Hunting for relaxation music and want to get really clinical about it? Marconi Union’s “Weightless” is literally the most calming song in the world– at least according to neuroscientists. Allow me to explain further. In 2011, British ambient band Marconi Union worked with sound therapists and researchers from Mindlab International to specifically design an 8-minute […]
Cool Ideas
Maple-Date Chestnut Milk Recipe: A Local Food Lover’s Alternative to Hot Chocolate
This easy maple-date chestnut milk recipe is made from fresh-roasted chestnuts, dates, water, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. That’s it! If you’re a local food lover, it makes a beautiful alternative to hot chocolate for warm-weather sipping by the fire. Chesnuts are the ultimate winter season crop, a lovely treat to wait for […]
Chewy Idea: “People Can’t Read a Room Because They Can’t Read a Book”
Yesterday, my personal algorithm delivered to me a post by a writer/critical thinker who goes by AyaConnects on Instagram, who in this post shared her thoughts about the existential and socio-political consequences of the literacy crisis in America. She titled the post, “People Can’t Read a Room Because They Can’t Read a Book: The contingent […]
At This Charming Paw Paw Festival in Maryland, America’s “Secret Fruit” Shines
Momentum is growing behind a beautiful Paw Paw Festival that takes place at a 25-acre homestead in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Frederick, Maryland– an event that’s fast becoming one of the DMV area’s best-kept secrets in the realm of local food. Organized by permaculturist and landscape designer Michael Judd of Ecologia […]
5 Cool Places to Do Yoga in Denver
Denver’s yoga scene has evolved in recent years in tandem with the growing popularity of both the mindfulness movement and the modern public’s mounting interest in combining gentle exercise with immersive experiences in nature. By this, I mean that the best yoga in Denver often takes shape around nature and in community, from the sprawling […]
5 Wonderfully Calming Qi Gong Videos For Relaxation & Energy
In an era when most of us have a heightened awareness of the negative effects of overstimulation, the slow, methodical mind-body practice of Qi Gong has become increasingly appealing. Everyone wants to feel calm and centered in their minds and bodies, right? So why not look into the time-honored healing practices of the ancients to […]
This Cool Scientific Survey Accurately Identifies Your Character Strengths
I was first directed to the VIA Character Strengths Survey in the course of taking Dr. Laurie Santos’ class, The Science of Well-Being, which is the most popular course ever offered in Yale‘s 300-year history. As part of an initial happiness assessment, Professor Santos directed us to this character strengths test as part of a […]
Behind-The-Scenes Look at Privé Swiss: Where CEOs & Celebs Get Luxury Mental Health Treatment
In a world where people everywhere are increasingly finding solace in online or digitally-mediated tele-therapy, immersive mental health care nevertheless remains one of the most intensive, effective, and profoundly transformative therapy experiences on the market today. In this landscape where mental health has become an increasingly salient buzzword, Privé Swiss, the world’s most exclusive luxury […]
10 Cute KPop Demon Hunters Birthday Party Ideas (with Links!)
I recently hosted an epic KPop Demon Hunters birthday party that was designed around notable movie references, authentic foods from the film, aesthetically-pleasing details, and cheeky puns. Afterwards, I got several requests for a roundup post about where to get all the trinkets and ideas featured at the party, so I’ve collected them together here […]
The 5 Coolest Clean Beauty Stores in NYC (For Your Bucket List)
New York City’s clean beauty and natural skincare game– while this may at first pass seem to be a very “California” thing– is actually quite excellent. The Big Apple is the fashion capital of the world, after all, and what would a fashion capital be without a copious number of places to explore the world […]