The Summer Solstice, otherwise known as the longest day of the year, is here (and luckily the weather is cooperating!) And since I'm a geek I feel it is my duty to spread some necessary knowledge about it.

Solstices occur twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is oriented directly towards or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to reach its northernmost and southernmost extremes. The name is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices the Sun's apparent movement north or south comes to a standstill.

The term solstice can also be used in a wider sense, as the date (day) that such a passage happens. The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are connected with the seasons. In many cultures, solstices and equinoxes traditionally determine the midpoint of the seasons, which can be seen in the celebrations called midsummer and midwinter. In Ancient Egypt, summer solstice was the most important day of the year. The sun was at its highest and the Nile River was beginning to rise. Special ceremonies were held to honor the Goddess Isis, since Egyptians believed that Isis was mourning for her dead husband Osiris, and that her tears made the Nile rise and well over. Accurately predicting the floods was of such vital importance that the appearance of the Sirius Constellation, (which occurs around the time of the summer solstice), was recognized as the beginning of the Egyptian New Year. So, happy New Year! Since you have ample sunlight today, why not go shopping? Inventory has been updated at Lost & Found, inside Pat's. Although we don't have Amulets, we do have several picnic baskets, wicker chairs, and ladies espadrille and wedge shoes, perfect for the summer (with the recent cooperation of this weather). We also have a few mid-century coffee tables still up for grabs, night stands, women and men's vintage clothing, and much more! Posted by joy boe at 12:13 PM 0 comments Lovin' the Hut It's official, I'm in love with Loving Hut! What started as an occasional treat has bred into a full blown craving that only their Coco Tofu can satisfy. Now, I'm a meat eater (they don't need to know that) but I like to consider myself more of a Flexitarian because I try to limit my intake and actually prefer veggies over beef any day. What has sadly held me back, (and I know this is terrible, but it's the truth), is my laziness. With a schedule like mine it is hard to find time to cook meals everyday. Plus, when you live alone, fresh veggies go bad so quickly. So, sometimes it is more convenient to eat on the go, which as everyone knows is not easy on the belly though. Secondly, organic food is expensive and hard to find. There are maybe, 3 vegetarian "fast food" places in San Diego. None of which are actually "fast."

So, imagine my delight when I stumbled upon the Loving Hut. Although I am not a professional food critic, nor do I have an educated palate, it is definitely blog-worthy. For these reasons:

1. They take the guilt right out of eating, with an all vegan menu that is varied and awesome. No animals harmed in making anything, plus no lack of flavor either. Their vision is that "all beings could live in peace, love and harmony with each other and the planet." That's easy to swallow. Apparently this concept was dreamed up by this lady, the Supreme Master of amazing food (hehe). She apparently even has her own t.v channel, wowza. This is a kinda ridiculous photo for a Master to use , don't you think? A plant-based diet is noble indeed, but a cell phone shot?

2. They have mastered cooking tofu, which is rarely done right. Their cubes are firm and juicy, chewy without being over-done or mushy. They are seasoned with delicious spices like ginger and cilantro. Soy chicken? They have that too. These summer rolls are a favorite appetizer of mine, but are big enough to be a meal and/or share. 3. They are super cheap! A 3 course meal for my sister and myself cost around $30.00. Seriously. Their entrees are around $6-7 for a large, and only $5 for a medium size. 4. Iced cappuccino's. If only Starbucks could get this right. The Loving Hut does. Another yummy drink they whip up (not my photo)
5. Their service is delightful. The genuinely nicest people work there, and get your meal out so quick you wonder if they mixed it up with someone else's before you. Today I went on my lunch break (I know, I'm addicted!) and they gave me a free recycled bag and plastic containers to re-use. Probably just because they can tell I'm gonna use it and tell everyone about them! (Done and done, by the way.) (I don't know this dude, but he looks nice. And fast)

The only thing I can say could be improved, which is actually a selfish wish, is their hours. The San Diego location close to Park ave on El Cajon is open morning-ish till 2pm, then closes till 5 then reopens till 9pm. I believe they are closed on Sunday's. It's not bad, it's just when you've got your heart set on it and you take a later lunch, it sucks.

So, if I haven't convinced you to try it yet, you're never going to! I really do agree that the Loving Hut is exactly what they advertise: "a beacon of light for an alternative way of living. It’s healthier, it’s compassionate, it’s peaceful and it’s the only way to a sustainable planet."

Word to your mother.
Posted by joy boe at 1:29 PM 0 comments Labels: local business's i love, my food baby

What the what?! JUNE and my Amazon purchases have arrived! I have around two more weeks till vacation and am trying to save Bossypants for my beach read, but Tina Fey has been seducing me a little each day with those big, manly hands... Can't wait to dig in! Both to the sand and the book. In the meantime, it seems like the weather has mellowed out and summer is on it's way in. Which means, bikini shopping. ugh. On the bound for a cute 'kini if anyone can help a sister out and suggest a place to find something, um, supportive and cute. Too bad they're not made like this anymore... Online ordering of a suit (with my kind of figure) is a no-go, so I am relying on local resources. Perhaps a synchronized sun dance will land the perfect fit, like the falling bottle in The God's must be Crazy. Wish me luck!
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