Elizabeth Smith

Caring about our communities and the environment isn’t just our rallying cry during Earth Month, it’s one of our core values. So we’re continually working to decrease our impact on the planet. Over the years, our team members and customers have shared some great green-living tips, which have inspired changes in our stores, homes, offices and communities. ... Read More

SACRAMENTO - Recent statistics are showing a decline in the number of new, small businesses in the United States. 

Some economists believe one reason fewer small businesses are opening up shop comes down to the fact that potential entrepreneurs are capitalizing on an improving job market, choosing to join the general workforce rather than venturing out on their own.

According to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, there were an estimated 514,000 new business owners per month in the U.S in 2012. That number is down from 543,000 per month in 2011, and 565,000 in 2010 which was the peak of the recession.

In regards to Sacramento specifically, the city recently made a list of the most unfriendly cities for small businesses, due in part to high tax rates.

Alana Sugar

When I was a child in Southern California, we had an avocado tree in our back yard. My mother would cut them up and put them into salads and eat them on sandwiches. At the neighborhood Mexican restaurants, I ate them as guacamole. I loved every bite, but didn’t realize just how amazingly versatile avocadoes could be. Just recently, I made a wonderful Chocolate Pudding with avocadoes. Times change!

Avocados are fruits and they pair well with other fruits such as citrus and tropical fruits. Here are some super flavorful fruit salad recipes:... Read More