Wordless Wednesdays: The Violinist

Wordless Wednesday: Quiet Church

Wordless Wednesday: What will your costume be this Halloween?

Touring Bosphorus Strait with J-41 Istanbul

This wordless Wednesday, we travel Istanbul, Turkey with the eco-friendly and stylish Istanbul-Vegan by J-41™.







A little about the beautiful city where our J-41™ Fall boot got it's name...

Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait is a channel of water 20 miles long, connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. The Bosphorus Strait divides the city into a European side, comprising the historic and economic centers, and an Asian, Anatolian side which makes Istanbul the only bi-continental city in the world. The confluence of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus at the heart of present-day Istanbul has deterred attacking forces for thousands of years and still remains a prominent feature of the city's landscape.

Classic Wisdom

In most cultures it is believed most wisdom are from our elders.
Even without hearing their lifetime tales, you can still feel a lot of stories being told with their smiles. I hope this makes you smile today and reminds you of a wise elder close to you!

The Most Famous Silhouette

One large circle with two smaller circles on top in the appropriate place...
This, , might be the most well-known silhouette in the world. Let's go through this week's wordless Wednesday with Mickey. My kids love it as much as I did when I was a kid!

Museum's Greatest Collection

Walking, thinking, watching, listening...visitors to the museum distinguish by country, culture, race or religion. All museums have quite the collection of people.

Beach Night-A Quiet Sea You've Never Seen

These pictures were taken at the Sunny Isle Beach, Miami. Most don't try to capture the beauty of the beach after the sun goes down, this is definitely another point of view enjoying the beach life.





*Photos taken by intern, Ken*

Celebrate Grandparent's Day!

Some of you may have celebrated this unofficial holiday last weekend with your grandparents, but if you didn't know National "Grandparents Day" is celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. If you missed it, and want to have an excuse to get together to celebrate with your family you may have another chance... in Japan, people celebrate their version of grandparents day on the third Monday of September (9/20) as the "Respect for the Aged Day". Well, it’s never too late no matter what day of the year, grab your kids and head over to Gramma's house! Here are some great little gift ideas for grandparents day...

Is Grandma and grandpa coming to you? Surprise them by breaking out the family recipes and make them a delicious meal. Nothing feels better than having your family together enjoying a homemade dinner.

Maybe you can get them an iPod filled with music your grandparents would enjoy. Pick their wedding song, the favorite album they drove you crazy with growing up, or hey, maybe your grandparents are hip and like Lady Gaga. I am sure either way this would be a fun gift from the grand kids!

Forget buying the card, make one! Grandparents are always proud to hang a handmade card on their fridge no matter what age their grand kids are. Get creative... what its not Van Gogh? or Hallmark? Believe me in your grandparents' eyes this is their grand-kids' "masterpiece"!

Think about useful things your grandparents will need this Fall. Perhaps some Fall accessories like a stylish new scarf, hat and gloves set.

Purify your indoor air... Naturally :)

Although we aren't all born with the "green thumb", some of us want to live healthier, and somewhat "greener" these days so making the attempt at a greener thumb may pay off. NASA actually discovered (with help from the ALCA) that houseplants can actually help to purify the air indoors.

While NASA was trying to figure out how to purify the air for extended stays in orbiting space stations, they learned that certain houseplants can purify common pollutants from the air- which was a huge tip for those of us still here on Earth! Whether or not your house is new or old there are several contributing factors to potential air pollutants- air conditioning, heating, and synthetic building materials, etc. With most new buildings/homes they are created air tight to be more "energy efficient". Although being energy efficient is spectacular, you are not getting the freshest, cleanest air possible. So give your green thumb a go, what a better way to purify the air for yourself and your family- and you will have some beautiful greenery inside to help you deal with the upcoming fall weather.

Here is a list of some of the common houseplants that are the most effective at removing indoor air pollutants...

1. Philodendron scandens `oxycardium', heartleaf philodendron

2. Philodendron domesticum, elephant ear philodendron

3. Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana', cornstalk dracaena

4. Hedera helix, English ivy

5. Chlorophytum comosum, spider plant

6. Dracaena deremensis `Janet Craig', Janet Craig dracaena

7. Dracaena deremensis `Warneckii', Warneck dracaena

8. Ficus benjamina, weeping fig

9. Epipiremnum aureum, golden pothos

10. Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa', peace lily

11. Philodendron selloum, selloum philodendron

12. Aglaonema modestum, Chinese evergreen

13. Chamaedorea sefritzii, bamboo or reed palm

14. Sansevieria trifasciata, snake plant

15. Dracaena marginata , red-edged dracaena

*For an average home of under 2,000 square feet, the study recommends using at least fifteen samples of a good variety of these common houseplants to help improve air quality. They also recommend that the plants be grown in six inch containers or larger. (But I think starting out with one or two to get the hang of having plants is a great start- your collection of plants can then grow from there!)

S'mores Brownies

A couple of weeks ago, we shared some fun camping ideas, tips, and tricks. A few days after getting home from my camping trip, I was craving s'mores. Unfortunately, starting a fire in my backyard wasn't an option - so I made these delicious s'mores brownies. Not exactly like s'mores in every way, but they were so delicious, I had to share.

What you'll need:

• 1 box of brownies (or an awesome recipe for brownies if you have one. Please share!)
• 7-10 graham crackers, crushed
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1.5 sticks butter

1. Melt the butter in a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Add the crushed graham crackers to the bottom of the dish, make sure they are evenly spread over the bottom.
3. Mix together all the ingredients for your brownie mix, and pour over the graham crackers.
4. Bake according to brownie box instructions.
5. Take out the brownies and set the oven to broil.
6. Sprinkle the 2 cups of mini marshmallows over the brownies, and stick in the oven for 3-5 minutes. (don't over do them!)
7. Enjoy this delicious treat!

Healthy Snacks and Desserts to Pack in Your Kid's Lunch

No kid wants to open their lunch box and discover a bag of celery, and an apple for dessert. We know how important it is for them to get the vitamins and nutrients that fruits and vegetables provide, but we also know how hard it is to get them to eat fruits and veggies, especially when they're not under your watch!

Here are a few ways you can sneak in some healthy snacks and desserts.

Snacks:

Whole grain crackers with cheese - Laughing Cow Light Wedges are fun and tasty when paired up with their favorite crackers.

Rice cakes and a banana - they won't mind this healthy snack, especially if you pack along some peanut butter in an extra container.

Fruit kebabs - You'd be surprised what your kids are willing to eat as long as it looks fun. Just make sure they ends of the kebabs aren't sharp :)

Trail Mix - The combination of oats, nuts, and raisins will keep them happy and satisfied.

Desserts:

Fruit "ice cream" - if you have a juicer, juice up any good combination of fruits and freeze in a container with a lid. It makes a great substitute for ice cream, and will stay mostly frozen if you add in an ice pack.

Carrot Cake - A perfect way of sneaking in those veggies, without them having a clue!

Zucchini Bread - Delicious and nutritious! Especially if you've made it from scratch!

Hopefully these ideas will get the ball rolling as the new school year comes around :)

Have a great weekend!

Back to School Tips!

Your kids are already excited for their first day of school. They know exactly what backpack and new sneakers they want for the new year. But we know that what's on their minds may not be
exactly what's on yours. Transitions are stressful, and this is a big one for your kids. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to stay calm and organized :)

1. Make a master calendar - Let your kids decorate it so they feel they are a part of it. Make sure everyone knows to inform you of important dates, and make sure you record them. It's much easier to prepare for the weeks ahead when you know what's going on and where.
2. Prepare before you shop! - You'd be amazed at how much you can save during this time of year if you just look around. Now isn't the time for impulse buys. Come with your coupons, and a list of what they need.
3. Make Folders - Trying to keep track of all the different school forms coming in will only create an even bigger mess. Instead, keep a folder for each of your children, and sort the forms and memos as they come in. Easy access for later :)
4. Make sure they're prepared - The last thing you need is a note from the school telling you your kid needs a short or check-up. Make sure all medical needs are taken care of before school starts. Sure, appointments will come up during the year, but the more you try and get things out of the way, the better!
5. Most of all, try and let the kids have fun. School is very exciting, especially when they're young. Let the little things go, and help keep those cute smiles on their face :D

Giving Back Before Going Back.. to School, that is!

The new School year is right around the corner.. can you believe it?? Now is the time when everyone is scrambling around trying to get everything needed for the new year...supplies, new clothes, a back pack, etc. But maybe while we're all buying school supplies for ourselves, we could think of other, as well.

This year, give back! One of the best gifts a child can receive is an education. Many children are underprivileged, and don't get new supplies when the school year rolls around. This year, Staples is sponsoring a school supplies drive. You can simply drop off any unused school supplies at any Staples store nationwide, and they will be donated to underprivileged students - that was easy ;)

Find out more info at this website. http://www.dosomething.org/dosomething101/home

Camping Do's and Don'ts

Camping is always fun and exciting. Make sure you follow these do's and don'ts for maximinzed fun and safety :)

DO's:

1. Do use a checklist - When you're getting packed up for your trip, you want to make sure you have everything you need and want.



2. Do plan all meals and snacks ahead of time - You should never go hungry on a camping trip, after all, you'll need the energy for your long hikes =]



3. Do bring bug spray - We all know what it's like to come home from a camping trip covered in itchy bites. Avoid it by using a good bug spray such as OFF or Repel.



4. Do hike in groups - Hiking alone isn't a great idea. It's best to have at least one hiking buddy in case of emergency (and of course to keep you company:).



5. Do wear appropriate attire - We all love dressing up, but camping is the one time you really have to dress appropriately. It's best to wear long pants to avoid ticks, and don't forget a hat for those sunny hikes.



6. Do remember to have fun! There are many things to think about when camping, but the most important thing is to have a great time with your family or friends.

DON'Ts:

1. Don't leave a campfire while it's still hot - It is very important to completely extinguish your campfire before leaving your campsite so that it doesn't spread.


2. Don't leave trash behind - Here at Jambu™, we all know how important it is to keep our earth green. Throw away what you need to, and recylce what you can.


3. Don't drink from lakes - The lakes sure are beautiful, and they can look crystal clear, but they also contain bacteria that our bodies don't know how to handle.


4. Don't leave food out - The last thing you need while camping is unwanted animal visitors. Make sure everything is packed up so the bears don't come looking for some dinner.
   

Camping Recipes

A great part about camping is making meals as a family. We all know how hungry everyone gets when they can't grab the easiest thing out of the fridge. Here are a few recipes to keep you full on your adventurous camping trip :)

Breakfast Scramble:

• 1 lb Bacon - (Fry and crumble the bacon before your trip)
• 1 Pack of Frozen Potatoes
• 12 Eggs
  
• 1/4 Cup Onions (Onions can also be chopped beforehand)
• 1/4 Cup Milk
• Salt & Pepper

Melt the bacon grease. Use a large iron skillet for the process. Then, add the onions. Follow it up by adding potatoes and cook until brown. Now, add the crumbled bacon. Whisk eggs and milk together whilst the potatoes get cooked. Wait until the egg mixture gets slightly foamy and then pour it over the browned potatoes. Turn the mixture every few minutes until eggs are done. This recipe can be cooked on an open fire or a camp stove.

Fish for Lunch:

If you happened to go fishing and caught something good, fish makes a great lunch while camping.

• Fresh fish
• 1 lemon
• 1 small onion
• Pam cooking spray
• Aluminum foil

Clean the fish and spray the aluminum foil with Pam. Now, place the fish on foil. Slice the onions and lay a few slices on each fish. Fold the foil and place on the campfire. Keep a check on it till it cooks. The fish will appear flaky when done. Yum!

Hot Dogs Over the Fire for Dinner:

All you need is hot dogs, buns, a stick and some fire. Roasted hot dogs are the best kind you'll get. The kids will love joining in on the roasting process (even if they do hold it over for a little too long). No matter what, they'll be better than ever!
Don't forget about Dessert!

Of course, everyone's favorite is the classic s'more. But we thought we would share another great recipe for dessert - The Banana Boat

• 2 bananas
• 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup miniature marshmallows

Slit each banana lengthwise through the peel, making sure not to cut all the way through to the other side. Stuff the bananas with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Wrap each banana in aluminum foil and cook over a fire. Eat with a spoon.

Enjoy!!
Share any of your camping recipes - we'd love to hear what you do!

How to Start a Campfire

One of my favorite things about summer is camping trips. Nothing beats the adventures nature has to offer. My family always takes a three day camping trip during the summer, and one thing we love most is sitting by the campfire and spending quality time together (eating s'mores of course!). One task we always left to the men in the family was starting the campfire. So this year I looked up how to do it myself - here is what I learned.

First, you need to collect wood. It is important to have different sizes of wood - you need everything from dry leaves and twigs to pieces of wood 2-6 inches in diameter.
Set the twigs and dry leaves in the middle of a fire pit. Then create a tepee with medium sized sticks around. Create a wall of larger sticks around the tepee until they reach the tepee's height. Place more sticks across the walls to cover the tepee. Light a few matches and carefully drop them into the pile of dry leaves and twigs. Allow the fire to grow, and once it does, add larger pieces of wood to keep it going. Sit back, and enjoy the fire you built all on your own!

Don't forget to bring some good stories to tell and ingredients for s'mores - happy camping!

National Wiggle Your Toes Day

That's right, its true, August 6th is National Wiggle Your Toes Day! Today is the day to kick back and give your little toes some freedom. Let your foot loose from those confining sneaker's or shoes your wearing and wiggle away. The best way to wiggle your little piggy's is in the water, so chill out by the pool, on your dock or at the beach.

Fun Toe Facts:

-Marilyn Monroe had 6 toes on one foot.

-Big toes carry about half of our body weight when we walk or run.

-The Big toe is made up of two bones while all the other toes are made up of 3 bones.

-Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour once deemed "toe cleavage shoes"

as a part of a Voguette's "unwritten dress code".

-Explorers found a mummy in Egypt with a leather and wood contraption that is believed to be a prosthetic toe. The "Cairo Toe" dates back to between 1069 BC - 664 BC

and predates theearliest prosthetic by at least 700 years.

-Joseph Stalin, Dan Aykroyd and Ashton Kutcher were all born with webbed toes (The technical term for this condition is called syndactyly)

Wiggle away and have a fun weekend!

It's an Ice Cream Sandwich Kind of Day...

Today it was 92 degrees. It was so hot I know we all have one thing on our minds... you guessed it, ICE CREAM! We all deserve a sweet refreshing cool treat on these hot day, and I can not think of anything better than a delicious ice cream sandwich.

This is an easy creation you can do at home for your family or to serve at a party. Simply whip up a batch of your favorite cookie dough, but instead of dividing it into individual cookies, roll it out and bake it as one big sheet. Using any old cookie cutter's you have laying around cut out two cookies for each sandwich while the cookie is still warm. Let cookies cool and add a dollop of ice cream between your cookies and you have the cutest summer snack. This treat is better than anything you can get at the store, hands down.

Don't be afraid to get creative and roll your ice cream sandwich in nut, sprinkles, granola, chocolate chips etc.

How to Make a Recycled Birdfeeder

To end off the week, we thought we would share another great way for kids to be creative this summer. Below is creative and eco-friendly way to make your own birdfeeder!

What you will need:

• A clean empty bottle (2 Liters or more)
• Permanent markers or paint
• One or two skewers or unsharpened pencils
• String or wire
• Scissors or craft knife
• Bird food :)

How to:

1. Cut holes around the bottle - make sure they are large enough for birds to come in and out. You can leave flaps of plastic towards the bottom for the birds to rest on.
2. Decorate your bottle with the markers or paint - make it colorful so it looks great in your backyard :)
3. Stick one or two skewers at the bottom as another place for the birds to rest.
4. Punch a hole in the cap of the bottle and add a loop of wire or string so it can be hung from a tree.
5. Add the bird food and enjoy the chirping birds eating in your own backyard :)

We hope you and your family enjoy this green bird feeder all summer long :)

Quick Kid Friendly Recipe (:

Kids are always asking for fun things to do in the summer. Instead of having to take them somewhere to be entertained, let them have fun right at home!

This is a super easy, no bake, dessert that your kids can do all on their own - all you have to do is get them the bowl from up top :)

What they will need:

• 12 Oreo cookies
• 1/4 cup milk
• 8 tablespoons of crunchy peanut butter
• A spoonful of honey

Have them crush the Oreos in a bowl. Then add the rest of the ingredients and mix until it is all combined. Let them roll the mixture into balls and/or any fun shape they desire. Add sprinkles as a decoration. Refrigerate on a plate for a least 30 minutes.

Enjoy this tasty treat with your family - your kids will be so proud they did it all themselves :)

Bedazzle Your Shoes!!

Can you believe we finally made it to the summer season? If you are lucky enough to live in a warm state like California or Florida, you’re no rookie, but for the rest of us, we have finally approached the sweet summer air.

Now that summer has arrived, your children need to turn the television, video game, and computer off and celebrate the season. Encourage your children to decorate a pair of flip-flops. This exciting, crafty activity will have your children up and running for days.

So… ready to paint those nails and put on some sandals?

What You Need:

1. new or old pair of plain flip-flops
2. hot glue gun (care not to burn yourself!)
3. Various decorations for example, ribbon, fabric, rhinestones, beads, or any recycled item around the house.

What To Do:

1. Lay down an area of newspaper where you will be decorating your flip-flops.
   
2. Make sure your flips-flips are clean and ready to be bejeweled.
3. Now that the flip-flops are clean and ready to go, have you child get a sense of what she/he wants the decorated flip-flops to look like.
4. If the glue gun is hot enough- start gluing! Let your child’s imagination prosper.
5. Once you are done gluing, have your brand new decked out flip flops lay out for an hour.

Its time to slip on your J-41™ outdoor comfort shoe’s and allow the memory foam footbed to engulf your feet! We hope you enjoy you’re J-41™’s and your children’s jazzed up shoes!

How To Make A Recycled Vase

One of my favorite ways to decorate the house is with fresh flowers. There is nothing more beautiful than to watch flowers you've bought grow in your own home. As a way to end our "going green" week, we thought we would share a way to make an eco-friendly and reusable vase.

What you will need:

• A rinsed out milk carton (any size)
• Wrapping paper of your choice
• Scissors
• Double stick tape

How to:

First, cut off the top of the milk carton. An easy way to do this is to completely open the top, then cut down and around. If you want, you can make a cool rim (zig zags, wavy, etc.) Make sure to leave the bottom half at the height you want. Discard the top. Wrap the wrapping paper around the entirety of the vase and stick it on with the double stick tape. Fill it up half way with water, and add your favorite flowers. Voila! There it is - your very own recycled, reusable vase!

Have a great weekend and don't forget to check back next week!