barefoot in the orchard

Olive Oil - A Healthy Fat

2008-08-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

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Living in Sonoma County in Northern California where olive orchards abound -- you could spend an entire weekend touring estates and shops -- tasting not just wines, but olive oils. My favorite is The Olive Press located in the city of Sonoma.

Health Benefits -

There may be added health benefits that make purchasing that - not so cheap - bottle of extra virgin oil worth it.

The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and its high content of antioxidative substances. Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels while raising HDL (the "good" cholesterol) levels. (1-3) No other naturally produced oil has as large an amount of monounsaturated as olive oil -mainly oleic acid.

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But while all types of olive oil are sources of monounsaturated fat, EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil, from the first pressing of the olives, contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and phenols, because it is less processed.

Extra virgin - considered the best, least processed, comprising the oil from the first pressing of the olives.

Virgin - from the second pressing.

Pure - undergoes some processing, such as filtering and refining.

Extra light - undergoes considerable processing and only retains a very mild olive flavour.

Zero Waste Lunch - Good for the Earth and Your Pocketbook

2008-08-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

Food for Thought - Adding up to a Zero Waste Lunch

Facts -

Much of the trash we generate comes from the packaging on the food we buy, and lunch foods are no exception. In fact, it has been estimated that on average a school-age child using a disposable lunch generates 67 pounds of waste per school year. That equates to 18,760 pounds of lunch waste for just one average-size elementary school.
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If you want to give your kids a healthy lunch, brown-bagging it is the way to go...but skip the brown bag, along with those "snack size" and single-serving containers. According to WasteFreeLunches.org, all those juice boxes and cracker packages mean an average of 67 pounds of waste generated by one child each school year, and hundreds of dollars wasted on "convenience" foods.

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Regardless of whether it's basic peanut butter and jelly or something more elaborate on the menu, the first two ingredients of a low-waste lunch are a reusable lunch container and a refillable bottle. There are lots of fun and stylish beverage containers available these days.

I found a perfect lunch bag at a great low price by Arctic Zone. It also comes with a plastic food container that is stored in the bottom zip-around compartment, perfect for sandwiches. It's large enough to carry a 12 oz beverage container made of stainless steel by Thermos, which has a spring loaded straw feature for easier access, and no spills.

I have three grade school aged kids, but this idea can also work for adults as well.

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Example of possible savings -
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A Disposable Lunch

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1 egg salad sandwich $1.25
1 yogurt .85
1 granola bar .45
1 apple .30
1 package of carrots and dip .65
3 plastic bags .12
1 juice pouch .35
1 plastic spoon .04
1 paper napkin .01

TOTAL $4.02 _

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A Waste-free Lunch

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1 egg salad sandwich $1.25
1 serving of yogurt .50
1 serving of granola .35
1 apple .30
1 serving of carrots and dip .25
water 0
cloth napkin 0
stainless steel spoon 0
packaging 0

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TOTAL $2.65

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Disposable Lunch $2.02/day -- $20.10/week -- $723.60/ school year_
Waste-Free Lunch $2.65 /day -- $13.25 /week -- $477.00/school year

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723.60 - 477.00 = $246.60 savings per school year -- per person!!

Favorite Olympic Event

2008-08-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

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Someone recently posed the question - What is your favorite Olympic event to watch? For me this is an easy one -- swimming. So as you can imagine, I have been in absolute heaven this past week. Watching Michael Phelps, and Dara Torres, in particular, and with the magic of my digital recorder -- I haven't missed a race. I can cut through all the fluff and commercials -- enjoying each exciting second.

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Michael Phelps has defied the odds and is pure magic in the water. I've leapt right out of my chair a few times, as I'm sure many others did, during his races. The most decorated Olympic Champion of all time, and he has such a likability factor about him.

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Dara Torres, age 41, with those incredible abs, inspires utterly. I saw a quote of hers that went something like this -- “When you hit the water, it doesn't know what age you are.” I love it!!

I should also mention that I really love watching the diving competitions as well. When Guo Jingjing of China takes the springboard, whether in synchronized or individual competition -- I am spellbound. Her grace, beauty, and skill are unsurpassed. I know that she has been dubbed the "Diving Diva", but she delivers flawless dives time after time.

Flâneur

2008-08-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

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The term flâneur comes from the French verb flâner, which means "to stroll". A flâneur is thus a person who walks the city, looking at buildings and places -- watching the passersby, thinking and being inspired. I particularly love when this way of seeing the world is translated through photography. The photos of Willy Ronis (above) for example. His rather well known photos of Paris give me such inspiration in my own attempts at photography. Most of us simply don't feel we should spend our time as flanuers. It just isn't productive or something. What a shame. I think when the moment comes, and we face our last day on this planet -- that we will have wished for more time to work, but more to play. Time to be "in the moment" -- to savor life, and it's beauty.

Portable Snack - High Energy Mix

2008-08-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

2 Parts Nuts to 1 Part Dried Fruit

Pumpkin Seeds (lowest in calories)

Almonds

Sunflowers Seeds

Raisins

Dried Cranberries

Dried Apricots

In a large bowl combine all.

Bag 1/3 of a cup of the mixture to take along with you or for kids. Don't forget to have lots of small re-useable containers (with lids) on hand, to avoid disposable bags that add to the landfills.

Raisins - are a good source of iron, potassium and selenium and also contain vitamin A and some vitamin B. Raisins are also rich in fiber.

Almonds - are rich in minerals, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and especially high in calcium. Almonds are high in mono-unsaturated fat which helps to lower cholesterol, especially the bad cholesterol (LDL). Almonds contain a high degree of oleic acid, which is believed to be the ingredient in olive oil that protects against heart disease.

Pumpkin Seeds - are a superfood. Pumpkin seeds are rich in the amino acids alanin, glycine and glutamic acid, and also contain high amounts of zinc.

Dried Apricots - they are a good source of iron and potassium.

Sun Flowers Seeds - are power-packed with healthy fats, protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamin E.

Dried Cranberries - contain significant amounts of antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may help protect against heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Sadako - Prayer For Peace

2008-08-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

When my two oldest boys were in grade school we had a special ritual during holidays and summer vacations. I would pick a book, and read a little to them each night by candlelight. One of those books was the story of "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" -- a true story about a girl who lived in Japan.

She was just two years old when the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima Aug. 6,1945. Although she survived the blast -- at age eleven she was diagnosed with Leukemia, "the atom bomb" disease. Sadako's best friend told her of an old Japanese legend that anyone who folds a thousand paper cranes would be granted a wish. Sadako hoped that her wish, to get well, would be granted. She started to work on the paper cranes and completed over 644 before dying on October 25, 1955 at the age of twelve. Her friends folded the remaining 356 cranes.

My son Ben actually picked this book out. I had never heard of it, but as we read together each night - a tragic - but beautiful story unfolded. Many days passed and on the final night, as I reached the last page of the book, tears welled up in my eyes. I remember my two little boys faces, shining in the candlelight, looking at me as I struggled to read the final sentences. It was such beautiful story with a powerful message of courage and spirit.

Children and adults continue to fold these cranes even today, and every year cranes are sent to Hiroshima as a symbol of peace. In 1958, a statue of Sadako holding a golden crane was unveiled in Hiroshima Peace Park. The children also made a wish which is inscribed at the bottom of the statue and reads:"This is our cry, This is our prayer, Peace in the world".

On August 6, 1945, the atomic bomb took the lives of over 200,000 Hiroshima residents. More than 90% of the city was damaged by the blast; around the epicenter, nearly all of the people died instantly, and most of the buildings were destroyed without a trace. Three days later, on August 9, 1945, another atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki which left 120,000 people dead. Today, the epicenters of both the Hiroshima and Nagasaki blasts have been turned into Peace Memorial Parks. Each year on August 6 and 9, respectively, a ceremony is held at each park to remember the victims of the atomic bombs and to pray for world peace.

Maybe we can all take the time to say a prayer with them. "Peace in the world."

What's In Season - August

2008-08-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

August (California)

Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious. Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last few days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment and your health.

Vegetables

•arugula
•basil
•beans
•beets
•corn
•cucumbers

•eggplant
•fennel
•okra
•peppers

•sorrel
•summer squash
•tomatoes

•carrots

•potatoes

Fruits

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•dates
•figs
•grapes
•mangoes
•melons
•nectarines
•apples
•apricots
•blueberries
•peaches
•plums
•raspberries
•watermelon

•Valencia oranges

•avocados

•boysenberries

•blackberries

(Photos Courtesy of Jupiter Images)

1 Year Anniversary

2008-07-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

(Photos Courtesy of Jupiter Images)

One year ago I decided to create this blog. The name for it "Barefoot in the Orchard" sprang into my mind instantly, as if it had been waiting for me all along. I began writing, tweaking and learning the "art of blogging" as I went. This journey has been one of the most creative experiences for me and I've enjoyed the talents of so many other bloggers along the way - but the thing I've cherished most is that it has brought me closer to distant and not so distant relatives - and good friends old and new. Who could ask for more than that.

Modern Pretty

2008-07-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

Reading the August 08 Domino - the only magazine I subscribe to - I came across one of the most beautifully designed houses, by Quirk gallery owner Katie Ukrop. I love the mix of Modern/Pretty but rarely find it done as well as is represented in the below photos. The article is entitled NEO - SOUTHERN belle (love that) and the home is a Richmond, Virginia row house which dates back to the 19th century.
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Sunny Goode a wonderful decorative artist painted the downstairs floors and they are amazing.
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Favorite Asian Dishes

2008-07-15T00:54:00.000-07:00

When I turned on Martha today much to my surprise she was cooking up a meal that my oldest son Ben and I love to have at a local Pho Vietnamese restaurant. It has a wonderful unique flavor that we both love and crave every now and again. I am going to try this recipe - using grass fed beef instead (need that Omega 3 balance) - and see how it holds up against our favorite.

Lemongrass Beef Skewers

Serves 4

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3 lemongrass stalks, bottom 4 inches only, minced
3 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons fish sauce (you can buy this at an Asian Market)
light-brown sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound boneless sirloin, trimmed of excess fat
1/4 cup roasted salted peanuts (about 1 ounce), crushed
1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced on the diagonal (optional)

Fresh mint and basil sprigs, for serving
Bibb or Boston lettuce leaves, for serving
Lime wedges, for squeezing

Directions

Soak 8 bamboo skewers in cold water for 30 minutes.

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Whisk together lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and oil. Slice beef very thinly against the grain. Add to marinade, and toss. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.

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Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread beef onto skewers. Grill until browned, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a platter, tent with foil, and let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with peanuts. Serve with the remaining ingredients on the side, bundling the meat, cucumber, and herbs inside the lettuce leaves if desired.

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Rice Noodles with Scallions and Herbs

Serves 4

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8 ounces rice vermicelli
1/4 cup fish sauce
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)
2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar
1 teaspoon sliced fresh red chile, preferable Thai bird chile
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced
4 scallions, dark-green parts only, thinly sliced
3 large leaves Boston or Bibb lettuce, very thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, julienned
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn into small pieces
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces

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Directions

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Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook vermicelli, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy, about 4 minutes. Drain, then rinse with cold water. Let vermicelli drain in colander for 30 minutes, tossing occasionally.

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In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup water, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chile; set sauce aside.

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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and scallions, and cook for 10 seconds. Remove from heat.

Toss scallion mixture with noodles in a serving bowl. Add lettuce, carrot, and herbs; toss to combine. Serve with sauce on the side.

Barack and Michelle Obama

2008-07-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

I just love watching these two together.

Obama'08!!

What's In Season - July

2008-07-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!!!

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July

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n = newly in season

p = peak of season

w = winding down
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Vegetables
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• basil (n)

• beans, green

• corn (p)

• cucumber (n)

• garlic

• eggplant (n)

• okra (n)

• greens: kale

• lettuces (w)

• onions, red (p)

• onions, sweet: Vidalia (w)

• onions, sweet: Walla Walla (w)

• peppers, sweet/bell (n)

• potatoes

• squash, summer (p)

• tomatoes (n)

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Fruits

• berries: blueberries (p)

• currants (n)

• gooseberries

• cherries (w)

• figs, Black Mission

• figs, Calimyrna

• grapes

• limes

• melons: ambrosia

• melons: canary

• melons: galaxy

• melons: watermelon

• nectarines (p)

• oranges, Valencia (n)

• peaches (p)

• pears: Asian (n)

• pears: Bartlett (n)

• pears: French butter (p)

• pineapple

• plums (n)

(Photos Courtesy of Jupiter Images)

Love Makes A Family

2008-07-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

I am hoping to get this wonderful traveling display of photos presented at my children's school this coming year. We are fortunate to live in a very open community and my children attend a progressive school with an open mind and heart. Respect, tolerance and kindness are things we hold in very high regard.
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Love Makes a Family is a museum-quality traveling exhibit including photographs and interviews with families that have lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) members. Through first-person accounts and positive images, this exhibit seeks to challenge and change damaging myths and stereotypes about LGBT people and their families. At the most basic level, Love Makes A Family combats homophobia by breaking silence and making the invisible visible. By encouraging people of all ages - beginning in early childhood - to affirm and appreciate diversity, this traveling rental exhibit contributes to the process of dismantling the destructive power of prejudice and intolerance, thereby making the world a safer place for all families.
Designed for audiences of all ages.

Elsasser-Robinson Family "Our family life is a very traditional American one - early morning getting up, eating breakfast, getting dressed, making sure everyone has matching socks, getting the boys off to school, and then going to work. At night, it's homework and getting ready for bed. Michael and I have been class parents in Zach's and Justin's classes every single year. We could not imagine living without children. It's a wonderful experience to watch our boys develop and mature."

Stokes Family "Family means the people who look out for me and treat me with love and respect. My family are the people who are in my life practically every day. These people are my mother, her partner Jaqué, and my twin brother Edwian. We like to go to the park sometimes where we play basketball and baseball. I like to ride my bike with Jaqué especially in Prospect Park near our apartment. We all like to ride our bikes as a family and go places together. We always do things that include our whole family. Don’t be ashamed of who your parents are."

An American Original

2008-06-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

(Tasha Tudor Aug. 28, 1915 - June 18, 2008)
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I recently found out that Tasha Tudor - one of my personal heroes - has died. She was an amazing woman - illustrator - and independent spirit - who lived life her own way and truly was "an American original."
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Click on each of the above pages to read this article courtesy of Victoria Magazine.

I'm also including an interesting link to YouTube about her book - Pumpkin Moonshine recently featured on the Antique Roadshow.

What's In Season - June

2008-06-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

My sister and two nieces are flying into town tomorrow - for two weeks (yea!!!). I'm so excited. I'm preparing for our annual Mid Summers Party (very Victorian) this coming Sunday. Everyone must indulge me and wear something festive - as fairies, elves and magic rule the evening. I usually make a traditional Swedish meal - which my kids love. There will also be music and dancing under the stars. I can't wait!!

June

n = newly in season

p = peak of season

w = winding down

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Vegetables

• beans, green (n)

• beets (w)

• carrots (w)

• corn (n)

• cucumber (n)

• garlic (n)

• eggplant (n)

• greens: kale• lettuces (w)

• onions, red
• onions, sweet: Vidalia (p)

• onions, sweet: Walla Walla (w)

• peas: English / shelling (w)

• potatoes

• squash, summer (n)

• tomatoes (n)

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Fruits

• apricots (p)

• berries: blackberries (p)

• berries: blueberries

• berries: boysenberries (p)

• berries: loganberries

• berries: olallieberries (n)

• berries: raspberries (p)

• berries: strawberries

• cherries (n)

• figs, Black Mission (n)

• grapes (n)

• limes (p)

• melons: cantaloupe (n)

• melons: honeydew (n)• melons: watermelon (n)

• nectarines (n)

• peaches (n)

• pineapple

My Dad - AKA Papa

2008-06-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

(Me - Age 5)

There is a magical time when most little girls think their dads can do anything and that is how I saw my dad. He was the master of anything that needed fixing or building and prepared for any kind of emergency. I loved to help him - whether it was building a fence, working on our boat, or fixing the dishwasher. I would hang around just waiting for the chance to hand him a specific tool or run to get him a cool drink.
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When I was 5 years old my dad would put me on his lap and let me drive the family car into the garage. This was not only thrilling but very empowering. When I turned 16 he took me to a large empty parking lot and taught me to drive the stick shift on my new car. After I had mastered the basics he told me to head for a busy street - I hesitated thinking maybe I wasn't ready - but he told me - "yes you are" - and away we went. Moments like those with my dad helped shaped my trust in myself.
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Another thing about my dad that I've always appreciated is that he is a very sentimental man and not afraid to show it. When he tells the story of how he met my mom (bagging her groceries when he was only 18) and that she was the "prettiest girl he'd ever seen" there is still a twinkle in his eye. What more could any daughter ask for.

I love and admire you dad more than I can ever express and appreciate all the sacrifices you've made through the years. Thanks for everything!!

Happy Fathers Day!!!

Love you,

Bean ~

P.S. My sister has a great tribute and photo of our dad at her blog Magic Mirror.

"My Secret" Summer Pasta Salad

2008-06-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

(Photos Courtesy of Jupiter Images)

I've made this "secret" recipe time after time over the past 15 years plus and it never fails. It's so simple to make and you can even whip up the night before if you are short on time. It's great for picnics - family gatherings - or a hot summer day.
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One drawback - no leftovers to enjoy ;)

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FRESH PESTO TORTELLINI SALAD (COLD)
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2 pkgs. fresh cheese tortellini

1 pkg. fresh pesto sauce

1/2 c. white wine tarragon vinegar

1 lb. asparagus (sliced and blanched) (you can substitute long stemmed canned)

2 c. julienned red and yellow peppers

1 c. walnut pieces (I usually skip the walnuts)

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Cook tortellini, rinse in cold water. Drain well. Combine pesto, vinegar; whisk to blend. Add other ingredients. Mix well. Chill to taste. Serves 4 to 6.
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Of course you can easily double this recipe.

A Wonderful Artist

2008-06-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

I just loooooooooove Jen Corace's art work!! I can't get enough of it. From the first image I stumbled across -- I was hooked. Her work gets me thinking and makes me smile. A perfect combination.

Shift In Focus

2008-05-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

My kids are out of school for the summer beginning this Friday - so I am planning a big beach picnic to celebrate. I will also be limiting my posts to once a week (Mondays) for the next couple of months -- as summer weather and spontaneity will rule the day.

Easy Entertaining

2008-05-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

(Photos by Marcus Nilsson / March 2007 )
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I love ideas for quick entertaining that cause no additional stress. Thanks to another great article in Domino Magazine here is an example of just that.
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Prepping this spread is about assembling and arranging! You can use the list below as a guide and substitute any other great things you might find. Display fixings on wooden boards and in bowls. Pop some organic sparkling wine. La dolce vita!

Instant (Organic) Antipasto
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THE ANTIPASTO COMPONENTS
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Meats -
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Salami
Summer Sausage
Pepperoni sticks
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Cheese -
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Parmigiano
Orgonzola
Mozzarella with lemon zest and cracked pepper
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Vegetables -
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Black and Green Olives
Roasted Red Peppers
Pickled Italian Beans
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Bruschetta -
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Pesto
Artichoke Cream
White-bean and Sun-dried-tomato spread (click for recipe)
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Basic Bruschetta - Serves 12
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Make this just before everyone arrives, so it doesn't get stale.
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2 loaves (1½ pounds) rustic bread, each cut into twelve ½" slices
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
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Preheat the oven to 375°. Place the bread slices in a single layer on a sheet pan. Drizzle the bread with the olive oil, then flip and drizzle the other side. Bake until the bread starts to turn golden on the bottom, about 10 minutes. Flip slices and cook for another 5 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven, apply toppings and serve.
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Drinks - _

Prosecco Perlage Riva Moretta
A dry, clean and crisp apertif, with pronounced notes of green apple. $15 Organic Wine Company.
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Fleury Père & Fils Carte Rouge
Brut From 100 percent Pinot Noir in a biodynamic vineyard, this has strong citrus flavor. $36.99 Appellation Wine and Spirits.
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Delmas Blanquette de Limoux Brut
From where the world's first sparkling wines were produced (by monks!), a dry, full-bodied sparkler with toasty and lemony currents. Organic Wine Company.
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Additional Resources - The Meat Shop of Tacoma, Happy Girl Kitchen, igourmet.com, Whole Spice, Ingredients Gourmet, Diamond Organics.

A Few Days Off

2008-05-22T09:30:00.001-07:00

I'm taking a few days off - be back Tuesday May 27th!!_

Sabina ~

Eating Green

2008-05-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

The following helpful info is from an online article I found via "The Food Network".
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Eating Green - A guide to organic and other in-the-news terms.
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When deciding what to feed your family, you're bound to face a bewildering array of food labels claiming that items are organic, natural or free range. Here’s what these labels mean:
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Growing Conditions
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Organic
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If a product bears a "USDA organic" label, you are guaranteed that’s it’s at least 95 free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and sewage sludge and that it hasn’t been genetically modified or irradiated. No hormones or antibiotics are allowed; animals must be fed organically-grown feed and have access to the outdoors. While some experts have suggested that organic foods are healthier than conventionally-grown, the USDA doesn’t support these claims.
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Sustainable
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Sustainable agriculture refers to crops that are raised in ways that don’t harm the environment, are humane to animals, and that supports farm workers and farming communities. Not all sustainable foods are organic — most come from small family farms which may not have the time or resources to get organic certification (it is expensive and time-consuming). A related label is "Fair Trade," which certifies that farmers in developing countries have received a fair price for products like coffee that are grown in a sustainable way.
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Natural
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Natural refers to meat and poultry that contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. There is no certification and because a food is called "natural," it doesn’t mean that farm animals were raised organically.
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Locally Grown
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Locally grown refers to crops produced no more than 250 miles from where they’re purchased. The emphasis is on seasonal, fresh produce, meats and dairy products but these crops may have been raised with pesticides. If the label does not specify that the food any special growing conditions, you should assume it’s conventional. Crops and cattle are raised using synthetic chemicals, like fertilizers and pesticides to curb insect growth and increase the amount of food produced. Farmers can give their animals antibiotics, growth hormones and other medications. This is the way most crops and livestock have been raised in the U.S. for the past 50 years.
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Hormones and Antibiotics
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Antibiotic-Free
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The term "antibiotic-free" is unregulated but producers can label foods "no antibiotics administered" or "raised without antibiotics," which means animals were raised entirely without the substances. Concerns have been raised that antibiotic use in cattle causes antibiotic resistant bacteria to develop, threatening human health.
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Hormone-Free
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For pork and chicken, the label "hormone free" is meaningless; these substances are banned when raising pigs and chickens. Beef may carry a "no hormones administered" label but no outside authority currently certifies this claim. Controversy has arisen over the artificial hormone rBGH which increases milk production. The U.S. is one of the few countries to approve its use; others have banned it because of concerns over human and animal health.
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Animal Welfare
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Free Range
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Chickens that aren’t confined to cages and are granted access to the outdoors are called "free range." But the USDA only requires limited outdoor time; conditions can be crowded and dirty and there’s no outside monitoring.
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Grass-Fed
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Cattle raised largely on grass and hay are referred to as "grass-fed." No government regulations or inspections apply to the term and these cattle may not be organic. Since cows’ stomachs more easily digest grass than grain, it is a more natural, humane and antibiotic-free way to raise cattle.
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(Courtesy of The Food Network and Jupiter Images)

Beautiful Hair

2008-05-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

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Staying on the subject of hair - I really love when I see a women with beautiful natural hair of gray or more aptly - white, silver, pewter and every shade in between. My mother is one of those women and she receives endless compliments (I'm not exaggerating) and is even regularly asked if she dyes it that color. But I'm not just talking about women of a certain age going natural I see lots of women over forty with this attention grabbing hair. With the availability of new treatments and conditioners made to enhance gray hairs color and conditioners, this once-maligned hair hue has became a new style option not only just for men. Gray hair can be dramatic, elegant and yes - beautiful!!

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My next read-

(What I Learned About Beauty, Sex, Work, Motherhood, GOING GRAY, Authenticity and Everything Else That Really Matters - By Anne Kreamer)

Suave Commercial - Is Motherhood Messing With Your Hair?

2008-05-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone but the video uploaded experienced some problems and is no longer available. Go to Suave.com link - click on "OUR STORY" and then click on "ADVERTISING" to see this hilarious commercial.

On the lighter side of things - Happy Monday!!

(Courtesy of Suave.Com)

About the Film - Darfur Now - On DVD May 27th

2008-05-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

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About the Film -
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Darfur Now is a story of hope in the midst of one of humanity's darkest hours - a call to action for people everywhere to end the catastrophe unfolding in Darfur, Sudan. In this documentary, the struggles and achievements of six different individuals form inside Darfur and around the world bring to light the tragedy in Sudan and show how the actions of one person can make a difference to millions.