Cheekwood Art & Gardens, Nashville, TN

If you're looking for a fascinating attraction, and you're near Nashville, Tennessee, there's a really fun place to see some amazing botanical gardens, on beautiful grounds. It's called Cheekwood Art & Gardens, and in the middle of an affluent part of Nashville, you can see this and snap some superb photos. Visit the Cheekwood Mansion, too, which is an old plantation house with spectacular architecture (but don't take any photos inside! Hah!). If you're into enjoying a little bit of nature, as I am, this is a wonderful day-trip get-a-way, with plenty of space for little hikes in a romantic, flowery setting. And the wildlife? Birdwatchers, this is a must. I saw several species I'd never seen before. Delightful, and recommended!



Cheekwood website

Fresh seafood choices

As a consumer and enjoyer of good seafood (despite my vegetarian-leaning intentions), I am quite concerned about the oceans, and the growing problem with overfishing. Some popular species of fish are really in danger, as production/overharvesting continues to increase to keep up with demand. It would truly be a sad day if we had no more salmon for my delicious salmon patties, for example. Not to mention the damage to delicate ecosystems that would result from the loss of even a single species in a specific region. Think about the bears and other animals that rely on fish for their sustenance.

With that in mind, it is possible to find eco-conscious seafood for your consumption. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) labels their approved products, so there is a choice.

I am especially fond of the inexpensive single-serve salmon portions from Ocean Market, available sometimes in my local Schnuck's groceries for a buck! $1! Makes a superb sandwich (on whole grain bread, of course).

For more info, check this site:

Marine Stewardship Council, with a list of products and availability

Morningstar Farms Corn Dogs

I have been a big fan of these vegetarian corn dogs for years now. They are delicious, and virtually indistinguishable from those corn dogs you enjoyed as a kid, though minus all the weird meat products. In recent weeks, I've noticed all of my major retailers running out of them, and not restocking. The absolute worst-case scenario crossed my mind. What IF they were discontinued? I tried other groceries and health-food stores in a neighboring town, to no avail. Was I going to have to savor the last box I had in my freezer, as there would be no more? Ever?

Thankfully, a visit to Morningstar's website clarified that the corn dogs were out of stock temporarily due to 'supply issues'. Whew! I hope they are back soon.

Natural products at...Big Lots?

Sometimes, it seems that eating/drinking/living "green" in the United States is only for the well-to-do. After all, buying organic produce is often substantially more expensive than purchasing conventional fruits and vegetables. That sucks. And a lot of other "natural" products are also pricier than their normal, chemically-toxic relatives. And, if you are like me and don't live in a very environmentally-friendly (read: big coal area) state, you may have no access to stuff like Whole Foods.
But there is an option, sometimes overlooked. Big Lots.

Yes, that remainder/discount store chain can be a nice source for organic products and natural-living items, sometimes at deeply-discounted prices. I've found all kinds of superb teas there -- Honest Teas for 70 cents (rather than the $1.49-$1.99 range), bottled yerba mate, Annie's organic macaroni & cheese, Blue Diamond crackers, Arm & Hammer Natural deodorant, Seapoint Farms edamame, Tom's Of Maine toothpaste/mouthwash, and more.

It takes an ardent hunter of values these days, and this can be a way to get by "going green" while "saving green". Bad pun.

Green Mountain Gringo chips and salsa

My lady and I are massive fans of tortilla chips and salsa. We have become quite the consumers of chips and salsa, at restaurants and at home. And guess what? These are maybe my favorite tortilla chips around, outside of restaurants. Green Mountain Gringo isn't sold widely, shamefully, as I have only found them in health-food shops (Whole Foods) and specialty stores so far, but these all-natural chips and salsas are top-notch. And the price? I've got a bag of chips for as low as $2.00US! That's substantially less than the major Frito-Lay brands.

I wish I could send you a sample taste, but you'll just have to trust me, and check out the Green Mountain Gringo website for more info. You can even order online, if you don't want to go out searching far and wide! Yum!

Green Mountain Gringo