I am not a person who is drawn towards electronics and techno things. Anything that requires reading a manual or even a plug-in makes me somewhat nervous. I usually push forward on it but if there is another way to do it then I will find it.

There for, I am pro air filters - they are pretty simple to use. They are important aspects of keeping our homes’ air quality good and free from household toxins like plywood and particle board (woods found in furniture and in the building of most houses), and formaldehyde that floats around. I did own an air filter when I was living in Portland and I really liked having it until I needed a filter replacement, which was hard to track down.

I have now entered the world of using what nature has given us…houseplants. Not only do they  bring both beauty and peace in our home and they are able to break down these toxins by breathing in carbon dioxide and churning out oxygen thus making indoor air quality much cleaner. Yes, I have to remember to water them but my kids like to help, and we manage to keep them alive.

Here are some suggestions (and they are quite easy to find at a nursery).

• Most palms are great – I have a few bamboo palms in my house and I love the look of them. Others include: areca, lady, and dwarf date palm.

• Rubber plants

• English ivy

• Peace lily (my other favorite)
• spider plant

Be well,

PS this is a great healthy and green holiday gift!

For all those art enthusiasts or who have children who are crazy about doodling with colour, you really need to check out this Boulder based company ~ it is beautiful.

But not only is it beautiful, it is a brilliant natural art supply company that makes you feel good about your kids hands getting colourful with paint, clay well you name it. The art supplies are all-natural, certified organic and environmentally friendly ( and so is the packaging!)

They are now available in Whole Foods Market and will soon be available in selected Starbucks stores. Keep you eye out for these…they are great gifts to everyone!

Be well and happy colouring!

I am tasty with bittersweet leaves and native to Peru (that is in South America!). Oh I  forgot to mention, that I am  quite stunning with bright orange flowers nestled amongst green shiny leaves!

While living in Peru, the Incas would throw me (gently of course) into their salads for a splash of colour but I was also used for medicinal purpose – maybe because I am full of vitamin c?

Thomas Jefferson soon discovered us (he was an avid gardener and farmer!) and  planted our seeds in his vegetable garden at Monticello.

Since I have a peppery taste I tend to ward off many garden pests. I have only one request if you plant me in your garden, please do not over water me! I can not stand a soggy wet soil!

So put in me in your flower arrangements or in your dinner salad as I will add some colour and flavour to your table!

Be healthy!

I was listening to an inspiring topic on NPR a week or so ago.  They were talking about the new recycling law that was recently passed in San Francisco. I already was familiar with some of the composting programs in SF- restaurants giving their leftover foods to compost companies who then give the compost to the farmers that supply their foods to the restaurants (nice little cycle!).

But now it will be mandatory for all - residents included! There will be three  garbage bins - one for trash, one for recyclables and one for compost ( this is so COOL!).

The city has a goal to reach zero waste to landfills by 2020 and it looks like the garbage collectors will be the ones making sure this happens. Residents will be reminded on how to properly separate their “wastes” from home. If anyone is found repeatedly not cooperating, they will be fined.

This is great article about the law in the  NY Times . We do some composting at home and we definitely recycle as much as we can. I wrote a recent blog about Vancouver’s recycling bins and all of this are great reminder for us all to try a little harder for our planet and really ourselves.

Be well,

I am known to be a ‘Powerhouse of Nutrients’ among all green leafy veggies. Popeye the sailor man is the one person who truly promoted me as one of the most beneficial and healthy vegetables ( he was smart!).

I am filled with vitamins, proteins, anti-oxidants and essential nutrients that promote overall good health and well-being. Some even call me the anti-aging vegetable but I am so tasty that I am sure you do not need that incentive!

I first originated in the Middle East, but then my seeds were brought to Spain and I finally made it to the soils in California and Texas around 1906.  I am quite easy to grow if I am in a cool climate but I do need full sun and water.

I like to be eaten raw in a salad with strawberries, blueberries, a little goat cheese with a drizzle of Italian dressing - YUM! I also like to be in an omelet with some tomatoes!

Some people have linked me to prosperity so eat some spinach and maybe a cheque will arrive in the mail!

My first discovery was in India, where not only was I used for culinary creativities but also used by the Indians when swearing their oaths in court. I then migrated my way westward to the boot shaped country where Italian suitors would signal their love by placing a sprig of basil in their hair! In Romania this similar custom was practiced - where if a boy accepts a sprig of basil from a girl, it means they are engaged to be married.

In Greece, I am known as a magnificent royal and kingly herb! And even a symbol of fertility!

Also quite versatile I am, I stimulate the appetite and helps curb flatulence!

To grow me is easy. I love the summer sun and summer heat. Here is an informing video for you to learn more about me!

To be honest, I love to be served with the lovely red tomato. We are a very handsome and tasty couple!

I also love to be made into pesto. Below is recipe from Simple Recipes.

Pesto recipe

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts or macadamia nuts ( YUM!)

• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Place the your nut of choice into a food processor and chop/pulse.
2. Add the basil and pulse.  Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.
3. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Add the grated cheese and gently stir it all together.

Enjoy!

Last weekend we decided to garden, which meant the dirty job of flipping the compost.

But look what we found!

There were hundreds of them!

The kids compost and garden daily at their school (wish they would at home!) so they were not as amazed as I was. It was a goofy mom moment where I said, “get the camera! Let’s get our new babies on film!”

I went a little crazy but hey…my plants need all the help they can get and the worms will be a perfect match for them.

Go get compost! It is fun, easy and has really cut down our garbage.

Be well,