In Our Community

Carruth Cellars~Winery On Cedros: Love & Gratitude

2011-03-19T22:51:00.000-07:00


Cameron & Kenny pressing the 2010 Syrah

Carruth Cellars~Winery On Cedros is a boutique, urban winery, located just a few blocks from the beach in the Cedros Design District of Solana Beach. The winery/tasting room consists of just 1200 square feet! During harvest, wine tasters are literally standing in the middle of the production space, for a truly authentic experience in winemaking.

Adam in Lake County strategizing the truck load

Carruth Cellars sources their grapes from Napa, Sonoma, Lake County, Yolo County, Paso Robles, and then they transport the grapes down to their location in a refrigerated truck to Cedros, where the grapes are crushed, fermented, pressed and barrel-aged on site. On average, they make 12 different varietals a year, mostly North Coast Reds, as well as a Lake County Sauvignon Blanc, and a Russian River Chardonnay from the famed Bacigalupi Vineyard in Sonoma.


Jon crushing at the Winery On Cedros-Photo by Shawn Lloyd

Picking up the 2009 Lake County Sauvignon grapes

Visitors of the Winery On Cedros have the opportunity to taste award-winning wines, join the Cellar Club, and purchase wine on site. Local artists are featured in the winery, and it is a great place to kick back and chat with both locals and visitors to the area. The Winery On Cedros, in the first 6 months open to the public, has quickly become a hub of community through numerous fundraiser and private events. It is also a marvel for many, as they stumble off the beaten path to find a fully-operational winery in the neighborhood!

Anne & Jennifer Neff 2009 Harvest "Dirty Girl Pinot" Crush

Elaine Lo & Annie racking barrels-Photo by Kerry Carruth

Carruth Cellars is an endeavor near and dear to my heart. The artisan nature of boutique winemaking and the start-up tenacity required to make an urban winery a reality has continually sparked my interest, passion, and engendered my loyalty.

After moving back to California, in 2007, I met Adam Carruth, winemaker, owner and creative energy behind the label and the wine. One of my first encounters was a "crush" party in September 2007. At the time, I knew virtually nothing about wine! I could not imagine how much wine would become a part of my life and passion at the time.

Adam Carruth 2005 Harvest

Looking for a change of pace, in 1998, Adam moved from Carlsbad to Sonoma and began studying viticulture. At that time, he had no intention of becoming a winemaker. He had been a home brewer for 7 years, beginning in college at UC Riverside.

Adam began picking second harvest grapes, from high-end vineyards such as Ernie Bacigalupi's in Russian River, and making wine as a hobby with friends. These early crushes evolved into a passion that coalesced numerous interests, skills, and dreams. Four crushes later, Adam was back in Carlsbad, trucking grapes down from Sonoma to his backyard crushpad. In 2006, he made 30 barrels, at which time he began wholesaling under the label, Carruth Cellars. In one year, he had already acquired 60 wholesale accounts in San Diego County, Orange County, and beyond.

Hub & Adam Summer Solstice Bottling 2009-Photo by Kerry Carruth

In the spring of 2009, Adam decided to act on a long held dream of opening his own urban winery and chose the Cedros Design District in Solana Beach to be the home of this endeavor. After an extended process, and much expenditure of time, resources, and sanity, the Winery On Cedros was officially born in the fall of 2010.

Adam, Annie, & Bryce racking barrels-Photo by Kerry Carruth

Alongside Adam, I have weathered the long, arduous process of this project and witnessed the sheer tenacity and passion required to risk it all, through seemingly endless red tape, frustrating politics and logistical nightmares. I have become overwhelming appreciative of every entrepreneur who dares to dream and give birth to a small business in these times, or any time for that matter. It has also served to increase my resolve for supporting local in our community! If we want to have local access to unique, quality products and spaces, we must go out and support our local businesses!!

Adam & Annie Crush 2009-Photo by Shawn Lloyd

My appreciation for the art of winemaking and the heart of a dreamer/entrepreneur is ever evolving in my role as a supporter of Adam and the Winery On Cedros. In the wine, you experience a relationship with nature, ever evolving and offering you new insights, as it is so with the dreamer and the dream realized.

Franni, Adam, & Annie-www.photosbytamme.com

You can find Carruth Cellars~Winery On Cedros in the Cedros Design District, just 600 feet south of the Belly Up Tavern. It is tucked away off the east side of the street, so you have to keep an eye out for the small signage. Look for the driveway next to Cole's Fine Flooring; walk up that driveway and you will find the winery in the back, next to Project X: Art Gallery.

Cameron serving it up in the tasting room-Photo by Jon Clark

Open Monday-Saturday, Noon-9:00PM, and Sunday, Noon-6:00PM for tastings. And, if Adam is around, there's always a good chance for a barrel taste, especially if you are a Cellar Club member!

Carruth Cellars~Winery On Cedros
320 So. Cedros Ave.
Solana Beach, CA 92075
www.carruthcellars.com
858.847.9463

The Bohemian Exchange: A Non-Profit Ongoing Artist's Salon and Retail Space

2011-03-10T11:12:00.000-08:00

While wandering Abbot Kinney last week, we happened upon the coolest shop that jived with our mission of highlighting inspiring people who are doing business with a finely tuned moral compass. The owner Deborah, explained how her shop is a non-profit artist's salon where she encourages the community to come together to create and inspire.

We immediately fell in love with her and the items that local artists were offering. While looking at what I thought was a colorful sash, she came over and undid a zipper showing me it was also a pocket to stash money, ID and all the necessities you may need for a night out on the town without worrying about a purse.

I can't say my outfit of jeans does it justice but it would look pretty snappy with a dress. She also had some handcrafted leather belts with the same hidden pocket.

Here's a glimpse of her dressing room that is fit for a Queen.

Deborah is a big promotor of Abbot Kinney and takes pride in her commitment to community. Just speaking with her made an impression on me as to how much the enthusiasm you put towards what you are doing really shines through and effects others.

If you're in the area stop in and say hi to her and if you're an artist she might be able to get you a space in her shop!

For more information about the Bohemian Exchange you can follow them on Facebook or check their website at www.bohemianexhange.org.

Self-Realization Meditation Gardens: Community space for peace and serenity

2011-02-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite places in North County San Diego are the Mediation Gardens in Encinitas, located at the Self-Realization Fellowship Retreat & Hermitage. These gardens were created under the direction of Paramahansa Yogananda, spiritual leader, humanitarian and founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India.

On a sunny Saturday, such as the day I took these photos, I found the gardens full of families and couples. On week days, it is not uncommon to find people silently mediating on stone benches in lovely secluded corners or over-looking the ocean on the cliffs. During these times, other visitors tend to naturally flow through the gardens in silence and harmony with those meditating.

The gardens are lush and filled with indigenous plants, trees and flowering succulents. Several sparkling ponds, fed by small waterfalls, filled with vibrant fish can be found within the gardens. There are mediation stones next to the ponds to sit on or benches under the trees if you want to rest, listen to the water and watch the fish under the lily pads.

It is a photographer's paradise with the sweeping cliff side vistas of the Pacific Ocean and pristine surf breaks. It is also an ideal location to sit with a loved one or share the wonder of Southern California with a visitor.

The Mediation Gardens are situated behind the private grounds of the Self-Realization Fellowship campus which you pass on Highway 101 (look for the three large Lotus Towers). If you turn on to 3rd street, off Highway 101, heading west, you can park along the street and head in through the gates to the gardens, which are open to the public Tuesday-Saturday 9:00A.M.-5:00P.M. and Sunday 11:00A.M. to 5:00P.M. (Closed Mondays)

There are pamphlets available at the entrance of the gardens with more information about the gardens, Paramahansa Yogananda, and the Self-Realization Fellowship. The Self-Realization Fellowship also has a store across the street on Highway 101 with many books and beautiful gifts. You can also find more information at www.yogananda-srf.org.

I highly recommend taking the opportunity to enjoy this lovely treasure and gift!

The Willows Yoga: Inspiring wellness and community

2011-02-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

Lauren Murphy & Sherry Schreck

About 2 years ago, my dear friend, Lauren Murphy, encouraged me to join her for a yoga class. My previous yoga experience was limited, and had involved endless walls of mirrors, an air of competition, instructor pressure to press on into poses my body was telling me I was not prepared for, and ridiculous amounts of sweat! Lauren assured me that I need not fear, that I was in for a nourishing experience. With much trepidation, I entered The Willows Yoga.

The warmth and welcome of the Willows hits you as soon as you cross the threshold. I was instantly at ease, especially when I noticed there was not a single mirror in the place and was quickly greeted with sincerity, warmth and smiles.


Sherry Schreck

Sherry Schreck, the Willows Senior Instructor, is an effervescent goddess! Words cannot express her spirit and grace. Every encounter I have with Sherry, I come away uplifted, inspired, and imbued with bliss. She has the incredible, seemingly magical skill of threading a class with a lesson that each person in the room feels was especially prepared for them in that space and time. I often chuckle, with eyes closed absorbing her words, and think to myself, "how did she know?!"

Sherry giving Justin Huebscher some helpful hints after class

My yoga practice has progressed leaps and bounds under Sherry's tutelage. Even more, she has introduced me to a harmonious practice of yoga that integrates mind, body, and spirit, bringing a greater harmony to my life. Sherry is also as refreshing as she is HILARIOUS!

When I began my practice at Willows, Robin Christ was finishing her teacher training with Sherry and fulfilling her apprenticeship training during the classes I attended. Robin's presence, expertise, and support during those early days of my practice contributed immensely to my persevere through my own insecurities and struggles with balance, flexibility and a perplexing (and, thankfully, transitory) inability to recognize my left from my right. While I struggled through bouts of vertigo, she would magically appear behind me with that needed hold and hand of assistance.

Robin Christ

I have watched Robin grow in her yoga practice, and relished in her inspired classes as a student. It is a joy to be in her presence!

Owner, Michelle Bollo, along with her team, have masterfully created an inviting space of warmth, serenity and health, that promotes and sustains a nurturing and growing community. I have had the good fortune to meet so many lovely instructors and students at Willows that I am so grateful to know and share my practice with. Much love & gratitude to Lauren for sharing Willows with me, and to Michelle, Sherry, Robin, and all of the instructors and students at The Willows!

Just being near The Willows inspired Ed into Downward-Facing Dog!

The Willows Yoga

(In the Lumberyard)

937 S. Pacific Coast Hwy Suite #C100

Encinitas, CA 92024

www.willowsyoga.com

Phone 760-840-0414
Facebook Link to Willows Yoga

Shakti Rising: Transforming in North County

2011-01-16T21:47:00.000-08:00

The touch of Shakti Rising is indelible in nature, often in your first encounter. That was certainly my experience. The rich, authentic community born out of the Shakti model transforms, inspires and empowers as it moves through San Diego county and beyond. I am a proud member of this community and thrilled to be a participant in their migration north.

On January 12th, Shakti Rising began offering their signature course, Transformation 101, in North County for the first time at Carruth Cellars Winery On Cedros. Many North County women have long been requesting local access to classes provided by Shakti in the San Diego area. The response to this initial offering at Carruth Cellars has been GREAT!

As a new student myself, I found it compelling how 15 women of varied backgrounds, ages and life experiences could so effortlessly come together and transform a space, as well as one another in their very first encounter. Our first class meeting (out of eight), proved to be enlightening, emotional, exciting, and healing, under the expert leadership of Shakti instructors Ruthi Solari and Beth Fuller.

I would like to express much love & gratitude to Adam Carruth, owner/winemaker of Carruth Cellars for donating the use of the Winery On Cedros on Tuesday nights for our class. I was inspired by the transformation of the tasting room into a beautiful space where an eclectic circle of women can gather in harmony with one another. As I soaked in the magic of community building in the space, I gratefully reflected on Adam's efforts that day (his day off), to clean and transform the winery production pad into a lovely space for us to gather. Thank you so much Adam!!!

One of my homework assignments for our class was "to make one tiny change" this week. My agreement was to spend 15 minutes on my blog. Much more than 15 minutes have passed now, and it feels wonderful to honor my commitment to myself and the class!

I will keep you posted on my journey with Shakti Rising. I also encourage you to learn more about this incredible organization and their work In Our Community. Visit www.shaktirising.org to learn more, drop me a note, or catch me at the winery and I will be happy to share more with you about my Shakti journey.

World Minded RV Tour

2010-12-01T21:37:00.000-08:00

We just posted about our good friends at World Minded and wanted to share a picture of thier new RV.

Charles, Karla, Ella & Payton have hit the road in this sweet ride to tour the Pacific Northwest.

If you happen to be on the coast of Oregon or Washington and see them, wave them down for a free t-shirt or Mammoth Brew!

Have a good trip you guys and please drive safe....

World Minded: Company with a mission and a conscious

2010-11-29T16:23:00.000-08:00

"World Minded is a charitable, Eco-friendly apparel company for men, women and children with an objective to raise awareness of our individual impact on each other and the environment. Our passion for adventure and our love for the outdoors is the foundation of World Minded. By sharing stories of our featured humanitarians and ambassadors, our purpose is to do more positive things for the world and to help those who already are." WorldMinded.com

Charles Perry, Founder/Owner

It will only take 5 minutes with Charles Perry for most people to recognize his esteemed quality of character, kindness, and consideration. He easily captivates those he encounters with his willingness to listen intently and share sincerely. His passion for life and his personal mission for the community through his company World Minded, pales only to his clear passion and dedication for his family. As one becomes acquainted with Charles and learns about World Minded, you are easily engaged in his positive energy and motivated by his drive.

Initially, World Minded was a hobby born out of challenging life experiences for Charles. Now, you can find World Minded gear in stores throughout the country, and on the backs of World Minded Ambassadors all over the world. As an eco-friendly, charitable clothing line, World Minded seeks to educate and inspire through their positive messages and community involvement with environmental and humanitarian organizations, as well as in collaboration with outdoor enthusiasts and community advocates.

As an upstart company, World Minded has been committed to sustainable practices and donations of sales from the beginning. All of their clothing and gear are made with organic cotton or recycled materials. They source from local manufacturers, which supports the local economy and leaves a small carbon footprint through their production. 10 percent of sales from their humanitarian clothing line are donated to designated environmental and/or humanitarian organizations, such as the Greg Mortenson's Central Asia Institute, Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots Network, Protect Our Winters, and Common River. 1 percent of ALL sales are donated as well. The designs for their clothing line are inspired by the organizations that the funds are being donated to, and local artists are employed to create those designs.

What inspires me most about World Minded, besides the incredible people that are the foundation of the business, including Karla Kelley, Charles's wife and Director of Operations, is that it represents a corporation that started with a model that operates in harmony with our community’s interest. In today’s business climate, this is a very unique stance. Unfortunately, most corporations are rooted in an advanced capitalist philosophy of profit for the sake of profit, with little to no moral or ethical responsibility for the community it operates within, beyond the parameters the law dictates. Conversely, World Minded is unabashed in its moral and ethical standards, and has consistently stood by their stance that if they cannot uphold these standards in their business practices, then they will not be in business.

Karla Kelley, Director of Operations

Wearing World Minded clothing is so much more than choosing a comfortable shirt with an awesome design. It is about making a conscious choice and making a statement about who and what we support with our spending. Our consumption has far-reaching effects that we are all too often unaware of in our busy lives. When I wear World Minded gear, I support a model of business that I truly believe is at the heart of social, environmental, and economic sustainability. I also create opportunities to discuss this new world order of business with others when they ask me “Where did you get that sweet hat?”

Justin Huebscher in Mammoth Lakes with WM trucker hat

Check out WorldMinded.com, tell your friends about it! In the San Diego area you can find World Minded gear at Adventure 16 in Solana Beach and Oceanside.

Read about World Minded Ambassadors by following this link.
Follow the World Minded blog.
For awesome tidbits of information and links follow World Minded on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

If you know of other ethical companies that are rooted in sustainable practices and community activism, we invite you to share with us on our blog or you can email anne@annemillikencommunity.com.

Autumn Hiking in North County

2010-11-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

This beautiful weather we've been having lately inspired my friends and I to get out and go for a hike. Many of you here in North County may have forgotten about the Elfin Forest where a short drive, (30 minutes in considered short here) leads you to an area that has 11 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. We took the main Way Up Trail, which is 5 miles round-trip and an elevation gain of about 600 feet up to the Olivenhain Dam.

As you can see from the above photo, dogs are allowed which stoked out Molly dog since she's been in a perpetual state of wonderment as to where the heck all the nature went since we moved from Wyoming.

The switchbacks ease the elevation gain and halfway up you get a great view of Escondido. Once you're at the top there are picnic tables to relax and have a snack on overlooking the reservoir.

Overall the hike took around 2 hours which included snack breaks for my cute companions (who ruled the hike at the ages 4 and 6) and a chance for Molly to catch her breath after being done in by a squirrel chase.

We barely made the 6:00 pm closing time just as dusk fell so make sure you're at the trailhead by about 4:00.

The drive to the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve left the city behind and opened up to numerous beautiful horse ranches along Harmony Road.

Next time, I'm taking the Lake Hodges Overlook Trail which is less than another mile at the top. For driving directions and more information about the reserve, you can click here.

Gavin & Grandma Meg ascending!

Carter & Molly over-looking Lake Hodges

Gavin & Carter: "time for another rest"

Gavin & Carter

Misty, Lauren, & Molly (looking for squirrels to chase)

Gavin & Carter taking a rest and checking out the sites

Molly, Carter & Gavin: leading the pack

North County Back Story: Grape Stomping at Carruth Cellars

2010-10-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Follow the link below for an entertaining video of our Merlot grape stomp at Carruth Cellars Winery On Cedros.

The Winery On Cedros is my home away from home and an endeavor very near and dear to my heart. More on this awesome new winery In Our Community soon...

North County Back Story: Grape Stomping at Carruth Cellars "I enjoyed this interview last week with Anne Milliken and Adam Carruth of Carruth Cellars in Solana Beach. It reminds me of the 'Lucy's I..."

Community Inteface Services Holiday Celebration

2010-09-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

The people of Community Interface Services (CIS) are near and dear to my heart. After moving back to California, I found a home working for CIS as a program coordinator. CIS serves people with developmental disabilities throughout San Diego County. I encountered so many inspiring individuals during my time with CIS; the stories and experiences I shared with the staff and individuals being served by CIS stay with me as I continue my journey. The staff at CIS are some of the most dedicated, hard-working people I know and I have been proud to share friendship and lots of laughs with many of them.

This Sunday, Carruth Cellars Winery On Cedros will be hosting a fundraiser on behalf of CIS to raise funds for a very special event:

"Your help is needed to make a magical evening come to life. Each year in December, Community Interface Services hosts a Holiday Party for hundreds of people with developmental disabilities and the dedicated staff members who serve them. Most people with developmental disabilities live below the poverty line and wrestle with social isolation, making our Holiday Party a very special event in their lives. Attendance at the event consistently surpasses 400 people - the dance floor is full when the band strikes the first note and does not empty until the final encore. Add in a little food, a visit from Santa and some socializing, and it truly is a magical evening." ~Community Interface Services

As a former staff member of CIS, I can personally share with you how vitally important this event is to hundreds of people that CIS serves. The supervisors and coordinators work incredibly hard to put this event on each year, and relish in the joy it gives to so many people.

Carruth Cellars will be donating a mixed case of wine, valued over $400, to be raffled on behalf of CIS. All proceeds will be donated to Community Interface Services Holiday Party. Carruth Cellars will also be donating 25% of wine sales on Sunday to CIS.

Please join us, Sunday, September 12, anytime from 1:00PM to 7:00PM.

Wine raffle to be held at 6:30PM

Carruth Cellars Winery On Cedros

320 So. Cedros Ave. #400

Solana Beach, CA 92075

www.carruthcellars.com

(Just south of the Belly Up Tavern~Behind Cole's Fine Flooring~Next to Project X Art: Gallery)

I am honored to help facilitate this event, along with Adam Carruth at Carruth Cellars Winery On Cedros, on behalf of all of the amazing staff members and service recipients of Community Interface Services.

For me, these are the types of collaborations at the heart of true community.

Kickstart a Project

2010-08-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

I have a Sunday tradition of chilling with the New York Times and a cup of coffee. It was during this favorite time of mine that I ran across the new website Kickstarter and I immediately got sucked into it for at least an hour checking out all the cool projects people are working on.

How it works is people post their projects, how much money they need to get rolling and you have the opportunity to donate to the cause if you feel so inspired. I love this idea of people helping each other accomplish artistic visions that lack of funding usually kills.

There were lots of Burning Man projects that were funded this way like the Mega-Mart Mega Store whose purpose is to satirize and provide commentary on our modern society’s need to consume and spend. It also looks like it will be one sick dance party.....

I'm a big fan of street food and it's what I lived on in SE Asia. I'd like to see a bigger movement towards street food here in the States and thought the Good Food Truck Project out of Atlanta was an awesome idea: Yummers!

There are way too many cool projects to mention so go check it out yourself and help someone out or start your own project and let us know about it!

Real Food: Inspiration and Community

2010-08-25T16:03:00.000-07:00

7 Strategies for Teaching Your Kids What Real Food Is - Planet Green

As I read this article from Planet Green (click the link above to read), I was reflecting on how much we have been enjoying the riches of our garden this summer! I've come a long way since my childhood days of throwing watermelon seeds in the dry dirt along side my home, and praying something would grow. Sadly, nothing did and that closed the chapter on my gardening for a decade or two. Thankfully, in my adult life, my lovely friends have introduced me to the simple and abundant pleasures of gardening. I sit here today knowing, without a doubt, that I will never grow tired of caprese salad prepared fresh from my garden; it doesn't seem my loved ones will either. It is my token pot luck contribution these days.

The beauty of gardening for me is that it connects me to community on so many levels. I am learning about the symbiotic relationships inherent in nature, as we plant, grow, prepare and enjoy. Every time we prepare a meal from our garden, we delight together in something we helped to create and how we are nurturing our bodies with healthy, organic, and flavorful foods. To prepare a meal for my friends and family with fresh pickings from my garden is so exciting and rewarding! As new plants go in, I anticipate their growth and fruit with the excitement of a child every day, as I inspect their progress. I thank them, these sweet little treasures, with such humble gratitude. How did I not know how much fun this could be as a child?

Sunday, we perused the Encinitas/Leucadia Farmer's Market. I have been eating peaches, blueberries and raspberries like candy ever since. Sunday night, we prepared a steak produced with fully sustainable practices by a local farmer. And the figs, oh the figs!!! I spent 30+ years not knowing about figs! Please, I implore you, if you are a parent or significant role model of a child, introduce them young to the pleasures and delights of "real food".

2010-08-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

“What we choose to emphasize...will determine our lives. If we see only the worst it destroys our capacity to do something... To live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.” -Howard Zinn-

Occasionally I find myself really resonating with this postcard that was posted on www.postsecret.com this week. I start focusing on all the things wrong with the world which usually happens while I’m driving around consuming expensive gas that leads to record breaking oil company profits because I live in a place where driving is as necessary as breathing which actually seems to be the case everywhere. So I take a deep breath and try to turn my thoughts elsewhere which is why blogging has become a great tool for me to shift my paradigm.

There are so many unique individuals doing amazing things and when I start to think about them and how they have found something to live for that inspires and educates me, then my world becomes a more pleasant place. I wish we could all be solar panel, bio-diesel, composting, beer brewing, gardening, goat raising, cheese making, outdoor adventurous geeks that travel the world looking to other cultures for solutions, ideas and self expansion but, sigh, we cannot.

I think if I/we can share our passions with each other we’ll all stay inspired and excited to see the future unfold. I look forward to meeting and showcasing more fabulous people that are making things happen and hopefully we can all help each other get through these crazy times.

Thanks for reading! -Misty

The Mindful Method: Misty Andersen, Pilates Instructor

2010-07-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

I am honored to feature my friend and collaborator, Misty Andersen in this post! In so many beautiful ways, Misty embodies the essence of organic community that we are striving for in our lives and with this blog. Misty is also an inspired Pilates instructor in Our Community, the heart of Carlsbad Village. I recently had the opportunity to start my Pilates journey with Misty...

Walking into a Pilates studio for the first time, with total ignorance of the process, I feared I had just entered a torture chamber as I scanned the room full of masochistic looking machines. Looking at Misty’s sweet face, it is hard to imagine she could be the administrator of such punishment, but I have always thought it is the sweet and innocent faces you must beware of!

After some cautionary first movements, under Misty’s expert instruction, I quickly realized these machines were actually really cool. For a 7:00 am workout, lying on your back for most of the hour playing with moving gadgets is not such a bad thing. Although, I must advise, these seemingly insignificant movements, in a prone position, do catch up with you the next morning!

It is a special treat to see a dear friend in their professional element. It often unveils components of their essence that you have not yet had the opportunity to experience. Training with Misty in Pilates, I was able to witness her in a role of expert, professional, and skilled instructor. As awkward as it is to take on a new exercise regimen in unfamiliar surroundings, I felt surprisingly comfortable with her calm, relaxed, and attentive approach to coaching. Misty also brings her subtle, spot-on sense of humor to her Pilates instruction, which makes your training session glide along with laughs, as you feel the burn.

Health and wellness are so vital to our individual sustainability, as it is to our community’s sustainability. Finding a fitness routine that you can maintain is a must! One of the gifts of working out under Misty’s tutelage is she compels you to keep coming and to keep striving for your own health and fitness. If you are in the North County San Diego area, I highly recommend trying Pilates with Misty Andersen and supporting a LOCAL, small businesswoman. You will feel stomach muscles you never knew you had!

Check Misty’s website out at www.themindfulmethod.com for more information or call 310-698-2256 to learn about her new client specials.

The Orchid Man

2010-07-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

One man's love of Orchids has blossomed into a thriving business and Encinitas now has a responsible business owner who cares deeply about the people in his community and the environment.

The owner of Encinitas Orchids, Don Doerfler, endears himself to you upon your first meeting! His love of orchids and passion for life fuel his up-and-coming business through his superior customer service and community involvement. Don caught our attention, first with his beautiful arrangements, but held it when he began to discuss his commitment to striving toward a sustainable business. Encinitas Orchids ensures that their orchids are harvested with sustainable practices. He also drives a vintage yellow Mercedes powered by used vegetable oil he collects from local businesses. Free delivery is available for these beautifully crafted arrangements. Yes that's right, no part of the earth has to be drilled to propel this man's flowers to you.

Free Delivery! What is greater than that you may wonder? Don takes it a step further by replacing your dying Orchids (and relieving Orchid phobia) with a blooming one for only the price of the new plant. Don is committed to you enjoying a living Orchid arrangement all year long.

You can find these fabulous arrangements and the man behind them at the Sunday Leucadia Farmer's Market, Saturdays at The Mercato in Little Italy, downtown San Diego, or you can call for an appointment to visit his studio in Encinitas.

Encinitas Orchids

www.encinitasorchids.com

760-533-0991

Fair Trade: What, Why, & Where

2010-07-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

Fair Trade: What, Why, & Where

We are all aware of the endless issues we face socially, economically, and environmentally in our world today. It is very easy to become overwhelmed and in response throw up our hands and say, “what can I do, as one person, that will make a difference.” It is our intention to embark on a journey of empowerment and share this journey with our community, so that we may each step forward knowing that we can and do make a difference both individually and as a collective community.

First stop on this journey, Fair Trade. We both start our days, as many of you likely do, with a good ‘ol cup o’Joe. The sound of the beans grinding, the sweet aroma of it brewing, the steam rising off my foaming soy, and the delicious, invigorating first taste are such fundamental necessities to a day starting off just right. Our simple daily rituals, such as enjoying a cup of coffee, can have significant implications, socially, economically, and environmentally.

Americans consume one-fifth of the world’s coffee, making our country the largest consumer of coffee in the world. Coffee is the United States largest food import and the world's second most valuable traded commodity, behind only petroleum.

Fair Trade: What is it?

Fair Trade is a world-wide collaborative system to ensure producers receive a fair price and a living wage for their commodity. Fair Trade is not exclusive to coffee, and continues to expand its reach.
The following are highlights cited on www.globalexchange.org regarding Fair Trade:

Forced labor and exploitative child labor are not allowed
Buyers and producers trade under direct long-term relationships
Producers have access to financial and technical assistance
Sustainable production techniques are encouraged
Working conditions are healthy and safe
Equal employment opportunities are provided for all
All aspects of trade and production are open to public accountability

Fair Trade: Why?

Understanding the significance of your purchase power allows you to wield it with ethical intention, that can have far-reaching results. When you choose Fair Trade coffee you are ensuring that participating farmers receive a living wage, and that they are provided loans and assistance with transitioning to organic farming. Coffee purchasers must pledge to pay a minimum of $1.26 per/pound for Fair Trade coffee beans. Without Fair Trade guarantees, farmers have been known to not only go into poverty, but to take their children out of school to work on the farms. One cup of coffee costs us more than the farmers get per pound! When you choose that cup of coffee, consider the sustainability of that purchase for the grower and for our environment.

Fair Trade: Where can I use my purchasing power?

The following area some locations in our are that serve or sell Fair Trade products. Please join us in highlighting other companies that are participating in Fair Trade in our area or yours, in the comments section.

Panniken Coffee & Tea
www.pannikincoffeeandtea.com
Encinitas Café
510 N. Highway 101
Encinitas CA 92024
760-436-5824

Vinaka Cafe
300 Carlsbad Village Dr Ste 211
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 720-7890

2Spoons Coffee Company
www.2spoonscoffee.com/
3829 Plaza Drive
Oceanside, CA 92056
(760) 724-1220

Hill Street Coffee House
524 S. Coast Highway
Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 966-0985

Naked Cafe
www.thenakedcafe.com
300 Carlsbad Village Dr.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760.720.7866

E Street Cafe
www.estreetcafe.com
128/130 West "E" Street
Encinitas California 92024
(760) 230-2038

For more information regarding Fair Trade, visit www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/.