Even though most Americans live about 60 miles from an apple orchard, the apples you typically buy at the grocery store travel 1,726 miles between the orchard and your house. That’s further than driving from Portland, Maine to Miami, Florida! (quote taken from sustainabletable.org)

I'm guilty of the above. Before this year, buying local foods and produce was never a priority for me. I don't know why, but when I took my daughter to a local strawberry patch in May, something just clicked. "Why don't I make it a priority to support local farms?" I kept asking myself. After reading up on the benefits of buying local, I'm convinced this is a practice we all should incorporate in our lives.

Me and the babe will hit the farmer's market on Saturday. As I make it a priority to bring my camera with me everywhere these days, I'm sure I'll get beautiful photos of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.

I came across the blog Rediscover Raw Food which has given me a renewed sense of inspiration on my journey to eating healthier. And I feel doubly happy that I can improve my health and simultaneously help the earth.

I have many local readers, so the following is for you all -- a mapped directory of Piedmont farmers markets and curb markets. For my readers living outside this area, try this resource to find farmers markets in your area, or go here for an advanced search.

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Life is kind of hectic right now, which accounts for my infrequent posts. In addition to being an eco-friendly momma, I also work full-time outside the home and am a single mother. So you can imagine how busy (and tired) I can get.

Here's a quick post to highlight the clean air hybrid electric buses being used by New York City's public transportation system. My sister snapped this photo in Queens during a recent visit to the area. You can find out more about New York City's Clean Fuel Bus Program over at Treehugger.

Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, peanut butter protein shakes, Reeses candy, Reeses cereal...I'm assuming you get the general motif here. I LOVE peanut butter and my daughter (Nini) inherited this same love for the creamy goodness. The unhealthy aspect of peanut butter has become a great concern for me now that I feed it to Nini. Actually, I was concerned before and sought healthier alternatives to the typical pb brands -- Skippy, Peter Pan, Jif...These healthier brands sorely disappointed me. You know the separation that happens when you mix oil and water? When you open the jar there's a gross layer of oil sitting on top. Then you have to mix it for the right consistency...just wasn't working for me.

A few months back, my co-worker recommended MaraNatha Creamy Peanut Butter. He also loathed the oily mess and ensured me I would love this brand. Oooohhhh, it is soooooo good. Nice and creamy. Spreads easily (even after refrigeration, which is required).

Peanut butter oatmeal is one of our absolute favorite things to eat. I purchase the large-sized Old Fashioned Quaker Oats. After cooking I add peanut butter and honey for Nini. For me I will sometimes add raisins and mixed nuts. This keeps me satisfied throughout the morning, until around 1 p.m. when I typically eat lunch. Keeps me regular too — if you know what I mean ;-)