recycling in the D

I have recently fallen in love with Eastern Market. It's no secret that it's a Detroit gem, but I feel the need to spread the love.

It all started with Styrofoam. Stupidly abundant, non-recyclable styrofoam. Or so I thought! (the non-recyclable part...it really is EVERYWHERE). I discovered earlier this year that styrofoam is indeed recyclable, however most waste management companies don't accept it because the post consumer product isn't worth much money so it isn't worth it to them to process it.

Recycle Here! is a phenomenal recycling program in Detroit. I won't go on about it...read about it here, but I will say that the best part (in my eyes) is the mobile recycling program. And that's where Eastern Market comes in. On the first Saturday of the month, the Recycle Here! truck is parked in the parking lot on the corner of Wilkins & Russell (by Chase bank). The logo on the truck is hard to miss.

I'm lucky enough to have curbside recycling pickup in my city, but because Oakland County doesn't recycle Styrofoam, I use the mobile facility at Eastern Market to responsibly dispose of it. I collect from work as well as from home and I am continuously amazed at how much I collect each month.

Ok, that's the theme-appropriate portion of my blog...the rest will be a small highlight of my solo trip to the market last weekend.

It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday and I just didn't want to be stuck in the house. I knew I'd have to rake up a yard full of leaves later that afternoon, so I decided to enjoy my morning at Eastern Market. It happened to be the first Saturday of the month, so I loaded up my car with the Styrofoam I had collected over the past several weeks. I parked near the truck and unloaded the goods first before heading down the block to where the action is.

I grabbed a coffee from the coffee cart, and strolled past the tables of produce and flowers. I didn't need to buy much that day, but took the opportunity to grab a fresh stalk (?) of brussels sprouts and a spaghetti squash (two of my favorite autumn veggies!) I also decided to buy a beautiful pot of mums to leave at my dad's grave during my visit later that afternoon. So I didn't walk away with an abundance of produce like I had a few weeks prior during my visit with Mom and Jason, but walking through the market alone without a shopping list was in itself very enjoyable and inspiring. I was able to really take in the beautiful colors, the rich aromas, and the energetic sounds of the crowd, and feel proud and excited to walk through the sheds with my peers and neighbors.

adding some fresh color to the fake flowers my Grandma planted (yea...I know...)

Gave a couple to my Dido (Grandpa) too.

My $10 bounty from a few weeks prior

(these veggies contributed to a pot of beef stew, two homemade pizzas, two omeletes, a pot of pasta and a crap load of roasted brussels spouts (split between 3 people.) )

bye bye summer

It's been almost a month since I've posted anything, so I'll start back with something light...a back to school assignment of sorts! I invite anyone who reads this to respond with their lists!

Autumn Favorites

Sweatpants and hoodies

Chilly nights

Pumpkin flavored everything

Clove and cinnamon

Winter squash

Thanksgiving Dinner

Changing leaves

Visits to the Cider Mill

Warm rainy days

Brussels Sprouts

Big pots of soup

Deep earth tones

Getting back into the yoga mood

Hot tea in the evening



Autumn not-so-favorites

Cold misty rainy days

Wanting to turn the furnace on even though I know it's too early

Boyfriend's cold house, especially his bathroom...brrrrrrrrr

Short days

Wet leaves stuck to the bottom of my shoe

Football (I wish I cared, but I don't)

Knowing that I'll be cold pretty much consistently for the next 7 months

my mission is clear

I decided 9 months ago to go back to school to study Dietetics with the ultimate goal of becoming a registered dietitian. I was interested in the science of food and how it affects the body. I learned a lot about healthy eating mainly through Weight Watchers, and it finally hit me that since I understood and enjoyed nutrition I should pursue a formal education.

The question always arises about what I plan to do once I become certified, and I hem and haw...weight loss consultation, food allergy or diabetes research and support are a few the possibilities I've voiced. (Oh yeah, and part of me secretly dreams of being the Dietitian on the set of the Biggest Loser, or the diet "expert" who appears on Oprah or the Today Show from time to time...don't judge me.) I don't know how my career will play out, and I'm fairly certain I'll spend at least a little bit of time working in a hospital, but as a result of recent events I think my focus has been cleared up a bit. The bottom line is prevention.

I am currently shopping around for individual health coverage (a rant that will saved for another time) and two questions have been consistent in every conversation I've had so far. Before I even reach the application process, I am asked if I smoke and for my height and weight. Before they delve into my detailed medical history, those two questions determine the pricing bracket that I fall into for my monthly premium. I guess it doesn't surprise me, nor should it surprise anyone else. We all know the medical risks that smoking and obesity pose. There are so many things that can go wrong with my body in my lifetime...why am I going to help that process along and pretty much assure myself health problems by smoking or maintaining a poor diet?

I for one am a huge fan of the show Biggest Loser. I admit that the speed in which these contestants lose weight is a little off-putting and extreme, and I would never wish that kind of regimen on anyone. Plus it's unrealistic. Who in the real world has the time to work out 6-8 hours per day? None of us live in a bubble like these people do duing their time on "the ranch." I also realize that ultimately this is a TV show that relies on entertainment value to capture ratings. No one is going to watch these people lose 2-3 pounds per week which is a more realistic rate of weight loss. The show would never end! That be said, I love the episode they air towards the end of the season in which the remaining contestants are subjected to a medical exam to track their progress. Very regularly we see contestants ditch their blood pressure medication and reverse the progress of diabetes, among other things. They probably add years onto their lives or at least make the remaining years more comfortable, pleasant and healthy...AND more affordable.

Study: Tanning beds as deadly as arsenic

(at least read the bolded sections if you aren't interested in the entire article)

worried about a mole? click here

By MARIA CHENG, AP Medical Writer Maria Cheng, Ap Medical Writer

International cancer experts have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, deeming them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas. For years, scientists have described tanning beds and ultraviolet radiation as "probable carcinogens."
A new analysis of about 20 studies concludes the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30. Experts also found that all types of ultraviolet radiation caused worrying mutations in mice, proof the radiation is carcinogenic. Previously, only one type of ultraviolet radiation was thought to be lethal.

The new classification means tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation are definite causes of cancer, alongside tobacco, the hepatitis B virus and chimney sweeping, among others. The research was published online in the medical journal Lancet Oncology on Wednesday, by experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, the cancer arm of the World Health Organization. "People need to be reminded of the risks of sunbeds," said Vincent Cogliano, one of the cancer researchers. "We hope the prevailing culture will change so teens don't think they need to use sunbeds to get a tan."

Most lights used in tanning beds give off mainly ultraviolet radiation, which cause skin and eye cancer, according to the International Agency for Cancer Research. The classification of tanning beds as carcinogenic was disputed by Kathy Banks, chief executive of The Sunbed Association, a European trade association of tanning bed makers and operators. "The fact that is continuously ignored is that there is no proven link between the responsible use of sunbeds and skin cancer," Banks said in a statement. She said most users of tanning beds use them less than 20 times a year.

But as use of tanning beds has increased among people under 30, doctors have seen a parallel rise in the numbers of young people with skin cancer. In Britain, melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, is now the leading cancer diagnosed in women in their 20s. Normally, skin cancer rates are highest in people over 75.

Previous studies found younger people who regularly use tanning beds are eight times more likely to get melanoma than people who have never used them. In the past, WHO warned people younger than 18 to stay away from tanning beds.

Cogliano cautioned that ultravoilet radiation is not healthy, whether it comes from a tanning bed or from the sun. The American Cancer Society advises people to try bronzing or self-tanning creams instead of tanning beds.

a proud mother

How is it that I haven't marveled at my mom's garden all these years? I am in love with my little veggie plants and am already looking forward to a bigger and better crop next year (poor Jason doesn't know what he's in for. That's what he gets for having vast acreage!)

I screamed yesterday when I spotted my first tomato, and then again today when I noticed several teeny cucumbers. I think I'll actually be sad when it comes time to pluck them!

I think I'm most proud of the cucumbers because I grew them from seed. (i know that doesn't mean I put forth any extra effort, but it's still exciting! I remember when the leaves just sprouted and were the size of tic tacs.)

I think the peppers will be ready very soon!

My lonesome heirloom tomato. I'm sure more on the way though I have been told that heirloom plants aren't big producers, so I shouldn't expect too many.

don't step on that ant hill

Came across this in my Foundations of Management text book. Thought it was an interesting point.

"Consider this: All the ants on ths planet, taken together, have a biomass greater than that of humans. Ants have been incredibly industrious for millions of years, yet their productiveness nourishes plants, animals and soil. Human industry has been in full swing for little over a century, yet it has brought about a decline in almost every ecosystem on the planet. Nature doesn't have a design problem. People do."
William McDonough and Michael Braungart, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things.

time for a phone upgrade?

"Americans currently dispose of 128 million cell phones a year, only 1% of which are diverted from landfills. This appalling number isn't even counted in the 2 million tons of used electronics we also discard annually. The waste from such devices contains, according to the EPA, substances that are toxic when burned. Worse, in landfills, they seep into the groundwater and never break down."
Source: Andrew Zoll, "Business 3.0," Fast Company, No. 113 (March 2007): 68.

Recycling your phone is easy because there are so many options which require little effort. You can simply leave your phone with your provider when you purchase your new one, you can donate it to a cause, or you can even sell it. (In any case, remember to erase all your data first!)

Consider one of the options below when it's time for your next phone upgrade. (46 days and counting for me...I hate my current phone!)

http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/plugin/cellphone/cell-recycling-locations.htm
http://recyclemycellphone.org/recycle.cfm
http://www.americancellphonedrive.org/
http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/
http://www.apple.com/environment/recycling/ipodrecycling/
http://www.cellforcash.com/

mary mary quite contrary

I decided to try my hand at gardening this year (thanks for the tips, Mama!) and due to the lack of an abundantly sunny area in my backyard, I opted to plant my garden in large pots. I arranged them near my front door, which I admit might look a bit odd to passers by, but it's the sunniest portion of my property. I've already noted a few things I'll do differently next time, but I am having a great time tending to my garden and seeing the new growth almost daily. I have already been enjoying my leaf lettuce and basil for a few weeks now, and am excited to make my first Troy Street Salad complete with Heirloom tomato, cucumber, and green pepper.

My Garden

Green Pepper

First Baby Pepper!

Heirloom Tomato

Cute little cucumber tendrils.

(i love how they "hold on")

Delicious Leaf Lettuce

recycle those bottle caps! spread the word!

There's finally a way to recycle bottle tops! If you've been following the proper recycling protocol, you've been removing the plastic bottle caps (from pop bottles, milk cartons, ketchup bottles, shampoo bottles, mayo jars, etc., etc., etc.) and throwing them away.

Aveda Salons have announced a new program in which materials from bottle caps are recycled into new caps and containers.

The program accepts caps that are rigid polypropylene plastic, sometimes noted with a 5 in the chasing arrows recycling symbol. This includes caps that twist on with a threaded neck such as caps on shampoo, water, soda, milk and other beverage bottles, flip top caps on tubes and food product bottles (such as ketchup and mayonnaise), laundry detergents and some jar lids such as peanut butter.

Excluded from collection are pharmaceutical lids and non rigid lids such as yogurt lids, tub lids (margarine, cottage cheese), and screw on lids that are not rigid. If you can bend or break the lid with your bare hands, then it does not meet the rigid plastic definition.

I think this is an exciting program and hope to spread the word about this initiative!

I called around in my area and found that the closest participating salon is in Somerset Collection. IF YOU BRING ME YOUR CAPS AND LIDS...I WILL TAKE THEM TO SOMERSET FOR YOU! Instead of throwing those caps away, just toss them in a box off to the side and when you've collected enough, get in touch with me and I'll take them off your hands.

Also, watch this short video for a concise "how to" on recycling. Some of the points have already been mentioned in my blog, but it's nice to have it all repeated in one place.

Buy Michigan Now!

If every Michigan household spent just $10 more of their weekly food budget on Michigan products, we would put $37 million per week into our local economy. Many of these products on your regular grocery store's shelves! Also, buying local reduces your carbon footprint!

The following list of brand names will help you to identify local buying opportunities when you see them on the shelf. If you can't find the brands you're looking for, don't forget to ask your local store to start carrying it in the future.

Baked Goods & Breads

Awrey Bakeries
Bizzy Lizzy Bakery
Cole's Quality Foods
Achatz Handmade Pie Company
Burghardts
Creme Curls Bakery
Crooked Tree Breadworks
Grand Traverse Pies
Superior Bread Company
Zingerman's

Baking Ingredients
Drake's Batter Mix
Big Chief Sugar
Cherry Growers
Jiffy
Michigan Sugar Company
Pioneer Sugar

Barbeque & Hot Sauce
Detroit Spice Co.
Litehouse
B.A.D. Sauce
Billy Bones BBQ
Bobbie Que's BBQ
Clancy's Fancy
Freshwater Foods
Sansonetti
Tassier's Maple Brew

Beer
Arbor Brewing Company
Atwater Block Brewery
Founders Brewing Company
Keweenaw Brewing Company
Michigan Brewing Company
Arcadia Ales
Bells Brewery
Dark Horse Brewing Company
New Holland Brewing Company

Candy & Fudge
Morley Candy Makers
Kilwin's
Mackinaw Fudge Shops
Ryba's Fudge Shops
Sanders

Cereal & Granola
Michaelene's
Crooked Tree Breadworks
Kelloggs

Cheese & Other Dairy
Baremans
Black Kase
Country Fresh
Dairy Fresh Foods
Guernsey
Hamilton Eggs
Pinconning Cheese Co
Williams Cheese Co
Win Schuelers
Zingerman's Creamery

Coffee & Tea
Coffee Beanery
Audine's Southern Sweet Tea
Bearclaw's Coffee Co
Chartreuse Organic Tea
Fireside Coffee Co
Jackson Coffee Co
Premier Coffee Roasters
Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co
Light of Day Organics
Zingerman's

Condiments & Spices
Country Home Creations
Detroit Spice Company
DeYoung's Fore Seasons
Lesley Elizabeth Inc
Wildspice
Mucky Duck
Sleeping Bear Farms

Crackers
Keebler
Win Schulers

Dips & Salsa
Garden Fresh Gourmet
Global Warming Salsa Company
Litehouse
Cherry Republic
Chuck & Dave's
Freshwater Foods
Little Diablo Salsa
Steve's Backroom

Dried Fruits
American Spoon
Cherry Republic
Shoreline Fruit
Smeltzer Orchard Co
Traverse Bay Fruit Company

Honey & Syrups
Harwood Heritage Maple Syrup
Good-Rich Honey
Groeb Farms
Cherry Republic
Jaspers Sugar Bush
Sleeping Bear Farms
Stakich
Tassier's Maple Syrup

Ice Cream & Sorbet
Hudsonville
Guernsey
Savino Italian Sorbet
Stucchi's

Jellies, Jams & Butters
Food for Thought
Marmar Gourmet
American Spoon
Brownwood Farms
Cherry Growers
Cherry Republic
Fresh Water Foods

Juice & Water
Brown Acres
Absopure
Cherry Growers
Eden Organic
Indian Summer
Old Orchard

Meats & Fish
Koegel Meats
Michigan Turkey Producers
Alexander & Hornung
Big O' Smoke House
Dearborn Sausage & Hams
Grobbel's
J&M Farm
Kowalski
Peacock's Poultry Farm
Reinhold & Timko

Pasta & Pasta Sauces
Al Dente Pasta
Romano's Pasta Sauces
Andiamo
Eden Organic
Fresh Water Foods
Sansonetti

Pickled & Canned Vegetables
Carson City Pickle Company
Eden Organic
Freestone Pickle Company
Safie's
Swanson Pickle Company
Topor's

Salad Dressins & Oils
Hot Rod Bob's
Litehouse
Uncle Bob's
Aunt Mid's
American Spoon
Cherry Republic
Kenzoil
Leelanau Country Inn
Niki's Food Company
Sansonetti

Snacks & Nuts
Detroit Popcorn Company
Kalamazoo Kettlecorn
Kar's
B'Drizzled Gourmet Foods
Better Made
Cheeze Kurlz Inc
Festida Foods
Germack Pistachios
Great American Pretzel Company
Keebler
Koeze Company
Michaelene's Gourmet Granola
Pic-A-Nut
Rocky Peanut Company
Ultimate Pretzel Company
Uncle Ray's

Sodas & Lemonade
Faygo
Town Club

Specialty Foods
Dudek Foods
La Jalisciense
Sahtein - Jerusalem Foods

Wine
Black Star Farms
Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery
Burgdorf's Winery
Chateau Chantal
Ciccone Vineyard & Winery
Domaine Berrien Cellars
Fenn Valley Vineyards
L Mawby Vineyards
Peninsula Cellars
Pentamere Winery
Pleasantview Vineyards
Robinette's
Sandhill Crane Vineyards
St Julian Wine Company
Tabor Hill Winery
Bel Lago Winery
Boskydel Vineyards
Chateau de Leelanau
Chateau Grand Traverse
Free Run Cellars
Gill's Pier Vineyard and Winery
Good Harbor Vineyards
Karma Vista Vineyards
Left foot Charley
Lemon Creek Winery
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate
Raftshol Vineyards
Round Barn Winery
Shady Lane Cellars
Stoney Acres Winery

Agriculture

Agriculture us the 3rd largest industry in Michigan (trailing only manufacturing [oy vey] and tourism, respectively). Buying from local farmers and markets fuels our economy, while reducing out collective carbon footprint. Here is a list of the state's major commodities, which are commercially available:

apples, asparagus, beans, beef, bison, blueberries, carrots, celery, cherries, corn, cranberries, dairy, eggs, grapes, ginseng, green onions, honey, lamb, maple syrup, mint, onions, peaches, plums, pork, potatoes, poultry, rhubarb, soybeans, sugar, wine.

Many communities also hold farmer's markets seasonally, which are a great way to support local growers. Such markets often include a wider variety of fruits & vegetables than those listed above. For information regarding Farmer's Markets in your area, click here.

our crazy bodies I

I'm learning some fascinating stuff in my Anatomy/Physiology class. I thought I'd share some of my favorite tidbits along the way...everyone have time for useless trivia!

Arrector Pilli Muscles

tiny muscle fibers attached to each hair follicle which contract to make hairs stand on end, causing goose bumps. Next time you get cold, think about the several million teeny muscles at work!

finding time for it all

I'm taking one (accelerated) class this semester and it is taking up a lot more time than I expected. The gym, along with long walks, yoga classes, and even yard work have taken a back seat to studying. I'm entering into at least 3 years of school being a constant part of my schedule (along w/a full time job), so I can't let exercise slide out of my list of priorities. I hadn't worked out in about a week and already I noticed more fatigue, headaches, irritability, and the desire for more "comfort foods." (Plus my butt feels bigger!) I'm sure some of these negative responses have to do with studying or sitting in class 3 hours a day (book hangover), but I also know from experience that sitting around and not getting your blood pumping for a few days can have the same exact effect.

For months and months I stuck with a particular routine at the gym. I changed up the strength training portion, but the workout was always structured the same way. Run on the treadmill for 20-30 minutes, then work through one of my several strength training routines. I'd be at the gym for usually around 2 hours. There's nothing wrong with this, but as expected...I eventually got bored...and now I flat out don't have that kind of time. I'll be honest...I got less motivated to try to fit in an effective workout, and the frequency of my gym visits have diminished.

So I'm trying to get remotivated and figure out how to effectively workout in less time. One thing I'm doing is trying some new things, just to keep things interesting. It helps that I currently visit three different gyms. Snap Fitness in Ferndale and Chesterfield, as well as Fitness 19 near OCC Highland Lakes where I'm taking a class twice a week this Spring. Each gym offers different equipment, and it's been fun trying out the new stuff.

The Chesterfield Snap, for example has a Woodway...a treadmill with a segmented belt, almost like a boardwalk. I wanted to compare it with the traditional treadmill, so I split my run between the two. I found that the Woodway was almost a little bit more challenging at first, however a bit more comfortable. There seemed to be a little more cushion in my stride, as well as more traction. I'm not exactly sure if the effectiveness of my workout is at all altered by using both machines, but it makes it more interesting!


I haven't run intervals in over a year. I started out that way because I was never a runner, but then worked up to running 2-3 miles at a time (I know this doesn't seem like much to a seasoned runner, but it was definitely an accomplishment for me!) I don't have much time at the gym before class, so when I'm at Fitness 19 in Waterford, I just tried to pound out a 15 minute run (1.5 miles) before I had to get cleaned up and dressed for class. Almost didn't seem worth it. I wanted an effective workout...not just a reason to go to class all clammy and red faced, and since running intervals burns more fat (and gives your heart a better workout) that's what I started doing. Plus, without having an attached TV to distract me from the tediousness of a jog like I do at Ferndale Snap, I find that the constant change in speed and intensity takes some concentration, and is thus more entertaining. There's nothing worse than staring out into a boring parking lot.

So this is Step One in restructuring my healthy lifestyle. I'll tell ya...it was definitely easier pre-school & pre-boyfriend...nothing and no one to focus on other than myself! It was great! But it got old...and boring...and lonely. Now my mind, heart and soul are getting a workout instead of just my body. I'm learning how to equally distribute my efforts to all parts of my life and I'm pretty sure I'll figure it out. (I hope.)

how big is your footprint? (your ecological one)

Hmm...and here I thought I was doing a pretty good job of living green. Looks like there's always room for improvement. Obviously I won't be installing solar panels on my roof, or a wind turbine in my backyard, but I can open some windows instead of running my AC all summer. I don't live in an area that offers public transportation so a car is my only option in getting around, but I'll turn my engine off when I'm waiting in line at the bank drive-through instead of idling for 10 minutes. I won't be able to grow an entire garden in my little yard that will sustain my diet (remember...I love cheeseburgers) but I will make an effort to buy local produce and I am trying my hand at "container gardening." Hopefully my little bell pepper, cucumber, tomato and leaf lettuce pots will be fruitful and abundant this summer.

Want to test your own footprint? Take this fun little quiz and see what improvements you can make! You might not be able to get off the grid and live off your land but maybe one little thing will pop out and you can make one change that you can feel good about!

http://earthday.net/footprint/flash.html

do you glisten, or do you sweat?

I've never been a big fan of sweating. I definitely hate it when I'm sitting in a hot car or in a stuffy office, and taking my clothes off and laying on the ground with arms and legs splayed isn't an option. Until recently, for me even sweating too much at the gym meant that I was working too hard and I'd slow down from a jog to a walk.

Now when I break a sweat at the gym I feel a certain sense of pride. I like passing by a mirror and seeing myself all red faced with my hair stuck to my forehead. Pretty picture? Not really. Actually, not even a little bit...but I still strive for it. I still hate those humid days that cause me to drip with sweat after just a few minutes into my run, but I take it for what it's worth...sweating that is...and it's actually worth quite a bit.

• It helps the body cool down. One of the greatest health benefits about this process is while it is trying to cool down, your heart actually starts to pump and work harder to increase circulation. This improves your cardiovascular system.
  
• It helps the body remove toxic materials by sweating them out through the pores. Sodium, alcohol, nicotine (but we don't smoke, do we?), cholesterol, etc.
  
• It boosts your immune system! When your body temperature starts to increase and is raised, it mimics a fever and your body starts to actually fight it, thus making your immune system stronger. Sweating through exercise helps to make you better! (There are times you should just get under the covers and rest...that topic coming soon to a blog near you.)
  
• It can actually help us control our weight. When you are sweating, you are working hard. This means you have increased your caloric demand...hence burning more calories. This causes the body to also decrease and remove cellulite.
  
• It deeply cleanses your skin and makes it glow. It improves the tone and texture of your skin and will actually add a healthy glow and color to your face.

(bullet points pilfered and slightly altered from a blog called Moses Fitness)

"health is earned"

I came across that statement recently and I love it, love it, love it. It barely requires elaboration, but what's the point of a blog if I can't blab to anyone or no one that cares.

There are a thousand things that can go wrong with our bodies that we have no control over. Besides the freak accidents that can end our lives abruptly, spontaneous human combustion for example, our bodies can and often times do turn on us. And there's nothing we can do about it.

Why don't we take responsibility and control what we can?? Why do we smoke, drink, eat crap, ignore exercise, fail to protect ourselves from the sun, when we ALL know how bad all those things are for us? I'm not going to list the harmful effects of all of the above because they're common knowledge (at least to anyone who can access the Internet to read this blog.) So how can we willingly expose ourselves to the dangers of those "luxuries" and then complain about shortness of breath, weight gain, lack of energy, heart burn, headaches, and wrinkles? And what's worse...we teach these habits to our kids.

I'm by no means perfect. (mmmm, cheeeeeseburger). However, I have learned that being in good health is a privilege and by no means a guarantee. Luck plays a huge roll...and the rest is up to us.

did cinderella recycle?

I'm learning that there's some housekeeping that goes along with reducing waste. It's no big deal for me to take an extra couple minutes at home to rinse out my milk carton or to take the plastic cap off my recyclable bottle, but managing the trash created by fifty co-workers is proving to be quite a task. I find myself digging through the garbage quite a bit around the office, and I've chosen to be OK with that...this is my passion, after all. I wish I could make everyone take the extra time to recycle properly, but until that happens I'll do my best to pick up the slack.

If you recycle at home...good for you! Please make an effort to do so responsibly!! I'll share one very important tip today.

Pizza Boxes/Food Packaging
VERY IMPORTANT!!
(Earth911.com)

Food is one of the worst contaminants in the paper recycling process. Grease and oil are not as big of a problem for plastic, metal and glass, as those materials are recycled using a heat process. But when paper products, like cardboard, are recycled, they are mixed with water and turned into a slurry. Since we all know water and oil don’t mix, the issue is clear.

Grease from pizza boxes causes oil to form at the top of the slurry, and paper fibers cannot separate from oils during the pulping process. Essentially, this contaminant causes the entire batch to be ruined. This is the reason that other food related items are non-recyclable (used paper plates, used napkins, used paper towels, etc). Also, be mindful of adhesives that may be on the pizza box (coupons, stickers, etc.) as those are contaminants. Known as “pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs)” these can ruin the recycling process just as much as oil or food remains.

The easiest remedy for this problem is to cut or tear out the soiled portions of your pizza boxes and trash them. For example, you can tear the top of the box off, recycle that and throw away the bottom part containing the grease. This is an all-or-nothing concept. If you're not going to take the time to separate the grease-stained portion of the box, just throw the whole thing in the trash because it's better than tarnishing an entire batch of recycled paper. If the entire box is grease-free, the whole box can be recycled with a guilt-free conscience.

Remember...this goes for all food packaging! Take an extra moment to wash it out! If it's too stained to be salvaged...throw it away (or burn it if you have the means!)

"i wanted to change the world"

As we were in the Viparita Karani ("legs up the wall") pose at our Thursday night Hatha Yoga class, Lauri the yoga instructor read us this short story. Hearing it made me smile because its subject is the exact reason I started this blog. I'm taking the time to learn a lot of things about my body and the world around me, but what good does it do if I keep it all to myself?

I Wanted to Change The World

By Unknown Monk 1100 AD

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family . My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.

trash talk

As I've stated before, my first goal in adopting a greener lifestyle was to cut back on the trash I create. I give a lot more thought to the proper disposal of everything I touch. It's only been a couple weeks, but I see a big difference in the amount of trash I collect in my house. At this point I'm confident that I will only have to set my trash cans out at the curb once a month.

Kitchen compost

All kitchen straps have been going into my composting bucket which I hung on the inside of the cabinet under the sink. I haven't had any issues with odor and it takes about 4-5 days to fill it up. If the bag is in pretty good shape I empty the contents into my outdoor compost and reuse, but if it's really soggy or torn, I throw in the entire thing (obviously I bought compostable bags.)

Other Stuff to Compost

The reason I opted to start my own compost pile is because I wanted to compost other "brown" materials that the city doesn't accept. They prefer to stick with yard waste only. These items include used tissues, paper towels, cotton swabs (with cardboard sticks only...not the plastic ones), cotton balls, dryer lint, the "tumbleweeds" of cat hair that appear under my furniture, to name a few. Since I'm still using bleached paper products I don't intend to use the humus (if my compost pile is even successful) to maintain a vegetable garden. Maybe once I run out of my Costco stock of Kleenex and paper towel I'll switch to an unbleached version.

Recycling

I've always recycled, but I really pay attention now. Some things take a little extra effort. Plastic bags for example are recyclable, but I can't put them in my curbside bin. I collected hundreds that I had shoved in a box in the basement and drove them to SOCRRA. I try not to accept plastic bags from stores anymore but sometimes it's inevitable, so when I collect enough of them I'll drive them over.

Styrofoam is another one. It is recyclable, but not all communities accept it. The City of Detroit recycles it, so I will collect cups, restaurant take-out containers, packing peanuts, etc. from my office as well as home and will send it with my sister (who lives in Detroit) every month or so.

Pets
This is a "post in progress." I'm slowly introducing a biodegradable kitty litter into my litter box. We'll see how it goes. The brand I bought is made from corn (I'm not advertising the details until I know if I like it or not.) I've read mixed reviews, though one opinion is consistent...it's expensive. In order for me to keep spending the money I'll have to REALLY like it, so I will be sure to post an update when I have a firm opinion. I hope I like it because I feel really guily everytime I throw away a bunch of cat crap, knowing that that left over litter isn't going anywhere anytime soon. One has to be leery of Internet research. One source I found said that 2 million tons of cat litter ends up in landfills each year...another source said 4 million. Regardless of which number is accurate, it's too much. We have decided to domesticate these animals, and we should do so responsibly. I guess I shouldn't get on my soap box until I commit to making the change, huh? Well, just another reason to try to make it work.

I'm Saving $$ Because...
I've had to spend some dough to get started. Compost bin, Bio-Bags, the afore mentioned pricey cat litter, but I know in the long run I'll save some money. First of all, just changing my lifestyle will stop me from buying certain things just because of the waste it might produce. Individually wrapped snacks for example (not good for my waist line either).

No more:

• kitchen garbage bags
• Swiffer Cloths (am using dollar store rags instead. Wash & Reuse!)
• Ziplock baggies (and when I do use them, they're for dry items only and I reuse them)
• Tampons
  

I won't elaborate on that last one. Don't want to make anyone uncomfortable. I'll just let those who are interested read more about it on their own. I just want to say that I've just made this change and I'm really, really happy with it. MAYBE I'll blog about it in detail at a later date. Still a little shy.

pizza and grilling out...two favorites meet

This is an innovative, delicious and healthy recipe that I love making when the weather is nice. I'll share the recipe as intended, but admittedly I never make it this way. I usually spread a thin layer of pesto on the prepared dough, grill a bunch of veggies (red & yellow peppers, red onions, eggplant, broccoli) for the toppings, and sprinkle a bit of cheese on top (fontina and/or feta) with some wilted spinach & cracked black pepper. If I'm in the mood for pizza sauce I serve it on the side for dipping instead of slathering it over the whole pizza and covering up the flavor of the veggies. Also, I just buy the pizza dough from my favorite pizzeria instead of making my own (I want to be grilling outside after all, not stuck in the kitchen!) The place I like to go to sells a large pizza dough for $2!





Grilled Pizza with Hot Sausage, Grilled Peppers and Onions and Oregano Ricotta
Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay

Ingredients
1/2 pound Italian hot sausage
1 large red onion, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
2 large yellow pepper, cored, seeded and quartered
2 large red pepper, cored, seeded and quartered
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
1 recipe favorite pizza dough, rolled into 4 (6-inch) rounds
1/2 pound grated fontina cheese
1 cup sheep's milk ricotta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
Basil Vinaigrette (recipe follows)

Directions
Preheat a grill.
Grill the sausage on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes per side. Brush onions and peppers with the oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the onions and peppers until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the sausage from the grill and slice into 1/4-inch thick slices. Remove the onions, separate into rings, and roughly chop. Remove the peppers and slice into 1/8-inch thick slices.

Heat grill to high. Brush dough with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and grill for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Turn over and grill for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the grill and place on a flat surface.

Divide the fontina cheese among the 4 pizza rounds. Divide the sausage, onions and peppers over the cheese. Place the pizza on the grill (on top rack is possible), close the cover and grill until the cheese has melted, about 3 to 4 minutes. To finish in the oven, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the pizza on sheet pans and bake until the cheese has melted, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Mix together the ricotta, extra-virgin olive oil, and oregano in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Remove the pizzas from the oven and drizzle with Basil Vinaigrette. Top with dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve.

Basil Vinaigrette:
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.

it's all about the beautiful saturdays

I can't imagine that the true meaning of life is getting up every morning and going to work. I like my job well enough but it is by no means my life's passion. If your job is your passion...good for you...you've figured it out! Until my job inspires me I have to look elsewhere for the true joys in life. Family, friends, fresh air.

So far I've had a wonderful Saturday.

My family went to church to commemorate the 40th day after my grandmother's death. After the Mass we presented the priest with embroidered alter coverings that my grandmother commissioned from her family in Ukraine. This is the 4th set that she has donated to the church, and fittingly, the final piece arrived in the mail the day she died. The loyalty she had to her church is probably something I'll never understand, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't damn proud of her today.



I got home and threw on some shorts and a tank top (first time this year, woo hoo), hopped on my bike(beware the dorky picture) and rode to the local "Good Neighbors Garden" to learn some composting tips, so I could properly utilize my new compost bin. I enjoyed the beautiful bike ride, met Trevor, a hippy in a floppy straw hat who gave me some composting tips and a tomato plant to take home, and headed back downtown to sit on the patio at AJ's and have a tall iced tea.

I never did get my iced tea as the only person working at the store was swamped with food orders, and I only enjoyed a few minutes outside before one of today's forecasted scattered thunderstorms rolled in, but I'm just not in the mood to be annoyed today. Now I'm trapped inside until the rain passes but am enjoying the sounds of the others who are also waiting out the rain. I'd still like my iced tea, but I guess if I get to use AJ's wifi w/o buying a beverage I could be ok with that.

gotta get me some cardio

I recently injured my foot and wasn't able to jog (or even briskly walk) on the treadmill. This terrified me because it was really the only cardio in my workout. And one thing I've learned is that cardio can not be ignored. Must must must get that heart beating.

So I looked into alternatives for myself and found a couple I liked. Still not sure if my foot is better...last time I tried running (one week ago) my foot pain flared up again so I stopped. I plan on trying again today...wish me luck. In the meantime I will continue to rotate through my new cardio options. Admittedly, I'm glad that I was forced to look into alternatives because even without the injury it's a good idea to introduce new challenges and keep your workouts fresh.

(Pardon the tangent, but I have to add that this is the reason that I don't believe that Curves-like circuit training is the best option. Don't get me wrong...something is better than nothing, so if that's all you're willing to do go right ahead, but once your body gets used to that routine it will adjust to that level of excursion and you will stop seeing results and reaping the benefits of the cardio & strength training workouts.)

When I can't run, I...

• Swim laps (I alternate strokes, taking a breather every 2-3 laps).
• Ride the exercise bike for 30-40 minutes (about 10-13 miles depending on speed)
• Integrate some movement into my strength training (holding 8 lb dumbbells...squat, stand, bicep curl, raise weights above head, slowly lower weights, squat....repeat. )
• Vinyasa Yoga

It's taken some commitment to get into these workouts. I had to buy a hideous bathing suit b/c it was the only one-piece sporty one Kohl's sold. (Their two pieces are cute, but not appropriate for laps!) I even bought a swim cap (i look SO cool) because I'm scared the chlorine will fry my hair. I have a rather unfortunate bruise from the exercise bike seat (use your imagination) but I'm sure "it" will get used to it soon.

A couple other ideas that I haven't been using due to lack of equipment:

• Rowing machine
• Arm bike

Any other ideas and suggestions are welcome!!

Happy Birthday, Baba!

Today would've been my grandmother's 85th birthday. I've been thinking about her a lot today...remembering how we celebrated with her in years past, and how appropriate it was that her birthday was in the Spring...her favorite time of year.

She never wanted us to make a fuss, but I'm sure secretly she loved the attention. Well, really I think she just loved having her entire family around her. We had lavish gatherings, like when we all went to The Whitney for her 80th birthday; we traveled an hour north to Frankenmuth to cash in her free birthday dinner coupon a couple times; and we had casual get togethers like the year she was in and out of the hospital and we just ordered a pizza (her favorite) while she wore her robe and slippers. That was a tough year. We actually thought we were close to losing her then, but she bounced back and was healthier than ever for the next 2 years.

We saw every birthday as a gift...another year that would be filled with lots of hugs and smiles, great food and more chapters of her incredible life story. We were actually planning on dedicating a website to her, complete with interviews and videos, recipes and photos. We waited too long unfortunately. We thought she'd be around forever. Or at least for a little longer.

I miss her and am so sad that she's not around today. I feel incredibly lucky that she was in my life for almost 29 years, and that when her inevitable time came she didn't suffer.

I love you Baba! Happy Birthday! Многая Літа!

Disposal Tips for Oakland County residents

Are you recycling everything you can be?
Are you doing it properly?
What are you throwing away in the trash that can be recycled or composted?
Here are some helpful hints! (click on image to enlarge and print!)

Happy Earth Week, everyone!

Step 2. My World

It's Earth Week. And I SWEAR that it's just a coincidence, but I have recently become obsessed with changing my habits and living a greener lifestyle. I might be getting a little carried away actually, but that's ok.

A few things have been leading up to this revelation of mine.

1. By example Jason has made me think twice about being wasteful and creating trash. He ALWAYS takes leftover food home from a restaurant and if he doesn't eat it he feeds it to his dog (this, I don't necessarily recommend) or throws it in the field for other animals to eat. He has the luxury of living on 10 acres, so this too I can't recommend for everyone, but it still makes me think. I now just send my leftovers home with him if I'm not going to eat them. He recycles what he can, and all other trash he burns. I can't do the same thing where I live, but I'm much more cognisant of what I throw away these days.

2. I read an article in Yoga Journal titled Carry That Weight that affected me more than anything I've ever read in a magazine. It was short (there's much more info through the URL I posted) and I didn't have my "aha moment" as soon as I finished reading it, but I couldn't shake the message. All week long I was very conscious of everything I threw in the trash. Could I be recycling this somehow? How long does this stick around in landfills? I always reuse my plastic grocery store bags to line my bathroom waste basket and to throw away cat poop...but duh! It still ends up in a landfill that way. I'm not a stupid girl, so why is this just occurring to me now?

3. I was driving behind a garbage truck one morning this week. At the stop sign, the driver got out of the truck to empty a city trash can (the one in front of Boogie Fever for those of you who like mental pictures) so I was kind of stuck behind him. As I was waiting I was looking at the trash in the back of the truck. Not too much was visible...maybe a pile about 4 feet wide by 2 feet tall. Definitely not a full dumpster worth. In that pile I counted 8 plastic water bottles, 5 Styrofoam cups, tons of paper and cardboard. All OBVIOUS recyclables. I was dumbfounded. My mom has been recycling for as long as I can remember. It's second nature to me, and I thought that most other people recycled at least the bare minimum...glass, aluminum, plastic. Apparently not. After doing just a little bit of research after this ordeal I realized I was throwing away things that I could've been recycling, so apparently I have a lot to learn as well.

This week alone I have already made some changes and bought some supplies to start living a greener lifestyle. My first goal is to create less trash. Instead of taking my garbage to the curb every Sunday night, I'm going to try to make it every 2-3 weeks. In addition to the recycling I've always done, I will be collecting my organic materials for compost pickup instead of throwing it in the trash. I already have a hearty collection of banana peels, strawberry tops, lemon rinds, and old asparagus that I forgot to eat. If I can successfully keep my trash dry and odorless, I won't need plastic garbage bags anymore. One step at a time, right?

http://www.socrra.org/faq.html

Step 1. My Body

Not to suggest that I've figured out the meaning of life and am perfectly happy with every corner of my world, but man OH man, have I made some changes in my life. I won't beat around the bush...I was fat, and I was lazy. It's the worst combination. I was also unhealthy, unmotivated, self-conscious and boring. I don't really know why I behaved this way. I didn't learn that from my parents. My best friends in school were athletes, and even though I was pathetic at sports they never made me feel like less, so I can't blame them for making me feel inadequate. I did have some pretty constant stress in my life growing up (alcoholic dad), so can I blame that? Maybe. Maybe not. All I know is that I did NOT value my body. I took no responsibility for keeping it healthy.

In the summer of 2002 (22 years old) I weighed 200 lbs. I think I got up to 205 or so later that year, but that's just a guess. I refused to get on a scale to be sure. I'm 5'4.

Not sure what motivated me, but the following summer I started working out on the elliptical 3-4 times/week, and then added yoga classes twice a week. Dropped to 185 by November 2003. I hit a plateau and knew that it was time to work on my eating habits. I vowed that the Monday after Thanksgiving (had to enjoy leftovers for a couple days) I would start a low-carb diet. I opted for South Beach b/c it seemed healthier than Atkins. At least South Beach allowed fruit back into the diet after Phase 1. So I did lose 40 pounds by February 2004, but I cheated. I never really left Phase 1. I didn't reintroduce fruits and whole grains. I basically ate meat, cheese and eggs. Some veggies too, but not even close to the recommended amount. I was seeing the results I wanted, but what was I doing to my body in the mean time? Is THAT why I napped everyday after work and spent all day Saturday watching movies on TBS?

In May of 2004 I moved to Ferndale w/my bestest buddy Jimmy. I stayed on the low-carb diet for a little while longer, but the working out wasn't as much of a priority (had an elliptical of my own at this point but it's HOT upstairs in the summer!) We lived walking distance to our favorite bars, and we didn't live with our parents like most of our friends did, so going out at least twice a week became the norm. Well, once you introduce booze into the mix...it's over (not to mention the Pizza Hut delivery we'd devour during our hangover the next day.) 15 pounds crept back on. We were having a blast though!

Jimmy left for Chicago in April 2006. I quickly discovered that laying around all day on the weekends wasn't fun without a friend to be lazy with. So I started moving around more. Cleaning the house EVERY weekend, taking more pride in the exterior appearance of my house and doing some yard work, etc. Plus I got a part time job, so I wasn't lazy after work everyday. When the weather got nice I took 3 mile walks into Pleasant Ridge. By the end of the summer I had lost 20 pounds...without even trying. At this point I was about 160 or so.

Once the weather turned and the long walks stopped I put on a handful of pounds once again. My eating habits weren't the best and I worked out sporadically.

I weighed 167 when I joined Weight Watchers Online on July 4, 2007. I was obsessed. Logging everything I ate on the website became like an addiction to me. My daily goal was to come up with a meal with the lowest possible points for the most amount of food. I never stopped eating, but I do admit that I was close to getting carried away. I happen to know that 19 mini M&Ms is worth .5 pt. Maybe keeping track that closely is why I was able to lose 25 pounds by October, but I also knew in the back of my mind that I could never continue that lifestyle forever. I knew if one thing in my life changed I'd be in trouble. New boyfriend, new job with a tougher schedule and further commute, illness, etc. I still plugged along and in November 2007 I joined a local gym. I weighed 142 lbs (the lowest of my adult life.) I hired a trainer and went to the gym 5-6 days a week. I started jogging on the treadmill and doing strength training.

I never dropped below 142, but I was in the best shape of my life. Strong and toned. Still couldn't wear a bikini (I will never wear a bikini) but I felt great. And I'm pretty sure I looked great. I finally had self confidence. Started dating here and there, and felt on top of the world.

Fast forward to today...April 17, 2009. I started dating Jason about 13 months ago and as expected that threw a wrench into my routine, especially in the beginning. I eventually got him to join the gym with me but I still don't go as often as I did before, and when we do go together I don't spend as much time there. And of course it's harder to make the best decisions about food all the time (especially when I spend the weekend at his house and all he has to eat are BLT sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies.)

So even though I'm not as obsessively gung ho as I was before (about both diet and exercise) I've maintained my weight within 8 pounds of my lowest. (I typically teeter between 146 and 148.) I feel that this is a success because I'm maintaining this weight outside of the bubble I placed myself in during the first 7 months of doing WW.

I'm not tracking my points right now, but have learned so much by doing WW that I can't help but mentally track certain things. I will never order a 3 egg omelet again, for example. The eggs alone would be 6 points! Then add the meat and cheese and potatoes and you're over 10 easily. (I get 20 points a day if I want to lose, 24 points to maintain.) (By the way, 1 WW point equals roughly 50 calories. To calculate points, they take into account fat grams, calories and dietary fiber.)

I still struggle with my food choices and will always be tempted by the really evil but delicious things in this world (cheeseburgers, pizza, nachos, cheese puffs...I'm sensing a theme here...chocolate cake and cookies to name a few) but finally have learned how to take care of my body. My habits aren't perfect and they never will be (I want to enjoy life, after all) but I am SO happy that I learned these things while I'm still in my 20s. I have prolonged my healthy years on this earth (God willing) just by making the changes I've already made. And there's room for so much more growth. I'm excited to learn more about myself as an organism and not just a smart, funny, kind, sometimes hormonal and emotionally insane girl. (Did I mention that I'm going back to school for Dietetics!??!)

I also realize how important exercise is. Not just for weight loss. EVERYONE has to exercise. Cardio is crucial to a healthy system. Gotta get that blood pumping. Physically...mentally...emotionally. It really is a cure-all. I won't lie and say that I love every workout. Sometimes I dread it all day long. But I also won't lie and say that I don't always feel better afterwards. Even if I'm a little sore...it's a good feeling. Bring it on.

This was long, I know. I have more to say about the next goal of this blog (see next post) and if you're still reading, maybe I have something here. Or maybe I'll just continue to use this as a personal journal for myself. Either way, I'm proud of my accomplishments so far and will keep plugging along. Life is short. It's a cliche saying...we've all heard it a million times. But actually read those words and forget that it's a tagline. It really is short and there are no do-overs.

Why I'm here

I swore I'd never blog. I never really got the point. Thought it was weird that people started sharing their daily goings on with the world. Are we all that interesting and important, or do we just think we are?

I know the answer to that one...with our status updates on Facebook, Myspace profiles, and now Twitter (which I still don't get)...we all think we are very clever and exciting. And maybe we are to our friends and family, and maybe that's why we do it.

So let me get to my point. Why am I here? Well...I'm learning. I've been learning about myself for the last three years, and now I'm learning about the world around me. That's a pretty general explanation of what I hope this blog will be about, but there you go.

and off we go................