No Grocery Month

So I am going to try a little experiment courtesy of my friend, Erin. She had read about a challenge where you don't buy groceries for a month, as a way to both save some cash and clean out your pantry a bit. (Come on, we all have those boxes that get further and further into the dark recesses of the cupboard than are found years later.) So I am going to give it a whirl. Now, the good thing about trying this now, is my garden is overflowing with lettuce and a few tomatoes are starting to ripen, I should have squash, corn and beans before all is said and done as well. This is good, because I don't know that I could go a month without fresh produce, the temptation might be to much for me.

I am concerned that I am setting the bar to high with the month timeline, but hey we should always aim high, right!I don't have milk right now or eggs so it may be a semi-vegan month unintentionally. Does grocery shopping at Mom's count? Hmmm, that is something to ponder......

Baby, it's cold outside!

Given the drop in temperature and the snowfall in my lovely corner of the world, I have decided to post on keeping those tootsies toasty. First, take stock. Look at yourself, how are you dressed right at this moment? Could you be wearing the same thing in April? May? September? You know, when it is warmer out? If so, you probably have your heat tuned higher then necessary. One of the joys of winter is bundling up in those cozy sweaters. So dress the part. You can save some energy (and some pennies) by turning down the thermostat. For example, at this moment, I have long johns, jeans, knee high socks, house slippers, long sleeved t-shirt, and perhaps the plushest, coziest house coat on the planet. (I am not wearing a sweater because the housecoat is soooo cozy, sweater tomorrow!)
Other things to do, check the windows - are there drafts? The coop is not the most sound of places, but as a renter, I am limited. So I invested in the Duck brand Window kits. The amount plastic is bothersome to me, but it is less impacting then the heat loss generated.
Also, something as simple as indulging in that cup of hot cocoa or tea. The internal warmth created helps bit the need for bumping up the thermo.
My other big step is to invest in a small space heater. I purchased a forced fan variety because they are safer for the furry friends. It pleasantly heats the little nook I prefer to sit in to watch a movie or read a book. I am keeping my heat between the 63-65 range and have been very cozy. Stay warm! Give something above a try or turn the heat down a degree or two. Remember, baby steps are as important as leaps, both keep you moving forward.

Vino

Ah, the love of a nice glass of wine. Organic is a great way to go, but right up there is patronizing a local winery. Around my neck of the woods there are several very nice local wineries. A nice perk is most have a tasting area and a restaurant. My favorite has a nice selection of whites and reds, and serve a wonderful wood fired pizza. Yummy. Makes me want to call the gals and head on over. Try out some local wineries near you. (Check out the super cool thrift store 70s era glass.)

French Press and Fair Trade Coffee

So, I lost interest during the summer of posting. (Not in being more environmental, just posting) but tonight while putting off washing dishes, I am suddenly motivated.

This post is about a nifty little coffee pot my aunt gave me. It saves on filters. (I do have a traditional coffee pot for when I have more guest than this little guy can handle, but it stays unplugged and I only use unbleached filters on the rare occasion that the big guy is used.) The French Press coffee pot is great for two to three cups of coffee. It is quick and easy for me in the morning as well. I have also taken to buying only fair trade coffee. This toffee caramel version is yummy. It is sustainably grown and helps out small farmers. I purchased it at a ten thousand villages partner store. Go to http://www.equalexchange.com/ to learn more about their products.