Comments for Vintage Savoir Faire http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com Thu, 17 May 2012 18:02:11 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Comment on Do you remember your first time? A love affair with coffee. by Amanda http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2012/05/is-coffee-bad/#comment-3674 Amanda Thu, 17 May 2012 18:02:11 +0000 http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=2999#comment-3674 Such good points! La Pura Vida, huh? :) I found this in a similar way in France...with wine. The French have little glasses of wine regularly with meals and really enjoy/appreciate/savor them - in total contrast to London where we get 1/3 of a bottle per large glass and just drink, drink, drink! Such good points! La Pura Vida, huh? :)

I found this in a similar way in France…with wine. The French have little glasses of wine regularly with meals and really enjoy/appreciate/savor them – in total contrast to London where we get 1/3 of a bottle per large glass and just drink, drink, drink!

]]> Comment on Do you remember your first time? A love affair with coffee. by Amanda http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2012/05/is-coffee-bad/#comment-3673 Amanda Thu, 17 May 2012 17:59:59 +0000 http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=2999#comment-3673 Hi Rachael, I hear you! About the energy slump, a lot of that can be helped through diet - I noticed that since I've cut back on sugar and increased veggies + whole grains my energy levels are much better all day... caffeine or no. Might be something to experiment with. And thanks for the compliment on the writing, I really enjoy it! (The writing... not the compliments!) :) Hi Rachael, I hear you! About the energy slump, a lot of that can be helped through diet – I noticed that since I’ve cut back on sugar and increased veggies + whole grains my energy levels are much better all day… caffeine or no. Might be something to experiment with.

And thanks for the compliment on the writing, I really enjoy it! (The writing… not the compliments!) :)

]]> Comment on Do you remember your first time? A love affair with coffee. by Amanda http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2012/05/is-coffee-bad/#comment-3672 Amanda Thu, 17 May 2012 17:57:39 +0000 http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=2999#comment-3672 Hi Sarah, so strange how coffee affects everyone differently - I've never gotten the urge to sleep afterwards (although I definitely do from sugar!). I've tried making my own pumpkin spice coffee creamer that is delish! Usually I stick with just cream ... but occasionally the powdered coffee mate temps me back. Grrr. Hi Sarah, so strange how coffee affects everyone differently – I’ve never gotten the urge to sleep afterwards (although I definitely do from sugar!).

I’ve tried making my own pumpkin spice coffee creamer that is delish! Usually I stick with just cream … but occasionally the powdered coffee mate temps me back. Grrr.

]]> Comment on Do you remember your first time? A love affair with coffee. by Katherine http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2012/05/is-coffee-bad/#comment-3671 Katherine Thu, 17 May 2012 17:29:54 +0000 http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=2999#comment-3671 Amanda, it's funny you mention this, because for me, coffee has been sort of a doorway into the slower and more thoughtful lifestyle you write about. In high school and college I drank tons of sugary, flavored coffee and used it to stay awake. As a teacher I'd nurse a giant mug of coffee all day long like a baby's bottle. When I moved to Costa Rica, where the coffee is unbelievable and the daily schedule revolves around it, I thought I'd be drinking more than ever, but I gradually learned that the people here who really love coffee take it seriously and treat it with respect. Coffee is a chance to sit down and connect with your family or friends or coworkers - so coffee to go defeats the whole purpose. Coffee to stay awake all night and work starts to seem ridiculous. The origin of the coffee matters - is it from this town or that town? - so a "Latin American blend" or a completely generic blend starts to seem wrong. You don't mess up your coffee with flavors (the real purists even frown on milk, but I've gotta have a little milk). So I gradually started changing my attitude about coffee, and I think that started changing my attitude about other things... Amanda, it’s funny you mention this, because for me, coffee has been sort of a doorway into the slower and more thoughtful lifestyle you write about. In high school and college I drank tons of sugary, flavored coffee and used it to stay awake. As a teacher I’d nurse a giant mug of coffee all day long like a baby’s bottle. When I moved to Costa Rica, where the coffee is unbelievable and the daily schedule revolves around it, I thought I’d be drinking more than ever, but I gradually learned that the people here who really love coffee take it seriously and treat it with respect. Coffee is a chance to sit down and connect with your family or friends or coworkers – so coffee to go defeats the whole purpose. Coffee to stay awake all night and work starts to seem ridiculous. The origin of the coffee matters – is it from this town or that town? – so a “Latin American blend” or a completely generic blend starts to seem wrong. You don’t mess up your coffee with flavors (the real purists even frown on milk, but I’ve gotta have a little milk). So I gradually started changing my attitude about coffee, and I think that started changing my attitude about other things…

]]> Comment on Do you remember your first time? A love affair with coffee. by Rachael http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2012/05/is-coffee-bad/#comment-3670 Rachael Thu, 17 May 2012 16:18:49 +0000 http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=2999#comment-3670 I drink coffee every morning - a habit I developed while working a corporate job. It was the thing to do, and even now a year and a half OUT of that job, I'm still drinking it every morning. With that same chemicalized creamer that I know is terrible for me. It's something that I want to cut back on, but just haven't taken the steps to do it yet. Whenever I don't have it, my energy levels tank in the afternoon, which is a good indicator to lower my consumption. Usually the smells keep luring me back in and I can't say no.. P.S. I LOVE your writing style - have you ever taken writing classes? I drink coffee every morning – a habit I developed while working a corporate job. It was the thing to do, and even now a year and a half OUT of that job, I’m still drinking it every morning. With that same chemicalized creamer that I know is terrible for me. It’s something that I want to cut back on, but just haven’t taken the steps to do it yet. Whenever I don’t have it, my energy levels tank in the afternoon, which is a good indicator to lower my consumption. Usually the smells keep luring me back in and I can’t say no..

P.S. I LOVE your writing style – have you ever taken writing classes?

]]> Comment on Do you remember your first time? A love affair with coffee. by Sarah http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2012/05/is-coffee-bad/#comment-3669 Sarah Thu, 17 May 2012 12:36:11 +0000 http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=2999#comment-3669 I adore my coffee- usually a rich and dark roast, but I don't 'need' it to start my day. I don't like fancy creamers all that much; I prefer the full-bodied rich taste of black coffee or the creamy nuttiness when you add just a little milk or cream. I can have a cup (just one) after dinner and not have any extra problems with sleep; because one serving actually makes me feel a little sleepy (my husband has a similar reaction). So, in the morning it is good that my go-cup actually holds two servings or I would probably be tempted to nap at my desk. I also enjoy a good cup of tea, (as anyone who has seen our tea cupboard can attest to) and sometimes prefer that to coffee. As for caffeine in general, I tend to avoid too much of it outside of coffee, tea, and chocolate (of course) because I tend to have a very short energy burst (20 min- 1 hour) followed by an intense urge to sleep for 24 hours... :) Have you ever tried to make your own flavored creamer- so that you don't have to use the fake stuff? I adore my coffee- usually a rich and dark roast, but I don’t ‘need’ it to start my day. I don’t like fancy creamers all that much; I prefer the full-bodied rich taste of black coffee or the creamy nuttiness when you add just a little milk or cream. I can have a cup (just one) after dinner and not have any extra problems with sleep; because one serving actually makes me feel a little sleepy (my husband has a similar reaction). So, in the morning it is good that my go-cup actually holds two servings or I would probably be tempted to nap at my desk. I also enjoy a good cup of tea, (as anyone who has seen our tea cupboard can attest to) and sometimes prefer that to coffee. As for caffeine in general, I tend to avoid too much of it outside of coffee, tea, and chocolate (of course) because I tend to have a very short energy burst (20 min- 1 hour) followed by an intense urge to sleep for 24 hours… :)
Have you ever tried to make your own flavored creamer- so that you don’t have to use the fake stuff?

]]> Comment on A weekend of wild food by Brittany http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2012/05/wild-food-weekend-1/#comment-3658 Brittany Tue, 15 May 2012 16:21:50 +0000 http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=2961#comment-3658 Thanks! I never knew this existed. He has a walk that is just one town over from me, too. :o By the way, I tried the no-bake brownies and they are amazing. The freezer does something magical to the avocado frosting. Thanks! I never knew this existed. He has a walk that is just one town over from me, too. :o

By the way, I tried the no-bake brownies and they are amazing. The freezer does something magical to the avocado frosting.

]]> Comment on A weekend of wild food by Amanda http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2012/05/wild-food-weekend-1/#comment-3657 Amanda Mon, 14 May 2012 20:09:42 +0000 http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=2961#comment-3657 Hi Brittany ... actually if you're around NYC you're in luck! There's one of the most well-known wild food experts there: "wild man" Steve Brill. Check it out. I'm sure he has walks and courses you can get involved with, or at least point you in the right direction! http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/ Hi Brittany … actually if you’re around NYC you’re in luck! There’s one of the most well-known wild food experts there: “wild man” Steve Brill. Check it out. I’m sure he has walks and courses you can get involved with, or at least point you in the right direction! http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/

]]> Comment on A weekend of wild food by Brittany http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2012/05/wild-food-weekend-1/#comment-3656 Brittany Mon, 14 May 2012 17:19:52 +0000 http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=2961#comment-3656 I need to find one of these workshops in my area. I would love to try foraging, but there are probably very few good places in the NYC area... I need to find one of these workshops in my area. I would love to try foraging, but there are probably very few good places in the NYC area…

]]> Comment on Want to pick wild plants? 4 foraging rules. by A weekend of wild food http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2012/02/foraging-rules/#comment-3655 A weekend of wild food Mon, 14 May 2012 06:01:24 +0000 http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=2705#comment-3655 [...] And finally, if you want to try wild food yourself, remember these four rules for foraging. [...] [...] And finally, if you want to try wild food yourself, remember these four rules for foraging. [...]

]]> Comment on VSF Travel: The Goods Shed, Canterbury by A weekend of wild food http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2012/04/the-goods-shed/#comment-3654 A weekend of wild food Mon, 14 May 2012 06:01:03 +0000 http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=2937#comment-3654 [...] A few weeks ago I went on a wild food weekend in Kent (when I stopped off at The Goods Shed.) [...] [...] A few weeks ago I went on a wild food weekend in Kent (when I stopped off at The Goods Shed.) [...]

]]> Comment on Make your own vanilla extract by Alissa http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2011/04/make-your-own-vanilla-extract/#comment-3653 Alissa Sun, 13 May 2012 17:49:41 +0000 http://vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=1452#comment-3653 I have NO idea what's taken me so long, but I finally put some vanilla beans and vodka in a mason jar in my pantry...can't wait to see what happens in a few months! My only worry is I'm using vanilla beans I bought directly from the grower in Taha'a (a small island near Tahiti known for vanilla)...sounds great except I was there on my honeymoon...6 years ago...hmm. Any idea how long vanilla beans last? Worst case if they don't work here I'll try again with some fresher vanilla beans, and if it comes out great I'll be so glad to have finally put them to use! I have NO idea what’s taken me so long, but I finally put some vanilla beans and vodka in a mason jar in my pantry…can’t wait to see what happens in a few months! My only worry is I’m using vanilla beans I bought directly from the grower in Taha’a (a small island near Tahiti known for vanilla)…sounds great except I was there on my honeymoon…6 years ago…hmm. Any idea how long vanilla beans last? Worst case if they don’t work here I’ll try again with some fresher vanilla beans, and if it comes out great I’ll be so glad to have finally put them to use!

]]> Comment on weekend inspiration by Steffie http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2012/05/weekend-inspiration-8/#comment-3650 Steffie Fri, 11 May 2012 16:02:48 +0000 http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=2997#comment-3650 Rather than succulents, why not get some carnivorous plants, which will help keep down the fly populations? Asian pitcher plants (nepenthes) are amazingly pretty, in an alien sort of way, and I love watching the sunlight sparkle through the sticky droplets on a sundew. Both are tropical, but that just makes them perfect for indoor growing, and their lack of a need for fertilizer makes them set and forget plants. Don't let anyone fool you into thinking you need a terrarium for them either, mine like a sunny windowsill just fine. There are several good nurseries online that will ship internationally as well, but for just good information and resources, I recommend www.cobraplant.com. Rather than succulents, why not get some carnivorous plants, which will help keep down the fly populations? Asian pitcher plants (nepenthes) are amazingly pretty, in an alien sort of way, and I love watching the sunlight sparkle through the sticky droplets on a sundew. Both are tropical, but that just makes them perfect for indoor growing, and their lack of a need for fertilizer makes them set and forget plants. Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking you need a terrarium for them either, mine like a sunny windowsill just fine. There are several good nurseries online that will ship internationally as well, but for just good information and resources, I recommend http://www.cobraplant.com.

]]> Comment on Make your own vanilla extract by Amanda http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2011/04/make-your-own-vanilla-extract/#comment-3649 Amanda Fri, 11 May 2012 08:39:00 +0000 http://vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=1452#comment-3649 Hi Shelley, thanks! I wouldn't worry about this myself, as you usually use 1-2 tsp. of vanilla extract in an entire batch of baking - so the alcohol each person is eating is minuscule. Also, if you are baking with it, the heat likely evaporates off the alcohol content, leaving only the flavor. I believe most commercial vanilla extracts also contain alcohol, according to Wikipedia "In the United States, in order for a vanilla extract to be called pure, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that the solution contain a minimum of 35% alcohol and 13.35 ounces of vanilla bean per gallon." So I wouldn't worry about it myself as an ingredient in other foods. I wouldn't let them just drink the vanilla extract straight :) Hi Shelley, thanks!

I wouldn’t worry about this myself, as you usually use 1-2 tsp. of vanilla extract in an entire batch of baking – so the alcohol each person is eating is minuscule. Also, if you are baking with it, the heat likely evaporates off the alcohol content, leaving only the flavor.

I believe most commercial vanilla extracts also contain alcohol, according to Wikipedia
“In the United States, in order for a vanilla extract to be called pure, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that the solution contain a minimum of 35% alcohol and 13.35 ounces of vanilla bean per gallon.”

So I wouldn’t worry about it myself as an ingredient in other foods. I wouldn’t let them just drink the vanilla extract straight :)

]]> Comment on DIY coconut lime deodorant by weekend inspiration http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/2012/04/diy-coconut-lime-deodorant/#comment-3648 weekend inspiration Fri, 11 May 2012 06:01:25 +0000 http://www.vintagesavoirfaire.com/?p=2867#comment-3648 [...] Coconut Lime Deodorant was included in Tips of the Week.  This stuff is getting rave reviews, and I’ve been using [...] [...] Coconut Lime Deodorant was included in Tips of the Week.  This stuff is getting rave reviews, and I’ve been using [...]

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