I was contacted recently by a woman named Maureen, a master gardener and computer programmer/project manager, who started a site that helps people connect with locals who grow their own produce. It’s called The Farmer’s Garden. It’s a network where people can post free classifieds to sell, trade, or give away their surplus backyard garden produce. It seems like a great idea to me, so I thought I’d pass it along, in case anyone else is interested.

It’s nationwide, and registration is free for buying, selling, and trading produce. It’s a very new site, so if you don’t see produce connections in your area yet, be sure to check back later.

Maureen says, “It is very easy to grow more produce than you and your family can use. Why not share your local, fresh and delicious vegetables, fruit, berries, etc. with others?” I think that’s just lovely! Check it out: http://www.thefarmersgarden.com/

We have a winner!!! Congratulations, May! Thanks to everyone who participated and for all the great suggestions. You guys rock!!

How would you feel about a free copy of the highly acclaimed, totally awesome book The China Study? BenBella Books gave me a couple free copies of this book and I’m gonna give one away! It’s a wonderful book about the importance of nutrition in health. It offers fantastic evidence as to why vegetable-based diets are best. And if you’ve read it already, pass it on to your critics– to those people that think you’re absolutely nutty for being vegan!

All you have to do is suggest to me the best place to get a nice, stylish, vegan coat. I’m talking about super cute coats that actually have some warmth to them. I’ve been searching high and low for such a place and I gotta say, this is tough! Plenty of places sell vegan shirts, shoes, and accessories. And some places, like alternativeoutfitters, sell a few very cute vegan coats that might be ok if you live in a milder climate. But if you face harsh winters, like me, and still want a cute coat that’s not wool, leather, fur, or makes you look like a fluffy marshmallow… it’s hard to find them! Well, it’s hard for me, anyway.

So, I’ll keep this contest going through the holidays. Just leave comments with your suggestions. If you have multiple suggestions, all the better! Ready? And… GO!!

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My husband had this idea after I made him vegan lemon poppyseed muffins for his birthday. We’re still a little caked-out from the leftover wedding cake, so I thought muffins were a nice alternative.

Anyway, we bought some lemon sorbet and ate it in conjunction with a warm lemon poppyseed muffin. Yummy dessert if I do say so myself. Try it! You might like it. Of course, if you don’t like lemon, forget I said anything.

photo by [puamelia]

Have you ever tried a persimmon? I just tried one for the first time last week and… oh my heck! Why aren’t these things more popular? You eat it like an apple (automatic bonus), and it’s sweet, but not overbearing. I’d say it’s… refreshingly sweet. Youngstown, the distributors of this Sweet Fuyu Persimmon, which I bought at Trader Joe’s, should hire me as their persimmon marketing rep. I’m totally in love. The ancient Greeks called it “fruit of the gods.” Heck yeah!

Don’t you ever just get sick of buying the same ol’ fruits? Do yourself a favor and pick out something new. Go on. Be bold! Last week when I went grocery shopping, I was feeling very daring (and bored with my usual fare), so I bought almost all new foods! Some puffed seaweed ball thingies, natural apple clusters, sticky rice snacks… and I ended up liking everything I bought!

So I’m challenging you. Next time you go gallivanting to the grocery store (alliteration, you’re welcome) pick out at least two items you’ve never had before. If you find some winning goodies, report back!