It’s been a beautiful week out east: Happy New Year to Jewish friends, Happy Jeter Farewell Days to Yankees fans and Happy Fall to everyone. This week I’m highlighting my clean living adventures as a roundup before the weekend, so readers can check out these ideas during their free time.
Health: Juicing Locally – The Stand Juice Company, Norwalk and Fairfield
Last September, when I focused my diet on plant-based eating, I started with salads, graduated to smoothies and eventually added juices daily. However, being a clean-eating newbie, I was scared of juicing because I didn’t know where to begin.
So, my first recommendation for those considering juicing is to find a healthy juice bar and sample different drinks. I learned a lot about fruit and vegetable combinations from The Stand Juice Company in Fairfield. After trying a few, I was able to create nutrient-filled and relatively tasty concoctions with my own juicer. I remember the first green juice I tried seemed a bit nasty. I then took small steps, tried new flavors for my palate and now I’ve grown accustomed to drinking kale, collards, cucumber and celery combinations. (Throw in an apple or grapefruit to any juice and it’s deliciously sweet. Try ginger for a strong, bold taste that ‘s great for your immunity. My favorite tip, though, is to add horseradish to vegetable juices for a Virgin-Bloody Mary morning.)
Happiness: Dining Out – Quattro Pazzi, Stamford and Fairfield
I love when I find a restaurant that’s classy, values local produce and welcomes children. That’s why I’m drawn to dining at Quattro Pazzi. This quaint little Italian bistro is romantic and elegant, yet family friendly. The menu is filled with a variety of traditional meat and cheese dishes as well as modern vegetarian ones. The food is tasty and largely organic. They even offer organic wine by the glass as well as the bottle. I find eating out at Italian restaurants easy for vegans because it’s simple to substitute butter with extra-virgin olive oil. I also often add beans instead of meat and zucchini spaghetti instead of white noodles, if they don’t offer whole wheat pasta.
Beauty: Organic Clothing – Sophie Claire’s, Milford
Sophie Claire’s, a boutique for home and her, specializes in an eclectic mix of renovated furniture, vintage treasures, clothing and accessories. Because the owner embraces clean living, she sought out a fashion-forward line, Yala, that produces luxurious dresses, tops and cardigans all made from organic bamboo fibers. The items keep flying off the shelves, so obviously they’re a hit. I bought a dress, sweater and leggings, which look chic and feel sensationally smooth.
Have a great weekend. Please let me know if you have any comments or questions with these finds. I also want to know if you prefer to see Clean Living Connecticut as a Roundup on Friday afternoons or Sunday nights?
