Cocktail Hour: Asparagus with Dijon Vinaigrette

Asparagus with Dijon Vinaigrette

COCKTAIL HOUR: ASPARAGUS WITH DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Article by John Scardina
Photo Credit: Hailley Howard
Magazine: Issue #29

YIELD :: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
    1 1/2 lb. medium asparagus, trim woody ends and lower half of stalk peeled
    1 1/4 teaspoons salt
    2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
    1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    1/8 teaspoon black pepper
    1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    2 hard-boiled large eggs at room temperature (optional)

Preparation
Prepare a bowl of ice and cold water.

Put asparagus in a 12-inch skillet, then cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and add 1 teaspoons salt, then reduce heat and simmer asparagus, uncovered, until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer with tongs to ice water, then to a clean kitchen towel. Pat dry.

Whisk together vinegar, onion, mustard, pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified.

Halve eggs, then dice into another small bowl. Toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon vinaigrette in a large shallow bowl, then divide asparagus among 4 plates. Spoon additional vinaigrette over asparagus and top with egg. (Optional).

Zodiac: A Sense of Understanding and Empowerment

ZODIAC: A SENSE OF UNDERSTANDING AND EMPOWERMENT

Article by Cinthia Singleton
Photo Credit: Hailley Howard
Magazine: Issue #29

Zodiac: A Sense of Understanding and Empowerment

There it is. Right there in the newspaper or your favorite magazine. And even if they never seem to come true or be accurate… you read it…

YOUR HOROSCOPE ::
So why do you read them again and again, even when they don’t seem to pertain to your life? Because when they do, they’re eerily right on. Also, they are, no denying it, fun. Wanna know the trick to gleaning more from them? Come close… closer… *author whispers for only the reader to hear:*

Read the horoscope for your sun AND rising signs! 

Sun is the astrological sign under which we are born. Reading the horoscope for it gives us an idea how we follow our life’s map. Sun is, after all, our soul plan and inner self. The Rising sign, though, - otherwise known as Ascendent, the sign rising in the East when we were born - gives us perhaps a better interpretation of trends, obstacles and possibilities ahead. It’s our outward self, the one that reacts with the world.  

So if the horoscope in the newspaper says, “The [ full moon, mercury retrograde, solar eclipse, mars is entering your ___ house ]” and you’re only reading the sun sign horoscope, you’re getting a fuzzy snapshot of what’s going on with you.  It’s no fault of the astrologer and their skills but the limitations inherent in  the “mass-crafted” horoscope - they simply aren’t written for each of us personally but for ALL as if 1 :: everyone is born at 0 degrees into their sun sign and 2 :: our sun and rising signs are the same sign. It’s called a Solar Chart.

IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY :: 
1| Get a personal chart cast at astro.com. It’s free. All you have to do is input your date, place and time of birth as recorded by Vital Records
2| Find your rising (or ASC or Ascendent)

Now start reading the horoscopes for your rising sign ALONG WITH your sun sign’s horoscope. Blend the two horoscopes together. Use the rising sign one to get a sense of timing and the more short-term movement. The sun’s for the big picture and for pursuing your loftier goals. 

The best astrology gives us a sense of understanding and empowerment. When it resonates, we are better equipped to see possibilities where we didn’t before as well as the obstacles the lie ahead. Miss out on that, you maybe miss out on having another tool in the arsenal of preparation and self-awareness. Personalize the mass-crafted horoscopes and maybe get a little more out of that out of them.

Chance favors the prepared mind.
—Louis Pasteur

Tres Branifique! Building a Brand Heritage

TRES BRANIFIQUE! BUILDING A BRAND HERITAGE

Article by Lynne Dominick
Photo Credit: Hailley Howard
Magazine: Issue #29

Tres Branifique! Building a Brand Heritage

Branding has almost become colloquial these days, yet I bet that when you think about branding, the first thing that comes to mind is some type of product or business. Yet when it comes to branding, the scope extends far beyond products or services. Just about anything can be a brand these days. Let’s take cities for instance, and, for the sake of this article, let’s take Paris!

Steeped in a history rich with art and design, The Paris Brand has been developing for centuries. Its gorgeous architecture, pristine parks, extraordinary cuisine, and exquisite fashion all contribute to a global brand image of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.  

Even before stepping foot in Paris, years of browsing through fashion magazines and watching old movies helped me conjure up images of romance, beauty, and sensual delights. 

Fall is an incredibly wonderful time to visit Paris.  Here are some reasons why the brand heritage is alive and well:

Savor the Experience
For my husband, Paris is all about its history; the crypts of the Cluny Museum, the underground maize and macabre past of the city’s sewers, the audacity of Napoleon; endless hours spent in L’Ecole de Militaire and Musee D’L’Armee.

For me, Paris is taking a walk in the Jardin du Luxembourg, eating a croissant on the I’sle St       Louis a Sunday morning, having afternoon tea at Marriage Freres, enjoying a chocolate chaud at Angelina, or riding the number 6 metro line just to get that first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower as the train speeds along, running outside, as it nears the Bir-Hakim stop.

Before You Go
I often find the planning stages of a trip almost as fun as the trip itself.  Maybe it is because I immerse myself in the process.  This includes reading books that take place in the country I am about to visit, watching movies that were filmed in that city and creating a playlist of related tunes on my iPhone.

Here are some recommendations to enhance the planning portion of your trip to Paris:

Book List|
    The Piano Shop on the Left Bank
    The Book of Lost Fragrances
    Hidden in Paris
    It’s Not Love, It’s Just Paris
    The DaVinci Code
    Murder in the Marais
    Lesson in French
    The Hare with the Amber Eyes
    A Tale of Two Cities
    The Chocolate Thief
    Lunch in Paris
    Paris Was the Place
    Anna and the French Kiss
    French Lessons
    Suite Francaise
    Paris, a Novel

Film List|
    An American in Paris
    Before Sunset
    Ratatouille
    Frantic
    Everyone Says I Love You
    Gigi
    Sabrina
    Funny Face  
    Charade
    Love in the Afternoon
    Midnight in Paris
    Moulin Rouge

Recommended Listening|
    April in Paris
    The Last Time I Saw Paris
    La Vie En Rose
    The Soundtrack of Midnight in Paris

Spending time online is also a great way to get the most out of a vacation.  

Here are some very good blogs to peruse as you plan your trip|
    French Essence
    Messy Nessy Chic
    Girls Guide to Paris

Once You Arrive
I recommend that you start your site seeing or exploring immediately. DO NOT TAKE A NAP. Seriously, this is Paris!
One of the best ways to see Paris than is on foot.  Here are USA Today’s best walking tour recommendations:

Self-Guided|
Those with an independent streak and no patience for groups can run their own walking tours with directions that are either printed on paper or downloaded to an MP3 player. An example of the former are the free tours offered by Paris Walking Tours. Depending on what you choose, you can visit such favorites as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Tromphe and the Champs-Elysees. The tours are quite basic, explaining directions and the names of what you are seeing but giving no historical background. Travel guru Rick Steves adds humor and explanations to his free MP3 audio tours, which include a historic Paris walk and specific tours for the Louvre and Musee D’Orsay.

Free|
If you prefer being guided by a human being but don't have a lot of money, then free guided walking tours are for you. These trips are characterized by enthusiastic, native Parisian volunteers and very large crowds who come and go throughout the narration. One example is Discover Walks, whose walks take you to several Paris landmarks, specific areas such as the Latin Quarter or to specific sights like Notre Dame. Walks typically occur two or three times a day, rain or shine, and require no reservations. Simply show up at the appointed place and time, and look for the pink outfits. Being volunteers, the guides appreciate tips at the end of the walk, though they are not required.

Commercial|
Companies that run commercial walking tours may offer smaller groups, greater selection, gift certificates and souvenirs. Reservations may be required, though some also allow you to just show up. As an example, Classic Walks covers such broad topics as Classic Paris, the French Revolution and World War II, or more specific areas such as Montmartre. If you want the intimacy of a walking tour, with the speed of a vehicle, the company also offers tours on Segways and bicycles. These types of trip cover more ground and enable you to reach widely spaced sights in shorter times.

Private|
Private tours cost the most money but allow you to focus on only the topics that interest you. You can take pre-planned itineraries, but take detours and skip sights you find boring. Or you can have the guide plan an excursion for you from scratch. Advanced reservations are necessary. An example is Context Paris Tours, which is endorsed by such travel luminaries as Fodor's, Frommer's, National Geographic and Insight Guides. They call their guides docents because they have advanced degrees in such subjects as art history, cuisine or archaeology, and feature a large educational component in their tours. Their planned itineraries are divided into themes like architecture or gastronomy and offer unusual views such as the belly of Paris and Modernist buildings.

Taking the Metro or the Bateaubus in season are other great ways to take in the city.

What to See
You can spend weeks, months even years getting to know The City of Light, but if your time is limited, you can still get a great feeling for this very special place in a short period of time. Here is your highlight list.  If you are a museum person, browse the list for the ones that best suit your taste, if your someone who prefers being outside and mingling with the locals, focus on the site list and the neighborhood list. 

Sites|
    Eiffel Tower
    Notre Dame
    St. Chapelle
    Sacre Coeur
    Montmartre
    The Paris Opera (see if you can get a tour)!
    Paris Cemetary
    Blois de Bologne
    Invalides
    Arch de Triomphe
    Champs de Elyesse

Museums|
    The Louvre
    Jaques Marte Andres
    Carnvalet
    Cluny
    D’Orsay
    Victor Hugo
    L’Orangerie
    Jeu De Palme
    Musee du quai Branly

Flea Markets|
    Clignancourt
    Porte de Vanves
    Marche d”Aligre

Neighborhoods|
    Isle St Louis
    Marais
    Latin Quarter
    Fouberg St. Honore
    Latin Quarter
    St. Germain des Pres

Where to Stay

Splurge|
    Hotel Le Bristol
    La Royal Morceau Raffles Hotel
    Hotel du Louvre
    Hotel Lancaster
    Hotel Le Burgandy Paris
    Hotel Castille
    Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere

Won’t Break the Bank|
    Hotel des Grandes Ecoles
    Hotel Arvor Saint Georges
    Mama Shelter
    Hotel Saint Thomas D’Aquin
    Hotel Mayet

Rent or Stay in a Paris Apartment|
    Airbnb
    Good Morning Paris
    Alcove & Agapes

Eat/Drink/Be Merry
When it comes to dining, the French know how to do it right.
Here is an eclectic list of places that will not disappoint.

Hot Chocolate|
    Angelina

Ice Cream|
    Berthillion

Afternoon Tea|
    Marriage Freres
    Laduree

Lunch Outdoors|
    Cru
    Ralph at Polo Ralph Lauren
    Le Tresor

Favorites|
    Neighborhood Bistro - Chaumette
    Fun, Hip, Good Food - Ze Kitchen Gallerie
    Can’t Go Wrong – Market
    Very Special Ambiance - Les Ambassadeurs at Le Crillion

Pick Up and Eat in the Park|
    Bon Marche Food Halls

 Best Views|
    The Terrace Restaurant at Printemps
    Monmartre
    Kong Restaurant
    Centre Pompidou
    Institute de Monde Arabe

The Secret Wisdom of a Flow Creative

The Secret Wisdom of a Flow Creative

THE SECRET WISDOM
OF A FLOW CREATIVE

Article by Jennifer Nesbit Holt
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #28

The words 'collective consciousness' come to mind when I think about the definition of a Flow Creative. But not in the way you think. A true artist embodies the ability to observe the world and collect a lifetime of data to skillfully see the relations and inner workings of life itself. As creativity pushes you further and further out of the confines of social rules and acceptance, you gain a balanced wisdom and inner knowingness.

Creativity might require a new way of looking at things but don't let times of challenge fool you. You are still a mighty source of creative flow and a true visionary.

So what is a Flow Creative?  

A Flow Creative is someone who wisely accepts an evolution of her life-cycles of creativity, as well as the dedication and persistence of the process itself. Revision, repetition and iteration (Returning time and time again to the creative process to birth a final truth).

Being a Flow Creative means that you create for your message, for your mission.

...and it means being able to find the flow in every second with an endless supply of insatiable curiosity to create.

It's creating pieces of art that has immeasurable and infinite value and energy.

It's being unforgettable when you confidently show up to the world, creating in a way that transforms you and those around you from the inside, out.

Embarking on a quest for artistic freedom is not without sacrifice, but it is in those impermanent, fleeting times your process is preserved and captured taking an, otherwise, intangible idea into a collective reality. More and more wisdom is gained and the bridge between life and art is built. As hard as it is to digest, disturbance is essential to your process. Transformation cannot be planned, yet an acceptance of a breakdown of ideas (and maybe even your psyche) is crucial to producing. These are the times we feel blocked or broken and fearful of our existence as an artist. 

The secret is to ride out the feelings and not abandon the work. Although potentially shattered, remember to continue the simple interplay of your materials, your space and your inner artist. Disequilibrium is just as cyclical as equilibrium, look deeper to discover the courage to continue.

Healing power resides in your art. Your creativity is the source of a therapeutic imagination for the creator, as well as the recipient. You are a Flow Creative!

Decision Making: If You’re Waiting for a Sign… You Already Missed It

If You’re Waiting for a Sign… You Already Missed It

DECISION MAKING: IF YOU'RE WAITING FOR A SIGN... YOU ALREADY MISSED IT

Article by Nikka Karli Salifu
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #28

Have you ever been waiting patiently for something miraculous to occur in your life, some sign that THIS was the correct decision? And, while waiting for this sign, you rationalized that you should take absolutely no other action until the sign came?

But then, at some point, you woke up and realized that the opportunity of a lifetime had in fact just passed you by?

That’s the problem with living your life in a holding pattern. You end up constantly waiting for someTHING or someONE to make your dreams come true, rather than actually making them happen yourself.

I have often found myself in this predicament with business decisions. Perhaps you can relate to these little gems of entrepreneurial wisdom:

-Which list-building strategy do I implement first? (Ummm, I’ll just wait for a sign and do nothing until then, meanwhile my list will stay as dry as the Salt Flats… Yes, that seems to be a good strategy.)

-Should I launch Program A or Program B this month? Errrr… Or Program C?  (Hmmm… Looks like another great opportunity to sit back and wait for a sign.  Yeah.  That should make these programs launch themselves in the most efficient and lucrative order. Yup.  I like it.)

Or perhaps this one will tickle your sign-awaiting fancy:

-How do I attract a tribe of raving fans and soulmate clients? (Oh.  Wait.  They don’t just come to ME?  Crap.  Well, I’m pretty sure I’ll receive a mystical sign aaaaaaany day now as to how to bring all my peeps to the yard.  Until then, I’ll just sit back and ruminate on the difficulties of growing an online business.)

Are you starting to see the nonsense in spending all of your time WAITING instead of DOING?

• Yes, I believe in praying and seeking divine assistance in making your choices.
• Yes, I know that sometimes the answer is unclear, which can be pretty scary.
• Yes, I understand that action takes guts, and a lot of people are running pretty short on guts these days.

And yet…No.

• No, it is not okay for you to allow your dreams and goals to wither and die inside of you because you are afraid.
• No, it is not okay for you to wait even one more day for some magical sign before you start taking action in your life.
• No, it is not okay for you to be mediocre for even one more moment, when you are so clearly meant to lead.

• This is the time to listen to your own inner wisdom, rather than waiting for external validation of your gifts.
• This is your chance to not only come up with genius ideas, but to actually implement them.
• This is your opportunity to be seen.
• To be heard.
• To make a resounding difference in others’ lives.

That burning desire to change the world? It isn’t given to just anyone. But, Gorgeous, it WAS given to you. It is now up to you to become the leader in your own life, your business, and your relationships. It is now up to you to choose the path unknown (or to stay safely tucked away in your comfort zone).

Never forget, you are here to lead. Innate powers and visions are sacred. However, if left unused and unclaimed, they will fade. Crumbling to ash from misuse and neglect. But, you. You wouldn’t want that. Would you? You wouldn’t let that happen to your dreams. Would you?

So, if they truly are your dreams, now is the time to rise up and claim them. What are you waiting for?...  A sign?

5 Tools to Help Your Business Grow, Expand & Evolve

5 TOOLS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS
GROW, EXPAND & EVOLVE

5 Tools to Help Your Business Grow

Article by Sophie Mihalko
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #28

Many businesses spend a great deal of time, resources and energy in figuring out what they did right before so they can either reproduce it or do it even better.

What if true wisdom was in starting fresh every day?

A body renews itself constantly. In nature, plants grow and die only to make room for new plants. So why do we work so hard in maintaining business as it was the day before?

If you truly want your business to grow, expand and evolve with the rest of the planet may I suggest you start using these tools?

1| Uncreate and Destroy everything you have decided your business was today every night before you go to sleep: You create everything in your life. So if you choose to uncreate it, you get a fresh slate, a chance to choose something new. You are not stopping at the results you obtained so far and you can create anything you choose. Limitations, such as old beliefs (I did not do well enough, other people offer something better than what I offer, there are not enough clients to go around), get destroyed as well. 

2| Every morning, ask your business what it wants to be, do, or have: Your business is its own entity. It is not you. You can ask it questions. Ask it if it would contribute to you the money you require to live the life you desire. Ask it when, where and with whom it wants to do business. When you ask, it will not necessarily answer you in a linear way but then you go to work on your business and suddenly feel like calling someone - that’s the business giving you the information you asked for. 

3| As the day goes, every time you decide to do something “because it worked before” ask your business if it will work this time again? Asking questions of your business is the wisest thing you can do. If you are tempted to repeat something, ask yourself, are ever two moments the same? You know they are not. So when you go out and promote your business or services, never assume that what you did before will work again. Stay in the question and always wonder what else you know about growing your business that you have not acknowledged you know yet. 

4| And every time you do something because “it is the logical step” in your business, ask “what else is possible here that I have not considered yet” It is only logical because someone else said it is. What do you know? A great example of this is lower prices does not necessarily make you more competitive, it simply makes your product or service cheaper. How many times have you done something that seemed random that turned out to be the greatest choice you could make? What if you started trusting your knowing around business?

5| Watch your business grow and expand and ask “How does it get any better than that?” When you are willing to start every day anew, situations, people and your own work, you create the space for something that matches your desire to show up. 

Build a True Business Tribe with Elevated Consciousness

Build a True Business Tribe

BUILD A TRUE BUSINESS TRIBE WITH ELEVATED CONSCIOUSNESS

Article by Jenni Cornette
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers
Magazine: Issue #27

It is my belief that in order to attract the tribe you desire, you must be the tribe. I believe if you set your intentions and make a conscious decision to arrive at your destination, not solely for money but rather with a mindset of helping, mentoring and to be of service, you will be surprised by what happens or is gifted back to you. In my life it is when I arrive to be of service that I have reached the highest levels of achievement. The universe digs it when we serve others and are selfless, it creates a vibration that attracts and enables you to reach a higher stage of consciousness or enlightenment. You must first be conscious and concise of your own intentions. You have to walk the walk and talk the talk. You must be mindful that you are not attracting the wrong tribe with the wrong intentions.  If you are looking to build a community of like minded individuals, you have to be living from what you are at the core, this is where soul resides. Your desire to build a tribe cannot be solely to make money. There is no soul in that, run your business with your soul, with passion and purpose. I would like to share 8 tips that elevate consciousness for growth in business and in lifestyle.

1|  Movement : Everything needs movement to sustain life force. Our bodies need it, exercise or move your body each and every day. The same goes for business, a business in motion, stays in motion. These words of wisdom do not only apply to the body, but also the mind and soul.

2| Excitement: It is imperative that you are doing what excites you! Excitement produces a one of a kind unique vibration that will rise you to new levels of productivity, and attract opportunity. So if it doesn't excite you, simply do not waste your time on it!

3| Face your fears with courage. 

4| Meditate

5| Support System: Have a true support system or foundation of friends and family to.

6| Think positive, live positive. Be a good person, role model and example to others.

7| Never stop learning: Keep Your Ego In Check, don't brag constantly, it gets boring and if you want a tribe of intelligent individuals in your circle they will tire of hearing about all your achievements and growth.  Intelligence lifts others up, intelligent business boss ladies can be confident without boasting and they know that success comes from a team not from a solo act ever!

8| Rest in Shivasana accept and embrace the seasons and the four directions of life. There is a season to plant, a season to sprout and grow, a season to harvest and a season to rest. You need the moments of rest to let all your work settle and resonate into your spirit. At the end of a yoga class you lie in Shivasana to let all the breathe, work, and energy settle into your being. Take Shivasana in your boutique business and don't be tempted to push yourself to go at full force with no rest. Just like in yoga, this will result in injury or over extension and will set you back rather than build.

Conscious Creativity: The Secret To Your Creative Edge

The Secret To Your Creative Edge

CONSCIOUS CREATIVITY: THE SECRET TO YOUR CREATIVE EDGE

Article by Jennifer Nesbit Holt
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers
Magazine: Issue #27

Pause, Breathe, Create (repeat).

Raise your hand if you want to stay connected to your art and creativity for the long haul. No more artistic doubt creeping in, no more paralyzing fear that someone won't 'like' your work!

And how 'bout learning to love your creative blocks and fearlessly creating instead of clawing your way to the top?!

Keeping a creative edge in such a competitive, creative realm is a struggle, if you allow it to take you off track in your artistic trade. Today, everyone is seen. Everyone is noticed and creative theft is at an all time high.

But that doesn't mean you stop listening to that burning intuition that says, “you are meant to do this work!” It doesn't mean you stop taking risks.  

Don't let insecurities derail your career as a creative.

Get Self-Conscious
Key word: CONSCIOUS. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else and surrendering your creative power over your own life! Trust your ability to create YOUR WAY.

Pause...Breathe.  

The art of living mindfully means learning to pause and breathe to realign yourself with what IS; not what 'could be', or what 'was'. When you place energy outside of the tangible moment there can be no hope for conscious creativity.  

Open up space in your world by using the intelligence of a long, deep breath rather than being smothered by a restrictive existence to return to your creative edge.

Take nothing personally
Handle criticism with grace and dignity. You can do anything in this world without someone criticizing you. When receiving criticism..

Pause...Breathe.

Take a moment to reflect and ask if your commenter has a valid point.  

Regardless if the criticism is right or wrong, gain your composure, slip into easeful breath and disarm them with positive acceptance and gratitude for their view, no matter rude or kind.  

You can accept it or you can fight it..which do you think is better for your creative process and life-span?

Choose Happiness
Make a list of 10 things that light you up and do them more often. Learn to love yourself and your beautiful contributions to the world. Fully embrace that anything is possible when we are in a sacred, positive place. Just being YOU is enough.  

Be Amazing, Do Amazing 
Seek truth, be honest and contribute to the world with authenticity. Create the world you desire with your conscious mindset and gifts. Do something amazing by taking an approach no one has considered and fearlessly move full steam (against) the grain.   

Pause, Breathe, Create (repeat). Digest the words your have just read and know that maintaining a creative edge is a choice you have in each and every moment of the day. Conscious creativity is about accepting your unique talents, embracing criticism and change. Open your perception.

Filmmaker David Lynch says in his book Catching the Big Fish:  Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity

“Ideas are like fish. If you want to catch little fish, you can stay in the shallow water. But if you want to catch the big fish, you've got to go deeper. Deep down the fish are more powerful and more pure. They're huge and abstract. And they're very beautiful.”

Now go make some beautiful waves!

HOLISTIC FASHIONISTA RECOMMENDED!

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