so happy to see you here!

i've got so many wonderful things to talk with you about ... ideas percolating and stuff i want your feedback on. but, at the same time, my body & soul are more and more frequently nudging me away from the computer. not that there is anything inherently wrong with sitting in front of my computer ... i'm so thankful for the inspirational online communities i've found and for new ways to connect with friends. it's just the body wants what the body wants.

so, i'm off to experience a newly opened, local yoga joint. looks like the kind of place i'd like to hang out. and, if time permits, i'll tell you all about it.

meanwhile, what is it your body most wants you to do? tune in to your breath and connect with that fascinating physical vehicle ... you might be in for an adventure!

namaste

Pssst: put me to work to raise funds for V-Day's Haitian Relief. book your appointment for this week via online!

tweet tweet: maca

earlier today i tweeted:

"Doubled the amounts of raw cacao & maca in almond milk I made this morn. Hub drank it w/out so much of a word or a glance. Now that's love!"

my twitter account is connected to Facebook (nice bit of multi-tasking, that), so once my tweet arrived on FB, a curious friend replied: "What's maca?"

i view maca as a superfood with specific nutritional qualities to aid in my overall vitality. read more about it here. and, here too.

i add the dried root --in powdered form-- to my cereals (hot & cold), the almond milk i make at home, any smoothies (fruit or veggie) and to nutbutter sandwiches. all in all, i usually have 1 to 2 servings a day.

because of maca's overall positive effect, it's one of the "hot" herbal ingredients and as such, it's important to purchase organically grown and sustainably harvested product. and, like any foodstuff, you should not add maca to every single meal (unless you are addressing a specific issue under the guidance of a naturopath, nutritionist or doctor). this last bit seems like common sense but we often get excited about new products and overdo it (ahem).

here's a link to organic maca so that you can order up your very own bag and start adding it to your goodies. if i were the baking sort, i would definitely add it to a yummy cupcake (hint, hint!).

be well {nourished!}

isn't it interesting how gaining a little bit of knowledge on a specific subject can make you hungry for more, more, more?

studying holistic nutrition seemed to just nick the surface. i'm now working on my herbology studies and i've been spending time with fellow foodies with different perspectives. some focus on raw foods, while others are experts at foraging for wild foods. and most of'em --like me-- are interested in helping others learn to really nourish their bodies so that they thrive.

Dr. Ritamarie is definitely a leader in helping others experience eating for robust vitality and she's been generously doing so for over 20 years. need some new recipes to get excited about nourishing your body? in the mood for a home study course on taming stress? click over to her site and pop a couple of ebooks and audio lectures into your shopping cart ... feed your body, mind & soul!

taking action

Update: Hearts and wallets open wide in hopes of providing relief to Haiti. I've now got a $1.5 match to every $1 I raise. So, come on in and put me to work...for good!

we're just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from Valentine's Day. and each year, i donate $1 from each client visit to V-Day, the global movement that funds initiatives to stop violence against women and girls.

but sometimes things happen that rock your world and the usual just doesn't cut it. as you know, Haiti was recently hit with a catastrophic earthquake and to provide immediate aid to the women and girls of Haiti --who suffer some of the worst poverty in the world and the most violent conditions for women-- V-Day has established the Haiti Rescue Fund.

in support of this fund, i'm starting the donations early. beginning today --Jan 14, 2010-- and through the end of the month, i will donate $1 from each client visit to this special V-Day Fund.

{click here} to make your donation. or, you can match my donation when you visit me at the studio.

thank you for the truly awesome opportunity to provide support to other women in their time of need and for entrusting me with your one and only skin ... i am honored.

be well {linked!}

Sundays and Mondays are my get re-acquainted with my Hub & Home time. We go for hikes, work in the yard, twist up in yoga and are generally separated from our computers for long periods of bliss.

So, it may take me a bit longer to respond to email, voicemail and text. I've put together some links to show you around including making an appointment, getting a gift certificate and more.

Check'em out:

Book an appointment online {super easy and quick! But, if you don't find the time that best fits your schedule, email or call me and we'll see what can be done}

Need a rockin' gift from the convenience of your desk to help your BFF celebrate? {Voila, instant Gift Certificate!}

Peruse Studio 41's skin care menus for superb waxing & fab facials.

In the mood for some retail therapy? Or, need a great product for your skin? Got a hankering for some spicey Kale Chips? {Click here and browse be well {groomed} partners like DermStore, TranquiliT eco-luxe clothing, The Raw Food World and more}


Still up for poking around? Here are some thoughts on mitigating stress, the benefits of facial massage, what i really think about body hair, and pondering our impact on Mother Earth.

More than anything, I like to hear your thoughts so feel free to comment, email, call or convo topics to the Studio for your appointment.

Have fun out there ... and tell me, "What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

bon mot

"If you observe your breath without manipulating it, it will start to slow down. The breath leads the body. It is the thoughtless, physical response mirroring the movement of consciousness. You cannot hide your true feelings and reactions from your breathing. As you continue to observe your breath, you will feel calm and centered. Your thoughts will settle down and the external stress will not seem so threatening. You are actually changing your vibration at the level of being."

Deepak Chopra
The Ultimate Happiness Prescription