This year I made the commitment: we're buying local and we're buying fresh. As a wonderfully healthy added benefit, that means were also buying pesticide- and antibiotic- free produce, eggs and meat. We've been purchasing our grass-fed beef this way for a few years, but I upped the anti and went all out with the poultry and eggs as well as with the fruits and veggies.

I have to admit one downside to the produce CSA I joined: I don't always like the vegetables. This week we're getting both beets and turnips. I really do not like beets. Turnips are OK, I guess. Oh, and I'm also getting kale and collards. Now, I like cooking greens, especially sauteed in garlic and finished with a little bacon and extra virgin olive oil. But I do not like them EVERY week. This makes the produce CSA a delicate balance. I want to support local farmers so badly; I want to eat ripe, nutrient-filled organic fruits and vegetables. I just want to eat the ones I, well, want. Still, knowing we're eating foods free of chemicals and pesticides makes up for the slight disappointment. And I still have to supplement with what's available at the grocery store. Armed with my Environmental Working Group's pesticide list, I can shop for the best prices and the best nutrition.That's something I really appreciate.

The poultry CSA is much more flexible. I can pick up whatever cuts of chicken and eggs (two varieties: American or French) at the farmers' markets around town. I really like this arrangement because there are weeks I do not need either.

So while there are some drawbacks to the eat local campaign, on the whole, we're making it work well for us. And I feel good about supporting local, small businesses. We're keeping more of our money within our community, which means we're strengthening our tax-base and indirectly helping schools and other community programs. All because we joined a couple of CSAs.

I'm concerned. I mean really concerned. I read a blog post this morning about rocket fuel contaminants in infant formula. Yes, infant formula is regulated by the FDA. So why did the CDC find that 15 brands of powdered formula (which account for a whopping 87 percent of sales) contain this thyroid-affecting chemical?

This is one place we desperately need more government regulation and more oversight. Infants' systems are simply not mature enough to cope with such toxicity. And more importantly, babies should not have to be processing pollution. What is going on here?

The Environmental Working Group put together a small study last year called Minority Cord Blood Report, which claims that up to 232 chemicals were found in newborn babies. And nine out of 10 of the infants' blood sampled contained BPA. According to the report, "BPA has been implicated in a lengthening list of serious chronic disorders, including cancer, cognitive and behavioral impairments, endocrine system disruption, reproductive and cardiovascular system abnormalities, diabetes, asthma and obesity." And babies are being exposed in utero, something that was previously considered unlikely.

The August issue of Parents magazine contains a special report on BPA, phthalates and PBDEs (flame retardants) that are way too common and currently not well regulated by the government. The article does list some easy ways to limit exposure: buy and use stainless steel water bottles (Sigg makes one that's completely BPA-free), use only unscented body and hair care products and purchase kids' pajamas and bedding made without PBDEs. All those choices will reduce the toxic burden in your home, but that doesn't limit their exposure to millions of other people: in this case, we need reform. And we need it now.

I'd like to see a study put together in which children consume foods and toiletries completely free of these toxins (like our grandparents did just two generations ago). What would the level of autism, ADD, asthma and eczema be in kids free of these pollutants? Would we see as many food and outdoor allergies? Are our bodies telling us they are simply too overloaded with chemicals to deal with what used to be considered minor ailments? Is this why cancer levels are increasing? I don't know the answers to these questions, and the unfortunate reality is neither do corporations or the government. That's why these products should be banned from use. If companies didn't need them to make products 50 to 60 years ago, they do not need them now. Period. (And a side benefit may be reduced health care costs because fewer people are getting ill.)

In the mean time, the best course of action is to limit exposure.

Do use stainless steel water bottles.

Don't heat food in plastic containers; purchase glass or stainless food containers instead.

Buy natural flame-retardant clothing like wool or purchase PBDE-free clothes.

Buy as much organic meat, dairy and produce as possible (the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen is the top 12 fruits and vegetables with the largest pesticide residue - buy the organic version whenever you can). Better yet, buy from a local CSA or farmers' market where your money stays within your community and you can talk directly with the farmer or rancher to ensure you're getting high-quality, low-pesticide and low-antibiotic food.

Do check the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database before purchasing new skin or hair care products.

Do Avoid Keys Soap's Dirty Dozen chemicals:
Sodium/Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Parabens
Propylene Glycol
Phthalates
Petrolatum
Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA
Diazolidinyl Hydroxytoluene
Ethyl Acetate
Toluene
Triethanolamine

This is an area of great concern for me, and I'm sure I'll touch on it again. Let me know what you think about the current state of toxicity. What do you want to know about reducing your exposure? It's time to tackle this issue.

New Mexico - like many parts of the Southwest - has more than its fair share of abandoned settlements.  With literally hundreds to choose from, it's next to impossible to choose just five. But I did. In a very unscientific manner, I might add. 

Madrid

Drive the historic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway to stop in this quaint town.  About 400 residents live here year-round, and the art scene is booming.

 

Dawson

Home to some of the world’s worst mining disasters, this was once a bustling metropolis of nearly 9,000.  The town, originally owned by Phelps Dodge, boasted schools, an opera and even a bowling alley.

 

Hagan

Coal was the moneymaker behind this Sandoval County town.  Built around the turn of the century, it was deserted by the end of WWII. 

 

Shakespeare

Located off I-10 near the Arizona border, this was once Billy the Kid’s stomping ground.  You can walk along the Butterfield Trail and see Billy’s Old West.

 

Steins

Within miles of the Arizona border, this privately owned ghost town offers guided tours through the ten refurbished buildings.

Having children is a huge physiological step for most parents. Not only does a woman's body change to accommodate the baby, parents need to prepare for the mental challenges of kids. And they can be daunting: with every child you are adding a new personality to the family. An unknown personality that needs constant attention and love (as will any other children you currently have).

But there really isn't much written about parents' prenatal mental health. If you consider Planned Parenthood's numbers that up to half of all pregnancies in the United States are not planned, well, is it any wonder that the soon-to-be-parents are not mentally prepared for the upcoming challenges? This is an area where we need more research and more resources. If moms- and dads-to-be are not mentally healthy at the time of their child's birth, then how can we expect the new family to get off to the best start possible?

This year, the United States is expected to become the number one wine market in the world. Americans simply can’t get enough of wine - the quality, the color, the bouquet and, of course, the first delightful sip. And when you think American wine, most people still think Napa Valley. But I want to mention a lovely label from Santa Barbara.

Actor Fess Parker’s eponymous label is best known for its lovely Viognier, which runs about $22 a bottle (the 2006 vintage scored 90 points in Wine Spectator). 

The Pinot Noir ($26.99) is also highly regarded by wine critics and home chefs alike.

As a big, full-bodied red fan, I appreciate the Santa Barbara County Syrah's ($19.49) juicy blackberries that make the vintage  just right for sipping with a nice steak. The bright Chardonnay ($17.99) finishes with a creamy hint of honey and oak, which I like with a green salad but others may appreciate more with a lean fish. The Frontier Red ($11.49) offers bold black cherry and hints of pepper that make it a wonderful choice for your next summer barbecue.

If you can get them, these wines are definitely worth the price -- and show just how much depth there is to the California wine market. More  wines worth drinking are coming from outside Sonoma or Napa; while those two counties definitely have a well-earned reputation, the state's Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for grape growing. I expect more gorgeous wines to pop up from the the Santa Barbara region. And I'm really looking forward to popping that next cork.

I like a good cookie now and then. OK, so more now. Or always. Whatever. Cookies are yummy.  And I love the way they make the house smell as they bake. Divine.

Our problem isn't so much the gluten in a normal cookie recipe, though I do try to watch out for high-volume wheat consumption (and hold true to my motto of most things in moderation). Whole wheat can be an excellent source of fiber and other nutrients, but I don't think it should be my only whole grain source, which is why I came up with this lovely recipe. Hopefully, you'll enjoy, too. And yes, I'll try very soon to get some pictures to go with the food. The cookies have been - ahem - disappearing a bit too quickly for photo ops.

I'm a firm believer in the occasional treat.  Otherwise deprivation sets in and that causes nasty binge episodes. Oh, you've done that, too?  So treats are a good thing.  As long as they aren't every day.

This is one of my favorites, in part because my kids eat it with strawberries.  Yes! More fruit in 'em anyway I can...But I digress.  I'm not usually a big soy fan; I worry about the increases in estrogen levels and the overly processed quality of many soy products. And many people have soy allergies, meaning not everyone can partake.

Tofu is the exception to my soy concerns. And it's necessary for the right consistency.

Ingredients
1 package firm tofu, drained
1/3 cup rice milk (the whole grain version adds a bit of fiber and protein)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup local honey
2-6 oz. bars dark 73% chocolate, melted
1 tablespoon Earth Balance butter

Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler. (Yes, you can use the microwave but watch the chocolate carefully as it can burn).  Blend all other ingredients on high in blender for about 30 seconds or until smooth.  Working in small batches, fold the tofu mixture into warm chocolate.  Mix until the pudding is all the same color - a rich, dark brown.  Refrigerate for four to six hours. Enjoy!


 

I was in a grocery store the other day.  It was one of those health-oriented markets that I frequent in the hope that I am actually taking charge of my family's food intake.  I wanted some granola to add to my other cereals in the morning (I'm up to three in one bowl - it's getting ridiculous).  The first box I picked up had 16 grams of sugar per serving. Gross.  The next only had nine grams - a definite improvement - but also contained whey. Crap.  We don't eat milk.  I went through the other four types on the shelf with less hope of finding anything that met my needs: low in sugar,  dairy- and gluten- free.  None of the brands fit the requirements.

I used to love to cook - in fact, learning a new technique or recipe was one of my favorite past times. When we saw Julie and Julia, my husband remarked that the movie was made for me. True.  Sort of.  I don't enjoy cooking as much anymore.  And it's not that I don't want to put an incredible meal together. It's the constant re-invention of recipes to suit our food sensitivities that makes the entire process less appealing.

I know many of you out there struggle with similar issues. Yes, it's great when Family Circle does a gluten-free recipe section.  But, hello, most people are not sensitive or allergic to only one food. Usually, many foods cause issues. So why do recipes usually only remove one of the known allergens? I've never understood this.

Then there are vegan recipes - many are great for my cow's milk intolerant family.  But we like meat. And honey. And eggs.  Sorry, true vegans. We have to get fat and protein from lots of sources - nuts, a staple in our house - don't always fill us up. And legumes are frowned upon by many of my dinner companions.

So where to turn for easy, family-friendly recipes? Yeah, I wish I knew the answer.  I've trolled the Internet for perfect sites and have yet to find a go-to option. What I have learned over the years is this:

• Read the label on whatever you are buying EVERY TIME.  Why? Companies change their products and ingredient lists.  What was safe last month may not be safe today.
• Learn to substitute.  We can eat sheep's milk, so I use Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan. Sheep's milk yogurt can fill in for regular yogurt and sour cream. Rice milk works in place of low fat cow's milk. And Earth Balance makes "butter" in sticks and containers, which I use in place of the real stuff (or, if I can get it and afford it, I prefer buffalo milk butter - tastes thick and creamy - kind of like mozzarella).
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Most of these are safe, though strawberries are the main exception.  But for the most part, raw, braised, sauteed, baked or grilled, these foods are healthy, nourishing and low in fat. As one friend put it, "Fruit is nature's fast food." Sure is.  The best part is it tastes good, too.
• Stick with what you know works for you. Got a favorite marinara recipe? Always make double and stick half in the freezer. That way when you're too tired or busy to cook, you can simply reheat and have a meal on the table in under 20 minutes. Same goes for soups, meat dishes and anything that doesn't have pasta in it.  Pasta does not freeze well.

Over the next few weeks, I plan to add some recipes to this site.  My hope is that it will help some of you who are searching for new ways to feed your family.  I know cooking can - and often is - a chore.  But it's the best way to ensure your family is getting foods they can eat safely. So let's explore together. We may just find out it's easier than we thought.

OK, I admit it.  I love getting a bargain.  A really, really great bargain.  And now that little adrenalin rush pops up in my email account. 

I joined freecycle.org.  Every day, the members offer multiple items they no longer want or need.  In return, other members offer to take the item - for free! You simply gotta love free! 

I have a couple of kids, and they seem to always need stuff - or worse, want stuff.  We consume videos, toys, bikes and art supplies in huge quantities.  And I always found it frustrating to by something only to have them play with it a couple of times.  (Yeah, I can hear my mom in my ear, "I spent good money on that!" Ugh.)

Here are some of the items I've picked up on freecycle:

Play sand (we ALWAYS need play sand)
Stroller (because no, I will not carry nearly 40 pounds the entire way)
Bike
Videos

And the best part is I can get rid of the stuff I no longer want without any hassle.  I just let people know what I have, and it's removed from my premises within hours.  As we're not big yard sale people, this is a dream come true.  We get rid of our big junk without a trip to the dump or any haggling over price.  It simply vanishes to take up space in someone else's house. 

If you haven't tried it, I suggest you do.  You'd be surprised by what some people want to give away - things you actually want.


 

Summer is typically the most expensive time to travel to Europe, but this year may just prove to be the exception. With airline fares depressed by the recession and the Euro at a 14-month low , that long-awaited trip to the Continent won't leave as big a hole in your pocket.  That's not to say such a trip would be cheap.  Let's call it a good value instead.

Whether you plan to visit hard-hit Greece, Portugal's amazing Azores Islands or the ever-popular Paris, the better exchange rate may mean the difference between budget and luxury accommodations.

If the recession has hammered you more than the Euro (as it has many of us!), then we'll have to be content with the fact that European imports should be a little more affordable. I'm going to be watching those Prosciutto and Burgundy prices. It won't be a trip to France and Italy, but it'll be a nice taste of Europe!