Frugal

warning: Creating default object from empty value in /home/ecodaddyo/public_html/modules/taxonomy/taxonomy.pages.inc on line 33.
Doing more while spending less money

Cook vs. Persimmon

Submitted by EcoMommyo on Tue, 2008/12/30 - 10:08pm
in
Two-Tone Persimmon Pudding

2009 is breathing its icy breath down our necks. It was a mighty chilly Christmas holiday with either ice or slush to line your path. Again, the cook runs to the kitchen with all haste to conjure up warm and comforting food. We are taking a two week break from the weekly CSA delivery (like at Thanksgiving, even farmers get a little break) but we were sent off with an extra heavy bag to tide us over until the first week of January.

Cellulose Insulated Attic Makes For a Cozy Home

Submitted by TimJFowler on Mon, 2008/12/29 - 11:23am
in
Attic filled with Cellulose Insulation

'The weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, And since we've no place to go, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!' Snow is falling and I am nearly giddy. Why? We've just finished sealing and insulating the attic with 15 inches of recycled cellulose insulation and our home is now quite cozy and snug. Let It Snow!

Looking for color in winter

Submitted by EcoMommyo on Mon, 2008/12/22 - 3:49pm
in
Butternut Squash

We have passed the Winter Solstice, the longest day of the year, and now are definitely pointed toward spring. However you wouldn't know that with a week of snow headed our way and a white Christmas on tap. Since the days have been grey as of late, I've been looking for light and warmth in the kitchen. Thankfully the oranges of squash, the reds of pomegranates, and the verdant greens have been helpful in that regard.

Rethinking the salad

Submitted by EcoMommyo on Wed, 2008/12/10 - 4:53pm
in
Chocolate-Pumpkin Layer Cake slice

We had several lovely salads this week; salads beautiful in color and composition. They were all great but strangely unsatisfying. I can eat as many nourishing greens as I can fit on a plate and I have realized that unless they are warm, it's just not going to scratch the itch. In contrast, the baked acorn squash with the chicken fricassee last night was just great. I know I'm supposed to eat lots of greens and they are the tried and true diet food but nowadays they need to be paired with something warm.

It's all about the pomegranates.

Submitted by EcoMommyo on Thu, 2008/12/04 - 2:55pm
in
Pomegranates Perched on a Plate

Thanksgiving, the great American holiday, is come and gone and the push toward Christmas begins. We had a fine and snowy Thanksgiving in northern New Mexico. The snow was soul satisfying since we are still waiting for a real occurrence of the white stuff in the middle of the state.

DIY Carbon Offsets

Submitted by TimJFowler on Mon, 2008/12/01 - 6:21pm
in
Planting a Bare Root Seedling

Looking for a way to offset your carbon footprint? Instead of paying someone else to offset your CO2 emissions you could create your own carbon sequestration system. In other words, you can plant trees and perennials at home. The New Mexico State Forestry Division wants to help you reforest your acre of the planet with the Conservation Seedling Program. Starting December 1st, anyone owning 1 acre or more of land in New Mexico can purchase seedlings from 53 varieties of trees and shrubs for spring planting.

Cool Roof: Pro-Panel vs. Asphalt Shingle

Submitted by TimJFowler on Wed, 2008/11/26 - 4:28pm
in
Galvalume Metal Panel Roof at Sunset

It can be tough to keep a cool head these days, especially if you don't have a cool roof. What's a Cool Roof? A cool roof relects and emits the sun's heat back into the sky instead of sending it down into your home or office. Living in the desert Southwest we certainly know that the sun is a powerful source of light and heat. Yet strangely, the most common roofs around here are flat and covered with black tar and gravel.

The Box Begins

Submitted by EcoMommyo on Wed, 2008/11/19 - 8:27pm
in

Last Thursday, I picked up the first of our winter CSA share courtesy of Beneficial Farms. FYI, Community Supported Agriculture is something all the cool kids are doing. You provide a farmer with a lump sum of dough and over a season they provide you with a weekly supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. As an added bonus they are often organic and local. Our CSA provides produce from farmers all around New Mexico. I'm looking forward to learning about my state's agricultural bounty; apparently it extends beyond green chile.

2008 Santa Fe Green Building Expo

Submitted by TimJFowler on Mon, 2008/11/17 - 2:29pm
in
Santa Fe Green Building Summit & Expo logo

What: 2008 Santa Fe Green Building Expo
When: Nov. 21 2pm-6pm; Nov. 22, 10am-6pm; Nov. 23, 10am-5pm
Where: Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy Street, Santa Fe, NM
Cost: FREE to the Public

The $15 Water Heater Upgrade

Submitted by TimJFowler on Thu, 2008/11/13 - 4:28pm
in
Water Heater Insulating Blanket

I have a cheap, inefficient water heater. Why? When I had the old water heater replaced I wasn't thinking about efficiency. So, the plumber installed an average, natural gas water heater. Buying a new, more efficient water heater can cost at least $500, plus installation. Being a creative and frugal guy (read: cheap) I found a way to upgrade my water heater for only $15.

Syndicate content