I had some errands to run yesterday...well not a lot, I needed to go to Target and exchange something, and make a trip to the library. So I put on my bike helmet, threw all I needed into a backpack and set off. I'll tell you what, riding against the wind is no easy task when you're a beginning biker. I was breathing so hard. But I made it to Target, where I did what I needed and bought a bottle of water!! (I know not eco-friendly). Then I headed to the Library. When I was done at the library I had about 7 books in my backpack. Talk about added weight!! But at least on the way home I was riding with the wind instead of against it!
On the last bit I was riding along side 3 teenage boys who were doing tricks and talking and having a great time...I was huffin' it just to keep their pace!! They probably thought I was a crazy old lady. I was just hoping they didn't jump off one of the curbs into me!!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
Biking
For Father's Day we got my husband a bicycle (I know it's not Father's Day yet!). I thought it would be a good way to get us out as a family and get some exercise. I already have a bike and a trailer for the kiddos. So Friday one of the books that I had on hold at the library came in so I decided instead of jumping in the car we should all bike over to the library (maybe 3 miles round trip) and pick up the book. It really didn't take too long and I felt really good about being able to bike to my destination and not have to use any gasoline. Unfortunately it hurt my hubby's knees. I think I started out with too much for him. I'm hoping that if I give him a couple days to recoup that he will be ready to go again.
I started biking last year and really enjoyed it, but when I found out that I was pregnant I really stopped all forms of exercise. Now that I have been back out on my bike a few times I am remembering how much I enjoy it. I have read online about a few events in Portland for biking. I just might throw the bikes on the rack and head over there.
Unfortunately I have read a few articles about taking babies in bike trailers and that it isn't good to do that when they are under one year old because their bones aren't fully developed and their muscle tone isn't strong enough to support them. I am going to have to talk with the doctor about her opinion on this. I really want to go on family rides but not at the risk of hurting my children!
I would really like to reduce my driving to a minimum and start biking where ever I can. Since so many places are really close now it really shouldn't be too hard. But unfortunately I am across town 3-4 times a week and until I get into really good shape, I just can't do that yet.
I started biking last year and really enjoyed it, but when I found out that I was pregnant I really stopped all forms of exercise. Now that I have been back out on my bike a few times I am remembering how much I enjoy it. I have read online about a few events in Portland for biking. I just might throw the bikes on the rack and head over there.
Unfortunately I have read a few articles about taking babies in bike trailers and that it isn't good to do that when they are under one year old because their bones aren't fully developed and their muscle tone isn't strong enough to support them. I am going to have to talk with the doctor about her opinion on this. I really want to go on family rides but not at the risk of hurting my children!
I would really like to reduce my driving to a minimum and start biking where ever I can. Since so many places are really close now it really shouldn't be too hard. But unfortunately I am across town 3-4 times a week and until I get into really good shape, I just can't do that yet.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
BLACK THUMB!!!
My garden is officially DEAD. Nothing even sprouted. I dug up some seeds that I had planted today and they are all moldy and soft. So maybe it isn't entirely ALL my fault as it hasn't been anywhere warm enough for them to germinate, but still, what a sense of failure.
So today I went downtown Vancouver to the farmers market and bought pepper plants that are already sprouted and put those in my garden. Now, as long as I can keep them alive. I need to go and get some other plants too. I am going to have a garden, even if I have to plant multiple times. The other plants that I planted from starts are all doing fairly good though. I think that I need to purchase a soaker hose because I notice that when I am watering only the surface is getting wet and the underneath layers are still bone dry. It's suppose to rain tomorrow though, so maybe I have a day or two to get that accomplished.
Oh, I have a Yam, that I bought from the grocery store that I left in the bag a little too long, and it is growing roots, so I set it in a bowl of water and the roots are THRIVING! So I need to find a place to plant my Yam. I love yams. I like to make them into oven baked fries with some chili powder on them. Yummy.
Later gator.
So today I went downtown Vancouver to the farmers market and bought pepper plants that are already sprouted and put those in my garden. Now, as long as I can keep them alive. I need to go and get some other plants too. I am going to have a garden, even if I have to plant multiple times. The other plants that I planted from starts are all doing fairly good though. I think that I need to purchase a soaker hose because I notice that when I am watering only the surface is getting wet and the underneath layers are still bone dry. It's suppose to rain tomorrow though, so maybe I have a day or two to get that accomplished.
Oh, I have a Yam, that I bought from the grocery store that I left in the bag a little too long, and it is growing roots, so I set it in a bowl of water and the roots are THRIVING! So I need to find a place to plant my Yam. I love yams. I like to make them into oven baked fries with some chili powder on them. Yummy.
Later gator.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Finally...
So, I finally got my recycling to the curb. (I'm imagining virtual applause at this moment) I'm proud to say that while it did pile up in my garage, kind of a mountain of recyclable materials, none of it ended up in the garbage. Honestly my garbage cans wouldn't have fit anything else in them. But what is with there not being a bin for plastic? I don't get that. The bottom of the plastic bottles say that they can be recycled. I will have to research that I guess. Unless anyone has a quick answer for me....anyone??
Today I made banana bread. Yum....ok, so what is green about that? I didn't throw away the brown bananas?? I did use whole wheat flour!
I used my home made carpet deodorizer today. I think it smells good. It is baking soda with tea tree oil and a tad of lavender oil. Sprinkle and leave for at least 1/2 an hour. I love the smell of tea tree and lavender.
Baby's crying.....gotta run.
Today I made banana bread. Yum....ok, so what is green about that? I didn't throw away the brown bananas?? I did use whole wheat flour!
I used my home made carpet deodorizer today. I think it smells good. It is baking soda with tea tree oil and a tad of lavender oil. Sprinkle and leave for at least 1/2 an hour. I love the smell of tea tree and lavender.
Baby's crying.....gotta run.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
What a beautiful day!
Today was an absolutely gorgeous day!! Nothing is better here in the PacNW then a sunny mid 70's day with a slight breeze. Ahhh, what a nice break from the rain.
My garden is officially planted. I have corn, green beans, carrots, onion, peppers, cucumber, rosemary, pumpkin, tomatoes and as the request of my hubby, rhubarb. Today we got some raspberry plants too. Now I just need to learn how to make pickles, jam and how to can. I guess I'll have to buy the strawberries to make strawberry rhubarb pie...yum. I also have to figure out how to keep the neighbor kids out of the garden.
I'm still working on getting the babies into cloth diapers. I have a few made but not enough for even a full day in cloth. It's difficult with two babies to find the time to sit and sew for more then a few moments at a time. So today I had to go and buy disposable diapers again. grrrr. I hate that. But I thought in a quest to be more green, I would walk to Target instead of drive. I know that in no way off sets the use of disposable diapers but it's something. Anyway, I loaded the kids into the double stroller and headed out for the 2 mile round trip walk. Fortunately they enjoy the stroller rides. Sharrah sits in the front and giggles and babbles the whole way there. David falls asleep. We go and find the cheapest diapers possible and I'm hoping that these will be the last "sposies" that I will have to purchase. Time will tell I guess. At least I saved a little bit of gas and got some good exercise in.
While I was digging the weeds out of the front flower beds (which have no flowers in them) I noticed a lot of ants. I didn't find any RAID, but thats not a green solution anyway right? So I used the vinegar, lemon, tea tree and water solution that I had used for cleaning. I have no idea if it will do anything to the ants, maybe their "home" will just be really clean. LOL.
Until next time....
My garden is officially planted. I have corn, green beans, carrots, onion, peppers, cucumber, rosemary, pumpkin, tomatoes and as the request of my hubby, rhubarb. Today we got some raspberry plants too. Now I just need to learn how to make pickles, jam and how to can. I guess I'll have to buy the strawberries to make strawberry rhubarb pie...yum. I also have to figure out how to keep the neighbor kids out of the garden.
I'm still working on getting the babies into cloth diapers. I have a few made but not enough for even a full day in cloth. It's difficult with two babies to find the time to sit and sew for more then a few moments at a time. So today I had to go and buy disposable diapers again. grrrr. I hate that. But I thought in a quest to be more green, I would walk to Target instead of drive. I know that in no way off sets the use of disposable diapers but it's something. Anyway, I loaded the kids into the double stroller and headed out for the 2 mile round trip walk. Fortunately they enjoy the stroller rides. Sharrah sits in the front and giggles and babbles the whole way there. David falls asleep. We go and find the cheapest diapers possible and I'm hoping that these will be the last "sposies" that I will have to purchase. Time will tell I guess. At least I saved a little bit of gas and got some good exercise in.
While I was digging the weeds out of the front flower beds (which have no flowers in them) I noticed a lot of ants. I didn't find any RAID, but thats not a green solution anyway right? So I used the vinegar, lemon, tea tree and water solution that I had used for cleaning. I have no idea if it will do anything to the ants, maybe their "home" will just be really clean. LOL.
Until next time....
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
First try....
I made my first cloth diaper. It is not pretty by any means, but it would work as a diaper except for the elastic in the leg opening. I tried the clear elastic but it just didn't work out. So I bought a different kind today, so I will rip that seam out and try the new elastic.
My goal was to get the recycling out on Monday. Well I must confess that I didn't get it out. But none of the recyclables were thrown away, they are in the garage waiting for next Monday.
I bought vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda for cleaning products today. Good natural green cleaners! But I don't have the heart to throw out all my other cleaners. It seams like such a waste of money. I cleaned some of the floor with vinegar and lemon, but you sure don't smell the lemon at all, whew....vinegar stinks, but the floor sure is shiny in that spot! I need to do the windows.
My next adventure is to get a garden plot dug out in the back yard. I want to grow corn, tomatoes, peas, carrots, bell peppers, onions, and some herbs. We'll see if I can actually grow something!
ttfn
My goal was to get the recycling out on Monday. Well I must confess that I didn't get it out. But none of the recyclables were thrown away, they are in the garage waiting for next Monday.
I bought vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda for cleaning products today. Good natural green cleaners! But I don't have the heart to throw out all my other cleaners. It seams like such a waste of money. I cleaned some of the floor with vinegar and lemon, but you sure don't smell the lemon at all, whew....vinegar stinks, but the floor sure is shiny in that spot! I need to do the windows.
My next adventure is to get a garden plot dug out in the back yard. I want to grow corn, tomatoes, peas, carrots, bell peppers, onions, and some herbs. We'll see if I can actually grow something!
ttfn
Friday, April 4, 2008
Cloth Diapers?
So I have spent the past two days researching and looking at cloth diapering options. I know all the reasons it is better to use cloth diapers than disposables. But let me tell you all the cloth diapering options out there are daunting. Prefolds, flats, flushable inserts, covers, soakers, all in ones, pocket diapers, fitteds, doublers etc. And then, is it more cost effective to make your own or buy premades? I think I would like to try and make some, but exactly what fabrics to use. I think I would use PUL for the outside, but what mixture of fabrics do I use for the inside? Decisions, decisions. It will be an adventure worth while I'm sure.
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