The only limit to what you can put in these salads is your imagination.

Lunch in a jar

Make a nutritious and well-balanced salad ahead of time and enjoy it with just a few quick shakes to mix it

Every now and then I get a little envious of the creativity of my co-workers’ lunches. I have noted a couple of people making “salads in a jar” on occasion. All they need to do is gently shake the glass quart jar to mix the ingredients, grab a fork and enjoy their healthful creation. Maybe

Arden is home to the largest crocus monument.

Arden – come for the crocuses, stay and explore

Attend the Crocus Festival in the village and explore the other attractions the area has to offer


With warmer weather arriving, it’s time to plan some exploration trips around Manitoba. A good beginning might be the Crocus Festival at the village of Arden, 16 km east of Neepawa, and then six km north on PTH 352. Arden (population about 150) is an interesting place to stop at any time, but particularly when


Thyme cascading down from a raised planter. 

Using herbs as container garden ‘spillers’

We usually think of flowers for containers but there are some ideal herbs that could be used

It might be too soon to buy plants to put in containers but start thinking about which ones to use, and maybe they can be obtained from our own gardens — both the outdoor one and the indoor one. By taking pieces of these plants now and potting them up, they will have developed into

Tobogganing at Spruce Woods Provincial Park.


Where to celebrate Louis Riel Day

With a variety of activities to choose from there’s sure to be something to interest you on this long weekend


Do you have plans for the Louis Riel Day long weekend? Are you getting a little tired of winter? Why not use the holiday to do something different, choosing from the many activities happening. A February holiday was originally started in Alberta in 1990 to celebrate the family life of the early pioneers and to


Plunging mercury usually means warm and filling meals.

Be ready for extreme cold this winter

Prairie Fare: Dress appropriately, have emergency equipment and supplies on hand, 
and enjoy hearty filling fare

Jake looked up at me with his dark brown eyes. He appeared kind of sad. He was standing by his blue sweater, which one of my daughters had removed. She thought he was too warm in his woolly sweater because he already has a fur coat. Yes, Jake is a dog. Our bitterly cold January

Microwave ovens are a convenient way to cook and don’t destroy nutrients at all.

Do microwave ovens zap nutrients in foods?

Prairie Fare: Actually, cooking in a microwave can help you preserve the nutrients in your food

The other day, I received a message when I returned to my desk after a meeting. Someone had called to ask about microwave ovens and nutrition. As I listened to the question, I decided that I was settling a bet. When people are making wagers about nutrition, I don’t mind being involved. The gentleman caller’s


New Year Concept coffee mug

One day at a time

Small changes and goals can all add up to a healthier year in 2018

After the feasting and indulgence of the holiday season, it’s understandable that eating better and exercising more are two of the most common resolutions people make at this time of year. But vague, large-scale goals like these often lead to disappointing results with only 58 per cent of people sticking to them by end of

A good way to minimize food waste this Christmas is concentrating on a few family favourites that always go over well.

Cut food waste this holiday season

Prairie Fare: The first step is minimizing leftovers with proper planning and meal preparation


As I peered in our refrigerator the other day, I noticed some small containers with dabs of leftovers that had just reached their “time to toss” phase. I always feel guilty when we throw away food in our home. To help use any extra servings, I eat left­overs almost every day at work. Unfortunately, sometimes


If you have a plan it’s less likely your leftovers will languish in the fridge until they’ve spoiled.

Plan-overs beat leftovers

Prairie Fare: By planning ahead you can minimize food waste by creating new dishes

What do you think?” my husband asked as I took a taste of the piping hot casserole. “It’s kind of bland. It needs more pepper,” I said a little too quickly. I noticed his expression resembled that of a sad puppy. I had criticized the entree he made. Note to self: Always compliment the cook.

Hot Cocoa Mix Snowman.

Gifts from the kitchen

Prairie Fare: Giving gifts from the kitchen is a fun way to share a little of yourself with others this holiday season

If you prefer the kitchen to the mall, you still have plenty of time to make homemade edible gifts for the people on your list. Your recipients will appreciate a tasty treat and be touched by the sentiment and creativity you put into their gift. And you get to reminisce about each recipient while you’re