Want to Be Selfish Today?
In difficult times like these, it's easy to get caught up in the daily challenges we're experiencing. Each day I try to figure out how to keep an optimistic mindset despite the newsfeed, ongoing difficulties with running a small business and somehow also navigating our children's homeschooling too.
I think this is the best time to do something that really makes you feel optimistic and hopeful. Something that helps you see the bigger picture and focus on what truly brings you joy. This morning I received an email from a neighbor, encouraging all of us to participate in something that immediately put a smile on my face and reminded me of what makes this world a wonderful place. It's something that can be the most selfish thing you do all day because it could bring you a deep feeling joy and optimism... in a time when we all need some of both.
#GivingTuesdayNow is on May 5th. If you haven't heard about it, it's a global effort to "create a wave of generosity, citizen engagement, action from business and philanthropy, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world."
And here are some of the ways we can all participate:
Support healthcare workers by donating supplies, advocating for them, and staying home.
Give to the organizations that you love most – no amount is too little and nonprofits need our support.
Help out small businesses by buying gift cards or writing an online review.
Combat loneliness by reaching out to a neighbor, relative, seniors or veterans.
I'm excited to participate in #GivingTuesdayNow by supporting our local businesses (gift cards for friends and family) and sending meals to healthcare workers through Frontline Foods. As a bonus, it's truly the perfect way to make yourself feel better too. Let's all be a little selfish today and do good to feel good!
On another note, have you been missing fresh vegetables lately? We're not able to find as many as we're used to at the grocery store so we've been propagating our vegetable scraps! At a time when life seems to be on an extended pause, I can tell you that's been amazing to actually watch something grow, even just from our window sill.
Here are a few tips to make your day a bit brighter and your meals more inviting. We've been adding our green onions to everything!
Green Onions or Leeks
- Put the roots in a glass with enough water to cover the bottom.
- Place the glass in a window with a good amount of sunlight.
- Change the water every day.
- A new green onion will sprout and grow in about a week!
- You can leave them in the water or transplant them to your garden.
- You can also grow green onions from a red or yellow onion simply by planting the cut base in soil and following the steps above.
Celery
- Once you only have about an inch or two above the base, place the base in a bowl of water.
- Place the bowl in a window with a good amount of sunlight.
- Change the water every few days.
- As new leaves begin to sprout, allow it to gain thickness for about a week and then transfer it into a pot of soil or your garden.
Romaine Lettuce, Bok Choy and Cabbage
- Chop off the leaves, leaving about an inch or two above the base.
- Place the base in a bowl of water in a window with a good amount of sunlight.
- Change the water every few days.
- As new leaves begin to sprout, transfer it into a pot of soil or your garden.
Carrots
- You can regrow the leaves of a carrot from just the top!
- Leave the top of the carrot in bowl or plate of water, and place the plate in a window with a good amount of sunlight.
- Change the water every day.
- As new leaves begin to sprout, cut them and make a pesto, add them to your soup or lightly sauté them.Basil, Mint, and Cilantro
- Take about 2-3" of the stem and place them upright in a glass of water.
- Once they sprout, transfer them to a pot of soil or your garden.
And, if you're concerned that your favorite local shop, Domain, is closed and you can't find that perfect gift for the mother in your life, don't be silly, we're online! Mother's Day is May 10th and she loves everything we have but we'll give you a few good (and sustainable!) gift basket ideas:
1. Juniper Soap made with all natural essential oils by Earth Elements
2. A Bamboo Soap Tray
3. A beautiful Ceramic Flower
4. A sweet Greeting Card made from recycled paper
1. A handmade, fair trade Cotton Scarf
2. Waxing Kara Lavender + Rose Body Butter
3. A Glass Terrarium for succulents (or propagating veggies!)
4. A thoughtful Greeting Card made from recycled paper
Free local delivery in Catonsville, and free delivery over $50 everywhere else!
Sending you our best wishes for health and optimism!