Learn something every day

I did not know this!!

This is a great site: Learn Something Every Day.

DIY - origami recycled magazine flower

Update 7.7.09: For step by step written instructions, try this tutorial here or this one here. [source: Rag and Bone Bindery]

Lemon, cucumber, mint infused water...hello, summer!

While in San Francisco, I happened upon the Tyler Florence Shop in Mill Valley (I didn't know TF had a shop). It's one of those kitchen stores that makes me want to cook, which is saying a lot. It was full of gorgeous jars, utensils, soaps, pots, candles -- pretty much anything you can dream of for your perfect kitchen.



Sitting on one of their counters were two gorgeous glass beverage dispensers. One was filled with tea and the other water (infused with lemon, mint, and cucumber). They were both for customers to sample. The infused water was so fresh and simple. The colors in the jar shouted summer in the backyard.

I made a small batch of this water over the weekend. The kids weren't too keen on it, but C and I loved it. You could add lime, berries, orange slices, etc. The longer the fruit steeps, the tastier it becomes. And the hint of cucumber is devine!

His bedroom lightswitch also controlled all the traffic lights

His bedroom lightswitch also controlled all the traffic lights,
originally uploaded by Marc Johns. (via http://hrrrthrrr.tumblr.com/)

A literal carpet of flowers - Brussels in bloom

I was saving this beautiful post for a rainy day! Isn't this amazing?!

The Carpet of Flowers in the Grand-Place, Brussels. Close to a million begonia flowers were used to create the 300 square metres carpet in August 2008. The pattern is based on a medieval carpet design.

Craftsmen arrange the carpet by hand, directly onto the square's cobblestones, without any soil. Grass and tree bark were also used to provide color.

The first Carpet of Flowers was created in 1971 as a way to promote begonias. Each square metre of ground contains more than 300 flowers - The First Post

Spontaneous sing along in Trafalgar Square - April 30, 2009

Here's the exclusive 4 minute extended version of the moment 13,500 people spontaneously sang Hey Jude together in Trafalgar Square. Everyone involved arrived thinking they could be dancing - no-one had any idea how the event would unfold. You may notice pop star Pink in the crowd.

I've not thought about shop since The Breakfast Club

Remember Brian, the straight 'A' student in The Breakfast Club (played by Anthony Michael Hall), who took shop thinking it would be an easy 'A.' He failed when the ceramic elephant lamp he made didn't light up when its trunk was pulled. I haven't thought about shop since that movie.

Much to my surprise, my son came home yesterday with this fantastic train he made in wood shop. I was blown away! He made each piece by hand and enjoyed every minute of it. Makes me want to set up a shop for him in our basement or garage. Next, he moves on to home ec where he'll either learn cooking or sewing. I'm so glad they still have these classes. I'm hoping for sewing as I could use a little help in that department.

New earrings that help you tell your left from your right

These earrings will make getting dressed in the morning just a bit easier. There are days when I wish everything could be so simple!

Coming soon...right/left cuff links!

Catching a glimpse at the little things in life

As I try to figure out how to use our new camera, I usually take about 80 shots of any one thing. The forsythia recently bloomed and the vibrant yellow was irresistible. 80 shots later, I found a photo I liked and, low and behold, there was a little surprise. I caught this bee hanging out on the bush. It was a nice reminder to me to stop and appreciate the little things in life.

Earth Day, 2009

Here are a few things I do every day:

1. Recycle

2. Unplug appliances after I use them

***According to the government's ENERGY STAR program, 40% of the electricity that home electronics use is consumed while the products are turned off. The impact of this on your energy bill will depend on your particular situation-- one Berkeley study suggests the savings would be 6 to 26% off your total bill.The "phantom load," as it's sometimes called, is a result of many different household items (sometimes called "vampire devices," leading to perhaps the best-named law ever, California's Vampire Slayer Act of 2006).

The Berkeley study, this graph, and this article have some information on typical wattage of specific items-- but if you really want to know how much yours use, you'll need to buy or borrow a meter like Kill-a-Watt, or try this manual method.There are also the smaller items; for example, did you know that your cell phone charger is using energy even when your phone isn't attached? It's only a couple of watts, but it's a good idea to get into the habit of unplugging your charger from the wall when you unplug your phone from the charger. Kitchen appliances like microwaves, rice cookers, bread makers, and coffee pots also typically use less than 5 watts-- but there's no reason to leave them plugged in when you don't have to. The little things add up.And how much do they add up to? Around 50 to 100 watts in the average house, which is 30 to 60 kilowatt-hours a month (based on 20 standby hours a day). At prices of 5 to 15 cents per kWH in July 2006, that's somewhere between $1.50-$9 a month.***(Source: Money and Value Blog)

3. Carry reusable bags to all stores (not just grocery)

4. Use energy efficient bulbs

Yesterday, my husband bought a more energy efficient printer that uses special eco friendly ink. It pleases me to see that there are now so many options for the consumers. Now, more than ever, it is easier to be eco minded and green!

Here is a great blog I use to keep up to date on new sustainable materials: http://www.ecolect.net/

a modern icon - the Chrysler Building

Chrysler Building, originally uploaded by alamodestuff.

photo taken from our hotel window, April 2009

Inspired by moss

Photo taken by me in our backyard this week. It was the only
patch of color in a sea of post winter brown.

Appalachian Moon original painting by Focus Line Art
Moss earrings by Adorn Jewelry
The offering, photo by Still Memory Photography
Birch log kit by My Imaginary Boyfriend
Granny Smith skirt by Made with love by Hannah
Forest Dryad pendant SoN by Elysian Fields

Vote for me...bribes accepted.

I am excited to learn that Etsy chose my seatbelt messenger bag for their Eco Friendly poll. The winner will be featured in the Storque, their blog. Please consider voting for me here:

Please, please, please...and if you are not easily persuaded, let me know. I am not above sugary bribes.

Hump Day Humor: Personally, I need an on/off switch.

cameraman's outlet, originally uploaded by jerm IX.

Crowded 3

Crowded 3, originally uploaded by moliternobros.

Inspired by color and lines

Photo taken by me in Vietnam, 2006

Clockwise from top:

Chirping trio photo pendant by The Intuitive Garden

The Harlow top by Ureshii

Embroidered organic stick earrings by Nectar Jewelry

Not funny anyway ACEO by 7seventeen Gallery

Lucy custom made dress by My Black Dress

Chain fringe recycled necklace by Boxing Day

Oh, hello there gocco stationary by Heather Jeany