Sunday, November 15, 2009

San Diego Events #1

Annual Mother Goose Parade Features floats, clowns, bands and equestrians. This the largest parade in San Diego County and the largest of its type west of the Mississippi. Each year, the parade attracts thousands of spectators. On Nov 18th from 10 a.m. at W. Main & Chambers in El Cajon. - www.mothergooseparade.com

Annual Encinitas Street Faire includes over 400 arts and crafts vendors, food, music, family amusements and entertainment. The Karl Strauss Brewery beer garden, children's rides, three live stages and the 101 Artists' Colony will also be present. Nov 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on South Coast Highway 101 from D to J Streets in Encinitas. - www.kennedyfaires.com

BharathaNatyam Performance on 21 Nov 09

Monday, November 9, 2009

A few of my Favorite Things, er... Foods

Have waited for this blog to officially declare myself a Foodie. I do love anything that's Vegetarian and tasty.

A passion for all things related to food- various cuisines, cooking, good eateries, recipes, blogs, shows and food itself, was definitely developed over the years.

Here's a short list of some of my favorite food items I've come to love. This list consists of only ready to consume or minimal effort grub. (hint hint- its now easy to pick my birthday gift)

1) Zico Pure Coconut water (Link)
The goodness would seep through you with each sip

2) Nutella Chocolate Hazelnut spread (Link)
Is great on toast, waffle, crepes, chapati or just by itself.

3) Odwalla Smoothies- especially Mango Tango (Link)
Tropical fruits smoothie-d to their best. A healthy picker-upper!

4) Kashi Waffles with flax and stawberry (Link)
The one Kashi product which surprised me by not tasting like cardboard. Has the goodness of Flax and the flavor of strawberry. Syrup- Take a vacation.

5) Jalapeno Salsa Shmear Cream Cheese (Link)
From Einstein Bros . Spicy smear on a warm bagel- Best way to start the day

6) Stacy's Pita Chips (Link)
With dip or by itself- you'll be one happy Amigo.

7) Deep Foods Spinach-Panner Samosas
A tea time favorite - in just the right size.

8) Tasty Bite's Madras Lentils(Link)
Tastes better than restaurant dhal. And a real meal-helper.
Tip: Make it more authentic by topping it with cilantro/kasoori methi.

9) Haldiram's Kesar Rasbhari (Link)
Rasagolla with a twist- taste & color.

10) Amma's Kitchen Kerala Mixture (Hot)
#9 followed by #10 and then Tea- Bliss!

11) Flatout Bread (Link)
Only 100 calories per tortilla- you can't beat that.

12) Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds - Henry's Market Place (Bulk)
I declare dark chocolate and almonds are good for my heart - as they make me happy!

Well, that's the dirty dozen!
The products which made it to this list though frozen/packaged/tinned

a) Do not compromise on taste
b) Offer good shelf life
c) Are healthy, well- almost (when baked or limited to a couple)

Coming Attraction: Top 10 Trader Joe's Favorites!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Support the Food Drives

Many local organizations including companies, schools and stores are organizing food drives to feed the hungry during the upcoming Holiday Season.

Its a simple yet satisfying way to support the community.

Look: For posters at your local Stores/Gym/School/Work Place or even mail room for info on local Food Drives.
Raid: Your Pantry for unused non-perishable canned/boxed items which have not expired
Collect: These items and stow them in a bag/tray
Drop off: At the location/bins on the date(s) indicated on the poster.

Personal Experience:
The Poway Unified School District is running a food drive through their schools-
the students are encouraged to drop off items in their classrooms.
A humble way to make the young minds aware of the needy and cultivate the sense of caring.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Take Advantage of the Sears KidVantage Program

Does your toddler's shoes look like the dog ate it or did your preschooler's shirt cut itself with scissors ;
And do these bring tears to your eyes as the items were bought just mere weeks ago.


What if these worn out kids' wear got replaced for free -If this is on your wish list, time to check it off.

The Sears' KidVantage program is a great way to save money and get free replacements for kids items which wear out before the child outgrows it or within a year of purchase.

All you need to do it register yourself with your telephone number and save the purchase receipt. Just remember, the replacement would be of the same size as the original item.

Personal experience: Got 2 replacements on the size 1 Spider-Man shoes which tore at the toes.