It's August and that means that back to school is just around the corner.  When you're doing your back to school shopping look for these green products.  They are cool enough that even your kids will like them!  Thanks to treehugger for putting together such a great list.

It's hard to part with a beloved pair of jeans, but when they become too worn, too small, or too stained, it's time to let go. Don't toss them out, though; here are some great ideas of things to make using the denim that remains.

1. Area rug
Use several scraps of denim to create this beautiful quilted patchwork rug.

2. Coasters
Even the seams of your jeans can be reused. Make these great coasters by rolling the seams and gluing with fabric paint. Quick, easy, and really cute!

3. Memory Box
Cover a box with denim fabric to make this sturdy memory box. It's the perfect place to store photographs, ticket stubs, and letters from friends. Tuck the pocket inside to hold smaller items.

4. Oven Mitt
Lined with mylar batting, this mitt is will protect your hand from the heat.

5. Lap Desk
Use a lid from an old storage tote and the fabric from your old jeans to make this handy lap desk. This would be a perfect gift for kids or teens.

article via Planet Green

Here are some surprising ways to clean with lemon.  Article via yahoo.

Countertops. Squeeze a few drops of juice directly onto stains and scrub with baking soda. Wipe away the mixture with a damp sponge. Don’t do this if you have really delicate, porous marble countertops though—lemon juice is powerful stuff and could cause discoloration.

Copper Pots and Fixtures. When it’s time to give your copper pots or hardware a little love, slice a lemon in half and dip it in some salt before rubbing it on spots.

Faucets. To fight lime scale, apply some lemon juice and let it sit overnight. Wipe away with a wet rag, or use an old toothbrush to slough off any stubborn bits.

Dishes. Adding a little bit of lemon juice (about a teaspoon) to your dishwashing detergent can help boost its grease-cutting power.

Cutting Boards. If you’ve got lingering stains on wood or plastic cutting boards, slice a lemon in half and squeeze juice onto the spots, rub, and let it hang out for 20 minutes before rinsing.
    

It's the long weekend and what better way to celebrate than with a recipe from our favourite Chef, Steph the Grilling Gourmet! If you like this receipe he has lots more posted on his site. Thanks Steph, for Keeping the Fire Hot!

Description:

A new twist on the original shrimp cocktail. Marinated grilled shrimp placed in a shot glass lined with lemon and kosher salt and filled with very good quality tequila. Prepare yourself for tasty sensation.

 Ingredients:

16 large tail-on shelled and de-veined shrimp
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
3 oz. very good quality tequila
Pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
4 Tbsp. finely chopped cilantro
2 Seeded and finely chopped Jalapeno peppers
8 Tall shot glasses, 2 oz.
Kosher salt in plate to rim shot glasses
8 whole Jalapeno peppers for garnish
8 lemon segments for garnish
8 oz. very good quality tequila

 Directions:

1.  Add first 8 ingredients in non-reactive bowl and toss until shrimps are evenly coated.

2.  Marinate in fridge for 20 minutes tossing them frequently.

3.  Drain off excess liquid and place on very hot grill.

4.  Cook until shrimps turns pink, turning once. Remove from grill and set aside.

5.  Take shot glasses and rub lemon juice on rim and invert glass and place in kosher slat to rim top of glass.

6.  Pour 1 oz. tequila in glass then place 2 shrimps, tail up, in glass. Garnish with
whole Jalapeno pepper, lemon segment and serve.