Quick update on my life [vlog]

wwoof.org ch-ch-ch-check it out

Oh and I forgot to mention that I am pumped to essentially to be living on fresh coconuts and avocados. And all those other amazing fruits that are native to Hawaii! Aww snap.

What's all the buzz about?

(source)

And on that note, here are a couple honey-themed beauty recipes:

Basic Honey Face Mask

Ingredients:
1 T honey
2 drops of lavender or tea tree oil (both natural antiseptics)


Directions:
Mix the oil and honey and put on a clean face.
Leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
If your skin is dry, simply eliminate the essential oils.

Honey Cleansing Scrub

Directions:
1 T honey
1 T oatmeal or almonds (natural exfoliants)
1 t lemon juice (takes oil out of oily skin)


Directions:
Grind oatmeal/almonds in a food processor or blender.
Mix together the honey, oatmeal/almonds/lemon juice.
Massage mixture gently over your face and rinse with warm water when done.


(thanks to Food for Thought)

Is your life too plastic?

bag it.

Fair Food: Growing a Healthy, Sustainable Food System for All

So now that finals are over and I have started to conquer the beast that is my gmail inbox, I finally read an email informing me about this soon to be released book:

Fair Food: Growing a Healthy, Sustainable Food System for All is being released this month and I am more than excited (to say the very least). 


I mean, it really sounds like the holy grail of information for someone who wants to help create a sustainable food system! The book is broken down into three parts (source: About The Book):

Part I introduces our current food system, how and why it evolved as it did, and the ways in which it no longer serves us well.

Part II describes four key principles a redesigned food system should embody and offers examples of how various individuals and organizations have started to integrate these principles into their enterprises, providing inspiring new models for producers and consumers, businesses and communities.

Part III offers a practical guide to how you can participate in collective action to precipitate big changes in our food system, from your kitchen to your community to your state house and the White House. Dr. Hesterman’s menu for change offers the reader questions to ask at farmers’ markets, tools for starting buy-fresh/buy-local campaigns; advice for forming buyer’s clubs that purchase food directly from farmers and fishermen, and guidance about the legislation to support at the local, state, and federal levels.

I know. Awesome, right??


So let's start listing the reasons why I have a serious academic crush on the author, Oran B. Hesterman, Ph.D.:

1. He happens to be the president and CEO of Fair Food Network. <<(seriously check out this website, it is amazing all of the stuff that they're doing! I.e. working to increase local food production in Michigan and increase food access in low-income areas)
2. He co-led the Integrated Farming Systems and Food and Society Programs for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
3. He researched and taught forage and cropping systems management, sustainable agriculture, and leadership development in the crop and soil sciences department at MSU.
4. He played an essential role in establishing the Michigan Food Policy Council.

Dr. Hesterman will be holding public book signings: 

• Saturday, May 21, 12–2 pm at Detroit Eastern Market (outside the Welcome Center located at 1445 Adelaide between Market & Russell Street, Detroit, MI)
• Saturday, June 18, 8 am–12 pm at Ann Arbor Farmers Market (outside the Welcome Center, 315 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor, MI)

I am crossing my fingers that I will be able to make it to the signing on May 21st since I will be in Detroit for a sustainable urban planning course :)

Oh, and don't forget to pre-order the book [here]!

Baklava Butter

pistachios + honey + food processor = the best.

Raw Coconut Macaroons

recipe [HERE]: I used Michigan raw honey instead of agave nectar and you can just roll them into balls and eat as is if you are dehydrator-less. Or bake for 10-20 minutes at 350F.

love.