Bulking Up

I've been doing a bit of legwork for the past couple of weeks and trying to source items in bulk. While yes, there are some things we are allowed to buy, we would still like to be mindful of the waste it creates.

Bulk is a great way not only to save $ but to cut back on excessive packaging. Most bulk stores carry the staples like seeds, nuts, flours, sugar, coffee, cereals, etc. At some grocery stores and independent delis, you can also buy olives, cheeses, meats, and pickles in bulk. They may be hesitant to use containers you supply but be assertive and don't take no for an answer!

In addition to the obvious, here are a few other things I learned along the way:

Ice cream

I can take a large yogurt container to my local ice cream place and ask them to fill it up. I don't see why other ice cream parlours wouldn't do the same. If Baskin Robbins sells by the litre, just bring in a litre container.

Tofu

Some Asian markets and bulk stores keep tofu in large buckets of water in a refrigerator. Bring your own container and get as much as you need!

Milk/Yogurt

Harmony Organic and Pinehedge Farms sell its dairy/yogurt in glass bottles that can be returned for a deposit.

Cleaning/Household

Luckily, I live in the biggest city in Canada where I can get my hands on bulk laundry detergent, vinegar, borax, shampoo, liquid soap, etc. Here's a snapshot taken at my local Grassroots store. Sure, it's a bus and a subway ride away but I will make each visit count, and refill big containers. No need to worry if you're not quite out of something either. They'll weigh your container and just charge you for the quantity you've added. Have a look!

My dream is to see this kind of set-up in every grocery store across the country.

Handy Handkerchiefs

Looky looky what we scored on the weekend. My awesome mother-in-law came through big time and gave us a collection of old handkerchiefs. They're purdy too, see? Now that allergy season is upon us, we can start honking into these babies. I like imagining C at school, whipping out one of the daintily embroidered ones from his pocket. I know the kids will pounce right on that.

So now that you know that Kleenex is out, I'm sure you're curious about Kleenex's rough, uncouth cousin who comes on a roll.

Yeah, no.

While we gave the old left hand/bucket of water a shot in our travels in Indonesia, I think we'll keep the t.p. around. Especially since we're in the midst of potty training. Teaching a toddler to wipe with his hand is just asking for trouble.

From Rags To Stitches

I have always wanted to learn how to sew, and taking a vow of poverty is a good way to get my ass in gear. Doubtless in a year I will need a few things. I have a toddler whose feet grow sizes in the night. In fact, his Ferrigno toes are probably bursting through his pajama feet at this very moment.

Fortunately, I've enrolled myself in a sewing class to start off on the right foot. My first project will be something small and easy, like a pillow cover. I like the idea of using vintage and reclaimed fabrics, like this scrap (above) rescued from a tattered 1970s bedspread. Just think, if I could get my hands on thick drape panels I could make play clothes for the entire family!

Hopefully I can progress to the point where I'm like Molly Ringwald in Pretty In Pink. Though, if I'm honest, I would have totally held onto the gorgeous vintage gown in favour of patching together a formless, shoulderless feed sack. But that's just me.

Cheaters Stink

With one month to go, the countdown is on. I tell C: no hoarding, no stockpiling, no getting your mom to take a trip to Costco. Why? Because, well that would be cheating. Here's what I'm talking about:

C: I'm going to need deodorant.

S: I'll look for a good recipe on-line.

C: What!? No. Oh god. Sarah, I have to WORK. I can't smell.

S: You work with Grade Nines. The Drakar Noir scent should mask yours ten fold.

C: That's not the point. I don't want to be able to smell myself.

S: I like the way you smell.

C: You're not listening to me.

S: Yes I am--I wonder where I can find rock salt in bulk...

C: It's going to be a long summer.

poll by twiigs.com

Bedtime Stories

I picked up a duvet cover at Value Village (pictured here). Is it not fab? The vintage floral pattern is so bright and cheerful and it was evidently handmade. And yet, as I snuggled down under it last night, I began to wonder if I had crossed some kind of line, like the time my Dad purchased a used bathing suit from the Good Will. (Ewww! That once cradled another man’s junk!)

Our beds are the most personal and intimate sanctuaries in the home. It’s where we spend a great deal of time in a state of unconsciousness. And I don’t know about you, but when I’m unconscious I fart a lot. I also drool and sweat. And in addition to all that unconscious time, what about the time spent doing other “activities” in bed.

When C and I visit hotels, one of the jokes we play is taunting the other with the hotel bed spread. C may push me on it after I’ve had a shower, or I may drape it over his face while he’s sleeping. I know, childish. And gross.

I fell asleep with these thoughts in my head. I don’t remember what I dreamed about. Perhaps Monica Lewinsky holding a black light?

I’m happy to report that I woke up warm and cozy underneath my new spread with sunshine pouring in through the window. Those dirty soiled thoughts were scrubbed from my mind and all that I breathed in was freshness. And that’s how I know that it now belongs on my bed.