Where does gelatin actually come from? Over 400 million boxes of Jell-O are sold every year, yet no one seems to know what the stuff is made of. Horse hooves? Pig ears? Roasted toenails? Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, you deserve to know. (Caution: you will get details).

Spring cleaning season is upon us. And if you’re like me, that kitchen could do with a good scrubbing. Oh winter procrastination. Time to break out the bleach, all-purpose cleaners and the Swiffer wet jet—sike. 

Those conventional cleaners contain dangerous chemicals and toxic substances—not exactly the stuff you want hanging around the space you use to whip up meals. Homemade cleaning concoctions made with natural ingredients can get the job done just as well, if not better.. All you need are a few common ingredients. You probably even already have them in your pantry, you eco-chick.

I thought that our recent foray into Natural Remedies for Constipation was an unsavory topic. How about we rival it with this here yeast infection? Many believe that yeast infections happen only to women, but men too can contract this itchier-than-god fungus that is unrelenting enough to drive a sane person to the brink of insanity. 

You know it's official when... you swap out your mug of hot tea for a tall, refreshing glass of iced tea. Well, it may not be official just yet, but how about we start manifesting by brewing ourselves the most badass iced tea imaginable? The weather will have no choice but to comply... or at least that hot yoga class could put you in the mood. 

This isn't your mama's Nestea, artificially flavored with loads of sugar and calories. This is Organic Authority style iced tea, made with two things in mind: Absolute deliciousness and pure health. 

Gorgeous skin: From adolescence on, it seems to be an issue. From 25 on, it takes on a whole new relevancy (or shall we say urgency). Whatever skincare you care about, keep it healthy. There's absolutely no reason why anyone should slather harmful, downright toxic chemicals onto their body - let alone their face! - in the name of beauty. These homemade recipes that blend natural ingredients into simple recipes that prove gorgeous can come from the kithcen cupboard... well, that's beautiful. 

Dogs are very nurturing animals, especially when it comes to their owners. You always hear about dogs saving their human companions, and the latest story to hit the headlines is about a dog who kept a missing boy safe, warm and alive when the little boy got lost in the woods. Another way dogs protect and save is by sniffing out and detecting diseases in humans.

It’s happened to us all at least once in the kitchen: you’ve decided on double chocolate brownies, and you’ve pulled out the eggs, the milk, the cocoa and the sugar. But wait, uh, baking powder, or baking soda? What if you only have one; are they interchangeable? And really, what the heck are they? Quick, now, only 30 minutes before movie night with the girls begins!

Asparagus tastes best - and is best for you! - when it's fresh, aka in season. So be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy its delicate flavor. Purchase a bundle from your local farmer's market during spring to ensure you get the freshest possible. Here are a few simple ways to dress it up. Enjoy!

You see both of them at Sur La Table, in friends’ kitchens, even in professional kitchens—both wooden and plastic cutting boards. But which is really better? The debate is as old as good versus evil itself: old, natural ways versus new, improved (and somewhat questionable) technologies. While each home cook has their preference, one actually is better than the other. Do you know which it is?

Oh the simplicity of ripping off a paper towel square, swiping up a mess and tossing the whole glob into the trash.

The ease of the paper towel can quickly overpower your eco-conscience until you unthinkingly grab for one after every little spill. Suddenly it means nothing to create mini mountains of used paper towels in your trashcan after every dusting session or bathroom cleaning.

Spring: It’s a word that traditionally invokes images of flowers blossoming, birds chirping and many glasses of wine being enjoyed outdoors. It’s also a season associated with fresh, vibrant foods that some of us have gone without for months; a time to say “goodbye” to hearty soups and “hello” to energizing dises and the refreshing wines that go with them.

Pomade, the stuff that keeps fly aways from flying away, wavy locks pieced into instant boho-chic, brings shine to all manner of hairdos and can get your short spikes sticking in just the right direction. But the search for the perfect hair product can be long and arduous - leaving many a drab-haired seeker weary and doubtful - especially a natural, organic one. 

Perhaps eating flowers hasn't earned its place in your diet... yet. A little more bizarre than appealing? But picture a salad of fresh spring greens, tossed with bright yellow and orange chrysanthemum petals. Or a beautiful spring cake, iced and garnished with sugared violets. The possibilities are beautiful, fresh and endless, even if the idea of edible flowers is a new one for you. Do we smell a possible convert?

That perfume you're wearing is poison. And chances are, so is your deodorant, shampoo, soap, lotion, those dangly car air fresheners, scented candles and incense, cleaning products, and laundry detergent. Artificial fragrance is everywhere--Axe Body Spray, Febreze, Calvin Klein's latest perfume-- but the effects are anything but artificial. In fact, those pseudo-scents may be making you, your family, and your pets pretty sick.

Normally, vices aren’t good for you… except when it comes to chocolate. Thank God! But with so many brands and confusing labels like organic, fair-trade, shade-grown and rainforest alliance, it’s hard to figure out which ones are best. We’ll break it down for you and tell you our favorite brands. That way when you’re playing Easter Bunny in a few weeks, you and the kids can break off the best squares. And enjoy!