New Kitchen courtesy of Resale

I've just gotten home after a full day family fun. My only disappointment today was the realization that I was 100 tiles shy of refinishing the bathroom.

Today we visited Re-Store. Re-Store is a resale store featuring items needed to remodel an repair homes. Everything is donated or rescued from the dumpsters at job sites. This wonderful store is run laby Habitat for Humanity and everything you purchase goes to funding new homes for people that need them!

After spending 2 hours sorting through 8x8in tiles I finally realized I would be 100 tiles short of the 260 I need. *sigh* Oh well, I can try again later.

Stay green, Yasha

Another score!

This "dumpster" score brought to you by a closing daycare. Any time a day care or preschool closes, moves, or wants to update equipment check with them to see if they are willing to part with older equipment and toys for cheap or free.

Here are some things I acquired for free:

 A Swing! Hooray! This one works!








A sink and Stove combo! I'll have to build a refrigerator and install some shelves under the sink for storage but it's very promising!







Some things I scored from dumpsters and lucky finds!

 Lucky Find! A Friend found this for me and saved it! It's a child's card table with matching chair.

 That same awesome friend found this couch for the kids. It was actually less stained before my kids got a hold of it!

 My Luckiest dumpster find! A working non smelly couch! It's lazy boy brand and works perfectly. I couldn't figure out why they tossed it except that it was stained and had a few tears.

And a like-new very sturdy bookshelf for the kids!

Stay green,
Yasha

Use It Up, Wear It Out...

Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. That's what grandma said right? I try to take it to heart at our house so food, clothes, and other assorted things don't usually get wasted.

This is a big reason I shop used stores. I feel bad paying full price for kids clothes that I know they will grow out of before they get a hole in them.

I've scored pretty big over the years by shopping used but the biggest score is using it until it wears out completely. Take these shoes for instance. My favorite sandals have lasted me 4+ years of heavy wear. These poor shoes are practically the only thing I have worn in warm weather during that time.

It may now be time for new shoes but by using up my shoes until they have completely worn out I have probably saved about $40. That isn't much to some people but it's a day's worth of meals for my family.

Hope this inspires you to keep something a bit longer than you would normally!

Stay green,
Yasha

I finished a project!

Now to get the pictures posted before I forget! I repainted the kids' toy box. Eventually I will add a lid to it also but for now, at least, it is painted!

Before Picture; not so pretty. This was my Husband's toybox that his grandpa built when he was 3 or so. That is the origional paint job. (His sister added her name later to the corner.)

 Primer White It took 2 cans and a part of a third of Krylon "2 in 1 Primer and Paint" in White

 Taped off. Random spacing because I'm too lazy to measure. I don't care if the lines are crooked or uneven. It will add character. At least I will say it's character.

Painted and waiting to dry so I can remove the tape! Krylon Pistachio (green) and Krylon Peekaboo Blue (blue) are the colors I used for the stripes. I did one blue one green rotating colors. it helps to spray a bit of the base or top with the correct color before doing stripes so you don't mess up.

Ignore the screen in front of the camera. I got lazy. Note to self Clear coat the white before taping off! Yeah, I will have to go back and touch up the white.

My desk-diaper-play-kitchen-ma-bob

I've seen many online DIY tutorial thing-a-ma-jigs recently on how to convert a desk, nightstand, shelf, or porcupine into a child's play kitchen. They are great. Using materials you have on hand is much better than purchasing everything separate or a prefab kit. To demonstrate how awesome these things are I shall now plug someone else's blog; her husband actually installed a semi-working sink. Thank you Nap Time Crafter.

So for our oldest's 3rd birthday I am hoping to turn what used to be a desk into a play kitchen. If you read some of my older posts there once was a desk that became a diaper station. It shall now and forever more be the basis for a play kitchen. Probably. Hopefully. Maybe. We'll see...

I promised more than a year ago to post a pic of the diaper station, here it is. Not much changed I can assure you.

Stay green,

Yasha

The coffee table said what!?

Well let me just go deal with that!

Ok I'm back and I think the coffee table took the worst of it. Ok, ok. I'm not punishing the family coffee table. I'm merely bringing it new life. Follow along with my sporadic posts as I refinish this wonderful piece of history. Well it should be history. At least if you consider a hand me down from your mother in law a piece of history.

Step one: Sanding off the old finish.
We'll call this step half done.

My "new" old picture frames

I have some old picture frames that just don't match. You know the kind, every shape, size, material, and color ever thought of. Some how my taste has changed over the years and I decided to buy new frames while never throwing out the old ones.

I finally got fed up with my frame fetish and decided to fix the problem only to discover a new and much larger problem.

I'm broke.

So what to do? What to do? Hmm... Don't I still have a can of spray paint around here somewhere? I do. I do! Hooray!

I am now the proud owner of 7 "new" black frames. All it took was a little bit of time and effort. No my frames don't all match in size or shape but they are all the same color. It gives it a kind of eclectic feel without being overwhelming. Since the color scheme in my living room is pewter and black this worked out pretty well for me.

Tips for decorating on a tight budget:

• Look around. You may have something you can use. The picture frames and spray paint I already had.
• Check resale, yard sales, and charity stores. Since I'm painting all the picture frames the same color and don't care if bevels or sizes match I could get any frame I want.
• Redefine your limitations. For the longest time I wanted frames from only one collection. One shape, one size, one bevel. I'm much happier with reusing my old frames and actually being able to display my pictures than having to wait and save up to buy the new frames at $8 a pop.

My next project will be a DVD stand that currently has a wooden finish. It will soon be black to match the rest of the living room!

Stay green,
Yasha

Mmm Leftovers!

I know I have my lunches for a week! Already the freezer and refrigerator is stocked full of ready made lunches for hubby and myself. Each lunch is stacked conveniently in a divided lunch container. I've only used leftovers from Thanksgiving for the first few, after that I use combinations of leftovers and frozen veggies to store in the freezer. I'm so happy I don't have to worry about any wasted leftovers since hubby never likes to make his own lunch and would rather grab one I've prepared for him.
I love the food that was cooked at Thanksgiving; the whole family chipped in. We had 2 types of cranberry sauce, 5 pies, 2 turkeys, a ham, dressing, sweet potatoes, scalloped corn, veggie trays, etc. No one left with what they made we all took home other people's left overs. Since we can replicate our own recipes we decided we'd give away what we made ourselves.

Once I got home All i had to do is replicate a couple of things I cooked that day. The rest of the packed lunches are pure leftover. Since I froze some of it we won't get tired of having turkey everyday.

Now what did I do with those veggie trays? All we had left was broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. What do you think I made? SOUP! Mmm, yummy, tasty soup. Hearty and filling. That will be our dinner for the next two nights, the rest of the soup will be dinner one night in January!

I just love Thanksgiving such a bountiful harvest of, love, family, and food!

Stay green,
Yasha

An Eco-friendly Thanksgiving?

How do you have an eco-friendly Thanksgiving?

Start by trying to buy local. The closer the product originates to you the less gas is wasted getting it to you.

Wash that dish! Try to avoid using disposable dishes when friends and family come over. If you feel you just can't do that many dishes try to find biodegradable plates, cups, and utensils.

Don't buy too much food! Fight the urge to over cook. Not only will you save more on your energy bill you won't have to throw food out that doesn't get eaten.

Eat your left overs! It costs a lot less to reheat your left overs than it does to cook a new meal or go out and buy one. Tired of Turkey for the fifth day in a row? Make turkey pot pies and freeze them for a later date.

Turn out that light! You may have a house full of people but I'm sure there is no one in your bedrooms! Go turn off lights in rooms that are empty. While you're at it go open the front room curtains. Uncle Bob complaining about the glare on the screen? Try to position your TV so there is no glare before the big day.

Know thy neighbor! Don't plan on having many people at your house? Save money by buying a turkey with a neighbor. Cook it together and split the deliciousness and the bill! On that note you can share prepared dishes too!

Try your pot luck! Always liked Aunt Gertie's green bean casserole? Ask your family and friends to bring one dish each. You'll find your energy bill has gone way down. Don't like Cousin Bill's cooking? Ask a select few to provide their 5 star dishes!

Recycle your waste! Pile up your empty bottles, cans, and cardboard to take to the center. Get the kids involved. They'll love to have something to do the next day.

Carpool to the day after sales!

Recycleween

How is that costume coming along? Already made it? Yes, I said made. I love this costume I saw at Gymboree but balked at the $50+ price tag for all the parts. Although the material looks like it could stand up to multiple kids using it I would have to have quite a few before I could justify that price.

So I've done what any cheapskate would do. Wait for it to go on sale. Well I've waited and waited and the lowest price I can get on it is still $30. Not good enough.

I went to Target yesterday for some groceries and looked through the dollar items. You know that stuff placed conveniently close to the front door. I found most of the parts to costume in 5 minutes and only spent $3! Now all that is left is a skirt and shoe covers.

Went to Hancocks today and found the perfect fabrics! only $3.36 +tax. One was 50% off the other 75% off!

I'm happy with how the costume has turned out and I'm just ecstatic about the price! I'll post a new picture of it when I get the skirt done.

Stay Green,

Yasha



$3.67 for 1yd green sheer and 1/2yd
orange shimmer. Total so far $7.01.

$3.34 for the hat, shirt,
and leg warmers.


















The Skirt



All together!

Want to make your own but don't know where to start?

Try these places:

The Daily Green: Recycled Halloween Costumes!

Instructables.com: Halloween Costumes

etsy.com: Halloween



My "stash" Q&A

My daughter's fluffy butt diaper stash. It only cost me $170 USD. Since I started using cloth I would have spent at least $220 on disposables so since May I have saved $50.

Happy dance! Money in my pocket! I'm so glad I stuck with it!

Q. But what about all the extra laundry you have to do?
A. What extra laundry? I just put all the whites together and wash everything at once.

Q. Eww. You wash your laundry with cloth diapers?
A. Sure do. I don't know about you but my washer gets clothes clean so what is the difference?

Q. Doesn't it smell bad?
A. I really don't think cloth smells bad. You have to rinse it before it goes in the diaper pail so it doesn't smell.

Q. Rinse it?
A. Well once you change it you need to rinse off the poo or it'll stain the diaper. Plus, you wouldn't want to put poo in your washer.

Q. That sounds like a lot of work.
A. Each week I save about $10. That is 45 minutes of work per week that I'm not spending to pay for disposables. How much time do I spend cleaning diapers? Maybe 14 minutes a week. It doesn't take that long to clean a diaper.

Q. Ok so you save money. What about when you go on trips?
A. Oh, that one is easy! I still cloth diaper. Any where you travel (especially in the US) you can find laundromats.

Q. What about if you travel out of country?
A. Do some research about where you're going. You can find out if there is a local laundromat, diaper service, or if your hotel does laundry.

Q. Well, I've heard they aren't as absorbent.
A. That is true. More true with some brands or types than others. You just can't beat chemicals. BUT do you want to put chemicals on your baby's butt? Besides you still save money this way and there are ways to "add" absorbency to a dipe.

Q. Add absorbency?
A. Yes, you can add absorbency to a cloth diaper by using a diaper doubler. You can also wick the moisture away from baby's bottom by placing micofleece between the top layer of diaper and the butt.

Q. What about diaper rash can you use a cream?
A. Most bottoms do not need to be slathered in cream every time you change a diaper; only when they are actually rashy. If your baby does get a rash DO NOT use regular cream. Most creams ruin diapers. Use Lanolin (for breast feeding) instead.

Q. I checked with my daycare and they will not allow children with cloth diapers. What now?
A. First, consider who you asked. Was it the director, owner, or just one of the people that take care of the kids. Second, think about how much cloth diapering means to you? (ie Is it just a way to save money or do you like the environmental impact?) Third, talk to the director or owner about your concerns, ask why they do not allow cloth. Is it too much of a hassle? Are there special state regulations that they do not meet for cloth? Is the staff just not trained? See if you can resolve any issues or concerns they may have about cloth. Be prepared to answer questions.
If they still say no and it means a lot to you look for a different day care.

Q. I'm thinking of using cloth. Is there anything else I should know?
A. Oh lots. I'm not the expert on diapers.
These sites can help you:
Detergents safe to use on Cloth Diapers
Cloth diaper rash Creams
A forum dedicated Cloth Diapers

Places to Buy:
www.nickisdiapers.com/
www.greenmountaindiapers.com/
www.fuzzibunz.com/
www.bumgenius.com/ 
http://www.diapers.com/
Also check Bed Bath and Beyond online, Amazon.com, Target.com, and WalMart.com

The ugly little pillows...

Okay, perhaps they aren't so ugly but they don't go with the decor in my child's room. I hate to throw them out and I don't want to go through the hassle of buying new ones. Oh what to do, what to do...

I know! New covers!

I'll just go out and find some fabric that matches the room and make new covers for the pillows. This way when my little one gets older she can either revert the pillows to thier former glory or keep them as is!

Now it only I could knit, these covers would be even better!

Stay green,
Yasha

COMING SOON! Look for pictures!

Repurposing the Desk

I have this old cheap desk that I used for my computer before my hubby moved in with his awesome one. I've been getting around to repurposing it to fit my baby's needs. All I need to do is install some shelves and I think I'll be done.

Ready for a new home?

I bet you've never thought of this.

Amazing Homes and Offices Built from Shipping Containers

That's right a new home made from a shipping container! Amazingly affordable. Surprizingly spacious. It's a wonder they haven't caught on more in the states.

A few place in Europe have started dedicating buildings made from these containers as student housing. What do the students think? They love it!

Shipping containers are well insulated, spacious, easy to modify, and abundant. It's the perfect green home. Since many of the houses are modular prefabs you can order as much or as little space as you need. Need more space? No problem just order a few more rooms, haul them into place, and voila! A larger home!

I know this sounds like an ad for shippin containers but I really do think they are a good idea. Since the materials are already there why not use them?

Stay green,
Yasha

Not ready for the Cloth Diaper?

Want to recycle more but can't stand the thought of washing poopy diapers? Your knight in shining armor has arrived!


Knowaste


A British phenomenon that is quickly catching on in other places. This company specialises in processing and recycling old "regular" diapers. They use the recycled material to make plastic wood, plastic tiles, roofing material, absorbent material, and other things!

They also recycle adult incontinence products and feminine hygiene products. How sweet is that?

Stay green,
Yasha

Green Quiz Quest

Like scavenger hunts? Well here is one tailored to those going green.

It's a great way to get free green swag to start or continue a cloth diaper stash!

It starts anuually in July, check it out!

Green Quiz Quest

Stay green,
Yasha

My New Bag

I was shopping the clearance section of my favorite store the other day and I came across a cute little bag. Since I need something to tote around extra toys for my little girl I decided to get one. I picked out my favorite flavor and headed on to the checkout.

The bag, which I have gotten many positive comments on, is made from empty Capri Suns. The company calls it upcycling and encourages students to start a campaign at their schools to collect Capri Suns and send them to be upcycled. Schools are compensated for collecting the pouches so there really is no downside to this.

If you want to start a campaign or for more information check out Terra Cycle.

Stay green,
Yasha

How I save money (or the environment) with laundry!

I've posted before that I live in an apartment. This usually means I would have 2 choices on laundry. Wash and dry in a laundromat/dry cleaners or Wash and dry at home.

If I lived in a house I could go into my backyard and use a clothesline. No backyard = no clothesline, right? Wrong! I just set one up in the living room or baby's room on days when I don't plan on having company; usually it's the day I scrub the house from top to bottom. I have my own little makeshift clothesline made of hard materials. I use a bamboo pole and 2 metal DVD racks but I will be switching to a bamboo rack once I get rid of the DVD racks. I'll post a picture of the new racks when they're built.

Line drying can be used for any type of clothing and I greatly encourage it!!! With whites it will help bleach out any stains and save cash on your electric bill. Double bonus!

Ok so who wants an eyesore clothesline in the backyard 24/7? I wouldn't. However, your clotheslines don't have to be an eyesore. Consider alternative clotheslines such as wooden drying racks which can be placed on a patio, porch, or in the home; many of these fold up for easy storage as well.

If you like to garden try turning your "eyesore" into a trellis. Two wooden posts placed about a foot and a half apart with wooden crossbeams make a wonderful base for any climbing plant. You can plant sweet peas, roses, gardenias, you name it. Just have 2 sets of these trellises spaced far enough apart to string up your laundry.

The last option is to have a clothesline that can be taken down when not in use. Similar to the makeshift type I use in my apartment, you would only need to place it outside and take it down when not in use. I hope this gives you some ideas.

May you have many sunny days of drying!

Stay green,
Yasha

For more tips on clotheslines check out these sites:
livingonadime.com: Air Drying Clothes Without A Clothesline

Getting the recycling done

I have it all piled up and ready to go! I'm just too busy to take it down to the car. Silly, right?

I have this problem every week; I just get busy and forget to take it to the car. The center is only 10 minutes away but it takes me another 10 minutes of multiple trips to take it all to the car.

My laziness is ridiculous as I would love to reclaim my floor space at the end of the week. See I pull all the recyclables out of their hidey hole so I can take them to the car. It just seems to take me an extra day to get it done. I love the part where I'm saving the earth I just don't like the part of doing the work. Sound familiar anyone?

Yes, I love to recycle and I recycle everything but even I get lazy about it. Well I'm off to save another tree.

Stay green,
Yasha

How do you buy your groceries?

When you shop do you only look at the prices? Do you look at what is in the product? Or what the product is in? Would you buy something in excess packaging? When buying groceries always consider the price but look also into what you are paying for. Is the excess cash really going to a better quality item or are you just paying for packaging?

When I got to buy pasta, meats, sauces and cheeses I try to look at what the container is. Is it recyclable in my area? If not is it biodegradable? The glass baby food jars and tomato sauce jars I get every month are always recyclable, the pasta I try to buy in cardboard, and meats and cheeses I try to get with as little extra packaging as possible. This means no individually wrapped items in my house.

And that's not all! When I go to buy toys I look for items that have little to no packaging. Items that sport just a tag are my favorites! These items are usually cheaper than other items and the quality is just as good.

It's easy to buy something based on price alone but consider the eco-impact it has when you need to dispose of the extra wrapping.

Keep reducing!

Stay green,
Yasha