eats grass

misc.

2010-12-14T18:29:00.000-05:00

I took the stars from our eyes, and then I made a map
And knew that somehow I could find my way back
Then I heard your heart beating, you were in the darkness too
So I stayed in the darkness with

*Florence & The Machine*

AUTUMN!!

2010-10-01T13:38:00.000-04:00

Good Search

2010-08-23T10:05:00.000-04:00

Hpw many times a day would you say that you do a web search? 10? 15? 20 times a day? How would you like to turn that simple, itty bitty action into an opportunity to donate money to an important cause or charity?

Well, if you install the Good Search tool bar, and use them to do your web browsing, (it's a simple tool bar to install...not a search engine like google/internet explorer....to the best of my knowledge) they'll donate money to the cause of your choice!! AMAZING! So simple and an easy way to help a good cause.

The link below will direct you to their page.

Happy browsing :) !!!

http://www.goodsearch.com/

Seabuckthorn. Why I love it, and a bit of FYI.

2010-08-22T19:43:00.000-04:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea-buckthorn

Above is the link to wiki-s basic run down of Seabuckthorn.

Below are some pictures of it.

These tiny berries, found most abundantly in the Himalayas- are packed with Omega7. They're actually the only significant food source of it. The only other place you can get it is in macadamia nuts, and it's only in trace amounts. You'd have to eat a LOT of macadamia nuts (which would be awesome...but thats a LOT of fat...) to get what you could in regular use of seabuckthorn supplements and products.

And it's great that it's beneficial for both internal and topical use.

My experiences with this product started when I worked for a company that represented a seabuckthorn product. It had face cream, soap, a supplemental oil, and then a daily juice supplement. They all worked SO well, and my hair, skin and nails looked AMAZING.

Eventually I moved on and started work with another company and no longer represented Sibu- So I didn't have easy access to the products.
Recently when my skin started to flare up, for whatever reason- I tried everything to calm it down. I had weird red scaly flaky patches by my eyebrows. It was gnarly looking and I was not thrilled. To remedy this I tried ALL sorts of moisturizers. From OTC, to olive oil. All I could think about was how great my skin was when I was taking the seabuckthorn pills, using the soap. Well, at that moment I was nowhere near the store and couldn't buy what I had wanted- BUT I did manage to get some seabuckthorn oil. Not only within 10 minutes did it soften the dry areas, but after a day or so it eliminated the redness.

I wanted to share this little tidbit because I'm so happy with the results I have gotten. If anyone has hair skin or nail issues I'd look into getting seabuckthorn products- specifically Sibu. They're a great company and the products are stellar- They've got everything from face cream, to seabuckthorn seed oil. I love them!
Another company that makes wonderful seabuckthorn body products is Weleda. Then for supplements (which Weleda doesn't make), you can look to New Chapter.

And we have pickles!

2010-08-21T23:55:00.000-04:00

I had a really nice couple of herloom tomatoes. One of my favorites is, the Zebra. Perhaps theres another name for them but I don't know it. Well- they seemed perfect for pickling. I really got excited about it and decided that it must be done. And in the later weeks of October and November they'll probably be great!

These here above are 'Zebra' tomatoes. They're firm and delicious. Perfect for pickling!

They're so pretty sliced. I can't believe they're the same kind of fruit as the mealy gross tomatoes you'd see in December!

And this blurry bad shot ;) is the habenero peppers that JUST stopped burning my hands (5 hours later!). These are going to be some hot tomatoes!

One jalapeno or two?

Two. Definitely two.

Yum.

Like flowers!

My associate Samson, ever ready at my feet. <3 Him!!! He's such a good boy!

And here are the spices! They're so pretty.

Can't forget the garlic!

More veggies.

Jars!

You've got to sterlize.

And here we are- pickled zebra tomatoes!!

It was fun, but I feel like if I were going to do it again I'd used a wider variety of veggies. Perhaps green beans, or other miscellaneous veggies.

Ooooh- but I forgot to mark which ones had XXXHabenero...and which were mild. Oops!

Heirloom Tomatoes. The good, the bad and the ugly. ALL delicious.

2010-08-19T22:43:00.000-04:00

One of the most wonderful parts of the summer is the produce. Especially summer tomatoes. This time of year makes those beautiful red, (and if you're lucky enough to get heirloom tomatoes....green, yellow, mottled brownish purple....) globes burst with flavor.

Yeah, I'm a bit nuts about it- But who could blame me? You can't get REAL tomatoes after September as far as I'm concerned.

Here are pictures of some delicious heirloom tomatoes I ate tonight!

Delicious!

So what is an Heirloom tomato some of you may ask? Click HERE to learn more.

For a quick answer to that question, they are varieties of tomatoes that are not common (i.e. your average red, often boring- tomato). Often they vary in size, texture, color, and flavor. One of my favorites is the Zebra (first picture). They're great for pickling (which I WILL be doing this weekend... Pictures to be included in that follow up post). There are so few ways to make the delicious summer veggies last all year long.

This week will be the week where all I eat is tomatoes. Thats not bad right? Maybe some kale or spinach with olive oil and a smile. That could work.

Oh, and the best part about these tomatoes? LOCAL, AND ORGANIC. It's like a belated birthday gift.

breakfast-lunch-dinner and everything in-between

2010-08-11T08:44:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I eat really really ridiculously (said like Zoolander) well. Like uber healthy, local, organic and balanced. And then there are those other times. We'll say that those 'other times' make up about 10% of all my food consumption. Those are the times when a meal consists of (organic) cheezey poufs (ONE serving by the way, measured out b/c I'm awesome like that....), a handful of peanuts, grapes, 4 veggie dumplings, and salad. Or other miscellanea. I feel like it's ok because it's like a tapas meal....but less sophisticated.

It can happen at any meal and usually starts with something that is disappointing- like an apple that is actually 3/4 rotten after the first bite, or a dropped bowl of hummus and crudite (which is usually the last of the hummus and veggies for crudite...) so I am forced to scavenge. What I come up with is usually a myriad of crap and things that don't alone make up a good meal, or even a solid snack...but when combined with other misfits makes for a an interesting pairing.

Does anyone else have food moments like that?

Yerba Mate

2010-08-10T17:07:00.002-04:00

So over the past few months, I've weaned myself off of coffee. It's dark, and usually too hot, and it makes your breath smell and teeth yellow.....And it makes me want to smoke. BOO!!!! Now, once and a while I'll enjoy an iced cup of coffee-Once in a very blue moon. My beverage of choice for the most part is tea. And as of about a year ago- Yerba Mate.

"What is Yerba Mate?" you may be asking yourself? Well, in case you didn't know- Yerba Mate is according to Wikipedia an infusion of leaves and twigs from the mate' plant (a relative of the holly bush!). This plant is native to South America- specifically Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. The indigenous people have consumed this beverage for centuries...It is consumed for a myriad of purposes. It has many chemical components that have excellent health properties for your body and mind. Studies have shown that it helps lower cholesterol, is a good source of minerals (magnesium, manganese, and potassium), as well as enhances ones metabolism. It's better than any energy drink- thats for sure!

I love it most of all because it helps me focus. LIKE A LASER BEAM!. Holy shamoly- It's like nothing else I've consumed in my life. Not only do I feel like I can get things accomplished after sipping this fine herbal concoction- but I actually DO get things accomplished. It's got less caffeine than a traditional coffee and many teas- however it's not overly stimulating.

There is so much tea at my house I should host daily tea time. And since becoming a mate' drinker in the past few years it's become even more packed because I buy loose mate, loose smoked mate, mate with sticks, mate with no sticks, chocolate mate, chai mate.....and it continues. I already had a problem with my tea collection- and it's rapidly extending into a collection of mates and teas. Today there was a tea related calamity in my tea cabinet (An entire cabinet dedicated to tea/mate). I was making some iced mate with agave and then about 14 boxes, and bags and tins flew onto me. Projectile flinging of inanimate objects. It was like an anti-tea poltergeist decided to attack me. I realized that I had put my bag of mate back on a shelf that was arranged with tetris like precision and my haphazard placement disturbed the fine balance. But seeing how much brewable goodness I have really made me laugh. And it's only going to get worse. I'm on the lower side of the spectrum with tea at this time of year. Now that I've discovered TeaVana at the mall, and I have all sorts of other ways to get my mits on some herbal/white/green/chai/tropical/mate teas. OOh. It's on. And only a few weeks until it's proper tea weather. Oh boy...

Please do try Yerba Mate and let me know how you like it. The taste isn't overly aggressive, but it's not for everyone either. I enjoy it with a tiny spot of agave, or honey. If you try it let me know! I'd love to hear about your experience!!

.....photos....

2010-08-09T22:33:00.001-04:00

WANTS vs. NEEDS

2010-08-08T20:39:00.001-04:00

We all have that list. It's part of our make up as Americans. If you aren't originally from America, or have mastered Buddhist philosophy, or just shunned the disgusting 'gimme gimme gimme' mentality that we are supposed to have as good fat capitalists- then this may not apply to you.

And now I will admit my dirty shameful secret. My wants list is miles and miles long. I want so many material possessions. Shoes, clothes, bags, jewelry, gadgets, and other crap that in all honesty I can not afford or even contain in my medium small apartment. It's an unfortunate result of watching television, and exposing myself to the fanciful pretty magazines that perpetuate this 'thing' based mentality.

Lucky for me my NEEDS list is meager and staggeringly short. This is what makes me so pleased, and so thankful for all I have been blessed with. I am fine as long as this needs list stays small and short.

Ooh, and here is the part where I share my wants/needs lists.

WANTS (abbreviated)

-converse sneakers- red, yellow and green high top one stars. black, purple and navy blue low top one stars.
-michael kors bag/wallet
-issey miyake purfume
-hanae mori pink butterfly perfume and lotion set
-i pod. nano. purple
-macbook. I love pc's but want a mac to expand on my design capabilities
-a new iphone
-a new iphone case
-an accord crosstour.
-a complete cd set of the beatles albums
-paid vacations to: province town, jamaica, paris, london, spain, australia, the south west, alaska, the pacific northwest, greece
- my yoga instructor certification
-a certification from the institute of integrated nutrition
-a kitchen aid mixer
-a vitamix blender
- 5 pairs of jeans that fit perfectly
-comfortable cowboy boots
-a standing spa day every other week at bliss spa
-a dining room large enough to entertain 20 of my closest friends and family for dinner parties and bbqs.
- a house in a nice neighborhood
-box seats for the mets
-an art studio space filled with canvas and supplies to make jewelry, accessories, clothes and other art.
-an assistant
- a house out east on the north fork of long island
-a wardrobe that is bohoemian, and classic and tailored to make me look effortlessly put together.
-a loft in Brooklyn, in a neighborhood that is envied nationwide for diversity, community and safety. There would be projects going on all the time and efforts to bring farmers markets weekly to the community.
-a boat for excursions out east and possibly up and down the coast.
-cabins in the woods upstate NY, and in Maine.
-a workout room. It'd have weights, an elliptical machine, a treadmill, a pilates/yoga and meditation room.
-garden space where I can cultivage heriloom herbs, veggies and chickens (for their eggs). I'd also be a bee keeper and work on creating awareness of their importance. Create a program for schools as well as colleges to promote apiaries .
-A home in europe. Italy or France. If it were in Italy, it'd be in the countryside outside of Rome or Milan. In France it's be in the country south of Paris. About an hour and a half away. I'd entertain there all the time....
-a completely energy efficient, semi-off the grid power set up. I'd have rain water runoff containers, I'd have solar panels all over my homes, and I would work on setting up windfarms so that the energy could be harnessed from that too.

The list continues and it's ridiculous.

my Needs:

love
laughter
air
water
food
friends
family
more love
music
art
hope

in no particular order. Also, ALL of those needs are met.

I am so thankful.

NOT food related.

2010-08-02T08:53:00.002-04:00

Alternate title:

Help I don't know how to dress my age!!

Last night I posed a question to FB (so you know that the answers I got we're really spot on and rules to live by....).

Am I too old to have a really epic t-shirt collection? Well....I just turned NOT 30, but not 28 or younger. Do the word problem....
Should I start doing more to dress in a sophisticated and classy demeanor? I want to kick my stye up a notch.

For the most part if I could wear whatever, I'd wear leggings with t-shirts, jeans with t-shirts, and skirts with boots and t-shirts. I friggin' love t-shirts. Slap a sweater over it and you can look like a grown up. Add a belt, a scarf and some kicky sandals and you look like a star. I've done the overly styled thing before. When I want to look fancy, truth be told, I kind of do the retro/ pin-up look with a pencil skirt, and pretty top. It feels better than wearing trendy skanky outfits that are lurking out there. My hair easily rolls up into cute pin-curls, and the curve-hugging styles from the 40s and 50s just make me feel good about how I look. And thankfully I never seem to look like I'm playing dress up. That is never cute....Not at this age when it's not Halloween.

I'll happily take some suggestions to maybe make myself look like a bit more grown up though, but I'm not sure what else I could wear or do at this point. Am I hopeless? I just don't want to look like everyone else.

Maybe the best thing to do at this point is own it. I don't actually care what other people think, as long as I'm taken seriously....For work I tend to dress the oart of the grown up better with slacks, and tops with some decent accessories. Or pretty dresses.

Ok- I'm over it. And officially on a quest for awesome t-shirts. If anyone has local t-shirts from where they live that are staples, I'd love to do an exchange. I'll happily buy and send some I (heart) NY shirts and send them as an exchange. What better way to get awesome t-shirts?! Email me if you're interested.

10 random facts....

2010-07-19T10:32:00.000-04:00

Just some random facts and oddities:

1. I prefer breakfast for dinner time, and dinner time for breakfast. I prefer my biggest meals to be earlier in the day...

2. If I could, I would have a small farm out on the East end of Long Island, or in the Hudson Valley of New York. This farm would have goats that would eat the finest herbs, the freshest grass- and I'd make artesenal hand crafted goat cheeses. Also I'd have all sorts of heirloom chickens, and have farm fresh eggs. Also I'd grow flowers. Zinnias, snap dragons and wildflowers. There would be a field for picking, and then a separate field for the honey bees that I'd cultivate for their honey. Seasonally, I'd have a small cafe and farm stand. The cafe would serve only local foods from the area, as would the farmstand.

3.My dreams to see the world are always fueled. Everything makes me want to travel. People with unique accents, the smell of food cooking if I'm walking down the right block or a photograph.

4. I am perfectly content on a rainy day, and wish there were more of them. I enjoy drinking tea, and getting some cozy activity taken care of (such as knitting, painting, or reading...who wants to do that when it's sunny?)

5. There is a part of me that wants to be free at all times to do as I wish. This is why the traveling for my job makes me so happy...but it's also why I'm an avid road, and day tripper.

6. My life has blessed me with many good friends. They say if you can count them on one hand you're lucky, but I need 2 or more.

7. I feel that it is my succinct duty to save the world. I don't want anyone to tell me I can't. We all can. It's one person, one day at a time- it can and will happen.

8. My biggest pet peeve, aside from sleeping past 8, is the applause of mediocrity.

9. The best Pizza in the world (yes, the world) comes from VIPizza in Bayside on Bell Blvd.

10. My overactive imagination still gets me in trouble....

Vegan/Carnivore/Localvore WHAT?! Stop using labels and start eating mindfully.

2010-06-06T21:03:00.000-04:00

Eating- It's something that each and every single one of us need to do to sustain our lives. Some cultures eat differently than others. And as of late the diet of the average American has come into to question (Google: S.A.D.). We as a whole are lazy, fat- and not chubby endearing fat- downright OBESE. This isn't a problem just as an aesthetic issue- but as an issue with health and wellness. There are SO many obesity related illnesses and health problems that it doesn't seem to make sense. If a warning was placed on every single cheese burger that said "If eaten in excess will cause consumer to be overweight, and likely develop high blood pressure/heart disease/high cholesterol/the need to wear stretchy pants with elastic waist bands", do you think people would eat that with such voracity? It's a damn shame. We are not a nation of imbeciles for the most part. The majority of our population (for now...but thats a whole OTHER topic entirely) can read and speak. Why is it that healthy foods aren't more common? Why is it in low-income areas there are LOTS of fast food joints and unhealthy options (whole foods doesn't have a dollar menu, and it's unfortunate because everyone should have access to fruits and vegetables that aren't pesticide laiden, gmo abominations)- and minimal opportunities to eat fresh, healthy good foods that don't cost more than can be spent? Why is it that people in these communities suffer from a large portion of these health issues when anyone can see the remedy is the ability to love a healthier lifestyle?

While in many cases you'd think, why can't they just BUY healthier foods? Then we go back to availability and cost. It's expensive to buy fruits, vegetables, fish and clean organic meats. Some people just can't afford to buy healthy, whole, local and organic foods. This is not only upsetting but it reeks of government conspiracy. However that is not what I'm blogging about right now....hopefully what I share with you will be eye opening and not terribly preachy.

I.Plant based diets: Why they are better for your body, and the planet.

How many of our parents would scream at us to "Eat your vegetables?!". Most of them right? Well, it wasn't to be annoying. Plants are not only delicious- but PACKED with so many nutrients, antioxidants (they're compounds found in plants that help repair and prevent cell damage caused by oxidation and free-radicals. Free-radicals are the environmental agents that ..damage cells! Cellular damage is what makes people sick (like cancer, aging, saggy skin, mental degeneration, etc.). For the most part getting old and having cells damaged is not really avoidable- however you will be able to arm your body with the tools needed to put up a better fight against time and the elements with a plant based diet.

And there are also omega fatty acids (hugely in hemp, nuts and seeds and many greens EAT UP!!)

So thats why eating plants is good for you- but how is it better for the planet you ask? Well here's why:

To sustain livestock for human consumption (the way that agribusiness has it set up), there needs to be land. Many "farms"- or in reality, feed-lots (not in the US per say...this is globally) have been cleared on land that used to be forests. Deforestation is BAD. Loss of habitat for native populations of people and wild life is one of the first and major reasons why this is bad. McDonalds has cleared many acres (I am not sure how many...) of land in the South American rain forest to do this. Gotta love that right? :::vomits:::

But the golden arches aren't the only company that does stuff like that. There are other industrial meat producers that do the same thing.

The impact initially is the land that is used and abused for this- but it's also the environmental impact. The waste and filth and disease that is absorbed into the ground, and the water supply in these areas is astonishing.

Whats great about plants is that they also have so many awesome things in them such as fiber, protein and minerals. It's a win win.

   1. Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
For as many people as there are on the planet, there is a different diet for all of them. Some people like pistachios, while others loathe them. Some love a rare bloody steak, and for others it's all about the hummus and kale. This is a wonderful thing about human beings- we're omnivores by nature. It's part of what has helped us survive for as long as we have. You'd think that our super smart brains that also assisted us in our survival would help us out a bit more- but have you seen the news lately? Some of us aren't so smart so it seems. But I digress....

Now that we live in a world that has many many offerings in every shape and color- labels have come to pass to describe the eating habits, and in some cases, lifestyle.

A.VEGAN
Vegan.org. gives the definition and explaination of what makes a person a vegan and why they would choose this eating-lifesyle:

what is a VEGAN? A vegan (pronounced VEE-gun) is someone who, for various reasons, chooses to avoid using or consuming animal products. While vegetarians choose not to use flesh foods, vegans also avoid dairy and eggs, as well as fur, leather, wool, down, and cosmetics or chemical products tested on animals.
why VEGAN? Veganism, the natural extension of vegetarianism, is an integral component of a cruelty-free lifestyle. Living vegan provides numerous benefits to animals' lives, to the environment, and to our own health–through a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Last year, and the year before I was a Vegan off and on. On because quite frankly I am fed up with the inhumane, and disrespectful way in which the majority of the worlds meat is procured. To disrespect a life, and be so cruel breaks my heart and to be a part of that really makes me feel like I am part of a problem, and not a solution. It's soul wrenching when you see the videos, and hear the stories of how these innocent, and abused lives are "processed" but the industry that is vile, and filthy. Agribusiness.

With having said that- I need to also address that I do eat meat, and minimal but some dairy. Eggs too. My body did NOT respond well to the lack of protein no matter how many supplements I took to replace the nutrients I was missing from animal proteins. My hair fell out, my skin was gross and I gained 10 lbs. My body needs meat.

So I decided that I was going to just make choices that were based on what my body craves and needs. Turns out, I eat mostly plants anyway. Everything else is kind of an afterthought. I am a reluctant ominvore- BUT I LOVE food, so that doesn't linger too too long.

There ARE people who are committed, long term for the rest of their life Vegans. And this is awesome. I envy their bodies ability to adjust and flourish sans animal products.

B. Vegetarian

We all know, or have been a vegetarian at some point in our lives. It's pretty easy right? You can eat all the macaroni and cheese, meat-free lasagna, baked ziti, quesadillas, grilled cheese, swiss omlettes, bagel and cream cheese you want and be SO much more healthy than your meat eating friends and family. You're really doing the healthy thing....NOT!!!

The diet described above- while tasty and truly mega comfort foods ARE NOT the foundation to a healthy diet, nor is that the diet that any self proclaimed vegetarian should adhere to (not that I'm the person who decides that...). There is a word for that. It's called a Carb-Cheese-atarian. You can see them from afar usually. Either they are 6, or they are the slightly chubby (because really, those are not foods conducive to being svelte and fit...) preachy people who will proclaim that they are really making a difference.
Well, if you're eating conventional dairy and wheat- probably not b/c they're filled with hormones and GMO's and that is going to make you sick and unhealthy anyway....but also- WHERE ARE THE VEGETABLES?

I know a few people who claim to be Vegetarians but really they're the Carb-Cheese-atarian.

A vegetarian (ovo/lacto-ovo) according to Wikipedia (the most reliable source!! ;P) is this:

"Vegetarianism is the practice of following a plant-based diet including fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, nuts, and seeds, with or without dairy products and eggs. A vegetarian does not eat meat, including: red meat, game, poultry, fish, crustacea, shellfish, and products of animal slaughter such as animal-derived gelatin and rennet.^[1] There are a number of vegetarian diets. A lacto-vegetarian diet includes dairy products but excludes eggs, an ovo-vegetarian diet includes eggs but not dairy products, and a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet includes both eggs and dairy products."

(so....hear that "pescatarians"...you're not an official vegetarian!)

C. Pescataraian

I never really understood why people needed a label for this since fish are animals too- and eating them is equally as bad as eating lamb, or turkey or beef. It's still a life. I wonder if the people who use this term do so only to make themselves feel better. Because eating fish means they have to die and you are every bit as much a carnivore. You are not any better than a person chowing down on a slab of ribs covered in maple bacon bbq sauce.

I have no animosity- but I don't like that when people who (quite often snootily) proclaim that they don't eat meat, but will then order up a salmon fillet. C'mon. It's meat. It's the muscle of an animal. Get over yourself....

So the definition of Pescatarian is a person who doesn't eat Mammals or warm blooded animals and has a primarily vegetable based diet.

Meh.

                                 a) Labels are just labels
During my last attempt at veganism, I had a great friend tell me that even if I was vegan for 5 months, had an egg and went back on my merry way- it wouldn't de-veganize me. One meal doesn't make a lifestyle....and really that can be true for all things. Many many days go by where I don't touch milk, or eggs or animal protein of any type. Sometimes I don't eat meat. Then there are days where I live off of tuna, or turkey or have 3 hard boiled eggs a day....what does that make me? Aside from Omnivore- where do I fit? I'm most certainly NOT a vegan, or a vegetarian, but I don't always eat meat. Flexatarian? Ugh- Who the hell cares? If I buy a Prada bag, and put a Jansport tag on it it's still a Prada bag (a REALLY messed up one...), but it's just a tag. A label.

My observation has led me to the most comfortable place of all. Acceptance that one meal doesn't define my lifestyle, and a label can not encompass the kind of person I am, or the level of awareness I have.

Often vegans are preachy, and omnivores are defensive. What's really important is the quality, and sustainability of your food.

That brings up one last "label"...the Localvore. These are people who are dedicated to consuming foods that are locally procured. Whats interesting here is that local has so many different definitions. It can refer to the region, or specific mileage, or even state. By being a localvore which I think is something that you can do in certain quantities- and is a much looser term- you are committing to the local farmers, and producers in your area. This not only helps small businesses and farms, but it helps to bolster the local economy. Any do-do knows that the small loval economies are what makes up the bigger picture. It's key to check out local farmers markets (Hello, they're sprouting up everywhere. And now that it's trendy to wander the stalls of local artesenal meats, cheeses, breads herbs, veggies and more? You'll have to fight your way past the dredlock-ed patchouli covered moon maidens (Matts nickname for me) for the last organic baguettes and thyme scented goat cheese. It's a good thing. I think that to some extent we can all be localvores.

                                 b) pro's and con's
As far as Pro's go, you can't do better than a plant based local diet. You will feel better, and you will be helping others.

There are pretty much cons to everything. It's really just much more expensive to do these things. Also some people aren't in areas that have easy access to farmers markets and farm stands.
There are more and more co-ops popping up so joining one is a great way to get natural, organic and local foods and products. It's great because you are contributing to a group committed to social change and being involved in the food chain- but theres usually a pretty sweet member discount on products when you're a member.

                                 c) your body, your rules.
Something that really riles me up about processed and conventional foods is that there are ingredients in most of them that nobody would voluntarily consume. Preservatives, colorings, hydrogenated fats, sugar, ugh- and more corn that you realize. Why should anyone HAVE to eat these things? What you put in your body should be your choice. Thats the importance of education and being involved.

All of this stuff is great information- but how you put it to use is up to you. Quite often you can find great deals on organic produce- WHEN IT'S IN SEASON, or if you have a store card (conventional supermarkets will often put organic produce on sale at the end of the week so keep an eye out for great deals!)

II. Why Organic is the best choice you can make, even if it's not the easiest.

anyone who has been the the supermarket in the past 5 years knows that organic fruits, veggies and products are more expensive than conventional right? Usually by a good dollar or more. I know that I'm making this seems like no big deal- especially in times of such economic turmoil. Well it's worth it. Organic food has been found to be nutritionally better, environmentally more sustainable, and really- if you really know what food is supposed to taste like- much better tasting.

1) Yes, it's expensive. Get over it.

Why pay .99 cents a lb for bananas when you can pay .79 cents a pound for bananas?
Well, how many pounds of bananas are you buying? Are you buying 55 hundred pounds? That would be a savings of approximately 1,100.00. Unless you own a large primate, you're probably only buying a pound, maybe pound and a half at a time. This means that you're spending an extra .30 cents. Really? This is the disparity you're upset about?

                                 a) Why it's more expensive
The extra .30 cents that you spend on those bananas are paying for the extra cost of not using nasty pesticides, genetically modified seeds and herba/fungacides. This means that other precautions need to be taken to ensure that the crop grows well. The other part of the additional cost goes to the people who work in the field and work with the bananas (or apples, peppers, berries, wheat etc.). There is a quality of life that people have that is better when they are not exposed to toxic harsh chemicals all day every day. You're making peoples lives better for less than .50 cents. Really, what an awesome choice!

                                 b) Where to get it and for less.

Guess what? The word has got out that people, more and more every day want to have access to organic and naturally grown foods. This is a supply and demand situation. This is great news! You can now get organic at your regular conventional supermarket. While a few years back it was rare that an organic option was available outside of the natural food stores. It is important to diversify where you buy your foods. My first choice is always a farmers market (back to supporting your local producers!), then my local independent stores. If there are certain things that I can't find there, I will go to chains to find it. But there's a process.

                           2) Monsanto is evil. This is fact.
Monsanto, ah- I've reserved all of my negative feelings for thee. Your desire to patent nature, and harm mankind is unsavory and vile. I can't even begin to find the words anymore to describe how abominable and downright bad this company is. Please just google it. And then click on the links and videos. Read the articles. Be involved in where your food comes from. If you don't make your choices, corporations will make them for you.

III. Local and the politics behind it all that can help YOU change the world for the better.

Local foods are excellent! You are helping your local economy- which is vital to your community. AND you're reducing your carbon footprint! When you select foods that are grown in your region- they don't need to travel as far and use as much fuel to get to you. Thats pretty awesome right? Because of the gaining awareness and popularity of farmers markets and local farms- the selection of foods you can get locally is growing. A good friend of mine works very closely with some amazing New York State, and Central New York food producers and I can't say enough about the amazing quality and integrity that these products have. For more information check out his blog at : http://smallpotatoessales.blogspot.com/ . It's a great way to take a peek into the wonderful world of local.

                          1) What is local?
Ok, so lets say you don't really live near a farm. What would a local farm be to you? Well- It varies. If you're looking at a radius of 100 miles, you can most likely find some kind of locally produced good, or food. Maybe not a producer on a large scale- but you can usually find these artisans in the areas in your city or town by using craigslist. Thats all I've got.
Oh, but local is hard to define. Some would say it's grown and produced in the town that you are living in. Others would say it's regional, or within the state. It's a loose definition, but I would like to think of it in terms of if I can drive there in less than 8 hours it's local.

                          2) But what if it's not organic?
Organic and local is like the holy grail for me. But we can't always get what we want, and you have to figure out what is the most important to you. I like to support my local growers and producers whenever possible, but I won't ever be able to get organic local pineapple. or local pineapple. It's a fact of life. So I'll buy the ones from Costa Rica (and there Fair Trade is my bigger concern. NOTE: Fair Trade will by default have very high standards to measure up to because it wouldn't be fair trade if the products were covered in pesticides and herbicides and other nastiness. Just something to keep in mind.) Just make the best choice you can.
                                a) why we need to be more involved in our food growers.
Why all the hubub about where the food comes from and what goes on it? Well, like I had mentioned before, if you don't make choices, you loose that freedom. Eventually large corporations will decide what is best for you, and it won't matter what you want. For example do you want to be fattened up like feedlot cattle with corn and other additives? Because what seems like over 75% of the processed conventional foods out there have high fructose corn syrup, soy lecithin, guar gums...the list goes on. When was the last time you, or your mother, or anyone you know used ANY of those things in a recipe? Probably never.

Basically, if you aren't paying attention, the companies that make the choices about what goes into the foosd we buy- will make the choice that is best for them. That usually means the cheapest choice. Next time you go to a regular supermarket look at the ingredients of 10 things in an aisle. How many don't have any of the weird ingredients I mentioned?

                                b) farmer love!

No Farmers, No Food. This isn't just a bumper sticker. It's the truth. The harsh reality is that for many farmers the only way to carry on the traditions of their family for generations, is to sell out to Monsanto, ConAgra, and other awful large companies. Supporting your local farmers is so important. They touch the soil, and the food that feeds America. There is something so beautiful about cultivating the land, nurturing it. Help farmers continue to do this by looking into where you can buy their farm fresh eggs, dairy and produce. Sometimes if you're in the right area there are also special farms that can give you meat too! Always give respect and love to the people who work so hard to produce food, and do what they can to preserve our agriculture.
                                c) Co-ops and Farmers markets!
This is probably getting very redundant, but thats because all of these things are intertwined with how we eat, and where we get our food. The closer to home, the better.

A great way to do this is to get involved with a Co-op. Cooperative markets are amazing. Not only do they help you eat local, and organic and all natural, you also get to be a part of something wonderful. Generally co-ops are open to the public, but members/owners will get their special price. In exchange they have a deciding voice in a lot of what is in the store for purchase, as well as an obligation to help work a few shifts a month.

And then there are farmers markets which by now we have all seen, shopped at, or passed by (though I find it almost physically impossible to walk or drive by a farmers market- or farm stand- and not browse;which ultimately leads to buying SOMETHING- my last purchase was local honey and some herbs). Farmers markets are wonderful opportunities for consumers to get a taste of what local producers and farmers have to offer. You'll get most often excellent and fair prices on top notch produce, backed goods, herbs, meats and cheeses. Nothing is better. It's not from a lab, a factory or warehouse. It's REAL FOOD.

I could go on and on about food- Most likely repeating myself and beaming and chattering on about the benefits of fair trade, or biodynamic items. Or how the lack of nutrients in processed foods are contributing to the obesity and general ill health of many Americans- and the world. I'd probably tell you at least once how reading 'The Botany of Desire' helped me pay mind to where my food was coming from. For those who know me, and have had this conversation with me repeatedly, then you know that I feel that it's important to understand that what you put into your body is immediately responsible for what you'll get out of it. If you want to have good health, eat good healthy foods.

Things I will be discussing in future blogs: an outline.

2010-04-08T16:57:00.000-04:00

Vegan/Carnivore/Localvore WHAT?! Stop using labels and start eating mindfully.

I.Plant based diets: Why they are better for your body, and the planet.
   1. Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
                                 a) Labels are just labels
                                 b) pro's and con's
                                 c) your body, your rules.
   2. Omnivores, not just a mode of survival anymore.
   a) How to break out of the label of how you eat and embrace health, and a better sense of where your food is coming from so you can make better choices.

II. Why Organic is the best choice you can make, even if it's not the easiest.
1) Yes, it's expensive. Get over it.
                                 a) Why it's more expensive
                                 b) Where to get it and for less.
                           2) Monsanto is evil. This is fact.
                                 a) The who what where when and why of this company you have to pay attention to.

III. Local and the politics behind it all that can help YOU change the world for the better.
                          1) What is local?
                          2) But what if it's not organic?
                                a) why we need to be more involved in our food growers.
                                b) farmer love!
                                c) Co-ops and Farmers markets!

Vacations: Where to go and how to save money!

Yoga and how to meditate when your mind won't stop moving.

How do you organize? Because I need assistance!

Dressing the part- How to go from dirty hippie to bohoemian chic.

The importance of kindness.

And many many more.

Easter! Not my holiday but I'll celebrate with friends...

2010-04-05T17:48:00.000-04:00

Easter is an especially important holiday for many people.

Me? I just come for the food and people!

One of my dear friends has often had me over for various holidays, and this year it was Easter! Her mother makes these delicious cheese pies! They're amazing! Since I was a little girl I've loved them...just thinking about how tasty they are makes me want to eat about 10 of them right now!

See below some pictures from the great afternoon I spent with my friend, her mother, and nephew!

As you can see, the dough for the cheese pies have to be rolled out to just the right consistency.

On to the muffin tin to be filled with eggs, and three kinds of delicious Greek cheeses!

Below is my fellow blogger MG, (check her blog out if you haven't already! it's like sitting down to have coffee with a dear friend when you read it) making sure that the dough settles into the nooks of the muffin tin.

Once the tins are filled with the egg and cheese mixture, the edges are cut with a special dough cutter. This one is well over a hundred years old. It was her mothers, fathers, mothers tool.

A sprinkle of cinnamon....and then into the oven!

Blurry but cute pic of us... and then another of us eating the yummy Easter cheese pies (* not out most flattering photos...but I am sharing it nonetheless).

Yum!

Next we colored some eggs, which as a non-Easter celebrator, was a rare treat!

Check out my new friends photography!

2010-03-30T13:50:00.000-04:00

My new friend Melanie is an amazing photographer! Check out her website!

www.melanierosephotos.com

and her awesome blog!

mellyrose.blogspot.com

Hope everyone is having an excellent week!

Some picture love from me:

Miscellaneous Photos and end-of-March-Magnificence (and a cat)

2010-03-29T00:18:00.000-04:00

I will write something worthwhile tomorrow...

On my way...

2010-03-24T09:18:00.000-04:00

to the rest of a busy busy week.

I can't wait to see so many of my awesome accounts!

The view from my office. (because my office is my car.... )

:::ATTENTION PLEASE:::

2010-03-23T22:56:00.000-04:00

Hey- So I noticed that I have eleven followers. I'd like to have more. Because ultimately I want to connect with the whole world in some meaningful way.

On one hand, I'd like to make the sad happy, the happy happier, and the lonely feel that they are not alone. I'd like to mull over ways to make the world better with like minded bohemian thinkers such as myself in plush pillowed tents with colorful drapes, amber and incense wafting about as we smoke hookah and drink mint tea and snack on halvah and honeyed almonds. I want to hear the sitar and chimes. I want to be a part of the collective good will and love that I know outweighs and out muscles the seemingly petulant dark elements in this world.

While on the other hand I want to fight big corporations who are stepping on the little guy. I want to scream and be heard. I'd like my message of hope to go to those who have lost theirs. I want to comfort the sad and let them know that I care, even if it seems that the world has gone black. I'd like to make a small child know that they hold the love and power of the entire universe in their laughter.One day I'd like to make mother nature know how much I appreciate her and how she never fails to delight and inspire me.

I want to save trees, and show people that they should relish the nutrients and goodness in the soil. I'd like to move the worms from puddles onto muddy grass so they can go back home and not drown. I want to bring food to the hungry masses who have never seen more food than they could eat placed before them. I want to help lost souls find a place to call home.

Where there is a dark shadow of fear, I want to bring comfort and light. Where there is anger and hate, I'd like to show compassion and friendship. In the echoing silence I want there to be music and song....I want to paint the world and reveal that there is beauty and grace in almost every corner of every moment.

I'd like to follow, and be followed.

nyc love, 3/2010

my sweet baboo and I, 3/2010

Morgan Park, 12/2010

Lace Hydrangea 7/2009

Rose, 6/2009

not much to say today....

2010-03-23T10:58:00.000-04:00

Is it Friday yet?

POWERFUL

2010-03-22T16:27:00.001-04:00

You know how this world is great big and bad? And it can seem overwhelming when you're lost in the shuffle of life?

Just know that you are very very very POWERFUL. It doesn't take more than true intent, and focus and a moment to meditate on what you want- if you put your energy towards making it happen, it will.

The reason why I am sharing this brief and vague post can't really be shared rightthisverysecond....however in time I'll explain. Just remember, your thoughts and will are very very powerful, so be careful what you wish for.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

More Spring-ness!

2010-03-20T10:33:00.001-04:00

I can't get enough! Between the birds, and flowers and bees! This is a great start to a great spring!

By the way, Cardinals are super aggressive! I suppose there was a nest near by because they were almost dive-bombing me! It was intense. But I got a few interesting shots and went on my merry way. Hope you like them!

Spring Crocus!

2010-03-19T08:41:00.000-04:00

This Saturday is the First day of SPRING! It's amazing how a little bit of warmth, and a little bit of sun seems to make the whole world bloom into color and love...

...Origins of Sara-Wildflower....

2010-03-09T21:05:00.002-05:00

So my non-blog-name is Sara.

When I was a little girl (and now...) I LOVED flowers. While they're referred to as weeds, dandelions, clover, "purples", and goldenrod were daily props when I played out-doors in Ohio. My huge backyard served as host to them, as well as some idle heather flowers and buttercups. My favorite flowers would adorn my head in a wreathy crown, and others would make their way into a stew brewed up by myself and and friends when we were playing "cooking show".

Once while driving with my grandparents, I had grown tired of playing with my car toys (pocket connect four with my then 3 year old brother wasn't working- he kept winning!), and I noticed that there was a GREAT abundance of flowers on the side of the road. Bright amethyst purples! Golden yellows! Screaming pinks!! I was in heaven...Now this all goes back to a few things about me: I was a total spoiled princess when I was a kid. Not like "here's a pony 'Precious, go have fun"...but if I wanted something reasonable- I got it. Just because I knew how to ask, and was coincedentally charming as a fox! Also as a person who was born an artist- color does something to me- as a child there was no way for me to communicate it- but I NEEDED color. Often I'd use grass and dandilions to stain my keds white shoes in different patterns...Back to the car.

So these great big fiels on the side of the road had me so excited! I couldn't take it any longer and asked my grandpa to pull over so I could pick flowers. First he laughed- and said we were almost to our destination. Then my grandma made a joke about bugs being all over them and that I didn't 'need' those flowers and kept knitting. And I asked again- nicely. Also adding that my mom lets me pick flowers all the time. And yet again my request was met with a no, and a kind joke. So, the fact that I was very wound up about these flowers, and a bit of a brat who just got told no-TWICE; I sort of freaked out. When the story is retold I said a few different things but I remember saying something to the effect of : "IF YOU DON'T LET ME OUT SO I CAN GET FLOWERS I WILL THROW MYSELF OUT THE WINDOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" At a freakishly high decible and legs flailing. FULL OUT TANTRUM. Yeah, that was me. Charming as ever...
My poor grandparents didn't know what to do, so they caved (mind you at this point my brother who was sleeping woke up asked if we were on the side of the road b/c I had to pee...). I literally picked ONE golden rod, ONE daisy , and ONE queen annes lace. Later that evening when telling my mom about the days events (while I slept happily with the wilted bouquet in a plastic hotel cup of water next to me)- my mom filled them in on a little secret- She called me (and still does- much to my liking actually) Sara Wildflower and let me run through fields to pick flowers. Yes...I was a hippie even as a kid. And in Ohio it wasn't hard to find fields that had tons of flowers.So she'd stop on the side of the road for me.

So flash forward about 21 years. You'll notice that the majority of my photos are of flowers. This is because something inside of me NEEDS them. And I can't very well (as a sane, rational adult) take them all with me. I can't always pull over to pick goldenrods (though I did once, and there was an enormous weird bug on it that I didn't notice until it was flying around my car...lesson learned. I'm not going to do that anymore). So the second best way (actually the first best way since I don't have to kill them to keep them) for me to feed my drive for flora is to take their picture. So you get to know a little bit about one of the few nicknames my mom has for me, as well as why 97% of the pictures I post are of flowers.

Me, posing with my loves...

Flowers are amazing and whenever people ask me to choose my favorite I am just comepletey unable to even pick one. Orchids are so exotic and luscious...their scent is positively delicious. Yet at the same time a simple daisy can make me smile and make a day better in an instant.

Oh where is my time? (picture heavy)

2010-03-09T09:41:00.001-05:00

I wanted to share some pictures that make me happy, since I can't sit down to really write much this morning.

Spring is almost here and I am so ready for it! That smell of freshness, and sense that everything is about to pop.

Also, if you aren't already reading her blog, check it out! whosthatgamine.blogspot.com. She's a ray of sunshine so it's a nice compliment to our beautiful day in NY.

Enjoy your day.... I'm off to make the most of mine! :)

Tuesday photos...

2010-03-03T10:19:00.001-05:00

Brooklyn, March 2010

...and the many faces of Samson...

Samson, sepia March, 2010

Look! Spring is coming! Spring is coming!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday...

And back to my original point.

2010-03-01T13:03:00.002-05:00

This will not be fluffy. You have been warned. There will be many links.

Here is why ORGANIC neesd to be the new normal. Here is why MONSANTO is shamelessly and viciously raping our mother. Mother Nature.

Yeah, I said it, and it's true. See below for some links that tell some stories that aren't an urban legend, and aren't exaggerations. It's the bloody nightmare that is Monsanto. Click this link to take you to the seemingly benign website for Monsanto.

http://www.monsanto.com/

And here is a link to their brands, so when you're driving, and you see these little signs next to the crops you'll know you are looking not at the yield of beautiful crops nurtured by nature, and the earth- but a science project destined to kill us all in the end.

http://www.monsanto.com/products/brands.asp
They blatantly lie and spread mis-information about SUSTAINABLE farming?! Anf dskmgnds893wru32984ytqrui(*@T$E(*#YHREWJ BULLSHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is nothing sustainable about Monsanto. They are making people sick. They are harming the soil of these farms. They are bankrupting small farmers who won't capitulate and use their seeds. Even worse, they are SUING farmers who due to cross pollination have the genetic MUTANT BASTARD SEEEDS in their crops on accident. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr. There is something primal in my hatred for this company. They are harming the planet and our nation, along with the other countries who allow them to sell their demon seeds. I am livid. This is why I promote local, organic and true sustainability.

Below are some links to stories about this horrific company. (from one of my favorite websites- ecosalon)

http://www.ecosalon.com/soy-powerful-how-monsanto-pushes-genetically-modified-soybeans-on-unwilling-consumers/
This link from the same site discusses a film about the company that discusses farmers in India who kill themseves as a result of the business tactics of this VILE corporation.

http://www.ecosalon.com/the_world_according_to_monsanto/

http://www.ecosalon.com/organic-center-report-gmo-crops-require-more-chemicals-to-combat-weeds/

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/learn/inspiredprotagonist/monsanto-evil-company

This is how i plan to revolutionize. I don't buy conventional if I can avoid it. The conventional I DO buy is local and from small farms that use real sustainable practices. Not huge farms innundated by this harmful terrible company.

The change I want to see is people being concientous about where there foods comes from; I want people to take a stand against big businesses and make companies that are harmful pay the prices. I am trying to be the change I wish to see in the world.

It's unfortunate that in todays day and age where people have access to so much information, that we still fall into the patterns of ignorance and complacency. Whats even worse is that corporations like this are manipulating where more than just our fruits and vegetables and fatty, inhumanely raised, corn fed beef come from; they also shape our health. There are miniroties (and the majority of people suffering from ill health as a result of a poor diet ARE minorities) who have no access to healthy, organic foods. They have no choice but to eat what is government subsidized. This puts them at a greater risk of diet related illnesses such as high blood pressure, obesity and more commonly, diabetes. A great blog about this is yet again, Jessica my friend who is a fellow food (among many other things) activist. Her most recent blog does discuss this in depth. Food injustice is something that not many of us have to deal with but it's a very harsh reality that exists.

Please choose organic- it's better for the world, better for you, and it sends a message. While it may seem subtle, it's loud and clear. When you vote with your dollar you don't mix any messages. Loud and clear let the big businesses know that they are messing with the wrong consumers, and do NOT want their science projects in their bodies!!

More food pictures!

2010-03-01T10:34:00.002-05:00

So as promised here are the remaining photos from my winter feast. Though to be honest I made these yesterday.

The first is the prep and finished product for the garlicky, carrot ginger soup. And then the "kitchen-sink" quinoa. I didn't have all the ingredients I wanted originally, but luckily had some other items on hand...

First I cut and trimmed the carrots. So yummy. I find that organic carrots always taste a bit sweeter...If I'm just eating them I don't always peel them, and will just give a through washing. When cooking for aesthetics I tend to peel them though,

Then I chopped some garlic. Every time I chop garlic I think of the scene in Goodfellas where the guys are in jail and they slice the garlic super think, with a razor blade. I love how certain scenes and moments ingrain themselves so much into ones mind...So yes, paper thin garlic...

Then as you can see below there is a ginger root that I freshly grated to give the soup that wonderful warmth and bite that ginger give to everything. A helpful hint, to keep fresh garlic from going bad, you can wrap it in a piece of tin foil, and put it in the freezer. It keeps amazingly well and for a very long time. Also, investing in a microplane is not only amazing for zesting citrus fruit and grating nutmeg and other spices, it works WONDERS on ginger. I used to peel it, and try to fine dice it- Meh, what a waste! Now I just use the microplane and it's wonderful!

Into the pan everything goes! I sautee with some walnut oil, and let everything come together. Not pictured was the additional spices I added: -cumin-clove-dried ginger (b/c you can never have too much!), salt and pepper to taste-smoked spanish paprika.

Once the flavors had mingled, I added some vegetable stock and let it cook down and concentrate. After about an hour I used a hand blender until it was smooth.

...Garnished with my carmelized balsamic onions from the other day...and voila! Yum! It was perfect and really delicious. I was really happy that I made this.

Then I prepped for the quinoa...More paper thin garlic! (you can never have too much garlic!)

Below are the beautuful button mushrooms...They're so cute. Is that bizarre to refer to a mushroom as cute?

And my modified mirepoix (which is usually carrots, onions and celery)- I've modified it to be red peppers, onion and carrots. Also some garlic.

Originally I had wanted to add some olives and sage to my quinoa, however my sage didn't look so great so I opted not to use it, and I had 3 olives left so I didn't even bother. Instead I opted for some pine nuts,apricots and figs. I'm really happy that I did that because it added a great contrast in flavor and texture.

Aprictots always reminded me so much of jewels (when they're sulfured, when they're not they're still delicious, however they take on ear-like-properties look wise...). Below is a photo of the fig that I cut into. Looks just like a heart! Just another reminder that LOVE is everywhere.... :)

So I toasted my pine nuts, the flavor is almost three times what it is when they aren't toasted. There is something that heat does to a lot of nuts and the oils that brings out such magnificent flavors when they're toasted.

Toasty....

So then I sauteed my mirepoix, and mushrooms until they were nicely cooked- As you can see this pan that I was using is quite seasoned. It was the hubs pan from when he had his deli. Amazing the abuse kitchen supplies take! I digress...

I decided to sautee the garlic sperately so that it could get the attention it deserves. Often I find that when you just throw garlic into a pan with other ingredients it doesn't always get to brown and get nice and sweet. Usually b/c of onions and mushrooms that have a lot of water that gets released.

Then in another pan I toasted my quinoa. A lot of people just cook it as is, however when you toast it, there is another level of flavor thats added. Really delicious.

So once the quinoa was toasted, I added 2 c of water (to 1 c. dry quinoa) and a tsp of salt and pepper, and I let it come to a boil. After it boiled I brought the temperature down to a simmer and covered for about 16 minutes. After it was cooked I combined the rest of the ingredients, and there you have it.

Yum!

Once and a while I go on these cooking jags and I can't stop. So from time to time there are going to be heavy picture posts with food and recipes. I love cooking for people, and having get togethers- Which is a main reason why I a) want a restaurant and b) can't wait to have a home large enough to host dinner parties and causal get togethers. One of these days soon!

Also...

2010-02-28T13:01:00.001-05:00

I'm side-blogging about training for my first race and beyond...please follow me and leave any insight and comments. Thanks!

http://notsofastbuddy.blogspot.com

Follow up food pictures:

2010-02-27T09:53:00.001-05:00

So yesterday I mentioned all of this cooking I'd be doing. Below are the pictures from that adventure. Soup and quinoa are being made today so those picture will be up tomorrow. (Or later, whichever I fancy!)

First I baked the potatoes with some salt, pepper and walnut oil (b/c it doesn't scorch and become a carcinogen like olive oil when heated too high)

Then I scooped out the potato!

Chopped some garlic (you can never have too much, I used 3 cloves total)

washed and chopped my spinach...

And KALE! (LOVE kale!!)

(ah...Spinach and Kale make me happy!!)

After I sauteed the greens and garlic, I mixed them with some sage, sea salt and pepper...

Then I stuffed my potatoes, and put them back in the oven for 20 min.

Then I chopped a red and white onion for the balsamic onions...

Sauteed in walnut oil, with s&p

added balsamic vinegar...

Yummm....caramelized balsamic onions are amazing.

This was the honey lime mustard glaze I used for the salmon.

added some broccoli, and VOILA!

Dinner is served.

(and below is my Coconutty/Oaty/Berrybake!)

Gosh I love [healthy yummy] food

Another snowy day ...

2010-02-26T14:16:00.000-05:00

What does one find themselves doing on another snowy day?

I'm lucky enough to have had an office day today so no missed work (except for when I am blogging on my lunch break...Now I have to eat while I work!).

Currently I'm trying to organize my messy desk, prepare soup (garlicky ginger carrot-YUM! I'll be sure to post pictrures). The best part of the soup is going to be the carmelized balsamic onions that I use for garnish. SO EXCITED!
My favorite foods are vegetables and I find that this time of year it's so hard when the local selections are slim to none and even the kale is less hearty than I'd like. I mean, it's not easy for me to choose produce that was farmed half a world away. It makes me feel so guilty. Such a catch-22 you know?

Aside from that I'm setting up my side-blog. I'll be blogging for the next two weeks about my journey towards my first race. I'll be posting when I train, how I train, the emotions behind it. Thats a big part because I'm coming from a place where the only time I ran was if I was being chased! Ha- so much for that attitude. It's kind of scary coming out of my comfort zone- I've changed my whole body chemistry (I am quite alkaline, where as in my earlier 20's acidic acidic acidic. Feh.) as well as my attitude towards fitness; but running a race is something I've never done. I'm just not that competitive- with one exception. I compete with myself. And thats what this is really about. Getting over road blocks, getting over myself, and getting to the finish line. Ooh, thats a really good "about" line. Maybe I'll use that.

In other news, I am planning on using this weekend to set up my etsy shop, work on some paintings, greeting cards, and clear up my studio space. Busy but boring I suppose. There are also a myriad of care packages that need to be sent out. These are the fun parts of my life.

Samson, ready to take on the snow!

winter wonderland...

STOP! Hehe...

I love how the red pops!

This almost looks like fjords, and a murky icy river....

My avocado tree's point of view

My friends change the world

2010-02-25T21:38:00.001-05:00

If somebody was to ask you what your most prized posession was, what would your answer be? A family heirloom? Photos from the past? An award of some sort?

Well, if you ask me what my most prized posession was, I'd have to say that I have many (and wont' choose just one becauseyoucantmakemenononono!)....and aside from my most absolutely final 100% first answer being my soul (as it's the only thing you can really possess) I have to say my many dear excellent friends. Old ones, new ones. It's amazing how blessed I am to know the stellar human beings that I do. Kind, generous, beautiful, wild, creative, amazing people who are accompanying me in my life.

One in particular needs to be called out. Jessica R. Now we've known each other...almost 5 years. Maybe a little more or less- I don't know the exact awesome date that we met- but it was an awesome day. And like all friends we've had disagreements, and don't always share the exact point of view; luckily though we usually do and completely agree that the world needs a REVOLUTION, and it'll most likely be though food. She's a [LEVEL 9] vegan and has basically committed her life to making it better. For 9-5 she's a social worker and all the time she's an artist.Now this awesome girl Jessica- She is really changing the world. She's my most favorite vegan (even more so than Alecia Silverstone), and a sick writer. Not ill/sick feeling bad- but SICK like her words are like precious jewels strung together to create an abundance of treasure that is her knowledge, compassion and ability to make anyone feel empowered. She has a blog (posted on the bottom of my blog, Mother Earth R.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.S.), and is a writer for Change.org (here is a link to her most recent contribution).
I am so proud of her, and honored to call her my dear friend.

Of course there are SO many of my friends whom I could blather on about who are also incredibly talented, kind, and do amazing things for the world- but is it selfish if I say that my friends(each and every single one) is special to me because of how happy they make me, and how much they make me smile and laugh?

In other news I am happily gluten free right now. Here is a link on why gluten is not so great to eat...
While I am not a Celiac, gluten, is like glue....who wants that in their body? I just feel better. I mean, yeah bread is great but not better than how I feel.
But of course I know that while I have made this change, there are plenty of others that can be made as well. In the past few days I've been feeling overwhelmed- I'm less lazy so more things are getting done but I really need some time to create and work on some projects that have been on the back burner. One of them is a collection of paintings using mixed media as a critique on the world around me....as well as seeing if my town is able to start a composting project with schools. I hope it's feasible b/c there are so many great things that can trickle down from there. All in due time I suppose.

TO conclude I have started my 2 week crash training for a 5 mile race. It's my first one and I'm scared actually. But it's cool. Things that are scary are often scary because they force you to grow and challenge you to rise out of your current state. So I'm excited too.

I'd like to post this link to Jessica's most recent blog. She's a mind blowing talented writer who expresses her thoughts brilliantly. Please read, and subscribe. I adore her. What she's talking about was what I initially started my blog to do. I wanted to share ideas in a similar vein- somehow I got sidetracked.

My point- this is it: http://saynotobarbie.wordpress.com/

Being fabulous without being an asshole...

2010-02-17T18:52:00.000-05:00

Is there a middle ground in consumerism? Because like most Americans I have that part of my brain that WANTS, that has a constant case of the "gimmes". In reality it's THIS mentality that has us looking like global assholes. We've(by we I mean we Americans) have dug ourselves into global debt, big business debt, and personal debt(due to 17 year olds getting credit cards. Really? Kids that age shouldn't even have control of their penises and vaginas! Credit card? Who's bright idea is that?!) and into a reputation of being pigs (you know, neo-colonialism is the trend in big countries apparently). And the comparison to pigs isn't in the kind way. Its in the gluttonous way. Yuck. And with the ideal of obtaining "fabulocity" through the acquisition of fanciful, over priced, made-by-the-slave-labor-hands-of children, items- it's near impossible to be fabulous without being an asshole. Really, it's sad because when you work hard, and you want something nice, sometimes you don't want to go to a thrift store. How do you get a bat mizvah dress or a dress for a fancy occasion at a second hand shop? SOME vintage shops will have some amazing gowns, and coture dresses- but thats few and far between when it comes to occasion shopping. I often find amazing pieces that are gorgeous, timeless AND quality coture dresses ONLY when I am piss poor broke, or when I have no reason to buy it. So again, my question, how can you be fabulous and NOT an asshole?

My conclusion: It is not your possessions that make you fabulous. No matter what the gorgeously photographed glossy magazines say, and no matter what the pin-thin models are wearing- Fabulous needs to come from within. Fabulous is in the joy, and love, and happiness you bring to every moment. It's the way you make OTHER people feel. So I'll get over my gimmes. Maybe I'll buy something fancy that I'll have to assume doesn't come from a sweat shop filled with 7 year olds.

So without Christian Louboutin heels***, (the ones that are linked there are ones that I kind of cry with joy from looking and THESE and THESE) and without the Diane von Furstenburg dresses that the asshole fabulous part of me aches to wear...I WILL be my OWN FABULOUS!

(***Note: While I don't wear heels often, if I'm going to wear them I want them to be fierce and worth it)

Stream of conciousness part eleventybillion

2010-02-13T09:57:00.000-05:00

One day I'm going to own my own cafe/lounge/gallery space- open mic nights, emerging artists, and good food all in one place. At night it'll be a lounge. Yum.
I want to do voice over work. I can do a myriad of funny, childlike voices. And I'm pretty good at it. I just have to figure out how you do something like that.
This year I'm going to have my photos in a gallery. I don't know how to do that either but it's going to happen.
I want to have a baby.
I want to lose my last 15 lbs. Why won't they budge? I do all of the plateau breaking moves and then nada. And no I don't have a thyroid/hormone issue. I've been checked. I'm going to get over it b/c I'm actually in pretty good shape. Size 4 is nothing to complain about.
Sometimes I want to be mean, but my conscious won't let me. The few times that I am mean I feel like I've lowered myself to the level of the people I'm upset with.
as much as I hate dairy products, and won't eat them if I can, I eat Pinkberry, and I LOVE it. It's my treat once a month. Not for PMS. Just because I like it.
Currently, I am in the middle of 20+ art projects. Paintings, fabric art, collages, and numerous marketing strategies.
There really is no such thing as true altruism because I get such a high off of starting groups to help raise money and making donations.
When my girlscout cookies come this year I'm going to donate them all to a foodbank. Because I WON'T eat them.
I like my dog more and more every day. He's really funny, and tough and has swagger. Not a lot of neutered dogs have swagger- he does.
It'd be nice to pick up and leave. Just go somewhere really different and not tell anyone. I was thinking about Vancouver BC. And not because of the Olyimpics.
The Olympics make me cry because it brings the world together for a positive reason.
Secretly I want to play the violin. And I want to practice the clarinet more regularly. I was going strong for a few weeks.
In my heart of hearts I know that it'll always be ok, and when I see people worry and complain I want to tell them how silly they're being but I know that they'll only resent me for it.
Having a baby will be awesome. I'm not scared of pain or anything, even though I'm going to do it hippy dippy home style. No hospital for me. Yuck. Not if I can avoid it.
I feel that in the next 15 years that there will be many social revolutions, and things will get much much better- despite the paranoid naysayers.
I laugh when people get freaked out about 2012, because it's all hype, and it's people who are ignorant, bastardizing yet another cultural misunderstanding for profit.
When people are heavy and do nothing about it I don't feel bad for them.
Those who hurt animals intentionally should have to volunteer at animal shelters, and "volunteer" at an abattoir.
I'd love to go into politics one day, because I know that I could make a diffrence.
Not in an obnoxious way, but I know when people are jealous of me, and I don't care. It's not because I'm better, it's because they don't have enough respect for themselves to not compare. I'm the best me there is, but I'm not better than anyone else.
Meditation, while rare for me, is the closest I've ever gotten to enlightenment.
Just being able to breathe, is a miracle.

Cupcakes are awesome, and I make the best I've ever had. Period. Speaking of cupcakes, my alias are: BaronessVonCupcake and Princess Dynamite.
Taking pictures is the closest I've gotten to therapy in a long time. And I really like my pictures and am happy that I take great pictures. And while I want to be humble, I also want to be proud of myself.
Lately all I've wanted was for it to be spring and summer. I want summer berries, watermelon and to go out to the East End.

Tiger Lilly, summer 2009

Zinnia bud, summer 2009

pink flowers, summer 2009

honey bee, summer 2009

We all...

2010-02-10T22:43:00.000-05:00

SING THE SAME SONG!!!

If you click the link above, you'll be brought to a you tube clip of not only one my favorite songs, but one of my favorite messages. Thank goodness for Sesame Street!

As a very young child (4, 5 years old?) this message came through loud and clear and has stuck with me. No matter what our differences are: location, tax bracket, cultural identity, racial identity, political view, feelings on Leno vs. Letterman, WE ARE ALL THE SAME. Really we are. It's easy to judge, and scream, and "hate on" others when you let little differences get in the way.

So how do we forget these lessons as adults? I know there are plenty of kids who have seen this clip, and know this song but are still asses. Closed minded asses. And even worse- there are generations of adults, world leaders, government officials, who have a terrible mind set about other people. Whats crazy, is there is a church or house of worship right now speaking to the exact opposite of this message. Somewhere the name of God is being used to instill hate, and fear and bigotry. How terrible right?

Thats where we (by we, I mean the good people who are out there. The good people that I know actually out number the bad) all come in . It's up to the enlightened people to send love, and operate on a higher plane.
A lot of the people I know who are negative, and seem to have the weight of the world on their shoulders- THEY are the ones who need love. The people who stress you out the most- THEY are the ones who need kindness.

Thats going to be something for me to work on remembering. I'll have to listen to a certain song a few more times, and hopefully (if I get the time) I can meditate on the concept of having love for the people who are least lovable. Wish me luck :).

All good things...

2010-02-08T20:54:00.002-05:00

This past December I had a piece of artwork in a gallery for the first time ever! It was quite exciting, and I am looking forward to having another gallery soon.

In this showing, it was a 6x6 canvas (hence the name of the SixbySix gallery!). Everyone who bought the kit created a piece of art and as long as it was submitted by the deadline it'd get to be up in the gallery for a month, and then on the website for 3 months. Pretty exciting(for me at least!).

Here is a link to the galleries website: http://store.6x6gallery.com/

AND here is the piece I had in it:

It's entitled 'Key to the City', and was inspired by my friend Reid. And even though I don't see him often he had an impact on me. He's just so bright, and talented. I'm so lucky to know him and all of my amazingly talented and kind friends.

So whats next creatively? I have been working on a few sample pieces to send to a boutique in Saratoga! I'm almost done- and just have to make my tags and attach them. It'll be fabric art- and I'll make sure to post them when they are ready to be sent (the tags are my favorite part I think!). Hopefully it'll catch on and then I can focus on making backstock and setting up either an etsy page, or selling direct to shops here in the city.

Of course there's the matter of other things that were on a previously blogged about list: Clarinet/Burlesque/Improv etc.

All in a matter of time.

Thats the thing, I have so much happening in my head all at once- it's like a juggling act. Sometimes something falls out of the loop, but eventually I'll pick it up again.

And then to top all that off- I'm planning a mini trip to California. I can't stay away. Not at all....Why is that. There is something about being on the West Coast that makes me so happy. I'll keep you posted.

These are a few of my favorite things: BROOKLYN

2010-02-02T18:25:00.007-05:00

I've been away from blogging for a while, and really missed it. Not that I havent' been busy with all sorts of fun randomness.

Some of my time spent while being busy with work is also a whole lot of awesome. For example, I get to go to one of my favorite boroughs: BROOKLYN!

Brooklyn- a.k.a. Kings, is part of the island that is considered Long Island, as is it's neighboring (and where I hail from) borough of Queens. However, both Brooklyn and Queens are most definitely NOT part of Long Island proper (where I currently, but not permanently, live).

So between my appointments for work I get a chance to take advantage of the restaurants, coffee/tea/thrift shops, and boutiques in the area.

Gorilla Coffee: They are simple and delicious. They are an independently owned and operated entity. No corporate nastiness there. Also, they roast all their beans on sight. I've since stopped drinking coffee regularly, but when I am in the area you best believe that I'll be treating myself to some top notch, non-corporate coffee.

Then there is my most FAVORITE thrift shop ever! Beacons Closet .

There are multiple locations (one of which is across from the Brooklyn Brewery, stop by, it's a fun little tour!), and always ALWAYS a treasure buried amongst the forever 21, and urban outfitters castaways. They buy used clothing as well- So for example- Lets say that you bought (and over paid for!) a beautiful coat two years ago. It was trendy, and over priced and now you gained/lost a few lbs- and no matter what you try or do, the love is gone. Well, don't fret!You can march down to Beacons Closet and sell it for a decent price AND do some great shopping as well. I myself found an awesome 80's red striped Lacoste polo. For what? Not $75/55 dollars (ABOUT what they're sold for at Nordstrom right?). Yeah, I bought it for 10 dollars. AND the alligator patch is still in tact. LOVE IT!!! If you're ever in Brooklyn, check it out. It's worth the time it takes to weed through the weird and wily items to find your prize. Another reason to love them is because they do donate some of their profits to local causes. I love them.

Another quaint spot that I adore, and don't have pictures of is The Clay Pot. I've gotten many gifts for people here, and have an extensive wish list of things that I hope to be given one day as well. Whats great is that these items are hand crafted by some of the countries best jewelry artisans who have names, and faces- Not soulless baubles on an assembly line, but in a real studio. They're beautiful pieces and I can't wait to go back!

http://www.clay-pot.com

A few other places that I must make mention of are:
For CHOCOLATE-GOODNESS

http://www.cocoabarnyc.com/

http://www.thechocolateroombrooklyn.com/

For VEGANY/VEGETARIAN goodness:

http://www.spreadvegan.com/

http://www.redbamboobrooklyn.com/
For French Bistro-y goodness: *AMAZING Brunch. SO good*

http://www.bartabacny.com/index.html

And TEA and coziness galore:

Tea Lounge

And some newer things that I'd like to add to my list of favorites (and they don't specifically fit in with the theme of BROOKLYN, but I wanted to add them anyway...)

*Impromptu snow days*

*Toasted Nori*

SO TASTY DELICIOUS!! You can get it at Hmart .

My affinity to shop isn't always in line with my desire to make the world a better place- so as often as I can, I'll show thrift stores and consignment shops. You'll get great deals, on great clothes- AND you won't be contributing to slave labor, outsourced job etc.

And all of that leads me to a point that I'd like to make. I started this blog for a certain purpose and I find that it's seemingly gotten lost. Not entirely, but I need to make something clear-You see, from my point of view and as I have already mentioned, you vote with your dollar. And when I spend my votes/dollars at local, small, privately owned businesses I tell the global economy that is what I want. MORE small, local, privately owned businesses. Now I am far from perfect because Hmart is primarily products that are NOT local/small- HOWEVER the majority of my votes/dollars are aimed to say that. I wanted to acknowledge that some of my posts will be politically themed, some will be fluff, and some will be a mixture.

So one way to make a statement is to focus on locally grown, sustainably sourced, products. Of course there isn't always time or an opportunity to do that- but just being conscientious and making an effort will get us closer to peaceful revolution.

C'est la vie

2010-01-14T10:22:00.000-05:00

Life is wonderful...the suffering, the joy, the pain, the pleasure. It's all a miraculous balancing act and I LOVE IT.

So the past few weeks I've been busy with work and a whole lot of playing catch up from my time off. That's always the case I find. So work work work and some play still makes me happy. Things in my my life are great.

The same can not be said for the people of Haiti. It's a shame that people have to suffer that kind of disruption in their lives, but it's an unfortunate reminder for everyone who is able to have a computer screen in front of them and most likely some kind of snack at their disposal that we are all so truly blessed. If you are interested in helping a few links are:

Habitat for Humanity.

www.habitat.org/Haiti-Earthquake

This is the organization that Wyclef Jean (formerly of the Fugees) created to help the already impoverished nation of

Haiti

. It's focus right now is on helping in relief efforts and providing real time information. I'm impressed because this man uses his money and noteriety for making a difference, and not getting a reality tv show and pimping his ride. Thank goodness. The vapid shallowness that has become an epidemic in this world is getting OLD. Fast. So I am pleased to share this link as well.

www.yele.org

And then there is the Red Cross.
www.redcross.org

And today's busy schedule doesn't really allow me to say much more. It's not an interesting blog entry. However I hope that it gives you an opportunity to help others. Which quite frankly is much more important than any blog. Even Perez Hiltons.

My next entry WILL however be filled with some really exciting and interesting tid-bits. I'm really happy to share all about it when I have more time. Stay tuned..

Whoa what was that?!

2010-01-05T21:36:00.000-05:00

With the festivities of the holiday season behind me...and of course the starry eyed proclaimations of what will be for the year ahead I just have to say that I am throughly exhausted.

I think that the next substantial blog will have to be in the next few days. Until then...

Autumn, 09

Being busy as a bee makes me have all the more respect for the little guys. Here is some good news for them!

Yay!

Last of the Year

2009-12-31T01:32:00.003-05:00

So 2009, you were hated by many of my contemporaries. Loved by very few.

Well you know what? I'm kind of indifferent towards you.

I can tell you that the last half of 2008 (right after October-) was not a good year. I lost a really special person, and that loss even more profoundly destroyed one of my most dear friends lives. She didn't deserve that.
So when 2009 came into town, I was looking forward to it.

But really 2009 you were a vanilla year. I saw a steady, horizontal, flow of experiences. There were many more good times- nothing really BAD happened. The good things entailed a nice surprise regarding work- which in turn made me really love my job that much more than I already had. Also I had the opportunity to make some great new friends, and get closer to other people whom I had not previously been actual friends with. In August the hub and I took a nice vacation to California...And the holiday season, while whirlwind in it's come-and-gone madness, was pretty nice. Actually it was better than nice because I was able to connect in a nice way to so many of my family members. Somewhere along the way family has become really important to me and having so many chances to see people who are so important to me was a great experiences.

I suppose 2009, that you were a good year- for me at least.

But that isn't really good enough. I want a STELLAR 2010. Some goals (no, not resolutions- because for me a resolution is incredibly cliche, and really I have higher hopes than just an average resolution).

Some things that are on my agenda.

1) Clarinet lessons. Yeah, I'm not kidding. I'm signing up on Monday to be part of a Clarinet Choir, supplemented by a private lesson every other week. As mentioned in a previous blog, I WILL play 'Rhapsody in Blue'.

2) Burlesque classes/Pin-up photo shoot. I don't know why I'm so drawn to the brassiness of Burlesque. Maybe because I am not conventionally beautiful, and that style of 'tease' is more in line with my "look"? I don't know...The pin-up photo shoot is just for shits and giggles. I don't want to over think that one. Oh yeah, and it's all fun and silly stuff to be a part of. And one day when I tell my grandkids to LIVE their LIVES! and not let the little petty stuff get to them, I'll have the brass to back up my balls!

3) Improv classes. For a while I've wanted this. And while between work, and clarinet lessons, and the gym and art work, and having a life this might be hard to work in- I'll make it happen. Perhaps in the spring once I've done a few other things on my list. Plus I'm kind of funny. It'd be nice to see if I can move that to ACTUALLY funny.

4) Travel to Portland. I have an awesome friend who lives there and has invited me out many times- As soon as I can find a weekend, and get a flight- I'm there. Not only is it a great city for picture taking, I hear the food, culture and nightlife are spectacular! Also in general I'd like to travel EVERYWHERE. For now I'll start with Portland.

5) Have my last birthday of my 20's in Vegas. That isn't really optional. I want to go out with a bang on this one. My partner in crime is even interested. We'll hopefully be able to nail that one down soon. SO scary by the way. A whole new decade? Whoa.

6) Read. A LOT more. And not just chick-lit and fluff (but I still want some of that...there is a third book in a trilogy that I'm reading with the third installment due out in June! Can't wait!). The classics are what the focus of this goal is. I want to be so enriched with literary masterpieces that I could teach a class. I crave it. If anyone has book suggestions I'll gladly take them. I plan to start with a few of my favorite books (that aren't really impressive since they're right off an 8th grade summer reading list- but whatever it's not Twilight (not that there's anything wrong with that either!), that I are definitely worth re-reading. 'Like Water for Chocolate', 'Brave New World' and 'The Great Gatsby'.

7) Find a cause to volunteer my time for. I am hoping to be really busy- but not so busy that I forget that it's important to "be the change'. Just saying that I want to volunteer is great, but doing it is WAY better. I am thinking that I'd like to volunteer a few times a month at a senior center. Maybe help with arts and crafts, or look into having Samson (my associate), be a visiting pet since most of these facilities don't allow their residents to have pets. He's so sweet and good with people it might be nice. Who knows.

8) Steadily practice yoga/meditation, not just a few times a week for 20 minutes.

Thats it for now, but it's all part of my plan to live a 'succulent' life. It starts now. My cousin- in- law threw that at me in an email and it's really resonating with me. It's part of a book that I'm planning on getting. I'll have to reference the book title/author so I can make sure to get a hold of a copy.

Morgan Park, 12.09

Yosemite National Park, 8.09

The Hub and a big pine cone on the way to Yosemite, 8.09

Redwoods, Yosemite National Park, 8.2009

Redondo Beach CA, 8.09

Los Angeles CA, 8.09

San Francisco, CA (Haight/Ashbury), 8.09

Photo by the Hub, Chinatown SF, CA 8.09

Losing your way, and coming back again...

2009-12-26T09:47:00.000-05:00

Lets make one thing clear-

I am a work in progress.

That is all.

For now.

my leg, summer 09.

Pictures from Cookies/Samson's new Do'/Snowday!

2009-12-21T19:07:00.000-05:00

Cookie baking can be fun- Especially when you know that they're being sent off to people who will particularly appreciate them. This is the follow up to the last blog.

Pictures below of the Oatmeal Cookies, my awesome dog Samson's new haircut, and the heaps of snow we got this past weekend. Enjoy!

Above: Fresh whole spices: Star Anise, Carsdamom seeds, Cinnamon and Cloves- I had extra pre-ground from another recipe so I threw that in...Below is the mix...smells divine!

Below is the whole wheat flour, salt and baking soda, and then below that is the earth balance and sugar...not so interesting.

Then the oats! Yummy oaty goodness!

Oaty....yum.

Sugar and spice and everything nice....

Doughballs!!!

Finished product. Yum! Also, really pretty (if I do say so myself...)

And here is my fuzz face. First to pictures are "before" shots.

And here he is all nice and groomed! Super cutie!

He's a spunky little guy. :)

As you can see, from one of the pictures above, there was a lot of snow this past weekend. It's December, we're in the Western Hemisphere in the North East part of North America- that means Winter weather! It's going to snow at some point. People behave like maniacs. I had to go to the market to get ingredients for my cookies and what not- people were stockpiling food and batteries like it was going to be the storm of the century!

Oh well, I suppose with the media-madness making everyone fuss and worry it's to be expected. Here are some shots I got on Sunday (which was cold, but absolutely beautiful!)

Glen Cove Mansion, 12.09

The hub and I. Being silly. 12.09

Pyrbil Beach, 12.09

I happen to really love the beach during the winter. There isn't a specifically different look, aside from the fact that sometimes there is snow and or ice, and it's almost always deserted. I just love it.

This week is Christmas week, so there is very little I can do with work, So I have some time to continue practicing my clarinet and crafting. Once I'm totally done with my cookie baking, I will move on to painting and crocheting. And somehow I'll fit in time to organize my office.

While I'm sure that I'll get another opportunity to write more, if I don't I wish everyone a happy, and blessed Holiday.

Cookies, Crafties and Music oh- my! Also, doo-goodery.

2009-12-18T11:41:00.003-05:00

So I am baking today. Cookie baking(Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, Chai Spice, and Peanut Butter!).

All the cookies will be vegan. On my facebook I solicited to friends that if they were interested in having me send them cookies. I got about 6 people who were interested. Now I don't mind that the offer only got a lukewarm response. (Could you imagine of all 300 of my "friends" responded that they wanted cookies? I'd be poor from buying all of those supplies, and mailing them all out!! YIKES!)
But today will be so fun- I'm especially excited about making the chai spice cookies. It's a nice change from the usual sugar/butter holiday cookies(which are always ALWAYS awesome), but the spice keeps the theme intact.As mentioned in my last blog, this helps me heal. Usually doing for others does that. Also the smell of cookies baking in a warm house when it's particularly blustery outside always makes for a nice afternoon.

Speaking of doing for others...I have yet to actually volunteer. And it's on my radar- But really every opportunity to help out is inundated with holiday do-gooders. Which is awesome. But you know what? People are still homeless after Christmas. And still hungry after the New Year. I think that I can commit to once a month volunteering at both a homeless shelter (clothing or food assistance) and being a volunteer or companion at a Senior Center. But this is AFTER the dust settles from the Santa-suck ups. It don't want to have to wait in line to help people. I know that after the holidays there is a much greater need to help so I'm going to. I want to see if any of my friends would want to do that with me. Back in November my friend Jessica and I volunteered at the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. It was not only a lot of fun, but really rewarding. There are probably more than a few of my friends who'd like that feeling. We'll see.

*Just so this is known, I am only publicly discussing my intent to volunteer because putting it out there holds me accountable. Not that I wouldn't do it if I didn't say so on the internets- but things so easily get forgotten and put off. Generally it's tacky to parade around ones good deeds. And really, volunteering isn't so amazing. Everyone should do it so it's kind of akin to advertising that I washed my hands after I went to the bathroom.*

What a day...I'm also excited because of the Hanukkah party I'm going to later! There will be latkes and dreidel, and fun!! Michael and Jason (my hubs uncle and uncles husband) always have the most wonderful gatherings. The trek to Brooklyn is always worth it to be in there cozy and warm home. I'm bringing cider with mulling spices, a crudites, and my camera! Hmm, I wonder what I'm going to wear. (This is only half joking, I think that I am out of my autumn clothing and need to find my warmer Winter sweaters!)

So far on my list of to-do, I've practiced my clarinet for about 25 minutes. NOW I have to go to the market to buy some missing ingredients, and get to work. The day is starting to catch up with me and I refuse to be caught off guard like that!

Glen Cove, 11.09

Glen Cove 11.09

The life and times of a whirl-wind revolutionary

2009-12-17T21:08:00.003-05:00

Winter has set in.

The days are shorter, and colder. Bitter cold. Bone chillingly cold.

But that doesn't bother me. I am in the process of becoming something truly great and wonderful (what that is I don't know yet, but eventually it'll happen and I'll just know it!)
So the weather is never troublesome or upsetting to me . It's raining? Big deal- I'll get an umbrella and my galoshes. It's cold? I'll bundle up and make sure I have my tea. Human beings ability to adapt is what has kept us alive (amongst other things) for the past couple thousand years.

I am not letting this season get me down. It's not easy though because I am not immune to the down side of the season. I am more easily perturbed, more lazy, and definately a sucker for 'hibernating'. This isn't like the way a bear hibernates (waking in the springtime all svelt and ready to chow down). I'm talking no holds barred eating, and laying about. It's bad. Lately I've been eating a whole onslaught of terrible things and then just as soon as I have vowed to go to the gym, I fall into the worst kind of food coma. The television-food coma. All those great things on TV to DVR!!! Of course I need to watch them before the DVR gets full! OF COURSE.
For now none of it has shown up on my butt. And I suppose the few times I have made it to the gym *read: once a week*, have staved off the extra calories...But it's not about that. I'm a masochist who needs to get into tip top shape by January first. I'm running a 5 mile race. I've said it in too many public forums AND to my boss, and co-workers. Nothing will motivate you like having a blabber mouth and being a stickler for integrity.

Also, I miss my family. Not that I was ever a clingy home-body. I have a really solid relationship with both of my parents. Never one to over share, they don't know (or need to know) about some of the more detailed and interesting parts of my life (you know, the parts that make stories juicy, jokes funny, and most sailors blush....). But we're close never the less. The reason why I miss my family is because most of the time, I don't feel that I have one. And it's made me a bit cynical.My parents got divorced a little more than three years ago. It's fine, and they're better apart- but they both got remarried so fast, that I hardly have gotten used to them being apart. To make matters worse, I live really far from them both. My mom is 3 hours away, and my schedule doesn't allow for me to see her that often, and my dad is in Florida. Both of them have these new lives, and even though I'm grown- I miss having time together as a family. It's happened a few times, and it's be AWKWARD. Thats because of the new additions to their lives being there. Not that they aren't nice people- They just aren't my family.

So now when I see people getting married, I think to myself, "gee, it's either them or me who's getting divorced". Yuck right? I have to work at making that thought turn into something else. FAST. It's ok to feel negatively of course, but I send that right along. I need to burn some mental sage.

And now I have a plan to balance out all of this bear-like behavior. It is my CHOICE to not let the season (and sadness about my parents divorce) make me fussy and unpleasant. It's my choice to get closer and closer to ok with the twists and turns of my life.

Part of my revolution to change the world and make it better, includes changing myself and making ME better.

To change the world all you have to do it make choices. I am choosing to boycott certain companies (as you may have seen in a previous blog), and making certain food choices, to make the world better. To make myself better I am committing to living a colorful, and real life. I welcome all the blessings and interesting people and things that will come into my life. So be it. The next year is going to be life changing for certain. In a most positive way!!

On top of my photo-hunts (which will increase in frequency since I have taken some days off from work and plan on making excellent use of them), I will also be finishing more of my projects that have been stowed away for over a month. Finishing a few paintings, fabric projects ( a bunting inspired by a fellow blogger) crocheted cuffs jewelry, new years cards and finally getting a proper portfolio together. I always get so motivated, but lately something has been making me feel the need to 100% follow through. Which isn't always the case so it's a nice change.On top of that, I am going to aim to be a runner. Not because of the goal to run a marathon, but because it's not something that I had ever thought that I could do.
And I'm re-learning the clarinet. For the next few weeks, before I sign up for lessons I am practicing half an hour ever day. When I have proper lessons I will most likely practice for longer, but not every day. We'll see.

So part of my revolution is making time to heal myself. Not a bad step. It's important to take care of yourself, because if you don't who is going to? Sometimes it's not about healing, but enriching. Which is just as important. When you aren't wounded you still have to grow and better yourself.

Speaking of taking care of ones self, I took tomorrow off. Mostly so I can bake all sorts of goodies to send out to people. SO tonight I will make some holiday cards(why buy when you can hand make right?), and get the ingredients together for my bake-a-thon. Pictures to follow. AND tomorrow night I'm going to an awesome Hanukkah party (also pictures to follow).

DID SOMEBODY SAY PICTURES? See below for some more pictures from my portfolio.

Park Ave, 12.09

Technicolor Christmas, NYC 12.09

Riverside Park, 12.09

Multicolored, Broder house 11.09

Mucha, Broder House 11.09

old bones, Broder house, 11.09

Golden Nipple, Broder house, 11.09

Sea of LOVE <3

2009-12-17T19:29:00.000-05:00

The past few days have been a complete and total unabashedly overflowing SEA of LOVE!

And I'm not complaining!

Thursday, was my sister in laws birthday. Her favorite food is sushi and wanted that for dinner. So the Hub and my favorite place for sushi is Kotobuki in Roslyn. Not only is it the best sushi on Long Island, it's almost for certain the best sushi you can get outside of Japan. I have never had better, and will probably not have better until I (eventually) get to travel to Tokoyo. But I digress...
So we had a really nice evening just the three of us. I ordered seaweed salad, a veggie roll, and spicy salmon. Amazing. And I had a few piece of sashimi that didn't sit on the table long enough for me to take a picture of. Toro and Super White Tuna. Yum!

After dinner we had some cake- which was AMAZING! A chocolate fudge concoction from Whole Foods. Delicious! Because I limit the dairy that I consume you have to understand that this was worth it.

It was also nice to spend time with her as everyone having crazy schedules doesn't allow for us to get together that often.

Here are some picture from that evening- including a card that I made for her using some beautiful oragami paper, paint, and of course, LOVE...Hope you enjoy!

Then here comes dinner (below)

Then Friday was a mellow night, which is great. Matt and I needed a quiet night in.
Saturday was a family event (my youngest cousins Bat Mitzvah!!).

My father, his new wife and son (adopted not a blood relation), and my grandparents all came up to be a part of the event. It was absolutely beautiful- and getting to see your family is always a good thing. Even if your family is a mish mash weird patchwork family. Which mine has become. More on that on another blog.

*** NOTE***

This blog was started on December 11th...and finished 6 days later.

Besito

2009-12-10T09:59:00.001-05:00

This is my most recently finished painting titled 'Besito'. There is a restaurant (named 'Besito) that has the actual photo from which I painted this on their wall and it's HUGE. There was something about it from the minute I saw it. So loving, and warm. So I decided to paint it.

Hope you all enjoy it. I'll be posting more photos of my paintings soon!

A day in the life...

2009-12-09T21:10:00.004-05:00

Today I decided to wake up and take pictures of my day as it progressed. So here it is.

To most, waking up to a rainy, windy, cold Wintery mess would be no fun. For me any excuse for a warm hearty breakfast and my green golashes ( 'Wellies' or 'Gummies' to those of you abroad) is fun and reason to be happy!
Sidebar: I would LOVE a proper pair of Wellington boots. They seem so functional and sturdy. The pair I have were $16.00 at Marshalls...so I don't know how long they'll last.

This was what I looked out onto upon waking up. My avocado tree (far left) seems to be begging for sunlight, and my other (it's called a 'money tree', so far nada!) tree is equally starved for sun....But as far as I'm concerned it's a great looking morning!

So my breakfast was delicious. (all was organic, yay!)
Oatmeal, half a banana, 1 tbs peanut butter, 1 tbs maple syrup and cinnamon. Oh how I love cinnamon. All in my favorite bowl (painted it myself!)

And what morning would be complete without my tea?! My favorite lately has been Zhenas Gypsy tea- Lemon Jasmine Green. It's positively wonderful! And a smidgen of agave...Perfection!

Then I drove to my appointments for work....luckily it wasn't a terrible commute. Those of you who are near by me will recognize this road easily.

One quick stop before I head home...just to try something on. I need a dress for a party on Saturday. *note the green "wellies!" Is it s good look?

Snack! ::nom:nom:nom::

And my photohunt/walk with Samson (my fuzz faced awesome dog!!)!
My photo hunts for those of you who'd like to know are any opportunity I have to just take pictures.Sometimes they're planned, and other times I just go on a picture taking jag.

Samson! (aka- Sam-the-Man, Sammy, SamSam, MYLOVE!!! and fuzzMUTT!)

Being cute...always being cute:

It's hard to believe that some of these pictures were taken today, in December! After the overcast gloomy day the sun peeked out before it set and it was pretty lovely.

After some laundry (which was not picture worthy) I buckled down, did some work (including making cupcakes for my sister in law), and am doing this. As soon as I hit "publish post" I am off the the gym for an hour of training for my very first marathon(Five miles!). I have a little less than a month to get in shape for this. Lucky for me I'm stubborn and and relentless when it comes to pushing myself towards seemingly difficult goals.

Here is my office(SO messy, please don't judge), cupcake for the hubby (known henceforth in all blogs as the hub), and The hub himself in an accidentally artsy photo.

another angle:)

Samson my associate (he's always right by my side, in my office, in the kitchen, watching tv. This dog knows no boundaries! He even sits next to the sink while I shower! Silly dog! <3

And the hub. Handsome guy huh?

So that was my day. I'm off now to run (and walk) and run (and jog) and then come home shower and pass out. It's days like this that make me happy, and thankful for everything I have, and am blessed with.

Monday to the umpteenth power

2009-12-07T13:42:00.000-05:00

Today is such a Monday.

Has anyone read 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day'?

My day isn't quite as bad but all before my break for lunch there have been some annoying occurrences. Oh well.
It could always be worse.

Lucky for me after 4pm I get to not only go to the gym, but I have time to work on my art, some fabric crafts, AND put away laundry.

Thank goodness for lists. I wish I knew a better way to be organized with my time so that when having a very "monday" kind of day I could keep better focus.

LOVE and GRATTITUDE

2009-12-05T17:15:00.002-05:00

Thats what I feel right this very second.

I have the most amazing friends and family.

It's times like these where you count your blessings, and I have many.

Oh, I can't wait to create more art, and have a private showing. It's going to happen. And a lot sooner than I realized. All I can do is put that energy out there and see what comes back. Among other things.

Photography: It's what I do. Assistance: It's what I need.

2009-12-03T17:42:00.002-05:00

Below please find some of the THOUSANDS of pictures I have taken. If you are interested in using, viewing more or purchasing photos, please feel free to leave your email or contact information in a comment and I will make sure to get back to you.

Highline Park, NYC 6/09

Garden of Eve, Cutchogue NY- 7/09

Highway Flowers, 7/09

Broder Garden, 7/09

Cutchogue, NY 7/09

Lilly, 8.09

Highline Park, NYC 6/09

Broders, 6/09

I've been interested in photography for a little over 2 years now. I don't know why it took so long for me to be interested in the composition, lighting and details of photos. It's probably one of my most favorite activities. I go on photo hunts as often as I can. Usually, I take pictures of anything that catches my eye. More often than not it's nature. Flowers, leaves, water, trees, the sky or any combination of influence of them. I envy the folks who can snap photos of just about anything and be excited. I used to be like that. Now I can't be bothered if it's out of focus, or the lighting is off. I'm offended actually. I have really high expectations of my pictures and have reached a level of overall frustration. Especially since for my birthday I was given an amazing camera. The Canon G10 Powershot. While I'm still learning to take great pictures, the ones above were taken with my "rinky-dink" canon elph. I say rinky dink in jest because in actuality if you know how to use all the features and settings you can take some really great pictures.

In the past few weeks I've been trying to focus on learning how to use more of my new cameras features- which I can't seem to figure out still. It's pretty complicated for a novice so I might have to either solicit my friends (again!) or go to a store that could give me a basic tutorial (does that even exist? can a store give me a tutorial? Oy- or do I have to scavange Craigslist? This is what happens when you 'wing it' with everything!)

And while I love this time of year for many reasons, I find that photographically there is a lull. Not that there aren't subjects to be captured and beauty to be found- it just needs to be sought out. Actually, I plan on hitting up a few great locations that photograph really dramatically this time of year. It'll be great and I'll make sure to put up pictures.

This leads me to mention that I am in desperate need of a website. I don't want a regular old patchwork website- I'd really like a real one. Flash, or something fancy so that the whole thing is streamlined. Yeah...that'd be pretty awesome.

If you happen to know how to use a Canon G10, or know how to do a website, I'd happily pay you , or barter with you. I need assistance please!!

A Whole Laundry List:

2009-12-02T23:57:00.003-05:00

There is a growing list of things that need to be done and set up in the next 2 months.

>Set up an official marathon training schedule (AND stick to it)

>Figure out how to get my Clarinet from Florida to NY- AND find a place that can give me affordable lessons.- I'm going to revisit this subject in another blog somewhere down the line....
(By the way, I used to play the clarinet- and I was good, but that was....FIFTEEN years ago. Yikes. To top this off, I have a $600 dollar bet that I will at some point be in a recital, and be able to play in it's entirety- Gershwins 'Rhapsody in Blue'. Not that I won't be able to do it...but could I have chose a more lofty goal? I may as well have enrolled in Harvard Business School! )

>I would like to have a website of my very own, a real one, set up and functioning by Mid January. After Elvis's birthday, but before Feb. 1.

> Clear out my apartment. I HAVE SO MUCH CRAP! I've been donating a LOT of clothes to goodwill, but somehow there is always more.

>MOVE. Matt and I inhabit a lovely 2 bedroom apartment- but it's still TOO tiny. We can't entertain, my office is too small. Oh, and I can hear my landlord having sex while I'm in my office. Like now. :::shudders:::
Also, we both want to move to one of the boroughs. (Not counting Staten Island, because it's just as isolated as Glen Cove, and more expensive with the Verrazano.

This is probably the most pointless blog ever, but it's nice to get these things out of my head. Work has me going and running all the time. I'd love to make lists like I used to, but I'm rarely sitting in one space long enough to write down anything this frivolous.

One small step for me, one giant step, also for me.

2009-12-01T17:16:00.001-05:00

I am really excited about my upcoming art gallery exhibition!

There are also a few hundred other artists being shown in the gallery with me. It's not hard to get selected- because anyone who buys the kit buys their space on the wall, and time on the website. Not to discredit my talent- or anyone elses. It's called Six by Six Gallery.

So does this make my contribution any less notable? I have a slight conflict in my mindset about this.

I am surrounded by artists, and writers, and very successful people- most of which have had their own gallery showings or exhibitions. And in turn the writers have been published, or featured in some venue. My most recent showing of work was at the Tryst event a few months ago. And before that the last showing I had was Sophmore (Junior?) year in high school.

Now beause the gallery didn't seek me out, nor did I solicit a portfolio, does this make me less deserving of gallery space? I was born an artist. I love to create, and make things, and it's who I am- no matter what my career is. So why has it taken me this long to be on a wall, in NYC? Yes, I sound like a bumpkin agrandizing the NYC art scene like that- but it's not without cause. It's New York fucking City.

I'm have no option, I simply must take this opportunity as a wake up call. Between my photography, painting, and mixed media pieces I feel like it's what I'm meant to do. I have no other option. Things are going to be pretty neat. I've looked into my street vendors license so I can start selling my photographs and other art (prints), and I'm also going to work on setting up a real website (for photography and art) and set up a portfolio to distribute. Aside from being marathon (NYC ING) ready by June (I'm set to run a 5 mile marathon in January. I have a month to train. WTF am I doing to myself?)- these are my new, and reasonable goals.

I think I can? Nope.

I know I can.

idle hands...

2009-11-30T22:31:00.003-05:00

Now that I've (re-)learned how to crochet, the crocheting and sewing will probably nag at me all day, every day. Of course all the while I'll be working, and driving; quite unable to pull at the lanky, but soft and welcoming yarn and embroidery floss that ache to be a flourish, or stitch holding together some whim that fluttered across my whimsy-filled, lollygagging mind. And now that I've found the button collection that I thought was lost- Oh wow. I do not have enough time to take care of this. I think that I will be taking some personal days and just setting up my own little (non-union, but very fair trade since I can stop for a sip of tea, to change my itunes, or obliterate an apple any ol'time I'd like) factory. All I can say is that it's a good thing my sewing machine isn't working...because then I'd not only raid every fabric store from here to Kalamazoo- but then I'd spend all my money. Well, then everyone would get hand made gifts for the holidays.

Well, thats what everyone's getting anyway.

One wish that I wish right this moment is more time to paint and craft as I wish. It's not always easy being an artist trapped in a working persons body. Even if my job is magnificent....

I should go before this takes up even more time that I should be playing with buttons and string.

The time for revolution is NOW.

2009-11-30T16:58:00.002-05:00

REVOLUTION ON OUR TERMS. =R.O.O.T.s

What the hell am I talking about? I'm not planning some wild, gung-ho sixties inspired bra-burning-fist pumping- march on the mall in Washington, D.C. (for now- stay tuned because you never know with me!). But it'll have a similar, but more subtle impact.

Allow me to start at the beginning.
I am leading a REVOLUTION and I want to take you with me. Actually I am not acting alone- My dear friend Jessica is my partner in this change we can FEEL coming! It's not just us either. There are a lot of people who are doing the same things, or similar. The really good part about it- is that it's easy. Yes, YOU can change the world around you. Between your thoughts, actions and words, YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. It's about choices.

This all started a few months back. Jessica and I started to talk about and share ideas about the things that are really important to us. Things that we think about constantly,(like how to make the world a better place, food, politics,health and wellness). The conclusion that we came to is that we need to revolt.

Both of us realized we wanted better for ourselves and the world we live in- And what it came down to was what CHOICES we made every day. Here's how I CHOOSE a better world.

BOYCOTT- The cultural definition :

The refusal to purchase the products of an individual, corporation, or nation as a way to bring social and political pressure for change.

I boycott companies that are negatively impacting the world around me.
For exapmple : WALMART/BJ's/COSTCO/SAMs Club ETC. I don't approve of their business tactics, the impact they have on the local economies around them, and the fact that no matter how much organic yogurt they buy- it's not going to make me like them as a company, or the idea of them. While I am not going to dedicate an entire page (right now...) to dissecting these large companies, do some research- maybe you'll find yourself boycotting a company. It feels good to know that you are making SOME kind of impact. The only thing that is redeeming is that when Walmart can price organic yogurt at 89 cents and a person who wouldn't normally have access to it can then buy it. (Every cloud has a silver lining)

Buying power- This is ultimately the back bone of the boycott- but it's also what you buy and not what you don't buy that speaks volumes. When you know the origin of a product, and how it came to be you can make better decisions. I choose to buy organic, local and fair trade whenever possible. This is because those are important issues for me.
Organic isn't just a trendy word to throw around that only means more expensive. Though often it is.When you choose to buy an organic food/product, you are choosing nature. The soil for organic crops is richer and more nutrient dense, and it's also going to benefit the environment because organic farming doesn't allow massive amounts of pesticides to leach into the ground water and surrounding rivers, streams and ponds (meaning the life in those bodies of water remains unharmed). Not to mention the amount of chemicals that are not being absorbed into your body. And to back track a bit- Yes, Organic can be more pricey. This is because organic crops aren't subsidized by the governement. The Gov't will pay farmers to grow what the lobbyist in DC pay them off to grow. Organic farmers who don't use the techniques that rape and pillage the land setting it up for a famine undoubtedly do NOT get money. Right now, if you drive through our nations farm land, more often than not you will see acres upon acres of corn. Corn is in EVERYTHING in hundereds of forms from High Fructose Corn Syrup, to Cornstarch. It's being fed to cows (and please note, COWS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO EAT CORN AND GRAINS- they are fed these things so they get fatter faster and then sent off to slaugter in less time......it's a mess of a system that the masses can't seem to unclench their mouth from the teat of...but I digress). Corn is grown to excess....and it's almost always GENETCICALLY MODIFIED So when it's pollen floats to other crops, it too then gets RUINED. It's a terrible system) The Dairy Council and Beef Board also have a big hand in this kind of lobbying. Thats why organic dairy and beef are so expensive. The larger of many reasons I am vegetarian/vegan inclined is because of the politics behind animal products. Agribusiness is a global nightmare. I do not agree with it, so I do not want to be a part of it. I CHOOSE to not contribute to a problem. If you think that these things are awful, just one vegetarian, or organic meal a week can make a change.
In fact, if you choose to eat one vegan/vegetarian meal a week :

Now I am far from perfect. There are days that I have had dairy b/c I wanted it. Or fish. But currently I am avoiding food that makes me feel like I'm contributing to things I do not beleive in. Thats what the basis of my choices are. What makes me feel good- What makes me happy. What choice has the least harmful impact? And there are things that are completely different from this- If you don't want to be a part of conservative mainstream media, you can opt to watch independent films and listen to local music that hasn't been plundered by big record labels and the like. Or you could just be sick and tired of mean people getting the best of you and others around you. Simple solution- CHOOSE TO BE NICE! It's a lot easier and has helped my sanity more often than not(of course there are days where people do get verbal ass-whoopin's, but it's few and far between since I've taken on my new stance on change).

Here's how to figure out if you want to really make change(and not the Obama kind of change, which sadly is more like, non change as of late):

1) You are angry when you watch the news.
2) Helping yourself and the world around you seems like a pretty awesome deal.
3) You know that things can be, and should be better than they are.
4) You have a really strong desire to take action, but don't know where to start.
5) Inspiring people to live their lives on their terms is something you want to do.

If you answered yes to any of these things, then you are on your way to being part of a revolution. On your own terms. You don't have to be loud, but certainly be proud. Live life with purpose, and put your money where your mouth is.

* Please check out my friend Jessica's blog. She's a phenomenal writer, as well as an extraordinary human being.
http://saynotobarbie.wordpress.com

hippies.

By the way...

2009-11-21T15:16:00.000-05:00

In the next few weeks I'm going to be trying to blog with a more direct subject matter. I am trying to do some research so rather than have a random stream of consciousness theme, it'll be more like ways to have a more plant based diet, or the purpose behind buying organic/local foods and what importance they hold.

Get ready.

Much ado about Thanksgiving.

2009-11-21T13:38:00.000-05:00

My favorite Thanksgiving memory was from when I was younger. Living in Ohio I believe. Both sets of grandparents were there! Nothing was better than coming downstairs (in the middle of the school week!) in pajamas at 10:30AM to the smell of a turkey in the oven, and pies being made. It was great. Especially when both of my grandmothers would take turns fussing over something or other. Usually me or my brother. We were underfoot no matter how much we wanted to help- but it didn't matter too much. The whole day would go by in blur of a colorful float filled parade and overcast sky coziness; Complimented by the chatter of a football game on (even if nobody was really watching it). When all was said and done, and the table was beautifully set, complete with small dishes of canned black olives (set just far enough from me so I couldn't put them on my fingers) and tiny gherkin pickles- my father would bring out his contribution. A flawlessly carved turkey. And then came the jewel toned cranberry sauce and green bean casserole...

Now I look back at those memories, and no matter how happy they once made me- I get kind of upset now. It's been over 8 years since I've had my mothers Thanksgiving cooking, and eaten a turkey expertly carved by my father. Eight years since I've gotten to wake up to any home cooked smells that would result in an idyllic meal with my nuclear family. Of course it's nice to go to my in-laws, they're wonderful hosts, and serve delicious food. No complaints here-And when you're grown, and not living at home it's totally different from when you were 7 years old. But its painfully not the same. And while I've become a great advocate for welcoming change and new things in your life as a way to grow in truly profound ways- there is still the pain in growth that I suppose is happening these past few years. I'm really working hard to remember that it's important to come out of your comfort zone. However as a result of this growth and leaving my comfort zone, my new growth revealed that I hate Thanksgiving.

Yeah. You read that right. Thanksgiving is rarely a time when people really give thanks. Anyone who has had a Thanksgiving meal with me knows that before I ever touch a morsel of food- I ask that we go around the table to share what everyone is thankful for. It's too important for me to go through the meal and not at least do that.

More often than not, I see people in supermarkets getting pissed that they are waiting more than 2 minutes in a line (in reality there are people who wait all day long for half a loaf of stale bread for a family of 5 or 6, and are half starved, suffering from malnutrition...and those are the lucky ones). I hear them with their snide ' Well this is ridiculous' and 'There should be more people on the registers' comments. Such selfish idiots. Waiting in line for two hundred dollars worth of food is NOT a place to complain. I hope that these people can one day gain true perspective and can really be thankful for the OVER abundance that they have. Also, really- I miss my family. I miss the holidays being so easy to participate in. One year my parents the next year Matts. Now I never see my family on the holidays.This time of year really bums me out.

To top it all off, being the only vegetarian/vegan at the meal you are attending makes you look like a high maintenance freak. And it's apparently un-PC to enlighten those around you to the atrocities that accompany their turkey and dairy covered foods.

So I've decided to create new traditions. Out with the old and in with the new! Sitting around and stewing in a pile of my own boo-hoo pity is not my style.

One of my new traditions is going to be to work at a soup kitchen on the morning of Thanksgiving, or hopefully a few times this holiday week, because I simply can not sit at a table to watch people gorge on food and not step aside and do something for the greater good. There are just so many people out there who are hungry, and have very little to be thankful for aside from the air that they breathe, the health that they have and the clothes on their back. If that. So I am making that my new Thanksgiving tradition until I can maybe grow enough to get over my loss of formerly seen-as-perfect-but-was-actually-far- from-it family. Even then it's something to incorporate into my life. And not just because the calender seems to dictate that it's a time of the year where soup kitchens need help.

The other tradition that I want to pick up is volunteer work at the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. This organization is so wonderful- and is a great place to get hands on with some beautiful animals. The love and appreciation that you feel from them really resonates with you for a while. Totally worth the 3 hour trek.
This would also tie in with my sponsoring a turkey and or other beautiful animal that needs it.

By creating these new traditions, I'm hoping to replace the sadness that I have regarding this time of year with true appreciation and a sense of service to the world around me.

So maybe I won't hate Thanksgiving next year.

Maybe.

Meteor Showers and Tim Hortons.

2009-11-17T18:48:00.000-05:00

I like Meteor showers.

I do NOT like Tim Hortons.

* Note: Friends from the Western, Central parts of NY and Canada DO NOT get upset about this. I was brought up with Dunkin Donuts. It's just so much better. And really really really- they're BOTH atrocious for your health. I'm basing this soley on the Tim-Bits/Munchkins.*

Last night (early this morning really...) was the Leonids Meteor Shower. I had never actually seen a meteor shower- though I have been lucky enough to see a few random shooting stars.
Generally when there are astral events like this at home, and there is too much smog and light pollution, so viewing is not optimal. This time though the stars aligned (bad pun intended) and I was in a less lit up area. My friend Melissa and her friend Joe drove to Chestnut Ridge right outside of Buffalo. While it was VERY cold, and our Tim Hortons hot beverages soon turned icy- we had a blast. Oh, and I absolutely I love my North Face parka. It kept every part of me that it covered warm and toasty!! The rest of me however was frozen. We were there for about 3 hours. At one point the three of us started to sing bad 80's sitcom theme songs. Our rendition of 'The Nanny' theme song garnered applause from the other star gazers. Not bad considering I actually SOUND like Fran Drescher when I sing.

Not much else ensued. I got SOME sleep, and had a productive day. And as always I'm having a good time. Though my cozy couch, dog and Matt wouldn't be too bad right now.

Angels, Chemtrails and the Holiday Inn...A travelers story.

2009-11-16T19:33:00.000-05:00

Today began like any other day. A frenzied mad dash to get out of my house at a respectable time to make it to Buffalo (on the entire other side of the state from the little city of Glen Cove I'd like to add).
These trips always fulfill some deep desire to be a wandering vagabond- But as I have an interesting grasp of time management, I always seem to be rushing even when leaving for local appointments- and even if I had allotted a decent amount of time to prepare, travel and get to said appointments!
Between the bank, the post office, and the gas station-and hopefully on the road; I had a morning that was destined for frustration, and a possible need to "find my center"- or in layman terms- scream "SERENITY NOW!!!" ala' Frank Costanza.

But that didn't happen.

Somehow I was able to get a move on and out of the house by 9- which for me is fan-friggn'-tastic. My first stop was what I refer to is fodder for amusement. I needed to put air in my tires. Of course a woman who comes from a line of strong independent minded ladies would never willingly admit to this- but I wish Matt was there to help me.

Now, I was paying attention for 99% of my drivers ed class. The part about changing a tire? Check. How to merge? Check. What to do in case of an accident? Check. But that filling up tires thing (which is SO easy by the way) always had me nervous. Maybe because an incorrectly filled tire can lead to a blow out, which can result in disaster. No pressure there right? (no pun intended either). Of course I knew there was the air station at the end of the lot you popped change into and then you had a stream of air for like, 3 minutes. I'm not that clueless...I digress. Well, this morning Matt couldn't indulge me.. So I went off to find that the wild adventure that is tire filling isn't as difficult as I once thought.

My teacher this morning was, quite possibly an angel. One second the space by the air pump was empty. I was replacing my gas cap and getting in my car to pull over and I looked up and all of a sudden there was a white, older car with what I thought was nobody there. Initially I was frustrated because this was going to set me back 5 minuites- and then a domino affect of other hinderances would have me getting to Buffalo at 3 am! Not ideal...

So before I could even exhale in frustration, there was this sweet faced old man. He had been putting air in his tires on the other side of the car which is why I didn't see him. I stood patiently waiting, looking for change (which I did not have). When he looked up and smiled it was an opportunity that I used to ask for change of a dollar, which he didn't have. "But I'll give you fifty cents, and a quick lesson on tire pressure!" he shouted over the whirring of the air pump. I didn't want to take advantage, but my offer to give him a dollar in exchange for the fifty cents was rebutted. The lesson I decided to take though.
He swiftly knelt down next to my tire, White and gray hair shining almost as brightly as his satin Yankees 09' World Series Jacket, and showed me how to check the pressure using the gauge- EASY as pie I might add. And then he helped me put air in the rest of my tires. This was such a lovely and unexpected treat.

And as I was putting my last air stopper thingy on the tire(is that a technical term do you think?)- I looked up and he was already pulling away. I took a picture of him as he was pulling away in my side view mirror.

After that really nice moment, the post office and rest of the day went by with a sense of peace and light.

Except for the Chemtrails that I can't stop noticing EVERYWHERE. Once I learned what many people think these are, I've become highly disturbed by them. Now, I'm not actively a conspiracy theorist- But I am not at ease with the idea in my head that these are something that could be harmful. Below are some pictures from today.

Ok- Not to make people mad with fear- it's just what a whole lot of uber paranoid folks are saying. Maybe it is, maybe it's not. Annnnnnnd maybe I'm a nobel peace prize winning circus freak. Who knows. There is so much to be worried about- This just annoys me. Anyone have philosphies on them? Something to quell my undulating paranoia would be rad.

Oh, and the part about the Holiday Inn. Well, lets just say that Orbitz does a FANTASTIC job of making mediocre hotels look like the Four Seasons. My first room was so far from the front desk that I was contemplating calling a cab, AND it had no bolt on the door- and as a bonus: a weird homeless looking/smelling guy (on a blackberry?!) screaming in the hallway. Not so comfy with that. As a chickadee who spends a lot of time travelling on her lonesome, ANYTHING that makes me uncomfortable is rectified immediately. I refuse to not speak up about room safety. I settled on a room on the far side of the building, but no hobos screaming on their mobile (moh-bye-eel) AND a handy dandy bolt lock AND a chain lock. Fancy digs.

What a day. Lucky for me the job I do is more than worth the adventures and mania that keep me so entertained.

Better late than never.

2009-11-15T18:37:00.000-05:00

Edible, adj.: Good to eat, and wholesome to digest, as a worm to a toad, a toad to a snake, a snake to a pig, a pig to a man, and a man to a worm. ~Ambrose Bierce

I love food. Reading about it, sharing information about it, eating it. Eating....I LOVE eating. Comfort foods,bursting with flavor, some tasty, warm, fatty, sweet thing. Eating is fun. And I'm good at it. I had never been a picky eater, this was evident by my borderline Rubenesque physique, and penchant for large portions, and more often than not, second helpings. Be it pizza or pot roast, potatoes or lasagna...I wanted more. Savory, sweet, candied, roasted broiled, grilled- I had no objections. And even now there is a part of me that wants to eat with wild abandon. No second thoughts about the origin or global impact of what I'm consuming...Ah, ignorance- like a good porterhouse steak with a side of creamed spinach, garlic mashed potatoes and a generous glass of Shiraz- is bliss.

Backing up a bit...
At a particularly young age, when I was about 8, I came to the daunting realization that I was fat. Not gross morbidly obese fat. Not even get teased at school fat. But the kind of fat that made me feel like I had to be extra funny, or extra nice always so nobody would call me fat. And luckily all of that came easily for me. Nobdy ever really did. I always had friends, and people to sit with at lunch. And in reality I was just a kind of chubby kid- not quite fat enough to get teased, or run through the mill of unjustified cruelty. I was just very well aware of my chubbiness. Not because of anything my parents would say- or other kids. I just knew. So that was the end of second helpings(while people were watching...If I was lucky I'd squeeze in a 3rd if no eyes were on me), swimming without a t-shirt, and the start of chub-rub, feeling self conscious when I was in pictures and looked bigger than the other kids(even though I was always one of the shortest), and my seemingly never ending battle with food. But as we all know that when one door closes another one opens.

Early on it was guilt, and media driven desire to be a blond gorgeous amazonian woman that would shape my dietary choices. Atkins diet? Did it. Pfft...20 lbs shed in a month and a half? Nice. One handful of jelly beans, and a slice of pizza helped me quickly add on what I had lost with an additional 15 for good measure. South Beach? Oh great...I need to make food even more fussy? Then came Sugar Busters, Eat Right for your Blood type, Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss.....Yeah, madness. And after each attempt I started to feel like I'd just have to deal with the extra weight. But I was hoping it'd stop...and with time I learned in my own way a REALLY easy diet. It's called pulling my head out of my ass and eating normal sized portions(with a hearty thank you to Weight Watchers for helping me learn that portion control is actually quite important). Also, exercise...but that's a whole other topic.

So what is it that now drives my never ending power struggle with food?

Politics. It's a farther reaching and integral issue. Where my food comes from is more important to me than how many or how few calories it has. I want to know it's Fair Trade. Local if I can help it. Organic is important, and they're much kinder to the planet as well as our bodies. Eating things that aren't processed, and degraded is really the key. Foods from a lab are not for me. Genetically Modified foods are destroying our food supply and making us more susceptible to a famine. Agribusiness is really damaging and it's the epitome of greed and one of the largest contributors to global warming.

I think that every step that has led me to this new way of thinking about food has been a healthy one. And I can thank everyone from the many chiropractors I've worked for, to Michael Pollan (or Jason Schneiderman for reccommending his books to me) to helping open my eyes to these things. At one point it became an obsession. I had to know more about the evils of the conventional foods we don't often hear enough about. Like the EVIL VILE PUTRID SCUM that is Mon santo . About the terrible things that large companies do to get money at the cost of peoples health and well being. I digress.

Being political about what I eat isn't the same as being obsessed with calories. It's a healthier way to choose whats on my plate. And screw the labels that go along with it. Be it omnivore, or level 9 vegan, I just want my food to be healthy because you are what you eat- but I want to keep my planet healthy so it can give me food. I'm such a selfish bitch.