Food Inc. .. A must see documentary!

Erik and I went on a double date with two friends. We (and by "we" I mean "I", I will take all the blame) didn't see many sparks among our two friends, but the movie was a HIT! It was shown at this venue called the Bottletree and it had an Austin, TX-like flair to it-- very indie, artsy, and hip.

Supposedly it was pretty hard to get this movie to Alabama. I mean- Alabama isn't consider the most progressive state that's for sure! But the owner of Bottletree wrote to the producers in New York and made it happen. After our viewing, we were served a plethora of very yummy local foods by a the chef of Cafe Dupont (beignets, flourless chocolate cake, cheese and olive place, fried okra and tomatoes, brie and pear, black eyed pea bisque, mushroom polenta, shrimp quiche, beets, glazed carrots, truffles... the list goes on!)

Anyways, this movie is a bit extreme, but it shows how the food industry is trying tokeep up with our fast food culture and has become too large and powerful. The food industry is controlled by a handful of companies that have lost sight and respect for it's customers, animals, and environment. This lack of responsibility may have contributed to the many E Coli outbreaks and obesity and diabetes epidemics.

Moral of the story: 

Try to eat local!
Try to eat seasonal! 
Try to eat organic!


And the best part... My hubby is a little bit more understanding of my spending the extra money on organic!!! This film even enlightened my Mr. Fite!

A day well spent!

Last Saturday Erik was working... Sooo, I was off on my own. I had met a girl, Melissa, from the gym and we decided to go to Pepperplace market Saturday morning. The market is in downtown Birmingham and has vendors that sell locally grown produce and art. I have only been to the market a handful of times, but Erik and I are BIG fans! This time Kirby got to tag along!

    Pepperplace Market! This is just one side of it.

The cutest little farmer representing his family's harvest.

                                         

Melissa holding Kirbs and two bags full of goodies!

Kirby was loved and doted on by all! 

This woodworking reminded me of my grandpa. I'm sure he could have taken a break from making bowls and candlesticks, and could have made these fun creatures for some of his grandkids!

After Pepperplace, Melissa and I drove a couple blocks over to see her older sister's house. Its funny because I run by this house when I run my golf course loop from our neighborhood. Its probably just a mile from our apartment. Anyways, the house is historic and has tons of charm. I would love to move into something similar one day:)

I was then invited by Melissa's sister, Belinda, to go to an organic food "festival". There was wonderful burgers, hotdogs, and other organic food.  Belinda's four year old son jumped in the huge blow up

jumper and was entertained by a clown.

.. And what did Kirbs think of our day.... ?

He loved every bit of it! (see the smile?)

Thanks Melissa!