#regram @vitaminaswim our girl @helenowen in the Gia Triangle +...

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3 Easy Japanese Recipes + Why They’re Great For Your Health

We learn a lot about living well from ancient cultures and the long-standing customs that come from them. Traditional Japanese recipes, for example, capture many of the healthy culinary concepts wellness promotes including fermentation and the use of unprocessed ingredients.

From this alkalizing pickled superfood and this cleansing kale drink to matcha everything, of course, our eating habits are already influenced by Japanese traditions. To take our love even further, clean eating pro, Candice Kumai, is sharing three Japanese-rooted recipes inspired by her childhood and why they're so good for you...

When I was five years old, I spent a few months in Japan and always thought it was so cool how we ate miso soup for breakfast! It was warm and comforting and felt so good to sip first thing in the morning. My love affair with miso paste has been going strong ever since. It's a fab source of B12 for vegans plus zinc for immune system support! I use it as a condiment to give body and a savory umami-quality to all kinds of sauces and dressings. You can usually find it in the produce section of the supermarket at around $5 a container. A little goes a really long way so it’s worth every penny!

According to a new study by the National Centre for Global Health and Medicine in Tokyo, adhering to Japanese guidelines of eating can lead to a longer, happier, healthier life. My mother is Japanese, born and raised. I've been eating and living by "The Kumai Method" my entire life, and have seen the positive effects of it on myself, as well as on my Japanese relatives every time I visit Japan.

Japanese-inspired, macrobiotic foods are naturally clean and detoxifying - they are plant based and include sea vegetables, local produce, healthy grains, and fermented foods. Seaweed like arame, hijiki, nori and wakame are naturally packed with iodine, vitamin C, manganese and vitamin B2! I like to prepare macrobiotic meals after a period of food indulgence, such as the holidays or a vacation, as a way of resetting and balancing my body

Keeping all that goodness in mind, here are three of my favorite nutritious and flavorful recipes inspired by childhood nostalgia, and my annual visits to Japan...

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CLEAN GREEN TIP: Adzuki beans (also referred to as azuki beans) are delicious Japanese red beans that are packed with protein, potassium and fiber. I love tossing these beans with rice, adding them to grain salads and making them into sweet pastes for Japanese-style desserts. Mmmm, I love them!

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7 Gorgeous Details That Will Actually Detox Your Home

Detox your home without losing style points. After all, why clear out the chemicals if you're not creating an atmosphere where good vibes can thrive? We love these seven simple picks for a cleaner, detoxified and more stylish home. Find one or two of the ideas below to implement in a mini pre-summer cleanse and pat yourself on the back for upgrading your home's style I.Q. while detoxing your environment at the same time...

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How To Build An Edible Garden + Indoor Herb Box At Home

Farm-to-table restaurants? Yes. Home garden to plate? Still working on it. We recently joined Edible Garden LA's Lauri Kranz for a home gardening workshop at Jenni Kayne's gorgeous Brentwood Country Mart location (a must-see shop!).

Lauri builds gorgeous gardens for homes and businesses looking to grow their own food in a beautiful way. For the most part, here in the city, that means raised bed and planters. Acquiring clean organic soil is key when it comes to growing plants you'll actually be eating. Here are a few notes from Lauri on growing an edible garden at home... 
 
During our workshop, we talked about the importance of connecting with where our food comes from and the rewards of spending time in the garden.  Gardening is a practice, like yoga or meditation and the rewards of gardening can both be seen and felt.

The three most important considerations when planning a garden: Sun, Soil and Water.

A Sunny Spot: First, find the area of your outdoor space that receives the most hours of sun per day, five or more hours is best.  For some of us, this is the entryway to our apartment or a sunny balcony and for others it is a part of our yard.

Rise Up: Make sure the soil is fertile by using raised beds or pots and filling them with good, organic soil (I like Edna's Best brand) or by amending the existing soil if you are planting directly in the ground. Beds must be at least 18" high and no wider than 4' across. Never use treated woods for your beds with edible plants. Untreated cedar or redwood are both great choices.

Be aware of gofers when you are setting up your garden. If you have them you need gofer wire.

Just Right: Water plants regularly remembering that too much or too little water can both harm a garden.  Putting a finger in the soil and feeling if it is dry or moist is an easy and effective way to determine if your plants need water. As for a watering system, many thin drip lines are better then just a few large lines. Your garden needs its own timer and valve.

Don't feel that you need to know "everything" there is to know about gardening before starting a garden (none of us ever will). The garden is a great teacher and we learn as we go.

On seeds: I recommend planting almost everything from seed. Now we are planting tomatoes, melons, strawberries, zucchini in California. In October, we'll plant leafy greens and root veggies because of the warmth. If you overplant your seeds, simply pluck young plants out as they appear on the surface. When planting small seeds take the side of you  wrist and rock it back and forth.

How to plant an kitchen herb garden:

One: Select a Planter We love these from Lauri's shop, Terrain also makes beautiful planters.

two: Use organic soil See Lauri's notes on soil choice above!

three: choose your herbs Purchase an array of herbs you love to cook with that are already grown and ready from a nursery. Basil, parsley, cilantro, thyme are all good choices. If planting mint, please keep in mind that mint needs it's own pot and should not be planted in the ground as it is invasive. When pulling plants from plastic cups, do not pull the plant out, let it fall. When planting the herbs into the soil, do not press down too firmly as it will cause too much water to leak from the planter.

Four: Find a home A warm windowsill is just right for a small planter of herbs. Place and enjoy! Keep kitchen scissors and a mortar and pestle on hand for instant use!

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TCM Obsession: Pressed Juicery Freeze Hits The Grove in L.A.

Last summer we spent way more time (and coin) on acai bowls than we'd like to admit. This summer, we have a different frozen addiction in mind. We're not making any day plans without first figuring out how close we'll be to a Pressed Juicery Freeze.

If you haven't heard yet, Pressed Juicery's Freeze - the cool little sister of their fruit and veggie juices - is hitting more and more neighborhoods on both coasts. And if you're not already a fanatic, let us fill you in: Freeze is a dairy-free, gluten-free, all-natural soft-serve made with only cold pressed juices (duh) plus almond milk, coconut or dates, depending on the flavor - and that's it.

This uber-clean dessert is blowing our minds. There are six flavors including greens, which actually contains kale and actually tastes amazing. Other flavors range from roots, citrus, and fruit, to chocolate and vanilla made with almond milk. Amp up each flavor with a whole slew of superfood toppings to choose from and you've got yourself the stuff wellness dreams are made of.

We've flipped for Freeze since its hometown debut (flashback here and here) and are psyched to see the healthy phenomenon spreading like wildfire. There are now a total of ten Pressed Juicery locations serving up the good stuff, including Pressed's brand new kiosks at Columbia University in NYC and at The Grove in Los Angeles.

Whichever coast you're on, get out there and test this out for yourself. We want to hear about your Freeze experience: What did you think? What did you top it with? And how good were your 'grams? Tag us #thechalkboardeats on social and let us know what you thought in the comments below!

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Vegan For A Week: One Delivery Box, Seven Days of Staples

there's an art to maintaining nutritional balance on a vegan diet. If you've ever thought of trying out that vegan life, even just for a few days, we're loving this local, artisanal delivery box for just that purpose.

Farm-to-doorstep service, Out of the Box Collective, delivers this all-vegan box that includes basic staples (fruits, veggies, grains), vegan proteins, bottled drinks and a few below-the-radar artisan products that will feed you for days on a pretty delicious diet that won't have you bored. Here's all about what the delivery includes, plus a creative recipe using protein-rich purple asparagus and vegan mystery meat, yuba...

We’re here in Los Angeles, the vegan capital of the world, and we’ve curated a food box to not only nourish our local vegans but also to introduce them to some of our favorite food makers. This Vegan Delivery Box includes the freshest local produce, as well as hearty staples and pantry items from all of the food groups, for a well-rounded diet. The pantry staple may be anything from seaweed snacks to eggless mayonnaise. And you’ll stock up your vegan pantry with products you can use to prepare wholesome meals – cashew cheese or almond butter, quinoa or couscous... and more.

To balance out the weekly meal plan, we’ve made sure to include just the right amount of farm-fresh, local, organic produce for delicious raw dishes, straight from the vine. These can be nutrient-rich salads or raw julienned vegetables with splashy vinaigrettes and vegan sauces. We’ve rounded out our Vegan Box selection with fermented foods like kombucha for your probiotic well-being, of course!

For first-timers who are curious, this box is an excellent introduction and a great way to explore the reasons health-conscious people adhere to a vegan diet. Why not experiment with your palette and give your body a break from eating animal products? You’ll prepare delicious meals that are truly flavorful - with fresh, locally grown herbs such as parsley, thyme, rosemary and sage! It doesn’t get any better than this.

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Our new favorite vegan ingredient is Hodo Soy yuba. Tofu’s sexy cousin, yuba is a labor of love, handmade in Oakland at the Hodo Soy beanery. Yuba is the thin, nutty-tasting, elastic-yet-delicate skin that rises to the surface when soy milk is heated. A new layer forms each time the yuba (tofu skin) is pulled from the top. We love its texture – and in the recipe below, it tastes just like noodles!

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Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend! #bestswimwear...

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OMG, DIY: Soap Crystals + Succulent Cupcakes

We almost broke the interweb earlier this year when we posted an Instagram photo of succulent cupcakes. We found the sweet stuff inside a party for one of our favorite surf brands, but were never able to track down the elusive baker.

When we came across these stunning, translucent crystal soaps by blogger, Alana Jones-Mann, it led us to her blog and - bingo - her glorious succulent cupcake tutorial. We're not always big crafters, but when we saw Alana's skills with a pastry bag and a silicone mold, we were inspired. Here's our interview with the So Cal artist, blogger and talented DIY'er...

The Chalkboard Mag: How did you get started with the blog?

I had been working in marketing and events which was a great job, but I just wasn't completely happy. On the side, I was always throwing themed parties for friends and would make all of the inspired-decor myself...it was the creative release I needed to make up for the lack of creativity I felt from 9 - 5.

For the baking side of things, that was a bit different.  I had started baking as a release after losing my best friend...it was strange because I hadn't really been that into baking prior, but as I was coping with the loss I found that baking in my kitchen was the only place I could feel at ease and I quickly became obsessed with it. I took that as a sign and decided to do what I love every day, because life is too short not to. I started casually posting pics of parties and desserts I had made, and then after receiving some requests, I began to post DIY tutorials to accompany my creations. It was all very organic and has always just been something I do because I love to do it.

TCM: Describe for us your personal brand ID in three words:

Unique inspired creations.

TCM:Have you always been so inventive with the DIYs? The two picture above are blowing our minds! 

Yes, I think so. I've loved crafting for as long as I can remember - I had a serious obsession with Martha Stewart in elementary school. And since I was younger, I've always felt the desire to figure out how to make something myself.

TCM: We love the crystal soaps and other crystal-themed art projects you do - how did that become a theme?

I don't remember exactly - I know I had found myself very enthralled with the gem room at The Natural History Museum at one point, and I had just arrived back in NY after another inspiring and nature-filled trip home to California...so I think it was a combination of the two. I had the idea in my head for a while and then just decided to give it a go once I was back and feeling refreshed. I had originally made a small agate topper for one of my Gemstone Cupcakes, and then later decided to use the same process and make a set of Agate Cookies, an Agate Cheesecake, and then the Gemstone Soaps. There are just so many incredible details and such beauty inside stones, that it's hard to stop trying to replicate those in a dessert or craft-based form!

TCM: What has been your most rewarding moment as a blogger?

Hmm - I'd say it had to do with my cactus cupcakes. I had made them years ago and it wasn't until 2014 (more than one year to the date of me posting the DIY) that any of the larger sites noticed. The art blog ThisIsColossal first picked them up and from there it quickly started to snowball and get attention with bigger sites like Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, etc. It was the first time I received mass attention for one of my projects, so it felt really special.

TCM: Talk to us about the succulent cupcakes. We're dying. Are they are difficult as they look?

They really aren't too hard - and I know that for a fact because I've seen so many people re-create them after following along with my tutorial. I initially made those in NY at a time when I had been fairly homesick for San Diego, so I decided to pay homage to the desert landscape that I had been utterly missing at the time. It makes me very happy to see people recreating a project that was so special to my heart.

TCM: What are three creative inspirations for you right now?

I've been really inspired by printmakers and patterns from the 60's and 70's - especially the artwork of Frank Stella and Sol LeWitt. For modern inspirations, I love Mara Hoffman's designs - the curation of her Instagram is also incredibly inspiring on it's own. And I've been very inspired by artist Peter Zimmerman recently.

TCM: Name three blogs or books you're reading now:

For books I'm currently reading "Be Here Now" by Ram Dass, "This Is It" by Alan Watts, and a book on southern California wildflowers from the 80's.

TCM: What's your studio/office uniform this spring?

My style has always been very 60's inspired. I love colorful prints, collared dresses, and flares. I also am pretty much always wearing this one Greek Fisherman hat my grandfather gave me that he used to wear in the 70's.

TCM: What's your latest wellness obsession?

Exercise has always been a very important part of my routine - it's a great (and mandatory) release for me...and it helps balance all the cake! Since moving to LA four months ago I've found a great Kundalini yoga class that has already had a huge impact on my life - it's like going to therapy and the gym in one. I also love taking The Class with Natalie Kuhn. I used to go to Natalie's classes in New York and was so happy to hear she was moving to LA and bringing The Class out here!

Here are the Succulent Cupcake instructions! Get to baking! 

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3 Indulgent Beauty Rituals For Summer Weekends

A full season of sundresses is on it's way. And summer beauty prep is all that women's magazines are talking about this time of year, right? We're taking a deeper look at beauty and self-care with Shel Pink, founder of natural spa brand Sparitual and self-proclaimed "lifestyle futurist". Shel promotes the idea of "slow beauty" that has as much to do with the mind, emotions and inner health as it does glowing skin and a strong physique. 

From meditating to earthing, here are three simple rituals you can work into your current self-care routines this summer to get you glowing beautifully, inside and out...

“There is a deep beauty within each person. Modern culture is obsessed with cosmetic perfection. Beauty is standardized; it has become another product for sale. In it’s real sense, beauty is the illumination of your soul.” -- John O’Donohue

This summer, challenge the advertising and marketing that communicates how we should feel about our bodies. As the weather warms up and it's time to peel off the layers and don a bathing suit, step out of your winter cocoon with robust self-confidence and self-love. Adopt a new philosophy of beauty; one that is slow and enlightened. Here is what "slow beauty" means to me and a few slow beauty rituals to help you unearth your deep, inner beauty...

What is slow beauty? The philosophy of slow beauty is simultaneously simple and deep. The main guiding principle of the slow beauty philosophy is sustainable self-care. When we care for ourselves in meaningful ways, we are best able to care for others and the world. To develop a slow beauty practice, elevate your beauty routine into intentional, beautiful beauty rituals.

Step into your natural rhythm. Seasonal transitions are natures’ rituals in action. Nature is intentional as it moves from season to season, celebrating the natural rhythms of the cycles of life. As we transition from bountiful, refreshing, breezy spring into the warmth and luminosity of summer, it is time to prep our mind, body and spirit for this change.

When summer arrives, so does the pressure for our bodies to be in the best condition – messaging surrounding how to prep our bodies for summer is heightened, and so are our attitudes of self-image.

What if this summer we shifted our thinking around body awareness to include practices of health, wellness and compassion? Instead of striving for perfectionism, and being micro-critical of various body parts, we free ourselves to become our most healthy, beautiful self through intentional slow beauty rituals that make us whole.

Below are some ideas on how to harness the gifts of the light and freedom summer brings to us. We are what we practice. So this summer, let’s incorporate slow beauty practices for a positive body image!

slow Beauty ritual one: Choose a mantra

“You Are Beautiful, Just the Way You Are” Bruno Mars

What it is: A mantra is an intentional word, sound or phrase to aid concentration in a mindfulness practice like meditation (learn more about it here). It is something that resonates profoundly with the “user” of the mantra. Traditionally, teachers have assigned mantras to their students. A teacher gives their students a mantra they feel will aid them in their spiritual growth. A mantra is a tool that helps you to design an inner life that is most aligned with your personal values and authentic self. There are lifelong mantras, and there are also shorter-term mantras to accompany you through specific phases in your life.

Why do it: There are many ways to receive and use a mantra. I practice a form of meditation called transcendental meditation. As part of the learning, the student is given a mantra in the form of a sound. It is repeated aloud by the teacher and then the student one time. Then the mantra is repeated silently during the 20 minutes, twice daily, when the student practices the meditation. The mantra is never to be shared. In this style of meditation, a mantra is used as a focal point when thoughts arise. When I notice a thought, I simply let it go, and return once again to my mantra. The mantra is an aid that helps you to deeply relax your mind, body and spirit. It is a tool to help detoxify the mind, body and spirit from negative, and unsupportive thinking and behavior.

How To Do it: No need to leave your loved ones or your worldly possessions behind in search of the guru to gift you a mantra. You are the guru. The first step to create your very own summer mantra is to slow down to engage the highest form of knowledge, your intuition. We are the questions and the answers.

If you don’t have a meditation or mindfulness practice yet, here are a few tips on how to slow down, gain clarity of mind and design a mantra to accompany you this summer that will help you achieve a positive body image. The point of the exercise is to bring your self into a state of calm to create space for expansive thoughts to arise. When you do this exercise, look out for a word or a phrase, or a sound to arise that resonates with you – meaning, it feels good when you think it. That will be your mantra. Read through all of the steps first so you know what to expect and you can prepare your self. I know it seems counter intuitive to create thoughts during a meditation but there are many different types of meditation. Thoughts come and go. We mostly want to let them come and go, without judging the thought as good or bad. For this exercise we are seeking a feeling that we can trigger through a word or phrase that arises within to harness self-love and the benefits of the summer months. Once you’ve designed your mantra you will want to keep it to yourself, and profess it internally, when you need its good vibrations. Here are the steps to help you unearth your very own mantra:

Find a quiet, and comfortable place to sit - somewhere you will not be interrupted for at least 15 minutes. Place your feet on the ground and your hands on your lap. Nothing should be crossed. Close your eyes. Begin your slow beauty breathing exercise. This requires six deep inhales and exhales. For the first three breathing rounds, breath in calm, and then breathe out stress. For the last three breathing rounds breathe in calm and breathe out calm. In your mind's eye, think of the positive image you’d like to set around your summer body and beauty image. Continue breathing and let the thoughts arise. Let them come and go. The timing on this is up to you. I suggest 10 minutes, or for as long as it feels comfortable for you. Write down the thoughts that arose and craft a summer beauty mantra that supports a loving self-image. It could be one word, a series of words, a phrase, or even a sound.

When to use it: This is your mantra. It came from you. Use it anytime, anywhere you please. You may want to connect with it first thing in the morning, or find a quiet time to sit with it and check in with yourself during the day. Should negative thinking arise about your body image, that is the perfect time to use the mantra to shift your thinking to a more positive state. Whatever feels most comfortable and natural to you is the exact way for you to use it. If you already have a meditation practice then think of using this summer mantra as a booster mantra to complement your practice.

SLOW BEAUTY RITUAL two: Get grounded with EARTHING

“The more high tech we become, the more nature we need.” Richard Louv
What it is: Earthing is a term coined by Clint Ober in the 1960s. It means connecting to nature by grounding yourself in it. Many of us are suffering from what author Richard Louv identified as nature deficit disorder, and we don’t even know it. The culprit is our addiction to technology and the fast-paced lives we live. The Earth offers us the benefits of well being. When we ground to the Earth, our stress levels are reduced, and we experience more energy and a sense of renewal. This isn’t a revelation, it’s just something we need to remember and practice. Earthing is a transfer of energy from the ground into the body.

Why do it: When we immerse ourselves in nature we experience a three-dimensional world that heightens all of our senses. Nature is alive. It is real. In contrast, technology is two-dimensional. Although it is incredibly useful and provides us many conveniences, technology is a manufactured experience. Earthing helps us to connect with nature, to counterbalance our over-dependency on technology. We need to learn how to strike a balance between nature and technology for our health. Earthing is an aspect of self-care, and a slow beauty ritual we can put into practice. The Earth is a powerful source of energy. The Earth’s natural electricity has a balancing effect on our organs, tissues and cells, as well as many other benefits - like reducing chronic pain and promoting a good night’s sleep. The bottom line: Earthing makes us feel good. And when we feel good, we look good!

How to do it: It’s so simple! Summer is the perfect time for earthing. The best surfaces for earthing include grass, soil, sand, unsealed tiles or stones, or concrete. Remove your shoes, and walk barefoot on any one of those surfaces. For maximum results, spend 30 minutes earthing each day. If that isn’t possible, then get back to nature whenever you can. To go further with it, be more intentional while you are in nature. “Stop and smell the roses,” is not a cliché, it is a mindful way to experience nature. Listen to nature. It is always singing a tune. Nature is the most talented artist – look around. And while you are at it, taste nature and eat a fresh piece of fruit or vegetable.

SLOW BEAUTY RITUAL three: Practice 'First Light'

What it is: Each of us has an internal master clock called a circadian clock. Working in 24-hour cycles, it regulates physiological processes in the body and signals us when it is time to sleep. This body clock responds to environmental cues like light, darkness and temperature. It is located in a region of our brain and is made up of two clusters of thousands of nerve cells. Exposure to natural light first thing in the morning helps reset our body clock helping the processes of our natural internal rhythm to work optimally.

Why do it: Light in the morning helps us to wake up. It gives us more energy than a cup of coffee, and it helps to jump start the production of melatonin to help us with a good night’s sleep later in the evening. Adequate amounts of light affect our sleeping patterns, productivity, alertness, and mood. It also improves our metabolic function.

How to do it: Go outside first thing in the morning and look at the natural light. In the evening it is just as important to dim the lights inside at least one hour before bedtime. This signals us to go to sleep and have a good night’s rest. Solar noon is also an optimum time to get some light exposure. So let the light in. Let the light shine on you. Ideally we want to spend a combined amount of at least one hour outdoors.

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How to Make Cauliflower Rice Four Ways

We're not exaggerating when we tell you that learning how to make cauliflower rice might actually change your life. This healthy food hack is prepped in a matter of minutes, and is so delicious it won't leave you lusting after the food it's meant to replace. Not that there's anything wrong with rice, but more cruciferous vegetables is always a good thing (here's why)! 

Already a cauliflower rice veteran? Spice things up with a bold flavor combo inspired by the following recipes from Our Body Book and our girl, McKel Hill of Nutrition Stripped... 

Cauliflower is no longer the boring vegetable you steam and then douse with butter. It can transform classic favorites like pizza, mashed potatoes, bread, muffins, and rice into a more nutrient dense version that tends to be lower in calories.

Cauliflower rice is one of the “trends” of the season offering a low carbohydrate version to white rice and can be used in the same way from Mexican flavor, for stir-fry, to use as a base of a “bowl” meal or enjoy as a side dish. The added bonus is you can enjoy this cauliflower rice raw, lightly steamed, or sautéed (my favorite). Master the template for making Cauliflower Rice and then skies the limit with the variations you can make with this...

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White now we need this bikini. #bestswimwear #vix...

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3 Must-Eat Summer Salads From Top L.A. Restaurants

Eating things in bowls has been trending hard the past couple of years (here's proof). With all the hubbub over grain bowls, acai bowls and the like, let us not forget the O.G. of bowl foods: the green salad.

We’ve scoured menus across L.A. to find salads that could inspire the most greens-averse into grabbing a fork. Our well-researched shortlist highlights big flavor, spring and summer ingredients, and artful plating. Crafted in the kitchens of lunch and dinner spots we already adore, these three bowls are worth braving the 405 for.

Check out three of our favorite L.A. eateries and the salads luring us through their doors. For more salad-inspo, explore our ten favorite recipes for green bowls that won’t bore your tastebuds.

MOMED in Beverly HIlls | Pear and Citrus Salad
MOMED, the modern Mediterranean eatery, with locations in Beverly Hills and Atwater Village, is celebrating spring’s bounty of produce with a gorgeous Pear and Citrus Salad featuring fennel, endive, pomegranate, orange segments, pears and a creamy citrus vinaigrette. The Atwater location has a huge, sleek patio, and Beverly Hills is great for lunchtime people watching!

Daily Dose Cafe in D.T.L.A. | Big Salad 
The Arts District’s Daily Dose Cafe has been serving healthy, delicious organic food in a picturesque alleyway for several years now, and their new Big Salad is pretty, tasty and filling. There are mixed organic greens, grown in their on-site mini farm, feta cheese, blueberries, strawberries, herbed croutons and a sugar-free citrus vinaigrette.

Cliff's Edge in Silverlake | Baby Beets Salad
At Cliff’s Edge, the Silver Lake restaurant with the stunning tree-covered patio, chef Gavin Humes has a colorful and bright Baby Beets Salad. Roasted baby beets rub shoulders with clementine, pistachios, avocado, caraway, balsamic, brown butter and berries.

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A Day in SoHo with Model Jessica Stam

From Think Coffee to The Apartment by The Line (we're obsessed!), we're exploring NYC's SoHo neighborhood with model and neighborhood local, Jessica Stam. With Pressed Juicery finally opening it's doors in the stylish NYC neighborhood, we asked Jessica (a roots 3 devotee) to let us in on where a girl-in-the-know should grab lunch, shop or sweat it between bottles of greens. Read below for Stam's top picks. From rock n'roll art galleries to great late night patios, we can't wait to get to know our new Pressed Juicery SoHo neighbors...

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25 Ingredients You’ll Never Find in NYC’s Latest Beauty Shop

Born and bred in green-friendly San Francisco, Credo Beauty recently opened the doors to their first East Coast location in the heart of Lower Manhattan. Fresh faced city babes are already swarming to bask in the clean beauty bliss provided by classic natural brands like One Love Organics, W3ll People and Tata Harper.

Credo Beauty carries a strictly curated collection of green or natural brands who must abide by the shop's guidelines on packaging and formulation to be considered by the retailer. Brands must use 100% sustainable materials for their packaging, guarantee the omission of over twenty toxic ingredients from their formulas, and never test on animals.

Credo's standard for clean beauty is high. With that in mind, it's impressive just how many TCM-approved brands you'll see in the shop! Below is the list of twenty five common, toxic ingredients you’ll never find on the shelves at Credo Beauty. Read up, take note and revisit the labels living on your shower shelves...

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Smoke + Mirrors: How to Ace The Sheer Smokey Eye Look

We love a smokey eye, but as warmer weather nears we're looking for ways to lighten things up. This simple - and totally non-toxic - step-by-step tutorial from celeb makeup artist, Katey Denno, pares down the darkness with washes of steely gray in place of black. The result is a look that's ultra-wearable and can last all day. Get the look, shown here on the lovely Halston Sage (Neighbors, Goosebumps)...

Smokey eye makeup doesn't have to be dark and heavy or intimidating to do on yourself. Pairing two sheer, shimmery gray shadows - one powder and one cream - with a perfect, skin-toned, ray-of-light shadow is my go-to for nearly all eye colors and skin tones. It's far less time consuming and requires next to no clean up - unlike the black smokey eye! My favorite thing about a sheer smokey eye is that it doesn't look overdone when paired with a rich lip and cheek! Here's what I used to make Halston's eyes smolder.

how to achieve the sheer smokey eye:

STEP One: Using a medium-sized domed eyeshadow brush, I pressed 'Glow' from Alima Pure all along her lid, blending the remaining shadow on the brush upwards, just slightly above the crease. I pressed a good amount of the same powder under her bottom lashes and into the inner corner or her eye, following the application with a few light swipes of a cotton swab to blend the edge seamlessly.

Step Two: I used a light-to-medium gray shadow called 'Divine' from Kjaer Weis to add depth to the look by pressing it in with a tapered, domed shadow brush along her upper-lash line and along her crease, blending the two together to meet very sheerly in the center of her lid. I went back in with the brush to densely press more 'Divine' along her lash line and into the outer corner to really define the outer edge of the lid.

Step three:  To finish the look, I swiped 'You Spin Me Round' - the creamy gunmetal gray eyeshadow stick from Ilia Beauty - along her upper lash line and blended it in with the same domed brush I used in step 2. I then used the excess that remained on the brush to lightly blend more of a gray tone into her lower lid - the skin directly behind her lower lashes.

Step four: I curled her lashes, making sure they created the perfect fan shape around her eye, and coated them with a few layers of very black mascara.

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NYC Bite of the Month: Dragonfruit Rolled Ice Cream

Looking for an excuse to eat more ice cream? Always. The only responsible thing to do after reading this review is to grab a friend and get in on the experience. Foodie extraordinaire, Kat Odell, is breaking down the drool-worthy details of the rolled ice cream trend, including where to go and which flavors to beeline it toward. (All neon everything!)

What I Ate: Juicy Spot Cafe's Thai Rolled Ice Cream

Why I Ate It: I've been curious to explore this whole Thai rolled ice cream trend, which has spread across the US over the past few years. I've been pretty skeptical because, hey, what's so special about rolled ice cream, other than that it makes for a catchy Instagram photo? So, stuck with jury duty a few weeks ago, I spent my lunch break exploring Chinatown and its myriad cafes. From boba to chewy Hong Kong ice cream sundae waffles, to Thai rolled ice cream.

Why You Need It: The first Thai rolled ice cream cafe to hit New York was 10Below, and since it opened, that place has been slammed. For whatever reason, Juicy Spot Cafe has fallen somewhat under the radar (i.e. you don't need to wait on a 30-minute line), and it's my personal pick because there are slightly healthier exotic fruit options (plus juices, acai bowls, etc.) beyond just cookies and cream. Pictured here is the dragon fruit roll, but I opted for a yogurt-esque base so it's not super sweet, and brings a sour tang. I topped it with dragon fruit, kiwi, a drizzle of condensed milk and grass jelly (because I am into weird things like that).

What makes Thai rolled ice cream so awesome? The "ice cream" starts as a liquid and as it is rapidly frozen on a flattop, it becomes far colder than regular ice cream, and takes on this awesome chewy texture. Like, you could eat this stuff with a fork and knife. If you're a fan of Turkish dondurma, you'll want to explore this delicious concept.

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Is Soy Bad for You? Here’s What You Should Know

Soy is easily one of the most controversial health foods in the world. It’s cheap, fast-growing, high in protein and over the last 20 years here in the U.S. we've gone gang-busters with the plant, adding it as an ingredient to nearly every processed food, condiment and dairy replacement out there.

Asian cultures have been eating it for eons in the forms of fermented tofu, sauces, and miso - not as the processed milks and soy-based derivatives we're consuming now. Most of the products we've become accustomed to on the grocery store shelves are a far cry from the food's traditionally fermented uses in Asian cuisine.

In its raw state, soy is actually difficult to digest and contains "anti-nutrients". Like most other legumes, soy needs to be fermented or cooked using specific methods to unlock it's beneficial nutritional qualities. When overly consumed, soy can also potentially create undesirable imbalances in the body you may want to avoid. Let's take a quick look at soy's upside, downside and how to shop and eat it correctly...

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Finger Limes + Kakadu Plums: 6 Australian Superfoods We’re Loving Now

pass the Kakadu plums.  If that's what it takes to get the laidback vibe of the Australian girls we're noticing lately, we're ready to gorge ourselves on these superfoods stat.  There is no end to the Australian inspo going on via Instagram lately and we're loving it - from fashion to fitness, natural beauty to beachy superfood eat, there must be something in the water Down Under and we're ready to drink up. 

Although our office snack stash is like an international conference of superfoods already, some of these fruits are new news to us! We're loving a few of these crazy fruits and a superfood recipe brought to us by the ladies of Free People's Bldg 25.... 

The recent popularity of so-called “superfoods” has been a hot nutritional topic for the past few years. And while the trend can sometimes seem a little hyperbolic, many of these nourishing, plant-based extracts, usually available in powder form, have their origins in indigenous wellbeing practices. Our ancestors discovered and cultivated their native roots, berries, seeds and leaves to bolster longevity, treat ailments and provide critical nutrients when sustenance was sparse. Usually these plants thrived even in arid and barren conditions, and their adaptogenic qualities—hardy in the face of ecological adversity—were prized for imbuing the forager with those same qualities.

What they are + what they do

Think of now-popular super foods such as maca from Peru, ginseng from China, and holy basil (or tulsi) from India. Known as the “ancient healers”, today they are more coveted for their health and beauty-boosting powers. But perhaps lesser known is the bounty of native Australian superfoods, which thrive in one of the Earth’s most sun-scorched landscapes. Top superfoods include...

Kakadu plums: has the highest recorded levels of Vitamin C of all other fruits, as well as powerfully hydrating and antiseptic properties.
Davidson plums: a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin E and zinc - all of which are essential for glowing skin. These plums provide unique dairy-free source of calcium as well.
Quandong:  a fruit with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as protein and complex oils that boost the immune system and promote brain health.
Wattleseed: these seeds are packed with protein, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc. The seeds can be ground up to create a nutrient-dense flour.
Finger limes: rich in folate, potassium and Vitamin C & E
Lemon myrtle leaves: known as a potent anti-fungal immunity-booster and can be used for healing internally and topically.

Queensland-based food stylist and recipe writer Hannah Archibald of The Seasonal Circle first became interested in native ingredients while doing research at university.  “I came across the Kakadu plum, which was found in the 1980s to have the highest level of Vitamin C than any other known fruit at the time. It was gaining a bit of interest as a potential ingredient in health and skin supplements and I was interested in its horticultural development.” Some of Archibald’s other favorites include “native finger limes, pepper berries and lemon myrtle–all have become more accessible in recent years and are very versatile. Finger limes are being heralded as the next macadamia nut in terms of popularity, and I love incorporating Illawarra plums and Davidson plums into dishes for their high antioxidant content.”

How to use them

You can find them from companies such as The Australian Super Food Co. who have harnessed the potency of these ingredients, making them easy to blend into smoothies, sprinkle on salads and bake into muffins.

For inspiration on how to use these goodies in our cooking, we looked to the charming and irreverent online food ‘zine Dish Pig, which often collaborates with Archibald on recipes. Below, Dish Pig shares Archibald’s recipe for Native Pikelets (that’s pancakes to those in America!) with macadamia nut cream and Davidson plum jam.

Wattleseed adds an earthy flavor, while the macadamia nut cream adds texture. The Davidson plums are quite tart, a common characteristic in many Australian native fruits. Illawarra and Davidson plums are very high in antioxidants, although they can be hard to source, so blueberries or any type of local plum can be substituted in this recipe too.

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Mermaid Approved: Kelp Masks + Salt Spray For Summer Beauty

Let's be real. Half the reason why we vacation by the beach is to come home with beautiful skin that proves we were there. In preparation for a summer full of seaside escapades, Kerrilynn Pamer of NYC’s green beauty paradise, CAP Beauty, is helping us reach sea goddess status with six natural beauty products inspired by island life. From a spirulina face mask to to a kelp-infused hairspray for sea-styled locks on demand, these beauty picks have us in that mermaid mood...

We strongly believe in the transformational and life changing power of ingredients and these six products conjure up the perfect vacation from the comfort of home. We're hoping you book that trip soon, but in the meantime indulge in some of these to get closer to paradise.

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Toxic Timeout: Should You Rethink That Non-Stick Cookware?

Hot on the heels of spring cleaning season, we're revitalizing our toxic timeout series with a breakdown of the mysterious and ubiquitous chemical, PFOA. These facts come from the founder of MADE SAFE, Amy Ziff, who's taught us that most dangerous chemicals in our homes often hide behind a veil of convenience, as with the case of non-stick cookware.

This breakdown may inspire you to stock up on non-health compromising enamelware and classic iron-clad pots and pans, but when you really just prefer the ease of non-stick on a busy morning or evening, we've been impressed with the brand GreenPan who makes functional non-stick pans that are PFOA-free (and are actually beautiful as well!)

We know it can be overwhelming to learn about toxins in the home. But take one step at a time, up your knowledge on the below, and make just one small change. Check back every month and detoxify one item in your life until strange modern dangers like PFOA no longer lurk in your home...

What Is It? Perfluorooctanoic acid is commonly known as PFOA or C8, and also goes by the CAS #335-67-1. It’s a manmade perfluorinated chemical (you might see these referred to as PFCs in the news), which means that its base includes carbon attached to fluorine atoms.

PFOA is used in non-stick cookware (think Teflon), in other non-stick coatings like Gore-Tex, and in carpet and furniture that have been treated to be stain resistant. It can even be found in makeup such as eye shadow, powders and creams.

What’s the Concern? PFOA is an endocrine disruptor linked to cancer according to sources like these. In addition, it’s persistent (which means it stays in the environment) and bioaccumulates (which means it stays in the human body for long periods of time).

It’s also terrifyingly common: A 2007 study from the CDC found PFOA in the blood of 99.7% of Americans. After a class-action lawsuit that revealed PFOA’s link to cancer and other diseases, DuPont (PFOA’s major producer) made a deal with the EPA to phase out its use beginning in 2006 - however, this doesn’t mean that this dangerous chemical has disappeared from consumer products. It’s a good idea to try to consciously reduce your exposure where you can.

How Do We Avoid It? You can avoid PFOA in everyday products by switching from non-stick cookware to cast iron or stainless steel. Also try to avoid stain-resistant materials where possible, including clothing, carpets and furniture. Make sure it’s not listed in your makeup as PFOA, PFTE or polyacrylmide. PFOA is also not permitted in any of our MADE SAFE certified products.

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30 Days of Inner Strength: Exploring the Power of a Nourished Spirit

You feel it when you're in love, when you're goofing around with your gals, when get into a groove working towards something that matters... Tapping into that liberating energy of feeling like "yourself" is more about embracing quirks than correcting them, and doing things to feed our spirit - as silly as some may seem - can help build inner strength in the most profound and sustainable way.

We're approaching the final stretch of our thirty-day Inner Strength Series, feeling powered up from three weeks of working our minds, bodies and hearts (follow the links for a refresher!). This round of challenges from master yogi and best selling author, Mandy Ingber, is meant to connect you with a sense of internal freedom by exploring the energy that makes you, you.

Dance, draw and de-digitalize your way to inner strength with seven days of challenges for your spirit. Share your experience or tell us what you think in the comments below!

Strength of the spirit means being able to hold space and get bigger than your outside circumstances. You’ve heard the saying that you are a spiritual being having a human experience. In yoga, they say you are not your thoughts, you are not your body, you are not your emotions. You are much greater than that. This week’s inner strength challenge for the spirit means expanding and transcending beyond the physical into that space where all is connected and all is as it should be.

MONDAY: Dance
Dance in your living room, in the aisles, at someone’s wedding, like nobody’s watching. Dance! Take five minutes to have a dance party at work or by yourself. Bonus points for moving just exactly the way you want to. Play your favorite tunes and let spirit move through you.

Tuesday: Write a poem or Make Art
Art and poetry are wonderful ways to express the mystery of what is sensed, yet not seen. There are some things we feel and experience that are not linear, that cannot be expressed through the mind. Paint a picture about how you feel or draw a picture of your heart. If you feel sad, put it down on paper in a poem about a lost child. You don’t have to be a trained artist or have a degree. The most beautiful art I have ever seen is created by children. Put your heart on paper today.

Wednesday: Connect with your Inner Mystic
Follow your intuition today and find some healing tools. Explore a modality that calls to you. Some ideas are flower essences or crystal healing. There are healing powers in flower essence remedies that transfer vibrational healing frequencies of the flower through the conductor of water. Connect with crystal healing. Try rose quartz for self-love or amethyst for connection to spirit. Crystal shepherd Ele Keats, at Ele Keats Jewelry on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, can help you find the right crystal - or trust yourself. Following your own inner authority is especially empowering. You will likely gravitate toward the exact right thing, Just keep your feelers feeling.

Thursday: Listen to a spiritual master download
When in need of perspective, surround yourself with the masters. I love to listen to an audio recording of Baba Ram Das or play the Guru Gita by Kumuda as I drift off to sleep. The words of Tich Naht Hahn or the humor of Osho put my worries and fears in their right place. I remember that I am not my circumstances, thoughts or feelings and that there is something much larger at play.

Friday: Schedule an astrology reading
When I was a girl, I started doing people’s charts out of a paperback book that my mom had. I really felt the need to understand those around me and make sense of it all. As I grew into adulthood, I continued to study astrology and became adept at reading charts. The astrological chart is a blueprint, a guide and map, that can help define exactly what you are here to fulfill. Understanding my chart has been a powerful tool for trusting that I am exactly as I was meant to be, and all that is occurring is exactly on time. Schedule a reading with me, or check out a few of my favorites: Astro.com, Mountain Astrologer, Chani Nicholas and Rick Levine.

Saturday: Get cranial sacral or reiki healing
The more subtle body work can feel like a spiritual hug. Cranial sacral work or reiki healing are both done fully clothed and are far more about allowing the body to unwind than correcting or fixing anything. Gary Strauss at Foundation for Life Energy is a deeply earthy and supportive force for healing in my life.

SUNDAY: Take a day to unplug
Give yourself a day of rest. Leave your phone in your car. Do not use the computer. Take the day off from all emails. Clean your closet.

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East To West: Rachel Zoe on Mastering The Bi-Coastal Life

Breakfast at Au Fudge and lunch in Central Park.... If we could exist in L.A. and NYC simultaneously we would, but as our custom Gulfstream jet is still on order, we've got to break our days up a bit. Bi-coastal living is a life skill. And no one does it better than our May Guest Editor, Rachel Zoe.

Rachel's high-octane life - from running a fashion empire to balancing that mom life - makes settling in one city a fantasy at best, but Rachel has managed to turn both L.A. and Manhattan into a playground for herself and her fam.

We're inspired by Rachel's L.A. and NYC faves, including her style uniforms on both coasts. Pick up a few tips for mastering that bi-coast commute in good health and great style...

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Cozy + Clean: How to Make Coconut Quinoa Pudding

We love it when beloved savory superfoods dress up as healthy desserts. This creamy pudding from Claire Thomas of The Kitchy Kitchen merges whole food nourishment with the cozy goodness of comfort food, giving us the best of both worlds! Replacing rice with quinoa means we get protein and essential amino acids in place of starch. Coconut milk makes this luscious dish vegan-friendly, too. 

Whether you add berries, nuts or nothing at all, this versatile bowl of deliciousness will quench ravings and leave you satisfied. Get inspired by some of our other favorite quinoa recipes - including this tropical bowl and this apple-spiced porridge - and whip up Claire's pudding for a sweet breakfast, healthy dessert or sinless snack. 

Rice pudding is one of my favorite comfort-food desserts. In France, riz au lait is just as much an art form for grandmas as knitting or lacemaking. The texture must be yielding and tender, the flavor full and mildly sweet, and usually a swirl of thin caramel crests the top. I wanted to create a 'weekday' version of this decadent classic, one where there’s a little more protein. The cream is swapped with coconut, and can be topped with fruit and nuts for a decadent breakfast.

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These Veggie Spirals Are Changing the Fast Food Game

For us, spiralizing vegetables into "pasta" was almost as big a breakthrough as our first bite of these pancakes, or our first sip of this almond milk. Health food has come a long way this decade and there's plenty to get excited about, but our unwavering love for zoodles and all things spiralized surpasses most of them.

We've got mandolines, spiral-makers and recipes galore at the ready for you, but if you're more of an Uber Eats kind of gal, you might be more impressed with this delivery service from Hungryroot. Their carrot noodles with peanut sauce and sweet potato noodles with cashew cream sauce are both out of this world, they also offer crazy wellness desserts like black bean brownie batter (which our team devored in 5 minutes flat!) and chickpea almond cookie dough that bakes up in a flash.

We're been ordering Hungryroot deliveries to the office whenever we tire of our intense smoothie routines, and today the zoodle-pushers have taken their delivery service national. Hungryroot also announced today their partnership with Whole Foods, beginning in Boston, MA! This is a big win for busy, spiral-obsessed foodies everywhere. Bon apetit!

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Want Yourself: 5 Lessons On Moving Forward Fearlessly

We're reducing down a few delicious thoughts from last month's WANT: Women Against Negative Talk panel in Malibu with founder - and TCM go-to gal - Katie Horwitch. We love these reflections on staying true to self as life's highs and lows roll by...

Last month, I had the immense pleasure of gathering a panel of women I love for a beachside get-together in Malibu with WANT women from all over SoCal. Lynn Chen of The Actor's Diet, Jordan Younger of The Balanced Blonde, Audrey Bellis of StartupDTLA and WorthyWomen, and Rachelle Tratt of The Neshama Project all jammed with me on everything from overcoming obstacles on your journey, how to learn from naysayers, and how to tackle ghost worries and turn fear into faith.

I knew I'd love learning from these game-changing women, especially in this incredible setting - over green juice nonetheless. What I didn't expect was how each person attending would inspire me beyond measure. Sitting in silence in my PJ's hours later, I was stunned by the impact. Here were my five biggest lessons from the day...

connect meaningfully: The relationships we have with each other are a direct reflection of the relationships we have with ourselves.

Community-builder extraordinaire and WorthyWomen founder Audrey said it best: Our connections with others are intricately tied to the way we view ourselves. It’s a conversation I have all the time with women looking to make new friends as adults: It’s hard. And we are starved for genuine, soul-stirring connection. The question is, if we're all thinking the same thing, then why aren't we all just finding each other and frolicking off into the land of besties - nay, soulies - somewhere?

Whether we're fiercely independent or thrive in groups, it's easy to blame others for the reasons why we're not moving forward in our own lives. And on the flipside, the easy-to-grab focus on superficial gains and surface-level commonalities (we both like movies! we both like tacos! #bff) is leaving us starved for true connection even when we think we've got it. But at the root of it all is the relationship we have with ourselves. Are we honoring ourselves fully, both our highs and our lows? Do we respect our own choices and stand by ourselves through thick and thin? It's nearly impossible for someone else to have your back if you don't even have your own.

What was incredible about this weekend was that every single person in attendance came with a wide open heart, an eager mind, no filter and no judgement. Very few of us knew each other going into the day, but somehow, as we gathered under the springtime sun and laughed/cried/empathized in unison, it felt like we'd all been strategically chosen to be together in that exact place at that exact time. And that's the power of honoring who you are at your core: You'll find others who honor it, too.

Just say yes: Say yes to what's actually happening instead of waiting for what isn't.

As I've described before, I am a recovering people-pleaser and a current emotional sponge. I've craved permission, validation, someone telling me that the path I'm on is right/admirable/acceptable/okay. I've doubted myself into inaction too many times to count and internalized it to the point of paralysis. I've missed opportunities because I was waiting for a sign, not realizing that signs don't just pop up if you're not open to finding them.

Lynn got super raw and talked about her career, her attempt to get pregnant, her father's death - and at the core of it all, landed on the invaluable piece of wisdom that we need to say "yes" to what is actually going on in our lives instead of sitting around preparing for something that isn't. We toil away prepping our bodies for a season, we put off projects because of what might happen six months down the line, we don't go on that date because we're moving and they're here and oh my god how would it ever work so why even bother? There are way, way too many instances for each of us, in our own unique ways, that we put our lives on hold and wait for that "Okay, all clear!" from the universe. Instead of waiting for those signs, we could be spending that time actually making shit happen. When we do this, it turns out, everything seems to fall into place. Even though we had no clue what that "everything" would even look like.

stay positive: Sometimes optimism isn't about seeing a silver lining; it's about knowing deep down that you'll be okay.

When Jordan was being viciously attacked online (trust me when I say it's horrible stuff), she didn't mask her feelings in mantras and she didn't not internalize what was going on. As she shared with us, sure, some of the comments were/are laughable - but many were downright frightening and a threat to her safety. It would have been easy to rip her blog off of the Internet or go AWOL, but she knew in her heart she was meant for more than that. And with a lot of help and a lot of self-awareness, she was able to continually remind herself, "Yes, I will be okay."

Maybe you haven't dealt with bullying or death threats like Jordan unfortunately has, but I'll bet money that you've had something not go as planned - maybe not go your way at all. Hell, maybe you've hit what's felt like a personal rock bottom. If I have learned anything from the women (and men) I've met through WANT, it's that nothing is ever insurmountable. I'm not saying it's easy, or automatic. But that knowing, that sense that you will be okay, no matter what happens - that is the kind of potent positivity that gets you to the other side.

take the reins: You are the only one who can make your life happen.

No, not a mentor. No, not a romantic partner. Nope, not a friend, not a family member. No one else can make your life happen but you. The biggest tragedy is inaction - putting out that spark of a flame we all have inside us instead of fanning it and making it blaze.

The reason I love Rachelle is that through incredibly tough times, she's always come back to her intuition. We’re all intuitive beings - yet sometimes we get distracted and ignore that pull in our gut and heart to do the thing that makes us feel absolutely iridescent. The "have-tos" and "shoulds" come in and dance with the ghost worries and they screw us over, convincing us that the pull we feel is less than worthwhile. "Other people have better ideas than you do," the negative voices say. "Who do you think you are taking up space and thinking yours are just as good?" The ghost worries chime in, telling us it's too risky, too dangerous. If we take a cue from someone else, it's a whole lot safer. If we take that cue, then it's not on us.

But here's the thing: that cue never comes. And even if it does, we're not stepping into our own lives, we're just assimilating into someone else's. Rachelle's words were a powerful reminder for me to claim my space, own my power and step into my own light - because waiting for someone else to make it easier also means I'm putting myself on an endless hold.

keep BELIEVING: Fearless is when the fear is less than the faith.

Okay, this one's my own. If there is one huge lesson I've learned through my life, through WANT, and through orchestrating this past weekend's festivities, it's that "fearlessness" is not about being unafraid. Because if that was so, then there would literally be no one out there who is truly fearless.

I can't even begin to tell you how many things trigger that "fearful" part of my brain on the daily. Traffic that threatens missing a class I'm teaching. Interviews with people I admire. Tough conversations with Jeremy, friends or my family. Financial worries, life-purpose worries, I-said-the-wrong-thing-and-now-that-person-will-hate-me-forever worries. I'm an HSP - Highly Sensitive Person - so I've found that I can either accept my fear or I can acquiesce to it.

I respect my fears for what they're trying to tell me. I honor them for their reminder of my values and goals. But I do not accept them as constants in my life, nor do I give in and let them take over. Yes, I know I'll always have things that make me afraid, but my fear barometer will always be changing. My definition of "fearless" is when my fear is less than my faith.

It always happens, I've learned. The faith will always outweigh the fear, eventually. It's just that sometimes, we don't give it the chance - I sure haven't, at times. Moving forward fearlessly, to me, is the act of pursuing that faith, even if it's a small glimmer. It's working towards those hours, days, and moments when everything seems to just click - the times when all the shaky transitions, all the nights wondering what the eff you're really supposed to be doing with your life, all the instances in which you feel like too much or too little somehow meld together and remind you that you are just right, just the way you are.

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TCM Reader Poll: Has a Doctor Ever Gone the Extra Mile for You?

Wellness is about people. We're lucky to be part of a community that values the human element of health, and are always warmed by stories of practitioners who embrace "Lifestyle Medicine" and do more than just sign a prescription pad and go. We're especially moved by the anecdotes that come from you, so this month's reader poll (explore previous ones here) is dedicated to spotlighting the healers and helpers in your lives who go above and beyond.

We were inspired by this dedication from the pages of Dr. Joel Fuhrman's book, The End of Heart Disease, after our recent feature with the doctor:

"...to the physicians who utilize Lifestyle Medicine, showing they can cure by spending the extra time to communicate and motivate their patients to take control of their health, despite the challenges and resistance of society and even their peers. Millions of human life years have been saved by their dedication."

There might be a lot to complain about when it comes to our current medical system, but we're stopping to honor those who make a difference day in and day out. We took to social media and asked if your doctors have ever gone the extra mile. Check out some of our favorite responses below, and hop over to Instagram to read up on the rest!

@organiclifeblog
My chiropractor has literally saved my life. She was the first specialist to work with me to uncover the root of my issues and found the source of my discomfort instead of constantly masking the problem or pushing pain killers. She's also gentle and intuitive, recommends me amazing herbs and yoga practices and has truly worked with me to restore my faith in medicine and healing. 💖

@jamesbeth
Funny you mention this because I was just marveling. My childhood, small-town pediatrician and his wife still regularly answer my emails on everything from muscle pains to postpartum anxiety. We send Christmas cards and this relationship is in some ways closer and more special to me than some of my family--they've become family. In a world of busy, inciting medical interactions this relationship gives me faith in physicians and the system.

@lizcorona
Received a phone call from my anesthesiologist on the weekend after my surgery just to check in to see how I was feeling. The phone call was unexpected and extremely thoughtful!!

@niinarupp
@thechalkboardmag my functional MD/acupuncturist @drtiffanylester saved my health when I came back after my first internship in NYC. I had horrible insomnia, couldn't keep anything in my system, and weighed little over 100 lbs. I was a wreck. Her care enabled me to do more than recover - I now live and work full time in NYC! She enabled me to follow my dreams, and I'll always love her 🌸💗🌈✨💕💫

@babyseiple
I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37... thankful that I found a human as my breast surgeon. She has been there for me emotionally which I have needed the most over medical advice... even giving myeher personal cell phone number and we have spoken after hours. She cares about me, respects me and most of all is caring.

@mltocco
After 18 years of searching for the cause of my long list of debilitating symptoms, countless doctors, multiple specialists, and more trips to the ER then I can count, I finally met a LLMD (Lyme literate medical doctor) who quite literally saved my life. At this point I was bed ridden. She sat me down at my first appointment and cried along side with me, held my hand, and promised that I would get my life back. Two years later I am back in school, hiking, camping, and in full remission from Bartonella, Babesia, and Lyme disease. She regularly calls me just to see how I'm doing and to send her love.

@sarayamcheney
In 2013 I had two liver transplants in a six month timespan. One of my doctors was with me for the entire eight month period I was living in the hospital. He came in every day, sat and talked with me, made jokes, played board games and even bought me books off of my reading list. He made the whole experience that much more manageable.

@tswnyc
My OBGYN got herself assigned as assistant surgeon so that she could be in the room with me when I had a fibroid removed. Due to my job I had recently had my coverage changed to a company her practice didn't accept. But she knew she could "assist" and be there (at 6am!) she just couldn't actually perform the surgery. It meant the world that she would go out of her way to make sure I was comfortable.

@caremarley
After struggling with chronic hives for months and trying to do it without steroids, my allergist/ immunologist and I built up a friendship and trust with each other that I never experienced with any doctor before. There was a option for a safer medication that was only approved for asthma and not hives. The shots would have been at least $1,500 out of pocket and that wasn't a option for me at the time. My doctor said he trusted me as a patient because he knew I was diligent in my treatment and he gave me the shots for free. I was in utter shock! It was unbelievable to me that money/insurance was not the first thing he cares about, but it was me, as a person, not just the next patient.

@thejenchase
@chalkboardmag Yes! We have an amazing pediatrician. She's old-school in that she works out of the english basement underneath her office. She's just really caring in so many ways. If the kids have colds when they come in for vaccinations she tells them to come back the following week. She takes the time to talk them patiently through everything she is doing and makes it a fun experience. What really sticks in my mind the most is when I brought our newborn twins home from the hospital. It had been a really tough pregnancy and we also had a 19 month old girl. I was struggling. She could sense thar right away and told me to stay home for the first few appointments, it would be too much trying to get them all out, so she would come to me. Writing this now I have tears of gratitude welling in my eyes.

Do you have an experience of your own? Share your story in the comments below!

The post TCM Reader Poll: Has a Doctor Ever Gone the Extra Mile for You? appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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Yoga For Cramps: 6 Soothing Poses You Should Try

Sophie Jaffe has an solution for everything. As a yogi and raw food nutritionist (her brand of coconut butters will blow your mind!) Sophie has a healthful fix-all for just about anything life brings our way, including this simple yoga routine that can help keep a week of womanhood from cramping your style. Give it a go the next time you're in need, and show mother nature what you're made of. While you're at it, check out our piece on organic tampons (yes, this is a thing) and foods to eat at that time of month. 

Mother Nature’s monthly visit can also bring about those not-so-fun aches and pains. While reaching for chocolate or OTC meds to combat cramps may seem to be the best course of action, put the pills and sweets aside and instead ease the pain with gentle yoga for cramps.

After sipping on a glass of lemon water and moving from the couch to the mat, slip into these five soothing asanas. Not only will the poses support achy quads and thighs, open the hips and relieve the body of menstrual discomfort, they’ll also calm the mind and open the heart.

The post Yoga For Cramps: 6 Soothing Poses You Should Try appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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A Workshop In The Clouds: Breathwork + Tonics In Topanga Canyon

Breathwork, as in "the intentional work of breathing", may be the simplest health tip ever. Just like meditation and drinking enough water, setting aside time to breathe deeply and well can transform your health so easily and effectively that, at first, it almost seems absurd.

No one knows this better than our gal, breathwork healer, Ashley Neese. Ashley has made it her mission to help clients and workshop-goers get in touch with themselves on a deeper emotional and psychological level through the power of breathing. We've become staunch advocates for regular breathwork exercises over the last few months (check out this fascinating Ayurvedic method) after experiences like this workshop deep inside Topanga Canyon with Ashley and the ladies of Mercado Sagrado.

Co-host Nitsa Citrine of Sun Potion whipped up tonic after tonic as guests sat outside the tiny Mercado bungalow high up in the canyon watching the sunset. We're sharing all the recipes below. Enjoy Ashley's practice below, whip up one or two of these tonics and treat yourself to the simplest wellness uplift you ever experience - watch out, it might become a habit.

We loved this workshop so much, we're throwing one of our own. Watch this space for details and let us know what you think in the meantime! Grab more TCM recipes from Ashley and Nitsa here. 

Ashley's Calming Breathwork Practice

Extending your exhalation a few counts longer than your inhale is a fast way to ground your energy and regulate stress. The longer your exhale, the more your mind will relax. This calming breathwork is an excellent tool for harmonizing emotions, reducing anxiety and quieting a busy mind. This is an effective practice to try before bed if you have trouble falling asleep

- Take a comfortable seat or lie down.
- Make sure that your spine is straight.
- Gently close your eyes.
- Take a long, deep breath through your nose.
- Exhale out of your nose three counts longer than your inhalation.
- Repeat for 5 minutes.

Post-Practice Tonics 

Notice how peaceful and calm you feel after the practice. Continue the process of internal nourishment with these simple but powerful tonics. Recipes below...

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What That New Mattress Smell Means For Your Health

Shopping around for the perfect mattress can be an overwhelming process. There are so many factors to consider for comfort-compatibility alone, that it's tempting to pull the covers over our eyes for other little details. But when creepy terms like "off-gassing" land on our radars, we can't ignore our wellness-conscience's urging to explore the chemical nitty gritty. 

It might be obnoxious to have to think about all these areas of toxic concern, but this is definitely not an area in which ignorance is bliss. Sleeping through eight hours of toxic exposure is not our idea of a good night's rest. We recently dove deep on the topic of chemicals in the bedroom and came across the brand new Saatva mattress, Zenhaven.

Like almost everything that matters to us in the wellness world, we were impressed that this mattress lives up to it's promise of a penthouse suite-quality of comfort and is structurally sound enough to last much longer than traditional latex mattresses. Here are the pros at Zenhaven answering all our questions on the dangers of toxic materials found in our own beds...  

The Chalkboard Mag: Let's talk about that "new mattress smell." In the past - just like with the "new car smell" - we've always thought of that scent as a good sign that something is new and clean. Talk to us about what we're really smelling...

As with many new products, there’s a certain intangible, innocuous “new” smell that comes with them. However, the “new-mattress smell” warrants a closer sniff – especially as it relates to our health. What you’re smelling is off-gassing; the packaging materials and chemicals used are breaking down and dispersing into the air. This can last hours after the mattress is installed in its frame, and sometimes days.

Unlike the chemicals that create the “new car smell,” those used in mattresses, can be particularly harmful, and remain long after off-gassing is finished. While the chemicals may have broken down, the air circulation in our homes will continue carrying these toxins throughout our living space.

Cheaper beds that use 100% petroleum-based foams and that ship mattresses from overseas often require off-gassing. However, any all-natural product has no off-gassing. The Zenhaven is made of American Talalay latex harvested from pure havea sap from natural rubber trees and has no off-gassing. It arrives in the home ready to be placed in a bed frame and slept on that night.

TCM: Foam mattresses have been in style for years now. What chemical and health dangers have been associated with foam mattresses?

Foam mattresses have gained tremendous popularity, and for good reason – they are incredibly resistant to body impression, dustless, noiseless, durable and overall synonymous with comfortable, health-forward sleep. But synthetic foams are made with toxic chemicals, which also means they are particularly flammable. As a result, the toxic chemicals used to make the foam are then layered with even more toxic chemicals to make the foam fire-resistant. Side effects linked to sleeping on chemically-produced foam mattresses include: chest discomfort, headaches, coughing and nausea. So, yes polyurethane (foam) can be toxic if there are high levels of it used in a mattress.

Research by the CDC also shows that exposure to the isocyanate, a chemical used in the manufacturing of synthetic foams, like memory foam, can cause long-term headaches and respiratory irritations. The key is to find a mattress that has foams that aren’t processed with chemicals such as formaldehyde.

TCM: So, what's to be done? Most of us don't like the idea of removing the fire-safety benefits altogether.

Today, there are federal regulations in place by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that require mattress companies to make sure their mattresses meet certain flammability standards. Unfortunately, these standards often lead mattress companies to use chemicals in order to withstand the required 30 minutes of exposure to an open flame.

Sometimes, though, products designed to protect us from one thing can cause harm elsewhere. Ultimately, the real safety concern is what’s happening on a daily basis; the daily breathing in of toxic air from an off-gassed mattress – rather than the unlikely event of a fire.

Eco-friendly and organic mattresses are anti-microbial, constructed with biodegradable materials and don’t have any harsh chemicals. Zenhaven actually uses a natural thistle barrier to make them flame retardant.

TCM: Your brand is natural, but still high-tech. We love that. Talk to us about the innovations featured in the mattresses that promote overall sleep health.

Eco-friendly and organic mattresses made from natural and renewable resources, constructed with biodegradable materials and they don’t have any harsh chemicals. It has been proven in testing that antimicrobial organisms, such as bacteria and mildew, won’t grow on this natural material. These materials also make for a more comfortable, higher quality sleep, and increase the overall lifespan of the mattress. Our new Zenhaven latex mattress is manufactured to last 15-20 years!

The mattresses are made with the most buoyant and pressure relieving material available today, which gives sleepers a weightless feel and does not transfer motion; it is durable yet instantly conforms to the body for consistent support; it enhances natural air flow, resulting in a mattress that is cool and comfortable at all times. It has been designed with a proprietary “5-zone” design that gives customized support for heavier areas of the body like torso and shoulders.
It’s also the only mattress on the market that you can flip to find your comfort level; one side is firmer, the other more plush.

We know detoxing your life can be overwhelming, but shopping green for the bedroom is crucial! What do you think readers? Are you detoxing your bedrooms?
Tell us your thoughts and what you're loving. at home..

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