Fresh From The ‘Bu: Easy To Make Spicy Watermelon Cocktails

Malibu farm makes our short list for the ultimate summer day in LA -- Malibu, to be specific! There’s something about the experience of hovering above the waves of the Pacific at this timeless cafe -- salty air sweeping by and colorful farm-fresh food piled high on our plates — that simply feels like magic.

We've featured several recipes from the iconic L.A. cafe over the years and we're pulling them back up for you for a summer of light, fresh and healthful celebrations.

A while back, we spent a full day out at Malibu Farm whipping up these watermelon cocktails during our chat with food contributor and Day Drinking author, Kat Odell. (Check out the Facebook Live here!)

This gin-based drink below is light enough for a daytime romp around the pool, but sophisticated enough to serve when the sun dips and the string lights start glowing. The other cocktail can be found here: a spicy margarita with rosé tequila (yup, you heard us).

Both drinks are easy to make, since they rely on the complex flavors found in Pressed Juicery's watermelon juice.

Sorry to say that neither of these cocktails are on the menu in Malibu, but we suggest spending the day out in the 'bu and stopping by a Pressed Juicery for cocktail supplies on the way home!

Spicy Gin Watermelon Cocktail

INGREDIENTS:

2 oz gin (vodka or tequila will also work!)
1 oz Pressed Juicery Watermelon
3/4 oz lime juice
1/2 oz agave simple syrup

For garnish:
lime zest
watermelon ball
fresh jalapeno slice

DIRECTIONS:

Slice jalapeno, make watermelon ball with a melon baller and zest lime (one long curled strip). Squeeze fresh lime juice. Set aside.

Add water to agave to make simple syrup – for a sweeter drink, make a more concentrated simple syrup; for less sweetness, add more water than agave.

Combine cocktail ingredients, mix well and pour over ice. Add garnishes and serve immediately.

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Malibu Farm’s Saffron Couscous with Fresh Corn + Sugar Snap Peas

We've professed our love for Helene Henderson of Malibu Farm countless times on The Chalkboard. Her vibrant personality and OMG-inducing recipes make her restaurant on the edge of the Malibu Pier one of our very favorite midday getaways (that view though!).

Grab this summery recipe for saffron couscous just in time for the weekend -- a perfect excuse to peruse the farmer's market for snap peas, corn and giant heads of garlic...

 

Saffron Couscous With Fresh Corn + Sugar Snap Peas

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS:

1 box couscous
6 cups stock (or water)
a pinch of saffron
sweet corn kernels
2 Tbsp butter
4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic
1 lemon, juice and zest
2 cups sugar snap peas, flash blanched and sliced thin
1 bunch parsley, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

Cook the large-grain couscous in stock or water with a pinch of saffron, per the package instructions. Cook the corn in butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil for a few minutes, until it is just beginning to brown. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer the couscous to a bowl, season with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, and additional salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked corn, blanched sugar snap peas and parsley. Taste for seasoning and add more lemon juice if needed, because there is no such thing as too much lemon. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Adapted from Malibu Farm Cookbook by Helene Henderson. 

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Living Well Over 60: On Clean Eating + Resolving Trauma with Elissa Goodman

Here's what living well in your 60's looks like. Having struggled with her health for her entire life, culminating in cancer and Hashimoto’s in her 30’s, Elissa Goodman is one of our go-to girls for wellness advice of all kinds. We asked Elissa to share some of her keys to living well here, and love her mind-body advice... 

Living Well Over 60 with Elissa Goodman

When my clients ask me for tangible steps that they can take to help defy age, they usually assume I will follow up with a green juice recommendation or my favorite skin serum. 

Most people do not realize the complexity of the anti-aging process; It goes far deeper than just what is on the surface. 

If you are unhappy, stressed, or not living as your authentic self, it shows up on your skin and throughout the various systems in your body. 

Believe it or not, a significant part of defying age depends on your mental and emotional health. But whether the steps are physical or emotional, my overall secret to defying age is living a cleansing lifestyle. Here are some ways in which I cleanse every day to help defy age.

Diving into past emotional traumas | It took decades of active personal growth for me to truly understand the importance of investigating and releasing emotional past traumas. 

Growing up, I never felt like I was good enough. My family was full of overachievers, and I constantly felt like I could not measure up. This narrative wore away at me for years, and some of this negative self-talk stayed with me well into my adult life. It contributed to me feeling low, sluggish, and it even made me look older than I was. 

When I finally faced my past traumas through methods such as yoga, therapy and consuming countless self-help books a weight began to lift. My mood felt lighter, and my skin became more radiant. 

While it may seem harrowing at first, reconciling traumatic events and negative themes from your past can have monumental effects on aging. If you are stressed and worried, which happens when you do not address past traumas, it shows on your face and in your skin. Subconscious thoughts will circulate and can down-regulate the immune system. 

Letting go of challenges from the past is a constant work in progress, and it does not happen overnight. 

There are several steps that I take daily to cleanse from past emotional traumas:

+ I journal in the morning to release stresses, anxieties, and frustrations that arise from the past. Journaling helps to get these emotions on paper and out of your mind.

+ I meditate for 5 minutes in the morning as a way to let go. This means not tapping into e-mail, social media, etc., as soon as I wake up.

+ I turn off all electronics from 8 pm to 8 am. At night, I journal three things for which I am grateful. This helps me focus on the positive before bed, which allows me to fall asleep easier.

Clean, But Flexitarian Eating Style | I also cleanse daily through the food that I eat. 

When I first began my personal health journey, one of the first changes I made was to eat more plant-based. My body was screaming for this transition for years, and I finally listened. 

Almost immediately, I noticed my complexion brighten, and my skin became firmer. My demeanor became more relaxed, and my energy level skyrocketed. I experimented with a strict vegan diet, and it ultimately did not work for me. I found my ideal 80/20 balance with a flexitarian, plant-heavy eating style, and it works perfectly for me. When I do eat meat, it is very clean and in moderation. 

I am drawn to specific foods such as bitter greens like dandelion and arugula because they are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. They are high in vitamins C, K, and A and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Bitter greens contain a significant amount of fiber, which so many of us do not get enough of, and they also have high levels of folate. They also do wonders for the digestive system.

Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and kale, are another favorite of mine. They are packed with cancer-fighting properties and reduce inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases. They keep your blood sugar steady, help you lose weight, combat heart disease, and balance hormone levels. 

Fermented foods like miso, kimchi, and sauerkraut contain probiotics that can promote gut health. Probiotics can help with problems such as gas, bloating, and leaky gut. If you have issues with being irregular, fermented foods can help sort you out by improving digestion and reducing diarrhea. 

Fermented foods are an excellent food group for those with IBS and Crohn’s disease. As if that was not enough, fermented foods can also benefit your immune system and heart. I go out of my way to include fermented foods in my own hand-delivered S.O.U.P. Cleanse program.

Legumes are a great source of clean protein, fiber, and iron. Research indicates that beans are one of the single most important predictors of longevity in older individuals. Beans are not only known to have slimming effects, but they can also help protect you from heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

I do have some vices. I love coffee, but I make sure to drink exclusively organic coffee since it is one of the most pesticide-treated crops. I also love pasta, pizza, and cheese. However, when I over-consume these types of foods, it shows on my skin, my lack of energy, and my mental fog, so I only eat them in moderation. 

Juicing | A considerable part of cleansing through food is juicing. 

When I was diagnosed with cancer in my thirties, I started experimenting with juicing organic vegetables. It immediately lessened my sugar addiction, improved my digestion, and gave me glowing skin. Over time, it restored so much of the energy that I had lost over the years to being sick. 

When you juice, you harness the full power of the plants that you are consuming. I still remember the first time I had Burdock root juice from Erewhon. It was like my body was awakened for the first time. I was buzzing with energy and life – far more so than any caffeinated drink I have ever consumed. Burdock removes toxins from your blood, improves skin conditions like eczema, and even acts as a natural aphrodisiac. Isn’t it just so incredible what plants are capable of?

People always want to know what kind of fancy foods I am juicing, but the truth is, juicing can be super simple. My base is always celery, cucumber, lemon, and ginger. Those common ingredients alone are super powerful. Cucumber supports the kidneys, celery helps detoxify the liver, lemon promotes hydration and is loaded with vitamin C, and ginger aids in digestion.

Living a Cleansing Lifestyle | When I realized how living a cleansing lifestyle changed my life for the better, I decided that I had to share this process with other people. That is how my S.O.U.P. Cleanse was born.

I started my career as a Holistic Nutritionist running Cafe Gratitude’s and M Cafe’s cleanse programs, created juices for Erewhon and then I developed healthy food recipes for Earth Bar at LAX. But I yearned to provide people with the opportunity to cleanse regularly and not just now and again, which is why I developed a delivered S.O.U.P. Cleanse that people can participate in several weeks each month. 

My 5-day delivered S.O.U.P. Cleanse is available to people who live in the Los Angeles area, and it is made up of organic and plant-based soups, salads, broths, tonics, and lattes designed to keep your immune system strong. Throughout the cleanse week, I provide cleansers with motivational e-mails, supplement recommendations, unlimited access to my team and me.

The Simplest Way to Improve Health | I would say that proper hydration is the simplest way to improve health aside from juicing vegetables. I recommend a mandatory 16 ounces of water in the morning with lemon before any caffeine or food. This small change has been life-changing for many of my clients.

So many of us are dehydrated on an intracellular level. We drink water and think we are hydrated. But modern farming practices have stripped the soil of essential minerals. The lack of minerals results in us not absorbing as much water as we need to. That is why I love water boosters that are loaded with macro minerals that help us hydrate intra-cellularly like this one.

Cleansing Through Non-Toxic Beauty Products | When you start paying attention to how you can cleanse every day, you will realize that you can incorporate cleansing into almost every aspect of your life. For example, it is super essential to cleanse the beauty products in your routine since so many common ones contain carcinogens, irritants, and endocrine disruptors. 

It’s critical to be mindful about what skincare and beauty products you are using because your skin is your largest organ and can absorb 60% of what you put on it. 

I love make-up from clean brands like ILIA, RMS Beauty, and Kosas; and non-toxic skincare brands like January Labs, Le Cleanse, Tata Harper, and Barbara Sturm -- you can learn more about all these brands right here on The Chalkboard!

Cleansing Tools I Can’t Live Without | I have grown quite addicted to emotional and physical cleansing methods like yoga, lymphatic drainage, and Epsom salt baths. 

Yoga helps ground you, which is a powerful form of cleansing to let go of the past. 

Keeping your lymph system moving is also pertinent to effective cleansing. Unlike the circulatory system, there is nothing “pumping” the fluid through your lymphatic system. This means that if you don’t manually drain your lymphatic system, your lymph stays stagnant. 

A stagnant lymph system is comparable to having a clogged sewer line in your home. You may not notice it immediately, but eventually, all the toxic junk will build up and cause serious problems. 

Finally, when you take an Epsom salt bath, the salt will draw out toxins from the body, helping you cleanse your system physically.

Biggest piece of advice | Learning to love yourself is the number one piece of advice that I can give you. 

You can take steps to cleanse every day, but none of them will make a lasting impact if you do not love yourself. Some ways in which I have learned to love myself include hardcore journaling every day, working with various intuitive healers, practicing meditation, and experimenting with psilocybin journeys. 

And finally, I recommend always having a self-love mantra in mind. Mine is “I am loved; all I need is love.”

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Make Pamela Salzman’s Fourth Of July Yogurt + Blueberry Tart

We'd be lying if we said if we didn't consider dessert to be the piece-de-resistance of a perfect holiday celebration. Despite our love for all the healthy stuff that comes before it, we just can't deny the thrill of a good slice of anything à la mode.

One of our favorite blueberry tarts comes to us from this festive Fourth of July soiree, made by our fave at-home-chef Pamela Salzman. This melt-in-your-mouth, patriotic blueberry tart sends us drooling.

In true Chef Pamela fashion, our minds were blown by this oh-so-simple simple summer treat; a blend of greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, blueberries, and graham crackers. The yogurt gives this dish a light and fluffy feel, and the fresh blueberry sauce on top gives it a touch of decadence that's welcome at any celebration!

Take your Fourth Of July menu to the next level this weekend by whipping up Pamela's all-star blueberry tart, then cozy up with a slice as you watch the fireworks take the sky...

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The Airport Shake: 5 Genius Health Hacks For Your Next Flight

Thirsty, hungry and helpless is probably not the vacation experience you had in mind upon booking - but neither is compromising the balanced wellness you've worked so hard to sustain. 

We recently tried Genexa's new homeopathic Jet Lag pills and really appreciated them. It got us thinking: what are some of the best travel tips we've ever shared? This piece from holistic nutritionist and wellness expert, Kelly LeVeque is one of our faves -- and makes it easy to feel and function at our best before, during and after a getaway...

Part of exploring a new city means trying new things and assimilating into the culture, especially when it comes to food. That’s what vacation is for, but it’s also important to realize that making good choices while away is an essential habit that will keep you balanced and less stressed while off of the grid. You don’t want to find yourself avoiding delicacies because you’re worried about the scale moving, yet you also don’t want to overindulge and enter a state where your body and mind are craving more sweets and you're mentally fatigued. Balance is everything, especially when it comes to staying healthy on the go!

How to prep for travel...

The Airport Shake: Whether it’s an early morning flight or a red eye, always go to the airport prepared to make the ultimate “roadie” smoothie.

Here's how: pack a shaker bottle that contains one serving of protein powder and a bit of MCT or coconut oil. Find a Starbucks or coffee shop and order iced or steamed almond milk, coconut milk or a latte. Shake the milk, chocolate protein powder and coconut oil and you're all set!

This is a foolproof way to balance your blood sugar pre-flight and keep you satiated so you don’t feel the need to snack. You can always pack individual proteins and coconut oils in your carry on if you’re not hungry prior to flying – security lets you through with these products, no problem.

Smarter Snacks: I will always choose a meal over snacks. After snacking all day, I feel a little sick and never totally satisfied. That doesn't mean I go unprepared -- I pack snacks for the entire trip to ensure that I will always have a healthy option while on the go.

Easy To Pack: My go-to flight snacks are hard boiled eggs, nut packs, almond butter packs with an apple or celery slices or the shaker bottle hack above.

Healthiest tips while traveling...

Mindful Meals: Vacation is for relaxing, recharging and enjoying the culture of a new place. If you are in Italy, taste the gelato. But does that mean you should get a double scoop and taste it everyday? Vacation isn’t vacation when you come home bloated and heavier than when you left. That is just more work when you get home. Be conscious of what you’re eating while you’re away. Vacation is about making the right choices without denying yourself; just remember you are already having more fun than any normal day at home.

Lemon Up: Always choose water when sitting down for meals and ask for a lemon wedge. Lemons are a natural diuretic and a gentle laxative. Adding a few slices to a cup of water will reduce the amount of salt retained in the body from dining out.

Staying Active: While in a new city, track your steps using your iPhone Health App and keep moving until you hit at least ten-thousand steps each day.

The Post-Breakfast Walk: A good tip is to map your first destination, and if it’s one to two miles, get a long walk in post-breakfast to start your day to see the city. Push yourself by taking the stairs and walking the extra distance to truly be present in the city and see everything it has to offer.

Find a New Workout: Instagram is a huge resource to get a workout in while traveling. Hashtag your #city and specific #workouts and you are bound to find a class near you. Also, try new things! Boxing in NYC is an awesome way to push yourself and get a sweat in before sight seeing, or if you’re off the grid in a tropical place, run along the beach to really work your legs.

Good advice for coming home...

Reset En Route: Avoiding alcohol and caffeine on flights is a good idea, the altitude and recycled air is already very dehydrating so you don’t want to add fuel to the fire.

Intermittent Fasting: If you really overindulged, consider intermittent fasting on the flight home so that your body can balance blood sugar and begin to burn fat rather than store it. Just a few hours without food is a great way to surge your metabolism and start the process of getting back to your normal eating habits. Besides, most of the time people eat on a flight out of boredom anyway.

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Magnesium + The Mini-Bar: 6 Gut Health Tips For Travel Happiness

You planned. You packed. You counted down and couldn't be more excited about your vacay. The truth is, though you may plan on splurging your way through Mallorca or Tulum, a great trip depends on good gut health. There's no getting around it.

Robyn Youkilis is an authority on intuitive gut health and we asked her to take us along on a recent trip to share her best gut health tips for travel. Here's what Robyn packs, supplements and survives in the food desert that is the international airport terminal...  6 Gut Health Tips For Travel

bring your Routine. Stick with your non-negotiables as best you can! Whatever makes you feel your best in your regular life is just as essential when you are on vacay. Are you a morning journaler? Bring your notebook along! Is running something you know makes you feel your best? Don’t forget to pack your sneakers. I actually usually work out MORE on vacation because I have more free time.

Stock up on Hydration. Stay super hydrated before, during and after travel. Traveling, especially flying, is super dehydrating, so it’s especially important to drink up. Water, water and more water. Buy yourself a few big bottles right when you get to your destination and then keep your mini fridge stocked. Dehydration is the cause of so many issues: constipation, sluggish metabolism, low energy, headaches, irritability, sugar cravings, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps and fatigue… I definitely don’t want ANY of those making an appearance during my vacation if I can help it.

Pack Probiotics. Keep on-the-go probiotics in your travel bag.  Probiotics are great for keeping digestion regular, especially when you’re on the move. It’s easy for things to get uncomfortable when traveling: You often have limited food options, it can be hard to remember to hydrate enough, sometimes you’re feeling stressed about getting where you’re going. In order to stay regular, once through security, opt for a drinkable probiotic, such as kombucha. If you’d rather something a little more solid, pop a yogurt into your carry-on after going through security.

Supplement Strategically. I encourage travelers to get creative with snack and beverage options when heading into the sky. Chia seeds, hot water with lemon, lots of water, chlorophyll tablets, and magnesium powder are always part of my travel kit. They help keep things moving down there and that ensures that I can feel my best wherever I am.

Plan your diet. When planning your travel diet, keep things simple. Opt for dark leafy greens (like this kale chips recipe) and fruits (like dried fruit). Pack a snack bag ahead of time to avoid airport and airplane food: you want to keep your distance from anything processed, sugary, or sodium-heavy. I'm known for packing up full meals for me and my hubby for travel days: cooked greens like kale, some leftover roasted veggies, a protein like salmon or tempeh, plus some healthy fat (avocado and raw goat’s cheddar are two favorites of ours). Just be mindful of keeping the aroma to a minimum as a courtesy!

Practice post-plane yoga. Be sure to stretch frequently. Staying limber is important for your ligaments and your muscles, but also for the movement within your stomach and gut, too. Consider getting a travel yoga mat to bring wherever you go.

Check out Robyn's latest book, Thin From Within - The Go with Your Gut Way to Lose Weight 

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Stress-Relieving Hot Chocolate with Blue Lotus + Happiness Tonic

Did you know that raw cacao can actually be restorative and relaxing? This creamy tonic from herbalist Adriana Ayales makes a great evening elixir to calm the nerves and boost the mood. If you are very sensitive to chocolate, substitute the cacao for turmeric to make this into a golden milk!

Here are the details on Adriana's beautiful flower petal tea and tonic as shown in the recipe...

Blue Lotus can be euphoric, while helping to relax the body and mind. Blue Lotus is a nervous system relaxant, also known as a nervine. Anima Mundi's loose leaf tea provides a beautiful base for this tonic.

Happiness Tonic is a tincture made of adaptogens like rhodiola and ashwagandha and powerfully supportive mood-boosting herbs like St. John’s wort, mucuna and albizzia. Together, these herbs create a synergistic blend that helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and mood slumps.

Stress-Relieving Hot Chocolate with Blue Lotus

Ingredients

4oz hot water
4oz coconut or oat milk (or plant-based milk of choice)
2oz brewed Blue Lotus Tea
1Tbsp raw cacao powder
1tsp Happiness Tonic (or sub for ½ tsp ashwagandha powder)
1tsp coconut sugar, maple or sweetener of choice (optional!)

Directions

Infuse about 1 tsp of blue lotus petals in about 4oz of hot water (don't use boiling water, think of blue lotus like matcha, 160-170F). Strain the petals after a 2-3minute infusion.

From there you can either blend or whisk right in cup:

To Blend: Blend for 10 seconds until silky and frothy.

In Pan or Mug: Whisk the cacao into your tea, and optional tonics and herbs, and whisk away until silky and frothy. Add in your warm milk, and mix well.

Sip immediately and enjoy!

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8 Signs You’re Headed For Burnout + What To Do About It

There’s stress we actually need (surprise!) to function, and a whole lot of stress we don’t. Herbalist and Medicine Maker Adriana Ayales of Anima Mundi breaks down how to distinguish the “bad” from the “good” and shares, not only adaptogens that can help, but some of the precious nervines, rejuvenative tonics, and foods we may be missing to help us find peace and calm when we feel overwhelmed...

Here’s what I can tell you about stress hormones: we actually need them. But if you take away one thing from my plea today, may it be this: calm down, you lovely humans! We do not need stress 24/7. I repeat: we do not need to stress all day, every day!

In order to thrive and not simply survive, we must become mindful of our stress levels. The first step is to avoid going into “survival mode” in our daily lives if we’re not in imminent danger.

8 Signs You’re In Survival Mode
(Aka Fight-Flight-Freeze)

01: Everything is urgent. The deadline is now, always.

02: You’re rushing from meeting to meeting, and you forget to eat.

03: Believing your team can’t do what you do, so you have to do everything.

04: There’s no joy. You’re so busy you don’t even feel excited when you land your dream deal or dream manifestation. There’s no time to celebrate your wins.

05: The stress is overwhelming. Your sleep is disrupted, your breathing feels off, your heart beats erratically, and you can’t think straight.

06: Everything is a reaction. You’re not being proactive, and there’s very little space to receive objective feedback. Everything feels like an attack on you personally.

07: You won’t take time to rest and recharge because there isn’t enough time.

08: Your mood swings up and down because the overproduction of stress hormones has you frantically surfing emotional highs and lows without pause.

It's no wonder physicians affirm 90% of all office visits are for stress-related conditions and/or complaints.

Stress can directly affect our entire physical-mental makeup, impacting the nervous system and key stress-coping organs like the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands.

It’s dangerous to be in survival mode 24/7...

Cortisol, often known as the “stress hormone”, is the primary hormone released from the adrenal glands. When cortisol is secreted, it causes a breakdown of muscle protein, leading to the release of amino acids into the bloodstream.

Amino acids are processed by the liver to synthesize glucose. This process raises blood sugar levels in the brain, which gives us energy. At the same time, the other tissues in the body decrease their use of glucose. Cortisol also leads to the release of fatty acids for use by the muscles. The processes of directing and replenishing energy prepare the body to manage stress and ensure that the brain receives enough energy.

Another important job cortisol has in the body is to regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular function. It also assists the immune system in responding to infection and inflammation. If we didn’t have stress hormones to alert the immune system of potential invaders, infections would thrive!

The body’s stress-response system is usually self-limiting. Once a perceived threat has passed, hormone levels return to normal. As adrenaline and cortisol levels drop, your heart rate and blood pressure return to baseline levels and other systems resume their regular activities. But when your mind-body feels constantly under attack by stress, that “fight-flight-freeze” reaction stays turned on.

It’s dangerous to be in survival mode 24/7. Over-adaptation to stress -- the constant disruption of key neurohormones -- is the trigger for countless health issues.

Over-secretion of cortisol, for example, suppresses the immune system and can cause symptoms ranging from severe anxiety, hypertension, inflammation and depression to chronic fatigue, PMS, infertility, sex hormone imbalance, insulin resistance, weight gain, insomnia, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Over time, repeated activation of the “flight-flight-freeze” response can take a serious toll on the body and will disrupt almost all bodily processes.

Research suggests that chronic stress, even when operating silently over long periods of time, contributes to high blood pressure, promotes the formation of artery-clogging deposits, causes brain changes that may contribute to brain fog, anxiety, depression, and addiction. More preliminary research suggests that chronic stress may also contribute to obesity, both directly (causing people to eat more) and indirectly (decreasing sleep and exercise).

Prolonged stress and adrenal fatigue...

Adrenals produce and control the release of cortisol.

When the adrenals chronically secrete cortisol and other stress hormones, your adrenals stop producing cortisol, leading to what is known as “adrenal fatigue”. This term is often used by health professionals to describe the phenomenon of the adrenal glands running on empty, and the resulting mental and physical state of those experiencing it.

Our glands release high levels of cortisol during stressful periods, which is the most important hormone we have to help the body manage stress. We can think of cortisol as our own built-in alarm system, alerting us when the body senses real danger. It also works with certain parts of the brain to control mood, motivation, and fear. If too much cortisol is secreted, many bodily processes begin to underperform, potentially resulting in illness and even death.

We often forget stress doesn’t just come from a busy life or emotional overload, it can also be inherited (think: intergenerational trauma), or it can be triggered by environmental toxicity, agricultural chemicals, exposure to heavy metals, electro-smog, and viruses.

Below are four major categories to help diagnose your most probable stressors:

The 4 Types of Stress

PHYSICAL |  Intense physical activity, healing from accident or injury, recovery from strenuous exercise, physical pain, inherited traits, and chronic illnesses are among the physical stressors we experience. Biological stressors like exposure to mold, harmful chemicals and bacteria, parasites, etc. can also trigger stress.

CONSUMABLE | Toxic substances--alcohol, drugs, tobacco--as well as refined/highly processed foods, mineral-depleted/genetically modified consumables, foods grown in toxic environments, coping with nutritional deficiencies, and free radicals that are the result of toxicity are all stressful to the mind and body’s healthy functioning.

PSYCHOLOGICAL | Depression, moodiness, anger, fear, anxiety, loss of desire or appetite, lack of greater purpose or meaning to life, worry, grief, shock, trauma, mental illness, major life changes, and overwhelming responsibilities can all negatively impact our mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies.

ENVIRONMENTAL | Pollutants and toxins in the atmosphere, water and soil, noise, UV light, altitude, allergens, xenoestrogens, electromagnetic frequencies (WiFi, radio waves, electric high-voltage lines), and radiation may cause stress and other health issues.

It’s time to relax and restore. Below, I’ve categorized some of the precious nervines, adaptogens, rejuvenative tonics, and foods into four sections so you can match the types of stress you may be feeling to a potential remedy to facilitate a return to your normal baseline and better health...

13 Herbs + Food To Avoid Burnout

Physical: Herbs for A Nervous System Gone Haywire

SKULLCAP | An excellent anti-spasmodic, muscle tension reliever, anti-inflammatory and blood flow stimulant, skullcap assists with chronic headaches and relaxation. Used in European medicine and by Native Americans to soothe the nerves and help from body pain recovery, skullcap also supports the treatment of hysteria, insomnia, anxiety, and epilepsy. Learn more

PASSIONFLOWER | A gentle anti-anxiety, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and mild sedative supportive herb. It is traditionally used by Native Americans and curanderos in Latin America to help ease muscle pain, bruises, and insomnia. Quercetin, one of the active compounds, is an exceptionally effective ability in ridding the body from damaging free radicals while helping to inhibit various enzymes that cause inflammation, relaxing the nervous system and helping to relieve nerve-related pain. Learn more

Consumable: Stress Ignited from Nutritional Deficiency

HE SHOU WU | a.k.a. “Fo-Ti” is a powerful root with adaptogenic properties, used for more than 3,000 years as a rejuvenative, 'anti-aging' supportive beauty tonic. Traditionally, it was used to thicken hair, increase virility, and rejuvenate the internal organs. Scientific studies have found a plethora of benefits such as aiding with DNA repair, supporting the bones and cognitive functions. If used in large amounts it might be toxic to the liver, be sure to prepare the right dosage for the right amount of time. Learn more

SUMA | 'Brazilian Ginseng' nutritionally contains 19 different amino acids, a large number of electrolytes, trace minerals, iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, E, K, and pantothenic acid. In other words, it's a powerful multivitamin! Its high germanium content accounts for its properties as an oxygenator at a cellular level; its high iron content may account for its traditional use for treating anemia. Learn more

CORDYCEPS | Prized for their natural ability to help fight free radicals, infections, and inflammation, Cordyceps are impressive disease-fighting fungi that have been used for hundreds of years to reduce symptoms of respiratory disorders, coughs, colds, liver damage as well as energy. A true superfood, the cordyceps mushroom can support slowing the effects of aging and stress and boost energy levels. Learn more

MACA | Grows high up in the Andes mountains of Peru and Bolivia. Maca is an important staple of these diets given it is highly nutritious and able to grow wild, surviving harsh climates. It is also said to help people adapt to the altitude and to thrive in harsh conditions, including severe cold, rugged terrain, low oxygen, strong sunlight, and intense winds. It’s commonly known as a nutrient-dense aphrodisiac; naturally rich in copper, vitamin C, potassium, plus trace elements like iodine, iron, zinc, fatty and amino acids. Learn more 

Psychological: Stress Ignited from Depressive Moods

ALBIZZIA | The Tree of Eternal Happiness. Both the bark and the flowers have been traditionally used for hundreds of years as a calming sedative. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used to anchor the spirit for those who struggle with worry, anxiety, confusion, and depression. The flowers have been used as a treatment for insomnia, amnesia, and melancholy. Albizzia is thought to enhance all aspects of neurotransmitter secretion and regulation, which is why some find it helpful as an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety supportive herb with no known side effects. Learn more 

ASHWAGANDHA | Ashwagandha has been a popular Ayurvedic remedy for millennia. Ashwagandha may help to balance the hormones that contribute to anxiety. On one hand, it can fire up your body and give you energy when you’re feeling fatigued and burned out. On the other hand, it can also suppress stimulatory hormones when you’re strung out and stressed. It can also depress the central nervous system, inducing relaxation and aiding sleep. This is helpful for stress and anxiety disorders, which tend to involve two extremes of high stress and stimulation, combined with fatigue and adrenal exhaustion. Learn more 

RHODIOLA | Rhodiola has been found through extensive clinical studies to have antidepressant properties by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Human-based clinical trials also demonstrated how Rhodiola reduced mental fatigue on stressful work-related tasks by 20% within a 20 day period. In another study, students experienced significantly reduced mental fatigue, improved sleep patterns, and increased motivation after a 20-day intake. Rhodiola is an essential staple as an energizing mental health aid. Learn more 

MUCUNA | is a mood-boosting super herb with adaptogenic qualities. Mucuna is one of the only naturally occurring (and certainly most concentrated) sources of L-Dopa—as in dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that ignites brain performance, along with feelings of joy and bliss. Learn more 

MILKY OAT | A soothing superfood for the nervous system and excellent trophorestorative, milky oat is a nourishing food that brings deep restoration. This remedy has been crafted for over 150 years by eclectic physicians as a tonic remedy to calm shattered nerves and relieve emotional instability, helping restore peace to an already burnt-out system in need of nutrient-dense recovery. Learn more 

Environmental: Stress Ignited from Insomnia + Agitation

MULUNGU | Indigenous Amazonian peoples have used mulungu for centuries as a relaxant, for mental disorders (depression, anxiety, stress, panic, trauma, etc.), liver disorders, high blood pressure, and heart palpitations. Scientific studies demonstrate all of the indigenous uses were highly accurate, demonstrating significant pain-relief, antispasmodic, anti-convulsive, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory results.

KAVA KAVA | Kava is a hypnotic sedative used ceremonially for centuries by Polynesians, Hawaiians, and others. There are over 15 varieties of Hawaiian kava alone, and each one has its own qualities, flavors, and potencies. Research shows that kava root can be used to treat anxiety because it’s a nonaddictive and non-hypnotic anxiolytic. Kava is used to improve mood, ease anxiety, and boost sociability. It works by stimulating dopamine receptors and inducing euphoria. Learn more 

We're obsessed with Anima Mundi. Shop all of herblist, Adriana Ayeles'
top picks for stress + nervous system health HERE. 

This story is brought to you in partnership with Anima Mundi. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers. 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 programs.

 

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Get The Look: Färingsö Huset Is Our Latest Swedish Design Crush

WHO INSPIRES YOU lately when it comes to home and garden? We stumbled upon our latest design crush last fall on Instagram and haven't been able to get over it since. We thought the inspiring home deserved a spot on our pages...

Malin Cropper and family have made their home in Färingsö, Sweden, simply 'faringsohuset' on Instagram.

Malin shares breathtaking photos of the home, regularly unveiling new vignettes of her electric, natural style. It helps that the home seems to get incredible light at all hours of the day and is surrounded by a garden that rivals the beauty of their stunning indoor living space!

The home serves up a high-low mix of carefully chosen pieces we absolutely adore. Her iconic Mario Bellini couch is the piece de resistance -- recently re-issued design from the '70's we're seeing just about everywhere lately.

The resurgence of this classic Italian couch paired with all the white boucle furniture we're seeing lately has left us wondering how all these stylish homeowners avoid the inevitable matcha, pink smoothie and superfood latte spills!

If a new Italian sofa or modern pool installation aren't in the cards for you this summer, here are 5 other clever and affordable design takeaways we spotted in Malin's home...

BOOK FLIP: Want to create a more calm or neutral look in a room filled with bookshelves? Try flipping each book so that the colorful spines are hidden and only the white page edges are shown. Instantly, shelves become uniform -- as though you've lime-washed your library!

Go monochrome: This bedroom in the house is white-on-white and we love the clean look. Simply swap out a lamp or two, buy new sheets or paint a door to create this fresh and calming modern look in a guest or master bedroom.

Bring the outdoors in: Plant a full-sized potted tree indoors. Stack giant shells or crystals around the house. Lighten up window treatments and allow as much natural light to stream in as possible.

Build a gallery: Roughly translated, when a home has an 'eclectic look', it means that there's a gallery wall. Take a close look at the art on this home's walls -- it's a mix of odd pieces, big and small, that clearly spark joy for those who dwell there. Learn how to pull it together! 

Let vines climb: Check out this planty scene in the home's kitchen. Malin has allowed her climbing plants to go rogue and we love how they've taken over the minimal kitchen.

Want more design inspo for those long summer days at home? Watch this incredible exclusive video on Patina Farm in Ojai!

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6 Perfect Outfits To Workout In This Summer

Break a sweat and look good doing it. Quite literally wear the stars and stripes in the most chic way possible (pastel star prints and ribbed shorts count!)or pick up this pink tiedye onesie that might finally push you to make the move back to your favorite studio!

6 Perfect Summer Outfits To Workout In...

Onzie PEEK-A-BOO-RACER + LEGGING PETITE STARS | We're in love with this print! Tiny stars and an easy-to-love shade of blue make this set irresistible. Wear all summer -- and pair with a cropped sweatshirt come fall! SHOP NOW
Onzie Biker Babe One Piece | If you're really ready to break a sweat and don't want anything to get in your way, this shortie one-piece has your name all over it. The 'Rose All Day' colorway is also cute underneath an oversized cardi when lounging on home or on vacation! SHOPNOW

Beach Riot Anna Tank + Short | How can you even resist this little set? We're predicting this set will sell out. We love the flattering neckline that won't give you grief while you do those push-ups and the perfect short length. SHOP NOW

Onzie Ribbed Half Moon Bra + Legging | Something print-less for those of you who want to keep it simple! We adore this ribbed Onzie set for warm weather workouts. SHOP NOW

BEYOND YOGA Spacedye Printed Cropped Tank + SHORT | It's snakeskin, but it's subtle -- right? We love this tank and shorts set together or on their own. Make these shorts your new summer uniform -- pair with the tank for boxing, top with a T for a hike, or a sweatshirt for a casual friend hang. SHOP NOW

Carbon38 BEACH RIOT Ayla Legging | Yes, they're full-length leggings, but this colorful play on an animal print still deserves a spot in your workout rotation! We love this hopeful, energizing print from Carbon38, head-to-toe. SHOP NOW 

Need even more options? We've got you covered!

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What A Top Doc Wants You To Know About Menopause (Even If It’s Decades Away)

Top gynecologist and Business of the V host, Dr. Alyssa Dweck MS, MD, FACOG has been voted “Top Doctor” in New York Magazine and is a consultant at Massachusetts General Hospital, Vincent’s Memorial Ob/Gyn Service and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology New York Medical College. She’s also the co-author of three books.

On her podcast, Business of the V, she and her co-host dive deep into the unmet needs and gynecology and sexual health and the businesses being created to address these needs.

We asked Dr. Dweck to break down one of her most commonly asked patient questions: How do some women age so gracefully -- and how do I get in on that? Here’s Dr. Dweck...

How to Prepare for Menopause In Good Health...

Aging gracefully is both genetic predetermination and optimization of the aging process.

On average, menopause begins at 51; for some women the perimenopausal transition can take upwards of 10 years. For this reason I reinforce with my patients of all ages to establish healthy lifestyle habits early. Healthy living means a less dramatic and more positive hormonal transition.

Menopause is not a taboo subject in my office. Candid conversations are vital to navigating the perimenopausal transition and optimizing quality of life.

For a smooth transition, eat well, exercise often, and engage in honest conversations about sexual health.

The sticky subject: Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. This signals the end of the natural reproductive cycle and declining hormone production. Iconic symptoms include hot flashes, sleep disruption, and irregular periods, vaginal dryness, weight gain and mood volatility. Other, less publicized symptoms like fatigue and lowered libido may also occur.

Memorable meal plan: Remember the Mediterranean diet. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts all support weight control and limit uncomfortable hot flashes that many women experience during menopause. The Mediterranean diet is also naturally low in carbs and may promote healthy weight.

Ingredients to avoid: Caffeine. Caffeine is a known trigger for hot flashes. It’s also a short term stimulant that may be followed by low energy.

The right workout regimen: My go to exercise is running and light weight training. I encourage my patients to engage in a combination of cardio and weight and flexibility training. During menopause, women naturally lose lean muscle mass. Less muscle mass means lower metabolism and more difficulty maintaining weight. Weight training will help to build up this metabolic muscle tissue. I recommend 150 minutes of cardio per week in the form. Best to choose an activity that you enjoy.

Non-negotiable: Cut out nicotine. Aside from its well-documented health risks, smoking constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure, and decreases tissue oxygenation. In fact, smokers tend to have more notable hot flashes during menopause.

One thing I keep in my medicine cabinet: Tru Niagen®. Menopause takes place at the cellular level along with thousands of other daily biological functions. Tru Niagen® increases a molecule called NAD+, which fuels energy generation within cells to maintain youthful cellular function. NAD+ declines with age. When our cells slow down, so do we. Tru Niagen® increases NAD+ levels by up to 50% after two weeks.

While the relationship between menopause and NAD+ is yet to be researched, increasing NAD+ through a clinically proven supplement like Tru Niagen® may boost overall energy levels before, during, and after the menopausal transition.

My Advice for Aging Well at Every Age…

In your 20’s: Establish long-lasting health habits. This time is vital to take measures to improve and sustain your metabolism and cellular health. Journaling can help you set goals, track progress, and establish healthy habits permanently.

In your 30’s: Actively manage stress as your family and career evolve and grow. Continue to practice your healthy habits through times of stress, incorporating a daily regimen that works for your lifestyle. Pay attention to your body’s cues. Take a moment for yourself to release stress with self care and meditation or mindfulness on a regular basis.

In your  40’s: Engage with preventative medicine; a proactive approach to your health and wellness will be key. Create a supplement routine that improves cellular health and addresses your unique needs.

In your 50’s: Embrace change – and talk about it. Understand that your body goes through ups and downs through the perimenopausal transition. You may notice weight fluctuations, sleep issues, and sexual concerns. Break through the stigma. Honest conversations with your healthcare provider, and even your loved ones, can help ease the stress that accompany these symptoms.

In your 60’s: Continue making healthy lifestyle choices and supporting your cellular health. Finding new means to stay physically active, mentally stimulated, and socially engaged is key. Keep your mental stamina strong. Take up a new hobby or craft to spark your creative fire.

My current mantra: “Practice what I preach.” I follow a Mediterranean style diet, exercise religiously for physical and mental wellbeing, focus on stress management, and support my cellular health with a trusted supplement routine.

Remember, menopause is and should be a time of liberation rather than one of fear or dread. It is a part of aging, and with age comes wisdom, freedom, and confidence.

At checkout, use the discount code CHALKBOARD10 for $10 off an order of 3 months or more of Tru Niagen®. Valid in the U.S. only. Not valid on wholesale orders. Not valid for current subscribers. Discount expires 7/31/2021 at 11:59pm PST. All rights

reserved.

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Happy, Not Perfect: An Interview with Poppy Jamie On Mental Health + Social Media

Poppy Jamie, is a mental health activist, Erno Laszlo’s first ever Global Wellness Advisor and author of the new Happy Not Perfect. We're talking to the new author about the ever so relevant topic of social media and mental health, especially as it applies to the youngest among us. Read along with us and grab her new book for the kinds of tools we all need...

The Chalkboard: Where did your passion for mental health advocacy begin?

Poppy Jamie: I grew up learning how important it was to look after the mind. My mother is a psychotherapist and my father suffered chronic mental health issues from an early age so I could see how problematic mental health could be.

In my twenties, I began a career in the media industry as a TV reporter for one of the largest news networks in the UK and it was only then that I started to notice the fragility of my own mental health. The pressure I put on myself to “do well”, to look a certain way and move forward in my career caused my stress and anxiety levels to skyrocket and led to physical symptoms like skin rashes, bloating and trouble sleeping.

I was lucky that I had a mother who understood how I was feeling but I then started to ask myself questions like: ‘'What if she hadn’t been a mental health professional, what would I have done?”. I started receiving an influx of messages from people who were watching my show at the time voicing their worries and mental health concerns and for me that was the turning point. I knew I had to do something about it.

Back in 2015, no one was talking about mental health and there were no accessible tools to help people if they were struggling. Therapy is expensive and seeking help can be daunting, so I decided it was my mission to democratise access to mindfulness resources and help those around the world who were struggling too. I went on to develop and launch the Happy Not Perfect app and have recently written the Happy Not Perfect book to give readers a deeper understanding of the mind and provide them with research backed tools to ease anxiety.

TCM: Mental health advocacy from women who have achieved some level of cultural success has a special value. Wouldn't you agree? When women who appear to have it altogether discuss their struggles with anxiety or depression  that feels especially important. Let's talk about that...

JA: I think every persons' truth can set another free. When we hear the REALITY of what people are feeling and thinking, we realise, none of us are alone in what we experience.

It is so easy to become distracted by other people’s highlight reel on social media and assume that everybody else has their life together, is gloriously happy or feels super confident about their body. In actuality, when we peel the surface back, we are all a little bit insecure and battle a bitchy inner critic that taunts us with our fears.

I make a conscious effort to manage my mind daily to ensure I am prioritising compassion, optimism and a flexible mindset.

Through my work I want to help people challenge what “cultural success” means because at the end of the day we won’t remember how many 'likes' people had on social media or how much money they made. Instead, we will remember people for their kindness and how they made people feel special and loved. We collectively put so much weight on “cultural success” and forget the power of true success. I arguably have had a lot of cultural success but in those moments, I was often damaging my health, my relationships and even my understanding of who I truly was. I learned the hard way that external validation does not create internal validation and that self esteem can only come from within! I explore this in detail in my book.

TCM: So, so true about external vs. internal validation. What would you love every 15 year old girl out there to know about social media and mental health?

JA: Social media lies -- please don’t believe what you see and encourage everyone to restrict the time they spend on it to protect their self esteem. When was the last time social media actually made you feel really good about yourself, and not just for a split second? Most of the time, you’re probably either worried about how many likes or views you have or you’re surfing other people’s feeds and comparing yourself.

It is almost impossible for us not to compare ourselves -- sadly, that’s just how the human mind works. There will always be someone prettier, funnier, more successful, or more intelligent than us and THAT is ok because every single one of us has our own unique and wonderful skills. Social media blindsides us, causes us to forget our strengths and how special we are because we’re too absorbed looking at others.

Just remember, you are doing FAR better than you think and everything is unfolding just how it should be for you. We are all on different journeys and we will all have growth spurts at different times. Don’t let social media make you think otherwise.

In my book I write about a method called THE FLEX that will help you manage your mind when online! It’s worked for me in a BIG way and I hope it will for you too.

TCM: Who is making an impact on the topics of social media and mental health right now that you admire?

PJ: Jameela Jamil -- she is incredible with her work on I_Weigh. She is truly breaking down so many barriers for women and helping us all feel so much more accepted and empowered.

TCM: What advice or insights might you share with the women reading this who enjoy participating in social media, but also don't want to fuel mental health issues among young women?

PJ: Before you post anything -- ask yourself Why? Is this to serve me or others? It’s fine to serve yourself but it’s important to be aware of how your content is making other people feel. More compassionate posting online will make it a much nicer place for everyone.

TCM: How have things changed since your TEDTalk in 2016? In some ways, I feel like we're worse now than ever!

PJ: I agree!! I think so much of our lives have moved online in a way they weren’t before. For example, we shop, we chat, we find recipes, read the news, do virtual workouts… the online world is fulfilling all of our needs making it difficult to break the habit. The pandemic has definitely accelerated this but this is why we need to actively force ourselves to take a break because it’s far too easy to spend every waking day and minute on it.

In 2016, I had only just begun to see how addictive social media was and five years later, it’s proven to be even more than I had anticipated. Before we can change anything though, we have to become VERY aware of the problem. Change only happens when there is a BIG desire for it, otherwise (like with all addictions), they’re impossible to break.

TCM: I literally can't imagine growing up in this filtered culture as a 14 year old girl. Ugh. What advice do you have for young women?

PJ: Trust that your life is unfolding FOR you because it is. Social media makes us question our identity and puts pressure on us to look like everyone else, sound like everyone else, post like everyone else etc. The greatest thinkers and creative minds in the history of mankind were people who were willing to think outside the box, go against the grain and stand up for their individuality. It can feel really hard to break away from “ the crowd” but try and stay true to yourself and ask yourself how it makes you feel.

My book will guide you through the process of flexible thinking, a way to think that helps you befriend your mind and create a future that aligns with YOUR values, not other peoples.

TCM: Lastly, what advice do you have for their mothers and those of us in leadership in the lifestyle space?

PJ: Lead by example. It doesn’t matter what age you are, we are all in danger of falling victim to the toxic world of social media and comparison culture. I would say that Mums have it even worse, with mum culture being competitive and braggy, and can cause so many other mums to feel inadequate.

We need to remind ourselves that no one is perfect. It’s not possible to look like a goddess, run 15km, make gluten-free pancakes and organic lunch boxes for 6 children before 5am without A LOT OF HELP.

We are all doing our best and the older we are, the more pressure there is to set an example for the younger generation. We have to be unphased by likes, limit our time on our devices and practice being present when we are with family and friends. If parents are worrying whether their last post has been liked or not, how can their children not be affected?

When I started practicing the skill of FLEXIBLE THINKING, a method I share in my book, my perspective totally shifted and I realised it was my habits and behaviours that were keeping me stuck in negative, low energetic emotions and glued to social media. So my biggest piece of advice is to become a flexible thinker because it creates a sense of freedom and space from the pressures of the lifestyle space.

Love this interview? Read more in Poppy's new book, Happy Not Perfect available now!

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Trash Is For Tossers’ Lauren Singer’s Favorite Things For A Low-Waste Lifestyle

We’re bringing back one of our classic TCM series, My Favorites, where wellness pros we love share their picks for the best lifestyle products across the board from skincare to travel to food.

Lauren Singer is proof that a low-waste lifestyle doesn’t have to sacrifice style itself. The blogger behind Trash is for Tossers and founder of Package Free Shop dropped onto our radar when she went viral for containing four years of trash in a single mason jar. Since then, her passion for sustainable living has blossomed into a full-blown business — and serves as a major inspiration for mastering the art of low-waste living. Here are Lauren's favorite things...

BeautY
Moisturizer: Face oil by Package Free Shop
Hair product: I let my hair do its all-natural thing!
Body cleanser: Natural Body Cleanser by Package Free Shop
Makeup staple: Kjaer Weiss cheek tint and Alima Pure concealer
Lip balm: I make my own lip balm or use some of my face oil on my lips.
Skin tool: I love using a warm organic cotton washcloth every night on my skin.
Spa treatment of choice: Massage — one of my favorite things in the world.
Perfume: None, but sometimes I’ll put a bit of organic lavender oil on my wrists and neck.

Wellness
Daily supplement: I just drink a lot of water.
Superfood staple: None, I just eat clean, non-processed foods.
Workout: Modo Yoga in Williamsburg and walking my dog Rose.
Reads + podcasts: Candide by Voltaire, True Love by Thich Nhat Hanh and How I Built This podcast
Favorite shop: Package Free Shop
Inspiration: A quote that I keep written in my room and read every day: When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. — Vkitor E. Frankl
Apps: I get really bad hormonal depression. I have learned to embrace it as a beautiful part of who I am and how my body works, but sometimes it surprises me if I’m not following my cycle, so my period tracker is essential. I use P.D. but I hear that MyFLO is good, too.

House + Home
Art + decor: I have a huge, like massive, photo of raw meatloaf about to go into the oven in my apartment that my sibling took. I think it’s the most wonderful.
Bedding: I love these organic cotton sheets as I don't want to spend most of my life in sheets that were made with pesticide-treated material.
Plant: I love all of my plants equally. They were either gifted by friends or found in the trash or traded for. They make me so incredibly happy.
Candle: This candle comes in a 100% recyclable tin, which I love.
Kitchen good: This dish washing brush!

Closet
Fitness wear: Pact leggings and Pansy Co. sports bra
T-shirt: I'm not a t-shirt person, actually!
Shoe: I wear my black sock boots most frequently in the fall and winter. And in the summer I have the Paloma Wool Pia shoes in two colors and I’m in love with them.
Jacket: I have an oversized wool coat that I wear every day.
Jewelry: I wear a small L necklace and one with a rose on it every day.
Dress: I have a seafoam Christy Dawn dress that I love and a  barely-there Reformation linen dress that gets a lot of play in the summer.
Sunglasses: I’ve never really found “the one” when it comes to sunglasses, so I trade in old secondhand ones for new secondhand ones at Beacon’s Closet quite often.

Travel
Luggage: I never check luggage, so I use an Away carry-on and a pretty horrendous second carry-on that I’ve had for like 15 years. But it holds everything and still works perfectly well!
Tavel staple: giant cashmere scarf blanket
In-flight essential: I have a few! Sagely Naturals CBD headache roller, lip balm, Philip Huang Survival Balm, and an Olbas Naturals inhaler. Also, Mentos (so random but it’s the only candy that’s plastic free).
Hotel: I’m more of a rent an AirBNB or stay in a tent type of person.

Food + Drink
Fridge staple: Sauerkraut and Parmesan cheese — they both make boring things a little more awesome.
Juice: Super, super green juice. I also love drinking aloe juice.
Weekly dinner: Rice with steamed vegetables.
Condiment: I love a really, really high quality olive oil.
Snack always on hand: I’m not really a snacker, but I love coffee!
Favorite cocktail or wine: Extra dirty vodka martini (I mean extra dirty), a good natural, organic or biodynamic Lambrusco, or a really funky, fungal natural wine.
Favorite restaurant: If I’m in New York, Marlow and Sons or Atoboy — I'm not sure either is classifiably healthy but I don't really believe in eating healthy or not. I’m more a proponent of eating really high-quality organic and local ingredients that are not processed or fussed with too much. And if I’m in LA, Gjusta or Erewhon.

8 WAYS TO LIVE A LOW WASTE LIFESTYLE (STARTING NOW)

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How I Design: At Home with The Jungalow Founder, Justina Blakeney

Beloved L.A. artist and designer, Justina Blakeney recently released her third book, Jungalow: Decorate Wild. Throughout the book Justina shares insights on achieving her signature 'Jungalow' style – how to make bold color choices, take cues from nature, glean inspiration from heritage and travels, break rules, and all the other paths to truly decorate wild.

Along the way, Justina also shares personal narratives on her upbringing, practical advice, and nuanced insight into how she lives in her own space—how she reconnects with nature, how she plays and stays inspired, how she gives herself permission to feel free and wild, and how readers can do the same.

We asked the Jungalow queen to share more about her style lately with us...

Favorite 3 elements in a well-designed room: Color, pattern and balance!

My signature touch is... Nature-inspired motifs

Favorite design trend right now: Curves

Trend you’re ready to see go: All white (or beige) interiors

Biggest decor mistake most people make: Thinking there is a rule book they need to follow.

Design rule you love to break: All of them!

Favorite green or eco design tips: Upcycling textiles into pillows, curtains, seat cushions or quilts. I love Kantha quilts from India because they give older pieces of textiles a new life.

Favorite natural materials: Rattan and clay

Tips for creating an intentional space… If the space is somewhere you want to feel energized, bring in elements that give you life - for me, that is sun motifs and lots of natural light. If the space is meant to be more calming, introduce grounding elements like a soft shag rug, floor pillows and wooden accents.

Favorite home shops… Other than Jungalow, I love searching for vintage furniture on Chairish, and here in L.A. I love to visit Badia Design for Moroccan home decor imports (their lighting selection is totally amazing).

Favorite current design project: Can't talk about it yet,  but you'll be hearing about it this summer!

Item that instantly upgrades a space… Plants

Current design mantra: Decorate wild!

Want more designer insights? We've got you covered here! 

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The Future of Retail? A Peek Inside The New Mobile Concept Traveling Across California

Our buying behaviors have indelibly changed this year. Most of us shifted to online shopping more than ever before during historic quarantines. And so many more consumers began to shop 'consciously', paying attention to a brand's overall values, sustainability practices, ownership and even personal connection as they made buying decisions.

So what do these economic changes mean for retail and the landscape of our towns and cities moving forward? It's a question on all of our minds. While big economic shifts like the one we're experiencing now can be harrowing for businesses, it also provides opportunities for major innovations.

Earlier this month, we visited Cuyana's new mobile shop -- a new traveling showroom of sorts and the first application of Toyota's Agile Space concept. The goal of the project is to reimagine the use and provisioning of urban spaces for multiple new purposes and applications.

Cuyana's mobile (and sustainable) new format will visit five of Southern California's best shopping centers, from DTLA to Newport Beach. In doing so, the women's lifestyle brand will be able to expand it's footprint exponentially, even if just for short periods at a time, and test new locations across Los Angeles in a way we've truly never seen before.

We asked Cuyana's Co-Founder and CXO, Shilpa Shah, to talk to us about the new undertaking, what consumers can expect and what she thinks is happening next in retail...

The Chalkboard: How was 2020 for Cuyana? It's a good time to be such a trend-less, classic brand with staples women still need for everyday life.

No doubt, this mobile experience is the top innovation for you, coming out of this chaotic time for retail. What else evolved in your business this year?

Shilpa Shah: 2020 certainly came alongside unique challenges and obstacles, but it also encouraged us to double down on Cuyana's core philosophy of 'fewer, better'.

This past year allowed all of us to reflect upon our priorities and develop a newfound sense of appreciation for the things that matter to us most. In doing so, customers have become increasingly intentional about their purchasing decisions, which resonates really well with our brand and what we stand for.

For us, work bags and travel essentials have historically remained among our best-sellers, but we saw a shift in the products that customers were gravitating towards, such as our ready-to-wear pieces, lounge offerings, and smaller bags that helped carry them throughout brief outings and errands.

TCM: Let's talk about the mobile space! It's beautiful and I love the experience. Would you describe the concept in a nutshell:

SS: We are firm believers that retail is not dying, it just needs to be reimagined. In our collaboration with Toyota, we are doing just that. Our new traveling showroom is a win-win for all parties involved, allowing our brand to test new locations across Southern California, filling a void for landlords that currently have unused space, and most importantly, bringing our 'fewer, better' shopping experience to customers in the most beautiful way possible.

TCM: Talk to us about what the process and priorities were with Toyota's Innovation Lab to create this 'building'? You mentioned how much 3D printing is going on in the space...

SS: Toyota understood our brand priorities to create a warm, inviting space that represented the Cuyana brand. Our shared vision was to create a space that was more like a building than a vehicle. Our architecture firm, BCJ (Bohlin Cywinski Jackson) designed the store to match the high-end finishes of our permanent stores using materials that were lightweight and sustainable. The walls were 3D printed and then we brought a ton of natural light and vertical dimension in with the lightweight 'lantern' you see capping the whole space without adding weight in transport.

TCM: The opportunity to open this mobile retail space across the city at some of it's best shopping 'epicenters' is exciting. What do you anticipate will be your brand's biggest advantages and challenges with that?

SS: We couldn’t be more excited about this new opportunity. In terms of advantages, Cuyana In Motion allows us to introduce our brand to new customers, as well as to test new markets for permanent locations in the future. We will also be in the company of a number of incredible brands that live at these shopping centers already, allowing us to build new relationships and bring exciting partnerships to the table for customers to enjoy when they come shop with us.

As far as challenges go, while most customers are comfortable waiting for their purchases to arrive by mail, there may be some customers who prefer to receive their items immediately. Our retail stores have always carried inventory for customers to purchase on-site, so that may be an adjustment. We hate to disappoint even a single customer. However, we believe that our agility and ability to meet the customers where they are will overshadow the few disadvantages that present themselves.

TCM: What other positive innovations in retail do you see coming out of 2020? 

Personalized Experiences: In a post-COVID world, consumers are craving personalized, 1:1 experiences with the brands that they love. With that in mind, we think that retailers will go the extra mile to pay close attention to detail and consumers’ personal needs, in order to offer them the best possible shopping experience.

Experiential Elements: To get customers in-store, you need to provide more than just a traditional retail experience. We think that consumers’ heightened demand for experiential, out of the box elements will play out into some fun, innovative retail experiences throughout the next few years.

Integration of Technology: Throughout the pandemic, retailers had to get creative and utilize technology to offer virtual experiences for their customers. We anticipate that these technological innovations will remain, as brands incorporate unique digital components into their physical storefronts.

TCM: What should consumers expect to experience at your mobile space? It's a mix of online shopping and in-person discovery?

SS: Exactly! Cuyana In Motion is a hybrid experience, allowing customers to get a sense of our digital presence, while simultaneously discovering the fewer, better lifestyle and quality of our product within the showroom space. Within the showroom itself, consumers can expect to see our best-selling totes, alongside other core bag offerings, small leather goods, and jewelry. While there’s a limited number of products that we’re showcasing within the physical space, any of our products can be viewed and ordered digitally on-site, and will be delivered directly to your home.

TCM: What would you like consumers to know right now? So many of our readers are trying to shop more consciously at this unique time in our economy..

SS: As we look towards this new chapter, we would encourage consumers to remember the lessons that we have learned over the course of the past year. Whether you’re revamping your work wardrobe, or excitedly preparing for upcoming travels, be thoughtful about your purchases. Intentional shopping is here to stay, and in return you will be rewarded with lifelong wardrobe essentials that deliver in both style and quality.

TCM: You're currently at Platform in Culver City which we love. Favorite spots there?

SS: We love Platform! We’re personal fans of Bianca for incredible pastries and Loqui Tacos for a good meal -- who doesn’t love a taco moment?! We also love stopping by Aesop for a little self-care splurge while we’re there.

The post The Future of Retail? A Peek Inside The New Mobile Concept Traveling Across California appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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