Lauren Bernstein

One day I'd love to live on a farm with my very own chickens, a fruit tree orchard and an organic garden. I'll live off the land, picking fresh wonderful produce from my garden for a snack or delicious gourmet meal.

For now, I'm a healthyurbanite living in the city. Until my farm dream comes true, I discovered a way to enjoy the freshest, highest quality organic produce from local farms delivered right to my door. I order a bin full of a variety of seasonal organic fruits and vegetables through a local delivery service in Seattle, New Roots Organics. You can search for "local produce delivery" to find options in your area. Bins start at just $25 per week.

CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is becoming a popular way to order fresh, high quality food directly from local farmers. Depending on the size of your household and consumption, you can order a bin for yourself, your family or share with a neighbor.

There is something a bit ironic yet magically rustic about welcoming a box full of local, seasonal organic produce each week in the middle of the city. I look forward to my weekly bin, with an array of fruits and vegetables and a matching recipe.

The weekly bin has broadened my culinary experience and tastes. I've tried fruits and veggies that I would never have dreamed of buying at the grocery store like parsnips, sunchokes, beets, apricots, yams and multi colored carrots. I've learned to get creative in the kitchen and try new preparation techniques and recipes. My favorite dishes are roasted yam fries, sauteed brussels sprouts, beet salad, soups, and fresh smoothies.

Top reasons why a weekly fresh produce bin is a good healthy choice:

• Try new fruits and veggies and get all the benefits without going to the store
• Get the flavor, vitamin and antioxidant benefits of the freshest, highest quality produce
• Have healthy snacks on hand for home, the office and travel
• Eat more whole foods and less packaged stuff
• Prepare more home cooked meals
• Flexibility: make substitutions or suspend if traveling
• Support local farms and local businesses

Lauren is a certified holistic health counselor. Follow Lauren on Twitter: @healthyurbanite

I spent last weekend at Bull Hill, a magical guest ranch in northeastern Washington State.

I was introduced to Bull Hill a few years ago by a friend who has been visiting this real working cattle ranch (aka Dude Ranch) with his family for 13+ years. He raved about his love for this special place so I booked a weekend for me and my mom, who absolutely loves horses. We've since recruited a group of eight (moms and daughters) and celebrated our third annual visit last weekend.

Bull Hill is a magical place. The horses, the starry sky, the cabins, the pine trees, the clean pure air, the communal meals, the lake, the scenic views and new friends. It feels like summer camp.

The Guglielmino family and entire staff who run Bull Hill are generous, friendly and welcome guests into their rural world with open arms. For a fixed daily rate, horseback riding, accommodation, meals, open bar, trap shooting and more are included. Bull Hill is also known for its fly fishing.

After a hearty breakfast served in the cookhouse, you plan your day. For horseback riding, you can request specific routes, horses and times and the Bull Hill family is easy going and accommodating. Whether you ride to the river for a picnic lunch, visit organic China Bend Winery, head to the saloon, or go on a real cattle drive, you're bound to enjoy. In addition to horseback riding, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

The cookhouse is the central meeting place for meals, hanging out with other guests and staff, playing cards, and the open bar. After their last ride of the day, the horses are set free, and you can watch them frolic in the dirt to cool down and run free in the open field. It's great to connect with nature in this special way.

We'll be back again next year.

Kerry Park on West Highland Drive is my favorite Queen Anne park. Located in one of Seattle’s original neighborhoods, the park sits atop Queen Anne hill with stunning views of the Puget Sound. The drive is tree-lined with beautiful historic homes and a charming and distinctive feel. Joggers, dogs, families and avid walkers share in the beauty and uniqueness of this upper Queen Anne neighborhood.

Home to prominent families settling in Seattle at the turn of the century, West Highland Drive is filled with several historical landmarks. Take your own walking tour and experience the history of this neighborhood. Start at Queen Anne Avenue and head west to see the Harry W. Treat Residence, the Ballard/Howe House and Kerry Park.

Your West Highland Drive experience is only complete once you visit the local and tourist favorite, Kerry Park. Featuring the best views in Seattle, Kerry Park is a must-see for out of town visitors. Boasting exquisite views of the Seattle skyline, the Space Needle, Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound, Kerry Park is a photographer’s paradise. The park is home to picnics, engagement proposals, wedding photos, live TV reporting and afternoon naps. Approaching dusk, join the crowd of people who gather to experience the evening sunset and enjoy the beauty of the sun going down in the Emerald City.