Feeling Down? A Simple Trick to Ignite Your Strength
We all experience glum moods and irritation. Sometimes it comes from an external circumstance. And sometimes it arises for what feels like no reason at all. Today I will share with you a super simple way to spruce up your energy anywhere and anytime. The other day I was sitting at the airport with a delayed flight...of four hours. I had just...
Cheating on Yoga…
That's right. It's not that I took up pilates or the local pole fit class. Nope--I fell in love. It is no surprise that my rhythm and ritual practice could be comprised by love. We have all been there; love has a tendency to flip us upside down and rattle our root chakra--the chakra associated with stability and grounding. Love frequently throws...
Connecting With My Roots: An Italian Eggplant Caponata Recipe
Most of what I cook has been self-taught. My mother cooked at times, but it was not her passion. As a single parent, my dad made a lot of chicken marsala and pancakes. He can make some killer ribs, but is not so adept or interested in vegetarian fare. My oldest sister did much of the creative "cheffing" at my dad's house growing, which exuded our...
Coco-Blueberry “Sweetheart” Egg Bake – Inspiration from my Mom
*This recipe contains gluten and eggs, but no dairy. Excuse the excess syrup in the photo! My mom passed away nearly eight years ago. Days like Mother's Day are truly not much more difficult for me than any other day. I think about her every day and miss her dearly. There is so much I would like to say to her. So, I avoid victimizing myself on...
Bust Your Gloom: Colorful Nopal Bites with Beet Hummus
A healthy dose of true color in my food helps to boost my mood. That's just what I have infused in this one-of-a-kind, simple appetizer! What is nopal? Nopal is a species of the Opuntia Cacti, which is native to Mexico. It is the green stem portion of the cactus and is used in cooking and healing all year in Mexico. While living in Mexico, I took...
9 Unexpected Lessons Learned in Yoga Teacher Training
As a student of yoga in many forms since age 16, I knew how the practice transformed me. I had no idea there would be so much more in teacher training. The lessons are expansive and plentiful; here are a few: 1. It is possible to love winter. Before teacher training, I spent two years out of the country living in Ecuador and Mexico and traveling...
Split Pea and Sweet Potato Curry Soup with Super Seed Crackers
Although I just booked a flight to a toasty Mexico, I am embracing the arctic temps of Chicago with one of my favorite new comfort dishes. For me, curry = comfort. I love this soup for the varying flavors and memories it imparts. I chop up some fresh ginger and I think of cooking Indian food with my mom as a teen after our first trip to an...
A Dose of Gratitude: Lingonberry and Tahini-Almond Chocolate Recipe
I am a little late on my gratitude the day after Thanksgiving. But let this be a reminder that gratitude is a daily healthy practice that can facilitate mental health. Positive psychology demonstrates for us that gratitude is closely linked to greater happiness, optimism, and healthier relationships. I have a lot to be grateful for this year. But...
Eat to Beat Anxiety: Try My Super Seed and Carrot Salad Recipe
Want to eat to beat anxiety, but tired of the same old salads? I've got a salad for you today that will supply you with full energy and physical and mental health. But first, I want to take just a moment to touch on the yogic philosophy behind healthy eating. According to Ayurveda, anything with form takes on one of three energetic Gunas or...
Chill Out With My Conscious Mayan Chocolate
You've likely heard that dark chocolate has health benefits, but did you know it can help reduce those anxious feelings? To get the full benefits, it is important that the chocolate contains cacao in its purest form. Sorry, milk chocolate lovers, but the amount of sugar and processing of your chocolate is just not gonna do the trick. I want to...