Soup and Chili Time

Yep, another soup...This is my version of Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana. I did not use a recipe on this, have made it in the past using a couple of different recipes I found, this one is a combination of different ones I looked at. The one thing I did different in this soup is, adding smoked paprika - thrilled I did, it added a different twist to this soup that I loved.

There is an endless amount of recipes on the Internet if you want to make this soup. And I always say, BE BRAVE and do your own thing when it comes to soup.

Another couple of things I have made...this scarf...and it feels like butter, it is so soft.

And a striped slouchy hat.

And Wednesday thoughts...

Colors of GREEN...with a song

Rain has been falling for a couple of days; GREEN is really popping. I couldn't resist taking the camera out yesterday and capturing some of this magical color. Being surrounded by concrete/brick buildings, parking lots and stores, I delight in what little bit of nature forces it way to my front and back door. (However, even living in the city, I seem to have a lot of wildlife coming to my 'tiny' backyard.) :)

While listing some new items to my Etsy Shop today, I was listening to Adele. I hope YOU enjoy this beautiful song.

Get salty and savvy

Here are some great tips! I found this today while on Planet Green. Living GREEN is great for us and great for our planet. Salt is inexpensive and non-toxic, so why not!

By Sophie Uliano

I'm continuing my budget-friendly series here with suggesting the myriad uses for common household items. Since green is all about saving money, your health and the planet, it makes sense to consider 10 things you can do with a jar of eco-friendly, common salt.
Freshen your waste disposal: Pour 1 cup of salt into the unit, run cold water and start the motor. The salt will dislodge grimy deposits.
Prevent grease from splashing: If you throw a few pinches of salt into the frying pan before frying fatty foods such a bacon, you'll prevent having to clean all the that grease off the hob.
Washing your Greens: It can be tough to wash greens such as chard, Kale and even spinach because of the little curly crevices. Wash the leaves in a sink half full of cold water and 1/2 cup of salt.
Mold prevention: In these tough economic times, we can't afford to let anything go to waste, especially an expensive piece of cheese. Prevent a hunk from going moldy by wrapping it in a napkin that has been soaking in salt-water prior.
Ditch the stain remover: Many stain removing sticks can be toxic. Instead make a solution with 4 tbsp of salt in 2 cups of hot water. This is especially good on yellow perspiration stains. Simply sponge the solution onto the stain and rub until the yellow disappears. Wash as normal.
Mouthwash: Most drugstore mouthwashes are expensive and contain dye, alcohol and sweeteners. Do it the old-fashioned way by mixing 1tsp salt and 1 tsp of baking soda in 8ounces of warm water. You can also add 5 drops of tea tree oil if you like the taste.
Salt Rub: Forego the expensive body scrubs and give yourself a homemade salt rub at home. Just dip your mitts into a large tub of sea salt and massage while your skin is wet and then shower off.
Pick up broken eggs: Have you ever tried to scoop up an uncooked egg that has smashed onto the floor? Extremely difficult—however if you use salt, easy! Cover the spill with salt as it will draw the egg together and wipe up with a recycled paper towel.
Remove baked-on food: When you are facing the awful task of scrubbing out a roasting pan, dampen the pan and sprinkle salt all over. The salt will lift off the baked on food.
Spruce up your mop: To prevent you having to run out and buy a replacement mop head (not my favorite activity), soak your mop in a bucket of water with 1 cup of salt overnight.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter: @PlanetGreen

Shop Green

Mexican Baskets


Nicaragua Baskets

Baskets are one way I shop green. While living in Germany I did all my shopping using baskets. This way of life continued after I returned to the states. I get a few stares now and then with a cart full of baskets; living in the Midwest you can expect that. I don't mind at all. I've been doing it for so long that it does not bother me. These are some of the types I use. I love the colorful ones.