let's do some good

A month or so ago I was reading a blurb in a magazine, Ode. Ode is a magazine that writes about good goings-on in the world and the people who make a difference, whether it be in a small community or on a larger scale. But this one "ode" really struck a chord with me. It was the "Ode to Andy Smallman" (read it here). Mr. Smallman is the founder of and a teacher at Puget Sound Community School in Seattle. From what I have learned so far, this is a truly remarkable school, with one amazing class in particular, "The Practice of Kindness." This is a class for anyone and everyone, available online, and the assignments encourage you to do good, be kind, and to reflect on it. It's such a simple task that we can all do everyday, but one that can be easily overlooked. So I thought we could try it! Every now and then I'll post a good thing that we can all do for the week. It won't be difficult and really, you'll probably feel great!

We can start small: For one week hold the door open for people and let people go ahead of you (I know, I took this one from the article). I can almost guarantee that you'll have a nice warm feeling about it.

Enjoy!

nothing like a good sandwich

A few years ago I did the Master Cleanse. I loved pretty much everything about it and on occasion I like to do it for a day or so, in modified fashion. One of the results of my initial Master Cleanse was giving up most meats (I continued on as a pescatarian). Now and then I would wake up from a dream where I was indulging in an amazing turkey sandwich. I would have flashbacks to being in Burlington, VT eating at the Red Onion, with their immensely enjoyable turkey sandwiches...and that bread! And sometimes when I was hungry I knew the only thing that would satisfy my grumbling stomach was a good ol' turkey sandwich.

Therefore, a few weeks ago I got back on the meat-eating wagon. I still have rules and regulations regarding meat consumption, of course. I really only stick to turkey, I'm not interested in much else. I also attempt to only buy non-hormone, free-range products so that I know these animals were taken care of and respected during their turkey lives. Also, Tony is really happy as this opens up our meals to so many new possibilities!

It being fall and all I have really been wanting to make a more grown-up grilled cheese with some turkey and apple. I wouldn't rest until it was made and I convinced Tony to let me do this the other night. And those sandwiches did not disappoint! I picked up a freshly baked loaf from Whole Foods and loaded it up with some Cabot Cheddar, Maple-Honey Turkey and some McIntosh apple slices, grilled it up and it was everything I hoped it would be! Gooey and crispy in all the right parts, I couldn't believe that we were getting to enjoy such a wonderful treat.

And on a sweets note...I'm getting ready for this weekend: more applesauce to go into apple cake and so many different pumpkin indulgences! And experimenting with frosting and whipped cream! It's Halloween and while this is definitely not a holiday that I usually embrace I'm so excited about the totally valid excuse of treats galore!

EmersonMade!

I have loved EmersonMade flower pins for a long time! I was elated when, after receiving a gift bag at a wedding event, I found a small little EM pin that was all mine, finally. How excited was I then to find out that they made amazing table linens that would eventually someday make their way to my gigantic reclaimed wood dining table in my country house (It will happen someday)? Very! And finally, this past late summer/early fall marked an even more amazing venture from this charming company...a clothing line! Check them out since everything is just so sweet and lovely!

(Photo from The Kitchn)

Annie's Kitchen Weekend

Again some time was needed to re-energize and re-focus this blog, hence more time off! I'm not going to lie...2010 was not what I expected and it's been difficult to get motivated and share what's going on when it's not all that fantastic. Since I want to spread happiness and joy through these posts, it just hasn't seemed like the year to do that. I also haven't been sure where to take the "Green Plan-It" blog as I won't be planning too many things (except trips when I can). So for now we'll keep the name and continue on until we find out it's true meaning and how it relates to what we do here now.

But as we venture into understanding I am really digging being in the kitchen! This weekend was jam-packed with cooking and baking time. A trip to the farmer's market on a beautiful Saturday morning was just the inspiration needed to get my butt in gear! Applesauce, Pumpkin Butter, Apple Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, oh my! And for football Sunday (poor Bills, or rather, the fans) a very tasty Turkey Chili with Sour Cream and Cheddar Biscuits, courtesy of Smitten Kitchen (one of my favorite blog stops these days...check out those pictures!).

So to keep up my writing, and my voice, I suppose I'll just keep you posted on yummy things from Annie's Kitchen. I'll scour the web and make some tasty treats and be sure to share them with you (with the recipe and source, of course) and I'm sure my always-hungry hubby won't mind the new project at all!

(Photo courtesy of Husband Tony)