Spring Cleaning!

Is it time for your Spring Cleaning projects yet?  Here are some ideas to get you started:

Freshen Up Your Fridge

If your refrigerator is anything like mine, it collects its share of smears and dribbles, plus a selection of partially used containers, and even a science experiment or two that somehow got pushed into a hidden corner. Here’s how to give it a good makeover: Pull out your picnic cooler and unload everything from the fridge into the cooler. Take out all the removable shelves and bins and set them aside, wipe out any loose crumbs, and spray down all the interior surfaces with a nontoxic spray cleaner (see our story on nontoxic cleaners for an easy recipe). Close the fridge door to let the cleanser soak the insides while you clean the bins and shelves that you removed. Spray those, and clean using a scrub brush or rough sponge on the shelves, and a regular sponge or damp cloth on the bins (so you don't scratch them). The bathtub makes a good place to do this if your sink is too small. A retired toothbrush is great for getting into cracks where food residues may lurk.

Allow the bins and shelves to dry (outside in the sun if possible). While they're drying, scrub or wipe all the surfaces inside the fridge clean. Be sure to scrub in and under the door gasket. Wipe off the dirty water with clean terry cloth rags until everything is sparkling and dry. Reinstall all the shelves and bins, and put your food away, careful to dump or compost anything that's unrecognizable, moldy, or past its expiration date. Clean off any sticky containers, too, before replacing them.

Do the same thing for your freezer, only wipe down sprayed surfaces immediately so your cleaner doesn't freeze. Put an open container of baking soda in each part of the fridge to soak up stray odors.

Spring is also a good time to clean dust off the condenser coils of your fridge so it works more efficiently and uses less energy. If the coils are on the back of your fridge, pull it away from the wall and unplug it, and use your vacuum cleaner or a damp sponge to remove dust buildup on the coils. If they're on the bottom, unplug your fridge and remove the coil cover panel. Vacuum the coils with the wand attachment until you don't see any more dust (use a flashlight if need be).

Oven Overhaul

Keeping baked-on messes in check will reduce the amount of fumes released every time you turn on your oven. But noxious, chemical oven cleaners can be the harshest products in your kitchen because they contain corrosive ingredients that can burn skin and trigger asthma attacks (particularly if they're in aerosol form). I’d also skip the stove's automatic-cleaning feature, as it uses up fossil fuel and releases all that crud into the air, but if you do use it, be sure to run your exhaust fan the entire time.

Ready to tackle you cleaning project yet?  Be sure to check out the whole list of ideas here:  http://www.organicgardening.com/living/how-spring-clean-your-kitchen?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-OrganicGardening-_-Content-Living-_-clean

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow!  Are you ready?  If you are still looking for a simple and meaningful gift idea for your special someone, here are some ideas courtesy of chiff.com:

• Create your own Valentine’s Day card. Compose a poem or an expression of love that expresses your personality.
• Create a "recollection collection" scrapbook filled with favorite photographs, love letters, keepsakes from special occasions, and cherished mementos.
• Make a CD of your favorite songs as a couple including love songs that you both enjoy listening to. Buy some romantic CDs, classic videos or DVDs and wrap them all together with red ribbon.
• Jewelry is always a favorite. For the woman in your life, buy a heart-shaped locket and put a picture of yourself in it. Personalize the locket with your loved one’s initials so she’ll have something to wear that’s hers alone. Package it in a heart-shaped box or tied to fresh flowers. For your man, a good choice is the classic sterling silver ID bracelet or cuff links with his name or initials custom-engraved.
• Give silk or glass flowers, which will last forever. If your beloved has a green thumb, give a flowering plant to put in the garden to enjoy year after year.
• Prepare your loved one’s favorite dinner and serve it on a romantically set table and dine by candlelight on Valentine’s Day. For the sweetheart with a sweet tooth, make a decadent dessert such as a chocolate fondue with melted chocolate mixed with a touch of heavy cream, and serve it with fruit or cookies

 

Read more tips here: http://www.chiff.com/a/Valentines-Day-Tips.htm

Are You Ready for Super Bowl Sunday?

 

It is Super Bowl weekend!  Are you ready for some football?  How about your Super Bowl party?  If you are in need of some quick football food fast, here is simple bean dip recipe to get you started (courtesy of Food.com):

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) can fat-free refried beans
• 1 cup salsa (I like medium)
• 4 ounces green chilies
• 1 cup cheese , shredded (I like a Mexican or taco blend)

Directions:

1. Spray a pie plate.

2. Mix all ingredients and place in pie plate.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or hot in the center.

4. Add extra cheese and anything else you want on top.

Check out this and other great Super Bowl Sunday recipes here: http://cheese.food.com/recipe/mexican-mess-bean-dip-293219#ixzz1lMH6yTi1

Groundhog Day is February 2nd!

Groundhog Day is coming up next Thursday.  Statistically, it has been a mild winter this year.  What do you think the Groundhog will predict? 

Without a doubt, this is one of America’s weirder holidays.  Here are five facts about the day your might not know:

1. Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow 97 times, has not seen it 15 times, and nine years are unaccounted for.

2. The National Climatic Data Center reportedly stated that Phil's prediction's have been correct 39 percent of the time. This number is in conflict with Phil's club, which states he's been right 100 percent of the time.

3. According to the funny website groundhog.org, there's a legend that during Prohibition, Phil threatened to impose 60 weeks of winter on the community if he wasn't allowed a drink.

4. In the years following the release ofGroundhog Day, a 1993 film starring Bill Murray, crowds numbering as high as 30,000 have visited Gobbler's Knob, a tiny hill in Punxsutawney where the ceremony takes place.

5. Though groundhogs typically live only six to eight years, Groundhog Day lore suggests that Phil drinks a magic elixir every summer, which gives him seven more years of life.

Read more about the holiday here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/01/groundhog-day-a-history-a_n_441000.html

Green Up Your Home

 

January can be the perfect month to start an apartment garden (if you start your seedlings indoors)!  Bring a little green to your home with these great tips from ohmyapt.com:

The size of your containers is important. Unless you’re growing seedlings or very small single plants, you don’t want to use containers that are particularly small. This will restrict the root system and negatively impact the plant’s growth. Remember, smaller containers retain less water than larger spreads of soil, so your container garden will require more frequent watering. You may want to look into layering some pebbles, mulch, or shavings over the soil to help keep in moisture.

Consider climate

Most types of plants can be grown in containers, but some varieties will thrive better than others. Annuals can be a good choice, as there’s less need to be preoccupied with the plants’ winter needs, and you can change things up with more frequency. Depending on your climate and commitment, plants designed for arid conditions like cacti and succulents can lend great variety and color to your container garden without requiring much watering or other care. You might want to grow herbs—small and very suitable for containers, they’re also practical and can be used (or even kept) in the kitchen.

Let’s stay together

Because container planting can bring plants together in close proximity, it’s a good opportunity to practice companion planting, which pairs plants that have beneficial biological relationships with one another. Most plants, especially those of a similar type (all herbs, or all flowers) and size, can get along reasonably well in the same pot. Companion planting is most beneficial for agricultural crops and food items, but can be done with flowers as well. One of the best known beneficial pairings is roses with garlic; do some research and see what plants go well with your favorite flowers, herbs, or small trees. Some plants (marigolds, for example) are also well-known as pest deterrents and can help protect all the other members of your small garden.

Going up?

A trellis or hanging pole is a great way to add more plants and additional depth to your small garden without taking up lots of space. If you don’t want to spend money on a shiny new trellis, consider making your own out of miscellaneous items. Many vines, like clematis, honeysuckle, or morning glory, can be trained to grow on a trellis. Some food plants, like beans, peas, and tomatoes, can also be staked to grow vertically.

Feeling generous?

If you’re not into growing vegetables for yourself, perhaps you’d like to grow a vertical plant like those described above, or maybe a small pot of strawberries, and donate the edibles produced to those in need. The Garden Writers Association of America has a program called Plant a Row for the Hungry that could help motivate you to really equip your garden to do something useful. Even if you don’t need the food, someone else might.

Showing off

Windowboxes, the quintessential feature of any perfectly manicured home, are also effective on balconies. They may be more accurately termed “railing boxes” in this case, but still provide a functional and attractive way to grow plants. Many windowboxes can be purchased online, at local gardening stores, or you can build your own if feeling ambitious. You may have the urge to clutter up your windowbox with lots of plants to create the traditional lush, full look, but don’t forget about the constraints of container gardening, and remember that these plants will require special attention to their water and space needs. Overcrowding puts plants in competition; it’s better to have three thriving plants than four struggling ones.

Dive in

Container gardening can also be a good opportunity to get into aquatic gardening. Digging a giant hole in the middle of your backyard (if you have one) to create a pond is a daunting prospect, but having a pot of aquatics on your porch can feel like a somewhat more manageable task. Get some floating plants, submerged plants, and emerging plants, and have a ball with unusual species. Keep in mind that your aquatic garden will be heavy even if it’s not very large, so make sure to situate it in a location you can commit to for a reasonable period of time. A great guide to aquatic container gardening is available at Water Gardening.

Bonsaiiiiiii!

Bonsai gardening is a relaxing and rewarding hobby, perfect for container or indoor gardening. You can start with the aforementioned popular Japanese maple and go from there. Whether pruning or just appreciating your small trees, you’ll rest assured knowing you have a unique and individualized garden.

Learn more here: http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/gardening.html#b

MLK Day of Service!

 

Martin Luther King Day is this Monday, January 16th.  Why not join the national movement to use this day as a National Day of Service!  Don’t know where to start?  Here are some helpful resources courtesy of http://mlkday.gov:

On the 25th anniversary of the King Federal Holiday, we still have work to do to realize Dr. King’s dream.  MLK Day of Service is the perfect time for Americans to answer Dr. King’s challenge to do something for others.  Just as Dr. King set big goals and focused relentlessly on results, we need sustained citizen action to address today’s social challenges.

The MLK Day of Service is a way to transform Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and teachings into community action that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, or it may meet a need of the spirit. On this day, Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through service projects that strengthen communities, empower individuals, bridge barriers, and create solutions.

How can I serve on MLK Day?

People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can get involved. Just fill in your zip code in the Find a Project box to locate a volunteer opportunity in your community or plan your own project.

Make a Resolution to Stay Healthy This Year

Are you looking to become healthier this year but don’t know where to start?  Don’t give up!  Here are some tips to put you on the right track this year:

1. Wear a pedometer and try to walk 10,000 steps per day.  Then try to beat your record!

2. Eating fish once or twice per week may help lower your risk for Cancer

3.  Try to drink 8 glasses of water a day

4.  Get some sleep!  Try to sleep 8 hours a night.

5.  Skip the sugar packet with your coffee. 

6. Reduce your stress!  Get a massage, take a warm bath, or simply take time for yourself.

7.  Quit smoking this year! 

Check out some more great tips here:  http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/gallery/healthtips

What are your resolutions for the year?