My Food Revolution: Soda Be Gone?

"I gave up soda." - Me
"Yeah, I heard you gave up on life too." - Coworker
"You mean my natural foods movement?" - Me
"Yeah, giving up everything that is good in life is basically giving up on life." - Coworker

I love soda, more specifically I love a good Mountain Dew or Coca Cola after a long hard day of work. A Coke goes perfectly with pizza, and a Mountain Dew tastes great with a burger. What I don't love about soda is this: high fructose corn syrup. And I've tried Mountain Dew throwback, I wasn't a fan, too sugary. Now Coca Cola with sugar in the glass bottle, I'm a sucker for every single time. My sister has always told my mother and me that we shouldn't drink our calories. When you think of all the other wonderful tasty foods you could have instead of soda her advice is sound. When you think of how much sugar is in one can, it can make you sick to your stomach. So what can we do? Should we eliminate soda entirely from our diets? Is that realistic?

I've done a lot of thinking about this, I finished my last Mountain Dew on Friday, April 15, 2011. I told myself two weeks free from soda would do me some good, and I truly believe removing soda from my diet would do some good. First, I usually get soda with fast food, and since I pledged on April 16, 2011 to remove fast food from my diet, removing something that I get with fast food could only help me. I didn't want to taste a soda and think, man I wish I was having (fill in the blank) right now. So I came to an agreement with myself. I will limit soda from my diet. First, when I drink soda I usually don't drink the necessary water for that day. Second, it costs money that I could be using on better food: farmers market produce and free range, grass fed meat. The money I would be saving by removing this from my diet could be used towards picking higher quality products up.

Now everyone knows that when you have a goal, it's easier to stick by if you have rewards. When I am just getting into a new work out regime, I bribe myself. Stick with it for two months and you get a pedicure. Why can't the same be true for a new eating lifestyle? I don't think soda is the end of the world, but I do think limiting soda is important. So instead of completely banning I have decided that one soda every two weeks will be my reward for eating healthy. And more specifically, Coca Cola from the glass bottle with real sugar. Why? Not only does it taste better, but something about drinking it from an ice cold glass bottle makes me savor it more. This way I can still enjoy a treat, which is what soda should be viewed as, a treat to have intermittently instead of a part of our every day diet. If you don't know, you can purchase Coca Cola in the glass bottle with real sugar from Costco.

My Food Revolution: Slowly Getting Rid of Processed Food

I've been being really good about trying to reduce the amount of processed food I have. There are things I miss, but ultimately finding healthy food that I love and tastes good has been a rewarding process. I've been buying fresh items and finishing off whatever processed food I have, and there are a few items which I love and I knew there were recipes to have fresh and homemade easy alternatives. I found a few, so I'll be sharing them with you as I discover them!

In the process of trying to become more healthy I've been eating more salads. I make a mean salad and the only concern I have is the dressing and the croutons. The Ranch dressing I use isn't the best for me but it keeps me eating the salad, and what I use in the salad requires less Ranch. The croutons had me thinking I needed to make my own after learning about what is in the bread in the grocery store aisle. As I finally discovered and enjoyed the bread from Great Harvest, I knew I could make my own croutons if I wanted to but lacked a recipe. A simple search through Google took me to the Savory Sweet Life by Alice - the recipe is incredibly simple and included pictures. I started perusing the site and suffice to say now follow it on a regular basis (as you can see in the blogs I follow.) Here's the link to her crouton recipe to use with my basic salad listed below. It's really simple but quite delicious.

Add these croutons to My Favorite Salad Recipe. :)

My Food Revolution: My Favorite Salad

I know that salads are not all created equal, and this one in particular is loaded with fat BUT it does have a lot of vegetables in it which I wouldn't be eating otherwise. If only consumed every once in awhile it isn't all that bad. And to be honest, it beats eating a Double Cheeseburger from McDonald's.

Courtney's Favorite Salad:


3-6 Hearts of Romaine lettuce cut in thin strips
Handful of Cherub Tomatoes
1 Hard boiled Grass Fed, Free Range Egg
1 stalk of organic Green Onions chopped
Small handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 of an organic Avocado cubed
6-8 slices of organic Cucumber cut into fourths
Handful of croutons
Dressing of your choice
*Optional
Baked bacon
Buffalo Chicken sandwich meat

Racism: Alive and Kicking in America

Barack Obama. The man who is dividing my country, friendships, and my family. Why? Quite simply put, because racism is not only alive and well in America, it's actually celebrated. People questioning Donald Trump for demanding the birth certificate are viewed as idiotic, this is a real issue. I forgot, if you hide racism in issues, then it's not racism anymore, it's just good practice. I know you're going to go on the defensive so let's try a different approach.

Let's imagine the next President of the US has a mother from Kansas and a father from Sweden. The mother has blonde hair, blue eyes, and went missing after the birth of her son. The father is in the States for school, he also has blonde hair and blue eyes. Both were raised Christian and their son is raised that way too. They name their son John Smith. John's Dad disappears and his Mom struggles to get by. Despite the adversary, John is athletic, he's charismatic, he goes to an Ivy League school. After graduating college he gets his law degree from an Ivy League school. He could go on to have a very profitable career, but instead he goes into public servitude, going to the most dangerous areas of the country. Working to organize the community to help reduce teen pregnancies, end hate crimes, increase the number of high school graduates, etc. He runs for the Senate and wins. Then he runs for the Presidency, he also wins, by a landslide.

Perhaps it's best to look at a real life situation. One Chicago Tribune Reporter has been on the Obama birth certificate story since 2008 when they believed it was silly to even discuss the matter. While Senator John McCain faced similar questions regarding his citizenship (his father was stationed in the Panama Canal and McCain was born on a military base) there were never full page ads questioning his right to become President. He was never accused of forging signatures, producing a fake birth certificate, or to have a lawsuit taken to the SUPREME COURT over his citizenship. No, McCain didn't win, but if he had won would we be having a similar debate about his birth certificate and right to be President? Or more to the point would he be treated in the way that Obama is being treated for the answers to the same questions?

The problem is whether or not you have 'legitimate' claims of your concern for Obama being a natural born citizen. When we treat two individuals differently based on the color of their skin, THAT is racism. What satisfied those who questioned McCain being a 'natural born citizen' should be the same for Obama, clearly that is not what happened. It's frightening that the deep seeded racism is so engrained in our society we don't even recognize it when it happens.
 
The other day I was watching tv when a Bayer commercial came on. The white male is in pain on the plane and there is an Asian flight attendant. He asks her for medicine for his back. She gives him Bayer. Obviously she doesn't have a good grasp of English so he talks to her slowly and uses hand motions to show that it's 'Not my heart, my back'. She responds in perfect English telling him she understands and that it works for pain as well. While the intent is to show that most people have misconceptions about what Bayer can do for pain it uses a harmful stereotype about Asians to promote their product. Now I'm sure someone out there is thinking I'm overly sensitive because I am Asian. Damn right I am! People will avoid other racial jokes in front of people of other ethnicities, but almost every single white friend I've had has made some sort of crack about Asians. Whether it's about the food they eat, the accent they have, their abilities in math/science, or driving ability, I've heard it all. And mind you, these are from the people who supposedly care about me. All of my life I've had people tell me I "should be used to being made fun of, because [I'm] Asian." So instead of them not telling racist jokes or saying hurtful things and just being nicer, I am supposed to just take being treated like crap. Because it's their right to make me feel bad about myself over something I have no control over (the color of my skin, the shape of my eyes) and it's my job to take it. To say this is something that made me situationally depressed about in middle school is an understatement. Kids were so intolerably cruel to me I thought of committing suicide to escape their constant degradation. It's something that typing this post makes me tear up and I'm reminded of how much I hated myself for something I had no control over.

I've had family members tell me that people of Arab descent should be screened at airports and the Japanese were rightfully kept in internment camps. Racial profiling is there because these people are dangerous. The psychology major in me asks, are they dangerous and that's why we are profiling them or is it more like a self-fulfilling prophecy? When Timothy McVeigh blew up the Oklahoma City Federal Building no one profiled angry looking Caucasian men. When the KKK terrorizes families here in the US no one profiles Caucasian people. Using race as the ONLY factor to judge someone is not only racist, it's morally wrong.
 
As for as I know, God didn't tell us that we should "Love thy neighbor as thyself" EXCEPT Blacks, Asians, Latinos, Arabs and homosexuals. There wasn't an except then, yet we live that way now. Love everybody, and if you can't do that then tolerate everybody. No exceptions.

My Food Revolution: Where Can You Eat Out?

When I decided to give up fast food almost two weeks ago I knew I told myself I would slowly adapt to the Natural Food lifestyle and slowly reject my current ways. As with almost everything I've done, I jumped straight in and did the complete opposite. Fast food has been relatively easy to give up, despite living next to more than a dozen different fast food restaurants. Once I knew what was in my food it made every decision I made easier. Now I don't always have the energy, time, or dedication to make every meal, and with the removal of fast food from my diet where was I to turn to find a meal that fit within my new lifestyle and was still relatively friendly on the budget?

I knew immediately that I could count on Chipotle. I had always loved Chipotle, as a Colorado girl supporting this great Colorado based company was a no-brainer. Delicious food, good prices, what's not to love? Every time I've been to Chipotle I've seen that they are trying to have 'Food with Integrity'.

So what exactly does that mean? I looked it up today, checked out Chipotle's website to see what they had to say about their food. Not only is Chipotle trying (and in some cases are already there) to provide only grass fed, free range meat, they're also committed to keeping hormones and anti-biotics away from the dairy. Their theory is if you raise the demand, you'll help influence the way the industry is going. So by being committed to natural food, raised locally where animals and workers are treated with respect, they're actually changing the food culture. So every time you visit Chipotle, you too are supporting that movement.

Ironic to think the restaurant that teamed up with McDonald's to become global is one of the biggest pioneers in the industry for a change in the way food is made.

YPOTC: April 28, 2011

Young Professionals of Twin Cities
Upcoming Events

Join Us @ Spill the Wine Tonight

The YPOTC and the U of MN are continuing our partnership with the series of events called, "Unleash Your Inner Awesome!" We have solid presenters lined up that are sure to benefit everyone.

Wow! Pow! SOCK! Creative Communication With Impact April 28, 2011 Networking 5:30-6 p.m, workshop starts at 6 p.m Learn to present your ideas creatively, to a variety of audiences and types of thinkers. Instructor: Stephanie McGovern.

Additional Education Event Information. Next Events: April 28th and May 26th Cost: FREE Cash Bar All Events are at Spill The Wine To Register http://cce.umn.edu/professional-development-series/ Cut and paste link

Upcoming Events
Wow! Pow! Sock! Creative Communications with Impact
Date: Thursday, April 28, 2011 Time: 5:30pm
Venue: Spill the Wine - 1101 Washington Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55415
Learn to present your ideas creatively, to a variety of audiences and types of thinkers. Instructor: Stephanie McGovern.

YPOTC 2nd Tuesday Event
Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 Time: 5:30pm 
Venue: Uptown Cafeteria - 3001 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55408
Join us at Cafeteria for a wonderful night of networking and kicking off the patio season.

I Am Rubber, You Are Glue. Flexibility in Times of Change
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2011 Time: 5:30pm
Venue: Spill the Wine - 1101 Washington Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55415
Learn to manage change, both in terms of your own job responsibilities and from a team perspective. Find out how to use the process to your advantage. Instructor: Nan Larsen

My Food Revolution: Great Harvest Taste Test

As I tweeted yesterday, I went after work to the Linden Hills Great Harvest location. The place is only a few blocks where I get my hair cut at Salon Rox. The best part about this is that I can go from work in Edina to Great Harvest, leave Great Harvest and go to Trader Joe's before taking Excelsior back to my apartment. It's a long, round about way to go home, but I found a way to make it convenient for me.
Back to the bread. Everyone I talked to yesterday has had Great Harvest bread, but usually years and years ago. My coworker and I discussed all the bad things out there for you and when I told her what my friend Sarah (from Chicks Who Give a Puck) told me about breads that last over ten days we both knew we would have to adapt and incorporate fresh made bread to our lifestyle.

So back to the actual bread. When you walk into the store there are samples of the bread to try out by the cashier. I had perused the aisles, kind of figured out what I wanted when the owner of the store took the time to answer all my questions, including pointing out customer favorites, how to store the bread, why not to refrigerate the bread, etc. Then he asked if I wanted to try one of the samples. Of course I did! I asked for a small piece as I was still full from lunch, to my surprise he gave me a slab of bread that was literally an inch thick. If that's small I don't even want to know what normal sized is!

The bread I sampled was the bread I ended up buying, Great Harvest's top selling bread - the Honey Wheat. Delicious and nutritious, with no preservatives, oils, dyes, or ingredients you can't pronounce. While the bread is significantly more expensive than what you'd find at the grocery store the owner gave me a great tip.
*Once you buy the bread put half in the freezer. The bread you leave out on the countertop will last from seven to ten days. Once you remove the other bread from the freezer, it will last seven to ten days. The bread thaws out in three to four hours.*

Skinny Girl Margaritas are a HIT!

Bethenny Frankel became a household name when she joined Bravo TV's The Real Housewives of NYC, and she became the fans' favorite with her straight shooting attitude and go get 'em demeanor. It was reported last week that Bethenny Frankel sold her 'Skinny Girl Maragarita' rights for over $120 million. Frankel will still work with the board, advise on new products, and be the face of the brand.

So here's the skinny:

Before the show Frankel was living with Jill Zarin and while she was doing well, she was taking a chance by going on the show to try and launch the product. The gamble definitely worked as liquor store clerks report that the product has been flying off the shelf, they even ran out for an extended period of time! The bottle sells for $12.99 in Minnesota and each serving is only 100 calories. That's genius compared to the hundreds to thousands of calories margaritas usually have.

Unable to run to the liquor store before a big dinner OR the liquor store ran out before friends are due over?

Here's the substitute:

Silver Tequila
Juice from 4 fresh limes
Small splash of cointreau or triple sec
And splash of soda if too strong.
*Do not have the salt.*

To find out more about Frankel's Skinny Girl Cocktails check out her site!

My Food Revolution: Trader Joe's

I had heard time and time again that Trader Joe's had all kinds of neat stuff for a good price. All of my friends talk about the "Two Buck Chuck" and everything else, but as a wine hater (except white wine sangria from Lucia's on Hennepin) I could care less.

One of my coworkers is big on food documentaries and she had bought half a cow last year for her family. I wanted to get more information from her on that, even though I have no freezer space for said cow, just to think it over. She told me that they aren't getting half a cow, they'll get a much smaller portion because Trader Joe's had pretty affordable free range, grass fed beef. Trader Joe's, maybe less than a ten minute drive from home, and on my way home from work. I was ecstatic. I hadn't had time over the weekend to check it out, so after dinner last night I headed over.

Trader Joe's is an odd set up in St. Louis Park. The parking lot is ungodly small and it's very small inside as well. I picked up my basket and headed straight for the meat section. Earlier that day I had picked up some organic fruit and veggies from Lunds (which I will continue to do until the Farmers Markets open) but saw the price of free range, grass fed ground beef and balked. $11.98 per pound of 97/3 ground beef? No. Freaking. Way. I wanted to eat healthy but that was ridiculous, I mean I have to be able to do other things too, right? Well I passed on the beef earlier but standing at Trader Joe's I came across the ground beef and found 96/4 for $4.98 per pound. That's less than half of what Lunds was charging. Now I know Lunds is expensive, it's an upscale grocery store but the difference was still shocking.

The chicken was sitting right next to the beef. For free range, grass fed chicken the cost was slightly higher. However, after watching Food Inc. I don't believe I will be able to eat Tyson Chicken ever again. Whether we're talking the horrifying treatment of the chicken or the chemicals they use to grow a chicken in 48 days instead of 72 it disgusts me. Let's just say nature shows us chickens are not meant to grow that quickly because the chicken can barely take a few steps before falling over due to the unproportional amount of weight to leg strength ratio. Almost $9 for chicken? Well it's the price you have to pay

I have a few recipes I'm looking forward to trying out these upcoming weeks. I'll be sure to let you know how they turn out,and if I can tell the difference.

And for all those wondering, Target's 97/3 ground beef is also around $4.98. Their free range, grass fed beef is closer to $6 per pound.

PhilanthroFair & PhilanthroFair Board Boot Camp

Thanks to LEAD's members and our fantastic nonprofit partners, the PhilanthroFair model has been an outstanding success in connecting motivated young professionals with nonprofits who need volunteers and board members. The next PhilanthroFair brings a new crop of nonprofits with a wide range of opportunities.

We hope you'll join us for this event to network with nonprofits and other young professionals who are working to better our community!

PhilanthroFair

Thursday, May 12, 6-8 p.m.
Graves 601 Hotel

Meet Representatives from: Alzheimer’s Association, Animal Humane Society, Citizen’s League, CommonBond Communities, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Girls on the Run, Guild Incorporated, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, The LEAD Project, Opportunity International, PACER Center, Playworks, Project Healthy Smile, Rebuilding Together, ResourceWest, Rock Star Supply Company, World Without Genocide and YWCA of Minneapolis.

For additional event details and to RSVP, visit the LEAD Project website.
PhilanthroFair Board Boot Camp
Thursday, May 12, 5-6 p.m.
Graves 601 Hotel
Take the first step in creating a meaningful relationship with your community. The PhilanthroFair Board Boot Camp is great for anyone who is curious about becoming a board member and wants to know the right questions to ask nonprofits at LEAD’s PhilanthroFair. In this in-depth training, participants will learn board member roles and responsibilities, skills that translate well to serving on a board, common pitfalls that can come to boards and what young professionals can gain from board service.

Space is limited for the Board Boot Camp so register here:

My Food Revolution: Change My Own Mind

Recently I was reminded how touchy of a subject one's diet is. The sole purpose and intent of "My Food Revolution" is to talk about my experiences, document my journey, and invite those who know more than I do to share their recipes, tips, and advice with me. I've learned so much on the beginning of my journey and I know it's only the start.

Part of the reason I find the Food Revolution so appealing is that it seems like common sense, same with most of the books and documentaries I am watching. I sit down and think about it, it all just makes sense. Now as many of you have told me, I should really seek other sources and find out more information. True. There are usually three sides to every story. Side A, Side B and the Truth. Most of us will hear A's story or believe B's side, thus giving us our perception of truth. This isn't the truth, but what we operate and believe to be true based on the facts provided to us.

Right now my perception of food is this: Fast Food and unhealthy food was delicious, cheap, fast, but I always noticed how my clothes fit, how my body felt, and what my skin did. I knew it wasn't the best thing for me. Even when I ate my regular meals if I avoided fast food I always lost a few pounds. I didn't need a diet or book or documentary to tell me that fast food was adding pounds I didn't want and contributed to me feeling lethargic. I avoided eating fast food while working out for that very reason.

What I didn't know was the corporation side of food, the way the government and food industry were in bed with each other. I didn't know the particulars and I didn't know why my dog's food was better than my food. The documentary cleared a lot of things up for me, including how meat is made, why the number of contamination outbreaks are so high when they happen, and more. Because once you understand the process, the contamination part is understood quite easily.

I guess what I am trying to say is this: Before I learned what I learned I ate the same things that most of you are eating. And while I am glad I found out because it's my body and I like to make choices based on what I've learned, I will never judge YOU for doing what you want. One month ago I couldn't have been told differently and would eat what I wanted when I wanted. But if you ever decide you want to learn more, I'm right here and willing to share what I've gathered thus far.

Bourne a Fake

I LOVE Robert Ludlum, I mean I LOVE him. So imagine my dismay when I found out that (even with the permission of Ludlum's estate/family) there was a writer who had no creativity/own idea and decided to continue on with the Bourne books. The Bourne Trilogy is comprised of three excellent novels, and three good movies. Though the movies and books are very, VERY different, both are fun and exciting. As is always the case, the book is a million times better than the movie.

Now perhaps part of the reason I have also loved the Bourne movies is my deep, unwaivering love of Matt Damon. Back in the day I was a supporter of Matt Damon and Sandra Bullock when everyone else claimed other actors as their favorites. Now, everyone claims Damon and Bullock to be their favorites, and that's okay it's good they finally see what I saw since Good Will Hunting / Speed - these two are great actors. I open my daily email from US Weekly and see that not only are they going forward with a fourth Bourne movie based on the book that's not by Robert Ludlum, but Matt Damon isn't going to be a part of it.

This new movie is supposed to be a spin-off, but there have been only a few entertainment series in which a spin-off has been as good or better than the original. Cheers ->Frasier is one of the most memorable of the bunch. How do I feel about this new movie? If you couldn't already tell, I won't be going.

For more info check out US Weekly's piece on the new movie: http://www.usmagazine.com/moviestvmusic/news/jeremy-renner-replacing-matt-damon-in-bourne-series-2011224?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter

2011 International Film Festival and Punch Pizza

You know I love a reason to try new things, and Punch Pizza is doing just that with their partnership/promo of the 2011 International Film Festival.

Punch Neapolitan Pizza Northeast is once again partnering with the Minneapolis / St. Paul International Film Festival- April 14th- May 5th, 2011.

Bring your film fest ticket stub to Punch Northeast for a FREE Margerita or Napoli pizza or $6.25 off any pizza of your choice with the purchase of a beverage-limit one per person.

Visit the International Film Festival's website for shows and times.

http://www.mspfilmfest.org/2011/

Convenient parking (1/2 way between the St. Anthony Main Theatreand Punch) is located at the River Place parking garage on 2nd Ave SE between East Hennepin and Bank Street SE.

Enjoy the films and enjoy your free pizza!

The Power of the iPad

Just now, on one device while sitting in bed I have done the following things:
Added posts to my hockey website
Watched Jamie Oliver's "Food Revolution"
Read a few chapters of Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food
YouTubed a few videos
Wrote a blog post
Listened to music
Played Angry Birds HD
Went online shopping
Played the guitar, drums and piano on a touch screen
One device less than two pounds. How is this even possible? How can we put a man on the moon, make a device that works like this, and do generally awesome things yet still struggle to feed everyone in the world? How is that a possibility. Think about it, because it just doesn't make sense.

2011 Basilica Block Party

I LOVE the Basilica Block Party. Live music, fun acts, great (super unhealthy) food, and friends. What more could you ask for? Well, the band list was released yesterday live and today sent out to all Cities 97 Members.

The 2011 Basilica Block Party

July 8th & 9th, 2011 @ The Basilica of St. Mary

Friday July 8th Lineup
Sun Country Stage
David Gray
TBD
Lissie
Scars on 45

Walser Stage
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Fitz & The Tantrums
G. Love & Special Sauce

Saturday, July 9th
Sun Country Stage
Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs
Amos Lee
Gomez

Walser Stage
Drive-By Truckers
TBD
The 4OnTheFloor

*Tickets on sale to the general public on Saturday, May 7th. Cities 97 Frequent Listener Club Members will have access to a presale on Friday, May 6th. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster, and without service fees at the Local, the Liffey, Kieran's Irish Pub, and Cooper Irish Pub. Single day passes will be $40 and two-day passes will be $70.

My Food Revolution: Great Harvest

There was something that was bothering me when I went to the grocery store. I had looked at the ingredients of many different breads and all of them had too many ingredients, and they all had either soy bean oil or canola oil. Oil, other than Extra Virgin Olive Oil, kind of skeeves me out. I've never been a margarine lover, even when it was in style. I can always taste when margarine is used, and my belief has been much like my grandfather Pop's "Don't feed me that crap!"

So when I find almost every package of bread with one of those two oils in them, I became a little disheartened. I'm not crazy, I promise, but the reason I don't like supporting soy bean oil and canola oil differ. Here's why. When Monsanto, the makers of Round Up, genetically modified the soy bean, a case appeared before the Supreme Court and it was ruled that the maker of a genetically modified seed owned that seed / product. With that ruling and majority opinion from Justice Clarence Thomas, Monsanto was able to go after any farmer who was cleaning their seed and claim that they were infringing on their product. Justice Thomas used to work as an attorney for Monsanto*, something which makes my gut kick. I don't like when justice is compromised, and I greatly feel that in that case it was indeed compromised. My beef with the canola oil is slightly different but applies to every oil other than Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Other oils use hydrogenated fats, science to get their product. Instead of using what nature gave us, butter / animal lard, we're using something man made. In recent years mother nature has shown us that our man made levies, buildings, etc. are no match for her. I believe the same to be true of food, why have food grown in pesticides when I can have food grown with soil, sunshine and water? The canola oil is from the rape seed, which they process and add hydrogenated oils to, before re-marketing it as canola oil. I don't know about you but that doesn't sound very appetizing to me.

So with all these breads on the market containing soy bean oil or canola oil, what is one to do? Using my Yelp! app on my iPhone and iPad, I typed in 'Farmers Market'. Along with the listing for all of the local farmers markets and their hours of operation there was a listing for a bread place. I hadn't thought much of it earlier today or the days prior when I had seen it on the list but remembering how the bread I have isn't what I wanted I decided to check it out. The bread company that was listed is called Great Harvest. Looking through the website I found a number of things I immediately liked, the first being that these are all franchises. I like that there are locations throughout the state where one or two people take full responsibility for the product they are offering. The second thing I really appreciated? On their website they list that they have been around for thirty years and making their bread the same way before whole grain was cool. I like that they don't give in to whatever nutritional fad is happening. And the third, and most important thing on the website? Huge free samples. Kidding, though they do offer those. The most important thing on the site was the listing of their five simple ingredients. No oils, bread made fresh daily, lasts for ten days. There's something so comforting reading that. I love that they're closed on Sundays because they are family run. It just feels right. So next week, once I've gotten rid of this bread with oils and too many ingredients to list, I'll be venturing over to try it out. Don't worry, I'll let you know my full opinion once I try it out.

To check out their website click here: http://www.greatharvest.com/index.html

*Taken from the 2008 documentary Food Inc. featuring Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser.
**Taken from the cooking book Skinny Italian by Teresa Guidice.

My Food Revolution: Not a Vegetarian, Just Meat Conscious

I love meat. I mean, I really love eating meat, there are few things in the world that beat grabbing a burger and drinks on the patio with family or friends on a warm summer day. All of my life I have eaten meat, it's something I thoroughly enjoy, something I plan on eating for the rest of my life. Upon watching Food Inc, after being sparked to start my own personal journey towards eating healthier by watching Food Revolution, I now think twice before indulging on said burger or even chicken tenders or steak.

The documentary was released in 2008, and anyone who has watched the news remembers more than a fair share of contamination and e. coli recalls. Just recently meat in five different states were found to have an antibiotic resistant strain of Staph in the meat. Not just ground beef but also poultry. Here is the link: http://t.co/sIsqTtz

So why is this happening? If you have seen any documentary or read any book about the subject you may already know. If you haven't, you need to. It's a vicious cycle that can be stopped quite easily, but it would cost too much money. First, there used to be thousands of meat slaughter houses across the country. Now there are too few. These slaughter houses have cows packed in, living on a corn diet. Well corn is not what cows should be eating. It fattens them up and they are not meant to eat corn. In turn, there is a spike in the e. coli virus in their gut. Now if you were to take that cow off of corn and feed it grass for five days - 80% of the e. coli would be gone. This doesn't happen. Instead the corn is fed to the animals, they're packed into an area that is too small and they can barely turn around. They have to poop where they stand, the poop is literally up to their belly. Instead of washing these animals off they are simply slaughtered and go through the assembly line getting cut up. The problem with this is that there is a good chance if just one cow is infected the rest of the meat can be as well. How? Well they stand in each others' feces and are cut by the same machinery. It can't be that hard to get even one spec of contaminated feces into the meat. And that ground beef you're eating? Most likely it's made up of thousands of different cows.*

So what can you do? Are you just supposed to stop eating meat and become a vegetarian? Well, trust me I have a hard enough time giving meat up for one day let alone a lifetime. Instead, why not decrease the amount of meat you eat but increase the quality? When you buy free range, grass fed beef you are buying meat from a rancher who treat their cows in a more humane manner, the cow is eating what they are supposed to be eating, and usually the ground beef you are having is going to be from one cow, not thousands. Not all of us can afford the super expensive stuff every day so the question is: Quantity or Quality? For me, I'll take quality any day over quantity. It may not be easy, but I'd like to avoid e. coli and Staph and any other unnecessary crap as much as possible.

If you can find a farmer/rancher who sells free range, grass fed cows / pigs / chicken and you have the storage space like my brother and his wife, you may want to consider 'buying a cow' and 'half of a pig' as they have done. They meet the cow, visit it and ensure that it's being raised in a healthy manner. Then they decide which cuts they want and store that cow for up to a year. They eat all they need from one cow.

*All information regarding slaughterhouses and the process is from the 2008 documentary Food Inc.

Blogsy: A Review

My computer is from 2003, when I graduated high school and purchased a desk top with television input for college. It had a DVR before they were known. That same desktop still works today (just barely) and when I needed something a bit more portable I had to choose between a laptop, a netbook, and an iPad. I chose the iPad.

As someone who runs a hockey site (for a little over a year now) having access to a computer at all times was needed. I had an iPhone, which I love dearly, but the small screen really didn't help me run the site. As a blogger, writing a post in the iPhone could be done, heck I could even get a wireless keyboard and use that, but it was difficult. The blogging apps on both the iPhone and iPad were sub-par to say the least, and using Safari to login to the site and post that way was a pain in the rear. Trying to scroll down took forever, pieces couldn't be scheduled but rather saved in 'Draft' form to which I would have to login on the computer and set up the scheduling. Overall, it wasn't as convenient.

My Uncle called letting me know he had finally purchased an iPad 2. He put his name on the list at the Apple store the day before like I had instructed him to, and they called him the following day. He picked up a 64 GB white iPad 2. He was clearly excited and wanted to know a few apps. I had shown him several before, and as he is also a fellow iPhone user I knew he had a few favorites of his own. Thinking of apps he should use I headed over to my app store to the 'Featured' section and perused the options. Blogsy was on the front, at a discounted price of $2.99 while they worked on the update to allow you to add pictures from your own gallery to the blog post. Reading the reviews, seeing the features I figured it was worth a try. After all, $2.99 and a chance to make blogging fun, easy and seamless again? Why not, right?

As I sit in bed typing this piece, and after I have already typed up three other blog pieces on Blogsy, I can honestly say it was the best $3 in app purchases I've ever made. I love Pages, Numbers, Presentations and of course all three Angry Birds HD, but nothing makes The iPad quite as useful as Blogsy does. If you're a blogger and you have an iPad, there's no reason you shouldn't have Blogsy.

*Blogsy works with my personal site here at blogspot, my writing portfolio at wordpress.com, and our hockey site (with a little finagling) a self-hosted wordpress site. It truly rocks.*

My Food Revolution: News Spices

In my quest to give up fast food I will be eating at home far more often. Because of this I decided I needed to make sure I hD the proper ingredients to cook some of my meals. As you may remember from my post in Olive Oil, I currently have an Olive Oil that is neither Extra Virgin nor all from one country. While shopping at Lunds yesterday I decided to do something about this.

Lunds is a pricier grocery store. My coworker noted that in Boston they have regular grocery stores and discount grocery stores. The same is true in Colorado, but Minnesota is completely different. In Colorado you could find a discount grocery store like Cub Foods but the regular grocery stores were Albertson's, King Sooper's, and Safeway. In Minnesota there is Cub Foods and Rainbow Foods. And then there is a whole other level of grocery store. What started as two separate entities is now referred to Lunds - Byerly's. There are Lunds grocery stores and there are Byerly's grocery stores, but the two have merged at their corporate office as well as for their own brand.

While most store brands are deemed to be less expensive and often viewed as lower in quality, quite the opposite could be said of Lunds - Byerly's. I had recently run out of Garlic Salt and thus found myself in the spices aisle, checking out what there was to offer. Lunds - Byerly's spices were all in glass, there are no additives or preservatives, and the ingredients were simple and without names that couldn't be pronounced. I picked up Black Pepper, Red Chili Flakes, and Garlic Salt. Across the aisle sat the Olive Oil and picking up the 'store brand' Extra Virgin Olive Oil I instinctively flipped the bottle to look at where the olives were grown, picked, and the process used. All olives were grown and cold pressed in Italy. While I still have my bottle of Bertolli, I knew that this would not only taste better on my salads, but also would be healthier for me.

Now I don't begin to pretend that there weren't cheaper items, items I had purchased even weeks ago. It's hard to pick up the better product when there is something that looks similar right next to it. So just to re-affirm my belief that I needed to pay more for what I assumed to be the better product I compared the Lunds - Byerly's Garlic Salt to the leading brand, the very brand I had used for years. There was less than a two dollar difference yet the LB Garlic Salt was in glass, contained garlic and sea salt. The leading brand? Well it was housed in plastic, and had five ingredients, including one that was used for 'ease of pouring' - what the heck does that mean? Why is it needed?

The total cost of my three spices and one bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil? $30. I realize this may seem like it's too much money for four items as it's hard to justify while only looking at the price. There are fewer ingredients, no additives, no preservatives, and no chemicals in any of the items I purchased. I have read the labels on the other items, I can honestly say that's not the case. So what are we really paying for? Is a dollar worth it to you to keep something unnecessary out of your body?

My Food Revolution: Claims of Natural can be Slick Marketing

Yesterday Twitter friend Carlos tweeted about Wendy's new 'Natural Cut Fries with Sea Salt' and a link to go with it. Here's the link http://yhoo.it/fd3Tqq. What does this tell us about fast food and our culture? A few really important things. Let's go through them one by one.

There is no regulation on the term 'natural':

Because the marketing geniuses of Wendy's put the term 'natural' in front of cut they could dupe people into believing that they were picking something better for them without providing a product that was in fact better for them. As the article discusses, even though Wendy's claims that they use oil and sea salt for their flavoring they still use sodium acid pyrophosphate to keep the fries from turning brown. There is little that is natural about their product.

People want good quality but refuse to pay:
Demanding high quality but not being ready to fork over some more cash for it is asking for new dangled marketing schemes such as this one. It allows the consumer to feel better about their food, if you can even call fast food 'food' at this point in time, without opening their wallet.

We can demand better, not with our voices but with our wallets. Every bite of food we take, every meal we make, every time we stay at home and make something instead of eating food that's been processed or loaded with enough fat for three people in one meal; every time we do that we are telling companies what we want. If you want a fast lunch, make your lunch the Ning before during one of the commercials on tv. Or make enough dinner that there's leftovers for lunch. There are coupons and co-ops and ways to buy intelligently as well as healthy. It's not as easy as driving up to a drive thru window, it just takes some planning and creativity.

My Food Revolution: No Fast Food

Welcome to My Food Revolution, inspired by Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution I am taking my health into my own hands and changing my habits. Every two weeks I am going to try and do one really big change in my life. Throughout those two weeks I'll document my experiences and more so what I've learned and the difficulties I've faced. I need to be accountable and hopefully you'll decide to embark on your own 'Food Revolution'.

Today is the first day of my Food Revolution. As od yesterday I decided to remove fast food from my diet. Not for the most part, or all but once a month it needs to be gone. There are two fast food places I have a special craving for, but since I can only eat Chick Fil A once a year and In N Out Burger once every couple of years I will allow myself one more treat of each. Why am I removing fast food from my diet? I love fast food, I love the convenience, I love the taste, I love everything except for the fact that I consume enough calories in one meal to last an entire day. I have noticed when I limit fast food I drop a pant size. You'd think that would be enough of a reason to keep the fast food at bay but it isn't. Surprisingly it was hearing about how Chicken McNuggets were made, and seeing the Pink Slime that is used in meat for tacos and burgers. It's the fact that businesses don't care about what they give us.

A long time ago someone told me that no one else is looking out for me but me. I thought that was a really pessimistic and critical thing to say. Now I get it. Ultimately the only person responsible for the decisions I make is me, whether people care for my well being the only one who has the power and responsibility to take care of me is me. Businesses are in the market for profit, government is so broken it can barely function, and healthcare is more about staying in the black than keeping me healthy. Restaurants will get away with whatever 'tricks' they can employ to fatten their bank accounts while still providing food that we'll eat. Profit is the name of the game, health is something even healthcare companies care about *after* they've balanced their overhead and budgets. Lawsuits can be filed and complaints can be made but ultimately it is up to us to take care of ourselves. It is our right, ney our responsibility to take care of ourselves and make the right choices for ourselves.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life that I will actively try to keep fast food out of my body. I know it will be hard, I've grown up with fast food and love eating it. But here's the thing: I love me more. I am worth fighting for and I am worth paying more for better food. I deserve better, and so do you.

My Food Revolution

There's the difference between knowing and doing; knowing what is best for ourselves and actually doing what is the best for our health, financial security, happiness. I've known for a long time that fast food is bad, that processed foods aren't the healthiest, and that there are some scary things going on with the FDA. I've known and never fully committed to changing my lifestyle until now; I can't wait any longer to take my own health into my hands.

I am the average American woman. I'm around a size eight (which is horrifying to admit on the web but also necessary for accountability) - I've never participated in any fad diets, and just recently as my metabolism has slowed down due to hitting the big 26 last year I have finally started to somewhat track my calories.I'm not the girl who obsesses over size, health has always been more important to me. I ate what I wanted, refused to feel guilty, and tried to balance in fruits and veggies when possible. I fit in clothing sold in department stores, can run a mile without a problem and can probably train for a 5k in a month or less. I am hardly what I would think of as at risk for health. However, the growing epidemic of obesity combined with the fact that I have no family history at all has forced me to take pro-active measures to my own health. As an adoptee without any knowledge of cancer and heart disease history I need to make sure what I am doing is beneficial even if there is a history. I need to take care of me.

So what sparked this change, this drastic new view on food and lifestyle? It wasn't an overnight awakening but rather a gradual understanding and awareness of what we are truly doing to ourselves and our health. It started with the documentary 'America the Beautiful', I watched this documentary with my sister and brother in law over Christmas vacation in 2009. I was stunned by the revelations, even had a post drafted but left it un-posted. Then there was an author (who for the life of me I cannot remember his name) on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart talking about his new book (which had a big carrot on it.) He was there to discuss food and health. He made a statement that until healthcare cannot be denied to anyone the health industry won't care about our health and the McDonald's and Burger Kings of the world won't be held accountable for pumping us full of sodium, processed food, saturated fat, etc. It was a surprising statement to say the least but I never sought out the book. I was still unmotivated.

Enter Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution campaign and show on ABC. Food Revolution is partnered with the American Heart Association and Ryan Seacrest productions. Funny mix? Not really as the AHA needs an ambassador to reach out to the masses and connect with them to help their see the light. And Seacrest? Well for this show to help more people it needs to reach the masses. If he can make the Kardashians worth watching he can make something intelligent and necessary worth watching. I watched the first episode last night on my iPad after eating fast food. I've never felt so disgusting before. While I could tell you everything you need to know about the show it would be far better if you watched it. You can head over to abc.com and watch the episode on demand. You'll never look at a hamburger the same way again. But maybe that's not the worst thing in the world.

My decision to change my eating habits will be gradual, much like my understanding of why the natural foods movement is the right choice. I'll be documenting my choices and sharing any tips I find along my journey. And if you have any reading material or thoughts about the natural food movement please share, I'm more than happy to read anything on both sides of the story.

Word to the Wise: Don't Major in Psychology

I was in seventh grade when I decided I wanted to be a Psychologist. I loved how they helped people and I wanted to have a purpose in life, to help others. I organized my high school schedule to take AP classes that would help me credit wise to become a Psychologist. I knew what I was meant to do, I had known forever.

Fast forward to my Senior year in college and I just knew I didn't want to be a Psychologist. It was too late to change my major, too late to change my life path. I was stuck in a major I had no desire to use. When I had initially decided to major in Psychology I was told of how the possibilities were endless. The training and education I received in this major would open doors for me that others wouldn't have access to. Understanding the human psyche, what motivates individuals, how to run experiments and being responsible for said experiments would make me a prized candidate in the job market. Wrong. When I applied to jobs I was told that companies wanted degrees in marketing, communications, advertising, business, accounting. Psychology? Why the heck did you major in Psychology if you weren't going to go to Grad school?

These days companies and corporations focus too much on the label. College grad, business degree, internship, etc. While all are wonderful, the rigidity prevents people from changing their mind. Heaven forbid the decisions you made at 18, or in my case 13, not be conducive to the life you want to lead now at 23 or even worse, at 26. While standard training and experience in the field are valuable there are other qualities that seem to go by unnoticed. Whatever happened to determination, drive, creativity, self-starter? How is discovering your passion or joy after the age of 18 a tragedy? Should we punish those who were not fortunate enough to know what they wanted at age 13 and to still be as dedicated to that same passion at age 23, 26 or even 45?

It seems as though society insists on rigidity and strict guidelines for the job market. Finding the best person on paper instead of the best person. So here's my tip for those of you about to enter college: Whatever you do, double major what you love with something business oriented. It sounds like punishment, torture even. However, providing yourself an intelligent back up plan is the best piece of advice no one ever gave me. It's easier to double major while in college than to go back afterwards. Do as many internships as possible, the more the better. You'll be stuck working for the industry for free at one point in time, might as well do it while your bills are (hopefully) lower.

Lying about Virginity

This isn't what you think this is. This post is about Virgin Olive Oil. I know, right? More specifically Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Well, Olive Oil has been named the miracle oil, seen as beneficial in food, on skin, and all around amazing. I'd read the articles, heard the experts, and had generally accepted that it was as good as it seems, and for the most part it is.

I have an iPad, and one of the coolest things on the iPad is the apps. I love my entertainment apps. ABC player, Hulu Plus, Netflix, and Xfinity Television. I can watch almost everything I'd ever want to watch. And the Barnes and Noble Nook app? Another blessing. It was with said app that I discovered the truth about Olive Oil.

I purchased Teresa Guidice's ebook 'Skinny Italian' and read the entire book the evening I purchased it. Upon chapter three Guidice reveals one of the most interesting things I'd ever read about Olive Oil. While Guidice may not be an expert, her reasoning is, well, reasonable. Oilves are a fruit, squeezing olives gives you their oil. It's how we get virgin Olive Oil. Simple right? Here's where it gets tricky.

Go into your pantry and find your bottle or two of Olive Oil. Chances are you have a few bottles, I had two when I read this. The first, Carapelli and the second, Bertolli. Both in nice bottles, both more expensive than some of their counterparts. Neither one are Virgin Olive Oils, let alone Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Chances are, the one you have in your cabinet isn't either. So all those benefits of Olive Oil you've been promised? Well you're not intaking Virgin Olive Oil and may be missing out on them.

I did a little field research of my own, the next time I was at a Super Target. While it's nothing official it was certainly eye opening. I stood in the Olive Oil aisle and looked at all of the bottles. Virgin Olive Oil means that the olives were cold pressed the day they were picked. The best kind of Olive Oil is picked from one region and cold pressed the same day only going through the press once.

When I look for Olive Oil now, I only get 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil with olives only from Italy. Surprisingly, Target has a great Olive Oil that fits those requirements, in their own brand. And just in case you were wondering, those Olive Oil cooking sprays probably aren't that great for you either. Better idea? Do what my parents did and head to Bed Bath and Beyond and pick up a sprayer in the Kitchen section. It's a little silver canister that you put in what you want and then pump it before spraying. They put in pure Olive Oil. Then you get all the benefits of Olive Oil for cooking or baking with the ease and control of one of the spray canisters.

Stamp Prices Going on the Rise

It appears that as of April 17, 2011 there will be a new price for mailing items in the US. Postage for postcards to packages are on the rise. The silver lining? The price for one stamp to mail a letter under one ounce remain at $0.44. For a list of the new rate changes click here.

And just a reminder, you have until April 17th to send me a nice gift in the mail. I mean, might as well do it while it's still on the cheap ;)

Operation Draft Tour Guide

The NHL Entry Draft will be in Saint Paul this year. And even though I think St. Paul is the place 'Where Dreams Go to Die' I will still be hosting a slew of my friends from CWGAP at my place. In addition to providing room and board I will be giving them the tour of the place I've kind of called home for the past seven years, the Cities.

I've compiled a list of places people should try to check out, I know that not everyone can go to every single place as I've listed too many to do that. I do, however, think there is something for everyone. And while I have been to most places, I haven't been to all but have been meaning to go to them. So here's my goal. The piece I'm writing for CWGAP runs on June 23rd and I need to actually have experienced these places to officially recommend them. So I'm going to every place on my list. Some places I've already checked off the list, but others will be fun new places I get to experience because of this writing experience.

Now the big question is, anyone want to join me? ;)

Reebok Easy Tones: Real Deal or Really Good Marketing Ploy?

Last year I convinced my Mom, or as I like to say CONvinced my Mom to buy me the Reebok Easy Tones and to buy herself the Sketchers Tone Ups. With the cold Minnesota winters I used the shoes for a month before packing them away until now. Since these shoes were purchased I have chatted about them with several people all with varying viewpoints, were these shoes legtimately going to help me shape up or did I just let my Mom getting conned twice over?

How does one measure whether or not the shoes are working well? For me it's not about whether the shoe actually works but whether it motivates you to get off your butt and go for a walk. When I first got these last year it felt like I was walking through sand and my body was sore afterwards. This past weekend I went for two long walks and was walking at a brisk pace. My body ached in my shins, hamstrings and gluteous maximus. Could it have been the hills, speed walking, and the fact that I hadn't worked out for at least three weeks due to vacations and being sick? Sure. Did the shoes feel good when I walked around in them? Yes. Did I like walking outdoors in them versus my indoor running shoes? Definitely. Thus far, even if the shoes do nothing different for me than a regular shoe the fact that they are cushiony for my bum knee really helps. It makes me that much more likely to lace them up and grab the dog for a walk. That alone means the shoes are working. That alone means they were worth it.

My Uncle told me that scientifically the shoes are designed to ease tension and strain on your lower back as they extend the hamstring muscle which works the body differently. A friend and I discussed the shoes and she thought that they were a genius marketing ploy, although she strongly urged that they were the worst idea in the world for running (the new Reebok run-tone had just come out.) Convincing people to get off their butts and walk is great, especially with America being so overweight right now. If that's all the shoes do then more power to them. However, with running, I am hesitant to recommend the Reebok Runtone.

Walk into any running shoe store (as you really should be going to a specialty store, they work with your stride) and you'll see different types of shoes. Some are for overpronation, others underpronation. There are different things that each shoe addresses. Each company has many shoes that will have different purposes. If you are an overpronator who is running long distance outdoors who needs extra stability you'll be different than the underpronator who runs a 5k on their treadmill. However, most of these shoes offer stability. The concept of the Runtone is the opposite of that, it states, "Balance ball-inspired pods with Moving Air Technology transfer air in response to your stride and create micro-instability with every step." Whether micro-instability is enough to make you roll your ankle, I wouldn't even give it a chance. Most serious runners will wear Mizuno, Asics, etc. Even go for the Reebok Zigtag, a great crosstrainer. Grab the Easy Tones for your walking shoes. But for running, hit up a Running Room or Runner's Roost store near you and have them customize what you should be wearing. 

The Value of FourSquare

I'll admit that I was hesitant to join FourSquare; I saw it as a creepy stalker tool and being a single female didn't think it was the best idea to use it. I resisted, I didn't use places on Facebook, I didn't tweet with my location on, and I certainly wasn't going to use an application whose sole purpose was location based check ins. Then suddenly, I decided to give it a try for a month and see how I felt. It hasn't been a month yet, but I can guarantee you that I will be using FourSquare for the foreseeable future.

Privacy Options: First and foremost, let's talk about my biggest fears when it came to FourSquare; the unintended stalkerazzi. Stalkers have been a part of many of my friends' lives and even though I live in a secure apartment with a dog and roommates (one of them being Katy's boyfriend so double the reinforcements!) I was still weary of this application. Telling people where I am and at what time I was there? How about just asking them to rob me or attack me? Well in actuality the only people who can see my check-ins are friends who also use FourSquare and who I have to approve. If I decide to share the information on my Twitter (which I do) or my Facebook  (which I don't) that's up to me and can be turned on or off in the settings OR can be turned off based on the check in. My whereabouts and who has access to them is entirely up to me, it's no different than me tweeting or updating my status that I am heading to the pool. It's all about being smart.

Privacy Tip: I do check into my work and my home. However, I do not share that information on Twitter and don't necessarily do it right when I arrive.

Free Local Advertising: While Twitter, Facebook, and even email campaigns are wonderful for targeting your audience with deals FourSquare allows companies to offer immediate discounts or loyalty discounts. The user need not plan ahead to receive an incentive and forgetting the coupon or print out doesn't have to prevent them from coming to your establishment. Users can come whenever, unlike special deals that are emailed out once every so often and are only good for a certain period of time, FourSquare allows first time visitors and frequent visitors a chance to use their discount whenever.

Location Based Services: Places won't give you credit (points to try to rule the leaderboard of your friends) if you are too far away. Need to eat? Open FourSquare and see what discounts and deals are available to you for trying a new place.

Fun Extras: You can upload pictures even after checking in. Your friends can comment on your check in. If you are at an event (like say, a concert or hockey game) and you didn't know one of your friends was at the event it will tell you afterwards. You can also give tips about locations - what to eat, what to avoid, why it's good, etc. Many services are pairing themselves with FourSquare including Yelp!

The Lost Art of Mail

It's been awhile since I've received an electronic e-greeting and other than my new Canadian friend and fellow Chick Sarah, it's been awhile since I've received a piece of mail. It started a few years back, when Facebook wasn't open to the general public and Twitter was just startng up. It is a slow change in the lack real connections to that of the digital world. Instead of sending a card people started sending e-cards. Then those died out as Facebook fanatics started posted well wishes on the wall, first fighting for the first 'Happy Birthday' to missing the birthday by a day and sending a belated post to finally not acknowledging that person's birthday at all.

Technology was created to make our lives more simple, to allow for instant contact with friends and family in different places. In my personal experience there are now individuals who cannot function without technology in their everyday livelihood including their jobs. There are companies that rely so heavily on technology that a snowstorm or power outage leaves the entire workforce isolated and unable to complete anything. People rarely call anymore; voicemails are considered a grave offense and most households couldn't find their book of stamps if it were a life or death situation.

I'm not against technology by any means, I love new tech trends and all the wonderful new toys they bring. I am, however, making a real effort to inject human interaction back into my relationships that technology has stolen from me.

Two years ago I was in my own situation. It was most certainly not life or death, but it felt like hell at the time it was happening. So many things going on in my life that I had absolutely no control over. Family stuff reaching a boiling point after going through four years of hurt and suffering and work stuff not happening the way I had hoped. I remember feeling utterly defeated, run down and just plain sad. I had bailed on my friends Katy and Brittany to get together because I was just too exhausted to go out. In fact, I was downright negative and stubborn when they wanted to get together. I felt awful about it afterwards, knowing they had only wanted to take my mind off of things and help. I went to work the following day and in my boss' mailbox were two envelopes addressed to me. I opened the envelopes to find hand written cards inside. Brittany and Katy each sent me a card telling me everything would work out. They were there for me and if I ever needed to go out for a drink, to vent, or just watch Friends in my pjs with a friend, they were there. I started crying at work. I tucked their cards into my gold wallet clutch and they remain there still today. Whenever I have a bad day or feel like luck is not on my side I open my wallet and read their kind words. I'll never forget how much I needed that pick me up that defeated day or what it meant to me then and what it still means to me now.

So the next time you go to send a text message or email, think about sending a hand written note instead. While I may save a kind email it usually ends up on page 59 of my inbox. Cards, on the otherhand, are placed in a special spot and revisited often.

Matt Wertz: With You, Last Night

As you probably already read, I decided to live a little last night and attend the Matt Wertz concert on a whim. So here's a little bit about my love affair with Matt Wertz's music AND the set list from last night (well minus one song that I didn't write down.)

Five years ago at the University of St. Thomas during my senior year I first discovered Matt Wertz. He was playing at the school for free (well, student activity fees paid for it) and my roommate at the time asked if I wanted to attend. I knew none of his music but tagged along on their date anyways. The music was wonderful, and in the middle of his performance Matt took a moment to ask fans to listen to a charity he supported and wanted to talk about. The charity, the Mocha Club asks people to donate increments of $7, $14, and $21. The idea behind the club is that for the price of two cups of Joe, you could help someone in a less fortunate situation. $7 provides seven individuals in Africa clean water for a year. $7 can save one person from Malaria or even sustain one person living with AIDS for a year. Seven bucks, two trips to Starbucks or Caribou or wherever else you frequent for a cup of coffee. Matt was so moved by the charitable organization that he was giving away cds or shirts for signing up for a monthly contribution as well as using his shows to spread knowledge about the club. A ten minute chat with the audience before playing music again. I joined the club and still think it's a great thing.

Five years later I still love his music, his songs are some of my favorites. They range from the most soothing out there to the type that are fun to play while in the car with the windows down and music up. All but two of my favorite songs were played last night. So if you're looking for some really fun music to download make sure to hit up Matt Wertz but also grab 'With You, Tonight' and 'Capitol City'. You'll get it once you download it.

Last Night's Music:



Don't Come Easy
Carolina
Counting to 100
Feels So Right
Running Back to You
Easier Tonight
5:19
I Will Not Take My Love Away
Red Meets Blue
Heartbreaker
Marianne
Someone like You
Nobody's You
The Way I Feel
Everything's Right
Sweetness in Starlight (w/Ben Rector)
Everything Will Be Alright (w/Ben Rector)
For The First Time (w/Ben Rector)
Free Fallin' (w/Ben Rector)


*If you are interested in the Mocha Club they are extending their reach from providing clean drinking water in Africa to a new program called 'Women at Risk' aimed at helping women who were forced into prostitution gain life skills so they can leave that lifestyle if they choose to. The website for the Mocha Club is here.

You Don't 'Get Old', It's Called Being Boring

This weekend in Minnesota was gorgeous, weather in the 50s with sunshine and the trails were filled with bikers, runners, people walking their dogs, and those roller blading. Saturday and Sunday I joined the masses, taking my dog Chanel on a 3.5 mile walk both days. The warm weather isn't something we take for granted in Minnesota. As soon as the weather lightens up the patios are filled during lunch and Happy Hour, people begin sporting Spring clothes at temperatures the rest of the United States would still be in winter jackets.

On Sunday after taking the dog for our walk, I spread out on my bed feeling like an old lady when I saw Matt Wertz tweet about the Varsity Theatre (in Dinkytown) and how tickets were still available. I panicked, how did I not know he was going to be here? More importantly, who could I find to go with me at such late notice? I sent my thoughts out to Twitter and waited for someone, ANYONE, to say they'd love to come with me. All of my friends encouraged me to go, though none were in the area to come with me. In fact, Matt himself tweeted at me that he thought I should come. It was cute to say the least. Tickets were $15 and the doors opened in less than fifteen minutes. Still lounging in my yoga pants and t-shirt I had a decision to make: Do I stay home and be old and lame or do I go to the concert by myself?

That moment it crossed my mind, we don't get old and want to stay home and do the more practical things, we get boring, comfortable, and lazy. I'm 26 years old, when do I stop being spontaneous and start clipping coupons on weekends considering it to be an activity? I decided not this time, not this weekend. I can get old and boring another year, I'm not getting old without a fight. I'll go to concerts on a whim by myself, try new restaurants, do things that scare me, whatever it takes to stay young at heart. Every day could be our last. How awful would it be if I missed out on a great concert by one of my favorite artists because I put it off? No one ever looks back and regrets the fun things they did, they regret the things they wanted to do but were too scared or lazy to do. So at least once a week when all I want to do is lay in bed and watch tv I will instead do something new. Awhile ago I wrote a post on inexpensive things to do in the Cities, I'll be slowly marking things off my list as the year goes by.

To Upgrade or Not

Recently many previously free services have been offering upgrades. This past month I have received emails from LinkedIn, Pandora, and the New York Times. Is this a sign of the times and a change brewin'? Currently these three companies are offering free versions that work just fine for most people, but could these previously free services be disappearing for a monthly subscription? Would charging for usage help or hurt the company?

Currently the NYT is offering a certain amount of information for free, and once that amount of information is consumed the consumer will be shown different pricing options for upgrading their usage. For Pandora users they can use the free version but have banner ads as well as commercials. The upgraded version offers better quality audio, no ads, and unlimited listening hours. But honestly, how many people listen to Pandora THAT much? For LinkedIn the cost is quite astronomical, ranging from $20 - $75 a month. What do you get? Bigger search results, the ability to see anyone's expanded profile, and guaranteed responses 3 - 25 users depending on the package selected.

Do you currently pay for any of these services? Is it so amazing you can't live without it? Let me know :)

The Ultimate Single Project

This past weekend my cousin Brittany got married. It was a beautiful wedding in Palm Coast, FL at the Hammock Beach Resort. It was wonderful to see my family, lay out on the beach, eat, drink and be merry. So when the reception rolled around and they started playing 'Single Ladies' by Beyonce beofre the bouquet toss and I was standing up there having a mini crisis about being 26 and still terminally single, I made a deal with myself.

IF I am going to be attending weddings (next one is my girl Kiersten's wedding on my 27th birthday in Vail, CO) then I need to make it more fun. So my two options are: A) Do something unsavory and possibly requiring vaccinations afterwards. OR B) Learn the Single Ladies dance and rock out before the bouquet toss next time. While both are enticing, for the purposes of not receiving a phone call from my mother I'll choose option B.

So here's my goal: Learn the Single Ladies dance before August 13, 2011. I'll break it down on hard it is, tips to help you learn how to do the dance and of course, all the major goof-ups I've had (because let's be honest, this is a gong show waiting to happen.)

If you have tips on how to perform this dance, the advice is appreciated!