Urban homesteaders can grow their own food and stockpile it for the winter, raise chickens, and yield rainwater for household purposes. Some families even practice making homemade crafts, like soapmaking, and use solar energy to power their greenhouses.

While there are some obvious restrictions, like climate and lack of space, nearly any family can create a home-based economy.

Urban Homesteaders Are Nice People

Community connections are an important part of this lifestyle: one of the rules of being an urban homesteader is being a good neighbour. The Dervaes family from Pasadena, California, suggest in their 10 Elements of Urban Homesteading to always lend a hand for free. Additionally, events focusing on jam making, wine production and other home-based activities attract people of like-minds from all over.

Photo by david owen

Urban homesteaders are also always willing to share their knowledge. Dozens of blogs like the Urban Homesteader offer a wide variety of resources for being self-sufficient, including recipes and crop cultivation tips. Cool off with homemade naturally sweet tea? Don’t mind if I do.

No lie, converting your modern home to an urban homestead is a tough move — one that requires patience and time — but the long-term benefits of living green are outstanding. Organic foods are easy on the body and easy on the planet. Using bio-fuels, taking public transportation, and growing your own crops are huge money-savers.

Plus the workload encourages the whole family to participate, so drag the kids off the couch and have them tend the chicken coops.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

Have you created a urban homestead? Share your experiences in the comments.

Welcome To Our Home Photo: Lee Carson

Being a great host can be inexpensive and easy, provided you take a few minutes to plan in advance. And since long-distance friendships depend on those rare few days together, isn’t it worth it?

1. Have a spare key made.

This is a no-brainer, but something I avoided for a while out of pure laziness. You’ll end up with the worst meet-up arrangements to pass off the key, resulting in a frustrating week for you and a bunch of grumpy guests. Avoid the headache: get a cheap keychain and a spare key and let your guests wander as they please.

2. Make a map.

Label it with your house and fun things to do nearby. If you live in a large city, you may be able to grab a free subway map. If not, print out a zoomed out Google Map, as well as one that’s focused in on your neighborhood. Use highlighters and pens to mark different routes, points of interest, and the best sights or areas to explore while you’re at work. If my guest is arriving from abroad, I usually tape a couple of quarters onto the map in case he/she needs to call me from a pay phone.

3. Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge.

The first thing I want after a long voyage is about 10 glasses of water. The dry air in the plane, the expensive water bottles you have to throw out along the way… a tall glass of cool water is an insanely simple (and yet not obvious!) luxury your guests will appreciate. For a classier version, add lemon or lime slices.

4. Bake something a few hours before they arrive.

Banana Bread Photo: dichohecho

Banana bread is the easiest. I always keep a few too-ripe bananas on hand (let them sit on your counter until they turn black, then throw them into the freezer) so I can make banana bread on the fly.

It’s super-easy to bake, makes your apartment smell incredible, and is a great snack for anyone who just flew in. You can also opt to save it for breakfast (served with a steaming cup of coffee!) for your weary travelers the next morning.

5. Grab a couple of favorites.

Does your guest love dark beer? “Sex and the City” episodes? A specific candy bar? Picking up a few of their favorite items goes miles towards making someone feel comfortable and at home.

6. Keep a bowl of fruit handy.

I only get to see my friends who live abroad every few years. There are hours (and hours and hours) of catching up, which is always more fun with some finger food. I try to have a bowl of clementines or grapes handy to break out once the chatting has gone on a few hours. You’ll need something to sustain yourself while re-living all those ex-boyfriends!

7. Point out a local cafe.

When I travel, I like to imagine what my life would be like if I lived in my visiting city. Where would I meet friends for dinner? Where would I grab a drink? Curl up with a good book? Point out a couple of local hangouts for your guests in case they want to do the same.

Cafe Connection Photo: wacky

8. Keep old magazines.

This is the best way to recycle your old magazines. Offering your guests a few old copies of The New Yorker or Glamour or Time for their trip home can prevent them from spending cash on expensive magazines at the airport, cash that could be better spent saving for their next trip!

Community Connection:

Thinking about inviting friends from afar? Would You Let A Stranger Sleep on Your Couch?
Crashing at a friends? Couch Surfing

The Recess Ends-mobile. Photo: Austin Chu

When I got laid off from my job this past December, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. I had no money, no job, and nothing to tie me down.

As soon as the New Year turned, something inside me turned as well. I told my brother I wanted to drive through all fifty states and film a documentary of the stories and voices from the economy collapse. Two weeks later, my brother quit his job, and we embarked on this journey called “The Recess Ends”

We’ve interviewed and captured hundreds of hours of footage. Many of the stories presented themselves as stand alone, individual pieces. The following clip below is titled: Boston Hustle.

Boston Hustle from B-Rilla on Vimeo.

We saw Paulo at the Havard stop on the Boston Underground. His music followed us outside as we departed the subway building. We returned to record some of this music, but left the station with something more than just his songs.

For Paulo, performing in the subway was more than just selling CDs. It became an addiction for people’s smiles and for him to fulfill his deepest desires: expressing and sharing his emotions through his cello.

To all you street performers, Thank you.

Follow our journey and film: The Recess Ends

Photo: lordsutch

I’m writing this article at a desk that’s in a state of barely controlled clutter. There’s a stack of books on my far left, piled nine high; a shorter but more rowdy collection of papers, magazines, and press releases to read on my immediate left; cords for two external hard drives snaking out of the laptop, and more books, notebooks, business cards, article clippings, two pairs of sunglasses, and an empty cup of coffee on my right.

This is no way to start a Monday.

It’s time to put some order to this mess. Streamline and simplify: it’s my project for this week.

If you’re in a similar situation, here are 5 ways you can simplify your life along with me:

1. Organize your finances once and for all.

In that pile of papers on my desk you’ll find bank statements, bills, notes to invoice clients, and brochures from the IRS telling me how I can be more responsible about taxes. I hate all the paper. And I have nowhere to file it all.

Let’s start organizing by getting our finances straight. I’m going electronic: paperless bank statements and bills and auto bill pay, for starters. I’m also going to move all my invoicing from paper to PayPal.

Photo: bandita

Finally, I’m going to take the online financial service Mint for a test drive. Mint is a free budgeting and money management site that lets you link all your accounts and track where and how you’re spending your money. Worried about privacy and safety? Mint is certified secure by VeriSign and TRUSTe.

Once a month, I’ll schedule a day to review all my finances online, making sure that bills paid automatically were correct and ensuring I’ve been paid by clients.

2. Get rid of clutter. No, really.

If there’s paper that’s been sitting on my desk for more than a week, I’ll be ruthless with it: Am I really going to read it? If not, it’s off to the recycle bin.

Once the desk is clear, I’ll tackle a few other trouble spots in my apartment: closets and drawers. If I haven’t worn a piece of clothing in a year, I’ll donate it to a local charity thrift shop. If I have lots of electronics I no longer use (and I do–chargers for defunct cell phones, spent batteries, a collection of USB cords), I’ll donate or recycle those, too.

3. Practice saying no, thanks.

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I ever received was from a taskmaster of a boss, who continually piled new projects on my plate (not surprisingly, these were never coupled with a pay raise). One day, after asking me to take on yet another new project, I hesitated. “You don’t have to say yes, you know,” she told me. “The only reason I keep asking you is because you’re organized, you’re professional, and you always say yes. But really, you should practice saying ‘No, thanks.’”

Maybe she was sorry she ever told me that, but it was a powerful lesson. And it’s just as useful in one’s social life as it is in one’s professional life. I’m going to practice saying “No, thanks” to requests of my time when the offer really doesn’t interest me.

4. Plan less.

Photo: Florian

Lots of simplify your life advice involves making lists about goals and priorities or designating blocks of time for scheduling activities that are important to you.

Personally, I think it’s a bunch of bunk.

When my schedule is packed tight with meetings, plans, and obligations, I feel pressured. I also feel guilty if I fail to uphold them. Do I have to go to the gym every day at 6 AM? Nope. I’ll get there when I get there, and I’ll feel a whole lot better about it.

5. Say good-bye to gimmicks.

My wallet and my organizer are thick with all types of “saver” cards, peddled to me by stores where I hardly, if ever, shop. It’s time to shred them and say good-bye. Even if I do shop at these stores, it’s not with enough frequency to accumulate their supposed benefits.

Community Connection:

What are your tips for simplifying life? Share your strategies in the comments below!
For more ideas about what do with all the clutter you’ve accumulated, be sure to check out “Random Things You Didn’t Know You Can Recycle,” one of the thousands of articles from Matador’s archives!

Photo: srbyug

But what to do now? All you know is travel. Will you stay for a few weeks and fly out to your next adventure, or settle for months, even years, before making plans to backpack Kilimanjaro?

Photo: Daisy’s Little Cottage

You should be prepared for how such an extended stay at home will change you; all your experiences traveling up to the present have rewired your brain chemistry for the better, but it’s only a matter of time before you adapt to the comforts and trials of the domestic life.

How can you tell you’re really planning to stay home for a while?

1. You speak about your countrymen in the first person again.

No longer do you engage in conversations abroad with random foreign travelers and speak of the people with whom you share nationality in the third person, strangers detached from your days on the road.

You find yourself empathizing with their domestic struggles as you eat the same foods, enjoy the same entertainment, and live in the same country once more.

2. You actually try to get a regular job.

Photo: star5112

The horror, the horror.

You can’t make part-time hours at a hostel fulfill your needs for things like food, housing, clothes, and Internet.

Maybe you want some stability; maybe you feel this job will be the one to take, the one to make you realize that the 9-5 isn’t so bad… nahhhh.

3. You buy laundry detergent.

Gone are the days when you simply stop by friends or family for a visit and deposit your backpack next to the washing machine to ensure a speedy load. No, you’re planning to stay long enough to use all 60 loads’ worth of detergent. Feel grounded now?

4. Your Couchsurfing profile is confirmed at home.

Now a Couchsurfing host, a surfer no more.

5. Food from home is not considered a “treat.”

You don’t have wander into a McDonald’s in Agra to satisfy your hamburger craving. You indulge at first, then realize that this food is nothing special, available everywhere and in bulk.

6. Driving feels more like a chore than a release.

Granted, some of us drive even when we’re traveling abroad, but it’s often in a new environment in lighter circumstances; rarely would we be that concerned with getting into work by 9:00, fighting traffic, and stressing over “making good time.”

7. You don’t read as many travel stories.

Photo: theerin

It seemed like you had all the time in the world to read those books you let pile up. Now you’re once again surrounded by English bookstores, and all you want to do is get distracted by YouTube, Hulu, friends, parties, work, significant others. Reading takes a backseat when you stop stretching yourself.

8. You settle for less.

It’s the subtlest change of all to come to your attention. You start eating healthy; soon you’re consuming a few fast food lunches a week. You look for employment and settle for something that pays rather than a job you’d enjoy. You have friends, and don’t feel compelled to reach out of that circle to find new ones.

And, the worst of all… you understand why some people feel compelled not to travel. After all, everything you could possibly want is here: stability, good food, people who speak your language, familiarity. Why leave all that behind to see some distant corner of the world? Scary concept.

Community Connection:

How will you know when its time to finish up at home and go traveling? Turner Wright gives you 10 good reasons.

Why do we crave escape from the modern world? Steve Orchard explains.

Start planning your escape; Angie Teater offers her advice on ways to ditch the cubicle.

1. Built by Gabriel Amadeus, a Portland-area designer extraordinaire and fun-enthusiast. When not riding bikes or organizing bike events you can find him building and welding every sort of bike imaginable. And some that aren’t.
Photographer: ichad

2. “This is Sailor Neale, with another of his crazy creations. This particular bike is jointed in the middle, just behind the handlebars. It folds fully in half if you don’t pay attention. You steer by using your hips to swivel the central joint, and then using the handlebars to simultaneously steer the front wheel.”
Photographer: doviende

3. The Reverse Cowgirl, built by Mark Veno. “It was displayed at PDX Airport when they had the Oregon Handmade Bicycle Exhibit. I was the only non-professional builder exhibiting.”

4. “West Coast Chopper”
Photographer: tinou bao

5. The Ross Island Explorer, a fully amphibious human-powered tallbike-paddleboat.
Photographer: megulon5, member of C.H.U.N.K.

6. Burrito-recumbent, complete with suspension and sound system / Builder: Doc
Photographer: Mark Veno

7. For when you really don’t want to worry about getting a flat.
Photographer: RJL20

8. “A rock n’ roll/punk kid rode this to the Coffee Bean in Playa Vista the other day. Love that it has an old-fashioned horn on the handlebars.”
Photographer: pink_fish13

9. Good for carting around…whatever. / Builder: Chris Martin
Photographer: Mark Veno

10. Alan Sikiric’s Mutandem: “Only from the fields of muck and hazardous grime known as the Jerz could something so horrifying arise!”

11. The very definition of an art bike.
Photographer: anarchosyn

12. One of the craziest tall bikes out there, and pannier-ready to boot!
Photographer: doviende

13. A burrito built by Mark Veno: “When I moved to Portland I was inspired by the existing bike culture and built my first tallbike. I try to make my freakbikes as usable as “real” bikes. Soon I’ll be moving to San Diego to spread the freakbike love to SoCal.”

14. “No idea about who this is riding the chopper, just happened to snap it on Wells Street. I think he is part of the Chicago Critical Mass group.”
Photographer: swanksalot

15. Not quite training wheels…
Photographer: BruceTurner

16. Five bucks to anyone who can categorize this bike, being paraded by a member of Rat Patrol.
Photographer: JOE M500

17. When two wheels just aren’t enough, you need the Six Wheelie.
Photographer: bilbord99

18. There are choppers, and then there are these.
Photographer: tandemracer

19. Not exactly a freak bike, but there is something freaky about these kids and their penny farthings.
Photographer: Mild Mannered Photographer

20. Tank! / Builder: Sailor Neale of the East Vancouver PedalPlay metal studio.
Photographer: Foxtongue

Community Connection

Matador has published some of the best bike-related content on the web, covering topics such as The World’s 15 Most Bike Friendly Cities, 6 Reasons to Go By Bike, How to Be Good (Better) Drivers and Cyclists, and How to Choose a Touring Bicycle.

Many members of the Matador community are bike freaks themselves, including one of our newest arrivals, Doubleclutch. Browse the community profiles to discover more folks fired up on bicycles.

Spend much time on the green-webs and you are bound to stumble upon the term “upcycling.” First coined by William McDonough and Michael Braungart in their must-read book Cradle to Cradle, upcycling is commonly defined as:

The process of converting an industrial nutrient (material) into something of similar or greater value, in its second life.

So how is this different than recycling? While recycling is mostly concerned with harvesting the valuable raw materials from an item in order to prevent fresh consumption of the material, upcycling is an attempt to repurpose a usually disposable item in a creative and functional way.

Upcyclers are not collecting paper to make more paper, nor are they hunting for cans to create more aluminum (they might want the deposit return though). Instead, they are thinking of clever ways to make trash into something special.

Check out these upcycling ideas to get started:

Old Shopping Bags or Magazines Become Unique Envelopes

Sure, you could recycle that stack of magazines or the pile of paper shopping bags in your closet. Or, you could transform them into unique envelopes.

Photo: photo by Sarabbit

Cracked Teacups Become Eye-Catching Candles

If you have cracked or orphaned teacups lying around, waiting to be tossed, then this project is perfect.

Photo: photo by ecram1

Make a Purse or Laptop Bag from Soda Tabs

Though a more involved project than the two mentioned above, making a purse or laptop bag from soda tabs is not that difficult. When you’re finished, you can wear this example of upcycling with eco-pride.

Photo: photo by Orin Optiglot

Upcycling is great for the environment but more importantly, it’s a fun and creative way to stylishly show off your eco-ingenuity.

Photo: photo by elizabethboy

Foraging, or searching for food, is one of the oldest of human activities. Though we have found more complex ways to assemble a meal, foraging remains relevant today for anyone interested in cheap, locally-sourced, food.

Warning: Foraging Can Be Dangerous

You should not eat any plant, nut, or mushroom you find while foraging unless you are 100% certain of the item’s identification. It’s a good idea to compare your specimen to all similar plants, especially toxic varieties, as well. With that said, foraging can be a perfectly safe and enjoyable activity if you take the time to learn the basics.

Get to Know Your Flora

The first step to foraging is also one of its greatest benefits: You must develop an intimate knowledge of your local flora. Picking up a field guide specific to your area, like one of the Peterson Field Guide series, is a good place to begin. Study what edible plants grow naturally in your area and during what seasons. Once you know what’s out there, you can begin studying the unique characteristics of each plant so you will be able to identify them in the field.

This is not as easy at it may seem. It’s a good idea to seek assistance from someone with experience. Getting started with a mentor is the fastest, safest, way to begin foraging.

Once you’ve done some research, it’s time to search for food.

Photo: photo by ciordia

Head Into the Field

Depending on the season and where you are looking, there is a wide range of edible plants waiting to be discovered. One important thing to remember is that many edible and medicinal plants taste bitter or otherwise unappealing and are only meant to be eaten in emergency and survival situations. Instead of heading out in search of anything and everything you have studied in your field guide, pick one or two things you really want to find.

When looking for plants, remember to stay away from places that are frequently sprayed with pesticides, like railroad tracks and roads, and always wash what you find before eating. When you find something, don’t be greedy: Leave some behind for the animals, birds, and other foragers.

Survival expert Ray Mears gives an excellent demonstration of foraging in the wild in this video:

Head Into the Neighborhood

Foraging is not limited to wild and rural areas. Many urban neighborhoods have fruit, nuts, and other edibles literally waiting to be plucked by pedestrians. Fallen Fruit is an organization that advocates planting an edible urban landscape. They also maintain maps of “public fruit,” or trees whose branches extend off of public property to overhang sidewalks, parks, and other public areas. The fruit growing on these branches can be harvested by anyone so its just a matter of finding the trees.

Find out more about urban foraging and the Fallen Fruit project in this video.

Further Reading

Foraging and plant identification is an art that takes years to master. For a more thorough introduction, try When Technology Fails, Revised and Expanded, by Matthew Stein . Some other classic books about foraging and plant identification include Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places, by Steve Brill, and The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants, by Samual Thayer.

Also, check out this excellent introduction video from the How To Forge:

A world of free, local, food is waiting just outside your doors, so don’t wait: Reap the harvest today.

Community Connection

Interested in other ways you can be doing things DIY? Check out our Life interview with Matthew Stein to learn more about preparedness.

Feature photo by nickherber. Photo above courtesy of Gary Vaynerchuk.

It started with gentle sobs during the car ride to and from work. Like many of us in 9 to 5’s, Gary Vaynerchuk dreaded going to work.

“I hated it,” Vaynerchuk said. “When I first started working in the [wine industry] I cried everyday. But one day it clicked for me; I saw people collecting wine the same way they collected baseball cards I was selling on the weekends. I decided to make myself into an expert and let my natural marketing ability take over.”

And take over it did. Soon after Vaynerchuk began uploading his now wildly popular video blogs on his personal site, Vaynerchuk’s internet presence skyrocketed into the web stratosphere, eventually landing him appearances on mainstream programs like The Conan O’Brian Show.

“In 2006 I saw what was happening in video with people like Ze Frank and Rocketboom and I got very excited with the potential for a social web,” Vaynerchuk said. “I knew [video blogging] would give me an opportunity to connect with consumers in a different way [so] I started sharing some of my business and social media ideas on my personal blog. People really liked it so I stuck with it.”

Now a web sensation and the first ever Social Media Sommelier, Vaynerchuk releases regular video blogs that cover topics from wine recommendations to business advice to tips on happiness.

Photo by Couche Tard

(MT): With the economy being what it is today, not everyone can afford, or even is willing to afford, that fancy-shmancy bottle of wine. What are the top three budget bottles you recommend for people to drown themselves in for 2009?

I prefer to recommend regions rather than specific bottles. Check out wines from Portugal, especially the Douro region. We’ve also seen great value out of Malbec and Torrontes from Argentina, and Sauvignon Blanc from Chile.

(MT): When we’re pressed for cash, sometimes it’s a choice between eating or drinking. If we hit up fast food joints, we can have both! What are your wine recommendations that best accommodate our favorite fast food?

With a Whopper, I’m thinking Red Zinfandel. On a budget you can produce that experience with a Primitivo from Italy, Primitivo being a relative of Zin. With that Wendy’s Chili, I have to go with Albarino from Spain. Zippy acidity to pair with that little bit of spice. Filet-o-Fish? How about a Macon? Crisper and easier to pair with food than a California Chardonnay, you can get a decent white Burgundy for under 12 or 15 bones.

(MT): Are there any wines you’d recommend with our favorite snack foods?

With Cheez-its I think Sancerre could be an interesting play. These Sauvignon Blanc wines from the Loire Valley in France have minerality and sometimes a little saline quality that I’d like with the salty crackers. With potato chips I’m thinking about Viognier. The floral elements of the wine might play very nicely with greasy potato chips. With Cheetos or Doritos I’d look for a Spanish red. Tempranillo based wines, especially a Ribera del Duero, with all that seductive up-front fruit to combat the bold flavors of the snack.

(MT): Do you currently have a favorite (or a few favorite) bottle(s) of wine? Do tell!

Not really, every wine is a different experience and I rarely bring home more than one bottle of anything. My favorite category and something I think is totally under appreciated in America is Champagne and sparkling wine.

(MT): And how doe you like to enjoy your wine?

With family and friends!

For all wine aficionados, fans, and newcomers, Vaynerchuk emphasizes trusting your own palate.

“The most important [thing is] to keep and open mind and try new things,” Vaynerchuk said. “There are so many traditional rules about pairing this with that, and so much of it is ridiculous. Wines will change with foods, and your experience of the food will change with different wines. Expand your palate by trying different things, and forget about the traditional rules!”

Remember, the point of wine is to enhance your gestation experience, so go with your own personal preferences and let your taste buds make your libation decisions!


COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Are you a beginning oenophile? Check out Craig Martin’s classic article, “How to Drink Wine Like a Pro” for tips about getting started in the world of wine.

Photo: Brendita21

The Other Raw Fish Dish

Cooking raw fish in citrus juice is at the heart of one of South America’s most popular dishes, Ceviche. This centuries old technique uses the acid from lime/lemon juice to cure or ‘cook’ the fish. Often served as a starter or a light lunch, it’s a refreshing and tasty meal and renowned as a very good hangover cure (first hand experience also confirms this).

Ceviche has many different forms across Latin America and the Caribbean and each country has its own distinctive take using local ingredients. They all involve either fish, shellfish, squid or octopus being marinated in either lemon or lime juice.

In Ecuador and Peru, the shellfish is seared for 20-30 seconds in order to intensify and improve the flavour before marinating. It is then served with toasted corn or sweet potato. In Panama, ceviche is served with crackers or little pastry shells called “canastitas”. In Mexico, it often is accompanied by tacos and guacamole.

Photo: thousandflavors

Important Cooking Tips

1) The one most important factor to remember is that you must use fresh ingredients.
2) Ceviche needs to be made and eaten the same day.
3) Bear in mind what fresh fish is readily available; look for what is in season.
4) Buy your fish from a reputable source. Your local fishmonger or fish counter knows more about their own produce and will know what’s best. Do not risk making ceviche with pre-packaged fish.
5) Always use a non-reactive (i.e. not metal) bowl/dish so that you avoid any metallic after taste.
6) Don’t over-marinade the fish. If left for longer than 4 hours, the acidity will overpower the dish.

Photo: GerberBabyTalk

Mexican-style Fish Ceviche – 4 servings

400g of firm, fresh fish fillets (snapper, sea bass, halibut), cut into slices on the diagonal
50ml cup of freshly squeezed lime juice (2-3 limes)
50ml cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
1/2 purple onion, finely diced
3-4 freshly peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
2 tbsp fresh coriander/cilantro, chopped finely
Salt, pepper and Tabasco to taste

Put the slices of fish in a glass/non-reactive dish. Mix together the juices, onion, tomatoes and jalapeño and pour this over the fish, ensuring it is covered. Put some cling film over the dish and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Season to taste with salt, pepper and Tabasco and serve with warm tacos, tostadas or tortilla chips.

Photo: rudygiron

Ecuadorian-style Shrimp Ceviche – 4 servings

150ml orange juice
100ml freshly squeezed lime juice (4-5 limes)
50ml tomato juice/passata
500g shrimp, peeled and cleaned
1 large fresh tomato, peeled and seeded
2 jalapeño peppers, roasted peeled and seeded
2 red peppers, roasted peeled and seeded
1/2 white onion
Sugar, salt and Tabasco to taste

Grill the tomato, peppers and onion under a high heat until they are blackened. Put them into a plastic bag and when cooled, remove the skins. Sear the shrimp in a frying pan / grill over a high heat for 20-30 seconds. Plunge into cold water.

Blend together the roasted vegetables with the juices (orange, lime and tomato) and pour the sauce over the drained shrimp in a freezer-proof container. Cover and chill for 25-30 mins in the freezer. Serve with toasted corn or ‘chifles’ (plantain chips) and a green salad.

You’ve probably heard the word thrown around to represent a large mix of various elements - a smörgåsbord of features, a smörgåsbord of activities, etc.

Well, this Swedish word traditionally refers to a buffet-style spread of small dishes – mostly cold with a few hot plates.

From mounds of herring and salmon to various cold salads and meats, some of the usual suspects have been identified below.

Mustard herring, tomato herring, pickled herring…you name it. As long as condiments exist, you’ll find some form of herring doused or drenched in them.





If the taste of herring overpowers you, dig into alternative plates of smoked, poached, baked, or pinwheeled salmon that’s always available.





Move over leafy greens, cold salads such as red beet salad, pea salad, and mushroom salad regularly make appearances.





Various pâtés, terrines, and cold meats such as dried ham and smoked lamb provide a welcome change from seafood.





For the die-hard carnivores amongst us, roast beef, pork, and sometimes reindeer meat are offered to appease meat eaters.





A smörgåsbord without shellfish? Heresy!





Ketchup? Fries? Not here. Side dishes include yellow almond potatoes, roe, and black caviar…the cheap kind.





And of course, if it’s got a crust and is filled with either almond paste, marzipan, or vanilla sauce, you’ll find it at the dessert table.


Photos by Lola Akinmade.

If you’re in dire straits–and I’m not talking about no longer being able to pay your $100+ cable bill, but just scraping by, living paycheck to paycheck–here’s a quick guide to keep your fur-buddy from becoming a burden.

Despite what the pet industry–and it is an industry–tries to peddle, animals do not need that much to be healthy and happy, but they do need consistency and care. Also, keep in mind that cheaper does not mean easier.

Medical

Photo by Paulo Ordoveza

Medical bills can be the biggest expenditure to break a struggling pet companion’s budget, but serious health problems can be avoided or at least mitigated with regular health maintenance.

Don’t skip vaccinations and check-ups. Not only do shots prevent costly diseases such as leukemia, but regular vet visits can catch other maladies in initial, cheaper-to-treat phases.

Some vaccinations are less necessary than others, though. (For instance, if you live in a geographical area with low risk for Lyme disease, then that shot isn’t a pressing concern for your dog.) Talk with your vet about individualizing a preventive care program for your pet.

Here’s a list of vaccinations and their recommended administration schedules.

Food

Don’t think that buying a 20 pound bag of generic commercial pet food is cutting down on anything but your companion’s life-expectancy. Loaded with fillers and light on substance, these foods essentially starve your pet of nutrition.

How long would you expect to stay healthy if you ate fast food for every meal? Ensuring a balanced diet with proper exercise will keep complications associated with obesity, heart disease, and dental disease at bay.

If premium pet food is too expensive, consider making your own pet food. Some animals’ dietary needs lend themselves to homemade meals (like dogs, who actually don’t mind a bit of fruit in their diet), and oftentimes can be cheaper and more nutrient-rich than processed foods.

Experiment with recipes and ingredients to see what works with your budget, but make sure to consult your vet before switching to homemade.

Signing up for special savings programs on manufacturers’ or retailers’ websites, and scanning for coupons also saves more money than you’d think.

Grooming

Photo by Mark

With the exception of certain breeds, most cats and dogs can be groomed easily at home with a consistent routine—and even the more high-maintenance breeds can be home-groomed with a bit of practice.

Daily to weekly brushings, depending on coat lengths and types, help to spread essential oils, remove detritus, and maintain overall coat health. And if you gently ease your pet into having its paws touched, rewarding it with positive reinforcement, nail trimming doesn’t have to be an epic battle, either.

Constant handling of your pet also allows you to feel for any unusual lumps or bumps that can indicate the early onset of medical problems (in addition to, of course, deepening the bond with your ani-pal).

Here are some general tips for dog and cat grooming.

Free or Discount Services

You’ve tried everything to reduce expenditures, but it’s still down to a choice between your pet and your dinner plate.

Check this site and review this list for comprehensive resources regarding financial aid, discount veterinary services, pet food banks, and other charitable assistance for special needs candidates, including the elderly, the ill, the disabled, and the just plain broke.

Even with all these tips and resources, you might find that you’re no longer able to afford or house your pet. If you have to make that difficult decision to relinquish your animal companion, make sure to surrender them to a no-kill shelter. With most shelters, municipal and not, at full-capacity, there’s not much guarantee that your pet will find the home he or she deserves.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

How are you affected by the recession? Do you have any tips for managing pet-related expenses on a shoestring budget? Share your thoughts below!

Alison Haynes knows a thing or two about keeping house, having just released Clean Sweep: The Ultimate Guide To Decluttering, Detoxing and Destressing Your Home. The guide serves as a comprehensive how-to for any homeowner, including many ‘recipes’ for homespun cleaners and beauty aids.

Alison took a few minutes to answer our questions about dangers that might be lurking in our abodes.

As travelers, many of our readers rent apartments, or lead a nomadic existence between houses. What things should we be looking for when checking out an apartment, before deciding to rent it?

One of the simplest ‘tests’ is the nose test. How does it smell? If it smells damp, of chemicals, musty …. these are indications that all’s not well. The apartment may have insufficient ventilation, or be full of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) being emitted from new carpets or furniture — ventilation is the key.

Sunlight also helps keep microbes in check. Look for damp patches and mold on the walls, especially in ‘wet’ areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Personally, I would also be looking at how I’m going to dry clothes. I’m not a fan of dryers as they are big power munchers and therefore are polluting.

I’ve never owned a dryer and always managed with a clotheshorse or clothes line if I have the space.

Price: $11.01 | BUY

With all of the chemicals swilling through cleaning products, what dangers do they present to the air in our houses?

It is difficult to be precise about the dangers of particular chemicals in cleaning products, but there’s no doubt we should treat them with respect.

Some pose more problems than others: aerosols, for instance, create clouds of tiny droplets that could be inhaled; ammonia produces irritating fumes (so use in a well ventilated space). If they smell, they’re in the air.

For those of us with kids especially, is there any way to tell if the paint on our walls may contain lead?

There are a number of tests, including DIY ones and lab tests. Check with your local authority about what tests are available and which are recommended (this is important as not all may have been approved).

The age of the house and paint may also be an indicator. For instance, in Australia, lead was routinely added to paint before 1950.

Most folks head straight for the pesticide aisle when encountering household pests. What are some more organic, safe ways of dealing with bugs and rodents?

Mechanical means is usually a much safer option. For instance, glue traps for cockroaches and simple spring traps baited with pumpkin or Brazil nuts for rodents such as rats. Preventative measures — such as sealing cracks where pests get in or installing fly screens on windows — can also help you avoid pesticides.

Photo by Max Klingensmith

It seems like there are many quick fixes on the market for getting rid of weeds, or growing a garden faster. Do these pose any threat?

You need to be thinking about what effect they might have on other wildlife. If it’s killing a plant, what’s it doing for ladybugs? or birds? or fish, if it leaches into the waterways? Fish and amphibians such as frogs are particularly vulnerable to pesticides such as weed killers and we should be wary of using them.

Is there an easy way to tell if the insulation in our old houses is safe?

Again, this is best dealt with on a local level, with local knowledge about what has been traditionally used in the area. If you suspect asbestos, it is very important you don’t try to deal with it yourself as disturbance can send fibers into the air.

I hadn’t really thought of carpets as potential chemical hazards. Can you explain how they might be?

Many new carpets emit VOCs — volatile organic compounds. These can be hazardous to breathe, potentially triggering allergic reactions and irritations, for instance. It’s the finishes and extras like underlay which are the problem. Chemicals used throughout the house may also collect in the carpet, along with dust mites and fungi.

Photo by Remy Sharp

Are there any plants that can help make the home healthier? I also noticed that you recommended some plants as deterrents to things like mosquitoes and flies.

NASA has examined how a number of plants improve air quality by removing gases such as formaldehyde and acetone. These include common household plants such as the Peace Lily, Boston Fern, and Spider plant. And yes, some plants such as lavender, mint, thyme and rosemary have fly repellent qualities.

An air freshener seems like a quick fix to make things smell good. Are there any dangers in using them?

They usually contain solvents of some sort and sometimes hydrocarbons as well as perfume. One chemical to avoid in air fresheners is para-dichlorobenzene, an organochlorine that can accumulate in the body and is implicated in liver and nerve damage.

Some alternative air fresheners are listed in Clean Sweep in the chapter about the bathroom and include scented candles and bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice. Good ventilation is the best air freshener around.

The chile pasilla is my favorite, a deep, dark purple the color of intense grief or memory. It is wrinkled and weathered, a mirror of the aged face of the woman who hands me my change and my chile and says, per Oaxacan custom, “Que te vaya bien,”

The chile pasilla rests atop a bouquet of squash blossoms, whose airy, floral looks—delicate orange and green lilies–betray the hearty vegetable flavor they take on when sautéed in oil.

I’ve always thought squash flowers were embarrassingly sexual vegetables. They start out innocently enough, small bodies fanning demurely into star-shaped flowers, but the second they hit the heat of the pan they give way entirely, losing form and caving to the oil, until they are limp and languid. Their pistons remain crunchy, but the rest of the flower goes soft.

The still virginal squash flowers cover up a layer of moss green and bumpy avocados, gently prodded between fingertips for ripeness. The avocados jostle guayabas, small Mexican guavas with a flavor like a yellow exclamation mark.

The guayabas rest gently beside the cecina enchilada, thinly sliced pork that has been rubbed with chile. All—cecina, guayabas, avocados, squash flowers, chile pasilla– are sided by a wall of tortillas. The tortillas are warm and keeling over a bit, emitting moist fumes with a faint starchy smell.

This is my dinner. Chile pasilla soaked until it is soft once more (memory and grief released) and ground into an earthy, smoky, salsa. Squash flowers tossed into the pan to lust and wither. Avocados cut cleanly in halves and sliced into crescents. Cecina fried, letting off waves of rich, red, animal smells, the spiced enchilada rub creeping up into one’s nose. Guayabas blended to make thick, acidic margaritas, the type that make your eyes squint and your tongue ache a bit before the sweetness and alcohol kick in.

This process—the journey round the market, the jostle of vegetables in the bag, the feel of warm tortilla flesh pressed into one’s hand, the slicing through soft avocado, the colors and smells blurring in the pan, the smoke of the pasilla cutting through the nose-watering spice of the pork, is the evocation of place.

It is Oaxaca conjured through a handful of ingredients, an hour in front of the stove, a half-hour of chewing and laughing and exclaiming.

If I cannot be Mexican (for as much as I love the heavy r’s and spiked sentences of Spanish, the land here, the people, I still have a streak of undeniable Americannness that prevents full assimilation) I can literally get the country in my blood.

And perhaps the piquant jalapenos soaked in white vinegar and the cups of crunchy hominy with mayonnaise fuel not only my ability to walk and breathe and think, but also the tingle I get down my spine passing a church whose religion I’ve never practiced, the nostalgia I feel walking past the bright fading walls of a city I did not grow up in, the surge of longing that grips me when I go running on the dusty soil of a foreign country.

Salman Rushdie writes in Midnight’s Children of the way in which a character cooks her lust, her hatred, her bitterness, her passion into the dishes she prepares for her family. I still remember that novel when I am hovering over a simmering pan of softened vegetables, sprinkling them with cumin, fanning them onto tortillas.

Not simply eating, but cooking is an intimate and sometimes perilous (the love affairs that emerge from a steamy kitchen and all those heady flavors, the tossing and turning of North American stomachs confronted with distant spices) affair with a particular place and its people.

Which brings me to the point—even if you have never hovered with longing before the spice racks in the grocery store, or rhapsodized about the possibilities of a chayote, you might be surprised by the sense of connectedness you get from spending a little time with local ingredients in a local (hostel or hotel included) kitchen.

Think of the vegetables and breads and spices as an extension of the landscapes and the personalities you encounter and hope to develop relationships with. What better way to feel and come to know a place than to eat it?

This includes eating it from a distance—I remember finding Chinese Five Spice in an American grocery store and nearly gnawing away at the cap to get to the delirious smells of star anise and allspice. I made myself a stir-fry of heavily anise-infused vegetables and could almost make out the cluttered noises of rickshaws and bicycles passing in the dry air of Beijing.

All of this means that, in that sometimes maddening and occasionally gratifying quest to feel connected to a specific place on Earth, sometimes the best thing to do is poise oneself over a pan of local flavors, inhale, indulge, and let the food guide you.

Feature photo by Pinot & Dita. Photo above by brenbot.

Spending time with your favorite little people this holiday season? Channel your inner Martha Stewart and get them into these 7 craft projects. No fancy materials or complicated tools are required.

1. Pop-up Cards

Sound hard? They’re not. Thanks to websites like pop-up book creator, you can download free greeting card templates. There’s something for everyone, from traditional holiday icons to insects and animals. Just print, cut out, and assemble.

Pages from mail order catalogs work just as well as card stock or construction paper. Also, search the web for free envelope templates.

Photo by absentmindedprof.

2. Origami Ornaments

Origami is an fun brain bender, and you can turn these little works of art into holiday ornaments. The idea behind origami is to create a representation of an object (almost anything, really) using geometric folds and crease patterns on just one square sheet of thin paper.

Again, scour the web for free patterns, including step-by-step diagrams. Some figures are quite complex so if you’re new to this, don’t get too ambitious on the first try.

3. Animal Feeders

Photo by Gare and Kitty.

String day-old popcorn (easier to work with than fresh) and raisin garlands, hang them outside, and watch the birds and squirrels dig in. You can also make a feeder just for the birds. Take a large pine cone, wrap wire around the top for hanging, spread peanut butter into the crevices, and roll the whole thing in bird seed.

If you’re in a cold climate, make suet or lard cakes (they tend to go rancid in warm temperatures), an energy-packed snack birds love. Melt the fat, pour it into a paper-lined muffin tin, and add ingredients such as rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Chill until hardened. Young ornithologists will enjoy discovering the foods that attract particular species.

4. Natural Soap

Photo by Julie K in Taiwan.

‘Tis the season for giving but feeling the economic pinch? Pass along a handmade present like soap. It’s inexpensive, useful, and a cool chemistry experiment for kids.

Soap is basically made from combining an acid (any vegetable-based oil) and an alkali like sodium hydroxide (also known as caustic soda or lye, an old-fashioned drain unclogger). Everything has to be added in precise proportions and at the same temperature for saponification to take place.

Borrow a book, such as The Soapmaker’s Companion from the library or check online sources for more details on the process, appropriate safety measures, and recipes.

5. Recycled Paper

Paper making is another simple, frugal activity that’s great for kids. All you need are old magazines or newspapers, a piece of window screening, and some kitchen items you probably have already.

Tear the paper into small pieces and soak them overnight in a dishpan filled with warm water. The next day, add more water and hand beat the mixture into a pulp. You can also use a blender to pulverize it further, but this is optional. Mix in whole flower heads, petals, or whatever you like for a more interesting look and texture.

Spread the pulp evenly on the screen, place a towel underneath, and press out excess water with a flat object such as a cutting board. Once the sheet is dry, use it as wrapping paper, thank you notes, or gift tags.

6. Felt Dolls

Photo by g_cowan.

Felt is a craft-friendly fabric. It doesn’t unravel, comes in many colors, and can be used for a variety of simple sewing projects, including dolls. Design your own pattern or choose ones that the kids love, from animals to characters like Yoda and Hello Kitty.

Japanese duo Aranzi Aronzo have published several amusing how-to books about felt dolls, or mascots, as they are called. From pandas and sheep to aliens and kidnappers, exaggerated cuteness reigns. Kawaii overload!

7. Map Puzzle

Photo by Indie Wench.

And for budding young travelers, make a world map puzzle. It’s a fun way for kids to learn geography as well as for you to point out where you’ve been and where you want to go.

Simply color copy a map, glue it to a piece of cardboard in the same size, draw puzzle piece lines on the back, and cut them out. Instead of using cardboard, you can also laminate the pieces and trim them, leaving a small border of plastic.

Love these craft projects? Have some ideas of your own? Share your ideas for winter crafts for kids in the comments below!

Photo above by Breno Peck

1. Acai

Hailing from the Amazon rainforest, Acai berries are so rich in antioxidants you’d need to drink 20 times as much wine to match a single serving. They contain high levels of Omega fatty acids and amino acids.

2. Green Tea

Green tea is rich in an anti-oxidant known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Studies show that EGCG inhibits cancer cell growth cells, and can be effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, as well as inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. Other types of teas, while still providing health benefits, do not contain EGCG.

3. Beans

From green beans to kidney beans, there is no bean that is not a superstar in your diet. I know, it’s kind of cheating to encompass all beans as number three on the list, but what’s a health nut to do when all beans are good for the body?

An amazing source of fiber, beans are high in iron, manganese, and protein. Combine kidney beans, black beans, and white beans to make a three bean salad! Add lima beans to your soup! Use pinto beans in your chili!

4. Tuna

An extremely nutritious food, tuna is chock full of protein, Vitamin B, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Whether canned or fresh, tuna makes a solid contribution to your personal health.

When buying fresh tuna, be sure to use a trusted grocer or one that has a strong reputation for having a frequent supply of fresh fish.

5. Quinoa

This South American grains is sacred to the native peoples of the Andean mountains. Quinoa is high in protein, essential amino acids, and dietary fiber. Include them in your salad or as a gluten-free alternative to your meal. It cooks up quickly and is easy to digest.

6. Olive oil

Want shinier hair? Healthier skin? Consuming olive oil may be just the thing you need. From protecting people from heart disease to helping them regulate their cholesterol, olive oil is a must to include in your diet.

Be sure to purchase extra virgin olive oil as it is the safest to consume and contains the highest amounts of polyphenol antioxidants.

Photo above by Nate Steiner

7. Oatmeal

Did you know that oats contain soluble fiber, a cholesterol blasting ninja? And lower cholesterol levels mean lower risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Start the day off with a yummy, hot bowl of oatmeal. Just chill on the sugar. Try maple syrup, molasses, or agave nectar instead.

8. Blueberries

Rich in vitamins, blueberries help lower cholesterol as well as help fight against cognitive decline.

Like the skins on grapes, blueberry skins contain flavonols that are not only great for your health, but also inhibit the development of cancer cells.

9. Mushrooms

Nature’s little umbrellas, mushrooms are high in fiber and vitamins like riboflavin and ascorbic acid. Bake ‘em, sautee ‘em, grill ‘em: mushrooms make an excellent and delicious addition to your meals!

10. Soy

As a complete source of protein, soy is the foundation of vegetarian food and beverages. But did you know that the soybean also contains loads of Omega-3 fatty acids?

11. Alfalfa sprouts

Though it tastes like grass, this superfood is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. Worried about your cholesterol? Want to fight osteoporosis? Have high blood pressure? Incorporating alfalfa sprouts into your diet is like injecting a huge does of life force into your body.

Photo above by SteveC

12. Ginger

More a medicinal aid than a superfood, ginger is nevertheless an ingredient you want to incorporate into your diet. This root helps digestion, reduces nausea, and even stimulates blood circulation, which helps remove toxins from the body.

In addition to all that, ginger is a direct anti-inflammatory. Throw it in a dish when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s a great, natural way to relieve symptoms and boost the immune system.

13. Salmon

Salmon tops the list of fish that is good for you. High in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and good cholesterol, salmon helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. Just remember to stick to the wild Alaskan salmon.

14. Yogurt

With frozen yogurt making a huge comeback, this product is fast becoming near and dear to people’s hearts. It’s no surprise, as yogurt contains large amounts of friendly bacteria that do everything from help your digestion to protect you from infection.

It’s good for your bones, good for your immune system, and good for your body’s fat burning ability. But watch out: most yogurt products also have tons of sugar and unfortunately, sugar is not good for you.

15. Bananas

Ever wonder why people claim a sports drink and a banana as the ultimate hangover cure? That’s because bananas are the best source of potassium.

Potassium is an important electrolyte your body needs, especially after going big at the bars. In addition to adding potassium to the body, bananas increase the body’s absorption of calcium and help protect against stomach ulcers.

16. Bell peppers

High in Vitamins C and A, bell peppers are a fantastic, crispy treat for your body. Whether green, yellow, red, or orange, bell peppers are all rich in antioxidants which offer a wide array of health benefits. Dice ‘em to put in a salad! Slice ‘em to add to your curry!

17. Barley

In addition to its fantastic fiber content, barley contains niacin, which protects your cardiovascular system. Like other whole grains that are low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, barley helps reduce the incidence of heart disease, certain cancers, and even Type 2 Diabetes.

Photo above by sean dreilinger

18. Papaya

This tasty fruit is brimming with Vitamin C and a great source of folate and potassium. It helps you maintain cardiovascular health and fight colon cancer. Some of the antioxidant nutrients in papaya also have anti-inflammatory effects.

I remember as a kid, I would always have papaya-milk smoothies in the summers. They are refreshing and nutritious!

19. Tomatoes

The premier source of lycopene, tomatoes, and all tomato products, are protective against a growing list of cancers. Included in that list are colon, prostate, pancreatic, and breast cancers. Tomatoes are also high in antioxidants.

20. Walnuts

Like many other superfoods, walnuts are an important source of Omega-3 fatty acids as well as other monounsaturated fats. Eating just four walnuts a day significantly increases your Omega-3 levels. Plus, walnuts make a great, crunchy addition to any dish or desert!

21. Avocado

In addition to being a good source of monounsaturated fats, avocados are high in folate, a nutrient that plays an important role in protecting you from cardiovascular disease or stroke. Just one cup contains 23% of the daily value for folate. So get the chips and make some guac!

22. Spinach

The classic superfood, spinach is filled to the brim with antioxidants, cancer-fighting agents, Iron, and Vitamin K. From protecting you from cancer to keeping your bones in tip-top shape, spinach does it all. Popeye was on to something.

23. Kale

A leafy, green vegetable that contains enormous amounts of Vitamins A, C, and K, kale has more nutritional value for fewer calories than almost all other foods. It’s inexpensive and because it’s easy to grow, you can find it at your local grocer’s all year round. It’s also a great source of fiber and calcium.

Photo above by Zed.Cat

24. Chocolate

Nature’s aphrodisiac, chocolate is full of flavonoids, which are the antioxidants that protect the body from damage done by free radicals. Lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and heart disease prevention are just some of the benefits of antioxidants.

Chocolate also contains the anti-depressant serotonin. No wonder eating chocolate always makes you feel better! Try and shoot for dark chocolate though, as it contains lesser amounts of sugar and milk fat and higher amounts of antioxidants. Don’t even ask about white chocolate.

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2009!

Feature photo by sonicwalker. Photo above by maureen_sill.

There are dozens of reasons to eat vegan (a diet excluding all animal products including eggs and dairy). You love animals; wish to shrink your carbon footprint, or seek a healthier diet. But are any of these reasons going to cook you a tasty and filling dinner tonight?

If you’re all lost in the supermarket when it comes to cooking compassionately then memorize the following article…or perhaps just read along, get psyched to do a little shopping and take to heart that building a vegan kitchen is a lifelong experience.

1. Take Stock

Before turning the kitchen into a mean-vegan-cooking machine, step back and look at what’s already there. You already may possess a small ransom in herbs and spices, a bottle of good olive oil or a chef’s knife (from mom or former roommate) hiding in the cutlery drawer. Toss old milk cartons to make room for delicious non-dairy milks (soy, almond or rice to start).

It’s time to develop the habit of label reading, starting with what’s in the cupboards. Pass on any opened non-vegan mixes, chips or cookies to your friends and donate unopened goods such as meaty soups or mac n’ cheese boxes to a food pantry.

Photo by KRob2005.

2. Pack it with Protein

Canned beans, vital wheat gluten, nuts and whole grains all are excellent sources of protein that can be readily stashed. You’ll never feel amiss for something in the “center” of the plate with a batch of homemade baked falafel or chickpea patties. Walnuts and cashews are delicious ground and sprinkled on pasta or vegan pizza.

There’s a whole world of vegan “dairy” to laden those refrigerator shelves with. Vegan cheeses can be hit or miss so ask for recommendations online or from vegan friends. Vegan yogurts are improving every day, with even soy-free varieties made with coconut milk!

3. Friendly Fats

At last, some good news: fats can be good for you, providing they’re minimally processed veggie fats such as canola, avocado and extra virgin olive oil. A healthy fat collection should include omega 3 fatty-acid staples like flax seed oil and hemp seed oil for heart and brain happiness (keeps skin and hair gorgeous too).

Unprocessed coconut oil is no longer a bad guy in the healthy fat scene. Enjoy unrefined coconut oil’s tropical fragrance in Indian curries or chocolate desserts.

4. Beyond the Pepper Shaker

Herbs and spices play a key role in delicious vegan cooking. Thyme and oregano are favorites in not just pasta sauce but also on potatoes or rubbed onto olive oil slathered flat bread.

Lemon pepper makes everything taste amazing, from popcorn to pumpkin soup. Look to traditional spice blends beyond our boarders, such as harissa, za’atar and Jamaican curry powder.

And no vegan pantry is complete without nutritional yeast! Nutritional yeast (not to be confused with Brewer’s yeast) lends a savory, full-bodied and dare say cheesy flavor when sprinkled on warm foods. It gravitates toward popcorn but it’s just at home sprinkled on pasta, rice, mashed potatoes or used to spike satisfying meatless gravy.

Photo by val’sphotos.

5. Did I Mention Vegetables?

Yeah, those. It’s surprising how many vegheads avoid the obvious. Veggies provide flavor, fiber, vitamins and even some protein! Old warhorses like broccoli become extraordinary when sautéed with olive oil, garlic and sprinkle of lemon.

Ban boiling altogether and embrace the wonders of roasting veggies instead (brushed with oil and herbs); string beans; carrots; Brussels sprouts and even cauliflower become mouthwatering. Don’t toss out that grill just because meat is off the menu: asparagus, eggplant, tomatoes and even pre-cooked potatoes love a good grilling.

6. Comfort & Convenience. Even Vegans Like That

There are days when the idea of cooking after an endless work day will make you cry. Vegan comfort foods, found in supermarkets or gourmet/natural markets everywhere, are here to stop those tears. Some favorites: “California” style veggie burgers made with whole grains, dairy-free ravioli, bean & veggie burritos, cheeseless pizzas, veggie rice bowls and pastas of all kinds.

Nothing in the ‘fridge except leftover rice or quinoa? A little oil, scallions and chopped veggies transform forgotten grain into great fried rice.

7. A Bowl of Fruit, Really

Fresh, seasonal fruit made readily available will make a difference in the quality of your snacking throughout the day. In the fall reach for local apples, pears and easy-to-peel Clementine oranges.

Summer brings boatloads of tender nectarines and plums. Bananas do their dance of deliciousness year-round. Keep your eyes peeled in the spring and early summer for those antioxidant-bursting berries like raspberries, strawberries and blueberries.

Photo by VeganWarrior.

8. Tofu, Tempeh, Seitan and You

Do not fear the soybean. Soy is an excellent, affordable and common source of high quality protein. The key is balance: alternate soy-based meals with those using beans or nuts. Tofu and tempeh (a tasty fermented soy food) are long-standing vegetarian favorites.

Seitan, made from wheat protein, is non-soy contender with a meat-like chewiness that’s dreamy grilled or pan-fried like a steak.

9. Come Fry with Me: Get the Gear

Still cooking with that burned non-stick pan from your college years? Do yourself a favor and splurge on a cast-iron skillet, a high-quality non-stick pan (not all are created equal!) and a lidded soup pot with a heavy base.

Quality utensils complete the picture; look for wooden and silicon long handled spoons, spatulas and tongs. And even if you never whip up a batch of vegan peanut butter oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips (and why not after eating all your vegetables?), good cookie sheets will prove essential for roasting and baking a variety of foods.

10. Hire a Guide

A guide could simply be a great cookbook (check your favorite online book purveyor for reader favorites) or spending time with your favorite vegan who loves to cook. The Internet is a virtual buffet of vegan recipes, so seek out blogs and websites that make your tummy rumble.

I’ve been baiting you with hearty vegan eats throughout this article, so if you’re hungry, ready to hit the kitchen and not sure where to start then it’s time to get yourself a guide!

Photo above by lunita

Tommy Carson loved doing rails of coke on his dashboard, then barreling his truck down The Bog Road at break-everything speed. Mrs. Allen was having sex with at least two men who weren’t her husband, one possibly under eighteen.

And once, while I was standing in line at The Video Stop to rent Gremlins, I watched Mr. Holland walk in and clock the kid who had slashed his tires the week before.

This is where I grew up. With a population that hovered around 1,000, Bristol, NH seemed like an idyllic lake town to outsiders. It’s the kind of place that cityfolk dreamed about; no stoplights or traffic, no pollution or car alarms, no leashes on dogs.

But as anyone who has grown up in a small town will tell you, there’s a rip current in places like these that can send a soul straight for the rocks. A nice, quiet life sounds possible until monotony takes hold, driving even the nicest old lady to cane the paperboy.

Photo above by Althewebmaster

Google Earth verifies that the town still isn’t much to look at. Life centered around a Cumberland Farms store (”Cumbie’s” to locals), a gas station, a bakery, Bristol Pizza, a bar and a lone fancy restaurant. Many houses were treated as works in progress, with half-built additions and porches propped up on concrete blocks. Quite a few residents tapdanced above the poverty line, just one transmission repair away from not being able to buy milk.

School was colorful. There were the teachers, who had to deal with everything from bus sex to shutting off televisions when the O-rings failed a spaceship carrying the state’s favorite teacher, Christa McAuliffe. I especially remember the French teacher, who taught the language with a New Hampshire accent so thick that it has since made me the laughingstock of every restaurant in Paris.

Photo above by libraryimages.net

There were my best friends, a brother and sister who had rescued me from excellent grades and fashioned me as a hoodlum. Matt smoked two packs a day at fourteen and Debbie had a habit of making other girls’ faces collide with her fist. We’d down Soco while waiting for the bus, which could be quite late, given that its first pickup was thirty miles down a rural route.

Most women seemed to trudge along with a tinge of buyer’s remorse when it came to their children, while men worked speed-fueled shifts at the local plant. There were never any arguments involving ethnicity because there wasn’t a single person of color – the town was still 96% white as of the 2000 census. Mr. Shakey, whose grocery store parking lot was THE place to hang out, seemed only able to hire high school girls who had developed earlier than the rest of their class. The cops were a Deniro kind of ruthless, all seeming to have a side bet as to how many kids they could toss into Juvie.

Photo above by Derek DMan

Winter began in November and ended in April, with temperatures so low that ski masks were a fashionable accessory. John Cheever wrote here during the summer but was smart enough to evacuate before the leaves started falling. Every road led to a mountain and every mountain was next to another. And every inch would be blanketed with snow by December. Most houses were a lighter color from four feet up because the snow banks didn’t permit sunshine until they melted.

Despite the underbelly, there was nothing sinister about Bristol. It was the kind of town you’d drive through while singing to your radio, completely unaware that a population had just passed. Most drama happened behind closed doors, allowing it to be a wonderful place to visit but a tricky place to live. I have not been back in many years and I do not think that I would want to. I don’t want to know if there is a Papa Gino’s, or if what was made in factory has been outsourced to Korea. I don’t want to hear if Tommy is finally Working The Steps or if they now have Gremlins on Blue Ray. I like how it sits in my brain just fine; a sleepy little town full of invisible nightmares.

Photo above by Ed Karjala

Feature Photo: theothermattm (Flickr creative commons)

Photo by xybermatthew. Feature photo: jblyberg.

Maybe you’re ambitious and want to try your cooking skills for a crowd this Thanksgiving? if so, a couple of whole turkey recipes are included here as well.

Let’s begin with a few tips.

Turkeys are really oversized chickens. So if you can cook chicken, you can cook turkey, too.

Whole turkeys available at supermarkets generally weigh between 10 and 25 pounds. Those weighing less than 20 pounds are usually hens. Other than weight, there is no difference in taste between toms (more than 20 pounds) and hens.

“Organic”, “free-range”, “natural” or “minimally processed” turkeys have been held frozen for several weeks. “Fresh” turkeys are kept in for much less time, so they will taste significantly better than frozen. Photo by Francisco Collazo

Some turkey terminology:

• Self-Basting Turkeys: These have been injected with broth or vegetable oil or butter plus seasoning to enhance flavor and increase moistness.
• Wild Turkeys: Are quite different from the common supermarket ones. Hens are about 5 to 7 pounds, and toms are from 9 to 12 pounds. The meat is usually darker, just like a goose.
• To obtain a tender and juicy roasted turkey, the breast needs to be cooked to an internal temperature NOT greater than 165F, and the legs must be cooked to 175-180F.
• You can get 10 to 25 one-pound servings out of a turkey.

Now that you’ve got the turkey basics under your belt, here are five recipes I’ve developed inspired by spice combinations from around the world that will liven up your bird.

Photo by Julie Schwietert

ROAST TURKEY- CRIOLLO STYLE

Makes 10 servings.

Ingredients:

• 13 lb./5.90 kg whole turkey
• 1Tb. Salt, or to taste
• 1 Tb. ground black pepper
• 2 onions, peeled and quartered
• 5 fl oz clarified butter
• 12 to 15 parsley stems
• 1 tsp. fresh oregano
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 12 oz mirepoix*
• 40 oz chicken stock, hot
• 5 garlic cloves
• 4 bay leaves
• Flour (3-5 Tb.)

For the Mirepoix:

Mirepoix is an aromatic vegetable combination that provides a subtle and pleasant background flavor.

• 2 parts onion
• 1 part celery or leek
• 1 part carrot

(dice all ingredients finely)

Preparation:

• Defrost turkey. Mix the salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, cumin, and parsley; then season the cavity of the turkey with the mixture. Place onions and bay leaves inside the cavity.
• Rub the skin with the clarified butter, and truss with twine.
• Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack on a roasting pan.
• Prepare the mirepoix and scatter around the bottom of the turkey. Pour half of the broth around the bottom of the pan as well.
• Roast at 350F/177C for 3 hours, basting from time to time.
• Remove turkey from the roasting pan and allow it to rest.
• Place the roasting pan on the stove and cook the liquid and the mirepoix until the mirepoix is brown and the fat is clear. Strain all but 1 fl oz. of the fat.
• Add the flour to the liquid and cook it for 3 to 2 min. Whisk it until smooth.
• Simmer the gravy for 20-30 min. until it reaches the desired consistency and flavor. Separate the grease and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Carve the turkey in portions and serve it with the pan gravy.
• Remove turkey from the roasting pan and allow it to rest.

Photo by ninjapoodles

PAN-SMOKED TURKEY BREAST

Makes 10 servings.

Ingredients:

• 10 turkey breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• Wood chips
• Marinade
• 12 oz white balsamic vinegar
• 4 oz white wine
• 2 oz minced shallots
• 3 tsp minced garlic

Preparation:

• Rinse the turkey breasts, pat dry, season with salt and pepper. Place the turkey breasts in a shallow pan.
• Combine the ingredients for the marinade and pour over the turkey breast, turning to coat evenly. Marinate, cover in the refrigerator for 3 hours or up to overnight.
• Place the turkey breast on a rack over lightly dampened hardwood chips.
• Cover tightly and heat in a 450F/232C oven until the smell of the smoke is apparent, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Smoke for 3 minutes from that point. Then transfer the turkey breasts to a baking pan and finish baking (without smoke) in a 350F/177C oven until cooked through (165F/74C), 10 to 12 minutes more.

I recommend that the pan smoked turkey breasts be served with mixed green salad (arugula, spinach, alfalfa).to compensate and balance flavor.

BRAISED TURKEY THIGHS WITH OLIVES

Makes 4-5 servings.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless turkey thighs
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup chopped onions
• ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained if oil-packed)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, or dried, crumbled
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup of port, sherry, or madeira
• 1½ cups sliced pitted Kalamata or other brine-cured black olives
• 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and finely chopped

Preparation:

• Roast the garlic and peel it.
• Place oil in a Dutch oven. Add the turkey thighs and brown them on all sides.
• Stir in all the ingredients (except the chicken stock, the olives and the wine) and cook for 3 minutes at medium heat.
• Add the chicken stock, olives, and wine; cover and simmer over low flame for 2 hours or until tender.
• Add water if needed.
• Remove from heat and add salt and pepper to taste.
• Chop scallions and garnish.

*I recommend that this dish be served with mashed potatoes & butternut squash.

Photo by Benimoto

ORANGE-GINGER TURKEY

Makes 15 servings.

Ingredients:

• 20 lb/9 kg whole Turkey
• 1Tb. salt
• 1Tb. white pepper
• 7 oz. clarified butter
• 2 onions
• 6 garlic cloves
• 2 Tb. fresh ground ginger
• 3 Tb. lime juice
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 cup finely chopped parsnip
• 20 oz. chicken stock/turkey stock
• 30 oz. orange juice
• 3 Tb. flour
• 1 Tb. honey
• 1 Tb. red flake pepper (optional)

Preparation:

• Defrost turkey. Season the cavity of the turkey with salt, pepper and garlic. Place onions inside the cavity.
• Rub the skin with the clarified butter, and truss with twine.

• Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack on a roasting pan.

• Combine all of the remaining ingredients except the celery and parsnip, and pour on the turkey.

• Roast at 350F/177C for 31/2 hours, basting from time to time.
• Scatter the celery and parsnip around the turkey and continue to roast for 30-40 min, until the thigh meat registers an internal temperature of 180F/82C.

• Remove turkey from the roasting pan and allow it to rest.

• Place the roasting pan on the stove and cook until the celery and parsnip are slightly browned and the fat is clear. Strain all but 1 fl oz. of the fat.

• Add the flour and cook for 2 to 3 min. Whisk until smooth.
• Simmer the gravy for 20-30 min. until it reaches the desired consistency and flavor. Separate the grease and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Carve the turkey in portions and serve it with the pan gravy.

• Garnish each portion with green scallions.

*I recommend serving with stemmed jasmine rice or noodles.

BBQ TURKEY LEGS

Makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 whole turkey legs
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1tb crushed whole pepper
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup soy sauce
• ½tb five-spice powder
• 1tb honey or brown sugar

Preparation:

• Rinse and towel dry the legs.
• Mix /blend the ingredients. Pour ¾ of the blend on turkey legs and let it rest for 3 hours in refrigerator.
• Set oven at 350F/177C and cook for 40-50 minutes. Turning them in between to cook it evenly.
• Pour the rest of the sauce and cook it for another 20 minutes or until the leg inner temperature reads 175-180F.

*I recommend to be served with stir- fried Chinese vegetables, such as bok choy, mushrooms, cornichons, and snow peas.

Feature photo by Meryl CA. Above photo by Robyn Johnson.

Not just a tattoo motif for 20somethings, sugar skulls play a significant role in Mexico’s holiday of remembrance, Dia de Los Muertos. If you’re looking for a creative and tangible way to honor your departed loved ones, consider making this unqiue effigy.

Note: Drying times/ amount of water needed vary depending on humidity in your area and size of molds—the following directions are for extra large sugar skulls and a Mediterranean climate zone.

Mix

Ingredients: granulated sugar, meringue powder (can be purchased at baking supply shop), and water

-Mix one teaspoon of meringue powder per cup of granulated sugar. You’ll need around 4 cups of sugar for one skull.

-Add at least one teaspoon of water per cup of sugar mixture until it reaches the consistency of wet sand—you should be able to hand mold shapes that retain their definition.

Photo by Robyn Johnson.

Mold

You can buy sugar skull molds at specialty shops or go straight to the source at Mexicansugarskull.com.

-Heap sugar mixture into the mold, making sure to pack tightly. Scrap off any excess to level the back side.

-With flattened fingers, press sugar down to ensure the mold is fully filled and add more if needed.

-Place a piece of cardboard over back of mold, gently flip it right side up, and ease off the mold. Let dry for around 12 hours

Photo by Robyn Johnson.

Make

-Once the two skull pieces feel dry enough to handle, scrap out the insides, leaving an inch thick perimeter—like a brain cavity.

-Let dry for around three more hours

-Using royal icing, glue the two skull hemispheres together, making sure to wipe off any excess icing at the seam. It should dry relatively quickly—maybe an hour or two at the most.

Photo by Robyn Johnson.

Decorate

-Use colored royal icing in pastry bags and use other fun materials like dried flowers, sequins, colored foil, and gems to create your own designs .

-Once you’re finished, place the skull on the grave of your loved one or save it as a memento. Sugar skulls can be kept for several years.

New York is thought to be the city where dreams come true and people put up with a lot to be there. There’s the congestion, the cockroaches and the high cost of living.

With eight million residents and steep real estate prices precluding most from home ownership, there’s also the frenzied and competitive apartment renting process. These tips should help get you in:

1. Consider subletting.

If you’re not familiar with the city and find the thought of both relocating and committing to an apartment too daunting, consider a transitional home. Maybe a friend’s roommate is moving to India for a few months, or browse the plethora of listings online.

You can be less discriminating when only committing for a month or two. Many sublets even come furnished.

Photo by ToastyKen

2. Find roommates.

We’d all love to have a spacious and well-located Manhattan apartment of our own, but this is unrealistic for most. In fact, it’s not uncommon for single 30- and 40-year-olds to still have roommates.

Although you may be able to find a tiny studio or one-bedroom in your price range, you’ll be able to afford a much nicer place with friends. Round up as many roommates as you can.

3. Set a budget

Compare your salary and monthly expenses to determine a target rent. Remember that things like utilities, gas and cable will be additional.

Most landlords require a combined annual income of forty times the monthly rent, so if you and two roommates each earn $40,000, look for apartments under $3,000 per month. (Also discuss how you might split rent if bedrooms are different sizes.)

4. Temper your expectations.

It’s rare to find a one-bedroom for less than $2,000 in coveted areas like the West Village or the Upper West Side. However, in northern Manhattan neighborhoods such as Washington Heights or Inwood, one-bedrooms may go for as low as $1,300.

Yes, $1,300 for a one-bedroom apartment is a bargain in New York City. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

Photo by sunshinecity

5. Decide what to sacrifice.

Without a trust fund or a six-figure salary, you’re likely going to have to make sacrifices. Deciding ahead of time what’s essential and what you can live without will expedite your search.

Some factors to weigh: neighborhood, proximity to subway, commute time, doorman, elevator, laundry, square footage, eat-in kitchen, central air, hardwood floors.

6. Explore new neighborhoods.

Treat neighborhoods like you did colleges: have reaches, good bets, and safeties. You probably already know your reaches. Good bets might be Harlem, the Queens neighborhoods of Astoria and Long Island City, or Greenpoint, Fort Greene and Williamsburg in Brooklyn.

Safety neighborhoods might be Brooklyn’s Red Hood and Bushwick. Check out this useful neighborhood guide. Then visit unfamiliar neighborhoods or take a virtual stroll courtesy of the “street view” option on Craigslist, the Mecca for NYC apartment listings. Check it often and inquire promptly.

Apartments are often rented the same day they’re listed. Although it’s an excellent resource, beware of scams. One of the most common involves an apartment listed far under market value. The owner is overseas and asks you to send money for the keys. Don’t.

9. Understand “Fee” vs. “No Fee.”

Apartments rented directly from the owner are usually called “no fee,” meaning anything you pay beyond a small application fee (which covers the cost of a credit check) is refundable or applied to your rent.

“Fee” apartment transactions are usually handled by brokers, who you pay a portion of the annual rent (usually 15%). Sometimes apartments advertised as “no fee” turn out to be “fee.” Clarify this before moving forward.

10. Exhaust all options.

In addition to Craigslist, check to see if your university has a housing bulletin board for alumni, and ask colleagues and friends about vacancies in their buildings. And don’t rule out “fee” apartments.

Working with a broker doesn’t cost you anything up front, and sometimes he or she has connections that can get you an apartment cheaper than you could on your own, even after the broker’s fee.

Photo by minusbaby

11. Prepare necessary documentation

Gather and make copies of your two most recent W2s, your last three paychecks, an employment letter from your boss stating your job title and salary, your driver’s license and recommendation letter from a previous landlord.

If you don’t have any of these things, or a good credit score, you may need a guarantor—someone (usually a parent) whose salary is at least 80 times the monthly rent and who can provide all the above documentation.

12. Search.

See as many places as you can, and bring along your paperwork and checkbook so you can act quickly if you find something good. Be the first person to show up to open houses and try to arrange private viewings as soon as you can.

Let yourself be picky (although not unrealistic) until two weeks before your desired move in date, but if
you still haven’t found something by then, make a few more sacrifices.

Feature photo by uberculture. Photo above by Theodore Scott.

If you want to try gardening but don’t think you have the space, then these four garden projects are for you. Even if you have a yard, the approaching winter is a good opportunity to experiment with plants indoors.

1. Start a windowsill herb garden.

It is easy to keep fresh herbs on hand for cooking.

Make a list of your favorite herbs. Round up some seeds, put some potting soil in some containers and scatter the seeds around. Keep the soil damp.

Covering the container with clear plastic creates a miniature greenhouse that helps the seeds start out. Place your containers in a sunny spot and wait.

Remove the covering when you have some seedlings that are doing well. Once they start to outgrow their original containers, transplant them to larger ones and spread them out.

Once you have some large plants, you should harvest frequently. This encourages the herbs to grow.

Some plants are finicky about their light and temperature, so try a variety. Lemon balm, chives, rosemary, and parsley all like full sun but will make do in more shaded areas. Start a lot of them from seed and experiment to find out where they will survive in your home.

Photo by Theodore Scott.

2. Take cuttings from common houseplants.

Many stems cut from a plant will form roots and grow into new plants. Often, just taking a cutting and sticking it in dirt will be enough to get a new plant. If you want to watch the roots grow, you can place the cutting in a jar of water.

Over the past year, I have turned one tiny neglected ivy plant into five medium-sized houseplants. When they get too shaggy, I cut a few stems and transplant them into other pots. Just spread them around the house. When you have too many, give them away as gifts.

Some plants are easier than others, and researching the species can help. Usually, I just do several cuttings and see how many survive.

When you cut off a piece, use a sharp knife to limit damage to the surrounding plant tissue. Strip off the leaves near the bottom and bury at least one of the leaf nodes. Cuttings from lower on the plant will develop roots more easily than a cutting from the stem tip.

Don’t shock the parent plant by taking a huge piece. A three-inch cutting should be enough to start a new plant.

Friends and neighbors with houseplants are a great source for free cuttings.

Photo by medoriastar.

3. Make a terrarium.

Create your own little green world.

Find a glass container. Wash it. Put half an inch of sand or rocks in the bottom and a couple of inches of potting soil on top of the sand. Choose some slow-growing plants that have similar light and water requirements. Scatter a mix of seeds and a little more soil to cover them.

There isn’t any drainage, so don’t water your terrarium too often. If your terrarium has a lid, you can cover it (not airtight) or leave it off. Your choice will affect the humidity inside, but either way is fine. If you cover it, watch out for mold.

When your plants start getting big, pinch them back. They will become short and bushy, and less likely to outgrow the container.

Photo by RBerteig.

4. Grow a fruit tree indoors.

Get a dwarf fruit tree. There are many suitable types – grapefruit, kumquat, lemon, limes, figs, oranges, and more. These are small trees, but given proper care, most provide fruit.

Find a good local nursery that has dwarf fruit trees available. Ask for advice on how big the container for your tree needs, how fast it grows, and how long until it produces fruit. Pick a lightweight container. If you want to move the tree often, then consider getting a wheeled platform to put underneath.

Find the window that receives the most sunlight and put it nearby. If your patio or balcony that receives sunlight through most of the day, then keep the tree there for most of the year. Be sure to bring it in when it gets cold. Many fruit trees don’t stand up well to freezing temperatures.

Don’t overwater. Water when the soil surface is dry. Once every 7-10 days should be enough, but you will learn to judge.