Blog
The journey to the wedding day may be a winding one. I’m happy to share some tips and tricks along the way. I continually offer ways to strengthen your relationship, and provide additional resources & tools. Scroll on down, and click on a post that interests you. The comments are always open, and I would love to know what you think!
Gratituesday 3.17.20 - Physical Distance!
There was that theatre game I did with my Drama 10 students at UC Davis where we walked around the room and they selected someone to stay as far away from and someone who could offer protection. After playing with each individually, I guided them to walk around and make sure that placed their protector between them and the person they selected to stay away from. Did anyone else play or teach this game?
Vendors I Love: TORI THE ORGANIZER
I met Tori Cohen a few years ago in a women's networking group. She is so energetic and she SINGS! I tend to highlight folks from the wedding world, however, I thought it time to share those I recommend as part of my premarital counseling practice. It's super clear from the way Tori speaks about her work, that she loves what she does. Many of us hate to organize, so it's best to have someone in your corner that embraces the challenge. Without further ado, here's TORI THE ORGANIZER!
Recipe: PIMM'S CUP
Welcome to Summer! I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of my usual gin & tonic. Need a new drink for summer? Let's take a jump across the pond for inspiration. How about a Pimm's Cup?
Strengthening Relationships: SIBLINGS
At the end of April, I had the opportunity to do something new: a sibling counseling workshop. The groom from a past counseling couple reached out and told me that he and his sisters were starting an annual sibling retreat weekend. Their mother suggested they not only spend quality time together, but also meet with a counselor to help them strengthen their relationships. How cool is that?
Creating Rituals
We are surrounded by ritual. I am not just saying that because I spend a good chunk of time writing and performing wedding ceremonies. When I speak to my couples about rituals, some look at me with fear or doubt. Yes, the definition of 'ritual' comes from a religious place, but it certainly doesn't have to. But I find the need for ritual in the every day. Um, Taco Tuesday, anyone?
Sautéed Collard Greens Recipe
Every January 1st I host an Open House for friends and family. From my years in Atlanta, I serve traditional Southern foods for luck and abundance in the new year. This sautéed collard greens recipe totally fits the bill.
Watermelon & Cucumber Cooler Recipe
I was invited to a friend's home overlooking the East River for July 4th. As she and her husband are not a wine drinkers, I offered to whip up a cocktail base instead. I came up with a Watermelon & Cucumber Cooler. Something appropriate for her young daughter with a splash of sparking water, or to mix with vodka or gin!
5 Tips for Finding Balance
Balance is hard for me. I'm referring not only to arm balances in yoga (#operationsidecrow), but also finding balance in every day life. The struggles around Work/Life Balance come up regularly and don't get me started on weighing my Concern for the Environment vs. Time vs. Money.
Let's CELEBRATE with some Apple Cider Punch
Every Tuesday, I share a list of Gratitudes, Celebrations and Desires. As a wedding officiant, I am surrounded by Celebration. Yes, we certainly recognize big milestones with festivity, but how about the little ones? Finishing a task you've put off? Hitting a sales goal? Receiving some good news! Nothing says 'Celebration' better than a good cocktail! And winter is perfect for a little apple & ginger!
Gratituesday 1.23.18 - Coffee Scrub Recipe
Ready for a public service announcement? You should NOT put coffee grounds down the sink. I guess I threw them out when I used a coffee maker and an stove top espresso maker. However since I've used a French press, I've washed them down the sink with a ton of water. Yeah, don't do that.
The Ceremony Reading, Alain de Botton [video]
As a wedding officiant, I work with couples to create unique wedding ceremonies. One of my current wedding couples is a pair of writers who are very picky about how certain ideas are expressed in their ceremony. I mean who can blame them? They're writers!
Rites of Passage - Gennep to Brenner
I am currently reading 'Women's Rites of Passage' by Abigail Brenner. As I prepare for my upcoming Zen Bride workshop, I want to consider these transitions from the women's perspective. What's a Rite of Passage, you may ask?
The Vulnerability of the Season
I had one of my last Central Park weddings last Friday. I sat on a bench near the Ladies Pavilion waiting for a lovely couple from Norway and a few of their friends and family. As I looked towards Central Park West most of the trees were bare, and I could easily see the buildings just outside the park.
YOGA: Exercise vs. Spiritual Practice
My friend Tommy Housworth suggested this blog post over a year ago. In April of 2013, to be exact. I'm a little embarrassed that it's taken me so long to actually write it.
Week 2 of Smart Eating
Week 1 of Smart Eating
Welcome to Operation Challenge Central!
GUEST POST: Finding Your ‘Why’ When it Comes to Food
The following is a post by holistic health coach, Amy Height. We met for iced tea on a hot day as she just moved up to Upper Manhattan. We talked about our past in the arts and our current passion of motivating people to live healthier lives. Welcome Amy!