La Bonne Vie

I'm Back!

2010-11-25T11:28:00.000-08:00

Well, after more than a year's break...

(personal, family & financial matters to tend to, a good bit of travel locally, as well as to Florida's Gulf Coast/Everglades & several weeks in Europe...)

I have decided to continue on with this blog.

ARTSCAPE!!!!!!

2009-07-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

ARTSCAPE was awesome, as always. I mean how lucky are we as this is the country’s largest FREE outdoor art festival…and it is right in our backyard! (Well, if by backyard, you mean an hour after driving on the expressway.)

So much to see AND do at this event…the Art Cars in front of Penn Station are always a hoot, the Performance Artists along the Charles Street Bridge offer lots of self-involved, participatory, hands-on activities, and a vast array of Artists’ Booths in all mediums/categories/styles spanning for numerous city blocks…. you name it, ARTSCAPE’s got it! Several big-name Concerts, Fashion Shows and Films – all FREE!

The fact that they are also doing their best to make this event environmentally conscious & friendly with an entire ‘GREEN GARAGE’ and SUSTAINABLE/ORGANIC FOOD COURT with plenty of recycling cans scattered about makes it even better - compared to a lot of free public events I’ve been to.

(If you want a smoothie around here, you better start pedaling!)

My favorite vendors in the Green Garage would have to be Baltimore Free Store (http://www.baltimorefreestore.org/ ) where you can “take what you want & leave what you can” at one of their 60 markets around town. Their way of keeping things out of landfills is for you to donate your used clothes & household items to them. Then they literally give everything away for FREE! Genius! Another would be the Portable Gardens…(http://www.portablegardens.com/) basically a salad in a shopping cart. Also The Loading Dock (http://www.loadingdock.org/ ), a very green business whose motto is ‘Don’t Dump. DONATE!’ for all construction, remodeling and building materials. Very cool as we are connected to this area of business and plan to use this company in the future.

Gotta love Martha Rotten’s (http://www.martharotten.com/ )‘not made in China’ lead-free pewter goth-themed jewelry (yes, they are REAL bones, chicken I was told?) And Steven Malone’s Poetic Earth Designs (http://www.poeticearth.com/ ) leather bags and tree-free sketch books & journals. Clever Cat Bags (clevercatbags.com ) recycled coffee bag bags…fashionable irony - this is a real trend now (I have had mine now almost a year) and my daughter couldn't resist one of their 'organic coffee' messenger bags for about $40. Also Dan Lachman and his Sharp Shirter (shapshirter.com ) business w/tees and self-sticking laptop, ipod & phone covers…really cool for this self-proclaimed round-the-clock-video-playing-college-slacker.

But my personal ‘Best In Show’ award for the weekend would have to go to James 'Jimbo' Pollock (http://www.jimbopollocksart.com/ ) Hampden’s own ‘Hubcap Christmas Tree’ guy and his recycled mechanical parts sculptures. Makes me want to gather a bunch of junk from my husband’s shop and start welding…totally awesome!

Year after year I continue to be amazed, impressed, fascinated and inspired after a trip to ARTSCAPE… 2009 certainly was no different.

Gardening Up-date.

2009-07-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Summer trudges on...

All this 'fun in the sun' forces my gardening up-keep to take a back seat - and it shows!

The weeds are starting to overtake all aspects of the yard/gardens and the current lack of funds (due to my premature involuntary retirement) is preventing me from completing the projects that are so needed - new maintenance-free self-seeding Black Eyed Susan driveway border, woodland hedgerow of azalea, rhodos, mountain laurel and bulbs (where the leaf droppage prevents anything else form growing) inside my hand-laid brick edge, not to mention re-planting of the melons - which should have been done weeks ago.

Now for some good news; in spite of my garden's lack of sunshine (2-4 hours/day MAX!) and the memorable cool, wet spring...the blueberries are almost ready (I sure hope I get to them before the squirrels & birds do - I see them hanging around - waiting. watching. salivating.), there are also some baby eggplants taking shape and tons of very green tomatoes.

Patience, I know. If there is anything gardening has taught me, it's patience. This is not an instant gratification activity by any means.

But when it's harvest time...there is no better reward!

la Fête Nationale!

2009-07-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

la liberté, l'égalité et la fraternité le quatorze juillet... Happy Bastile Day fellow Francofiles!!!

There is no other day that gives a better excuse to engage in French traditions than today. It is a time for those of you that have never been to France or have no French ancestry to pretend 'je suis Francaise' (a sort of French version of St Paddy's Day where EVERYONE is suddenly Irish?). And for those of us that have traveled to France and/or have French ancestry to reflect on the history, the culture and rejoice for their wonderful life-enhancing exports; art, fashion, music, films and of course...FOOD & WINE!

The French typically celebrate this day by dressing in their finest red white and blue attire, waving flags while attending a morning parade (the one that sashays down the Champs Elysees is by far the most popular), then drinking lots of champagne, eating bistro/cafe/picnic food while dancing in the streets and watching fireworks after sunset.

Yes, that IS a lot like our Independence Day celebrations, huh?

Amusez vous bien !

North Central Railroad Trail...Where Have You Been All My Life?

2009-07-12T22:40:00.000-07:00

I, like many Baltimore/Harford Countians, have driven by the cute little Chakra Bikes /Hunt Valley Village sign on Paper Mill Road that marks the spot where the NCR Trail begins and meanders for FORTY MILES to York, PA. I to have said numerous times that I wanted to try biking that route one day...soon.

Well, that day never came...until today.

We, nine family members & friends, started at about 945am at the Paper Mill/Ashland entrance to the trail and off we went. The weather was gorgeous - like mostly sunny & 82...BUT the bikes, which were borrowed - they were another story: mine was waaaayy too short, my daughter's wouldn't get out of first gear so she was peddling her heart out and going nowhere, my middle son's bike was way too tall, my youngest son's tires were dry-rot, our summer vet-med students seat was a little too uncomfortable, and my best friend's daughter's chain kept popping...crazy!

Despite the problems, we made it to the Monkton store around the 8 mile mark and had a little one-hour picnic. (btw that store is fantastic - all organic, including the incredible ice cream! ) We then had to venture back the 8 miles we came from...which actually went a wee bit faster, even after a huge double-digit-point-buck (in velvet!) casually strolled across the path less than three feet in front of my best friend and I - who were so engaged in a conversation that we almost ran smack into the deer.

This was such an inspiring day that we vowed to get our own bikes and made a goal to travel the entire length of the trail. No commitment date set - I will keep you posted...

Corn & Values Are Here...

2009-07-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

There is just something to be said for living where I do. I mean, growing up in the big city had its perks and I do love the charm and closeness of a small town…but rural ain’t so bad after all.

Just yesterday I pulled up to our local farm stand after seeing their ‘sweet corn’ sign for the first time this summer to pick up a dozen or so for that evening’s meal – when no one is around, just a metal box on the table that says ‘please pay here’, a price list on the shed above, and a trailer filled with ears of fresh corn. Yes, you guessed it – the Honor System still abides here in rural Harford County. How great is that? Even in this tough economic climate…old fashioned trust and wholesome values prevail.

BTW: the corn was pretty awesome too!

A Ferrying We Will Go...

2009-06-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

Wanted to do something a little different with the kids on this last day at the beach and decided to take the ferry from Lewes, Delaware to Cape May, New Jersey.

After we loaded our vehicle onto the ferry we then proceeded to wander about, enjoying all the little nuances on the ship. These boats are awesome - cafes, bathrooms, video arcades, gift shops, flat screen televisions, full bar! My family chose to sit on the outside deck - reading, relaxing, taking in the scenery.

After arriving on Cape May we were thankful we didn't leave the vehicle in Lewes and take only the bikes...the route is not very child friendly for sure. We continued to the beach area and decide to tour the historic district before eating lunch at an outdoor cafe on

Washington Square, the pedestrian mall.

After which we ventured to Sunset Beach, which is famous for a WWI shipwreck (The SS Atlantus), as well as rose quartz sand (we looked very hard but never did find those little 'Cape May Diamonds' ?)

We then had only about an hour before the last ferry back to Delaware, which wouldn't allow enough time to visit the lighthouse, so we decided to do a wine tasting at Turdo Vineyards, a small family owned Italian style vineyard just minutes from the ferry dock. The hostess was very gracious and accommodating even though we arrived 15 minutes before closing. She never rushed us, let us taste the entire available vintages and even offered my under-aged children a treat.

Once back in Lewes, we decided to stick around for a light dinner and some more wine before strolling the quaint streets and then heading back to the Maryland coast.

It was really a great day...the ferry ride, the historic towns, the lighthouses, the wine, the school of dolphins that the captain killed the engines for and pointed out to the passengers - what more could one want. We will definitely be back again someday...hopefully an overnight trip next time.

Assateague Island

2009-06-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

As always when we go to the beach, we venture over to Assateague Island where we get our fix of 'roughing it' in the wild with their very limited facilities. It just so happened that this past weekend was one of 3 FREE SUMMER WEEKENDS they are offering this year (6/20-21, 7/18-19, 8/15-16). Yea!!!

We typically pack a cooler full of food to grill, plenty of 'beverages', a change of clothes (we always wear our bathing suits), surf boards/boogie boards, all our bikes and a guitar into the back of a pick-up truck - and we're off!

There is so much to do here...besides the obvious driving through the State Park and looking for the infamous wild ponies that reside here; we build a fire or grill, swim, surf, fish, crab, clam, kayak/canoe (which are both rented here by the hour), bike ride, etc... unlike at the other Maryland beach where there are so many no-no's.

We have yet to stay through the night here and keep saying we want to... I tent camped as a child and want my children to experience that wonderful world of self-reliance and self-efficiency...BUT by the time the sun sets and those mosquitoes are in full swing - we usually can't wait to shower and get the hell off this island.

Art IS Alive...& Well

2009-06-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

Every year I try to plan a trip to the beach around the Arts Alive Festival in Northside Park, Ocean City. It is by far one of my very favorite outdoor summer arts markets in the Mid-Atlantic area and the setting/location is perfect!

The weather forecast didn’t look good for this entire weekend, so I was keeping my fingers crossed. I woke up early Saturday morning and spoke with family members back home and they said it was raining heavily at 8am…and I knew it was heading east. I didn’t bother to wake anyone or even eat breakfast – I simply gulped down a cup of coffee and by 9am I was on my way….

There were so many great artists this year – old & new, and a few friendly faces I knew from ARTSCAPE, Bel Air’s Festival of Arts and/or the Havre de Grace show. Here are a few samples:

Robert Wieand from Sarasota, Florida’s Fantasy Forest ( http://www.fantasyforest-artglass.com/ ) metal and glass creatures w/ twinkle lights in their body cavities (below)was a very popular booth and I must admit, pretty cool. Finland born Nina Mickelsen’s Clarissa Studio decorative wall art designs/silk screening uses both traditional and technologically advanced methods ( http://www.clarissastudioart.com/ ) . Silver Moon Studio's Ruth & Keith Krause from Walnutport, PA, use 100% pure silver in their metal and fused glass jewelry (I wish they had a website). Kenyan born Owino Martin’s K’Owino Batiks fabrics & prints were some of the finest I’ve seen (http://www.kowinobatiks.com/ ).

My ‘Best in Show’ would go to a Michigan couple, Ruth & David Jellema, with Fabrications (http://www.ruthdavidfabrications.com/ ). Their original fabric mâché sculpture made from cheesecloth is like nothing I have ever seen before. Their ‘Bathing Beauties’ (above) were a big hit at this beach-town show. The pieces range from $70 for a small single bathing beauty to $1450 for a life-sized mermaid (below). You have to see this stuff up close to appreciate it.

According to the artists I spoke with, there were a lot of people looking – but not a lot of people buying (damned economy!). I wasn’t one of those non-buys…I rarely leave an art show empty handed. Even if I didn’t find anything for me or to give as a gift, I would donate to the show itself or an involved organization as a way of showing my support.

No worries today - I bought a tiny brown painted potters pitcher/gravy boat from a half- priced table for $5, a pair of hammered silver drop earrings from MiCielo ( http://www.micielojewelry.com/ ) that the owner tucked in a cute little re-usable tulle and ribbon gift bag, and a fired-glass pendant from fellow Marylander Matt Mathers of Dragonfired Glass Creations, who’s been coming to the local Harford County art shows for quite some time.

All together it was a great morning and as I made it completely around the entire lagoon…the rain came.

(these litle guys were just added entertainment for the crowd today)

It's Just Bawlmer, Hon

2009-06-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

I wanted desperatley to show Baltimore to our Vet-Med student that's living with us for the summer. The 'real' Baltimore, a world away from Harbor Place - in the truest of all neighborhoods...Hampden.

Being born & raised in Baltimore city – there is no other festivity that highlights this great town more than HONFEST! I've traveled to many cities in over a dozen countries and have been to my fair share of festivals - this truly is a one-of-a-kind affair.

There really is no need for words here...

The 'Lost Deli' Is Now Found...By Me!

2009-06-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

As always, when we have out-of-town guests, we are faced with the sad fact that there are not many choices for breakfast in the Harford County area. Sure there are fast food joints, bagel & doughnut stops, coffee shops and some commercial chain restaurants like Waffle House, Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, etc…. but I am talking about a cheerful, cozy, locally-owned place with a full breakfast menu (preferably w/ outdoor dining in warm weather) to leisurely enjoy our morning meal.

We typically don’t go out for breakfast (none of us are really morning people), unless we are on vacation, so having guests gives us the perfect opportunity to be tourists in our own hometown…which brings us this early Sunday morning to the Little New York Deli on Main Street in Bel Air. It certainly fit the criteria – full breakfast menu, locally owned, outdoor sidewalk seating and you couldn’t get more cheery than the black & white checkerboard accents throughout the place.

The food here was pretty good too, and not very pricey - which is what really matters to us these days. I believe by the time we were done our group of 9 had tried everything on the menu; from several different omelets and egg dishes, to pancakes, French toast and waffles. Not to mention sides of toast, bacon and sausage along with coffee, tea, and juice.

There is certainly room for improvement here and I would start with three suggestions...

#1: No more Styrofoam cups – it upsets environmentally conscious customers (such as myself) and for those dining in - real cups saucers, as well as a waiter serving the coffee and tea, would add a great touch to the already wonderful atmosphere.

#2: Nothing makes a breakfast sunnier than FRESH SQUEEZED JUICE. Either do it yourself, or purchase in bulk before the weekends - orange and grapefruit will do - and will make a huge difference.

Finally #3: please please please – offer REAL butter and REAL MAPLE SYRUP! Nothing ruins a great piece of French toast like margarine and log cabin.

Don’t get me wrong, I really like this place and want to see more places like this succeed in Harford County. We really need more dining options (especially more with outdoor dining!) to open up and we could use better quality of food at our already established locally owned restaurants. There really is no excuse with all the surrounding farms and their abundance of fresh, local produce, meats, dairy, etc.

I ♥ Summer!

2009-06-12T23:57:00.000-07:00

On the very last day of school, I usually like to treat my children to a movie of their choice…I have done this for many years, as my oldest is now entering graduate school. (Ugh, I just heard myself say that.) I really lucked out today as it just so happens to be the first Free Outdoor Movies @ Shamrock Park this evening.

What a great way to spend an evening…we got there around 7pm and since we are not the fortunate few who live within walking distance – we had to search for parking? Not sure if it was the great weather, the last day of school, or the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ film itself…but there was NO parking left along Lee Way where I usually have no trouble getting a spot for these.

This just goes to prove my point – America is changing. People are craving connections in their communities, especially in trying economic times like these. The lonely, empty, activity-starved subdivisions and McMansions are no longer the ultimate prize for success– people now want more. They want to live and raise their children in areas that are vibrant, active and they value activities such as this. Thanks to Bel Air’s Downtown Alliance for organizing this and other events…it really is a treat, even for us non-Bel Air residents.

Like us, most people arrived by 7 and for about 2 ½ hours they entertained their children…there was the playground of course, the volleyball court/sand box, Chick Fil-A & Smoothie King dinners (unless they brought carryout pizza – which seemed to be very popular and I must admit smelled much better than my packed peanut butter & jelly sandwiches). There was also the scheduled entertainment, Tae Kwon Do Masters, as well as a woman in the crowd doing free face painting?

By the time ‘Kung Fu Panda’ started and everyone had their $1 cup of popcorn, the littlest ones were either asleep on their blankets or screaming in their strollers… those poor parents had to pack everything up and leave without even seeing the movie - so much for summer fun.

Well, at least it was free and there is always next time…

The Music Mill?

2009-06-09T21:30:00.000-07:00

With out-of-town guests in for the weekend, we were looking for the perfect ending to their very first visit to the area. After spending all of Saturday touring the historic neighborhoods surrounding Baltimore’s Harbor, I thought what better way to spend a warm Sunday evening than @ an outdoor concert - in the country!
So the 10 of us packed a huge picnic cooler full of wine, cheese, olives, fruit, etc., loaded lawn chairs in the back of our trucks and headed south…

After driving approximately 30 minutes, we crossed the Jericho Bridge (circa 1865 and the only remaining covered bridge in the tri-county area) and within a few hundred feet, we were at the quaint historic village of Jerusalem Mill. This tiny village sits alongside the Little Gunpowder Falls River banks and consists of several private historic homes as well as a grist mill/museum, blacksmith shop, and gun/copper shop. The Mill, built in 1772, was once known world wide for it’s prized ‘white silk ‘ flour and now serves as the Gunpowder State Park Headquarters.

This particular evening, Smooth Kentucky ( http://www.smoothkentucky.com/) was the musical entertainment; a little folksy, a little country and loads of talent. Playing everything from Bob Dylan and Grateful Dead to authentic bluegrass classics.

I must add that the crowd here was the most laid back (in a good way) of ANY festival/concert scene I had ever experienced; moms swaying with their papoose’d babies, dogs playing fetch, couples stretched out on blankets, children skipping stones along the river bank, and friendly conversations in sync with not-too-loud music made for a very enjoyable evening. And since these concerts take place the first Sunday evening of every summer month, I know I will return – sooner than later I hope!

The Jerusalem Mill and it’s historic village shops are open every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4, staying open later on the Summer Concert Series evenings. For more info http://jerusalemmill.org/

A Secret No More...

2009-06-07T23:15:00.000-07:00

Just a short ride east on Route 543 (past the commercial favorites of Cold Stone and DQ) lies one of the greatest summer pleasures in Harford County…Brooms Bloom Dairy Farm Store& Café. You would be surprised how many people I know that live in Harford County but have never even heard of this place – which leads me to my hesitation of ever writing about it in the first place.

Sometimes, when it is something you enjoy so much, you realize that it IS so great because of its obscurity; its complete local flair and small-town charm. When these things finally do become SO popular that you find yourself dreading the hassle it sometimes takes to get there (take Boordy Vineyards, for example – which I do still love and frequent and will obviously continue to write about – BUT Boordy has definitely changed since it’s ‘free picnic’ days). You want to keep such a treasure a secret to protect its charm, its simplicity, its magic – I mean, the line @ BBD on a summer Saturday or Sunday evening is out the door as it is – do I really want to blow its somewhat elusive cover???

Well, I have decided to share my affection for this place despite my previous selfish agenda…

In addition to the incredible ice cream (and the numerous ever-changing flavors to choose from), they offer a great lunch/ lite-fare dinner menu as well. There are individual choices starting at $2.75 and two, three or four-course ‘prix fixe’ meals that include some combination of quiche, salad, yogurt, sandwich, fruit, soup, cheese, nuts, wrap, etc…and ALL include a small ice cream for $6-$11. The food is fresh, healthy, entirely local and, oh yea…delicious!

Even though the farm store/barn is open year-round every day except Mondays, summer is the best time to experience Brooms Bloom at its finest…sitting outside on the covered deck or sunny lawn, in a rocking or Adirondack chair, or perhaps with the whole family at one of their huge picnic tables all while taking in the gorgeous rural views of the countryside - this is THE greatest way to do so.

And if you’re lucky, they may even have live outdoor music on the deck to enhance your experience…

Blues Baby!

2009-05-31T06:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official...Harford County had it's 1st ever Blues Festival and the stars were all in line. After about a week of continuous clouds and rain - the weather could not have been better to kick off the festival season.

The crowd turnout was decent but I have a feeling this event will grow exponentially as word gets out. This is what the area NEEDS - fun, family, cultural, outdoor events that bring the community together, all while bringing extra revenue to local businesses.

'Nothing But Trouble' opened the day, but I only caught the tail end of their performance.

'Mikey Jr' (pictured above) was without a doubt - the day's highlight. As far as REAL 'blues' goes...this band takes the cake. Their grainy, smokey, sultry vocals, soulful guitar licks, and that harmonica!!! I could have listened to them all day.

'Crushing Day' (pictured at the very top) played their usual continuous-cover-medley of 70's, 80's, & 90's hits, which is always a crowd pleaser...and although the lead singer's mic was way off, no one in the crowd seemed to care (or even notice!).

There were also these adorable dudes...no idea who/what/where as they seemed to appear then disappear from the stage??? (Of course it very well could have been the 3 beers + the allergy meds that made the event a little foggy from the start.)

The Harford County Rock & Blues Fest is sure to be even bigger & better next year - did someone say 2 Day Event? I sure hope so...

Rain Rain (don't) Go Away...

2009-05-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

Well there is one payoff to having all this rainfall the past few weeks...my veggie garden (potager) is doing incredible!

The blueberries look promising (I can almost taste that blueberry pie!)......and the broccoli, peppers, squash, aubergines, string beans, and tomatoes are really taking off. The melons did not fare so well...I believe that the soil temperature was still a wee bit too cold and I was a wee bit too eager after those 90+ temperatures back in April; we will see if they can make it through.

Oh yea, the arugula is, well... yummy!

Hopkins Spring Fair!

2009-04-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

At the last minute on the very last day of the Johns Hopkins Spring Fair, I decided to make the trek down to the world reknowned Homewood Campus. Hopkins has always held a place in my heart - my mom worked in the Biochemistry Department of the JHU School of Medicine for 35+ years - so it always feels like going home for me.

Of course it had to be the one weekend in April where the temperature soared into the upper 90's! If that wasn't bad enough, the beer garden's entire keg supply was NOT in trucks (or even iced!) and was nothing but warm foam...this really put a damper on my day.

As I always do, I gravitate toward the student-artisits' booths...an incredible mix of creativity and genius on every level. From an Asian student that hand carves wooden frogs that make a real frog sound when the tiny stick provided is rubbed on it's back to a Jewish painter whose visits to Jerusalem's Wailing Wall inspired his latest emotional works to a self-proclaimed hippie-chick's laptop protectors/purses made from recycled coffee bags... ( http://www.labudde.etsy.com/ ) ...pure genius!

The artwork, crafts, clothing, jewelry and food reflects this very diverse, multicultural utopia in the middle of Baltimore City...it truly is a treasure.

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

I am ALWAYS looking for ways to save time & money, while striving to raise my family in a toxic-free, all-organic home and minimally impacting the environment.

Below are some of my Favorite Things (Oprah isn't the only one with an opinion or idea)...in honor of Earth Day. I am always looking for new products to try and new ways to make a difference. Remember that every little step counts - together we can spread the (environmentally-friendly) word.

1. Klean Kanteen http://www.kleankanteen.com/
With the billions of plastic water bottles being produced and discarded, (not to mention the negative health effects of leaching chemicals from plastic material) these stainless steel reusable bottles are a great investment and the smartest solution for our on-the-go lifestyles. They come in several sizes & colors as well as baby bottles, sippy cups and even a WINE Kanteen!!!

2. PERF Go Green Biodegradable Trash Bags http://www.perfgogreen.com/products.html
Genious! If all you place into these bags is compost-able waste, you will eliminate trash sitting in landfills for thousands of years...they disintegrate in less than 2 years! PERF also makes pet waste pick-up bags & litter box liners - so cool!

3. Jane Be Pure AquaCueticals Organic Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/janecosmetics/35357/What could be better...it's a moisturizer, sunscreen and sheer makeup/bronzer all in one - and at this price (I got mine on sale for like $5 @ Walgreens) you can really slather it on.

4. Organic Hemp Bags http://www.reusablebags.com/store/organic-hemp-peasant-sack-p-1190.html
With Hemp being one of the most environmentally friendly materials, you cant go wrong with several of these (in different styles too!) for all your shopping/running errands/travel needs.

5. gDiapers FLUSHABLE & Biodegradable Diapers http://www.gdiapers.com/gdiapers101
Awesome invention for mom's on the go (and much less messy than the organic cloth ones I used...ugh). You start with the 'system' that comes with 2 colorful cloth covers and a bunch of 'liners'. The covers are washable and the liners are flushable! Again - genious!(I had to pick these since I recently purchased a bunch of 'green' baby products for a friend..although I am anxiously waiting to hear how well they work???)

6. Norma Kamali Organic Cotton Tees @ WALMART! (for like $6 each)http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=5438&ic=48_0&search_query=organic+cotton&Find.x=31&Find.y=11
Yes, I am still boycotting Target (a year& a half now) and although I am not a huge fan of the mega-stores (I am a Ma & Pa supporter or an online shopper 99% of the time)...it is nice to see that Walmart carries a full line of organic cotton clothing and bedding as well as recycled paper/tissue products and non-toxic cleaners. (They even carry organic milk!) Take that Target!

7. Natural Choice Environmentally Sensitive Baby Wipes http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10314680#ProductDetailWether you have a baby or not, everyone needs a portable handy-wipe in their purse, their car or their picnic basket once in a while. These are biodegradable, chlorine-free, fragrance-free and made from 100% renewable resourses.

8. Staples 100% eco-friendly office & school supplies http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/StaplesSearch?searchkey=eco+products&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&fromUrl=home
The 100% post-consumer recycled printing paper, sugar cane notebooks/notepads/looseleaf and their compost-able coffee cups are just a few of my favorites here. 'that was easy'

9. BonTerra Organic Wine Out of all the organic (American) wines I have tried...their Cabernet Sauvignon is by far my favorite.

10. Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free Organic Tampons http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Organic-Tampons I am still amazed when I mention these that so many woman have never even heard of organic tampons and are still using TOXIC 'feminine' products (ugh, I HATE that expresion). No 'regular' stores even carry these unfortunately...try David's Natural Market, Trader Joes, or Whole Foods. Not only are they chlorine (poison!) free & made with organic cotton, they have no applicator (extra waste) and they work even better than the old standards. Kinda crazy that I have seen numerous studies over the last 5 years about 'bleached' white coffee filters and their toxic dangers to consumers...you can easily find 'un-bleached, natural coffee filters everywhere - yet no one seems to care what we woman put into our bodies..literally!

11. The Local Library!
Books, DVDs, CDs, video games & toys...recycling at it's best! It is one of my favorite places on earth & I go EVERY week. Best of all it's absolutely FREE!

12.PRESERVE Toothbrush by Recycline http://www.preserveproducts.com/products/toothbrush.html
Made from 100% recycled materials including plastic organic yogurt containers! (and the packaging is actually a travel case.)

13. Billabong Eco Boardshorts http://www.surfstitch.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodShow/vid/43105/catid/356/active/1
Made from recycled water bottles - Mr. Festival has the 'United Nations' one in the link & it is wonderfully comfortable plus it dries almost immediately.

14. Frigoverre; Glass storage bowls from Italy http://www.amazon.com/Bormioli-Rocco-Frigoverre-3-Piece-Storage/dp/B0000DDVN5
No need for wasteful storage plastic wrap, foil, or baggies and no toxic 'leakage' from plastic storage containers - go from fridge to heat/serve.

15* Books: 'Easy Green Living' by Renee Loux and 'Healthy Child, Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner Greener World' are 2 of my faves. Education is the key to 'green' (non-toxic/organic/eco-freindly) living. These books are simple and really explain why making a few important everyday changes can actually save your family's health, as well as the earth.

16. Green Box Pizza Boxes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQBjJjpkjl0 It's a pizza to-go box that becomes it's own plates AND it's made of 100% recycled materials. This could make a huge difference on college campuses around the world!

17. Organic Flowers & Gift Baskets Delivered http://www.organicbouquet.com/ Awesome idea!

18. GO NAKED! Naked Juice that is... http://www.nakedjuice.com/#Homepage Naked is one of the only earth/human/animal friendly beverages out there...and it's TERRIFIC!

btw: THINK TWICE before purchasing COKE, PEPSI or NESTLE products (READ LABELS: they make THOUSANDS of producst). They are STEALING water for profit in the US, and charging for clean water in very poor countries around the world. They have NO REGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE.

_______________________________________

**Some of the most important things you can do every day to save our planet...

-Boycott STYROFOAM products (DOW Chemical Co) and any business that uses it - it is not burnable (very toxic) or recyclable and sits in a landfill forever!

-Use all non-disposable items: cloth knapkins, cleaning rags, hand towels, dish rags...use only REAL dishes, glasses & utensils (I mean, no one really enjoys paper plates & plastic utensils/cups anyway)

-If you must use disposable items (foil, baggies, tissue, etc) use ONLY 100% recyclable products AND RECYCLE THEM. (store brands like Trader Joes & Whole Foods 365 are economical as are some big name brands such as Reynolds)

-Use only biodegradable/plant based cleaners, non-toxic paints, organic bedding/towels and high quality air/furnace filters to make your home as toxic free as possible for your family and pets.

-DON'T USE CHEMICALS on your family's farms/lawns/gardens; pesticides, herbicides & fertilizers DIRECTLY HARM OUR WATERWAYS and affect the hormone/endocrine balance & health of both animals AND humans.(*Watch Frontline's 'Poisoned Water' documentary how farming & industrial waste affect our wildlife and drinking water as well as the water-treatment business' role; featuring the Chesapeake Bay watershed & Pungent Sount in the NW......if you LOVE seafood, boating/sailing/surfing/swimming and the beach/water like I do - this is a must to see.)

-Use public transportation (if you are lucky enough to live in a foreign country or a US city that HAS great public transportation - NOT Baltimore!)

-GO ORGANIC!!! When someone 'goes organic', they eliminate MANY chemicals in EVERYONES environment...if we ALL went organic, it would send a message to farmers & govenment - there is no need for public policy when we can 'vote' with our wallet......every purchase/choice you make - matters!

- http://www.freemarketorganics.com/One of my favortie sites for just about everything.

-OH YEA...I almost forgot the obvious - RECYCLE! http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/roll-out-four-bin-waste-and-recycling-center anything & everything that is not biodegradable (ie natural & decomposable). It's the easiest, cheapest way to make a HUGE difference......no one want's to live on a trash planet.

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For the future...I still have a few items I want to 'invest' in within the next few months:
(I am the type that anything over $50 is a 'bigticket' purchase - so I have to do lots of research).

a) A Worm Composter http://www.cleanairgardening.com/worm-composter.html

b) Organic Hemp Shower Curtain???

c) Electric Lawn Mower/Weed-Wacker/Leaf Blower

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!

The Eco-Karts that are all over DC...way cool (and delicious!)

SHAMROCKIN!

2009-03-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

(sign hanging in a Temple Bar, Dublin Pub)

St Paddy's Day turned out to be a 4-day celebration...

First there was ShamrockFest in DC...cold, wet & CRAZY!

(Carbon Leaf here)

This was one wet, angry & drunken crowd...

(Pubcrawlers, Icewagon Flu )

Then there was the parade in Baltimore...again cold & wet (not so crazy).

Finally spent St. Patrick's Day w/ a few pints in the afternoon @ An Pointin Stil in Timonium...

...followed by an Irish dinner and a few more pints on Main Street in Bel Air.

(I have one gripe about the Bel Air pub scene that...where was the traditional Irish music? There were rock bands set up in tents at The Greene Turtle and Looneys? I guess this pleases some of the younger patrons, but I feel that this day should be rich in Irish culture & history. I say bring on the flutes, fiddles, bodhrans, and bagpipes!)

(just a few samples from my travels in Ireland)

SLAINTE!

To Market, To Market...

2009-02-12T18:03:00.000-08:00

Call me crazy (you wouldn't be the first) but I just gotta have my Farmers Market Fix...even on this - one of the coldest mornings on record. Since there is no year-round outdoor farmers market in Harford County, I am off on an hour long trek to the 32nd Street Market in Baltimore. (FYI this is the ONLY year-round outdoor Farmers Market in Maryland, except for Tacoma Park).

As cold as it was, the place was jumping as always and I could smell the Ethiopian Delights as I opened my car door. The hot foods - literally & figuratively - were the big sellers this morning...wild mushroom consume, chicken curry, still-warm tea cakes, as were the breads, spices, cheeses, eggs, milks, and Zekes Coffee of course. I left there with several of Barbara's (Neopol) quiches and one of Harmony's vegan pizzas for a quick healthy dinner later that evening.

As I made my way back through the crowd to my vehicle, I looked around and wondered 'why can't we have this?'. Bel Air could certainly benefit from a year-round market. The downtown businesses would certainly reap the rewards of bring shoppers into the area on a regular basis. Take a lesson from this market and have artists, musicians, and various year-long vendors in addition to the regular 'seasonal' farmer types.

Then I notice that they have OUR local farms selling here...One Straw Farm, Brooms Bloom Dairy, as well as others from PA and Glen Rock and Westminster and Elkton - surely Bel AIr would be a great asset to them as well...perhaps on a Sunday afternoon instead of Saturday morning?

Just a thought...

MLK Winter Wonderland!

2009-01-19T20:02:00.000-08:00

SNOW!!!!!!

Spent the day reading (planning a spring weekend in DC), warming by a cozy fire, making brownies and hot cocoa while the kids played outside.

I couldn't think of a better way to end a winter holiday weekend than this...

Below is my garden/potager... resting peacefully like the rest of us this long cold winter.

(I can hardly wait 'til it comes to life in the next few months...)

To Cut, Or Not To Cut...That Is The Question (at least for most of my friends)

2008-12-14T20:23:00.000-08:00

To all my 40+ girlies out there (you know who you are!) contemplating needles & knives to delay the inevitable aging process... DON'T DO IT!!!

I think any man, or woman, would agree that good health (gotta keep strong, energetic, limber) and confidence are far more sexy than having a smooth, non-expressive forehead! (And if he is that shallow__ move on sister!)

Having had 2 of the 3 forms of skin cancer in 1/2 dozen spots (3 of which were on my face!) and one that required major surgery - I am a daily wearer of sunscreen, 365 days a year. Spending my teens, growing up on the water...every sunny day was spent in a bathing suit in the sun. I am paying the price now. You would be surprised how many women I know in their 40's & 50's who still TAN! Some even go to tanning booths with their teenage daughters!

I think having daughters makes this subject of 'fixing' oneself more difficult...and the best thing you can teach them, besides taking good care of their mind & their heath, is self-love and acceptance. If they see us being self-critical, worrying about a few pounds/wrinkles/cellulite/stretch marks/etc...they will grow up with that need to be 'perfect' like mommy. I just believe the power lies with us, our generation of self confident women, to make it OK to have pale skin, tiny lips, a big nose, some smile lines, and a dimpled ass - whatever it is that makes us all unique. (BTW: Take a good look at some women, and a few men, in a certain age bracket from a particullar west coast city,...THEY are all beginning to look the same??? Scary!)

I am usually not one to judge - I just think you all are perfect the way you are. At our age we need to focus on what really matters from the inside out. I won't even mention the health/safety risks, or costs! Spend that $$ on a 2nd honeymoon or hot vacation with your significant other - definitely more sexy!

Don't worry about a few lines, some sagging skin, a little cellulite, and stretch marks... they all tell a tale - of nursing babies and pregnancies, incredible vacations in the tropics, staying up with sick children, worrying about a loved one, and waaay too many late night parties! We worked hard for them.

We should embrace it all and learn to grow old GRACEFULLY.

Well, maybe not gracefully...

(I have earned these lines and I don't plan on erasing them.)

Love At First...Bite?

2008-11-21T19:13:00.000-08:00

Having not read the Twilight book series by Stephenie Meyer, but having a girlfriend and daughter who were clearly (and unashamedly ?) obsessed by this teeny-bopper phenomenon__ I went to the midnight premiere of Twilight to see what all the hype (HYSTERIA!) was about.

No matter what your take on the books or the movie was – one thing I think we all can agree on…Vampires are hot! There is nothing like the story of forbidden love: the building of sexual tension, the temptation of giving in to one’s greatest desires, the thought of being taken into total submission… I am getting al worked up just typing about it!

There is a price to be paid for such pleasure (no, I don’t mean the $9.75 ticket price), but the ultimate price…your mortality, your total being. (Hey, don’t most women risk it all for love anyway?)

In reality, the thought of someone loving us so completely that he will forgo his every instinct and be completely satisfied with just lying by our side and watching us sleep___ come on!

'Religulous'....Hilarious!

2008-10-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

The crazy-funny but thought provoking documentary starring Bill Maher was just the fix I needed. Growing up an ever-questioning, somewhat rebellious Catholic myself - this film was worth every penny the Rotunda charged me. I actually wish it had been more anti-religious and more controversial, like Maher tends to be on his HBO's Real Time show. The film basically stated the obvious, that all religion is man-made and that no one really KNOWS what is out there/up there.

In this age of global 'crusades' for holy land and oil...in the name of one god or another...we should all take a few steps back to question how much of what we believe in is based on oppression, hatred, exclusion, ignorance and greed. ?

Fells Point Fun Fest...No Longer a Fan!

2008-10-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

Big (disappointing!) changes since I was last here.

I know many years ago, the city of Baltimore stopped allowing free-flow street drinking within the festival boundaries…But why, I do not know.

This new ‘beer garden’ concept does not work – at least not for the families and responsible adults that patronize the businesses and vendors this particular weekend. In the beginning, the beer garden along Broadway, just outside the pubs, amongst the vendors, wasn’t so bad. But now, the beer garden is 4 blocks from the heart of the Festival, with no shade, on a stone parking lot, and not exactly a ‘family welcoming’ environment.

(This is what the festival should be all about...supporting local musicians & artists! How can we see these guys if we are 4 blocks away playing beer pong/flip cup in the garden?)

To make matters worse, when I decided to grab a pit beef sandwich for me & my boys from a vendor @ Broadway & Thames, I also decided that a great Clipper City draft would compliment the food quite well. Unfortunately I had to leave my sandwich and boys outside with Mr Festival as I fought my way thru the incredibly concentrated crowd in and around the bar…(FYI: back in the ‘olden days’, this wasn’t the case as there would have been beer vendors throughout the festival or you could pop in/out of pubs, grab a beer & continue on about the festivities)..23 minutes later I emerge back outside and was forced to sit – with my children, instead of along the water’s edge as planned – I had to sit on a street curb, just outside Shuckers Pub, amongst the drunken crowd within a little imaginary boundary that the bouncer would permit. We were treated like a caged animal and yelled at when I proceeded to leave to find a recycling bin for my EMPTY plastic beer cup.

I understand pub owners don’t want beer distributors/vendors too close to their facilities…then allow the pubs to set up their own outside bars. The festival ends each day @ 7pm, and from my experience – only us ‘families’ head home. Everyone else we saw stumble from the beer garden - heads straight for the closest watering hole for more of the same.

City of Baltimore, I BEG YOU…treat your festival patrons with the same respect ALL other festivals around the world do - let us wander your streets (albeit barricaded streets) at a leisurely pace, spending our hard earned $$$, all the while enjoying the company of a frothy pint. It’s the European/American way!

(And it sure beats chug-a-lugging while sitting on a dirty street curb)

Battle in...Baltimore?

2008-10-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

First let me begin by saying...having to go online to 'demand' a movie be shown in a big city near you is pretty shitty. I certainly had imagined (hoped?) that certain 'artsy' and up-and-coming theaters in the Baltimore area would show the incredible documentary 'Battle in Seattle'.

I don't know what was more powerful __ the movie itself or the message. Both were phenominal! No matter what your opinion(or lack there of) with regards to NAFTA or the WTO,...the fundamental message of this documentary was the deterioration of the First Amendment to The Constitution of the United States and the right of her citizens.

Demand this film be shown in your area too at http://battleinseattlemovie.com/

Bel Air Festival of the Arts...

2008-09-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

It was a warm & sunny September day in the ‘Heart of Harford’ County - a perfect day for an Arts Festival. The crowds were large and the food was good (x-rare pit beef on rye w/ horseradish, mustard & pepper…yummm).

The highlights of the day for me were…

Halikarnas Leathers had the most beautiful hand-tooled & braided leather saddle bags I had ever seen. Elizabeth Hay Designs had very elegant, airy, ethereal, eclectic jewelry made with sterling sliver, fresh water pearls & shells. There was also some of the most breathtaking photographs of Provence, France at Madelaine Gray Photography. Madelaine & her husband travel extensively for their art and told me “It’s a dirty job, but somebody has to do it”.

Most Unique: fusions (fusionsart.com) Glass bottles melted & flattened into wall art or cheese trays! What a way to preserve a special occasion memento.

Eco Favorite: M L Design (MLDesignStudios.com) Woman that ‘recycles’ old sweaters and repurposes them into bags/purses/backpacks using every possible part from sleeves to yokes.

Best In Show: Harmony In Design (silver-fork-jewelry.com) Jim & Lia Harmon of Chase make incredibly unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry from recycled forks! Some are antique, some have semi-precious gem stones set within the tines, others have fossilized shark teeth…all are gorgeous! (These were so special that my very frugal daughter spent over $100 on a bangle style bracelet she just couldn’t walk away from and my mother purchased a ring as well. BTW: this was the only money either of them spent all day!)

It was a good day: I met lots of new artists/craftspeeps, learned a thing or two about France and bottle melting, and did I mention the pit beef???

Buffett Virgin No More...

2008-09-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

If you have lived under a rock, as I must have, the past 30+ years and have never attended a Jimmy Buffett concert__you don’t know what you’re missing!

This is something you absolutely must see to believe. The lengths that these ‘Parrot Heads’ will go to all in the name of their Island God…

First let me begin by saying that fans begin to arrive at the venue around 10AM…for an 8PM show!!!

They come fully costumed in their finest island gear and equipped w/ canopies, coolers, grills and lawn chairs, as well as generators (something has to run the margarita blenders, cooling fans, surround-sound-stereos, and fountains/waterfalls for their portable swimming pools!)

I surely don’t want to underestimate the main event of the day – Jimmy Buffett’s performance was incredible! His vast songbook of hits, plus a little Van Morrison & Bob Dylan thrown in for good measure, rounded out the evening quite well.

(Not to mention that he has never looked better – yea, FG has a great big crush on JB!)

'Bottle Shock'...Low Budget Masterpiece!

2008-08-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

‘Bottle Shock’ was awesome! Having never been to Napa (yet!) – this movie took me there, circa 1976. A time when grape ‘farming’ ruled…long before the pretentious wine snobs opened their uber-hyped mega vineyards.

The costuming, sound tract, cinematography, scenery & cast were phenomenal. I don’t know what I liked best. And since it only played in a handful of theaters nationwide__I felt very fortunate to be able to get it to our lovely little Harbor East theater (where only the bar is full!).

I sense an Oscar here…

PS I actually ran straight to my local wine shop & purchased a 2002 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon for $100...tell me I am not crazy (um, for this film I mean).

Reggae Night @ Boordy...

2008-08-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

Simply put, the best that Boordy Vineyards offers all summer long. This night brings out the primal in all of us.

There is just something about Reggae that brings people of all walks of life together. From that investment banker in the lavender golf shirt (working hard at getting his wife to engage in a little girl-on-girl play right in the middle of the dance floor/patio) to the long-haired dreadlocks guy wearing a batik print skirt… from the soccer mom-of-four with the perfect cropped and highlighted ‘do’ to the unshaven armpit, no-bra-wearing hippie chick (and I do believe she actually was involved in a threesome by the end of the evening)…we ALL let our inhibitions go and danced side-by-side (sometimes closer) for the remainder of this hot and sultry August evening.

Boordy has done it again…given me another night to remember.

V-Fest Baby!

2008-08-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

Baltimore's premier concert event (since the demise of the HFStival several years back) is finally here...The Virgin Mobile Music Festival 2008 came back to Pimlico Race Track for the 2ND year.

Let me start by saying that the weather was AWESOME, especially for an August weekend in B-More!

This years festival had such an artistic flair (can-do graffiti walls, performance artists, patrons in costumes, art work for sale, etc) with a higher ‘green’ awareness as well (bike & solar powered cell phone charging stations, recycling bins, and more…).

(Note: Due to the nature of this festival, I could not catch every act and had to make some tough choices to see once-in-a-lifetime acts.)

Day 1

I started the first day off at the North Stage where Cat Power was performing. Her hypnotizing rhythms and mesmerizing voice drew quite a crowd.

Duffy was up next. This tiny little British package of 'Blondie meets Charo' closed with her hit ‘Mercy’.

Being that ‘Once’ is one of my favorite films of all time…Swell Season was one of the highlights of my weekend. After telling the camera guy to “Fook off” because it was only supposed to be the 2 of them on the stage, this newly famous Dublin/Czech duo blew me away when their time was up and they unplugged their equipment and jumped into the crowd to continue playing for their fans. (And yes, that is Glen’s original broken guitar from the film that he still plays with.)

The Offspring brought me back to the ‘rave’ days…those dudes still got it goin on! One of the highlights of the weekend for sure!

Saw very little of Citizen Cope, but what I saw I liked. So poetic & mellow…

But not now…it was time to see Chuck Berry bitches! Chuck was good but oooo he old! He invited ALL the pretty ladies on stage to dance, literally! Security (and I am sure the insurance risk peeps as well!) was not too happy. Then there was no ‘guitar dance’ along with Johnny B Good…but he did manage a little ‘hop’ as he was exiting the stage that the crowd went crazy over.

We ended the evening of Day 1with the Foo Fighters. This was the second time I saw Dave & the boys and just like before…they never disappoint!

Day 2

Paramore was the first band we would see on the second day. This is a young indie-punk band from Tennessee. The lead singer, Hayley, is only 19 and such a powerful force. Her mega-hit single, Misery Business (aka Brag) was the climax of the performance and what a performance it was. I had forgotten that this was the beginning of the day. The energy screamed ‘final act’ as the crowd was on their feet. Looking forward to seeing much more of their playful lyrics and pounding melodies.

I don’t remember much from Taking Back Sunday, except that their vocal mic was way low and there was way too much bass.

Iggy and the Stooges!!! What can I say, I didn’t even know this dude was still alive! (and even after seeing him, I am still not convinced). Iggy was disgusting, raunchy, loaded, vulgar, foul mouthed, stoned, insulting, physically repulsive …IT WAS WONDERFUL! Part of the entertainment & intrigue of Iggy Pop is that you never know what Iggy will do or say. Such beautiful prose flowed from his lips this day…”my idea of having fun is killing every one of you”, I can see all of you” and “I know where the f--k I am” to “Sh-t, F—k, Sh-t, F—k…”, “up your assholes” and many many more Iggyisms.

STP? For real or is this a dream? No, this would be the first time that Stone Temple Pilots would tour in eight years! (And I must say, it was worth the wait!) Scott looked the best he's looked in a few years and they sounded incredible. This would definitely go way up on my list of Favorite Live Performances of All Time. What a memorable performance. My only complaint would be that they didn't get to play all night!

I must say that the biggest disappointment of the weekend would have to be the one performer I have never seen perform live and the reason I bough these tickets in the first place…Bob Dylan. Now I know Bob is older, and I know he is a genius who has various alter-ego personalities, and I know he is a bit of a recluse… I don’t care. I didn’t want to see ‘Jazzy Cool-Cat Bobby’ at the piano with a stage full of musicians. I wanted to see Bob Dylan, singer, songwriter; a man with a guitar and a harmonica. That’s it. Even the encore performance of 'like a rolling stone' was lost in the sea of instruments. No one loves bob more than me…but I felt slighted.

Nine Inch Nails put on an incredible technical show…A feast for all the senses; sights, sounds, (even the nose, if you know what I mean). Their Closer performance brought out the ‘animal’ in all of us.

The final performance of the weekend would be Kanye West. I know this man is a genius at impromptu, improvisational poetry and rap…but this was a real downer. Knowing the man has been through a lot lately, I will cut him a break. I’m just saying it was a lil too political and soap-boxy for me. But I must admit… Gold Digger was the BOMB!

NO Spending For A Year! Hmmm...

2008-08-10T07:33:00.000-07:00

Although this is not related to festivals…I am totally intrigued by USA Today’s columnist, Craig Wilsons’ pledge to NOT BUY ANYTHING for a year.

cwilson@usatoday.com

I love this concept. I believe in simplicity and I have never been a person who buys ‘things’ just because or to sit around or hang on a wall somewhere__ I have always bought items that I have needed, or loved. Besides the necessities (food, toiletries, shelter, etc), most of what I have purchased that serves no purpose is of sentimental value – small tokens/mementos from trips or events I have been to.

This marks Craig’s second time around at the ‘commitment’. He has got it down to an absolute science. I even enjoy his ‘rules’ for this endeavor: he can spend money on books, music, travel and gifts for others. (I could handle these rules…but being a girl, would buying shampoo and lipstick be allowed or do I have to stock up with a years supply ahead of time???)

I am now contemplating my own year of non-buying to protest my disdain for Americans and our extreme wastefulness, vulgar consumerism and grotesque materialism that borders on obsessive compulsive addiction…but I have to come up with a few rules of my own first.

"I pulled in to Nazareth..."

2008-08-07T04:46:00.000-07:00

Decided to make the short trip from Bethlehem to Nazareth. (Ha ha ...that just sounds hilarious!) We were excited to tour the CF Martin Guitar Museum & Factory. http://www.mguitar.com/ This was so cool! Real factory workers act as tour guides on their days 'off' - and what a tour you get..

...up close & personal (not like some of those factory tours where you are behind bullet proof, soundproof , one-way glass...NO, not here! Here you are right in the mix - with all the sights, sounds, smells - every step along the way. From the choosing & cutting of the exotic woods to the inlay of embellishments and jewels, such as the intricate mother-of-pearl on this $50,000 beauty!

My middle son, being the only musician in the family, was in awe. They even have a 'pickin room' filled with unique models for musicians to try. This is a real treat for musicians...one of whom, Mike from Connecticut, we met in there and found out that he may be playing on one of the side stages at Bonnaroo 2009 http://www.bonnaroo.com/ Look for him there... http://www.mikemorello.net/live.html

Not only is the CF Martin tour & museum totally FREE...you even get a small souvenir at the end. Truly a great afternoon spent.

MUSIKFEST!

2008-08-06T21:10:00.000-07:00

Decided to take the kids for a few days to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, for their annual Musikfest. http://musikfest.org/ This is a great event in a superb location. Celebrating 25 years in 2008, this all-ages, all-genre, family-friendly, laid-back festivity occupies the streets, river banks and bridges of the historic district in downtown Bethlehem (and is probably my favorite free event on the east coast).

There are 14 different stages/venues featuring Jazz, Blues, Folk, Hip-Hop, Funk, Reggae, Celtic, Country, Classical, Rap, Rock...Musikfest has something for everyone. My favorite venue would have to be Leiderplatz, the official 'Acoustic Road Show' http://acousticroadshow.net/roadshow.cfm stage, sponsored by the nearby CW Martin Guitar Co., and located in a courtyard garden just off Main street behind the historic Sun Inn. We spent the entire afternoon there on Tuesday.

My favorite performer there would have to be this high school student named Callie Merz. http://www.myspace.com/calliemerzmusic Her 'Thousand Milion Chances' was heartfelt, original and raw - in a good way. Although she is quite young, she has been performing for several years, mostly children's theater.

Another great performance was by Tim & Jules http://www.myspace.com/timisalive . (Check them out at a previous performance here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve4X54gUQ38 ). They are an original guitar & bongo duo that had a very soulful, rhythm and blues sound.

Back on the Main Street Stage , Jacknife Betty was MIA, and these guys took their place ...

This being the 25TH Commemorative Anniversary, there was many-a-souvenir for sale. The huge bright green flashing lighted mug that I purchased for $12, was actually the ONLY purchase I made and the bargain of the week! It held over a pint of Yuengling and refills were a mere $5.

This mug came in handy Tuesday evening as we headed to the River Stage to see POISON! Although Brett Michaels & CC DeVille (and the other two?) started back in 1986, my kids – along with the rest of the country- are now fans of theirs after getting to know them via VH1’s Surreal Life & Rock Of Love, of course. Poison rocked the river’s edge for over 2 hours – Unskinny Bop, Mama’s Fallen Angel, Every Rose.., Something to Believe In, Talk Dirty to Me…it was pure big hair heaven! Although Brett’s voice was barely there from the beginning, it was a great show, despite the rain!

The next morning we decided to check out the historic Hotel Bethlehem’s infamous Martin Guitar Suite. The previous nights ‘guests’ (aka famous Poison band member) had checked out very early and the bell hop agreed to let us inside to see the priceless Martin Guitar that hung on the wall for the pickin’ pleasure of it’s guests. But it was gone! Just the holder grip left??? Could it be…? (Someone is gonna have a hefty American Express bill next month.)

Decide to grab breakfast down the street at Bonte Wafflerie & Cafe. Their freshly baked Belgium style waffles w/ giant sugar crystals baked on top were awesome! Reminiscent of those I've had on the streets of Brussels.I will definitely be coming back here again…both for Musikfest 2009 AND these waffles!.

Restaurant Week!

2008-07-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

This week is Restaurant Week around Baltimore. Although I enjoy cooking and dining at home (and do so 360+ days per year!), I plan on taking full advantage of the opportunity to try out a few new places for their three-course, prix fixe menus for $30.08. The first place we decided to try was The Wine Market, located in the up & coming hip neighborhood near Federal Hill, known as SoHa (South Harbor) . The first thing we do at a place called The Wine Market, was choose a wine. With the help of the salesguy, and for an additional $9 corking fee, we found the perfect Chilean Malbec, Terra Andina, for $18. Our $30 dinners were incredible! Beginning with my purple Peruvian vichyssoise w/lemon Chantilly and Mr Festival's salmon tartare served w/ homemade salt & vinegar potato crisps...yum! For entrees I had their roasted rockfish served over rice beans, heirloom cherry tomatoes and asparagus tips w/ charred sweet corn emulsion and corn shoots (although, I hate to admit...I didn't notice these?). Mr. Festival chose the grilled sirloin served with a blackberry demiglace, fennel and bacon gratin, as well as paddy pan squash on the side. For dessert I chose the lavender fig bread pudding w/ amaretto cram and toasted almond toffee crumble (more like a nut brittle...again, yum!) and MF (as I sometimes affectionately refer to Mr Festival) decided to try the hazelnut devils food layer cake w/ a Bing cherry mouse. All the fresh, in-season ingredients were wonderfully combined. Every bite was like having a little party in my mouth. This is definitely a place I see myself coming back to...especially when the weather is nicer (there were storms in the area this evening) to dine on their courtyard patio. And since they offer 15% off wines to go...we picked up another bottle of Terra Andina!

Christmas in July!

2008-07-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

Last night I decided to pack a picnic and take the boys to Bel Air's Free Outdoor Movies in Shamrock Park. They were showing 'Elf' starring Will Ferrell. (This happens to be one of my favorite holiday 'classics', right up there with Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carrol & Three Days.) It was a beautiful, cool evening (we actually needed the blanket I brought)...perfect for movie watching. The pre-show entertainment was by Dance Connection and the usual sponsors were there - Chick Fil-A & Smoothie King - as well as the Bel Air Downtown Alliance's $1.00 popcorn bags and a few young entrepreneurs selling ice cold bottled water for a dollar...with a BULLHORN! This is by far one of Bel Air's (if not Harford County's) best deals. The entire evening cost me less than $10. (Last week we three went to see The Dark Night at Lowes...it cost me $62.00 for a matinee showing with sodas, popcorn & Twizzlers!) My only complaint/suggestion for The Alliance is: there needs to be a little more variety with the movies - perhaps keep the every-other-Friday schedule with the kiddie features, but offer romantic comedies, documentaries, or foreign/artsy films in between... something free for everyone, every weekend.

The extreme heat was 'No Problem, Mon'.

2008-07-21T05:07:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we attended Linganore Winecellars' Reggae Wine Festival at Berrywine Farms. The weekend long event attracts thousands. Their lovely 230 acre estate, with 60 acres of vineyards, is 39 miles from Baltimore & DC, minutes from the tiny historic town of New Market. (There is even a bus service from College Park available.)

This festival offers something for everyone...great jerk chicken from Jamaica Caterers, breads from Breadhead, (the catfish was a favorite with my husband, who had it for the very 1st time), 2 live bands daily (this year Passion Reggae Band & Image Band), as well as vineyard tours and wine tastings. The air-conditioned tasting bar inside the barn was refreshing and I was very impressed with their recycling effort (more local vineyards should take notice). http://www.linganore-wine.com/index.html

In spite of the incredible heat (the thermometer in the sun said 120!) and limited shade - I am definitely bringing a portable canopy next year -we all had a great time. Although it was a little too hot for me to dance, it did not stop a large crown from swaying to that reggae beat. My boys were pretty lazy too, playing cards on the quilt in a little shady spot we managed to find - albeit next to the recycling center. I also did a little shopping in the upper loft of the barn: lots of ethnic inspired art, jewelry, clothing, etc.

Afterwards, we paid a quick visit to downtown New Market, although most stores and attractions were closed by 6pm (NOTE TO NEW MARKET BUSINESS OWNERS: STAY OPEN LONGER HOURS THIS WEEKEND...it would be well worth your time).

Mealey's Restaurant was opened, although after the heat and the wine, my appetite wasn't where it needed to be, so I plan to come back for their seasonal special, Duck Confit Salad. FYI: Mealey's will be opening its 'brand new' old Tavern by summer's end, so be sure to check it out after next year's festival...just be sure to book a room across the street at the Strawberry Inn!

http://www.mealeysrestaurant.com/index.shtml

Me & the boys visit Artscape

2008-07-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

ARTSCAPE was a scorcher yesterday - very thankful for the misting tents and Jays Shaved Ice, mango flavored - but always well worth it & and inspiring.

One of our favorites was the Art Cars, of course - the mirrored bus & the one with all those singing fish - performing Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody...too funny. (Although my friend's fiance's car was MIA?)

My youngest son loved the interactive visual/performing artists at this years newly opened Heartbreak Cafe, near Penn Station on the Charles Street bridge...lots to see & do there. (Here's a tip for all you moms w/ strollers- use the bathroom inside Penn station, much roomier than the port-o-potties.)

The Organic Food Court was a welcomed addition this year, (along with the recycling centers). The kebabs - via The Helmand - were particularly good (although I am not so sure about the basil, spinach & tomato ice cream?). The Blue Moon on tap was a refreshing treat, but that thing they called a Margherita...was bright green sour mix on ice, for $8!

My favorite artist would have to be the dude, CW Roelle from RI, who makes 2 dimensional pieces look 3 dimensional out of rolls of wire ... amazing! http://www.cwroelle.com

Other artists that caught my eye: Lolojane's sterling jewelry, (she said she'd make me a custom 'peace' piece...I have to get on that). John Kamerer's veggie & herb photography, http://monumentalphoto.com/About.html (I see him at wine festivals & hate to say...I have a little crush on the old hippie). As well as the earthy Hula-Hoop girl w/ the red dreads and all the African, Indian, and 'green' clothing vendors/designers.

The Charm City Devils performed http://www.myspace.com/charmcitydevils and, as the lead singer said, they really 'rocked the food court'. Roberta Flack went on at 8:30, but I didn't see any of her because I was there to see...
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts- I love Rock-n-Roll, Do Ya Wanna Touch, Crimson & Clover, I Hate Myself for Lovin You - were awesome!!! Joan became famous in the early 70's, as a founding member of The Runaways (Cherry Bomb). They are historically significant for being the very 1st all-girl rock band. Joan turns 50 in September and that chick still rocks a bikini!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/spike55151/2680965463/in/photostream/
(Video of Joan Jett & BH doing Bad Reputation)

Can't wait 'til next year already!

Good Ole Fashioned Cherry Pickin'...

2008-07-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

Took the family cherry picking just over the Pennsylvania line at Shaws Orchards. Not exactly a 'festival'...but loads of fun nonetheless. After eating our share raw (Shaws is not an Organic Certified Farm, so please wash thoroughly before consuming), I decided to purchase the 'pitter' they sold there for $20...the best $20 I have spent in a long time! We - the boys loved this little gadget too - pitted about 20 pounds of cherries before freezing some, canning others, and making a giant cherry pie, served after dinner - ala mode, of course.

http://www.shaworchards.com/index.php

Thank goodness for French Rail Strikes...

2007-06-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

Last summer while railing literally 'around' Europe with my daughter, we were unable to make our planned itinerary stop in Barcelona, Spain, due to (we found out later) an all-too-common-in-summer French Rail Strike. We could either rail to the Spanish border and thumb it from there, or ride along in a rental compact with a - albeit generous, but possibly psychopathic - Dutch couple who couldn't speak any English except 'you ride with us, no?'

Well, no. After waiting in the long lines at the Montpelier train station for over an hour, we caught the last 2 seats in the last train to Bordeaux's St. Jean, thanks to a wonderfully kind French woman working at the booth we were directed to. Our lovely hotel, Chateau de Roques, just outside St Emilion,

was fortunately able to put us up for several extra nights prior to our planned visit later that week. To our surprise, we ended up in one of the most picturesque towns in the world, with some of the most incredible wine, during their annual 'La Fete Du Vin'...THE FESTIVAL OF WINE!!! Over 100 of the finest chateau are lined up throughout the medieval-walled town, with free unlimited tastings from late morning until midnight for three long days...whatever would I do?

http://www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com/pge_degus_chais.php?id=8&lang=uk

Do I regret not seeing Barcelona...you bet. Would I do it all over again the exact same way...hell yea!