We all have that super-environmentally conscious person in our life, lovingly (most of the time) referred to as the Tree Hugger.  While they’re always giving back to Mother Earth by reminding you to recycle, to take shorter showers or turn off the lights, they are not so easy to give to.  It seems like there are many ways to offend your favorite tree hugger during the holidays, be it by using non-recyclable gift wrap, too much packaging, or buying them a gift that somehow depletes the ozone layer.

But they still deserve something this holiday, right?

Let me take the guess-work out of buying for the environmentalist in your life, with a few eco-friendly gifts that even Captain Planet could love.

But first, a few tips:

Tip #1: Look for products with sustainable materials and processes.  Items made from recycled materials (there are tons of these on Etsy!) are very environmentally friendly, as well as unique!
Tip #2: Consider where the product was made.  Items made in your area require less fuel to reach store shelves, and therefore have a smaller impact.  It’s also good to know whether an item is fair trade.
Tip #3: Redefine what constitutes a gift and give to a charity in your recipient’s name.  Use Charity Navigator to make a donation to an environmental organization your tree hugger supports.
Tip #4: Think about how you’re wrapping the gift.  Gift bags can be reused, or you can reuse newspaper for a free way to wrap your present.

And now for some fun gifts! Read More »

Hanukkah is coming!

Unfortunately, I’m not Jewish and don’t celebrate the holiday, but just because I can’t indulge in 8 days of presents doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy everyone’s favorite Hanukkah treat: the potato latke.

According to Jewish tradition, latkes (or potato pancakes) are cooked to symbolize the miracle of the Maccabees’ oil burning for 8 nights when there was only enough for one. Too bad most latke recipes do the opposite, using enough oil for 8 nights for one greasy (yet totally delicious) side dish.

Well not anymore. Behold the sweet potato pancake. It’s moist, it’s tasty, and it’s not drenched in oil. Yes, it’s a Hanukkah miracle of its own. One that anyone – from Jews to those of us who really just like delicious food – can enjoy. Read More »

Somewhere along the way, someone always manages to find a way to make something that seems disgusting into an incredibly tasty dish. Like the Kitty Litter Cake pictured here (Google that and see what other horrifyingly realistic pictures you find).

A little milder form of the gross-turned-delish is the ever classic Dirt dessert.

There are different recipes circulating, but the differences lie mostly in the assembly. Yeah, you can serve up this dessert for a Halloween party or that ultra chic Garden Party on your patio in the Springtime! All it takes is a little tweaking.

First, the mechanics. This recipe comes from Taste of Home. To make this ultra mega tasty dessert you need:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup margarine, softened

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

3 1/2 cups cold milk

2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix

1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 package (18 ounces) cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed (yeah those would be Oreos) Read More »

Amy Sedaris is a funny, funny lady. If you don’t know her, just YouTube some of her Strangers with Candy episodes. She’ll do and say anything, and isn’t afraid to be the definition of “wacky”. She’s weird. She’s absurd. She’s well spoken. I love her.

As if I needed a reason to add another candle to my Sedaris shrine, Amy has also got the best recipe for cupcakes, ever. The directions are easy, the cupcakes taste good, and the way the recipe is written is pure Sedaris.

Amy Sedaris’ Cupcakes

1 1⁄2 sticks of unsalted butter

1 3⁄4 cups of sugar

Beat well, then add:

2 large eggs

2 Teaspoons of pure vanilla

1⁄2 teaspoon of salt

2 1⁄2 teaspoons of baking powder

2 1⁄2 cups of flour

1 1⁄4 cups of milk

Beat well, fill cups, and bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes. You should get 24. I get 18, ’cause I’m doing something wrong. Read More »