Mission Bicycle Company

 Build your own bicycle at missionbicycle.com

Rethink

I watch terrible TV shows. The commercials drive me crazy and yet I do nothing about it. It is my white noise. I went on turnoffyourtv.com and checked out their TV Turn Off Week. It is just a way to rethink the role of television, why we use it, and how and what for. I know I would be happier doing more rewarding activities with my time. They give a list of 50 alternative activities- these are ones from the list that I would do:
- do a puzzle
- attend a concert
- visit the library
- listen to the radio
- cook
- plant a flower, vegetable, herb garden
- read magazines, books
- go through closets, donate
- go to the museum
- exercise
- make crafts
- go to the movies
- learn something new (I added this one)

TGIF!: The Shins-Nothing At All-45 RPM

Just Plain Cruel

 Piewacket had a post of spring inspiration on their blog- too soon. There is 2 months of winter left and then April and May are slushy snow months. At least wait until March.

Classics for Whom?

As I skim this list I think "this list is not for me". I wrote down 2 items I couldn't see myself wearing: shirt dress and denim jacket. And then I started thinking a shirt dress with tights is very bike-friendly and never say goodbye to the denim jacket- there are always new versions popping up. So I guess this list is a good rough draft of staples. You just need to alter the items to your personal style

A Good Read

 I just finished Guide to a Good Life by Nell Newman. I loved it and took a bunch of notes. We all know what the right thing to do is but some of us need a refresher course and need to put it into action.

My Notes:

- conserve without trying
Fridge: set freezer 0 to 5 degrees, fresh food compartment 37 to 40 degrees, cover all dishes
Cooking: do prep work then preheat oven, use smallest possible appliance to get job done
Water: shower smart, don't let water run, switch to earth friendly soaps, shampoos, detergents
Washer: avoid hot water settings, use half the detergent recommended
Water Heater: lower temperature to 120 degrees
- it's great to recycle but it's even better to reduce and reuse
Vintage Clothing: stylish and has already paid its' debt to the planet, has no packaging, consume less fuel
Low impact gifts: certificates to movies, restaurants, spas, wines, cheeses, honeys, artisans of sustainable crafts, fair trade
Think before you spend: Do I really need this? Can I reuse something to get the same job done? Can I repair something I now own? Can I buy a used, vintage, or recycled version? Are there manufacturers I should avoid? Are there any socially or environmentally responsible manufacturers I can support?
- library will have back issues of Consumer Reports so you can do research before purchase
- honor, respect, and appreciate what you and others have
- make each product as well as we know how so it lasts as long as possible
Mindfulness: paying attention to what is actually happening

My next read: The Self Sufficient-ish Bible by Andy and Dave Hamilton. I saw it at a home of one of my clients and skimmed through it- looks good!

Utility Bill - $5.00/month

It's Electric

Amount of electricity your appliances use:

Appliance  -  Kilowatts/Hour

Water Heater    4,219 

Refrigerator   1,591-1,829   

Air Conditioner   1,389

Range    1,205

Dryer    993

Washer    103

Television    502

Computer    25-400

Dishwasher    105-363

Microwave    300

Fan    291

Frying Pan    186

Coffeemaker    106

Broiler    100

Vacuum    46

Garbage Disposal    30

Clock    17

Hair Dryer    14 

Inspired

 The Style Files

 Emily Henderson

 Nan Whitney

Decor Pad

TGIF!: LINDA RONSTADT - How Do I Make You

D Tiles

 mmmm. looks nice but am I going to lose it cleaning the grout all the time? probably.

 so smooth. yum!

Patina

Blancucha

Funky Retro Midcentury!

Flowchart by Dude Craft

What's up?

I was worried that I wouldn't be able to travel in the snow by bike with a my trailer hitched on- but I'm doing it. I get a high from success. Photo by Julie Blackmon

TGIF!: Gold Guns Girls - METRIC

clutter-free and put together

 I saw this house tour on Apartment Therapy and completely fell in love. Liz Fabry had to move from a 1000 square foot home to a 590 square foot apartment. She had to re-evaluate everything she owned and do the edit and purge. Everything blends so well- I am visually inspired.

Sebastian Bremer

Still Snowing

 I am about to go out and shovel for the third time in 2 days- trying to keep up on it. Being a cyclist is tough in the snow. It is doable but physically draining- also difficult to share the roads with cars. The hardest part is giving myself extra time for travel- leaving 20 min earlier than usual is asking a lot.

Light and Airy

 I think those tips to avoid procrastination helped. Yesterday I cleared out last years' files, cleaned out the cupboards, and have a good size donation pile. I also shoveled- twice. Illustration by Denise Holmes

Pep Talk

Procrastination- when we voluntarily put off tasks despite believing ourselves to be worse off for doing so.

Overcome procrastination with "action items":
- identify that you are procrastinating
- visualize a positive outcome
- keep up your energy levels
- do hardest work when you are most alert
- watch inspirational movies
- schedule time for tasks
- remove temptations and distractions
- reward yourself for reaching milestones

Congrats Housegreening!

 Housegreening has a new website and it looks great. Check it out! housegreening.com

Check out my bio- big ups for Squeaky Chic!

Motivation

Now that the decorations are put away it is time to clean out the cupboards and start a donation pile. I already did the bathroom last night. I tossed a bunch of beauty products I haven't used in 6 months and it felt really good. Here are organizing tips from Martha to get you in the mood.

 Fancy dishes for jewelry storage- so pretty.

 Magnetic organizer for your medicine cabinet.

 Pegboard wall- oh the possibilities!

Pantry inventory list- I am doing this one.

Walk by closet- I am in love with this. Using a ladder for a hanging rack.

TGIF!: Sammy Davis sings Vehicle

A New Year

                                              Resolutions for 2011:
                                  1. Eat better; less dairy and sugar
                                  2. Be more aware of package waste
                                  3. Less is more decor
                                  4. Read camera manual
                                  5. Downsize bike rage