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Thanks so much for following symhomemom (now Saving Family Green)! I hope you will continue to follow on the new platform as well as on Facebook and Twitter!
Thanks!
Amy
Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here.
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Menu Plan Monday - Week of 7/22 - 7/28
As you will see below, I list items that have been grown in our garden (in italics), purchased locally and/or are Organic!
This week is challenging as my daughter and son have swim lessons every evening, so I will be planning meals that can be served cold and at the pool!
Breakfast
Cereal, fruit
English muffin w/ peanut butter, banana
Homemade Banana Bread, fruit
Lunch
Whole wheat tortilla w/ hummus, turkey, local tomatoes and local spinach, carrot sticks, fruit
Whole wheat tortilla w/ Organic local black beans w/ combination of some or all of the following: salsa,
Organic local grass-fed cheddar cheese, local tomatoes and/or organic plain yogurt, fruit
Green salad w/ local hard boiled eggs, local tomatoes, carrots, Organic local grass-fed cheddar cheese and honey mustard dressing
Leftovers
Supper
Sunday - Chicken, zucchini, yellow squash, onion kabobs. Peaches grilled on kabobs as well. Green salad with dressing.
Monday - Chipotle (One of the best "fast" food type places you can eat in terms of how they source their food).
Tuesday - Hot dog night at the pool, veggie sticks, green salad, local plums and local apricots.
Wednesday -Tomato Basil Pasta, green salad, local fruit
Thursday - Pizza, fruit
Friday - Organic local black bean quesadillas w/ local onions, cheddar cheese, salsa, Organic plain greek yogurt (in lieu of sour cream) and Melon Agua Fresca
Saturday - Local hamburgers, local tomato/ mozzarella/ basil salad, green beans, local fruit
I’m an Organizing Junkie is home to Menu Plan Monday.
Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet
Sustainable Saturday - 2012 Suburban Family Garden - July Update!
Since I have been absent from the blogging world for most of this year, I thought I would give a quick update as to what we've been up to. The family health issues we've been dealing with have improved in some ways, and are more challenging in other ways.
Here is the quick update of where we've been this year. One of my main goals for Saving Family Green this year was to create the Edible Front Yard. Due to much shade in our backyard, the idea was to move many of the sun loving plants to the front yard where there are no trees.
We started many of our seeds early and indoors this year. I based my guidelines for when to plant what on the Farmer's Almanac online in which you can type in your zip code and it will provide you with a chart of dates to start seeds indoors or as transplants outdoors. I also purchased this year self watering trays from Burpee (Home Depot) which were AWESOME! I will be using these exclusively next year. The plants that were started in this system grew quickly and were incredibly healthy seedlings.
Since the goal was to garden in the Front Yard, I needed a new garden bed. My very kind husband built this bed for our new garden using some old timbers and corrugated metal panels that we had leftover from our home renovation project. I will give the full details of this construction project in a later post.
The progress of our garden has been overwhelmingly good this year! Surprising since in Central Ohio we have had extreme temperatures early in the growing season and little rain. We are already thinking ahead to the next Summer and drip irrigation system (possibly connected to our rain barrels) to water this new Front Yard garden.
This Front Yard garden has been quite the conversation piece, as my neighbor's are taking notice. This was another goal I had for this year, Community Awareness of Local Foods and Gardening.
Here is an update on our 2012 Suburban Family Garden:
Front Yard Garden:
Included in this garden bed are:
Included in this 4 foot x 8 foot garden bed are:
Included in this 4 foot x 8 foot garden bed are:
Included in this 4 foot x 8 foot garden bed are:
Included in this 4 foot x 8 foot garden bed are:
This is all 4 - 4 foot x 8 foot In Ground Garden Beds. The last bed only has peas planted as it receives little sun during the day.
Photo Credit: Amy Lloyd.
Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet
Here is the quick update of where we've been this year. One of my main goals for Saving Family Green this year was to create the Edible Front Yard. Due to much shade in our backyard, the idea was to move many of the sun loving plants to the front yard where there are no trees.
We started many of our seeds early and indoors this year. I based my guidelines for when to plant what on the Farmer's Almanac online in which you can type in your zip code and it will provide you with a chart of dates to start seeds indoors or as transplants outdoors. I also purchased this year self watering trays from Burpee (Home Depot) which were AWESOME! I will be using these exclusively next year. The plants that were started in this system grew quickly and were incredibly healthy seedlings.
Since the goal was to garden in the Front Yard, I needed a new garden bed. My very kind husband built this bed for our new garden using some old timbers and corrugated metal panels that we had leftover from our home renovation project. I will give the full details of this construction project in a later post.
The progress of our garden has been overwhelmingly good this year! Surprising since in Central Ohio we have had extreme temperatures early in the growing season and little rain. We are already thinking ahead to the next Summer and drip irrigation system (possibly connected to our rain barrels) to water this new Front Yard garden.
This Front Yard garden has been quite the conversation piece, as my neighbor's are taking notice. This was another goal I had for this year, Community Awareness of Local Foods and Gardening.
Front Yard Garden:
Included in this garden bed are:
- Edible flowers
- Lettuce (multiple varieties)
- Cutting celery
- Basil
- Tomatoes (multiple varieties)
- Spinach
- Peppers
- Broccoli
- Beans (Pole)
- Onions
Included in this 4 foot x 8 foot garden bed are:
- Eggplant
- Jalapeno Pepper
- Banana Pepper
- Yellow Pear Tomatoes
- Basil
- Beans (Pole)
- Lettuce
Included in this 4 foot x 8 foot garden bed are:
- Zucchini
- Beans (Pole)
- Beans (Bush)
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Cantaloupe
This is all 4 - 4 foot x 8 foot In Ground Garden Beds. The last bed only has peas planted as it receives little sun during the day.
Photo Credit: Amy Lloyd.
Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet
Menu Plan Monday - Week of 7/15 - 7/21
As you will see below, I list items that have been grown in our garden (in italics), purchased locally and/or are Organic!
This week is challenging as my daughter has swim lessons every evening, so I will be planning meals that can be served cold and at the pool!
Breakfast
Cereal, fruit
English muffin w/ peanut butter, banana
Homemade Banana Bread, fruit
Lunch
Whole wheat tortilla w/ hummus, turkey, local tomatoes and local spinach, carrot sticks, fruit
Whole wheat tortilla w/ Organic local black beans w/ combination of some or all of the following: salsa,
Organic local grass-fed cheddar cheese, local tomatoes and/or organic plain yogurt, fruit
Green salad w/ local hard boiled eggs, local tomatoes, carrots, Organic local grass-fed cheddar cheese and honey mustard dressing
Leftovers
Supper
Sunday - Snacks after a late afternoon bridal shower.
Monday - Basil, Beyond Pesto (recipe adapted from Edible Columbus). The only modification I made was I used red wine vinegar in lieu of the white wine vinegar the recipe called for.
Tuesday - Hot dog night at the pool, carrot sticks, local cantaloupe and pretzel sticks.
Wednesday - Veggie Fettuccine with Tomatoes, fruit
Veggie Fettuccine with Tomatoes (from July August 2012 Weight Watchers Magazine)
With swivel-blade peeler, peel 2 green zucchini and 2 golden zucchini lengthwise into 3/4-inch-wide strips, stopping at seeded center of each. Discard seeded centers. Cut 2 carrots into matchstick strips. Transfer vegetables to colander; toss with 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Let stand 30 minutes; drain. Rinse vegetables, pat dry with paper towels and transfer to large bowl. Meanwhile, mix 2 diced seeded beefsteak tomatoes, 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 minced small garlic close, 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano and 1/2 minced jalapeno pepper in bowl. Top veggies with tomato mixture and 6 Tbsp crumbled feta cheese.
Thursday - Pizza, fruit
Friday - Organic local black bean quesadillas w/ local onions, cheddar cheese, salsa, Organic plain greek yogurt (in lieu of sour cream) and Melon Agua Fresca
Saturday - Local hamburgers, local tomato/ mozzarella/ basil salad, green beans, fruit
I’m an Organizing Junkie is home to Menu Plan Monday.
Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet
Sustainable Saturday - Top 5 Ways To Save On Energy Costs
This is a guest post from Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating. As the summer temperatures have heated up around the country, Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating offers 5 Ways to Save on Energy Costs.
In this day and age, it seems every time we turn around there’s a new bill or fee that we have to pay. It can get pretty overwhelming, to say the least. So when there’s a way to save a little cash, why not seize the opportunity? Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating who specializes in air conditioning maintenance in NYC has come up with 5 ways to save on energy costs this summer.
1. Buy a High-Efficiency Unit
2. Use Ductless Air Conditioners
3. Purchase A Programmable Thermostat
4. Mount a Whole House Fan
5. Invest In a Properly Sized Unit
Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet
In this day and age, it seems every time we turn around there’s a new bill or fee that we have to pay. It can get pretty overwhelming, to say the least. So when there’s a way to save a little cash, why not seize the opportunity? Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating who specializes in air conditioning maintenance in NYC has come up with 5 ways to save on energy costs this summer.
1. Buy a High-Efficiency Unit
2. Use Ductless Air Conditioners
3. Purchase A Programmable Thermostat
4. Mount a Whole House Fan
5. Invest In a Properly Sized Unit
Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet
Menu Plan Monday - Week of 6/10-6/16
As you will see below, I list items that have been purchased locally or are Organic (some are both!)
Breakfast
Cereal, fruit
Organic plain yogurt with local strawberries and locally made granola
English muffin w/ peanut butter, banana
Jazzed up pizza (homemade whole wheat pitas w/ homemade local strawberry jam, local strawberries and bananas)
Lunch
Whole wheat tortilla w/ hummus, turkey, local tomatoes and local spinach, carrot sticks, fruit
Whole wheat tortilla w/ Organic local black beans w/ combination of some or all of the following: salsa, Organic grass-fed cheddar cheese, local tomatoes and/or organic plain yogurt, fruit
Green salad w/ local hard boiled eggs, local tomatoes, carrots and honey mustard dressing
Homemade whole wheat pitas w/ falafel, cucumber sauce, lettuce, local cucumbers and local tomatoes, carrot sticks, fruit
Supper
Sunday - Local hamburgers, whole wheat buns, local asparagus, local green salad w/ local carrots, local cucumber and red peppers.
Monday - Homemade whole wheat pitas w/ falafel, cucumber sauce, lettuce, local cucumbers and local tomatoes or hummus, carrot sticks, fruit
Tuesday - Hot dog night at the pool, carrot sticks, pineapple, local strawberries and pretzel sticks.
Wednesday - Local black bean quesadillas w/ red peppers and local onions, cheddar cheese, salsa, Organic plain yogurt (in lieu of sour cream).
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Dinner out
Saturday - Homemade pizza w/ local italian sausage, local onions, red peppers and local Organic grass-fed mozzarella cheese.
I’m an Organizing Junkie is home to Menu Plan Monday.
Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet
Sustainable Saturday - Strawberry Freezer Jam
We purchased strawberries again today at our local farmer's market, however this is probably the last week for local berries in Central Ohio. I thought I would share a post from last year, August 2011, on making homemade strawberry jam.
This post is originally from Saving Family Green in August 2011.
In July we ran out of homemade strawberry jam. We had exhausted our supply of freezer jam we made from strawberries we picked from a local farm and jam my Aunt had made. I purchased some strawberry jam from the grocery store, but it just wasn't the same. We were lucky this past Saturday that one of the vendors at our local Farmer's Market had strawberries! We used Ball Instant Fruit Pectin, Organic Turbinado and fresh local strawberries.
First, we cleaned and cut the strawberries.
Next, we placed the strawberries in the blender.
Then, we stirred together the pectin, sugar and strawberry puree.
The finished product!
Total cost: We spent $20 for the entire container of strawberries (4 quarts), however we probably only used half the berries to make the jam, so probably $10-12 dollars worth. The Ball Freezer containers were reused from last year, so $0 and the Ball Instant Fruit Pectin I found on Clearance at KMart for $0.90. To purchase 6 (8 oz) jars of jam at our local Farmer's Market would have cost $4-5 each.
This is a very economical way to make jam, you will know exactly what is in it and it tastes great!
Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet
This post is originally from Saving Family Green in August 2011.
In July we ran out of homemade strawberry jam. We had exhausted our supply of freezer jam we made from strawberries we picked from a local farm and jam my Aunt had made. I purchased some strawberry jam from the grocery store, but it just wasn't the same. We were lucky this past Saturday that one of the vendors at our local Farmer's Market had strawberries! We used Ball Instant Fruit Pectin, Organic Turbinado and fresh local strawberries.
First, we cleaned and cut the strawberries.
Next, we placed the strawberries in the blender.
Then, we stirred together the pectin, sugar and strawberry puree.
The finished product!
Total cost: We spent $20 for the entire container of strawberries (4 quarts), however we probably only used half the berries to make the jam, so probably $10-12 dollars worth. The Ball Freezer containers were reused from last year, so $0 and the Ball Instant Fruit Pectin I found on Clearance at KMart for $0.90. To purchase 6 (8 oz) jars of jam at our local Farmer's Market would have cost $4-5 each.
This is a very economical way to make jam, you will know exactly what is in it and it tastes great!
Note: Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links. You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet
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