Dumpster Diver Christmas Wreaths!

This is a great quick video from a news program - if you can get past the smug, disgusted comments from the "newscasters" it's a great little demonstration of what a bit of creativity, some trash and a glue gun can do for your holiday -

Save dollars with creative dumpster-diver wreaths
http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/11047184/cbs_wcco_minn/20081210/av_localcat_dontlaun/_goodmorningyahoo_cbslocal51828

Healthy Hypocrite?

Ok, I have a confession...I wear leather.
But I don't eat meat...or cheese...or yogurt...but I DO occasionally buy a "new" piece of clothing or shoes that are leather or animal based. Why?
Because they're used. Someone already bought it new, decided they didn't want it anymore, and then I buy it for next-to-nothing.
I have leather hiking boots that I bought second hand at REI in Oregon 10 years ago and they're still amazing!
(if you're from the Great North West, you've heard the rumors of the yearly members-only sales - if you're not a member, you're crazy! Get on it! www.rei.com Not only do they sell great used outdoor gear for CHEAP, they have an incredible return policy - where do you think all that stuff at the sale comes from?)

I also have vintage leather belts, cowboy boots and motorcycle gloves (which WILL come out of the closet again some day - decided it was best to sell my hog when I got pregnant) - there are just some things that shouldn't be Pleather!

And then there are so many great used items out there for cheap - I think it's much more eco-friendly to buy a good quality, used leather item than buy a new plastic-based vegan item. So, I don't buy new leather, but used it ok by me.
I know, I could get kicked out of the Vegan/Vegetarian Club for this one!

But that's just me...

You? Comments?

Cool YouTube video for healthy cheap eating!

Check out this 9 minute video on YouTube - not the greatest production quality, but "Natalie" offers great tips on eating healthy for cheap!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpqAjtiwmiQ

Best, Alex

No-Wrap Pact Update!

Looking for new and ingenious ways to wrap up those holiday presents? Try the art of Japanese fabric folding, or FUROSHIKI. This origami-like method for wrapping up objects is the perfect one-two punch: use up random bits of fabric around your house while wrapping gifts for free - while recycling! It's a one-two-three punch!
Check out the following sites for directions:
http://www.craftzine-digital.com/craft/vol09/?pg=78
http://furoshiki.com/home.php

Any takers?
Be thrifty,
Alex

Even the New York Times gets it!

This is a great article on exactly what I'm trying to do with this blog - read the NYT's take on the current situation!
Can you save money, time, your health and the environment? Sure!

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/garden/20math.html?ei=5070&emc=eta1

Aloe - are you there?

So here is the coolest eco-cheap-o beauty tip I've ever heard - Aloe Gel for your hair!
Why didn't I think of this earlier?
Instead of buying toxic, gooey, petroleum based hair gel, get out that old bottle of aloe gel for your hair sculpting needs.
Try a nickel sized squirt on your palm, rub your hand together and style away like normal.
Enjoy!

Great resources for fresh, cheap, local food

Here I am on this rainy Saturday morning, wishing I had the fortitude to walk down to the farmer's market at Grand Army Plaza - the closest farmer's market to me in Brooklyn.
Why would I risk pneumonia on a day like this for some food? Because it's awesome! The local farmers are dedicated (they stand in this deluge all day!), they have gorgeous produce, and the prices are better because it's local. Everyone wins!

Want to find a farmer's market? Or a CSA? Or a health food store that sells bulk in your area?
One of the best resources is:
http://www.localharvest.org/

Just enter your zip code and you're set!
Enjoy, stay warm,
Alex