Interview with Fay Johnson - Founder of deliberateLIFE magazine

Recently I was introduced to the deliberateLife magazine by its founder Fay Johnson, who asked me to review it.

Fay was born in South Africa and emigrated to the San Francisco Bay Area at a young age. She has lived and worked in Hungary, India, Ethiopia, Kenya, the United States and South Africa. She holds a B.A. from UCLA in International Development and a Master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University.

The reason I had an instant connection with the magazine was the name "deliberateLife", after-all isn't that what we all are trying to do, make good choices for ourselves and our families - loved ones.

Well...so, of what I saw, the thing that appealed to me the most is the substance and simplicity of the magazine, the choice of content , it all conveys just one thing --- this is not just another new magazine, its  a resource for those seeking to live differently while balancing the normal demands of modern life, totally worth your time and money.

Fay was kind enough to answer few of my questions:

Hi Fay, How are you doing?

I’m well, thanks. I appreciate the opportunity to share a little about deliberateLIFE.

The pleasure is mine, So tell us about yourself and how did you come up with this magazine?

I have traveled to nearly 30 nations, and spent the last ten years working in the social change space, as a human rights campaigner, congressional staffer, humanitarian, and consultant. I am passionate about building a better tomorrow and have dedicated my life to finding solutions to challenges facing our global community. I’ve investigated human rights abuses, written and lobbied for better laws, and worked on the ground in crisis situations to get people basic things like food and water.

These varied experiences taught me one thing - change comes down to the choices of individuals. Whether they be politicians, soccer moms or business people, it has always been the choices of individuals (sometimes in chorus) that determine the outcome of a situation. I have spent much of my time focused on international poverty issues, but am equally interested in how I can make good choices in my daily life to have an impact. I have often wished that I had a list of ‘to-do’s’ curated by experts who did the research for me, that I could follow to have a positive (or at least not a negative) impact on the world. I have also longed to see the stories of amazingly deliberate people told to a wider audience.

Is this what the deliberateLIFE magazine does?

deliberateLIFE is a lifestyle publication built from the premise that there are busy people who care, and they will make a difference when given good information and practical choices. ‘Deliberate living’ is about recognizing the ripple effect that our lives have, and choosing to make thoughtful choices because of this reality. At the core of the magazine is the certainty that the choices we make matter in our own lives and the lives of many others, most of whom we may never see. We won’t try to convince readers to spend all day in a yoga studio, start an organic farm, or quit their day job to traverse the globe. It is our hope to inspire and challenge our readers with fun, practical ideas about making deliberate choices that positively impact our world.

So would you say that deliberateLIFE magazine is mostly educational?

No. deliberateLIFE is a lifestyle publication. It is true that we research products, places,and issues... to name some areas. But all of us are moved by stories. We capture the images, stories and sometimes live interviews with people who move us to action.

What was your inspiration behind the name of the magazine and what does your logo symbolize? 

When thinking of the name, I wanted to accurately convey the heart of the magazine. Deliberate means “done consciously and intentionally, to engage in long and careful consideration”. I believe in the benefits of being thoughtful about how we live our lives. We aren’t people seeking to be perfect, to somehow come to a point of knowing all the right things to do that would make us the perfect citizens, neighbors, parents, friends. We can’t be perfect but we can be thoughtful and deliberate about the choices that we make in our life.

The logo symbolizing what I hope this community will grow to be - interconnected, organic (the spokes are actually branches or twigs), and something that creates forward movement (like a wheel).

Thats amazing, tell us about your first issue?

The first issue is an introduction to the concept of deliberate living (as we see it) and to the magazine. In it readers will find our manifesto which talks about the world that we want to build, a statement of what “we the deliberate” believe. Articles cover how to determine what foods are in season, the end of time management, avoiding an ‘overstuffed’ life, and tips for getting hold of one's finances. Readers will also find articles about work. In this issue we look at the company GreenToys and how they are choosing to run their company. In each issue we will look at a global challenge and discuss it from a local and global perspective. In issue one we look at homelessness in the US, Jamaica and Kyrgyzstan. And for those with wanderlust souls, the travel section highlights Cape Town, South Africa. In the February/March issue readers will also find new sections: ‘Engage’ which will highlight ways for people to give back in-person, ‘Think’ is our review of books and movies, and our ‘Kids Corner’ has specific tips for parents. 

What was your biggest challenge and the biggest reward so far?

The reward has definitely been the response from readers around the world who have expressed their excitement about the magazine. Many have said that they’ve been looking for something like this for years. I created something I’d want to read, and their response affirms the need for a publication like this. The biggest challenge would definitely be the learning curve and time commitment. I don’t have a team of people helping me or a background in publishing (or app development for that matter). I decided to make this dream a reality and then had to teach myself how to do everything from app development and website coding, to design and layout. It’s been months of sleepless nights, but completely worth it. I am so excited to have something to share with with world.

It’s a digital magazine published 6 times a year and its for iPads, right , so how do people access it ? Do they have to install an App ?

That’s correct - deliberateLIFE is a magazine built specifically for tablets. At the moment it is only available on the iPad but we are looking to build for the Android market soon. If you have an iPad you can open the Newsstand app and look for it in the store, or you can open iTunes and download the app there (www.bit.ly/dLIFE). The deliberateLIFE app is free and each issue is $4.99. Folks can save 30% off the cover price by subscribing for a year -- 6 beautiful issues for the price of 5 cups of coffee? I think it’s worth it, but then again I’m biased. =)

Why did you choose to make it an online magazine and not print  ?

We chose the tablet format for three reasons - we want to reduce waste, be responsible with our finances, and build a global community of deliberate people. In the US alone, we throw away 2.5 million tons of magazines each year - that’s enough to fill 7 giant football stadiums with paper waste -- a YEAR! By publishing on a tablet we don’t need to feel bad about the size of our distribution - the more the merrier! This also allows us to produce the magazine with lower costs, and give a percentage of our profits to groups who are making a difference. And of course, tablets are sold around the world - deliberateLIFE has been download in 52 countries this month - it’s exciting to think about how we can start a global conversation about building a better tomorrow!

What is your favourite part of the magazine or a feature you are particularly excited about? 

I love creating something to share with others, and in return, I love hearing how people are applying the ideas in their daily life. One reader said that she and her fiance headed out to buy some direct trade coffee after reading the first issue. I am excited to see how the dL community grows, and how we can all share ideas about building a better tomorrow together.

Thanks for your time Fay and I wish you and your team of deliberators all the success.

So, thats Fay Johnson.
What are you waiting for, the app is free to download, check it out, I am sure you will be hooked.

You can also join the team , learn how .

*Disclaimer: This is not a paid review.

Avocado and Chicken Rolls

I love avocados for their subtle buttery taste and goodness. I add them to rotis, dosas, salads, wanna try Cham's avocado cake recipe I am even thinking of trying a mithai with it ...cant have enough.

Do you love avocados? Then you will love the new Avocados From Mexico recipe website "Recipes From Avocado Lovers", where you can submit your favorite avocado recipes and share you avocado love with with other foodies like you.

This recipe is an amazing appetiser, the original recipe is from Guy Fieri , I have tweaked it to my taste. One thing I have realised is Avocados go great with chicken, try them together.

Ingredietns:

2 tablespoons canola oil

1/2 cup finely minced red onion

2 tablespoons minced ginger

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1/4 cup finely chopped celery

2 cups chopped chicken breast

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 cup julienned green cabbage

1/2 cup shredded carrots

4 cups canola oil, for frying,

12 egg roll wrappers

2 avocados, sliced into 24 pieces

1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon milk

Jarred sweet chili sauce, for dipping

Method:

In a saute pan over high heat, add canola oil. Saute red onions until translucent. Add ginger, garlic, celery, chicken, and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat. Deglaze pan with soy sauce. Cool mixture.

In large bowl combine cabbage, carrots and chicken mixture.

In medium saucepan, heat canola oil to 350 degrees F. Oil needs to be deep enough to keep egg roll from touching bottom of pan. Add more oil, if needed.

To roll egg rolls, layout egg roll skin with corner facing you, place approximately 1/12th of mixture on roll and place 2 pieces of avocado on top of mixture. Fold corner over mixture, and then fold outside corners over the mixture, making a roll, 4 to 5-inches wide. Roll firmly, being careful not to tear wrapper, and seal the final edge with egg wash.

Dredge the egg roll in egg wash, allow excess to drain off and submerge egg roll in oil. Fry until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on sheet tray lined with a cooling rack.

*This sponsorship is brought to you by Recipes from Avocados From Mexico who we have partnered with for this promotion.

Have you tried these?

These are hands down the best Osmania Biscuits I've ever had, melt in your mouth goodness ! My friend bought these (for us) from her recent visit to Hyderabad.

If you live in or around Hyderabad, you must try this !

With tea, coffee or just as a snack ....these are really addictive :)

Magnum Ice Cream



Image Source- Magnum Website


















As part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker program, this time, I got to try out Magnum Ice Cream. I liked it sooo much that I actually want to thank Foodbuzz for introducing me to Magnum. I get a box of these everytime I do the groceries and it does not take us long to empty it (hopefully tht explains why I did not post my own pic of the icecream bar :) n had to turn to their website). The quality of chocolate used and the ice cream itself is outstanding, way too good for a supermarket find. 

If you like your ice cream on a stick, this is made Just For You !

I personally like the Magnum Almond, I like my chocolate with nuts, but I am on the lookout for the Magnum White, which by the way looks pretty good.

Since I tried Magnum, I have turned my back to what used to top my list for store bought ice creams, n if you have not tried Magnum yet, you should !!! 

Have a  happy weekend !

Of Alexia, flowers and a small Giveaway!

Weeks ago, as part of the Foodbuzz tastemaker program, I opted in to try out products from Alexia Foods. Very soon I received a beautiful package with a chic apron and a coupon to try any one product from their  variety of all-natural appetizers or side dishes. Unfortunately for me, it was not as easy to find the product I liked, so finally I bought what I could the Alexia brand Classic french rolls. The first thing that came to my mind was a very yummy tomato basil soup to go with the rolls, but what I am posting here is a very traditional n super hit combination of bread with akhni.

Akhni -- a preparation of meat on which the rice is layered in dum biryani, or you could just say its the base of any biryani dish, is fondly eaten with bread in many Muslim households in India. So when I was making biryani one Friday I thought , freshly baked, warm n crusty bread would be just the perfect thing to have with akhni. So in came the Alexia French Rolls, from the packet to a baking tray into the oven and out came nice n brown n warm rolls which we could not wait to dig into. The rolls were crusty on outside n very light and airy on the inside. 8 of them, I mean the rolls, just vanished within seconds between the two of us (me and my husband)

So its official, I "heart" Alexia, would recommend it to anybody n have my eyes on their new , soon to be in market, Parmesan Lemon Russet Potato Fries... sounds yummy... to you too?


Last weekend was a very pretty one here in Boston, decent weather and a flower show at the Seaport World Trade Center. The flower show was going on for the whole last week but we went there on Saturday with one of our friends, who is a regular visitor there. It was a very fun, learning and beautiful experience and we look forward to going to the next show and the next and the next...

Here are just a few glimpses of the exhibits and flower arrangements

Coming to the giveaway...this is a very first giveaway to my dear readers, thanks to CSN who is willing to give a $40 gift card to any one reader of Lazzat (from USA and Canada only) CSN is an online superstore boasting over 2 million products, from adjustable bar stools to luggage and bedding ....they have it all.All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and consider yourself enrolled. I would love to know if you have tried your luck or won on other sites for the same. What can $40 get you at CSN ? ...chk this out ... or this ...n this n this n....well, there is a lot ! So hope for the best and good luck

The winner will be announced on weekend of April 9th.

Vegetable Qorma

This is another semi home made recipe for a quick qorma. I mean seriously, all I did was saute some chopped veggies till they cook slightly and then open up a jar of pre made qorma sauce . I used potatoes, carrots, peas and beans but you could use any of your favourite veggies. Just before taking the qorma off the heat I topped it with lots of fresh coriander leaves n closed the lid.

Seeds of Change has a variety of organic Indian sauces, but so far I like the Korma sauce the best. Apart from vegetables it also goes well with chicken, pan fried paneer and boiled eggs. Visit their website for coupons and more recipe inspirations.

This is my entry for the Semi Homemade event hosted here at Lazzat.

Nature's Pride

I recently got a chance to taste the Nature's Pride breads through the Tastemaker program offered by Foodbuzz. Once I opted in for the offer, I received these two loaves- 100% whole wheat and 12 Grain.

Years ago, I did try to switch to multi grain and whole wheat breads, but was discouraged by what I ate....I dint like them at all....in fact I found them hard to swallow ... yes, and I did get back to my favourite brand of "not so natural" white bread.

So when I received the very same varieties of Nature's Pride breads my first taste test or challenge was going to be how the bread tastes by itself. I treated each slice differently to find out what would be the best way to eat it ,so the bread got toasted, grilled , dipped, sandwiched, I also tried a slice of each of the breads by itself , and I just loved it, every time. It passed all the tests in flying colors. Of course I could not click all the images but the one you see is that of a grilled cheese sandwich, in here I used the whole wheat bread with some Manchego cheese.

There is no doubt in my mind that Nature's Pride is the next best thing to home baked breads as suggested by the blog 'my kitchen addiction '. For me this one is a keeper, healthy and tasty, and guess what ? its less expensive than some of the other brands. So next time you wanna buy a loaf , give Nature's Pride bread a try , it wont disappoint you.

Check out their website for nutritional information.

Greek (Yogurt) Goodness

Few days back, Kristina from The Stonyfield farm emailed me asking if I would like to try their Greek yogurt. And since I have been using and loving their products for quiet some time now I was only happy to oblige. So they sent me this wonderful package full of coupons, info and a cute little hand bag.

Oikos Organic Greek yogurt can be used in a variety of ways while cooking – in baking, as a substitute for sour cream, and mayonnaise, to create tasty low-fat dishes. Greek yogurt is strained, making it thicker and more versatile in recipes than regular yogurt. Oikos is organic, which means it's made without artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners, and it's made from organic milk produced without the use of toxic persistent pesticides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics, or artificial growth hormones (rBST).


I could not wait to try it. The yogurt comes in different flavors like vanilla, blueberry and honey . The honey yogurt has a beautiful n delicate golden layer of honey at the bottom n the blueberry flavoured yogurt has kinda like a blueberry jam... so try emptying these containers upside down on a platter for a lovely presentation. I blended the vanilla with some rose syrup and sugar to make rose lassi served with some grated nutmeg, just whipped the honey yogurt and tossed in some toasted walnuts to spread on the breakfast toast , blueberry smoothie was the quickest and refreshing with a hint of mint. I also enjoyed the eating spoonfuls of the plain Greek yogurt, and used the rest to marinate chicken kebabs, the recipe I intend to post soon.


Thank You Kristina for introducing me to these delicious treats ,these will be a staple in my kitchen from now on. Meanwhile for more recipe inspirations using Greek yogurt you can check this out.