Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Making My Own Kombucha


If you're like me, you can hardly go 24 hours without cracking open a cold one - and by that i mean a delicious bottle of GT's Kombucha. The fermented tea beverage - which tastes like an astringent carbonated juice - has cured my mid-day slump and helped me digest meals better. However, at about $5 a pop, all the wonderful health benefits had started to pale in comparison to how empty my wallet looked, so I decided to try and make Kombucha myself. Using my easy online instructions and a "starter" from my store-bought Kombucha, I set the sweet tea and "scoby" (mother culture) in a covered bowl inside a kitchen cabinet for two weeks. When I checked the concoction, it had grown into a massive culture, just as promised! I tasted the liquid, which was a just the right combination of sweet and sour, bottled it in an old Kombucha container, and put it in the fridge. Voila! I can now make as many batches as I want - and only pay for the cost of tea and sugar. Next, I'm going to add my own fruit juices to flavor it. Good luck, Kombucha-lovers, and email me anytime you have questions!
Details:
Seeds of Health Instructions
*Note: You can also use agave or honey instead of white sugar!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

GreenYour.com Launches


We're always looking for new ways to be eco-chic, so when we heard about GreenYour.com - the first search-based site for eco-friendly living - we had to let you know about it too. Just in time for Earth Day, sustainable business strategist GreenOrder launched the beta version of their new project, which includes 2,000 pages of green tips, facts and guides, all navigable through a simple search-tool on the front page of the site. Whether you're looking to find an eco-conscious hotel or an energy-efficient dishwasher, the open-source site offers you well-researched and up-to-date products and solutions for every aspect of your lifestyle. Check it out now and pass along to friends and family!
Details:
GreenYour.com
Search-based eco-lifestyle site

Monday, April 21, 2008

Love Your Transformation: LYT

Spring is the theme & many of us are ready to clean & lighten up our bodies - from the inside out. In addition to embracing the practice of a healthy lifestyle, it's important to support our process with the assistance of experienced body workers to help move things along. LYT is just that place, conveniently located in the heart of Manhattan. Upon walking in, you instantly feel sense of calm. Mostly known for their gentle & effective colon hydrotherapy sessions, they also offer an array of healing modalities to keep the body aligned including acupuncture, private yoga, facial rejuvenation, weight loss packages, B.E.S.T. therapy, massage & more. If you're planning a cleanse be sure to include a colonic on your to-do list so your body reaps the full benefits. As LYT puts it, "Our colon is the 'Managing Director' of our state of health". Sessions fill up fast here so be sure to schedule in advance!
Details:
LYT - Colon Hydrotherapy, Natural Healing, Holistic Practices
Where:
347 5th Ave.,
#1410 (btwn 33/34th St)
212.696.1800
Call to make an appointment

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Time to Detox Tastefully: Organic Avenue

It's finally Spring & many of you could probably use a good cleanse - we recommend Organic Avenue's L.O.V.E. (Live. Organic. Vegan. Experience.™) program built for both the experienced detoxer who wants to lighten up or the newbie who is curious about cleansing in a safe & delicious way. There are 3 different programs to choose from, assuring that you ease your way into an incredibly tasty, all organic, raw, vegan experience smoothly. A store front nestled in the Lower East Side, Organic Avenue is definitely one of Manhattan's greatest resources for those who want to indulge or detox in health & style. They also have everything from fresh food, juices & smoothies ready to go, organic stylish threads to wear on any occasion, a huge array of supplements & daily raw essentials to choose from, & in-store lectures.
Details:
Organic Avenue for a healthy natural lifestyle
Where:
101 Stanton Street (btwn Orchard & Ludlow St.)
(212) 334-4593
Store Hours:
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Open 7 days

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Laughing Lotus Guru in town 4.22-25


Dana Flynn will be in town teaching at Laughing Lotus Yoga Center next week! Since opening a new studio in San Francisco, the LLYC co-creator only makes out to NYC every few months, so it's always a special occasion to take one of her challenging, sweaty, and hilarious classes. Before she crossed over to the healing arts, Dana ran restaurants in gritty Hell's Kitchen, and today she teaches with the wisdom of a true urban yogini . Check out the Laughing Lotus Web Scheduler to sign up now.

Details:
Dana Flynn, Co-founder of Laughing Lotus
When:
Tuesday 4.22 @ 4pm
Wednesday 4.23 @ 12pm
Friday 4.25 @ 12pm
Where:
Laughing Lotus Yoga Studio
519 W 19th St. (off 6th ave)
Map
Note:
If you do not sign up in advance, arrive at least 30 minutes before the class you are attending.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Conscious Pampering: Priti Organic Spa

Most of us can agree that when we finally give our hands and feet the love they deserve everything seems brighter, including your freshly polished nails. A good mani/pedi is a sure way to pamper them. However if the toxic smells and so-so vibe of your ordinary salon makes the experience less enticing, there's a better way. Priti is an all organic, non-toxic spa boutique offering manicures & pedicures, waxing, facials and massage. They incorporate the use of fresh fruits, herbs & organic essential oils in all of their foot/hand baths and custom tailored facials. Your lungs and skin will be equally happy as your feet soak in ylang ylang oils over black stones and rose petals. As owner Kim puts it, "we believe you can be beautiful without harming our world & ourselves." Make sure you block a bit of time out for this one because the practitioners pay close attention to detail, perfecting every clip and stroke.
Details:
Priti Organic Spa:
35 East 1st Street
212.254.3628

Monday, April 7, 2008

Vital Juice: Liquiteria


Whether you're a die-hard raw foodist or just looking for some healthy breakfast, you can get your juice on (and more!) at Liquiteria, the East Village's most convenient cafe for those on the go. Ask for a custom juice or a soy-fruit smoothie to start your day; they also serve heartier fare like sandwiches, oatmeal, and vegan snacks to take with you. Best of all, you can grab a variety of fresh-pressed juices from the to-go fridge, from the energy boosting All Greens (romaine, kale, celery, parsley and cucumber) to the sweet refresher Royal Flush (pineapple, pear, ginger and aloe-vera). The juices stay fresh for two days tops, and are a great travel snack. Liquiteria also delivers, so you can stock your home or office with tasty delights!
Details:
Liquiteria: Smoothies, Juices and Snacks
170 2nd Ave, New York 10003
At 11th St
212-358-0300
Average juice cost:
$7

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Vegan Grub in Brooklyn: V Spot Cafe


Whether you're a full time Brooklyn resident or just passing through, you'll want to stop by the V Spot for a healthy and yummy meal. Park Slope's only all vegan restaurant has a down to earth vibe with a large menu full of options and fair prices. Enjoy their live music nights, an organic beer or glass of wine and brunch on the weekends. If you're into mock meats, there's plenty of options to satiate the carnivore in you. Otherwise stick to the great salads (esp. the portabello), raw nori rolls, the sweet potato fries, or a classic lentil and veggie burger. Top it all off with a sweet vegan dessert. Enjoy!
Details:
V Spot Cafe - All Vegan, Cruelty-Free Grub
Where:
156 5th Ave (btwn Douglas & Degraw)
Park Slope, Brooklyn
718.622.2275
Connect:
www.thevspotcafe.com
or check out their MySpace page.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Dance Like Nobody's Watching: 5Rhythms

If you've been craving a sweaty and ecstatic dance experience yet would rather not step into a club to get your groove on, then you'll be happy to discover the 5Rhythms. Not only will you get some serious booty-shaking checked off your list, you will be dipped into a unique movement practice that will tone your body, mind and spirit. Created by urban shaman Gabrielle Roth, the 5Rhythms are a powerful moving meditation that become more profound the more you show up. One part instruction, two parts liberated movement, classes are held all over the city. Check out the site for a full list.
Details:
The Moving Center
542 W 27th St 4th Fl (btw 10/11ave)
Recommended:
High Vibration Waves
Tuesdays 730-930pm
or
Sweat Your Prayers
Sundays 1-3pm
Teacher: Jonathan Horan