Mottainai.

Water.

2011-12-22T17:05:00.000-06:00

[On bottled water] Whereas, if we invested all the money in keeping our lakes and streams clean, then we wouldn't need to have bottled water. - Dori Tunstall, Associate Professor of Design Anthropology, Faculty of Design, Swinburne University of Technology; Organizer, U.S. National Design Policy Initiative; Former Managing Director, Design for Democracy. From the book Brand Thinking

Revolights.

2011-08-17T21:04:00.001-05:00

Have you seen these bike lights? No really. Have you?
Do you bike? Don't wait.
Watch the video.
Fall in love.
I want these to be in the market.
You should too.

revolights. join the revolution. from revolights on Vimeo.

Check these guys out on kickstarter.
Give them something.
Give them nothing.
But whatever you do, spread the word.

Ride on.

Mottainai.

Pay attention.

2011-07-24T13:16:00.000-05:00

photos via:
bread
reread
fence
bananas (me. taken in fremont.)
picnic (me. taken on the hill while basking in the sun and enjoying the company of three lovely ladies.)
beets
maltby street
barn art
pay attention

Mottainai.

Baked oatmeal.

2011-05-15T18:23:00.000-05:00

I've been in love with 101 Cookbooks for quite some time.
Beautiful photography.
Delicious vegetarian options.

For Mother's Day weekend, I recommend that we make the Baked Oatmeal recipe from Heidi Swanson's new book, Super Natural Every Day. The recipe was floating around the interweb. As the weekend started and much to my surprise, this gal and this guy gave me the book for my birthday [Thank you, Duluth t.baugh contingent!].

The recipe was easy and delicious. Give it a try. FYI...it goes great with scrambled eggs.

Baked Oatmeal [originally found at Lottie + Doof; from Super Natural Every Day: Well-Loved Recipes from My Natural Foods Kitchen by Heidi Swanson]

2 c rolled oats
1/2 c walnut pieces, toasted and chopped
1/3 c natural cane sugar or maple syrup, plus more for serving [we used real maple syrup, but didn't add any once served]
1 t aluminum-free baking powder [we didn't have aluminum-free. oops.]
1 1/2 t ground cinnamon
Scant 1/2 t fine-grain sea salt
2 c milk
1 lg egg
3 tb unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly [cool it until completely cool - ours did a bit of coagulating, not that it mattered]
2 t pure vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 1/2 c huckleberries, blueberries, or mixed berries [we used frozen mixed berries]

+Preheat the oven to 375F with a rack in the top third of the oven. Generously butter the inside of an 8-inch square baking dish [we used an oval shaped baking dish...see the picture].

+In a bowl, mix together the oats, half the walnuts, the sugar, if using, the baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

+In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, if using, the milk, egg, half of the butter, and the vanilla.

+Arrange the bananas in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle two-thirds of the berries over the top. Cover the fruit with the oat mixture. Slowly drizzle the milk mixture over the oats. Gently give the baking dish a couple thwacks on the countertop to make sure the milk moves through the oats. Scatter the remaining berries and remaining walnuts across the top.

+Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is nicely golden and the oat mixture has set. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the remaining melted butter on the top and serve. Sprinkle with a bit more sugar or drizzle with maple syrup if you want it a bit sweeter [no need to add anything].

Serves 6 generously, or 12 as part of a larger brunch spread [ours fed 7 adults, some had 2 servings + 1 kiddo]

Mottainai.

Think outside the box.

2011-05-04T21:52:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, I was just a box. Now I am a...

[photo credits: here, here, here, here, here, here, here]

Mottainai.

Pinterest.

2011-03-28T22:22:00.000-05:00

I have fallen in love.
Imagine a bulletin board filled with inspiring words, dreamy locations, colorful wardrobes, beautiful food.
Imagine it being endless.
I am addicted.
Bookmarks in a browser are a thing of the past - give me an image and you will have me forever.
Go on.
Check it out.
Give me a follow and I will give you a follow back.
Kiss your free time good-bye and say hello to Pinterest.

Mottainai.

Mostly plants.

2011-03-06T18:54:00.000-06:00

So, you already know that you should eat food and not too much. MP's final food rule (#3 for those of you counting along) is...what to eat: mostly plants.

Without any further ado...

+Eat mostly plants, especially leaves. They are full of great things like vitamin C, omega-3s and fiber. Nothing pumped into these babies. You aren't going to see "this bag of spinach now contains more fiber than ever before" - that'd be weird.

+You are what what you eat eats too. Did that cow, pig, chicken or turkey you are eating eat grains pumped with antibiotics? Yep. Well, so did you. The proof is in the yolk of an egg.

+If you have the space, buy a freezer. Buy a part of a steer, if that's your thing, from a local farmer - fill up your freezer. Freeze your copious amounts of CSA veggies in the summer for the winter.

+Eat like an omnivore. The greater diversity of species you eat, the more likely you are to cover all your nutritional bases.

+Eat well-grown food from healthy soils. This doesn't always mean just buying organic. It means knowing where your food is coming from.

+Eat wild foods when you can. Wild greens and wild animals. Be careful on the wild animal front, they can be endangered species.

+Be the kind of person who takes supplements. People who take supplements are typically more health conscious, better educated and more affluent. Supplements don't always work, so save your money and spend it on buying mostly plants.

+Eat more like the French. Or the Italians. Or the Japanese. Or the Indians. Or the Greeks.There are two dimensions to a traditional diet - the foods a culture eats and how they eat them - and both may be equally important to our health.

+Regard nontraditional foods with skepticism. ie. soy protein isolate, soy isoflavones, etc, etc.

+Don't look for the magic bullet in the traditional diet. It isn't just ONE thing.

+Have a glass of wine with dinner. Twist my arm.

That wasn't so bad.

Today as I wandered outside in the snow, I decided that lent is going to be my kickoff to truly focusing on these three food rules. Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. I'm already well on my way.

Mottainai.

Info credit: This guy.

Photo credits: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Not too much.

2011-02-26T22:39:00.002-06:00

And...I'm back.

Early this month, I gave you the details on Pollan's first "rule" on how to be healthy - eat food. Simple, right?

Rule #2: Not too much. (Again, we are human. We are normal. We slip up from time-to-time and have those moments when we grasp our stomachs and say "Why? Why did I eat so much? Never again." Bullshit. It happens and I'd be foolish to say that it'll never happen again.)

So what does Mr. Pollan have to say about "not too much"?

+Pay more. Eat less. The better the food, the less you need to eat in order to feel satisfied. Choose quality over quantity, food experience over mere calories.

+Eat meals. Shared meals are about much more than fueling bodies; they are uniquely human institutions where our species developed language and this thing we call culture.

+Do all your eating at a table.

+Don't get your fuel from the same place your car does.

+Try not to eat alone. The shared meal elevates eating from a mechanical process of fueling the body to a ritual of family and community, from mere animal biology to an act of culture.

+Consult your gut. (Ask yourself if you are really hungry or if you just think you are hungry. Could you be thirsty or just need to get up and stretch for a moment?)

+Eat slowly. To eat slowly, is to eat with a fuller knowledge of all that is involved in bringing food out of the earth and to the table. To eat slowly, also means to eat deliberately.

+Cook and, if you can, plant a garden.

At some point, I'll give you the details on #3 - Mostly plants.

Mottainai.

Info credit: This guy.

Photo credits: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Eat food.

2011-02-07T22:29:00.000-06:00

An obvious statement.
Something we do several times a day.
Something we look forward to doing.
It may be alone in front of a computer.
It may be with others gathered around a table.

Are you eating right now?
Do you know what you are eating?
Not just the name...do you truly know what you are eating?

I just wrapped up reading In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan.
It is a quick read. Much quicker than The Omnivore's Dilemma.
You will learn new things.
You will be reminded of things.
It will make you upset.
It will make you think.

He lays out three answers to the question of what humans should eat to be healthy: (Before we get too far, I just want to add - everything in moderation. Sometimes an Oreo Blizzard or a bag of Fritos is a must.)

1. Eat food
2. Not too much
3. Mostly plants

What does he mean when he says "eat food"?

+Don't eat anything your great grandmother wouldn't recognize. (Yogurt from a tube? Probably not. Sponge-like cake with white fluffy filling? Umm...nope. BK stuffed steakhouse? Come on! I don't even recognize that.)
+Avoid food products containing ingredients that:
    a. are unfamiliar
    b. are unpronounceable
    c. are more than five in number
    d. include high-fructose corn syrup
+Avoid food products that make health claims. (What? This water filled with vitamins won't make me swim faster. What a joke!)
+Shop the peripheries of the supermarket and stay out of the middle. (Bonus: The aisles tend to be wider on the outside or is it that there are fewer people...)
+Get out of the supermarket whenever possible (Farmers' markets and CSAs!)

That's it.
Start small.
Pick one and stick with it for awhile. Add on.

I'll fill you in on "not too much" a different day.

Info credit: This guy.
Photo credits: 1. 2. 3. 4. (These are all delicious.)

Mottainai.

They said it. I like it.

2011-01-22T16:57:00.000-06:00

photos via: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Mottainai.

Your weekend task.

2011-01-17T07:21:00.000-06:00

On Friday, I gave you a task:
A new blog?
A local restaurant or store?
A winter stroll?
A new ingredient?
Something else?

Enjoyed SMBC at Blackbird (the review is coming soon, hopefully).

Strolled through Wild Rumpus.

Had dinner with my nephew and mom at Pizzeria Lola.

Cooked up some barley.

Added zucchini to my smoothie.

Took at winter walk with a special lady.

Made a new recipe and enjoyed it with a group of friends.

And you?

Mottainai.

Go on. Get out there.

2011-01-14T07:43:00.000-06:00

I have a weekend task for you.

Set an intention to...

Explore a new blog
Support a local business
Try a new recipe
Buy something old and make it new
Taste an unknown food
Bundle up and walk outside

Expand beyond the above list. These are just thought-starters.

Go on. Get out there.

We'll talk next week.

photo credit: a cup of jo

Mottainai.

There are worse things...

2011-01-12T07:34:00.001-06:00

than the vending machine eating your dollar.

I was greeted at the gym this morning by a lady complaining that the vending machine had taken her dollar.
The worker explained that she didn't have access to any cash drawers at the moment and before the worker could say anything else, the lady left with a huff.
She strolled into spin class and proceeded to test out three different bikes with none of them being "just right."
Finally, she picked a bike. Right. Next. To. Me. Yay.
Her negative energy was slipping into the rest of the classroom.
A different worker interrupted class about 10 minutes in to ask who had lost their money when trying to get a water bottle because she had brought that person a bottle of water.
With a huff, the lady lifts her hand and says "me!". No thank you. No smile.

Next time, try a smile. Try saying thank you. Don't carry that negativity with you - others will sense and feel it too.

Have a good day, blog friends.

Plus, I'm not sure why she needed a bottle of water when she had a reusable bottle in her holder. Over it.

Mottainai.

A healthy tip per week.

2011-01-11T22:06:00.000-06:00

I happened upon a new blog today.
This blog is offering 52 ways to live a healthier life. One for each week in 2011.
Here are the first two...

I'm interested.
I've added it to my reader.

Mottainai.

I've got bikes on my mind.

2011-01-09T19:20:00.000-06:00

It is cold in MN. Very cold and snowy and icy. I'm dreaming of days when I can just hop on my bike and see what I see.

Until then...

One of my 2011 "to-dos/incorporations/dreams/goals" is to get my three bikes out on the trails and roads more often.

photos via: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Mottainai.

Okay. If you say so.

2011-01-06T22:49:00.000-06:00

via: a cup of jo

Mottainai.

As we enter the new year...

2010-12-31T10:32:00.000-06:00

photos: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Mottainai.

Christmas traditions.

2010-12-22T23:00:00.000-06:00

A beautiful tree filled with ornaments that bring back memories.

A reading of The Night Before Christmas by my dad.

A mug for each of us. The mug has the same theme (ie. bears, angels, trees, etc.) as the ornament we receive.

Pajamas for all.

Outdoor lights and ice candles.

Hand-knit stockings (my mom is amazing!).

Mottainai.

Cheers.

2010-12-22T22:37:00.001-06:00

What will you be toasting to over the holidays?

via: wit + delight

Before and after.

2010-12-13T22:17:00.001-06:00

Before...a t-shirt.
After...a necklace. A scarf. An accessory. A statement piece.

Peace comes in any color.

Before.

After.

Sea of flowers.

Before. Technically, during.

After.

Red hot.

Before.

After.

Lions and elephants and donkeys. Oh my!

Before.

After.

Mottainai.

Eat more kale.

2010-11-08T19:35:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine saw a bumper sticker last week that said eat more kale., so we did. The initial plan was to sauté it and add it to a butternut squash sauce with mushrooms and onions - which would later go over gnocchi. As the the cooking began, we decided it could standalone on its own.

And here's how it went down...

+Finely chop a clove of garlic or two.
+Heat some olive oil in a pan...maybe one, maybe two tablespoons...over medium high heat.
+Once hot, drop in the garlic and cook until slightly browned.
+Rinse your kale. Remove the center stem and when the garlic is cooked to perfection, drop in your kale.
+Take some lemon juice and add it to the pan. Maybe two tablespoons. Depends on how lemony you want it to be.
+Crack some fresh pepper. Drop in some salt. Stir. Kick the heat up a notch.
+Watch the kale shrink down. Serve.

So good that we had it twice over the weekend.

Here are some other recipes that will have you eating more kale. The first two are tried and true. The other two are on my list. Enjoy.

Baked kale chips. [via: smitten kitchen]

Lively up yourself lentil soup. [via: 101 cookbooks]

Raw tuscan kale salad. [via: 101 cookbooks]

Kale and pumpkin pasta. [via: frites and fries]

I just made this recipe. I didn't add kale, but I did add spinach. I left out the cheese; doubled the tomatoes; used dried basil instead of fresh; added dried thyme; used whole wheat penne; and didn't think it needed any extra salt. It is good and it is easy.

Mottainai.

Exploring the north shore.

2010-10-24T20:06:00.000-05:00

Rest. Relaxation.
Cooking. Hiking.
Games. Beer.
Golf. Coloring.
Running. Eating.
Lounging. Laughing.
Reading. Singing.
Wildlife. Sunrises.
Waves. Sunshine.
Coffee. Memories.
Good things.

Mottainai.

Reason I love fall #542

2010-10-24T17:21:00.000-05:00

Scarves.
An accessory.
A neck warmer.
A bit of color.
A shawl.
Twisted.
Draped.
Folded.
Looped.
Classic.

I have a basket full of scarves that I cycle through as soon as a bit of chill hits the air. I immediately fell for the scarves shown below and by immediately, I mean that I ordered one within 10 minutes of seeing them on sfgirlonbay.

About my scarf:
• from scarfshop
• giant
• charcoal
• hand-dyed
• born locally
• more than just a scarf
• worn 5+ days a week
• love at first sight

I have my eye on cayenne, rust, teal, rose and...who am I kidding, I'd take any color.

[photo credit: scarfshop]

Mottainai.

Sunday morning breakfast time.

2010-09-12T08:19:00.000-05:00

In just a few moments, I will be heading over to my friend Sonja's home for a handcrafted breakfast. She's gone all out and I can't wait to taste her creations. A full review will be available [here] in a week or so. Enjoy your Sunday.

[photo credit: what katie ate]

Mottainai.

Cheers to local beer.

2010-08-14T13:36:00.000-05:00

Leech Lake Brewing
+Started by a husband and wife duo.
+Plan to keep distribution close to Leech Lake and let people flock to the beer.
url: http://leechlakebrewing.com/

Mankato Brewery
+Started by a local businessman with an eye for brand development.
+Launch plan includes two beers.
url: http://mankatobrewery.com/

612 Brew
+Started by a group of beer-loving friends.
+Focus will be on bringing back traditional style beers.
url: http://612brew.com/beer/

Lucid Brewing
+Started by another husband and wife duo.
+"...I want the beer that you can sit there and enjoy. Maybe the beer is not the main focus of the conversation; it’s just part of the conversation. It’s just part of the whole environment.”
url: http://lucidbrewing.wordpress.com/

Harriet Brewing
+Started by a chemical engineer.
+A zero carbon footprint brewery with beer "brewed with intention."
url: http://www.harrietbrewing.com/

[info credit: the heavy table, michael agnew]
[top photo credit: design crush]

Mottainai.

And on his farm he had...

2010-08-14T06:10:00.000-05:00

c.s. neal [via]

an eggplant.

[via]

some green beans.

[via]

an heirloom tomato.

[via]

some herbs (and lots of them).

[via]

some corn.

[via]

a zucchini.

[via]

more zucchini.

[via]

boatloads of mint.

[via]

yet another eggplant.

[via]

leftover herbs.

[via]

one more zucchini.

[via]

a handful of swiss chard.

[via]

a potato.

[via]

some beets.

[via]

two point five pounds of tomatoes.

[via]

a bunch of basil.

[via]

Mottainai.

I'm having a love affair with my CSA.

2010-08-01T15:17:00.000-05:00

sauteed zucchini with green onions and dill

steamed beets, broccoli and califlower

carrots to be shredded

cabbage & carrot salad with a cilantro lime vinegarette

salt & vinegar potato chips

mint peatini

Mottainai.

Links to love.

2010-07-21T23:34:00.000-05:00

A bike love story.

Handcrafted pottery.

Vintage finds.

Just a few things that I am hoping to share with you over the next handful of weeks. Until then, here are some images and links to love.

A gentle reminder. [via]

Maybe I'll have some of these whipped up by Christmas. [via]

Whole wheat, oatmeal and chocolate? Fantastic! [via]

I'm a sucker for upcycle furniture. [via]

[via: me]

Mottainai.

Just breathe.

2010-07-02T10:14:00.000-05:00

My morning has been filled with yoga and roses.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Breathe in fragrance.

Breathe out fear, disruption, anxiety, burden.

Breathe in peace, love, joy, hope.

Breathe out.

Keep your head above water
But don't forget to breathe

Breathe....

Don't forget to breathe
Don't forget to breathe
You know you are here
But you find you want to leave
So don't forget to... breathe

Just breathe

-Alexi Murdoch

[via]

Mottainai.

Links to love.

2010-06-29T22:28:00.004-05:00

[via]

It may be time to say goodbye to tuna. A long, but good read from the New York Times on the past, present and future of this fish.

Beef isn't on my love list or even my like list. However, I know there are people in my life who love their beef. So, if you're going to eat it, why not be responsible about it? Check out The Grass Fed Cattle Co. I do enjoy their site. [via]

[via]

Toms Shoes. Bringing comfort to those around the world. The owner is a young dude who has created a unique business model - you buy a pair of shoes for yourself (maybe these) and he'll give away a pair to a kid in need. [via]

I had a garlic scape in my csa box this week. Fingers crossed for more this week, so I can make one of these...

[via]

Mottainai.

Intertwined.

2010-06-26T06:17:00.001-05:00

The color and illustration caught my eye.

It happens to be a piece that is part of the overall identity system for The Intertwine, the network of parks, trails and natural areas in the metro-area of Portland.

Here's to intertwining...cheers!

[photo credit: bureau of betterment [via: fffound!]]

Mottainai.

Look smart. Be smart.

2010-06-14T21:01:00.000-05:00

These shoes by SMARTFISH are fantastic! 100% vegan, handmade and sustainable.

[photo credit: SMARTFISH [via: paper n stitch]]

Mottainai.

Stamp it.

2010-06-13T18:41:00.000-05:00

Step 1: Start a business

Step 2: Have your contact info made into a stamp

Step 3: Stamp anything and everything you can find

Step 4: Voila! Trash becomes a business card

[photo credit: ads of the world [via: laissezfaire]]

Mottainai.

Before and after.

2010-05-31T21:20:00.000-05:00

This view caught my eye as I dined with my family at Common Roots Cafe on Sunday morn.

Common Roots Cafe is a pretty fantastic place. Why?

Because:

+they love their local and organic farmers.

+they compost and recycle whatever they can.

+they built their restaurant using salvaged and earth-friendly materials.

+they turned two asphalt parking areas into a garden and grew 1500 pounds of produce last summer.

+they have good food.

Mottainai.

Cool just is.

2010-05-19T21:13:00.009-05:00

I take absolutely no credit for finding this. It popped into my reader today and I happened to scroll past it.

[via: mackin ink {check this lady out. she rocks!}]

Mottainai.

She eats bears.

2010-05-18T21:30:00.000-05:00

I happened upon a new blog today. [via: A Cup of Jo]

I truly enjoy the name and the graphic.

Don't worry, she doesn't actually eat bears.

But, she does make all of her meals from scratch.

Aggressive.

Inspirational.

Aged cheddar & apple melt [want one]

Pancakes [can't go wrong]

Tofu, veggies, brown rice [love. love. love!]

Mottainai.

Vintage love.

2010-05-17T22:07:00.003-05:00

Stop on by Rachie's Place on Etsy. Browse. Look. Buy.

[photo credit: rachie's place [via: paper n stitch]]

Mottainai.

Peace.

2010-05-12T21:51:00.000-05:00

Coffee. Good.

Organic. Good.

Fair trade. Good.

Riding bikes. Good.

Peace Coffee. All of the above and more.

Check out their website.

Read an article done by The Heavy Table.

Follow them on Twitter.

Buy Peace Coffee. It is delicious.

Mottainai.

Monday evening reminder.

2010-05-03T20:24:00.000-05:00

Eat your veggies. Eat your Omega-3s.

Mottainai.

a few things.

2010-04-29T22:34:00.000-05:00

reusable party straws [via: creature comforts]

found: a vintage rentals company [via: wiley valentine]

holy cow: by sarah gardner [via: design is mine]

Mottainai.

Earth day every day.

2010-04-22T22:55:00.000-05:00

Did you do something different today?
Did you make Mother Nature happy?
Did you think twice about using a plastic bag?
Did you only eat at local restaurants?
Did you walk to the store?
Did you car pool to work?
Did you hug a tree?

If today, then why not tomorrow?
If tomorrow, then why not the next day?
Make Earth day every day.

Mottainai.

Keep it wonky.

2010-04-18T07:19:00.002-05:00

Do something a little different today...

p.s. This poster is printed on recycled paper. *Bonus*

[photo credit: aardvark manifesto {via: oxford and beyond}]

Mottainai.

Riding the pine.

2010-04-14T20:12:00.000-05:00

Reclaimed wood bench recipe

1 - recycled wood plank [places to buy in Mpls: 1. 2. 3.]

4 - hairpin legs [found here]

[photo credit: Angela Ferdig [via: Design Mom]]

Mottainai.

Preserve the trees.

2010-04-06T20:39:00.000-05:00

The artist's name is Ciara.

She's a freelance designer and illustrator.

You can see her work here.

The print is titled Preserve the Trees.

You can buy it here.

[via: designvagabond]

Mottainai.

Paper, Glass, Metal

2010-03-25T22:02:00.000-05:00

I caught MPR's Art Hounds on my way into work this morning and made a mental note to look up an artist that was highlighted on today's show - Michael Kareken. His name escaped me by the time I got home, but a quick Google search that included Minnesota Institute of Art, Michael and recycling led me to his website.

Michael's current work is a collection of paintings and drawings of the recycling industry. The local industrial recycling locations he selected "inspire metaphoric associations with life and death, growth and decay, order and entropy, structure and chaos." [MIA]

His exhibition can currently be seen at the Groveland Gallery in Mpls from now until April 10th.

[michael kareken]

Mottainai.

Some links to love.

2010-03-13T08:47:00.000-06:00

Where have I been? It doesn't matter because I'm back and I'm here to share some links with you.

"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets..."

Layered chain necklaces...love. Socially conscious fashion...love. Put them together and what do you get...The Andean Collection. "great fashion forward designs, while creating a greener planet, and providing a path out of poverty for artisans using fair trade principles." [via]

The fact that this girl discloses what materials she uses to make her bags makes me happy. [via]

The upcoming World Cup uniforms (aka kits) are made from recycled plastic bottles. I wonder how well those breathe? Nike is stating that they diverted 13 million water bottles from the landfill. [via]

Good news...greener packaging. Bad news...it is still Quiznos. Read about the changes Quiznos has made to their packaging. Looks like they are on the same path as Nike - uniforms (aka aprons) are going to be made from recycled plastic bottles.

Now you can take that beloved t-shirt from high school and turn it into a laptop sleeve. Now I know what to do with my favorite t-shirt from swim team with my name on the back and I'm not even joking. About the organization: Hello Rewind is a New York City based operation promoting two-fold renewal; to recycle old goods into new, and to develop a business aimed at supporting the reintegration of sex trafficking survivors into society. [via]

A dollhouse that is modern AND eco-friendly. Groovy. [via]

If you are in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area tomorrow, check out the citywide event that is helping two local restaurants recover after a recent fire took them off the grid.

[day sixty five {via: creature comforts}]

Mottainai.

Lovely linens

2010-03-04T10:32:00.000-06:00

A fun housewarming, birthday gift.

Reduce paper waste.

100% cotton fabric.

Non-toxic inks.

[nina glaser {via: modish}]

Mottainai.

Other people's words. My thoughts.

2010-03-02T18:30:00.000-06:00

"i packed a bag and i boarded a train.
and i spent the weekend
away from home.
i laughed with friends and i joked with strangers.
i ate good sandwiches, i drank great beer
and i had those kinds of moments,

the ones when your tummy hurts
you've laughed so much.
and when you catch yourself smiling at nothing at all."

-forty sixth at grace

[via: forty sixth at grace: on sandwiches and beer and things that matter]

Mottainai.

Monday morning reminder.

2010-03-01T11:30:00.001-06:00

[hijirik studio]

Mottainai.

Give the gift of travel.

2010-02-24T20:49:00.000-06:00

Travel near.
Travel far.
To new places.
To favorite places.
By car.
By bike.
By plane.
By foot.
By boat.
See.
Hear.
Smell.
Taste.
Explore.

Giving gifts is one of my favorite things to do. It is important to me to give gifts that are meaningful, useful and a bit unexpected. Babies and toddlers are always a challenge for me because they don't necessarily know when they are getting something and they seem to have a ton of books, toys and clothes.

Last year as my nephew's and niece's 1st birthdays approached, I decided that I would give them the gift of travel. This gift of travel wasn't a plane ticket or frequent flyer miles, but a travel account (aka. savings account) for them to use once they turn 18. My family is aware of the account, so if they feel compelled to add to it, they certainly can! Traveling has made such an impact on my life and is a source of inspiration for me - I wanted to give this gift to them.

Bon voyage, Tate & Olive!

[via: reading my tea leaves; (oh, hello friend) you are loved; design*sponge; stephane massa-bidal]

Mottainai.

Go now, and live.

2010-02-23T21:54:00.001-06:00

That is all.

[via: loveology: when we wake up...]

Mottainai.

Monday morning reminder.

2010-02-22T07:40:00.001-06:00

[hijirik studio]

Mottainai.

Look out for that...

2010-02-18T14:20:00.000-06:00

pothole! I mean garden. Pete Dungey drives around Britain searching for potholes to fill with loveliness. I'd smile if I drove by one of those.

[via: Cup of Jo]

Mottainai.

Recycled Fabric.

2010-02-16T21:08:00.000-06:00

Art around your neck. Lovely! I'll take one of each, plus more for my friends.

[foulard threads (via: modish)]

Mottainai.

Love.

2010-02-13T09:53:00.000-06:00

Spread some love this weekend.

I need a silent true-way to admire.
Like you as a sunset, and I as a wildfire.
And I can let the day go...

I've locked up these words, in fear that I'd say them wrong.
Is it love as a mountain, or love as a simple song?
And the moment that the two meet
has now laid itself at your feet.

And love is not convenient; it does not cease at your command.
You might take and leave it, but love is all I am.
Love is all I am.

I need a boundless, soft way to commend
Like you as a temper, and I as it's tender end.
And however long your fits last
I will live within your shadow cast.

And love is still your stranger; it does not respect how much you'll stand
You might be love's reminder, but love is all I am.
Love is all am.

I need a graceful, proud way to let go
To smile and accept the things that you don't know
The losses and the gains blurred
The weight of these as last words

And love is not excitement; it's not kissing, or holding hands
I'm not some assignment; no, love is all I am
Love is all I am.
Love is all I am.

-Dawes, Love Is All I Am

[Love Candy]

Mottainai.

Some links to love.

2010-02-08T20:25:00.001-06:00

And to think, I loved school lunch. This article gives a little insight into what is really in a school cafeteria lunch.

Ordinary guys brewing extraordinary beer. A great interview with the founders/brewers at Minneapolis-based Fulton Beer.

On a beer kick today. New Belgium Brewery has recently announced the largest privately owned solar array in Colorado has gone live at their plant.

Are you looking for a compost bucket that isn't white or metal? Look no further. Don't compost yet? Why not? Here's a list of 75+ things that you can compost.

My family rocks. Love you all...this one is for you.

New eco-business ideas:

+ This one involves the transformation of cast-iron radiators

+ This one combines a board game and sustainable thinking

+ And this one converts steps into energy

Loving this company's concept of "focusing on slow design and sustainability." They sew their garments by hand in Northern Alabama. [via]

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has updated its seafood recommendations. Take a look.

Kind of want to be friends with this husband and wife combo who own and operate Quince and Apple, a small batch preserves company.

Usable goods made from repurposed items. Aprons, clutches and pillows, oh my.

[Alabama Chanin Fabrics]

Mottainai.

Farmhouse table.

2010-01-29T22:07:00.000-06:00

A farmhouse table is on my list of furniture to acquire...someday. Know of one that's available? Have one that you're trying to pitch? Drop me a line and maybe I can hook you up with someone.

More farmhouse table love-->here.

[forty-sixth at grace]

Mottainai.

Garland.

2010-01-27T21:29:00.000-06:00

I'm loving this garland made by Kristina Marie. Not only is the garland made from paper rescued from the garbage or recycling bin, but she also packages her products in recycled bags that can be reused or recycled by the recipient. What would you do with this garland? Wrap a gift? Hang it on your mantel? [spotted on: Modish]

[Bay Map Paper Garland]

Mottainai.

Asparagus.

2010-01-24T20:06:00.000-06:00

Was it the unseasonably warm weather that settled over Mpls this past week? Or the strong urge to eat something green (I'm talking the color green)? Or my Pavlov's dog response to all of the recipes at 101 Cookbooks?

I guess it doesn't really matter what the reason, but I just finished up making this delightfully tasty recipe:

Asparagus and Brown Rice

[adapted from: 101 Cookbooks]
Serves 6 to 8.

1 cup dry brown basmati rice
olive oil
2 14-ounce cans of chickpeas, drained & rinsed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 bunches asparagus, cut into 1-inch segments
1/3 cup almond slivers, toasted
fine grain sea salt

Dressing:

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons tahini

zest of one lemon

juice of one lemon juice

2 tablespoons hot water

+Cook rice accordingly.

+Toast almonds and chop.

+Make the dressing by whisking together the garlic, tahini, lemon zest and lemon juice. Add the hot water to thin a bit.

+Add olive oil to to a big skillet over medium-high heat. [I used an oil mister to coat the pan.] Add the chickpeas and sprinkling of salt. Let the beans saute there for 5-7 minutes.

+Add the garlic and onions. Let cook for 5-7 minutes.

+Stir in the asparagus. Add a bit of water. Cover with a lid for 4-6 minutes to steam - until the asparagus brightens and softens up just a bit.

+Uncover and stir in the rice and almond pieces.

+Pour dressing over top. Stir to incorporate

+Taste and salt to your deserved preference.

Mottainai.

Lentils.

2010-01-16T12:01:00.000-06:00

Meat isn't high on my "like" list, so I'm constantly in search of other ways to add protein into my diet. I consider myself a fairly active individual, so I understand the importance of consuming at least 60g of protein a day. My current protein sources include: tofu, fish, edamame, eggs, nuts, oatmeal and soy milk. I'm also a fan of lentils, but until recently I haven't explored cooking with them.

Are you interested in cooking with lentils? Do winter temperatures have you craving warm foods? If you answered yes to either of these questions, I recommend you explore one of these recipes...

Lively Up Yourself Lentil Soup

[adapted from: 101 cookbooks]

Serves 6 to 8.

2 cups green French lentils, picked over and rinsed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 cups water
3 cups of kale, rinsed well, deveined, finely chopped

Topping options:

Plain, nonfat Greek yogurt

Goat cheese crumbles

Eggs

+Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan, add the lentils, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.

+Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy soup pot over medium heat, then add the onion and salt and saute until tender, a couple minutes.

+Stir in the tomatoes, lentils, and water and continue cooking for a few more minutes, letting the soup come back up to a simmer.

+Stir in the chopped greens, and wait another minute.

+Taste and adjust the seasoning if need be.

+Ladle into bowls, and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or goat cheese crumbles.

+For an added punch of protein, top with a poached egg.

Two other recipes in which lentils are the shining star:

Red Lentil Soup (recommended topping: goat cheese)

Curried Red Lentil, Swiss Chard & Chickpea Soup (recommended topping: plain, nonfat yogurt)

[Mottainai.]

Give.

2010-01-14T16:05:00.001-06:00

We have food on our table.

We have clean water at our fingertips.

We have shelter over our heads.

We have this and more.

More than enough.

Give something to those in need today.

Give to those who have lost loved ones, homes, food sources, water sources.

Give to those who have lost everything.

One easy way to give: text "haiti" to 90999 and you will make a $10 donation to the Red Cross to aid in efforts to help the people of Haiti.

Click here to find out more ways to help.

Mottainai.

Some links to love.

2010-01-10T11:50:00.000-06:00

Wondering what types of food you should buy organic? Here is a nice priorities summary.

As mentioned early, I am in the process of reading The Omnivore's Dilemma. I just finished the grasses chapter and was drawn to this post on chicken and eggs.

Natural fibers, colors. Peace silks. Pure processes. A bride would make a statement with one of these dresses. [via]

A broken plate is given new life. [via]

Looking for potential in 2010.

Do you know where your fish were raised? We should all start asking.

Do you have strings of holiday lights that no longer work or fit in your boxes? You can recycle them through this program? The program ends in February, so get on it. [via]

I will be keeping my eye out for this book for myself or for a gift. [via]

[on chicken & eggs]

Mottainai.

Don't eat cereals that change the color of your milk.

2010-01-10T08:04:00.001-06:00

I have kept myself busy over the past 2 months reading Michael Pollan's book Omnivore's Dilemma. I'm a big fan of: the book, what he is saying and what I am learning. And now he has a new book titled Food Rules: An Eater's Manual. He gives readers 64 "memorable rules for eating wisely."

He recently appeared on The Daily Show and had a little chat with Jon Stewart about the book and ultimately health care reform and our nation's eating habits.

"Cheap food holds a very high cost. In terms of health. In terms of the environment."

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Michael Pollan

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Mottainai.

Something new.

2010-01-03T11:28:00.000-06:00

My SIL and I are trying something new. A new blog that is. Stop on over and check it out: sixone[two]oneeight.

Mottainai.

2010.

2010-01-01T16:05:00.000-06:00

Here's to kickin' off your shoes and groovin' on the dance floor in 2010! Happy New Year!

We spend New Year's Eve with family, friends, merriment and cheer. Don't let that stop! Spend everyday with those that you love. Spend everyday doing the things you love.

Mottainai.

Some links to love.

2009-12-28T09:40:00.002-06:00

A photo reminder that we can't be "on" every day of year.

Do you have a full bookshelf? Use those books to create this tree.

You know those bags in which shallots and garlic are packaged? Here is a way to reuse them as gift wrap.

A gift idea for little ones on the go. These products utilize water based solvents, paints and laquers. [spotted on HAUTE*NATURE]

Lovely wrapping idea. Although, I was quite impressed with my own wrapping this year.

My brother is implementing sustainable practices at his golf course. A future trend in turfgrass management? Hopefully.

Christmas may be over, but there are 2010 birthdays right around the corner. Get the idea wheel turning with these 10 green gifts ideas for the cook in your life. There are a slew of other green gift lists at the end of the post. [spotted on The Kitchn]

Her hobby is her job. One woman's story on quitting her old day job and making Etsy her new day job. [spotted on A Cup of Jo]

Are you looking for a time saving method and a water saving method (I do realize that this doesn't save that much water.)? Answer: Boil your vegetables with your pasta.

In a previous post, I introduced you to the Atlas of Ethical Eating (in the Mpls/StP area). Here is a recent interview with the creator of the Atlas. "What we wanted to do is create a matrix of decision making so that people could make more informed decisions."

[photo by me]

Mottainai.

2009 Wrapping.

2009-12-28T09:21:00.001-06:00

[all photos by me]

Mottainai.

Holiday reminders.

2009-12-22T22:59:00.001-06:00

Relax.

Breathe.

Enjoy the company of those around you.

Take pictures [with a camera or with your mind].

Open your heart.

Laugh.

Eat.

Drink.

Be merry.

Sing.

Give.

Be present.

Be grounded.

Take a moment to embrace silence with all of the hustle and bustle going on around you.

Be alone with your thoughts.

Make memories.

Hug.

Travel safely.

Travel cautiously.

Love.

[photo by me]

Mottainai.

Some links to love.

2009-12-20T22:23:00.001-06:00

The photo doesn't really have anything to do with the below links. I just wanted to share an image from my 2009 Christmas wrapping jam session. Wrapping paper provided by old magazines/catalogs. Thank you: METRO, Anthropologie and j.crew. Music provided by Pandora. Thank you: classic crooners.

Frozen fish is the way to go. Fresh. Frozen. Fish. Read why here.

Wish I had a house in the city to restore. Until that day comes, I'll just lustfully gaze at the images from this book.

This wreath is magnificent. A wreath of your own could be made from bits and pieces found inside and outside of your own home.

Reminder: winter solstice tomorrow. Instead of complaining about it getting dark early, I am embracing it. This article puts a positive spin on darkness.

Who wants to go out and find fallen birch trees with me? Who wants to help me make these cake plates after our adventure?

[photo by me]

Mottainai.

Home for the holidays.

2009-12-20T08:16:00.001-06:00

Oh there's no place like home for the holidays,
'Cause no matter how far away you roam,
If you want to be happy in a million ways,
For the holidays,
You can't beat home, sweet home.

Home is where your heart is. May you travel safely and enjoy the company of family and friends this week.

[photo by me]

Mottainai.

Some links to love.

2009-12-12T08:58:00.000-06:00

Portland. Constantly taunting me. Begging me to visit. Please don't stop. Check out the digs at Parliament, a branding/design company with an office built from repurposed items. Love the overlays. [spotted on: mint]

Looking for a non-toxic art-related gift for your niece, nephew, kids or grandkids, then check out Clementine Art. Soy crayon rocks. Natural glue, paint and modeling clay. Forget about the kids, I want this stuff for myself! [spotted on: black*eiffel]

Denmark is doing it right. Sustainability is not something they check off a list, it is how they live.

First, lovely baskets and now 100% natural cotton produce bags. Love this lady (and I'm not biased because she is from Minneapolis).

Natural, homemade dishwashing soap. Looks super easy. [spotted on: The Kitchn]

I'll be adding this to my "must watch" list. How do you define waste?

An illustrative collection of things you've been meaning to do. Love the little side bar comments. [spotted on: black*eiffel]

Nature's art. Gorgeous images of icebergs.

Karl Hebert designed something called People Towels (the Hug Trees image is from his collection). These towels are made of sustainable, organic, fair trade fabric and are printed with soy based inks. They can be purchased here, but make sure to stop by Karl's own Web site to check out more of his work. [spotted on: design work life]

[hug trees]

Mottainai.

Love this store.

2009-12-11T11:56:00.000-06:00

I haven't ever been here and maybe never will, but I want to jump right into the photos of this store and stay there. Forever. That's irrational, but kind of true.

(Spotted on BLACK. WHITE. YELLOW.)

Mottainai.

Packaging.

2009-12-05T09:03:00.001-06:00

Packaging gifts with stuff I have laying around my place gives me great joy. Some of my favorites include:

+brown paper bags with scraps of yarn
+a collage creation from old magazines
+anthropologie catalogs
+j.crew catalogs

A little creativity can go a long way. I'm sure you have something in your house that can be repurposed into gift packaging.

I do, however, love the stuff over at Tinted Mint. They specialize in eco-friendly products and accessories for not only gift packaging, but also for general crafting and other DIY projects. The owner lays out exactly what is in products she sells and packaging she uses:

glassine bags and paper

100% waxed paper. Used in packaging Washi tapes.

packaging tape

Kraft paper, rubber-based adhesive.

product labels

Kraft paper, adhesive.

order receipts

50% PCW recycled and 50% alternative fibers (bagasse, bamboo...), FSC certified, made using renewable Green-e certified energy.

shipping box

50% recycled content. Please note that at times we may use USPS Flat Rate shipping boxes if that provides a better postage rate for our customers.

shipping filler

Material content can range from paper to bubble wrap to foam peanuts, whatever I can reuse instead of throwing in the trash.

shipping label

100% PCW recycled paper.

tissue paper

100% recycled paper. Used to package Washi tape sets.

Washi tape

Japanese rice paper, acrylic adhesive.

yarn

100% merino wool, kettle dyed, hand painted. Used to package Washi tape sets.

I am in love with her new arrivals. Stop on over at the Tinted Mint site.

(rolls)

Mottainai.

A week of thanks. Friends.

2009-11-28T07:14:00.000-06:00

New friends.

Old friends.

Near and far friends.

We've grown up together.

We went to college together.

We've worked together.

We'll grow old together.

They listen.

They give advice.

They love.

They care.

We laugh.

We cry.

We share.

We agree.

We disagree.

We agree to disagree.

We have fun together. Great fun.

We go through life together.

Mottainai.

A week of thanks. Siblings & their offspring.

2009-11-28T07:05:00.001-06:00

Adam. Kelsey. Chris. Lindsay. Tate. Olive. Six people who make life wonderful.

Adam. Chris.

My brothers. Best friends.

They have been transformed into husbands and most recently fathers.

I have had the honor of following in their footsteps and it has been a well-blazed trail.

Smart. Honest. Funny. Quiet.

Kelsey. Lindsay.

My sisters-in-law.

They are the perfect compliment to their spouse and make this family complete.

Caring. Fun. Amazing moms. Honest.

Tate. Olive.

My nephew. My niece.

They have changed my family's world. They have changed my world.

I see a new world through their eyes. A world of hope. A world of opportunity. A world that needs to be taken care of for them and those that come after them.

Busy. Listening. Learning. Growing.

These six people make me a better person. I am who I am because of them.

Mottainai.

A week of thanks. My parents.

2009-11-25T13:02:00.000-06:00

My parents rock.

They dance in the kitchen.

They travel.

They golf.

They host.

They cook.

They laugh.

They share.

They teach.

They listen.

They love.

They give.

They sing.

They help.

They are the same, but different.

They are best friends.

They are the best. Period.

They are the first ones I call during rush hour.

They are the first ones I call when I have bad news.

They are the first ones I call when I have good news.

I would be lost without them.

They rock.

Mottainai.

A week of thanks. The internet.

2009-11-24T18:53:00.000-06:00

Honestly. I am so very thankful for the World Wide Web.

Why? Because I can...

Watch my niece, nephew, godson and one of my best friend's daughter grow even though I only see them once a month, once a week, once a year.

Keep in touch with friends living all over the state and country. Atlanta. Seattle. Moorhead. Denver. Boston. San Francisco. Duluth. Renville.

Learn.

Be inspired.

Shop without buying.

Connect with people that I don't even know.

Compare.

Watch TV without watching TV.

Explore.

Research. I love to research. Anything. Everything.

Find unique ways of doing things.

Mottainai.

A week of thanks. Good health.

2009-11-23T20:44:00.004-06:00

I am thankful for good health.

Healthy friends.
Healthy family.
Healthy mind.
Healthy body.
Healthy soul.

Our health allows us to do things.
Little things.
Big things.

(Photo source: me. My roommate. Her birthday. Her hill. Her happiness.)

Mottainai.

A week of thanks. Water.

2009-11-22T23:38:00.009-06:00

I'm thankful for water.

Water is the driving force of all nature.
-Leonardo da Vinci

Stay hydrated. Stay healthy.
-Me

(Photo source: me)

Mottainai.

The little things.

2009-11-22T23:18:00.003-06:00

Celebrate good times...come on!

Good weekend. Full weekend. Full of friends, family, good food and good wine. Some little things sprinkled throughout...

+Dined in and out at a few local, non-chain dining establishments.
+Spent some quality time with my mom on a tour of our favorite S. Mpls shops.
+Bought some tall bio bags since the little ones weren't quite right for hauling my compost up to Duluth.
+Inquired at the Linden Hills Natural Home about compost pick-up. Sounds like it is becoming an option in some neighborhoods and that there may be a drop-off near the Amtrak station in St. Paul. Sounds like a little research is needed...
+Scrubbed the last of the peanut butter out of a jar at my sister-in-law's (she gave me major credit for taking the time to do this).
+Walked a couple of movies back to the store and then went for a nighttime stroll. November has been the hero this Fall.

Mottainai.

Holiday cards.

2009-11-18T23:09:00.005-06:00

There's a great post over on Design Mom today on some eco-friendly ways to send Holiday cheer via post. Swing on over there and check it out.

A handful of other ideas:
+Hand write notes to people on pieces of scrap paper.
+Send personalized email messages.
+Make a donation to a charity you support instead of buying cards. Email people with a message.
+If you are mailing a picture, find recycled envelopes to send it in.
+Design your own card and have it printed by an eco-friendly printer such as Green Printer.

I don't send a card myself, but I do help my mom put together her Christmas letter and photo. Time to change some old habits.

Mottainai.

Giving gifts.

2009-11-14T07:43:00.008-06:00

Giving gifts is one of my favorite things to do. It is a process. Sometimes it is fun. Sometimes it is stressful. To me, each person is such a unique individual and I want the gift to be a reflection of him or her. It might be a practical gift. It might be a little frivolous. There almost always seems to be a moment when I'm searching when *gasp* "I find the perfect gift." A few ways that I go about finding those "perfect" gifts:

+Bookmarking things found online if a certain person pops into my mind. I might not need a gift for him/her right away, but at least I can look back when a birthday or holiday approaches.
+Starting written lists as the gift-giving event looms in the distance. I find that as I write ideas down, more ideas surface.
+Listening and remembering "wish list" items mentioned in conversations with family and friends.
+Being intentional about giving gifts by making purchases that are: practical, handcrafted, created locally, made from recycled items, bigger than the gift itself and part of a larger cause.

As the holiday approaches, I'll share some of my favorite gifts ideas. Today - Etsy. The Etsy tagline describes it best: your place to buy and sell all things handmade. The options seem a bit overwhelming and endless. You'll find artwork, cloth diaper covers, cards, jewelry, clothing and so on and so on. You'll have to sift through some crap, but there is some amazing work by some very talented ladies. I like to start by finding one item I like and then view who else "hearts this item." It is a site for exploration and discovery. Don't be scared. Check it out.

Here are a handful of items that I have purchased for gifts:

Piaçava fiber bracelets with recycled aluminum tube. I have both received these as a gift and given them has a gift.
Shop: Brazilian Eco Designs.

A pair of 4" x 4" coasters made up of a 1920s map of Minneapolis & St. Paul. This shop has a ton of other map coaster options.
Shop: gertiebyrd

Letterpressed spiderweb coasters that can be used for so much more than a coaster.
Shop: 12fifteen

Letterpressed Father's Day card which looks awesome framed.
Shop: afavorite

Rockin' necklace made with antique buttons and a flower made from a zipper. I have to admit that I bought this as a gift to myself.
Shop: jenloveskev (she has a pretty sweet blog too)

(photo credits: all of the photos are taken directly from the sellers' shops)

Mottainai.

Biomimicry.

2009-11-10T20:46:00.002-06:00

I've recently been exposed to the idea of Biomimicry. Biomimicry is the concept of using nature as inspiration for innovation and invention in the modern world.

Some examples:

+swimsuits modeled after shark skin
+adhesive designed after watching geckos climb walls
+phone displays inspired by the way light reflects off of a butterfly's wings

If you prefer to learn via text, read this article from Fast Company.

If you like to learn via video, check out this video from CBS News. It is an illustrative story and is only about 3 minutes.

Mottainai.

Giving thanks.

2009-11-09T10:50:00.001-06:00

I've received a lot of crap over the years for not being a big fan of Thanksgiving dinner. People seem to jump to the conclusion that I don't like Thanksgiving, the holiday. Not the case. It is the food. I'm just not a comfort food kind of gal. It means more for you, so let's move on...

Thanksgiving, the holiday, now that is something of which I'm a big fan. A day to give thanks. Like most holidays, the true essence of the holiday has been masked by the commercialization of the day. This year, make it about giving thanks. Your options are endless, but here are a handful to get you thinking:

+Begin dinner by going around the table and giving thanks for someone or something.
+Start a "thankful" journal.
+Be thankful for your ability to buy and cook your own meal and make a donation (time, food or dollars) to a local food shelter.
+Thank your co-workers or employees for their work before leaving for the holiday weekend.
+Thank the person who made your meal. Offer to clean-up or bring them a small token to show your thankfulness (a bottle of wine, a box of holiday cards, a bouquet of flowers).
+If you made the meal, thank your guests for coming and sharing the day with you. +Spend time outdoors. Be thankful for the world around you.
+Recognize that you wouldn't be where you are today without others. Thank those people.
+Thank service providers. Your mail-person. The maintenance worker in your apartment building. The cashier at the grocery store. Your flight attendants. The barista at your local coffee shop.
+Start giving thanks on a daily basis. This life isn't just about you.

Mottainai.

Made in the USA.

2009-11-03T19:40:00.006-06:00

Election day 2008. One for the record books. As I reminisce about last year and return home from the polls, I am so thankful. Thankful that my voice counts. Thankful that as a woman I'm able to vote. Thankful that I wasn't filled with fear as I cast my vote. Thankful that I live in this country.

I happened upon the website A Continuous Lean recently and this list: The American List. The list was created to draw attention to "stylish and cool brands" that are made in the USA.

Minnesota companies represented on the list:
Faribault Woolen Mills — Faribault, Minnesota — blankets
Duluth Pack — Duluth, Minnesota — bags
J. W. Hulme Co. — St. Paul, Minnesota — bags, accessories
Bemidji Woolen Mills — Bemidji, Minnesota — clothing, blankets
Red Wing — Red Wing, Minnesota — footwear

Any companies you think should be added to the list?

Mottainai.

A prize winning pumpkin.

2009-11-01T20:40:00.010-06:00

That little beauty brought home a ribbon on Friday night. I walked away with "Most Original" at my friends' 3rd annual pumpkin carving party. No stencil used! Halloween must be over as it is looking a little brown around the edges. Think I'll tackle chopping it up and adding it to the compost pile tomorrow night.

A pumpkin gallery...

Candy corn. Prize: "Judge's Choice"

Cauldron.

Face with pig nose. Prize: "Nice Try"

Scary faces.

Spooky tree. Prize: "Best in Show"

Cyclops. Prize: "Scariest"

I didn't get a picture of "Funniest" which was a happy face with buttons and ribbon accessories.

Mottainai.

The little things.

2009-11-01T20:18:00.005-06:00

October went out in style over the weekend. Pumpkin carving. Final race of the season (a chilly 10-mile run along some of the best roads in Mpls). "Tailgating" with a fire pit. Outdoor football (with a win by the Gophers!).

Kind of a quiet weekend for the little things:

+Collected my other brother and sister-in-law's #5 plastics.
+Dropped off a large collection of #5s at Whole Foods (and was thanked by an employee for bringing stuff in).
+Bought oats in bulk reusing my brown bag from my last purchase.
+Bought cinnamon in bulk to be added to my almost empty bottle.
+Carpooled with 8 people, in a van made for 7, to the Gopher football game (thanks, dad!).
+Used reusable bags at the mall for some necessities. They're not just for groceries.

Mottainai.

Eating locally. Eating ethically.

2009-10-27T21:06:00.005-05:00

One thing I love about Minneapolis and St. Paul are the number of locally owned restaurants with delicious menu offerings. You can imagine my excitement when I spotted a new restaurant guide, Atlas of Ethical Eating, over at The Heavy Table.

Their matrix currently (they hope to expand this in the future) highlights 8 local restaurants and their answers to questions around composting, use of organic dairy, vegan options, LEED design and so on and so on. I'm pleased to see two of my favorites completed the survey and appear to be quite ethical (as defined by the survey): Common Roots Cafe and Bryant Lake Bowl.

Can't wait to see more restaurants added to the list.

***Since my original post, six new restaurants have been added to the list. I'm confident that it will continue to grow. Awesome! (10.29.09)

Mottainai.

A delicious dish.

2009-10-26T19:57:00.001-05:00

I’m a sucker for eggs, blacks beans and salsa, so when I found a recipe for a remake of “huevos rancheros” (truly a remake; this is in no way authentic), I knew that it would be a match made in heaven.

“Huevos Rancheros”
Serves 2
Adapted from Smitten Kitchen

+2-8” tortillas
+can of black beans; drained, rinsed and heated on the stove
+4 eggs; use whole eggs or just whites, whatever you prefer
+salsa fresca; whipped this up with a few tomatoes, small onion, lime juice, jalapeno, clove of garlic, salt and parsley (could use cilantro, but my mom isn’t a fan); you can also just buy a jar of your favorite salsa
shredded cheese; amount is really up to you; I only like a little, but some people love a ton
+bit of olive oil

-heat the oil in a fry pan over medium-high heat.
-warm the tortilla on one side for a couple of minutes, until a crunchy spot or two appear
-flip the tortilla over and sprinkle with cheese; let the cheese melt
-crack an egg or two (whatever you prefer) onto the tortilla
-flip the whole tortilla, egg and all, over
-let the egg cook completely
-flip onto a plate, egg side up
-garnish with salsa, black beans and whatever else you desire (some people probably want to add more meat, some might add sour cream or guac...the sky is the limit.)

I prefer to eat this flat, but I’ve also had people roll this up more like a burrito. There’s no science behind this dish; make it art. Make it your own. Enjoy with a seasonal fruit.

Mottainai.

The little things.

2009-10-25T19:53:00.001-05:00

Some people shy away from making sustainable, “green” choices in their lives because they fear that this means making BIG or drastic changes to their comfortable lifestyle. You don’t need to stress about making big changes when simple, small steps can make a difference. They may feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but soon enough it will become the norm.

Below are some little things I did over the weekend. Small habits can lead to something bigger down the road.

+Dropped off compost at one of the citywide drop-off locations in Duluth. No, I didn't just drive to Duluth to drop this off, but I do collect and freeze compost until I can make a trek up there.
+Walked outside. Self-powered exercise. Embraced fall and all it has to offer.
+Walked to and from the Duluth Dunn Bros. A 5-mile round trip.
+Used a ceramic mug at Dunn Bros. since we were enjoying our beverages at the coffee shop.
+Collected my brother and sister-in-law's used #5 plastic to be dropped off at Whole Foods for the Preserve Gimme 5 program. You can visit this link to learn more. A future post will highlight the program.
+Borrowed the book Omnivore’s Dilemma instead of buying it. Read about it here. Hopefully I’ll get through it and write about it someday.

My goal is to make this post a weekly event. We’ll see if that happens.

*photo by my sister-in-law

Mottainai.

I didn't know that, but now I do.

2009-10-20T19:36:00.000-05:00

While reading my latest issue of OnEarth magazine (a quarterly publication from the NRDC), I came upon a small tidbit of information that seemed like something worth sharing. It made me a bit smarter, so hopefully it will do the same for you. I had heard some rumors surrounding this idea in the past that made me feel a bit guilty. However, after reading this, my love of searching the Internet can continue.

GOOGLE MY CO2 A disputatious blogger recently worked out that a typical Google search used half as much energy as boiling water for a cup of tea and produced 7 grams of CO2 emissions. It seemed like a classic piece of blogosphere silliness, but the company, which takes it commitment to energy efficiency very seriously, decided to crunch the numbers for itself. It found that the average search actually produces only 0.2 grams of CO2. For good measure, Google also calculated that producing a single cheeseburger generates as much CO2 as 15,000 searches. And to equal the CO2 emissions from the monthly electricity use of an average U.S. household, you’d have to hit that search key 3.1 million times. So click away! (Source: OnEarth, Fall 2009)

Mottainai.

Swanky swigs.

2009-10-02T19:30:00.000-05:00

Do antique stores scare you? The smell, the junk, the creepy doll in the corner whose eyes track you as you move through the store? Sounds like you haven’t been to the right one or maybe you haven’t found that one piece of “junk” that keeps you coming back for more.

I’m selective about the ones I will walk into and I’ll make a quick exit if any of the three things I listed above connect with one of my senses. My favorite store - Hunt & Gather (Minneapolis, MN). This place never fails to disappoint. Vintage ribbon for wrapping gifts, eclectic ceiling tiles for my upcycled wall art (etsy site coming soon...hopefully.) or swanky swigs to add to my collection of juice glasses. A world of objects discarded by previous owners. A world of objects loved by new owners.

Mottainai.