Tag: Lifestyle

The Practice of Letting Go of Mental Constructs

Everything we believe about ourselves and others is an idea, an image constructed in our heads. And these mental constructs can be some of our biggest obstacles and struggles. Letting go of our mental constructs—our ideas about ourselves and others—can be most liberating. I’m not saying it’s wrong to have mental constructs. We can’t help…


The Magic of Maple

At the end of winter, when the nights freeze but days warm up a bit, sugar maple trees begin to wake up in preparation for spring. Farmers tap the trees, boiling down their sap for maple syrup. It’s a tradition that’s lasted generations and an industry that’s estimated to be worth more than $1.5 billion,…


Americans Are Traveling Abroad Again, and Passport Wait Times Are Skyrocketing

Washington—Attention world travelers: Check your passports, now. The State Department is taking longer than usual to issue new U.S. passports, and to renew existing passports, because record numbers of Americans are going overseas. “Americans are traveling again after COVID,” Andres Rodriguez, lead community relations officer for passport services at the State Department, said in an interview….


Dark Chocolate Granola

This bittersweet dark chocolate granola makes for a decadent breakfast, especially when paired with homemade yogurt. Maple syrup gives the granola a subtle sweetness, while cocoa butter and cacao give it a rich chocolatey flavor balanced by the warmth of cinnamon and cloves. Makes about 8 servings 1 1/2 cups sprouted rolled oats 1 cup…


Maple Shortbread Cookies

This maple shortbread recipe makes delicate, buttery cookies infused with the woodsy sweetness of dark maple syrup. For this recipe, we use einkorn. It’s an ancient variety of wheat with a richer flavor and more nutrition than modern strains. It has a delicate crumb and is perfect for cookies and shortbread. Fenugreek has a flavor…


Maple Vinaigrette

Maple and stone-ground mustard partner beautifully together, especially in this homemade maple vinaigrette. Amber-colored maple syrup provides just enough sweetness to counter the intense acidity of apple cider vinegar for a smooth, gently sweet dressing. This vinaigrette is particularly nice served over winter and autumn salads of arugula, apples, pears, hazelnuts, and roasted squash. Makes…


Maple-Dark Chocolate Sorbet

Dark maple syrup is a natural match for chocolate, bringing a complex sweetness to this easy sorbet. The result has the creaminess of chocolate ice cream with a much more robust flavor and no dairy. Makes about 1 quart 2 cups water 3/4 cups Grade A dark maple syrup 3/4 cup cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon…


6 Health Risks of Using Your Cell Phone While on the Toilet

We’ve become more dependent than ever on our cell phones and many find it convenient to take them into the bathroom. However, using our phones while on the toilet could put our health at risk. Health experts warn that using mobile phones when on the toilet is not only unsanitary, but may affect the health…


The Sweet Truth: Is Honey a Healthier Alternative to Sugar?

Long-term excess sugar can cause fatty liver, inflammation, and metabolic disorders, increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Honey is a natural sweetener that humans have used for thousands of years, and many believe it has unique health-promoting properties. So is honey healthier than sugar? The Composition of Honey The scientific name of…


5 Extreme Lawn, Patio and Garden Cost-Cutters

For some of us, there are few spring joys that are as soul-satisfying as a healthy, lush green lawn. Or a pristine patio with clean furniture and accessories. You may have noticed in the past that a beautifully maintained healthy lawn does not come without considerable cost, effort and care. And outdoor living areas don’t…