Category Archives: how to

Take Your Summer Vacation from Forgettable to Memorable

Posted on June 12, 2013 by omiclaire

Summer weather is finally here, and with the days staying lighter longer it gives us more time for fun activities. Planning those activities can feel daunting at times, however here are some ideas that will help you create great summer memories while being eco-friendly.

Take a Hike
Bidwell Park – Chico, CA

Connect with nature by taking a walk in local park or nature trail. Take time to check out the trees, wildflowers and birds. Allow the kids to get exercise while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Go for a Bike Ride

Biking is a great exercise, and can be really enjoyable, especially in the evening after dinner. Work off that meal you ate while peddling along with your family and friends.

Visit a Local Farmer’s Market or Street Fair

Search for hidden treasures at street fairs, or find great locally grown produce to incorporate into your menus for the week.

Plant a Garden

Work on making a small garden for some fresh homegrown treats. Gardens come in all sizes from window box gardens to large producing gardens. Find an area for your garden and plant some of your favorite produce.

Host a Potluck Dinner

Invite friends over for an evening of fun. Potlucks allow guests to bring a dish, so this cuts back on energy used for cooking. Pick a theme for the dinner, such as Italian, finger foods, etc. The themes will keep your dinner options varied and allow for some creative cooking.

Cool Off

Escape the summer heat by visiting a local lake or community pool.

Volunteer

Find a local organization such as a local food banks or animal shelter, and offer some help. These organizations are always in need of a few extra hands.

Plan A Mini Vacation

Just because you can’t get a whole week off this summer does not mean you can’t take a mini vacation. Plan a weekend trip to an area within driving distance and enjoy being away from home. You don’t have to stay at an expensive hotel, but you can camp in a campground by a lake or river. Just give yourself time to relax and “unplug.”

Whatever you decide to do this summer, remember to have fun, make some great memories, and as always, think about what you can do to keep your summer eco-friendly.

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Water, only better

Posted on June 7, 2013 by omigianna

Staying cool in the summer months is hard to do sometimes, especially when trying to stay hydrated. Rather than reaching for those sugary drinks or just plain old water, here are a few recipes to spice up your drinking options in a healthy way!

Nectarine and Thyme Sun-Brewed Iced Tea

What you will need:

Large beverage dispenser or pitcher

Organic loose leaf tea or 6 black tea bags, more or less depending on how strong you like your tea

1 gallon water

Sun

4 organic nectarines, sliced

5 medium sprigs fresh organic thyme

Ice

Put the water, tea bags, and thyme in the beverage dispenser and place in direct sunlight for 3 hours. Add nectarines and ice for a cold, refreshing drink.

Fruit and Herbal-Infused Water

One of the best things about infused water is that you can take just about any form of fruit, and herbs from your garden or local farmers market and give your water a boost in flavor.

Feeling simple? Drop a few raspberries and a sprig of rosemary in a glass of iced water.

Feeling adventurous? Toss mint, strawberries, lemons, limes, cucumbers, and raspberries in a pitcher of iced water for your next outdoor BBQ.

My personal favorite is orange water! Just slice up an orange and place it in a mason jar full iced water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors of the orange with your water, and ta-da! A delicious cold, not-so-boring beverage!

Another great way to add a bit of color and flavor to iced beverages is to take an ice-cube tray, fill it with water (I have even seen them filled with tea!!!), and add some organic blueberries, lemons, or mint sprigs!

What’s great about these recipes is that they are not just “two cups of this or that.” You can experiment with different fruits and flavors to get your own unique delicious drink!

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10 Eco-Friendly Solutions to Start Your Spring Cleaning

Posted on March 12, 2013 by omiclaire

It’s that time of year again when we all get out the cleaning supplies and start our spring cleaning. Rather than using harsh chemical cleaners, here are some more eco-friendly options that I use for my deep spring clean.

1. Make Your Own Surface Cleaner

Surface cleaner comes in handy all around the house, and is super easy to make. Combine 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar in a spray bottle. This natural all-purpose cleaner quickly kills germs and evaporates, making for a clean and clear finish.

2. Lift Stains with Lemons

Getting that tomato sauce stain off your countertop or cabinet is easier than you think. Simply wet the stain with lemon juice, let sit for 30 minutes or so, and then sprinkle baking soda on the abrasive side of an all-purpose kitchen sponge and scrub the discolored area. Most stains will vanish, and your kitchen will smell fresher.

3. Clean Your Kitchen Drains Without Harsh Chemicals

Not all drain cleaners need to be made of toxic chemicals. The chemistry between baking soda and vinegar is so powerful that this combo can flush grease out of kitchen drains. Just pour ½ cup baking soda into a clogged drain and follow it with ½ cup white vinegar. Cover the drain for a few minutes as the chemical reaction dissolves the grease — then flush the drain with warm water.

4. Clean Windows Without Leaving Streaks

To make those windows and mirrors shine without awful streaks, use newspaper! The paper leaves behind virtually zero lint. Just spray the glass with a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar, rub the glass with a dry cloth, then go over the surface with a piece of newspaper.

5. Freshen Up the Air Naturally

Even the worst odors can be eliminated with fresh lemons. To get rid of strong odors such as garlic, fish and other tough smells use half a cut lemon or some fresh-squeezed lemon juice. To freshen indoor air, simmer lemon peel on the stovetop, adding water as needed.

6. Eliminate Smells in Your Fridge

There are many different and unexpected uses for coffee, but one of my favorites is to absorb odors in the refrigerator. If you have some stale coffee grounds just place them in a bowl in the fridge for a day or so.

7. Clean Your Oven Without Killing Your Arms

Ovens can be the worst mess to clean, but with this trick you can clean your oven without having to scrub until your arms feel like they’re going to fall off! Baking soda makes it as easy as it gets, and your next batch of cookies won’t taste like chemical cleaners. Sprinkle it liberally all over the floor of the oven, spray it with water until it’s well dampened, and leave it for a few hours. Then just wipe out the mess and use vinegar to remove the film of baking-soda residue left behind.

8. Use a Little Lemon and Water to Clean the Microwave

Microwaves can be a pain to clean with all the stuck-on food residue, but the citric acid in lemon juice can loosen even the crustiest food. Place lemon wedges in a small bowl of water and microwave for two to three minutes. Leave the door closed and let sit for approximately 10 minutes, then wipe out the inside. If there are any odors or food residue left behind, use a paste of baking soda and water to scrub it right out.

9. Polish Your Wood with Olive Oil

Add a teaspoon of olive oil to a quarter cup of lemon juice for a non-toxic, gentle furniture polish that will remove dust and bring wood surfaces to a brilliant shine. Due to its natural ingredients, this furniture polish will not build up a dull finish.

10. Turn Your Mismatched Socks and Old Towels Into Rags

If you lose the battle of the socks to your dryer like I do, then you probably have a few unmatched socks gathering. There’s no need to throw them away these socks can be used for cleaning! Put one over your hand like a glove and use it to dust surfaces around the house. If you don’t have any mismatched socks, towels that are no longer soft can provide you with a dozen or more new, totally free cleaning rags. Just cut the towels up and you’ll have a whole new supply. This is a far better option for the planet than using disposable paper towels.

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Posted in Budget, Chemicals, Cleaning, DIY, Eco-friendly, Family, Health, how to, Industry, natural all purpose cleaner, Natural Solutions, Nature, organic, tips. Bookmark the permalink.

7 Natural Remedies to Fight the Flu and Seasonal Colds

Posted on February 21, 2013 by omiclaire

This year I have seen my share of germs and viruses attack our house, the majority of which are courtesy of my 5-year-old and her adventures at school. So with all these colds and flu viruses flying around all over the place, I have gathered quite a list of great home remedies that help pull my family through the sick patches. Here are some of the best that I have found, and I want to share them with you!

Homemade Cough Syrup

Take a red onion; cut into quarter inch slices and restack with a dollop of raw local honey in between each layer. (The local honey will also help prevent allergies in springtime.) Allow to sit overnight. In the morning you will have a syrup that not only helps get rid of the tickle in your throat but also helps you rest easy about not adding chemicals and medications into your system that you don’t need.

Garlic Tea

Cloves of garlic have been used for YEARS to help alleviate cold and flu systems. Garlic is naturally antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial. Simply cut 2-3 cloves of garlic, place into boiling water, and allow to steep for 10 minutes. For added taste use lemon juice, raw honey or ginger. Ginger is also a great way to naturally help soothe tummy aches and digestive issues.

Onion Juice Earache Relief

One of the most effective remedies I have found for an earache is onions. Take an onion and bake for about 15 minutes at 425° F (be sure to leave the skin on the onion, as it helps keep the juices inside while cooking.) Let the onion sit until cool enough to touch then crush it in a bowl to extract the juice. Using an eyedropper, place the warm juice in the ear. This will usually help relieve the pain within a few minutes.

Warm Salt Water

Add a generous amount of salt to lukewarm water and mix well. Gargle with the lukewarm salt-water mixture to help soothe your sore throat and promote healing.

Hot Washcloths/Ice Packs

If you have sinus congestion, a great solution is to apply either hot or cold around the congested sinuses. Take a damp washcloth and heat it for about 50 seconds in the microwave (be sure to test it first too make sure it is not to hot). For a cold pack, you can use frozen vegetables/fruits or place a damp washcloth in the freezer for approximately 20 minutes. Chose hot or cold, whichever feels more comfortable.

Water, Water, Water

Drink it, steam it, and soak in it! Keeping the fluids in is the best way to flush out toxins when you are sick. A comfortable way to help clean out your head is to run a hot shower, since the steam will help moisten the air around you, especially good for dry coughs. Lastly, when you are feeling body aches or muscle pain from the flu, try a nice hot bath to soothe aches and pains. Try throwing in some oils like tea tree or eucalyptus, to help speed up the healing process.

SLEEP!

Sometimes the thing that best helps beat the flu is time and rest. Allow your body time to rejuvenate and bring itself back to its usual healthy, energetic state.

Stay healthy this germy season!

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, just a mom, so be sure to check with your healthcare provider before using any of these remedies.

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Posted in allergies, Budget, Chemicals, DIY, Family, Health, how to, Industry, organic, recipes, Sleep, tips. Bookmark the permalink.

‘Tis the Season to be Yummy…

Posted on December 20, 2012 by omiclaire

As we gather together for the holidays, there is typically food involved in our celebrations. Here are some great recipes to incorporate into your festivities, with inspiration from different holiday celebrations from latkes to prime rib. Whatever you decide to make, make it delicious!

Latkes

Ingredients:

5 potatoes
2 onions
3 eggs
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
¼ to ¾ cup all-purpose flour
oil for frying (canola is recommended)

Directions:

Peel potatoes and place in a bowl of cold water so they won’t turn brown. When ready to prepare the latkes, drain the potatoes. Place potatoes and onions in a food processor fitted with a knife blade; pulse until smooth. Drain mixture well. Pour potato mixture into a large bowl. Add beaten eggs. Add salt and pepper. Add enough flour so that the mixture holds together.

Pour 1” of oil into a large, deep frying pan; heat over medium-high heat. Carefully drop ¼ cup of the potato mixture into the hot oil. (Flatten the pancake slightly so the center will cook.) Fry for several minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through; drain on paper towels.

Serving Suggestion: Serve the latkes with applesauce.

Collard Greens

iChat Image(ata)

Ingredients:

½ lb. smoked meat (ham hocks, turkey wings, or neck bones)
1 Tbsp. house seasoning (recipe follows)
1 Tbsp. seasoned salt
1 Tbsp. hot red pepper sauce
1 large bunch collard greens
1 Tbsp. butter

Directions:

In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil and add smoked meat, house seasoning, seasoned salt, and hot sauce. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 1 hour.

Wash the collard greens thoroughly. Remove the stems that run down the center by holding the leaf in your left hand and stripping the leaf down with your right hand. (The tender young leaves in the heart of the collards don’t need to be stripped) Stack 6 to 8 leaves on top of one another, roll up, and slice into ½” to 1” thick slices. Place greens in pot with meat; add butter.

Cook for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. When done, adjust seasoning to taste.

House Seasoning

1 cup salt
¼ cup black pepper
¼ cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Joe’s Prime Rib

Chef Joe, who we have given the honorary title of “Official OMI Chef,” provided us with a wonderful prime rib recipe you will be sure to use over and over again.

Ingredients:

1 cup Montreal steak seasoning
¼ cup thyme
¼ cup paprika

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Preheat oven to 425° F. Tie prime rib using butcher’s twine in 3 or 4 equal spacing increments. Rub the entire prime rib: top, bottom, and sides all over!

Roast at 425° for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, reduce temp to 275° and continue to roast until the internal temp in the very center of the roast is between 110°-120°F for medium rare (120°-130° for medium).

Allow roast to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing with a very sharp knife.

To serve with your delicious prime rib, try one of these excellent sauces:

Horseradish Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup sour cream
¼ cup grated fresh horseradish
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
1/2 Tbsp. kosher salt
1/4 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Place all ingredients into a medium mixing bowl and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld. Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2 to 3 weeks.

Au Jus Sauce

Ingredients:

2 packets beef buillion
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. black pepper
¼ cup red wine
1 cup water

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in pan; bring to a boil and strain.

Now that dinner is over and you’re looking to add something sweet, here’s a great recipe for delicious Nutty Chocolate Matzo Crunch.

Nutty Chocolate Matzo Crunch

Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients:

2 6”x6” matzos
4 oz. milk chocolate, melted
½ cup Marcona almonds or salted cashews, chopped
½ Tbsp. fleur de sel or coarse sea salt

Directions:

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and top with a wire rack. Place matzos on top of rack. Drizzle chocolate over matzos until almost covered. Immediately sprinkle evenly with chopped nuts and salt. Transfer to refrigerator and chill until set, about 15 minutes. Break into pieces. (If chocolate softens, return to refrigerator until set) Matzo crunch is best eaten the day it is made.

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Home for the Holidays

Posted on December 6, 2012 by omiclaire

This is a great time of year, when families get together and celebrate the holidays. Here are some eco-friendly tips to get your house ready for the festivities.

Have old ornaments that don’t make the cut to be used on your tree? Use your vintage or extra ornaments to create a sparkly wreath for your front door.

Centerpieces on your table are a great way to add decoration with a variety of materials. Let nature be your guide. Use things your can find in your own yard such tree branches, oranges, apples, pinecones, and more.

Or you can use edible treats in clear vases to add color and fun to your tables.

Are you getting a Christmas tree? Rather than getting a tree that was grown on a tree farm or one made of plastic try making one out of reclaimed wood to add a unique and fun look.

Even the holiday cards you receive can be used as decoration, by simply hanging them on some ribbon.

So whatever you chose, have fun decking your halls!

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A Twist on Traditional Thanksgiving Sides

Posted on November 21, 2012 by omigianna

Thanksgiving comes with all kinds of delicious favorite side dishes. Since we are in the office on Friday after Thanksgiving, we at OMI like to have a potluck at lunch where we bring a side dish with a twist to the classic recipes (as well as evolving them into our own organic creations). Here are a few of our favorites…

I myself am a wine lover, so when I found a recipe that included a sangria flavor with the traditional cranberry sauce, I knew that I would love it. Such a tasty rendition if you love the classic but want it a little different this year.

Sangria Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients

1. organic lemon

1. organic lime

1. organic orange

3 cups fresh organic cranberries

1. container (16-ounce) frozen organic strawberries

1. cup red wine

1 1/2. cup raw organic turbinado sugar

Directions

1. From lemon, grate 1 teaspoon peel and squeeze 3 tablespoons juice. From lime, grate 1 teaspoon peel and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice. From orange, grate 1/2 teaspoon peel and squeeze 1/4 cup juice.

2. In 3-quart saucepan, combine lemon, lime, and orange peels, cranberries, strawberries, wine, and sugar; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, 15 minutes until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Stir in lemon, lime, and orange juices.

3. Spoon cranberry sauce into serving bowl; cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 4 hours.

Here’s a way to try something new with stuffing. Add a few veggies you have never used before, or like this fun recipe, add wild rice and wild mushroom

Herb Wild Mushroom and Wild Rice Stuffing

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) organic butter 

2 cups sliced wild mushrooms ( options to try: morel, oyster, trumpet, shiitake, chanterelle or porcini, in any combination)

1 cup chopped organic celery 

1 cup chopped organic white onion 

1 tablespoon chopped fresh organic thyme

1/4 chopped fresh organic Italian parsley

1 teaspoon sage, rubbed

1/4 teaspoon salt 

1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper

4 cups cooked organic wild rice 

2 cups dry unseasoned bread cubes (try gluten free bread)

1 ½ cup organic chicken broth

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in large skillet on medium heat. Add mushrooms, celery and onions; cook and stir 5 minutes. Stir in seasonings.

2. Mix rice and bread cubes in large bowl; stir in vegetable mixture. Add broth; toss gently until well mixed. Spoon into 13×9-inch baking dish; cover.

3. Bake 30 minutes.

This new take on sweet potatoes with a streusel topping instead of the usual marshmallows makes for a delicious, sweet side.

Sweet Potato Gratin with Pecan-Ginger Streusel

3 pounds (about 6) medium organic sweet potatoes

1/2 cup apple cider or juice

1/4 cup organic Grade B maple syrup

3 tablespoons organic unsalted butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Streusel Topping

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour (gluten free, coconut flour)

3 tablespoons packed organic light brown sugar

3 tablespoons cold organic unsalted butter, cut in small pieces

1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

2 tablespoons chopped organic crystallized ginger

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Lightly butter a shallow 2-quart baking or casserole dish.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until just barely tender when tested with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to cool. Pull off skin, then slice into 1-2″ thick rounds.

3. Arrange slices in prepared dish in concentric circles, overlapping slices slightly. In a liquid measuring cup, combine cider, syrup, butter and salt pour over potatoes. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make streusel topping:

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or combine mixture with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Fold in pecans and ginger.

2. Remove potatoes from oven. Uncover and sprinkle with Streusel Topping. Bake, uncovered, until lightly browned, 12 to 15 minutes.

3. Refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat, covered, in a 375º F oven until heated through, 25 to 30 minutes.

Whatever choices you make for your meal, we hope you have a happy holiday and give thanks.

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Posted in Diet, DIY, Fall, Family, Food, Health, Holiday, how to, Industry, Inspiration, organic, organic food, recipes, tips. Bookmark the permalink.

Fall Changes Bring GREEN Decorations

Posted on November 20, 2012 by omigianna

There’s no need to spend money on elaborate centerpieces when you can find beautiful décor in your own backyard. Pinecones and fall leaves, or even evergreen branches can be used to add holiday color and fragrance. Here are my top 4 favorite tips:

1. Gather things to make a wreath that can be placed around a candle or vase, then reuse it by hanging it on your door for the holiday season. If you have never created a wreath HERE is an easy tutorial.

2. While shopping for holiday meals at a local farmer’s market, keep an eye out for edible items such as colorful squash and gourds, apples, pears, berries and much more. These can be used as centerpieces, or if you cut out the center and place a candle inside, can be used as candleholders.

3. A clear vase is great for centerpieces! Since you can change its contents to fit any holiday, you can find many items around your home to add to it. This Thanksgiving, try adding fall leaves or some citrus. Simply cut up and set in water with a floating candle. Add cranberries for a bit of that holiday red!

4. Round discs cut from large tree logs can make unique pie or cake plates, candleholders, or even chargers. When cutting firewood, my husband slices ½-1” thick discs off the end of a log for me. And if they get spilled on at dinner, I just toss them back in with the firewood.

Make your holiday as eco-centered as possible this year by using what nature provides. Have a colorful and conscious holiday!

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How does your mattress stack up?

Posted on November 17, 2012 by omiclaire

When you’re visiting one of our retailers, you may notice all of the OMI accessory options available. But how do you know what you will need?

Use this handy graphic (and an OMI salesperson) to help you determine how your mattress layers should be stacked up:

The foundation supports the mattress, provides ventilation, adds height, and enhances the comfort of the mattress (not always necessary with a platform bed).
The wool underbed pad protects the mattress from airborne allergens and from rubbing against the wood slats of a platform bed (used without a foundation).
The mattress barrier cover is a washable cover that protects the mattress from bed bugs, dust mites, and airborne allergens (recommended for non-latex mattresses or for any mattress to prevent staining).
Pillow tops can provide a unique comfort layer without changing the support of the mattress (great for people who prefer an extra-cuddly bed).
A wool moisture pad helps prevent soiling from moisture-related concerns such as heavy night sweats or incontinence (recommended for children).
Use a flannel mattress pad for general protection of your mattress from staining and perspiration.
The All-Season Wool Comforter is a great option because it can be used year round.
The right pillow will help align your neck and spine. Choose based on comfort and sleeping position.

Snuggle up and try an OMI mattress or check out our accessories at a local retailer today to experience pure, organic comfort. Click HERE to find a store near you.

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Pumpkin Fun!

Posted on October 29, 2012 by omiclaire

With Halloween right around the corner, I’ve got pumpkins on the brain. We all know the tradition of carving pumpkins with scary faces, but what do you do with the goop on the inside? And what do you do with the pumpkin after Halloween is done?

Here are some ideas for pumpkin fun:

1. Pick your pumpkins at a local organic farm to minimize transportation while helping support your local farmers. Picking a farm that is pesticide-free ensures that the pumpkin you pick won’t introduce armful chemicals to your family.

2. Be sure to save your pumpkin’s innards while you carve it. The innards and the seeds can be used to make many things, from pumpkin bread to pumpkin soup and even a healthy alternative to potato chips. For recipes ideas, click HERE.

Even if you are not that much of a cook, pumpkin seeds roasted in the oven and sprinkled with sea salt make a great fall snack as well as a healthy option for kids.

3. Carving your pumpkin allows for your creative side to come out! Allow your creative side to come out when carving pumpkins this year! Print out a scene and trace it onto your pumpkin before cutting. Whether you go traditional or modern, carving pumpkins helps you get into the spirit of the season, and makes great décor for your front porch. Here are a few of our favorites.

4. When it’s time to retire your carved pumpkin, don’t throw it in the garbage. Cut up your gourd and turn it into compost or feed it directly into your garden. If you’re without a yard, many cities offer programs that help you collect these materials, such as New York City Greenmarket . Or see if your local community garden can add it to their compost bin.

Have a Happy Halloween!

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Posted in crafts, DIY, Family, Food, Halloween, Health, Holiday, how to, Industry, Nature, organic, tips. Bookmark the permalink.

OrganicPedic by OMI

Category Archives: how to

Take Your Summer Vacation from Forgettable to Memorable

Water, only better

10 Eco-Friendly Solutions to Start Your Spring Cleaning

7 Natural Remedies to Fight the Flu and Seasonal Colds

‘Tis the Season to be Yummy…

Home for the Holidays

A Twist on Traditional Thanksgiving Sides

Fall Changes Bring GREEN Decorations

How does your mattress stack up?

Pumpkin Fun!

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