Living the Three R's

This morning I saw the coolest thing I've seen in a long time. The irony is that, five years ago, I would not have used the word "cool" to describe what I saw. It's amazing what a bit of time and three kids can do to a person's perspective.


Today was garbage day in our neighborhood. Every week on garbage day, a series of people (usually men) in their pickup trucks or else in a car with a trailer hitched on the back, come around and give every one's garbage the once over to see if there is anything they can salvage. That's not a new occurrence at all, although, I have to say, that I've gained a growing respect for these individuals who, for whatever reason, take the time to go around and save some of our "garbage" from the landfill.


This morning was no different. As I was putting the kids' wagon in the car getting ready for an outing, someone drove by and picked up some aluminum siding and other bits from my neighbor across the street's pile. I couldn't resist telling him I thought what he was doing was great and we chatted for a few minutes. As we were saying goodbye, another guy in a pickup pulled by and the two of them gave each other the scoop on where all of the "goodies" were. Turns out one was looking for stuff for the exterior of his house and the other wanted metal hardware and lumber. Then they wished each other a good day and said "see you later". Somehow that whole exchange just made my day.

Living the Three R's

This morning I saw the coolest thing I've seen in a long time. The irony is that, five years ago, I would not have used the word "cool" to describe what I saw. It's amazing what a bit of time and three kids can do to a person's perspective.


Today was garbage day in our neighborhood. Every week on garbage day, a series of people (usually men) in their pickup trucks or else in a car with a trailer hitched on the back, come around and give every one's garbage the once over to see if there is anything they can salvage. That's not a new occurrence at all, although, I have to say, that I've gained a growing respect for these individuals who, for whatever reason, take the time to go around and save some of our "garbage" from the landfill.


This morning was no different. As I was putting the kids' wagon in the car getting ready for an outing, someone drove by and picked up some aluminum siding and other bits from my neighbor across the street's pile. I couldn't resist telling him I thought what he was doing was great and we chatted for a few minutes. As we were saying goodbye, another guy in a pickup pulled by and the two of them gave each other the scoop on where all of the "goodies" were. Turns out one was looking for stuff for the exterior of his house and the other wanted metal hardware and lumber. Then they wished each other a good day and said "see you later". Somehow that whole exchange just made my day.

The Growing Garden

I just have to share these pics. If I can grow stuff like this, so can you! (trust me)

The last of my peonies for this year (I get little credit for these, they were here when we moved in five years ago).



My first red pepper (you have to use your imagination to picture it red):



Some of my cherry tomatoes (yellow I think, note to self: must label tomato plants next year to identify variety):



In the two days since these pics were taken, my peonies have completely conked out, the tomatoes have multiplied like rabbits it seems, and my largest pepper is now the size of a small plum. Who knew I could grow stuff like that?! (never mind the good soil, sun and rain, they're totally secondary)

I also have tons of basil (guess what I will be making this week - pesto!), mint and a bunch of others that my tired mind is leaving out for some reason right now.

The Growing Garden

I just have to share these pics. If I can grow stuff like this, so can you! (trust me)

The last of my peonies for this year (I get little credit for these, they were here when we moved in five years ago).



My first red pepper (you have to use your imagination to picture it red):



Some of my cherry tomatoes (yellow I think, note to self: must label tomato plants next year to identify variety):



In the two days since these pics were taken, my peonies have completely conked out, the tomatoes have multiplied like rabbits it seems, and my largest pepper is now the size of a small plum. Who knew I could grow stuff like that?! (never mind the good soil, sun and rain, they're totally secondary)

I also have tons of basil (guess what I will be making this week - pesto!), mint and a bunch of others that my tired mind is leaving out for some reason right now.

The Living Lightly Project

Last night my friend Dava and I went to the premiere screening of David Chernushenko's new documentary, Be the Change. It featured an assortment of Ottawa area residents who are striving to "live lightly". We arrived right on time to grab a couple of the last seats in the front of the auditorium and I have to say, I'm glad we made it because I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Far from portraying the "doom and gloom" feeling which seems permeate many environmental films, this project was a refreshing departure from the usual. It emphasized the positive impact we can all make through our own individual, sometimes small, sometimes bigger decisions. I was fascinated by his choice of individuals, sometimes understated, sometimes very colourful, and sometimes just very ordinary; each of them offering their own perspective. I was completely inspired at the end when David, as the narrator, talks about like-minded individuals coming together and leading the Living Lightly movement as a joyous procession (I wish I could remember the exact words to quote them!). What a nice image.


If you get a chance to see this film, jump on it.


This film also made me feel better about our recent decision to downsize from our current house to a smaller one. Hearing about friends who are doing the exact opposite of what we're doing and buying a big house in the suburbs to accommodate their growing family has made me wonder if we aren't completely nuts to give up the space we have. After all, we already have a hard time getting and staying organized in our existing space on a good day. David's film has reaffirmed that our decision was the right one for us. I'm still thinking it will be challenging to purge our excess stuff (but God knows it will feel good!), get organized and stay organized but I'm feeling positive overall about seeing our project through and teaching our kids to live lightly. Thanks David!

The Living Lightly Project

Last night my friend Dava and I went to the premiere screening of David Chernushenko's new documentary, Be the Change. It featured an assortment of Ottawa area residents who are striving to "live lightly". We arrived right on time to grab a couple of the last seats in the front of the auditorium and I have to say, I'm glad we made it because I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Far from portraying the "doom and gloom" feeling which seems permeate many environmental films, this project was a refreshing departure from the usual. It emphasized the positive impact we can all make through our own individual, sometimes small, sometimes bigger decisions. I was fascinated by his choice of individuals, sometimes understated, sometimes very colourful, and sometimes just very ordinary; each of them offering their own perspective. I was completely inspired at the end when David, as the narrator, talks about like-minded individuals coming together and leading the Living Lightly movement as a joyous procession (I wish I could remember the exact words to quote them!). What a nice image.


If you get a chance to see this film, jump on it.


This film also made me feel better about our recent decision to downsize from our current house to a smaller one. Hearing about friends who are doing the exact opposite of what we're doing and buying a big house in the suburbs to accommodate their growing family has made me wonder if we aren't completely nuts to give up the space we have. After all, we already have a hard time getting and staying organized in our existing space on a good day. David's film has reaffirmed that our decision was the right one for us. I'm still thinking it will be challenging to purge our excess stuff (but God knows it will feel good!), get organized and stay organized but I'm feeling positive overall about seeing our project through and teaching our kids to live lightly. Thanks David!

Citronella and Babies

I've been asked this question a number of times, so I thought a post about it would be a good idea. Many of us have wondered about the safety of citronella as as mosquito repellent. Generally, it is not recommended for toddlers under the age of two years old.

The concern is mostly with a) high concentrations of the product (pure citronella essential oil is an irritant to skin, eyes, etc. and b) synthetic versions can contain harmful chemicals.

The citronella we carry is by Druide, all natural, and certified organic. That said, I haven't yet used it on my kids (they are almost 22 months). I prefer instead to dress them in long pants, shirts, hats etc. if I know they will be exposed to mosquitoes.

Here is a good source of information on insect repellents in general: http://www.environmentaldefence.ca/toxicnation/resources/newsletter/Toxic%20Nation%20Guide%20to%20Insect%20Repellants.pdf.

Citronella and Babies

I've been asked this question a number of times, so I thought a post about it would be a good idea. Many of us have wondered about the safety of citronella as as mosquito repellent. Generally, it is not recommended for toddlers under the age of two years old.

The concern is mostly with a) high concentrations of the product (pure citronella essential oil is an irritant to skin, eyes, etc. and b) synthetic versions can contain harmful chemicals.

The citronella we carry is by Druide, all natural, and certified organic. That said, I haven't yet used it on my kids (they are almost 22 months). I prefer instead to dress them in long pants, shirts, hats etc. if I know they will be exposed to mosquitoes.

Here is a good source of information on insect repellents in general: http://www.environmentaldefence.ca/toxicnation/resources/newsletter/Toxic%20Nation%20Guide%20to%20Insect%20Repellants.pdf.

The Weekly Goody Box

I posted a few weeks ago about having joined a CSA. Well, I've just received notice that our first pick up date is coming up in a week, and I have to say, I am very excited about seeing what will be in our box! I am assuming that accordingly with seasonal rythms, there will be lots of leafy greens and among them some swiss chard (ok, so a little bird who's been a member for the last couple of years told me what I could expect!). I don't know about you, but even though we cook a variety of foods at our house, I tend to run out of ideas when it comes to swiss chard. Sure, there's the standard sauté with a bit of olive oil and garlic (throw in some red pepper flakes if you're looking to spice it up, or even mushrooms for a bit a variety) but beyond that, I'm fresh out of ideas. So in the spirit of planning ahead and being organized (it really means the difference between sanity and insanity with three little people running the roost) I've found a few recipes, two of which I thought were really worth mentioning and which I will definately be trying in the very near future. Here they are (from Leslie Beck's website, and also on epicurious):

Penne with Swiss Chard and Garlic (I looooooove pasta, especially pennes!)
This dish can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Ingredients
1 lb Swiss chard, stems cut from leaves, stems and leaves chopped separately
1/8 tsp dried hot red pepper flakes, or to taste
3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup water
1 cup drained canned tomatoes, chopped
1/2 lb penne or other tubular pasta
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan plus additional as an accompaniment

Directions

1. Rinse and drain separately the Swiss chard stems and leaves. In a large heavy skillet cook the red pepper flakes and the garlic in the oil over moderate heat, stirring, until the garlic is pale golden. 2. Add the stems and 1/4 cup of the water and cook the mixture, covered, for 5 minutes, or until the stems are just tender. Add the leaves with the remaining 1/4 cup water and salt and pepper to taste and cook the mixture, covered, for 5 minutes. 3. Stir in the tomatoes and cook the mixture, covered, for 3 minutes, or until the leaves are tender. 4. While the chard is cooking, in a large pot of salted water boil the penne until it is al dente and drain it in a colander. In a large bowl toss the penne with the chard mixture and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Serve with the additional cheese. Makes 2 servings.

and (this looks like a totally interesting combination!):

Sweet Potato, Swiss Chard and Quinoa Gratin

Full of fiber!

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 3)
1 cup quinoa
4 tbsp olive oil
2 cups coarse fresh breadcrumbs
2 1/2 lbs Swiss chard, washed well, stems trimmed, removed and reserved
3 tbsp minced garlic (about 6 cloves), or to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450F and butter a 2-quart shallow baking dish. 2. Prick each potato with a fork 3 times and bake on a sheet in middle of oven about 1 hour, or until very tender. 3. While potatoes are baking, in a bowl wash quinoa in at least 5 changes cold water, rubbing grains and letting them settle before pouring off most of water, until water runs clear and drain in a fine sieve. 4. In a saucepan combine quinoa with 2 cups salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer quinoa, covered, until all liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes, and remove lid. 5. In a skillet heat 1 tablespoon oil over moderate heat and cook bread crumbs until golden brown. Season crumbs with salt and pepper. 6. While quinoa is cooking, finely chop reserved Swiss chard stems and coarsely chop leaves, keeping both separate. In a deep heavy 12-inch kettle heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil over moderate heat and cook stems until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in leaves, a handful at a time, and stir in garlic, tossing. 7. Cook leaves until just wilted, about 4 minutes. Remove kettle from heat and stir in quinoa until combined well. Season mixture with salt and pepper. 8. Reduce temperature to 350F. 9. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel and mash with a fork. Season potatoes with salt and pepper. With a large spoon drop mounds of potatoes and Swiss chard mixture in baking dish, alternating them decoratively to cover bottom, and smooth top. Top gratin with bread crumbs. 10. Bake gratin in middle of oven about 30 minutes, or until hot. Cool gratin 5 minutes before servings. Makes 6 servings.

Don't forget the glass of wine and you're all set to enjoy!!!

The Weekly Goody Box

I posted a few weeks ago about having joined a CSA. Well, I've just received notice that our first pick up date is coming up in a week, and I have to say, I am very excited about seeing what will be in our box! I am assuming that accordingly with seasonal rythms, there will be lots of leafy greens and among them some swiss chard (ok, so a little bird who's been a member for the last couple of years told me what I could expect!). I don't know about you, but even though we cook a variety of foods at our house, I tend to run out of ideas when it comes to swiss chard. Sure, there's the standard sauté with a bit of olive oil and garlic (throw in some red pepper flakes if you're looking to spice it up, or even mushrooms for a bit a variety) but beyond that, I'm fresh out of ideas. So in the spirit of planning ahead and being organized (it really means the difference between sanity and insanity with three little people running the roost) I've found a few recipes, two of which I thought were really worth mentioning and which I will definately be trying in the very near future. Here they are (from Leslie Beck's website, and also on epicurious):

Penne with Swiss Chard and Garlic (I looooooove pasta, especially pennes!)
This dish can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Ingredients
1 lb Swiss chard, stems cut from leaves, stems and leaves chopped separately
1/8 tsp dried hot red pepper flakes, or to taste
3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup water
1 cup drained canned tomatoes, chopped
1/2 lb penne or other tubular pasta
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan plus additional as an accompaniment

Directions

1. Rinse and drain separately the Swiss chard stems and leaves. In a large heavy skillet cook the red pepper flakes and the garlic in the oil over moderate heat, stirring, until the garlic is pale golden. 2. Add the stems and 1/4 cup of the water and cook the mixture, covered, for 5 minutes, or until the stems are just tender. Add the leaves with the remaining 1/4 cup water and salt and pepper to taste and cook the mixture, covered, for 5 minutes. 3. Stir in the tomatoes and cook the mixture, covered, for 3 minutes, or until the leaves are tender. 4. While the chard is cooking, in a large pot of salted water boil the penne until it is al dente and drain it in a colander. In a large bowl toss the penne with the chard mixture and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Serve with the additional cheese. Makes 2 servings.

and (this looks like a totally interesting combination!):

Sweet Potato, Swiss Chard and Quinoa Gratin

Full of fiber!

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 3)
1 cup quinoa
4 tbsp olive oil
2 cups coarse fresh breadcrumbs
2 1/2 lbs Swiss chard, washed well, stems trimmed, removed and reserved
3 tbsp minced garlic (about 6 cloves), or to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450F and butter a 2-quart shallow baking dish. 2. Prick each potato with a fork 3 times and bake on a sheet in middle of oven about 1 hour, or until very tender. 3. While potatoes are baking, in a bowl wash quinoa in at least 5 changes cold water, rubbing grains and letting them settle before pouring off most of water, until water runs clear and drain in a fine sieve. 4. In a saucepan combine quinoa with 2 cups salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer quinoa, covered, until all liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes, and remove lid. 5. In a skillet heat 1 tablespoon oil over moderate heat and cook bread crumbs until golden brown. Season crumbs with salt and pepper. 6. While quinoa is cooking, finely chop reserved Swiss chard stems and coarsely chop leaves, keeping both separate. In a deep heavy 12-inch kettle heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil over moderate heat and cook stems until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in leaves, a handful at a time, and stir in garlic, tossing. 7. Cook leaves until just wilted, about 4 minutes. Remove kettle from heat and stir in quinoa until combined well. Season mixture with salt and pepper. 8. Reduce temperature to 350F. 9. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel and mash with a fork. Season potatoes with salt and pepper. With a large spoon drop mounds of potatoes and Swiss chard mixture in baking dish, alternating them decoratively to cover bottom, and smooth top. Top gratin with bread crumbs. 10. Bake gratin in middle of oven about 30 minutes, or until hot. Cool gratin 5 minutes before servings. Makes 6 servings.

Don't forget the glass of wine and you're all set to enjoy!!!

Smelly Business

Warning: poop talk ahead. It's impossible to parent three toddlers and not have a bit of poop talk once in a while. But don't worry, I'll spare you graphic details. Mostly anyway. Where am I going with this you ask? And what does it have to do with this "green" blog?!

Let me go back in time a couple of days. Sunday night to be precise, bedtime. Seems bedtime at our house is the time for, well, smelly business. Dirty diapers are us. Which means a whole lot of stinkiness going on. Last Sunday night stands out in my mind, possibly because we usually have guests on Sunday nights and stinkiness is even worse when you are playing host. So I got thinking, there must be a recipe for a non-toxic, earth-friendly air freshener out there. A quick Google search later and here is a cool homemade gel recipe I found (here) which I can't wait to try next weekend (if you end up trying it before me, let me know how it turns out!) :

What you will need:

container for the finished air freshener (i.e. glass jar)
whisk
cooking pot
food coloring (optional)
packet of unflavored gelatin
Measuring cup and spoon
essential oil of your choice

Steps to follow:

Boil 3/4 cup water. Whisk in one gelatin packet and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from heat. Add 1/4 cup cold water. Add food coloring if you're feeling fancy (and why not let your imagination run wild and add stuff like fresh cranberries, bits of cinnamon, a dried flower, a eucalyptus leaf etc. to make it look even more interesting). Add a couple of teaspoons of essential oil of your choice to scent. Cool for a few minutes and pour into the jar or container. Let cool completely. Cover with lid. Uncover whenever you need a whiff (or two, or three!) of fresh scent.

Smelly Business

Warning: poop talk ahead. It's impossible to parent three toddlers and not have a bit of poop talk once in a while. But don't worry, I'll spare you graphic details. Mostly anyway. Where am I going with this you ask? And what does it have to do with this "green" blog?!

Let me go back in time a couple of days. Sunday night to be precise, bedtime. Seems bedtime at our house is the time for, well, smelly business. Dirty diapers are us. Which means a whole lot of stinkiness going on. Last Sunday night stands out in my mind, possibly because we usually have guests on Sunday nights and stinkiness is even worse when you are playing host. So I got thinking, there must be a recipe for a non-toxic, earth-friendly air freshener out there. A quick Google search later and here is a cool homemade gel recipe I found (here) which I can't wait to try next weekend (if you end up trying it before me, let me know how it turns out!) :

What you will need:

container for the finished air freshener (i.e. glass jar)
whisk
cooking pot
food coloring (optional)
packet of unflavored gelatin
Measuring cup and spoon
essential oil of your choice

Steps to follow:

Boil 3/4 cup water. Whisk in one gelatin packet and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from heat. Add 1/4 cup cold water. Add food coloring if you're feeling fancy (and why not let your imagination run wild and add stuff like fresh cranberries, bits of cinnamon, a dried flower, a eucalyptus leaf etc. to make it look even more interesting). Add a couple of teaspoons of essential oil of your choice to scent. Cool for a few minutes and pour into the jar or container. Let cool completely. Cover with lid. Uncover whenever you need a whiff (or two, or three!) of fresh scent.

For the Carnivore in You

In a perfect world I would be a vegetarian. In fact, I once was. Not in a perfect world (I wish) but a vegetarian. In my last year of high school and through university, I swore off meat (though not dairy or fish). But I've since married a meat lover, and gave birth to two mini meat lovers - my boys (my daughter is more like me). So most meals at our house present a little bit of everything to satisfy everyone's taste and meat is usually served as an accompaniment with veggies and grain products. After searching for a while for a local producer of natural beef, through word of mouth I came across L.J. Hefferty's farm. Though his farm, located near Douglas Ontario (about 120km west of Ottawa), is not certified organic, L.J. produces natural, grass-fed beef, raised without antibiotics or hormones. We ordered a sample pack of his young beef. For $105, we got 20lbs of meat, including roasts, steaks, ground beef and stewing cubes, and some free bones; all of this delivered to our house by his son within a couple of days.

So far we’ve enjoyed some of the ground beef and we barbecued some steaks over the weekend. While I am not a meat connoisseur, I can still say that this is quality meat. That is tasted fresh and tender was definitely the consensus around the table. And, as a mom I really like that I am not exposing my kids to pesticides and growth hormones. So if you are looking for some all natural beef, look up L.J. Hefferty. On top of providing quality meat, he's a pleasure to deal with!

For the Carnivore in You

In a perfect world I would be a vegetarian. In fact, I once was. Not in a perfect world (I wish) but a vegetarian. In my last year of high school and through university, I swore off meat (though not dairy or fish). But I've since married a meat lover, and gave birth to two mini meat lovers - my boys (my daughter is more like me). So most meals at our house present a little bit of everything to satisfy everyone's taste and meat is usually served as an accompaniment with veggies and grain products. After searching for a while for a local producer of natural beef, through word of mouth I came across L.J. Hefferty's farm. Though his farm, located near Douglas Ontario (about 120km west of Ottawa), is not certified organic, L.J. produces natural, grass-fed beef, raised without antibiotics or hormones. We ordered a sample pack of his young beef. For $105, we got 20lbs of meat, including roasts, steaks, ground beef and stewing cubes, and some free bones; all of this delivered to our house by his son within a couple of days.

So far we’ve enjoyed some of the ground beef and we barbecued some steaks over the weekend. While I am not a meat connoisseur, I can still say that this is quality meat. That is tasted fresh and tender was definitely the consensus around the table. And, as a mom I really like that I am not exposing my kids to pesticides and growth hormones. So if you are looking for some all natural beef, look up L.J. Hefferty. On top of providing quality meat, he's a pleasure to deal with!