Shop to be Green

Allergy Sufferers…Milk Sucks!

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 04:05:00 +0000

by Katy Green

www.shoptobegreen.com

Dairy Quite Contrary!

As a chronic allergy sufferer and victim of sinus infections that visit me like friends that need money it’s a royal pain in the a**.

Why Me?

It’s a sinus life sentence of constant allergy pill popping, saline sinus rinsing, air filters running and looking for ways to avoiding anything that causes mucus like the plague. Great, I have to give up my love affair with dairy. Why me and the 60 million allergy and asthma sufferers that have to change their lifestyle to breathe clearly.

Allergy and Asthma Chart

Milk …the Mucus Darth Vadar

Darth Vadar - Got Milk?

According to Dr. Weil: “The milk protein (casein) can irritate the immune system and stimulate mucus production, this exacerbates allergy symptoms."

Did you know that milk consumption is associated with recurrent childhood ear infections, eczema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and sinus conditions.

Even if you are not allergic to milk but have autoimmune diseases or digestive problems it is possible that your symptoms will improve when you eliminate milk and milk products.”

What about Lactaid milk or skim milk or low fat milk?

I tried all the low fat, non fat, skim milk, Lactaid and alternative milks (Almond, Soy and Coconut) but my favorite was Lactaid Milk because of the taste. After my two-day stay in the hospital recently thanks to my allergic reaction to Bactrim that I was taking for another sinus infection. I decided enough is enough and I have to improve my diet to prevent another infection.

I was always aware of the ingredients in the milk products but now I know much better.

Milk Ingredients: Carrageenan, Palmitate

Ingredients in Lactaid Milk:

Reduced Fat Milk, Tribasic Calcium Phosphate (Calcium) (Not in Regular Milk), Carrageenan (Not in Regular Milk – Guar Gum (Not in Regular Milk), Lactase Enzyme (Not in Regular Milk), Vitamin A Palmitate and Vitamin D3. Gluten free. Do not use if seal under cap is broken.

According to Dr. Tobacman.. - who has published numerous studies on carrageenan - that exposure to carrageenan causes inflammation and when we consume processed foods containing it, we ingest enough to cause inflammation in our bodies. Her studies show that all forms of carrageenan are capable of causing inflammation. Chronic inflammation can lead to heart disease, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and cancer. Guar Gum is not natural.

Palmitate is also in Fat Free or low fat milk - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it is generally regarded as safe. Wow, that makes me feel better?!? Excessive ingestion can cause many serious ailments.

Goat's Milk to Reduce Allergies

Why not try goat’s milk?

All milk contains a certain level of lactose. However, the amount of lactose found in goat’s milk is about 10 percent less. The levels of alpha S1 casein in goat’s milk are about 90 percent less than cow’s milk, making it a far less allergenic food.

Please read all ingredients listed, detox and do whatever needs to be done naturally to reduce your allergies.

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All-natural Solution for Sinus Infection - Excellent Methods for Treatment program

Earth Day...why Not Every Day?

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 05:09:00 +0000

by Katy Green

www.shoptobegreen.com

Cracked Earth
Climate Change

I am always happy to share articles that make an impact. This is truly a feisty article about Earth Day from The Nation.com by Wen Stephenson. He begins his article with a quote by Frederick Douglass which I have listed for you to read and share.

If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are men who want crops without plowing up the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, and it may be both moral and physical, but it must be a struggle.” —Frederick Douglass, 1857

Read This: Let this Earth Day be Your Last

Jack Johnson Reclaimed Xmas Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 01:49:00 +0000

by Katy Green

www.shoptobegreen.com

Jack Johnson is known for his happy songs and carefree surfer attitude which is totally cool but what I love most about this guy is his love for the environment and his Green Christmas Recycled Tree.

"Growing up in Hawaii, all the Christmas trees were shipped in from Oregon, and it seemed odd to me even as a kid to ship a tree here that'd been chopped down from somewhere else," says Jack Johnson.

Jack Johnson Recycled Xmas Tree
Coastal Living

So Johnson took his family to the beach, where a storm had washed ashore some wood and debris. "I think it was pieces of somebody's turquoise plywood deck that had been all beaten up and washed around, so it looked really neat—it was all weather worn, and it was Kim's favorite color, so I turned it into a tree."

The ornaments that adorn the tree or a collection of glass and different items that have washed up on the beach as well as glass ornaments given to Johnson to adorn the tree. The top of their tree is directed with four cigarette lighters in different colors, radiating out like a perfect star.

Check out these cool recycled Christmas Trees:

Green Bottle Christmas Tree
Christmas trees out of beer bottles and soda cans to CD wreaths

Cardboard Tree

CD Christmas Tree with Tape

Bridal Toilettes...A Victorian Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 04:49:00 +0000

by Katy Green
www.shoptobegreen.com

Victorian Wedding Dresses
Bridal Toilettes

Any season is a perfect setting for weddings especially Victorian Weddings. I daydream of lace and long trains with tons of delicate flowers, silk and satin trimmings intertwined and the faint scent of lavender.

During Victorian times wedding dresses were called "Bridal Toilettes". In the 18th and 19th centuries brides did not wear white only on their wedding day. Victorian brides wore many colors from light blue to gold.

Most women that were married during that time were young ranging from 14 years to 25 years. Lower class women were expected to be married between the ages of 14-20. Higher class or wealthy women married in their late 20's depending on the suitors. The average age of marriage in the Victorian period was between 18-25.

The Victorian wedding dress was as a treasure back then as it is today and most women packed it away in a trunk or chest and passed it down to other generations. Many of the Victorian period wedding dresses that were made of lace and satin are in excellent condition and so that's why so many are are exhibited in museums through out the world.

The following museums exhibit Victorian Wedding Dresses:

Andrea's Museum of Victorian Fashion in Tombstone Arizona, USA features over 400 items of authentic Victorian and Edwardian clothing, accessory, personal and household possessions, ranging in dates from primarily 1840 to 1920.
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London UK, ;A Collection include wedding dresses, wedding accessories and jewelry, wedding suits and bespoke wedding gifts from the Renaissance period to the present day.
Antique Dress.com is like a museum but the site is mostly an auction site for Victorian clothes and clothes from other time periods.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a landmark NY museum preserving over 9,000 Victorian dresses in their online digital collection as well as many exhibits. Access several wedding dresses from the 1800's-1900's online via the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute which houses over 35,000 costumes.
The Kent State University Museum offers a catalog of many wedding dresses from different time periods including Victorian wedding dresses.
The Chicago History Museum has an online digital catalog of dresses from the 18th century to present day.

Acai Berry and Acai Berry Cleanse...does it work or not?

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 23:39:00 +0000

Acai Berry

by Katy Green
www.shoptobegreen.com

We have survived acai berrymania and saturation of everything acai but I am not sure if acai is healthy or not?

Can you overdose on the acai berry pills or get sick from the cai berry diet and what about Acai berry side effects?

I know...information overload but it's critical that we question anything new that we consume. Who has time to do that? We do!

Let's start with the history of the Acai berry...I can't begin unless I mention the Acai Berry madness on The Oprah Show years ago!

Acai Berry Juice has antioxidants?

Several studies have found that juice from the Acai berries—which come from a South American palm tree—has very high antioxidant levels. But Consumer Reports couldn't find any studies measuring whether acai has any direct effect on human health. And it may be harmful in certain cases; an additional caveat: While fruit juices can be high in antioxidants, they tend to contain a lot of sugar and calories, and virtually no fiber. So enjoy them in moderation—or better yet, opt for the whole fruit, which provides antioxidants and fiber with fewer calories. Source:Consumer Reports. This report was from 2009.

Acai Berry Sugar Content

How much sugar is in Acai Berry Juice? It depends on the manufacturer of the Acai berry juice..

Vitamin Water Acai-Blueberry-Pomegranate 20 oz bottle has 32 grams of sugar or 150 calories of sugar
Sambozen Energy Drink 12 oz (acai berry) with 28 grams of sugar or 112 calories.
Pure Organic Acai Berry Juice 32 ounces with claims of no sugar and 10 calories from Sunburst super foods. They suggest 1 fluid once in the am as directed by your doctor. Source: Sugerstacks.com and Sunburst Super Foods.com

Acai Fake?

Internet marketers of acai berry weight-loss pills and colon cleansers were asked to pay $1.6 million to settle charges of deceptive advertising and unfair billing according to the Federal Trade Commission in 2012.
Fake news advertorials were created to deceive people into believing these cleansing products work.Acai News

Lose Weight Naturally

Can you overdose on Acai Berry Juice or Acai Berry and what are the side effects?

People who are allergic to acai or to plants in the Arecaceae (palm) family should not consume acai.
Consuming acai might affect MRI test results. If you use acai products and are scheduled for an MRI, check with your health care provider.
No overdose symptoms discovered as yet. Source: NCCAM Acai Review

What does Dr. Oz's website say about the Acai Berry?

Be mindful of what type of acai products you buy because many acai-based juices have added sugar and very little pure acai, so please read the label. The first ingredient on the bottle should be acai, and while acai is loaded with nutrients, I also recommend that you look for the kind that is fortified with extra vitamins and minerals like 1,000% of the daily value of vitamin B12. Once you find the acai juice brand you like switch it out for your daily glass of orange juice. After one week of nourishing your body with the Amazon’s most potent super berry, you’re likely to feel more energy than you have in years! Source: Dr. Oz Acai Berry written byLindsey Duncan, ND, CN.

They also claim acai berry is rich in antioxidants so I searched on the Department of Health under the branch of National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)

What does the NCCAM say about the Acai Berry?

Acai berry products have been marketed as traditional remedies for weight-loss and anti-aging purposes, but there is no definitive scientific evidence to support these claims.
There is no definitive scientific evidence based on studies in humans to support the use of acai berry for any health-related purpose.
Laboratory studies have focused on acai berry’s potential antioxidant properties (antioxidants are substances that are thought to protect cells from damaging effects of chemical reactions with oxygen).
Laboratory studies also have shown that acai berries demonstrate anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity. Source: NCCAM Acai Review

Recent clinical study on Acai Berries:

What i figured out from my investigation on the acai berry... take everything in moderation, try to consume naturally and consult with your doctor for any drastic diet changes or if you are on medication.

Victorian Four Seasons!

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 00:49:00 +0000

We love the Victorian era and the beautiful picturesque scenes throughout the year! This is for our Shoptobegreen.com readers, friends and family.

CLICK HERE FOR VICTORIAN SCENES - FOUR SEASONS

This Is A Green - Organic Ethical T-shirts

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 13:00:00 +0000

by Mistie Dawn

Are you like me and like to know more about where your clothing comes from, how its produced and what materials its made of? Is it full of harmful chemicals? What is it the global impact?

Then This Is A Green may be the t-shirt company for you. Based in the UK and started by two brothers, their goal is to make ethical clothing and organic t-shirts.

This Is A Green T-shirt

These t-shirts are made from 100% certified organic cotton grown in India and then manufactured in a Fairwear Foundation audited factory that is powered by wind. This significantly helps reduce the carbon impact. They are then shipped to the UK where the message of each shirt is hand silk screened using phthalate-free ink. Each is delivered to customers door in reusable biodegradable packaging and anything from 2% to 50% of profits from each sale goes towards charitable causes.

With more people wanting and looking for transparency from manufacturers as well as ethical production practices it's nice to see a company that is trying to do just that.

My personal favorite is this blue + yellow = green tshirt.

Organic Cotton T-shirt

This Is A Green is also venturing out into other products, like a wallet made out of upcycled seat belts. To learn more about this eco-friendly company visit their website.

Gold Madness...but you can keep the Mercury!

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 03:33:00 +0000

by Katy Green

www.shoptobegreen.com

THIN GOLD BRACELETS

Do you love the look of gold? I do! I love gold earring and bangles.

For centuries people all over the world have adorned themselves with gold and over time gold continues to increase in value, production and consumption!

The Unites States of America is the largest holder of gold and it's not because of the jewelry...most of the gold produced here is kept in central banks and treasury holdings, 258 million ounces of gold...if you don't believe me click here for the US Gold Treasury Report.

It's amazing how much gold is mined every year...over 2,500 metric tons compared to 400 metric tons in 1900! 52% of the gold produced worldwide is used to create jewelry and the USA is second to China as the one of the top producers of gold.

GOLD PROMISE RINGS

Did you know mining for gold has negative effect on the environment:

mechanized mining use to acquire gold destroys the land and the ecosystem

use of cyanide and mercury to separate gold from the rock is toxic to the atmosphere

miners are exposed to toxins daily which has long term and deadly effects on the miners and the families

as gold production increases more mercury and cyanide will be released into the atmosphere circulating the globe, polar regions and our food chain

Recycled gold is the best option because gold mining is harmful to the environment! Please help stop toxicity in the air by ...

Trading gold jewelry with your friends.
Passing on gold to loved ones
Buy recycled or upcycled gold jewelry. Shoptobegreen sells gold recycled gold bangles, recycled earrings and gold recycled promise rings.
Purchase vintage gold

GOLD SQUARE EARRINGS

GOLD IS USED FOR SO MANY THINGS:

Gold is used in electronics from cell phones to calculators to TVs

Nearly one billion cell phones annually contain about fifty cents worth of gold

Gold is also used in computers like circuit boards

Gold is used in medicine and by NASA for aerospace for travel vehicles

Gold is also used to make medals and and in glass for climate control in buildings

Help save our planet...upcycle, recycle and think locally and globally.

Natural Handmade Soap Obsession!

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 22:05:00 +0000

by Tricia Reyes
www.shoptobegreen.com

Desert Rain Soap$7.00
Desert Rain Soap - handcrafted with ground Chaparral leaves,
Clary Sage and Cedarwood organic essential oil, 100% Vegan

Shoptobegreen is obsessed with naturals soaps...

Mistie Dawn, founder of Shoptobegreen suffers from allergies and has tried many soaps on the market that claimed to be great for sensitive skin but nothing seemed to work until she decided to create her own line of soaps via 910 Joy Avenue as well as work with reputable green organic vendors that produce natural handmade soaps or liquid soaps.

The thought of making soap reminds me of making bread from scratch... it's quite a process but it's worth it because we all get to benefit from the aromatic smells of Shoptobegreen soaps, like Hemp and Kelp Face Soap, Lemon Honey Tea Soap (sounds yummy), or Lavender Shea Soap (one of my favorites),G.B. ProudFoot's Liquid Eucalyptus Soap (great for clearing up sinuses while you cleanse) and Rosemary Mint Soap to name a few.

Babylonians
Handmade Soap Originators

I am fascinated by the origin of things, like soap? When did people start making it? When was the first soap created?

According to Soap History.net, the first evidence of soap is dated around 2800 BC and the first soap makers were Babylonians (first to create soap), Egyptians, Mesopotamian race, Egyptians, ancient Greeks and Romans.

I am sure some of you are thinking "that's not possible" people did not bathe for centuries.

Soap was created to clean utensils and plates not to cleanse oneself and it was made from fat, oils and salts. Wikipedia, claims that a formula for soap consisting of water, alkali, and cassia oil was written on a Babylonian clay tablet around 2200 BC....so there is some discrepancy as to the exact dates of soap.

Middle Ages
Bathing

The Romans created aqueducts in 312 BC (during the Hellenistic period - this is after 2200 BC) they used the water to bathe and clean themselves until they were overthrown and then the Dark Ages and Middle Ages followed....aghast no soap! NOT TRUE.

According to Middle Ages.org., people in Medieval Times bathed with soap but mostly in cold water unless you were royalty or a wealthy noble. Most bathed in wooden barrels which were located in monasteries, convents, castles or public bath houses.

Did you know Queen Elizabeth I was reported to have taken a bath once a month which was considered clean considering the outbreak of danger in bathing too much. People were instructed to wash their hands and face daily but bathed much less during the Renaissance period.

Marseille soap in blocks of 600 g
source Wikipedia Marseille

In 1370 in Marseille, France, Marseille soap or Savon de Marseille was created as a traditional soap made from vegetable oils. In the USA, William Colgate's company, started making soap in 1806, and is considered the first major soap manufacturing company in the United States. The company pioneered perfumed soap in 1866 and launched Cashmere Bouquet in 1872.

Alfred Stevens "The Bath"

It is important to note, that people were making soap at home prior to mass production so it was not as if they were waiting for soap to purchase in a store so they could take a bathe.

If you are thinking about making your own soap, check out these quick natural soap making tips:

Making soap at home can be a dangerous process so be very careful and make sure you understand the safety process. Handmade soap requires use of chemicals as well as heating soaps at a high temperature. At Shoptobegreen, we list all of the ingredients in the soaps we create for our wonderful customers.
There are three ways to make soap, melt and pour, heat process or cold process. Melt and pour may be the easiest but your adding to a plain soap that was already created. Heat process is creating soap from the beginning but you have to heat it the whole way through and cold is the same as the heat process except you are not heating it the entire time.
Keep it simple in the beginning. Try to use a couple ingredients until you familiarize yourself with the process.
If you are wondering how long it takes to make soap, it depends on how familiar you are with the process, the type of soap you plan to make and don't forget set up and clean up. (varies from several hours to several days and that does not include trimming or curing which can take 3-6 weeks)
After you cure your soap you will need to store it in recycled cardboard box or glass container.

Soap is basic need for our daily lives so it is important that what we use to bathe is not toxic to our skin.

Ingredients in Dove Soap:

For a detailed breakdown of Dove Soap, check out: End All Disease

Hi, I am Tricia and I also go by my alias Katy Green. Hope you enjoyed reading this article.

Shadows and Light - A Street Light Like No Other

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 17:07:00 +0000

by Mistie Dawn

I have just discovered a REALLY cool and exciting Kickstarter project from a company called Shadows and Light. I'm a big fan of crowdfunding as well as new green technologies and when they are all combined into one, even better! Enters Shadows and Light. A company who is developing a smart street light. It runs on solar energy using LED bulbs creating an emissions free street lamp that can provide a wifi and telephony network to the public. Connecting the world and saving Cities energy and billions in costs used to run the typical street light and those aren't the only benefits. Their Kickstarter video provides a lot more information including how these street lights can help emerging and developing countries.

Shadows and Light - CO2 neutral streetlights from Softmobile on Vimeo.

According to Shadows and Light website their mission is to: promote a green and smart solution that brings together people, cultures and ideas from around the world, changing lives, and helping transform communities through connectivity and streetlight. Improved street lighting is widely thought to be an effective way of preventing crime and street violence.

Recharge and connect through the solare generated Wifi

Imagine being able connect your smart devices anywhere there is a street light and it is all generated via solar power? You could also recharge your devices. No more worrying about running out of power or not be able to get a signal. I'm sure your wondering what these smart street lights would look like.

Smart Street Light Upclose

Key features of the Smart Street Light

They look like normal street lights and yet they are so much better! Communities around the world currently without a reliable electrical infrastructure would be able to generate light and improve their communication systems all while making their communities safer. It is a very exciting and interesting concept. But don't just take my word for it. Tell me what are your thoughts about it?

Home Improvement Advice Anyone Can Use Now - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:30:00 +0000

by Jeff Tormey

An essential part of taking care of your house is to understand what you need to buy to get it done. There are many things to consider and so many choices to make and skills to learn. Use some of the suggestions in this article to tackle your home improvement project efficiently and safely.

If you discuss routes you will take in your home in case of an emergency, it can help the safety of your family when in the house. People generally panic when things go awry. Preparing escape routes in advance gives your family something to focus on when confronted with fire or other dangers. So get together and plan a route and think of all possible outcomes of each one.

Don't rely heavily on the lowest estimate for your project(s). When getting bids for your home improvements, you really need to research the companies giving you the bids and scrutinize them thoroughly. Even though lower prices might seem appealing, you want to make sure that you get quality more than anything.

A great time to take on big home improvement project is while the real estate market is experiencing a housing slump. Homeowners can save a great deal on large projects during a slump, because contractors and other building professionals are hungry for work. Home improvements are never ending. Renovations made while the economy is bad will have more value once the housing market gets better.

It can be simple to make window screens if you can't find any you like. You can use frame kits cut to a specific window size, then attach the screen using an inexpensive tool and cording. Some windows use special screens but you can compensate for this in your design.

Make sure to include adequate lighting when you remodel your bathroom. Sometimes people focus more on the fixtures and don't consider the lighting until it is too late. You won't have to spend a lot of money or waste a lot of time installing these lights. You can find smaller lights for your mirror, your medicine cabinet, etc.

If you are putting your TV on the wall, you will save space on the floor and have some space for other things. Doing this type of project might only require about 30 minutes.

Remember to close the curtains of your home to preserve your rugs and carpeting. Sunlight destroys carpet, bleaching the area where it hits most often. Instead, try to leave curtains and drapes open only in the early morning or late evening. Another alternative is to position your furniture in ways that block out sunlight.

Avoid removing necessary items during construction. Take the time to find out just what you'll be disturbing before you pull down cabinets or open holes in walls. Avoid expensive repair bills from damaged electrical wiring by carefully examining the area first.

One of the quickest, most inexpensive ways to brighten up a room is to paint your walls. Consider your options by visiting your hardware store and examining the paint chips it has available. Find the ones that are fun and exciting for you! If you don't love it, you can paint over it.

Install peepholes in your exterior doors. Before letting anyone in, see who is lurking outside. Installing a peephole is a snap and costs very little. This project requires minimal time and tools. With a peephole, you will not be fearful of opening your door.

Always provide payment to a contractor with a check or your credit card, in order to be able to put a stop to the transaction if you need to. If you make a down payment and the contractor skips out on you, you can cancel the payment. It's really good to use a credit card because you'll be able to dispute any transactions for quite some time even after they have transpired.

Give the windows in your home a quick makeover by replacing those old, worn-out blinds. Blinds fade over time from the sun, or get damaged. Pets and children take their toll. Blinds are not that expensive and can make a real difference for your windows. It will surprise you.

Adding a textured finish to your walls with drywall mud can create a new look and disguise any blemishes. It's easy to texture. Apply drywall mud and, using a brush or a sponge, add some texture to the mud.

There are many things that "home improvement" means and most anyone can afford to do. If you aren't able to afford a big home improvement project, do smaller projects that will increase your home's value.

Keep an eye out for sales on carpet installation from anyone that installs carpeting. Many places will offer free basic installation or discounted installation at certain times of the year. When you encounter a sale such as this, take advantage of it since full-priced installation often costs more than the carpet itself.

Be sure and include landscaping in your home improvement plans. Your yard is the first item people view when they visit your home, so a good landscape can improve the look of any home. Keep your grass neat and tidy, and add a border of flowering plants and shrubs to add additional beauty and dimension to your yard.

When you hire a home improvement contractor, check his paperwork to see that all work is backed up with a guarantee. Failure to check the paperwork could result in you being stuck with shabby work, and no recourse to follow. The warranty should specify an exact amount of time as well as what all is included in the warranty.

Give your house a much needed bath, so to speak, by pressure washing it. You can usually rent them for a good price, and they effectively clean dirt and grime off the exterior of a house. Be careful, though, around windows and your roof line. You want to avoid knocking things loose.

Investing in additional insulation now can bring your great savings later. Older homes especially are way under insulated. If you put in some insulation in the attic or crawl spaces you will reduce your energy bills and save a lot of money.

It is a very good idea to have a family meeting to discuss the best ways to escape from the home in an emergency. People are likely to panic in the event of a traumatic incident. When you've mapped out how you'll exit your home in the face of a fire or another emergency, you'll be sure that your family can get out safely. Make the meeting, discuss the necessities and stay prepared for the unexpected.

Make sure to create an all inclusive budget. It can be costly when you have expenses that you did not think of beforehand. Prevent this through planning and you will be able to deal better when dealing with sudden changes.

If you want to save money, then consider getting a drain snake. It will keep you from having to spend your money on expensive drain cleaners as often. Novices may not succeed at using drain snakes, and therefore it may be wise to ask a plumber for a lesson first. Remember to purchase a snake that fits your drain so that your pipe doesn't get damaged.

Before starting your renovation, make sure that you have a well-designed plan in place. If you create a detailed plan, you will be far more likely to complete your project in a timely, affordable manner. Changing your plans or adding tasks in the middle of a project can easily increase your costs and time to completion. Your contractors will be pleased if you have made a decision of what you want before they begin.

Paint stripes on your old walls before installing paneling! Even if you install the paneling carefully, the wall underneath might show through the cracks. Take the time to measure and mark where panels will meet. Try to select a color of paint that matches as closely as possible.

Before wiping down the inside of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, use a handheld vacuum cleaner. This gets rid of any loose dirt or dust that may be inside. Use a mix of warm water and mild soap to clean the shelves. Begin your cleaning process near the top and move down. You can also put in fresh shelf liners and fix broken components.

Planting vibrant colored flowers outdoors is an easy way to spruce up the exterior space of your residence. Choose the ones you need for each season. Make sure to cut hedges and bushes in order to keep the lawn manicured and mowed. These simple steps instantly improve the appearance of your home.

Painting can create stunning visual impact at a relatively affordable price point. Paint can instantly spruce up a room. Painting a room can totally change the atmosphere of it, even more so if the new color is completely different from the old. One of the advantages of paint is that mistakes are easy to correct.

A good piece of advice is to think about your climate when you are remodeling. If the area you live in is windy, a deck might not be the best idea. However, if you have a lot of clear, calm weather, a deck may be the perfect project for you.

Never waste your money on materials that do not meet quality standards or pose a risk to yourself and your family. For example, quality home flooring can be expensive, but if you shop around, you should be able to find the flooring in your price range. There are discount supply stores out there, as well as bargain hunting places that can help.

Your kitchen can look different without spending lots of money on cabinet replacement. A little paint can make a world of difference. Cabinets can be spruced up with new finishes. So, research techniques online, pick the one that works best for your space and do-it-yourself to save money and update your style.

Cleaning and organizing your pantry is a simple home improvement project that can make your kitchen much more livable. This is a fine time to purge expired canned goods, condiments, and foods from your pantry. Clean and sanitize the shelves and add some fresh, attractive liner paper. Categorize and group similar products together within the same shelf or area. This way, you won't have to search for what you are looking for because all like items will be right at your fingertips.

Add essential items to your entryway to make it both attractive and utilitarian. For example, a table and a small tray to hold items such as keys and outgoing mail can add usefulness. You should also consider adding a mirror for touch-ups and a bench for when shoes need to be removed. These additions can make your home a much more organized space.

If your home has a wooden deck or patio, it helps to know the signs that indicate the need for repairs and upgrades. Search for uneven surfaces or imperfections in the wood, as well as faulty nails or loose screws.

Avoid contractors who encourage you to pay in cash. Contractors who work with you on a cash-only basis have leverage over you. Without any paperwork binding them to the job, they're free to take your money and disappear without completing any work.

Be creative when it comes to choosing a coffee table. Old chests can add a nice rustic appeal to your home's design. Place some accessories and books on the top and it will make your coffee table stand out. You can even give it a country feel by including some teacups and a tablecloth.

If your home isn't complete with a shower, it is wise to think about having one installed. A shower is easier to get into than a bathtub and also limits the water consumed by people in the house. This is especially true if you have kids. You can save 75% of your normal bathtub water by taking a five minute shower instead.

If your next home improvement project involves your roof, you should use a roofer who is trustworthy. So you are not going to want to sleep on finding a quality roofer that is going to get the job done proficiently. Make sure the company checks out with positive online reviews to reduce the chance of getting ripped off.

Make sure any shrubs or trees are not too close to your house. Their roots could cause issues with the foundation of your house. A tree can be transplanted with the attached root ball if it is small enough.

Purchase the best supplies for your home improvement project. You might pay more to begin with, but it will cost less money over time. Higher quality products last longer and survive general wear better. Tools aren't exactly cheap, so replacing them often isn't something you want to be doing.

You should dust your entire home once a week. It only takes a few days for dust to accumulate and for allergens to wreak havoc in your life. Cleaning your accessories frequently makes you aware of any pest invasions right away, in addition to keeping the dust at bay.

Look at all of the quotes you received for the improvement project you have in mind and tale note of whether or not they have a letterhead. Professional businesses will send their quotes on a letterhead, letting you know that they are an established company. This is something that you will want to take into consideration when deciding on who to hire.

When it comes time to pick a contractor, shop around and make sure the estimates you receive are for the very same repairs. Make a list of what you need done and ensure consistency in your requests of prospective contractors. If you constantly alter the details, it will be very hard to find the best value for your money.

When you are getting ready to sell your home, evaluate your living space to make sure that each area has a separate purpose. Buyers shouldn't have to guess what a space is supposed to be; have appropriate furnishings and accessories in each room. Potential buyers will be able to get a better grasp of the space's purpose and come up with compelling ways they could use it themselves. This makes the home more attractive and likely to sell faster.

If you're thinking of renovating your basement or another floor in your home to turn it into an income property, consider the math before you make the decision. It is important that renovations pay for themselves quickly in order to be worthwhile. Do not exceed that budget!

Before you undertake any major home improvement project, it is in your best interest to create a well-laid plan. Planning a project will help keep errors to a minimum and will save time. To get ideas look through magazines, watch DIY TV shows and pay attention to the homes of friends and family members.

Think about adding coordinated metal fixtures to bathrooms to make them look more modern without spending too much. There are complete sets out there that include a full array of hardware: drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, towel racks, curtain rods, and even toilet paper holders. Your local home improvement retailer will frequently offer a coordinated set of bathroom fixtures as a package deal that is very easy to install.

Try to picture your home after the remodeling process is finished to determine if it fits with your neighborhoods personality. Will it be too outlandish? If your project is daring, will you regret having a house that is radically different? Your project should not appear oddball, but be a beautiful enhancement to your property.

Don't complete an unsafe upgrade, hire a professional contractor and designer to provide you with proper home improvement plans. The cost is worth it just for the peace of mind it will give you! These plans will be useful in the future when selling the home because the potential buyers will be assured the improvements were done properly.

Having the appropriate tools is important to any home improvement project. The correct tools will help make the job easier to do and you will better results. The key to using the right tools is having the right knowledge to use them properly.

You can use home improvement projects to allow your personality to shine through. There are many ways homeowners can accomplish this and get more items within a set budget. The article above provides you with some basic information to choose the right project and approach for your needs.

About the Author:

Originating from a family of companies that started in 1965, Rast Interiors has been providing the Atlanta area with the experience and flexibility to fit your requirements. Whatever your specifications or price range, we accommodate your situation. Click here to learn more.

Solar Skylights - Harness The Sun This Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:00:00 +0000

by Mistie Dawn

Still sitting on the fence regarding using solar for your home? How about starting off with a small inexpensive project first? You might want to think about trying Solar Tubular Skylights. I first mentioned Solar Skylights in my January 15th post but in case you missed it; Solar Skylights harness the natural light of the sun. They can help you cut down on your daily electricity usage and the heat (especially beneficial in the summer) in your home. Using Solar Skylights brings a soft warm natural light into your home which better for you and your family.

Skylight

Bonus, solar tubular skylights are easy to install (under two hours) on any roof surface and do not add heat los or gain to the home like standard skylights (electric lights add up to 40% of the average heat gain to the home). These solar skylights can be used for almost any room including bathrooms, closets and small nooks. Also check to see if Natural Light Tubular Skylights qualify for local tax credits as a energy conservation device.

No big and bulky skylights which take up half your ceiling. Solar tubes look similar to recessed lights and your guest may not even notice. Harness the power of the sun and let it beautify your home while saving money and energy.

Survival Seeds Are Making Headlines

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:09:00 +0000

by Ben Barker

What exactly are Survival Seeds? Recent stories are projecting a food supply shortage. If this is true, we may want to set up some sort of a food bank to provide support for our families in case a worldwide food crisis occurs. If these stories are even half true, problems with our food supply and accessing our food supply are a stark reality that we must address. Is this sane planning or are we the victims of "seeds of fear" being planted into our heads? Regardless, Survival Seeds need to be considered.

The stark reality is that our food supply is shrinking. Many factors are contributing to this. Food prices are on the rise, as well as food shortages. Bio-fuels are consuming our grain stockpiles at a rapid rate. So let's focus on Survival Seeds and what they offer.

These seeds can grow anywhere in the country. This is because they are open pollinated, super seeds, that are grown by small independent farmers. They are also high-quality, non-hybrid, and non-GMO.

Basically, Survival Seeds are seeds that are ideal for emergency and survival storage. They come in kits purchased online. These seed kits will provide thousands of pounds of nutrient-rich, garden-fresh produce for pennies per pound. They can provide enough food that can feed your family and friends for years. Have the confidence in knowing that you and your family will be able to eat, regardless of our world's situations or conditions.

These seeds have been chosen because they offer a truly extraordinary germination rate. The seed packs are individually packaged to ensure a long shelf life. If you freeze your seeds, you will extend their shelf life by about five times their already tremendous twenty year shelf life.

These seeds have been chosen because they offer a truly extraordinary germination rate. The seed packs are individually packaged to ensure a long shelf life. If you freeze your seeds, you will extend their shelf life by about five times their already tremendous twenty year shelf life.

Survival Seeds are true family heirlooms. They are packed in special waterproof containers, which are called "seed banks". This is the best way to guarantee a long term storage life.

The "Banks" usually come with a variety of about twenty-two "super seeds". Seeds range from varieties that include beans, corn, cabbage, cucumbers, onions, spinach, carrots, lettuce, melons, squash, peppers, and peas.

You should also consider stockpiling canned goods and water, especially if you live in regions where earthquakes, tornados, or hurricanes may strike. Beware of the economic signs. Don't just put your head in the sand and ignore our current economic situation, especially as it continues to decline. As Americans, we have a responsibility to provide for our families. To ensure for their safety and that their basic needs are being met.

Do not expect the government to do this for you. For a meager investment, you can ensure provision for your family if the need ever arises with a Survival Seed Bank.Some may say not to worry and that the sellers of these Seed Banks are using fear tactics to promote their products. For the small investment required you can have the peace of mind knowing that if needed, purchasing Survival Seeds is a smart plan for you and your loved ones.

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on survival seeds, then visit www.survivalseeds.net to find the best advice on where to purchase survival seeds for your needs.

Green Living AZ Magazine's Cool Outrageous Stuff Feature

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Fri, 24 May 2013 21:38:00 +0000

by Mistie Dawn

So excited to announce that Green Living Magazine featured our For Pits Sake natural deodorant in their Cool Outrageous Stuff May 2013 issue.

Green Living AZ Magazine

"A natural deodorant designed with you and the environment in mind. For Pits Sakedeodorants come in four different mild scents that will leave you feeling fresh. Free of parabens, propylene glycol and aluminum, this 100 percent all-natural deodorant uses only non-toxic, natural skin ingredients with a blend of essential oils to keep odor-causing bacteria away."

We are very happy to be included with such great company. Summer time is the best time to give our natural deodorants a try. See what all the buzz is about!

Homemade Kitty Litter - What really works?

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:31:00 +0000

by Katy Green
www.shoptobegreen.com

Eco Kitty Litter
Mother Cat and her Kitty

I am on a hunt for a feline friend for my 5 year old daughter which is not an easy task.

Of course, I am also calculating all the costs that are associated with owning a pet such as: kitty litter, cat food, cat toys, vet visits, pet insurance grooming, etc.

I have owned several cats over the years and what I dreaded the most was changing or smelling the toxic litter box. I can still smell the putrid fumes and imagine the countless offenses to the environment so I searched for an eco-friendly alternative to store bought cat litter and I discovered several options. I am sharing those with you (you probably aware of these already) and if you know of any please share in comments.

Homemade Kitty Litter - Version 1

This was pulled from the website A Life Unprocessed, she recommends the following:

Course bag of ground wheat preferably organic, she uses 50 lbs of organic animal-grade wheat
course grinder or blender (long term it's best to get a course grinder)
once used, compost the used litter or throw it in the yard as fertilizer

Homemade Kitty Litter - Version 2 (free except for the baking soda the rest is an upcycling or alternate use experience)

The Greenists recommend the following to make your own kitty litter (their process requires a bit more preparation)

Collect used newspapers and shred in a paper shredder
Soak the shredded papers in warm water with a few squirts of organic soap or biodegradable soap. They don't say how much water but I would add it slowly until you get a cooked oatmeal like consistency from the combination of the water, paper and soap.
The water will clean the shredded paper but not totally (remember they used to wrap babies in newspaper so don't gasp)
Drain the water from the paper (they suggest an old colander) and repeat the soaking process without adding additional soap.
Sprinkle organic baking soda liberally on the wet paper. Knead it in to the mixture (they suggest using gloves).
Squeeze the remaining moisture out until it’s as dry as you can get it.
Crumble over a screen and leave to dry (it takes a few days).

Once it’s dry, they add an inch and half or two inches of paper crumbles in the litter box. They suggest you scoop solids daily and change it once a week. Estimated time frame takes half an hour to 45 minutes to make a 2-3 week supply of litter.

Homemade Kitty Litter - Version 3 and 4 and more...

Chicken feed mixed with ground corn
Grass shavings
Corn husks
Wood Pellets

If you don't have time to make cat litter, try the following:

The World's Best Cat Litter (spoke to many and they it's great but also expensive and it has clumping issues so you will go through a lot)
Tidy Cats Pure Nature (several Moms told me that it is less expensive but gets into the cat's paws)

Although the cat has the final decision because if they don't like the litter they will go elsewhere. You can always train cat to go to the toilet?

Romance the Green Candle!

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

by Katy Green

www.shoptobegreen.com

Soy Tea Lights

Candles are so romantic and mysterious...when did candles become the definition of romance?

We spoke about the origin of the candle and which candle is best for you in Eco Romantic Candles....Love Affair.

Many claim it's the glow of light against a face....or low light which is complimented by candles is the reason for the romantic allure of candles.

I think the romance of the candle heated up in the early years of the Victorian Era because everyone used candles to see before electricity was discovered in the late 1800's. Portable sources for light such as candlesticks, candelabras and oil lamps, or the light of the fire was used to see after sundown.

Beeswax Candle - Frosted Silver Moroccan Tea Glass

The romance of candle still lingers and since electric usage has increased and conserving energy is more important than ever...I say go back to using candles it brings people together.

Shoptobegreen Top Romantic Candle Quotes:

"Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life." Buddha

"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness." Eleanor Roosevelt

"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle"James Keller

Candle Safety Alert

Did you know that 7 out of 10 U.S. households use candles! The candle fragrance is the most important characteristic of a candle and did you know that scented candles are made mostly of paraffin and that paraffin wax emits toluene, benzene, and a host of other toxins linked to asthma, eczema and cancer?

Be romantic the green way and choose an eco-candle!

Is Commercial Heating Eco-Friendly?

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Today, we live in an environmentally friendly world. Almost all electronic products that are manufactured today have a setting that allows us to use less energy than is normally needed, from our computers and tablets to our televisions and refrigerators.

With this in mind we would expect that our heaters and air conditioners come with this setting as well, and there are some brands out there that do include a green setting with their products. However, there are some heaters and coolers that are specifically made to be beneficial to the environment. But are they as easy on our wallets?

Evaporative Cooler Illustration via Wiki Commons

Evaporative coolers are the cheaper alternative to factory cooling. They use water evaporation in order to cool the air and require a source of water in order to run effectively. The common downside with evaporative cooling is that it raises the humidity in the room it is located in, but manufacturers have resolved this issue by adding a dehumidifier. Aside from that issue, evaporative coolers are not only cheaper than factory coolers, but they are easier to install and maintain.

Solar Water Heater photo via Wiki Commons

Solar water heaters are an eco-friendly alternative to factory heating and is gaining popularity all over the world, especially in China. They do have some major disadvantages, however. Compared to a regular gas or electric heater, the price range on a solar water heater is a lot higher, and don’t work effectively during the winter, opting out to either run on gas or an electric booster.

There are a huge number of people that make their own homemade solar water heaters. There are numerous articles and videos posted online that offer advice on how to build one at home, and it is fairly common to find D.I.Y. kits for solar water heaters online as well.

Filigree ...Victorian Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:16:00 +0000

by Katy Green
www.shoptobegreen.com

Silver Filigree and Recycled Glass Pendant
www.shoptobegreen.com

Victorian filigree is back in fashion but it never went out of style because of the beautiful Victorian patterns that adorn everything from wallpaper to jewelry.

Silver Filigree Rattle of Club
Queen Victoria Royal Collection
Presented to the Royal Nursery by Lady Charlotte Finch, 1763; her daughter; by whom bequeathed to Princess Augusta (d.1840); passed to Princess Sophia (d.1848); passed to Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester; by whom presented to Queen Victoria 1848.

To be fair, the first filigree pattern was from Etruscan period - artwork discovered in 530–480 BC.

First Filigree Pattern
Etruscan period

Filigree also spelled Filagree, is a delicate detailed metal work for style for jewelry, usually made from silver or gold, comprised of tiny beads or a twisted thread like design.

Victorian Filigree Wallpaper
in Tan and Black

Filigree Victorian Wallpaper
in Black and White

Most filigree designs resemble the same intricate patterns of lace (think crochet in metal).

Filigree was popular in Asia and Egypt as well during medieval times and of course the Victorian period up till the end of the 19th century. Now, the filigree design is a staple in the steam punk movement - all things interconnected and clock like with a precision to detail and design.

Shoptobegreen's love affair with anything Victorian is evident in these beautiful handmade up cycled Silver Filigree and Recycled Glass Pendant Necklaces available in multiple colors. The silver tone filigree tear drop pendant necklace is handmade with pieces of reclaimed antique and vintage glass taken from Wooded Habitats and it hangs on a 18" chain.

We collected vintage glass from several eras, 1900 medicine bottles to 1940's beer bottles.

Check out the Silver Filigree Collection below or click here to access Shoptobegreen.com.

Can You Make Your Own Solar Panels?!

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:00:00 +0000

by Mistie Dawn

The answer is yes. If you have some basic building skills and know your way around basic tools then you can make your own solar panels. I'm a proud Do-It-Yourselfer when ever possible. I believe it teaches you to appreciate the skills that you have and the work that goes into making things but so far I have been too intimidated to try building my own solar panels. I've seen every thing from using soda cans painted black, to black rubber hoses, all the way to making a more complex professional looking solar panel. Here is an example of the soda can panel:

Soda Can Solar Panel Photo Courtesy TreeHugger.com

Looks pretty simple but very crude. If you feel pretty confident in your skills and are looking to make a more complex solar panel this website is a great resource. It contains step by step instructions on How to Build a Solar Panel as well as a video tutorial which is great. This website has me excited about the idea of build my own solar panels. I now have another project to add to my home improvement list.

How To Make A Solar Panel

Here is a picture of a finished DIY solar panel:

DIY Solar Panel Photo Courtesy of eHow.com

I think I will give it a try this summer and come back here and post pictures. If you try it please share your pictures as well!

Featured Vendor: GB Proudfoots Natural Skincare

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:46:00 +0000

by Mistie Dawn

Natural skincare is a growing business. As more people realize that many of our every day household items contain harmful chemicals which can lead to skin irritation, chronic dryness, heightened allergies and even something as serious as cancer are causing people to make a switch. I love that there are a lot more choices out there for people looking for better alternatives and I like to try as many as I can. So far to date one of the best product lines that I have tried is the GB Proudfoots skincare products. All of their products are of the best quality and have a multitude of uses and are concentrated for extra strength. Let me share a few of my favorites with you.

For Pits Sake Natural Deodorant: Seen on TV's The Doctors

These VERY popular natural deodorants have been receiving a lot of buzz. Featured on numerous News programs, the TV show The Doctors, and on the Dr. Oz blog just to name a few. Why are they getting so much attention? Because they don't contain any toxic synthetic cancer causing chemicals that the average deodorants contain. Check out the list of deodorant ingredients to avoid compiled by Natural News. Also For Pits Sake works and is long lasting! Won't cause irritation and using natural antibacterial ingredients. For Pits Sake works so well that dermatologists have started recommending them to their patients.

Petroleum Free Lip Balm

I have tried many lip balms and am always disappointed because 5 minutes after putting it on I'm reapplying and reapplying. In fact my lips start to feel dryer than when I originally put the lip balm on. So what's the point?! Well this is the ONLY natural lip balm I've ever used which I apply once or twice and then don't have to reapply. My lips feel nourished and healed. In fact because you don't have to reapply constantly it last much longer than typical lip balms. Also these lip balms are petroleum, fragrance and chemically free. Try them. Your lips will thank you.

Essential Oil Body Spray great alternative to perfume

There is a lot of information coming out about the adverse effects on synthetic fragrances in skincare and cleaning products. Asthma and other allergies are negatively impacted by all these fragrances. Enters GB Proudfoots Essential Oil Body Sprays. They are fragrance free and contain only natural organic essential oils. Essential oils are used in many types of therapies to help heal and soothe. Whether you use them to freshen yourself, your home, pillows, or linens these are much healthier for you then any of the chemical alternatives and they smell great too! But always do your research before you buy to make sure essential oils are right for you.

Calendula Super Salve - a healing moisturizer

This Super Salve is a concentrated natural moisturizer (think of the equveleint of a 16oz bottle of lotion minus the water and alcohol) and skin healer all in one. Think super hydration + Neosporin. It's all due to the Calendula flowers infused into the formula, which has been used as a powerful healer for centuries. Use it on your tough dry spots or all over. It also works as a great anti-aging night cream. A tiny bit goes a long way.

Liquid Soap Body Wash

This versitile old fashioned liquid soap comes in 5 different scents and makes an amazing natural body wash, hand soap, and foot soak. Made the old fashioned way with no synthetic chemicals and using the best essential oils. Feel refreshed and invigorated. Do you know what is in your synthetic body wash? Check out this infograph to find out.

Natural Styling Wax

Great for short hair styles. This natural styling wax hydrates dry hair, moisturizes the scalp, contains two ingredients that have been shown to stimulate hair growth, contains jojoba which can help relieve dandruff and is a great mustache and beard moisturizer. Contains no parabens or petroleum. Forgo all the chemicals in your hair care and give this to someone you love.

GP Proudfoot family of products

I put a lot of time and thought in to every product I carry on ShoptobeGreen.com. I try the products before there added to my eBoutique. It has to be a quality made product that lasts and has a positive impact on you and the environment. But don't take my word for it try some of their products for yourself. You will not be disappointed!

Victorian Bread and Butter Pudding is Green!

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:52:00 +0000

Bread and Butter Pudding

by Katy Green
www.shoptobegreen.com

Yes, I said it. We are not in a time warp:).

We love the Victorian times at Shoptobegreen and we are concerned about selecting the right foods that won't contaminate our bodies. Each one of us has a voice and we have buying power so we can make a difference in the choices we make but also how food is graded and sold to us. In addition, we also believe in using whatever we have in our pantry and not discarding food which contributes to pollution and waste.

Okay, I am off the pulpit and back to my passion anything and everything Victorian. Victorian recipes are robust and heavy (lots of meat pies) as well as sweet and savory.

We can convert any recipe to fit our organic obsessed nature without a lot of fuss. Creating a recipe from things you already have in the house is very green.

The classic Bread and Butter Pudding, a Victorian treat is famous in the United Kingdom. The origin of bread pudding (sans butter) dates back centuries to Roman times.

"In the 18th century, (Victorian times) bread pudding gained a reputation as good food for sick people, probably because it was easy to digest. The primary use of bread pudding is to use up stale bread. Bread pudding is widely considered to be a "comfort food." Source: History of Bread Pudding

Bread and Butter Pudding

Try Shoptobegreen's Victorian Organic Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

4 - 6 slices of Challah or Italian or French, Brioche any chunky bread (I make my bread in a bread oven so I use the slices that are days old). Use whatever bread you have in the house (don't buy bread for this recipe)
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (room temperature)
2-3 eggs (certified humane label) (more slices of bread more eggs so 6 slices = 3 eggs)
2 cups of whole milk or coconut milk or 1 cup of cream and 1 cup of milk (soy might not taste as great) Whatever milk you choose it should have some fat for the flavor
A handful of dried currants or raisins or craisins (craisins are high in sugar so use less sugar) any dried fruit is fine or use rose water or orange water (see below).
3-4 tablespoons of raw cane sugar or (some say 1/2 a cup of sugar but if you are including dried fruit which has a lot of sugar you don't need as much)
zest from half a fresh lemon (don't use lemon juice) if you don't have a lemon don't buy one unless you need it for something else.
Extra flair add: 1 teaspoon of Vanilla and/or 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Lemon zest, rose water, or orange water, currants were used in the traditional Victorian Bread and Butter Pudding recipe. Salt is used in most of the new Bread and Butter Pudding recipes but it is not necessary since several of the ingredients already have salt included (butter, milk). For example, a 8 oz of 1% milk contains 130mg of Sodium!

Cut the crust off the bread.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Butter bread slices and butter baking dish and arrange in whatever pattern in the dish in layering effect (similar to the way you would for lasagna)
Layer dried fruit between the slices
Use the crust to line the bread around the baking dish like border of picture frame.
In a medium saucepan, scald milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and cinnamon or vanilla.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs and slowly pour hot milk over eggs, 2 tablespoons of sugar while whisking also add the lemon zest.
Then pour egg and milk mixture through a strainer to remove any lumps.
Get an additional pie plate or a deep baking dish and pour 1 inch of water into the dish
Set the pudding dish into the water.
Place the pudding into the oven to bake in the water bath for 20 minutes.
Set your timer and then check with a knife by to make sure when you take it out the middle is not soupy. If it is let it bake for 5 minute intervals and then check. The best way to make sure it bakes within in the time frame shown is to make sure the oven is at 350 degrees when you place the pudding in it.
Cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
The pudding will look like a souffle and will have a light texture like a souffle.
Add powdered sugar or ice cream when served. It is best served not too long after it is out of the oven.
Note: How to make Orange Water: 8 cups chilled water, 2 large oranges. Cut the oranges into thin slices (very thin - remove the seeds first before cutting). Add orange slices to water. Refrigerate 4-6 hours. You can also drink this water in addition to adding it to any recipe.

Enjoy. Comment and let us know if you have any recipes you would like us to post.

Salmonella in eggs...what you don't know!

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 04:36:00 +0000

Free Range or Bust!

Did you know that 1 in 6 Americans contract a food borne illness..that's.over 48 million people every year!

According to the CDC, there are 31 known food borne pathogens the most common deaths are from Salmonella, Toxoplasma, Listeria, and the norovirus…that's over 1,300 a year.

Salmonella and eggs...what else is new?

No big surprise, we've heard this before... Salmonella is found on the outside and inside of eggs. To avoid exposure from the eggs, do not eat them or raw or cook eggs lightly. Hollandaise sauce, caeser salad dressing, cold souffles, chiffon mousses, mayonnaise and contain raw eggs. Experts claim that less than 1% of the eggs tested contain Salmonella but it's possible it could be higher.

Buy eggs from a farmers market and ask questions and visit the farm (it's fun) so you can see how they treat the animals. If you don't have access to a farmers market, look for the Certified Humane label, Free Farmed, Certified Organic, cage-free, or free-range on the egg carton. Don't be fooled by the UEP Certified logo.

Click here for a list of all egg farmers certified Humane.

Fresh eggs sinks and stale eggs float

If you are wondering how salmonella is passed to the egg…it is stated in multiple findings that chickens carry the bacteria in their own bodies, and pass Salmonella to the yolk and white while the egg is forming in the ovaries. Chickens can be carriers for Salmonella without being sick themselves. Hens locked in cages are not safe and are more likely to contract diseases.

You can check if your egg is fresh by looking at the yolk or put the egg in a pan of plain water. If it sinks and rests horizontally, it's good. As the egg ages, the air cell gets bigger so it will either start to rise or float. Avoid eating old eggs.

Click here for Bad eggs: 10 ways to cut your salmonella risk

by Katy Green
www.shoptobegreen.com

Would You Go Green For Dollars?

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

by Mistie Dawn

If every time you uploaded 20 pictures of yourself recycling, planting a tree, commuting to work on a bike, or participating in other "green" activities you received $1 (with a chance to win a greater reward) would you do it? Would your friends or family? Would the world? This is the concept of Go Green for Dollars. An organization that wants to trigger 20,000+ Green activities around the world. By using social media and monetary incentives Go Green for Dollars wants to encourage people to share and do more for the environment.

Recycling Students

Go Green for Dollars is still in the developmental stages. They are trying to raise money to build their website by creating a www.IndieGoGo.com fundraising campaign and accepting donations to fund the incentives that participates will receive here.

What do you think? Could this be the start of the green revolution?

Thinking About Getting Solar Panels?

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

by Mistie Dawn

Have you been thinking about getting solar panels for you home? I have. I live in sunny Arizona so it seems wasteful not to put all that sunshine to work for me. In fact I have gone so far as to pick out the perfect location. My garage is South facing, flat and receives a lot of sun throughout the day. It's seems like the perfect place to add solar panels but there is a lot more that goes into a decision to invest in solar panels.

Solar Panel Installation

Here are a few things to consider before buying and installing solar panels:

What type and how many solar panels do you need? Depends on your climate.
What type of hardware do you need to mount your solar panels? Again depends on your climate.
What type of wiring do you need for your solar panels? Depends on the size of your home and number of panels.
Misc Costs like installation fees, permits, and inspections.
What incentives and deductions does your state offer to encourage alternative energies?

There are a lot of great companies that offer self install solar panel kits, but if you are not comfortable with DIY projects you might want to go ahead and hire a professional who can help you figure out your particular needs.

Something else to consider is that the price of solar panels has been coming down steadily has China enters the solar panel market so now might be a great time to get low cost solar panels on sale.

For more ideas on the cost of residential solar power visit http://www.sustainableenergyadvantage.com/residential-solar-power/ where Rick has some great ideas and information to help you decide on what solar panels are right for you.

Rick

Have you heard about Shower Pooling?!?

noreply@blogger.com (Katy Green) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:00:00 +0000

By Mistie Dawn

I try to stay informed on the latest new green concepts but I have to admit that this is a new one even for me.

Showerpooling, first put forward by Axe male grooming products in 2012, Showerpooling is a way to cut down on water usage by encouraging 2 or more people to shower together. The idea is that if everyone adopted this routine we could save 29 trillion gallons of water (based on the average bath using 30-50 gallons of water and the average shower of four minutes with a standard shower head using 20 gallons of water).

I do remember the Axe commercials encouraging spouse, lovers and friends to shower together as apart of water conservation. I love the concept and t's not like most of us haven't already done this at different points of our life. Every one has memories as a child of sharing a bath/ shower with siblings, cousins or close friends. Our parents did it for efficiency, as adults we have done it to save time as we rush to work, or for romantic reasons. Why not chose to showerpool for the environment? Water conservation is a very important issue and any effort made by individuals to lower their water usage not only saves money but also helps preserve our limited water supply for future generations.

Showerpooling can be done in conjunction with other water saving tactics like air showers heads, low flow shower heads, reusing grey water, rain barrels, etc.

Showerpooling Routine Tips