Mindful Living

Alys Fowler: My new rock star hero!

Posted on by Melissa Carden

Alys Fowler, an English gardener, and writer, has a videos series called "The Edible Garden" that details farming in an urban setting. What an inspiration! Her work and ideas are the embodiment of Deluxe living! A woman after my own heart, she works with the land and what the environment provides. She created a veritable Eden in her own backyard! Check out the episode above entitled "Peas and Beans". If you've got even a hint of love for playing in the dirt, you will be hooked! I aspire to... Continue reading

Making my New Year’s Resolutions Plan

Posted on by Jean Campbell

I gave up making New Year's resolutions about 10 years ago. I mean, really. What are the statistics on the success of these well-intended promises we make to ourselves? Not high. And not only that, but we tend to overindulge before the big event, making them even detrimental. One year I vowed to give up sweets on the first day of the year. So on December 31st, I consumed a bag of cookies and several pieces of Key Lime pie someone brought to the New Year's Eve party. This is more than I would... Continue reading

It’s a small (and fairly-traded) world at Sojourns

Posted on by Richard Kirby

Several years ago, I took my youngest daughter on an excursion to downtown Birmingham for her birthday celebration. We spent the morning enjoying the McWane Center, then wandered around on a photo safari, exploring the various nooks and crannies in the city center. During our adventure, we came across a little shop that was filled with wonderful and exotic items from across the globe, and my daughter found a necklace she adored. Needless to say, I ended up buying it for her, and she wore it... Continue reading

Coffee Smoothies!!!

Posted on by Jean Campbell

I hate waste! I love bananas. I try to keep a stock on hand but regularly buying a bunch means frequently losing a few. I become quite unhappy when one or two go bad before I can eat them. When you find yourself with a spotty, just about to go bad, banana, don't throw it out! Banana's actually gain nutrition as they ripen. But who wants to eat a soft mushy banana? You will once you try this! Peel it first, and add the peel to your 'live garbage' for composting and then wrap it in wax... Continue reading