2 Ingenious Ways to Maintain Optimal Health While Traveling!

Note: I received a shipment of ambronite in exchange for a review. I must tell you that I loved it. All opinions stated in this post are absolutely mine. My integrity as a holistic nutritionist is of utmost importance to me. I will never endorse a product on this blog that I have not used myself for a period of time and researched thoroughly.

2 Ingenious Ways to Maintain Optimal Health While Traveling!

I think most people would agree with the old adage that health is wealth.

Good health affords us the ability to live our best lives, to follow our passions and dreams. When longevity and quality of life are maintained an internal spring of immeasurable wealth is attained.

If you're a traveler, I don't need to tell you how important being healthy and feeling good on the road is.

With limited time to see, experience and do everything, you don't want to spend a single moment sick or feeling depleted.

Travel can be exhausting, anxiety inducing, difficult on our digestion. With the addition of introducing new foods and or climates to the body or grabbing greasy fried snacks on the go, many people don't feel their best on the road.

I could say, eat a balanced diet and wash your hands while you travel, but for those of us who have traveled along roads less traveled, especially in the developing world, you know that immune boosting balanced meals may not be available neither may running water.

Even if you are traveling along well trodden and highly developed roads, you may not be in a position to grab healthy nutritive food and maintain the good habits you have at home. We all know how easy it is to go to the drive through while on a road trip or to eat a bunch of starchy junk food while traveling. Or maybe the objective of your trip is to taste all the best barbeque south of South Carolina.

With the two products that I'm going to share with you. You can take back your nutrition and ensure that you've got at the very least, 30+ full servings of whole fruits and vegetables and enough protein to boost your energy and avoid feeling drained- even if you're jet-lagged.

2 Ingenious Ways to Maintain Optimal Health While Traveling!

1) Juice Plus+

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwCADLbtKDw[/youtube]

If you ask me, Juice Plus+ is an ingenious staple that everyone should have on their kitchen counters or in their traveling bags.

Simply put, Juice Plus+ is 30 DIFFERENT WHOLE FOODS IN A CAPSULE or CHEWABLE!

How is this possible? Well, to make Juice Plus+, chemical free, non-gmo fruits and vegetables are fully ripened (just like the garden), crushed (in their whole form, seeds, peels, etc.), dehydrated and cold dried (so nutrition stays alive). The concentrated powders are then put into a capsule or vegan chewable- ta da!

The result is a full serving of a variety of fruits, berries and vegetables for assured balanced nutrition.

This is not a replacement for the real thing but instead a simple and clinically proven way to bridge the gap between what we DO eat and what we SHOULD be eating.

For travelers, this means improved immune systems, sustained energy, optimal circulation (reduced chance of blood clots for those who have traveled long hours by plane, train or car), and many, many other benefits.

I wish I knew about Juice Plus+ when I was working and volunteering in Ghana, Thailand and Mozambique where I didn't have access to complete balanced nutrition and got sick a lot!

2) Ambronite

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAQCQXevV_0[/youtube]

Ambronite, despite it's funny name is simply fantastic!

It's an organic, all-natural, non-gmo, and gluten free drinkable supermeal.

With one serving of ambronite, you literally get an entire days worth of nutrition- it's ingenious!

There is absolutely nothing artificial in ambronite. Unlike most traditional protein powders made from chemicals in a lab, ambronite literally has the following ingredients (all of which are organic): oats, almonds, brown rice, coconut, apple, lucuma, flax, stinging nettle leaf, nutritional yeast, bilberry, black currant, mineral salt, chlorella, spirulina, brazil nut, spinach and sea-buckthorn berry.

It comes in easy to pack, difficult to puncture pouches that need to be mixed with pure water, shaken and voila!

Ambronite has a nutty taste, it's like drinking an almond milk smoothie with oats. It's very pleasant, quite thick and extremely satisfying.

This is great for car trips or long flights when you know you'll have few good quality food options and want to feel full.

Ambronite is also great for adventure travel, if you know you're going to have a full day of kayaking or hiking or even museum visiting for that matter. It just makes so much sense.

Traveling with both Juice Plus+ and Ambronite is a way to ensure optimal health, nutrition and vitality while enjoying a new space and adventure.

These two products are quick and easy ways to ensure balanced nutrition and don't need to be limited exclusively to your travels.

Very rarely do I endorse nutritional supplements and products on this blog, but I love and use both of these products and it would be selfish of me to keep it to myself.

Summer is winding down, but it's not over yet. Be a go-getter and do something this week, you've been wanting to do!

Be adventurous.

Be curious.

And most importantly, BE WELL!

Postcards from God

The sidewalks are littered with postcards from God.-Walt Whitman

      New York may be loud, it may be crazy, but in the chaos, it's easy to see the divine in the everyday!

A New Ben's Chili Bowl, A Bit of Go-Go, and A Whole Lot of D.C. Soul!

A New Ben's Chili Bowl, A Bit of Go-Go, and A Whole Lot of D.C. Soul!

Go-go, so named because the music just goes and goes, is a love child of the blues, funk, salsa, gospel, and soul that emerged in the '70s- Abdul Ali in How Washington, D.C. ,Turned its Back on Go-Go, the Music It Invented

Go-Go music is quintessentially D.C.!

It tells the story of a vibrant and resilient people. It carries hope drenched in raw, at times raunchy humor. It's syncopated soliloquies and tribal beats stir within the most conservative among us, a primal urge to dance.

Go-Go is a D.C. cultural mainstay that speaks to the soul.

Another cultural mainstay, dating back to 1958, is Ben's Chilli Bowl. A D.C. local favorite, Ben's Chili Bowl speaks through the stomach to the soul.

It makes sense then, that one complimented the other during the highly anticipated grand opening of the second H Street location of this classic D.C. eatery.

Loved by locals.

Visited by presidents and dignitaries, tourists and celebrities.

Featured on the travel channel: Man Versus Food, No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain, and Bizarre Foods America, Ben's Chilli Bowl has been delighting palettes for generations.

A form of R&B founded in D.C. by Chuck Brown with roots in Africa -call and response, congas. It has jazz improvisation, it utilizes arrangements, it's instrumental, it reminds me of a drum circle, it's tribal at its core. - Mark Williams, Former Trombonist with Chuck Brown

We found our way, to the grand opening of the second Ben's Chili Bowl on H street by way of my husband Mark, a former D.C. resident and trombonist with the late but legendary Chuck Brown.

The afternoon was blazing. The sky broke apart into an abyss of blinding white light which cascaded acutely off of any and every metal surface. The pavement was so hot it was sticky. The notoriously humid D.C. air was almost drinkable, but somehow it didn't matter,  a crowd was gathering. A crowd that was growing by the minute.

Out the door of the new Ben's Chili Bowl, a line, snaked for a block and a half. In front of the bandstand, revelers gathered, dancing despite the heat, despite the sweat, to the intoxicating rythms of the Chuck Brown Tribute Band.

I wanted to run for shade, (eventually I did, sneaking into the pristine new Ben's Chilli Bowl before the rest of the public was let in- we were the first to be served!) but I found myself dancing, my one year old bouncing joyously in his carrier, my three year old bending his knees, swaying his hips to the rythms.

To the left of me, secret servicemen ushered the mayor and senators through the crowd. To the right, people of every age, race and social economic demographic effectively broke it down to the music.

For decades, the D.C. community has rallied behind Ben's Chili Bowl, it survived the race riots of the 60's, like a giant oak, it has stood the test of time.

They say it's the chili- soulful, spicy, sweet.

Some swear it's all about the chili bowl half smoke.

Whatever your flavor, whatever your fashion, Ben's is simple, sloppy, soulful, stick to your ribs food. They even have turkey options for those who don't eat red meat.

Since we ducked into the restaurant early, before the public was allowed in, to escape the heat, we were among the first to be served. Ohm even made it on the evening news as he sampled some chili fries.

http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/29498700/bens-chili-bowl

No visit to Washington, D.C., is complete without a visit to Ben's Chili Bowl and while you're there, find some Go-Go music to listen to. It's just as unique to D.C. as Brass Band is to New Orleans, though much less popular across the country which means, it's kind of like a well kept secret, one you need to discover for yourself.

Coney Island is a Great Place for Family Fun!

Coney Island is a Great Place for Family Fun!

Enter, the infamous Cony Island-

It's overstimulating, yet surprisingly compact.

It has cleaned up its act, yet it's still a bit gritty.

Coney Island is many things- it's loud, it's fun, it's classic, it's busy and it's a great place for a good old fashioned family outing.

Honest Note: I don't suggest swimming in the water. I mean, people do (and I guess some of those people are still around to talk about it ?!?), but...er....it's kind of gross.

But Coney Island has her virtues. If you've got children, the fun park is small, the lines are short, the rides are charming and a good time will be had.

The short boardwalk offers the best of quick carnival fun, from funnel cakes, to the famed Nathan's to performers wearing snakes or dancing on stilts.

The beach (again, reference the above note)...well, it's lovely to look at from the boardwalk and it's fantastic for toe dipping. Swim at your own discretion, but either way, the sea breeze from the ocean is blissfully cooling especially in the midst of the notoriously humid New York summer.

Coney Island is not that tranquil beach escape you've been waiting all year to take, it is however, a well spent, two or three hours of bustling seaside fun.

It's definitely an ideal destination for families and multi-generational travelers.

And if you're lucky, if you stay long enough, you may get the pleasure of catching a display like this!

The Brooklyn Children's Museum Celebrates Caribbean Culture with a Festive Family Extravaganza!

The Brooklyn Children's Museum Celebrates Caribbean Culture with a Festive Family Extravaganza!

Disclaimer: I was given complementary passes to write this review. All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own and are reflective of my honest impressions.

Warning: This post contains pictures and videos of the most adorable Brooklyn tots ever. Seriously, EVER! If after this post you decide to expand your family, please don't hold me accountable!

Last Saturday, my two little Wild Things and I were invited to the Brooklyn Children's Museum's- Celebrate the Caribbean Islands Day!

The Brooklyn Children's Museum regularly hosts events for children and families throughout the year and this was one of them in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month.

In past posts, I've raved about how fortunate I am to have this amazing resource within walking distance, but let me take a moment again to say that the Brooklyn Children's Museum makes me so happy. As a parent, being able to take my little ones to one place where I know they can run, interact, learn, explore and play is just magic. The Brooklyn Children's Museum inspires imaginative creative play which I love! Without video games and flashing lights, my children are fully engaged and learning for hours.

Okay, back to Celebrate the Caribbean Islands Day!

The day was so fun!

There were cultural performances and educational workshops such as:

Totally Tots Studio: Where children learned about wearable art made for Carnival season and were able to make their own masks.

Touch Tank: Caribbean Seas: In this interactive workshop, children learned about underwater animals in the Caribbean Sea.

Family Art Lab: Moko Jumbie: Here were learned the story of Moko Jumbie, a stilt walking tradition that traveled from Africa to the Caribbean. Children had the opportunity to dance on can-stilts to fun Caribbean beats.

Nature Explorers: Three Little Birds: In the greenhouse, we listened to Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds," and learned to identify three different local birds in Brooklyn.

Something Positive INC Performance: A multi-media performance that blended poetry, storytelling, theater, music and dance dedicated to the art and culture of the African Diaspora.

Father Goose: King of the Dance Party: Jamaican born entertainer Rankin Don performed as "Father Goose" in the most exciting nursery sing-along I've ever participated in. Every tot was up and dancing!!!

Animal Adventure: Caribbean Critters: Children learned about the reptiles that live in Caribbean countries and had the opportunity to pet and interact with them.

And now for some video footage- I hope you're ready!

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It was a long day in the hot sun, but we left energized and excited.

The Brooklyn Children's Museum hosted an incredible event that my three year old is still talking about!

If you have children, no trip to Brooklyn or New York City is complete without a visit to the Brooklyn Children's Museum! You will be so glad that you did.

4 Ways to Get the Most Out of a Summer Day Trip

4 Ways to Get the Most Out of a Summer Day Trip This is has been a busy summer for us. We're in the middle of a pretty epic move (saying goodbye to NYC is never easy!), Mark has been touring non-stop, my private practice has picked up (yay!) leading to a very busy summer.

Originally, we had intended to take a big trip, but with everything going on, that has to be pushed back until the fall. Instead, we've gone on a series of mini-trips (overnights and weekends) that have left us rejuvenated and feeling summery.

When taking mini-trips. it's easy to do something predictable and safe, but you can get so much more out of a quick trip if you throw in a new or exciting experience or two. It makes all the difference. Your mini adventures instantly go from- "that was nice!" to "SOOOO AWESOME!"

If you're ready to make the most out your your mini break, here are 4 Ways to Get the Most Out of a Summer Day Trip:

1) Seek out an experience you can't find where you live!

Don't just remove yourself from your environment, seek out unique experiences you don't have access to at home.

If you call the city home, head to the country or to the ocean, but don't stop there, do something you can't do while at home in the city. This is the key to a truly memorable experience.

On a recent trip upstate to Westchester to visit some friends for a relaxing pool side barbeque, we stopped to visit a horse farm. It was so lovely to interact with horses up close. We hardly ever get to see horses in Brooklyn. Even though we only spent an hour or so with the horses, it added a wonderful memorable layer to our day trip.

2) Interact with nature in a way you can't at home!

We live in Northern Brooklyn and are lucky enough to have access to parks and beautiful green spaces. Whereas we see plenty of green, we don't see mountain vistas or hear the lull of waves. When I plan day trips, I make sure to leave space to experience the nature in a way I can't at home. Being so acutely present is invigorating.

On a recent trip to the beach, I made time to dig in the sand, collect shells, listen to and splash in the waves. Things I don't have the opportunity to do at home. I could have simply laid on the beach with a novel and my earplugs, but I would have been robbing myself of the chance to really connect with the experience.

On a trip to Roanoke, we found ourselves in a maze of breathtaking mountains. The point was not to over-schedule ourselves (not really a problem in Roanoke) and to take the time to simply be silent and look. We went to the top of the mountains, ventured close to the winding edges, sat in stillness, the kids collected sticks. It was in many ways uneventful, but it was exactly the opposite of our experience as Brooklynites and as such, it was one of the most eventful and dynamic experiences we've had in a while.

3) Seek out destinations that appeal to multiple generations!

Even if you're not a traveling family  like we are, there's nothing like engaging your inner child or your inner old lady (or man) while on a day trip. Give yourself permission to step outside of yourself.

If you are a traveling family, a destination that appeals to both children, parents and even grandparents is a win. Parents are of course all smiles when they see their kids happy, but we're all smiles and relaxed and energized when we find or connect to something in a location that makes us happy too.

We recently visited the National Harbor in Maryland with some extended family and friends of all ages. There was something for everyone! My one year old was happy on the carousel, my three year old loved exploring the playground and the carousel, my husband and his friends got a kick out of the live music, I loved walking the boardwalk and taking in the scenic views, the grand-parents loved the world class restaurants. Actually, we all did, dinner was such a win!

4) Visit a historic landmark and learn something new!

We escaped to Montauk on Long Island for a few hours one afternoon. We could easily have spent the entire day shopping and laying on the beach, but in addition to doing that, we took the time to visit the historic lighthouse and learned so much!

I was fascinated by the stories of haunted apparitions and the fact that the slave ship Amastad once docked there.

My toddler, was captivated by the idea that there was a brilliant light at the top of the lighthouse and to this day, delights in drawing light houses with crayons and paper.

It was a small act, visiting the Montauk Lighthouse and Museum but it was such a memorable one. I was so much more connected to my experience there than if I would have skipped over it and spent that hour laying in the sand.

What do you do to get the most out of your mini-trips?     

Vanilla Chia Pudding

Dessert doesn't have to be sinful to be delicious!

This vanilla chia pudding is a delectable way to satisfy your sweet tooth while boosting your vitality and heart health.

The steps are simple. You can make a small one time serving or a batch.

For this recipe, I used a 6 oz. mason jar which yielded two servings.

Here's what to do:

           

NYC Trapeze Classes Give You Access to the Best Views in the City!

NYC Trapeze Classes Give You Access to the Best Views in the City!

From your perch over the west side highway, you see it all, in a haze of pink tinted twilight brilliance.

Left hand gripping the ladder, right arm extended towards the very tip of the Freedom Tower, you wait as the bar glides towards you.

It's your big moment.

You catch the sandpaper-rough white bar in your right hand, release your left hand. Pelvis and chest forward, chin up, you prepare to dismount.

"Ready."

You bend your knees as your toes creep over the edge of the platform.

"Hep."

You leap forward into nothingness.

The wind catches you, ushers you forward.

Your eyes are open, yet you see nothing, hear nothing, you are simply one with the wind. You are flying.

"Knees up!"

Tucking your knees towards your chin, you struggle to bring your calves over the bar, lock your knees.

"Look back!"

Releasing your hands, you arch your back, arms outstretched. This time you see everything. The setting sun, the halo of orange and pink around the glistening Freedom Tower. The soccer game on the field of green. The cars, speeding along the highway. Bikes, baby carriages, roller blades. It's the perfect early summer evening.

"Legs down!"

You regain focus, pulling your arms towards the bar, you wrap your hands around its rough frame. Slowly, one by one, you release your legs. The summer breeze envelopes you in a tight embrace as you release your hands and descend into the mesh safety net.

After two decisive bounces, you come to a stop. Slowly re-focusing on the space you now occupy after being space-less, you perceive the ground, the chairs, the instructor, the spectators.

A quick forward roll, brings you off of the net and onto solid ground. You are released from your harness. You have done many things in your life, but never have you taken flight- until now.

When I was pregnant with my second son, somewhere around the tail end of that second trimester mark, right around the time when I developed a hernia and began to wobble like a deranged duck, I promised myself that when it was over, when the discomfort passed, when my body was once again mine, I would do something spectacular, something physical to mark my return to myself.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/PetVJyUaa-s[/youtube]

Driving to work one afternoon, I found myself stuck in a traffic jam on the west side highway. For forty-five minutes I was glued to my spot, surrounded by taxi cabs and trucks. I looked to the left, to the right, I had no clear line of sight to see what was causing the jam. Then something caught my attention, something that looked like a flying person. Two flying people to be exact. Two flying people gliding on a singular trapeze, hand in hand like a circus act. I was entranced.

While my fellow commuters honked their horns and unleashed a furry of profanity as only New Yorkers know how to do, I took in the show above. One by one, two by two, I watched as people flew through the air, some turning flips, others practicing hand catches, others falling flat on their faces (hilarity) and I decided that I wanted to do that, whatever it was.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/XhzhVwTBfgk[/youtube]

Fast forward, several months later and it was my turn. For my birthday this year, my husband surprised me with a trapeze class at the Trapeze School of New York. It was my time to fly!

There were eight of us in total. Two old-timers, the rest of us brand new.

The class was two hours long. We practiced each maneuver on the floor before climbing the ladder and attempting the feat in mid-air.

It was thrilling.

It was exhausting.

Trapeze is so much harder than it looks, but once you're up there, once you're flying in tandem with the wind, the feeling is indescribable.

After seven or eight rounds, I managed to swing by my knees, stuck a back-flip dismount, and came really close to a hand-catch, all while taking in the best views in New York City (I swear I could see my Brooklyn brownstone!)

I'm going back!

I will have to wait, since I did sprain my right shoulder (a mixture of pre-existing mommy shoulder issues and hanging onto the trapeze for dear life and landing awkwardly in the net).

Sprained shoulder aside (and I mean, what is a sprained shoulder after going through child birth anyway) a trapeze class is a true adventure!

If you're in New York or  are planning a vacation in New York and are interested in taking flight trapeze style, schedule your class with the Trapeze School of New York today. It will be one of the coolest things you've ever done!

The Trapeze School of New York (353 West St, New York, NY 10014)

The Blue Note Jazz Festival- Where American Classical Music Lives!

The light from the stage cast a blue glow across the room. It's called the Blue Note after all, so I suppose this was not a coincidence.

The man at the piano, defiantly erect, despite his age, fingers nimbly floating in waves over the keys, was tantalizing.

Abdullah Ibrahim has had a musical career that has spanned generations.

His unique take on jazz music is sweeping, haunting, lulling and evocative.

Originally from South Africa, Ibrahim an outspoken anti-apartheid activist was forced to leave his homeland for Europe and later the States. In his music, you can hear his story, whispers of the past, South African inspired sounds, defiance, unshakable humanity and unwavering hope.

One of the few remaining musicians of his generation, it was an honor to have the opportunity to witness history live at the Blue Note's Jazz Festival.

It's no secret, with my trombonist husband, that we're a jazz family. On this day, the entire family 11 month old, three and a half year old and my husband and I enjoyed dinner and a set at the Blue Note.

As usual, the people seated near us, looked nervously in our direction when they saw us approaching with young children.

As usual, after the set was over, we were approached by people who were shocked, commenting on how well our children behaved saying they would never so much as consider bringing their children or grand-children out to such as event for fear of a revolt.

As usual, I gave my speech about exposure and how children, when exposed to opera, will go to the opera and enjoy it in the same way a retired 60 year old couple would.

At any rate, with or without children, the Blue Note's annual Jazz Festival is not to be missed. The line-up this year is incredible. It's a great excuse to come out and visit the famed venue and enjoy live music in an intimate setting.

The festival which closes June 30th is wrapping up, but it's not too late to catch dinner and a set.

The complex beauty of jazz- America's classical music, is best enjoyed live!

Travel the World Without Leaving Your Zip Code with GlobeIn Artisan Boxes!

Travel the World Without Leaving Your Zip Code with GlobeIn Artisan Boxes! One of my favorite pastimes as a traveler is scouring central markets and bazaars for trinkets and treasures to bring home.

I enter without agenda and follow my senses, tasting, trying, until I've found the perfect meal or little mementos to bring back home, mementos, vivid in taste or color that remind me of the places I've visited.

With two boys under the age of four, my globe trotting days (though not behind me) are on a bit of a necessary hiatus. Even though I spend the majority of my time in Brooklyn, my wanderlust is still so very alive and well, which is why I am so utterly in love with GlobeIn!

Please note, I am in no way whatsoever getting compensated in the form of gifts or money for this post, I am merely endorsing a product that I am over the moon about.

GlobeIn, brings the world's central markets and bazaars to my Brooklyn doorstep.

Here's how they do it. GlobeIn creates unique artisan boxes of rare and unique finds from around the world. All of the items are healthy (if food), fair trade, and sustainably harvested. The boxes, which are in actuality not boxes but colorful woven palm leaf baskets from Mexico, all have themes such as cooking, entertaining, or bake and arrive once a month.

Opening a GlobeIn box is so exciting because you have no idea what goodies are inside. I let my kids do the honors with great pomp and circumstance.

It's like receiving an awesome souvenir present from your world traveling alter-ego once a month, fresh from...Ghana, or the Philippines, or India, or Palestine- the sky is the limit.

GlobeIn subscriptions are easy and pretty inexpensive. You can opt for three or six month subscriptions or a year long subscription, either way, it's so much fun. GlobeIn Artisan Boxes make a fun gift for the traveling soul in your life, or for yourself if you, like me, have wanderlust up the wazoo!

In my most recent box, here's what I got...

Za'atar Spice Mix from Palestine (get me in the kitchen now!)

Colorful Coasters from Ghana (now I have to throw a party!)

Sun-dried Tomato Caper Spread from Palestine (back into the kitchen to make something awesome for this party that I must throw!)

Tea Time Bunting from India (must have the hubby instal those new outdoor lights from which I will hang the colorful bunting, for the party, that I absolutely must throw, very, very soon!)

All of which came tucked lovingly inside my beautiful palm leaf basket from Mexico. These baskets are so adorable and provide great storage for, say, baby socks (mine are everywhere), hair things, toy dinosaurs and cars, your husband's shaving gear (shove it in a box, put it in a corner and ta-da, you don't have to look at it), the list goes on...

So...how can you start your subscription?

Simply visit www.globein.com/box

Psssst... If you enter BESTFRIEND at checkout, you'll get $20.00 off your subscription!

I am so grateful to the visionary folks at GlobeIn. They've created a way for me to explore the world, appreciate different tastes and experience beautiful handcrafted treasures without leaving the borough of Brooklyn- amazing!

Pattern Wizardry- Become a Pattern Wizard at the Brooklyn Children's Museum in this Extraordinary New Exhibition!

Pattern Wizardry- Become a Pattern Wizard at the Brooklyn Children's Museum in this Extraordinary New Exhibition!

*Please note that in exchange for a write-up, I was invited to attend a special viewing of Pattern Wizardry at the Brooklyn Children's Museum. All opinions expressed in this write-up are my honest thoughts.

They exist around us, everywhere- in the two careful braids your mother used to give you before bedtime, in the intricate woven blue and purple blanket you picked up at the Mercado in Ecuador, inside the amethyst crystals your acupuncturist sometimes places around you after the needles have been inserted, inside the colorful kaleidoscope your toddler insists upon carrying everywhere and at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum- patterns, giving form and beauty to our world.

Last week, my little ones and I were invited to a special guided showing of Pattern Wizardry, at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. It was, to sum the experience up- AMAZING!

Pattern Wizardry is a new exhibit located on the top floor of the Brooklyn Children's Museum, designed to use patterns as a way to foster interest in natural sciences and mathematics.

As a former public school teacher and current homeschooling mom, I was immediately taken with the interdisciplinary approach of this exhibit.

I can’t say what I was expecting, but I can say that the exhibit exceeded my expectations tremendously.

Upon entering the exhibit floor,  Ohm was invited to throw on a cape so that he could become a pattern wizard. I was excited about the idea, but being three, he simply shrugged his little shoulders, decided to bypass the cape and dove directly in to the world of the exhibit.

Talk about hands on! We looked at textiles and art from a variety of cultures to see how people around the world create patterns. From American quilts, to East African basket weaving, to fine china and South American weaving, each station allowed children to engage in a tactile experience from trying their hands at coiling a basket, arranging quilt squares, fitting together china or weaving on a large loom.

In a masterfully curated collection, we went on to investigate patterns in the natural world. We examined seashells and crystals before investigating patterns in sound. There were drums and examples of musical patterns.

One of our favorite experiences was a large mirror prism, which allowed us to see ourselves in a series of patterns.

There was also an investigation of patterns in a more traditional geometric sense. Ohm, who considers himself to be a geometry expert, had a lot of fun identifying shapes and fitting them together to complete a large puzzle.

Ohm is three and a half and originally, I was concerned the exhibit might be a little over his head, but he was fully engaged and excited as he flitted from one station to the next.

The priceless look on his face when he realized that he could self-navigate through many of the hands on activities was so affirming as a parent. I was literally able to stand back and let him create his own experience. Because he was so busy, I was able to try my hands at a few of the stations. It was so fascinating; I couldn’t help but dive in too.

As a Brooklyn parent, I’m so grateful for the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. It is a priceless resource for children of all ages, particularly early learners.

In a world of “shhhhh be quiet,” “No, don’t touch that,” and “Stop running!” the Brooklyn Children’s Museum gets down on its knees and caters to its tiny patrons from their height, without patronizing their intelligence. This is not an easy balance but they do it well.

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum, established in 1899, was the very first museum, ever created exclusively for children. The success of this institution has inspired the creation of over 300 children’s museums around the world. It’s an extraordinary gem in the heart of Brooklyn.

If you live in the city or are planning a trip to NYC with your family, Pattern Wizardry is a must see! The exhibit is open through August 30^th and is a great way to encourage a love and curiosity for math in preschool and school aged children. Summer learning can be so fun and so enriching!

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is located at 145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Avenue). For more information call 718. 735. 4400 or visit www.brooklynkids.org.

Finally, the lovely people at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum gifted me two tickets which I will give away to a lucky reader.

If you’d like to be entered to win two tickets to this amazing museum, simply leave a comment below describing your favorite pattern. This can be any pattern- musical, geometric, natural, textile, etc.

The lucky winner will be notified on Monday, June 22^nd!

The Best New York Writer's Conference- Writers Work

It’s none of their business that you have to learn to write. Let them think you were born that way.– Ernest Hemingway

Writing is a gift, it's a talent and a calling, but it is also, like so many artistic forms, a discipline one must learn and practice in order to master.

Luckily for writers there are many ways to hone the craft of storytelling. There is of course the MFA route, but if that's not for you, there are many other options. A writer can join writer's colonies, workshops, courses, writer's groups and attend writing conferences to develop and refine their craft.

Though I minored in Creative Writing in college, that is the extent of my "formal" writing education. I've opted, in lieu of an MFA, to attend workshops, seek mentors, join writing groups and attend conferences so that I may continue my education and develop my writing while maintaining ties to the community of writers around me.

It just so happens that it's almost time for my absolute favorite writing conference- Writer's Work.

I attended my first Writers Work conference in August and the experience was overwhelmingly positive.

Writers Work is created and organized by my good friend, writer and co-founder of the former Brenner Writer's Group, Tracy Sayre.

The Best New York Writer's Conference- Writers Work

At the Writers Work conference last fall, there were workshops on craft, opportunities for participants to network and give each other feedback, there was an agent pitch session, workshops pertaining to getting published, an inspiring presentation by Aryn Kyle (author of The God of Animals) and each participant received a swag bag with the sharpest leather bound moleskin writing journals around (just saying).

Writer's Work is a one day conference packed with the tools to not only develop yourself as a writer, but to help you find an enriching community and work as a writer.

Now in its third year, the Writers Work conference features an impressive line-up:

June 27, 2015 Writers Work Conference!

Registration and Social Breakfast Meet and greet 10am-10:45am

Doors open at 10am. Enjoy a light breakfast while meeting your fellow writers. Don't miss the door prizes!

How to Pay the Rent with Your Writing April Greene 11:45-12:15pm

Have you dreamed of quitting your day job? April has all the tricks for finding freelance writing gigs and she's here to share them with you. Find out how to promote yourself, what to charge, and how to find the gigs.

One-on-One Time with an Agent/Lunch Jennifer Udden 1-2:15pm

A personal connection with an agent is priceless. If you purchase the ticket for one-on-one time, you'll get five minutes to sit with Jennifer Udden and ask all of your questions. Get feedback on your pitch and make a  connection that might help with future submissions! Jennifer is an agent at Donald Maass Literary Agency.

What to Expect When You're Expecting to Publish 3-4pm

Do you know what happens after you sign up with an agent? Laura does. Her debut novel,  The Summertime Girls (Penguin Random House), is coming out this August and she's here to tell you everything you need to know before you publish.

Get into the Creative Flow Susan Merson 10:45-11:45am

Surprise yourself with your own writing!  This is a chance to try something new and share your work in a supportive environment.

Write the Perfect Query Letter Jennifer Udden 12:15-1pm

Literary agents receive 100s of queries a day.  This one-page letter stands between you and representation. Find out the dos and don'ts for submissions as well as some  tricks for standing out.

Perfect Your Pitch Tracy Sayre 2:15-3pm

Are you caught off guard when someone asks you what you're working on? By the end of this fun exercise you'll be able to describe your writing with ease and excitement.

Meet literary agents, publishers, editors and authors at this one-day conference for emerging authors. Affordable and small-scale, the Writers Work conference is the best way to develop your writing career, community, and creativity. Here are just some of the topics that will be covered:

• Perfecting your pitch
• Social media for authors
• Dos and donts for query letters
• What to expect after you get an agent
• How to get paid for your writing

Writers Work is educational and full of practical and applicable writing advice.

You, my readers, because you are so awesome, are being offered a discount to the June 27th conference!

Enter "Sojourner" for 10% off the general admission

Purchase your discounted tickets HERE!

Come learn the craft of writing. Network with agents, published and aspiring writers and learn what it takes to be a working writer.

You'll learn to write and leave with the tools to make your writing look effortlessly beautiful, but as Hemingway said, they don't need to know...

I hope to see you in a few weeks! If you're able to attend, don't be shy, introduce yourself and let's chat over lunch :)

DIY Shea Based Shaving Cream

Psst... I know a secret. I know a way to deep condition your skin, exfoliate and discourage ingrown hairs and razor bumps while you shave.

Are you ready?

Shea Shaving Cream

This simple DIY Shea Based Shaving Cream is inexpensive and simple to make. It's suitable for all of your shaving needs, from face to legs and everywhere in between. Your skin will feel fresh, conditioned and soft after shaving.

It's so easy!

Here's what you'll need:

1/3 cup shea buter

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons jojoba oil

10 drops essential oil (whatever scent floats your boat)

1/4 teaspoon vitamin E

1 tablespoon baking soda

Directions:

Melt the shea butter and olive oil together over low heat in a double boiler. Once liquid, add the jojoba oil, vitamin E oil and essential oils.

Using a hand blender on a low setting, combine the ingredients and refrigerate until it just begins to set.

Remove from the refrigerator and sprinkle the baking soda over the top. Blend once more with the hand blender until it becomes the consistency of frosting.

Ta-da!

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.

DIY Beard Refresher

Shea Butter Beard Refresher

Finally, a DIY natural recipe just for the men out there.

Just as the hair on our head enjoys conditioner, the hair on one's face deserves some love too.

Woodsy and moisturizing, this DIY Beard Refresher will leave your facial locks soft and nourished.

Get ready to be nuzzled and snuggled. Don't be surprised if you're suddenly the life of the party.

Here's What to Do:

You'll need-

1/4 cup shea butter

1/8 cup sweet almond oil

1 tablespoon jojoba oil

5 drops cedarwood essential oil

5 drops sandalwood essential oil

3 drops vetiver essential oil

In a double boiler or in a pyrex glass placed into a pan filled with about an inch of boiling water, melt the shea butter to a liquid.

Combine the liquid shea butter, the jojoba oil, the sweet almond oil, and the drops of essential oil into your container. Fasten the top and shake vigorously until well blended.

Refrigerate for twenty minutes until set then return to room temperature.

A pea sized amount, rubbed on the palms and then smoothed over a beard will make the skin beneath silky smooth and will condition and lightly scent even the grungiest of beards.

This formula also helps protect against ingrown hairs- BONUS!

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.

Montauk, where the land ends

Past the congested LIE afternoon truck traffic to where the road widens, canopied in fresh green, then thins into a lighter green. Past Fire Island, sprawling vineyards and the narrow manicured single lane boutique studded streets of the Hamptons. Up narrow winding roads, dense with green, leading seemingly nowhere, you'll stumble across Montauk, a place where the land ends. 

I'm not even certain how it began. We were watching a children's program about a lighthouse and Ohm developed a lighthouse curiosity. Then the weather in New York surprised us all and gave way to breezy summer temperatures. The perfect conditions were there for a day trip to Montauk, Long Island.

From New York City, Montauk makes a lovely day trip, city escape.

We left around ten in the morning. Working in the opposite direction of traffic, and traveling one week before the Memorial weekend madness, the road was essentially ours. And what a scenic drive it is!

The Montauk Lighthouse and museum was our first stop. Ohm was too little (by an inch) to climb to the top and since I had baby Jai strapped to me in a carrier, we were all prevented from climbing to the top of the lighthouse (booh!).

The museum was interesting. The Montauk Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in New York. Originally commissioned by General George Washington himself, the lighthouse was where the famed slave ship Amistad once docked and is said to be haunted by several spirits.

History and hauntings aside, it's just a remarkably beautiful space and makes for a quintessentially romantic destination. The lighthouse, land's dramatic end, is an experience. The rocky coastline below, is perfect for walking, meditating, and taking in the noisy fragrant waves. We collected rocks, watched the waves splutter over pebbles and simply did nothing.

If you're so inclined, there are bike trails and footpaths for jogging and hiking. You will also find lookout points complete with porch style swings for two and a restaurant in the vicinity.  The Montauk lighthouse/museum and surrounding area is such a pleasant escape.

After a long late morning/early afternoon by the lighthouse, we decided to head into town for lunch.

Montauk has a small and very cute main drag with shops, restaurants and cafes. We stopped at Naturally Good for lunch, it was amazing. We decided on a fresh organic green juice and a vegetarian Sloppy Joe comprised of perfectly seasoned French lentils on sprouted grain bread. The seating outdoors gave us a front seat view of the wonderful activity outside- people walking dogs, elegant women in flowing kaftans and straw sunhats, mothers pushing strollers, everyone laughing, giddy, with the promise of a perfect beach day. And it was so perfect!

Before heading home, we stopped at Kirk beach. There is a beach beneath the lighthouse, but it's rocky and not suitable for swimming, Kirk beach, off of the main strip, was light, sandy and expansive. Calm and secluded (only because the official season was a week away), Kirk beach, had free parking, baby fine sand, and was clean to perfection. Unfortunately the water was ICE COLD! We could only stand to dip our toes in. Swimming aside, Kirk beach was lovely.

Montauk, where the land ends, is the perfect NYC city escape and makes for an idyllic ocean side retreat.

The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens: Where Beautiful Purple Things Grow!

Tilting my head back, eyes floating upwards, willowy, purple fingers cascade around me. Wisteria everywhere!

Hanging from trees, climbing up walls, swaying gracefully - everywhere.

It is a sight to behold.

On this perfectly perfect spring day, there is no place I'd rather be than strolling the beautifully manicured paths of the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, where beautiful purple things grow.

As far as botanical gardens go, this one is one of the best!

Down the stairs, past the gurgling fountain, to the left, we come across fragrant lilacs.

The lilacs are a favorite of mine. I'm from Rochester- Lilac City. The smell, the clusters of tiny star shaped flowers, transport me.

In fact, when it comes to flowers, the purple ones grab my attention. I can't say why. Purple is not my favorite color.

When it comes to flowers though, I love wisteria, lilacs, irises, and violets- vibrant purple wonders.

The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is full of such wonders and many more.

Now that the weather in New York is fully cooperating, I've pledged to take my boys on a new adventure everyday. It's been fun. It's been exhausting. It's been educational. I live for these mini-adventures.

The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, which is FREE on Tuesdays, is the perfect place let an inquisitive toddler roam and romp.

Ohm ran and ran and ran. We compared different flowers. Learned the names of different trees. We spotted robins and butterflies and fuzzy bumblebees. We learned about the different parts of the flower. He threw rocks into a stream. Threw coins into a fountain. Basically, he had a good old fashion self-made great time in nature!

We weren't the only ones enjoying the day. The gardens were full of elderly couples strolling arm and arm, young couples stealing affectionate kisses on benches, mothers bouncing babies, photographers snapping pictures, bird watchers crouching with binoculars and tourists singing a symphony of languages.

One could spend the better part of a spring day getting lost in the romantic Brooklyn Botanic Gardens taking in all of the beautiful purple things.

The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

150 Eastern Parkway 990 Washington Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225

Dinner, Drinks and a Set at Birdland

Dinner, drinks and a set at Birdaland? Yes, please. The music that escapes from the horns gallops jubilant circles around the tightly spaced tables. 

A bottle of wine is poured. A woman tips her head back and laughs. A pair of lovers clasp tattoo covered hands and smile. Beside me, my three and a half year old date, sips cranberry juice out of a tumbler and places his cloth napkin roll to his lips to emulate his father's trombone solo.

This past week, my wildly talented husband who plays for The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra spent the week with his fellow musicians playing at Birdland in New York.

As the wife of a musician, I've been in and out of numerous clubs, venues and performance spaces.

                                                                                                                                                Jazz clubs, intimate, mysterious, melancholy, hopeful, I thoroughly enjoy. They're one of the few places where people get dressed up to hear live music. It's a lost grace. Dining, drinking, enjoying the bygone glamor of big band swing- it's magical. In few places, is it as magical as it is at Birdland.

Where other venues can tend towards pretentious and stuffy, Birdland holds to the expression and passion of jazz. Audience participation, dancing, the having of a good time are all encouraged.

The audience at Birdland, your fellow table neighbors, they're freer, giddier. Birdland is a true jazz lovers hangout.

You can even, if you are brave enough, bring your three year old. Mine has been to so many jazz clubs, he hums the genius of Dizzy, Miles, Basie, Coltrane and Ellington the way most kids his age sing Old MacDonald. If you too have and old soul on your hands, they are welcome at Birdland.

Dinner, drinks and a set at Birdland is a great way to experience American Classical Music

(aka Jazz) in the city that helped build and re-invent the art form.

In a world that moves so quickly, that has become over saturated in technology, it's a comfort to know that one can step into Birdland and step back in time- getting lost in a space, in music that is as timeless and soul stirring today as it was when it was first imagined.

 Birdland

315 West 44th St New York, NY 10036

10 Reasons to Love Ft. Greene Brooklyn

There are so many more than just 10 Reasons to Love Ft. Greene Brooklyn! If you love art, music, dance, beaches, breathtaking Manhattan skyline views, children, hipsters, hipster children, dogs, bicycles, trees, farmer's markets, cutting edge restaurants, yoga, or are into carrying hemp bags or even woven baskets when grocery shopping to avoid wasting plastic, then Brooklyn may be for you!

Brooklyn is booming right now! People are leaving Manhattan in record numbers, to flock to its hip, tree-lined streets.

When I left Manhattan five years ago and moved to Brooklyn, I was overwhelmed with a sense of belonging. I had found my tribe. Ft. Greene, Brooklyn, was and still is, my perfect city match.

From the pier-lined waterfront with breathtaking Manhattan views, to the beaches, to the endless rows of immaculate, tree-lined 19th century brownstones, Brooklyn in my place and cozy, artsy, family-friendly, quirky, diverse, Ft. Greene, a place I'm fortunate enough to call home, is my favorite neighborhood!

10 Reasons to Love Ft. Greene, Brooklyn:

1. One of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country, Ft. Greene is racially and ethnically diverse and is home to a large European ex-pat community. Walking down the street you see interracial couples of every possible combination. School playgrounds are a tapestry of colors. It's a beautiful thing to see.
2. The Arts thrive in Ft. Greene. Between BAM (The Brooklyn Academy of Music) and it's numerous manifestations including the Shakespearean Theatre, The BAM Rose Independent Film Cinema,  The BAM Harvey Theatre (home of contemporary off-Broadway works), to the Mark Morris Dance Group, the New York Writer's Coalition, CUMBE Dance Center, the Museum of the Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, and being in close walking proximity to the Brooklyn Museum and the massive Brooklyn Library Central Branch, there is no shortage of artistic entertainment and merriment in Ft. Greene.
3. Green spaces everywhere. Ft. Greene has so many beautiful parks and playgrounds. From the stunning rolling fields of Ft. Greene Park which hosts live music, farmer's markets and local events, Ft. Greene residents are within quick walking distance (10-20 minutes- and yes, in New York, that is close proximity) from Brooklyn's shining green jewels- Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens.
4. Historic Brownstones- At one point in time, Brooklyn was a wealthy suburb of New York City. The area of Ft. Greene, which is close to the periphery of Manhattan was adorned with elegant brownstones where they remain beautifully preserved and landscaped.
5. Ft. Greene is so darn family friendly! Families and children are everywhere. As a parent, this means, you won't be shamed if you bring your children to nicer restaurants. In fact, most kids in New York, because they're used to the cultural options, are very well behaved inside cafes, bistros and elegant restaurant settings. People will also not look twice if you bring your children to the local beer garden or wine bar, as long as you're not literally sitting at the bar.
6. Ft. Greene is pet friendly! In addition to the open park space for dogs to run and play, restaurants up and down Fulton, DeKalb and Myrtle offer water dishes and treats to your furry friends if you take advantage of sidewalk seating. Every Halloween in Ft. Greene Park, there is a doggy costume parade- it's serious!
7. Excellent dining! Brooklyn, Ft. Greene included, is home to some of the most innovative restaurants in the country. In addition to wonderful food, you can find a little bit of everything in terms of ethnic food and variety in Ft. Greene. Within a quick right and then a quick left from my doorstep I can choose from Italian, French, Moroccan, Ethiopian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Southern, Farm to Table, Vegan, Barbeque, Caribbean, Nigerian, Sushi, Chinese, Vietnamese, it's so incredible! This quick two block span doesn't take into account the numerous specialty bakeries, cheese, doughnut and ice-cream shops. Add to this, the presence of cafes and you won't be disappointed when it comes to snacking or dining in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn.
8. Ft. Greene is easily walkable. With wide sidewalks, picturesque blocks, and an easy layout, it is easy to stroll and enjoy Ft. Greene by foot. The entire neighborhood is within close walking distance. You can also easily make your way by foot to the neighborhoods of Park Slope, Prospect Park, Downtown Brooklyn, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy, from Ft. Greene.
9. Ft. Greene's buildings have a great view of the Manhattan skyline. Ft. Greene is one of the first neighborhoods you'll hit in Brooklyn as you come in from Manhattan. While not on the waterfront itself, many buildings offer beautiful rooftop views of the Manhattan skyline. From my bedroom window, I can look out on a clear day and see the Freedom Tower, the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Sometimes you have to get out of Manhattan, to be able to admire it.
10. Ft. Greene is a great place to be outdoorsy. In addition to the parks, the streets are full of bike lanes for bikers, and wide sidewalks for joggers. Never crowded, always fluid, Ft. Greene is a great place to be outdoors.

Ft. Greene is worth a visit. The next time you're in New York City, plan a Brooklyn exploration day!

Brooklyn really is booming! Stroll across the bridge and make your way to Ft. Greene by foot or hop on the C or the G trains to Lafayette street.

However you get here, you're going to love it and you're not going to want to leave!

Lavender Buttermilk Waffles

  The intensely floral and deeply layered scent of lavender is one of my favorite. Instantly calming, bold, soothing and pretty, lavender is so much more than a fragrance. Lavender is healing. When applied to the temples it can tame a migraine and lower blood pressure, when sprinkled on freshly washed sheets, it can lull even the most anxious among us into a good nights sleep. Lavender keeps mosquitoes and gnats at bay. Dried lavender lasts forever and looks lovely in every room. Lavender is also a perfectly edible flower. Lavender tea has a bold and aromatic flavor and ground lavender flowers add a ridiculously delectable and fancy flavor to your food.

 I am, quite possibly lavender obsessed. I'm okay with that and you just may join me in my lavender obsession once you taste these lavender buttermilk waffles! What?!?!

These lavender buttermilk waffles are quite possibly the best waffles out there. They're fancy, yet so easy to make.

In addition to being fragrant, floral and delicious, they're healthy! Flax seeds add omega 3's, antioxidants and fiber, virgin coconut oil is an antioxidant rich, heart healthy alternative to butter when it comes to baking, coconut palm sugar is sweet, has no aftertaste and is a low glycemic, all-natural processed sugar substitute, and nutmeg isn't just delicious, it contains vital trace minerals and aids in digestion.

Here's What You'll Need:

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons ground lavender

1 tablespoon ground flax

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup sugar (coconut palm sugar is an excellent low glycemic option)

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cups buttermilk

4 large eggs

1 cup coconut oil (melted to a liquid)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Here's What You Need To Do:

In a coffee grinder, add your lavender and flax seed and grind until it is the consistency of flour. Prepare yourself for a blast of wonderful lavender aromatherapy.

In a large mixing bowl, you want to combine your dry ingredients. Add your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, freshly ground lavender, nutmeg, flax and salt.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted coconut oil and vanilla. Note: Make sure your melted coconut oil is cooled so that it doesn't cook the eggs (woops!)

Add your wet ingredients to the dry ingredient bowl. Whisk until smooth.

You know your waffle maker better than I do. Go ahead and preheat, grease with coconut oil and ladle (yes, I use a soup ladle for this job) your mixture onto the griddle to bring these delicious lavender buttermilk waffles to life.

Top with pure maple syrup or whipped cream and a few sprinkles of lavender and voila- an instantly fancy brunch is served!