Dear HLife: What’s the Recipe for Romance in a Long-term Relationship?
Dear HLifer,
People have a tendency to think that, in a beginning relationship, or one that has lasted only a few months, it is easier to be romantic because everything is so new and undiscovered. This is the kind of thinking that sets people up for failure and disappointment. Here is the problem: In general, many people’s view of romance is limited, probably due to ideas from TV and film. Some think romance is sex; some seem to think that if there are no candles or food involved, romance is non-existent; others think that romance can only be experienced away from your everyday life (like during a trip or while taking a vacation). To keep the romance alive in a long-term relationship, this old mentality needs an update. more …
Red Kale by HLife Photography
If you appreciate beauty inside and out, behold…The Kale. Personally, I find it so sexy and graceful-looking. I’ve often though about doing photo-shot wearing kale as a gown. Its external beauty is just the tip of the iceberg, though. It’s a superstar vegetable because, on the inside, its a definite nutritional powerhouse. more …
Vegan Raw Yam Nut Burger by HLife Photography
The all-American favorite: The burger. In Peru, I was brought up eating meals that almost always consisted of soup, salad, and some sort of entree (usually accompanied by rice) that was not encased in bread – and I loved it. I married an amazing American man who is not into grilling (one of the reasons why he is perfect for me), but he does like a mean ole sandwich (or vegan burger) with the works from time to time. He used to want to buy those veggie burgers that come in a box, but after tasting these raw yam-nut burgers, his answer to boxed burgers was: “Never again.” more …
“Laughing Zebra” by August Jennewein
Emotions: Laughter is a universal language, according to new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study, conducted with people from Britain and Namibia, suggests that basic emotions like fear, anger, sadness and amusement are shared by all human beings. Conventional wisdom dictates that, while we all communicate, people from different cultures may not understand the same words, phrases or body language. In spite of this, the researchers discovered that emotions like laughter and anger are easily recognizable despite cultural differences, suggesting that these emotions and their vocalizations are similar across all cultures. Laughter was probably the best recognized among the positive emotions, which should not come as a surprise, as researchers have seen this with other primates such as chimpanzees, and other mammals, too. While previous studies have indicated that smiling is also universal, laughter is special because it symbolizes playfulness, probably one of the first steps in communication between children and their mothers. more …
Today is a special day for me because it is my birthday, but for everyone else on the planet, February 1st marks the beginning of something else that is equally as wonderful: Love Month.
It might be awards season for Hollywood and heart health awareness month for the American Heart Association, but as is evident by the red and pink displays all over the supermarkets and other stores, February is the month we celebrate love in the form of Valentine’s Day. more …
Photos Courtesy of Harpo Productions
Yesterday, Oprah Winfrey had author Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Food Rules), actress and author Alicia Silverstone (Clueless, The Kind Diet) and Chipotle restaurant founder Steve Ells as guests on her show for “Food 101″, an episode dedicated to food. The show focused on the truth about the food we eat – where it comes from, what is added to (or removed from) it, and different diets. A big shout-out to all the guests and to Oprah, for having the courage to shed a little light on a crucial topic. We watched the show and here is what we each had to say about the subject. more …
Quinoa Vegetable Soup by Jesse Wight
I think we can finally say winter is officially here, at least in Los Angeles. It’s been so cold – and wet, which makes it even more cold – that a warm, mineral and fiber-dense veggie soup is in order. Not only that, but it has come to my attention that not many people know how to make an amazing veggie soup without sauteing and using stock, which to me sounds so bonkers. I grew up sipping on soups even in the summer. You heard it, the summer. If anyone goes to my grandma’s house for a meal, I can guarantee that there will be some sort of soup before the entree, in the menu for the evening and sometimes even for lunch. My mom became such a pro at soups, not only because they mentally transported her back to her moms’ house in Peru and made her feel warm and cozy inside, but also ’cause veggie soups are rich in minerals and fiber and are easily digestible, and she used them as part of detoxes and as a healing food if anyone got sick. So, as my best friend, spiritual guide, and progenitor, she passed on the soup-making knowledge – and guess what? IT’S THE EASIEST EVER!!!!!! more …
