Silencing the mind. That's what meditation is. A lot of us think we don't have time to meditate, or we don't need to. Maybe we think we are happy enough with the way life is on the outside. But it turns out meditating has health benefits beyond momentary serenity. Here are a few reasons why you need to say "om" every day. 1. Concentration A clear mind can make you more productive, especially in creative disciplines. When you meditate, you practice removing outside distractions from your immediate thinking. This practice can help you become more productive when you sit down... CONTINUE READING 12
ALL STORIES
Cute Workout Gear to Get You Gym-Ready
When it gets chilly, our bodies want to snuggle up under the covers and not burn calories at the gym. But just because you’re no longer rockin’ those Daisy Dukes doesn’t mean you should succumb to this season’s workout slump. We all need a little push from time to time, and cute activewear is just the perky pick-me-up to get... CONTINUE READING 17
10 Simple Ways to Improve Your Body Shape
There is no magic secret or miracle pill that will allow you to achieve and maintain a perfect body for life. If there were, we would all have gorgeous bodies, and never have to watch what we eat or run a single lap on the tread mill. As a personal trainer, and the President of Browning’s Fitness Centers, I have trained,... CONTINUE READING 22
A Bikini Body All Year
With fall unofficially here, it’s off with the bikini and on with the sweaters, jackets, jeans, boots, parkas, hats, gloves and well, perhaps a few pounds. It’s a natural instinct to battle the cold of winter months with a buildup of “reserves,” but few of us actually spend our days in the elements hunting and gathering anymore...unless you count the... CONTINUE READING 16
Nature as Your Own Gym
Has your workout routine left you in need of some fresh air? Try stepping outside! Read on to learn how to turn any outdoor space into your very own personal gym—open 24 hours and free of charge. All it requires is a touch of imagination, a sprinkle of will power, a dose of desire and a pinch of knowledge. Let’s break... CONTINUE READING 20
Eating Well When on Vacation
It’s very challenging for most people to stay on the healthy eating track when vacationing. As the author of Clean Plates Manhattan 2011, a healthy and sustainable eating restaurant guide, I often encounter the question, “What should I do if I am not at a ‘Clean Plates-approved’ restaurant?” Clean Plates guidelines are a great set of tools to aid in choosing... CONTINUE READING 24
Want to Live Longer? Have a Recession.
In good times we live longer, in bad times we die younger. Makes sense—but it’s not true. The Depression, for instance, increased life expectancy by more than six years, according to a study by researchers at the University of Michigan. Meanwhile, during the boom years of the early 20th century, life expectancy actually went down. The researchers think there are a... CONTINUE READING 17
Ultimate Relaxation: Tea Time
Ever since the marriage of Wills and Kate, tea has been trendier than a hipster in tight jeans. And even though the temps may be high, there's no, er, cooling off for this hot commodity. A warm refreshing tea is perfect to help you relax during those lazy summer days...and it's nice and healthy to boot! Still not sold? Brew a... CONTINUE READING 39
The Art of the Perfect Salad
With hot temps and tons of walking to do, summertime is prime time for indulging in a refreshing, light and healthy salad. But as your Haute Hostess Girlfriend (have you told us why SHE is your Haute Hostess Girlfriend in the National Girlfriend Awards yet?) and IReallyLikeFood.com know, making the right salad takes a leeeetle more effort than just some... CONTINUE READING 21
Healthier Fast Food Options for Road Trips
If you’ve been road-tripping it this summer, you've definitely run into a few fast food chains. It may be difficult to eat smart while you’re making pit stops along a pretty sparse stretch of highway, but here are some healthier options you can choose when faced with a drive-thru. -Natalie Gavilanes Wendy's: Their menu isn’t just square burgers—it... CONTINUE READING 30
For thousands of years, Chinese medicine has understood that uneven color and texture on the skin, patchiness, fine lines and breakouts are indicators of deeper issues going on within your body. Our bodies are holistically connected through energy lines called meridians that run up and down the entire body. “Face mapping” is a technique that allows us to study the... CONTINUE READING 21



















