So, this has been in the works for quite some time now... and I'm happy to present...
MY NEW BLOG!!!!
What Runs Lori
Check it out here and be sure to head there from now on!
Please update your subscriptions or feedburners!
So exciting!!!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
And The Winners Are...
After careful consideration, sorting through emails, laborious hours of tallying, preparing a spreadsheet, listing out all the participant names, randomly generating two winners, (man! That's a lot of work!) Katie emailed me the results.
Yes, I had a fantastic partner on this one, folks. Katie and I worked together on the Green Week Challenges for Earth Day, but Katie did an amazing job at keeping all the entries sorted out and tallied. She's a very organized individual. ;)
But before I let you know how out there in Bloggy Land won the Green Week Challenges, let me first say that everyone that entered was a winner. Everyone doing their part every day, in even the smallest way, wins. Well, actually the Earth wins but I think that is our mission.
Thank you to each and everyone of you who emailed us or blogged about the challenges. This was fun! And thank you, Katie, for being my partner in crime on this one.
So, we have quite a few entries for the Challenge. Katie put all of the participants' names onto a spreadsheet the number of challenges they preformed. Then she random.org'ed the names and the winners were chosen.
Everyone who participated (that we know of) included:
Bitt, Hilary, Averie, Ashlei, The Twins, Me-linh, Matt, Karissa, Kady, Katrina, Shannonmarie, SaRaw, Alisa, Gabi, Jillian, and Melissa
Honorable Mention of those who gathered the most points were:
Kady at Living Loving Learning
Hilary at Coffee is My Carrot
Gabi, aka, Mama Samaan
Bitt at A Bitt of Raw
Alisa at Dairy Free and Fit
Alright, without further ado, the winners of the Green Week Challenges are.....
Drumroll please.
Drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
I know. I'm stalling.
Click here!
Friday, April 23, 2010
By Popular Demand
Today you get to find out who the Earth Day Green Weeks Challenge winners are!
Actually, I'm lying. That's tomorrow, but thanks for stopping by! To reward you, and because I got so many emails and comments asking for it, stuffed peppers, it is!
Now, I don't have the exact recipe. I asked the boyfriend if he would jot it down for his stuffed-pepper-fans but he said he really didn't remember it. So, instead, I'm going to list ingredients that were used and you just get to add the amounts that suit you. Because really, isn't cooking all about trial and error and just playing around?
Sautee onions and mushrooms in a pan with olive oil until soft. Add green onions, one extra bell pepper, chopped, all spices, rice, garlic and chickpeas, and heat for another few minutes.
While the rice, chickpea mixture is heating, take each bell pepper and slice the top off, keeping an inch or two to act as a lid (as pictured above). Scoop out of the innards and set aside.
When the rice mixture is finished cooking, add in the cilantro and tomatoes. Now is time to stuff the peppers (full, full, full) and top with it's 'lid.'
Bake the peppers, sitting upright, in a 375 degree oven for 30-45 minutes. Top with goat cheese, below, or eat as is!
Alternate endings may include chicken or beef (organic and grass fed) in the rice mixture, bread crumbs (as the boyfriend likes it), and/or other cheese stuffed in with the rice mixture.
Hmmmm... do you like how I call my boyfriend just boyfriend? Should I write, instead, his name? Sascha. Or Chef, since he's the best cook I know? Or I could call him Fishy-Poo, which I do use to address him on occasion. But we'll just keep that last one our little secret.
And Melissa blogged about Green Week Challenges here and here, but I was a little slow at posting her info!
Actually, I'm lying. That's tomorrow, but thanks for stopping by! To reward you, and because I got so many emails and comments asking for it, stuffed peppers, it is!
Now, I don't have the exact recipe. I asked the boyfriend if he would jot it down for his stuffed-pepper-fans but he said he really didn't remember it. So, instead, I'm going to list ingredients that were used and you just get to add the amounts that suit you. Because really, isn't cooking all about trial and error and just playing around?
Use all organic items to make this meal Earth friendly and body friendly.
- Yellow, red, or green bell peppers
- Brown rice, quinoa, or other grain, cooked
- White onions, diced
- Mushrooms, *diced into small squares
- Green onions, sliced
- Chickpeas
- Cilantro, roughly chopped
- Tomatoes, fresh and diced, or canned
- Salt and pepper
- Italian herb seasoning OR equal parts of dried parsley, oregano, marjoram, basil, rosemary, thyme
- Cayenne pepper
- Garlic (may or may not have been present)
Sautee onions and mushrooms in a pan with olive oil until soft. Add green onions, one extra bell pepper, chopped, all spices, rice, garlic and chickpeas, and heat for another few minutes.
When the rice mixture is finished cooking, add in the cilantro and tomatoes. Now is time to stuff the peppers (full, full, full) and top with it's 'lid.'
Bake the peppers, sitting upright, in a 375 degree oven for 30-45 minutes. Top with goat cheese, below, or eat as is!
Hmmmm... do you like how I call my boyfriend just boyfriend? Should I write, instead, his name? Sascha. Or Chef, since he's the best cook I know? Or I could call him Fishy-Poo, which I do use to address him on occasion. But we'll just keep that last one our little secret.
Big thanks to everyone who participated in the Green Weeks Challenge!!!
(and taken directly off of Miss Katie's blog, because, well, she did a great job at tallying points...)
Bitt, Hilary, Averie, Ashlei, The Twins, Me-linh, Matt, Karissa, Kady, Katrina, Shannonmarie, SaRaw, Alisa, Gabi, and Melissa! I’m tallying the points today, and will post the winners of the awesome prizes tomorrow! If you participated, and you don’t see your name, email me ASAP!
And Melissa blogged about Green Week Challenges here and here, but I was a little slow at posting her info!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Enter: Earth Day
Although, today is officially Earth Day, really, everyday should be Earth Day. And even though today is the last day to get your Green Week Challenges submitted, try to do your part when you can. Every little bit helps and a little does go a long way.
Did you know Earth Day is 40 yrs old this year? It has a birthday...(?)!
To get you going on the start of your Earth Day celebration (why not, right?) here are some Earth Day deals and freebies from various businesses (that my boyfriend found and forwarded to me! He's playing too!).
Yahoo Earth Day Freebies
Some of the deals (and personal favorites) include:
Katie even posted some interesting facts about Earth Day.
Bitt also did a whole post of her Green Week Challenges for Earth Day! She did a lot of challenges.
Katrina of Katrina Runs blogged about the challenge and so did saRAW. Thanks girls!
And this fabulous Dairy Free Fit lady also dedicated a post to the challenge. Check out her great post here!
Gabi has been a busy little woman doing her green part. In fact, she did almost every challenge and sent pictures to prove it! Way to go!
Read here about some others that have been participating in Green Weeks.
Don't forget about the P R I Z E S for the two top challenge doers!
For me, doing my part, I have been washing loads of clothes in cold water, hanging most clothes to dry, stopping the dishwasher at the "dry" cycle and air drying them, making veggie dishes, daily green smoothies, we only use cloth napkins, so that's in, the boyfriend even bough grass fed/farm raised chicken for himself last night! Now that is saying something. Aside from that we usually bring our own bags to the store, use Sigg bottles, ONLY use glass or plastic food containers-reuse right?, and many more. It's fun, it usually saves money, and it helps the Earth and all of us on it.
I'm so happy that so many people have participated in Green Weeks (even though it's still not over!) and that most of us do these things on a daily basis! Keep up the great work!
On a food note, check out what the boyfriend made for us...
Did you know Earth Day is 40 yrs old this year? It has a birthday...(?)!
To get you going on the start of your Earth Day celebration (why not, right?) here are some Earth Day deals and freebies from various businesses (that my boyfriend found and forwarded to me! He's playing too!).
Yahoo Earth Day Freebies
Some of the deals (and personal favorites) include:
- Gain free admission into all 392 U.S. national parks now through Sunday, April 25 (I WILL be there Saturday!)
- Get a chance to win a $20,000 green home makeover by registering on the Purex website by April 30.
- Sign up for the Drive Home Green sweepstakes on Target's website through the end of the month. The grand prize is a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. You could also win bicycles, electric scooters, a national park trip, and other prizes.
- Add a green pledge to the Sierra Club's Earth Day map for a chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii.
Katie even posted some interesting facts about Earth Day.
Bitt also did a whole post of her Green Week Challenges for Earth Day! She did a lot of challenges.
Katrina of Katrina Runs blogged about the challenge and so did saRAW. Thanks girls!
And this fabulous Dairy Free Fit lady also dedicated a post to the challenge. Check out her great post here!
Gabi has been a busy little woman doing her green part. In fact, she did almost every challenge and sent pictures to prove it! Way to go!
She made her own cleaner!
And then cleaned! (cute little towel)
BYO Cup
She walks (or takes public transit) every day to all of her locations!
She also lives in England where public transit is a bit better, but she is definitely helping the environment out!
She donated clothes to a local clothes drive.
And became one with nature.
She did every single challenge, minus four of them.
Wow. Way to go! Love the participation!
She even wrote me a little email:
"Hope you had a lot of participants be good to the Earth, like a mother it's the only ONE we got."
You know what, you are right. Thank you!
You know what, you are right. Thank you!
(and happy almost Mother's Day <--don't forget your presents)
Don't forget about the P R I Z E S for the two top challenge doers!
For me, doing my part, I have been washing loads of clothes in cold water, hanging most clothes to dry, stopping the dishwasher at the "dry" cycle and air drying them, making veggie dishes, daily green smoothies, we only use cloth napkins, so that's in, the boyfriend even bough grass fed/farm raised chicken for himself last night! Now that is saying something. Aside from that we usually bring our own bags to the store, use Sigg bottles, ONLY use glass or plastic food containers-reuse right?, and many more. It's fun, it usually saves money, and it helps the Earth and all of us on it.
I'm so happy that so many people have participated in Green Weeks (even though it's still not over!) and that most of us do these things on a daily basis! Keep up the great work!
On a food note, check out what the boyfriend made for us...
The Sustainable Stuffed Pepper
all organic ingredients and the most amazingly delicious stuffed pepper I have ever had.
He even made mine special to include only goat cheese, meatless, and gluten free.
What a guy. 
Mmmmmm.
Mmmmmmmmmmm.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Interesting Reads, New Skirt, & Challenge Prizes
Don't we all enjoy a little magazine reading...
Until we get to this article...
Can anyone tell me what is wrong with this article?
Moving on...
Earth Day is tomorrow!! Are you Greening your week???
Yesterday, I worked on making some of Cafe Gratitude's raw buckwheat (pizza crust) flatbread, and it turned out great!
Pictured fresh off the dehydrator tray.
And enjoyed with a huge salad with tahini/umeboshi plum dressing
This dressing is so creamy and amazing, I promise you I will perfect and hand out the recipe... just you wait.
And after dinner, I always need had the craving for something sweet.
Dessert of Champions (that's me, the champion)
Nonfat Goat Yogurt with tahini, liquid Stevia, and a mound of cinnamon
All mixed up with more of my Basil-Vanilla Filled Fig Moon Pie
Uh-huh, it was good. Tasted like cheesecake... only better.
Even Alicia Silverstone's getting on board with Green Week Challenges!
Well, not really, but she posted about E-Recycling today on her blog.
Are you ready for Earth Day? Since it's raining here in "sunny" California, I'm not ready, but I'll try to make the most of it. Yesterday I received a package from my favorite Green Week lady and creative bloggy, Katie!
And look what she made me??? (by request, of course)
And one more picture because I never post pictures of myself...
Katie, I LOVE the skirt! It's perfect!
Perfect length, great fabric, and the boyfriend even liked it (you should feel special Katie!)
She also sent some Green Week Challenge prizes. I'll be putting them all together with the ones I have and will be shipping them off to the two top point gainers! Hurry up and get your pictures in. Tomorrow is the last day to play along!
Look at all the wonderful prizes! There are more coming too.
Katie was amazing enough to make some nylon produce bags (with CUTE little veggie characters on them!) and coffee cozies. Each winner will get one, along with some dried fruit from Natural Zing, Pure 2 Raw delicious goodies, seed packets (to start your indoor or outdoor gardens!), gardening tools, ecological dishwasher tablets, and more!
Can't wait to see all the contestants lined up tomorrow on Katie's and my blog.
Check back for the final round, tomorrow, on Earth Day!
Inspirational quote of the day:
True 'dat.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tips for Indoor Gardening and Green Eats
So, like I said yesterday, today I'm bloggin' about Moon Pies. Interesting little guys, but so delicious. The idea was based on the very original recipe and Moon Pie Challenge by Ms.Heather Pace, owner of delicious blog, Sweetly Raw. I did not get a chance to enter the contest, but the entries were amazingly creative. Although mine could have been a worthy contestant.
Not quite apparent, but that it Moon Pie Fig-Oatmeal-Walnut Cake with one layer of Vanilla Kreme and one layer of Basil Vanilla Kreme. I decided to leave off the chocolate encrusting due to saving a few calories and, well, out of laziness. But it was amazing, nonetheless.
The vanilla and basil kreme centers melded into a synergistic belly dance for the tongue and paired with the chocolate-fig-walnut-oat crust, perfection. Sadly, these are the only pictures I have of the sexy lady, but I will be making it again soon- and not only because I have way too much of the filling left over, just waiting to use used. I'm thinking cinnamon-cardamon or lemon. Mmmmm.
Anyway, moving on to Green Week...
Earth Day is right around the corner (actually it's 2 days away!). How are you celebrating?
I'm eating my veggies...
Forgot to mention her yesterday but Averie is on board with Green Week Challenges!
And Gabi is still at it as well...
One of the best ways to help out the environment, your health, and your wallet, is to plant a garden. But some people are not so lucky to have space outdoors to do so. Here are some tips to get your indoor garden up and running (or sprouting). (source)
Location, location, location: Select a spot inside your home that gets at least four hours of sunlight a day. Florescent lights or metal halide grow lamps may be a good alternative, if no natural sunlight is available.
Choose Containers: Wood, clay, or ceramic containers work well for countertop gardening. Be sure to choose containers with proper drainage and consider sizes. Small rows of pots work well for multiple herbs, and larger pots for vegetables. Avoid overcrowding the seedlings and plants.
Pick Your Plants: Basil, parsley, oregano, sage, thyme, and rosemary are the easiest herbs for indoor growth. Spinach, leaf lettuces, endive, cherry tomatoes, and peppers make for great indoor vegetable plants.
Add Some Soil: Depending on what you decided to grow, starting from seeds, seedlings, or cuttings is up to you. Each container, though, should have a sufficient amount (four parts) of potting soil, mixed with one part organic fertilizer or compost. Be sure to read the seed packet instructions for depth, light, and water required for each plant.
Hope everyone plants at least one veggie, herb, flower, or even tree, this Earth Day... why not, right?
Basil-Vanilla Filled Fig Moon Pie
Anyway, moving on to Green Week...
Earth Day is right around the corner (actually it's 2 days away!). How are you celebrating?
I'm eating my veggies...
I've got my roasted onion, diakon, and red bell peppers with scrambled eggs
Sided with savory roasted brussel sprouts (cayenne, salt, pepper) and sweet roasted brussel sprouts (maple syrup and salt)
And a dollop of Umeboshi Plum Paste (<--- GOOD stuff)
Edamame anyone?
How about some fresh basil, tomatoes, and olives on a sprouted wheat tortilla?
I think that's eating pretty close to Mother Earth...
Oh, and topped with salad!
And Gabi is still at it as well...
Walking to the gym to green her lungs, legs, and environment.
She also jumped on the green smoothie bandwagon!
Her spinach, peaches, banana, orange juice, yogurt smoothie
Enjoying it in the sun.
One of the best ways to help out the environment, your health, and your wallet, is to plant a garden. But some people are not so lucky to have space outdoors to do so. Here are some tips to get your indoor garden up and running (or sprouting). (source)
Location, location, location: Select a spot inside your home that gets at least four hours of sunlight a day. Florescent lights or metal halide grow lamps may be a good alternative, if no natural sunlight is available.
Choose Containers: Wood, clay, or ceramic containers work well for countertop gardening. Be sure to choose containers with proper drainage and consider sizes. Small rows of pots work well for multiple herbs, and larger pots for vegetables. Avoid overcrowding the seedlings and plants.
Pick Your Plants: Basil, parsley, oregano, sage, thyme, and rosemary are the easiest herbs for indoor growth. Spinach, leaf lettuces, endive, cherry tomatoes, and peppers make for great indoor vegetable plants.
Add Some Soil: Depending on what you decided to grow, starting from seeds, seedlings, or cuttings is up to you. Each container, though, should have a sufficient amount (four parts) of potting soil, mixed with one part organic fertilizer or compost. Be sure to read the seed packet instructions for depth, light, and water required for each plant.
(source)
Hope everyone plants at least one veggie, herb, flower, or even tree, this Earth Day... why not, right?
Monday, April 19, 2010
Green Week Participants and Outdoor Adventures
Living, Loving, Learning is greening Green Weeks.
The Kitchen of a Runner is doing it in Green...
Cardio Foodie is rockin' the blog info.
Coffee is my Carrot posted challenges here and here!
Sweet and Sweat knocked off some challenges too.
The Vegster is using her Earth knowledge to compete.
And but of course, Katie is Making Food And Other Stuff green style.
Gabbi (or, as I like to call her, Mama Samaan (the boyfriend's mom)) is reducing her carbon footprint too... and sending me pictures to prove it!
She's eatin' her veggies
Cold washin'
Sun dryin'
Grocery store BYO baggin'
And compost pilin'
Mama Samaan, you are on a roll!
Thanks for being up for the Challenge!
Remember, there are prizes to be won!!!
Anyway, now a segment I like to call, My Weekend.
When I got home from work on Friday, the boyfriend surprised me with a gift. (I guess he's playing the Green Week Challenges too...)
A new NorthFace daypack!
AND, it's eco-friendly! The label says to.
Yup, I'm sportin' the new gear. And according to the backpack's label, the Eco-Friendly Hang Tag Program has their tags made with 100% post consumer recycled paper and printed with soy based ink.
Stats include:
4,068 Trees saved
756,902 Gallons of water saved
3,476 energy units saved
North Face, thank you for doing your part!
And Sunday I got to use my new backpack!
Have I ever mentioned there is amazing hiking in the South Bay area of California?
No? Well, there is!
Boyfriend at the top of a repelling rock... people were actually out there rock climbing!
It was pretty cool... I'm going to need to try that some day!
Lazy boy.
This weekend, we also found a really cool bug that I just had to post.
We saved it and returned it to Mother Earth.
Super metallic and shiny. The pictures do it no justice!
Well, that was my weekend, in a nutshell... Eats will be posted later...
Mmmmm. Mmmmm.
Can we say, 'Basil Kreme Fig Moon Pie'?
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