reviews

my opinion.

resolutions 2012.

02/03/2012 | Leave a comment! | Topics: just talk, reviews, Travel Oregon

I always like to wait until February of a given year, to finalize my New Year resolutions. A bonafide procrastination technique: my excuse is that I begin THINKING about resolutions at the beginning of January. Then let them marinate. Until I finally come up with my deliberately crafted list of things to do/change/see/be. Yes: I need to drink more water (and probably fewer Manhattans—certainly not this whole case of beer!).***… [more]

holiday cheer: product shout-outs plus TWO giveaways!!

12/12/2011 | 16 Comments | Topics: just talk, reviews

There is always a flurry of products to review, showcase and ‘list’ for holiday shopping. Companies reach out, aiming to be noticed in the middle of the holiday noise. I admittedly delete a lot of them—mostly those that don’t interest me or ‘fit’ with my blog (diet water? frozen dinners? health pills?), but sometimes a few hang out in my inbox due to my curiosity. Some companies send me… [more]

Urban Farm Handbook. (giveaway)

11/11/2011 | 29 Comments | Topics: farm., places to go, reviews

I knew I wanted to get my hands on this book, just from the title: Urban Farm Handbook. I have carried it on the plane with me a few times recently, and am sure I get a few good looks what with goats, chickens and biochar pouring off the pages. No doubt someone saw me shaking my head and smiling when I realized that thanks to reading this book:… [more]

will fly for oil: California Olive Ranch

11/08/2011 | 3 Comments | Topics: frolics., reviews

California Olive Ranch has a new fan: me. A few days ago I flew to Sacramento to check out their digs in northern California. They have 3 ranches; we visited the Artois ranch. You may know my deep affection for green gold—just pressed olive oil—due in large part to living in Italy for a year. While in Italy, we tasted a lot of olive oil(s) from different… [more]

FAIR TRADE. (and a GIVEAWAY)

10/26/2011 | 11 Comments | Topics: reviews

I like the idea of buying goods that support good causes. I like good people who are trying to make a difference. And, I am a big believer in ‘voting’ with our consumer purchasing power. For example, I don’t buy food at fast food restaurants and choose to buy grass-fed beef from a local farmer. I buy produce from a CSA or small farmer and seeds from sources that… [more]

Halloween Party Ideas & GIVEAWAY

10/17/2011 | 17 Comments | Topics: holidays, reviews

Hello! You didn’t think I would let this month slip by without a round of Halloween suggestions did you? I adore this month, this holiday, this excuse for making wickedly good libations and downright naughty treats. Every year we have a party, full of spiders and spooks, noshes and newfangled drinks. We pump up the creaky noises, fill our home with fog and tip our hats at the [more]

Unprocessed food: an event, a book and a GIVEAWAY

10/16/2011 | 15 Comments | Topics: reviews

Wow, I didn’t quite see this one coming. I gained a friend this summer: Andrew from Eating Rules. We met while soaking up Portland with a pile of other foodies. We chatted about our blogs, our passions—what we wanted to write books about. We talked about making a difference by inspiring people toward good eating habits and choices. I love to encourage you—my readers—to try new… [more]

FEB product reviews: olive oil, crackers, bowls and a GIVEAWAY!

02/28/2011 | 18 Comments | Topics: reviews

We consume olive oil like it is going out of style. It is my primary cooking oil, the way I lightly coat vegetables for roasting and part and parcel to our family’s Italian year abroad (read this fun post on ‘Olive Oil Tasting‘). California Olive Ranch sent me this bottle. Hey ranch guys? Thanks. It’s fantastic. Bottom line? I will be buying this product in the… [more]

Barefoot Bubbly, coffee and tequila… piqued your interest?

01/15/2011 | 2 Comments | Topics: libations, reviews

I am a liquids girl. While spending time on my computer, I like to have a beverage nearby. A coffee, a water, some tea. In my car is no different: a coffee or water nestled into a holder. At home, dinner time and with guests: some wine, a cocktail, an aperitif. Even in college and grad school, I would make myself huge lattes—while plugging my way through homework. Plus… [more]

Thanks for the goodies!

11/29/2010 | 2 Comments | Topics: reviews

This post is combo review and thank you. ThermaPen: Am loving the automatic pen. Its super easy to use, clean and calculate temps of food. Thanks for sending; I will use it often! SeaPak Seafood: I loved popping into the store with coupons from you. My nearby store had only two of your products: the Clam Strips and Butterflied Baked Shrimp. So I bought both and we… [more]