just in time for bike season

Have had no energy lately. Blood test yesterday revealed low iron stores. One of the risks of being vegetarian. At my previous job in a health and medical library, I constantly had Becoming Vegetarian by Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis checked out. I'm a pretty good cook and the recipes in this book aren't the greatest, but I relied on the nutritional advice. Obviously, I need a constant reminder on my kitchen counter.

So, tonight I made tabouleh to take for lunches. As per the recipe, 1 cup of parsley (high in iron, copper and calcium). Also added 1/4 c. of bran (high in iron, copper and zinc), which hopefully I won't be able to taste. Chick peas, tomatoes and cukes to round it out. Lemon juice, olive oil. Damn healthy, I say.

Low iron also gives me an excuse to not weed the dandelions out of my lawn this summer. Learned at the food conference last month that dandelions are high in vitamins A and C, and iron. Also learned that you can make a coffee substitute from the roasted root. But not quite convinced that it would be as satisfying as the real thing.

a hit with any man

Tuesday was awesome. Scored a major haul on vintage knitting needles and patterns from a good friend. She has promised me more but not until a) O. and I move, which is very soon and/or b) she turns "toes up", um, many wonderful years from now.

In the meantime, I'm armed with these beauties...

And O. better watch out, 'cause I'm feeling inspired! Though I should probably finish my current projects first. And I do have a garden now. So maybe he's safe. Still...

on the sticks

Two little projects...

Salvaged Karen's birthday gift and made a cozy for our French press. By request...

Taking a sock class. By Wednesday, I will have one sock. And hopefully the motivation to make the second.

And by the way, posting this on my sexy new MacBook Pro, while watching the Sens/Pens game on O.'s laptop 'cause we have wireless now. Feeling so plugged in!

another lazy post

This is my post from my work blog today. But it fits in here, too! Sorry for the way short notice.

Upcoming Green Communities Conference

The annual Green Communities National Conference is being held in Winnipeg from April 9-11, 2008.

Merrell-Ann Phare and Lisa Hardess of CIER will be presenting the session "Respecting Mother Earth: Sustainability in First Nations" on Thursday, April 10 in the afternoon.

Please visit the Green Communities Canada website for more information and registration details.

paying to watch commercials

Spent $7 a piece to watch the Cannes Lions 2007 at the Art Gallery this past Saturday. Sort of ironic for someone who only watches television shows if they come in a box set. And even though I had a lovely time with O. and his mom, I felt a bit burned when I found them all available online for free.

Right here.

My overall favorite is "Clarence". Found in the Gold category. Sorry, I have no idea how to embed the video, so you'll just have to hunt for it yourself. Enjoy!

chop! chop!

Mama D rocks my world. Again.

Before (admittedly, with bad toque head)...



















After...