DIY Eco-Friendly All-Purpose Cleaner - Vinegar and Oranges

Vinegar is seriously the best thing ever when it comes to cleaning your home! You can use it to clean anything, and it will come out clean and sparkly. It gets rid of hard water build up, grease, smudges and all other forms of dirt and grime. Better yet, it kills mold, germs and bacteria. Not to mention it's Eco-friendly, economical and safe to eat!

Unfortunately, the downside to vinegar is the smell. I don't know about you but I don't really want my home to smell like a french fry stand at the beach (that's what vinegar makes me think of). Then I came across a really neat idea here.

Vinegar and Orange Peels

To make a great citrus smelling all-purpose cleaner all you need is a jar, white vinegar and orange peels (eat the orange first!). 

It's pretty self explanatory; put the orange peels and vinegar in the jar, let it sit for a couple of weeks and then it should smell nice! Mix equal parts vinegar and water before using. You can put it in a spray bottle if you'd like to make cleaning easier.

Thanks, 
Cole

Make Your Own Re-usable Produce Bags

Doing My Part

 

Going green is a process that takes time. It isn't going to happen overnight, but the little things I incorporate into my life will eventually add up. 

I decided to make my own re-usable produce bags. 

Obviously, we've been using re-usable grocery bags (from the grocery store) for a few years now, but the amount of plastic produce bags that get thrown out weekly is adding up. Especially since we've been making an effort to eat more fruits and vegetables. 

In all honesty, I was a little self conscious using my produce bags for the first time. They're not the greatest looking; my sewing skills are definitely at a beginner level, but it's not like anyone cares. 

And it was much cheaper to make them than to buy them. I used an old sheer curtain that's just been laying around, so I guess it didn't cost me anything. Originally the curtain was bought at the thrift store for $4 a few years ago. With that one curtain I was able to make 6 large bags, and 2 small bags (perfect for nuts or seeds).

I'm not a patient person, and sewing usually takes patience. All I did was quickly mark my fabric where I needed to cut it, then I cut it (not very even either) and stitched the sides with my sewing machine. And because I couldn't figure out to stitch up the sides properly, I put fabric glue along the edges to keep them from fraying. 

I even used cute, vintage ribbon that's a happy yellow/gold colour. Woo hoo!

Do you use re-usable bags at the grocery store? Did you make them, or buy them?

Thanks, 

Meatless Monday - Baked Pasta

I was really excited to have lasagna. I bought all the ingredients I wanted to put into my lasagna, except for the lasagna noodles because I thought we had some. We didn't, so I used penne instead.

I figured the shape of the pasta wasn't a big deal. It still tasted the same as my lasagna normally does.

Ingredients:

• 1 Package of firm tofu
• 3 Teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small sized onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped mushroom
• 1/2 cup frozen spinach
• 1 package of penne
• Salt and pepper. Feel free to add any herbs and spices you like.

Directions:

1. Cook the penne according to the directions on the package. Once it's cooked set it aside. 
2. Heat the oil in a large pan for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and onions, cook until soft for another five minutes. Then add the chopped mushrooms, cook for another five minutes. Pour the can of tomato sauce in the pan, and set aside.
3. Thaw out your spinach. Then mash the tofu and spinach together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the tomato sauce mixture in the bottom of your baking pan, spreading it evenly. Top it with the penne noodles, followed by the tofu mixture. Then add another layer of sauce, penne, and tofu. Top it off with the last layer of tomato sauce and bake for 30 minutes.

Again, this was a very simple meal to make, and very inexpensive!

Pasta = $2.00

Tofu = $1.00

Tomato Sauce = $1.00

Spinach (used about 1/6 of the package which was $3.00) = $0.50

Mushrooms (was $2 for package, used half) = $1.00

Onions and garlic = probably less than $0.20

Total = $5.70 to feed a family of five!

I'm in the process of trying to eat better, and do my part for the planet. I know that eating a vegan diet is healthier and more eco-friendly, but I've always had a difficult time switching to a complete vegan diet. The reasons for that are, 1. I hate cooking, and 2. I don't like beans. Lame excuses, I know, but I figure once I start eating more and more vegan foods, I'll just one day stop eating animals and animal by-products. 

Thanks, 

5 Benefits of Buying Vintage

Buying vintage items may be second-nature to a lot of people, such as myself. I grew up with hand-me-down clothes and frequent visits to the thrift store. At the time my friends thought used clothing and other items meant you were too poor to afford new things, but that's not at all true. 

There are many reasons why people like to buy vintage items. 

Vintage items can be unique, inexpensive, great quality and comes with it's own history. Not to mention that vintage shopping is eco-friendly and a lot of fun!

So here is my list, in no particular order.

5 Benefits of Buying Vintage

1. Unique

If you have ever taken the time to walk through a thrift store, attend an estate auction sale or even browse online vintage shops, you already know that vintage items have a uniqueness to them.

Unlike today’s mass produced items that everyone else is buying, it’s not likely you will run into someone who owns the exact same vintage piece you have. We’re talking about decades of clothes, furniture, home décor items and housewares to go through. Back in the day, items were produced in smaller quantities than they are now. Not to mention, that amazing dress or teapot you find might be the only surviving one of it's kind. Unique items also go well with a ton of different fashion styles and home decorating styles.

2. Quality

In our mass produced society, clothes and other items are typically made in third world countries in the fastest and cheapest way possible. Doesn't it just suck when you’re out wearing your brand new shirt, just to have the seams start to fray? Vintage clothes have been around for decades, and are still in good shape because they were made with better quality materials, and produced in better conditions. Same goes for housewares and home décor items.

3. Environment

A ton of stuff is thrown out and ends up in landfills polluting our planet Earth. By purchasing a vintage item you’re helping the environment by keeping it out of the trash. Essentially, you are reusing or recycling those items and giving them new life when they would otherwise have been thrown out.

The manufacturing of clothing, furniture and other household items has a huge impact on the environment. The more new stuff that is bought, the more they have to produce and the more toxins, dyes and water is used and pollution is created.

Little Shop of Treasures also uses recycled materials for shipping to help reduce our carbon footprint even more. All of our boxes and packaging paper is from recycled materials (so don’t be surprised if your item shows up in an Eggo box!). We like to reuse packaging peanuts when we can, too, either by scoring some at our local thrift shop of getting them from another business who would have otherwise thrown it out. Of course, making sure your item is properly and safely packaged is our top priority.

4. History

There’s a bit of history to every vintage piece you own. These items had a past life before entering yours. A beloved dress worn on a girl’s first date, a favourite teddy bear, Grandma’s much-loved soup pot. It’s kind of fun to think of the events and experiences your “new” vintage item has gone through. Chances are, almost everything you find will have it's own story.

5. Inexpensive

If you walk into a brand new store you’re most likely to find a vase for anywhere between $30 to hundreds of dollars. However, if you browse Etsy’s vintage section you can find the most stunning and rare vases for much lower prices. And not just on Etsy, at any store/website that sells vintage.

Yes, some vintage items are more expensive than brand new but that’s factoring in the quality, the brand name, the condition it’s in and how sought after it is. For example, Pyrex kitchenware can be expensive. Especially their mixing bowl sets (sometimes up to $100 or more), but that’s because of how desired they are for their well-known name and high quality. Which could be another good point, some vintage items are a good investment and increase in value.

Why do you like to shop vintage?

Thanks, 
Cole

Little Shop of Hemp - Now Open on Etsy!

I Opened My Second Etsy Shop:

I did it! I opened my new Etsy shop yesterday, Little Shop of Hemp, where I will be selling my handmade hemp jewelry and accessories. As of right now I only have a few items posted, but over the next few days I will be adding more.
 

Why Hemp Jewelry?

 

Hemp is a really great material. It's environmentally friendly, vegan, strong and long lasting, and very comfortable to wear. Plus, the design possibilities are endless! I have a hard time deciding what to sell and what to keep for myself. What I really adore about hemp is that it can look really casual, or funky or even beautiful.

 

And it's nerve racking when you put yourself out there. And by yourself I mean your creative work which is like a part of you. I don't know if anyone will like my stuff, or if anyone will even buy anything but for some reason I just felt like I had to do it.

 

I'm finally learning to push myself out of my comfort zone.

 

Thanks for taking the time to check this out!

Tuesday Treasury - Inspirational

 Today's Tuesday Treasury Features Inspirational Items For Sale On Etsy

'Inspirational Chic' by shemonster31

Inspirational Hand Stamped C... DelilahBadappl... $5.95	iphone 4 and iphone 4S case ... evaricci $22.00	Valentine Hearts- Black and ... CassieVision $8.00	CREATE Vintage White Plasti... MonkiVintage $12.00
Hakuna Matata Cotton Shoppin... KindLabel $24.00	Life Quote Typographic Poste... SimpleSerene $10.00	Vintage Metal Grate Photo Ho... ThirdShift $22.00	How to Win Friends and Influ... wildharebooks $4.00
LAUGH 36pt Vintage Metal Let... RuggyDesign $6.00	Inspirational Embroidery Hoo... EggbertAndTurk... $20.00	Infinity Earrings , 925 Ster... HeartCoreDesig... $15.50	whimsical painting of a woma... corid $20.00
Engraved Beach Pebble Kanji... AwesomeStones $8.95	Happy Thoughts - Hand Lette... ohchristen $10.00	Peace & Java tall ceramic mu... Mudcakes $16.00	Not All Who Wander Are Lost,... rainnua $14.45

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

How To Make A Square Knot Hemp Bracelet

Making Square Knot Hemp Bracelets Are Easy

A simple square knot, and a bracelet for Sidney!

Hemp braclets are pretty, eco-friendly, vegan and very easy to make! Depending on how complicated the pattern is, how many beads you put on or your skill level they can either take a few minutes, or be more time consuming.

If you're up for it, here's a short tutorial on how to make a square knot bracelet - the easiest and most simple kind.

1. First, you need to cut your hemp string to the right length. You'll need two strings, one long piece at 80 inches and one short piece at 35 inches. I have a larger wrist (about 7 inches around), but it's better to have too much than too little. Eventually you will know exactly how much you need so you don't waste your hemp.

2. Then you have to find the middle of each string and tie a knot, making sure it's the right size for the bead you want at the end.

3. Now that you have it started I recommend using a clipboard to hold it still. Then you can start your knots. It can be a little tricky to get the swing of things when you're first learning, but halfway through you'll probably be a pro!

And to try and give you an idea on how it goes, my lovely illustration!

4. Hopefully you can see it, but basically your two short pieces hang down the middle.

5. Then you use your long pieces to tie the knots around them.

6. One long piece goes over top of the short middle pieces (above: the red one), then under the other long piece (above: the blue one). And you pull them tight until there is a knot. Now you switch it; the blue one goes on top and the red one goes under. Repeat.



7. Once it's your desired length you pull all four strings through your bead, and tie a tight knot right up against your bead so it doesn't come off. To make sure your knot never comes undone I recommend putting some epoxy glue on the knot.
 

8. Now you can cut off the excess string, leaving about 5 mm to 1 cm. And you're done!

Making hemp jewelry can be really fun, especially once you start adding beads, charms and pendants and exploring different colours.

I hope this was easy enough to understand and that you can make your own square knot hemp bracelets now!

Thanks,