your stove in case of grease or electrical fire. Scatter the powder by the handful to safely put it out.

*Keep a container of baking soda in your garage as well as in your car to put out a fire. It won't damage anything it touches.

*Baking soda will also put out fires in clothing, fuel, wood, upholstery and rugs.

*Clean vegetables and fruit with baking soda. Sprinkle in water, soak and rise the produce.

*Wash garbage cans with baking soda.


*Soak and wash diapers with baking soda.

*Oil and grease - stained clothing washes out better with soda added to the washing water.

*Clean your fridge and freezer with dry soda sprinkled on a damp cloth - rinse with clear water.

*Deodorize your fridge and freezer by putting in an open container of baking soda to absorb odors. Stir and turn over the soda from time to time. Replace every 2 months.

*Soda absorbs kitty litter odors. Cover the bottom of the kitty box with 1 part soda; then add a layer of 3 parts kitty litter on top.

*Always add 1/2 cup soda to your washing machine load.

*Clean combs and brushes in a soda solution.

*Wash food and drink containers with soda and water.

*Wash marble-topped furniture with a solution of 3 tablespoons of soda in 1 quart of warm water. Let stand awhile, then rinse.

*Clean formica counter tops with baking soda on a damp sponge.

*Wash out thermos bottles and cooling containers with soda and water to get rid of stale smells.

*Wash glass or stainless steel coffee pots (but not aluminum) in a soda solution ( 3 tbsp. soda to 1 quart water).

*Run you coffee maker through its cycle with a soda solution. Rinse.

*Give baby bottles a good cleaning with soda and hot water.

*Sprinkle soda on barbecue grills, let soak, then rinse off.

*Sprinkle soda on greasy garage floor. Let stand, scrub and rinse.

*Polish silverware with dry soda on a damp cloth. Rub, rinse and dry. 

*Reduce odor build-up in your dishwasher by sprinkling some soda on the bottom.

*Run your dishwasher through its cycle with soda in it instead of soap to give it a good cleaning.

*To remove burned-on food from a pan: let the pan soak in soda and water for 10 minutes before washing. Or scrub the pot with dry soda and a moist scouring pad.
For a badly-burned pan with a thick layer of burned-on food: pour a thick layer of soda directly onto the bottom of the pan, then sprinkle on just enough water so as to moisten the soda. Leave the pot overnight, then scrub it clean next day.

*Rub stainless steel and chrome with a moist cloth and dry baking soda to shine it up. Rinse and dry. On stainless steel, scrub in the direction of the grain.

*Clean plastic, porcelain and glass with dry soda on a damp cloth. Rinse and dry.

*Clean your bathroom with dry soda on a moist sponge - sink, tub, tiles, shower stall, etc.

*Keep your drains clean and free-flowing by putting 4 tablespoons of soda in them each week. Flush the soda down with hot water.

*Soak your shower curtains in water and soda to clean them.

*To remove strong odors from your hands, wet your hands and rub them hard with soda, then rinse.

*Sprinkle baking soda on your wet toothbrush and brush your teeth and dentures with it.

*Sprinkle soda in tennis shoes, socks, boots and slippers to eliminate odor.

*Add 1/2 cups or more of baking soda to your bath water to soften your skin.

*Putting 2 tbsp. of baking soda in your baby's bath water will help relieve diaper rash irritations.

*Apply soda directly to insect bites, rashes and poison ivy to relieve discomfort. Make a paste with water.

*Take a soda bath to relieve general skin irritations such as measles and chicken pox.

*Take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water to relieve acid indigestion or heartburn.

*Gargle with 1/2 tsp. baking soda in 1/2 glass of water. Freshens and cleans your mouth.

*Used as a mouthwash, baking soda will also relieve canker sore pain.

*To relieve sunburn: use a paste of baking soda and water.

*Bug bites: use a poultice of baking soda and vinegar.

*Bee sting: use a poultice of baking soda and water.

*Windburns: moisten some baking soda and apply directly.

*Making Play Clay with baking soda: combine 1 1/4 cups water, 2 cups soda, 1 cup cornstarch.

*Use soda as an underarm deodorant.

*If your baby spits up on his shirt after feeding, moisten a cloth, dip it in baking soda and dab at the dribbled shirt. Tho odor will go away. 

*Add to water to soak dried beans to make them more digestible.

*Use to sweeten sour dishcloths.

*Use dry with a small brush to rub canvas handbags clean.

*Use to remove melted plastic bread wrapper from toaster (or other device). Dampen cloth and make a mild abrasive with baking soda. 

pea soup

  

  1-1/2  tbsp unsalted butter 

  5  scallions, white and green parts chopped 

  3/4  tsp salt 

  1  14- to 16-oz fresh or frozen peas (thawed) 

  1  tsp fresh lemon juice

1. Heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add scallions and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 min. Add 2-1/2 cups water and bring to a boil.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup of the peas and add the rest to the soup. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 5 to 6 min.
3. Puree soup in batches until smooth; stir in lemon juice. Garnish with reserved peas. 

alternative milk options

Soy milk:

This milk is rich in proteins and comparatively a good source of fiber other than that of cow’s milk. The biggest benefit of soy milk is the presence of isoflavones - a chemical similar to estrogen- that protects our body from many serious illnesses such as, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and cancer.

Almond milk:

Those kids who do not like the taste of milk can shift to almond milk. Almond milk differs a lot from cow’s milk as; it gives a crisp, light, and nutty flavor. Almond milk is very much nutritious as it is rich in Vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. This milk is also low in calories.  You do not need to store almond milk in refrigerator all the time. Add this milk to coffee or cream of wheat to have amazing flavor.

Oat milk:

According to western herbalist and nutritionist oat milk is best tonic to improve the nervous system.  Oat milk is very light and sweet in taste. Thus, it is a great alternative to skimmed milk or low-fat milk. This milk is good source of fiber, vitamin E, and folic acid.  Oat milk does not contain lactose or fat, it is beneficial to control the level of cholesterol. Due to the presence of photochemical in this milk, it can guard our body from cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

 

Organic Hemp Milk:

Hemp milk contains a good amount of Vitamin A, E, B12, D, iron, folic acid, Omega fatty acids, riboflavin, and calcium. Organic hemp milk is good for the people who dislike dairy products and milk. The intake of organic hemp milk can nourish your hair, skin, and nails.   It can also strengthen your immune system.

 

Rice milk:

Rice milk is mostly made from brown rice and commonly unsweetened.  This milk has vitamin D and calcium.

muscle cramp help

• Muscle Cramps

You could be missing – Magnesium

 
This mineral plays a role in transmitting messages from the brain to the muscles.  

Ways To Get It
Wholegrain foods, mushrooms, sweetcorn, dried fruits and nuts are good sources of this mineral. 

bad breath help

• Bad Breath 

  Maybe You’re Missing – Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps the body to rid itself of the excess toxins and mucus which tend to build up. These can lead to bad breath, if not combated with in time. This vitamin helps create an environment which is acidic, and this automatically becomes inhospitable for the bad-breath-creating bacteria.

Ways To Get It

Broccoli, citrus fruit, red vegetables like red cabbage and tomatoes.

apple cider vinegar

Can apple cider vinegar help you?  You decide.

Acne - Apple cider vinegar is said to possess both anti-bacterial properties and properties to restore the skin’s pH balance. This will make it an ideal cure when it comes to treating acne. Dilute the vinegar before you use it to treat acne. Use a 1:3 ratio, with one part of vinegar and three parts of water. Take a clean cotton ball and dip it in the solution and wipe the affected area. Let the vinegar remain on the face for about 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Perform this treatment about thrice in a day to see the best results.

Body Odor - The properties present in apple cider vinegar that make it capable of restoring pH balance of the skin can also make it capable of combating body odor.  If you suffer from foot odor, then indulge in a foot bath about once a week, where you use warm water and about 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar.


Cellulite -  Research claims that this vinegar can also be used to reduce the appearance of that unwanted cellulite. Consume about two tablespoons of vinegar that has been added to one cup of warm water once a day.

Intestinal Irritation - There is an element called pectin that is present in this vinegar. This pectin is said to be capable of helping the condition of intestinal irritation. Pectin will help to soothe the intestines and will end up giving relief from constipation and diarrhea. Drink a glass of water to which about two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar has been added. Do this once or twice in the day.

Bad Breath - If you suffer from bad breath, apple cider vinegar could help. Mix vinegar and water - 1 cup of water and ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.  Gargle with the solution

Sore Throat - If you are suffering from a case of sore throat,  gargle with some apple vinegar cider infused water. The pectin in vinegar is said to be useful when it comes to coating the throat so that it can soothe the throat. 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water.

Weight Loss -  A lot of people speak about how apple cider vinegar could assist the process of weight loss. It could help the body in burning extra calories. It is also said to help when it comes to boosting metabolism. Just before each meal, drink about 8 ounces of water with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in it.

roasted cabbage

1 medium-sized head of green cabbage
2 tablespoons olive oil
2-3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
lemon slices (optional garnish)

Preheat oven to 450℉. Spray a roasting or baking pan with non-stick spray or olive oil.

Cut the head of cabbage into 8 same-size wedges, cutting through the core and stem end. Then carefully trim the core and stem from each wedge.  Arrange wedges in a single layer in the roasting pan leaving a little space around each of piece if possible.

Whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.  Then use a pastry brush to brush the top sides of each cabbage wedge with the mixture and season with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Turn cabbage wedges carefully, then brush the second side with the olive oil/lemon juice mixture and season with salt and pepper.

Roast cabbage for about 15 minutes, or until the side touching the pan is nicely browned. Then turn each wedge carefully and roast 10-15 minutes more, until the cabbage is nicely browned and cooked through. Serve hot and garnish with lemon to be used if additional lemon is desired.

bruschetta

 3 firm roma tomatoes, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
 ¼ teaspoon salt
 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
 2 teaspoons minced garlic
 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
 2 teaspoons diced marinated sun-dried tomatoes
 pinch dried parsley flakes
 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
 8-10 slices ciabatta bread or Italian bread

1. Toss diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar and salt in a medium bowl. Cover and chill 1 hour.
2. When you are ready to serve the dish, preheat oven to 450 degrees.
3. Combine Parmesan cheese with dried parsley in a small bowl. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle a couple of pinches of the Parmesan cheese mixture over each bread slice. Bake for 5 minutes or until the bread starts to crisp.
5. Put tomato mixture into a serving dish (strain off the liquid), and serve it with the toasted bread slices. 

video game trade

Whether you’re partial to Xbox, Wii, Nintendo or other gaming platforms, the Goozex online trading community has got you covered with thousands of games to choose from. Instead of spending big money on new games, Goozex charges you just $1 each time you receive a game from another community member.

style swap

Swapstyle.com lets you swap accessories, cosmetics and shoes with others all over the globe.   All this for free, you only pay for shipping. You can also combine barter with cash to trade up while avoiding the full cost, both monetary and environmental, of consuming a new product.

digital magazines

Zinio.com offers digital versions of hundreds of magazine titles like GreenSource, Vegetarian Times,  Cosmopolitan, Car & Driver, Men’s Journal, Woman's Day, Dwell, Outside and Yoga Journal. Download the Zinio Reader and read the magazines on your personal computer or access your subscriptions online from any computer at Zinio.com. Owners of iPhones can even access entire magazines through their iphones.

remote control power strip!

The Belkin Conserve is a power strip that comes with a remote control device to help you easily turn off electronics. This will completely kill the power  with no vampire power drain. It does this without having to bend over or reach behind your desk to unplug them from the wall. Save energy, save money, save your back.

swap - CDs, DVDs and books

Now you can avoid buying new products (good for your wallet, great for the environment) without sacrificing your need for entertainment. Check out the following swapping sites for access to thousands of CDs, books and DVDs:

• Swapacd.com — Fans can access thousands of  available titles. Load in your own CD titles and join the community to starting earning credits. It costs 49 cents plus one credit and shipping to score a CD from another member.
• Swapadvd.com — Movie collectors can trade both new and classic DVD titles. Thousands of titles are available, and the number is growing as more people discover the cost benefits of swapping DVDs.
• Paperbackswap.com — Bookworms can browse millions of titles available for trade. Upload your own titles and send them to community members to earn credits. Use the credits to obtain books that you want. And it’s not just paperbacks; hardcover books are being swapped as well.

get paid to recycle your electronics

Instead of tossing your gadgets in a landfill when you’re finished with them, get paid to recycle them. Services like www.buymytronics.com, www.myboneyard.com and www.greenphone.com will recycle or refurbish your electronics, which keeps them out of landfills. Simply mail them in and wait for your check.

for pennies a year - LED nightlights

Take advantage of ultra-efficient light emitting diodes (LEDs) to add a little light to hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms and other spaces.


The technology behind laptop computer screens, LEDs are greener than standard incandescent, and even fluorescent, lightbulbs because they generate less waste heat. Most of the electricity used is output as light. LEDs remain cool to the touch, so they don't add excess heat into living spaces, which means less cooling is needed. They last for tens of thousands of hours, meaning they can go years before they need to be changed, thereby cutting down on landfill waste.


Many companies now sell LED nightlights, which are competitively priced with standard nightlights, and can be found at most home improvement, value and even drugstores. They cost only pennies a year in energy, and result in much lower carbon emissions over traditional lighting.

cucumbers and yogurt

4 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 clove of garlic, minced

2 tbsp. lemon juice

2 c. yogurt

1 tbsp. finely chopped dill

1/4 c. olive oil

2 tsp. chopped fresh mint

Sprinkle cucumbers with salt; set aside for 15 minutes.
Mix garlic, lemon juice, yogurt and dill; add drained cucumbers.
Cover with oil; sprinkle with mint.

garden by the moon

The moon moves through a complete cycle every 29 days. For moon gardening purposes, this cycle is divided into four quarters or phases. The term phase refers to the moon's apparent shape as viewed from earth during the month. To plant by the moon phases you will need an almanac or calendar,  that lists the exact time and date of the moon phases.

The lunar month starts with the new moon, also called "the dark of the moon. From the new moon to the first quarter and from the first quarter to the full moon, the moon appears to grow from nothing to a crescent and then to a full circle at mid-month. These are the increasing or waxing phases. 

Increasing Light ~ New moon to full moon
Examples of garden chores to do by the light of the moon:
(NOTE: These are general guidelines.)

• Re-pot and groom houseplants
• Sow seeds of plants that grow above ground 
• Fertilize
• Graft fruit trees
• Plant evergreen and deciduous trees

The decreasing or waning phases are when the moon "shrinks" from the full moon down to the new moon (darkness). As the moon wanes during the 3rd and 4th quarters, this is a good time to prune plants, as the water table is diminishing and so less sap will flow out of the cut ends. The plants are said to orient themselves toward their roots, making this a favorable time for planting, transplanting and harvesting root crops in general. The 4th quarter is the most dormant period and is good for chores like weeding.  

Decreasing Light ~ Full moon to dark of the moon
Examples of garden chores to do by the dark of the moon:
(NOTE: These are general guidelines.)

• Plant bulbs
• Plant crops that grow below the ground, such as potatoes, carrots
• Cultivate weeds
• Plant biennials and perennials because they need strong roots
• Eliminate slugs
• Prune shrubs

How is sowing, transplanting and harvesting linked to phases of the moon? One theory is that during the light (waxing) of the Moon, sap is thought to flow more strongly, filling plants with vitality and energy, favoring the planting and harvesting of crops that mature above ground.

watch ~ food inc.

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, herbicide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of E. coli—the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.
Featuring interviews with such experts as Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto) along with forward thinking social entrepreneurs like Stonyfield's Gary Hirshberg and Polyface Farms' Joel Salatin, Food, Inc. reveals surprising—and often shocking truths—about what we eat, how it's produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here.

toilet bowl cleaner

Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. 
A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.

fly catcher

A natural fly catcher is to put something really sweet like mango peels in the bottom of narrow-necked wine bottles. The flies can fly in, but can't fly out.

fresh salsa

• 4 cups chopped peeled fresh tomatoes
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 garlic clove, minced

In a bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well.  Enjoy

green your kitchen

• Reuse glass jars: Glass jars are great for transporting soups, smoothies, and other liquids to work. No more exploding plastic containers! Use them to store rice, pasta, crackers, and nuts in the pantry.
• Take the no paper towel challenge! Use one cloth towel for counters and another for clean dishes. Once either is spoiled by perishables, just toss it in the laundry and grab a clean one. Your wallet and our nations’ forests will thank you.
• Try a multitasking soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s all-one soap. Its gallon jugs, made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials, are actually less expensive than the smaller bottles, and can be used on everything from your dishes to your body to your laundry.
• Reuse old bottles: Keep old squeeze bottles from your kitchen to use as bottles for your hair-care and cosmetic needs. Plastic salad dressing and cooking-oil bottles can be cleaned and refilled with soap, lotion, or shampoo.

lunchtime

When bringing your lunch to work, use glass jars, tupperware or reusable containers instead of plastic and paper bags.

donate old towels, blankets, rugs

Donate your old towels/blankets/rugs to an animal shelter and give a furry friend a soft place to rest.

aloe vera

Aloe Vera is a rather easy to grow plant. It can be grown indoors almost anywhere and outdoors in select climates. Aloe Vera plants are prized for the gel substance inside their leaves which is used for many types of medicinal purposes.  Growing Aloe Vera plants can be something anyone can do and it lets a person keep an Aloe plant on hand for whenever they need a little Aloe Vera gel.

Aloe Vera is grown naturally in Africa and the Mediterranean(warm climates). In areas that experience cold winters Aloe Vera can be kept as a houseplant or in a pot outside that is brought inside during the cold months. There are almost 250 species of Aloe Vera, but generally all have the same look. Aloe Vera is green, which can vary from dark to a yellowish-green. Some aloe have white markings on them as well. If kept in a warm environment aloe can even produce yellow or orange flowers, but this is rare for Aloe plants that are kept indoors.

Taking care of the plant is quite simple. They do not need a large amount of care and if a person forgets to water them it is actually a good thing for this plant. Aloe Vera needs soil that is well drained, like a light mix of part potting soil and another medium. It should be kept in a sunny location when inside and in sun or partial sun outside.

The main problem with growing aloe is usually over watering. It is easy to tell when the plant has had too much water as it becomes dull in color and the leaves become very soft. If this happens the plant should be allowed to dry out and then watered lightly. This should cure the problem.
Aloe plants reproduce by little off shoots at the base of the main or mother plant. These smaller plants can be taken and potted in their own pot. Cuttings form the leaves can also be taken and re-potted to produce more aloe plants.

boiling eggs

Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar per quart of water before boiling will prevent the eggs from cracking, and make the egg shells peel off faster and easier.

save energy save money

1.  Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs. 

2.  Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.  

3.  Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.  

4.  Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.  

5.  Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.

ways to use coffee filters

Did you get an new coffee maker and have left over coffee filters?  Ever buy the wrong size coffee filters?  Here are some other uses I found for them. Even if they aren’t the wrong size for your coffee maker, they can still be a perfect solution to many small problems around the house.

1. Clean windows and mirrors. - Coffee filters are lint-free so they don't leave behind any residue.
2. Save a bottle of wine. If your cork accidentally breaks when opening a bottle, wrap a filter around the top to strain any particles. Use a piece of ribbon, and it looks nicer than you’d think.
3. Line flower pots. Place a filter at the bottom of the pot to prevent soil from leaking out of the drainage hole.
4. Protect china and non-stick cookware. Place a coffee filter between dishes or pans when storing or packing. 
5. Eyeglasses.   You can use a filter clean eyeglasses.
6. Keep your microwave clean. Prevent splatters by covering dishes or bowls in the microwave with coffee filters. Using another plate is your best bet, but filters are a good alternative to plastic wrap. And you can easily reuse them a few times.
7. Diffuse the flash on your camera. Place a coffee filter over your flash to soften the brightness.
8. Make sachets. Tie lavender or other dried flowers and herbs in a coffee filter to make great-smelling bundles you can store in drawers and closets.
9. Use for sewing projects. Coffee filters make a great backing for embroidering or appliqueing soft fabrics.
10. Make tea bags. Wrap loose tea in a filter and tie with a string.
11. Use for storage. Wrap Christmas ornaments and other rarely used fragile items before packing away.
12. When making soups or sauces. Tie up flavorful, but inedible, ingredients- such as bay leafs, cinnamon sticks, woody herb stems – in a coffee filter and float while cooking for easy removal. The French call this a bouquet garni.
13. Dryer sheets. You can put a few drops of your favorite essential oil or fabric softener on a filter, rub sides together, and put in the dryer to make your clothes smell fresh.  
14.  Dry wine glasses to prevent ugly water marks.
15. Computer monitor and TV screen.  Coffee filters are strong and have no lint.  

attract bees!

Annuals                                                              
Asters
Calliopsis
Clover
Marigolds
Poppies
Sunflowers
Zinnias


Perennials
Buttercups
Clematis
Cosmos
Crocuses
Dahlias
Echinacea
English Ivy
Foxglove
Geraniums
Globe Thistle
Hollyhocks
Hyacinth
Rock Cress
Roses
Sedum
Snowdrops
Tansy
Yellow Hyssop

Garden Plants
Blackberries
Cantaloupe
Cucumbers
Gourds
Peppers
Pumpkins
Raspberries
Squash
Strawberries
Watermelons
Garlic


Herbs
Bee Balm
Borages
Catnip
Coriander/Cilantro
Fennel
Lavender
Mints
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme

Shrubs
Blueberry
Butterfly Bush
Button Bush
Honeysuckle
Indigo
Privet


Trees
Alder

Holly

Basswood
Black Gum
Black Locust
Buckeyes
Redbud
Fruit Trees
Golden Rain Tree
Hawthorns
Hazels
Linden
Magnolia
Maples
Mountain Ash
Sycamore
Tulip
Poplar
Willows