Spark of Loves this Week:

This Barn.

Because no matter how many times I see it, it looks more beautiful than the last.

This Photo of Skylar.

Because I feel like it is one of my best.

This Walk.

Because it was magical.

This Sign.

Because it's worth it.

These Bottles Sitting On This Picture Frame.

Because I think it looks absolutely lovely!

Random Photo of the Week:

The clouds moving through the Valley here in Oregon are breathtaking at times.

Eco-Tip:  Be sure and have a separate trash can for your paper waste and your trash.  Paper waste can be recycled.  If you can't locate a recycling facility in your area try HERE.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.

    

At the duck park

A few days ago we loaded up and headed over to the "Duck Park" in Albany.  It is actually called Grand Prairie Park.  It's a city park in Albany, but we like to refer to it as the "Duck Park" and you can see why.

Eco-Tip:  Power down your computers at night.  Powering down electronics will have a huge savings for you budget and it will waste less on power loss.  Think about adding all of your electronics to a power strip as well.  Then just one flip of the button and all is powered down for the evening.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.

    

In love with Tea Collection

Tea Collection is amazing.  For anyone that's a parent looking to outfit their kids in stylish, yet affordable clothing Tea Collection is a great place to start.

 

Right now you can take advantage of this offer: Buy 1 Newborn Layette Collection Outfit (Boys or Girls) and get the 2nd free (Offer only valid with the Newborn Layette Collection) | Code: BABYBOGO | Expires:12/31/12 | Additional Offer: Order Gift Wrap Service and Receive Free Shipping | Expires:12/31/12

With the holidays coming up, and Black Friday just around the corner, no one wants to stand in line just to get a good deal on some clothing, especially is clothing isn't even on the shopping list.

I remember going to store after store last year and standing in a long line for well over an hour, just to buy a few pairs of pants, or a shirt, or even a pair of shoes that were on sale.  Little did I know that I would have gotten the same deal on the pants and jeans online and in the comfort of my own home.  I won't be making the mistake this year, and I am going to do all of my shopping right here, in front of my own computer, sipping on tea, through the Tea Collection.

  

Also while you're there, vote for the best mom you think best embodies the globetrotting, mompreneur, and making a difference qualities.  

Vote for Your Favorite Finalists

There are 3 finalists in each category. One winner will be selected from each category and will receive a $1000 donation to the children's charity of her choice. Winners will be announced on or around 11/19. Don't miss your chance to promote Tea Collection's Inspiring Mom Awards on your site today! The voting pages are below: 

And don't forget about their adult looks too!  They are perfect for any woman wanting to look her best!

Eco-Tip:  Give essential oils a try.  When you have a headache reach for some lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) or chamomile essential oil  (Chamaemelum nobile) instead of over-the-counter medicines.  Essential oils take a bit longer to work, but they do work and are much healthier for your body than conventional medications.  For this and other tips on going green visit The Earth and Me Go Green.

*This statement this statement is not approved by the food and drug administration and definitely is not a replacement for a doctors advice, or treatment in any way. Please consult your doctor before changing or attempting to change your current medical supplements.*

    

Cooking with tomato

Tomatoes may not be in season right now, but if you played your cards right with your garden, I do hope you canned a few jars of them.  If not, there are many varieties or organic, natural, or good brands out there from companies that sell whole, chopped, or diced tomatoes in a can or jar.

Tomatoes always give an added touch that some dishes are just missing.  A lot of dishes require some sort of tomato in the form of whole, paste or even cooked or diced and, tomatoes are one of the easiest foods to grow on your own. From growing them in a small apartment to a large garden layout in your backyard, tomatoes are really a great fruit to have on hand, and the added joy is if you grew them yourself   

Here are two very easy and quick recipes to try now with tomatoes that you grew or ones that you have purchased locally.

• Fish and Spinach Bake with Tomatoes

Makes 4 Servings

1 package frozen spinach , thawed (10 ounces)

1 Pound fish fillets, thawed (Talapia or similar.  Chicken may even be used in place of the fish.)

1 tsp. Cajun Seasoning (To taste)

1 LARGE TOMATO, SLICED (Or use canned tomatoes)

4 green onions, sliced

Squeeze out spinach and remove excess liquid from leaves.  Spread spinach in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.

Arrange fish fillets over the spinach laid and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, to taste.  

Cover with foil with a small slit in the top to allow for steam to escape and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until fish flakes with a fork.

• Easy Chili

Makes 8 cups

1 pound ground meat (your choice)

1 onion, chopped

2 tsp. chili powder

1 CAN CHOPPED TOMATOES WITH LIQUID (14.5 OUNCES)

2 cans beans, 15 ounce cans (Pinto, black and kidney beans will work)

1 can tomato soup (10 ounces)

1 cup water

Brown the meat and onion in a skillet together and drain off excess fat.  Add chili powder and cook an additional 5 minutes, stirring in powder as you cook.

Add tomatoes, drained beans and soup.  Stir in water and simmer for about 30 -45 minutes on low heat.

Chili is ready to eat!

Enjoy!

Eco-Tip:  If you get magazine subscriptions to your home, consider recycling them once you have read them.  Or consider donating them to a local library, clinic, or hospital   For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.