It’s National Nutrition Month

For many of us, eating healthy can be a real challenge -- especially when there’s a fast-food restaurant on almost every corner you see. But in actuality, eating better isn’t as hard as you think. With a little discipline, some good information, and a solid plan, you can find the right balance. So whether you’ve strayed from the path of your New Year’s diet plans or you’re just looking to eat better overall, March is National Nutrition Month -- which means that now is a great time to learn all about the benefits of eating a balanced and reasonably-portioned diet.

I’ve put together a list of helpful links on nutrition (below), but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. You can find an incredible amount of information out there: at your local library, from a doctor or nutritionist, on the Internet, or through a support system like Weight Watchers.

Nutrition.gov
NutritionData.com
NNM National Nutrition Month
Nutrition Explorations: Kids

If you have any stories of inspiration or success in your quest to eating healthier, feel free to share them with other members in our comments section. We’d love to hear from you!

Goodbye Winter

Spring arrives tomorrow, but more importantly, today is the last official day of winter! While I enjoy the change of season, winter is by far my least favorite season. I’m never unhappy to see it go.

I’m starting to see signs of life in my yard - the tulips and crocuses and other spring bulbs are popping up through the ground. Now is a great time for some yard clean up and general lawn maintenance. If you are a gardener, it’s never too early to start planning your flower and/or vegetable gardens.

Like me, I know many of you are bird lovers and enjoy the return of robins and other migratory birds. The Mission of San Juan Capistrano has long been known for it’s annual festival heralding the return of the Cliff Swallows.

Another sign that warm weather is here, spring training is well under way and opening day (or night) is just around the corner.

And if none of these signs of spring interest you, there’s a new line of spring and summer fashion featuring bright colors and bold prints. Many designers, department stores and mass merchants understand that consumers looking for affordable, budget minded clothing.

So tell us, what is it you are looking forward to the most this spring?

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Today, people everywhere will don their greenest clothing and celebrate the feast day of St. Patrick, one of the patron saints of Ireland. It’s a holiday filled with traditions, customs and rich history, one that dates as far back as 1761.

On this day, cities both large and small will host their annual St. Patrick’s Day parades, Chicago will dye its river green (as they have since 1961), and millions of pounds of corned beef and cabbage will be consumed (not to mention all that green beer). And it doesn’t matter if you’re Irish or not, because as the saying goes: on St. Patrick’s Day everyone’s Irish!

Personally, my favorite thing about St. Patty’s Day is all the great food. I’ve included a few links to some great Irish recipes below:

St. Patrick's Day Recipes
Recipes: Food Network
St. Patrick’s Day Recipes - RecipeZaar

How do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day where you live? Do you have any special traditions or customs? If so, be sure to tell us about it!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Today we celebrate what would have been the 105th birthday of Theodor Geisel, more commonly known as Dr. Seuss. It’s difficult to put into words the impact Dr. Seuss has had on children and adults around the world. His creativity and imagination helped children learn how to read, count and rhyme. He expanded our world and more often then not, made us think.

Although I’ve enjoyed all his work, my personal favorite is The Sneetches. I’m most partial to the Dr. Seuss stories that assumed an underlying social theme or message. It’s impossible to ignore the message Dr. Seuss was sending so many years ago when he wrote and published The Lorax.

There are many, many Dr. Seuss resources online, here’s a few to check out:
Seussville!
Art of Dr. Seuss
Seussentennial
Green Eggs and Ham: Recipes
Dr Seuss' Lorax's plea: Stop cutting trees! - USATODAY.com

I know you all have a favorite Dr. Seuss story that you would like to share. Please tell us about it!