Change is Coming

I feel like I'm part of a presential campaign . . . I've been absent from the blogging world for a few weeks, but with good reason. I am in transition to a new job . . . yea! It's a very exciting time for our family and we are excited for the new opportunities that lie ahead.

I am hoping to get back into the swing of things as I have many articles, tips and deals to share in regards to green living.

For those of you in the Columbus area, I have discovered a new Green cleaning service and I want to share! They are called A Green Sweep.

Tuesday's Green Thought . . . .

Being a little more green can be something as simple as choosing to walk or ride a bike in lieu of driving a automobile. While we live in a suburban neighborhood, we have one very distinct advantage in our neighborhood vs. other similar neighborhoods. Our local public schools are located within walking distance of our home. I am reminded of this great advantage as I see parents walking their children to school every morning.

We live in what is commonly referred to as a first ring suburb of Columbus, Ohio. The idea of schools being located within walking distance to single family dwellings is not new. When our City was founded it was based upon the New England Village Grid. There were specific lots designated for churches, government and schools. These lots were surrounded by single family homes. Our neighborhood was built in the 1960s. Fortunately the City had foresight to see how important it would be to locate the schools mixed amongst single family homes.

Somewhere with suburban sprawl we have gotten away from this idea.

I sure am glad we bought this house, in this neighborhood within walking distance to our childerns' schools.

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday - Pork chops marinaded in Italian dressing, homemade applesauce and Butternut Squash Fries

Monday - Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with whole wheat pasta

Tuesday - Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Wednesday - Mexican Casserole

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday - Calzones

Saturday - Pork Chops in Spiced Apple Pan Sauce with Roasted Broccoli Spears, Baked Apples

I’m an Organizing Junkie is home to Menu Plan Monday.

Sustainable Saturday - Being Frugal at the Farmers' Market

With the current state of the economy who doesn't want to save a few dollars here and there . . . being frugal by shopping for local foods at a Farmer's Market is an easy way to save some Green . . . . while also helping to be a little more Green.

This time of year you can find many varieties of apples, pumpkins, squash, green beans, broccoli and tomatoes. Not only can you plan meals for now, but you can also think about freezing or canning these fruits and vegetables to enjoy during the fall and winter months. The last few weeks I have been preparing foods for my freezer chopping and bagging vegetables and making large quantities of applesauce.

Frugal Green Living: Find Your Dinner at the Farmers' Market

Frugal Green Living: Preserving the Harvest

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday - Leftovers
Monday - Sweet & Sour Chicken with vegetables and rice
Tuesday - Chili
Wednesday - Chicken Enchiladas, fruit
Thursday - Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup/ leftover chili
Friday - Homemade pizza
Saturday - We are going to a wedding!

I’m an Organizing Junkie is home to Menu Plan Monday.

Sustainable Saturday - The Leaf Blower vs. The Rake

What is more efficient in dealing with a massive amount of leaves? Is the pollution created by the leaf blower acceptable if it saves time?

What I have learned is that when you any amount of leaves to rake, using a rake and a plastic tarp to move the leaves will be far more efficient and effective than trying to use a leaf blower - gas or electric.

All of our leaves in our backyard go directly to our compost pile.

This year we will rake our leaves, spend time with our children (the older one actually likes to rake, go figure) and spend a lot of time jumping in our leaf piles. We are looking forward to the memories we will make without putting any pollutants into the air. We are Getting to Green, are you?