Thrifty Green Thursday!

This is my first attempt at joining a "blog carnival," so here it goes! As a part of my New Year's Resolution to live a greener lifestyle (and save moola at the same time), I decided to join Green Baby Guide's Thrifty Green Thursday. I've already learned so many great tips from other bloggers!

As I said in my last post, last week I went to Whole Foods to try and find some greener and less toxic alternatives to cosmetics and toiletries. I'm only replacing items as we run out, because I just can't stand the thought of throwing things away. One of the items we were out of was shower soap. Usually, I buy Aveeno's liquid body wash for the shower, but at Whole Foods, most of the liquid body washes were quite expensive! I was really looking for something with no fragrance, and no extra chemicals, but most of these liquid soaps were over $10 for a tiny bottle - over $10 for a gigantic bottle, and I wasn't ready to spend that much on a new product.

Then I found their store brand bar soaps, which were only $1.50! I quickly realized that I would not only save money, but also cut down on extra packaging and plastics. I bought the unscented version, just because I have extra-sensitive skin, but there are a lots and lots of other fragrances and options out there, at almost every store. Bar soap can be a little drying, but since I lather myself up with lotion after every shower, I haven't noticed a difference at all.

So, my green tip of the week is: buy bar soap! It has less packaging, AND saves you money!

For more Thrifty Green Thursday tips, visit the Green Baby Guide here.

I'm back!

OK, so one of my New Year's Resolutions was to post to my blog more often. Which I haven't done. But I HAVE been busy with my other resolutions and trying to complete a lot on my to-do list, so I haven't completely given up on my resolutions. :) Oh well, what are resolutions except promises we make to ourselves only to break them a month later?

Hubby and I had a fantastic weekend. On Friday night, Tony helped babysit our niece Ava (and her father, who's on crutches after a bad fall) while I went with his mom (Iris) and sister (Sammy) to a Lia Sophia jewelry party. I have never heard of this company, but I went along as long as there were other people taking me there. The jewelry was nice, but not really my style - more costumy than I like. I did find a nice blue beaded necklace that Iris insisted on purchasing for me - I have such a nice mother-in-law. She buys me sparkly things. :)

On Saturday, Tony and I went shopping for various items that we probably don't need, but bought anyways - a new side table for the living room, a mirror to hang on the former mirrored wall (the irony of it all!) and the final shelf from IKEA to complete our Room-o-books (pictures coming soon!) We then went to church with my dad, and stopped by to visit my mom, who's been sick with a sinus infection for a while. Poor mommy. :( Then we met up with one of Tony's friends from high school and his girlfriend for pizza. Our friend Dan stopped by later that night too, and we all stayed up late watching movies and drinking decaf tea. I love just staying in with friends. It feeds both my social and my frugal sides.

Sunday we spent at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, stocking up on organic/vegan/healthy items that are probably overpriced but make me feel good about myself. We're really trying to make our lives more toxic-free and green, and I feel like we're moving in the right direction. More to come on that topic....

So, all in all, this weekend was fun, and it's hard to come back to work. I realized how much I missed spending time together as a couple, even if it is just running errands. I guess it's the little things that really matter....