Sunday at the Portland Art Museum, pausing so Waits could steal a snack.
Oi there! Firstly and foremostly I want to extend an enormous THANK YOU to Carolyn C, for dropping a sweet little something in my tip jar over there . –> Thanks so much lady, I appreciate it more than you know, and it really helps motivate me to keep on keepin’ on with this crazy project!
And now, hooray for the weekend! It’s summer, it’s pride month, and we’re coming up on the very longest day of the year (happy solstice!). And of course here on Bonzai it’s time for comments, critiques, thoughts, support, and suggestions.
So here’s my main question of the week: What do you want to do for a Monday Monthly Mission? Lend me your thoughts my friends! Any ideas? Inspiration? And in general what do you want to see more of here on Bonzai Aphrodite?
Okay, here’s something silly and awesome. So I’ve been super nostalgic ever since Waits was born, remembering and reliving my own wee youth (I have a theory about how falling in love with your child is also falling in love with your own childhood self, and allows all sorts of crazy layers of life lessons and self love and on and on, but I digress). So I’m an 80s kid and grew up on Raffi – anyone out there know what I’m talking about? Can I get a ‘Baby Beluga’?! w00t w00t! So anyway, I still remember the name of my very favorite song, ‘Joshua Giraffe’. I decided to look it up for kicks, and whattaya know, someone made a silly little video and put it up on youtube. I gave it a listen and was cracking up – you guys it’s TOTALLY ABOUT ANIMAL LIBERATION. ahahahaha! I was a 5-year-old animal rights radical! =D
Check it out:
As usual, the Feedback Forum will remain here at the top of the page all weekend, so if you’ve got an idea or a question or you just want to introduce yourself and say ‘Oi!’, you can stop back by any time. This is your community, so get involved and have your say!
Have a radical weekend!
Okay, so now you’re pregnant. Congratulations! This is probably the most exciting event of your life . . . and maybe the most overwhelming. You know there’s a ton of stuff you’re supposed to do – and a ton of stuff you’re NOT supposed to do. And, as a mindful member of the world community, you know that this one takes ‘responsibility’ to a whole new level. So, where do you even start?! Oh why didn’t you pay closer attention when your sister/cousin/friend was pregnant? And what was that Yahoo news headline about babies and BPA? Damn, there’s a lot to cover!
But don’t you worry, in this series of essays I’m going to address many of the main issues that arise while making – and managing – a ‘green’ baby. From the truth about cloth diapers, to DIY supplies, to why we made the radical and unexpected decision to actually vaccinate our son (no judgments, no worries). But for now let’s start at the very beginning, with the simple stuff.
That’s right: STUFF
Having a baby is one of the most commercialized, consumption-centered events in existence. From the maternity clothes to the party planning to the safety gear – it’s traditionally a product-driven affair. Don’t believe me? Try Googling ‘newborn checklist’ for a laugh at the lengthy inventory that’s supposedly required to bring a baby into your home. Or just go browse Babies ‘R Us for a real fright. Eek!
So in case you haven’t realized it yet (and I certainly didn’t at first), being a parent is all about making choices. An endless series of serious choices. Everyone chooses a different path in parenthood, and that’s as it should be. For me, a lifelong nonconformist, I suspected that my biggest divergence from the traditional route would be in my resolute lack of desire to acquire STUFF.
I try to live lightly and that certainly wasn’t changing because of a baby. In fact, it strengthened my resolve to leave the littlest footprint possible. When I thought of living rooms littered with primary-colored plastic play sets, and all manner of pastel paraphernalia, it made my head spin. That is not for me! No, there had to be a way to avoid over-consumption . . .
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The first thing I did was some serious communication, and this is hands down the most important action you can take. Make a list of your criteria, then prioritize. Be prepared to compromise. A shower invitation with a small note that reads, “The parents-to-be would appreciate non-gendered toys and clothes in natural fibers”, is a lot friendlier than one that declares, “The parents-to-be would prefer only second hand items, non-gendered cotton clothing, no plastic or electronic toys, and please keep things exclusively organic”. It may be true, but it’s just not inviting!
For example, my original intention was to have everything secondhand, but after a few conversations I realized that this was unrealistic. I just couldn’t expect my Granny to go digging through bargain bins down at the thrift. And that’s okay. I was willing to compromise here, with the understanding that not everybody shares – or even really understands – my lifestyle. There were other areas where I was less flexible (***)
There’s many ways to subtly communicate your wishes. Enlist those who know you best to help spread the word (I’m thinking bffs, moms, and mother-in-laws here) It’s really easy to drop a hint in general conversation – “Oh man, I saw the cutest organic onesie from Company X. I think their entire line is organic . . . wouldn’t it be great if all the baby’s clothes were organic? So much better for their precious little skin, ya know?” And there you have it: message sent!
The bottom line is, if it’s important to you (and I’m guessing it is), you’re going to have to communicate.
*** Just an aside for vegans, you may need to gently remind folks of unsuitable items. This includes fibers like wool (very common in baby clothes and people think us crunchy types are all about it), toys which may include bits of fur, feathers, and leather, care products which commonly include beeswax and lanolin, and books or toys expressing animal exploitation, ie farm stuff. A lot of loved ones forget that veganism extends beyond diet.
My awesome mother-in-law made sleepers out of my father-in-law’s old tee shirts!
So once you’ve been clear on what you *don’t* want, it’s time to focus on what you DO want – and that’s the fun part! (for everyone) As noted above, you can find hundreds of ‘new baby needs’ lists all over the Net. Yes, I looked at these. I used them as a rough guide and made my OWN list, which was about 1/3 as long. Making a list is important. It means that when people ask what you want/need, you’ll be able to give them a specific answer. If you don’t, you’ll just end up with tons of clothes. And believe me, you’re already going to get plenty of clothes. They’re just too cute! People can’t resist them! (myself included)
So know what essentials you’ll really need, write it down, and keep track. You don’t want to end up with 3 changing tables and no car seat!
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In this day and age it’s likely your loved ones are spread all over the world, so it’s a good idea to register, and it’s key to register *online*. This gives you a lot more creative control, and yet another way to indirectly express your wishes. If everything you pick is organic, they’ll get the message even if they don’t use the registry. There are tons of online registries like Babies R Us or Target, but I chose Amazon. There’s a couple different reasons for this (and no, Amazon is not paying me to say this, haha)
1) You can get so many things used! In your Amazon profile, under your picture, is a spot for a quote or caption. In mine I wrote ‘please buy secondhand when possible’! Books, music, toys – your relatives can get lots of secondhand baby stuff and satisfy your eco-leanings.
2) The options on Amazon are astounding, and surprisingly progressive. BPA-free baby bottles? Check! Organic hemp wipes? You got it! You really will be able to meet all your greenest needs here.
3) Amazon is not just baby-centric. You probably already have an Amazon account, maybe even an Amazon wishlist. One of the main reasons I keep a registry/wishlist is to simply keep track of things, so they don’t slip my mind forever. I’ll hear some amazing interview with an author and quickly pop over and add the book to the list before I forget about it. Or I’ll remember some song I loved as a child, track down the CD, and add it to the registry for when Waits is older (can’t wait!!!) It’s super handy when you’re already juggling 5 million things with breastfeeding brain fog on top of it all.
4) The ‘universal registry’. This is a spectacular feature that allows you to add pretty much anything on the entire internet. That’s how my wishlist is full of Herbivore stuff, and that’s how *your* baby registry could be filled with one-of-a-kind handmade Etsy toys, or whatever else your heart desires. Awesome, awesome feature.
Bonzai reader Jacquelyn sent us these beautiful handmade bibs and burp rags!
So once you’ve whittled down your wants, you’ve expressed your quirky hippie desires to all the baffled elders, and you’ve helped them out by building a badass registry full of eco-friendly options, there’s only one piece of advice left: Be Thankful. You WILL get stuff you don’t want. The vegan WILL get wool, the BPA-paranoid WILL get freaky cheap made-in-China teethers, and team gender-neutral will get TONS of frilly pink dresses. And it’s okay. More than any other event, having a baby is a time of coming together, and people love to share in it. They may not see the world like you do, but they are being generous, and you should be grateful and gracious in return. Because when it comes down to it, they’re just lovin’ on your baby in the way that they know how. And your baby deserves all the lovin’ it can get!
( . . . and nobody says you have to use the item, or even keep it, but that’s for discretion, and a later date)
But before you write me off as crazy, just hear me out. Yes, it’s sweet . . . but so is balsamic, or caramelized onion, or yams – and each of these steals the show in many a savory dish. So although this plate is playing on the sweet side, it is decidedly UN-dessert-y. Trust me.
In fact, it sort of tastes like a summer explosion. But for dinner.
Um, yum.
Ingredients:
1 lb pasta of choice (I use brown rice spagetti)
1.5 lbs organic strawberries, stems removed, washed and quartered (organic is important here)
1 medium onion, diced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon various ‘Italian’-type spices (basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram – whatever you have)
1/4 cup cooking wine (I use dry vermouth)
cracked pepper and sea salt, to taste
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions:
Get your pasta going.
In a large pan, heat the oil over medium and add the diced onion. Sauté until glassy, a few minutes, and then add the garlic. Sauté a minute or so more, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the strawberries and spices, stirring to keep from sticking (add more oil if needed). Strawberries will begin to darken and soften. Pour in the cooking wine to deglaze, stir well, then reduce heat and let simmer for a good 10-15 minutes.
Stir in the balsamic just before serving. I spooned the sauce over the pasta, but you can toss it all together for awesome pink-hued noodley goodness.
A special thanks to my pal Jeremy, who tweeted me an entire art history lesson whilst I wrote this recipe up, and to Waits, who kept me warm all snuggled up and snoring on my chest while it rained and thundered outside. Much love.
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Well! We’re just about halfway through our mission this month, 2 weeks into our new and improved selves. And since this particular task is so personal, so close to the core of us, we’re continuing our periodic check-ins again this Monday. I hope this will provide you with a space to admit your difficulties, revel in your accomplishments, and pose any questions that you may have. Most importantly, I hope this space will allow us to come together as a community to share our stories and discuss our struggles. A mission like this requires a support system!
Personally, I had a salty relapse yesterday. I was doing very well and without even really trying . . . come to think of it, perhaps that’s why I fell off the wagon. I may have let my guard down. Regardless, last night I was snacking on some raw cashews and it occurred to me that the flavor would really be enhanced with a little sea salt. So I begin to sprinkle, and, well – I’m quite certain I added more salty goodness than could be considered ‘reasonable’. Whoops!
So that was my one transgression, brought on by simply not checking in with myself. Not being mindful. It’s a very difficult practice, remaining in the moment at all times. But I’m getting better at it, and you’d better believe I’ll keep trying!
I think, fundamentally, mindfulness is the key to most of our issues this mission. Food for thought . . .
So, what about you? Going good or spiraling downwards? Somewhere in between? What do you think you need to do to stay on track? (and can we help??)
Oi! Oi! It’s the weekend again! (hallelujah amen, amiright?!) Time to kick off your shoes, relax for a spell, and have a fantabulous time. You deserve it! Also and always, here on Bonzai it’s time for comments, critiques, thoughts, support, and suggestions.
So what’s new in the world of You? What are you especially grateful for these days? (me = green plantfoods and raw nuts, sunny days, great girlfriends, Waits’ eyelashes which are the longest and loveliest I’ve ever seen, and forever and always my husband) What do you want to see here on Bonzai Aphrodite? More food, more fashion, more farm? More . . . furthermore (???)
As usual, the Feedback Forum will remain here at the top of the page all weekend, so if you’ve got an idea or a question or you just want to introduce yourself and say ‘Oi!’, you can stop back by any time. This is your community, so get involved and have your say!
Have a great one my dears. Be good to You!
Ahhh, tomatoes, the ruby gems of the garden treasure chest. Fresh-from-the-yard tomatoes are one of summer’s true delights, the crowning jewel in countless warm-weather dishes. If there was only one thing I could grow, it would easily be tomatoes. Hands down. No questions.
And you can too! No matter where you are in the northern hemisphere, it’s not too late to grow your own little slice of the red heaven. You might not be able to start them from seed, but you can certainly get some seedlings planted. Just don’t delay! You’ll want to get these babies into the ground ASAP.
And if you want the strongest, hardiest, most fruit-bearing transplants ever, here’s what you’ve gotta do:
Begin with your tomato start (hey, is that a tp roll?). With very sharp scissors, cut off each leaf ‘branch’ at the base, leaving only the leaf cluster at the very top.
In your garden bed dig a long shallow trough. If you have it, lay some compost along the bottom. Then lay the tomato plant on it’s side in the trough (atop the compost). If you don’t have compost that’s fine.
Carefully cover the tomato plant, roots and stem, so that only the top leaf cluster is exposed. Pat the soil down firmly and water the transplant into its new home. Voila!
The stem will send down shoots at each of the trimmed nodes, ensuring a sturdy root system capable of maximum mineral extraction. Thus, tomatoes transplanted in this manner tend to have a much higher yield.
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Our mission this month is all about facing down a demon, besting a bad habit to better ourselves. Because there is a great potential for emotional/psychological ‘hard work’ here, I thought it might be best to check in each Monday this month. These missions are always a collective effort, but now more than ever it’s time for community to come through. A lot of you were brave enough to take on quite a challenge, and I want to make sure you have a good support system!
For me, so far the struggle with salt has actually been easier than I’d anticipated. Knowing that sprinkling on the seasoning is just *not an option*, has allowed me to just settle in and appreciate a dish for what it is. However! I have noticed that I’m making up for missing flavor in other ways – like extra hot sauce, dressing, or various other condiments. What can I say? I like loud flavors!
So, how is your mission going? Is it easy breezy or have you been battling? And what can we do to help you along?
So . . . *ahem* . . . the Friday Feedback Forum comes to you on Saturday. See, last night Waits and I passed out directly following dinner, and didn’t so much as stir until after midnight. Whoops! Don’t know what all that was about, but I do know that it felt reeeeeally good. So the FFF is a day late – sorry!!
Check it out! Waits is a supermodel!!! Just in case you needed one more reason to love Herbivore, they were awesome enough to let the wee Mr Rebhal model their brand new baby tees! Perfect for the little vegans in your life!
And now – Oi! It’s the weekend! Time for comments, critiques, thoughts, support, and suggestions. So tell me what’s on your mind, and tell me what you want to see here.
As usual, the Feedback Forum will remain here at the top of the page all weekend, so if you’ve got an idea or a question or you just want to introduce yourself and say ‘Oi!’, you can stop back by any time. This is your community, so get involved and have your say!
Hope the Saturday wraps up well for you, and your Sunday is long and lovely!
It’s late spring and hopefully your gardens are beginning to take shape. If you sowed your seeds directly to soil, now is about the time to thin out your rows. It’s important to overplant in case some seeds are sterile, but then it’s just as important to remove the excess, preventing competition. Sad for the little ones that don’t get to stay, but that’s the way it’s got to go.
The pac choi, very well groomed
I was in the middle of this process last weekend – pulling up seedlings and flinging them onto the compost heap – when it hit me. Hey! These are totally edible! Of course I felt like an idiot as soon as I made the realization (think of all the greens I’ve wasted!) Just because they’re not fully matured, doesn’t mean they’re not ripe for your kitchen. In fact, sprouts and seedlings are nutrient powerhouses!
The pac choi carnage. I had to pull up a lot of starts.
You can save and eat all sorts of seedlings, from lettuces (of course) to hardy greens (like collards or kale) to brassicas (like broccoli or cabbage) to beets. Sprouts are touted by raw foodists and other health aficionados as awesome, enzyme-rich and nutrient-dense little wonderfoods. So don’t make the same mistake as me and discard these garden treasures! Bring them inside, clean them up, and put them to work nourishing your body.
You can pretty much use them as you would use their older counterparts, aside from steaming or sautéing by themselves (they’re too tender for that). Make a fresh salad, or throw them into a stir fry, pack them into a hummus wrap or top off a sandwich, cook them into a scramble or just munch them by the handful. Or, you can do like I do and blend them into a delicious, delectable green smoothie!
So, how are your gardens growing? Will you be thinning the beds any time soon? What will you do with your sprouts?
Green smoothie for life!!!!
Okay, I have to admit something to you. I’m . . . not so into eggplant. I know, I know. Bad foodie! Bad veg*n! I’m not proud.
But every so often I’ll get one in a dollar bag or something. And when that happens I’ll make that eggplant do the one thing I like eggplants to do : baba ganoush.
Mmmm, with a name like that, how could you *not* love it? Eggplant season in the northern hemisphere is July thru October, depending on your location. So get ready! This makes the perfect summer dip.
Ingredients:
1 eggplant
1 yellow onion
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons olive oil
few cloves garlic (to taste)
few sprinkles liquid smoke (to taste)
salt + pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400º.
Wash the eggplant and prick the skin with a fork (don’t forget this or eggplant go boom!). Place the eggplant in a lightly oiled baking dish. Rough chop the onion and add the pieces to the dish. Roast for 30-40 minutes, until the eggplant is very tender but before the onions burn.
Remove the eggplant and immediately submerge it in ice water. When it has cooled the skin will easily peel off. Discard the skin and place the eggplant innards in your food processor (or blender). Add the onions, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, and garlic cloves, then blend until creamy smooth.
Add a bit of liquid smoke, salt, and pepper, then re-blend before tasting. Continue adding seasoning and smokiness a little at a time until you reach your preferred flavor balance. Serve chilled.
I like my baba ganoush sprinkled with raw sesame and roasted sunflower seeds, and drizzled with a bit of toasted sesame oil. This is a great all-purpose dip for any manner of veggie, and is exceptionally divine smeared on homemade flatbread.