Looking for the perfect drink for your pool party! The mister whipped up a batch of his famous Gin Lemonade recently and I was reminded how much I love it this time of year! Be careful though, they are strong – one is all you need. Ha!
What you will need:
juice from 5 organic lemons
1 1/2 cups of organic sugar
1 1/2 cup organic gin (you can also use vodka)
8 cups ice
Directions:
Whisk the lemon juice and sugar together until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the gin and whisk again. Then, add the 8 cups of ice to a blender with the gin-lemon-sugar mixture and blend until smooth. Add lemon slices for garnish and enjoy.
Most of us in the U.S. take food for granted. We don’t question how, where, or who grows our food. The majority of states within the U.S. purchase their food from somewhere else. On average, food from the US travels over 1300 miles from farm to grocery store. With the current state of our planet, things have to change.
A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a way for a community to establish a relationship with a farm and receive a weekly or monthly supply of produce, fruits, eggs, milk, meat, flowers, or any other type of farm products. A season typically runs from late spring to early fall. This generally costs a family $300-500 a season.
As a member, you would support the farm throughout the season, and in return reap the rewards including; better prices, safer products, and tastier food with a lower carbon footprint. You also establish a responsible relationship between people, the food they eat, and the land itself.
Members become “shareholders” of the farm and in advance cover the costs of the farm’s operation. Members also share in the risks including failed crops, poor weather, or pests. However, the rewards greatly out way the risks.
There are currently over 2000 CSA’s in the United States, to find one in your area click here.
Looking for simple ways for your family to go green today – start with these 10 and you will be on your way.
1. Turn it Off 2/3 of electricity used in residential areas within the United States powers lights and appliances – when you aren’t using them, turn them off.
2. Eat Your Veggies A plant-centered diet requires fewer resources than a meat diet and is healthier for your body.
3. Use Greener Cleaners Green Cleaners are not only safer for the environment but also for your family.
4. Upcycle Instead of throwing away an item, think of a new way to use it. Old clothing can easily be turned into napkins, washcloths, or stuffed toys for your pet.
5. Start Gardening 30 million acres of household lawn remain idle, turn part of your lawn into a garden or plant edible landscaping.
6. Bring Your Own Bag Paper is only slightly better than plastic. Find a large durable bag that you can use again and again.
7. Buy Products Made of Recycled Materials There are many affordable green products on the market made exclusively from recycled materials, check them out!
8. Choose Reusable Rather than Disposable Items Use reusable diapers, cloth napkins, and ditch the plastic food bags.
9. Adjust Your Thermostat In the winter turn your thermostat 2 degrees down and 2 degrees up in the summer. You will save 1-3% on your energy bill for every degree.
10. Turn Off Your Computer At the end of the day turn it off and especially on Fridays before you leave the office for the weekend.
Give these a try and let me know your simple green ideas.
Tradition states that your wedding guests should be provided with a thoughtful gift as a token of your appreciation. Your gift to them can be as simple or extravagant as you wish.
The best organic wedding favors I have seen recently are adorably packaged trees!
A tree will provide your guests with a growing memory of your wedding day. It is a unique keepsake that will remind your guests of your love for one another now and for many years to come. It is the perfect eco-friendly favor for your special day.
P.S. Special bonus, make it a fruit tree and EVERYONE will love you!
Although the Swetsville Zoo in Timnath, CO has no live animals, it has many “animals” that will captivate your entire family. Over 150 metal sculptures fill the Zoo – everything from towering dinosaurs to fantasy creatures. The amazing part – all of the animals are made entirely by hand out of old car parts, farm machinery and scrap metal by the owner Bill Swets. This is the most imaginative and comical way that I have ever seen metal upcycled.
You and your children will delight in the creatures of Bill’s imagination. Eben especially enjoyed the Volkswagen “BUG” that we sat under and the giant musical instruments.
If you are ever in the area check it out!
+ Swetsville Zoo 4801 E. Harmony Road, Timnath, CO 970.484.9509 FREE
