One Way to Save MAJOR Energy

  STOP WASHING YOUR CLOTHES IN HOT WATER!

I know this will be a hard transition for some, well, lets be real, for many...  Check out this link for more info The site begins by stating:

"Heating water to do laundry is one of the largest users of energy in a typical home. So, switch to washing in cold water – it gets clothes just as clean as hot water, while using less energy and money."  

I have noticed a difference in my clothing since I made this green change.  The colors stay brighter and stains actually are removed more easily.  I also try to air dry as much laundry as I can.  If you choose to make this change you might want to look into buying cold water detergent, which is about the same price as regular.  My challenge to you is to do a 30 day trial and see what the difference is in your energy bill (and the quality of your clothing).  I would love to hear any feedback on your personal results, happy green
washing!

Raising Free Range Chickens

Committing to owning chickens was something I was hesitant to do, but has turned out to be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things that I do.  Unlike most people think, they each have unique personalities and quirks.  They are very easy (and cheap) to take care of.  I have one full grown chicken we purchased last spring and two new chicks (Hun and Skirt) we got a couple of months ago.  Fox, our one year old, lays one egg a day.  They are the most perfect bright white eggs.  They taste 100% better than store bought.  The yolks are a beautiful bright yellow and the whites are thicker than store bought.  You can just tell they are coming from a very healthy animal.  Our new chicks will be laying brown and pastel green/blue eggs!  They are free range, temporarily caged (4x4 areas) because the older chicken may hurt the chicks.  I highly recommend doing this if you have the space.  Make sure to check the laws in your area about owning chickens.  Please feel free to ask any questions!  Check out this link for the AMAZING benefits of free range eggs.   http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/free-range-eggs-zmaz09fmzraw.aspx It begins by stating "Tests show free-range eggs have more vitamin A and more omega-3 fatty acids than factory farm eggs. Now it turns out they have more vitamin D as well — three to six times as much!

Composting For Amazing Soil

My husband and I have been composting since we started our garden (four years ago).  A lot of people don't compost due to the smell or the effort of walking compostable items out to the bin.  I wanted to share how we go about composting, which is one of the best things you can do to ensure great, home grown produce.  Soil is the host for many living organisms that your plants rely on to grow nutritious produce.  To avoid "compost stink" we keep a large coffee can with the lid under our kitchen sink and take the whole can out when full.  We have ZERO stink in our home and the cans are easy to rinse out.  Make sure to keep your compost bin in the sun for best results.
Follow this link for a list of compostable (and non-compostable) items. https://www.greenthumbcompost.com/compostableitems  You might be surprised by the long list!  Doing this you also save garbage stink and overuse of a disposal.  I also wanted to share this link that further explains how compost works.  http://www.howtocompost.org/info/info_composting.asp Happy composting to ya!!!

Best Detox Green Smoothie!

Although I will be blogging about several topics regarding green eating and living, I didn't have to think twice about my first post for all you green chicks out there.  GREEN SMOOTHIES.  Absolutely my favorite!  I eat about two a day, if not more.  They are fast, easy and SO tasty.  I would love to share my personal recipes and the health benefits they provide.  Here is my usual morning (or really anytime) favorite green smoothie...

1/2 C. Fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2-1 Frozen banana
1 Kiwi (skin left on)
2 T. Fresh lemon or lime juice (or a mixture of both)
1 Slice of orange peeled
1-2 Strawberries
2 C. Spinach
1 C. Kale (I prefer Lacinato)
1-2 T. Low-fat, flavor-of-your-choice yogurt

Add a bit of H2O and blend away!

This is a tangy and very flavorful smoothie. If you're concerned about the kiwi skin (as I was at one point), don't be!  Consuming the outer fuzzy shell actually makes the fruit more nutritious, don't lose out on that extra fiber and Vitamin C.