Rosie & the Originals

Still such a good song.

Just Ran Out Of ...

Reynolds Recycled Aluminum. Conveniently though, I had just enough to bake my chicken for dinner. :) I love this aluminium wrap, it's the only one I've found that is made from 100 percent out of recycled aluminium--how smart is that?    

PWP Water Conservation 101 Workshop

Did you know the most common source for a water leak is in the toilet and how to check if there's a leak? Do you know how to read your water bill? Do you know the best native plants to look for if you want a sustainable, water-efficient and easy-to-maintain garden? These and many other questions were addressed at the Pasadena Water & Power Water Conservation 101 Workshop this Saturday. The free workshop was free and open to Pasadena residents. Their next workshop will be June 12.  

I scored some great water-saving tools, which PWP offered the nearly 40 attendees that came on Saturday. I highly recommend their workshop because it was very informative about just small stuff you can do to be more conservative and save on your energy bills, plus they shared some amazing rebate programs like the Cool Trees Program and Efficient Home Cooling Incentive Program. I am planning on buying and planting a tree next to my bedroom window--you get a $50 rebate for installing a shade tree to reduce your need for home cooling costs (up to 20 percent). I'm also considering purchasing a low-impact Energy Star air conditioner and getting a $75 rebate from PWP. Just show proof of purchase. And if you didn't know, keep your AC at 75 degrees (If it's good enough for outdoors, it's good enough for indoors!).

Perhaps a lot of people don't even know where Pasadena gets its water (35 percent from local groundwater and 65 percent purchase from Colorado River and Metropolitan Water District Bay Delta Region) and perhaps they also didn't know that this is our THIRD year in a drought. This and much more information was offered throughout the workshop, which was led by a horticulturist and PWP representative, both whom had much knowledge to offer listeners. Since moving here three years ago, Pasadena has been great about offering resources and opportunities to educate their residents on how to be more green and lower their waste factor. 

The water saving kit included a bucket, two water-efficient shower heads, a moisture sensor, a hose nozzle, a soil probe (measures PH balance in soil), some groovy fridge magnets on being more conserving and a gardening journal, which includes planting tips and photos of native California plants.

The kit also included a leak detection kit, which you can test on your sink or toilet leak. You toss the little dye tablets in your toilet tank and wait 15 minutes. If you see any blue in your bowl, that means you have a leak and that maybe your flush valve ball needs to be replaced! I was relieved to find that mine had no leak! 

The kit also included a lovely state of California-shaped planting seed of California Poppy, handmade from recycled, biodegradable fibers and embedded with seeds. Can't wait to plant this and have local, California Poppy flowers for the home (and yep, spring is the perfect time to plant them!).

Sunday Afternoon

Just spent a quick afternoon hearing Sandra Tsing Loh's new science show--very wacky and educational (even if we're talking about Boole Algebra). The hour-long performance featured Caltech professor Dr. Shuki Bruck, as well as The Brady Bunch's cousin Oliver (Robbie Rist), who, as part of the show, pretended to be a Caltech scientist. The actual Caltech scientist, donning a tee that said, "I tried to be good but then I got bored," offered just as humorous responses to explain Boole Algebra. After the show, was a wine and meet-and-greet session. I had a nice moment to talk with Sandra since our interview. Apparently she is also teaching a writing class at USC, in addition to testing out this new family-friendly version of her science show, and hosting her current KPCC radio gig. An odd observation perhaps, but when you're talking with her face to face, she sounds exactly as if you're listening to that same distinctive voice you hear everyday on "The Loh Down on Science."

More on my Sunday afternoon.

Francesca getting ready for dinner, post sunning.

Huntington Garden succulent baby doing just fine.

"I'm from South America" and other Fizzy Adventures

Last night provided more than its share of entertainment, not just from the company of an incredible editor/friend, some delicate sparkling wine and a chocolate souffle with hazelnut finish -- but an interesting man, apparently from South America.

I am fine meeting and talking with new people, that's sort of an expected element when you venture into the bar scene, in this case, we had chosen Pop Champagne in Pasadena. Very pink, girly, not cheesy nor loud, but actually comfortable enough to chat with a friend at 10 p.m. After making our perch at the bar and exhibiting an obvious interest in wanting to catch up, chatting incessantly to the point we often had to be flagged down by the bartender when he brought us our sustenance of food and drink.

Then he poked in.

"Are you getting food?" "Are you drinking champagne?" "I'm from South America." Yeah, that's great. "I'm from South America." Yes, I heard you, thank you. OK, the problem I have has nothing to do with men trying to start a conversation with a girl (that takes a lot of courage, I get it), my issue comes from a man or woman not understanding--or IGNORING--social cues in the twenty-first century. The best way I can say it: It is like they never learned how to survive or refused to adapt to the rules of decorum and manners. I'm not talking about tea-and-crumpets kind of manners, I'm referring to the way you act when you're in the real world element. You don't drop your pants while in a restaurant, you don't push people into the street in front of a car and ... you don't continue to interject a forced conversation upon two well-dressed (read: not dressed as sluts) ladies having a personal conversation, er, SIX TIMES.

After the fourth or fifth time literally interrupting our conversation about life, love and work, it was suddenly obvious to me that Mr. South Africa wasn't just lonely and interested in small chat, he was just plain ... clueless. Either out of annoyance or ignorance, Mr. South Africa wasn't get a clue, any of them actually. And I think that's when I stopped politely responding, "yes, I think we're getting the souffle du jour," "sure, I enjoy my champagne" and even offering a reciprocal cheers when he abruptly and haphazardly extended his arm -- drink in tow -- in front of my face. "I'm South American" he echoes a third time.

OK, now I have to say something.

"Can you please stop? I'm trying to talk to my friend" I offer with a kind but firm tone.

And that's when it started. The Portuguese, I mean. A flood of jumbled up angry, backward-sounding syllables, from which I could only make out "muto bono" because a Portuguese-speaking friend had once told me that in college.

"I think it's time to leave" my friend proffered.

"Good idea!"

To add insult to injury, Mr. South America even read our bill and started to advise us on the constitutes of a good tip.

"Adios un-amigo!"

Ugh. Remind me not to hang out with champagne-drinking, Pasadena-visiting South American men...ever. Cheers!

Aim High, Swing Loh

I recently interviewed radio host Sandra Tsing Loh of KPCC. It was for the May Women in Arts issue, which I thought featured an elegant shot of art consultant Merry Norris--whose repertoire includes working as a collector for downtown's MOCA and aiming to get Shepard Fairey for the West Hollywood library.

I had a fun time talking with Ms. Loh, she is an amazing conversationalist (I would hope so if you've hosted your own radio show on KCRW and KPCC) and enjoyed telling me about her time at Caltech, being Caltech's first alumna commencement speaker, how she made it to the top and stayed there and of course, how she and her writers every week create the fast-talking "Loh Down on Science," which offers equal components of wacky, science sound bites and pop commentary. Tomorrow, I am attending a test pilot live performance of Loh's public radio quiz show--an invite extended to me post interview. Should  be fun and stimulating.

Please check out my story on Loh and leave your comments for christ's sake. And if you have more time, listen to one of my favorite of Loh's programs, Escape from Wholefoods (it's in four parts), an episode where she ventures into Pasadena's gargantuan Whole Foods on Arroyo and sees if she can escape without buying a single thing. Didn't know this, apparently my local grocery store (if I can even call it "local") is the largest Whole Foods west of the Mississippi. Wowzer.

 

Let's Not Water Down the Problem

Nothing irks me more than seeing someone brush their teeth or wash their dishes with the water running full blast—I mean where the water is spraying everywhere but NOTHING is underneath the faucet. I didn’t think I had many pet peeves, but that is definitely one of them. If watching fresh, precious water go straight down the drain without any use is not an obvious enough visual to know what waste looks like, I don’t know what is.

Seriously. Where is my documentary on water waste? I'd Netflix that!

But I come from the school of rehabilitation, which is why I’m sharing some info about Pasadena Water & Power offering their residents a free Water Conservation 101 workshop. Not only that, participants receive a free water saver kit ($40 value), and a chance to win a smart irrigation controller ($400 value) to boot. See their snazzy flyer. 

In addition, you'll get tips on what the best water-efficient landscaping is for our Southern California climate (ahem, succulents anyone?), and finally learn how to read your water bill. I signed up for the May 15 class, 9 to noon, but they also have another class on June 12. Workshop will be held at the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle, 960 E. Walnut Street. Call (626) 744-3715 or just register online here. Just be sure to have your PWP account. If neither of those dates work for you, you can always check out their 24/7 online gardening class, which teaches you native plant selection, irrigation basics and landscape maintenance. I may have to check out the Native Nights class, which shows the benefits of using native California plants for a more water-efficient, low-maintenance, year-round blossoming garden. 

Happy water saving and see you (hopefully) at the workshop!

Not sure how much water is actually being wasted in your everyday routine? Check out some quick facts here from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California:

-Today, some 25 million Californians face an ongoing water shortage (19 million being from southern California)

-Turning off the water when brushing your teeth saves three gallons of water a day.

-Spending only five minutes in shower saves 25 gallons each time.

-Wash only full loads in dishwasher save 15-20 gallons per load.

-Fixing leaky faucets can save 20 gallons a day.

Swimsuit Season Equals Workout Season

It's always funny to me how as soon as the tiniest glimmer of summer season rolls into Los Angeles, suddenly everyone discovers an inner wanton need to exercise till the cows come home. Well, it is Los Angeles and we're not exactly a "layers" kind of crowd if you know what I mean. I'm guilty of this fair weather fan-of-exercise as well. There's no question I get excited for the warmer seasons because that means easy going, comfortable tanks and shorts and breezy dresses. Plus, I get cold so easily it even annoys me that I have to keep an emergency-cold sweater in the car. Good thing for me, it feels like summer comes a little early (and stays a little longer) in Pasadena. It's great until we reach August, but we'll blog about that later ... Today, I was happy to see these workout vids featuring Tracy Anderson, who is pretty decorated in terms of who she's helped tighten and strengthen (Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna). These are great short vids if you got some living room space and 20 minutes. Remember, these should offer a good challenge since it's engaging more than just your core muscles. In other words, don't just swing your legs aimlessly and hope it works. Really think about the muscles you're using and try to challenge yourself where it feels the most weak, whether that's your legs, sides or stomach.

Even if you're a fair weather fan-of-exercise, these options are so short, you'll quickly jump start your endorphin high, and can do them while watching Family Guy -- which isn't half bad as I've recently discovered.

Kick Away Those Love Handles

No Butts About this Workout

More workout vids from Tracy. 

Prickly Love

If you’re like me and other green thumb-challenged folks, you’ve killed (i.e. overwatered, underwatered, sunburned, or neglected till death ensued) your share of once-living-breathing plants. We get it; you want to fill your home with impressive flowers and foliage. Unfortunately, a number of plants can require a lot of general maintenance, which many of us can’t – or, let’s be frank, refuse – to offer. But rather than, er, planting the blame on yourself for your orchids dying before seeing their first birthday, take a cue from floral designer Kelly Harris of Succulent LOVE.

Harris started her company from what she calls, “embracing an obsession.” The two-time Unique L.A. designer couldn’t get enough of the hardy, yet modernly elegant succulents and began her venture as purveyor of the little plants following her Palm Springs wedding. Her wedding, which featured an ensemble of textures, colors and arrangements of the native desert beauts, was later featured in Knot Magazine. Everything from the bouquet, centerpieces (later doubling as favors) to décor was inspired from succulents.

“I really loved designing with them and got some great responses after the wedding,” says Harris. “I decided to turn my time playing in the dirt into a business.”

Known to thrive under even the most neglectful plant owner, succulents do best with infrequent watering and when left to bask in the sun. Moreover many succulents, including Agave utahensis, Yucca whipplei and Opuntia phaeacantha (Mojave prickly pear) are local to California and sustainable since they require less of a resource like water and fertilizer. 

The SucculentLOVE collection arrangements are planted in vessels, fish bowls, crates, mason jars and her newly available beastie ceramic models. “The beastie planter was a collaboration with Jen Kuroki of Jen E ceramics,” says Harris. “We teamed up and will be offering new designs in the coming months as well.  The beastie is currently available, but as each one is made by hand there is a bit of a waiting list before your beastie can come home with you.” 

SucculentLOVE offers personal orders, events and weddings and is available onlineand at Firefly at Abbot Kinney.  Spaced on Mother’s Day? It’s still not too late toorder mommy dearest her fav succulent or cacti combination.

Not sure how to tend to your new prickly love? Check out Kelly’s personal tips on how to care for succulents. 

Be sure to read this article and other green living tips at your daily thread. 

What Habit Did You Shift Today?

Today unfolded into a beautiful Sunday spent in the sun at Coldwater Canyon. Tree People hosted the event, Celebrate Motherhood & Mother Earth, to ahem, celebrate both being green and the launch of pregnancy awareness month (PAM). The setting couldn’t have been more of a treat, with lush greenery and hiking trails galore. High profiles included actress/beauty entreprenuer Josie Maran, holistic author Anna Getty and Ricki Lake, who, along with dozens of Angelenos walked the area and sampled the vendors. 
One of the items discussed during the panel (see photo below) was what earth-unfriendly habit you shifted or changed lately. One woman on the panel, Elizabeth Rogers, author of "The Green Book," offered this small but smart tip. "I made my own at-home spa body scrub." Rogers, who professed she was  not a crafty person, combined olive oil and brown sugar -- and in less than an hour, voila, homemade body scrub. I found this simple recipe online. One recent thing I feel qualifies as a shift in my habits was getting more water conscious. Granted, I DO NOT pay for my water bill, so this was not out of saving $ - although that's usually a bonus when being more sustainable and conserving. Two months ago, I installed  this low flow Roadrunner showerhead by Evolve. Ever brush your teeth or do another activity, while the shower "warms up"? Bet you never realized about 8 gallons of water (per every five-minute shower) actually gets wasted going straight down the drain. The way it works is I turn on the showerhead and as it warms up to about 95 degrees its trickling mode kicks in, basically cutting off the water. When I'm ready to jump in, I just pull a little chord and presto! Hot water ready and flowing just for me. 
I think the whole event, regardless if you're a mommy-to be or not, provided great examples, tools and (locally made) products worthy of any eco-curious person to take note of. Yes, I did see A LOT of baby-lugging men around the event too!  Just goes to show, being green isn't just for the ladies. 
Below are some of my favorite vendors I checked out. 

The vendor scene at Coldwater Canyon.

Vendors were reachable via trails and steps in the area.

 

A garden sits atop the Treepeople lot.

The nearby conference building is LEED certified.

Treepeople's bathroom even had the dual-flush toilets.

Displays from SucculentLOVE were scattered throughout the event. 

Fishbowl fabulous. I am planning on purchasing one as a housewarming for a friend who just moved into her new place.

A wall of paper roses made for an earthy ambiance.

Goers walk to and from vendors at Treepeople.

Arcona Skincare's setup in the conference building. Arcona is L.A.-based and named after chemist and founder Arcona. They're ingredients are cold-processed leaving cosmeceutical-grade ingredients like enzymes and antioxidants, active. Most skin care products are heat-processed, loosing a loosing a lot of original nutrients.

Arcona was giving out sample kits like this, which include a cranberry toner The pink color is made from beets - something I've seen cupcake makers do.

Bellybuds are speakers that  plug into your ipod or digital music player and adhere to the belly. It sticks with an adhesive hydra gel (skin-safe adhesive). Sound-dampers help keep noise level down for passer byers if the mommy-to be is out and about.

One happy prego woman walked around to show off the ultra-cute Bellybuds. 

There were myriad children's clothing vendors. This little tee caught my eye because of the message, "Drive a hybrid." 

I stopped by the Compai table to say hi to its co-founders Faith and Justina Blakeney (yep, they're sisters). I've written on the line before and it's a great sustainable option if you still like a little eclectic funk in your eco-friendly clothes.

I snagged a little sample of vegan, Fair-Trade chocolate Nicobella. Some of the richest chocolate. For this event, they debuted their Nicobella Mama bar, made with 72 percent chocolate with candied walnuts and toasted flax. But all their bars are rich in antioxidants, Omega-3 and fiber. Above is their lovely line of truffles. 

The Coolhaus ice cream truck also made its way through the trails to treat Treepeople goers.  

Echo, the water sponsor, started on the premise that there was no need to ship water from long distances,  use filtered local, municipal water. The co-founders connected on Facebook after high school, decided they wanted to embark on a worthy project and the rest is history.  

I snagged a couple sample bags of Seasnax, a seaweed alternative to chips. There are tons of seaweed snacks out there, but how many of them are made with 100 percent olive oil? And if you're wondering, yep, they're delicious.  

 A couple of years ago, John Weaver, the master roaster for Pete's Coffee left his post to start a Fair-Trade, organic Weavers Coffee. 

Beautiful sustainable wood sculptures made for unique decor. 

This modern-ish pendant lamp caught my eye and made me wish they were on sale there.