SEED Sessions

Even though Punxsutawney Phill saw his shadow and decided that there are 6 more weeks of winter, that is no reason for you to climb back into bed this weekend. Get up, get out and go explore!

This time of year is the perfect time to get out and go for a hike. The air is cool in the morning before the day warms up to comfy temperatures as the sun gets higher in the sky. There are hiking trails everywhere that are looking forward to having your feet on them. A great site for local hikes that we love at the SEED Peoples Market is  SoCalHiker  The site breaks down hikes by location, mileage, difficulty and even if they are dog friendly, because we all know that the 4 leggeds love to explore with us. If you are a dog parent who wants to hike with your pup, check out  BringFido!

You can bet that this time of year there is a good chance that you will still have brisk mornings on your walk, so make sure to take a lightweight jacket that dries fast, and is super comfortable. Regardless of how long a hike you take it is important to stay hydrated, and have shoes with good support. Consider taking a lightweight backpack for your keys, water, snacks and basic first aid supplies. Hiking is a great way to get out and get exercise while being surrounded by nature.  If a long hike is daunting don't worry, even an afternoon at the park or a walk on the beach will provide many of the same health benefits as a hike.

Did you know that there are several studies that show spending time in nature is beneficial for long and short term health, both physical and mental? One type of nature medicine is called ecopsychology,  the relationship between nature and people.  Spending time in nature everyday will help with mental clarity, happiness and an overall reduction of stress. Dive into this article about Nature and Mental Health by Mind.org.uk to learn more about the connections between the natural world and your mental health. 

So take advantage of every opportunity to find a new hiking trail, watch a sunrise or sunset at the beach, or just a quick walk at your local park. Get up, get out and go explore. It is good for your mind and your body, now who doesn't want a healthier mind and body. Remember to share your adventures with us, use the  hashtag #Seedinthewild on Instagram.

We are handcrafters

We are members of the planet

We are creators  purveyors of green products 

We are committed to sustainability

We support local artisans

We encourage diversity

We are community

We are SEED People's Market

 Written by Dianna Armand

*Images via SoCal Hiker and Crystal Cove State Park

If you're in need of a different kind of kick than your regular cup of coffee, add some spice to your routine with any of Vahdam India's Chai blends. Tea sometimes gets a bad rap for being too light and watery, so if you're feeling like a more full-bodied drink, you can still enjoy tea by making it a latte! Just follow this easy recipe: 

Ingredients: 

- Vahdam Chai Tea

- Water

- Milk (we personally love Oat Milk for a rich and frothy texture) 

- Sugar or sweetener of your choice (optional) 

Instructions: 

You will first need to make a Chai concentrate, consisting on a very strong Chai brew (1/4 c) and sugar to taste, if desired. 

While that is brewing, pour some milk in a small pot and heat it up on the stovetop, as it's heating up, begin to foam the milk with a milk frother or a whisk. 

Pour over your Chai concentrate and enjoy! 

Written by an Attendee

"I don’t know about you, but when I think Costa Rica I think of beaches, toucans, waterfalls and zip lining. Clearly this would be my first time traveling to Costa Rica, but something told me I was going to have a very different experience from the average visitor."

A couple of hours after landing into the capital of San José, I found myself cruising with Nela’s dad in his truck across the steep, green mountainsides of Tarrazú.

Tarrazú is known to produce some of the highest quality coffee in Costa Rica. It’s rich volcanic soil and varying elevations can result in clean, balanced and powerful coffees. The differences in elevations from 4,000 feet to 5,000 feet has a great influence on the flavor profiles that the region's coffee offers. And since these coffee cherries are dealing with less air at high altitudes, they mature more slowly.  But it’s a process that the farmers, and ultimately coffee buyers find worth it.

Hello there! 

My name is Erica, also known as The Coffee Nomad, and I will be guest blogging for SEED People’s Market for the next few weeks to share with you my journey to a coffee finca, or coffee farm, in Costa Rica!

But before I dive into that, allow me to tell you a little bit about myself and how I got into this whole coffee thing.

Around 3 years ago I was working as a news reporter in Central Texas (yes – one of those field news reporters chasing house fires and breaking news stories that often led to not-so-happy endings).  Long story short, I began a coffee blog as a creative outlet.  It started off very simple.  I mean, I’d discuss the bare bones of a shop – the menu, location, aesthetics and pricing (thrilling, I know).  

As I ventured on this journey a funny thing happened.  The more I chatted with baristas (who were far too patient on their end) and the more books I read, I grew madly in love with the complexity of coffee.  It became a fantasy of mine to tell the ultimate coffee story; to go to the source of coffee and share the stories from there. 

Fast-forward a couple of years later and my small little creative outlet grew into its own brand. One day a girl reached out to me on Instagram.  She told me she was from a coffee producing family from Costa Rica, but that she was in Southern California (my neck of the woods) for an internship.  So, we met up for coffee and instantly connected over travel and well, coffee.  She invited me to visit her family’s farm some day.  

A couple of weeks went by after meeting Marianela, or Nela, and I kept playing around with the thought of making this trip really happen.

As a young, twenty-something female with a goal to visit coffee farms – Costa Rica was a natural fit.  Among the Central and South Americas, Costa Rica has a more peaceful history.  I knew I’d feel safer than the regions that are also rich in coffee production. It kind of goes without saying, Costa Rica is a stunning country. I looked up air fares and to my surprise, it wasn’t awful.  In my head a little voice kept cheering me on, “Pura Vida!” 

I knew there was no better time than now.  I knew I had to go.  

And so, I first set a couple of goals – one of them being to first gain a sponsor.  After much thought about what local companies really align with my values, I decided to reach out to SEED People’s Market.  

I was fortunate enough for them to agree to sponsor me and I was thrilled.  It was the first time I felt that someone saw value in my vision. This no longer was a creative outlet for myself, but a platform to share like-minded passions about coffee and travel. 

I truly couldn’t believe it.  The fantasy I had three years ago to one day visit a coffee farm was going to become a reality.

That day was February 15^th 2016 when I landed in San José, Costa Rica.

So - pack your mugs! 

From coffee processing, to a real discussion on direct and fair trade, to the people behind the sourcing, this will be an adventure that will forever change the way you think about a cup of coffee.

Mugs Up & Pura Vida,

The Coffee Nomad