Happy National Nutrition Month!

Did you know March was dedicated as "National Nutrition Month"?  It kind of makes sense, actually.  By now the luster of New Year's resolutions have worn off, and we are getting a peek at warmer weather-which makes it easier to think about possibly eating a little healthier.  Trees are beginning to bud, flowers are starting to spring up, and it seems more plausible that vegetables can be grown here in the Northeast!  :)

I just had my kitchen renovated.  For six weeks I had a hot plate, a coffee pot, an electric griddle and a microwave.  I have to confess, my family DID NOT eat too healthy for those six weeks.  Now that we at least have the stove back, I am making more of an effort.  And I think "effort" is a funny word for it.  Because most of what I need to do is buy and prepare healthy foods.  Does it take more effort to open a bag of Goldfish crackers or to peel and apple and put some peanut butter on the side?  Maybe the apple takes 30 seconds longer...but really?  How can I justify that it "takes too much time/effort/makes too much of a mess".  These are all the deep dark excuses I use when I give my kids some processed food (like mass produced cookies or crackers).  I do feel guilty though.  Looking and learning these past few years, I know that those foods are not good for my kids, that they really don't count as food.  So, again, I am making an effort.  How do you get your family to eat healthy?

I recently found a page on Facebook that features a 7 year old girl who is encouraging kids to eat healthy and stay active.  I "liked" the page, and every day or two I am treated to the sight of a young girl who is trying all these great, whole foods.  It is SO COOL.  I look at it, and realize if she can do it, my kids can as well.  I admire her mom for encouraging her, preparing the foods for her, and cultivating the interest in staying healthy.  I am still working at doing the same.

As you can tell comparing my first post to now, I do believe eating healthy is a loooooong process, changing little habits along the way to overall make a healthier lifestyle. 

Good luck!!

So, a funny thing happened in the kitchen...

I wanted to make a carrot cake for my husband for Valentine's Day.  He loves carrot cake, but is a purist, and doesn't like anything else in it (coconut, nuts, pineapple, etc...).  So, most times I make it from scratch.  We are having our kitchen renovated, so it was going to be a challenge.  I opted for pre-shredded carrots (one less step and a LOT less mess than with the Cuisinart!)  I hand mixed it at home, put it into pans, and borrowed an oven to bake it in.  I was so proud of myself for getting this done!  Then I didn't get to see the final result because I had to go to work.  Friday afternoon I sat down to try my masterpiece...and there were GREEN carrot shreds throughout it!!!

GREEN CARROT SHREDS!!  I was supposed to bring the rest of the cake for my family to eat that night, but refused because of the appearance.  I have to confess, I DID eat some (it couldn't already be moldy, right?) and it tasted fine.  I sheepishly explained to my family why I didn't bring the cake, but we still couldn't understand what happened.

Saturday morning I got up and googled (thank goodness for Google!) "preshredded carrots turning green".  DID YOU KNOW:  Sometimes a chemical reaction occurs between the carrots and the baking soda in the recipe, and the end result is a baked product with green shreds in it!!  Amazing!!  You can read more about it here http://www.thekitchn.com/food-science-when-good-carrots-52210

Who'da thunk?!? 

Anyway, have a great week--we have school vacation week up here, so we will be taking full advantage of some family time (and hopefully get our kitchen back to normal soon!) 

Thank you!!!

So, I was re-reading my blog this morning, and it occurred to me that there was a lot of "I" in it.  So, today is the day to clarify. 

"I" could not have done ANY of this without Lisa Akoury-Ross and my fantastic publishing company SDP Publishing Solutions http://www.publishatsweetdreams.com/. 

"I" could not have done it without the numerous friends and family members that bought a lot of my 300+ books. 

"I" could not have done it without great business owners like Lori Burton from Serendipity in Hudson, http://www.serendipityinhudson.com/, who not only agreed to help support me by selling my books, but continues to reach out periodically with new marketing ideas.  The same goes for Elizabeth Almeida of Fat Moon Farm http://demo010227.hgsitebuilder.com/.  You guys are amazing!

"I" could not have done it without the Maynard Farmers' Market, the Wayland Winter Farmers' Market, Sustainable Westford Winter Farmers' Market, Simon Malls (YES-I did readings at the MALL--how cool is that?!?)

"I" could not have done it without the amazing teachers at our local elementary school, who welcomed me in, let me read, and even allowed me to become an "Enrichment Program".  I am honored.

"I" am eternally grateful to everyone who has helped me through this past year.

"I" am looking forward to an amazing 2013. 

Thank you so much to all of you!!!

Happy Anniversary!

Today is Wilbur's birthday!  He is official one year old today (and if he was actually a true one year old, would probably be pushing around different foods on his plate, completely afraid to try them). 

This is actually so exciting for me.  In one year I have published a book, started a blog (ok, posted a few times, but I DO plan on getting better!),  watched my book sell over 300 (!) copies, read at libraries, preschools, farmers' markets and even elementary schools!  I have been recognized on the street as "the author that wrote that dragon book" and have loved every minute of it.  And that is just one year!  The beauty of Wilbur is that he is pretty timeless.  The topic of local eating is still a hot one, and trying to get children to try new foods is an age-old dilemma that I look forward to helping with. 

I am already looking forward to National Nutrition Month in March, and am setting up some readings in the area.  I will be sure to pass them along as they come up. 

Until then, it is my goal to continue to promote farmers' markets as a great source of community and wonderful food, and to pass along kid and family friendly recipes and tips over the next year.  I hope you will continue to join me on this journey...it truly is just beginning.

Before I go, a favorite Winter Farmers' Market of mine has started up again, and it is wonderful.  If you are local, check it out sometime this season--you will NOT be disappointed! 

http://www.russellsgardencenter.com/wayland_winter_mkt.html