August 28 – Concert For Samantha

Samantha Arnett is a sweet 4 year old who has a rare, fast-growing brain tumor that was diagnosed February 2009.  On August 28, 6pm at Spring Bayou Baptist Church, The Moreheads, The Smith Brothers (Calvert City), and 3:16 (a bluegrass gospel group from Beaver Dam) will be joining together for a time of worship in hopes of raising funds for little Samantha.

Sweet little Samantha has been given only a short time to live and her father has taken an unpaid leave of absence to be with his little girl.  If you'd like to donate but can't attend, email tamfaye321@gmail.com.

To read more about Samantha Arnett, please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/samanthaarnett/journal.

Meet E.J. Abell

Whether it's making art or teaching art - there's no denying she has incredible talent.  This remarkable woman always has something up her sleeve:  Meet E.J. Abell.

1.  So, we have to ask - What does "E.J." stand for?  Were you named after anyone?

I was named for my two favorite aunts, Aunt Ella and Aunt Jean. I had an uncle whose name was O.J., (also a nickname and BEFORE that name was incendiary) and he dubbed me E.J. at an early age. I rather liked it as no one had ever been able to remember my name combination anyway. (I have been called Elly Mae more times than I want to recall). It was only years later that the nickname really stuck and that suited me as I was in college at that  time and the name didn't give away my gender...just the opposite...I was thought to be male when I signed my artwork. I thought it put me on a more level playing field perhaps. Women still at that time received less  respect in the art world. Once you were viewed as a woman artist, you were a bit overlooked in the art scene.  It has been a long, hard-fought battle for us women...and isn't over yet. Ha

2.  You have some really amazing art - where can we find it?

Thanks, of course it feels good when someone responds favorably to my assemblages. My paintings and drawings are (at this time, at least) pretty "mainstream" but the assemblage work is a little more conceptual. I like it when someone identifies with something in my pieces. I will have to say though that the important thing is the process for me. I strive for a certain finished product but the journey getting is the real joy.

I don't have anything displayed publicly at the moment.  I have art in some permanent collections and have pieces displayed in my own home. The next time I exhibit  will probably be New Year's Eve. I am part of the Wastelanders art group and we hold two exhibits a year.

3.  When and how did you get started in making art?

I cannot remember a time that I did not think of myself as needing to make art. The label artist came much later. When we sold my childhood home, I found drawings my mother had saved from about age 6.  I remember being considered the classroom artist. Even though we had no art instruction of any kind all the way through my school years, I plugged along trying to make art.  When I went to college, I was so excited to be able to take art classes. I was an art teacher's dream student in that I had the desire and  eagerness and yet no bad habits to undo.  I was a sponge and learned quickly. My instructor, Tony Droege, had told us on the first day of our basic drawing class that it would be a hard "A" to get...he was correct...but I got one in two of his drawing classes. I was probably graded on "improvement"... I had a long way to go when I arrived. Ha

4.  Where does your inspiration for your art come from?

Ummm...that is not a simple answer. I am inspired by everything really.  My assemblage art has evolved with time and the realization that I cannot  limit myself to one process or one art medium ...why do that? The world is a smorgasbord of inspiration and materials. So, when I make my assemblages, I can include unlimited proceses and mediums. My assemblage work is storytelling, sometimes a bit disguised. Often I will use found items or meaningful objects from my personal stuff. I love ephemera...I pore through antique stores reveling in the bits of lives left behind. I often come away with pieces that will allow me to memorialize a moment, a feeling or event.

5.  Besides being an artist and private art instructor, you are also the Education Director for the River Heritage Museum in Downtown Paducah. Can you tell us about the Museum and what you do?

I am in charge of education programs and tours at the RIver Discovery Center.  I work mostly with elementary school groups which is the age group I have been teaching privately for 35 years anyway. I give guided tours, education programs, art projects, etc..  I love my job and it allows me to be creative in so many ways. Just this week I have been painting giant Monarch butterflies to suspend from the ceiling of my classroom. In our upcoming summer camp, I will be giving a program on the metamorphosis of the Monarch.  We will also make a clay toad house and a metal repousse of a riparian animal.

6.  When you aren't working, where might we find you?

Working some more!  I teach art classes in the evenings and when I am not at the center or teaching children's art classes, you will find me for HOURS at a time in my GARDEN! My motto for my garden is "any day in the garden is the BEST day".  I love love love working in my flowers and yard. I grow perennials, especially Butterfly Weed for my beloved Monarchs. The butterflies have to have the "weed" to continue their  life cycle and I help them with that. I also tag and release them before they fly to Mexico.

7.  What would you say is one of your biggest acheivements?

My answer would be my children, as trite as that might be. I feel as if they are two good human beings who are responsible and productive in society. That is not a "given" and to feel it is who your children are is something to celebrate. And now I strive to be a good grandmother...one who makes the children feel cherished and supported. I think grandparents have an awesome responsibility...it is rewarding on each end.

8.  What are some of your favorite things about Western KY?

Even though I have always craved the buzz of the city, I have grown to appreciate Paducah more with each passing year. After spending more time in larger cities, I have come to appreciate the quietness of a small town. I love that we are geographically located on the rivers here. I have been in this area most of my life but the true realization of the importance of our rivers came with my job ten years ago. I also love the fact that our town is  small enough to be convenient. I LIKE having the grocery, the post office, etc. nearby. I love being able to get to those places quickly so that I  have time to spend doing other things. I like the fact that we are also large enough that we have fabulous cultural opportunties here. My out-of-town guests are always amazed at what we have to offer: a vital film society. the performing arts center, a very viable arts community, etc.  And I have great friends here...someone said "friends are gifts we give ourselves"... good quote.

9.  How can we connect with you?  (facebook/email/phone number/website...whatever you want to give out)

I can be reached on facebook, or email me at ejabell@comcast.net

Fresh Pick: Recipes For Your Blueberries

Fresh Blueberries - Now What?

Try out some of our favorite Blueberry Recipes:

Blueberry Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 (12 oz ) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 tsp dried lavender
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups vanilla yogurt
• Sweet Cake Croutons

Directions:

1. Stir together blueberries, lemonade concentrate and water.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat and stir in dried lavender.  Simmer, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until blueberries begin to burst.  Remove from heat, and cool 5 minutes.  Stir in vanilla extract.
2. Presh mixture through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a large bowl.  Put pulp aside (delicious as a yogurt topping/mixed in with yogurt).  Stir in yogurt to "soup".  Cover and chill 4 to 24 hours.  Serve with Sweet Cake Croutons.

(Sweet Cake Croutons can be made by using any dense cake - butter pound cake or a vanilla pound cake, cut up into small cubes and drizzled with butter and toasted lightly)

Blueberry Cobbler

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 stick of butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• fresh blueberries

Directions:

1. Mix the first 4 ingredients in a bowl.
2. Pour blueberries into the bottom of a pie or small casserole dish (I filled my pie dish to the half mark)
3. Use a spoon to dollop the "crust" mixture on top of the berries.  Gently flattening it out.
4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and cook for 30 minutes.

Also be sure to check out the recipe we featured for Amazing Blueberry Cream Scones!

Meet Gary Wurth

You've probably have seen him around town - whether it's walking in the park with his oldest grand-daughter, at church, or fishing on the lake.  We've cornered this awesome guy (whom I call "dad") from Paducah, KY to find out more about him.

1.  How long have you lived in Paducah, KY?
I have lived in Paducah, Ky all of my life....55 years

2.  Just to be clear, does everyone know you by "Gary," or are there any other aliases or nicknames you're known by?
Most everyone calls me Gary, but I have a 3 year old granddaughter who calls me "Pa", and a daughter and son who call me "dad"

3.  You and your brother, Wally, own Wurth Auto Electric.  Can you tell us what you do?
We rebuild alternators and starters

4.  When you aren't working, where could someone find you?
On the lake fishing in the spring and hunting in the fall. I enjoy playing solitarie on the computer and watching old western movies and sports on TV.

5.  For the past 25 years or so, you've worked really hard on raising a family with your wife, Sandy.  Can you give us some advice on raising a family --and, maybe even on starting your own business?
Always be truthful to your family and teach your children what is right. On starting a business you have to treat your customers the way you want to be treated. Don't promise something you can't provide.

6.  Summer is here!  Any plans?
Family vacation, fishing before too hot, mowing the darn yard.

7.  Can you share a favorite restaurant with us?
I like to eat at al ot of places but I guess my favorite would be O'Charley's

8.  How about a favorite fishing spot?
In the lake....HAHA!, Actually, KY Lake is my favorite

9.  What do you love most about living in Western Kentucky?
Western Ky is all I have ever known. Being close to my family. I like having the different seasons and the lake area is close for fishing, hiking and hunting.

10.  What are your family's favorite activities and events in Western Kentucky?
Hiking at the lake. We are a  boring family...HAHA!

Sleepy Wrap Giveaway Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered our giveaway!

Without further ado:

Congratulations to Katie!  (Please check your email, you should have a message from Helloky.com.)

We hope you love your new Sleepy Wrap!

Sleepy Wrap

I'm sure you've heard of "baby-wearing" and "slings," but have you heard of Sleepy Wrap?

We tested it.

And then, we had the experts come in. Their names: Lorelei (3 years old), Aurora (1 year old), and Eden (newborn).

Lorelei, although 3 years old, adored the swing. Actually, she said she didn't want out. Ever. Which, should tell you all you need to know from her perspective. From a mom's perspective, wearing Lorelei in the Sleepy Wrap was great. She was comfortable, I was comfortable, and her weight was spread out evenly across me.

Aurora had a similar reaction. She liked it.

Eden's reaction was a little different:

She immediately fell asleep and protested any sort of disturbance that felt like she was being taken out of the wrap. Her mom liked that she could choose to carry Eden high or low, and in a variety of different positions.

We thought about it.

Sleepy Wrap is hands-down my favorite sling/wrap that I've tried so far. And, I've tried a lot!

In fact, if I were to list the attributes of the perfect baby-carrier, it'd be these:

• It must be easily adjustable. The same carrier must be able to accommodate my husband and myself...and any future or present friend of my choosing.
• It must keep my baby secure.
• It would be comfortable for my child - whether she's a newborn or 3 years old.
• It must be comfortable for me - I can't hike if my shoulders and back feel like I'm dislocating every bone.
• It should be breathable.
• It wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg.
• It would allow me to conveniently and discreetly nurse my daughter while in it.
• It would allow me to change my child's positions in it, depending on what they liked.
• It would allow me to cook and shop...with both of my hands.
• It would be made of quality fabrics.
• The feel of it would make me smile.
• It would be turquoise.

Okay, 11 out of 12 is pretty great. And, truthfully, with all of the other great colors that Sleepy Wrap offers, I think I can get past the non-turquoise part.

Sleepy Wrap believes in and loves their product as much as I do, so in addition to letting me review their product, they offered to let ONE lucky reader in on the excitement.

The exciting part -

To enter to win your own Sleepy wrap in the color of your choice - from their selection, obviously - you can do any (or all) of the following for a chance to win:

• In the comments, tell me how you'd use the Sleepy Wrap. (i.e. - cooking, hiking, etc.)
• Visit Sleepywrap.com and then come back and tell us in the comments which color is your FAVORITE!
• "Like" us on FACEBOOK (click to be taken to our page) and then come back and leave a comment, telling us you did. Or, that you already are.
• "Like" Sleepywrap on Facebook (click link) and come back to leave a comment, letting us know you did it.

Other important information:

• This giveaway will end on May 19, 2010 at midnight.
• The winner will be announced on helloky.com.
• You have up to 4 chances to make your odds of winning even better.
• Open to all US and Canada residents.

Build Your Budget 101

For some, budgeting may bring about feelings of insecurity and the idea of limiting what one can spend of their OWN money may feel ridiculous.  The truth, however, is that so many people have experienced FREEDOM in budgeting.

Myth:  If I make a budget, I'll have to set aside money where other people have suggested (savings, tithing, etc), and I won't be able to control where my money goes.

False, You are in charge of your budget, and you are in charge of where your money goes.  Budgets are extremely customizable, so feel free to make yours fit your needs.

Myth: If I use a budget, I won't be able to buy the things I want.  I'll have to adhere to someone else's goals and ideals.

False, the whole idea behind budgeting your money is that you CAN buy the things you want.  We'll show you how to customize your budget so it fits YOUR goals and ideals.

How To Create A Budget

1. A budget is useless if you don't have any goals - so, set your goals.  Like budgets, goals are personal, so think about what YOU want.  For example, do you want a new car?  A down-payment for a new house?  To pay off a credit card or debt?  To go to college?  A vacation?
2. Next, you need to calculate your incoming and outgoing expenses.  You can do this by using a general worksheet like one of these or you can simply write them down on a piece of paper or in an Excel document.
3. Take a look at your "Outgoing Expenses," and figure up which ones of those are necessities, and which are "extras."  Highlight are separate those into different columns.
4. Subtract what you make by what you spend.
5. Use the total from #4 to decide how you want to approach your goal.  You may want to work towards your goal slowly, giving yourself a lot of room for "extras" - like "fun money", emergency savings, etc.  Or, you may want to save any extra money you get.  It's entirely up to you!

Budgeting Tips

• Mint.com can help you keep track of your finances.  Think of it as a personal checkbook keeper that notes your transactions and fits it into your budget so you don't have to!
• Budgeting can be as simple as keeping track of your expenses in a cellphone app as you get a receipt at checkout.
• For our family, we prefer to list bills only under our "necessity" column because they never change.  Then, we put a food, toiletries and supplies, and miscellaneous section up that is adjustable to our current needs and budget.  For us, this helps us feel like we have more control of our own money, and we "allow" ourselves to spend (however we want) any extra money from those sections that hasn't been spent at the end of the month.
• Use websites such as smartypig.com to help you reach your savings goals.  --It's a cool website where you can track your progress and invite people you know to watch (and contribute), too!
• Reward yourself.  Don't make budgeting a chore (or you may stop), instead factor in some "fun" money that you can do with what you want.
• Be adjustable.  If your budget stops meeting your needs, change it!
• If spending money is too easy for you, try the "envelope method", where you divide up your budgeted expenses into labeled envelopes and fill with only enough cash to meet your budget.  For some people, it's harder to spend cash that's clearly labeled than to swipe a debit card.
• Get creative!  Clip coupons, watch sales, and offer trades for services to help your budget last longer.

Tell us, what are your budgeting tips?  Have any useful information or resources?

Or... any questions?  Leave a comment, please!

May 13-15 – Ballard County Doo Wop Days

Thursday, May 13, kicks off vendor shopping and a Little Miss and Little Mr. Pageant followed by My Kids Got Talent.

On Friday there are community events, a car show, vendor shopping, food pantry yard sales, and Apologetix in concert (Advance tickets: $10.00, At the door:$15.00).

On Saturday, more of the car show, yard sales, vendor shopping,  and entertainment throughout the day. The live band begins at 6:00 pm to close the show.

For concert tickets, contact Ballard Chamber of Commerce. Vendor spots now available for Ballard County Doo Wop Days. Inside and outside spaces available. Reserve your spot today! Spaces located in La Center in and around the Chamber of Commerce Building and the former New Wave Homes building.

Set up can begin on Wednesday May 12. Event begins Thursday May 13. Vendor Fees are $25 per day or $50 for the 3 days. Food vendor fee is $75 and must call for placement and permits.

Churches and Charities are free. Churches are asked to donate a portion of proceeds to St. Mary Food Pantry.

Vendors of all types, yard sales, flea marketers, church relay fundraisers, school organization fundraisers, and church youth group fundraisers are all welcome.

Nightly entertainment begins at 6:00 pm.

For more information or to reserve your spot please call Traci Ledford at 270-556-6217 or email traciled@hotmail.com

May 1 – Livingston County Farm Bureau Day

Livingston County Farm Bureau Federation & Livingston County Farm Bureau Insurance would like to invite you to a day of fun filled activities!

The day will start off with free food and entertainment for all those in Livingston County. There will be free Bingo with door prizes starting at noon. Inflatables for the kids all day long. Windshield repair demonstration at 11:30 am & 12:30 pm and a Corn Hole Tournament starting at 12:30 pm limited to the first eight teams that sign up. Meet the Candidates starting at 2:00 pm with a chance to hear from the local candidates!

Cash door prizes will be given away at the end of the day! Make plans to attend now.

All activities take place at the Livingston County Fair Grounds in Smithland, KY and run from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.

May 1 – World’s Biggest Disc Golf Event

Come join in at the World's Biggest Disc Golf Event at Stuart Nelson Park in Paducah, KY on May 1st, beginning at 10:00 am.

The event is free for women and juniors division (get disc, mini, sticker); $15 for all other divisions (get disc, mini, sticker).

Registration begins at 10:00 am with  round 1 beginning at 11:00 am.  Lunch and round 2 follow after.

Divisions Include

• Women
• Juniors
• 1 Rounders
• Advanced
• Intermediate
• Novice

Format

Everyone come out and play with whom you come, or long lost friends for the first round.  Then we'll use a flight system to determine who is advanced, intermediate or novice based on your first round scores. After lunch you'll be put in the proper division and play to win that division only.

Obviously, if you are a woman, a jr, or just playing 1 round, then you'll stay in that division.

For more information please call Thom Clark at 270-210-0426 or email clark176@bellsouth.net

May 1 – Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale

This year's Purchase Area Master Gardeners’ Association (PAMGA) plant sale includes garden tools, books and a greater variety of plants than in the past. The master gardeners are offering some of their favorite unique plants for sale.

The first 25 customers purchasing $30 or more receive a pot of free iris plants.

Annual plants such as trumpet lilies, begonias, gerbera daisies, cacti, geraniums and many other favorites will be available. Perennials including violas, hostas, poppies, day lilies, hellebores, dianthus, coreopsis, geraniums, ferns, blue zinger grass and other unique plants will be offered. Vegetables, herbs and fruits including heirloom tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, strawberries, blackberries and several shrubs and trees will be available, as well.

The plant sale  is from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon, so come early to get the best selection.

Proceeds support PAMGA’s educational activities assisting the University of Kentucky Extension Service.

PAMGA also offer a Plant Clinic the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon at the Farmer's Market in downtown Paducah throughout the summer months.

The annual plant sale will be at the UK/PAGMA Demonstration Garden on Coleman Road (across from Dippin' Dots).

For more information please call 270-554-9520.

May 1 – March Of Dimes Finish Line Car Wash Fundraiser

Get your car washed to help support charity at the Finish Line Car Wash on Clarks River Road in Paducah Ky on May 1st from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Finish Line Car Wash will donate 10 percent of every car washed to help save babies! Get a beautifully clean car and help support the March of Dimes in its mission to ensure that all babies are born healthy!

For more information please call Tom Dolan at 270-443-8603 or email tdolan@marchofdimes.com

May 1 – Miles For Smiles 5K Run/Walk

Leadership Paducah Class #23 is hosting a charity 5K run/walk on May 1st, 2010 to benefit the Family Service Society’s dental program.  Whether you are a runner or not, this cause is more than worthy of your support.

The run starts in Stuart Nelson Park, moves to the Greenway Trail and to Noble Park then returns to Stuart Nelson. This should be a fast, flat course.

Registration is at 7:00 am and the run starts promptly at 8:00 am.  Cost to participate in the run is $25 per person.

For more information please call 270-444-8508 or email Laurie Blount at lblount@ci.paducah.ky.us

Click here to download the registration form

April 30 – Herpfest At Murray State University

Students can face their scaly fears on April 30 with the help of local reptiles and the Murray State Herpetological Society.  Fall “Herp Fest,” presented by the Murray State University Herpetological Society is open to the public from 8:30 am – 4 pm on April 30th in the Carr Health building on the campus of Murray State University (Murray, KY).

The Society has a permit to catch animals, as long as they are released back into their natural habitat. Only animals safely caught and presented will be at the festival.

Besides asuaging students’ fears of slithering creatures, the festival is beneficial to pre-veterinary students because it provides them with hands-on learning opportunities.

They can learn how to draw blood on the species, as well as how to diagnose skin and scale problems.

Don't miss this chance to see native species of reptiles and amphibians collected to educate the general public at this years Herpfest.

Admission: $2/person

FYI:  There WILL be numerous reptiles in the building that are NOT in cages.

Creative Trash: Coffee Grounds

It may be no surprise to many of you that recycling isn't the only way to reduce our trash - but, sometimes it's hard to figure out HOW to re-use things.

For example, coffee grounds.  Sure, you can put them in a compost pile, but what if you want something a little more...creative?

Make Coffee Ground "Fossils"!

What You'll Need:

• 1 cup of used coffee grounds
• 1/2 cup of cold coffee
• 1 cup of flour
• 1/2 cup of salt
• wax paper
• mixing bowl
• small objects (to make impressions, ex - cookie cutters or lids)
• empty can, glass, or butter knife
• straw (optional)
• string (optional)

Instructions:

• Stir together the first four ingredients until well mixed.
• Knead dough, then flatten on waxed paper
• Use the empty glass or can to cut circles OR you can cut slabs using your butter knife
• Press the objects (cookie cutters, toys, etc) firmly into the dough to make "fossils."  If you would like to hang your "fossil," use a toothpick or straw to poke a hole.
• Let the fossil dry overnight (up to 2 days) or bake for a short period of time to harden dough (and then let it dry the rest of the way).

Other Fun Things To Do With Coffee Grounds:

• Deodorizer - If you have smells in the refrigerator or freezer, dry your coffee grounds in the oven  on a cookie sheet and then put them in a bowl in the refrigerator.  Or, you can fill an old stocking/pantyhose with dried grounds and tie the end with a string to hang in your closet (not touching your clothes).
• Compost them or sprinkle around your acid-loving plants for plant "food."
• Deter ants - sprinkle coffee grounds to deter ants or on a hill, where they will eat them and later, die.
• Dye - coffee grounds make a rich brown dye - which can be used on canvas, cloth, paper, etc.
• Disguise furniture scratches by using coffee grounds (wet)
• Use as an abrasive when cleaning (tough grease on dishes, counter tops, etc.)
• Kitty repellent - sprinkle with orange peels around plants to help keep kitties out of the garden
• Flea dip - Shampoo your cat or dog as usual, followed immediately (while they're still wet) with wet coffee grounds, rubbed into their fur.  Then, rinse.
• Hair darkener - Brunettes can rinse their hair with coffee to add extra luster and color.
• Skin care - Use as a "mask" or for "skin dermabrasion."
• Cooking - add leftover coffee (or FRESH grounds) to cakes and cookies.  Some even like it as a meat tenderizer.
• Faux Beard - If you need a quick costume, use a little honey and some coffee grounds (dried) to make a beard.
• Fishing - Keep bait worms alive by mixing coffee grounds into the soil before you add worms.
• Make Treasure Stones - Mix 1 cup flour, 1 cup used coffee grinds, 1/2 cup salt.  Slowly add 1 cup of water to make a stiff dough (pour slowly, you may not need all of the water).  Knead on a floured surface until fairly smooth and break the dough into desired rock sizes.  Hide small toys in the center and let it air dry 3-4 days.  Once it's dry it'll look like a rock and can be broken open to reveal a "surprise!"

Going Green Tip 1 – Tackle Your Trash!

Going "green" is all the rage - as it should be, but it's easier to fill our homes with "greener" accessories that still somehow find themselves ending up in the landfill.  Sometimes, it's easier to trick ourselves that it's just as good to "buy" green then to "live" green.  But, the truth is, being "green" is a lifestyle - a lifestyle that comes in many shades and can vary from one family to the next.  The important thing, here, is not that we all try to be greener than the next person, but to change a little at a time our daily habits and routines.  Baby steps.

This week, I want to challenge you to "tackle your trash."  Not necessarily literally, but if you're up for the mess...go for it!  Take a hard look at the contents in your trash can.  Write a list (preferably on a scrap piece of paper or on the back of junk mail).  Then, beside each item, brainstorm some ways that you could minimize or completely eliminate those items from your "trash list."

For example, my list might look a lot like this:

• paper towels - Switch to cloth towels.  I will use cloth napkins for dinners, gradually increasing my supply.  I will use blue "shop rags" for dirtier messes, dish towels for dishes and simple water spills and rags from old clothes to clean up really gross messes.  I may hide one roll of towels to be used in case of pet messes, but I'll put them up where my kids and husband won't see them.
• pizza boxes, toy packaging, food packaging, drink packaging - Recycle them.  Also, I can look for food/drink products that come with less packaging in the first place.  I could also make more of my food rather than buying so much store bought, which would cut down on the packaging in itself.
• junk mail and papers - Recycle the paper that I already have and sign up to have my name put on the "no junk mail" list.
• 2 magazines I've already read - The ones that are already in the trash, will stay there.  But, from now on, I could send my magazines to friends.  (My friends and I actually already have a "magazine circle" where certain magazines take certain trips around, and we all participate so we get to read some magazines we normally wouldn't get to without subscribing to 20!
• Tinfoil and saran wrap from leftovers - Some people would say to "rinse it," but I'd rather pay more attention to my leftovers and put them into glass storage containers that I'll wash later.
• Toilet Paper - Technically, I could do a few things here.  But, this is one that I choose to keep.  Although, I could buy more "biodegradable" stuff, I'm not sure if I'm willing to do that just yet.
• Baby diapers - Will consider using the new cloth diapers.

Once you have your list, the next step is to act on it.  Begin setting yourself up for success.  If you plan to make crafts with some of your trash (paper towel tubes, empty milk cartons, etc.), then set out a tub or box to put them in.  If you choose to recycle, prepare a place to do so.  If you plan to make a switch to other materials (like cloth napkins), you should go ahead and build your stash so they're ready to use and temptation doesn't have time to set in.

If you would like more information about recycling in Western KY, you can read THIS ARTICLE.

If you have questions or would like ideas for this process, leave a comment!

Earth Day And Recycling 101

- a guest article by Shawn Baldwin

With its pastures, fields, hillsides and woods, West Kentucky is truly a green place to live. The good news, though, is that it is getting greener:  More people are recycling and more opportunities to recycle are becoming available.

If you’d like to become one of the growing number of green people living in this green area of the country, here are some things to know:

What To Recycle

• Paper (any color, paperboard, envelopes, newspapers, magazines, books)
• Cardboard
• Aluminum cans (rinsed)
• Metal cans
• Glass bottles and jars (rinsed without lids; put lids in with metal)
• Plastic (except Styrofoam; rinsed with caps removed)
• E-scrap (computers, monitors, cell phones, household electronics except for kitchen appliances or AC units; all batteries and ink/toner cartridges)
• TVs (some places charge a disposal fee, however)
• Scrap metal

Not trash, dirty items, items with food on them, or waxed paperboard (like milk cartons).

How To Recycle

1.  Find a spot in your house for the recycling

A good location is a place that has enough room to hold containers and is convenient enough that you will use it on a regular basis.  A garage or floor of a pantry might work. Also, you can put a decorative trash can or basket in your bedrooms, home office, or kitchen to catch things until you can empty them into your main containers.

2.  Get containers

It’s best to put items in containers in which you can recycle them.  Here are some suggestions:

• Plastic—plastic trash bags
• Glass, steel cans, aluminum cans—small plastic grocery bags
• Paper, paper board and cardboard—paper grocery bags

Put your containers in your chosen spot.

3.  Fill the containers

Paper can go in as it is. You can even leave staples in documents.  Break down cardboard and paperboard boxes so they will lie flat.  Rinse and shake out glass jars, plastic containers, aluminum cans, and steel cans.  They don’t have to be completely dry.  Cut paper labels off glass, plastic and steel containers if possible, and put the labels in paper recycling.  If the labels are glued all the way around, don’t bother removing them.

Where To Recycle

As of right now, there are three main locations in the Jackson Purchase area to recycle that we are aware of. If you know of others that you would like to have listed, please contact us at ashley@helloky.com.

Please note that not all centers take all the possible materials.  Mayfield takes paper, cardboard, plastic and aluminum cans.  Paducah takes those items plus steel cans, glass, and electronic scrap.  Murray takes paper, cardboard and aluminum and metal cans.

Mayfield Public Works
1101 Old Pryorsburg Road
Mayfield KY
(270) 247-0067
Mon-Fri, 8am - 4pm

Greater Paducah Sustainability Project Recycle Now
1830 North Eighth Street
Paducah KY
(270) 556-2207
www.jpf.org/recyclenow.htm
Tue-Fri, 7:30am - 4:30pm / Sat 8am - 12 noon

Murray Sanitation Department
Andrus Drive
Murray KY
(270) 762-0380

Murray also offers regular "Make A Difference Days" held in the parking lot of Roy Stewart Stadium. "The Make A Difference Days" are usually held 3 or 4 times a year on Saturday mornings from 9am - 1pm.  Please contact the Sanitation Department for more information at (270) 762-0380, or check the City Calendar for the next scheduled Make A Difference Day.

Secondary contact: Bill Wells at (270) 759-1918

Make A Difference Day Recyclable Items

(Will vary each time)

• Eyeglasses
• Plastic containers
• Inkjet printer cartridges
• Glass
• Newspaper (bundled)
• Magazines
• Cardboard
• Books (remove and dispose hardcover)
• Other paper
• Cell phones
• Clothes
• Aluminum Cans
• Tin Cans
• Used Motor Oil

Do you have any extra information that you'd like to share with us?  Send an email to ashley@helloky.com

Strawberry Hills Cafe

Nestled behind Walmart in the Strawberry Hill vicinity lies a newly opened little cafe called Strawberry Hill Cafe. It's located in the Village Square Drive Suites in Paducah, KY - Suite C.

Owned by Joe Dukes, this quaint little cafe with sunshine-yellow walls serves a variety of foods from plate lunches to seafood and everything in between.  Bubbling with excitement, this little cafe was a great place to share a lunch together.  The entire cafe exuded a "happy" atmosphere - from the helpful and gracious smiling waitresses to the strawberries nestled on each plate!

If you're looking for a fun, new place to eat - be sure to check them out!  They're located where the old Honey Ham restaurant used to be (but don't confuse them with Honey Ham, they've completely made it their own!)

If you've never had fried artichoke hearts, I'd recommend you give them a try, as they are simply amazing!

For more information, feel free to visit or call 270-442-2181

At A Glance

Parking:	Lots of it!	Dress Code:	None
Hours:	10 - 8pm (M-F), 9pm (F-S), 3pm (S)	Price Range:	$1.95 – $16.95
Ambiance:	Casual	Food Type:	Sandwiches, Pasta, Pizza, Seafood
Kid-Friendly:	Yes	Buffet:	No
Service:	Excellent, Very friendly
Overall Rating:

Giant Pom-Pom Tutorial

This spring and summer means lots of fun and colorful possibilities when it comes to entertaining and decorating!  Try these giant "poufs" or "pom-poms" that are SO easy to make and bring a splash of color to any room!

First, you'll need some scissors, thread (or fishing line), and tissue paper (it takes about 9 sheets to make one pom pom)

Unfold your tissue paper and stack each sheet on top of each other, lining up the edges making sure it's all neat and straight.  Next, begin making an accordion fold (I make mine about 1 inch wide).  Keep folding accordion style until you reach the end.  When you finish, set something heavy enough to hold the tissue paper down (so it doesn't unfold), and cut each end with some sharp scissors.  This will give your giant flowers/poufs/pom poms pretty texture.  My favorites are a rounded edge or a pointed one.

Next, tie your thread around the center of the folds, leaving plenty of extra for hanging.

Carefully begin to "pouf" your tissue paper by separating the layers, pulling them straight up.

Repeat with each layer and VOILA!

DIY Homemade Yogurt

It may be hard to understand why we would put a "yogurt" post in a "living green" section, so let me bridge the gap.  Living green is more of a lifestyle - it's learning how to do some things (although you don't have to do it all, and you certainly get to pick and choose what you do) on your own.  For many, it goes hand-in-hand with self-sustainable living.  For others, it means living with as little mark on the environment - and, even plastic yogurt containers count.

Making yogurt is a rather simple process.  It takes a little bit of time, but requires little "hands-on" time.  There are plenty of resources with a variety of recipes, but this recipe is an accumulation of several that I've re-written with my friend, Sara's permission.

What You Need To Make Yogurt

*All items must be incredibly CLEAN.  The yogurt process is all about growing good bacteria, but it will be the right conditions for bad bacteria to grow, too, so starting with sterile jars and utensils is crucial.*

• An ice cube tray
• A container of your favorite yogurt (You will need this for your "starters")
• Stirring Spoon
• 2 Quarts Whole Milk
• Dairy Thermometer (technically, you can use any kitchen thermometer that goes up to 185 degrees F)
• 2 Quart Canning Jars
• Stainless Steel Pot
• Incubator (or an insulated bag that will hold your jars and a heating pad and some towels)

Tips For Making Yogurt

• Make sure all of your equipment is STERILE
• Never use plastic - only glass, stainless steel, or ceramic
• Buy your favorite yogurt and divide it up into an ice cube tray and freeze it.  Then, store them in a ziploc freezer bag.  These are the perfect sized starters for your yogurt.
• Whole milk makes thicker yogurt

How To Make Yogurt

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