sushi time

My taste buds are a-changin'. I never would have admitted to liking sushi a few years ago. Seaweed? Eugh. But along with now having new cravings for PB&J all the time (I know - shock, right? I used to HATE jam/jelly), sushi has found its way into my life. And who knew how easy it is to make? It's also way easier on the pocket than buying it prepared. My sushi included carrot, bell pepper, avocado, and sprouts. Mmm mm. Add edamame as a side and mochi for dessert, it is a wonderful and light dinner meal.

See my favorite magazine's website for more details and an ingredient list.

nessie

I swear I will put up a craft/baking post up soon, but in the meantime...

Check out this etsy shop. Best thing ever.

Her shop announcement: "My ultimate mission is to have everyone in the world dressed like a monster at all times."
And she lives in Portland. I want to be her friend.

the meatrix

Finally a video about the harsh realities of the meat industry that doesn't look like it's been monopolized by PETA. Although it's a bit cheesy, it's worth watching.

My bottom line: you don't have to be a vegetarian to "save the world." It definitely helps, but if meat is a must for you, be informed about what you're eating, know where your food comes from, who is producing it, and what your money is supporting. We should all be striving for health and nourishment in our diets. Both for our own bodies and for the earth.

Although -- score for the veggie team: Going veg for one year "cancels out" the amount of carbon that two average Americans generate in a year. If you go vegan, it's almost fourfold. I'm just saying.

Go here for another blogger's reasons for going veg(an) and part two of "The Meatrix."

woodland dreams

This post has nothing to do with being crafty or being green. But I had to share how positively smitten I am over this masterpiece.

What i would give to have dreams in a bed like this. It even has snow falling! Magical, I tell you.

If only it didn't cost over $5,000. Anthropologie, you are such a tease.

ch-ch-ch-chickpea tacos

I have something to confess. I am a vegetarian. And I'm damn proud of it. It's been about a year since I committed to this lifestyle and it's probably the best decision I've ever made. The main reason I made the switch was to help the environment out a little. I know, most people become vegetarians to save the animals - and that is a small part of the equation - but being a veghead is so good for the earth! Did you know that meat production is responsible for 20 percent of greenhouse gases produced each year? It's true. I got a whole pocketful of other veggie trivia that I might bust out when you least expect it. 

Also, I just feel healthier and it's extremely fun to cook now. I get a chance to spread my creativity to the kitchen and I have enjoyed researching this whole new world of recipes to try out. Like this recipe I found on Happy Herbivore. Chickpea tacos = YUM. It's so easy to make too. 

1 15 oz can of chickpeas, drained & rinsed

1 tbsp tamari soy sauce

2 tsp lemon juice

1/2 packet of taco seasoning, or make your own

8 hard taco shells or small tortillas

Taco toppings

Preheat oven to 400 F. Whisk tamari, lemon juice, and taco seasoning in medium bowl. Toss in chickpeas until coated. Place chickpeas on lightly oiled cookie sheet and bake 20-25 minutes. Assemble tacos with chickpeas, lettuce, tomatoes (or salsa), cheese, and enjoy.

scrub-a-dub dub

I don't know about you, but I love when I can complete a project in under 5 minutes. Maybe it's my short attention span or need for instant gratification -- either way it feels good to hold a finished product in your hands. My roommate can crochet blanket after blanket; she spends weeks on them. I just don't have that kind of patience. So I was really happy when I came across this little craft. I've seen ideas for facial scrubbies around Etsy, like this and this, that are just adorable. But hey, I'm all about saving a few pretty pennies and making them myself.

This project will eliminate the need for disposable cotton pads/balls for exfoliating your face or taking off makeup. When they're dirty, just gather them up in a mesh bag and throw them in with your laundry. I'm simply smitten over these little guys. You can make around 10 of these in a span of one Glee episode. Like I said, instant gratification (doubly gratifying if you're watching Glee).

Supplies:

Cotton Yarn (I used Lion Brand)

Size F crochet hook

Plastic yarn needle

Double crochet skills

Start by making a chain of 6 stitches. Then make a slip stitch into the first chain to form a circle.

First Round: Chain 3 (this will be your turning chain) and make 11 double crochet stitches into the center hole of the circle. Make a slip stitch into the top stitch of the turning chain. You now have a 12 stitch circle.

Second Round: Chain 3 for another turning chain. Then make two double crochet into each stitch. Make a slip stitch. You should now have 24 stitches around.

Final Round: Make one last turning chain of 3 stitches. Now make 2 double crochet in every second stitch. Then just finish off by weaving in the ends with a yarn needle.

You're done! Wouldn't a stack of these look great in a clear holder like this one? Little facial scrubbies that you can toss in the wash and reuse again and again. Happy times.