Buy food (and drink-ideally tap water) from local companies whenever possible. Each pound of local food you purchase prevents a quarter pound of global warming (CO2) emissions. Support your local Farmer's Market. If possible, grow your own fruits and vegetables using organic gardening practices. Find local resources at www.localharvest.org.

Yes, monsoons seems to have started and while I appreciate the afternoon cloud cover, the lack of consistent rain has kept me h-o-t HOT! So, in addition to my morning smoothie, I've started to add on an afternoon "pick me up". It is also a great way to beat those afternoon sugar urges AND a fun thing to do with your kids. Although the blender scares her a bit Lily is a super fan of "moothies" Here are a few of our favorites:

Banana Rama

- 1 banana
- 1 tbl(ish) of peanut butter
- 1 dash of unsweetened cocoa powder
- some ice

Blend & Enjoy!

Oprah's Favorite Smoothie (I stole this from Oprah when I was pregnant- SO yummy)

- Chocolate Soy milk
- Strawberries (I use frozen- only b/c I buy in bulk when they are on sale)
- Banana

Blend & YUM!!!

Stroller Strides has a new national partner- AND it's a mommy-owned busines, actually mom & daughter owned. The snacks are yummy, wholesome & made from real food! Lily and I haven't tried them yet, but will get some next time we are at New Frontiers. If they are as good as everyone says (Rachel Ray, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, etc.)- these may be the best goldfish replacement I've seen! And for those of you that need gluten free products- they have some!

Snikiddy is running a contest for Stroller Strides participants only. One Stroller Strider will be the winner of a Jamis kids bike! Enter to win by visiting: http://snikiddy.com/stroller-strides. Winner will be announced on the Snikiddy website on December 1, 2009. Snikiddy products may also be purchased online. Visit www.snikiddy.com and print a $1 off coupon.

As promised.
My mom sent me this from an article about eating on the cheap that she found in the Boston Globe. The 'recipe' isn't too firm- but here are the ingredients & what directions I have.
Mine didn't look like this-
it was more of a tostada b/c it was baked & crispy!



We had it tonight and it was really good & filling (seriously- my husband can eat 1/2 a lasagna in one sitting- easily- and he only had one burrito & some salad). Quick & easy to make!!! Try it!

In between our awesome day sponsorship spots on KNAU today I heard this story about a new study released on the relationship between eating a lot of red meat and an increase in the likelihood in dying of heart disease and cancer. Yikes! Now being the scientist that I was trained to be I found a few thing important in the study

- the use of AARP members (generally healthier than the 'average' population)
- the subjects were asked to remember what they ate the last year

Even with those two 'quirks', the findings are still significant- especially in people who eat a lot of red meat (like every night)- by finding a red meat replacement once or twice a week (chicken, fish, beans are good alternatives) you can not only save some $$ but also decrease your chances of dying from cancer or heart disease.

Look at this stat from the study: