Green Gracious

Holiday Giving Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

The holiday shopping season is upon us, or nearly anyway. While my first recommendation for holiday gifts would obviously be something handmade, or repurposed (although locally crafted and purchased are great options too), I get that some of you will be buying new. Which is why I thought I would share a few things I have come across with you.

Viva Terra is starting a holiday rewards card. Purchases of $100-$249 will get you a $25 gift card. $250 and above gets you a $100 reward.

Ethical Ocean has put together THE COOLEST holiday shopping tool I have every seen! The Holiday Helper Elf helps you find the exact eco gift for your friends and family.

Personally, I am doing double duty on some of my gifts. The homeless shelter where I work has recently begun selling "Soap for Hope." I will be making stacks of three of these sweet smelling, locally made beauties, wrapping them in brown paper and twine, and giving them as teacher/post mistress/baby sitter gifts (I will make sure to show you a picture when that happens).

What great holiday giving ideas have you had or seen?

Tired of Candy?

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Have you and your kids had your fill of the sweet stuff yet? As you work your way through those wrappers, think about turning them into something better. Terracycle offers programs to turn your trash into fun products while giving cash to charities. So far they've collected 2,119,218,929.0 UNITS OF TRASH. They've also donated over $3 million to charity. So collect those candy wrappers (and bottles, and granola bar wrappers, etc...) and sign onto Terracycle to get started.

Guest Post :: Homemade Deodorant

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0000

My friend, Jodi, who has shared with us in the past, has returned with another guest post. This time, Jodi is sharing her recipe for and experience with homemade deodorant. Take it away Jodi!

Going totally 'green' has been an overwhelming at times, process for me. It seems like there is so much out there, so much that could be cut back, or changed. Old habits are hard to break. I've been easing myself into a healthier living style. Over the past few years I've made a lot of changes for the better. Changes in diet - whole foods, little to no gluten, and fresh and local foods. Changes in cleaning habits - from chemical sprays to all natural products, experiments in floor cleaning, carpet cleaning, and getting crayon off windows (rubbing alcohol and water, 1:1!!!!). Each year I've set a goal for myself and for my family of six.

This year the goals were to make my own hygiene products and/or use something organic/natural (personal care, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant), and the rest of the house 'chemicals' such as laundry soap and dishwasher soap.

One of the first products I decided to go with changing over was the deodorant. I'm quite happy to say that it was a successful experiment and I will absolutely be using it from here on forward.

Using a recipe from here, I made a few minor changes to suit my needs, and the end product turned out great.

The recipe!

1/4 cup baking soda +
1/4 cup corn starch +
4 tablespoons coconut oil

Mix and that's it! I did melt my coconut oil to help mix it in more thoroughly, but the end product will harden back up quickly. I keep mine in a small glass canning jar in my bathroom.

The original recipe from the website suggests using Arrowroot. However, as I know this is just for a thickener and I did not want to go spend upwards of $7-$8 on a thickener, I used corn starch I had on hand. I also omitted the essential oil, simply because I did not have any. While I'm sure a few drops of yummy smelling oil would add to the great smell of coconuts, I wasn't going to buy any just for deodorant. However, if you have some on hand or know someone who can give you a few drops, definitely add it in! Make sure to pick an oil that will coincide with the coconut nicely.

Very simple to do, a few minutes set aside to make yet another lifetime change. I highly recommend you try it too!

Bartertown Diner

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0000

On our way home from Mackinac Island, we stopped at a restaurant we had been looking forward to trying, Bartertown Diner in Grand Rapids, MI. Bartertown is a worker owned/operated vegan restaurant. The restaurant is constantly changing based on what's in season, what customers are cooking, and who is working. This place is revolutionizing food in more ways than one.

The food was good. The atmosphere was inspired. The place was inspirational.

Do you have somewhere like this by you?

Happy Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

I hope you are all off having a lovely, green, Halloween. If you need a few refreshers, here is a vintage post on greening your Halloween. Happy Haunting!

Back In Time

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:03:00 +0000

Sorry for my absence. I have been celebrating. Both my anniversary and birthday were this week. So I spent some time here, on Mackinac Island.

On this tiny piece of land there are no automobiles allowed.

I forgot how much noise and smog my body had grown accustomed to until it was gone and I was left only with relief.

The waves sang me into relaxation.

It's as if the universe was painting me perfect present.

Product Review :: Sprout Watch

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Going back to work, I was in need of a watch. Since I didn't have an eco-watch in mind, I Good Searched it and came up with Sprout watches. I chose the model above on appearance and price and got it from Zappos because they have both the best customer service and selection.

The watch is made with conflict-free diamonds, corn resin bezel, mineral crystal lens, and mercury free battery. While I am happy with the way the watch wears and the look of it, I did have some confusion on the strap. Online it is says faux leather, but on the (eco-friendly) packaging, it claims, genuine. I certainly wouldn't have purchased genuine leather of any sort. Beyond this confusion, the watch has been a good buy.

Does anyone else have a Sprout watch? Which style?

A word on product review

Thrift Find :: Striped Shirt and Camel Handbag

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

On my big thrifting spree a couple weeks ago I found two classic, versatile pieces. Together they cost me less than $10. This Christopher & Banks striped shirt has roll up table sleeves, a mandarin collar, and of course those elongating stripes. The camel Liz Claiborne bag is the perfect neutral piece for any outfit and looks great with fall boots! What thrifting finds have you come across lately?

Product Review :: Brush Scrubber

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

I've mentioned before that we are a hand-washing household. As such, I am always on the search for the perfect (long lasting, effective) scrubber. I recently ordered the brush scrubber from Eco Cleaner Collection at Viva Terra. While I can't speak to the longevity just yet, so far we are loving the way it works. I haven't seen anything like it anywhere else. The heads are interchangeable and the scrubber holds dish soap. It has made for some happy sudsing around here...well as happy as hand-washing dishes can get.

Have you come across any great green cleaners lately?

P.S. A word on product review

Glorious and Rare Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Glorious is the only way to describe the atmosphere here this weekend.

Temperatures are hovering around 80...in MICHIGAN...in OCTOBER.

The sun has been shining through nearly cloudless skies for over a week straight.

The leaves are burnt sienna, rust, golden rod, fluttering and falling in the most beautiful display.

The last of the songbirds are singing their goodbyes.

We are outside, soaking up every perfect moment of it.

An Autumn such as this is rare as diamonds and not long for the world.

Thrift Find :: Banana Republic Sweater

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

I made out like a bandit at the thrift store last weekend. Our village consignment shop has combined home goods and wearables...which means a whole lotta goodies in one trip. I am going to start sharing them with you as I pull them out and wear them/use them.

First up, Banana Republic sweater. $5 and 20% off!!!

Sorry about the picture. My 3 year-old is my new photographer. What can I say? He loves doing it and I can't deprive him the joy.

What has been your best fall clothing thrift find so far?

Harvest Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

This little village I call home makes me smile. Last weekend the smile came with the yearly Harvest Festival.

I am grateful for a community is brought together around an ancient celebration honoring the change of the seasons and the source of our food.

I am grateful for a Heritage Garden that the whole community can take part in.

I am grateful that I can celebrate history with my kids in our tiny historical village.

I am grateful that three generations of my family can come together to marvel at the art forms that use to clothe us and the animals that gave for that creation.

I am grateful that for the vision of my eldest standing on the caboose of a retired train, watching an active one move goods across the fields of fall.

I am so grateful for this time of year.
What is your favorite thing about harvest time?

Product Review :: Organic Cotton Jeggings

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

I finally jumped on the jegging wagon. Of course I did it eco-style. I ordered the organic cotton jeggings from Gaiam (on sale now!). They are super soft and comfy. Unlike other leggings I have tried, they stayed put and did not roll down. I am loving them with tunics, long sweaters, and tall boots this fall. I love how they feel a little bit like I am wearing pajamas at work. But most of all, I love that they are earth friendly.

What great eco-style finds have you picked up lately?

Home Remedy :: Anti-Acne Toner

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

I saw this recipe recently in Real Simple magazine. I have been using it when breakouts arise and loving how it helps.

Tea tree oil + Aloe = Anti-Acne Toner

The anti-microbial properties of the tea tree oil plus the soothing of the aloe makes my skin scream, "Thank you!" I just break a piece of my aloe plant and drop in a drop or two (you really don't need very much) of tea tree oil. Simple, perfect, effective.

Product Review :: My Green Mattress

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:26:00 +0000

Reader Meredith A. kindly pointed out to me that while I told you that we ordered the Pure Eco from My Green Mattress, I never reported on how it worked for us. We ordered the mattress because it was the most affordable of the eco options I could find (although if you know of another, I would love to hear about it).

The first thing I did when the mattress arrived (shipping was big bucks, but still brought us in under any other model I could find) was sniff it. I am big on my nose letting me know if something is full of chemicals or not. The less I use chemicals, the more attuned my shnoz gets when they are around. The mattress smelled like it had been in a warehouse for a while, but not at all like chemicals. I let it sit in the sun for a couple hours and even that smell was gone.

Organic cotton quilted fabric
Natural wool
Organic cotton batting
Yarn insulator pad
Medium-firm innerspring

It has been smooth sleeping ever since. My son loves the mattress and we have noticed a big decrease in the night time coughing. Whether that's from pulling up the carpet or the eco-mattress, I don't know. But I will take it!

P.S. A word on product review

Guest Post :: Fall Upcycling

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

My cousin, Sarah Rosen is back with a guest post on upcycling for fall decorating!

As soon as I turned the calendar to September I have had the bug to start decorating for fall. Not the Halloweeny stuff yet but fall colors. As I started to think about packing up summer I was about to throw away the pool noodles that somehow made it through 2 summers but wouldn’t last a 3^rd. What a waste! Then a light bulb went off and I cut about 3 inches off and got out my trusty roll of packing tape. Voila a wreath form! These things cost about $7 new and why create more waste when you can upcycle for free? Have you ever heard the phrase “Say no to Styrofoam. The ozone is the only zone?” That’s stuck in my head since high school so buying a Styrofoam wreath form feels like treason! I had a skein of grey yarn, yup one skein what was I ever going to do with that? I was feeling the fall inspiration and started wrapping the noodle. I have to admit I did get the idea for this wreath off my favorite site Pinterest so I knew it would need a pop of color. The only thing I bought was 3 pieces of felt at .50 each to make some flowers. I used my trusty glue gun to attach them and jazzed it up a bit with pearl beads left over from another project. I loved it so much, and had another pool noodle, that I decided to make one for my mom too. This time I went with variegated yarn that I had bought years ago thinking about making a sweater but hated how it knitted up so I never used it. Again the only expense I had was the felt.

I kept 2 pool noodles & probably 2 skeins of yarn out of the landfill and ended up with 2 pretty cool fall wreaths!

Whew, now I had a fire under me to get a little more fall in my home. I was inspired this time by one of my favorite bloggers, Becky Higgens. She had decorated with pumpkins & gourds on candlesticks. Off to Tiffany’s (aka Goodwill) I went. I didn’t find anything with a wide enough top to hold much so I improvised. I bought a couple different sized saucers/desert plates. I spray painted the whole lot with hammered bronze paint. Broke out my ever trusty glue gun and attached the plates to the sticks and instant pumpkin holders. I was able to make 4 of them for less than $5!

Again 4 ugly as sin candle sticks & 4 mis-matched plates re-purposed into something kinda cool to look at!

It has turned into an obsession of mine, what can I make this into instead of throwing it away? My husband just shakes his head and says not again when I walk through the door loaded with my garage sale treasures. He says at least its better than bringing home strays!

Guest Post :: My Cousin Upcycles

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Thank you to my cousin, Sarah Rosen, for this lovely guest post on her upcycling passion and adventures!

When my cousin asked me to write something about re-purposing I thought it ironic since she’s the one who first inspired me. I mean I’ve always tried to be “green” but she showed me how easily I can take it to the next level. I have always love crafting but when I took stock of all the “stuff” I had to buy to make the projects it was overwhelming. First of all there was so much waste, then the expense! So I started reading a few blogs for inspiration, which helped, then I found the mother load…Pinterest. Let me tell you this is pure eye candy. Even the most uninspired can find inspiration there!

So armed with inspiration I then had to train my mind to let go of a things true purpose. For instance a beautiful but broken picture frame didn’t have to head to the dump, with a scrap of plywood & a little chalkboard paint viola you have a picture perfect chalk board to match your décor! You can’t even begin to imagine the things you can do with toilet paper rolls-snack packs, gift boxes, Wild Things figures, traffic signs for kiddos etc…

So I set out to my favorite store Tiffany’s (aka the Goodwill) looking for a microwave cart to re-purpose into a play kitchen. No such luck but I did come across a beautiful, if a bit beat up wood table with a shelf underneath (storage-bonus!) for $15! What are they crazy!?! So I scrapped the kitchen idea and started looking for ideas on a train table. I’m telling you just type something into the Internet and instant inspiration! I splurged a little on the soy-based paint, which is 10,000 times better for the planet/people/peace of mind than the traditional stuff. I made the stencils from a guide online. My total cost was just about $40. I don’t think I could have gotten this table originally for less than $140! My kids love it. I love knowing that I created something for them. Best of all it matches my décor!

OK that was a biggie but there’s lots of small stuff you can upcycle too. I’ve had a utensil caddy that I used once. A little spray paint to make it match (have you figured out I’m a matchy matchy gal yet?) and a little chalkboard paint to make it fun and now the kids have an art caddy.

I’m sure my kids are like most and love to paint/draw/create. Although we try to use the backs of mail ect. Sometimes they are a bit picky and want real paper. Now I save it all. I use if for giftwrap. I get more compliments, ohhs & ahhs then any costly paper I could buy. And the best part is people usually try to unwrap carefully so they can save it for themselves. Oh and the bows and jazzy things you can make from holey t-shirts, junk mail, and plastic bags are endless.

So now that I have rambled on and on to sum up my favorite new pastime upcycling-have an open mind. Forget what you are supposed to be seeing and imagine the possibilities. Get inspiration. I always joke when people tell me I’m creative that I outsource my creativity but it’s true. Sometimes I make something exactly as explained sometimes it’s just the first seed that turns into something else entirely. Then save your treasures. Keep a box in the garage for empty jars, toilet paper rolls, art, ect. You never known what you might need. Hit garage sales, Goodwill, your sisters closet! And finally don’t not start because you don’t want to mess up. Most of the materials are cheap/free anyway so go for it!!!

My Apologies

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 10:51:00 +0000

In case any of you were keeping track of these things, it has been a looooong time since I posted a blog here. I am sorry. Our family has been undergoing some big changes as I head back to full-time work after 5 years of being a stay-at-home mom. This is a good thing for us. I am doing something that I love and passionate about. I am a Volunteer Coordinator at a drop-in homeless shelter here in Kalamazoo, MI.

Unfortunately, the interview process, back to school, and back to work process left Green Gracious sorely neglected. Luckily, my lovely cousin has offered to do a couple guest posts on her upcycling adventures! And I hope to have some more soon on recent eco-purchases that have been using in my back to work transition.

I hope you are all well. I do miss more daily interaction with you. But regardless of the circumstance, my excitement to do good for our Earth hasn't stopped...I hope yours hasn't either.

Real Food Isn't Perfect

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Real apples do not shine like they have been buffed to perfection. Real carrots have ridges, come to a point, and are bigger on one end than the other. Real peaches are uneven, the fuzz thicker in some places than others. Real cucumbers have dirt on them when pulled off the vine (and by the way, they grow on a vine).

I think that sometimes in the supermarket we lose touch with what real food looks like. We search for the perfect in a bin under florescent lights because it's what we have come to expect. We teach our kids to do the same. Real food is not perfect in the way it looks. Nothing real looks perfect. But in the way it treats our bodies and nourishes our earth, real food is as close to perfect as it gets.

Like Water for Children

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 10:00:00 +0000

A while back, I shared how I was feeling called to do something for the cause of clean water for those in need. I am happy to report that my friends and I have been able to make a difference for one village. Over the past several months we have been fundraising. We...

Collected coins
Collected bottles and cans
Did 2 fundraising garage sales
and....zumba'ed for the world!

All of this resulted in us raising $1,255 for Clean Water for the World. This is enough for one solar purification to be places in a village in need of clean water (probably in Haiti), which is a human right.

My friends and I are all moms. We have taken the opportunity to use what we have (money, resources, time, energy) to help other moms save their kids. We did it a way that would teach our kids the importance of giving back. Our kids brought coins to playdates, saved bottles, ran lemonade stands at our sales, and were always reminded of why we were doing this. It feels good to do good. It feels good to pass it on.

How do you get your kids involved in giving back?

Deadly Dragonflies

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Can you see that little dragonfly? He is one of many that have shared our yard this summer. At first we wondered where they had all come from. Then we realized, we don't care as long as they stay. Do you know what is one of the primary food sources for dragonflies? Mosquitos! Despite the swamp on our property and the rainy weather, we have had virtually no mosquitos this year. I will take the dragonflies any day.

What's insects is your yard hosting this summer?

Room Reveal :: The Loft

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:00:00 +0000

My loft was in sad shape. I shared a little bit with you about my efforts to add some character to the space. Here is what it looked like before. Please excuse the little boy.

Just in case you needed me to recap the things that weren't working here....

No adequate storage
An old table does not a TV stand make
Sad, empty spaces

Now, for the afters....

I did a little craigslisting and came up with the TV stand, couch, and lamp. Now we can all fit on the sofa for family movie night.

And finally, my mother-in-law had this table/chest in her basement. It is the perfect accompaniment to the couch and it stores all our board games easily.

What spaces in your home are next on your green re-vamp list?

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Sorry I have been a little MIA. Things have been busy. My dad came to visit. I got a haircut. That's me before the hair cut. I donated 8 inches to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. I tell you all about this because doing good is a passion of mine. I know many of you share that passion. Often people think we need money or boundless resources to do good. We do not. We have hair, blood, bone marrow, all of which can be donated for little or no cost. Many of us have time and energy. There are opportunities for good all over the place. Where are you finding yours?

Later this week I will have another good update and loft re-do pictures!

Farmer's Market Report :: August 5, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 13:22:00 +0000

Here is our haul from the Farmer's Market this week. Much of it is the same as in recent weeks. I scooped up what may very well be the last of the cherries, and will enjoy every bite. Tucker was over the moon about the arrival of peaches, which he has been requesting in the grocery store. This summer has been a big lesson for him in seasonal food.

What did you find at the farmer's market this week?

On My Mind :: Grounded

noreply@blogger.com (Willo) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:52:00 +0000

Life is crazy. I am especially prone to being driven bonkers lately...by my kids, my "friends," my family, myself. My bare toes in this patch of moss is my effort to reground, refocus, and relax.

What's on your mind this week?
Linking to: Down to Earth