I’ll always love jellies. They have no brains!!
This is a good list of high impact Zero Waste Challenges from Polly Barks. Similar to our Six Months to Zero Waste Challenges, these can be done at your own pace, or follow along.
This is an interesting idea for better boxes when shipping.
The top ten tiny houses according to Tree Hugger.
A few weeks ago, I tried a vegan and zero waste cracker recipe. My version was OK, but definitely needs work.
On My Mind On Friday Morning | Xmas Edition
Growing up we celebrated Christmas even though my parents were not religious in any way. None of my extended family was either, really. We celebrated the Christian holidays with family, Jewish holidays with friends, and saw glimpses of other holidays when we visited festivals, or went somewhere else that they were being observed. We were often going to a diverse mix of cultural events. Over time we consolidated our holiday festivities down to really only acknowledging the Pagan aspects of the Christian holidays. A pine tree to symbolize everlasting green and earth, bright and colorful lights to emulate the coming spring, a harvest feast in November (the last fresh and hearty meal before the coming winter), pumpkins (another harvest symbol) and ghosts or skeletons to ward off evil spirits, sickness and depression/evil spirits. Now I’ve can to call Christmas but a punk inspired name, Xmas. I’ll take the community aspects of holidays, I’ll take the beauty, but I’ve come to realize that my versions and traditions greatly differ from most people. And that’s ok.
Tree Hugger always has a bunch of good lists with ideas for homemade holidays. (Here’s another good list from Polly Barks).
On the first day of xmas, my true love gave to me a partridge which is actually a perdrix?
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is a holiday I would like to learn more about.
I did end up making some sugar cookies that I was craving. My new favorite thing is to look up vegan recipes and try them. I usually have everything I need for a vegan recipe. These cookies came out OK, they were soft, which I like but a little cakey and boring tasting. I did substitute cow butter in these as that was what I had so they are not vegan. And I ended up adding some vanilla brown sugar icing and chopped nuts to brighten them up a bit.
On My Mind On Friday Morning
Amazing photos of colorful buildings in Turkey.
I visited the Circus Drive In Back in 2016. Here’s an update.
Another interesting article on Cape May history.
This article is only partly about several rare mummified large cats that were recently unveiled. They are still testing them to see what kind of cats they may be, but two are lion cubs.
On My Mind On Friday Morning
I thought this was a very sweet article about Rod Stewart!
This is a fun map of New Jersey stars.
Did you see the Beaver Moon this week? I missed it :(
I only do one of these five exercises that are supposed to help you live longer. But I would like to do three of them.
My husband and roommate have been making action figures of each other. This is what we do in our house.
On My Mind on Friday Morning
One can never go wrong with cat pics! These were inspired by a rescue cat and spanned a career in NY and NJ.
This article made me feel better for all those times I was teased for walking fast.
Although more known for it’s Summer attractions, Fall always makes me think of Cape May..
Now that the weather is turning colder, I’m allllll about cooking at home again. I love a warm oven to take the chill off a morning or night. These veggie burgers sound good and I’ve had the recipe stashed for a very long time. Seems like a good time to put it to use.
I’ve been following and loving Zerowaste.japan’s easy zero waste swaps on instagram. How many have you swapped?
On My Mind on Friday Morning
Let’s look at two of everything today!
Two beautiful photo essays on bugs (and sea bugs).
Two distinctly Jersey vids.
Two thought provoking videos about how to reduce pollution and increase breathable air in cities.
Two articles on how milliennials spend money that I found dry but interesting.
Two pictures of Irving. He’s a two sided type of guy, sometimes sweet and gentle, sometimes mean as a snake.
On My Mind On Friday Morning
I really enjoyed this photo essay on food.
And this mix of moon images.
Severe and dangerous floods in India led to one tiger getting a good nap, at least.
Beauty in Asbury Park.
In sad news, on one of our recent walks, we came across a newly dead cat on the sidewalk. We had a private memorial right there and then. I recognized him as one I had spotted a few weeks earlier. He’s been on our minds the last few days. I prefer to remember him like this.
On My Mind On Friday Morning
Some amazing birds photos from the 10th annual Audubon awards..
This was a fascinating little article on hermits. It made me think “it’s never too late”.
I thought the idea of bartenders and servers showing that they are sober was a great idea. Not sure if this pin is the answer, or if it should cost $15.
I really enjoyed this long exposure photo essay of films.
There’s a heat wave happening in NJ right now. Hot cats are hot.
On My Mind On Friday Morning
Someone please buy me this house. (Or this one.)
Is Batman from New Jersey?
I may have posted this article about things you might find on the beach in NJ before, but it’s still a good guide.
Here are a few more shark articles and comics. In case you missed last, week July is the anniversary of the 1916 Matawan shark attacks.
Planning a trip to see Monmouth County’s very own Moon Tree!
Keeping one of my favorite city’s and it’s people in my thoughts today.
On My Mind on Friday Morning... Shark Fest Edition
Unsurprisingly the fascination with shark attacks started in NJ. For the anniversary of the sharks that shocked the world, here’s some shark news.
Mary Lee was big news when the great white was a frequant visitor to the jersey shore. This is her twitter.
This year we’re seeing more of Missy May, but authorities are saying we have nothing to worry about!
These rare sharks are coming back to California.
Sharks are becoming dangerously over fished, sometimes out of neglect and sometimes out of desire for fins (this article contains a graphic image).
Here are some sharks that we keep in our house.
On My Mind On Friday Morning
Last week was the Summer Solstice for the northern hemisphere. Did you celebrate?
A friend from Florida recently visited. She’s always surpised you have to pay to go onto the beach in most places in NJ. Here’s why. And here’s how some people are working towards everyone getting a beach badge.
Always be learning more things about the moon.
I liked this little video bc it showed a variety of woman in different Asian countries trying to lead a zero waste life. On instagram and youtube, it’s rare to see more than an American or English influencers take on zero waste, so this was a refreshing change.
Apparently I only have 4 out the 10 most popular plants on instagram.
How many do you have?
On My Mind On Friday Morning
Sad but good article about endangered cats.
Live here? Yes, please.
Recently, I watched all of the show Lucifer. Now I want to read the comics.
I like this look back at some of the “best” oscar dresses over the years!
For the month of June, Pride month, I’m posting my rainbow mug collection everyday. Check it out on in my insta stories.
On My Mind On Friday Morning
I love to see photos of Japan right before and after WWII. It’s a fascinating time for combining fashion and culture. Here are some interesting photos from that time.
A queen in Toms River.
I’d love to eat more foraged foods, maybe I can start in the back yard.
I love that food trends just like fashion. What’s the next hot Super Food??
We did not get out in to our garden yet, we are soooo far behind!! Luckily, some tomatoes and our orange sage are doing their own work.
On My Mind on Friday Morning
A few month ago I bought a safety razor for when my disposables were used up. Today was the first time I used it. Have you used one? Thoughts?
I enjoyed this brief article on living in North Korea.
Any time I hear about The Village People I perk up. One of it’s former members lives in Asbury Park, here is another members story.
I was super happy to see that this Floridian couple can keep their front yard garden.
My job recently got tree plots in a community garden and today was the first day for weeding! We had three little visitors in our yard this month. I didn’t get any pictures, but will keep everyone updated on the progress!
On My Mind On Friday Morning
Around where we live several big corporate restaurants (Houlihans, Eat at Joes ) have closed and the buildings are now being taken over by weeds and time, starting to crumble and return to a more natural state. I weirdly love to watch this process, and imagine a time where nature reclaims all the terrible Red Lobsters and Olive Gardens and Walmarts people once put our faith, money and time in to. Here is a great look at an abandoned mall in NJ (photo).
Here is a good article portal to check out changes, updates, and other resources about recycling in your state.
The beachcomber’s dilemma; Trash or treasure?
One of my March and now April goals is to care for my houseplants. Here is a fun little video for changing pots.
One of my April Goals is to get out into the yard, and a great project to start with is our porch. We have grand plans to change our porch but for now, I’ll settle for somewhere that I want to sit and watch the neighborhood. We have already started by picking up some of the items that were hanging out there, but didn’t need to be.
Getting our porch ready for Summer is really important to us bc a lot of our plants live there in the warm weather. And they love it!
On My Mind On Friday Morning
One of the very first places my friend and roommates felt comfortable and frequented when we moved to Brooklyn was the Old Carriage Inn Lounge, which we lovingly called Sports Bar. Sadly they are closing after many decades in operation. It as great to learn the history of this business and building, which played such a big role in my personal history.
I love a good list of pet friendly houseplants!!
Have you heard The Hum?
I can’t wait to visit this really quite fascinating town, Roosevelt, NJ.
I was so happy to see Chagin Soap get a shout out on Tree Hugger!
On My Mind on Friday Morning | Animal Edition
Via the Gardian.
This is my kind of cat walks.
Wolf rescue.
Turtle missing since 1982 reunited with family. Portrait here.
Full grown tiger found in abandoned building.
Look at this huge bee, long thought extinct.
At my work, we recently had a fundraiser for our local SPCA and it was awesome!
On My Mind On Friday Morning
Have you heard of Loop? I can’t wait to try it!
NYC doors.
Ian McKellen owns a pub, I have to go to this one day!!
I’ve been wanting to visit more cemeteries in NJ. 2019 Might be the year, and here is some inspiration to go.
In my last post we talked about decluttering, here are some things I have been working on:
We have been renovating our kitchen forever, so we don’t have as much shelving as I would like. keeping the area decluttered is a constant struggle. But it’s a fun area to start with when I want to see progress and feel accomplished with my decluttering. Do you have areas of the house that are your go to declutter areas?
On My Mind On Friday Morning
I loved the photos in this article about snowflakes. Close ups of them never cease to amaze.
Towards the end of 2018, NY was buzzing about mandarin ducks in Central Park, but one of our favorite Zoos have had them all along.
Xmas is over but I wanted to share these well wishes, shell ornaments, and a very beachy xmas tree in NJ.
You might remember that we want to get a wood stove. But there are downsides to this fuel as well.
I’ve saved the last few lettuce scraps and started a little lettuce garden. I’ll be excited to start more seeds and plants, and transplant these little lettuces to pots or beds.
On My Mind on Friday Morning
I had wanted to go thru all my ornaments and decorate the house this year. I haven’t done this yet, but I have had my eye on some fun food shaped ornaments this year! 1, 2 (love this!!), 3 (very NJ!). Here’s a whole article that was very fun!
Japan has loosened it’s immigration policies, let’s go!!
NJ has officially name the Bog Turtle it’s state reptile!
Very long article on the fossils our trash will become.
The three books I’m trying to use each day:
Morning pages, currently reading, sketch book.