2012 May | Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Jose, California

Hilton Wedding Tips

May 30, 2012 By Cookie Leave a Comment

10 Things Your Groom Will Love (Or At Least Not Hate) About Wedding Planning

Many grooms-to-be think their work is done as soon as they slide the engagement ring on their fiancée’s finger. Let’s face it, most guys simply aren’t interested in many aspects of wedding planning, and those who are find themselves out-voted by brides on everything from the centerpieces to the color scheme.

But these days, as wedding plans get more complex (and costly), the grooms’ help is desperately needed. Of course, even the most dedicated fiancé is likely to have trouble choosing between ivory and cream-colored linens! To keep your guy engaged in the planning, focus on things he’s good at, and rely on your bridesmaids to help you with the girly stuff.

If you’re having trouble getting your groom to pitch in with the planning, consider these 10 things most men won’t mind taking charge of.

10: Managing the Budget

At an age when guys are playing junior varsity baseball, many women have already started to picture their dream wedding.

All that perfection doesn’t come cheap, so it can pay to leave your groom in charge of the wedding budget. Many men simply like being in charge of money, and they can act as the voice of reason when your champagne taste doesn’t quite match up with a beer budget.

In addition to crunching numbers, the groom will get to show off his negotiating skills — and he’ll get a huge rush out of saving you some money. While brides may be emotionally influenced by all the wheeling and dealing, guys will take the inevitable bargaining and contract negotiations in stride.

9: Writing His Vows

Forget the standard “to honor and obey.” Many couples today are writing their own wedding vows to reflect what’s special about their unique relationship. Writing vows will appeal to his romantic side, and no one can describe what he loves about you better than him! If your guy doesn’t know where to begin, ask him to choose a favorite song lyric, poem or religious passage to read aloud during the ceremony.

But your handsome Hemingway doesn’t have to stop at the vows. Many grooms like writing toasts and speeches to thank the best man and other members of the wedding party. After all, these are the guys who planned his bachelor party and stood by him on the biggest day of his life. He’ll be glad to offer a few funny stories and words of thanks.

8: Arranging Transportation

Your fiancé probably can’t tell the difference between an orchid and a lilac, but if he’s like most men, he can tell you all about the body style of a ’66 Mustang or the powerful engine in the latest Lamborghini.

If he’s passionate about cars, let him take charge of arranging wedding day transportation. While he’s likely to have fun comparing stretch limos and Hummers, let him go a little wild. Exotic cars have become more common at weddings in recent years, so don’t be surprised if he wants to show up at the reception in a Bentley or Rolls Royce.

Not only does he get to pick the car, he may also get to take it for a test drive. Even guys who do their best to steer clear of all wedding planning won’t be able to resist a spin in a classic sports car.

7: Choosing the Cake

If your groom happens to have a sweet tooth, shopping for wedding cakes can be like taking a stroll through a candy store. Even if he’s Team Pie, he won’t find it too excruciating to sample delicious varieties of cake. Many upscale bakers offer free champagne during your tasting session, so you’ll enjoy a little bubbly as you compare frostings and flavors.

6: Planning the Honeymoon

There’s no need to compare fabric swatches or color samples to pick a honeymoon locale! Even guys who are truly clueless about wedding planning will have no trouble booking a flight and hotel room. Best of all, he’s likely to have fun researching different honeymoon spots, from romantic beaches to laid-back lodges.

When you’re both feeling overwhelmed with wedding planning details, take a break and spend some time daydreaming about the honeymoon. Almost everyone loves to plan a vacation, and booking your honeymoon is a great way to escape the pressures of the wedding for a few hours.

5: Registering for Gifts

While it’s often called a “bridal registry,” your wedding day gift list is actually meant for both you and the groom. Instead of handling the registry on your own, let your guy play an equal role in selecting gifts. This process will likely be one of the highlights of your wedding preparations. After all, who doesn’t love picking out presents?

You’ll want to register for some formal things (grandmothers love buying place settings!), but you don’t have to go totally traditional. Focus on items you’ll really use. Urge your groom to set up a registry at Home Depot, REI or Best Buy. Bonus: His single friends will feel far more comfortable picking out a tool than buying a piece of crystal.

4: Finding the Right Food

Between the rehearsal dinner and the reception, a large portion of your wedding will be spent eating food. With so many choices to make, your groom can play a major part by planning the menu. Considering how much most guys love to eat, it should be easy to get him involved in this part of the process — even if he’s not a foodie. Keep him focused on the menu by reminding him that his buddies probably won’t like your selection of foie gras and exotic cheeses. This will keep him motivated so you can work together and create a balanced menu that all your guests will enjoy.

3: Selecting the Right Music

Deciding on music for the ceremony or reception should be fun for most grooms. It’s as simple as choosing his favorite songs and some of yours. Ask him to make a playlist for the DJ as well as a no-play list. If you plan to hire a live band, ask your guy to research some and find out their availability. The two of you can check out each act and enjoy a night on the town at the same time. You can even send him out with his buddies to compare bands while you focus on other aspects of the wedding.

And if your groom is tech-savvy, appoint him Minister of Musical Bliss and let him rig up your iPod and some speakers. With the money you save, he can choose another variety of beer to serve at the reception.

2: Choosing the Booze

While brides dream of white tulle and perfectly arranged bouquets, many grooms prefer to dream about microbrews and wowing their frat brothers with an open bar. Choosing the booze is one part of wedding planning that most guys won’t leave up to the bride. After all, his friends will never let him hear the end of it if none of their favorites are available at the reception.

If the bar is one of his top priorities, run with it! Let him take charge of planning the drink selections. It’ll give him an excuse to hold a wine- or beer-tasting with his buddies. He may even get creative and create a signature cocktail for the big day. While he’s distracted, you can spend a little longer finding the perfect pair of shoes for the ceremony.

1: Showing off His Skills

If your groom can’t manage to fake enthusiasm over the bar menu or even the music, it may be time to take advantage of his special skills or interests. Think about what he’s best at, and then find ways to put these skills to use.

Has he got an artistic flair? Ask him to design the invitations or wedding announcements. Some creative types may even want to take on designing custom wedding bands. Have your music-minded fiancé compose a special song for the ceremony or reception, or simply perform a song you both love. Handymen can build a wooden altar for the ceremony, while those with an eye for photography can choose the best photo spots and poses. Grooms with technical skills can develop a photo slideshow to play during the rehearsal dinner, or take charge of designing the wedding Web site.

The key to getting your guy involved with planning is to get him interested in a specific task — then give him free rein. Brides, be gentle and don’t micromanage. And above all, have a little fun with him!

Planning a wedding can be terribly stressful! Let DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose help you out! Our Catering Managers take the extra time to make sure your every wish will come true on your special day! Set up an appointment today!

Call 408-437-2806 or email Chansina Luy at chansina.luy@hilton.com

Filed Under: San Jose Weddings

SF Golden Gate Bridge 75th Ann.

May 25, 2012 By Cookie Leave a Comment

May 27, 2012 marks 75 years for the Golden Gate Bridge and a wonderful opportunity to recognize the history, beauty, and ingenuity of this famous span. The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District will be launching a 75th anniversary program.

The program is designed not only to commemorate the Bridge but also to celebrate its unsurpassed setting and unique place in the hearts and minds of Bay Area residents and fans from around the world. Join us for the festivities!

Celebrating our Bridge: Golden Gate Festival, May 27, 2012

A spectacular festival is being planned for the 2012 Memorial Day weekend. Recalling the historic “Golden Gate Bridge Fiesta” in 1937, the event will tell the story of the Bridge and provide an opportunity for the entire community to celebrate together. Details >

Bridging to the Community: The Anniversary Year

Leading up to and following the 2012 Memorial Day weekend, many civic, cultural, and educational organizations will produce their own tributes to the Bridge. See a list of community tributes.

Marketing and social media campaigns will bring the story of the anniversary and the community tributes to millions of people around the world.

A Kids to the Bridge program will provide an opportunity for Bay Area youth to learn about the famous span in conjunction with other education programs.

Leaving a Legacy: Visitor Programs and Site Improvements

Plans are underway to transform the southeast plaza (San Francisco side) at the Bridge into a world-class destination featuring a new Bridge Pavilion housing interpretive materials, memorabilia, and other high-quality merchandise; a revitalized gathering space, guided walking tours, outdoor exhibits, improved signage and parking, and restored vistas.

The Bridge Round House will be converted from a gift shop to a space for tours and visitor programs. Personally guided Bridge tours will be available starting in late April. The tour program includes the first-ever evening tour of the Bridge. The tours will bring to life the people behind the Bridge, the genius of its engineering, the lessons of its accomplishment, and the facts and myths surrounding the famous span. Also beginning this spring is a commemorative photo program, which will provide a great way for visitors to create a lasting memory of their trip to the Bridge, even on the foggiest days.

The existing Bridge Café will be updated and feature a menu of local, sustainably produced foods and beverages. New overlooks on the west side of the Bridge and restoration of trails leading to the Bridge will complement the plaza enhancements.

About the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean. As part of both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1, the structure links the city of San Francisco, on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, to Marin County. It is one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco, California, and the United States. It has been declared one of the modern Wonders of the World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The Frommers travel guide considers the Golden Gate Bridge “possibly the most beautiful, certainly the most photographed, bridge in the world”.

DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose is a short trip to the great Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA. Stay with us this Memorial Day Weekend and make a trip up to San Francisco to check out this amazing bridge!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Spencer’s Recipe of the Week

May 24, 2012 By Cookie Leave a Comment

This month at Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops, located inside the DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose, we are focusing our tips and tricks on Cauliflower (aka the pail child). Not only is Cauliflower great for you and your health, but there are ways to make it delicious too! Come into Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops and try one of our great dishes that include Cauliflower, trust me you’ll fall in LOVE!

Cauliflower Pizza Bites

by Amy Layne Paradigm

Makes 24 Cauliflower Pizza Bites

Ingredients:

2 Cups Grated Cauliflower (washed, dried and grated using a food processor or cheese grater by hand until rice-like or thinner – Note – Approximately one head of cauliflower)
1/4 Cup Egg Whites
1 Cup 1% Cottage Cheese (drained)
1 Tsp Oregano
2 Tsp Parsley
1/4 Tsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Coconut Oil (Optional)
1-2 Tbsp Frank’s Hot Sauce (Optional)

Directions:

Pre-heat your oven to 450 F.
Using a healthy cooking oil spray your mini muffin tin.
In a hot frying stir fry the “cauliflower rice” until the cauliflower is slightly translucent (about 6-8 minutes). Place in a bowl and let cool.
Place all other ingredients the food processor and blend until smooth.
In a bowl combine both the “cauliflower rice” and blended ingredients. Mix completely.
Evenly spoon mixture into your muffin tin molds. Press pizza dough down evenly and firmly (*The pressing down firmly is very important to make sure these stick together).
Place in your oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Remove the pizza bites from the oven and let set until cool (This is also very important – let these pizza bites set in their pan for 5 – 10 minutes before removing – If you take them out while they are too hot they will break).
Once cool remove from muffin tin (either by tipping them out OR by running a thin knife down along the side and popping them out).
Use organic, natural pizza or pasta sauce for dipping.
Enjoy!

Tips – Here are my main tips to make your pizza bites crusty:

Make sure your cauliflower is dry after washing.
Bake until crust-like. If you peak at your crust at the recommended cooking time and they are not golden… cook longer.

Filed Under: hotel food and beverage, Spencer's for Steaks and Chops

Hilton Fitness by Precor Center Tips

May 22, 2012 By Cookie Leave a Comment

The DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose encourages our guests to live a healthy/happy life. Whether you are hitting our Hilton Fitness by Precor Center, doing laps in our outdoor pool or simply eating right, all are great steps to living a long healthy life. Here are some great tips and tricks to eating right, but are still delicious! Enjoy!

Low Calorie Snacks That Are High On Taste

by John on FEBRUARY 25, 2012

In a world obsessed with calories, taste seems to have taken a backseat. Health experts from around the world suggest a healthy intake of 2000 calories a day but sadly foods that comprise such meals are bland, tasteless and extremely difficult to accept as part of your daily routine. Calories are not good but would you like to give up the pleasure to eat in this attempt or would you rather maintain a healthy diet and enjoy what you eat? Actually this question is a no brainer! No one would like to deprive themselves of taste in an effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In this article we are going to discuss about a few low calorie snacks that are one, tasty, easy to find and filling!

Give It Up for Healthy Bacteria

If you are not lactose intolerant, here is a low calorie snack that you can feast on! Considered as one of the healthiest of all low calorie snacks, the yogurt has and continues to rule on the taste buds of many. Yogurt made out of skimmed milk is hands down a very healthy snack that will help you stay active.

Flavored or unflavored, it is your pick but you can expect to have yogurt just about any part of the day. If your hunger pangs are getting the best of you, it is time you go to your refrigerator, take a scoop of yogurt in your bowl and sink into the smoothness. If you want a little more flavor and texture, don’t shy from adding berries to this low calorie snack.

Say Hello to Fiber

A favorite among people, who are constantly on the lookout for low calorie snacks, is the quintessential warm snack of oatmeal. Loaded with fiber and with other essential nutrients, oats for long have been topping the low calorie snack chart. They are not snack per say but, when you take them in small quantities or as part of your afternoon craving tour; you can make way for healthiness.

An oatmeal cookie or even an energy bar can substitute for the breakfast style oatmeal. You can have it just about any time of the day and not be a victim of guilt. A low calorie snack that is healthy, tasty and easy to prepare, oatmeal is your best bet.

Something Sweet, Something Salty

A low calorie snack that is bound to make your taste buds come alive are crackers. You can do so much with crackers and not worry about compromising on your health goals. Low calorie snacks in the form of crackers are just the perfect answer to that mouth watering treat you have always been yearning for.

Your choice of crackers does make a difference here. This time you shop for these munchy delights make sure to flip over to the back of the packet and check for its contents. If you are happy with what you see, you can go ahead and indulge all you want!

Filed Under: Hilton Fitness by Precor

DoubleTree by Hilton Packages

May 21, 2012 By Cookie Leave a Comment

Winchester Mystery House Package

Join the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Jose for a visit to a San Jose landmark, the Winchester Mystery House!

Tour through 110 of the 160 rooms and look for the bizarre phenomena that gave the mansion its name; a window built into the floor, staircases leading to nowhere, a chimney that rises four floors, doors that open onto blank walls, and upside down posts!

In 1884, a wealthy widow named Sarah L. Winchester began a construction project of such magnitude that it was to occupy the lives of carpenters and craftsmen until her death 38 years later. The Victorian mansion, designed and built by the Winchester Rifle heiress, is filled with so many unexplained oddities, that it has come to be known as the Winchester Mystery House.

Sarah Winchester built a home that is an architectural marvel. Unlike most homes of its era, this 160-room Victorian mansion had modern heating and sewer systems, gas lights that operated by pressing a button, three working elevators, and 47 fireplaces. From rambling roofs and exquisite hand inlaid parquet floors to the gold and silver chandeliers and Tiffany art glass windows, you will be impressed by the staggering amount of creativity, energy, and expense poured into each and every detail.

This package includes:

One night stay in a deluxe guest room at our hotel
Two tickets to tour the Winchester Mystery House

Additional tickets available directly from Winchester Mystery House 408.247.2101.

Filed Under: Doubletree Packages, san jose attractions, Uncategorized

Hilton Sustainable Living Tips

May 17, 2012 By Cookie Leave a Comment

Being that the DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose is a Certified-Green Hotel, we love sharing tip and tricks of how to live a more sustaible . Enjoy!

Reduce, Precycle, Refuse, Reuse, Compost and Recycle

By Valerie Jenner, Zero Waste Advocate

As consumers we all have extraordinary opportunities to make a change for the better through our purchasing power. Every purchase we make counts as a vote in support of the manufacturers, marketing and policy setters established practices and future actions of each product we purchase. Let your wallet do the talking. This is incredible nonviolent power speaks loudly to companies that will adjust their business practices to gain an edge over their competition and increase their market share. If the ultimate goal is to be greener than we are and to lighten our carbon footprints we need to start looking at the objects in our hands, our cupboards and consider their true impact and cost on our planet.

Reduce: Slow down your purchasing and consumption overall. Start asking yourself, do I really need it? Will I be happier having it? Why am I buying or using this? How many hours do I need to work to pay for this? This is an easy first step to start being an ecologically conscious consumer.

Precycle: Before you use, consider the packaging, life-cycle, and end of life use before purchasing. Is it a cradle-to-cradle (resourse to resource) item or a cradle-to-grave (resource to landfill)? Is this product local, if not, can I get it or something similar locally?

Refuse: Refuse any and all items and their packaging that will end up in the landfill after a single use, or without the ability to be composted, upcycled, reused or recycled or in any form toxic in their production or use or disposal. Fair-trade, farming practices and sweatshop free are also important considerations. Ask yourself, Will I cause harm by purchasing this?

Reuse: Reuse any and all items you bring into your day. If you can’t reuse it, there are many people that will find value in your discarded items. Consider Craigs List, EBay, student newsletters, free cycle, barter, donate to local charities or groups locally, leave for “Free” out on your roadside but bring in if not removed.

Compost: All compostable goods, food, newspapers, dryer lint, hair, ash, floor sweepings… among a few items, deposited in outdoor composting bins, or red wiggler worm bins (vermiculture), and compact electric apartment composters are a few of the simple easy ways to compost at home. Use this compost by pitting it on your houseplants, in your garden or rake into your lawn.

Recycle: When all other options are exhausted with a responsible recycler who is not shipping your trash overseas, find out where it is going and for what. Upcycling is the repurposing of materials and using them as is but changing it into something different. For example: Boat canvas sails are resewn into bike carrier and computer bags instead of being sent to the landfill.

All households can immediately reduce their trash percentages by 75-80% if they started to look at what they are throwing it out and asking if there is a better way. Practice makes perfect and a little goes a long way so start today.

Filed Under: Green Hotel

DoubleTree by Hilton Recipe of the Week

May 16, 2012 By Cookie Leave a Comment

At Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops, located inside the DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose, you can try making all of our recipes at home! Not only are we giving you great recipes, but hints and tips about certain products. This month we are focusing on Cauliflower. Sure, it’s not the most commonly used vegetable while cooking, but it sure is great when put with right stuff!

And if you ever feel like the last thing you want to do is cook, come to Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops and we’ll take care of your cauliflower craving (or any food for that matter)! Make a reservation today at 408-437-2170

Cauliflower and Chickpea with Curry

1 whole cauliflower

3 medium onions

4 cloves of garlic

½ tsp chopped fresh ginger

2 tsp ground coriander

2 star aniseed

½ tsp ground chili

4 curry leaves

2 tsp garam masala

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tin of chopped tomatoes

1 tin of chickpeas, drained

2 tbsp of chopped fresh coriander

Method:

Remove the stalks from the cauliflower and cut into large florets. In a pan of boiling water, add the cauliflower and cook for five minutes. When ready, drain from the water and place back in the pan. Cover so it stays warm.

While the cauliflower is cooking, cut the onions into small pieces. Squash the garlic with the back of a knife to make it easier to peel. Chop until nice and fine.

In a pan, add a touch of butter, plus the onion, garlic and ginger, and sauté until golden brown.

In the same pan, add the dried spices and cook for a further five minutes.

Add the tin of tomatoes and chickpeas and stir well. Then add the cooked cauliflower. Top up with 100ml of cold water and bring to a simmer for five to 10 minutes until the cauliflower is cooked.

Finish by adding the chopped coriander. Serve on a warm plate

Filed Under: Spencer's for Steaks and Chops

San Jose Joins US Travel Assoc.

May 9, 2012 By Cookie Leave a Comment

SAN JOSE JOINS U.S. TRAVEL ASSOC. IN CELEBRATING TRAVEL AND TOURISM

SAN JOSE, CA – (May 8, 2012) Joining more than 75 cities nationwide in rallies to champion travel, San Jose took part in the 29^th annual National Travel and Tourism Week today, officially marking the annual week with a dedication at San Jose City Council Tuesday afternoon.

This tradition first started in 1984 when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution designating the week to be celebrated in May. Since then, the celebration has grown with localized events in cities, states and travel businesses nationwide to champion the power of the travel industry in the U.S.

Travel is among the largest private-sector employers in the U.S., supporting over 14.4 million jobs in 2011, including 7.5 million directly in the travel industry and 6.9 million in other industries, meaning 1 out of every 9 jobs in the U.S. depends on travel and tourism.

San Jose is a unique destination, with a distinctive tourism model that integrates the Convention Center, hotels, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, other meeting venues, attractions, arts and local business together to act as one team to help visitors navigate San Jose. The result is innovative strategies and enhanced attendee experiences saving event planners time, energy and resources.

In San Jose, the estimated results for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 will total over 7 million visitors to the destination and close to 1 million visitors to the Convention Center and downtown Cultural Facilities generating $52 million in visitor spending and 218,000 hotel room night bookings.

California travel-related spending rose 10% in 2011 to an estimated $104 billion, the first time visitor spending broke the $100 billion mark. In 2010, approximately 200 million visitors generated $95.1 billion in spending on goods and services in the state.

Visitor spending directly supported jobs for 873,000 Californians and resulted in $6.1 billion in direct state and local tax revenues.

“San Jose is a wonderful place for families to visit and offers some great attractions throughout the city, not to mention it has some of the best weather in the nation,” said Councilmember Pete Constant, who presented the proclamation to several representatives from San Jose’s tourism industry. “This week gives us the chance to show others why they should come and visit San Jose.”

Since 1989, San Jose’s hotel and tourism industry has grown to an estimated $200 million hotel revenue industry, generating over $10 million annually in tax revenue to support city services.

“San Jose’s tourism industry is a key economic driver for our community,” said Bill Sherry, CEO of Team San Jose, the City’s manager of the Convention Center, four theaters and also serves as the Convention and Visitors Bureau for the destination. “The recently launched San Jose Convention Center expansion and renovation project, a $120 million investment is a testament by City leadership to the importance of the meetings and conventions industry in our community. San Jose as the Capital of Silicon Valley is positioned well to compete with other destinations, attract more visitors and spur our local economy.”

The City of San Jose officially announced plans to move forward with the construction of an additional 125,000 square feet of meeting and ballroom space and renovation at the San Jose Convention Center last year. The Convention Center opened in 1989 and currently offers 425,000 square feet of exhibit, ballroom and meeting space. The expansion will add an additional 125,000 square feet of flexible ballroom and meeting room space, increasing San Jose’s Convention Center space to 550,000 square feet of usable space. The center remains open through the renovation and expansion project with the new project completion planned for September 2013.

Travel and tourism in the United States provides significant economic benefits for the nation, generating $1.9 trillion in economic output in 2011, with $813 billion spent directly by travelers that spurred an additional $1.1 trillion in other industries.

Filed Under: CA travel, downtown san jose

DoubleTree by Hilton Sustainable Tips

May 7, 2012 By Cookie Leave a Comment

Being that DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose is a Certified-Green Hotel, we love to share tips of how to live a sustainable life! Here are 10 tips to leading a more sustainable life. Enjoy!

Easy Sustainable Tips

by Wonder Moms

1. The Daily Commute Alternative – Reduce the use of your car– take public transit, walk, bike or carpool. For the young ones, start a “walking school bus” with other kids in your area for getting to and from school.

2. Friendly Fridge – Make your fridge more efficient by filling empty space with reusable water bottles. You can even use personalized water bottles to make it more fun for the kids to help you fill them at the end of each day and stock the fridge.

3. Local, Local, Local – Support your local farmers’ market or plant your own garden. There are some easy vegetables that those with ‘brown’ thumbs can even make come to life. And kids LOVE gardening and eating the fruits (or vegetables) of their labour.

4. Kinder Paper Products – Use paper and tissue products that are 100% recycled. Save the rolls for afterwards for a family art project. Roles make fabulous shakers and musical instruments or even turn them into little creatures like caterpillars.
http://www.krugerproducts.ca/english/envirocare.html

5. Cleaning Alternatives – Choose natural, non-toxic cleaning products like vinegar, baking soda and water. Use baking soda to clean the kids’ toys. For little ones, you’ll feel comfortable knowing there is nothing toxic on their hands when their fingers go right back in their mouths after they help clean the toys.

6. Veggie Day – Cut back on the meat in your diet by eating vegetarian a day or two each week. Meatless Mondays is a great way to start the week and to help you menu plan there are great resources online that show you how to make menu boards and reuse recipes.

7. Shorter Showers – Reduce your shower time to five minutes and set a timer to make sure you do it. Use a single tub of bathwater for the young kiddies. It uses less water and is way more fun for the kids. Make sure to take pics!

8. Home Projects – Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Make it a family project!

9. Light-up – Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.

10. The Power Bar Surge – Use a power bar to completely shut off home electronic equipment. There are some funkier and trendier designs now available; let the kids choose which one they want for their rooms.

Filed Under: Green Hotel