Tuesday Tips and Tidbits: Greener Picnics

I love a good picnic. I love eating outside. I don't mind a little wind or dirt. Heck, even most bugs don't faze me for a second. Now, when most people, and I'm as guilty as the next guy, get ready for a picnic they pack up disposable dishes, paper napkins, individually packaged everything (juiceboxes, soda cans, bags of crackers or cookies, etc) and head out. Then we spray ourselves down with chemical-laden sunscreens and bug repellents that are as bad (or worse) for our health as they are for the planet. So, in honor of summer and the fast approach of picnic season, I encourage to visit the Earth Share website to get some great tips for a greener picnic.

Tuesday Tips and Tidbits: Upcycling Produce Bags

I'm sure we're all familiar with those pesky plastic mesh bags that many places sell onions and other produce in. If you wad one up into a ball or tie it into a large knot, it makes a great little scrubby for your harder cleaning jobs. It's soft enough that it won't scratch (most surfaces anyway, always test if you're not sure), but it will give you a little extra power for some of those stubborn stains, especially in sinks or tubs. If you're super crafty and ambitious you can make this crocheted scrubby from Mrs. Greene.

Tuesday Tips and Tidbits: JW Westcott Company

Michigan is the only place in the world with a floating post office. The J.W. Westcott II is the only boat in the world that delivers mail to ships while they are still underway. They have been operating for 125 years.

JW Westcott Company

Tuesday Tips and Tidbits: Kitchen Science

I'm always searching for cool activities to do with my son to keep him interested in science, and learning in general. While playing around the interwebs, I found a video at Downstream Parenting illustrating how to make "Marbled Milk". It also provided a link to the book where she found the project. I can't wait to get the book and to try this with my little guy! Take a look at the video. It's so simple, but very cool!

Tuesday Tips and Tidbits: Famous Michiganders

Hey Losties, did you know that our favorite hero/villian was born and raised right here in the mitten? He even attended my alma mater, Central Michigan University, for a time!

I know, it doesn't really have anything to do with living simply, but it's pretty fun to see who shares a background with you!