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More on Walking

August 1, 2012

In April, I wrote about walking around San Francisco on my spring break. It’s great exercise and it fits nicely into my “keep it simple” philosophy. During the spring I participated in a walking program geared to increase activity among women in my community. For 12 weeks, I walked 10,000+ steps every day. In fact, I walked 971,542 steps over the course of the program. Most of my walks happened within my neighborhood.

During those walks, I snapped some photos to share. I didn’t capture everything on camera including a bird taking a bath, a squirrel burying nuts, a rabbit rolling in the garden (I’ve never seen such silliness!) and butterflies flitting about. This was all in a densely populated urban environment. Imagine the nature you could see if you walked in the country or even the suburbs everyday. I would be in heaven. I can think of no better way to become intimately acquainted with your neighborhood than walking. Almost everyone can walk. Why not grab a friend (and a camera) and take a walk today?

More on walking:

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How Tare You

June 22, 2012

Dear Christine,

I was just wondering, if you take your own containers for bulk buying at the market, how will the check-out person know the weight allowance for the containers? Would you provide the weights and expect them to trust your numbers? Would you go through the line and give them to a check-out person to weigh before filling them, and then hope the same person is there when you are ready to check out? Would you first use the plastic or paper bags provided, pay for your purchase, and then empty the bags into your containers?

Thank you,
Alex

Hi Alex,

Great question! I assume this came up after reading last Saturday’s tip of the day: Practice BYOC or Bring Your Own Containers when shopping in the bulk section of the grocery store.

All empty containers have a weight allowance including bags and boxes. This is called a tare. When you pop some apples into a plastic bag (which I don’t suggest you do), the cashier will punch in the bag’s tare when weighing them. This prevents the weight of the bag from being included in the price you pay for the apples. The same concept applies to other containers you bring to the store. You must have your containers weighed before you fill them with food. We take our containers to the customer service desk when we get to the store and write the tare directly on the boxes with a permanent marker, then we shop.

Some readers may wonder why I bring my own containers or suggest not using plastic bags. We bring our own containers for several reasons:

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Meals on Wheels

January 25, 2011

Vegan Food Truck in Rogers Park

Happy new year! The vegan gods have done it again — bestowing a most wonderful gift to Chicago vegans — a vegan food truck. What more could Chicago vegans ask for than warm food delivered practically to their door! The vegan food truck is a partnership between Soul Vegetarian and St. Martaen.

As soon as I learned about the vegan food truck, of course, I had to try it out. I sent a message via Facebook requesting a stop in my neighborhood a couple of days in advance. I received a quick response and a time and location was scheduled. Simple.

On a Friday afternoon, we touched based — again via Facebook — to confirm the time and location, which couldn’t have been more convenient. I met the vegan food truck about a half block from my home. Typically the menu is posted online and in advance, so I already knew what I was getting for dinner. They offer a selection of vegan sandwiches, SoulVeg sides and desserts. The food was delicious although a bit spicy for my boyfriend’s taste.

You can follow the vegan food truck on Facebook to stay abreast of its daily schedule. They make stops all over the city and the suburbs. I’ve noticed that they are making regular Saturday visits to Milwaukee as well. Now go enjoy. It’s easy being vegan after all!

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It’s easy being vegan! pauses for a brief commercial break…

April 25, 2008

…or to be precise, a short public service announcement.

 Foster parents needed for homeless cats in Chicago

My good friend, Lisa, who has generously volunteered her time on behalf of homeless animals for years is looking for cat foster parents. In an effort to help her make some new connections, I am posting information on how Chicago residents can get involved.

 Details

The kitties are various ages and sizes. Some need foster situations where there are no other animals; others would be fine in foster homes where there are already existing pets (cats and/or dogs). There are singles and pairs, younger cats, adults — you name it, she’s got it. 

 A few names and descriptions:

Cricket—front declawed, white with black spots
Bobby—front declawed, white with black spots, excellent appetite
Flapjack—a very friendly orange and white male, FIV+
Little Black Cat—shy
Smoke #2—longhaired gray, very sweet
Cali the Calico—extremely friendly and outgoing

If you or someone you know might be interested in fostering a cat(s) in the city of Chicago, you can contact Lisa via email at eward@spencerstuart.com.

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More vegan finds in Chicago!

March 26, 2008

It just keeps getting easier and easier to be vegan in Chicago! Check out the following:

Vegan soy ice cream is now available at Just Indulge in Wicker Park.

Drew’s Eatery in Lincoln Square is serving baked goods from Sweet Dreams Organic Bakery & Cafe (Glenview). Sweet Dreams bakes up vegan and non-vegan goods. Perhaps Drew’s is serving some tasty vegan treats? If not, be sure to request that they do.

Heck, why not request vegan food everywhere you go! Don’t be shy. Consider it community service for the animals and vegans of the world. :-)

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