5 top tips to being more green

I pulled this off the SmartMoney web site. Senior consumer reporter Kelli Grant spoke with Michelle Gielan at CBS Up To The Minute to discuss ways consumers can save green while going greenHere are her five tips:

1.Stop receiving paper bill statements. By opting out, you save paper (which saves trees) and money. Some companies charge for paper statements, and others, such as insurance companies Allstate and Progressive, offer discounts for making the switch.
2.Swap out old appliances. By upgrading to a new energy-efficient heater, fridge or washing machine, you can cut both your energy bill and your greenhouse emissions Better still, some states currently offer rebates for trading in old appliances.
3.Recycle your electronics. Gadgets are full of hazardous materials, which can end up in landfills if not properly disposed of. Many manufactures will recycle old gear for free when you buy a new replacement, too.
4.Reuse plastic bags. If every person in New York City used one fewer plastic bag each year, we’d reduce our waste output by 5 million pounds, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

5.Check your car’s tire pressure. Improperly inflated tires increase drag, which make your car about 3 percent less fuel-efficient. That’s not just more emissions produced — it’s also a $25 to $50 hit to your wallet each year.

Make-up REMIX - fun and frugal

just b cosmetics owner brenda azevedo

Every one is doing it....trying to save money...I loved this idea when I read about it in the Sacramento Bee, and I love it EVEN MORE now that I've gone to Brenda and had her mix the perfect color make up for me!!

I made an afternoon appointment to remix my old mineral makeup to create the perfect make up for me. Brenda poured out the make up onto an artists pallet and made it into a new color customized just for ME. Brenda's specialty is in matching women with the perfect foundation shade and customizing the formula for your individual skin type. She made me a blush too, and four lipsticks. One was for daytime, office, brighter and evening. A gloss, and shadow rounded out my new look. AND I just LOVE IT!!!

Brenda shared tips and tricks during our make up session. She shared some eyeshadow ideas that can be found here: http://www.justbcosmetics.com/dramatic-eye-makeup.html

I left the salon feeling great about my new and very natural look. Now who can't use a fun pick me up like that. I highly recommend Brenda to all my friends. And I will be making another appointment soon.


Brenda's Custom Blended Mineral Makeup (916) 879-3006
http://www.justbcosmetics.com/brenda-azevedo.html
Brenda's Blog: http://brendaazevedo.wordpress.com/

Article in Sac Bee - Feb 21, 2010 ... Brenda Azevedo gives new life to products that might be destined for dumping, ... Brenda Azevedo in her makeup "lab" called Just B Cosmetics in Fair Oaks. ... Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, ...
www.sacbee.com/2010/02/.../buy-wrong-makeup-mad-scientist.html

UPDATE!! I just used her web site and ordered a refill of the oil absorbing tinted base coat. It was easy and quick!

In Tough Times, Airlines Get Nasty; Travelers Get Crafty - SmarterTravel.com

I have a BEEF. I travel A LOT and sometimes I am disappointed with the service I get from airlines. Continental charges $25 to check luggage. I can deal with that. Then while you are standing in line to board they offer to check oversize luggage for free. I pay to check mine and notice them announcing overhead that they will take luggage that is obviously over the size limit and put it with my paid luggage right on the plane, and these people save the $25.

I also notice many people are taking on more items, stuffing their bags and taking larger carry-on bags. This makes finding a spot for your bag more of a challenge and loading the plane longer.


Personally, I like Southwest Airlines the best. Not a lot of frills, but honest, fair, and courteous service. I like that. Check below for tips on what to do if your airlines gets nasty...

In Tough Times, Airlines Get Nasty, Travelers Get Crafty - SmarterTravel.com

Tea is found in the most wonderful places!

Pottery World, a wonderful local home decor store, has a few new things to brag about. I have blogged about my love for this place before and now they take it over the top for me by offering "High Tea" every first and third Thursday of every month at 2:00PM. The café at Pottery World combines classical French, Italian, and Mediterranean style with regional American cooking. I love their sandwiches and their burger is wonderful with a blue cheese crumble on it.

Want to meet for tea? Let me know....


Café Hours:
Sunday: 10:00 - 4:00
(Lunch is served 11:00 - 3:30)

Monday - Saturday: 9:00 - 5:00
(Lunch is served 11:00 - 4:30)


In case you haven't read my other posts about Pottery World, it is an indoor showroom with outdoor display area. They boast more than 200 fountains on three acres. They have a HUGE interior showroom that has beautiful silk flower arrangements, furnishings, rugs, accessories, lighting, and seasonal decorations. I get so many great ideas from my trips to their showroom. And now they carry fun boutique items like jewelry, button jewelry, high style clothing, beautiful jackets, footwear, gift items and handbags. All very vintage and timeless pieces and including "fine" jewelry. See you there!

Ten Easy Ways to Travel Greener - SmarterTravel.com

Check this out from SmarterTravel.com!

Ten Easy Ways to Travel Greener - SmarterTravel.com

Looking sexy

My friend Judy and I (left) decided to check out "Not your Mom's makeover" at Image Provocateurs in Roseville. We first arrived and couldn't help but notice all the hot pink and black on the walls with chain link fencing dividing the salon stalls. The staff (my makeover master and I below) was friendly and very tattooed.

Arts and Antiques in Downtown Roseville

I had a great time last week at the Arts and Antiques in Downtown Roseville. The event, which was April 17th, was an evening reception of...a little music...a little food...and a lot of fun.

In addition to the evening reception, the opening day featured family friendly activities as part of Earth Day and Art and Antiques weekend celebrations in downtown Roseville.

Stop Frustration, Organize that bag!

So, you love your big purse. You change purses along with shoes. You use different bags for different occasions. Do you stuff your bag with make-up, work receipts, your child's necessities, school books or a magazine. How about those iphones, your kindle or gameboy? Can't find your wallet? Getting on a long flight? Entertaining the kids at the doctors office? trips to the store with a toddler? Sounds like you could use some more organization and it can come as easily as choosing the right way to organize your bag and possibly your life.

Here are three great options that Purseket offers. I will be trying the Pouchee and I can't wait to tell you all how it works!

The Pouchee- Designed for those trendy bags that also become bottomless pits. Simply place all your important cards, cash, phone and more. It’s easy to use, comes in many styles and colors and can be transferred from one bag to the next.

Fleurville Re-Run MicroPod- This handy pouch is perfect for when you are on the go. It can hold your phone, ipod, sunglasses, even a diaper, wipes and changing pad. The MicroPod is great for flying or short trips. The fleece-lined pocket keeps your items scratch-free and it even has an ear piece “pass-through” for your phone or ipod.

Joey Junior Purse Organizer- If you prefer a roll up version then the Joey Junior Original is for you. Easy to fill up with all your purse needs and easy to roll up and place in your handbag, you will never feel disorganized again.



To see more details, check out their website at: www.purseket.com

Celebrate the Wild West!

Coming up in Auburn is the AUBURN WILD WEST SHOW & RODEO. I have invited my daughter Makay and grandkids to enjoy a day out of fun. I am planning on packing a picnic lunch and hanging out all day.

Rodeo Week April 18-25 and the Rodeo starts April 24 and 25th
Lots to see and do including:
Team Roping
Barrel Racing
Mutton Busting
and other exciting Rodeo Events
Vendors will be showing great western ware, jewelry and specialty items.



See the website at
for ticket prices and detailed information

Earth Day 2010

For Earth Day 2010 Richard and I planted fruit trees. We thought what better way to celebrate than by doing something that will leave a bit of a legacy. We have several Earth Day Events here in the area. Last year they had some educational sessions that were very informative.

The Loomis Earth Day celebration will culminate a week of environmental and volunteer activities, starting with an Earth Day celebration in Roseville on April 18th, Creek Week to cleanup creeks throughout the area, and National Volunteer Week.
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION AT LOOMIS DEPOT, April 23 and 24

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 23: Screening of seven short films –- The Story of Stuff, A Chemical Reaction, Trashed, Zero Waste, Synthetic Sea, A Simple Question, Pollen Nation, Friday at the Farm

Saturday, April 24

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Yard Sale in the parking lot

12 to 4 p.m.: Exhibits on both sides of the Depot. Free horse and wagon rides

12 to 12:45 p.m.: Music by the casts of "Fame,” "Jungle Book,” and "Thoroughly Modern Millie,” courtesy of McLaughlin Music Studio

1 to 1:45 p.m.: The Station Pickers Bluegrass Band

2 to 2:30 p.m.: George Schafer, easy listening

2:45 to 4 p.m.: Jump Start jazz band

1 to 3 p.m.: Short films inside the Depot building – “Trashed,” about where trash really goes; “A Chemical Reaction,” about lawn and garden chemicals; “Zero Waste,” about waste elimination goals; “Synthetic Sea,” about plastic waste in the ocean; “A Simple Question,” about kids restoring a creek; “Pollen Nation,” about threats to bees

12 to 4 p.m.: Talks and lectures: Sustainable living, options for /Solar Systems, mPower, zero waste, buying local food, water catchments, bicycles and kayaks, innovative lighting, Placer sustain, backyard chickens, natural pest control

12:30 to 2 p.m.: Meet "Eat Local" advocate Joanne Neft, author the newly released cookbook, "Real Food"

12 to 4 p.m.: Tours of new Town Hall, on Taylor Road near the depot. See the historic, restored bank building, and how it now works as the new town hall


If you would like to get involved in helping to organize Earth Day in Loomis, contact Gary Liss at 916-652-7850 or gary@garyliss.com. It would also be helpful for you to sign up for the Loomis Open Space Yahoo Group, to get timely information about the latest Open Space and environmental activities happening in Loomis. To do so, just go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoomisOpenSpace/

Take in the Arts while on the road and at home

I never get tired of viewing incredible art. While traveling and at home I find the time to discover new and exciting arts opportunities. This weekend I joined my frind Judy Nicklson on the Third Saturday Art Walk and discovered a new artist and inspiration. I was speachless as we entered the Blueline Gallery to celebrate "Earth Day" interpreted by Landscape Sculptor Deanna Marsh.



She really brings out the beauty of our earth in sculptural form. Deanna Marsh with Central Park Studio produces sculptures in metal, stone and kiln-formed glass. Deanna's landscape sculptures take inspiration from the foothills surrounding her Auburn California home, and from the varied terrains of the western United States that span mountains, canyons, forests, deserts and the Pacific coastline. “I live in an area of unlimited inspiration… the American River Canyon is worth honoring through my art and preserving through my vision of its diversity of life and natural beauty,” said Deanna about the focus of her artwork. “Contemplating and interpreting this beauty through my art gives our community a new view of the canyon and Folsom Lake which I hope will encourage care and preservation.” said Deanna. In steel, copper, aluminum and glass, Deanna’s sculpture reconnects the viewer with that which is so removed now from daily experience—a relationship with the natural world. Her interpretation of the local beauty of the American River canyon, its geography and biology, inspire shapes that shimmer with reflected light and natural patinas. She brings what’s best of our natural world to our urban landscape through modern materials and classic forms.

See more of Deanna's work at: http://central-park-studio.com

Haute Couture Société Fashion Show

Every April my mom invites me to the annual Haute Couture Société of Stockton Fashion Show. My mom is a member, and a creative sewer. This year we had four generations attending together, each of us sew: my grandmother, mother and daughter, Makay. All of us enjoy the creative freedom of the sewing machine. I love going to this because I get so inspired to see what beautiful outfits the members have made.

This year was the 42nd annual fashion show, Sew What’s Haute at the Hilton Stockton. The garments for this show are created by members and invited guest designers. Proceeds fund scholarships in apparel design and fashion merchandising. Vendors are wonderful, and support our sewing "habbit" with accessories and fun sewing items like custom pin cushions made out of antique candlesticks and silver trays. The fashion show at 11:30 A.M. with a YUMMY luncheon following. The raffle & silent auction is great. They had nearly 60 prize baskets, and three people won a basket at our table. Baskets were made by members and each was was unique.

I can't wait to go next year and feed my inspiration.

Things on my mind now...

Scrabble Words - use to share my thoughts around the house



Dominoes - the antique heavy, looking ones placed in a jar

Beaded tops to miscellaneous jars

Antique suitcase decoupaged with Victorian flowers, perfume bottles and pictures from magazines, with glitter added for depth

Glue music sheet music on a paper mache dress form (to display jewelery)

Button Necklaces



Old Silver tea pot as lamp with midnight black lampshade

Dried sea start as stopper for old antique bottle

Large pin cushion atop antique candle holder

A fun SWAP to try

This next month I am attending another clothing swap. With spring nearly here it's time to put away my winter coats and clothes and focus on some lighter colors and fabrics. I'd like to try something new. We all have those accessories we are tired of or bought and realized they just were not "us."

Why not swap them with your friends? It's a great way to get rid of closet clutter and get some new and fun items to try. Items you maybe would have never considered before. Not to mention it's a great excuse to get your friends together and it's easy on the budget.

Let's see... First I will send an evite a month in advance so everyone can clean out their closets. Then I'll ask my friends and family to gather all of their gently used accessories that they would like to swap and bring them to the party. I'll ask them to bring their favorite appetizer to share too. Why not make it easy on me too.



Here is what I might suggest they bring:

jewelry -- earrings, necklaces, broaches, bracelets, rings
purses, wallets
belts, scarves, sunglasses
hats and hair accessories-- barrets, headbands, scarves
socks, gloves, ski goggles and more

Before the guests arrive, I'll set up stations that will have that particular type of accessory. I'll get creative! I'll use wine glasses and martini glasses to place the bracelets in, hang necklaces on a colorful bulletin board, and use serving platters to showcase the earrings.

Don't forget…

Remind your friends that if they are uncomfortable giving away something expensive, leave it at home last thing we need are hard feelings. Any plastic cheap or junky jewlry can be given to those with young girls for a dress up box.

Donate any remaining items to your Cancer Thrift Store or Goowill.