from the editor

Live wisely, live well
IT’S darn near impossible to get through a day without some acknowledgment of fuel costs, consumer prices and concern over water supplies.

More and more people are parking gas guzzlers in favor of lighter vehicles and seriously looking to carpool. And more cost-saving efforts seem likely as we learn the full impact of high energy costs.

Likely there’s a new imperative if we haven’t owned up to it already: Change your habits or be prepared to change your lifestyle.

The topic may seem counter-intuitive in the pages of a locally based lifestyle magazine, but I’d suggest that Inland Living is as much about "community" as "lifestyle." And Inland Living alwaysaims to provide ideas to help make good choices.

What can we all do to conserve but still have wonderful lives right here in the Inland Empire? Carpooling is one easy choice — the net impact of fuel and commuting costs are nil if you share a ride. Still go out with your family; do that home project; take a vacation — just use your resources more intelligently. Change, but don’t stop living. Live smarter. My short list: Make a point to ask my neighbor if she needs anything from the store; share a ride; grow more produce; and reduce my lawn size.

None is any real burden. Each is a step toward a life to which I aspire, one that more fully values and conserves limited resources.

Our economic situations represent only a part of our lives. Our time, our friends and our choices are a huge part of the picture.

The questions should be, "How much can we share?" and, "How will our choices yield fruit for our children in the days to come?" Editorials aside, let’s look at the content in this issue. July brings with it an escape into summer: concerts in the park, backyard dining with family and friends, and moments to slow our pace and appreciate each other.

This month we pay tribute to this season with previews of local concerts, ideas for grilling, recipes and tips for entertaining, and wine suggestions from Gino Filippi who reports new finds from upstart vintners.

As always, we bring you the IE scoop on dining, fashion, health and fitness and embrace our community in arts and charity through our "Seen" pages.

Celebrate this season with us and celebrate your community, too.

don@inlandlivingmagazine.com (909) 386-3899