"A 10 minute vacation for the soul."
“In Los Angeles, I drive a hybrid and live in a very simple home. Anything you do from carrying a canteen of water to starting a recycling program in your office makes a difference. Reusing what you already have has always been green – from clothes to boxes to glass jars from the supermarket.” — Rachel Boston
It is important that we teach our children that it is our responsibility to care for the earth. I don’t think you can start too young with this. Keep it positive, and show not only by words but by example ways that we can help the planet. This is not something we can leave to the schools, we must teach these things at home. The following are links to activities that you may find helpful.
http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/earth/index.html
http://greenliving.about.com/od/greenprograms/tp/earth_day_kids.htm
http://www.parents.com/blogs/toddlers-kids/2015/04/16/fun/earth-day-activities-for-kids/
“First, there is the power of the Wind, constantly exerted over the globe…. Here is an almost incalculable power at our disposal, yet how trifling the use we make of it! It only serves to turn a few mills, blow a few vessels across the ocean, and a few trivial ends besides. What a poor compliment do we pay to our indefatigable and energetic servant!” — Henry Thoreau
“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” – John Muir
“The proper use of science is not to conquer nature but to live in it.” – Barry Commoner
“You carry Mother Earth within you. She is not outside of you. Mother Earth is not just your environment. In that insight of inter-being, it is possible to have real communication with the Earth, which is the highest form of prayer.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
Today we have an extra post with something sweet — my recipe for power balls.
These are a healthier sweet treat and with no baking required are perfect for summer.
Genie’s Power Balls
Ingredients:
3/4 c. natural peanut butter (without added sugars, oils, etc. Peanuts and a maybe a little salt are all I want to see on the label.) “Regular” peanut butter might work as well, but I haven’t tried it.
1/4 c. agave nectar (or other liquid sweetener – honey, brown rice syrup, etc.)
1 t. vanilla or almond extract
2 t. cinnamon
1/4 c. flaxseed
1/3 c. shredded unsweetened coconut
1/4 c. raisins or mini chocolate chips
1 c. oatmeal, quinoa flakes or crushed rice squares cereal). I usually use the crushed cereal. Remember to check labels if you need these products to be gluten free.
Directions:
1. Combine peanut butter, agave vanilla and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix well to combine.
2. Add remaining ingredients. This may take a little work to get them all mixed in.
3. Form into 1 t. sized balls using damp hands and place on waxed paper covered (or greased) plate.
4. Put in refrigerator until firm and ready to eat. Store in refrigerator or freezer.
I’m sharing this recipe at several blog hops around the web, please check them out:
“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt
espirational.com