My name is Ileana, but I've been known to go by Lele, among other names. I love politics and food, and that's how this blog was born: a bored political science major decided to take her love of cooking, eating, food issues, and general healthfulness and turn it into Lele Lurves Plants, which was born on March 20, 2009.
I am really sort of Type A, but I have my free spirited moments.
Philosophy
Being a nice Greek girl, I love good food.
I also love food that's good not just in your belly, but for the rest of your body. And for the planet. And for the small farmers maybe we could all put in a little effort to support. And maybe when you get a good healthy meal to your belly, you think of people who can't get it, and you volunteer a little of your time. Or spend a few of your bucks.
If you're seeking out healthy (mostly), tasty recipes, might I suggest my recipes?
Exercise is good, too. Especially when you can jump on a bed in your front yard.
Family
I am one of those lucky people who likes my family. My family wins. They are my favorite.
Due to the dismal economy and our ability to get along impressively well, I currently live at home, with my mom and my cat.
The cat (Sheila) likes to get stoned on catnip.
When she is not livin' it up at college in New Orleans, my sister also joins our happy home.
Hobbies
I love British comedy, baby animals, classic rock, and books that involve courtroom dramas.
My favorite cuisines are Spanish, Mexican, Greek, Italian, Thai, Japanese, and American Southern. Goodness, that includes quite a lot, doesn't it?
I bake when I'm stressed.
I am what they call the outdoorsy type. I am at my happiest out among nature, exploring somewhere new. An example?
That picture was taken in the Sumeria Gorge in Greece, one of my favorite places I've ever been.
I also love to TRAVEL. New places, new ways of thinking, new food!
You can read about my travel in Greece, Thailand, and Taiwan!
Food and Work
In August of 2011, I finished an Americorps year working in a low income community. Through that work, I collaborated a great deal with the Capital Area Food Bank on providing healthy after school snacks and nutrition education to our kids. Lo and behold, in September 2011 they hired me. I worked in the Food for Kids department, which ensures that our low-income kids can get good, nutritious food even when they're not in school.
However, in late 2012 I left the food bank to pursue my real dream: an RD/MPH. I'll be taking classes through summer 2013 to finish prerequisites, suffering through organic chemistry, microbiology and the like to put me on the path to what will hopefully be a career that keeps me fascinated, allows me to make a difference, and guarantees I'll always have a job, helping folks get the skills to eat right!
Keep in Touch
Questions? Want to say hey? I'm at leleinthesky@gmail.com!
