Archive | September, 2015

Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes

Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes

When my daughter Lucia asked for vanilla cupcakes for her birthday, I had to figure out how to make them myself. Luckily, they turned out great. Actually, everyone was kind of shocked at just how good they turned out to be, especially because I cut the sugar in half! I made these in mini cupcake […]

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Death, Tomatoes, and Life Again

Death, Tomatoes, and Life Again

Last week was a hard week. I had no problems navigating the Pope traffic in New York City (in fact, the roads were amazingly clear). But I did get emotional about all the brave things he was saying as he made his way through his papal visit. Business is challenging these days, too, which makes […]

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How to Feed Your Friends (Even If You're Broke, Uninspired, or Never Cook)

How to Feed Your Friends (Even If You’re Broke, Uninspired, or Never Cook)

by guest blogger Dana Velden, a Zen priest and author of Finding Yourself in the Kitchen Perhaps the most delightful use of a kitchen is to spend time in it with friends. To prove this, I’m going to insist that you invite three friends over to dinner tonight (or two, if you’re partnered.) Do it […]

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Maria’s Five Favorites: The Best Dresses, Vests, and Tunics with Pockets

Maria’s Five Favorites: The Best Dresses, Vests, and Tunics with Pockets

Wednesday was the official start of fall, and with the season comes the inevitable layering of clothing. The last thing I want is to feel bulky and restricted, which is why pockets really come in handy this time of year. It’s super freeing to be able to leave the extras behind and carry what you […]

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Yoga for "Falling Back"

Yoga for “Falling Back”

by guest blogger Holly Walck Kostura, certified Iyengar Yoga teacher This is the time of year I call “bummer”—it’s not quite fall and not quite summer, either. My heart aches as my hands pass over the shorts and sandals in the closet and reach instead for pants and shoes that cover my yoga toes. When […]

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Shape-Shifting: Why Our Bodies Redistribute Fat as We Age, and How to Handle It

Shape-Shifting: Why Our Bodies Redistribute Fat as We Age, and How to Handle It

by guest blogger Pam Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, best-selling author and expert on health, fitness, and nutrition Recently, I was at the gym working my biceps on the cross-cable. Once done with the set, I relaxed my arms, dropping them to my side. Normally, I walk around and sip water before starting another exercise. This time, […]

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Smoked Trout Spread Recipe

Smoked Trout Spread Recipe

I’ve wanted to make a smoked trout spread forever, and I finally did. Ultimately, it was simple and easy. After preparing the spread, I asked my daughter Lucia to taste test it. She sniffed it, as she does any new food. (Do all kids do that? I’ve only seen her do it.) She took a […]

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Is Your Scented Candle Toxic?

Is Your Scented Candle Toxic?

by guest blogger Ava Anderson, safe products advocate Fall is upon us, and the holidays will be here before we know it. As the air grows crisper, the aisles in every store will begin to fill with the synthetic fragrance of fall harvest. While we shop, the smells of apple pie, pumpkin spice, and sugarplums […]

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