March 11, 2009

It's apples to apples and an announcement


As if all apples are created equal! Please. I think we all know a thing or two about organic produce vs. conventionally grown stuff.

For starters, pesticides and chemical fertilizers. These are no good for us or for the environment. Here's something interesting: google "umbilical pesticides." Scary, no? What else...hmmm...what about genetically modified foods? The most common GMOs are corn and soybeans but GM versions of other foods exist for sure. Check out this handy chart.

In response to CulinaryWannabe's recent comment on this post I am very intrigued by The Environmental Working Group's new guide to buying fruits and veggies. Here is a downloadable PDF you can keep in your purse to remind you of what produce is best bought organic, and which are ok to buy conventional if you have to. Thanks to Marion Nestle at Food Politics for this link!

I am going to print this puppy out and take it with me next time to the store. It's a great way to know where to cut a few pennies, like maybe go ahead and buy the cheaper, conventionally grown broccoli if it makes sense for you.

Related to saving money, I am happy to share that I will soon be spending a lot more time focusing on health counseling, cooking and yoga because I was laid off from my job in advertising yesterday. It's never easy to lose a job but in this case I think it's a blessing. There's so much I want to do in this field...I'm off to the kitchen right now to start a new recipe...! And now's as good a time as any to announce that I will soon be moving this blog over to a wordpress platform and new business site. This is just a warning that's it's coming soon but when it's ready I will make it abundantly clear to change your RSS and email subscriptions. I LOVE the community that has begun to grow here, so I hope you all join me for the next leg of the journey :-)

17 comments:

cook4seasons said...

Congratulations, Michelle! This will be an exciting time as you endeavor to pursue your heart's calling(s.) I'm sure it was a blow at first but look at all you have 'brewing.' I, for one, will follow your adventures in the kitchen and on your new site. Best wishes...

Erica said...

Concur- a blessing in disguise, I know you will do such great things.

Yes, I alternate between whole wheat organic and just organic pasta. I think there is a slight difference in the whole wheat- but I actually really like it! I haven't tried rice pasta yet but I heard it tastes VERY different and cooks up a little mushy.

Thank you so much for the game idea! I love that one- def going to do that!

michaela said...

i'm sorry to hear about your job, but i completely agree with you that this is a great opportunity in your life. keep up the great attitude!

MBCoaching said...

Hi Michelle!

I have never replied to a blog of yours, but I've been reading your blogs for a few months now and I really enjoy them. It's crazy because we have super similar interests and I love watching your progress and to hear what you're up to in Boston. I have friends in Boston that subscribe as well and we all just found out- pretty cool :)

Anyway, I'm sorry that you got laid off from your job, but I have a feeling great things will be happening for you. You're very talented and you have a strong passion. I admire everything you are right now. Keep at it!

I'll be continuing to read,

Best,
Meagan Brown
Denver, CO

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your job, but it does sound like it was a bit of a relief for you, and you've got so many other things ready to do! Best of luck with it all. And of course I'll be following you to your new domain. :)

Not Another Omnivore said...

Oh my gosh! So many things going on.

I'm glad that it sounds like you are handling your job loss well and see it as the opportunity it is to work on things you really love. That's awesome.

And a wordpress move eh...how are you going about that? I've often thought about it just because the day may come, but don't know how easy or feasible it would actually be.

Oh, and great info as always!

NAOmni

Hanlie said...

All the best for your "new" venture! I was just telling my friend that I could never go back to being an accountant, or even working for the "Man". I want to be a lifestyle and nutritional counsellor and I have to start studying for that now...

Culinary Wannabe said...

First off, thank-you so much for this post!! The links and printouts are super helpful! It's such scary stuff, I can't believe more attention hasn't been paid to it.

Secondly, I'm so sorry to hear about your job. It downright stinks when stuff like that happens. Glad to see that you are keeping a positive outlook and already have a plan for doing something that will only be more rewarding in the end. Can't wait to see where you end up!

Anonymous said...

Like everyone else said, congratulations! It seems like this will be an exciting time for you.

I'm starting yoga classes for the first time and am looking to buy a good quality, eco-friendly mat. That said, I'm definitely on a budget. Do you have any suggestions?

Anonymous said...

Hey, Crazy! From the standpoint that this economic mess is now affecting people I know. Part of me wonders if "the universe" :) (yes, I took it there) wants its talented, passionate people out of advertising and moving onto wellness and food. Seems to make sense, no? So off you go... and the environment, its people... and YOU, I am hoping very much... are better off because of it!

Michelle said...

cook4seasons - i knew i could count on you!

Erica – whose shower are you planning? did I miss that in one of your posts? fun!

michaela – thanks! all the support from you guys certainly helps.

meaghan – thank you so much. your comment stopped me in my tracks and made me feel like, wow, people i don't even know give a damn. it's amazing and i look forward to hearing from you again!

Ricki – thanks and i'm glad to know i'll have followers over to the new domain!

NAOmni – thanks, girl! about the wordpress move, I hired a developer so he's handling it. i have no idea how easy or complicated it will be. though most of the complication will likely be from my custom design, not the actual wordpress move. we'll see!

Hanlie – have you looked into IIN for school?

Culinarywannabe – happy to help!

Jenn – great question about yoga mats. honestly, the "best" eco mats (ie they are made from sustainable materials and break down easily later) are expensive as all heck. Here's the best idea I've ever heard though: Get yourself regular mat that someone either never really used or used lightly. You can just wash it! Those are going to just end up in landfills, not breaking down, and leaching yucking stuff into the ground. That's the cheapest mat you'll find and a VERY eco option.

Jenn M. – the universe? i'll take it :-)

Lori said...

So sorry to hear about your job, but understand and am happy to see your attitude. Although, not laid off, leaving mine was the best decision I've had to make. I may have to go back to work outside home next year, but I now know it will not be doing the same thing. Life's challenges always equal a learning opportunity. :)

HangryPants said...

I'm sorry about your job, but it sounds like you have a great plan. I can't wait to see what's in store!

Anonymous said...

Being made redundant is often a huge shock, usually un-wanted, but it does sometimes turn into a blessing in disguise. It sounds like you have good projects ahead, have made some decisions and are moving on with your life.

Good luck with it all Michelle - I'm looking forward to reading about your plans and changes.

Heidi Robb said...

Ouch - sorry about the job thing, but I am totally a "when one door closes..." kind of believer.

Looking forward to reading more of your nutritional wisdom here.

Love the new look!

Anonymous said...

I liked that environmental working party list too and have passed it on to quite a lot of people. It's useful to have a way to prioritise in these times of financial hardship.

Losing a job is never fun but how wonderful that you will now have time to concentrate on the work you really enjoy. Fingers crossed that all the site moving goes smoothly!

Noodlegirl said...

Sometimes losing your job just give you that big boost to finally really concentrate on what you really want. I tried the tofu pasta it didn't sit well with me but i heard its a big hit!