As we long to crawl our way out of the winter months, let's take a moment to stop, wallow a bit (in the best sense of the word) and appreciate one great comfort to come from the ground this chilly time of year: Root vegetables. Hardy and versatile, flavorful and unique, root veggies hold up to all kinds of cooking and can be done both simply or exquisitely. And the blogosphere is rife with creative expressions of the humble root vegetable. Here are just a few ways to get rooted this Meatless Monday. 

According to the Organic Trade Association, U.S. sales of organic food and beverages have risen from $1 billion in 1990 to nearly $27 billion in 2010. The benefits of organics can't be overstated: From flavor and quality to free of pesticides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers and genetically modified ingredients, there's no question that organic is here to stay. But despite the booming industry, access to organic food is not always the easiest. So perhaps you might consider moving closer to one of these top nine cities for the organic lifestyle.

Many of us have been told since infancy to drink our milk to grow up and have strong, healthy bones. But milk isn’t the only way to get this vital mineral in your diet. A number of vegetables, legumes and even fruits are rich in calcium, and they also offer a more robust portfolio of minerals and nutrients within. Check out these seven non-dairy sources of calcium that have been scientifically proven to supply long-term bone health.

My first brush with parsnips was unfortunate. A well-meaning babysitter, attempting to fulfill my request for a whole peeled carrot as a snack (I was raised in a household where this was a normal request), rummaged through the vegetable bin, pulled out something that resembled a white carrot, peeled it and handed it to me. I ate it -- she told me not to waste food -- but I did not enjoy it. Luckily, once I reached adulthood, I decided to give parsnips another chance... and I fell in love.

While many countries around the world have serious bans or restrictions on genetically modified foods, the U.S. has none, but not if Pamm Larry has anything to say about it. She is the force behind the LabelGMOs campaign aiming to give Californians the right to have foods containing GMOs labeled.

When you are struggling to grow past a bad experience in your life and leave it behind you, everyone will have the same advice:

“You have to let go.”

“You need to move on.”

Everyone can tell you what to you, but nobody can tell you how to do it. How exactly does one “let go” of emotions that course through the body, saturate the spirit and even inform one’s identity?

Mashed potatoes are one of the most versatile side dishes: perfect with stews, roast chicken or even on all on their luscious own. But as winter trudges on, I start looking for ways to perk up my favorite purée... and perhaps add a few extra vitamins to the starchy side! Whether you're looking for something new and different or trying to hide veggies in a friendly form for picky kids, here are three great alternatives to mashed potatoes.

It’s at the end of many ingredient lists in processed food: “natural flavor.” But what substances fall under this benign label? What natural sources are they extracted from? If you shop in the center aisles of the grocery store, chances are those natural flavor ingredients came from an unexpected source and spent some time being swished around in a beaker.

Everyone knows about the bright red Bloody Mary, the most famous vegetable cocktail in the world that you can even get away with drinking for breakfast, thanks to its healthy properties. But did you know that vegetable cocktails come in almost every color of the rainbow?

While vegetables and alcohol might at first seem to be an unlikely pair, in reality the juxtaposition of savory and spirited provides a fresh slap of flavor that will wake up your taste buds.

Throughout the week you diligently placed your used glass, aluminum, steel, plastic and paper items into your recycling bin. No junk mail got tossed in the trash. No wine bottle went astray. And you even remembered to set your bin on the curb ON pick-up day (yes!).

You have the consumer recycling procedure down pat. But does a meticulous recycler like you ever wonder what actually happens to your recycling after it leaves your bin?

Craving a space-enhancing island for your kitchen? What about an entertainment center for your living area? Look no further for your furniture needs than a forgotten dresser. With a little do-it-yourself lovin’ you can transform an old dresser into the functional furniture item of your choice.

You're taking big steps, maybe even some huge strides: You're shopping at local, seasonal, taking care to buy organic... maybe you've even started using homemade household cleaners. But what about your skin? Unless you were a chemistry major, about half of the ingredients on your body wash container probably make no sense to you... luckily, that's an easy thing to change.

Romantic getaways are always desirable no matter the time of year. But come February, couples retreats are in high demand. Everyone wants to hop on a plane (lots of fuel!), buy a box of chocolates (saturated fats!) and purchase a bouquet of roses (pesticides!) for their sweetie. In reality (and sarcastic parenthesis aside), couples retreats can be a tad expensive and not-so sustainable. Green options and eco hotels do exist, though. With a little research and a few Google searches, any eco-enthusiast can find some suitable destinations.

We are list-heavy this week on From Our Friends! This jam-packed installment includes information on foods you should never buy, foods to jump-start your metabolism, and foods Michael Pollan will never eat. Between those and some great posts from MightyNest and Experience Life, your Friday lunch break will go by like that! Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

Fettuccine Alfredo is a guilty pleasure for anyone indulging in the traditional butter and cheese-laden pasta dish. It’s incredibly thick and creamy, oozing with comfort and warmth. In this completely dairy-free version, a butter-less roux and pumpkin puree are called upon to make an Alfredo sauce no less pleasing or comforting. This wholesome entrée is packed with leafy greens and antioxidant-rich pumpkins, with just a hint of indulgence. Try it out on a nippy night with a side of roasted veggies and a Belgian ale or a chilled fruity white wine.

We’ve all heard stories about people who live without spending money. You’re probably thinking, “Yeah. I know someone who lives without money. My mother’s friend’s son lives in her basement. I’m pretty sure he lives for free.” This isn't that type of story.