I usually get a little melancholic as we approach Labor Day weekend, and the days of summer dwindle. Although my favorite season is coming to a close, I do look forward to the late-summer bounty of local vegetables available at farmers markets and from our own backyards. A sense of community is forged as my neighbors proudly share the tomatoes, onions, and basil that they had carefully tended to all season from seedling on. In turn, I share my creations made from their produce, one favorite being an easy, versatile homemade tomato sauce that’s great for pasta, pizza or dipping. I know how to p ..read more

As the ongoing COVID pandemic squelches outdoor festivals and recreation options this summer and possibly beyond, more people are taking advantage of extra idle time to get outdoors for exercise and fresh air. People for Bikes, a national bike-advocacy group, recently reported that many local bike shops are seeing a surge in sales, particularly for children’s bikes and bikes less than $600. In addition, sales of indoor trainers, accessories and requests for bike repairs have increased in recent months. Whether you cycle as a commuter, for racing or for leisure and recreation, Happy Freedman, a ..read more

Meat usually gets all the attention at a backyard barbecue. That’s okay, because the star of the show can only stay the limelight for so long before the supporting cast—in this case, the side dishes—emerge, catching the attention and kudos of adoring diners. As people continue to social distance and take precautions during the ongoing COVID crisis, backyard get-togethers might be smaller, but you can still get creative with seasonal grilled veggie side dishes that will make your family and friends ask for an encore. Grilled Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan This dish contains two of my favori ..read more

While walking through my neighborhood not long ago, I passed a home with signs on the lawn that read “You have now entered the Silly Walking Zone!” Below the sentence were images of British comedian John Cleese doing various silly walks from his renowned “The Minister of Silly Walks” sketch on the Monty Python show. It was refreshing to see that people are still having a little fun, even during ongoing pandemic isolation. I did a half walk-half dance across the sidewalk. I didn’t know if anyone was watching, and I didn’t mind if they were. Safer at Home orders are being lifted, but we still ha ..read more

Spring has sprung, and although we’re into the second month of social distancing, getting out for walks in the neighborhoods or for bike rides through the parks can provide a much-needed boost of nourishment for the body and soul during these upside-down times. But while we’re indoors, the internet has been a saving grace, offering us a chance to stay connected to family and friends, and to the arts and culture of our community. Even though we can’t partake in in-person visits to Milwaukee’s main attractions at this time, be sure to check out some virtual offerings: Around Milwaukee: https://m ..read more

Suddenly, we found that our world has been turned upside-down, shaken up and spilled of anything resembling normalcy as we knew it. As we adjust to a different—and hopefully very temporary—way of life, I mourn those lost to COVID-19, wish a full recovery to those who have fallen ill, and hope that the rest of us are staying well by staying home whenever possible and practicing common sense social distancing to combat this virus. Humans are resilient, and we’re finding creative ways to adjust to different lifestyles. The current stay-at-home order still permits people to get outdoors to get fre ..read more

The biting, cold winds of this recent cold snap were not kind to my skin. Despite keeping my hands protected with gloves whenever possible, they feel like sandpaper, and the skin on my face is dry and taught. And then there are the chapped lips. Hundreds of commercial skin care products out there promise a cure, claiming to miraculously make dry lines and wrinkles disappear, giving you the skin texture of a baby. Uh-huh. Sure. Claims aside, many of these products contain chemicals that can be harsher than Wisconsin winter winds. In my 20s and early 30s, my bathroom was stocked with almost ever ..read more

Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s (MMSD) Green Luminary awards highlight exceptional projects using green infrastructure to collect and harvest rainwater within the MMSD service area, improving water quality in our rivers and lake. The Green Luminary award is given to businesses, organizations, and communities that not only invest in green infrastructure to clean our water, but also inspire us through education and engagement. We invite you to explore the newly updated Green Luminaries water story through the Milwaukee Community Map, where over 40 project videos showcase a wide variet ..read more

Maybe you’re the type who likes to bundle up, strap on the snowshoes and head outdoors in even the harshest Wisconsin winter weather to get fresh air and a dose of nature. Or maybe you’d rather stay indoors, close the blinds against the snowy gloom and dream of sandy, sun-drenched Florida beaches. However you choose to handle what seems like a never-ending winter, a warm dose of nourishing soup can provide a physical and mental boost to get you through the day, as we sit tight and await springtime blooms. Tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene, and this rich, creamy tomato soup has a health ..read more

It wasn’t long ago that microgreens were found only on the menus of trendy, upscale restaurants. Now, microgreens, the seedlings of vegetables and herbs that are smaller than baby greens and bigger than sprouts, have found their way into most grocery store produce sections and casual restaurants as a staple in wraps, salads and soups. Several publications including Medical News Today reports that there is evidence to suggest that microgreens have a high antioxidant content, which can help prevent diseases. They’re also rich in vitamins. And then there’s the taste: microgreens are a staple in c ..read more