Look, I'm a chef!

I am not a chef... nor am i trying to be a chef.  Friends have been beggin' me to put up a new recipe.  So, here it is people: Nori Wraps

This is my "GO TO" when i'm short on time and want something super easy & delicious! Nori is seaweed (usually used as a wrap in sushi rolls)  It's especially rich in minerals and contains a great deal of calcium and iron to give me that GLOW.  I'll take this over bread or tortillas any day. 

Nori Wraps

Nori Sheets (you can buy at whole foods, any health food store or online)  I prefer untoasted.

Tahini

Avocado

Tomatoes

Any kind of Sprouts, Spinach or Arugula

Cucumber

Kalamata Olives

Onions (optional)

Sea Salt

Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Spread tahini (or you can use hummus) on nori sheet.  I heart Tahini - so i use A LOT!  Add sliced avocado, tomatoes, cucumber slices, olives, onions and sprouts or any kind of green. Shake some Cayenne Pepper (optional) Cumin and a little sea salt and roll it up like they do at sushi restaurants.  You don't need the bamboo roller.  It takes a little practice but you'll get good in no time! To seal the roll, use a little water along the edges (not too much) It will stick. Cut in half. Eat and love it!  Now, it's a PARTY IN YOUR TUMMY!

GLOW GIRL's Sweet Success!

No messin' around. This launch party was the real deal.  Over 45 people showed up!  I've never put something on like this before so - i had no idea what to expect!  I've been getting nothing but amazingly good feedback... people so happy and impressed with what i created!  I threw it over the top  - and everyone that came - s t a y e d!  I am absolutely amazed with what i am capable of - i never usually put myself out like this, so i'm relieved it turned out so well and everyone that has called me today told me how inspired they feel.  It felt kinda like my birthday when i was turning 6 years old - dressing up and wearing my mom's high heels as i blew the candles out on my mom's very own - Half Baked Alaska!  

Ask and it is given.  this event was total proof of that!

I'm recuperating today and giving much deserved thanks to everyone including my angel squad that totally kicked it up!  Lea Graham & Eric Dysart - GG Assistants, Kim Johnson - My Magic Stylist, Renee Russo - Mad Hair Stylist I met on the train last week, and Miss CC of Princess Superstar!  PLUS, all my sponsors who have been super giving and supportive of my intention and mission to bring people together in a way that honors truth and beauty: Doug & Denise of Organic Avenue, Vanessa Barg of Gnosis 'Oh My God' Chocolate and Helpful Harry at Westerly's.  Yeah, but next time i'm bringing in a clean-up crew... (Forgot to tell the manager of Yelo that we need to recycle the glass bottles- goes to show, not everyone recycles - CRAZY!) So we found ourselves digging through trash on the street.  Oh YES, how sweet the smell of success!!  Let me just roll around in it...

P A R T Y

Here I am again! Lately, I've been putting a lot of work into organizing my first GLOW GIRL Party and going through a big major move out of my apartment on the upper east side.  whew!!

Anyways, so excited to share everything i love with you including, my favorite food (A super deluxe version of my favorite kale salad) music by PRINCESS SUPERSTAR, green juice from ORGANIC AVENUE, glow facials and more!  I have managed to score you free stuff too - nothing but the best, i swear!  

The idea is to come together and inspire each other to feel our best - because it takes support and i need it as much as you!

Get this: the party is at this super swank place where people go for "powernaps" in nyc. 

Can't wait to see your face! xxH

p.s. make sure you send me an rsvp to:  info@glow-girl.org

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Ready, Set, GLOW!

A Special Beauty & Health Extravaganza!

 

Join GLOW GIRL for a full night of beauty, health, fun, outrageous food and festivities!  Everything you need to get you feeling fresh and glowing this fall!  Green Juice, Delicious Organic Food and Raw Chocolate will be served throughout the night – Nothing but the BEST!!!  Come early to mingle and sign up for the exciting stuff we have to offer including talks from the beauty expert panel, 15 minute facials by Julie Lindh, and Yelo Reflexology treatments. Music by PRINCESS SUPERSTAR to keep you feeling HOT all night long!

 

Don’t miss out – The Beauty Expert Panel @ 7:30-8:30pm will help you discover the FOUR Most Crucial Things To Get You Glowing!

 

Raffle PRIZES :: Lindh Method Facial ($250) Yelo 2x 20/20 Services ($65) GLOW GIRL Consultation ($100) and more!

Abundant GIFT BAGS featuring all of GLOW GIRL's favorite picks of the season ($50 value)

 

Sponsored by: Yelo, Organic Avenue, Westerly's, JLSkinFitness, Gnosis Chocolate, Essence of Vali

When:  Tues, Sept. 22nd @ 7-10pm

Where: Yelo

           315 W. 57th Street

           New York, NY 10019

Cost:    $20.00 via Paypal

 

RSVP Required by Sept. 18th to: info@glow-girl.org

GLOW GIRL, GLOW GUY

What's in the glass? pear, cucumber, mint, lime & ginger

My friend, Eric made me dinner the other night.  So nice to come over and see a HUGE plate of kale salad already done up w/ the works!  I've turned a lot of people onto this kale salad and before you know it, they're telling me how much they love it and never knew it could be so good.  For many, it's become their staple too!  I totally benefit b/c then i get to try everyone's own unique version. 

 

Let's just talk about how amazing my friend Eric is.  He is GLOW GUY!  Thank goodness because there's been a tremendous demand for it.  Guys left and right are asking me, "Yeah, that's great. What about guys? "  

For instance, I walked into a deli last night to buy a big thing of water and i get to the counter and the Korean guy says, " You had a long day, huh?" I said, "yeah, it's been a big one!"  He asked, "are you a model?"  i replied, "No, i'm not," as i pull out my wallet to pay for the water... He asks, "What do you do?"  I handed him one of my GLOW GIRL cards that came out when i was looking for my money. i gave a brief explanation.  I think he caught onto a few words and was starting to understand.  He says, "OHHHH...Positive Thinking, i need more positive thinking!!!"  I was quite amazed at his response. Normally i walk into deli's and they seem so burnt out - you don't get a smile or even a hello.  He asked me, "Do you have this for men?"  Whoa - THIS woke me up!!  GLOW GUY.  hello??!!  Huge Demand. He said he'll email me b/c  he wants to be put on the waiting list.... Who would have thought ::  "GLOW GUY BE UP IN KOREAN DELI'S CITYWIDE"  Now, this is real news! 

Get Hooked!

 I was rescued by the  Green Pirate on my way to GreenPoint, Brooklyn the other day.  I have utmost, thanks to this super swank trunk for making me 2 Green Juices - 1 for me and 1 to bring my friend.  This stuff is the best and helps me score extra GLOW points.  Sometimes i make it at home but most times I order it from the juice bar.  that's if, you have a juice bar where you live.  If you're out in the boonies, then i suggest you invest in a juicer.  I have this one.  Green juice is my morning coffee except better. you know why?  It personally wakes up every single cell in my body and provides the optimum amount of vitamins & nutrients possible to make me say HEY!

I used to drink coffee because i thought that's what your supposed to do as a "grown-up" in the morning.  You know, drink a cup of coffee and eat a bagel.  In the meantime, i would be itching out of my skin as my left eye was twitching.  I didn't know any other way.  I didn't think there was an option.  i thought this was the normal and socially acceptable state to be.

Well, it's not. 

I also used to drink it because i thought i could stay skinny by just drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes.  That gave me the sought after, ever-so-popular malnourished, impoverished hungry look everyone wanted - and miserable i was.  Contrary to the coffee "speed like" sensations that you body experiences, your metabolism actually slows down much more than it would have - had you not drank the coffee.  It's kinda like a sugar high - crash and burn we slowly go down to the ground and can't figure out why we're always so tired.  Yet, complaining about it makes things all better.  of course.   

Make-up artists would complain and try to clue me in - "No More Coffee Heather - it's super dehydrating for your skin - look at it!"  I shrugged it off because i couldn't IMAGINE NOT having coffee.  Caffeine is a stimulant.  If you use artificial stimulants too much then your body will stop creating it's own stimulants like adrenaline, so basically your body will become dependant on artificial stimulants.  this is true about those those crappy energy drinks and even soda too!

Anyways, I got sick of complaining because most of the time it was ME who had to hear it all the time.   So, what did i do?  I started drinking ONE green juice a day.  At first, I was super scared of these things  It looked extremely TOXIC!  I am such a baby when it comes to this kind of stuff.  I started getting used to it - It actually tasted really good when i started making it at home - kinda like lemonade!  So, I kept everything in my diet the same and replaced my morning coffee with one green juice every day.  What did i find?  the cure all. be all.  my skin cleared up considerably and i was beaming with energy.  Just Remember:  Keep it simple.  Be consistent.  Try making this recipe at home or order it at your juice bar. 

DRINK THIS JUICE RECIPE:  

the only thing you need to do to start feeling better now  

(and after 2 years, it's still the only green juice recipe i stand by!)  

KALE

SPINACH

CUCUMBER

CELERY

PARSLEY (or i like Cilantro a lot)

GREEN APPLE

LEMON

GINGER

Don't worry - i'm not a coffee hater.  To be honest, sometimes i realllly want it.  but then i remember how it makes me feel and i opt for a green juice instead.  It takes a little time for your body to acclimate but once it does - you're on fire!  your body is gonna be craving this stuff- i promise.  and each of your cells in your body will personally thank you.  If you're still not convinced why it's so good for you, read this:  6 Reasons Why to Drink Green Juice Everyday 

  

Recipe of the Week :: Italian Gazpacho

Chill with my absolute favorite ::  Italian Gazpacho 

It's the perfect concoction of flavors for a light summertime dish that is high in GLOW GIRL nutrients! Make sure you use only the freshest, highest quality (organic) ingredients.  Takes a total of 5-10 minutes depending on how fast you pick the basil off the stems!

Ingredients

3 large red tomatoes

1/2 a red bell pepper

1 c. sun-dried Tomatoes (i LOVE the brand, 'Mediterranean Organic' packed in olive oil)

3 tbl pine nuts

1 small clove garlic 

1 handful of FRESH basil leaves

2 tbl Olive oil or Flax oil 

pinch of sea salt

pinch of cayenne (optional :: i like it hot!)

Directions

Soak pine nuts in water (they say for 7 hours, but if your impatient do it for at least 20 minutes -better than not at all - Why? Because when you soak nuts it improves your digestion and you'll feel less sluggish.  Plus, the nutrients & enzymes increase tenfold when soaked!) Chop tomatoes into big chunks and add ALL ingredients into blender (you have to watch this!) and cover with 1/2 cup of water (or more for desired consistency)  Blend thoroughly.  It's as easy as that and Mamma Mia!

C r e a t e C r e a t i v i t y

Right now, I'm reading,  The Artist's Way by: Julia Cameron. (for the third time, yet this time i promise i'll finish!)   This book is a classic tool when it comes to helping artists open up their creativity.  That's where i'm at - coming back into my creativity as of 4 weeks ago - Thanks to the first week of reading this book again, it sparked me to create this blog! 

Not sure when exactly i got shut down? My classical training as a violinist for 9 years helped me explore my gift as an artist.  At 17, i was touring all over Europe with my symphony and training with the best instructors at Northwestern University's School of Music.  It was a very intense part of my life - practicing for hours and hours a day.  When i was 19, i stopped playing after not getting into the music conservatory that i auditioned for.  And instead, modeling and traveling started to take over.  It was definitely possible to have both exist in my life simultaneously however, for some reason modeling did not support my musical endeavors - or, at least i didn't allow it. Actually, i had many offers to play my electric violin w/my friend, DJ Erin during Milan's Fashion Week - In fact, they heard me play and i was invited to play Roberto Cavalli's after party.  i turned it down.  Ha! If anything, that probably would have helped me get a few more modeling jobs!  Instead, my self-esteem was so low i could not even recognize or give myself any credit for having a little talent.   

Playing the violin was such a love/hate relationship.  and actually modeling was too!  kinda like being stuck in a bad relationship for just way too embarrassingly long.... kinda like wearing a velcro jumpsuit and getting stuck to everything until you're too restless to move - thanks bruno! 

 

Nonetheless, my life had become flat & miserable.

So,  in this book there's a bunch of weekly assignments and exercises.  Each day, first thing in the morning, i write 3 "morning pages" in my journal and once a week i have to take myself out on an "artist's date" That means you (and ONLY you) take yourself out and nurture your inner child/artist. Last night, my date and i took myself to see, Bruno

It was very funny.  Be aware: it's almost on the verge of porn.  Something i probably wouldn't take mom to go see or the young ones.  Anyways, the date was successful - Other than the fact that my date called me FAT!!  Crazy, right?  Can't believe how bad we can treat ourselves and think nothing of it.  kind of like an unspoken secret kept between you and yourself.  whereas if your real date (or anyone for that matter) called you FAT you'd be on the phone with your best girlfriend- in shock & awe!  

The first and most important thing to do is become aware of the bad body thought.  The moment you can send awareness to the internal voice that is telling you that you're other than beautiful for being just the way you are  - the less power it will have over you.  Next step,  apologize to the body part that you are attacking (be it your hips, thighs, belly, arms etc)  Think about it this way:  If you lived with someone who was as abusive to you as you are about your body, you would have the option to move out.  Well, unfortunately you don't have that option here.  Day after day our body suffers from our remarks and endless attacks on its size and shape.  So next step is to challenge the attacker that taught you to look at yourself with disgust.  Who says that my hips are too big? is the question you must always have in mind. Allow yourself to create a little dialogue between you (the attacker) and your specific body part (i.e. your hips) Ask your hips what you can do to be more supportive.  Lastly, let it go.  

These are the first steps to putting an end to the swamp of self-sabotage.  From here on out, we both can start to develop a safe atmosphere where thoughts and feelings can exist minus the disgust & ridicule.

NYC Embraces Growing Number of Non-Meat Eaters

So, here it is... GLOW GIRL's first piece of press featured today in AM New York!  Very encouraging for me to see that my story made it to the cover! (including my photo) It was originally a story about 'Vegetarianism' in New York.  I met journalist, Sheila Feeney in Central Park while i was on a hike with my friend Susan last month.  Sheila asked what i do and became intrigued by my story and wanted to add a "Vegan" sidebar to her story titled, "Being Vegan Still Hard Work"  I am very happy to bring the term 'Veganism' to the public eye at this scale. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been covered at all.   

It's been a long time since i've seen myself on the cover of something... and to be honest, it's a bit challenging because it brings up every little insecurity in me.  The first thing my mind said when i picked up the paper was, "you're face looks chubby!" & "ewww. look at your arms!" I know & understand that this has been well ingrained patterns that i learned very early on. that's all i would hear from my agents at Ford - constantly.  and so, all i ever knew how to do was pick myself apart and feel other than beautiful & worthy for gracing covers of magazines, catalogues & editorials.  pretty sad to not be able to acknowledge one's own beauty - simply for being alive, beautiful & unique.  I was always trying to make myself something that i was not. and yes, it's a very distorted skew on reality and very far from the truth.  so, if you ever have these feelings - rest assure - you are not alone and it is not the truth of who you are! 

Anyhow, I am finding a whole new meaning to modeling - one that actually fills a deeper sense of purpose inside.  To experience this and get acknowledgement for being me is beyond the best feeling ever.  and i am excited and sure to say that this is just the beginning....  

Recipe of the Week :: Tender Kale

Sick of feeling like crap, moody and no motivation to do anything? i was and i couldn't figure out why.  Psychs put me on anti-depressants & the best dermos in nyc put me on serious acne medication (Accutane - the scary stuff that deforms unborn babies) Twice a week i'd get fancy state-of-the-art laser treatments at the dermo office and top notch facials at Haven Spa on Mercer.  It took me about 6 years to figure out that this was not working for me.  I was numb to everything and could not feel.  And to make it worse, i was being turned away from modeling jobs: including a major job that i booked for L'OREAL.  They literally called my agent and told me to leave the booking.   i was 19 & devastated.  This job was something a lot of girls, including myself, dreamed and worked really hard to get!  

What was i doing wrong?  Well, no one ever asks, "what are you eating?"  In the meantime, i was eating nothing but sugar.  That was the basis of my diet.  Sugar and cigarettes. (i don't recommend it) I was moody, cranky, low-energy, depressed and had very low self-esteem.  And my food was the last thing i was willing to look at.

  

My dermatologist, Dr. Cornbleet, in Chicago had a BIG glass bowl of 'Hershey Miniature Chocolates' on his desk.  Every time i would visit his office - i would pick out all of the "Mr. Goodbars"  He would say, "Yes, Yes, please help yourself!"  He told me diet had NOTHING to do with my acne.  And so, i became a VERY loyal patient with hopes of some improvement.  And still, no significant changes.

I was willing to go to any lengths to have clear skin & more energy.  i started to eat more "healthy" and  realized that even the "healthy" packaged foods were loaded with refined sugar and stuff that you can't even pronounce.  Even though it says it's "healthy," it's not.  That was not working...

  

I was a lot more sensitive to food than i realized.   I decided to take a look at my eating habits a little bit closer.  About 2 years ago, i started incorporating green juice, raw organic fruits & vegetables & more water.  The results were getting better day by day.  And yes, this was probably one of the most challenging things I've ever done - cleaning up my eating habits.  It was scary not to have sugar.  I was in total withdraw and had to deal with a lot of emotions that alcohol & cigarettes had once covered up.  When i couldn't deal, i would go back to the pizza & chocolate as a way to soothe and comfort myself.  But as my system was getting cleaner, that stuff made me feel ill afterwards.

Long story short, i found there is no solution in crappy food.  These past 2 years, i have made a lot of progress and i finally understand that phrase, "You are what you eat."  It seems to be working for me beyond belief.  My skin has never been this good.  And now, i am looking and feeling more like a model than i ever had in my modeling days.  Ha! In fact, i was waiting for the bus earlier today and a guy turned around to take a second look at me and hit his head on the side view mirror of the bus!  ouch. watch it dude!

So, check it out -  This is what i made for lunch today:

Tender Kale Salad

1 bunch of Kale (any kind - i used curly)

Pinch of Sea Salt (to desired taste)

Generous amount of Olive oil (and/or hemp oil for nutty flavor or flax oil for buttery flavor)

Handful of Dulse  (sea vegetable, high in Iron and boosts flavor in everything.  kind of like salty beef jerky without the beef.)

3-4 spoons of hemp seeds (the most nutritious seed in the world, 33% protein w/ Omega 3's)

1 Diced Avocado

4-6 Sun-dried tomatoes chopped (i like 'mediterranean organic' packed in olive oil)

1/3 cup chopped olives (i like kalamata. buy the pitted ones)

Wash and remove center stems of Kale.  Rip leaves into small pieces or chop them.  Massage kale with sea salt and olive oil.  The oil & salt soften and tenderize the leaves. Massage is key. Tear Dulse strips into bite size pieces.  Toss all your favorites in: i.e. avocado, hemp seeds, olives, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, red peppers, cucumbers, chopped red cabbage, parsley, onions, sunflower seeds, pine nuts etc...  super simple or deluxe. up to you.

You can find all of the ingredients listed above at Whole Foods or any health food store.  So, come with your list and you'll know exactly what to get.  FYI :: Some of these ingredients may be a bit more expensive than you're used to buying -  yeah, i know. it was a shock for me too!   BUT i am actually saving money this way.  I have not gotten sick in 2 years and i don't have expensive doctor bills or prescriptions to fill anymore.  Plus, i feel happier than ever before. This is a deal i can afford!

Make Friends...

Make Friends... Especially with your fruit stand guy!  Meet Bill from Turkey.  He's like my 'Giving Tree.'  Such a kind & generous heart.  Every single time i pass by - which is at least 2 or 3 times a day - he gives me a bag full of his favorite fruits in season.  He is a reminder of the abundance that i live in!  i am so grateful especially since i have just about tripled my living expenses since going raw, organic and living in Manhattan. 

Plus, he orders organic for me.  Just ask!  fyi: Eat as much ORGANIC fruit & vegetables when possible and available. Organic produce has more nutrients because they're grown in good soil. Conventionally grown produce uses harmful chemicals that actually penetrate through the skin of the fruit and contaminate the inside.  Extremely toxic and not good for you. 

kick start this day!

At this point, drinking a liter of water in the morning right when i wake up is a habit i have developed. Drinking good, quality water first thing in the morning helps hydrate your body from the inside out and flushes toxins. I read somewhere that it's popular in Japan and India to drink between 1-1.5 liters immediately after waking up every morning on an empty stomach before brushing your teeth.

I know, sounds like a lot! For those who cannot drink that much in the morning right away, start with one glass and try to add a glass everyday until you reach 1-1.5 liters. If you think water is boring, squeeze some fresh lemon in it. Also, i like to fill my bottle up the night before and keep it on my nightstand so i have it within reach... Just thought i'd share this with you b/c this trick has changed my skin's life. and now it loves me for it! Plus, my energy has sky-rocketed...

Keep it Simple

Everyone is trying to attract something in their lives... whether it be a new job, new guy, more friends, more money etc. We think by getting our hair did and our nails done, it may help us attract what we want.  And to ensure it all, we make sure to buy the latest over the top gladiator sandals and the best vintage sundress on the block so all the guys can crank their neck as they take a quick double take.  Whatever the case may be,  WHY again? 

Well, it makes you feel good... Until it all starts fading away and you need your next dose of retail & beautification therapy.  And you're not quite happy until you do it all over again!  Hmmmmm... but something still feels empty!?

All of these things are great and nice to do because it's important to take care of yourself however,  we may get TOO caught up with the outside appearance while completely neglecting the biggest treasure of all....

From the outside, it seems as though we are doing a really good job taking care of ourselves - we look mad good!  BUT, deep down inside you may ask, "what's missing that is not giving me the true happiness, love, acceptance and satisfaction that i am ultimately looking for?"

 

Imagine you're stranded on a desert island (tropical) and you don't have access to any of these luxes. (i.e. clothing stores, salons, fancy restaurants etc)  What do you do when your pedicure grows dull, your highlights have grown out, and your favorite outfit gets stolen by that crazy orangutang?  What would you do?  Well, at first you frantically freak out that you're stranded... at least for the first couple of days...

And then after a few days, you start learning how to take care of yourself in a whole new way... Before you know it, you're cracking coconuts, picking leaves & berries (hope you know which ones to pick!) building a hut and making a fire.  (i've actually always wanted to go to go to survivor camp where they take you away to a very remote place and teach you survival skills)  

Anyways soon after, you start to surprise yourself.  You have no idea how you're surviving but you're doing it!  And before you know it, you look down and you're actually getting the tan you've always wanted!  Ha

Guess What? You don't have to be stranded on a desert island to get the Amazon GLOW.  We are all wild women - by nature. (NOT in a 'girls gone wild' way though)  Our hearts need to run free.  There is no way to tame the wild heart EXCEPT by pretending to be someone we're not.  No need to cover-up or hide.  Allow your true beauty to shine without the fabrication of the outside world caked on you.  And you may find by being connected with your heart and listening to every word it tells you - you'll get everything you ever dreamed was beyond possible.  

FINALLY you'll discover you don't have to try so hard and you can act freely without fear & doubt, you'll feel comfortable in your body (REGARDLESS of how fat you may "think" you are) your passions will blossom and you will attract everything you want.  Now, this is a trend that never goes out of style!

Take it from Henry David Thoreau: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!  Live the life you've always imagined.  As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler."

Okay, i'm sold.  How do i begin? 

For starters, I recommend taking 10 minutes (or more, if you have time) out of your day to sit quietly, by yourself  - and drop your attention down into your heart.  Take a few nice deep breaths into your heart and get really still and quiet.  Ask a simple question, "Heart, how can i serve you?" or "Heart, what would make you happy right now?"  Listen very closely. Sometimes you'll get a super clear response and other times, maybe nothing at all. (that means you may need to get more still to quiet your mind - watch ALL the mind chatter float by like little clouds and bring yourself back to the breath)  

Once you listen to everything your heart has to say, slowly open your eyes and do one ACTION towards what your heart is calling for!  Example: "I want to play and have fun!"  Then, do something that you love doing.  even if it's just for a few minutes...dance to your fav. song while you get ready in the morning... whatever it is.  Let me know how it goes...