[Get Involved Tuesdays] La Cocina Kitchen Incubator

via Truck Food Nation

Obviously, I've been doing a lot of research on starting a food-related business. I don't intend to quit my day job anytime soon after seeing the astronomical fees associated with starting such a business plan. There are insurance bills, business license fees, rent for a commercial kitchen space, and so on.

Enter La Cocina. In a city like San Francisco, so rich with diverse ethnic foods, La Cocina is one of the prime players in incubating new and interesting culinary talent. In fact, a La Cocina participant just opened up a piroshki shop down the street, called Anda Piroshki.

Want to get involved? Whether you want to volunteer at events, be a mentor, just donate money, or even participate in the program yourself, find all the infos at their beautiful website.  Next up on their calendar? This weekend they are publicizing an event by the non-profit group Fresh Approach. Fresh Approach offers free nutrition and cooking classes to low-income families, and they're hosting a big farmer's market-style brunch for only $10 per person at Jack London Square in Oakland. So go out and eat for a good cause!

[Get Involved Tuesdays] San Francisco Food Blogger Bake Sale

If you're lucky enough to live in San Francisco comme moi, come out this weekend to eat some bombass baked goods and support a good cause. The proceeds go to Share Our Strength, an organization that seeks to end child hunger. 

Tons of San Francisco-based blogging superstars will be selling their goods, including Anita from Desserts First, Shauna from Piece of Cake, and lots more (over 50 volunteer bakers!) that are sure to impress. There will be two locations and it will be going from 10 AM to 6 PM. Or make a direct donation if you can't make it. Find all the details on the official press release. 

Eat up, and I hope to see you there! I'm going to Six Flags afterwards, so it's sure to be a very, very happy Saturday. 

much love, 

Carrie Melissa

Droolsies! (via Desserts First)

[Get Involved Tuesdays] Princess Project

Photo via Princess Project Gallery

One of my co-workers was just telling me that they heard about this organization on NPR a few days ago. The Princess Project allows Bay Area women to donate their old prom and formal dresses to girls who can love them all over again but who maybe couldn't afford a brand-new dress to wear once. That means it's a win-win: you get that black and white Jessica McClintock dress out of your closet to make room for some new stuff (and you don't have to worry about how the zipper doesn't seem to zip up quite the same) and a girl gets to feel beautiful for her prom night. You loved that dress once, but get real, you'll never wear it again. Let someone else make it their own.

Read more about how it works here.

Or give your time instead of your dresses year-round by volunteering.