'Tis the season ... to be distracted, get a cold, gain weight, stress over gift-giving. Sound depressing or familiar? Many people revel in the holiday season, but I've noticed feelings have been more subdued in the past few years. I enjoy talking with those who are enthusiastic, because it's infectious. So bring your good cheer to greenspace and infect the place. Or bring yourself, just as you are, and we'll do our best to help you beat the doldrums. I find careful, thoughtful local shopping as empowering as contributing to my favorite non-profits.

Choosing from the list above, I'd say I'm feeling distracted. Our family is taking a big trip that has been planned for over a year. We are going to Antarctica, thanks to my amazing mother-in-law's decision that she wasn't going to let her life pass her by without visiting every continent. Since she has been to all the others, most multiple times, she's giving the rest of the family a head start on Antarctica, which isn't on many people's bucket lists, I've noticed. The estimate is that just 16,000 people visit the icy continent each year. In our family the feelings about going there were mixed initially. I was over the moon, but others were hoping (understandably) for a more tropical getaway. We've had a lot of time to get used to the idea, and everyone agrees it will bring us all memories of a lifetime. We will be in Antarctica on Christmas, actually, so I think I can trump you for the whitest Christmas in advance!

When we return in early January, stay tuned for a presentation of our adventure. I can hardly wrap my head around what will unfold on this amazing trip and I feel fortunate to be signed up for the experience (and to have a couple weeks where I will be incommunicado, to be honest).

One way to uplift your soul is to get your hands on a copy of EcoMind; Changing the Way We Think to Create the World We Want, by Frances Moore Lappe (of Diet for a Small Planet fame?). She is convinced that it is not too late to turn things around for ourselves and our planet, and has solutions and stories. If you are reading this column, you are already on board. We all know that we cannot rest or hide to make change happen. Find the path (read: cause) that fires you up and follow it! Known to her friends as Frankie, she spoke recently in Santa Cruz, along with three gentlemen panelists who called themselves "Frankie's Angels": Local researcher, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, Author John Robbins, and Michael Levy of Transitions Santa Cruz. I came away inspired to continue with my path, utterly inspired by theirs.

I'd like to extend an enormous personal thanks for making our post-Thanksgiving sale a success. I hope you liked the cookies and cider as well. I've never enjoyed home-made goodies in a big-box store! We had FUN and appreciate your business. Many people, myself included, wish we could have a sale like that every day. We couldn't keep our doors open if we did, but maybe you can think of the difference between big sale days and regular shopping days as the times you support us the way you support your favorite non-profits. We all love a sale, and we aim to please! It makes my day to see a customer light up when he or she can get something that's really wanted or needed because it's discounted.

Speaking of which, we are continuing to get in new inventory, so keep checking back. They didn't arrive in time for the sale, but we got Theo's chocolate caramels, we're beefing up the baby department and restocking linens and towels as fast as they are going out of here. You have to compete with an entire staff of chocoholics for the Tcho and Theo's, so it's first come, first served! We have wonderful simple gifts for Hanukkah, including small wrapped Tcho chocolates that will bring gourmet to gelt and make playing dreidel extra fun.

Peruse below for inspiration, new items and come see us again soon.

Wishing you happy holidays, and looking forward to a new year of following our passions.

2 T Orange Juice Concentrate (or 1/4 tsp orange extract)

2 C Sifted flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

I always use organic ingredients. Cream butter and sugar until well-blended in mixer or food processor. In separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients: flour, cardamom, baking powder & salt.  Add egg, orange juice concentrate (I just scoop it out frozen and keep some in my freezer just for this recipe) and blend. Add whisked dry ingredients until blended. Don't overmix. Chill for at least 2 hours. Roll out dough to between 1/8" and 1/4" thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out cookies.

Bake at 350 degrees in a pre-heated oven for 8-10 minutes, until just barely golden brown around the edges, on ungreased cookie sheets.

These cookies taste amazing with dark chocolate glaze or a few chips pushed in (make them 1/4" thick for that). They also make a tasty alternative to a sugar cookie you can decorate!

December 24th (Saturday) - 10:00-4:00 PM

December 25th (Sunday) - Closed

December 31st (Saturday) - 10:00-4:00 PM

January 1st (Sunday) - Closed

Saturday, February 11th 2012 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

American Clay Fundamentals Workshop

Green Drinks -TODAY-

Thursday, December 1st 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Cafe Mare - 740 Front St,  SC

USGBC Monterey Bay Holiday Gala

Wednesday, December 14th 5:30-8:30 p.m.

SC Museum of Art & History - McPherson Center

Passive House Institute - Certified Home Site Visit

What is a passive house?

A Passive House is a very well-insulated, virtually air-tight building that is primarily heated by passive solar gain and by internal gains from people, electrical equipment, etc. Energy losses are minimized. Remaining heat demand is provided by an extremely small source. Avoidance of heat gain through shading and window orientation also helps to limit any cooling load, which is similarly minimized. An energy recovery ventilator provides a constant, balanced fresh air supply. The result is an impressive system that not only saves up to 90% of space heating costs, but also provides a uniquely terrific indoor air quality.

About the site visit:

This is an opportunity so see a Passive House Institute Certified Home in the rough framing stage.  Rob Nicely, from Carmel Building & Design, and Architect Justin Pauly will explain the approach, benefits, and certification process of a Passive House Institute Certified home.  Please keep in mind that this is a job site and we strongly encourage warm clothing and comfortable, sturdy shoes.  Presentations at 4 and 6 PM.

Cost: $15 for NARI, AIA, NAWIC & USGBC Members, $20 for Others.

Please RSVP to Machel at 831.236.1139 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Programing the Nation: a film by Jeff Warrick

Since the late 1950s subliminal content has been tested and delivered at an ever-increasing rate through all forms of mass media. The first film of its kind, Programming the Nation? takes a broad look at subliminal messaging in the media and examines the social effects this practice seemingly imparts. The advertising, film, music and political industries, even the US military have been accused of resorting to this technology. All of which provokes the bigger question: Why?