25 Eco-Chic Ideas for Your Home from Martha Stewart’s Whole Living

Mixed Glass Centerpiece

I was looking at some green holiday ideas online when I came across this blog post with 25 Eco-Chic Ideas on Martha Stewart’s Whole Living site.

Quilt Made of Scarves

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Slow Food Orlando — Participating Restaurants

Excerpts from the Slow Food Orlando website:

Slow Food USA envisions a future food system that is based on the principles of high quality and taste, environmental sustainability, and social justice – in essence, a food system founded upon stewardship that is good, clean and fair. We seek to catalyze a broad cultural shift away from the destructive effects of an industrial food system and fast life; toward the regenerative cultural, social and economic benefits of a sustainable food system, regional food traditions, the pleasures of the table, and a slower and more harmonious rhythm of life.

Slow Food USA is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating the food traditions of North America through programs and activities dedicated to Taste Education, Defending Biodiversity and Building Food Communities. Slow Food USA believes that pleasure and quality in everyday life can be achieved by slowing down, respecting the convivial traditions of the table and celebrating the diversity of the earth’s bounty. From the spice of Cajun cooking to the delicious simplicity of produce at a farmers’ market; from animal breeds and heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables to handcrafted wine and beer, farmhouse cheeses and other artisanal products; these foods are a part of our cultural identity. They reflect generations of commitment to the land and devotion to the processes that yield the greatest achievements in taste.

Slow Food is good, clean and fair food. We believe that the food we eat should taste good; that it should be produced in a clean way that does not harm the environment, animal welfare or our health; and that food producers should receive fair compensation for their work, and that all people should have access to this good and clean food.

from Slow Food Orlando Website

Participating Dining Establishments:

Austins Coffee
929 West Fairbanks Avenue
Winter Park, FL  32789
www.austinscoffee.com

Big Wheel Provisions
Audubon Park Community Market
1842 East Winter Park Road
Orlando, FL
www.bigwheelprovisions.com

Cress
103 West Indiana Avenue
Deland, FL  32720
www.cressrestaurant.com

Dandelion Communitea Café
618 N Thornton Ave
Orlando, FL 32803
www.dandelioncommunitea.com

Eden Bar
1300 South Orlando Avenue,
Maitland, FL  32751
www.enzian.org

Harmoni Market- College Park
2305 Edgewater Drive
Orlando, FL  32804
www.harmonimarket.com

Harmoni Market- Longwood
145 Wekiva Springs Road, Suite 161
Longwood, FL 32779

Highland Manor
604 East Main Street
Apopka, FL  32703
www.highlandmanorapopka.com

Journeys at Alaqua
2091 Alaqua Drive,
Longwood, FL  32779
www.journeysrestaurant.net

K Restaurant Wine Bar
2401 Edgewater Dr
Orlando, FL 32804
www.kwinebar.com

Islands Restaurant at
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
6300 Hollywood Way
Orlando, FL  32819
www.loewshotels.com

Luma on Park
290 South Park Avenue
Winter Park, FL  32789
www.lumaonpark.com

Nonna
1710 Edgewater Drive
Orlando, FL 32804
www.nonnawinebar.com

Old Hickory Steakhouse Restaurant
Gaylord Palms Resort
6000 W. Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, FL  34746
www.gaylordhotels.com

Plantation House
137 Plantation Drive
Titusville, FL 32780-2528

Primo
4040 Central Florida Parkway
Orlando, FL  32837
www.primorestaurant.com

The Ravenous Pig
1234 N Orange Ave
Winter Park, FL
www.theravenouspig.com

Virgin Olive Market
807 N. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL
www.virginolivemarket.com

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The Only Answer to Cancer: A Book Review

Cancer is a hot subject right now, no doubt. There are  dozens, if not hundreds of books written by doctors and natural practitioners, each with their own take on how we should be treating this vicious disease. And here comes a new one: Dr. Leonard Coldwell’s newest book, The Only Answer to Cancer,  has hit the media hard, and has apparently sold out lightning fast.

Dr. Coldwell’s approach is simply to deal with our stress. You heard that right; eradicate your stress and you will avoid, or even cure, cancer. He believes that the human body has the ability to cure itself of whatever ails it, and that stress is actually the cause of cancer, along with many other diseases and conditions. Managing our stress is his cure. Given our fast-paced lives, stopping stress in its tracks seems impossible, but he does have a program that he sells on audio CDs.

Listening to his interview on Blog Talk Radio, I was put off at first, by Dr. Coldwell’s blunt accusations against the government, other doctors and authors, and the medical community in general.  That’s not to say that I agree with everything the medical community does–hardly. Suffice it to say, I did not go into it feeling good about his ‘cure’. I hung in there, though, and learned about a good many websites that I found extremely interesting and highly educational.

For instance, one of Dr. Coldwell’s adamant claims was one that I was no stranger to—that of the dangers of immunizations. I had the distinctly enlightening experience of home-schooling one of my children for 3 years. During that time, I learned a lot about the inaccuracy of my own personal beliefs about home-schooled kids and their families. One of the many reasons that families choose to home school is a refusal to give their children the immunizations that the schools require for attendance.

I had read a few stories about children who died or became sick as a result of vaccinations, so I could understand these parents’ concerns. Dr. Coldwell believes the dangers go far beyond what the general public may have heard. His book is a virtual plethora of websites that, if explored, will no doubt scare you, and yet at the same time will leave you feeling empowered. Knowledge is power.

While urging government to stop forcing immunizations, this is not Dr. Coldwell’s only platform. His book talks about the dangers of surgical removal of cancerous tumors, that often can release toxins into the bloodstream, causing the disease to spread. Fluoride, too, is a culprit in the cancer equation, a bit of info that I had read about in another book, The Hundred Year Lie.

I found the resources compelling, yet was still left with a sinking question: “How can the U.S. or any government, protect the public health from communicable diseases, if immunizations to deadly diseases are not given to the masses?” It is a conundrum that has yet to be satisfactorily answered for all.

Nevertheless, I will continue to watch many of the websites shared, and read Dr. Coldwell’s blog for further information. You can watch a video here, as well as listen to his interview done on Blog Talk Radio.

As a cancer survivor myself, I used an integrated approach. Dr. Coldwell’s opinion of this was not glowing. It is his belief that if traditional medicine and natural means are integrated, the toxic nature of traditional medicine will ultimately have a negative effect on the patient’s health.

I would recommend that you, too, educate yourself. Clearly, reading all of the websites included in Dr. Coldwell’s book is a huge undertaking. I was overwhelmed and did not get through it all. However, I did take away from it something of value. There are no right or wrong answers that apply to everyone, no matter what Dr. Coldwell, or even Dr. Andrew Weil, might say. Dr. Coldwell attacks Dr. Weil’s  integrated approach, all the while pushing his anti-stress cure. Curiously, Dr. Coldwell asserts that he is not selling anything, yet he has stress elimination audio programs and books available on websites that sell all-natural cures for cancer. He does indicate that this book’s proceeds are going to charity. As for the audio programs and other books, I cannot say.

Was the book worth a read? Yes and no. There clearly is a ton of useful information there. However, you can get much of it from the speech and the interview, as well as his blog. Perhaps until the book is back in stock, that is a good way to start.

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Mystic Grove Annual Winter Solstice Celebration

If you prefer going all night rather than all day, the annual Mystic Grove Winter Solstice Celebration is also in the downtown area!

Annual Winter Solstice Service and Vigil

Please join us for a well-loved tradition organized by the Mystic Grove and friends. We gather to admire the seasonal altars and bask in the glowing warmth of this lovely candle-lit holiday service. This year we welcome back the beautiful sounds of the Harmony Sisters and other performers, listen to the Story of the Celts, and dance the spiral dance around the Yule log.

After the service, watch the Yule Log be lit, tell each other your holiday stories, and stay a while to enjoy the warmth of community! Those who wish to stand guard by the fire until dawn are invited to bring comfy chairs, blankets, and whatever else you may enjoy as we “camp out” and ensure the Sun will rise again!

First Unitarian Church of Orlando
1901 E. Robinson St
Orlando, FL 32803

• Winter Solstice Candlelit Ritual/Service  — 7 PM – 9 PM
• Winter Solstice All Night Vigil — 9 PM – 8 AM

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Sunrise to Sunset Winter Solstice Celebration at Florida School of Holisitic Living

Looking for downtown Winter Solstice fun? Florida School of Holistic Living is going all day on Dec 21,  You can hit nearby First Unitarian afterward if you want to keep going all night.

Sunrise to Sunset Solstice Celebration
Monday December 21
gathering begins at 6:30 am in the garden
(622 N Thornton Ave, Orlando)
Sunrise at 7:14 am + Solstice at 12:47 pm + Sunset at 5:34 pm

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne Bradstreet

We invite you to join us to celebrate Winter Solstice with us in the garden under the Bodhi Tree.

Winter Solstice occurs when the sun is at its southernmost point, thus it is the shortest day of the year. On this darkest day of the year, we gather together to celebrate the light beginning its return.

Sunrise Ceremony
with meditation, music, breathwork, and prayer

Garden Play and Seed Planting
Help prepare the garden for the coming season and plant seeds for the garden, to take home and to share with our community

Bring an instrument to share in music making

Massage/reiki/healing exchange

Sunset Ceremony with fire pit, music and releasing exercises

Join us at Sunrise or throughout the day for a time of reflection, celebration, and community.

“The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent upon it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.” ~Galileo

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Preschool Holiday Workshop at Orlando Science Center

Fun stuff at Orlando Science Center this weekend:

Santa’s Christmas Workshop! Join us as we celebrate Christmas, the next holiday featured in our special Holiday Workshop series geared for your preschoolers (3-5yo) and you. Each participant will bring home a certificate, craft, and memories of a day of fun and education. The workshop will also include a snack and a story.

WHEN: Saturday, December 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Orlando Science Center
777 East Princeton Street
Orlando, FL 32803-1250
(407) 514-2000

COST:

• Science Center Members: $20 per parent & child; $5 for additional person.
• General Public: $25 per parent & child; $5 for additional person.
  (Science Center admission is required)

Space is limited, reservations required. For registration or more information call 407.514.2112. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m.

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Xagave Nectar–A Natural, Low Glycemic Sweetener

I was diagnosed with PCOS with insulin resistance back in 2001.  I didn’t begin to take that diagnosis seriously until 2004 when I was pregnant with my second child.   I knew that my insulin resistance could very well turn into full-blown diabetes if I didn’t change my eating habits.  While it was difficult, I gave up many of my favorite sweets and looked for natural sweeteners I could use in those instances when sweetness was absolutely necessary.

I often use agave nectar in hot beverages for my family such as hot tea and hot chocolate.  I also add a little to smoothies that need a bit of sweetening.  I have used it in teriyaki sauce too!  Most importantly, I gave some to my mom (who is diabetic) to replace the artificial sweeteners she had been using on a regular basis.  As someone who uses agave nectar regularly, I was quite intrigued when I read about Xagave Nectar, a special blend of agave.  I requested a sample and looked forward to trying it.

According to the website, this particular type of agave nectar is special:

Xagave is a Premium Blend of Agave Nectar derived from organic Agave Salmiana (White Agave) and organic inulin from Agave Tequilana (Blue Agave). This combination results in the highest quality nectar with the best taste, best cooking qualities and the most health benefits of any nectar on the market; making our nectar the perfect sweetener for all of your cooking, canning, and baking needs. Your foods will taste better while saving calories and our nectar can be simply exchanged for sugar or honey in any of your favorite recipes.

This particular blend of agave nectar was developed by Stephen Richards, a father of two from a family with a long history of diabetes.  According to the cookbook, he actually traveled to Mexico where he spent time talking with farmers and industry experts.  He believes that this blend of agave nectar is superior to others in terms of taste, texture, cooking qualities, and health benefits.

I am very impressed with the cookbook.  The recipes included call only for wholesome ingredients that I’d feel comfortable feeding my family.  The recipes are not vegan, but I’m sure substitutions could be made.  Here are a few recipes in the book that caught my eye:

• Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats
• Blueberry-Cranberry Granola Bar Muffins
• Whole Wheat Pancake and Waffle Blender Mix
• Strawberry Jam
• Banana Bread
• Grilled Yams
• Mango Salsa
• Simple Coleslaw
• Teriyaki Chicken
• Tangy Ketchup
• Kansas City Barbecue Sauce
• Whole Wheat Carrot Pineapple Cake
• Whole Grain Texas Sheet Cake
• Homemade Ice Cream and Sorbet
• Banana Chocolate Oat Cream Shake
• Strawberry Daiquiri (Yes, there is an adult beverage section!)

Since discovering agave nectar, I have used it often, but until now, I felt that I could not use it in baking due to the cost.  After trying this product, I plan to order a large bottle of Xagave since it appears to be a good value when compared to the small bottles found at Whole Foods.   I will post a follow-up after I’ve tried some of the recipes mentioned here!

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Haba Limited Edition Wooden Nativity

If your spiritual or religious tradition(s) put you in the market for a child friendly Nativity set, I’d go with the Haba Limited Edition one.

I bought it at Oompa.com for Julia when she was about 3 years old as a Christmas gift. It is a bit of a splurge, but I fully expect it to go throughout her childhood and then some.  Three years into it and the set looks new except for the unfinished stable.  That got some crayon on it somehow — nothing a little sandpaper won’t fix.

The Haba set is made in Germany. Each solid hard wood piece is reasonably chunky,   easy on the eyes, and decorated with non-toxic, child-friendly paints and finishes.  Julia had no trouble with it at 3 years old, but back then I kept a sharp eye on the shepherd.  His staff sticks up and could be pokey.  The laying down sheep with no legs is a bit small… could be a choking hazard. The angel’s halo could also be a worry.  But those are the only pieces and could be reintroduced later when the toddler/preschooler is  bigger.

ADVENT TABLE IDEA

I bring this out each year for her to play with during December and January.  When she’s done playing with it each day it all gets left out on a table as our Advent and Epiphany calendar.

For Advent, we cut out yellow construction paper stars and number for Dec 1 – Dec 24.   We use a piece of tan microsuede fabric to be “sand” and tape the stars down on it.  Then Mary and Joseph can “travel” each day along each star until arriving at the stable and we pull the Baby Jesus piece out of hiding.   Other years it is the Baby Jesus piece that “travels” to be “born” but whichever way you do it, the point is that the whole family is in the stable by Dec 24.

For Epiphany (the 12 days of Christmas up to Jan 6), we cut out orange stars from construction paper.  This is so the Three Wisemen/Three Kings can travel to visit the stable too now that the baby is born.

At our house, Julia opens presents from extended relatives on Dec 24 and 25th and doesn’t get her stocking from us until Three King’s Day on Jan 6th.  We like that this spreads it around a bit so she isn’t overwhelmed and neither are we. The table display keeps her busy with pretend play and counting off the days.

Other than wishing that  the stable had come in natural but finished in the low gloss like the other pieces to make it easier to wipe and clean, I think this set is just about perfect for a kid!

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“A Gift for Music” Winter Orchestra Concert Dec 5th!

A guest post from Deidra Lynch:

I hope that all of you can attend the upcoming “A Gift for Music” Winter Orchestra Concert being held on

Dec 5th at 3:00pm
First Unitarian Church of Orlando in the Sanctuary

1901 E. Robinson St

Orlando, FL 32803

AGFM served 13 Title One schools in Central Florida last year by offering free violin rentals and weekly instruction for all third graders as well as advanced classes for interested students in 4th and 5th grade.

Participating schools for the 2009-2010 school year include:

• Azalea Park Elementary
• Eccleston Elementary
• Fern Creek Elementary
• Orlo Vista Elementary
• Three Points Elementary
• Ventura Elementary

Talented middle school students that are willing to make the weekly Saturday commitment to rehearsal are invited to participate in the Core Orchestra and switch to viola, cello or bass.  They may audition for the Chamber Orchestra when they reach a high school performance level.  Many of these students do not have orchestras in their middle or high school music programs so AGFM continues to put classical strings training in the hands of deserving but disadvantaged Central Florida students.

The AGFM Core and Chamber orchestras will be playing for us and their families in the sanctuary at 3:00pm and we will then have a small reception after wards in Gore Hall.  AGFM will be supplying coffee, cups, punch and cookies.

Lear more about “A Gift for Music” by watching the video online.

Volunteers interested in helping to organize or decorate for this free concert are welcome to email msdjazzy@gmail.com!

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Farmer’s Market at the Plaza Theatre on Saturdays!

There’s a new farmer’s market in town. Those close to the downtown or milk district areas get the unique experience of a farmer’s market at the historic Plaza Theatre!

Farmer’s Market @ The Historic Plaza Theatre
Every Saturday from 9am-3pm

What: The Farmers Market will showcase a wide variety of produce from Florida farms sold by the farmers themselves; handcrafted jewelry, stained glass, paintings, handmade candles, soaps and oils; a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants; food and beverage; live entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Where: The Historic Plaza Theatre on Bumby Avenue!
425 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

When: Every Saturday from 9 am – 3 pm, beginning November 14, 2009

Who: Vendors wishing to participate should e-mail information along with photos of proposed items for sale and their display to: plazafarmersmarket@gmail.com.

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