11 Chic Ways to Bring Copper into Your Home Décor

Copper is the black blazer of home décor. Put it against anything and it instantly adds a touch of polish and sophistication. Less gaudy than the brass of the 80s and more inviting than the chrome of the early 2000s, copper is the metallic of the moment. Dulux, the British paint brand, named Copper Blush the Colour of the Year 2015. Its popularity shows no signs of waning, and with good reason. The warmth and grace of rosy copper, along with its reflective properties, add a little shimmer to any situation.

Whatever your budget or style, we’ve got ideas for how you can bring some sophisticated bling into your interior spaces.

 

1. Bright Lights. Big Impact.

Copper is at its most elegant, most potent and most electric when in the form of an elegant globe lampshade. Emanating light from within and reflecting it on the outside, a copper lamp puts the material on full display. No one does it better than Tom Dixon. The British designer is the visionary behind some of the chicest restaurants, lobbies and interiors of the world. If one of his pieces isn’t in your budget, don’t worry. There are plenty of odes to his work at more approachable prices elsewhere.

 

Amanda Nisbet Design
Image Courtesy: Amanda Nisbet, author of Dazzling Design | Designer: Tom Dixon

 

2. Functional Copper

In our eyes, beautiful objects are even more beautiful when they serve a purpose. Sure, there are some gorgeous tabletop sculptures and decorative balls out there, but many of us live in small spaces where we have to make every inch count. Enter: copper accents with a function.

 

Copper Paul Leobach
Image Courtesy: Kontextur via Kenneth Schiller

 

Copper Candles
Image Courtesy: Target

 

3. A Copper Wall

A little sheen goes a long way, but a lot goes even farther. If you’re ready to make a long-term commitment to copper, an entire wall of the shimmery material is the way to go. Architect Jeff Sherman, of Delson or Sherman Architects, outfitted the two-story wall of his master bedroom in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn with multiple copper panels. He chose copper because he knew that “it would improve from contact with skin over time, rather than smudge like a painted surface.” He did the installation himself, which was no small feat. Because it’s heavy and very ductile, working with the ribbons of copper was like working with “a 25 pound fettuccine.” The effort was clearly worth it. We love the way the copper is reflected in the mirrors across the room and knowing that it will only look better over time makes it even more appealing.

 

Copper Wall
Image Courtesy: Jeff Sherman of Delson or Sherman Architects PC

4. Copper Prints

If an entire accent wall isn’t in the cards, you can still enliven your walls with a copper print. This ethereal moon phase calendar is available from Little Lark’s shop on Etsy. Once 2016 has come and gone, you can cut off the bottom portion and keep the upper square as a timeless portrait of the moon on its own. If you’re not as inspired by celestial bodies as we are, check out other sources for affordable prints online like 20×200  and Society 6 .

 

Moon Print
Image Courtesy: Christy Nyboer of A Little Lark 

 

5. Charger It Up

Do you know about chargers? They’re purely decorative plates that peek out flirtatiously from beneath dinner plates, protecting the tablecloth from spills. Perhaps you remember a version of them in brass on your aunt’s Thanksgiving table in the 90s when they became popular. In reality, they’ve been around since Biblical times, and they’re an easy, affordable way of dressing up your table without investing in a whole new set of tableware.

 

Williams Sonoma
Photo Courtesy: Williams Sonoma

 

6. DIY Copper Ladder

An elegant copper ladder is no farther away than the plumbing aisle of your local hardware store and a weekend afternoon. Brittany Cramer, the mastermind behind the blog Brittany Makes, pulled together this beautiful piece to occupy an awkward wall space in her newly renovated kitchen. The result is stunning, but functional. Even the staunch non-DIYers among us will be inspired by her ingenuity. For instructions and more photos, visit her blog.

 

Copper Ladder
Photo Courtesy: Brittany  Cramer of Brittany Makes 

 

7. Bling-y Books

While we don’t advocate judging a book by its cover, we’re willing to make an exception for those that are truly beautiful. A big book with a copper foil cover makes an intellectual statement for your coffee table. This cheeky leather notebook by Nuuna pushes the envelope with its message that “You Are So F**** Special.” If you don’t care to leave your inner thoughts out for all to see, you could turn the journal into a guest book, asking visitors to leave a favorite quote or musing.

 

Nuuna Book
Photo Courtesy: Nuuna

 

8. Copper-colored Window Treatments

What better way to enjoy a rosy-fingered dawn than through a rosy copper curtain? This semi-transparent copper-hued fabric from the legendary Création Baumann catches and refracts the light as it enters. We would also love to see the cocktail dress Maria von Trapp would fashion out of these.

 

Copper Window
Photo Courtesy: Création Baumann

 

9. Copper Throw Pillows

Embrace the softer side of copper with metallic throw pillows. It’s another way to explore the copper trend with minimal commitment and expense.

 

 

 

10. Don’t Forget the Bathroom

A copper accessories set is an instant facelift for your bathroom. No demolition required. The beautiful thing about copper with a rosy hue is that it plays well with other metallic colors, so whatever fixtures you have now, a copper soap dispenser will most likely only enhance it. We love the sleek simplicity of this set from Anthropologie.

 

11. In The Closet

If you’re not ready to take the copper plunge in the more public rooms of your home, then opt for sleek hangers in your closet. Like wearing beautiful lingerie, only you and your loved one will know they’re there. Ooh la la.

 

Copper Hangers
Photo Courtesy: The Modern Shop 

Pros and Cons of Going Paleo

It’s the diet craze du jour for celebrities and serious nutritionistas alike, but what does the Paleolithic diet, a.k.a. “going paleo,” actually entail? Broadly, it means eating only what our primitive ancestors did: meat and fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, vegetables and fruit. Strictly off-limits foods include dairy, grain products and anything processed. Sounds like it could be healthy…but how difficult is it to eat like a caveman in 2015?

Let’s start with the facts. The modern paleo diet was introduced in the 1970’s by a nutritionist and exercise physiologist named Dr. Loren Cordain. He contends that advances in food production and processing have changed food more rapidly than our digestive systems have evolved to process it. We cannot adequately digest many modern-day processed foods, he says, resulting in increased risk for a host of chronic diseases.

Cordain’s theory remains a topic of debate among nutritionists, but that hasn’t stopped the paleo diet’s boom in popularity. Dozens of variations exist, each with its own slightly tweaked set of rules and promises of unique health benefits. Among the most widely followed is the version espoused by Dr. Mark Hyman, who famously counseled the Clintons after Bill’s quadruple bypass surgery in 2004, which emphasizes diet as a means to detoxify the body and cure disease.

In spite of its popularity, however, the paleo diet recently placed dead last in U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 Best Diet rankings. Evaluated by a panel of dieticians and health experts, paleo came in at number 35 of 35 trending diet plans, based on a variety of factors including nutrition, safety and probability of weight loss.

If you’re thinking of going paleo, first weigh the pros and cons:

Pro: You’ll Eat Only Unprocessed, Whole Foods

While there’s much debate among nutritionists about the “ideal” diet, virtually all agree that there are major health advantages to eating fewer processed foods, especially those high in sugar.

Con: It’s Highly Restrictive

The list of forbidden foods for paleo dieters is lengthy, which could make it difficult to stick to long term. Beans and legumes are not allowed, a definite downer for non-meat eaters.

 

paleo diet

Pro: It’s a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Unlike cleanses and other hyper-restrictive weight loss plans, the paleo diet packs plenty of nutrients. Protein is definitely not in short supply and with proper meal planning you’ll also get loads of vitamins, fiber and even calcium (coconut and dark, leafy greens are good, paleo-friendly sources).

Con: Eating More Meat is Costly for You and the Environment

According to Cordain, over 50% of the paleo dieter’s calories should come from animal protein. That can add up to a hefty grocery bill. There’s also the steep environmental cost, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and water pollution.

 

paleo diet juice

Pro: You’ll Probably Cook A Lot More

The paleo diet’s numerous restrictions, including butter and vegetable oil, make take-out and restaurant dining a challenge.

Con: You Might Gain Weight

One of the diet’s major pitfalls is that it can be very high in saturated fat, which can quickly add up to extra pounds. If you’re considering the Paleolithic diet for weight loss, be sure to moderate your red meat intake.

 

paleo diet steak_edited

Bottom Line:

The paleo diet can be a useful tool to kickstart healthier eating habits, but it requires some planning and make-ahead meal prep. Load up on nutrient-rich veggies and lean protein, like poultry and fish, to keep saturated fat low and the odds of slimming down high.

Which Celebrated Female Movie Director Are You?

From Meg Ryan’s brilliantly faked orgasm in When Harry Met Sally  to the heart-pounding explosions in The Hurt Locker, women directors are responsible for some of the most iconic moments in film history. Yet the vast majority of movies are still directed by men. According to a recent report from the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film, women directed only 7% of the highest grossing films in recent years. The entrenched discrimination against women in Hollywood is so dire that the ACLU just filed a grievance with state and federal agencies to help boost representation of them behind the camera.

In celebration of the incredible women directors who’ve created cinematic masterpieces despite the odds, we bring you this quiz. Find out whose style, subject and voice most match your own sensibilities, and maybe you’ll discover your next favorite movie, too.

(Please select one answer for each of the following six questions…)

 

[quiz=2]

One-take Wonders: 6 Incredible Music Videos Shot in a Single Take

Action movies and reality TV depend on quick cuts to heighten what’s happening on screen. But sometimes, one continuous take can pack an even bigger punch. Here are six music videos that push the limits physically, emotionally and technically of what’s achievable in a single take. No editing required.

 

Call Your Girlfriend, Robyn (2011)

 


With the stamina of a world-class athlete and the fashion sense of a dystopian teddy bear, Robyn dances her heart out for three-and-half minutes straight in an empty soundstage. Perfectly timed lighting changes and 360-degree camera moves bring out the triumph and heartbreak in Robyn’s vocals and elbow thrusts.

 


 

 

No Surprises, Radiohead (1997)

 

This one will leave you breathless. Thom Yorke stares straight at you from inside a diver’s helmet as it slowly fills with water. His literal suffocation excruciatingly echoes the metaphorical suffocation in the song’s lyrics. You can get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the video in the classic Radiohead documentary, “Meeting People Is Easy.”

 


 

 

Two Weeks, FKA twigs (2014)

 

What’s better than FKA twigs? A giant FKA twigs surrounded by a handful of miniature FKA twigs dancing. Here, the multi-talented Brit presides as a golden goddess over a bevy of mini-twigs in one glorious panning shot. Though she typically directs her own videos, this one was directed by Nabil.

 


 

 

Hunter, Bjork (1997)

 

https://youtu.be/CyM5wow-hUk

It took one day of shooting in a studio and months and months of post-production to put together this uncanny and futuristic video. In a pure white environment, a purely bald Bjork shifts shapes between her human body and that of a translucent blue polar bear. She’s alternately the hunter and the hunted, beautifully underscoring the song’s lyrics and her own struggle to find creative expression. Her longtime creative collaborator, Paul White, directed the video.

 


 

 

Blood Brothers, Ingrid Michaelson (2012)

 

https://youtu.be/JHVLpTyGgt0

Although technically only the first couple minutes of this video were shot in one take, we’re including it because time-lapse makeovers are such fun to watch. This one came out a couple years before Cut Videos’ wildly popular “100 Years” series. Through hair, makeup, costume and set changes, Ingrid Michaelson transforms herself into seven music superstars before your very eyes. She proves her lyrics right: “we’re all the same under a different name.”

 


 

 

This Too Shall Pass, OK Go (2010)

 

Leave it to OK Go to dress a marching band in ghillie suits and get them to dance in a swamp. This exuberant and flawlessly executed video is actually the second one for “This Too Shall Pass.” The other one features an elaborate Rube Goldberg machine and was also shot in one take, the band’s now signature visual hook.

Dinner, Delivered with a Side of DIY

City dwellers have always enjoyed the perks of delivery, an unspoken quid pro quo of eschewing the conveniences of Suburbia. While the novelty of 3 AM egg rolls at your door may have faded with age, a new generation of meal delivery services is aiming to take its place. The concept is simple, but genius: Deliver all of the nutrition and satisfaction of a home-cooked meal in a format that’s as easy as ordering take-out.

In recent years, a slew of new companies has started offering meal kit delivery, each promising freedom from the tyranny of meal planning and grocery shopping. A typical kit includes one recipe and everything you need to make it, down to that single tablespoon of vinegar (everything arrives pre-measured) or pinch of saffron. In addition to convenience, these services claim to be a waist-watchers best friend, thanks to fresh ingredients and strictly controlled portion size.

For the busy gourmet or the bloated Seamless addict, it sounds like it could be a dream come true. But how do these services stack up? And is it really worth saying “sayonara” to your grocery store forever? Before you make your decision, check out this review of five major players in the meal kit delivery game.

 

Blue Apron

Blue Apron

A pioneer in the field, Blue Apron has quickly grown a following of loyal customers around the country. It offers two meal plans, one for couples (or friends or roommates) and one for families, designed to feed four to six people. After choosing your menu type — either “meat and fish” or “vegetarian” — Blue Apron selects recipes for you, which you have the option to change. If you’re new to the whole “cooking” thing, don’t sweat it. Blue Apron’s recipes are virtually foolproof, thanks to easy step-by-step instructions and accompanying photos. Bite for bite, Blue Apron runs average to slightly less expensive than its competitors. The two-person plan costs $9.99 per serving with a minimum commitment of six meals or $60 per week; the family plan is $8.99 per serving with a minimum of two meals or $71.92 per week.

 


 

Plated

Plated
Plated

If you’re chefing to impress, Plated could be the service for you. Though pricier than other options — $12 per person for regular meals — Plated offers diners the ease of delivery combined with the flare of a special occasion. With menu choices like “Indonesian Beef Rendang” and “Roasted White Sweet Potatoes with Chinese Broccoli and Flowering Chives”, Plated is a sure-fire escape from the weeknight recipe rut.

 

 

 


 

Hello Fresh

Hello Fresh
Hello Fresh

With the meal kit delivery market reaching saturation, Hello Fresh sets itself apart by promising the very freshest ingredients possible. A recent informal survey of friends (who had used the service — and who also happen to be restaurant chefs) confirmed it lives up to the hype. All ingredients were top quality (they exclusively use premium brand Murray’s chicken, for example) and arrived looking and smelling just-off-the-farm. Hello Fresh has another distinguishing factor, for better or worse: the absence of calorie restrictions. While most delivered kit meals fall between 500 and 600 calories per plate, Hello Fresh averages around 900 calories, though the recipes are created by an in-house dietician and not lacking in nutrients. Hello Chef costs roughly the same as most of its competitors, around $10 per meal, but vegetarians take note: while omnivores can enjoy a range of meal choices, meat-free offerings are limited.

 

 


 

Green Blender

Box-and-ingredients_green blender
Green Blender

No time to cook, even if it’s kit-style? No problem. A service called Green Blender invites you to sip your nutrients instead. Created by a fitness blogger fed up with “glorified milkshakes” parading around as health food, Green Blender offers a rotating lineup of smoothie recipes with pre-portioned, seasonal produce and “superfoods”, like chia and flaxseeds. Each delivery includes five pouches to make five different smoothies. With flavors like Tropical Mojito and Sacha Inchi Orange Creamsicle, Green Blender offers a taste of the exotic delivered to your door. At $10 per serving, Green Blender costs about the same as other meal delivery services. Unlike those competitors, however, Green Blender does expect you to own a knife and a cutting board for basic prep like chopping.

 


 

Home Chef

Home Chef

More of a newcomer to the DIY dinner scene, Home Chef is gaining popularity with high-end foodies. That’s because the recipes, 10 different options per week, come from restaurant chefs. The instructions are definitely geared toward the home cook, however. This service also boasts the advantage of allowing diners to prioritize low carb or low-calorie menu choices, and to register any allergies or dietary restrictions, like gluten. Starting at $7.99 per serving, Home Chef is priced in line with the competition, but, sorry, California friends; it’s currently only available in 30 states across the East Coast and Midwest.

 

The Best Sushi Restaurants in America

Sushi is so common it’s easy for it to become an afterthought — a literal last-minute lunch fix from the Publix around the corner. Of course, the ever-increasing availability of sushi that at least qualifies as edible can only be seen as a good thing. But if you’re really looking to transport your taste buds to Tokyo, you might want to settle in for a night of non-stop, Edomae-style nigiri fueled by junmai daiginjo sake at one of these extraordinary shrines to the art of Japanese seafood: the seven best sushi restaurants in America.

 

Shuko

New York, New York

Shuko sushi
Photo courtesy of Shuko

Chefs Jimmy Lau and Nick Kim sharpened their skills under Masa Takayama, the owner of Masa, a three-Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Manhattan, New York. Then they ran their own start-up sushi operation on West 8th Street called Neta. A decade later, they opened Shuko — one of the Big Apple’s hottest and most loved sushi destinations. Unlike the cramped bar at their first restaurant, the C-shaped dining counter here, carved from a solid Tamo Ash that was butterflied, seats 20 people comfortably. The chefs are flanked by a fleet of diligent assistants, including a bewhiskered bartender who mixes exotic cocktails with ten-year-old Armagnac and Japanese tea, then spritzes them with plum-flavored eau-de-vie.

There’s no menu. Shuko elevates fish to an art form. The toro tartare on milk bread and the spicy tuna roll covered with Thai chiles, chopped to bits and ready to set your taste buds on fire, will leave you fondly recalling them for months after they’ve ended.

 

Morio’s Sushi Bistro

Honolulu, Hawaii

Morio's Sushi Bistro
Photo courtesy of Ariana M.

With less than two dozen seats in the entire establishment,Morio’s Sushi Bistro basically caters to those with a four-months-ahead reservation. “The front of the shop looks rather run down,” says Kristine Tan from Honolulu, Hawaii. “However, all the magic is inside of its brick and mortar.” Morio’s Sushi Bistro is a sort of BYOB sushi party. Everyone wears t-shirts and rubbah slippahs. Chef Morio cracks crass one-liners and takes swigs of sake with his guests. A renowned fishmonger who gets first dibs at some of the finest seafood out of Japan, he also crafts sake steamed clams, lobster soup, and shrimp tempura that’s fried in the lightest of batters.  It’ll give you food dreams for weeks.

 

Sushi Ota

San Diego, California

Sushi ota
Photo courtesy of Alexis K.

Parked next door to a 7-Eleven and a Planned Parenthood, Sushi Ota looks like it could be a shady dentist’s office. But this hole-in-the-wall is actually one of the best sushi spots in the Bay area. An army of master chefs, clad in black robes and crown-fitting white hats, serve petite slices of translucent spot prawn along with its deep-fried head. Sushi Ota’s uni is also plucked daily from local waters and is the stuff of legend. “It makes you want to sell all of your possessions to just keep getting another hit of that thick, rich, creamy, and sweet sea urchin,” says Freiler Thompson from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Between the crisp, nubbly octopus fritters and specialty rolls like the Pizza, a California roll topped with eel sauce, that are sold at strip-mall prices, you’ll be so in love with your food that you’ll want to fork it.

 

Toni’s Sushi Bar

Miami, Florida

Toni's Sushi Bar
Photo courtesy of German M.

Sushi has become as prevalent in Miami as flip-flop weddings and golden-thonged bicyclists, with rolls popping up in bodegas and high-end hotels alike. But before all that, Toni’s was churning out high-quality, no-flash sushi in Oriental-style digs (complete with sunken seating and bamboo dividers). South Beach’s first Japanese restaurant, it’s still on the cutting edge — literally. It serves up steaming bowls of soba noodles topped with beef, shrimp, or veggies, plus Tony’s Choice, a single serving of fresh sushi and sashimi artfully arranged atop a bamboo boat. The Washington Avenue restaurant is as notable for what it is — one of the best sushi spots in the Sunshine State — as for what it isn’t: expensive and overblown.

 

Morimoto

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Morimoto sushi
Photo courtesy of Morimoto

The Iron Chef who gave this ultra-modern, color kinetic, Tokyo-in-the-US restaurant its name seldom wields his knives behind Philly’s best sushi joint. “I spend more time cooking at events,” says Masaharu Morimoto. “It’s good to do something different, like creating new menu items. I’ve gotten some ideas from Italian food: for Uni Carbonara, instead of pasta, I use Japanese Inaniwa Udon, thin noodles.” From his infamous fugu (blowfish), prepared three ways in season, to his toro that melts in your mouth like butter, Morimoto’s flagship packs in more species of fish than Finding Nemo. Located a block from Independence Hall on Chestnut Street, the two-story space is a mix between a swanky nightclub and a zen modern art gallery. Unlike most super-fancy joints with a world-famous owner, though, the omakase  won’t put a massive crater in your wallet. Pair it with a “Sakura” — a cosmo made with Sake — or a Rogue Hazelnut beer.

 

Kai Zan

Chicago, Illinois

kai zen sushi
Photo courtesy of Kai Zan

Identical twins Carlo and Melvin Vizconde honed their seafood skills at various sushi gigs before striking out on their own and establishing Kai Zan in a somewhat sleepy Humboldt Park location that wasn’t considered a likely destination for serious raw fish connoisseurs.  And yet, seven years in, this serene 22-seater has established itself as a favorite among sushi snobs for its BYOB policy (limit 2 bottles) and  omakase that includes more food than you can eat — oyster and uni shooters served in ponzu sauce and topped with caviar and quail eggs, seared salmon wrapped around orange-kissed scallops, bite-size rice balls topped with seared tuna, spicy mayo, chili oil, and a creamy wasabi sauce. Then there’s Japanese dezāto like coffee gelatin topped with sweet red beans and whipped cream or green tea ice cream smothered with Anko that’s guaranteed to hit your sweet spot.

 

Nodoguro

Portland, Oregon

Nodoguro sushi
Photo courtesy of Nodoguro

Chef Ryan Roadhouse and his business partner and wife, Elena Roadhouse, specialize in “hardcore” 13, 19, and 25-course omakase that are built around subtle references to artists, fast food chains, or TV shows — including a “Twin Peaks” meal they once cooked at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles for the director David Lynch. At Nodoguro’s ever-changing kappo-style feasts, you might be served a salmon roe “Russian-style” sandwich, a risotto-like uni rice topped with popping roe, or gently crisped Japanese eggplant poached in young miso with a sliver of duck.

It’s hard to say since Roadhouse designs his menu 48 hours before each meal. And he sources some of the rarest ingredients from Japan, found nowhere else in the United States. What’s certain in this “adventurous eaters only” approach to culinary improv? “It encompasses every sense and has the ability to take a person out of place and time,” says one Yelper. “I am still floating on a high from having one of the most exquisite meals of my life.” The Belmont Street restaurant’s reservation books open only once a month, so jump on tickets immediately. Which is to say, check its website for cancellations on the regular if you want to score a seat.

Nutrition for Healthy, Glowing Skin

It’s true, the skin is the biggest organ in the human body. It also plays a key role in detoxification. Dealing with skin problems, particularly as an adult, isn’t just frustrating; for many, it’s embarrassing and can have profound effects on our self-esteem and confidence.

Acne is a major problem, and not only for teenagers. I see an increasing number of adult clients complaining of skin issues and desperate to find solutions. Aside from acne, other common and troublesome issues include psoriasis, eczema, rashes and hives, and athletes foot. Unfortunately, the conventional mindset for addressing all of these skin problems is often missing the mark. While topicals, ointments, gels, lotions, and cleansers might be able to help with symptoms temporarily, the real goal must be getting to the root of the problem.

So what is at the root of poor skin health? It is important to understand that if you are experiencing a skin condition, this is a sure sign of another underlying problem.

Some common triggers of skin conditions:

  • Undiagnosed food allergies/sensitivities
  • Excessive past or current exposure to environmental toxins
  • Reactions to personal hygiene products
  • Excessive sugar in the diet
  • Dehydration
  • Lack of healthy gut flora

Here are seven essential steps to treating skin from the inside out.

Hydrate!

Simple hydration is not to be underestimated in both causing and treating skin conditions. Simply put, we cannot detox properly without adequate hydration. Water flushes toxins from our body, and if there isn’t enough of it, skin problems are far more common. Shoot for half of your body weight in ounces per day, and opt for clean, filtered water whenever possible. If you are a coffee/caffeine drinker, your quantity of water should be increased, as these beverages act as diuretics, which are substances that increase urine production in the body, which promotes dehydration.

girl drink water

Discover Hidden Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Acne is a very common symptom of a food allergy or sensitivity. The foods to which we most often react include gluten, dairy, soy, corn, eggs and grains, although an individual can be allergic to just about anything. A food elimination diet is the best (and least expensive) way to begin uncovering potential sensitivities. This involves eliminating commonly allergenic foods for no less than one month, and systematically reintroducing them in order to pinpoint which might be problematic.

raw egg in plate

Eliminate Dairy

Particularly if you’re dealing with acne, eliminating dairy in the diet should be step number one. A 2005 study released by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found a positive correlation between dairy intake and teenage acne, but this goes for adults, too. Dairy includes primarily milk, cheese, and yogurt, and some may or may not do well with butter. (Ghee, a clarified butter, is a great alternative.) Eliminate dairy completely for at least one month, and see if you notice changes. If not, move on to the more extensive elimination diet described above.

Cut Out Sugar

A close runner-up to dairy, refined sugar is a major player in skin issues. The main reason for this has to do with hormones, as excessive sugar in the diet leads to blood sugar imbalance, which negatively affects our hormone levels. Instead of refined (table) sugar, opt for maple syrup, raw honey, and naturally sweet foods such as whole fruit.

honeydew

Focus on Fats

Fortunately, our society’s obsessive fear of fats is slowly but surely dissipating, which is great news for our skin. It is true that commonly used cooking fats such as canola, soy and corn oils, along with deep-fried foods, are oxidized (rancid) before even leaving the supermarket. These fats can wreak havoc on our body systems and skin, as they create free radicals that are damaging to cells and a leading cause of systemic inflammation. However, a focus on nutritious and skin-healthy fats such as coconut, olives, flax, walnut and avocado oils, avocado, grass-fed butter, ghee, and raw nuts and seeds can be very beneficial.

coconut oil

Go Easy on the Alcohol

This can be a tough one but is extremely important in order to achieve healthy skin. Since alcohol converts to sugar when consumed, it creates problems similar to those described above with refined sugar consumption. Furthermore, alcohol congests the liver, which is our primary detox organ. Proper detoxification is essential to clearing up skin problems.

Include Probiotic-Rich Fermented Foods

Every qualified nutrition professional knows that healthy digestion is at the root of most skin problems. If our digestion is impaired for any reason — leaky gut, undiagnosed food allergies, lack of digestive enzymes or sufficient stomach acid, or an improper balance of gut flora — this can have profound effects on our skin health. Including probiotic-rich fermented foods on a daily basis is a great place to start, and the best options are raw sauerkraut, kimchi, coconut kefir, and kombucha tea.

sauerkraut

While some skin conditions might not respond to these dietary changes and could require the guidance of a nutrition or integrative medicine professional, many of my clients find that their skin issues, especially acne, clear up after several months of these changes. Remember, skin issues are rooted in an underlying problem, and discovering which problems are affecting you is the key to achieving healthy, glowing skin.

A Foodie’s Guide to a Week in Paris

Name a city you’d rather be whisked away to than Paris. Go on, think about it – I’ll wait. Whether you’ve never been to the City of Light or you’re there so often it’s practically your second home, Paris never fails to disappoint. There is always something new to discover and (likely fall in love with) hidden among the city’s rambling streets, gardens, and bustling cafes.

Lucky you (and me), there’s also never a bad time to go to the city. Paris is magical no matter the season—if you’ve never been you might want to avoid going in August when the city basically empties, although there’s something to be said about feeling like you have the whole city to yourself—especially for foodies who will find culinary delights at every turn. The next time you find yourself in Paris let your stomach guide you around. Think of this foodie guide to a week in Paris as your rough itinerary; after all, one of the best things about the city is the unexpected surprises you’ll find.

 

Getting there + where to stay

It’s so easy to get to Paris it’s almost as if the city is inviting you to come. You’ll find flights from all major cities (from NYC, it’s possible to find nonstop roundtrip flights for less than $500). Once there, between the public transportation, taxis, and your feet, getting around is a snap, but depending on how familiar you are with the city and what you want to do, I’d stay in either the  2nd Arrondissement (full of cafes and shops and the charming Hotel des Grands Boulevards), the 1st Arrondissement (full of attractions), or the 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower).

paris 3

What to do in Paris (that isn’t necessarily about food)

Throw your Paris game plan out the window. The city is all about wandering. Here are a few places to start:

The 3rd Arrondissement: This historic district is a must-visit for trendsetters. You’ll find everything from fancy boutiques selling high-end designer clothes to musty antique shops.

Take in the Eiffel Tower at Dark: OK – it’s super touristy but no matter how many times I’ve been, I always make a point of stopping and appreciating the Eiffel Tower at dark.

Buy a book at Shakespeare and Company: Just do it. The English language bookshop is straight out of a fairy-tale.

Walk Along the Seine: Get a little lost strolling by The Seine. Explore the bridges, walk around the Tuileries Garden, and take in Monet’s “Water Lilies” at the Musée de l’Orangerie.

 paris 2

A foodie’s guide to Paris

From Michelin star restaurants to hole-in-the-wall creperies to melt in your mouth croissants, Paris was made for foodies. Here’s where to eat and drink:

Les Vignerons Parisiens: You can’t go to France and not spend some time learning about and tasting wine. This urban winery makes its wine on site (most of the grapes are from France’s Rhone Valley).

Café Oberkampf: Don’t be fooled by the exterior, this unfussy coffee shop has one of the best brunches in all of Paris. Anything you order off the small menu will be incredible.

Take a Cooking Class: There’s no better way to take Paris home with you than by learning how to cook like a Parisian chef. Try La Cuisine Paris for an éclairs class or learn how to cook from ingredients picked up at a Paris market with this Market Visit and Cooking Class with a Parisian Chef class.

Pierre Hermé: Buy macarons for all your friends at home (it’s ok if you accidentally eat them all).

Marché Bastille: Give yourself plenty of time to explore Marché Bastille. One of the biggest markets in Paris, you’ll want to visit on Sunday morning if you can. You’ll find the largest and  freshest selection of freshly picked fruit such as strawberries, tons of baked goods, pungent cheeses, and so much more.

La Fontaine de Mars or Chez l’Ami Jean: Make sure you have at least one old-school French bistro meal while in Paris. Go on and order the escargot.

paris 1

Bonhomie: Settling into the blue leather stool at this welcoming cocktail bar you’ll feel like a 1940s movie star.

Le Mary Celeste: For a mid-day or late-night snack this fairly new restaurant is great for sharing small plates over a bottle of wine or cocktails.

La Crêperie Bretonne: Bet you can’t order just one crepe from this neighborhood spot that has been dishing up some of Paris’ best crepes since the 1930s.

6 Small Ways to Say I Love You

When was the last time you retweeted your partner’s corny jokes? Gave them a surprise gift—naughty or nice? It might seem small, but in relationships, it’s the little things that bond us together. “Actions really do speak louder than words and many people consider a loving gesture to be as valuable as hearing ‘I love you’,” says Jacqui Gabb, the co-author of the “Enduring Love?” study. “Grand romantic gestures, although appreciated, don’t nurture a relationship as much as bringing your partner a cup of tea in bed or watching TV together.”

Ready to subtly sweep your partner of his or her feet? “The easiest way: find out your partner’s love language. Your other half most likely gives you love the way he or she likes to receive it,” says Jennifer Seip, an Individual, Couple, and Sex Therapist. She also recommends discovering your own love language and jotting down the things that your partner does that make you swoon.

“You may have a primary love language, one or two that you gravitate toward the most, but that just means you should work on the other ones,” adds John Kim, a licensed therapist and the co-founder of JRNI. Here are 6 small ways to speak fluent love, not broken.

 

Words of Affirmation

If your love language is words of affirmation, kind, encouraging, and positive comments can refuel your love tank. While hearing the phrase, “I love you,” is important, hearing the reasons behind that love cranks up your love-o-meter. Insults will leave you with emotional bullet holes that aren’t easily forgotten.

I love you 1

Make a list of 10 reasons why you love your significant other. Write each one on a separate sticky note and hide them around the house. “I’ll put one on my husband’s steering wheel before work or a lipstick kiss on a sticky note over his sink in the bathroom—my little ways of showing him how much he means to me,” says Stephanie Pass, The Tiptoe Fairy. “A few years ago, Nate gave me a hand-painted jar full of love notes. I still haven’t gotten completely to the bottom of the jar yet.”

 

Quality Time

If your love language is quality time, then conversations and activities—with your cell phone tucked away, your fork and knife down, and your household chores on standby—are your romantic bread and butter. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen will thrust you into a romantic rut.

I love you 2

When it comes to exercise, the magic number might be two—as in your partner plus you. “Some of the strongest relationships I’ve seen are those with people who exercise together,” says Shane Allen, a certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist. “Common goals and shared routines are what help make a relationship, as well as our bodies, stronger.” Hit a health club with free babysitting services like Blast Fitness, World Gym, or the YMCA. Rock climbing, AcroYoga, boxing, and weightlifting are workouts with romance built in.

 

Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism. In the vernacular of receiving gifts,  nothing says, “I love you,” like the thoughtfulness and effort behind the bow. Whether the gift is small and thrifty or grand and expensive, it shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring it to you. Missed birthdays, anniversaries, and hasty, thoughtless gifts will poison Cupid’s arrows.

I love you 4

Create a mixtape.It’s one of the most personal, intimate, and romantic gestures you can do for someone you love. While records and cassettes have been dug out of the dustbin of history, a digital playlist allows you to continually add songs that show how you feel toward each other.

 

Acts of Service

Can scrub-a-dub-dubbing dishes in gawky, rubber gloves really be an expression of love? If you’re a part of the “hate to do the dishes” club, you betcha. If you’re fluent in this love language, you understand taking the burden off your partner’s shoulders speaks volumes. The words he or she most want to hear are “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for your lover will cause your wires to cross.

I love you 3

Make date night a weekly event even if you can’t afford a babysitter.“A date night…conveys to the couple is that they are creating a unique and special space for one another,” says Matt Garrett of Relationships Australia. It doesn’t have to be a full-on, three-course meal with the violinist in the background and a dozen roses. You might, say, fill your couple’s bucket list, watch the sunrise, or play a game of strip scrabble.

 

Physical Touch

“Of all the love languages, touch is the most primal,” says Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages. “It supersedes language and symbolic gestures.” If you speak this love language, you get your jollies—not surprisingly—from skinship. From hot-and-heavy, foot-popping kisses to lingering handshakes, touch is the bedrock that’ll make your bed rock. Physical abuse and neglect will cause your relationship to splinter.

I love you 5

Even if you’re not a touchy-feely person, you can still celebrate with high fives and fist bumps. “If we’re proud of each other, find something funny, both think the same thing at the same time, think about how much we love each other, or even if we argue and get bored of fighting, it’s ‘boom, fist bump time’,” says Emma W. “It’s…a little sign of what a great team we are and shows that he’s my buddy and teammate forever.”

Supercharge your relationship by giving your partner a regular neck, back, foot, or full body massages. “My husband [Dennis] and I have been massaging each other for ten years now—giving [a muscle-melting] massage is something we do as a treat for the other or when we feel like our marriage needs some extra loving,” says Emma Merkas, the co-founder of Melt: Massage For Couples.

10 Dating No-Nos: Our List of Dating Dealbreakers

Dating can be fun and exciting, especially in the beginning when everything is a mystery; but it can also be work. Sometimes, we question if we’ll ever find the right person. No one is perfect, and finding the right match takes time; there are some behaviors that make us want to run away screaming with our hands above our heads. After experiencing a few of these dealbreakers, staying single doesn’t seem like a bad idea. Which are the worst dating dealbreakers? Here are our top picks.

1. Not Having a Photo

In our internet-centric world, many of us are meeting partners online instead of the old-fashioned way, which is easier in some ways but harder in others. Online, it’s simpler to analyze potential partners without investing too much time, and most of us only agree to meet people we’re attracted to, physically and/or mentally. According to an article from Smithsonian Magazine, the photo you choose for your dating profile can influence how much another person initially trusts you, perhaps becoming the deciding factor over whether they’ll agree to a date or not.

No photo? This goes on our list of dating dealbreakers.

2. Taking Too Long to Reply to Texts

You don’t need to jump at your phone each time it buzzes; but waiting a day or two after each message shows indifference toward the other person. Playing games is never a good idea, and plenty of partners will move on to someone else who isn’t so “hard to get.”

dating dealbreaks

3. Running Late Without Notice or Completely Flaking on Plans

There is nothing wrong with running a bit late from time to time — everyone does it, and five to 10 minutes is completely forgivable. Making someone wait longer and not calling to warn them, or canceling plans last-minute altogether, are different stories. These actions are indirect ways of telling potential partners that their time doesn’t matter to you. Why should they spend any more of it? Many people won’t.

4. Being Rude to Others

On dates, we don’t only watch how we’re treated, but also how our dates treat others. Sure, being rude to the person you’re out with will end the night quickly; but mistreating the waitress (or “forgetting” the tip), the doorman, or anyone else you come into contact with will also ensure that a second date doesn’t happen.

5. Excessive Smoking and Boozing

There are plenty of non-smokers who don’t mind when their partners occasionally smoke, as long as it’s not done in the house or around other people; but getting carried away with cigarettes or alcoholic drinks is another story. When your habits impact your life and the lives of others, it becomes a problem, and healthy people want healthy partners.

men drinking beers

6. Being Needy

At the beginning of a new relationship, it’s easy to get swept up in a world of constant messaging and last-minute dates. Then reality kicks in and we remember we have obligations and routines. It’s important to have your own life, friends, and hobbies so you don’t overwhelm your partner. Living a fulfilling life is also a turn-on and adds to the qualities that make someone interesting.

7. Talking Only About Yourself

Kidnapping the conversation is an easy way to ensure that it’s the last one you will have with that person. Yes, perhaps your job is super interesting, your children are adorable, and your dog did the funniest thing today; but your partner won’t care if he/she can’t get a word in edgewise. People feel important when they are asked about themselves, and listening to someone else is a way of showing genuine interest.

8. A Sloppy Appearance

This may seem like a no-brainer (we only date the people we’re attracted to); but after a bit of time, laziness can set in and some partners begin letting their personal grooming habits slip. The level of grooming requirements will vary from person to person, but at least make sure your clothes, hair, and teeth are all clean when you see your SO.

9. Sexual Incompatibility

The relationship won’t take off if the kissing chemistry is lacking, and it will experience problems down the road if both partners are on a different sexual schedule — one of the most difficult dating dealbreakers of all. Some people like being intimate every day while others are happy with once per week; so it’s important to find someone on the same wavelength as you.

relationship compatibility

10. Poor Communication

Communication is up there with honesty in “things crucial in a relationship.” At first, that can mean talking about/listening to each other’s likes and dislikes; but later it will translate to how you live together and handle bigger issues. Eye contact and other forms of nonverbal communication also matter, as highlighted in a study published in the Journal of Social Psychology.

10 Best Cities in the World for Coffee Lovers

You can tell a lot about a place from its coffee shops. Yes, coffee is a necessity; but the vibe of a city is in its coffee, whether it’s café con leche or a simple cup given during an elaborate coffee ceremony. A café where people rush in, order and hurry out speaks of a hyperactive culture, while an eatery where single origin pour is the must-have drink signals the baristas know the beans.

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Serious coffee drinkers know there are many variables involved in making a cup of coffee. They also know a great cup is one you dream about. Find out where to get your fix and plan your next vacation in the process. From the United States to South America, these are the 10 best cities for coffee. 

Melbourne, Australia

Australia’s artsy city takes its coffee seriously. Each of the city’s villages has their own vibe, and the coffee shops in each reflect that. If you want hipster coffee, head to Brunswick. For traditional Turkish java, you want to visit Coburg. There’s even a café culture walking tour run by Hidden Secrets Tours. Order a milky coffee drink or the piccolo latte (made with less milk so the espresso tastes stronger).

Try:  Sensory Lab, Proud Mary, Sonido

Image courtesy of Sonido!
Image courtesy of Sonido

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Next on the list of best cities for coffee is this cosmopolitan South American city. Buenos Aires’ oldest café dates back to 1858; but it’s only been within the past few years that the city’s coffee has come in to its own. A new generation of baristas import, roast and grind their own beans. Order the local favorite café con leche (milky coffee) or lagrima (hot frothy milk with a teardrop of coffee) and sip. Coffee is a drink you savor in Argentina.

Try: Café Tortoni, the oldest café shop in Buenos Aires.

Vancouver, Canada

Multiple coffee shops on each block make Vancouver another one of the best cities for coffee. There’s a coffee for every type of drinker in the British Columbia city. Yes, there’s Starbucks, imported from that coffee-loving city to the south. There’s also a wide selection of artisan shops roasting, grinding and brewing beans directly from the source. You’ll find more sustainable, fair trade green coffee in this city than any place else in the world, homage to the green initiatives you’ll find throughout Vancouver.

Try: Kafka’s, Prado Cafe, Trees Organic

Prado coffee
Prado Cafe Vancouver

Havana, Cuba

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, there’s never a wrong time for coffee in Havana. Café cubano — a shot of dark roasted espresso brewed directly onto sugar — is the drink du jour, especially in the afternoons. Coffee is drank almost as much as water in this city. And with direct flights now from most US cities, it’s only a leap, hop, skip and jump away until you’re indulging too.

Try: Cafe El Escorial, Cafe Arcangel

 

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand’s often-overlooked Northern city is the heart of the country’s coffee culture. The city is full of cafes, where you’ll often find expat digital nomads working, as baristas whip up drinks made as close to bean to cup as you can get. Most of the beans brewing in the coffee houses are grown in the countryside just outside of the city, making this another one of the best cities for coffee.

Try: Librarista, Ristr8to

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Widely regarded as the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia has a long and rich coffee culture. With an estimated 15 million people in the country relying on the plant for their livelihood, it should come as no surprise the capital city is full of coffee shops. But what really makes Addis Ababa a must-visit for coffee lovers is the traditional coffee ceremony. The ceremony is a sign of friendship and respect and consists of hours of roasting, grinding, brewing, and of course drinking of coffee.

Try: Tomoca Coffee, Alem Bunna

 

Oslo, Norway

Oslo will make even the most serious dark roast coffee drinker fall in love with light. Baristas in the country’s southern coastal city import, roast and grind coffee beans. Don’t let the light roast fool you though. The coffee is bright, acidic and with enough of a punch to make you wonder why anyone would ever prefer dark roasts.

Try: Tim Wendelboe, Kaffebrenneriet

Rome, Italy

When in Rome, do as the Romans do…drink coffee. Heralded as the birthplace of the cappuccino, Romans drink coffee as much as they do water and wine. The local cafes are more than just a place to get a java fix. They are where locals go to get news and swap neighborhood gossip. Just remember when you’re chatting away, milky coffees like that cappuccino should only be drunk in the morning.

Try: Sant’ Eustachio, Tazza d’Oro, Caffe Camerino

Image via Morguefile under the Morguefile License
Image via Morguefile under the Morguefile License

Providence, Rhode Island

The tiny city in the United States’ smallest state has a bustling coffee scene. Here, you’ll be drinking sweet coffee milk. It’s the state drink, a blend of espresso-based coffee syrup added to a glass of milk. It’ll give you enough of a buzz to explore the city’s art and tech scenes.  You’ll also find plenty of up-and-coming indie shops and traditional Italian on the North side of the city.

Try: Dave’s Coffee, Bolt Coffee

Seattle, Washington

Seattle should be on every coffee lover’s bucket list. Known around the globe as the birthplace of Starbucks (you can visit the original in Pike Place), Seattle created the US coffee culture we know today. It has paved the way for artisan coffee places to sprout up around the country. Starbucks aside, the city has plenty of its own indie shops. This is definitely one of the best cities for coffee. Order a local favorite single origin pour.

Try: Milstead, Reserve Roastery, Victrola Coffee Roasters

Image: Starbucks®
Image: Starbucks®

10 Food Trends We’ll See in 2016

New Year, new food.  As 2016 kicks off, everyone has his or her prediction for the food we’ll be craving and how we’ll be eating it this year. The National Restaurant Association released its food forecast, as did Food Network and even Pinterest. That’s a lot of predictions to wade through. To help narrow it down, I spoke with Local Forager for Whole Foods Market’s Northeast Region Elly Truesdell and chefs Tom Gray of Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails, Doug Turbush of Seed Kitchen & BarStem Wine Bar and Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar and Kevin Gillespie of Red Beard Restaurants to get their delicious takes on this year’s food trends. Think food anytime you want it, oysters exploding and sourcing playing an even bigger role in how we dine. Ready, set, eat: These are 10 of the food trends we’re looking forward to this year.

1. Food When You Want It

Love it or hate it, we are the society of now. We’ve already lost the skills required to successfully hail a cab, opting instead for the immediacy of an Uber or Lyft. Apps like Grubhub made the traditional “pick up the phone, call the restaurant and wait for delivery” a thing of the past; but in 2016, food delivery will get even more high-tech. Say goodbye to relying on your sense of smell before choosing what to eat. Starbucks has been trying out a delivery service: You can order wine and have it delivered within the hour to your door in NYC from Amazon and UberEATS. This will be widespread by the end of year, claiming to be the newest, fastest delivery service. 

Image: Grubhub
Image: GrubHub

2. Old Is New Again

A few old proteins and grains will become new again. Everyone from athletes to those with gluten allergies has explored other options in the past few years. This year, Truesdell expects to see more of an emphasis on non-commodity wheat and alternative flours — in particular, spring and hard wheat varieties that add flavor and depth to breads, pancakes and pastries. And Gray thinks we will see alternative proteins such as chicken livers, pig ears and flank steak popping up on menus. 

wheat flour
Image via Morguefile under the Morguefile License

3. Vegetables Steal the Show

Move over kale, you’re going to have to share the spotlight with other vegetables. Forget the days when vegetables were just side dishes, with that one lonely vegetarian option on menus. This year, vegetables will become highlights on menus everywhere.

Image: Whole Foods Market®
Image: Whole Foods Market®

4. Wood-Fired Everything

You already love your wood-fired pizza; why not take it to the next level? The wood-fire trend is coming back; and this year, it’s not only for pizzas. Think bagels and crusty breads and more for unbeatable baked goods.

Image courtesy of Whole Foods Market®
Image: Whole Foods Market®

5. Sourcing Gets Real

It’s official: The farm to table trend is no longer a fad – it’s here to stay. As we pay more attention to where our food comes from, there will also be more of a focus on if the production of that food was ethical, natural and sustainable.

“More guests are excited to learn where ingredients come from, how they are handled and what the back story is on dishes,” Gray said.

The sourcing trend will extend to mixologists as more and more bartenders utilize what’s available in their kitchens—freshly squeezed juices, herbs, spices and ingredients like chipotle and balsamic vinegar—to bring out the flavors of the cocktail.

Barman works at bar counter

6. Pistachios

Move over peanuts, almonds and cashews — 2016 is all about the pistachio. Truesdell has been taste-testing (how do we get that job?) pistachio milks, gelatos and ice creams. Get ready for lots of pistachios in sweet and savory dishes.

Image via Morguefile under the Morguefile License
Image via Morguefile under the Morguefile License

7. Chickpeas

Another hot ingredient and a really great plant seed protein, Truesdell expects us to see lots of chickpeas. They can be a source for gluten free pastas and flatbreads; but also look for it as a healthy snack food.

Fresh Prepared Chickpeas over rustic wooden table close up.

8. Oysters

Rejoice, shellfish lovers. Oysters will explode this year.

“The renaissance and rituals of oyster eating will thrive with increasing interest in oyster terroir, growing methods and the nuances that produce oyster varieties,” Turbush said.

It’s going to be a deliciously briny year.

Image via Unsplash under CC0
Image via Unsplash under CC0

9. Sweet to Savory

Taste buds will be tantalized as sweet goes savory in 2016. Spices have been all the rage the past few years; but this year, expect to see them incorporated into traditionally sweet, fruit-heavy dishes for an amazing yet different flavor. Think smoothies with ingredients like avocado and olive oil, in addition to those micro greens you’ve been using. 

Image via Morguefile under the Morguefile License
Image via Morguefile under the Morguefile License

10. Fast Casual

Millennials made fast casual a thing; and now, as we become the biggest demographic in the country, we’re making that fast casual trend extend to chef-driven and local ingredients delivered quickly.

Gillespie sees an uptick in consumer demand for faster, healthier options in 2016. “It’s going to be a redo of fast food with a healthy focus,” he said. “I’m not talking about salad bars but healthful, lighter cuisine at fast food speed.”

Image via Unsplash under license CC0
Image via Unsplash under license CC0

Which of these food trends are you looking forward to the most?

10 Killer Backpacks From Fashion Weeks Around the World

Backpacks: no longer just for kindergartners and hikers. The practical carryall has been having a moment during the last year, showing up on the catwalks and sidewalks of fashion weeks around the globe. Running the gamut from classically functional to provocatively subversive, there’s a modern incarnation of the bag for everyone’s taste.

Here, we round up 10 choice backpacks for all kinds of styles and budgets.

Day it Forward – January 2020

We believe that every individual has the ability to make a difference in our world, and we want to give our readers a chance to bring attention to a cause important to them.

Every month, readers are encouraged to submit the charity of his/her choice by sharing a charity on one of our social media posts (or Sylvia’s)!

Your submissions will be reviewed by bestselling author Sylvia Day and she will select one or more to personally contribute to for the month. The selected charity will be featured in the next month’s Day it Forward to bring more awareness to its cause and allow for readers of Beyond Words to learn about and possibly donate to help its cause, too.

The charities Sylvia has chosen for the month of January 2020 are WWF-Australia’s Koala Crisis Fund and the Australian Red Cross.

WWF

WWF-Australia is one of Australia’s most trusted conservation organizations. WWF works in Australia and throughout Asia-Pacific to protect endangered species and habitats, meet the challenge of climate change, and build a world where people live in harmony with nature.

Australian Red Cross

The Australian Red Cross supports and empowers people and communities in times of vulnerability. Their purpose is to reduce suffering across Australia and internationally through mobilizing the power of humanity.

Sylvia donated $750 USD ($1032 AUD) to each charity, and you can, too, here (WWF-Australia) and here (Australian Red Cross).

If you would like to submit a charity to Day it Forward for the month of February, please comment on our Facebook page, Instagram, or Twitter #DayItForward post(s) or Sylvia’s Facebook page, Instagram, or Twitter #DayItForward post(s). We appreciate and consider all submissions!

Check, Mate: Chess Gets its Sexy Back

Stop swiping randomly right and left on your smartphone for just a second. Why not try a new twist on an ancient concept of conquest instead?

There’s a niche for everyone to embrace chess at its purest or self-expressive forms. Critics say two recent screen gems – Pawn Sacrifice, starring Tobey Maguire and Liev Schreiber, and The Dark Horse, starring Cliff Curtis (Fear the Walking Dead) – should spark major interest in this game of strategy that has literally torn families and nations apart and driven prodigal geniuses crazy. At the cutting edge of virtual reality, chess fanatics compile and share lists of the world’s sexiest chess players. Sites for chess singles who only date their own kind are mushrooming.

A nice chess set can serve as a conversation piece or an aphrodisiac these days. Go head-to-head, eye-to-eye and hand-to-hand over a chess board if you really want to feel intimate and empowered with somebody. Here are seven chess sets that could take your game up another notch.

Glowing Chess Set

glow chess set

Cue up the Teddy Pendergrass soundtrack, dim the lights and get busy with this LED Glow set. The pieces don’t stop glowing until they’re captured. The polished playing board is powered by a plug-adapter or AA batteries, so there’s always a flicker of hope that events will unfold in your favor.

 

Sets From King-Sized to Micro

life size chess setAwe your opponent with the expanse of your devotion to the game with a King-Sized Lawn Set. Pieces as tall as 12 feet are hoisted and moved across boards landscaped to wide open space perfection. Or, make them green with envy through subtle or grand gestures on a Micro Planter set  – where seeds cunningly sprout from  3D-printed pieces. Players must maneuver pieces planted with tiny herbs and succulents around the board.

 

Shot Glass Chess

shot glass chess

Play on a Shot Glass set to ease the pain of getting out-witted at every move. On this tempered glass set, players make opponents pay not only with the loss of a captured piece but with a jolt of libation as well. Each piece’s volume is measured by its value in the game: Pity the fool who loses the queen. With 16 pieces per side at risk, losers should probably think twice about demanding a rematch.

 

African Challenge

african chess set

Tame the other “player” in the midst with an African Challenge set. The pieces are hand-carved from soft sese wood to mimic monuments in Ghana; and the board is covered in tooled leather. The rules of the game remain the same, but sets like this offer a home field advantage in terms of style points.

Wobble Set

wobble chess set

Note the difference between your queen getting tipsy versus getting toppled with the Wobble set from Umbra. The round-bottomed walnut and maple wood pieces are cupped by concave squares on the board.  As players waiver and waffle over their next moves, the pieces wiggle it just a little bit. Blame it on the board, in case it seems like your playing hand’s trembling.

Wood Travel Set

wooden magnetic chess setBring your A-game everywhere you go with a folding, Magnetized Wood Travel Set from The House of Staunton. This self-contained set made of rosewood and maple tucks away as easily as an airport newsstand paperback. Turbulence? No problem: The board and pieces are so highly magnetized you can play upside down.

 

Minimalist Chess

bauhaus chess set

Apply your basic instincts with a block-shaped Bauhaus set. The pieces’ minimalist design dates back to the austere 1920s. stressing function over ornate forms. This set makes the simplest of statements: Like any other game, chess is more mental than physical. And yes, size does matter.

 

5 Thrifted Items you MUST Own

Take a look around. What do you see? Bell bottoms? Fringe? Moto Jackets? All are being sold in stores in 2015. And are we to be daft enough to believe that this is the first time these styles have graced store windows? No!  We, my friends, are the style gifted! And if you’re not, you will be after today. That is to say, not only do we know that these styles have come and gone and come again, but we also happen to be filled with the wisdom of where to snag these boomerang style items for much, much less.

So where does our sartorial treasure map lead?

The Thrift Shop!

Much like Macklemore aptly reminds us, we sometimes find ourselves “being tricked by a business.” Sure, sometimes there are items that we just want, and, doggone it, we deserve them solely because of our desire to have them. But other times, we are blinded by brand names and the popularity of the item. The bottom line is that the exact same item exists elsewhere, possibly even a better quality version and certainly with a better story. There is a way to enjoy both the feeling of starting your own style story and continuing someone else’s. Here is a list of vintage thrift shop items that you can add to your clothing repertoire while adding a unique spin to your look.

 

Fedoras

A well-made hat can cost a pretty penny. If you’re looking to add to your hat collection, a thrift shop is the frugal way to go. You’ll find that a vintage fedora originally sold by a hatter will last much longer than a hat that has been made by a machine. These old school fedoras have been made with love by a milliner whose aesthetic calling is to fashion a hat that will look good and last.  And don’t be deterred by a slightly beaten up fedora, this can add character to your look.

 

Photo Credit: R/DV Flossy’s Suitcase, Highland Park MI

 

Bags

Boy, has the fashion industry outdone themselves with such a diverse array of bags. So many of these bags are colorful, bold and can add just the right touch of historical meaning and beauty to your outfit. These days a bag’s job is twofold. On one hand, it acts a vessel to transport items like phones, keys and money. But on the other–much more fashion forward–hand, it acts as an additional element with which to tell your personal story. Bag thrift shopping gives you a chance to take some style risks by allowing you to mix and match from different fashion eras with more current pieces.

 

Photo Credit: Feathers Boutique Vintage 

 

Oversized Sweaters

An oversized sweater is a wardrobe staple. Any thrift store in a place that experiences winter will have rows and rows of women’s and men’s sweaters for a fraction of the price that retailers are selling them for today. Mohair, wool, cashmere are typically all available for the taking and usually with a sub ten-dollar price tag. Give yourself some time to try each sweater on. Give it a good once over to check for fading, missing buttons and irreversible damage. All it takes is one or two trips to the thrift store to rack up on light and heavy sweaters for the fall and winter seasons.

 

 

 Photo Credit: Sarah Collins Photography for Highway Robbery Vintage

 

Denim

Even the fashion inept understand that denim will never go out of style. And it is for this very reason that thrift stores provide an inordinate amount of value where denim is involved. Styles come and go, but denim sticks around like a stalwart sartorial soldier. A really good thrift shop will offer up racks upon racks of denim from the 70s, 80s and 90s all riddled with a host of distressed features. Give yourself an hour and go home with a denim piece from every decade.

 

A photo posted by Pink Suede (@pink_._suede) on

Photo Credit: pink_._suede

 

T-Shirts

Oversized and over-worn are the two characteristics to look for when you pick out your t-shirts. A funny saying or an old school band is always preferable to plain, but the feel and versatility of the t-shirt is just as important. In order to be a successful vintage tee shopper, flip through the t-shirt rack relentlessly asking yourself if you can see yourself wearing the t-shirt with everything. Would you be cool with wearing this t-shirt with your favorite pair of jeans? How about that black tulle skirt you own? And those overalls? If you can say yes to pairing this t-shirt with most items in your wardrobe, it’s a keeper. Move on to the next t-shirt in line and repeat. You’re sure to acquire a hefty collection of vintage tees in no time.  

Photo Credit: Penny Lane Vintage

 

So, get out there and start thrifting! Once you’ve acquired pieces that you absolutely love, you can begin pairing them with the rest of your wardrobe. Then take your thrift store fashion to the streets. And when a stranger taps you on the shoulder, compliments your distressed Levis and asks you where you got them, you can respond apologetically, “Oh these old things? They’re thrifted!”

 

6 Adorable Pups and their Famous Author Owners

Dogs are amazingly loyal and their ability to silently listen without judgment makes them a writer’s best friend.

Emily Dickenson’s words sum it up nicely, “Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell.”

We’re grateful for these charming canines, who provide love, companionship and inspiration to some of our favorite authors of all time.

First on our list belongs to bestselling author (and inspiration of our Beyond Words digital lifestyle magazine), Sylvia Day. We cannot get enough of her pups, Beck and Koji.

 

 

Stephen King, who has been terrifying readers for decades, doesn’t seem all too scary now that we’ve gotten a glimpse of, “Molly, aka the Thing of Evil.”

 


We can’t help, but fall in with love Avi, the “windblown dog,” belonging to Veronica Roth, author of the Divergent trilogy.    

This sophisticated-looking pooch is companion to Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love. It looks like he takes his treats seriously. Do you think he’s begging for bacon?          

Gratuitous photo of Chunky the Frenchie. A photo posted by Elizabeth Gilbert (@elizabeth_gilbert_writer) on

 

 

Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild and Brave Enough, posts pictures of her dog, Janie. She is incredibly cute, exuberant and happy. Wish we could cuddle her!

 

My dog Janie. Photo by Meg Vogt.

A photo posted by Cheryl Strayed (@cherylstrayed) on

 


We’re rounding off our adorable pups list with Nicholas Sparks, author of The Notebook, and his contented rescues, Lucky Bo and Boomer.    

 

Do you have a pup that inspires you? Share them with us in the comments.

7 Misconceptions About Healthy Food

Several years ago, I was convinced I was totally healthy. I watched my calories, I had a normal BMI, and I took a daily gummy vitamin — but I felt terrible. I didn’t know why until I went to the doctor and discovered that I had seriously low blood sugar and anemia. How did this happen? I thought. I’m such a healthy eater! Like many people, I had some misconceptions about healthy food that needed correcting (and I now feel 100% better after adjusting my diet accordingly).

7 Silly Misconceptions About Healthy Food

Trying to live a healthy lifestyle, but feeling confused about what that even means? We’ve fact-checked seven of the most common food myths out there to help you get on the right track once and for all.

1. Carbs are Evil

If I could eliminate one nutritional misconception from people’s minds, this would be it. Hands down. People have such weird issues with carbs. Part of me understands, because your daily intake of refined carbohydrates should be limited — and ketogenic diets can certainly prove beneficial for certain individuals. But what about fruits, vegetables, and the much-maligned but totally nutritious white potato?

misconceptions about healthy food

Not evil, folks. In fact, bodybuilders with like 3% body fat eat white potatoes for energy, so that tells you everything you need to know. Sure, smothering said potato in butter, cheese, and sour cream changes things a bit. But for the love of all things holy, don’t eliminate an entire macronutrient from your diet all because some celebrity swears it’s how she dropped 10 pounds right before a photo shoot. Some of the most nutritious eats on the planet fall into this food group, and to ban carbohydrates from your daily menu entirely is all sorts of nonsense.

2. Fat Makes You Fat

misconceptions about healthy food

Healthy fats are such a vital component of a healthy diet; in fact, these satiating macronutrients should comprise roughly 30% of your daily caloric intake. Avocados, olive oil, and natural peanut butter all make you feel full while keeping your skin, hair, and nails looking their best. So go ahead — pay extra for that side of guac. In fact, consider it a beauty treatment.

3. Fresh Produce is More Nutritious

When fruits and vegetables are first harvested, they are healthier — but those benefits begin to fade as they slowly make their way into your local grocery store. On the other hand, frozen and canned produce is packaged right after it’s sourced, so the nutrients are sealed in as a result. That means you’re probably better off eating canned carrots than those “fresh” ones you bought three days ago. Who knew?

4. Protein = Meat

If I had a penny for every time someone told me my vegetarian diet is protein-deficient, I’d have a couple of dollars by now. (Which doesn’t sound like much, but hey, I said a penny.)

Meat-free lifestyles and high-protein diets are not mutually exclusive, despite what some people may assume. And while meat is certainly a good source of protein, meat eaters are more likely to have higher intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Chickpeas, beans, quinoa, nut butters, and edamame are all packed with protein, and these healthy foods are a wonderful addition to anyone’s daily menu.

5. Diet Foods are Diet-Friendly

misconceptions about healthy food

Oh, no. No, no, no. Labels like “fat-free” and “sugar-free” do not mean healthy — in fact, they can actually mean quite the opposite. Sugar-free usually just implies that a lot of questionable chemicals have been added to the mix to create an artificial sweetness, while fat-free typically means that refined sugar has been thrown in to make the final product taste better.

As for diet soda? That’s another big no-no. Recent research has actually linked these drinks to an increased risk of stroke and dementia.

6. Organic Food is Always Best

Hey, I’ve seen organic gummy bears, so let’s not pretend that an organic label means that snack food is super nutritious. Buying organic fruits and vegetables is a great way to avoid pesticides, but mindlessly indulging in organic candy won’t do anything for your health or your waistline.

7. Juice is a Great Substitute for Fruit

misconceptions about healthy food

A lot of people mistakenly assume that fruit juice is the perfect way to get a good, healthy dose of antioxidants, but it’s just not as good as the real deal. Juice is loaded with sugar, but it lacks the fiber content found in whole fruit. Stick to eating your favorite fruits instead, or water your juice down so that you’re getting a hint of fruity flavor without the sugar overload.

Which of these misconceptions have you fallen for, and which healthy foods do you include in your daily diet? Keep the conversation going in the comments!

A Trip to Basque Country Without Leaving the Kitchen

In a country famous for epic cuisine, one Spanish region reigns supreme: Basque Country. Nestled in the Pyrenees along the French border, the Basque region, which for centuries tried to establish itself as an independent nation, has a culture and personality uniquely its own. This is especially evident in its culinary traditions, which are distinct from other styles of Spanish cooking.

Bordered to the east by the Bay of Biscay, a gulf of the Atlantic, Basque Country is heavily influenced by the sea. Fresh seafood is a quintessential part of the cuisine, often flavored with a rich hodgepodge of Spanish and French ingredients. Unlike other coastal areas, however, the Basque region is also fertile ground for livestock, vegetables and legumes. Grilled meats and rich stews are also staples of the Basque diet. It’s truly surf and turf at its finest!

With access to such diverse, high quality ingredients, it’s not surprising that the Basque people take food very seriously. In fact, though it spans just over 8,000 square miles, the Basque region is home to 38 Michelin-starred restaurants, including four with the coveted three-star rating.

If you’re a gourmand who hates to share, you’ll feel at home here. Order up some pintxos, small tapas-style plates built for one. They’re a fixture on virtually every bar menu, and are also enjoyed as street food and midday snacks.

Ready for a bite of Basque Country? Try these simple, traditional recipes for Basque food at home any night of the week.

 


 

Gildas

This classic pintxo makes a great appetizer or snack to enjoy with a cold pint.

Gildas recipe

Directions:

  1. Lightly dust tomato chunks with paprika.
  2. Place five whole parsley leaves on each anchovy, then loop the fish over to form a horseshoe shape.
  3. Skewer a pepper onto one end of a toothpick. Follow with the anchovy, a piece of tomato and finish with a stuffed olive. Repeat with remaining toothpicks and ingredients.
  4. Drizzle finished gildas with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked salt.

 


 

 

Sopa de ajo (Garlic Soup)

Great restaurant dining doesn’t come at the expense of home cooking in Basque country. This earthy garlic soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather. Piment d’espelette is a seasoning made from dried espelette peppers, native to the Basque region. Look for it in specialty stores or online.

Garlic_Soup recipe

Directions:

  1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, warm oil over medium heat. Add half of the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add potatoes, cayenne, water and remaining garlic; stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce to simmer, covered.
  3. Continue to cook until potatoes are falling apart, about 45 minutes. Using a potato masher, gently mash potatoes until just a few small chunks remain.
  4. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley and cook for 5 more minutes.
  5. Ladle soup into bowls and serve garnished with piment d’espelette, if desired.

 


 

 

Basque Chicken with Chorizo

Adapted from Chef Daniel Boulud, this chicken dish is a one-pan wonder showcasing bold Basque flavors.

Chicken_Chorizo recipe

Directions:

  1. In a large skillet, cook chorizo over moderate heat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer chorizo to a plate using a slotted spoon.
  2. Add olive oil to any rendered fat in the skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to pan and cook over medium high heat until well browned on both sides, about 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to plate with chorizo.
  3. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic and thyme to the skillet and cook over moderate heat until barely softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, sherry, paprika and crushed red pepper and cook for another minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  4. Return chicken and chorizo to the skillet. Cover and simmer over medium low heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes.
  5. Raise heat to medium and cook, uncovered, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
  6. Transfer chicken to a platter. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve garnished with basil.

 


 

 

Salt Cod Biscayne Style

Salt cod, or bacalao, is a staple of the Basque diet. Follow the 24-hour soaking method below to prep the pantry-friendly standby for virtually any recipe.

Salt_Cod

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, submerge cod completely in cold water. Allow to soak for 24 hours, changing the water every 6 hours (changing the water ensures the fish won’t be too salty). Once soaked, shred fish into small pieces, removing any bones or cartilage.
  2. In a large saucepan, heat oil. Add onion, sauté for 3 minutes, then add garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Add the cod and tomatoes; stir and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Add olives, capers, cloves, cayenne and cinnamon. Stir until well combined. Simmer for another 2 minutes, then add parsley and boiled potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove from heat.
  4. Serve in a shallow bowl with a chunk of crusty baguette on the side.

 


 

 

Basque Lamb Stew

This hearty dish is a great weekend recipe. It makes enough for lunch and/or dinner all week, plus it freezes beautifully.

Lamb_stew recipe

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine rosemary, white wine and half of the garlic. Add lamb and marinate for 2 to 3 hours, ensuring meat is completely submerged.
  2. Drain lamb and pat dry with paper towels. Discard marinade.
  3. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Working in batches, brown lamb on all sides and season with salt and pepper, adding oil as needed. Set aside.
  4. To the same pan, add remaining olive oil and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes, then add garlic and sauté an additional minute.
  5. Return the meat to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir in paprika, roasted peppers, tomatoes, parsley, bay leaf and red wine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the liquids to reduce slightly.
  6. Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until meat is very tender for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
  7. Ladle into bowls and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

 

 

How to Make a Gourmet, Eco-Friendly Feast

By this point in history, you’ve probably learned how to make a nutritious, healthy dinner. Start off with some local, healthy, fresh greens, feature a small portion of organic, locally produced, lean meat, and then stuff an enormous pizza in your freezer for later when you’re sad and starving. Or maybe just—make those greens taste great.

You might know how to make joyless vitamins taste like high-class fat, but making a meal that’s actually good for the environment is a whole other feat altogether. One of the biggest polluters in America isn’t your local coal plant or highway factory—it’s your neighborhood farm, pumping out more greenhouse gases than any other industry in the country. And most of those gases come from processing meat: close to eight tons, or 22 percent of total emissions, originate in meat alone. Eating one burger is environmentally equivalent to driving a 3,000 pound car 10 miles. Fantastic.

Want to make a meal that not only tastes delicious, but is actually healthy both for you and the world around you? Here’s what we recommend.

 

Shop at the right places.

Shopping organically doesn’t matter as much as shopping locally. Ideally, you’d be able to satisfy both needs, but organic foods sometimes come from tens of thousands of miles away: exacting a huge price in terms of gas emissions. Check your local farmer’s market, consider joining a CSA, (Community Supported Agriculture), and if you only have access to a large-scale supermarket, take a look and see where your produce is coming from. Don’t be afraid to place pressure on your local grocery—consumers have huge voting power.

 

farmers_market_shutterstock_224947675

 

Unless it came from down the block, nix your meats.

As discussed above, it’s next to impossible, given the size and scale of our factory farms, to produce meat that’s not only free of disease, but free of externalities. Grass-fed beef produces the least amount of greenhouse gas, but that meat often travels from afar.  Your safest best is to probably skip the meats in favor of some green, or even carbohydrate-y, deliciousness.

 

kale_salad_shutterstock_306960962

 

Buy in season.

It’s January, you live in New York, and you feel a big hankering for kiwi. Chances are that kiwi probably travelled tens of thousands of miles in a gas-guzzling airplane just to get to your mostly indifferent stomach. Find fruits and vegetables that match the season and the salad and maybe the dishware.

 

red_apple_shutterstock_212876536

 

Go raw.

Energy that would have otherwise been spent on cooking carrots can now be spent on eating them. Everybody wins. Except for the carrot.

 

carrots_shutterstock_137051636

 

Make a lot of it.

Over 40 percent, or, approximately $165 billion dollars worth of food in America is never eaten, at an outrageously huge cost to the environment. Simplest solution? Double the amount you make and then—using all of your inner strength—eat it.

 

stir_fry_shutterstock_145551190

 

Grow it in your backyard.

The closest grocery store might be miles away, but the closest farm could be your grassy backyard. Cut down on travel time and eat shockingly local, all within striking distance of your bed. Or, if you live in a metropolitan area and have more of a “fire escape” backyard, consider joining your local community garden (or nagging a community garden friend).

 

terra_cotta_planter_shutterstock_95618695

The best trick of all? Make something you won’t hate.

If there’s one thing we can learn from barely verbal toddlers, it’s that if our bodies don’t like something—they will reject it. The more food we waste by not eating (or by putting it in the freezer in cute little bags and “pretending to eat later”), the greater the cost to our environment. Sometimes, the secret to eating right is summoning all your strength, mustering all your courage, and just eating what you like.

 

cheers_shutterstock_285854987

The Easiest Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

Quite simply, metabolism refers to all chemical reactions in the body (the terms metabolism and metabolic rate are also used interchangeably). It’s basic science: the higher your metabolism is, the more calories you burn and the easier it is to lose weight. Conversely, if you have a slow or sluggish metabolism, you will likely feel low on energy, find yourself gaining weight despite your best efforts, and you might even struggle with depression or other mood disorders. Here are nine ways to boost your metabolism that you can start right away.

Don’t skimp on protein

While all foods raise your metabolic rate for about three hours after eating, protein raises it by up to 30%, compared to 5-10% with carbohydrates and 3% with fats, according to a 2014 study. Furthermore, protein is key to feeling full, therefore reducing cravings and overall calorie intake throughout the day. Strive to eat protein with every meal and snack.

Pretty woman eating bowl of salad at home in the living room

Drink green tea

Studies have shown that the simple act of drinking green tea can boost your metabolism by 5%, and burn more fat. Always opt for natural green, jasmine or oolong tea, and steer clear of canned or bottled versions that contain a long list of other ingredients (primarily sugar).

iced green tea
Image: Pixabay

Eat more spicy foods

Don’t like spicy? Well, maybe give it another shot. Capsaicin is a primary ingredient in hot peppers, and is known for its metabolism-boosting effects. One study even suggested that eating enough capsaicin could burn an extra 10 calories per meal.

spicy dish food
Image: Pixabay

Drink coffee

The news that coffee can boost your metabolism by up to 11% will probably make many coffee drinkers very happy. The leaner you are, the more coffee will likely boost your metabolism, and vice versa. Remember though, if you suffer from anxiety or insomnia, don’t overdo it.

hot coffee cappuccino
Image: Pixabay

Try interval training

Workout ruts and chronic cardio can wreak havoc on your weight loss plan, but high intensity interval training (HIIT) can seriously take it to the next level. Multiple studies have proven that short bursts of very intense exercise will burn more fat and increase your post-exercise metabolism much more than endurance cardio will. Instead of bee-lining it to the elliptical machine, try your gym’s Tabata class. You can also easily do HIIT at home, getting in a great workout in just 15 minutes.

tying shoes fitness exercise
Image: Pixabay

Drink cold water, but not with meals

Drinking water, period, will help to speed up your metabolic rate. One study even showed that drinking a half liter of water sped up children’s metabolism by up to 30% for an hour afterwards. Cold water might boost your calorie burning potential even more, but can also interfere with digestion if consumed with food. Keep your meal-time water to room temperature, but opt for icy cold any other time of day.

cold bottle water

 

Get up

Sounds obvious, but if you spend the bulk of your day sitting, your metabolism is suffering. Getting up every hour from your desk and walking around will not only burn more calories, but prevent you from developing some serious muscle imbalances (back pain, hunched shoulders, etc).

woman at work with tablet

 

Use coconut oil

Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids, which are known for their fat burning and metabolism boosting properties. Replace any vegetable oils you might be using (canola, soy, corn, etc) with coconut oil in cooking.

st lucia coconut pieces
Image: Pixabay

 

Get your beauty rest

Don’t roll your eyes at this one, as it is biologically nearly impossible to lose weight if you’re not sleeping enough. Lack of sleep takes a serious toll on your hormone levels, and in any battle against your hormones, you will not win. Studies show that lack of sleep is hugely related to obesity, due mainly to its metabolism-lowering effects.

sleeping woman city 

Whatever your goal, boosting your metabolism will raise your energy levels and support weight loss efforts. If you already do all of these things but still feel sluggish or like something just isn’t right, speak with your doctor.

Airplane Yoga: 8 Moves to Keep Calm and Stretched on the Go

The verdict is in: sitting is out. Evidence suggests sitting for long periods of time can contribute to cardiovascular problems, on top of general stiffness and discomfort. Not great news for people clocking in a 40-hour work week (by Wednesday). Standing desks, exercise balls and periodic walks are good solutions for the office, but what if your job has you logging lots of seated hours at 30,000 feet? Check out these breathing exercises and modified yoga poses, which can be done just about anywhere, anytime, to make flying easier for mind, body and soul.

1. Ujjayi Breathing

Calmness comes from within, so start by checking in with your breath. Take a moment to notice its tempo and intensity, which is usually a reflection of your energy level and state of mind. Take deep, full breaths in and out through the nose, allowing air to pass through the back of the throat (like the beginning of a yawn) on the exhale. Try to make your exhales slightly longer than your inhales. Known as ujjayi breathing or “ocean breath,” this foundational yoga technique is by itself a powerful stress reliever. A great move to remember the next time you’re stuck in the security check-in line.

2. Neck Rolls

Excessive sitting and carrying heavy bags can both contribute to tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back. This exercise helps to relieve tightness in all three areas. Begin by sitting upright with a straight spine, shoulders slightly back. Exhale and drop your left ear to your left shoulder. Inhale and slowly rotate your head forward until your right ear touches your right shoulder. Keep your head heavy and neutral and your shoulders relaxed. Repeat, moving left to right, 10 times. Reverse, rotating right to left, and repeat another 10 times.

3. Seated Cat-Cow

This subtle move is great for keeping the spine supple and flexible in flight. Seated with a neutral spine, place hands on your thighs. As you inhale, gently puff your chest outward while sliding shoulders back, creating a curve in your back (“the cow”). As you exhale, slide shoulders forward, look down and round the spine, creating an arch (“the cat”). Repeat five times, holding in each position for a breath or two.

4. Seated Spinal Twist

For deeper spinal tension and to relieve knots and kinks, try this gentle twist. Begin by crossing your left knee over your right. Place right hand on left knee and, with an inhale, twist to the left while keeping your spine as straight as possible. Hold the twist for three breaths, looking over your left shoulder. Then, return to a neutral seated position. Repeat three times on each side.

5. Seated Chair Pose

The name might sound redundant, but chair pose is actually an intense quad-strengthening exercise similar to a standing squat. This modified version tones back and arm muscles while lengthening the spine. Begin at the edge of your seat with a straight spine, feet firmly planted on the floor. With an inhale, raise arms straight up. With an exhale, bend forward to a 45-degree angle, keeping your spine straight and chin slightly tucked. Keep arms firmly lifted, relaxing shoulders down and away from your ears. Hold for five breaths. Repeat three times.

6. Thigh Lifts

 This is a great move for warding off that “tingly toes” feeling that often accompanies long flights, with an added bonus of core strengthening. Seated with a straight spine, knees bent, lift one thigh as high as you can on an inhale. Keeping abdominal muscles tight and engaged, hold thigh lifted for two breaths. Repeat 10 times with each leg. For extra tummy toning power, try lifting both legs at the same time, using the arm rests for support if necessary.

7. Ankle Rolls

In addition to improving circulation, this simple move helps to prevent fluid from collecting in the ankles, which can cause swelling and the dreaded “travel cankles.” Sitting with legs stretched slightly out in front of you (ideally with shoes off), roll each ankle in a complete circle several times in each direction. After a few reps, incorporate pointing and flexing of your toes for a deeper stretch of the entire foot.

8. Breath of Fire

This breathing technique is a great way to close your airplane yoga session, or to simply arrive at your destination with a greater sense of calm and energetic focus. Begin by sitting upright and notice the movement of your abdomen as you inhale and exhale. Open your mouth and pant like a dog, noticing the change in abdominal movement. Maintaining the panting action, close your mouth and allow the breath to move rapidly in and out through the nose. Breathe quickly, moving the abdomen rapidly. Each exhale should be as sharp and staccato as possible, but the duration of inhale and exhale should be equal. Continue for three minutes, while keeping the jaw and face muscles relaxed.

Meet the Most Badass Moms of America

Say the word “mom” and you’ll probably—depending how much terrible television you grew up with—think one of the following: khaki pants, roomy jeans, school lunches, air conditioned cars, supermarket u-hauls, coupon collections. Of course, these are all miserable stereotypes, but they exert real influence, conscious and unconscious, on the American imagination. The media has mothered our vision of mothering.

That’s why it’s important to highlight the moms of this world that aren’t just challenging exhausted stereotypes, but doing real, hardcore, social justice work in their communities and families. Activism typically (in our cultural imagination) belongs to boys and their fathers—yet it’s often women who serve on the frontlines.

Here’s a look at some of the most badass moms in America doing some of the hardest work in America—compassion, with a vengeance.

 

1. The Mothers Against Senseless Killings

Every summer, hundreds of young kids in Chicago die due to gun violence. While the problem has lessened somewhat in recent years, it’s a brutal reality for many of the youth living in the Englewood neighborhood. So a group of moms known as MASK (Mothers Against Senseless Killings) recently decided to start patrolling the Chicago city streets, hoping to keep their kids safe from violence. Founded by Englewood resident Tamar Manasseh, moms hit the streets every day from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m, checking in with neighborhood kids, cooking hot dogs and hamburgers, and looking for potential trouble. The police alone have been unable to keep the neighborhood safe, so these moms stepped in. “I’m a mom who hasn’t lost her kids, and I don’t want to,” Manasseh told ABC7.

 

2. Michelle Obama

First lady, supermom, and outrageously instrumental in the (now successful) fight against American obesity. Is there anything Michelle Obama can, or has done, wrong? Short answer: no.

 

3. Tina Fey

Not only is she seen as one the “funniest women alive in America,” Tina Fey is also a proud mom of kids she’s not too private to make fun of. She’s making huge inroads for women in public life and women in comedy, and continues to be jaw-droppingly successful.

 

4. Shonda Rhimes

Producer, director, writer, and badass mom Shonda Rhimes was listed as one of TIME Magazine’s “100 People Who Shaped The World” in 2014. Not only does Shonda successfully manage multiple jobs, multiple programs (Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice) and three daughters, she was the mastermind behind Scandal, rated the most “highly addictive show on television” by pretty much everyone who saw it.

 

5. Vanessa Howard

Vanessa Howard is a mom, and a formerly homeless woman. For her, taking control of her fashion and body was critical to moving out of homelessness. That’s why she decided to subsidize a free spa day for other mothers and their children, hoping that the free makeovers will give women confidence. “I was once not having a place to stay with children and having no hope and having no dignity and so that’s what’s inspired me,” Howard said.

 

6. Jenny Morretter

Jenny Morretter’s daughter, Mackenzie, struggles with Sotos syndrome, a disorder that makes it difficult for her to build relationships. When Morretter recently decided to throw her daughter a 10th birthday party, no one responded to her invite. Morretter was heartbroken, but instead of falling into despair, she decided to take action. She went on Facebook and shared Mackenzie’s story with a few select groups, hoping to get more responses. After posting her stories, hundreds of people not only replied, but showed up to Mackenzie’s party, rewarding a 10-year-girl with a brand-new community of friends.

 

7. Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America

31 Americans die every day at the hands of a gun, and 55 kill themselves with a firearm. Over one in three Americans know someone who has been shot. To help stop the epidemic of violence, a group of mothers got together to organize against gun violence by hitting the phones and slamming the streets. Some like to say that “these women are the NRA’s worst nightmare.”

 

8. Alice Dreger

By now, it’s clear that for many teenagers, abstinence-only education simply doesn’t work. That’s why Alice Dreger, mother of a son in an abstinence-only sex class, decided to take action. Dreger sat in on her son’s class and chose to live-tweet it, posting such juicy nuggets as, “You’ll find a good girl. If you find one that says “No,” that’s the one you want. HE ACTUALLY JUST SAID THAT.”

Dreger, a writer already, obviously, and deservedly, went viral.

 

A lifestyle magazine inspired by author Sylvia Day