Thanksgiving: Are you eating poison or fuel?

In lieu of the upcoming holiday, I’m publishing early this week! I want you to receive this special message before Thanksgiving, so that you have the opportunity to bring this knowledge with you wherever you go, to gather with loved ones this week.

Less than a week ago, my husband Joe and I sat down to watch Origins: Our roots. Our planet. Our future.

I’m not big on pushing my belief system on anyone.  It’s always an invitation.  I invite you to eat food that will make you feel amazing. I invite you to get in the kitchen with your lover and family.  I invite you to vote with your dollars, and buy what makes you feel great-and supports the people who want you to feel great.…

Monte Verde Pizzeria Restaurante: an Italian Gem in…Mexico?

The holiday season is near and I have fond memories of Italian dinners.  Did I forget to mention my Sicilian roots?  How could I?!  The Italian side of my family did big dinners for holidays with all of the works.  You know, the meat and potatoes but with the mid-western Italian twist.  Yes-mid-western Italians!  We had the pasta too, of course.

When I met my husband, the Italian dinners got even bigger.  I lived in South New Jersey where his huge Italian family would gather even more often, with even more food!  I became even more familiar with Italian holiday meals.  They were big and elaborate with an explosion of flavors and delicious aromas.  We have moved to the West Coast, but believe me, they’re still going strong!…

Halloween without the horror

…of a sugar crash!  We all love to eat sweets during this holiday, but why not eat sweets and stay sweet too?

No really, a sugar crash just isn’t pretty.  Skip the sugar, but keep the cookies!

As we’ve discussed, there are many alternatives to the white, refined sweet stuff.  Knowing the effects of sugar consumption-both long and short term, is in your best interest.  Research suggests that erratic fluctuations in blood sugar levels are the leading cause of mood swings.  Mood swings are no fun.  Halloween and holidays in general are a time when our relationship with our partner, and with ourselves, can really benefit from maintaining a calm balance.  Choose wisely what you put past your lips and set yourself up for success.…

3 tips to keep a romantic getaway truly romantic

I’ve just returned home from two weeks in Bali and a quick stop in Tokyo!

Both Destinations were absolutely wonderful and oh so delicious.  My husband Joe and I LOVE to travel to exotic destinations and enjoy all of the local food.  Needless to say, one thing we did a lot of during this romantic getaway was eat.  This is one piece of travel that could certainly send things south (ironically, growing up in Wisconsin has always made me want to head south).  The best way to feel good and enjoy every moment fully is to pay attention to what goes in your mouth.  

Asian food is my favorite…

without a shadow of a doubt.  More specifically, Japanese.  Balinese is a close runner-up.…

Travel: 5 Lessons for International Sensual Foodists

As I zip around my house packing for a trip to Bali, via Japan; then back to Cali, south to Los Angeles,  and onward to Tulum, Mexico followed by Burning man…I thought this might be an appropriate time to discuss being an international Sensual Foodist.

Last week, we ran though a concise list of the best food to pack for travel.  The items I mentioned will, of course, only make it halfway through an international flight.  Once we arrive, we’re on a mission, called organic veg for real.   

Ms. Mckenna is also a Sensual Foodist, and thus, I am happy that she’s has these simple 5 tips to keep in mind while globe trotting.

mckenna 

5 Lessons for International Sensual Foodists |  by: Mckenna Toston

 

Early last year, upon the suggestion of a complete stranger, I took a spontaneous trip to India.…

The feel good buffet: 5 lessons I learned at Esalen

Where is your paradise?  Is it a tropical, exotic destination-with white sandy beaches and hot, sticky whether?  Or, are you more adventurous and love to hike in the mountains, or forests with huge redwood trees?

For me, being in nature is almost always paradise.  One of my favorite destinations isn’t too far from home.  Esalen Institute is in Big Sur, California.

My husband, Joe and I feel absolutely blessed to assist our Tantra teachers, Elsbeth and Freddy Zental, co-founders of TantraNova institute.  We’ve spent weeks with them at Esalen over the past 3 years.

If you have the opportunity to visit this magical place in the world; do it!  It’s perched up high, right on the Pacific coast-the edge of America!  …

Chew to avoid stinky embarrassment

Do you chew well? No really. Do you chew your food when you have a meal? Let’s be honest, we’ve all scarfed down a piece of pizza at one point or another.  You don’t need to feel bad about it.  There’s certainly a time and place for everything.  I can tell you that I do not always pay attention to chewing.  Sometimes, I’m gabbing away with friends or my lover and just enjoying the moment; somehow mindful chewing is temporarily neglected.

Just a few weeks ago I attended a course at CreativeLive and spent three incredible days with the lovely Darya Rose.  I can’t say enough about her work and about how much I love her message.  She’s not only a Foodist, she’s a total (self proclaimed) science-geek!…

The almond milk realization

“I think I’m getting old, learning makes my brain hurt.”

I seriously cracked up when my friend said this a few nights ago at her house warming party. I’ve found myself saying this same thing one too many times. She’s working with a doctor, in a new career, and she’s feeling the sensation of drinking from a water hose.  I’ve been there.  Have you ever experienced this feeling? It’s all coming in a bit too fast.

After two decades of dance, 13+ yrs of Yoga, and half of that time pole dancing, I decided that I wanted to dive into a new physical practice.  I wanted to learn aerial silks. Aerial totally gives me that adrenaline rush.  I admit that I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie. …

Quick Kale Recipe

Today, I’m inside-all cozy, gazing out the window at the torrential downpour here in Southern California.  I’m in San Diego and a flood warning has me stuck here with a cancelled flight. I am certainly not complaining. I took a trip down to SoCal for the filming of a reality television show.  Stay posted for news on that 🙂

When I’m traveling, I like to load up on green, alkalizing foods.  If I eat at a restaurant, or I have the luxury of staying with a friend-and thus have a kitchen to use, my go-to is kale!   You’ll find a quick kale recipe below that I use while traveling.  Don’t be afraid to get creative and make the recipe your own.  …

Let’s explore seduction as a spiritual practice!

I’m excited! I’ve got something delicious for you.  It’s a treat for the ears this time ; )

This word, “sensuality,” that I use over and over certainly can be interpreted in a million different ways, as we all have our own unique way of understanding words and concepts.  Every word has a very specific feel and imagery that we connect with it.  Words like “sensuality” or “seduction” are most commonly linked to the word “sex.” Would you agree?  What is the first thought that comes when you read: sensuality?  Seduction?

“Seduction is an art form that is massively misunderstood. Seduction is not just a game to be played between lovers. It is a force, not a formula. When seduction is taken out of the context of the bedroom and brought into the playground of everyday life, everything changes.…