Community Gardens

Gardens just make people happy and community gardens are popping up everywhere. Since the idea of prepping and turning your own soil can seem daunting, especially to urban dwellers and suburbanites, it’s a nice way to share the work load. Not only do you share the weeding and watering, you also share the fun part…harvesting!





Highland Community Victory Garden in Raleigh, North Carolina is not only serving those who directly care for the garden but excess produce is donated to “Plant a Row for the Hungry”. This allows families access to fresh produce who might otherwise go without.



Cullen Whitley is the Garden Coordinator and both his BIG heart and Masters in Horticulture help get the job done.


If you’re in the Raleigh area and interested in joining the Highlands work, it only takes $10 and a commitment of 10 hours. Though Cullen assured me that while no one is turned away because of money, everyone gets their hands dirty! Not in the Raleigh area, no worries, Find a community garden near you

Organic Strawberries

Strawberries are repeatedly on the dirty dozen list as one of the fruits with the highest pesticide residue. That’s enough to make you want to grow your own. Which is just what I did with my niece recently. We drilled holes in the bottom of old pots and buckets, dropped in some empty recycling containers so we didn’t need as much dirt in the large buckets then filled them with organic potting soil almost to the top. Gently placed the organic strawberry plants in the soil and added more around them, packing lightly until the plants were securely in place.

Grace will tell you what to do next.

"Put them in the sun, water them with water and wait til they turn red."

TEO learns how to start a business

Join me on the journey of discovering just how to take that idea and start a business! Read my guest blog post at The Entrepreneur School and watch as I learn from the best. FB users be sure to LIKE IT.

New Cupcakery with No Trans Fats!

After Lindsey's persistent, and sometimes annoying, reminders of her friend's recommendation to try the new cupcake place in town we went to Jilly's. This not only proves the power of word of mouth advertising from 12 year olds but also provided a tasty treat for the afternoon. Janice, the owner of Jilly's, is proud of her new cupcakery as well she should be. Those gorgeous treats welcome you from the case as soon as you walk in the door. Your greatest challenge will be deciding which one choose. From Banana Nut to Salted Caramel or Ultimate Chocolate.

She mentions they're baked fresh daily and use a natural based food coloring with no trans fats. To top that, in the spirit of giving and not wasting, anything left over from the day is donated to a local food charity. We were sold. Red Velvet and Cookies and Cream were going with us.

Some flavors are standard and some are only available two days a week giving you an excuse to keep going back. For the full menu, details, and directions; visit Jillyscupcakery.com.

National Yoga Day 2011

In honor of National Yoga Day, I just got back from Yoga class. That's a picture of me above in Sraddha Vrischikasana...ok, I'm kidding. I did go to class though and it was great; thank you David. The pigeon pose was just what I needed to get my body ready for my first tennis match since fall at the end of next week. If you're in the West Palm area and wanna get your Down Dog on, check out the largest outdoor yoga experience in Florida all day today until 5 at the Meyer Amphitheatre on Datura Street. For photos of other Yoga poses, check out this site.
Namaste'

Fox 5 Road Warrior

Fox 5's Stacey Elgin, The Road Warrior, was at Bread Beckers in Woodstock yesterday. She asked The Everyday Organic how changing to whole grains has made a difference. Check out the video!
click on the segment with the photo of slices of bread-4 segments total at Bread Beckers

Eco Friendly Products

Replacing some kitchen items so I head to Home Goods. What's this? A can opener made of 70% plant material and 30% traditional plastic. Cool! Lifetime Brands, Inc calls this Nexplast. Same cost as the other can openers with a lifetime warranty. I notice it says "hand wash only". Could be why I go through these things so often; I put them in the dishwasher... Note to self: "not very green if you have to replace an item that should last a lifetime b/c you don't take care of it properly". How does it perform? I bring it home and it works just as well as any other hand can opener.

2.24.11
4 months later we had to say good-bye to Mr. Can Opener. Sorry, not a very green product if I'm out buying a new one in 4 months. Lessen learned; sometimes things are better made the first time around.

Thank you St. Ann's

For all those wonderful moms I met at St. Ann's Church last week, THANK YOU! The Mother's Guild seems to have so much fun. Your hospitality was welcoming and your positive feedback has inspired me to find more organic news to keep us going. A special "thank you" to Lisa for inviting me.


Send your questions anytime and for those of you who wanted the muffin recipe, here you go!

Metanoya Cafe

Those of you on the North side of Atlanta remember Metanoya Cafe in the Plum Tree Village in Roswell. Small but quaint, eclectic and filled with great food. It was a sad day when they closed...or so I thought they closed. Yesterday we were in Marietta and guess what we found! The new location for Metanoya Cafe! They've been on Sandy Plains Road in Marietta for 9 weeks and it's actually their 2nd location since leaving the Roswell area. Same eclectic feel, same great food and at lunch time it was buzzin'. Pistachio muffins, paninis, and their specialty salads were all in high demand. Congratulations Chuck and Janet on your continued success.
2595 Sandy Plains Drd. NE
Suite 101
Marietta, GA
770-977-2020

Union County Farmers Market

The Union County Farmers Market has a new home at 148 Old Smokey Rd. in Blairsville, GA. Don't worry about the blazing summer sun or the occasional downpour, this farmers market is covered. So every Wednesday and Saturday July through October 16 they'll be there, rain or shine.
Just head North on Weaver Road off 515 (next to Home Depot). The first right off Weaver is Old Smokey. They say you can't miss it! I was in the back seat but Dad found it just fine.Local honey, pickled veggies, all natural soaps made of shea butter or goat's milk, hand woven baskets, door mats made out of recycled horse shoes, and even raw cow's milk for your pets.

My personal favorite-Logan Turnpike Mill has a stand with yummy dill roll and Ezekiel bread samples. For all you other wheat grinders out there, it's nice to have a short cut every once in awhile. Logan Turnpike offers fresh ground 3 grain pancake mix. It's a hot seller so get there early. You can also find their products at Sunrise Grocery, directly at the the mill or online.

And here's something I've never seen before, not in Buckhead, Atlanta; NYC or even Paris-Living Wreaths. Carrie Hefferen owns From Seed, Inc. and creates wreaths from seeds. These living wreaths hang on the outside of your door soaking up all that sunshine. For watering, just lay them flat, water and hang back up. With a living wreath, you always have fresh herbs at your doorstep.

What to do with all that basil? Make pesto of course!

For more information on the farmers market, visit the Union County Farmer's Market online and be sure to click the link at the top of the green bar for some delightful mountain music to put you right in the mood.....for gardening.

Panama City Beach since oil spill

In June tar balls started washing up on the shore in Panama City Beach, Florida. This is the furthest east the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill could be seen thus far. Recently my sister traveled to Panama City Beach and has these photos to report.

Tar balls were found on some beaches. Despite the flattened shape of these in the photo, they do wash up in the form of a ball. Boys will be boys or should I say, men will be men.

Two miles south, however, my sister saw no evidence thus far. According to Govmonitor.com (a public news and information source), 90% of Florida's beaches remain unimpacted. Let's keep our fingers crossed. The Florida Govenor is calling a special session this month to discuss the banning of offshore drilling. For you techies, visit this interactive map for the latest visuals on the oil spill and how wind and water currents are effecting it.

I Ate WHAT???

Confessions of an Everyday Organic:

Yes, it's true; I ate Smucker's dessert topping out of the jar with a spoon.

Let me explain. It's the 4th of July, we're all at the lake...eating...and just like everyone else, I wanted dessert. Apple Pie or Key Lime Pie but I don't like pie. "What do you mean, you don't like PIE?!" bursts out my sister and then adds, "I make Mom's Apple Pie every Thanksgiving!".

"You've known me for 41 years and I have never liked pie. It has nothing to do with your pie, Mom's pie, or anyone's pie. I don't like cooked soft fruit so I don't like pie."

Now that we have that cleared up, what's for dessert? Everyone was putting fudge topping on their pie and the jar was about finished. In my 42 years, one thing is for sure, I have always been a chocolate lover. I took the jar, a spoon and sat down with everyone to eat my dessert.

My Dad just starred at me, took the jar out of my hand, and read the label. NO WAY. He hasn't read one nutrition label his whole life until now. "I'd like to know what your readers would think if they knew you were eating this. In fact, I challenge you to blog about this". Spoken confidently from a man who just a few years ago was asking "blog, what is that and how are you gonna make a living off a blog?" And "Honey, I've eaten this way for x amount of years. I'm fine." Anyway, so here I am making my confession.

My family proceeded to read the ingredients out loud and I will list them in order for you here: milk, sugar, high fructose corn syrup (b/c sugar isn't sweet enough apparently...), partially hydrogenated oil (I could've done w/o knowing that one), and finally cocoa, diglicerides and sitrates.

I am not proud, but I am honest. We all break down and get desperate. Point is, be an Everyday Organic and do the best you can everyday. It's another day in North Georgia and I'm planning on doing better. I'm up for dinner tonight so I can tell you I didn't buy a frozen lasagna for 17 people, I am making turkey lasagna from scratch.

Happy 4th!

Au revoir Paris!

It has been a lovely week but Dorothy was right, "there's no place like home". Here's a few more photos from the trip. Enjoy as we head back to Atlanta.

Made in France

You would think when in Paris, French made goods would abound. Not so easy my fellow traveler. China and India not only have the monopoly on the souvenir market in the U.S. but also in France. Haven't I seen that before? Yes, and instead of Paris, it said Atlanta, Chicago, New York or perhaps San Francisco. It all looks the same because it is in fact all the same.

However, get off the beaten path a bit and you will find true artisans in Paris. Up on the hill sits Sacré-Cœur. At the foot of this ancient church is the small town of Montmartre. It is delightful and truly Parisian with painters galore and the smell of baguettes in the air.

You will be asked repeatedly to have your portrait drawn by an artist. A bit of advice: before you shell out 50 Euro, watch them draw someone else first. Seated all around the square are painters of sorts, creating their art for all to admire and purchase. They aren't cheap but they are beautiful and authentic- a true piece of Paris to take home. In the shops around the area you will find some similar to a few of these artists. They are more affordable and painted in Paris though not by the local artists working the square.

Once you've experienced the square, I encourage you to make your way down the hill by foot exploring the avenues below. It is on these avenues and passages that we discovered several choices for gifts all made in France.

Mademoiselle Bambû houses several designers committed to using organic cotton. From comfy cozy to chic and trendy, there's a style to suite everyone.

Caddy corner to the right as you exit Mademoiselle Bambû is any eye catching store. It's filled with jewelry most of which is created by the owner. Sterling silver, gold, and costume pieces of glass beads, baubles, and buttons all catch your eye. There's a prices range to match any budget with cocktail rings starting at just 5euro.

From here you simply continuing walking down (these stores are now behind you). Eventually you will stumble across rue Chappe. You are looking for 15 rue Chappe. photo from 15rueChappe.com


Here you find unique creations by Muriel Geoffroy and Aline Devos. Don’t let the size of this shop fool you. It’s small but filled with unique creations all made by French designers there is Paris. Ring, bracelet, scarf??? Which to choose, that will be your challenge in this store. They have a selection of men’s jewelry including cuff links; so men, don’t be shy.

Enjoy shopping and feel confident that you can bring home gifts made in France.

Organic Cotton Clothing from Paris

After you visit Sacré-Cœur, walk down the steps of Montmartre to rue La Vieuville and discover a delightful boutique housing organic cotton clothing from various designers. Though I located Mademoiselle Bambû online before we left, I was completely thrilled to actually find it. Especially since this was my first time in Paris. We walk down the steps, I look up at the street sign, looks familiar, pull out my notes. OMG! This is it!
19 rue La Vieuville 75018 Paris. The 18 in the zip code means it's in the 18th arrondissement. Maps of Paris are sectioned off by each arrondissement making it easier to locate the areas of interest in which you have the full address.

Christelle is as sweet as can be. She will gladly let you peruse on your own or will assist you in finding the perfect piece to compliment any wardrobe. Not to mention, she’s kind and gently when it comes to an American attempting French. Thank you Christelle.Put Mademoiselle Bambû on your list of must visit shops when in Paris or shop online.

Champs-Elysees cleared for green celebration

These trees on the side of the road awaiting planting caught my eye. In fact, Paris just held an event bringing awareness to sustainable development and living. From May 22-24, the Champs-Elysees was blanketed with grass (no cars allowed). Trees and flowers lined the street and Parisians spent their days picnicking and strolling down the avenue barefoot!

What motivates a city to shut down its busiest thoroughfare, allow 8,000 plots of earth, 150,000 plants, sheep and cattle to be brought in and private investors to donate 4.2 million Euro to make it happen? Simply a desire to remind the everyday consumer (yes, they have those in France too) where their food actually comes from. In this fast paced world of ours, the best food still starts as a seed and takes months to grow.

The Young Farmers Unions and France Wood Forest provided the greenery.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Photograph: Philippe Wojazer/Reuters

Recycling in Paris, France

Check out these recycling bins! They're located on the street corners making it easy for the residence of that block to put recyclable containers where they belong. Talk about no excuses. Paris takes recycling seriously. As of July 1, 2002 a French law prohibits disposing of residential recyclable materials in it’s landfills. About a year ago, my sister informed me that Raleigh, North Carolina has joined the ranks of those cities taking a serious stand against throwing away what can be used again. While they don’t have large receptacles on their street corners, they were notified they could be fined if they were caught throwing away their plastic milk jugs.

Paris Metro System

When it comes to being pedestrian friendly and the ease of mass transit, Paris gets big thumbs up! The metro system can get you from one end of Paris, across, around and anywhere in between the 20 arrondissements or districts for less than the cost of a Starbuck's.

French Flour

Something is definitely different about the flour in France. Too much wheat bothers my sinuses. However, not so in France. You can't help but eat bread at every meal. It's everywhere; fresh, and delicious. It's been several days and you know what, my sinuses aren't bothering me (even with the air quality). Maybe it's because French flours are lower in gluten than those in the U.S. Type 55 Flour is typically used in French baking. It's a softer pastry flour with a lower gluten content. Whatever the scientific reasoning; the bread is delicious and I'm LOVIN' it! Bon Appétit!
For more on French flours, visit: The Artisan or The Fresh Loaf

Air Quality Paris, France

Between the auto exhaust, subway air, and all the cigarette smoke, the air quality in Paris leaves a lot to be desired. Rodney hasn’t stopped coughing since we got here. You hear people sneeze so often it catches your attention b/c it’s oddly common. Makes you wonder how the air quality in Paris compares to U.S. cities.

Did a little research and found according to the CDC and Web in France, Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both the U.S. and France. However, though the rates of cancer in France have gone up, the deaths caused by cancer have dropped 25%.

As interesting as that may be, I find it a little confusing though. In the U.S. clearly we smoke less and yet lung cancer is still the leading cancer for both countries. Now, I do think these stats are hard to discern because they are by country and while you can easily find stats broken down by city and state for the U.S., I couldn’t find stats for Paris alone. That means the stats of the large cities are combined with the probable healthier stats of the small cities out in the country.

It’s like combining stats for New York City with Jackson Hole, Wyoming, taking the average and saying “here’s our country’s lung cancer death rate." Don’t mean to sound like a pessimist but perhaps it’s best to leave the stats to the statisticians and go play tennis, run a mile, or walk the steps of Montmarte. Coming Honey...