"Reel" Mowers

A couple years ago our family made the switch from a gas powered mower to a reel mower. Some consider the reel mower to be an ancient tool of the past :) but we are finding that there are many benefits. Ironically, as I am typing this I hear someone mowing their lawn two doors down.

Here are a handful of reasons we made the switch:
*Rotary mowers tear the grass - reel mowers cut grass like scissors, leaving a fine spray of clippings as mulch for your yard. Additionally, the way that reel mowers cut helps the grass maintain moisture and keeps diseases out.

*Less noise pollution - instead of the roar of a mower, you hear the quiet mechanical sound of the blades and the chirping of birds (or in our case the squawking of chickens).

*My husband doesn't stink when he is finished - Instead of the smell of gas exhaust, you have the smell of fresh air and fresh-cut grass.

*Mow early or late - we don't have to worry about waking the neighbors or interrupting someone's afternoon nap. The temperature will be cooler!

*Per hour of operation, a gas lawn mower emits 10-20 times as much hydrocarbon as a typical automobile (1).

*Reel mowers offer a great work-out. The new designs are definitely easier to use that those 30 or so years old but using a reel mower is not an effortless task.

*You don't have to worry about starting up your mower and having it break down on you. The pull chain won't snap and you'll never run out of gas.

*Gas powered mowers cost more: you have a higher purchase cost, a higher maintenance cost, higher fuel costs and a higher cost to our environment.

*Reel mowers are light enough to lift and store on a wall in your garage.

Some drawbacks:
- They do take some effort, but they aren't any harder to push than an 80-pound gas mower that isn't self-propelled. You are your mowers engine!

- It does take a bit longer to mow with a manual mower than a power mower.

- Manual mowers are harder to push when the grass gets too tall, so keep your lawn mowed weekly.

- Your lawn will look cut but not manicured.

-Blades should be sharpened every two years (i think this is the same for a gas powered mower).

- Reel mowers don't chop up sticks.

- You will have grass clippings left on your lawn - we feel like this is better for your lawn as it provides natural mulching but some may be bothered by it.

All in all, our family has enjoyed the benefits of using a reel mower. So next time you're in the market for a new lawn mower maybe you'll consider a reel mower!!!

(1) www.eartheasy.com

Whole Wheat Bread in the Bread Machine

I've finally come up with a recipe that makes whole wheat bread taste soft and chewy like store bought bread!

1 Tbs oil

1 1/4 cup warm water

1 Tbs vinegar

1/4 cup honey or 1/3 cup sugar

2 & 3/4 cups white whole wheat flour

1/4 cup vital wheat gluten

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup potato flakes

2 Tbs nonfat non instant dry milk

1 Tbs active dry yeast

Add ingredients in order listed to your bread machine.  Set the machine for a 1 pound loaf on the lightest crust setting.  After the first rising period (before the machine actually starts baking) you may want to scrape the dough from the sides of the machine and pat the dough into a ball.  This just makes the crust look prettier when it's all done.  Once the bread is finished baking remove it from the bread machine and immediately place it in a ziplock bag to cool.  This keeps the moisture in and helps the bread stay soft.  

*Update*  

My family stopped using this recipe when some of us developed a sensitivity to gluten.  This recipe has extra   gluten so it really did a number on our poor tummies. That being said, it's still the softest whole wheat bread from a bread machine that I've ever tasted.

breathing new life into a tired lamp

check out how here!

Amazing Eye-Make-Up Remover (in a cute package!)

My favorite Christmas gift this year was from my beautiful sister-in-law, Anita. We had told each other that we both wanted to make as many handmade gifts for our family as possible and she did not dissappoint! Isn't it cute? And it works wonderfully, too. The skin around my eyes feels so soft and I feel much better using this than I do about putting mineral oil on my face (ew!) I think it's a fantasitc gift idea and you probably want to make one for yourself, too!

*Update*
There were several comments asking about the process or recipe for this.  Simply saturate the cotton swabs in olive oil and then package them in a small jar.  You can add a little extra olive oil to the bottom of the jar if you like.  Hope that helps!

dryer balls

dryer balls...no, they're not related to the little beasts that eat random socks in your dryer:)  they actually save money and the earth's resources!  these balls are designed to reduce drying time by separating laundry while it tumbles and allowing warm air to flow more efficiently.  they also soften your fabrics without using chemical softeners.  they have been proven to make ironing easier, decrease lint and reduce drying time up to 25%!  they are totally reusable...just leave 'em in your dryer and forget about them.  and if that isn't enough.....i just found a site that tells you how to make your own!!  (yes, i watch too many infomercials:)  act now, this offer won't last!  oh, wait.  it will.  but still, get on this right away and let us know how it goes!

Popcorn

I made a great find at a thrift store recently--a popcorn maker!

My kids LOVE it. I love it, too and here are some of the reasons why:

• Popcorn is an easy healthy snack.
• By making my own popcorn I can control how much butter and salt is used.
• Popcorn kernels are MUCH cheaper than pre-popped popcorn or microwave popcorn.
• There is very little waste with popcorn kernels, as opposed to microwave popcorn which often has a plastic wrapping, plus the paper bag, not to mention to cardboard box it comes in.
• It's fun to watch the popcorn popping (and it takes about the same amount of time as microwave popcorn)
• No hot dangerous oils or burning microwave bags.

As you can see I bought it for a great price! New popcorn makers cost between $14 and $20 on average. For all the benefits listed above, I still think they are worth that price. However, buying a fun appliance like this at a thrift store not only saves you money but it also means you're giving something a second life--which is always more environmentally friendly than buying something new. Plus, you won't be contributing to any landfills with all the packaging of a new appliance.

If you decide to go thrifting for a popcorn maker I'm sure you'll find plenty to choose from. When I bought this one there were four others on the shelf, including a brand new one still in the box. Just be sure to check the power cords for kinks or fraying--setting your house on fire is not frugal or green. :)

Move Over Glade

'Tis Satsuma season! Don't you just love those easy-to-peel little oranges? We fly through them in our house. Instead of ditching the peels in the compost why don't you used them to make a natural air freshener? Here's what you need:
Put the peels from a few of the little guys into a small pan, sprinkle some cinnamon over them or add a few cinnamon sticks, cover them in a decent amount of water and set the burner to the lowest heat level. Make sure you check it periodically so that all of the water doesn't evaporate - or if you're me you set a timer :)
Soon your home will be filled with cinnamony-orange goodness without the chemicals or waste from a store bought air freshener. Mmmmmm . . .

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