Teach Your Kids to Cook
Years ago, it was a family tradition to pass down the secrets to treasured recipes and spend hours in the kitchen teaching children to cook. Somewhere between the addiction to video games and the overactive schedules of parents and children, cooking lessons have been neglected. While there are many reasons for teaching kids to cook—less […]
About Citrus
Few food items intrigue virtually all of our senses the way citrus fruit can. The vibrant colors and refreshing fragrance and taste are so exquisite that their appeal is almost universal—even the thought of an orange can make us think of sunshine. A bowl of citrus instantly becomes a sunny still life on its own […]
10 Steps to an Organic Bedroom
You’ve chosen an organic lifestyle. You eat organic foods. You exercise. Now it’s time to make your bedroom, the room where you spend one-third of your life, as healthy as it can be. To create an organic bedroom, the focus should be on removing airborne allergens like dust mites, pollen, mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, and […]
Orange Pomander Balls
One of my favorite holiday traditions is to sit by the fire and make orange pomander balls. Pomander balls go back to the 15th century, when they served as natural air fresheners for closets or drawers. We hang them on the outside of our front-hall closet for decoration—and, of course, for that beautiful citrus-spice smell […]
How to Make Soap
When an acid (fats, oils) and a base (sodium hydroxide) react and neutralize into salt, the product is called saponification, or, more simply stated—making soap! There are many ways to make soap, but this old-fashioned method is my favorite. The recipe below is a good one to start with as it uses simple ingredients and […]
About Pears
Pears are both beautiful and versatile. Their subtle yet distinct flavor is divine all alone, but it also marries well with other flavors, including dark chocolate, fruit sauces, or even wine or port! Pears, less often referred to as “butter fruit,” can be eaten raw, sautéed, poached, baked, or steamed. Pears are popular as appetizers […]
Winter at the Farmers’ Market
Though summer is the favorite season for farmers’ market produce, it is wonderful to bundle up and set out to enjoy the intriguing array of fruits and vegetables that winter has to offer, too. Farmers’ markets are replete with colorful and hardy choices that inspire dreams of savory meals and comfort foods. Among the most […]
Baking Holiday Treats
Baking and decorating holiday treats are among the best—and most delicious—ways to spend time with family and friends. The beautiful and tasty results also make thoughtful gifts. Give cookies in a decorative tin that the recipient can use time and time again. You might also present bread wrapped in a colorful kitchen towel secured with […]
Making Holiday Gifts
There are so many ways to give during the holidays, but nothing says "thoughtful" like a handmade gift. Making gifts with a group is an excellent way to spend quality time together in the midst of the holiday madness. Now, gather some friends and family, and get busy! How to Make SoapHomemade Beauty ProductsOrange Pomander […]
Toddler Treat: Sunshine Wraps
It is estimated that as many as one child in 80 is allergic to peanuts. For kids with a peanut allergy, sunflower butter is an excellent substitute for peanut butter. You can find sunflower butter at many natural foods stores. When selecting a brand, make sure to read the label, to ensure the sunflower butter […]
I would like to spend some of my free time volunteering. How can I find out what volunteer opportunities exist in my area?
I think it’s wonderful that you are thinking of donating your time to a worthy cause. Volunteering is not only a wonderful way to make the world a better place, but it is also an effective way to meet like-minded people. http://www.volunteermatch.org/ makes finding local volunteer opportunities a snap. If you are especially interested in […]
What are some socially/environmentally conscious ways to shop for the holidays?
There are plenty of steps you can take for a socially/environmentally sound gift-giving season! Today, many of us have many more material possessions than we need. Instead of material gifts, a monetary gift can be made in the recipient’s honor to his or her favorite charity. An especially nice way to personalize a donation is […]