Thanksgiving - a time for giving thanks for the abundance in our lives and celebrating family and friends. Thanksgiving can also be a time to celebrate the beauty of mother earth and give thanks for all she has given us. You can honor our mother by being a "locavore" this Thanksgiving. A locavore is someone who eats foods that are grown within a 100-mile radius of their home.
I am especially thankful this year for my family, friends and clients - and all of you my newsletter readers.
Warm regards, Marie L. Brown
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Green Clean
Don't have time to do the big clean before the holidays? Why not hire a green cleaning service to do the job for you? No mess or stress. Maid Brigade is a premier green cleaning service in the Bay area. To locate a provider in your area go to Maid Brigade and type in your zip code. In the Sacramento area, California Green Clean can whip your house into green shape. For more information, go to CGC or check them out on Yelp for any specials or discounts.
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Eco-eating
Thanksgiving Turkey
Consider buying turkeys raised locally. Branigan's Turkey Farm in Woodland sells free-range turkeys. You can order by going to the Branigan's site or purchase one in a local area store. Their site also has a listing of stores in the Sacramento area where Branigan's turkeys are sold.
Or maybe you would prefer a Heritage Turkey for your dinner. A Heritage turkey is the ancestor of today's broad-breasted white turkey (think Butterball). These turkeys are bred for their flavor, beauty and meatiness or yield. Heritage turkeys are considered superior because they're hearty, flavorful and offer biological diversity. Find a California supplier for organic, free-range, grass-fed turkeys at Local Harvest
Even your dog or cat can have an organic Thanksgiving with Brandon Farms Turkey entries. Brandon Farms cat food is sold at Food 4 Less in the Sacramento area.
Fruits and Vegetables
To continue on your locavore quest check out local fruits and vegetables at your local CFM's (Certified Farmer's Markets). Go to CFM for a list of markets in your area. Or take the family to a Pick-Your-Own farm and hand select your own fruits and vegetables. You can also partner with a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm in the area to receive a box of seasonal fruits and vegetables weekly or monthly. Check out Local Harvest for farms in your area.
Pies and Cakes
Bake your own pumpkin pie using a locally harvested pumpkin or using the fruit from you Halloween pumpkin. If you don't feel like baking your own pie check out a local Sacramento area favorite, the Freeport Bakery for amazing cakes and pies. Another Eco-Chic favorite is Rick's Dessert Diner.
Wines And of course, we can all be thankful for the bounty and selection of California wines. Here are some links to information about local area wines you can purchase for Thanksgiving dinner: Placer County El Dorado County Amador County Nevada County Yolo County San Francisco - Bay area
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Eco Tablescape
Your Thanksgiving would not be complete without an amazing table. You don't have to spend a fortune to set a special table. Use your everyday dishes or Grandma's china. Do an inventory and you will probably find that you have nearly everything you need. Advantage - using what you have doesn't cost, allows your creativity to bloom and is relatively stress-free. Checklist for an eco-friendly Thanksgiving table:- Dishes
- Glassware and stemware
- Silverware
- Cloth napkins
- Placemats and/or tablecloth
- Candlesticks
- Vase for flowers
- Flowers from your garden
- Pumpkins, gourds and other fall decorations from Halloween
- Fall leaves, chestnuts or other naturals gathered from your yard
Tablescape 1This dark wood table was the perfect background for the fall colors. The table's color grounds the bright oranges and yellows of the gourds and flowers. We decorated this table using items the owner had and spent only $25.00 for gourds and fresh fall flowers.  Tablescape 2This tablescape has a neutral backdrop to highlight all the bright colors. The reuse of decorations purchased for Halloween is a thrifty way to decorate for Thanksgiving. Flowers and herbs purchased for under $20 complete the table. After the holiday, the flowers and gourds can be thrown into the compost pile to nourish your garden for next year. |
Help Kick Off My Pilot Program- Decoravore™*
Eco-Chic Design is excited to present its Pilot Program - Decoravore™. The Decoravore program is for those who crave unique home design and accessories. We come to your home with unique, upcycled and eco-friendly accessories and furnishings. Environmentally preferred accents with a designer touch.
Earn design credits (my time for free) just by entertaining your friends. All you have to do is:
- Pick a date and time
- Prepare a guest list
- Show up
During the pilot program, for every $100 in purchases you will receive one hour of design time or you may use your credits to buy products (e.g., $100 in purchases will give you $25.00 in product credit).
Party Add-ons
- Eco-Friendly wines ($4.00 per person)
- Hors d'oeuvres - Foods sourced locally when possible (price varies)
*Current Pilot available within 50 mile radius of Lincoln, CA only
Thank you for spending time with me today!
Sincerely,
Marie L. Brown, LEED AP Eco-Chic Design
916.240.3724 |