08/30/12

Home / Archives for 08/30/12

Friday Favorites

Posted by om 0 comments

Happy Friday kids! So who else had a mega busy week? Yowza! Aaron and I finished up some pretty big tasks and started a bunch of little ones, what else is new? ;) We had a great time putting together this week's AJ with J&A and are already gearing up for next week's. And we have a handful of super fun & cute tutorials planned for September that I think you'll really like. Gosh, I am so so ready for fall! I've been pinning lots and lots of Pumpkin recipes. Everything from Pumpkin Toffee Cheesecake ...Geez Louise! to Aunt Ruthie’s Butter-Crunch Pumpkin Bars, to Pumpkin Ice Cream! Oh yes and fabulous sweaters, and pretty Autumn scenery as well. I mentioned that I'm an October baby right? :)

I'm totally ready for the weekend, ready for some baking, and organizing, and some movie watching. And of course blog hopping and wish list making. Speaking of...

This dress from Marc by Marc Jacobs is so up my alley. Totally channels my inner Wednesday Addams. I always go for black with sweet white collars. Part uniform, part storybook. Not for everyone...but this style really seems to be a go-to for me. If I could sew you can bet I'd have a closet FULL of them. Oh and I'm only dreaming here...as far as owning this, well till money grows on trees.

I just adore this print. My current sentiments exactly!

This adorable DIY bunny pinata stole my heart! I would love to make one to hang in the studio! Isn't it beyond cute?

This porcelain ring is too darn cool! It's like a gum ball machine prize for grown ups! : )

This kitschy & sparkly planter makes me really really happy. When Aaron and I had an antique booth (years ago) we'd always come across these super fun "JUNK" items...most of the time vases. I used to scour ebay for them...and wow some went for a ton! Such cool time capsule pieces!

Okie Dokie... Let the weekend begin!!

XO Jenny

Summer At The Hamptons

Posted by om 0 comments

How lovely to be spending the last of your summer weekends
at the Hamptons right now.
There would be long beach walks with the dog,
afternoon tennis matches with friends,
some leisurely sailing,
plenty of lounging by the pool and cocktails at five!
There would be summer tans to show off
this season's fashion brights.
Barbeque smells would waft through the air, the clink of champagne glasses
would be heard along with laughter and chattering as the sun sets
on a perfect weekend!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3 by Coastal Style, 4, 5, 6 by Coastal Style

Check out my other blogs Scrapbook and Country Style Chic

Participate in MEATLESS MONDAY!

Posted by om 0 comments

The overarching theme in the development of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines was the push for a “mostly plant-based diet”. In fact, the executive guidelines specifically state:

“Shift food intake patterns to a more plant-based diet that emphasizes vegetables, cooked dry beans and peas, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. In addition, increase the intake of seafood and fat-free and low-fat milk and milk products and consume only moderate amounts of lean meats, poultry, and eggs.”

The mostly plant-based diet recommendation comes from a panel of experts who have come to a consensus regarding reputable studies that show people who eat this way tend to be healthier and have the lowest prevalence and risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Additionally, by decreasing animal meat in your diet, you will save money (meat is expensive, beans are not!), and definitely help the environment. Livestock, particularly cattle, are not good for the environment due to methane emissions from the animals, waste, and grazing lands. It is estimated that just livestock contribute 18% to the world greenhouse gases, which is more than that of livestock transport. If everyone in the U.S. gave up meat one day a week, it’s estimated that would be the equivalent of not driving 555 billion miles- not bad, eh?

Contrary to popular belief, you can survive without eating meat. You can get complete proteins (those that contain ALL of the essential amino acids) by eating soy, hemp, amaranth, and quinoa. You can get all your essential nutrients and proteins by eating a well-balanced diet full of whole grains, fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, beans, and other natural plant-based foods. Also, giving up animal meat doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up all animal products, you can certainly indulge in milk, eggs, and fish if you choose to. For those that eat red meat (ground beef, steaks) regularly, instead of making meatless Monday the one day you don't eat red meat, try to switch that around to picking one day once a week that you will have one (4 oz.) serving of red meat... and even less frequently if possible.

My recommendations:

Have your family participate in Meatless Monday (or any day!) every week. Get creative with beans, nuts, seeds, quinoa, tofu, edamame, and other healthy sources of vegetarian protein! Be sure to stock those veggies high too, most people don’t come anywhere close to the recommended 2 ½ cups per day!

Sources: USDA 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

U.S. Agriculture and Forestry Greenhouse Gas Inventory: 1990-2005

FAO. “Livestock Impacts on the Environment.” 2006

The Environmental Working Group