Visit Cozumel: Six Reasons to Pack Your Bags Now!

Visit Cozumel: Six Reasons to Pack Your Bags Now! In moody turquoise waters, off of the coast of Mexico, there lies a sleepy island sprinkled with fine white sand. Atop a labyrinth of coral reef and beneath the brazen sun, lies the tiny island of Cozumel.

At first glance, non-pretentious, natural, somewhat secluded tranquility with plenty of local charm, Cozumel made me smile.

At second glance, water undulating in the distance, dilapidated cobblestone streets, hammocks swaying over a jagged ivory coastline, motorbike rentals, the astringent odor of tequila, I knew I was in a place I could get lost in.

Lost that is, in a time altering, eye opening, space shifting metaphysical sense.

A mere 33 miles long from north to south, Cozumel's road is an exact loop around the island's periphery, making it pretty difficult to veer off course.

That is of course unless you decide to trek inland without a guide, towards the surprisingly dense jungle and get abducted by a boa constrictor (the island has plenty after two snakes were brought to Cozumel for a movie shoot in the 70's and were set free to multiply). Non-endemic boa constrictors aside, Cozumel meets every expectation when it comes to a sleepy, serene, Caribbean island getaway.

So without further ado, here's my list of reasons to visit the serene island of Cozumel.

6 Reasons to Visit the Island of Cozumel: 1) Cozumel has some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world! In fact, Jacques Cousteau put this island on the map in the touristy sense after exploring the reefs below. Cozumel's reef is second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. If snorkeling and diving don't appeal to you, you can always swim with whale sharks (don't worry, these gentle giants are neither whales or sharks, they're actually fish- ginormous docile fish) or dolphins. Whatever your pleasure, Cozumel is bursting with oceanic adventures.

2) Cozumel has a fascinating collection of ancient Mayan ruins! I'm a complete history nerd and I must say, the hours that I spent hiking through the mosquito infested tropical jungle to take in the ruins from the ancient Mayan civilization was my favorite memory from Cozumel. I loved learning about the shamans and musicians in particular whom played an integral role in shaping Mayan society.

3) Cozumel is a wonderful culinary destination! I love Mexican food, it's one of my favorite forms of comfort eating. The fresh ocean inspired Mexican food in Cozumel is some of the best food I've tasted in Mexico. Cozumel is so abundant with fresh fish and seafood, it's a pescetarian's dream!

4) Tequila! I mean, need I say more? I counted three fully operational tequila factories each with their own local spin and flavor. These factories are open for tours where sampling and tasting is encouraged. You can even schedule cooking classes to learn how the locals use tequila infusions to enhance the flavors of their cooking.

5) Cozumel is easy to navigate! As mentioned before the main road on the 33 mile long island is a loop. It is so easy to explore Cozumel on your own. The island is extremely safe and most locals are happy to chat- the majority of whom speak perfect English, if Spanish is not your forte. At the main port, where cruise ships come in, you'll find car and motorbike rentals. Traffic on the island is calm, I definitely suggest making your own adventure out of your trip. Taxis can get expensive, but a motorbike rental is only around thirty dollars a day.

6) Cozumel is a place for simple non-pretentious relaxation! If hammocks on a beach and a cold drink in your hand on a secluded beach is your idea of relaxation, then Cozumel is the place for you. Yes, there are a few resorts and yes, some of them can get busy and touristy, but in Cozumel, there is plenty of space for everyone. For every busy beach, you'll find a quiet one, where you can exist in a secluded state of suspended time. Hello gentle breeze, warm sun, rolling waves...

So there you have it. Cozumel, my friends is a gem. You can do as little or as much as you'd like. You can spend as little or as much as you like. You can stay on mainland Mexico and visit for a day or weekend, or you can fly directly in and spend the week in meditative relaxation.

Whatever your pleasure, whatever your pace, Cozumel, is worth a visit.

Model Trains and Botanicals: The Magic of the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show

The holiday season feels so much richer now that I've got kids. Suddenly, I have the opportunity to experience the magic of the season all over again and through their brilliant, excited eyes. Yesterday, I took Ohm and Jai to the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show. It was an outing to remember.

The New York Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show is wondrous!

The Holiday Train Show is a coveted annual event. Elaborate train tracks are constructed out of natural materials and botanicals.

Model trains chug down tracks that loop around New York's iconic landmarks that have been re-created using bark, leaves, flower petals, and sticks. It's an imaginative child's dream. It's a nature lovers dream. Who need leggos when you can build such extraordinary things using items you can forage on a walk through the park?

It was really astonishing to see what the imagination can do.

It was fantastic to see my little guy beam and light from within as he ran through the garden chasing trains and pointing out landmarks.

The New York Botanical Gardens never fail to inspire me. Regardless of the time of year, where else can you go, in New York to completely escape the hustle and bustle? Where else can you go and get lost in layers of green? Where else can you spy vibrant, tropical orchids, track numerous species of moss, and explore desert cacti and the flora of the tropical rain forest while never setting foot outside of the city? It really is an instant vacation.

Visiting the New York Botanical Gardens in the winter feels extra special because beneath the canopy of the greenhouse, the temperature is simply tropical. Dress in layers and be prepared to be comforted by the warmth of other suns.

The Holiday Train Show runs through January 19th. Don't miss it!

Art in NYC is All Around

Whenever I get frustrated about how cold, or dirty, or loud, or impersonal the city is, it helps to take a moment to reflect on what drew me here- great art! The wonderful thing about New York City is the fact that art, visual and performing, both great, questionable, and small is all around.

Today was a great art day. I didn't have to go to a concert hall, a theatre, or seek out a gallery, I simply went about my business and the art found me.

My subway commute this morning was full of extraordinary music. There were jazz trumpets at Fulton Street, a Vivaldi violin concerto at 86th street, 96th street featured a stirring blues electric guitar performance and on the way back home, I was serenaded with bells and a lovely chorus of Hare Krishna devotees singing a round of mantras at Atlantic Avenue.

Ah, New York...

Impromptu music isn't New York's only artistic virtue, the city is layered in colorful paint (and I don't just mean graffiti ).

Artists make use of abandoned spaces.

You can find paintings and murals everywhere. It's a lovely thing...

My favorite is this collection of portraits that bring the otherwise dull abandoned buildings in my neighborhood to life.

Up and down Fulton street in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, the artist Alan Aine's expressive portraits are part of the neighborhoods permanent collection.

I love his work! There's a whole story behind the eyes of his subjects. And I, lucky me, get to view his creations for free.

Although this writer and former actor is no longer an eager and helplessly enthusiastic new to New York, New Yorker, taking a moment to consciously bask in the city's art brings back some of that magic.

Because, after all is said and done, despite the grit and grime, the noise, the rats and the smells, this is a magical place.

This is the city that art built; a place buzzing with inspiration, creativity, and "I'm going to make it happen!" dreams.

Christmas in New York City: The Magical Rockefeller Tree

Because when you asked, you said please offering a sticky hug, the grin on your face revealing teeth Because you have the biggest, most impossible to resist midnight eyes, that gleam electric when you’re excited Because you promised to hold my hand and read your book on the train, even though you'd rather run free through the busy streets of Manhattan and dance a jig on the blue seats of the subway Because you get excited when you see the lights along Fulton street, snowflake shaped and golden, making even the dingiest façade from Bed-Stuy to Ft. Greene sparkle and shine Because you remind us there’s magic in the air and wonder all around, no matter how cold or rain dampened the air might be Because, because, because, Yes little one, We shall go see, We shall go see the Rockefeller Tree!

Help Getting to Sleep with this Natural Ayurvedic Remedy

Sleep troubles are a nation wide epidemic. Most of us (myself included) cram so much into a day, that by the time we're ready to go to bed our minds are still racing to catch up, or prepare for the next day. If you have trouble unwinding at the end of a long day, then this post is for you.

I’ve got a natural sleep remedy rooted in Ayurveda, sure to have you enjoying your beauty rest (unless of course like me, you’re up at night feeding a baby, in which case, I can offer you no more than a good luck!)

If your sleep difficulties are not a result of a baby or a toddler, this ancient Ayurvedic sleep remedy may help you reclaim some lost hours of rest. It also happens to taste really good and is suitable for children and adults alike. Unfortunately, it does not work on newborns!

You’ll need:

1-cup milk (whichever type floats your fancy, but I always opt for good old fashioned whole milk when I make this recipe-texturally, it works so much better)

1-teaspoon saffron

1-teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1-teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)

1/8-teaspoon nutmeg

Here’s what to do:

In a saucepan, combine your milk, saffron, vanilla, ghee and nutmeg and warm on low heat.

Stir.

Pour into a mug.

Enjoy an hour before bedtime as part of your unwinding ritual.

Or, if you find yourself up in the middle of the night, you can make this preparation, return to bed and prepare to go to sleep naturally.

Healthy Sweet Potato Bread Recipe

I've been spending a lot of time in the kitchen lately. Now that my youngest has started solids, I've been glued to the counter blending, mixing, mashing. This is not a baby food recipe. I promise.

It just happened to come about after I made an overly ambitious batch of mashed sweet potatoes for my little one.

I have no idea why I felt compelled to mash five pounds of sweet potatoes, I guess it's because they hold a very sweet spot in my heart. Just thinking back to the sweet potato pies and sweet potato custards I used to eat growing up makes me smile. Now, I can't remember the last time I ordered regular fries at a restaurant, I always opt for sweet potato. One of my favorite neighborhood restaurants serves a hearty sweet potato stew. I'm a bit besotted.

Prepared savory or sweet, I can't get enough of the hearty comforting texture.

Sweet potato or bust!

So with some of my extra mashed sweet potatoes, I decided to make bread. If you ask me, sweet potatoes take the prize in a sweet bread. Similar to pumpkin bread, the flavor is so much richer with sweet potatoes. This bread is what would happen if a sweet potato pie married a biscuit. Oh, and did I mention it's pretty darn healthy too?

Here's what you'll need: 1 ½ cups flour

1 cup coconut palm sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon of sea salt

1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons buttermilk

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes

1 cup chopped pistachios

½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Here's what to do: Preheat oven to 350°F then oil (coconut oil works great!) an 8x8 round pan and set aside. In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Blend in the oil, milk and eggs.

Make sure your batter is fully blended before adding the sweet potatoes, ginger, pistachios, and chocolate chips.

Mix until uniform and pour into your oiled pan.

Bake 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool about 1 hour.

I dare you not to fall in love!

Recipe for Chocolate Chip Spiced Apple Pancakes

Some of my fondest morning memories are centered around making pancakes. Growing up, whenever I'd visit my grandfather's house in Maryland, he'd have a box of pancake mix waiting for me. My sister and I would whip up batches of sweet, fluffy, buttery pancakes that we'd slather in butter and honey and share with everyone. Those breakfasts, slow and languid, would make us forget about lunch.

Good pancakes are pure magic!

Some of the most comforting meals are the simplest.

It's been a long time since I've made pancakes out of a box. Pancakes are so easy to make from scratch, the box hardly seems necessary anymore. Besides, I love the thrill of creating something from scratch. Cooking so resembles alchemy.

Just like gold, this recipe for chocolate chip spiced apple pancakes is a beautiful autumnal twist on an old classic.

Here's what you'll need:

• 2 teaspoons nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups of sifted flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup apple butter
• 2 cups of buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons melted, unsalted butter
• 1/4 cups mini chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Here's what to do:

In a mixing bowl, stir the dry ingredients together (nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, baking soda, flour and sugar).

In a separate bowl, mix the vanilla, eggs and buttermilk. Once blended, add the melted butter and then the apple butter. Blend thoroughly.

Add your wet ingredients to your dry ingredient bowl. Stir until almost completely combined.

Butter your griddle and place over medium heat. Spoon your batter onto the griddle by the mixing spoon full and cook until bubbles begin to form, flip and cook until golden brown.

If you have any extra batter, a mason jar is excellent storage. Now you can enjoy pancakes quickly later on in the week!

Gluten Free Lasagna with a Lactose Friendly Twist

My dear cousin Brielle who is gluten free and lactose intolerant inspired this recipe. Brielle, a practicing postpartum doula, came to stay with us for two weeks this summer after Jai was born. Not only was she an AMAZING help (If you are pregnant or know anyone who is currently pregnant- I highly recommend a postpartum doula- life changing I tell you!) but she was an illuminating nutritional presence as she introduced me to the wonders of sheep cheese, the various incarnations of goat’s cheese and the outright goodness of brown rice pasta.

Lasagna is a beloved dish in our household, but I’d avoided making it regularly because my husband is lactose intolerant (booh!).

I'm happy to say that holding the cheese when it comes to lasagna is no longer an issue!

Brielle, whose hubby is one of Washington’s most talented and innovative chefs, was able to give me the skinny on non-cow dairy.

It turns out, sheep cheese very closely resembles the taste and texture of cow’s milk cheeses and most lactose intolerant people are able to digest it without trouble. This was revolutionary news in my household since my hubby is a cheese lover who suffered (not so silently) through his difficulties rather than give up his beloved cheese.

Goat cheese, is also gentle on the digestive track for lactose intolerant individuals. Goat cheese is fabulous because it comes in so many different forms, such as ricotta.

Bring on the cheese!

Using goat ricotta, sheep mozzarella and parmesan, rice lasagna noodles and a pesto inspired sauce; I created this non-traditional lactose friendly, gluten free lasagna. But I don’t want to focus on what’s not in this lasagna; instead, let’s focus on what makes this lasagna delicious and unforgettable.

Pesto Sauce Ingredients:

1 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon sage

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon of ground chia

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons of basil

1 tablespoon of parsley

1 tablespoon of minced garlic

Combine all of your dry ingredients

Add the olive oil and blend.

Set aside for later use.

Lasagna Ingredients:

Rice lasagna noodles

1 heirloom tomato (sliced thinly)

Goat Ricotta cheese

Sheep parmesan cheese

Sheep mozzarella cheese

1 yellow onion (sliced and caramelized)

1 red pepper (thinly sliced)

4 cups arugula

1 package of ground turkey (thoroughly cooked in a skillet)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Lay two rows of lasagna noodles onto the bottom of your baking dish.

*Note: Most rice noodles don't need to be pre-cooked. Check your box.

In a small bowl, combine your ground turkey crumbles and your ricotta cheese. Lay a layer of your turkey and ricotta, topped with caramelized onions, arugula, mozzerella and red peppers. Pour your pesto sauce on top and sprinkle a light layer of parmesan cheese.

Lay another layer of lasagna noodles and repeat the same process of layering turkey and ricotta, caramelized onions, arugula, red peppers and pesto sauce.

Lay your final layer of lasagna noodles and top with your tomato, pesto sauce and a generous layer of parmesan cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes, until the cheese has browned.

Let cool for ten minutes, before cutting and serving.

"Once" Broadway Cast brings the Brilliant Sounds of Dublin to the New York Stage

Behind the thick velvet curtain, the stage swirled with lively dance and song. I was confused, we were ten minutes early and people weren't in their seats, yet there were violins and drums and there was infectious merriment. "Pre-show," my friend Fred explained.

Pre-show???? Genius!

The moment we stepped into the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre we were drawn into the world of the play.

It was as if we'd stepped into a pub in Dublin, only with auditorium seating.

We couldn't resist purchasing some wine (I know beer would have been more fitting, but I just don't like it) before taking our seats.

Served in a keepsake sippy cup the alcohol at "Once" was free flowing. We were able to sip from our seats and enjoy the pre-show entertainment, which blended seamlessly into the actual entertainment as the "Once" Broadway cast, brought the brilliant sounds of Dublin to the New York stage.

At its heart, this is a love story, expressed in melodic song and rousing dance. It's the story of an Irish musician and his Czech muse. As the piece progresses, we're reminded how complicated, uplifting and bittersweet love can be.

A combination of foot stomping ensemble pieces and acoustic solos and duets, "Once," is entrancing. You can't help but tap your feet. You'll want to get up and dance. I don't remember having this much fun at a show since I saw "Fela" a few years back.

On Broadway at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre until January 4th, "Once" is a night well spent on the "Great White Way!"

Writing Gigs: Not a Bad Idea Really

If writers had gigs like musicians, oh what a wonderful world this would be! Yesterday, I had the honor of participating in the Writers Work Fiction Reading in Midtown Manhattan.

It was a small and empowering event. I thrive off of the community that is built when people come together over a shared love for words.

Oh the power of a series of well placed words.

With writing being such a solitary art, it's a wonderful thing when a writer's words get a live audience.

It's powerful to hear the collective sighs, chuckles and silences. The faces in the audience reflecting the tone you've set with your series of carefully chosen words.

Words are so mighty.

Listening to your own as they escape your lips and travel around a crowded room. Taking in the words of others, carefully crafted expressions of their deepest selves.

Writers should be able to book gigs like musicians, they should have microphones and a corner chair at every bar, club or restaurant around the city.

Why not? A beer and a story.

Hear a tale, share a tale.

If writers booked gigs like musicians, imagine the walls that would come down, the hope and beauty that would thrive. Our darkest parts and our lightest parts connected in universal unity, over the age old condition of being human; a collection of people from here and there, bonded over the might of words.

Homemade Exfoliating Facewash with Lavender Flowers and Orange Peel

A few posts back, I extolled the many virtues of unrefined coconut oil as face wash. I seriously can’t get enough! My skin has been soft, my pores almost non-existent and I’ve been completely blemish free since I’ve been using this delicate, moisturizing treatment.

I love my coconut oil face wash dearly, but I must admit I miss textured exfoliation. Sure, by nature coconut oil facilitates gentle exfoliation as the coconut oil acts like a magnet to pull oil and dirt out of my pores, but the instant gratification of a textured scrub I miss.

A few days ago I began fiddling around in my herb cabinet and came up with this coconut oil based face wash recipe using lavender flowers and orange peel. It's pretty awesome!

If you’re a lover of gentle textured exfoliation, this recipe is for you.

I use orange peel, lavender flowers, bentonite clay and celtic sea salt to slough away dead skin cells. These ingredients are effective, yet not at all harsh. After a quick wash, you're left with glowing, soft, radiant skin.

Who doesn't want glowing, soft, radiant skin?

Homemade Exfoliating Facewash with Lavender Flowers and Orange Peel

Homemade Exfoliating Face Wash

Here’s the formula:

1 cup melted unrefined coconut oil

2 teaspoons lavender flowers

1 teaspoon orange peel

1 teaspoon bentonite clay (don’t use metal to scoop or store)

1 teaspoon celtic sea salt

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In a grinder, I ground my lavender and orange peel to a fine consistency. The smell is so amazing!

I added the orange peel and lavender along with the bentonite clay and sea salt directly into my melted coconut oil. I used a plastic container to avoid deactivating my bentonite with metal. I shook the oil with the exfoliants and set my container in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so that it would set.

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And that’s all folks!

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The face wash, I keep right next to my sink. You don’t have to worry about the mixture going bad, as it will last for a very long time.

Happy Exfoliating!

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.

Healthy Green Saute: A Recipe for Delicious Leafy Greens!

I happen to be a dark green leafy veggie person. It's always been that way. I prefer spinach to peas, kale to broccoli and I would much rather eat a salad then, say, lima beans (blech). Recently, a friend came to me for advice about cooking Kale. He wanted to incorporate it into his diet because it was healthy, but he'd been boiling it and it tasted bland.

I was so happy to share this recipe, it's what I do when I want to give my kale some pizazz. My secret ingredient... dandelion leaves.

Dandelion leaves are amazing! They cleanse the liver, and are jam packed with antioxidants, calcium and iron, but they're also very bitter. Now I personally, have no problem with their bitter astringent taste, but I can't get my husband or children to eat them unless I dilute the bitter taste by adding kale. It is such a complimentary blend. The kale comes alive with an almost nutty sweetness which I top off with some basil and dill for complexity of flavor and a splash of lemon for a healthy green saute, sure to please the masses.

Here's what you'll need:

Tuscan kale (approx 2 cups)

Dandelion leaves (approx 2 cups)

Fresh basil (a handful, approx 1/2 cup)

Fresh dill (a handful, approx 1/2 cup)

2 tablespoons of ghee

1 tablespoon of minced garlic

1/2 Fresh lemon

Here's what to do:

Place your ghee in your skillet and allow it to melt. Once melted, add your kale, dandelion, basil, dill and garlic. Saute on medium heat for five minutes. Once your greens are soft (but not wilted), glossy and dark green, turn off the heat and squeeze your lemon juice liberally over the greens. Toss, serve, and enjoy!

Easy Apple Bread

This weekend, I embarked on an extraordinary apple picking adventure.

There are literally apples everywhere!

Apples are being stored in the fruit bowl on my kitchen table. They’re being stored in my kid’s jack-o-lanterns. A bag spilled in the backseat of my car. I thought I got them all, but there are about a half dozen rolling around back there as well.

My three year old will be taking apple slices to school for snack for the next….well, however long it takes for me to use up all of those apples.

Luckily for me, there area lot of apple recipes out there.

As much as I love biting into a fresh crispy apple, I also love apple bread.

My version of apple bread is easy to make and is loaded with nutrients and has a low glycemic index as I use coconut palm sugar in lieu of granulated. Sweet, but not too sweet. Moist and light. This easy apple bread recipe is the answer to an abundance of apples.

Here's what you'll need:

3 cups flour

1 tablespoon chia

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon sea salt

3 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1 cup coconut palm sugar

1 cup light brown sugar

3 large eggs

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 cups diced apples (approx 4 apples)

1 cup pecans (whole or chopped to taste)

Here's what to do:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients and set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, combine your wet ingredients and blend well. Add your wet ingredients to your dry ingredients along with your apples and pecans.

Thoroughly blend your batter together. his will take a lot of elbow grease since the batter will be very thick and crumbly.

Grease two baking loaves, or a baking loaf and a small cake tin (scroll down to see what I mean).

Cook for about 40 minutes, or until your bread his risen, golden and brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Enjoy as a simple sliced loaf.

Or, for a bit of variety, frost a batch with Nutella and enjoy as a cake.

Life is good!

Picking Apples at Fishkill Farms: A Memorable Autumn Afternoon!

Our tires crunched over leaves, stirring up small clouds as we navigated the narrow dirt road.

It was a beautiful sight to take in, apple trees, row upon row, for miles. It looked like they extended into the horizon becoming one with the Catskill Mountains, a mass of apple trees, tapering into mountains, ascending into the clouds.

When we selected our bags, the man said he thought only the golden delicious variety was left, it being so late in the season. To our surprise, the further we crept, we came across a group of plump rouged macouns. Grinning, from the thrill of discovery, mesh bags in hand, it was apple picking time!

Apple picking, has to be one of my favorite autumn activities. I love the hunt for the plumpest, juiciest apples. The satisfying feeling of filling your bag with a group of imperfect, plump, leafy apples. I live for the smell of the earth and the streams of golden light from the sun filtering through the trees.

This year, I grabbed the boys and scooped up my friend Fred (you know you’ve found a true friend if they’re childless and nocturnal, yet still agree to spend the afternoon in an apple orchard with you, your toddler and your infant).

Our orchard of choice was Fishkill Farms, about an hour north of the city.

It was a great choice. They had a bit of everything.

You could pick apples, pumpkins and even a selection of seasonal vegetables. I stuck with the apples, since my little one was going to the pumpkin patch with his preschool.

The country store smelled like apple cinnamon potpourri. Pies, tarts, jams, vinegars, ciders and pastries were on tantalizing display. I couldn’t resist taking home some of the freshly harvested vegetables and squash.

Outside, despite the chill, the atmosphere was festive. Picnic tables lined the green spaces as live music serenaded us from a makeshift pavilion stage. On one side, there was a glorious stand selling hot apple cider and perhaps the best old fashioned donuts I’ve ever tasted. At the far corner, near the parking lot, a full-fledged barbeque was underway. Clouds of hickory scented smoke danced and vanished into thin air, as platters of chicken, ribs, burgers, corn and hot dogs emerged in savory gluttonous glory.

Sampling a little bit of everything (why not?), we took our time, eating, listening to music and basking in the ephemeral mid-autumn in between.

Fishkill Farms we’ll be back! Thank you for the apples and awesome memories.

Fishkill Farms (9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533)

Short Fiction : Advice for Writers!

 

As a writer of short fiction, I’m used to being overlooked. Most every bit of advice seems to be geared specifically towards writers of novels or those working on a non-fiction piece. This is also true when it comes to publication advice. Every query letter or synopsis sample is geared towards writers of a singular novel or work of non-fiction. The general attitude seeming to be, that if you write short stories, well….good luck!

When you’re a short story writer, it seems at times, that everyone wants you to write a novel. Something they can wrap their heads around. Agents and publishers often say- “No, short stories!”

When other writers ask me what I’m working on and I say a collection of short stories I usually get a puzzled look, as in, why?

There’s nothing I can do. Short fiction is my calling. It’s my form. So I chug onwards. I read industry publications, attend workshops and do my best to format query letters and send synopsis. But I still had short story specific needs that weren’t being addressed until I was fortunate enough to attend the Writer’s Work conference in Manhattan last month.

The conference was small, which means I had the chance to ask questions and get feedback. I had the fortunate opportunity to pitch my manuscript to literary agent Shira Hoffman. Off the bat, she said, “I don’t represent short stories.” But what she did do, was give me some excellent advice on how to position a collection of short stories for higher success in the mainstream market. Thanks Shira!

Short story writer Aryn Kyle (author of The God of Animals) was the featured keynote. I had the opportunity to ask her to share some advice for writers of short fiction. Instead of rolling her eyes, or attempting to convince me to write a novel, she offered some very positive and affirming tips. Thanks Aryn!

Here’s what I learned:

• It is possible for a short story collection to be published as a break-out work.

• Short story collections do sell and do have an audience.

• Not every story is supposed to be a novel!

• Grounding a short story collection with a novella helps make the collection more marketable to mainstream agents and publishing houses.

• Submit, submit, submit, short stories to relevant collections, magazines, journals and anthologies.

And if you're in New York and are curious about what I'm working on, you can find me at the Capital One 360 Cafe (968 3rd ave, second floor) on Tuesday, November 4th from 6:15 to 7:45, where I'll be participating in a reading.

Ghee: The healthy way to eat butter!

I love butter. Butter just makes me happy. It tastes so good. Smells heavenly when warmed. When slathered over bread or a muffin or a biscuit it makes my heart melt.

But that’s not the only influence it’s having on my heart.

During my twenties, I told myself I was too young to worry about matters of the heart.

In my thirties, especially now that I’m a mother, I know better.

Don’t get me wrong; there is most definitely a place for butter. I use it when I bake (when a substitution with olive oil or coconut oil just doesn’t make sense). I’m just more cognizant of the damage it can potentially do to my precious ticker.

I do have butter cravings from time to time as a result of my attempts to scale back and when I do, I turn to trusty ghee, also known as clarified butter.

Clarified butter?

Ghee comes from unsalted butter that has been left to simmer for a long time to remove the milk solids and water. Ghee is pure butterfat that contains many healthful properties (it is even known to lower bad cholesterol).

Ghee is easy to make and has several healthy and healing properties. Ghee:

• Promotes heart health (healthy lipid) and reduces LDL cholesterol levels.
• Rich is vitamins A, D, E and K
• People with lactose and casein dairy sensitivities can typically tolerate ghee.
• Ghee promotes good digestion and encourages the growth of good bacteria in the intestinal track.
• Ghee has a high smoke point, which means you can use it in your baking as well as frying without worrying about it breaking down into potentially harmful free radicals.

There are so many uses for ghee. From time to time, I’ll splurge and splash some ghee over fresh steamed green beans, over wild rice or even slather it on a biscuit. I’ve infused herbs and spices into ghee for medicinal purposes. I’ve even made curative lip-gloss out of ghee (recipe to come in a later post).

Here’s how to make ghee:

Place your butter in a saucepan and simmer over low heat until the butter completely melts. Keep your eye on your melted butter. You want to see small bubbles. It will take about 25 minutes for the butter to separate completely.

You’ll notice a white froth on the surface (this is what you’ll be removing).

Using a spoon, gently scrape off the white frothy layer, until you’re left with a uniform yellow liquid.

Using a strainer and cheesecloth or coffee filter, strain the remaining liquid, to ensure that your ghee is pure.

Ghee can be stored in a mason jar. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated (keep away from light and water) and will last a very long time.

DIY Moisturizing Shampoo (Great for curly hair!)

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DIY Moisturizing Shampoo (Great for curly hair!)There is something so empowering about taking matters into your own hands and creating a product or outcome that you love.   I don’t know about you, but I’ve had the hardest time finding a shampoo suits me.

Shampoos are usually too drying for my frizz happy curly hair and I rarely enjoy the perfume smell or the way they feel (I love a good scalp tingle).

That was until I decided to make my own.

After trial after trial and (I’ll admit it) error after error, I found a recipe I love.

All natural and pleasingly free of sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances and dyes, this shampoo is light, moisture rich and refreshes the scalp with an invigorating tingle.

In the mood to experiment?

Try this fantastically fabulous DIY Moisturizing Shampoo!

Here’s what you’ll need:

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½ cup coconut milk

½ cup castile soap base (liquid black soap works well too, but I prefer Dr. Bronner’s Unscented baby-mild)

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 tablespoon jojoba oil

½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

10 drops peppermint essential oil

20 drops tea tree essential oil

Here’s what to do:

In a plastic pump bottle, combine your ingredients and give the bottle a good swirl.

Place your bottle in your shower and enjoy the next time you wash your hair.

It is that simple. Just as nature intended!

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.

7 Things I Love About Rochester, NewYork!

Last week, I packed the kids and a whole lot of luggage into our car and headed upstate to my hometown of Rochester, New York to introduce our newest little addition to family and friends in the Western most regions of New York state (I made a trip to Buffalo as well). Although I don't think I would ever live there again, Rochester has a charm that draws me in every time I return. I am a proud native Rochestarian and a big fan of the city I no longer call home (sorry dad).

There are many things that I love when it comes to Rochester, but for the sake of this post, I'm going to focus on seven things that I look forward to, when I return westward, to Rochester, New York's Flower City.

1) Rochester is a place seeped in history and activism. From its inception, people gravitated to Rochester, New York to let their voices be heard. Historical greats like Frederick Douglass, Emma Goldman, Susan B. Anthony, and many others called Rochester home. The underground railroad was active here, the Quakers thrived here, the creative innovation of George Eastman developed here. Rochester, New York, is a history buff's dream. If you are an appreciator of history, you must visit: The Mount Hope Cemetery (where you'll find the tombstones of both Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony), the Susan B. Anthony House and the George Eastman House.

2) The shops at Village Gate! (274 Goodman St N, Rochester) Rochester is a great place to shop local. Village Gate is a collective of local shops, small businesses, unique restaurants and art galleries, owned and operated by local artists, craftsmen and entrepreneurs. My personal favorite shop  is Mood Makers Book Shop and Cafe (I gave my first reading here).

3) The Rochester Public Market (280 N. Union St., Rochester NY) Folks stream in from miles away to visit the Rochester Public Market, which boasts fresh produce, meats, a fish market, crafts and ethnic delicacies from over 300 vendors. The market is massive and can easily become an all day event. There are restrooms and restaurants for those in need of relief and a re-charge. I adore this place. The prices are always reasonable and the service is amazing ( Rochestarians are a friendly bunch). The market is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 52 weeks a year.

4) The National Museum of Play (1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester). I would go here even if I didn't have kids! This is hands down, my favorite children's museum- EVER! Not only is this a children's museum, but it is a museum dedicated to the art of play. Everything is designed to be touched in this highly interactive museum for all ages. Where do I even begin, perhaps with the old fashioned carousel, or the life sized Victorian dollhouse, or maybe the exhibit dedicated to all things trains and planes (complete with a train you can ride). There's a section dedicated to comic books and superheros, there's a complete arcade showcasing the evolution of video games (this is where a lot of the dads disappeared to and where teens go to play after school), there's a replica of Sesame Street (as in the entire street) complete with a life sized Big Bird. You can find a Bernstein Bears tree house replica, there's a life sized Wegmans supermarket where kids can scan and bag their own groceries, there's a children's garden and so much more. The museum is enormous. You can spend an entire morning and afternoon here and if you're nursing a baby, like I currently am, there are nursing rooms, with cozy rocking chairs, dim lighting, books, and activities to occupy toddlers while their younger siblings are being tended to. Oh, I forgot to mention the quirky 1950's style diner, where you can enjoy a classic lunch. This place is FUN!

5) Abbots Frozen Custard! So, if you read my blog with any sort of regularity, it is apparent that I have a bit of an ice cream obsession. I love the stuff. Wherever I go, I make it my business to see what the locals are doing with ice cream. Here in Rochester, magic has been happening for generations thanks to Abbots Frozen Custard! I'm talking the richest and creamiest custard, bursting with rich vanilla bean flavor (a simple vanilla is a great way to test the virtues of ice cream!) Abbots is a Rochester staple. In the summer time, people sit in the parking lot on their cars or at the communal picnic benches and connect with their neighbors over a creamy cup. My first memory of ice cream was an Abbots cherry milkshake. My mother used to treat me to them after my dance classes on Saturday afternoons. There are Abbots Frozen Custard shops all over Rochester. No visit to the city is complete without a taste.

6) Wegmans!!!!!! Okay, Sojourner, why is a grocery store on this list? Well let me explain. Wegmans is so much more than a grocery store, it's an experience, I tell you. Wegmans grocery stores originated right here in good old Rochester  and in my opinion, set the gold standard for the modern supermarket experience. If you're in town for a visit and you need anything, this is the place to go. Want food to bring back to your hotel, go to Wegmans. Interested in a delicious morning coffee and pastry (fabulous bakery), go to Wegmans. Want to grab a few things for a picnic lunch in the park, go to Wegmans. Want to meet locals and get a feel for what makes the community tick, go to Wegmans. I never knew how much Wegmans meant to me, until I moved to New York City and had to search far and wide for a good grocery shopping experience. Nobody curates food like Wegmans. Pair that with a phenomenal bakery, a thorough health food section and a seductively satisfying cafe, Wegmans will seep into your soul and move you in a way that no grocery store should.

Travel Bucket List

Brazil India Spain Ireland Cuba Dominican Republic Cameroon Morocco Paraguay...

What places are on your travel bucket list?

Perfect Your 60 Second Agent Pitch!

http://instagram.com/p/tLCt_gSbk_/?modal=trueRecently, I attended the Writers Work writing conference in Manhattan. It was here, at this intimate and unique conference in Times Square that I participated in  my first agent pitch.

I had 60 seconds to pitch my short story manuscript to literary agent Shira Hoffman.

Pitches were given in front of everyone at the conference so that we could all learn from each other. It was one of the longest minutes of my life. And while in the end, Shira thanked me and said that she didn't represent short story collections, I did walk away with a load of advice and wisdom.

Here's what I learned about 60 second agent pitches:

• Try to think of your pitch as a conversation with a friend. Think about what language you'd use if you were talking about your manuscript to a good friend or to your mother. Harness that same calm enthusiasm when pitching to an agent.
• Identify the specific genre of the piece you are pitching so the agent knows exactly what type of manuscript it is from the jump.
• Think of the body of a pitch as a tease. Give just enough information to build interest without giving away the ending.
• It's helpful to indicate the length of your project and whether or not you've completed it.
• Dress comfortably. The pitch is scary enough, you want to feel confident and at ease.
• When in doubt, think of your pitch as you would the back cover of a book.
• Talk about juicy emotional details. What do your characters have to gain or loose?
• If your manuscript is character driven, focus your pitch on your key main characters.
• If your manuscript is plot driven, focus your pitch on the inciting event and share a few juicy details without answering any questions.
• Remember, agents are people too. If you have the time, begin with a warm greeting. Eye contact is key.
• Closing your pitch with an intriguing question is very effective.

Ultimately, writing is a labor of passion and love. Attending conferences where you have the chance to network with other writers and pitch to agents and get feedback from other industry professionals will only help push your craft to the next level and better ensure your chances of success.

Thanks to Shira Hoffman's advice and the advice of others, I was able to re-work my pitch so that it's strong and ready.

Agent pitches are scary, but I'm ready to do it again!