Research has shown that frequent sexual activity — having an orgasm at least twice a week — can keep you from getting sick this winter. Individuals who engage in regular sexual activity have been shown to produce higher levels of immunoglobulin (IGA), an anti-body that can prevent susceptibility to catching minor colds and flus.

The tapa is the most versatile food in Spain. It can be eaten in the morning, in the afternoon for a pick-me-up and at night for a light dinner. Wait a minute though. What is a tapa? Despite the fact that the tapa and tapas bars have become quite trendy in the last few years, not everyone knows what it even is.

Basically, a tapa is a small ration of food or a bite-sized stacked appetizer that can be made of hundreds of ingredients. Depending on what part of Spain you are in, one tapa will be more popular than another. Spain loves to party, and so it makes sense that the Spanish culture has basically invented the perfect party food: the tapa.

Okay, so our financial woes are not totally over yet. But that doesn't mean we all have to go gift-less this holiday season. There are a number of great eco-friendly holiday gift ideas around $20 or less that are thoughtful and practical. I don't know about you, but when I think of gifts, I usually try to get something I know people wouldn't buy for themselves, but would still absolutely love.

Green Bean Casserole was originally invented by the Campbell Soup Company as a promotional ploy. And the plan was so successful that today many consider the dish a staple for the holiday season. Of course, for others of us, it conjures up memories of soggy canned veggies and a generally tasteless dish... but it doesn’t have to be that way! Lose the canned soup, and make a more organic, healthy, and tasty version of this classic dish.

Last week we extolled the virtues of making one's own bath salts as we kicked off our holiday DIY ideas for homemade bath and body gifts that are simple, inexpensive and thoughtful.This week, we tackle making your own bars of soap, and while not quite as easy or cheap as making your own bath salts, as long as you are careful and follow the instructions, you'll end up with some beautiful bars to present others with and some soap making skills to last a lifetime. 

Winter has landed: the weather outside is frightful, bells are jingling, and you’re dreaming of a white Christmas. Chances are, you’re also dreaming of warm, sweet, baked goods—holiday desserts to make you feel cozy and comfortable inside your winter wonderland. If you’re as in love with winter desserts as we are--candy-sprinkled sugar cookies, spiced gingerbreads, warm fruited cakes—you’re probably wondering how to make the holiday classics a bit healthier. We’ve got some great tips for baking holiday desserts dairy-free.  With these simple pointers, you’re going to be baking up dairy-free delights right up until Santa Claus comes to town.

As the raindrops and temperatures plummet - maybe even some snow - hardly anything feels better than a warm cup of cocoa. Sure, we try to stick to green tea and herbal teas that exude the fragrances of winter, but sometimes a hot chocolate is simply in order and certainly unrivaled. And your kids will not argue with that!

But, be careful with this treat. There is a way to indulge that is far healthier and equally as satisfying, for most brands of cocoa mix have partially hydrogenated oils - something that should definitely be avoided.

Brussels Sprouts resemble tiny little cabbages, so it's no surprise the two are closely related. These round cruciferous veggies are thought to be native to Belgium, specifically to a region near its capital, Brussels, hence the name.Typically sage green in color (occasionally you'll find a red-hued variety), when perfectly cooked these sprouts have a crisp, dense texture and an earthy, slightly bitter taste. Unfortunately, often times they are overcooked, losing much of their allure (by emitting a sulphuric smell and turning to mush). Oftentimes you'll find brussels sprouts sold separately but can sometimes find them still attached to the stem.

Here in Spain, a lot of celebrating is about to take off: Christmas Eve is around the corner, often celebrated with family feasting; Christmas Day comes and we enjoy a large Spanish-style lunch; Sant Esteve in Catalonia which is held on the 26th involves another long lunch and usually canellonis. After this three-day marathon of indulgence, there is a minor break until New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and then King's Day on the 6th of January, all equally celebratory. What's the thread that ties it all together? Cava.

Yup, it’s officially winter out there. But you still want to grow your culinary herbs, darn it! Don’t fret, you can easily bring your outdoor herbs indoors for the nippy months. We’ve got five simple tips for growing those herbs indoors throughout the winter season.

The late Mel Torme co-wrote one of the most popular holiday songs ever; even if you don't recognize it by its name, "The Christmas Song," you surely recognize those famous lyrics: "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping on your nose…"

We all know the type. Some of you might even fit the bill: pushy, dogmatic, demanding, obnoxious. No, I'm not talking about the Tea Party. I'm referring to Chocoholics.

The fanatical behavior of chocolate lovers can feel overwhelming and possibly even a bit mental. Still, there's no denying that chocolate is magical. Chocolate is a gourmand's darling, being paired with bacon, beer and cheeses. You'll also find it added to body care products, candles and alcohol.

A Canada based biotech company is seeking approval to be able to sell a genetically modified apple in the U.S. designed to take much longer to turn brown once sliced. Citing that this GMO apple would improve sales and consumption in American markets, the company is being met with resistance from U.S. apple growers who are weary of the product.

This year, we've decided making our holiday gifts sounds like carols to our ears. That said, we're all pretty busy people with certain limited budgets. So, we're bringing you a series of Do-It-Yourself gifts that take those things into consideration and deliver thoughtful, healthy and beautiful gifts to pamper and nourish your loved ones. Here's Number One!

This creamy, sweet festive drink is pure holiday comfort. Your family won't believe it's dairy-free and actually good for you!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 cups Almond Cream*, unsweetened
1/2 cup date paste (dates blended with a little water)
2 Tbsp grade B maple syrup
2 frozen bananas
2 tsp flax seed oil (*optional)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp nutmeg plus additional for sprinkling
1/4 tsp cinnamon

"Lose Weight by Eating Junk Food!" It's a headline made for America. Eat a diet of snack cakes, cheesy chips and sugary cereals and lose weight without lifting a finger or a head of broccoli.

Professor Haub of Kansas State University made waves in the nutrition media lately for dropping 27 pounds in ten weeks on what has been dubbed the "Twinkie Diet."