Beyond the Routine: How to Elevate Your Mental Health with Aromatherapy and Chakra Balancing

By Laura McCann Ramsey

Laura McCann Ramsey We’ve all heard that routines are crucial for mental health. But let’s take it a step further—what if your routine could be a scented pathway to self-care, stress relief, and emotional balance? Welcome to the world of aromatherapy and chakra balancing, where each breath can be a step toward a better you.

The Power of Small Changes

Mental health routines don’t have to be complicated. It’s the small, consistent actions that make a difference, and with Adoratherapy, we believe those small actions can be intentional breaths—inhales and exhales powered by essential oils designed to reset your mood. Need a boost? Reach for our Chakra Boost roll-ons, your “life coach in a bottle” to guide you through the day. Aligning with the energy of your chakras helps ground those little habits, turning them into transformative moments. (more…)

Ice Cream Cupcake Edible Menorah

By: Joan Nathan

Joan NathanThe menorah is the most meaningful symbol of Hanukkah. Artistic Jews throughout the world have created their own versions. I liked to take our children to local Jewish gift shops, synagogues, and museums to see the different renditions. We spent one Hanukkah in Jerusalem delighting in menorahs in windows.

For each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, an additional candle is inserted, from right to left, and lit by the shammas, or helper candle, from left to right, until the eight-candle menorah is aglow. We place our menorahs on a flameproof tray in our front window. If your children do not want to make their own menorah out of clay, let them make the following edible one. (more…)

Roasted Delicata Squash with Pomegranate-Pistachio Relish

By: Pamela Salzman

Pamela SalzmanIngredients

  • 2 Delicata squash washed well and cut into rings*
  • 2 Tablespoons unrefined coconut oil melted
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Relish: this makes a lot
  • 2 Tablespoons unrefined cold-pressed olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar or pomegranate molasses
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
  • ½ cup pistachio nuts toasted
  • ¼ cup dried currants
  • 2 small shallots chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons fresh mint chopped

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An Expert from “On Being Jewish Now”: An intimate collection of essays about what it means to be Jewish and how life has changed since the attacks on October 7, 2023.

By Shirin Yadegar

Fleeing Iran with my family was a decision born out of desperation, a leap into the unknown, grasping for safety amidst the rising tide of antisemitism. As a Jewish Iranian woman, my mother sought sanctuary for my brother and I in the United States. Becoming a mother of four daughters, I always thought my girls would always grow free from the shadows of hatred that had darkened my homeland. Yet, the events since October 7 have stirred the embers of old fears, igniting a flame of sorrow and anxiety that wakes me at night. (more…)

Apple Pie Sugar Cookies

By: Nina Safar 

Apple Pie Sugar CookiesIngredients:

Sugar Cookie Dough:
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder (more…)

If I’m Not Perfect, Then What Am I?

By Carolyn Mahboubi

The impact of Perfectionism is like the force of Gravity.

Most (I’m hoping all) of us are aware of it, and ignorance doesn’t shield us from its effects.

In other words, not understanding gravity will not prevent us from falling, and in that way, it’s shockingly similar to perfectionism. You see, not understanding perfectionism won’t shield you from its inevitable psychological and emotional damage. (more…)

Bibimbap

Kim Kushner

Ready in 20 minutes

Serves 6 people

Bibimbap, the ultimate Korean comfort food, basically translates to “mixed rice with meat and assorted vegetables.” It’s a bowl of goodness, enhanced by sharp flavors-pickled vegetables over steamed rice and a variety of proteins, topped with a fried egg. I’ve learned that in my household, sometimes, all I need to do is give the food a curious name, and the rest will fall into place. (more…)

Raw Crudités on Ice with Flaked Salt

Kim Kushner

Ready in 20 minutes
Serves 8 people

kim kushnerThe concept for this dish was inspired by a crudités platter that was served to me at a beach in Italy. Italians just know how to make everything beautiful- especially when it comes to food. Try incorporating a few unpredictable vegetables for your crudités and present them in a natural, primitive style- stems and roots attached for added effect. Remember, we eat with our eyes first. (more…)

6 Key Steps to Prepare for the School Year

By Shirin Yadegar

shirin YadegarAs the lazy days of summer wind down, the buzz of back-to-school preparations begins to fill the air. August is a crucial month for ensuring a smooth transition from carefree vacation mode to the structured routines of the school year. Here’s how I tackle the challenge of preparing my kids for the upcoming academic year.

1. Organization is Key
One of the first things we focus on in August is getting organized. This includes everything from decluttering school supplies to establishing a daily routine. According to organizational experts, creating designated spaces for backpacks, lunchboxes, and school paperwork can significantly reduce morning chaos. (more…)

The Journey is the Goal: How Summer Camps Empower Young Performers

By Carrie-ann Pishnak
Executive Director of the Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts

Carrie-ann
As the summer sun paints the sky with hues of warmth and possibility, parents across Los Angeles find themselves embarking on a quest to enrich their children’s lives with experiences that foster growth, creativity, and confidence. For many, the journey begins at the Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts (YADA), where the magic of musical theater summer camps has flourished for the past 27 years, producing alumni such as Lily Collins, Kiernan Shipka and Lilla Crawford.

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