I have tried to figure out what to write and how to share it with you, because people have been asking how I am and what happened. I wish I could put it all together, and I have tried. I have written five pages so far to try to tell the story but it’s rambling and can’t adequately express the level of terror and pain I experienced.

Here’s what I know. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and it has been fairly active lately. I am being seen by various surgeons for joint replacement operations in hips, shoulder and knuckles.

Last Saturday evening, an inflammation marker in the blood that is usually high for me (at 25) spiked up to 73.5, as measured in the hospital when I was brought in by ambulance on Sunday morning, after spending an absolutely agonizing night with increasing pain and decreasing mobility. I was convinced I had broken my hip somehow, maybe a bone chunk had come off while I was getting into the shower.

I was given a lovely cocktail of drugs to try to stop the inflammation and disease flare with the two main ingredients being morphine and prednisone, and was admitted.

I was released the next morning, and I have been slowly experiencing less pain every day this week. I’m not back to normal – I still have the shakes and feel like my legs are going to collapse under me, but I did do a pretty chilled out workout today and I am starting to think maybe I won’t need an emergency hip replacement, after all. (I’ll find out at my appointment with the hip surgeon on the 29th.)

So that’s what I know. There’s a whole lot more that I don’t know. I don’t know why this happened, what and if anything precipitated it. I don’t know how to prevent it from happening again in the future. I don’t know if there’s something I am supposed to do or not do, drink or not drink, eat or not eat, take or not take to get myself better and stronger and past this. And I don’t know if there is a past this, or if this is a new normal.

I thought I knew everything there was to know about Arthritis, but I was very wrong.

I just don’t know.

But I wanted to let everyone know that I’m okay, and I’m working through this.

Love,
Tamara

Here are a few more artisans whose goodies I’ll be looking at in person this weekend (I am going to take the descriptions straight from the Got Craft? web site, and sprinkle in my own editorial comments, where I feel they are needed, in italics!):

anonum design
We design & manufacture eco-style products. Our materials are used & every piece is a one-off. Our Motto: re-think | re-purpose ! anonum products: belts made of recycled fire hose; iPhone cases & iPad sleeves made of recycled print blankets from printing presses; shopping bags and messenger bags made of used sail cloth and more.

It’s nice to do the right thing with the motivation of doing the right thing — like recycling and reusing and repurposing with the payoff being solely the good of the environment…but it’s even better when there’s a double payoff. When you can feel like the products you are choosing are super cool, too…then it’s a win-win. Mission accomplished here – these wallets, bags, belts and more are (to use a term from my youth) rad.

Blue Spoons Paper Products
Selena Boer, illustrator and graphic designer, has always been drawn to wrapping paper, wall paper, and anything else with a pattern on it. She has finally put this passion for patterns on paper, literally. Blue Spoons Paper Products is a line of paper goods which includes an assortment of items such as greeting cards, postcards, wrapping paper and prints. Every design is a hand drawn pattern created with vibrant colours and printed on quality paper. These paper products are unique and can be used for every occasion!

Okay, this lady has talent…in spades. I think I may try to corner her and convince her to design fabric…

Chef Kev
Organic shortbreads & Biscotti, Chocolate bar with varieties of flavour & nuts, Nuts ( spicy, savoury, sweet, etc.) small gift boxes.

What can I say…I am going to try NOT to visit this booth. Because, really?? Have you seen the photo?? Macarons, oh mon dieu.

conecktion
Conecktion is a collection of handcrafted original neckwear created in beautiful Whistler, BC! Specializing in creatively designed scarves using organic fabrics; everything from soy, bamboo, and cotton. Trending at this moment are detachable collars; a fun and funky way to spice up your tired t-shirts or dresses.

Not only are the detachable collars completely fashion-meets-function, but the scarf with the deer head on it? It’s just pure fun. Me want.

creampuff by gg
Creampuff girlie boxer shorts. Lil Bandaid tops. creampuff girlie boxer shorts are flirty pin-up style bloomers. Breathable, non-static, comfy & made to fit your girlie derriere! Wear ‘em instead of a slip to prevent thigh-rub, accent outfits, to bed as pj’s, over bathingsuits, as shorts or sexy lingerie. Lil Bandaid tops are no bigger than your bra & contoured to fill in too-low or too-revealing necklines. Same pretty breathable fabric in charming, sassy colours & coordinated prints. Not just undies – your new most-favourite wardrobe items are so cute who cares if they show!

I bet more than a few guys hope their special ladies drop by this table…

Daub + Design
Hand-dyed leggings, panties, scarves & swimwear made in our Gastown Studio.

On their info page on the Got Craft? list of vendors, I spot something cute and something sexy…so, basically, something for everyone and something for all of our moods!

Designs by Val
Modern, chic, sweet & fun greeting cards designed and printed locally in Vancouver, Canada. As a little girl, founder and designer Valerie Lau soon discovered something she had as much love for as chocolate: arts & crafts. This soon developed into a passion for creating paper goods. Each card often starts out as a simple sketch or a cluster of words, and after much attention to the design process, a new card is happily added to the collection. Designs by Val cards are printed using eco-friendly cardstock and packaged in biodegradable clear bags.

I always like to click over to a vendor’s own web site to see what they are all about…and this is one sweet, cute and impressive web site — which says a lot about the owner, Valerie, and her great eye for design. Which means, of course, that her products are equally adorable. Don’t miss them, I know I won’t!

My Little Lights
Just in time for spring/summer 2012, these sweet little colorful lights are hand made of organic thread. A string or two of these would be perfect for an apartment, dorm, or house.

Nostalgic Links
These make me wish I wore cufflinks! Jennifer crafts vintage and handcrafted cufflinks and tie tacks/pins, but luckily for the ladies, she also has some rings and earrings as well…at least on her etsy shop. Ranging from adorable to hilarious to beautiful, you can find a pair for any man in your life.

The Pauhaus
Get your button fix with this vendor, and don’t forget her greeting cards, paintings, prints, apparel and more! The Pauhaus’s web site seems to be down for the moment, but keep checking back to see their goodies, or just come on down to the event to see them in person!

Raven’s Rest Studio
Another Jill of all Trades, Raven’s Rest’s Jennifer Conway remakes discarded bits of daily life into wearable, useable and beautiful objets. This is another great way to combine environmental and fiscal responsibility, while supporting a local artist.

The Rice Babies
I think it would be impossible to walk by this table without buying something…and I don’t intend to do that! Dolls and crowns, what girl (big or small) wouldn’t want one of those?!

Robbie Vergara Screenprinting
It’s a bit of an understatement to say this line of illustrated tees, baby onesies, aprons and more is just super cool. They use encyclopedia images from the 18th and 19th Century, for crying out loud! Totally wearable, and incredibly…I’ll say it again…cool.

Roxypop Designs
We’re also looking forward to perusing Andrea’s selection of handmade goodies like crocheted apple cozies and soy wax filled teacups.

Sam Bradd Designs
Sam will be selling letterpress prints, cards, and textiles at this event, and I plan to add his “local food matters” tea towel to my collection. Many of his other items also speak to me because of their design and their message, like the “we are meant to eat together” letterpress print.

sassy contessa
Miranda Lievers is the woman behind Sassy Contessa, and she’s one of the most creative and talented people we know. A photographer, ceramic artist and crafter, her pieces come from a focus on her inspiration and not a decision to work in a particular medium. The picture here is of an air plant enclosure. We can’t wait to see what she’ll have on offer!

Sedated Clothing
Sedated Clothing is definitely anything but…this line’s wearables for women have caught my eye at other events, with its clever and beautiful artwork embellishing lovely items. I don’t think I’ll be able to resist a Noodles the Cat plays piano shirt this time!

Solder and Punch
“Solder and Punch Jewelry is inspired by the contrast between the industrial edges of the city and the ever encroaching wilderness on the fringes.” I couldn’t have said it better. These pieces, with their soft bits and hard bits, and graceful lines and pokey things, marry the meeting of the two worlds that we live in right now. I can’t wait to see this stuff in person.

The Tiny Fig
“monsters, mice & everything nice”? Where do I sign up?! You may like the t-shirts (French Toast is my very favorite), the prints, paper goods and jewelry — and I do, but I am coveting a Bird Feet tea towel!

Track and Field Designs
What a pretty combination these vintage-inspired laptop bags and pouches display — gorgeous old fashioned florals with amazing screened illustrations, and just a dash of lace to top it off. Note to designer Sasha Freeman: ever thought of doing pillows??

Twig Prints
Designer Abbie Finestone creates her Twig Prints fabric storage totes and tubs in Whistler, BC, and I envy her her surroundings. I can see the influences of nature and the wilderness in her beautiful work, and have been attracted to it every time I have seen it, at these events and in shops.

Urchin Bags
Who would have thought that reclaimed seat belts, used bicycle inner tubes, scrap vinyl and upholstery material could look so dang good?? Not me, I’ll admit it. Urchin’s owner and designer, Clare, is a lot more forward-thinking than I am, and makes wonderful bags, wallets and more, giving a second life to the items that might otherwise end up in a landfill.

Got Craft? holiday edition

When:
Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9, 2012
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission:
$3.00 (kids 10 and under are FREE)

Where:
Croatian Cultural Centre 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5N 4E4

See you there!

Make everything with love,
Tamara

The Got Craft? holiday edition is happening this coming weekend — that is, December 8th and 9th, and it has moved into new digs at the Croatian Cultural Centre!

Over the next week we’re presenting an overview of the fabulous crafters, handmakers, foodies and fashionistas who will be selling their wares and goodies at the Holiday Got Craft? market. Today I’m repeating coverage from the last Got Craft? market, as these same folks will be at this one.

Abeego Designs
Abeego food storage items offer a healthier and more cost effective alternative to plastic food wrap and single-use plastic bags. Use them to top food containers in the refrigerator, or to wrap cheese, sandwiches, snacks and more. They are easy to clean and when cleaned right, will last and last.

Bake Sale Baking Co.
Any company who describes themselves as offering things “just like grandma used to make them”, has gotten my heart. And let me tell you, I’ve sampled their goodies and they have my sweet tooth too! From past experience, this place will have a line up early and it’ll last through the whole event, so don’t miss out on the yumminess.

Banoo
You’ll see a lot of handcrafters at this sale, like Banoo, who use these events to supplement their sales from other places, such as etsy. The bonuses abound: being able to touch and feel the wares, AND saving on shipping! I can’t wait to check out these adorable handmade accessories for men and women.

The Beautiful Project
I am SUCH a sucker for a nice card, or any beautiful paper objet, really. I’ve already earmarked a few things I might need to have, including their sweet recipe cards, and perhaps just maybe a few “Sorry For Being Such An Ass” note cards…to have on hand in case of emergency.

Belvedere
Craft sales are not just for women, and this really cool company will prove that to any men in attendance. For gentlemen seeking sartorial assistance, Belvedere’s selection of “men’s accessories…inspired by the gentlemen of the 1950s as well as today’s modern chap” will shine like a beacon.

BuenoStyle
What a wonderful idea this is, to use all of that ephemera that one collects on travels and adventures in unique, handmade creations that ensure found treasures will live on. I can’t wait to see some of these works of art with their own stories to tell, in person.

cabin + cub design
Go ahead, get burned. Woodburned, that is. This line features woodburned art like this great owl block, and cork coasters and boards. I also love the wood gift tag sets in their etsy shop, and hope they’ll be bringing some to Got Craft?.

CAMPandQUARRY
This raw crystal and stone jewelry line is just stunning, and so interesting to contemplate. Take the raw black tourmaline crystal chunk pictured here. A close look reveals scratches and scars, and it makes me wonder what natural forces left their mark. It would be quite lovely to wear something that hasn’t been cut and polished so that it no longer resembles how it came out of the earth. CAMPandQUARRY also has beautiful hand dyed textiles.

Carmen West Creative
Utterly fabulous, that’s what a woman who wears one of these feather headpieces would be. Vintage-inspired and featuring feathers and up-cycled vintage jewelry, this would be the perfect accent to a great outfit. Getting married soon? Make sure to check out her bridal goodies.

dani press
I love these cards, I love the stories of where they came from, and I love the pairing of photography and words that make you think. The designer/artisan Dani, says, “i have wanted this for nearly ten years. to have a card line of wayward travel photos and old typewriter text to inspire people, to give them the words they want to say but don’t know how to, to give something meaningful.” Mission accomplished, girl!

Divina Denuevo, Pieces of II
These leather purses, accessories and one of a kind items are made from, wherever possible, reclaimed leather, and feature antique and vintage hardware and adornments.
I am looking forward to checking out the uber-cool Cambden Rustic Leather Business Card Holder, with its “Pop Up” Design.

Feest
It was love at first sniff for me, when I first came across Feest during the last Got Craft? event. I actually wrote an effusive post about that, here. Since then, designer Miranda has added to the candles with a whole bunch of great products you can expect to find at her table, including bath products, illustrated kitchen linens, prints and more. I’ll be stocking up for gifts — for family, friends, and myself!

Firefly Notes
The fun vintage inspired items from Firefly Notes include cards, tins, magnets, prints, tea towels, and more! You can find something for your home, something to wear, and even something funny just to look at. Perfect little inexpensive goodies to keep on hand as gifts, or gift (as I like to do!) yourself.

Frankenstrap
There doesn’t seem to be a web site for this designer, but the Got Craft page says this: “Handmade leather accessories. Veggie tanned and latigo belts, a collection of unique cuffs and incredibly durable guitar straps.” Sounds good to me, I’ll check them out!

GroovyGlassGirl
Created in a garage space/studio with music or the Food Network as company, this jewelry line features stained glass, metal work, beads and other found objects. The designer must have a wonderful time making her creations! I’m looking forward to seeing it all in person.

honey canada
I bought myself a little treat during the last Got Craft? event, from this vendor. It was the Christmas sale, and I got her last felt ball wreath. And while it’s already mid-April, it is still hanging on my office door — not from laziness, no, but because it’s simply too cute to put away. Definitely stop by this table! (I’ll see you there!)

Just Potters
I have two small pinch bowls from these fine folks, perfect to use as a salt cellar or to put beside the sink to hold rings. I am absolutely enamored with the pitcher in the picture, and will have to try to find it this time. These ceramic pieces are made by potters in East Vancouver who are overcoming barriers in their lives. The organization behind the initiative, JustWork, aims to provide “dignity and community through work”.

Kawaii Eats
Oh, THIS is a table I’m interested to see! Take French specialties like macarons and other pastries, and add in a healthy dose of Japanese adorableness, and you’ve got the new Kawaii Eats.

Kohana
Map jewelry – what a perfect way to commemorate a trip taken, or a dream destination! Kohana takes custom orders, and there will also be a nice selection of their necklaces, lockets, earrings, rings, cufflinks, keychains, drawer pulls, bookmarks and wine stoppers at Got Craft?.

LanaBetty
Creative, vintage-inspired, handcrafted earrings are on offer from this vendor. I love her cute and cheerful take on accessories, as well as her firm belief that great fashion can be affordable and produced locally!

Locomotive
Brought to you by husband and wife team Jay and Aaron Matte, Locomotive offers t-shirts and other wearables for all members of the family, with really great screenprinted illustrations. I love the bunny for myself, the cafe racer and the tractor for my husband, and the caboose for my wee Thomas the Tank Engine fan!

It makes me happy to think of all of these artisans and makers, busying themselves in market prep mode. I know that’s what I am doing!!

Stay tuned for more Got Craft? holiday edition coverage.

Make everything with love,
Tamara

We at Delish General Store have gotten a start on our holidays with two wonderful Christmas markets in the past few weeks. The event at Minter Gardens was great, with a nice introduction of our goodies to the people of Chilliwack and area, and last weekend’s Olde Farmhouse Christmas Vintage Christmas market was just awesome! (A big shout out to all of the new Delish General Store fans from there!)

If you are in the Lower Mainland and can make it out to Abbotsford on Saturday, there’s a real treat in this Saturday’s Poplar Market!

“Poplar Market is a one day, pop up style market featuring local artisans, bringing only the best in high quality handmade and vintage products. This exciting event will take place at the Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts (ASIA) North Poplar Campus. Poplar Market is also a fundraising event for the students of ASIA North Poplar helping to foster a new generation of talented artists. This will include a Scholastic Book Fair, Door Prizes, a hardy menu from our PAC kitchen as well as live music.”

Who will be there?

Vendors include some of our favorites, who we have profiled in this space before:

Karla’s Specialteas
Carmen West Creative
Opechee
Tiny Seedlingz
My Brown Bag Studio

And all of these lovelies:
Dimples n Giggles
The Orange Circle
Blossmmms
refresh
Jayde Vintage
Adriana Torres
Cindy Dohms
Carol’s Watercolour
RachelFound
SemperNova
Knits & Knots (my mom and dad’s shop!)
Pip & Pin
Clayburn Gourmet Gallery
Anniebuttons
SweetNothings Floral Design
Cinderella’s Cups & Cakes
Pinch and Pound
Odd Duck Designs
Bald Baby Bands
TigerLily Furniture
Ava’s Attic
Scoops by Abbey Reed

I met Kelly Keleman, the organizer of Poplar Market, last weekend and I am positive that Abbotsford is in for the best event it has hosted yet. Kelly is stylish, enthusiastic and full of energy, and I was impressed with the plans she shared with me. I wish I could be there!

Make sure to go and visit my sister Tanya, aka the Booth Babe, at our Delish General Store booth. We will have the entire Weck selection at the booth, some new Christmas (green, red and white), Peppermint (red, pink and white) and solid colored baker’s twine, Christmas striped and dotted paper straws, as well as a few new jar toppers and other goodies!

Over and out from Chicago…

Make everything with love,
Tamara

Get Good Gear!

Bike
Do your research and try to purchase a good quality bike. Do not rush into a purchase, as you should have your bike for a long time and you need it to fulfill your needs.

Learn about the different styles of bikes, and then start researching brands online. Compare components and get out there to try them. Make sure they fit your body. If you can, ask a friend if you can borrow their bike for a longer test ride.

If you are going to buy used, bring someone along who knows how to tell if the drive train is hooped as overhauling an older bike can sometimes cost the same as a new one. Also, keep those wheels spinning — many bike shops now offer free tune-ups for a year with a bike purchase. It is always in your best interest to try and buy from a shop that you can develop a trusted relationship with.

Jacket
I have a waterproof breathable outdoor jacket that I use for pretty much everything… until last year, that is, when I tried out my husband’s cycling jacket. I LOVED it! It really is designed for all my cycling needs, kept me cooler yet when it was raining I didn’t feel wet at all. The cut is perfect for the action of cycling. Now, I would not hesitate to purchase a good quality cycling jacket.

Derecho Jacket by Mountain Equipment Coop, $189
mec.ca

Shoes and pedals
For my touring bike I use mountain bike clipless pedals with my Diadora shoes. I have had these shoes for 12 years and they fit me like a glove. They were expensive at $175, 12 years ago, but look how long they have lasted. I will have to replace them soon and am eyeing Diadora’s Escape 2Ws.

ESCAPE 2 W cycling shoes by Diadora
diadora.com

In the pouring rain I use shoe covers, which extend the life of your shoes and keep your feet warm and dry.

Panniers
For commuting and small errands I use two panniers that are waterproof and have decent capacity. The utilitarian pair I have been using for the past four years are from Axiom and are holding up great.

On my wish list, if a certain husband is reading this, are the beautiful ones designed in Portland by the Queen Bee company.

Gingko Pannier by Queen Bee Creations, $124
queenbee-creations.com

Bike Trailers
There are a multitude of styles, brands and price points out there.

I use a bike trailer that my husband and I designed and built together. We wanted to develop cargo trailers for road use that we would actually test and use, all year around.

oxandmonkey.ca

Clothing
My basic kit honed over the years:
Bottoms: In the summer I wear capris or cycling/workout shorts with a sport skirt over top. In the winter I wear tights with waterproof breathable pants.
Tops: In warm weather my choice is long or short sleeve top either cotton or breathable. In the winter a breathable top that keeps me warm but not overheated.
Socks: Purchase breathable cycling socks, you will not be disappointed!

Cycling Hoodie by Riyoku, $59
riyoku.ca

Helmets and Accessories
I once made the mistake of purchasing a helmet online and go figure, it didn’t fit! Take the time to find a helmet that fits like a glove and is well ventilated.

Gloves
I have been through dozens of pairs over the years and have found that simple gloves last just as long as the über-expensive gloves.

Gadgets
I tend to avoid gadgets and anything that will distract me from paying attention to the road or trails.

Lights
If you ride in the dark you will need a light(s) for your bike. Purchase a flasher for the rear and lights for your handlebars. Even though I took the bus in the winter, I still had to ride home in a rural area with no street lights. I saved several hundred dollars by fashioning several small flashlights onto my handlebars with hose clamps and old inner tube.

*DIY TIP: Use two hose clamps to hold one small, bright, waterproof flashlight in place. Attach one hose clamp to the handlebars leaving some room to weave the other clamp underneath, then attach to the flashlight. Tighten both hose clamps. You can use small strips of inner tube if you find your clamps slipping.

Visibility
Wear colours and clothing that are visible with some form of reflection. There are many fashionable choices out there. When I am on the highway I have an orange helmet, vest and reflective ankle straps.

You want me to bike, NOW?

If you are interested in getting started in biking for health, to save money on a vehicle, fuel or bus pass, or just to get out there and enjoy this great Fall air, then don’t hesitate!

However, I do have a few thoughts regarding inclement weather.

For me, riding in the rain comes down to three elements; safety, comfort and confidence.

If your gear sucks you will be miserable, bottom line. When I wear waterproof breathable cycling rain gear, gloves and booties then I don’t give the rain a second thought which allows me to build my confidence.

When I am confident riding in the rain, I feel safe. If I start to feel anxiety in traffic during the rain, I actively calm my brain down and regain control, telling myself I have the skills, the gear and confidence to do this. And yes, I do keep telling myself those things over and over like a loop, year after year!

Practicing is key, as little or as much as you want to. The beauty of singular sports such as cycling is feeling tremendously proud of yourself when you recognize small gains. When it is rainy, I personally feel safer riding in the day and putting my bike on the bus in the dark. However, I do live in a rural area so the city is much better lit.

Be careful when braking in the rain, especially the first rain after a dry spell as the oils on the road are reactivated. Practice braking in rain when you are not in traffic.

And, it is very important to be VISIBLE to drivers when it is rainy and a bit dark out there.

Ride safe, everyone.

Kez Sherwood is a regular Jane who really loves her bike. She is an artist & designer living in Gibsons, B.C. with her son Dexter and husband Jeremy. She found that committing to increased cycling was a learning curve and not always easy but worth it.

Check out her blog: oxandmonkeystudiolife

]]> http://www.delishmag.com/2012/10/24/so-you-wanna-ride-part-2/feed/ 0 http://www.delishmag.com/2012/10/22/so-you-wanna-ride/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=so-you-wanna-ride http://www.delishmag.com/2012/10/22/so-you-wanna-ride/#comments Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:33:28 +0000 admin http://www.delishmag.com/?p=4220

Regardless of what is going on in my life, a bike ride makes a good day better and puts a challenging day in perspective.

I have been bike riding in some form for twenty years. About five years ago I was working full-time for a high paced Internist who specialized in palliative care and the job could be stressful. As well, my son was in elementary school and we had a busy household. I wanted to incorporate more exercise in my life, but I found that going to the gym did not give me the mental break away from the public that I needed.

Enter bike commuting, which enabled me to get my pre- and post-work yayas out while getting a workout. During the wintertime I would put my bike on the bus for the ride home. Nowadays I work from my home studio and ride around Gibsons with my bike trailer to do recycling, grocery shopping, business errands and hitting the farmers stall.

The author riding her Giant touring bike in Nanaimo towing a cargo bin trailer

Tips for getting on your bike

Set attainable goals and TEST run!
Doing multiple test runs when I was not going to work gave me a chance to build my fitness and confidence without time constraints or pressure. I rode my mountain bike and found that it took me too long to get to work so I decided to invest in a good touring bike that could carry panniers and withstand rain. To offset the cost I let my car go, as my husband (then boyfriend) and I could share. It paid off and made my commute much more enjoyable. I was surprised by how long it took me to get everything ready for the office: clothes, lunch, kid, packing panniers and out the door plus allowing time to get ready at work.

Keep a survival kit at work.
Mine included a hair brush and elastics, deodorant, an aromatherapy body mist, baby wipes, office shoes, lip gloss, mascara, face cream. We did not have a shower but I had a private place to change.

Talk with your family and your employer.
Life is busy, for everyone. Talk with your family about your commuting dreams and let them know you will need their help to get out the door. Your children and partner will be inspired by your determination and new glow.

Tell your employer about your goals and ask them if there is a place where you can change, leave a bag and a safe place to store your bike. I think most employers are pretty good about this and you might even inspire co-workers to enter Bike to Work Week.

Own the hills!
When I first met my husband we would ride some pretty big hills. At that time I would have to criss-cross to make it up some. He pointed out that I was doing three times the work, I pointed out that I WAS doing it and you have to start somewhere. After that he was more supportive of the technique! Now I look forward to making it up a good hill.

Simple actions inspire.
At times when I was commuting I would question what the heck I was doing. Know that your actions are inspiring someone else. I did not know this until one day I stopped in at the IGA on the way home. It was windy and pouring rain. The cashier, a woman I had once met briefly said, “You know you are inspiring us women, don’t you?” That was really great to hear and lifted my spirits to make it back home with a smile.

Food…
Eat for endurance, like oatmeal with nuts, hemp seeds and blueberries, smoothies, veggies, carbs, and healthy snacks for the mid-morning pangs. Also, make a habit of having a nice water bottle around, and remember to use it.

Celebrate your successes every day.
Singular sports allow the opportunity to notice micro improvements.

What — you, bike in the rain, sleet and (gasp!) snow? It can be done…Part 2 will be here on Wednesday, with information about how to do just that, and GEAR, GEAR, GEAR!

Kez Sherwood is a regular Jane who really loves her bike. She is an artist & designer living in Gibsons, B.C. with her son Dexter and husband Jeremy. She found that committing to increased cycling was a learning curve and not always easy but worth it.

Check out her blog: oxandmonkeystudiolife

]]> http://www.delishmag.com/2012/10/22/so-you-wanna-ride/feed/ 0 http://www.delishmag.com/2012/09/14/greening-the-home/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=greening-the-home http://www.delishmag.com/2012/09/14/greening-the-home/#comments Fri, 14 Sep 2012 22:44:43 +0000 admin http://www.delishmag.com/?p=4208 Way back when in the Fall of 2010, we profiled an amazing young woman named Tracy Lydiatt, in our Where In the World Is…column. Tracy was just about to move back to Vancouver from Perth, Australia, and was about to embark on a huge personal and professional journey along with that big move.

Tracy now helps families who want to go green and save the green, as the Green Families Guru, and her upcoming free tele-training sessions are timely and incredibly important. Here are the details:

3 MASSIVE COMMON HOUSEHOLD MISTAKES MOMS (AND DADS) MAKE AT HOME THAT PUT THEIR KIDS AT RISK FOR ASTHMA, ADHD AND ALLERGIES

Tuesday, September 25th (noon – 1pm PST)
or
Thursday September 27th (7:30 – 8:30pm PST)

Are you concerned about toxins and how they create a high risk environment for your family and may trigger health issues such as asthma, ADHD, and allergies? Do you often wonder where to start and feel slightly overwhelmed by details? You are not alone, so join us on this free tele-training with Tracy Lydiatt – The Green Families Guru as she shares easy strategies, tips and tools on how to instantly eliminate these risks and boost your family’s vitality with long lasting results.
During the tele-training you’re going to learn:

• 3 main chemicals to remove from your home immediately
• One kind of chemical that is actually okay to eat (and if you don’t you might get malnutrition!) and
• How the average women (and many men) head out the door having soaked herself in 126 different chemicals

You will receive for free:
• Strategies to cut this number at least in half
• Tools and tips for detoxing your home
• DIY recipes, smart phone apps and more resources and MORE….
• *You will receive a complementary recording of the call*

For details and registration, click here. This page also has an informative video for more info, and you can also visit Tracy’s Facebook event page.

Tracy Lydiatt is The Green Families Guru, an award-winning author, public speaker and eco-life expert committed to supporting families to achieve their health and environmental goals within their own budget and timelines.

]]> http://www.delishmag.com/2012/09/14/greening-the-home/feed/ 0 http://www.delishmag.com/2012/08/25/let-the-insanity-begin-its-canning-season/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=let-the-insanity-begin-its-canning-season http://www.delishmag.com/2012/08/25/let-the-insanity-begin-its-canning-season/#comments Sat, 25 Aug 2012 18:23:08 +0000 admin http://www.delishmag.com/?p=4202 I don’t even know where to begin, except to say that NO, I did not learn my lesson last year!! Remember those sometimes funny, sometimes exasperated posts from last fall, the ones where I asked myself the question “What have I gotten myself into?!” at least once or twice? If not, here are some links to them:
What to do with 220+ lbs of produce – Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

I promised to blog more about canning season after Day 5, but I don’t think I had the energy or wherewithal to do so! However, I have had a solid year to recover from the epic efforts and I am about to jump in with both feet once again.

This is what I put up last year:
peaches: 60lbs
apples: 50lbs
tomatoes: 50lbs
nectarines: 40lbs
pears: 20lbs
We also made a sh*tload of pickles.

And this year, I have decided to go without pears and nectarines, get fewer apples, the same amount of peaches, and more tomatoes. Plus some plums. Those will come in a week or two from my local organic connection, Farmer Sarah. I can’t wait, though. I’ve just put together a very long list of small batch jams and sauces I’m itching to get started on, and am off to get the fruit now. Here’s what I am going to try to get to:

Plums:
Italian plum jam with star anise
Plum apple jelly
Blueberry plum basil jam

Peaches:
honey sweetened skillet stone fruit jam
Peach lavender jam
Peach butter
Peach skin jelly

Blueberries:
blueberry ginger jam

Strawberries:
small batch strawberry vanilla jam
Strawberry balsamic sauce
Apple strawberry sauce

Grapes: grape catchup

Cherries:
no recipe cherry jam

I’m also going to experiment with some fruit sauces and stewed fruits. I’ve written about the Bircher Muesli that my family is in love with, and I will want to continue making it through the fall and winter, when local fruit is no longer in season. I’ll need a really good selection of sauces to layer in with the muesli and greek yogurt.

I didn’t know how I would feel about canning as fall approached…my garden is quite lacking this year, as I planned it to be. Our three weeks in Europe came right at the beginning of the growing season, and I didn’t want to bother any friends with taking care of new seedlings at their most delicate period, so I pretty much went without planting anything but carrots, a few peas and lettuce.

But here it is again, the need to can. It’s like a call from deep within my cells.
Browsing recipes online and in cookbooks this morning, I started to get that old familiar longing. I gotta can!!

Make (and can) everything with love,
Tamara

]]> http://www.delishmag.com/2012/08/25/let-the-insanity-begin-its-canning-season/feed/ 0 http://www.delishmag.com/2012/07/26/one-of-those-days/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=one-of-those-days http://www.delishmag.com/2012/07/26/one-of-those-days/#comments Thu, 26 Jul 2012 17:09:42 +0000 admin http://www.delishmag.com/?p=4200 In life, as we all know, there are highs and there are lows, and today, on purely a superficial/appearance level, I’m on a particular low.

Yesterday was a wonderful day – I was inspired, pumped, stoked, you name the word – the great Vitamin V email/blog introduced Delish General Store to their readers and I enjoyed watching the web traffic and filling orders from new customers.

And while I am still on a high from that today (and am still filling orders — yay!!), I’m also just…blah. I have lost my mojo. It’s my clothing situation! I wish I could describe to you what I am wearing as I sit here, actually out in public. It’s like I took all of the worst pieces in my wardrobe and put them together in one unfortunate outfit. We were running late to get my son to his play group, and there was just no turning back, even once I had a glance in the mirror!

It seems like such a trivial, ridiculous thing to bellyache over when there’s so much more to concern ourselves with but when I feel like I look better, I feel better, and I am more energized and ready to tackle anything. Right now, I just want to go back to bed.

Anyway, there’s not much more to this than to say I am motivated to do one thing — purge my wardrobe of items that make me look and feel like crap. I can’t wait to get home and get started. It’s been the spring and summer of this sort of thing, and I’ve already delivered two bags to charity. Clearly there is more work to do!

What do you do when you feel this way? I’d love to hear back from readers about this modern day experience. It’s not like I can afford to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe, but that’s not what I want to do, anyway. I want to feel good in what I have, and enjoy those pieces on a regular basis, replacing them as needed. As much I can easily find items I covet at Anthropologie, J. Crew, Banana Republic and more, I don’t think the solution lies in new clothes — do you?

Make everything with love,
Tamara

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