I’m from Japan what I drink every day for a long life
Growing up in Nara, Japan, surrounded by tea fields, matcha has always been a part of my life. The full aroma and the deep bitter and sweet umami taste of …
Make It Contributors
5 ways to use garlic, a longevity ingredient in Ikaria
My family is from the Greek island of Ikaria, a Blue Zone renowned for the longevity of its inhabitants. To us, garlic has long been more than “just” an ingredient. …
I left the U.S. for Italy: Why I’m happier now
Twenty years ago, when I was 35, I left my life in the greater Boston area to pursue a job opportunity in glamorous Milan. Prior to the move, I had …
Costa Rica Blue Zone everyday recipes and longevity foods
Costa Rica is home to one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people live longer and healthier lives than average. I’m from a small town in the region of Cartago, …
We live in a 940-sq-ft trailer in Laguna Beach: Take a look inside
When my husband Brian first told me he’s from Laguna Beach, it took everything in me to play it cool. “Oh, is that near Los Angeles?” I asked. Like most …
8 phrases to use at work to be happier, less stressed
Long hours, heavy workloads, tight deadlines, job insecurity, a lack of control over your schedule and generally feeling unsupported can leave you feeling unhappy and discontented with your work environment. If …
8 ways to use honey, one of Ikaria’s secret ingredients for longevity
From beans to greens, there are many foods that make up the traditional diets of people in the Blue Zones, a handful of areas in the world where people tend …
I’ve studied happiness for 10 years—10 sentences I use every day
I’ve spent the last decade immersed in the science of happiness, and I’ve learned that our relationships are the most important factor contributing to our personal wellbeing. While I was …
I spent 18 months and $34K traveling the world: My No. 1 mistake
In August 2022, I quit my dream job. Looking to heal my burnout and find happiness beyond work, I spent a year and a half — and $34,000 — exploring …
I bought an apartment in Brussels for under $600K: Take a look inside
My husband Martin and I met in Brussels in 2012, when I literally stepped on his toes at my neighborhood farmer’s market. At the time, I was working as a …