You may think everyone in your orbit has long been doing it—sun saluting, tree posing and namaste-ing. I say: breathe. Truth is there are plenty of yoga virgins out there. And just like you, they’re probably experiencing some anxiety as they prepare for their first yoga class.

While it has been years since my own personal de-flowering (thanks for a wonderful time, Mindful Body), I vividly remember what it was like. Plus I’m reminded whenever I spot a newbie in class. The giveaways? Fidgety energy, beseeching glances and shiny new yoga mats.

Relax. Ditching the nerves is easy. Just follow these tips for a blissful first class and a lifetime of happy oms. … //READ MORE

It seems like everyone these days wants whiter teeth, including most of the patients who walk through the door of my dental practice. Teeth whitening is currently the most ubiquitous cosmetic dental procedure performed, and it’s no surprise considering the look is constantly emphasized by celebrities and their perfect white teeth.

I like to encourage most people to go for a natural look when seeking out lightening methods. There is such a thing as taking it too far, with some patients whitening like mad. However, it is nice to wipe away years’ worth of coffee, tea and food stains, and to remove discoloration that comes with age. A brighter smile can actually make you look years younger!

There are so many whitening methods available these days, from over-the-counter products and at-home remedies, to more potent in-office procedures. Most of these processes are safe and effective, as long as the steps are tailored specifically for you. How do you know which approach is best for you? Read on and find out … //READ MORE

Nothing reflects spring’s laid-back vibe like the newest washes of indigo blue and faded denim. This season, home designers looked to the fashion runways for inspiration, embracing pale chambrays, handcrafted indigos and globally inspired prints to create a look with cool nonchalance. This season you’ll find cool blue translated onto a range of home furnishings and accessories—from sofas and rugs to pillows and tabletop. Whether you’re out and about or relaxing at home, here’s how to enjoy some of blue’s calm demeanor. … //READ MORE

When you think of chocolate drinks, what probably comes to mind are powdery instant beverages that are stirred into milk, or else decadent soda-fountain treats. But lately, a new generation of ready-to-serve, cacao-infused concoctions has been popping up in health-food stores. They’re rich, creamy and—most of all—healthy. Low in sugar and fat, high in fiber and protein, and often organic, the neo-chocolate shake is anything but cocoa loco.

Cocoa Metro’s lowfat Belgian Chocolate Drink is a delicious, velvety treat I stumbled upon at Whole Foods Market. Made with all-natural ingredients, including reduced-fat milk and “heaps of Belgian chocolate,” this beverage also gets the award for the cleverest marketing. “You can fire your therapist,” the bottle reads. And, on another part of the package: “9 out of 10 people who wanted to be doctors agree” that the beverage rocks. Who could resist such wise-ass, hipster praise? … //READ MORE

Are you a flower-worshiping girly girl who digs pencil skirts and pastels, or a tomboyish type who needs to feel comfy at all costs? Or maybe you’re a straight-shooting power type ready to tackle the world. Whatever your fashion personality, designers have brought out something for you this season. There’s a color, style and silhouette for everyone, as a wildly diverse mix of trends continues to hit stores for spring and summer. Whether you’re shopping for athletic-inspired separates or ladylike shapes with a vintage appeal, here are some of the top fashion trends to consider.

Hey, ladies! If refined is your thing, now is the time to flaunt your femininity. Florals are growing in popularity, this time in bold photographic prints and large vintage-inspired blooms. Pastels are lending a soft touch to everything from A-line skirts to silk blouses, with blush-pink the most popular hue. Micro pleats are back in the fold, appearing on the smartest skirts and dresses. And billowy tea-length skirts—which fall just between midi and maxi—seemed to have popped out of a 1950s Christian Dior Look Book. … //READ MORE

People, can you believe it’s been 25 years? It’s been 25 years since we first watched a fresh-faced Meg Ryan and a sardonic Billy Crystal argue about whether men and women can sustain friendship, discuss the complexity of ordering pie à la mode, and finally realize, after a lonely New Year’s Eve, that they belong together. The brainchild of writer Nora Ephron and director Rob Reiner, who each brought to the film their unique perspectives on love and relationships, When Harry Met Sally is a true classic. Here, three of my favorite scenes from one of the best rom-coms ever, and the romantic truths that emerged from them.

Truth #1: Ladies, every man secretly wants to bang you. … //READ MORE