The Hurb…can you guess what it is?

Have you ever used a vending machine? What shiny little package shot out of the bottom? When you ate it, how did you feel?

A life-long friendship was birthed out of a moment when I really could have used a vending machine-but not just any vending machine, of course. In 2012, I was dancing for a band, called Durian Sex Cult, while they performed in Santa Cruz, California. An airbrush artist named Kelsea Ernst came to paint the dancers with adornments before the show, and I totally fell in love with her. While she was airbrushing black lace cuffs on my wrists, I was expressing my deep desire for something delicious to eat to my husband Joe, sitting next to me.…

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.…

Interview with the Sensual Foodist and Divine Kika

Just a few weeks ago, I was interviewed by Divine Kika.  She’s a good friend, and incredible Tantra teacher based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

If you missed it, no worries, because I posted a taste below, and the full interview can be seen on youtube. The last 15 minutes or so of the video is our interview.  This a full intro to the Sensual Foodist!  I’m honored to have been interviewed by Kika, as her work is inspiring and I think it’s just what we need to create a more loving, fulfilling life.  It wasn’t too long ago that Joe and I attended Kika’s kissing workshop, and we had so much fun I had to share this tantric kissing and sensual food practice.…

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!…

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.…

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.…

Blend your smoothie on the spot!

Have you ever whipped out a Vitamix blender at the farmer’s market for a super fresh smoothie?  Neither had I, until I joined forces with Chef Jillian Love! I am absolutely blessed to have this amazing lady in my life.  She is dedicated to her cause and she truly walks the walk.  She is the founder of the Bay Area Raw, which is an organization that brings together leaders in the conscious cuisine world for events and networking.  Jillian is a vegan, raw food chef and has been educating people internationally for over a decade!

My husband Joe, our son Joey, Jillian and I went on a mission to make the ultimate sensual food smoothie in the middle of the Saturday San Mateo farmer’s market.…

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.  …

“Sex and Poop”: a Valentine’s libido class

FREAKING elated.  Yup. That’s what I was during a class I attended at Rainbow Grocery Cooperative in San Francisco.  This class drew me in with the saucy subject; Libido and Sexual Health.  “Poop,” as you may have noticed in the title of this post, is a bold way of referring to digestion.  I will expound more on this topic in following posts!  The main topics of the class were as follows:

  • Which foods boost and which foods squash your sex drive
  • The connection between your mind, heart and libido
  • Understanding the role of hormones
  • The role of stress and mood on your sex life
  • Herbs that support libido and sexual well being

The three presenters, Sara Reed, Marisol Kim, and Sara Jane Gorman delivered such intriguing and useful information that I was literally on the edge of my seat, while attempting to take notes at lightning speed.…