Monday, December 31, 2007

Do you feel for the silk worms?


If you think raising and killing silk worms so we can have the luxurious and durable fabric that is silk, you now have an option. Ahimsa Peace Silk makes Mufflers, Scarves, and Shawls from the cocoons of silkworms that have already left their cocoons.

Their stuff is available through Organic Avenue

http://www.organicavenue.com/products/product_info.php?products_id=2892

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Lifekind Products

I guess I'm officially on the Organic Lifestyle mailing list...I got a catalog in the mail on Friday from Lifekind - Organic and Naturally SaferTM Products & Catalog with Hazardous Ingredients Glossary.

It's full of things like Organic Bed Linens, Natural Rubber Pillows, Mattresses, Hepa filters, Naturally Safer Cleaning and lundry products, Organic Baby products, Water Declorinators, and much more.



I'd like to buy the Natural Rubber hide-A-Bed Mattress, for my vintage sofa bed but it's a little pricey at $1,095.

www.lifekind.com

Friday, December 28, 2007

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Vegetable Garden Planning

I'm trying to figure out what to try this spring as far as vegetables go. Last year I tried zucchini, cucumbers, butternut squash, watermelon, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, lettuce, and radishes. All pretty much failed, mostly because I used containers that were too small. but I think I figured out what I did wrong for each of them, so I'll probably try again.

Last year I also purchased a lot of my veggies already started, but after experimenting with seeds in the late summer/early fall, I think I will try all the veggies from seed.

This winter I'm attempting to break up the compacted clay soil and add nutrients with a patch of fava beans. In the spring, I will either build a raised bed over the same spot, or just plant directly in the ground.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

if you live in L.A., check out TreePeople

They host warm-weather full moon hikes, reuseable bag programs, and will take the extra fruit from your tree to feed the needy.

http://www.treepeople.org

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Guilt-free Diamonds


Certified conflict-free diamonds from the Canadian Arctic
Fair labor and eco-friendly practices
5% of profits donated to help local African communities

http://www.brilliantearth.com/

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Make your own microwave popcorn




microwave popcorn:
1/2-cup unpopped popcorn
2-3 tbsp melted butter
Salt to taste
1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
Paper lunch bag
Large bowlDirections
Pour the popcorn in the paper bag and fold the top of the bag twice, so it's closed.
Put the bag in the microwave and cook on high for 2-3 min, or 'til the pops are 5 sec apart.
Take the bag out and pour the popcorn into a bowl and drizzle it with butter, then toss it with salt and nutritional yeast, as desired.

info from Ideal Bite