Quick Tip: Coconut Oil for Shaving

For a while now I've been using coconut oil to shave. It works so well, I'll never buy that weird shaving foam stuff again. Here's why:

1) It's natural! No chemicals. No need to worry about sulfates, parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals.

2) It's cruelty-free. Vegan. No animal ingredients, and you don't have to worry about it being tested on animals.

3) Super close shave. No razor burn! That's especially important in those more sensitive areas where you want a close shave without the red bumps.

Shaking It Up

Well this has been a curious week.

I'm on countdown to my next trip to Knoxville on Tuesday. I still don't know whether I'll have the day off work so I can leave in the morning, or if I'll have to wait until after work. It's gonna be a busy week, taking care of car insurance, the DMV, banking, and all that other fun grown-up type stuff.

More puzzle pieces have come together over the last week, totally shaking up what I thought my life might look like in Knoxville. As it's been from the start, I'm following my gut and my heart (hey, that rhymed!) I'm just letting the gods guide me to whatever and wherever I'm supposed to be. They seem to have led me to an interesting place as of late.

I'm hesitant to say too much about it yet, so as not to jinx it. I promise to fill in the gaps when I get back from Knoxville next week. It just feels so strange to think I might be getting everything I've always wanted, and that it's just on the horizon.

And really, that's all I have to say about that...

802 Braised Woodchuck with Sweet Potatoes

Nothing makes more sense than braising woodchuck (the animal) in Woodchuck (the cider.) Am I right?

I've been wanting to try woodchuck (the animal) for a while, and finally I got the chance. Simply put, I'm a fan. It's very much like squirrel, only... well, ya get a lot more meat.

*** Note: This recipe also works well with pork, for you less adventurous types. ***

What's It Worth?

Money Talks.

We've all heard, and probably at some point uttered this well-known phrase, usually in cynical reference to those who have money have the power to get what they want. Well, money does talk, and you have a voice too. It might not be as big or as loud as some guys, but it's a voice just the same. How are you using your power?

Your dollars are a vote. By purchasing one product over another you're voting for that company over another. You financially give your approval to one, and your disapproval of the other. The basis for that vote varies, but often relies on price, opting for the cheaper product. Times are hard and money is tight. We all want to get a better deal, after all. However, with that lower price and voting against expense, do you also take into consideration the compromise you've made, and the things that you are voting for by default?

It doesn't matter what your cause is... animal rights, American jobs, non-GMO food, better work conditions, small business, social issues... are you backing up your beliefs? Do you put your money where your mouth is?

Them Mother Earth Veggies

It's a balmy spring day in New York, which means a whopping 40 degrees. What a perfect opportunity to review some of Mother Earth Products' dried vegetables. Chilly, wet weather almost demands soup. And soup is what I made.

Sometimes I like to put all my love and effort into making a meal. Sometimes, I just need fast, hot food that nourishes the body and soul. Comfort food. Fast. That's the kind of cooking we're talking about here.

Besides an array of dried veggies, provided by Mother Earth Products, the only other ingredients I needed was broth, meat, and some salt and pepper. Really that's it.

Piece of cake.