Morning Sunshine!

I am one of those people who completely support having a morning meal. But I find it difficult at times to balance a morning meal with getting ready, finishing my procrastinated studies and going to class at 8 am. I either have to eat breakfast out, make it at home, or take it with. So here are some of the things I have learned to do:

Eating out:

Foodworx: Breakfast Burrito: eggs, beans, hash browns, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese (expect a line), or biscuits and gravy.

Canyon Vista: 75 cent eggs anyway you want them! Over-easy, Scrambled, Fried.

OVT: Bobcat and yogurt, for a small yogurt it is $1.95 and they have peach, blueberry, vanilla, strawberry, and you can add granola.

Eating in my room:

Cereal

The biggest selection of cereal is at Foodworx, and the healthiest selection is at Earls, but you can find cereal at Rogers, Goody's, and the Village.

Pop-tarts

The best selection is at Earls, but there are also pop-tarts at Rogers, Foodworx and Goody's.

Hot Pockets/Breakfast Burritos

The best selections are at the Village and Goody's, but they can also be purchased at Earl's Place, Roger's, and Foodworx.

On The Go:

Oatmeal and juice

OVT, Cafe V, Canyon Vista, Plaza, and Foodworx all have a juice machine and oatmeal. I often eat that on my way to class since I can get oatmeal and the juice with a lid. Not to mention you can add raisins, brown sugar or granola to the oatmeal!

COFFEE =D

This is a must.

If I don't make it in my room, I get it at Goody's because they open at 7am, which is 2 hours before any other place and market. They also have what is called a commuter's special which is coffee or milk, bagel or donut, and juice or fruit for $4. And when you are feeling really dangerous you can get a chocolate covered croissant. Yum.

Angela =]

Thanksgiving Break!

What an exciting time for everyone!

For many, it is their first time going home from the entire school year. It is so warm to imagine everyone with their families, spread out all over California and elsewhere, taking in the love and intimacy of family. I love it!

While all the excitement is going on there... the school is going to be sleeping a little more. Dining halls, staff, and faculty are all enjoying their break. If you are on campus for very quiet days, you may have to be a little innovative in how you get your goods. All of the Places and Markets are closed all day (only on T-Day), so don't worry, you're still going to be fed the rest of break! Check out the dining hours on this link: http://hdh.ucsd.edu/diningservices/hours.asp

Trader Joe's and Whole Foods are just a quick walk from campus. Also, look for others that may have stayed on campus for break. Meet up with them, have good conversation, and enjoy a unique experience of being here while the school sleeps. It is a really nice time.

Those who will be gone, remember there are shuttles from the SD Airport to

Peterson Hall. Here is the schedule:

San Diego Airport to Peterson Hall
Day/Date	Departure Times
Thanksgiving break 2009 Sunday, Nov. 29	10 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 10 p.m.

Found on this site: http://www.ucsd.edu/current-students/student-life/parking-and-transportation/commuting-alternatives/holiday-airport-shuttle.html

How nice to have free transportation!

I wish you all a wonderful break, and want to encourage you to beautify your living space. Check out my mini-garden in my Warren apartment:

Notice how I reused a hummus container... using recyclables for gardening purposes is SO much better than recycling.

Peace and love,

Jessica

Kombucha!

Alright guys, consider me your guinea pig for items sold at Place and Markets across campus. I am happy to report that my curiosities have led me to discover an incredibly unusual find...

One word: Kombucha!

Kombucha is a tea that is made by fermenting a culture of microorganisms...yum?

Well, if you've ever tried sparkling apple cider, and thought it could use a little more cider, then Kombucha is the tea for you! It has a taste and smell resembling vinegar, but there's also a tangy flavor that leaves your mouth watering for more!

G.T.'s Kombucha sold on campus is a living culture of beneficial microorganisms - some liken it to fermentation - where it is cultured for 30 days. This allows for essential nutrients to form; active enzymes and viable probiotics. It is a tunic to an ill stomach or a even a sickness, as it can strengthen your immune system. Kombucha can be found in every market place on campus. They are well-equipped with all your cultured drink needs.

Follow that urge to drink up because these unique teas are loaded with probiotics that aid:

• Digestion
• Metabolism
• Immune System
• Appetite control
• Weight Control
• Liver Function
• Body Alkalinity
• Anti-Aging
• Cell Intergrity
• Healthy Skin and Hair

So check out some of the varieties of these colorfully labeled teas next time you're cruising the aisles of your nearest Place and Market. The most variety can be found in Roger's Place and Goody's!

So far I've tried Trilogy, Mystic Mango, Raspberry Rush, and Gingerberry. Enticed yet?

Act on it : )

(Jessica suggests Mystic Mango because it is less acidic than others).

To check out more info on the philosophy of the company, or to get a head start on choosing the flavor you want to try first, check out:

http://www.synergydrinks.com/synergy.html

Please let me know what you thought of Kombucha!

Fuel your body for life!

~Hilary *Compost Queen*

So You Wanna be a Model?!

Living On Campus, a Housing • Dining • Hospitality publication, is looking for on-campus residents to show off their dorm rooms and apartments. They're looking for students willing to open their doors (and faces!) to be professionally photographed for new material.

Think you, or your living space, has what it takes? Sign up, you can be UC San Diego's next room model! =]

Interested? Email bmccue@ucsd.edu with your:

* Name

* Contact phone #

* The college/facility you reside in

* Day of the week and time of day best for you (generally speaking, Tu-Fri, 9 am to 3 pm).

* Be sure to check with your roomies and friends you may want to include.

* Why you think you/your room/friends should be photographed (you can also include a photo of your room setup if you like!)

Monthly Cup of Green, Peace

Hey all!

Here's wishing you are all doing dandy in life.

Housing and Dining EcoNauts hosted their first "Monthly Cup of Green" event at Roger's Place (formerly known as POTS), on November 17th. It was really inspirational to hear Mark Lovett talk about things that matter in the world. Things like the global water crisis and ways that we can make positive change.

We can lighten up the darkness in terms of lessening our impact on the environment is to eat more local, organic, and vegan options. Isn't it amazing you can do these things at UCSD? Talk about an awesome school. UCSD is going to be launching a new event in Dining restaurants called "Meatless Mondays." It should be epic! We hope it will inspire students to be more aware of their food choices, thinking about the effects of their purchases.

Check out a piece of Mark's words to us:

Dining restaurants and Marketplaces also provide students with a sufficient amount of Fair Trade products, ensuring fair wages to farmers for their food products. Social justice is also something HDH participates in. What an awesome campus! We have a lot more to do, a lot more places to go, and a lot more changes to implement, but we are running towards that line. If you have suggestions of how to better HDH as a whole, please do email about it! jbaltman@ucsd.edu

The desire for spreading love and peace around the campus is sizzling! Another awesome event of UCSD's was that of the Human Peace Symbol which took place on November 19th on Sun God Lawn. Check out the link and see a larger photo of people united in the cause of peace. I'm sure you were there in spirit if not in person.

http://worldmarch-sd.org/WorldMarch_UCSD.html

Hugs,

Jessica

Yay for Vegan Options!

So today I cruised into Cafe Ventanas looking for something healthy and balanced on the lunch menu. Cafe V definitely delivered with their delicious-looking Vegan Grilled Portobello Ratatouille option.

It was only $4.95, and looked pretty hearty. I added a side of rice, which showcased the beautiful display of peppers, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, and tomatoes that covered the Portobello mushroom underneath.

Being that I was out to lunch with my fellow EcoNaut, Jessica, I told her how good the dish was. She decided to try it out herself! There was no doubt that the meal had an incredibly fresh and tangy flavor that complimented the herb seasoning, but I was eager to hear whether it was up to par from the ultimate Vegan herself.














Jess did give the Portobello and veggie dish the official Vegan stamp of approval!














An additional side, such as rice or tortillas, really made the Ratatoullie a legitimate tummy-filler. It was so rich in flavor that I would recommend it to anyone interested in an all-around-fantastic meal. :)

Great job Cafe V! Keep those awesome veg dishes coming!

Choose to replenish your body with food that keeps it going, not junk that slows it down. Dining Services makes it easy!

Stay happy and healthy : )

~Hilary *Compost Queen*

Clean and Warm

You get a lot of things taken care of for you when living on campus, including an in-house cleaning service. Some really neat facts about the men and women who clean the apartments and resident halls:

They were voted #1 (by students last year) as being the nicest, most pleasant staff on campus.

They ARE truly nice, and don't mind polite requests.

They only use green cleaning products.

My cleaning lady, here at 707, is named Olga. My building and the other building started a facebook fan page for her, for students to show their support for the work she does, which she does a lot of.

Changing topics, for those wanting to get the air a little warmer in their resident hall and are not sure how, call maintenance at 858-534-2600.

For more information about maintenance or custodial workers go to:

http://hdh.ucsd.edu/maintenance/

First "Monthly Cup of Green" with Mark Lovett

HI EVERYONE!!!

Come to our first Monthly Cup of Green!

Mark Lovett from Global Patriot will join us to talk about water as a global issue and how each one of us can make a difference. (He is awesome!)

We’ll have Fair Trade coffee and tea, and some yummy munchies... tell your friends!

Check out Global Patriot's website, and join their facebook group:

http://globalpatriot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&ref=ts&gid=50739050168

-Your friend, Jessica

Foodworx, Fame, and more!

Howdy-ou-do guys!?

I hope all is going swell with midterms. if you need a break, check out the following:

The other day, I had the fine privilege of going into Foodworx. I was SO stoked on that place. First of all, it's rather large for a marketplace on campus. Second of all, it had AMAZING choices. I highly recommend Amy's burritos (you can locate them in the freezer section of any marketplace on campus). My favorite kinds are the Beans and Rice and the Indian Samosa wrap... mmmmm delicious! They are an absolutely easy dinner treat to make for friends having a late night study session at your place. The Marketplaces also have a fine variety of snacked goods. I happened to grab some vegan vanilla crackers which were amazing. They also have a great selection of Uncle Eddie's Vegan cookies which every vegan and non-vegan alike should try at least once in their life. (Incredible! I particularly enjoy the Molasses cookies.) Now that I am all excited about food... I have to mention that Foodworx offers a BBQ on the deck from 1-5pm every Saturday. Make sure to check that out tomorrow if you are around!

On another note, HDH has had another moment of fame! HDH Sustainability Manager Krista Mays talks "trash" with the city and SDSU on KPBS's These Days. Listen to the interview for yourself: http://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/nov/10/san-diego-landfill-makes-room-food-waste-recycling/

The San Diego Landfill is making room for UCSD's food waste to be recycled (i.e. composted)! This is truly something to celebrate. So keep on composting, friends.

This is such a great campus. Keep checking out all of the great Dining events here: http://hdh.ucsd.edu/diningservices/events.pdf as well as all of the student-org led events. Be aware and read signs around campus; you will really reap great rewards.

Peace and love,

Jessica

Get the Scoop! Check out the Dining Events Calendar!

Okay Foodies and Starving Students,

So I'm sure many of you have heard of Taco Tuesdays at off-campus places like El Torito.....

But are you familiar with Torta Tuesdays during November right here at UCSD? Yep! Every Tuesday, you can expect tortas (delicious Mexican sandwiches) at Canyon Vista (CV) on the Warren College campus.

How did I discover such crucial information?

I checked out the Dining Events Calendar, which you can access here:

http://hdh.ucsd.edu/diningservices/events.pdf

There's always something new and exciting happening in Dining! So check out the calendar, which currently has events posted for November, December, and January.

And fyi students...
Tomorrow (Thurs. 12th) is Nacho Day in all Dining restaurants, and Steak and Chop Night at Ocean View Terrace (OVT). Woohoo!

If you happen to check out either of these events tomorrow, let me know what you thought of them by contacting me at hwilhelm@ucsd.edu.

Enjoy ; )

~Hilary *Compost Queen*

Making The Most Of Break

So here comes the first big (and small) break for UC San Diego students... will you be leaving campus?

If you are, here are some ideas and thoughts to help you maximize your travels!

You and your roommates (triple, double) should lock everything up... don't leave valuables! 

VERY IMPORTANT: before you go make sure things like food and trash are taken out so you don’t have mess or smell to come back to! Drop your dishes at Toby's Spot, located at ResHalls throughout campus... that way you don't have to walk everything back to the Dining restaurant.

For people traveling to the San Diego airport you can use your bus pass and take the 150 to the 923.

So what if you are staying? What will you be doing for food? Well…

Make sure you are prepared-- all dining locations will be closed from the 26^th to the 28^th.

And as for our midweek break, Veteran's Day, be warned that the Dining Halls have different hours:

Café V: 10am -9pm

Foodworx: 10am- 11pm

OVT: 10am-9pm

CV: 10am-8pm

Rodgers: 8pm-Midnight

Plaza: 9am-9pm

Earls: 9am-1am

Goodys: 9am-1am

The Village: 9am-1am

And lastly, no matter what you do, make it safe and fun =]

Angela M. Cooper

Vegetarian/Vegan Living at UCSD

Hey all,

I hope all your midterms sown have reaped into beautiful blossoming trees. If they are less than that, just know the seeds are still being sown-- and you can still perform fabulously in your courses!

Speaking of seeds and blossoms...let's talk about the awesome vegetarian and vegan options you have when you eat at UC San Diego Dining Services (DS).

Every DS location on campus offers at least one vegetarian entrée per meal service. Some of the vegetarian options are also vegan.

Here is a short list of the many veg/vegan entrée options on the current fall cmenu:

• LiveWell Indian-Spiced Eggplant and Cauliflower Stew over Basmati Rice
• Roasted Vegetable Primavera with Tomato Basil Sauce
• Vegetarian Rolled Tacos with Brown Rice and Black Beans
• Thai Rice Salad with Herbs
• Elise's Sesame Noodles
• LiveWell Soba Noodles with vegetables
• LiveWell Whole Wheat Linguini with Roasted Vegetables
• LiveWell Spaghetti Marguerite
• Black-Eyed Pea Gumbo
• Portobello with Rataouille
• Tofu Ratatouille
• LiveWell Pasta Alla Casalinga

Due to the smaller demand for vegan dishes, there are times when the appropriate strategy for vegan students is to ask for a modification to a vegetarian dish. The best way to get a vegan option in a DS restaurant, especially if one is not readily available, is to ask for assistance from the manager on duty!

Rather cook your own veg/vegan dish? Visit one of the five marketplaces on campus and buy yourself some ingredients. They have hosts of delicious items like noodles, sauce, soup, and tofu. Mmmm, delicious!

Here is another helpful link:

http://hds.ucsd.edu/diningservices/images/vegan_diet.pdf

Enjoy and Happy Eating! :)

Jessica B.

jbaltman@ucsd.edu

I gotta EAT! Find out HOW to know WHERE to go and WHEN.

In between studying, you gotta eat!

I'm sure many of you already know the hours your favorite Dining Services (DS) restaurants are open-- in fact, you might even plan your day around these hours to ensure you have a chance to grab a meal.

In case you didn't know... Dining hours change during holiday breaks. Some even change during Finals week!
One of my favorite dining halls is Cafe Ventanas in ERC. The location is close to where I live (The Village), so it's super convenient. If you don't happen to live near there, but want to check out Cafe Ventanas one of these days, their regular hours are:

• M-F: 7am to 9pm

• Sat-Sun: 10am to 9pm

But the hours change on these holidays:

Veteran's Day:

• 11/11: 10am - 9pm

Thanksgiving Break:

• 11/25: 7am - 1:30pm
• 11/26-11/28: Closed
• 11/29: 5pm - 9pm

Winter Break:

• 12/12: 7am - 1:30pm
• 12/13-1/2: Closed
• 1/3: 12pm - 9pm

I called Cafe Ventanas at 858-534-0567 to ask if the hours are different during Finals week. I spoke with the manager, Daniel, who assured me they keep their regular hours, but will be closed the last Saturday of finals.

The dining hall managers are super cool people that are there to help you guys. So take advantage of the opportunity to voice your opinion to them, or just to let them know what an awesome job their doing! : )

It's beneficial to be as aware of dining hours as you are of library hours.

Curious to see who the other managers are? You can find their pics, contact info, and the hours of operation for the other 10 or so dining halls and markets on campus by visiting:
http://hdh.ucsd.edu/diningservices/hours.asp

Hang in there guys! More than halfway through fall quarter, and you're doing great!

~Hilary *Compost Queen*

Fishy!

Well I hope your Halloween was good, mine was. I got to see a lot of very creative and neat costumes running around on Saturday.

Sunday, I got a fish. I was told I could have one in the dorm, so after checking with my RA, I got one. It is a Beta and his name is Napoleon. I was always told that while living on campus I couldn’t have a pet, but here we are able to have fish. It is really nice being able to have a non-judgmental companion, not to mention I missed my other pets at home. The rule for Resident Halls and Apartments, is no more than a one gallon tank per person.

But don’t forget this is a living thing and you, only you, are responsible for taking care of it! So remember to get food, Petsmart is in the Ralphs plaza and you can use your ID to take a bus over there!

Angela =]