We found 161 results tagged with "new ideas"

14 Articles

14 Articles found

Living the Green Life: Five “Eco-Principles”

Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this
How to apply eco-friendly concepts to home-building and renovation as well as to everyday habits.

Sustainable Living Made Simple

5 comments 3 reviews
Looking for fresh ideas to go green at home? Start with these simple tips.

A Chef's Insider Tips for Kitchen Economizing

8 comments 1 review
Learn from a professional chef how to cut costs without sacrificing good nutrition or taste.

Winter Weather Can’t Stop Fun

6 comments Be the first to rate this
Transform any winter day into an opportunity to get moving!

How To... Make All Natural Scented Salt Scrub

6 comments Be the first to rate this
What better way to spread joy in natural living than to charm loved ones with a homemade gift?

Let Memories Help You Discover Your Best Life

1 comment Be the first to rate this
Your most treasured memories hold the key to fulfillment and living with purpose and joy.

Pitching In Around the Neighborhood

3 comments Be the first to rate this
In an increasingly busy world, people are experimenting with new ways to redefine the word “community.”

Take Time to Slow Down

7 comments 2 reviews
Slow living is all about being more present in the moment.

Rock Climbing for Fitness and Family Fun

6 comments Be the first to rate this
More than just something fun to go do, rock climbing is terrific exercise.

Organize Your Office for Relaxation

14 comments Be the first to rate this
Liven up your personal space in your work environment using these easy suggestions.

Experiment with Nut Milk

22 comments Be the first to rate this
Would you like to taste something new? Nut milk may be just what you're looking for.

Try Something Completely Different

10 comments 5 reviews
Feel like you're in a rut? Here are a few ideas for getting out of it.

Workweek Fitness Ideas

23 comments 1 review
Even on an nine-to-five work schedule, there are plenty of ways to add exercise to your day.

Activities for Fun Summer Weekends

4 comments 2 reviews
Summer weekends are a perfect time to take your workout outdoors.

142 Challenges

142 Challenges found
Challenge

Enjoy an oyster

According to food lore, months with an “R” in their name are the best times to eat oysters. One possible reason for this belief is that this shellfish spawns in the “R”–less summer months, causing them to become fattier, watery, soft, and generally less tasty. Oysters...
Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this 6 participants
Challenge

Buy some baking soda

Who knew this simple household cooking staple could clean a kitchen or bathroom so well? If you aim for natural home cleaning, buy a box of the white stuff next time you’re at the store. By mixing one cup with a teaspoon of liquid soap, a little water, and a few drops of an essential oil with...
8 comments 3 reviews 19 participants
Challenge

Experiment with citrus

Citrus is a wonderful way to wake up wintertime salads and add a colorful punch to desserts and entrees. This list of fragrant options is endless: oranges, mandarins, tangerines, blood oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are commonly seen in stores. Lesser known citrus fruits include tangelo...
5 comments 5 reviews 23 participants
Challenge

Go for dark, leafy greens

Dark, leafy greens are one of wintertime’s vegetable delights—earthy, nutritious, and flavorful. Whether you toss them into salad, slide them into sandwiches, or saute them with olive oil and garlic for a splendid side dish or main—they’re divine with grilled sausage and...
1 comment 3 reviews 15 participants
Challenge

Craft a kugel

Baked noodle pudding, or kugel, is one of Hanukkah’s best–loved staples, alongside latkes and jelly doughnuts. Kugel can be sweet or savory, creamy with dairy (often sour cream or cottage cheese), studded with raisins, pineapple or cinnamon, and served hot or cold. Alternatively, you can...
1 comment Be the first to rate this 2 participants
Challenge

Send a natural care package

Wholesome care packages are a unique gift idea for the holidays: green, healthy, and wonderfully practical. When putting one together, think about the recipient’s lifestyle and what sorts of items she can really put to use. Stocking care packages with natural and homemade or recycled products...
Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this 1 participant
Challenge

Make a pancake mix

Next time you reach for that packaged pancake mix, think about whipping up and storing a homemade, whole–grain batch instead. Whole–grain pancake mix is a boon to brunch—delicious and nutritious! Plus, you can scale your ratio of whole–grain to white flour to whatever level...
1 comment 1 review 7 participants
Challenge

Use an alternative natural sweetener

Sugar plays several important roles in baking, among them lending moisture, providing a crisp texture, and acting as a preservative. Many bakers would advise caution when substituting natural or unrefined sweeteners for refined sugar, as you may not end up with identical results. That said, if you...
3 comments 3 reviews 9 participants
Challenge

Use plastic toy hoops for strong arms

Plastic Toy hoops aren’t just a great tool for working your core—they’re a wonderful way to strengthen arms without spending tons of time inside a stuffy gym. How does it work? Just place one full-size hoop over each wrist, letting the hoop hang down. Work the hoops in circular...
Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this 1 participant
Challenge

Throw a vegetarian Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving cooks: Let’s talk turkey about holiday entrees. The truth is, you don’t need meat to make a meal memorable. Many vegetarian dishes can sit proudly at the center of the Thanksgiving table: stuffed acorn squash, onion and leek tarts, bread pudding, frittatas and quiches...
1 comment 2 reviews 6 participants
Challenge

Cook up some cauliflower

Actually a type of cabbage, cauliflower is an oft-overlooked vegetable with a remarkable variety of uses. Peaking in freshness in October and November, it’s a wonderful fall option for purees, steamed florets, sautés, and raw veggie platters. Look for one that is white, creamy, and heavy...
1 comment 1 review 7 participants
Challenge

Refurbish a piece of secondhand furniture

Who hasn’t gazed with admiration on a stunning piece refinished by loving hands? Unfortunately, for most of us, that’s where the impetus to reuse and recycle ends when it comes to furniture renovation. If you’re intimidated by the idea of making something old new again, challenge...
1 comment 2 reviews 6 participants
Challenge

Love leeks

Autumn is a great time to enjoy fresh leeks, which are a boon to soups, stews, tarts, and sides. Choose leeks that are flat on the bottom and not too deeply green at the tip. You can store them unwashed with the root end uncut for maximum freshness. If you’ve ever wrestled with one of these...
1 comment 2 reviews 5 participants
Challenge

Bring back summertime with your broiler

Barbecuing fresh food is a summer tradition we usually wave goodbye to as we migrate indoors for the winter. You can enjoy the texture and flavor of grilled foods by using an oft-neglected part of your stove — the broiler. Today, challenge yourself to try salmon steaks, corn, thick-sliced...
Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this 2 participants
Challenge

Say “yes” to squash

As summertime zucchini and crookneck squash give way to winter varieties like acorn and butternut, it’s a great time enjoy the whole range of squash offerings. Today, challenge yourself to think: soup, stuffed, and sides. You may also like: Video: Brown Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash &...
5 comments 4 reviews 15 participants
Challenge

Make every day a sundae

Break up snack routine with a wholesome version of every kid’s favorite treat: sundaes. Instead of the high-fat stuff, layer low-fat yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit in tall sundae glasses and slip in a long spoon. It’s quick and easy for school days, but this trick is perfect for...
1 comment 2 reviews 2 participants
Challenge

Get rid of VOCs naturally

Ever opened a package containing something like a new vinyl shower curtain, only to reel at the strong odor of chemicals? Welcome to the world of VOCs. Volatile organic compounds are gases released by many common home products (paints, printers, cleaning products, cosmetics, vinyl floors, etc...
Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this 3 participants
Challenge

Make yogurt lollipops

Want a protein-packed sweet treat you can enjoy any time of day? With naturally sweet berries and tummy-friendly yogurt, homemade yogurt lollipops are a snack grown-ups will smile at and kids will love. First, line a baking tray with non-stick paper and cool it in the freezer. (Or, if the yogurt...
2 comments 2 reviews 6 participants
Challenge

Perfect your guacamole

Whether it’s smooth or chunky, spicy or mellow, simple or exotic, this delicious Latin American dip export is always a crowd pleaser. Guacamole at its most basic can be whipped up with a couple of avocados, lime juice or garlic, and salt. You can experiment with adding tomatoes, salsa, pepper...
3 comments 2 reviews 7 participants
Challenge

Take up all-natural knitting

Enjoyed around the world as a relaxing, portable activity, knitting is a wonderful way to pass the time and be productive. Now, options exist for making your knitting as natural as possible. Today, challenge yourself to invest in organic, sustainable, and recycled yarns and other knitting materials...
2 comments Be the first to rate this 4 participants
Challenge

Dip into applesauce

Unsweetened organic applesauce is not only a delicious side dish and topping for pork, it’s also a unique dip and a great accompaniment to snacks. Try dipping toast “fingers”—thinly sliced pieces of toast—in a bowl of sauce, spreading applesauce and a sprinkling of...
3 comments 2 reviews 5 participants
Challenge

Make corn salad or salsa

Ripe, summertime corn is deliciously sweet straight off the cob, but it’s also a burst-in-your-mouth delight in salads and salsas. Serve corn salads, salsas, or relish with crab cakes, Latin American fare, veggie burgers, tortilla chips, or grilled meats. Today, challenge yourself to become a...
Be the first to comment 2 reviews 6 participants
Challenge

Perfect pasta salads

Summer parties often mean rich, mayonnaise-y pasta salads. If you want the flavor without all the fat, take heart: You can update your pasta salad to take advantage of the spring harvest and fresh herbs! Today, challenge yourself to make the following changes:• Increase parsley or basil from a...
2 comments 8 reviews 14 participants
Challenge

Place couscous center stage

You may have tried couscous as a side dish, but have you tested it as a featured entrée? Although the Middle Eastern pasta staple goes great with grilled meats, it is also ideal mixed with white beans, chickpeas, squash, and greens; stuffed inside bell peppers; or dressed with fresh mint as a...
4 comments 5 reviews 19 participants
Challenge

Be so inclined

Strength trainers: If you find yourself hitting a plateau with regard to your weight lifting routine, try incorporating more moves at an incline. Using the incline weight bench or an uneven step bench to perform moves like a chest press, butt lift, or leg lift challenges your muscles in a slightly...
Be the first to comment 1 review 10 participants
Challenge

Dispose of drugs (correctly)

As with most everything else, there is a right way and a wrong way to dispose of unused or expired medications. In fact, this issue is so important that the U.S. government now has an entire Web site devoted to it. Though the rules are continually being evolved, some basic principles to safe...
1 comment 3 reviews 14 participants
Challenge

Gift of ab

Is your abdominal strength routine getting old? Why not mix it up? It’ll be fun, and might even produce better results. Today, challenge yourself to make changes to your workout. Some ideas:• If you usually do core work modeled on yoga or Pilates techniques, like plank pose, try working with...
2 comments 1 review 32 participants
Challenge

Grab the green

Yeah, we know you already know the nutritional value of a nice bunch of fresh leafy greens. But when was the last time you added a new green to your repertoire or prepared familiar ones in a fresh way? Today, challenge yourself to whip up a festival of green flavors, using some of these tips:•...
4 comments 3 reviews 15 participants
Challenge

Bust a bhangra move

Bhangra, a Punjabi folk dance and musical form, has taken the fitness world by storm with its easy, heart pounding moves and exciting rhythms. Familiar to those who have watched Bollywood films, bhangra involves group dancing, exotic music, and optional costumes. Today, challenge yourself by...
Be the first to comment 2 reviews 4 participants
Challenge

Sweeten summer salads with berries

Summertime is berry time, and this succulent range of fruits adds tartness, texture, and flavor to any salad. In addition to delivering a flavor punch, berries like blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are known for packing vitamin C and having serious antioxidant activity. Try pairing...
1 comment 2 reviews 7 participants
Challenge

Make do without mayonnaise

Many summer–salad favorites rely on rich, creamy dressings that can be heavier than some of us want. To keep the flavor while losing the excess fat, challenge yourself to try some of the following no–mayo makeovers: • Potato salad: Switch out mayonnaise for olive oil with vinegar or...
6 comments 3 reviews 19 participants
Challenge

Find your celebrity fitness soulmate

Whether or not you find celebrity fitness makeover stories inspiring or disheartening, they’re everywhere. Why not try to make them work for you? Today, challenge yourself to scour the tabloids for a personal fitness story that resonates with you. Then keep tabs on what (they say) works for...
7 comments 1 review 31 participants
Challenge

Make your own meat substitute

Sounds intimidating — and totally intriguing — doesn’t it? Turns out, turning tofu’s texture more meat-like and replacing meat in a traditional recipe is pretty straightforward. Today, challenge yourself to take these extra steps in preparing tofu to sub in for ground beef or...
3 comments 2 reviews 11 participants
Challenge

Recast your cast-iron pan

Here’s a lovely idea from our friends at RealSimple.com: Make your cast-iron pans serve double-duty when they’re not on the stovetop. First, hang your pots and pans on a nice wall bar with hooks (great space-saver, too!). By hanging the pan bottom-forward, you can affix recipes, to-do...
3 comments 4 reviews 4 participants
Challenge

Accept the President's fitness challenge

President Obama and especially First Lady Michelle Obama have made our nation’s fitness and health a priority. The President’s Challenge is a program that encourages all Americans to make being active part of their everyday lives. Today, challenge yourself to explore the...
6 comments 6 reviews 59 participants
Challenge

Don't sell yourself short

If reduce, recycle, reuse is your mantra, then take your game to the next level when it comes to selling items you no longer need. Instead of saving up for your next (marginally profitable and exhausting) sidewalk sale, for instance, start tapping eBay and Craigslist for more targeted sales of...
2 comments Be the first to rate this 11 participants
Challenge

Take another look at tissue

Here’s a great way to reuse gift box tissue, even if it’s torn or wrinkled: Turn it into table centerpieces or party favors. If you’re hosting a summertime party, you can decorate your tables by pouring herbs, potpourri, or healthful snacks into a small cylindrical container...
Be the first to comment 1 review 9 participants
Challenge

The art of artichokes

As much a culinary journey as a destination, artichokes are best appreciated as a fun, prolonged diversion with a succulent payoff at the end (when you get to the meaty “heart”). This thistled vegetable should be bought tightly closed, and washed thoroughly in cold water. Rubbing the...
1 comment 2 reviews 5 participants
Challenge

Ruddy rhubarb

Often overlooked, rhubarb is a versatile spring harvest fruit that pairs well with strawberries and adds a gentle sweetness to desserts and other fare. The only edible part of the plant is the stalk, which can be up to two feet long! Today, challenge yourself to explore some of the pies, breads...
6 comments 2 reviews 8 participants
Challenge

Mosquito magnet?

Camping and barbecuing season looms, and, for many of us, that means exposure to mosquitoes. If you’re looking to avoid using toxic insect repellants, there are still ways to prevent the pesky buggers from biting. Today, challenge yourself to take the following steps toward a mosquito-free...
1 comment 5 reviews 20 participants
Challenge

Capture the krill

There’s a new player in the omega-3 fatty acid market: krill oil. Antarctic krill are small crustaceans whose oil contains substances that reduce LDL cholesterol and might offer other healing properties. Today, challenge yourself to find out more about this promising, shrimp-like creature and...
1 comment 1 review 10 participants
Challenge

Flower power

To many of us, edible flowers are something to sample infrequently, at gourmet restaurants and on wedding cakes. Think again! Flowers like viola and nasturtium add a delicate green floral note to many dishes. And many varieties, from marigold to pansies, not only add a punch of color to salads and...
2 comments 2 reviews 12 participants
Challenge

Dress it up

Salads becoming ho-hum? Dress them up with a homemade dressing that puts store-bought stuff to shame! Today, challenge yourself to whip up a basic Dijon vinaigrette. Some tips: • Use a clean reusable jar with a sealable lid.• Using a ration of olive to vinegar of 3:1, emulsify white wine, rice, or...
Be the first to comment 1 review 8 participants
Challenge

Stock your sandwich

For many of us, sandwiches are merely a go-to meal when we don’t have time for something more involved (or nutritious). But sandwiches can be packed with nutrients if you take a little time to do them right. Today, challenge yourself to make a sandwich that offers positive nutrition as well as...
3 comments 5 reviews 26 participants
Challenge

Playing ketchup

Besides making a dandy topping for frankfurters (or tofu dogs!), ketchup is a handy natural cleaning agent. Turns out, tomato’s high acid content is capable of burnishing copper and brass cookware to a fine sheen. Today, challenge yourself to give your pots and pans a new lease on life by...
Be the first to comment 1 review 7 participants
Challenge

Take time to heel

If your Achilles tendon feels tight or you’re prone to foot injury generally, podiatrists recommend varying the heel height of your shoes on a daily basis. Apparently, even a half-inch of difference between heel heights can produce a different Achilles angle, thereby stretching the tendon...
4 comments 1 review 10 participants
Challenge

Freeze please

Most of us don’t immediately think “freezer” when we call to mind natural foods. But frozen foods are a fact of life that’s here to stay, and they can be a busy person’s best friend at weekday dinnertimes without compromising quality. Today, challenge yourself to use your...
3 comments 3 reviews 14 participants
Challenge

Thaw laws

Buying meat in bulk form can save you money, allowing more budget for sustainably and organically raised varieties. (One option is to join a natural meat cooperative and share the cost with other families.) However, all meat must be handled, frozen, and thawed safely and hygienically to avoid...
Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this 16 participants
Challenge

Reclaim the drain

Clogged kitchen or bathroom sink getting you down? There are now several options when it comes to unclogging drains—thankfully, many that don’t contain the toxic chemicals found in traditional plumbing agents. Today, challenge yourself to research options like commercial, enzyme-based de...
2 comments Be the first to rate this 10 participants
Challenge

Embrace eggplant

With its rich purple skin and sensual curves, eggplant, or aubergine, is one of nature’s most beautiful foods. But mishandling this tender vegetable can produce chewy results or a bitter flavor. Whether you go for something simple like lightly salted, broiled eggplant, or dress it up with a...
1 comment 1 review 18 participants
Challenge

Bag it

Plastic bags might be an endangered species, but it still pays to reuse and recycle alongside reducing their use. Today, challenge yourself to use old plastic bags in creative new ways. Some tips:• Wrap around hands and knees for gardening protection.• Seal up paintbrushes mid-job to prevent drying...
6 comments 1 review 26 participants
Challenge

When opposites attract

It’s one of the paradoxes — and truisms — of cooking: Opposite flavors can work wonders on the palate, deepening a dish’s flavor with competing tastes. Today, challenge yourself to think about pairings that complement each other by marrying savory with sweet, or sweet with...
Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this 9 participants
Challenge

Don't sweat the small stuff

Anyone with baby bottles, kids’ kitchen paraphernalia, bento box-ware, or just a penchant for small utensils will appreciate this tip: Instead of loading tiny bottle caps, pacifiers, teaspoons, or other “smallware” into your dishwasher’s conventional rack system — where...
2 comments Be the first to rate this 12 participants
Challenge

Cross Cuisines

Using leftovers is key to running an efficient, cost-effective kitchen. But can you marry last night’s Mexican fajitas with French frisée to create an edible dinner? In a word, yes! Today, challenge yourself to think of tasty new ways to use up what you’ve already cooked. Here are some...
2 comments 1 review 10 participants
Challenge

Get keyed up

Find yourself futilely searching for the right keys to door or car each day? You can streamline your key organization system cheaply and easily by marking keys with different colored nail polish. It’s a great way to help keep tracks of spare sets, too, and increase efficiency and safety in...
Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this 14 participants
Challenge

Create cafe culture

Had a hot drink lately? Enjoying a warm beverage is a lovely way to take a moment for yourself (or welcome a guest). Plus, it’s relaxing, hydrating, and can keep hunger at bay, too. Today, challenge yourself to embrace this age-old siesta stand-by. Hot chocolate, apple and vanilla-infused...
7 comments 1 review 43 participants
Challenge

Penny or quarter for your tread?

Think you might be ready for new car tires, but you’re not sure? Used to be, you could check the depth of your tread by sticking a penny into a tire groove with Lincoln’s head pointing in. Now, experts are saying we should switch from Lincoln to Washington, and use a quarter instead (the...
3 comments Be the first to rate this 22 participants
Challenge

Make an indoor recycling station

Piles of paper, crumpled cans, earthy-smelling leftovers—if your recycling area is anything like ours, it could use an overhaul! Recycling and composting is the right thing to do, and you can optimize your storage so that waiting for “trash” day isn’t so painful. Today...
1 comment Be the first to rate this 17 participants
Challenge

Train toward time

For some people, working out daily creates a frequent, renewable motivator. For others, it presents yet another chance to fail (and, later, give up entirely). If you fall in the latter group, try setting a weekly workout goal in minutes instead. Today, challenge yourself to enjoy the first...
5 comments 1 review 44 participants
Challenge

Look to plants for Omega-3s

Fish isn’t the only source of these healthful, essential fatty acids. Algae, flaxseed, chia—yes, the basis of the infamous Chia Pet—and walnuts are good, plant-based alternatives. Today, challenge yourself to find ways to incorporate these natural nutrient-givers into your diet...
2 comments 2 reviews 21 participants
Challenge

Get cooking

It’s a simple idea, but surprisingly hard for folks with busy lifestyles to implement: Why start from scratch when there’s a shortcut available? Answer: Because food you cook yourself can be as natural—and naturally tasty—as you want it to be. Scratch cooking is also a great...
6 comments 1 review 18 participants
Challenge

Tap into trays

Trays of all types are a boon to organizers. Not only do they add style to your home and come in many sizes and materials, they catch drips or spills; pull together loose, disparate shelf items; and keep things where you need them so you don’t lose track of what you have. Today, challenge...
2 comments 1 review 12 participants
Challenge

Banish boredom

Tiring of those long, often mind-numbing workouts? Try breaking up your routine into smaller segments. If you normally set out on a 45-minute jog, try running intervals instead. Trade flat ground for hill charges. Insert plyometrics like jumping squats, push-ups, or sit-ups into the middle of your...
4 comments Be the first to rate this 13 participants
Challenge

Fasten your flavonoids

Thought you could only get these awesome, heart-friendly antioxidants from green and black tea or red wine? Turns out, there are a host of options for consuming more of these good-for-you plant pigments. Today, challenge yourself to feast on flavonoids by adding the following foods to your diet...
4 comments 1 review 37 participants
Challenge

Everything and the kitchen sink

Does your sink area look like a rummage sale—for kitchenware? Here are some simple steps for organizing and beautifying one of the busiest areas of your home. Plus, keeping track of what you have ensures that you only buy what you need, and waste less. Today, challenge yourself to spruce up...
2 comments Be the first to rate this 13 participants
Challenge

Perfect your pancakes

Whole-grain hotcakes are one of our favorite breakfasts, but the mess that goes along with making them isn’t. Here’s a great way to recast a standard kitchen item as a partner in pancake making: Today, challenge yourself to clean out an old ketchup squeeze bottle and use it to squeeze...
1 comment 1 review 26 participants
Challenge

Help yourself to harissa

Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia can lay claim to harissa, a delicious sauce made of chili peppers, tomatoes, and spices. But many people beyond North Africa enjoy it as an alternative to salsa, hot sauce, and ketchup. Today, challenge yourself to whip up a simple harissa for use as an appetizer or...
1 comment 1 review 7 participants
Challenge

Freshen stale bread

Here’s a trick the French have applied to old baguettes for un longtemps: If you have an ice cube and a toaster or oven, you can give a stale loaf a new lease on life. Today, challenge yourself to make that loaf last longer. First, rub an ice cube (or drizzle water) across the crust to moisten...
Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this 11 participants
Challenge

Protect your produce

The crisper can be a dangerous place for tender fruit that needs refrigeration. (We like leaving it on the countertop for the most part, but sometimes weather and ripeness demands refrigeration.) Your savior? Bubble wrap! Today, challenge yourself to recycle a layer of protective plastic in your...
2 comments Be the first to rate this 9 participants
Challenge

Go nuts for cheese

Thought nut “cheese” was for vegans only? Think again! Nut cheese can be a delicious, nutritious addition to your cooking arsenal. Nut cheeses are based on many different nuts, including cashews, macadamia, and almonds. Exotic additions like dulse, hemp, and algae make for interesting...
3 comments 4 reviews 23 participants
Challenge

When roses go bananas

Raising roses? Save on fertilizer costs by reusing something you have around the house anyway: banana peels. Roses benefit from bananas’ potassium, which helps them thrive and stave off disease. Today, challenge yourself by chopping up the peels and adding them to your compost, or just tucking...
1 comment Be the first to rate this 10 participants
Challenge

Do something you dislike

Sticking to your favorite workouts is fine, for the most part. But it sure doesn’t shake things up when you need new inspiration! Trying something you either don’t like or don’t think you’ll enjoy is a good way to open your mind and keep your options open. Today, challenge...
2 comments Be the first to rate this 23 participants
Challenge

Noodle around with salad

Salad getting old? Liven up this veggie-packed stand-by by adding either warm or room-temperature noodles. Soba, bow-tie, penne, macaroni—all make great additions to salads. And by using whole-wheat varieties—except for soba, which is buckwheat-based—you get some wholesome whole...
3 comments Be the first to rate this 8 participants
Challenge

Good egg (slicer)

Egg slicers aren’t just a handy tool for cutting tidy portions of hardboiled eggs; they’re also a kitchen appliance superstar! This trusty multitasker is great for slicing Mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, and strawberries, too. Today, challenge yourself to use this—and other...
Be the first to comment 1 review 14 participants
Challenge

Rethink your rice cooker

Thought your trusty countertop standby was only good for perfect brown rice? Think again. Most machines can make dishes as varied as oatmeal, steamed vegetables, risotto, soups, beans, stews, and—surprise!—poached fruit. Today, challenge yourself to get out that user manual and test a...
1 comment 1 review 15 participants
Challenge

Neat Frites

French fries are the downfall of many aspiring healthy eaters. Next time your salty tooth tempts you, try baking up a batch of homemade French fries that are just as delicious but significantly leaner than the standard processed variety. Today, challenge yourself to tweak your treat by:• Slicing up...
7 comments 1 review 24 participants
Challenge

Make over your mac

Who doesn’t love a heaping helping of mac ‘n cheese on a cold winter’s day? Okay, there may be a few naysayers, but for the rest of us, mac ‘n cheese qualifies as a mouthwatering splurge. But can it be a regular comfort food? Yes—with a few changes. Today, challenge...
4 comments Be the first to rate this 17 participants
Challenge

Rescue a piece of rubbish

From broken bookshelves and battery-less toys to ripped curtains and rundown rugs, most of our garages and closets are stuffed with damaged discards that can, with a little bit of help, be given a new lease on life! Today, challenge yourself to find something in your home that can be rehabilitated...
10 comments 2 reviews 29 participants
Challenge

Better your breading

From fried chicken to fish ‘n chips, breading is a go-to way to add texture and hearty satisfaction to a meal. Yet, traditional breading can add fat and excess calories. Today, challenge yourself to try your favorite coatings with a better breading instead. You can make your own by grinding up...
8 comments 1 review 16 participants
Challenge

Get the green in

Parents around the country lament picky kids’ unwillingness to eat their veggies. You can help prevent nutritional deficits by sneaking in a little green stuff in creative ways. Today, challenge yourself to try some of the following tips:• Freeze pureed kale into ice cube trays. Use the...
12 comments Be the first to rate this 21 participants
Challenge

Go to pot holders

These handy cushions are not only a necessity for natural cooks, they’re a safety measure to prevent burns. If yours are forever out of grasp or falling behind a hot stove, take steps to keep yours close at hand. Today, challenge yourself to magnetize your trusty protective cloth by cutting a...
Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this 16 participants
Challenge

Put a cork in it

Cork is truly one of nature’s miracle materials. Since it comes from the outer bark of cork oak trees, it’s natural and renewable. Flexible and supple, it can be cut, stacked, sculpted, glued, stitched, and even painted to produce pretty, crafty results. Today, challenge yourself to...
6 comments Be the first to rate this 16 participants
Challenge

Learn CPR

What better way to celebrate American Heart Month than by learning CPR? It really doesn’t take much a time and the rewards are substantial. What you learn in a short afternoon class could enable you to revive a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. Today, find a CPR class in your area and sign...
17 comments Be the first to rate this 61 participants
Challenge

Light an orange

Beautiful and fragrant, orange votives are an elegant way to use the skin of a succulent fruit for more than composting. Similar in design to your standard candlelit Halloween pumpkin, Josh and Brent’s innovation sheds citrusy light on the challenge of fresh party lighting. Today, challenge...
18 comments 1 review 152 participants
Challenge

Read a book in a new genre

Are you a fan of mystery novels or biographies? Whatever books you favor, it’s good to occasionally break out of your habit and discover something new. The next time you buy a book, challenge yourself to select one in a genre you don’t usually read.
5 comments Be the first to rate this 31 participants
Challenge

Visualize yourself healthy

Practiced by athletes to improve sports performance, mental conditioning can also work for overcoming everyday stress and improving health. What is it, exactly? A practice based on four core techniques that include relaxation, imagery, goal setting, and positive thinking. Sound familiar now...
8 comments 1 review 65 participants
Challenge

Get creative

Do you have something you're planning on throwing away? Or, perhaps you have stuff that sits in your closets untouched. During the next 24 hours, challenge yourself to find creative uses for stuff that's just lying around your house.
4 comments Be the first to rate this 16 participants
Challenge

Miss no miso

Love miso soup? Why not try it for breakfast, as they do in Japan? Packed with protein, it’s a great choice as part of a balanced breakfast. Options abound for all skill levels, ranging from add-boiling-water instant packets to miso paste you make into soup yourself. If you're watching your salt...
9 comments 2 reviews 56 participants
Challenge

Pump up your yoga practice

Yoga is all about discipline, but there are no limits when it comes to enjoying different traditions. Ashtanga fan? Try Iyengar. Into Bikram? Check out Kundalini. When it comes to yoga, options abound! Today, challenge yourself to sign up for a new type of yoga. Widen your yoga experience...
22 comments Be the first to rate this 51 participants
Challenge

Join or start a community garden

Shared gardens embody neighborhood pride, locally grown foods and flowers, and are an ideal way to bond with your community (not to mention learn from more experienced gardeners about what grows well in your climate). Today, challenge yourself to find out about community gardens in your area.
4 comments Be the first to rate this 7 participants
Challenge

Take advantage of technology

Imagine it: A flat screen integrated into your fridge that offers tips on eating cleanly, or smart tips folded into relevant text messages. Possible? Yes, but currently only in prototype form. Product designers are conceiving new technologies for delivering information about healthy eating as we...
5 comments Be the first to rate this 17 participants
Challenge

Rethink your leftovers

So, you’ve mastered making extras for leftovers, but somehow you can’t stomach another night of lentil stew or roast chicken. What’s next? Add to your repertoire with recipes designed to incorporate leftovers from other meals. Stews, soups, foccacia sandwiches… these dishes and many more rely on...
6 comments Be the first to rate this 18 participants
Challenge

Make lipstick last longer

Those pesky tubes! Who doesn’t get to the bottom of a lipstick tube, only to find there is still a trove of color left in the bottom and no way to get it on your lips? Today, challenge yourself to get your makeup money’s worth by making a “painter’s” palette out of all your end-of-tube favorites...
8 comments 1 review 23 participants
Challenge

Plant a flower on your plate

Edible blooms and floral herbal infusions are appearing in all sorts of foods these days. From exotic herbs like apple and chocolate mint to hibiscus and rosemary, flowering herbs are surprisingly adaptable to savory and sweet dishes – and even cocktails. Today, challenge yourself to gild the lily...
4 comments Be the first to rate this 11 participants
Challenge

Think small

Often, we’re so busy aiming high – and big – that we forget how motivating it can be to set smaller, more realistic goals. Instead of cycling for an hour, try 15 minutes. Or, climb one set of stairs instead of three. Setting more doable goals not only increases chances of success, it is more likely...
10 comments Be the first to rate this 65 participants
Challenge

Make your own laundry detergent

Commercial sudsy stuff can cost 30 cents per load – or more, depending on brand and outlet. Homemade, on the other hand, can run as little as 3 cents! Best of all, when you make it yourself you control the ingredients, which allows you to aim for better home air quality, less paper packaging waste...
22 comments 2 reviews 115 participants
Challenge

Preach the principles of Parkour

Developed by French urban warriors, Parkour is the art of using your body to help you overcome obstacles wherever you are. Parkour aficionados leap over walls, scale fences, run freely through the streets, and generally use their bodies as efficiently – and primally – as they can. Borrowing some of...
1 comment Be the first to rate this 28 participants
Challenge

Stash your trash

How much trash does a person produce each day? Want to find out? Today, instead of throwing out everything you use (e.g. coffee cups, water bottles, fast food wrappers, egg cartons, plastic bags from produce), challenge yourself to carry around a sack with all of your trash inside. You’ll be...
12 comments Be the first to rate this 51 participants
Challenge

Choose your workout wear

Cold winter mornings have you choosing hibernation over exercise? Lay out your workout clothes the night before a chilly morning workout. Not only will it help you follow through with your plans, it will also save you time. Today, challenge yourself to pick out tomorrow’s outfit. _Always...
10 comments Be the first to rate this 36 participants
Challenge

Embrace off-season activities

Exercisers: Why not try something completely different? If it’s chilly outside, warm yourself with a dip in the indoor pool. If it’s raining too hard to go for your run, find an indoor track. Love your weekly tennis matches but the snow’s got you down? Find some indoor courts…or try out ping pong...
4 comments 1 review 36 participants
Challenge

Reluctant veggie? Go “flexitarian”

If you love the flavor of meat but want to eat less of it for nutritional reasons, try going “flexitarian.” Simply put, flexitarians mainly eat a plant-based diet, however they occasionally eat fish, chicken, and meat dishes. Today, challenge yourself to eat like this for a day or plan on doing it...
47 comments Be the first to rate this 113 participants
Challenge

Do something you’d rather avoid

Not a green thumb? Plant a tree. Hate getting wet? Sing in the rain. Is there something you just can’t stand the idea of doing? Today, make an effort to face up to your fears, misgivings, or repulsions by giving something you dislike a second chance. Although you may not always end up embracing it...
20 comments Be the first to rate this 72 participants
Challenge

Push yourself

Here’s a just-move-it idea: Do a push-up for every snack you sample today. Not only will marking your indulgences make each choice a more mindful one, you’ll enjoy the benefits of increasing your strength push-up by push-up! Today, challenge yourself to start this program with a double set...
8 comments 1 review 79 participants
Challenge

Resist it

Resistance bands are a handy, affordable way to bring your workout with you, and can be used to work your whole body. They’re a real boon in wintertime, when bad weather often makes outdoor activities difficult. Today, challenge yourself to pick up a band (or two) in light, medium, or heavy...
2 comments 1 review 25 participants
Challenge

Have some heart on Valentine’s Day

How many trees are felled to make those glossy, glittery valentines every schoolkid exchanges each year? Answer: Too many. Fortunately, there are fun, from-the-heart alternatives. Today, challenge yourself to show someone you care with one of the following green “love” ideas: • Homemade baked...
8 comments Be the first to rate this 52 participants
Challenge

Switch night and day

If you’re normally a nighttime workout maven, consider switching to morning or midday workouts as the days shorten. Why? Not only can it provide a physical boost as you try something a little different physiologically, it can also help keep things fresh psychologically. Plus, studies show people...
2 comments Be the first to rate this 29 participants
Challenge

Embrace isometric

Can you fit exercise into your leisure time this winter? In a word, yes! If sit-ups during a football game intermission are not your style, try isometric movements like flexing your abdominals or glutes instead – nobody but you will ever know. Today, challenge yourself to perform isometric moves...
9 comments Be the first to rate this 123 participants
Challenge

Make it minty

Mint is a fresh invigorating flavor to pair with winter desserts and beverages. Today, challenge yourself to add a sprig of green to your menu. Some ideas: • Cranberries with mint • Mint tea with honey
9 comments 1 review 77 participants
Challenge

Wrap it up...responsibly

Discarded newspaper, comic strips, clean used aluminum foil, notepaper...there are many ways to wrap a gift attractively without using new paper. This weekend, challenge yourself to create the ultimate reusable gift-wrap box. Here are some tips to get you started: • Fill the box with scraps like...
8 comments Be the first to rate this 90 participants
Challenge

Spruce up your centerpiece

The edible dining table centerpiece is a brilliant idea: beautiful, colorful whole foods right at your fingertips. Not only does it provide an esthetic link to the season’s bounty, but it reminds diners of healthier options when it comes to snacking and desserts. Today, challenge yourself to do...
3 comments Be the first to rate this 65 participants
Challenge

Props to you

Crave an impromptu yoga, Pilates or strength workout but have no props? No problem. If all that’s standing between you and an at-home workout is a dumbbell, block or stretchy band, you can improvise safely and get a great workout to boot. Today, challenge yourself to do an impromptu...
5 comments Be the first to rate this 120 participants
Challenge

Infuse your water with flavor

First it was vitamin-enhanced, flavored water. Now herb- and fruit-infused water is all the rage. These refreshing concoctions elevate water from ho-hum to hooray (they’re a great choice for parties or showers, too). Today, challenge yourself to make some homemade infused water. Here are some...
15 comments 1 review 61 participants
Challenge

Expand your sport horizons

Women: Ever thought about trying a traditionally male-dominated sport? Pastimes like football, hockey and rugby can be rewarding – and are attracting more women all the time. If spreading your wings athletically is important to you, today challenge yourself to do some research and find a league...
1 comment Be the first to rate this 22 participants
Challenge

Try non-contact boxing

Non-contact fitness boxing is great exercise. Plus, it doesn’t require fancy choreography and it’s great fun. Offered at health clubs and gyms everywhere, it can also be practiced in front of the mirror at home (assuming you’ve studied up on proper form, of course). This month, challenge yourself...
8 comments Be the first to rate this 11 participants
Challenge

Suggest a simple living idea

Everyone has something valuable to teach. And it’s fun to get new ideas from others, right? Since we’re all thinking about simplifying our lives this month, let’s see how many ideas we can collect here. Today, challenge yourself to think about ways you’d like to simplify your life. Then, write...
33 comments 2 reviews 45 participants
Challenge

Have a tomato sauce tasting

We’ve all heard of wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting, but can you do the same with tomato sauce? You bet. Whether you host a saucy bash or you simply line up your family for a blind taste test, there’s fun to be had by sampling a selection of all-natural, store-bought tomato sauces. This...
8 comments Be the first to rate this 10 participants
Challenge

Gift creatively

Next time you want to show a loved one you care with a gift, try making something yourself. Not only will you likely reuse materials already in circulation, but the recipient will appreciate the effort. Some ideas: • Make a scrapbook or photo album • Knit a scarf, hat, or bag • Paint a photo...
12 comments 1 review 42 participants
Challenge

Upgrade so-so sewing skills

If a button is beyond you and your wardrobe’s the worse for it, get yourself a needle, thread, and thimble and go at it; you may surprise yourself. Although many of us never graduate beyond reattaching buttons, challenging yourself to refurbish clothing will make you feel terrific. _(When...
5 comments Be the first to rate this 13 participants
Challenge

Hang a nutrition goal

Some people find hanging a positive goal on the fridge or a mirror really inspiring. Today, try it out. Write down – or print out – a positive health or nutrition goal and put it someplace visible. It doesn’t take much to inspire healthier daily choices.
13 comments Be the first to rate this 35 participants
Challenge

Host a vegetarian potluck

Potlucks are an excellent opportunity to experience new dishes while you spend time with friends. They’re also great for expanding your recipe collection. Some tips for a successful event: • Have everyone bring printouts of their recipes, or upload them to a group website. • Photograph the...
5 comments 1 review 6 participants
Challenge

Hem away your day

Tall folks aside, most of us spend considerable amounts of cash hemming and tailoring too-long trousers. Shortening pants is a useful skill and a solid building block for more complicated tailoring. Plus, being self-sufficient feels great. Since sewing clubs are springing up in cities nationwide...
4 comments Be the first to rate this 7 participants
Challenge

Write a nutrition manifesto

What do you want to commit to nutrition-wise? Do you often say to yourself "I should eat more fruits and veggies" and then find it difficult to follow-through? Sometimes writing down your goals is all it takes to make them a reality. Today, write out your eating goals and post them some place where...
12 comments Be the first to rate this 24 participants
Challenge

Start a scrapbook of family recipes

Collecting family recipes puts you in touch with your history. It’s also a great way to preserve a food legacy for your children and to get in touch with people you might not have talked with for a while. This month, challenge yourself to identify people in your family who might have access to...
9 comments Be the first to rate this 23 participants
Challenge

Tour an organic farm

Visiting an organic farm can be an exhilarating experience for children and adults alike. Many tours focus on sustainability, education, and farming best practices. And some even end the day with a meal cooked with the farm’s freshest produce. This weekend, challenge yourself to find an organic...
6 comments Be the first to rate this 4 participants
Challenge

Fit in knitting

Who hasn’t watched a knitter calmly sitting for hours on a plane or in a queue, creating something homemade and lovely? Recently, knitting is enjoying a renaissance, and classes and social groups abound. Challenge yourself to learn this meditative and useful hobby. (When logging progress for...
10 comments 1 review 11 participants
Challenge

Join the circus

Many of us dream of flying. Make it reality with a turn on the trapeze. Circus arts programs are springing up around the country, but if they’re not available in your town check vacation destinations for trapeze facilities. Challenge yourself to make that dream come true. (Craving moral support...
2 comments Be the first to rate this 3 participants
Challenge

Have an album-athon

The digitization of music has a dark side: When did you last listen to an entire album? Today, challenge yourself to find a piece of music that you haven’t heard in a while and listen to it straight through without skipping songs or stopping halfway. You might discover old songs sound new in a...
6 comments Be the first to rate this 15 participants
Challenge

Get to know wildflowers

Can you identify the wildflowers you see on hikes or local wanderings? Learning the names of flowers – and interesting facts about the way they grow and pollinate – is a rewarding pastime that takes your mind off how far you’re walking. Challenge yourself to grab a book about local blooms and hit...
7 comments Be the first to rate this 6 participants
Challenge

Turn off your TV

Besides leaving you free to take a walk, meditate, read, cook or socialize, a TV-free life means you save energy and feel like you did something truly rejuvenating. This week, join people across the country during “TV Turnoff Week” and challenge yourself to find other ways to entertain yourself in...
25 comments Be the first to rate this 54 participants
Challenge

Make a dog’s day

If you love dogs and want to keep active, why not spend some time volunteering at a local shelter or humane society? Many facilities have programs that enable you to take homeless dogs for a walk, which not only benefits them but keeps you moving too. Challenge yourself to take a dog – and yourself...
7 comments Be the first to rate this 7 participants
Challenge

Hop onto the trampoline

An easy and exhilarating way to see what your body can do when it isn’t limited by gravity. Take a trampoline class to master basic moves. By day’s end most students are tucked into a harness and encouraged to try forward and back flips. Challenge yourself – or a group – to overcome inertia and go...
2 comments Be the first to rate this 3 participants
Challenge

Monkey around at the playground

When was the last time you slid down the slide? Or hung on the monkey bars? You may be surprised that lots of these activities leave you puffing after a few tries. Bring a kid along for inspiration or invite a friend to see who can swing higher. Challenge yourself to be childish – in a good way...
1 comment Be the first to rate this 2 participants
Challenge

Find your home's inner gym

Opportunities for getting active abound right at home. So don’t wait for a convenient time or place; Challenge yourself to get moving, using your everyday surroundings as a springboard for action. Here are some ideas: • Do a wall sit • Do leaning push-ups every time you walk by a countertop •...
6 comments Be the first to rate this 19 participants
Challenge

Get into dodge

Finally, something you learned in school that you can use in real life. Dodgeball is great for grown-up play and fun family events (with a few rules to keep things in check, like throwing below the waist only). Challenge yourself to gather a group on a school playground or field, then throw a ball...
1 comment Be the first to rate this 1 participant
Challenge

Get rolling

Once reserved for teenage boys, skateboarding is now for anyone daring enough to try it. It can be intimidating at first, so take it slow with a test run on a flat sidewalk before you hit the street. And be sure to wear a helmet and elbow/knee pads. As you gain confidence, challenge yourself to run...
2 comments Be the first to rate this 2 participants
Challenge

Jump Double Dutch style

There’s a reason some of the fittest athletes in the world jump rope as part of their regimens – it works. But kids do because it’s good old-fashioned fun. Double Dutch requires extra coordination and concentration, so you’ll completely forget you’re engaging in a heart-health activity. Challenge...
Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this 1 participant
Challenge

Keep the world beautiful

Show your love for public parks, beaches and hiking trails: Call your local parks department to join a volunteer clean-up program. You’ll have an active day while meeting like-minded folks and helping the community. Bring friends or family to make the experience even more meaningful. Challenge...
3 comments Be the first to rate this 2 participants
Challenge

Go vegan for a day

Ever wonder what it’d be like to be a vegan? Do you think living without meat or animal products would be impossible? Today, challenge yourself by putting your ideas to the test. Try a vegan diet for one day. Really embrace what this means by learning something about why vegans choose their...
45 comments 3 reviews 125 participants
Challenge

Make pasta from scratch

Ever wonder what it’d be like to make pasta from scratch? Although it’s not difficult, it can be somewhat time-consuming. But there are so many benefits! To start, because homemade pasta is made with eggs (and whole grain flour, if you choose), it’s more nutritious than store-bought varieties...
12 comments 1 review 50 participants
Challenge

Care for your skin naturally

Before cosmetics companies existed, people cared for their skin using mother nature’s bounty. With a little extra effort, you can find lots of natural ingredients to scrub, tone, and moisturize your skin. And you don’t have to spend a fortune either. Today, experiment with ingredients in your...
23 comments 1 review 77 participants
Challenge

Throw an olive oil tasting party

Did you know that in the Northern Hemisphere (where the majority of the world's olive oil is produced) the olive harvest season starts in the fall? As a result, your best chance of getting fresh olive oil is during this time of the year. This month, take advantage of the new harvest by inviting...
2 comments Be the first to rate this 6 participants
Challenge

Take the first step

It might be a cliché, but it's still true — sometimes the first step is the hardest. Today, tackle that inner barrier and take that first step. Whether it's opening a savings account, buying a sketchbook, or signing up for a class. Whatever your dream is, take the first small step towards achieving...
8 comments Be the first to rate this 40 participants

5 Recipes

5 Recipes found

Tofu Satay with Peanut Sauce

Be the first to comment 1 review
Tofu replaces meat in this updated version of Thai satay. Serve on their own as an appetizer or with Kashi® 7 Whole Grain Pilaf or brown rice and a cucumber salad for a main course.

Grilled Za’atar Chicken

Be the first to comment 3 reviews
Za'atar is a delicious spice mixture used in the Middle East to sprinkle over breads, fresh cheeses and meats. Here you can use it in a chicken marinade with yogurt, garlic and lemon juice.

Chilled Ginger & Lemon-Bergamot Stoned Fruit Soup...

Be the first to comment Be the first to rate this
Makes 4 servings.

Heart to Heart® Waffle "Bruschetta" With Roasted...

2 comments 1 review
Makes 4 servings.

Homemade “Pickles” Made With Assorted Heirloom...

3 comments 2 reviews
Yield: 1 16 oz. Mason Jar. About 2 servings.