How To Conquer A Handstand Step By Step

With so many Instagram girls going upside down, you'd think the handstand was an easy pose to master. Hardly the case -- but we've asked yogi Sophie Jaffe to walk us though the ins and outs of getting ourselves into this challenging and empowering pose...

Conquering the handstand is work. To nail this pose, it takes a lot of strength building. But that’s what makes it such a thrill to do. When you’re finally in it, you’re on top of the world, like you can take anything on – because you truly can. Beyond being incredible for your psyche, hopping upside down and flipping your perspective also boosts your circulation and promotes detoxification. By following these five tips, you’ll slowly but surely make your way into this empowering pose!

Create a strong core

Building core strength is essential to landing that handstand. My favorite ways to strengthen my core are boat pose (navasana) and doing short circuits of slow and fast bicycle.

Do wrist stretches

When you first start doing yoga, your wrists are always in pain. The same thing goes for handstands. Stretch your wrists out and give them some love as often as you can. Even a few minutes makes a world of difference.

Plank often

Build your arm strength while also building core strength by doing plank pose. If your wrists ar e bothering you, go down to your forearms - and don't forget to breathe.

Get your chest to the wall

Take a downward dog pose with your booty towards the wall. Place your feet on the wall, and walk your hands towards the wall so that your chest eventually kisses the wall. Hold for 10-20 seconds. To get out of this pose, walk your hands back out or do a sideways cartwheel.

Have a friend support you

When you're finally ready to take the leap, have a friend support you. Have her hold onto one foot while you attempt to hop up with the other. Then when you feel balanced, have her move her hand between your ankles and make a fist. This will help you to connect internally and lock. Bandha is a Sanskrit word meaning "lock," "seal" or "bind." There are three bandhas, and they are essentially muscular contractions that help you to breathe, focus on your awareness, keep your body strong and give you a sense of lightness as you move through postures.

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Cleanse-tinis Etc: Inside Cafe Gratitude’s Glossy New Concept

Last week Cafe Gratitude joined the ranks of the single-named A-list elite. You know you're officially an icon when you can drop half your name (Beyonce, Kanye, etc.)

The brand new Gratitude Beverly Hills is an upscale version of their beloved crunchy chic cafes, and we have one thing to say about the new menu: cleanse-tinis.

The Cafe Gratitude team also opened vegan Hollywood hotspot Gracias Madre a couple of years back and we still can't get enough of their plant-based tacos and endless outdoor courtyard. We love how these deeply healthful menus are making an impact on the way L.A. eats out on the town. Here's what you need to know about their latest venture...

What We Ate: Plants, plants and more plants. The menu at Gratitude Beverly Hills features many of the same "I Am" classics from Cafe Gratitude as well as a few new special dishes. The cocktail list is pretty wild, including absinthe and green chlorophyll spritzers, spicy kombucha-tequila cocktails and the Cleansetini - a blend of alkaline vodka, lemon, turmeric, ginger, cayenne, maple syrup, and micro-filtered H2O.

Why We Ate It: Because we're rightfully obsessed with the super crunchy, OG menu at Cafe Gratitude and Gratitude Beverly Hills simply takes things to the next level. Just as with Gracias Madre, Gratitude is also an easier sell to less wellness-minded friends - a good cocktail menu will do that.

Why You Need It: While there are lots of casual vegan cafes that serve up great food, few aim to nail the elegance of an upscale eatery like this one. Gratitude is the kind of reservation you'll make for a date night or dinner with the parents.

Discover more of our favorite healthy restaurants from L.A. to NYC here.

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9 Healthy Travel Tips From Style Blogger Geri Hirsch

We asked well-traveled and wellnessy style blogger, Geri Hirsch, of Because I'm Addicted and LEAF.tv to share a few healthy travel tips to kick our summer plans into high gear. We knew Geri had a weird way with hangers (read on!) and had to find out all the details. Find out why Geri skips the gym, packs in pouches (we're also total devotees to this rule), and advocates for pre-check whenever possible...

Traveling is the ultimate wellness practice! It feeds your mind, body and soul like nothing else. If you do it right, you should feel renewed and inspired upon arriving home. Do it wrong and you end up needing another vacation.

For me, doing it right starts before I even leave the house and culminates when arriving home. Here are some of my travel secrets for maintaining wellness while away: [olists num=1]

What are your healthy travel tips and secrets? 
Tell us in the comments!

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Somewhere over the rainbow it feels like summer 🌈 #bestswimwear...

Somewhere over the rainbow it feels like summer 🌈 #bestswimwear #lspace http://ift.tt/2rh08QK

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How To Keep It Together While On A Cleanse At Work

Three days on nothing but liquid fruits, nuts and veggies can amp up the hazard of "hangry" to a whole new level.  While being on a juice cleanse can also get us feeling euphoric, the phenomenon of detox moodiness is also very real. That can be problematic for our social lives, but friends forgive. A bigger concern is keeping our cool while detoxing at work.

The savvy ladies of Career Contessa are sharing a few tips for keeping our professional reputations in tact during the ups and downs of a juice cleanse...

Unless you’re that (seemingly) perfect green juice-guzzling colleague who hasn’t had coffee since, oh, 2003, chances are starting a detox or cleanse is going to affect your mood — and that mood is coming to the office with you. Whether you’re just giving up coffee or sugar for a few days, planning a Whole30 or deep diving into a week-long green juice cleanse, crashes are inevitable.

Still, it’s one thing to feel short-tempered around those who love you. It’s another thing entirely to throw a tantrum in a work meeting. The key is to curb those frustrated feelings long enough to get you home. Then you can kick and scream as much as you like.

Step 1: Plan Ahead for Headaches

While it’s tempting after a weekend full of salt-rimmed margaritas and Postmates Shake Shack deliveries to dive head first into a last-minute detox come Monday morning, don’t. The best way to help yourself and your colleagues is to plan your internal clean-up well in advance.

Beyond saving your body some of the stress from going straight from fried foods to turmeric shots, pre-planning your detox means you can plan your work obligations around your low points. We recommend planning your goals for the week before you hit a wall. Try using the rule of 3 to make sure you know exactly what you need to accomplish and won’t lose sight of those goals during foggier periods.

Also, consider how you expect your energy levels to change. You’ll probably feel alright on day one, then hit your low point around day three or four. Plan any big meetings earlier in the week if you can. Likewise, if you notice that you tend to do better in the morning right after your first meal (or juice), schedule phone calls or important creative discussions before lunch, rather than in the afternoon, when you know you’ll feel like hiding under your desk.

Step 2: Say Yes to Drugs

Kidding. But vitamins? Popping some B12 for an energy boost while adjusting your diet can be useful. And water. Drinking copious amounts of water will help balance things out (and push unwanted toxins out of your system faster). This is especially important if you're quitting a three-cup-a-day coffee habit or your addiction to break-room donuts.

Step 3: Don’t Self-Sabotage with Sugar Highs

If you are planning a juice cleanse, remember to sip that juice slowly throughout the day and avoid the urge to guzzle. Prefer more green juices and go easy on the juices that are pure fruit. A great balance is a green blend that contains just a hint of fruit, including citrus.

Step 4: Give Fair Warning

You don’t need to broadcast to the entire team meeting that you’re on a quest to reset your system. But you can confide in the colleagues you work closest with that you might not be your peak self for a few days. Ask them to tell you if you seem unnecessarily grumpy. Make a commitment to yourself that you’ll hear them out. Much like any other time you’re feeling moody, the hardest part can be hearing feedback that it’s affecting others. But having someone call you on it will help you come back to earth. And don’t forget to take walks when those moments do come up. Everyone benefits from a walk in daylight, whether detoxing or not.

Step 5: Spare Everyone As Much As You Can

A lot of detoxes suggest you start on a Monday, which sounds pretty good when you’re choosing between going out to a swank dinner or eating kitchari for the next 12 meals. Still, if you start your detox on a Friday morning, you’ll sail through day one, then hit the rougher days at home when your moods aren’t affecting anyone. If you’re committing to a three-day cleanse, you’ll be done come Monday. If not, your moods should start to level out by the time you’re back in the office. It’s a win-win.

Survived the juice cleanse? Check out
Career Contessa's 12-day work-life detox guide here.

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In the Summer Shop: Matcha Ice Cream + Suits To Wear All Season

Oh, June. It's safe to say we've been anticipating your arrival since about January. There's something about this particular year that makes the arrival of summer all the more delicious. And we plan on wringing every last drop of seawater out of the season with our summer beach reads and our crocheted swimwear.

In the summer shop this year, you'll find a few useful and beautiful items we've curated to help you make the most of the coming months. Lily Ashwell's linen overalls will become your farmer's market-to-the-beach uniform (several colors are recommended!). This lace-up one piece is a dream for travel. Wear with denim or on it's own depending on where your adventures take you.

We love this spiky water bottle to keep us hydration-focused, but if you really want to stay dewy add a drop of Beauty Chef's Hydration elixir to your morning h2o too. As far as accessories go, we can't get enough of all things straw. This adorable little tote pairs well with everything in our ideal summer wardrobe, as does this leather and precious stone fannypack - although the latter is a bolder statement.

Keep summer beauty in check with our #1 pick for skincare this season: S.W. Basics' aloe vera powder. We haven't run across such a simple, genius product in a while. Keep the powder within easy reach for post-pool recovery. Or make a weekly mask of it to keep hydration levels high. Just a few drops of water bring the healing plant back to life.

We're also loving Anthropologie's new natural beauty line, Puristry, including their light and firming yerba mate eye cream. For summer, consider lightening up your skin care regimen. Your winter night cream might be great in November, but it could weigh down skin in these warmer months. We love African Botanics clay cleanser and Puristry's cactus cleanser for just that reason.

Lastly, whether you throw it out in front of the couch for a lazy reading day, into the yard for an impromptu picnic, or pack it for the road trip of a lifetime, go for a classic Pendleton throw or towel. We're loving this tribal geometric style and their all American stripes never fail either.

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Elle Macpherson’s 11 Essential Rituals For Ageless Beauty

Elle Macpherson's glow may be otherworldly, but her daily wellness habits are amazingly down-to-earth. Seriously though -- anyone with eyes would assume this ageless icon has an army of aestheticians at her beck and call, yet isn't it lovely knowing that a green drink, meditation and a lot of water are the real beauty heroes Elle relies on?

We recently caught up with the Aussie model and former Guest Editor to chat about alkalinity, dawn-breaking mindfulness rituals, and her own brand of superfood supplements, WelleCo, which she created to help keep her mind and body clear, balanced and beautiful.

We're giving away one WelleCo prize pack full of Elle's faves from the line. The ingredients are legit and the bottles are covergirl-status stunning. Scroll all the way down to win -- and snag Elle's recipe for The Super Elixir green power pops on your way!

Morning Rituals

Set Intentions. I always try to start my day with a few quiet, mindful moments, so I wake at around 5:30 a.m. to have some quiet time to myself. Then I set my intentions and check in with how I’m feeling in my mind and my body.

Meditate. I try to take about 30 minutes every morning to meditate, because it keeps me feeling balanced, calm and confident. My practice includes breathing and I try to focus on a particular quality or value that I would like to improve or rebalance.

Write it Out. I find writing in a journal really cathartic, so this is something I set aside time for, even if it’s just 15 minutes to write down my thoughts and to not sweat the small stuff!

Beauty Rituals

Hydrate. I keep my regime super simple and always nourish from the inside out. It’s been said before, but water, water, water! Personally, I like to drink at least 3 liters every day, or more if I have done a sweaty workout.

Alkalize. First thing I do every day without fail is I take two teaspoons of The Super Elixir Alkalising Formula then mix it into filtered water. The alkalinity of your body informs your pH level, and this balance is essential to overall wellbeing. I've been told the ideal alkaline range is pH 6.5 to 7.5. but modern lifestyle can upset the body’s pH balance, which can cause health issues big and small, from fatigue, inflammation and digestion issues to dull skin and low immunity. I started taking The Super Elixir Alkalizing formula daily, and the difference it has made is extraordinary. My skin isn’t dry anymore. It looks plumper, and has something which has been called ‘the alkaline glow.’ The skin is a great barometer that can show how you're feeling inside, therefore, I know that if I nourish my cells from the inside it will show on the outside.

Fitness Rituals

Diversify. I now realize the importance of listening to my body when it comes to exercise. I used to think I had to reach a certain intensity at each workout but I know now my body isn’t a machine. What feels good on one day might not feel great the next. Variety keeps me inspired, so I choose between a range of high-intensity and slow activities that I love - and outside if possible! Right now, I enjoy Pilates, boxing, swimming, walking, running, hiking and surfing.

Nourish. Either for breakfast when I’m on the go, or to give me a boost after exercise, I’ll have The Super Elixir Nourishing Protein smoothie with homemade almond milk. I have learned that on average, women need about 65 grams of protein a day. Protein is essential for tissue repair and growth and if I include clean protein at every meal it keeps me fuller for a lot longer. What I love about The Super Elixir Nourishing Protein is that it is a slimming protein and supplement in one, so I can get a nutritional boost with vitamin C and B, pre- and probiotics. I also get a good serving of organic plant-based protein with all nine essential amino acids in one hit.

Mindfulness Rituals

Breathe. Breathing mindfully is important because it has the power to calm the nervous system. Life can be busy and hectic, but stopping and then taking a few deep breaths can really redirect the energy back to balance.

Laugh. When a situation becomes stressful, I apply humor. My other tactic is to apply neutrality, then to recount the situation to myself and others without using judgment. I know I feel calm and centered after practicing yoga, so I aim to add a few classes into my week.

Gratitude + Chill. At the end of the day, I make sure I do a gratitude list, even if it’s only in my head, then I get a good night’s sleep. My magic number is seven hours (full of dreams). To help me sleep I have a cup of The Super Elixir SleepWelle Calming Tea. It is a special blend of valerian (which is sometimes called nature’s Valium!), hops and skullcap – three herbs which individually may help to address anxiety, stress and insomnia, but together they can be even more useful. We also have a SleepWelle Calming Mist with Australian lavender essential oil, which I take with me everywhere. I spray some on my pillow before bed, and also in my space when traveling on airplanes.

 win the ultimate Welleco Prize Package
One lucky reader will win Elle's WellCo original Alkalizing Formula, one Nourishing Protein
and one Sleep Welle Fortified Calming Tea.
Enter to win by leaving us your email in the entry box below!

This giveaway closes June 12th at 5pm PST and is open to residents of the continental US only.

This post is brought to you by WelleCo. -- natural, whole food supplements to support modern living without synthetics. When you nourish from the inside, you also radiate on the outside.

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