This baby is on sale! @lspaceswim It’s a top bun, hot sun...

This baby is on sale! @lspaceswim It’s a top bun, hot sun kinda morning ☀️ @nh410 #Goodmorning #LSpaceswim #WhatsYourL #bestswimwear #regram http://ift.tt/2ccJ5WR

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Your Aura is Showing: 3 Cleansing Crystals + How To Use Them

Vibes are real. We pick them up, we put them out, and when someone's aura is off, we tend to know it intuitively. The energy that defines us might not be visible but it's tangible, and occasionally needs a bit of sprucing up. The question is: how can we solve for something we can't see? Professional crystal healer, Heather Askinosie of Energy Muse recommends using the power of healing crystals to clear up a cloudy mind or funky mood. Read on to all about aura cleansing with crystals for an end of summer vibe-revive...

Feeling overwhelmed with all your end-of-summer plans? Are you feeling tired, sluggish and just not yourself? There’s a quick fix for this: It’s time to cleanse your aura with crystals! Your aura is an invisible, electromagnetic energy field that surrounds your body. By keeping your aura clean and clear, it can help you feel less overwhelmed and more like your true self, so you are able to have more fun in the sun.

The good vibes of summer also come with more commitments and events — beach barbecues, bridal showers, birthday parties and backyard bashes. When you’re constantly bopping around from one celebration to the next, your energy field can become bogged down, muddied and feel as if it’s not your own. How will you know? It’s as if you feel heavy, energetically drained or your spirit growing dimmer; just not your normal self. It’s similar to walking into a room where an argument just occurred. You can feel a heaviness lingering in the space even afterwards. And then suddenly, you start to feel this same heaviness, even after you leave the space Even though you were not part of the argument, you still felt the heaviness of the energy. Many times throughout your day, this same invisible energy gets attached to your aura.

I remember many years ago, when someone told me I needed an aura cleansing, I chuckled to myself and thought, seriously? Now, today and everyday, I cleanse my aura. Why? Because it makes a huge difference in the way you feel. Your aura feels and picks up energy from the environment that it’s in — it’s something that is out of your control. The good news is, I have a few simple solutions in my crystal tool chest to help keep your aura “crystal clear” and protected all year long.

Cleansing and clearing your aura with crystals will only take a few minutes. After you have cleansed your aura, visualize your entire body surrounded in an egg-shaped bubble of white light and protection. You are now radiating with beams of light, similar to the summer sun. Shine bright!

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A Cancer Survivor On The Healing Power of Compassion

Our collective reflex to self-criticize and act harshly toward ourselves, can majorly impede our wellness plans. Our thoughts and emotions are deeply tied to our physical well-being in ways modern medicine is just beginning to understand.

Kicking our hard-on-self tendencies is even tougher when a health challenge is in the mix. For holistic nutritionist and Cancer Hacks author, Elissa Goodman, learning to embrace compassion as a healing tool was key in managing her cancer recovery and the new stage of life that followed. The power of compassion is a very real thing and Elissa is showing us how a little self-love can make a word of difference.

Healing begins when you have compassion for yourself first. Our life experiences are unique and ever changing, but we all experience joy and pain. We embrace joy, but it always seems fleeting. Pain is the opposite - we often push it inward or outward and fight against it, but too often never release it. I have found that the only way to move past the pain of our experiences is compassion.

Compassion is what helps us heal.

I have a huge responsibility to practice kindness and compassion for myself and for others. I could not do what I do and be the example I want to be to my clients without it.There are days when I see clients who have just received devastating cancer diagnoses, clients who have suffered unjustifiable pain and loss and clients who have experienced trauma that has left them emotionally scarred.

In the beginning of my practice, it was a bit overwhelming for me. As I heard their stories, I often felt helpless and, yes, in some circumstances, I even felt a little judgmental. I was responding to their pain and treating their pain as I would my own. I judged myself, I was hard on myself, I felt shame and I had the tendency to “beat myself up.” As I developed compassion for myself, I learned to truly overcome and heal emotional trauma by offering that compassion to others.

Practicing compassion is a key component to thriving.

Exercising compassion is what enables you to treat yourself with kindness and love, which enables you to heal and reconnect. When we really care for others, our hearts are full, our bodies charged with positive energy and our souls are nourished. In that moment of opening our hearts to self and others, we recognize the immense healing power of compassion and reconnect with life and love.

Self-kindness is the kick-start to self-love.

When you fail or when you are suffering, how do you deal with it? Do you criticize yourself? Do you get stuck in a cycle of self-loathing and hatred? Self-compassionate individuals recognize that failure is a part of life. They are able to recognize that disappointments are inevitable. Next time you experience difficulties, take it easy on yourself - self-criticism will only exacerbate the situation. Instead, focus on the lesson learned and opportunity to grow.

Mindfulness: Mindfulness nurtures a sense of balance, balance that serves us well when faced with disappointment and pain, allowing us to avoid getting caught up in negativity. Mindfulness is nonjudgmental and observational. Instead of suppressing or exaggerating emotions, you are able to feel them, work through them and put them into perspective.

Remember, “I’m only human:” A large part of self-compassion is understanding these three little words: “I’m only human.” The human experience includes pain and suffering; it is not exclusive to you or anyone else. Recognize that you are not alone in suffering, yet your unique personal experience - everything from your childhood to your environment - is part of the process. This awareness can increase your compassion for others and reinforce the pointlessness of being judgmental. It’s critical to understand that someone else’s response to pain is affected by factors that we’re usually not even aware of. Just as we’d like others to understand us and accept that our pain is real, others would obviously want the same compassion from us.

Leading from a place of listening, understanding and compassion has been a growing experience. If you are ready to thrive, but lacking compassion for self or others, you can begin by practicing mindfulness – any exercise from breath work to meditation can help you live in the moment and become more aware of your response to your own pain, as well as the pain of those you love.

For all our pieces with Elissa, visit us here to learn why you should be downing celery juice, rehabing your nervous system and improving your gut health... 

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The Ancient Chinese Beauty Tonic We’re Blending Daily

Raspberry lemonade that makes you smarter, sexier and happier? This is no joke. This Chinese herbal tonic is the perfect, tangy afternoon pick-me-up to help us consume more schisandra - one of the most beneficial Chinese herbs around. We asked classical Chinese Medicine doctor, Dr. George Lamoureux of Jing Herbs to share his herbal wisdom on the tonic herb below. Read, buy, and drink...

What is Schisandra?

Harvested from Northern China, its original name translates as “five flavors fruit” because it uniquely possesses all five of the tastes associated with classical Chinese medicine: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and spicy/pungent. That’s a good thing. Flavors make your body and mind come alive.

Energetically, schisandra also affects all 12 meridians related to these five flavors and that means this important super herb influences all the major organ systems of the body. That’s also a good thing. Health is created in the organs and schisandra says hello to all of them.

Here are two great ways to start taking it: Just add a half to a full teaspoon of schisandra powder to your water bottle, smoothie or tea every day; or try the raspberry schisandra lemonade recipe below!

What Are The Benefits?

Better Sex: Schisandra generates sexual fluids in both men and women. It creates more sensitivity and sensation for women and more endurance for men. This super herb improves circulation and has the ability to dilate blood vessels, helping men achieve great stamina!

Prettier Skin: For thousands of years, schisandra has been adored by women for its ability to make the skin smooth, soft, beautiful and moisturized. By balancing the fluids of the skin, it helps lock in hydration and protects against damage from the sun and wind. Historically, it was only available to the one-percenters in the Royal Courts of China, but now everyone can experience its beauty benefits!

Detoxification: The liver is a vital organ that helps the body with over 500 processes, including filtering the blood and detoxification. Schisandra protects the liver and helps it maintain its many functions. This super herb can raise the body’s levels of a powerful enzyme, glutathione, which is known for detoxification.

Longevity: Schisandra contains many important constituents for better health. It is a potent antioxidant and also has important phytochemicals, essential oils, vitamins, minerals and beneficial fats. Many people take this super herb to increase energy at the cellular level.

Brain Boost: A premium mind tonic, schisandra is very helpful for improving mental focus, clarity, memory and concentration. For this reason, students and great thinkers love it! It is also popular with people who suffer from mental challenges, including anxiety, depression and mood swings.

Energy + Endurance: Schisandra berries are a powerful adaptogens that fight fatigue and increase endurance. Schisandra helps your body adjust to the environment, enabling you to handle stress and any kind of physical or mental challenge. These small berries can help stimulate the central nervous system without making you nervous like caffeine would. Schisandra is very popular with those who have great physical and mental demands placed on them daily.

Happy Feels: And to top it all off, this super herb quiets the spirit and calms the heart. Yep. It helps to make you happy as well. So if you miss your morning meditation, yoga or other calming ritual, schisandra will help put a smile back on your face and get you loving life again.

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50% off select Vitamin A ❗️#regram @vitaminaswim @dominiquelissa...

50% off select Vitamin A ❗️#regram @vitaminaswim @dominiquelissa kicking off summer wearing the Cozumel High Neck in our Maya Print 🌴🌺 #madeinUSA #vitaminaswim #shoplinkinbio #bestswimwear #bikinisale http://ift.tt/2ccMdod

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The ocean calms my restless soul. Photography by the lovely:...

The ocean calms my restless soul. Photography by the lovely: @taylormaemarie_ #bestswimwear http://ift.tt/2bz6rax

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Recover From Summer With Our 7 Beauty Obsessions

The end of summer struggle is real. Not just because we have to transition out of beach-brain (so harsh!), but because we've got to recover from beach hair and skin too. The sun-kissed look may have been gorgeous with a flowy dress and floppy hat, but when the glow goes, a little beauty rehab is always in order.

Here are seven products we're relying on this time of year to make a total recovery. From polishing hair potions to calming face masks, we highly recommend each of these green goddess elixirs...

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How To Freeze Summer: We’re Making These Edible Flower Ice Cubes

When reader and Martha's Vineyard mama blogger Sarah Waldman suggested we share her 'recipe' for floral ice cubes we knew it was a no-brainer. Firstly, we wanted to see the photos for our own enjoyment and secondly, we think this is the sweetest way to preserve summer's last stand. Try this incredibly simple DIY for an upcoming gathering and watch your hostess cred skyrocket.

Believe it or not this is one of many ice cube features on TCM! Get our herbal ice cubes, juice ice cubes for champagne cocktails and more here.

Flowers make everything better. They may be freshly cut and arranged on the dining table, growing in the backyard or sprinkled into a bubble bath, but their power to promote happiness and healing is no secret. So why not float colorful blooms in your summer drinks as well?

Edible flower ice cubes quickly make a ho-hum summer party fabulous with almost no effort (it's as simple as making ice). The cubes work perfectly in any summery drink from fresh-pressed vegetable juice to iced tea and rosé.

Start by visiting your local farmer's market, florist, or farm stand and ask for a small bouquet of edible flowers - anything from herb blossoms (chive, borage, basil), nasturtiums, pansies, lavender and violas work. Of course, you can also grow your own pot of edible flowers outside to use in drinks, salads and arrangements.

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Superfood Spotlight: Sacha Inchi Seeds

Our team ate approximately one and a half of these glass tubs of sacha inchi seeds before we actually stopped to wonder what they were. That's a good sign, right? We reached out to the most sustainable producer of these superfood seeds we could find Imlak’esh Organics to find out what all the buzz is about on these strangely addictive, protein-rich seeds. This is also the brand we keep seeing in every healthy grocery store lately, including here! Here's why you should be taking notice...

What You Should Know: Growing on thick jungle vines, the sacha inchi seed thrives in the pristine, mountainous rainforests of Southeast Asia. Also known as Inca peanuts, these extremely nutrient-dense superseeds have been consumed by indigenous peoples as part of a healthy, nourishing diet for thousands of years.

With high protein content - higher than almonds and walnuts at 8.5 grams per ounce - sacha inchi is an excellent source of fuel. It contains all nine essential amino acids, as well as a spectrum of non-essential aminos - making it a digestible and bioavailable superfood. It also boasts a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals, omegas and nutrients.

Sacha inchi is thought to have ancient medicinal and ceremonial significance, and has been depicted in pottery found in burial sites dating back to 800 CE. Today, different cultures around the world recognize its nutritional value and have begun to incorporate these seeds into their diets.

Why You Should Try Them: Sacha inchi seeds are sometimes considered ‘vegan landfish’ because of their high protein and omega oils content. The human body cannot produce omega-3s; that’s why it’s important we get it from our food sources. It is vital for supporting heart health, boosting cognitive function and reducing inflammation, which is the source of many chronic diseases including arthritis, fatigue and even cancer. One ounce of sacha inchi seeds contains 17 times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon. That’s 350% the daily value of ALA per ounce. Sacha inchi is one of the most sustainable sources of plant-based omega 3s on the planet - something vegans, vegetarians and omnivores alike will enjoy.

In addition to the healthy fats, sacha inchi also has an incredible amount of fiber - 5 grams in each serving, which is more than many nuts and seeds. Fiber has been shown to normalize bowel movements, lower cholesterol, promote feelings of fullness and manage blood sugar. This, combined with the benefits of its high protein composition, make it especially effective at enhancing weight loss, building lean muscle and maintaining high energy levels. This superseed also contains calcium, iodine, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C.

Let’s Get Together: Sacha inchi has a unique, yet somehow familiar flavor that makes it easy to incorporate into a variety of dishes and desserts. It is deliciously nutty, with a rich umami-ness that comes from the omega oils. These seeds are lightly toasted to unlock their full nutritional value, giving them a savory profile. You can enjoy them by the handful, take them with you on adventurous treks, sprinkle them on smoothies, add them to salads or grain bowls, throw them into stir fries, create a foundation for desserts and more! Try them in any recipe that calls for nuts or seeds.

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Getting ready for Labor Day Weekend! What are you going to wear?...

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Blackberry + Honey Overnight Oats, Because Snooze Button

Transform yourself into a morning person with this gorgeous blackberry overnight oats recipe by our blogger obsession, Green Kitchen Stories from their new cookbook, Green Kitchen Smoothies. We live for their deliciously beautiful aesthetic! 

Have you tried overnight oats? If not, trust us when we say these little jars of goodness are LIFE CHANGING. This version includes the magic of berries and honey, but like all overnight oats, it's packed with healthy fats, fiber, protein and tastes like cookie dough. Grab-and-go breakfast has never looked (or tasted) so good...

This is the ultimate breakfast for late sleepers. Maximize your time in bed by preparing the oats the night before and storing it in a sealable glass jar in the fridge. That way, in the morning all you have to do is grab it and go for the quickest healthy breakfast ever! The oats and chia seeds will keep you going through lunch, and the combination of blackberries, honey and vanilla is simply super tasty. [olists num=1]

For more drool-worthy dishes by Green Kitchen Stories, check out their latest cookbook, Green Kitchen Smoothies.

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No Chill? Pop a Probiotic (The Gut-Brain Connection is 100% Real)

Trust your gut, it's smarter than you think. Understanding the gut-brain connection opens up a whole world of "ah ha!", especially when it comes to decoding the connection between our mood and our health! Did you know that 90% of our "feel-good" brain chemical called serotonin lives in the gut?

We've spent all month learning how to nurture our "inner ecosystem" with Guest Editor and founder of Body Ecology, Donna Gates.  Now that the inspo is embedded and our refrigerators are stocked for success, we're taking on a deeper lesson in how it all ties together. From sciencey facts to familiar feels, here's Donna on the gut-brain connection and how we can get to know it better. There's a lot to be said on this topic, for the full scoop, we highly recommend Donna's book, The Body Ecology Diet.  

As medicine moves forwards, there’s an increasing trend to treat the whole body – not just its individual parts. This is because science tells us that all these parts are connected, some more than others. One connection that has sparked interest over recent years is the relationship between the gut and the brain. As it so happens, the gut and the brain have a lot in common and they have a knack for talking to one another - like a couple of good friends. If this both baffles you and explains so much, keep reading and pick up some fun facts about your gut, your brain and the link between...

The Gut-Brain Connection

For some time, we’ve known that the brain and the gut share a special connection where one impacts the other. For example, any stress or inflammation in the gut will show up in how you feel on an emotional level. Likewise, head trauma/depression is linked to a leaky and inflamed gut. The real magic in all these discoveries involves probiotics - researchers even have a name for probiotics that specifically affect mood: They’re called psychobiotics. This is a clue about just how important gut health and these microbes are to our emotional well-being.

Why You feel it:
10 Sciencey Facts

We have ten times more microbes than human cells in our bodies.

The microbes in the gut and brain speak to each other.

Neurotransmitters in the gastrointestinal tract affect serotonin levels.

"Microbe medicine" gets to the root of the disorder and establishes balance to the many ecosystems that your body contains.

Researchers found microbe-free mice have decreased immune systems compared to their microbe-diverse counterparts.

Researchers found microbe-free mice are more anxious than their microbe-diverse counterparts.

Reduced biodiversity of intestinal bacteria is common today due to antibiotic use and an increase in C-section births.

The microbes we receive at birth can shape brain development. Infants born vaginally through the birth canal have a different team of microbes than those born by Caesarean section.

A number of immune-related conditions, such as allergies or antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus infection (MRSA), have been associated with C-section births.

How you Feel It:
Mood + Mentality

The gut and the brain share an undeniable connection; sorta like how you beeline to your cell phone to check your Instagram account during downtime. BFFs from the moment you took your first breath, gut bacteria shape your mental mood – likewise, mental stress will literally change the tribes of bacteria living in your gut.

Like any good relationship, there’s a lot of give and take between your gut and your brain. In this case, we’re talking about high-fives between your immune system and brain chemicals. Even though one lives in your torso and the other lives in the head, the gut and the brain are made of similar stuff: nerve cells and chemicals.

Ever heard of a feel-good brain chemical called serotonin? Well, over 90% of it lives in the gut. A leaky, inflamed gut makes you cranky. Literally. Feeling glum, gloomy or spazzy? Pop a probiotic - they actually help produce feel-good brain chemicals. Regular, well-formed bowel movements also work wonders for your mood (just be sure to avoid quickie shortcuts like laxatives).

When in doubt, trust your second brain. Go with your gut.

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Win Hannah Bronfman’s Wellness + Beauty Faves

Teamwork makes the dream work! As our dream is to make living well fun and accessible, we couldn't be more excited about this summer's collaboration between HBFit - launched by lifestyle lady-boss, Hannah Bronfman - and NYC's CAP Beauty. We're giving away one of the limited edition collaborative gift sets this week; get in on the action and learn all the details below from the ladies of CAP...

We're excited to partner with HBFIT on this limited edition health, beauty and fitness set. Sharing the belief that true beauty stems from a blend of the three we created a box for each filled with products to encourage true, vibrant health and the beauty that follows. Each box contains a collection of high-vibe products hand selected by HBFIT...

What's InSIDE The Box

EiR Active Body Wash|This supercharged wash is revitalizing, energizing and soothing all in one impeccably sleek package. Organic Coconut, Olive and Jojoba oils are saponified and blended with Organic Aloe Vera, Sage and Rosemary Extracts to cleanse skin of impurities and maintain skin’s natural hydration. This smooth and creamy lather is perfect for a refreshing start to your day, post-workout or anytime you need an extra pep in your step. LEARN MORE

EiR Cooling Lip Balm|Keep your lips cool, calm and collected all summer long with the EiR Cooling Lip Balm in your beauty arsenal. The Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and Olive Oil hydrate, whilst Zinc Oxide protects and Menthol tingles and cools in this powerhouse balm. Take it to the streets, the beach and the park and enjoy the oh so cooling effects. LEARN MORE

Captain Blankenship Dry Shampoo|Essential Oils of Rose Geranium and Palmarosa infuse this dry shampoo with a dusky, romantic scent. Organic Arrowroot Powder and Kaolin Clay absorb oils and impurities, and bring volume to your luscious locks. Perfect for managing your mane on those days when 24 hours doesn’t seem like enough time. LEARN MORE

Keys Solar rx Moisturizer with Sunscreen|Looking for some day to day sun protection? Perhaps something easy and effortless that you can wear under your make-up without feeling sticky? This is it. Filled with Shea Butter, Avocado Oil and Aloe Vera the Keys Solar Rx Moisturizer offers your skin anti-aging protection. It’s the perfect day to day moisturizer with the added benefits of physical protection from UVA and UVB rays. Level of protection is SPF 30. Please note this product is not waterproof and not intended for swimming. LEARN MORE

LivWell Protein Powder|This plant-based protein powder is the result of a true labor of love by two dedicated health and animal lovers. Tired of the lack of options in the market, LivWell was born in 2014 to fill the gap as a delicious and highly nutritious protein powder derived completely from organic plant sources. With 17 grams of protein per serving, 6 grams of fiber per serving and 15 grams of amino acids derived from 4 different types of plant protein, LivWell’s protein powder provides an astounding spectrum of nutrition for the body. This will soon become an indispensable part of your regime. Can be used in smoothies, vegan yogurt, cookies, or any other culinary adventure you can dream of. LEARN MORE

CAP Beauty The Matcha|Follow in the footsteps of the masters of meditation and drink in your focus. The CAP Beauty Ceremonial Grade Matcha is USDA Organic Certified and sourced from Shizuoka, Japan. Matcha is known to enhance mood and create a relaxed alertness while supplying a surge of antioxidants and life force minerals. We love our Matcha by itself mixed in hot (not boiling) water, or as an addition to the CAP Beauty Elixir. Drink it in. Begin within. LEARN MORE

Good Body Arnica Comfrey Joint Pain Salve|When relief is what you crave, reach for this all-around pain reliever, mild sedative and anti-inflammatory. Formulated specifically for extreme athletes and suffers of severe arthritis, this salve is packed with healing herbs, oils and butters. Arnica and Comfrey offer relief for joint pain, torn ligaments, sore muscles, sprains, strains and bruising. Eucalyptus and Lavender Essential Oils will help to soothe not only the body, but also the mind. LEARN MORE

Enter to win THE HBFIT BOX!
Enter for the chance to win one HBFit x CAPBeauty box
by leaving us your email in the entry box below. Good luck, readers!

One winner will be announced in the comments below and be contacted by email. Giveaway closes 09/02/16 at 5PM PST. Open to continental U.S. residents only.
By entering your email you agree to receive email communication from The Chalkboard. 

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Join Us For A Breathwork Workshop In Topanga Canyon

Join us this fall for a unique and calming evening of self-care. We're joining our friends at Mercado Sagrado for an intimate breathwork workshop like no other on a stunning private location in Topanga Canyon.

Last spring, we joined TCM favorites, Ashley Neese and Sun Potion's Nitsa Citrine for this workshop and couldn't wait to recreate the experience for readers to enjoy. Imagine driving deep into the canyon only to emerge on a vista with views of the ocean and the setting sun. There, our small gathering will enjoy simple, grounding breathwork techniques lead by certified breathwork teacher and energy healer, Ashley Neese while sipping a series of deliciously potent tonics from Sun Potion's creative director, Nitsa Citrine.

About Ashley | You may eat, move and rest well, but this is a deeper kind of self care. Breathwork can help you move through blocks you don't always see, to find clarity and to live your passion. Ashley will help you develop a relationship with your breath that will enable you to take better care of yourself, release beliefs and patterns that no longer serve you, and cultivate the courageous heart you are here to share with the world. Learn more about Ashley on TCM here.

About Nitsa | Sun Potion brings the highest quality tonic herbs, algae, greens, and mushrooms available to all in single-ingredient, pure powder and whole food form. By adding these sort of tonic herbs and superfoods into our diet we can create profound shifts in our body and our consciousness. Nitsa will serve tonic herbal potions, created with the intention to open up our energetic channels and support breath-work and meditation. Learn more about Nitsa on TCM here. 

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FRI-nally we have been waiting for you since Monday. #FRIYAY...

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A Day with the Brooklyn Creative Behind Quiet Town

Lisa Fine lives in Brooklyn. There she mothers, designs, styles for a top brand, runs a business and just generally burns the candle at all the ends. We love getting a glimpse inside the routines of women we admire and Lisa certainly fits the bill. Far from being the poster child for overwork and the busy-busy mantra of decades gone by, Lisa is simply a working creative with her hands full of exciting projects, including children.

We discovered Lisa's new brand Quiet Town and fell in love. The small, sustainable brand creates bathroom wares that are the opposite of cheap and disposable - and that's exactly the point. Quiet Town's canvas shower curtains and Kilm woven bath rugs are responsibly made and build to last beautifully. We love that quality craftsmanship, responsible sourcing and high-style design are merging in so many new brands we love that allow us to shop sustainably in good taste! Here's our morning with Lisa in her Brooklyn neighborhood...

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TCM Weekend: Our Day In San Francisco With Cuyana + Cereal

We spent the weekend with "fewer, better" fashion brand, Cuyana, in the heart of their home town, San Francisco. To celebrate their city guide in collaboration with one of our favorite print mags, Cereal, Cuyana hosted a few favorite local photographers, bloggers and editors to experience their guide to San Francisco in real life. Every stylish spot included on our tour through the city was completely TCM-approved and we're sharing our favorites below.

Song Tea + Ceramics| Yes, coffee. But tea too. And when our craving for tea is stirred, we head straight to Song for their lovely, small curation of loose leaf teas. The understated and airy space is like a gallery of tea, all curated by owner Peter Luong who can be found giving in-depth tea tastings and helping tea shoppers find the perfect blend. To try: Visit Song before the holidays for incredible ceramics from Portland potters.

The Progress| We've heard impressive things about Chef Stuart Brioza of State Bird Provisions (as if the line out the door each night doesn't tell you everything you need to know), but when we experienced his new sister restaurant, The Progress next door all of the buzz proved to be true. Always a sucker for atmosphere, we loved the long thin dining room which feels like a neighborhood haunt and a high-end art experience at the same time. The wide open kitchen truly inspires confidence. To try: Eat everything. And take a look at their artful private event space for special events.

The SF Moma| The San Francisco MOMA has recently reopened after years of remodeling. Their collection of modern art is stunningly comprehensive and the museum has been designed to welcome the city right on in. Their enormous green living wall is the largest on the West Coast and tours of various galleries can be accessed through an app by phone. To try: The new museum restaurant boast top dishes from various award-winning restaurants and chefs around the world. A must visit!

March| Spend a lot of time at home in the kitchen? Visit this homewares shop for the ultimate in chic, minimal kitchen goods that'll have you swooning over every culinary chore. Favorites in shop include Blackcreek Mercantile cutting boards and spice bowls, Azmaya Japanese dinnerware. To try: The shop now hosts family style suppers! 

The simple, elegant, understated esthetic in the Cuyana x Cereal guide is one hundred percent up our readers' alley. Where are you hanging when in San Fran? Tell us below!

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Why Glamping With Autocamp Needs To Be Your Next Getaway

Ah, the great outdoors. There is nothing quite as therapeutic as an immersive nature experience - except for a nature experience that includes high-thread count sheets and a wine bar.

We recently heard about the new AutoCamp phenomenon from travel writer Kelly Lack, who visited the new glamping grounds and summarily landed herself on the cover of Sunset Magazine with one of their shiniest Airstreams!

AutoCamp is a brand new travel experience with locations in two gorgeous California areas, Santa Barbara and Sonoma County. Both locales offer a similar experience: Enjoy the stunning natural atmosphere while cozied up in one of their Airstream trailers for a modern glamping weekend like no other.

The Russian River location is smack in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, and centers on a charming mid-century clubhouse of the kind we'd expect to find in Ojai. In the place of a concierge, you'll find an "Adventure Desk" and glampers can stay in either trailers with walk-in showers and wifi or beautiful tents with plush linens and a private fire pit.

In Santa Barbara, it's Airstream only. Six trailers, all dressed to the nines in luxe linens, mid-century modern furniture, soaking tubs and kitchens. Beach cruisers are included with the stay and downtown Santa Barbara is just a short ride away.

As summer comes to a close, we're thinking about how to keep the off-the-grid weekends and travel vibes alive through the new season and it's little spots like AutoCamp that make us believe it's possible! What are your weekend escape secrets? For more California travel stories, check out our guides to Ojai and Big Sur!

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The Sweet Potato Creamsicle + Other Wonders From Nutrition Stripped

McKel Hill is full of great kitchen advice like the below on her site, Nutrition Stripped. Bake up those sweet potatoes stat! We consider McKel part of our TCM community and have been loving her work ever since she got her plant-tastic start.

With her new cookbook, Nutrition Stripped just hitting shelves, we're featuring a few of our favorite recipes to celebrate. There are 100 plant-based recipes in the book, so picking our faves was tough! This crazy smoothie uses sweet potato to thicken and add a kick of vitamins - strange, but trust us when we say you'll be hooked...

The first real recipe I ever made was for the famous Orange Julius. It was in home-ec class and the no-fail recipe instantly became my favorite. Now I'm giving the traditional Orange Julius an upgrade by combining the vitamin C, A, potassium, fiber and carotenoids found in sweet potatoes with tangy orange in the Nutrition Stripped Cookbook. The result is a winning combination - light and refreshing with pops of citrus, yet dense and filling because of the sweet potato. Enjoy this as a meal or a post-workout drink, or split it with a loved one for a snack! It's ridiculously good.

Pro Tip: This recipe offers the perfect example of how batch-cooking can come in handy. Baking up a batch of sweet potatoes to have them ready for use in any application is such a time saver!

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Feed Fatigue? Follow This Fashion Illustrator Like, Right Now

When it comes to making a career out of being creative, they say L.A. is the new Brooklyn and Instagram is the new professional portfolio. We say, if it gets more talented ladies like Carly Kuhn onto our radars, we're all about it.

Carly - also known as The Cartorialist - is a Los Angeles-based fashion illustrator (and former TV producer) whose art can be seen everywhere from fashion campaigns like Prada, in iconice books like Elle Magazine and, of couse, on social media, where she got her start. We love seeing The Cartorialist at fashion parties on both coasts as we whip up illustrations in live time and asked this stylish talent to talk us about personal style, current inspirations and art supply obsessions...

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Crunchy Luxe: 5 Top Wellness Trends From Inside Erewhon Market

We're talking camel milk, green ice cream and twenty dollar smoothies with the CEO of our favorite crunchy luxe grocery store, Erewhon Market. Just one lap around this sustainable and super-natural supermarket always gets us excited - and over-budget.

We recently Snapchatted our way down the aisles of the Venice location to share some of our favorite products with you (incense, beet kraut, almond butter and mineral water included) and thought we'd ask Erewhon's top pro, Tony Antoci, what he sees trending on the shelf right now. Erewhon has been on the health scene since the mid-60's and we consider their over-the-top smoothie bar one of a wellness gal's main hangs in L.A., whether in Hollywood, Venice or Calabasas. Here's Tony...

Top 3 trends of 2016: Fermented coconut yogurt (here's how to make it at home), the medicinal mushroom reishi, and food-grade natural body care. Can’t forget CBD (Cannabinoid – Google it, it's going to be huge!)

Trend that's gone for good: Trusting conventional grocers.

Trend that never goes out of style:  Feeling good and having boundless energy!

Strangest product you stock:  Camel Milk. Strange, but extremely beneficial. Deer antler and beef liver capsules are cool too. Editor's note: when responsibly sourced, deer antler is never harmful to the animal. 

fave products: New Earth 13 Strand Coconut Yogurt, Thorne Research Meriva-SR, Lotus Blooming Herbs Shilajit, Ojai Energetics CBD oils and our amazing all-organic produce department.

Most popular smoothie bar order: The one and only “Superfood Green Goddess” with coconut, herbs and greens -  ice cream style or as a smoothie!

Most elaborate smoothie bar order:  The $30 Jing City Tonic.  This is the starting price, I have seen $100 tonics. Our barista, Truth (yes, that’s his name), created the $30 Jing City six years ago. Truth was famous for making probiotic, power-packed ice creams that reached the $70 to $80 range!

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Hair Down, Vibe Up: How Nicole Winhoffer Does Fitness Differently

What's the difference between an artist and an athlete? Less than you might expect. NYC-based dancer, trainer and fitness guru to the stars - Nicole Winhoffer - is blurring the line that divides the two, and we love every inch of her passion-powered approach.

Nicole's signature method embraces creativity and sass, not just somatic savvy, to help her clients build personal strength on every level. It's no wonder she's the go-to trainer for world-class pop stars (oh hey, Madonna), fashion designers (Stella McCartney!) and fitness brands alike (she's a top ambassador for adidas too!). From the music that keeps her motivated - including her clients' own - to the new age-y things rolling around in her gym bag, here's Nicole Winhoffer...

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Smoothie Bowls + 15 of Our Best Bowl Recipes Ever

Put all the things in bowls! We've practically converted our kitchens to bowl emporiums these days and we couldn't be happier about it. Whether it's pouring a good smoothie into a bowl instead of a glass or smothering a veggie bowl with tahini sauce for dinner, we're loving the bowl trend and may never give it up.

To celebrate our obsession, we've rounded up this list of fifteen bowls that'll suit your every mood. Learn the basics of building a balanced bowl here and do not miss bowl  thirteen on our list - the chia pudding breakfast bowl...

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The Ugliest Beauty Food? 6 Benefits of Noni Juice

Eat Ugly foods, get better skin? It's not always true, but we're loving the beauty and hormone benefits of noni juice, despite the fruit's not so pretty exterior. Certified health and wellness coach, Nicole Granato, is walking us through the powerful benefits of noni juice. The healing properties of noni hit hormones gone haywire from every angle: whether they need re-balancing or just daily support... 

Noni juice is acknowledged worldwide for its amazing health and healing benefits. It has been used for thousands of years to help support the body in fighting free radicals, improving the immune system, strengthening cardiovascular health and improving digestion. This super fruit can help improve hormone imbalance, infertility, PCOS, digestive health and weight-management issues. Add noni juice to your diet daily and watch as your hormones become increasingly aligned and harmonious!

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The Lazy Girls’ Guide To Working Out

Whether you're regularly downward dogging before breakfast or barely making good use of your Classpass membership, we all have lazy days or weeks when fitting in fitness seems more daunting than usual.

We're all for committing to a regular fitness routine, but if you're experiencing one of those in-between life moments where hitting the gym just isn't going to happen, don't stress! Here are a few ideas that'll let you sneak in a sweat without disrupting your hazy, lazy summer vibe...

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Late Summer Eats: Whole Wheat Pasta Salad With Rainbow Veggies

As we near the end of August, our cozy fall food cravings begin to stir. We know the summer temperatures won't be dropping anytime soon, but we're all tapped out on chilled summer foods. What's a girl to eat in these in-between seasons?

In late August, early September, we love a good pasta salad like this one from one of Los Angeles' healthiest caterers, Heirloom LA. The whole wheat pasta and fresh mozzarella get us cozier than a bowl of straight greens, but the rainbow of fresh herbs and vegetables keep us in a bit of a summer state. The longer this salad marinates, the more delicious it becomes; make it at the start of a lazy weekend so all there's left to do when you're hungry is enjoy!

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TCM Kitchen Hacks: How To Make Chia Seed Jam

We've swapped the hydrogenated peanut butter for raw almond butter and switched to sprouted, gluten-free toast, now there's only one thing that stands between us and the perfectly health-hacked PB&J: that processed, sugar-swamped jam.

There's nothing wrong with a little old-fashioned jam, of course, but what turns us health nerds on is to substitute a regular ingredient with something super-powered - and just as delicious. When it comes to jam, that means replacing almost everything but the berries with a few fiber, fat and mineral-packed chia seeds.

Chia seeds' fascinating ability to turn from a pile of seeds to a bowl of gel (try it in pudding, overnight oats, and drinks) makes it the perfect match for jam. Making chia gel-based jam is so easy, delicious and nutrient dense we thought it was too good to be true 'til we tried it.

We've been talking about chia seed jam for years, but recently realized we'd never run this genius recipe all on its own! For those of you who've not yet tried it, hit up the farmer's market this weekend for your favorite late summer berries and try the recipe ASAP. You'll be just as thrilled as we were at first taste...

This chia seed jam recipe below is a good place to start. Personally, our team prefers using a basket of fresh (not frozen) berries like raspberries, plus chia seeds, water and lemon only. It's the quickest and freshest tasting recipe and we think the summer berries can stand on their own!

If you're an old-fashioned kind of girl who wants jam just as close to your grandma's recipe as you can get it, you may prefer this recipe over on Oh My Veggies in which she cooks the fruit first. Here's our version...[olists num=1]

Want more chia recipes? We've got all the puddings, bowls and baked goodies you could ever wish for here. 

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Your Body Ecology: A Full Day of Optimal Gut Health

our mental and emotional health is directly related to our gut health. (I mean, we hope this sounds familiar since you're a Chalkboard reader, but just in case, here is the full scoop from Donna Gates!) Our "inner ecosystems" determine how well our immunity, hormones, energy levels, and brains function. And if we could recommend just one area of focus for vital health, this would be it.

Body Ecology's Donna Gates, our August Guest Editor, is sharing what a day of optimal gut health looks like from the cuppa CocoBiotic to start (we're obsessed with this stuff!) to the mineral and moringa infused wind-down. Pick up a couple of tips from her gut-centric wellness philosophy and if you're really ready to dive deep on the topic, check out the full Body Ecology Diet!

First thing in the morning: Hydrate! I like to drink water with a pinch of sea salt right when I wake up. Then I drink a probiotic drink like CocoBiotic, which helps with detoxification - plus the microbes in CocoBiotic help with anxiety and depression, leaving you happier as you go through your day!

For breakfast: I eat one of these three: a green smoothie (get my favorite recipe here); or lightly scrambled eggs with veggies and cultured foods; or Body Ecology’s Fermented Protein Shake - it's sugar, dairy and gluten-free, and so satisfying that sometimes I'll even replace my dinner meal with a shake instead if I’m not that hungry.

Coffee or tea? I never drink coffee, but some mornings I drink Ujido matcha green tea, which is a superfood and contains theanine, which is great for stress. Hibiscus tea is my favorite to drink throughout the day (good for high blood pressure) and I sweeten it with stevia. I also keep a pitcher of water, two hibiscus tea bags and fresh mint ready to drink at anytime in my refrigerator. Chamomile is my go-to at bedtime.

Morning habit or exercise: Stretching is very important and brings the mind and body into harmony. A walk in the sun is always great to boost mood and improve sleep.

Supplements: Holy basil tea is great to lower cortisol levels and help with relaxation. L-theanine helps you relax without the drowsy side effects. Bifidus probiotic capsules change up your gut chemistry, which can help decrease feelings of anxiety and give a sense of emotional well-being. Changing the gut bugs can help decrease feelings of anxiety and give a sense of emotional well-being. Vitamin D and fish oil are also great for mood. Lavender oil is also very relaxing - add it to a hot bath and let the stress of the day fade away.

For lunch in: Salmon, or another protein I might be craving, broccolini or other dark green leafy veggies, sea veggie salad or green salad and, of course, cultured vegetables.

Post-workout ideas: Drink filtered water with lemon or lime juice and stevia.

For afternoon energy: Drink water! Fatigue can often be an indicator of dehydration. Make sure to continue to drink water throughout the day, which also helps flush out toxins. Lemon or lime juice helps to give it some more flavor so that you’re likely to drink more.

For Dinner: I usually eat vegetarian meal with starchy veggies (red potato, butternut squash) and quinoa or millet with root and leafy veggies. I always try to add sea vegetables too, like seaweed, wakame or hijiki.

Perfect dinner recipe: Your evening meal should be light and easy to digest, so it’s best to stay away from heavy foods and traditional meat-centered meals. A grain-like seed meal is ideal because it is easy to digest and the nutrients in grain-like seeds provide a calming effect, helping you sleep better. Try the recipe below!

Bedtime ritual: I take a hot shower. I spray liquid minerals onto my face with amaranth seed or moringa seed oil and massage it into my skin. I get into my favorite PJs, put on my headphones and listen to a webinar about health.

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Mornings With The Founders of Barry’s Bootcamp, LA’s O.G. Fitness Studio

"The Best Workout In The World" is a tough title to live up to, but Barry's Bootcamp has certainly earned its stripes (and then made it a tag line). A true icon of the L.A. fitness scene, this model and celeb-adored chain of studios has been kicking butts and taking names since it's original WeHo location opened in 1998, which just re-opened this month better than ever! In honor of the reboot, we sat down with the Barry - Barry Jay - and Barry's Bootcamp CEO, Joey Gonzalez, to talk about the signature workout that's gathered a cult following while transforming countless bodies, attitudes and the boutique fitness industry as a whole.

Read our interview below to learn what these fitness revolutionaries eat, how they stay active outside of the studio and why hard work is everything...

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24 Natural Beauty Pros On Their Current Obsessions

We sprint through natural makeup and green beauty trends like cosmetic Olympians - but who could blame us? There's so much happening in the green beauty world these days and we're falling in love with something new each week.

We've asked twenty-four of our favorite beauty bloggers, makeup artists, and brand founders to share what their crushing on now and their answers range from new beauty trends to cult classics. Scroll down, read up and get inspired. Check out our Green Goddess Guide series for the full scoop!

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The Birthday Cake Smoothie We Swear Is Good For You

Yes, we love kale smoothies and spirulina smoothies, on and on. But a birthday cake smoothie? We're one hundred percent behind that too - and think we may be more likely to convince the whole fam to get hooked on smoothies. 

The adorable and fit-spirational Sophie Jaffe of Philosophie recently whipped up this drool-worthy shake for a child's birthday and we knew we had to try it. Grab Sophie's recipe below and dare to let your pickiest child (or pal!) give it a try.

Whether it’s your bestie’s birthday or your own, there’s no need to wait until the party to indulge in some bliss-inducing cake! Whip up this dreamy, guilt-free Birthday Cake Smoothie first thing in the morning with frozen ‘nanas, whey protein powder, vanilla almond milk and Philosophie Berry Bliss Superfood + Protein Blend - an ultra-nourishing fusion of organic camu camu, acai, goji, pomegranate, mangosteen, maca and sprouted brown-rice protein. Not only will this celebratory smoothie make your skin extra radiant (on top of that birthday glow!), it’ll also boost your immune system so you can keep on sipping those superfood cocktails and painting the town red.

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Is Sitting As Bad As Smoking? 14 Ways to Undo The Daily Damage

Car to desk to couch - it's a comfortable and modern pattern to spend most of our days sitting in various places morning to night. And while some of that sitting is natural, there's been a lot of chatter lately about the effect all that sitting has on our health.

Food Matters founder and former Guest Editor, James Colquhoun, is talking about the damage too much sitting can cause, even calling it out as "the new smoking" of our generation. Find out what new studies have found and grab a couple of James' common sense tips to bring more activity into your day...

The Problems Of A Sitting Society

The typical work week is a sitting-cycle of “drive”, “desk” and “couch”. This is a far cry from how humans have lived for the last few millennia. Before technology, the human lifestyle was inherently active. ‘Movement’ and ‘exercise’ weren’t separate activities that needed to be scheduled - they were simply part of everyday life. In fact, the chair only became a common household fixture in the last couple of centuries! In the overall span of human evolution, this makes prolonged sitting a relatively new phenomenon.

Many of us already feel the backache, tension headaches and sluggishness that come from a sedentary lifestyle. However, new research is suggesting that the impact of sitting on our health may be far more serious than poor posture and some aches ‘n’ pains. Numerous studies strongly suggest that prolonged periods of sitting increases our risk of chronic disease, such as diabetes, cardiovascular illness and even cancer. Read up on more of all that here.

As soon as our backsides hit the chair, several metabolic and physical changes start to occur. Our resting metabolic rate plummets, which means that your body burns minimal calories (this helps to explain why increased sitting is associated with higher rates of obesity); the electrical activity in our leg muscles drops right off; blood circulation in our legs becomes sluggish (hello, varicose veins!); prolonged sitting shortens, tightens and weakens our hip flexors, and makes our glute muscles ‘switch off’; our bodies also start to produce higher levels of triglycerides and C-reactive protein, which is indicative of inflammation.

So what's the solution? It’s simple, yet complicated: Reduce the amount of time we spend on our derrieres. This means increasing our overall daily movement. Sitting less sounds like an intuitive concept, however, the reality is that much of our culture is centered around sedentary activity. Many of us work in office jobs that clock up significant sitting hours. Social gatherings tend to center around eating. Many of us enjoying unwinding on the couch with the TV or a good book at the end of our work days.

While a ‘standing revolution’ isn’t likely to happen overnight, the great news is that we can implement small, consistent changes that will make a big difference to reducing our risk. Here are a few ways to get started...

14 Solutions for Too mUch Sitting

For Sitting At Work:

Set A Timer - Using a timer on your phone or computer, set an alarm reminder to stand up and stretch every 10 to 15 minutes. Yes, I know this sounds disruptive but it’s truly so important for your health! With time, you won’t even need the timer any more because your body feels so good with a stretch. That extra oxygenation is good for your brain and productivity too.

Meet In Motion - Suggest having a walking meeting. The extra sunshine, fresh air and oxygenated muscles will make you feel invigorated and far more productive once you return to the office!

Swap Your Seat - Trial “active sitting” on yoga/exercise balls at your desk. You still need to get up and stretch regularly but these balls do engage more of your muscle groups than regular desk chairs.

Make Excuses - Look for opportunities to interrupt sitting time at work - walk to the printer, take bathroom breaks on another floor level, use the stairs instead of elevators.

Walk to Talk - Walk over to speak with a work colleague, as opposed to emailing or phoning from your desk chair.

Get a Standing Desk - Or, even better, a treadmill desk! Admittedly, these can be more expensive than regular desks. However, we all need to stand up for our right to stand up! Start by kindly communicating the benefits to your employer, or even negotiate a desk upgrade as part of your bonus scheme. You can also improvise by using a laptop on a benchtop or high counter.

For Sitting In A Car:

Go The Distance - Park your car further from the office to add a little extra walking into your day.

Bike Things Up - Ride a bike instead of taking the car, whenever possible, to get a little extra motion into your day.

Sacrifice A Seat - Opt to stand up on public transport, rather than taking a seat.

Break, Rest, Repeat - Break up long-drives with frequent rest-and-stretch breaks. If you have regular, long commutes to work, this is also important for your concentration and safety as a driver.

For Social Sitting:

Move And Mingle - Suggest walking "catch ups" with friends, rather than over a meal or coffee.

Chat On The Go - Stand up while you take phone calls. Better yet, take a walk while you chat!

For Leisure Sitting:

Netflix and (Don't) Chill - Use ad breaks on TV, or ends of episodes during a binge watch, as a reminder to get off the couch, stretch and walk around.

Take Page Breaks - While reading, use the end of each chapter as a reminder to stand up and stretch.

Hop to it! Don’t discount the power of these small steps! Every time you take a moment to stand and move, your body kick-starts the processes needed to metabolize fat and breakdown sugar. This benefits the health of your entire body and boosts your metabolism too. Commit to a few small changes from the suggestions above, and begin integrating better habits into your day-today!

The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 
All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program. 

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A Kid-Friendly Pesto Recipe To Sneak Greens Into Their Lunchbox

Mysteriously, mom life doesn't slow down in the slightest when kids go back to school. Fast and healthy food ideas can make a huge difference in our daily schedules and condiments - like a great pesto recipe - can make all the difference. (Do pesto, hummus and guac even qualify as condiments when we can eat them by the spoonful? A question for another day.)

Pesto, made with power-packed basil and healthy fats from olives and nuts, makes an ideal match for almost anything kids will eat - pasta, a turkey sandwich, you name it. This walnut version from farm-to-family delivery service, Out of the Box Collective solves for many edible family issues. Their Back To School box includes everything necessary to make the pesto, plus a ton of other ingredients that families can enjoy cooking together. Designed with busy but health-conscious moms in mind, learn all about the box below and be sure to order before August 23rd to get yours...

Summer is over and you’re back to being a chauffeur-parent, super glued to your car seat, stressed by traffic, with less and less time. You're balancing work with trying to get everyone from point A to point B and back – soccer practice, violin lessons and playdates – you’re thinking about their successes, their passions, their travels and their college degrees. We get it.

As the mother of three, I want to help my kids have great experiences. And I want us to have the kind of quality time that creates lasting health, epic memories, basic life skills and a family culture anchored by happy times around the dinner table. But with so much pressure, it’s no surprise that cooking ranks low on the to-do list.

Our Real Food Boxes are designed to make the transition to cooking a seamless and fun one. I believe our kids shouldn’t need to go to “home economics” classes or cooking school to be able to feed themselves a simple meal. This week, we have chosen particularly kid-friendly meals - they can help you cook and begin to master the art of a roast chicken with sweet potato and apple mash, pasta and fresh pesto or grilled steak with salsa. The Back-to-School Box is so straight forward, it’ll become their most memorable lifesaver once they’re out of the house trying to build their own lives.[olists num=2][olists num=1]

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Make Tess Ward’s Fresh Veggie Bowl with Tahini Dressing

We love our summer veggies; fresh from the garden or the farmers market (on the best days), little is needed to make these emerald babies shine. This glowingly simple recipe for veggies with tahini dressing comes from inside the Naked Cookbook, Tess Ward's cool new book on eating clean.

Finding a few dressing recipes worth obsessing over is a key to eating (and enjoying) more vegetables day-to-day. Explore our dressing round-up here, then check out Tess' version below! 

The greens I use for this vary depending on the season. In summer, it will be composed of raw salad greens, so the steaming might only be for a few green beans or a little chard. In the winter, when I feel the need for warmth, more of the greens (broccoli, Tuscan kale and kale) will be steamed. The tahini dressing works superbly, although there are many other options.

Possibly more vital than the dish itself is the dressing. Whether you are pouring, dipping or drizzling them or using them as a condiment, it is great to have a selection in your repertoire. I often keep a couple of jars of my different naked dressings in the refrigerator for speedy use.

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5 Fitness Trends For Fall + What To Wear To Every Class

All black everything to the gym? If your workout wardrobe has you looking more like a ninja than the style goddess you truly are, it might be time to swap in some new pieces a la mode. Fashion-forward activewear brand, Koral, is making fitness clothing so chic its almost a shame to sweat in. We asked their creative director, Ilana Kugel, to tell us which fitness trends are inspiring their collections this fall and how their adapting their looks to the hottest classes in town. Read on for savvy insights and a little fall gym-spiration... 

Our collections at Koral blur the line between fashion and fitness because everything can go from the gym to the street. We follow the traditional ready-to-wear calendar - producing four collections per year as fashion brands do. The trends within the fitness world inform our seasonal collections too and these are a few at the top of our minds this season...

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NYC Could Use Some Chill; We Found It At Sky Ting Yoga

NYC takes our breath away - partly because it's awesome, and partly because we literally never stop running around when we're there (c'est la vie!).

TCM regular and recent Manhattan transplant, Katie Horwitch, found a happy middle ground between two clashing costal 'tudes at Sky Ting Yoga - a boutique studio in NYC's Chinatown with a unique vibe that merges California chillness with a Big Apple energy buzz. Katie caught up with the Sky Ting founders, Krissy Jones and Chloe Kernaghan, to learn more about how and why they've turned a yoga studio in the city that never sleeps into a calm, casual-yet-chic experience locals are loving...

Harder. Better. Faster. Stronger. Almost everything in New York City runs at a borderline-excruciatingly intense pace, especially when compared to easy, breezy, beautiful Los Angeles. If L.A. is for dreamers, NYC is for doers – and nowhere is this more apparent than in New York’s fitness scene. Squeezing in an hour of sweat is just one stop in a New Yorker’s jam-packed daily schedule, so when they go in, they go all in. That kind of dedication and laser-like focus is enviable, inspiring even the most on-again-off-again exerciser to up their fitness game.

The other side of the coin? Since fitness is just one stop of many in the day of a New Yorker, it’s rare to find a studio that makes you want to hang out and chill, L.A.-style. We get that not everyone wants to spend all day in their Lulus singing kumbaya around a rebounder, but we’re West Coasters to our core, which means working out is just as much of a destination to us as a fancy restaurant or night at the theater. We’re looking for an experience, not just another dot on our to-do list.

Yoga instructors Krissy Jones and Chloe Kernaghan of Sky Ting Yoga are out to change that. Nestled inside an inconspicuous building in the heart of Chinatown, walking into Sky Ting’s all-white-everything space feels like a true getaway from the honking cars and fast pace just a few floors below. Sky Ting’s style is that of a haute homecoming, modern and elegant without a hint of the in-crowd exclusivity that can send newbies running for the hills.

With influences from Katonah Yoga to classical hatha style, each instructor at Sky Ting Yoga makes you truly feel taken care of, not just one mat in a sea (or floor) of many. The classes are both energizing and restorative, both inspiring and grounding. Their studio is bright and airy (with an oversized stuffed giraffe in the corner, as you do) with a downstairs that acts as both a lobby and hang space for its yogis. Even if you can manage to somehow keep your hands off the perfectly curated mix of wellness staples like Outdoor Voices activewear, Sun Potion tonics, and eats from the nearby Dimes café, their uber-friendly staff and inviting vibe makes Sky Ting a place you want to hang in all day.

No matter your level of experience or expertise, Krissy and Chloe have created a space that feels like home. Here are the two founders on what drew them to the mat, what they wished more people realized about yoga, and their refreshing perspective on honoring yourself above all else...

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Why More Athletes Are Kinesiology Taping (And You Should Be Too)

If you've been following the Olympics, you may have noticed a colorful trend showing up on the bodies of top pros known as taping. Most recently, we've noticed the tape on U.S. beach volleyball bosses Kerri Walsh Jennings and April Ross.

Kinesiology taping is a simple, but unusual therapy used to manage pain and prevent injury and you certainly don't have to be an Olympian to benefit. Kinesiology tape can be used to deal with headaches, back pain, even cramps. When a team member recently used the weird-looking tape to alleviate back pain in a major way, we all took notice and decided to learn more from kinesiologist and yoga pro, Alina Kim. Alina's new book, Kinesiology Taping for Rehab and Injury Prevention is a 101 guide on the topic that every fit-spired reader should keep on hand...

Kinesiology taping is meant for everyone, but is especially beneficial for those who are going through some sort of rehabilitation due to injury. In my own personal practice, it has been extremely useful, specifically when used post-manual therapy. Having worked with a variety of clients, including gunshot victims, I’ve noticed a drastic difference, especially with lymphatic taping in severely inflamed areas.

Widely used by physical therapists, chiropractors and personal trainers, kinesiology tape provides incredible support while simultaneously stretching so your body can perform its normal range of motion. Here's what you should know about it, and a few basic taping techniques to get you started...

What You Need To Know

Kinesiology taping is used as temporary treatment for acute and subacute conditions. It can be used to aid those with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, tennis elbow, ankle sprains, carpal tunnel, inflammation, general pain, and structural misalignment. Kinesiology taping can also be used to prevent injuries and help return the body to homeostasis in cases of lymphatic damage like inflammation.

The usage of kinesiology taping varies. People who’ve had surgeries use it in order to regain some structural function and alignment in the body. Athletes use kinesiology taping in order to keep the body in proper alignment; they also treat it as a preventative measure in regard to injuries. Everyday people use kinesiology taping for maintenance, pain, and proper alignment.

Kinesiology taping strives to prolong the effects of soft tissue work in physical therapy or massage. I highly recommend that all taping techniques follow some sort of manual therapy. In my own experience, I’ve gotten the best results this way.

Why You Should Try It

The purpose of the tape is to prolong any manual therapy that a person has received in that the tape can be worn for up to five days. This has since evolved. Now taping has been used to prevent injury by helping the body stay in a structurally safe position during exercise or competition.

Taping can also alleviate pain if an individual is going through competition slightly injured. With certain issues kinesiology taping can help with inflammation while simultaneously keeping the area stable and controlling some of the pain. It can be beneficial to use taping before a competition as a preventative measure, but it should be combined with manual therapy, otherwise it really only turns into a Band-Aid if serious injury occurs.

How to Get Started

Kinesiology taping was never supposed to be used alone for any condition. It was created to prolong care during chiropractic treatment plans. So it’s safe to say that if you decide to tape yourself (say, for a chronic condition), be sure to work with a professional rehabilitation therapist first.

The Tools: The kinesiological tape method serves many uses, but it’s primarily used in the stabilization of joints and muscles, to increase the longevity of physical therapy or massage therapy after work has been completed, and for alignment issues. There are several brands of tape that can be purchased, but I find that the Kinesio® brand tape works best for my clients.

The Prep: Skin must be free of all oils, hair, and lotions before attempting to tape. The tape will not stick if there’s any of these on the skin. The easiest way to do this is to purchase basic disinfecting wipes that have no aloe or anything on them. You can also make solutions with a little bit of rubbing alcohol and fragrance-free antibacterial soap.

Tension Test: Tape tension can feel a bit complicated at first. I highly recommend cutting a piece of tape and testing out tension. Feel the tape at neutral or zero tension. Then attempt to pull the tape until it’s at 100% maximum tension. Since you’ll be using several techniques, attempt pulling tape while one end is anchored; you’ll use one hand to actually pull the tape from an anchored position. You’ll also attempt to pull the tape with both hands to create “center tension.” You’ll then adhere the tape with tension in the center. Attempt to create 50% tension at the mid-portion of the tape.

Activation: In order to activate the tape, as soon as you complete any taping session, make sure to rub the tape with your hands in order to heat up the tape that you’ve just completed. Rubbing the tape with your hands warms it up, which in turn activates the acrylic adhesive (depending on which tape you use). I highly recommend that you do this with all tape no matter which brand you use. This also helps with the tape adhering to the body.

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The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 
All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program. 

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Superfood Spotlight: The Surprising Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice

Sure, we know fruits and veggies are good for us, but we're always fascinated by just what these powered up plants are doing for our health when we really break it down. Dr. Lisa Davis of Pressed Juicery’s Medical Board is talking to us about the impressive benefits of tart cherry juice which include a major reduction of pain and inflammation.

If you haven't tried our latest liquid obsession from Pressed Juicery, it may be time to reconsider some priorities. Aside from being deliciously hydrating, the new flavor comes with a major dose of tart cherry juice. Find out why the variety is so important below...

Why Tart Is Smart

Tart cherries are more than just a nutritional 'flavor of the week' when it comes to making a measurable difference in your health. The science is there: These tangy little red bombshells can lower inflammation, an underlying factor in a range of degenerative diseases.

There are plenty of varieties of cherries, and they’re all good for you (except maybe the sugary maraschino ones you add to cocktails and sundaes). The bings, for example - those big, sweet dark ones that come out in the summer - are righteously tasty and loaded with benefits. But even bing cherries are not the ultimate pick when it comes to supporting your health.

The most powerful cherries seem to be the small, tart ones our grandmothers used for pies. That’s because anthocyanins and other phenols (compounds found in all cherries) are most concentrated in the tart variety. Various studies have validated the immense health benefits of tart cherry juice, and shown that the compounds found within these tiny fruits can reduce the biomarkers (measurable evidence) of inflammation, including C-reactive protein.

A Fix for Inflammation

The health benefits of tart cherry juice are based around their tendency to lower inflammation levels. Less inflammation can help you resist a number of diseases, as well as bounce back faster from illness, injury or even an intense workout.

You may already know the skinny on inflammation, which is the body’s response to some sort of injury. Systemic inflammation is a low-level, all-over version of the redness, swelling, pain and heat that develops when you scrape your elbow or bump your knee.

Stress, lack of exercise and a diet filled with saturated fat, sugar and processed snacks can cause inflammation to start simmering before any symptoms appear.This is not a made-up issue. Real doctors and scientists at very real academic and medical institutions are focusing on this natural body process.

Why? Because there’s growing evidence that inflammation has a role in heart disease, vascular problems, dementia and a range of other dreaded acute and chronic ills - including cancer - associated with getting older. As the birthday count goes up, our body’s cells start to break down from oxidative stress due to free radicals. (Think of an old car showing signs of rust - another oxidative process.)

Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds in colorful fruits and vegetables that can slow down this process. And tart cherries are loaded with these as well.

Some ScienceY Stuff

A randomized double-blind study (Schumacher, et. al) published in 2013 in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage treated a small sample of patients with sour cherry juice to test its effect on osteoarthritis, a condition associated with inflammation.

The C-reactive protein levels in the cherry juice group were lower by 23 percent. The study notes that an increasing number of studies are showing that cherry phenols can have a 'significant' antioxidant effect and may reduce inflammation and pain.

Other studies have shown that even a relatively short stint (one week) of supplementation with cherry juice reduces muscle soreness and recovery time in long-distance runners.

Where to Get Them

In the typical grocery store, you’re likely to find tart cherries in pie fillings or canned with lots of sugar, which, as you can imagine, defeats the purpose since sugar can increase inflammation.

When you’re looking for tart cherries to boost your health, check a farmer’s market for the unprocessed fruit, or look for juice or extract from a reputable source.

The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 
All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.

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