Practice #12: From Scratch, Back Pocket Buttermilk Pancakes First off, I would like to say that I did not eat all of the pancakes in that picture. I shared some with a little pancake monster that is running around this house. Having said that, I would like to add that there have been times when …

Tip of the day: Get creative with gift wrapping In this picture is a gift wrapped with paper that came as part of the packaging in an Amazon.com arrival, dried roses that previously decorated our mantle, and twine that I always have on hand. It’s not fancy but it is pleasing to look at and is using …

Tip of the day: growlers from local breweries This tip doesn’t affect me so much as I am more of a wine or g&t sort of girl but for those of you who partake (or ever host parties where people partake) this one’s for you! Tip: buy your beer from local breweries by the growler. …

Tip of the day: Clear out your refrigerator… and then keep it cleared! For those of you who endured power outages during hurricane Matthew, this might be the easiest for you since your fridge is probably already cleared out. Americans go through a lot of food waste. Because we can’t see it through the mass …

Practice #10: Bring your own containers, to the cafe For me, long gone are the days of being able to sit at a coffee shop and enjoy a scone and coffee in their “for here” plates and mugs. Those were beautiful days and I miss them immensely but the reality is, if I’m getting something …

Practice #9: Bring your own utensils I think you would be surprised about how many opportunities during the week you eat off of plastic ware. When you are grabbing that Publix sample, or when there is an office birthday cake for that coworker you’ve said hi to a couple of times, or when your friend asks you …

Practice #8: When you forget your reusable grocery bags… You guys, to be honest, this practice is going to be having you yell “FRICK!” at some point if you keep to it so try not to hate me. We all know you’re supposed to use reusable grocery bags. This is such a given that I …

Covering your bowls with items other than plastic wrap or aluminum foil is a great way to cut down on waste. Pictured here is a beeswax wrap, a dish towel, and a plate. They all work to cover what is in the bowls but some work better for different purposes. If it will be sitting …

Practice #6: Less Waste in the Shower Next time you step into your shower, take a look at the plastic containers surrounding you. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face soap, shaving cream… (This goes for you too, men!) It really is incredible how many bath products we accumulate. I am the first to admit that hygiene …

Practice #5: Less Waste in the sink Switching gears for a minute from buying food to cleaning up from the food. How many of you still use those Scotch kitchen sponges? I know I sure did for a while, even after I was switching up my lifestyle. I just couldn’t give them up. Until I …