I thought I'd share a fresh, fruit-flavored non-alcoholic drink with you this week. This drink is refreshing and light- and it's from my new book, Happy Herbivore Abroad.

Aqua Frescas are popular fruit-flavored, non-alcoholic drinks in Mexico. The best way I can describe it is as water infused with the flavor of fruit, in contrast to a fruit juice or a smoothie. My favorite fruit to use is watermelon, but you can use mango, strawberries, peaches, papaya, cantaloupe, or …

I'm still having a love affair with baking soda. I wash my face with baking soda every day, but I also use it as a deodorant, shampoo and household cleaner.

I can't begin to say how happy this makes my inner minimalist. I'm saving so much money that I used to spend on expensive face products, "natural" deodorants, pricey "eco" house cleaners and fancy salon shampoos. Plus I don't have a gaggle of products under the sink or sprawled out …

Q: Tell us a little bit about your businesses.

I'm a fine art nature photographer. I sell prints of my work and have a line of greeting cards called "Sunday Afternoons." The name came from my regular little weekend adventures, when I take …

Welcome back to the HH Book Club! As a reminder, we're posting comments and questions throughout the month on Goodreads , and wrapping up the book on the blog on the final Sunday of each month when we announce the next month's book.

August's pick is Getting Past No by William Ury.

Some final thoughts and comments from Herbies who read The Lean with us last month:

"I am going to have to try to share this …

You've got questions and we've got answers!

Q: Can you talk about pearl barley? I thought it was a whole grain, but I see now that it's somewhat processed...but it's got a low-glycemic index. So...is it OK or no?

A: I don't really classify foods as "okay" or "not okay" -- but in terms of food X is healthier than food Y. For example, I wouldn't say white rice is unhealthy or "bad" but obviously …