Upcycled Gift Bags

I inherited some small brown paper bags with handles at a volunteer project this summer. I thought to myself, "These would be perfect for gift bags, if only they didn't say Xcel energy on them." Fortunately, I am a very clever person and I have upgraded the ugly plain bags into cute gift bags for Christmas gifts.

It's very simple to make some of these cute bags for your own use and for any occasion. Find some plain bags. Then check the scrapbooking section of your local craft store for decorations.

Gather some glue and scissors (it's even easier if you just use stickers), and assemble. Be extra Earth-friendly and reuse your beautiful creations year after year.

Have fun with your creativity! Share a picture of your works of art on my Facebook page.

Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

This recipe comes from my College Vegetarian Cooking cookbook. The author describes these cookies as "giant Teddy Grahams" which is so accurate I couldn't think of a better way to say it.

They are vegan and we all know the best thing about vegan baking is that you can eat the raw cookie dough (I guess I should add, "without worrying about getting sick," because raw eggs have never stopped me from eating cookie dough). The other best thing about vegan baking is that you can take the cookies out early if you like soft cookies or leave them for the entire duration if you like them crunchier (for the same reason). So with all that said, here's the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup softened margarine (I use smart balance)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Add margarine and sugars to a mixing bowl and combine vigorously until smooth and creamy. Add flour, cinnamon and baking soda. Stir until thoroughly incorporated. Roll dough into 1"-sized balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet, approximately 2" apart. Bake for eight to 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges.

Dear my parent's Ninja blender and food processor,

I'll miss you when I move out. I have treasured our time together. We created delicious and nutritious smoothies in individual travel cups. You perfect the art of making cookie dough. If I wasn't a poor unemployed post-graduate I would invest in your cloned family members. I will not forget you, let's make the most of the time we have left together.

Love, Maggie

Dear my parent's convection oven,

I'll miss you when I move out. I have treasured our time together. You have made it so that I can cookie two trays of cookies at the same time for the same amount of time. Your light provides rays of light as if God is watching over the things that bake within you. If I wasn't a poor unemployed post-graduate I would invest in your cloned family members. I will not forget you, let's make the most of the time we have left together.

Love, Maggie

These cookies look so yummy.... mmmmm cinnamonny goodness. Did I ever tell you that cinnamon is my favorite food group? Well it is. :)

Cinnamon Sugar Cookies with Candy Cane Blossoms

50 Water Saving Tips

Water is vital to the survival of everything on the planet and is limited in supply. Earth may be known as the "water planet", but even though about 70% of its surface is covered by water, less than 1% is available for human use. The Earth's populations and demands for water use increase the water supply remains the same, but we can all do our part to protect this critical and precious resource. When it comes to conserving water, small adjustments can have a big impact. Save water and protect the environment.

Inside Water Savings

Kitchen

• When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.
• Dishwashers, especially Energy Star, typically use less water than washing dishes by hand.
• Look for water efficient dishwashers if you are thinking of buying a new one.
• Use only one glass or container for your beverage of choice each day to cut back on the dishes you need to wash.
• Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Instead, compost vegetable food waste.
• Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
• Don’t use running water to thaw food. Instead, defrost food in the refrigerator.
• Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don’t have to run the water while it heats up. BONUS: This also reduces energy costs.
• Collect the water you use while rinsing fruit and vegetables. Use it to water house plants.
• Reuse leftover water from cooked or steamed foods to start a nutritious soup.

Laundry Room

• When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
• Have a plumber re-route your greywater to trees and plants rather than the sewer line. Check with your city and county for codes.
• If you're looking to buy a new washing machine look for water efficient models.

Bathroom

Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.

Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. You’ll save up to 1,000 gallons per month.

Turn off the water in the shower while shampooing and conditioning your hair, while washing your body and shaving your legs to save 150 gallons a month.

Toilet leaks can be silent! Be sure to test your toilet for leaks at least once a year. (To test for leaks add food coloring to the tank, if you see color in the bowl you have a leak).

• When running a bath, plug the bathtub before turning on the water. Adjust the temperature as the tub fills.
• Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save up to 4 gallons a minute. That’s up to 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
• If you're in the market for a new toilet, consider buying a dual-flush toilet. It has two flush options: a half-flush for liquid waste and a full-flush for solid waste.
• When washing your hands, turn the water off while you lather.
• One drip every second adds up to five gallons per day! Check your faucets and showerheads for leaks.
• While you wait for hot water, collect the running water and use it to water plants.
• Install water efficient faucets and shower heads.

Outside Water Savings

Garden

• Group plants with the same watering needs together.
• Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.
• Plant species native to your region.
• Start a compost pile. Using compost in your garden or flower beds adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.
• Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil around plants.
• Use sprinkler that deliver water in larger droplets. Mists evaporate before hitting the ground.
• For hanging baskets, planters and pots, put ice cubes on top of the soil to water without overflow.
• Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
• Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it.
• Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
• A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons per minute so time your use.
• Examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water.
• Collect water from your roof by installing gutters and downspouts. Direct the runoff to plants and trees.

Lawn

• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street.
• Mow your lawn to between 1.5 and 2 inches to shade soil and protect roots.
• If you walk through your grass and you leave footprints it's time to water.
• Make sure your grass seed is suitable for your region.
• Aerate your lawn so water seeps into ground instead of running off.
• Water your summer lawns once every three days and your winter lawn once every five days.

Other

• Use porous material for walkways and patios to prevent wasteful runoff and keep water in your yard.
• Use a broom instead of the hose to clean off the driveway, sidewalks, paths and patios.
• Let your kids play in the sprinklers over areas of your lawn that need water.
• Wash your car on the lawn to water it at the same time (use biodegradable soap and a hose head that you can turn off the water).
• If you see water leaking from public sprinklers or fire hydrants report them to the city.

How do you save water in your home?

50 Energy Saving Tips

Much of the energy consumed in the U.S. each year is wasted through inefficient technology and transmission. This causes families and businesses to pay higher energy bills and results in increased carbon pollution. Energy efficiency is a simple and cost effective solution to combat climate change, prevent further air pollution and reduce the cost of energy for consumers. 

Sometimes there is great need to consider your impact on the planet. Sometimes you can change the way you are living in order to promote cleaner air. Sometimes you set out to write a great blog post describing all the wonderful things you can do to create a better world. Sometimes your blog post is just a list. Sorry, I'm not sorry.

General

• Consider powering your home with renewable energy. Many companies offer partial or full renewable energy plans.
• Get off the grid by adding solar panels to your home. You may actually make money by selling energy you don't use to the power company.
• Be sure your windows seal properly and are energy efficient.
  
• Check for air leaks, fix the ones you find.
• Make sure your home is completely insulated.

Lighting

• Switch to low-energy fluorescent lightbulbs. They last up to 10 times as long as regular lightbulbs.
• Use motion sensing bulbs for your outdoor lights. They are both efficient and convenient.
• Save energy (and lower your electric bill) by turning off the lights when you leave a room.

Appliances

• If you're in the market for new appliances, opt for energy efficient ones to save energy and money on your bill.
• Clean the lint filter in your dryer regularly. A dirty filter uses up to 30% more energy to dry clothes.
• Better yet, instead of using the dryer, try a drying rack, especially on sunny days. You will save energy AND your clothes won't shrink.
• Do all your laundry in one day so the dryer doesn't have to heat up again for each load.
• Set the temperature of your refrigerator to between 30 and 42°F, or use the energy save function if available.
• Check the coils behind your refrigerator for dust. The refrigerator doesn't have to work as hard when these are clean.
• A full freezer full uses less energy than one that is empty.
• After the rinse cycle, turn off your dishwasher and open the door a crack to let your dishes air dry.
• Only run your dishwasher when full.
• Use less energy by heating up leftovers in a microwave or toaster oven instead of the oven.
• While in use keep your oven closed - every time you open the door the oven loses 25°F of heat.
• Turn your oven and burners off toward the end of baking and cooking. It will continue cooking using existing heat without using additional energy.
• Use copper-bottomed pots and pans, which use energy more efficiently.
• Conserve energy by keeping your pots and pans covered while cooking.
• Match pots and pans to similar sized burners to prevent energy loss around edges.

Electronics

• Unplug your chargers and kitchen appliances when not in use - they draw energy just by being plugged into the power outlet.
• Better yet, plug your electronics into a power strip and turn it off when not in use.
• Instead of a desktop, purchase a laptop if you are looking to buy a new computer - it will require less electricity to run.
• Come to that, don't forget to turn off your computer when you aren't using it to save power. Or if you prefer to leave it on use the hibernation option instead of a screensaver.
• Look for energy efficient televisions, if you are looking to buy a new one.

Heating

• Cover bare floor with area rugs for insulation and comfort.
• Raise heat gradually by a couple of degrees each time instead of jumping the heat up.
• In winter, set your heater between 68 and 70°F during the day and 65 to 68°F at night.
• When not in use close the flue to your fireplace and install glass doors to keep heat in and cold out.
• Change the filters in your heating system every month.
• Let the sun help you heat your home by leaving blinds and curtains open during the day and closed at night.
• Lower your thermostat when you are out. If you go on vacation don't turn it below 55°F to save energy and to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

Cooling

• Consider installing an evaporative cooler instead of air conditioning. How Stuff Works has written an article outlining the pros and cons of each.
• Keep your exterior doors and windows closed when AC is on. Keep them slightly open if you have a swamp cooler to promote air flow.
• Keep interior doors open so air flows freely throughout your home.
• Change your AC filters once a month.
• Turn your thermostat to the highest possible comfortable temperature and set it to "auto."
• Close air vents and doors to rooms you aren't using.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air more efficiently. Additionally, the breeze from ceiling fans can make you feel 3-4° cooler so you can set your thermostat a little higher and still feel cool.
• Provide shade over your home with trees. Plant a new one every Arbor Day.

Water Heating

• Always launder with cold water or make sure you only wash a full load if you use hot water.
• Install low-flow shower head and faucets.
• Turn off your water heater if you are leaving town. Most heaters can reheat water in a few hours after you return.
• Set the temperature of your water heater to 120°F.
• When buying a new water heater, look for one that is energy efficient.
• Take shorter showers and only allow the water to run while you are wetting your hair and rinsing off.

Check out Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home from the U.S. Department of Energy for further, more detailed information about these ideas and quite a few other ideas to help you save money and energy in your home.

Which of these tips are you willing to try?

12 Weeks of Wellness: Excite

We've made it, it's the final week of wellness. Congratulate yourself because you just spent the last twelve weeks investing in your health. I'm so proud of you! The last order of business is to focus on your external appearance. Your self-confidence runs deep and, believe it or not, promotes your health. Go forth and project this into the world.

This week excite: update your closet to suit your personal style and make an impression

Click the week for more information for why these are important to your wellness

12 Weeks of Wellness: Practice

The 10th week of wellness is upon us. It's important to remember to have fun in life. If you have a hobby already great keep at it, keep practicing! If you don't, I am giving you permission to give yourself time to relax and do something you enjoy. I will even send signed notes that you can give to your boss. That probably won't do anything but I am willing to do that for you anyway. Just shoot me an email.

PHYSICAL & SOCIAL

• Any team sport
• yoga
• Extreme sports
• Contemporary dance
• Boxing
• Martial arts
• Volunteering
• Traveling
• Bodybuilding

ARTISTIC

• Taking up an instrument
• Pottery
• Photography
• Learning graphic design
• Watercolor painting
• Wood-working
• Sculpting
• Building models

INTELLECTUALLY STIMULATING

• Learning a new language
• Researching a topic
• Blogging
• Playing simulation games
• Creating a comic book
• Writing poetry
• Songwriting
• Completing word games and puzzles
• Becoming a chess master

COLLECTIONS

• Wine
• Shot glasses
• Postcards
• Comic books
• Memorabilia
• LPs
• Sports cards and paraphernalia
• Beanie babies
• Beer bottles
• Antique lighters
• Cigars
• Pulp literature
• License plates
• Decks of cards
• Stamps

This week practice: take up a new hobby

Click the week for more information on each of these topics that are important to your wellness:

Vegetarianize Your Meal

This will be a quick post for Food Fun Friday. If you're trying to cut back on your meat consumption for whatever reason (you love animals, your health or the environment) you might want to know how to substitute tofu for ground beef or turkey in a recipe. Here's how...

Freeze one package of firm tofu. Open package, dump block into a colander in the sink. Use you hand to crumble the tofu into pieces. 

Heat two tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add tofu crumbles. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of brewer's yeast. Stir until heated through.

Use in any recipe as you would ground meat. Like in Chili.

12 Weeks of Wellness: Balance

Food companies have us hooked by strategically including choice ingredients in their food: sugar, salt and fat. These three ingredients offer instantaneous bliss that causes us to continue to pursue happiness by overindulging. You really can't eat just one. Be sure to pay attention to the amount of sugar and salt you are consuming to avoid some serious health problems in the present and in the future.

This week balance: limit your overall sugar and salt intake

CLICK THE WEEK FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHY THESE ARE IMPORTANT TO YOUR WELLNESS