Spicy Secret Series #3: Cumin

julySpicy Secret Series #3: Cumin |  by: July Westhale
 

Are you familiar with cumin? Maybe you’ve tried Indian food? Cumin is commonly used in daals, beans, curries, and soups-this spice is a powerhouse of complex flavor. With both sweet undertones and just the slightest hint of smoke, cumin’s warm aroma can lure anyone to the table.

As it turns out, cumin’s undeniably irresistible nature goes even deeper than sensory engagement. A spice with a 5,000 year old history, it has been used for everything from medicine to skin care to part of the mummification process. Often associated with dishes from Vietnam, Mexico, and India, it was also kept in small bowls on many tables in Ancient Greece, should the need arise for additional flavor.…

Exploring the magical garden

What makes you feel lucky?  How about having “good karma”?  It doesn’t matter how it’s put, I felt it on my birthday this week! It was my third birthday at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Our friends from Argentina accompanied us for this trip, and I love what Mercedes said as she walked into the garden,

“Is this a dream?”

 

If only I could have captured the look on her face.  It was her and her husband Hernan’s first time to Big Sur, and their first time to Esalen.  We love introducing this magical place to people, because it’s the closest to utopia that we’ve seen.  We’ve been many times, for week-long retreats assisting our Tantra teachers.  …

Santa likes it sensual

Nothing naughty, really.

There’s no doubt that Santa likes it sensual.

SENSUAL FOOD that is!

Because it’s a holiday, and I want to make sure Santa stays jolly, I am posting this article a day early.  He’ll appreciate it, and I’m sure you will too.  Read on for a quick story.  Merry Christmas!

                                                                                                  photo credit: Benjamin Hager

I have a little story I’d like to share from just this past weekend.  My husband Joe and I were filming a tantric kissing video for a good friend of ours.  We demo the many tantric kisses, and just have a fun day being silly and sensual.  One of the kisses is done with a piece of gorgeous fruit. We get close and “sensitize” the lips with the fruit, by lightly pressing and tracing both top and bottom lips.  …

3 Foods to balance your hormones

Yesterday, I went to the Chiropractor.  Actually, she was a holistic chiropractor that practices CranioSacral Therapy, acupressure and chinese medicine.  I’m quite sure the list is even longer, but needless to say, she knows her stuff.  I visited her because I took a little fall during aerial a few weeks ago. I’m still a little crooked, but I’m certain that this amazing woman straightened me out today.

The first test she did led her to question the functioning of my pituitary gland.  The conclusion that we came to, was that my body was still adjusting to the major shift that occurred after I did the Ibogaine.  If you check out the link-no big news there, I did not do the treatment for addiction.  …

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 loving and pumpkin carving!

Did you carve a pumpkin this year?! If you did, congrats on being fun and playful. If not, don’t tell me you’re too old. We’re never too old to carve pumpkins!

There’s still time to get your pumpkin carving on!

Even if you’re a grinch of Halloween (I’ll admit that I’ve been know to get a little grinchy during the Christmas holiday) pumpkin carving is always a great idea.

Why am I all about this pumpkin carving business?!  Two main reasons that I’ll elaborate on: inner and outer nourishment.

For my husband Joe and I, opportunities to get messy, silly, and playful together are rarely passed up.  Diving into a big, sticky, squishy pumpkin is full of messy surprises.  Get creative!  …

Spicy Secret Series #2: Turmeric

july

Spicy Secret Series #2: Turmeric |  by: July Westhale

Turmeric is the spice that keeps it flowin’…and what, exactly, does it keep flowing?  Do, read on 😉

This bright orange spice is a member of the ginger family, and has been used for over 4,000 years to increase health and treat ailments.  In Southeastern parts of Asia, it’s used to treat everything from gas to neurological degeneration.

Recently, turmeric has become popularized in the United States for its curative powers, which have been shown to counteract the damaging effects of the American diet. Used as a digestive aid for breaking down beans, proteins, fats, and grains, this miracle spice has been introduced into Western pharmacies to help maintain intestinal flora (which sugars, grains, bad fats, and antibiotics often destroy), as well as improving the elimination of toxins and purifying blood.…

Love notes: Selfies with salads

When you’re feeling amazing inside and out, how does that affect your relationship?  Conversely, how does a groggy, bloated, tired day affect your relationship?  One thing that is incredibly important in my relationship is feeling really great when we’re together.  You too, right?  It’s so much easier to have an outstanding relationship-with anyone-when you feel so damn good that nothing can get you down.

What makes me feel that good? Sunshine and tasty food are pretty high ranking on my list. This week I’m in beautiful Hawaii, and my love, Joe is back home in California.

Even when we’re apart for a short trip like this; less than a week, we can connect through food.

I’ve certainly shared that one of our favorite things to do together is find delicious food while traveling around exotic destinations.…

3 simple recipes to get your lover in the kitchen

…blindfold them, rip all of their clothes off, lead them into the kitchen and make passionate love to them on the floor.  The END.   Just kidding.

This is actually a true story of two good friends of mine. A few nights ago, my husband Joe and I went out for an impromptu double date with our good friends.  They’re an amazing couple that I am totally inspired by.  I really appreciate the dynamic of their relationship.  However, I was caught a bit off guard when Sara (names changed for privacy) mentioned that she really does not like to cook.  Her husband Tom followed this by saying something like, I’ve found that if I do all of the cooking, she and I are both happier.…

A little Himalayan salt for hot and sticky nights

Hello from Bali!  As I sit here melting (willingly) in the sticky heat, I am enjoying a nice, lightly salted glass of water.  Why, might you ask, am I torturing myself when there are plentiful delicious beverage options?

If you don’t know this fabulous secret, get ready to learn a super simple trick to stay hydrated in the heat:

Himalayan salt! 

This super simple ingredient is an electrolyte.  Sprinkle a little in your water on a hot day, and you’ll have a magical rejuvenating drink. 😉

julyA little Himalayan salt for hot and sticky nights |  by: July Westhale

Our beloved Dr. Mercola has much to say on the cultural importance of salt.  He cites the historical etymology of the spice: “the word “salary” comes from the root “sal,” because Romans were paid in salt.  …