Earthy New York

Happy Earth Day 2014!

I was the kid who purchased 50 Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth and accomplished, yep, all 50. Probably in order. But it can feel overwhelming to try and be 100% crunchy granola when you live in the 21st century.

I still aim to be eco-conscious in my daily life by focusing on making small efforts and changes and turning them into habits. We all live in a crazy cool place and I want it to be around for a long, long time. What a world. Especially when you come face to face with the humbling beauty of places like Fort Tryon.

Fort Tryon is one of my favorite places on Earth. It is indeed my favorite place in NYC. In some ways, it feels nothing like the city. The people are too laid back, the only noise you hear are squirrels scrambling to bury their latest treasures, and there is more green than grey. But as you lean over the shimmering mica wall to glance at the mighty Hudson River, you notice another flowing system - the West Side Highway. It's the perfect balance between city and country and it has the most calming vibe in a beast of a metropolis.

Let me show you why...

Floral fountain.

A good place as any to practice your left hook.

Or watch the barges trudge upstream.

Mini joys.

Is there any flower happier than a daffodil?

Yo. The Cloisters.

Green + pink + yellow = SPRING!

I see the light.

Abloom, and about to bloom.

Stone archway.

Foliage archway.

Wrought beauty.

Vista.

Layers and depth.

Shiny, happy, people reveling in the first pure spring day.

The artist.

The artists.

Ooh, now that shadow is just asking to be a reading knoll.

The tree which provided the sculptural shadow with the GW Bridge chilling in the background.

My place.

Word.

Squeaky Clean

Does anyone else feel like they spend 97% of their "free time" cleaning? Seriously. I live in a one-bedroom apartment with no children (albeit, I have a dog), and it feels unending. I can't imagine keeping up an entire house complete with stairs and multiple rooms and backyards and other human beings and...I need a nap and a massage just thinking about it.

But the cleaning must go on! Here are some tricks I use to get everything squeaky clean.

How can you not smile using this sunny sponge? Plus, it works!

Scrub Daddy - Amazon.com

I hang one of these oval delights in my closets. The delicate rose and blackcurrant scent alleviates any stuffiness without making you feel like you stepped into Sephora's fragrance section. The bonus is I've found that it lasts much longer than the 3 months promised, which is helpful considering the price.

Baies Scented Oval - diptyque

I almost hate recommending/using these, because it is terrifying to think what sort of chemicals are released from the simple white sponge, but...they work. They fix issues like no other product - scuffs on walls, tile grout, shining bathroom fixtures without leaving cloudy streaks, and removing grease off kitchen cabinets.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Select-A-Size - Drugstore.com

I usually have some brand of facial wipes hanging around for a quick post-workout refresher or when I am way too lazy to wash my makeup off. I try not to use them daily, but they are a convenient cheat every so often. I discovered they also double as great shoe cleaners, gently removing scuffs, dirt, and grim.

Yes to Cucumbers Face Cleanser Towelettes - Target.com

I have a dog. He has hair. There is no such thing as a Hair Gathering Elf. That means that unless I work on cleaning up B's daily shedding, my apartment will eventually turn into a hair barn. Gross. This Bona mop acts as an eco-friendly Swiffer which I can use with or without floor cleaner and pop into the washing machine with the rest of my laundry.

Bona Microfiber Floor Mop - Amazon.com

I have a lot of eco-friendly companies that I use for soaps, detergents, and cleaners: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, Method, and Seventh Generation are always in my cupboards. I prefer to buy refill packages and use reusable containers like this dish soap pump:

Mason Jar Glass Soap Dispenser - Scoutmob.com

Some of the most effective cleaners come from two household products.
Yep, good old vinegar and baking soda.

Using a mixture of vinegar water and a newspaper as a towel is a superior way to get streak-free glass and mirrors. How grubby newsprint accomplishes such an impeccably clear result, I'll never understand.

If you live in a prewar apartment like I do, you know that bathtub drains become your lifelong enemy. I tried to use Drano on it once, and I swear I heard the pipes laugh at me. But, I have found a way to keep them somewhat under control.

Step 1: Science project volcano. Remember in elementary school when you built a 'volcano' and filled it with baking soda? Once you poured vinegar in - KABOOM! Volcano time. Take this same concept to your drain (minus the paper mache and food coloring) as often as possible. You can also do this with other drains in the house. The baking soda also acts as an odor neutralizer, freshening these spaces up even more.

Step 2: I boil water in my tea kettle and then pour it down the drain following the volcano.

HERE are some other methods of using vinegar in your spring cleaning.

Did you know that throwing a penny in the water of your fresh cut flowers will keep them looking happy longer? The copper acts as a fungacide. Who knew?

Without sounding like too much of a lush, I have to admit that I am a vodka fan - in the cleaning sense! You can put cheap vodka to use in so many ways, but my favorite is creating a home spray. The alcohol in vodka fights odors and you can create any scent you'd like by adding a few drops of an essential oil. Citrus is always bright and cheery.

Now that I have vodka and citrus on my mind, I feel like it's time for a much-needed break from the cleaning. That 3% of free time is calling my name!

The Dark Side

Help create awareness for energy reduction by powering off from 8:30-9:30pm local time this evening. 

http://www.earthhour.org/

What will you do in your hour of darkness? I think I will take a leisurely walk with the dog around the neighborhood. Or perhaps light a few candles and zone out for a bit.

Let's all go dark for 60 minutes. I mean, if Times Square can do it, we can.

Thanks, Pumpkins!

A friend posted this status on Facebook:

Really looking forward to Thanksgiving week on Facebook. It'll be so refreshing to read all of your grateful statuses along with pictures of food. 

Because we never get to see that normally.

He has a very (sarcastic) point. To me, the #grateful and #blessed status always seems to be some sort of backdoor brag and it can be a little wearing. That's when I log off for a bit. The food shots I love. Keep documenting your food!

I'm not always a curmudgeon. That's just my online persona. The real life LuRuSo believes in full-on appreciation for what you have everyday, minus the hashtags. I am thankful for my caring and hilarious family, my close knit circle of friends, health, and the growth, adventure, and lessons that I have been gifted in this past year. Thanksgiving has always been a favorite holiday for me, and not just because I am a mashed potato fiend (although that plays a big part). I cherish the time dedicated to being with those you love and who love you.

But there is something else I'm very thankful for.

Pumpkin.

Lucy and her Pumpkin

I can do pumpkin year round, but from September thru November, my mind can only focus on that firm orange orb of goodness. Here are some items my pumpkin brain has been liking:

How do you make a pumpkin pie even more delicious? Brulee it! How did we never think of this? I love any excuse to dust off my mini blow torch. It brings me back to my Madeline's dessert counter days.  Try it - I promise that torching sugar will make you feel like a badass.

Bruleed Classic Pumpkin Pie - A Cozy Kitchen

The Baker Chick shares my view of all pumpkin, all the time, and I turn to her blog during the season as it is chocked full of pumpkin recipes. My old standard for pumpkin bread was quickly replaced by her Easy One-bowl Pumpkin Bread. So spicy and so, so, so EASY. I actually decided to bake it up in muffin tins with the addition of cinnamon chips that were hanging out in my fridge.

There is something so glorious about adding chips to batter. And strangely calming?

This will be repeated again and again. So good!

Of course, I could have stuck to the loaf form, in which case I'd choose to bake it in this adorable pan:

Botanical Pumpkin Loaf Pan - Williams Sonoma

In fact, I'm all about pumpkin-themed cooking vessels. How cute is this cocotte?

Staub 3.5 Quart Pumpkin Cocotte, Orange

As all of your pumpkin goodies are baking away, you should be enjoying a crisp pumpkin ale. But which one?

The Best Pumpkin Ales - PASTE Magazine

Pumpkin is also one of the few food items that is good for pups by helping with the digestive system. Reading the list of human quality ingredients in these treats, you understand why your furry friend gobbles them up.

Grandma Lucy Organic Baked Dog Treats - Drugstore.com

Pumpkin is not just satisfying to your appetite. It's packed with enzymes that help brighten and enliven dull skin. This line has gotten good reviews although most claim that the spot on scent will tempt you to lick your face!

Pumpkin Mask - Michael Todd True Organics

Linnea's Lights continues to be one of my favorite soy candle companies. Their scents never disappoint, aren't too overpowering, and burn beautifully.

Linnea's Lights Pumpkin Candle - Terrain

Post carving season, you can still use pumpkins (and other gourds) for festive holiday decor. This blog showcases various decorating techniques using office supplies. Genius crafting!

Office Supply Pumpkins - A Subtle Revelry

Starbucks had this as their App of the Week not long ago. One of my favorite TV specials, on the go!

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown App - Apple itunes

For the grand finale, if you really want to combine some of my favorite "likes" of pumpkin, beer, artisanal products, eco-friendly and beauty...well, this soap fits the bill.

Pumpkin Spice Beer Soap - Damn Handsome Grooming Co.

Hoping your Thanksgiving Holiday is filled with all that warms you, makes you smile and yes, be thankful.

The Bee's Knees

I was stung by a bee once - running around barefoot in my front yard as a youngin', playing with the neighborhood kids. I must have stepped on it. !$#@#@)C0fk,f!~?*az#@!! It hurt. A lot.
But I still like bees. A lot.

And I like what they make.

Best Artisanal American Honeys - Food & Wine

Bees can be royal and golden.

Brass Honeybee Necklace - J.Topolski

Or pastoral and sweet.

Gimme an A-piary Dress - ModCloth

I love the perfect touch of honey in this cornbread recipe.

Honey Cornbread Muffins - Food Network/The Neelys

This has been on my "to make" list for awhile. I can imagine it enhancing just about any treat.

Salty Honey Ice Cream - A Cozy Kitchen

LUSH has always touted the benefits of honey. I love this moisturizing soap.

Honey I Washed the Kids Soap - LUSH

Hunt around LUSH's site (or store). They have lots of honey-based products.

Honey Farm - LUSH

Honey is the new "buzz" ingredient in beauty this year.
There are especially a lot of honey infused masks.

Aucocisco Naturals Honey + Pink Clay Facial Mask - Urban Outfitters

Fresh 'Crème Ancienne' Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask - Nordstrom

I also enjoy the idea of whipping up a homemade connection. So does my wallet.

Homemade Honey Mud Mask - Free People Blog

or this Whole Foods version:

4 1/2 teaspoons 365 Everyday Value® Organic Raw Wildflower Honey

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, lemon juice or lavender 100% essential oil (optional)

In a clean ceramic or glass bowl, combine honey with vinegar, juice or oil (if using). Using clean fingers, massage honey or the mixture over your whole face (avoiding the eyes). Allow to dry and become slightly tacky, and then pat and tap to get blood flowing to the surface of the skin. Remove with warm water.

While the mask is setting, watch this:

Vanishing of the Bees

After watching the above, you may need a drink. How about some mead?

Mead Kits & Tools - Midwest Supplies

Although I imagine most mead to be chugged from some sort of pewter mug-like vessel, these Don't Worry, Bee Happy glasses could also do the trick.

Bee Happy Glassware - Amici Global

This blend of bitters could be just as interesting and delicious in a non-alcoholic concoction.

Dram Honey Chamomile Bitters

A sunny scent led by pear, orange blossom, and of course, honeysuckle. Plus, the bottle is playful enough to make you smile while spritzing.

Marc Jacobs Honey Eau de Parfum Spray - Ulta

Bee costume for the B? Talk about getting stung.

Bumble Bee Medium Pet Costume

Are you honeybee-ed out yet?

It's a sticky situation I don't mind being stuck in.