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Over the last few months, I’ve made a major shift in my diet—and (as I was surprised to discover) it actually changed my life. I wanted to share the story with you because it’s taken me on a health journey where I’m learning so much and feeling inspired to create and share so many new recipes with you. The big change? I’ve stopped eating grains. Yes, the girl who’s always been a pizza / sourdough / taco fanatic is no longer eating wheat, corn, quinoa, or any other type of grain at all. Let me explain.

Turns out, eating a grain-free diet healed the gut health issues that have affected me for the last decade. For years, I’ve been plagued with digestive issues that have sent me to countless doctors and practitioners, and surprisingly, simply removing grains from my diet eliminated all my symptoms within days. So today, I’m going to share the biggest changes I’ve seen in my health since going grain-free. My hope is that my story could help some of you on your own health journeys because I believe we all deserve to be living our most high-energy and vibrant lives.

First, watch the video below where I walk you through my journey—I also get into some of the “bonus” healthy habits I’ve been incorporating every day to feel the best I’ve felt in YEARS. Then, scroll on for some of my top grain-free diet and gut health learnings:

Grain-free diet and gut health

If you know me, you know that much of my life revolves around food. I’m a passionate cook, I love to eat, and I create recipe and food content for a living. I’ve always preached the philosophy that there’s room for everything in your diet—and I still believe that—unless those foods are preventing you from living your most vibrant and energized life.

The ONE thing I’ve learned in my years of research about nutrition is that there is no one-size fits all diet. I want to be very clear from the beginning: Grains are not “bad.” Pizza is not “bad.” Sourdough bread is not “bad.” This is all about how specific foods make you feel, and I for one want to be eating in a way that supports my overall health. For my particular digestive system — and I’m learning, a lot of other people’s too — grains can be very hard on the GI tract, and there are a lot of hidden intolerances. This is a little more all-encompassing than a gluten-free diet, and it’s different than having celiac disease or a gluten-intolerance. Eating “grain-free” means eliminating gluten and wheat, and also corn, oats, quinoa, rice, buckwheat, rye, amaranth, and barley.

Dr. William Davis says in his book Super Gut (which I highly recommend for anyone dealing with unresolved digestive issues):

“Wheat and grain elimination removes an extravagant source of intestinal inflammation and begins the process of healing your GI tract. ”

He goes on to explain:

Gliadin (a protein found in wheat) is directly toxic to the intestinal wall. Removing gliadin thereby removes a potent bowel toxin. Gliadin also breaks down normal intestinal barriers, allowing foreign substances, including gliadin itself, entry into the bloodstream…

Just as opioid drugs such as oxycodone and morphine cause constipation, so do gliadin-derived opioids slow intestinal peristalsis and cause constipation. Slowed peristalsis is a major issue in many cases of SIBO, and it can be reversed in the majority with wheat and grain elimination… Just by eliminating all wheat and grains, many people report complete relief or marked improvement of bowel urgency, acid reflux, heartburn, and constipation.”

My gut health history

One thing I haven’t shared a lot about on the internet (until now) is my long-standing gut health issues. Yes, talking about sluggish digestion and extreme bloating is personal, but statistics show that nearly half of women struggle with digestive issues, so I think it’s time we normalize these conversations.

I actually don’t know the cause of my digestive issues. After seeing functional doctors, GI doctors, and undergoing lots of testing—no one has ever been able to give me an actual diagnosis (which is the case for most people suffering from digestive issues.) So like so many of you, I’m left to act as my own guinea pig and keep searching for something to help me feel better. And let me tell you, I have tried some things, including: 

• Basically every supplement and probiotic on the market
• Intermittent fasting 
• Food combining
• At-home SIBO tests
• Making my own probiotic yogurt
• Colonics
• Hypnotherapy – yes, there is actually a school of hypnotherapy that claims to be able to heal the gut-brain axis and when you read about it, it makes a lot of sense, but it didn’t help me.
• Tons of different elimination diets to see if it was a food allergy (no gluten, dairy, lectins, meat, night shades—but never cutting out all grains altogether). 

Even after all that, I still struggled with the same issues. I would sometimes think that I found a solution and then I would end up right back where I started, dealing with the same old issues for weeks on end.

What happened when I stopped eating grains

The solution came during one of my worst bouts of continuous bloating and sluggish digestion. I was re-reading Super Gut and came to the line where Dr. Davis said, “Removing wheat and grains yields substantial improvements in GI health that aid in your efforts to reverse dysbiosis, SIBO, and SIFO and regain overall health.”

Since I’d tried just about everything else, I figured, what did I have to lose? So, starting that very day, I didn’t eat any grains at all. It may sound restrictive, but thankfully I love so many things that aren’t in this category: fruits, vegetables, cheese, olive oil, avocados, meat, fish, pasta made with chickpeas.

I was still eating deliciously and abundantly, and here’s the part that is SO crazy I would not have believed it if I hadn’t experienced it personally: within 48 hours, my gut health issues that had plagued me for over a decade were completely resolved. And stayed that way. Over the next 3 months, I followed my grain-free diet and felt better than I had in years. My energy was sky high, I slept great, I had a normal appetite instead of feeling uncomfortably full all the time, and my stomach was flatter than I could ever remember (even though I hadn’t actually lost weight.) I felt amazing. 

Will I ever eat grains again?

The truthful answer is: I don’t know. Being the food lover that I am, I have tried reincorporating some of my favorites. The first thing I tried was corn, because, living in Austin—tacos are life. Our family went out for Mexican, I ate some delicious corn tortillas, and… the next morning, my digestion was off. So I got back on the grain-free wagon and within about a day, I was back on track.

The next thing I tried—a few bites of pizza, which I’m gonna admit, is my favorite food. But again, I woke up the next morning feeling the old bloat and I realized that no matter how good a few bites of pizza tasted in the moment, it wasn’t worth it for me to feel sluggish and gross all day. I loved the new way that I was feeling SO MUCH, that giving up some foods, even foods that I loved, was 100% worth it to feel this good.

And that brings us to the present! I think that I’ll try reintroducing grains in the future to see what happens, but right now I feel so good, I’m gonna stay off grains for the foreseeable future. It’s important for me to transparently share my journey with you because, although going grain-free may not work for everyone, I hope it can help someone. If you have unresolved gut issues, why not try eliminating grains for a week and just see how you feel?

***

Our gut health has a massive impact on our mood and energy levels, so taking time to figure out what works for your body is WORTH IT. And if you’re one of the many people also struggling with gut health issues, I promise that you really can feel great again. Keep looking for answers and experimenting until you find what works for you.

Leave me a comment if this resonates—I’d love to hear about your struggles in this area, what’s worked for you, and if you’d like to hear more about my grain-free journey! I have so many recipes and meal planning tips for this way of eating that I would love to share.

We’re two weeks out from Christmas and the holiday spirit is in full swing here at Camille Styles. We’re prioritizing our holiday rituals, baking our hearts out (I’m talking allll the Christmas cookies), and we’ve marathoned just about every last Christmas movie. Of course, we’re also in full holiday decorating mode and couldn’t be happier about it. Our trees have been up since November 1, and we spend just about every waking minute basking in their glow. This year, we’re leaning into an earthy, organic vibe and looking to source as much Christmas decor from nature as possible. Are you feeling similarly inspired? Great—you’ve come to the right place.

Though we’ve been counting down until the big day for weeks now, it simultaneously feels like the season is slipping by. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be easy to find yourself looking back on New Year’s day wondering where it all went. So, to make the most of this special time of year, we’ve decided to deck the halls all the more by bringing touches of nature indoors.

The Best Christmas Decor From Nature

The beauty of opting for natural touches of Christmas decor is that oftentimes, this approach tends to be more budget-friendly. During a season when the pressure to purchase is at an all-time high, the opportunity to do a little DIY can come as breath of fresh air. What’s more, getting crafty comes with the dual benefit of tapping into your creative side.

If you also want to infuse a soft and earthy approach to the season at home, get inspired with all the Christmas decor from nature ahead. From fresh-scented garlands to crisp, sculptural branches, these are the perfect ways to bring your home to life.

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Take a Natural Approach to Presents

I always find it funny how few people think of the presents under their tree as Christmas decor. And while the gifts you receive from others often come close to the big day itself, you can always fill in the empty space on your own. Simply select empty boxes and wrap them in natural-hued craft paper. From there, echo the elements with forest green and brown velvet ribbons. Then, tie on dried oranges to highlight the season’s best produce. The pops of color will be a welcome balm to the otherwise neutral selections.

Pretty It Up With Pine Cones

If there’s one decoration that gives your home that holiday touch in an instant, it’s pine cones. This stylish seasonal wonder is a classic must-have to transition your space into the festive spirit. Place them in a bowl on the table or position them in a garland on top of the mantel. Sprinkle smaller ones around the bottom of the tree or across your holiday table.

Opt for Faux Foliage

While we love the piney scents that come with real greenery, we know it’s not possible to source in all parts of the country. And though past options were once cringeworthy, faux foliage has come a long way. And you don’t have to spend a ton to get the quality your home deserves either. Retailers like Target, West Elm, Pottery Barn, CB2, Crate & Barrel, and so many more have incredibly beautiful options. Select from faux arrangements, branches, garlands, clippings, and stems. No one will know they’re not real. We promise!

Go Beyond Green

When we think of nature-inspired décor, our minds instantly think green. But there are so many other incredible colors to incorporate into our homes this season—red, white, burgundy, or even pink can all be found in nature and still evoke the festive spirit. Mix it up with a red berry wreath and garland combo or throw some pink pepperberry into a simple vase on a side table. Experiment, play, and have fun with it.

Branch Out

There is nothing quite like a bold branch freshly cut and trimmed from outside to give your home a sculptural touch this season. Cut a few different branches and experiment with them in vintage vessels or a terracotta jug. If you’re not keen on cutting your own, then there are so many branches and preserved berry stems you can buy online now to achieve the same effect.

Use Fresh Clippings

You don’t have to spend money to bring nature in. In fact, you could keep things simple with just a few fresh clippings from your garden or head out for a walk and see what you can find along the way. And you don’t have to go big. Sometimes just a few leafy twigs or stems can bring the room to life without going full holiday. It’s a small moment that keeps things fresh and lightens the mood.

Think Outside of the Box

Of course, we will always love branches of cedar, holly, or ivy around the home this time of year but don’t be afraid of introducing some non-traditional stems, greenery, foliage, and branches into the mix, too. We love eucalyptus (the silver dollar variety is our favorite) and olive branches. Fuse different varietals into a garland for a modern approach to holiday décor. We also love wooden decorations for the mantel for natural texture.

And when it comes to thinking outside of the box for your natural Christmas decor, don’t be afraid to change it up in terms of scale, too. We love the idea of sprinkling Christmas trees of different sizes all throughout your home. This mini potted tree Camille keeps on her nightstand is so sweet.

This post was originally published on November 19, 2020, and has since been updated.

The holiday season always flies by, and squeezing in all the memory-making moments I envision for the holidays takes an intentional approach. One thing I always prioritize? Hosting a cozy night at home with our closest friends around the table. Sharing good food and great conversation during this season forges deep connections, and I promise—it doesn’t need to be stressful or blow your holiday budget.

Here’s my solution when you want to get friends together but are short on time: make a few of my favorite “lazy-fancy” appetizers, set up a self-serve bubbly station, and you’ve got the most festive night ever—no stress required. To show you how it’s done, I partnered up with my friends at Target to share my three favorite appetizers for simplified hosting. Every dish was made with Good & Gather ingredients I stocked up on from a single Target run. (Along with a few other “essentials” I had to have—IYKYK.) Plus, scroll on for a festive table that I set with a few of my favorite Target holiday season finds.

Citrus & Olive Snacking Wreath

First up is one of the prettiest appetizer spreads your friends have ever seen—and it happens to double as the simplest, most delicious grazing board for greeting them when they walk in the door.

This visually stunning appetizer is surprisingly easy to assemble:

• Start with a variety of fresh citrus fruits from Target – think oranges, mandarins, and grapefruits, cut into slices or quarters.
• Arrange these in a circular wreath pattern on a large round serving platter. Nestle in Good & Gather Olives, salted almonds, and slices of Manchego cheese.
• The final flourish? A few sprigs of evergreen and rosemary for a festive touch. This wreath isn’t just an appetizer, it’s a centerpiece.

Stock up on these:

Everything Bagel & Smoked Salmon Board

One thing I learned from my years working in catering? Everyone loves a smoked salmon and bagel situation, especially around the holidays. Transform this classic pairing into a stunning appetizer with the simplest Everything Bagel & Smoked Salmon Board—here’s how it comes together:

• Start with a high-quality smoked salmon, thinly-sliced.
• Arrange the salmon on a pretty platter with all the accoutrements: capers, fresh herbs, thinly-sliced radishes, and most-importantly: the most delicious Good & Gather Everything Seasoning Dip, and Everything Flatbread Crackers.
• You can either let guests build their own, or you can fancy it up and create “hors d’oevres” by layering a small amount of each ingredient on a cracker and serving on a tiered platter. Either way, this board is a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.

Stock up on these:

Wood-Fired Spinach and Olive Flatbread

Repeat after me: you do not have to reinvent the wheel with every appetizer! For a snacks spread, I almost always choose one store-bought item that I can “dress up” with a little food styling. This Wood-Fired Spinach & Olive Flatbread from Good & Gather is found in the freezer section and is already so delicious, it only takes a couple finishing touches to make it feel party-worthy.

• Simply heat the flatbread as directed so it gets really crispy on the bottom.
• Slice into cute little triangles that guests can easily grab while theyr’e mingling.
• Add freshness with a handful of arugula and a drizzle of reduced balsamic.

Set it out on this beautiful wood serving board and let guests help themselves. (Pro tip: you might want to get a few of these flatbreads—they always go fast!)

Stock up on these:

Toast the season

For holiday hosting, I’m a big fan of simple and festive punch recipes that you can mix up before guests arrive and then let them help themselves. This is one of my go-to’s since it’s ridiculously simple and guests always ask me for the recipe. You can double and triple it for a crowd, and even make a mocktail version by swapping the champagne for sparkling water.

• In a pitcher or punch bowl, add 1 part cranberry juice to 2 parts prosecco. Add ice and stir well.
• Garnish with lemon slices and pomegranate seeds.
• Serve with sparkling water or more prosecco so guests can top their drinks off with more bubbles.

A simple but festive table

Throughout most of the year, I embrace the natural look of our wood dining table, but for a party, I always dress it up with a simple white linen tablecloth. Don’t stress about getting every last wrinkle out—the beauty of linen is that it’s casually rumpled. I love the organic, woodsy look of this faux evergreen garland from Hearth & Hand—and one of my favorite ways to use a garland is as a “runner” down the center of the table! It’s a simple way to add festivity without blocking the flow of conversation.

Then, I was ready to pop in the twinkling candlelight that makes every dinner party setup feel special. I think that candlelight is the quickest, most affordable way to give any gathering a magical glow, and I’m obsessed with these matte gold taper holders this year. When adding tall, sculptural elements like candlesticks to the table, I like to keep things a bit asymmetrical—and for added twinkle, feel free to tuck a few votives in among the greenery.

You can shop the entire look on my Target storefront, where you’ll find all of my favorite Target buys for every space.

This blog post is sponsored by Target and contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue providing helpful content.

‘Tis the season to be thankful. But I’d argue that keeping a posture of gratitude is healthy all year long. We’ve heard the studies and we know the benefits of gratitude. But how do we tap into it daily? It’s so easy to get lost in our to-do lists and anxieties. No matter my best intentions, a gratitude practice is just not at the top of my list. However, with the power of a little habit stacking, I do tend to open my journal on most mornings. And calling on gratitude journal prompts is the fastest way to get me into the mindset I’m seeking—one that makes the mundane beautiful and gives me a true sense of gratefulness for this little life.

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30 Gratitude Journal Prompts for a Full Life

One thing that’s changed my perspective lately is to attempt to put more emphasis on people over things. I have a notebook full of gratitude entries that list out how much I love my coffee or this “lovely breeze we’re having.” This way of thinking certainly heightens my awareness of the world around me. However, the most powerful shift comes when I focus on the people in my life. From family to friends to co-workers and even run-ins with a kind stranger, truly meditating on what makes each person so meaningful has amplified the color of my world—and taken the spotlight off myself.

Here are 30 gratitude writing prompts to help harness your thankfulness in this season and the next.

1. Make a list of 10 things you’re thankful for that you normally wouldn’t think twice about.
2. What’s something you wanted before that you have now? Do you now take it for granted or are you grateful?
3. What’s something you want more of? Write a thank-you note from the perspective that you already have it.
4. Write about five good things that happened to you last month.
5. What is something you learned last month?
6. Write down a few of your favorite literary quotes that make you smile.
7. What are three things that make you feel like you?
8. What stress-relieving item/action are you thankful for?
9. Look in the mirror and resist the pull to think negative thoughts. Write down the positive things you see.
10. Write about someone you’re thankful for.
11. What is something you’re looking forward to?
12. What is the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
13. Who was the last person to make you smile?
14. What is your favorite thing about your partner?
15. Write about the last time you felt truly at peace.
16. Reflect on your favorite holiday and the moments you enjoy most.
17. What is a lesson you’ve learned that you’re thankful for?
18. Write about a favorite memory from the past year.
19. What are your favorite things to eat?
20. Describe your space. What do you love about it?
21. Write about a moment in the past week that made you laugh.
22. Pay attention to your emotions when you experience gratitude. What do you feel?
23. How have you changed your life for the better in the past five years?
24. What lessons and skills have you learned from your work?
25. What do you love most about your morning routine?
26. How do you feel when you wake up after a truly restful sleep?
27. Who is someone that’s made your life better? Write a letter thanking them.
28. Think about your childhood. What did your parents do to ensure you had a joyful, comfortable life?
29. What are things you use every day that would make your life harder if they didn’t exist? (Roads, your phone, your shower, etc.)
30. W

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Our Favorite Gratitude Journals

Make expressing your gratitude a daily habit. These are our favorite journals for cultivating a stronger sense of gratitude in your everyday life.

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

There’s a certain art that exists in collaboration. It’s a careful, but free-falling dance between extending your own perspective while also embracing the creative acumen of others. Collaboration is proof that anything beautiful and note-worthy can’t exist in a vacuum. Instead, it’s a testament to our most basic understanding of creativity: the use of imagination, in conjunction with external inspiration, to create something that didn’t exist before. And while we use concrete representations of art—books, music, objects, and the like—to understand this, it’s in thoughtful, cohesively curated gatherings that this partnership of talent and expertise most clearly comes to life.

That sort of humble and curious collaboration was on display last month, when Heidi Baker, founder of sustainable womenswear brand, OZMA, gathered friends and family for an al fresco backyard celebration at her Los Angeles home. The entire evening was grounded in Baker’s organic, wabi sabi ethos, with the surrounding oasis serving as a haven for the like-minded community of creatives from near and far.

And while many of us host and gather simply for the joy of sharing good company, conversation, and food, there was also a through-line of intention woven into the evening Heidi crafted. Just as her designs balance refinement with an understated sort of elegance, all components of the gathering drew upon a new understanding of luxury that’s steeped in simplicity and imperfection.

Heidi Baker on the Art of Gathering

As we spoke with Heidi Baker about where the creative stimulus for her brand and lifestyle comes from, it’s evident that she lives every day open to the learnings and guidance all around her. From her favorite cookbooks to “recipes” she’s garnered from friends over the years, every day, Heidi puts herself in the path of inspiration—ready and willing to learn from what comes.

Ahead, our conversation dives into the happenstance details that connected Heidi and her partner with their gorgeous home, her go-to dishes to serve for any gathering, and how she’s living each day with an effortless sort of ease that nonetheless feels special, treasured, and entirely her own.

I was lucky enough that my friend [LA-based chef, recipe developer, and food stylist] Chloe did the cooking at this gathering for us.

Her gorgeous menu was:

• boquerones in vinegar over romesco 
• anchovies with citrus
• blistered snap peas & black salt 
• gildas
• potatoes with aoili + chives 
• chickpeas with tomatoes, basil aioli + sherry vinegar
• fried olives stuffed with herbed ricotta
• greek salad
• tomato galette 
• smoked trout dip with trout roe + chips 
• assortment of tinned fish 
• mojo dip with crudités
• ajo blanco dip with crudités

How did you learn to cook?

By doing a lot of eating and a lot of experimenting in my own kitchen. When I lived in San Francisco, I saw for the first time that cooking incredible food can be simple and fun. I had friends who were in the industry there, who I watched whip up the most incredible, but uncomplicated meals by heart. We used to have epic potluck parties, so I found recipes that weren’t too daunting and pushed myself slowly outside of my comfort zone.

The more I cooked, the more I trusted myself to only use recipes as a general guideline for a dish and let myself play around with my own ideas or substitutions. I got confident in intuitively knowing how to make great-tasting food. I’m still learning and playing and I love it. 

Florals by: Offerings

What informs your approach to food?

Simplicity and ease. I stick to things that require a short list of simple, whole ingredients.

How did OZMA come to be?

I started OZMA with my good friend, Mariah, in 2015. I’d worked for a few companies as a designer and I struggled to find much purpose in creating endless seasons of product for large brands. I wanted a feeling of excitement and creativity again, so I asked Mariah if she wanted to start a project with me. The idea was to create well-made clothing that traveled well and grew more beautiful with age.

She and I were both avid travelers and, aside from our vintage, we were missing the quality-driven, unique but non-precious or overly-designed pieces that we could truly live in. OZMA has evolved in style quite a bit since 2015, and soon after, Mariah went to pursue other projects and adventures. But that original inspiration still stands. OZMA is a name that we felt perfectly personified our woman: confident and free.

Tablecloths and napkins by: Madre Linen

Tell us about your home. What’s your favorite part of the space?

I live in a 1920s cottage in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. We bought our house in late 2019, after unexpectedly needing to move out of the place we were renting. After a few months of a semi-desperate and disheartening search for a home, on a whim my partner, Dustin and I stopped by the open house on the way to the airport. We walked through the house together and in the backyard looked at each other and excitedly confessed that we thought it had potential. We put in our bid that day, me sending off our ‘please let us make a home here’ letter, just as the airplane was about to take off.

Outdoor space is really important to us, and this house is on a pretty big lot for Los Angeles. The backyard was a mess, with brick pathways that didn’t make sense, a creepy structure made of sheet metal, a tear-down garage with no door, and even a homemade concrete water feature.

Getting the backyard to be the inviting space we imagined has been our only major house project so far, and has definitely become my favorite part of our home. We were lucky to have had our friend Nicole at NKLA do the landscaping for us, and family help fix up the garage to a home studio and working storage. There’s a lot of love in the space as well.

What does a great gathering look like for you?

People I love smiling and having fun. A great gathering is about just relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. A good spread, great music, fun friends, and lots of laughs.

Wine by: Nomadica 

Walk us through a typical day for you.

I have a tiny human alarm clock, my 8-month-old son River, who wakes me up every day at 6 or 6:30 a.m. Each morning after feeding him, I take River, my coffee, and my dog Blue for a walk to our neighborhood park. For breakfast, I have a green smoothie or some yogurt with berries and granola/almonds/coconut… or some mixture of crunchy things.

I work at home often, so my getting properly dressed for the day sometimes happens at 9 a.m., sometimes at noon. I always go for comfort—99% of the time it’s OZMA and/or vintage. Right now, I’m rotating between our Juno Pant and Field Pant, plus a bodysuit or one of our raw silk t-shirts. 

Depending on whether I’m at my home studio or our studio in Frogtown and what time in the season we’re at, each work day can be super different. Last week, I worked on coordinating our winter shoot in Tofino, organizing a photoshoot happening this week in Biarritz for this coming summer, and choosing yarn for next fall’s sweaters. We’re planning our journals and events for fall at the moment now too, so I checked in on how those are moving along.

I keep my work day as short as possible so that I can spend time with River. Life is very simple and sweet at the moment with him. We play at home in the afternoons and walk Blue again at night, then make dinner as a family and go to bed very early. 

What products do you love for the table?

Ribete Mug by Perla Valtierra

Beautifully made with a unique and playful squiggle handle. Looks cute on my kitchen shelf and makes my morning coffee feel extra special.

Duralex Picardie Glass

Classic short tumblers that are great for everything. I use mine for water, wine, and ice cream. They are super durable and stacking, which I love in particular for hosting. I can bring 10 glasses out to guests in one hand and at the end of the night they are so simple to clean up. 

Mismatched Vintage China

The majority of my tableware is a lifelong collection of random things gifted and thrifted. My all-time favorite dishes are the one-off pieces of china that I thrifted years ago when I lived in San Francisco. They’re now half-cracked and chipped, but I still love them the most. 

What’s your must-have cooking tool?

My Wüsthof chef’s knife. Because it’s simply too frustrating to cook without a really good sharp knife.

What are your favorite cookbooks?

Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi. You can almost taste the images on each page. Everything in this book has such big, beautiful flavors. 

Tender by Nigel Slater. Great for finding comfort food for colder months and organized by vegetables, which is fun if I have something specific in mind from the market or in my garden.

The Chez Panisse Menu Cookbook by Alice Waters. Her recipes feel like short lessons in cooking which I really love. But most of all, I appreciate Alice Waters’s approach to food in its emphasis on simplicity and local, quality, ingredients. 

Tell us a few things we’ll always find in your refrigerator.

Yogurt, flat-leaf parsley, lots of berries, aged Gouda, a half-empty bottle of Gamay.

What scares you about entertaining?

I’m cautious about being too busy cooking that I won’t get to actually enjoy my own party. It’s happened to me in the past where I didn’t prep ahead of time or made a complicated meal and then I ran around the whole time stressed and didn’t really enjoy my guests. So now I’m hyper aware of the possibility and make sure I avoid making that mistake again!

Your signature dishes for gatherings?

I’m not sure that I have a signature per se, as I go through phases of what I’m liking to cook, but a few of my current go-tos are:

Dandelion green salad with radicchio, parsley, shaved parm, and a dressing of EVOO + either anchovy or preserved lemon. Finished with a dash of chili flakes, pepper, and Maldon [salt[. My friend Helen made it for me once and I don’t know if I make it the same, but in my head, it’s her salad. It makes a great simple meal with just rice and grilled meat. It’s become my go-to salad for sure.

Kofta kebabs with a Mediterranean spread of tzatziki, babaganoush or hummus, muhammara, homemade flatbread with za’atar, tomato, cucumber, and herb salad—or some variation of dippable and fresh things. This takes a little bit of prep, but it’s fun to do and most of the dishes are really easy to serve at room temp or pulled out of the fridge at the last minute.

Salmon and Mushroom Donabe with rice. This I reserve for a smaller group of girlfriends usually because only so much can fit into one donabe, but it’s really tasty and feels special.

Your go-to weeknight meal to eat at home?

Broiled salmon with yuzu kosho, brown rice, and sauteed kale with mirin and soy. Other than the rice, it’s incredibly fast, and fool-proof.

What advice would you share with someone who wants to host a gathering on a budget?

Host a potluck or delegate dishes for your friends to bring! Potlucks are super fun and everyone feels involved.

The perfect dinner party playlist includes:

Something jazzy, something folky, something Brazilian.

Go-to centerpiece solution:

Cut stems and branches from my yard.

What is your no-stress party rule to live by? 

Never make a complicated meal or a first-time recipe for a dinner party.

Dream dinner guests?

All of my closest girlfriends who live far away.

Fill in the blank:

A perfect meal should: be enjoyed and never rushed.

It’s not a dinner party without: cheese.

Every cook should know how to: improvise.

Are your shoulders up to your ears lately? You are so not alone. It seems like year after year—particularly in the wake of a global pandemic—stress remains at an all-time high for many of us. With busy schedules, packed work weeks, and the constant inundation of notifications, our always-on-world is filled with stressors. While stress-relief products and regular exercise can do wonders, there’s an even simpler approach that’s always at our fingertips: breathing exercises for stress that help calm our nerves and achieve a greater sense of inner peace.

An anxiety-inducing news cycle and the widespread commonality of chronic stress (among countless other factors beyond our control) leave us susceptible to illness by decreasing our immune system response. Yikes! Thankfully, breathing exercises for stress are one of the simplest—and most effective—ways to counteract this new normal.

Ahead, discover three simple, but game-changing breathing exercises for stress that you can do just about anywhere.

Featured image from our interview with Nitsa Citrine by Claire Huntsberger.

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What is breathwork?

Breathwork is the larger term for a variety of methods that focus on harnessing the rhythm, pattern, control, and power of your breathing to bring positive effects into your mind and body. While the benefits span the emotional, mental, and physical, a central reason many of us are coming to the practice today is breathwork’s ability to help us reduce stress.

Ashley Neese, a certified breathwork teacher, previously shared with us a breakdown of how breathwork positively impacts stress levels. Essentially, stressful situations activate our sympathetic nervous system, kicking our ‘fight or flight’ hormones into gear. By practicing breathing exercises for stress when this occurs, we can “create balance, peace, and space in the body to offset the energy deficiency.”

Breathwork is an ancient healing tool with roots in pranayama, or the healing breathwork exercises of yogic teaching. One of the beautiful things about breathwork is that we carry this tool with us wherever we go, and it’s available to us as an almost instant release. 

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3 Breathing Exercises for Stress

The scientific study of neuroplasticity has shown us that regularly practicing breathing exercises for stress can rewire our brain, helping us experience a more consistent state of calm.

I’ll use a metaphor. Imagine your brain as a forest. You’ll walk along two paths in this forest: stress and calm. The more you walk on a certain path, the more developed it becomes. Each time you walk on it, it becomes a little easier as the path becomes more ingrained.

This is how your brain and neural pathways work with emotions that impact your nervous systems. The more you “walk that path” or practice either the act of stress or the act of calm, the easier it is to do in the future. Your brain is strikingly malleable and capable of adapting.

Understanding this, you can trust that you can combat any negative pathway in your brain by leaning into a state of calm. The more you practice breathing exercises for stress, the more your body and mind understand that as a baseline.

Ready to destress? I’m sharing my three favorite breathing exercises for stress and breaking them down step by step. I promise, even trying just one exercise will be time well spent.

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1. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Setup: A yoga mat with a pillow or blanket rolled under your head and neck and a blanket over your body to promote calmness.

1. Begin by lying on your back or taking a comfortable seat in a quiet, calm environment. 
2. Place one hand over your belly and one over your heart. Begin taking deep long breaths, expanding your belly so you can feel your hand moving up and down. A comfortable, slow pace is important. Inhale for six seconds and exhale for six seconds.
3. Once you get into this slow breath pattern, continue the pace and begin to focus on your body’s sensations of tension versus relaxation.
4. As you inhale, pretend your breath is going right into your face, head, and neck, expanding this part of your body. On each exhale, let the muscles in this area relax. On your next inhale, move to your next muscle group, perhaps the shoulders and back. Feel your body relax and sink into the earth with each exhale.  
5. Continue through each muscle group, working through your body head to toe.

Summary: Don’t worry about getting the muscle groups precisely correct. Simply work your way from one end of the body to the next. If this feels great, do it again or move from your feet back up to your face. It can be helpful to picture white, clean light entering your body as you inhale and any stress and tension leaving your body as black smoke, puffing away with each exhale. 

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2. Slow Your Roll

Setup: Find a comfortable seat or place to lie down. The beautiful thing about this breathing exercise for stress is that it can be done anywhere.

1. Once you’re comfortable, begin by taking long, slow breaths. At the top of your breath (or when you’re done inhaling), see if you sip a little more air and then slowly, calmly release your exhalation.
2. Your exhalation should be roughly twice the length of your inhalation. Don’t stress and simply focus on taking a long, slow breath that feels good.

Summary: Practice this exercise for as long as you’d like. Ideally, aim for 10 minutes. From there, slowly increase your practice time as feels best.

By taking slow, deep breaths, our bodies receive a signal that we are safe. In essence, it’s the opposite of the fight or flight response. On a cellular level, your body trusts that it’s protected and doesn’t need to worry about fighting off predators. To send your body this calm signal, all you have to do is take long slow breaths, with even longer exhalations. 

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3. 4-7-8 Breathing

Setup: Find a calm and quiet environment to sit or lie down. You can keep your hands on your lap, by your sides, or consider placing one hand on your belly and one on your heart.

1. Inhale deeply for four seconds.
2. Hold your breath for seven seconds.
3. Release your exhalation over eight seconds. Repeat!

Summary: I love this style of breathing exercises for stress, especially for beginners, but anyone may find it supportive. Focusing on the length of your inhales, holds, and exhales can help you get out of your head and stay present.

If this is difficult at first, practice 3-4 sets at a time or whatever you’re comfortable with. You may also consider shortening the counts to 3-5-6 and doing five or ten sets at a time, working your way up.

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Tips to Make Breathwork a Habit

There’s research that shows linking a desired new habit with another routine you do every day increases your chance of developing the new habit. With breathing exercises for stress, you can add it to something you already do in the morning—like making tea or coffee. Every time you put a kettle on, try practicing a few minutes of breathwork as you wait for it to boil. That way, this new habit has a much higher chance of becoming a daily ritual.

The Takeaway

Here’s the tough news: stress isn’t going away. It’s a fact of our everyday lives, but we can learn to manage it in healthier ways. By honing in on healthy habits, continually reworking stress reduction and self-care, and being gentle with ourselves, we can promote healing in our lives and the lives of others. Remind yourself daily: don’t forget to breathe!

This post was originally published on April 26, 2021, and has since been updated.

When it comes to water, it can feel like we’ve heard (and tried!) everything. Drink eight glasses a day, eat your water, water alone isn’t enough. While the jury is still out on some of these wellness “rules,” we can all agree: staying hydrated should be top of mind. But… did you know there are specific points during the day that are the best time to drink water? Yes, really.

In fact, drinking water at those times can even boost your overall health and cognitive functioning. If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking to yourself, “Water is water, I need it no matter the time of day!” While this is technically true, research shows that you can actually absorb more of water’s health benefits and improve your internal processes by drinking it at optimal times throughout the day. 

Science shows that drinking water at the correct times of day can help prevent common problems such as stomach pain, IBS, bloating, fatigue, overeating, high blood pressure, constipation, and even heart attack and stroke.

Featured image by Belathée Photography.

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The Best Time to Drink Water to Support Optimal Health

On the flip side, there are also certain times of day when it’s advised to forego the H2O since our bodies are busy and need all internal roadways clear to do their work. So, it’s time to maximize water’s effectiveness and reap all the health benefits that nature’s long-standing MVP has to offer. Ahead, discover the best times of day to drink (and not to drink) water. 

Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this article reflect those of the author and are intended to share ideas and spark a conversation that will empower women to be proactive in their health. As always, when it comes to matters of health, we encourage you to do your research, do what’s right for you, and talk with your doctor so that you can create a plan that’s optimal for you.

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Do: Drink Right When You Wake Up

Your first glass of water should be right when you wake up. Drinking water on an empty stomach in the morning can do wonders for our bodies, both internally and externally. In fact, drinking two semi-warm glasses of water first thing in the morning is an ancient Japanese daily ritual. The routine has been attributed to the health, beauty, and longevity of its people. (Hello #skingoals.)

A glass or two of water first thing in the AM helps prime your brain and body for the day. It also gets rid of any toxins and stubborn free radicals that have accumulated in your circulatory system overnight and helps clean and purify your body’s internal organs. World’s easiest two-minute detox? Consider it done.

Pro Tip: For best results, try not to eat anything until 30-40 minutes after drinking. This is when the body hydrates and energizes the cells with new oxygen.

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Do: Drink Before You Eat

Drink a glass of water 30 minutes before any meal. This is a key habit that supports digestion. Not only does the water prepare your intestines for the food coming down the pike, but it also prevents you from over-eating since the water lines your stomach and makes you feel fuller faster.

According to Ilana Muhlstein, MS, RDN, who is part of the executive leadership team for the American Heart Association and leads the Bruin Health Improvement Program at UCLA, consuming water before a meal can create a sense of fullness and reduce your appetite. She tells The Thirty, “When you take something heavy, like 16 ounces of water, it really adds this weight and heaviness in your stomach, and it completely quiets that sense of urgency because you’re satisfying that hunger hormone. It leads to this sense of calmness and fullness.”

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Don’t: Drown Your Stomach During Mealtime

A common mistake people make (myself included) is gulping down water during and immediately after eating. Because we absorb water best when our stomachs aren’t full of food, drinking heavy amounts of water during or directly after a meal dilutes the natural juices that aid in digestion. It’s recommended to drink one glass of water 30 minutes before, during, and after a meal—but no more. This will allow your digestive system to do its thing without any wet and wild distractions and will help your body absorb the nutrients more efficiently.

Ali Miller, RD, CDE integrative dietitian and owner of Naturally Nourished, tells Prevention: “Excessive liquids during meals can lead to bloating, indigestion, and even nutrient malabsorption.”

Pro Tip: Stopping for small sips during a meal slows down the speed at which you eat, causing you to eat less overall. Eating at a slower speed allows you to check in with your hunger signals and usually makes a meal more enjoyable. And we all know enjoying what you eat is a big part of maintaining a balanced diet and, most importantly, a happy life.

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Do: Drink Before (and After) a Workout

Depending on your body’s fluid levels at the time, you may need one or more glasses of water before you hit the gym to protect against dehydration during your workout. When we sweat, we lose both water and electrolytes, so it’s important to drink at least eight ounces of water beforehand to preemptively replace the fluids lost through sweat and humidity during exercise. 

Pro Tip: Following vigorous exercise, you may need to drink several ounces of water to replenish vital fluids lost throughout your workout. The amount you’ll need depends on your weight, health, and whether you exercised in hot or humid conditions—especially for long periods—among other factors.

Don’t: Drink Too Much During a Workout

Keep yourself hydrated while exercising, but avoid drinking too much. Excess water consumption during your workout will reduce sodium concentration in your body and deplete your natural electrolytes, resulting in fatigue or worse. 

Just a few small sips (enough to coat your mouth and throat) during your workout’s rest periods will keep you hydrated and your energy levels stable. You want to avoid over-hydrating and diluting your natural energy. The best thing to do? Listen to your body.

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Do: Drink Before Bedtime

If you are hydrated before going to bed and sleeping, you may lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, as dehydration elevates the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In fact, according to a study in the European Journal of Nutrition, dehydration can impair vascular function almost as much as smoking a cigarette. 

Stavros Kavouras, associate professor and coordinator of the Exercise Science Program at the University of Arkansas, mentions in the study, “You could be mildly dehydrated without knowing it while you have endothelial impairment similar to smoking a cigarette. The degree of dehydration when these changes occur is at less than two percent dehydration, which is around the threshold when people start feeling thirsty.”

Dehydration can also adversely affect your mood, which in turn can throw your overall sleep cycle out of whack. And isn’t that reason enough to have a glass before bed?

Pro Tip: Try to drink your last glass of water about an hour before bed if you can. You’ll save yourself a middle-of-the-night trip to the bathroom!

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Do: Drink When You’re Tired

Drinking a glass of water when you feel tired will help power up your brain. Because your brain consists of 75% water, drinking a glass or two when you’re feeling sleepy will help replenish vital fluid levels and increase cognitive functioning. Drink a glass of water if you’re feeling tired at work or if you have a big presentation coming up and need to focus. If you have a hankering for a nap but can’t take one, drink a glass of cool water instead.

Pro Tip: Did you know that fatigue is one of the primary signs of dehydration? Because of its ability to move quickly throughout the body and directly to the brain, drinking water can give you the boost you need before a big meeting or when you’re on deadline and didn’t get as much shut-eye as you’d prefer. Natural caffeine? We’ll take it! 

This post was originally published on July 11, 2019, and has since been updated.

Dips in the pool, cold drinks, and juicy summer produce are high on my list of life’s best offerings right now. While I might be ready for this intense heat to subside, there’s still nothing like the last days of summer—and my farmer’s market haul means that my produce drawer is full of way more summer squash than I know what to do with.

I’m leaning into the abundance by making this mouthwatering zucchini pasta recipe that celebrate’s the season’s best flavors. Summer squashes, nutty parmesan, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs come together for one of the best simple pastas in my playbook. Eat it al fresco and pretend like you’re in Italy.

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Pasta

Yes, there are a lot of zucchini pastas out there—but this is the ONE I’ve got on repeat. What makes it really great (aside from the short ingredient list) is the specific combination of flavors. Sweet, caramelized squash with salty parmesan. The bright acid of the lemon and the fresh herbs make it comforting, vibrant, and nourishing—without being at all heavy. It’s a celebration of summer’s finest, creating a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant.

I like to use a tube-shaped pasta for this one—paccheri, rigatoni, or pesto—so that the delicious sauce gets scooped up into every bite.

First, Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this zucchini pasta:

• olive oil
• garlic
• summer squash and zucchini
• paccheri or rigatoni
• parmesan
• lemon
• basil or mint
• pine nuts or walnuts

One Pot Dinner = Easy Breezy Clean-Up

During the summer, I’m all about the one-pot dinner and this is no exception. This pasta follows a super simple method:

• Sauté smashed garlic cloves in olive oil.
• Add the squash and let it cook over medium low for 30 minutes, to let it get nice and caramelized.
• Add al dente pasta to the squash along with pasta water, parmesan, lemon zest and juice, and fresh basil.
• Top it with more cheese, nuts, and herbs—then devour.

Told you it was easy.

Ingredients Swaps for Success

Simple pasta recipes like this one are so adaptable based on your preferences and what you’ve got hanging out in your produce drawer. Here are some winning swaps if you want to adapt this recipe:

• For a more nutrient-rich option, you can use whole-grain pasta, or even a chickpea pasta like Banza.
• Make it vegan by skipping the parmesan and opting for a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead.
• I personally like to add a double dose of lemon zest and a big squeeze of juice to make it sing.
• And of course, you can always add more summer veggies. Eggplant can sauté right along with the zucchini. Or, add a bunch of chopped tomatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking time.

And you’ve got a delightful zucchini pasta recipe that celebrates the bounty of late-summer produce! With its caramelized squash, fragrant herbs, and nutty parmesan, this dish keeps it simple and delicious, and it equally perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is for a weekend feast with friends. Scroll on for the recipe, and be sure to tag my on Instagram if you make it.

Other Simple Summer Pasta Recipes to Try

Lemony Spring Pasta Salad with Artichokes and Bacon

Rigatoni with Brussels Sprouts and Kale Pesto

Ratatouille-Style Roasted Vegetable Pasta

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