tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88621213140037127642024-03-23T13:25:41.544-05:00Simple - Green - Frugal... because every day can be a beautiful adventure.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger614125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-39820463518979455432010-01-12T14:48:00.004-06:002010-01-12T16:47:59.000-06:00Taking a breakSorry I've been gone for so long with no word. Things have been a little crazy here at SGF, post-holidays. Without going into details, I can say that the new year has brought on many changes, as well as the chance to meditate on the future. You can bet I'm still living an SGF-lifestyle - in fact, I'm biking more than ever (about 20 miles a day), working the info booth at the farmers' market, enjoying lots of local and organic goodies, as well as supporting my favorite locally-owned shops and restaurants. <div><br /></div><div>I hope over the last 21 months, my adventures have encouraged your along your own Simple-Green-Frugal journey. I won't say goodbye for now, as there may be lots to write about in the future. But for the present, I'm going to sign-off for an extended break to concentrate my efforts closer to home, in my local community. <div><br /></div><div>Please peruse the archives, and feel free to <a href="mailto:simple.green.frugal@gmail.com">email</a> with any questions. Of course, I'll still be reading and commenting around the blogosphere, as well as on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/heather.duchscher">my Facebook page</a>, so you'll see me around. </div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time!</div><div><br /></div><div>--Heather @ SGF</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-88034984691041799342009-12-26T13:14:00.003-06:002009-12-26T13:25:00.533-06:00Biking and Eating Local in Aptos<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Lr3qrZlfQ8qy778u9t4Tad33q8snZy454feFCcCLMDNyWHdStQQVay_tPxm5aTss3bHWM3EnexU5qbhhJoyZlijrjMNfWtwHYEt9L2qVlz4lgJ2H4MohH09ZZTSQ6QBX9G7qImj1VJQG/s320/52625216.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419625989826900338" />Dave and I walked down to the Aptos Farmers' Market this morning. Even the day after Christmas, there were maybe 30 vendors lining the community college parking lot. We didn't buy anything as there's tons of leftovers in my mother-in-law's fridge, but we did take a couple photos along the way...<div><br /></div><div>Here's another of those signs I'd love to take home with me. The signs are everywhere since there are always lots of bikers on the road here in Santa Cruz county, including kids as I mentioned in my last <a href="http://simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com/2009/12/holiday-2009-shopping-in-aptos.html">post</a>. A biker can't help but feel at home in a place with so many bike lanes. My favorite bike-friendly observation, </div><div>however, is of surfers who have affixed surfboard holders to their bikes to catch those much beloved waves at a moments notice.</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiove4eM9Rf3Fvyid-G253atGI3-mZS5LROHht_RgE8365E9RrBhCeAhuc0aCtJ-HnJ9Ua1gim9Ed0fTDhZjrG7nJKyU82OQE-MRpwR_0LSB5qjsW1FE3TY8HQJjynmmwUbnceHuBLWXD48/s320/22180_222000184699_601339699_2977681_2272463_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419625985363569282" /><div>So on to the farmers' market. This is for all you Locavores who make that exception in your local diet to include that can't-live-without-it ingredient... salt. Yep! That's local salt there in the jars for $3! Awesome!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-2478843126629453262009-12-22T16:19:00.005-06:002009-12-22T17:16:47.316-06:00Holiday 2009 - Shopping in Aptos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-nzXrKoFU1BQ2M02zUVHhyphenhyphenG2OdTbQdV6Rzd5JYuHSuiBddXkawMAQ53_bBzIQqKupYxVPQ9wBNgnjldD1RlP-hV5-hOqaS2AGJ1OEaZQHXiOjXm6rcXMMIZVHEkLREuVq9vz6FxCFfhz/s1600-h/frontwindowsmall.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-nzXrKoFU1BQ2M02zUVHhyphenhyphenG2OdTbQdV6Rzd5JYuHSuiBddXkawMAQ53_bBzIQqKupYxVPQ9wBNgnjldD1RlP-hV5-hOqaS2AGJ1OEaZQHXiOjXm6rcXMMIZVHEkLREuVq9vz6FxCFfhz/s320/frontwindowsmall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418194145605475618" /></a>Those of you who have read this blog for any length of time know that I absolutely hate to shop, unless, of course, it's for food. But today, I have to say, I had a wonderful experience.<div><br /><div>After a light breakfast, Dave and I walked down the hill onto the town's main street level, lined with small, locally-owned shops. We had a few things in mind to buy while in town - I wanted to pick up some groceries to make bread with the Amish Friendship starter <a href="http://chilechews.blogspot.com/">Chile</a> gave me during our <a href="http://simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com/2009/12/holiday-2009-driving-to-cali-tucson.html">visit</a>, meds for Dave as he has a bit of a cold, a book for my mother-in-law, and a pair of hiking shoes for me (the only ones I had were donated months ago because they hurt my feet so much I never wanted to hike - pointless, right?).</div><div><br /></div><div>It turns out, to accomplish all these goals, not only did we not need the car, but we could shop all-locally owned in the process! Awesome!</div><div><br /></div><div>Our first stop was to Bookworks (photo above) to purchase a book for Dave's Mom - a book I loved and wanted to share with each of our mothers (click <a href="http://simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com/2009/11/guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel.html">here</a> for the book review). <a href="http://www.bookworksaptos.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp">Bookworks</a> is a wonderful bookstore - a place where you want to browse, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere. Unfortunately, its much smaller than it was even last year due to the economy, and no doubt, the increase in big-box stores in the area. I asked the clerk as we entered where we might find the Guernsey book and she immediately knew exactly where it was and smiled at the request (perhaps she read and loved it as much as I did).</div><div><br /></div><div>We took time to browse - it's just that kind of store, warm and welcoming - and as we were browsing, we noticed a boy, maybe 10 years old, pull up on his bike, enter the store, and politely ask the clerk for a copy of a book he wanted to buy for his father's birthday. Um, can we adopt you? Seriously! He biked to a locally-owned shop (wearing a helmet), was polite as can be, and did it all to buy something for his father's birthday. Maybe it's the holidays, but I have to admit to feeling warm and fuzzy at the scene. </div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0C3RUMi8Gemx3N5Ut1G2VWNqgFCUO7a0Qw7B4iZLNkrlbdo05D7-RG_4BQRGuOp0WuxrZYvWNK6aKwSfwdi9uLAA-nQetSnH5-ppDl1QpsSfPaFnxtrUfLRV2dUacojjSFcxhOBz5m6sK/s320/IMG_0564.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418203071796043010" /><div>The next stop was for my hiking shoes. Originally, we planned to drive into Santa Cruz to one of the large sports stores, but when I saw <a href="http://www.fleetfeetaptos.com/">Fleet Feet Sports</a> right next door to Bookworks, I wanted to check it out first. Owner Tom Griffen greeted us, welcoming us to his store. We told him what we were looking for and he ushered us to a couple of chairs and gave us the shoe experience of our lives. I'm SO not joking! In fact, Dave decided he wanted to explore the possibilities too. Check this out...</div><div><br /></div><div>First he measured each of our feet, both standing and sitting, asked us about our foot, knee, and hip health, and had us walk across the store and back to witness first hand our walking tendencies. All this information helped him select the best shoes for our feet. Of course, he explained everything as he went along so that we understood why these steps were necessary (which was GREAT for me since I have so much trouble with my feet and knees and have trouble finding shoes that don't hurt). </div><div><br /></div><div>He slipped to the stockroom for a moment and brought back 2 selections for each of us. After lacing us up, he took us outside to walk the sidewalk so we could get a good feel for the shoes and he could see again how we walk to assess whether the shoes would suit us long-term. After we tried both shoes, he brought one more set out for each of us, going through the same routine. By the time all this took place, we had to have spent an hour or more with him, as he patiently walked us through the process. Having gone in to buy only one pair of shoes for me, we ended up both getting a pair of shoes that felt great. Honestly, I've NEVER been that comfortable in a pair of shoes. And he wasn't just sharing with us, I also shared with him my love for buying from local sources, told him about <a href="http://simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com/2009/12/big-box-swindle-book-review.html">Big-Box Swindle</a> (which he seemed VERY interested in), and shared stories of home. </div><div><br /></div><div>For someone who flat-out HATES to shop, I have to say, this was the most wonderful shopping experience of my life... AND I got a great pair of shoes out of it. Thanks, Tom!</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VL_L5g7L392Ft9UH9_NhXoBv8yiKpJfgps0tremCvS_rYcXfPZdIkqzB_BWlGWgU_6RRsy8Q6Mzt5xiU-uGnFB6IxclZaSycfRGIy9b_sXDjyLhKFEY71fKWwmdccZHo2B4BikpIPtY/s320/IMG_0055.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363671235830964146" /><div>On the way back home, we stopped into the shopping center where a small, locally-owned pharmacy was (to get Dave's cold meds) as well as Aptos Natural Foods (where I visit each and every time I'm in town). If you love healthy food, it's a given you'll love this little store. With one row dedicated to bulk everything (including honey, oil, and cereal), another full of fresh, organic produce (much of it local), and much, much more, it's foodie-heaven. We purchased our needed supplies plus a vegan ginger-spice cookie (for me to enjoy while everyone else is gobbling up cakes and pies at Christmas dinner) and headed back up the hill for home.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I said earlier, I just hate to shop, but I have to admit, I might just need to adjust my attitude a bit. It was a wonderful morning - the air was crisp and cool, the sun was bright and warm, the walk was invigorating, and my faith in the buy-local movement is strong. Buying local means personal attention, knowledgeable staff, relaxing atmosphere, an enjoyable experience, and three times the amount of money that stays in the community vs. buying at a big-box store. If you're going to make a new years resolution this year, help keep our local communities alive and vibrant and buy local!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to all those local Aptos businesses who made my shopping day a delight!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-59739086995506006482009-12-19T23:56:00.008-06:002009-12-20T12:40:54.198-06:00Holiday 2009 - Driving to Cali (San Diego)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrTs2TbocJjL_9Orq7W1Fdw_HwcuMHhgl8SuiszkDBPVvXFVbui_yoDin3tvKxED281SVxOhu1OA9QQjv_ClKe8cyBVKHADaeGZEJdPFfKHBl1-LuyaVYt7U2rU6pJuLtmbIpvhjP20Lf/s1600-h/IMG_0555.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrTs2TbocJjL_9Orq7W1Fdw_HwcuMHhgl8SuiszkDBPVvXFVbui_yoDin3tvKxED281SVxOhu1OA9QQjv_ClKe8cyBVKHADaeGZEJdPFfKHBl1-LuyaVYt7U2rU6pJuLtmbIpvhjP20Lf/s320/IMG_0555.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417343001340050178" /></a>Wow! Another amazing day of food and friends! After leaving Chile and family yesterday, we headed West once again, this time with San Diego set on the GPS. Home to another fellow blogger, I was really looking forward to meeting <a href="http://bicyclingsd.blogspot.com/">Beany</a>, my bike hero, and her sweetie. And just like the visit to Chez Chile, the visit was wonderful.<div><br /><div>Beany is another blogger I've corresponded with for going on a year and a half, now meeting for the first time. I was especially amazed when she and her sweetie sold all of their worldly goods and biked from from Philidelphia across the states, making it to North Texas before renting a truck to take them and their bikes the rest of the way. She is truly an inspiration in living simply, alternative transportation, and both getting involved and making a difference in her community.<div><br /></div><div>The evening began with an incredible dinner and one you can bet I'll be trying to re-create back home! The photo above is a large tortilla stuffed with roasted sweet potato, black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, and onions and grilled quesadilla style in cast iron skillet. It was absolutely delicious and much to my own amazement, yes, I did eat that whole thing! Wouldn't you?</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlLpMPf32nXo5eQC6TiBwpsVGAwRORG_ax9hgdGCpXiSQu9fa1D8viXfVJLwcgXhdNdn4VAjM8o1P1WTphdRTfP4ilqNlAcFGZ4uQZ7EcAIsy8uqTJdIus4yhO2F0a4wHJrTvS3tVDnom/s320/editedchocolate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385979807453730" /><div>Next we talked about a little of everything (politics, meditation, biking, work...) as we walked, heading to a fabulous little chocolatier, <a href="http://www.eclipsechocolat.com/">Eclipse</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="http://www.eclipsechocolat.com/">Chocolat</a>, for an extra special dessert. Eclipse specializes in natural and organic chocolates with an entire line of vegan-friendly and regular truffles, chocolate bars, chocolate muffins, and chocolate drinks. Although we had Kelsey with us, the staff invited us inside and offered yummy samples. I picked the sea salt nib chocolate, although I also tried the orange peel anise, as well as the blackberry sage. All were wonderful! Did I really eat 4 pieces of chocolate after that big meal? Oink!</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVNal7h9UShX_fiFsTa3Uq1Kt1NRKgGLYf05kJ_TUEJcbfXwysLHUBoc9xkkYid0h1vPnmep54CUuXP3qmA8j_7mCT2f2ijoCvPCXBemRVUgNIlUqSfRZ44KokQzkCAEkdoIEXg59n5Fu/s320/IMG_0560.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417385983493218514" /><div>The next morning, Beany had a special treat planned - the San Diego farmers' market! And what a market it was! It had to have been 40-50 (maybe more) booths lining the street with loads of fruits, veggies, cheeses, meat, honey, eggs, oils, beans, crafts, and prepared foods. There was even a combo gluten-free and raw vegan booth (see photo). VERY cool! As I wasn't all that hungry for breakfast (after a very wonderful but filling meal last night), I picked up a basket of strawberries for breakfast, which I promptly devoured within the first 5 minutes of our drive out of town. But I also picked up a bottle of avocado oil, a container of dried dates, and a beautiful mango. I love local food!</div><div><br /></div><div>As it was getting late in the morning and we had a 7-1/2 hour drive (minimum, considering we have to drive through LA) ahead of us, we parted ways with Beany and her sweetie to head back to the open road.</div><div><br /></div><div>A great big THANKS to the Beanys for sharing their home with us! Come see us soon!</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, next stop - Aptos California, Dave's home-sweet-home. See ya there!</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-1376133107313164862009-12-19T12:21:00.004-06:002009-12-19T13:03:09.318-06:00Holiday 2009 - Driving to Cali (Tucson)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWGBLUmsywLvzDmdD4rZOAdAuRxLiucqTGqMQZRdYJ6SBTo31uJn8JuN70FZxw-V0dacfpsWPoiEMjglpATG5f1pLflOlIcvc5MfYadgqDuhP4zv277W8L6P4xmvZ-hOfZu72_iqOT-6z/s1600-h/IMG_0537.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWGBLUmsywLvzDmdD4rZOAdAuRxLiucqTGqMQZRdYJ6SBTo31uJn8JuN70FZxw-V0dacfpsWPoiEMjglpATG5f1pLflOlIcvc5MfYadgqDuhP4zv277W8L6P4xmvZ-hOfZu72_iqOT-6z/s320/IMG_0537.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417022969294291154" /></a>With just a short drive to Tucson from Van Horn, we took our time on the road (and thankfully didn't have any run-ins with 18-wheelers). Pshew!<div><br /></div><div>The first impression of Tucson was mixed. Tucson is HUGE and we did get a bit lost, BUT there were bike lanes everywhere, the busses had bike racks on the front of them, and even the signs told drivers to "yield to bikes." I teased Dave that we needed to take one of of those signs to mount on the back of my bike back home!</div><div><br /></div><div>By about 4:00, we were nestled in the alcove that houses Tucson's Community Supported Agriculture pick-up site where fellow blogger <a href="http://chilechews.blogspot.com/">Chile Chews</a> volunteers every Friday. Not only were we surrounded by great local food and locals coming to get their weekly supply of farm-fresh veggies (many of whom were bikers), there was live music AND, of course, I had the opportunity to meet Chile. </div><div><br /></div><div>To finally meet someone I've corresponded with for the last 18 months, was an amazing treat. And to discover that not only do we have many of the same simple-green-frugal goals, but I thoroughly enjoyed her and her hubby's company and hospitality. It was quite a visit! Well, let's get right to it.</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJasdksA5SrRgLgjs1XDg083D0iNsnlmOp4TtkZu5LrfTNeHcz2UJBNZ7RlajJR3UJ2z36x4UMY2ob5iHW4SQPREIomoLytGiPHmOwq4-ZplnOcTWnYNihi_9Q4U4XBlD0MfBMiLRQPOuC/s320/IMG_0542.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417022978980372242" /><div>Dinner plans were for <a href="http://www.lovinspoonfuls.com/index.htm">Lovin' Spoonfuls</a>, an all-vegan restaurant. So that Kelsey could join us, we sat outside in the cool evening air. The tough choice lay ahead. After 14 months of slim pickings at restaurants, it was a bit overwhelming to chose from the menu. Seriously, go <a href="http://www.lovinspoonfuls.com/Menus.htm">check it out</a>. Every last one of the choices is vegan! After ogling all the dinner plates on the way to the counter and reading the menu a dozen times, I finally decided on "Buddha's Delight." Beautiful, isn't it? Also making an appearance at the table were "Linguini with Italian Meatballs," the "Santa Fe Platter," and "Stroganoff Supreme." Everything looked fabulous and, in fact, my meal was wonderful!</div><div><br /></div><div>We spent the meal relaxing and talking about our lives. To a certain extent, you get to know each other on-line, but I found that there was so much more to explore in person. And speaking of exploring, after dinner, we walked the Winterhaven Festival of Lights (see photos <a href="http://www.winterhavenfestival.org/pictures.htm">here</a>). Of course, it changes a little every year, but it's a truly amazing display of lights. Road are blocked for pedestrian only access, allowing us to wander around an admire the unique decorations that ran for blocks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Later in the evening, back at Chez Chile, we curled up in cushy chairs, exchanged local holiday gifts, and talked more over some of Chile's homemade peach liquor. It was absolutely delicious, but as I'm not much of a drinker, I was yearning for a good sleep by the time we called it a night around 11PM.</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWvd70_WhvCalarzY4BZyv-2gJZOEhIbtyw4jLSGZXKp0qHizbdDhQav3RsowSq_4mNlhzDNeP5YaQORkbpaNMFNsln0G_PX2iekdmYV7hykSEavvQ6897QxG3IWRPL0-y7v8WH3wV6Bw/s320/IMG_0552.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417023436476225666" /><div>And as if last night wasn't a complete treat, Chile and her hubby prepared breakfast for us this morning - vegan pancakes (local whole wheat flour), topped with a choice of homemade pomegranate or prickly-pear syrup, and freshly-squeezed orange juice (from local oranges). I ate more than I usually do (the photo shows only one of the three pancakes I ate), but it was worth every last delicious bite, and we did take the dogs for a walk afterward, so I managed to get in a little exercise before we had to say out good-byes. </div><div><br /></div><div>A HUGE thank you, Chile, for having us and hosting a fabulous visit! It would have been wonderful to spend more time talking and exploring life in Tucson, but we have family to reach for Christmas and one last stop before we're there - visiting <a href="http://bicyclingsd.blogspot.com/">Beany</a> in San Diego. Until next time, we're on the road again...</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-14194191398082732122009-12-17T19:32:00.002-06:002009-12-17T19:37:57.143-06:00Holiday 2009 - Driving to Cali (Van Horn)Well, we made it to Van Horn, TX for an overnight stay in a KOA cabin. It was an uneventful day until an 18-wheeler tried to run us off... no, make that he DID run us off the road. Scared the crap out of both of us, but we're alive and well (and so is the Prius) to talk about it. Pshew!<div><br /></div><div>Nothing much else to report other than we're ready to crash. Another day of driving tomorrow, but we're heading for Tucson next where we'll meet <a href="http://chilechews.blogspot.com/">Chile Chews</a> in person! Awesome!</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. Midland/Odessa area has to be one of the most unattractive places I've ever seen. We tried to make a game out of it - "I spy something attractive." We both lost...</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-3772112266022880912009-12-17T08:12:00.006-06:002009-12-17T08:41:17.528-06:00Holiday 2009 - Driving to Cali (Dallas)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHYJH8aQn8tfEeQKSt9d0RkQQ6LyrFIVPfcdJusLW-y2bPhx5QX_scnVDg9QqZuMRoGzHtHHm1ZP_SDJvvKJeEdFsSWrhzQ6XLSvl5Rv7k8lmPeYiC_DDK1xdbIxGLqvtdvKOPoyz8JGl/s1600-h/IMG_0523.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHYJH8aQn8tfEeQKSt9d0RkQQ6LyrFIVPfcdJusLW-y2bPhx5QX_scnVDg9QqZuMRoGzHtHHm1ZP_SDJvvKJeEdFsSWrhzQ6XLSvl5Rv7k8lmPeYiC_DDK1xdbIxGLqvtdvKOPoyz8JGl/s320/IMG_0523.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416210289443703394" /></a>We'll we've made our first stop of the trip on our way to California for the holidays.<br /><br />Our first stop was to visit my brother and his family, including his new baby daughter (Hazel Evelyn), born just under 2 weeks ago (you forget how tiny they really are). We had a wonderful time talking with him and his wife, holding the baby, and playing with the other three girls. The handmade dolls I bought for the girls from the farmers' market were a HUGE hit, as was my homemade jam! Yes!<div><br /></div><div>Next, we stopped by a friend's house for dinner. I'm kicking myself for not taking a photo because the meal was mega drool-worthy (the ultimate compliment in my book). For the dedicated meat-lover in my hubby, there was a carnivorous option - chicken and hot peppers; but for me and another veggie-loving friend, there was also a vegan option with cauliflower subbed for the chicken. It was all sauteed in a garlic-soy-sesame oil sauce. The veggies and sauce (or chicken, if you preferred) was served over couscous or brown rice (I chose both, of course). Good gravy, it was delicious!</div><div><br /></div><div>We retired to the family room to watch a movie and talk before finally falling into bed at 1AM. But we're up and ready for another day of driving today. Next stop... Van Horn TX.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Holidays!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-38061886843028428062009-12-14T14:13:00.005-06:002009-12-21T10:45:31.097-06:00Brazos Locavores- January Field Trip Announcement<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZH9DN2UF_2K4sXro-vR92V74NdJ881AEdpk4EBhtxpKE_n-_GjZotauT7LuGHoqXFS-AdT3hMqE1EX9PW_vTmvUQ5HkLg4d5zl4oT_1F_rVMSyfI8xWaYxCbH1ayikFlwVTy0pwU_P2R/s1600-h/IMG_3638.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZH9DN2UF_2K4sXro-vR92V74NdJ881AEdpk4EBhtxpKE_n-_GjZotauT7LuGHoqXFS-AdT3hMqE1EX9PW_vTmvUQ5HkLg4d5zl4oT_1F_rVMSyfI8xWaYxCbH1ayikFlwVTy0pwU_P2R/s320/IMG_3638.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415188335584968866" /></a>For all those Locavores out there who enjoyed visiting Millican Produce last February, AND all of you who missed it... We're heading back to Millican for our January field trip!<div><br /></div><div>Tanya Miller of Millican Produce is well-known in these parts for her amazing greenhouse operation (just 7 miles south of BCS) which brings ripe juicy tomatoes to the Brazos Valley between January and May. </div><div><br /></div><div>But Millican Produce is more than tomatoes. The greenhouse is also home to English cucumbers, watermelons, and herbs; while out in the fields stand more than 3000 lettuce plants.</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtax6jqAGJYTNEvPlad1zBYDQbM0PMFlz3ts0JYuRyQ8qADWtZnCsEuPc4g-E8f_kggagsTfVri3cnteAf47qUPu9xbHn93LhtTNGWqhGaa8ri0B4Y-3D7_Eh0c4PsIv2N1uu4n2ABuho1/s320/IMG_3652.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415562841410895874" />Join the Brazos Locavores on January 24 and experience the magic of ripe tomatoes in the middle of winter!<div><br />Here's the scoop:<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">When</span>: Sunday, January 24 (1:00 - 4:00)</li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Where</span>: Brazos Natural Foods (we'll be meeting in the parking lot and carpooling out to Millican Produce)</li><li><b>RSVP</b>: to <a href="mailto:brazoslocavores@gmail.com">brazoslocavores@gmail.com</a> by Wednesday January 20th (this allows us to prepare the farm for the number of visitors)</li></ul></div><div>Everyone is welcome, the trip is completely free, and don't forget to bring the kids. These field trips are a wonderful opportunity to teach our little ones about where good food originates.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"></span> If you have any questions, just let me know. See you there!<br /><blockquote>The Brazos Locavores is a group whose mission is to connect local eaters with local producers in the Brazos Valley and support a lifestlye of mindful eating. The group gathers for monthly field trips to farms, orchards, and dairies within 100 miles of Bryan-College Station meeting local producers, touring their faciilities, learning more about why eating local is the way to go, and meeting others who are interested in living a local lifestyle.<br /><br />For more information on the Brazos Locavores, check out our <a href="http://brazosgrows.org/brazos-locavores/">website</a>. </blockquote></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-21548725764197524892009-12-14T08:33:00.002-06:002009-12-14T08:33:00.063-06:00Holiday 2009 - California plans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKGMbnHyfvVMZvnpplORBzr0q72cTMZ02e_PhTAlkeeglOAbrmuv5z3pxgqE7ZrICARLKgMqW6CxOKBkvnlDjEWuMa-XJ4-CAWayAfUlFaf7ruMNkvLvQ0G8iVNWFHCrHwDw9c4h6ukXi/s1600-h/travelmap.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKGMbnHyfvVMZvnpplORBzr0q72cTMZ02e_PhTAlkeeglOAbrmuv5z3pxgqE7ZrICARLKgMqW6CxOKBkvnlDjEWuMa-XJ4-CAWayAfUlFaf7ruMNkvLvQ0G8iVNWFHCrHwDw9c4h6ukXi/s320/travelmap.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412240577494024834" /></a>Much like <a href="http://simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com/2008/12/california-holiday-2008.html">last year</a>, we're busily making plans to drive out to Santa Cruz County, California again this holiday, home to hubby's family. We're taking two extra days to drive out, though, stopping in Dallas to see my brother's family (and his new baby), as well as friends; then on to Tucson to meet fellow blogger, <a href="http://chilechews.blogspot.com/">Chile Chews</a>; next to San Diego to meet yet another fellow blogger <a href="http://bicyclingsd.blogspot.com/">Beany</a>; and finally north to Aptos, CA to spend Christmas with Dave's mom, siblings, and their families. <div><br /></div><div>Needless to say, I'm looking forward to visiting with everyone, especially finally meeting the two fellow bloggers that, though we've only conversed over email and through our blogs, I regard as wonderful friends. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, I'm also looking forward to re-visiting the Aptos farmers' market, some local eateries, the natural food store, and maybe catch a good documentary (most of them don't make it to my hometown - go figure). I'll be sure to report on my adventures as well as take lots of great photos, so grab some trail mix and fill your travel mug full of hot herbal tea, and join me as we take on the holidays SGF-style. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-55434536252922138952009-12-13T18:23:00.006-06:002009-12-21T10:45:31.099-06:00Wild Type Ranch - A Brazos Locavores Fieldtrip<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqKBvI9hUNIa37xnXuBfd2XX1POYgfq8SzSOOOLaWHU0FkPzHSNPuJc6o6KHihQSexEk4TNZhnG3tGXJcUCCoB6M-1MpqByxd_l-xmSATSJVOCLjLiZbmHpMDwu1lV69pZHLkmJ1gChhC/s1600-h/IMG_0411.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqKBvI9hUNIa37xnXuBfd2XX1POYgfq8SzSOOOLaWHU0FkPzHSNPuJc6o6KHihQSexEk4TNZhnG3tGXJcUCCoB6M-1MpqByxd_l-xmSATSJVOCLjLiZbmHpMDwu1lV69pZHLkmJ1gChhC/s320/IMG_0411.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414897767135778754" /></a>When we left Bryan to head out to Wild Type Ranch, I was a little concerned about the weather. Apparently others were too because out of the 39 RSVPs, only 15 people came. I was a little disappointed in the numbers, having prepared the farm for around 40 people, but it made for a nice intimate group on what turned out to be a perfect afternoon - by the time we arrived at the ranch, the skies were clear blue and the air was warm. Absolutely beautiful!<div><br /></div><div>After a brief introduction, owners Sara and Ralph piled us into the back of the farm pickup for a grand tour of the 333 acre ranch. Ester, their niece visiting from Australia, rode with us helping man the gates along the way. What a change of scenery for Ester who is studying fashion design back home, but in the states now 2 months, she was a pro around the farm.</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvpGixvYY5ZMnT-WgR7IXL-5bWHrZbK0Pe9JWyd828ge86gheAla4oe0jIl20u1mxcdCrQlp4YVUOaCQBv0ejwdqD95OMxpRWboeMKMl9Xa2fc33ZOJpe6ZrG9GWSNyxf_pRAQxOUOF3T/s320/IMG_0377.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414896252612248930" /><div>Our first stop was to visit the baby calves - twins (named Comfort and Joy) born just two days ago. In fact, every calf born here has a name, not a number. And Sara and Ralph could name any of them on sight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cattle at Wild Type Ranch are fed both feed and grass, but the ranch operates on a philosphy that grass-fed is best as much as possible. In fact, the feed the cows are given is coated in fish oil to keep them from gaining much weight on it.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Sara explained, there are other advantages to grass fed, namely fertilization of the pasture which was a problem when they first moved on site. Basically, they place the hay in dead spots, the cows eat and then deposit "organic matter" back onto the ground that fertilizes the land. In fact, Sara showed us, the greenest grass on the entire ranch is where they've fed hay. </div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiTsetYpED0NLmtm131XhTf7sRlaxL5Q1bLnLybq5mMWgHNvAqCU-JTJYtrfT7jATrvFfKngFRI3uo5t8QwjXSkTAQrAcWO2jb8X-I0G5qlqLpjiwlowKxzacTSv5o4TF6GHhyphenhyphenYbVEG_M/s320/IMG_0329.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414894836154739746" /><div>Particularly special moments were petting Comfort (the 2-day old calf), feeding the momma cows "cow candy," which brought them running in for a nibble, and being there to witness one of the cow's prep for birth as her water broke. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the birth, but it couldn't have been long after we left. I'm sure Sara will pass along the good news before long.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sara and Ralph have managed the ranch for 4 years now, sharing it with Sara's two boys, two horses, chickens, a dog, and (of course) a field full of cattle. All the cows are bred specifically for their genes and temperament through artificial insemination. When it comes time to slaughter, processing ranges roughly 4 cows a month in the summer down to 2 cows a month in the winter, all done in a USDA inspected facility. </div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHoC8L7Tt-esRqxdMzbgRb3aMo4Q5nEhfGIFa7egycSujRvqm_z09WpDeT-R4BHVsAdRqBUivcqSRSh3DZXbQtbVPzSCV8qnOBpu-avjKqXDNHVQN3cZL0Ua8-9KX_fH7OWtaBs_Sv-89O/s320/IMG_0519.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414894860561063986" /><div>After the tour, Sara and Ralph brought out a wonderful buffet of brisket, tortillas, fruit salad, brownies, and drinks - a full meal to share with us! We also had an opportunity to purchase beef on site and just as Sara promised, each container of meat had the name of the cow it came from so that if you wanted to know about the cow you bought, Sara and Ralph could tell you their life story. Try to get your grocery store butcher to do that! </div><div><br /></div><div>Wild Type Ranch currently sells at 4 farmers market around the state. We've enjoyed having them at our very own <a href="http://www.brazosvalleyfarmersmarket.com/">Brazos Valley Farmers' Market</a> once a month since October. In fact, we found out today, that our community has been so welcoming, that starting in January, Wild Type Ranch will be increasing their visits to our market to twice a month. That's twice the opportunities for local, sustainably raised beef and veal!</div><div><br /></div><div>A big thanks to Sara, Ralph, and Ester for sharing your day with us and, of course, for the wonderful tour and meal! </div><div></div><blockquote><div>For more information on Wild Type Ranch, or to sign up for their email list, visit their <a href="http://www.wildtyperanch.com/">website</a>. Or visit them at the <a href="http://www.brazosvalleyfarmersmarket.com/">Brazos Valley Farmers' Market</a>.</div></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-4443563621147964222009-12-12T14:32:00.005-06:002009-12-12T21:56:46.602-06:00Local diet update - December 12, 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH97GUUwRJyOZ5qCD_iVo8NvRL9YAdpCXrkTEqFQxM0mKjchkgGSD8w794QYLZEXKuFRQkPH2qYiS6nbfx4Y97rpByJ7pEYWe7l3bjiT5J9-Yzm_cs5uiIj_0PIFJHC2zhwYhBuJkb6Qp/s1600-h/IMG_0487.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH97GUUwRJyOZ5qCD_iVo8NvRL9YAdpCXrkTEqFQxM0mKjchkgGSD8w794QYLZEXKuFRQkPH2qYiS6nbfx4Y97rpByJ7pEYWe7l3bjiT5J9-Yzm_cs5uiIj_0PIFJHC2zhwYhBuJkb6Qp/s320/IMG_0487.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414454639316059266" /></a>Today marked the first of two holiday celebrations at the <a href="http://www.brazosvalleyfarmersmarket.com/">Brazos Valley Farmers' Market</a>. Sixteen vendors celebrated with us, decorating their booths and dressing up with lots of holiday spirit. This included local spinner, Charline Watz, who dazzled the crowd with her spinning wheel. Also featured this week to help us celebrate the holidays were Alethea Bair (violinist for the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra), a raffle including 4 market prizes that raised $104 for the local food bank, volunteer customers and vendors singing carols, and Santa himself with treats for the kids.<div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSGQEX3sBKsAFRI2CFlLle6GXG27oprpBpK0T8l-upIDQBASYkgJDLyqdsX2vqViuUtNOo3yeGbu3OYMSXx5WCslyjh3li12ZPUJdGEEuq2OBx10xg9YN-GMnc4V1njfroKGOg5nWEcun/s320/IMG_0483.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414454647881911394" /><div>Of course, you can't talk about the farmers' market without talking about great food. Here's what was available at the market today:<br /><blockquote><br /><div><b>Ve<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b>ggies and Fruits</b>: yellow onions, green onions, sweet potatoes, red potatoes, purple potatoes, yellow squash, carrots, green tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, miniature bok choy, peanuts, a variety of hot and sweet peppers, turnips, radishes, spinach, mustard greens, turnip greens, collard greens, rutabaga greens, lettuce, herbs, lemons, dried apples, dried cranberries</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Meat</b>: beef and veal</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Baked Goods</b>: tamales, yeast breads, sweet breads, cheese breads, herb breads, cakes, pies, pecan treats, pound cake, puppy cookies</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjqI2tWy0HTlH23eFC957sA5M1UhS36_vEQb3itEVUDZicDmHsO9oycXrAZ4Uq_Z4HHCBdsoUjlYbx4ZY1y6pacfGRCLfHzwkqfwX5qgLTIXSbwbaSN8lQAB13qO2-7J2VktIne1PDXbc/s320/IMG_0488.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414454633871017042" /><div><b>Canned Goods</b>: jellies, jams, relishes, pickles, salsas, sweet spreads, canned veggies (tomatoes, eggplant preserves, pickled peppers)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Foods</b>: pecans, eggs, olive oil, cornmeal, whole wheat flour, hot pepper sauce, honey</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Crafts</b>: stained glass, hand-spun wool and angora, greeting cards, decorative plaques, reed diffusers, magnets, jewelry, pottery, aprons, hats, bands, wooden benches, candles, pot holders, rosaries</div></blockquote></div><div>If you missed this week's market, we're doing it again next week - with holiday music, more raffle prizes, and Santa is making another appearance!</div><br /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMH7jw9MSZ58Qt1v80AHkJzp0qsilJIrF9VNTqnli7nndGM06IpIvLTglTV-Mja-BUHXKYuCOLgHF1jP46XLymBrZxl8BKLoWBNq9mxsV6d-JgdYtUBhWEPnwB9ycdwxDeTWY8K7kEIRw/s320/IMG_0489.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414454653222850754" />Since my booth hosted the raffle, I was swamped all morning. But I did manage to pick up a few needed goodies before we head out on our trip. Let's see... I got honey and whole wheat flour to make my homemade bread, a gorgeous bowl that I just couldn't pass up (I love handmade dishes!), and some pork puppy cookies to give as a gift next week. Also in the photo are some Texas persimmons and tangerines that were given to me by a friend. Mmm! Gonna enjoy those this week!<div><br /></div><div>With travel days in my immediate future (more on that soon, I promise), I won't be doing much cooking this week. Just nibbling on that local fruit and finishing up the last of the leftovers in the fridge. Maybe I'll cook up some of the sweet potatoes we harvested this fall from the backyard. You know sweet potato soup sounds really good right now...</div><div><br /></div><div>One last note before I close. Today's farmers' market was a perfect example of how eating a local diet isn't just about the food. It's about an amazing community coming together, week after week to celebrate all that life has to offer. THIS is what local food is all about. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great week everyone! And, as always, Happy (and mindful) eating!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-4775585066673185842009-12-11T16:26:00.003-06:002009-12-11T16:43:16.996-06:00Market to Table - December 11, 2009I've been clearing the fridge of fresh produce so that I can go out of town next week and have made some serious headway. Left are just a container of steamed carrots (farmers' market), a boiled red potato (farmers' market), and fresh fruit (but that can go with me on the trip). <div><br /></div><div>So what have I been eating this week? Here's a glimpse:</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdkCzKQlRuhjFKyp1qU2OajV6nezauLXf2QMlxDIvqMRXk3qTynD_4674Vojdsm1V3Y4G9LPobGb0lJrvRjIUDzIfQyI3zhM8uZaQAXegf2icJSHhZYca3Z06wFY6HRR5nthypboFn9OP/s320/IMG_0466.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414109584418092258" /><div><b>Stove Top Veggie Casserole</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I've made this 100 times in 100 different ways (all depending on what ingredients I had on hand). This time, I tossed 1/2 cup of brown rice (local from Houston) with 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Then added chopped sweet potato, radish greens, green peppers, and green tomatoes (all harvested from the backyard), as well as chopped carrots, onions (from the farmers' market). </div><div><br /></div><div>I brought the water to boiling, then let it simmer for about 40 minutes, until the rice was cooked (in the meantime, this "steams" the veggies on top of the rice for a no-fat-added meal). Once the rice was cooked, I stirred the pot and added peanuts (farmers' market), the last of the cooked garbanzo beans (not local), leftover pesto (basil from the backyard), and a can of corn (canned from the farmers' market produce last summer); and let it heat through.</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought it was a strange mix, but I was trying to get rid of leftovers in the fridge. Lucky me - it tasted fabulous and fed me for about 4 meals!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlU5Vxn1aAav3IjEo0DuDg7_QpfuaaWN_3wGShMaRC-HUinrO3NTYDYYjdHxOAlXppFZFNIyHmqkpS6wkgb5tjhaooMSXoQ94kHAxE7Rvb-kKCyKZufa992UyT7vzigvNyUDTUqEoKhBQ/s320/IMG_0467.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414109589199022482" /><div><b>Salad, Sesame Bagel w/Hummus, and Sage Tea</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Lunch today took care of the rest of the salad greens in the fridge. The salad consists of lettuce and radishes from the backyard, as well as carrots and onion from the farmers' market.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next to it is a sesame bagel from our locally-owned bakery (<a href="http://bluebaker.com/">Blue Baker</a>), toasted and smeared with roasted red pepper hummus (not local).</div><div><br /></div><div>And last but not least, I stayed toasty warm with a cup of sage tea using sage from my backyard garden. Delicious!</div><div><br /></div><div>So that's what made it from the market to my table this week. The fridge is almost empty and I'm ready for a holiday full of wonderful new foods from amazing new places. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great weekend, everyone. And as always, Happy (and mindful) Eating!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-132335349441787942009-12-11T11:38:00.003-06:002009-12-21T10:40:15.645-06:00This what I'm dealing with here - Bicycling in the BCSOk. Take a look at this article from our local news station<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/79025897.html?storySection=story">CS Council: It's legal to Ride a Bike on Texas Ave</a></div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who aren't familiar with our area, Texas Ave is the main thoroughfare through town.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now. Take a look at the comments to the article. THIS is what I'm dealing with! I'm going to need another massage...<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-22084563930681132502009-12-10T08:39:00.002-06:002009-12-21T10:31:42.251-06:00Sand Creek Farm CSA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAciGXO0cThhu2dyzTbGWdFuyHyZKwqyCRo5AimO3MGsjCcaJFuQBlNY_kDsr6hkEVWXEamr2GSz84ibA_3llY3UB538iUtSJSyYKbbtp4OD-NsJqz_ca_KGeFncotrvG18ghF28NUoTi/s1600-h/Sand+Creek+CSA.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAciGXO0cThhu2dyzTbGWdFuyHyZKwqyCRo5AimO3MGsjCcaJFuQBlNY_kDsr6hkEVWXEamr2GSz84ibA_3llY3UB538iUtSJSyYKbbtp4OD-NsJqz_ca_KGeFncotrvG18ghF28NUoTi/s320/Sand+Creek+CSA.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412231580705860802" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAciGXO0cThhu2dyzTbGWdFuyHyZKwqyCRo5AimO3MGsjCcaJFuQBlNY_kDsr6hkEVWXEamr2GSz84ibA_3llY3UB538iUtSJSyYKbbtp4OD-NsJqz_ca_KGeFncotrvG18ghF28NUoTi/s1600-h/Sand+Creek+CSA.jpg"></a><b>Sand Creek Farm CSA</b><div><u>Contact Info:</u></div><div>Email: <a href="mailto:ben@sandcreekfarm.net" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(92, 69, 32); ">ben@sandcreekfarm.net</a></div><div><a href="mailto:ben@sandcreekfarm.net" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(92, 69, 32); "></a>Website: <a href="http://www.sandcreekfarm.net/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(92, 69, 32); ">www.sandcreekfarm.net</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.sandcreekfarm.net/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(92, 69, 32); "></a>*******<br /><br />That's right. Local <a href="http://www.sandcreekfarm.net/">Sand Creek Farm and Dairy</a> in Cameron TX, home to raw milks, cheeses, yogurt, eggs and a wonderful variety of meats, is opening up their farm to a CSA starting in April 2010! And I had the opportunity to talk with owners Ben and Alysha Godfrey to get all the details. Check it out!<div><b></b></div><blockquote><div><b>SGF</b>: Tell me a little about your family and how Sand Creek Farm got started.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sand Creek</b>: In 2001 Ben decided we needed to move out of the city onto a little land so that we could have a little flavor of the country in our lives. Alysha was a city girl and so did not want to go to far from town. First we moved to a 3 acre plot with a home just outside of College Station, then in 2003 we moved to 20 acres, which grew to 40 acres. While living there Ben decided to work the land the old fashioned way - with draft horses. </div><div><br /></div><div>We went to Amish country in Holmes County, OH and met some of the neatest families imaginable who took us under wing and taught us the basics of horse farming, putting up food for ourselves and how to set up a small family farm. The city girl in Alysha was now expanding to the country.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was then, and with a firm belief that there was a need for more nutritious food in our food system, Ben decided we needed an organic garden, then a milk cow, then a grass fed milk cow with the entire farm being managed organically. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well one cow went dry which meant we needed another, then there was too much milk, then the neighbors wanted it, which led to a 3<sup>rd</sup> cow and from there the quest for a license from the State to be able to sell raw milk. From that point we learned that we were the only cow diary in the State of TX with a license to sell raw milk. </div><div><br /></div><div>We quickly outgrew the 40 acres with our 9 milk cows and 20 head of work horses leading to a move to the slow rolling hills of Milam County, TX in mid 2006 with our little herd and a customer base of about 20 families. We set up a small dairy, commercial kitchen/milk room with a little help of one part time college student. Ben kept his day job, as they say. In 2009, Ben decided to sell his commercial construction company and come home full time to be with the girls and Alysha and farm/dairy for a living. Now we provide nutrient dense food to about 130 families a week. Our selections have grown from just milk to grass fed beef, farmstead cheeses, pastured pork, sausages, healthy hot dogs, pastured eggs, honey, maple syrup, jams, canned produce and more.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>SGF</b>: I can certainly vouch for the quality. Both my husband and I have both visited the farm and have purchased the dairy and meats. That raw whole milk is the BEST!</div><div><br /></div><div>So how did the idea for the organic CSA come about?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sand Creek</b>: We wanted to be able to offer our Farm Members a well rounded variety of foods, and produce is part of that. Through our different associations with other farmers we have learned a great deal about having a produce “truck patch” and the importance of working together as families and friends. One of our good friends and organic produce farmers wanted to work with us on this project and so it just naturally worked out to have an organic produce CSA available to our current Farm Families and anyone else that would like to purchase good quality, nutrient dense, organic produce at a good price.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>SGF</b>: How will the CSA work (re: payments, pickups, etc)?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sand Creek</b>: There will but a small one-time Farm Membership fee and Annual Planting fee and then the weekly boxes will be paid for 4 weeks at a time in advance. If a person is a current Farm Member they will just add it to their regular order databases; if they are a new customer they can choose to join an already operating group where the families take turns coming to the farm or have their own paid driver, or they can choose to come to the farm on their own. There may be some other options in the future as need arises but for right now this is how we plan to provide the CSA Produce Boxes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Members of the CSA should expect to receive a box each week for at least 30 weeks of the year for $28/box. Each box will contain 14# or more of commonly used produce. We plan to specialize in flavorful varieties of everyday favorites.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>SGF</b>: How many families can you serve?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sand Creek</b>: About 100 this first season but we can handle a whole lot more. We plan to have extra produce in the ground so that we can grow the size of the CSA at any time.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><b>SGF</b>: How can people find out more about becoming a member?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sand Creek</b>: They can e-mail us directly at <a href="mailto:ben@sandcreekfarm.net" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(92, 69, 32); ">ben@sandcreekfarm.net</a> or visit our website, <a href="http://www.sandcreekfarm.net/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(92, 69, 32); ">www.sandcreekfarm.net</a>.</div></blockquote><div>This is truly exciting news, but to get in on the first season, be sure to email Sand Creek Farm by January 1st and put your name on the list. I'll also have Sand Creek Farm CSA fliers at the info booth I host at the Saturday farmers' market as well as at the booths I host all over town. </div><div><br /></div><div>A big welcome to the Sand Creek Farm CSA, a wonderful addition to our community! May the harvest be plentiful!</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-62104517992303139872009-12-09T17:31:00.002-06:002009-12-21T10:42:50.699-06:00TAMU Press offering holiday sale on booksOur local publishing house, Texas A&M University Press is offering a holiday special - 25% off books. I've done book reviews of a couple of their publications:<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com/2009/11/texas-wildscapes-book-review.html">Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com/2009/09/growing-good-things-to-eat-in-texas.html">Growing Good Things to Eat in Texas</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Both would make wonderful gifts, but are, of course, just two of many options. It's another wonderful way to shop local! </div><div><br /></div><div>To check out all the Press has to offer, visit their <a href="http://www.tamupress.com/catalog/CategoryInfo.aspx?cid=152">website</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-86767961801317889462009-12-09T10:01:00.003-06:002009-12-21T10:45:31.101-06:00Food For Families Drive - 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiiGb91FoQeLWWrYbmxo3QmXZ2ZpnauLUZxwVFZwsYC7px6CUbNIxDR-dSJGByPVM0EaWrvMmBNhAyXqw_dtSOVrszGQWTLXSKB0TNMFHdUubicms9zR065LAE7EcCxNHOIrCxFV8Amlb/s1600-h/IMG_0464.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiiGb91FoQeLWWrYbmxo3QmXZ2ZpnauLUZxwVFZwsYC7px6CUbNIxDR-dSJGByPVM0EaWrvMmBNhAyXqw_dtSOVrszGQWTLXSKB0TNMFHdUubicms9zR065LAE7EcCxNHOIrCxFV8Amlb/s320/IMG_0464.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413268486549054914" /></a>A yearly event, the Food for Families Food Drive was in full swing when I peddled through the line this morning. It was another chilly morning (36 degrees and 15 mph winds) when I left the house. Of course, showing up on a bike cause some talk and a few laughs on site, but hey, I figure if a girl on a bike can donate, no one else has an excuse not to participate, right?<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com/2008/12/food-for-family-drive-2008.html">Last year</a>, I filled up the bike at Kroger with generic non-perishables. This year I wanted to be a bit more mindful, so I went to one of our two locally-owned grocery stores (Village Foods) and bought all organic supplies - mac&cheese, canned beans, spice packets (sloppy joes, taco, fajita, italian dressing, etc), ketchup, rice... And every last one of them organic. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next, was the short bike ride to the Brazos Center where the collection takes place every year. The officer directing traffic into the donation areas gave me an enthusiastic wave, and asked me to pull into the first line where I filled out a card indicating what I was donating - food or money or both. I marked both. </div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqydTistSAOafbZwoPy2gYvGK9iSbEqg2DNOL44I4ktn6Q7kg9-sByPzKOvby970U3SvmaYIeDYLsRt7PBWiIeovD1hyphenhyphenoiTZ3kBJsg1-vyAjgnpuRpfmjmdz8CLFdvqvl4pBWJJzNNDh7/s320/IMG_0465.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413268494799276242" /><div>Next, I pulled up to the guys with grocery carts who were helping to unload the cars (and now, bikes). I gave them my check and bags of groceries and I headed out. It took all of maybe 10 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, if you're local, please stop by and donate what you can. Food for Families is open until 10:30 tonight at the Brazos Center. Donate food. Donate money. Whatever you can do to help the food bank feed the hungry people of the Brazos Valley. </div><div><br /></div><div>For more information on the Food For Families Drive, visit their <a href="http://www.kbtx.com/foodforfamilies">website</a> at KBTX.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-8915234608895268542009-12-07T08:02:00.000-06:002009-12-21T10:11:16.658-06:00Big-Box Swindle - A book review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUmQEDKyCXoJ1rFdSL-2HGGRTTtM38k0M3pu4SxkdfTtQW7L0wdK87_8TYUROLSX0wf0SD-K99Oa9G-GXrdP47sUAyNX7Nr8F0W5C5-6DYAXS2lRQcnR6nSxUAEC0G9lw4VlJXA-XGr4o/s1600-h/imageDB.cgi.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUmQEDKyCXoJ1rFdSL-2HGGRTTtM38k0M3pu4SxkdfTtQW7L0wdK87_8TYUROLSX0wf0SD-K99Oa9G-GXrdP47sUAyNX7Nr8F0W5C5-6DYAXS2lRQcnR6nSxUAEC0G9lw4VlJXA-XGr4o/s320/imageDB.cgi.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412286531498491666" /></a>Following on the tails of my latest read, <i><a href="http://simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com/2009/11/way-we-eat-book-review.html">The Way We Eat: Why our Food Choices Matter</a></i>, Stacy Mitchell's <i><a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780807035009-2">Big-Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America's Independent Businesses</a></i> (2006), was not an intentional companion to Singer and Mason's book on food ethics, but certainly a fated one. Both published in 2006, where <i>The Way We Eat</i> was a primer on all that encompasses the ethics of eating, <i>Big-Box Swindle</i> tackles the hard-core realities of what chain stores do to our local communities and economies... and it isn't pretty. <div><br /></div><div>Here are some highlights. Big-Box (aka chain) stores:</div><div><ul><li>increase resource demand on local government (fire, police, utility, roads) – studies show that small, local businesses make far less demands on community infrastructure, infrastructure for which its citizens have to pay</li><li>decrease a sense of community - citizens of towns without big box stores are more active in their communities and local governments</li><li>decrease job opportunities – contrary to popular opinion, after initial jobs are gained, small businesses are forced to close their doors and in the end more jobs are lost than gained because of the efficiency of big-box stores (they can do more with less people - not to mention less skilled, lower paid people)</li><li>decrease the amount of revenue changing hands in a community - at least 3 times the amount of money stays in a community when you shop at a locally-owned store; more if you shop direct from a farmer or eat at a local restaurant</li><li>decrease product quality and push jobs overseas – the incessant demand for lower prices forces suppliers to lower their standards and move jobs overseas or else lose a significant source of income when the big-box refuses to sell from that particular supplier (keep in mind Walmart now accounts for 10% of all retail sales. That's serious power!)</li><li>increase urban sprawl leading to increased car use and pollution – big-box stores operate on the fringe of communities, unlike small local businesses which tend to be central to the community, located near homes and restaurants.</li><li>increase the tax burden on local citizens – big-box stores use their size to manipulate local governments into tax breaks which means local businesses and citizens must make up for lost revenue</li><li>decrease the quality of living – big-box jobs are lower in pay and benefits than jobs at local businesses</li><li>increase the threat to the environment – every big box stores comes with its own massive parking lot, one of the biggest sources of highly-concentrated water-way pollutants; big-boxes are famous for clear-cutting land and destroying natural habitats</li><li>decrease individuality by creating cookie-cutter communities</li><li>decreases personalized customer service – salespeople were once experts on their products and knew their customers likes and dislikes, taking the time to get to know their customers, helping best meet individual customer needs. Big-box associates are reprimanded for spending too much time with customer. Their job is to move product as quickly as possible. </li></ul></div> <div>Disgusted? Even knowing some of these things, I felt despondent at all the havoc these chain-stores leave in their wake, the manipulation they calculate behind doors at board meetings. And we're not just talking about Wal-Mart here (though they are the easy fall-guy), but Target, Costco, Barnes and Noble, Kroger, Bed Bath and Beyond, Home Depot, Old Navy, Best Buy, PetSmart - you get the idea - are all culprits. </div><div><br /></div><div>Interesting to note, was that today's growing anti-chain movement is not the first. In the 20's and 30's politicians actually ran on platforms of preventing big-box expansion. </div> <div></div><blockquote><div>Opponents argued that chains threatened democracy by undermining local economic independence and community self-determination. As they drove out the local merchant – a “loyal and energetic type of citizen” – the chains replaced him with a manager, a “transient,” who was discouraged from independent thought and community involvement, and who served as “merely a representative of a non-resident group of stockholders who pay him according to his ability to line their pockets with silver.</div></blockquote><div>Wow! Sounds familiar, doesn't it? The bottom line is we've reached that time again, where we as citizens (not consumers) need to take a stand on the future of our communities. Thankfully, the book concludes on a positive note, citing examples of successful anti-chain campaigns. There is hope. But like anything else, the first step is awareness, and that awareness is sorely lacking in the U.S. today.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Big-Box Swindle</i> is a powerful ally in the buy-local movement and a must read for those wanting to live a life of mindful consumption. Don't set foot in another chain-store until you read this book. You (and your community) will be glad you did.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rated</b>: 4 out of 5 (I'd give it a 5, but it was so full of data, it was at times hard to concentrate - you have to take your time on this one)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Recommended</b>: to anyone who wants to live a more mindful, citizen-driven (not consumer-driven) life</div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">This and tons of other great eco-book reviews can be found at the <a href="http://beabookworm.blogspot.com/">Blogging Bookworm</a>. Be a bookworm today and check it out!</span></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-1669319610203789722009-12-06T09:26:00.003-06:002009-12-06T09:45:14.600-06:00Garden therapy - A backyard garden update (December)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjMtzElpqp4sL51UJ2MavgSxtUsOdNtxYi8ZpbQP_hYc1fGcLWKDFMllweYRlPIyFbOp7Q9dZGBPx6slriKyA83mgMQLus9dUNHAnL8qXCMnyzaB7Y5LlCuk1V-w3WQGOQVceY5Q0tcc7/s1600-h/IMG_0451.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjMtzElpqp4sL51UJ2MavgSxtUsOdNtxYi8ZpbQP_hYc1fGcLWKDFMllweYRlPIyFbOp7Q9dZGBPx6slriKyA83mgMQLus9dUNHAnL8qXCMnyzaB7Y5LlCuk1V-w3WQGOQVceY5Q0tcc7/s320/IMG_0451.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412146233317197570" /></a>I have some sad news... after the freeze we had on Friday night, my tomato plants totally bit the dust, kicked the can, shriveled up and died with mushy green tomatoes still on the vine. Well, poo. You can see the carnage next to the trellis in the photo. In fact, you can even see some of the greenish-brown tomatoes near the ground to the right. At least I managed to pick a dozen green tomatoes to ripen in the kitchen, before the freeze. Still, I'm morning their loss as I was SO looking forward to tomato-pesto sandwiches...<div><br /></div><div>In better news, the rest of the garden seems to have survived. Sure, the red potato plants look bad - you can see what was once the plants at the front of the bed in the second photo - yeah, I know. It looks bad, but I have it on good authority that the potatoes below should be just find until we're ready to harvest them next year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, so what's going on in the rest of the garden? </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Harvesting</b></div><div><br /></div><div>We're currently harvesting broccoli, lettuce, snow peas, sage, radishes, and green onions.</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8cHhyphenhyphenRamUIyH5OfjHUm53UgFWVJCYi01nY7EAHjArlZGNdgvWJLCQErVFt9vQsDGvrJedUJF4tWSuwCsO9tilIum9HdtabvS1lPhRRg-ERkXF_scL4w1ljpvui_a2N1EIM41QfjwPPZe/s320/IMG_0453.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412146244784463810" /><div><b>Planting</b></div><div><br /></div><div>We've added more radishes, 3 variety of lettuce, kohlrabi, and cabbage in the sections where we <a href="http://simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com/2009/11/prepping-for-frost-2009.html">pulled up summer/fall crops </a>(green peppers, green beans, and basil) in late November. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Somewhere in between</b></div><div><br /></div><div>About half of the garden lies somewhere in between planting and harvesting - the kohlrabi, carrots, bulb onions, leaf lettuce, and 8 more broccoli plants are still maturing.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Plans for the Future</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Actually, the only plans I have for the near future is to get more snow peas planted next to the trellis where I pulled out the dead tomato plants. And, of course, to replant any seeds that don't come up from the last planting effort. </div><div><br /></div><div>Garden therapy continues to work its charm on me. I love witnessing the beautiful process from seed to harvest, having learned a lot in the last 14 months (was it really just 14 months ago that I planted my first bed?). The best part is that the learning process never ends as I work with the earth to provide fresh, healthy produce to share with friends and family. And who doesn't like good food?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-36365317630847956792009-12-05T14:16:00.003-06:002009-12-05T14:41:04.406-06:00Local diet update - December 5, 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3uJDzxK-16liiGoE3ioFie050mGe7Jqq_Rn3FVZTs5ca7DJp72mj8Zbmf_cUxzZrM-pJmWnBBBOx6pFF4JsGHg3ND02rwzZCD8_6arLn3HmNcQRq4uVMnFTFFuiMArvoyStT2Fz2qkqC/s1600-h/IMG_0442.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3uJDzxK-16liiGoE3ioFie050mGe7Jqq_Rn3FVZTs5ca7DJp72mj8Zbmf_cUxzZrM-pJmWnBBBOx6pFF4JsGHg3ND02rwzZCD8_6arLn3HmNcQRq4uVMnFTFFuiMArvoyStT2Fz2qkqC/s320/IMG_0442.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411852012682287234" /></a>Despite the fact that it was 23 degrees when I arrived at the farmers' market (Yikes! That's Central Texas, remember) we still had 19 vendors setup at the market this morning. For awhile, the tables were icy and the produce was kept in the cooler - to keep it warm! <div><br /></div><div>But it wasn't just an amazing showing of vendors, we had a steady stream of customers all bundled up just like we were, customers who just couldn't pass up the freshest produce in town. Although, I admit, I couldn't pass it up either! I was there with my booth, covered in knee socks, heavy clothes, wool boots, a down jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, two blankets, and never far away from my vendor-neighbor's propane heater (yes, in fact I am a wuss - I moved away for Indiana for a good reason, thank you!)<div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWdziOqXQkfrNcArg2zraioEFOAucTW-c25AU22ebZpEZkIqC7rZlMgY47MP3NZ6aUt3YiORuNx1hav6K4twr7VI3_y0BFQFcZgfiydcWrVTYHjLPM7NMThbcDq8ZHzhNbtDAiPZe9aQ2/s320/IMG_0449.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411852027018268914" /><div>And although our holiday festivities don't officially start until next weekend, we even had a Santa mannequin singing holiday tunes. The kids got a real kick out of that!<br /><div><br /></div><div>So what was available on this blustery morning? Check it out:</div><blockquote><br /><div><b>Ve<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b>ggies and Fruits</b>: Yellow onions, sweet potatoes, red potatoes, yellow squash, carrots, green tomatoes, green beans, cabbage, broccoli, eggplant, zucchini, bok choy, sprouts, spring mix, peanuts, a variety of hot and sweet peppers, kohlrabi, turnips, radishes, spinach, leaf lettuce, mustard greens, herbs, lemons</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Baked Goods</b>: tamales, yeast breads, sweet breads, cheese breads, cakes, pumpkin rolls, peanut brittle, cookies, pecan specialty treats</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5U72r6XD-QUGvaE_9eaQirOtJRD_yTCZ5VnhRuxHagaDWyrINpVwaguXT_Ee40tZyhUpjqqlHmYtgajntw57mlfxIB46feIQui5ddFNtmS9PpjhUaZAT0EvG5-8s_qXx4DxRbtwLiuHR/s320/IMG_0432.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409322382585777970" /><div><b>Canned Goods</b>: jellies, jams, relishes, pickles, salsas, sweet spreads, canned veggies (tomatoes, eggplant preserves, pickled peppers)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Foods</b>: pecans, eggs, olive oil, cornmeal, whole wheat flour, hot pepper sauce, locally-roasted coffees, honey, bread mix, spice mixes</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Crafts</b>: stained glass, aprons, hats, bands, wooden benches, candles, pot holders</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Plants</b>: herb plants, decorative plants, live oak trees</div></blockquote><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYBENptwMm2c7je9MMoJRYfL5gRBXVX3TtxswJRLn7wY-yX5wtBvMm6rR1yWV1eeWu6xXYeb2V0TkkdPM3LZZ1V1-ZcH_xzfbBzR6CBU7HQGbz9Mx-JzyB6WqkNGrOC0pv2OnvUdBTpEA/s320/IMG_0450.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411852030637449714" />Of course, now that we've had our first freeze, the peppers, green beans, and yellow squash will be no more. But then, there's so much to look forward to here in winter veggies. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for me, I had a great haul, myself, coming home with peanuts, 2 bottles of local wine (I privately bartered with a vendor for this), whole wheat flour, carrots, lemons, and onions. Actually, most of the food in the photo was either given to me or bartered for. Awesome!</div><div><br /></div><div>The peanuts and wine have been set aside for gifts, the lemons will most likely be juiced and frozen for recipes later, but the onions and carrots are all mine - more stir fries and salads are on the menu this week when I add it to the broccoli, snow peas, lettuce, radishes, and green onions I'm harvesting out of the backyard, as well as the sweet potatoes, green peppers, soups, pasta sauces, rice, corn, and pesto that I've preserved over the last 6 months. Can you believe all that is local? Yum!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you're all having a great weekend (and staying warm)! </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy (and mindful) Eating!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-12735149697323485342009-12-03T14:52:00.003-06:002009-12-21T10:42:26.427-06:00Market to Table - December 03, 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLFROCvvi0-JSR9MxfxnfcXhEHx2XiXvdpvmzNPYM0rlIeAZ2vyK_C-le4uWCedxV2XekUXy0MKcXcYuB1qhz8BsQDorvcxnUXDXJB1TQ_3eY_wOzYU1FzBbi8icunhaDCe5Pe2il0hRz/s1600-h/IMG_0439.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLFROCvvi0-JSR9MxfxnfcXhEHx2XiXvdpvmzNPYM0rlIeAZ2vyK_C-le4uWCedxV2XekUXy0MKcXcYuB1qhz8BsQDorvcxnUXDXJB1TQ_3eY_wOzYU1FzBbi8icunhaDCe5Pe2il0hRz/s320/IMG_0439.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411126953420431074" /></a>Remember all those <a href="http://simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com/2009/11/local-diet-update-november-29-2009.html">goodies I picked up from the farmers' market last weekend</a>? Well, check out what made it from Market to Table this week...<div><br /></div><div><b>Polenta and Veggies in Tomato Sauce</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I sauteed an onion with some chopped carrots and green pepper in olive oil until the veggies softened. Then I added chopped mustard and collard greens, as well as some garbanzo beans and tofu for a little protein. Finally, I mixed in a jar of my homemade pasta sauce and let it stay warm on the stove.</div><div><br /></div><div>In an saucepan, I sauteed a yellow onion, some mushrooms, and garlic in a little olive oil. Then I added the entire bag of cornmeal to the pan. When I went to add the water (polenta requires 4 times the water per unit of cornmeal), I realized I didn't have enough room for all the water, so I only did a 2:1 ratio. The polenta still came out wonderfully and before enjoying, I popped it in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes so the top would get all crunchy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Makes for a pretty dish, doesn't it? And it was ooh! so delicious! Let's see, and everything is local except for the beans, tofu, and garlic. Mmmm!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLGx5tOJWLURbja6QkyFtY4LhKs9V4CHWlZ4eFOt1wm3te1cEy_HEd2OHBFdg3mMeOYBuGI4i1Oc-5fcYufocB4TVT72WJ5ldnHDvsyPSUZcDVadaz0bxkFUiAMlypqTVkUgyxJZ8VOEi/s320/IMG_0438.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411126949931967298" /><div><b>Pecan-Cranberry Salad</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I hate predictable and boring salads, so I'm always looking for ways to liven it up. This salad started with lettuce from the backyard. Then I topped it with radishes, green peppers, and snow peas (also from the backyard), onions, carrots, and cranberries (from the farmers' market), pecans from one of our local pecan orchards, and garbanzo beans and tofu (not local). </div><div><br /></div><div>Though I'd not yet added the dressing when I took the photo. The dressing is my <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pesto-Vinaigrette-Dressing/Detail.aspx">vegan pesto vinaigrette</a>, made with basil from my backyard and olive oil from the farmers' market. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another gorgeous dish if I do say so myself! And one I'll be repeating now that I've eaten all of the polenta and veggie leftovers...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWjG1ZyICrXHWjCViD1yBsk93Gu_iRQW7bsbFo1h-iqIYR9byJWJcAud-NjHItPIeo4uUWNFIOzej5-CCly7ZOdXeWtXZnWo-dLDvKXmpsh7yXrDb8CByQhXQTMEWD-GCKfnnJIXt3_HP/s320/IMG_0436.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411126944930267858" /><div><b>Steamed Veggie Medley</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last, but certainly not least, a nice simple medley of steamed veggies: green beans and broccoli from my backyard garden, and carrots and red potatoes from the farmers' market. </div><div><br /></div><div>This has to be the easiest thing ever - just chop your veggies, steam, and add just a smidgeon of salt. Beyond that, the fresh veggies speak for themselves. I left them like this for Dave, but when I ate them myself, I mixed in some of my vegan pesto vinaigrette to give it some bite, as well as some tofu and garbanzo beans to transform it into a full meal. Yum!</div><div><br /></div><div>Alright. Anything else you need to know about eating locally? I mean, really, this is as easy as it gets (trust me, I'm no chef) and you simply won't find better tasting food anywhere. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy (and mindful) Eating!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-12376500685565604712009-12-02T13:35:00.004-06:002009-12-21T10:10:48.961-06:00Send Diane to Copenhagen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/19/hopenhagen-ambassador-con_n_363672.html?slidenumber=QCjRGmul2Ak%3D"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcVmiA4SiIaotU8kgAGsh3RbS2jDNbPB7NHiMmJiwXCzBDebQc1VOlM4zeQvkQiD9aiI5-uNqR8sZQJlY-A181QdAW89dlqvT51geCA6sH8eHp92I41D71ZIneiWDxAuot6Qhag5di2Bj/s320/Diane-graphic.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410726547548622322" /></a>There has been a flurry of activity around the blogosphere about the upcoming talks in Copen-hagen. Apparently, the Huffington Post will be sending one person to "represent the concerns of the people around the world and report back daily as a HuffPost citizen journalist." And every one of us can vote!<div><br /></div><div>The eco-blogger favorite seems to be Diane MacEachern, best-selling author of <a href="http://www.biggreenpurse.com/">Big Green Purse</a>, and blogger at <a href="http://blog.biggreenpurse.com/">Big Green Purse</a> and the <a href="http://organicmania.com/green-moms-carnival/">Green Mom's Carnival</a>.<div><br /></div><div>If you have a moment, be sure to check out Diane's entry and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/19/hopenhagen-ambassador-con_n_363672.html?slidenumber=QCjRGmul2Ak%3D">vote to send her to Copenhagen</a>.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-64631116094868538362009-12-02T13:09:00.003-06:002009-12-21T10:40:15.647-06:00Pedal Power Update - December 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Dp2nV-qUA3SVydAkfvRlmoBTWq9SXn8ADXvqoEZsuKE_ARbG_bjpXq2KPELsnQOFPD_FqvsxHGezlwfwh-umTCRwEHTHv-_CD_CkMy-d1hIAjCgh_R8XeAL9KtFieDki40H0DUxalUV1/s1600-h/IMG_0440.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Dp2nV-qUA3SVydAkfvRlmoBTWq9SXn8ADXvqoEZsuKE_ARbG_bjpXq2KPELsnQOFPD_FqvsxHGezlwfwh-umTCRwEHTHv-_CD_CkMy-d1hIAjCgh_R8XeAL9KtFieDki40H0DUxalUV1/s320/IMG_0440.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410722583492155154" /></a>Today seems like a really good day to post about the last month's pedal power. You see, it's in the 40's here in Central Texas, with wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour, and YES, I spent 2 hours this morning on my bike to get our household errands run. Needless to say, by the time I made it home (traveling north from my last stop, aka against the wind) my legs felt like jello. Two hours later, I'm not quite sure I'm fully recouped, but all the more reason to sit on the couch and type, right?<div><div><br /></div><div>For most of the last month, the weather has been gorgeous (mid-60's) and perfect for biking. Gone are the days when a 20 mile ride was a novelty. Now, I go out of my way to add the extra miles onto a tour around town (almost always an effort to complete errands). I've also noticed that rather than biking on some of the larger roads where I can get to and from home much faster (but where I also tend to get yelled at from drivers), I've been taking longer, meandering rides through neighborhoods for a more relaxing (and abuse-free) ride. Let's just say, I'm loving it!</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, it's December now, and even Texas has gotten blustery. But to be honest, it's not the cold that gets to me (with layers on, I usually end up sweaty even on the coldest winter days). No, it's the wind that bites - though granted, I don't normally bike in 30 mph winds. The good news, though, is I didn't have to worry that my tofu would go bad on the long, grueling ride from the local natural food store to home (again, almost completely against the wind). I mean, it's perfect refrigerator weather outside, so my tofu stayed nice and cool. Hey, I can always find something to be thankful about.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, just one more thing. Obviously I'm getting stronger because those 30 mph winds I mentioned didn't knock me on my butt. Yeah for pedal power!</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. Don't you just love the toilet paper bungee-corded on the back of the bike?</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-86034399546562403392009-12-01T17:09:00.002-06:002009-12-01T17:14:17.345-06:00Simple Living Network News - Holiday Edition<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInOntonONRD6-URhyphenhyphen-_7oplHKmeXE6SD6Bt-RbNT_S5Lmhje77TgpWmQME7zxjWmZdaOjX7Jcng7niefu508E2ZbSy5jI7xI5mzI8Poa-OhZoRn0IOOOVLR_VBeUMx0Bg_s8EA3ayMgdx/s1600/sln_text_logo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 40px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInOntonONRD6-URhyphenhyphen-_7oplHKmeXE6SD6Bt-RbNT_S5Lmhje77TgpWmQME7zxjWmZdaOjX7Jcng7niefu508E2ZbSy5jI7xI5mzI8Poa-OhZoRn0IOOOVLR_VBeUMx0Bg_s8EA3ayMgdx/s320/sln_text_logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410409872050763458" /></a>One of my all-time favorite e-news letters, from the Simple Living Network, has just released it's <a href="http://www.simpleliving.net/main/custom.asp?recid=1">November/December 2009 (aka Holiday) Edition</a>. <div><br /></div><div>They have great tips on simplifying the holiday and, of course, fabulous articles on simplifying every other aspect of our lives as well. Note, in this edition, they also plug the new <i>No Impact Man</i> book by my personal eco-hero, Colin Beavan. </div><div><br /></div><div>Check it out!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-19014212728701765522009-12-01T14:00:00.005-06:002009-12-21T10:45:31.104-06:00Farmers' Market Holiday Celebration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ96-6uQeWeKahad7k4UCHonnFB5mza9D9DBwQftyesaIBt0aST3YBeQFYFRxrKmafnpCjMIcIwkF3YfczSjgllLvSpOIQNRBL6qRnCNkPgfgdEbC0U3B34nCg0eI7UG0VSyaVVVwpx8g/s1600/bvfm_color.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ96-6uQeWeKahad7k4UCHonnFB5mza9D9DBwQftyesaIBt0aST3YBeQFYFRxrKmafnpCjMIcIwkF3YfczSjgllLvSpOIQNRBL6qRnCNkPgfgdEbC0U3B34nCg0eI7UG0VSyaVVVwpx8g/s320/bvfm_color.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410360373433436114" /></a>A little something for you locals to put on your calendar...<div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Brazos Valley Farmers' Market Holiday Celebration</b></div><div><ul><li>Saturday, Dec 12th and 19 (8am-12pm)</li><li>Brazos County Health Dept parking lot (Wm J. Bryan and Texas Ave)</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">Celebrate the holidays with the Brazos Valley Farmers' Market. Included in the morning's festivities will be caroling, treats for the kids from Santa himself (9:30-11:00), and raffles for great farmers' market products to benefit the Brazos Valley Food Bank. </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. I'm looking for local groups who would like to spend an hour caroling at the market that morning. If you're interested, just <a href="mailto:info@brazosvalleyfarmersmarket.com">let me know</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8862121314003712764.post-63595324582248004082009-11-30T12:21:00.002-06:002009-11-30T13:09:38.773-06:00Food Ethics - OvereatingI read a wonderfully thought-provoking book last week - <i>The Way We Eat: Why our Food Choices Matter </i>(review <a href="http://simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com/2009/11/way-we-eat-book-review.html">here</a>). It really challenged a lot of the ideas I had about food, despite all the studying I've done on the topic for the last 2 years. And ever since, there have been a couple things heavy on my mind. I'll just touch on one of them today: The ethics of overeating.<div><br /></div><div>The bulk of the book's contents covered ethics regarding how food is produced, it's effects on animals, humans, and the environment. But at the end, the authors touched briefly on our attitudes as we are actually consuming it - the ethics of obesity/overeating. </div><div><br /></div><div>As an environmentalist and an advocate of voluntary simplicity, I spend a considerable amount of effort minimizing waste, consuming only what I need because I think it's unethical to waste resources just because we can. So when the book presented me with this question: is eating too much unethical?, I really took it to heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>From an evolutionary perspective, we are wired to eat whatever we can get our hands on, for fear the next meal might be hard to come by. Even in our more recent past, gluttony was considered one of the seven deadly sins. But in modern times (particularly in the US with the food system we have set up), do we even think about it?</div><div><br /></div><div>From a personal perspective, I often find myself overeating, then getting in some extra work-out time to burn the extra calories off. We all do it, right? But the question is, when we really start to think about it, is that attitude unethical as it relates to wastefulness?</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a tough question, and if you were within range, you could probably smell the smoke from all the gears turning in my head. What do you think? Is obesity/overeating unethical?</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. Keep in mind this is regarding people who have a choice in the matter, not those for whom obesity/overeating is the result of a medical condition...</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com18