Ode to Tomatoes

Nope, it's not prime season for tomatoes - but it IS for: Asparagus, Beans, Beanshoots, Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Lettuce, Mushroom, Potato, Pumpkin, Snow peas, Spring onions, Sweetcorn, Turnip, Zucchini - now that spring and summer are on the horizon, I just can't stop thinking about their delightful yumminess. I love them so much, I thought I'd write an ode (and share a recipe).

Stuffed between bread
Or simply sprinkled with salt
Your plump juiciness always
Brings me to a halt.

Paired up with pasta,
You taste quite divine
Or diced up in a salad
and you're oh, so fine.

On a hot summer day
I can't get enough
when you're out of season,
it's oh, so tough.

Forever tomatoes
for breakfast & dinner
I'll cherish you always
You ARE a winner!



HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD

Variety of tomatoes, 10 to 12
Clove of garlic
Red wine vinegar
Fresh basil
Onion
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

Slice, dice and toss together for a delectable treat!

If you're hankering for some music to enjoy with your snack, listen to Hickory Hill's very own ode to homegrown tomatoes, http://www.hickoryhillband.com/freedom.html (click listen by the Homegrown Tomatoes song)

Did anyone see my egg?

Easter brings up memories of looking for eggs with my cousins, and scoring the big bucks when my Granny put a $5 spot in the plastic ones. It makes me think of family gatherings, yummy food and celebration of spring.

With the holiday right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to hear about everyone elses' favorite Easter stories. Send your memories to susan@brockpub.com and be entered into a drawing to win fabulous prizes!

All this Warm Weather...

...has me thinking about my vegetable garden! Even as I type this, the sun is warming my face and visions of plump tomatoes dance in my head. I just love spring and all wonderful new things that come along with it. Now, I just need to create a plan of action (Thank you to the March issue of H&G eNews for the timely article on a spring planting schedule).

This year, I'm going to keep it simple - peppers, tomatoes, herbs, beans, cucumbers, spinach and lettuce.

I'll keep you posted on my progress and I'd like to hear about YOURS, too! Send your gardening stories to susan@brockpub.com and I'll include them in the H&G Blog!

Brock Publishing Announces Special Edition Magazine!

Boulder, CO-- January 2008

Brock Publishing, parent company of Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine, makes an exciting announcement! Introducing, Spring Guide by Boulder Magazine.

With a fresh look, wonderful content and targeted distribution, this new special issue is IDEAL for businesses and readers alike. Just in time for those energetic spring days when everyone is ready to renew.

Spring Guide is designed for the dynamic women of Boulder County, but there is something in it for everyone. Offering "Quick Guides" to personal health and beauty, home decor, fashion fixes and more.

Get a free issue, by subscribing here.

To advertise your business call 303-443-0600.

Supporting Local.

One of the things I've been most amazed about since landing on Planet Boulder ten years ago, from Alabama, is the passion for supporting local businesses. I, too, have become quite fond of that concept and wanted to be sure all you H&G Blog fans were aware of the organizations who are founded on that concept.

1. Boulder Independent Business Alliance (BIBA) - www.boulder-iba.org. Think grassroots, think long standing businesses that have been the backbone of our local economy.

2. Boulder County Going Local - www.bouldercountygoinglocal.com. This fairly new organization supports building community self sufficiency. Think local farmers. Local restaurants supporting these farmers. Think utilizing local energy.

3. Boulder Green Building Guild (BGBG) - www.bgbg.org. This is your green building resource. Everything from "green" lending to energy to architecture to magazines. These guys are leading the nation in green products & services available. I wouldn't be surprised if every major community taps into their business model.

4. Of course, Brock Publishing - www.brockpub.com. While not an OBVIOUS local support organization, through Boulder Magazine and Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine, Brock has managed to educate the local consumer and homeowner about all the resources available to them for over 30 years!

If you, too, know of local organizations that support local business - let me know, and I'll feature them here in the H&G Blog!

Cozy up next to the fire with a nice read...

Even as I type this, I can "see" the chill in the air. I'll not be fooled by a brightly shining sun floating high above our Flatirons. If it's warmth I seek, I'll have to find it inside, next to the fireplace.

Armed with a hot cocoa, tuned to my favorite station, with the nice pops of a fire in the background, I can think of no better setting to dive into my favorite read - Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine. Sure, I may be a part of this fantastic publication and see its progress from idea to print, but I STILL get excited when the latest issue gets dropped off at our office.




The Winter 07/08 issue is bursting with exciting articles and vivid imagery. I loved the Sleeper House feature, the kitchen remodel story and the Kids Craft ideas. I'm looking forward to finishing the contemporary loft article and learning more about rooftop lawns.

I can't wait to share this issue with my in-laws who are planning on moving here, I see several real estate ads that are highlighting the types of properties they're interested in.

Articles, photos and ads aside, the sense of pride that wells up in me is priceless. I am thrilled to be a part of a community - however small it is - that has the creativity, the passion and the willingness to bring this magazine to life.

If you happen to use one of the businesses you found in the pages of BCHG Mag, be sure to say "thank you" - we couldn't bring these fantastic articles without their support.

Enjoy!

One Step Closer to Saving the World

The Center for Resource Conservation here in Boulder is heading up the Residential Energy Audit Program (REAP) for area homeowners. It's an inexpensive way - $100 to $350 - to give your home a check up and help you start saving some cash along the way.

The process is quite simple. First you call the CRC, 303-441-3278 ext. 24, and set up an appointment. They'll ask you a few questions over the phone and have you collect the last years worth of energy bills.

Next, someone comes out and collects a bit more information from you (pre-audit) and a few of the items around your house (hot water heater, air conditioner, etc) and records data from your energy bills. They'll show you a breakdown of how much energy you're using compared to other homes the same size in Colorado and in the nation.

After that, you'll set up an appointment with a home inspection service (technical audit). They'll do the following:

* Blower Door Test (see pic below): the auditor installs a blower door to evaluate and pinpoint areas that may be leaking heated or cooled air through gaps or cracks in your home.
* Building Envelope/Shell: the home's exterior walls, windows, doors, attic, and basement or crawlspace are inspected to identify air leakage points.
* Insulation assessment: the auditor checks insulation levels in attic, walls and crawlspace.
* Heating, Cooling & Hot Water Assessment: the auditor inspects and tests the efficiency and settings of the furnace, boiler, air conditioning and hot water equipment, ducts and pipes.
* Appliance check: the auditor evaluates the efficiency of lighting, refrigerator, clothes dryer, freezer, and other major appliances.


Blower Door Test

And lastly, you'll get a detailed report - along with recommendations.

It's a simple process that puts you one step closer to saving the world (and some cash, too!).

For more info on the REAP program, click here.