I Dream of Greenie's

I Dream of Greenie BLOG Update

2009-10-26T21:20:00.008-04:00

OK so after 1 1/2 years of regular blog posts on IDOG, I got a little sidetracked. I mean, this blogging stuff takes a lot of your time, and with a thriving business and busy family schedule, something's gotta give. So I've been on a little hiatus and now I'm making a come back. With a face lift.

Yes I know, the whole world and my cult-like following is breathing a great sigh of relief on this news. And no, I personally did not get a face lift although it did cross my mind.

Here's the kicker: I Dream of Greenie blog is officially changing names to Green Kristine's Fab Green Homes and Interiors. After all, I am Green Kristine and that is my business. So after 1 1/2 years of preaching of every way possible of going green, I have fine tuned my calling and it all boils down to green spaces.

I know this might seems a little bananas considering my full blown green lifestyle and my cult following and all...but truthfully, how the hell did I managed all these topics? Now that's bananas.

As a home schooled interior designer and kick ass real estate guru (that's called confidence not arrogance, check it out!) for the past 10 years, I have learned by trial and error in both clients homes and my own, which areas to focus on in order to minimize energy usage and maximize human health benefits. Or gerbil, dogs, reptiles, whatever. All while making it fabu!

Now these tips can be yours on this blog and of course Twitter - like duh - everyone's on Twitter, even Alex Trebek... BTW I've gotten more crass in the past 6 months so get over it.
TTYL

WARNING: Your Cell Phone Emits Radiation

2009-09-29T11:00:00.007-04:00

The cellular telephone has to be one of the best inventions in history. Not only can we place wireless calls, but we can take photos, listen to music, connect to the internet, get directions via GPS, email and text our friends, to name just a few of the functions. It is a vital part of the lives of most Americans and its use doesn't seem to be waning in popularity.

The questions is, does all this convenience have a cost?

After a day of heavy cell phone use, do you ever wonder about how it might affect your health? Do you find yourself switching ears often hoping you don't develop a tumor on one side??

Of course it is possible that there are serious dangers. Although there isn't enough data at this point to make any solid medical conclusions, we DO know that the cell phone, like the television and the computer, emits certain levels of radiation. Some cell phones emit a low amount and some emit a much higher amount. To date, electronics manufacturers have to comply with basic health and safety requirements by law but the FCC and FDA have not enacted a uniform radiation emission standard for all manufacturers.

In other words, we are on our own when it comes to cell phone radiation emissions.

Here is a link to that enables you to look up your cell phone to see its emission rate, compliments of the Environmental Working Group. You will also find cell phone research, information about how to protect yourself, and how to take action against the regulators who are way too relaxed in their review of cell phone safety.

Green Deal Du Jour

2009-07-08T09:05:00.002-04:00

20% off New Arrivals on
Shea Terra Organics!
Free Trade and Luscious body butters, Face Oils and Skin Care!
As seen in Elle, Allure and Vogue and in Nordstrom's!
code: sheaterra
HURRY EXPIRES
WED JULY 8

WWW.KAIAHOUSE.COM

Green Deal of the Day from flip & tumble

2009-05-01T09:51:00.001-04:00

See sidebar for details.

Mother's Day Gift Idea

2009-04-24T10:33:00.005-04:00

Don't know what to get your Mom for Mother's Day? Purple Prairie Botanicals creates a wonderful line of naturally derived, organic skin care that she will absolutely love! Check out their gift bags by clicking here. And while you are there, stock up on their all natural sunscreen and DEET free bug spray for the summer. I highly recommend the Gardener's Carrot Salve that protects, heals and moisterizes even the most dry cracked hands in the universe!

Free Shipping until 4/26/09 on orders of $25 or more so stock up now!

This gift is simple and sweet, works for any budget, and is a nice indulgence for Mom as well!

The History of Earth Day

2009-04-22T09:22:00.004-04:00

How the First Earth Day Came About
By Senator Gaylord Nelson, Founder of Earth Day

What was the purpose of Earth Day? How did it start? These are the questions I am most frequently asked.

Actually, the idea for Earth Day evolved over a period of seven years starting in 1962. For several years, it had been troubling me that the state of our environment was simply a non-issue in the politics of the country. Finally, in November 1962, an idea occurred to me that was, I thought, a virtual cinch to put the environment into the political "limelight" once and for all. The idea was to persuade President Kennedy to give visibility to this issue by going on a national conservation tour. I flew to Washington to discuss the proposal with Attorney General Robert Kennedy, who liked the idea. So did the President. The President began his five-day, eleven-state conservation tour in September 1963. For many reasons the tour did not succeed in putting the issue onto the national political agenda. However, it was the germ of the idea that ultimately flowered into Earth Day.

I continued to speak on environmental issues to a variety of audiences in some twenty-five states. All across the country, evidence of environmental degradation was appearing everywhere, and everyone noticed except the political establishment. The environmental issue simply was not to be found on the nation's political agenda. The people were concerned, but the politicians were not.

After President Kennedy's tour, I still hoped for some idea that would thrust the environment into the political mainstream. Six years would pass before the idea that became Earth Day occurred to me while on a conservation speaking tour out West in the summer of 1969. At the time, anti-Vietnam War demonstrations, called "teach-ins," had spread to college campuses all across the nation. Suddenly, the idea occurred to me - why not organize a huge grassroots protest over what was happening to our environment?

I was satisfied that if we could tap into the environmental concerns of the general public and infuse the student anti-war energy into the environmental cause, we could generate a demonstration that would force this issue onto the political agenda. It was a big gamble, but worth a try.

At a conference in Seattle in September 1969, I announced that in the spring of 1970 there would be a nationwide grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment and invited everyone to participate. The wire services carried the story from coast to coast. The response was electric. It took off like gangbusters. Telegrams, letters, and telephone inquiries poured in from all across the country. The American people finally had a forum to express its concern about what was happening to the land, rivers, lakes, and air - and they did so with spectacular exuberance. For the next four months, two members of my Senate staff, Linda Billings and John Heritage, managed Earth Day affairs out of my Senate office.

Five months before Earth Day, on Sunday, November 30, 1969, The New York Times carried a lengthy article by Gladwin Hill reporting on the astonishing proliferation of environmental events:

"Rising concern about the environmental crisis is sweeping the nation's campuses with an intensity that may be on its way to eclipsing student discontent over the war in Vietnam...a national day of observance of environmental problems...is being planned for next spring...when a nationwide environmental 'teach-in'...coordinated from the office of Senator Gaylord Nelson is planned...."

It was obvious that we were headed for a spectacular success on Earth Day. It was also obvious that grassroots activities had ballooned beyond the capacity of my U.S. Senate office staff to keep up with the telephone calls, paper work, inquiries, etc. In mid-January, three months before Earth Day, John Gardner, Founder of Common Cause, provided temporary space for a Washington, D.C. headquarters. I staffed the office with college students and selected Denis Hayes as coordinator of activities.

Earth Day worked because of the spontaneous response at the grassroots level. We had neither the time nor resources to organize 20 million demonstrators and the thousands of schools and local communities that participated. That was the remarkable thing about Earth Day. It organized itself.

This article was provided by the Wilderness Society.

The Green Deal of the Day

2009-04-21T08:45:00.003-04:00

Beginning this week, in celebration of Earth Day and in lieu of this lovely economy, IDOG will start to offer it's readers the opportunity to save a little green by highlighting some special sales and promotions on eco-friendly products. The column is called the Green Deal of the Day and it will feature a new product daily and also post previous deals until they have expired. Check out our sidebar daily to get the inside track!

Organic Garden Pest Control

2009-04-20T09:53:00.005-04:00

Spring has finally sprung here in the Northeast and it's time to start planting your cold weather veggies in the garden. I like to plant lots of lettuce which can withstand the cold nights of early spring and yields farm fresh salad every day for months!

If garden pests start to become a nuisance, try this home made remedy: combine a teaspoon of veggie oil, a teaspoon of dish soap and a gallon of water, and fill up a spray bottle. Spray directly on plants and watch the bugs run!

Another natural remedy is to purchase lady bugs and spread them all over the plants in your garden. Lady bugs eat the bad bugs that destroy all your crops. You can buy 1500 of these little beauties online at www.gardeningzone.com for only $6.50.

See how easy it is to go green?

Stop the Garbage Madness!

2009-04-15T22:46:00.005-04:00

Ok so we Americans are almost disgusting in the way that we overconsume absolutely everything. Pretty soon our towns and cities are going to look like something out of Slumdog Millionaire if we don't act. Ok so that's a little much but it truly is a serious problem. Something that we can all do to end the cycle of madness is to reduce how much waste we throw away and put on the curb come garbage night.

I have already determined that most food containers can be recycled. All glass, plastic, tin. The food itself, for the most part, gets composted or goes down the disposal. The paper and plastic packaging all gets recycled in their respective areas. Boxes. I am a master bundler btw. But believe it or not, even with all this effort, there still is a decent amount of garbage.

Although our town has a mandatory recycling program that fines non-compliant residents but guess what? Some people still do 0% recycling and are never caught and the rest do the minimum, aka tin cans and soda bottles. The answer?

My idea is a bit radical but it solves the problem. Ok there are some logistics to work out but I plan on proposing this to my local government.

Require all residents to pay for their garbage OR cap the allowable amount of garbage that can be collected per week. Right now, garbage is collected several times per week and is paid through our property taxes. If residents will have to pay additional dumping fees, per person, on a monthly basis, you bet your eco friendly dryer balls that they will fall in line. Drastic?? Revolutionary? A little, but I think necessary to enforce municipal recycling programs. Money talks and people will make adjustments if it affects their wallets to their detriment.

I would love to hear about an area in our country that imposes this type of program. Anyone? Bueller?

Recycling Plastic Bags

2009-03-23T09:37:00.000-04:00

Facts about Plastic Bags:

Using paper bags vs. plastic uses twice the CO2.

Plastic bag production uses only 4% of the water needed to produce paper bags.

Using paper bags creates almost 5 times more solid waste than plastic bags.

The dominant end use of plastic/film recycling is composite decking.*

There has been some confusion about how and where to recycle plastic bags. Some municipalities tell you that they only recycle refuse which is the case where I live. Several of my neighbors attempt to "recycle" their plastic bags, dry cleaning bags and newspaper bags, and meanwhile, they are being thrown right in the garbage.

In an effort to clarify the situation, I have come across a fantastic website called PlasticBagRecycling.org. They post very useful information about which plastic bags are acceptable to recycle and where you can drop them off. In addition to major recycling centers, many retail stores such as Walmart, CVS and Stop & Shop Supermarkets will take your plastic bags.

To learn what plastic bags, if any, are allowable for curbside pickup with your regular recycling, please contact your local municipality.

* Source: PlasticBagRecycling.org

WWF's Earth Hour - March 28th 2009

2009-03-16T09:24:00.000-04:00

On March 28th at 8:30pm, the world is going to turn off their lights for 1 hour to promote energy awareness and the fight against climate change. Cities from all over the world will unite in one of the largest global demostrations of unity for this planet in history. Be a part of it and watch this video.

Click here to donate to the World Wildlife Fund and receive a pretty nice gift to boot.

Private Sale on ecoSkin

2009-03-13T09:18:00.006-04:00

This Friday through Saturday, visitors at Shopflick.com can snag an ecoSkin "Angelite" dress (available in black, rumba red, or petunia) for just $59.99. The price is 63% off the original retail price of $160. This flirty and feminine dress is made of 100% natural bamboo fibers. It has a criss-cross neck and a flowy bottom that falls at mid-calf, creating a very flattering effect. Come Friday a.m., users can purchase the item at the following link: SHOPFLICK.com.

The ecoSkin brand is a favorite among celebs such as Christina Applegate, Angela Lindvall, and Amy Smart. Managing to be both eco-savvy and fashion-forward, this line only uses environmentally sustainable luxury fabrics woven, dyed and sewn in the USA.

Additional details on the line can be found at the following link: ecoSkin Details.

Beauty on a Budget: The Home Spa

2009-03-10T20:13:00.008-04:00

So your 401k is in the toilet? Join the club. Take the high road and stay fabulous on a budget with Futurenatural's naturally derived line of do-it-yourself spa products.

Microdermabrasion Alternative. Try Futurenatural's Pure and True Passionfruit Mask & Hibiscus Microdermabrasion Scrub.Passion is the organic answer to microdermabrasion. This incredible results-driven blend contains passionfruit distillate, papaya and hibiscus extracts, and five percent AHA for a mild but effective means to deep clean and resurface skin. 70% Organic and 100% naturally derived. $38.

Mani/Pedi Alternative. Zoya's Nail Treatments. Go green with these formaldehyde, phthalate & toluene free nail treatments. $6-8.

Sugaring Waxing Treatment. The Shobha Sugaring Kit contains all the basic elements for hassle-free home hair removal. Incorporating India's ancient beauty and well-being rituals into today's modern lifestyle, the gel is a sweet way to eliminate unwanted hair. $30.

Facial Peel. Their Juice Beauty Green Apple Facial Peel is a super potent mixture of both fruit acids and 5% AHA that leaves skin refined and invigorated $38.

Who said going green costs more?? Think again.

Spring Cleaning: Sell It On Ebay

2009-03-02T11:01:00.005-05:00

Spring is almost here and it's time to clean out that attic, basement and closet. Rather that simply kicking it to the curb, sell it on Ebay and make a few extra bucks. Not only are you pocketing the cash, but you are recycling your old belongings and not adding to local landfills.

Selling on Ebay is easy. You don't need to take a class or buy a video program that shows you how, although TV infomercials will tell you otherwise. If you have a digital camera, a computer and half a brain, you are ready to go. Simply follow Ebay's easy to understand instructions.

Here's a few tips on what sells and how to sell successfully on Ebay.

1. Sell your unwanted jewelry. Gold fetches a pretty penny these days, and well priced items can move quickly. If you don't get the amount you were looking for, you can sell your gold at a local gold dealer.

2. Kids clothing. Clean, stain-free items can be "bundled" into sets, by size and type. I find that this works best vs. a one-off sale.

3. Toys. I have a Dora's playhouse with all the accessories that I probably paid close to $200 for, and it looks like new. These items move quickly in light of the recession. People always buy for their kids but will cut back on themselves.

4. Setting a Reserve. Set low reserves or even no reserve to get the most action. You need to get rid of it anyway, right? Keep in mind that the buyer must pay for shipping too.

5. Quality photos. Make sure you have well lit photos and plenty of them. The more you have, the better.

6. Start out small. Start selling small,minor items at no reserve in order to start building good customer feedback. Buyers want to see that you have a history selling items and that you have good buyer feedback. They will pay a premium for the same item from a quality seller; I've seen it many times.

7. China or silver. Since many of these items are obsolete, they can fetch big bucks. If you have a lot, consider opening your own Ebay shop.

8. Price appropriately. Auctions tend to be more popular than 'Buy It Now' since you have negotiating power and the ability to name your own price. Unless the item you are selling is an heirloom or a high end and you need to make a certain minimum dollar amount, I would sell by auction.

Good luck!

Hot New Solar Technology

2009-02-27T19:54:00.003-05:00

The Stimulus: What's In It For You?

2009-02-17T09:05:00.002-05:00

There's been a lot of talk and build up of this stimulus package. What is it exactly? A combination of tax breaks, direct aid to the needy, and spending on various projects that will hopefully spawn job creation. In total, $787 Billion dollars will be signed into law today by President Obama. All tax breaks and benefits become effective immediately.

What's it in for the American people? Here's a quick breakdown of how you may benefit.

1. The unemployed may continue to see their benefits continue.
2. An extension or improvement in COBRA benefits, allowing for the continuation of health coverage after a layoff.
3. A Tax credit to individuals of $400, or $800 for couples filing jointly for 2009-2010.
4. AMT relief, with the exemption raised to $46,700 for individuals and $70,950 for couples.
5. First time home buyers receive a 10% tax credit on the purchase of a new home in 2009, up to $8000.
6. Plug in hybrid vehicle buyers will receive a $7500 tax credit.
7. Financial incentive to weatherize your home ( details coming soon).

Good news for power programs and the environment: there is lots of spending and tax breaks for energy investments and the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. Finally, a nod towards green!

All in all, a nice big package that hopefully has enough punch to jump start progress towards the future. Take full advantage of all these benefits and support the promotion of clean green technologies!

Make Some Extra Green: Sell your Unwanted Gold

2009-01-22T10:56:00.001-05:00

Need extra cash? Consider this eco-friendly and wallet-friendly alternative: selling your unwanted gold jewelry.

As you probably know, the price of gold is close to its all time high: $837.30 to be exact, at press time. Dive into your old jewelry box and find lost treasure! Broken chains and earrings, or those pieces that some ex-boyfriend with no taste gave you and are butt-ugly( I'm long a ton of those!)...round them up, and sell them to a local gold buyer. If you take a look in your area newspapers, you will find dozens of dealers who are willing to take these pieces off your hands. There are also many online gold buyers that you can simply call, ship your jewelry via Postal Courier for free, and sit back and wait for your check. Shop around and get the most bang for your buck.

Once again, we are seeing that "going green" does have economic benefits as well as environmental benefits. Yet another way to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Here is an online dealer that is alledgedly licensed by the NYC Consumer Affairs Department:USGoldBuyers.com.span>

Beware of "Green" Dry Cleaners

2009-01-20T09:26:00.001-05:00

Early last year, I noticed the grand opening of a green dry cleaner called Greensleeves in my neighborhood. I was really pumped about it. Traditional dry cleaners use perchloroethylene to clean your laundry, which is a known carcinogen. This establishment offered wet cleaning, which is a safe alternative to chemicals. Of course, it was more expensive but I didn't care. Frankly, I'd rather live.

Soon, many local dry cleaners started to advertise that they also used organic ingredients. I stopped by my old dry cleaner who had a "safe" method advertised, and when I asked him what he used, he told me "petroleum." That didn't sound safe to me, and it's really not. It's still toxic.

Today, I found an article in the The New York Times that explains the real truth behind many dry cleaners claims to be safe and organic. The jist of it indicates that "organic" can mean anything containing carbon - namely perch or even nuclear waste for that matter. It went on to say that the dry cleaning industry is highly unregulated so you need to proceed with caution.

Please read the article for more important details.

The moral of the story is don't believe everything you are told unless it comes from an impartial source.

Top 10 Trends for a Fulfilling 2009

2009-01-15T09:10:00.001-05:00

With the economic crisis in full swing and the New Year upon us, the timing couldn't be better to implement a new, more simplistic approach to life as we know it. As a result of the tightening of the proverbial belt, I believe this downswing will ultimately result in greener, more meaningful lives.

Here is a list of 10 trends that I believe will be more in focus throughout 2009:

1. Simplicity & Minimalism are in. Those of you who watched the Golden Globes on Sunday night saw a lot less bling than usual and a lot of low key colors on the red carpet. Many white, off white, and black dresses. Why? Because big, bright and flashy is totally tacky right now. ( And yes, I am aware that the dresses in the photo above are from previous Golden Globes, but the updated 2009 pics weren't available at press time.)

Do we all need 3 cars and 2 houses and more shoes and bags and clutter? Probably not. We may "want" it, but most of the time, we don't need it. These days, less is becoming more. Over consuming and over spending are outdated and those who are still mesmerized solely by material goods seem shallow, unhappy and out of touch.

2. Reduce Packaging, hence garbage. If you saw the movie Wall-E, you saw the future of this planet. Reusable water bottles, reusable tupperware containers, even reusing paper bags, ziploc bags, gift wrap, or jelly jars are becoming more commonplace. Buy the a large bag of SmartPuffs and send them to school in a reuseable container, not the individual baggie. Buy in bulk at superstores to save $$.

3. Vintage. A visit to my mother's house recently was like a shopping excursion blast from the past. I found an old Gucci clutch in great condition, which to me, is still considered tres chic. I found my mom's old double breasted mink coat which is shocking back in style! Major score! It looks great with jeans and slacks and is super warm. I also stumbled upon another old coat in black suede that is old but in great condition, fitted with a belt, calf length. It sports a faux shearling fur collar ( not cheap and tacky looking like some) and hem. Totally Carrie Bradshaw and I love it! The only problem is that I need to loose about 10 lbs to get into it, which brings me to....

4. Eat natural,unprocessed food. You don't have to be psychotic about your diet, just focus on natural ingredients, fruits and veggies, and fish and meats without antibiotics in them (if you must eat beef). Buy Applegate Farms cold cuts and hot dogs which have no nitrates in them (nitrosamine is a known carcinogen.) Try Smartpuffs and Cape Cod potato chips, which are all-natural, rather than the chemical laden alternative. There are solid, healthy options everywhere when it comes to food.

5. Compost! I really think that composting will get big this year. Whenever I go to throw away the coffee grinds, or the potato or carrot peels, and kitchen scraps, I cringe throwing them in the regular garbage! It really doesn't take a lot of effort to simply throw them away in a separate odor-sealing container until you take it to the compost heap. Plus come spring time, you have have some amazing nutrients to get that organic garden in your yard up and running, which is a nice segway to....

6. Eating Home Grown. In parts of this country and others, we are seeing a trend in which landowners are renting out small plots of land to city and apartment dwellers who want to naturally cultivate their own veggies. It's a new trend that gives 'eating local' a brand new meaning! Gardening is also very relaxing and a rewarding hobby to boot. Click here to learn more about Organic Gardening.

7. Smile, your alive! Even if things aren't perfect for you right now, give thanks for the blessings you have. Feel gratitude for your spouse, your parent(s), your kids, friends, home, etc. Banish negative thoughts and feelings from your brain when you catch them in there, and replace them with positive energy. Smile, enjoy the change in weather, the holidays decorations and lights in your neighborhood, a cozy fire, a good book, or a pleasant conversation. This basic premise will help you find inner peace and happiness more than those new stilettos that you can't really afford anyway, trust me. An awesome book that helps you get into this groove is The New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle.

8. In-house Entertaining. Since there isn't much of a budget for going out to restaurants anymore (if you must, have lunch out instead), we have started to invite friends and family over more often for informal gatherings. In a way, these home parties are a celebration of the good things we have in our lives, amidst the muck of the economy. Kids are always welcome (to save on sitters) and everyone has an overall good time. Formal, informal, outdoor, potluck, Italian, Mexican, Trailer Trash, create your own special theme!

Another trend in this category is the theme house party. It's like a Tupperware party without the Tupperware. A ladies night with wine and a representative selling skin care or gifts for a holiday. A lingerie party before Valentine's Day. A support group for divorcee's or singles. You can even host a GO GREEN house parties- My SPECIALTY! In any event, it's really a great way to connect with old friends and to make new ones in a comfortable social setting, without breaking the bank.

One last item. Most communities offer a Calendar of Events in their local newspapers that feature free local events. Keep your eyes open and get active in the community.

9. Recycling. "Someone's junk is another man treasure." You have heard that one before. This conjures up images of an African woman cooking over a open fire using an old hubcap as a pot - which is really happening right now is some poor desolate part of the world. And when I say recycling, I'm not just talking about your plastic soda bottles and such, I'm talking about close to most anything you can throw out can be recycled in some way. Electronics, furniture, old clothing, towels, toys, and much more. Unraveling an old sweater and knitting a new pair of leg warmers with them. Old window screens can be scrap aluminum or metal. Selling your items, donating them for a tax deduction, giving it to the needy, earn points at Recycle Bank, go to garage sales, EBay, you name it; there is a use for this old stuff for sure.

10. Conserve energy. And I don't mean your own! Exercise helps to increase endorphins and your happiness too, so get off your ass. What I am talking about is turning off the lights, replacing the lightbulbs with CFLs. Open the dishwasher at the end of the cycle and let it air dry. Same with your laundry. Unplug all unused electrical items, turn off computers after use, conserve gas by planning your driving route ahead of time - even if gas is dirt cheap! Every little bit helps to not only save $$ but to reduce emissions.

New, Free Phone Service: Google 411

2009-01-12T12:37:00.005-05:00

Here's a number worth putting in your cell phone, or your home phone
speed dial: 1-800-goog411 or 1-800-466-4411. This is an awesome service
from Google, and it's free -- great when you are on the road. Don't
waste your money on information calls and don't waste your time manually
dialing the number. Watch the video or read on for more instructions.

1-800-goog411 or 1-800-466-4411

I am driving along in my car and I need to call the golf course and I
don't know the number. I hit the speed dial for information that I have
programmed (1-800-goog411). The voice at the other end says, "Say the
name of the business and the City & State." I say, "Firewheel Golf
Course, Garland , Texas .' He says, "Connecting," and Firewheel
answers the phone. How great is that? This is nationwide and it is
absolutely free! Works on cell and landline phones. Currently, GOOG-411
is only available in the US and Canada for US and Canadian business
listings....and ONLY in English! :)

Thought of the Day

2009-01-03T06:53:00.003-05:00

"Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit."

Green Resolutions for 2009

2009-01-01T09:59:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year again to ponder our lives and determine the track we want to follow for the year. For many, that means looking at those bulges hiding beneath our reindeer sweaters. Stop dreaming of yourself in a bikini or with someone in a bikini and take action! The time is now...the clock is ticking and we are not getting any younger!

As we all know, there are no shortcuts to losing weight. I am still hopeful that someone will invent a pill or drink that can make me forever youthful and a size 4. But let's be real here. Time to cut back on our consumption....a novel idea on a green blog!

I think the key to dieting is not dieting; it's about changing the way you look at food. Food is merely meant to serve as fuel for the body, not as a friend, a source of pleasure or a way of dealing with drama or depression. If you are using food in this way, go to Weight Watchers, a shrink or even a dieting chat room.

There is no true "green" diet. Eating green is more about eating natural vs. processed and adding organics whenever possible. This in conjunction with portion control will not only take off pounds but make you healthier too. Whole grains, nuts, legumes, fruits and veggies are where it's at. If it doesn't grow or live on this planet, don't eat it. Sorry but there is no Doritos bush in South America!

True greenies usually don't eat meat. Particularly beef. Not only are the meat processing facilities vile, but beef contributes hugely to the carbon found in the atmosphere. Plus many animals are given antibiotics and GMOs too so what goes in their bellies finds its way into ours. Yuck. Personally, I am a fan of the free range, antibiotic-free chicken for my protein.

Fish is great but in small quantities. The actor Jeremy Piven recently quit his Broadway gig last week when his twice daily sushi diet resulted on toxic mercury poisoning. Yes the Omega-3s are great but don't go crazy.

Diet alone is not the way to go. For overall health, you need to move that behind!Thinking about a new gym? If you can still afford one, Equinox Fitness is great and in the process of going green, big time. Need to exercise on a budget? Easy. Buy a new pair of sneaks and hit the road, literally. Get a friend, sister, neighbor in tow and start running, cycling or walking regularly.

A happy lifestyle for 2009 is created as a result of a healthy life. Smoking, drinking in excess, eating tons of sugar and not exercising will lead you right to fat, disease and even depression. It seems fun at the time but you will pay in the long run.

Put on those sneaks and get out there!

Greener Pastures for Your Old Techno Gadgets

2008-12-29T09:37:00.002-05:00

With all the cool high tech gadgets on the market these days like the iPod Touch and the Blackberry, there is a high likelihood that some techno gift giving will be taking place this holiday season.

If you are the lucky recipient of a new gadget like a laptop or camera, don’t just throw your old one in the trash. Take some time to earn some extra cash and/or help the environment. Here’s how:

* Sell it! If your gadget is still in good condition, sell it on eBay. It’s a great way to earn some extra cash!

* Donate it! There are dozens of charities that except old cell phones, iPods, cameras. Take a few minutes to find a local charity near you that needs old electronics. Here are a few options: Cell Phones for Soldiers, Computers with Causes, Recycling for Charity, and The National Coalition for Domestic Violence. All of these charities help worthy causes!

* Recycle it! If your old tech toy is broken and you can’t donate it, take the time to properly recycle. ECycling is a great resource that can connect you with a regional location that will recycle your gadget.

Either way, you are making a conscious effort to be least wasteful and help preserve our environment! Well done.

Happy Holidays from Our Family to Yours

2008-12-27T09:19:00.000-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christmas Trees of the World

2008-12-24T09:43:00.001-05:00

I received via email and I thought that it was really special. Enjoy!
Before the ball drops in Times Square , the Big Apple turns on its
holiday charm with the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.

The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated with 3,000
ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. Encircling
evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states.

The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes
of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region.
Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire,
the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city

A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo's nighttime neon display is
projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.

Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town Square,
and casting its glow over the manger display of the famous
Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains
in the southern Czech Republic.

Venice 's Murano Island renowned throughout the world
for its quality glasswork is home to the tallest glass tree
in the world. Sculpted by master glass blower Simone
Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a modern
reflection of the holiday season.

Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox
calendar on Jan. 7. For weeks beforehand, the city is alive with
festivities in anticipation of Father Frost's arrival on his magical troika with the Snow Maiden. He and his helper deliver gifts under the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir.

The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall)
can be found in the Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal.
Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special
enchantment of the city during the holiday season.

'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree': Even in its humblest attire,
aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany's Karwendel mountains,
a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.

Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris, even the Christmas trees are chic.
With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and
high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws
more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower

In addition to the Vatican's heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square
in Rome hosts a larger-than- life nativity scene in front of the obelisk.

The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol
is dressed for a party. Madrid's two-week celebration makes
millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec. 22, a lucky citizen
will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.

A token of gratitude for Britain's aid during World War II,
the Christmas tree in London's Trafalgar Square has been
the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947.

Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer
Frankfurt's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.

Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of
Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).