Inside The New Oeste Home: A Chat with the Creatives Behind Our New Favorite Desert Oasis

Last year, we heard that two creatives we love were joining forces to overhaul a home in the desert and we were immediately intrigued. Designer Claire Thomas (who also happens to be co-founder of our fave, Sweet Laurel) and director of photography, Yayo Ahumada have both been featured in or partners behind many TCM stories and events.

We knew that their latest creative collab, a desert oasis named Oeste Home, would live up to our lofty expectations and, oh boy, did they deliver. The stunning home, just a few hours from L.A., is available for stays through airbnb and, perhaps even better, live on Instagram for constant design and travel inspo.

We talked with both Claire and Yayo about the new space and how it came to be below...

What was the overall inspiration for oeste home? 

 

Claire: There are so many, but the root of it was my friendship with Yayo. It was inspired by our travels throughout Mexico, and the variety of culture, art, and experiences we've enjoyed there. Some rooms are referencing Luis Barragan and Mexico City, another is inspired by the colors of San Miguel de Allende, and another by the creation myth of Mezcal. I've worked as a director for almost a decade now, and love production design, so my approach to a space is always "How will it shoot?" Yayo, as a DP, is always focused on what the light is doing, so together we really zeroed in on how to make the house as amazing an experience in person as it is on screen or in a photo.

Yayo: My many, many trips to Mexico with Claire and my love of everything Morocco. Claire and I just kept saying yes to all of the crazy, amazing ideas and bold design choices. The fact that we are both visual creators really shows in the space. It’s a testament of how well Claire and I work together.

Your favorite piece in the new home?

Claire: Ah this is a hard one. Every room has something special about it. I guess I'd have to say the comal light fixtures. On one of our trips to Mexico, Yayo and I had dinner at Pujol, and I noticed these beautiful plate sconces. As we travelled south through Oaxaca, we admired the clay comals used to cook tortillas and I asked Yayo if he would turn them into a light fixture. We packed a few in our suitcase and after a few weeks of tinkering he created these. They're so gorgeous - when the light is off, they are beautiful wall art, when the light is on, the create the loveliest ambient glow.

Yayo: The Comal light fixtures. The feeling of "it works!" is indescribable. But also the triangular tile indoor window breezeway was another piece that is so unique and getting the engineering right was a challenge which makes it so that it's a one of a kind structure.

there are so many great moments in the space, from the outdoor tub to the built-in couch. What it your Favorite place to sit...

Claire: I saw a triangular seating bench on a rooftop patio in Marrakesh and loved the idea for seating - so much more comfortable that a stiff backed wall. I measured the angle on an Eames lounge chair (it's 115 degrees btw!) and we built the outdoor seating area to match it. It's the perfect spot to sit in the morning for breakfast or at night to admire the stars.

My favorite place to sit inside would have to be the circular window in the main bedroom. I knew from the beginning there would have to be a round window somewhere, and when I saw the view on the other side of the master wall, that had to be the place. You can watch the sunset perfectly between two mountains - it's just stunning.

Yayo: There is a hanging chair right on the pergola on the patio outside and at night time you can look up and spin slowly as you see the stars and the Milky Way through the ocotillo lattices on the roof of the pergola, it’s a very special moment every time I get to sit there and admire the sky/

i Love the wood cabinet doors in the white kitchen! tell us more...

Claire: Whenever we travel to Oaxaca, Yayo and I stay at the same Airbnb with the most gorgeous kitchen. Concrete boxes, wood doors, and a pile of fruit on the center island. I basically tried to bring Oaxaca here. The counters are Laguna concrete slabs by Concrete Collaborative in Blonde and the doors are by Semi Handmade in Tahoe. I kept the hardware simple by using burnished antique knobs by Rejuvenation. When guests stay, we always have bowls of fruit in the kitchen, and want to create that same feeling of abundance as we experienced in Oaxaca.

Yayo: I never thought I’d own a custom fridge that has the wood fronts like at Oeste, it feels like such a luxurious design choice and I am all about it. The first time I got to cook in that kitchen was really the moment this crazy amazing project was finished.

Can you share your favorite "before and after" moment?

 

Claire: I think either the living room or the den. The living room was entirely clad in wood paneling and just so dark. I knew I wanted a big bench and an indoor planter. There's something about an indoor planter that feels like a flex. Originally I was going to plant a bunch of soft, tall grasses, but Yayo talked me out of it for fire safety, which...yes, much more practical.

I also think the cacti look gorgeous and add some structure to the space. The bench is made entirely out of Concrete Collaborative Terrazzo, and when we found out that doing a custom fireplace would break the budget, I reached out to Retro Bum, my favorite source for vintage fireplaces. I used Retro Burn to find my avocado fireplace at the Kitchy Cabin, and I texted the owner to see if he had anything white and more futuristic rather than MCM looking. This fireplace was perfect!

The den was once a garage, then a work room, and now it's an epic theater thank to Yayo's projector system. Boys love this room -- they all react to the red. My favorite part of this room is that almost all of it is from my parent's storage unit or thrifted. The couch, the chairs, the rugs -- it's all finding a second life here.

Yayo: There was not a part of the house that was not radically changed, but, if I had to pick, I’d say the patio pergola and the master bedroom.

The pergola because I had to figure out how to build it right as the lockdown hit. And the round window in the master bedroom is the perfect example of how me and Claire's mutual ideas mixed to create something incredible. I knew I wanted a round window looking into the mountains and Claire wanted to do built-in bookshelves so we did both at the same time! It was Claire’s idea to make the round window a place you could sit and read a book and of course get your obligatory Instagram shot!

What was your Biggest learning from this project?

Claire: Ughhhh...that I'm bad at math and should never do tile? The last few months of the renovation was a huge 'will power' moment for us. Yayo ended up finishing and building so much of the house he could have a second career as a handyman at this point. The man started this process with the skills to figure out wifi, hang pictures on the wall -- that kind of thing, and now he knows how to run plumbing, electrical, well engineering, and how to deal with a rattlesnake.

I learned that my ambitious optimism can work when you have incredible friends to pitch in and help. We wouldn't have been able to do it without our friends spending their weekends literally shoveling gravel to help us get to the end vision.

Yayo: If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. Even if that means re-do'ing a bunch of stuff and spending hours watching You Tube videos.

I must have made at least 100 Home Depot trips. The badge of honor was that, towards the end, every single time I was at Home Depot a customer would ask me for help. I should have taken a before and after photo of myself!

 

This house looks like such fun. What is the perfect meal to have in this home?

Claire: Tacos! I would make carnitas tacos with fresh salsa verde and mezcal cocktails.
For before dinner: muddled strawberries, lime, chili salt, and mezcal
For after dinner: a mezcal manhattan - sweet vermouth, mezcal, and bitters with a cherry.

Yayo: Mole, tacos and a giant serving of guacamole using the awesome Molcajete we brought back from Oaxaca. To drink, Claire's mezcal manhattan above!

 

Let's talk about the pink exterior for that desert pink moment...

Claire: Our contractor thought I was a complete psycho. "PINK??? REALLY?" Every time I'd go up there. But I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. The color is Rose de Mai by Dunn Edwards and is the exact color the hills turn at sunset.

I believe in taking big swings, and I wanted the patio to feel celebratory, fun, and inspired by Mexico. In Mexico, color and decoration is woven into everything. Having a hot pink house is no big deal. There's a vibrancy and love of color that I admire so much in Mexican design, so being able to articulate that here was incredibly fun. Paired with the patchwork tile wall by concrete collaborative, non-slip tile floors by Fireclay, and my favorite swinging chair by Costa Coast -- it's the part of the house that gets people the most excited to stay there.

Yayo: One of the contractor’s kept saying “I would never do this” to some of the big, bold, choices in the house. And I kept telling him “That’s why this house is awesome, because people don’t want to make big, bold choices.” This is why people love going to Mexico and Morocco, but now you can experience it close to home.

 

What are your favorite spots to visit in the area?

Claire:

Enjoying the property itself can be really fun: Our property is filled with wildlife, so we like sitting in the master window or in the living room while rabbits, road runners, and quails wander past the windows. Take a walk on our property to experience acres of native plants. At night, turn off the house lights, grab a blanket, and star gaze (you can see the Milky Way!).

For a real hike, Sand and Snow Monument is over 100,000 acres of pristine Sonoran desert landscape that is home to 12 endangered species and cultural heritage sites.

Pioneertown, once the backdrop for old westerns, still stands and provides a gorgeous drive through incredible rock formations leading to this quirky, fun location.

Desert Christ Park is filled with odd art installations, and this is one of the best. Joshua Tree National Park is magnificent and the Integratron provides a sound bath and a new perspective.

Frontier Cafe: An organic cafe with excellent BLTs, potato salad, and more health minded food.
C & S: A classic diner with excellent waffles.
Pappy and Harriet’s: An incredible saloon with live music, chili fries, and beer in the heart of Pioneer Town.
La Copine: Delicious farm to table cuisine with an excellent wine list. 8 Star Cafe: Cute Korean cafe with golden fish waffles!
Yucca Kabob: Delicious mediterranean food.
Jelly Doughnut: The best apple fritters and Thai iced tea.
La Palapa: Great Mexican food with delicious salsa. Desierto Alta: A chic little bodega with the best snacks.
Wine and Rock Shop: Our favorite shop in the desert! A wonderful array of wines, gifts, and un expected treats.

Want more design and travel thrills? Explore all our favorite design inspo here. 

The post Inside The New Oeste Home: A Chat with the Creatives Behind Our New Favorite Desert Oasis appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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The Right Skincare For Every Stage Of Your Monthly Cycle

We cycle through four distinct hormonal phases each month. With our endocrine systems constantly in flux, it can be difficult to know what our bodies need to get to that elusive state of balance.

We asked LA-based holistic aesthetician, Hayley Wood aka Therapeutic Skin Coach, to talk to us about how to manage skincare when our hormonal cycles are wreaking havoc. From lifestyle adjustments to a few powerful products, here's how to manage skincare through your monthly cycle...

The Follicular Phase

This phase starts on the first day of menstruation. During this phase, the pituitary gland communicates to specific hormones to start producing egg cells in the ovaries again. The follicular phase is often 13 days long and rebuilds energy levels after shedding the uterine lining. For the most part, women don’t seem to experience too much of a fluctuation in their skin during this time unless they are incredibly depleted in certain vitamins and minerals, or have not been experiencing a lot of PMS symptoms caused by excess stress.

This is often the result of excess cortisol, adrenal fatigue and/or even thyroid imbalance if stress isn’t managed daily. The results of these imbalances also have a more lasting effect on the skin, which may be classified as a hormonal imbalance. Typically, the follicular phase is one in which we start to feel better and more energized, so our skin reflects this shift beautifully.

The number one takeaway of this stage is to help the skin feel supported. We can do this by adding vitamin-rich and hydrating ingredients that encourage the skin’s natural ability to regenerate. Over-treating skin with harsh actives (such as AHAs and retinol) could deplete your skin more. In other words, think about feeding your skin instead of stripping it. This is what I recommend...

Sonage High Impact Vitamin C serum | Lightweight water-based Vitamin C Serum harnesses a unique liposomal delivery system to hydrate the skin. The extra boost of citrus-derived Vitamin C reduces the appearance of dark spots and evens skin tone. CHECK OUT

Laurel Whole Plant Organics Antioxidant Serum | This moisturizing and brightening serum features a whole plant blend of gotu kola, comfrey, calendula, nettle, and rosehip oil that stimulate collagen production, reduce sun damage, and encourage healthy cell reproduction. CHECK OUT

Odacite’s Blueberry Jasmine Serum | A treasure trove of antioxidants, blueberry seed oil helps promote free-radical defense as it improves skin tone and texture. Jasmine oil rejuvenates dry and dehydrated skin, promoting a soothed, soft complexion and combat feelings of anxiety. CHECK OUT

The Ovulation Phase

This phase starts once your menstrual and follicular phases are over. This is often the fourteenth day of your cycle. The now mature egg cell is prepared to be released from the ovary to the fallopian tube. Once the pituitary gland communicates this function, the body will secrete the hormone needed for ovulation. This is also the opportunity to conceive or the signal to avoid intercourse. Most standard birth control pills are created to trick the body into skipping this step to prevent pregnancy. At this time the body tends to peak in hormone levels, as well as temperature, which can be associated with breakouts during the next phase of our cycle.

On a skin level, the reason you may experience imbalance is because of actions taken in this stage — eating non-supportive foods, overextending without proper stress management, ignoring the overall body temperature or little-to-no rest/reset time. All of these habits can trigger overcompensation by our skin for detoxification. It will work on one or more of its primary functions as a filter to shed excess waste, a barrier to protect from environmental triggers and regulation of body temperature. The skin will start to feel stressed when working on all of these functions at once.

The ovulation phase is not always when we can physically see an imbalance, but it is the perfect time to set yourself up for skin success. Take preventative action to avoid skin stress. Add a gentle, calming mask to your routine that will balance the primary functions of your skin. This is what I recommend...

Sonage Tulsi Soothing Tri Clay Mask | This calming clay mask extracts toxins and impurities from the skin while delivering minerals to maintain a smooth, fresh complexion. It features three mineral-rich clays with a trifecta of healing Ayurvedic herbs. CHECK OUT

MV Skincare Signature Mineral Mask | Rich in silica, zinc and magnesium, this mask is softening, strengthening and gently exfoliating. CHECK OUT

Sonage Pom Crush Detox Mask | If you tend to become excessively oily and are prone to congestion, give this mask a try. It includes a combination of several gentle but effective fruit enzymes, and is a great way to naturally break down the excess build-up so your skin doesn’t overdo it. CHECK OUT

The Luteal Phase

This phase starts right after ovulation and is typically when many feel the most intense skin shift. Hormone levels peak and immediately drop to help prepare the shedding of the uterine lining if conception didn’t take place. Along with monitoring overall nutrition to make sure the body feels supported during this stage, it is also a time when brain activity can feel sluggish. The need for an afternoon nap may feel exceptionally strong.

Because we don’t live in a culture where our schedules are designed to optimize time and focus per phase of our menstrual cycle, it can feel like we are all overcompensating. We opt for a quick fix to help us stay alert and present. This can mean more caffeine or an increase in stimulating foods. If the body is feeling slow or sluggish, this can mean that our overall system needs more rest.

The best piece of advice I give my clients is to try to get more rest. Otherwise, skin cells may deplete from their overall radiance. Go to bed early. Avoid excess blue light which can trigger hyperpigmentation. If our hormones are not supported (since all of our cells have different circadian rhythms) when we’re pushing ourselves too much, add hydration to your cells. This can help your overall appearance and energy. I recommend these products to rejuvenate tired skin...

Osea Malibu’s Hyaluronic Sea serum | This lightweight, non-greasy moisture boosting serum smoothes wrinkles & fine lines and replenishes dry, thirsty skin. Hyaluronic Acid is considered to be nature's most powerful moisture magnet, as it draws in moisture and delivers intense hydration that plumps skin and gets you glowing. CHECK OUT

Sonage NMF hyaluronic serum | Hydrating hyaluronic acid gel serum works as a "water-reservoir" to protect against dehydration. Plumping and rejuvenating humectant leaves skin smooth and silky. CHECK OUT

De Mamiel Pregnancy Oil | This gentle, hydrating daily cleansing oil purifies the skin from the pollution, toxins, and stress of modern life. This formula infuses its natural protective layer with deep regenerative nourishment and the soothing and fortifying benefits of carefully selected phytonutrients. CHECK OUT

The Menstrual Phase

During menstruation, it’s really valuable to simplify your care and allow your skin to do what it does best: self-heal.

What is most important during all the cycle phases is to make sure you are connecting your whole body. The primary reason we experience skin imbalance directly connects to a blockage in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is essential for eliminating excess dermal waste and stagnant proteins in the skin. If this system is blocked due to stress, tension or a lowered immunity in our body, it will cause build-up or blockages on the skin. This will present in the form of breakouts, wrinkles, inflammation or even hyperpigmentation. Here's what I recommend...

Gua Sha | A good practice of at-home gua sha and overall lymphatic system support (like a rebounder routine and/or dry brushing) will make a big difference for glowing and vibrant skin throughout each phase of your cycle. CHECK OUT

Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator | This spray is rich in aloe, healing herbs and natural astringents like lavender and witch hazel. Using this product indicates to the skin that you trust its functions and gives it the space to reset. CHECK OUT

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Hydrating Cider Popsicles For A Warm Fall Season

A popsicle? In autumn? Hear us out - these simple herbal popsicles will deeply nourish and ground you, helping to fuel you through the seasonal transition. Plus they taste amazing! Like tart, warming cider… frozen.

This clever and functional recipe comes to us from whip-smart clinical herbalist, Lauren Haynes, founder of Wooden Spoon Herbs. Listen as she breaks down each ingredient -- these are worth stocking up on in bulk for pops, tea and all kinds of deeply nourishing herbal recipes...

Nettle | A veritable vault of nutrition, containing vitamins from A to K, protein, and a bevy of minerals from selenium to zinc. It’s great for nourishing the adrenals and promoting energy after a long summer of playtime.

Oatstraw | Super high in calcium and magnesium, oatstraw helps fortify the myelin sheath, which is essentially the insulation around the wires that are our neural networks. It fortifies and helps rebuild the nervous system.

Hibiscus | Packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants, supports cardiovascular and liver health, and is amazing for hydrating the body.

Cinnamon | A warming spice that is full of antioxidants, supports healthy blood sugar levels, and promotes blood circulation. Perfect for chilly fall days.

Autumnal Calming Pops
Makes 12-15 popsicles

¼ cup dried nettle
¼ cup dried oat tops or oatstraw
½ cup dried hibiscus flowers
2” cinnamon stick
¼ - ½ raw wildflower honey
2 droppers of your favorite herbal tincture (optional: my Solar Power Energy is perfect here)

In a quart jar or infused, pour nearly boiling water over your dried herbs. Cover and steep for an hour. Stir in your honey and pour into popsicle molds. Let them freeze for 4+ hours, until frozen solid. To get the popsicles out, run warm water over the mold until they come loose. Enjoy while sitting in the sun!

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Inside My Skincare Routine: Esthetician + Beauty Entrepreneur Tami Blake

Tami Blake of Free + True Skincare is a former ballerina, pursued her MBA as a young mother, and is now the beauty entrepreneur, esthetician and certified formulator behind her own clean skincare brand. While she credits her success and personal strength to her background in ballet, we wanted to know to what she credits that skin. Riffle through the beauty pro's medicine cabinet and daily routine in our beauty series here...

My skincare style: My skincare style is meticulously easy and effective so that I can get on with my day. Whether I’m adopting a skincare fast, reset or full blown at home facial, I know intuitively how and when to change up my routine if needed. This has a lot to do with my experience as an esthetician and a skincare formulator. 

My skin type: Combination skin

Why clean beauty matters to me: 

I see beauty products in the same way I do nutrition. Whole foods and clean supplements nourish, strengthen, and repair the body with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Whole botanical skincare boosted with high tech actives can make a huge difference in skin health. When I formulate skincare, every ingredient serves a purpose for the skin. There are no cheap fillers used to keep costs down -- every ingredient brings value to the skin. As a cosmetics formulator and esthetician, I’ve learned how to analyze formulas to find out where the value is. Quality, pure, and safe ingredients yield superior results. 

Beauty obsession of the moment: A rose quartz gua sha. CBJ Beauty Secrets makes my favorite. 

Favorite health habit for beauty:

Living a well-rounded, holistic lifestyle is key to maintaining a natural glow. Minimizing processed sugar in my diet and drinking my daily superfood latte keeps my energy levels high and my immune system strong. My daily morning meditation keeps my mood balanced and gives me a level of self-awareness to recognize when I am feeling stressed. Lastly, roller skating is my new happy place. It’s something that I do 3-4 times a week and it keeps me glowing (and going) all day long. I believe that when we take care of our mind, body, skin, and spirit, our natural beauty shines through.  

Favorite daily products:

Kari Grain Lip Whip 

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

Free + True Bright Side Vitamin C Serum

UnSun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen

Enviromedica Terraflora Immune Probiotic 

The Healing Place Apothecary Black Rum Natural Deodorant Balm

Free + True Body Prophet full-body serum

My daily skincare routine:

I love starting off with a gua sha facial massage and an omega-rich face oil. Gua sha promotes healthy lymph flow while tightening and toning the skin. With regular, consistent use, the results can be phenomenal. Then I apply my skincare.

I cleanse with our Marigold Morning Creamy Gel Cleanser, hydrate with a layer of hydrating serum and follow with the new Vitamin C serum, Bright Side. It’s a potent formula that I’m super proud of and provides amazing results by brightening, evening out skin tone, and promoting collagen production! 

Do you use a facialist or dermatologist? 

As an esthetician myself,  I feel like I’m always working on my own skin. My at-home skincare routine of daily gua sha and weekly exfoliation keeps my skin glowing. When I have the time, I see my facialist for a little microcurrent pick-me-up.  

Want more skincare routines? We've got you covered. 

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The Easiest Way To Start A Yoga Practice (For Real This Time)

In honor of National Yoga Month, Yoga Wake Up is offering their best deal yet — 25% off when you subscribe for a year! Plus the first 7 days are FREE. $39.99 (originally $53.99)

Meet the him and her behind Yoga Wake Up, Lizzie and Joaquín Brown. Yoga Wake Up is best known as the "yoga alarm clock" thanks to the app's multitude of in-bed yoga routines designed to remove every obstacle between us and 'yoga every damn day'.

These days, the benefits of yoga are well-known. But, whether it's time, budget or an insistence that yoga is too 'boring', many of us have yet to tap into to one of the most potent forms of mind-body therapy available today.

With more of us learning to workout at home than ever before, we drilled down on all these app founders have to offer for those of us who are looking to get in enough movement, are ready to explore meditation or are wondering how to simply wake up in a better mood...

The App: Yoga Wake Up

The Founders: Lizzie and Joaquín Brown, partners in life!

Can you tell us what Yoga Wake Up is all about in a nutshell?

Yoga Wake Up infuses our days with movement, breath, gratitude, and mindfulness, from the minute we wake up.

We love that your app offers so many in-bed classes! Talk to us about how that idea was born?

Joaquín: Audio-guided “bed yoga” is quite unique to us!

Yogis often say they have their best ideas on the mat so it’s no surprise that the idea for Yoga Wake Up came about in a yoga class! It was my first time in Jen Smith’s Spirit Yoga class. She had the lights low and whispered for everyone to make themselves comfortable with blankets and a bolster, imagining that they 'were still in bed'. She then gently eased the class through poses on the floor until they were brought to standing in tadasana, announcing "good morning".

I wondered, “What would the world be like if we all woke up like this?”  Within days, Yoga Wake Up, the 'yoga alarm clock' was born.

What does an in-bed class on the app usually entail?

Lizzie: Most of our bed yoga sessions begin in bed -- obviously. You’re usually sleeping, so the first 30 seconds start out with soothing music to gently rouse you awake.

Then a certified yogi eases you into gentle poses while still in bed like supine twists or cat cow while dosing you with something positive to enlighten your day and inspire something special.

Sessions are between 5-15 minutes, because we know you’re busy and ready to get going. You can choose sessions that keep you under the covers longer or ones that guide you onto your feet! Everything feels easy and delightful, and a few sessions even get you dancing, but you’ll have to try them to find out which ones.

What are the 3 biggest hindrances to a good yoga routine in your experiences? 

Distraction. We just watched The Social Dilemma on Netflix and it drove home what we already know-- our social media apps are masters at getting our attention. Most yoga classes don’t allow smartphones for a reason -- an at-home practice ought to have similar ground rules.

Yoga Wake Up is accessed from mobile only, so interruption is always a possibility, particularly when no one’s watching or holding you accountable.

+ Consider deleting social media from your phone or turning off related notifications that get between you and your daily yoga practice!

Time. When we’re busy, it is easy to say, “I just don’t have time for my yoga practice.” That’s why we offer so many sessions that are between just 5-20 minutes!

We want this practice to be convenient so that you can always find the time, even if it’s just 10 minutes of meditation in the morning. Its effects are cumulative.

+ Give yourself at least two weeks with the app -- even if just for 15 minutes a day! -- and we bet you will start to notice the mental and physical health benefits of making a daily practice part of your routine.

Access. We’ve all been there; you’re ready to embark on a healthy new habit and you set your goals high! Then life gets in the way.

+ With hundreds of audio-guided sessions at your fingertips, our goal with the Yoga Wake Up app is to make a daily practice more accessible for more people than ever before. Most sessions don’t even require a mat! Just you. And a commitment to connecting to your breath.

What is it that you think finally gets people 'hooked' on a daily yoga routine? Have you found a specific length of time that's needed in order to cement the habit?

We think it comes down to how the practice makes you feel.

Any seasoned yogi can remember how difficult it was to get started. Your hands hurt in downward dog (which is supposed to be a resting pose?!) and you’re not quite comfortable in your body yet. We suggest giving Yoga Wake Up a try for at least a month.

Commit to waking up with us daily for even just 5 minutes (we love Justin’s A Cup of Morning Grace and Niki’s Me-Time Moment). Watch as you start feeling more present and calm in those first minutes of your day.

The first changes you notice may be physical -- less low back tension or less tightness across the chest and shoulders. Once the emotional changes kick in, you’re hooked. Then it becomes all about the yoga you’re doing off the mat, throughout your day in how you treat others, how you show yourself love and how you feel when you show up to your mat everyday.

Did you design Yoga Wake Up with the yoga newbie in mind?

When you first download the app we take you through a series of questions to get to know you, so we can set you up for success with your new yoga routine.

It’s important to feel empowered coming into the app, so we immediately gift two free audio-guided sessions tailored to your needs and preferences, such as beginner or experienced, or in bed yoga versus yoga on your mat.

Most sessions are created with all levels in mind, and since they are audio guided, our teachers are quite skilled in describing how you should feel in each pose, so there’s little room for error.

If you came to us for handstands, well, we’re just not that kind of app - our content is designed to feel like moving meditation. When we record a session, we ask ourselves, “Is this yoga anyone can do?” It’s so important to us that our customers walk off the mat and into their day with a sense of accomplishment.

What are some ways users are engaging with the app that you really love?

We are so personally touched by our reviews and honored to be a part of those first waking minutes; that sacred time from sleep to wakefulness is such an intimate time for us all.

When we began in 2015 we thought we had created a solution to the dreaded alarm clock. These last few years, during the rise of social media and the subsequent increase in depression and anxiety, we’ve been honored to provide a healthier, happier start to the day! Waking up with yoga and meditation, instead of scrolling social media or the news is a complete gamechanger. We couldn’t be more thrilled to provide such a unique alternative.

And for the seasoned yogi? Which classes did you recommend?

Just as a beginner can find sessions tailored to their needs, our seasoned yogis can choose from a robust selection of more active sessions as well.

We recently launched a daily livestream featuring our most popular teachers for 45 minutes. The program was created with a daily yoga practice in mind with the exertion level gradually winding up and then back down throughout the week. These classes offer something more challenging for our seasoned yogis but we hope beginners will try them too. Class “meets” everyday at 8:00 AM (PT) and replays up to 24 hours.

Expect to break a sweat Tuesdays with Vance and Wednesdays with Derek. Then follow those up with Niki’s Thursday class focused on care and repair. Currently, the live programming is only available to YWU Subscribers.

We also have the class that started it all by Jen Smith on Sundays at 10:00 AM (PT) and we offer workshops on select Saturdays.

Which class are you most excited about lately?

New Orleans native Mark Berger is visiting us in Los Angeles this week and recording an exclusive 7-part Storytelling Bedtime Series on the deities such as Krishna, Ganesha and Shiva. We have no doubt they will be pure MAGIC!

Can you share some great tips or favorite equipment for those full-on classes at home?

I swear by my TriggerPoint GRID foam roller and keep it nearby for some extra TLC post-class when I am already feeling warm and open.

We’re also firm believers in yoga props and Manduka is our preferred choice for quality and cost. Beginners will want to have two blocks, a strap and a bolster nearby but a hand towel or a stack of books can make suitable at-home substitutions!

Yoga Wake Up is offering its best deal yet— 25% off when you subscribe for a year!
Plus the first 7 days are FREE. $39.99 (instead of $53.99)

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

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10 Lifestyle Changes That Could Reduce Your Cancer Risk By 50%

There may be a lot we don't yet know about cancer prevention and healing, however, you may not realize that there are quite a few things we do know about cancer and key risk factors we can alter right away.

Dr. Lorenzo Cohen and Alison Jefferies, M Ed. are the creators of the Anticancer Lifestyle Program, an online course informed by years of research and work with patients and top physicians at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Cohen is  Director of Integrative Medicine at MD Anderson and Jeffries is the author of Anticancer Living: Transform Your Life and Health with the Mix of Six.

We asked Cohen and Jefferies to share core tips from their learning and they've shared this list of ten questions on factors that could decrease your cancer risk by more than fifty percent, as well as improve your odds of surviving and thriving after a cancer diagnosis...

It is now clear that how we live in our bodies, in our communities and the broader world — how we eat, sleep, work and play, manage stress and face life’s challenges, create our support networks and make choices about our environments — has a profound effect on our health and wellness; and on cancer in particular.

A healthy lifestyle along with continued attention to positive behavior changes decreases cancer risk, supports cancer treatments, and generally helps you feel better.

7 Cancer Risks To Consider Addressing Now

01. Am I at a healthy weight? Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk of 13 different types of cancer and accounts for 40 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States. Obesity is linked to increased mortality risk from the most common forms of cancer in men (prostate, kidney, colorectal, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and liver)
and women (colorectal, ovary, breast, cervical, kidney, endometrial.

02. Do I smoke or use nicotine or tobacco products? Tobacco is responsible for about
30 percent of all cancer deaths worldwide (though death rates from tobacco- related cancers in the United States have dropped significantly in recent years; tobacco-related deaths continue to rise in the developing world).

03. How much do I drink? Alcohol is listed by the National Toxicology Program as a known human carcinogen. The more someone drinks, the higher their risk of developing certain types of cancers including head and neck, esophageal, liver, breast, and colorectal. In 2009, an estimated 3.5 percent of cancer deaths in the United States were alcohol related.

04. Do I exercise daily? Exercise regularly – at least 30 minutes a day, 5-6 days a week, and children need at least 1 hour a day.

05. Do I limit my sitting time each day? Limit sedentary behavior, as the harms of sedentary behavior and lack of exercise are equivalent to the health risks of smoking or obesity. 

06. Do I treat food as medicine? Eat a primarily whole-foods, variety-filled, high fiber, plant-based diet. Limit foods you know are not nutritious powerhouses (sweets and salty snacks), limit red meat, avoid processed meats, and maintain a balanced glycemic load.

Research confirms this approach will improve health and decrease risk of most non-communicable diseases while improving outcomes for those with cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

07. Do I use nontoxic products in my home and on my body? Limit your exposure to environmental toxins, especially endocrine (hormone) disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) and parabens. Hormone disruptors have been implicated in obesity, risk of cancer, and other illnesses.

Other chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis have also been classified as carcinogens (Styrofoam, formaldehyde, and tricolsan to name a few).

08. Do I have a solid love and support network? Seek to foster, surround yourself with, and deliver love and support. Having the right support will allow success in changing difficult lifestyle habits.

Giving and receiving support also provides broad benefits, and can specifically affect how our cells function and express the genes that control our health.

09. Do I manage my stress on a daily basis? Engage in a stress management activity like meditation or yoga on a daily basis - in the morning, before bed, or when you need a “breather” in the middle of a busy day. This aspect of the prescription is critical, as chronic stress has not only been found to sabotage all good healthy intentions, but can negatively affect most biological processes, decreases the beneficial effects of healthy foods, and literally speeds the aging process. 

10. Do I get enough restful sleep each night? Try to get between 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night to improve your health, coping, mood, weight control, cognitive function, and more.  Children and teenagers need more than 8 hours of sleep a night.  More details are available at the National Sleep Foundation.

Set yourself up for success by engaging in some preparation. We recommend starting with love and support and then ensuring that you are managing your stress, as stress can sabotage your efforts to improve your sleep, diet, and physical activity habits.

Remember, in order to foster our own wellness we must be mindful about every choice we make as we engage in daily life.

Now that you know the pillars of anticancer living, consider the synergy of all areas and encourage others to join you. Although you may stray off the path from time to time, it is still right there beside you. Know it is not a straight line, but a winding road paved for your unique journey.

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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Wellness Disruptor Max Dresse On Launching A Brand During A Global Pandemic

We see untold numbers of new brand launches here at TCM. We can usually sniff out those who have "bottled magic" from that very first unboxing or glossy pitch email. Bellway is one of those brands, thanks to first-time founder, Max Dresse who has left a glittering trail of innovation in his wake with well-known brands like ALOHA and HelloFresh.

Two glaring facts inspired Dresse to launch Bellway at the top of 2020. First was the finding that over 95% of Americans don't get enough daily fiber. Second, was a review of the fiber products currently available,  most of which you'd find only in your grandmother's medicine cabinet.

We were immediately impressed when we received Bellway's product line, a simple and fitting solution that brought the chronic fiber deficiency issue to light and served up a delicious solution: great tasting powders in countertop worthy packaging.

And then, March 2020 hit. And what no one could have anticipated happened: the entire American population stayed home, over-snacked, under-exercised and watched the Tiger King. People needed a fiber supplement to course-correct their health like never before.

Bellway saw an unprecedented 314% month over month increase, selling out of top products, and scrambling to import organic psyllium husk from India during trade embargoes and tariffs.

In March, the brand closed their first seed round of $2M, all while re-organizing their team from the Rockefeller Center WeWork to homes across the country.

We invited Max to share all he's learned, from his career in wellness to his rapid fire experience with Bellway this year, in our series, What I've Learned So Far. Here's Dresse...

What I've Learned So Far: Bellway's Max Dresse

What I’ve learned about myself…

I’m a millennial -- FOMO (“fear of missing out”) is part of my DNA. Before the pandemic, I was constantly striving to experience new things while still starting Bellway.

A lockdown during a global pandemic is a FOMO nightmare. I was worried I’d struggle not being able to be out and about. But I experienced a whole new side of myself, being able to calm down and hyper-focus on my business. For me, that was a whole new aspect of mental health.

What I’ve learned about business...

Starting a business is a rollercoaster. You think you’ve prepared yourself all these years, but you’re constantly thrown into situations that nobody taught you about. For example, how do you launch a brand during a global pandemic?

What I’ve learned is to move fast and keep testing, testing, testing. When you see promising results in one test, go deeper and keep testing. At the same time, don’t over-test and make sure you scale on time.

What I’ve learned about people...

I thought that in starting Bellway we’d have to be very careful how we approach this taboo topic of pooping. I thought people would not be ready to talk about it and we’d have to go very general with language like “being regular”. But data showed that times have changed. People want to be real, and don’t have time for any b*shit. Literally! The more directly we talk about these problems, the better. Because in the end, don’t we all go to the bathroom?

What I've learned about this industry...

The vast majority of this country doesn’t realize that they don’t get enough fiber, but fiber can be integral to disease prevention (studies link a lack of fiber with some cancers, heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity and more).

Studies show that 95% of us don’t get enough fiber daily. Eating a salad a day is not enough -- the average salad only has 3g of fiber, while we need 30g a day. We would have to eat 10 salads a day to get to our daily recommended fiber.

There’s a lot of education that needs to happen, in order to start this fiber 'movement' and convince the remaining 312 million Americans to get 30g of fiber a day. That’s why we started Bellway - it’s never been easier to get your fiber!

What I’ve learned about wellness...

Different areas of this country still have very different ideas about what tastes good and what’s healthy. But it’s great to see that across the board people are looking for healthier options, less sugar and no chemicals. While it might not be mainstream everywhere, it's clear these better-for-you products will win long-term.

What I’ve learned about self-care...

There are so many ways to take care of yourself. What I’ve learned on this Bellway journey is that gut health is essential to mental health. In reading the emerging scientific studies coming out, I can see what we're learning about the gut-brain connection in my own experience. If my gut health is off it can send the wrong signals to my brain and I might have a bad day. I'm beginning to recognize those patterns in my own lifestyle and to think of gut health as self care -- it can be so simple!

What I've learned about adaptability and resilience during 2020...

2020 has been a year like no other. We’ve seen the global economy shifting, industries on pause, and longstanding businesses shutting down.

Here in New York City we were in one of the epicenters of the health crisis, and just a few days prior to the markets plummeting I had raised my seed round of $2M, which meant giving investors my word I would create value for them in this company.

Having worked at start-ups before, I’m used to taking on great feats, and pivoting on a dime, but it was surreal feeling the entire world do it at the same time. 

I hope we’ll come out of this year tackling all sorts of issues that we’ve neglected for too long, such as climate change or even the state of our own health. While this year I’m definitely grateful for what we have, it shows that just gratitude is not enough: we have to keep working to not only keep things the way they are, but make them better. 

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