my Zero Waste Week

Our family is on the home stretch of Zero Waste Week (based in the UK, but is spreading, hopefully), and I'm coming to realize that it's not that much different than how we typically live. WHEW! 'Cause I was stressin' just a bit when I signed the contract. The theme of this year's week-long event is "Use it up!" The focus is on eliminating food waste. Like all good rebels, I'm not following it exactly, but I'm coming close, and I'm learning a lot about how I can make changes to improve, which is valuable. We're in the research stage of composting, so that's out, for now, but I can say that we haven't wasted one bit of food in very many days. I'm more conscious of it this week, but it's not that hard. We're not food wasters...anymore. Ask me a couple of years ago, and it was downright shameful, the leftovers that went down the tubes. And I didn't even think it was shameful. But I'm not going to beat myself up about it. I am far from the best I can be, but I learn and work to do more every day! Anything that sticks is a long, slow, process, in my opinion.

I digress.

Zero Waste Week is about truly having no waste. Don't you know there are children starving in Africa? Rachel is at the helm, and she's awesome, yet extreme. When she says zero, she means zero. Thank goodness she's, like, nine hours ahead, so it gives me time to catch up. Rachel means for us to cut the mold off of our bread and cheese, and possibly cure our expired meat or find use for that curdled milk. That is super admirable, and I'd like to say I'd be willing to do it, but, thanks to my two strapping, growing, piggish boys, nothing lasts that long. And since I'm borderline vegan, I don't have to worry about eating rotten meat. So I guess I'm getting off easy. What I am doing differently is paying attention to every scrap, however not moldy or rotten.

So what have I done this week to make extra sure we're not wasting? Check it out:

• I'm ultra-conscious of what our tortoise, Fluffy, can eat. If I asked him, he'd eat us out of house and home. But since I'm not asking him, he's getting the greens off the top of our strawberries and the stems from our lettuce, which he enjoys. I actually made Big dig a strawberry stem out of the sink that he flippantly tossed aside. Doin' my part.

• Using all of my "ingredients" for lunch. Rachel wants us to eliminate the word "leftovers" from our vocabulary and replace it with the "ingredients." Since I work from home, I almost always make myself something to eat for my mid-day meal. Only I don't have time to make a complicated feast, so preparation has to be simple. I enjoy salads, and they are great for using up small bits of leftovers ingredients. I toss in beans, soyrizo from breakfast, roasted veggies, a scoop of quinoa or farro–whatever is around! I never have the same salad twice. This week I made extra sure to use every ingredient in the fridge. And when I ran out of lettuce and couldn't have a salad (boo!), I made pasta instead. I didn't have any sauce and didn't have time to make any, so I tossed in some Earth Balance (vegan butter substitute), some natural garlic salt, and some veggies. It was actually pretty good!

• I packed the kids "snackin' lunches." In a special effort to use up everything we had in the fridge before purchasing more, the kids got a couple of "snackin' lunches," which meant that instead of a main dish and some sides, they got a bunch of sides and small amounts of things. They found it to be a fun adventure and, though they have this lunch about once a week regularly, the haphazard, not-exactly-balanced odd combination of things that appeared in their bento boxes this week added an extra element of excitement and surprise. Pickles and sunflower seed butter go nicely together, don't they?

• I consumed "ingredients" left behind by the littles. We all know that the calories we consume by nibbling on the kid fare that is left behind don't count, so I took full advantage this week. It worked out okay. I like bread crusts and cracker crumbs...yeah. It only backfired on me once when I drank the nutrition shake they didn't like. I forgot that I put some dairy milk in it, and it didn't agree with me so well. Sigh. Live and learn. Nothing was wasted!

• I made croutons! I always keep our heels of bread in the fridge with the best intentions to make croutons. Sometimes I actually get around to it, but sometimes not. This week, I made them! I just cut the bread into squares, tossed them in olive oil and a seasoning blend that sounded good, and popped them in the oven until they turned golden and crunchy. Delish. I have enjoyed them in my salads, and the littles have taken them to school for snacks.

I was introduced to Zero Waste Week by Small Footprints when she spotted my post on the day I purged the fridge. My recipe was subsequently adored (goodie) and posted by Rachel on the Zero Waste Week recipe section of the Web site. In my quest to eliminate food waste in our home, I've accidentally discovered some real recipe gems...now if only I can remember them. The only disadvantage to using up all the bits of food is that when you make something worthy of being a featured special at The French Laundry, it's tough to re-create. First world problems.

Even if you missed this year's Zero Waste Week, you can still check out the Web site for some fantastic tips that will help you make lifestyle changes toward becoming less wasteful. And be sure to sign up for next year's Zero Waste Week!

In the meantime, I'd love to hear the tricks you employ to be less wasteful.

Wordless Wednesday: Radiant Remington

grain-free dog food that doesn't break the bank

Regardless of our financial situation, we all want the best for our pets, especially when it comes to health and nutrition.

Grain-free dog food is associated with high-quality pet food, and high-quality pet food is associated with a high price tag. With few exceptions, buying a ten-pound bag of high-quality grain-free dog food will be more expensive than buying a bag of "chow kibble chemical nuggets." On the other hand, savings on vet bills and the likelihood that your dog will consume less food if it is nutrient-rich can really add up, which can completely offset the extra expense.

So let's assume you're ready to switch your dog to a high-quality grain-free food. And let's also consider that you're concerned about the cost. I get that. Our family is on a budget, and I can say with confidence that I save money by feeding N.A.S.H.A. a high-quality, mostly grain-free diet. If you're, too, making this choice, then how can you find what you're looking for at a price your family can afford? There are so many great options in terms of food and in terms of where to buy that food, so where do you start?

Let's start with the food, itself. And, for the sake of argument (and so this essay doesn't become War and Peace), let's look hard at one high-quality grain-free food: Diamond Naturals Grain-Free. This food is a great one to look at because it has the fiber that some grain-free foods are criticized for lacking, has high-quality ingredients, and it's also priced fairly in the market of options. They offer three varieties, perfect for rotation-feeding: Beef & Sweet Potato, Chicken & Sweet Potato, and Whitefish & Sweet Potato.

Diamond Naturals Grain-Free describes their food as:

Everything your dog needs for good health and nothing he doesn't.

Though dogs have adapted to a domesticated, omnivorous diet over the centuries, a protein-based diet free of grains more closely mimics their ancestral beginnings. Dogs are able to digest grains, but their bodies don't break down grains as efficiently as they do proteins and fats. This is why a diet free of grains and made with limited protein sources is an excellent option for all dogs, but especially those with food sensitivities.

Regardless of whether you serve your dog a grain-free diet or not, you want to make sure that the first ingredient in the food is a protein, so you want to avoid a grain-BASED food. How do you know? A grain should not be the first ingredient, and you should avoid low-quality grains, such as corn, gluten, or wheat flour.

So what about Diamond Naturals Grain-Free? Their Web site explains:

The first ingredient in every formula of Diamond Naturals Grain-Free is animal-sourced protein from trusted sources, for superior taste and nutrition. Sweet potatoes provide complete carbohydrates for all-day energy, while fruits and vegetables add powerful natural antioxidants for optimal health and vitality.

Diamond Naturals Grain-Free is by no means your only grain-free or quality dog food option, but it is a great example of what to look for.

So where can you get it, and is it affordable?

We're lucky these days that we have so many options, not just in terms of what we purchase, but also in terms of where we purchase it and what we pay for it. If you're willing to put in a little bit of leg-work, you'll be able to find the food you want to feed your dog at a most reasonable price, and don't forget to look for online codes or local store coupons for additional savings.

I first look to small local stores because I like to support my local community, and, as a small business owner, I choose first to support other local small businesses. One thing I've discovered about my local small pet store is that they are quite knowledgeable and willing to work with me. They haven't hired the teen-thing who is willing to work for minimum wage (no offense to teen-things who are willing to work for minimum wage...I have one! But I wouldn't want him advising me on dog food choices), but they hire people who, through experience, education, or both, know what the heck they are talking about and truly want to help you find the food that works best for you and your dog. You can ask them tons of questions, and they can give you options that will be most beneficial for your dog and won't put a strain on your pocketbook. I have also found that my local pet store is willing to provide me with samples. I get some snack-size pouches of recommended food, and I can analyze the ingredients and let my pooch do a good old fashioned taste-test. I mean, even if I purchase the best food ever made, it does no good if my dog won't eat it! Local small businesses often offer discounts or coupons in local papers, on line, or even if you just ask, so give it a shot!

If all else fails, I hop online. I love online shopping. I can stay in my pjs, and I almost always feel like I get a great deal, because, literally, the retail world is at my fingertips. You can almost always find a coupon or code for a discount. The only disadvantage is that you're usually not shopping local that way, and you usually don't get that personal experience that can be so valuable, especially when the well-being of your pet is the question. What you get in exchange, that can be equally valuable, is a ton of anonymous (raw and truthful) product reviews. When I shop online, I rely on reviews. And I'm rarely dissatisfied with my purchase because I read them and take them to heart.

So let's go back to our example, Diamond Naturals Grain-Free. Lucky for me, they have a "where to buy" function on their Web site, so I can check out whether or not there's a local store that offers it. Sweet! I found two local pet stores–within three miles of my home–who offer Diamond Naturals Grain-Free. One offered me a $3 coupon just for signing up for their loyalty club!

But let's pretend my local stores didn't offer Diamond Naturals Grain-Free...

I'd then look online. Diamond Naturals Grain-Free offers a function on their Web site that points you to online retailers who carry the formula. You may be loyal to a particular online retailer who offers you incentives to shop with them. Ask if they carry Diamond Naturals Grain-Free, and see if they will give you a discount if you purchase your dog food of choice from them. You can find some crazy deals online!

tips for finding the affordable grain-free food that is right for your dog:

• utilize the personal experience and expertise of your local pet stores

• ask local pet stores if they can give you samples of the foods you are considering

• ask your local pet store if they offer loyalty discounts or coupons

• do online price comparisons and read reviews (reading reviews can be helpful even if you take your business offline)

• search for online coupon codes if you make your purchase on a Web site

• ask online retailers at which you frequently shop if they carry and will offer a discount on the food you'd like to purchase

Finding a suitable high-quality grain-free dog food that is affordable will be simple, when you know what to look for and where to go. When we're on a budget, we often have to be resourceful about purchasing what our family needs at an affordable price. Our dogs are family, so it stands to reason that finding a high-quality grain-free option that fits into our budget like the one from Diamond Naturals is a no-brainer!

Connect with Diamond Naturals on Facebook.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Diamond Naturals. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Diamond Naturals Grain Free dog food, but well minded word only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Diamond Naturals is not responsible for the content of this article.

keeping an "intelligent busy" pup out of trouble

Do you have a naughty busy pup on your hands? As a professional pet sitter, I've pretty much seen them in all varieties. There are different kinds of busy. Some can be constructive, but most are either destructive or dangerous, however innocent. This weekend I'm caring for a busy pup. I've been taking care of him for over a year, so I'm on to his antics, as is his family, and they have taken precautions. The special thing about this busy pup is that he's "intelligent busy," which is the most dangerous and destructive kind of all.

I think intelligence is universally valued. But there are cases where taking care of a being with brains is a real challenge, especially when their brains are bigger than their judgement. Take my four-year-old daughter, for example.

On second thought, let's not go there, now.

Let's take the aforementioned pup, instead. He is one of the most loving creatures I've met. Lots of pounds bigger than a lap dog, lap dog. YouknowwhatImean? He whines if your hand is not in contact with his body 100% of the time, and he only breaks contact if he has to eat, drink, or relieve himself, all of which he does with lightening speed so that he can get back in your lap. And crush you.

He's fun and fantastic, though. And his attempts to outsmart his family are in check after lots of trial and error. Think Fort Knox.

Here are some examples of how this family protects themselves from their "intelligent busy" pup:

What lengthy measures have you taken to protect your home, your belongings, and your pup (from himself), from your busy pup?

taming a cat the Minecraft way

Every Friday, my six-year-old son, Porter,  gets excited. It's stay-up-late, skip-the-bath night, and he can't wait to play Minecraft. If you have a boy at home between the ages of five and forty-five, you're probably familiar with this highly-addictive game. I am opposed to video games, in general (that's a WHOLE other ball of wax you don't want me to go into here), but when a few of my trusted mommy friends began singing the praises of Minecraft and Porter began to beg for us to "just check it out," I decided to cave–literally–and let Porter give it a shot. It seemed creative and something that might require actual thinking with a brain rather than mind-numbing button mashing. For those of you unfamiliar with this game that can be played on basically any platform you can imagine, the Minecraft Web site summarizes it:

Minecraft is a game about breaking and placing blocks. At first, people built structures to protect against nocturnal monsters, but as the game grew, players worked together to create wonderful, imaginative things.

It can also be about adventuring with friends or watching the sun rise over a blocky ocean. It's pretty. Brave players battle terrible things in The Nether, which is more scary than pretty. You can also visit a land of mushrooms if it sounds more like your cup of tea.

The game developers release periodic updates. One of the recent updates is a big hit in our house. You can have a pet cat! Or lots of pet cats!

I've talked before about the why I don't have a cat. But virtual cats? I let the kid bring home as many as he could wrangle.

You see, these cats don't start out purring in your hands. They begin their Minecraft existence as ocelots, roaming wild and free. In order to have them as pets, you have to gain their trust through being near to them and offering fish. Lots and lots of fish. Fish = love.

And the best part? No litter box!

So Porter showed me how he trains ocelots to become suitable pet cats. Talk about a fun way to spend a Friday night! First comes the approach, and like any decent cat would demand, you must prove yourself with a delectable offering, getting close enough to the ocelot so he can smell it, but not so close that you scare it. Once you've enticed the creature and gained his trust, you give him fish. More fish means more love, and your new pet cat isn't shy about showing his affection.

After you've earned this kind of devotion. You can't shake it. So Fluffy then follows you everywhere, practically winding between your legs. And if one isn't enough, you can go for more.

Just as Porter had trained his pride, the rain set in. And we all know how much cats like to stand out in the rain.

So in order to keep his feline family happy, Porter had to quickly build a structure. He has gotten very good at building, so he threw something up rather quickly and baited the cats inside.

Everyone needs something to do in the rain, right? It was then that I noticed the kitten. It appeared as if the cats had already gotten busy entertaining themselves in the inclement weather. I asked Porter where the kitten came from. He explained it well: "Well, Mommy, when you have two cats, you get a kitten." I didn't probe for additional details. Cute kitten, right?

In Porter's rush to create a shelter for his new cat family, he skimped a bit on the windows providing only bars as a barrier to the open air.

What happened next is too graphic to show you, and it happened so fast that I was unable to capture a photo. As the virtual storm grew to a crescendo, the lightening began to strike. Porter started to block up the windows, anticipating the inevitable. In a split second with a flashing crash, two of the cats were struck simultaneously and went up in flames. It was heartbreaking.

As the duo burned in a meowing fury, Porter summed up the whole experience: "Oh, NO! Cats are much more harder to take care of than dogs."

RIP, kitty-cats.

We can't replace our beloved pets in real life, but, thankfully, Porter can spawn new kittens in Minecraft. We don't want the cats who have passed to feel as if they have been replaced. But they've been replaced.

Minecraft demands a lot of animal interactions, but this new cat training update is proving to be a fun challenge both to play and to watch.