Growing up in Texas, our family's summer backyard parties always revolved around burgers, watermelon and homemade ice cream. Simple fare served on sturdy, white paper plates.
But times have changed. Today, we avoid using disposable plates and plastic cups for
outdoor entertaining. After all, we're boomers with taste who care about our planet's future.
Instead, we opt for eye-catching, earth-friendly dishes like those made by Shiraleah, a Chicago-based design company that creates home accessories especially for children of the '40s and '50s like us.
Shiraleah's colorful Mod Tableware gives patio parties a cool vibe. Made from dyed bamboo fiber (no plastic!), the delicious, dishwasher-safe designs are a happy medium between the kid you used to be and the youthful spirit you are today. What's more, although you're sure to get years of use out of these durable dishes, you can move on to a new set without eco-guilt because they take less than 10 years to biodegrade.
The cheerful dinnerware comes in bright berry, green, orange and yellow. You can be true to one color or mix and match as I've done. My favorite pieces include:
· The large, sleek bowl perfect for salad or pasta
· Hip salad servers
· A four-compartment sectional for grouping burger toppings, fruits or condiments
· Cone-shaped ice cream dishes fun for serving everything from appetizers and veggies (think bread sticks and French fries) to frozen 
desserts.
With prices ranging from $7.50 for a small bowl to $35 for a set of four ice cream dishes, you don't have to save these delights for company. They're also a great way to spice up picnics for two!
You can check out the complete Mod Tableware collection at ShopInspiredLiving.com.
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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