Just wanted to share this video with all of you. And yes. I realize. The three people that read this blog have probably already viewed this video. *sigh* I SO wanted to be unique!

August 18th, 2010, my own local newspaper, the Helena Independent Record (Which, by the way, there’s nothing independent about this newspaper. Completely biased), printed a story entitled “Meat lover meets tofu”, the “Room for Improvement” column written by freelance writer Sara Groves. Basically, it’s a column chock full of someones opinion. The article can be read here. Now, I’ve always stood up for the fact that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I do, however, believe that opinions are like assholes, we all have one, and they all stink.

I’m going to touch on a couple of the more naive and totally opinionated points of her article. Basically, they are B.S.

First.  Ms. Groves ascertains

“Because according to nearly every study of American eating habits ever published, our diets, which are heavy on meat, cheese, fat and sugar while being light on vegetables, fruits and whole grains, result in an alarming rate of preventable, chronic diseases ranging from diabetes to heart disease.”

Who published said studies? When? Facts people! Post the facts!

Second.

“Additionally, it takes an estimated 1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef.”

I’m sorry? WHAT? Am I the only person who finds these numbers down right hilarious? I’m no scientist. I am a google user and you can bet I put it to good use trying to find studies, both for and against these numbers. Frankly. Anytime a google search comes up and it’s so biased that almost every entry has something to do with how positive a “vegetarian/vegan” lifestyle is, I basically take it for bunk. I’m even more disgusted when a group such as A.L.F gets in on the propaganda and people take the misinformation as fact. Impressive, really. Enjoy their 2 cents here. I’m still searching for the correct answer here. Is it even possible to come up with cold hard facts on this question? I did find this piece of information over at Drovers.com. And yes, I realize it’s a livestock publication, but one of the few I was able to find with the opposite opinion. And it makes 10 times more sense to me.

“As for the floating destroyer claim, the NCBA Web site puts that to rest as well. They use the U.S. Navy’s report that a destroyer needs about 2.11 million gallons of water to float. As we’ve learned, it takes 435 gallons of water to create a pound of boneless beef. If a steer weighing 1,000 pounds yields 450 pounds of boneless beef, that means it needs a total of 195,750 gallons of water  —  which would leave the destroyer high and dry.”

Third.

“Eat your morning cereal with soy or rice milk instead of cow’s milk.”

I’m sorry? How does this even computer in a “Meatless” diet? Sounds strangely like someone has been filling your head full of nonsense and maybe you got a kick back from “The Real Food Store” when this piece was published? I’m just speculating.

Thankfully, someone out there in Helena-land was listening and shot back with this equally compelling editorial. I commend you Rich Roth for standing up for the industry and producing facts, not opinion.

“Benefits of Meatless Monday dubious”.

These two bars can be found over at Color Copper – a fantastic resource if you want a splash of copper in your home.

One of the reason I love copper so much, is because of its ability to be so truly unique. No two pieces are exactly alike.

The above two examples can be found at MarbelizedCopper.com

These last three photos are my favorites. I especially love the green cabinets of the last photo.

The above three ideas can be found over at Brooks Custom.

Just a few ideas for your kitchens. Hope you enjoy!

I really am this unique!

I’m dedicating this Copper Hue’d Monday to jewelry. Oh, and a surprise. That isn’t jewelry. And it isn’t something for your home. It’s something for your soul.

This item can be found at Colie Clay on Artfire.

This item can be found at Designs by Lynricia at Artfire.

This item can be found at Melekdesigns on Artfire.

Item can be found at Broken Wing Designs at Artfire.

This item can be found at Swank at Artfire.

And for my next vacation (in about thirty years) I’m visiting the Connecticut River Valley or more specifically

The Copper Beech Inn.

Room 217 in the Carriage House – Come to Mama!

Enjoy your week!

As a kid, we ate a lot of potatoes. They are one of those foods that the majority of people really like, and you can fix them in a variety of different ways. They are perfect for thickening soup or stews, and help keep growing kids full in between meals. I’m no food expert, but potatoes are a staple in my home as they keep well and regularly go on sale at the grocery store, and I use them a lot.

Here’s my recipe for Grilled Potatoes, Onions and Yellow Squash.
And, as usual, these measurements are not exact. I hardly ever cook anything with exact measurements. That’s how I learned to cook.

2 or 3 red potatoes (you can use whatever you have on hand, doesn’t have to be red)
1 small onion
1 medium yellow squash
1 or 2 garlic cloves (use more or less depending on your preference)
butter
salt
pepper
flavored olive oil (my recipe will be at end of post)

Wash your vegetables. With veggies wash or with soap. Make sure to rinse well
Slice potatoes in 1/4 inch slices
Slice onion in roughly the same size rounds. Use as much or as little onion as you’d like.
Slice squash slightly thicker than potatoes and onions as they cook faster.

On a piece of aluminum foil, place three pats of butter. Next, layer potatoes on pats of butter. Next layer onions, then squash on top of potatoes. Place three more pats of butter on top, and place garlic on either end of foil. Finally, drizzle with flavored oil and fold aluminum up into a tight packet. Place on grill at about 300° F. Leave on grill until potatoes are tender.

Flavored Oil
This really is a huge cheater recipe.
Get one packet of “Herb and Garlic” salad dressing mix
3/4 cup olive oil.

Combine and shake/whisk/mix together. I keep this in the fridge, and use on a variety of foods.

See those little browned bits on the side of that potato? That’s the absolute best part of this whole recipe. YUM!

Oh! Notice the crack in my counter top? That, along with the wretched outdated counter tops themselves, is why I’m redoing my kitchen. GAG!

Have a look and then go visit CropLife America

Thanks goes out to crystal.cattle for posting this video on her blog. I’m just re-posting it on mine because the information is so relevant!

That being said…here’s some fun copper for today.

Missficklemedia’s Handcrafted Jewelry Components – An Etsy Shop

Lazy Acres Copper Bedding by Michael Payne Bedding

MilkyPunch – An Etsy shop

These bobby pins reminded me of fall weddings. Hard to believe fall is right around the corner. I’m sort of looking forward to the cooler temperatures and the garden bounty that’s sure to start appearing!

Rustica Hardware

Yes…One day…Copper tub…you will be mine!

Have a Mini Skirt of a day!

Jenny

P.S. Yes! I’m that girl that takes photos of herself. Why? Because I’m always traveling for business…so I might as well have fun while I’m doing it.

P.P.S Anyone have any suggestions for a slideshow to use in posts? All I’ve found so far are for sidebar widgets and that’s just not getting the job done for me. I’m lame. Yes…I realize this!