The Power of We in Food Education

Welcome to my first (and definitely not last) post as a part of Blog Action Day 2012.

Blog Action Day is an free annual event, that has run since 2007. It’s aim is to unite the world’s bloggers by posting about the same issue on the same day, in order to raise awareness and trigger a global discussion around an important issue that impacts us all.blog action day

One type of education that needs the Power of We is food education. Food education is not a part of formal education yet (not to mention the unhealthy cafeteria lunches), and eating habits are largely formed within the home, and influenced by advertisements. I definitely speak from experience when I say that my journey in food has been an interesting one. Continue reading

Dîner en Blanc the Philly way

Last Thursday, August 23 a mini invasion happened in Philly. At 6:30 p.m. groups of people dressed all in white, carrying square folding tables and chairs, and picnic baskets could be seen gathering at locations around the city.

The trek to the secret location starts

White-clad guest just found out about the official location and are making their way there.

They were waiting to be told the official (and previously secret) spot for this highly anticipated event – Dîner en Blanc, which was hosted at the Swann Memorial Fountain at Logan Circle, created by sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder in 1924.

Dîner en Blanc guests arriving

Participants arriving at Dîner en Blanc.

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A look at Nik Wallenda on the high wire

Nik Wallenda has done it again. He has crossed a 1,300+ foot long high wire at 125 feet in the air. In June, he completed this feat across the precipice of Niagara Falls and yesterday, August 9, he completed it above the Atlantic City beach.

Honestly, this was the first time I had ever heard of him or his family – the Great Wallendas, who have been doing acrobatic stunts for seven generations – and I was quite intrigued by his talent.

Nik walking across his banner

Almost looks like he’s walking on his own banner.

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Defying death on the high wire – Nik Wallenda in Atlantic City

The circus has always been one of my favorite attractions. But, it wasn’t the animals or the clowns (I’ve never been a fan) that I enjoyed the most. It was the trapeze artists and tight rope walkers that amazed me and captured my attention, as they demonstrated wonderful and death-defying stunts.

Even now, during the Olympics, my favorite sport to watch is gymnastics (as well as swimming), especially the women’s uneven bars. I think at one point I almost became a gymnast, but it ended up not happening.

So, when I heard that Nik Wallenda – seventh generation of the Great Wallendas – is performing one of his great high wire walks high above the Atlantic City beach, I knew that I would be going. Tomorrow, August 9 at 3 p.m., Wallenda will begin this perilous 1,300 feet walk at Sovereign Avenue and the Beach, adjacent to Atlantic Club Casino, and finish above the beach at Tropicana Casino & Resort. This event is FREE, so if you’re in AC definitely check it out, maybe I’ll see you there.

nik wallenda ferris wheel

Nik Wallenda walking on a moving Ferris Wheel.

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Le Dîner en Blanc is coming to Philly

Le Dîner en Blanc will be making it’s debut in Philly this year on Thursday, August 23, 2012. Now, what exactly is Le Dîner en Blanc?

Well, imagine getting together with a few thousand of your closest friends throughout the city for a picnic at a location that won’t be announced until the last minute, add some gourmet food and wine, and some unexpected happenings and you have the basics.

Paris 2011 Notre Dame Photog. Philip Menke

Dîner en Blanc in Paris 2011./ Photo Philip Menke

Not only does this event stand out because the location is secret until the last minute, but because everyone is dressed all in white (even the tables). Participants bring tables, chairs, non-disposable supplies, and their choice of great food and wine to the prearranged meeting spot. Continue reading

July 4th in Atlantic City and everlasting Duality

I can’t believe it’s already been over a week since Independence Day. I hope you had a lot of fun and enjoyed your day!

A couple weeks ago, I shared the upcoming arrival of a new attraction on Atlantic City’s boardwalk that debuted on July 4. What’s so interesting is that in the past five years that I have lived in Philly, I have only ever made it to AC twice – and this past July 4th was one of them.

And I’m glad that I did. Not only was it a nice little break from Philly, but it was the perfect day to experience the premiere of a new installation at Boardwalk Hall, the Duality light and sound show.

Atlantic City Alliance July 4th Events

A 3D portion of the Duality light and sound show./ Photo: Moment Factory.

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June Foodie Penpal reveal day

Foodie Penpal

The day is finally here! I get to share with you the goodies that I received in the mail from Samantha of Sparkly and Slimming…a weight loss blog.

This was my first month participating in the Foodie Penpals program, started in September 2011 by Lindsay of The Lean Green Bean. At the beginning of each month you’re paired up with two different people: one who you will be sending a box of goodies to and one who you will receive a box of goodies from. Then you have two weeks to put together a box and mail it.

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Celebrate July 4 with the Duality sound and light show in Atlantic City

Can you believe it? July is upon us already. That means summer has already officially started and next week we celebrate Independence Day. There are many ways you can celebrate July 4: with family and friends at a backyard BBQ, at a local celebration in your town or city, or maybe you’ll decide to take a trip (especially if you can turn it into a long weekend). No matter, how you’ll be celebrating, your day will most liking end with a fireworks show of some kind.

Boardwalk Sound and Light Show

A glimpse at Duality./ Photo courtesy of Moment Factory.

If you’re like me, then you haven’t exactly made plans for the 4th just yet. Philly is always a great option with the Wawa Welcome America Fest, but for those of us who have experienced Philly on July 4 multiple times, there is nothing wrong with changing it up a little. That’s where Atlantic City (or AC as we call it) comes in. Continue reading

The One Lovely Blog Award

Thanks to luv4wickless, I received my first blog award last week! The One Lovely Blog Award. I am very honored to be included in her nominations and am excited to pass on the favor, as I follow a few blogs that definitely deserve some recognition.

One Lovely Blog Award

So, in accordance with accepting this award ~ these are the guidelines:

* Thank the person who nominated you and link back to them in your post

* Share 7 things about yourself

* Nominate 15 or so bloggers you admire

* Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know Continue reading

Cooking demos at the Flower Show

At the Philadelphia International Flower Show, you will not only get to experience sights and sounds of Hawai’i, but also enjoy cooking demonstrations by Philly’s finest chefs.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of watching cooking demos by Chef Townsend Wentz of McCrossen’s Tavern and Chef Mike Stollenwerk of Fish, sponsored by Organic Gardening. They both featured recipes that they serve at their restaurants and adapted them for the Flower Show.

Not only are the cooking demos a great way to get new ideas for your meals at home, but the best way to meet Philly chefs, learn about their backgrounds and restaurants, and to ask them questions. Unfortunately, the audience isn’t allowed to taste the dishes, but host Chef Joseph Shilling is a willing taste-tester and can assure you how good the chefs’ creations really are.

By Chef Townsend Wentz

Spices used for the pork rub./ Photo: Nicolle A. Morales Kern

Dry-rubbed pork that was slow roasted./ Photo: Nicolle A. Morales Kern

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