If your spicytooth seems to have gotten stronger recently, you're not alone. It appears our taste for hot and spicy foods is on the increase.

A natural extracts specialty firm, Kalsec, has developed a new heat index way of measuring the use of hot peppers in food production. Evaluating more than 2,400 restaurant menus in the U.S., the group found that since 2009, the heat index has grown 21 percent—with an 8 percent increase in 2012. Hot and spicy retail products increased by 16 percent.

I was traveling around the far coastline on an island in Indonesia, and stopped at the equivalent of a seaside rest stop for a lunch break. Diving into my box lunch of fried rice, fried plantains and fried chicken, my clumsy nature took hold and I dumped the entire meal into my lap and onto the dirty concrete floor.

“FIVE SECOND RULE!” one of my companions screamed. “Don’t waste food,” she continued, “there’s nothing wrong with it if you pick it up and eat it now!”

For many of us, it is grass cutting season again--and that fact is not bringing joy into our lives.

Lawns first originated with the aristocracy in Europe and were a sign of wealth and status. The trend was transported to the Americas and is certainly still with us today. The lawn, and its rigorous care, is without a doubt one of the status symbols of the American suburbs.

Spring allergies got you down? You're not alone. But over-the-counter allergy remedies can leave you drowsy, not to mention over-medicated. Never fear: there is another -- all-natural -- solution to your allergy woes. And the best part? Most of the remedies are probably already in your home!

It's coming. This Saturday (May 25^th) the March Against Monsanto is happening. Across the globe, protest marches big and small will be going on in more than 40 countries. Here in the U.S., at least 38 states are participating.

Apartment dwellers already know that they have more than enough tools to create a fantastic kitchen garden, but as you get ready to make your selections for this summer's bounty, consider the fact that not only is a garden in your reach, but composting as well! Some may already have taken to apartment composting... but you can still take advantage of these fantastic tips to make apartment composting even easier!

Reuters recently reported that a group of executives from biotech giants including Monsanto, Dow Chemical and DuPont, are creating a campaign targeted at changing public opinion about genetically modified organisms. "The big biotech firms are still working out details of their plan, but it will likely have a large social media component," the company executives said. "The group will focus on conveying what it says are the many benefits of biotech crops."

We all need a retreat to escape to every once in a while. For those of us who can’t take off on a vacation very often, creating a refuge in your backyard can be its own kind of paradise. Consider creating a Zen garden for meditation and stress relief. Designate a section of your backyard or side yard to use. Choose a space away from noise and fence off the area to keep out children or pets. Even better, use a fence made of natural elements, like bamboo. After you clear the area of weeds and debris, you can start designing your garden. Planning is key, otherwise the space will feel out of balance—and that will affect your mood. Wherever you decide to put your garden, there are several basic structures to include for a serene space.

With the weather quickly turning from pleasant to steamy, I’m always looking for natural beauty products that are moisturizing and refreshing. And, hey, if I can make the beauty aid on my own, even better! DIY is the way to go because I love (love, love) knowing what I’m putting on my bod.

Have you been a crabby grump bucket lately? It’s probably because you haven’t been getting enough sleep. Sleep—or rather lack of it—affects so much of our waking lives. It messes with the quality of our work, our relationships and our happiness. Don’t let a lack of Zs make you grouchy and sluggish. Try these 10 natural (no sleeping pills here) tips to help you drift off.

Squash belong to two main families: winter squash, which is characterized by its hard shell, and summer squash, which has a soft, edible skin. Summer squash produces prolifically all summer long, providing plenty of starchy freshness for summertime barbeques, salads and breakfast breads. Winter squash has a longer growing season and requires ample growing space and warmth in the summer. However, growing winter squash is well worth the effort, as just a few squash can provide several pounds of food. Use our guide on how to grow squash and get squashed this gardening season! 

If you'd rather get stabbed with a pencil than sport a tank top these days, it's time for an arm-toning intervention. These moves will give you tight, sexy arms by sculpting muscles for sultry shape. What they won't do, however, is remove any fat from the region—no single exercise can accomplish that. To trim down excess bulge, you'll need to lose weight all over by eating fewer calories and fitting regular cardio workouts into your schedule. With a combination of weight loss and these super-effective toning moves, you'll want to show off your fabulous arms in no time. 

If you're an omnivore who loves a good steak, you probably already understand that grass-fed beef has more flavor than conventionally raised beef and is healthier.  You've probably also had a great aged steak at a steakhouse, but unless you have access to an uncommonly good butcher, you haven't been able to find or buy an aged, grass-fed steak—until now.

Dog lovers are a dedicated lot. We tend to treat our pups with the utmost care and spare no expense when it comes to our furry friends’ health and happiness. That’s why so many of us tend to buy all-natural and organic dog food and treats. If it’s good enough for us, it’s good enough for our wiggly, furry buds.

"If you eat, you're an investor." That's the motto of a startup called Credibles that aims to bring a crowdfunding model to all sorts of food businesses. 

Strawberries are popping up in local markets, but there are many more ways to enjoy these sweet treats than using them in desserts or eating them plain. We love the idea of using fruit in savory dishes, so give it a try with strawberries. There are many tasty ways to integrate this sexy, vitamin-rich fruit into your daily menus... particularly when it comes to Meatless Monday!