They Ate. They Prayed. They Found Inner Peace.

Taking a cue from Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love, Your Daily Thread helped to host a one-day retreat where inner peace seekers embarked on a journey of self-discovery and relaxation through yoga, meditation, an Ayurvedic consultation and hypnosis.

The retreat took place at RakSa, an eco-friendly wellness center in Culver City, which was created to educate others on how to live a more peaceful and healthy lifestyle through different mind and body therapies.

The day began with attendees moving seamlessly from Uttanasana (standing forward bend) to Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog) during a yoga and meditation session. With minds at ease and bodies calm, they then learned about Ayurveda, a holistic practice that aims to create balance in the body, spirit and mind. This is done by identifying one’s Dosha, and creating an appropriate diet, exercise and meditative lifestyle, based on energy levels, digestion, sleep patterns and pulse.

Having worked up an appetite, hungry participants enjoyed fresh bites from the RakSa café including grilled salmon, roasted seasonal root vegetables and kale with white beans. Some cooled off with refreshing organic iced tea while others opted for coconut juice, straight from a cracked coconut.

With their stomachs full, and otherwise relaxed, everyone returned to the Sala space for a hypnosis through love session. Some drifted off to sleep in deep relaxation, others allowed themselves to connect with their subconscious as the hypnotist guided them through the session.

As the day began to wind down, retreat-goers gathered their shoes and bags, said Namaste to Apinya Pokachaiyapat, the owner of Raksa, and made their way over to the theater for a showing of Eat Pray Love – a must see for any enlightenment seeker.

For more information on the different services offered at RakSa, please visit their website at raksasala.com. To learn more about Your Daily Thread, please visit yourdailythread.com.

Appy Days Are Here to Stay!

Let your iPhone be your guide...to the Farmers' Market, through the aisles of the beauty store, and more! 

California’s Famers’ Market Finder (Free)
Stuck in a Farmers’ Market rut? This search friendly app allows you to find new and exciting Farmers’ Markets, by county, city name, day of the week, or its location on an interactive map.

Farmers’ Market Companion ($0.99)

Starting with Artichokes and ending at Zucchinis, this app has your trip to the Farmers’ Market covered from A-Z. Discover what’s in season, as well as how to choose, store and prepare an item. Find out what makes a “good” Farmers’ Market (i.e. is there enough space to move around? Are the vendors knowledgeable? and so on). There’s even a handy-dandy shopping list, which you can mark off as you go!

I like it Organic! (Free)

Get up-to-date news on everything from new USDA regulations to information on genetically altered alfalfa. Learn how to live a more organic lifestyle with their “useful tips” on how to shop for organic products, eating on a budget, etc. You can learn how to grow your own organic garden, or discover three ways to grill veggies, from their how-to videos.

Organic Spa Magazine Skin Care Guide (Free)

Denatonium Benzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tocopheryl – what?! Finding products that are both skin and earth-friendly can be quite overwhelming. Organic Spa Magazine’s Skin Care Guide, however, makes it super simple, allowing app users to search for products by type of certification (e.g. Fair Trade, Cruelty-Free, Ecocert, Vegan and more); or by category (e.g. hand and feet, face or sun products). They also list their top picks in organic and natural skin-care. 

ShopNoGMO (Free) 

You know it’s better to buy “organic” than it is to buy “natural”. Recently, however, you’ve heard that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are harmful to your health and the environment, but you’re not really sure why. Let this app guide you through the world of GMOs. Learn what they are, why you should avoid them, and most importantly, what products are GMO-free, using the handy-dandy Shopping Guide.

Your Guide To One Hot Summer

Slowly but surely, the haze is lifting and summer is rolling in. Crank up the heat with these hot tips that will have you sizzlin' all summer long.

Get that cute bum of yours outdoors and you’ll have those legs mini-skirt-ready in no time: Here Comes the Sun on Your Daily Thread.

Eco-friendly fashion that won’t go out of style. Posted three months ago, these eco-chic pieces featured on Who What Wear are perfect for summer, and seasons to come...Go Buy Now: Earth Friendly Fashion.

Get out of the city, as well as out of your work clothes, and head to the beach to show off that spectacular bod of yours in these adorable, eco-friendly swimsuits: 14 Eco-Friendly Bikinis, Swimsuits, Board Shorts to Sizzle Your Summer on ecouterre.

Less is more all summer long! Sexy Green Lingerie: 20+ Sustainable Styles on The Daily Green.

Make like you’re at summer camp with these DIY arts & crafts projects: I DIY on Refinery29.

Beat the heat and have yourself a scoop - or maybe even two - of these decadent and tasty, Vegan ice creams: HBD: Vegan Ice Cream Rocks Our World on EcoStiletto.

You crave fresh, local, seasonal and all around, downright delicious food. Give in to your cravings here: Farm Fresh on Daily Candy.

Soak up the sun and surf the L.A. Green scene, with Your Daily Thread’s weekly Weekend Guide.

Image via: http://weheartit.com/entry/2907379

Relay For Life of San Fernando Valley Goes "Green For A Cure"

Join me in the fight against cancer by participating in Relay For Life of San Fernando Valley’s (SFV) 24-hour walkathon, taking place this Saturday, June 5 at 9:00 a.m. to Sunday, June 6 at 9:00 a.m. The event is held annually to celebrate those who have won their battle against cancer, to remember those who lost their lives to it, and to fight back against the disease by helping to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

Participants form teams of 10-25 people and camp out at local high schools, parks, etc. and take turns walking or running around the track or path. “Because cancer never sleeps” at least one team member is asked to be on the track at all times during the event.

Going even one step further, Relay for Life of SFV has pledged to do their part and help our environment by going “Green for a Cure.” To lessen waste at the event, they will be selling re-usable water bottles with refills provided by Kangen Water. Eco-friendly goodies have been provided by different eco-conscious companies, such as Studio Alexandria LA and Your Daily Thread. Volunteers and participants are greatly encouraged to recycle any paper or plastic items, as well .

To join a team, or to register as an individual, sign up online or head over to the registration booth to sign up at the event. For more information visit their official website or check out their blog, Relay For Life of San Fernando Valley.

More like Real Freakin’ Delicious!

I may be a bit late to jump on the Real Food Daily (RFD) band-wagon, but with dishes as tasty as theirs, I say better late than never.

...

As the name implies, this place is nothing but “Real.” The restaurant was real contemporary and casual, real eco-friendly and chock full of patrons real hungry and ready to eat. The food, of course, was real good, organic and 100-percent vegan.

...

My dining partner, Laurie, and I scoured the menu for what to order. We were both famished, and were a bit overwhelmed by the number of food items we saw – everything looked delicious.

...

Laurie decided to go for the "Fettuccini Alfredo," but had a last minute change in appetite and went for "My Hands Are Thai" instead. This wound up to be a fantastic choice – with a little mooching from me, there wasn’t a bite left over. I, on the other hand, felt that it was only appropriate that I go with the "Real Food Meal" – you know the saying: when in Rome – er, I mean Santa Monica.

...

I was absolutely delighted by the meal. Brown rice, beans, chard, kale, land and sea vegetables, all topped with a dressing or sauce of your choice (I recommend going with the citrus dressing – it complimented the natural flavor of the foods perfectly). It was beyond filling (I even had enough left over for lunch the next day) and I felt invigorated by all of the healthy goodness I had just devoured.

...

The next time you find yourself on the West Side I highly recommend stopping by this vegan joint. The majority of the food is “grown exclusively with organic farming methods,” purchased locally, and any kitchen scraps, etc. are composted when possible. If your experience is anything like ours was, I can say without a doubt, that you will be real(ly) satisfied with what you get.

...

To read more about this delicious joint, please visit their website at http://www.realfood.com/.

...

Location: 514 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map).

...

...

...

Images by: Laurie Roderick & RFD

Chuck that chicken. Forget the fish. And say buh-bye to beef. Go Meatless in May!

Following their recent re-launch of the re-designed website, Your Daily Thread is kicking off the month of May with their Meatless in May campaign.

Meant to bring awareness to the impact our consumption of meat has on our carbon footprints and the environment at large, Meatless in May challenges subscribers to do just what the title implies – to go an entire month without eating meat.

To help fellow burger lovin’, filet grubbin’ meat eaters transition into the realm of meatless dining, Your Daily Thread will be providing motivational tips to those who have made this pledge. In addition, subscribers will be privy to alternative meal options, such as vegan and vegetarian recipes, and will be pointed to restaurants throughout the city that provide meatless menu items.

Make the pledge to go meat free in May by becoming a fan of YDT’s Meatless in May Facebook Page.

An Army of Green

Drill Sergeant: ATTENTION! We, the Your Daily Thread Green Forces team, have a mission for you, should you choose to accept it. Your mission will be to go from an Eco-Zero to an Eco-Hero in twenty days.

c

Cadet: But sergeant, I’ve never even recycled before – how am I going to become an Eco-Hero in only twenty days?

...
Drill Sergeant: By signing up online for Your Daily Thread’s “Going Green Bootcamp,” you will receive daily tips that will teach you the basics of living an eco-conscious life as well as challenge you to go Greener than you have ever been before. You will live, eat and sweat Green.

...

Cadet: But sergeant, what if I don’t make it?

...

Drill Sergeant: If there is one thing we, the Your Daily Thread Green Forces team, will not let you do Cadet, is fail!

..

Cadet: Alright ma’am, I’m in! Where do I sign up?

...

Drill Sergant: Click here to enlist. We’re proud to have you onboard. The world thanks you for your service.

Mad for Macaroons!

While I am not a huge fan of shredded coconut, I absolutely adore macaroons. There is just something about the crumbly, yet sticky texture, and that “not made from butter,” buttery taste. Ever since I was a little girl, I can remember going gaga over the mouth-watering macaroons my mom would bring home from Gelsons Bakery (sigh).

Alas, here I am, twenty-something years later, pining over the same cookies that have always – and will always – make my tummy grumble with joy.

To make your very own Coconut Macaroons, check out this week’s Featured Recipe from Elana’s Pantry:

Ingredients:

6 egg whites
¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt
½ cup agave nectar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups shredded coconut

Cooking Instructions:

1) In a mixing bowl, whisk egg whites and salt until stiff.
2) Fold in agave, vanilla and coconut.
3) Drop batter onto a parchment lined baking sheet, one rounded tablespoonful at a time.
4) Pinch each macaroon at the top (like a kiss).
5) Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until lightly browned
6) Serve & enjoy!





Image via: Elana's Pantry

For Me? You Shouldn't Have!

Not sure what to get that special friend (boyfriend, girlfriend, crush, make out buddy, etc.) of yours for Valentine’s Day? Here are several gifts that are super simple, thoughtful and will have your friend sending tons of XOXOs your way. What’s more, they’re all made with items you most likely already have lying around the house!

Remind your sweetie how much you adore them with these simple reminder note pads:

Materials

- 6 Pieces of used computer paper

- Some ribbon – check your gift wrapping cabinet for any ribbons you saved from the Holidays

- Hole puncher

- Pencil

- Ruler

- A pair of scissors or a paper cutter

Cut your computer paper in half. Make one stack of the 12 pieces of paper. Using your pencil draw two dots about ¼” down from the top of the page and 1” apart in the center of the first page. Using your hole puncher, punch a hole at each point that you marked. Cut a piece of ribbon about 5-6” long. Pull both ribbon ends through the holes in the paper and tie a bow.

Roses are red. Violets are blue…

Materials

- 1 Empty wine bottle

- Several freshly picked flowers or flowers from a local florist (you can choose to use as many or few flowers as you like)

Fill wine bottle about ¼ of the way full with water. Cut flower stems to desired height. Place flowers in wine bottle.

A Sweet Treat!

Show your Valentine (friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc.) how sweet you really are by baking them a batch of sugar cookies and/or cupcakes using the recipes you see below!

The Basic Vegan Sugar Cookie

(Recipe by Chez Bettay of Chez Bettay the Vegan Gourmet)

Ingredients

- 5 cups organic unbleached flour

- 4 teaspoons Bob's Red Mill Baking Powder

- 2 cups sugar organic white sugar

- 1/2 cup almond milk, soy milk, or soy milk creamer

- 1 tablespoon organic vanilla, almond, coconut or lemon extract

- 1 13-ounce carton of Whipped Organic Earth Balance Buttery Spread

Tools:
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Something to mix batter with (electric mixer, etc.)
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
- Insulated cookie sheets
- Sharp knife
- Cookie cutters
- Rolling pin

Directions

1. Using your mixer, cream the Earth Balance and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add baking powder to mixture and beat till incorporated.
3. Add 1/2 cup of almond milk, soy milk, or soy milk creamer.
4. Add vanilla or your favorite organic flavored extract.
5. Slowly add flour until blended... do not over process.
6. The Basic Vegan Sugar Cookie Dough needs to be refrigerated: Roll the dough in the bowl into a large log shape and wrap with parchment paper. Add a layer of plastic wrap and carefully seal it and lay on a shelf in your refrigerator. *This log can also be frozen for use at another time.
7. Preheat oven 350 degrees.
8. Spray cookie sheets with non-stick oil spray or line with parchment paper.
9. Remove the dough log from the refrigerator and remove the coverings.
10. Slice 5/8 inch circles and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
11. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are just starting to turn a pale brown.
12. After the cookies have cooled on the cookie sheet for about 5 minutes, use a spatula and lift them onto a cake rack to cool completely.
13. If you want to use a cookie cutter, let the dough sit for 10 minutes before rolling. Cut the log in half and roll out the dough to 1/4" height and cut the shapes desired.

Organic Chocolate Cupcakes

(Recipe by jake+ryley'smommy on Recipezaar)

*Please note: in order for these cupcakes to be organic, you must use organic ingredients

Batter Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar (evaporated cane juice or raw cane sugar works)
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2/3 cup coconut oil, melted (or other vegetable oil)
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Sift all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
3. Add oil, water, vinegar and vanilla.
4. Fill well greased mini muffin tins 2/3 full with mixture. Or use cupcake papers for easier removal, and nicer presentation.
5. Bake 10-15 minutes. Until toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool completely.
7. Meanwhile, beat whipping cream and powdered sugar in small bowl at high speed, until stiff peaks form. Gently stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla.
8. Top cooled cupcakes with icing and serve, or refrigerate until needed.

(Makes 55 mini muffins)

Images via:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/freakgirl/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

http://www.flickr.com/photos/megpi/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Josh Rosebrook: Purifying and Beautifying the World One Exfoliator at a Time...

Josh Rosebrook, hair stylist turned skin care guru, is set to debut his organic skin care line, appropriately named Josh Rosebrook, in March 2010. His skin care line represents a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, meditation and yoga - “living in alignment,” per its creator. “You reflect your health in your skin, body and spirit.”

The line is made with “certified organic, organic or wild-crafted ingredients,” all of the packaging is recyclable and products have about a 14 month shelf life. In addition, all products are “chemical free" because, according to Rosebrook, chemicals are not anti-aging and the body cannot process synthetic materials in the same way it does natural products. “Society as a whole needs to get off chemicals,” he argued, as consumers “…don’t know what they’re getting…and that what they are getting is not ok.”

“We use processes that do not kill any "actives" in our products…” Rosebrook said. Rather, his skin care products undergo “cold processing” which means that products are processed below 102 degrees Fahrenheit. In doing so, nutrients are protected from being damaged by heat, thus remaining “active.”

Rosebrook believes that people are deceived when it comes to both the organic and conventional market. He disagrees with the way that companies try to sell the idea that you can get everything you need from one product: “It’s not all in one jar, ever, and I’m not going to try and sell that…this is beyond the miracle ingredient approach.”

Rosebrook plans to launch his line with his Enzyme Exfoliator. “It’s hard to find an exfoliator with the right amount of granules,” he said. The exfoliator is made up of walnut shells, herbal extracts, plant enzymes, and essential oils, among other organic materials. According to Rosebrook, the exfoliator will help to open pores, and stimulate blood circulation, as well as collagen production.

Next to debut, a Nourishing Anti Aging facial Oil and a Cacao and Co Enzyme Q10 MASK. Rosebrook is currently working on an organic and chemical-free hair care line as well.

Rosebrook graduated from cosmetology school in Portland, Oregon and currently works as a hair stylist at the The Parlour on 3rd in Los Angeles, where you will be able to purchase the Josh Rosebrook skin care line.

Images via:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/savor_soaps/ / CC BY-NC 2.0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/funadium/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Cooking up a Winter's Storm

Puree that broccoli; bake that butternut quash; and savor those beets! Now that you know how important it is to buy produce that is in season (see Seasons Come...and Produce Grows), make the most of all those juicy fruits and veggies while you still can!


Roasted Broccoli Soup*
Created by Kimberly Garr of C'est La Vegan
Submitted by Carol Robinson, of GoodSkin LA

Ingredients:
2 large heads broccoli (about 2 pounds)
2 large cloves garlic
2-3 Tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper
4-5 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
A few cracks lemon pepper, or fresh grated lemon zest

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.

Cut the broccoli florets from the stems (you don’t have to cut them small), and place them on baking sheet. Slice the stems thinly and place them on a separate baking sheet. Peel and slice the garlic, and sprinkle it in with the florets. Drizzle the olive oil over both trays (use more than 2-3 Tbsp if you need to), and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss the florets and stems in the oil and put them in the oven to roast until they’re browned. (The stems take about 15 – 20 minutes, and the florets take at least ten minutes more. Turn both halfway through the cooking time, and take them out once they’re good and browned.)

Put the florets and stems in a pot with 4 cups of veggie broth and the thyme, and heat until the broth comes to a boil. If the broth doesn’t almost cover the broccoli, you might want to add the extra cup at this point, or you can wait to add it after blending if you want a thinner soup.

Once the broth has come to a boil, transfer the whole thing to a blender and puree. (You might have to do this in batches. And remember to be careful when blending hot liquids!) Return the soup to the pot.

You can add more broth at this point if you want it thinner, or simmer for a bit if you’d like it a bit thicker. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if you need to. I had some lemon pepper which was a nice addition. You could also add a bit of lemon zest to taste to brighten up the flavor.

Servings: 4 small or 2 large


Steamed Chard
Chard is a great alternative to baby spinach. You can use it in a mixed green salad, or steam it and prepare as a side dish.

Ingredients:
1 Bundle of Chard
1/4 Lemon
Sea Salt
Ground Pepper

First, cut the leaves off the stem (you can eat the stems, however they take longer to steam than the leaves). Steam until leaves are damp and soft. Put the chard on a plate, squeeze some lemon over it (be careful, though; chard already has a bit of a tangy taste so you don’t want to put too much on). Add a pinch of sea salt & pepper and you have yourself one easy healthy side dish!


Winter
Stir-Fry/
Coconut
Curry
Submitted by Laurie Roderick


Ingredients:
10 shoots of Asparagus
1/2 Head of Broccoli
1/2 Package of Tofu (Firm)
1/2 lb. Green Peas (shelled or unshelled)
1/2 lb. White Mushrooms
3 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
Green Onion (for garnish)
3-5 tbsp. Coconut Milk
2 tsp. Garam Masala or Yellow, Red, or Green Curry
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Cut off stems of asparagus shoots. Chop the asparagus 2-3 times into 1-inch pieces. To prepare the broccoli, cut the stem from the head. Chop the stem up into about ½” disks, and then separate the head into mouth-sized pieces. Next, chop the mushrooms into 1/4” slices. For the tofu, cut into 1/2” slices, and place the slices on a paper towel to drain some of the water. Cut the green onions into small slices for garnish

Take a large (preferably Teflon) sauté pan and fill with ½-1” of water. When the water starts to boil, throw the asparagus pieces, broccoli, and peas into the water. Boil for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften. Timing will depend on how soft or crunchy you like your vegetables in a stir-fry. When they get softer but still retain some integrity, take them out and let them sit. Drain the water and wipe the pan of water.

Next, place some olive oil in the pan. 1-2 tablespoons usually suffice. When the oil is hot, place the tofu in the pan, and allow to cook until browned on both sides (usually 5 min per side). When the tofu is done, take it out and cut into squares.

Heat some more oil in the pan. When this is hot, throw in the sliced mushrooms, stirring frequently for about a minute or two. Then throw the broccoli, peas, asparagus, and tofu back into the pan. Stir in the garlic once vegetables have slightly browned. Towards the end of the cooking process, pour in the coconut milk and season to taste with the masala or curry spices. When the milk has coated the veggies and is warmed through, it is ready to be served. Garnish with the sliced green onions.


Baked Butternut Squash*

Ingredients:
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Cinnamon (Optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cut squash lengthwise down the middle. Scoop out seeds and other “gook.” Lightly coat cut side with olive oil. Add a dash of salt, pepper and cinnamon (if you dare). Fill a baking pan with about an inch of water and place cut side up in oven. Check back in an hour. The squash should be slightly browned and “tender” (if you are able to easily stick a fork into the meat of the squash it should be done).

Two ways to serve the squash: mashed (think “squashed potatoes”) or cut into quarters in the shell.


And, because no meal is complete without dessert...

Beet Cake
with
Cream Cheese
Frosting**





Cake Ingredients:
1 pound beets (about 2 medium)
Cooking spray
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk

Frosting Ingredients:
2 teaspoons grated orange rind
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8-ounce) block 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, chilled
3 cups sifted powdered sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts, toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To prepare cake, peel beets using a vegetable peeler. Grate beets, using the large holes of a grater, to measure 2 cups.

Coat 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray; line bottoms with wax paper. Coat wax paper with cooking spray.

Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and eggs in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well-blended. Add beets; beat well. Lightly spoon the flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients (flour through salt) in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Pour batter into prepared pans; sharply tap pans once on counter to remove air bubbles.

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes on wire racks; remove from pans. Carefully peel off wax paper, and cool cake completely on wire racks.

To prepare frosting, beat orange rind, vanilla, and cream cheese with a mixer at high speed until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar; beat at low speed just until blended (do not overbeat).

Place 1 cake layer on a plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting; top with remaining cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle nuts over top of cake. Store cake loosely covered in refrigerator.

Servings: 18 (serving size: 1 piece)

*Recipe originally found on HubPages
**Recipe originally found on MyRecipes from Cooking Light

Images via:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/giovannijl-s_photohut/ / CC BY 2.0

http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurelfan/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mlee/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

http://www.flickr.com/photos/williumbillium/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gnikrj/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Seasons Come...and Produce Grows

As Project Runway’s Heidi Klum would say, “…one day you’re in and the next day you’re out.”While Klum refers to fashion, the same holds true for what you put on your plate. By now you’re probably well aware of the importance and benefits of buying local and organic produce: it is free from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), hormones, and antibiotics; promotes ecological diversity; supports your local farmers (as opposed to giving money to some large-scale corporation); puts money back into your community; and has less of an impact on the environment (less gas used in the transportation of the produce). It is also important, however, to buy what’s in season.

Green in L.A. stopped by The Wednesday, Santa Monica Farmers’ Market to find out why it is so important to buy seasonal produce and what’s “in” now. Check it out:




For a list of what's fresh in your area, visit NRDC: Eat Local

To find a Farmers’ Market in the Los Angeles area, go to: Support Your Local Farmers' Market


Coming Soon: Some of our readers’ favorite Seasonal Dishes & Recipes!

Upcoming Event

Join the Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA)
as it celebrates the launch of the inaugural

GREEN LOAN FUND

The Green Loan Fund will offer interest-free loans for environmental upgrades
to residences, town homes, condos, apartments & small businesses.

Featured Speakers will include:
Ed Begley, Jr., Actor and Activist
David Nahai, Senior Advisor to the Clinton Climate Initiative

Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Private Home in Brentwood
Address available upon RSVP

Cocktail Reception at 6:30 pm
Program at 7:00 pm
Business Attire • Dietary laws observed.

$150 per person

Click here to RSVP online

Please RSVP by January 4, 2010
Event underwritten by Leslie & Paul Aronzon
For more information, please contact (323) 761-8830 (323) 761-8830 x111.

http://www.jfla.org/

Down the Drain

Fact: An American household uses up to 400 gallons of water per day*

Fact: The United States uses more water than any other country in the world**

Fact: Our water supplies are running low

Yep, that precious liquid which is essential to life, is running low – very low. According to an article written by Mark Frauenfelder, (“Lake Mead Is Drying Up”) in GOOD magazine, our supply is far too low and demand has gotten way too high.

In 2008, Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa’s office released a document entitled, “Securing L.A.’s Water Supply” which outlined a plan to create sustainable sources of water for Los Angeles.

Some of the methods intended to cut back on water usage included: “investments in state-of-the-art technology…rebates and incentives…installation of smart sprinklers, efficient washers and urinals; and long-term measures such as expansion of water recycling and investment in cleaning up the local groundwater supply.” The goal was to conserve/recycle 32.6 billion gallons of water per year (this amounts to enough water to supply 200,000 homes for one year).

The document also laid out reasons for the decline in water availability:

- Climate conditions (e.g. low levels of snowfall, “environmental commitments” and high levels of drought) have reduced the “long-term availability” of water from our water sources.

- The city of Los Angeles typically receives water from five different sources including: the Eastern Sierra Nevada watershed; the Colorado River; the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta; the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD); and local groundwater and recycled water.
Water deliveries carried from the Eastern Sierra Watershed to Los Angeles, via the Los Angeles Aqueduct (LAA), have dropped dramatically. From 1995-2000 Los Angeles received about 63% of its water from the Eastern Sierra, compared to only 34% from 2001-2004. This is said to have occurred because of the redistribution of water to other areas for environmental purposes (improvements).

- Another problem is groundwater contamination. Los Angeles’ ground water accounts for about 11% of its total water supply. The San Fernando Valley (SFV), where Los Angeles gets the majority of its groundwater from, has such high levels of contamination, however, that much of it cannot be used.

What’s being done about it:

Under the “City of Los Angeles Emergency Water Conservation Plan” (Chapter XII, Article I of the California Water Code), water resources available to the City must be put to “maximum beneficial use to the extent to which they are capable.” This conservation plan has actually been in effect since 1991, but was not enforced until recently (as of August 11, 2009).

Los Angeles is currently undergoing Phase III of the ordinance. Some of the restrictions include:

- Using a water hose to wash paved surfaces including: sidewalks, walkways, driveways and/or parking areas (unless it is for safety or sanitation purposes).

- Using water to clean, fill or maintain levels in ponds, lakes, decorative fountains or any other structure intended for visual purposes, unless the water is part of a recirculation system.

- Washing a vehicle with a hose, if that hose doesn’t have a self-closing water shut-off or device attached to it. Residents of the City of Los Angeles also may not allow the water to run continuously while washing said vehicle.

- Irrigating lawns, landscape, or other vegetated areas while it is raining.

- Watering lawns, landscape, using irrigation systems, etc. on any day other than Monday or Thursday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. only.

While there are exceptions to these rules it is absolutely essential to the future of Los Angeles’ water supply that you abide by the restrictions outlined in this ordinance.

Now that we have all of that covered, here are some steps you can take to make a difference in the amount of water that is being used and wasted:

- Make sure you have a low flow showerhead & low flow toilet.

- Cover your pool. We Angelenos love our pools, and rightfully so – it gets incredibly hot here (thanks to the fact that we live in a desert). Keep water from evaporating as quickly by purchasing a solar pool cover, which will also capture and trap heat from the sun (thus, no need for a pool heater).

- Bring your car into a car wash, rather than washing it at home. Law requires commercial car washes to drain dirty water directly into sewers so that it can be treated properly and many recycle and reuse their water as well.***

- Bathe with a bucket in the shower. Capture the runoff water and use it to water the plants in your backyard. I’ve been doing this for the past couple of months, and I kid you not, roses that had withered away months back have started to bloom again! I know this may sound somewhat inconvenient, but think about the “inconvenience” of having no water at all years down the road…

- Turn the water off the second you’re not using it. For example, while washing the dishes, make sure that you turn the water off as you place the dishes in the dishwasher – many people unknowingly let the water run while loading. Even better yet, scrape the plate, place in dishwasher and let it take care of the rest!

- Wash your hair every other day or less. Not only will daily washing strip your hair of its natural oils, but a conventional showerhead spews between 2.5 to 4 gallons per minute.* You could save around 20 gallons of water per day (60-80 gallons per week) if it takes you five minutes to wash and condition your hair.

- Shave, exfoliate and deep condition your hair with the water off, during your shower.

- Abide by the rule: if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down.

Obviously, do your best not to use more water than needed. This sounds simple enough, but had it been our mantra for the past years, we wouldn’t have gotten ourselves into this mess with no water to clean it up.

* “This is a Turn Off” by Adam Matthews & Siobahan O’ Connor in GOOD magazine
**Based on the average per-capita water use in the U.S.
***Information from Sophie Uliano’s “Gorgeously Green 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life”

Images from:

Daniel Y. Go

fleuraudet

C+S

FlyButtafly

Studio Habousha Creatives

Fresh From Your Farmers' Market

Why you should support your local Farmers’ Markets:

1) Many of the farms use sustainable agricultural practices.

2) Money goes back in to your community.

3) The food is organic, thus pesticide free.

4) The produce is super fresh.

5) Less packaging is involved.

6) The distance the food travels is exponentially less than the distance food travels to super markets:

According to an article titled, "Eat Locally and Ease Climate Change" written by Lloyd Alter, on Planet Green: “A full tractor-trailer hauls about 32,000 pounds of produce. On average...this food travels about 1,750 miles from farm to market, in trucks that get about 5.5 miles per gallon. That's 320 gallons of fuel to transport 32,000 pounds, or about a gallon of fuel for every 100 pounds of food."

Side note: Do not be alarmed if you come across a stand or two (or even more) that do not have a “Certified Organic” sign hanging in their tent. It can be expensive getting certified so some farmers opt not to, but still practice organic and sustainable farming. You should, however, inquire if they use pesticides and such in their farming, just as a precaution.

Check out the guide (below) to find Farmers’ Markets around the L.A area:*

Mondays:

West Hollywood Monday Farmers’ Market
9am-2pm
Plummer Park - N. Vista and Fountain Ave
323-845-6535

Tuesdays:

Woodman Avenue Market
3pm-8:30pm
14006 Riverside Drive Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(866) 966-9495

Made an impromptu stop here on my way home one day. Great selection of fresh/ripe veggies. Not as many fruit vendors as I would like, but there are lots of craft boutiques.

Culver City Certified Farmers’ Market
3pm-7pm
Main & Culver, Culver City
310-253-5775
http://www.downtownculvercity.com/newpages/farmersmarket.shtml

Wednesdays:

Santa Monica Wednesday Farmers’ Market
8:30am-1:30pm
Arizona Ave & 2nd Street
310-458-8712
http://www01.smgov.net/farmers_market/wednesday.htm

Northridge Farmers’ Market And Family
5pm-9pm (April-October)
Northridge Fashion Mall (between Macys and Borders)
9301 Tampa Ave
Northridge, CA 91324
805-643-6458

Hollywood Lemon Grove Farmers’ Market
10am-2:30pm
4959 Lemon Grove Ave @ Hobart Blvd.
323-463-3171

“The Hollywood Lemon Grove Farmers' Market is a certified farmers' market that opened on June 18, 2008. It is replacing the market formerly located in the Sears parking lot (known as the Hollywood-Sears Farmers' Market). The new market offers a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as nuts and dried fruits. In addition to a great selection of fresh produce, the market hosts events for children and adults including healthy cooking demonstrations, tastings, a salsa contest, Spring into Health activities, free raffles, live music, craft workshops and pumpkin carving for kids.

The market is open year round. The Hollywood Lemon Grove Farmers' Market proudly accepts EBT/Foodstamps and WIC/Senior FMNP coupons.”


Thursdays:

Westwood Farmers’ Market
12pm-6pm
Vets Garden, Westwood
310- 861-8188

“At the Westwood Farmers Market, at the Vet's Garden at the VA, the emphasis is on real farmers and on gourmet, hard to find foods. The market features more than thirty farmers and food vendors in a beautiful garden setting, plus plenty of shade, and lots of free parking! The market will serve farmers and consumers, and also the Vets Garden, which helps veterans with rehabilitation, training, and employment programs. Come to the garden to enjoy lunch or dinner, listen to music, and bring home your fruits and vegetables.”

Went here to buy food for my Green BBQ. The surroundings were quite pleasant: there is a garden to walk through and eat in while you listen to live music.

L.A. La Cienega Farmers’ Market
3pm-7pm
South La Cienega Blvd and West 18th Street, Los Angeles
562-495-1764

Century City Certified Farmers’ Market
11:30am-3pm
1800 Avenue of the Stars, Century City 90067
818-591-8161

Glendale Certified Farmers’ Market
9:30am-1pm
100 block of North Brand Blvd.
Between Broadway and Wilson
818-548-3155
http://www.downtownglendale.com/farmersmarket.html

“The Glendale Farmer's Market features everything from fresh-baked breads, farm-fresh vegetables and fruit, to honey, nuts, flowers, and plants. Some of the produce sellers offer organically grown produce so look for signs or ask the sellers for details about their growing methods.”

Fridays:

Venice Farmers’ Market
7am-11am
Venice Way & Venice Blvd
310-399-6690
http://www.venicefarmersmarket.com/

Echo Park Farmers’ Market
3pm-7pm
Parking Lot #663 on Logan Street, south of Sunset Boulevard
323-463-3171

“The Echo Park Farmers’ Market opened on October 13, 2006 and features quality locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables.

As with all SEE-LA’s markets, WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program checks and EBT/Food Stamps are accepted."

Saturdays:

Santa Monica Pico Farmers’ Market
8am-1pm
Virginia Ave. Park (Pico & Cloverfield Blvd)
310-458-8712
http://www01.smgov.net/farmers_market/pico.htm

Santa Monica Saturday Organic Farmers’ Market
8:30am-1pm
Arizona Ave & 3rd Street, Santa Monica
310-458-8712
http://www01.smgov.net/farmers_market/saturday.htm

Burbank Farmers’ Market
8am-12:30pm
3rd St & Orange Grove (City Hall Parking Lot)
626-308-0457
http://www.burbank.com/farmers-market.php

“For the freshest fruits, vegetables and flowers, visit the Farmer's Market in Downtown Burbank, California every Saturday morning. Whether you are looking for fresh produce or organic foods, the Burbank Farmer's Market has a huge assortment of great products grown and made locally.

With farmers representing areas throughout Southern California, you can pick anything up from the standard vegetables and fruits to flowers, honey, breads, nuts, herbs and many more great treats.”

Old Town Calabasas Certified Farmers’ Market
8am-1pm
23504 Calabasas Rd.
Woodland Hills, 91364
(Calabasas Road & Mulholland Drive)
818-591-8161
http://www.cityofcalabasas.com/farmersmarket.html

L.A. Silver Lake Certified Farmers’ Market
8am-1:30pm
3700 Sunset Blvd
Between Edgecliff Dr & Maltman Ave (intersection of Griffith Park Blvd)
323-661-7771
http://www.sunsetjunction.org/farmersmarket.html

“Get the freshest vegetables and fruits directly from the original growers! Most items are organic produce and non-sprayed. We have apples, oranges, Asian pears, berries, nectarines, peaches, grapes, plums, limes, avocadoes, pomegranates, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, chilies, cauliflower, potatoes, asparagus, lettuce, onions, baby lettuce, Asian vegetables, cabbage, eggs, plants, orchids, the best flowers and more.

We also have pita bread, French crepes & Shawarma, fresh bread, gourmet tamales, dried fruit, fresh imported roasted coffee, tropical fruit, fresh from the farm natural juice, pupusas, Fresh Farmers' Market made Salads, fish, cheese & olives, pies, flan & herbs, pre-packaged Korean foods, Pizza, Empanadas, and sugar-cane juice & coconuts.

The market also features Arts and Crafts, including jewelry, incense, clothing and more.”

Sundays:

Santa Monica Sunday Farmer’s Market
9:30am-1pm
2640 Main Street. (Ocean Park & Main St.)
310-458-8712

Pacific Palisades Farmers’ Market
8am-1pm
1037 Swarthmore Avenue
Pacific Palisades, 90272
(Between Sunset Blvd. and Monument)
818-591-8161

Beverly Hills Certified Farmers’ Market
9am-1pm
9300 block of Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills
(310) 550-4796
http://www.beverlyhills.org/attractions/market/default.asp

“The Beverly Hills Farmers' Market is a weekly outdoor certified market which provides the community with the finest of California-grown, fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, juices, breads, specialty items and more in a festive outdoor street setting.”

Brentwood Certified Farmers’ Market
Gretna Green & San Vicente, Brentwood
9am-1pm
(818) 591-8161

Obviously a favorite of mine. See: Pluots & Strawberries & Raspberries OH MY!

Melrose Place Certified Farmers’ Market
9am-2pm
Melrose Place & Croft, Los Angeles
818-591-8161

Studio City Certified Farmers’ Market
8am-1pm
Ventura Place & Ventura Blvd., Studio City
818-655-7744

West L.A. Certified Farmers’ Market
9am-2pm
1645 Corinth Ave., Los Angeles
310-281-7855

Encino Certified Farmers’ Market
8am-1pm
Victory Blvd & White Oak, Encino
818-708-6611

“Encino Farmers Market is a fun way for every one in the family to spend time together for shopping, food and fun! The market is open year round on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at 17400 Victory Blvd. (between White Oak and Balboa) with plenty of convenient parking.

We are a certified farmers market, featuring a great variety of California grown fruits, vegetables, fresh flowers, eggs and chicken, honey, mushrooms, plants, and more! During the peak months between May and November, about 40 farms from all over central and Southern California participate.”

Hollywood Farmers’ Market
8am-1pm
Ivar and Selma Avenue between Hollywood and Sunset Blvd.
323-463-3171
Parking: Cinerama Dome: $2 for first 2 hours with Market Validation (entrance at Ivar & Delongpre). Metered Parking: Check Parking Enforcement signs. Some meters FREE until 11AM on Sundays. Doolittle Theatre: Limited free parking. LA Film School: $2 parking; at NE corner of Ivar & Sunset

“The Hollywood Farmers' Market is a "certified" open-air street market with approximately 90 farmers, 30 local artisans, and 30 baked goods and prepared food vendors who sell their own products every Sunday. It is a direct-to-consumer marketplace with all produce and products from local, California vendors and growers.

Besides offering a fantastic variety of the freshest California-grown fruits and vegetables, the Hollywood Farmers' Market has increasingly become a destination shopping venue. Other products include honey, fish, free-range poultry and eggs, bison meat, gouda cheese, olives, mushrooms, sprouts, jams, jellies, fruit juices, specialty sauces and dips, dried fruit and nuts, an espresso cart, Mexican, Caribbean, Middle-Eastern and many other ethnic foods prepared at the market, hot crepes, breads, cookies, clothing, jewelry, gifts and so much more.

The Hollywood Farmers' Market also hosts street musicians every Sunday as well as local nonprofit community organizations and free special events for the community including chef demos, cookbook signings, tastings, children's craft workshops, and family-oriented festivals. Free helium balloons for children, recipes and other information in addition to Hollywood Farmers' Market t-shirts, aprons and bags are available at the Information Booth at Ivar and Selma Ave.

Accepts food stamp/EBT cards and WIC & Senior FMNP."

*Please note: the day, time and location for any given Farmers’ Market are subject to change.

Farmers' Market Information from:
http://www.farmernet.com/

Images via: Free People Clothing Boutique Blog, Notes By Naive, She Who Eats, "Chokes", Eat Your Fruits and Veggies