A Little-Known Method

Recently I found out there is a way to know whether the food you buy is organic, conventional or genetically modified. As in the photo of my bananas above, you look at the 4 or 5 digit PLU code on the product. If the first digit is a '4' it is conventional, '9' means organic, '8' means it was genetically modified. Here is an article explaining it.  My bananas have code '4011' (the code is in yellow under the Chiquita name in the photo) which means it was conventionally grown.

The Bottle of Canola Oil

So I bought this bottle of canola oil the other day and had forgotten that this brand never has a pour spout, which results in very messy use as the oil always manages to drip over the side. I decided to email the company to suggest they add a pour spout and they very quickly sent me a thank you letter with some coupons. However, at this point I wouldn't buy another bottle without a pour spout. My friend S says she will take the coupons.

My friends thought I seemed to have a lot of time on my hands, but I felt an email wouldn't hurt. I was mad at myself for not remembering to avoid this brand due to this design deficiency!

And that's what's new around here, lol.  Happy Monday and welcome to the first day of Spring!

Sunday Sketches - Designer Purse

Welcome to Sunday Sketches! I wanted to do a spring-themed piece for you today with this 'Designer Purse' number. It's done on good quality peach-coloured cardstock (6" x 6") in acrylic.

Scoop

Kay had an interesting post the other day when she spoke about visiting the Nixon Presidential Library in California.  I didn't have a good opinion about Nixon as I only associated him with the Watergate wire taping scandal in the 70's. He championed noble causes such as the environment, cancer, gender bias, world peace in Vietnam and China.  Bill Clinton knew it as evidenced by the speech he gave at Nixon's funeral.

So have you heard about this new Scoop car pooling app that is now being used in the US?

They have a good video explaining a bit about how it works. It's hard to keep up with all the new technology these days. 

Paint Party Friday - Water Lily

This piece for Paint Party Friday in done in acrylic on good quality textured cardstock (6" x 6"). The lily is outlined with a waterproof black Pitt artist pen.

And the painting is green for St. Patrick's Day, how's that?  Have a happy one if you celebrate!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

I roasted some brussels sprouts recently and thought you might like my most recent recipe:

1 kg brussels sprouts quartered

2 tbs olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp basil

2 tbs balsamic vinegar

dressing

2 tbs balsamic vinegar

3 tbs olive oil

2 tbs Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 pepper

2 tsp honey or diet syrup

2 tbs mustard

350F

bake 20 mins on a tray lined with parchment paper (or silpat silicone mat)

mix dressing in

Scribble Picnic - Lantern

The theme for Scribble Picnic is 'Lantern'. I decided to go with a lighted Chinese lantern here. The piece is done in acrylic on good quality textured dark blue cardstock (6" x 6").