"Rachel Parent is the unlikely activist who has fought the good GMO fight for more than three years now (the math is obvious and inspiring). Her resolute goal: mandatory labeling of all genetically modified organisms in Canada.

"As it turns out, 90 percent of Canadians are in favor of GMO labels. But the united public front has not translated to government action." 

Photo by Sarah Britton

We are inspired by this pho-inspired recipe on Sarah Britton's beautiful blog, My New Roots, and think it would be the perfect accompaniment to a rainy Pacific Northwest day.

With a little creativity, the soup can adjusted for any taste preference or dietary requirements. Gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, or satisfy omnivores with the addition of thinly sliced meat or a chicken or meat broth. Finish the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, seasonings, and fresh herbs. 

Sugar cookies are a holiday classic, and are so much fun to make and share. Use this simple recipe from Co+op Stronger Together to make playful, delicious cookies. Gather your family and friends, pull out the cookie cutters, and get creative! 

Festive cookies are always appreciated as a gift, so consider making plenty of extras to give to others! 

Photo by Emma Christensen.

How to Make the Best Rugelach Cookies, from the kitchn (a truly fabulous blog with recipes, advice, and loads of other information), offers instructions, photos, and an old-school rugelach recipe. Rich and slightly sweet, these little crescent-shaped gems are a traditional treat enjoyed by many Jewish families, particularly during holidays. Choose from an array of fillings or create one of your own!

Just like sugar cookies, rugelach is very fun to make, so gather the kids and get rolling!