Changing of the Trees

Well...since it has been nearly a year since my last post, I think it is about time for some writing.

Today's happy is brought to you by trees. There are a group of beautiful trees I see every day when I drive to my sister's house. They sit outside an office complex in a grassy area of the parking lot. Every time I see these trees I am in awe of their beauty. The colors of the leaves are constantly changing with the seasons (yes, even in Southern California). Depending on the time of day the reds will glow pink or the yellows and oranges glow golden brown. The trees are a constantly evolving and adapting presence in my life and they remind me to do the same.

Funny from the Past

Yes, it has been forever since I posted. I am planning on fixing that, starting with this blog.

Today, my mom cracked open my old dictionary I had in elementary school. This is what we found...

The front cover, notice the Brainy Smurf on the bottom. A dictionary ambassador I believe.

The inside cover has a Desiree original. Some kind of beaver type animal with heart headphones and a microphone.

The next page has all the vital info with a grammar lesson added.  Notice the beaver is back at the bottom. Crossed out on the top is Target Books. Even then I was a Target shopper.

Stuffed inside the book were theses gems...
A note that used to hang at my desk.

The little sign I made to let people know where to find Steven. Poor Steven was the weird kid in school who would lose his mind for no reason and sit under his desk. (Now I believe he was probably ADD)

Finally, the back covers, which has a pages for notes. The first was a tribute to a boy I loved (not even sure who Eric was now) and the second, well, I guess these are the words any kid wants to look up in a dictionary.

Just a little something that made me laugh today.

Solutions for Less Trash, Part 3 of 4

Third installment. I have been lagging...shame on me!

See original blog from EcoSalon here: 20 things we throw away


Plastic Shopping Bags
Brianne and I were schooling the Von's lady yesterday on this. We happened to be out and made an unplanned stop for groceries. Shame on us, we had very few reusable bags. We had to take a few plastic with the reusables, fortunately, this is a rare occurrence. Success in this rule is a matter of pre-planning. Grab your bags before you go!  Keep them in your car so you always have them on hand. I suggest punishing yourself when you forget. Have the grocery store NOT bag your items. When you get to your car and have to load all your goodies into your trunk one by one, it will be a pain in the butt that will be sure to help you change your habits after a few times. Need and extra bonus? Many stores give you a few cents off your purchase or club points for bringing your own bags. It may not seem like a lot but, every cent adds up.  My favorite bags that I keep in my purse for every day shopping are the RuMe - Reusable Bags bags. They roll up super small and come in a ton of great prints. I have three on hand at all times.




Dryer Sheets
Why even bother? I use liquid softener in the washer. Job done! If you must have a dryer sheet for that stubborn static, try these Static Eliminator Eco Dryer Sheets which can be used 500 times before they wear out. You can also use a PVC Free Dryer ball, they keep the static down and are great for keeping your sheets and towels from getting tangled together.

Printer Cartridges
When you run out of ink, refill your printer cartridges instead of throwing them away and buying new ones. There are places everywhere, even in the mall, that can refill your ink. If you absolutely cannot reuse your cartridge, at least recycle them.You can drop them off at any Staples or Best Buy. Do it!

Coffee Filters
Replacing disposable coffee filters with one that’s reusable will cut down your amount of daily waste. My dad is super guilty of this one. He will not give up his paper filters. When I asked him why he needs them,  his response was, "That's just the way I have always done it".  Don't be afraid of changing your habits!  Most modern coffee makers come with a filter that will keep your grinds out of your mug, no paper liner needed. If you must use a filter, throw it, along with the coffee grounds, into a composter instead of your regular trash. Your plants will thank you later.

Ziploc Bags
This has been one of my favorite things to eliminate from my life. Oneof my favorite web sites, ReUseit.com, has a ton of fun options for food storage. My personal favorites are the cloth lunch bags, reusable sandwich wrappers, and the cloth snack bags. Need a smart storage option for your leftovers?  Go glass!  I got my containers from The Container Store but many other stores now carry them too. You can get a whole set on Amazon here: Snapware 18pc Glasslock Storage Containers Set with Lids

OK...that is all for now.  Final installment coming soon!  If you have any other options you would like to share, I would love to hear about them. Holla at me!

Solutions for Less Trash Part 2 of 4

Second installment. Have some class, make less trash.

See original blog from EcoSalon here: 20 things we throw away

Counter Wipes
You are basically just using a wet paper towel. Counter wipes are worse than a wet paper towel because of all the chemicals (usually bleach, yucky!) that are on the wipes plus the paper they are made of. It is a double nasty product. Are you making things clean, or just "dirtying" them with chemicals? As stated in my previous entry, we have switched to Shop Towels in our kitchen. For extra cleaning power we use Method Multi-Surface Cleaner which comes in many yummy, made from nature fragrances. Another great option is Seventh Generation Multi-Surface Cleaner in Lemongrass & Thyme which smells like a lemon field in the Spring. Awesome!

Paper Coffee Cups
I have a TON of reusable mugs that I have bought from various coffee places and I never have them on hand when I get some Joe. This is mostly a function of me not being a regular coffee drinker so, when I do get something while out, it is usually on a whim. If you hit up your local Starbucks every morning, you should have one, since you know you will be going, right? I hope so!  What I do always have with me is a reusable coffee cup sleeve. I got mine from a fun little site called Cup Couture. They have fun prints and are machine washable. You can also find many options on amazon like these Koolkup® brightly colored numbers. Love it!

Cotton Balls
Years of working in the beauty industry has taught me that cotton balls are just a waste of time. They shed, their size is troublesome, and if you use a liquid on them, they soak up way more of it than is needed. Not only are you wasting money on buying more cotton balls, you are also going through whatever liquid you are using (toner, eye makeup remover, nail polish remover) twice as fast. For years I used regular cotton rounds, doing the same job as a cotton ball while using less product and leaving no fuzzies on my face.  I switched to rounds made of organic cotton when I discovered them. I reasoned that at least they were not polluting the earth in production, even if I was throwing away one or two every day. A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a revelation  introduced to me by my sister;  reusable cotton rounds by Better for Grownups. This is the same company that makes the reusable tissues I mentioned in the first "trash" blog. They are so awesome, made from organic cotton, in bright colors and packed in their own easy to use storage box. Here is a pic. I am in love with them.

Plastic Utensils & Paper Plates
From the EcoSalon blog: "Laziness is not a sufficient excuse for using paper plates. So, when you throw a big party, suck it up and wash a massive load of dishes instead. Or, our favorite, put the kids to work!"

I put the last two items of this installment together because they are typically partners in Eco crime. Just plain wasteful. A few years ago I planned my sister's bridal shower. Wanting it to be a extra special event, I needed to have the food on regular plates, the forks to be stainless flatware, and the napkins to be cloth. Little did I know I would start a little revolution. Since that party we have passed these plates and utensils around to many a family party, as I opted to buy and not rent them. It was really easy for me to get these items for cheap because I worked at a restaurant supply company at the time. Since then I have seen lots of plates and forks at thrift stores and they are super cheap! I know, you may not have the space to store them but, I ask you, do we really have the space on this earth to keep "storing" disposables in our landfills? It's a tough call but I guarantee you your next party will feel much fancier with a real plate and your guests will be super impressed. It takes a little extra effort for clean up but it is so worth it! So, make a little space, and get some plates for entertaining. Maybe you can put them where you are currently storing your extra paper towels you will no longer be using. Its a win-win!

Outside of parties, when I am on the go I use my little utensil set from Sigg, the Sigg Outdoor Cutlery Set. It looks like a swiss army piece with a pop out fork, spoon and knife packed in a nifty little pouch. I also recently got a cute picnic set for four by Picnic by Ascot. Perfect for that summertime movie under the stars or a concert in the park. The blanket is included but, you have to buy your own wine.

A new mission...

I have a new obsession and it is history. Specifically, my obsession is with history I can see. Because of this obsession, I have set myself the goal of seeing all the registered historical sites in California. It is a crazy goal, as there are well over 1000 to see. I do not feel overwhelmed. I will do this by setting forth in small chunks. I am starting at home, San Diego County. Here's to exploration!

At least I am not starting at zero. Here are sites I have already visited:

NO. 51 OLD POINT LOMA LIGHTHOUSE -Some of the most amazing views in town. Picture by me. (This CA landmark is within the Cabrillo National Park, part of the National Parks System).

NO. 52  MISSION DAM AND FLUME -  Mission Trails Regional Park- Site of Hike Club 2008. (This is also a National Historic Landmark, designated in 1963.)

NO. 63 PLAZA, SAN DIEGO VIEJO (WASHINGTON SQUARE) - Old Town San Diego - I don't have a handy picture of this but, it IS Old Town. The main square where everything is. Been so many times and love it!

NO. 65 THE WHALEY HOUSE  - Didn't see any ghosts while I was there. Bummer!

NO. 68 El CAMPO SANTO - Probably my favorite spot in Old Town. I love reading the grave markers in the old cemetery and showing the small makers of graves on the sidewalk outside the walls to visitors. A man once told me that cars parked on this section of the street have been known to have the life sucked out of their batteries, probably by the people in the graves underneath. I made a note to self never to park there. You can also see the grave of Yankee Jim inside the walls. He is one of the guys that haunts the Whaley House (above)

NO. 72 CASA DE BANDINI - Used to house the restaurant of the same name (my favorite), now restored as the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, as seen in this old photo. I have sat on the balcony having margaritas many times.

NO. 538 FIRST PUBLICLY OWNED SCHOOL BUILDING - Went to this site on a field trip when I was in school. Neat!

NO. 844 HOTEL DEL CORONADO - This one is haunted too. I have walked on the stairs where they found the lady who was shot. One day I hope to stay in her room, but not on Halloween, it is booked years in advance. (Also a National Historic Landmark, designated in 1977.)

NO. 1031 FERRYBOAT BERKELEY - The boat is a maritime museum inside. It is on the left in the picture, The Star of India is on the right (also a landmark, I still need to see inside it). The Berkeley is also a National Historic Landmark, designated in 1990.

Solutions for Less Trash, Part 1 0f 4

I just came across a blog entry on EcoSalon (great site!) about the top 20 things we throw away. I though I would repeat their list here and offer the solutions I have found that are working for me. I am going to break it into a few blog entries to make it easier to read. I have included links on anything I suggest to take you straight to amazon for more info on the products and to easily order.  Enjoy!
See original blog here:  20 things we throw away

Water Bottles
Well, if you are throwing them away and not recycling then we need to talk. Reduce your consumption completely by installing a PUR Vertical Faucet Filter on your kitchen faucet. Just $21 on amazon. My sister has a Brita 35530 Ultramax Dispenser. It holds more water than the traditional pitcher and she keeps it in the fridge to always have cold water on hand. My parents have a whole house water filtration system by WaterBoy, one of the most expensive options but water tastes good even from the bathroom faucet. All off the options work wonderfully with your basic glasses you already have at home. For on-the-go some of my favorite water bottles are by Sigg (I have this one in purple), and my new favorite, KOR ONE BPA Free Hydration Vessel (Ice Blue), favored by Iron Man himself.

Tissue Boxes
When I was in high school I knew a guy who used handkerchiefs. It was so odd and endearing, it reminded me of a time gone by when men took off their hats to greet a woman and asked to "court" you. To this day he is still the only friend I have ever had that did this. Little did he or I know, he was way ahead of his time. Even with all the eco-buzz going on, it is still hard to find hankies. I think I have finally found the solution my stuffy allergy nose needs in these, Reusable Organic Cotton Tissues. They come in a box that is also reusable so you can have that "tissue box" ease without all the waste (instructions on folding included). I ordered one yesterday, can't wait to use it.

Paper Napkins
My family made the switch to cloth napkins a while back. It is so easy to toss them in the wash with your towels and sheets. I feel it makes our meals a little more special using them, even when we are having pizza. My mom and I stocked up on a bunch for cheap at Marshall's and Ross. I also love the prints of these organic cotton styles, Eyes of the World Organic Cotton Dinner Napkins.  While on-the-go I stick to my People Towels, fun prints, absorbent and compact. I use them to dry my hands in public restrooms and in place of paper napkins when I am eating out. Warning, you will attract attention while using them but, that is an opportunity to spread the good green word.

Paper Towels
When I first switched to cloth napkins, I told my cousin about it and she said she would have a hard time because she has kids. Well, fast forward a year and she has passed me up by not only switching her napkins but, she now has a paper towel free home. Although used infrequently, we still have paper towels in our home. Now I am going to have to follow my cousin's lead, if she can do it, I can too. The first step is to use Shop Towels (we have these in hot pink). At only $3.99 for a 12-pack and unlimited usage, think of how much money you will save. Keeping paper towels out of our landfills is an extra super bonus. Just like the napkins, we wash these guys with the towels and sheets. When confronted with paper towels in public bathrooms, don't forget the People Towels.


Razor Blades
 From the original blog:  "Buy a razor sharpener to make dull blades like new again. (Whoever invented the idea of throwaway shaving razors has a special place in a melting ice cap.)"
While I don't sharpen my old razors, I do use Gillette Venus for Women. I feel a little less guilt with these because I am throwing away just the head, not the whole thing. It's better than doing nothing at all but, I guess I will have to look into switching to a straight razor and sharpening it on a strap. Maybe I will pick up wood widdling and start a jug band too.  Here is a starter kit, if you are interested,  Parker Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor


(Part 1 of 4)

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

I just went to safecosmetics.org and sent an email to my congressman to support the Safe Cosmetics Act. It is easy and takes less than a minute. If you don't think it matters, watch this video The Story of Cosmetics, and see if you change you mind.