Are dad's getting more R-E-S-P-E-C-T ?

Posted by Terri Trespicio

On Friday, we talked about dads, and about how they’re (finally) getting more and more respect when it comes to their vital role in the family, inspired by a story we saw in the New York Times.

The story reports that with the growing understanding of how important the role a father plays in the life of his family and his children’s lives, there’s also some question as to whether societal assumptions around fathers has them relegated to second-class citizens, the “second” parent, conspire against them in some ways.

So much attention (think everything from commercials to TV shows and movies to even children’s books) is paid to the mother as the person on whom the children’s welfare and well-being rests...and the father is often (humorously) painted as the fool, the guy who fixes things around the house, doesn’t know how to talk to kids, and occasionally “babysits.”

Elizabeth in Kentucky commented that it had come to her attention when she and her husband read to their kids at night that many of the stories left the dad out of the picture, or portrayed him unfavorably, and that they were being careful about what books they choose to read to them as a result.

Joan in Canada agreed that dads parent differently than moms do--and that it’s a good thing. (The NYT story points out that fathers aren’t supposed to “mother” anyway, but to father.)

So we asked folks what they think their fathers gave them that their mothers didn’t or couldn’t, and how important they believed their father’s role to be in their lives, particularly growing up. We got some great calls:

Janet in Delaware shared that her dad taught her to be a lady and to respect herself, and she realizes she married a guy like him in that regard. She used to love to watch her dad shave, and just this morning realized she watches her husband shave, too!

Peter, who called from the road, said he learned about work ethic and problem solving from his dad, while Janine in Cali learned from her dad to laugh at herself and make traditional Italian foods.

Sharon in Indiana marveled at her dad’s ability to reuse and recycle all kinds of things to save money and waste, and that he was also a good listener; she never forgot her father’s undivided attention.

While Donna’s dad (in Texas) was the one person who told her she could do anything and who encouraged her to take on adventures, even if she was a little scared.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Are dads getting the respect they deserve in a mom-ified world? What did your dad give to or instill in you that has made you who you are today? Share your thoughts!

Eco-Friendly Nail Polishes that rock!

Posted by Jennifer Sendrow

Do you like the smell of nail polish? Me and Terri, not so much, especially knowing that those chemical odors come along with substances that are potentially toxic to the environment and our health. Since we don't want to give up the chance to glam up our nails, we tested eco-friendly nail polishes to see how they measure up.

We tested a dozen different brands that fell into three categories that set them apart from the rest. There are many polishes that are "Big Three Free," meaning that they do not contain dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, or toulene. Then there are brands that take it one step further and eliminate camphor as well. Best of all are the water-based polishes that contain no potentially harmful ingredients at all.

Four polish brands that stood out for me were, in the order that they appear from left to right: Aquarella (water-based) because it was totally odor-free and all-natural, Borghese (Big Three Free) for its smooth finish, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri (Big Three Free) for its easy application and truly instant drying, and Priti (Big Three Free) because it was long-lasting. The last two on the left, Zoya (Big Three Free and camphor free) and Rescue Beauty Lounge (Big Three Free), were my favorites overall, going on smooth, resisting chips, and free of any offensive chemical odor.

Here are my five favorite colors, from pinkie to thumb: Priti Polish in Redhead Cactus, Zoya in Lael, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Teal Takeoff, Aquarella in Incognito, and Rescue Beauty Lounge in Concrete Jungle. No, I did not go out with a clown hand, that's just for the photo! I often do my nails at home though, using my own set of sturdy Tweezerman tools, a soy-based polish remover from Priti, and clear topcoat by Zoya.

Terri really liked the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri. She says, "If you need a quick and dirty nail job, this is my pick. Goes on easy, looks good, dries fast. Of course, don't get any tape stuck to your nail like I did or it's history. But great in a pinch!"

Some of Terri's favorites, all of them "Big Three Free," from left to right: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri for ease of application, Borghese because it's super luxe and Zoya because it goes on smooth and satiny, has a range of yummy colors and a real professional finish. She also praised Barielle's fast-drying top coat and manicure extender for a chip free finish.

Terri wisely points out the nail polish isn't exactly "natural" in any form, but at least these nontoxic lacquers are a step in the right direction.

From the Farm to My Table!

Posted by Jennifer Sendrow

The New York Wine & Food Festival gave everyone a chance to meet some local farmers while shopping at the Basis Foods Farmers' Market.

Former Martha Stewart Living Radio regular Dr. Brent Ridge is a Hudson Valley farmer these days, producing goat milk soaps and this semi-hard, raw, aged goat milk cheese he's onomatopoeically dubbed "BLAAK."

Chef Jeremy Bearman from sustainablity-focused restaurant Rouge Tomate portions out samples of his tasty butternut squash soup.

On Sunday morning, local farm produce made its way to the table at the 100 Mile Brunch held at the New York City Fire Museum. A bluegrass trio kept the diners happy while waiting for the buffet.

The dishes included waffles, vegetable lasagna, lamb en croute, eggs Benedict, and a mix-you-own-salad station, with all the ingredients sourced within 100 miles of New York City.

Fresh juices and smoothies upheld the 100 Mile rule, but I have my doubts about the tea and coffee.

These are the pride of Greenport, Long Island: oysters from the Widow's Hole Oyster Company.

I tried to taste a bite of everything!

After brunch, farmer Bob Walker spoke about the origins of the food we'd just enjoyed. For anyone who's become cynical about trendiness or annoyed by the piousness that exists within the farm-to-table movement, this was a good antidote. I was humbled to get a face-to-face reminder of the hard labor that goes into putting salad on my plate and energized by the number of people who wanted to learn about the men and women who feed us so well. Happy harvest, farmer Bob!

Terri interviews Martha & Alexis

Posted by Terri Trespicio

I recently appeared on the Martha Stewart Show alongside both Martha and her daughter Alexis to promote the October cover story of Body+ Soul. I wrote about them and their healthy living tips. It’s always fun to go on the show, of course, but this was really doubly fun because I got to interview both Stewarts at once. I knew pretty much what I was going to say, and what they might say, but what really brought the segment to life was the lively and playful mother-daughter sparring and teasing that went on. It was actually quite fun.

So take a look -- and find out what these two women do to ease stress and stay healthy!

Is your romance life in a rut? Terri to the rescue!

Posted by Alexis Tirado

You might need your afternoon cup of coffee before you watch this video. Whole Living host Terri Trespicio gets sassy on the CBS Early Show and talks about natural ways to boast your libido. The easiest way to get your libido going? Exercise.

Sandy's Healthy Dishes

Posted by Alexis Tirado

Everyday Food's Sandy Gluck hosted a special broadcast with Doctor Radio's Samantha Heller. The broadcast was called "A Taste of Good Health" -- Sandy and Sam explored the world of healthy and tasty food with doctors, chefs, greenmarket gurus and more! For the complete list of topics and guests, click here.

Sandy also shared recipes she worked on and created for Martha Stewart Living. Below are the recipes she talked about on air.

Golden Gazpacho

Roasted Salmon with Lemon Relish

Cereal Mix with Olive Oil and Parmesan

Here's Sandy (left) and Samantha at the broadcast!

Get healthy with us!

Posted by Alexis Tirado

September is just around the corner which means new changes and turning over a new leaf, right? If you've struggled with eating healthy or need some guidance on eating foods that taste delish and are actually good for you, then tune in to "A Taste of Good Health." Everyday Food's Sandy Gluck will be teaming up with Doctor Radio's nutritionist Samantha Heller to talk with notable chefs and other food experts about shopping at your local greenmarket, planning entertaining menus that are budget friendly and doctor approved and more!

"A Taste of Good Health" airs on Friday, 8/28 at 12 pm EST -- tune in on Martha Stewart Living Radio or Doctor Radio! We'll be broadcasting live from both channels!

To be nice, or not to be nice? That is the question.

Posted by Terri Trespicio

We recently debated on “Whole Living” whether we believe in being “nice” for its own sake -- and whether nice calls to mind genuine kindness and positive action, or if it’s just a lightweight, catch-all term, best reserved for describing those who don’t have a lot going on in the personality department.

I, for one, think nice has gotten a bad rap -- and I have helped give it that, since I have said that if all someone could think to say about me was that I was nice, I’d be horrified. But let’s reconsider nice -- not as just sweetly bland or benign, but as a quality that represents an inclination to do something in someone else’s best interests, rather than just our own. I do NOT mean anyone who’s just a big pansy, martyring himself for any form of acceptance.

In the July/August 2009 issue of Body+Soul, I worked on a story called “A Case for Nice” (written by Jessica Cerretani), in which we cited some recent research about how nice may be not just a throwaway compliment but a smart strategy. I also did a segment on the topic for Fox25 News in Boston. You can watch it below:

In one study published in the Journal of Product Innovation Management, researchers found that managers who treated employees with kindness and respect got better performance from their teams. And we all know how hard some people can make things -- for themselves and others -- in the workplace. And given this economy, why would you jeopardize your job by being ruthless, conniving, and manipulative?

But what about the ruthless, conniving, manipulative people who HAVE gotten ahead and, frankly, get paid more? I think that it depends on what you want -- short term success and lots of enemies, or long-term success with a wonderful reputation, and a thriving, healthy network.

What do you think? We want to know. Are you someone who’s found that nice guys are actually ahead of the game in some ways? Or are they doomed to victimhood?

We want to hear from you. Vote on our poll and share your comments below!

Change! How to stay sane at work and beyond

Posted by Terri Trespicio

Recently we had the lovely Ariane de Bonvoison, founder and chief change optimist of First 30  Days, on the show to tell us how to better adjust to changes on the workfront -- particularly if you’ve been recently laid off. Here are some things to keep in mind and to keep your life in perspective.

Stop the story.
What same old sad tale leaps to your lips when you start talking about work? And more to the point: Why? Are you casting yourself as the victim, for instance, or further perpetuating a myth about what you are or are not worth? Think about how to share your story in a way that’s empowering, not dispiriting.

Think about what to do now, not for the rest of your life.
It can be incredibly daunting to consider what you want to do now and forever, especially if leaving your job or changing careers was not your idea. So instead, says de Bonvoison, focus instead on what you’d simply like to do next -- whether it’s learn a new skill or try your hand at a different type of role. One step at a time.

Stop labeling yourself.
Perhaps you wore the badge of teacher for years. Maybe you’ve always seen yourself as a marketing person. That’s ok, says de Bonvoison. It doesn’t mean you can’t become something or someone else, too. The sooner you stop putting yourself in a box, the sooner you can open yourself up to all sorts of new opportunities.

Tap in.
There’s a reason we spend so much time building and maintaining our personal and professional networks -- so that we can draw on them for support when we need it. The best way to fire up your network? Start getting back in touch and offering help to others, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need as well.

Don’t burn bridges.
Sure, it may seem appealing to fire off an angry note to your manager or take another negative action, but think twice. Keep your bridges to valued contacts and colleagues in tact. You really never know what the future will bring.

Keep On Walking

Posted by Terri Trespicio

We recently test-drove some healthy footwear on Whole Living, and producer Jen Sendrow and I were pleasantly surprised by these two uber-tech shoes. The MBT's (Masai Barefoot Technology) aka “The Anti-Shoe” faced off with the very eco-friendly Terra Plana aka “The Ethical Shoe.”

The MBTs' unique look and feel sets it apart. The weighted, curved sole is designed based on the principle of instability: Even standing still, your body must make small adjustments to stay balanced, as you would if you were barefoot on the grass or sand. The rolling motion of the shoes as you walk is said to imitate the natural movement of your feet, helping align your posture and activate muscles you might not otherwise use. They retail for $135 and up.

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