easy vinaigrette

add some zing to a simple salad with an easy vinaigrette: shake 1/4 cup of vinegar, 2 teaspoons dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in an enclosed container. Add 3/4 cup olive oil and shake some more.

drink up the summer

liquor infused with herbs, fruits and vegetables makes a great gift. let simmer for up to a month for a full flavor. here are some suggestions Martha had. if you're not a liquor drinker these could also be used for infused oils as well.

chamomile gin - chamomile springs with flowers
fennel vodka - sliced fennel bulb and fennel fronds
plum lemon brandy - sliced yellow plums and lemon balm springs
lemongrass peach sake - lemongrass stalk and sliced peaches
red plum grappa - sliced red plums
lemon verbena vodka - lemon verbena stems with leaves
lemon basil raspberry brandy - lemon basil spring and raspberries
beet cucumber vodka - peeled beet and sliced cucumber

eating green and eating healthy

One great way to start eating green is to plant vegetables and herbs in your garden. There are many benefits including the produce is the freshest possible and it can save money. Additionally, you won't have to worry about pesticides or bacteria that a lot of farms need to prevent. Greenwise, there's no gas used in transporting the food. Also, consider composting. Food is the one thing that can't be recycled, but you can recycle it in your garden.

butter made better

give your basic butter some zest by adding flavorful ingredients. Try chopped herbs, chiles, or citrus zest. just mix in to softened butter and chill. It's a great topping for vegetables or fish.

picnic party ideas

plan a lovely june picnic with these creative ideas this month.

pleasing poached eggs

It's simple, easy and healthy. Add a little vinegar to a small pot of simmering water. Gently drop in an egg. Cook for ~2 minutes.

tired? get your vitamins

if you've been surviving on fast food, you may need to improve your diet. there are nutritional components to fatigue such as under nutrition. specific nutrients have an impact on energy, primarily vitamin b and iron. shortages of the following nutrients can contribute to fatigue:

- iron, which delivers oxygen to working muscles
- vitamins b2, b6 and b12 which all help break down protein, fat and carbohydrates in the metabolic process to unleash energy
- vitamin e which supports a healthy cardiovascular system and is a potent anti-oxidant
magnesium, which helps your body convert food into energy
- zinc, which assists in the growth and repair of cells particularly muscle cells

Consider taking a multivitamin so that your body gets what it needs