Author Archive | Jennie Lyon

Green Nosh: Vegan Chocolate Coated Donuts

 
Have you been looking for a fabulous vegan chocolate-coated donut recipe? Of course, you have! Have you checked out Minimalist Baker? Minimalist Baker is full of amazing vegan and vegetarian recipes that you will die for. Whip up a batch of these delicious vegan donuts and call it a day!
 

TOMS: Shoes For A Good Cause

TOMS Shoes began in May 2006 and since then they have given thousands of pairs of shoes to children in need. Their mission is simple, for every pair of shoes that they sell, they give a pair away to a child somewhere in the world that needs them – especially in places like Ethiopia and South Africa.

Children in these areas have daily chores that require them to walk long distances to get fresh water for their families. Along the rocky way, their feet get cut and infected. There are also other areas of the world where there are horrible foot diseases that are completely preventable with shoes. One of them is called Podoconiosis. Podoconiosis destroys the lymphatic system and causes inflammation of the feet. The feet will inflame to the size of an elephant all of which is completely preventable simply by wearing shoes.

It’s a great cause, check out TOMS Shoes and while you are there, buy a pair.

Child’s Play: How to Make Your Own Natural Play Dough

Child's Play: How to Make Your Own Natural Play Dough
Ingredients:
  • 1 c. organic flour
  • 1 tbsp. organic vegetable oil
  • 1 c. water
  • 1/2 c. salt
  • 2 tsp. organic cream of tartar
  • natural food colorants

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan. Heat, stirring constantly until ball forms. Knead until smooth. (Please do not eat, yuck!)

These organic playdough balls are great to package as birthday party favors or stocking stuffers.

HOW TO: Fuse Recycled Plastic Bags Into A Bag or a Bib!

 
Do you have a million plastic bags under your kitchen sink or stuffed into a drawer? Yes? Today, I will show you a great use for them – plastic fusing. Once the plastic is fused, it is transformed into an amazing handmade craft supply that can be used to make wallets, clutches, bags, bibs…the list is endless.

What you will need:

  • Plastic bags (the thinner the better)
  • Recycled copier paper
  • Iron
  • Scissors
  • A well-ventilated area

Now, check out this great video at Etsy Labs to get started. 

Isn’t that cool? 

Have you ever made anything with fused plastic? I would love to see it.

Green Wedding Tips: 6 Ways to Have an Eco-Friendly Farm Wedding

Do you love the outdoors and envision your wedding day in a meadow full of wildflowers overlooking a rustic barn? Me too! Wait I am already married. Ha! If I were to get married again (to the same man, of course!) I would definitely consider a beautiful organic farm for my wedding day destination. I can’t think of a more charming place to marry your best friend, while surrounded by the ones you love. If getting married on a farm is on your wishlist, read on for a few ideas to consider:

  • Select local vendors to provide organic foods and wildflower bouquets.
  • Instead of having a full dinner reception, have an organic dessert reception. Serve several different types of organic homemade pies, cakes, cookies, and fruit with dip. I did this at my wedding and it was a fun alternative and very affordable too!
  • Choose organic live centerpieces that you can take home and plant in your garden or give to guests as favors.
  • Have a large table staged with photos of your parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and other family members’ weddings? I did this at my own wedding and it was a hit, it was a great way to celebrate grandparents and other family members that had passed away. We also included photos of our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents at their own weddings – it was like a trip down memory lane. 
  • Serve fresh organic juice, limeade, and lemonade in large glass jars.
  • Provide your guests with a delicious organic medley of fruit in a hemp tote as a favor.
Would you consider having your wedding at a farm?