Showing posts with label healthy hippie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy hippie. Show all posts

Monday, June 20, 2011

The HH Readers Interview Wanderlust Teacher John Friend the Founder of Anusara


-How does one obtain enlightenment through the practice of yoga? - Gene Douthit
JF: Any time that we tap into our hearts and get a moment of recognition that we are all connected as ecstatically whirling, infinitely creative, auspicious consciousness then we have a moment of enlightenment. Anusara yoga teaches us that the access to the experience of enlightenment can be gained anytime and in relationship to anything. The gateway is the middle place, a flowing union point between contrary compliments. We use Universal Principles of Alignment to harmonize with the flow of life and Spirit so that we are able to access this gateway to the recognition of our true essence.

-What has your practice taught you about yourself lately? - Sarah B.

JF: After 35 years of practice, my understanding of mantra and its power has deepened, offering me new revelations.

-Who has your greatest teacher been? - Erin Connolly

JF: My mother has been my greatest teacher. She taught me how to see the vast possibilities of my life and to see the creative diversity in nature. Yet she also constantly pointed out the universal connections between religions and between various philosophies on Spirit. She showed me how to see the deep order in apparent chaos. Lastly, my mother taught me to keep a positive attitude and to see every day as a holiday.

-Who were your top 3 non-yoga influences in putting together your Anusara philosophy? - Charles Hussein Faris

JF: My top 3 non-hatha yoga philosophical influences are Theosophy of H. P. Blavatsky, Wicca, and Quantum Physics.

-How do you balance your family/friends/significant others with the concept of non-attachment? - Corinne Elizabeth

JF: I honor and respect the other as an embodiment of the Divine. I wish for everyone to be free to artistically express themselves. Each individual has their own karma and needs the space to fulfill their svadharma. Any close or intimate connection with a loved one is a blessing from the universe that is ultimately beyond our control.

-How has your past relationship with Gurumayi led to where you are
today in your practice? - Jessica Sommar

JF: It is through my relationship with Gurumayi that I experienced that everything is a dance with the Shakti, or the power of Divine Consciousness. Yoga comes from the inside out. In the hatha yoga practice, the asana are expressions of a feeling or heart quality that is physicalized within the poses.

-Tell us about your fabulous partnership with Wanderlust and the Anusara events this summer. - Taraleigh Weathers

JF: Our partnership with Wanderlust has evolved since its flagship event in 2009. This year we have 2 dedicated Anusara yoga events, one before Wanderlust Vermont and one before Wanderlust California. The Anusara Grand Circle <
http://anusaragrand.wanderlustfestival.com/home> is on the Summer Solstice in Stratton, Vermont on June 19th - 22nd. It will be a gathering of yogis from all over the world. It is Anusara's first large-scale community wide event on the East Coast! The Anusara Inspired Gathering <http://anusarainspired.wanderlustfestival.com/home> is July 24th - 27th. It’s the first time I am holding an event for both Anusara-Inspired and certified Anusara yoga teachers, where we will come together as both teachers and students to dive deep into our curriculum. I am super excited for these events and for the main Wanderlust events - how wonderful to be able to practice and hang out together in the heart of awe inspiring nature.

-What is your favorite healthy snack? - Taraleigh Weathers

JF: I like apple with a nut butter.

What the HH Readers Think of Camp Bisco

  • I love ILCC and the bikers! I love that I don't have to walk 10,000 miles from my tent to the stages. I love chillin under the trees. I love all the fun art installations they have each year. I love the wide range of musicians that play. I love making fun of the sully Bisco wooks. I love that it's so close to home!

    Randy Kramer Pierce

    I love that everyone loves everyone. Everyone gathers for one sole purpose and that is: to free the soul, feel the vibes and take in all different forms of art in whatever crazy mindset the weekend happens to bring to you. You can walk into camp with $5 in your pocket and walk out rich with memories, connections and a never ending love for all that is Camp Bisco...and duh! The Biscuits themselves!!

    Missy Mertens

    I like that it is a non stop dance party in the land of the heady. I love that there are much less annoying ass hippies than most festivals. I like watching the wack jobs roam around at 5am.

    Greg Walton

    I love the music and all of the secret special things the Biscuits do to make sure that we are all having the best time of our lives. I won't tell you what those things are because you have to get your butt to Camp Bisco this year and see for yourselves.
    See you there!

    Taraleigh Weathers

  • Get your tickets to Camp Bisco by clicking HERE!
    Join the party in Mariaville, NY from July 7-9

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Soulive Launches the Royal Family Affair

Get Down with the HH's at a 3-Day Get Down on August 12-14 at Stratton Mountain, Vermont

Featuring Soulive, Chromeo, Big Gigantic, Lettuce, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Karl Denson and many more...

In celebration of its 13th year as a band, the preeminent soul funk trio Soulive has announced the inaugural Royal Family Affair -- a three-day music festival from August 12-14 set in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont. In the last decade, Soulive has toured the globe playing with some of the world's most celebrated musicians from The Rolling Stones to Dave Matthews, from Stevie Wonder to Joshua Redman. Now, as has become customary with their acclaimed Bowlive and Royal Family Ball blowouts, Soulive brings all of their diverse friends together for a weekend long event.

Joining Soulive at the Royal Family Affair are future funk luminaries Chromeo, electronic powerhouse Big Gigantic, fellow Royal Family Records label-mates Lettuce, Break Science, Crushed Velvet & The Velveteers and Eric Krasno & Chapter 2 and modern day funk legends Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk and Karl Denson. Additional highlights include a special one-time only performance by a power trio consisting of organist John Medeski, saxophonist Skerik and drummer Adam Deitch, as well as sets by Zach Deputy, Paper Diamond, John Brown's Body, The Pimps of Joytime, The London Soulsand Jennifer Hartswick. Additional guests will be announced shortly.

Along with performances taking place on two stages and a late-night venue, the Royal Family Affair will offer a series of intimate clinics and musical workshops with the many luminaries performing at the festival. These up close and personal meetings with the artists will take place in large indoor studios set up with musical gear. They’ll provide a fascinating window into the creative process for musicians and fans alike. Confirmed events include a guitar seminar with Eric Krasno, a percussion clinic with Alan Evans and Adam Deitch, a horn clinic with The Shady Horns and a composition/songwriting workshop with Neal Evans.

The Royal Family Affair will take place at the Stratton Mountain Ski Resort in Bondville, VT. One of the best-known skiing locations in the Northeast, Stratton is easily accessible from NYC, Boston, Western Massachusetts, Albany and Burlington. The event will take place at the base of the mountain with picturesque views and a lively village featuring restaurants, bars and retail stores. Festival attendees are encouraged to stay at any of the extremely affordable lodging properties right on site. All lodging is within walking distance of the stages and rates start as low as $39 per person per night.

Beyond the great music, Stratton Mountain offers a huge variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Play tennis, go hiking or kayaking, or ride the gondola to the summit - you'll enjoy views only the highest peak in Vermont's Green Mountain range can provide. In the village, Long Trail and Wolavers will offer free daily tastings of a wide variety of fine local micro-brews, and the wide variety of local restaurants will offer affordable, fresh and tasty local cuisine.

Single day ($29.50 - $34.50) and 3-day ($89.50) festival passes are on sale now through the Royal Family Affair website (www.royalfamilyaffair.com). For those looking for a VIP experience, two tiers of VIP packages are available, offering benefits ranging from exclusive viewing areas, complementary beverages, a meet & greet with the performers and backstage access. VIP packages start at $199.

So who is in????

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

A Weekend at Wormtown, a Family Affair








Yet another amazing weekend was spent at Camp Kee-Wanee getting down with the Worms. For many of us this festival (and venue) has become a family reunion of sorts, a weekend spent with the family we choose for ourselves. One of the things that sets this festival apart from the others I attend, is the amount of actual families that attend year after year. Anyone who has taken a stroll through Family Camping knows what I’m talking about. Yes, there are kids at every festival I attend, there’s usually even a designated family camping section, but no one does it quiet like the Worms. Besides having the perfect location for family camping (well maybe not perfect, since it is very close to late night music…but almost perfect), Wormtown Trading ensures the kids have a great and SAFE time by providing them with cool things to do throughout the weekend.

What makes this location almost perfect you ask? The awesome, built in wooden jungle gym. Personally, I find it hard to not go running and screaming towards it every time I walk past it (if you know me, this takes A LOT of restraint), which explains why the kids love it so much. It screams fun. However, there’s way more to do in family camping then just play on the jungle gym. To ensure all the kids have fun filled days, Wormtown recruits Wendy Podlinski to head family camping. She’s responsible for all the planning and organizing that goes into it. To ensure the kid’s cabin is a hub of activities for the kids, she gathering supplies and volunteers to ensure the activities run smoothly. This year Sean Krause, Nathaniel Putnam & Frank Auriemmo tackled the job of getting all the RVS and campers into family and sites set up. While Kelly Auriemmo, Katy Krause & Carrie Parisi spent their time supervising the project and games.

This year’s star activity was Saturday morning Tye-Dying! All that was needed to participate was something white and cotton to dye, kids and adults had a blast! Forgot your shirt, not to worry! This year a multitude of items were dyed from shirts to socks and even some underwear got a few splashes of color. Other options for the kids were face painting, a treasure hunt, ‘mud’ making(a yummy sweet treat), and arts and crafts. Wendy makes sure all ages of kids can find something to do in the cabin. It’s a great place for kids work together and get to know each other better. The highlight of the weekend for family camping is the Kids’ Parade and Kids’ Set! I rarely see music before noon at most festivals, but I make sure to set an alarm (or 3) to catch the Kids’ set. I really cannot begin to put into words the feeling of joy I get watching all the kids sing their face painted hearts out. I end up with tears streaming down my face every year. It’s almost like I’m getting to watching the next generation grow up year after year. Many of these kids have been coming to Wormtown for 6 years now, that’s a whole lot of growing up!

Besides all of the organized activities there’s tons more going on. Club houses being created, water wars being waged, sharpie attacks under way (warning to all those whom enter family camping), marshmallow guns being fired, are just some of the impromptu hijinks taking place. It’s an awesome place to visit, but it’s important to remember that family camping is a there to keep the kids safe and foster a sense of family. While you’re visiting please keep in mind there are young and impressionable minds all around you. Be sure to show them what our scene is all about, peace, love, family, and music.


Story and Photos by Erin Connolly

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Review: Wanderlust by Jhanna Dawson Photos by Dana Nollsch






Squaw Valley, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, is nestled in the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevadas in California. In the winter it is home for countless numbers of skiers, snowboarders, and lovers of all things snow. But in the summer time, this world renowned ski resort becomes one of the most beautiful places on earth with it’s stunning views of Lake Tahoe, color popping wildflowers, and mild summer temps. It is during this time of year that Squaw Valley hosts the Wanderlust Festival, a gathering of music, yoga, food, vendors, and good vibes.

This was to be my first year attending Wanderfest, and I was really looking forward to taking in the experience. Being a resident of Reno, NV, which is just down the hill, I enjoy going to Squaw in the summer time, but I knew with the high energy of yoga and music intertwined, this was going to be one of the highlights of my summer.

I arrived early, before 8am, and it was clear the night before had everyone up late enjoying the many music options that were offered and what makes Wanderlust such a huge success. I wandered around, with the village to myself, enjoying the peaceful quiet and crisp morning air.

I headed over to the gondola and caught a ride up to high camp, where several of the first yoga classes that morning were being held. At an altitude of 8200 feet, high camp gifts us with panoramic views of the valley below, and Lake Tahoe just off in the distance. There were two groups doing different styles of yoga, in two separate areas. Further up, Wanderlusters who chose to participate, could hike up a single track trail and join in on the morning meditation, featuring Garth Stevenson playing his bass (which he hiked up to the meditation spot with).

Without actively participating in any of the groups, I silently sat down, took some photos, and could feel my blood pressure lower, and my vibration levels rise. It was the perfect morning.

By the time I rode the gondola back, and got down to where the main festival was being held, the number of people had greatly increased. People of all ages were walking in with their yoga mats, instruments, bicycles, bota bags, and more. It was a treasury trove of different types of music, yoga, and festival lovers to be sure.

The marketplace (Kula Village) held many options for everyone’s buying pleasure, informational pursuits, and culinary treats. The merchants were, as one would expect at a Wanderlust Festival, approachable, knowledgeable, and friendly to sit and chat with.

The festival itself was spread out like a maze, with little nooks and crannies of fun activities for adults and children alike. This year, it included an area especially designed for kids, which included the gift of yoga, henna tattoos, hula hoops, and more.

Other options for Wanderlusters included Speakeasy Talks, where people could sit and listen to some leaders in various industries, wine tasting, an art gallery, or a walking meditation on one of the many hiking trails Squaw Valley has to offer.

While all of these options that are offered to Wanderlusters, I have to say that my favorite area was the Tea House, a large nomadic like tent that offered quiet and meditative respite to many weary souls. Here, one could come in and sit on wicker stools around a small table and either not say a word, or partake in the wonderful conversations taking place. Whichever one chose, the table, with a gracious hostess, was clearly a place of reverence. Every person sitting at the table was quite aware of the ceremony taking place and treated it with great respect and gratitude.

On a side note, the volunteers were fantastic at the event. All of them that I interacted with were friendly, helpful, and having a great time. I know some of the people who volunteered and, while they said at times it was a hard job, they loved having the opportunity to do it, and to contribute to the energy of the festival.

Overall, Wanderlust was an amazing experience that should be on everyone’s festival calendar for next summer. The people who gathered to partake in all the festivities were truly of a common conscience, which oozed of peace, fun, joy, healing, and creativity.

The intention of the creators of Wanderlust was to create an environment that invited people to “escape the mundane and dwell in the extraordinary.” They succeeded to say the least!

For more photos go to Dana's Facebook Page


Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Camp Bisco in the Words of Katherine McNamara

The Search for Health and Happiness at Camp Bisco


The splendor of camp is in its simplicity. What is an orch? What is a theme? What is a festival? Sometimes the best recipes have the least ingredients. I’ve seen them all… and somewhere between the faux Kerouac bus photo ops and the artfully calculated tripping forests that have sprung up like trendy weeds on the circuit something gets forgotten .(Although the carnival at Waka certainly a sparkling optical attraction the best ride I took was crawling underneath the stage during the bass nectar set with my girl Cate – looking out onto unsuspecting front row of rolling heads, sitting in the dirt, inhabiting the barrel of the drum) So maybe that’s just me; a preference for the quick and the dirty, the raw and the unaffected. .


What do we need? Good tunes, good folks and a plot of land for a few short but well honed days. So when I am asked to write about the healthy and happy elements of a well acknowledged drug romp that is only a shadowy vestige of the politically idealistic hippie movement of old… I have to wrack my brain if I want to be honest… and although I’m prone to dramatic exaggeration, my speech may be flecked with lies, I try to mostly walk in the light of the truth. We’re a long way from Woodstock – figuratively if not geographically – they were trying to alter the world, we are trying to alter our perceptions and escape it for a little while. Blah blah blah. So I’ll just focus on what’s going on inside that fort cause face it – that’s why we come.


And whats going on inside the fort is what is happy and beautiful, if you can let it be in its

Communal convulsion that drips into perpetual spasm; that ticks like a leak and rivets to a beat – maybe this is how we can describe good electronic music. Camp Bisco 9 fell into festy orbit with all the trappings of the best electro line up round the rotation this summer. Not to say that camp didn’t cook up some good rock and roll as well – and of course no tinkling bouncy thumpster can steal the thunder from the main act. Only real thunder upstaged the biscuits in this (albeit die hard) opinion. So the music was right – telepath took the stage on Saturday, scrambled off then on again while bisco closed out one of the best day time sets I’ve seen (this isn’t an article about music but that mr. don into pat & dex …. Even on time sounded good) aeroplane, eskmo, rusko, future rock – I’ll repeat myself and leave it at that – shit was right.


Now people are the second reason you come to camp. Look around. These are your friends. And for a few days at least these nuts along your camp site’s peripheral are your people, if only because you to hit the same scene. I tend to like the campers - everyone from dudes in skirts to tree thuggers to high school grads down for their first rodeo. Although I will admit that this year will be remembered for an insane amount of robbery – stories are all over the place - one lady I know who by karma’s laws ought to have been exempt… But such is life. Lock up your shit.


So forget the scoundrels cause you can never shut them out, and anyways you better focus on your folks who will help you when the badness comes… in whatever form it takes. Cause we’re all outlaws and I’d venture to say that we like it that way. I know I stick with the people who will allow me to expound on my future Indonesian adventures while rolling around in a muddy pit. We would be fools to deny the dark side of Camp Bisco, and perhaps health and happiness appear brighter by contrast.

The real beauty in a situation as strange and ripe as Camp is the alien inclination to interact with some stranger who (to you anyways) is little more than a well weathered yet simultaneously prolific patron of what makes the bottom of this barrel look so deep. There wasn’t even half as much rain as last year. But in Bisco land, when it rains it pours… and here we are flailing and flapping down in the muck and somehow convincing ourselves and the world what we’re doing is called ‘dance.’ In this alone I think we make a pretty good team. So despite the innumerable mocks and mark ups from the resilient, repugnant crop of seedy spunions, you never have so much fun in your life as the few fleeting days you spend getting as weird as you can with them. Well done campers.


By Katherine McNamara


Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Review: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at Higher Ground 7/26

Me at the show
Krissy feeling the love
The band hung out with the fans after the showThey had us all sit down for a campfire song
Families were feeling to love



Their merch is so awesome. I got a t-shirt




I had been looking forward to this day for a long time. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros were here in Burlington playing at Higher Ground! I have had many dance parties to them and it was fun to have a dance party with a sold out crowd and the music really being them and not a recording. The band doesn't only give you a show, but they give you an experience. People were feeling the love so much that a couple actually got engaged on stage! Their sound is kinda like when you are at a festival late night and people start jamming...but they are actually great! You can't help but feel joyous and that you are lucky to be a part of something so cool.

Here are some quotes from the fans at the Higher Ground Show.

"So good I don't even know what to say." David T Euler of Burlington, VT

"It was awesome! It looked like an Urban Outfitters Tent Sale." Ashley Lipton on Burlington

"We are very excited about tonight's show. We heard about the band when they played at Metronome and we wanted to have them play here. We found they seem to attract many different kinds of people. It seems that people are looking for something different and this is it. They appealed to everyone and made them happy! Nothing pleases us as much as a group of really happy people." Kevin Statesir owner of Higher Ground

Photos and Review by Taraleigh Weathers
To see when Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are playing by you check out their website by clicking here!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Review: Animal Liberation Orchestra at Higher Ground in S Burlington, VT 5/19

When I was checking out Higher Ground's calender I got so excited when I saw that Animal Liberation Orchestra was coming to town. My fiance Dan and I LOVE ALO and are constantly listening to their CD's on repeat. I was surprised to find out that they were playing the Showcase Lounge which is the smaller of the two rooms at Higher Ground. I was shocked because I thought for sure that they would be playing the big room to a sold out show. I did feel special getting to see such an intimate show though.

Everybody that attended was given a treat...a treat of not only fabulous music, but a treat of fabulous showmanship. ALO brings it and they don't hold back at all. One moment that sticks out to me was when they started to play one of my favorite songs "Girl I Want to Lay You Down." They didn't play it the normal, super sexy laid back way. They played it the polka way with Zach Gill on accordion! I mean seriously. It doesn't get much better than that! Well...until they encored with "Let's Go Crazy" by Prince.

I'm thinking that part of the reason that this band has so much fun on stage and that energy is exploding out of all their pores is that they live healthy lifestyles. Most of the time you see the bands drinking beer or whiskey on stage. Not ALO...at least not at this particular show. They were drinking GT's Kombucha and water.

The crowd was eating up every note they played and every word they sang. There were many sing-a-longs happening. This crowd was not the crowd I expected. I was expecting a lot of screaming, Jack Johnson fan, college girls that were under 21 to be at the show, but what happened was actually the opposite. Most of the people in attendance were in their 30's and were ready to rock out to a band they haven't seen play in Burlington for years.

My only complaint about the show was that I wish it was longer. It's not that they played a short show, it was that it was so good I wanted more!!!

Quotes from some fans:

Sara W from Waterbury, VT: "It rocked! I'm so glad I finally got to see these guys."

Live Music Beth from Burlington, VT: "So much fun! Happy to have these guys back in Burlington. I love Vince Gill. Haha." (Disclaimer...I accidentally called Zach Gill, Vince Gill and she was making fun of me)

Dan W from Burlington, VT: "Wow! Why did it have to end so early? It was so much fun. Play more Vince Gill."

By Taraleigh soon to be Weathers

http://www.alomusic.com

Monday, May 10, 2010

Blog: Oil Pulling with Taraleigh

As I write to you I have a mouthful of cold-pressed sunflower oil in swishing around in my mouth. I am performing the ancient Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling. The point of oil pulling is to pull out toxins from you body and to heal your cells. Oil pulling has been known to cure many diseases and problems like leukemia, headaches, bloody gums, obesity, stiff joints, allergies, constipation, high blood sugar, bronchitis, chronic infections, and more!

To do this, you take one tablespoon of organic, cold-pressed sunflower or sesame oil and swish it around your mouth for 15-25 minutes making sure not to swallow it. It will pull out toxins from your body and form a white milky liquid in your mouth. That liquid is extremely toxic. When you spit it out after the time is over make sure to clean your sink. You want to perform this when you first wake up before you have eaten anything or brushed your teeth.

When I first put this in my mouth it was not pleasant. I thought, how can I do this for at least fifteen minutes? I kept myself busy by writing this blog and the time flew. When I spit out the oil it was thick and white! My teeth felt like I had just brushed them and my teeth looked whiter...and this is the first day I have tried this. Woah!

The first signs to know that this practice is helping you is you will notice that your teeth feel strong and white. You will also feel relaxed when you wake up, the dark circles under your eyes will start to disappear, your appetite will balance out, you will have more energy, you will have more energy, and sleep deeper. How awesome is that!?!?! I will keep you updated on my progress.

This practice has been known to cure a disease from anywhere from 2 days to a year...and all by swishing oil in your mouth. If you feel like this sounds crazy, which I have to admit it did to me, try it yourself.

Remember you are responsible for your own body and know what is good for it.

I can't wait to report back on what happens to me from oil pulling.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Recipe: Cinco de Mayo Easy Bean Dip

This recipe came about because I was invited to a Cinco de Mayo potluck party and I didn't prepare or leave myself a lot of time to make something. This recipe is easy, healthy, delicious, and the crowd will love it!

Ingredients:

2 cans organic spicy refried beans
1/2 can water (use refried bean can)
1 jar salsa
2 cups shredded organic cheese (I used pepper jack)(Can substitute vegan cheese)
2 avocados mashed
1 can sweet corn drained


Directions:

Empty the refried beans into a serving casserole dish
Mix in water to thin out the beans
Mix in all other ingredients except for the avocado
Smear the mashed avocado on top
Bring to the party
Drink a real juice margarita (virgin if you don't drink or are under 21)

Friday, April 30, 2010

Review: EOTO Metronome Burlington, VT 4/29

When I arrived at Metronome on April 29th to see EOTO, there was a huge line out front. The show featuring Travis and Jason from String Cheese Incident was sold out and there were tons of kids under 21 looking for a ticket to get in so they could shake their groove things. When I walked into the newly designed Metronome it was perfect timing...the two men were just about to take the stage. The crowd was fabulous! Everyone was very into the music and you could tell they were letting it take them away to far away lands. That is just where Travis and Hann want them to be. I saw people twirling glow sticks, hula hoopers, and tons of people rockin out like there was no tomorrow. That is what EOTO does to you. You can't help it. It doesn't matter if you have class at 8am or have to work in the morning. It was all happening at Metronome and being there was the best place on earth at that moment in time.

Thank you EOTO for sharing your passion with Burlington, VT!

EOTO's Website

Friday, April 23, 2010

Review: Bassnectar Higher Ground Burlington, VT 4/21

I was on Facebook on Wednesday and I realized by reading many excited statuses about Bassnectar coming to Higher Ground that I forgot to get tickets for the show...and it was sold out. I accepted that I might not be going. That afternoon I was walking into town to meet Dan for lunch when I saw this huge bus that said "World Sustainability Tour" on it. I knocked on the door and a guy came out and invited me on. I said, "How do I not know about The World Sustainability Tour in Burlington?" The man told me that it was Bassnectar's bus. He showed me around and informed me of all of the changes they had made to the bus to make their tour more green. The bus was equipted with solar radiant heat, bamboo floors, solar hot water, etc. I set up an interview with Bassnectar and left the bus with 2 passes to the show. Woohoo!

I am now a huge Bassnectar fan. Not only is he awesome because of his eco-consciousness, but he is awesome because of his music. The way he plays with sound and the crowd's energy is amazing. At one point I heard 8 different tracks going at one time. Everyone in the building was going crazy from start to finish. We were all going crazy obviously because of the sounds Bassnectar was mixing and also because watching him make music is so fun. His energy is soooo contagious! Get your ass to a show asap and make sure to save your hearing and bring ear plugs.

http://www.bassnectar.net

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Review: The Chocolate Conspiracy Mint Chip

We had another party and decided that it would be the perfect time to sample the Chocolate Conspiracy Mint Chip Bar. Here are our reactions...

Taraleigh: I love mint and I love this bar. It is very raw and natural tasting and that is why I love it so much. I would have to say that have a piece of this bar is the perfect after meal treat. My stomach is happier now that I have eaten this.

Dusty: First, I've never had raw chocolate before, so I was not sure what to expect. So, to be honest, it was a little rough for me. However, that could be because I was expecting a little more sweetness (like milk chocolate). The mint favor was good though, and I did not mind the overall flavor. As someone who is just growing to tolerate dark chocolate, this is probably as close to a thumbs up as you're gonna get. Nice work.

Melinda: I really enjoyed this yummy chocolate. I have never had raw chocolate and I loved the texture and the balance between mint, honey and cocoa. The first taste was somewhat overpowered by the bitterness of the cocoa but the few bites after that were perfect. My one request is that you try to source Fair Trade Certified cocoa, vanilla and any other ingredients you can - whenever possible. I love the packaging and logo so much too.

Dan: It definitely takes some getting used to eating raw chocolate but once you do it tastes really good. It is a bit gritty. The mint isn't too overpowering which is nice. With each bite it tastes better and better.

Get your own!

http://www.eatchocolateconspiracy.com

Thursday, February 4, 2010

How We Got an Interview with Ed Begley Jr.

by Taraleigh

Hopefully you have all checked out the Feb/March Issue of The Healthy Hippie Magazine. If you haven't, CLICK HERE

Here is the story of how I got to interview Academy Award winner and star of Living With Ed on the Planet Green Channel, Ed Begley Jr.

I watch Oprah everyday. Partly because I think she is so inspirational and partly because I imagine myself being on her show. Anything is possible right? One day Ed Begley Jr. was on the show talking about all of the things he does to make our world a better place and to keep it beautiful for generations to come. I thought to myself, "He should totally be in our magazine!"

So when the show was over I immediately went to Ed Beley Jr.'s website and found the contact me section. I told him how I saw him on Oprah and that I think he would be perfect for our magazine. Almost immediately I got a response directly from him. He said that he would love to do an interview and he set me up with his brand manager so we could schedule it.

A month later I called Ed Begley Jr. at home! When he answered he said, "I have really been looking forward to this interview." I did a dance and tried not to scream. He was excited about talking to me?!?!?! I was so excited to be talking to him. The interview went awesome and he answered all of my questions with a lot of passion. This man is the real deal. He was green before green was cool. In fact he used to get made fun of by all of his celebrity friends. I introduced him to Michael Franti and Spearhead and told him about the Rothbury Festival (which to my disappointment isn't taking place this year). We had great conversation and I felt so blessed to have this time with him.

My point to this story is that anything is possible and you will never know if you can have something unless you ask for it.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Products We Love! Upcycled Wine Bottles from COWHORN Vineyard


COWHORN, a small Applegate Valley winery whose early releases are earning big national praise, just sent its first shipment of 1000 used wine bottles to The Green Glass Company where they will be upcycled into heirloom goblets, pitchers, tumblers, vases, and votives. From the Mayor of New York to the King of Spain, Green Glass Company goblets can be found on the dining tables of wine lovers the world over who want to enjoy new wine in old glass.


In a complementary program, the Ashland Food Co-op, Southern Oregon’s first and only Certified Organic retailer, has partnered with COWHORN, the up-and-coming wine region’s first and only Certified Biodynamic® estate winery, to convert used corks into reusable, compostable wine packs guaranteed to contain a minimum of 99% recycled content. Corks collected at the Co-op’s Ashland store and the estate’s Applegate Valley tasting room are sent to Corvallis-based Western Pulp, a company known for making high-quality biodegradable packaging and planters from recycled pulp.


At COWHORN, even the soft metal bottle cap covering the cork gets a new life through Rogue Recycling. The winery invites Rogue Valley residents to recycle torn tins and natural corks from any winery and used COWHORN bottles at its Applegate Valley tasting room.


“Everything in nature flows in cycles, and there really is no such thing as waste,” says Barbara Steele, co-owner of COWHORN Vineyard & Garden. “It’s not enough for us to endeavor to grow great grapes and produce world-class wine. Being Biodynamic is also about closing all of the loops and that means taking responsibility for our packaging. We provide our local community a way to upcycle glass and recycle corks, and hope to inspire other wineries and wine lovers to do the same in their region. One of the greatest aspects of the emerging Biodynamic wine world is that there is genuine spirit of friendly competition in an all out race to the top to do the right thing.”

You can learn more about Cowhorn Vineyard in the next issue of the Healthy Hippie Magazine coming out in Feb! If you are not a subscriber please send an email to taraleigh(at)healthyhippiemagazine(dot)com with the subject free sub.

For more information

http://www.COWHORNWINE.com
http://www.Demeter-USA.org
http://www.GreenGlass.com
http://www.WesternPulp.com