We recently started biking and kayaking again because the weather has been so beautiful. It feels good to be outside and enjoying activities that are exhilirating without being too “exercise-y”. Find something you love to do, indoors if it’s cold where you are. Do you have an ice rink that has open skating? A mall that lets you walk indoors before retail or after hours? Would you take a dance class?

Baking was a tradition before I became a pastry chef. My daughter and I always found, and still find, a reason to be in the kitchen together. (Paige practicing her piping skills, 1998)

When we lived in Ohio, one of our favorite fall activities was visiting the apple orchard to pick apples, drink cider and walk through the bakery and gift shop. What a scam that turned out to be!

Grace Kelly had the right idea, according to this vintage magazine article.

Let's face it. Sugar is a recreational drug. Sugary foods are designed to be addictive. Changing our mindset about sugar when we're establishing new, healthy habits is 90% of the battle.

Wow, has it been a year! I'm thrilled that so many of you have joined my little community. I am truly grateful and appreciative of each of you. Mostly because you're making a commitment to yourself!

Over the past several months I watched all 16 seasons of Grey's Anatomy. Every night I'd sit down and watch one or two. Sometimes three. When the airplane crash happened I watched all of those in succession, I couldn’t stop. Lexi died at the crash site, then McSteamy who couldn't emerge from his coma.

When we were first married, we moved three times within the first 6 years. My mom used to tell people that I would rather move than spring clean. I never appreciated the concept of “spring cleaning”.

A few days ago a very dear chef/friend posted on social media a photo of an order ticket at his restaurant. It consisted of three orders, each of them making what he considered to be outrageous menu substitutions while the restaurant was at its busiest. “No bun”, “no egg”, “no cheese”.

So, you think eating healthy is an expense you can’t afford? You’ve seen me post on social media and in previous newsletters about the benefits of organic produce and grass-fed, pastured meats.

By far, the question I get the most from Whole30 and Health Coaching clients is about sugar. "What is the best substitute for sugar?" "Can I use Stevia?" "Are natural sugars healthier?"

Is there ever a good time to start living a healthy lifestyle? If it's not one thing, it's another. Removing the "restrictive" mentality so one can move forward in developing healthy eating and living habits can cause "analysis paralysis".

A lot of people ask me why I’m such a believer in the Whole30 protocol. Today, my goal is to dispel much of the misinformation out there. First of all it’s a Whole30. THIRTY. Not a Whole365. Not a Whole-Rest-Of-Your-Life. It’s not a “diet”. It’s not for weight-loss.

2019 made it challenging to be happy. But consider this: Have you lost the child inside? Were you spontaneous? Outgoing? Impromptu? Wasn’t it simpler when you could do whatever you like because you didn’t have to consider other obligations?

Alzheimer’s is of particular interest to me since my mother suffered and passed away from this terrible disease. Not just my mom, but two of her brothers and several cousins on her side of the family.

She was born on New Year's Eve. The 4th child of 5. The only girl. I’ve been told that my grandfather was so happy to have a girl, he got drunk the night she was born. He was not a drinker. My mom was raised by Greek immigrant parents who, were not educated or worldly.

Since Holiday Baking has been the theme for the last few weeks, I want to share this (edited) article from Dr Sarah Ballentyne, The Paleo Mom, about Molasses. It’s a superfood, and this article has great information from a knowledgeable and reputable doctor who specializes in nutrition and the paleo diet.