Green

Thrifty Tuesday

1 May posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives, I grabbed some of my picks for Mother’s Day Gifts & a discount to share with you! With Mother’s Day around the corner how about sending a bouquet of organic flowers? No time like the present to grab a discount & be set to send some love to your mom, step mom, grandma or special lady who has inspired you. & the best part of this is they are Organic! All this flower chat in the past few weeks has me seeing beautiful flowers & wanting them on my table! How about for your mom’s table?

Let me show you some of the beautiful organic & green offers!

One Dozen Lavender Roses

Lavender Roses have to be one of my favorites! What is yours?

One Dozen Sweet & Lovely Bouquet

Or maybe these? So many color choices & flower choices, Gerbena Daisies, Lilies…. & you don’t just have to pick flowers there are choices from trees & plants to candy, nuts & fruits along with gift items to suit any occasion! Not only Mother’s Day!

Go Green Lunch Kit

One of my favorite gift items is this eco friendly lunch set!

Go Green Picnic Kit

& another is this eco friendly picnic set perfect for spring & summer outings. You can find items in all kinds of price ranges to suit your gift needs anytime!

I hope you find these organic & eco friendly options to your liking & grab the discount while you can to get your savings!

What type of gifts do you usually give your mom… for Mother’s Day?

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Filed Under: Gifts, Green, Shopping, Thrifty Tuesdays

Green Crafting How to Butterfly Feeder & House

23 Apr posted by Fawn

Theresa Huse 2012 DearCreatives-00968 Sammie putting on finishing touches on butterfly house

Dear Creatives, Happy Monday to you! It’s going to be a busy week here for me. Today I wanted to share my time out for Earth Day with you. Sammie & I created the butterfly feeder along with a butterfly house I talked about making. We weeded our small herb garden, along with planting & pruning a few things. We planted a new thyme, basil & rosemary plants. I took a few photographs to share with you, then after the photos is a video tutorial with the steps showing what we did. I hope you enjoy it.

Here is Sammie out working on the butterfly house we made together & our just weeded herb garden full of sage, chives, strawberries, oregano & more.

Butterfly feeders are great for attracting butterflies. The butterfly houses help protect them from bad weather.

Next is a video tutorial I created for you on how to create them for your garden .

Note: I didn’t purchase the software I used to make the video, so this free version will take you off site & then you’ll have to come back. I was testing it out to see how I like it before I commit to purchasing. More about that later! & see not under video before going! I think you will enjoy the tutorial, by the way its not long!

If you share: do not alter & link back to site Thank you!

This digital slideshow personalized with Smilebox

This video collage customized with Smilebox

Don’t forget to link-up if you have some green crafts, tips or ideas to share!
Enter the giveaway before your done today!
Check out the Beyond Earth Day Tips!
Do let me know how you like the tutorial so I will know if you enjoy viewing them this way & if you do I will make some again with the software & consider purchasing it.

What did you do for Earth Day or this past weekend?

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Filed Under: Green, Green Crafts, Nature

Beyond Earth Day #Green #Tips & Link-up

22 Apr posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives, I hope you find somewhere to celebrate Earth Day today! Even just get into your yards, parks & beaches to experience nature, plant or care for them in some way! Earth Day is so important as a reminder to take care of our planet, our Mother Earth! Today I have a list of how you can be greener & take it beyond Earth Day. Yesterday I started my project of creating a butterfly feeder, today I am finishing it up & hoping to share it with you soon!

Yes, even are insects are important to our eco system, as they are vital to keeping pollination thriving in our eco systems. Pollination is the process by whichpollen is transferred in the reproduction of plants, thereby enabling fertilization and sexual reproduction.

Here is a round-up of ways you can help our planet & animals on Earth Day & beyond :

More about butterflies, making a butterfly feeder, monarch butterflies & a freebie printable.

I found this article of how to make a butterfly house out of a shoebox & think I may try it & thought you might be interested too! A great project to do with the kids!

Calendar of Earth Day Events CA

Recycle your old blankets & faded towels to animal shelters! This is a great idea from Animal Planet for helping Animal Shelters on Earth Day!

50 Ways of crafting with tin cans to re-purpose them all in one spot! & yes plenty are for the outdoors!

How to Plant a Tree

10 ways to go Green & Save Green

Free Green Office Guide

Get free re-usable bags from Kellog’s

Lets all do our part to be a little greener beyond Earth Day! & if you have a post or an organization for more green tips & Earth Day tips feel free to link them up here!

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Filed Under: Green, Green Crafts, Inspired Living

Spring, Butterflies, #EarthDay & Earth Day Link-Up

20 Apr posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives, I had a post ready but, felt it wasn’t right for today. I wanted to share something more creative, along with thinking about this upcoming Earth Day which is April 22! The birds are chirping, the sun is out & I am so happy spring has arrived! I decided to share some things I found that are spring & Earth Day related along with an Earth Day Link-Up on my site here. I hope you join in the link-up, but more about that later in the post!

*events & organizations at bottom of post

The Graphics Fairy

I have known Karen from The Graphics Fairy a few years from blog land, using her images to create things. I just love her site & angel policy! If you like making cards & crafts or mixed media art of any type, but have never visited you should sometime & tell her I sent you! To grab this freebie she has from a class she taught visit here for The Digital Collage Sheet-Spring.

http://www.ehow.co.uk

I lost my butterfly bush which had been beautiful attracting many hummingbirds & butterflies. When I saw this easy project I knew it was one I am going to do. Create a homemade butterfly feeder. If you visit e-how you can find out what they like & how to make your own! Homemade Butterfly Feeder Tutorial

Theresa Huse

I want to plant a new butterfly bush to help nature’s creatures pollinate! I know not to plant it too close to a tree they need to reach out to grab the sun & not have to fight for it! You can plant a butterfly garden too! I came across how you can sign up for Burpee.com Free Newsletter & get $5. off your purchase! Here is where you can purchase your butterfly attracting plants from Burpee.com

Butterfly Garden by Insect Lore

I remember running in the fields as a kid catching butterflies of many varieties & letting them go at the end of the day. I would love to have a live butterfly garden & kit. But, mostly I would love it if we protected our Earth better so nature doesn’t change except to get healthier! Earth Day is our reminder yet, Earth day should be everyday!!

{more about Monarch Butterflies later in the post}

Earth Day Sunday April 22, 2012

Here is a CA. round up of some Earth Day events & where you can find local CA. events in your area!

Santa Barbara, CA Earth Day Festival

Get Down To Earth SLO County

Earth Day Food & Wine Festival

Ca.Recycle {to find more ways to be greener & list of Earth Day Events Statewide in CA.}

Support Our Earth Everyday!

I am partnered up with the Sierra Club! There is no better time to see how they support our environment & how you can help with just an e signature on a petition or in many other ways! I hope you can join me in supporting the Sierra Club!

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet

Also on my list, but not until fall is to go to visit where butterflies by the thousands, of vibrant orange and black Monarch Butterflies flock to Pismo Beach, CA. They are seeking shelter from the freezing northern winters. From late October to February, the butterflies cluster in the limbs of a grove of Eucalyptus trees at Pismo State Beach. I missed going this year, but if you are ever in the area this is something to see so mark your Earth day calendars for visiting the Monarch Migration Locations!

Monarch Butterfly.org {they also have a great list Monarch Butterfly Roosts in California Winter Sites from north to south in CA}

ClassicCalifornia.com {Pismo Beach, CA Annual Calendar Of Events}

Monarch Butterflies {You Tube video-Pismo Beach & about visiting The Grove, along with seeing the Monarch Butterflies}

Monarch Butterflies Amazing Migration {You Tube video-educational Monarch Butterfly video}

I hope you enjoy these spring ideas, freebies & Earth Day information! I also hope you get out to enjoy the weather if you have the chance! I think that is what I will do to soak up some vitamin d, have a little meeting with nature to rejuvenate my spirit! & never forget everyday is Earth Day!!

& if you have an Earth Day post or other green post share it here in my link-up & lets help each other be a little greener while protecting Mother Earth!

What will you do to celebrate Earth Day?

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway

Grab the code to share on your site! get the InLinkz code

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Filed Under: Green, Link-Up, Nature

Earth Day & Green Link-Up & Blog Hop!

19 Apr posted by Fawn

Today, I am like a deer in the headlights! Tomorrow’s post will be worth the wait it’s like a three for one! All about spring, butterflies & Earth Day!

I am on the search for your Earth Day & Green posts….

Kaboose via Pinterest

Earth Day Crafts & More!

But, just in case you want to help start the party early here is the Earth Day Link-Up! Drop something in & wow us! Then visit or come back to visit as the entries are submitted! & You can co-host on your site too, please the more the merrier or should I say greener!? get the InLinkz code Its for a great cause celebrating Earth Day & being greener & sharing tips & organizations!

& don’t worry the party doesn’t end on Earth Day!

What is your favorite Green tip?

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Filed Under: Crafts, Green, Link-Up

Spring Outdoor Diy Inspiration

8 Mar posted by Fawn

Pin It

Dear Creatives, Spring is just around the corner, the birds are migrating back & the days are getting longer. The time change is upon us, our internal clocks ready for changes! Yes, the time change may take a slight adjustment, but at least this time we will have that extra hour to sleep in. {ah}

This has me thinking about being outdoors more.I can’t wait to enjoy spring & savor every moment prior to our hot, hot summers here. I love taking care of nature’s creatures & when I saw this diy I knew exactly what I wanted to share today! Spring outdoor inspiration!

Family Fun to Go via Pinterest

This diy tutorial is all set up & ready to go. A printable sheet of instructions if you like, along with lots of family friendly projects are on this site. I love this backyard bird-feeder not only are you feeding the birds you are recycling.

Studio G Blog via Pinterest

I love garden markers even though my garden isn’t like when we lived in a milder climate. All the same this is perfect for marking those herbs & plants in spring. These rustic, French inspired garden markers caught my attention. If your in need of more garden inspiration you can always visit Studio G.

Jenny Darling on Flickr via Pinterest

I just fell in love with this idea when I saw it. This image is on Flickr of an alternative garden space.Can’t you just see butterflies flocking to these pretties! What is it about painted cans?

Sunset via Pinterest

& with longer days I’d love for the Mr. to build me a little swing to sit with Sammie with while we both read. Dear Mr. if you are reading my blog today please note I have downloaded the plans for this from right here { swing building plans} Dear Spring, thank you for giving us an extra hour or two for projects. & dear creatives don’t forget to reset your clocks this weekend.xo

What is the first spring outdoor project you will work on?

There may be a few hours left to enter the giveaway! It ends today!

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Filed Under: DIY, Green, Nature

Re-Useable Grocery Bags & Safety Tips

12 Jan posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives, Yesterday in our local area a bill was passed to ban plastic grocery bags. I am thrilled! But with all things there are pros & cons. You have to remember your grocery bags, or pay the price. This won’t be so hard for me, I have been doing this for a long time. I keep them ready to go in my car, but for the Mr. that is another story. It will be an adjustment, as no matter how many times I remind him when it is his run he forgets. Now lets talk safety tips…

Re-Useable Grocery Bags

Saw Dust & Paper Scraps Ruffled Bag Tutorial

There are more things to consider. Having a background in food service & having had my CA. state Food Handlers Certificate for years, I know that e.coli is a concern. Those nasty microbes capable of cross-contamination. With use of the bags over & over that is a factor to consider. Just as we use our cutting boards we need to make sure not to cross contaminate meats with veggies& fruits into the same bags.

2MarketBags

On Etsy for sale @ 2MarketBags

The benefits out way the risks with proper use & having bags you can actually wash with laundry detergent (preferably in hot water) & air dry. By doing this you actually reduce the level of bacteria, if not even close to eliminate it. *(Always remember it is best not to use the same bags you carry gym clothes, kids clothes or diaper bags.)

50 Re-Useable Grocery Bag Patterns

If your city or district is on the verge of change you might find this post with 50 free patterns for re-useable grocery bags via TipNut. Not to mention one of her readers Susan had a great tip on how she makes her own bags:I buy tank tops from thrift stores at the end of summer for 29-50 cents each and just turn wrong side out sew a seam or two across the bottom and remove the tag if I’m feeling ambitious. These make great bags. They hold a lot and stretch which can be good depending on what you are carrying. Just get tank tops with big neck holes!

Here are a couple of articles you might find of interest regarding safety & things to consider when using re-useable bags:

There are many more videos & articles you can find by just looking up the effects of plastic in the ocean & environment. I know this isn’t what I want for my future generations.

Do you use re-useable bags already? What else are you doing to be more green?

Readers disregard: verifying with code here WP8W2U55SVSM

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Filed Under: Green, Sewing

Gigglin’ Garden Gang #GoGreenNGiggle #CBias

14 Dec posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives, I always love finding new products, websites that help with teaching kids about being green especially in a fun way. When Sammie & I were surfing the internet we came across a new site Gigglin” Garden Gang. Sammie and I both thought it would be a great way for her to share with Audrey (who is 3 1/2yr.) about learning to be green & to have some fun computer time together.

Searching for Gigglin' Garden Gang

We are going to be going up to visit family soon, as Krissy is having her baby anytime now. We are going to help with Audrey while Krissy will be busy with the new baby, so we are planning lots of activities to do with Audrey to keep her busy.

Reading Go Green & Giggle

Sammie is almost 10 yrs old. & Audrey is 3 1/2 yr. Sammie can easily help navigate through the Gigglin’ Garden site. Then read the story to Audrey. Another fun thing planned is playing the Cd of songs. Both the girls love singing & it won’t take them long to memorize the catchy songs. I can’t wait to see them pretend to perform them taking turns.

Book Tote Garden Activity Set

Later I will help them plant seeds in the recycled plastic container which we had gotten from their site. What I really love about the kit is that it is made from recycled plastic bottles! A fun way to learn about being green is gardening! Giggling Garden Gang is a wonderful site for young children to learn about being green. The characters & voices are entertaining & songs are catchy. Kids 2-8 yr. will really enjoy the site, books, song & activities with the kit! Older kids will enjoy helping younger kids with all the activities & site. The kit would make a great gift too.

Gigglin' Garden

To see how easy it is to navigate the site; Sammie navigating & practicing reading for sharing with Audrey be sure & visit my Google + Album to see how much fun she had! Be sure to visit & follow along :

Giggling Garden Gang

Sunflower Suzi and Friends on FaceBook

@GoGreenNGiggle on Twitter

What sites do you enjoy that teach kids about being green?

Disclosure:“This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.” & “all opinions, ideas, and photos are my own.”

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Filed Under: Gifts, Green

Choosing Flowers & Cut Flower Tips

28 Nov posted by Fawn

Thank you to California Grown for encouraging me to connect with California growers and encouraging California consumers to “Choose California Grown” when they can.

For every birthday, family gathering, wedding & holiday I go out to my local farmers market or grocery outlet to buy CA. Grown flowers. It isn’t just they are pretty flowers but I see the impact of purchasing CA grown flowers first hand, living on the Central coast of CA.

California Grown Roses

We are in & next to the heartland of our growers; who in turn help support the people working for them & the vitality of our area. Its a win, win! Because when I buy CA Grown flowers & products it supports CA. And it supplies me with the freshest, prettiest flowers & produce I could ever imagine! This is why it is important for me to purchase CA. grown. I always look at the labels at my grocers. If I can’t find CA. grown I can always ask my grocer & so can you!

CA. grown roses

For this past holiday it was no different, along with the desserts I made I also took the time to arrange some beautiful CA grown roses to bring my hostess. When I was offered the chance to get closer to my growers I was so excited. I have used many local CA. Grown suppliers when creating special arrangements for various events. The best part of all this is getting to know my suppliers first hand & now you can too by watching this video about my supplier. You will love her story as much as I did. I promise!

Rose buds just opening

You don’t need to live in CA. either to help support our local growers, but if you do you should buy CA. Grown & help our economic vitality! All you have to do is check the labels, ask for CA. Grown & purchase those products to support our CA. Growers whenever you can!

Flower buds open

Did you know that 75% of cut flowers are grown in the state of CA & CA is home to 250 flower farms?

Trim off stems with a diagonal cut

Here are a few basic tips from me for when you purchase & arrange your flowers:

Cut off leaves that would be in water & cut bottoms of stems at a diagonal
Use cold water & flower food changing often
Keep cool & out of direct sunlight
To straighten any slouching flowers, when extending their life, use 21-22 gauge floral wire insert into base just below the flower petals & wrap remaining down & around the stem
Think beyond the vase; use jars, tins, tea cups & tea pots there are many great alternatives to using a vase.
Visit CA. Growers to view more arranging tips

CA grown roses

What are your favorite CA grown flowers to purchase? Do you enjoy photographing flowers? I sure do!

Thank you again to California Grown for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about all of California Grown growers. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own. #CleverCAGrown #sponnbsp

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Filed Under: DIY, Flowers, Green

Go Green & National Costume Swap Day

29 Sep posted by Fawn

Dear Creatives, Did you know tons of trash is generated from costumes annually? Maybe I didn’t hear about National Costume Swap Day in time to get on their blog list but I have to pass on this great, green information any way! I found this just in time! And the great thing is there is still time for you to participate too!

National Costume Swap Day is October 8th

I happened across a blog hop that introduced me to Good Girl Gone Green.

Good Girl Gone Green

You know how I am always looking for easy ways to be greener! Well I found out about National Costume Swap Day by reading Good Girl Gone Green’s post. That is also where I found out how much waste was generated & added to landfills. Just read her blog post to find out even more & her blog to help you to be more green. Thanks to Good Girl Gone Green, National Costume Day Swap & Green Halloween……

I have decided to have a Green Halloween & hope you do too!

Have a Green Halloween! To find out more about where Costume Swaps are being held in your area or how to have one of your own click here

I just saw that there is a swap near where we are visiting relatives that lasts over several weekends! I will pack our costumes to swap & hope to make it by there. I will share the results later! Small steps that we take daily can make a big impact over time to help our planet.

Have you ever been to a costume swap?

How will you get your costume this year? Do you make your own? Do you recycle, pass down your costumes?