Earth Day and Arbor Day happen the same week this year and these holidays always give me a lot to think about. Spring has sprung in Connecticut and I’ve been so happy clipping daffodils and tulips for our vases, watching the rose bushes begin to flutter back to life, and seeing the hosta spring from the garden beds. There is so much to celebrate and be grateful for! When I think of these Earth-centered holidays I am reminded how much I want to protect our Earth and it’s resources despite the fact that we are just one small family on this big planet. How can I make a difference when I am clearly incapable of planting a forest on my own, or abandoning driving a car forevermore?

I know I am not the only person who wonders this daily and today I am thrilled to share that our friends at Unilever have thought of a few solutions for us. Helping the planet can be as easy as going to Stop & Shop. Since I shop their regularly I was thrilled to participate in their Buy, Save, Plant program for Arbor Day 2017.

I almost called this an Easter cake but it really is so much more versatile than that. It is bright and cheery and perfect for spring. Yes, my children ate it for Easter, but it honestly could be served nearly any time of year. The best part is that the batter comes together in one bowl, which makes it convenient for anyone short on time or interest in doing dishes. I also was able to enlist the help of my 4 year old in making it to begin with – a fun project for both of us! Here is the recipe if you need a fun, quick recipe for this spring and summer. Enjoy!

I’ve recently come around to breakfast puddings for several reasons, not the least of which is that they can be prepared the day before. Though I don’t mind cooking breakfast, there is really something so easy about having it ready the second I come downstairs! One of my favorite flavors of pudding is the chocolate avocado chia pudding. It takes just a few ingredients: grassfed milk, avocado, raw cocoa, and chia seeds, vanilla, and honey, and you are all set.

Last month a super fun book arrived in the mail for me to peruse, Stirring up Fun with Food: Over 115 Simple, Delicious Ways to Be Creative in the Kitchen. Initially I figured it was just another celebrity cookbook, but upon further inspection I realized that it is not just a just-for-kicks publishing project. This book is, in fact, amazingly cool and features terrific recipes for families. Sarah Michelle’s whole premise is making food fun for kids. But the key is that it is regular food – not “kiddie” food that a parent would never want to try. Here she and Gia have taken delicious recipes and made them a little more fun for children, but kept them perfectly appealing for the whole family.

Luckily, I got to have a little e-chat with Sarah Michelle about her work and here are a few fun things she shared! :