Sunday, March 28, 2010

Hiking!!

As mentioned previously, it is SPRING here in Tucson. My hubby and I started walking/hiking - long on the list of TO DO things.

I just have to share some of our pictures from our latest walk/hike in Catalina State Park, a mere 10-15 minutes from our home.

Enjoy the beauty of the southwest!


The washes are running from the snow melt in the mountains.

Saguaro cactus on the hill.



Grass!






As we were walking down the trail - there was a crash from somewhere just before us. "What was that?!" We kept walking and soon saw what it was. An arm had just fallen off of this giant saguaro cactus. Just like that. Bizarre!





View of Pusch Ridge.




Wildflowers.
:)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

World Water Day!!!


Today, March 22, is World Water Day, a date sanctioned by the United Nations to bring awareness to the fact that by 2030 two-thirds of the world will lack access to clean drinking water.


Right now more than one out of six people lack access to safe drinking water, and that number will continue to grow unless we can do something about it. (Did you know that even in the United States, only 90% of the country currently has access to clean drinking water??)



Here are a few suggestions that can help enormously, that YOU can do right now!

* Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water, and make the switch from the bottle to the tap. The production, transportation, and disposal of bottled water consumes large amounts of water and energy
* Take the pledge to only use bottled water when absolutely necessary.
* Become a fan of Get Off the Bottle on Facebook and suggest the page to your Facebook friends. * Tell your local officials to put the repair of water infrastructure at the top of their agenda.
* Take shorter showers. Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.
* Invest in a low-flow toilet or put a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used per flush.
* Turn off the tap while brushing teeth, shaving, and washing your hair. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month. Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month. Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
* Run dishwashers or laundry machines only when full. Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
*Choose landscaping plants with low water requirements.
*Eat foods that require less water to produce. The amount of water used to produce animal products and processed foods like soda and chips far exceeds the amount used for growing vegetables and grains.
*When grocery shopping, try to buy more whole foods like vegetables that are in season, and a variety of grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
* When you are washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather.


We live in the desert. So, ever since moving here 6 years ago, we have become incredibly aware of water. On our little ranch, we live off WELL water. That's right, our water is pumped from the Tucson Aquifer, stored in a well, and pumped to our house. Our tapwater tastes like spring water. Wells are INCREDIBLY expensive to repair, and we had a few problems when we first moved in. So we have made some big changes.

One of the biggest ones was - we made the choice to turn OFF the irrigation system. The previous owners grew roses - the water was dripping on them all day long. The roses are long since dead. They don't belong in the desert. The only things we have growing here are drought-happy plants. And those that can be watered from the hose a few times a week.


So do it - get rid of the bottle!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Spring in Arizona

Spring is here. It is a subtle difference, as we don't have harsh winters. But we had our first 80 degree day last week.





An amazing thing has happened this spring, that I've never seen before since we've lived here (6 years now). It was a very wet winter - I loved the gray and rainy days, as they are rare here.





Grass has grown. Where it is always brown, it is green. I can't say that it is 'lawn', as that would mean that you might actually have to mow it - which is unlikely. Because as soon as the heat starts - the grass will die. But before it does, I'm going to let my horses graze on it's sweet goodness.






The mountains that you see in the distance are the Tortolitas - not a very tall mountain range. But there was snow on that range a few times this winter!



Question - what is this red grass growing? Anybody know??





Sunday, March 14, 2010

Acorn Pixies!

Quite a few years ago, I used to make Pixies out of bendable wire and felt, and wooden beads for their heads. There are quite a few wonderful shops on Etsy that make these adorable dolls. Including my teammates from the Natural Kids!
Anyway, I decided to try something a little different.

I have had a stash of wooden doll bodies for FOREVER. Finally, recently, I started playing with them. I'm not sure that I've perfected them yet, but I'm really having fun with them.


I have a wooden dollhouse, that sits up on a shelf in our living room. I am sure it is quite dusty. But these are the perfect dolls for that dollhouse.


Just wanted to share some of them with you - they are available in my Woolies shop!







I hope you like them!!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

NATURAL KIDS!



Easter/Spring NaturalKids Team Blog-A-Thon





The NaturalKids Team is a group of like-minded shops on Etsy.com. The team was started by woodmouse in 2007. Early members included faerierebecca, fairiesnest, cozycottage. It was a small group, with a small presence on etsy. Since that time members have come and gone but our mission has stayed the same. To be a group of sellers dedicated to creating natural products for children. We are a diverse group of artisans who make natural toys, utensils, clothing and accessories for kids. Our sellers work with materials from the Earth, such as wool, cotton, silk and wood. Our goal is to support, promote and have fun together while building our businesses.

One of our 1st Team Blog Post read as below and it is still true today....


We are a diverse bunch from all over the globe who have at least one thing in common: we all work with natural materials in our products for children. Oh yeah, and we're all pretty darn crafty & talented too! Wool, wood, cotton...just simple materials direct from the Earth.
So who are we?
Some of us are mothers of small children.
Some of us are mothers of grown children.
Some of us make dolls, some of us make hats, some of us make toys.
Some of us have been selling our wares for many years.
Some of us are just starting to discover our talents and start selling.
Some of us work with natural materials for environmental reasons.
Some of us work with natural materials as part of the Waldorf educational philosophy.
Some of us work with natural materials because we believe they are healthier and safer.
Some of us just like working with natural materials.
Some of us sell our wares for a living.
Some of us sell our wares as a hobby.
Since that time, some of us are fathers.









Thank you for reading and now join in the fun to take a trip to see what you may find at these NaturalKids Team Members Blogs! Happy Spring!!!


Visit these blogs from our team! Some giveaways going on!
ALL of these wonderful items featured here and MANY more can be found here:

Monday, March 1, 2010

Black Cloud

I think we have a black cloud hanging over us.



Health worries; job loss; cars breaking down - it seems to just go on and on. I don't have to tell YOU!







So I made this today .







A little puffy black cloud pendant.





The best part about the black cloud, is the tag that reads "Angels watch over you". Because I like to believe that they do.






Do You?














You can find it at Buster and boo.