Cute Baby Shower Centerpiece

We're throwing a baby shower for a close friend and along with the diaper cake from last week, we were also inspired by this Pinterest post for a watermelon-cantaloupe baby centerpiece.  We tried it out...and it's too cute!  We've decided not only is it a great way to serve fruit to the guests, but it's a knock-out table centerpiece idea too!

*This project takes approximately 30 minutes to complete - more time is needed if you plan on taking pictures throughout the process :)

Here's what you'll need:
1 large watermelon
2 cantaloupes
Assorted fruit (we used purple & green grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and kiwis)
Ice cream scoop
Melon Baller-preferably one with 2 scoop sizes
Vegetable peeler
1 large sharp knife
1 small paring knife
7 toothpicks
1 pacifier
Container for "discarded" watermelon

1. Estimate where the halfway point is in your watermelon (lengthwise) and where the 1/3 point is (width wise).  Make your cuts and remove the wedge of watermelon.  Begin scooping out the inside of the watermelon.

2.  Scoop out 80-85% of the watermelon, especially in the "back" of the carriage.  The more watermelon you scoop out, the more fruit you will have to use to fill it back up.

3. Next, cut the rind off one of the cantelopes.

4.  Once the rind has been removed, use a peeler to shave off any green parts and place "head" in the watermelon carriage.

5.  Next, scoop out an indention for the pacifier.  Align the pacifier with the indention and secure with toothpicks.  Our toothpicks went into the 2 small holes in the pacifier.

6. Slice into the 2nd cantaloupe and using your smaller scoop size on your melon baller, scoop out one ball for the nose.  Secure it to the head using 1 toothpick.

7.  Scoop out 2 more balls from the 2nd cantaloupe using the larger scoop size and using toothpicks, secure one ball on each side of the head, as ears. Also pick out 2 similar sized purple grapes for the eyes and secure into the cantaloupe with toothpicks.

8.  Slightly angle head up, so baby appears to be looking up from carriage.  Begin filling watermelon with assorted fruit and balls from the remaining watermelon and cantaloupe.

9. Add fruit to bottom of carriage as garnish an voila...your centerpiece is complete!

10.  Put your centerpiece out on the table and watch your guests ooh and ahh over your work.

How To Make A Diaper Cake

We love the idea of a diaper cake as a baby shower gift.  You can match the colors to the new baby's nursery or come up with a theme of your own.  We did a simple pink and black color scheme and we think it turned out great!

Here's what you'll need:
A plate or cardboard base
Rubberbands
Ribbon
Scissors
Glue gun OR Double sided tape
Diapers-approximately 50
Various small baby items 

1.) Start by rolling up each diaper, individually, and securing with a rubber band.

2.) Place 4 rolled and secured diapers together and secure group with a rubber band.

3.) Add 4 more diapers around that and secure with a rubber band.

4.) Fill in gaps with diapers to maximize the rubber band's hold.

5.) Repeat process to create larger and smaller levels of cake-you should have 3 levels total.

6.) Put largest level on plate or cardboard (we covered our cardboard with spare fabric we had lying around).  Stack levels on base.

7.) Cut ribbon in desired length to hide rubber bands.  Secure around levels with hot glue or double sided table.  Repeat for all levels.

8.) Add various baby items around cake to finish

For more baby cake ideas, check out our Pinterest board.

25 Easy Ways To Go Green!

Going green can be done one step at a time.  There's no need to do a complete overhaul all in one day.  It's a noble thought, but it's likely to overwhelm you.  Here are 25 easy ways to go green.  Start with one and master it, then add another.  No task is too small.  Get your family members involved to help tackle other tasks.  And remember one person can make a difference!

via

1. Use a coffee cup or travel mug instead of paper or styrofoam (yikes!) cup at work.  Same goes for a water bottles-use a reusable one at work or the gym.
2. Use reusable grocery bags.
3. Participate in your community's recycling program.
4. Walk or bike more...drive less.
5. Go meatless one day a week.
6. Plant flowers and trees in your yard or community.
7. Grow your own herb or vegetable garden.
8. Conserve water-use a rain barrel to water your lawn; turn off the water while brushing your teeth; take shorter showers.

via

9. Use cloth napkins, towels, and rags instead of paper towels.
10. Shop at your local farmer's market.
11. Unplug electronics when not in use.
12. Use energy saving appliances like Energy Star products.
13. Green your laundry routine by following these tips.
14. Buy products made from organic and recycled materials.
15. Don't buy furniture made of MDF and particle board-better yet try Craigslist and yard sales.
16. Use natural, non toxic cleaners.
17. Sign up to stop receiving junk mail.
18. Use CFL bulbs throughout your house.
19. Reuse/repurpose items-give life to an old item.
20. Actually eat your leftovers.
21. Participate in a clothing swap or shop/sell clothing at a consignment store.
22. Receive and pay bills online.
23. Buy in bulk to save on packaging.
24. Don't litter.

25. Turn in old/expired medications instead of flushing or throwing them out.

Which ways will you go green?

Greening Your Laundry Room & Routine

A few simple changes in how you do your laundry can save you time, money, and benefit your family's health.  Today we'll talk about easy eco-friendly changes you can make both in how you do your laundry AND what's in your laundry room.

Let's start with your laundry routine...

via

First off-stop doing so much of it!  Clothing can and should be re-worn.  Of course soiled, dirty, or sweaty clothing needs to be washed, but what about the jeans you simply ran errands in?  Or the blouse you wore to work where you sat at your desk, in your air conditioned office, all day?  It doesn't need to be washed every time you simply put it on.  Lessen your work load and you'll not only enjoy the benefits of spending your time elsewhere, but your checkbook will thank you on next month's bill.

Alas, there is laundry to be done so start by making sure you are always using cold water.  Wash full loads, but don't OVERLOAD.  If you're not sure how much your washing machine can take, check the labels or manual that should list its capacity.  If you're looking to replace your washer or dryer, look at the energy star products out on the market.  These appliances can significantly reduce the amount of energy used in your home.  For more information about how these products earn their energy star badge-check out the Energy Star website here.

What you put in the washer with your clothes is very important as well.  Make the switch to an eco friendly detergent or make your own!  Seventh Generation, Method, Mrs. Meyer, and Ecos are great options or you can check out Rodale.com and Seven Sisters for DIY recipes.  Replacing chemically laden fabric softeners with white vinegar also helps green your wash load.

Once your clothes are nice and clean, try these drying options...

Line drying is, of course, the most eco friendly measure you can take, but even hanging up a few items and using the dryer for the rest of your wash can reduce drying time and ultimately reduce the energy used.  According to treehugger.com, the dryer is the 2nd largest energy hog in your house.  Dryer balls, like Nellie's All Natural PVC Free Dryer Balls, can help reduce drying time.  Another tip is to make sure you're not adding wet clothes to a load that has been partially dried already-this will only cause your dryer to work harder.

Real Simple

Other ways to help green your dryer is by removing lint from the lint trap after every load (this can be added to your compost bin).  Check to make sure your vent is clear from debris to help maximize your dryer's performance.  This tip can go for any appliance in your house!

Speaking of green, do you know what part of your laundry is probably the least green aspect?  DRY CLEANING!  The dry cleaning process is very non eco friendly, however there have been movements to change this.  Check in your area for cleaners that use a greener approach, or even better, ditch the threads that have to be dry cleaned.

via

As for the laundry room itself, try buying in bulk to save on packaging.  Also check out these nifty ways to line dry inside!

Lee Valley

Centsational Girl

Last, but not least-go through your closet.  I'll bet you can find 4 or 5 of nearly the same item in there.  Do an inventory so that the next time you go shopping, you're not bringing in a nearly identical black shirt or a 3rd cream cardigan.

These simple steps can really help your environment and save you a few pennies as well!  Now who doesn't feel good about that?

Feel free to comment about other ways you go green in the laundry room here or on our facebook wall!

Meatless Monday:Fruit Focus

Today's edition of Meatless Monday will focus on fruits.  Summertime yields some great, fresh fruits that you can buy in your produce section, local farmer's market, or even get from a berry picking adventure of your own!  Let's start with some fruity recipes to get your day going...


Puffed Cherry Pancakes-courtesy of Delish.com

1 teaspoon(s) unsalted butter, divided

unsalted butter

1/2 cup(s) low-fat milk

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract

1/2 cup(s) whole-wheat pastry flour (see Tips) or all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon(s) granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon(s) salt

1 pinch(s) ground cinnamon

2 cup(s) halved, pitted sweet or sour cherries, fresh or frozen thawed, drained

1/4 cup(s) sliced almonds

Confectioners' sugar, for garnish

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place 1 teaspoon butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or ovenproof nonstick skillet and transfer to the oven to melt the butter.  Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small pan or in the microwave. Transfer to a medium bowl and whisk in milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon and whisk to combine.  Remove the pan from the oven, tilting it to coat the bottom with butter. Add cherries in a layer. Pour the batter over the cherries and sprinkle with almonds.  Bake the pancake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting into 4 wedges. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Or try these Fruit and Pecan Granola Bars, which are great for school (or summer camp) lunches or on-the-go snack time.

                                                                                           

1 large egg

 1 large egg white

 1 cup(s) light brown sugar

 1 tablespoon(s) canola oil

 1 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon

 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt

 1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract

 1 1/2 cup(s) toasted oats

 2/3 cup(s) chopped dried cranberries or golden raisins

 1/4 cup(s) chopped pecans

 1 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8-by-11-inch pan with foil. Coat with cooking spray.  Whisk egg, egg white, sugar, oil, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla in a large bowl. Stir in oats, cranberries (or raisins), pecans, and flour. Spread in prepared pan.  Bake until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool; cut into bars with a lightly oiled knife.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For lunch, these easy Apple, Peanut-butter and Raisin Sandwiches from Williams-Sonoma are healthy and delicious.

                                        

10 tbs. peanut butter

1 Granny Smith apple, cored and cut into 10 rings, each about 1/4 in. thick

2 tbs. raisins

2 tbs. granola 

Directions:
Spread 2 Tbs. of peanut butter onto half of the apple rings.  Sprinkle each with 1 Tbs. granola and a few raisins.  Cover each of the remaining apple rings to form sandwiches.  Makes 5 apple sandwiches.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teriyaki Tofu & Pineapple Kabobs from PreventionRD, are a great way to introduce your kids to tofu.

1 (14-oz) package extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes

1 large pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into cubes (1 tbsp set aside for sauce)

1 large red or orange bell pepper, cut into chunks

1 large onion , sliced into wedges

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp chili garlic sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp honey

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 F.  Spray a baking sheet with olive oil. Arrange tofu cubes on the baking sheet and mist with olive oil. Bake for about 12 minutes, while you chop the veggies for the kebabs.  Thread each of 7 bamboo skewers with tofu, cubed pineapple, bell pepper, and onion and place in baking dish.  Simmer soy sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes 3 minutes in skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced tablespoon of pineapple and garlic to skillet, and simmer 2 minutes, or until sauce begins to thicken.  Pour sauce over kebabs, and bake 20-30 minutes, turning once to keep kebabs coated in sauce. Yield: 7 large skewers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And we can't forget about ending our meal with a tasty treat.  Try this Kiwi Granita from BiteDelite.com-a cool, fresh and fruity way to end your Meatless Monday!

6  kiwi fruits
1/3 cup of water
50 g sugar (just shy of 1/4 c.)

Directions:

Add kiwi to the blender and mix until smooth, add water, sugar and mix again.  Place on a level surface in your freezer and freeze for 2 hours, stirring and scraping with a fork every 20 minutes to break up the ice crystals. Cover and freeze for at least 1 hour more.

For more great Meatless Monday recipes-follow our Meatless Monday Pinterest board!

Having a Green Father's Day

Father's Day is just around the corner and we're sure Dad could use something better than a pair of socks.  Here's a few ideas for eco friendly gifts that Dad is sure to love!

Go the DIY route...
How about a personalized coffee mug that he can use at home or at work, featuring his children's smiling faces?  You can get this done at most film developing stores, drugstores, or there are a ton of great companies online like http://www.thephototouch.com/products/photo-mugs.php that offers various style for $15-$25.  Or if he has some old sports or concert tees that aren't being worn, or have seen better days, why not make a t-shirt memory quilt?  Check out EcoKaren's blog for a great tutorial.

The Quilt Loft

Don't have the time to put into a DIY gift...no worries!  Here's a few more ideas for any dad.

If he's a businessman, try this great computer bag from Greensmart, featured on Abe's Market.com, available in 4 great colors.

Or for the avid golf dad, Wilson has a bag made from recycled material that saves landfills 12 gallon-sized plastic bottles each!  Want to take the golf game to another level of green?  Walk the course.  It will give you both some great exercise, plenty of quality time to chat, and it saves the gas and/or electricity to power a golf cart.

Want to get Dad some new threads-try this great polo from Earthtec featured on thedailygreen.com that is made from half recycled cotton and half recycled polyester.  And if he likes to lounge around the house on the weekends,  give him a soft, comfy robe from Coyuchi, made from organic cottons and linens.  There are several varieties from waffle weave to furry terry cloth.


http://www.coyuchi.com/organic-robes-pajamas/mens-organic-robes.html

www.earthtec.com






 

Give him a new wallet, like this one from Modernstyleorganicliving that's made from recycled inner tubes.

Or maybe Dad needs to be pampered a little.  Bull Dog natural skincare, also available on Abe's Market, has a great line of products that will keep him looking great!

If you plan on spending the day with your dad, do something fun and eco friendly, all while enjoying the outdoors, like taking a bike ride or plan a picnic.  Whatever you give him or whatever you do, celebrate your dad and have a very happy Father's Day!

Summer Sizzle: Heat Protection

We know being out in the sun for too long can cause a nasty sunburn if we neglect the proper skin protection.  We sometimes forget though, the harm the heat alone, can cause our bodies.  It's important to remember that children don't sweat like adults, so keep this in mind and monitor them whether they are playing in a sports game, on the playground, or with you on the beach and in other hot climate settings.

For more information about exercising in the heat, check out
 The University of Missouri's Q & A article

We are going to touch on 3 heat issues that can not only cause pain and discomfort, but can even lead to death if left untreated.

The first of these 3 issues and the least hazardous, are heat cramps.  Although these are extremely painful, they are not a life threatening issue. Heat cramps are cause by a lack of adequate fluid intake during vigorous exercise in warmer than usual conditions. If Sally's soccer tournament occurs during the summer months...it's essential you keep an eye on her fluid intake. If she experiences heat cramps-find a cool place for her to rest and have her drink fluids. Sometimes massaging the cramped muscle can help, but be aware that it is incredibly painful so be cautious to her needs.

www.heatlth.clevelandclinc.org

A more severe heat concern is heat exhaustion, which can occur due to inadequate fluid intake and simply from being out in the heat too long. You may see symptoms including dehydration, weakness/fatigue, headaches, nausea, clammy skin, hyperventilation, and irritability. If any of these symptoms occur, seek the indoors and loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool (not cold) bath to reduce temperature and call your doctor if you are too tired or ill to eat or drink anything. Be aware that heat exhaustion can escalate to a heat stroke, which can be fatal.

For more information about heat exhaustion visit
 http://healthystate.org/2011/06/how-to-prevent-heat-exhaustion/

Finally, the most severe heat concern is a heat stroke. Heat stroke is when your body loses the ability to regulate its own temperature and it can be fatal. It sometimes is the result of overdressing and participating in severe physical activity (ex. helmets, padding, baseball pants, etc. can contribute to higher core temperatures). Heat stroke can also occur if a child (or pet) is left or becomes trapped inside a car on a hot day. Cracking the window does not make a huge difference in the car - please don't leave your child or pet in the car unattended, especially on a hot summer day. Temperatures inside the car can reach more than 20 degrees warmer that the outdoor temperatures. Call 911 if your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms: flushed, hot skin, but not sweating; body temp of 105 degrees or more; severe headaches, weakness, dizziness, or confusion; extreme fatigue; seizures; decrease responsiveness; loss of consciousness. If these symptoms are apparent-call 911 and get indoors or find shade. Remove clothing and douse with cool water and do NOT give them fluids.

www.news.discovery.com



Summer outdoor activities are fun, but should be monitored.  Try finding some downtime in the shade or indoors to prevent any sun or heat issues.  Best wishes!