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Showing posts from February, 2010

Fragrant Floral Wedding Toss

Make this fragrant blend of flowers as a substitute for rice for a wedding. In the Victorian language of flowers roses represent love, lavender is for devotion and chamomile means "may all your wishes come true" You will need about 1/4 cup per guest, which is a good handful. Simply mix equal pa rts of dried rose buds and/or petals, lavender buds and dried chamomile blossoms. Place 1/4 cup of your mix in the center of a tulle circle. (You can find the pre cut circles in the wedding section of most craft stores) Tie the top with a satin or organdy ribbon and you are d one! You can find the dried flowers here

Earth Friendly Practices

I believe that no step towards lessening our footprint on the Earth is too small. We keep the thermostat set on 62 degrees in the winter, hang clothes outside to dry whenever possible, use washable, reusable items like shopping bags, un-paper towels and mesh produce bags. Composting and recycling are second nature and trips to town usually only happen when there is more than one reason to go there. All that being said, I do use the dryer when it's rained for days and in the winter. Sometimes I forget the shopping bags and I never think to put junk mail in the recycling. The important thing is to make an effort and to not beat yourself up when you forget. Every time we remember or take the time to do these things, the World is a little better off! What environmentally friendly things have become routine in your life?

Better for You Chocolate Chip Cookies

I have been experimenting with cookie recipes to see just how much sugar can be cut out and how much white flour can be replaced with whole wheat flour. The original recipe calls for 2 cups of chocolate chips. I cut it back to 3/4 cup and added omega-3 rich walnuts. There is just enough chocolate to satisfy that craving and the walnuts add a nice crunch. You could use margarine instead of butter in this recipe, but I have been trying to more closely follow the "eat real foods, not food-like substances diet". Better for You Chocolate Chip Cookies 1 3/4 cup white flour 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup brown sugar- loosely packed scant 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup softened butter 2 eggs 2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped walnuts Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, cream sugars and butter. Add eggs, honey and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add salt and baking soda an