National Harbor MD

There's a certain stillness, the transition, when tree branches no longer clank together, brown and bony, the chill replaced by bursts of warmth. Buds, delicate green wisps turn to petals, pastel flowering bulbs, the aroma of hyacinths and tulips, honeybees. Spring, is one of my favorite times of the year. The slow anticipation of the transition is thrilling. It takes so much patience. There's always a tease first. One fifty degree day, then back to thirty-  two fifty degree days and a sixty, then back to forty.

Spring teaches us to appreciate the moment, to embrace the warmth and the flowers for the short time they are present because tomorrow there may be rain, or the temperature may dip below again or the stifling humidity of summer may take over- anything is possible.

Spring happens too quickly here in the northeast, but perhaps its ephemeral nature is what makes it so spectacular.

We've spent the last two months going back and forth between Brooklyn and the Maryland/D.C. area. I love Brooklyn, I love New York, but when it comes to beauty in the spring Washington D.C. and Maryland win. I think the cherry blossoms on the mall are what really do it for me. When a strong wind comes through, it rains pink and white petals. It's a truly magical sight.

One of my favorite places to enjoy the spring weather is the National Harbor MD. Technically in Maryland, the National Harbor offers stunning views of D.C., miles of sunny waterfront, an assortment of local boutiques and specialty shops, walkways and trails, delicious restaurants and green spaces.

As the weather continues to transition and people begin to transition outdoors, the National Harbor MD will open itself to a slew of festivals and outdoor events. From yoga on the waterfront, to live music and movie nights, the National Harbor is a beautiful spring and summer destination to experience when visiting the D.C./Maryland/Virginia area.

Handmade Solid Perfume Recipe

Handmade Solid Perfume Recipe Once upon an evening, not so long ago, I found myself strolling the streets of Lisbon. The sun, reflected amber off of the colorful Moorish tiles. My sandaled feet clicked atop the ancient cobblestone streets. In the distance, at the bottom of the hill, dimly lit, amber bottles lining every surface, our destination, the perfumaria.

For an hour, we swished, splashed and sampled the various flower essences and herbal extracts, narrowing our favorites down to six, then four, then two- the perfect blend.

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Carefully, behind what resembled a bar, the proprietress measured and blended our custom fragrances. Swirling, tilting the contents from one beautiful bottle to the next.

Impatient, I spritzed myself on the crumbling sidewalk. The evening came to life, an intoxicating chorus of orange blossom and rose.

In my Brooklyn kitchen, hunched over the stove, bottles of essential oils poking out from within apothecary shelves, a tub of shea butter set to a slow melt, steam warming my face, I'm reminded of that day.

The memories that make our lives, if we look, can be found hiding in fragrance- my grandmother's white rosebush, clove-sweet potato pie and the spice plantations of Zanzibar, vanilla-the distinct smell of my kindergarten classroom...

I take pleasure in blending and formulating beautiful, evocative smells. With a sensitive nose, I'm often turned off by synthetic fragrances which is why blending essential oils into perfume oils and sticks is so appealing to me. It's so natural. When you make your own perfume, you control the intensity, the high notes and low notes, the memories you wish to capture- it's an art.

Today's lotion stick recipe is unbelievably simple and effective. I find the fragrance from essential oils preserved in shea butter tends to last longer than when diluted in oil.

I'll start with the recipe (designed to fill a 1/2 oz. tub), then I'll suggest some essential oil blends.

Handmade Solid Perfume Recipe

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Solid Perfume Recipe:

1 teaspoon shea butter (per 1/2 oz.)

Essential oils of your choice (I use between 20-30 drops of essential oil, depending on how strong the oils I'm using are. Trust your nose.)

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The following blends work well, but be creative- sky's the limit:

rose/sadalwood

jasmine/lemon

frankincense/patchouli

bergamot/ylang ylang

lavender/rosemary

For more DIY natural skin care ideas, check out my latest book Natural Beauty from the Outside In, where you’ll find 70 Ayurveda inspired hair and skin care recipes.

5 Date Nights New Yorkers Love

5 Date Nights New Yorkers LoveNew York City is one of the most romantic cities in America.

When it comes to date night options, New Yorkers definitely have the edge. The city that never sleeps is full of artistic, intellectual, scenic, athletic, artistic and downright goofy activities and events.

I mean, we've got Broadway, some of the finest restaurants in the country, the Empire State, carriage rides through Central Park, the Met, the MOMA, the list goes on...

5 Date Nights New Yorkers Love:

1) The Walking Date:

Whether it’s across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, over the High Line in the afternoon, through Central Park, along the West Side Highway, or the Coney Island Boardwalk, New Yorkers love to walk. You can find everything from hiking trails to walking trails, self-guided walking tours and green spaces. The city lends itself to stunning skyline views, scenic landscaping and architecture- Bonus: It’s FREE!

2) The Creative Class Date:

With so many exciting innovations both creative and technological, New York is city where ideas become reality. People here are bursting at the seams with passion and creativity and love to share that passion with others. There exists a class, workshop or seminar for everyone. Whether you’d prefer a painting class, a language class, a ballroom dancing class or a cooking class, in this city of doers, creatives and seekers, you’re bound to find the right class for you and your partner. The city has so much to offer from free workshops to certificate courses. A couple that learns together, stays together.

3) The Museum Date:

From world class galleries, to quirky specialty spaces like the Museum of Sex and the Museum of the Contemporary African Diasporan Arts to larger venues like the Museum of Natural History and the MOMA, there is a museum to satisfy every interest in New York. Most museums offer free admission and special evening programs on certain nights. Museum dates are fun, low key and on the right day come catered with wine and cheese.

4) The Sports Date:

From Yankee Stadium to Madison Square Garden to the Barclays Center, New York is home to some of the finest sporting venues in the world. Games can be as expensive or inexpensive as you plan for. Nothing says love, like getting caught up in the frenzy of fan chants and screams as you watch the thrilling highs and heartaches associated with organized sports. Not a spectator? Try a flying trapeze class at Chelsea Pier, spar together and learn Krav Maga, take a few laps around the Rockefeller Ice Rink.

5) The Bar/Club Date:

We are a city of clubs and bars! We’ve got neighborhood bars, piano bars, dive bars, themed bars, gaming bars, wine bars and pubs. Whether you want to sit with your beloved and play couples trivia or prefer a good old fashioned prohibition era murder mystery, there is a bar experience for every couple in the Big Apple. If sitting and drinking isn't your style, dance the night away together. New York is home to some of the finest DJ's out there. Whatever your musical tastes, we've got it, from Bhangra themed club nights to Slavic Soul Funk!