living local

I think this whole eating/shopping local thing makes a ton of sense. It would be CRAZY hard to do 100% of the time (especially in Edmonton), but I have respect for those who are trying to do it. I've been caught up watching the 100 mile challenge on the Food Network and it really makes me think. Just being aware of what we're buying and where it comes from is a huge step. I wonder why there isn't more local produce available in Edmonton (other than at our fabulous Strathcona Farmer's Market). I don't get the ins and outs of produce distribution, but it seems like it would be a draw for customers. Trying to do my part, I got some incredible Happy Camel organic whole wheat pita, along with some super yummy spinach hummus (made in-store) at Planet Organic yesterday. Apparently, the garlic is a bit strong in the hummus (sorry babe!) so maybe don't pack it in your lunch for the office!!

Speaking of local:

Eat local first!

My fave local bakery/cafe is Wild Earth. Try their cinnamon bread (I adore the version without raisins) on a Saturday... I could eat a whole loaf with my bare hands. To die for I tell you! 

Also, check out their grocery store, Wild Earth Foods on the next block. They stock awesome produce and meat, and have a decent organic selection too. Plus, they're the first local grocery store to use signage to identify local fare... yay!!

Check out the Edmonton sellers on Etsy. Handmade AND local... many local sellers will arrange to meet you to save shipping costs too.

Support these independent businesses and others who promote shopping local. 

a few good things about bags

Just a few quick things for today... off to help "a modern woman" settle into her first home... eeeeeeeee!!!

Nice work, Ikea. Now we just have to work on your bookshelves not falling apart.

Very cool new bags by Mat + Nat. I could get behind these. A LOT!

These reusable sandwich/snack bags are fabulous. Oprah featured them on her Earth Day show, and I admit, I felt cooler than Oprah for a moment because I already had mine.

cupcake things

{Perfect Details}

I'm a big fan of this Perfect Details apron for so many reasons. It's homemade with love. (If you haven't gotten lost in the awesome homemade goodness of etsy, you need to go there. Now!) It's made in Edmonton. Yay, local!! It makes baking fun. And by fun, I also mean stylish! It's pleated, pink AND covered in cupcakes. Seriously, what's not to love?? This is actually the kid's version but Angela makes grown-up ones too... which means super-cute mother/daughter baking possibilities. Or mother/son. Or father/daughter. Or father/son. I mean, is it ever wrong to wear a pink cupcake apron? Exactly.

On the topic of cupcakes, I highly recommend this ridiculously delicious and easy recipe. Actually, anyone reading this has probably made or tried them already. If not, what are you waiting for??

Other cupcakey-ness:

Cupcake recipe motherload. Too bad no new ones are being added. 

New take on red velvet cupcakes. Yum! And love this site too.

Heavenly pumpkin cupcakes. Definitely smitten!

For the cupcake lover on-the-go. Happily tested this out (thanks CC) and it's great!

Crazy cute organic bedding. 

swept up in the interweb

Well, I’ve gone and done it. Started a blog. Luckily, I don’t expect anyone will notice! Ok, maybe the few of you I’ve given the heads up to. And if you each pop by on occasion, and maybe you laugh, or simply just enjoy, then my work here will be done. 

Funny thing is that I spend so much time reading other people’s blogs that I don’t quite know when I’ll update my own! Oh, wait! I was reminded yesterday by a dear friend that I actually have no life. So there should really be no problem at all. 

To assure you this is actually true, here is what I’ve done today:

• Read several pages of Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson. One of my two selections at our book swap night a few months ago. So far, totally loving it and NOT wanting to give it back to be swapped. Which totally defeats the purpose of swapping, I realize. But my criteria for a swappable book is simple: if I don’t LOVE it, it can be swapped. And, who am I to go back on my word? 
• Created a new word: “swappable.”
• From my yard, watched my neighbour and his father-in-law pull a shed out of his yard with a truck. You wouldn’t believe how entertaining this was. Most entertaining was the other neighbour who got off his bike and just stood there and watched. At least I was “reading” and looking busy. 
• Napped. And I don’t actually nap. Ever. This is a direct result of the latest cold I’ve acquired. They tend to knock me on my ass and make me totally lazy. Oh. I guess that isn’t so much different than when I’m not sick. Hmmm….
• Ate the best leftover beef dip sandwich, from the best pot roast I’ve ever made. Actually, only the second one ever, and delicious. This is the recipe I used. I know a slow cooker would have made life very easy, but I didn’t leave myself enough time for that. Just know that it all worked out for the best because the fam loved it, and I was told that I should definitely make this one again. Try it, peeps, you won’t be disappointed. Unless you don’t eat meat. Then I’ve got nothin’ for ya.
• Discovered some new and wonderful blogs. Check out what possessed me and how about orange. Good times. 
• Listened to last.fm. Very cool way to discover new music. For example, My Life Changed by William Fitzsimmons is currently playing. Totally beautiful. Wow. Haunting. 

Ok, that’s all for the moment. More to come, though, you can be sure. Peace out lovelies!
xxxx S.