new obsession: Chocolove August 1, 2009

Ok stupid name for a chocolate bar, but amazing dark chocolate!! I am currently digging the 73%  cacao. It’s so freaking smooth and the bitterness melts into a subtle sweetness.  It’s 100% organic and fair trade. I have little guilt of any sort eating this pleasurable chocolate, of course all things in moderation.  If you can’t hang with the bitter dark at least try one of their other options (see update below). Enjoy!

 

 

Update: Evidently the only Chocolove product that I can truly recommend is the organic and fair trade one mentioned above. The rest are not marked with “fair trade.” And I still absolutely love this chocolate.

Flor(tm) Carpet Tiles: loving them March 19, 2009

I happened to stumble upon a box of 6 Flor brand carpet tiles at my favorite discount store marked down to $3.75. I had to buy them if not for the great deal then for the fact that I have since found out the company is awesome. As is the product. These six tiles are serving as a rug between the boys’ beds and I just love them! They were part of the limited edition Rug-in-a-box line Flor put out awhile back. I did a little research at www.flor.com before committing to the product because while I had heard of them before I didn’t know what these tiles were made of and wasn’t sure if we would be keeping this fantastic deal I brought home. I’m not a usually a fan of carpet for many environmental and health reasons, at this price I was hoping for a reason to change my tune.

Turns out Flor is committing to a goal of zero negative impact on the earth by 2020. You can read more about their environmental efforts here.  http://www.flor.com/service/flor/environment.html  I was especially excited to read about the low VOCs in the final product and recycling they do. So as far as buying a product with a green conscience behind it, I felt pretty good about this one.

About the actual product: The tiles I got run about $4.99 each so if we decide to expand the rug into a full floor covering for the boys we know we can do it on our tight budget and a little at a time if we like. Flor does offer many colors, styles and price points. Putting the rug together was easy enough for our 3 year old to do, he laid the tiles out the way he wanted the colors to go and I stuck the dots on the back to hold the whole thing together. Voila! As a rug it sticks in place, no need for a rug backer. It hasn’t moved since I put it down. Even though we have the least expensive tiles they offer, they certainly don’t feel cheap. I like low pile carpet anyway so this is perfect, it feels soft under foot and cleans up like a champ. As you may know by now we have 2 little boys and things can get a little unpredictable at the changing table… I used our Bissell Little Green carpet cleaner on the soaked tiles and they looked brand new, also there was no moisture under the tiles. The best thing is that if you use them as a rug or wall to wall you can replace a tile (or several) if something unfortunate happens. Send them back to Flor and they will turn the used ones into something new. I love that for 2 reasons: recycling is always good and with boys something messy is bound to happen sooner or later.

Bottom line: At the very least check out their website www.Flor.com if you are considering any new floor covering. Prices and styles suit just about every budget and design motif. After 3 months I still love the product and can’t wait to get more for other rooms in the house. I may even put them in the bathroom, crazy eh?

Cost: generally $4.99/ tile and up

Where to buy: www.flor.com

A better way to clean March 19, 2009

OK so better is in the eye of the beholder, but at least hear me out.

I have been using a steam cleaner for about 2 and a half years. I’m talking about the little kind that sprays steam not the carpet cleaner. It all started when I purchased a used and very grungy outdoor plastic picnic table for our oldest. I wondered how was I going to get into the nooks and crannies with just a sponge and some cleaner (I was using Method brand at the time.) I remembered seeing something on late night TV or QVC that was some miracle cleaner that just used water.  Although I am always skeptical of something too good to be true, I thought what the heck I’ll buy one from some place with a liberal return policy and try it out.  What I purchased then was the Shark or Euro-Pro red one, I guess the names are interchangeable. While it looked super sleek and had a multitude of attachments it was still over $40 and I thought it better work well. I also considered the fact that should it work as well as it did on TV I could stop buying most of my cleaning supplies and it would pay for itself rather quickly. So it did blast away dirt and grime from every surface of my home including the textured top of that picnic table. It looked nearly new when I was done with it, and I didn’t use a drop of cleaner. I used it on tile, tiny crevices around faucets, it removed coffee stains from the sink, it made fast work of cleaning the oven and microwave, in short it was a miracle and worked as promised. I loved it until… the little trigger just broke one day. No more spray. When that happened I did a little research and found that this same problem happened to many people. Too bad my return policy didn’t go over a year.

Not being able to live without my new found friend, I had to find a replacement. By then Shark had come out with a new pathetic squeeze handle version, and I was not sure I wanted to give them any more money. I took a peek on Amazon.com to see what they had to offer. I found a brand called American Camper, not one I had ever heard of. It was $19.99 seemed like a steal. It came with all of the attachments the Shark had to offer. There were also several very positive reviews and not a single negative one. I thought no way would it work as well as the $40 one.  I was was right it works so much better! The Shark model always sprayed a bit of water with the steam and I thought that was normal, the new A.C. one sprays a strong jet of steam and very little water. I love it even more than the first one, and it has most definitely paid for itself by now. I am still finding uses for it: detailing the car, sanitizing toys, even cleaning stuffed animals without drowning them in the washer, it gets things out of tiny cracks and seams like on our old dishwasher that came with the house. Today I blasted some many years of ick off the control panel that was tucked into the molding. It looks brand new. I am practically addicted to using this thing. I love that I don’t have to use cleaners to get something clean. Of course I am a strong believer in hot water and elbow grease anyway, but sometimes even then you need some help. That’s where the steam comes in. I love the fact that I have not felt the need to buy any cleaners with this little machine. That’s money better spent on cloth diaper fabric.. more on that later.

Ok downsides: It only holds a about 2/3 cup of water at a time, and the steam lasts for about a half an hour of straight spraying and wiping. Spray then wipe, not simultaneously.  But it does reheat the new batch of water in about 5 minutes, I say it’s an excuse to take a little break or tackle something else while I wait.  It has an oddly shaped handle and from a design standpoint is not the sleekest or cutest item I own. Seriously this is utilitarian does it need to be cute? It does spray hot steam with just the press of the trigger, please be careful around kids and pets. To me that’s not a downside that’s what I want it to do, just a warning. It does need to be plugged in at all times, the cord is very very long though. I don’t find that to be an issue. It can be kind of heavy and hard on the wrist, but you can use the spray extender and set down the main steamer.

Bottom line: Get it if you think a clean house should not smell like fruit, flowers, bleach, or fake pine trees. Rather I believe a clean house should not smell of anything.  Armed with a steam cleaner and microfiber cloth you can take on most anything. I am only recommending the American Camper brand at this time, I have little faith in the Shark brand at the moment. I do see that they have put a new blue one out recently and maybe they fixed the trigger problem and the water spitting.

Cost: about $20 plus shipping.

Where to get it: Amazon.com if it’s still available, if not you can find reviews of many similar items. http://www.amazon.com/Unknown-Electric-Steam-Cleaner/dp/B000OP3ABM/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Part 3: the biggest of all March 9, 2009

Literally the biggest: A new used 2007 Saturn Vue Hybrid. Just got it today and  so far we all love it! Our three year old wanted Daddy to take the “little car” so the new one could stay in the driveway.

This is our second new used hybrid. We also have a 2001 Toyota Prius (the first generation body style you never see) which we purchased about a year ago.  We knew there was no way we were going to be able to beat our average 43 mpg in a bigger vehicle, but 2 little kids in a little car was getting old fast. Not to mention its predecessor was a 2003 Jeep Wrangler, talk about poor gas mileage. Fun, but just not practical or very green. I have read a hundred and one reviews (well maybe not) and did a whole lot of research and frankly we’re on a tight budget so the Vue seemed to be the best fit all around. We never planned to buy a brand new vehicle regardless, it seems so wasteful when there are so many good cars with many miles and adventures still left in them. Larger hybrids (especially used) can be hard to find so don’t let one go without thoughtful consideration if you’re thinking about it.

I can’t say if the gas mileage lives up the claims, but I can say it’s roomy and full of wonderful features. It’s not a gutless wonder, but it does take some getting used to if you aren’t already a hybrid driver.

We are planning to take it on a cross country adventure in August. In the meantime, I look forward to breaking it in with crushed cheerios and spilled coffee very soon.

 

Update: LOVE this car!! Drove  Tampa to Philadelphia and back, was a comfortable ride, and got excellent mileage. I don’t have a single complaint about this car after 6 months.  It’s my new favorite to drive with or without the kids in tow.

Part 2 March 9, 2009

The rain barrel, no longer an empty driveway adornment.

In the previous post I mentioned attending a free class on composting, we actually took 3 consecutive classes compost happens, use of rain barrels, and  finally water conservation.  For about 4 months the rain barrel has been sitting in our driveway patiently awaiting it’s purpose.

We purchased an older home in need of some TLC, the gutters were no exception. It wasn’t until recently that my husband and father-in-law decided we could not save the rusty old metal gutters, they were leaky beyond repair. Hopefully they can be recycled, I need to look into that as they currently lay to rest in the back yard. They purchased and installed a new gutter system, relocated the rain barrel to a more suitable location, and hooked up the flexible downspout. The whole operation took less than an hour. 

It has not rained since the installation so I can’t say how much water it collects or how well it works, but I am very excited everytime I look out the window to see it. I like knowing I won’t have to turn on the faucet to water what I may plant in the future.  A note to anyone who may be thinking of this, be sure to use a leaf catch and/or mosquito netting to keep things out of your water. Another thing to consider is using a mosiquito dunk, there are a few brands out there at the home improvement stores. It is a natural material, harmless in the water, that prevents mosquitos from making a nursery in your precious vessel.

We were lucky to get ours free although rain barrels can be purchased in many places. Just be sure to get a food grade barrel. There are many helpful websites that instruct how to install a faucet and overflow system, and how to connect multiple barrels should you be so inclined.

A big green week: Part 1 March 9, 2009

We have been very busy around here greening in time for spring.

Part One: The compost bin

We got a free one from our local county’s extension office. A fair reward for attending a class called “Compost Happens.” Composting is seemingly very complex and needs more attention than I initially thought. At the moment the bin is over full with brown material and I think I have to start it over when we get a little more green material accumulated for the layering. 

We have a system in place at the moment that just might work: In the kitchen we have a small step lid type trash can with a removable liner for catching kitchen green scraps (and some brown with the multitude of coffee grounds we accumulate) seperate from the trash.  I’ve been tossing things in for about 3 days and have no odor as of yet to make me think this won’t work. In the future I may have to run it outside more frequently.  We have mounds of old yard “trash” that were once green but are now brown to mix in and cover the green as needed.  I am sure we’ll get the hang of turning and wetting as we go.  I’m a little creeped out about the crawly things that make compost happen, but it’s part of the process. I look forward to using the compost in my yet to be planted herb garden. 

If you are interested in composting I recommend taking a class, many are free and may have parting gifts. If you live in Hillsborough County or the surrounding area in Florida check out this website for info on the current class schedule.  http://hillsborough_fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/Compost-Happens.html

The Greenest Shave of All Time February 17, 2009

Ok at least for me.

For the past couple of years I have been shaving in the shower after my usual shower activities: turning the water off, freezing, and then doing a quick rinse. I thought I’d try something new and I don’t think I’ll be going back to my old ways.

Instead of shaving during my shower I decided to make it a seperate activity.  I stripped mostly from the waist down and sat on the side of the tub. I filled a 32 oz cup about 3/4 full with water and tossed in the razor.  Even the razor is an eco friendly gem. The handle is an old duplicate from my husband and the blades are made by Preserve.   More on Preserve later.

So now I have water, bare legs, and a ready razor. I cupped some water in my hands and wet a leg, then slathered on some hair conditioner that makes my locks limp, but my legs soft. I have used conditioner for some time instead of buying yet another shower product.  Working quickly I shave away unwanted hair without a nick in sight, rinsing the razor in the cup of water. Repeat with left leg. After I was all done with both legs I filled the cup again with fresh water and poured over legs to rinse away remaining conditioner.  I used about 64 oz of water total and wasn’t freezing in the process. I’d say it’s a win for me and the environment.

More about Preserve (www.preserveproducts.com) This company is wonderful. They started out recycling yogurt containers and turning them into razor handles, and now have an expanding product line for personal and household use. Most made with #5 products like the yogurt containers. I am pleased to see that not only do they take back their own products for recycling when you are done with them, they also accept other #5 plastics to use in future products.  My husband and I recently switched from our watt thirsty Sonicare to the Preserve toothbrush. The curved shape is a bit odd at first, but my teeth feel just as clean. It comes in a plastic sleeve handy to use as a travel case. I am excited to see what else they will come up with.

In love with a lipstick January 16, 2009

I was going to start off by telling you all about our green life, but thinking better of how boring that might be, I’ll just jump in with this week’s amazing find. For today and future reference: I am in no way receiving compensation for any products I recommend, these are things I love, use, and want to share.

I was wandering through Sephora looking for my spring cosmetic additions and remembered that Cargo had a lipstick with some part of the packaging infused with seeds for planting. Sure enough Cargo has a whole line called Plant Love.  http://www.cargocosmetics.com/plantlove.html  I think it’s sort of hippy dippy packaging in general and don’t like the egg shaped powder compacts. But I LOVE this lipstick. I got Faith and it is the most perfect shade I have found in a long time, also I don’t feel like I’m wearing anything. The lipstick is made of 100% organic material. The tube is made from corn so it’s biodegradable. The cardboard box it came in has seeds that grow into wildflowers. Supposedly you wet the box and plant it, then voila! I  have yet to plant mine, but will be sure to follow up should any flowers sprout.

I have been wearing this for about a week all the time and am now reaching for it over my Burt’s Bees chap stick even just around the house. It wears well, but is by no means a long wearing lipstick and you will find traces on your glass. I don’t find it to be drying it’s just a good normal lipstick. I wish there were more shades, although I am happy to have found this one. I had my eye on a lip gloss and now I have no doubt about buying it. 

Highly recommended if you want to try a new shade with little eco guilt.                        

Cost: about $20

Update March 9:  Still love the lipstick and got the lipgloss. While it is not 100% organic it is all natural origin, cardboard tube, just a shrink wrap seal so very little packaging. And I love it, not sticky, it’s smooth and feels good on, I find myself using a lot of it maybe because I like the way it feels. It doesn’t wear very long, not many glosses do. I  don’t get that yucky cotton mouth thing like I do with so many other brands. I wish there were more shades, but like the one I got very much.

It’s great, you should try it. I haven’t tried it over the lipstick yet, maybe I will tomorrow.