Maria’s Sunday Paper: The Power of New Beginnings

“Your soul senses the world that awaits you.” That’s the last line of a poem by one of my favorite poets, John O’ Donahue. It’s called “New Beginnings,” and I just love the image that it conveys. A world awaits you and your soul. Several years ago, I printed out the poem...

Purple Table Reservations Offers Tailored Dining Service to the Mentally and Physically Impaired

When Jenifer Apazidis' mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, she noted that the dining experience became a challenge due to her special needs. Following her mom's death, Jenifer opened a restaurant in her honor and began offering a monthly luncheon, Lovely Linda's Lunches, for...

I’ve Been Thinking … Gold Star Mom Pays Tribute to Her Son’s Legacy

I am blessed to be the mother of two. And like my last name, Bent, so, too, is the Gold Star which envelops me. You see my son was returned home from the front lines in Afghanistan, OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom), with the injury that would later claim his life. And as I write this with th...

I’ve Been Thinking… Tony Thomopoulos Shares His Story of the ‘Road Less Traveled’ As a Male Caregiver

I humbly realize that my story is not an unusual one and that millions have gone through — and will continue to go through — this journey. But I am sharing my perspective at the urging of a dear friend. She insisted I tell my story of life as a male caregiver, knowing that it could be of...

Try This Blueberry Cobbler

INGREDIENTS 1 cup old fashion oats 1 cup whole wheat flour 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons lemon zest 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil 6 cups fresh blueberries 3 tablespoons Monk fruit sweetener* 3 tablespoons...

Maria’s Sunday Paper: The Power of Healing

I know, I know. I know what happened yesterday. An American woman joined the royal family. Yippee! I actually got up to watch Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding. Yes, I did. I watched it because I’m a romantic at heart. I just love love stories, and theirs is an especially good ...

I’ve Been Thinking … The Power to Heal

This essay by Timothy Shriver was adapted from a recent speech he gave at Mount Sinai's 2018 Icahn School of Medicine commencement. In a special way, mothers and fathers, and by them I include any people who have mothered or fathered these graduates, nurtured, held, strengthened, guided them,...

I’ve Been Thinking…Knowing When to Heal

When it comes to healing emotionally and mentally, it can be difficult at times to even know where to begin. Knowing where to start unraveling years of being hurt by the words and actions of those around us can be a daunting task. I always suggest to my clients, to start with now. There...

Eco-Minded Couple Develops Regeneratively-Farmed, Biodynamic Baby Food Company

Meghan and Keith Rowe founded White Leaf Provisions following the birth of their son when they quickly became aware of a lack of truly pure and organic foods that were farmed in an eco-minded way. Keith is a professionally trained European chef, and their time living and working in Europ...

Maria’s Sunday Paper: What I’m Thinking About This Mother’s Day

The other night I was out to dinner with two of my kids and their significant others. When we got up to leave, we stopped to say hi to a neighboring table. After a little chit-chat, the woman sitting there said, “Is this an early Mother’s Day dinner?” I laughed and said, “Oh no, I...