Archive for the 'I’ll drink to that! Let’s eat!' Category

The Big Day: Your Wedding

Posted by Michelle Moquin on 23rd May 2010

Good morning! How is everyone? I can tell you I am beat, and in need of drink and food….specifically a cup of coffee, and honestly pancakes are ringing my bell this morning.

Doug and I went to the San Francisco Symphony Black and White Ball last night with friends and it was a blast. Probably the most fun that I’ve had at this ball in years, if not the most.

We started off meeting our friends at RN74, one of Michael Mina’s restaurants, for drinks and apps beforehand, and then headed to the ball.

If any of my local readers went, I hope that you got to experience Kool and The Gang, because they rocked with the best dance music all night – Okay, the band playing earlier in the evening covering Michael Jackson was awesome to dance to too, but I have to say Kool was just the best to boogie, and a fantastic was to end the evening. I was totally in my element and loving it.

Readers: If you had the pleasure of attending this party of the year, did you have fun? Blog me. I’d love to hear how your evening went.

So onto today’s write….

It is that time of year when couples plan their big day. Planning weddings can be a stressful time even if one hires a Wedding Planner. The scammers know how important all of the little details, making up the perfect wedding day, can be.

And the last thing you want to happen with your hard earned money is to be conned. But the scammers are out there and they don’t care that it is your wedding, your special day that you’ve been planning for months.

They prey on the ‘in love and happy’ hoping to make a killing. Even if you’re not the bride or groom to be, the scammers target people who are involved in weddings such as photographers and wedding planners too. So be on the look out. Here’s an article from scambusters warning you of their tricks:

WEDDING SCAMS

Make Sure A Wedding Scam Doesn’t Ruin The Big Day
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Spring is the most popular time for weddings — so it’s also the peak period for wedding scams.

You might have read recently of a wedding scam in Boston, when thousands of brides-to-be and bridal service exhibitors were conned into paying for tickets and booths at a non-existent Home and Bride Show.

And, as the Boston non-event demonstrated, they’re targeted not just at the bride and groom but also at photographers, wedding planners and others involved in what is supposed to be a wonderful day.

So this week we highlight four key areas where everyone involved in weddings needs to be on the alert.

1. Phony Events

We’re thinking of two wedding scams here:

* Exhibitions and shows like the one in Boston, which were promoted through a website and probably cost victims in excess of $100,000.

Action: Always check the credentials/references of anyone who claims to be organizing an event. If they don’t have a track record, be wary — at the very least avoid paying in advance.

* Bogus weddings — a Nigerian advance payment trick, in which a photographer or wedding planner is “booked,” receives a check that turns out to be worthless, and is asked to wire cash payments to another “service provider,” who is actually the scammer.

Action: Just don’t ever agree to do this, however plausible it sounds. Tell whoever contacts you that it’s simply not your policy. Anyway, never wire cash to someone you don’t know or
are not 110% sure of.

Check out our earlier issue on Nigerian advance fee scams.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1b73Y9toi0tWfo&b=qz3ap6jkZLJ2W1b1.t4rJQ

2. Service Providers Who Let You Down

Yes, they do that — bridal gown makers and suppliers, bakers, caterers, entertainers, wedding planners and even venues can let you down, either by unintentionally failing to deliver or through an out-and-out wedding scam in which they never intended to play their part.

In particular, the recession has driven many of these types out of business — and the less reputable ones head for the hills with their customers’ cash.

Action: A reputable wedding planner (get references) can take a lot of the risk out of organizing the big day, including conducting all the necessary checks, though they probably won’t be involved in buying the wedding dress (see also below).

Also consider taking out insurance for things that might go wrong.

If you’re doing it yourself, try to spread the hard work of checking everything out, including eyeballing venues and going to see entertainers in action.

3. The Dress Label Wedding Scam

You wouldn’t credit it but a number of wedding gown suppliers have been in hot water with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for mislabeling dresses or even switching labels.

They might do this to disguise the origin of the dress, the fabric content or the cleaning instructions. You could pay a fortune for a “silk” dress that’s actually cheap fabric worth only a fraction of the cost.

It’s not illegal for a bridal salon to insert its own label in a gown but the FTC does have stringent rules about what retailers and manufacturers can and can’t do.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/ l=8JUKO&m=1b73Y9toi0tWfo&b=mOiQuaLdG9Pudnm0Ph9zOA

Action: It’s mainly down to reputation here. You’re unlikely to have the time to check out the accuracy of the label, but you can perhaps ask the vendor if the labeling complies with
FTC regulations, to let them know you know.

If you’re having the dress altered, again check out the reputation of the service. If you’re in any doubt, get a written contract from them stating what will be done, how much it is expected to cost and when it will be completed.

4. The Overseas Wedding Scam

Happily, getting married abroad does not generally lead to a scam but it sometimes still can be a fraught and troublesome business.

The main risks to watch out for:

* Weddings not officially recorded. There was a widely-reported incident in the Dominican Republic in which hundreds of couples paid for weddings that were never recorded.

* Weddings conducted by people not qualified to officiate.

* Extra charges and overpricing for services.

* A marriage license that is not recognized in your home country.

Action: Again, a qualified, reputable wedding planner in your chosen venue will help. Otherwise, consider a pre-visit to the location.

In your home country check with the embassy, consulate or tourist information bureau of the country in which you’re planning to wed, about who can perform weddings and what the licensing system is.

Then check with the authorities in the community where you’re marrying, that the individual is registered and qualified. Also check with them afterwards that the marriage has been recorded.

For US citizens, the Department of State has a useful guide on marrying abroad. Check with them, or the equivalent in your home country, about recognition of marriage abroad.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1b73Y9toi0tWfo&b=NaXjDe3fDBUMGeLWGuWgdQ

Some general information on marriage in a limited number of countries can also be obtained from Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520.

American embassies and consulates abroad frequently have information too about marriage in the country in which they are located.

In addition, even if you’re getting married in your home country but perhaps plan on a non-religious or non-traditional marriage, it’s as well to check with your state Attorney General’s office on who is permitted to officiate.

For many people, getting married is one of the most memorable days of their lives. Just make sure it’s memorable for the right reason and not for a wedding scam.

***********

Peace out…I’m off to eat – Have a great Sunday!

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my ‘loyal’(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the ‘Donate’ button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my ‘Donate’ page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

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Posted in After Dark, Entertainment & Laughter, Health & Well Being, I'll drink to that! Let's eat!, Style | 1 Comment »

Poisoned Imported Fish: Another Reason To Buy ‘Local’

Posted by Michelle Moquin on 5th May 2010

My father sent me this video. (Thanks Dad!) This is something everyone needs to see and pass along. I love going out to feast as much as the next girl, but this leaves a disgusting fishy taste in my mouth. No pun intended.

Readers: What restaurants can we count on that will serve us high quality fish? I certainly won’t trust any restaurant in the future when it comes to enjoying fish on the menu. I don’t order meat anymore when we dine out; I guess fish will be added to the list.

And now, in light of the fact that our waters are now polluted with oil, can we even trust our local fish? And if so, from where? In my opinion, I’m not sure I can even trust buying fish at the market even when I know it’s local.

Think I am going too far? When it comes to my health, nothing else matters. I’ll err in my favor. Don’t you think this video should be on the news 24/7, warning people, shoving it in their faces until they get it? Instead we’re bombarded daily with such topics as who Tiger Woods has slept with, and updates on his mistresses and divorce.

Your thoughts or comments? Blog me.

Lloyd: Interesting. Tell us more.

Peter: That was a good one. And understandable why people would fall for that scam.

Robert: Sadly, I don’t think you are wrong. In my opinion, otws are lured into siding with whites, with promises of security, wealth, benefits, equality….whatever it takes. But they are only being used for numbers sake, for the votes, in order to get what they want. They obviously can be very persuasive. And once they do get them to vote with them, whites will drop otw’s like the proverbial hot box of rocks, when they are no longer needed.

I don’t think the term ‘creature’ is far off. The funny thing is, if whites were to rid the world of otws, they would start going after each other, based on how white one really is, and what country one came from, what religious background etc. Crazy creatures.

And once again for those of you who are white, I am not speaking of all whites, nor all white men. That’s a nod to you Norman and Jake, and so many of my other readers. Speaking of…

Jake: “They basically fear that the privileges we have gotten used to as whites will be evened out among all the people of the United States of America.” And what is so bad about that? Doesn’t everyone deserve the same privileges as whites? Shouldn’t everyone be treated equally? These aren’t questions directed at you, but your friends who are changing.

I mean, why did your friends vote for Obama in the first place? Because they wanted to ‘look’ like they actually cared about his agenda? He has always been about fairness and equality. Now that he’s making headway, are your friends worried he actually might make some ‘real’ changes, and they will have to compete on an even playing field based on their intelligence and talent, instead of just being ‘privileged’ based on the color of their skin?

Emily: Great visual on that one – thanks. :)

Helen: Good point. There really is no difference.

Brad: ”Where’s you pair Brad?” Are you afraid to wade through my crucible of fans and haters to comment to me on my blog? Thanks for the email address, but it leads me to believe that you’ve got man up issues.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

John Curley Photography

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Posted in Good Reads and Good See'ds, Health & Well Being, I'll drink to that! Let's eat! | 23 Comments »

Care To Join Me For Breakfast?

Posted by Michelle Moquin on 9th January 2010

Good morning. It’s saturday and I woke up out of my meditation to a dish breaking. At least it wasn’t me; I’m usually the one breaking the dishes in this household.

I walked upstairs and caught Doug deep into it – cooking that is. He decided it was a day for pancakes. No Bisquick in this place…oh no – we’re going for fresh-from-scratch organic. Cool. Add in an eggnog latte to wake-up, and my sauteed organic pears to sweeten the deal, and this breakfast is starting to sound real good. Hence the reason for the late post.

I know it’s the weekend and I wanted to lighten it up a bit. My write that it. Not the pancakes. :) They were so delicious, I thought, “Hmmm, maybe my readers would enjoy the recipe too.”

Here it is just in case you were thinking you’d like to have some pancakes too:

Organic Whole Wheat Pancakes with Sautéed Pears

1 1/2 Cups Flour – we used organic wheat flour from *Trader Joes – love this flour

3 1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp salt

1 Tbls sugar – we used organic cane sugar also from *Trader Joes

1 1/4 cups milk - we used local organic 2%

1 egg – we used local cage free

3 Tbls Butter, melted – we used local organic unsalted

1 Bosc – for pancake topping

Maple syrup – we used Organic Agave Maple Syrup blend from *Trader Joes

*Any brand of wheat flour, cane sugar, and maple syrup will suffice if you don’t have Trader Joes in your area.

Mix all the dry ingredients and then add the milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix well with a mixer till smooth. Spoon out onto a buttered skillet whatever size you like your pancakes.

While those are cooking chop the Bosc pear into bit size pieces – we used organic Bosc Pears. Sauté them in butter and a little cinnamon till soft.

Don’t forget those pancakes. When they start to bubble on top make sure to flip ‘em. When cooked through, serve them hot with butter and Maple syrup – heated of course, and topped off with the sautéed pear. :) Serves 4 peeps.

Delicious!! Enjoy!!

Given with love and sweetness…

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Posted in Health & Well Being, I'll drink to that! Let's eat! | Comments Off

Holiday Traditions: What’s Your Fave?

Posted by Michelle Moquin on 24th December 2009

I’ve never considered myself a traditional girl, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like traditions. Like watching, ‘White Christmas’ and It’s A Wonderful Life’, during the holiday season, or baking my favorite holiday cookies, and indulging in Hot Buttered Rum!

I found this article that I think you would enjoy:

Lets Bring back The Holiday Season Edition

It seems that Americans have always been nostalgic around the winter holidays. Just look at the lyrics of Irving Berlin’s iconic song, White Christmas, written around seventy years ago:

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

According to legend, Berlin came up with the song while dawdling poolside in the sunshine at Arizona’s Biltmore Resort. The trappings of a snowy holiday must have seemed very far away to him — as they do to many of us today in different parts of the country and world.

In this special edition of Let’s Bring Back – my recurring column that celebrates objects, rituals, curiosities, and personae from eras past – I’ve compiled a shortlist of holiday season cheer from eras past. Many of these whimsical things are not necessarily from a world “[we] used to know,” but rather one that we wish we had known.

Without further ado, Let’s Bring Back ….

1. Popcorn strands on Christmas trees. Along with those wonderful big yellow bulbs, the sort that hang in Van Gogh’s cafe paintings. Also popular in my childhood household: construction paper chains, which invariably drooped lower and lower to the floor as the days passed.

I love childish, disheveled-looking Christmas trees; so did one of my favorite writers, Truman Capote. In his novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s, main character Holly Golightly decorates hers with stolen balloons from Woolworth’s; in his short story A Christmas Memory, a child and his elderly cousin festoon their tree with “coils of frazzled tinsel gone gold with age,” “a few winged angels devised from saved-up sheets of Hershey-bar foil,” and a “shoebox of ermine tails.” As a final touch, they “sprinkle the branches with shredded cotton (picked in August for this purpose).”

2. Fur muffs. Black or white ones, worn with red coats: very Dr. Zhivago-chic. Rarely made anymore, they can be easily found in flea markets, vintage stores, and on eBay for a song.

3. Ice skating parties. And ice-skating after-parties as well. The 1966 New York Times Cookbook includes a menu for “A Supper After a Skating Party,” featuring hot buttered rum and old-fashioned vegetable soup. Just the thing to warm your ego after your many spills onto the ice.

A recipe for hot buttered rum from the Food Network:

* 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cups light brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
* Pinch ground cloves
* Pinch salt
* Bottle dark rum
* Boiling water

In a bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Refrigerate until almost firm. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture into 12 small mugs. Pour about 3 ounces of rum into each mug (filling about halfway). Top with boiling water (to fill the remaining half), stir well, and serve immediately.

4. Bing Crosby’s Christmas albums with the Andrews Sisters. I love the Andrews sisters: Maxene, Patricia, and LaVerne. These ladies – and their songs – once pulled the heartstrings of every homesick American soldier in World War II. And Mr. Crosby’s voice consoled the soldiers’ wives, sweethearts, and mothers back home.

5. The art of toasting. Nothing makes an occasion more memorable (for better or worse) than a toast given to commemorate it; yet it is an increasingly arcane artform. In their book A Gentleman’s Guide to the Noble Tradition of the Toast, etiquette experts John Bridges and Bryan Curtis offer the following example of an appropriate New Year’s Eve toast:

“I can’t think of a better way to ring in the new year than with a group of people who have been such an important part of my past and, if the heavens are smiling on me, will be an equally important part of my future. Here’s hoping the new year will bring each of us good health and happiness.”

However, Bridges and Curtis warn the gentlemen not to say something along the lines of the following: “Here’s to the new year – it can’t be any worse than the last one.”

6. Laura Ingalls-style Christmas stockings for little girls. I used to absolutely covet Laura’s stocking presents that she finds in her stocking on Christmas morning in Little House in the Big Woods. If my memory is correct, it was filled with a rag doll, peppermint candy, tangerines, and a shiny penny in the toe. I’m not sure that all girls would appreciate the relatively spare quaintness of this suggestion, but any Little House fans certainly will.

7. Sleigh rides. The perfect occasion to debut your new fur muff, and after which to try out the hot buttered rum recipe above.

8. New Year’s Day parties. An elegant alternative to drinking your face off the whole night before and ringing in the New Year with a horrendous hangover and sense of remorse.

The 1966 New York Times Cookbook suggests the following menu for a civilized “Dinner for New Year’s Day”:

* Consomme Julienne
* Beef Wellington
* Sauce Madere
* Rissole Potatoes
* Spinach with Sauteed Mushrooms
* Grand Marnier Pudding

9. The film Scrooge with Albert Finney (1970), who was the most deliciously peevish Ebenezer Scrooge ever to grace the silver screen. While the special effects might seem hokey by today’s standards, Finney’s wistful cantankerousness and the London street scenes make revisiting this movie a sheer pleasure. Plus: Finney is a gorgeous hunk of man in the flashback scenes.

10. While we’re in the general realm of Dickensian England, let’s bring back Christmas goose for supper. These days, turkeys often have to do double-holiday duty, appearing on our tables at both Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year, why not opt for their old-fashioned feathered cousins instead?

In Fall 2010, Chronicle Books will release a book by Lesley M. M. Blume based on this popular column. ‘Let’s Bring Back‘ will be a sophisticated, stylish cultural encyclopedia, celebrating forgotten objects, pastimes, and personae from bygone eras. From sealing wax and quill pens to the Orient Express, fainting couches, and limericks, there is a great deal of ground to cover. Please make sure to visit previous installments of Let’s Bring Back.

Readers: Some fun ones huh? Any traditions you have that you would like to share? Blog me if you can.

Zen Lill: Thanks for sharing your experiences. And I agree with you. I try to see what is underneath the ‘crankiness’, aka the ‘persona’, and be compassionate to the soul.

Peace out…and have a wonderful Christmas Eve where ever you happen to be.

With Love…

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Posted in Entertainment & Laughter, I'll drink to that! Let's eat!, Style | 16 Comments »

Sustainability Made Simple Series: Part 2

Posted by Michelle Moquin on 6th October 2009

Good morning. I’m hoping that you’re participating in helping to sustain our place here on our beloved Earth, by making a habit of at least a few of the sustainable steps from yesterday’s post. Want more? You’re gonna get more.

Here we go with Part 2 of the series. It is called On The Menu: What you choose to eat and drink affects your health and the environment. Sustainable food choices may seem complicated, but by following some of these suggestions, you’ll lead a healthier, greener life. Again, In each of the series there are several categories and each has three steps, progressing from the simplest to the most complex.

Meat and Dairy

Industrial farming of livestock is very energy-intensive, and is responsible for more global warming emissions than the entire transportation industry.

Look for free-range, grass-fed beef and organic dairy products.
Eat less beef by substituting chicken or seafood – It’s the easiest and fastest way to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.
Eat more vegetarian meals.

I have to say a little bit about the above because I have been a vegetarian a few times in my life. As much as I love veggies and wish I could be a full time vegetarian , we are carnivores, and simply put, my body needs meat. However, I do not eat meat every day. And the free-range, grass-fed meat that we do eat, is bought directly from a farm. Now I know that there are probably people out there that can not buy from a farm or at least think they can’t. It is a little bit pricier but not by much, and worth investigating for your health and the planet.

If buying directly from a farm is just not possible, you can buy free-range grass-fed at the market. If you’re used to eating meat a few times a week, can you reduce your intake to once a week and buy free-range grass-fed? You can do the same with chicken and seafood if you’re not a big beef eater. Purchase seafood that has been harvested sustainably from the ocean. (A good resource is the Seafood Made Simple card. I will be blogging about this at the end of the series) We’re talking quality over quantity here. Better for you; better for the environment.

As far eating more vegetarian meals, Health info has been posting some great info in terms of vegetarian meals and ZL has been so kind to give out her recipes too. Doug started an organic garden this past summer and most of the veggies we eat are from our garden. Plant your own organic garden. Or buy CSA. (more about this below) It is is simpler than you think and much less expensive than buying organic at the grocery store. Once again, better for you and better for the environment.

Baby steps. If everyone does a little we can have a huge impact. That’s all I’m asking.

Shopping

Cut down on processed foods.
Look for local, seasonal, organic foods.
Subscribe to a community supported agricultural program (CSA program) – CSA members receive regular baskets of organic produce from a local farmer, in return for helping to fund the farm.

Again, I have a bit more to say here. I know processed foods are quick and easier but they certainly are not better for you, or less expensive in the big picture. For those of you on a tight budget, in the long run you are paying way more than just making something yourself from fresh ingredients. Try to get into the habit of experimenting with your cooking instead of opening a box or a can.

And remember, buying local, organic veggies is not much more money especially if you’re cutting down in the meat department. And if money is still an issue, as I mentioned above, try planting a small organic garden. Seeds and small starters are cheap. You don’t need much space for a few seasonal veggies.

It is not only fun to pick and eat veggies that you have grown, but they are so much more delicious than store bought. The entire process is very relaxing and stress relieving. Ask Doug; he is always tinkering in the garden, and it is so rewarding to see him bringing in all of these colorful, delicious, fresh, and yes, basically FREE food.

Eating Out

Choose local restaurants over chains. They are more likely to operate sustainably.
Patronize those local restaurants which source local, seasonal and organic ingredients.
Bring your own reusable take-out containers from home.

I know the above is not talking about fast food chains as to me it is a given not to support those types of establishments. However, I have to say something here, even if CAS doesn’t. I know fast food is cheap, but readers the affects that these types of food chains have not only on the environment but on our bodies is just not worth the drive-thru. Please stay clear of the biggies – you know who they are in your neighborhood.

In California finding good restaurants that practice sustainable methods is pretty easy if one does a little research. In other states it may be more difficult, but it is worth you asking questions. I think tip number 3 is easy to do where ever you are. We always keep reusable grocery bags and take-out containers from home in the trunk of our car. If everyone did this it would be amazing just how much we would reduce paper and those horrible styrofoam containers from polluting our planet.

In Oakland styrofoam take-out containers were banned about a year ago, but we still bring our own take-out containers even though what they hand out is recycled paper take-outs. It still helps by bringing your own no matter what. All I can add here is reuse, reuse, reuse. Pretend you’re on a deserted island. If all you had was a few things, you would not throw them out after one use; you would reuse them over and over again until they could be used no more. Simple.

Okay, that’s it for Part 2 of the series. What do ya think? Doable yes? Now…go out and do what you can. Thanks :)

**************

Zen Lill: Thank you. I wish I could walk to the store as you suggest. I would if it wasn’t far, but I really enjoy biking. Especially with my bike. If I can find a pic I will post my bike - It is a fun ride.

Ruth: Happy that you liked my post. You posted a great article too – thanks. I don’t buy many packaged foods but I am a big label reader when I do buy something in a box or can. I really try to avoid sugar in foods because I have sweet tooth for ice cream and *Bakesale Betty Ginger cookies. So I save myself from eating sugars in food that I don’t want, so that I can indulge in the sweets with sugar that I do love. It’s all a matter of being aware and balancing.

Happy to hear that your big influence, over low or no sugar in the girls diets, is working. Give them all a big hug and a hello.

*FYI: According to the FTC, new guidelines will go into effect on December 1st. Bloggers now need to let their readers know how they are connected to any product or service that they tout. If they have received any product or services from a business for free, they must state this in their article. So that being said, no Bakesale Betty have not sent me any free cookies for a mention on my blog. I love the cookies from Bakesale Betty. I buy them quite frequently and yes I do get a free cookie every now and then, but then so does everyone else waiting in line to purchase their treats.

Anna: Hafa Adai. It’s nice to step away from dire news and have a little fun. You know what they say, “All work and no play….” The concert sounded like fun – were you able to attend?

Readers: I was just informed that there is not a place to add a comment. I am not sure what is going on, but I am on it to fix it. Sorry for the glitch.

Got to run….

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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Archive for the 'I’ll drink to that! Let’s eat!' Category

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It seems that Americans have always been nostalgic around the winter holidays. Just look at the lyrics of Irving Berlin’s iconic song, White Christmas, written around seventy years ago:

Sustainability Made Simple Series: Part 2