Archive for the ‘Food’ Category

‘Big Youth’ at Ragga Muffins Festival Saturday in Long Beach

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Big Youth at Ragga Muffins Festival, Long Beach 2010

On Saturday, I attended the Ragga Muffins Festival in Long Beach. Michael Zampelli took some photos for The District Weekly and I snagged a few for this blog.

My favorite musical act of the day was Big Youth (pictured above). This man exudes more verve and childlike enthusiasm than most people a fraction of his age. He’s got a groovin’ rap style and smooth moves to go with it. Go to Big Youth’s MySpace page if you want to get in the groove.

Gal Vanized with Funnel cake at the Ragga Muffins Festival

Happy Child

I also felt childlike and care-free wearing my Gal Vanized get-up and eating funnel cake. I decided that I was going to surrender myself to the IRIE vibes and absorb as much of the experience as possible.

The crowd was very diverse and fun. Everyone was relaxed and having a good time. It was like sitting in a big huge living room. No problems whatsoever. I wasn’t the only one there with pink hair, click on the photo below to see a larger version of the audience.

the audience at the Ragga Muffins Festival in Long Beach, 2010

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Here is Michael Zampelli’s photo gallery of the event:

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Posted in Authenticity, Behavioral Learning Theory, Community Activism, Food, Freedom of Speech, Hip Hop, Live Music, Music Notes, Photography, Reggae/Ska, Social Awareness, Soul, Spirituality, Underground/Indie | No Comments »

Spring Salad with Strawberries and Balsamic Vinegar

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

saladwstrawberries

Tonight’s dinner was not only tangy and robust, it was a visual treat. This is one of my favorite salads. I get all the ingredients at Costco so sometimes, after a Costco run I will eat it every night.

Ingredients are:
Spring salad mix
Sliced strawberries
Crumbled goat cheese
Sliced walnuts
Kirkland Balsamic Vinegar
Kirkland Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Dash of ground pepper

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Adjust ingredient amounts to suit your taste and health needs. Lip smacking, taste bud tinglin’ good.

Customer Reviews and Ratings on Full Bust and Full Figure Bras and Swimsuits at Big Girls Bras

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Posted in Food, Health and Fitness, Weight Loss | No Comments »

Sunday Afternoon at Farmer’s Market in Long Beach

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

This afternoon I strolled the long aisle of produce and food vendors that comprises Long Beach Farmer’s Market. I had my new Christmas present, the Flip Ultra HD Video camera, in tow. This is my first Flip production and I’m looking forward to more.

See the HD version of the video on YouTube, it gives you a sense of the quality of the Flip Video.

I’ve been wanting to shop at the Farmer’s Market more often but sometimes I forget. I’m grateful to the folks at everythinglongbeach.com who recently listed all the Long Beach Farmer’s Markets. I’m going to re-post the link here for any Long Beach residents who are interested. I find the Farmer’s Market not only health-conscious, but an enjoyable experience as I hope I’ve captured in this video.

By the way, the band in this video is TED Bluegrass Band. They play every Thursday night from 7-9 p.m. at Cafe Ambrosia, 1923 E. Broadway, Long Beach CA 90802. You can hear more of their music on MySpace.

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Posted in Authenticity, Behavioral Learning Theory, Community Activism, Food, Freedom of Speech, Health and Fitness, Live Music, Public Speaking, Social Awareness, You Tube | No Comments »

Give Your Blueberries a Hot Bath, They’ll Last Longer

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

A few weeks ago I became aware of a New York Times article by Harold McGee titled Prolonging the Life of Berries. The article outlined a way to make berries last longer by giving them a hot bath.

Since a good amount of my grocery bill goes toward berries, and I often throw away as many berries as I eat, I’m all for doing something to make them last longer. So, I followed the directions and documented the process. Let’s see how long my berries will last this time.

To start, spread all the berries out on a towel or paper towel:

blueberriesnothot1

Then, heat up some water to 140 degrees (there are different instructions for strawberries, raspberries and blackberries in the original article by Harold McGee.)

I used a thermometer to test the water.

blueberriesinhotwater

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Keep the berries in hot water for 30 seconds then take them out and lay them on the towel again, then put them in the refrigerator.

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blueberriesdone

Notice how the berries lose their white waxy covering after the hot bath? According to Harold McGee’s article, this is to be expected.

Ideally, your berries will last longer which means you save time and money and get to enjoy eating more berries than usual.

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If you need help learning how to love yourself as you are, consider the Love Your Body, Love Yourself hypnosis and affirmation CD or the Donate Your Weight program.

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Posted in Food, Health and Fitness, Photography | 1 Comment »

The Making of a Rare Chocolate Experience

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

In my last post I shared with you the entire process of indulging in TCHO chocolate. But there’s more. Here’s a behind-the-scenes video of the making of TCHO as a creative company. I find it fascinating to learn all the small details that go into the production of a concept. Every little thing really does make a difference.

Donate Your Weight by Sheri ZampelliBy the way, I think part of the reason people struggle with weight and eating is because they just don’t enjoy enough good food. Many of us crave a feeling of fulfillment that can never be satisfied with bland, toxic, processed food. Diet food is the worst culprit of all.

So, If you’re gonna eat chocolate, make it great chocolate. And if you’re sick of struggling with your weight, try the Donate Your Weight program, it’s all about loving yourself and creating a healthy lifestyle, with lots of attention to the small details that make a big difference.

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Posted in Authenticity, Behavioral Learning Theory, Community Activism, Food, Peace, Public Speaking, Social Awareness, Soul, You Tube | No Comments »

Chocolate Indulgence and Obsession Done Right – TCHO

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

Eating chocolate meets trading baseball cards or \"collecting the whole set\"If you’re gonna indulge anyway, might as well take it to the max. That’s certainly what TCHO “Flavor Driven Chocolate for a new Generation” has done. Unwrapping the packaging alone is a multi-sensory treat.

The process begins with peeling the clear sticker circles away from the sturdy brown box which is filled with a colorful palette of flavors. Tug on the silk ribbon and make your choice: “Nutty”, “Citrus”, “Fruity” or “Chocolately”.

Then, tenderly pull the Flavor Wheel sticker away from the opening tab, unfold the cardboard and become mesmerized by the shiny gold inner-wrapping. Carefully unfold the gold wrapping and find a square of dark chocolate that’s sectioned into other, smaller squares. The large square is embossed with a finely etched, artistic pattern that leaves one wondering, “how the heck did they do that?”

Unwrapping TCHO Chocolate is a very erotic experience ;)Finally, the time has come to break away a piece of chocolate, set it in your mouth and let it melt. See if you can tell the difference between each of the four flavors and kick back to enjoy. This definitely ain’t the kind of chocolate that you pop in your mouth and gobble down with a few chews. Talk about savoring the experience, these guys have it nailed.

Thanks to my brother Matt for this box of chocolate that just keeps on giving, long after the holidays have ended.

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Posted in Authenticity, Behavioral Learning Theory, Food, Peace, Photography, Social Awareness, Soul, Spirituality | 1 Comment »

Sometimes Simplicity Can Be Sweet

Sunday, October 5th, 2008

Starbucks Berry Freeze drinkAs a result of many economic forces, including my past compulsion to purchase new clothes at a whim, I have had to seriously curtail my spending.

I’m living a frugal life right now.

This has forced me to find joy in simplicity. If I want to enjoy my life, I have to find wonder and awe in simple things like caterpillars, butterflies and any number of things that were overwhelmingly exciting in childhood. And on this day in particular, I succeeded in doing such.

Materials required: Dog, leash, iPod, great music, Fight Crew t-Shirt, Jordache Jeans, $5 gift certificate to Starbucks and a few bucks in my pocket.

Hali is happyMusic sets the tone.

As I put in my earbuds, slam the front gate and hit play on my iPod, this is what I hear (all links go to iTunes or MySpace where you can preview/buy these songs): Bung by Midfield General off Sonic Velocity – Drum N’ Bass & Electronic. Trust me, this gets me off to a great start on my trip to Starbucks which is really an excuse to get out of the house, walk the dog and hope that she gets tired enough that she will leave me alone in the afternoon.

itunes logoThe next set of songs took me from my front gate, up Redondo Ave., past 3rd street and all the way to Starbucks on 7th and Redondo.

Groove Holmes by The Beastie Boys off The IN Sound From Way Down, 19.5 by LTJ Bukem & Peshay off The Best in Drum and Bass, No Thang On Me by Snoop Dogg Feat. B off R&G (Rhythm & Gangsters), Partymadchen Gefoltert by Stereo Total off Do The Bambi, Bring It by Peshay off Fuzion, Pow by The Beastie Boys off The IN Sound From Way Out.

After I found a chair to tie the dog to, I head into Starbucks. Just then, Madness by Killing Joke off What’s This For! came on. Even though I know some people will think I’m rude for ordering with my headphones on, I don’t care. As I ordered, I asked myself, “Am I talking too loud or not loud enough?” Then I thought to myself, “What do I care if the barista likes me or not?”

Dead Kennedy\'s Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death I go outside and sit on the cushy outdoor furniture in the breezeway. I crank up my iPod, and eat my sandwich. Here’s what played in my ears as I chewed.

Sajanna by Badmarsh & Shri off Signs and Holiday in Cambodia by Dead Kennedys off Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death.

Right about now, I’m feeling strong, I feel like I’m reconnecting with my youth. I’ve had a breakthrough moment. For the first time in 20+ years I swear to God I heard the lyrics more clearly than ever. Jello Biafra utters the words “Right Guard will not help you here” right after he says, “It’s time to taste, what you most fear”. I never realized that is what he said. Fascinating.Right Guard Deodorant

I’m feeling Gal VanIZed big time now. I am grooving to tunes like All Rights Reversed (featuring Klaxons) by Chemical Brothers off We Are the Night and We Shall Overcome by Mahalia Jackson.

I’m refelecting and thinking: Oh Yeah, as I hear the empowering words of Shining Star by Earth, Wind and Fire and sit on the Starbucks patio furniture, chillin’ with the dog.

More cool songs commence: Oh Yeah by Stereo Total off of Juke-Box-Alarm, followed by Since I’ve Been Loving You by Led Zeppelin. Meanwhile, I’m sippin’ a sour/sweet fruit smoothy from Starbucks. It’s a berry/grapefruit italian iced blend and it tastes good. In fact, after my first sip I had a serious brain freeze. I would recommend that you sip slowly to avoid that experience.

After leisurely chewing the last bite of my Turkey Avocado sandwich, I get the dog and start walking as I hear these tunes: Distortion by Monkey Fist off Between the Lines and Finger Lickin’ Good by Beastie Boys.

I finished off the walk and came in the front door listening to The Gentle Rain (RJD2 Remix) by Astrud Gilberto off Verve Remixed 3.

This great little getaway cost me about $3.65 and it was well worth every penny. I guess if you count the cost of songs at 99 cents a download, it’s really $20.48 but the great thing about my music is that I can play it over and over again, anywhere I want for the rest of my life. To me, music is important and valuable so the investment is miniscual compared to the price of discontent and boredom.

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Posted in Electronic and Dance Music, Fitness, Food, Gospel, Health and Fitness, Hip Hop, Music Notes, Punk Rock, Reggae/Ska, Song Lyrics, iPod Playlist, iTunes Music | 1 Comment »

Women’s Magazines That Make You Feel Good

Sunday, September 21st, 2008

I boycotted all fashion magazines in 2006. I even refuse to leaf through one while I’m sitting at the salon or waiting in a doctor’s office. If you want to know why, see the article I wrote.

Just because I don’t like the agenda of most fashion magazines doesn’t mean I stopped liking clothes, colorful pictures and interesting stories. I was doing some browsing around at magazines.com about current magazines and here’s what I discovered:

Oprah Magazine is now on sale for only $18.00 which is a 66% savings from cover price. I know Oprah is a safe bet when it comes to providing content that inspires and empowers but I wanted to see what else was available.

I discovered a few titles that sounded like they were off the beaten path of your typical women’s magazine and that made me kinda happy.

Take for example Hybrid Mom. I’m not sure why they had to limit it to mom’s. Several of my child-free friends would likely be down with a magazine that describes itself like this (replace the word mom with woman/people): “Moms across the nation are redefining themselves everyday. They are part: mom, business woman, spouse, volunteer, community worker, teacher and entrepreneur…completely a Hybrid Mom. An Incredible magazine for today’s mom.” Hybrid Mom does indeed sound quite different from Better Homes and Gardens or Woman’s Day.

Pink magazine is one that pounced on right after my fashion magazine boycott began. I love their overall mission statement and the reason they decided to call their magazine Pink. I even subscribed for a year. But to me, reading that magazine was only slightly less defeating than looking at fashion magazines.

I did take away one quote from business owner Kathleen Plate that I enjoyed, “People think success only begins at $1 million and working crazy hours. But running a business is completely doable. This is a consumer driven society. People are dying to buy something, who why not from you?” Plate supposedly works 8 hours a day and takes off 6 weeks a year. I think she’s got the right idea.

Other than that I felt like this: if women’s magazines make you think you’re too fat, too old or don’t have enough money, Pink magazine makes you feel like unless you’re a millionaire or a corporate executive, you don’t really have a “career”.

Positively Green is “the magazine for today’s woman who is interested in living a greener, healthier life without sacrificing comfort or style. With a focus on solutions, we feature today’s eco products, how-to tips and celebrity interviews in the areas of fashion, beauty, food and much more.” That sounds pretty positive.

Do you subscribe to a magazine or blog for women that makes you feel better about yourself once you’ve reached the back cover? If so, please do tell.

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Posted in Fashion Accessories, Food, Health and Fitness, Pamper Yourself, Relationships, Self-Improvement | No Comments »

How to Make Tofu Tasty

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Tofu Rice and VegetablesI often hear people talk about the health benefits of tofu and how its a great source of protein, especially for vegetarians. When I go to Thai restaurants I love it in my Pad Thai. But it seems like everytime I buy Tofu it, I sits in the frig and goes to waste.

In my opinion, that big spongy white thing floating in watery juice doesn’t look anywhere near as appetizing as the orange, spicy sauteed cubes I eat from May’s Thai Restaurant.

So, this week I decided to bite the bullet and use my very own Thai spices to see if I could make tofu tolerable and it worked.

I started with a very hot skillet and some peanut oil. I’ve been told that peanut oil is the choice for Thai cooking because it reaches high temperatures. This helps to cook quickly and maintain the freshness of ingredients.

Once I heated the pan, I added a little bit of each of the following ingredients (sorry, I didn’t measure any of it, just eye-balled what seemed to be the right amount).

Chef Paul Prudhommes Magic Seasoning Blends Poultry Magic
Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
La Yu Chili Oil
Salt-Free Thai Seasoning by The Spice Hunter
Salt-Free Mrs. Dash Seasoning Blend Extra Spicy
Tofu
Chicken
Brocolli
Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice

Like I said, it was pretty good but I think it could be improved. So tell me, what do YOU do to make tofu tasty? I need some ideas.

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Date Day: Hancock and 212 Bistro in Review

Friday, July 11th, 2008

This Wednesday Rinkrat and I had date day. We started the morning with breakfast at 212 Bistro at 2708 E. 4th Street in Long Beach where we took our seats on the back patio and sat next to a lovely water fountain surrounded by flowers. I am soothed by the sound of running water.

I ordered the Chilaquilles, a breakfast tortilla casserole. It’s an exotic mix of corn tortillas, scrambled eggs, sauteed onion, garlic, oregano and house salsa topped with crumbled queso fresco and cilantro with a side of refried beans. The plate was beautiful, colorful and artistic with cilantro sprinkled around the edge. My husband had The Bistro: chorizo, potatoes, onions, and garlic, topped with cheese, house salsa, sour cream and avocado. I had a bite. The chorizo was to.die.for.

The coffee was rich and robust, the ice water had a slight cucumber taste and was so refreshing. We chatted with co-owners Angel Maldonado and Irene Saldana before leaving. Irene is also the Executive Chef. Angel and Irene are both very down-to-earth, friendly and dedicated people. I had an overall vibe of being in a trendy San Francisco restaurant.

After breakfast, we headed over to Marina Pacifica to catch the 11:30 viewing of Hancock. This movie was very endearing and had a touching, prophetic storyline with many subtle messages about individuality, humanity and spirituality. I don’t like to give away specific details because I think you should go into this movie with a fresh mind. I’ll just say that the writers effectively weaved Universal concepts into the story so that many people on many levels could mentally adapt and relate to it.

These Universal concepts are presented in a cool, super-hero, comic book context, not the usual cheezy, predictable methods used by Hollywood decision makers. The movie presents some surprises and uses innuendos and a creative storyline to give alert viewers food for thought in regards to issues of humanity.

I couldn’t leave the theater without first trading my dollar for four game tokens all of which I used to feed the Galaga machine. I have been a Galaga fiend for 25 years. When I hear the Galaga sounds I am drawn to the machine like a gambler to a slot machine. For those of you who are Galaga freaks and know what it means, I went to level 11.

If you want to find out more about 212 degree Bistro, call 562-439-8822.

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Posted in Feminism, Food, Movies, Relationships, Spirituality | 1 Comment »