San Diego Blogger: Megan Lyders

In 2007 Matthew Antichevich, a Hemet based sculptor, created "Magic Carpet Ride." The now infamous surfer statue, located on Highway 101 and Chesterfield in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, has become known as the Cardiff Kook.

The bronze piece, standing more than 12 feet high, was commissioned by the Cardiff Botanical Society. It's perched on a piece of pricey coastline real estate, residing over one of Cardiff's busiest intersections.

The Cardiff Kook.

^{Photo by Megan Christine}

Once unveiled, the Kook was met with much opposition and criticism by both surfers and non-surfers. Many said that it was not a true representation of a surfer's stance, particularly it's limp wrists and outstretched arms, and comes across as goofy.

What was intended to be a celebration of some of the area's best surf breaks soon became the focus of pranks. But over time, the masks, costumes, and signs have in a sense brought the community together.

While it's not encouraged or condoned by the city, many of the pranks are far from offensive, leading even Encinitas Mayor Dan Dalager, to recently state that he personally loved the paper mache shark that gained national attention when it swallowed the Kook.

With bikers, joggers, surfers, walkers and beach goers, passing the statue daily, it's a refreshing surprise to wake up to see a new creation. Once adorned, gaggles of gawkers stand around photographing, talking and appreciating the latest creation.

Pranks have included: the great white attack, a wedding celebration and the fight against breast cancer. I personally enjoy it and can't wait to see what comes next. With each passing week, the bar keeps rising.

This coming Saturday morning (9 October) join Kashi for an organic farm tour at Tierra Miguel Organic Farm.

Located about 45 minutes inland from Oceanside, the Tierra Miguel Foundation (TMF) began in 2000 as a socially responsible community that works together, building agricultural renewal. The TMF is part of the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), and anyone can join their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) to receive fresh picked produce. The first Saturday of each month the TMF holds an open house, where people can learn about sustainable agriculture, tour the farm and enjoy a pot-luck lunch.

This weekend, the Wellness Team at Kashi is partnering with the TMF to teach the benefits of locally grown farming as well as organic farming. Kashi, a La Jolla based company, is well known for it's healthy, grain and seed based natural foods. Kashi's products are easily found in area grocery stores, and are worth trying if you haven't already (Go Lean Crunch cereal is a favorite of mine).

It's not uncommon to spot a Kashi booth or tent at the many local San Diego events, promoting good healthy eating.

I remember during childhood mixing fruit, like pears or strawberries, in the blender to make homemade popsicles. At the time, the health benefits were not as high ofa concern as were the sweetness and taste. But, without realizing it, my Mother instilled in me the value of using fresh ingredients. Into adulthood, I find myself seeking out healthy alternatives and when possible, I prepare my own food. Rather than using processed products, I enjoy making homemade sauces, dressings and marinades.

^{Photo by Megan.Christine}

After a recent trip to Bali, I was once again reintroduced to blended fruit, and was exposed to juiced vegetables. The beverages, thinner than a smoothie, were amazing. Free of syrups or additives, I felt my body thanking me for the nutrient packed snack.

Returning back to the States, I was determined to recreate those delicious drinks from Bali. I was given a Juicer as a gift recently, and I was finally able to test my skills. Using ingredients picked out at the Solana Beach Farmers Market (beet, carrot and ginger), I whipped up my favorite drink from The Good Earth, a café in Seminyak. I was so pleased with how easy it was to make, and how good it tasted!

Juicing is a healthy way to allow your body to absorb a larger amount of concentrated nutrients more quickly than solid foods. The process of digestion is bypassed and since raw ingredients are used, there are more enzymes. Enzymes have a vital role in converting food into energy and are also a defense against fighting disease.

But, if you don’t have a Juicer on hand, or shopping for ingredients isn’t convenient, there are some other ways to get your hands on a glass of juice. The chain, Jamba Juice, has many locations throughout North County. But there are also local business, like Froots in Carlsbad (2675 Gateway Road), Juicers in Solana Beach (243 N Highway 101) or Maui Wowi in Oceanside (301 Mission Avenue)

http://meganchristineonline.blogspot.com/2010/10/juice-me.html