Sara's Blog

A day in pictures

2013-01-23T21:51:30Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Maybe it’s because I’m pregnant again, maybe it’s because we just moved across the country and I’m finally feeling settled; whatever the reason I find myself relishing in the long, quiet days that Silvia and I have together.
Yesterday was one of those days and I happened to have my camera (aka: iPhone) with me at every turn.

Here is a look at our day:

When we left the house Silvia had to take as many friends and toys with her as was humanly possible. And managed to carry them with her all through the grocery store.

After stopping by an open house (the real estate market is INSANE) we had lunch in a park overlooking the ocean.

Then went for a little “hike” down the mountain. Plenty exciting for a 2-yr-old.

: Next it was home to bake cupcakes to celebrate Makana’s would-be 10th birthday.

We lost our sweet Makana girl very suddenly, just over a week ago. She almost made it to her 10th birthday. And we miss her immensely!

But last night we celebrated Makana and sang Happy Birthday to her…

…you could say it was the icing on the cake of a beautiful day.

Green Child Magazine spent some time with Silvia and I!

2012-12-27T16:08:51Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

A favorite moment from 2012:
I talked to Green Child Magazine about natural parenting, green families, and cutting back on stuff!
Green Child Magazine

Twas a night in Connecticut

2012-12-20T14:01:21Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I’ve been intentionally avoiding some of the ongoing coverage of the Connecticut school shooting. As a pregnant mother of a small little girl, it’s just more sorrow than I can handle right now. But this, from the body of an email, I had to read… and was this that made me cry.

I know it will be too religious for some, and to those I’m sorry if it offends. That is certainly not my intent. But if it offers hope and encouragement to some others, than it has been rightly posted.

’twas 11 days before Christmas, around 9:30

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.

their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

“where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

“this is heaven.” declared a small boy. “we’re spending Christmas at God’s house.”

when what to their wondering eyes did appear,

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring

those children all flew into the arms of their King

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.

and as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.”

then He looked down on earth, the world far below

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”

“may this country be delivered from the hands of fools”

“I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools!”

then He and the children stood up without a sound.

“come now my children, let me show you around.”

excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

and I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

“in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Holiday Sit

2012-12-18T16:18:06Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

It’s been a crazy few months; learning I was pregnant and deciding to move half-way across the country all within a week or two will create a little craziness! And then came the packing up and the moving…then the home search and unpacking. Finally yesterday, I heeded my own advice and I sat for an hour. Silvia was down for a nap. For once my computer wasn’t screaming to me. So I picked up my kindle and sat down to read. Of course this pregnant lady could only stay awake for about 20 minutes, so a nap happened in there too. But even when the phone woke me up after only a few minutes of shut eye, I felt 100% refreshed. It was a good reminder of how much we all need to rest and recharge, even for only a few deep breaths, every day, especially during these crazy holi-days.

Yuzen Giveaway

2012-12-11T00:04:33Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Just in time for some last-minute Holiday gifting!
Share a Yuzen Box experience with someone you love. This is one of my favorite things on earth!

You have until Friday at midnight to click the link below and follow the deets for your chance to win one of three Yuzen boxes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ask and You Shall Receive

2012-08-17T20:29:43Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

As moms, we have a right to stand up for the health of our families. In fact, it’s more than a right, it’s a responsibility. I’ve built a career (one that is mostly sidelined right now as I stay home with Silvia) around promoting, educating about, and helping people fight for healthier, more natural products and ways to live our lives.

Which is why a few months ago I posted a petition asking people to demand that Graco remove harmful chemical flame retardants from their children’s products…things like stroller and car seats. They listened! All it took was the ask.

Then this week because the people at the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics asked, Johnson & Johnson has announced that it will reformulate its products and remove some of the “chemicals of concern” found in their adult and baby personal care and cosmetic products.

Now, inspired, Seventh Generation is calling on all personal care and cosmetic companies to “follow the Precautionary Principle” and remove all hazards from all products. They say there’s no reason it can’t be done since, “we’ve been providing parents and others with products that supply peace of mind for 25 years.”

And now, it’s up to you! What will you ask for? Safer parks in your neighborhood? Cleaner air in your city? Purer drinking water in your state? Stricter ingredient and labeling standards in your country? More love in your world?

Just ask! You’ll be surprised by what you’ll get.

Graco to ban chemical flame retardants

2012-07-16T12:48:50Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Today I have a reason to celebrate! A few months ago I launch a Change.org petition asking Graco to eliminate its use of chemical flame retardants in their children's products, and nearly 4,000 of you signed it. Graco is one of the nation’s largest children’s product manufacturers, selling nearly 1 out of every 3 baby gear products purchased in the U.S.

I started this petition because after the birth of Silvia, it blew my mind to learn that toxic flame retardants are in the foam of so many of the products where babies spend so much of their time: strollers, car seats, nursing pillows, and more. I strongly believe no mother should have to wake up and realize that she bought, or was given, the wrong item. And that the very thing she thought was keeping her baby safe, is in reality harming her child's health.

The really good news today is that Graco heard our concerns and responded with positive news.

Graco clarified that they have committed to ban and monitor hazardous flame retardants that have been used in children's products, including cancer-causing Tris and Firemaster 550, ingredients no parent wants their child to come into contact with. I learned this during personal conversations I've had with them and partner organizations Healthy Child Healthy World and the Ecology Center.

Together we applaud Graco Children's Products, Inc. for taking critically important steps to make their products safer for children by phasing out the use of a number of toxic chemicals from all of their products.

Graco has committed to ban and monitor four Tris and related chemicals, specifically:

"Tris," chemicals including TDCPP (Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate) and TCEP (Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate).
TCPP (Tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate) is structurally similar to the "Tris" compounds.
All three Tris chemicals are either carcinogens or suspected carcinogens.
Firemaster 550, a chemical mixture containing ingredients that have been targeted for review by EPA due to widespread exposure and potential health risk, is also on Graco's ban list.

At the same time, we are challenging Graco to take additional steps to become an industry leader by making healthier and safer products that no longer contain any hazardous flame retardants and implement a system to assure that safer chemical or non-chemical alternatives are being used now and in the future. As next steps, Graco should:

move to provide complete disclosure of chemicals contained in their products;
implement an alternative assessment practice to assure that new chemicals which go into their products are inherently safer and lower hazard; and
fully consider the environmental and human health impacts as new products are conceived of and designed.

Please join me in thanking Graco for their leadership in eliminating these toxic flame retardants and encourage them to take additional steps to make their products safer from chemical hazards. Send an email message to Graco Children's Products CEO, Kristie Juster today!

Since the petition launched in April, the Chicago Tribune has published a blockbuster series of articles detailing the deceptive campaign by the tobacco and chemical industries to require furniture and baby product manufacturers to saturate foam with toxic flame retardants, even though they don't effectively prevent fires. As a result, millions of pounds of chemicals linked to problems including lower IQ, reproductive disorders, learning disabilities, and cancer are used in our sofas, car seats, mattresses and more each year.

The situation is intolerable for parents and anyone who cares about healthy children and healthy families.

Thanks to you, we now know we no longer need to be concerned that Graco products contain four of the most toxic flame retardant chemicals. And that's a victory we should all savor!

Here's to healthier families everywhere!

Food rut no more!!

2012-04-17T22:41:18Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I can admit when I’ve made a mistake and lately I had let Silvia fall into a food rut. Cries for macaroni were met with, well, macaroni. And “cheese please” brought on cheese. Lots of yellow, brown and white foods with vegetables and fruit for color but not a whole lot beyond green beans, peas and blueberries.
But I’ve broken the rut!!! We’re out!
I simply ignored the requests I’ve been hearing for months and last week plated up vodka sauce (don’t worry….the alcohol cooks out) with grass fed ground beef. This was the first time she actually liked red sauce….I mean, come on, what child doesn’t like marinara sauce?!
Last night it was salmon with dill, potatoes and green beans. And tonight she devoured slow cooked organic pork and about 5 helpings of black beans that had been simmering in anticipation of just such an appetite all day. Along with cucumber slices and blueberries for dessert.
Toddler food ruts are common and we have battled a few illnesses lately but I am supposed to be the “Queen of Green” afterall.
I’m just glad Silvia is cooperating in maintaining my image.

My media maven

2012-03-05T13:12:35Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

My little cover girl gettin’ some ink!

The coolest thing about this picture is the globe Silvia is holding. It was made for me by the art director at the magazine when I did my cover shoot with them a few years ago. She held on to it all of this time and sent it along for Silvia to hold in her photo shoot.

Indianapolis Monthly_Feb. 2012

Under the photo it reads

Silvia Arlene, 20 months

Mom: National-TV green queen Sara Snow

Nickname: Her dad calls her Sly – his iPhone’s auto-correction of Silvia

Personality: Happy

Likes: Books

Dislikes: Tomato sauce

Big Milestones: At 14-months she cut seven teeth in two weeks – “a rough couple of weeks,” Snow says.

Future Embarrassing Story: During Snow’s 27-hour labor, the hospital lost power four times because of a severe thunderstorm and a tornado.

Like Mom? “She will definitely be a conscientious girl,” Snow says. ”I can already see that awareness of things in her. She’ll do her part to change the world, I have no doubt.”

All of this sitting is rubbing off on my mini-mom

2012-03-03T17:52:50Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Mini Mom. That’s got to be Silvia’s new nickname. I’m sure I had a favorite doll when I was little that I fed and rocked and took everywhere. I know I had imaginary friends…but that’s a story for another time. Just remember to ask me about Casla, Semwah and Jomedy. Uh huh….

For Silvia, it’s all about baby. Baby goes on stroller rides and bike rides. She gets kissed and rocked and fed and sang to. She goes to bed with Silvia and gets up with her in the morning. And in case we didn’t believe just how attached at the hip the two of them were, these were a few images captured within just a couple of days of each other.

Getting baby some fresh air and sunshine

The "twins" on a bike ride

Napping with Baby...and her other bunk-mates Bear-Bear and Moo-Cow

How we found her this morning - with all of her "ducks" in a row

What can I say?! Sitting with your best friends make you happy!

Crock pot chicken....SO that I can sit!

2012-03-01T14:44:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Sometimes in order to sit, you must plan ahead.

I have never been great at the crock pot thing because I’m just not that into casseroles and meaty dishes which tend to make up the majority of crock pot recipes that I see.

But, two weeks ago I had to have a minor surgical procedure (everything’s fine so no need to worry there). I knew that I wouldn’t be cooking that night when I got home but I wanted to have something healthy, nourishing, warming, and home-cooked feeling for us (Silvia included) to eat for dinner.

So, out came one rarely used crock pot. In went one whole ‘roaster’ chicken that had been “resting” overnight with a nice rub on it’s skin. In went a handful of chopped potatoes, carrots, celery and onions. In went one lemon…half in the form of juice squeezed over the chicken and the other half directly inserted into the inside of the chicken.

On went the crock pot (low for about 8 hours) and later that evening, onto the table went dinner.

That easy.

And what did I do in the meantime? I sat. Nice!

Wine or Whine?

2012-02-27T09:59:04Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Nothing is harder than sitting through the whine. Sitting through the wine, I can do…

Oh, but the whine. It pierces and screetches and is oh so irritating.

HFM sores all over her poor little mouth

But here’s what I’ve learned. It’s generally not for naught. At least, this is the lesson I learned TWICE in the past few months when poor Silvia came down with Hand-Foot-Mouth. The first time, in my defense, it lived entirely in her throat so I couldn’t see any of the sores to know what was going on. The second time, it was a little more visible, as evidenced in this photo.

Oh the poor thing! She had sores in her mouth and on her mouth. On her hands and on her feet. On her bottom and on her belly. And she was oh so miserable. Once diagnosed I knew what I needed to do.

SIT. I sat while she ate soup (chicken and rice every single time) on my lap, and drank kefir on my lap, and chewed on an apple on my lap. For days, meals were rarely eaten anywhere but on my lap.

And once I too came down with the dreaded virus, I understood just how miserable she had been! But imagine not having all of the vocabulary to explain it to the person who you rely on to help you. No wonder she whined.

Last week it started up again. The whining. Now I’m jumpy. I immediately sat down and pulled her into my lap. ”Here baby girl. Can I make you some soup? Mommy loves you so much.”

My iPhone Photo Library Looks Like This!

2012-02-25T10:01:23Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I can’t possibly be the only one experiencing this. But it’s blowing my mind…hilarious!

Taking pictures of herself

Every once in a while, usually to fend off a meltdown, I’ll hand Silvia my iPhone. I always lock the keyboard so she can’t wreak total havoc (deleting apps, calling people…you know the drill). Even still, she knows how to double-click the home button until the camera icon comes up. Then she hits the button in the top right that swings the camera around so that it’s facing back at her. Then, after she clicks the shutter a few times and snaps some photos, she hits the button in the bottom left that allows her access to the library of photos she just took and she sits there scrolling through, using her finger to “flick” her way through pic after pic as if she had been doing this all her life. Which, in truth, she pretty much has.

More pics all by myself

But here’s the real kicker. When I get the phone back, I find that my photo library is chock full of pictures that look like this.

More foreheads!

And this.

HILARIOUS!

Winter....Aaaarrrrgh

2012-02-23T09:16:58Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Ok, it has been a mild one. No one (around here, anyway) can argue with that. In fact, we have a friend who slipped on the ice and shattered her ankle, which is especially sad since it’s like she slipped on the one patch of ice on the one day of ice. Not really, but close.

The thing about winter, though, is the extra time it takes to get out the door. I know I’m not telling you moms anything new. But, seriously, it’s like an extra 5 minutes to get ready, which really counts when you’re running late for music class…which I ALWAYS am!

Winter's sweet gift

But once I FINALLY got Silvia suited up the other day I looked down on her sweet face and had to stop, tear up, ooh and aaw, snap a pic….and then get back into gear because we were yet another minute late!

How can you be annoyed by winter when you get to wrap up a sweet little package like this?!

Nothing Rejuvenates Like a Day in Different Shoes

2012-02-22T21:14:07Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

When I was in college my favorite professor would say that whenever a day is getting long or hard, you simply need to change your shoes. New shoes equals a new outlook.

With Tony Dungy just prior to an interview

Two weeks ago I put my news anchor shoes back on and served as special Super Bowl correspondent for the Fox affiliate in Indi (my old stomping grounds).

At the Lipton launch

And before that, just a week after Thanksgiving, I was in NYC doing media for the Lipton Rainforest Teas launch.

Face-Timing with Ryan and Silvia from in front of the White House

And a month before that I got to go to DC to take part in a Non-GMO rally.

I love my mom shoes…the boots, the flats, the tennis shoes. But I feel so much better about putting them on when I’ve had a chance to trot around in some other shoes for a day or two.

Wait…did someone say shoes?! Now I want to go shopping!

Look who is sitting now

2011-12-22T19:18:32Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

As I stood and packed suitcases for an upcoming trip, here’s what this one was doing. She sat and UNpacked …. drawer after drawer of folded clean clothes.
Tell me though, how can you help but swoop them up into a giant bear hug and a hundred wet kisses?
Some days it’s all about the two steps forward and the inevitable one step back. Isn’t that what being a mom is all about?!

Relevance

2011-12-16T19:37:01Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I’d like to be totally honest. My issue with all of this post-child sitting is not in the fact that I feel sloppy or fat or ugly. It’s not in the fact that I spend most days, until about 3:00, in exercise pants with dirty hair. It’s not in the fact that I can’t keep my nails looking nice or find the time to actually do my hair. My issue is that sometimes I just don’t feel relevant.

Let me stop you, please, before you have a chance to comment. I know that I am relevant to my little Silvia. I know that my life lived any other way would change her. I know, too, that I am relevant to Ryan…and to my parents and siblings and friends….

But since I said I’d be honest, I’ll be honest. It’s that I’m afraid that I’m losing relevancy to other people. That because I’m choosing to be home instead of in front of a TV camera right now, people will stop caring about me. Or stop wondering about me.

I’m afraid that I’m becoming irrelevant out there in the big-girl world.

So here’s how I get through ot. First, because I’m just a yoga-pants wearing mortal, I pray for guidance and a greater wisdom than I can come up with on my own. Then I look over at the sweet face of Silvia and I remember that she won’t be like this forever. We will, however, always have TVs and TV shows. There will always be jobs to be had and meetings to attend.

But this…this sweet face, as she looked up at me this morning from her snack cup and dolly, won’t be here forever.

So, I make peace with it again and again and find a thousand things to be thankful for in the stillness of the day…Silvia’s cute little bottom stuffed into her pants as she walks around the house, Ryan having a morning at home with us, and me being able to be home and finding the relevancy in just that.

Relevance

2011-12-16T19:37:01Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I’m afraid that I’m becoming irrelevant out there in the big-girl world.

But this…this sweet face, as she looked up at me this morning from her snack cup and dolly, won’t be here forever.

Apple of my Eye, Watermelon of my Heart

2011-11-10T03:20:18Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Remember when I told you about the Watermelon Moments Silvia and I were having? Remember how I promised that I was going to dress her up as a watermelon for Halloween and that I’d share pictures? Well, forgive me for being so tardy in the picture sharing but better late than never!!

While I’m not a huge Halloween fan (going door to door collecting candy isn’t really my thing) I was so excited to stuff Silvi into her pink pants and tee and that adorable watermelon tunic and hat! And, I got to do it 4 times!!

The first time was for the Children’s Museum Haunted House VIP preview party. The place was packed and even though we never made it through the haunted house Silvia had a blast. What did she like best? Carrying the bean bags back and forth between the corn hole end zones, of course. I’ve never understood that game but Silvi took too it right away! Those poor big kids, though, they had to keep hitting the pause button as Silvia highjacked their game! Look at the determined look on her face!!

The next time was for the 1-year birthday party our friends Matt and Sheri threw for their son. It was a Halloween-themed party complete with a bounce house, a dj, catered kids foods and plenty of kids (and adults) in costume. Ryan and I wore street clothes but not Silvia. She threw on a smile while I threw on her pink chucks and full get-up again! What did she like best here? Well, the mac n cheese was a hit and she loved watching the kids in the bounce house but she had a heyday going down Luke’s little backyard slide!

Third time’s a charm and on Halloween night Silvia sure charmed us all. We threw her and her best friend Caroline (dressed as a strawberry) in a wagon together and wheeled them down to the neighborhood parade. Our little fruit basket. Could they get any cuter?! She loved the parade, of course. And she loved the wagon ride with Caroline (let’s be honest, she loves ANYTHING with Caroline). But she surprised us all by how much she loved handing out candy to the trick or treaters (she didn’t do any t or t’ing herself)! All in all, she had an absolute blast Halloween night! And was completely in showoff mode.

The fourth time she wore the costume was the following Friday when we dressed the kids up for play group during my women’s Bible study. Sorry, I got tired of taking pictures by then but she, like a true performer, never tired of her costume.

I love that little watermelon!!!!

…and the costume was a little big so maybe she can wear it again next year!

Apple of my Eye, Watermelon of my Heart

2011-11-10T03:20:18Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I love that little watermelon!!!!

…and the costume was a little big so maybe she can wear it again next year!

Apples on the Go and on the Sit

2011-10-03T23:42:41Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Yesterday we embraced the Fall season in full Fall fashion and made our way, despite the hordes of people doing the same, to the apple orchard.

With the trip came three fantastic outcomes:

1 – Silvia got to spend the day with her BFF, Caroline. They are exactly 6 hours apart in age and have learned together how to walk, make animal noises, crawl on furniture, ride bikes (I say that loosely), and make their moms and dads laugh. I hope that they know each other all of their lives!

2 – Silvia learned a new word, “appletree,” which she has been saying almost non-stop since then, and she now has a new favorite food. I think she at two or three yesterday at the orchard (hello, poops) and asked all day for her favorite spoon and an apple. Silly girl.

3 – Today, Silvia and I spent the most precious 10 minutes sitting in a chair in the kitchen together, sharing an apple. I’d eat 4 or 5 bites of skin to peel it all away and then she’d take over, her little hands holding the great big apple, biting away. After a minutes of that, she’d hand it back to me….”mama apple!”

Doesn’t get any better.

Apples on the Go and on the Sit

2011-10-03T23:42:41Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Yesterday we embraced the Fall season in full Fall fashion and made our way, despite the hordes of people doing the same, to the apple orchard.

With the trip came three fantastic outcomes:

Doesn’t get any better.

Connect to the Divine

2011-09-14T14:00:35Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Last week Silvia and I took to the car for a day-trip to a beautiful, peaceful retreat center located in the heart of the midwest, just outside of Dayton, OH. Harmony Farms is a place to put your feet up and enjoy a massage and facial, but it’s so much more. It is also a center where respected teachers conduct healing workshops and it’s a certified biodynamic farm where they grow herbs (eventually to be used in their treatments), vegetables (used by local restaurants), and hay. Located in the woods, is a beautiful 11 circuit labyrinth, made from pavers (based on the Chartres Labyrinth in France). There are a number of gardens and walking paths to enjoy, as well as a grotto with hot tub, waterfall and a gentle stream that flows into the pond.

Here’s what Cheri, one of the two daughters of founders Barbara and Bill Brewer, says about HF. Harmony Farm is a place of "Being", a place to step outside the "doing" of life and connect to your own inner wisdom, connect to the Divine within.

While I like to think that I can “connect to the Divine within” any time I need to through meditation….or maybe a really good glass of wine, sometimes it takes getting away from the business of life. I hope that you can find a place like Harmony Farms near you.

Connect to the Divine

2011-09-14T14:00:35Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Muffin Memories

2011-09-12T13:59:15Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Silvia has a new favorite food. They’re muffins, but she calls them Oafies. I made her a batch of banana, flax muffins a month or two ago and they were gone in a matter of days. So, just about a week ago, we got to work on another batch.

This time she helped! She banged around the measuring spoons and stacked the muffin cups while I mashed and mixed. Into the batter went flax seed, oats, apple sauce, vanilla, cinnamon, flour and other good, healthy stuff. For flour, I used a gluten free baking mix because I don’t like to rely too heavily on wheat and I think it’s good variety.

The result was a hit!

She couldn’t stop stuffing the things in her mouth! I made about a half-dozen of “adult-sized” muffins and then 24 mini, Silvia-sized muffins.

If you’re looking for the recipe, it’s one that I found in a book called Great Expectations: Best Food for Your Baby & Toddler. They have a lot of fantastic recipes in there for baby and toddler friendly foods. Many that, like the muffins, make Silvia a happy, happy girl!

Muffin Memories

2011-09-12T13:59:15Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

The result was a hit!

She couldn’t stop stuffing the things in her mouth! I made about a half-dozen of “adult-sized” muffins and then 24 mini, Silvia-sized muffins.

Watermelon Moments

2011-08-25T17:24:52Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Watermelon Moment (noun) \ˈwȯ-tər-me-lən mō-mənt\

A brief period of time that is uncharacteristically delightful

Silvia digging in!

About a week ago, I found Silvia and I in what I will from here until eternity call a “watermelon moment.” I had just finished chopping another big watermelon (we go through them weekly here) and had a bowl of the ripe, juicy fruit sitting out. I popped Silvia up onto the counter so I could put her shoes on (I know, up on the counter is not a smart safety move with a wiggly toddler….just don’t tell her dad, Mister Safety) and she made herself right at home with that bowl of watermelon.

No sooner would she grab one big chunk than she’d take a bite and set it aside and dig in for another. This went on for minutes amidst much “mmmmmm”ing and exclamations of “numm, numm!” So at home was she with that big bowl of watermelon, it was as if the whole world was a bowl of melon just for her. What could I do but grab my iPhone and snap a few pictures?!

A watermelon face-stuffer.....just like her mama!

Some day she’ll be too big to plop up on the counter top. And some day even sooner, much to our dismay, watermelon will be out of season and we won’t be able to enjoy our favorite food on a daily basis.

Did I mention, by the way, just how much watermelon we eat around here?! I had to stop myself from eating a whole one, by myself, every day while I was pregnant…. better that than milk shakes, I figure. And Silvia would come close to that if I would let her. Soooooo, I’ve decided it’s only fitting that she dress up as a big, ripe watermelon for halloween. Just ordered the costume. Stay tuned for those photos!

Watermelon Moments

2011-08-25T17:24:52Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Watermelon Moment (noun) \ˈwȯ-tər-me-lən mō-mənt\

A brief period of time that is uncharacteristically delightful

Silvia digging in!

A watermelon face-stuffer.....just like her mama!

An Unfortunate Result of all of this Sitting

2011-08-17T17:58:13Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Back when my life was glamorous and I would jet-set from my home in Indy to NYC or LA and everywhere in between, I enjoyed a certain perk that comes with all of that traveling: the high-rollin’, frequent flyer, shiny medallion status.

Today, as a result of my year of sitting, I learned that I’ve lost my hard-earned status on my favorite airline. Gone are the days of complimentary upgrades to first class, red carpet service, priority boarding, and winning smiles from the gate agents. For now, I am just like all of the other travelers. I’ll board when they call for us, and I’ll shove myself into whatever seat I was given when the ticket was purchased.

But, there are upsides! At least we don’t carry the road weary look of the platinum status flyers who spend more time in 1A and sipping weak cocktails in airport lounges than they care to admit. No, when we fly it’s a less-than-every-other-day thing, much less, and we do so with style, grace, and maybe even a little bit of patience. We do, right?!

And, of course, there’s an even bigger, greater, more rewarding upside. The less time spent in 1A, means more time at home. For me that means more watermelon moments, and stroller rides, and hours at a time practicing our animal sounds as we flip through the pages of “Brown Bear Brown Bear”.

When it comes to that medallion status, you can keep it. My badge of honor says Mom on it and it’s shinier and way more gratifying than a complimentary glass of wine upon boarding.

An Unfortunate Result of all of this Sitting

2011-08-17T17:58:13Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

When it comes to that medallion status, you can keep it. My badge of honor says Mom on it and it’s shinier and way more gratifying than a complimentary glass of wine upon boarding.

Sit out the sick

2011-08-11T02:53:39Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

This week I sat through my first sick kid.
Silvia came down with a fever of 102 Monday evening that persisted through most of the night. By morning it was gone only to rear it’s ugly head once more on Tuesday and again today, on Wednesday.
I took all necessary courses of action: cuddling, singing softly, lots of liquids, chicken noodle soup, blueberries and watermelon (her favorite foods), doctor consultation, finally a little ibuprofen to dull the ache in her head, and more cuddling, books and soft singing.
Last night was a rough one for me as I rocked my sick baby for the first time, aware that she wasn’t feeling like her normal, fantastic self. And this afternoon was more of the same as she fought sleep, opting instead to snuggle on my lap.
In the end, though, I know that it’s just a temporary thing and she’ll be fine. And it has made me once again so grateful that I’m the one at home with her, putting a cool cloth to her forehead, getting her more water, and singing “Baby Mine” for the 15th time in a day. It’s times like these that I love my job: to sit and be mom.

Sit out the sick

2011-08-11T02:53:39Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Maybe the biggest SIT of all

2011-07-11T14:12:43Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Today Silvia and I officially finished nursing. I’ll start off by saying that I know there are some, particularly in the most natural circles, who will say I should have gone another year. But I had my reasons for stopping now as apposed to later. And, regardless, there is always someone who will tell you you shoulda, coulda,….and you have to feel good about what you’ve successfully done. I feel great about having breastfed Silvia for over a year. She was exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of her life, at which point I introduced organic cereals, fruits, vegetables and eventually other foods. And over the course of the next 6 months the breast milk she was still getting became less and less important as she started to get nutrients from many other foods. And this morning, as I watched her nibble on her whole grain toast spread with organic cream cheese and pomegranite jelly, and sip on her grass fed cow’s milk, I know she’s well on her way to eating a varied, balanced, healthy diet.

But this isn’t about the food that she’s eating, it’s about how the greatest SIT of all happens when you start nursing.

A 3 day old, and frequent nurser, Silvia

Nursing seriously might be the hardest part (think back to the pain, the cracked and bleeding nips, the latching issues, the constant worry that he/she isn’t getting enough) of new motherhood. Of course, it is also the greatest joy, greatest bond, and one of the most rewarding parts of being a new mom. [Those joys and the bond can obviously be replaced by others when nursing isn't possible....I'm passing no judgement here.]

But, because this is about the SIT, afterall, here it is: nursing is the cause of the greatest slowdown of all. When a baby is little, even up to 6 or 8 months, you can lay themdown on a blanket or bouncy seat and get stuff done! As long as her belly is full and her diaper is empty, a tiny baby will happily sleep or sit her way through loads of laundry, showers, dishes, phone calls, emails, and even a few minutes of shut-eye. But when it’s time to nurse, all of that must come to a stop. Sure, you could still find a way to talk on the phone, check emails, and do a number of other chores, and at first I fell victim to the multi-tasking gods who said I could still get stuff done while my new baby suckled her day’s nourishments from my breast. Until one day I realized that these were precious minutes. I didn’t want to waste them, distracted by checking emails on my iphone, googling the endless stream of questions filling my brain, or anything else. I wanted to fully engage in and experience the wonder of this new life growing and changing before my very eyes. So, before long, I started to simply sit while I nursed. Not talk, not watch, not surf, just sit. And in the beginning that meant upwards of 10 hours a day! As the months goes on, the hours spent sitting and nursing decrease but the preciousness of it grows greater. As I nursed Silvia over the past month or two I would stare down at her 1 year old face, so grateful for the gift we had experienced and the bond created as a result. And I found myself grateful, too, for the ability to slowdown that I learned as a result. I think that for the rest of her life and mine I will be able to witness more fully the moments in life because I learned to slow down and simply sit.

Maybe the biggest SIT of all

2011-07-11T14:12:43Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

But this isn’t about the food that she’s eating, it’s about how the greatest SIT of all happens when you start nursing.

A 3 day old, and frequent nurser, Silvia

SIT HAPPENS while she experiences air, land and sea

2011-07-01T15:13:16Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Air – It takes a lot of air coming in to produce the constant string of “words” she spouts out! All day long we narrate what is going on around, “Can you see the leaves?”, “Look at the flowers!”, “More peas?”, “Let’s read it again.” And so on and so forth. So it’s no surprise that she has started to narrate too….telling us about her toes, her belly button, her water, her hat, and more. You might not be able to understand her, but I promise you that I can. It’s one of the greatest gifts given to a Mom…the ability to understand the words when no one else can.

Quick snack before the pool

Land – She mastered the art of standing this week; letting go and feeling her toes yoga-planted firmly into the ground. Her little legs working hard to hold up the weight of her unbalanced body. A few steps were taken but I wouldn’t call her a walker yet.

Sea – Ok, so it was more like a pool and this wasn’t her first week in there but it was her first time going all the way under. It was an accident but we survived. As she reached for a pool toy her little floatie tipped on over and over she went. It was less than a second and up I swooped her, she gave a quick cough and was back in the action. How resilient they are!

SIT HAPPENS while she experiences air, land and sea

2011-07-01T15:13:16Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Quick snack before the pool

How this SIT first happened

2011-06-27T20:33:58Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Last Wednesday was the one year anniversary of my sitting. Why? Silvia turned 1.

For 365 days I've sat while Silvia nursed, while she read books, while she learned to eat solids, while she poured imaginary tea in my cup, while she bathed and while she nursed some more. All the while, I sat. I didn't attend meetings in fancy board rooms. I didn't recite scripts in front of TV cameras. I didn't even meet friends or colleagues for coffee or lunch. I sat, in my PJs, my yoga pants (whether I made it to yoga that day or not), my cotton dresses and stretchy skirts, my jeans and turtle neck sweaters, and, on occasion, in real grown up clothes as I anticipated a few hours away once she was finally tucked in for the night.

For 525,000 minutes, I sat. In the process of sitting, though, my mind woke up and my heart took a walk down a road I never imagined existed.

Now I'm starting year two of all of this sitting. Won't it be interesting to see what unfolds this time?!

Silvia's natural carob birthday cupcakes

2011-06-13T22:10:41Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

NATURAL CAROB BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES

This is the cake recipe my mom made for us when we were young, and I just carried on the tradition and made these for Silvia’s first birthday!

Carob replaces chocolate, making them healthier and caffeine free!

It makes one 8×8" square or round cake or about 12 cupcakes.

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cups butter, softened
¾ cups maple syrup
1 ¼ cups sifted flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup carob
1 tablespoon Postum - a grain based coffee like drink
1 egg
½ cup yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup raisins (optional)

Grease an 8×8" square or 8" round pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium sized bowl, mix together the dry ingredients (flour through postum).

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and syrup together. Add in the egg, yogurt and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on medium speed until moist.

Stir in the raisins.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.

When cool, top with organic whipped cream.

Warm Dandelion Greens with Pasta and White Beans

2011-05-23T19:33:21Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Dandelions are often overlooked as a pesky weed but they deserve a second chance. Dandelion greens can help maintain proper kidney function, reduce bloating and even help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). Be sure you're buying from a reputable source and if you're scavenging for dandelions, choose lawns that haven't been treated with chemical fertilizers, pesticides or a spray from the passing dog.

Ingredients:

8 oz package of spirals or shells
½ pound bacon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion - finely chopped
3 cloves garlic - chopped
3 celery stalks - finely chopped
1 yellow bell pepper - chopped
2 bunches dandelions to make about 4-5 cups coarsely chopped
1 cup chix stock
2 cans (or 2 1/2 cups dried, cooked) white beans
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Parmesan cheese for garnish

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions in well-salted water. Drain.

Cook bacon until crispy then remove to a plate to cool.

In a sauté pan, heat olive oil then gently sauté the celery and onion in the pan until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the dandelion greens. Toss while cooking about 3 minutes longer.

While the greens cook, chop the bacon. Add the bacon back to the pan along with the chicken stock, beans, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and drizzle balsamic vinegar across the top then stir well.

Pour the drained pasta into a large bowl, then gently toss in the greens and beans mixture. Top with a light sprinkling of parmesan cheese.

Summertime Lavender and Berry Sorbet

2011-05-16T19:32:05Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

This summertime treat can be made with raspberries as well as strawberries. It's delightfully easy and delicious.

Ingredients:

1½ cups water
1 ½ cups lavender infused sugar (3 tablespoons sugar and 1 ½ cups sugar, mixed together overnight)
2 pounds fresh strawberries, washed with the tops cut off
juice of 1 lemon
1 egg white

Directions:

To make the simple syrup, bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan and slowly pour in the lavender sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to steep for an hour.

In a food processor, blend the strawberries until pureed. This will make about 4 cups pureed.

Pour the pureed strawberries into a freezer-proof bowl.

Strain the steeped simple syrup through a fine mesh sieve to catch the lavender flowers and add the syrup into the strawberry puree. Pour in the juice of one lemon. Stir well then cover and place in the freezer for 4 hours.

Pour the slushy mixture back into the food processor and blend again.

In a small bowl, whisk one egg white until frothy.

Pour the strawberry mixture back into the freezer bowl. Stir in the egg white until well blended. Return to freezer until firm.

Enjoy.

The Busy Mom's Rustic Chicken; Slow Cooker Style

2011-02-28T17:25:06Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I just recently discovered what many people before me have, that the crock pot or slow cooker (call it what you like) isn't just for countrified cooks who don't know the upside of a pairing knife. It's for busy moms and dads, bachelors and spinsters, who love a delicious home cooked meal but can't find a dedicated hour or two at the stove in the evening.

Last week I made a vegetarian chili in the crock pot. And a few days later I threw together this rustic chicken dish. It turned out way better than I ever would have dreamed.

Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

1 medium onion - coarsely chopped

1 red bell pepper - coarsely chopped

1 yellow bell pepper - coarsely chopped

1 package button or baby bella mushrooms - halved

1 bundle rainbow swiss chard - coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried basil

1 28 oz can of diced organic tomatoes

6 organic chicken thighs Breasts will also work but I found that the thighs became so tender and delicious. Boneless makes it simple but you can use bone-in if it's what you have.

DIRECTIONS

Chop and toss all vegetables into the crock pot. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the salt, pepper and remaining seasonings. Lay the chicken on top and pour the can of tomatoes over the top.

Put the lid on and cook on high for 4 hours, stirring occasionally in the last hour.

Serve over a bed of brown rice or, for a 5 minute solution just before you eat, some hot polenta. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Fruit Pizza with Orange Curd - a Bergamont inspired treat

2011-02-21T16:49:13Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Fruit Pizza with Orange Curd

Bergamont oranges are beautiful little oranges with an interesting shape - they tend to be pear shaped or round with "nipples" on the end. They are quite sour but can be a delicious enhancement to any recipe. Bergamot oranges are most famous for their use as a flavoring in Earl Grey tea.

As always, choose organic ingredients whenever possible, especially for the fruits in this fruit pizza.

INGREDIENTS

2 eggs
1 tablespoon fresh grated orange peel
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons butter
1 peach - sliced
5 figs - sliced
¼ cup currants (dried or fresh)
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 tablespoon sugar
Fresh bergamot orange peel twists or gratings
1/2 cup butter (one stick) – softened
3 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon dried grated orange peel

TO MAKE THE ORANGE CURD

In a bowl, beat 2 eggs then pour into a medium sized saucepan with 1 tablespoon fresh grated orange peel and ½ cup sugar. Stir rapidly over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add ½ cup fresh orange juice and 2 tablespoons butter and cook about 3-5 minutes more, stirring frequently. Pour into a bowl and allow to cool.

TO MAKE THE GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST

Stir together ½ cup of butter, 3 cups of graham cracker crumbs and 1 tablespoon of dried grated orange peel. Press onto a pizza stone or into a shallow pie pan. Bake at 425 for 5 minutes before topping.

TO ASSEMBLE THE PIZZA

Spread the orange curd evenly over the crust. Top with decoratively placed peach and fig slices, currants and raspberries. Sprinkle evenly with remaining sugar and bergamot orange peel then place under the broiler for 5 minutes.

Enjoy with a cup of Earl Grey (bergamot flavored!) tea.

Recipe of the Week: Valentine's Day Raspberry Agave Fool

2011-02-14T16:52:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Called “Raspberry Fool” because it’s so easy even a fool can make it, this is the perfect ‘in a flash’ dessert to show your Valentines how much you love them! And the color makes it a shoe in for Cupid’s holiday.

This recipe is fantastic with fresh, local organic raspberries and mint but frozen berries work just as well when not in season.

INGREDIENTS

3 cups raspberries

¼ cup Cointreau or other orange liqueur

5 tablespoons agave nectar (divided)

6 mint leaves (plus additional for garnish)

12 oz (1 ½ cup) organic heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

4 lemon peel twists

DIRECTIONS

Using a food processor, puree raspberries with the Cointreau, 3 tablespoons of agave nectar and 6 mint leaves. Continue pulsing until smooth and consistent.

In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream, vanilla and remaining 2 tablespoons agave nectar until the cream thickens and firm peaks are formed.

Divide the whip cream among four glasses or bowl. Gently fold into each 1 teaspoon of the raspberry mixture. Be careful not to over stir as you want it to appear to be swirled rather than mixed.

Spoon the remaining raspberry puree over the top. Top each with 1 or 2 mint leaves and a lemon peel twist.

Recipe of the Week: White Bean Chili

2011-02-07T14:38:50Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

This was my super bowl feast this year. With a crispy white wine and good company, I didn't even need the game!

As always, use organic ingredients whenever possible.

You can make the chili vegetarian by omitting the chicken breast and using vegetable stock in place of the 6 cups of water.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups dried cannellini, great northern or navy beans

2 strips kombu (optional)

2 chicken breasts - on the bone

6 cups water

2 small onion - diced

4 cloves garlic - diced

1 jalapeno pepper - finely chopped

2 teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon pepper

½ cumin

1 red bell pepper - chopped

2 stalks celery - chopped

1 zucchini - chopped

hot sauce to taste

DIRECTIONS

Cover beans with water, add in kombu and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and let the beans sit for 1 to 2 hours.

In a soup pot bring 6 cups of water to a boil with the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for 20 minutes then fish out and set on plate to cool.

While the chicken cooks coat a sauté pan with olive oil and sauté the onion, garlic and jalapeno pepper.

After pulling the chicken out, add the sautéed vegetables to the chicken stock along with 2 teaspoons of salt, a ½ teaspoon ground black pepper and cumin.

Strain the beans, reserving the liquid, and add the beans to the pot.

Once the chicken is cool, remove from the bone and shred into bite sized pieces then add it back into the soup.

Bring to a boil then simmer on low for 1 hour.

Add the remaining vegetables and season with additional salt, pepper and hot sauce then simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Serve hot with a sprinkling of sharp cheddar cheese.

My Sunday night recipe for Mixed Bean Soup

2011-01-31T15:43:24Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Mixed Bean Soup

It's no secret that I love soups. They're easy to make, healthy and delicious. At least once a week in the colder months I make a big pot of soup that we enjoy for days.

For this vegetarian soup, any mix of beans will work. Try navy bens, lentils, pintos and others.

As always, use organic ingredients as much as possible in this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups mixed beans

¼ cup barley

1 quart chicken broth

1 quart water

2 strips kombu (sea vegetable)

1 onion

2 cloves garlic

2 potatoes

4 carrots

4 stalks celery

2 tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

2 bay leaves

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Optional: soak beans overnight

Place beans, barley, broth, water and kombu in a pot and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes then turn off the heat and let the beans sit for 30 minutes to an hour.

Turn the heat back on. Add the remaining ingredients and bring the pot to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and allow the soup to cook for an hour or two.

Serve sprinkled with parmesan cheese and accompanied by crusty bread and a salad.

Crispy Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies

2011-01-24T21:47:45Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

This is my gluten-free variation on a family cookie favorite.

INGREDIENTS

4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup non-fat greek yogurt

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg - separated

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup oat flour

½ teaspoon arrowroot powder (this will help replace the gluten otherwise found in wheat flour)

¼ teaspoon cardamom

1/8 teaspoon cloves

1/8 teaspoon salt

½ cup almonds - chopped

¼ cup sunflower seeds - chopped

¼ cup flax seeds

½ cup shredded coconut

DIRECTIONS

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Using a food processor or spice grinder, quickly pulse to chop the almonds and sunflower seeds. You can do the same to the coconut if you've bought it in large flakes.

Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. And the egg yolk and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cardamom, cloves, and salt. With the mixer on medium speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and beat until just combined.

If your batter is too soft to roll, wrap in wax paper and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or pop in the freezer for 10.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy and on a plate, mix together the nuts and coconut.

Using the firm dough, roll into 1-inch balls and first dip each in the egg white, and then roll in the nuts. Once placed on the papered baking sheet, use your thumb to make an indentation in the middle of each cookie.

If you're planning to serve the cookies right away, you can put the jam in the middle before baking. Otherwise, bake as is and fill with jam just before serving.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies have set and the nuts have started to brown. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack.

Makes 2 dozen.

Tip: Try using a variety of jams. Strawberry and raspberry and delicious and festive, but fig and orange marmalade are also a treat.

Recipe of the Week: Crustless Lower-Fat Quiche

2011-01-17T15:21:33Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

The crust on a quiche can be delicious, but it's also unnecessary and just adds extra fat and carbs. Of course, if you prefer your quiche with a crust, simply prepare a standard piecrust made of whole wheat flour, in a 9" pie pan. Pre-bake your crust for 35-45 minutes, until lightly browned.

This recipe is for a vegetarian, broccoli and garlic quiche, but it can easily be customized with added ham, sundried tomatoes, or other ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

6 organic eggs

1 cup organic half and half

½ cup organic cottage cheese

½ cup plain organic greek yogurt

3 cloves of garlic - crushed

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper - plus additional for the top

½ teaspoon salt

3 small heads of organic broccoli

1 ½ cup organic cheddar cheese

¼ cup grated organic parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease a 9" deep-bottomed pie pan.

Slice the broccoli into small flowers and steam until bright but still firm, then blanch in cold water to stop the cooking process.

In a large bowl whisk the eggs until smooth. Add in the next 7 ingredients (through the salt) and whisk or stir well until completely blended.

Pour the egg mixture into your pie pan. Evenly distribute the broccoli around the pan then sprinkle the cheeses on top.

Bake in a 375 degree oven for 45-50 minutes or until set and lightly browned.

Remove from the oven and allow to set for 20 minutes.

Serve with a side of lightly dressed greens.

Recipe of the Week: Potato Pancakes

2011-01-10T17:47:04Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

This is a great side dish but it can also work as a complete meal, especially when served on a bed of greens with some applesauce or horseradish.

INGREDIENTS

4 or 5 potatoes - washed and grated

1 small onion - peeled and very finely diced

1 egg - whisked

1 tablespoon flour

1 ½ teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons butter or canola oil

DIRECTIONS

After you've grated your potatoes, press them in a towel and drain any excess moisture.

Mix into the potatoes the remaining ingredients, except the butter or oil. Add more flour if needed to form a batter-like consistency.

In a frying pan, heat the butter or oil. Form small patties the size of your palm and lightly fry a few minutes on each side.

Also published on The Organic Center’s blog, Mission Organic Made Easy

Organic Pot Roast

2011-01-03T18:57:15Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Sometimes old-time comfort foods are just what the doctor ordered. Look for organically raised meats and vegetables for this dish.

INGREDIENTS:

1 roast (ask for organically raised English or Chuck Roast, never Shoulder Roast. It should be about 1 ½" thick.)

3 cups of boiling water.

1 teaspoon of lemon juice

1 teaspoon of Worcestershire Sauce

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 large onion, chopped

2 bay leaves

Couple cranks of pepper

1 teaspoon of sugar

1 teaspoon of salt

6 cups carrots chopped into 2" chunks

4 potatoes - quartered

Gravy

2 tablespoons flour

½ cup water

INSTRUCTIONS:

This roast can be cooked in the oven or on the counter in an electric frying pan.

In a large skillet brown all sides of the roast in olive oil (be sure to get the ends as well) Use medium heat so the meat doesn't burn or become too cooked. This will take about 15 minutes.

Once browned, lay the roast flat in an oven-safe roasting pan.

Add water, lemon juice, Worcestershire Sauce, garlic, onion, bay leaves, pepper, sugar and salt.

Simmer covered at 350 degrees for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

Add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the pan.

You may need more water (if heat is too high, the water will boil away). There should be about 2 cups left in the pan.

Taste broth. Add salt if desired.

Simmer for another 30 minutes in the frying pan, or about 1 hour in the oven.

When done remove roast and veggies. Use the remaining broth to make a gravy.

To make gravy, in a jar combine 2 tablespoons of flour and ½ cup of water. Shake well and pour into the broth in the pan. Bring to a simmer, stirring briskly over low heat. Thicken with more flour if desired.

Drizzle gravy over roast and potatoes. Serve with a mixed greens salad.

Also posted on The Organic Center’s blog Mission Organic Made Easy

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #10

2010-12-24T16:58:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Corkologie...

Find great gifts that reuse old cork!

http://www.corkologie.com/

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #9

2010-12-23T18:13:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Urban Moonshine Bitters....for the foodie http://www.urbanmoonshine.com/

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #8

2010-12-22T17:31:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Extra length is given to ribbons so that dresses may be tied looser to lengthen the life of it as a dress but may also be worn as a top when it is outgrown as a dress.

They are great to wear year throughout the cooler months with long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Visit http://www.timeandagainshop.com/ for more information!

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #7

2010-12-21T16:46:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

VICARIOUS BY NATURE (VBN) is an eco-friendly brand that represents men’s and women’s contemporary clothing while fostering the ideals of quality and style with a “naturally” conscious approach. Our objective is to create fashionable clothing that is very soft and comfortable, leveraging organic raw materials as certified by our vendors. As a company, our goal is to be forward thinking environmentally, while still being fashion forward.

We pride ourselves on being more than a clothing company; instead we are a brand that represents a lifestyle. VBN recognizes that “eco-friendly” is a journey, not a destination. Thus, we have embraced an educational approach, sharing our knowledge with local and global communities. Additionally, VBN gives back to its community through partnerships with non-profit organizations that share our vision.

VICARIOUS BY NATURE was inspired by the notion that we can substitute new ideas with old ideas by promoting a proactive approach to environmental friendliness. Keeping true to our sustainable values, VBN always strives to use organic production methods. Our intention is to create quality products while maintaining a lifestyle that facilitates a movement of sustainability.

http://www.vicariousbynature.com/

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #6

2010-12-20T16:49:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Give the gift of an adorable Makeka bow like the one Silvia is wearing here...

They are high quality, no slip hair accessories at an affordable price, without toxic adhesives!

http://www.makekabows.com/

Recipe of the Week: Spicy Indian Chicken with Chickpeas

2010-12-20T12:10:10Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I like to spice things up in the kitchen; for variety's sake, and health's sake too. Turmeric has been shown to help with digestive disorders, the aches and pains from arthritis, and even prevent certain types of cancer.

As always, use organic ingredients wherever possible.

INGREDIENTS:

Olive oil for pan

2 cloves garlic - chopped

1 small onion – chopped

2 organic chicken breasts - cut into small pieces

1 cup coconut milk

½ cup water

1 green bell pepper - chopped

1 red bell pepper – chopped

2 T tomato paste

2 t curry powder (can also use paste)

1 t turmeric

¼ t coriander

2 teaspoons salt

Dash of pepper

1 can Chickpeas

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic and onions.

Add chicken and sauté for 3 minutes.

Mix together ½ cup coconut milk and water. Add to pan and continue to simmer chicken until tender but cooked through.

Whisk tomato paste and remaining coconut milk into the liquid in the pan.

Add peppers and spices and simmer 5 minutes.

Toss in chickpeas. Stir to coat and simmer 10 minutes more.

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #5

2010-12-15T19:43:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

The exterior of these adorable “pouches” is made of 100% cotton designer fabric and the interior is lined with a water resistant Polyurethane Laminated Fabric (that is BPA, Lead and Phthalate free), so you can even hold wet fruit and messy sandwiches without worries. To clean, simply turn the liner inside out, shake out the crumbs and if needed, wipe with a damp cloth. They can also be machine-washed and line dried.

www.poshpouches.com

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #4

2010-12-15T19:30:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

The Maxwell bags are made from a variety of eco fabrics, primarily hemp. The purse-sized bags feature 2 outer front pockets, 2 outside side pockets, 4 inside pockets, and an adjustable strap. The bags can be worn over the chest as a messenger bag, allowing both hands to be free to do other things or as a purse.

To buy go to http://tootsntots.com/main/shop/maxwell-designs/

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #3

2010-12-15T19:26:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Tarte‘s Smooth Operator Finishing Powder leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Tarte is always formulated without mineral oil & petrolatum, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic fragrance, parabens, MEA/DEA/TEA, synthetic dyes, and is formaldehyde donor free.

For other great products by Tarte visit www.tartecosmetics.com

Holidays Natural Gift Idea #2

2010-12-15T19:07:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #1

2010-12-15T16:23:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

For the active urban dweller:

The Modern

www.takeyausa.com

Ideal for carrying in a purse or bag

Fashionable, tall and sophisticated

Available in 16oz and 18oz sizes with a wide mouth for easy drinking, an airtight twist cap and easy-carry loop.

In soft colors ice green, ice pink, ice blue, natural and black mist with suggested retail price of $19.99 and $24.99.

Glam it up for the holidays with Keeki natural nail polish!

2010-12-14T12:05:07Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Nail polishes, sadly, are actually one of the most harmful of all cosmetic products. They sport ingredients you might think you’d find in a science lab or auto repair shop. Ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, acetone, phthalates, and FD&C colors. These ingredients pose risks ranging from birth defects and hormone disruption to increased cancer risks.

But all of this doesn’t make you immune from sexy, sassy, or trendy nail envy!

Next week I’m heading to the beach for the holidays and you can bet that my toes will be dolled up in a festive shade of pink. Raspberry Sorbet, to be exact!

That’s festive toes a la the all natural Keeki Nail Polish.

Keeki™ Nail Polish is 100% Biodegradable and different than traditional nail polish. Because of it’s water-based Non-Toxic formula it does not have a toxic smell like others. And it’s never tested on animals.

Keeki™ Nail Polish is also:

Gluten-Free
Toluene, Formaldehyde and Phthalate FREE
Vegan
Safe during pregnancy
Made in the USA

Instructions on using Keeki™ Nail Polish:

Use it just like any other nail polish. To get the best results….first, clean your nails with Keeki™ Nail Polish Remover. (this takes off any oil on the nail bed) Then apply a thin coat of Keeki™ base coat. Wait a few seconds then apply two thin coats of Keeki™ Nail Polish, then follow with Keeki™ top coat. Use the blow dryer on low setting for a few minutes to set Keeki™ polish. Keep in mind that because the polish does not contain harmful chemicals the heat from the dryer really helps bond the Keeki™ polish to the nail bed. Keeki™ Nail Polish will become resistant to warm, soapy water in 20-30 minutes and scratch and chip resistant in one hour. Removes best with Keeki™ Nail Polish Remover.

Here’s a bit from the Keeki founders, Natalie Bauss and Katy Scheffler (both from Michigan like me!)

Keeki™ Pure and Simple has chosen to use as many organic raw materials as we can get our hands on. We have done this because organic products are made with ingredients that are grown and produced without the use of pesticides, artificial fertilizers and other chemicals; only 'good-for-you' elements of the earth. By using only 'good-for-you' components, organic products have a low impact on our environment and are also healthy for our bodies. The skin is the largest organ of our body... Keeki™ pledges to help you maintain your skin with 'good-for-you' products that are made in the USA and are 100% cruelty free. We do not use any parabens, phthalates, or any other toxic ingredients.

Keeki's™ commitment ~ we only manufacture products that we feel good about using on our own bodies as well as our children. We know that you will love our products just as much as we do. Keeki™ will never compromise quality in order to make a profit.

So, go ahead and glam it up for the holidays. Just do it au natural!

Recipe of the Week: Organic Roast Vegetables in Phyllo Pouches

2010-12-13T13:16:50Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Organic Roast Vegetables in Phyllo Pouches

Here is how I prepare a vegetarian harvest celebration, all organic, all newly 'harvested' from the ground.

INGREDIENTS:

2 T olive oil for pan
2 Onions - chopped
3 Cloves Garlic - chopped
2 Zucchini - chopped
3 Carrots - chopped
10 Mushrooms - chopped
(Could also use artichokes, celery, squash or anything else that is available to you)
2 T chopped fresh sage
2 T chopped fresh rosemary
S & P to taste
Freshly grated Romano or Parmesan Cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a sauté pan, lightly cook the onions & garlic in olive oil.

Add zucchini, carrots and mushrooms. Add herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste. Saute, stirring often, until vegetables are cooked but still firm. (Do not cover)

While the vegetables are cooking, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Lay 2 sheets of phyllo dough out on a flat surface. Using a slotted spoon, place a healthy scoop of vegetables in the center and sprinkle with freshly grated cheese.

Fold the four corners in and secure with a toothpick. Lightly grate another small layer of cheese on top. (If you're having a hard time getting the corners to stay in place, you can flip the pouch and bake it flat side up).

Place pouches on the parchment lined cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Top each with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Enjoy!

A Solar Light Bulbs Sheds Light in Dark Places

2010-12-10T13:23:07Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Children at an orphanage at Kissii Kenya, can now study, play and enjoy a better life - even on dark, rainy days or at night – because of the Nokero N200.

It's definitely more than a cool, green, gadget. It's solar ingenuity at work, right now, creating better conditions in places like Haiti, Kenya, Uganda, Nicaragua and Nepal, places where an astounding 1.6 billion people live without access to electricity, and where more than 1 million die each year from accidents involving fossil-fuel lighting. Even worse - fossil-fuel lighting releases 190 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year, the equivalent of 30 million cars.

Nokero is just a little company made up of a few guys in Colorado trying to do what's right. It's their hope that their bulb will help shine a little light on the living conditions of the "other 90 percent" of the world, and help tell their story while simultaneously empowering them to live better lives.

According to Noreko, a quarter of the world’s population still obtains illumination by burning fuels, contributing to global pollution and significant health hazards.

Kero (Kerosene) is dangerous, expensive, and polluting.
Using Kerosene can be like smoking 40 cigarettes a day.
1.3 million barrels of oil per day are consumed for lighting use.
Fuel lighting releases 190 million tons of CO2 each year.
Pollution released is the equivalent to 30 million cars.
Kero users breathe 10 times more particles than recommended.

But the Nokero bulb could change all of that!

Nokero N100 solar lights are made of impact-resistant plastic, four solar panels, a replaceable rechargeable battery and five light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The Nokero N100 is about the size of a standard light bulb and can withstand tough outdoor conditions.

Noreko bulbs collect energy from the sun by day, and release clean, non-toxic light at night.

Recharging Nokero is free.
Nokero pay for themselves within months of purchase.
Nokero soaks in the sun, then releases the energy at night.
Nokero consumes 1/200th the energy of fuel lights.
Nokero bulbs are the most cost-effective lights of their kind.
Nokero is clean, efficient, and long-lasting.

Visit www.nokero.com to learn more.

Green Stocking Stuffer - a Water Powered Clock!

2010-12-09T17:09:32Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Another FANTASTIC stocking stuffer idea! And at under $40, it’s a great gift for any friend on your list.

By Bedol, it’s a water-powered alarm clock that keeps perfect time by converting ions in tap water into clean energy—no batteries or electricity required!!

12- or 24-hour display.
Approx. dimensions: 4 1/2″W x 6 1/2″H.
Non-PVC plastic/metal.
By Bedol International Group; imported

Just in time for holiday shopping, Beautorium and Organica Deluxe merge into a super eco powerhouse!

2010-12-08T12:11:09Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Two of my favorite sites, Beautorium and Organica Deluxe, have announce that they will merge to create a premier eco-chic site

Beautorium, an online marketplace for the planet's premier collection of natural and organic beauty care, and Organica Deluxe, an online eco-friendly luxury gift boutique, have merged and introduced their combined offering. To celebrate the merger, http://www.beautorium.com/pages/organica-deluxe-pv-c0-41.html is offering 15% off all Organica Deluxe items with the code, Organica15.

The two cyber retailers have structured the creative merger to reduce their overhead costs by sharing resources. They also benefit by introducing their eco-minded customers to a wider range of eco-friendly products.

Beautorium takes the guesswork out going green by offering a careful edit of the world's most effective and ethical natural beauty brands. Beautorium has hand-picked and carefully screened over 650 products from 22 brands according to five selective criteria to ensure consumers get an authentic, effective and elegant experience.

Organica Deluxe continues to be committed to delivering the finest treats and gifts in the most responsible and attractive manner. Organica Deluxe's category of products on the Beautorium site, includes an edited selection of foods, lifestyle and stylish gifts.

Fans who want news and discount offers should sign up to be a fan of Beautorium on facebook and on twitter @beautorium or sign up for their e-mail on their homepage.

Green Stocking Stuffer

2010-12-07T22:10:34Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Takeya Glass Water Bottles make fantastic eco-friendly, and healthy, stocking stuffers!

Takeya USA recently introduced two revolutionary Glass Water Bottle collections, and with them, a healthier way for us all to hydrate. Takeya's portable and stylish designs are eco-friendly and deliver fresh taste without plastic or metal flavors.

The reusable Glass Water Bottles, made from naturally organic and recyclable materials, will greatly reduce the millions of accumulated plastic water bottles in U.S. landfills and are free of any toxic chemicals.

Find the line at www.takeyausa.com.

Takeya's innovative Glass Water Bottles will be available at specialty and online retailers in several sizes with colorful silicone jackets that feature see-through windows for checking fluid levels. The patented silicone jackets also provide a soft, non-slip grip and protection from accidental breakage. They are derived from Takeya Japan's extensive expertise in producing silicone accessories for popular video game consoles worldwide. Both the silicone jackets and water bottles are dishwasher safe.

The Modern is the bottle I carry. Its streamlined design

is ideal for carrying in a purse or bag
is fashionable, tall and sophisticated, reflecting the lifestyle of an active urban dweller.
is available in 16oz and 18oz sizes with a wide mouth for easy drinking, an airtight twist cap and easy-carry loop.
comes in soft colors ice green, ice pink, ice blue, natural and black mist with suggested retail price of $19.99 and $24.99.

Recipe of the Week: Traditional German Christmas cookies from my family kitchen to yours

2010-12-06T17:23:02Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Mandel Schnitt

(called Zimtsterne if making star-shaped cookies)

A Christmas tradition from the kitchen of my Grandma

Ingredients:

1 cup organic butter

1 cup pure cane sugar

2 organic eggs + 1 egg yolk (white reserved)

½ teaspoon grated lemon rind

4 cups organic flour (maybe less)

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 egg white – whipped

cinnamon, sugar and almond slivers for toppings

Directions:

In a mixer, cream the butter and sugar, then add in the eggs and lemon rind.

In a smaller bowl, stir together the dry ingredients, then slowly add into the wet.

Allow the dough to cool, then roll out thin and cut into small circles or stars.

Brush the top of each cookie with egg white and sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar and almonds.

Bake on a greased cookie sheet in a 350˚ oven for 8-10 minutes.

Makes 5 dozen small stars.

The Green Cleaning Fairy

2010-12-03T14:20:19Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

She calls herself the Green “Cleaning Coach” and Leslie Reichert spends her days encouraging people in the “art” of homekeeping and green cleaning.

From the obvious dangers like toxic chemicals under the kitchen sink to hidden hazards that can be found all around the home, Leslie helps teach simple techniques to keep families and pets safe from hidden health risks.

Here are a couple of her tips that I think are great!

Use your dishwasher to remove bacteria from your dish cloths. Just run on the hot cycle.
Clean your bathroom accessories in the dishwasher. This includes the toothpaste holder, soap dishes and even your toothbrushes to remove germs and build-up.
Instead of using a typical dusting product, try using a light dusting spray made from 2 tea bags, lemon juice and three cups of water. Just boil the water, add the tea bags and then leave them in the water until it cools completely. Put the tea mixture in a spray bottle with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Lightly spray the mixture on a microfiber clothand dust.
High chair- Use a microfiber cloth with an all-purpose cleaner which is a mixture of white distilled vinegar and seltzer water. The vinegar is a natural way to kill bacteria and germs. If you don't like the smell of vinegar, you can add an essential oil to it and the oil will cancel out the vinegar smell. Now you have a great anti-bacterial spray that won't hurt the baby.

Leslie is also author of the fantastic new ebook The Joy of Cleaning.

Learn more from this fantastic resource by visiting http://www.greencleaningcoach.com

Relief in the Kitchen Comes in the form of Kettle Cuisine Soups!

2010-12-01T12:30:15Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

This time of year is busy no matter who you are. We’re squeezing in shopping trips, gift wrapping, and holiday parties into every spare moment. And spare moments are hard to come by.

This is why Kettle Cuisine soup’s are filling my freezer right now.

These soups are fantastic! And somehow they seem (taste and presentation) to be heads above your average canned soup.

Here’s how they describe them:

We are proud to offer ten chef-inspired varieties that are all natural and all gluten free.

Our savory soups, hearty chilis, and rich chowders are available in convenient, single serving bowls.

They can be found in your grocer’s natural food freezer.

Mmmmmmm. Fast and yummy.

A New Report Breaks Down Dairy Farms, Comparing Organic and Conventional

2010-11-30T13:21:01Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Do you know where your milk stands?

Led by The Organic Center’s Dr. Benbrook, a new research report has been released, titled "A Dairy Farm's Footprint: Evaluating the Impacts of Conventional and Organic Farming Systems."

The report compares milk and meat production and revenue earned, feed intakes, the land and agricultural chemicals needed to produce feed, and the volume of wastes generated by representative conventional dairy farms and organic farms.

Here’s what they found:

The average cow on organic dairy farms provides milk through twice as many, markedly shorter lactations and lives 1.5 to 2 years longer than cows on high-production conventional dairies;
Because cows live and produce milk longer on organic farms, milking cow replacement rates are 30% to 46% lower, reducing the feed required and wastes generated by heifers raised as replacement animals;
Cows on organic farms require 1.8 to 2.3 breeding attempts per calf carried to term, compared to 3.5 attempts on conventional farms;
The enhanced nutritional quality of milk from cows on forage based diets, and in particular Jersey cows, significantly reduces the volume of wastes generated on organic dairy farms; and
The manure management systems common on most organic farms reduce manure methane emissions by 60% to 80%, and manure plus enteric methane emissions by 25% to 45%.

Recipe of the Week: Fresh Baked Chunky Granola

2010-11-29T12:45:36Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

This is delicious to enjoy in the mornings, over a bowl of organic vanilla ice cream or jar it up with a recipe card as a great home-made holiday gift.

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups whole oats (use old fashioned, not instant)
2 cups puffed or cluster-type cereal
¼ cup flax seeds
½ cup toasted almond slivers
Handful of sweetened coconut flakes (add ¼ cup brown sugar if using unsweetened)
½ cup organic pineapple juice
½ cup organic apple juice
½ cup organic prune juice
Juice from ½ orange
1 T ground cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice and cardamom
Zest from one lemon or orange
2 teaspoons coconut oil
¼ cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Handful each; dried blueberries, cranberries, currants, green raisins
OPTIONAL: add salted peanuts for a salty mix

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325°.

Combine the juices, spices and coconut oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer until reduced by half. This should take about 20 minutes.

While this simmers, combine the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl.

Remove juice mixture from heat and allow to set for 3-5 minutes.

Add honey and vanilla.

Toss sweetened warm juice mixture with the oats mixture.

Mist 2 cookie sheets with olive oil.

Spread mixture onto cookie sheets in a thin, even layer.

For variety, try adding salted peanuts to one pan.

Bake at 325° for 20-30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until golden and crunchy.

Cool slightly, then stir in dried fruit.

Store granola in an airtight container like a zip lock bag or large ball jar.

A Black Friday Deal

2010-11-23T22:23:40Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

You’ve seen me blog about Skin Authority before. They are a leading skincare company with products free from fragrances, dyes, parabens and animal testing.

This week, for Black Friday, they’ve got a BOGO offer: buy one Skin Authority item, and get another one (of the same item) free!

Just thought I’d let you know!

Go here for more www.skinauthority.com

Recipe of the Week: Pecan Pie (corn syrup free)

2010-11-22T18:51:38Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is often made with corn syrup - something I am not a fan of. In this recipe, I substitute organic molasses.

In the crust, in place of Crisco, I use an organic, all vegetable shortening. It still produces a flaky crust that's delicious and just like grandma baked.

To Prepare the Crust

INGREDIENTS

(makes one bottom crust)

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour

a scant ½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup organic vegetable shortening - chilled and in small pieces

2 tablespoons butter - chilled and cut into pieces

3-5 tablespoons cold water

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 450

In a bowl, stir the flour and salt together until well blended.

Cut in the shortening and butter until the mixture seems to include small peas (about a minute). Add water a tablespoon at a time, stirring until dough begins to moisten and hold together.

Wrap dough in waxed or parchment paper and chill at least 15 minutes (15 in a freezer, longer in the refrigerator).

Remove and roll out dough until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Try sprinkling your pastry cloth with sugar instead of flour so your crust doesn't take on extra flour and dry out.

Press dough into pie plate. Trim and crimp edges. Prick sides and bottom with a fork.

Bake (filling with pie weights if desired) 5-7 minutes until light brown. Cool completely.

Set aside to cool.

To Prepare the Filling

INGREDIENTS

½ cup organic molasses (not blackstrap)

1 cup brown sugar

3 tablespoons butter - melted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (can substitute 1 tablespoons rum)

½ teaspoon of salt

3 eggs

1 1 /2 cups pecan halves - somewhat broken.

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, whisk together the molasses, melted butter, sugar, vanilla and salt. Add eggs one at a time and whisk until well blended. Stir in pecans and pour the filling to the cooled pie shell.

Bake 40 minutes at 375 degrees until filling is set around the edges but center still jiggles slightly.

Cool on a wire rack for at least 3 hours. Serve with whipped cream.

Endangered Species tees shout action

2010-11-19T18:06:45Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Check it out! A new endangered species collection of tees from Revenge Is… are eco-friendly and super soft (made of RPET and organic cotton), and a portion of the proceeds are donated to wildlife foundations!

Revenge Is... LA’s activist fashion brand, introduces its latest challenge — to make a difference by wearing its Endangered Species line of fashionably cut T-shirts. This new line for fall release was created to help all of us to be more aware, to raise awareness and to take action to thwart the breathtaking cascade of species whose populations are plummeting toward extinction before our eyes. A significant percentage of the sale of these shirts will go to support leading institutions and organizations on the leading edge of species and habitat preservation and conservation.

As is the case with all of the lines created by Revenge Is…, there is an important call to action designed to inspire activism, education and participation in the important social and environmental issues of our time.

Case in point: 2022 is not only the scientific community’s best case scenario date for the impending extinction of the Bengal Tiger, but profoundly the next year of the tiger in the Chinese calendar. Scientists estimate that by 2022, the Bengal Tiger will have become extinct without progressive measures to protect these creatures today. In the early 1900's approximately 100,000 Bengal Tigers roamed freely across Asia. Compare that to the estimated 3,200 tigers that exist in sanctuaries today. Their population is dwindling at a rapid pace, and the Bengal Tiger is just one of the more visible of the tens of thousands of animal, plant, insect and reptile species on the brinks of extinction.

The Revenge Is… Endangered Species line features eight of the most humanly connected poster-species including the Giant Panda, Slender Horned Gazelle, Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Red Wolf, California Condor, Grevy Zebra and the African Elephant.

Thought provoking words accompany local LA artist renderings of each animal like: “My Skin is My Sin” (snow Leopard), "If You Love Us Save Us" (Giant Panda), "Endangered Now Extinct Tomorrow" (Slender Horned Gazelle), "349 Left and Counting" (California Condor) and "Fading Away" (Red Wolf).

I’ve been rockin’ the Snow Leopard long-sleeve T as of late and loving it!!!

T’s are available in black or white and in long sleeve, short sleeve, v-neck or scoop neck styles. They are cut from a soft, blended fabric of organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles (RPET) using only water based inks. The Ts were designed and manufactured in Los Angeles. Visit www.revengeis.com for more information

Follow Sara on Twitter for more of-the-minute updates.

EcoMom site is a sight for sore mommy eyes!!!

2010-11-18T14:22:50Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I just learned about a new website and if you’re a busy, health-minded mom (I don’t know a mom who isn’t!!!!!), you’ll want to check it out. It’s called EcoMom.com

Everything on EcoMom.com has been vetted, as categorically applicable, against their own proprietary criteria and by enlisting the help of EcoMom® experts and research partners (a discriminating team of doctors, scientists, NGO's, moms, dads, babies, and kids) to help make the world a happier, healthier place.

This means all goods on EcoMom.com must first and foremost be safe, smart and simple. They must not be toxic or synthetic. They must be natural, organic, healthy, sustainably minded, fun, and affordable.

Here are the standards:

Non-toxic. Because a healthy world starts at home, making certain that products we offer are safe to put in, on, and around young and growing families is our primary concern. In looking at ingredients, we follow the Precautionary Principle™: if there is question, it is better to be cautious and avoid the ingredient. We consider the following to be "red flag" ingredients and just say no.
1. No carcinogens, endocrine disrupting hormones, neurotoxins, or teratogenics (thought to cause birth defects).
2. No toxic dyes
3. No health compromising chemicals – including alkylphenols, polyurethane, petroleum distillates, phosphates, chlorine, chlorinated or brominated solvents, petroleum-derived or petrochemical fragrances, parabens, sulfur oxides, organohalides, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (Perc), dioxins and furans, hexavalent chromium, organophosphate pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), 2,4, dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4, D), or triclosan.
4. No sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, propylene glycol, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances, synthetic preservatives, petroleum-based ingredients, or formaldehyde donors
5. No PVC, bisphenol-A (BPA), PFCs, PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) or heavy metals including lead, mercury, cobalt, chromium, nickel, beryllium, arsenic, and cadmium.
6. No genetically modified organisms (GMO's)
Effectiveness, usability, and price. As moms we know that if it doesn't work, the kids don't like it, you can't figure it out, or you can't afford it, you just won't buy it and the rest of these considerations become irrelevant.
Organic and fair trade: We make a point of working with manufacturers who are also authentically committed to making the world a better place. We spend time with them, get to know them, and come to understand and trust their decision-making processes. Whenever possible we opt for products that are organic and fair trade, meaning they have been produced and/or grown without the use of synthetic or chemical herbicides, pesticides or insecticides in healthful and socially just working conditions; however, many of our vendors are too small to afford certifications so we do not require certification per se. Organic ingredients and fair trade practices are critical and most of what we offer is made out of materials that come from North America, but as more raw materials for earth-friendly products are sourced internationally, we will always be on the lookout for companies who have made being mindful a part of their business practices. i.e. those who source and manufacture with regard to environmental, social, and economic, health and sustainability.
Reduced Waste. To decrease resource depletion and reduce trash that ends up in methane emitting landfills, we seek out products that are lightly packaged, made to be recyclable (capable of reconditioning so as to reuse ingredients) and /or made from recycled materials. We envision a world in which extended manufacturer responsibility and "Cradle to Cradle" thinking has become the norm in manufacturing, so products are made to be "re-born" over and over with new uses, never ending up in the waste stream. Whenever possible we re-use packaging and shipping materials, and otherwise use recycled and/or biodegradable products.
Cruelty-free. Our goal is health and wellness for all, and we mean all. The products we offer are made using methods of research, development, and production, which seek to avoid harm to people and animals.

They are currently stocking an inventory of over 2,000 childcare items– with products ranging from healthy school box snacks to vegetable-based eye shadow for Mom, and from organic clothing to toys made from recycled materials.

EcoMom.com is filling this on-line space for the 40 million moms in the U.S. who don’t have the time to research every product themselves, by providing a safe haven for on-line shoppers that eliminates the 'guesswork' with carefully vetted products.

A deal on organic wines from Boulder's Best Organics

2010-11-17T19:00:21Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Boulder’s Best Organics, a Colorado-based company, is in the business of creating beautifully illustrated, keepsake gift box collections filled with organic and eco-friendly products from leading local, regional and national brands. Because Boulder is known as a center of health, outdoors and sustainability, the company has set down roots there and their gift boxes – featuring a variety of artisan items from Boulder and Colorado producers – are enjoyed all over the world.

Givers can choose from collections featuring delicious organic foods, snacks, chocolates, coffees, jams, spices, organic personal care products, sunscreens, lip balms, and eco-friendly products for kids.

This month, just in time to deck the Thanksgiving table, they are offering 20% off on all Bonterra wines, America’s #1 seller of California wines made with organic grapes.

For 20% OFF Bonterra wines visit www.bonterra.com and enter code BestOrganics.

Learn more at www.bouldersbestorganics.com

Recipe of the Week: Bird Seed Bars....and a store-bought alternative

2010-11-16T02:04:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Bird Seed Bars

These no-bake bars are extremely easy to make, and they’re deliciously high in fiber and flavor. They make a fantastic breakfast-on-the-go or after school snack. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

As always, be sure to use organic ingredients wherever possible. In this recipes, that especially applies to your cereal, oats, and butter and be sure to choose unsulfured dried fruits.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups whole grain cereal (flakes or squares) - lightly crushed
2 cups whole oats
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup dried dates - chopped
½ cup raisins - chopped
1/3 cup almond nut butter
1/3 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons (or more) hot water

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a medium sized mixing bowl combine the cereal, oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dates and raisins.

In a small saucepan, heat the almond nut butter, vanilla, butter and molasses. Stir while heating until warm and smooth. Be sure not to boil.

Pour the warm mixture into the dry cereal and stir to mix well.

Pour into a 9×13 size cake pan. Using damp fingers, press to pack down. Allow to cool completely then cut into squares.

Makes 24 servings.

BUT, if you don’t feel like making some from scratch, I just tried the new bars from Clif Bar and they’re FABULOUS!!

Clif MoJo – perfect for when you get a craving for something sweet…and salty. This happens to me all the time and it drives me nuts that almost all snack/energy/power/meal bars are sweet! Not the Clif MoJo. It's all about different flavors and textures to satisfy your sweet (and salty) tooth. Add in some crunchy nuts and you get a delicious snack your body will dig.

Luna Protein – The power of protein keeps you full and feeling good about it. Seriously, they’re DELICIOUS! So go ahead—indulge in the chocolatey, nougaty goodness of LUNA Protein. Entirely natural, satisfying and sustaining for under 200 calories.

Have a Sipp

2010-11-10T12:33:14Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Attention soda drinkers. There’s a new anti-soda on the market. It’s called Sipp.

SIPP is organic with no artificial flavors or preservatives and sweetened with agave nectar. The wonderful thing about SIPP is it can be a healthy beverage alternative to soda...or, for an adult indulgence, it can be mixed with an organic spirit to create an eco-chic cocktail!

A few weeks ago at the Natural Products Expo in Boston they launched the first of five flavors, Ginger Blossom. It has a combination of ginger, lime and vanilla and the flavor is lightly sweet, crisp and quite refreshing!

I’ve only had a Sipp once, but I loved it!

Recipe of the Week: Two Bean and Barley Chili

2010-11-08T16:39:04Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

According to a recent article in Men’s Health Magazine, beans and pumpkin seeds were just listed among the top best foods for men to eat.

EDEN Foods, a natural foods company that my dad co-founded back in the 1960’s, was especially recognized with their Organic Black Beans receiving the honor as the “Best Canned Beans“, the EDEN Organic Spicy Refried Black Beans were chosen as the “Best Refried Beans“, and EDEN Pumpkin Seeds as the “Best Nut Alternative“.

EDEN Organic Black Beans and Spicy Refried Black Beans are U.S.A. family farm organically grown, fiber rich, and a good source of protein, iron, and magnesium.

EDEN brand is the only canned bean using bisphenol-A (BPA) free enamel lined cans, an issue extremely important to many families.

Here’s my recipe for Vegetarian Two Bean & Barley Chili

This is a delicious vegetarian chili that is hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest eater.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion - chopped
3 cloves of garlic - minced
1 medium red bell pepper - chopped
1 (4.5 oz) can of chopped green chilis
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 cup barley
1 (28 oz) can chopped tomatoes
1 quart vegetable broth
1 (15 oz) can black beans
1 (15 oz) can navy beans
1 lime - freshly squeezed

GARNISH

Fresh cilantro
1 lime cut into wedges
organic sour cream
organic baked tortilla chips

DIRECTIONS

In a large soup pot, sauté onion, garlic and bell pepper until just soft. Add chilis, salt and other dried spices and allow to cook for 2 minutes. Pour in broth, barley, tomatoes and beans and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the barley is fully cooked.

Right before serving, stir in the juice of one small lime.

Serve garnished with cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and some baked tortilla chips.

Sweet Knee for your Baby's Bum!!

2010-11-04T12:00:38Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

About a year ago, before my little bundle was born, I received a package with some products from a fantastic company called Sweet Knee. The products, with their sweet smells and precious labels went on a shelf for me to try once the baby arrived. I didn’t want to blog about them until I had actually tried them out.

Well, now Silvia is 4 months old and I’ve had ample opportunity to try many different products on her. And I’ve discovered that Sweet Knee is a keeper!

Here’s a little about the company

Sweet Knee is a boutique skin care company created to address the need for getting back to nature with the use of certified organic herbs and flowers for young babies and children. Just think of calendula, marshmallow,plantain and chamomile. Yummy. We offer a line of essential products for children including cleansing,moisturizing and diaper care products with simply the best ingredients, and full disclosure on our labels so that you can decide what is best for your baby and your family.

We never test our products on animals and we hand source our ingredients and seek out organically grown, sustainable, fair-trade ingredients. We formulate and manufacture in boutique quantities, so that we are able to keep quality and credibility of our name.

Sweet Knee believes in giving back. We believe in healthy homes and healthy air. So, we plant a tree for every gift bag purchased.

Here are some products that I love

Giggle, Snooze and Breathe – aromatherapy trio

Sweet Knee creator "Mama Platt" began her study of essential oils in 1986 (she was just a baby, of course). Through the years she has created many blends, but these are her favorites. Don't be intimidated by these 100% natural and organic essential oils. If you've ever gotten joy from smelling the flowers in a garden or the lemon that you sliced for your cup of tea, then you know a thing or two about aromatherapy! Great for cleaning and helping baby and the whole family enjoy the day and night even when life is a little unbalanced.

Directions (**Don’t ever apply essential oils directly to a baby’s skin**)
For ages 6 months and up dilute essential oil blend in a cool mist humidifier, diffuser, or even a spray bottle with distilled water (5-10 drops for these methods). Use the spray bottle on the high chair, crib linens, blanket, or car seat to set the mood. The blends can also be incorporated into the bath by thoroughly mixing 3-4 drops before placing baby in the tub.

Rubbit Oil

This simply delightful calendula oil absorbs easily into the skin without the use of estrogenic ingredients that can interfere with hormone development in young babies and children. We start with the feet and work toward the heart from day one with all of our little ones. No need to worry about synthetic or harmful preservatives here. Wonderful of course as a massage oil, but just as great as a bath oil and as an all natural alternative to lotion.

Bun Gaze

The bun glaze is the non-medicated alternative to diaper ointment. There are no unnecessary “barrier” ingredients like petrolatum, zinc or titanium found in traditional products. Each ingredient is there for a reason and nothing is chemically altered. Skin is meant to breathe and be chemical-free. Yes, the bun glaze works great with cloth diapers.

Customers say they use bun glaze for insect bites, sunburn, rug burn, extremely dry skin and of course diaper rash. Dads like that they never have to touch the bun glaze when changing diapers because there’s no need to get your hands involved; the glaze can be pumped (drizzled) directly onto clean, dry skin, which helps to keep things clean and easy.

Find all of these products and more at http://www.sweetknee.com

A Year of Free Yoga!

2010-11-03T13:14:56Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I came across this giveaway and had to share it with all of you!

If you could practice yoga for an entire year at the studio of your choice for FREE, how would your life change? After 13 years of inspiring a practice of renewal, Manduka is starting fresh and inviting the global yoga community to partake in the celebration. Coinciding with National Yoga Month and the launch of Manduka's new website, the brand cushioning the feet of yoga's top influencers is offering all yoga enthusiasts the chance to win a year of free yoga with its most recent sweepstakes – Practice 365.

Today through November 15th 2010, Manduka is offering anyone the chance to win a full year of FREE yoga at the studio of their choice! At the end of the sweepstakes, Manduka will pick 1 Golden Yogi to win a free year of yoga at any studio, 3 Charmed Yogis to win 1 free month of yoga at any studio, and 5 Lucky Yogis to win $100 Manduka Bucks good toward any purchase at www.Manduka.com.

To enter in your chance to win a year of FREE yoga, just visit http://www.manduka.com/year-of-free-yoga/, enter your name and cross your fingers!

So visit, enter, share and get inspired as Manduka moves on with its mission of making yoga more accessible to all yoga lovers. For more information, please visit www.Manduka.com.

Recipe of the week: Split Pea Soup

2010-11-02T20:32:02Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Split Pea Soup

This has been a longtime favorite family recipe. It's easy to make it vegetarian by avoiding the ham. But if you're a meat eater, the ham adds a nice flavor.

INGREDIENTS

2 T olive oil

8 cups water

2 cups split peas

1 bay leaf

2 pieces kombu

about 1 lb (more or less is fine) of ham - bone in

1 onion - coarsely chopped

3 cloves garlic - finely chopped

4 carrots - finely chopped

3 small potatoes - finely chopped

2 teaspoons coarse sea salt

1 teaspoon dried sage

1 teaspoon dried thyme

dash of pepper

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS

Bring the first 6 ingredients to a boil and cook for one hour. Watch the pot carefully as it will boil over.

Remove the ham and allow it to cool. Shred the meat from the bone and return the meat to the pot.

Add the remaining ingredients and cook for 30 minutes more.

Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Recipe of the Week: Organic Oven Baked Apples

2010-10-25T12:18:42Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Organic Oven Baked Apples

This is a simple enough dessert to make on a Tuesday night.

But pair it with some organic vanilla bean ice cream, and it's decadent enough for a weekend date night.

INGREDIENTS:

4 Apples, cored and peeled half way down

4 T (1/2 stick) butter – softened at room temp

½ t cinnamon

½ t nutmeg

½ t cloves

1/3 cup maple syrup, plus additional for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Take a thin slice off the bottom of each apple so that it sits flat. Gently core each apple and set into a roasting pan.

Pour water into the bottom of the roasting pan until there is 1/2" across the bottom.

With a fork, press together spices, syrup and softened butter in a small bowl.

Divide and press into the center of the cored apples.

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes, until butter mixture begins to bubble.

Serve, drizzled with a little more maple syrup.

Also on The Organic Center’s blog Mission Organic Made Easy

"GM Foods Are More Dangerous For Children Than Adults"

2010-10-20T15:01:32Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

October is No-GMO month. An important topic of note, especially for parents of small children. Here’s a reprint of an interesting article from Jeffrey Smith, Executive Director of the Institute for Responsible Technology and creator of the Non-GMO Shopping Guide.

International bestselling author and filmmaker Jeffrey Smith is the leading spokesperson on the health dangers of genetically modified (GM) foods. His first book, Seeds of Deception, is the world's bestselling and #1 rated book on the topic. His second, Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods, provides overwhelming evidence that GMOs are unsafe and should never have been introduced. Mr. Smith is the executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, whose Campaign for Healthier Eating in America is designed to create the tipping point of consumer rejection of GMOs, forcing them out of our food supply.

GM foods are more dangerous for children than adults

Excerpted from Jeffrey M. Smith's Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Food

"Swapping genes between organisms can produce unknown toxic effects and allergies that are most likely to affect children." —Vyvyan Howard, expert in infant toxico-pathology at Liverpool University Hospital, United Kingdom

Changes in nutrition have a greater impact on the structure and functioning of young, fast-growing bodies. More of the food is converted to build organs and tissues, whereas adults convert more to energy and store this as fat.

The UK Royal Society said that genetic modification "could lead to unpredicted harmful changes in the nutritional state of foods" and recommended that potential health effects of GM foods be rigorously researched before being fed to pregnant or breast-feeding women and babies." Epidemiologist Eric Brunner said that "small changes to the nutritional content might have effects on infant bowel function."

Children are more susceptible to problems

Children are three to four times more prone to allergies than adults and "are at highest risk of death from food allergy." Infants below two years old have the highest incidence of reactions, especially to new allergens encountered in the diet. Even tiny amounts of allergens can sometimes cause reactions. One reason for this sensitivity, according to the EPA, is that "An immature gut or permeable mucosal epithelium is more likely to allow a higher degree of macromolecular transport and access to the immune system than the intact barrier of a normal mature gut. . . . The immune system must also be of sufficient maturity. . . . Both systems appear to be functioning optimally by age three to five."

According to the Royal Society of Canada, "The potentially widespread use of GM food products as food additives and staple foods, including use in baby foods, may lead to earlier introduction of these novel proteins to susceptible infants either directly or via the presence of the maternally ingested proteins in breast milk."

The UK Royal Society suggested that "post-marketing surveillance should be part of the overall safety strategy for allergies, especially of high-risk groups such as infants," but acknowledged that it is not clear "whether such monitoring is feasible for GM food."

Children can react to much smaller doses of toxins than adults. Exposure to hormones or endocrine disruptors may also severely affect normal development. And children who are prone to infections may be severely impacted if antibiotics lose their effectiveness due to antibiotic-resistant genes in GM food and the overuse of antibiotics in rbGH treated cows.

Children have a high exposure to GMOs

Children consume a large amount of products that may be genetically engineered. They eat a higher percentage of corn in their diet compared to adults, and allergic children often rely on corn as a source of protein. Mothers using cornstarch as a talc substitute on their children's skin might also expose them via inhalation. Infants are sometimes reared on soy infant formula. The Royal Society wrote, "Infant formulas, in particular, are "consumed as a single food over extended periods of time by those who are especially vulnerable" and "should be investigated most rigorously." Among the potential side effects are changes in soy's natural estrogen mimickers, which may influence sexual development.

Children consume a disproportionately large amount of milk. In the United States and elsewhere, dairy products may come from cows treated with the genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rbGH). The milk contains increased amounts of hormones and antibiotics and an altered nutritional content. According to a discussion paper on the public health implications of rbGH, published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, an "infant would be exposed to a dose of IGF-1, which was 12.5 times the recommended minimum." Samuel Epstein, chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition and an expert on the health effects of rbGH, says that risks of high exposure to IGF-1 are "of particular concern . . . to infants and children in view of their high susceptibility to cancer-causing products and chemicals." He also suggests that regular exposure might promote "premature growth stimulation in infants, gynecomastia [development of abnormally large breasts on males] in young children."

Safety assessments ignore children

An FAO/WHO task force on GM food said that "Attention should be paid to the particular physiological characteristics and metabolic requirements of specific population subgroups, such as infants [and] children." In practice, GM safety assessments ignore them. In fact, industry funded studies often use mature animals instead of the more sensitive young ones, in order to mask results.

Biologist David Schubert warns, "Since children are the most likely to be adversely effected by toxins and other dietary problems, if the GM food is given to them without proper testing, they will be the experimental animals. If there are problems, we will probably never know because the cause will not be traceable and many diseases take a very long time to develop."

To learn more about the health dangers of GMOs, and what you can do to help end the genetic engineering of our food supply, visit www.ResponsibleTechnology.org.

To learn how to choose healthier non-GMO brands, visit www.NonGMOShoppingGuide.com.

Recipe of the Week: Hearty, Healthy Tofu Spaghetti Sauce

2010-10-18T16:10:07Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Hearty, Healthy Tofu Spaghetti Sauce

My mom used to make this sauce all the time. She still does in fact. Coming from a pretty big family I think it was her way of making a jar of store bought spaghetti sauce go a long way, both in terms of nutrition and stretching a dollar. We always use lots of vegetables from the garden. You can do that or seek out organically grown, local veggies of your own.

I recently tried the whole grain Einkorn spaghetti from Jovial Foods. Einkorn, an ancient grain – the first species of wheat grown by man more than 12,000 years ago, is high in Thiamin, essential dietary and trace minerals. It’s also a good source of protein, dietary fiber and B Vitamins. One 2oz. serving contains as much of the antioxidant Lutein as a whole egg. It was delicious, satisfying, and I felt good about eating it.

INGREDIENTS

2 T olive oil for pan

1 large onion – diced

2 garlic cloves – diced

1 package mushrooms – chopped

1 pound spinach – shredded

2 medium zucchinis – chopped

½ pound tofu - firm, drained and mashed to resemble a ground beef consistency

1 jar organic spaghetti sauce

1 14 oz can organic stewed tomatoes

1 bay leaf

1 t oregano

1/2 teaspoon sugar (or tamari)

S & P to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add mushrooms, spinach and zucchini.

Cover and cook about 5 minutes.

Add tofu, spaghetti sauce, stewed tomatoes, and seasonings.

Balance with sugar or tamari (to taste)

Serve over a whole grain pasta with salad and fresh garlic bread

To make garlic bread, slice a whole grain baguette.

In a bowl mash together softened butter and pressed/minced garlic. Spread into the slices. Wrap in aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Also on The Organic Center’s blog Mission Organic Made Easy

Celebrate Fair Trade Month with the First Fair Trade Clothing Line!

2010-10-15T12:37:57Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Indigenous Designs, the First USA Premium Fashion Brand Certified Fair Trade, Launches Style Tour

Indigenous Designs, a Northern California-based fashion design company, is now able to shout it from the rooftops: their collection will receive a first-of-its-kind "Fair Trade" certification Fair Trade USA.

The certification demonstrates that Indigenous' business practices in its production—from organic cotton fields in South America to high-fashion boutiques around the world—treat people and the planet with respect and dignity.

Santa Rosa based Indigenous Designs employs 1,500 highly skilled artisans in knitting groups and cooperatives. The Indigenous collection is available through 700 premium specialty boutiques nationwide.

Indigenous Designs' business model focuses on building cottage industry production in deeply impoverished areas such as Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala and other countries around the globe. Indigenous works with the artisans to combine centuries-old traditions and modern technology to create sustainable growth in communities and flourish economically.

While many companies are striving to cut costs, Indigenous Designs, true to their Fair Trade certification, continues to pay its labor force a fair wage in a time of global economic worry.

Fair Trade certification for Apparel and Linens is the first social, economic and environmental standard that directly benefits the farmers who grow the cotton and the workers who sew the garments. It offers companies and consumers an unprecedented opportunity to positively impact the lives of these farmers and workers.

To celebrate its Fair Trade USA certification, Indigenous Designs is hitting the road in October – October is Fair Trade Month—and taking its message and fashion on a tour to show consumers that beautiful clothing can come with a clean conscience. The six-city tour will team Indigenous Designs clothing with socially conscious retailers, and fair trade fashion guru Courtney Fuchs will be joining the style session tour to present the Indigenous Designs Fall 2010 Collection.

The Crossroads of Fashion and Passion: Indigenous Designs Fall Style Tour

Indigenous Designs will stop in locations throughout Northern California, Idaho and Washington late October through November.

The Crossroads of Fashion and Passion: Indigenous Designs Fall Style Tour Dates:

Cavallo Point: Sausalito

Date: Saturday, October 23

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: Cavallo Point Lodge, The Lodge at Golden Gate, 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, CA 94965

Yoga Works San Francisco:

Date: Wednesday, October 27

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Yoga Works, 1823 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94115

Yoga Works Larkspur Landing:

Date: Thursday, October 28

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Yoga Works, 2207 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, CA 94939

Louie Permelia Coeur d'Alene:

Date: Wednesday, November 3

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Louie Permelia,Resort Shopping Plaza, 210 Sherman #149, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

Louie Permelia Redmond:

Date: Friday, November 5

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Louie Permelia, Redmond Town Center, 16519 NE 74^th St., Redmond, WA 98052

Louie Permelia Seattle:

Date: Saturday, November 6

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: Louie Permelia, University Village, 4610 Village Ct. NE, Seattle, WA 98105

Recipe of the Week: Grains, Greens and a Poached Egg

2010-10-11T17:53:12Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

There is nothing gourmet or fancy about this dinner, but what makes it special is the fact that it’s healthy, delicious and can be prepared in about 10 minutes. It came together when I was eating alone one night last week and was craving cooked greens with a little extra protein. I served my egg and greens with some leftover brown rice, but to preserve time, I’m suggesting polenta in this recipe.

Grains, Greens and a Poached Egg

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

1 cup polenta

2 or 3 heads baby bok choy – rinsed and trimmed

2 eggs cracked into individual ramekins

ume plum vinegar to taste (can usually be found with the seaweed in natural and specialty food stores)

DIRECTIONS

Cook polenta according to the package directions.

While the polenta cooks, place about an inch of water in the bottom of a saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Stir the water until it swirls around and drop the egg into the center. Arrange the baby bok choy in the same water and allow the egg and the greens to cook for about 3-5 minutes.

Plate some polenta onto each plate and top with the egg, breaking open the yoke at the last minute. Place some greens to the side on each plate and drizzle the whole plate with ume plum vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Also on The Organic Center’s blog, Mission Organic Made Easy

Raise a Glass to Fair Trade Month

2010-10-08T21:02:01Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

In honor of Fair Trade Month….let’s drink some wine!

First, what’s Fair Trade and how do we know when something truly is Fair Trade?

TransFair USA is the third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States. TransFair USA enables sustainable development and community empowerment by cultivating a more equitable global trade model that benefits farmers, workers, consumers, industry and the earth. For consumers who choose to make socially-conscious purchases, the Fair Trade Certified mark guarantees that farmers receive fair prices for their products and additional investment through the Fair Trade premium for social, environmental and economic development in their communities. In 2008, U.S. retail sales of Fair Trade Certified products increased 20 percent to hit an estimated $1.25 billion, and U.S. companies paid more than $10 million to build schools and hospitals, among other projects, to improve the lives of farmers around the world.

How do wines fit in? Quite naturally.

Worthwhile Wine Company is the brainchild of Founder Tom Lynch, who wants to make it easier for consumers to do what 70% of them say they want to do according to McKinsey Quarterly: buy more sustainably made products. Worthwhile Wine is a Fair Trade Certified™, triple bottom line wine import company that addresses the reasons most people say make it harder for them to buy more sustainable wines - concern about trading quality for sustainability, confusing sustainability claims, and difficulty finding as many sustainably made wines as they would like.

To accomplish this, Lynch started with great wines - a large and diverse portfolio of wines that have been recognized or recommended by credible third parties - and met Worthwhile Wine's own standards for great wine. This includes more than 20 wines recognized as "good value" or "best buy," multiple 90+ rated wines and dozens of wines that have won double gold and gold medals in international wine competitions. So [check one] consumers don't have to choose between quality and sustainability.

Worthwhile Wine makes it easier for people to wade through the confusing sustainability claims with their proprietary "Worthwhile Profile™" which provides brief, simple information about quality and sustainability in straightforward colloquial language. [check 2]

Finally, [check 3] through traditional and newer digital channels of distribution, Worthwhile Wine hopes to make it easier for consumers to find more of the wines they want.

Building on its sustainability platform, Worthwhile Wines will launch its wines as Fair Trade Certified™ with TransFair USA.

Pricing for Worthwhile wines ranges from $6.99 for wines sold at supermarkets all the way up to $150 for bottles sold in high-end restaurants.

And I can vouch for them. They have some fantastic wines. I can personally speak for the Partnership Vineyards 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. Partnership Vineyards is the joint initiative of Riebeek Cellars and the people from the Riebeek Valley aiming to make and market wine in an effort to uplift the community and give everyone a sense of belonging. ”Together we planted vineyards on a specially selected piece of Africa and today we raise our glasses to standing together as a more united nation.”

How can drinking their wine not be a good thing?!

Three cheers for Fair Trade Month. Hip, hip, hooray!

Also of note: On October 27th, Worthwhile Wine is doing a virtual wine tasting with Partnership Vineyards’ Winemaker Zakkie Beste that is free and open to the public. Interested persons can join the guided tasting and submit questions at www.worthwhilewine.com/livetasting. This tasting will take place at 8 p.m. EST and again at 8 p.m. PST. Log on to learn more.

GO! Gorgeous PINK EDITION

2010-10-07T01:34:59Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

There are probably close to a million ways you can support Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout the month of October. But I got this message from Celeste Hilling, CEO of Skin Authority (leader of skincare lifestyle products focused on natural, healthy ingredients) and liked the “young survivor” message. So, I’m sharing it with you.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year, it is particularly personal for me as several of my friends have been diagnosed with this disease. But because of the latest advances in early detection and treatment, I am thankful many are survivors. Having spent time with these amazing individuals, I have come to realize that beating the disease is only the beginning of the story.

That’s why I am inviting you to join Skin Authority with your support for The Pink Ribbon Girls, an organization of young breast cancer SURVIVORS, who are ENCOURAGED by their shared experiences, to EDUCATE & INSPIRE others to GROW & LIVE beyond breast cancer.

For this purpose, I have created the special
GO! Gorgeous PINK EDITION skin care kit . . . one of our most popular items. Through October, for every PINK EDITION you purchase, Skin Authority will donate 10% of its net proceeds to The Pink Ribbon Girls. Priced at just $52, there is no additional cost to you for your donation. Your purchase will help an inspired cause, while enjoying the benefits of this incredible home care system.

Click Here to purchase online, or visit one of our participating retail locations.

Recipe of the Week: Organic Mac n Cheese

2010-10-05T12:34:26Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

For a recipe like this I will insist that using organic milk and cheese is a must.

Organic milk provides more Omega 3, more CLA, more antioxidants and vitamins than conventional milk. In fact, according to an article on The Organic Center’s site, CLA levels in organic milk are often found to be 30 percent or more higher than in conventional milk.

Organic milk also means that the milk came from a cow not given r-bGH (growth hormones). A recent court ruling just indicated a victory against r-bGH citing three reasons why milk from cows treated with r-bGH differs from cows that are not: 1. Increased levels of the hormone IGF-1, 2. A period of milk with lower nutritional quality during each lactation, and 3. Increased somatic cell counts (i.e. more pus in the milk).

More reasons to support organic!

Mom's Macaroni & Cheese

Growing up, I was one of four kids in the Redmond house. And I'm here to tell you, my Mom was one hard working woman. She made as much as possible from scratch. Today there are a lot of incredible companies making delicious, healthy, natural, and organic ready-to-eat foods. Still, making it yourself is always best because you know exactly what's in it and can adjust for dietary restrictions, food allergies, etc..

This is a recipe I remember my mom making pretty often as a kid. I don't eat it much anymore but I make it for friends who have recently had babies or are in need of some home-cooked comfort food.

Because we're using a lot of dairy in this mac and cheese, organic is vitally important.

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups elbow macaroni

3 tablespoons organic butter

3 tablespoons flour

2 cups organic milk

1 teaspoon dry mustard

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

dash pepper

1 ½ cups grated organic cheddar cheese

1 cups grated parmesan cheese

2-4 organic roma tomatoes - sliced

1 cup bread crumbs

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook pasta until firm. Set aside.

Melt butter on low heat. Whisk in flour and continue to stir for 3 minutes.

Pour in milk and continue to whisk until mixture comes to a light boil.

Add mustard, salt, cayenne and pepper and continue to cook at a low simmer, stirring constantly, until mixture has thickened - about 3 minutes.

Stir in cheddar cheese and half (1/2 cup) of the parmesan cheese.

Stir until cheese has melted.

Place cooked macaroni in a greased baking dish.

Pour sauce over the macaroni and stir until macaroni is fully coated.

In a small bowl mix together bread crumbs and remaining parmesan cheese.

Sprinkle crumb mixture over the pasta.

Top with sliced tomatoes and a light dusting of cayenne pepper.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Serve with mixed greens or salad.

Also on the Organic Center’s Blog, Mission Organic Made Easy

Buy Bracelets, Educate Kids!

2010-10-04T17:08:58Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I am, and have been for quite some time, a huge fan of beads by the Leakey Collection. I wear them wrapped, a dozen at a time, around my wrist. Having the colorful beads on reminds me of my trip to Kenya last year.

Sara with Maasai women in Kenya

The Leakey Collection was founded in 2002 by Katy and Philip Leakey. Their work includes the design and manufacture of contemporary jewelry that is hand made by the Maasai women and men of Kenya from environmentally sustainable materials.

The newest addition, Beads for Learning, is dedicated to the improvement of education in rural Kenya. The Beads for Learning are a colorful take on the Zulugrass line. Utilizing a playful mix of different colors, these versatile strands make a striking necklace, bracelet or hair tie. Just a couple of twists and you literally have dozens of styles. Maasai artisans are designing one of a kind bracelets to symbolize their children's bright futures.

With the Beads for Learning you can literally buy bracelets and educate kids.

– The Leakey Collection will donate 100% of their profits from the sales of these bracelets to pay for local teachers' salaries.

– Every 5 strands sold equals one day's salary.

– Employing just one extra teacher brings opportunity to hundreds of children and their families.

The Beads for learning are available online here.

I’m wearing my Beads for Learning strands all of this week in honor of Fair Trade Month (October) and Teacher Appreciation Day today!

Avoiding Genetically Modified Organisms in Restaurants

2010-09-29T21:42:21Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

October (right around the corner, believe it or not) is non-GMO month. To help you prepare, here is a primer on avoiding genetically modified organisms in restaurants.

This article is courtesy of International bestselling author and filmmaker Jeffrey Smith, the leading spokesperson on the health dangers of genetically modified (GM) foods. His first book, Seeds of Deception, is the world's bestselling and #1 rated book on the topic. Mr. Smith is the executive director of theInstitute for Responsible Technology, whose Campaign for Healthier Eating in America is designed to create the tipping point of consumer rejection of GMOs, forcing them out of our food supply.

When eating at restaurants, it is not too hard to identify non-GMO options if your restaurant cooks from scratch. If they used processed foods, which is true of fast food places, they will have hidden GM ingredients.

For those restaurants that do cook from scratch, you will be able to easily identify most food items that may be GMOs. Corn products include tortillas, corn bread, corn on the cob, polenta, and corn chowder. Soy products include tofu, teriyaki and soy sauce. Any item that contains zucchini or yellow crook neck squash is a gamble, since a small amount of these are GMOs.

The hidden ingredients are usually the oils used for cooking and for salad dressing. Most restaurant cooking oil is from soy, corn, cottonseed, and canola—all GMOs. If they say vegetable oil or margarine, it means it is almost certainly one of these.

So the first question usually is, "What oil do you cooked with?" If they use GMO oils, ask if they have anything that is cooked without oil, or if olive oil or some other oil can be used. If they have olive oil, be sure it's not a blend. Many restaurants blend canola and olive. (In fact, some shady olive oil companies actually blend other oils into their olive oil but don't reveal that on the label.)

You may go through the same routine for the salad dressing, to make sure it is pure olive oil. Same for desserts; make sure they don't use margarine and vegetable oil as shortening. But for desserts, you also have to think about the sugar. Unless sugar says pure cane or organic, it likely contains sugar from GM sugar beets.

To avoid dairy products from cows treated with genetically modified rbGH, in U.S. restaurants you will likely have to avoid menu items with dairy. (The hormone is banned in practically every other country.) Very few restaurants buy milk from non-treated cows, but it doesn't hurt to ask. In fact, it is always good to ask every time, so the restaurant realizes it's an issue, and can take steps to eliminate GMOs.

Since most processed foods contain GM derivatives (corn and soy, for example), ask what foods are freshly prepared. But check if packaged sauces are used.

Other common sources of GM foods at restaurants include ketchup, bread, and mayonnaise.

To learn how to choose healthier non-GMO brands, visit www.NonGMOShoppingGuide.com.

Get Your Hands on Eco Duds with this Special Offer!

2010-09-24T14:20:14Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Indigenous Designs, one of my favorite eco clothing companies, was just named one of the Top 5 Eco Fashion Designers on Treehugger!

Let’s celebrate!

Because I’m a friend of the brand they are sharing a discount code for me and all of my friends (that means you!!) to use for 25% off of ALL items on their web store until Dec.31st!!

Just log on to indigenousdesigns.com and use code INDI10 at checkout.

Get your hands on some fantastic fair trade and organic designer eco-duds for 25% off. I’m thinking I might stock up on gifts for the holidays!

Root 4 Kids!!

2010-09-22T18:34:55Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

“Root 4 Kids,” a cause-related campaign created by kid food favorite, Annie's, is launching today, calling upon parents and teachers nationwide to help kids "dig" or learn about new veggies throughout fall 2010 and plant new veggies during spring 2011.

The goal: One million kids across America "dig" and plant new veggies from harvest 2010 through harvest 2011.

To help them reach this goal, Annie's is partnering with the National Farm to School Network. This nationally recognized organization connects schools to local farms to provide access to healthy food in the cafeteria, nutrition education in the classroom, and hands-on learning through school gardens.

Starting today, check out Root 4 Kids at www.root4kids.com. This family-friendly site is the destination for parents and kids to take the pledge, learn all about veggies, test their veggie knowledge, play fun veggie-themed games, share photos, videos and information about their veggie experience, and watch the virtual garden grow!

Let’s all “dig” in!

Recipe of the week: Goat Cheese and Olive-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

2010-09-20T15:18:39Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

This recipe was shared with me from the folks at Belle Chèvre. I recently sampled a number of their hand made artisan goat’s milk cheeses and they are delicious!

For almost 20 years Belle Chevre has been hand-crafting fine French style goat's milk cheeses in rural Alabama. A woman with a grand appetite for Chevre (the French word for goat and pronounced 'shev) founded Belle Chevre and developed a winning recipe that has, to date, garnered over 50 national awards from American Cheese Society and other famed institutions.

Here is one of their delicious recipes.

While the goat cheese itself isn’t organic, it is hand crafted and this recipe can be made with organic chicken.

Goat Cheese and Olive-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

6 Kalamata or other brine-cured black olives 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Preparation:

1 ounce soft mild goat cheese (about 2 tablespoons)

2 boneless chicken breast halves with skin (be sure to choose an organically raised chicken)

Preheat oven to 300°F. Pit and thinly slice olives. In a small bowl stir together olives, goat cheese, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste until combined well. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.

To form a pocket in chicken for filling:

Put a chicken breast half on a cutting board and, beginning in middle of 1 side of breast half, horizontally insert a sharp thin knife three fourths of the way through center, moving knife in a fanning motion to create a pocket. Form pocket in remaining breast half in same manner. Divide filling between pockets and spread evenly with a finger. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. In a small heavy ovenproof skillet heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and brown chicken, skin sides down, about 2 minutes. Turn chicken over and brown about 2 minutes more. Transfer skillet to middle of oven and bake chicken until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Serves 2.

Also on The Organic Center’s blog Mission Organic Made Easy

Tarte's new ingredient; Clay!

2010-09-17T13:07:06Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

A green beauty update! Tarte’s “high performance naturals” newest weapon is clay, straight from the Amazon.

According to the Tarte website, the Amazon river flows for 4000 miles. As it flows it collects highly nutritious plant and fruit matter. The clay gathers in the River’s basin where it is at its highest nutrient concentration. The clay is allowed to bake in the sun before it is shaved down to a finely milled powder.

Tarte, like other cosmetic companies, has found that this clay has a number of benefits to our skin.

Removes surface oil to mattify skin
Nourishes all skin types
Reduces the appearance of dryness and flakiness
Gives skin an overall smooth and even appearance
Improves the appearance of skin clarity and skin texture.
Hydrates dry skin.

Amazonian clay is now a key ingredients in some of the Tarte natural cosmetics line. I’ve tried the Smooth Operator Micronized Clay Finishing Powder and am a huge fan! It leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. It’s also a key ingredient in their At Ease Micronized Clay Calming Concealer. This is a dual product consisting of a cream concealer and a yellow-toned concealing powder. Another product I’m now a big, big fan of as it helps to conceal my under-eye circles an even out redness in other places.

As always, Tarte is

formulated without mineral oil & petrolatum

formulated without paraben

cruelty free

formaldehyde donor free

formulated without MEA/DEA/TEA

formulated without phthalates

formulated without sodium lauryl sulfate

formulated without synthetic dye

natural fragrance

formulated without synthetic fragrance

dermatologist tested

clinically tested

Recipe of the Week: Spicy Tortilla Soup

2010-09-13T12:55:52Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

As the weather got cooler around me this last week I reached for an old favorite recipe. A friend came over to enjoy a bowl with us and paid some big compliments. I hope you enjoy it too!

SPICY TORTILLA SOUP

INGREDIENTS

2 medium chicken breasts
6 cups water
1 large onion - minced
4 cloves garlic - minced
2 bay leaves
3 large ripe tomatoes - chopped
1 red bell pepper - chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 15 oz jar of enchilada sauce
2 15 oz cans pinto beans (better yet, forego the canned beans and soak dried beans overnight or from morning until evening when you’re ready to make the soup.)
2 jalapeno peppers - diced
2 cups corn (frozen is fine)
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon thyme

GARNISH

1/2 cup cilantro – chopped
1 lime wedge cut into wedges
1 avocado – diced
corn chips

DIRECTIONS

In a large soup pot, bring to a boil the water, chicken breasts, onion, garlic and bay leaves. Allow to cook on a low boil for 10 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Fish the chicken out with a slotted spoon and set it aside to col.

Add the rest of the soup ingredients (diced tomatoes through beans) and let it all simmer on low for an hour.

Shred the chicken into small bite-sized pieces and add it back into the pot. Simmer on low 10 minutes longer.

Dish out your bowls of soup and into each bowl squeeze one lime wedge, then garnish with chopped avocado, cilantro and tortilla chips.

Enjoy!

Also on The Organic Center’s blog Mission Organic Made Easy

Whole Foods Implements New Sustainable Packaging Guidelines for All Body Care and Supplement Suppliers

2010-09-10T12:44:39Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

On Wednesday Whole Foods Market announced it has implemented new responsible packaging guidelines for all of its more than 2,100 body care and supplement suppliers companywide and, to spearhead the change, has switched to post-consumer recycled (PCR) content bottles for several of its store-brand supplements and body care products.

“We’re thrilled by how responsive our vendors have been in making changes to provide even more green options for our customers,” said Jeremiah McElwee, global Whole Body coordinator for Whole Foods Market. ”More exciting still is that through the development process, Whole Foods Market has created a forum for vendors to share best practices, helping the whole industry move forward with our environment top of mind.”

Beginning in the summer of 2008, McElwee and his team worked with 25 of Whole Foods Market’s largest personal care product suppliers to develop the new guidelines, which became effective a year ago this month. The guidelines mandate that suppliers reduce the use of plastic in product packaging, encourage the switch to glass when possible, limit acceptable packaging materials to those that are easily reused or recycled, and/or feature the highest percentage of PCR content. Suppliers were given one year to transition to more environmentally friendly packaging.

All new body care and supplement suppliers must meet the packaging guidelines before their products can be sold in one of the company’s stores (now more than 300 locations in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.)

McElwee went on to say, “We knew that PCR-content bottles were the way to go. They require less energy and water to produce and generate far fewer greenhouse gases, while diverting reusable materials out of the landfill and reducing reliance on virgin plastics.”

While the switch to PCR bottles began last Sept., the company expects to switch all of its house-brand Whole Body products, which now use amber plastic PET No. 1 bottles, to PCR packaging by late 2010. The new bottles bear a leaf symbol indicating that they are made from 100 percent PCR plastic.

Get a Massage for a Good Cause

2010-09-08T12:27:09Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

On September 14, Massage Envy® therapists across the U.S. will perform thousands of massages in an effort to cure breast cancer. The event is Massage Envy's Massage for the Cure which will take place in 620 Massage Envy centers in 42 states. Fifteen dollars from every specially-priced $49 massage will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Massage Envy expects to raise more than $500,000 for Komen during the single-day event.

To date, Massage Envy has raised more than $1.4 million for Komen, and plans for this to be the most successful event yet.

To learn more about Massage Envy, visit www.MassageEnvy.com or visit Massage for the Cure on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/MassageEnvyMassagefortheCure

A good excuse to get a massage, wouldn’t you say?!

Recipe of the Week: Crisp Cabbage Chop

2010-09-07T18:36:38Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Crisp Cabbage Chop

This is a delicious and fresh way to eat cabbage. One of my family's favorites. Eat it with fish tacos, tortilla soup, or any other simple, healthy supper.

As always, us organic ingredients whenever possible.

INGREDIENTS

1 head of cabbage - quartered then cut into 1/2" wide slices

4 scallions - whites and greens chopped

1 handful of cilantro - chopped

juice of 1 lime

salt and pepper to taste

1 medium tomato - diced

DIRECTIONS

Cut the cabbage, scallions and cilantro into a bowl. Toss well. Add in the lime juice and salt and pepper and toss to coat evenly. Add in the tomato and stir lightly.

Chill and serve

Also on The Organic Center’s blog Mission Organic Made Easy

Just Because....Skincare

2010-09-03T14:04:37Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I discovered a new skin care line this month and wanted to share it with you…..just BECAUSE!

BECAUSE Skin Care is a new line of sustainable, gentle, and highly effective products that work to return skin to its natural balanced state.

BECAUSE is committed to using only the purest, highest quality, and most effective raw materials and uses 70% or greater certified organically grown content(up to 98.5%)

Here’s what they say about their products: BECAUSE believes that skin care should never compromise the health of skin by containing harsh, irritating, and potentially harmful ingredients. Nothing goes into the products but the most beneficial natural ingredients that feel better, smell better, and do better than their cheap synthetic and petrochemical counterparts. Every ingredient is carefully selected for its unique attributes to support the long-term health and beauty of your skin.

BECAUSE evolved from creator Diane Ginzel's quest to find luxurious, healthy, and effective skin care. An avid reader of ingredient labels, she created her own library devoted to books about essential oils, botanical extracts, vegetable oils, cosmetic ingredients, and cosmetic chemistry. She compiled a list of optimal ingredients and started to develop products on paper. Driven to make these dream products on paper a reality, she collaborated with a master esthetician and chemist who share her philosophy. After two years of formula development, BECAUSE was born.

BECAUSE is committed to donating a portion of its annual profits to support causes that benefit people, animals, and the planet.

BECAUSE products are currently available exclusively at www.spiritbeautylounge.com. For more information about BECAUSE, please visit www.becauseskincare.com.

Below is a list and description of their products. I’m in LOVE with the Multi-Tasking Hand and Body Lotion and the Moisture Retaining Hand and Body Scrub.

I’ll admit, they seem a little expensive when you read about it here, but they are generously sized and a little sees to go a long, long way.

CLEANSERS:

BECAUSE believes skin care for your body should be formulated with the same careful attention as for your face. All cleansers are sulfate free and contain a mild coconut-based cleansing agent that effectively removes dirt and pollutants and rinses free of residue without irritating, drying, or stripping the skin. BECAUSE's suds maker is also biodegradable, making the cleansers gentle for you and the planet. The line uses therapeutic grade essential oils for their skin benefiting properties and to add pleasure to the cleansing experience with their beautiful, subtle aromas. The cleansers are suitable for all skin types, but offer skin specific benefits such as nourishing, moisturizing, and clarifying.

Replenishing Body Cleanser $32

Ideal for normal and sensitive skin, this kind cleanser nourishes and strengthens. Key ingredients include Green Tee Extract (a polyphenol-packed power antioxidant), Sea Algae Extract (which helps counteract irritation and water loss while feeding skin vitamins, minerals and amino acids), and French Lavender Oil (which calms and heals skin overwhelmed by stress.)

Purifying Body Cleanser $32
Ideal for oily, combination, and congested skin, this cleanser clarifies blemishes, clogged pores, and excess oil. Key ingredients include White Willow Bark Extract (which soothes inflammation and redness associated with chest and back acne.), Manuka Oil (New Zealand Tea Tree Oil which helps vanquish bumps and breakouts by diminishing impurities without drying and irritating the skin), and White Grapefruit Oil (a mild astringent and toning agent that leaves your skin and spirits feeling revitalized and uplifted).

Hydrating Body Cleanser $32
Ideal for dry and mature skin, this thirst quenching cleanser reprograms devitalized skin cells to receive and retain more moisture. Key ingredients include Meadowfoam Oil (a super emollient oil with a high natural vitamin E content), Evening Primrose Oil (which boosts hydration, elasticity and firmness), and Damask Rose Oil (with skin softening, soothing and hydrating properties.)

MOISTURIZERS:

BECAUSE uses the highest quality botanical butters and oils in its moisturizers that not only intensely hydrate but have amazing properties to help nourish, soothe, protect and heal your skin. They don't use unfriendly synthetic emulsifiers, emollients, and moisturizing agents commonly used in mainstream moisturizers that can impair skin's vital functions, cause irritation, and smother skin. BECAUSE lotions and creams do not sit on the surface of the skin and feel heavy, greasy, or sticky but quickly sink into the skin to provide immediate and long term benefits.

Multi-Tasking Hand and Body Lotion $44
Packed with essential nutrients, skin plumping oils, and powerful free radical resistance fighters, this power-packed lotion nourishes, hydrates and protects. Key ingredients include Ginseng Extract (which pumps oxygen, nutrients and bounce back into skin), Sea Buckthorn Oil (a cellular tour-de-force of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids), and Borage Oil (with unparalleled abilities to re-hydrate, firm, and revive skin.)

Daily Relief Cream $38
Ideal for intensely dry skin in need of TLC, this luxurious, rich cream soothes and helps heal red, irritated, itchy, chapped, cracked, and parched skin caused by extreme living, stress, and cold weather. Key ingredients include Calendula Extract (a time-tested herbal remedy traditionally used to help heal rashes, cuts, abrasions, burns and wounds), Tamanu Oil (renowned for its healing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties), and Everlasting Oil (helps fade bruises, enduring scars and aging associated with inflammation.)

SCRUBS:

BECAUSE scrubs not only gently slough dead skin cells with natural polishing grains to instantly smooth and soften skin, but they contain potent botanical extracts and nourishing nut and seed oils to hydrate and refine the texture of your skin.

Moisture Retaining Hand and Body Scrub $36
Raw cane sugar and berry seed oils rich in essential Omega fatty acids join forces to baby rough, flaky, scaly, and dehydrated skin. Key ingredients include Black Currant Seed Oil (a rich source of Omega 6 fatty acids), Cranberry Seed Oil (a fatty acid buffet of Omega 3, 6 and 9 that infuses more moisture than any other oil and retains it by bolstering skin's lipid barrier), and Raspberry Seed Oil (a superb anti-oxidant that boosts repair, protection, and moisture retention functions.)

My Hemp Diaper Bag!

2010-09-01T21:37:35Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Yesterday I received my custom-made hemp diaper bag from Maxwell Designs. The company has been popular in Canada for some time and I’m excited for designer Maggie Chilton to become better known here in the states!

Maxwell Designs is named for Maggie’s son, Maxwell. ”One look at those beautiful blue eyes and I was hooked, just like when I picked up my first sewing machine and started to create my first bag.”

Before Maxwell was born, Maggie was looking for a diaper bag and didn’t see anything she liked or that fit into her lifestyle. She wanted a unique bag that didn’t look like a diaper bag firstly, and secondly that it not made of plastic or vinyl.

Maggie now creates a line of hemp bags that are eco-friendly, anti-microbial, dye free, great for our environment. All of her products are made by hand in Canada.

Ready made bags are available for purchase or you can visit the “Make Your Own” section for a custom order featuring the fabric of your choice.

She also makes baby clothing, changing pads and wet bags (to carry those soiled cloth diapers home in).

I’m thoroughly impressed and now a big fan! I’ll have to remember this for baby shower gifts in the future!

Recipe of the Week: Brown Rice Spirals in Tomato Sauce with Cauliflower, Olives, and Capers

2010-08-30T13:03:21Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

This recipe has been shared with me by Leslie Cerier, and can be found in her new book, “Gluten-Free Recipes for the Conscious Cook”

This is a fantastic book full of recipes ranging from simple snacks, to complex main dishes and a delightful collection of sweet treats.

Brown Rice Spirals in Tomato Sauce with Cauliflower, Olives, and Capers

Serves about 8

Dulse is an unusual addition to a red sauce, but it's tasty and also helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Substitute 1 teaspoon of sea salt for the dulse if you like, or if you don't have any dulse on hand. For a divine meal, top this dish with grated Manchego or your favorite cheese. Of course, you can serve this sauce with any type of pasta you like, but I think it pairs well with spirals—especially the brown rice spirals made by Tinkyada. Or think outside the box and try the sauce over kasha or other cooked grains.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
7 cloves garlic, pressed, or more to taste
6 cups sliced plum tomatoes
1 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup dulse
3 cups cauliflower florets
1 cup pitted whole black olives
1/4 cup capers, rinsed
1 pound brown rice spirals

Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, onion, and dulse and cook, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbling. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in the cauliflower, olives, and capers and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender to your liking.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a generous amount of boiling water until just tender. Drain and rinse in cold water.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if you like, then pour it over the pasta and stir gently. Serve immediately.

Also on The Organic Center’s blog, Mission Organic Made Easy

KT Steppers have Stepped into my Bathroom!

2010-08-27T12:08:26Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I recently received the most wonderful baby gift…. courtesy of the artist herself!

Katie O’Neill started her company, KT Steppers, in 2008. Like many of her customers, Katie is a mother, raising two small children ages 5 and 3 now. She struggled with the desire to stay home and raise her family, as well as longing to work outside the home to help with the financials. So she started her company, a children's inspired business, since that is whom she spends her days, hours and minutes with.

The first "stepper" was conceived when a family member was looking for something unique and personal for her best friend's son. Katie found there was a great need for that "special something" to give as a gift for a birth, birthday, the new "big" brother or sister, or to add a personal touch to a baby registry item.

KT Steppers can now be found in celebrity nurseries belonging to Jason Priestly, Natalie Morales, Tori Spelling, Denise Richards and so many others. I’m honored to have one myself!

Today, Katie makes a variety of steppers in all sorts of customizable colors and designs. She even makes a “chalk top” stepper that allows you (or your little one) to write your own messages on top.

The Cricket Steppers are made from Parawood or ‘rubberwood’ which is prized as an environmentally friendly wood as it makes use of plantation grown trees that have been cut down at the end of their latex-producing cycle. And all of Katie’s paints are non-toxic and water-based.

All of that adds up to the perfect baby gift!

http://www.ktsteppers.com

Our Cricket Stepper are made from Parawood or 'rubberwood'. It is also prized as an "environmentally friendly" wood, as it makes use of plantation grown trees that have been cut down at the end of their latex-producing cycle. The paints I use are completely Non-Toxic and ALL water-based. Thus, making for a perfect fit into eco-friendly homes.

gDiapers Introduces Coordinating Clothes!

2010-08-25T15:32:12Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

gDiapers, my cloth diapering system or choice, has now launched the most stinking cute small line of apparel. I’m sure there will be more to come. For now there is one bangin’ cool outfit for boys and an adorable dress set for girls.

gCycle Tee Set

Fashion-savvy from a wee age, gBabies can now strut their stuff with gStyle. The gCycle tee set includes a hip grey t-shirt with tricycle print and coordinating little gPant.

gDarling Dress Set

Doll up your gBaby with gStyle. The gDarling dress set includes an adorable gray, pink, and white floral cotton dress and coordinating ruffle little gPant. Perfect for a sunny playdate or teatime with teddybears.

Get them while you can. Quantities are limited. Find them at http://www.gdiapers.com While you’re there, check out their new biodegradable wipes!

Recipe of the Week: Gluten-Free Gingered Banana Bread

2010-08-23T16:14:24Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I started (slowly at first) eating a gluten-free diet about five years ago. I noticed that I was having trouble digesting wheat and would get a rash along my jaw line each time I ate it, particularly if it was a white flour roll straight from the bread basket of some Italian restaurant. You know the type!

In the meantime I have tried countless gluten free crackers, pastas and baking/flour blends. Some are great. Some, frankly, aren’t.

The Gluten-Free Bistro is in that “great” category. And it’s because the three ladies eat the foods themselves. In an interview recently published in Boulder’s The Daily Camera, co-founder Julie McGinnis said of other gluten free products, “Texture was lacking, taste was lacking, nutrition was lacking and I really got sick of buying products and throwing them in the garbage.” Julie started GF Bistro with friends Kelly McCallister and Barb Verson who since have found great success selling their products (pizza crust in particular) to a growing list of restaurants.

Well, I too hate seeing food go to waste which is why this week’s recipe, pairing overly ripe bananas with the Gluten Free Bistro flour blend, is perfect.

Gluten-Free Gingered Banana Bread

INGREDIENTS

4 ripe bananas - mashed
½ cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1/2 scant cup of sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups Gluten-Free Bistro flour blend (or whole wheat flour if not making GF)
¼ cup ground flax seed
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon cinnamon
½ cup raisins
2 tablespoons grated ginger
¼ cup chopped candied ginger
1 cup slivered almonds
1 teaspoon dried ginger
1 tablespoon honey

DIRECTIONS

Grease a standard size loaf pan or 4 mini loafs and pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat together banana, butter, vanilla and eggs until well blended and light. Beat in buttermilk and sugars.

In a separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Slowly add to wet mixture and mix until well blended.

Stir in raisins, and gingers.

In a bowl toss together almonds, dried ginger and honey.

Pour mixture into a loaf pan and sprinkle with tossed almonds.

Bake for 1 hour or until knife comes out clean.

Enjoy!

Also on The Organic Center’s blog, Mission Organic Made Easy

National Honey Bee Awareness Day

2010-08-21T18:32:53Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Today is National Honey Bee Awareness Day. An important day considering that for years now honeybees have been mysteriously disappearing, never to return to their hives. It’s become known as Colony Collapse Disorder.

This phenomenon has brought beekeepers, in an industry responsible for producing apples, broccoli, watermelon, onions, cherries and a hundred other fruits and vegetables, to crisis. Easy to see why when you recognize that commercial honeybee operations pollinate crops that make up one out of every three bites of food on our tables.

Today marks the launch of a new documentary film narrated by Ellen Page. ”Vanishing of the Bees” follows commercial beekeepers David Hackenberg and Dave Mendes as they strive to keep their bees healthy and fulfill pollination contracts across the U.S.

The film explores the struggles they face as the two friends plead their case on
Capital Hill and travel across the Pacific Ocean in the quest to protect their honeybees.

Filming across the US, in Europe, Australia and Asia, this documentary examines the alarming disappearance of honeybees and the greater meaning it holds about the relationship between mankind and mother earth.

As scientists puzzle over the cause, organic beekeepers indicate alternative reasons for this tragic loss. Conflicting options abound and after years of research, a definitive answer has not been found to this harrowing mystery.

Community screenings of this fantastic film are starting today in cities from Sonoma to Chicago. Find a screening in your town or host one yourself.

There are numerous other ways to get involved to help reverse this crisis through gardening, buying organic, using natural pesticides, and becoming a beekeeper yourself.

Back in the Swing; Heading to Rancho Buena Vista in Cabo for some Yoga by the Sea!!

2010-08-20T14:20:45Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I’m back in the swing of things (for the most part) and feeling great! And in an effort to regain my pre-baby body, I have started back into a fitness routine of sorts. I’m walking, jumping on the elliptical at the gym when I can make it there, doing light weights at home, and starting to get back to a deep yoga practice. My yoga practice didn’t fall away completely while I was pregnant, but it was frustrating not to be able to do all of my normal moves with my usual flexibility. It’ll return, but it will take some practice.

So, to kickstart and celebrate I’m planning to head to Rancho Buena Vista in Cabo San Lucas for their Pranic Oasis Yoga Experience in November. Teachers Coral Brown and Carson Efird, alongside Tantric yoga philosopher, Chris Tompkins, will help me and other yogis rejuvenate under the new moon, beside the Sea of Cortez, with daily sunrise and sunset Prana Flow classes.

The retreat runs from November 3rd (Wednesday) through the 8th (Monday) which includes 5 “rejuvenating” nights by the Sea of Cortez at Rancho Buena Vista, 3 authentic Mexican meals a day, and daily Sunrise & Sunset Prana Flow classes with live drumming, daily tantric philosophy talks and meditation.

Want to join me? There’s an early bird discount (save $100) if you register by Friday, September 3rd. Go here to learn more.

While a long weekend of yoga and sun sounds good enough to me, it’s also nice to know that the resort consistently gets 5-star reviews (try googling).

Here’s a little bit more about the resort:

Rancho Buena Vista

Hotel Rancho Buena Vista is a boutique resort on the East Cape of Baja, only 45 minutes north of Los Cabos Airport.

The property features 29 bungalow-style guest rooms, including two suites. All are within steps of the Sea of Cortez, one of the only swimmable beaches in Los Cabos. The resort is known for getting its guests out of the everyday "noise" of the city - and a natural comradry is built when there aren't phones or televisions in the rooms.

The hotel has a rich history dating back to Baja’s “Golden Age” when Hollywood legends such as John Wayne, Bing Crosby and Chuck Connors would come to the historic Hotel Rancho Buena Vista to charter fishing trips and enjoy the authentic Mexican culture. Also, President Dwight Eisenhower came regularly.

RBV is known for its, all-inclusive prices (includes three meals/day, taxes, gratuities and complimentary drinks upon arrival).

Guests are encouraged to spend their days partaking in some of the various eco-adventures offered at the resort (offerings range from paddleboarding, waterfall hikes, zipline tours fishing, scuba diving etc.).

Known by locals as “The World’s Greatest Fishtrap,” the East Cape (or Bahia Las Palmas) has long been regarded as one of the best locations in the world for deep-sea fishing and boating. In addition to the pristine beaches, the East Cape is a jumping off point for many outdoor activities in the area, including nearby Hot Springs, Hiking, Mountain Biking and Eco-Tours.

I hope I’m not alone out there on the Sea of Cortez! I’m ready to kick this baby butt back into gear!

Also on Fresh & Fit with Sara Snow at FitnessMagazine.com

Mohonk Mountain House Family Giveaway

2010-08-18T14:23:33Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

A few years ago I visited a grand Victorian castle called Mohonk Mountain House in New York's spectacular Hudson Valley to shoot a segment for Get Fresh with Sara Snow. Mohonk Mountain House is set on 2,200 acres in New Paltz, New York (just 90 miles north of New York City). I was there to learn about guided meditation from Nina Smiley and to visit their brand new spa – something I highly recommend!

But you can go just to relax. I just learned of an exciting giveaway they’re doing to celebrate the fact that they just received a 2010 Fodor's Choice Gold Award as one of the "Best Hotels for Kids and Families." Their Kids' Club has also been recognized by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the best children's programs in the country, and it is complimentary to overnight guests of the resort. Right now Mohonk Mountain House is giving away a two-night stay to a family of four!

The two-night getaway includes charming accommodations, all meals and most resort activities for up to four guests sharing a room.

It's simple to enter, just send your name, address and telephone number to sweepstakes@mohonk.com by August 31, 2010.

Contest and official rules: http://www.mohonk.com/sweepstakes/index.cfm
More information on family activities at Mohonk Mountain House: http://www.mohonk.com/family_resort/family_resort.cfm

Now that I’m a mom, all of this great family fun stuff means something to me. It’s the perfect escape – activities for the kids so you can hit the spa!

Recipe of the Week: Oven Baked Salmon

2010-08-16T14:42:21Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Oven Baked Salmon

This is a great weeknight meal...healthy, delicious and quick! As long as you have the oven on, this is delicious served with baked sweet potatoes and sliced fresh tomatoes.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

12-16 ounce filet of sustainably raised or caught Salmon

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dried thyme

3 cloves pressed garlic

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Whisk the olive oil, salt, thyme and garlic in a small bowl.

Spray a foil lined pan with olive oil.

Lay the salmon on the foil and pour the marinade over the top.

Bake at 450 for 15-20 minutes.

Serve with baked sweet potatoes and sliced tomatoes.

Delicious!

Also on The Organic Center’s Blog, Mission Organic Made Easy

Consumer Spending on Wellness Products Shows an Upward Trend

2010-08-11T21:54:43Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

For over 20 years The Hartman Group has been researching and commenting on consumer trends driving the ever-changing wellness market place. Their latest study, “Reimagining Health + Wellness 2010” examines changes in wellness behavior over ten years with some interesting results.

In short; Consumer Spending on Wellness Products Shows an Upward Trend

Here are a few key points from this report

Since 2005, spending on wellness products shows an upward trend with a higher proportion spent on wellness for fresh categories. The average household spends $148.48 per month (or 19 percent of all monthly spending) on categories that have a wellness halo.
Over half of all consumers (54%) say they have recently changed their views on health & wellness. Younger consumers, for example, cite stress (51%) and energy levels (47%) as triggers for changing their views on health & wellness.
Consumers across the full spectrum of involvement in wellness can now, at least aspirationally, articulate quality of life as the meaning of wellness. The reports finds consumers are practical and seeking more flexible, simple ways of incorporating wellness into everyday life and view indulgence and pleasure as essential to wellbeing.

It’s exciting to see so many people embracing such an important market for a great variety of reasons.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Easy Organic Chicken and Rice Casserole

2010-08-09T13:31:06Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Chicken and Rice Casserole

This was inspired by a recipe I found in my grandmother’s recipe box after she passed away. It’s perfect when you're crunched for time but need a healthy, hearty meal. Use organic ingredients whenever possible.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

2 whole organic boneless, skinless chicken breasts, split
1 ½ cups uncooked long grain brown rice
3 carrots - chopped
1 onion - chopped
1 red or orange bell pepper - chopped
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ – 2 tablespoons organic chicken bullion
2 cups boiling water
2/3 cups white wine
1 jalapeno pepper - diced (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a bowl, dissolve the bullion in the boiling water.

In a casserole dish, stir together the rice, carrots, onion and bell pepper, as well as the paprika and salt. Pour in the water with bullion. Lay the chicken breasts on top. Pour the white wine over the top.

[optional] Sprinkle the jalapeno pepper over the top.

Bake covered at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

Also on The Organic Center’s blog Mission Organic Made Easy

Get Gorgeous Naturally Even on the Go!

2010-08-06T18:32:04Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

GO! GORGEOUS

From Skin Authority comes a great kit for gym goers and frequent travelers. All your skin care needs in one small packet!

This kit of four personal-size products is an ideal introduction to the power of Skin Authority or as a companion kit for travel or the gym for daily enthusiasts. It includes our most powerful products in one, convenient, easy-to-use routine. With just a couple of steps morning and night, you will start to see results immediately. Skin will look firmer, smoother, and more hydrated. Daily use will help accelerate the body's natural skin renewal cycle and lasting results will appear quickly. Counter size products are available for each item in the kit.

Skin Authority offers personalized skin care programs in a healthy, sustainable bottle.

Skin Authority incorporates naturally effective ingredients, recycled materials, renewable energy, and eco-friendly techniques into everything they do.

No dyes
No added fragrances
No parabens
No animal testing
Recyclable packaging and materials
Eco-sensitive treatment protocols
Renewable energy to power production

Go to SkinAuthority.com to learn more.

Also on Fresh & Fit with Sara Snow at FitnessMagazine.com

Recipe of the Week: Kamut Maple Date Cookies

2010-08-02T14:51:23Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Kamut is an “ancient grain” descended, as legend would have it, from a handful of grain found in a stone box in a tomb near Dashur, Egypt in the 1940’s. Bob Quinn, founder of Kamut International, is in a mission to “nourish a nation” not just feed a nation.

It has been reported that many consumers with wheat sensitivities are able to eat Kamut. Kamut is also very high in antioxidants, the most prominent of which i selenium. Selenium is an essential micronutrient that plays an important role in the functioning of the thyroid gland and reducing the risk of prostate cancer.

Kamut is also high in fiber and is called the “high energy wheat” because it is higher in protein and many minerals than modern wheat.

Last night I tested one of Kamut International’s Kamut Khorasan recipes. And am sharing that recipe here.

These little cookies are only mildly sweet, healthy and great for the whole family. Your kids will enjoy helping you mix them up and will especially enjoy them as an after-school snack.

(NOTE: I made a few modifications. Their recipe was egg, sugar and oil free. I swapped out the “egg replacers” with real eggs, beaten and replaced the chopped dates with raisins because that’s what I had on hand. I also didn’t have any Kamut flakes so I used organic corn flakes instead)

KAMUT MAPLE DATE COOKIES

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 cup Kamut Khorasan wheat flour

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup real maple syrup

2 egg replacers (or two eggs beaten)

1 tablespoon vanilla

1/4 cup chopped dates

2 1/2 cups of Kamut Khorasan wheat flakes cold cereal

PREPARATION

Mix the flour, sea salt and baking powder together in a large bowl. Sitr in the maple syrup and beaten eggs. Mix until well blended. Stir in the dates and cereal flakes.

Drop mixture by the teaspoon on an oiled cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool and enjoy!

Also on The Organic Center’s blog Mission Organic Made Easy

Why My Hairdresser is the BEST and Why You'd Love Him on the "Surface" too

2010-07-30T21:49:32Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Let’s be honest, ladies. There is no one like a good hairdresser, is there? I used to have one who would regularly cancel the day of due to “migraines.” It was depressing! The day of your hair appointment is a treasured day. You wake up in the morning with a certain bounce in your step because you know that by the time you lay your head back on your pillow that night your hair will be a glowing halo about your head.

My hairdresser gives me that pleasure. I trust Jason implicitly. I can sit in his chair and say “I need a change…you decide.” And I’m never disappointed.

Not only does Jason make me feel pretty, but I get to become so in a healthy environment. When he left his old salon to open up his own shop a short while ago he decided to use only natural hair care products. He tested a number of lines before settling on a line called Surface Hair.

Here’s the skinny on Surface Hair.

They use naturally derived Palm and Coconut Oil….but never Sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulfates
They use Rose Ether…but never Parabens.
They use Vegan Proteins….but never Animal Protein or Wheat (Gluten) Protein
They use Natural Sugars and Corn Starch…but never Petrochemicals (PVP)
They use Organic Babassu, Palm, Aloe, Flax and Sunflower Seed Oil….but never Mineral Oil, DEA or Tea
And all Surface products are formulated with sustainably harvested ingredients.

And here’s the skinny on my man, Jason

Jason Hagemier

Luxe Design Studio

726 Adams Street; Suite 100 (inside Sola Salons, 4th studio on the right)

Carmel, IN / 317-.490.6745 / facebook.com/jasonhagemier

And, check this out….he’ll even come to you!

29 Day Giving Challenge

2010-07-28T21:52:35Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I ran across this site the other day and I really like the concept.

The collective mission at 29 Gifts is to revive the giving spirit in the world. “We change lives—and change the world—one gift at a time.”

HOW IT WORKS:
Sign up and then give away 29 gifts in 29 days. Your 29 Gifts can be anything given to anyone… money, food, old sweaters, smiles, your time, kind words or thoughts. You can start your own personal 29-Day Giving Challenge at any time—there's no official begin or end date. To complete the challenge, submit a story, post a piece of your original artwork, create a short film or write a song. Simply tell about your favorite gifts and the impact it made on your life to focus on giving.

I especially love the story of the woman who founded this cause. On the site, she writes:

The first day of my personal 29-Day Giving Challenge was preceded by a sleepless night. I was awake all night feeling angry and sorry for myself during a difficult flare up of my Multiple Sclerosis. When insomnia hits, I often go through old journals and read them. I found a note that I’d made during a phone session with one of my spiritual teachers, Mbali Creazzo, two months before. The note said, “Give something away each day for 29 days.” It was 3 a.m. and I decided in that moment to take the suggestion.
And so my 29-Day Giving Challenge began that morning as I gave my first gift — a simple supportive phone call to another friend living with MS. I woke up the next day and the next day after that feeling excited about what I might give away. And I began to notice that the more I gave away, the more abundance I was experiencing for myself.
I wanted to see what would happen in my life if I really committed and focused my energy on giving for 29 days. What space would it create in my life for new and unexpected things to occur? What shifts would I see in my thinking and behavior as a result? What impact would my gifts have on others? These were just a few of the questions I was curious about in the beginning, but there's no way I could have anticipated what unfolded for me.

I like this idea a lot; 29 days of giving to others. And if you can’t do a full 29 days, do 9 or 19 and document them for yourself in a journal or for the world on your facebook page or your blog. But be sure to let me know how it goes! Right now I’m giving every minute to my 1 5 week old so I can’t see starting it until I’m actually out and about in the world again….but who knows. Maybe it’s just what I need to help me see past these 4 walls.

Recipe of the Week: Simple Zucchini Sauté

2010-07-26T12:00:41Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Last weekend my mom came to visit and brought me goodies from her two large organic vegetable gardens. We made a delicious slaw from a cabbage the first night she was in town and we’ve been enjoying the cucumbers and other delights throughout the week. Last night I decided to sauté up a few zucchini to go along with a pasta dish I was serving.

The resulting zucchini sauté was fabulous! It was simple and crisp and full of flavor! I highly recommend you try it.

Simple Zucchini Sauté

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion
½ teaspoon salt
2 small zucchini
8 basil leaves
zest of ½ lemon
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS

In a sauté pan, heat olive oil and add one coarsely chopped onion and salt. Stir and halve then slice, on the diagonal, two zucchini. Once the onion has soften add the zucchini and basil. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for about five minutes. Add the lemon zest and cayenne pepper. Stir and serve piping hot.

Also on The Organic Center’s Blog Mission Organic Made Easy

Recipe of the Week: Organic Olive Oil Cake

2010-07-20T12:35:41Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Organic Olive Oil Cake

This is an incredibly moist and deliciously chewy cake. It's perfect for dessert, with your afternoon tea or even at breakfast.

I made it a few summers ago when my family was coming to visit. Now it always reminds me of warm summer afternoons.

INGREDIENTS

3 organic eggs
2 cups organic sugar
1 cup organic extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ cups organic milk
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or about the juice of 1 lemon)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
2 cups whole-wheat flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9-10" round spring-form pan.

Beat together the eggs and sugar.

Add oil, milk, lemon juice and zest and beat until smooth and consistent in color and texture.

In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, soda and salt.

Add the dry mixture into wet mixture and beat until well blended, being careful not to over mix as the batter will become tough.

Pour into a 9-10" round greased pan.

Bake at 350 for 50 minutes.

Allow to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then remove and let the cake cool completely. Serve with fresh organic raspberries or sorbet.

Also on The Organic Center’s blog: Mission Organic Made Easy

It's Giveaway Time: Win a Month's Supply from YogaEarth

2010-07-16T13:05:42Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

As I look to get back into my post-baby yoga routine, I’m excited to enhance my practice with the YogaEarth nutrient powder mixes. They’re specifically formulated for mind-body healing. I’ve sampled each and they taste great! And, the company has generously offered to give away a one month supply to one lucky reader! Keep reading to find out how.

YogaEarth’s line of products for the mind-body athlete was conceived by CEO Daniel Cook and over 250 renowned Yoga Instructors.

The YogaEarth phytonutrient powder mixes include two varieties: Balance (pre-practice) and Vitality (post-practice), designed to help you get the most from your yoga, or any other practice that is important to you.

All of the powder mixes are vegetarian-safe, loaded with protein, amino acids, B-vitamins, organics, herbals, Ayurvedics and macrominerals. The products have been formulated by the organization's Nutritional Science Board, featuring over 200 years of experience in Eastern and Western nutrition, medicine, mind-body wellness and healing.

The ingredients list includes:

Select organic-certified ingredients for fruit, vegetable, root and herbal extract.
Select vitamins, minerals and nutraceuticals which have been USP-certified, GRAS-certified, or the equivalent, where available.
Free form amino acids, which require no digestion, and are easily absorbed by the body and cellular structure.
No artificial additives, excipients, or allergens in products.
No animal or dairy derived products

YogaEarth wants to know: “What’s Your Practice?”

Is it yoga, cycling, mountain climbing, or surfing? Is it running or spinning?

Head over to my Facebook page and post a comment telling me about your practice and what it does for you. www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Snow/107145392639293

Comment posting will be open through Friday when YogaEarth will choose one lucky winner.

The winner will receive 1 month of free YogaEarth (a 30 pack each of Balance and Vitality; a $170 value) PLUS they will pair it with a manduka mat. A total value of over $200.

Good luck!

Posh Pouches

2010-07-14T19:27:15Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I first tried Posh Pouches about a year ago and fell in love. They are fantastic for carrying snacks when on the go, packing school or workday lunches, toting cosmetics or medicine when traveling, and a whole host of other uses.

But then I had a baby, and I discovered a whole new set of uses! You can carry pacifiers, diaper cream, and other baby goods like that. But, because each Posh Pouch is lined with a waterproof liner, you can also use them to carry a few wipes (instead of toting along a whole package) or, my favorite use, you can carry home your wet or soiled cloth diapers in them. I know, they seem too lovely for such a job, but I assure you they are up to the task!

Each pouch comes with a variety of fabric choices and linings in a number of sizes. Posh Pouches can be ordered on their site or purchased through house parties, much like the Tupperware parties of old.

And here’s another reason to love Posh Pouches. They are hosting on-line fundraising opportunities for schools, non profit organizations, and more.

Here’s how it works.

You pick 7 days to have your Fundraiser.
They personalize your information and instructions and email them to you.
You can choose to print it and send it home with your families and/or send it in email form. If you are able to email it, your families will also be able to email the information to their friends and families. They will also send you a link so your families can post it to their Facebook or blogger page.
Once your supporters have made their purchases on our website, they will type your organizations name in the message box on the paypal page.
Once your Fundraiser has ended, they will total up all of the sales and you will earn Cash!
0-$100.00 earns 10% / $100.01-$300.00 earns 15% / $300.01-$500.00 earns 20% / $500.00 and Up earns 25%

And, according to the Posh Pouch folks, “Best of all, as an organization, YOU will help make the world a cleaner, greener place!”

Visit www.poshpouches.com for more

Recipe of the Week - Broiled Fish with Salsa

2010-07-12T18:24:08Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I call this recipe Broiled "Mexican" Fish because I first made it a while back while my family was vacationing in Mexico. The last evening came and we opened up the refrigerator and pantries to see what foods we had left that could be whipped up into a wholesome, hearty dinner. We had some fresh fish, salsa, cheese (queso fresco), rice and hot sauce. My dad and I went to town. The result? This dish that I now call Broiled "Mexican" Fish or Broiled Fish with Salsa.

It just goes to show – waste not, want not. Use what you've got and you'll probably be surprised with what will come out of it.

INGREDIENTS

4 filets of firm fish like Sole or Tilapia
4 T salsa verde
4 T queso fresco
4 t hot sauce
4 sliced roma tomatoes

INSTRUCTIONS

Lightly oil a foil lined broiler pan.
Lay the fish filets out across the pan
Spread each filet with salsa verde
Top with a good sized glob of queso fresco
Next layer on the thinly sliced tomatoes
Sprinkle with hot sauce
Broil until fish is cooked thoroughly and cheese and tomatoes start to brown.
Serve with rice and a salad of mixed greens, lightly dressed.

Enjoy!

Also on The Organic Center’s blog; Mission Organic Made Easy

Baby Wipes - Gro Baby Wipes Are Tried and True

2010-07-09T17:55:08Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Being a whole 2 1/2 weeks into this whole mom thing I’ve now had a chance to try a number of new baby items. Wipes, of course, being one of the most frequently used items.

As of now, the front runner for eco-friendly wipes is by Gro Baby.

They’re the latest earth friendly product born from the creators of the Gro Baby reusable diapering system. Free of harmful chemicals, compostable and made from 100% renewable materials, the all-natural Gro Baby Bio Wipes give me a better way to wipe up Silvia’s messes without leaving a mess on the planet.

The wipes are moistened with Aloe Vera botanicals, Vitamin E and purified water, and are made from plant based Ingeo fibers derived from 100% renewable resources. They’re sturdy enough that you only need one per clean-up.

Unlike other baby wipes that use harsh chemicals, alcohol, perfumes, and even chlorine to scrub babies clean, Gro Baby Bio Wipes are completely free of chlorine, preservatives, alcohol, fragrances, and dyes.

Gentler on baby’s skin, and gentle on the planet.

And they’re Dad approved, too. We just ran out of our first package and he has requested more. Anything to keep him changing diapers!!

Gro Baby Bio Wipes retail for $5.99 and include 80 wipes in each easy to open and resealable package. Gro Baby can be purchased at: www.TheNaturalBabyCo.com

My Recipe for Happiness - Baby Silvia Snow

2010-06-28T20:40:40Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I usually post a recipe on Mondays but today I’m posting a different type of recipe.

It’s the recipe for complete and utter bliss….and I just discovered it.

A week ago tonight my sweet baby girl was born, during a tumultuous thunderstorm, into the arms of two loving parents.

The parents are two key ingredients, but they’re not the whole equation.

To prepare, start by selecting someone (or people if you’re looking at this more as a friendship thing than a monogamous marriage thing) to share your life with. Someone who is similar to you in beliefs, values, and dreams. But someone who will challenge you and be the Yin to your Yang. Someone who understands you despite your dissimilarities. Someone who you can build a life with.

Then, gradually add in little someones. Season to taste. This is the key to flavor but the amount will vary depending on your preference.

I thought, after 8 years of marriage, that just the two of us could be enough. But now that we’ve seasoned our life together with a little someone, the world, and our place in it, feels so much more complete.

The flavor of our life has been enhanced!

Silvia Arlene Snow

Born a week ago tonight at 1:18 am (2 weeks late but we forgive her!!).

7 lbs, 11 ounces at birth but those cheeks have definitely filled out since.

She is 21 inches of brand new baby bliss.

And my recipe for happiness is complete!

Give Dad the Gift of a Healthier Heart

2010-06-18T12:48:53Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the US. Still!

According to the CDC, heart disease affects one in three adult men. It kills more than cancer. And a recent update by the CDC shows that half of men who die from heart disease never show any previous symptoms.

According to Jonathan Fong, M.D. of the Venice-Ocala Heart Institute, you can reduce your risk of heart disease if you "exercise, eat healthy, don't smoke and don't drink excessively."

Know Your Risks:

Alcohol consumption
Smoking
Obesity
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Poor diet
Lack of exercise
Diabetes

This Father’s Day, ask your Dad/Husband/Brother to take a pledge to lead a healthier lifestyle. It’s a gift that will last a lifetime.

Pledge: Live Simple, Live Healthy:

Eat healthy
Exercise
Don't smoke
Avoid excessive alcohol intake
Maintain a healthy weight/BMI

Dr. Fong says (and I agree!), "Our bodies are very efficient when given the proper care. When you take care of your body, it will return the favor! Good habits that lead to good overall health are important to every organ, not just the heart."

Health is always an important topic and there are ways to encourage someone to greater health, without alienating or discouraging them. Father’s Day is a perfect opportunity to encourage with love.

An All-Natural Sweet Treat to Beat the Summer Heat

2010-06-16T18:59:55Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

There is nothing like ice cream, gelato or sorbet in the summer. Absolutely nothing like it. The way it cools your mouth. The way it drips down a cone or the side of an overflowing cup as the summer sun beats you to it. The way it disappears before your eyes.

I was recently introduced to a delicious Gelato and Sorbetto company, G.S. Gelato. And I am eagerly sampling their Pistachio Gelato as I write this.

G.S. Gelato makes authentic Italian gelato from 100% Italian ingredients, following strict practices that trace directly back to Italy.

The founders, Guido Tremolini and Simona Faroni, a young, stubborn, and determined couple came all the way from Italy to the beautiful Florida Emerald Coast, 15 years ago to start this company.

They soon encountered many obstacles, including difficulty obtaining authentic equipment and an obvious language barrier. But Guido and Simona were brought up to live by three important Italian proverbs...

Where there is a will there is a way.

When the water comes to the throat, you better start swimming.

Never give up your dreams.

They didn’t, and I for one….with a mouthful of Pistachio Gelato….. am glad!!!!

Their Sorbetto is all natural, made with only fresh fruit, water, sugar, and natural stabilizers. It is 100% Dairy FREE, Gluten FREE, 100% Fat FREE, and contains NO trans fats.

Their Gelato is naturally 93% fat free, all natural and made with NO artificial flavors or preservatives. There are NO trans fats and it is twice as dense as ice cream with only 1/3rd the fat content making it a decadently creamy, delicious, and guilt-less summertime treat.

G.S. Gelato’s Gelatos and Sorbets can be purchased online or in a number of retail locations around the country.

Recipe of the Week - Chilled Mexican Pasta Salad

2010-06-14T13:00:55Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Chilled Mexican Pasta Salad

This is a hearty and super tasty pasta salad! Because of the black beans and whole grain pasta it's also a good source of fiber.

As always, be sure to use organic ingredients whenever possible.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound of whole grain pasta - a rotini, farfalle, or penne works well
2 tablespoons olive oil
[optional] 1 rotisserie chicken - shredded
1 (or 2) cans black beans - drained and rinsed [if foregoing the chicken, add the second can of beans]
3 medium tomatoes - diced
1 red or orange bell pepper - diced
2 cups corn kernels - quickly blanched if fresh and thawed if frozen
2 carrots - cut thinly in both directions
4 scallions - finely chopped
½ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 jalapeno chilies - seeds removed
1 tablespoon cumin
juice of two limes
1 large bunch of cilantro
2 teaspoons salt
additional salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado - cubed for topping

DIRECTIONS

Cook the pasta according to the package. Rinse in cold water, drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Toss the pasta with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This will prevent the pasta from absorbing too much of the dressing later.

Toss in the chicken (optional), black beans, tomatoes, corn, carrots and scallions.

In a food processor, pulse the olive oil, mustard, jalapenos, cumin, lime juice, cilantro and salt until well blended. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.

Pour the dressing into the salad and toss to coat. Set in the refrigerator and allow the salad to chill and the flavors to blend for at least 2-4 hours.

Also on The Organic Center’s Mission Organic Made Easy

Recipe of the Week - Chilled Mexican Pasta Salad

2010-06-14T13:00:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Chilled Mexican Pasta Salad

This is a hearty and super tasty pasta salad! Because of the black beans and whole grain pasta it's also a good source of fiber.

As always, be sure to use organic ingredients whenever possible.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound of whole grain pasta - a rotini, farfalle, or penne works well
2 tablespoons olive oil
[optional] 1 rotisserie chicken - shredded
1 (or 2) cans black beans - drained and rinsed [if foregoing the chicken, add the second can of beans]
3 medium tomatoes - diced
1 red or orange bell pepper - diced
2 cups corn kernels - quickly blanched if fresh and thawed if frozen
2 carrots - cut thinly in both directions
4 scallions - finely chopped
½ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 jalapeno chilies - seeds removed
1 tablespoon cumin
juice of two limes
1 large bunch of cilantro
2 teaspoons salt
additional salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado - cubed for topping

DIRECTIONS

Toss in the chicken (optional), black beans, tomatoes, corn, carrots and scallions.

In a food processor, pulse the olive oil, mustard, jalapenos, cumin, lime juice, cilantro and salt until well blended. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.

Pour the dressing into the salad and toss to coat. Set in the refrigerator and allow the salad to chill and the flavors to blend for at least 2-4 hours.

Also on The Organic Center's Mission Organic Made Easy

A T-Shirt to Help the Gulf Cleanup Efforts

2010-06-11T15:01:24Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

You’ve heard me talk about WE ADD UP before. This is a global campaign printed on organic cotton t-shirts that literally "counts you in" for your green commitments. Every shirt is printed by hand with a unique number on the front. Your number represents your position in the sequential global count of people who are taking steps to help solve the climate crisis.

On the back of each shirt is a word or phrase that describes an action almost anyone can take to reduce their carbon footprint, the contribution their lifestyle makes to greenhouse gas emissions, such as, Unplug, Lights Off, Hybrid, Bike, Buy Local, and 25 others. Consumers choose which action they are committed to and receive their number.

Years ago I got my husband a WE ADD UP “hybrid” shirt when he made me so proud by turning in his luxury sedan for a Prius.

"The mission of the campaign is to spread the message that each of our efforts do matter, because collectively, we add up," said co-founder Jill Palermo. "This is a global issue, and our goal is to get millions of people worldwide counted in and committed to taking action to stop climate change now. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something."

Earlier this week Judy Pezdir and Jill Palermo, the mother/daughter team that co-founded WE ADD UP, announced two new additions to their environmental t-shirt line. Ten dollars from the sale of the "Clean It Up" t-shirt will be donated to the Gulf Restoration Network, who since the first days of BP’s oil drilling disaster has provided independent monitoring and advocacy focused on holding BP accountable and ensuring an effective and transparent response to the crisis. And, ten dollars from the sale of the "Hair To The Rescue" t-shirt will be donated to Matter of Trust, a non-profit organization that is coordinating the international movement of hair dressers, pet groomers, and others who are donating hair to make hair booms that are proving to be effective at soaking up oil.

"When we, my mother and I, first heard about the BP oil drilling disaster, we knew it was going to be huge," says Jill Palermo. "Like many people, we said, 'We HAVE to do something. This is too important not to be a part of and help in some way.”

If you haven’t found your way to help with the cleanup, maybe this should be it! $10 from every shirt will be donated!

Quinoa Tabouli - a light and delicious summertime treat

2010-06-07T15:55:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Since I'm nine months pregnant at the moment, I've been seeking out cooling and cleansing foods to help me stay comfortable and healthy during these final, hot days of a summertime pregnancy.

Last week I took some leftover Quinoa and made it into what turned out to be a delicious Tabouli salad. Today I thought I'd share the recipe!

Quinoa Tabouli Salad

These simple ingredients make a delicious cooling and cleansing summertime salad. Be sure to use organic produce and other ingredients whenever possible.

Because I use Quinoa instead of the more traditional couscous, it is also gluten free.

2 cups cooked Quinoa
juice of 1 lemon
3 medium sized tomatoes - diced
2 scallions - diced
2 cups finely chopped fresh parsley
1/8 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup very fine extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt & pepper to taste

In a medium sized bowl toss the cooked Quinoa with the lemon juice and let that sit while you prep your other ingredients.

Add to that the tomatoes, scallions, parsley and mint. Drizzle the olive oil and toss well to coat. Carefully toss in the cinnamon and cayenne pepper and season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Place the bowl in the refrigerator and allow the mixture to cool and blend for at least 2 hours.

Serve on a bed of organic greens or beside fish.

Enjoy!

Also on The Organic Center's "Mission Organic Made Easy"

Mission Organic....Made Easy!

2010-06-04T14:34:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

If you're not already familiar with The Organic Center then I'm happy to introduce you! TOC is a nonprofit focused on the advancement of verifiable scientific research behind the health and environmental benefits of organic foods and communicating those benefits to the public.

I'm on the board of directors there and am proud to announce that the Center has started a new blog to which I'll be contributing!

According to the first blog post by Annie Brown, "the format will likely evolve over time, but for now you can count on the following information to be updated each week:

Mondays: Sara Snow

Sara, the nationally recognized green living expert (check out her website), will post new recipes each week featuring organic (of course!) food.

Wednesdays: Annie Brown

Annie, our Development Director, will scour the web and world for the latest news and information on organic food and products.

Fridays: Jamie Kelly

Jamie, our Communications and Events Manager, will distill the latest science on organics for our consumers, as well as other useful information from the front lines of the organic movement."

The recipes I post over there on Mondays I'll also be posting here, so don't worry, you won't be missing out! But I hope you'll visit The Organic Center's blog all throughout the week for pertinent and interesting information to make going organic easy!

Organic Hazelnut Spread is Delicious and Guilt Free....kind of.

2010-06-02T13:11:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I have to admit, I had never tried a chocolate hazelnut spread before. The thought of Nutella or some other chocolatey, nutty spread on toast seemed a bit too decadent for a grown woman. But today I come before you a changed woman having just sampled my first treat of this kind.....spread thin over a corn cake. The one I chose was organic, of course, by a fabulous Italian company called Rigoni di Asiago.

Nocciolata is 100% natural and made only of organic raw materials without the use of chemical processes or artificial flavors, which could alter its taste. Soft and scented with the flavor of Italian hazelnuts, Nocciolata "contains 15% more hazelnut than Nutella." Made with organically produced ingredients, carefully selected and measured, and skillfully combined to create the perfect, creamy consistency, Nocciolata can be enjoyed as a spread on bread or as an accompaniment to crepes or ice cream. It is also a great base for cake fillings and decorations and delicious to eat by the spoonful or dipped in coffee.

Rigoni di Asiago has based its activity on producing from organic farming. Starting with honey, the company successfully proceeded onto making Fiordifrutta jams, the natural sweetener DolceDì, Nocciolata chocolate and hazelnut spread, and most recently, Fruttosa ready-to-eat fruit dessert. RdA works with nature for nature. By choosing organic food, producing or eating it in the long term means sustaining nature's reserves. It means protecting each of us and future generations.

Rigoni di Asiago's Nocciolata organic hazelnut spread was recently selected as a 2010 sofi ? Awards Silver Finalist in the Outstanding Jam, Preserve, Honey or Nut Butter category by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc. (NASFT). The sofi Awards recognize excellence in specialty foods and honor the best of the best in specialty foods and beverages. A sofi is a highly regarded industry achievement within the industry ? and is like winning an Oscar!

Spend a few minutes on this company's website and get inspired, if not by the recipes and the stories, then just by the beautiful pictures of the gorgeous Italian countryside!

I'm off for another spread of Nocciolata, this time on warm toast!

Also on Fresh & Fit with Sara Snow at FitnessMagazine.com

Spirit Beauty Lounge Debuts New Products

2010-05-26T22:20:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

There is a new product from one of my favorite on-line natural beauty stores, Spirit Beauty Lounge.

First, a bit about the awesome retailer, Spirit Beauty Lounge. It is the only carbon-neutral online boutique which specializes in luxury green, organic, and cruelty-free beauty and lifestyle products. Spirit Beauty Lounge offers deluxe customized hair, makeup, skin care, and fragrance sample kits so you can try before you buy. And their on-call experts include professional estheticians, makeup artists, and product formulators who can help you pick a shade of foundation or "translate" the products you use now into their green counterparts, making the eco-beauty transition smooth, fun, and easy!

Their intense product selection process involves hours of research and testing based on their "3P" scoring system:

Performance: a product should do what it promises and do it well, period.

Potency/purity: Spirit Beauty Lounge demands the highest possible percentage of organic or biodynamic, active ingredients.

Presentation: packaging must be beautiful as well as biodegradable or recyclable.

Their shipping and office facilities are powered by renewable wind and hydro energy and the web site is hosted with solar energy. The company ships and gift wraps using only biodegradable or recycled materials, and offers carbon offsetting for the shipping footprint of every purchase at checkout.

So, what about this new product line?

Their newest product that has me so excited is called MJ's Herbals. Inspired by the founder's Sicilian grandmother's traditional herbal remedies, MJ's Herbals creates organic beauty, healing and skincare balms.

MJ discovered the healing power of plants as a child growing up in Brooklyn. Her Sicilian grandmother would often use traditional herbal remedies to heal her various childhood ailments and injuries. The discovery that many of these natural remedies were more effective than what could be purchased in a drug store inspired MJ's Herbals; a carefully hand-crafted line of luxurious organic healing salves that are pure, potent & active.

So far my favorite is the First Aid Salve. Use instead of that drugstore ointment for it's potent and powerful blend of antiseptic, antibacterial and wound healing herbs to speed healing and help prevent infection in cuts, scrapes, cracked lips, blemishes, burns and rashes. Its many uses make it a great companion for home and travel.

Also fabulous is the Calendula Salve; an exceptionally effective remedy for inflamed skin, slow healing wounds, skin ulcers, & irritations. We use it for puffy eyes and dry, itchy skin. Although calendula is strong in action, it is gentle on the skin and ideal for baby skin care needs. Feel the healing power of these beautiful garden blossoms!

Enjoy!

Also on Fresh & Fit with Sara Snow on FitnessMagazine.com

Tired of Traditional Detox Plans? Good. Re-Think!

2010-05-24T17:22:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I absolutely LOVE a good cleanse! When done safely, they're a wonderful thing to engage in a few times a year, preferably as the seasons change. But many detox programs leave you feeling irritable, tired, and can trap you in the bathroom.

SoCal Cleanse, a company founded by, Andrew Pasquella, a top personal trainer in LA and Cynthia Pasquella, one of "Hollywood's favorite nutritionists" is redefining "detox" by nourishing your body while cleansing...instead of depriving it.

Their holistic detox method focuses on cleansing as a lifestyle, not a quick fix.

SoCal Cleanse is the first company in the world to create a USDA certified organic cleanse, the first company in the world to focus on detoxing as a lifestyle concentrating on the body, inside and out, and the first company in the world to create an entire line of USDA certified organic detox products.

Their products contain no parabens, sulfates, petroleum, preservatives, artificial colors, phthalates, carmine, synthetic ingredients, or artificial fragrances

With SoCal Cleanse there's no fasting, no juice diets, no starvation diets, and no unpleasant side effects. They have designed every one of their products and programs to support the body's natural detoxification process by nourishing it so it can do its job more efficiently and effectively.

According to the founders, "the 14 Day Detox or Weekend Detox won't work. You need to embody the idea of cleansing in your lifestyle, one small step at a time, one product at a time, one day at a time. We define detoxing as:'lifestyle changes that reduce the exposure of toxins while nourishing the body to improve digestion and elimination'."

I would give my left arm to detox right now (maybe a slight exaggeration) but since I'm pregnant, it is not recommended. However, a few of the SoCal Cleanse products are perfectly safe to use during pregnancy. According to the team, the "SoCal Cleanse organic charcoal soap, body wash, bath salts would be perfect for you to try in these last few weeks! (Think baths, soothing back pain relief and relaxation!)"

I'll be giving these a try tonight!!

Also on Fresh & Fit with Sara Snow at FitnessMagazine.com

Preserve Debuts Their New Toothbrush Mail-Back Pack

2010-05-21T12:23:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Preserve, the makers of the recycled toothbrush, have introduced a toothbrush in a whole new kind of packaging.

The company's slogan has always been "Nothing wasted. Everything gained." And now they mean it more than ever!

Preserve's new Mail-Back Pack is the first of its kind. The package protects your toothbrush at the store. And then the package has a double life as a mailer to allow you to send it back to the company for recycling.

For years I've been using Preserve toothbrushes and collecting them until I had enough to fill an envelope and send them back to be recycled. Now, they can go back one at a time!

Plus, postage for the first 250,000 mail back packs is on them! After that, all we have to do is stick a first class stamp on the package and send it back to them for recycling.

Check out the deets:

Since 1997 the toothbrush handle has been made out of recycled yogurt cups (and other recycled, BPA free #5 plastic) and has been fully recyclable. Now they've designed the Mail Back Pack to inspire even more people to recycle their Preserve Toothbrushes?and to make the process even easier.

I'd call that progress!

Also on Fresh & Fit with Sara Snow at FitnessMagazine.com

I'm Nuts for My Mixed Nuts

2010-05-19T13:21:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

How did a professional poker player, a reality TV producer and an actor get together to start a custom mixed nuts and trail mix company? Here's the story:

Poker pro and Celebrity Apprentice runner-up Annie Duke has partnered with boyfriend/actor Joseph Reitman and reality TV producer Ryan Simpkins to offer a customizable, great-tasting and heart-healthy food option with only a click of the mouse. Introducing MyMixedNuts.com - an online gourmet shop that specializes in custom organic, vegan and raw nut & trail mixes using premium ingredients. Perfect for foodies and health-conscious eaters, My Mixed Nuts features more than 70 different nuts, seeds, dried fruits and goodies to choose from to create tons of unique mixes with the ability to personalize each one with an original name that gets printed on the package.

I recently tried a few of their mixes and they're fantastic. My favorites?

Annie Bananas made of raw almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, goji berries, raisins and lots of bananas!

Everything Organic Trail Mix, of course. It's a healthy organic mix filled with roasted almonds, raw cashews, pecans, sunflower seeds and a sweet-tart blend of apricots, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, sour cherries and coconut. Then zapped with a decadent dose of Fair Trade dark chocolate covered raisins.

And Gummy Delicious because it's just that! It's full of sunny bears, a vegetarian, organic version of gummy bears, combined with organic dark chocolate chips, sour cherries, roasted and salted almonds, raw macadamia nuts and golden raisins. Yummmmm!

Of course, if you don't like any of the pre-mixed selections you can create your own.

So before your family road trip or sending your kid off to camp this summer, you might just want to hit up My Mixed Nuts. All mixes are made fresh to order just for you. And I can attest that it's hard to put them down!

Also on Fresh & Fit with Sara Snow at FitnessMagazine.com

Summer Sun Safety Tips

2010-05-17T14:22:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Skin Authority, a leading skin care lifestyle company, recently sent me their summer sun safety tips and they're great!

Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will have skin cancer in their lifetime?!

But what's really startling is that only 1 in 5 people actually wear sunscreen on a daily basis. This comes despite the fact that 94% of them "know that continued exposure to the sun can potentially cause cancer*," said healthy skin expert Celeste Hilling, founder of Skin Authority. "The numbers don't lie; they support the fact that safe sun should be practiced by the whole family."

Given that May is Skin Cancer Detection Month, I thought I would share Skin Authority's Sun Safety Tips:

TEN FOR 2010:

SUN SAFETY TIPS FROM SKIN AUTHORITY

Tip #1 - Use sunscreen every day, rain or shine. To determine the quality, check the SPF (sun protection factor) number. Those with an SPF 15 or greater have higher protection against UVB (ultraviolet B rays) or burning rays. In addition to SPF protection, buy sunscreens which offer full-spectrum protection from UVA (ultraviolet A rays), or aging rays associated with serious, long-term damage.

Tip #2 ? More label lingo. Look at the active ingredient label for UVA age-blocking elements such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or anything in the avobenzone family.

Tip #3 - Don't skimp on sunscreen. The average-size body requires a shot glass worth to achieve maximum coverage.

Tip #4 - Don't dig to the bottom of your beach bag for last year's sunscreen. Sun protection expires after 12 months. Do your skin a favor and buy a new bottle!

Tip #5 - Don't fry, re-apply. While at the beach or other sun-drenched locations, re-applying your sunscreen at least every two hours is crucial to maintain sun protection. However, immediately re-apply after swimming or sweating.

Tip #6 - Protective clothing also plays a major role in your sun protection plan. The Federal Trade Commission promotes wearing sun-protective fabrics that have a tighter weave or knit and are usually darker in color. The clothing's label should also list the UPF (ultraviolet protective factor) value. And, your eyes are extremely sensitive to the sun, so always wear UV protection sunglasses.

Tip #7 ? Understanding sun protection will soon be easier. The Food and Drug Administration will start using stars to rate sunscreens. A zero rating means no protection, while four stars is the highest level. Hilling added, "We are proud that Skin Authority's Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30 UVA 4-Stars is one of the first sun protection products to achieve the four-star rating." Want more details on the star ratings? Check out this Beauty Workout Channel video.

Tip #8 - Double up on safety by using a 20 percent concentration of topical Vitamin C under your sunscreen daily to boost the immune defense of your skin cells against UV damage as well as reduce the appearance of brown spots.

Tip #9 - Glow safely by using self-tanner. Look for a fragrance free (for a better smell) self-tanner formulation that incorporates an AHA for better penetration. For face, alternate your regular moisturizer and a self-tanner every other night for a natural glow. For the body, be careful to avoid elbows, knees and heels so you look natural and the tanner doesn't darken the folds. Need a demo?Watch this.

Tip #10 - Special Sun Deal. Because Skin Authority is determined to help in the fight against sun damage; you will receive a FREE Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF30 UVA-4 Stars (a savings of $37.50) with the purchase of Wrinkle Reversing Serum throughout the month of June. Check it out atwww.skinauthority.com/sun-defense-duo.

Also Skin Authority is offering 20% off any individual sun protection product purchased online at www.skinauthority.com/sun-protection. Just enter SUNPROTECTION in the Coupon Code field at Check Out to receive your discount.

So, there's no excuse! Practice safe sun this summer!!

Also on Fresh & Fit with Sara Snow at FitnessMagazine.com

Book Review: Going Wild in the Kitchen

2010-05-14T13:44:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

In the introduction to her book Going Wild in the Kitchen, Leslie Cerier writes, "My enthusiasm for creating new recipes and preparing menus has always come from the local harvest. I take my cues from Mother Nature, who never fails to offer plenty of guidance."

This sets the tone for what is a fantastic book, full of adventurous cooking and recipes to inspire.

She has sections on edible flowers and wild greens and roots...edibles often overlooked by more conventional chefs.

The Applesauce Pancakes (pg 33) reminded me of my childhood while the Melted Goat Cheese Sandwich with Arugula and Sun-Dried Tomatoes (pg 125) made my mouth water.

The book contains over 150 recipes, all of which are vegetarian and many are gluten free. To help fuel the creativity of the cook, there is an extensive ingredients glossary included, along with a wealth of helpful cooking tips and techniques.

I was lucky enough to stumble upon this book when the author reached out through a mutual friend. I can see that it will become a frequent go-to resource for me!

Pick up a copy and go WILD today!

Also on Fresh & Fit with Sara Snow at FitnessMagazine.com

Six Secrets to a Spa Inspired Summer

2010-05-12T12:16:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Summer used to be lazy and not the least bit crazy. But these days that's not often the case.

As you ease your way into summer this year, try these six tips from lifestyle expert Mindy Terry.

"We are running around now more than ever and even our kids have packed summer schedules," said Terry, who is also the President of Creative Spa Concepts. "It will do the entire family good to de-stress this summer with simple and effective spa-inspired tips. Plus, the six secrets won't make you stress over money either."

1. Get the Kids out of the House ? summer is not the time to be cooped up! Help connect kids with nature by taking some time to go outside and look for bugs and frogs, smell flowers and stare at clouds. Plant a garden with your kids. If you are short on space, try a raised or tiered one. This site is a great gardening resource - www.vegetable-gardening-made-easier.com/planningvegetablegarden.html. Terry added, "As the parent, you set an example about how to appreciate nature and, when kids notice nature, they are more inclined to protect it."

2. Summer Style on the Cheap ? shop your closet to extend your wardrobe. Pull out a top or bottom that has a print with multiple colors. Then look for all items in your closet that contain the colors from the print. Put the clothes on your bed and start mixing outfits. Add jewelry, shoes and bags for a brand new look!

3. Summer Decorating without a Fuss - bring the outdoors in, though think broader than cut flowers. Combine white pots in various shapes and sizes with plants in shades of green or another color that appeals to you. Place herbs, fruit, flowers, mosses, etc. in the pots and mix with candles for a fresh, interesting and cost-effective centerpiece.

4. Ommm on the Go ? while spending a lot of time this summer carting kiddies to and fro, grab your iPod and pre-load a meditation CD. Try Gaiam's Vitality Audio CD.

5. Soothe Sunburns Naturally ? don't let summer fun end with painful, red skin. First off, always have a lot of sunscreen on hand and reapply many times while outdoors. If burns happen, soak a soft cloth in apple cider vinegar and apply to the burn to restore the pH levels and reduce redness, pain and blistering. Applying cold sour cream is also very healing and soothing. Or, steep green tea bags and once cooled, apply to the skin. Honey is also great at restoring skin moisture levels. Just add a few drops of cool water and rub into the skin.

6. Make a Masque! - the Avocado Citrus Masque is perfect for healing dehydrated skin from all of the time spent outside. Using avocado, pineapple and lime, this fresh-smelling masque will make skin glow.

AVOCADO CITRUS MASQUE FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN

1?2 Ripe Organic Avocado

3 Chunks Fresh Pineapple

1?4 Organic Lime

1 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 TBS Honey (Local, if available)

To cleanse beforehand: Approx. 1?2 tsp. Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Add avocado and pineapple chunks to a food processor. Squeeze the lime to extract juice and pulp onto the mixture. Process until smooth, but textured. Add olive oil and honey and mix with a fork until well blended.

Cleanse skin with your favorite cleanser. Dampen a cotton pad with apple cider vinegar and smooth over face and neck. Carefully avoid eye and lip area. (This step may tingle a little. Some redness is common. For sensitive skin, soak cotton pad with water prior to applying ACV). Apply the masque to your skin while sitting or standing. Avoid the eye and lip areas. Relax for 10 minutes.

Remove excess masque with your fingers, leaving a fine layer on the skin. Prepare a steam bath by simmering water over the stove. While the water heats up, massage the masque into the skin using deep, upward circular movements. Continue to massage for three-five minutes.

Turn off the heat on the stove. Lean your face over the steam rising from the water. Drape a towel over your head to create a tent preventing the steam from escaping. Enjoy the steam bath for three minutes. Use a washcloth soaked in warm water to remove the masque and apply your favorite moisturizer.

So, relax this summer and be well!

Also on Fresh & Fit with Sara Snow at FitnessMagazine.com

My G Diaper Cake with Green and Organic Toys

2010-05-10T13:40:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

On Saturday evening my mother-in-law threw Ryan and I a baby shower. It was our third and final shower (we had a fabulous party/shower with a group of our friends one evening a few months ago, and then I had a beautiful girl's-only shower a week ago with family and friends from college) so Nancy went to great lengths to set this one apart. It was beautiful and delicious and so special. I won't give you all the delicate details but there is one thing that I just have to share with you (especially since a twitter and FB post about this particular item elicited such a response).

It's the diaper cake!

I've heard of these "cakes" before but I'd never actually seen one...and especially not one like this! Generally diaper cakes are made up of disposable diapers placed in a circular fashion, tier upon tier, until they resemble a tall, white cake.

My diaper cake was one of a kind. It was made up of G Diaper inserts (the system I'll be using), Green Sprouts teething toys and sippy cups, organic cotton blankets and stuffed animals, and more. It was delightful!

Michelle Storms of Rattlecake Diaper Cakes in Atlanta, GA was the designer of this highly personalized and fantastic non-edible treat!

It even came with a list of ingredients:

150 flushable gDiaper refills

2 pair gDiaper pink pans

Organic cotton Peter Rabbit

Organic snuggle bunny blanket

Organic butterfly cinkle book

All Natural rounded pacifier

6 organic cotton washcloths

Green Sprouts rainbow rattle

Green Sprouts teething keys

Green Sprouts pink sippy cup

Green Sprouts infiniti teether

Green Sprouts strawberry chill

Green Sprouts spoons

What a lucky girl I am!!!

Also on Fresh & Fit with Sara Snow at FitnessMagazine.com

New Eco Running Shoes That are Designed with the Foot in Mind

2010-03-26T23:03:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Right on the heels of a recent study by Harvard University's Professor Daniel Lieberman, which states that barefoot running reduces the impact on feet and reserves energy, Terra Plana has announced The EVO - a much-anticipated performance incarnation of the VivoBarefoot line.

If the VivoBarefoot line was meant for casually cruising sidewalks while shopping and sightseeing, the EVO is designed for racing around tracks and and marathon training. The design team brought in biomechanics experts to design a shoe that encourages the body to move as nature intended.

With 200,000 nerve endings, 33 major muscles, 28 bones, 19 ligaments and six million years of evolutionary design, the human foot is a masterpiece and biomechanically perfect for running.

The EVO is a lightweight minimalist design that presents all the benefits of running barefoot while protecting you from urban elements (cause who wants to worry about stepping on a nail or someone's discarded gum!). It features a slim-line shape with a sucked out arch area that hugs the foot, and a TPU cage to allow for breathability and unhampered movement.

The shoe is available in six colors including yellow, black, white, pink, blue and green and retails for around $160. Might be a little pricey for some of you, but dedicated runners are used to paying a premium for shoes.

Also on Fresh & Fit with Sara Snow at FitnessMagazine.com

Speaking to the unborn baby

2010-01-06T08:00:00Z

Posted By: saracsnow

Months and months ago, while we were still struggling with getting pregnant, and while I was undergoing frequent acupuncture treatments and intense chinese herbs, a sage person told me to meditate on the spirit of my unborn baby. To talk this baby and let him or her know that I was ready for them.

Sara's Blog

A day in pictures

Green Child Magazine spent some time with Silvia and I!

Twas a night in Connecticut

Holiday Sit

Yuzen Giveaway

Ask and You Shall Receive

Graco to ban chemical flame retardants

Food rut no more!!

My media maven

All of this sitting is rubbing off on my mini-mom

Crock pot chicken....SO that I can sit!

Wine or Whine?

My iPhone Photo Library Looks Like This!

Winter....Aaaarrrrgh

Nothing Rejuvenates Like a Day in Different Shoes

Look who is sitting now

Relevance

Relevance

Apple of my Eye, Watermelon of my Heart

Apple of my Eye, Watermelon of my Heart

Apples on the Go and on the Sit

Apples on the Go and on the Sit

Connect to the Divine

Connect to the Divine

Muffin Memories

Muffin Memories

Watermelon Moments

Watermelon Moments

An Unfortunate Result of all of this Sitting

An Unfortunate Result of all of this Sitting

Sit out the sick

Sit out the sick

Maybe the biggest SIT of all

Maybe the biggest SIT of all

SIT HAPPENS while she experiences air, land and sea

SIT HAPPENS while she experiences air, land and sea

How this SIT first happened

Silvia's natural carob birthday cupcakes

Warm Dandelion Greens with Pasta and White Beans

Summertime Lavender and Berry Sorbet

The Busy Mom's Rustic Chicken; Slow Cooker Style

Fruit Pizza with Orange Curd - a Bergamont inspired treat

Recipe of the Week: Valentine's Day Raspberry Agave Fool

Recipe of the Week: White Bean Chili

My Sunday night recipe for Mixed Bean Soup

Crispy Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies

Recipe of the Week: Crustless Lower-Fat Quiche

Recipe of the Week: Potato Pancakes

Organic Pot Roast

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #10

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #9

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #8

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #7

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #6

Recipe of the Week: Spicy Indian Chicken with Chickpeas

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #5

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #4

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #3

Holidays Natural Gift Idea #2

Natural Holidays Gift Idea #1

Glam it up for the holidays with Keeki natural nail polish!

Recipe of the Week: Organic Roast Vegetables in Phyllo Pouches

A Solar Light Bulbs Sheds Light in Dark Places

Green Stocking Stuffer - a Water Powered Clock!

Just in time for holiday shopping, Beautorium and Organica Deluxe merge into a super eco powerhouse!

Green Stocking Stuffer

Recipe of the Week: Traditional German Christmas cookies from my family kitchen to yours

The Green Cleaning Fairy

Relief in the Kitchen Comes in the form of Kettle Cuisine Soups!

A New Report Breaks Down Dairy Farms, Comparing Organic and Conventional

Do you know where your milk stands?

Led by The Organic Center’s Dr. Benbrook, a new research report has been released, titled "A Dairy Farm's Footprint: Evaluating the Impacts of Conventional and Organic Farming Systems."

The report compares milk and meat production and revenue earned, feed intakes, the land and agricultural chemicals needed to produce feed, and the volume of wastes generated by representative conventional dairy farms and organic farms.

Here’s what they found:

The average cow on organic dairy farms provides milk through twice as many, markedly shorter lactations and lives 1.5 to 2 years longer than cows on high-production conventional dairies;

Because cows live and produce milk longer on organic farms, milking cow replacement rates are 30% to 46% lower, reducing the feed required and wastes generated by heifers raised as replacement animals;

Cows on organic farms require 1.8 to 2.3 breeding attempts per calf carried to term, compared to 3.5 attempts on conventional farms;

The enhanced nutritional quality of milk from cows on forage based diets, and in particular Jersey cows, significantly reduces the volume of wastes generated on organic dairy farms; and

The manure management systems common on most organic farms reduce manure methane emissions by 60% to 80%, and manure plus enteric methane emissions by 25% to 45%.