It's hot outside. This is the time of the year for cold soups and my favorite is Cucumber Gazpacho. Here are two easy recipes. QUICK EASY GAZPACHO 3 peeled cucumbers 3 pickled jalapeño slices. 3 Tablespoons sour cream or yogurt Big handful of cilantro Fresh mint (optional) Blend first 4 ingredients in a blender or Vitamix. Don't blend too much: keep the … [Read more...] about Cool Off with Cucumber Gazpacho
Home and Garden
Easy Homemade Drain Cleaner
I’ve been making my own cleaners lately and they’re simple recipes made from vegetarian ingredients that you already have in your kitchen. I scent my Drain Cleaner with high quality, pure essential oils which make everything smell better. (Pure lemon oil is also a great astringent, which makes it a nice addition to cleaning products.) 3 INGREDIENT DRAIN CLEANER Baking s … [Read more...] about Easy Homemade Drain Cleaner
Caffeine-Free Chai
Right now I want a strong flavored hot drink, but I'm all full up on caffeine and looking for something hearty without caffeine. Homemade chai is the perfect solution. Plus this drink is festive and goes well with the New Year. I've had this caffeine-free recipe since the 1970s, long before chai became popular here in the US. We called it Yogi Tea then. I served this to my … [Read more...] about Caffeine-Free Chai
DIY Laundry Detergent
I have been making my own kitchen cleaners for years but it never occurred to me until recently to make other kinds of every day home products as well. I’ve always used essential oils around the house but only recently began buying the really high quality, truly pure kind that actually retain their medicinal and/or cleansing properties. The more I began experimenting with oi … [Read more...] about DIY Laundry Detergent
Preparing The Winter Garden
As winter slowly slips in we are starting to transition into the internal senescence of the season. The leaves are falling, blanketing the world and garden for a rest. As a human being I too will rest, though I continue to eat all winter long and love to provide at least a little fresh food for my family. I believe in letting go, but I also like to hang on, just a little. The … [Read more...] about Preparing The Winter Garden
The End of Summer Salad
I'm always looking for ways to eat more greens. When I couldn't find a salad mix at my local co-op, I realized I could make my own. I used beet greens, arugula and leaf lettuce because they were what I had on hand. I didn't think I liked raw beet greens until I created this salad. Try them when they are young and fresh. I tore the beet greens and arugula off their stems, and … [Read more...] about The End of Summer Salad
Sew a Gratitude Banner
Today we made family gratitude banners. The banners have pockets for each family member, plus one for friends and extended family, and another for the universe. Each time someone thinks of something they are grateful for, they can jot it down and stick it in the appropriate pocket. This serves us in many ways. For example, we can visit the banner and look in our pocket to … [Read more...] about Sew a Gratitude Banner
Waste-Free Kitchen
I hate throwing away food. Over the years, I’ve watched as food rots in my fridge, bread goes stale and plate after plate of food disappears into the trash—along with my hard-earned money. Finally, I decided to get serious and make a change. It’s still not perfect, but I’ve developed several strategies to minimize waste with the goal of someday never wasting any food. To be trul … [Read more...] about Waste-Free Kitchen
Homemade Kid-Friendly Cleaner
I’m a big believer in natural cleaning products. I have always been sensitive to synthetic, chemical smells. When I was growing up and even as a teenager, I would immediately get a headache and a scratchy throat when my mom cleaned with the typical household cleaning products. Once I lived on my own I would shell out the money for the more expensive natural cleaners so that I c … [Read more...] about Homemade Kid-Friendly Cleaner
Homemade Holiday Wreaths
Homemade holiday wreaths are beautiful and inexpensive to make. They're a great excuse to get outside with the family and everyone can help in their creation. Here are some step-by-step directions on how you can make your own homemade holiday wreaths. WHAT YOU WILL NEED A wreath frame (available at most craft stores) Floral wire Pruning shears Scissors Wire … [Read more...] about Homemade Holiday Wreaths