Hanging On A Rope

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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Think jump rope is solely for grade school games during recess? Think again. Amanda Kloots is bringing our favorite childhood activity to adults through her intense workout, The Rope. Amanda founded the class after working as a private trainer and saw how awesome jumping rope can be for cardio, strength training and agility work. She started experimenting on her clients and suddenly realize she had discovered something unique. We can tell you, firsthand, it works! We sat down with Amanda to talk through this amazing workout and its benefits, and how she manages to stay balanced while building The Rope’s future (hint, it involves launching her own jump rope!) Our conversation, below.

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A Wild Dove

The Rope is such a kick ass workout. Can you detail the benefits of jumping rope?

A Wild Dove

Jumping rope is literally one of the best exercises one can do!  It tones your entire body while torching calories and shrinking body fat! In my class I focus on four themes while jumping - warmup, coordination, endurance, and speed.  Warmup works on perfecting your basic jump and getting your heart rate up.  In coordination, I add in fancy footwork to connect your brain to your body, which strengthens your brain and helps with agility.  Endurance is the third interval.  In this sequence I encourage everyone to jump at a certain tempo for a longer period of time to build their endurance. Lastly, we work on speed and stamina by doing sprints. Whether you are a beginner or advanced jumper, you can work on on four themes and you see yourself get better with each class.

A Wild Dove

Your workout seems great for traveling, all you need is the rope! Can you walk us through some exercises we can do when we can't make it to your class?

Amanda Kloots

Absolutely!  If you are traveling, a great way to work in The Rope is to focus on intervals: 

• Begin jumping for two to three minutes and work in some planks to get your core fired up. Grab the rope in both hands and start toning your abs with standing abs leaning left and right, keeping your arms above your head.

• Start jumping again for another two to three minutes. Grab your rope above your head and work on some standing lunges pulling the rope down toward your body to get an upper body workout as well! After completing lunges on both right and left sides, begin jumping again for another three minutes.

• Throw your rope down on the floor in one line and hold a plank over your rope. Tap your right leg over to your left and then switch to the other side for three counts of eight. Do the same with your hands.

• Grab your rope and finish off this mini workout with another few minutes of jumping!

A Wild Dove

What are some tips for keeping good form while jumping rope?

Amanda Kloots

• Stay low! You don't need to jump higher than the rope thickness.

• Always keep your shoulders over your hips, your hips over your knees, and your knees over your ankles!

• Keep your elbows at your waist and your arms in a 90 degree angle.

• Make sure your abs are engaged, your glutes are tight, and your knees and feet are together

• BREATHE!

A Wild Dove

The Summer Series at the One and Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas sounds heavenly. Can you give us the inside scoop?

Amanda Kloots

This is the ultimate weekend getaway! I cannot say enough about the resort, it is gorgeous and the staff are fabulous. You get three workouts with me, one each morning! You also get a paddleboard lesson, lunches, dinners, and cocktails. The best part is you can get there in two-and-a-half hours and then it's absolute heaven!

A Wild Dove

Sounds it! You must have a crazy schedule, how do you stay balanced? Any rituals you can share?

Amanda Kloots

I have a hard time staying balanced but I do my best. I always take one day off a week where I let my body completely relax. I get medical massages each week and acupuncture when needed. I also am religious about icing my muscles and rolling out with a foam roller!

A Wild Dove

What are the next steps for The Rope?

Amanda Kloots

The next steps are super exciting. I am in the midst of creating my own jump rope!! Stay tuned!

A Wild Dove

Lastly, what makes you fly?

Amanda Kloots

I absolutely love teaching! I get so energized walking into a class and seeing everyone excited to work out. The endorphins after teaching a class that lasts for hours, I can't get enough!

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for more info

visit amandakloots.com or

check out the class schedule here

Joy Dushey’s “Joyful Approach” Retreat

Written and Photographed by Joy Dushey

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We spoke with Joy Dushey, founder of The Joyful Approach and M.O.F. (member of the flock) on her first-ever wellness retreat that provides the perfect reset for busy mamas and non-mamas, alike. Needless to say, we are IN on the next one and will bring you along with us. In the meantime, she tell us about her magical weekend away.

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My first “The Joyful Approach Retreat” was one of the most heightened experiences of my life. I created the retreat with the intention of bringing all kinds of women together to unite in a healing process through The Joyful Approach intensive workshop, with astrology integration, and daily yoga, all in beautiful Tulum, Mexico.

I collaborated with Alia Mai, a yoga instructor and founder of Kin Yoga Retreats in Tulum along with the outstanding astrologer Rose Theodora based in Los Angeles. Both Alia and Rose are contributors to The Joyful Approach and both incorporate spirituality to their teachings. The three of us worked thoroughly on creating an integrative retreat that would facilitate growth and healing through introspective work, as well as bringing awareness to the mind, body and spirit by creating a sacred space for women to open up and share in a safe environment.

The retreat was situated at Casa Violeta, a chic, tranquil hotel on the stunning white sand shores of Tulum. The hotel is family-owned and the staff pours love and care into every detail to ensure the guests feel comfortable, rejuvenated and can have a profound experience.  We were a total of 15 diverse women from New York, Los Angeles, Montreal, New Mexico, South Carolina and Steamboat Springs, CO. Out of the 15, nine of us are dedicated mamas trying to find the balance in our lives for self care and support in the day to day responsibilities that come along with mama-hood.

The morning began with a morning practice of meditation and Hatha Vinyasa. We then had a beautifully prepared breakfast set overlooking the ocean with delicious fruits and natural ingredient foods, such as pancakes made with ginger, almond and quinoa.

For the first two days, I taught The Joyful Approach curriculum.
The first day was based on the six fundamental components of the Joyful Approach holistic lifestyle: Sleep, Nutrition, Hydration, Breathing, Thinking and Movement. It was about raising awareness and  bringing the components into balance to create a more holistic approach to our lives. On each topic, we touched on supporting mamas in challenges they face. When we spoke on the importance of movement and time management, we talked through creative ideas of how to exercise with your child. I taught the importance of breathing throughout our day as well as dedicating time for meditation with mindfulness. I guided a meditation and stressed how important this is to avoid “reacting” with your child and learning to pause and breathe in moments of stress.

The second day was part two based on more emotional components and how we relate to each other, ourselves and the world. The components that support the six fundamentals such as “boundary setting”, setting intentions, core values, self love and living in authenticity. Boundary setting is an area I still work on day to day, so we all shared the importance of setting boundaries as mamas. Core Values are also an area for us to create clarity so that we can make choices as mamas with always having our core values in place.

On the third day, Rose led a powerful workshop on astrology. It was not only fun and exciting but also eye opening. Rose facilitated private sessions for each guest with an astrology reading based on their charts that were prepared in advance. She guided those that asked about their children’s signs and offered skills to orient with them with a better understanding of why they are the way they are!

After these workshops we broke for another delicious meal prepared with love and creativity for lunch.  There were a few hours left open for free time to go out on excursions and discover Tulum until our daily practice of Yin Yoga. This was a beautiful way for us to melt our minds and bodies into deep relaxation.

We had elegant dinners that were also tons of fun. It was a time where we could all share our experiences from the day in an intimate setting or someone would prepare a speech and bring gifts for the group.

We were blessed to have a sound bath with the amazing Alesandra Montana of Suhuy Multi Vibrational Therapy after dinner. We layed comfortably on our mats in the darkness with the warm breeze brushing our faces, the smell of Kopal in the air and surrendered to the sound waves and harmonic vibrations. The several sound instruments included quartz, crystal, Tibetan bowls, Chinese gongs, mayan shells, didgeridoo and human voice that all helped to restore inner balance. It was complete magic.

Another highlight of the retreat was a pop up shop of Kimonos hand sewn with intention by my LA sister Rita Ghanime. There were also beautiful dream catchers designed by Alia Mai, hand-knit crochet bikinis by Laguna Collective, and essential oils I brought with me from my teacher David Elliot, along with Lavendar silk eye pillows from Lara Elliot made with her Reiki light.

The last powerful event was my facilitating a group Breathwork healing session. I have had groundbreaking transformative experiences with this style of Pranayama Breathwork. With my intention to be able to share this with the world. I witnessed these women letting go, feeling safe to experience cathartic journeys and free themselves through endorphin release. When the session ended we stayed in this space of radiant love, we were laughing, crying, and playing like we were children again. It was beautiful and a memory that will stay in my heart forever.

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For more info

visit TheJoyfulApproach.com

As modern mamas living in the over information age, (where everyone is an expert and parenting opinions are shared as freely and easily as an Instagram post) it can be tough to filter through the white noise to find the facts. Naturally, we’d love to consider ourselves wise in all sorts of ways, but the truth is sometimes we’re scrawling SOS in the sand. Good thing we’ve got the guidance and expertise of our own personal rockstars: the people who inspire us on the daily. Our rockstars (our flock) are enthusiasts, professionals and influencers in the fields of wellness, travel, education, style—the list goes on. Each one brings a profoundly different perspective to the table, one informed by their own experiences and outlooks. And that perspective is priceless.

They say it takes a village…we say it takes a flock.

Crystal Clear

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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An interior design firm that makes your home feel beautiful and functional? Yes please. An interior design firm that improves the energy of your home that makes it a happier place to live? Absolutely! Such is the premise behind The Cristalline, the firm founded in 2015 by Rashia Bell, a crystal healer and designer and Elizabeth Kohn, who’s also a designer. The pair most famously for placed crystals throughout the new studio of The Class by Taryn Toomey, including under its floorboards to keep in love, protection and healing while pushing negative energy out. They do the same for homes, inputting their design expertise while also determining the best place for say, a Rose Quartz to let love in or a Black Tourmaline to keep out electric currents. We were so inspired by The Cristalline’s work that we followed them into their client’s space to experience firsthand how it all comes together in the home.

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A Wild Dove

Now more than ever, balancing our energy in our physical space seems so needed. What was your trigger moment in deciding it would be your life's work?

Rashia Bell

It came out of a process of trying to balance my own energy, living in New York for so many years and constantly going. I was drawn to stones as a child and had worked in jewelry, so I loved being around stones. Years later I started to meditate but was continually defeated by my inability to focus. I had started collecting crystals and one day I decided to just take one and hold it in my hand. I felt the stone’s energy and the sensation racing up my arm. From there I went on to testing out different stones and seeing how different the energetic response was. As my knowledge with crystals increased, I realized that the cumulation of all of the different career paths was to merge crystals and interior design in an effort to both balance one’s energy and the spaces they inhabit.

A Wild Dove

Such a wonderful idea. Can you tell us about the services The Cristalline offers?

Rashia Bell

We aim to have The Cristalline be a full-service lifestyle company that helps you create balanced energy within all areas of your life. We believe that your home is the foundation for having a “well life.” Our specialized offerings include our Energetic Interior Design Services. These start with an assessment of the current state of your space both energetically and aesthetically, identifying imbalances and space challenges. We then offer recommendations to help create a space that is balanced in function, design and energetic perspective, incorporating crystals. From there we then delve further into the more traditional side of interior design in sourcing home furnishings, materials and space planning, but the unique aspect is really the merging of all of these components and how these changes can largely support your harmony and wellbeing. The most full-service layer of our work provides larger scale design services for the construction, project management and furnishings required for full space renovations. We also offer one-on-one private crystal healing experiences and workshops to introduce people to crystals. We do private crystal events and host wellness experiences, such as the Wellness Escape that took place in May in Colombia.

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A Wild Dove

That sounds amazing. We can’t wait to have you over!
So if someone wanted to explore crystals on their own, how would they best go about it?

Rashia Bell

The best way to explore crystals is to experience them. Go to a shop, touch and feel them, note the textures, shapes and sizes, then ask questions about them. I believe those interactions are a great introduction to crystals and once your interest is piqued, you learn about them in other ways. Our Crystal Healing workshops are often the first place that people come when wanting to learn more about crystals. It's a joy to be able to provide a vehicle for them to be able to experience the stones firsthand in a relaxing environment.

A Wild Dove

Do you have a favorite crystal? (We promise we won’t tell the others)

Rashia Bell

It changes by the day and depends on my mood, energy level and what I am trying to work on. The crystals that definitely blew me away at first were stones such as Black Tourmaline, Hematite and Pyrite that block the Electromagnetic Frequencies that radiate off of our technology and all of our devices. I put them everywhere, on my cable box/wifi modem and on my cell phone at night. You cannot have enough of these stones especially living in NYC apartment buildings where we not only have to worry about our own devices but all of the other ones in the apartments around us.

A Wild Dove

What is the difference between your work with crystals and Feng Shui?

Rashia Bell

We are interior designers, and we are always looking at spaces with our aesthetic knowledge, our honed taste, and a trained eye. These tools give us the ability to grasp within a room the emotions and feelings that they evoke that are the result of beauty, proportion, fluidity, functionality. We instinctively know when a space does or doesn’t feel right and can immediately identify if it is the result of design, function, poor space planning or energetic factors. We help people attain the best flow and alignment between all of these elements.

A Wild Dove

We're sure there are some exciting projects and future plans for The Cristalline. Can you share some?

Rashia Bell

We did a collaboration with Onda, the natural beauty online destination. It is a Self-Care set of rough crystals coupled with our Himalayan salt bar. I spent five years as a cosmetics buyer, so it is fun when past and present lives collide. We are launching e-commerce, which will offer our personally selected crystals and exclusive designs for the home. We’re planning a soft launch this summer with a revamped website and full rollout in the fall. Additionally I am taking The Cristalline on the road within the US and South America to offer our services and events to those outside of New York. I love spreading the crystal love all around the word!

A Wild Dove

We can’t wait to check it all out! Lastly, what makes you fly?

Rashia Bell

As a designer the ability to travel is my oxygen. Discovering a new place, an unfamiliar culture, artisans and their crafts that is what inspires me most. I relish seeing crystals from where they grew from the earth. The history, the rawness, the ability to resonate with the fruits of the earth is a truly moving experience that never ceases to ignite my passion.

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The Cristalline’s Rashia Bell and Elizabeth Kohn take us through crystals and the how, which and where to incorporate them into your living space. Check out this easy guide below to bring some positive energy into your home.

Septer Amethyst (Bedroom Nightstand)

The Septer refers to the structure of this special type of Amethyst. Their pointed structure 'points' us in the direction of things we do not have, yet desire, and show us the path to how we can grow. I like Amethyst in the bedroom. It's a stone of protection so it creates a safe space for a restful sleep.

White Quartz Crystal Geode
(living room)

We like to use large geodes in the home because they help maintain clear energy flow within spaces.

Barite, White Calcite and Pyrite (Bedroom Dresser)

Barite (top left) - helps to uncover dreams and access the spiritual world.

White Calcite with Pyrite (middle right) - Both of these are viewed as protection stones. White Calcite is a very grounding and calming stone, and pyrite helps to block negative energy.

Pyrite (bottom left) - Pyrite also helps to block the EMF frequencies from technology.

Apophyllite & Stilbite (Bathroom)

Apophyllite is a gentle, beautiful stone that helps one to forge a spiritual connection. Stilbite clears the energy of the mind so that one can find inner peace and take charge in discovering dreams and desires. We like to use this stone in bedrooms and bathrooms because it helps create very serene energy in it's surroundings.

Celestite (Foyer)

This is a calming and uplifting stone that helps to create universal energy. In the entry of the home, it helps to maintain stable energy levels by blocking outside noise and distractions.

Kyanite with Clear Quartz  (Kids Room)

We chose this blue kyanite for a young child’s room because it is a very nurturing stone that enhances communication and expression to support development and learning. It is a great stone for children as they learn to read and articulate themselves.

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For more info

visit TheCristalline.com

Title Change

Written by A Wild Dove | Photographed by Eric White

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Jamie Graber recently made a change, a big one. After seven years owning the popular West Village cafe Gingersnaps Organic, she chose to focus on wellness and lifestyle coaching and recently launched her new website Organically Jamie. It’s not easy to make a change as an adult, and we wouldn’t be alone in often wondering, “What If?” We spoke with Jamie on how she came to make that leap of faith and what’s lies ahead in her next chapter.

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A Wild Dove

So you’ve made a huge transition recently. Many of us are probably experiencing similar desires to make a change but we fear what lies ahead. Can you walk us through your thought process in making the change and offer some guidance for our readers?

Jamie Graber

It was a difficult decision and one that I took a long time to make. As the years rolled along with Gingersnap’s I felt less and less inspired. I sat with that and noticed that I was feeling depressed and each day it was more difficult for me to get up and go. Once I got there, I would see the customers and light up, but often I had to go handle some store emergency. I made lists of the things that lit me up and then lists of what I spent my day doing. I took a look at those lists and saw that they were very different and it was in that moment that I knew I had to make a huge change.

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My advice is meditate and journal for a month. Notice what you do daily that makes you happy and what doesn't.
Make lists and compare them. Get a coach to help you navigate making changes.

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A Wild Dove

We love how you refer to your work as Cognitive Reframing Sessions. Can you tell us what that means and share what those sessions are like?

Jamie Graber

It is the idea that you have the ability to choose the way you see the world.  We can choose to see life as happening to us or for us. It is your perception that will change the outcome and the journey. It is finding out the thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back and training yourself to see it differently. It is behavioral training that changes the way you perceive the world. It is similar to the Law of Attraction, but goes deeper than that. You have to sit and see what your blocks are and then we do the work to remove them, through pattern changing and Reiki, which is a subtle body energy work that helps facilitate block removals.

A Wild Dove

That makes total sense to us. Especially since we're all trying the be the best versions of ourselves.
For the busy mamas you coach, what is some advice to help them balance, restore and thrive?

Jamie Graber

Start with knowing that there is a reason they tell you to put your mask on first during the safety portion of flights. You can’t be of service to your family without taking care of yourself first, and that is not being selfish. Finding a way to move your body at least 45 minutes a few times a week. There are so many options. The important part is finding something that works for you, something that is fun and therapeutic.  And I would say a daily, nonnegotiable is to sit quiet for a minimum of 10 minutes and do some form of mediation.  This can be mantra based, guided, anything that helps you sit quiet, and breathe.  Long breaths in and out.

A Wild Dove

Food and cleansing was also such a big part of Gingersnaps, how do you think those themes parlay into the work you're doing now?

Jamie Graber

It all goes back to prioritizing yourself and doing things that make you feel good.  Everyone feels better when they are making conscious choices, whether food, thoughts, company. Some sessions are mostly about food, but that is just a small part.  It is the deeper feelings of self worth that most people have to work on.  When you are loving yourself, it is so much easier to make better food choices.

A Wild Dove

It’s amazing to see you truly following your heart. What are some suggestions you can give to others seeking to empower themselves and follow their dreams?

Jamie Graber

Meditate, sit, quiet your mind.  Take the time to really observe what you are doing daily and see if that is bringing you closer to what you really want. I can’t say enough how important I think having a coach can be. The ability to have someone who can be objective about what they see as your blind spots and then holding you accountable is priceless.

A Wild Dove

What makes you fly?

Jamie Graber

Seeing clients, friends and family make changes in their lives based on our discussions. Laughing with my friends and family. Noticing all the blessings and love that surrounds me. Fun projects with my husband, we are currently copper electroforming crystals.

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For more info

visit organicallyjamie.com

The Skin We Live In

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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There’s a reason Naomi Watts and Julianne Moore entrust their skin to Joanna Vargas, facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection. Not only are her products amazing, but Joanna’s philosophy centers around caring for the complexion from the inside and out. It’s not enough to have great serums and eye creams, but our diets must reflect healthy choices that will make us glow. So given the rising temps, we asked Joanna for a little advice on how to weather the summer transition and what it means for our skin. Her answers, below.

 

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A Wild Dove 

Ok, so we all need a skin detox after winter. Your Spring Clean Detox Facial sounds like magic. Can you tell us more about it?

Joanna Vargas 

I love seasonal product changes and treatments. The skin changes so much depending on weather and humidity levels. Detoxing after a long winter is something I think everyone should do, and greens are an excellent way to do that!

A Wild Dove 

Greens inside and out! For in-home maintenance, it sounds like the Daily Serum, aka "green juice for the skin," is an extension of the facial. Can you describe?

Joanna Vargas 

My all-natural Daily Serum is packed with vital greens and is inspired by my love of green juicing. It contains oat grass juice for the lymphatic system, chlorophyll for oxygenation, vitamins A, C, E, and F found in leafy greens, and hyaluronic acid. My favorite ingredient is galactoarabinan.  It causes more cell turnover than a glycolic but it’s anti-inflammatory, so it doesn't cause irritation. It's the top selling product in my salon because it works for everyone and it’s my secret weapon for dull skin.

A Wild Dove 

That sounds amazing. How do you refresh your skin to transition it into spring/summer? Either through treatments or product changes?

Joanna Vargas 

Spring and summer skin needs less moisture but just as much TLC because of our increased exposure to the environment. A change in the weather really changes the needs of our skin. Once the weather gets warmer, I suggest changing your skincare routine to just serums. In addition to my Daily Serum, I also have a nighttime formula called Rejuvenating Serum, which is made from argan oil for vitamin C, jojoba oil for balancing oil production, olive oil, a skin softener, neroli oil for better circulation, and rose hip oil for environmental protection. It improves your skin’s ability to heal and the texture of the skin.

I also always encourage people to carry a little bottle of rose water spray in their bag. Rose is awesome for hydrating skin when mixed with water and feels incredible when you are getting sticky from walking around outside.

A Wild Dove 

Wow! Well, we love it and now we know why! What are some the ways we can avoid breakouts and oily complexions in the summer heat?

Joanna Vargas 

Summer skin gets stressed immediately after our first big weekend in the sun. Not only does our skin have to adjust to the drying effects of air conditioning, we have the sun, sweat, pollution and sunscreen all attacking our skin! It's hard to maintain great skin in the summer, but a good start is to exfoliate twice a week to clean pores and get rid of the dry dead cells on the surface of the skin.

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The Joanna Vargas Green Juice Recipe

• 4 leaves romaine

• 1 stalk celery

• 1 whole cucumber

• A handful of spinach

• A handful of parsley

• A handful of kale

• 1 whole apple

• A dash of lemon and ginger

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find out more

joannavargas.com

Spring Beauty That Is Sure To Spark Joy

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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Michael Anthony -

“This is a smoldering look with a more subtle palette using Marc Jacobs twinkle pop eye stick in 'Leila' with Anastasia Beverly Hills shadow palette in ‘Kim’”.

Ryan Austin -

"Whether it's bright orange or a dusty pink, adding a pop of color really helps your lifeless, washed-out summer hair feel like it's been upgraded. Not ready to make it permanent? Try colorful clip in extensions or Kevin Murphy’s 'Color Bug' hair chalk"

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Michael Anthony -

“For the festival or Margiela-inspired look, I went with shades of green in the lower lash line. I topped it off with 'In Extreme Dimension' mascara in 'Hottie with a Body' from MAC, which is LIME GREEN! It's part of the brand’s new range of colored mascaras which, on the lower lashes, is a super easy way to add a twist to your look.”

Denim Jacket by Balenciaga

Ryan Austin -

"For a really fun pool-to-party look, braid some bright pieces of fabric into your hair. I love to cut up a colorful bandana or a scarf and braid it in. Here I used multi-colored and metallic embroidery threads."

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Michael Anthony

“I’m loving the new Anastasia Beverly Hills GLOW kit in 'Aurora'. It has spacey cool shades that aren't usually found in highlighters. It’s a great spin on the craze of highlighting. I used the lavender shade called "Spectra" over the purple shadow and some of "Eclipse" on the skin.”

Headband by Miu Miu | Silk Tank by Nili Lotan
Rings by Jennifer Fisher

Ryan Austin

"Statement headbands and turbans are a great way to bring your not so polished summer looks to the next level. This Miu Miu one is PERFECT for summer."

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Michael Anthony -

"For a SULTRY worn-in look, I used a waterproof pencil along the lash line and some warmer tones throughout the crease and lid. Then I use a cream shadow from RMS, (which is a totally cruelty free vegan product line) with my fingertip to warm up the product, and I push it onto the lids."

Ryan Austin -

"High gloss hair has been a growing trend for a while but even though this is an effortless look, it takes some extra effort to achieve a polished wet look. Product is key!! Try something with a little more hold from the roots to mid-shaft like Oribe 'Gel Serum' and some Ouai 'Wave Spray' in the ends."

Top by Nili Lotan | Chandelier Earring by Aurelie Bidermann

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For more information 

visit Michaelfaces.com

and ryanaustinhair.com

Delicious for ALL Kids & Mamas- Jamie Graber's Allergy-Friendly Recipes

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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In honor of Allergy Awareness Week, we asked Jamie Graber, wellness coach and founder of Organically Jamie, to come up with some allergy-proof recipes for kids and mama’s that are as delicious as they are healthy. We’re talking the perfect concoctions for breakfast time, inside school lunchboxes, as well as for afternoon snacks. We guarantee that all children and adults, alike, will be begging for seconds.

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Homemade Hemp Milk is a great alternative to dairy, soy, nuts and processed boxed milks. You do not have to soak the seeds like you do for man nut milks.  This recipe can be adjusted, you can switch out the hemp seeds to sunflower or sesame seeds, or to nuts like Brazil nuts and almonds (for those without nut allergies). For the nuts, I like to soak them the night before, then rinse and ready.  This helps to remove the enzyme inhibitors that make it difficult to digest the almonds.

Ingredients

• Hemp Seeds

• Filtered Water

• Blender or Nutri Bullet

• Nut Milk Bag Pure Joy Planet Nut Milk Bag)

• Salt

• Dates or Coconut Palm Sugar

• Vanilla

Instructions

1. In a blender, pour 1 cup of Hemp Seeds and blend with 3 cups of filtered water. If you want to make a smaller batch in a NutriBullet, half the recipe.
   

2. Blend the water and seeds for about 1 minute.
   

3. Drape the nut milk bag around a glass jar and pour the contents of the blender through the bag.
   

4. Once the liquid has been separated from the seeds, you are finished.

If you want to make it sweet pour the separated liquid back into the blender. The amount of sweetener can be adjusted for your taste preference.  

ADD Either

• A pinch of Himalayan Sea Salt

• A teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

• Pitted Dates OR

• A tablespoon of Coconut Palm Sugar .

instructions

1. Blend all the above, then pour back into your glass jar and done. The milk should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.

This milk can be used for cereals, overnight oats, chia pudding, smoothies and coffee! You can also lightly heat it up (so it's warm to the touch, but not hot) and blend in some of your favorite adaptogens to make a nice elixir.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh Hemp Milk

• Chia Seeds

• Cinammon (optional)

Instructions

1. Take 2 cups of freshly made hemp milk
   

2. Pour over 1/2 cup of Chia Seeds
   

3. Add a pinch of cinnamon to taste (optional)
   

4. Whisk all of the above and let sit for about an hour, until it becomes gelatinous (or let them soak overnight)

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These are a great gluten free option (and also an alternative to processed chips that often contain unhealthy oils).

Ingredients

• Himalayan Sea Salt

• Thin Baking Sheet

• A mandolin - (I use a Benriner Japanese Mandolin Vegetable Slicer)

• Cooking spray, either Coconut oil
  or Avocado Oil

• Non Slip Silicone Baking Mat -
  (I prefer A Silpat)

• You can use Beets, Potatoes, Yucca, Yams etc... (For a sweet version use Sweet Potatoes, Coconut Oil and Cinnamon)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to bake at 300 degrees
   

2. Wash and peel vegetable of choice (I personally leave the skin on my potatoes)
   

3. Carefully, thinly slice your vegetable on the mandolin
   

4. Place your baking mat on your baking sheet
   

5. Lightly spray the sheet with coconut or avocado oil
   

6. Carefully lay the sliced vegetables on the sheet not overlapping
   

7. Sprinkle a bit of Himalayan sea salt on top
   

8. Place in the oven for about 20-30 minute and start checking on them in 10 minutes

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find out more

OrganicallyJamie.com

Itsy Bitsy Brainfood

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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Allergies are a topic that’s close to our hearts. Lynn’s son Callum has a nut allergy, and his safety is something she’s always thinking about - whether on a plane (more on that later), at a birthday party, or in the school cafeteria. So in honor of Allergy Awareness Week, we are introducing snacks, recipes and brands that we’ve relied on over the last few years so that our kids can feel like they’re not missing out at meal time and actually enjoy what they’re eating.

First up is Bitsy’s Brainfood. Maggie Jones and Alex Buckley are the brains behind this genius brand, where each cookie, cracker and chip features all-natural, healthy ingredients that are totally nut-free. (The brand’s Smart Crackers and Cookies are made in a peanut and tree nut free facility while the cereals are made in a peanut and egg free facility). The pair started the line after working for a non-profit organization that focused on empowering children through healthy eating. We sat down with these inspiring women, where we talked allergy awareness, a devotion to authenticity and why showing off those veggies is so important.

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A Wild Dove

So we are all about empowering mamas as well as children. Can you tell us your “trigger moment” in developing Bitsy's Brainfood?

Bitsy’s Brainfood

It began with empowering kids. As mothers, we realized how few options existed when it came to organic, packaged, and authentically nutritious food that kids would actually eat!  And so we felt that by creating snacks that were more than a nutritional net-neutral, we’d be empowering parents like us, whose energy for food battles might otherwise end in an official position vaguely resembling all Cheez-its, all the time.

A Wild Dove

Uhhh yup! Right here. What we love so much about Bitsy’s is your honesty and transparency. That's our philosophy too. Can you tell us about making that call, which feels so different than what others are doing? 

Bitsy’s Brainfood

For better or worse, we really don’t know any other way! It’s a funny thing. That commitment to honesty has both created our most considerable challenges and formed the foundation of our brand. It started with the idea that while efficient in the short run, it was fundamentally counterproductive to “trick” kids into eating vegetables. We were excited about our ingredients, not pretending to be junk, and we wanted to get kids excited, too. Sticking to our principles on this—refusing to reformulate—was a big risk. But we think we moved an invisible needle.

A Wild Dove

Totally. Why hide what they should be eating anyway? That’s how we feel. We also love that you're nut free. With a nut allergy in our family that’s an added bonus, since your products are already so delicious as it is.
What influenced that decision? 

Bitsy’s Brainfood

So many families struggle with allergies, and the rise of children with anaphylactic nut allergies has been alarming, to say the least. This means that increasingly, all of us—whether ours is a family with allergies, or not—are called upon to keep kids safe. As a brand created by mothers for kids, we felt strongly that our products be safe for school and that we provide options for as many families as we’re able.

A Wild Dove

Now for the million dollar question. How on earth do you make your products so yummy?!

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Bitsy’s Brainfood

We’ve put a lot of research and work into testing and tasting every single bit of every single Bitsy’s product, because we know that if we want kids (and families!) to choose healthy, then our products have to been as good-tasting as they are good for you. But the secret is in the real, nutritious ingredients. It’s true.

Gabi wears tee by Beau LOves UK | Callum wears tee by Mini Rodini

A Wild Dove

We believe you. And we’re loving everything you do. Thank you for sitting down with us and sharing your story. Lastly, what makes you fly?

Bitsy’s Brainfood

When you’ve had a dream for a while and have been working on it for a few years, there can be times when it feels like such an uphill battle. But then we meet a new person who didn’t know about Bitsy’s, and she’s excited to learn what we’re about. And those moments are so reinvigorating. They remind us that there’s so much potential for growth, so much good work to be done, and that what we’re working on matters.

Images of Alex, Maggie, and family courtesy of Bitsy's Brainfood

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For more information

visit Bitsysbrainfood.com

Lookin' Good, Mama

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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We don’t have to tell you, dear reader, that being a mama is HARD WORK. Physically, mentally, emotionally demanding and beyond draining. But fortunately the love of our little ones, coupled with some self care, helps us go the distance each and everyday. So in honor of Mother’s Day, we asked some of our favorite rockstar mamas - those who keep us going with their incredible brands and services that are practically made for mamas - to tell us how being a mother inspires them and their work. Because whether it’s a lipstick that helps us look less tired, or a hydrating serum, or a cozy women’s sanctuary, we are able to thrive and be the best mamas possible thanks to these women.

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Amanda Chantal Bacon, Founder of Moon Juice 

“The biggest surprise is how attached to him I am. Given the chance to do something that was once really exciting, I can’t imagine giving up playtime with Rohan to do what I once found thrilling. I never thought I’d be that person."

Photo by Yoshiro Makino

What excites me most is feeling the depth of love that I’ve never felt before, unconditional love. Intellectually you can think about it, but to experience it in your heart is really exciting.”

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Paula Mallis, Founder of  WMN Space

Photographed by Mel Blanchard

“At WMN all the offerings support women and mother's partaking in a self care practice or ritual while being of service to themselves so they can better serve their children and family. When a women or mother's cup is full it becomes a ripple effect to all those around her."

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April Gargiulo, Founder of  Vintner's Daughter

“I was a first time mom when I founded Vintner’s Daughter. For me this was a powerfully creative time on so many levels. As a new mom, I realized how important time management became. Spending 30 minutes on my skincare routine was not an option, but neither was doing nothing. 

Photo by Erin Souza

Active Botanical Serum was created to be a 30 second ritual that delivered all the skin-beautifying performance of a more complicated routine. I didn't want to compromise on the highest quality, results or safety and I didn't think anyone else should either.

Beauty is confidence and knowing that you can walk outside make-up free and feel your best, is what we strive for with Active Botanical Serum.  Because feeling your best makes you a better mom, partner, friend and citizen. We also make it our mission give back and to that end we donate 2% of every bottle sold to charities dedicated to women and children around the world.”

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Sheena Yaitanes, Founder of Kosås

“Being a mother is so selfless and involves so much giving. If we can steal
moments for ourselves, like to put on lipstick, we can replenish the source just a little bit.
The smallest of acts reminds us that we matter. “

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Erika Bloom, Founder of Erika Bloom Pilates

"As moms, it’s so crucial that we take time for ourselves. The private sessions at my studios are so nurturing; they lead you to reconnect to your body and calm your nervous system while also stretching and strengthening to create a healthy, toned, balanced body. "

For me, the way that Pilates keeps me calm, balanced, strong, and pain free means that I can really get down and in it with my kids: sitting on the floor and playing imagination, running after them in the park, climbing trees, throwing a ball, or just having patience and understanding as they learn and grow. The beauty of a family all starts with us and is affected by how we are feeling inside and out. It’s important to prioritize holistic fitness and wellness."

Photo by Eric White

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Joanna Vargas, Founder of  Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection 

“My clients use my Daily Serum as their secret weapon to keeping the glow in their skin! Based on my love of green juices, the serum contains chlorophyll, galactoarabinan and oat grass juice which oxygenate the skin while stimulating cell turnover and lymphatic drainage. All I want is to make a woman feel like her best, most confident self. If she feels beautiful, it will make her skin glow for miles.”

Photo by Roderick Angle

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Find out more

Joanna Vargas | Kosås | Moon Juice

vintner's daughter | wmn space

SHOP THE STORY

Joanna Vargas Daily Serum | Kosas Lipstick

Moon Juice Supplement Powder | Vintner's Daughter Botanical Serum

 

Cleaning Green - Rites of Spring

Written by Erika Bloom & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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Erika Bloom, founder of Erika Bloom Pilates, wellness maven and MOF (Member of the Flock), believes that your home should be treated with as much reverence as your body. 

After all, you live in both.

So when it comes to the ritual of spring cleaning, she chooses products that are organic and as natural as possible to ensure her home remains sparkling, while keeping her family safe and healthy.  Inspiring as ever, Erika even makes a few of her own green cleaning potions.

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Here she shares her wisdom of tending to a radiant natural home,
why it's important to her and a list of her favorite green products.

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When you walk into a home that is cared for, naturally, you feel nourished and energized. You can just feel it. A home should be both clean and evoke joy, love, comfort and beauty. As someone who is earnest in living a thoughtful, healthy life, I’ve always been considerate of what I am exposing my body and my family to.

It’s comforting to know that we live in a green home, one that has clean air and is safe for the environment and our health, as well as, free of chemicals. As a general rule, avoid phthalates, perfumes, fragrance, parabens, sulfates, dyes, and petrochemicals, pesticides and limit plastics.

When you choose green products or make them yourself, you’re choosing cleaners that do not cause harm to you, your family, your pets or to the environment. Spring is the perfect time to detox our homes as we choose green and bring the healing power of nature inside.

Here are some ideas about how we can spring clean our homes naturally, in simple ways and in the products we use -

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Fresh Air

We open our windows as much as possible. Fresh air helps to bring the joy of the outdoors in and helps move any indoor air pollution out. 

House Plants and Flowers

Plants take substances out of the air through the tiny openings in their leaves. They also balance humidity levels in the air. Not only are our orchids, huge fig tree and rubber plants gorgeous, they improve the quality of the air we’re breathing. I also love flowers for their mood lifting benefits and beauty, especially white peonies.

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Air Filters

A great detoxifier for any indoor space, air filters clean the air you're breathing in before impurities have a chance to trigger allergies, asthma and other reactions. Austin Air makes a modern filter that looks great in our home and cleanses up to 1,500 square feet. We notice an immediate difference when it’s on.

Water Filters

The quality of the water we drink is paramount to our internal health. In order to purify our tap water from potential contaminants and ensure we’re drinking clean, we use the Drink Soma glass water pitchers. The company uses green products and packaging and is dedicated to ending the global water crisis.

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Aromatherapy

Enfleurage
My family adores the beautiful diffusers and oils from Enfleurage, which are imported directly from farms and stills, bringing in high quality, fresh and pure essential oils from six continents. The potent aromatics like lavender, neroli, geranium, and eucalyptus, also benefit air quality.

Essential Oils are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers and other parts of plants. When anti-microbial oils are introduced to the air in vapor form, the organic compounds within the oils come into direct contact with airborne pathogens resulting in purified air.
 

Cold Spring Apothecary
The candles and room sprays from the modern day Cold Spring Apothecary are fueled by the healing powers of herbs and botanicals. Medicinally focused and remedy-based and crafted in small batches, they use no drying sulfates, harsh parabens, or harmful fragrances.

Jurlique
Jurlique makes balancing and revitalizing essential oil mists that transform the air around you. Started by a biochemist and a botanist husband/wife team, their mission is to reconnect people with nature by combining the ancient alchemy, herbal medicine and homeopathy.

Red Flower
Red Flower candles and diffusers, both biodegradable and biocompatible, are pure botanical beauty. The company creates its plant based products with a deep respect for the land and its cultures, using science, sustainability, holistic medicine and wellness rituals.

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Hand Soap

We absorb hand soap through our skin as well as touch our food, our mouths and our children after we use it. Not only do these soaps smell amazing and nourish our skin, the essential oils and natural ingredients in them can clean and disinfect our hands more effectively than harmful chemicals.

Red Flower
Red Flower has been a mainstay in all of our bathrooms for years. My favorite scent right now is Wanderlust, a delicate earthy scent of cypress, vetiver and mandarin.

Common Goods
Common Goods Hand Soap, comes in a glass bottle. Made with coconut oil and essential oils, it’s great for the kitchen. Common Good products are made with gentle, plant-based ingredients and scented with 100% pure essential oils. Their mission is to reduce plastic packaging by offering beautiful, refillable bottles.

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Cleaning Products

You can create beautiful, effective cleaning products yourself using organic antibacterial essential oils such as rosemary, lemon, lavender, and thyme. It even feels healing as you clean with them. I also use organic white vinegar and baking soda and put it into glass spray bottles.

Ferm Living
Re-usable dish cloths by Ferm Living are a staple in our house. Both sustainable and stylish, I use these for everything from dishtowels to dusting to wiping up spills or cleaning mirrors. Ferm Living promises integrity as they use honest materials, meaning clean, real commodities with a minimal impact on the environment. 

Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation makes natural cleaning products that work for every surface as well as paper towels, toilet paper, and trash bags. The company strives to use ingredients derived from plants rather than petroleum whenever possible in order to decrease its reliance on the use of fossil fuels.

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Laundry

Common Good
Common Good makes beautiful laundry products. The bergamot smells liked I’d always wished my laundry smelled as a kid. For beautiful bright whites, I soak garments and linens in organic white vinegar.

Babyganics
Babyganics utilizes plant based and organic ingredients and the latest research in green cleaning. Their laundry detergent (and stain spray) is beloved in our household and is the highly effective.

The Honest Co.
For tougher stains, I love the very effective Honest Company Oxy Boost. The Honest Company is dedicated to safe, eco-friendly, beautiful, convenient and affordable home and body care products.

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The Bedroom

We spend close to half our lives in our bedroom including ample time surrounded by and breathing in our bedding. That’s why it’s essential to clean living to have an organic and non toxic bedroom.

We sleep on an organic non toxic mattress and sleep on an unbleached wool mattress pad, all natural sheets, comforters, blankets, and pillows as most traditional bedding uses toxic petrochemicals derived from oil. I love the organic non toxic mattresses and bedding at The Clean Bedroom as well as the Coco Mattress. Area Home makes gorgeous, lasting organic linens.

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Furniture, bath and kitchen linens, rugs and drapes

Even our furniture can be a source of toxins. They can live in the fabrics, the glues, even what the wood is treated with. ABC Carpet and Home sells beautiful products that are mindful of our health and well-being and meet the highest environmental standards. Opt for home furnishings and accessories made with metals, non toxic woods, natural wool, and organic cottons. 

De-cluttering your sleep space and adding plants also helps to keep pollutants low and to create a minimal space for a clear mind and a relaxed sleep environment.
 

As for floors, choose non toxic carpet or ideally no carpet at all as they hold pollutants and give off potentially harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The same goes for paint, look for no VOC paints.

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find out more

ErikaBloomPilates.com

@Erikabloompilates


shop the story

Cold Spring Apothecary

common good | enflourage | Red Flower

elevenplus humidifier

As modern mamas living in the over information age, (where everyone is an expert and parenting opinions are shared as freely and easily as an Instagram post) it can be tough to filter through the white noise to find the facts. Naturally, we’d love to consider ourselves wise in all sorts of ways, but the truth is sometimes we’re scrawling SOS in the sand. Good thing we’ve got the guidance and expertise of our own personal rockstars: the people who inspire us on the daily. Our rockstars (our flock) are enthusiasts, professionals and influencers in the fields of wellness, travel, education, style—the list goes on. Each one brings a profoundly different perspective to the table, one informed by their own experiences and outlooks. And that perspective is priceless.

They say it takes a village…we say it takes a flock.

Because We All Need a Catalyst

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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Backstory - Medea Juhasz was suffering. She was leading a self-destructive lifestyle hinged on addiction. She had liver damage, digestive problems, an ulcer, recurring sinus infections and a weak immune system. What came to her rescue wasn’t an in-patient therapy program or prescription drugs, but herbalism. She began combining herbs, amino acids and superfoods and slowly her health issues disappeared. Medea was so inspired that she became a Holistic Health Coach with the goal of spreading the gospel of holistic health and wellness. She created Catalyst Gold, a daily supplement and her vehicle to change the way people think about health. To say we are obsessed with it is an understatement.

We shot Medea at Knockout Beauty, one of our favorite beauty shops that also carries Cataylst Gold. We chatted her journey, her favorite adaptogens and how she stays zen in madness of New York...

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A Wild Dove -

So we are OBSESSED with Catalyst Gold. We love everything about it. We love the way we feel, the way we look. What are some of its key ingredients and how do they improve our bodies? 

Medea Juhasz -

It is very hard to point out the key ingredients, since each of the 16 ingredients are equally important part of my formula. What makes Catalyst Gold unique is the specific ratio of the ingredients and the actual science how these superfoods, herbs and amino acids enhance each other.

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"If I had to highlight the key functions of Catalyst Gold,
Eluthero Root (my favorite adaptogen) is responsible for fighting fatigue
along with Acai Berries, Biotin and Magnesium Citrate."
- Medea Juhasz

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| Ring by Aurélie Bidermann

more Ingredients 

Dandelion Root, Selenium, and
Magnesium Citrate helps you gently detox.

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Camu Camu, Turmeric, Astragalus, and Mangosteen
are powerful in strengthening your immune system, reducing inflammation, and fighting pain or seasonal allergies.

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Biotin, Chlorella, and Grape Seed Extract
will regenerate your hair, nails, and skin.

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Flax Seed Extract soothes your digestive tract
while L-Glutamine and Calcium Carbonate work
in tandem to aid in curbing your sugar cravings.

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Spirulina and Chlorella will make you ditch the synthetic multi-vitamins since it has all the nutrients and vitamins
your body needs. Just these two superfoods alone contain huge doses of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C, and E! They are excellent sources
of potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc.

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A Wild Dove -

What are the next steps for Catalyst Gold? More products to come, we hope?  

Medea Juhasz -

I just launched Catalyst Gold a little bit over a year ago, so I'm still completely focusing on this product. Our next step is to figure out the logistics with our potential international retail partners. It's interesting, because we are definitely building a serious cult following, but at the same time we are still Indie and underground. I'm definitely planning to add additional ingestible products down the line, starting with the next product probably towards the beginning of 2018.

A Wild Dove -

It sounds like Catalyst Gold helps balance our bodies, but how do you stay balanced? What's your therapy?

Medea Juhasz -

My ultimate therapy is boxing. My perfect zen day consists enjoying the sun, meditation, training at Overthrow NY, my boxing gym and sharing organic plant based food with positive, loving friends and family.

A Wild Dove -

We love that. Can you share your nighttime ritual ?

Medea Juhaz -

I'm a total night owl. I always do a little work before I go to bed. I like to read a little bit and sip on roasted dandelion tea. A five minute reflection and meditation right before I go to sleep always helps me to wind down.

A Wild Dove -

What are your five "desert island products?" (Of course Catalyst Gold is a must, we're sure.)

Medea Juhasz -

Catalyst Gold, my boxing gloves, a big jar of raw virgin coconut oil, a large container of UMF 15 manuka honey, the current book I'm reading - Diane Arbus, “A portrait of a Photographer.”
 

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A Wild Dove -

Well we can’t wait to try every single one. Lastly, what makes you fly?

Medea Juhasz -

Positive feedback from my customers about Catalyst Gold and seeing it in the Crosby Street window at Bloomingdales, gratitude, NYC summer heat, the beach, boxing, 70's fashion, Iggy Pop, old Woody Allen movies, and the raw vegan cheese plate from Double Zero.

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For More Info

Visit Herbalore.nyc

instagram | Facebook

We're Bent on Bent On Learning

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

It all began with three ladies and a passion. In 2001 Anne Desmond, Jennifer Ford and Courtney McDowell sought to follow their dream of bringing yoga to kids by teaching the practice in school gyms and classrooms. At the time they had a smattering of classes in a few public schools. Then 9/11 happened. In the wake of the unimaginable impact the event had on kids nearby, they were asked to teach yoga in 10 schools near Ground Zero to help both students and teachers release stress and manage emotions. From there, Bent on Learning formed. “It was our trigger moment,” said Anne. “We had no plan at the time but rose to the occasion and grew from there.”

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Knowing what we know about the benefits of children doing yoga (read: IMMENSE), we sat down with Anne to talk through Bent on Learning and its incredible philosophy...

Bent On Learning - First, we want to reach as many children and teens as possible and schools are the most efficient way for us to do that. More importantly, we want to help schools educate students in the body and heart, as well as the mind, and offer regular opportunities to move, breathe, relax, and connect to their inner lives. Yoga readily connects students to their bodies, hearts and minds, teaches them how to release stress, control thoughts and manage their emotions. Learning these skills is equally as important as learning math and science and is critical to kids' success academically and in life.  

A Wild Dove - OK so we think the WORLD of Bent on Learning. Can you describe the program and is there a singular method or philosophy?

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THE KIDS SAY IT BEST...

"Yoga helped me with asthma and it helped me focus with tests."
- Nico, 3rd Grade, PS132

"Yoga makes me feel peaceful and positive."
- Niaia, 12th Grade,
New Design High School

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A Wild Dove - What are some of the differences you've seen in children who've gone through the program?

Bent On Learning - In a recent study of our program, 83% of our high school students showed significant gains in positive youth development. While most students showed improvement in self-management and positive identity, which we could expect from a weekly yoga program, the most dramatic change was seen in academic self-efficacy. Meaning that after just one semester of Bent On Learning, students with the lowest confidence in their ability to attain academic success improved the most!

A Wild Dove - Is there any upcoming news or events?

Bent On Learning - We have an event on May 4th, where Ruthie Fraser will share excerpts from her book, Stack Your Bones, and offer simple lessons for body alignment, coordination and awareness that can be done anytime, anywhere. Guests will learn fun ways to befriend their bodies and move with ease throughout their lives. Here is the ticket page with all details: Inneractions.eventbrite.com

A Wild Dove - What's next for Bent on Learning?

Bent On Learning - We currently have 50 schools on our waiting list and are gearing up for significant growth in the next three to five years. We are hiring a new Director of Development and will be launching a growth campaign in the very near future!

A Wild Dove - That’s incredible! So tell us, how can readers get involved and support the program?

Bent On Learning - They can visit our website at bentonlearning.org to join our mailing list or make a donation. They can also contact me directly at anne@bentonlearning.org to share ideas on how they'd like to get involved.  We currently have openings on our board and are always looking to grow our junior board, the Yoga Professionals Committee.

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find out more

 Bentonlearning.org 

Beauty Rituals - Erika Bloom

Written by Erika Bloom & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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She’s a mama, Founder of Erika Bloom Pilates, a wellness practitioner and member of our Flock. If that weren’t enough, Erika Bloom does it all with a glow that emanates from the inside out. She’s the embodiment of the lifestyle she touts - one of all natural, organic living, from her food to her shampoo. We asked Erika to talk through her beauty rituals with the hope that we’ll maybe get her glow. Read on below.

Our inner health and happiness is reflected in the glow of our skin, the strength of our hair, our expression. My primary focus in my beauty routine is good sleep, low stress and clean eating.  I complement this with skin and hair care rituals encompassing beautiful, luxurious, natural products. I absolutely love the experience of moving through the many steps of cleansing, treating and hydrating.

I choose my products starting from the premise that I would never put something on the outside that I wouldn’t put inside. We absorb the products we use through our skin. Essentially, if I wouldn’t eat it, it doesn’t go in my beauty cabinet. Luckily, there are so many amazing, effective products that satisfy this.

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My days are busy. I’m always moving, whether it be exercising, teaching clients or playing with my two children, so throughout I need to refresh my hair and skin. I add smoothness to my hair with Kapuluan Raw Organic Coconut Oil. I tone my face with Tammy Fender Essential C Tonic. I hydrate and give my face a dewy glow with either Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Coconut Water Hydrating Mist or Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence.

Natural deodorant is a must. Going from a chemical anti-perspirant to a pure product can be a hard transition but if you manage odor with clean eating and low stress and find the natural deodorant that works with your body chemistry, then you’ll find success. For me it’s Agent Nateur’s holi (stick). It goes on clear and keeps me fresh.

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True Botanicals Hydrating Cleanser | Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum | Tammy Fender Essential C Tonic

My nightly face routine starts with cleansing with True Botanicals Hydrating Cleanser. It naturally hydrates with oils while still removing makeup and impurities. It has been amazing for preventing breakouts without drying out my skin. In the morning I start by toning with Tammy Fender Essential C Tonic. Aloe, Green Tea, Vitamin C, Ginseng and Bergamot restore and feed my skin.

Next is a facial mist. The ritual of surrounding myself in a cloud of essential oils is so calming and centering. It also treats the skin and preps it to absorb my serums. I use the Nutrient Mist from True Botanicals. It contains algae extract to replenish and kombucha to restore balance.

My favorite serum (and desert island product) is Tata Harper's Rejuvenating Serum. I can wake up puffy and creased, put this on and look like my best self pretty instantly. It’s packed with effective natural ingredients that improve tone, texture and lines. I love how it feels and smells and how it works under makeup.

Last, I dab on a facial oil. Right now I’m using Suti’s Rejuvenate Organic Face Oil. It’s chock full of amazing ingredients including rosehip seed oil, evening primrose oil, argan oil, sandalwood, frankincense and neroli. It adds glow for day and deep balancing hydration for night. The essential oils lift my mood and help me sleep.

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Fearless Tray by Alexandra Von Frustenberg

A few times a week I take the time for a mask. Herbivore’s Brighten mask improves the color and clarity of my skin. Josh Rosebrook’s Cacao mask is genius at clearing and shrinking pores. The beauty of using natural products is that they don’t just make the skin look better, they actually make it healthier. Many chemical products coat the skin to make it appear smooth but they aren’t actually improving quality or truly hydrating. It makes me feel good to choose things that are good for my insides and outside and that really work.

Herbivore Brighten Mask | Josh Rosebrook Cacao Antioxidant Mask

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My body and hair routine is rooted in the same natural principles as my face care. Pre-shower I dry brush with gloves for skin exfoliation and improvement of lymph flow and circulation. I wash and condition my hair with products from John Masters Organics, Rahua and Innersense. Then I use a leave in conditioner from Innersense. It leaves my hair smooth with a beach-y wave. Post-shower I hydrate and nourish my skin with Tammy Fender Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil. Lavender essential oil is so calming for me and I love its subtle scent.

If I need to transition to an after work meeting or event, I add lift to my hair with Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo and add scent with LURK oil or Tata Harper Love Potion. They smell amazing and enhance my mood and health with pure essential oils.

The self-care component of using these products is such a part of my wellbeing. I am so grateful to these amazing brands for creating products that are so pure, so effective and so beautiful. And because my products are natural and non-toxic, I can snuggle and hug my children knowing that they are being exposed to healthy ingredients as well.  

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Tammy Fender Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil | Agent Nateur holi (stick) Natural Deodorant | Tata Harper Love Potion | Lurk Perfume Oil | Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo | Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner | Kapuluan Raw Organic Coconut Oil

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FIND OUT MORE

WWW.ERIKABLOOMPILATES.COM | Instagram @erikabloompilates

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As modern mamas living in the over information age, (where everyone is an expert and parenting opinions are shared as freely and easily as an Instagram post) it can be tough to filter through the white noise to find the facts. Naturally, we’d love to consider ourselves wise in all sorts of ways, but the truth is sometimes we’re scrawling SOS in the sand. Good thing we’ve got the guidance and expertise of our own personal rockstars: the people who inspire us on the daily. Our rockstars (our flock) are enthusiasts, professionals and influencers in the fields of wellness, travel, education, style—the list goes on. Each one brings a profoundly different perspective to the table, one informed by their own experiences and outlooks. And that perspective is priceless. They say it takes a village…we say it takes a flock.

The Circle Game

Written by A Wild Dove | Photographed by Mel Blanchard

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As a doula and spiritual counselor, Paula Mallis is aware of the transformative power that comes with helping women bring life into the world. So she decided to create a space for all women to serve as the physical embodiment of the birthing work she had been doing. The result is WMN Space, a conscious space for women to gather in service to their own healing. The intention of WMN Space is to support women, wherever they are on their journey through classes on women’s health, body work, therapy, spiritual counseling and workshops.

The space has resonated with women, not just near the Culver City abode, but all over Southern California. Her evening moon circles are known to draw a crowd from all over Los Angeles and beyond. We sat down with Paula, where she talked about her journey, these sacred circles and why self love is the best kind of love.

Can you describe your journey into becoming a Doula and opening WMN?

My journey into birth Doula work began as I was preparing for my own pregnancy. I found out I was pregnant the day before my Doula training began and the rest is history. After holding space for women in my home for over three years I felt called to take the work I was doing at home out into the world. That was the beginning of the creation of WMN SPACE. I was completely guided to create a space not only for pregnant women and mothers but for all women in service to their unique journey and healing.

We often ask people about their "trigger moments." It sounds like your pregnancy and the birth of your daughter had a lot to do with it for you. Can you share that experience with us?

Pregnancy and all of its shifts and challenges brought up in me a lot of triggers, but through my spiritual journey I was gifted the awareness that the triggers were all an opportunity for personal growth and healing. Once I shifted my perspective, my relationship towards pregnancy and birth began to change inwardly and outwardly, which allowed me the space for a transformational experience.

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That makes a lot of sense. Your classes are very diverse in nature and age. How did you hone or curate the offerings for WMN Space? There must have been a lot to choose from in LA.

My intention is for all offerings at WMN SPACE to be fully in alignment with the intention of WMN SPACE. Offerings that are authentic, grounding and accessible to all women, wherever they are on their own journey.

What do you hope women will take from their sessions at WMN space that maybe they're not getting elsewhere?

I hope what women experience is more in connection to the authenticity to who they are. Feeling inspired, supported and empowered.

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It must be difficult managing it all - a family, a business and now a new space...AND you give so much of you in your work. How do you do it?

SELF CARE!!!!! I have to put my self care and spiritual practice first. When I do that, I feel I can do it all without burning out.

Yes! Totally. So we love the idea of your Women's Circle's. Can you tell us more about it?

The Women's Circles are an opportunity to come together connect and share our experiences while practicing non-judgmental observation of ourselves and each other in a sacred safe space.

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OK, now for the personal stuff. What is your favorite family ritual?

Morning breakfast and setting intentions for the day!

Speaking of, what's the first thing you do in the morning?

I wish I could say meditate. Sometimes that gets pushed back to the school parking lot after drop off, but on the weekends, meditate.

What's the last book you read with your daughter?

Little Bear :)

Love that one. And what's something most people don't know about conscious living or healing that would surprise them?

Conscious living is not for hippies! I think people think to live an aware or spiritual life it's about yoga poses or meditating for hours on end. To me living a conscious life is being "aware" and conscious of our choices, thoughts, actions and behaviors inwardly and outwardly.

What makes you fly?

LOVE

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WWW.WMNSPACE.COM | 10764 Washington Blvd. 2nd Floor Culver City, LA | 310 570 9492

Jungle Cubs

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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As adults, we all often crave yoga - whether for exercise, circulation or taking a pause in our everyday lives. But what about children? Surely they too can benefit from the practice in ways we may have never imagined.

Except Eda Ozmen did. She has been teaching yoga to children for the last few years after realizing that her passion for the practice and teaching kids could be united. Eda first got her 200-hour teaching training at Down Dog Yoga in DC and immediately knew she wanted to share the practice with kids. She then attended a children's teacher training through a non profit program in Washington DC called YoKids before moving to New York. Now she is at one of our favorite yoga studios, the newly expanded Lyons Den Power Yoga, where she started the Power Cubs program last year with children ages 2-12 years old. Eda also is a certified corporate wellness specialist, bringing mindful and well being practices to the workplace.

We sat down with Eda to get the lowdown on downward dogging with the mini-set.

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What do the children experience in the Power Cubs program?

At the Lyons Den, we teach kids the importance of developing healthy habits, how to pay attention and focus, as well as, to have compassion for themselves and others.

Power Cubs teaches the tools and principles of yoga in a way that is fun and accessible to children. We cultivate each student’s awareness of thoughts, emotions, body sensations, the surrounding environment and kindness to others.

Why is yoga so important and beneficial for kids?

The practices of yoga and mindfulness offer rich experiences that can profoundly impact the lives of young people by redirecting their energy in a positive way. Yoga provides a set of tools to cultivate a wide variety of experiences in mind-body awareness, self-regulation and physical fitness. Yoga at an early age creates positive health implications into adulthood, like  strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, focus, concentration, discipline, creativity, teamwork and a deeper connection to self and others.

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What's the the best part about teaching kids?

The best part about teaching kids is experiencing how present and engaged they can be. I see that kids are more in tune with their feelings and emotions while practicing yoga (especially when I see them completely still in final resting pose), which has given me a whole new outlook on my own yoga practice.

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What does teaching children teach you?

Teaching children is a lot harder than I imagined, but also extremely rewarding!

I have definitely learned to be more patient and mindful in my own actions and attention overall. Teaching them has taught me to practice without judgement, be present in the moment, not take life so seriously, and most importantly...to have fun!

The kids challenge me at times, but they’re also able to bring out the best in me.

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Can you tell us about the philosophy behind Little Flowers 5 Elements?

In each class, I use the teaching model from Little Flowers 5 Elements of Yoga and Mindfulness: Connect, Breath, Move, Focus and Relax.

We play games, do coordination exercises and different activities that focus on the 5 elements below - 

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CONNECT

 Connect activities foster connections for children internally and externally. They help students make sense of their own emotional experiences and also ground them in an awareness of their environment and the needs of others.

BREATHE

The breath is one of our most powerful tools for self determination, and teaching children that they have some control over their own emotional and energetic state is an empowering lesson.

Gaining control of the breath in a safe way can be extremely beneficial in helping children regulate their emotions and energy level.

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MOVE

Yoga poses may be used in a variety of ways as tools to channel student's energy, improve their health, build their confidence and for many other purposes. A central tenet of our program is that no child will ever be forced or pressured into any posture that they feel uncomfortable with for any reason. The emphasis in our movement practice is on exploration, not competition.

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FOCUS

Children are often asked to focus and rarely taught how.

Our focus activities are designed to allow children the capacity to experiment with what it means to focus and repeated practice noticing when their mind wanders and bringing it back to the task at hand.

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RELAX

All students of any age will benefit from learning to relax and restore. Our children are exposed to an overwhelming amount of sensory stimulation,  chronically sleep deprived and generally have no idea how to calm themselves down. Relax activities provide the opportunity to rest both the body and the mind.

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Eda's Vest & Leggings by Outdoor Voices

Callum's Vest & Shorts by The Animals Observatory

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Power Cubs at Lyons Den Power Yoga | 279 CHURCH STREET, 3RD FLOOR, NYC | 646 490 8888