How do we stay green and save green at the same time? Here’s some tips: 

1.  Buy in bulk. Many brands have bulk items that cost as much as 70% less than the packaged versions. For example my McCann’s Organic Extra Thick Oatmeal is $4.39 for 32 oz. in the package at Whole Foods. The same stuff is $1.39 per lb (16 oz.) in bulk.
2. Buy by the case. Many retailers offer case discounts of 10% including Whole Foods and Rainbow Grocery. 
3.  Join the SF bike coalition and save 10% on all groceries at Rainbow Grocery, 10% off at See Jane Run, Sports Basement, various bike shops, even coffee shops and bakeries!
4. Look for coupons on green brands, try Mambo Sprouts. 
5. Buy the generic brand. I buy organic 365 corn and organic 365 black beans to make awesome tasting, inexpensive enchiladas at home. 
6.  Buy the big bottle, sometimes. For the most part the bigger bottle tends to be less per ounce. Just make sure its something you are going to use regularly. 
7.  Eat at home. Not only is it cheaper, it’s healthier, and it’s greener. You don’t need a car, gas, or a parking. It’s time, money, and carbon instant savings.
8. Wear a sweater, turn down the thermostat.
9. Unplug all your gadgets, turn off the lights.
10.  Ride your bike, ditch your car. 

 

Thursday was the opening night party for the new Gucci Eco-Flagship store and Shreve’s 3rd 100th Anniversary party benefiting the Palace of Fine Arts restoration project.  There was no bike valet so I walked to both events.  Gucci’s party marked a long wait of anticipating opening dates for this Energy Star rated building. Originally slated to open in June, the copper-mirrored masterpiece finally opened this past week just in time for the holiday shopping. Now you can look green while spending green.

Girlonabike members, friends, and neighbors were present for the green festivities. Jimi Harris, one of Mayor Willie Brown’s former staff, was there clad in a handsome grey sharkskin suit (no animals were harmed in the pattern called sharkskin) and black silk tie. Michelle Hall, a yoga devotee, looked stunning in a Herve Leger navy and white dress while Maria Barrios Ehmer of conciergesolutions-sf.com was vibrant and fresh faced as image consultant and event managers should be. All party goers left with the new Gucci by Gucci fragrance which girlonabike has been sporting around town. 

Around the corner at Shreve’s was a red carpet event (also no bike valet) complete with Richart chocolates and Cinnamon Apple-tinis-yum! Proceeds from the evening sales went to the restoration of the Palace of Fine Arts. Girlonabike was invited by Dorian Parkinson, the watch buyer extroardinaire of the San Francisco landmark, Shreve & Co. Former Mayor Willie Brown and girlfriend Sonya Molodetskay were enjoying laughs as friends perused and tried on the sparkly jewelry marking the aisles of party goers.

 

The best investment you can make these days is in yourself. Your health is your wealth. Only when you put your health first are you able to make the greatest difference that can affect or change peoples lives. Being healthy means taking preventive measures seriously and doing plenty of cardio, weight training and eating a balanced diet. Take a cue from our soon to be President Barack Obama, who does 45 minutes of cardio or weight training 6 times a week, and wishes he had time for more. So next time you say, “I don’t have enough time to work out.” think of Obama when you need to get off your couch and onto your bike. He celebrated his election by working out. So whatever it may be-walking to work, running, lifting, or riding a bike like girlonabike.org, make an investment in yourself. 

Girlonabike wants to remind everyone why we ride bikes:

 

1. An excellent means of transportation while promoting environmental awareness in your local community.
2. It’s good exercise (eco-fitness)
3. Better air quality/less polution
4. It’s fun
5. No parking fees, yet…
6. No parking tickets
7. Less expensive maintenance 
8. Less traffic in a bike lane, but we would like to change that, and then get more bike lanes
9. No gym fees, girls who ride bikes are so in shape they don’t need one
10. Girls look cute on bikes 

Just because Halloween is over doesn’t mean there aren’t more treats in store. Today marked Peet’s Coffee’s release of Winter Solstice, a blend of premium black teas with spices, vanilla, and citrus.  This came just in time as the rainy season has officially started and girls who ride bikes need something to keep warm and cozy after long bike rides. I tried it and its tastes great by itself or with some vanilla soy-milk. Speaking of long bike rides, I was unexpectedly drenched when I experienced a sudden downpour on my way home. November rain is here so I have moved my favorite rain friendly gear to the top drawer for easy access:

1) SmartWool socks

These are the best ever! Wear them while you ride, on long hikes, with sneakers, boots, dressed up or down,  these keep your feet warm and blister free. I even wear them around the house, they come in solid black or you can get them with pretty designs. I swear, they are 100% girlonabike approved and make excellent stocking stuffers. I have seen them locally at REI, Sports Basement and Title 9 sports in Mill Valley. My sock drawer is currently overflowing with them. 

2) Skid proof/ waterproof gloves- So important since it is wet, you need to stay warm and be able to control your gears.  These you have to try on, but you should be able to get a good pair for around 30 dollars.  

3) Light Weight Waterproof Shell-  A say light weight because you can throw it over anything you are wearing. The best ones are body skimming so they don’t interfere with mobility or get caught on your seat or handles when you are trying to get off your bike. If it has a hood make sure it fits comfortably over your bike helmut. 

4) Wool Leggings or heavier weight workout pants. My corduroy got soaked and cold on the way home, so it would have been nice to have a pair on. Use your ski long under-gear or try on some Lululemon Groove pants. This way you can still move and won’t get left out in the cold!

One thing girlonabike won’t miss out on is when two uber-handsome men who can cook will be in town. Tyler Florence will be signing copies of his new book, Stirring the Pot and Dinner at My Place on November 7th, at 5 pm at Sur La Table at the Ferry Building. If you hadn’t has a chance to check out his show he can often be spotted with his wife, Tolan (sorry ladies!), and their two little ones at his new culinary shop in Mill Valley.  I purchased my new Viking Blender there and love the silicone knives by Kuhn Rikon which are perfect for cutting fruits, veggies and sandwiches. My favorite part of his well designed spot is the library in back with its distressed leather sofa and boar’s head, it’s a cozy place to see what’s new in the chef publishing world. 

Thomas Keller will be signing copies of his latest, Under Pressure, Cooking Sous Vide on Wednesday, December 10th at 5pm. I was lucky enough to meet Keller in July as he was the chef extraordinaire at the opening of the new Prada store on Post and Grant. He and his team took over Maiden Lane with a fully equipped kitchen and multiple tents for his hors d’oeuvres that highlighted the Ruinart Blanc de Blanc that was served in celebration. It was an impressive party with an outdoor garden, and plenty of interesting locals from the fashion and art scene, but as my French friend said, “We did not come for the clothes, we came for the food.” If his vibrant book cover is any hint of what recipes lay inside, expect nothing less than sublime.  

It’s that time of year again. I got on my bike and realized I needed a little more warmth to make it to my destination. Not wanting to turn up the thermostat had me reaching for my Stewart and Brown organic cashmere sweater jacket, a prized possession from last years collection and perfect for riding around town. Please visit these organic pioneers and invest in something cozy so you can ride around town or sit around your place and not cause a major carbon imprint.   Another favorite site in Vickerey for their organic Prana collection and look book. One of my favorites is the Prana henley. If you really want to treat yourself Prairie Underground has warm and cozy long and short hoodies made from organic fabrics. I’ve seen these Portland products at local stores including Rabat on Chestnut and Clary Organics on Fillmore.  Have fun riding your bike today and remember to bundle up!

Girlonabike was lucky enough to attend the reopening of the McEvoy Ranch shop at the Ferry Building. Champagne was flowing as guests sipped on Veuve Clicquot, endless plates of oysters, organic veggies, and roasted rosemary almonds.  Everyone was there including Nan McEvoy and Gensler designer Michael Bodziner, who designed the beautiful space with Berkeley Mills cabinetry. I was able to get my hands on the newly released 80 Acres Verde home and body care line, named after the 80 acres of olive trees at McEvoy Ranch. The scent takes its freshness and green aromatic notes from the McEvoy Ranch gardens in the spring.  My home now has beautifully scented soy candles in the bathroom and living area. I’m already a big fan of the body balm which I use on dry cuticles and hands, and it is made from real certified organic olive and jojoba oil. Load up on this one, it makes an excellent hostess gift or stocking stuffer. I’ll be heading back to the shop soon, since they usually get the first delivery of holiday wreaths in November. Can’t wait!

Friday Evening was the beginning of the Harvest Festival benefiting CUESA  and the Ferry Building was packed with everyone just off work and sampling California organic food, wine, and vodka.

 

I was bidding at the silent auction and was able to go home with one case of True Earth 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petite Sirah Blend (Cafe Organic Lettus has it), and one case of Bonterra Vineyards Chardonnay from Mendocino County. On Saturday I was pressing fresh apples from Devoto Gardens in Sabastopol and making butter with a glass jar and marbles (who knew?) CUESA volunteers were there to demonstrate otherwise I would have not had the expertise. Devoto Gardens is where I have been getting my fresh apples this year. They are located at the farmers market on Tuesday and Saturday. My favorite right now are the Arkansas Black variety, usually picked the day before. 

Pomegranates are now in season and I purchased a case from Twin Girls Farm. These heart healthy antioxidant rich beauties have made excellent center pieces in my wood bowl from the Gardener, before I devour and replace them with next weeks pick. I think I will be mixing them with persimmons for my Thanksgiving centerpiece.  With Halloween near, I wanted some adult candy variety and stopped by Michael Recchiuti’s and they have created darling artisan chocolate ganache pieces with halloween motifs and new peanut butter pucks! Get them before they are gone.  If more is merrier the have amazing new gift boxes. I don’t have a favorite( I love them all) but the Hot Chocolate with Heath Ceramics cups would make a great gift for anyone who loves chocolate.

 

If you can’t control yourself and need single portions, the Blue Bottle stand outside uses Recchiuti for their Mocha and Cocoa. I’m off to bike across town to pick up my Lettus salads. Please check back, I will be releasing dates for upcoming book signings with some of our favorite local chefs. See you soon!

With Halloween approaching girlonabike has more to think about than what to wear and wants to share with you the goodies she will be passing out.  Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops are delicious, have no artificial dyes or flavors, and have only 22 calories each! So feel good about passing them out to your neighbors kids or while riding around town on your bike. A one pound bag with 70 lollipops is only $3.99 at Whole Foods!!!!      Another favorite is Endangered Species 72% dark chocolate squares wrapped specifically for Halloween. Buy a bag online at www.chocolatebar.com.  Annies, who is known for their kids organic mac and cheese as well as crackers has Halloween fruit bunnies, with no artificial dyes, sold in packs of 50 also at Whole Foods.   If you know your neighbors and will have kids and parents lingering at your entrance hall, try a plate of Newmans Own Ginger O’s and Chocolate Cremes (Halloween colors!) and brew a cannister of Santa Cruz Organic Apple Juice with Organic R.W. Knudson Mulling Spices to serve at your entrance table console. For the 21 and up crowd serve Fizzy Lizzy Tangerine Spritzer with chilled vodka, mint, and an organic black licorice straw.  Also try a big brew of Tazo Organic Chai with soymilk to keep alert into the night with all the ghouls and goblins. Also please walk your bike home or take Greencab. Happy Halloween! 

Halloween Events: Alive! Restaurant will be hosting a Halloween Costume Party on Thursday, October 30th from 7pm -10pm with live Brazilian music and food.  Prize for best costume will be dinner for two at the Alive Restaurant. Alive! Restaurant was voted “Best Raw Food Restaurant” by SF Weekly, 2007. To RSVP to the event email: aliveveggie@sbcglobal.net or call 415-923-1052.

I will be attending this event via bike ride from Girlonabike headquarters on Spear Street (right down the street from Gap Headquarters and Google San Francisco), which is approximately 4 miles from Alive! Restaurant. I will also be bringing the candy mentioned above in my bike basket/trick-or-treat pail for all of you trick-or treaters. If you want to attend, please ride your bike so we can feel good about the environment and eating all that candy!!

Next weekend the Harvest Festival will be taking place at the Ferry Building Marketplace. Friday will have Organic wine and beer tasting, music, and seasonal appetizers. Tasting tickets are available for $25 (ten tastes) and $15 (5 tastes) and will include a souvenir glass. For the kids and families, Saturday will feature apple pressing, wool spinning, music, cooking demos, butter churning, harvest produce and fare. Sunday will have Barnyard by the Bay Petting Zoo and Face Painting!! 

 

Pet Pride Day hosted by Animal Care and Control will taking place on Sunday, October 26th and from 11am -3pm at Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park. Bring your pet to pet camp, enter him or her in a pet costume and pet trick contest. Animal rescue groups and animals for adoption will be on site. A free microchip clinic is also on site.