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?