Make Your Old Candles New

While un-Christmas-ing our house last weekend I realized we have a bunch of candles that we can’t use anymore but I didn’t want to throw them out because there was still plenty of wick, wax and perfectly good jars for some left over. I have many a glass container sitting in our basement waiting for some good use and it struck me, I can make new candles out of these. I always struggle with our tea lights as well that can’t burn anymore but there is still wax left over. I did some online research and making old candles new really isn’t that difficult.

1. Separate your colored, scented and plain candle wax from each other. In the articles I have read mixing colors generally turns the wax brown so trying to mix may not always be that good of an idea. The same goes for scented wax. The idea of mixing scents sounds fun but they may not mix as pleasantly as you might think.

2. If you have wax in glass containers you can remove the wax by boiling water in a pot. Once the water is boiling put the glass containers in the water and let sit until wax is melted enough to pour out of the container.

3. While you are waiting for the water to boil/wax to melt get your new containers or molds ready.  Make sure to clean the containers first and that they are dry before pouring wax in.  Also make sure the glass is at room temperature before pouring the wax in.  You don’t want them to crack.

4. If you want to add color or scents to plain candles while the wax is melted add some food coloring, or your favorite scented oils. You can also add dried fruit or herbs if you want to get fancy. Make sure to stir thoroughly.

5. Once the was is ready you can pour into the container, mold or cookie sheet. If you are pouring directly into a container make sure to put a straw in the center of the candle while the wax is still hot so you can put the wick in it. Once you have the wick where you want it slowly remove the straw from the middle. I wouldn’t pull the straw completely out so you can make sure the wick doesn’t fall into the hot wax and melt back into the candle. If you are using a cookie sheet/mold and intend to cut out shapes let the wax harden a little before cutting the shapes follow the same instructions for adding the wick as in the container except you may have to hold the straw up if the mold isn’t tall enough to keep the straw from falling over while the wax is still hot.

6. Once the wax has dried a little and is ready to cut, do so carefully with a cookie cutter or knife. Remove the mold or cookie cutter quickly so the wax doesn’t stick to it but also make sure the shape holds. If it doesn’t the wax is too soft.

7. Once the wax is set and hard you have brand new candles without spending any money! You can give them away as gifts or keep them for yourself.

8. If you want to layer colors or scents you can use a oj or milk carton as a mold.  Pour the first layer in the mold and wait for it to set, then the next and so on until you have the layers you want.  You can follow the same directions with the straw as above for adding the wick.

Organic Club Sofa in Hemp Fabric

Hello organic couch from Bean Products, Inc.!! I want it for many a reason but honestly the price is such a deterrent. I get it is organic hemp and a sofa bed, you have 17 fabric colors to choose from and you can even choose the colors for the feet and it’s hand crafted! The wood used is sustainably harvested and the cushion’s can even biodegrade. There are soo many amazing green qualities to this piece of furniture. You can tell that Bean Products, Inc. really goes out of its way to offer you a high quality and highly responsible piece of furniture however that being said I feel like even some of the most dedicated greenies who would love to purchase this comfy little tid bit couldn’t because of the price when you can find furniture for much less than that at many other chain stores. I don’t advocate shopping at the big chains when there are greener alternatives but especially in tough economic times we really have to find a way to make green products more affordable to everyone. I would buy this couch in an instant (as I am definitely in need of a new one) but I can’t invest $5200 in a couch when many places offer 7 piece furniture sets for around that price. I’m n0t sure if you are like me and want to support green businesses as much as possible but with things like this I can’t no matter how much I want it and how much I’d rather put my money towards this than come plastic couch from China I can’t invest that much money in anything that frivolous right now. I don’t know too many people who could and the people I do know who could wouldn’t shop at Bean Products, Inc. anyway but that is an entirely different story.

Napa Soap Company

I love finding places that are green!! Besides having super cute and yummy smelling products a really cool thing they do is take packaging material donations which I think is pretty cool. Everybody should do this. It just makes sense especially now a days when people do so much online shopping and are swimming in boxes, peanuts or those plastic pillows. Simple ideas like these make for a greener world that is better for all of us. Another awesome bonus to Napa Soap Company is they make their soaps in the USA! To read more about Napa Soap Company and what they do Click right here!

I know I have told you all about LovingEco so here is another awesomely chic green flash sale site where not only are your purchases responsible but they go to a good cause. Pure Citizen sales this week are pretty good! Right now I am swooning over Omala!! Their workout clothes are awesome!! Especially their skeggings!! I am loving these new flash sale sites that have more than just over price crap for sale to make people feel special about spending too much on something they could get at Marshall’s for less than half the price. Pure Citizen offers great deals on a regular basis while featuring green/eco-friendly businesses you may otherwise have not heard of. I love being introduced to new companies. The more green businesses and products creates the less room there are for harmful and wasteful ones.
The way Pure Citizen donations work is it is built into the sale and if you would like to save a little less you can give a 20% donation to a non-profit and help them help our world. That has got to make anyone feel better when they go on a little splurge here and there right? If you haven’t checked out Pure Citizen you should! Signing up is free and you aren’t obligated to pay for or purchase anything unlike some of the other flash sale sites! So go there now and check it out. If you have tried Pure Citizen tell me about it! I would love to hear what you think!!!

Mudpuppy Constructibles Building Set - Bold Patterns

Mudpuppy Constructibles Building Set aren’t your normal old blocks! Not only do the colors and patterns make this building set super cool the set is aimed at improving hand/eye coordination which is always a plus for children. They can progress just by playing. I always loved building things as a child. I thought for a while I wanted to be an architect until I found out how horrible in math I was. Guess what greenies? This awesome gift is only $12.99

WorryWoo Monster - Nola

WorryWo Monster Nola I really just love this stuffed animal! I cannot get enough of it. Green is one of my very favorite colors obviously soo this little greenie of sorts just pushed a cute button in me! Nola is perfect for cuddling and loving for years to come and only costs $21.99!

Blue Orange Gobblet Gobblers

 blue Orange Gobblet Gobblers is a cool new way to play tic tac toe! You can gobble up your opponent! This is a great gift for any child. We all remember playing tic tac toe for hours or when we were bored. It is a great travel game as well. This excellent gift idea is only $19.99.

Blue Orange Spot It

Blue Orange Spot It is a super fun think on your feet game where you have to match the symbols together quickly before anyone else! Spot it has 4 different variations to keep you from getting bored and best part is it only costs $14.00!

Blue Orange Tell Tale

Blue Orange Tell Tale is a super fun game! You can inspire imagination and creativeness all in one simple game. You deal out the cards that range from easy to complex and from competition to cooperation and the receiver of the cards has to tell a story using the illustrated cards! How fun! All for $13.99

Pop Bottle Science - 79 Amazing Experiments & Science Projects

Pop Bottle Science- 79 Amazing Experiments & Science Projects This may be for the nerd in your life but whatever this thing is way cool! Pop Bottle Science has 79 different projects right there! Ranging from weather to geology to the body and tons more! How cool is that? To top it off this magic science lab is only $15.00

It is important for home owners to understand what they can do to their homes to make them more cost effective and energy efficient. Many people don’t live in new houses or may not have the means to completely updated their home to be as green as possible. The Green Self-Build Book helps homeowners out with some great ideas you can do yourself to be greener and more cost-effective for you.

Description:The Green Self-Build Book is a highly illustrated, practical handbook on eco-friendly building for homeowners.
Whether you want a turf roof, solar-powered hot water, a straw bale home, or a super-insulated (and cost-efficient) house, you need to know the essential elements of the process. In The Green Self-Build Book, Jon Broome gives an overview of the different methods of sustainable and eco-friendly construction techniques for non-professionals.

The Green Self-Build Book gives inspiration and information to guide you through the green building process. It is intended for anyone who is planning a do-it-yourself project, and for housing professionals, students, and teachers.

DIY Owl Decorations

I know I just did a DIY project yesterday but I love love love this craft! I have a thing for owls lately and this craft is soo simple and cute that I just counldn’t resist. I think you will love it too! Plus with all of this cold weather why not stock up on awesomely easy crafts! However those of you that use that tubeless tissue brand may be out of luck!

Supplies:
Toilet paper tubes or paper towel tubes
Eco-Friendly Paint
Black Marker
Glue or Double Sided Tape
As usual any odds and ends around the house that you want to use to make your owls more fabulous and personal.

Directions:

1. If you choose to paint your owl, paint the tubes first and let them dry before trying to fold the top down.

2. Take your tube and fold down one end to make the ears. You can choose to glue or tape it to make sure the top says down or if you are planning on hanging the Owls anywhere. Depending on the type of paint you use the fold may remove some paint from the owl you can repaint some spots or paint after you fold.

3. Use the black marker and any other stuff you have to make your owls your own. You can cut holes in the fold to put string through for ornaments. You can make the owls your Advent Calendar instead of trees. If you use papertowel tubes you can cut them in different sizes and have a flock of owls sitting on display!

Vegan Eggnog

Believe it or not I was never really much of a fan of eggnog. I always thought it was gross. The BF however loves it and would probably drink it by the gallon from November through February. In an effort to keep crap consumption down I found a healthier more peaceful version of eggnog that I thought many of you might appreciate. I will admit I haven’t tried it yet but after perusing many-a-recipe this seems to be the best.

Ingredients:

•21 oz extra-firm silken tofu
•2 cups soymilk (almond,rice or any other milk you prefer)
•2/3 cup light brown sugar or organic honey
•1/4 tsp salt
•1 cup cold water
•1 cup rum or brandy
•4 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
•20 ice cubes
• organic cinnamon
• organic nutmeg

Preparation:

1. Place the crumbled tofu and soymilk in a blender with the sugar and salt.
2. Blend until very smooth.
3. Scrape this into a large bowl or pitcher, and whisk in the water, rum or brandy, and vanilla.
4. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until serving time.
5. To serve, blend half of the mixture in the blender with 10 of the ice cubes until frothy.
6. Repeat with the other half.
7. Serve in glasses with nutmeg and cinnamon sprinkled on top.

Take an Additional 20% off Stocking Stuffers
Save 15% On Yoga Accessories

15% off Everything in the Eco Coffee Shop

Save 15% On Soji Solar Lanterns

15% off Science Toys & Kits

$3 Off Digital Shower Timer Gift Sets

Save 10% On Nokero Solar Light Bulbs

10% off The Green Dollhouse

Save 15% on Gift Baskets & Gift Sets

I am not sure if you have ever heard of Gifts With Humanity but I personally shop here whenever I can especially if it is for a gift for someone. I feel like spreading the word about this Gifts With Humanity is important. Many people won’t know and possibly won’t care but it is important that your money goes to the proper places. Gifts With Humanity is an excellent way to spend your dollars and support good causes globally! Gifts With Humanity supports artisans from the Americas, Asia and Africa. The holidays are here and if you have to purchase a gift won’t you feel better about the seasons of giving and being thankful if your money goes to people who are giving us great crafts and even more thankful for the support.

This year give gifts that give a more. Our gifts are 100% fair trade, recycled and you get 10% of your entire order with coupon code XMAS. Valis until Dec 24th 2009.

About: Gifts With Humanity is the retail division of Global Fair Trade Crafts Inc DBA Global Crafts.
Global Crafts was founded in 2002 by Kevin Ward and Renice Jones, who met as volunteer computing teachers in Kenya realized the capacity of the web to help individual artisans. After three years in Kenya they came to the USA and setup Global Crafts, initially as a small Fair Trade retail store. It soon became apparent that to sell in volume and change the lives of the artisans, the wholesale business would have to grow.
Starting in a garage at home Global Crafts has become a $1 million a year outlet for Fair Trade artisan handicrafts. We look forward to continued growth in the next few years and hope we are making a small difference.