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parsley
by Molly Kay Stoltz
Urban Herbal Girl here. Have you ever wondered why they place that piece of parsley on your plate at restaraunts? To add color? To freshen your breath? Yes and no. Turns out it might be the healthiest item on your plate.
Parsley contains the more vitamin C than any other plant and the most iron of any green leafy veggie. It is very high in iron, beta-carotenel chlorophyll, and vitamin A, B, E, K, and folic acid. It’s pretty much awesome! I’ll take some parsley over iceberg lettuce any day. Read the rest of this entry »
by Lydia Krupinski
I’ve been thinking a lot about eating seasonally lately. With it being early February I’ve found myself desperate for fresh greens and veggies. But then I wonder – what in the world is in season this time of year?
What I discovered were not only the choice produce items for the month – but also some fantastic websites that give targeted recommendations of what’s best to eat in your region now. Epicurious has a national Peak-Season Map that provides a list of produce for individual states. Going a step further, Smarter Living;s ‘eat local‘ pages highlight suggestions and the farmer’s markets in the area that will carry the goods.
So when planning your upcoming meals and grocery trips, pop onto one of these two sites before heading out. You’ll find that you’ll be living, and saving, green in the process.
written by Molly Kay Stoltz
When I am sick or sore, when I’m uninspired, when it is dark and cold outside, or when I am stressed and need time alone, I take a bath.
Baths have become something of a luxury, but they shouldn’t be. Our lives are busy, and it is always easy to take a shower and get on with your day, but a bath forces you to slow down and think. And the benefits grow when you take a moment to add herbs or salts to your bath water.
The first thing to consider is the temperature of your water. Cool or room-temperature water can help to lower a fever or normalize your system, and can firm and strengthen you if you are able to brave the cold! On the other hand, warm water is soothing and opens your pores which can help you become decongested or eliminate toxins from your body, for example, after a hard workout or a massage. Read the rest of this entry »
Here is a collection of favorite items from my hubby and my Etsy hearts! The following are the perfect gifts for the discriminating green gentleman. Many of the items featured below can even be found locally – should you fear last-minute online shopping.
1) No Bottle Shampoo & Conditioner Pack by Ethically Engineered
2) Underwood Typewriter Necktie by Cyberoptix
3) Wooden Slingshot Catapult by Gift Go Green
4) la pluie de pluie partent Print by Little Pink Pebble
5) Avant-Gardener T-Shirt by Black Sheep Heap
6) Wood Ear Bud Holder by Acoustic Design
7) Reclaimed Wood & Iron Steel Headboard by Blake Avenue
Not numbered: Vintage Camera Bilora Bella 127 Camera from Good Bones Vintage
If you have a full-out foodie on your shopping list this holiday season – don’t fear! Alisha of the blog i like it too! put together the following suggestions for getting the perfect gift for that gastro-savvy guest or friend:
1) Handmade Table & Bowls from Haymaker Shop
2) Bike Snack Sack from Green Heart
3) Chain Links Apron from Decorative Instincts
4) DIY Indian Spice Rub from Eating Well
5) CSA from Montalbano Farms
6) DIY 3 Bean & Barley Soup Mix from Eating Well
7) DIY Spiced Nuts from Martha Stewart
It truly takes a visionary to come up with a list such as this – and Caitlin Peters of Wanderlustings is just that! Her incredible taste combines with a soulful whimsy to bring Sprout Chicago these fantastic gift suggestions for women:
1) Navy Phantom Tights by Qoo Qoo Fashion
2) Vanilla Chai Perfume Oil by Long Winter Soap Co
3) Aqua “Life She Imagined” Print by Amanda Catherine Des
4) Craft Nail Transfers by Kate Broughton
5) Double Gal Vintage Bag from Bird Trouble
6) Bilbao Colored Handle Teacups by A Quartzy Life
7) Love Made Me Do It Ring by Manoy Metal
8) White Blouse by Arcelia Home
9) Gold Dipped Geo Earrings by A Merry Mishap
by Lydia Krupinski
Tis the season for holidays, food, family and friends. As some people prep for the fellowship, reflections, and feastings of Thanksgiving, others around the country are already salivating at the midnight shopping promises of big box stores and retail chains. While the term Small Business Saturday may not be as catchy as Black Friday or Cyber Monday, the first Saturday after Thanksgiving has been designated as such to encourage consumers to support the vendors in their own communities.
In the spirit of this week’s holiday and the upcoming shopping stampedes Sprout Chicago would like to highlight a group that’s launching a special campaign to remind Chicagoans to spend their dollars locally this holiday season. Urban Folk Circuit is a group dedicated to supporting and growing the handmade craft and music community in the city. Started in July of 2010, the team unites artisans from around Chicagoland in monthly traveling craft shows that highlight the diverse talents and skills of handmade business owners.
Sprout Chicago caught up with Kelli and Jess, super-crafter extroadinaires and founders of Urban Folk Circuit, to pick their brains about crafting in the city and their latest campaign: Shop Chicago for the Holidays.
posted by Lydia Krupinski
The annual Chicago Craft Mafia craft extravaganza, otherwise known as the DIY Trunk Show, is coming to Edgewater this Saturday at the Broadway Armory! Set apart from other shows of its kind, this indoor fair pulls together talent from a 100 mile radius of Chicago – making it a locavores dream! And with the holidays so close, it couldn’t come at a better time.
Commute up to Edgewater early via the Red line and hop off at the Granville stop. Hit up M.Henrietta’s for an awe-inspiring brunch. Then take a brisk walk over to Metropolis to arm yourself with caffeine and take Broadway three blocks south to the show! There you’ll find indie handmade crafters, papermakers, artists, designers and more! And yes – Pierogi Picnic will be there too, selling seasonal wares and also doing craft tutorials and free eco-friendly gift wrapping.
So get your holiday shopping off to a good and conscious start by not only finding one-of-a-kind quirky gifts, but by also supporting the small businesses that keep the local economy afloat!
What: DIY Trunk Show
Where: Broadway Armory at Thorndale & Broadway
When: Saturday, November 19th 10am-5pm
See you there this weekend!
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