The Omnivore’s Dilemma — Giveaway!

Editor's note: click here to see the winners!

I am thrilled to announce my first giveaway! Thanks to an anonymous donor, I am giving away 5 copies of The Omnivore's Dilemma (I have a total of 8; I will give away the other 3 at a later date). I can only offer to pay for domestic shipping, so this offer applies only in the U.S.

As I've mentioned several times, I recently read The Omnivore's Dilemma and was profoundly effected by it. I was shocked and angered at how much I had been manipulated into thinking the food choices I was making were the best for my family and for the environment.

The author, Michael Pollan, describes in chilling detail what he learns when he digs deep into the world of big agribusiness. As its title indicates, this isn't a book intended to turn everyone into vegetarians. It's about understanding how we've come to be in the situation we're in, and what you can do to ensure that the foods you're buying are best for you, the animals, the farmers, and the environment.

The giveaway does come with a catch though — I'm asking you to read the book and then pass it on. I'd like to see just how many people can be effected by these 5 copies of the book. So, if you're willing, please put your first name and your city and state on the inside front cover on the book. When your done, pass it on to someone you think would enjoy reading it and ask them to do the same. That's it!

If you'd like to enter to receive a copy, just leave a comment to this post. I'll leave comments open until 5pm Friday, June 19, 2009 (PST). If there aren't many comments (i.e. 5 or fewer) you'll automatically receive a book. Otherwise I'll do a random number generator and announce the winners on Monday. Good luck!

Excited

There are so many things going on these days — I feel like there's this electric charge around me, just buzzing constantly.

First of all, the end of the school year is this Thursday for us which means … summer vacation! I have to say, as an adult I've been pretty disappointed in the way summer feels a lot like the rest of the year (less so here in Portland, where the seasons are so pronounced). This is the first year that summer vacation will really mean something for Anna. We've got lots lined up, including ice skating lessons, music class, UCSB family camp (that will merit it's own post), and lots and lots of picnics, wading pool splashing, grilling, berry picking, homemade ice cream… yay for summer!

Yet another thing I'm buzzing about is my first-ever giveaway on this blog. A generous soul, who wishes to remain anonymous, is donating 8 copies of The Omnivore's Dilemma to you, dear readers! I've been so profoundly changed by this book and I'm so excited to be able to share it with you. Hang tight for details on the giveaway in the coming weeks.

Much of what always gets me excited is, of course, food. Many of you know that I have a scone issue — both that I love them and that I find it maddeningly difficult to get good ones here in Portland (although Crema does a pretty good job). I am happy to report that I have found two scone recipes that I believe show promise and I will dutifully test them (someone's got to do it!) and report back. For those who want to get going on your own, they are David Lebovitz' recipe here (although I would change the flavors), and the recipe found in A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table, which is a fun mix of essays and recipes by Molly Wizenberg, of Orangette.

And, of course, I am getting reading for the first of the craft shows I'm participating in this Friday, on NE Fremont at 13th Avenue! If you're a local, please try to stop by between 4-8pm. I've been sewing like crazy, so there will be lots of new stuff to see.