Although I try to eat a well-balanced healthy diet, I often feel a little lacking in the veggie department — do you? Bland foods bore my palate and I find some veggies a little on the dull side. If the lack of flavor is your issue, here are some easy, clever ways to spruce up your veggies for snacks or mealtime. Keep reading to learn how. Read more

If you think tequila is only good in margaritas, think again! The Mexican spirit is a wonderful base for all sorts of cocktails. In this recipe, tequila is paired with sweet strawberries, tart lemons, and fragrant mint. The method is adaptable: if you prefer a strong drink, use more tequila, and if you're partial to weak beverages, add more club soda. This refreshing cooler is the perfect way to Read more

If you've read any of my past candle reviews, you probably know that as much as I'm a candle fanatic, I'm also quite picky about what I light up in my home. The latest candle to come under my scrutiny is Tocca's Bianca Candle ($38). I've had good experiences with the luxury brand's beauty products in the past, but had never tried Tocca home fragrances. To begin, let's just say that Bianca had me Read more

Saying that lemons are a superfood is an understatement. Their medicinal properties are never ending and they add abundant flavor to a variety of dishes. Lemon juice is an excellent source of vitamins C and B, proteins, carbohydrates, and phosphorous. The flavanoids within the juice are said to contain antioxidants, which is why it's so useful in treating so many ailments and conditions. We've Read more

Whenever I get asked if I'm a morning person, I drift off for a moment, imagining my hands wrapped around a mug, sipping hot tea as I sit cross-legged in a cozy chair, watching the sunrise over the ocean. Then reality slaps me in the face, and I hesitate to say I'm a morning person. Forget the fantasy morning, because I've learned over the years to create my own morning ritual that helps me start Read more

Instead of serving a spirits-based specialty cocktail at my Californian Thanksgiving, I'll be pouring a wine-based drink that's garnished with icy grapes. The recipe is somewhat like sangria, but without the addition of liqueur. White wine is infused with fresh rosemary, mint, and lemon zest. It sits overnight until the wine has an aromatic herbal quality. It's a light, refreshing, and fruity Read more

Marie Veronique Nadeau is the kind of woman you want to chat up for hours. Not only is the former chemistry teacher practically (and naturally) wrinkle-free in her early 60s, but she's also a licensed esthetician and founder of Marie Veronique Organics, an eco-friendly line free of toxins, nanoparticles, and petroleum-based ingredients. And when I asked Marie for a few quick, easy, and natural Read more

Like us, YumSugar member thehungrytexan is trying to hold onto Summer. Case in point: she recently savored a lemon ice box pie. I'm still not ready to dive into Fall baking just yet, it's not near cold enough here! I made this lemon ice box pie to satisfy my sweet craving. Minimum baking required (or none at all if you use a premade crust!). Cool and creamy with lots of lemon tang, easy to make Read more

Normally, for a special occasion party like a bridal shower, I like to serve a specialty cocktail. But for my friend Melissa's upcoming shower, I'm making a specialty mocktail instead. Several of the guests are pregnant, and to include them in the fun I'll offer these berry-lemon sparklers. They consist of muddled berries with fresh lemon juice and a splash of seltzer for effervescence. For those Read more

Just because it's the middle of the week doesn't mean you can't enjoy a leisurely meal on the patio. On your way home from work, pick up some chicken pieces, tomatoes, and fresh bread. While the chicken marinates, prep the ingredients for the salad and pour yourself a glass of wine. Then when the grill is hot, toss the chicken on the grill and read a book, watch TV, or catch up with family as the Read more