Va écologique

Going Green, an ode to whole foods, flea markets and the like.


Unless it's for a field trip type activity I rarely shop at Whole Foods...let's be honest, while the intent is good, the price just isn't easy to swallow and if it really were a "whole foods" should there be a microwavable section? Don't get me wrong, I'm pro whole foods, I just don't think eating them should break the bank...So as much as possible we try to visit the farmers' & flea markets in the area. One of my favorites is the Immokalee State Farmers' Market. It may not be labeled "organic" or come in a nice package; in fact that's rarely the case, but often you can find the freshest & ripest of produce (as well as a variety of other items) at a fair price!

This past weekend we took a Fort Myers wide trip that led to Little Lou's Antique & Flea and the Flea Masters Flea Market. Wow! What an adventure, the folks who frequent or work at flea markets really do have their own culture! I thought it was great and just couldn't get enough. You might not think of it this way, but shopping at places like flea markets & Goodwill stores or even garage sales is a great way to green up your life AND discover some unique finds!

There is a group of ladies down here, who have been my saving grace. Literally! I was about to lose my mind! We had been in Fort Myers for 4 months and I hadn't met a soul, when I happened upon this wonderful group and not only have they challenged me to be a better runner, but we also share recipes and other helpful tips. On a recent run we started discussing the Green Smoothie...really healthy, but the sound of it (to me anyway) does not give off a tasty impression. As a recent purchaser of the Jack Lalanne  Power Juicer (I know I know), I juiced my ingredients instead and made muffins out of the pulp! It was a deelish & hearty too!

I find that "Going Green" is a worthwhile effort. Although it may not be practical all day everyday there are little things we an do each day to make our lives and world just a touch healthier.

Here are some other causes I believe to be worthwhile!

Sore Feet Saviors

Patagonia

Goodwill

Classic Favorites

If you Google "Classic Favorites" the first thing that pops up in the search is Amazon advertising for the Andy Griffith Show. For me, this show is not one of my favorites...it's probably not even in the top 10; however this particular show does strike a chord with my Mom. 

Maison

Definition of HOME

1

a : one's place of residence : domicileb : house

2

: the social unit formed by a family living together

3

a : a familiar or usual setting : congenial environment; also: the focus of one's domestic attention <home is where the heart is>b : habitat

4

a : a place of origin <salmon returning to their home to spawn>; also : one's own country <having troubles at homeand abroad>b : headquarters 2 <home of the dance company>

5

: an establishment providing residence and care for people with special needs <homes for the elderly>

6

: the objective in various games; especially : home plate

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On a recent Facebook Post my friend Valerie reminded me how much I love this song and how it melts my heart whenever I hear it (sorry Val it's not the same cute little girl, these Hippies are the original artists):

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My husband and I lived in Gainesville for nearly eight years. It was there where we really did a lot of growing; graduated college, got married, bought our first house and had our son Hobie. Whenever people ask me where I'm from, I proudly say Gainesville! When Jorge got this great job (that has given me the opportunity to stay at home with Hobie) we jumped at the chance to spread our wings!

We have been in Fort Myers just about six months, and while I've made friends and kept busy it's just not the same. I'd always thought that I was more of a traveler...like the Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia. The truth is I'm a homebody, but nonetheless I'd like to think that this growing experience (ideally we'll be moving yearly until we find our "forever home") is making me more of that dirt bagger I've always dreamed of being. Until then...

.... here are a few things making me feel at home this week

--> Afternoon Cuddles with Hobie

--> Ice Pops

--> Solving the World's (and my own) problems with a glass (or 3) of wine and good friends

--> Tasty afternoon snacks <these are homemade potato chips>

--> Wild Spider Lilies from my husband

--> The Smell of an afternoon Florida rainstorm

Neath l'orange et bleu victorieuse

...."Neath the Orange and Blue Victorious!"...

This past weekend Jorge, Hobie and I made the 4 hour trek north to the home of our alma mater, the University of Florida, for the graduation of Hobie's Uncle Joey! Not having been in Gainesville for a few months we'd forgotten the abundance of orange and blue! The weekend started with a short climb at Gainesville Rock Gym, followed by a graduation party in Joey's honor and was wrapped up by the 2011 CALS Commencement Ceremony and lunch at a local favorite, Newberry's Backyard BBQ!

Still missing the Swamp I decided this morning to continue with the orange and blue theme by making a Blueberry & Nectarine Tart (however I replaced the nectarines with peaches).

Watch the Video!