OSC: Conserving Water in Your Home

Last year my family decided to tackle water usage as a One Small Change. For that entire month and for every month since, we have been more conscious about the length of our showers, how we wash the dishes, and even the flushing of our toilet. Just being conscious of our use has helped make a significant difference. Our water bill has reflected a 1,000 gallon per month decrease from the same month in the previous year. That is a 12,000 gallon savings for the year.

We accomplished this simply by replacing the shower heads to a low flow shower head. We actually received two free shower heads from our power company who was offering them to help customers become more efficient. By spending 10 minutes switching to these free shower heads I was able to make a major reduction in the water we used. I recommend everyone use low flow shower heads as we really haven't noticed a difference in the quality of our showers.

Even though water is covering about 70% of Earth's surface only about 1% of that water is safe enough for human use. The average American is using as much as 100 gallons per day. This is really crazy when you consider that in many parts of the world people are forced to live on a daily ration of water that is about equal to one flush of an American toilet.

It is time that we think about how we are using water and what we can do to help conserve this valuable resource so future generations will have the water they need to survive.

Ways to make a difference in your water consumption:

1. Install Low Flow Shower Heads
2. Take shorter showers or commit to skipping one shower per week.
3. Only do full loads of laundry or dishes if using a dishwasher
4. Replace grass yards with native plants
5. Place a plastic container with pebbles in your toilet tank to displace water to reduce the amount of water in each flush.
6. Turn the water off when you brush your teeth
7. Collect rain water for watering your garden

There are so many more ways to make a difference. Add your ideas in the comments.
~Andy

 *OSC stands for One Small Change...our one small change project is our effort to encourage others to make one small green change at a time for our planet. Each week I write 1 post with ideas, inspiration, and encouragement to help you along this journey of living a more sustainable life. Won't you join us in making One Small Change at a time to create a better Earth for everyone! To read more One Small Change posts, please visit here.

OSC: Conserving Water in Your Home

Music Corner

We moved to our current home over 6 years ago.  It is a different kind of home than we had ever lived in as adults...it was almost boring and cookie cutterish, but we felt like this was the next step in our growth.  To settle down with our kids in a cozy neighborhood and start acting like grown ups.  We started filling our home with grown up things...vases, dried flowers, nick knacks and such.  I liked all of these things, however it wasn't quite my authentic style...it was my style, just in a more common fashion...not very unique, you know.   Then some events occurred in 2011 that made me realize we were staying in this home for a long time...it was always my intention to move after 5 years, however now our plan is to stay here until the kids graduate high school (12 years or so).  With this in mind, it was time to bring my authentic style into my home!  I started adding a few things here and there, changing things around, adding more plants, and the process is ever evolving.  I have created a few spaces in my home that I totally love and have a few spaces that I have big plans for.  I have to give Hannah and her Making Space Program some credit for kicking my butt into gear on this as well.  Through the program she has encouraged me to work on the corners of my home and that is just what I have been doing!  Today I wanted to share with you our music corner.  This corner is my style all the way and I love that we have our instruments in one place out in the open for anyone to grab and start jamming at any time.  The painting in this corner is one that my friend Michele painted for me.  I love it and I proudly hang it in our main living space.  A couple of years ago I probably would have thought it was not appropriate to display...however today I am displaying things that I love where I can see them the most!  I hope to share more corners with you over the year as I create a living space that reflects me, while creating a peaceful and happy environment. 

Music Corner

My Adventure Pants

The kids had a sleep over the night before and it would have been so easy to stay at home in our PJ's watching TV.  However, one of my main intentions for 2012 is to get outside more..so with this in mind I decided to get the tired kids and head out on an adventure.  I put on my 'adventure pants' and realized I had not worn these pants near enough in the past few months.  These pants have been on just about every outdoor adventure I have had in the past few years.  They have been with me on many camping trips, day hikes, up a 14,000 foot mountain, and have sat around hundreds of camp fires. They are stained and dirty with a few holes, but they will still get me through many more adventures.  I don't even think about what I am going to wear when heading out on a 3 day camping trip...I put on the pants and they stay on until I return home.

This weekend we headed out to the river on Saturday which had the most amazing ice forms mixed in with rushing water, intense sunshine, and calming energy.  Sunday we hit the trail in the canyon and enjoyed hiking through an amazing forest.  There is nothing like spending the weekend outdoors to fill the soul with joy and excitement. Another outing for my 'adventure pants' and many more to come! 

Do you have a special something that you wear or take along with you on adventures? A crystal perhaps or favorite t-shirt? 

My Adventure Pants

Feature Friday: Handmade Glass Pendants

I have been wearing my Tree of Life and Om glass pendants for about a year now and just love them. I get compliments on them all the time and honestly just feel good wearing them. I knew this was a product that I wanted to share with you, and we are proud to carry these pendants  in our shop. I love bringing you products that I personally use and stand behind 100%.

These pendants are handmade in the USA by a wonderful artist and Mama named Brooke. Brooke has been sculpting glass since 2000 with her apprentice and husband, Brian. Brooke shares a home and studio with Brian, their daughters Joy and Faith, and son, Jeremy Kenneth. In June of 2010, The Family Tree Glass crew relocated to the foothills of the majestic Green Mountains in central Vermont. There they continue to share a passion for glass art in the studio, and a love of raising their family together at home.

Supporting other work at home Mamas really warms my heart. Sticking together through these crazy economic times is all we can do some times to stay afloat. By purchasing one of these beautiful pendants, you are not only getting a gorgeous piece of art, but you are also making it possible for 2 small family businesses to keep on truckin.

And they are on sale now!

Enjoy

Feature Friday: Handmade Glass Pendants

What's Brewing

I am finally getting into the mindset that this is a new year!  And a very exciting year in many respects...can you feel the changes?  The energy, the attitude, the entire universe is swirling with new power.  I can't help but be swept up in the energy and am beginning to create my very own ideas of what I want my 2012 to look like.  It is all up to me...and you...to create our own little existences in this universe.  Sure things will come our way that we didn't plan on, but we still decide how we will respond to them.

2011 was a year of changes for us around here...not necessarily good or bad, just different.  Some we sailed through, others we struggled with, but all have brought us to where we are today.  And it hit me...literally hit me in one moment...that I was ready to create some exciting and adventurous situations in my life.  In 2011, we worked hard, but I feel like we didn't equally play as hard, which left us feeling a bit pooped and low energy.  I did hike my 1st 14er, met some new folks, went on several camping trips, but I think it was the day to day that lacked excitement.

I'm thinking my theme for 2012 will have to be adventure...and saying yes. And, we are off to a good start so far with lots on the horizon!  Here's hoping your 2012 is full of all the love, magic, adventure, and fun you are longing for!

What's Brewing

OSC: Getting Outside With Kids

My last One Small Change (OSC) post was about getting outside more to enjoy nature.  In theory, the more we enjoy nature, the more we will want to protect it.  Today I wanted to focus on getting our kids outside.  Kids are the future and they are the ones that will take this environmental movement to new heights.  Most of our kids have never known a world that didn't focus on reduce, reuse, recycle.  My kids live by this principle as just the way things are.  I firmly believe that the more time my kids spend outside, the more they will grow to love Mother Earth and want to take care of her.  When kids are inside most of the time watching TV or playing video games, they may not care about their Earth and what goes on beyond their walls.  I watched the documentary Play Again a while back and it really opened my eyes to how much kids are actually on computers, watching TVs, or using their phones...it's astonishing!  And no generation before has had access to this much technology, so our kids are the guinea pigs in this grand experiment.  Don't get me wrong, I love technology...but we need to take it in small doses and not lose site of what is really important.  Another source that really opened my eyes to how important it is to getting my kids outside is Richard Louvs's The Last Child in the Woods.  Louv's book really reminded me of how much time I spent outside as a child and how I cherish these memories.   Riding bikes, playing in the back yard, night games with the neighborhood kids....this is what I remember from my childhood, and I want my kids to have the same joy filled memories.

So, after my post last week it occurred to me that, although, we do get outside a lot, I wanted to get outside more.  I wanted to explore new areas with my children and expose them to as much magic, beauty, and balance that nature has to offer.  I want my kids to love Mother Nature and form a connection with her as they will know her their entire lives.  My family has made a commitment that we will spend more time this year hiking, walking, exploring, and forming a new bond with our natural surroundings.

If you have kids and want to get them out hiking, start now!  Whatever age they are is a great age.  Of course, you will need to adjust hike length and difficulty based on your child's age, but the more you get them out, the more they will grow to love it.  It took my kids a few years to really start loving hiking, but we were patient and are finally at a point where they can hike longer distances and keep the complaining to a minimum.  Below are a few tips of what we do to get the kids exciting about hiking.

*Create a scavenger hunt.  We write down words or draw pictures in a little notebook that the kids carry with them on the hike. When they find an item on the list they cross it off.  At the end of the hike, if they have found everything, you can give them a treat (or even if they didn't find everything, but gave some good effort). Some ideas for the list include; animal tracks, a dog, leaf, heart shaped rock, bench, bird, squirrel, water, pine cone, animal droppings, seed, flower, etc.

*Bring fun snacks.  Trail mix with some chocolate mixed in is always a hit in our family.

*Encouragement goes a long way.  When my kids complain that their legs are tired, I tell them that it is a good thing and it means their legs are getting stronger.  With stronger legs it will help them when doing their gymnastics (which is the sport they enjoy at the moment).

*Have them create nature notebooks.  They can make these at home before heading out using whatever materials you have or they can just use a plain notebook.  Have them draw pictures in their notebooks from things they see on the hike.

*Go on hikes that have a destination.  Kids love knowing that there is a point they need to get to...whether it is an actual summit or just a tree, bench, or waterfall along they way...give them a destination to look forward to.

*Make Nature Bags.  Have your kids decorate cotton drawstring bags at home before heading out.  Let them fill the bags with whatever they might need for the hike..chap stick, snacks, nature notebook, etc.  Having their very own bag to carry with their own belongings really gets them excited.  They can also use this bag to collect a few rocks to take home (but don't let them take too many as we want to keep nature items in nature where they belong.)

*Play Nature Bingo.  This is similar to the scavenger hunt, however it makes a game out of filling out their bingo card. 

Enjoy!

*OSC stands for One Small Change...our one small change project is our effort to encourage others to make one small green change at a time for our planet. Each week I write 1 post with ideas, inspiration, and encouragement to help you along this journey of living a more sustainable life. Won't you join us in making One Small Change at a time to create a better Earth for everyone! To read more One Small Change posts, please visit here.

OSC: Getting Outside With Kids

Happy MLK Day

May you enjoy this day filled with peace and love.  Treat everyone with kindness as we celebrate one of the most influential persons in our history.  Thank you to Martin Luther King Jr. for standing up for what you believe in and changing the course of our world.  He is a huge inspiration!! 

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."



Martin Luther King, Jr.

Happy MLK Day

Are You on the Right Path?

Are You on the Right Path?

Sisterhood Reivew of Hillside Earrings

Recently, I found myself perusing Hip Mountain Mama's shop to see if there was anything besides our needed SoapNuts purchase that was a must have. The Hillside Wooden Earrings were found, quickly added to my cart, shown to my other half who would be giving them to me (HA), and tucked away for Christmas.

I've already worn them a lot- they just seem to go with everything.

These lovely little drops, The Hillside Wooden Earrings, are at a very reasonable $12.99, and you too can be finding many an outfit to wear with them.  I especially love how light weight they are, and how I can wear them with brown or black or both. The Hillside Earrings also come in different shapes and sizes, and each pair is a little different- meaning it is more than OK to have MORE than one pair, and once you wear them, you'll think, "Yes, I really should!" 

~Kelly

*Kelly is a part of our Sisterhood Review Team. 

Sisterhood Reivew of Hillside Earrings

Being Happy is of the Utmost Importance

"Enjoy your life and be happy.
Being happy is of the utmost importance.
Success in anything is through happiness.
More support of nature comes from being happy.
Under all circumstances be happy, even if you have to force it a bit to change some long standing habits.
Just think of any negativity that comes to you as a raindrop falling into the ocean of your bliss.
You may not always have an ocean of bliss, but think that way anyway and it will help it come.
Doubting is not blissful and does not create happiness.
Be happy, healthy, and let all that love flow through your heart."

~Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Being Happy is of the Utmost Importance

New Year's Tarot Reading GIVEAWAY

Have you ever been interested in Tarot Card Readings?  Maybe you haven't thought much about it, however you have to admit it is pretty intriguing isn't it!  My friend Julie of the Peaceful Peacock has started a new venture and with this comes on line Tarot Card Readings.  I was pretty excited to learn that she could do a reading for me and I didn't even have to go anywhere...in fact I never even talked to Julie on the phone...we did it all via email and then she sent me a recording of the reading. 

Julie contacted me and asked me a few questions about myself and what I was interested in learning more about in my life.  Once she gathered the info she did the reading at sunrise and recorded it.  She sent me the recording, with a note letting me know that she is willing to answer any questions and do another reading if necessary.  Julie's soothing voice is perfect for this and she makes you feel very comfortable and at peace.  Julie is a nurturer and wants to help you with whatever you need help with.

**Today Julie is giving away a New Year's Reading to one of you!  To enter please visit her etsy shop and have a look around...pretty awesome eh?!  Then come back here and leave me a comment.  Also, don't forget to check out her Facebook page and like it so you can keep up with all of her exciting adventures.  Once you like her page, leave me a second comment here to be entered a second time into the drawing.  I will announce the winner on Thursday!  

Congrats CS on winning!  You have been contacted.  thanks to everyone else for entering! 

New Year's Tarot Reading GIVEAWAY

Sisterhood 2012

It's time to select a new group of Hip Sisters to review our products in 2012 and I can't wait to get started!  Our Hip Sister review team is a group of 10 or so folks, just like yourself, who purchase a few items from us throughout the year and write up amazing reviews.  This is not a paid gig, but there are a lot of perks...and the more amazing the review, the better the perks.

Would you like to be a part of the Hip Sisterhood?  We are looking for people who can commit to 3 reviews this year with at least 1 being a video.  We are looking for dedicated people who have enough time in their lives to commit.  We require that you take your own photos, so basic photography skills are a must.  And most of all we are looking for fun loving, creative folks who like our products and enjoy doing reviews.  If this sounds like something you would be interested in, email me at suzy@hipmountainmama.com.  Please write Sisterhood in the subject line, and let me know in the body that you would like to fill out an application (please keep it short and sweet as we get a lot of emails).  We will send out applications to everyone who wants to apply next week. 

**Please only serious people apply.  Yes, we have had some scammers in the past who take their perks and we never hear from them again.  Please be kind...we are a small family business and when people steal from us it really hurts!  And make sure you can commit to 3 reviews including 1 video, over the next 11 months (it may not seem like a lot, but it can be overwhelming if you already have a lot on your plate). 

Sisterhood 2012

Feature Friday: Earth Lovin Cloths

As we approach the Love season, with Valentines Day being next month, it is a great time to honor the ones we love and spread love in any way possible.  This year I challenge you to spread your love to not only people, but to our Earth.  Our Earth needs a little tender loving care, and what a perfect time to honor her by doing what we can to live a more eco friendly lifestyle.  And it doesn't need to be a big, large, expensive, stressful change to our lives...you can change small, easy things that will let your Mother Earth know you care.

For our feature today I have a wonderful idea for you that many many folks are already doing.  Are you addicted to paper towels?  Maybe your not addicted, but still use them quite a lot or prefer them to using cloth.  Well, why not make the switch to a product that works even better than paper towels, is reusable, and will save you money!  Sound good?  Our Earth Lovin Cloths are all of these things and more!  Earth Lovin Cloths are 100% biodegradable and are made from a natural cotton and wood pulp cellulose. They are non toxic, chlorine free, and made using water-based colors and inks. They are very durable and can be used many times before breaking down. Paper towels are expensive so switching to these reusable cloths will save you money and eliminate a lot of waste.

I personally use and love these cloths and know you will love them also!  I want you to try these for yourself so for 1 week we are giving them away!  Place any order with us from now until Friday the 13th, write Earth Lovin Cloth in the comments, and we will send you a FREE Earth Lovin Cloth to try out.

Watch this video below to see a customer review:

Feature Friday: Earth Lovin Cloths

OSC: Get Outside

Welcome to a new year my fellow One Small Changers!  We are rolling on with our One Small Change (OSC) Grassroots Project and hope that you will either continue on with us or jump on board.  It's easy, no pressure, no sign up, no fee...just a lot of encouragement, love, support, and hip hip hoorays!  If you are new to OSC, in a nutshell, we are asking folks to make 1 small eco friendly change at a time.  Once you have a change mastered, simply select a new eco friendly change you wish to make.  I am here to support you in your changes and hold you accountable.  Chat with me through comments here or on facebook on Tuesdays and let me know what you plan to change or ask for suggestions, etc.  It's fun and it's for a good cause!

Today my suggestion for you is to get outside more!  Sure it's Winter for most of us and for some less appealing to get outside, but stop making excuses!  There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.  Put on an extra layer, wear long underwear, hats, whatever it takes, just bundle up and get outside.  Of course some days are just too brutal to get outside, but most days you are going to be able to get out for at least 15 minutes.  The fresh air is so good for your mind, body, and soul! 

I always say, what is the point of preserving our Earth if we don't enjoy it.  The more time you spend outside the more you realize how amazing nature is.  People who spend time outdoors are generally more happy, balanced and well adjusted.  Think about it...we are creatures of the Earth...sure we need shelter from time to time, but we are made to be outside for the majority of our lives.  However most of us spend the majority of our days inside with brief encounters with nature.

So get out there!  Get your kids out there!  No matter what age you are, you can benefit from fresh air and sunshine!  Love the Earth, get to know her, be kind to her, and dance around in your bare feet feeling her beneath your toes every chance you get!

OSC: Get Outside