What's Next? Organic Tobacco And Purgatory For Environmental Offenders?

Oh wow. Some good stuff went down today. You're in luck. I am feeling MUCH better after a few under-the-weather days, definitely more feisty and opinionated! Here's my list of favorite things that happened over the last 24 hours. 

1. I read on Treehugger.com that The Pope, yes The Holy See himself, has officially declared pollution and crimes against the environment to be sins. Yup that's right! BALLA! Remember that verse from Genesis (I know it's hard, dig back to those Sunday School days or click on the link) that yakked on and on about God entrusting the care of the Earth and all its pieces and parts (i.e. the environment and all living things) to Adam (i.e. humanity)? Well turns out he/she kind of meant it. So it stands to reason that fossil fuel binges and the dumping of toxic nuclear waste weren't a part of what God looked around and saw as good. 

Now even if you don't subscribe to a Judeo-Christian point of view, or any religious point of view for that matter, it's common sense to take care of the house that you live in if you want it to last. And the thing that so many also forget, in this ME l I l MINE centered society, is that we all affect each other. That's the theme of Globalization: Interconnectedness. Essentially, in many ways, we probably have more control over the lives of others than our own. If we only focus on ourselves, the negative toxicity of selfish living is going to come full circle and bite us in the butt. 

We've got to accept that it's now an US l WE l OUR Earth, culture and future. The sooner we do this, the better, as the alternative doesn't look good. Plus the Pope said so. 

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2. I was browsing through Charlotte's popular news magazine Creative Loafing today and ran across this ad. It seems that the pressure being exerted by the Green Movement has now reached even Big Tobacco. HILARIOUS isn't it? This is greenwashing at it's best (worst?).

Hey you, our cigarettes are more natural! So even though you'll get cancer and die a slow horrible death, you won't inhale all those nasty pesticides and won't be hurting the Earth--just your own lungs and the hearts of all your friends and family. 

It's almost too much. Almost too ironic. I am crying and laughing hysterically at the same moment. Get a load of the copy:

But I'm an optimist, so I have to acknowledge the positive realization that I got out of this. This ad, and ones like it, show the powerful effect those of us pushing for genuinely greener products and services are having on the market place. It starts with the greenwashing, but at some point the wolf gets caught and the sheep's clothing either becomes certifiable organic bamboo cloth or the wolf goes home with sagging profits and no demand for it's stinky costume.  

3. After work I went on the nicest walk in my neighborhood park. The fresh air and warm weather rejuvenated me to the fullest extent. Sitting in an office day in and day out wears on me--all I want to do is take a quick trip down the road to the running trails and skip the afternoon of the work day. So today I revelled in the later sunset and took advantage of our park. And guess what I found?! A SWING SET!!! Oh, you can't even understand my joy! I sat there and swung for a good 15 mintues. I slipped into a meditation inside the rhythm of the push/pull flow and it was simply put, freakin' awesome. 

Tomorrow's Agenda: Cyber-Blog Tag. I've been tagged it by two fellow bloggers and I guess it's about time I was a good sport and played along!

I'm A Druggie.You're A Druggie. We're a Druggie All. And we didn't even know it.

OK, you have to read this. I'll give you a few minutes and then you hit me back and let me know if you feel as outraged as I do. 

YEAH. I know!

It's just one thing after another. And I don't know about you, but I'm not too keen on the idea that I may be building up trace amounts of Viagra in my system because Charlotte's water could be laced with pharmaceuticals. Now granted, at least we have water that is safe to drink in the short term. We aren't going to get malaria or dysentery from consuming it, but still--isn't it frustrating to know we have so little control over the matter? What are they going to do? Make home reverse osmosis systems that produce much more polluted water than they provide in clean H2O (that will really help toward reducing my negative impact on the earth--not wasteful at all)??? Or create little tester strips for all the different drugs out there on the market? 

With that in mind, I urge you to join in World Water Day 2008--not only for all the people in Africa and Asia and South America who lack access to potable water, but also for us Americans who are poisoning ourselves and each other with too many prescription drugs. There are several city walks sponsored by Ethos Water, but if there isn't one near you, you can opt to do a cyber-walk like me! Visit the Ethos link to join me in the quest for disease and drug free water!!! 

Orange Cacaochino Ready For Gulping!

March Madness has officially arrived. Today Winthrop plays UNC Asheville for first place in Men's Basketball in the Big South Conference (the NCAA Athletic Conference I work for)--plus it's homecoming at Winthrop so it should be a crazy game! Our Men's Basketball tournament starts next week as well, so it's their last chance to secure the one seed and the chance to host all rounds at their house.

Needless to say--though I guess I will anyway--all the staff at the Big South are going to be working at warp speed through this month. We're going to need a lot of energy to pull everything off, so what better to get us going then some yummy cacao?

Well I couldn't think of anything better, so I set about concocting a refreshing and energizing shake for me to take when we are all running around trying to maintain some semblance of ordered chaos.

The idea popped into my head some time ago for a Raw version of Starbucks Orange Frappachino. I love the combination of orange and chocolate, but I've always been disappointed in their execution of this concept. Their frappachino is heavy and extremely high in calories. I can't have more than a sip without my stomach rejecting the extreme sweetness.

My version not only gives you a kick of refreshing energy and nutrients from the cacao, but it has protein and good fats from almond milk and also vitamin C from the whole oranges used in it.

I find this seemingly sinful treat to be a really energizing way to start this beautiful spring day here in Charlotte. The sun finally has some warmth behind its rays and I have been basking in it all morning.

Here is the recipe for your enjoyment. You'll notice that I'm not exactly a precise "chef." I prefer to go along and make things to taste. Use your own best judgement and go with your instincts about what your body wants.

ORANGE CACAOCHINO

Make a batch of almond milk. I use Ani Phyo's recipe for vanilla milk:

1/2 cup of almonds
1/2 cup of pitted dates (or 2 tablespoons-ish of raw agave)
1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons-ish of alcohol-free vanilla)
Dash of sea salt to taste
* Good sized pinch of cinnamon
* 3 Cups water

*Here's where I change up her recipe a bit for this particular use of the milk. I like to put cinnamon in my almond milk, so I add a good sized pinch. I also lower her recommendation of 5 cups water to 3 cups. This is to keep the consistency of the smoothie thick.

Next grind up some Cacao nibs. I use my coffee grinder for this and it works extremely well. Grinds it into a fine powder just like it would espresso. I start with about a half a cup of nibs and then add more if I feel like it needs it. It depends on how chocolaty you want this to be, so add to your taste.

Finally peel 2 oranges and add to the mixture. I like to leave some of the pith on for nutritional value, but not too much because it can leave a bitter residual taste in the drink--never a good thing!

Now, BLEND TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT!!! And serve in a lovely high ball glass for all your friends and family (and of course YOU) to enjoy!

Note: If you don't like your smoothies grainy, strain using a colander. I don't like to use the nut milk bag, because it takes away some of the thickness. I used a mesh strainer and capture the large pieces of pulp and nut grinds for later use in brownies or whatever. You can also add crushed ice post straining if it's really hot where you are to add a zesty chill to the mix!

Hope you all enjoy this delicious treat! Let me know how it goes for you and any creative adaptations you make!

Back In A Jif!

I always know when I'm slacking on the blog, because Dad will call me out on it! So I'm back in the saddle again Dad!

Here's a preview of the day... I'm about to go make this Orange Cacaochino I've been concocting for the last several weeks. If you think Starbucks' Orange Frappachino is heaven then you will love this alternative! There is no coffee in it, but it's got at least two things on Starbucks' version.

1) It's light, creamy and refreshing, rather than heavy and saccharin sweet
2) It's actually GOOD for you--not just "light" as in "less bad" for you, this baby is nutritious! No 750 calories of pure fat added to my bootie here.

So I'm off to put some final touches on the recipe and I'll be back in a jiffy (which I found out randomly in the bathroom stall at a club last night is an actual unit of time, 1/100 of a second to be precise)!

lg l BV

Breaking News

Some updates...

1) There was a break re: our break-in and some of our property was recovered!!! Not exactly sure what they found (phone tag with the cops is so much fun!), but hoping that my SLR and iPod are are included!

2) New website hopefully will be coming soon. I am meeting today with a designer that will, with any luck, do work for me for a very low price or some sort of trade for photographic skills! Once it's up and running, it will be my professional showcase for writing, web content and photography.

3) I started a second job. Since moving on "up" to the uptown area in Charlotte, our rent has gone up too! So I started a second job as a media assistant with a team of realtors. I work mostly weeknights, so if I'm hard to get a hold of in those formerly good phone date times, I apologize, but a girl's gotta eat!

4) My crackberry is in the mail (for those of you who have heard my "leftover martini + cell phone do not = love" story, you know this is a long time coming!!!). So even though you might not be able to get a hold of me via voice, you'll be able to reach me more often via email and text. Just don't expect an email response at 2 AM. I'm won't be THAT accessible (I say that now...)!

5) I've been eating raw for about a month and a half now and cannot express the profound impact this change has had on me. You know when you stumble across something and it just clicks? It resonates with your soul and you have to go along for the ride. This is one of those things for me. I feel the clouds clearing and a more productive conscious coming through. I've made so many great friends as a result; friends who care about the earth and social justice in similar ways. This has been an area where I have always struggled--finding people who share these views and who are passionately living to make positive change without being overzealous or judgmental about it. To put it plainly: I've found my people.

6) I'm going to see "There Will Be Blood" today and I'm totally pumped!!! Been trying to see it for about a month now and I can't wait. V. v. interesting premise. Plus I love Daniel Day Lewis. Hopefully it lives up to the $5 I'm shelling out in matinee ticket bucks!

7) I hope you all had very a happy Valentine's Day, whether you were with your sweetie or went our with other singles as I did. But let's take it a step further and make every day a love day. After all, Valentine's Day is just another day. It's like fine china. What's the point of having it if you just leave it in the cupboard 99% of the year. Stop waiting around for a "special occasion" and use it! Stop waiting around for the holidays to love each other and spread joy to the world and do it today!

Ok, sorry. The soapbox just appeared in front of me and you know this little girl, I'm hardly ever able to resist.

Much love from North Cack-A-Lack!

Breakfast, Lunch, Can't Wait For Dinner!

When the food looks this good, how can one resist? Don't look to me for an answer. I guzzled and munched down these bad boys with speed and gusto! Now, what to prepare for dinner? 

Sunset Smoothie W/Mango and Raspberries

Wilted Kale & Arugala Salad W/Grape Tomatoes, Pine Nuts and Curry Vinaigrette Dressing

Who do you think you are, Mr. Big Stuff?

I promised a happier post and hopefully I can make good on it. My mood today is, well, much better than before the weekend. Not because the Giants won the Super Bowl or because it's Super Tuesday (though I am pretty excited to see the the complete results when I wake up tomorrow), but because I was able to manifest through some rough stressful patches this afternoon with no caffeine and the simple mantra of, "get over yourself." 

I've been using this mantra for a while now. I can't remember where I picked it up, but it's really quite useful. This is a selfish world we live in, isn't it? It's all about ME l I l YOU. Not enough focus on us. I get so frustrated with people who go about their lives not caring about how their decisions affect everyone else. There is a time and place for those kind of decisions, but that doesn't mean it should be all about me 24/7. We've seen how that goes. Exhibit A: Paris Hilton. I rest my case. 

None of us are perfect. I think most would say they get pulled into their own problems more than they should at times. When I feel unmotivated or whiney I have to give myself a kick in the ass to remember that I live in a interconnected world and that my slacking could make somebody else's life that much harder. 

GET OVER YOURSELF LITTLE GIRL!!! 

There are so many things we cannot control for ourselves in life, and yet our actions constantly make direct impacts on others. My goal is to make that impact positive, whether we are talking about the environment, my office, my relationships or my politics. And I will keep working to get over myself and into each other. I hope you will too. This is the kind of theory that works like degrees of separation, except it's degrees of positive connectivity. We are all so much closer than we think! 

Was that a positive enough message? I feel like it kind of had a silver lining around it. Alright it wasn't manic, but since it also wasn't depressive, I'll just have to live with the fact that, at least for today, I managed to get over myself in a big way.