Eco-Living
The Art of Preserving
There were more than a few moments this summer when I savored a bite of vine-ripened tomato, juicy berry, or cool, crisp cucumber and immediately wished I could bottle it. Wouldn’t it be incredible to have these flavors at hand all the time? Popping the seal on a jar of homemade blackberry preserves in the dead of winter sounds delightfully hedonistic. So what’s stopping us from living the dream of a pantry well-stocked with sauces, salsas, pickles and preserves? Certainly there’s no shortage of produce at the local farm stand. And with the release of Williams-Sonoma’s tempting new cookbook, The Art of Preserving, we appear to have run out of excuses.
The Art of Preserving takes readers through a mouth-watering tour of possibility. Suddenly the overripe peaches on the kitchen counter become Summer Peach Butter and the bumper crop of tomatoes weighing down the ...Toast to Organics
You plan to stack your plate high with organic fruits and veggies all summer—but have you considered what will fill your glass? Until recently organic spirits were a rare find, but growing demand means large companies like Anheuser-Busch are showing interest in the organic market and your local wine and spirits stores are now offering organic ways to imbibe. “Not a month goes by that I don’t discover something new [in the organic spirits market],” says Paul Abercrombie, author of Organic, Shaken and Stirred (2009, The Harvard Common Press). According to Abercrombie, the most widely available organic spirits are crowd favorites like vodka and tequila, from brands like Square One and Casa Noble, with gin close behind. Organic bourbon is by far the most elusive spirit, though Abercrombie says that too may change soon.
Why reach for organic spirits for your summer ...Conquer Clutter: In Your Head and Your Home
Ours is a culture of abundance. Even in this time of economic recession - most of us have more ‘stuff’ than we really, truly, need. Clutter, whether it be too many tasks on our agenda, too many thoughts pulsing through our minds, or too many belongings in our homes, seems to be a societal epidemic. When we slow down a bit and take notice, however, we find that more stuff actually creates more stress.
Natalia Kaylin, feng shui consultant and founder of Eastern Sciences, says “The practice of clearing clutter is the practice of letting things go.” She notes, “Clutter takes the form not only of material things, but also mental and emotional states.” Kaylin defines material clutter as “any object that we don’t love or don’t use. Anything that is half-broken, something with missing parts.” Interestingly, she sites that often there’s ...5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
More than 100 million people worldwide take part in Earth Day festivities. Why should you and your family be left out? Join in the celebration, and learn about how you can better the Earth with these fun projects and festivities.
Start by getting the kiddos dressed in appropriate gear (comfortable shoes and clothing), and give them a pair of gloves to wear. Grab a few plastic bags for trash, and a few bags or a container for recyclables. If you’re doing a walk around your neighborhood, ...Healthy Boudoir Fun
Whether you’re looking to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember or you just want to spice up an otherwise ordinary Tuesday night, a well-stocked bedside table might be the answer. Romantic accessories like toys, games, and personal products can put the spark back into a relationship—and they can be both good for you and green.
If erotic shopping has always struck you as a little risqué, you’re not alone. But you also won’t be alone if you decide to ...
