It has been a while (again)...and I have been busy, busy, busy! I started a new fitness class at 5 am so when I get home I am pretty drained!
I am sticking to my local diet pretty well. The markets have been wonderful still and I feel good about going into the winter season. I have a lot frozen but not as much canned as I would like. I will rely on the co-op to provide much of what I need. My awareness grows each day...
I have also been able to strat a running routine!
I signed up for the Nike Human Race and invite you to join me!
Join me for the Nike+ Human Race through Team UP TO SPEED!
Register (it's free!) for the Human Race at
http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikerunning_humanrace-en_US?register=HR2009
then sign up with Ambassador Amandah at
http://tinyurl.com/ambchall
Make sure to tell Amandah I sent you!
Be well!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
What Day is It?
The further and further I get into my "experiment" the more I find that the so-called changes I have made are becoming second nature. I no longer go into my days thinking about day ?? of 365...it's just another day in my life and another opportunity to do something good for the community and the planet. Each day I find that there are more and more things I can do to challenge myself and to lessen what I leave behind. The latest- No Impact Challenge. Through a series of links I was going to for more information on local eating I came across No Impact Man's blog (I had read about him in Sleeping Naked is Green--info at www.greenasathistle.com) which led me to the website for the project (www.noimpactproject.org). I have been making small changes, for the environment, since starting to eat locally, as most the information I find on locavores leads me to interesting links and resources about living greener, so this challenge is perfect! I would love to have a local group take the challenge with me! I should get information soon as to when it starts.
I have also found there are frustrating barriers to things I would like to do because of where I live (in a condo)...planting a huge garden that will feed us through the season, composting without violating a condo-law, biking to work without getting squashed on the highway, and freezing large quantities of food (having a large freezer in addition to my refrigerator would just make me feel like I am undoing any planetary good I have done). So- I am doing what I can in my small space and forming habits I can live with day to day, while holding a job, keeping a partner, and not starving.
So what have I done?
-Set up recycling bins in the garage
-Unplugging appliances when not in use (and following my loved one around turning off lights!)
-Traded in two old (one gas guzzler) vehicles for smaller, more fuel efficient cars
- Buy 90% of our food from the Farmer's Markets and the local Co-op
-Eat and buy locally (I am averaging 70% daily and have forced my partner into about 40%) with a goal of being able to maintain 90% for a month.
- Switched my cat to a more natural and Eco-friendly brand of food (though it has created a much more vocal cat)
- More houseplants and less TV
-Fair trade coffee
-Doing most my shopping at second hand stores
-If I purchase new I try to buy items made with mother earth in mind.
-Turning off the water when I brush
- Adding two water bottles to the toilet tank so it uses less water
-Cutting back on shower time and let my hair air dry more (which is especially easy when I am running late!)
-Recycling books (at the resale bookstore) and magazines (I am sure fellow gym members love me!)
-Reusing containers in a variety of ways
...I am sure I have left out some things that I do on a day to day basis that I don't think about anymore.
What I want to add to this list...
-Be more visible with the organizations in which I am a member.
-Get out my bike and use it to get around town.
-Use my granola bar "business" as a way to inspire change in others (get to the Farmer's Market!)
-Begin my month of 90% local eating (I can do this tomorrow!)
-Cut meat from my diet
-Integrate my education into my classroom.
-Buying locally made, earth-friendly, world-relief instilling products for my loved ones for Christmas (wrapped in reused and/or recycled paper)
It is good to have goals...
I have also found there are frustrating barriers to things I would like to do because of where I live (in a condo)...planting a huge garden that will feed us through the season, composting without violating a condo-law, biking to work without getting squashed on the highway, and freezing large quantities of food (having a large freezer in addition to my refrigerator would just make me feel like I am undoing any planetary good I have done). So- I am doing what I can in my small space and forming habits I can live with day to day, while holding a job, keeping a partner, and not starving.
So what have I done?
-Set up recycling bins in the garage
-Unplugging appliances when not in use (and following my loved one around turning off lights!)
-Traded in two old (one gas guzzler) vehicles for smaller, more fuel efficient cars
- Buy 90% of our food from the Farmer's Markets and the local Co-op
-Eat and buy locally (I am averaging 70% daily and have forced my partner into about 40%) with a goal of being able to maintain 90% for a month.
- Switched my cat to a more natural and Eco-friendly brand of food (though it has created a much more vocal cat)
- More houseplants and less TV
-Fair trade coffee
-Doing most my shopping at second hand stores
-If I purchase new I try to buy items made with mother earth in mind.
-Turning off the water when I brush
- Adding two water bottles to the toilet tank so it uses less water
-Cutting back on shower time and let my hair air dry more (which is especially easy when I am running late!)
-Recycling books (at the resale bookstore) and magazines (I am sure fellow gym members love me!)
-Reusing containers in a variety of ways
...I am sure I have left out some things that I do on a day to day basis that I don't think about anymore.
What I want to add to this list...
-Be more visible with the organizations in which I am a member.
-Get out my bike and use it to get around town.
-Use my granola bar "business" as a way to inspire change in others (get to the Farmer's Market!)
-Begin my month of 90% local eating (I can do this tomorrow!)
-Cut meat from my diet
-Integrate my education into my classroom.
-Buying locally made, earth-friendly, world-relief instilling products for my loved ones for Christmas (wrapped in reused and/or recycled paper)
It is good to have goals...
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Been a Long Time...
Day 26 already!
While I am not 100 %every day I feel like I have had it pretty easy with having so many Farmer's Markets almost every day somewhere near me and with the co-op just 20 miles away...I am too comfortable. I have not canned and have not made any additions to my freezer festival. I need to get my mind back in the game.
I have found that my work meals are getting easier but some days I am in a hurry and don't pack enough. Hunger hits and I grab something close (need to move the candy drawer). I am learning though. I put a lot more thought into the food I eat and where it comes from and it's really catching on...
I went to a benefit dinner to promote healthier school lunches. It was at a vegetarian, organic restaurant and I took my least vegetarian, organic friend. It was a holiday for me (local food options galore!) and a learning experience for her. But the conversation was great and I learned that she has another friend who has recently gone vegetarian after reading about the treatment of animals on that provide us with our meat. I had plenty to add to that conversation!
I have to think that maybe that dinner gave her something to think about or encouraged her to give more thought to where some of her food comes from too...
Not an excuse as to why my blog has lost its luster but more like an explanation...
I, upon discovering the world of bulk, local grains and organic cooking ingredients have found myself on the brink of my own business (possibly!). Remember those yummy granola bars I made? Well- I made them again and again and came up with five different flavors. I shared some with friends who suggested I try to sell them at the Farmer's Market. I gave it some thought and got an application from the market. The lady there encouraged me because there wasn't anyone selling that there so I looked into business cards, logos, labels, order forms and I sit here now having sold 5 and a half dozen bars!
I call them Natural Girl Granola Bars.
Flavors? Oats and Fruit, Apples and Peanut Butter, Fudge-Ola, CranConut, Peanut Butter, and Morning Lift (espresso flavor). I am not at the market yet but just by making samples and having my fabulous significant other take some to work I have gotten orders! I am in the process of taking samples to my workplace and having them available at a 5K that my sis is having for her workplace...all about getting the word out. I would like advice, recommendations, resources, etc. I need to know things about my name and copyright/trademarks, the labels I need for marketing, tips, and the ins and outs. Anyone have any of these things?
So- I have been trying to eat locally, make granola bars, get back to a structured workout routine, work, and have time to enjoy life. Whew! Does that explain my absence?
It's late and I have a local lunch to make so thanks for catching up and plan on my return soon!
While I am not 100 %every day I feel like I have had it pretty easy with having so many Farmer's Markets almost every day somewhere near me and with the co-op just 20 miles away...I am too comfortable. I have not canned and have not made any additions to my freezer festival. I need to get my mind back in the game.
I have found that my work meals are getting easier but some days I am in a hurry and don't pack enough. Hunger hits and I grab something close (need to move the candy drawer). I am learning though. I put a lot more thought into the food I eat and where it comes from and it's really catching on...
I went to a benefit dinner to promote healthier school lunches. It was at a vegetarian, organic restaurant and I took my least vegetarian, organic friend. It was a holiday for me (local food options galore!) and a learning experience for her. But the conversation was great and I learned that she has another friend who has recently gone vegetarian after reading about the treatment of animals on that provide us with our meat. I had plenty to add to that conversation!
I have to think that maybe that dinner gave her something to think about or encouraged her to give more thought to where some of her food comes from too...
Not an excuse as to why my blog has lost its luster but more like an explanation...
I, upon discovering the world of bulk, local grains and organic cooking ingredients have found myself on the brink of my own business (possibly!). Remember those yummy granola bars I made? Well- I made them again and again and came up with five different flavors. I shared some with friends who suggested I try to sell them at the Farmer's Market. I gave it some thought and got an application from the market. The lady there encouraged me because there wasn't anyone selling that there so I looked into business cards, logos, labels, order forms and I sit here now having sold 5 and a half dozen bars!
I call them Natural Girl Granola Bars.
Flavors? Oats and Fruit, Apples and Peanut Butter, Fudge-Ola, CranConut, Peanut Butter, and Morning Lift (espresso flavor). I am not at the market yet but just by making samples and having my fabulous significant other take some to work I have gotten orders! I am in the process of taking samples to my workplace and having them available at a 5K that my sis is having for her workplace...all about getting the word out. I would like advice, recommendations, resources, etc. I need to know things about my name and copyright/trademarks, the labels I need for marketing, tips, and the ins and outs. Anyone have any of these things?
So- I have been trying to eat locally, make granola bars, get back to a structured workout routine, work, and have time to enjoy life. Whew! Does that explain my absence?
It's late and I have a local lunch to make so thanks for catching up and plan on my return soon!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Day 16...Time, Time, Time...
It has been a while since I posted (thanks Karen) and it is only due to time. I have been watching the contents of the refrigerator dwindle and have been working away at making granola and granola bars. Yep- new hobby!
I am currently trying to use up all the oats I had in my pantry before buying local/organic again. So- most of those bars are getting eaten by the BF and co-workers/friends. I have found a new passion! I love trying different flavors and ways of making them but it has swayed me from the local goal. So- when I go for ingredients this weekend I will be focused on trying to get as many ingredients locally as possible.
The eating has been okay...not the best. Visiting others and being away from home makes it hard. Now that I am going back to work I find that I need a well stocked eatery if I am going to pack locally.
Any tips on packing a lunch and what foods are best to have handy for this?
I think I can make it through the next days and this weekend I am going to "Organic-land" farmers market so I will be ready for my full first week back to work!
I am also looking forward to some canning time this weekend...
Last question- Any ideas for preserving watermelon? Freezing takes so much from the flavor!
Thanks for reading!
I am currently trying to use up all the oats I had in my pantry before buying local/organic again. So- most of those bars are getting eaten by the BF and co-workers/friends. I have found a new passion! I love trying different flavors and ways of making them but it has swayed me from the local goal. So- when I go for ingredients this weekend I will be focused on trying to get as many ingredients locally as possible.
The eating has been okay...not the best. Visiting others and being away from home makes it hard. Now that I am going back to work I find that I need a well stocked eatery if I am going to pack locally.
Any tips on packing a lunch and what foods are best to have handy for this?
I think I can make it through the next days and this weekend I am going to "Organic-land" farmers market so I will be ready for my full first week back to work!
I am also looking forward to some canning time this weekend...
Last question- Any ideas for preserving watermelon? Freezing takes so much from the flavor!
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Day 9...Packing Lunch
Back to work means new challenges. It also means I may need to find a bigger lunch box...
Two days of being away from home made me realize how much I was relying on the fridge and kitchen functions to enable me to have local, home prepared meals and snacks.
My lunch box was bursting with containers of fruits, salads, eggs, and various homemade snacks.
I had to get to the classroom to get things ready for school and found myself snacking when I was hungry and getting along fine until the time came to head out for another school obligation. There, I found myself surrounded by many, many sugar filled, non-local edible items calling out to me..."Just a bite! You have eaten like this before!" As I found myself answering "Yes" to an invitation to join a colleague for lunch in the room filled with such foods with the ethereal voices of meals past, I also recall reaching for the small, but pride-saving, box of local gold edibles en route.
Meal Summary: Contents of lil' lunch box plus a few crackers and minuscule amount of chicken salad. I will chalk that up to good with a side of well done!
That was yesterday and today fared even better...
I decided to tempt the boundaries of my lil' munch box and went full scale on the home-made salad and extra fruit, plus some left-over potatoes. I also added to this bounty of local yum, the soon-to-be famous granola bars that I delightfully gleed about the day before (to colleagues).
This afternoon was a moment for me...watching the faces of those (besides my loved one at home) consume what was my first attempt at home-made goodness. It was a grand experience, to say the least. I thought my granola bars were good. I was very happy with the final result. Loved one was also thrilled...(but does that truly count as a review?) so to see the faces of those not bound by devotion with the same thrilled expression as a result of consuming my granola bars...well, it was just swell.
Due to this magnificent reaction I feel it is my duty to continue to add to the happiness and peace in the world through the home production of these bars. Who knows- maybe my segway to the non-local/organic eating public on the benefits of this way of consumption is through granola bars! Hmmmmm...
My next endeavor- peanut butters granola bars AND 2nd attempt at granola (first one was a bit dark and crunchy).
Recipe: TBA
What I have learned:
Never underestimate the space of lil' munch boxes.
Local/organic travels well ('cept yogurt...ew)
People carry pieces of the desire to eat better...it just takes one of you start that conversation.
Two days of being away from home made me realize how much I was relying on the fridge and kitchen functions to enable me to have local, home prepared meals and snacks.
My lunch box was bursting with containers of fruits, salads, eggs, and various homemade snacks.
I had to get to the classroom to get things ready for school and found myself snacking when I was hungry and getting along fine until the time came to head out for another school obligation. There, I found myself surrounded by many, many sugar filled, non-local edible items calling out to me..."Just a bite! You have eaten like this before!" As I found myself answering "Yes" to an invitation to join a colleague for lunch in the room filled with such foods with the ethereal voices of meals past, I also recall reaching for the small, but pride-saving, box of local gold edibles en route.
Meal Summary: Contents of lil' lunch box plus a few crackers and minuscule amount of chicken salad. I will chalk that up to good with a side of well done!
That was yesterday and today fared even better...
I decided to tempt the boundaries of my lil' munch box and went full scale on the home-made salad and extra fruit, plus some left-over potatoes. I also added to this bounty of local yum, the soon-to-be famous granola bars that I delightfully gleed about the day before (to colleagues).
This afternoon was a moment for me...watching the faces of those (besides my loved one at home) consume what was my first attempt at home-made goodness. It was a grand experience, to say the least. I thought my granola bars were good. I was very happy with the final result. Loved one was also thrilled...(but does that truly count as a review?) so to see the faces of those not bound by devotion with the same thrilled expression as a result of consuming my granola bars...well, it was just swell.
Due to this magnificent reaction I feel it is my duty to continue to add to the happiness and peace in the world through the home production of these bars. Who knows- maybe my segway to the non-local/organic eating public on the benefits of this way of consumption is through granola bars! Hmmmmm...
My next endeavor- peanut butters granola bars AND 2nd attempt at granola (first one was a bit dark and crunchy).
Recipe: TBA
What I have learned:
Never underestimate the space of lil' munch boxes.
Local/organic travels well ('cept yogurt...ew)
People carry pieces of the desire to eat better...it just takes one of you start that conversation.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
One Week!
After a full week of ups and downs and multiple learning experiences I feel good about continuing and only getting better. Of course the first week consisted of times when I found myself at a restaurant or nibbling on Tim's food...or trying to justify a non-local/non-organic substance but I figure with the other things I HAVE accomplished this week, those are small potatoes!
Looking back on the week I can only set a goal to have more days of 100% local/organic eating. Limit the excuses (like going out to eat after Tim's golf tournament last night) and stay focused.
What do I truly want to learn from this ?
What knowledge do I want to gain in order to share with others?
How can my experience with the 100 mile diet help other people to take the challenge?
I have noticed that while I strive to consume in a way that is more healthy (for myself and local farmers) I am paying more attention to the other things I am doing and asking myself if what I am doing is truly the best way...
- Driving: How far do I have to go? Can I walk? Does my car have to idle or can I shut it off?
- Packaging: If I buy more smaller containers rather than one large one I prevent more waste. Which product has the least amount of packaging? Do I have to store this in plastic or a reusable container?
- Water: Taking quicker showers and using the water I cook with to fee my plants (when it is not full of yuck) and taking notice of the times when I run water for longer periods of time.
One good thing we do for the environment essentially leads to awareness of the other things we do in our daily lives...I look at it like if I am going to spend this much time and effort to make my eating habits better for myself, the local farmers/businesses, and the planet than why not make most of what I do the same kind of friendly? I guess I was taught that when you do something, don't do it halfway.
What I have learned the past week:
Canning 101 (peaches and tomatoes!)
How to make yogurt and fruit Popsicles
There are certain Farmer's Markets that rock over others! At the Iowa City Farmer's Market it was odd NOT to see an organic produce stand! I had soooooo much!
I can get my grains and other local goods (baking, popcorn, dairy) at a small village store in the Amanas.
Spending five hours in the kitchen with shoes on my feet limits the soreness by a smidgen.
There are many resources available to me if I just open my eyes a little wider!
A few I am using to seek out like-minded people:
http://www.jclfa.org/ the Local Food Alliance website
Mother Earth News- magazine based on living wisely.
Edible Iowa River Valley- just picked this up from the market.
This site!
Goals for the following week:
Find a place to store canned goods AND potatoes. Anyone?
Stay focused on what my goal is and limit "exceptions".
Make some rock star granola bars today!
Add to my collection of canned foods.
"There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed."
~Mohandas K. Gandhi
Looking back on the week I can only set a goal to have more days of 100% local/organic eating. Limit the excuses (like going out to eat after Tim's golf tournament last night) and stay focused.
What do I truly want to learn from this ?
What knowledge do I want to gain in order to share with others?
How can my experience with the 100 mile diet help other people to take the challenge?
I have noticed that while I strive to consume in a way that is more healthy (for myself and local farmers) I am paying more attention to the other things I am doing and asking myself if what I am doing is truly the best way...
- Driving: How far do I have to go? Can I walk? Does my car have to idle or can I shut it off?
- Packaging: If I buy more smaller containers rather than one large one I prevent more waste. Which product has the least amount of packaging? Do I have to store this in plastic or a reusable container?
- Water: Taking quicker showers and using the water I cook with to fee my plants (when it is not full of yuck) and taking notice of the times when I run water for longer periods of time.
One good thing we do for the environment essentially leads to awareness of the other things we do in our daily lives...I look at it like if I am going to spend this much time and effort to make my eating habits better for myself, the local farmers/businesses, and the planet than why not make most of what I do the same kind of friendly? I guess I was taught that when you do something, don't do it halfway.
What I have learned the past week:
Canning 101 (peaches and tomatoes!)
How to make yogurt and fruit Popsicles
There are certain Farmer's Markets that rock over others! At the Iowa City Farmer's Market it was odd NOT to see an organic produce stand! I had soooooo much!
I can get my grains and other local goods (baking, popcorn, dairy) at a small village store in the Amanas.
Spending five hours in the kitchen with shoes on my feet limits the soreness by a smidgen.
There are many resources available to me if I just open my eyes a little wider!
A few I am using to seek out like-minded people:
http://www.jclfa.org/ the Local Food Alliance website
Mother Earth News- magazine based on living wisely.
Edible Iowa River Valley- just picked this up from the market.
This site!
Goals for the following week:
Find a place to store canned goods AND potatoes. Anyone?
Stay focused on what my goal is and limit "exceptions".
Make some rock star granola bars today!
Add to my collection of canned foods.
"There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed."
~Mohandas K. Gandhi
Friday, August 7, 2009
Day 5...Learning to Can
I now officially have three jars of canned peaches...yay me!
Three jars of canned peaches took me almost two hours...I will be freezing more than I will be canning.
With that said- the most nerve-wracking thing about canning. My nerves! I was so nervous that something would explode, boil over, melt, or turn green. Not sure why the fear of that last one.
The only expense for this adventure was the $3.99 purchase of fruit fresh powder...oh- and the peaches. Otherwise I got the jars and lids from mom and dad and already had the pot and use regular tongs to get the jars out...if (for some reason) this becomes something I LIKE to do, I will be purchasing better equipment...
While my jars were taking their boiling bath I managed to make a wine bottle cork trivet. I was up last night thinking about the canning and what I would do with all my corks. Oddly enough I managed to do both of those things at virtually the same time! I also managed to burn myself on the glue gun more than with two pots of boiling water going on the stove...figure that one out!
Now- I am off to the market to get more peppers so that I can actually fill a freezer bag before putting it in the freezer.
Three jars of canned peaches took me almost two hours...I will be freezing more than I will be canning.
With that said- the most nerve-wracking thing about canning. My nerves! I was so nervous that something would explode, boil over, melt, or turn green. Not sure why the fear of that last one.
The only expense for this adventure was the $3.99 purchase of fruit fresh powder...oh- and the peaches. Otherwise I got the jars and lids from mom and dad and already had the pot and use regular tongs to get the jars out...if (for some reason) this becomes something I LIKE to do, I will be purchasing better equipment...
While my jars were taking their boiling bath I managed to make a wine bottle cork trivet. I was up last night thinking about the canning and what I would do with all my corks. Oddly enough I managed to do both of those things at virtually the same time! I also managed to burn myself on the glue gun more than with two pots of boiling water going on the stove...figure that one out!
Now- I am off to the market to get more peppers so that I can actually fill a freezer bag before putting it in the freezer.
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