Category Archives: Wellness

This Spring, Clean Out the Plastics

Posted on March 8, 2013 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews “Plastics.” One of my all-time favorite movie quotes, the famous “one word” of advice for young Benjamin Braddock in “The Graduate”, has only become more prescient over time — plastic rules our modern daily life, on a scale that … Continue reading →

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Locavore Passion at Murray’s in Tivoli

Posted on September 17, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Eating real food that nourishes the body is important to us.  And when we learned that there was a newly installed chef—Amy Lawton—at Murray’s in Tivoli, Dutchess County, we were thrilled. We’ve often found that women in … Continue reading →

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Luna 61: Clean Vegetarian “Speaks” Good Asian

Posted on June 20, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews After a recent meal at Luna 61, a 17-year-old eclectic vegetarian restaurant in Tivoli, New York, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that husband-and-wife owners Debra and Peter Maisel, were able to deliver what I hadn’t been … Continue reading →

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Coping with Christmas Tree Syndrome

Posted on December 28, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews As someone who has year-round allergies—pollen, ragweed, mold, dust, pet dander (especially cats and horses), nuts (specifically, walnuts and almonds), MSG, food additives and preservatives—I was distressed to add yet another allergen to my list last week: … Continue reading →

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Birthday on the Hudson

Posted on December 16, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Most years, I’ve hinted broadly­—and often bluntly—to my husband Christopher about how I’d like to celebrate my birthday.  (OK…so I’m a control freak who hates being disappointed).  This year, however, otherwise preoccupied, I surrendered the fate of … Continue reading →

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Merrier with Molasses

Posted on December 14, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Molasses makes our Christmas merry. It’s the foundation sweetener for two of our favorite holiday treats: gingerbread and spiced ginger cookies.  We appreciate molasses for so many reasons….how it produces a lovely dark golden-brown hue, a soft … Continue reading →

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The Puppy That Came For Christmas

Posted on December 9, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews “I’d been taking some herbs, agnus castus and black cohosh….I had changed my diet to take more foods rich in folic acid…  I’d also contracted a charity called Baby Makers, who support people having difficulty getting pregnant….” … Continue reading →

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Less Meat, More Plants: One Home Cook’s Journey

Posted on November 30, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Here’s the wonderful thing about my recent, albeit way-too-short, visit to Pittsburgh…good as the burgeoning, local-minded restaurant scene is here (and which I highlighted earlier this year in my NYT article), I didn’t have to set foot … Continue reading →

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Healthy Twists for Thanksgiving

Posted on November 22, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Why not jumpstart your New Year’s resolution—”to eat more healthfully”—at Thanksgiving?  That’s right, I said Thanksgiving.  Because the basic inputs—turkey, cranberries, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, green beans or collard greens—are inherently healthful foods.  It’s what you do … Continue reading →

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Healthy Eating Made Simpler…

Posted on November 16, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews The holiday eating season officially starts this Thursday, November 24th.  When confronted by an onslaught of tempting foods, what will you put on your plate? Forget strict dietary “rules”.  Instead, visualize the Healthy Eating Plate created by Harvard School of … Continue reading →

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