Organic Beauty Magazine

I just found out that there *was* an organic beauty magazine.  This would have solved all my problems!  Most of you know that I am always looking for an organic beauty line or two that keeps skin clear without harsh chemicals.  I also want to find a nice make-up that lacks harsh chemicals but does its job.
Apparently, the first issue of this magazine came out in 09, yet the website doesn't exist anymore and the facebook page is full of questions "how do I subscribe? does it even exist?"  Finding natural skincare is so difficult and expensive!  I would have loved to hear it from people who at least get the free trials and can give me a review BEFORE I spend money, time, and effort on new skincare.  My skin always hates me for trying something new.  But i just can't go back to neutrogena or something else - all those parabens and chemicals.. I don't want those in my body.  I just don't.
So, now I am sticking with Juice Beauty - not the best, but not awful.  I also just switched my make up over to TARTE - so far I love the coverage from the foundation, and if my package ever arrives, I am sure i'll love the mascara. Those two are my necessities, but I also got some other things.  I'll let you know how they fare once I receive them.

An organic thanksgiving

Here's an interesting news story - Apparently, Organic Turkeys are getting pretty popular.  Even though they cost twice as much - people realize that the turkey just tastes better.  If you don't eat organic for the health reasons, at least do it for the taste.  So all natural is good - no fillers and better tasting, but all organic is even better!  No pesticides and the Turkeys eat better too!!
There is also a local/organic thanksgiving challenge.  Readers are encouraged to buy and cook only local and preferably organic foods for thanksgiving, then report back.  My two dishes this year are a salad and the sweet potatoes.  Both of which will be made with as many organic ingredients as possible.  If not organic, then hopefully local.
I am really looking forward to this Thanksgiving.  I am also hoping to take part in a Thanksgiving morning yoga benefit in Santa Cruz.  It will be a fantastic way to start my day healthy so that hopefully I won't over indulge at dinner and will be able to enjoy the holiday.
I'll keep you posted on how it all goes.

Organic in the news

So there's a new study out about organic foods.  Here's an article about it.  Is organic produce better?  This study states that Organic foods are not healthier than conventional food, in that they do not contain more antioxidants than conventionally grown food.  I never thought that they did.  I did think though, that when your body eats a conventionally grown carrot, it is possibly confused or distracted by the chemicals and pesticides that it may not get the full nutritional benefits of the carrot and its antioxidants.  

It makes sense that both the conventional carrot and organic carrot have the same amount of nutritional value and antioxidants.  But doesn't it also make sense that if you deep fry a carrot you are depleting it's nutritional value?  Same logic goes for adding pesticides.  

When I first heard of this new study, it was from some website that gave it about 2 paragraphs - not enough to get the full story.  The story ended by saying "don't buy organic."  Luckily this article mentions that there are still many good reasons to pay for organic.  Including environment protection, no pesticide residue, and just tasting better.  

I hope I have never made the claim that organic automatically means more antioxidants.  But I think the lack of pesticides makes it healthier, at least safer.  

By the way, I am writing this from my school cafeteria. Which has this awesome station called "500."  Every week they feature a different meal that is less than 500 calories and the produce is farmed less than 500 miles away.  I don't think any of it is organic, but at least they are doing their part.  

I have it about once a week, last week: BBQ portobello mushroom quesadilla, with organic greens and a parfait for dessert, pretty delicious. Today was AMAZING - stir fry edamame with artichoke and onion over crispy polenta, feta cheese and olives sprinkled on top.  Oh and applesauce for dessert.  The apples came from a farm 90 miles away.  

Love it!  

FIrst CSA box

So excited!!  Our first CSA box came today!  We were able to choose our produce which was awesome, and when I came home from class, there was the box sitting at my door.  I already ate an amazing plum and can't wait to try the organic pear.
We also got some amazing yellow carrots, fingerling potatoes, tomatoes, and broccoli.  The best part is that it's all organic!  No yucky pesticides and all the nutrients.
So I don't usually eat potatoes, so tonight I will look up a healthy and simple recipe.  Hopefully I can incorporate all my veggies and make an awesome meal.  I love this already - getting myself away from my normal weekday night meal, which is just a stir fry of a bunch of random vegetables and tofu.
Can't wait for our next one in a couple of weeks.

Wrong Week to be clean

So it turns out that I am a bit sick - not a great week to start a new chapter.  But nevertheless I am going to try to be good.  Yesterday my roommate and I made a trek to the farmer's market.  Oh my goodness I spent so much money and got some amazing stuff!!
Such great looking organic strawberries, asian pears, nectarines
and also green beans, mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, lots of mixed greens, and tomatoes So last night I made a tofu stir fry with some veggies, and tonight I grilled up some and threw it over an amazing blend of mixed greens (random greens I would never buy unless at the farmer's market - which is awesome) and added some tomato and oil/balsamic - so delicious!!
Of course today wasn't all good.  I bought a parfait at school - granola and yogurt and fruit - none of which was organic and I have no idea what the actual ingredients are.
For lunch all I wanted was PB&J - to make it better I used honey and asian pear instead of J.  The bread though - I noticed has a ton of ingredients that I don't understand.  And the peanut butter - although organic contained sugar!  what?!  isn't it supposed to be peanuts and salt??  where does this sugar come from?  But I ate it anyway.
So, not the best start - but Rome wasn't built in a day, right?

Getting Back on Track - Going Clean

How many times have I said I need to get back on track?
I recently picked up a book that I haven't looked at in about two months (various reasons.. mostly busy) by Michael Pollan: In defense of food.  I read a good section of it on the plane back from Vegas, after killing my body with too much food and alcohol, and it really helped me get motivated to get back on track.  I knew I was going to have to detox a bit, but this really helped me.
So according to the book, here are my new rules for a bit:

1.  check the ingredients and understand every one of them 
• So if I have to look it up on my phone - that isn't good
• it has to be pronounceable
2. No foods with more than 5 ingredients
• The example Pollan gave was bread that had more than 5 ingredients - in fact around 40 total..that makes sense - but am I supposed to give up chocolate?  even my organic chocolate has a few more than 5 ingredients: Organic Chocolate Liquor, Organic Raw Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), Organic Vanilla Extract, Organic Whole Milk Powder 
• Also I don't really know what Soy Lechithin is... Pollan talks about Soy and Corn being two ingredients we have way too much of in many forms.., but whatever, baby steps...I can't just cut everything out quite yet.
3. Don't buy anything incapable of rotting
• McDonald's fries do not rot - not that I eat at McD's, but they don't..eww!
• Also, if you have to wonder if it rots - don't buy it.
• I am extending this to expiration dates - if it doesn't have one or the date is super far in the future (canned goods? frozen foods?) don't do it.
4. Avoid foods that claim they are healthy
• no more lean cuisines, although I haven't had one of those in a while
• if you stick to healthy ingredients, your finished product will be healthy
• I like the line in the book - if food products claim to be healthy on the package they must first have a package
5. Get out of the supermarket
• I have always loved farmer's markets - the vibe and the food, so why haven't I been to one in months?  And the one or two I did go to within that time were amazing!
6. Join a CSA
• already looked into it.  Going to take the leap.  So excited, because sometimes you just can't get to the farmer's market but still need good organic food in the house, before going crazy.

So this is the plan, let's see how far I get...

stressing...

So yesterday I was walking down the three blocks from school to my new apartment and I realized that I hadn't looked up.  So I did, and it was an experience I can't even explain.  I saw the beautiful hills out in fronts of me and the green park and it all felt familiar yet so new.
It was a beautiful day and yet, I was staring at the ground.  So this past week has been stressful to say the least.  After a minor breakdown and almost getting sick (i think it was all mental) I am back, but now I have to undo the wrong I did.  With the stress came bad food choices and choosing things due to convenience rather than health.  But last night, my roommate and I went to Trader Joe's I was so excited about making organic tofu and organic vegetable stir fry, that I think I got way too much food!!
Although I do like the TJ's, they don't have much in the way of organic produce.  Although I did get some delicious organic broccolini, yum!
This blog is getting re-invented.  I have gotten so far off track that I think I need to just get healthy again. I have neglected my workouts and gotten of track with food, so after finals, I am getting back into all of that. Stay tuned to see how it all turns out.

Loco for Local!

Oh USF, good for you for getting on the bandwagon.  Even if that bandwagon is 10 x more expensive than the farmer's market!!  So, USF has started selling fresh local produce at the cafeteria!  Crazy!  Also stupidly expensive.  Though they know that the students don't care much about cost, mom and dad pay for the money on their id cards, so the kids just swipe away!  They also have certain meals that are made from produce grown within a certain amount of miles.  I have yet to try it, but good for you for trying to minimize your carbon footprint!  So I move into my new place this weekend!  So stoked.  Can't wait for fresh produce from farmer's markets!  And tofu, oh I have missed just eating tofu out of its box with soy sauce.  I know - weird.  I got use to making great delicious mostly organic stir fry and sandwiches before going to school, but now I have gotten used to take out and frozen foods.  Ugh!
Today's bus ride, besides crazy (some old homeless people were fighting and yelling...oh SF...) went through a farmer's market.  Had I not just been to the gym and starving I would've gotten off to peruse  the selection.  I am sure there have to be some better markets in SF than the one I went to, which has NO organic!  craziness...this is SF people!!  Live up to your green, hippie rep!
Off to do some homework.
ugh

Sad Skin

I have decided that natural skincare doesn't work.  This revelation is sad but what is worse is the way my chin looks right now.  The natural stuff is does nothing for me during a stressful time which is very natural and common.  I know these breakouts are from stress and when I stress I pick at my face, and when I pick, I just make a huge mess. So now I am a mess, I don't think it has been this bad since freshman year of college.., so I guess every time I start a new thing in my life, my face will just look like a mess.  unacceptable.  There has to be a solution that doesn't include a ton of chemicals.

So, the Evan Healey natural stuff isn't working.  It did wonders for my skin in Australia, where I was just having a great time - so I guess it just works for everyday stuff.  And maybe my body is less toxic because I am eliminating toxins form my skincare.  So, how do I do that and achieve perfect skin?  Maybe, you do need some chemicals?  I am worried to believe that because what if I choose the wrong chemicals..
There was a site I used to visit that would tell me how toxic my products are, can't remember now though.  I will have to do some research, or just keep buying new stuff.

So bad, can't wait to be good

Ok, so living in a hotel room is really difficult!  I can't keep good food in my tiny little fridge and I eat out a lot!  Ugh!  Besides gaining weight, I just feel gross!!  I an feel that this stuff is bogging me down and not making me happy.  So I came across a small farmer's market on Sunday, all excited about fresh organic produce - none!!  I did get some fruit, but it wasn't organic, but I didn't even have the option of organic!  So  disappointed.  There was another, much larger one, near my hotel - but I didn't have time to properly check it out.  I thought moving to SF would make this organic mission so much easier!  They don't even have many Whole Foods here, at least not convenient to me - I have only seen one.  OK fine, no WF - but what about an adequate substitute?  It's not like I have to go to WF, but I just know they have a great organic selection.
So I have also fallen back into my old ways of depending on my microwave.  I really don't think nuking an organic lasagna is healthy, but I guess it's better than grabbing tacos from the corner store.  So this just depresses me, I thought I was going to be healthier and happier in SF, but without a proper kitchen and knowing where I am, I am definitely not healthier!  And this makes me unhappy!  :(

Last week I ate a pre packaged salad from the grocery store - I felt so sick afterwards.  I need fresh whole foods, when "chicken" has more ingredients in it than just chicken - there's an issue.  Preservatives preserve food - I get it, but my body doesn't.

I am so excited for 10/2 when I have a great beautiful kitchen in which I will stock all the finest organic produce and get back to my salad eating ways!  I will be able to explore markets and enjoy buying foods again.

So, until then, I will eat from my microwave, but make sure the dinners are organic based, read the labels (found some delicious all natural granola bars and they are 70% organic! not bad from the limited walgreens selection!), plenty of fruit, and try to keep take out to a minimum (my wallet will thank me!)

Sorry and Cherry Picking

I assume most of you weren't expecting any new blogs from me while I was in Australia, but definitely wanted some when I returned to the states.  Well, it didn't happen then either. Sorry!! Here we are already half way into September and I am finally blogging again!  All of my 11 followers will be very excited.

beautiful cherries!

So I have so much to talk about, but first, let's talk about organic cherry picking and how AWESOME it was! (Back in July..I know, I know...bad blogger) Anna, her girlfriend Shana and I drove up to Leona Valley to pick organic cherries!  Such a blast.  We passed by a dozen other places, but we were on an organic mission!  We wanted to know that when we picked that cherry straight from the tree and popped it in our mouth, the only thing we were eating was the cherry, oh and lots of dust!  But at least no chemicals!
So enjoy some pics from the picking!

bucket full of cherries!

the girls!

In Australia!

Sorry I havne't posted much, I haven't had much time!!  I have been in Australia, staying with a friend and she has kept me very busy!!  I have seen some organic restaurants, lots of juice bars and even a few "natural" and organic grocery stores, but unfortunately, haven't been able to go in any of them!  I did get a smoothie from a juice bar yesterday it was delicious.  SO their juice options are more fruits than veggies.  At WF back home you have lots of different veggie options which include fruits like lemon and apple, but rarely berries.  Those are saved for smoothies.  But here, they only have one veggie juice on the menu and heaps of berries and fruits.  Oh yes the australians say heaps instead of "a lot."  So the options are like fresh watermelon with berries, or berries and mango mushed together with ice, so basically a smoothie but still fresh and no dairy or juice! 
So that's what i've learned, and hopefully, i'll be able to check these organic places out more in detail later, but for now, i am just enjoying my vacation!! 

talk soon!

Not much to say

Hey guys so sorry I haven't been updating.  I have a great reason though: I am going to Australia!!  I will still definitely seek out organic foods and I definitely want to find out the difference between organic USA style and Organic Aussie style.  So look for some new, but not as often, posts.

I did go organic cherry picking this past weekend, so once I get some pics, i'll definitely post - it was a blast!  A healthy, delicious blast!

Oh and i'll be starting an Australian blog too.  so check for that!

that's it!  Thanks!!

Shopping adventure

So last night I went to 2 different grocery stores.  One which is smaller and seems to be trying to be a bit like whole foods, but not really.  The other is a big major chain.

Right when I walked up to the market, there's a sign that says "why choose organic?'  Great, I thought, this will be a good shopping experience.  Of course all of the produce that was outside next to said sign were not organic.  hmmm..what?  So then I go around looking at the food.  The frozen food selection is similar but smaller than WF.  Which is fine, it's a smaller store.  The bulk items were a HUGE disappointment, NOTHING organic, even though they had 3 rows of bulk!!  I love bulk, and their selection was huge, but NOTHING said organic on it.  Moving on to fruits and veggies.  They had a fruits and veggies sections.  The veggie section was actually surprisingly good, two types of organic kale, a few organic chards and then the run of the mill veggies in the organic variety.  The fruits were not so great...umm people...it's summer!!  Why are we so limited??
So since I was in the area, I decided to try the major chain store.  They seem like a higher end chain store, but it's all in the marketing.  In every other aisle, there was a vertical sign half way down the row coming out for the shelves that said "natural."   hmmm..so I went to go look at this "natural" section in the chips aisle.  it included all natural tortilla chips, all natural potato chips and even a few small bags of organic!  wow.  does anybody else get bothered by the fact that their eating "unnatural" foods?  It's food, your body is supposed to know what it is!!  They had more variety of organics in salad dressing, but still confined to one little shelving area.  And the organic produce section was dismal.

My cart was empty, although Wedding Crashers was on sale for 10 dollars, so I picked it up.

So now I know what they have and what they don't have.  I don't think the major chain store really cares though, otherwise they would promote organics more.  The smaller one though, they seem to want to be known for carrying organic stuff - but if that's the case they'll have to actually have the product!!

organic farmers forced to spray

It appears that an epidemic has hit the fruit growers of California! read here. The new pest called SWD is native to Japan and Asia but has spread out to the states.  These bugs are dangerous because they attack fruit on the trees and then lay eggs.  The pests don't make it to the top of the trees, but that means 1/2 the crop is dead. So what's a farmer to do?  Well how do they keep other pests away?  I guess whatever organic methods the farmers use don't work on these new pests.  So the article says "wash more thoroughly than ever before."  As we've discussed previously, if washing was really going to get off the pesticides then the farmers would have to re-spray after every rain.  We know that isn't happening.  Unfortunately,  the fruits that are most susceptible are thin-skinned fruits, which are also usually the ones on the dirty dozen, or have the highest pesticide content and require the most pesticides.  So what should we do?  Honestly, I'm sorry, a pesticide is a pesticide.  I know you, the organic farmer, hates to resort to them and wouldn't if you didn't, but that doesn't mean I have to resort to them.
The good news is that they are going to research these pests and see what can be done about them.  In about 10 years the SWD will be immune to the pesticide anyway so organic and conventional farmers will all be in the same boat.

Organic Cotton

So, I read an interesting article in the LA times IMAGE section this past weekend.  Here's a link to it.  The article discusses the exhibit  "Eco Fashion: Going Green," on view at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.  Too bad I can't make it to NY.  This article discusses a few different evolutions in fashion, from mass production so everybody could have fashion to new synthetic dyes.  Of course each has their own ramifications.   The mass production was successful due to poor working environments which led to its own problems, like workers dying in the  Triangle Shirtwaist Factory factory fire, all the women were trapped inside because management locked them in so they couldn't take breaks.  Now the US has stringent labor laws, of course not all our clothing is made in the US.  The other advancement I mentioned, synthetic dyes, also had its share of problems.  One 1800s silk tulle dress was dyed with arsenic attests!  Ew!  arsenic?  
Now how does this relate?  Well, maybe (probably) we're poisoning ourselves, in many ways.  Maybe 100 years from now will people be saying "Eww that shirt was made without organic fibers?"


However, in the same article I learned a few new things that further my challenge with the non-food part of my  mission.  The challenge being: when I go towards organic am I really doing any good for myself or for the planet?  In this article specifically, they discuss cotton nylon seersucker, which was supposed to help save energy by not having to iron, but the production of nylon is  hazardous to the environment because it leaves nitrous oxide gas in the environment for about 120 years!  So should we iron or leave behind a gas for 120 years?  And what about Rayon?  The article mentions that it's biodegradable and better in that regard than cotton, but it's chemically produced.  So if I do some research, will I find that the way it is produced is more harmful than the way cotton is produced?  So which wins? 
Food is a bit more clear cut, although organic is more expensive, it's healthier for everybody.  But beauty, clothes, other products, not so clear cut!  When I decide to use organic sunscreen will it be as effective and ward off skin cancer?  But if I use the cheap stuff am I just opening myself up to thousands of chemicals that will eventually give me a different cancer?


something to think about, and investigate further!

followers!

So excited to make it to double digits in followers!  Thanks guys!!

Remember if you completely disagree with or want to present a counter argument to anything I have said or concluded, please do so!  I love hearing opinions and constructive criticism.  Besides, if I fail to defend or support my argument than it must be weak and needs fortifying.

thanks!!

Organic on the cheap!

Since going organic, I have found cheap ways to buy organic produce.  Like NOT shopping at big name stores where organic is rare.  And when you shop direct (as direct as possible) from the source at the farmer's market, you usually get a better deal.  So I have been making sure to hit one up as often as I can.  But it's always nice to find an article about how to save money.  I have embarked on this mission, why not make it cheaper?

Here's an article from Red Plum that I found via a google search.  Keep it open so you can refer to it.

#1 Farmer's Markets- I already do.

#2 Coupons - I'll have to pay better attention to my sunday paper. I really never expected to see anything for organic foods.
#3 makes sense - quality is better than quantity, 1 cheap organic apple will fill me up better than a junky 100 calorie pack (which really aren't that cheap if you're eating 4 a day to stay full!).  

#4 Spelt - hm, I knew to always look for whole wheat flour, but I'm not too knowledgeable about Spelt.  i'll investigate it and maybe even test it out (check back here for my findings!)

#5 Go Local - How can you be so sure that local foods are automatically organic?  If you live near a big farm that isn't organic, you're still eating locally aren't you?  I think they mean that if you go to a farmer's market and the sign doesn't say the farm is certified organic, it doesn't mean the farm doesn't use organic methods, it just means the farm is too small to pay for certification.  So ask!  I'll try this next time!

#6 Going Veg. - It can be cheaper.. but if you're replacing your chicken with pasta every night, it won't be healthier.  Just make sure you're transferring your money from an expensive organic food to a good-for-you alternative.

#7Nuts- I do love raw nuts.  Especially organic nuts, and when you can buy them in bulk at WF or some other health store, they're usually cheaper.  This also gives you a cheaper, healthier alternative to whatever your current snack is (unless it's an organic apple..then, they both win!)

#8 Bread variety- Not sure how looking at different organic breads will be cheaper, maybe because you'll have more options- so you'll be able to find better deals? Definitely healthier to go whole wheat or better yet, sprouted!

#9 Pasta - Whole wheat pasta is the only pasta I eat, I can't even stand white pasta anymore - so much better for you and usually the same price as the regular!

#10 Au Natural - Raw foodists believe that it is always better to eat something in the raw (hence the name) from fruits to nuts to agave, I believe that when you eat something in its simplist form you are saving money (as long as it isn't some gourmet label) and absorbing the most nutrients.

Some other tips I have read over the past month that I like are: do it yourself!  You have complete control over your garden, you decide what does or doesn't go in it.  And join a CSA!  They give you a bag a week of local and organic fruits and veggies, I plan to do this when I move to San Francisco in the fall.  Can't wait to report back!

Mostly Organic Weekend!

We started our Friday night at Planet Raw in Santa Monica..umm who new Cheesy Kelp noodles could be so delicious!! The dessert, chocolate mousse was aaaamazing!  wow, I really like raw food when I get it (and I eat raw for breakfast and lunch on weekdays), but the only other place I have been to is Rawvolution and their service is awful!  Our service was better and they seemed more open to non-raw foodists, ready to make recommendations.

We decided to hit up organic wineries in Santa Barbara with the boy's brother.  After starting with non-organic Starbucks drinks, (it was close and convenient!) We stopped at Plate in Malibu on the way to Santa Barbara.  They claim that they use all organic ingredients, so I am trusting them.  His breakfast burrito w/ chicken sausage and my egg sandwich with turkey bacon were delicious!!

Our first winery was Beckmen vineyards.  Completely bio dynamical!  what does that mean?!  read more about that here, but the main quote I found interesting is: . "By treating vineyards as complete and self-replenishing systems, biodynamic farming naturally builds soil life and vitality, while defending against pests and disease. Often confused with both organic and sustainable farming practices, biodynamic farming meets the criteria of both, while focusing on a unique set of eight naturally derived non-chemical soil and plant treatments."  The wine pourer said that bio dynamical farming includes the lunar calendar and even some spirituality,  like planting crystals near the crops.  But in the end, the grower won't do anything if it doesn't help the plant/enhance the flavor.  

 Alma Rosa was next.  It was a great space!  I felt like I was in the person's house.  We hung out in the patio, drinking wine, listening to music that one of the worker's had written/performed (we got his CD).  I was a little bummed when I asked about their organic practices and she said "well our crop is all organic, but since we just split off from Sanford a few years ago, we have to buy some fruit."  So does that mean that fruit can't be organic too?  But they do recycle their bottles!

For dinner we hit up Los Olivos Cafe which uses local and organic farmers.  OMG!  I don't know if it was because I was tipsy or it was really that good but the pesto pizza (mykanos, i think it was called) we had was amazing as was the bread and olive oil/tapenade.  damn.  my mouth is watering right now!

We ended off the day lying in the grass of a sunny font yard of some guy who was playing his guitar!  So cool!  he opens his "garden" up for people to come and sit in chairs or on the grass and listen to him play.  Perfect way to end the day.

I didn't go off the organic deep end Sunday, but I also made my own food most of the day, except for dinner.  All in all, not bad, and a fabulous SoCal weekend!  

A not so quick note about organic beauty products!

I want to do a weekend update, but first a note about beauty:

 Thank you Whole Foods!  This is one reason why buying organic, really organic, beauty products was so difficult!  All these different companies label themselves as organic, but aren't.  Sure they use more organic ingredients than the big brands, but they aren't really organic.  Just the name is organic.  I once bought a shampoo on sale at rite aid that was some top brand "organics" line.  I didn't really care that much about organics at the time, but it smelled great and I thought, better than grinding my own rose petals.  Well I looked at the ingredients.NOTHING is ORGANIC!  I don't think there's one thing in that list that is actually natural.  So when I started looking at organic bath and beauty products, I was cautious to make sure I wasn't getting fooled again.  You can name your body wash "pure gold" but there won't be a drop of gold in it!  Same applies to organics and marketing.  So this is one of the reasons I stopped my quest for organic bath and beauty products.  Not only  were there not many "Certified Organic" (95% or more organic ingredients) but I also couldn't decide if they were just the same as the big name brands.  Now I know that most of them don't have certain major bad chemicals, according to WFs Standards (at least 2010 standards).  So I am using nature's gate and Avalon organics hair care (not saying I really like it..in fact I don't think any natural conditioner makes my hair happy, just greasy) but it works fine for now.  I don't want to buy any more beauty products until I do more research, my wallet can't handle it! Though, I do really like the nature's gate body lotion, it smells and feels great!

 
This article talks about how people are shying away from petrochemical products, because of the oil spill, people don't want to be dependent on chemicals made from petroleum, which is great, helping the environment.  But what about that which the product is actually intended: ourselves.  This raises so many questions!!

Is the lack of those chemicals, in big brands going to create a better product?  Will those big brands just replace the petrochemicals with other chemicals?  If it's great for the environment is it still great for me?

So let's say we do go all organic!  Yay!  Real ingredients for real beauty without chemicals (at every step), or so I hope!  But now the question is: When we go all organic with our beauty products are we losing some chemicals that are necessary for the demands of our society?  I once heard from a "natural" beauty line:  "we use natural ingredients and scientific advance to keep up with today's societal demands."  Basically, will I still be happy with the way my hair dries if it doesn't have chemical x or z in it? And what about all the advance in science that lead us to this petrochemicals?    If we advanced towards the chemicals to make a cheaper (not better) product, then then hell yea get rid of the chemicals and get back to basics!    But if not, then years of beauty research is going out the window!   So what now?  make my own body wash, and hope it works?

So, again, beauty is on the back burner until I answer these questions..but at least WF understands some of my issues!

Almost all organic pizza!

So last night I decided to be a good girlfriend and make dinner!  I thought it would be cute to do a "make your own pizza night."  The idea being like a fun, interactive cooking party.  You get all the ingredients and then decide what you want to put on it and you can even have individual pizzas if you so choose.  Didn't work out so well.  Well, it's tough when we both had places to be later in the evening and he used to make pizzas for a living, so..he ended up taking over.  I don't think he minded much.  I didn't!
So I went to Whole Foods and picked up the ingredients. (I don't work there, and they don't pay me to shop,  but where else will you find the most organic selection, really?) I wanted to make a caprese type pizza with fresh mozzarella, basil from his garden and the organic tomatoes we already had at home from the farmer's market.  I also wanted shredded mozzarella for a veggie and sausage pizza.  I spent so much time in the cheese area the guys at the nearby specialty cheese counter were looking at me funny.  So WF has the "everyday 365" line which includes shredded cheese.  Well every cheese EXCEPT mozzarella came in organic and non organic variety!  Of course!  And then there was some organic cheese line on sale, but the mozzarella was all sold out!  Fine, I got the organic farms brand, more expensive, smaller packaging..grrr.  Ok moving onto fresh buffalo mozzarella... yea not organic.  I finally got one, and when I looked on the back it said it was produced by "XYZ organic dairy farm" but the cheese itself didn't say organic on it.  Fine, I guess they are just marketing their company as organic but don't pass the test to actually be it? I don't think it's too small of a company (some small companies don't get certified because they can't afford it or it's too much work, i think, i'll look into that more) So, to make myself feel better I also picked up a small amount of organic locally grown goat cheese.  yuum.
I got organic feta and spinach sausage.  Organic mushrooms.  I wanted bell pepper but there were no organic varieties.  (so much for my theory that WF has an organic variety of most produce) We had organic squash and zucchini at home, as well as garlic and onion.  So now on to dough.  Well they make their own whole wheat dough..delicious, but not organic.  My other option was organic corn meal crust.  I should have gotten that, except I really like whole wheat dough.  Plus!  the bf wouldn't have been able to play with it and stretch it and even toss it a bit (nothing major, i told him he would be very sorry if it dropped)
 So, my first pizza was the caprese: fresh tomatoes, garlic, fresh mozzarella and basil, but neither the crust nor the cheese was organic. (I didn't even want to ask anybody at the specialty cheese section for organic, they already thought I was crazy for staring at pre-package mozzarella for 20 minutes) The second pizza ended up being veggie AND sausage (was thinking of doing 3, but the first two took too long) So everything on that was organic, even the cheese (didn't want to use the other ball of fresh mozzarella..saving that) EXCEPT for the crust.  Oh and BTW, it was delicious!!  Seriously!  I was really proud of us (well mostly me on the first pizza and him on the second..which explains why it was so big and heavy!)
Maybe i'll try the cornmeal next time.  It will be organic and save lots of time!  Or maybe, i'll make my own Organic whole what dough!  crazy!!

Grappling with Grapes

I really like grapes, and I always eat them when they're out.  I really need to remember to buy some organic ones and to stop eating non-organic ones.  After all, they are on the dirty dozen list.  So here's my latest problem with grapes: yesterday I was picking at some grapes that were out for a meeting.  A co-worker walks up and says "mm...grapes" he looks at the top of the box (I didn't) and says "oh, wash these well they're from Chile"  "Right, I said, probably full of pesticides..."  He starts washing his handful... "well, DDT.."    As he walks away munching on his handful of grapes, I thought  didn't we ban that in the 70s or something?   I was right.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDT. Well I was really freaked out, because we did ban it Chile hadn't?  I thought why would the US let us eat produce that had been sprayed with DDT? And why would the US do business with a country that was using DDT, how hypocritical don't they know that eventually it affects the entire ecosystem, not just Chile's immediate environment?
Well my freak out lasted until I did some googling.  It turns out Chile banned DDT in 1984 (as many countries have since the 70s).  They probably did it once I was born in Feb. 1984 - "oh that girl will one day grow up to hate pesticides, especially DDT...let's get rid of it now"  Ok maybe not.  but anyway, it's been gone for a while.  
So then why are imported grapes on the dirty dozen?  Why not US grapes?  
http://organic.lovetoknow.com/Dirty_Dozen_Organic_Foods
That article explains it.  Domestic grapes are still bad, but not AS BAD as imported.  Makes you wonder what the other countries are using!  Funny that cherries in the US are worse than the cherries that are imported.  I Wonder why.  Once I figured this out..i'll let you know!

With a bad food weekend comes a long post!

So I started my weekend at a Dodgers game on Friday night with the rents and my boyfriend.  Dodgers stadium has been trying really hard to appeal to picky eaters.  They recently teamed up with Kaiser Permanente to offer better foods.  I had heard about this so I decided to research it before going.  Here's an article form LA Times that I found:http://articles.latimes.com/2009/apr/12/science/sci-stadiumfare12.  (I am not going to get into the article that much, they determine health as most people do, by calories, not by what you're actually eating. Since i'm trying to move away from that mind set, I am going to just tell you about the game, cool?)  So I decided to seek out this new healthy alternative at the Dodger game.  It looked so sad.  The little cart had a couple of cartons of sushi, but honestly, it didn't look that great.  The fresh fruit salad was super expensive like 8 dollars or something and looked like it was mostly cantaloupe.  I like cantaloupe, but it's definitely a fruit salad filler.  So that didn't look very good, and there were a only a few salads left, so I decided to pick up a thing of grapes.  Doh!  They're probably imported and full of chemicals!  I should have known since each one was perfectly big, round and crisp.  Though, they satisfied my need for something sweet after my Veggie Dog!!  Woo hoo, finally, something that isn't beef or beef byproducts.  I don't know that the veggie dog is really that great either, but as a girl who grew up going to games with the family and chowing down on all sorts of delicious and unhealthy stadium food, it has been hard for me to find a satisfying substitute at the games since I cut out red meat 10+ yrs. ago.  It's hard to "root root root for the Dooodgers"  while you have salad in your lap!  So I got my fill of nostalgia by hitting up the condiment station with the rest of the fans!!
Then we had some Dreyer's Dibs, not as good as the chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich I was eying, but at least we shared the Dibs.. Don't get me started on dessert.  It's a problem and I know it, but it must be handled delicately, so until I have the time to deal with finding better ways to satisfy my chocolate and ice cream cravings (and cookies and pie, and..) I will continue to derail...Sorry!  

So moving on.  Saturday we got a late start and ended up getting some pre-made wraps and tea at Whole Foods, not bad but not really something I mulled over since we were late for DISNEYLAND!!  We had a fabulous day and weren't hungry but finally got a frozen strawberry lemonade (first 3 ingredients:water, sugar, corn syrup) and I didn't eat much of it because it was too syrupy, the bf was surprised!  I like my sweets to be real!  No more fake stuff.  The bf LOVES popcorn.  Sweets are my obsession, Salt is his (he ate most of the peanuts at the game Friday night, sucking off every last salt piece..ew)  So we got some "street" side popcorn, delicious, but I didn't eat all of my half.  My bf thanked me for that later. I really wanted to check out the healthy carts they have set up now, but when we walked past one, I just saw some dehydrated fruit snacks that I know I don't like and Odwalla. I obviously wasn't trying hard enough since I wouldn't even stop.   I made reservations at Blue Bayou for dinner, I figured it was his first time at Disneyland, we should make it good.  I'll rate the service on yelp later, but the food was AWESOME!  Seriously, I was totally surprised.  I had some sautéed spinach with huge portabella mushroom steaks marinated in an awesome sauce and couscous (omg i LOVE couscous)  mixed with peppers and corn.  Wow, I ate 'til i was stuffed!  On our way out we stopped on Main St for an amazing chocolate chip cookie ice cream sundae.  They said it was "old -fashioned and all natural." Don't know if I believe them, but again..I am not tackling sweets just yet, so give me this one!

Sunday wasn't too bad, we ate at some local restaurants and at least the breakfast place was local and noted a lot of organic ingredients on their menu.  We also went to the farmer's market to make sure I get back on track for the week. Organic strawberries, cherries, peaches.. man I love summer fruits!

I am hoping not to derail too much this coming weekend, but we are going wine tasting..hmm..Organic wine, please!

Vote with your dollar!

Oh my goodness. Shopping for organic foods at a "normal" grocery store is so difficult! The only grocery store near my work is a Von's, and their organic section is so pitiful. Yes, it's better than the nearby Albertson's, but still not great. Plus everything is super expensive! Organic produce is NOT this expensive at Whole Foods. I know people complain that organic is expensive, but it's because they're going to a store where Organic is not the norm. At whole foods, usually, 90% of the time, if they sell a certain conventional produce they have it also in organic too! I love it. I see mangoes all the time and think, mm...i want one of those, all I have to do at Whole Foods is go one bin over and there it is "grown organically." But unfortunately, when i moved recently, I also moved out of range of a nearby whole foods! I used to go on my way home, or would get in the car, and would love the short drive and shopping trip, it was worth it. But now, it's a hassle. So, I end up going to Vons, or sometimes trader Joe's. But, as much as love the idea of TJs, they don't have as much organic as I would like. I also love to shop local farmer's markets, but I haven't been around enough to go a lot. Needless to say, my daily lunchtime salads have been looking pretty sad lately: organic carrots, organic avocado, organic lettuce, and organic tomatoes. Where's the organic fresh kale? or the organic fresh corn? or maybe a few organic mushrooms? :( Not there. And it's summer! My salad should be as bright as possible!

Hopefully, sometime this week I'll make it to Whole Foods. I just wish organic produce was more common and less trendy. I visited the new Trader Joe's in my city last night (not close either, but I was already near there) and it had more organic produce,  more produce in general, my other TJ's has been pretty barren lately. I guess that means they're doing good business?

Anyway, after all my complaining about grocery stores, I found that a lot of press has been given to the "dirty dozen." AKA the most pesticide-y produce. More info: http://www.foodnews.org/methodology.php Read the article especially where it says "Celery had been treated with as many as 67 pesticides" eww.. you think water is going to wash all that away? No way! Think about it, if rain could just wash away these pesticides, would it be worth it for the growers? Worth the money, time, even deaths (yes pesticide poisoning is a real problem). So the list of the dirty dozen, as said in the article is:

1. Celery

2. Peaches

3. Strawberries

4. Apples

5. Blueberries

6. Nectarines

7. Bell peppers

8. Spinach

9. Kale

10. Cherries

11. Potatoes

12. Grapes

Now, I like to "vote with my dollar' and buy ONLY organic produce. Yes, i still eat non-organic veggies; it's difficult to ask the chef at a nice restaurant or even a friend's house "umm..excuse me, is this organic?" But I definitely purchase organic and seek out organic options. I know about the "clean 15" in which studies have found little to no pesticide residue on some produce, such as avocados and mangoes, but I still like to be extra sure. Plus, a thick skin doesn't necessarily mean that the pesticides don't permeate. Also, if you want organic to be less expensive (like i do!) then we need to show them that we want more. VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLAR!

Starting OGO! Intro

Hello and welcome to my first entry! My name is Owen and about 3 months ago I set out to organic-ize my life. It didn't work out well. I took on too much too fast, and wanted to video blog it all! Between my camera girl/editor's schedule and mine, we only got 2 episodes done and up. I wanted to start with beauty- trying to see if organic beauty (skincare, make up and hair) products exist and if they're worth it. Basically they say your skin absorbs at least 60% of what you put on it! That's a lot of chemicals going directly into your blood stream and then going elsewhere! So I wanted to purify it a bit - but after some research it looks like organic beauty is going to be too much to take on right now! It would require a lot of research, testing, money and time. So I am putting beauty on the back burner. I am using some products that are not 100% organic but they are more than 70% organic, and I am making sure they're as free of additives as possible. Basically, I trust Whole Foods judgement in what they stock in their Whole Body, and that their "all natural" products are actually natural, so I am letting them choose for me.

So now I have decided to get back to the basics: food! I always choose organic produce- I have been doing that for about 6 months now. But, as far as eating all organic, well that's not happening. I am going to write -not video- a blog about getting into "cleaner" eating and..wait for it...COOKING!! If you know me - I am not a chef. I used to love my microwave- I have slowly been weaning myself off of it, but I used to use it twice a day at least, and couldn't imagine living without a microwave!! Now, I am eating much healthier. I read somewhere, when you dictate your eating habits by calories rather than nutrients it's the unhealthiest thing you can do for your body. Now I am sure I am deficient in some vitamins and don't get enough protein or whatever, but one thing at a time!

My main concern is really focusing on what I eat, where it comes from, and what it's doing once it's in my body. I eat out a lot! It's bad for my diet and bad for this mission, but I'm super social and have to go out or I'll lose my mind. I find people who are really dedicated to eating organic, raw, vegan, whatever (not that I'm fully raw or vegan) can be a bit snooty, condescending or will try to make me their "project." But then I feel bad if I openly talk about not eating what's on somebody's plate because of my chosen diet. So until I figure out how to incorporate my social life into this mission, I am going to be breaking a few rules.

This is where I am starting from- I'll be interested to see where this mission takes me. I don't see it ever "ending," since healthy eating should be a lifetime mission.

Hope you enjoy! If you have suggestions - please comment!!