If you love Stargate as much as I do, become a Stargate Special Ops member!! You do a weekly mission to win some really fun prizes, such as Stargate SG1 and Atlantis Box DVD sets!!

http://stargate.mgm.com/specialops/link.php?link=32&id=8061 click here for more information! See ya there!

So I am always trying to figure out ways to make things easier, it's an obsession. A few days back I was sitting back thinking about the recent hurricanes and the folks I know who have been out of power for over a week. These things don't happen often, but when they do... you really need a way to cook. Same thing goes when hiking, camping, backpacking, etc. You need something compact, light, effective. Not to mention, who really wants to start a fire in 100 degree heat?

I recalled a science experiment way back in elementary school where we made a solar oven out of boxes and aluminum foil. Ok, so boxes are still bulky and no one would carry that on a hiking trip. So today I looked through many websites with plans for solar ovens, most were bulky or really didn't get that hot, and probably wouldn't be something most people would want to have just sitting in the house, then I found this.http://solarcooking.org/plans/windshield-cooker.htm This folds flat, and the only thing that would really be inconvenient to carry would be a cooking pot, and if you aren't carrying that, then you probably wont be eating anyway. They instruct you to use a bucket but, really, I think you could really use a dip in the ground if backpacking. To make it even better, this will also pasteurize water and unlike the rest of the plans I saw today actually gets the food to 350+ degrees and you don't have to sit and babysit it like you would over an open fire. Just have to make sure it's aimed at the sun every once in a while... Perfect!

Now I am looking into making a small solar powered "generator" Again, likely too heavy for backpacking but not for use while camping (Or during power outages!) I am loving this! I always hated campfires, but altimately ended up using them for cooking and light. Between th solar powered oven and hand cranked lanterns... We are good to go!

I thought I would pass this on to everyone as it is really cheap, easy, low calorie, and fast and passed the picky eater taste test.

Jello has always been one of my favorite sweet treats, and you know, I have never actually gone to their website so imagine my surprise when I did and found this little gem. It is labeled as 4 servings, 30 calories a piece. If you are anything like me, however, count on it being 2 servings at 60 :P

Here's the site, be sure to look around because there are many low calorie desserts.

http://www.kraftfoods.com/jello/recipe.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_dis...

Well, this year I have decided to do a little more with the container garden since it looks like we will indeed be here another year. Sooo, I have one (Sorta considering putting another out) tomato plant, Serrano pepper plant, Cucumber plant, 2 strawberry plants, and 6 onions. I have put a few little plants out, 2 begonias and one aloe vera plant :) This is gonna be one very pretty year. :) I am waiting to see whether to add another plant or just do another pot of tomatoes, but this is the first for strawberries. I have attempted it many years in a row and always have failed (From seed) so this year I just bought plants from home depot.

I will post pics later in the season :) But I am quite impressed with my little container garden and hope we are blessed with a nice harvest... and the ability to make it grow even MORE next year!