ATTENTION How to Save Money, Reduce Food Waste, Live Happier

February 28, 2013February 28, 2013 ~ urbanoutdoorgirl ~ 2 Comments

Let me start by saying.. I too am completely guilty of wasting food. And to be even more honest, I wasted a batch of kale last week due to lack of time. I know I know *enters cyber scold here :(* BUT there’s hope, and i’m pleased to say, I hardly waste food these days. Here are 5 QUICK and effective tips to help you save food, time, money, and the environment, applicable to everyday life. So if you love to save MONEY, love the environment, or simply want to be more efficient, read on my friend…

I. Plan Ahead! Why?

When you buy food without a plan, you end up buying things you dont need, simple as that. By planning what youll purchase, you reduce the chance of OVER buying and wasting. So save your pockets, time, and money, and plan ahead. Make a list and stick with it!

II. Dont stack your plate with food you wont eat! Why?

…because you can always go back for a second or third plate. Have you ever filled your plate, and gotten full grabbing your belly halfway? You cant put that food back in its dish so it goes to waste. Cut your plate in half, you can always go back for seconds.

III. Freeze what you can!

At the end of the week, if you haven’t used your produce, freeze it. I often do this when it comes to smoothies and it works just fine. Last night I froze apple slices to use for a later time. Just find out if your food is freezable and for how long. Simple! 🙂

IV. “..but it’s on sale”

Raise your hand if youve ever bought food just bc its on sale? I see you.. Its fine, we’ve all done it. This one takes mental effort but I assure you, if you have no immediate plan for it, don’t buy it. It will be ok! haha. Yes, you save money, but you also save money that you never spend. To help, check whats on sale online ahead of time at your local grocer to incorporate that into your planning. Win/win!

V. Donate food just sitting in your pantry.. Why?

Chances are, if you haven’t prepared your non-perishable food in 6 months, itll likely go to waste. So if you’ve fallen into the sale trap, just donate what you haven’t used and free up some space in your pantry. The kicker is, don’t let those foods pile back up. Be selective! win/win!

Waste reduction starts with US! Every time we waste food we are not only affecting ourselves, but the environment. In America, our food waste rots in landfills producing harmful emissions. Check out this article The Washington Post did on food waste in America 6 months ago ( http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2012/08/22/how-food-actually-gets-wasted-in-the-united-states/ ) Food waste is an issue on corporate levels, and personal. So lets all do our part. We literally have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Also visit, http://www.unep.org/wed/ to find out TONS about food waste, what we can do about it, and how to help the environment. This years World Environment Day theme is Think. Eat. Save. Check my next post for more tips.

In the meantime, How do you reduce food waste? Were these tips useful? How do you think, to eat and save? Eat, to save and think? Or save, to eat and think? Let me know!

recycle bags? what’s in it for YOU?

February 8, 2013February 8, 2013 ~ urbanoutdoorgirl ~ Leave a comment

So by this time I have learned that not everyone cares about the planet. and simply off of basic morals alone, most dont feel compelled to do things like recycle. and based on my knowing, this person may or may not be you reading this. In case it is, im gonna provide a few quick reasons why recycling is for you..

1. A lot of stores give money credit for bringing your own bag(s) instead of using theirs. Now though this may be only 5 or 10 cents (per bag) lol, its still money that YOU arent paying but actually getting free. And who doesnt like free? FREE… do I need to say it again FREE.. ok I think you get the point. So ask your local store do they give bag credits, youd be surprised.

2. Reduces clutter.. Yes it reduces clutter. How you might ask? Several reasons. If youre like me, after shopping, I can rest assure you have a whole cabinet jam packed with plastic bags to “reuse.” Well what else can that cabinet space be used for? I mean, reusable bags dont take up that much space so if you make the switch, this free space can be allocated for more useful things 🙂

3. Dont you want to be the cool person at the store or wherever who has their own bag? Its a new chance to get creative (especially for kids), and if youre actually shopping at clothing stores, it can provide capacity for greater storage instead of shuffling 4 and 5 bags at the mall.

Now dont all jump at once, get out there and get to recycling…. 🙂

Rock Your Socks Green Smoothie

February 7, 2013July 18, 2013 ~ urbanoutdoorgirl ~ Leave a comment

So heres a very simple green smoothie recipe, things can be altered but theres a few basics thatll get you started

a blender

1 cup spring water or coconut water (for larger batch use 2 cups)

2 cups of spinach ( the greens are your base so you dont have to use spinach use any greens you want to use)

2 apples sliced

2 pears sliced (again, be creative, you can use mangoes, pineapples etc. ) but pears are key for me, they really mute out any bitter taste and contribute to sweetness

1 ripe banana

1/2 lemon

…and thats it. Those are your basics.

I blend the water and greens first, then slowly add the fruits at high speed. Since my blender isnt as powerful as others this helps me avoid chunks. Add more or less as you please and dont be afraid to experiment to get the taste you like. You may add less greens and more fruit until you can handle more greens. Its really what works for you. What’s most important is youre getting your smoothies in. In addition, I add other things including but not limited to chlorophyll, spirulina, chia seeds, hemp protein powder etc. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. Anymore questions just let me know. Cheers!

Farm Adventures: The Duck Attack

December 24, 2012 ~ urbanoutdoorgirl ~ Leave a comment

Yesterday I visited a farm in Md. I went with no expectations except to catch sunset photos with my friend. Boy was I in for a treat… I walked upon what seemed to be an animal sanctuary of sorts. The entrance you walk past a large grassy fenced in area full of cows. there was one that was limping, which kinda made me sad… I wished I couldve helped her. next we got to the ducks area. that little mean duck came all the way out of its pond over to greet us… or shall I say, cuss us out in duck. seriously, it was ANGRY. ive never been so happy to be fenced off from a creature in my life. excuse my ignorance, i also did not know ducks hiss? like snakes! Oh em Gee hahaha. Despite the verbal slander I received, I remained cordial with my little duck friend. Even after it tried to bite my friends finger off *gasp*.

Did I mention it was like freeeezing haha. Next, we kept walking on the trail, and came upon a ravishing view. Down further in the open field there was a family of like 50 deer just chilling having a reunion lol. I jokingly suggested we walk down towards them but got scared halfway lol. I very mad at myself about this, i mean, i’m like the animal whisperer… What did I have to be leery of?

We walked back, and visited a nice little horse in its barn. it looked a little small to me (the barn that is) but I guess it was warm. That horse was huge though :(… We were also the only people there.. which i think is great. It was an hour before closing so I guess thats why. Anyway, it was a good day. Reminded me of one the reasons I dont eat meat, and why I love animals. They are so precious to us.

Bleh, Winter Rut

December 20, 2012 ~ urbanoutdoorgirl ~ Leave a comment

I know its been a while… This weather has thrown me completely off. Actually, its not the weather.. its the fact that by 4 freaking 30 p.m. the sun goes night night. I have a couple of past due posts that will be up VERY soon… but can we talk about this for a second? has anyone found them self in a winter rut? here are the symptoms: night time syndrome (tiredness and/or laziness at the sight of darkness), an “its to cold to go back out” attitude, over indulgence in delectable foods bc its holiday season (and you cant be the only one not eating at the holiday party), eating seems more appealing than going back out, period. If thats you say “aint nobody got time for that”

Youre right… nobody has time for that. Soon I will post some tips to bring in the new year right but in the mean time, try to do a little something in the house. Even if this is simply lifting weights, jumping jacks, or using a fitness app for at least 15 minutes out of the day. It makes a difference!!!