Tastylinks
- Support Systems for Life Changes
a little help from a friend - Factory Farmed Animal Rescue group
Eco-Heros working from the heart. Adopt a Duck now! - Resource for Seasonal, Regional Eating
keepin’ it close to home - best food in the southeast
farm fresh, organic, real, prepared with passion - Faboo Farmers of Mushrooms!
- Organic Consumer
One stop resources for info on all things organic - Bob's Red Mill
long time crafters of excellent quality grain products - South Carolina Seafood Alliance
“Serving you with information and education about South Carolina Seafood” This good organization was formed to help preserve the lifestyle and economic interests of professional fisherman in the rapidly developing Southeastern coastal communities. We s - Penzeys Spice Company,
Outstanding selection of great seasonings and tastes enhancers! - groovy good chocolate
organic fair trade, conscious chocolate products
Fun Fitness Feature for February: Smiling…Really!
Smiling may not seem like much of a work out but if you are a natural sour puss you might be surprised at the burn. Smiling uses up to 53 different facial muscles, with less expanding and contracting than frowning which means it won’t give you those permanent dents between your eye brows. Smiling releases endorphins that make us feel good, even if the smile is forced. Fake it till you make it. People of all ages respond favorably to a smiling face so break out with one of your 18 different goofy grins and firm up those saggy cheeks.
The Valentine Love Story…in case you didn’t know
Italy is a fab place but Rome in the 3rd century had some issues. The empire was at war under the rule of evil Claudius who had drafted everyone except married men. The soldiers were sick of fighting and most of them just wanted to find a fine babe and have a few kids, so the ranks were shrinking. That’s why Claudius banned marriage. He was all like “Now get out there and kill some Carthinians you lazy romantic Romans.”
Valentine was a pretty ordinary Catholic priest who thought Claudius’ law was bogus, so he went underground to perform secret marriage ceremonies for anyone who wanted one.
Pretty soon he was busted and thrown in jail with a death sentence! Harsh!!
One day the jailer’s daughter brought Valentine his lunch of nasty lock-up food and some flowers and a note from some of his admirers that said ‘We want you to know that we too believe in love.” Valentine read the jailer’s daughter the note and it must have melted her gangsta heart because she became a messenger for the love notes to Valentine that were pouring in from around the city.
But finally dooms day came for ole Valentine but before he died he wrote a note to the jailer’s daughter, it said, “Thank you for your friendship and loyalty, Love from your Valentine”. It was dated February 14th, 269. Later on the church made our big hearted hero a Saint. Good call.
And that my romantic friends, is the story of the roots of my favorite holiday; a bonzo feast of love vibes and chocolate, candle light and kisses: pretty much a perfect day.
Move your love fest into the kitchen with our Flaming Valentine’s Day recipes!
