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When A Stranger Comes Knocking, Open the Door, It Could Be CSA

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

Lately I’ve been watching a work colleague show up with all sorts of unusual fruits and veggies for lunch,  discussing things like how to cook fennel what to do with turnips .  So I inquired, “Sara, why do you keep buying things you don’t even know how to make?”  She told me,” it’s from CSA. ”  For those of you who haven’t heard, CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.  Basically, it’s a bunch of local farms keeping it old school by delivering in-season, non-toxic produce to your doorstep. 

Now, as much as I’m an advocate for having an edible garden, yields are sometimes lacking and the weekly produce run to Trader Joes or the farmer’s market is still a reality.  It was fortituous when a stranger with a daisy in her hair showed up, knocking at my door last night.  She was from CSA.  Although there have been a few robberies in my upscale neighborhood lately and my very good, but very paranoid friend was over for dinner and was vehemently opposed to talking to the unannounced stranger, I opened the door, invited her in, signed up immediately and sent her on her way with a jar of my now famous, homemade fig jam.

I am all for the CSA warriors in their crusade against corporate greed and the systematic poisoning of our population via chemical laden, unseasonable, non-nutritious ”fruits and vegetables” shipped from thousands of miles away and picked at the height of not ripeness. 

Anyone who knows me, knows I grew up without much.  When we did buy fresh produce, it was always what was in season, only because it was abundant and therefore, cheap.  But there’s something to eating what is in season and nature has a funny way of giving us exactly what we need, when we need it.  The CSA works the same way.  You get a weekly or bi-weekly package with seasonal, local and fresh surprises.  Because they send what is abundant in their field, it’s affordable.  I thrown down $60 plus a week for organic fruits and veggies at Trader Joes or farmer’s markets. CSA is half that.   

My first shippment comes next week.  I can’t wait to see what I’ll get. Bring on the turnips and kale (good thing they come with suggested receipes). I’ve got a sense of adventure and one hot husband who can cook in the kitchen too!

 

 

 

 

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L’Occitane Ladies First

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

As far as body products go, if I wouldn’t eat it, I wouldn’t wear it.  Olive Oil is pretty much my go to product for body, face, eye make-up remover, hair and cuticle conditioner and anything in need of moisture.  Olive oil is cheap, non-toxic and it works.   But there is one brand for which I will make an exception and splurge, L’Occitane. 

 

I always loved the smell, the feel, the metal tube and the fact that it came from France.  ( Doesn’t everything French seem more luxurious?) It’s also non-toxic made of mostly shea butter and almond, lavender and coconut extracts. But I just learned that since 2006 L’Occitane has been working hard at doing good in Burkina Faso,  providing literacy and micro-credit programs to foster economic development for the women of this African country. 

A new limited edition collection with packaging inspired by traditional African graphics, celebrating regional tribes, is an homage to the women who grow the ultranourishing shea butter- the heart of the L’Occitane lines. 

Twenty dollars for a tube of hand cream that supports women (who just want to support themselves)  is a pretty inexpensive luxury in today’s economy.  That combined with pair of Tom’s shoes could give real meaning to “giving”  this coming holiday season.

 

 

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The Los Angeles Interior Designer – Celebrity and Cinema

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

What is it about the Los Angeles Interior Designer that is so captivating? 

When your daily drive includes views of the Hollywood sign, when the guy sweating next to you in yoga class is David Duchovny, when your client dresses Angelina Jolie, when you are surrounded by film crews, set designers, writers and producers at every turn… you realize you simply can not escape the glow of the silver screen.  It forces the Los Angeles designer to create and compete with multi-million dollar productions and events that mesmorize the entire world.   Everything is magnified in High Def, and the Los Angeles interior designer constantly responds by inventing new ways to impress.  And if you want to rise to the top of the pack in Los Angeles, you must add acting to your list of design services.  

 

It’s exciting to watch winners Martyn Lawrence-Bullard and Kelly Wearstler transform from mere interior designers to bonafide celebrities.  And I can’t wait to do the same!

 

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