Ave (2.5) releases her ladybugs into the wild

THE GREAT LADYBUG RELEASE!

- Liane Weintraub, Editor-in-Chief

A couple of years ago, we decided to plant an organic vegetable garden. We had the perfect spot for it, and the thought of freshly-harvested organic fruit and vegetables right from our backyard was way too enticing to pass up. And so, our crash-course in sustainable agriculture (albeit on a very small scale!) began.

NRDC’S OCEANS TEAM ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW WEBSITE

- Liane Weintraub, Editor-in-Chief

Malibu … the very name of the town is synonymous with the Pacific Ocean – anyone with a TV will tell you so. Just think of all those “Gidget” movies and “Beach Blanket Bingo.” Jim of “The Rockford Files” operated out of a trailer down in Paradise Cove. The lifeguards of “Baywatch” patrolled Malibu’s beaches. The Malibu Colony has been a sandy get-away for producers and starlets since sound came to the movies.

The Jacobs family, from left: Julius, Ann, Rob and Halle

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE WITH ROB JACOBS

- Rob Jacobs, Contributing Writer

First off, I’m not the farmer in the family, that’s my brother. But it’s our family business. The production of food has an enormous impact on the health of the environment – probably the biggest impact in fact, and therefore it affects the health of individuals, thus communities, thus society, thus humanity. Organic Farming builds healthy soils which in turn builds healthy plants which in turn builds healthy people.

Whether you cook for the dad in your life on a regular basis or whether it's a once-a-year occurrence, there's no question that making a Father's Day meal is a symbolic undertaking. With that in mind, we came up with what we think is the delicious answer to what to cook for dad. Roasted Beet Salad is as colorful as it is delectable -- not to mention healthy. Chicken with Risotto is a luxurious crowd-pleaser, as adults and kids alike always fall for Shannan's famous recipe. And what better way to celebrate than with Molten Fudge Cake for dessert?!

FATHER'S DAY FEAST

DR. CARA'S GUIDE TO FEEDING YOUR BABY

-Dr Cara, Tastybaby's Consulting Pediatrician

WHEN IS YOUR BABY READY TO EAT SOLIDS? The timing varies among kids, but your child will give you clues to indicate that she is ready to eat. The big indictors are staring at you while you eat (this usually starts around 4 months) AND lip-smacking or attempting to grab your food at your meals (more like 5-6 months). Note the word “AND”: babies stare far earlier than they are actually ready to eat, so parents must look for BOTH behaviors in their children before starting solids. Your child also needs to be willing to take the spoon and its contents. Some kids look eager but the first several feeds are exercises in spitting out the food; if this is the case, wait another couple of weeks before trying again.

- Liane Weintraub, Editor-in-Chief

Tastybaby was thrilled to be involved with Malipalooza, a community music festival celebrating Malibu bands and local artisans, which raised money for the Malibu Legacy Park Project, a water clean-up initiative we strongly support. To find out more about the Legacy Park and the water clean-up project,

INDEPENDENCE FROM...WORRY

- Dr. Cara Natterson, Consulting Pediatrician

1. During the summer, our kids love to play outdoors, but often when they roll around on lawns at friends houses or at the park, my children get rashes on their legs and arms. The obvious solution is to dress them in long pants and sleeves, but that’s tricky when the weather heats up. Also, I’m concerned because I know it’s not an allergy to grass –

INDEPENDENCE FROM...GMOs

- Ashley Mason, Contributing Writer, Environmental Conservationist and Food Activist

It is safe to assume that humans have been fighting for independence since our very birth as a species. Not only did we (and do we) fight each other for territory, we have also had to adapt to changing surroundings, and seek out sources of food for survival.

INDEPENDENCE FROM...UNHEALTHY LIVING

- Amanda Freeman & Lisa Blau, Contributing Writers

Vital Juice Daily offers well-conscious women and Moms independence from the confusion that is the health and wellness landscape. Every day we are increasingly bombarded with different messages, new products and conflicting reports. Like your “go-to” friend, The Vital List for Moms will empower women to break

INDEPENDENCE FROM...THE KITCHEN

- Shannan Swanson, Tastybaby Co-Founder

Recipes for: