Playing Around

Earth Day Reflections - A non baby post...

Earth Day always sparks me to find new ways to reduce my strain on the planet.  My latest project: reducing waste from yogurt.  I realized that each year our family goes through roughly 100 plastic liter sized yogurt containers...yikes!  It turns out that making your own yogurt is very easy.  Below is a link that takes you through the process.  Check it out...
http://www.cookforgood.com/recipe/yogurt-recipe.html



I made my third batch this past weekend.  Here are a few tips from my humble beginnings:
**If you live in a warm place, or it is summer, you don't need to use an electric blanket for your yogurt nest.  I wrap my jar in a fleece jacket, place it in a soft sided cooler, and set it on the drive way.  This keeps it at the right temperature to ferment.

**Many recipes will say yogurt can be firm in 3-4 hours, but I have found it takes closer to 8. 

**You only need to buy yogurt for a starter for your first batch.  All future batches will be made from your previous batch.  Make sure you start with a plain yogurt that has active cultures.



**Your yogurt may be a little runny because it does not have stabilizers or other things to thicken it up.


Happy yogurt making...let me know how it goes!

Finger Painting Fun!

Diaper Derby 2012

Who knew cloth diapering could be so much fun?!?

Drop and Give Me 20

Little Swimmer