Not really a green foodie event but FUN, FUN!

A night you don't want to miss...

Join me earlier this day for raw chocolate and then let's dance the night away!

Living the Blues Bash 2009

Dance the blues away May 16 with Southwest Georgia Living as they host their first Living the Blues Bash at Albany Museum of Art, featuring headliner Clarence “Big C” Cameron and local blues artists Mudhouse Blues Band.


Featured in Southwest Georgia Living’s March/April issue, Big C is a native of LaGrange, Ga., deeply rooted in gospel and Chicago-style electric blues. He honed his skills through the years as part of Athens-based Mr. Pitiful’s Blues Band and Kingfish, playing dozens of venues, including many in Athens and Atlanta.


A blues vocalist with a big presence in more ways than one, Big C is a songwriter extraordinaire, who grew up singing in the gospel choir at Wehadkee Baptist Church in LaGrange. He’s the type of enduring artist who will carry the blues torch for years to come, long after we’ve bid a fond farewell to old school performers like B.B. King, Magic Slim, Johnny Rawls, Buddy Guy and Bobby Rush.


If there was ever a voice sent straight from above, a natural, raw, God-given, make the hair stand up on the back of your neck kind of voice, it belongs to Clarence “Big C” Cameron. Today, back in Athens, having come straight off the streets of Memphis, where he played for the past seven years, Big C is preparing to bring his soulful sound to Southwest Georgia.


While blues music is inclusive of many styles, you’ll enjoy the upbeat, fun to dance to tunes of Big C and Mudhouse at this unprecedented Albany event. Backing up Big C and getting your blues blood flowing will be Mudhouse Blues Band, including Chris Cook on lead guitar; Shane Cannon, of the Kinchafoonee Cowboys, on harmonica; drummer Burt Sorrells; and Cliff Middlebrooks on bass. Cook, Cannon and Sorrells were members of the former local blues band Major Dig.
What’s better than blues and barbecue? Big C and the band will warm up Friday night, May 15, at Shugz BBQ on Philema Road, from 7-10 pm.


Success of past events such as the Full Blown Blues series makes the Albany Museum of Art the perfect venue for a night such as this. And, if we are lucky, we may be seeing more of the “Full Blown” series in months to come. Dress is casual, dancing shoes are required and the cash bar will be provided by Sunset Grill.


Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and are available by phone or at Sunset Grill—Visa and MasterCard accepted. If space allows, a limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $20, cash only. For more information or to order tickets, call (229) 886-7995.


Visit www.myspace.com/gabigc to listen to a sample of the blues that Big C will be bringing to the area.

Swine Flu 411

Here is a snippet of a Natural News article I read today. Interesting, and seems like pure common sense to me!

Is there any hard evidence of laboratory origins?

As of this moment, I have not personally seen any conclusive evidence of laboratory origins for this H1N1 swine flu. I am open to the possibility that new evidence may emerge in this direction, however, and I am suspicious of the genetic makeup of the virus as one possible indicator of its origins.

I am not a medical specialist in the area of infectious disease, but I have studied microbiology, genetics and a considerable amount of material on pandemics. What seems suspicious to me is the hybrid origin of the viral fragments found in H1N1 influenza. According to reports in the mainstream media (which has no reason to lie about this particular detail), this strain of influenza contains viral code fragments from:

• Human influenza

• Bird Flu from North America

• Swine flu from Europe

• Swine flu from Asia

This is rather astonishing to realize, because for this to have been a natural combination of viral fragments, it means an infected bird from North America would have had to infect pigs in Europe, then be re-infected by those some pigs with an unlikely cross-species mutation that allowed the bird to carry it again, then that bird would have had to fly to Asia and infected pigs there, and those Asian pigs then mutated the virus once again (while preserving the European swine and bird flu elements) to become human transmittable, and then a human would have had to catch that virus from the Asian pigs -- in Mexico! -- and spread it to others. (This isn't the only explanation of how it could have happened, but it is one scenario that gives you an idea of the complexity of such a thing happening).

Here's the full article: http://www.naturalnews.com/026141.html

Chocolate Pampering Party

Indulge yourself...

A Unique Mother's Day Celebration

at

A Comfort Zone Day Spa

Saturday, May 9th - 9am - 1pm

Drop in to sample and learn the benefits of Raw Chocolate!

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Luxurious Spa Packages for Mom

Sampler box of Kristen's Handmade Raw Chocolates with Spa Pedicure $50

Boxed Chocolates will be for sale in specialty gift shop for a limited time only:

May 7 - 21

Call for details 229-854-3863

Upside Down Tomato Plants

Sunny Side Up

You’ve heard of turn that frown upside down but what about your tomatoes? Apparently, reversing each of these can lead to big smiles… or at least a look of bewilderment. We recently got cable for the first time in about seventeen years (yes, I’m serious) and apparently there’s a new product out that will grow tomatoes upside down. According to my son who first spotted the infomercial, we just “had to have one because it was the coolest”.

I was a little judgmental, especially after the Snuggly ™ commercial I saw with entire families at ballgames looking like total dorks wearing, um… clothes made from blankets. After not watching television for so many years, I must admit I felt like I had been shoved under a rock somewhere. I laughed and thought it’s no wonder we are in a recession with people buying products such as these but as an entrepreneur I secretly coveted the marketing power that made my son turn to a pile of consumer putty within sixty seconds.

I firmly told him no explaining that all those gimmicks were a waste of money and then paused as I seriously fantasized about throwing the tube out of the window. Then as my life would have it, we were visiting dear friends and as we approached their front door, I looked to my left and saw a tomato plant hanging in all of its glory -- upside down from a tree.

I rolled my eyes so hard they almost fell out of my head, trying to redirect my son’s attention in the opposite direction. To no avail he saw it and pointed in a way that would’ve made the best of bird dogs jealous. He bounced and exclaimed that these awkward looking contraptions were not all those words I had said they were.

Chatting inside while kids circled us, I brought up the tomato plant that stared at me through the window as if it were a huge white elephant begging to be mentioned.

“Okay so, what’s up with the whole tomato growing upside down thing?” I asked. “Did you actually buy it off of TV?”

My friend’s face lit up like a light bulb. You really must know her and her passion for life to even begin to imagine the excitement that immediately began oozing out of her. She is one of those people that make me feel sane when I tell her the quirky little things about my green life and obsessions.

She started waving her hands around and telling me about how she saw them and decided it would be a great recycling project. She then explained how her husband, who she is madly in love with, joined in on the project with big 5 gallon tubs from work. She explained how it had better air circulation and was harder for pesky rodents to get.

I asked about watering and it seems to be all the same. Tomatoes need lots of water in this South Georgia heat. You just simply pour it in the top of the bucket and gravity helps it get to the roots.

One big perk about this reversed method of growing is no more stakes! I recall times of getting way too intimate, down on the ground, wrapping and redirecting thick vines of heirloom tomatoes to keep them from drooping on the ground.

My friend says it’s also the perfect solution for a yard with poor growing conditions. “It takes time to tend to soil and some people just want to grow tomatoes without figuring their ground’s pH,” she explains.

The more she talked, the more I believed. I guess I respond better to this type of marketing because I left ready and willing to begin my own recycled upside down tomato garden.

As for the television, I guess it has somewhat earned its place in my home but with great censorship of course. However, one more infomercial with families dressed in blankets and I may consider hanging a tomato plant in its spot!

WE'RE GROWING LOVE

We have been busy little bees traveling all over Georgia and Florida visiting organic farms with our eyes wide open! Taking notes, picking brains and bringing home all the green leafy goodness that will fit in our car!

We start breaking ground tomorrow and over the next few weeks we'll be sharing what we have learned about bat houses, worm castings, composting and all those crucial little lovlies that will make our garden grow so sweet and luscious!

We have three families involved in this local community garden. That means six kids between all of us. We are expecting LOADS of fun and hands on education not only for these youngsters but for us as well.

The best part about it is that my new partner for Bee Green's BRAND NEW sister company and I have decided to use this food we are growing for the food prepared in our business. How's that for love, love, love from start to finish! We'll have this town buzzing with good energy!

Oh and for those of you not within driving distance, shipping will soon be available!!

http://www.beegreenfoods.com/catering.html

RAW CHOCOLATE BANDITS

They just couldn't help themselves!
Caught on film...

Waiting 30 minutes for chocolate to set can be very hard for little hands. Heck, it's hard for me also!

Yesterday, I added a few new items to my chocolate maca recipe that I so dearly love. I had a chef friend in town that minced figs smaller than I'd ever seen. It was the perfect addition. Their seeds gave it a nice crunch and sweetness.

I also switched out my agave for local honey. The combination of honey and figs gave this particular batch a nice chewy texture. The kids gave it a thumbs up... and so did we adults!

I'm looking forward to sharing these and much more tips about working with raw chocolate at my upcoming class here in Albany, GA May 2nd. Spots are filling fast -- reserve your seat today! Call 229-854-3863 or visit http://www.beegreenfoods.com/classes.html

Go GREEN - for real!

Bringing home those organic goodies in a 100% organic REUSABLE cotton bag...
Ah, yeh -- you'll be smoking hot!
Those totting environment trashing plastic bags? NOT!!

Okay so I have rolled my eyes so hard, they will soon hit the floor... All these big businesses that are jumping up with their "go green" slogans to capitalize on EARTH DAY PROFITS while continuing to trash this planet and NOT give a hoot make me wanna stick my finger FAR down my throat. Ya hear?

If you're gonna flaunt it, back it up baby! If you're backing it up, let us hear from you and we'll help you FLAUNT IT! Visit http://www.southgeorgiagreen.com/ to find out how to love yo mama even more!

Strut your stuff in local co-ops or farmer's markets in this truly green friendly shirt
while helping a local ethical business grow even greenER!
Original artwork by local artist: http://www.cafepress.com/cindydavisart.377544769

Flouride Conspiracy

WHEN IN DOUBT, SPIT IT OUT!!

Ever wonder why the fluoride in toothpaste comes with a warning but fluoridated tap water does not? The safety of fluoride consumption is a hot topic that’s under constant debate. In fact, one doctor refers to it as a scientific and medical mistake that is systemically poisoning the public, claiming it is backed by fraudulent research.

Of course there are two sides to this and experts have often locked horns over the controversial issue of mandatory water fluoridation. One doctor admits to being aware of the allegations of how ingested fluoride attacks the endocrine system and also creates disturbances far beyond that but says there is no proven scientific evidence. Another doctor says the evidence is plenty but the controlled media has been forced to paint a different picture for doctors that truly do care about their patients. Claiming that the power of persuasive marketing has taken over and many physicians simply have trusted what they were taught, not taking the time to seek the information available.

Fluoride (F-) is a chemical compound containing fluorine that is added to 66% of US tap water and is also often applied directly to teeth to prevent decay. Fluoride is very powerful and will kill bacteria on contact. This is why it’s so effective when brushed on teeth. Swallowing and ingesting fluoride is a whole other story though. To further this concern, fluoride used in toothpaste is a pharmaceutical grade. That which is used in many water supplies is reported to be from a more worrisome source.

While brushing those pearly whites tonight, take a gander at the back of your toothpaste tube and unless you are using fluoride free toothpaste, you’ll see fluoride listed as an active ingredient under drug facts. It also carries the warning that advises consumers to seek medical help or contact the poison control center if accidentally swallowed and also to keep out of the reach of children under the age of six. However, the only caution given with tap water with added fluoride is to refrain from giving it to infants until six months of age.

Part of the argument is that everyone has a right to choose their drug exposures and this certainly seems to fall under the category of mass medication. Many experts feel as if this is a violation of ethics. The other part of the problem looks at it as a violation of people’s health questioning the ingestion of a toxic chemical compound on a daily basis. There is no scientifically-valid evidence proving either safety or effectiveness of ingested fluoride.

Dr. Stanley Monteith, M.D., boldly says, “Figures don’t lie but liars do the figures.” He claims that fluoride is used in everything from insecticides to anti-depressant pharmaceuticals to the building of the atomic bomb.

“Fluoride is an excellent insecticide. You spray it on insects and they die because it interferes with their whole metabolic process. It’s also a great rat poison. It kills them dead,” says Dr. Monteith. He explains that DDT was safer and that many lectures about its safety began with the speaker eating a tablespoon of it. Is anyone willing to do that with fluoride?

He also explains how fluoride can drop your child’s IQ an estimated ten points and how rats that drank fluoride water had babies that were hyperactive. He says that it has also been linked to low sperm count and decreased sperm mobility in men.

Two women have recently spoken out about their painful stories. They were both diagnosed by an allergy specialist as having an intolerance to fluoride. They complained of swollen joints, arthritic pain and lethargy.

Dr. Monteith gives a long explanation with documentation on the history of fluoride and why he believes it was originally added to public water sources. He explains how many chemists lost their jobs and have been threatened if they expose the real facts. His theory is unnerving but backed by shocking evidence.

Many question the role Edward Bernays (nephew of Sigmund Freud) played in the promotion of water fluoridation. At that time he was definitely known as the best in the PR business for the masses. His most successful accomplishment was his marketing campaign that linked smoking with independence for women – a campaign that boosted cigarette sales and opened up an entire market for the American Tobacco Company.

Bernays learned well from his Uncle Freud’s findings and knew how to use people’s deepest fears or desires to make them want they did not need. It is also said that Bernays proudly bragged about the fact that Hitler's propaganda chief, Joseph Goebbels was one of his biggest fans. We’re all familiar with Hitler’s statement about telling a lie over and over again. The question is has this been the case with water fluoridation and if so, why?

The theories are out there swarming like mad. If you are in great doubt, you may decide to not only spit it out but throw it out. Fluoride free toothpaste is available and reverse osmosis water filters will help remove excess fluoride. Not all bottled water will be fluoride free. The only way to know for sure is to call the company directly.

If you find this information hard to swallow (pun intended) do some research on your own about the fluoride conspiracy.

Raw Chocolate Truffles Class

Raw Chocolate Truffles Class with yours truly. Are you drooling yet? You should be. These truffles are packed with aphrodisiacs. Learn why they should be gobbled up by YOU and your loved ones.

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I'll be demonstrating how to use raw chocolate with several different recipes. Learn how to make your own hand-rolled truffles and also how to use beautiful molds that will bedazzle your guests!

You'll also have an opportunity to buy these hard to find supplies at wholesale costs.

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Seating will be limited so that I can insure personalized attention for everyone -- soooo reservations are required. You may reserve your seat by calling me at 229-854-3863.

SUPERfood Chocolate Fudge Cups

I laughed and called them Chocolate Bunny Balls for Easter.

By popular request I am posting this recipe. I believe it has the power to change the world with it's ooey gooey goodness. It does not contain one single ingredient that is bad for you. To the contrary actually, it's a no pudgy fudge that's good for you -- ecstatically good for you.

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I feed to it my son for breakfast and even slip a few in his lunchbox. It looks as if I'm sending indulgent forbidden goodies but I'm really growing him into a superkid. His friends munch out of dreadful processed sugars and artificial flavors made from wood pulp as he licks his fingers and grows stronger with a blissful smile.

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SUPERfood Chocolate Fudge Cups with Candied Go-Go-Gogi Berries

3 cups raw walnuts

1/2 cup carob or cacao powder

2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut

3/4 cup agave nectar or raw local honey

1 tablespoon maca root powder

1 tablespoon chia seeds

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Candied Go-Go-Gogi Berries

Coarsely grind berries in a coffee grinder with small amounts of carob/cacao powder. Just whizz it for a few seconds. If you desire a sweeter taste, remove from grinder and drizzle with agave/honey.

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Directions:

Grind the walnuts into butter using the s-blade in a food processor.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the carob/cacao powder, shredded coconut, maca powder, chia and seeds. Mix well then stir in agave/honey and the ground walnuts. This should be very smooth and creamy.

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Roll into small balls about 1-1/2" in diameter. Place in beautiful pastry papers and top with your choice of Candied Gogi Berries, Shredded Coconut or Chia Seeds.

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For best results (if you can stand the anticipation) pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving OR refrigerate overnight. IN-joy with a smile on your face, the big kind... from ear to ear! xo

raw chocolate with kids video

Pardon me while I brag about my little bee boy becoming a RAWKstar in the YouTube world!

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http://www.southgeorgiagreen.com/video/raw-chocolate-with-kids

Click here to watch a fun video of my son making raw chocolate with

Philip of www.LovingRaw.com.

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This link will also take you to my latest project,

a networking page for South Georgia Greenies to unite and stay "in the know"!

The fun just keeps on keeping on...

Life Giving Sprouts

Photos credits www.LovingRaw.com

It’s that time of year when many people are trying to eat lighter and be healthier. The days are longer with the warm sun shining overhead. Naturally, we are more active when the spring bug starts to bite. Typically the more active we are, the better we want to feed our bodies with food that is healthy and easy to digest.

Here’s a tip for the health conscious that are struggling to squeeze in your “five a day”. We’ve all heard that dynamite comes in small packages and the nutrient dense powerhouse of sprouts certainly falls into that category. Always thought of as a “health food”, they are now being called nature’s most beneficial food, proving themselves to have additional benefits – like curative abilities.

In a recent study, 1 oz. of broccoli sprouts had the same cancer-fighting power as over 1½ pounds of broccoli. Sprouts like alfalfa, broccoli, clover, radish, and soybeans contain concentrated amounts of plant compounds called phytochemicals that have disease fighting properties. Most phytochemicals have the antioxidant activity that protect our cells and reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. They are also a wonderful source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, many B vitamins, and exogenous enzymes.

Sun loving chlorophyll is another bonus of sprouts. It is easy to imagine the vibrant energy filling their leaves just waiting to work their magic in your body knowing that plants soak up their energy directly from the sun, unlike humans and animals.

The best part about this perfect food is that it’s one of the easiest to grow and can be done anywhere year round with simple supplies. It can also be done very inexpensively and in your own home. There are many different methods of sprouting. You should consider your budget and time allowance for this new hobby. I am a huge fan of sprouting jars and I’m not referring to those expensive ones you can purchase in stores. A tried and tested method in my home is a wide-mouth jar -- important so I can reach my hand all the way in – covered with some type of non-toxic material that will allow proper air circulation, easy watering and drainage.

You can cover the top with cheese cloth and a rubber band but I prefer the mesh screens that can be found at craft stores. If you turn the jar upside down and trace the mouth, you can cut and secure in place with the ring that would normally hold the lid on. To me, these are the best homemade home sprouters that won’t take up hardly any room at all.

A living enzyme is activated when a grain, nut, or seed is sprouted. If you truly believe the old saying, “you are what you eat,” then add some life to your plate by sprinkling on a handful of these handy dandy little babies.

What you choose to start sprouting first should depend on your uses for them. For example, if you strictly want to increase the nutritive value of your daily sandwich or salad then sunflower or alfalfa seeds might be great beginning options. The uses for sprouts are endless, from breads to cereals to making your own nut milk. Some take two days and others take up to a week before sprouts are at full maturity.

Just a little FYI about setting up your kitchen for sprouting: your friends may say your kitchen looks like a science experiment with jars and bowls scattered about, but the rewards of eating life-giving food will far outlast the wise cracks.

Get your GREEN on for Earth Day

WHAT'S IN YOUR FRIDGE???

Make your mama proud!

April 22 is Earth Day and everyone is gearing up to “go green” with fuel-efficient cars and low-flow shower heads. Bravo! Remember to pat yourself on the back as you screw in those compact fluorescent light bulbs, knowing that Mother Nature is smiling at your efforts as well.

However, don’t forget to share a bit of that green goodness with your body. The Albany Journal and The BuZz readers have been sending in their healthy fridge pictures and recipes. We’d love for you to also take a moment and snap a photo to share and take a part in our vision of a food page with delicious recipes inspired by our community.

There is power in numbers. Our carbon footprint will remain forever on our sweet planet so reduce the effects by asking a friend to join you as you stock your fridge with the environment in mind. Plant your own garden or support local farms, buy in bulk to reduce plastic and excess packaging, and see who can come up with the most creative reusable shopping bags… bolga baskets are my favorite choice!

A healthy fridge equals a healthy bod so be selective and have fun as your choices will rejuvenate your being and make yo mama proud… your earth mama, that is.

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Send your healthy fridge pics and recipes to kristen@beegreenfoods.com.

Organic Gardening -- It's all in the dirt

I have always wondered how my lifestyle could be so eco-friendly but my thumb be as green as downtown LA. I killed everything from houseplants to container tomatoes to rows and rows of the loveliest greens. It was heartbreaking.

I have since been let in on a little secret and now have learned that “it’s all in the dirt”. Someone put it to me as being very similar to that which is in our body (our fuel) revealing what is on the outside of our body and how it functions and grows. Now that was speaking my language.

It makes all the sense in the world, so now let’s apply it to Georgia soil. Here, our soil can be sandy or clay-based which along with other factors, will affect the pH -- whether it‘s too acidic or alkaline. There are home tests and also professionals that can determine your soil’s pH levels. These tests will also tell you how much calcium, organic matter, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium , sulfur and trace minerals it contains.

Sandy soil will need your help so that it can be improved enough to retain water as where clay soil needs to be able to release water more efficiently.

Just like our bodies, soil needs the right pH balance or it will affect the availability of nutrients to the growing plants. Typically the best range is 6 to 7.5 however there are some acid loving plants like blueberries and azaleas.

Once your soil’s pH is balanced in perfect harmony, you’ll have some digging and mixing and turning over to do. Make sure you are digging as low as your plant roots are expected to reach so they’ll absorb all the goodness of your efforts.

As you turn over the earth, add in the correct ratio of humus (decomposed animal and plant matter) depending on whether your soil is sandy or clay-based.

Composting is a great way to use your own resources to enrich the integrity of the soil. The secret to good composting is thoughtful layers of organic materials, animal manures, and plain topsoil that has not been treated with pesticides. This will naturally attract our helpful worm friends that can do more for your garden than any store bought product ever could.

Healthy soil is an on going labor of love but a task well worth the energy you’ll extend. It’s hard to match the accomplished feeling of loading up your plate with nutrient rich, home grown veggies. So roll your sleeves up and get ready to get down and dirty!