Articles

Farmed v.s. Wild Fish

2012-05-15T00:53:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Farmed v.s. Wild Fish

To support your heart and brain, doctors are encouraging us to consume good dosages of Omega-3 fatty acids. The best source for this powerful nutrient is found in the fish we eat. As the summer months get hotter and the days longer, the taste of a nice fish filet on a bed of leafy greens promises to satisfy hunger and promote optimal health.

The alarming news however, is that our love of seafood poses a greater threat to the environment and the optimal health we are all looking for. Oceans are being "fished out" and the contamination of heavy metals and pollutants in our waterways increases the risks involved with consuming farm raised and wild fish.

The farmed versus wild debate can be approached from a few directions. The first concern is the dangers that both fish present.

Wild Fish Concerns

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Mercury can be found in polluted waters. If a fish is contaminated there is not much that can be done. Because the pollutants build up in the muscle rather than the fat, it cannot be trimmed away. Children and pregnant or nursing women must be particularly careful to avoid predator species of fish like swordfish or shark. PCBs accumulate in many fatty fish such as salmon. The good news is that by reading labels you can greatly reduce your risk of contamination and reap the benefits of consuming fish.

An additional concern is that 75 percent of the world's fish species are being caught at maximum levels or are near collapse from overfishing! To be sure you are not contributing to overfishing make sure to buy fish that are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (For more information see the Learn Your Labels! Article).

Farmed Fish Concerns

Fish farming involves fish that are confined in "net pens" or cages and can thus be cause for great concern. Because the net pens and cages promote crowding among the fish, the conditions often require the use of antibiotics, and anitparasite pesticides. Additionally, spilled food and feces from the large volume of fish can pollute the surrounding waterways. Farmed fish can also escape from the pens and spread disease in the surrounding waters. The safest way to prevent these risks is to avoid farmed fish, unless you know it was farmed in a safe manner. Look for fish wearing the EcoFish Marine Stewardship Council label. We don't yet have standards for certified organic farmed fish in the US.

Since 2005 grocery stores must list whether fish is farmed or wild and where it was caught on its label. So take the time to read labels and get your healthy dose of Omega-3s!

THE HEALTHY WAY TO MOM'S HEART FOR MOTHER'S DAY

2012-05-07T18:53:00Z

Posted By: Destination Spa Group

Mom’s special day is coming on May 13 and we bet she’d love to sleep late. So, how about a spa-style breakfast in bed that keeps the whole family out of a crowded restaurant? Dads and kiddos, no need to stress, the seven simple recipes from leading Destination Spas make Mother’s Day a snap.

“As a mom, I can honestly say that breakfast in bed is one of the best gifts for Mother’s Day,” said natural health & wellbeing expert Debra Koerner, executive director of the Destination Spa Group®. “Some of the most exciting, yet most basic, recipes come from the talented chefs working at Destination Spas. We love this array of tastes pulled from the spas and mom will love that they are healthy and low-cal.”

Found in stunning locales from Canadian mountains to Southwestern deserts, all Destination Spa Group® members offer a complementary balance of fitness, healthy cuisine, life-enhancing programs and relaxing spa services. From Pumpkin Pancakes to Berry Nutty Quinoa, these health-conscious recipes will give mom a guilt-free smile:

1.     Contributed by: Red Mountain - Breakfast Burritos - The burritos contain Cotija, which is a dry, crumbly Mexican cheese, sometimes referred to as the "Parmesan of Mexico." This cheese is strongly flavored, firm and perfect for grating or crumbling. RECIPE

2.     Contributed by: The Oaks at Ojai - Date Nut Muffins - At only 110 calories per muffin, the kids will enjoy helping dad combine flavorful ingredients including cinnamon, apple juice and honey. RECIPE

3.     Contributed by: Green Mountain at Fox Run - Easy Breakfast Casserole - The casserole can be made a few hours ahead or even the night before. The recipe can be doubled easily and try experimenting with other vegetables such as sliced mushrooms or chopped tomatoes. RECIPE

4.     Contributed by: Deerfield Spa - Berry Nutty Quinoa - Quinoa is a fast-cooking, protein-packed whole grain. Quinoa is also higher in protein and fiber than many other grains, making it a super nutritious - and delicious -- way to start the day. RECIPE

5.     Contributed by: Rancho La Puerta - Orange Walnut Bread - this recipe makes two loaves, so share one with grandma. RECIPE

6.     Contributed by: The Heartland Spa - Pumpkin Pancakes - pancakes are the classic breakfast meal and this recipe jazzes things up a bit. We think these would be great with some Nutella! RECIPE

7.      Contributed by: Canyon Ranch - Spinach Eggs Benedict - another twist on a breakfast favorite and at 210 calories per serving, mom can have extra. RECIPE

About Destination Spa Group® - Only a select group of spas follow the tradition of the true Destination Spa – where the total environment is dedicated to health and life enhancement. Representing more than 20 spas, Destination Spa Group is a membership organization dedicated to educating the public about the unique wellness and self-improvement opportunities found at Destination Spas. More details on www.DestinationSpaVacations.com

Vegetables 3 Ways

2012-05-04T00:04:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Vegetables 3 Ways

The sharp flavor of asparagus or spinach can be hard for your little one to stomach. At the same time, you know of all the great phytochemicals and nutrients vegetables provide. To bridge the gap between good nutrition and flavor, experiment with your preparation method to find one that everyone can enjoy!

Boiling:

For boiling the general guideline is about one cup of liquid for four servings. Rather than dumping out the “colored” liquid that’s left in the pan, use it in soups, sauces, or cooled and added to juices. This is where a lot of the nutrients end up.

Bring your liquid to a full boil, add prepared vegetables, and cover until a full boil is reached again. Then, reduce heat and complete cooking to desired consistency at a gentle boil. In both a rapid and gentle boil the overall temperature will be the same. Watch vegetables carefully to avoid over cooking.

Panning:

This method uses very little water or just the steam formed by the vegetable’s own juices. Cut and prepare vegetable by shredding or chopping into small pieces and place in a heavy pan coated lightly with oil. Use a tight fitting lid to hold in steam and cook until tender-crisp. Sometimes a small dash of salt helps to release the vegetable’s natural juices.

Microwave:

In a glass container with a glass lid, place fresh or frozen veggies with 1 to 2 tablespoons water or broth (just enough to create steam). Microwave on high for 3 minutes before checking tenderness. If desired, place back into microwave and cook longer depending on preferred texture.

The microwave can be a great way to prepare vegetables quickly when time is limited. Just remember to always use glass containers and never old plates, plastic, or Tupperware that is not BPA free.

Bee Pollen

2012-04-29T16:43:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis have been used for millennia as powerful healing agents. Even ancient rock engravings and inscriptions on Egyption sacropgahi depict honeybees as sacred insects! Spring is one of the best seasons to try adding in bee pollen for its allergy prevention and nutritional powers; here’s a snapshot of what this superfood can offer!

Nutrition

Bee pollen contains proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The pollen actually contains more essential amino acids than beef, eggs, or cheese; making it a complete protein. These little beauties are the perfect supplement to your diet as they are also rich in B-vitamins.

Allergies

Bee pollen is rich with flavonoids; compounds with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids are known to significantly inhibit the allergic response as it interferes with the release of histamine.

Bee Pollen vs Tree Pollen

Bee pollen is what is produced by flowers and flowering fruit trees; different than wind-born pollen often responsible for allergies. Bee pollen is much heavier and resembles the consistency of sticky-tack. Bee pollen rarely causes allergic reactions but those with bee sting allergies are cautioned to start with only a few grains of pollen at a time.

How to Use It

Look for pollen that is local to your area to reap the greatest benefits. Sprinkle a few granules in smoothies, on top of granola, or add a little on top of salad.

Safety

Always start with a very small granule and work up to a larger dose. Those with gout should avoid bee pollen entirely as it raises uric acid levels in the body, leading to the progression of gout symptoms.

Additional Benefits

Anti-inflammatory
Asthma
Chronic fatigue
Immune system support
Infertility
Kidney disorders
Pain management
Prostate diseases

Chia Seeds

2012-04-26T04:38:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

We all hear of those new trendy foods promising to keep our waistlines lean and our brains at peak performance, but are they really worth the hype?

Chia Seeds

Here is a little experiment; get a glass of water and toss in a spoonful of Chia seeds, letting it sit for about 30 minutes. Like magic, you’ll come back to a glass filled with an almost solid gelatin, due to the soluble fiber found in Chia. Why is this important? Researchers hypothesize that this event also occurs in the stomach when the fibers are eaten. This effect allows a physical barrier between carbohydrates and digestive enzymes to occur, which slows the conversion of carbohydrates into their sugars. This quality is valuable to both diabetics and endurance athletes as it creates a longer fueling system.

Another benefit? Chia seeds are also high in protein, which can be digested and absorbed very easily. This protein use is important for both tissue and cell development.

There’s more? Yep. These little wonders also pack the unique quality of containing omega-3 fatty acids!

You can work them into your diet by stirring a tablespoon or so into your morning yogurt or smoothie, sprinkling some on your evening salad, or baking them into your muffins, cakes and brownies.

Worth the hype?: We’d try it!

And, of course, if you do we’d love to hear about it!

Sweeten Up Naturally: Yacón Root

2012-04-23T01:41:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Yacón Root

(smallanthus sonchifolius)

Glycemic Index: Low

Calories per Tablespoon: 45 (syrup), 50 (powder)

Also known as: pear of the earth, apple of the earth, yacón strawberry

Benefits

This root-based sweetener is low cal, low glycemic, and contains prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) to help support intestinal health. It is also a great minimally processed sweetener that can be used equally well in baking and blended foods.

In the Kitchen

Yacón syrup is very rich in flavor and is compared to a mild, fruity molasses. We love to spread the syrup version on toast with our favorite almond butter or drizzle it over a bowl of hot oatmeal. Others use the syrup in pies or melted into caramel sauce. The powder form is similar in texture to a fine flour in solid form, but, unlike common table sugar, it will not dissolve in water. A tablespoon of powder is the perfect flavor addition your smoothie!

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.

Herbs for my Oily Skin?!

2012-04-16T04:37:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Oily skin happens when your sebaceous glands create an overproduction of oil. The excess oil can wreak havoc on our skin by clogging pores and, thereby, causing blemishes. Although oily skin is primarily a result of genetics, diet, hormone levels, pregnancy, birth control pills, and cosmetics can be to blame. As eco-conscious women, it can be hard to solve the oily skin issue without opting for harsh chemical-laden products. But we’ve found the recipe that does it! And who knew the answer was right in your pantry?!

Herbal Sauna

INGREDIENTS:

Lemongrass

Licorice root

Rose buds

DIRECTIONS: A few times a week, simmer together 2 to 4 tablespoons of the herbs, dried or fresh will work, in 2 quarts of water. Once the mixture has simmer for a minute or so, and while still steaming, place the pot on top of a trivet or thick potholder on a table, and sit with your face at a comfortable distance over the steam for fifteen minutes. You can use a towel to trap the steam if you wish. Immediately after, splash your face with cold water and allow your skin to air-dry or pat it dry with a towel. The herbal water can be bottled as a toner and spritzed or dabbed onto your skin with a cotton ball.

Inspired by Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch

**licorice root should not be used during pregnancy or nursing. It should not be used by persons with diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke**

Sweeten Up Naturally: Agave Syrup

2012-04-09T03:17:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Agave Syrup

Glycemic Index: Low (30-40)

Calories per Teaspoon: 10-20

Also known as: organic blue agave, agave nectar

Benefits

Agave nectar is a great alternative to traditional sugar and sweeteners due to its low glycemic index making it diabetic friendly. This syrupy plant-based sweetener is pure, sweet, mixes easily into liquids, suitable for baking, and does not crystallize at room temperature. It’s a perfect addition to your afternoon cup of iced tea in place of honey because it dissolves so easily. Agave is also great for baking as it absorbs moisture well.

“Ahh” What?

Agave’s popularity surged at the turn of the 21^st century when health claims flourished about its mysterious properties. Agave is made from the juice of the succulent Agave plant, native to Mexico and Central America. This succulent plant can grow up to 20 feet with a giant flowering spike. The harvesting of the flowering spike results in a sweet, transparent sap, which is called agua de miel in Spanish. The English translation is “honey water”.

Is it a Diet Food?

When we compare agave to sucrose it is one and a half times as sweet and contains slightly more calories per serving; thus it is not calorie-free. Being more concentrated, consumers may need less to sweeten their food; thus calories can be saved in it’s minimal use. Additionally, agave contains vitamin C, calcium, sodium and iron making it more healthful than traditional sucrose.

Remember!

Just like with all foods, balance and moderation is key to a healthful diet.

Buying Healthy Meat on a Budget

2012-04-02T04:47:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Part 1 of a 4-part series called Buying Healthy on a Budget

Are you getting the most bang for your buck on healthy products at the grocery store? How about all those different labels promising free range, grass fed, or organic; do you really know what they mean?

When it comes to buying healthy, organic food, knowing a little more about your options can help you save money and live better.

Grass Fed

Most U.S. cattle are fed a grain-based diet. Grass-fed then, means that the cows are given a diet that consists only of grass and typically these animals are raised in the pasture, free to wander and roam. Cattle fed a grass-based diet typically have higher levels of omega-3s and less saturated fat in their meat. When it comes to buying beef, get the most for your dollar by choosing grass-fed beef. You will reap the most nutritional gain for your buck!

Go For More

Contact your local butcher or farmer and put in your order for a whole cow. This will dramatically decrease the unit price of your favorite cuts of meat and encourage new culinary skills while you incorporate unfamiliar cuts into new recipes. If the price and amount still feels like too much, go halfsies with a friend. You can freeze extra meat that you are not ready to eat.

Back to Basics

Go local whenever possible. Look for farmers around you or go to your local farmer’s market to find quality meat at lower costs. You won’t be paying for the middleman or store markups. Remember that as the number of feedlots and slaughterhouses increased, there was a simultaneous increase in food borne illness.

Ask Questions

At your grocer or farmers market be sure to ask questions in order to get the highest quality meat available. Tell the butcher what you are looking for (organic grain fed or grass fed) and ask for recommendations. To get the best deals ask for the day’s specials and stock up while prices are low!

Love your freezer

When you see a good deal it’s best to stock up. Because organic isn’t everyone’s first choice, these meats will go on sale near their expiration date. Save money by stocking up on these items and freezing them right away so they keep.

Avoid Allergies the Sweet Way!

2012-03-26T03:23:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Honey's the Sweetest Thing

If all you know about honey is that Winnie the Pooh loves it, bees make it, and it tastes good, you're in for a sweet surprise!

Honey has many benefits nutritionally and even has antibacterial properties that can help heal wounds. In comparison to regular sugar, honey stands out! Here's a quick comparison:

Honey Sugar
Contains over 15 vitamins and nutrients Pure carbohydrate
Enters blood slowly at 2 calories/min Can cause severe blood sugar fluctuations- entering your blood at 10 calories/min
Not a contributor to osteoporosis Believed to leach calcium from bones, contributing to osteoporosis

Here are a few other benefits of honey.

Fights off Allergens

Local honey can actually teach your body to fight off allergens, thus making it a fantastic seasonal allergy preventative. This works because local honey is produced in the same bloom area as the one you live in, thus allowing you to build a tolerance to common seasonal allergens.

Boosts Athletic Performance

Research has shown that honey is a great ergogenic aid (performance enhancer), by helping to maintain blood sugar levels, and aid in muscle repair and glycogen restoration after a workout. It is still a sugar, but it releases slowly into the blood stream and does not create the spike in blood sugar that can become a strain on the pancreas and cause insulin level maintenance.

Fights off Bacteria

Honey is also a natural antiseptic that is antibacterial and antimicrobial. Honey can be applied topically directly to a wound. It also speeds up healing time by stimulating the wound tissues and by acting as a natural humectant; it is hydrophilic, or water loving, and acts upon a bacterial cell by pulling out it's water content, thereby dehydrating and killing it.

Heals Wounds

Honey used to be a battlefield medicine and is still known to be highly effective for burns and wounds. It is making a resurgence in medical use as you are now seeing bandages coated with honey.

Cures Night Cough

Recently the FDA advisory board recommended that over-the-counter cough medicines not be given to children under the age of six due to potential negative side effects. But honey at bedtime is a great alternative option without the harmful side effects. Honey works to quiet a cough by soothing a soar throat and allowing its high antioxidant count and antimicrobial properties go to work healing the body. (NOTE: honey shouldn't be given to children under one year of age due to the possibility of botulism.)

Get Your Share!

With all the benefits honey has to offer it's tempting to zip over to the grocery and grab the first bottle or bear you see on the store shelf. Stop! Instead look for a local vendor at your famers market. Many store brands are filtered and pasteurized which means that the flavor, health benefits, and immunization qualities are lost in the processing. To get the most from your honey look for 100% raw brands that are unpasteurized and locally produced.

Written with contributions by Dawn Combs of Mockingbird Meadows Honey and Herb Farm. Visit her website at mockingbirdmeadows.com

Spend Local...and Save Local

2012-03-07T04:04:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I recently teamed up with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) to help them launch their Go Local initiative and encourage consumers to join the “Go Local” movement by choosing to bank locally with a community bank. By banking with a community bank, consumers can make a real difference in the lives of their neighbors and the future of their community.

Buying local is something that I’ve always tried to do in order to keep my dollars local, support my local community, cut down on the transportation of goods, and for health reasons when it comes to food. But doing it for my banking needs was never something I gave much thought to…until recently.

It turns out, ICBA is the organization that represents more than 5,000 community banks around the nation. And they’re no small potatoes. Those 5,000 banks include more than 23,000 locations nationwide and employ more than 280,000 Americans. ICBA members hold more than $1 trillion in assets, $900 billion in deposits, and $700 billion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community.

And there’s a whole slew of good that comes from banking locally:

Whether located in small towns, suburbia or big-city neighborhoods, community banks help fuel local economies by funding nearly 60 percent of all small businesses under $1 million.
Community banks keep their customers’ money close to home by taking deposits from local individuals and businesses and lending that money to local borrowers. Community banks use local dollars to help families purchase homes, buy a car, finance college and build financial security.
Community banks specialize in “relationship banking.” They put a huge emphasis on getting to know their customers and their financial needs because banking should be a personal experience rather than a transactional process. Because most community bankers live within the communities they serve, customers are treated like neighbors, not numbers.

I can attest to that. Last week I had a check I needed to deposit. In the past when I needed to make a deposit into my business checking account, I would fill out a deposit form and mail the check to my bank, which was located in some other state. This time, I simply stepped out my front door and walked my check up the few blocks to my bank, pushing my little Silvia in her stroller while she pointed out birds and trees and “I see blue” as she looked at the sky. I was greeted with a sunny hello as we came in the door. There was coffee brewing and cookies on a platter. The ladies “oohed” and “aahed” over Silvia (what mom doesn’t love that?!) and we were on our way again in less than 3 minutes.

Plenty of time to spare to pop in a shop across the street for a gift for a girlfriend. Gotta love that for buying local all around!

You can find your local community bank, visit ICBA’s community bank locator at www.banklocally.org. Simply type in your zip code and the app will show you all the community banks in your area. You can even download free ICBA locator apps for your iPhone, Android or Blackberry.

Stay Green When You Travel

2012-03-05T20:34:00Z

Posted By: Staff

Shut down the house. Before you leave home, adjust your thermostat so it doesn't run while you're away, unplug appliances from TVs to toasters (some use 40 watts per hour even when they're turned off but left plugged in) and stop your newspaper so that excess paper doesn't just pile up.

Avoid layovers to conserve energy. Takeoffs and landings burn more fuel than cruising (as much as 25 percent of the energy used on short trips) so choosing a direct flight is the most earth friendly. For trips under 600 miles, consider a train.

Embrace the bus, train or subway. Cars release a pound of CO2 for every mile driven. If your commute is just two miles, by taking public transportation instead of driving your own car each day to work, you'll eliminate about 1000 pounds of CO2 emissions over the course of a year. (80 trees would absorb the same amount).

Pack a refillable bottle. Forget disposable plastic water bottles. Americans throw away 2 ½ million plastic water bottles an hour, clogging up landfills and contributing to harmful CO2 emissions. Put a filter on your tap to remove contaminates and refill a non-leaching plastic, glass or metal canteen. Then carry it with you wherever you may get thirsty.

Offset your travel to an organization like Climate Care. A coast-to-coast flight will cost about $15 round-trip to offset and that money will be invested in clean energy or even clean forestry (to absorb CO2 emissions) programs.

Avoid the bathroom mini bar. If you're using the little bottles they leave for you, they'll replenish them - constantly. Pack and use your own and avoid the wasted packaging of the mini bottles.

Treat it like home. When you leave your room, shut off the lights, turn down the heat and air, turn off the TV and, if the sun's going to be hot, close the drapes.

Do not disturb. There's no need for the housekeeping staff to run the vacuum and change your sheets and towels every day. Use the do not disturb sign to keep the housecleaning staff out.

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!

Your Essential Oil Guide: How to Use Them

2012-02-27T17:07:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Essential oils are powerful, aromatic liquids that have been extracted from plants through a variety of methods. Once extracted, these oils are the “essence” of the plants and can play a key role in human health and well-being. Research shows that essential oil use dates back as far as 4500 BC, when they were primarily used as perfumes, as well as for aromatherapy, and medicinal purposes. Today, the oils continue to provide amazing benefits to humans and animals alike.

In order to get the greatest benefit from your essential oils, it is necessary to know how to safely use them.

Inhalation

One method is to directly inhale the oils simply by smelling their scent or breathing in their vapor. A special diffuser or humidifier is also beneficial for dispersing the oil into microscopic vapor. For at home treatments carefully pour hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of oil, cover your head above the bowl with a towel and breathe deeply.

Topical Application

Essential oils are very powerful on their own, therefore in order to use them without irritation they must be diluted. Before application, combine a few drops of your essential oil with pure vegetable oil, argon oil, jojoba oil or rose hip seed oil. Once properly diluted you can safely apply this to the skin. Key points of the body are:

Crown of head
Temples
Neck
Abdomen
Soles and tops of the feet
Forehead
Behind the ears
Upper back
Over vital organs
Ankles

Internal Consumption

Research has shown that some oils are even more effective when taken orally. However, only pure essential oils, proven safe and labeled as dietary supplements, should be used internally. To ensure safe use, always follow the dilution and dosage on the individual product label. Some safe methods may include:

Putting several drops of oil into an empty capsule and swallowing with water
Adding 1-2 drops to a glass of water or rice milk
Putting 1-2 drops onto a piece of bread or adding to your meals when cooking
Adding 1-2 drops onto a teaspoon of Blue Agave and swallowing

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!

The Greening of a Super Bowl... From a Planning Insider!

2012-02-22T19:45:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

The Super Bowl always ends in numbers;

21 to 7 was the final score, with Giants taking home the trophy.

296 is the number of yards Eli Manning, Giants QB and game MVP, threw.

3.5 million is the number of dollars it would have cost you for one 30 second commercial during the game.

68,658 is the number of fans who attended the game, a small number compared to the 103,000 capacity at the Cowboy’s stadium.

265,000 people visited the NFL experience prior to the big game, a record breaking number.

But, as a member of the Super Bowl Planning Committees, Sara's focus on numbers was geared toward a more lasting impact. How much water, electricity, trash, etc. could be saved by making this what many called the GREENEST Super Bowl in history.

Trash

282,000 lbs of recyclable material (130,920 lbs from Super Bowl Village) was saved from landfills. Combined with the efforts of paper, cardboard, and uniform distribution a grand total of 300,000 lbs was saved!

Food

Second Helpings ensured that 46,000 lbs of food scraps made its way to kitchens where fresh meals could be prepared for local shelters, day cares, and other organizations that serve the hungry.

Decorations

Urban Progress, a trash-into-treasure company took over 5 miles of decorative banners, fence ware, etc. to repurpose into new items.

Trees

2,876 trees were planted by the 2012 Trees by 2012 program, in partnership with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and John H. Boner Community Center.

1st and Green Initiative

1.4 million lbs of carbon and 2.5 million gallons of water were saved by participating households as a result of The 1^st and Green Initiative.

Donations

32,987 items were donated by greater Indianapolis school children: 19,276 books, 3,557 sporting equipment, and 10,154 school supplies. The supplies were distributed during the Super Kids- Super Sharing Event, Colt’s Books for Youth Program, Indiana Sports Corporation’s Geared for Health Program, and Chase Near Eastside Legacy Center.

That’s something we can all be proud of!

Living Green and Thrifty

2012-02-20T06:13:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Living green doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, in many cases it can save you money. One of the sharpest ways to go green on a budget is to practice responsible consumerism. Don't go overboard buying every green gadget out there and buy used any time you can. Follow these simple steps and you can be living green without spending a fortune.

Recycling at Its Finest Opening the closet to find "nothing to wear" can be a big problem for someone who likes to shop. It can be tempting to go buy something new for every event during the year. To save money and save resources (cotton production accounts for 25% of pesticide use in the country), try your luck at thrift stores, garage sales, or even host a swap party. All of these options are perfect for finding something unique to your style; it just takes a little searching!

Water-Saving Tips Let's face it, we all have to spend a fair amount of time in the bathroom. And added together, showering, brushing teeth, and going to the bathroom use a considerable amount of water. To save money and water try these simple tips:
1. Take a shorter shower
2. Put a brick in your toilet tank (to displace water and reduce the amount that flushes through)
3. Replace your shower head (for as low as $5!) Place a 1 gallon bucket under your current shower head and see how quickly it fills. If the bucket is full in under twenty seconds, replace it with a low-flow version. This new version should spray about 1 ½ gallons per minute and save at least $20 on your water bill every year, not to mention $150 on your heating bill!

Start Your Own Garden This tip may seem daunting to those without garden experience, but it truly takes only a little patience and planning to make it work, and you can seek comfort in the number of people trying it with you. With the economy trying to recover, more and more people are looking to save money at the grocery store by growing their own fruits and vegetables. Not only will your wallet thank you, but your backyard will enjoy the new use! The first step to starting your own garden is to plan where you will grow your produce, in a backyard garden bed, patio pots or on a windowsill. Even if you don't have a large backyard there are a number of veggies you can grow in pots (lettuce, tomatoes, and basil are just a few). And plant only what you'll enjoy eating. This, too, is what you'll most enjoy growing. For more help on gardening visit your local nursery for help.

Join a CSA with a Neighbor Joining a CSA is great for both farmers and consumers. For consumers you get fresh food, with all of the phytochemicals because there is no lag time in shipping. You will also be exposed to new vegetables, and thus new ways of cooking. The relationship that you make with the farm who supplies the food is one of a kind because you learn more about how food is grown! To cut down on the cost of having fresh food delivered straight to your door, join with a neighbor. Both families will reap all the benefits from joining, but neither will be overwhelmed by all the new veggies or the cost.

Change Your Light Bulbs Most people know about compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), but in case you don't it's important to hear what they can offer. While CFLs generally cost three to five times more than conventional incandescent bulbs, they use 75% less energy and last 10 times as long, saving our environment from the 450lbs of greenhouse gas generated from power plants standard incandescent light bulbs are create. Consumers who use CFLs save $30 over the life of each bulb in energy costs! Because CFLs carry 5mg of mercury however, they can't be tossed in the trash so look for special recycling stations set up at most home goods stores. And watch for the next phase of energy efficient light. Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs last longer than both incandescent and CFLs.

Insulate To make sure your home is properly insulated, place a fan outside of common entry ways and see if the air passes through. Also, make sure your attic is properly insulated to avoid energy loss. A simple step like weather stripping drafty areas can cut heating and cooling bills by as much as 30%.

Use Cloth Napkins If every household in America were to replace one roll of paper towels with cloth napkins, we would save over 1.4 million trees! The best part is that this doesn't have to be expensive. The best cloth napkins come from old use items, like an old bed sheet. Before you donate old bed linens or old t-shirts consider how they could work as second use items like napkins. If money is your main concern, here's some good news. A family of four can save $70 simply by replacing their paper napkins with reusable ones and they'll reduce their waste by up to 40 pounds per year! If we can get every household involved in the paper to reusable shift, we could prevent 1.5 million tons of paper napkin waste from entering the already crowded landfills!

Make Your Own Cleaner The fresh scent of a clean bathroom might seem good momentarily, but that lingering chemical smell sure isn't natural. There is a tremendous amount of toxic fumes and chemicals in one bottle of cleaner, which is not green or safe. To save money you can make your own cleaner at home! Keep these ingredients on hand in your cleaning supplies and you'll be ready for any mess.
1. Baking soda- a scouring agent and deodorizer
2. Lemon juice- a brightening agent and disinfectant effective against most household bacteria
3. Borax- cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water
4. White vinegar- cuts grease, removes mildew, great for stainless steel and windows
5. Isopropyl Alcohol- excellent disinfectant
6. Cornstarch- clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs

Green Your Lawn (care) The average American lawn will generate up to 2 tons of grass clippings every year. To make better use of this "waste" save your clippings and use them in your compost or mulch. When cutting your grass use an electric or manual push mower; as the amount of VOCs your 3.5 horsepower gas mower emits is the same as driving a new car 340 miles! While you're saving gas there, try to use hand-powered tools instead of gas powered edgers and blowers. Finally, make more use of your lawn... having it all grass is very wasteful and requires a lot of watering. Plant more trees and shrubs or other plants native to your area. You'll save time and energy by doing so.

Buy Less Packaged, More Whole Foods Not only are processed foods high in sodium, sugar, and bad fats; they take a toll on the environment as well. Packaged foods require a lot more energy to produce than foods, like whole grains, coming from a bulk bin or, better yet, the garden. Think of all those pretty wrappers incasing your pretzels and cereal. Most of these are made from petroleum (a non-renewable resource). When you grocery shop, try to bring your own bags and containers and buy in bulk whenever possible. If you can't get away from buying pre-packaged foods, look for foods packaged in bio-based plastic packaging.

Save Green, Buy Organic

2012-02-13T17:25:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Organic produce and packaged can be more expensive than their conventional counterparts but the benefits of eating organic foods are plentiful. To make the gap between benefits and cost even smaller follow these tips from The Organic Center for keeping the dough in your wallet!

Have a Meatless Monday

We’ve said it before, but going meatless even one day a week can really cut down on your saturated fat, cholesterol and grocery bill. Because cholesterol is only found in animal products, including dairy, having an animal-free day can do absolute wonders to your health. Additionally, eliminating foods from animal sources for one day a week can save you money on those expensive proteins.

Cut, or Save Those Coupons

Check out your Whole Food’s Whole Deal coupon book before heading out the door to save on those pricier products. Remember to use coupons only for those things that you will truly eat. Can’t find a coupon for your favorite brand? Visit their website to look for special discounts and deals. And since we are all about going green here, try downloading coupons to your Smartphone to save on that ink and paper!

Buy in Season

A grape tomato in December does not taste like a grape tomato in the heat of the summer. Listen to your taste buds and follow the sales for those in season fruits and veggies. Just love the taste of strawberries or basil in summer? Buy more of your favorite produce during its peak and freeze the extras for the off-season!

Buy Store Brands

Large chains, private gourmet and health food stores all have their own line of organic products. Instead of going for the name brand you recognize, check the label of that and an “off brand” alternative… you’ll be surprised how similar they are. You’ll save money and still have the same flavor as your usual choice.

Buy in Bulk

Think of foods that are staples for your family. Rice, beans, grains and herbs are all great options to buy in bulk. Do a price comparison and see how the money adds up!

Eat Right: Protect Your Heart

2012-02-01T19:27:00Z

Posted By: Kim Hardin

There are plenty of foods you can be eating more of for a healthy heart. Research has shown that a healthy eating plan low in saturated and trans fat combined with a diet that includes fiber from whole grains can help lower cholesterol and may lower your risk for heart disease! Foods high in fiber include whole
wheat breads, pastas, cereals, oatmeal, beans, fruits and vegetables. The recommended amount of fiber per day is 25-30 gms per day.

High Fiber Ideas

Prunes are an excellent source of fiber. Try cutting them into tiny pieces and mix into yogurt, cookies, muffins, cereal or pancake mix. They can also be pureed (and can be purchased this way as well).

Try "old fashioned" oatmeal (not the instant kind). You can mix in recipes or make homemade oatmeal raisin cookies.

Add processed bran to cereal, peanut butter, applesauce, casseroles and ground meats - aim for a goal of 1-2 tablespoons each day

Whenever possible, pick whole grain breads, pastas, and rice over their white counterparts.

Choose vegetables with higher fiber content such as peas, corn, potatoes, broccoli, spinach, dried beans (for dips, soups, burritos etc). Aim for at least 3 servings per day (1 serving = 1/4 cup for young children)

Examples of fruits with higher fiber content include prunes, apricots, plums, raisins, cantaloupe, blueberries, and apples (with skin). Goal for day is 2 - 3 servings per day (1/2 cup or 1 small piece)

A fiber rich eating plan also provides a feeling of fullness which can lead
to an intake of fewer calories and thus may help with weight management.
Being overweight has been shown to increase your risk for heart disease. All you need to see an improvement in your cardiovascular health is a few pounds. As little as a 10% reduction in your weight may lower your risk for heart disease!

Other benefits include increasing your intake of some key nutrients when you eat fiber rich foods. B vitamins for metabolism and nervous system,
Magnesium for your bones and Selenium for your immune system.

As our grandmothers used to tell us," An apple a day helps keep the doctor
away!"

Yoga Body Bootcamp

2012-02-01T19:16:00Z

Posted By: Missy Tyszkiewicz

YOGA BODY BOOTCAMPTM is a revolutionary new yoga-fitness hybrid developed by international yoga teacher Debbie Williamson. Think Cross-fit intelligence combined with the adrenaline rush of Biggest Loser, Amazing Race, and Survivor and you'll have an inkling of the flavor of YOGA BODY BOOTCAMP- one ever-evolving work-out that blows the mind AND body. Every class is different, but all include stations to work the lower body, upper body, core, cardio, and balance. Yoga is an integral part of the workout and is incorporated in many of the stations. Because you chose the intensity level of each movement, this class is for everyone. Experience crazy fun combined with yoga asana and fitness bootcamp stations in this 60 minute class.

In Ohio, you can find YOGA BODY BOOTCAMPTM at Move Your Hyde Power Yoga. For more information and class times, go to www.moveyourhyde.com

Five Reasons to Choose Organic

2012-01-30T04:40:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

It’s 2012 and time for a change. With the Just Label It Campaign making headway and a community of support encouraging progress we are starting to see the abundance that green living can offer. It’s always important to remind ourselves of why we buy organic and support those farmers that feed us this nourishing food. Here are just five more reasons to choose organic this year, courtesy of The Organic Center.

Reduce Your Exposure

Conventionally grown crops contain anywhere from two to twelve synthetic pesticides! Reduce your exposure by purchasing organic products that guarantee to be chemical free.

Invest in Nutritional Quality

Crops grown in organic soil may yield less per acre and take longer to grow but that’s because they are benefitting from nature’s daycare. Organic soil is biologically more active, producing crop with higher levels of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

Say No to Hormones

If you decide to go organic in only one area, your animal products must be it. Conventional livestock farmers treat their cattle with growth hormones, drugs, feed supplements, and diets high in grain. All of these treatments yield more milk and eggs far beyond what is healthy for the animal. Organic varieties prohibit the use of animal drugs allowing a healthy animal to produce a safe level of organic meat, milk, and eggs.

Promote Biodiversity

Biodiversity is vital to the health of our planet. We love organic farmers because they combine multiple crops with livestock to promote the health of the soil and make the most of the rain and sunlight!

Encourage a Healthy Environment

The benefits of choosing organic go beyond your dinner table. Farming can be an extremely hazardous occupation but supporting organic farming can help to reduce this risk. Organic farming minimizes the farmer’s exposure to toxic pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals. Their neighbors will thank you too!

Eggs: White or Brown?

2012-01-23T03:48:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

There is absolutely nothing better than a fresh egg in the morning. Whether scrambled, poached, or boiled, eggs provide an excellent source of protein that supports the functions of every cell in your body. But whether to go brown or white is the dilemma at the grocery store that has people questioning our favorite breakfast friend.
In the egg section you'll find free range, grass fed, organic, brown, and white eggs. Free range and grass fed labels seem to speak for themselves; free range meaning they have access to living conditions similar to their natural environment and grass fed indicating that they are fed grass, and not any of the customary genetically modified feed and corn. And organic, of course, means the chickens have been fed an organic diet.

But what is the difference between the white and brown eggs?

Other than the obvious color difference, there is nothing different in white or brown eggs. The color comes from the breed of hen. Typically, light colored hens such as those with white feathers lay white eggs. Hens with dark feathers then lay brown eggs.

Even more interesting is that eggs don't only have to come in the colors brown and white. The hens that lay white eggs come from the breeds Leghorns or Minorca, while the brown eggs can come from Rhode Island Red, Orpington, Wyandotte, Marans, Welsumer, and Barnevelder. But consider the Araucana or the Cream Legbar hens. They lay blue eggs!

One difference that you might notice in the grocery store is that brown eggs generally cost a bit more. This is due to the breed of chicken. Those that lay brown eggs tend to be bigger in size, resulting in a need for more feed than other chickens. This does not mean that the eggs are more nutritious or better for the environment. The information on an egg's nutrition can only be seen inside the egg itself.

The basic components of the egg are the yolk, chalazae (the white stringy strands), shell, and outer and inner albumen. The freshest and most nutritious eggs have more of the chalazae, well formed round yolks, and thick whites. And did you know that the color of the yolk is not an indication of quality, it is merely a reflection of the hen's diet. For example, hens that eat wheat or barley tend to have lighter colored yolks. Those that feed on yellow corn or alfalfa have medium yellow yolks.

With this information, hopefully you'll be better prepared the next time you're faced with that eggstremely important decision....white or brown?

Foods To Refuel and Recover

2012-01-17T01:42:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Balancing work, play, and healthy eating can be tricky while simultaneously caring for your family. Boost your energy, refuel, and recover with a few simple snack and meal ideas that will treat your body right.

Smoothie

Grab a ripe banana, ½ cup low-fat yogurt, ½ cup low-fat milk, and an organic chocolate protein powder. Blend with ¼ cup of ice cubes in a blender until smooth. The combination of protein, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium from the banana make for the ideal combination to promote healthy muscle function. This is perfect as a post workout snack as well as a simple morning or afternoon meal to recharge your energy.

Grilled Turkey Sandwich

Between two slices of whole-grain bread place two slices of all-natural turkey breast and low-fat provolone cheese. Top with your favorite veggies and heat on a grill pan until warm. Again, the combination of carbohydrate and protein will keep you satisfied while the fiber in the whole grains promotes healthy digestion.

Plant-Based Protein

Beans are an incredible source of protein and carbohydrates. Add them and some fresh veggies to leftover rice, a quick-cooking quinoa or whole-grain bulgur and a low-fat cheese for an easy lunch.

Yogurt and Fruit

Yogurt provides your body with protein while fruit is a good plant-based source of carbohydrates. The phytochemicals and vitamins will pack powerful nutrients to nourish your body while offering a boost of energy. This combination is perfect an hour or two before your busy day begins.

Hummus and Veggies

Combine on a whole-wheat pita and enjoy the successful combination of protein and healthy fat. The beans and tahini provide fiber, iron, and B-vitamins, including folate. Make the hummus yourself with organic ingredients to really maximize the benefits.

Whole Grain vs. Whole Wheat

2012-01-09T16:47:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Making your way through the grocery store can be like heading out on a scavenger hunt. You head in for your typical pantry staples like bread and butter, but even these simple items can leave you with questions. Which prompts us to ask, Do you know the difference between whole, multi, and refined grains?

Whole Grain: Contains the entire grain kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm.

Bran: fiber rich outer layer containing B vitamins and trace minerals

Endosperm: middle layer containing the carbohydrates and proteins

Germ: core containing antioxidants, vitamin E, B vitamins and healthy fats

Whole grain food examples: Whole-wheat flour, bulgur, oatmeal, whole cornmeal, popcorn, buckwheat, quinoa, wild rice, and brown rice.

BEWARE, foods labeled with the words "multi-grain," "stone-ground," "100% wheat," "cracked wheat," "seven-grain," or "bran" are usually not whole-grain products.

Refined Grains: Means that the grain has been milled until the bran and germ are removed. Upon removal the B vitamins, trace minerals, antioxidants, vitamin E, and healthy fats are lost as well. In order to get some of the health benefits back, manufacturers fortify the product to add back these missing elements. Even after fortification, whole grains still contain higher levels of heart healthy ingredients than their refined counterparts.

Multi-Grain: Means that more than one type of grain is used in the product. This does not ensure 100% whole grain. The product may just contain multiple refined grain products.

Bottom line: Always look for “100% whole grain” as the first ingredient on the label!

Healthy Detox Tips

2012-01-02T17:19:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team and Debra Koerner

Healthy Detox Tips

Most experts believe the seasons of change, Spring and Fall, are the best times to refresh your diet with a cleansing detox. But most people are still mystified by the idea of a detox, so we went to Debra Koerner, director of the Destination Spa Group for a detox myth-busting session. Koerner says that with a few simple steps she can put you on a cleaner, healthier road.

Myth: Detoxing equals deprivation and starvation.

FALSE!

Detoxing is about making small lifestyle and diet enhancements. For a week or so, add fruit and greens smoothies two times daily. Koerner recommends that you toss in your blender ¾ fruit and ¼ greens, add water and blend. You can also increase the amount of raw food you consume by making green salads the biggest part of your meal

Myth: Detoxing has no real value.

FALSE!

The benefits of detoxification are extensive. They include weight loss, improved sleep, increased energy, improvement in cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and decreased hormonal symptoms seen in menopausal women.

Green Mountain at Fox Run's Marsha Hudnall, MS, RD, says “Detoxing is important to eliminate harmful contaminants that we are exposed to in our environment – whether it be through the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink or the products we use on our skin or hair.”

Myth: It takes months to see results from a cleanse.

FALSE!

In the short term, a healthy detox diet or juice fasting program will flush toxins that have accumulated in the body. Over the long term, you can make changes in your lifestyle by choosing to change two to four habits per year, such as eliminating coffee, eating more vegetables and fresh fruit, etc.

Yvonne Nienstadt of Rancho La Puerta adds, “Personally, I like fasting one day a week. I use herb teas and vegetable potassium broth. Short fasts of one-three days will not harm essential tissues (lean muscle) and they use up the food still in the gut from the day before.”

Of course, you should check with your doctor before you begin a weekly fast and never attempt it if you are pregnant or nursing.

Debra Koerner's tips for a healthy cleanse:

Try to eliminate foods that have the highest inflammatory or allergenic potential. This includes dairy; gluten-containing foods such as wheat, rye, barley, soy, and refined foods; red meat; shellfish; caffeine; and alcohol
Eat plenty of fiber including brown rice and organically-grown fruits and vegetables. Include fresh juices (both fruit and vegetable) and water to help with the flushing process
Detox twice per year. Spa Eastman’s Jocelyna Dubuc recommends cleansing when the seasons change in the spring and fall
Add spa treatments such as dry brushing to rid the body of old dead cells so new ones can form and breathe. Hydrotherapy is very beneficial for detoxifying, as are body wraps. Sweat in a sauna so your body can eliminate wastes through perspiration. Mountain Trek’s Kirkland Shave suggests using sweat-inducing facilities one-two times weekly to assist the body in eliminating fat and water soluble toxins at home
Exercise is very important, including walking and yoga
Conduct an inventory of your supplement intake and add detox-supporting vitamins, minerals and herbs

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?!

Last Minute Gift Guide

2011-12-21T19:10:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

For the Fashionista: Honey Rose & K Eco-Friendly Jewelry and Accessories

Each piece from this incredible collection is repurposed from vintage jewelry and accessories, created to form a modern look. Meredith Piccin, the artist behind the line, believes that recycling jewelry and accessories can be fashion-forward and totally modern while being green and earth friendly! The absolute best gift for green fashion lovers this winter has to be Honey Rose & K’s fun accessories.

For the beauty buff: Tarte

This makeup vanity features meticulously crafted lustrous mirrored panels with beveled edges, sparkling silver inlays in each pull-out drawer, and a large pop-up mirror to catch a final glimpse. Each of the three removable trays contains an impressive selection of high-performance natural Tarte products. The top and middle drawer hold 24 supremely-soft and blendable eye shadows in a variety of shimmer and matte textures broken down into six user-friendly shadow quads with shades ranging from Cameo to Stardom. Also tucked inside are deluxe-size samples of Tarte's bestselling Lights, Camera, Lashes! Clinically Proven Natural Mascara and multiplEYE™ Natural Lash Enhancing Primer to give you the ultimate bombshell lashes. The bottom drawer boasts deluxe sizes of Tarte's most coveted products: Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in new shades Glory and Starlet, Park Avenue Princess Mineral Powder Bronzer and Provocateur Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder in Rose. Whether you plan to make it a memorable gift, or an eye-catching addition to your own dressing table, this makeup vanity is sure to delight and be this Holiday's most cherished gem.

For the sweetie: Ambre blends

This set is the perfect gift of 10ml pure organic essences that are perfect for carrying in pockets/purses. Approved for air travel, they can go just about anywhere! We love that each scent is designed to work with your body's natural chemistry to produce a unique aroma for you. Because they are made with 100% pure essential oils you can feel good about wearing this fragrance.

For the techie: Striiv

Given our busy lives, many of us don’t have time to spend hours at the gym. That’s why Striiv is so neat; it motivates, tracks, builds points, and encourages an overall active lifestyle! Learn more about Striiv here.

For the foodie: Paper Straws for Entertaining

Straws make a drink feel special and now you don't have to worry about that plastic sitting in landfills waiting to decompose! These paper straws can be used and composted so they are easy on the environment. They are the thickest and most durable paper straws we’ve found. Made from food-safe paper and ink in the USA, they won’t fall apart in your drink and are FDA approved. The average compost time is about three months. Find them here.

For the hostess: BsaB Aromatherapy Soy Wax in Glass Candle

The BsaB Aromatherapy Soy Wax in Glass Candle is a simple but elegant addition to any home or spa. Every element of this soy candle, from the essential oils to the wicks and packaging has been carefully selected and gathered to the central location of Thailand where our environmentally-friendly Creation Center completes the design.

The 100% soy wax is hand blended and hand-poured into an elegant refined glass cup that can be re-used as a kitchen accessory. Each wick is 100% pure unbleached cotton that is lead free and metal free. The fragrances used are 100% aromatherapy essential oils containing a generous 3% blend of essential oils in each soy candle. This is the perfect gift for the hostess on your list!

Strive for the Perfect Gift

2011-12-19T17:57:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Are you looking for that perfect gift this year? The kind that just keeps giving? This year give the gift of health to your loved ones with the Striiv fitness device. For the price of one personal training session you can take Striiv with you everyday and log countless benefits!

Given our busy lives, many of us don’t have time to spend hours at the gym. That’s why Striiv is so neat; it motivates, tracks, builds points, and encourages an overall active lifestyle! Still trying to decide if Striiv is the right gift for the loved ones on your list?

Log More Miles

The average Striiv user is walking 3 miles a day for 60 minutes - that’s almost double the national average! Users are also logging 55 minutes of activity per day and climbing an average of eight flights of stairs.

Stay Accountable

Striiv achieves results by making fitness fun. Striiv was designed by a team of expert game developers who created some of the most popular games on the smartphones and Facebook.

Give Back

Striiv believes helping others is the core to improving yourself. That’s why they’ve created a walkathon in every Striiv device that counts your steps and gives based on your movement. At no cost to you, Striiv and corporate partners donate on your behalf. Just walk, earn, and plug into your PC to donate. Its that simple. You have the choice of 3 charities - providing clean water to families in South America, polio

vaccines, and help save the rainforest. The more you walk the more you give.

Challenge Yourself

As you walk, you accumulate energy (it’s like money or points in a game). Select a challenge, wager your energy, and push yourself farther than you thought possible. Striiv’s time based challenges are designed to keep you motivated - bet on yourself and win!

Use it Anywhere

Striiv is designed to work anywhere on your body: your purse, your belt, your pocket. It doesn’t matter. With its quick release keychain, you simply detach Striiv from your keys and put it on your purse or belt.

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.

Winterize Your Ride

2011-12-12T16:40:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

The key to driving in extreme weather conditions is making sure that your car is up to winter standards. This will also help to ensure that you are driving as efficiently as possible, not wasting unnecessary resources. Stay safe and green this season by following these guidelines.

Check the battery in your car and make sure everything is working properly. Look for signs of corrosion and have a certified repair shop test its ability to hold a charge if it is more than three years old.

Check the treads in your tires to avoid sliding in icy road conditions

Keep operational fluids at full levels, like your oil and antifreeze, which keep your car’s motor running and prevents freezing

Prepare a kit with water, jumper cables, and scrapers to help in the event of an emergency

Properly inflate your tires, including the spare! You can expect that you will lose 1lb per square inch when the temperature drops by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Also every pound below the optimal tire pressure reduces your fuel efficiency by 3%.

Keep your engine lubricated by getting an oil change. This maintains the oil’s viscosity, since oil tends to thicken, as the air gets colder. Oil that is too thick will not properly lubricate the engine.

Replace your wiper blades to make sure you can see, especially when fat snowflakes are showering your windshield.

Check the status of your four-wheel drive and be sure it is working correctly. This means making sure the systems engage and disengage easily.

Take your time when driving in unfavorable conditions. Aggressive driving in any type of weather can lower your fuel efficiency by as much as 33%. And in bad weather it can mean the difference between making it to your destination and not.

How to Wash your Cashmere

2011-12-05T20:00:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

A true cashmere sweater can be one of the best essentials in your eco-fabulous wardrobe. This luxurious fabric comes from combing out the under-hairs of Kashmir goats that are now raised around the world. Because the fabric is so long-lasting it truly is a great eco-investment, with proper care. But you don’t need to make washing your favorite sweater stressful. Follow our tips for washing your cashmere with care and making it last!

Flip the item inside out and focus on cleaning parts that have odor buildup, such as the underarms.
In a clean, chemical-free sink, combine cool water with a wool or cashmere shampoo
Place your cashmere in the basin and use your hands to gently agitate the water and detergent
Soak the item for at least thirty minutes- some color loss is normal so don’t panic if the water changes color.
Remove from the sink and rinse well with room temperature water until the water runs clear. This will probably take 2 to 3 rinses in a basin full of clean water.
Lay flat on a clean towel and press the water out with another dry towel until it’s damp-to-dry. Do not rub the cashmere.
Place the damp item on a flat rack for further drying

Bella Bag Winter Bag Trends

2011-11-28T16:02:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

One of the best ways to go green this Fall and Winter is to concentrate on fashion. We have fallen in love with Bella Bag, a fantastic site selling gently used, designer bags. The bags are perfect for that fashionista on your holiday gift list or to get you through the season of holiday parties up ahead!

Here is a list of must-have winter handbag trends from Bella Bag Founder and Director Cassandra Connors.

Python and Exotic prints – the call of the wild for your arm. Example: GUCCI Grey Taupe Python Medium Jungle Hobo Bag.

Bordeaux, Cobalt and Burnt Orange – these hot colors are like a luxe Dreamsicle for your wrist! Example: YSL YVES SAINT LAURENT Azur Blue Y Clutch Crossbody Bag.

Structured and Kelly-style bags – a chic trip back to the classics. Example: CHANEL Classic Large Black Leather Quilted Kelly Bag.

Return of the Clutch – the little bag that takes you effortlessly from day to night. Example: LOUIS VUITTON African Queen Leopard Nocturne Cuivre Clutch Bag.

Fur – it was all over the runway on coats and is huge for winter on bags too. Example: FENDI Dark Sheared Mink Fur Shoulder Baguette New.

Quilted and Patent bags – classics that are buttoned-up, but not stuffy. Example - CHANEL Black Quilted Patent CC Shoulder Bag Purse

Bold Gold and Shimmer – sparkly love! This trend falls right in line with the hotness of 70’s fashion – LOUIS VUITTON Noir Speedy 28 Eclipse LTD ED Bag Rare

Bella Bags is the second largest online supply of pre-loved, luxury bags and is quickly becoming the most trusted resource for authentic luxury goods. Do you have a luxury bag you’re looking to recycle…for money? At ShopBellaBag.com you can buy, sell, trade, or authenticate your bag. This is a great one-stop shop that will keep your carbon footprint low and your eye on fashion sharp.

Breastfeeding

2011-11-21T18:18:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Breastfeeding is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your newborn baby. And although you may think it is the most natural thing in the world, it doesn't always come easily. Here are Sara's top 5 things to have on hand to make your breastfeeding experience a beautiful and enjoyable one.

(1) Mother's Milk tea by Traditional Medicinals. Inevitably there will come a time when you will think you're not producing enough milk. This tea helps better than anything else I've come across.

(2) Nursing tanks. Nursing bras are great but nursing tanks are so, so easy. Wear them alone or under a sweater or button-down shirt so you can simply lift or unbutton, then click it down and nurse. They're convenient and comfortable because the tank stays in place so your “love handles” aren't on display when you nurse in public. You'll know what I mean once you try it the other way.

(3) Cloth nursing pads. If you're planning to use nursing pads to prevent leakage, make sure they are as breathable as possible. I got thrush, an extremely painful yeast infection that affects your nipples and your baby’s mouth, and I'm sure it was due, at least in part, to the unbreathable pads I was using.

(4) MotherLove nipple cream. This stuff is natural and effective. I kept a jar by my bed, in the nursery, and another by my favorite chair in the living room. The first few weeks of breastfeeding can be painful and this salve will make it a little less so.

(5) A good, easy, adult sippy cup. I didn't want to use the bad plastic hospital cup that they sent me home with, but it's size and straw made it so convenient. I swapped it out for my trusty BPA-free camelbak. Pick a water bottle that you can drink from while nursing (the less tipping, the easier it will be) because your mouth will go dry as soon as you lift your shirt.

(bonus) A comfortable spot. Nursing is one of the most incredible gifts of motherhood. Choose a comfortable chair, blanket, book rest and dim lamp so you can snuggle in and embrace the long nursing sessions that will eat up most of your days and nights in the first few months. It all gets easier as you go, but there is no sense in rushing through a session. Gobble it up, savor it, and create a lasting bonds from it.

Best Fitness Apps for Your Smartphone

2011-11-14T20:23:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Fitness apps are a great, inexpensive way to keep your routines fresh, deliver inspiration for your next trip to the gym, or provide an alternative to the gym itself.

Check out which apps we are using now!

RunKeeper

RunKeeper uses the GPS in your iPhone to track your activity. With a secure place to keep your phone during a run, this is a great alternative to an expensive watch. You can also enter your activities manually, including your treadmill runs.

Ab Workouts Pro

This is one of the few apps that has a voice trainer to talk you through your workout. It features 20 easy abdominal exercises with steps and animations, 10 all new workouts for all fitness levels, a design your own workout option, and offers foods that fight abdominal fat.

GymGoal ABC

This app includes 280 exercises, the ability to add your own exercises, animations that do not require Internet to access, 52 entire workout routines, as well as body weight, BMI, BMR, and Body Fat Percentage tracking. This is a great option for those looking for support at the gym without a trainer.

Couch to 5K

A great way for those who are sedentary to get working, Couch to 5K allows you to alternate between running and walking while listening to your music. The app gives you audio prompts every time you need to change from running to walking without having to keep track with a stopwatch. The plan takes nine weeks to complete, with three workouts per week. The average workout session is from 30-40 minutes. The app has been showcased by SELF Magazine, ABC News, and featured in “Best iPhone Apps” book.

All-in Fitness: 700 Exercises, Workouts, and Calorie Counter

This app contains a whopping 700 video clips with yoga poses, audio, and HD quality. With a pedometer, music player, and calendar this is definitely a great tool for motivating yourself at the gym. It’s easy to get stuck in a workout rut, but with so many exercise options you will never get bored.

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!

Best Workout DVDs for the Busy Mom

2011-11-07T16:39:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Physique 57 Express 30 Minute Full Body Workout

Perfect when you need a quick but complete workout, this tones major muscles using your body weight, a ball, and a chair.

10 Minute Solution: KnockOut Body!

This DVD is a good option for those of you who need variety in your workout. With the weighted gloves included in the price of the disc, you’ll workout at a high intensity for short bursts of time.

Exhale: Core Fusion Pilates Plus

Core fusion uses five mini programs that work everything from your abs to your arms as if you were in the Exhale Spa itself. These workouts are great for the novice and the veteran alike.

The Tracy Anderson Method Dance Cardio Workout

Popular among celebrities like Gwenyth Paltrow and Courtney Cox, the Tracy Anderson method focuses on dance moves that will get your heart working. The DVD has seven routines that are choreographed with hit songs. Each routine is broken down so learning the steps is easier.

The Superfood You Should Try!

2011-10-30T21:08:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

A wheatberry refers to the entire wheat kernel except for the hull, which comprises the bran, germ, and endosperm. They are known for being high in fiber, low in calories, and chock full of essential vitamins.

How to Prepare:

Wheat berries can be cooked like most grains by the stovetop, rice cooker, or slow cooker. The only difference is that due to their tough bran they must be soaked overnight before cooking.

Stovetop

1. Rinse the wheat berries well with cold water.

2. Place them in a bowl filled with cold water and let it soak overnight.

3. Rinse them thoroughly and drain the water.

4. Place them in a pan with water, bring it to a boil.

5. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours, until the grains are tender and chewy.

Rice Cooker

1. Rinse the wheat berries well with cold water.

2. Place them in a bowl filled with cold water and let it soak overnight.

3. Rinse them thoroughly and drain the water.

4. For one-cup berries, use 2-1/2 cups water and cook for about 45-1 hour. It takes close to an hour for my cooker to bring the berries to a chewy state and gets aromatic.

5.Fluff and let it sit and steam cook for another 5 min in the cooker.

Slow Cooker

1. Rinse the wheat berries well with cold water.

2. Place them in a bowl filled with cold water and let it soak overnight.

3. Rinse them thoroughly and drain the water.

4. For one cup use 2-1/2 cups water/broth and cook for about 6-8 hrs

Mix them into salads and soups or enjoy as a hearty side dish.

Happy, Healthy Halloween

2011-10-24T16:32:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Every year your local grocery store stocks up on sugary treats for the end of the month’s explosion of Halloween festivities. And while you may cringe at the thought of all of that candy wreaking havoc on your child’s teeth, brain and tummy, at a certain age it becomes hard to avoid the trick-or-treating. To make this season a little healthier, we got the advice of Dr. Timothy Chase , a cosmetic dentist based in New York City, as he shares his insights on some of the best and worst Halloween candy in regards to your dental health.

Avoid sticky candies

Taffies
Caramel, coconut, or nut filled candies

These candies stick to teeth creating a great space for bacteria to linger. Prolonged exposure to bacteria is known for producing cavities.

Beware hard candies

Lollipops
Jawbreakers

Hard candy takes a long time to dissolve in the mouth. The longer the sugar remains, the more acidic the mouth becomes. This process can break down tooth enamel.

Check the acidity and sugar content

Sour candy
Powdery candy such as Pixie Stix

The acid content in sour candy is another culprit in the breakdown of tooth enamel. Powdery candy like Pixie Stix are filled with pure sugar, a catalyst in changing the mouth’s pH.

Try these safer bets

Pure chocolate
Sugar-free gum

Plain chocolate can be a safe option because it doesn’t stick to the teeth. Sugar free gum leaves no reside and contain natural sugars that inhibit the growth of bacteria. Of course, you’ll want to beware, also, of artificial sweeteners so choose your gum wisely.

5 Simple Ways to Get Organized!

2011-10-17T15:46:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Start in the Kitchen

With most families spending the majority of their time in the kitchen, start here for maximum benefit. Make your grains, spices, and snacks match by storing them in easy-to-spot BPA-free glass containers. The esthetic and ease of use will quickly brighten your pantry.

Want to do it on a budget? Shop thrift store and re-sale shops and stock up on old glass jars and other (preferably see-through) containers.

Unify the Office

With papers, bills, and to-do lists piling up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by your home office. Simplify your home office by organizing papers and files into sleek, solid color boxes with clearly marked labels. The clean design will add “structure” to the space while providing useful storage.

Organize your Drawers

Every house has a junk drawer. Make sure every drawer isn’t a junk drawer by using easy to install moveable drawer organizers. Because they aren’t fixed, it’s easy to add or remove items while keeping things spotless.

Have a “Throw Bowl”

At your local thrift store, find a cute bowl for the kitchen counter or entryway. Make this the place you throw your mail, car keys, phone, etc. when you walk through the door. There will be no more cluttered counter space when everything is in one area and you’ll always know where to find your keys when you’re late for your morning meeting.

Think “Double Duty”

Choose products for your home that work double duty. Find beds and sofas with storage options beneath the cushions or bed frame. Another great option are ottomans with removable lids for storage.

The Sustainable Way to Remove Fall Leaves

2011-10-10T15:58:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Although reds, oranges, and yellows look beautiful hanging from the trees, piles of leaves can ruin your lawn. Just a thin layer of these autumn beauties can suffocate your grass and prevent it from receiving sunlight and oxygen. The result is a brown landscape that then has to endure a long winter. Protect your lawn this year the sustainable way to ensure a fresh turf and healthy environment.

Forget the fire and plastic

Lines of garbage bags on the curb and towers of smoke billowing from the backyard aren’t sustainable solutions for protecting your lawn. Plastic bags are piled high in our landfills and will sit for hundreds, maybe thousands of years before they degrade, despite the fact that the leaves inside are a compostable material.

Fire is equally damaging as burning leaves releases dangerous toxins like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere, the same junk that has been linked to respiratory system irritation.

Leaf mulch

The alternatives to burning and bagging are both beneficial to your health and your garden. A proper mulching mower can make the process easy. Simply mow over a layer of leaves and transfer the shredded leaves to your gardens and other landscaped areas.

Leaf mulch is an excellent choice for garden beds due to its weight. The heaviness of the leaves will ensure proper protection, as the leaves are less likely to be carried off by the wind. Additionally, leaf-mulched soil contains more bacteria thus improving overall soil quality.

A layer of leaf mulch on your garden is also a great way to protect your hardy vegetables from the winter elements.

Compost

Whether you have your own compost pile or you are looking to donate to a yard-waste collection program, composting is the perfect way to omit the garbage bag. Check with the recycling program nearest to you to find a yard-waste collection program. Often, you can bag your leaves in paper or biodegradable bags and set them out on special collection days. Or simply pay someone to come “suck” them up with a large vacuum and transport them for you.

Get crafty

A scarecrow just wouldn’t be a scarecrow without his proper filling of leaves. Think outside the box and use your leaves in new ways. If stuffing scarecrows isn’t your think, consider pressing leaves into an album or setting them out as a table decoration at a fall get-together.

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.