Three Things for Yesterday- Benches, Ham, and Crappy Days

1. Our Bench- Thank you, Polywood, because this bench is just my new favorite part of our yard! Perfect for picking things out of the garden or for big fat pregnant ladies who need to sit down!

2. That Some Days are Hard, but the Next Day can be Better- Not our best week, and it is a lot of stress to manage right at the 39th week of pregnancy. But tomorrow can always be better, and most days, it probably is.

3. My Mother in Law's Ham Glaze- We celebrate ham day every September 4th, but we are doing it a little early this year. I was just tickled that the house smelled like mustard and honey and amazingness yesterday.

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Greening the Dorm- The Eco-Friendly Dorm Room Shopping List Part One

When you leave for college, you are faced with the longest "Back to School" Shopping List of your life. There is so much stuff, that I can't think of one college freshman who didn't have at least a run or two to Walmart or Target to get all the things they forgot. It's part of the rite of passage.

Because it's your (or your child's) first time out on your/his or her own, it makes sense to lean on the cheap side. They are moving into a space they will definitely leave in months, so why spend too much gussing it up? I don't disagree (I certainly don't have much left from my college dorm ten years later), but buying a bunch of Made in China junk comes at a big environmental cost:

This stuff isn't built to last. It's essentially landfill-filler already.

- This stuff has traveled a long way. When your stuff travels (way further than you do), it has numerous negative environmental effects. These items increase your carbon footprint exponentially. Think about how much more gas it takes to travel half way around the world vs. one state away. Now multiply it by everything on your list.

- This stuff comes with baggage. Labor baggage. If you are a Christian or an American who believes in the worker, buying this stuff directly undermines your morals. So often, way too often, "Made in Elsewhere" and a cheap price means "made by someone treated very very badly." That's why it is so cheap.

- This stuff is made of environmentally-stinky (that's a scientific term) materials. If the idea is to make it as cheaply as possible, it doesn't get cheaper than plastic. The problem is, plastic essentially lasts forever and is made of petrochemicals. They say we are the plastic generation, but we don't have to be.

So, the three steps to take for a more Environmentally Conscious Dorm Room (that your room mate won't even suspect is any different)-

1. Use what you already have- Oh, you need to bring blankets with you to college? Let me make a wild guess you already have some at home. Or a garbage can. Or a rug or coffee maker your parents are ready to part with. You can save so much money by just going with what you already have. Newness feels appropriate because everything is so new, but a little of the familiar can save you money.

Use what the room already has too- the college wants to overcharge you for a mini-fridge? Well, what are you going to do with the one you buy? Take the options that leave you with the least new baggage.

2. Get it Used!! Just stop at consignment stores first. You know what happened last year? And the year before that? People moved into dorm rooms or their first apartments using stuff they weren't going to want 12 months later. If you are in a college town, shop at Goodwill before you stop at Walmart- you can probably find almost everything on that last minute list, for way cheap, and you are saving things from landfills. Also, look into whether your college's area has a Buy Nothing. We live by a small college, and I have given college kids so much of our old stuff to get them started on their first apartments. I know the town I went to college in - State College PA- has it's own Buy Nothing as well.Buy Nothing is a goldmine for college students.

3. Get it Local, Recycled, or Made in America- This is where things stop being cheap or free and start getting expensive. Don't stress. Maybe you can't switch everything over, and that is ok. The idea isn't to do everything perfectly, but always try to do a little bit better. I will try to find you the best/ most affordable options so you don't have to search for every little thing, and you can get the things that work for you! Prioritize what will travel with you through places.

I found so many lists to follow online, but I thought this one from Honestly Haley covered all the bases. I left a few out that seemed crazy to me. So this is everything we are going to try to cover:

Big Things- TV, Microwave, Printer, Fan, Rug, Coffee Maker, Vaccuum
Bathroom- Shower Caddy, Washclothes, Scrubbies, Shower Shoes, Robe, Towels, Toiletries
Bedroom- Blankets, Sheets (2 sets), Mattress Pad, Bed Risers, Lamp, Trash Can, Pillows
Decorations and Storage- Drawers, Command Strips, Corkboard, Ottoman, Hangers, Hamper, Mirror, Photos, Poster
Kitchen- Travel Mug, Reusable Water Bottle, Silverware, Can Opener, Dish Towel, Pot Holders, Tupperware, Plates, Bowls, Mugs, Ziploc Bags
Electronics- Headphones, Cell Phone Charger, Computer Charger, Flash Drive, Surge Protectors, Extension Cord
Cleaning and Laundry- Dish Soap, Cleaning Wipes, Paper Towels, Trash Bags, Lint Roller, Air Freshener, Landry Basket, Detergent, Stain Remover
Other- Batteries, Flashlight, Duct Tape, Umbrella, Games, Playing Cards, Travel Bag

Oy, it's a lot. We will split it into two parts, so check part 2 if you can't find something. Let's do this, people!

Big Things

TV

Our Pick- There is only one option that makes any sense, environmentally or otherwise. Take a used TV with you. Get a super cheap used TV from Goodwill or Buy Nothing. Do not bring an expensive new television with you- you are asking for it to get stolen. Even if you get an apartment, you will have so many people go through your space. Our Goodwill always has little tvs. Are they amazing?? No. But they will do the trick. Anything more than this is a fool's game.

Microwave

Our Pick- Some colleges will rent these out, and I really think that is probably your best option if you want to be eco-friendly. The same microwave will get lots of use, and less will end up in a landfill.

Other Options- Some family member has a microwave sitting in their basement or you can get one for cheap at Goodwill. I would start there. No microwaves that I know of are still made in the States, but I think this is still an easy one to start off with a used one.

Printer

Our Pick- First, I am not confident you actually need a printer in your room anymore. Even when I was in school, it was easy to send myself a file and print it in a computer room before heading to class. By the time I was finished at Grad school, lots of faculty were accepting assignments by email. Even if you do pay for printing, it would probably add up to less than a printer.

Other Options-  If you do have a printer, you can definitely go eco-friendly on the paper by only buying recycled paper. Buying in larger quantities will also save on money and packaging. You have so many options here- Printworks sells paper made in the US that is 100% recycled. Staples and Boise Aspen have great recycled printer paper options as well. Right now, our tree consumption is way too fast, so if you want to still have clean air when you retire, it's time to switch over to recycled paper permanently.

Fan

Our Pick- Holmes sells a well-reviewed, made in the USA, and 100% recycled fan. So why are we buying any other fans? This is one of my favorite things.

Other Options- I can't find anything as great as that fan, but I do have a couple Made in America options. Air King  and Lasko are made in America (with "globally-sourced" components).

Rugs

Our Pick- We bought a rug from Walmart for our dorm room, and it was so poorly made it didn't stand up to much wear. It didn't even make it through the college years with me. If you can find one used, I definitely think that is the best bet. You can find so many cute little rugs in consignment stores, but usually at a cheap price so you save money. You could even try used furniture stores- they always seem to have a lot of rugs.

Other Options- If you want to buy a rug, check out braided rugs and rag rugs on Etsy (60,000 options). They are super hearty, so they should last a long time, maybe even making it to future apartments .Even better, you can find rugs like these from Rag Rug Road that are made of recycled fabric! Score! You can also try Cotton Craft for gorgeous braided and recycled rugs.

If you need a rug pad, try this one from Gorilla Grip. You have tons of options here as well- you could do an indoor/outdoor rug made out of recycled plastic like these ones from Santa Barbara. Not the most homey, but it can stand up to college level wear.

Coffee Maker

Our Pick- Used! Well, it totally depends on how much of a coffee drinker you have on your hands. If you don't care that much about it, take one of your parents' backups with you or find one in a consignment store (this is just the kind of thing you can find more easily in a college town). If coffee holds a more Gilmore-esque place in your life, Bunn coffeemakers have great reviews and they are still manufactured in the States.

Other Options- Everything else seems to be made in China, six of one half a dozen of the other, situations. I would 100% not recommend a Keurig unless you are buying a coffee maker for a hoard of different coffee drinkers, so it is not for a small dorm room (so wasteful in most cases).

Vaccuum

Our Pick- Get a used one! Again, it isn't worth it to do anything big. You want to pick something that can live in a small closet. I might even recommend looking for dust busters over a full vaccuum.

Other Options- If you do go new, I have an awesome option for you. Metro Vac sells a small handheld vacuum that comes similarly priced to any standing vacuum, but it has awesome reviews, is made in America, will last to be your handheld for a long time, and has great reviews. They have a couple of models, but I think this is your most practical bet.

Bathroom

Shower Caddy

from Somer's Cove Canvas

Our Pick- There are a few options for shower caddies on Etsy- Somer's Cove Canvas sells what I think I would get- simple, mostly mesh, and easy to throw in the laundry. That looks the most practical to me. Clar USA makes simple mesh bags that might be perfect for the job. Gebbie's Embroidery has a cloth one that looks great to me.

Other Options- The Club Bag sells a simple mesh bag that isn't going to fill your roommates with envy, but it would get the job done.

Washclothes

Our Pick- Again, some to spare from home might work just fine. Washing works the same in college. If not, Bamboosa mostly makes washclothes for babies, but their clothes are super soft. I would go this route.

Other Options- If you can get washclothes that are made of recycled or American cotton with American labor, that's your best route. A few options- Blue Point, Marquis Mills, and Smiling Gaia.

 Scrubbies

Our Pick- Did you know that eco-friendly loofahs are already a big thing? I didn't! Then again, I am not a loofah girl. These ones from Impressa Products are 100% made of recycled material and are also recyclable.

Other Options- Buddha Bath sells recycled loofahs too, and they come in a wide variety of colors.

 Shower Shoes

Our Pick- Okabashi or Oka-B sells simple water proof flip flops out of rubber and Made in America. 100% the winner for guys and ladies. Not too expensive and well-reviewed, Used flip flops seem kind of against the point of shower shoes, so this probably does the trick.

 Towels

Our Pick- I like Big Ass Towels. I appreciate the sass, the fact they are made domestically, and that the towels are a little bit larger. If communal bathrooms are going to be part of your life, a slightly larger towel might do a lot of good in covering your business.

Other Options- More Made in America Towels- Gilbin, 1888 Mills, Made Here, and Wholesale Plumbing. This is also another one where your parents might have towels near retirement that would do just fine for you.

Cleaning and Laundry

Dish Soap

Mrs Meyers from Amazon

Our Pick- We honestly use Dawn Dish Soap, so pretty basic here. The great thing about Dawn is that it is used to clean up animals (especially birds) after oil spills. The counter argument is that the soap itself is petroleum-based, so buying Dawn just reinforces the demand for petroleum products that causes the oil spills in the first place. Tricky. Also, I am looking all over this bottle (and the internet) and though it is distributed out of Ohio, there is no real information on its actual origin. So, maybe as you start fresh in the world, you can start with a fresh, eco-friendly dish soap! My favorite option is Mrs. Meyer's dish soap, which is mainstream enough that you can get it at Target. You can also refill that dawn bottle at more granola stores with lots of bulk options.

Other Options- There are plenty, and you are pretty young, so you can always test a bunch- Frosch,  Caldrea (on the expensive side), or Natural Homelogic.

Cleaning Wipes

Our Pick- I get it, cleaning wipes are simple and easy. They are also a blight on the environment, because you can't recycle them, they come in plastic packaging, and they can be loaded with chemicals no one needs in their water or soil, much less their house. My advice? You are going to get paper towels anyway, why not just buy some all purpose spray? Your young and spry hands can handle a spray bottle. We like Method lavender all-purpose cleaner which was recommended to me by a Department of Health speaker on dangerous chemicals and cleaners in a household. She also swore by Bon Ami for bathrooms, in case a private bathroom is part of your dorm situation.

Other Options- Seventh Generation does have cleaning wipes. I am not wildly impressed by the "eco" elements of this particular product, but at least you won't be spreading random , nasty chemicals around your room. Especially because you want to take care of that brain, and it is clear lots of cleaners and bleaches are not great on that front.

Paper Towels

Our Picks-You may not be able to buy Seventh Generation Unbleached Paper Towels in bulk, but you could go in with friends and split up the bunch. It will save you a ton of money, and no trees will come down so you can clean up your messes. If you are buying paper towels, buy them recycled. Let's be the generation that stops hemorrhaging trees.

Other Options-If it weird you out to have brown paper towels (we have had them so long I always feel surprised when they are white), try Seventh Generation White Recycled Paper Towels or
Marcal Small Steps Recycled Paper. In bulk, they are cheaper than your average towels (don't have to pay for that bleach or international shipping), but they can get pricier, so either buy bulk and leave some at home, or figure out a split with people on your floor. Collective shopping may sound crazy, but it might also be a great way to build community.

Trash Bags

Webster Earthsense from Amazon

Our Pick- Do not get biodegradable! It sounds great, but at least right now, these bags don't actually decompose, they break into tiny plastic pieces that will be that much harder to clean up. No good! Instead, only buy bags made of recycled plastic. No need to make new plastic for your refuse! Webster Earthsense Bags are my favorites- they are made of 75% recycled materials,

Other Options- If you want to do eco-friendly but stay in the mainstream, Seventh Generation is always a good place to start. Want more options? Check out my list for Greening your Basics.

Lint Roller

Our Pick- Eh, not a ton of options here, but I did find a few reusable rollers- Dancewear, Generic, and GBZ 11.

from Bad Bat Designs

Laundry Basket

Our Pick- I think a basket doesn't make much sense since you probably have to drag things to the laundry room.   I like these screen-printed laundry bags from Bad Bat Designs- so cute! I also love this eco-friendly bag from Zero Waste Moving.

On the other hand, if you can handle it and you already have a basket at home that you like, just bring it with you for goodness sake. I still have the rubbermaid baskets from my Dad's house, and they work just fine. If that is what you are thinking, check Goodwill or your Buy Nothing. You might be surprised!

Other Options-  It's Embroidered Baby sells ones you could put your name on if you are worried about that. Hen house originals sells oodles of funny laundry bags, and something about a laundry bag really screams for some humor. It's covert resistence against the banal horrors of adulthood. You can buy a military-grade laundry bag on Amazon, and it was made in the USA. It looks damn tough, and now that I think of it, might be just the thing to get a student through all 4 years.

Handy Laundry makes laundry backpacks in the USA, which sounds silly, until you think about dragging your laundry long distances. Green Forest sells hampers with some shape but made primarily of a cotton/linen blend. They have natural looking designs, but aren't too cutesy to not be useful. They also have jute hampers which could be recycled or reused once they look to rough to cart laundry in (is that a thing that happens?). This one looks pretty small, but plenty of options exist.

Detergent

Our Pick- I will swear by The Simply Co, who are zero waste and make great detergents. There aren't a bunch of random chemicals, and you only need a little, so you can make one of their jars last a very long time. Put the bit you need in a cup and head off to the laundry.

Other Options- If you need fluid detergent, Greenworks laundry soap, Mrs Meyers, and Seventh Generation are more mainstream options that might be more to your laundry room's liking. But seriously, if you don't have to go fluid, try The Simply Co.

Stain Remover

Our Pick- To be honest with you, we mostly use Dawn Dish soap on our stains, and it stands up shockingly well against the pure chaos of a toddler. That being said, if you are an athlete, maybe that won't be enough. I am slightly obsessed with the idea of these Buncha eco-friendly stain sticks (what a wonderful world), so if anyone tries it, let me know what you think.

Other Options- Need more choices? I've got you- Attitude, Caldrea, and So Soft,


Ooooh boy, college takes a lot of stuff! Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Greening your Dorm Shopping List next week! And if you just can't wait for more shopping ideas, check out my Giant List of Shopping Lists!

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6 Things for 2 Days with my Mumma

from Even More Clumsy

1." My Grandmother's Baskets"- My great Aunt Betsi writes a blog that I love (my favorite is a post about a little piece of plastic litter that she has been noticing NOT changing over the course of months walking by), and this week, she has been posting about baskets that could be on the shelf family heirlooms, but she actually uses them. I love how she describes it, so be sure to check her blog out.

2. A Hose, A Blanket, and a Balloon- It really makes you appreciate the genius that goes into marketing toys, because so little is necessary for a two year old's good time. Can I also say I feel a twinge of pride that every stuffed animal in this picture (but one) was either bought used or gifted as a hand me down. I would say in the last couple of months, we have seen our changes in approaching stuff really come into its own, and its exciting to see how much is used or ethically made in our house.

3. Made in the USA Lumpectomy Gear- Never would have thought this existed in a million years, but if this blog has taught me one thing, its that someone has already thought about the problem, and if you intentionally seek out things that were made ethically, with regard for the environment, or nearby, you will be SHOCKED how often you can find it.

4. Weddings in the Time of Social Media- I was too pregnant to go with the Boy to a wedding this weekend, but thanks to cell phone pictures, facebook posts, and a drunken Skype, I got to feel like I at least got a sense of what the night was like, and I got to see lots of the beautiful details (and stop at a beer distributor). So grateful that if we have to live so far from home, we can do it now, and not 50 years ago like my grandparents did it- lots of letters and road trips.

5.Buying Things Used- You had no idea I liked this, right?! I am the kind of person who gets tremendously sentimental about stuff. My mom is the kind of person where most stuff doesn't matter to her at all (both she and my brother are excellent at shaking off excess baggage), so she would rather spend less money, because she doesn't intend to keep it that long anyway. Most stuff is just stuff, and it doesn't deserve much thought, energy and money. I love this about both of them.

 Where cheapo stores like Walmart might seem like the best answer, you cannot beat the deals you find at a kid's consignment store, so we can get everything still on our list (except the damn double stroller) for cheap while still having a positive environmental impact! It works really well If you are no fuss shopper like my mom,

Majamas from Amazon

6. Majamas- So, our baby is due VERY soon, and I am finally packing our hospital bags. We were talking about getting a new pair of nursing pajamas to go with the 2 or 3 I have from last time, and I am psyched about these numbers from Majamas. This company makes all of their clothes in the US, and they are so thoughtful about what a new mom needs! I will let you know how they work.

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Five Favorite Etsy Stores- Decorating the Dorm

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

Did anyone see the picture circulating of the girls in their absolutely pimped out dorm room? Good for them, I guess, but I think there are better ways to add style to those tiny, shared rooms. Here are five of my favorite stores and ideas that might graduate out of dorms into early apartments as well.

Because really, are you going to want to bring that broken, plastic,crayola-colored milk carton with you as you move through spaces (spoiler alert from the future- you won't).

from WAAMI Industries

I know I slammed the milk carton, but WAAMI Industries makes the coolest wood milk cartons that would look great in adult spaces or even a kids' playroom. These modern and detailed cartoons certainly aren't as cheap, but they would be cool long past the dorm.

from Be There in Five

I feel like one of these mats would have been helpful keeping our dorm room nice, but no other shoe mat is as cute (or helpful) as this one from Be There in Five.

from Oh My Deer

You can't always hang everything in your room, but if you can hang things, hang something that you love enough to keep for a very long time. Loyal readers know that I love these prints from Oh My Deer- I have one in our room, and I have bought a few for friends.

from rag rug road

Rugs can be a great way to add color to the space. My best advice is to get them used (because someone else bought one for their dorm room last year), but if not, I love Rag Rug Road- they use recycled materials to make bright, fun rugs that could add some color to the room. Not super cheap, but it could at least have years of life in it.

from habitation Boheme

If you can't paint or hang much, you can at least make the room homey with your pillows. Pillow covers are easy to come by on Etsy, but I do love these ones from habitation Boheme. Colorful and eye catching, which is what you need in a dark space.


Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

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Quote of the Week- Call Your Mother

I got to spend the weekend with my wonderful, badass, sweet angel of a mother. Hope you all had a great weekend as well!

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We Love the Local List- Murfreesboro, TN

This is a new blog series where we can each sing the praises of our favorite local shops, brands, and restaurants. 

Supporting local businesses does even more than supporting small business owners (though that is great too). It keeps your money local to you (not off wherever the Waltons are vacationing), creates more jobs for your friends and family, and even helps the environment. 

Why is shopping local good for the environment? 

We talk a lot about commutes and how much fuel people use to travel, and the same applies to your stuff. The further your stuff has to travel, the more fossil fuels they use and energy they waste. Large companies and chains pretty consistently show less responsibility and concern for the environment and the communities they are in, so you can effect positive change locally and decrease your environmental impact just by shopping and eating local! 



 This blog intends to encourage us to get out and explore the businesses near where we live. See it as a fun challenge to see what you can support nearby and be surprised what amazingness you may have missed. You can also check out other lists to find the coolest places to go when you travel to new towns and cities!  






stolen egregiously off of Amy's facebook page


I am especially excited for this post, because it was written by Amy Roberts, who writes the truly gorgeous, personal, and thoughtful Meanderblog. I love her blog, in which she shows how you can have incredibly lovely style while prioritizing experience over possessions. I was so excited that she agreed to write us a post, and it was cool to see she reads this blog as well! Amy is a longtime resident of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and she has pointed to some wonderful local businesses there. This rapidly growing area has so many local gems. Thank you Amy, and take it away!

THE GREEN DRAGON PUBLIC HOUSE

www.greendragonpubtn.com

An homage to the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien, The Green Dragon is a hidden gem in the center of town. It's a small, family-friendly hole in the wall (no, really - there's a wall with a door and a sign forbidding rings of power) right next to the train tracks, but once you step inside, the atmosphere is a perfect combo of fantastical and truly local vibes, and the friendliness flows as openly as the craft beers. Frequent visitors of the farmer's markets, much of their food is sourced from local growers and makers, resulting in some truly original, seasonal, and delicious menu items fit for lunch or dinner, especially when paired with a cold ale. And since it's conveniently located right next to a Greenway entrance, you CAN simply walk into Mord... er, the pub.

THE WREN'S NEST

www.thewrensnestvenue.com

Image courtesy of Jenny Lindsey Photography

If you're looking for an event venue, consider The Wren’s Nest. A quiet, secluded property nestled in the trees, The Wren's Nest is an exceptional outdoor or indoor venue, used mostly for weddings (like ours!). It's hallmark structure, The Maples Barn, is a vintage barn that is over 100 years old. It was relocated to its current site during the fall of 2012, and carefully restored and improved to accommodate elegant functions. Our experience there was unforgettable, as the owner Sam did everything in his power (including loaning us a table from his HOME for our cake to sit on) to make our day perfect. There's so much beauty, history, and hard work in this place, and it shows year-round.

JUST LOVE COFFEE

www.justlovecoffee.com

Before my husband introduced me to Just Love, I rarely drank coffee. If I did, it was so dirty and bitter I had to load it down with sugar, cream, and anything else I could get my hands on. Then I tried Just Love's fairly traded coffee, and it was a new awakening. So clean, smooth, and rich was this dark, hot liquid, and so carefully crafted was my experience of it, that I was genuinely hooked from the very start. They maintain personal, fair relationships with their growers from all over the world, and they were founded when the owner, Rob Webb, and his family adopted two sweet girls from Ethiopia. Their mission is to use hand-roasted coffees to help others whose passion is to “just love," and within its first year, the company was able to give back nearly $100,000. An amazing, local company that produces amazing coffee and makes measurable, positive change in the world.

LEMONGRASS

www.facebook.com/Lemongrass-Sushi-and-Thai-Restaurant-197792543577534/

Ask any of our friends and they'll probably be able to tell you our favorite sushi restaurant is Lemongrass. We've tried all the sushi there is in Murfreesboro and this place takes the lead by a long shot. We recommend ordering the "Come With Me Roll" where you let the chef get creative and design you your own unique roll. Have a seat at the bar and watch the owner work his magic!

BATEY FARMS

www.bateyfarms.com

Batey Farms is an 8th generation family owned and operated hog, row crop, and hay farm right in the middle of Murfreesboro. They provide the community with tons of seasonal fun, like strawberry picking in the spring and a corn maze in fall. They also have an On-Farm Retail Store where you can browse products from many different family farms in the area.

OUTREACH THRIFT STORE

www.outreachmurfreesboro.com

The best thrift store in town if you ask me. Not only are their prices absolutely incredible, but they are devoted to helping provide those in need with basic clothing and household items. I always walk out of here with an unexpected treasure!

DEMOS'

www.demosrestaurants.com

If you live in Murfreesboro, you've been to Demos'. The very first Demos' Restaurant was born out of Jim and Doris Demos' desire to offer exceptional food and service at affordable prices, and they succeeded. The franchise has now spread to four locations in Middle Tennessee, but their roots will always be in Murfreesboro. They offer a variety of meals for lunch and dinner and are a staple in the community.

Thank you Amy and be sure to go to Meanderblog to get inspired by her adventures!

Want to write your own Loving the Local List? You fill my heart with joy! Just send me a list of your five to ten favorite local brands and stores (it doesn't have to be just around the street- a State specific snack or small chain of restaurants works just fine). Write a few sentences on why you love each thing (and I love pictures if you have them) and send them to sunshineguerrilla@gmail.com.

Would you like to buy more environmentally responsible or Made in America products? I've got you covered! Check out my Mega List of Shopping Lists for tons of ideas for any shopping trip.

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Throwback Thursday- Top Ten Ingredients for Awesome Road Trips

Now that we have another epic car trip under our belts, I have noticed some things really work to make countless hours in a small (but dignified) car way more fun than it should be.

10. A Sense of Wonder (this was the Boy's)- I am not sure what he meant by this, but if I had to guess, I would think it has something to do with car games. Nothing fills him with more joy and wonder than car games. Our suggestions? 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon (connect actors through the movies they are in), Marry Boff Kill, Top 3 (Name your top 3 favorite songs to listen to when you are walking somewhere, your top 3 favorite books about space travel, your top 3 dance moves for awkward situations, you top 3 favorite supreme court judges, etc), Are we there yet? (this is a real game), and Would you rather (the actual card game, which based on the number of fart jokes, is targeted for 2nd graders).

9. 2 Hour Switch-offs- My Nana gave us this advice 6 years ago before we drove to Seattle the first time. It sounds like no big thing, but trust me, it is genius. You are never too far from it being your turn or from your turn being over. You can get a lot further in the day, and you won't feel as tired. Trust me, we do this now for any trip over 4 hours, and it keeps everything from getting stale.

8. A Camera- You know the most important part of pictures? Taking them. I love my pictures, but I think if I lost them all, it would have still been valuable to take that moment to identify the experience as worth remembering. If you treat your experiences like they matter, than they do. Treat your life like something to be excited about. Getting out a camera is a simple reminder to do this.

7. FOOD- All rules are off on road trips, until we remember how gross that makes us feel and then we turn it down a bit. Treats should be in the car (also, water- dehydration doesn't help anyone). With those magical smartypants cell phones, you can look up restaurants at your next 2 hour switch off and get something more legitimate to the place you are going. You may just run into some gems, as well as some memorable stinkers. Balance the quick and easy with something fun.

6. An Iconic Icon of Iconicity- In our case, a gnome. In our specific current state, a gnome with no feet (no one ask the Boy about this, as the whole thing was rather traumatic). Going to the Mississippi= cool. Stinking a small plastic toy into the river=somehow a lot more memorable. Just the right amount of embarrassing.

5. At least one moment where you are genuinely, seriously lost- Damn you, Mt. Rushmore. I will never forgive you for marring the otherwise amazing experience that is South Dakota (the best road trip state? I think yes). If your GPS isn't basically saying "I give up, I hate you, ACK ACK ACK!", then you haven't gotten lost enough yet. It is nice to have a plan, but it is also alright to be genuinely stressed, and then work it out. As my badass mother would say, if no one is on fire, then it is fine. These seeming failures make for great stories later.

4. Music Playlists- Bonus points if said lists are on theme. We listened to "San Francisco" on our way out of California. Do you know there is so much music about California that we could basically listen to it the whole way out of the State? Also, we decided that "California Love" by Tupac was ahead of its time, and stands as a classic for all time. The Boy gets music tips and then we actually did them all on the second day (Pag won for best suggestions).

3. Scenic Splendor- America has a diversely beautiful landscape, and this may sound like a platitude, but nothing feels truer after a day or two out driving. You never have to go that far out of your way to see somewhere ridiculously gorgeous, but it is even more shocking how many kinds of scenic splendor you can get out of one trip. The coast from San Francisco to Seattle even showed all sorts of dramatic changes. If there is a National Park on your route, always stop. Our only road trip regrets are National Parks we talked ourselves out of.

2. Surprise Bags- My Dad made us these every year when we would take road trips to Maine, and they make every road trip awesome. I have no idea where he came up with it from (it could have been my Mom too... maybe one of them can elaborate, but Greenes are exceptionally committed gifters, so I suspect it is from that branch), but essentially you open new bags of road trip goodies every couple of hours (or once a day if you are a little older). This can include coloring books, tamagotchis (yes, we still play with these when we can find them... we get ridiculously attached to them on the road, then they die of neglect as soon as we arrive at our destination), books, magazines, car games, candy, mix cds, things related to where you are going (did I put a plunger and welcome mat in one of the surprise bags? Yes, yes I did), and about any other thing you can come up with. The best part is the excitement of knowing it's coming and the refreshing burst of new stuff to do. If I could recommend anything to someone taking a road trip, especially with children (or with childlike whimsy), this would be it.

1. The World's Largest_____- Is it cheesy, tacky, or just shameful? Then for all things joyful, STOP and see it!! Tackiness is the flavor of life. The fact that these things exist all over the US (check the Roadside America website) says a lot about us as a country. And they are all good things. You should have at least one large cement something or food factory or museum of thing you never knew someone could care about a day. It will feed your soul.

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Throwback Thursday- Green Christmas: A Giving and Outdoorsy Christmas List

This is the newest in a long series of blogs where I implore you through long lists of cute stuff to buy less/better stuff! This Christmas, we will spend a lot of money on gifts. A lot. If we put all that money toward companies that respect their laborers and protect the environment, we can change the world. Every dollar we spend is a vote for the world we want to live in, so every time we buy Made in China junk at a big chain store, we say fast and easy is more important than good. That our selfish wants are more important than other's needs. I don't think that's what anyone really thinks, especially at Christmas, but I think it can feel like we don't have any choice. We do! So here is another shopping list to show that no matter what a person cares about, you can find them awesome, eco-friendly and socially-responsible gifts. We can do it!

Melissa and I have been friends since the 8th grade, when she was the only one who showed up to help me paint my bedroom. This friendship was solidified forever when we chased a cute red head boy around on a Spanish Cruise (in Pittsburgh). I just think she is a kind and wonderful person, and her new church and home in Colorado suits her perfectly. We care about a lot of the same things, and we love talking about issues, but there is one area where we clearly differ- outdoorsiness. Melissa and her hubby Alan go hiking, they do adventurey sports, and they wake up at dawn to see beautiful sunrises on their trips (we, on the other hand, sleep in, eat a lot, and hopefully look at old stuff). Because of this, she has all sorts of wisdom to share about what to buy the hiker you love, but even better, she has some great insight about what really matters this season:

"When B first tasked me with me creating a Christmas Wish list, I didn’t know what to list. A and I had already talked that we didn’t really want much for Christmas, and we’d simply save our money for retirement and emergency savings. (Remember, it’s never too early to save for retirement, but that’s not the subject of this post.)

That being said, when I began to think about a possible list, I quickly came up with lots of new things that I simply had to have. But the reality is, most of us have everything (and more) than what we need.
With that in mind, I first want to encourage you to look outside of yourself and see how you can give to those that need it the most. "

One of my absolute favorite things about doing these wishlists this year is that almost everyone who has written to me has their own things that matter more to them than the gifts. We all have things we "need," but we also all have things we care about deeply. I feel like this is really important, and one of the best parts about it is that to effectively donate in someone's honor, you need to know what they care about. You have to get to know them that much better, which is just another way I am positive that shifting our paradigm has a super positive ripple effect. Take it away, Melissa:

"Here are two organizations that my partner and I support and love:

1: Project Education South Sudan. This organization started because of an amazing woman in my church in Denver, Colorado. She and her husband were mentors to the “Lost Boys of Sudan”. That commitment birthed PESS. Now celebrating 10 years, PESS has helped thousands by partnering with South Sudanese communities in building schools and supporting young women. Daniel Majok Gai, one of the “Lost Boys”, is now the Executive Director of PESS. He is an incredible, inspiring human being. Under his new leadership, PESS is continuing to start new initiatives like making feminine hygiene products for young women. This not only creates jobs and economic growth for communities, but also provides young welcome the chance to continue to go to school during menstruation. When we grow up in our context, it’s hard to imagine not going to school because of menstruation; but millions of young girls can’t go to school because they don’t have the resources. I have met Daniel and a number of members of their board- they are extraordinary, and so is this mission and work. Go to their website for more info: http://projecteducationsouthsudan.org/ .

2: Episcopal Relief and Development. When you support Episcopal Relief and Development, you help millions of people across the world by fighting poverty, eradicating hunger, and eliminating disease. Go to this link: http://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-you-can-do/gifts-for-life to purchase a “Gift for Life”. ERD also has a very high rating as a non-profit, 85% of the money collected goes to the product and services it says it delivers. Remember, check the charity’s rating before you donate, so that your money goes to services and not overhead and corporate."

Now, Melissa's Christmas Wish List:

1. A Microwave Safe Egg Bowl: "I’ve been cooking eggs in the microwave every morning for the past couple of months. It saves time, calories, and it’s still debatable whether non-stick pans can potentially release a dangerous gas that is both hazardous to humans and birds alike."

from amazon

My Ideas- Alright, this one is pretty simple. One good option- Nordicware sells a microwave breakfast pan. It's microwave-safe, made in America, and actually cheaper than some of the less ethical options. Simple, easy, done!

2. Hiking undergarments- "Because Christmas is the season you get socks and underwear; I am always on the lookout for ethically made socks, underwear, and sport bras."

from REI- Darn Tough Socks

My Ideas- Alright, I started at REI for this, because I figure that is where outdoorsy people shop (truly, I do not know much about that kind of stuff). Also, they are closing for Black Friday! How cool is that! Lucky for me, there are lots of stores that specialize just in these things! Darn Tough socks are super cute, made in the US, and come in a variety of designs and thicknesses. Smart Wool sells socks for cold sports (mostly skiing?) and they look pretty intense for those hikes up in the snow-covered Rockies (here's a hiking-specific pair). Brooks Essentials sells socks specifically designed to keep your feet dry. Hanz sells waterproof socks as well.

REI sells lots of Made in the US socks for camping, hiking, and biking (also, riding on planes and recovering from surgery). They even have their own co-op socks, which are made in the US and come in at a measly 10 dollars. These socks are hardcore, but most don't come cheap. Is it weird to buy someone a single pair of socks for Christmas? Maybe, but if the socks last longer than 4 pairs of junky ones, I think you might be on to something!

REI also sells a good collection of long underwear made in the States from Polarmax (these are even on sale). Ibex Energy Free Tights claim to keep you warm all day, but the name makes me wonder if they somehow Dementor suck the energy out of your legs.

3. Stretchy bracelets- "I love these! You can mix and match and stack as many as you’d like."  

from hecho a mano

My Ideas- Oh, you know Etsy has tons of these, so I only picked a couple I like, but if you want to go that route, check Etsy first (and order in the next week or two). Feel like it's too many options? Put in a city near you or the giftee in the location box on the left side towards the bottom, it should narrow it down, and you are supporting something local! In Melissa's case, you can find 1000 (I am not kidding) options if you put in "bracelet" and "Boulder, CO." Hecho a Mano make my favorite ones that I saw, super fun and bright.

from tuchela

Tuchela sells big stacks of them (for 7 dollars!) that come in all sorts of color combinations. I thought this set was pretty, but I think you could get these as awesome stocking stuffers. Moon Lab Jewelry sells multiple bracelets that i think look really subtle and sophisticated.

4. A Paracord Survival Bracelet- "This could very well go into number three, but its uses are more for outdoor survival than fashion. See various uses here: http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/survivalist/2013/04/paracord-bracelets-10-practical-uses-other-fashion"

from Amazon

Just to Add- Wow! First of all, I didn't know these existed. That girl is so much earthier than I am. But you can find lots of them! And a good number are made here in the States! Survival Straps come in lots of pretty and bright color combinations, as well as more practical earthy ones. Tactical Wilderness ones look great, and they have a compass in them! That's helpful if you get lost a lot (though, as someone else who is often lost, let me recommend not going on long confusing walks in the woods). Mountaineer sells a nice looking one in the color "Olive drab" Seriously, why would anyone buy clothing with drab in the title?!?

If you have lots of outdoorswo/men in your life, you can buy a large kit from Paracord Ninja and make them as gifts! How cool!

from Topo Designs

5. A ski back pack- "In the outdoor world, folks are always creating new product for niche uses. I have my day hiking pack, my back packing pack, my rock climbing pack, well you get the idea. Since I ski twice a week on average, tt’d be nice to have one specifically designed for skiing." 
Just to Add- Ok, I didn't find much US-made for ski backpack (I did find quite a few snowshoes though). I did find airbag ski bags, which I am not convinced are the same thing (I also found carriers for your skis and your boots made in America). Like I said, not super impressive, but maybe one of these would work for skiing?

I did find some just regular backpacks that might be great for someone you love. My pick for Melissa would be Topo designs, who are based out of Colorado, just like her! These backpacks have really cool but functional designs, and they partner with other great American brands.like Woolrich. This one is my favorite for her.

My other top pick would be from Green Guru Gear, which is made out of all sorts of recycled materials (part of their company mission is providing a recycling source for adventure sports). Their backpacks seem to primarily be made for biking, but I think they could be awesome for lots of purposes. Plus, they are made in the USA and all-recycled, so you know I love them. New favorite. If only I enjoyed adventure sports!

Tough Traveler makes a wide variety of durable backpacks that might be great for skiing! We bought a suitcase from them as a gift, and I can vouch for their greatness. Clinton at North Street Bags makes backpacks that look tough, but are in pretty colors! Equinox, who I also love, makes backpacks and backpack covers (in case she could repurpose another bag). Utility Canvas makes really simple backpacks as well.

As a side note, Melissa and Alan are also big photographers, and I found some very tough, but good-looking camera bags. If you have a landscape photographer/ adventurer in your life, I might stop first at Domke. These are serious bags, so this only works if the giftee REALLY takes their photography seriously.

6. This quote “Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air” printed on something- "As we know, and with the help of this blog, what we surround ourselves with, and what we use, matter. I love this quote and want to put it up on my desk to always encourage me to adventure into the unknown and experience God’s love for us in creation."
Just to Add- Gah, I love this one! As Melissa could tell you, I love buying she and Alan art, frames and decorations. Our style is so different- I am a colorful mismatched quilt that doesn't make much sense, she is a crisp but warm comforter in a single color with a clean repeating organic pattern embroidered on. I have a whole folder of things I see that are Melissa things, because it's fun to play in her aesthetic.

from words and page

Apparently, Melissa has tons of company admiring this Ralph Waldo Emerson quote. I found lots of pretty options! This one might be my absolute favorite, words and page does beautiful calligraphy (and it's on recycled paper). It's simple and clean, but it still reminds me of the outside. There are lots of pretty calligraphic options, which feel really special even if they are simple.

This ceramic sign is refreshingly simple in comparison to the content of the quote- maybe too much? I can't decide, but it does remind me of a book page. This embroidery hoop is clean and feminine, so it might look perfect in an office. If you want to get something like that as a gift but you don't have much money, you could also get a downloadable one like this one and print it out! The last option I really like on Etsy is this wall decal which I think looks really sophisticated and might be perfect in an office.

If you have someone in your life milling over this idea, I would recommend making them an art print with the quote, but use their own photograph! This would especially work for Mel and Alan, because they take spectacular landscape photographs together.

from Western Mountaineering

7. The Big Gift- "Growing up, Santa always brought one big gift whether it be a bike or a Barbie Dream House. My two big gift wishes would be a winter sleeping bag and a new digital piano. I know, opposite ends of the spectrum, but it is what it is. A and I went winter camping 10 years ago in college. I froze to death and still have never gotten over it. We stayed together, but my bitterness remains. For the piano, I started taking lessons with Miss Darlene in Longmont this August. While I have a keyboard, we have progressed quickly and I need the functions (like 88 keys and a pedal) faster than I expected."

Just to Add- First of all, I know the kind of sleeping bag she is talking about (because she told me, to be clear) and they are for really really cold nights (and not just cold like her bitterness, cold like I am not even going outside), and I am not sure what I found hits that level of winter-ness. My pick would be Western Mountaineering, which is only sold in stores, so you have to put your zipcode in and go. They have tons of choices, all organized by horrifying temperatures (I cannot empathize with the desire to sleep in -25 degree weather). They also don't have prices, which makes me feel like I can't afford them because I had to ask. Wiggy's also sells Made in America sleeping bags. Butler Bags makes an all-seasons bag which might not be hardcore enough for Melissa, but it might be perfect for who you are shopping for!

Second, Keyboards. These are tough! Yamaha does have six factories in the US, and from what I can tell, they are the only major brand that does (avoid Casio, boo Casio). Still, I can't seem to find any straightforward answers about which of the keyboards are made domestically and what are made internationally. If you can find that info, send it my way and i will update this!

A Few More Ideas

A Cozy Blanket- Faribault and Woolrich sell blankets that look tough enough for a camping trip and cozy enough for a living room. These aren't cheap either, but I feel like it's a special gift that will last a very long time, even if they have a tough ride out in the woods. Faribault also has a special place in my heart, because they are doing a buy one/ give one program this winter, so for every blanket or scarf you buy from them, they will donate a blanket to help Minnesota's homeless population. That's awesome, and it might be the perfect combination of Melissa's wishlists!

National Park's Monopoly- I love this board game so much for Melissa and Alan, because I feel like they explore national parks more than any other family I know, and like I have said before, travelers love dreaming of future travels. This might be a cool way to do it! Maybe they could play it while hosting?

from REI

Boots- I am not talking cutesy riding boots here, I am talking hiking boots. But they can still be cute! I especially like these ones from Keen, for those wintery hikes up in the mountains.

Camera Bags and Straps- As a side note, Melissa and Alan are also big photographers, and I found some very tough, but good-looking camera bags. If you have a landscape photographer/ adventurer in your life, I might stop first at Domke. These are serious bags, so this only works if the giftee REALLY takes their photography seriously.

You could also get your hardcore photographer one of these cool Luma Loop straps, which might be particularly helpful for someone who has to move around a lot to get their shot.

Water Bottles- You can read about my beloved reusable water bottles elsewhere, but Liberty Bottle now takes the cake. I love this so much, and I will probably buy it for Melissa. Spoiler Alert. Also reading Liberty Bottle's website, I am very encouraged by their priorities as a company, making more jobs and creating less waste.

But outdoorsy people need water bottles. Everyone needs a reusable water bottle- let 2016 be the year we stop using those horrible plastic one time use monsters.

Tents- If you have an aspiring outdoorperson on your list (or have been thinking about a tent yourself) you have good options! Beckel Canvas Tents look like the kind Ron Swanson would like (if he couldn't make his own lean to). Springbar also has lots of great options, so you can get out there and camp it up (maybe in the spring? Unless you have a winter sleeping bag and a will of steel).

Alright, I hope this list gave you inspiration for the outdoorsy person you love! Remember to look at the thrift and vintage stores nearby too, because you might find something on your list for a better price and a more eco-friendly option!

If you are still feeling shoppy, check out my big honking list of lists for more shopping ideas!

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