Our 2025 Labor Day Skincare Picks: What We’re Adding to Cart

Labor Day weekend might mark the end of summer Fridays, but it also comes with a silver lining: some of the best beauty sales of the year. From high-tech devices to glow-boosting serums, we’ve combed through the noise and rounded up our picks for the skincare deals actually worth adding to cart. Whether you’re stocking up on clean beauty staples, indulging in a ritual-based gua sha set, or finally splurging on that laser you’ve been eyeing, these steals will have your skin glowing well past the long weekend.

goop beauty – 15% Glycolic Acid Overnight Glow Peel (12-pack)

What it is: These single-use peel pads are saturated with 15% glycolic acid—one of the most effective alpha-hydroxy acids for speeding up cell turnover, unclogging pores, and brightening dull skin. Each pad is individually wrapped, so you can take your “glow-to” treatment anywhere.
Why we love it: Unlike harsher peels, goop balances the formula with blue chamomile and aloe to keep skin calm while the glycolic does its work. It’s the kind of product that gives you that just-back-from-facial radiance by the next morning.
Deal: August 30–September 1, 30% off select beauty must-haves.
SHOP HERE

LYMA – LYMA Laser

What it is: A professional-grade, FDA-approved at-home laser that penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate collagen, soften fine lines, reduce pigmentation, and even address redness. It’s the only at-home device to use “near-infrared” laser technology at this strength.
Why we love it: Think of it as investing in a tool that keeps working year after year. The results compound over time—firmer, more even skin without the downtime of in-office lasers. And the fact that LYMA includes a skincare starter kit makes the splurge feel instantly rewarding.
Deal: August 28–September 1, buy a LYMA Laser 500 and get a free Skincare Starter Kit ($655 value).
SHOP HERE

OneSkin – OS-01 FACE Topical Supplement

What it is: A peptide-powered moisturizer designed around longevity science. Its proprietary OS-01 peptide has been shown in clinical studies to target senescent (or “zombie”) cells—the ones that accelerate aging. Translation: healthier, stronger skin over time.
Why we love it: Unlike traditional anti-aging creams that only treat surface-level issues, OneSkin is tackling the root causes of skin aging. Daily use supports elasticity, smoothness, and overall resilience, making it a future-forward upgrade to your moisturizer game.
DEAL: August 28–September 1, tiered gifts with purchase: spend $125, $215, or $275 to receive up to 3 travel-size products.
SHOP HERE

Dolce Glow – Acqua Hydrating Face Mist ($36)

What it is: A hydrating facial spray that doubles as a subtle self-tanner. Infused with aloe vera, antioxidants, and lightweight tanning actives, it gives skin a hint of warmth while keeping it refreshed and dewy.
Why we love it: Unlike many self-tanners, this mist never streaks or clogs pores. Use it before makeup as a primer for a healthy base, or spritz it over foundation to lock in a bronzy glow. It’s basically September’s shortcut to “I just got back from vacation.”
Deal:
+ Aug 25–Sept 1: 20% off self-tanners (excludes apparel + pro solutions)
+ Aug 29–Sept 1: 20% off + GWP on $75+ (mini Acqua Mist, Blending Sponge, or Mitt)
+ Pro solutions: 30% off Aug 25–28, 40% off Aug 29–Sept 1
SHOP HERE

LoveShackFancy – Velvet Sun Hair & Body Perfume Mist with Coconut Water

What it is: A featherlight perfume mist safe for both hair and skin, enriched with coconut water to hydrate as it perfumes. The scent mixes warm, beachy notes with a soft floral undertone.
Why we love it: : It literally smells like summer caught in a bottle. The scent opens with vibrant coconut water and sunny bergamot, settles into tropical ylang-ylang and a sun-skin accord, and finishes on a warm, enveloping base of vanilla musk and amberwood. It's like walking along the shore with the sun on your skin—instantly transporting and endlessly mood-lifting.
Deal: 20% off for the long weekend.
SHOP HERE

True Botanicals – Chebula Active Serum

What it is: A potent, clean serum featuring chebula, a rare Ayurvedic fruit rich in antioxidants. The serum is clinically proven to combat five signs of aging: fine lines, uneven tone, rough texture, dehydration, and dullness.
Why we love it: Unlike vitamin C serums that can oxidize, chebula is stable and gentle, making it safe for sensitive skin. Fans swear by the dewy glow it delivers while also strengthening skin’s barrier long term.
Deal: August 27–September 2, 20% off sitewide.
SHOP HERE

YSE Beauty – Your Favorite Ex™ Exfoliating Pads

What it is: Textured cotton pads soaked in a blend of glycolic and salicylic acids that resurface, unclog, and brighten in just a few swipes.
Why we love it: They’re strong enough to tackle rough texture and dullness but balanced with hydrating ingredients so skin feels fresh, not stripped. Bonus: the name alone is satisfying—you’ll be glad this is the only “Ex” you keep around.
Deal: Aug 15–31: From Aug 28 (while supplies last), receive a free full-size Chief of Everything Lip Product ($30 value) with qualifying purchase.
SHOP HERE

Wildling – The Empress Collection

What it is: A complete facial gua sha ritual featuring three tools and steps designed to lift, plump, tone, and sculpt the skin. Regular practice helps reduce puffiness, increase circulation, and define facial contours for visible, transformative results.
Why we love it:  Gua sha isn’t just relaxing—it’s clinically shown to boost lymphatic drainage, increase circulation, and stimulate collagen. With consistent use, it helps reduce fine lines, relieve facial tension, and give skin that naturally sculpted, post-facial glow. The Empress Collection makes it easy to turn an ancient beauty practice into a transformative daily ritual.
Deal: Aug 28–Sept 2, 15% off with code LABORDAY.
SHOP HERE

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5 Wellness Habits That Changed My Life (That I Actually Stuck With) by Mona Sharma

We’ve all picked up a “life-changing” habit or two, only to abandon it a few weeks later. But every once in a while, you find a ritual so grounding, it becomes part of who you are. That’s exactly what happened for Mona Sharma, globally recognized nutritionist, entrepreneur, and corporate wellness strategist. After recovering from two heart surgeries and corporate burnout, she returned to the holistic practices she learned growing up on an ashram, blending ancient wisdom with modern science to help the body heal from within.

Today, Mona is the trusted advisor to high-profile clients like Will Smith, Julianne Hough, and Jay Shetty, and a leading voice on The Today Show, The Doctors, and Red Table Talk. She is also the founder of Rooted Academy and the transformational program You Are The Healer, guiding thousands to reclaim their health through rituals, education, and self-empowerment. Through her work with Fortune 500 companies, Mona is redefining workplace wellness and inspiring a global movement that empowers people to heal from within.

She’s breaking down the five habits that transformed her own health—and why they’ve become a permanent part of her everyday life.

5 Wellness Habits That Changed My Life

1- I lift heavy—but only if it lifts my spirit too

I spent years pushing my body to perform—bootcamps, HIIT, long runs—but nothing ever felt sustainable. Then I remembered something I’d been taught on the ashram: movement is medicine, but it must also move your spirit. Now, I lift weights 2–3 times per week to build metabolic strength and support longevity, but I always pair it with movement that brings me joy. That might be a barefoot walk on the beach, yoga in the sun, or dancing in my living room with my kids. Strength training is powerful, especially for women in midlife, but it becomes transformative when you blend it with movement that reminds you to fall in love with who you are.

2- I start every morning in silence—before I touch my phone

It’s so simple, and yet it changed everything. I used to start my day scrolling through emails, news, and to-dos. It’s no wonder anxiety used to be my blueprint - my nervous system never had a chance. Now, I give myself five minutes of silence, breathwork, or gratitude before anything else. Sometimes that means a 4-7-8 breath cycle or simply placing my hand on my heart and asking, What do I need today? Ancient traditions have always known the power of the morning pause, and neuroscience is catching up—this practice shifts your brainwaves, calms cortisol, and sets the tone for the entire day. And because we’re all busy, sometimes these can all be practiced while our morning coffee is brewing.

3- I eat in rhythm with nature, not trends

I build every plate like I’m building a foundation—for energy, mood, and longevity. My health was at its worst when I was chasing diets and cutting calories. Today, I teach my clients to forget fad diets and instead build every meal with intention—starting with fiber. Every plate begins with 50% colorful, seasonal vegetables from the earth. We call it “eating the rainbow,” and it’s not just pretty—it feeds your gut, supports your hormones, and fuels your brain. Then we add clean, organic proteins (including vegetarian options like lentils, non-GMO Tofu), and finish with good-quality fats like avocado, olive oil, or tahini. (Fiber + clean protein + good fats)

I find myself eating like my ancestors did—close to the earth, with ingredients you can recognize and pronounce. Real food doesn’t come with a long ingredient list. This isn’t dieting; processed food is the real processed food diet. Eating this way is an act of self-love and when you eat like you love yourself, everything shifts. This is the Rooted Plate philosophy I teach inside my Academy—because once your body feels nourished in this way, it remembers. And healing begins.

4- I take fewer supplements—but with more intention

I used to chase every trending supplement, hoping for a quick fix—more energy, glowing skin, better sleep, you name it. But it left me feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from what my body actually needed. The real shift came when I started tuning in. I asked, What is my body asking for today? What are my labs showing that I need?

Now, I take fewer things—but each one is intentional. I rotate foundational supplements like magnesium, trace minerals, and adaptogens, and lean on Eastern wisdom where herbs are never used in isolation but as part of a formula that supports the whole system. Supplements are just that—a supplement to a life that’s already rooted in nourishment, consistency, and recovery. When taken with awareness, they become allies in healing. Taking less has brought me more ease, more clarity, and more trust in my body’s natural intelligence to heal.

5- I created a “nervous system nook” in my home

Before my heart surgeries, I lived in a constant state of hypervigilance. My nervous system was always on high alert—and over time, my body paid the price. But during my healing at the Sivananda Ashram, I discovered the power of creating an altar: a sacred space to return home to myself.

Now, I have a small corner in my home that grounds me—filled with my mala beads, essential oils, breathwork tools, and a few healing books. It’s not about the objects; it’s about the ritual. This space invites me back into the frequency of feeling peace—the state where true healing begins. Just a few minutes here, and I shift from stress to stillness.

You don’t need a retreat. You need a reminder. Today, I teach my clients to “Build Your Ashram” at home—an anchor to return to your body and your breath, every single day. Sometimes just looking at this area cues a deep exhale and feeling of relaxation.

To explore more of Mona Sharma’s work, visit monasharma.com or follow her on Instagram @monasharma. You can also tune into her top-rated podcast, Rooted in Wellness, where she dives deeper into the practices that blend ancient wisdom with modern science.

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An Elegant Roasted Beet Salad for Effortless Entertaining

There are few dishes as simple yet striking as a roasted beet salad, especially when it’s prepared with the kind of elegance Beth Le Manach brings to the table. In her debut cookbook Entertaining 101: 101 Recipes Every Host Should Know How to Make, Beth shares her Roasted Beet Salad with Oranges and Herbs, a recipe inspired by the effortless starters she came to love while dining with her French family. Sweet, earthy beets meet the brightness of citrus and the freshness of herbs, all brought together with a mustard-kissed vinaigrette. It’s a salad that feels both classic and modern, proof that with the right balance, even the simplest ingredients can become extraordinary.

Recipe

SERVES 4 TO 6

4 pounds (1.8 kg) red beets, greens removed
2 large navel oranges
2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh mint leaves, sliced into thin ribbons
2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh parsley, sliced into thin ribbons
1 tablespoon (7 g) minced shallots

DRESSING

2 tablespoons (30 ml) champagne vinegar
1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
6 tablespoons (90 ml) grapeseed oil
2 teaspoons (10 ml) orange zest, from the navel oranges
1 tablespoon (15 ml) snipped chives
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

NOTES

1. Don’t let the beets cool too long, or they will be harder to peel. When they’re warm, the skins will easily slip off.

2. You may want to use latex gloves for this part, since the beets can stain your hands and turn your fingernails pink.

3. Add crumbled goat cheese and chopped pistachios for a heartier starter.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (215°C).

2. Remove the greens from the beets and a sliver off each top. Leave the pointy root end intact. Wrap each beet individually in foil.

3. Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and roast until a knife easily pierces the beet. This can take 25 minutes for beets the size of a lemon and over 45 minutes for beets the size of an orange.

4. Let the beets sit for 10 to 15 minutes, until they are cool enough to handle (see Note 1).

5. Run each beet under cool water, removing the skin at the same time, and then transfer it to a medium bowl to cool further (see Note 2).

6. Meanwhile, make the dressing: Whisk the vinegar and mustard in a small bowl. Slowly add the grapeseed oil, whisking until emulsified and creamy. Then, add the orange zest, the chives, and salt and pepper to taste.

7. To segment each orange, slice a thin sliver off the bottom to stabilize and then a sliver off the top to reveal the fruit below. Place your knife at the top of the orange and slice around the curve at an angle to remove the peel in sections. Then, take another turn of the orange with your knife to remove any of the white pith that remains. Insert the knife between the orange segment and the dividing membranes to release the orange segment. Continue all the way around the orange until all the segments are removed and then transfer them to a small bowl.

8. Assemble the salad on individual plates so the beets don’t turn the whole salad pink. Slice the beets into vertical wedges and place 3 to 4 wedges on a plate. Nestle in 3 to 4 orange segments, and sprinkle on the herbs and shallots. Drizzle the dressing on top (see Note 3).

MAKE-AHEAD GAME PLAN

• Two days ahead, roast the beets and peel them. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, and slice them just before serving.
• Two days ahead, make the dressing. Hold off on adding the zest, chives, salt, and pepper until right before serving.

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The Summer Laser That Delivers Major Glow—With Only One Day of Downtime

If you’ve ever been told to steer clear of lasers in the summer, meet the treatment rewriting the rules. Moxi Light—JECT’s bespoke spin on the cult-favorite Moxi laser—offers all the glow-boosting, skin-smoothing benefits you love, with a recovery time so short you could book it on Monday and hit the beach by Friday. Unlike most lasers that demand days (or weeks) of hiding out indoors, Moxi Light re-epithelializes in about 24 hours, meaning you can maintain your summer plans without sacrificing skin health. Think smoother texture, more even tone, and a fresh-faced radiance—all without the redness, swelling, or extended downtime.

We tapped JECT Physician Assistant Leighanne McGill, PA-C, to break down what makes this “light” version such a summer standout, who it’s best for, and exactly what to expect in the day after treatment.

What makes Moxi Light uniquely safe and effective to use during the summer months, when most lasers are off-limits? Moxi Light is a JECT-bespoke treatment. We are tailoring our favorite non-ablative laser treatment to align with patients’ busy summer schedules, offering a glow-up without the downtime. Moxi Light is safe to have on a Monday when headed to the beach on Friday. So long as patients are mindful of the need for a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen after treatment, their results will last through the summer. The shorter recovery time with Moxi Light means that the skin has re-epithelialized in about 24 hours, making the treatment safer for warmer months when appropriate settings are used.

How does Moxi Light deliver visible skin improvements with such minimal recovery time compared to the regular Moxi treatment? Moxi is a workhorse for treating hyperpigmentation and skin texture. With most Moxi treatments, our goal is reversing past sun damage while delivering skin quality improvement. With Moxi Light, benefits include more even skin tone and smoother skin. The recovery period shortens from 3–5 days with Moxi, to about one day with Moxi Light. One incredible benefit of Moxi Light is that it can be done without numbing cream. While helpful for deeper treatments, numbing gel can increase skin redness, and many patients don’t like how topical lidocaine makes their skin feel.

Who is the ideal candidate for Moxi Light, and what skin concerns does it target best during warmer months? The ideal Moxi Light candidate is dedicated to anti-aging or a pre-juvenation enthusiast. Consistency matters when treating skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, so the ideal patient wants to invest in their skin health and recognizes the importance of routine maintenance. That means the skin should not be freshly tanned or sunburnt. Any active skincare also should be tailored to summer months. Most commonly, with Moxi Light we are treating hyperpigmentation or congestion worsened by heat and humidity.

What’s a typical ‘day-after’ experience like for someone getting Moxi Light—how should they expect to feel and look within 24 hours? Immediately after Moxi Light treatment the skin is warm for about 30 minutes and will feel slightly gritty. Application of post-procedure healing serum overnight, such as Alastin Skin Nectar, can greatly improve the rough sensation. The following day, skin feels dry with fine rough texture which generally improves by 24 hours. Swelling, redness, and bronzing of the skin that we see with traditional Moxi treatments are minimal with Moxi Light. One advantage with Moxi Light is that tinted sunscreens can be applied on the day of treatment, camouflaging the mild skin changes for the first 24 hours.

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Internal SPF? The Best Herbs and Superfoods for Sun Protection from Within

You still need sunscreen, we’ll say that up front. But there’s a growing body of research (and herbal wisdom) that says what you eat and drink can help protect your skin, too.

While no supplement or smoothie will replace your broad-spectrum SPF, certain nutrients and plant compounds have been shown to support skin health, reduce UV-induced inflammation, and increase the skin’s natural resilience. Think of these foods and herbs as building your skin’s defenses from the inside out.

This approach, sometimes referred to as “internal SPF,” leverages antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins that help reduce UV-induced inflammation, promote collagen integrity, and assist in post-sun repair. While no single food or herb can replace sunscreen, a consistent ritual of sun-supportive botanicals may enhance the body’s natural defenses.

We explored the latest science and paired it with some of the most trusted formulas from Anima Mundi to help build a well-rounded skin-supportive routine.

Research-Backed Botanicals to Support Skin from Within

Schisandra: The UV-Defending Adaptogen

Product: Schisandra Rose Elixir

Schisandra berries are rich in lignans and flavonoids, two types of antioxidants that have shown promise in reducing UVB-induced oxidative stress. A study on schisandrin A found it helped protect keratinocytes—key skin cells—from UVB damage by reducing free radical activity.

Matcha: Catechins That Strengthen Skin Resilience

Product: Ceremonial Stone-Ground Matcha

Matcha is high in EGCG, a catechin well-documented for its anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties. In one clinical study, oral supplementation with green tea polyphenols increased the skin’s UV resistance by raising the minimal erythema dose (the amount of UV needed to cause redness).

Gynostemma: Antioxidant Support for Skin Cells

Product: Gynostemma Miracle Grass

Traditionally used in Eastern herbalism, gynostemma is a vine that contains antioxidant saponins. A study on skin fibroblasts exposed to UVC radiation found that gynostemma extract helped protect against oxidative stress and extended cell viability.

Hibiscus: Collagen-Supporting Anthocyanins

Product: Mangosteen Hibiscus Beauty Tonic

Rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins, hibiscus is frequently used in herbal skincare for its firming and brightening properties. Research has shown that hibiscus extracts help protect against UVB-induced skin cell death by interfering with damage-triggering pathways (source).

He Shou Wu: Detoxifying and Skin-Toning
Product: He Shou Wu Extract Powder
(Pair with: Immortelle Beauty Cream)

He Shou Wu is a longevity tonic in TCM, used traditionally to nourish the blood and support skin and hair health. Its stilbene compounds offer antioxidant support, and while it’s not a direct sun blocker, it contributes to internal detox pathways that influence skin clarity and tone.

Rose Petals: Soothing and Cooling
Product: Rose Open Heart Powder
(Also try: Rosa Herbal Body Oil)

Rose petals contain polyphenols and anthocyanins that support skin barrier function and help calm inflammation. A study on Rosa gallica extract showed it reduced UV-induced inflammation by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine levels. 

Burdock Root: Liver Support for Clearer Skin
Product: Amargo Digestive Bitters
(Also consider: Liver Vitality Greens)

Burdock is traditionally used to support liver detox pathways and promote clear skin. Arctiin, one of its bioactive compounds, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce irritation linked to sun exposure.

Gotu Kola: Collagen-Boosting and Restorative

Product: The Mind Adaptogenic Brain Tonic

Gotu kola contains triterpene glycosides (asiaticoside, madecassoside) shown to stimulate collagen synthesis and enhance wound repair supporting skin resilience after sun damage

Camu Camu: High Vitamin C for Antioxidant Defense
Product: Curam Elixir
(Also try: Collagen Booster Elixir)

Camu camu contains one of the highest natural concentrations of vitamin C, which supports collagen and scavenges free radicals. This study highlights vitamin C’s photoprotective and reparative role in human skin.

Creating a Complete Sun-Supportive Routine

These botanicals aren’t a replacement for sunscreen—but when incorporated regularly, they can help support your skin’s resilience and recovery from sun exposure. This inside-out approach can work in tandem with your external sun care habits.

Combine internal support with:

• Broad-spectrum, SPF 30+
• Protective clothing and shade during peak sun hours
• A diet rich in carotenoids (from sweet potatoes, tomatoes, leafy greens)
• Omega-3 fats and hydration to reduce inflammation

A few ideas: sip antioxidant-rich matcha in the morning, cool down with hibiscus or rose tea midday, and end the evening with schisandra or he shou wu to support detox and regeneration.

Final Takeaway

No herb or superfood can replace SPF, but the right nutrients can help support collagen production, ease inflammation, and strengthen your skin’s natural defenses. Combined with smart sun habits, this internal support can make a meaningful difference in how your skin weathers UV stress and recovers over time.

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Sound Meditation vs. Sound Bath: What You Should Know, According to Two Sound Facilitators

If you’ve ever zoned out in a sound bath and called it “healing,” you’re not wrong—but according to sound facilitators Alex Artymiak and Anna Yang, there’s more to the story.

The founders of Empty Space, a stunning new sound and breathwork studio tucked inside a restored barn in Old Chatham, New York, are on a mission to help us tune in more consciously—not just to the gongs and bowls, but to ourselves. With decades of combined experience in music, meditation, and movement (Alex has led over 7,000 classes worldwide), the duo offers a deeper take on sound as a tool for presence, not just passive relaxation.

Their belief? The real healing doesn’t come from the instruments, it comes from the one listening. And understanding the subtle (but powerful) difference between a sound bath and a sound meditation might just change how you experience both.

We sat down with Alex and Anna to explore how intention, breath, and silence all play a role and why their practice invites you not to drift off, but to drop in.

In Conversation with Alex Artymiak & Anna Yang

How would you define the difference between a sound meditation and a sound bath? Alex Artymiak: The main difference resides in the intention of the one receiving the sound.  A sound bath is more passive in that you may not have a point of focus.  You allow your awareness to travel between the sounds, the physical and emotional feelings that rise, and your thoughts.  In a sound meditation, we invite the practitioner to listen judicially. To go deeper into the sounds and listen to their relationship to one another, to hear the subtlety of the notes, and observe how their feelings are moving with the sounds. We encourage listeners to notice when their thoughts rise and in that moment, return their attention to the sound. In sound meditation, we emphasize the agency of the participant.  Though there may be some differences in how the sounds are structured or played, the real power lies in the attention of the observer. 

Is one more structured than the other in terms of how the sound is delivered or received? Alex Artymiak: It depends on the sound facilitator, and there are many different practices and ways of structuring sound experiences.  In many soundbaths, multiple instruments will be used simultaneously, “bathing” the listener in tones and sound.  Though I can’t speak for everyone, at Empty Space our intention is to take you on a journey.  Different instruments will elicit different emotions, and so we choose to play most instruments by themselves.  Playing multiple instruments at the same time may sound pleasant, but the power they have to trigger an emotional response may get lost. 

How might someone feel differently during or after a sound meditation versus a sound bath? The main difference would be that during a sound meditation, it can feel like you are on a journey.  It can be like a gentle workout for your nervous system, where there are moments of tension that resolve back into peace and deep relaxation. While both experiences leave you feeling peaceful, a sound meditation may take you through a deeper journey to get there. -Anna Yang

Is one modality better for stress relief, emotional processing, or deep rest? Anna Yang: I think the contrast between tension and release as well as the singular instruments give sound meditations a better outcome in emotional processing.  The main idea of a sound meditation is in the presence of the listener and the more attentive someone is to the sounds and the feelings that rise with them, the more they will connect to their emotions.  As for stress relief and deep rest, the more you allow yourself to feel tension, the more you will relax when you let it go.

Are the instruments used the same for both? Or are there distinctions in soundscape, rhythm, or pacing? Anna Yang: Though we use the same instruments in both, the way they are used may be different.  Oftentimes multiple instruments will be used simultaneously in a sound bath vs in a meditation we tend to focus on one instrument at a time so that the participant can go deeper into each note. When there is too much sound, the feeling of the instrument can get lost so we tend to keep it simple. 

Can you walk us through what a typical sound meditation session looks like at Empty Space? Alex Artymiak: We start with a small intro talk where we give guidance on how to approach the experience.  We then have the practitioners lay down, relax, and cover their eyes.  We guide them through a brief meditation and breathwork session to help center and ground them and then as they fully relax post breathwork we transition through various overtone emitting and harmonic instruments.  Instruments may be played close to or on the listener if they are comfortable with it so that they can feel the vibrations as well as experience the modulation of sound that occurs when you play with distance and movement while facilitating. 

What are the core techniques or philosophies you draw from in your approach to sound meditation? Anna Yang: The first sound is silence.  We play with different aspects of sound to engage the students into active listening and then have moments where we resolve back into silence.  Though we may have a ballpark intention, or an emotion that we feel an instrument played in a certain way may create, we also recognize that each individual may have their own experience outside of our intention.  For that reason, we observe how a group or individuals may be responding to the sounds and can alter the structure if we feel we need to lighten or intensify the experience. 

How does breathwork integrate into your sound meditation classes? Alex Artymiak: Breathwork is a powerful tool to help bring participants into the present moment.  We utilize a stronger, rapid breath technique which creates some discomfort, during which we encourage breathing with the discomfort and being open to experience what rises. When the breathwork ends, the result is a deep drop into relaxation with a heightened state of presence and awareness.  This acts as a primer so that participants are more available and receptive.

If someone is new to sound healing, where should they start: a sound bath or sound meditation? Alex Artymiak: Either! It depends on the individual and since you can approach either experience however you would like, I would say choose what resonates (pun intended) with you. Since the power lies in the practitioner, you could sit in a sound bath and meditate, or let go and bathe in the sounds of a meditation. Sound meditation is for everyone, whether you have never meditated before or are a seasoned practitioner.  We have had many people come for their first time, having never done a meditation or sound bath, and have an incredible experience. In the end, most people will probably shift between moments of active listening and then get caught up thinking, but we feel that having the intention and awareness that is present in a sound meditation creates a more impactful experience.

Located in a beautifully restored barn in Old Chatham, New York, Empty Space offers sound meditation, breathwork, and yoga experiences designed to help participants slow down and connect inward. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley, the studio provides an intimate, thoughtfully crafted setting where sound is more than background—it's an invitation to presence, awareness, and self-discovery. Learn more about Empty Space here.

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This Grilled Salmon Could Steal the Show at Your Next Dinner

When your summer soirées start to call for something a touch more refined than the usual “burgers on the grill,” Beth Le Manach’s debut cookbook Entertaining 101: 101 Recipes Every Host Should Know How to Make has just the thing. This grilled salmon is the definition of easy elegance, light, fresh, and impossibly simple, yet chic enough to impress your guests. Perfect for a party of four, it’s all about the details: tender salmon, artful plating, and a grated radish garnish that looks like delicate flower petals shimmering under candlelight. Serve it at your next summer gathering and you will see why Beth calls this a “kinda fancy” dish you will want to make again and again.

 

Recipe

SERVES 4

MANGO SALSA

2 cups (375 g) diced ripe mango
1⁄2 cup (75 g) diced red onion
2 tablespoons (22 g) pomegranate arils
1 tablespoon (15 ml) chopped fresh cilantro
1⁄2 jalapeño, diced (about 1 tablespoon/10 g)
1⁄4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) lime zest
Juice of 1⁄2 lime
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black
pepper, to taste

SALMON

Vegetable oil, for greasing
Four 6-ounce (170 g) skin-on salmon filets
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

GARNISH

8 small cilantro sprigs
1 lime, sliced into 4 wedges
1 radish (See Note 1)

Directions

1. Make the salsa: Combine the mango, onion, pomegranate arils, cilantro, jalapeño, lime zest and juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.

2. Make the salmon: Grease an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan with vegetable oil and heat to medium-high.

3. Season the top of the fish with salt and pepper. Grill the fish, skin side up, until 1⁄4 inch (6 mm) at the bottom is opaque, 4 to 6 minutes. Then, flip and cook until the fish starts to crack a little bit on top, 4 to 6 minutes more (see Note 2).

4. Divide the fish among four plates and then spoon the salsa over the fish. Garnish each plate with 1 to 2 cilantro sprigs and a lime wedge.

5. Use a coarse hand grater to grate the radish over the fish and plates, working the radish around so you are continually getting the red part. (It will be prettier that way.)

NOTES

1. If you don’t typically have radishes in the crisper drawer (and since you only need one radish for the garnish), serve this meal with the Crudité Platter with Green Goddess Dip (page 50) or A Little Bit Lighter Gazpacho (page 96) as a starter, since both recipes call for radishes.

2. You can also make a tiny incision in the top to check for doneness. You will be spooning the salsa over the fish, so don’t worry—it will hide the cut.

MAKE-AHEAD GAME PLAN

• Two hours ahead, season the fish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• One hour ahead, combine the ingredients for the salsa, leaving out the cilantro and the lime zest and juice. Cover and refrigerate. Add the remaining ingredients just before serving for the best flavor.

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8/8 Lion’s Gate: The Most Powerful Manifestation Portal of the Year—Here’s How to Use It

We’ve been told that manifesting is about “attraction.” But that’s not quite the case. When you view abundance and your goals as something you need to attract, you’re still seeing them as separate from yourself.

The truth is: you are a transmission tower. You are abundance. You are the Master Creator of your experience.

To harness the full power of manifesting, it’s not about drawing things in—it’s about remembering that you already are the source. That means shifting from attraction energy into creation energy. And there’s no better time to embody that shift than during the Lion’s Gate portal—a cosmic alignment that peaks on 8/8, opening a gateway to higher frequencies, accelerated manifestation, and abundance consciousness.

Sia-Lanu Estrella, author of The Rainbow Tablets: Abundance and Sacred Co-Creation, shares how to work with this potent portal to step fully into your highest manifestation power.

What is Lion’s Gate?

Lion's Gate starts late July and continues until mid-August, with the peak on 8/8. So why is it such a potent time for abundance and manifesting?

Lion’s Gate marks a special alignment of Sirius, Orion and Earth within the Leo sun sign. It creates a flow of cosmic energy that enables you to tap into higher frequencies and manifest with greater speed and ease.

Think of it as a portal to higher-dimensional planes where abundance, magic and miracles are the natural state. When you harness the energies of this powerful portal, you can take a huge leap into a higher timeline. It opens pathways and possibilities beyond anything you could have dreamed. But there is more to this manifestation portal than most realise! 

The hidden cosmic power of 8/8

The number eight is linked to abundance, luck and prosperity. Yet in the higher sense, the 8/8 portal is the amplification of the cosmic infinity.

So, what is the cosmic infinity? The pure abundance consciousness. This infinite flow of giving and receiving is the fabric of the universe.

As part of the universe, you are abundance. And your body is your manifestation vessel. It’s the physical coding of your frequency. Think of it as the infinity symbol. You are both the magnet for abundance and the amplifier of it. You are the unification of both Earth and stars. Once you realize abundance is not separate to you, you re-awaken the magic within and all around you.

Through this cosmic power of 8/8, Lion’s Gate is an activation into the pure abundance consciousness.

How to harness the power of this portal

Here are five ways to manifest at the highest levels this Lion’s Gate.

Dream big, then even bigger
There are so many layers to the lack programming. One of the sneakier ones is around setting “realistic goals”. Translation? Manifest with limitations.

This Lion’s Gate, cast all limitations aside. Go big with your dreams – really big. Listen to the most magical wishes of your heart. The true reality is one of magic and miracles. It exists beyond the illusion of the “3D” world. So, use this Lion’s Gate to elevate into the highest possibilities. And write your greatest dreams in your journal.

Encode your manifestation vessel
Start by using the Rainbow Pyramid Sovereignty Practice every morning to realign and amplify your frequency. This will also strengthen your intuition. Then spend a few minutes reading through your goals.

Breathe this highest vision into your heart and pulse it out through your entire body. Fill every cell with the magic of your true dreams. Then breathe your vision out to your energy field. Do this every day of August, so it is fully encoded into your body and being. In this way, you will vibrate at the frequency of all that you are manifesting. 

By tapping into your body as the transmission tower, it generates a toroidal field that literally creates your highest vision.

Take aligned action
After encoding your vessel each day, tune into the next steps. Open your heart and allow the guidance to drop in. Then act on it. They might be small steps you can take right away. Or it might require putting time aside during your day.

As you do each task, hold the full frequency of your vision as though it has already come into being. No doubt. No thinking smaller. Experience it as though it already exists. Let it be joyful and exciting. Your vision is your creation. Embody it like the lion’s roar – bold and regal.

Anchor it through ceremony
Come into ceremony on 8/8 and anchor all that you are manifesting. Your most magnificent expression of life already exists on the higher realms. As you connect with your dreams, you are tapping into the blueprint of this vision on the higher realms. The Lion’s Gate portal is the perfect time to anchor that blueprint onto this plane.

Find a nice spot in nature. Ask permission of the land and loving ancestors. Cleanse the space with sage, palo santo or the violet flame. Next, dig a small hole and offer your gratitude to Mother Earth and Father Universe. You might want to do this by offering a small crystal for each of them, ceremonial tobacco or an organic grain like quinoa.

Then encode your vision into a small crystal. Fill it with all of your love and gratitude for this highest vision. Call in the Earth, universe and your whole team to assist you in this powerful co-creation. Blow onto the crystal, place it in the hole and cover it up. After that, you might wish to celebrate this new timeline by making an Earth altar of flowers, feathers, shells and so on.

Keep expanding your frequency
Everything you take into your energy field either lowers or raises your frequency. So, consciously choose things that elevate you. Find empowering and inspiring podcasts. Get out into nature. Exercise regularly. And continue with your Rainbow Pyramid morning practice. A great place to start your ongoing expansion is with The Rainbow Tablets: Abundance and Sacred co-creation. You can order it online here.

And remember this...

Lion’s Gate is the most powerful manifestation portal of the year—a direct gateway into pure abundance consciousness. It’s not just a moment; it’s a return to the truth of who you are. A reconnection to the reality where magic and miracles are the norm.

Once you activate this frequency, it doesn’t fade. You don’t fall back down after 8/8. In fact, the opposite happens—if you continue to embody this higher vibration, you’ll keep creating at cosmic levels. Year after year, portal after portal, your expansion continues.

That’s the real gift of Lion’s Gate. Use it as your launchpad. Let it carry you into your highest, most aligned, and limitless self.

Sia-Lanu Estrella is hosting a free 2 Lion’s Gate workshop to help you tap into this portal and activate your highest timeline.  Click here to sign up.

The post 8/8 Lion’s Gate: The Most Powerful Manifestation Portal of the Year—Here’s How to Use It appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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5 Entertaining Rules to Live By—The French-Inspired Way, According to Beth Le Manach

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You don’t have to be Parisian to entertain like one and Beth Le Manach is living proof. Originally from New England, with years spent in Los Angeles, Beth now calls the French countryside of Vendée home, where she’s perfected the art of hosting with warmth, ease, and just the right amount of chic. A celebrated recipe developer and creator of the popular YouTube series Entertaining with Beth, she’s built a loyal global audience by proving that elegant gatherings don’t have to be complicated.

Beth’s debut cookbook, Entertaining 101: 101 Recipes Every Host Should Know How to Make, is a beautiful extension of her “minimal effort, maximum impact” philosophy, featuring timeless recipes and smart strategies that empower anyone to entertain with confidence. From setting a thoughtful table to savoring dessert before coffee (yes, it’s a thing), Beth has picked up more than a few tricks since settling into life in France.

Here, she shares five French-inspired entertaining rules that will transform your next dinner party into a relaxed, joy-filled affair—with plenty of personality, and not a hint of fuss.

Serve Dishes Family Style.The French do this so well that it's also known as serving a meal French-style. When large platters of food are passed around the table, it creates a friendlier and more relaxed atmosphere at a party. It also saves the host from having to plate everyone's meal in the kitchen restaurant-style. The French are very concerned about waste, and serving French-style also allows guests to take as little or as much of a dish as they like. You can use platters, bowls or even boards. Boards work exceptionally well for grilled meats for 4-6 guests. Take the chicken or steak off the grill, carve it on the board, garnish with herbs or a drizzle of sauce and set it in the center of the table.

Position the Hosts in the Center. In the States, the hosts gravitate towards the ends of the table, but in France, you often see the hosts at the center. That way, they can better facilitate conversation between all the guests and give special guests "seats of honor" at the head.

Embrace the Water Carafe. Even at restaurants in France, you will see the ubiquitous water carafe on tables. It's a nice touch to do when entertaining at home. Set the table with water glasses in addition to wine glasses. Tumblers work well for this, since they are lower than the wine glass. Add a water carafe on the table for every group of four guests. You can search places like Etsy and eBay for lovely vintage carafes, and it's a bit more fun if they don't match. It will give your table more personality.

Wait to Be Served, Then Cheers! In the States, we often offer guests a glass of wine as they trickle in. But in France, guests wait until everyone arrives (the French are incredibly punctual, especially when invited to dinner!). A dinner party doesn't officially begin until everyone arrives, is served a drink, and cheers! There is something nice about this; everyone begins at the same time and every glass is clinked – even if it's a large group – it is required that you cheer each glass and look people straight in the eye as you do it. It's a way to recognize each person and make everyone feel included. This is a very old French tradition that goes back centuries. Legend has it that avoiding eye contact during a "cheers" meant you were trying to poison someone, but now it's just seen as poor manners if you don't!

Dessert, Then Coffee. It took me years to get used to this, but now I totally see the wisdom of it, and it's become a rule for me! In France, dessert is served and cleared, and then the coffee is brought out. They are two separate courses, unlike in the States, where they are often served together. The French savor their meals; no one is in a rush at mealtime. Also, there is something nice about enjoying the flavors separately. For example, a delicate panna cotta with a fruit compote doesn't pair well so well with a strong cup of espresso. They deserve to be served separately. I also like the inclusion of a little buttery biscuit or chocolate served alongside the coffee tucked into the saucer; this is another lovely French touch. Serving the coffee separately also makes it easier on the host since you don't have to juggle serving dessert and the coffee simultaneously. 

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