tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68136525405380238832024-03-18T23:34:06.057-04:00Going GreenA Step-A-Day Program for Lazy SuburbanitesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger449125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-4092813498840147462009-01-29T08:38:00.001-05:002009-01-29T08:40:01.043-05:00OverheardChristmas is long since past but, for whatever reason, the kiddos are still singing Christmas carols throughout the day. I was folding laundry when I overheard Ethan singing this one:<br /><br />Yo Ho, the mistletoe, home where you can see<br />Somebody waits for you, kick her once for me!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-25520793722039307002009-01-16T07:20:00.000-05:002009-01-16T07:21:09.329-05:00Star Wars - As Told By Someone Who Has Never Seen the Movies<object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2809991&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2809991&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/">Star Wars: Retold (by someone who hasn't seen it)</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user759504">Joe Nicolosi</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-83618547820821461922009-01-11T21:28:00.002-05:002009-01-11T21:31:33.702-05:00Feeling Von Trapped<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-oHya7t2_vSf1o82VCYcEbrq6wyUudyulN4OLbxX8TSzyD63_8Ka2MDTZe6GGoQwabzi8BVO8j5uurY0BRq7fX-rD2JrS6uQRfDYE5dlz-kRTDj2HoWBOKuPVifdtkBJy25HMcjRNUw/s1600-h/edelweiss.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290228711299259458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-oHya7t2_vSf1o82VCYcEbrq6wyUudyulN4OLbxX8TSzyD63_8Ka2MDTZe6GGoQwabzi8BVO8j5uurY0BRq7fX-rD2JrS6uQRfDYE5dlz-kRTDj2HoWBOKuPVifdtkBJy25HMcjRNUw/s320/edelweiss.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="color:#006600;">So long, farewell, auf weidersehen, goodbye - Burbanmom attempts to climb ev'ry mountain and become an upbeat, singing governess / postulant. Or something like that.</span></em><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ya know, when I started my <a href="http://www.burbanmom.blogspot.com/">Going Green Blog </a>in June of 2007, it was simply a way to keep myself accountable. I wanted to ensure that I finally did something more than just lament the state of our planet and instead tried to "be the change I want to see in the world". And so I emailed a bunch of my friends and family and said, “Hey, I’m going to green my life and I’m going to write about the changes I make so you all can see what I’m doing and encourage me. Alternatively, if I stop posting, you can get on my ass about being a lame-o quitter”. <p></div><div></div><div>And so I made one change every day toward a greener lifestyle and chronicled that change on my blog. And my mom or sister would call me and we'd talk about the change I'd made, or my other sister would leave me funny notes in the comments section and I'd tell her she was a dork. It was all very comfortable. Too comfortable. Odds are I would get bored and quit within a month. <p></div><div></div><div>Well, the interwebby is a crazy place and the next thing I knew, perfect strangers were reading about my adventures and offering their support and encouragement - and criticism. Well, now I had an audience and, like Mary Martin, I love to perform. Now there was no way to stop it and so I continued making my changes and I also made a bunch of online friends (including <a href="http://burbanmom.blogspot.com/2008/04/212-bah-bah-black-sheep.html">a lonely goatherd</a>) and learned even more about environmental causes. <p></div><div></div><div>But now sixteen - going on seventeen - months later, I feel like I have reached my initial goal of become a more ecologically responsible person. I am happy with the changes I've made and I have transformed from a "keeping up with the Joneses" suburban soccer mom to a much more mindful consumer. In short: I'm about as green as I'm gonna get. <p></div><div></div><div>Now don't get me wrong - if money starts falling from the sky and I can finally afford to put solar panels on my house or install an on-demand water heater - you can bet your sweet ass I'll do it - after all, these are a few of my favorite things. But as far as making the daily changes - that's it. I'm finished. el finito. Do-Re-Mi-Done. <p></div><div></div><div>Also? Too? I just can no longer commit to the time necessary to blog. I am heading back to college - starting today, in fact - wish me luck! I am also looking forward to <a href="http://www.greenphonebooth.com/2008/10/flight-risk.html">working on the new environmental committee in our subdivision</a> (did I ever mention that they DID pick me to serve?!?!). On top of all that, I have given up my CSA in favor of a 20’x20’ garden plot at a local county park. And I'm pretty sure I still have two little kids running around here somewhere... hmmmm. <p></div><div></div><div>Anyhow... <p></div><div></div><div>I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm done writing online about eco-issues and will now begin introducing my wacky lifestyle to those in my “proximity community” as opposed to the “interwebby community”. Hopefully, they’ll be as accepting as the wonderful people I have met online. <p></div><div></div><div>But I doubt it. <p></div><div></div><div>So keep on keepin’ on. You guys have been a great support during the past year and a half and I appreciate all the kind words, criticisms and conversations we have had. Thank you all. <p></div><div></div><div>Much love, respect and admiration, <p></div><div></div><div>Erin AKA Burbanmom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-65594247814372050082008-12-22T07:01:00.003-05:002008-12-22T07:06:01.516-05:00Merry Christmas!Wow, I can't believe it's almost Christmas - my favorite Holiday of the year! And even though I'm an environmental atheist, I still celebrate in style. And <a href="http://www.greenphonebooth.com/2008/12/santa-claus-is-comin-to-town.html">so does my Santa</a>....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-12948542387210169642008-12-07T21:24:00.003-05:002008-12-07T21:29:36.613-05:00Yes, I'm Still Here....But hot <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">diggity</span> jingle bells, December is one BUSY month! I'm volunteering at preschool tomorrow with the kiddos' music teacher. I'm helping her get the little ones ready for their big Christmas concert. SUPER-DUPER-LOTS-O-FUN! I can't wait!<br /><br />But, tomorrow is Monday so I had a post due. I got it all done tonight, though, so I don't have to feel any pressure tomorrow, I can just jam out to "Away in a Manger" all morning! :-)<br /><br />Anyhow, the post I did is for the December <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">APLS</span> Carnival and the topic is "Our Children Are Our Greatest Natural Resource". <a href="http://www.greenphonebooth.com/2008/12/happy-little-post.html">Check it out</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-85229148831193780302008-12-03T17:40:00.001-05:002008-12-03T17:40:41.620-05:00<object width="464" height="388" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://player.ordienetworks.com/flash/fodplayer.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="key=c0cf508ff8" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed width="464" height="388" flashvars="key=c0cf508ff8" allowfullscreen="true" quality="high" src="http://player.ordienetworks.com/flash/fodplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><div style="text-align:center;width: 464px;">See more <a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/jackblack">Jack Black</a> videos at Funny or Die</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-91972552333848133022008-11-23T20:49:00.002-05:002008-11-23T21:07:55.131-05:00The Green Beauty Guide Book Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpxtM7VHOL5-D0ATBWzgph3ebUP3me1p35Wg_anLNMm9nEHJkgL7sogkxi4LlOgZpGMD5qWF7P4MK_hypN2LgjKQm7B9p0Q3WjY9m04Fh93ETfFM1LrxlIDucHsWG6m1EG2IuE6Q8i2I/s1600-h/greenbeautyguide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272040011199221330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpxtM7VHOL5-D0ATBWzgph3ebUP3me1p35Wg_anLNMm9nEHJkgL7sogkxi4LlOgZpGMD5qWF7P4MK_hypN2LgjKQm7B9p0Q3WjY9m04Fh93ETfFM1LrxlIDucHsWG6m1EG2IuE6Q8i2I/s320/greenbeautyguide.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I recently had the pleasure of reviewing a new enviro-book authored by <a href="http://thegreenbeautyguide.com/">Julie Gabriel,</a> entitled The Green Beauty Guide. The book is touted as an "essential resource to organic and natural skin care, hair care, makeup and fragrances" and boy, does it deliver.<br /><br />Julie has done tons of research on the toxicity of women's beauty products and has managed to summarize the information into one very thick, handy reference manual. I read the 350+ pages like a novel and learned a lot of information. However, I think I will find its real value as I refer back to it whenever I'm searching for (or helping my friends find) less toxic beauty products.<br /><br />The book is laid out very intuitively. Julie begins by discussing the nature of skin and offers a little biology lesson on how this very large organ works. Don't worry though - it's not the heady stuff of biology 101, it's simplified explanations with descriptive analogies. It makes you truly understand how what we put on our skin becomes part of our own bodies.<br /><br />She then goes on to discuss some of the more toxic and most commonly-found chemicals that are in many of our beauty products. She discusses the specific toxicology of each item and references various studies that have shown the damaging affects of these supposedly benign ingredients.<br /><br />And just when you're starting to lose hope that you'll ever be able to use any beauty products again, she throws you a lifeline. She teaches you how to read ingredient labels, what to look for and, more importantly - what to avoid. Not just an alphabetical listing, she gives you the knowledge you need to decode the often incomprehensible labels on drugstore beauty products. She then goes through and defines various industry terms such as organic, bio-dynamic, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, non GMO, fair trade, and natural.<br /><br />My favorite part of the book is the DIY beauty section. Julie shares with us many secrets about how we can create our own, personalized, 100% natural skin care products - right in our own kitchens. Turns out it's a lot less expensive than buying the fancy green products currently on the market. And it can be a lot of fun too. I've already experimented with a few recipes and am excited to learn that tea tree oil is apparently just what the doctor ordered for my recent outbreaks. Hallelujah, Julie!<br /><br />The remaining chapters in the book target specific beauty products including cleansers, toners, facials, moisturizers, sun protection, body care, hair care, baby care, makeup, fragrances and finally a beauty detox program. Each chapter discusses the correct use of the product (never knew I was supposed to double-cleanse each night, did you?), what to look for in a good product, some recommended products if you're looking to buy off-the-shelf and some cool recipes if you're thinking about whipping up your own solution.<br /><br />Julie also includes an extensive list of recommended resources as well as a list of 100 toxic cosmetic ingredients you don't want in your beauty products (and why). It's kind of like having the <a href="http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1">EWG's Cosmetic Safety Database </a>right in the palm of your hand - and it's portable enough to take to the drugstore with you!<br /><br />This is a great book. It may not be the enthralling page-turner you want to take with you on your next cruise, but it's definitely a book you'll want to take with you to Walgreens. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is sick of buying beauty products, only to get them home and find out it's all full of toxic crap. The $16.95 you'll pay for the book will more than pay for itself with the time and money you save searching for truly safe alternatives to Suave and Revlon.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-5562833657123741152008-11-19T17:09:00.002-05:002008-11-19T17:15:53.972-05:00Yucky Eco-Chore #37<strong><em>Cleaning Out The Compost Bucket</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />Our compost bucket is a 4 quart Tupperware container that sits under the sink. It collects all our errant veggie scraps, fruit cores and the occasional half a peanut-butter-and-fluff sandwich (Yes, I am the Nutritious Mom Of the Year). Every other day or so it gets dumped outside into the compost bin. But it only gets washed out once a month or whenever it really starts to "get its funk on". <br /><br />So needless to say, come washday, it's pretty stink-o-rific. Basically, it smells like ass. So I run some hot water in it while pumping in a couple squirts of Dr. Bonners Peppermint Castille Soap. <br /><br />Now it smells like peppermint ass.<br /><br />I think I'll just put the top back on and stick it back under the sink.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-50175982004869394402008-11-19T06:57:00.002-05:002008-11-19T06:59:23.138-05:00Silly QuotesOK, sister Heather started it. She put up her new favorite quote over on her blog, <a href="http://www.verymerryseamstress.com/weblog/">The Stitch</a>. And since the kids aren't up yet and I'm done reading CNN headlines (how <em>DO</em> you lose a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">toolbag</span> on a spacewalk?!?!?) I thought I'd post my favorite new quote. From Joel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Salatin</span>: <br /><br />"Life is risky. You can die from it."<br /><br /><br />What's your new favorite quote?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-71638049852615457592008-11-16T20:44:00.002-05:002008-11-16T20:48:36.275-05:00Localized FlurryWell I was getting nervous early last week that no one was going to participate in <a href="http://www.theaplsblog.blogspot.com/">November's APLS Carnival </a>that I was hosting over at the <a href="http://www.greenphonebooth.com/">Green Phone Booth</a>. Well, must be everyone out there procrastinates almost as much as I do. Because by Wednesday? Our extended deadline day? I had a received a flurry of great posts - all on the subject of buying local.<br /><br />Check out <a href="http://www.greenphonebooth.com/2008/11/november-apls-carnival.html">my summary of them here</a>. And then leave your own $.02 on the subject.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-30598151311321766692008-11-10T06:35:00.003-05:002008-11-10T06:38:00.375-05:00The Perfect Cheer!Craig: Oh my God, Arianna, Erin is waving at you! She's trying to get your attention! <br /><br />Arianna: What? What's that? Sign it out! No, Sign it out! Uh-huh? Yeah! Oh my God! Really? OK!<br /><br />Craig: What is it? What'd she say?<br /><br />Arianna: She says she wants us to read <a href="http://www.greenphonebooth.com/2008/11/perfect-cheer.html">The Perfect Cheer</a>!<br /><br />Craig: Oh my God, let's do it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-46141404334157681672008-11-03T06:20:00.002-05:002008-11-03T06:22:21.919-05:00Das Burbinator Strikes AgainHey all, if you haven't figured it out yet, Mondays are my posting days at the Green Phone Booth. <a href="http://www.greenphonebooth.com/2008/11/stocking-shelves.html">My latest post</a>, perhaps to the chagrin of my eco-blogging postmates, has nothing to do with the election or the environment. <br /><br />Yes folks, it's like I live in a little glass bubble, unaffected by the world around me.<br /><br />Happy Monday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-61281930375800492142008-10-27T13:52:00.001-04:002008-10-27T13:53:57.756-04:00APLS Blog CarnivalHey, check it out -- I'm hosting the <a href="http://www.theaplsblog.blogspot.com/">November APLS Blog Carnival</a>! The topic is: Buying Local. Go crazy with it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-42445862538332606562008-10-27T07:01:00.001-04:002008-10-27T07:03:06.970-04:00New Post at the Green Phone BoothWhat? You haven't bookmarked or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">RSS'd</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">feedburned</span> the Green Phone Booth yet?!??!? Yeah, neither have I. Me not so good with all that techno-crap. That's why I put these little updates here. So I remember to go read <a href="http://www.greenphonebooth.com/2008/10/is-it-cold-in-here-or-am-i-just-happy.html">my new posts</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-62184566634158587202008-10-22T16:25:00.002-04:002008-10-22T16:27:11.061-04:00Conversations with a 5 year oldSo I'm picking up the markers after a marathon coloring session when Ethan walks by....<br /><br />Me: Hey, buddy! Wanna help mommy pick up these markers?<br /><br />Ethan: No thanks. I don't like cleanin' up.<br /><br />Me: Well, do you think <strong><em>I</em></strong> like cleaning up?<br /><br />Ethan: You're always doing it, so you <em><strong>must</strong></em> like it!<br /><br /><br /><br />Indeed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-48895560962931654202008-10-20T06:37:00.002-04:002008-10-20T06:42:34.600-04:00Taking WingHey, check it out! My <a href="http://www.greenphonebooth.com/2008/10/flight-risk.html">first blog post </a>over at the <a href="http://www.greenphonebooth.com/">Green Phone Booth</a>! Am I taking the superhero theme a little too literally? Probably. But that's how I am. Give me a horse to run with and I will beat it until it's carrion. <br /><br />So read up and tell me what you think. Seriously. Like tell me if you think I should do it or not. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cuz</span> it does sound like a big time commitment. Have you ever volunteered on a committee like that? Info, please! Every superhero needs a sidekick or at least a butler who tells him what to do.<br /><br />Thanks, Jeeves!<br /><br /> - Burbs<br /><br />PS. Do you guys like "The Bulk"? Cuz now I'm beginning to lean towards "The Burbinator". Thoughts?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-90903020987585878682008-10-17T11:32:00.001-04:002008-10-17T11:33:45.175-04:00Palin As PresidentBored today? Visit <a href="http://www.palinaspresident.us/">this site </a>and click around.... Make sure your sound is on. :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-18987546967637895642008-10-13T06:11:00.003-04:002008-10-13T06:25:49.750-04:00It's A Bird! It's A Plane!It's...... Burbanmom in a cape and mask?<br /><br />Check out <a href="http://www.greenphonebooth.com/">this new blog </a>from the folks who brought you <a href="http://greenbeandreams.blogspot.com/">Green Bean Dreams</a>, <a href="http://surelyyounest.blogspot.com/">Surely You Nest</a>, <a href="http://thepurloinedletter.blogspot.com/">The Purloined Letter </a>and <a href="http://www.burbanmom.blogspot.com/">Going Green</a>. It's a secret place where ordinary women can lose their day-to-day identities and morph into ecologically-minded Superheroes - it's <a href="http://www.greenphonebooth.com/">The Green Phone Booth</a>.<br /><br />We're itnroducing the blog today and will begin daily posting on October 20th. Join us in our efforts to save the world - no previous flying experience, x-ray vision or heat-sensing abilities required! <br /><br />Hope to see you in <a href="http://www.greenphonebooth.com/">the phone booth</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-48820694650610232352008-10-10T13:54:00.001-04:002008-10-10T13:56:04.395-04:00Derailed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38ln9u5p3DMd3C2AuhW56FJPlUzWyC1LEcYGzMX6-HJghAZ7BFA72q6EPmUG8KnIDaQY6XOMd-mBDXBWiT0hHqiydBThj_6ESZHHAZkPgLYgDIaYmjfigaeYf7hOqBluWCstIER66Km0/s1600-h/funnypoli.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255585485521511602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38ln9u5p3DMd3C2AuhW56FJPlUzWyC1LEcYGzMX6-HJghAZ7BFA72q6EPmUG8KnIDaQY6XOMd-mBDXBWiT0hHqiydBThj_6ESZHHAZkPgLYgDIaYmjfigaeYf7hOqBluWCstIER66Km0/s400/funnypoli.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-32492165345269979352008-10-07T06:54:00.003-04:002008-10-07T07:09:03.310-04:00For Those Who Are Confused....I know a lot of people have been hearing McCain ads that claim Obama/Biden do not support "clean coal". Whether they do or not is actually in question. But they <strong>SHOULDN'T</strong>. No one should support "clean coal" because it's like supporting the tooth fairy or Santa Claus (close your eyes, Virginia). It simply does not exist.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/10/07/coal.river/index.html">This is why "clean coal" is a farce</a>. Because even if it <em>was</em> possible to sequester all the carbon that's created when you burn coal, you still wouldn't be able to undo the environmental damage that is incurred during the<em> acquisition</em> of the coal.<br /><br />So there you go, <em>clean coal</em> - it's about as clean as a flea-infested, mud-encrusted street rat (or a fast-talking politician). For more information, check out <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/29/AR2008022903390.html">this article </a>from the Washington Post.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-82418416414975684502008-10-06T06:23:00.000-04:002008-10-06T06:24:30.477-04:00Keating Economics: John McCain and a Financial Crisis<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qsI_0bV2CZo&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qsI_0bV2CZo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-73973478971295426852008-10-03T19:51:00.002-04:002008-10-03T19:54:22.958-04:00You Can't Keep a Loud Woman QuietWell, I guess I <em>do</em> have a few new things to say. Here's <a href="http://beabookworm.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-review.html">a book review of <u>Holy Cows and Hog Heaven</u> by Joel Salatin </a>that I did for the <a href="http://beabookworm.blogspot.com/">Blogging Bookworm.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-32779142412047820312008-09-29T06:58:00.002-04:002008-09-29T06:59:54.290-04:00Tuning OutLadies and Germs, I hate to say it, but I am <em>BURNED OUT</em>. After fifteen months of blogging and over 420 posts, Burbanmom is actually running out of things to say. And, to be honest, I'm actually getting sick of the sound of my own voice (sight of my own words?). I've no idea how folks like <a href="http://www.noimpactman.typepad.com/">Colin Beavan </a>and <a href="http://www.dooce.com/">Heather Armstrong </a>do this - day in and day out or for <em>years</em> on end - but I tip my hat to them. Because me? Stick a fork in me. I'm done.<br /><br />I need to take a nice long break. I need to re-energize myself and get excited about blogging again. Because right now? It's a big chore. And if it's not fun for me to write, it sure as hell ain't gonna be fun for you to read. Case in point: this post.<br /><br />Also, I find that there just haven't been enough hours in the day since the kiddos went back to school, Daphne started dance classes, Ethan joined hockey (NO, I don't consider myself a pitbull with lipstick --- I gave up lipstick last year), sewing orders for Halloween are rolling in, and my house is a giant pigsty. OK, that last one is actually nothing new, but I think you get my point: I feel strapped for time and blogging has become just one more thing to check off the list.<br /><br />And besides, there are so many things I want to dive in and <em><strong>DO</strong></em>, rather than just write about. Things like convincing our public's school system to join the Farm to School Program, sourcing out local cheese and grains for the family, joining the newly-formed Home Owner's Association Green Committee, and - God forbid - start working out and getting in shape. Any shape. Except round. That's my current shape and I'm not so much liking it.<br /><br />Anyhow, in order to fit all these things in, something's gotta give. And I'm afraid it's the blogging. I've very much enjoyed writing about my journey to a greener life and this blog has accomplished way more than I ever dreamed it would. It was really just supposed to be a way to make myself accountable to family and friends - To ensure that I wouldn't start down the road to environmentalism, only to be distracted by something shiny. Well it has done all that and more! It has allowed me to make connections with some uber-awesome folks whom I otherwise never would have had the pleasure to meet. And for that I am so grateful.<br /><br />I won't be gone forever and I'll be poppin' in and out with updates on various items - like hey, <a href="http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/sep2008/2008-09-11-092.asp">the comment period for the Endangered Species Act has been extended till October 15</a>! (thanks for the heads up, <a href="http://ibdylansmom.blogspot.com/">Amy</a>!) so if you haven't commented yet, what the hell are you waiting for? And who knows, you may find me popping up in unexpected places as well. You'll recognize me though, I'll be the sarcastic one with a bad attitude and an unrelenting pre-rinsing compulsion.<br /><br />Anyhow, just wanted to let you know that I haven't fallen off the planet - <a href="http://www.fakeplasticfish.com/index.htm">BETH</a> - as I know your biggest peeve is disappearing bloggers (well, actually I guess that would be your <em>second</em> biggest peeve, eh?).<br /><br />I appreciate your understanding as I take a little time off to recharge my batteries. If you need something to read in the meantime, check out the links on my sidebar under "What's New in the Blogosphere" - they're all great blogs. Hopefully I'll see you around the farm stand!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-35863902766864105882008-09-28T20:46:00.002-04:002008-09-28T21:08:06.043-04:00A Million Ways to SaveMany, many, <em>many</em> thank go out to <a href="http://robj98168.blogspot.com/">Rob</a> for his wonderful and informative guest posts on fixing the leaks in our homes! Now that we're all leak-free and I have recovered from my laughing fit at the mention of "sill cocks", "rod bending" and "ball cock valves",<br /><br />HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.<br /><br />Ok, I guess I'm still getting over that. Anyhow, today I'll wrap up all the other water conservation changes I've made over the past year. Hopefully, you can check them out when you have a minute and save a few more gallons per month!<br /><br />The biggest water drain for most suburbanites is the lawn. Americans are obsessed with manicured lawns - even though they require a shitload of care and attention. My advice? Rip it all out and grow a garden instead. If, however, you live in a subdivision where they frown upon such creativity, at least<a href="http://burbanmom.blogspot.com/2007/07/day-eleven-grass-is-always-greener.html"> shut off the sprinkler system</a>. If you use a sprinkler system more than twice per week, this one change will likely save you more water than all the other changes combined.<br /><br />In the bathroom, try to be conscious of how much water you use. <a href="http://burbanmom.blogspot.com/2007/08/day-fifty-six-showing-my-pearly-whites.html">Turn the water off when you brush your teeth</a>, don't waste bathwater by <a href="http://burbanmom.blogspot.com/2007/09/day-seventy-five-scrub-dub-dub.html">waiting for it to get hot before plugging the drain</a>, <a href="http://burbanmom.blogspot.com/2007/10/day-ninety-two-go-with-flow.html">don't always turn the water on full blast</a>, <a href="http://burbanmom.blogspot.com/2007/11/day-127-dirty-rotten-scoundrels.html">don't go overboard on bathing the kiddos </a>(it dries out their skin anyhow) and don't forget - <a href="http://burbanmom.blogspot.com/2007/10/day-ninety-one-they-call-me-mellow.html">two pees and a poop </a>('nuff said).<br /><br />And as for appliances, check your owner's manuals to see if your washing machine and <a href="http://burbanmom.blogspot.com/2008/02/168-define-normal.html">dishwasher</a> have a short cycle that will save you gallons each week. And of course, don't make more work (and waste more water) by <a href="http://burbanmom.blogspot.com/2007/11/day-133-wash-n-wear-n-wear-n-wear.html">washing clothes that aren't really dirty</a>.<br /><br />Hopefully these water saving tips, coupled with the leak-seeking and professional plumbing advice will help you to greatly decrease your water usage. And if you're on municipal water, you'll be able to enjoy those savings on your next bill! I just love it when "going green" and "saving green" go hand-in-hand, don't you?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6813652540538023883.post-14721132093747844632008-09-25T20:38:00.003-04:002008-10-06T06:27:38.619-04:00Rob Continues to Make Up Dirty Words....<span style="color:#ff0000;">One last post from guest blogger and plumber extraordinaire - <a href="http://robj98168.blogspot.com/">Rob Johnson </a>- as he walks us through our final home leak repair and dazzles us with made-up, dirty-sounding words. </span><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;"><strong>REPAIRING THE SILL COCK</strong><br /><br />A lot of people forget about the “sill cock” or hose bibb on the outside of their homes, which can leak as much as their faucets and they never think about it because it’s outside and usually in a spot that is not very visible. Here is the repair order for fixing a leaking sill cock: (Sorry the guy is so monotonous, but he did a good video series on repairing sill cocks.) </span></em><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><br /><br /><em><em>BM: Sorry, had to remove videos as they were making strange popup warnings appear. All videos can be found at www.expertvillage.com. Sorry for any confusion!</em></em><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">There you have it. Your home should be leak free. These are all simple repairs that do not require a plumber just some simple tools that you can get at any hardware store:<br /></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;">TOOL LIST FOR PLUMBING REPAIR<br />1- </span></em><a href="http://www.channellock.com/acb/stores/1/440_-_12_inch_Tongue_and_Groov_P40C3.cfm"><em><span style="color:#006600;">Pair of channel lock pliers</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#006600;"><br />2- </span></em><a href="http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=35609-75198-D203-6&lpage=none"><em><span style="color:#006600;">Pair of needle nose pliers </span></em></a><em><span style="color:#006600;">(for getting out small washers)<br />3- </span></em><a href="http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=239374-16878-60223&lpage=none"><em><span style="color:#006600;">Screwdriver</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#006600;"> – preferably a 6 in 1 screwdriver- should cover all the screwdriver needs<br /><br />That’s all you should need to go around the house and fix your leaks.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#006600;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Super-big <strong>THANK YOU</strong> goes out to <a href="http://robj98168.blogspot.com/">Rob</a> for all of his wonderful posts these past two weeks on fixing the leaks around your house - without drowning in plumbing bills! Thanks, Rob - you're a prince among men!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2