Learn more about these green shoes by clicking here. XO!

After featuring her recipe for Cucumber & Pomegranate Salad on my blog, Louisa sent me a thank you email [much to my surprise] and gladly obliged to answer a few questions for the blog.  Through our email conversations, I learned that she lives in my old home of Williamsburg [Brooklyn] – which made me like her even more!  Here is what she had to say ….

Q & A:

What kind of food did you grow up eating?  And when did you become passionate about local and organic cooking?

“I grew up eating fresh, unprocessed, homemade food. My mother is a great cook, and most nights growing up she would cook dinner. We had a lot of fish, chicken, beans, rice, vegetables, yogurt, and fruit. We didn’t eat a lot of red meat because my father has high blood pressure, and he’s a cardiologist so he knows red meat isn’t the best thing for your heart. That said, I do remember the classic “London broil” dinners (now completely un-trendy) and the ever-present exception [exception??  bacon is an exception??  no, Louisa ... it is a MUST.  lol] for bacon with Sunday breakfast. [I say ever-present because I’ve met so many people who otherwise don’t eat meat, but can’t say no to the bacon.]

I also tasted lots of interesting ingredients at a young age, particularly from Persian cuisine because my father is from Iran. When our Iranian relatives came to visit, or when my American mother experimented with Persian cooking, I tasted things like saffron, rosewater, dried limes, sour cherries, pomegranates, dates, and pistachios. I’m grateful that I was exposed to all these flavors, because they gave me a sense of openness towards different cuisines and therefore different cultures. [I must interject here ... Louisa grew up lucky.  I think most of us didn't have that exposure to 'un-American' tastes.  I am trying to do that with my daughter and even with my mom and gramma back home in Ohio.  I was so food sheltered, I never even tasted goat cheese until I was 21 and it was weird to me!  Thanks alot, mom. :-) ]

I didn’t eat fast food until I was in my mid-teens [I had my 5th birthday party at McDonalds. Groan.]. When I discovered a certain processed chicken product that has been made to look like “nuggets,” I swung to the other side of the food spectrum for a while, and I clearly remember stopping off to get a donut every day after school during the same period.”
What is the best piece of advice you have received in regards to cooking?

“That would have to be the rule that “fat carries flavor.” When I learned this at my cooking school, the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York, it was like someone turned a light on. When a dish lacks pizazz, my first solution is to drizzle on some olive oil. Depending on the context, I’ll add nuts, nut butter, seeds, avocado, butter, yogurt, an egg, or oil. I feel good about adding healthy, unprocessed fats to my meals — our bodies need them!”

Name three foods and three spices you couldn’t live without [salt, pepper, olive oil excluded].

Kale

Rice

Nori seaweed

Hot pepper flakes

Miso paste

Lemon juice …..[Funny that her 'can't live without' picks are things most people have no idea what to do with - cook outside of your comfort zone and be pleasantly surprised!]

Are there any more cookbooks in the works?

“Yes. My next book will definitely be about celebrating the sensuality of food through fresh, beautiful, rustic cooking. Beyond that, the rest hasn’t come to me yet.”

What was your inspiration for putting together Lucid Food?

“I found that people were really excited by what I was doing with my catering company, also called Lucid Food. People were surprised that they could have catered food that was sophisticated, delicious, and unique, while at the same time being eco-friendly. After working at restaurants in San Francisco, composting vegetable scraps, buying from local farmers, cooking seasonally, and eschewing disposable goods in favor of reusable ones like glass bottles and real china, and other sustainable practices were second nature to me. People in New York were charmed by my food and intrigued by my green kitchen practices, and wanted to know more. I felt like I had some valuable information to share with people beyond my clients.”

What is something most people don’t know about you?

“My cocktail of choice is a Makers Mark neat. My now fiancé was shocked when I ordered this on our first date (it was late, we had gone to see some music). This always surprises people because my diet is healthy, and because I’m a rather quiet and ladylike type. But on a cold evening, at a cozy bar with a fireplace, for me there’s nothing better. In summer, I’ll take good tequila either straight or in a sour margarita.”

What is your “go-to” comfort food?

“Kale sautéed with garlic and ginger, over brown rice seasoned with lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper.”

Louisa, Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions.  Can’t wait to read the next book!!

XO

The fabric choices from Charm Design just scream SPRINGTIME!  SUMMERTIME!  I am in love with these zippered pouches, but they also have a wonderful selection of shoulder and tote bags too.  Pretty, fun, and simple – just the way I like it!

The hand woven cotton on this bag from Tippy Thai is the perfect pick for warmer weather.  There are lots of rich color selections to choose from in a variety of natural fabrics [cotton, hemp...].  Excellent casual bag.

Don’t be afraid of carrying leather in the hot summer sun.  While it may not be the ideal choice for a day at the beach, a leather tote is perfectly acceptable [and looks so cool] for a day lunching and shopping or a night on the town.  The bags at Hoakon / Helga are made from vintage leather jackets and other upcycled materials [awesome!].

You’ll definitely turn a few heads carrying this bright yellow pouch from Farrago Bags.  Their bags also come with a key chain monogrammed with your initials for a personal touch.

These simple and classic sailor totes from Bayan Hippo are just the thing for a day at the beach or strolling through the park.  Choose from a wide assortment of colors … I think I’m going to have to get one of these!

This bag by Spongetta is made from upholstery remnants and wrapped around two rattan rings.  Great bag to just pick up and go with!

How chic are these metallic zip pouches by Marketa in NYC?!  You can fill it up and toss it in your bag to help stay organized or use it as a clutch for nights out when you don’t want to lug around a huge purse!  There’s something about shiny things that just makes you want them … meow.

This gorgeous handbag [the manzanilla] by Zelaya was made with incredible attention to detail.  A raw cotton fabric [manta] is used and then embroidered with polka dots and sewn together with thread dyed using chamomile tea and finished off with a hand carved wooden handle.  It’s elegant, yet casual and I think it’s probably my favorite bag.  This one goes on my covet list for sure.

This necklace is part of the Be Sweet product line, working with villagers in South African tribes  – their mission is to “bring socially and environmentally friendly products to fashionable consumers that evoke an individual style and help support community development around the world.”  A portion of their proceeds are donated to a school in the Eastern Cape, where many of the artisans’ children attend classes.  What makes a better gift than a gift that gives back? Nothing.  This necklace is available at Earthlover for $21.00 … and if the necklace isn’t for you, there is a gorgeous heart shaped pin!

Know someone that loves to sew?  Wrap their gift in old sewing patterns!  Even if they don’t sew, the idea is still really cool – I’m stealing this one for sure!  Read the full tutorial by Rikkianne at Creature Comforts.

This idea is similar to the one above, but with a masculine touch.  Recycled architecture plans [via re-nest]!  Now, where can I get my hands on some of those?  [Andy Taylor, are you reading this?  lol]

These wrapping alternatives are even better than the traditional wrap if you ask me … so much more personal and creative.  I love the idea of wrapping up wine bottles with tea towels – two gifts in one!  These lovely designs are from Studiopatro in San Fransisco.

A burlap sack?  Yes, a burlap sack.  It never looked so good thanks to Faded Plains [there are some other great wrapping ideas to check out there as well!].

So what have we learned?  Traditional wrapping paper usage is wasteful.  Tea towels, burlap sacks, old sewing patterns or blueprints, newspaper, wallpaper scraps, old book pages, magazines pages, shopping bags … geez – almost anything is a better alternative.  Take a look around your house and wrap up something unique.  Then send me a picture. XO!

Check out this tutorial on making your own bows from magazine pages from Talk Crafty To Me [they also have tons of fun holidays crafts!].  I think they look even prettier than store bought bows and the customization possibilities are endless!  I am going to be making some of my own bow creations this week and will definitely share the results with you.  How about you?  Will you be making your own bows?  What are you using to make them and CAN I SEE THEM??

I am really digging [no pun intended] all the plantable cards and gift tags hitting the marketplace.  Grace Graphics in Eastern Oklahoma turns out these plantable creations using recycled fibers and soy & vegetable based inks.  She has quite a selection of Christmas and Hanukka cards available and I just love the “Seeds n’ Greetings” phrase printed on the gift tags!  1 dozen gift tags for $11.50 and cards are $3.75 each.

I came across a lovely little blog today called ormolu, belonging to Kaitlin Sheaffer who is a mom who loves paper, handmade, and interior design.  She has an Etsy shop filled with all sorts of wonderful things like these A is for Angel Alphabet Gift Tags – 26 for $8.00 …. and these Love Song Paper Chains [that I completely ADORE], which would make an excellent garland [there are also some Christmas themed chains available] – approx. 1 yard for $4.50.

As I perused through the holiday cards on Etsy, I smiled and maybe even chuckled a little when I saw this letterpress print by Paper Elixer.  I laaaave it!  $4.00.

Be sure to check out all of the great holiday deals at Earth Lover!

Fourteen years ago, Tammy retired from a long career as a Respiratory Therapist.  Since then she owned and sold several small business – all of them born out of passion for the things she loves.  She took a few years off when her son started high school, but fears of an ‘empty nest’ and a need to give back to the world won Tammy over in 2008 when Earth Lover was founded.  Her daughter, Micah Elaine, is working on her Masters in Teaching in Atlanta and her son, Spencer Ryan, has been working on restoring a ’67 VW Microbus [his recycling project] and plans to attend MIT after high school.  These amazing children were part of Tammy’s inspiration, as she wanted to set an example for them as they go out into the world and choose their roles in society.  Since she had experience importing goods and a love for handmade, starting a green business and working with Fair Trade products seemed like the perfect fit.  With the support of her architect husband, Tammy got busy searching for goods from all over the world, “that not only bring joy into the lives of the recipient, but give back so much to the world and the beautiful people struggling to live in many parts of it”.

Tammy calls Earth Lover an alternative shopping experience.  It’s a place to shop, to learn, and to give.  “If my site can make my customers think about how simple it can be to help others through a small purchase of a beautiful product, then maybe they will begin to think about ALL of their purchases and one tiny step at a time we can make a difference.”

You can find earth-friendly products at Earth Lover for your home, your pets, your children, yourself, and your friends.  Like these handmade Fair Trade Christmas Stockings – perfect for the upcoming holidays!  Handmade in Guatemala and Armenia, the stocking on the left is made from recycled burlap coffee bags and the stocking on the right is 100% cotton with a fluffy wool top!

Click on images for more info.

Wrap yourself up on those cold winter nights in the comfort of a Swazi Blanket.  Handmade from 100% cotton by the lovely women of Swaziland and made available in the USA through Creative Women [a Fair Trade organization based in Vermont].

Click image for more info.

Q & A

Tammy Wilson of Earth Lover [You wouldn't believe how shy she was about sending me a pic!  For a while I thought she might have one eye, a warted nose, and horns! - LOL.  Soooo not the case - great picture, Tammy - thank you!]

What is your best selling item right now and why do you think it’s so popular?

“Right this VERY MINUTE my best selling product is the Recycled Jute Backpack- it is CUTE , colorful, unique, and a great price. It is starting to slow down, now that back to school has settled in, but still quite popular. Right behind that would be my Cruelty Free leather backpacks, messengers, and the Hemp Messengers. They are just great products, unisex, and really hard to find in cruelty free leather. I have a hard time keeping them in stock, as the Fair Trade makers in Nepal have limited production, and I ALWAYS sell out!”

Where do you find the products you sell?

“EVERYWHERE! I have products from Fair Trade members, local artists, small US companies, Non- profits. And I have NEVER been to a wholesale market!! (I KNOW!!)  SO much of what I have is found by web searching for hours on end, late into the night- and from networking. People involved in Eco products, and Fair Trade tend to be very open and helpful, so it is not uncommon at all to be working with one group or person, and they share with me about another – I love that!“

What is your favorite way to relax?

“Can you define that word, I am not familiar….. I am only 5’2” – and I frequently remind my friends and family that I am actually about 6’ Tall- I am just wound very tightly!! Haha! I do quilt- by hand- I know, who DOES this any more- but it is very relaxing. And I cook. Too Much. (Not too often, just too much- can you say LEFTOVER?) In the spring I grow vegetables.  Organic, of course.  I can totally chill in the garden for hours picking weeds.”

Why do you think people should buy eco-friendly and fair trade goods?

“Why WOULDN”T you??? Maybe I am naive, but I really believe that if people are educated about their choices, it is just not a choice any more!  If I ask anyone if they would rather have this handbag, or flower vase, from a sweatshop somewhere in the world, or a filthy polluting factory- or this other product from a Fair Trade Co-op that is supporting the welfare of people and making products in a way that considers the impact on our environment…Really, WHO is going to say, “Oh. I really Prefer the Sweat shop, thank you!” I really do believe it is just a matter of OFFERING an option, and educating the shopper. Maybe I am just a True Believer- but I really do believe that people are inherently Good, and would much prefer to choose Good when it is effectively offered!”

What’s something silly that most people don’t know about you?

“I talk too much to have any secrets. Really!  Ha! I don’t know…I am a vegetarian (no surprise really).   I am terrified to fly.  So I may never see many of the places that I work so hard to support – how sad is that?  Maybe someday…but I am REALLY terrified.  I have flown- lots of times- but it is hardly worth the trauma and I am getting more terrified every year.
I also like to sing stupid made up spontaneous songs during any time of great stress for my loved ones.  Yea, they REALLY appreciate this.  I recently had a Greatest Hits  involving the SAT!  It is REALLY silly, but it does relieve stress when someone is making a complete fool of themselves on your behalf.  Shannon, that may be way too silly for ANYONE to know!!” -Tammy, you are not alone.  I sing about diapers, going to the grocery store, taking a bath, and a few other things I won’t mention.

BIG THANKS to Tammy Wilson of Earth Lover!!! This shop is definitely one to watch!

XO!

]]> http://furiousshirley.com/blog/2009/12/01/spotlight-tammy-wilson-of-earth-lover/feed/ 5 http://furiousshirley.com/blog/2009/11/27/reuse-those-lightbulbs/ http://furiousshirley.com/blog/2009/11/27/reuse-those-lightbulbs/#comments Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:40:02 +0000 Shannon Shirley http://furiousshirley.com/blog/?p=1329 read more »]]> I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!  I am STUFFED and was just killing some time on the computer when I saw this awesome How To on Instructables.  This light bulb vase is such a clever use for your burnt out bulbs [that you are now replacing with CFLs - wink].  The base is just an aluminum ring from a recycled hard drive and they have some other options for keeping the bulb upright as well.  They have also made a light bulb terrarium – LOVE IT.

As you may have noticed, Furious Shirley has a different look – part of many new features I am adding to the blog.  So, “please bear with me” this week while I finish tweaking the new design.  Soon I will be introducing my guest bloggers, some giveaways and discounts as well as launching a Gift Gallery in time for the holiday season!  Now, back to lovable snuggable teddy bears!

This adorable teddy bear from Aurora is hypoallergenic and made from sustainable materials – the outer covering is soy based and the inside is stuffed with kapoc filling.  With stuffed animals like these on the market, is there any other choice?  Oh, and did I mention that it comes with a super affordable price tag?  $10.50 at Rush Creek Merchants.

Another great option is this organic dye-free “Fair Bear”, made with 100% organic cotton by fair trade workers in Peru.  There are even cute organic outfits you can dress him [or your little one] in!  Available at Fair Indigo for $36.00.  Be sure to visit Fair Indigo’s FAQ’s for more information about their role in bringing you fair trade goods!

Your love for teddy doesn’t have to be limited to stuffed animals.  Check out this super cool “I’m All Ears” teddy ring by The Golden Plague.  Inspired by the artists drawings, this ring was hand sculpted on wax, cast into sterling silver and layered with Japanese lacquer.  $104.00

Printed on 100% recycled card stock, these cute cards from HMC Designs in Melbourne are also carbon neutral, acid, and chlorine free.  They also have some darling magnets and baby bibs worth checking out.  The card comes with a little bear pin and can be purchased for $4.50 at their Etsy store.

For some more great eco-friendly and fair trade options, click the link below!

Tamara Komuniecki, Editor-In-Chief of Long Beach Magazine, recently did a guest blog piece over at decor8 that made me fall in love with Union Eighteen.  Handmade from the manufacturing waste of the carpet industry, these beautiful RAW rugs are one of a kind.

Olio United is a great little shop that partners with “socially responsible designers and artists” like Pigeon Toe Ceramics [Portland artist and graphic designer, Lisa Hough].  I love this Cast Kerr Planter [she also makes a very cute Cast Kerr Votive Lantern worth taking a look at].

I also came across Jill Bliss on Olio United.  She creates pretty fabric and paper goods like this Yerba Mansa Native Herb Poster printed on recycled card stock and made with soy-based inks.  Pop it in a frame and nail it to the wall – would look really great as a series of four or five prints above a sofa or on a dining room wall.

When I saw this Bamboo Screen for sale on the Gaiam site, I immediately wanted a room big enough to put it in.  It is made from pesticide-free bamboo and rolls up when you’re not using it.  Perfect.

That’s all I have time to post today … let me know what you think of my selections!  Lots of great changes coming soon … in my own life and for the blog.  Stay tuned!!!!!!!

Shop for great fair trade and eco-friendly goods now!