CityWellness for the Urbanite at Play...

Skin Brushing for Healthy Skin & Organs

2009-10-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

If you're someone who likes their back scratched and healthy bright skin, you'll love adding this into your daily morning ritual! I've known about dry skin brushing for years, use to do it religiously, fell off the wagon, and now I'm back on it! It's become a part of my morning ritual -- skin brushing in circular motions from toe to head, a hot shower with a final cold blast, and my favorite natural body butter/lotion slathered all over. I feel so super fresh afterwards! You can start head to toe or toe to head though it's best to make long sweeping strokes moving upward and toward the heart to help drain the lymph back to your heart. Not only does skin brushing feel awesome and invigorating - it also helps detoxify our largest organ - our skin! It helps to reduce cellulite and removes dead skin layers, cleanses the lymphatic system, tightens and tones the skin and muscles, helps digestion, stimulates circulation and internal organs, improves the function of the nervous system, and stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands. Be sure to find something just right for YOUR skin, which may change over time once you get used to it. I have a medium textured natural fiber brush with a long handle. Stick with it for at least a month straight and you will see some great results!

Here's some fun and interesting facts about the skin:
- "The skin is the largest most important eliminative organ in the body and is responsible for one quarter of the body's detoxification each day.
- The skin eliminates over one pound of waste acids each day in the average adult, most of it through the sweat glands.
- The skin is known as our third kidney.
- The skin receives one third of all the blood circulated in the body.
- The skin is the last to receive nutrients in the body, yet the first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency."

Wow! Cool facts!

Click here to learn more on Dry Skin Brushing and other great health tips!

 

CityWellness is Back in Action!

2009-08-28T12:16:00.001-07:00

CityWellness is back after a little hiatus...with much more info and many more experiences to share!!! Welcome. Here you will find information from Aarona and Chloe offering you different perspectives on awesome, healthy and creative lifestyle options! Stay tuned for more CityWellness news...giving you updates, stories and facts on the best in health, yoga, eco-fashion, urban living, workshops, teachers, outer city journeys, and more!!! Yay!

A Trip Out of NYC into a Live Heaven

2009-08-28T09:37:00.001-07:00

This is Aarona, and currently I'm at one of David "Avocado" Wolfe's headquarters deep in the woods of Canada. It's been pure bliss here, especially for a New York city girl like myself. We've been hiking in the woods barefoot and the ground has felt amazingly soft and nourishing to my feet and whole body. We've been eating amazing foods and herbs from the land and starting our mornings with the most insane Superfood Smoothies EVER! Dandelion and I are whipping them up pitcher by pitcher - with some combination (or all) of the following - love, spring water, birch/chaga/reishi/hemp tea, amla, tribulus, shilajit, cacao, maca, gojis, raw honey, wild blueberries, fresh ground vanilla, tumeric, cayenne, hemp seeds, coconut butter - blended and strained...YUM! The result? A super warm, hot chocolate, rich flavored, high vibe tea blend, making us all feel GREAT. Lunch has been a walk through the garden, literally. Groovinda and I have been picking wild greens, peas, herbs, carrots, and tomatoes and topping it with a dressing completely sourced by fresh spring water from the land. My culinary skills are finding great inspiration here! How about some almond tumeric garlic dressing? Pecan, vanilla, honey dressing? It's been pure bliss and nourishing to the bone.

More and more, getting out of the city has become an absolute necessity for me. As much as I love the creative zest and active community a city offers, it's crucial to get a break from the city - offering your body, mind and spirit a much deserved unplug from the stresses that accumulate in urban dwellings.

Earth Hour: Sign Up and Participate!

2009-03-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

Earth Hour is our new favorite green event, plus it's the easiest one yet. This Saturday, Earth Hour — a worldwide sustainability campaign that boasted 50 million supporters in 2008 and is shooting for a whopping 100 million this year — asks you to simply turn out the lights for 60 minutes. Cast your planetary vote in "the election between Earth and global warming," the results of which will be presented at the 2009 Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. Just flip the switch, step outside, and look for some new stars as New York fades to black — or at least gets a little darker than usual. Plus, check out the New York Times article on the other two upcoming lights-out projects in the city!

Composting Indoors

2009-03-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

A few weeks I did something I've been meaning to do for the longest time . . . I bought a worm condo! For those of you who are laughing/confused, let me explain. In the interest of cutting down on garbage (since at least half of it is biodegrable food) and time (I live quite a distance from the nearest farmers market/community garden compost drop-off), I decided it was time to invest in my own personal compost system. Enter the Lower East Side Ecology Center, which is a great local compost resource. They sell "worm condos", which includes a large breathable container and a pound of worms. If you call to reserve one, you can pick it up at the Union Square Farmers Market on Saturdays. After you get it home, tear up a bunch of newspaper, make it damp, and voila! your worms have a bed. Dump the worms on top and watch them burrow underneath. Now for the fun part - feed your worms any natural food waste (bury it underneath the bedding) and watch them make vermicompost! Worms are the best pet - they take very little maintenance, but they are 100% effective at their job - making you a sustainable urbanite! For more info on how to take care of your worms, check out the LESEC page.

Eat Well Guide

2009-03-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I discovered a great online directory for all things green and sustainable! The Eat Well Guide is a database integrating the service industry, sustainable living, and technology. The simple website is easy to navigate and includes seasonal food guides (i.e, the only things in season in New York right now are apples and cabbage) as well as hormone free dairy maps that help you find the best quality moo-products anywhere in the US and Canada. They also run a blog for green news, rate establishments on how water-conscious they are (hint: don't sell bottled water!) and even help you eat sustainably when you're traveling. Bookmark them now and reference them often!

Details: www.eatwellguide.org

Toxic-Free Beauty!

2009-02-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

Okay, so you love getting primed & pampered yet you refuse to sit in a room full of nauseating toxic cancerous fumes. We totally understand. You'll be happy to know that there are 2 eco-chic, vegan & organic nail/beauty salons on our radar! Priti Organic Spa, located in LES is a sweet & lovely salon focusing on nails, facials & waxing. They use 100% organic products, including their polish. Soak your feet in a wooden bowl full of ylang ylang oils & rose petals as their talented practitioners work to perfect every stroke & clip. And for you Brooklynites or curious BK seekers Wink Beauty Bar located in Prospect Heights, offers an array of beauty services that's good for you & the Earth! With options like natural nail & skin care, detox treatments, massages, make-up application, eyebrows & a green boutique, you'll leave a soft & sparkling beauty print on the planet. Wink takes pride in their cleanliness assuring that no bacteria is passed around (ew!). They also host spa parties for showers, trunk shows & other gatherings!

What:
Eco-Conscious Beauty & Nail Salons.
Set up an appointment.
Gift Certificates available!

Priti Organic Spa
35 East First Street
New York, NY 10003
212-254-3628

Wink Beauty Bar
602 Vanderbilt Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 10003
718-230-3443

Yoga at the MOMA

2009-01-26T14:51:00.000-08:00

Recently, the MOMA de-stressed the art world with Pipilotti Rist's comfy atrium installation, and now they have teamed up with Flavorpill to win our healthy hearts over with a Sunday morning yoga class. In honor of the closing of the Rist exhibition, the free event is recession friendly, cross-cultural, and Anusaura teacher Elena Brower - founder of Soho's Vira Yoga studio - is one of the city's true yogi-gems. Brower's playful attitude makes the heart opening, long-held poses feel like fun, and she has even been known to fill up your empty water bottle while you're in downward dog. The one-hour class is open to yoga students of all levels, so get ready for a morning sweat session at the museum!

Details:
Yoga at the MOMA
Sunday, February 1.
9am-10am
11 West 53rd St.
FREE if you
RSVP to: downwarddog@flavorpill.com

Winter Beauty Essentials

2009-01-18T05:19:00.000-08:00

As the snow continues to fall and the temperature drops, our favorite Lower East Side wellness boutique Organic Avenue has got you covered with a few stay-cozy winter essentials.

1. Protect Yourself: Put your best face forward this season with Suki’s exfoliating Lemongrass Cleanser, a plant-based scrub that will give your wind-burned cheeks a fresh and glowing smile. For dry limbs, slather on Sunfood Nutrition’s luscious and sustainably-made shea butter.

2. Stay-at-home bliss: Perfect for those dark evenings, the soot-free soy-wax DIRT Love candle gets things cozy indoors while treating the earth and you’re your lungs right; it’s non-toxic and biodegradable.

3. Wardrobe reinvention: Don’t store those summer dresses yet! Pull on Maggie’s Organics natural fiber tights (we especially like the textured black and purple versions) under that frock, and presto: a perfectly chic winter look!

All products are available at:
Organic Avenue
101 Stanton St. (btw Orchard and Ludlow)
Open daily 6am-10pm
(212) 334-4593

Get a Tune Up with InTouch NYC

2008-12-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

From custom-designed one-on-one pilates workouts to acupuncture tune-ups & fusion bodywork from the far East, InTouch NYC provides it all. Jordanna Dworkin, founder of InTouch (& licensed acupuncturist, certified Chinese herbalist, & certified Authentic pilates instructor!) has a certain charm & touch that is hard to come by. Every time I've left a session with her my body feels reconnected from the inside out. Whether you have a twang in the body, feel an emotional imbalance, want to get rid of a cold, or receive an exotic acu-spa fusion ritual, Jordanna will integrate her technical experience with soothing compassion in each healing session. She recently launched 'InTouch: Acupuncture for the Workplace' which offers customized, on-site acupuncture services designed to maximize work performance & enhance a sense of well-being. In just 30 minutes, you'll reap the benefits of specific treatments for stress, neck & shoulder tension, headache, carpal tunnel syndrome, & smoking addiction, without ever leaving the office! What could be better?

Details: More Info: www.InTouchNYC.com
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE - give the gift of healing!

The Thrive Diet

2008-11-25T07:33:00.000-08:00

Everyone's always talking about how athletes need protein - animal protein - but Brendan Brazier sets the record straight in his new book The Thrive Diet. The almost-raw, totally vegan Olympic Triathlete lays out a comprehensive guide to achieving a top level of health, including what to eat before and after each type of workout, a 12-week plan, and hundreds of delicious, animal-free recipes. If you're a healthy, athletic person who wants to take diet and fitness to the next level, this will be your bible. Check it out in Barnes and Noble or our fave raw cafe Pure Food and Juice Takeaway and let us know what you think! If Brendan's testimony isn't enough for you, our friend and raw chef Cosmo Meens fed the men's Canadian Olympic Triathlon team in Beijing this summer. Learn more about it in this Vancouver Sun article.

Details:
The Thrive Diet, by Brendan Brazier
But it on Amazon for $22.94

Skin Care for You & the Earth

2008-10-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

I've recently fallen in love with an amazingly natural & vibrant skin care product: Living Libations by Ron & Nadine, a super star couple living & creating their fine products in Canada. When I was teaching at Raw Spirit in Sedona, AZ. last month I was excited to find high quality products for face, lips & even pits at the Living Libations vendor booth (after literally strolling the entire grounds looking for the best stuff). My favorites: Poetic Pits (yes, for your arm pits!), Mocha Lover Lips, & my big fav: Seabuckthorn - Best Skin Ever face toner/moisturizer. All of their products are hand-crafted, using the finest ingredients nature has to offer & made under the lush canopy of forests. You can totally feel the difference - it's not just the label that will make your eyes smile, your skin will shine immediately.

Details:
Living Libations
All natural, high vibe Beauty Care & Oils
More Info:
Please order online or call at (416) 920-8471
and sign up for their Newsletter for updates!

Kula Yoga Beginner Series

2008-10-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

Entering into the world of yoga can be challenging - there's an endless variety of styles, teachers, studios, and philosophies - but Tribeca's vinyasa haven Kula Yoga gives you an easy in with next month's 4-week beginners series. Led by humble yoga star teacher Jillian, the course offers newcomers an introduction to the physical asanas and gives seasoned students a back-to-basics refresher. Don't get pretentious now - Kula's freestyle vinyasa vibe turns all their classes into wild yoga parties.

Details:
Kula Yoga Beginner Series
28 Warren St 4th fl.
(one street below Chambers, btw Broadway and Church)
Start Date: November 1st
$75

NewLife Expo

2008-10-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

In case you missed the NewLife Expo in June, this weekend you can catch up on the latest health and wellness news from around the world. The 3-day extravaganza - only $30!! - includes hundreds of lectures, exhibits, and demos from a slew of superheroes such as raw food pioneer Victor Kulvinskas and 2012 prophet Sean David Morton. Don't worry about getting bored; topics range from vitamins and minerals to light body activation and tantric healing practices. You'll be inspired to stay bright and energized as the days grow colder and shorter. . .

Details:
Newlife Raw Food and Yoga Expo
When:
10/17 - 10/19
Where:
Hotel New Yorker
481 8th Avenue at 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
Tel:(516) 897-0900
Map
Get Tickets:
NewLifeExpoTickets

Hello Health

2008-10-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hello Health is taking the old-fashioned approach to doctor's visits. The new Brooklyn-based healthcare provider offers a $35 monthly membership to anyone in the five boroughs, and charges no more than $200 for any appointment, test, or service. This includes home visits, over-the-phone prescriptions and even email and IM conversations with a practitioner when you can't make it in. In-house specialists like Jay Parkinson treat most common ailments including warts, fractures, and gynecology issues, and will refer you to someone great if they can't help you themselves. Best of all, Hello Health is not affiliated with any other hospital or insurance company, so you can schedule a same-day appointment without having to wade through a bureaucratic nightmare. Sign up now!

Details:
Hello Health
105 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Map
9am-5pm Mon-Fri
House visits in Williamsburg only

Third Root Health Center

2008-10-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

Flatbush isn't your typcial wellness destination, but with the addition of Third Root Health Center, the neighborhood has serious potential for those looking for holistic health practices. The center boasts the cheapest yoga class in miles - only 10 dollars - and classes like "Yoga en Espanol" are hospitable towards a wide range of students. In addition to yoga, Third Root has in-house naturopathic doctors, nutritional conslultants, and acupuncturists, making the center a one-stop-shop for anyone looking for a feel-better fix.

Details:
Third Root Health Center
380 Marlborough Road, Brooklyn, 11226
Map
718-940-9343

Subway: Q to Cortelyou Road

Jill Pettijohn's Nutritional Cleanse: 5 Day Journey

2008-09-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

Since Chloe already gave you most of the finer details (below) of what you get in this beautifully fresh raw juice & soup cleanse, I will simply share my experience. First, let me just say, Jill's Cafe rocks! It's a gem with the most delicious meals, snacks & treats a girl can ask for. In fact I recently had them cater my birthday in August & everyone was blown away as they devoured healthy delights and decadent deserts...a highly recommended way to start off a new year while inspiring your guests with mouth watering health!

The 5 Day Cleanse:
I went for the five day nutritional cleanse. You get six a day (fresh juice, blended soups, & nut milk) which definitely leaves you satiated until it was time for the next. It was a great feeling to have this bounty of colorful bottles for the day & a relief not to think about what I had to drink next. I'm a big label reader so I appreciated having all the ingredients clearly written making the experience insightful. I was able to identify which beverages worked best for my body & which ones didn't agree. My favorites were the deliciously refreshing morning Green Juice & Lemonades. And the final nut milk was a treat - something to look forward to at the end of the day. There were a few soups however that either felt too complex or didn't have the most pleasing taste. I would have preferred an extra fresh juice & one less soup per day.

Overall the cleanse was a great experience. I felt nourished, lighter (mentally & physically), & re-inspired to make more of my own live food & juices. Most importantly my energy levels were good, allowing me to keep up with my busy teaching schedule. I did have some food cravings (this went through waves), so walking into the cafe to pick up my juices while salivating over the array of dishes behind the glass was a challenge! At any rate it's always a good thing to simplify our habits around consumption. Jill's Cleanse gave me more space to do, feel, & think about other things while being highly nourished.

Tip: Get a colonic at the beginning and end of a cleanse. It's essential to reap the full benefits & you really feel the difference!

Details
Jill Pettijohn's Nutritional Cleanse
Sign up online for a 3 day or a 5 day cleanse anytime!
Jill is also available for personal consultations.

Jill Pettijohn's Nutritional Cleanse: 3 Day Journey

2008-08-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

After frequenting Jill's Cafe in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, I decided to try out Jill's three day nutritional cleanse. Cafe owner and cleanse creator Jill Pettijohn guided me - and it was a great experience! Read below for the full rundown, and stay tuned for Aarona's 5-day review as well.

Menu 3/5

Juice! You get six (that's a lot, trust me) unique juices to drink throughout the day, from a delicious green juice in the morning to a squash soup-juice for lunch, to a bedtime nut milk. Each bottle's label lists a concocton of veggies, fruit, and special herbs. The soup-juices are no joke, though - if you're new to juicing you may find the new tastes and textures hard to swallow!

Energy 5/5

I had a boost of energy while on the cleanse! I ride my bike every day, work, go to the gym, and practice yoga (when i have time!), and I felt great while juicing. This cleanse seems to support a city girl like myself, which is hard to find in a most fasts/cleanses. At no point did I feel weak - every time i got hungry, i knew it was time for the next juice (Jill advises to drink one every two hours), and the days just flew by! But don't forget to drink plenty of water inbetween juices - it's easy to get dehydrated and not receive the full cleanse benefits.

Arrangements 5/5

Jill's does deliver for a cost, but you can also pick up your juices each morning or the night before each day. I rode my bike to pick up the juices each morning, and as they were securely packaged in an adorable little case, I had no trouble transporting them!

Coming off the cleanse 5/5

After the third day, I followed Jill's guidelines to come of off the juice fast. Her comprehensive menu of simple, plant-based meals made it easy to integrate solid foods back into my diet. In the past, this has been the hardest part of the cleanse for me, so it was a relief not to experience the severity of returning to a normal food plan.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Details
Jill Pettijohn's Nutritional Cleanse
Sign up online for a 3 day or a 5 day cleanse anytime!
Jill is also available for personal consultations.

David Avocado Wolfe

2008-08-26T13:15:00.001-07:00

Hot on the heels of Burning Man and just in time for Raw Spirit Fest (in Arizona!), raw food scientist and pioneer David "Avocado" Wolfe swings through Cosm tonight for a rare New York visit, armed with hours of mind-altering information. The globe-trotting nutrition expert dogs on the American food industry and shows how "wild" food can cure even the gravest of ailments, sharing his knowledge with an enthusiasm that could only come from consuming raw, unadultered nutrients all day long. His self-designed hemp suit aside, the glowing author of The Sunfood Diet Success System inspires health in even the most pallid city-dweller. Wolfe will take you through his list of superfoods and superherbs(cacao, goji, etc), as well as awesome daily practices and life-changing recipes. Don't miss it!
Details:
David Avocado Wolfe
Thursday, September 4
7-10pm
Cosm Gallery
542 west 27th st
(btw 10th/11th aves)
Investment:
$40

Film: Enlighten Up

2008-08-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Yoga's pretty hot right now, but not everyone has jumped on the downward dog wagon. In recent documentary Enlighten Up, New York yoga-skeptic and journalist Nick Rosen proves to be one of these aforementioned dissenters. While filmmaker Kate Churchill makes it her mission to convert Rosen to an om-loving yogi through a guided tour of the world's leading teachers, disciplines, and environments, her subject continues to declare himself "not a spiritual guy". Rosen is pretty annoying, but the movie shines through with beautiful cinematography and inspiring interviews - fierce guru BKS Iyengar and NYC teacher Dharma Mitra, to name a few. Equally edutaining for the new and seasoned yogis, Enlighten Up brings a refreshing perspective - it focuses less on the western-obsessed physical asana practice, and more on using yoga to become a better person. CW can get down with that, any day.

The Original, Attractive & Reusable ChicoBag!

2008-07-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

I have to truly say, this is my favorite reusable bag I've come across yet! Not only does it squish up into a little pouch so that it easily fits in your purse, it can actually act as a shoulder bag too & comes in attractive colors. I carry the ChicoBag with me everywhere & get compliments on it whenever I pull it out at the store. It's ultra-compact, super durable, eco-friendly, & you can even customize the logo. Buy extras & hand them out to friends! Read these wrenching facts for inspiration & a no excuse attitude when it comes to plastic bags: "Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion single-use plastic bags are consumed worldwide. In the U.S. alone, the average citizen uses between 300 and 700 plastic bags per year. Currently, 97% of these bags end up in either a landfill or littering our planet's fragile eco-systems."

Details:
ChicoBag for reusable bags, fundraising options and eco-friendly products
Take the Plastic Bag Self-Test
Check out their BLOG!

Raise Your Voice (and your Concsiousness!)

2008-07-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

Join Beth Miller of Park Slope Yoga Center/Devi for an early evening of healing sounds and sacred songs. Her voice is sweetly magic and her sensitivity as both yoga and mantra teacher will open up the gateway for anyone who wants to explore sound. As a group you will find freedom in your voices through toning, mantra, melody, and rhythm. These ancient vocal arts bring peace and power to body and mind.

Details:
Raise Your Voice, Raise Your Consciousness
When: Saturday, July 26, 5:15-6:45
Cost: $25
Where: Devi (across the street from Park Slope Yoga Center)
837 Union St, 2nd FL.
Register: 917.753.2242
raiseyourvoice7.26@gmail.com

Do U Yoga?

2008-07-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

Grab your sunscreen & your yoga mat! If your looking for an easy to get to, affordable, & uniquely adventurous yoga retreat experience this summer (& beyond), Kelly Dwyer's 'Do U Yoga' offers one-day excursions & multi-day retreats to lovers of yoga & outdoor sports. She's genius at creating trips right outside of the city, often times even coordinating a van to schlep city folk out of town! Her retreats include swimming in waterfalls, hiking, wine tasting, surfing, apple picking, (to name just a few), all combined with the healing & strengthening effects of yoga specifically designed to compliment the themed retreat. 'Do U Yoga' excursions are open to all levels, beginners are definitely welcomed. Check out her website for updates & details...here's just a few highlights to excite your senses!

Upcoming Day Trips:
Hudson Views Yoga Hike
Sunday, July 13th, 2008
Enjoy gorgeous views of the Hudson River & surrounding valleys with hiking & yoga.
Beach Yoga & Surfing or Beach Yoga & Sun Lover
Sunday, July 20th, 2008
Salute to the sun & sky with a delightful morning yoga session on the sand followed by a 2-hour surfing lesson or a relaxed day on the beach.
For more info & online signup:
kelly@douyoga.com
www.douyoga.com

Jill's Cafe

2008-07-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

Nestled in the heart of downtown Brooklyn, Jill's Cafe on Gold Street offers an alternative to fast food and bus fumes. Inside the peaceful, dimly-lit joint, clean wooden tables sport eco-friendly table settings, and helpful deli-counter employees guide you through a menu of mostly living food (that's raw vegan fare if you didn't know) and a few cooked veg. items. Try a zucchini pesto "pasta", a dehydrated falafel plate, or a a delicious coconut-based smoothie. And don't forget to leave room for dessert - it took me about an hour to decide between the caramel-pecan "blondie" and the nectarine crumble with almond cream. I chose the nectarine, but it's almost impossible to make a bad order here. In addition to being a much-needed health-spot in Brooklyn, owner Jill Pettijohn offers a three or five day juice-based cleanse, which can be delivered to your doorstep - a great way to transition into summer!
Details:
Jill's Cafe
Vegan Organic/Wild Crafted Cafe
A fusion of raw and kindly cooked food
231 Court Street (at Baltic)
7187970330
Prices:
Apps: $5-9
Deli: $7-9
Entrees: $12-15
Desserts: $4-8

Parashakti's Dance of Liberation: 7/11

2008-07-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

Next Friday, join shamanic healer Parashakti as she and her crew guide soul-seekers through a movement-based vision-quest at Union Square's Jivamukti yoga studio. Using Native American traditions as well as modern modalities, Parashakti asks each participant to make an intention and sport a blindfold for their free-form dance journey. Don't worry about your sight - a tribe of gatekeepers keeps you safe, while live musicians provide a soundtrack to guide you. Feel free to move and make noise in any way that calls to you, intuiting ways to heal your mind, body and spirit. After closing the ceremony together, you'll feel rejuvenated and relaxed, and blissed out to last 'til next month's dance.
Details:
Parashakti's Dance of Liberation
Friday, July 11 @ 830pm
Jivamukti Yoga School
841 Broadway 2nd Floor (btw 13th/14th st)
New York
212 995 1313
Investment:
$18/$22 day of dance
Upcoming Dates:
August 1, September 12

Green Symphony: Times Square Gem

2008-06-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

Times Square is probably my least favorite part of New York City - a million tourists, epilepsy-inducing lights, and pizza restaurants galore. Luckily, my girl Jenn turned me onto Green Symphony, a little juice bar/Korean deli/vegetarian cafe hidden behind Nokia Theatre. Just a block from the 42nd St. subway stop, Green Symphony is a health food haven, offering a full hot bar (with yummy treats like quinoa and roasted veggies), traditional Korean fare, custom-made salads, and any juice or smoothie you could imagine. With menu choices like acai-power shakes, avocado and pumpkin seed salad, and a plethora of delicioius soups and wraps, the friendly little place will definitely be my first stop whenever I'm in the nabe.
Details:
Green Symphony vegetarian deli
Where:
255 W 43rd St
Btwn 7th & 8th Ave
Map
212-391-4747

Newlife Raw Food and Yoga Expo

2008-06-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the summer, Newlife hosts their annual Yoga and Raw Food expo this weekend. The health-centered 3-day wellness extravaganza offers lectures from premier New York raw-foodists, panels discussing how to make positive changes in your diet and lifestyle, and gourmet meals courtesy of veg spots Raw Soul and Kazuko's. When you get tired of talking about living food, you can learn about chakra healing and tantric practices, and take advantage of all-day yoga classes with local veteran teachers. Be sure to make it for the Saturday-night trance dance with Parashakti, blissing out to the most rawesome New York weekend ever!
Details:
Newlife Raw Food and Yoga Expo
When:
06/6 - 06/8
Where:
Hotel New Yorker
481 8th Avenue at 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
Tel:(516) 897-0900
Map
Get Tickets:
NewLifeExpoTickets

Health & Hedonism: Rejuvenate Kula Yoga Style

2008-06-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a much deserved & easy to get to Retreat? Are you craving a good indulgent pampering full of yoga, beauty & maybe a little fun? Treat yourself for 4 days to decadence & celebration! Kula Yoga Project (of NYC) is hooking it up for all you folks who want to get down & dirty, Bayside Yogi style! Enjoy the Turkish Hamam, Aroma Steam Room, Cedar Sauna, Mud Lounge, Mineral Swimming Pool, Massage Waterfall, amazing Spa Treatments, Organic Mediterranean cuisine, fresh fruit libations, & some of the BEST YOGA around! This hedonistic sanctuary is a perfect match for Kula Yoga Project, renowned for a challenging style of yoga that strikes a perfect balance between creative flow & intelligent alignment. This weekend features 10 CLASSES & WORKSHOPS DAILY (beg-adv level), led by some of the very best vinyasa teachers in NYC!
Details:
The 3rd Annual KULA YOGA Conference
* Celebrate 6 years of KULA in style *
When:
June 19-23, 2008
Where:
The Standard Hotel
Miami Beach, FL.
More Details, Pricing, Questions:
www.KulaYoga.com
To Register:
212-945-4460

Integrative Nutrition Blog

2008-05-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Institute for Integrative Nutrition is one of New York's best resources for wellness education, and now you can check out all the cutting-edge IIN news on their new blog ! The institute teaches students how to take care of themselves and certifies them as holistic health counselors, bringing together the most eminent speakers in the fields of nutritional science, natural healing, and global change. We love the socially-conscious, urban-centered fodder from head honcho Joshua Rosenthal, from the benefits of eating greens to the current American health crisis. And if you are interested in attending IIN, contact us about info and discounts - we're both graduates!

Super Hero Smoothie Recipe

2008-05-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

Citywellness (me and Aarona) just returned from a fantastic retreat at magical Eden Hot Springs, Arizona, where we ate divine raw food courtesy of genius living-foods chef Elaina Love. During a "un"-cooking demo, Elaina showed us how to make her signature Super Hero smoothie. It's so delicious we just had to let y'all know about it too! I make this power-beverage every morning now, and drink it as my brain food at work. Try it out and let us know what you think!
Recipe:
(for one)
3 T hemp seeds
1 1/2 C water
1 T goji berries/powder
1 T cacao nibs/powder
2 t maca powder (be careful, this is an aphrodisiac!)
1 T green powder (should have sea and land greens in it)
4 dates/1 t of sweetener of your choice
1 t cinnamon
pinch of fresh vanilla bean (optional)
Blend everything together until you have a smooth consistency. The smoothie is thinner than you might expect - more like a dense green-chocolate milk.
Details:
This smoothie includes all the essential daily nutrients - hemp carries healthy fats and protein,
goji berries are high in anti-oxidants, cacao is an energy-boosting re-mineralizer, maca strengthens the immune systems, and the greens cleanse your blood! Even cinnamon helps lower blood sugar. . . you can also make the recipe with nut milk and fresh fruit for an equally satisfying meal. You can pick up the ingredients at most health food stores, or check out SunFood for the highest quality raw food products.

Yoga Soundscape at CoSm :: Evolve

2008-05-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

A fun, sweet, yogic experience - this month's 'Yoga Soundscape' is excited to be hosted by one of the most spiritual & incredible art galleries around - CoSm! Live on the decks we have resident DJ, Alien Ambassador (aka Marisa Scirocco). Her sounds are bassy, downtempo grooves with a latin & middle eastern flare! Combined with Aarona's nurturing guidance, you'll experience a breath-filled yoga class rich with aligning freedom & challenging overtones woven into a sweaty creative flow - a true hybrid of various yoga styles! Finally, you'll be smothered by a sound healing Savasana ritual, sure to blast open your heart & mind. And stay afterwards to view the epic art gallery of Alex Grey! The theme is 'EVOLVE', so come prepared with your intentions & plant your seeds in this sacred, strengthening, spirit filled movement-sound-meditation!

Details:
Yoga Soundscape
Friday, May 23, 2008
7-9pm = Yoga Soundscape class
9-10pm = Open viewing of CoSm
(Chapel of Sacred Mirrors)
542 W27th st., 4th floor
(btwn 10th & 11th ave)
Investment:
$20

* Bring your own mat!
* Questions: aarona@yogaofnourishment.com

Yoga People Studio/Spa Launches

2008-05-16T14:02:00.001-07:00

This weekend marks the opening of a new eco-friendly yoga studio and spa on Montague street in downtown Brooklyn! With bamboo sustainable floors and a full service salon offering massage, acupuncture, facials and more, Yoga People's collaborative enterprise with Urban Zen Spa will be an essential resource for any urban wellness seekers! On Saturday, check out the open house with yummy snacks and drinks, while on Sunday, yogis and yoginis can break in the new studio space during a free afternoon class! Founders Wendy and Regine (a yoga teacher and body worker, respectively) have made the space into a city sanctuary, just for you!
Details:
Yoga People/Urban Zen Spa launch
Directions
Saturday open house: 3-6pm
Sunday Yoga class (all levels): 1-2pm

Making My Own Kombucha

2008-04-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

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!

GreenYour.com Launches

2008-04-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

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

Love Your Transformation: LYT

2008-04-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

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

Time to Detox Tastefully: Organic Avenue

2008-04-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

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

Laughing Lotus Guru in town 4.22-25

2008-04-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Conscious Pampering: Priti Organic Spa

2008-04-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

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

Vital Juice: Liquiteria

2008-04-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

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

Vegan Grub in Brooklyn: V Spot Cafe

2008-04-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Dance Like Nobody's Watching: 5Rhythms

2008-04-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

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

Yoga Soundscape

2008-03-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

For a city that loves mash-ups, this weekend's Yoga Soundscape is a perfect fit. One part vinyasa yoga class (taught by our own lovely Aarona Pichinson), one part DJ jam session(world-beat soundtrack by Flavorpill's Sascha Lewis), the sweaty and inspiring all-levels yoga groove even offers a special guided Savasana by meditation master Laaraji. When you wake up, feel free to enjoy complimentary access to the posh Reebok club, from the cardio machines to the sauna and hot tub. Get there early, this event will fill up quickly!
Details:
Yoga Soundscape
Saturday, March 15
330-530pm
Reebok Sports Club
160 Columbus Ave @ 67th st
Cost:
$35

We Are What We Eat

2008-03-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

If you're like us, you've probably wondered about the connection between your eating habits and the quality of your life. Not only does food convert into physical and mental work energy (whether a short-term sugar high or a more sustained period of nourishment), it also affects your yoga practice and spiritual life. If you're intrigued to learn more, join Latham Thomas this weekend for her workshop, Understanding The Pranic Energetics of Food. Holistic health counselor, yoga teacher, and co-founder of Panela Productions, Latham addresses food values (why you think icecream is "bad" and broccoli is "good") and the relationship of food to yoga, in order to guide you towards healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes.
Details:
Understanding The Pranic Energetics of Food
with Latham Thomas
When and Where:
Sunday, March 9
2:30-4:30pm
Laughing Lotus Yoga Center
519 W 19th St. (off 6th ave)
Map

The Biodegradable City

2008-03-01T06:58:00.000-08:00

For many of us New Yorkers, composting is a foreign concept; even recycling is a rare occasion. Luckily, there is a pocket of urbanites who have dedicated their time to making composting an easy and accessible endeavor. The NYC Compost Project offers ongoing workshops and events for worm bin novices, as well as continuing education for those in the know. Their site also explains the decomposition process (yum yum). For those of us who don't want to get our hands dirty, the indispenable green map from the Lower East Side Ecology Center shows all the public composts locations in Manhattan, and includes a helpful list of foods destined for the garbage and the garden. Print it out and take your compost out to the site nearest you!

Studio Pick: Kula Yoga

2008-02-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

Nestled near City Hall, Kula Yoga Project offers freestyle vinyasa yoga classes for students of all levels. Kula, meaning intentional community, makes you feel right at home in its sweet and low-key 4 flight walk up studio (a nice warm-up). Classes are creative, strengthening and sweaty, so bring a towel. First time Kulis, drop in for a 3-class $30 intro deal. Each teacher offers something unique within the 'Kula Flow' style and there's more than enough classes to choose from every day.
Details:
Kula Yoga Project
28 Warren Street 4th Floor (btwn Church/Broadway)
Map
2129454460

A Mindful Road to Recovery: Yoga and Meditation

2008-02-25T13:16:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a more mind-body focused recovery from compulsive or abusive behaviors, this is a great opportunity. Back again by popular demand, Michael Fayne, PhD & Allyson Pimentel, EdD share their expertise inside the urban oasis, Om Factory with a mindful movement/meditation practice, group discussion, and theoretical teaching. If you're seeking to prevent a relapse or even just looking to live a fuller life free of continuous defeat-prone habits, this workshop will help you establish a healthier relationship with your body and the choices you make. Research has shown that the practice of yoga and meditation clearly play a role in helping one to control problems like substance abuse, compulsive eating and spending disorders, or any other addictions. All levels welcome.

Details:
Yoga & Meditation for Relapse Prevention
with Michael Fayne, PhD and Allyson Pimentel, EdD
When & Where:
Friday, 2.29.08, 6.15pm-9.15pm
Om Factory
265 West 37th Street (@ 8th Ave), 4th fl.
212 616-8662
Class Fee: $75 (includes meditation CD & handouts)
Pre-registration is required as space is limited!
No one will be turned away- If you cannot afford the full fee, email Allyson at allyson@omfactorynyc.com

Hangawi? Delicious Korean Fare

2008-02-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

Many of us love Korean cuisine but not it’s often beef-centered menu. Hangawi is a unique vegan paradise that greets you with unearthly music, a no-shoe policy, and food fit for an ancient emperor. Mountain greens, grains and roots supply an exotic offering that will leave even the most carnivorous guest sated. After this nourishing experience, you will be inspired to treat yourself better when you go home.
Details:
Hangawi
12 East 32nd (btw 5/6 Ave)
212213007
Hours:
Lunch 12-3pm
Dinner 5-1030pm

Ecompassion Sample Sales

2008-02-22T14:46:00.000-08:00

While online shopping is comfortable and efficient, the Ecompassion Sample Sales are a breath of fresh air. Featuring eco-friendly threads, this Soho event will satisfy the casual and glamorous among us. Greenfinds founder Ike Rodriguez offers retail therapy with global consciousness: five percent of what you pay for your C&C t-shirt or Steven Alan jacket benefits charity: water (which constructs wells in underpriveleged communities) and Trees for the Future (which builds sustainable environments through planting). Check out new community space Open House Gallery, a refreshing event location aligned with the sale's carbon neutral message.
Details:
Friday-Sunday 2.22-24
11-8pm
Open House Gallery
201 Mulberry

Anusara Workshop @ Virayoga

2008-02-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

Join Virayoga founder Elena Brower (pictured at right) and fellow Anusara Yoga veteran Jackie Prete this weekend for an inspiring workshop. The Saturday afternoon intensive will focus on creativity through the practices of asana, pranayama and meditation. Both Brower and Prete offer students an engaging atmosphere that is gentle and non-dogmatic. This cozy Soho studio is the perfect place to learn your way around opening your heart.
Details:
Connect to Your Creativity Through Your Yoga Practice
Sat 2.23 1-4pm
Virayoga
580 Broadway suite 1109
Map
$45/$50 day of class