April is Earth Month

This month is a celebration of our Planet. There are so many ways you can make a difference to help our earth. Little changes can add up to big rewards.

1) Recycle your newspapers, plastic bags, plastic bottles and glass bottles.

2) Start a compost pile. Throw in your leftover apple peelings, potato peelings and even egg shells. You can compost most everything in your kitchen, except meat. Check out the 10 tips for making a better compost.

3) Hang your clothes outside to dry. This reduces your electricity bill and helps reduce energy consumption.

4) Bring your own reusable bags when grocery shopping. Some grocery stores will reward you when doing this. Whole Foods-gives you $0.05 per bag, you can donate it or take the $0.05 off your bill. Target- gives you $0.05 off your bill. Trader Joe's- puts your name into a monthly drawing.

5) Switch out a few of your household chemicals with natural ones. Seventh Generation is my favorite dish soap. I haven't switched the laundry detergent yet, but excited to try the new natural 4x laundry detergent.

6) Take a 5 minute shower. I know this doesn't sound like a long time but it is plenty of time to get your body washed and hair too. Set your alarm clock or bring in that kitchen timer. Here are a few great water saving ideas from the EPA on what you can do.

Join me and recyclebank in the "green your home" challenge.

Chicken and Potatoes

This can either be a side dish or the main dish. To make it as a main dish add some peas, carrots, peppers, broccoli or your favorite vegetables, maybe some extra chicken to fill up those hungry bellies.




Chicken and Potatoes recipe:

3 medium red potatoes, cut into bite size pieces
1/4 cup chicken (pre-cooked)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped red onions
1 Tbsp. parsley
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. rosemary

Put all ingredients in a large casserole dish and stir well. Bake cover in 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes. Top with some grated parmesan cheese.

April is Earth Month

Earthbound Farms is having a "Eat better for the Earth, Eat better for Yourself" facebook photo contest. Just take a picture of your meal and tell them in 50 words or less why you love or hate what's on your plate. The grand prize winning gets a gourmet weekend for 2 in Monterey California.

Test your knowledge about Organic farming and get a $1.00 off coupon if you answer all 12 questions correctly.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken, Chicken, Chicken, so many different meals to make with chicken. I usually cook a whole chicken and then devour it into many meals. Chicken noodle soup is my daughters favorite. You can also freeze your soup. It's great for those busy days when you "don't have time" to cook.




Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe:

1 cup cooked chicken
6 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped celery
3 Tbsp. chopped onion
1 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/4 box spaghetti noodles
1 tsp. olive oil

In large sauce pan cook spaghetti noodles according to package, add carrots and cook with noodles. In small skillet heat olive oil and saute onions and celery until tender. Drain noodles and carrots. In same large sauce pan add onions, celery, salt, pepper, parsley flakes, chicken and chicken broth. Bring to a boil for 4-5 minutes.



You can make your own homemade chicken broth and freeze it. Just remember to leave about and 1" of space from the top for the broth to expand when it freezes. Stay turned tomorrow for more Chicken recipes. How do you Chicken???

$0.75 coupon from Santa Cruz Organic

Celebrate Earth Month with Santa Cruz. Click here to get a great coupon for $0.75 off any Santa Cruz Organic item. Coupon expires June 30, 2011. There limeade is my favorite!!

FREE $25.00 coupon from Gurney's Seed & Nursery

Gurney's is having a great offer until April 18, 2011. $25.00 off your purchase of $50.00 or more. I was sceptical at first, thinking they would raise the prices so you really won't get a great deal. After some research I discovered their prices are reasonable with the local stores and other catalog companies.

Gurney's has a great variety of tomato plants. I just ordered the black krim tomato, looks delicious. I've always wanted to grow a black tomato. Cross your fingers it all works out.

Spring can be tricky

After months of cold snowy winter days it's nice when March comes around. The flowers start to bloom, the grass turns green, the bees start to buzz. O.k. maybe the bee thing is not so pleasant, but you get it what I mean. Spring is enjoyable.

Spring is a beautiful season in Virginia but can be tricky. Some days it will be 70 degree then snowing the next. This is important to remember when planting your garden. There are some plants that can take a cold night and others that can not. Broccoli, lettuce, potatoes, radishes, onions and brussel sprouts are some cold plants. They thrive in cold weather.

The United States National Arboretum can tell you which hardiness zone your in.




Here is a picture of my yard last Sunday, March 27, 2011. SNOW!!