Blueberries make People happy!

The title says it all!  Blueberries, indeed, make people very, very happy.  It's amazing the amount of fun, flavorful, and very healthy recipes you can create by using blueberries.

In addition to fiber, they contain vitamins C and E, along with beta-carotene and polyphenols.  Blueberries are also anti-inflammatory and help support the eyes.  They also help protect the brain and may help maintain the hippo campus (The brain area essential to memory).

Did you know:  The blueberry's cousins are the bilberry and the cranberry?

Blueberries can be added to cereal, yogurt, smoothies, and even salads, but buy organic when possible.  Blueberries are part of the list of the "dirty dozen,"  the 12 foods that can possibly carry the highest pesticide residue.  *see below article for a printable "dirty dozen" checklist*

Here are some ways to enjoy Blueberries:

•Hot Blueberry Cheddar Dip per How Sweet It Is

• Blueberry Ice Cream per I Heart Baking

• Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes per Annie's Eats

• Yogurt-Covered Blueberries per One Good Thing by Jillee

• Blueberry Lemonade per Veggie Belly

So go ahead, indulge in some blueberries for the heck of it!

Be sure and enlarge the image below, of the "dirty dozen" checklist, and print it out to carry with you to supermarket or farmers' market.

Buttons, Buttons, and more Buttons

So I have this jar of buttons. Lots and lots of buttons.......

 Old buttons......

New buttons....... 

Vintage buttons....

Even some very tiny buttons.  

I have been wondering what in the world to do with them for the longest time, so I turned to Pinterest.

I found some amazing, super easy crafts to do with buttons of all shapes, sizes, and colors.  I was just engrossed in the fact that so many people have pinned such amazing ideas for buttons of all sizes.  And what fun!

I have seen pins for just about everything to do with some sort of button craft.  I immediately dug through my buttons to find my favorites.

 Pinks and reds of course......

Along with a few others that look nice and I found the perfect buttons crafts too.  Here are a few of the ones that stood out to me.

Spring Button Flowers from Love Notes by Lauryn

Letter Monogram from Spearmint Baby

A Button Headband from Tip Junkie.

A Button Clock from It's Written on the Walls. 

Buttons used for wedding decorations from a random pinner.

A Button Lampshade from Inspired by Heart.

A Button Necklace from a random pinner.

Now my only problem is figuring out which project I want to start with first with all my buttons.  :-)

Must-Have Bib Necklaces from Stella & Dot

Bib Necklaces are so hot right now and they add a pop of color to just about anything you're wearing.  Most bib necklaces follow a theme of small or medium beads around the outer parts of the necklace than a large bead or beads to follow the same pattern at the end.  It allows the necklaces and beads to taper to your natural neckline and brings forth a whole new dimension in jewelry wear.

I just love the new style of bib necklaces out right now and with the fall coming soon now is a great time to start playing your wardrobe to get a head start above everyone else.

Stella &Dot has a great line of bib necklaces and the prices are great!  Their entire fall collection will have you jumping ahead with your fall essentials for your wardrobe closet.  Here are a few of my favorites from their fall line that I think you will simply love too.

 

 

 And this next one is surely a win for any festive outing. I love the color!

While you're there, don't forget to browse the entire Fall Collection line from Stella & Dot!

     

The benefits of joining a local Co-op in your area

For many years I would shop at the local co-op here (First Alternative Co-op) in the Northwest Willamette Valley and every time, at the check out, the cashier would ask if I was a member or had a member card.  For many years I would say, "No, I'm not over here much so it doesn't seem worth it."

But I was shopping at the co-op more than I thought and I WAS, and indeed it did seem worth it to become a member. 

With the food options of all natural, organic, local and even sustainable aside, the co-op in your neighborhood is more than just that.  They work with the community, school and even the co-op owners, which you become, to make the community and the area where you live a better place.

With a cooperative ownership with your local co-op you gain access to what others don't get such as, discounts on your purchases, owner only specials and patronage dividends.  Plus, cooperative businesses are run by the democratic process and everyone gets their vote regardless.  They elect a board leader and vote to determine where the donations will go within their own community and county.  You also get a say so in shaping what your co-op will become or continue to be.

Co-ops are a great way to get started if you or your family has chosen to make the organic and natural switch in your food choices.  The local co-op offers wholesome, organic foods that are packaged in little to no packaging and most are local products, as well from local farmers.  The selection of organic and Eco-friendly body care products and dental hygiene products are also a nice addition.

To learn more about what a Co-op does and how it can benefit you please follow the link here.

To find a local Co-op in your own area, please visit the Coop Directory Listing here.