Indian Dal recipe for lovers

This week we have a special treat!  A fellow foodie and lover of Indian food shares her recipe for Indian Dal and the art of cookin’ up love in the kitchen with her partner.

mckenna

Indian Dal Recipe for Lovers  |  by: Mckenna Toston

Cooking is an art that fulfills me and keeps me grounded despite what’s happening in my world.  No matter what stressful events my day might bring, a little time in the kitchen always puts a smile back on my face–especially when I’m in the kitchen with my partner.

After five years of collaborating in the kitchen, Vincent and I have mastered cooking together.  I chop, he pours.  I stir, he seasons.  He flips, I plate.  Those are the basics, anyway.  …

High Cholesterol and a heart attack at 25

The story that follows is about the relationship we have with ourselves, as opposed an intimate partner, as it really all starts with oneself!

I am going to confess right off of the bat here.  For a short period in my life I was quite a hypochondriac. During high school I loved studying psychology and took any opportunity to learn more, and elected AP courses.  The more I studied, and learned about psychology, the more I felt the need to study myself-as I was the perfect subject for observation.  When I understood the correlation between psychological disorders and physical symptoms, I believe I began looking for issues within myself to dissect.  There was a brief time when I first started college, and had overcome my hypochondria; and I decided to get tested for everything instead of diagnosing myself. …

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. …

Raw Strawberry Cheesecake: Easter Dessert is here!

This is a special, holiday inspired recipe that I had to share, just in time for Easter.  If you’re making a meal, this is the Easter dessert that will be the perfect addition to a healthy cuisine!

Last week, Joe and I went to Gracias Madre (a Vegan Mexican Restaurant) in San Francisco, and something very rare happened.

I used to be a huge fan of dessert after dinner.  Since I’ve decided to quit sugar, the desire to even view the dessert menu has completely disappeared.  I feel so much more clear, and energetic now that I’ve ditched the sugar.  There are so many very apparent benefits, that I’ll be revealing all in a later article.  Even though I wasn’t keen on ordering dessert, I was sent a message from the dessert Gods that I should inquire about the selection at Gracias Madre.  …

Tantric kissing is juicier with a plate of fruit

Last weekend, my husband, Joe and I participated in a Tantric kissing workshop led by the highly skilled Divine Kika.  Who could resist a beautiful Brazilian Goddess leading you through intimate practices with your beloved?  Well, Joe and I couldn’t.  One look at the workshop through a Facebook event page had us hooked.  First, I will let you know that it was absolutely wonderful and certainly one of the best date nights that we’ve ever had.  It was unique, we were in the company of conscious couples, and we were learning something new — learning something that would enhance our relationship; everything about it was just perfect.

I’d love for you to get a vision of the setting for this perfect evening.…

Deliciously intoxicating drinks get me in the mood

Last night we had a family movie night.  My confession is that my favorite part of watching a movie is eating snacks while I’m watching.  It’s truly no secret, I am in love with eating.  My movie snacks have a few distinct qualities.  After indulging, I have to know that I’ll still feel fantastic and not like I ate a pile of rocks (have you ever eaten popcorn from the movie theater)?  They have to be fun, aesthetically pleasing, bite size finger foods.  I have a whole list of fun snacks that I stash in my purse when I’m going out to a theater.

We used to love this tradition that started when we lived in South Jersey. We called it “pizza-wine-movie-night.”…

Top 10 Sensual Foods

Top 10 Sensual Foods

These are 10 superfoods that I like to keep stocked in my kitchen, as they are proven to ignite the senses, summon sensuality and provide the body with optimal nourishment.

  1. Maca
  2. Raw Cacao
  3. Avocado
  4. Kale
  5. Beets
  6. Blueberries
  7. Raw Almonds
  8. Goji Berries
  9. Celery
  10. Asparagus

Things to remember: all of these delicious foods are more potent and higher quality when grown organic. Organic farming promotes ideal soil conditions.  By purchasing organic, you  are voting with your dollars and asking for more nutrient rich soil and in turn, optimal nourishment for you and future generations!  If possible, also have these powerful foods fresh, and raw.

Now for the good stuff.  Let’s chat about the number one sensual food.

MACA! …

What does a record breaking athlete eat?

My dear friend, iX-chel Sandivel is a truly driven individual and record breaking athlete. In her competitive running days, she nationally ranked in the 10,000 meters, and placed 11th at the NCAA II Track & Field Championships.  She is a former Nike elite runner for “The Janes.”  Ix-Chel is now a women’s empowerment coach.

I met iX-Chel in an unsuspecting place and felt an instant connection.  She is consistently cultivating her skills and is truly a well-rounded teacher.  I love learning from her and we have so much fun together.

Our unsuspecting meeting place was a nail salon in Las Vegas.  Both iX-Chel and I visit nail salons once in a blue moon.  To add another silly twist to this scenario-my husband came to pick me up at the salon and was waiting for a few minutes near all of the glossy fashion magazines (gotta love him)!  …

Professional Sensual Foodist

Yet another, very fabulous moment just occurred, and I want you to be a part of it!  Let me tell you what happened. 

When I moved to Northern California, one thing that I knew for sure was that I would be experiencing Burning Man for the first time.  I have built an endless list of amazing things that have blossomed by virtue of being part of the Burning man.  I am dialed into this massive web of conscious individuals, who are living life in alignment with one another as they strive to make the world a better place.  The most important way they are taking action is simply by being the best version of themselves.

 Through this huge network of “burners” I’ve discovered conscious clothing designers that I absolutely love. …

Get Sweaty and Get in tune. Yoga is my drug.

My Happy Drug, that is!  First things first.

Somehow, in this adventurous life I lead, I board a flight at least once a month.  Fortunately, I love traveling. I love the energy and the many unique people I encounter. I love learning how to acclimate to new places.  I even love airports-especially my main hub, San Francisco International Airport-talk about Sensual Food options, OH yeah!  One thing I have found to be true from the 100+ flights I’ve boarded in the last few years, is that I need three main things to keep me going while in transit.  Number one is, of course, Sensual Foods: the highest quality organic and sustainable food available.  The second is physical activity; I prefer Yoga or dance, and the third-without a doubt, is laughter.…