Marta coffee shop

Taken at Marta coffee shop on Adams. 2804 Adams, to be precise. This is blue corn sourdough bread. I could have gotten it toasted slightly darker, to make it crunchier, but it was so good regardless. And the decaf Americano was delicious, and served in a sweet pottery mug. It's hard to get a good decaf sometimes. But my nervous energy thanked me.

San Francisco

Back in 2010, I went to San Francisco every other week for work. Here's a picture taken outside the window of the very tall building I worked in. The highlight of these trips was walking to The Ferry Building for lunch each day. It was filled with great shops and lunch spots. It was my first encounter with Blue Bottle Coffee; I loved the simple blue and white branding. 

Musings on animal protein and trying to stay vegan

Update 4/17/25: It's probably not hard to understand how strong the pull is to eat what you ate as a child. And I struggle with those old habits even though my eyes have been opened to the horrors of factory farming. To me, it feels like an addiction; one I'd like to break completely. Part of it is how I'm cooking, or not, for myself these days. No longer working, I have more time, but somehow less interest in food. I get away with a sandwich for dinner every now and then. Every night can't be an extravaganza. Food prep must be the way forward. Get it all prepared on a Sunday and then it's done for the week. My friend John is a pro at this and should literally have a cooking blog, or YouTube channel. He's very funny, too, and does improv, so I think it would totally work for him. 

Should we all be vegan? I think we should. But it isn't easy to get right. For now, I'm limiting my consumption of animal meat. Hopefully I'm making the smallest dent in the suffering of these beings who were deemed "food." What a terrible fate.

Hi readers, this post includes my views against eating animal meat because this blog is a collection of things I study. If the topic isn't your cup of tea, maybe skip this one.

Nutrition and health have always been a focus of mine. It started in college when I bought Hygeia: A Woman's Herbal at an independent bookstore in Tallahassee, where I attended FSU. It got more serious when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and I tried to get her to adopt a macrobiotic diet, which was too austere for her to get her head around and  hard to manage with all the unique ingredients. At that time, cancer cures were diet-driven versus the immuno-therapies we have today. My mom didn't survive her cancer after an 8-year battle, and that pushed me to learning more about anti-cancer diets.

Later at around age 40, when I wanted to lose extra pounds that inevitably crept up, I looked at weight loss approaches. Back then, it was the South Beach diet, because those first 2 weeks worked like magic, but how much chicken breast and broccoli can one woman eat. We all know now it's just an equation of calories in and calories burned. 

Next, I learned about vegetarian and vegan diets, realizing that eliminating all carbs and just eating meat isn't ideal either, so I explored less inflammatory (and less cruel) ways of eating. To stay slim, carb intake can be offset by moving, so you can still maintain your weight without eating an all-meat diet. And if it's quantity you want, move more and you can eat more. Or eat the things that, while filling, are not necessarily fattening, e.g., vegetables, lettuces.

At this same time, I started reading about animal rights and vivisection (I'll never forget the pamphlet about surgeries done on beagles and other dogs without anesthesia) and the awful animal testing that still goes on. I learned about factory farming and slaughterhouse practices. I connected what I ate to where it came from, and what happened in between. After reading how pigs are "processed," I would encourage anyone that eats bacon or any pig-derived meat (pork) to educate yourself on how these intelligent animals are raised and killed. Then, if bacon still seems worth what it takes to get it to your plate, at least your eyes are open about how it all happens. After all, we are free to eat what we want. But it's the awareness part that I think should be mandatory. Kind of reverse censorship where we have to be informed about the meat we eat and how it gets from the live, sentient being walking or swimming the earth to the dead carcass, all tidied up in chunks and wrapped for sale at the grocery store.

My awareness jumped a few notches more when I thought about how similar a dog is to a pig, yet the thought of eating our pets sounds abhorrent. Did you know pigs are smarter than any other domestic animal. Their ability to solve problems, like the pig I.Q. test on The Joy of Pigs, is well-documented, and they are considered by animal experts to be more trainable than dogs or cats. Of course, this argument is so very scary because it's based on a being's intelligence level as to whether it's okay to kill and eat it. That could go in a lot of directions, none of them good, if suddenly a super low I.Q. or some mental incapacity would leave you open to becoming a food option.

Dairy isn't ideal either with the constant, forced impregnation to keep cows pregnant and milk-producing, and the traumatic removal of their babies immediately after birth. All in the course of farming? Maybe okay? Not really okay. And yes, yes, cheese is great, so I'm happy that vegan versions are starting to catch up in taste and texture. 

The fact is no one wants to learn about this stuff or even admit it happens. Wouldn't it be nice if we could keep reality on the far reaches of our minds and imagine that somehow the slaughter part was painless? But that's not the case, especially now with social media putting every unbearable truth right in front of us. 

The choice factor is also key. No one asks, "Hey cow, are you ready to die for this guy's steak?" Or, "Hey chicken population, we are going to eat 1 MILLION of you a minute in the U.S." But, again, I understand the pull of meat, because I ate it for so long, and still slip very rarely. Fortunately, for my health and the animals, as I learn more, I align my actions with greater knowledge, and my values, and I move more towards veganism. The temporary pleasure of a savory taste in my mouth is just less and less worth the karmic load or the heaviness I feel afterward. Yes, chicken soup is good and it's actually called comfort food, but the more I know, the less I find it worth it, or comforting.

I've also let go of the protein myth on how much we need - almost no one is diagnosed with protein deficiency in the U.S. We actually don't need that much, and if you want protein why not get it from where the animals you are eating get it: plants. One less cruel act, and you fill your belly with nutritious food. Win-win. Ok, so you have to eat a B12 supplement, and maybe a multivitamin. Easy sacrifice. Truth be told, it's fiber we are deficient in. That's what feeds all the good bacteria that makes up half our cells and powers our immune system.

I kind of like the idea of going to the source of protein anyway, rather than having a cow eat and digest it, then be slaughtered so I can get that second-hand protein. I also look back at just how many meals of meat I've already had in my life. So. Many. If I get that desperate, I just savor the memory, while staying the course with what I believe is good not only for my health, but for animals and the planet. I think in 50 years from now, and hopefully sooner, we will look back at how we raised and ate animals as a sort of zombie time, full of all the factory farming and slaughtering. Animal populations will go back to normal and we may go back to a new, better equilibrium. Eating the flesh of a petrified animal going to slaughter is proven to  be unhealthy.

Yet, as my post comes to a close, I still believe that you can start anywhere. Maybe just make do with Meatless Monday. That's almost a mainstream phrase isn't it? And then maybe nix bacon, or maybe say, I will only eat it when I eat out. There are little hacks you can do to make a difference. A respected Harvard-educated doctor, Dr. Weil, has said red meat can be more of a condiment/garnish versus the main fare. Though recently he said, nope, no red meat is really good for you. He does leave wild-caught, cold-water fish and omega-3 rich eggs from free range poultry on the menu. For the ethical reasons, I have to leave them off.

Thankfully, strides are being made in the non-meat arena with things like Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger to help people transition without going cold turkey (no pun intended). And I know it's taking hold because of the articles, like the one recently published by the NYT, that are likely pushed by meat-profiteers saying, "Wait everyone! this meat alternative might not be good for you." I think this signals their awareness that they have competition. There are also scores of celebs putting their millions behind vegan foods.

Not for the feint of heart, but if you want to really want to know what goes on in factory farms and how your meat goes from a live animal to a burger, steak or chop, you can read this.

Here's to a less cruel world.

Favorites List 2.20.20

It's been a while since my last favorites list. So here are a few more finds:

Find out if a brand is ethically produced -- The idea of fast fashion is harder to ignore, no matter how cool that Zara sweater is. It's less and less something I want to support. If you're feeling the same, you can check the integrity of a brand at Good On You. You can also explore ethical brands that you've probably never heard of. On another note, for another way of buying second hand and therefore lower impact, there's The Real Real.
And have you seen the new site that Nordstrom has put up called See You Tomorrow where they sell pre-owned clothing and accessories? I was shocked to see a store of their stature go into second hand. Super cool, though. There's too much crap on this planet.

Daily Pages -- Do you journal? The actual "Daily Pages" practice is originally from the Artist's way, which I have not read, but it claims to help with anxiety. Mental hygiene. Floss out those worries in words. Also, has anyone subscribed to 750 Words? I guess it's just as easy to open a Word doc, and more private. Though, what is privacy anymore? Sometimes I care, and then other times I feel like it's futile to care. How about the guy who is rounding up billions of photos for the government's facial recognition program. Who, also btw, was just hacked and all photos stolen. Who would do this and why? Wait, this is a bullet point on reducing anxiety.

Palihouse Hotel, Santa Monica -- I stayed here recently with my niece and loved it. It was featured in a film by Heidi Swanson, so I figured it had to be good. It was super inviting, the rooms are huge and include kitchens, and it was quiet. Breakfast in the lobby is great; the best blueberry pancakes I have ever had. The chef apparently is a big deal.

Parakeet Cafe -- They are in Little Italy where that comfy shoe store used to be on the corner. They have the best matcha lattes, and wonderful, healthy bowls. I've also had their turmeric latte, too, which was also super tasty. Super cute interior, too. Go!

That's it for now. The new year arrived without a post, so I have now remedied that. More soon...

Favorites List - October

(c) Heidi Swanson

One of my favorite 'Favorites Lists' is published by Heidi Swanson, an LA-based cookbook author, occasional designer, shop owner and creator of 101 Cookbooks. Here are all her favorites lists; literally months worth of exploring. Years?
Lately I've enjoyed:

Alison Roman's chickpea stew - So, I made it the other night and it is delicious. I did not add the greens, but I covered it with avocado and tons of cilantro. It was even better the next day. One tip: when she says salt and pepper it three times, I forget the stages, do that.  

The Slow Home podcast - This couple has great guests and I love the cadence of their talks. Brooke McAlary and her husband Ben have a really sweet, nurturing and non-interrupting communication style. Just listened to the interview with Joshua Becker, one of the first minimalists I learned about. It was Episode 7; I have started at the beginning of their 3 seasons of podcasts, so working my way through.

This makeup tutorial by Liv Tyler - not only because her voice lulls me to sleep, but because she goes through such an interesting array of serums and potions; French, Korean, clean beauty and otherwise. She clearly has, or makes, the luxury of time. Funnily, she gets her beauty tips from her Dad. 

End of day de-cluttering. A favorite activity lately: I've been ending the workday with a bag-fill of items for donation or throwing out. It could be just 5 small items, but I always find something. I'm going through files and purging paper, collecting things that I know certain people would like, etc. With the end of the remodel in sight, I'm looking forward to doing this even more intentionally. The Courtney Carver workshop is a great motivator. 

And with that, happy weekend all.

Dropcloth slipcovers

Drop cloths are having a heyday, at least in my backyard. This weekend James and I worked together to make slip covers. Amazing what you can do with a few packages of $13 drop cloths! They are not expertly sewn, but they are so much fresher than they were.

Happy new year

There should be something more lively to tell you to kick off a New Year post other than I’ve had a cold since December 20th. But my head is so full of snot (sorry), that I can barely think straight, let alone breath out a nice happy greeting. There were a few days of reprieve, but I’ve generally been sick now for about 20 days. Ten more makes a month. I emailed my doctor tonight.
A few holiday highlights…
Me, in my new orangey-red coat (a gift to me from me) for pre-Christmas. We went to the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe for lunch with Mom and Dad on New Year’s Day.

I got to kiss the forehead of a pygmy Nigerian goat, while visiting with friends in Florida at Bennett’s for donuts and coffee. Little Lazarus is on the lap of my dear friend, Gail. He was named this because he was born dead, but the guy who owns him massaged his chest for 20 minutes and got a slow heartbeat, then faster, and then “meeeeeehhhhh-hhhhh-hhhhhh,” the wee Lazarus rose from the dead.

Little L. on Gail’s lap, nearly asleep.

All us girls at Goat and Donut Fest, most from high school, all dear friends. From L to R: Christine, Melanie, Gail, Patzi, and me.

A stroll through Adelaide’s florist in La Jolla over the holidays never fails to serve up the holiday goods…

A riot of ornaments on this tree…

Today’s banana bread, part two…is below. I say part two because, the first thing you need to know is my baking is usually inedible. I don’t know what it is, but I mess up so many recipes. Last night I decided I’d make a batch of banana bread and put them in these adorable, rectangular paper baking containers. I’d had them for a while and decided I’d bake them up, taste one, and if they passed the taste test, I’d give them out. Lucky people that didn’t have to eat those. James and I tasted one, and we both spit the bite into the trash at the same time. All you can do is laugh. They were mushy and awful. From the way that bite looked before we tried it, it was pretty obvious it was going to be awful. Not cooked long enough? Who knows. Today I went to my go-to source. This site is tried and true (Simply Recipes). And it turned out great!

Peace, love, and good banana bread,
Robin

Birthday in Portland

For my birthday this year, the hubs threw out, “hey, y’wanna go to Portland for your birthday?” To which I replied, “Yes!” I’ve been so curious about the city for so long, for reasons like: the Portland-based blogs I read, like this one and this one; a friend who was born there and went to college there; and of course the show Portlandia that spoofs so many things I consider regular life, like: asking the provenance of a part of your dinner (um, not to this degree, but…), loving owl and bird-inspired stuff and micro brewed beer, and that 1890s look--and so many other things that are so Portland.
So, go we did, and had lots of fun, most of which included eating and drinking, and dodging rain drops—of which there were many.
Below, a tabby sighting on a little side street near Tasty n Sons.

Off the plane early (9 a.m.), and straight to Tasty n Sons, a restaurant that was recommended and serves up some amazing brunch fare. The coffee was great, but what about the little bottle for the cream. Cute factor times ten.

I had the Fried Egg & Cheddar Biscuit with smoked sausage. I left my vegetarian tendencies at home and went for it. That biscuit was incredible. Flaky, herby, cheddary goodness.

James had BBQ Chicken Hash with onion sour cream and an over easy egg. We stabbed the egg pre-photo.

But, we didn’t stop there. We had brunch dessert: a Chocolate Potato Doughnut with crème anglaise. And, yes, we did sop up every drop of that pool of deliciousness that the doughnut was sitting in. We shared it—that wasn’t easy. Hey, wait, you’re taking an extra crumb!

And that was just breakfast. More updates to follow. I don’t want you to get too full.
Peace, love, and Portland,
Robin

A Perfect Day

I’m a wee tardy with this post, but I had to share the cake photo! We celebrated Mother’s Day here last Sunday, and had a great time. The perfect number of folks, gathered on a gloriously sunny day, with the perfect Mom. I am one of the lucky ones to have a mother-in-law that I adore. The chocolate raspberry mousse cake and dutch apple pie were both yummy. I do believe I had a piece of both!

Some red birds even landed in the ivy. Inside. Can you beat a little made-in-China bird to fancy up an indoor plant? While I thought they’d just be a party decoration, I admit they are still there, perched, and still cute. Does this mean I have plastic flowers in my future? Oh dear! Let’s hope not.

Husby even honored my mother status with the fur babies and got me this beautiful bouquet of roses, which I promptly photographed at this odd angle. I love our tribe, though they deny me the pleasure of telling painful birthing stories, like, oh! the doctor had never seen a woman suffer like that! Wait. Maybe that’s just fine.

There were also tulips in attendance, purchased from the wholesale flower place, which was abuzz with Mother’s Day buyers.

And lastly, in mani/pedi news…this past weekend, during some La Jolla moseying, I found a “natural” mani/pedi place and came home with taupe toenails and turquoise fingernails. I can’t imagine ever using these colors even just five years ago. But I have to say, I am thoroughly digging them. They kind of spice up the workday when I look at my fingers typing on the keyboard in turquoise!

Chinchilly >

Turquoise & Caicos >

Have a wonderful week, blog peeps!

, R.

Bees, Honey, Bread

For the loveliest bee story ever, click here.