I know the bicycling series I was writing for Green Monday was preempted by the Green It carnival last week, but with me heading to GCLS con tomorrow, I felt the need to talk about the place I will be staying while I’m in Phoenix. Be patient, there is a link between all of this and the purpose of green Monday, I swear.
This is some of the things Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort had to say about itself that really caught my interest.
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort is located on the Gila River Indian Community, and is designed to be an authentic representation of the Gila River Indian Community heritage and culture. The architecture, design, art and legends of the Pima (Akimel O’odham) and Maricopa (Pee Posh) tribes are celebrated in every detail imaginable, indoors and out.
I this the perfect place for my first GCLS con or what? Yes, I know it’s not Cherokee run (Tsalagi), but I love the idea of supporting a tribe efforts to care for their people financially whenever I can, my tribe or not. Admittedly, without the scholarship I could never have afforded the $150 plus rate a night the con is getting if I remember the number range correctly (normally the room prices look between $180 and $210) for the five days I’m staying.
Now, I am not certain the hotel itself is tribe run and owned, it’s certainly a franchise of Sheraton, but that is something I plan to look into while I’m there. There several touristy things in the area also looked to be tribe run, the Rawhide (steakhouse and western town), Koli Equestrian Center (I sooooo wish I could afford the $65 to take a ride while I am there. I haven’t been on a horse in forever, and I miss riding), and a golf school (no interest in that). The Gila River Indian Community has other touristy places listed under Wild Horse Pass itself like a casino, the Aji spa, a golf club, and a business park which make me hopeful that the whole area in under the reins of the tribes themselves.
While I am there I hope to learn as much about the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) tribes as I can. There’s a heritage center about two miles from the hotel I’m going to try to make a day of on Wednesday if I can, called the HuHugam Heritage Center. I did manage to find some info online at the community site that I can share with you now.
Aikimel O’otham: If the level of a people’s arts and cultural activity is an accurate refl ection of their overall state of vitality, it is encouraging to note a renaissance of both traditional and innovative arts, crafts, and cultural pursuits among our Gila River community. Historically, the Akimel O’odham and Tohono O’odham were some of the world’s premier basketmakers, and the Tohono O’odham remain very active in this fi eld. Among the Akimel O’odham, basket weaving is an art undergoing revival. In addition, culturual gatherings and special arts events are growing larger, and more tribal members are making a living, or supplementing their income, through the sale of arts and crafts. And, in January 2004, the community dedicated one of the nation’s fi nest facilities for the preservation and display of Native artifacts, the HuHugam Heritage center.
In 2003, community youth at Ira Hayes Memorial Applied Learning High School on the reservation tackled a new arts medium: video. With the aid of the Herberger College of Fine Arts at Arizona State University in Tempe, the teens created a wonderful documentary, The River People, which was chosen for screening at the Cinematexas International Film Festival in the fall of 2003, showing that our people’s artistic talents can be extended in new and exciting ways.
Pee Posh: The Maricopa people were small bands living along the lower Gila and Colorado rivers. Each of these bands migrated eastward at different times. The Xalychidom (Maricopa of Lehi), left around 1825-1830. The last of these bands is said to have left the Colorado River in the late 1830’s. Eventually these bands came together and became collectively known as the Maricopa. As they migrated eastward, they came upon the Pima tribe and established a relationship. Both tribes provided protection against the Yuman and Apache tribes.
Some Maricopa’s (mostly Xalychidom Piipaash) began migrating to the area now known as Lehi on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, because water from the Gila River was becoming scarce. When the Salt River Indian Community was established in 1879, the reservation included both tribes within these boundaries. The Maricopa Tribe is known for their red clay pottery work. Various jars and bowls were created for essential needs, made of natural materials. The clay was collected at various locations within the area. Natural dyes were used to depict geometrical designs. Maricopa pottery artwork can be viewed at the Community’s Hoohoogam Ki Museum
Looks like it’s a good thing I will be there a day early. I admit my interests may be quite different than many of the women going to the con, but if I have to trek to the heritage center solo, I’m okay with that. I can’t afford much, but hopefully the center will have books I can buy and cart home so I can share with my children what I learn there about Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) tribes. One thing I am going to be sure to do (since I suck at remembering names and learning languages) I’m going to work very hard to remember how to pronounce the tribe names. Pee Posh is easy enough to remember, but Akimel O’odham might be a bit more of a challenge. :)
Okay, on to the Green Monday part of the topic. Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort is a part of the GeoGreen Resort Initiative. According to the hotel site this is an organization dedicated to environmental responsibility and cultural sustainability. I couldn’t other resorts connected to this program, but they really should be. It looks like a great program. Here’s the GeoGreen program detailed by Department.
The more I read about this place, the more excited I am about going there. This resort is like nothing I have ever stayed at before, but I wish there were more place like it. Imagine is local tribe here like the Onieda and the Potawatomi, or even the Ho Chunk who have their ornate casinos created hotels like this one. It is possible a place like Phoenix is a far better location for places like the Wild Horse Pass Resort, but I would love to see more place take the clue from the Gila River Indian Community. Something tells me convention aside, this is going to be a place that will be hard to leave after the five days are up.
Showing posts with label Green Monday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Green Monday. Show all posts
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Green Monday "Creative Recycling with the Green It! Carnival"
I was invited to join the new "Green It" carnival, and it's up and live.
The Creative Recycling edition of the Green It! Carnival has been published, which has been compiled by Lisa of Condo Blues. Reducing waste is a big part of living green, but at times it can be a bit of a challenge, if not down right impossible to come up with creative ways to recycle! Never fear! This edition of the Green It! Carnival will provide you with ideas galore and solutions to also sorts of recycling quandaries.
The Creative Recycling edition of the Green It! Carnival has been published, which has been compiled by Lisa of Condo Blues. Reducing waste is a big part of living green, but at times it can be a bit of a challenge, if not down right impossible to come up with creative ways to recycle! Never fear! This edition of the Green It! Carnival will provide you with ideas galore and solutions to also sorts of recycling quandaries.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Green Monday: Cycling pt 1, Fitting a Bike
I’ve really been thinking about the idea of getting a bicycle and using it (to start with) for shorter errands and trips. I’ll admit the raising gas prices is one reason, the environmental impact another, but a big reason is also that weighing in now at 157 (a 30 lb loss since Feb) it’s time to step up the fitness part of my day so I can have that nummy Culvers custard guilt free. :)
Okay, I admit, health is a good part of my reason too, even though living in Wisconsin the months it’s warm enough to get on a cycle is limited. So, with all of that in mind, I’ve been doing some research on buying, riding, and maintaining a cycle. There’s so much info, I think I will talk about bikes in several steps over a few posts. This first one will be about bike fitting.
Read the rest at Cycling pt 1, Fitting a Bike
Okay, I admit, health is a good part of my reason too, even though living in Wisconsin the months it’s warm enough to get on a cycle is limited. So, with all of that in mind, I’ve been doing some research on buying, riding, and maintaining a cycle. There’s so much info, I think I will talk about bikes in several steps over a few posts. This first one will be about bike fitting.
Read the rest at Cycling pt 1, Fitting a Bike
Monday, January 21, 2008
Green Monday "The Story of Stuff"
I was wracking my brain today to deside what of thousands of things I could do for the Green Monday post today, when my friend Janet Sumner sent this to us in a yahoo group.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Green Monday "Vermicomposting"
I thought a bit ago I’d start using Monday’s post to talk about thing people (including me) can do to make themselves or/and the earth herself healthier.
Last week I talked about the juicing I’ve been experimenting with, and that went very well. The thing is, that branched my thoughts out into something else entirely. You see with juicing, between the pulp and the scraps, you have a bit of food waste. So what do you do with that food waste?
Vermicomposting!
Last week I talked about the juicing I’ve been experimenting with, and that went very well. The thing is, that branched my thoughts out into something else entirely. You see with juicing, between the pulp and the scraps, you have a bit of food waste. So what do you do with that food waste?
Vermicomposting!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Green Monday "Juicing"
I’ve been thinking, since I’ve got Nutrition on the mind I might share a bit with ya’ll on what I am learning about. Over several days of experimentation, this is how my experience with Juicing went.
It all started on Thursday…
I admit I hate veggies in general, but I know I have to eat more of them than I do. My other issue is when I am writing, if it’s not right there in front of me, I forget to eat all together. With the juices I can make them that morning while I get the kids to school, take my thyroid meds, and in the time it takes for me to clean up and get settle to right the juice is cooled and I am ready to work, juice in hand. Okay, that’s the theory anyways.
I could even make some the night before, but I have to wait an hour or so after I take my thyroid meds in the morning before I’m allowed to eat anything. And I need my meds even though I forget those half the time too. If I can get into a regular schedule of things, it will make all of it easier for my ADD brain.
What I’m thinking is I should start with a few simple recipes, give myself variety, but not so many I get confused. I’ve tried a few juice recipes at the local coop, so I know a few combinations I like. I’ll need some recipes for energy boost, immune boosts, etc… Any of you that are already juicing have fav recipes…and what are they best for? I’d like to get organic fruit and veggies for these, but my budget can’t really take the strain of everything being totally organic, so I’ll do the best I can. This spring I’m doing my garden and that will make things easier.
By that evening…
The first recipe they mention I’d wanted to try is carrot (4) (good for vit a,b,c & beta-carotene, and a ton of other good stuff) and asparagus (1/2 lb) (a, b1, folic), celery (4 ribs) (c, potassium, sodium), apple (2) (pectin reduces cholesterol), and (2 cups) spinach leaves (iron and everything else that is good and pure ;)).
Okay, it looked interesting (pg 47 of the Complete Idiots Guide to Juicing), so I thought might try some and see if I could get use to the taste, or even better, liked it right away. So Thursday last week I went to the store and gathered my supplies, braving the brand new Trader Joe in my area. Then I cleaned up the dusty juicer and gave it a whirl.
Okay, so I added less asparagus (1/4 of a lb maybe) and spinach (about a cup) then they asked for…it was looking soooo very green, but it’s not too bad. I’m gonna load it into the fridge and see how it is really cold.
Onto Friday……
Okay, cold it even tastes better. It’s strong, no doubt about that. I might need to fluctuate between this and something lighter. For the heck of it I’ve renamed the juice and here is my version of the recipe.
Gaia’s Garden Mix
4 carrots (cut of tops and wash)
2 celery (wash well)
10-12 asparagus spears (check for bruises)
1 cup spinach leaves (washed)
3 apples (decore)
First cut veggies and fruit into juicable pieces, send ‘em through the blades, mix well and chill overnight. Not bad at all and very healthy. Makes around 2 ½ cups.
Introducing my next experiments. I’m thinking we go more for “early morning sunny refreshment” this time and less for “packed with vitamins”. Just means I need to send the hubby for more variety of supplies to test out, but with all the snow falling in Milwaukee not sure if he can do tonight.
Later that night…
Well, we’ve finally braved the snow now that the storm is calm, and have come back with the goodies. There’s a carrot and strawberry juice that could be fun. It’s easy enough to make, you just alternate between the two through the juicer. How hard can that be? I wonder if this’d make a good slushy. Gonna experiment and see the way I like it before I write it down.
Okay, it took a bit of messing around since I lost my mind on the strawberries (I love fresh strawberries), but it’s pretty darn good. Gonna try it cold in the morning, but even warm by 4 year old loved it, and she is uber picky, hates carrots.
Willow’s Choice
6 carrots (good sized, cut off tops)
1 lb strawberries (cut off tops and bruised parts)
Mix and guard from children. If you’re making a family treat I say triple the recipe at least. :) Try mixed with soy milk or made into slushies (though it will loose some nutrients in the freezing), and tell me how it tastes. I will say this taste better fresh. Use in 24 hour or it starts to taste sour to me.
I also made a nummy looking combination that calls for carrots (3), beet (1/2), cucumber (1/2). This one looks like it might make less juice than the other did, but When I make it I’ll make the carrots and cucumber first, taste it, and then add the beets. I might even throw in a wee bit of ginger in this one too.
I found it at the Soyquick site along with several other interesting looking recipes. Also check out the cool soy and rice milk maker they have there. It looks easy to use. My b-day is coming up, time to poke the family. It should make them happy, first year I haven’t answer a question of “what do you want for you’re birthday” with an “I don’t know”
After the juice is made...
Okay, with a little taste testing, and my own changes, the juiced ended up it an interesting shade of red. They call it a purifier, I guess I’d be good for detoxing. It’s good for relaxation they say, without the beets. I might try that later. Here’s my variation.
Gentle Detox Juice
5 carrots (good sized, tops removed)
½ a small beet
1 cucumber (if you use organic no need to peel, if not, peel the waxy skin off)
It makes a little less than two cups. It’s a unique tasted, the beet are odd at first if you are not used to their flavor. The rest of the ingredients tone down the beets a lot to give you a chance to get use to them easier. I’m still struggling with the oddity of the taste myself, so this will likely be an “only when I need it” combo.
There are a few veggies that will never enter my juicer. No tomatoes, my body doesn’t seem to be able to handle nightshades any better than dairy, so no yogurt mixed in either. I hate cabbage and brussel sprouts equally, so no way on those either.
Saturday…
Oddly enough, Willow’s Choice (my daughter loves the name of course) is not as much to my taste cold as it is warm. Maybe I’ll be better to make it fresh and drink it right away. Other folks my feel differently, so if you decide to try it, play around.
Most of what I’ve made have carrots so I’m trying something different today. Freedom You has a brain stimulator recipe with one each of oranges, hard pears, grapefruit, apple, and yam. With the writing I have to do before the kids get up in the morning might give this one a try. Trouble is you have to go on a five day juice fast, and I don’t really drink coffee, or eat junk food, so I’m wondering how necessary the fast it. Well, at least I can try it to see if I like the taste of it anyways.
Sunday...
Okay, so I didn’t get the brain combo done until today, but I did finish off the beet and the strawberry mixes. I changed the recipe (you went surprised were you?) and ended up with the BEST tasting juice yet. Oh my Goddess it was soooo good even warm, all frothy and rich. I’m gonna try it cold as soon as it’s in the fridge long enough. This is not gonna last the day. I’ll make these more often. My kids liked them, especially my son.
Healthy Frothy Dessertilicious
2 orange (peel the outer skin)
2 apples (decore)
1 grapefruit (peel outer skin)
2 pears (decore)
1 yam (med sized, scrubbed)
Wow. Makes a whopping 4 cups, and you’ll need it when the kids get s taste.
Okay, one more today. One recipe at Harvest Essentials mentions juicing 3 oranges and then one cucumber. Hmmm that sounds kinda smooth. Gonna try that. They also have basic juicing prep info there that is useful.
Well, it made nearly 4 cups when I used 5 oranges and 2 cucumbers. I really do need to get organic cucumbers next time so I can see what the taste is like when I juice them peels on. This is more yellow than the last one which was a nice orange, and a bit more sour, but not bad.
There are some things I might add to my fav combos later like bee pollen (protein, a,b,c, and e, as well as magnesium and calcium), flax seed oil (omega 3 fatty acids), wheat germ (protein and fiber), and perhaps even some soy protein.
Well, that’s it for my juicing diary, but I will continue trying new things and juicing everyday. If I find a new recipe (or create one) that I’d like to share, you’ll see it here first. I’ll leave you with a few other recipes I found in case you want to experiment too.
This one at Health Recipes mentions ginger, apples, peaches, and pears which might be interesting, but they have great nutritional info here too. Juicing Basics also has some useful info as well. I’m not sure the complete recipes work for me there, but it’s given me ideas or combos to play with just for fun.
In the end, if I do at least 16 oz of juicing a day, I’m still getting more fruits and veggies than I was before anyways. It all adds up. It just means more regular trips for fresh produce at the store since it’s winter here. Summertime will be fun, lots of farm fresh veggies at the farmer’s markets.
I figure the transition is like this...
I eat better I have more energy
I have more energy; I get the house in order
I get the house in order; I have room and the extra emotional energy to exercise
I exercise and I loose enough girth to get back down to a healthy weight, which in turn gives me more energy.
In the end I’ll maybe find recipes I like to make and eat, and perhaps set a good example for my kids and get them to eat healthier too.
I’m off to drink a glass from the second batch of Gaia’s Garden that’s chilling in the fridge and see how the Healthy Frothy Dessertilicious slushie turned out. See ya’ll later.
It all started on Thursday…
I admit I hate veggies in general, but I know I have to eat more of them than I do. My other issue is when I am writing, if it’s not right there in front of me, I forget to eat all together. With the juices I can make them that morning while I get the kids to school, take my thyroid meds, and in the time it takes for me to clean up and get settle to right the juice is cooled and I am ready to work, juice in hand. Okay, that’s the theory anyways.
I could even make some the night before, but I have to wait an hour or so after I take my thyroid meds in the morning before I’m allowed to eat anything. And I need my meds even though I forget those half the time too. If I can get into a regular schedule of things, it will make all of it easier for my ADD brain.
What I’m thinking is I should start with a few simple recipes, give myself variety, but not so many I get confused. I’ve tried a few juice recipes at the local coop, so I know a few combinations I like. I’ll need some recipes for energy boost, immune boosts, etc… Any of you that are already juicing have fav recipes…and what are they best for? I’d like to get organic fruit and veggies for these, but my budget can’t really take the strain of everything being totally organic, so I’ll do the best I can. This spring I’m doing my garden and that will make things easier.
By that evening…
The first recipe they mention I’d wanted to try is carrot (4) (good for vit a,b,c & beta-carotene, and a ton of other good stuff) and asparagus (1/2 lb) (a, b1, folic), celery (4 ribs) (c, potassium, sodium), apple (2) (pectin reduces cholesterol), and (2 cups) spinach leaves (iron and everything else that is good and pure ;)).
Okay, it looked interesting (pg 47 of the Complete Idiots Guide to Juicing), so I thought might try some and see if I could get use to the taste, or even better, liked it right away. So Thursday last week I went to the store and gathered my supplies, braving the brand new Trader Joe in my area. Then I cleaned up the dusty juicer and gave it a whirl.
Okay, so I added less asparagus (1/4 of a lb maybe) and spinach (about a cup) then they asked for…it was looking soooo very green, but it’s not too bad. I’m gonna load it into the fridge and see how it is really cold.
Onto Friday……
Okay, cold it even tastes better. It’s strong, no doubt about that. I might need to fluctuate between this and something lighter. For the heck of it I’ve renamed the juice and here is my version of the recipe.
Gaia’s Garden Mix
4 carrots (cut of tops and wash)
2 celery (wash well)
10-12 asparagus spears (check for bruises)
1 cup spinach leaves (washed)
3 apples (decore)
First cut veggies and fruit into juicable pieces, send ‘em through the blades, mix well and chill overnight. Not bad at all and very healthy. Makes around 2 ½ cups.
Introducing my next experiments. I’m thinking we go more for “early morning sunny refreshment” this time and less for “packed with vitamins”. Just means I need to send the hubby for more variety of supplies to test out, but with all the snow falling in Milwaukee not sure if he can do tonight.
Later that night…
Well, we’ve finally braved the snow now that the storm is calm, and have come back with the goodies. There’s a carrot and strawberry juice that could be fun. It’s easy enough to make, you just alternate between the two through the juicer. How hard can that be? I wonder if this’d make a good slushy. Gonna experiment and see the way I like it before I write it down.
Okay, it took a bit of messing around since I lost my mind on the strawberries (I love fresh strawberries), but it’s pretty darn good. Gonna try it cold in the morning, but even warm by 4 year old loved it, and she is uber picky, hates carrots.
Willow’s Choice
6 carrots (good sized, cut off tops)
1 lb strawberries (cut off tops and bruised parts)
Mix and guard from children. If you’re making a family treat I say triple the recipe at least. :) Try mixed with soy milk or made into slushies (though it will loose some nutrients in the freezing), and tell me how it tastes. I will say this taste better fresh. Use in 24 hour or it starts to taste sour to me.
I also made a nummy looking combination that calls for carrots (3), beet (1/2), cucumber (1/2). This one looks like it might make less juice than the other did, but When I make it I’ll make the carrots and cucumber first, taste it, and then add the beets. I might even throw in a wee bit of ginger in this one too.
I found it at the Soyquick site along with several other interesting looking recipes. Also check out the cool soy and rice milk maker they have there. It looks easy to use. My b-day is coming up, time to poke the family. It should make them happy, first year I haven’t answer a question of “what do you want for you’re birthday” with an “I don’t know”
After the juice is made...
Okay, with a little taste testing, and my own changes, the juiced ended up it an interesting shade of red. They call it a purifier, I guess I’d be good for detoxing. It’s good for relaxation they say, without the beets. I might try that later. Here’s my variation.
Gentle Detox Juice
5 carrots (good sized, tops removed)
½ a small beet
1 cucumber (if you use organic no need to peel, if not, peel the waxy skin off)
It makes a little less than two cups. It’s a unique tasted, the beet are odd at first if you are not used to their flavor. The rest of the ingredients tone down the beets a lot to give you a chance to get use to them easier. I’m still struggling with the oddity of the taste myself, so this will likely be an “only when I need it” combo.
There are a few veggies that will never enter my juicer. No tomatoes, my body doesn’t seem to be able to handle nightshades any better than dairy, so no yogurt mixed in either. I hate cabbage and brussel sprouts equally, so no way on those either.
Saturday…
Oddly enough, Willow’s Choice (my daughter loves the name of course) is not as much to my taste cold as it is warm. Maybe I’ll be better to make it fresh and drink it right away. Other folks my feel differently, so if you decide to try it, play around.
Most of what I’ve made have carrots so I’m trying something different today. Freedom You has a brain stimulator recipe with one each of oranges, hard pears, grapefruit, apple, and yam. With the writing I have to do before the kids get up in the morning might give this one a try. Trouble is you have to go on a five day juice fast, and I don’t really drink coffee, or eat junk food, so I’m wondering how necessary the fast it. Well, at least I can try it to see if I like the taste of it anyways.
Sunday...
Okay, so I didn’t get the brain combo done until today, but I did finish off the beet and the strawberry mixes. I changed the recipe (you went surprised were you?) and ended up with the BEST tasting juice yet. Oh my Goddess it was soooo good even warm, all frothy and rich. I’m gonna try it cold as soon as it’s in the fridge long enough. This is not gonna last the day. I’ll make these more often. My kids liked them, especially my son.
Healthy Frothy Dessertilicious
2 orange (peel the outer skin)
2 apples (decore)
1 grapefruit (peel outer skin)
2 pears (decore)
1 yam (med sized, scrubbed)
Wow. Makes a whopping 4 cups, and you’ll need it when the kids get s taste.
Okay, one more today. One recipe at Harvest Essentials mentions juicing 3 oranges and then one cucumber. Hmmm that sounds kinda smooth. Gonna try that. They also have basic juicing prep info there that is useful.
Well, it made nearly 4 cups when I used 5 oranges and 2 cucumbers. I really do need to get organic cucumbers next time so I can see what the taste is like when I juice them peels on. This is more yellow than the last one which was a nice orange, and a bit more sour, but not bad.
There are some things I might add to my fav combos later like bee pollen (protein, a,b,c, and e, as well as magnesium and calcium), flax seed oil (omega 3 fatty acids), wheat germ (protein and fiber), and perhaps even some soy protein.
Well, that’s it for my juicing diary, but I will continue trying new things and juicing everyday. If I find a new recipe (or create one) that I’d like to share, you’ll see it here first. I’ll leave you with a few other recipes I found in case you want to experiment too.
This one at Health Recipes mentions ginger, apples, peaches, and pears which might be interesting, but they have great nutritional info here too. Juicing Basics also has some useful info as well. I’m not sure the complete recipes work for me there, but it’s given me ideas or combos to play with just for fun.
In the end, if I do at least 16 oz of juicing a day, I’m still getting more fruits and veggies than I was before anyways. It all adds up. It just means more regular trips for fresh produce at the store since it’s winter here. Summertime will be fun, lots of farm fresh veggies at the farmer’s markets.
I figure the transition is like this...
I eat better I have more energy
I have more energy; I get the house in order
I get the house in order; I have room and the extra emotional energy to exercise
I exercise and I loose enough girth to get back down to a healthy weight, which in turn gives me more energy.
In the end I’ll maybe find recipes I like to make and eat, and perhaps set a good example for my kids and get them to eat healthier too.
I’m off to drink a glass from the second batch of Gaia’s Garden that’s chilling in the fridge and see how the Healthy Frothy Dessertilicious slushie turned out. See ya’ll later.
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