Coachella Is Back: 9 Ways To Beauty Prep After Two Years Indoors

Maybe your legs have seen a few cloudy hikes up Mulholland between Zoom calls, but a full weekend of festival activities? Don't panic, but this is a whole other experience.

Many of us have become more laidback about our aesthetic standards since experiencing a true, long-term quarantine and that's definitely okay. You may want to go all out if you’ve been feeling cooped up, but we predict more low-key, natural looks this year too, as people focus more on having fun, then nailing an avant garde festival look!

Ultimately, beauty (especially festival beauty!) is meant to be fun. We have a few clean beauty ideas, both practical and playful, that'll help you prep for Coachella, Stagecoach -- and even Burning Man.

If you're headed out on vacation this season (as 50% of polled TCM Instagram followers claimed to be doing soon), these great tips also apply!

Schedule the Pre-Trip Appointments

Even if you are a low maintenance person, we promise that a few strategic beauty appointments will let you be even more carefree once you reach your destination -- California desert or otherwise! A few good appointments might also help you pack less beauty baggage.

Brows + Lashes | Want to skip makeup all weekend and still look like a million bucks? Book an appointment for a lash lift (no falsies involved) and a brow tint, for a natural, but high-impact effect that will have you waking up fresh AF and ready to hit the shows. In L.A., we recommend Naturally by Stevi Christine in Beverly Hills (mention The Chalkboard for 20% off your first service!).

Get a (fake) Tan | This depends on your skin color, but for pale types, nothing is as transformative as a good faux tan. Just be sure your formula is non-toxic! In LA, many of our go-to airbrush pros have pared back to privates only, so sadly we have no natural studios to recommend out right!

For at home applications, we love Amanda Harrington's products, especially her giant fluffy brushes that simply refuse to allow streaks and unintended residue. We also stan Vita Liberata for a universally flattering warm brown shade that blends easily. Special mention for all of these options too.

About your hair... | Pop in for a quick trim to bring new life to your hair or go for fresh color. We're all about the soft brunette and auburn shades happening now -- the first hair trend to emerge post-pandemic. In L.A., we trust Spoke & Weal, Benjamin and Tania Whittier at Méche Salon for non-toxic color that is next-level.

If you'd prefer to do something at home, Hally offers a rainbow of at-home hair colors for classic festival style -- the first brand to make an ammonia-free foam hair dye ever. They also make a great glaze that applies easily in the shower. Here are a ton of other great clean hair products we've been loving lately.

refresh your smile | A few quick whitening sessions can be so rewarding for a special occasion. Use Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips while you WFH for the laziest, but most effective option or go for the Kendall Jenner-backed brand's new whitening device that promises to take teeth 15 shades whiter in just 5 minutes.

Coachella Essentials To Pack

Get a tattoo | A fake one that is. We were blown away by Inkbox's clean temporary tattoos and the wide range of designs available. We especially love the tiny designs for fingers and full length arm length looks.

They also make a non-toxic tattoo marker which could get really fun while in festival mode.

Press-On Nails | Chillhouse's press-on nails won't destroy nailbeds and are pretty clean. If you want to pop on a fresh mani or nail shape this is a really fun way to make it happen with very little fuss.

Ear Seeds | Take your ear party to new -- and functional -- heights. Properly placed, 24k gold ear seeds -- like this set from Vie Healing -- stimulate reflex centers in the brain. It's best to have these placed by a pro or to buy a set with thorough instructions. Ear seeds are very easy to apply, but placement is crucial.

Stay Hydrated + SPF'ed | In your excitement to be back in a crowd, don't forget to hydrate and wear sunscreen. It always seem like obvious advice until it's too late. We're hooked on LMNT's electrolyte packs with tons of minerals, cocktail-like flavors and a level of hydration that you have to feel to believe. Just add one to a bottle of water a day.

For sunscreen, we still stand by these sun protection product picks from 2019. Trust us on the Supergoop!

Don't forget your lips | If you're going to put on more than tinted sunscreen, why not go for the ultimate festival look and rock a red lip from a music goddess herself? Gwen Stefani just launched a clean makeup line and the lip products come in just one shade of red in different textures. We trust her.

Not a red lip kind of girl? Pack up Rel Beauty's easy-to-wear sheer tinted lip balm in your waistpack and be on your way. Read our interview with the funny founder here. 

We have a million other tips and tricks for staying well during festival season and travel that you can find in our archives. More importantly, this year, take it easy on yourself and everyone around you -- and simply have a good time!

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Take the CBD Quiz: Do You Need CBD, CBN Or CBG?

Some things about wellness are confusing, others are really simple: get enough sleep, drink enough water, eat your greens and take your CBD.

But it turns out that CBD is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to functional compounds found in the cannabis plant. In fact there are over 113 recognized cannabinoids! Currently, science and wellness pros are focused on uncovering the benefits of the “minor cannabinoids” CBG and CBN.

CBD became a mainstream wellness staple for its non-psychoactive benefits — deeper sleep, enhanced relaxation, lower inflammation, reduced anxiety just to name a few. Now, CBN and CBG are gaining popularity for their potential effects on sleep, chronic pain, and mental clarity.

Take the CBD Quiz!

Which is the right fit for your needs? The differences between CBD, CBG and CBN are actually pretty easy to understand. We’re breaking it all down for you below with help from Vida Optima, a California-based CBD brand making rigorously tested products that can be easily integrated into your daily routine.

Before you learn more, take Vida Optima’s one-minute CBD quiz that’ll match you with the perfect cannabinoid for your lifestyle! Then read through some of the education around the cannabinoid that suits you best!

What Is CBN?

Key Takeaways:
+ Ideal for sleep and deep relaxation
+ Found in lower concentrations than CBD
+ Can be taken in tincture or gummy form
+ Binds directly to the endocannabinoid system

CBN, which stands for cannabinol (not to be confused with CBD’s cannabidiol), is a minor cannabinoid that is often found in low concentrations compared to its big sister, CBD. Don’t get it twisted, though. Just because CBN is found in lower concentrations in the hemp plant doesn’t mean that it is not potent.

CBN is created when THC is oxidized through exposure to heat and light. Depending on how it’s grown, stored, or handled, manufacturers can actually play with its overall potency.

Unlike CBD, CBN is typically used in smaller amounts because it’s more potent than CBD, which is consumed in higher dosages, thanks to its higher concentration levels. Think of CBD as a plain white shirt (you see them everywhere) and CBN is that one special bracelet you find in a thrift store — small, but makes the look, if you know what we mean.

How Does CBN Work?

In the body's Endocannabinoid System (ECS), CBN may interact more with the “immune system” receptor (CB2) instead of CBD’s favorite receptor focused on the brain / nervous system portion, CB1.

There is so much to say about the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), but here’s what you need to know: The ECS may impact functions like hormone production, sleep cycles, pain responses, various immune processes, etc. You have different receptors in the ECS known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which help to regulate your body’s peripheral and central nervous system.

Because CBN interacts more with the “immune system” receptor (CB2), it may be able to help regulate a range of immune functions associated with pain signaling and inflammation. CBN engages with CB1 (the brain and nervous system) at just 1/10th the amount of THC, making it far less psychoactive, if at all!

What Are The Benefits of CBN?

Studies about the potency and benefits of CBN are still underway, but so far, there seems to be a lot of potential with CBN, including…

+ Anti-inflammatory effects
+ Possible pain management for conditions
+ Appetite stimulation
+ Antibacterial effects against bacteria like MRSA
+ Possible cognitive support to help delay the onset of neurodegenerative disorders
+ Sleep regulation and enhancement

While CBN has a plethora of potential benefits, it is becoming most widely known for its capacity to support better sleep — especially when working synergistically with CBD (also known as the “entourage effect”).

How Do I Use CBN?

Similar to CBD, you can take CBN in tincture or gummy form, and it can truly be taken any time (although we love it for sleep). Vida Optima’s CBN Sleep Gummies and Sleep Tincture combine CBN with CBD, flavonoids, and terpenes for an optimized sleep cycle. You’re basically getting the best of everything in one.

Like many cannabinoids that “build” in your system over time, taking CBN daily may lead to more consistent effects!

What Is CBG?

Key Takeaways:
+ Ideal for brain function and mental acuity
+ Known as the “Mother of all cannabinoids”
+ Can be taken in tincture form
+ Has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects

When CBG is not being referred to as cannabigerol (say that five times fast), it’s known as the “Mother of all cannabinoids.” It is, like CBN, also a minor cannabinoid with less than 1% of concentrations in most strains.

Much like major cannabinoids (i.e. CBD and THC), CBG can be found in the leaves and stems of cannabis plants, but is most concentrated in the trichomes (hair-like structures) found on the plant’s flowers.

Researchers suspect that the minor cannabinoid may have powerful antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects, making it one to watch.

How Does CBG Work?

This part is definitely complex, so we’ll keep it brief.

The precursor to CBG is CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), the acid form of CBG. The reason why it’s such a big deal is because it’s basically the foundation of cannabis. As one of the first cannabinoid-acids created, CBGA allows for the creation of other cannabinoids in a sort of cascading effect. Because of CBGA’s role as a cannabis “stem cell,” it’s thought to have substantial health potential.

Once exposed to ultraviolet light, these acids (like with CBN) turn to cannabinoids — in this case, CBGA turns into CBG.

Similar to CBD and THC, CBG may bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors, covering the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as the physical body. Because of CBG’s wide net being potentially cast in the ECS, it could promote overall balance within the body.

What Are The Benefits of CBG?

CBG is only just recently coming into the light as a standout cannabinoid with some major potential health benefits like…

+ Mood support
+ Appetite regulation
+ Possible pain alleviation
+ Possible neuroprotective properties
+ Antibacterial effects against bacteria like MRSA
+ Studies for potential to inhibit cancer cell growth
+ May reduce bladder spasms

There is some really interesting research underway to expand upon all of the incredible potential benefits of CBG, but most people are starting to use it for mood support and mental clarity. Similar to CBN, CBG is even more potent when used in tandem with CBD.

How Can I Take CBG?

As a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that also gives you energy, CBG is super easy to take during the day without worrying about getting drowsy or needing to lie down to take a nap.

Vida Optima’s Clarity CBG Mood Tincture is made using 99% pure CBG oil alongside CBD for a clean dose of energy throughout the day. Think: a cup of coffee without any jitters or caffeine-induced anxiety, only intense focus and an uplifting mood boost.

While Vida Optima recommends taking a dose in the morning before you get your day started, you can also opt to re-up in the afternoon if you need to refresh your state of mind. Pain management and reducing inflammation can also be added perks of taking CBG.

Take The CBD Quiz + Find Your Cannabinoid

Still not sure which cannabinoid is right for you? Take this CBD quiz to help you hone in on the right wellness supports for your specific needs, then shop the Vida Optima's tinctures, gummies and chews for 20% off with code CHALKBOARD20 

This story is brought to you in partnership with Vida Optima. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 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. 

“Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/

“Unraveling the Complexities of Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2) Immune Regulation in Health and Disease” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4624216/

“Cannabidiol, cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003996919302249?via%3Dihub

“Cannabinol Derivatives:  Binding to Cannabinoid Receptors and Inhibition of Adenylylcyclase” https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jm970126f

“Cannabinoids, inflammation, and fibrosis” https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1096/fj.201600646r

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11 Sustainable Fashion Brands You Probably Haven’t Heard Of

Melissa Meyers is an LA-based content creator and lifestyle writer. With over 20 years of editorial experience covering beauty, fashion, wellness, and lifestyle, Melissa is passionate about empowering women to be the best version of themselves, age gracefully, and maintain a youthful glow from the inside out.

As a lifestyle blogger sharing my best tips and product picks for how to live an enhanced life, I think it’s important to support brands that pay attention to our environment and have ethical practices. Over the past few years, I’ve seen some seriously stylish fashion brands emerge that are sustainable and ethical. It feels so good to wear slower fashion, and I now think twice about my purchases in an effort to become more and more eco-conscious in all aspects of my life.

Sustainable fashion brands develop and manufacture clothing with the environment in mind. These brands pay workers a fair wage, use organic materials, and produce smaller collections to prevent waste. Below are some favorite sustainable brands that you may not know of, and should have on your radar.

Nanushka 

Nanushka | Nanushka is a Budapest-based brand that flawlessly blends high fashion and sustainability. With incredible attention to detail and a focus on responsible production, Nanushka consciously creates gorgeous pieces from the coolest oversized blazers to the most gorgeous trousers. I just bought this slouchy black bag that comes in so many other colors that are perfect for Spring. I get tons of compliments on it every time I wear it! SHOP THE BRAND 

Nanushka | Alohas

Alohas | This brand from Barcelona brings sustainable production and responsible shopping to the forefront of the fashion industry. Alohas designs some of the most stylish and comfortable shoes ever! I live in their footwear and own several pairs from square-toed mules to boots. I also love their reasonably-priced fashion pieces and accessories…I’m obsessed with this brand! SHOP THE BRAND

Neu Nomads is a simple, affordable luxury brand sourced from a clean supply chain. It was developed by two co-workers who worked at a New York-based luxury clothing brand and wanted to make a positive impact.  I love the fact that their fabrics are dyed in a facility run entirely on solar power. Plus, the pieces are beautiful, chic, and luxurious. I have this super flattering olive green blouse from Neu Nomads that fits me perfectly. I also adore this versatile shirt dress because it can be worn from day to night, depending on the accessories!

Boyish Jeans develops and manufactures all its products with sustainable practices. It typically takes 1,800 gallons of water to make one pair of jeans, but Boyish can produce jeans using only ⅓ of that. I also love that the brand exclusively uses recycled fabrics for everything they make. I own several pair from the brand and lately been living in the darker wash denim. SHOP THE BRAND 

Boyish

Oliver Logan is another eco-conscious denim brand that I love. They’re based in LA and have some of the comfiest jeans I’ve ever worn. They prioritize sustainability and ethical practices at every point in their production from growing and harvesting organic cotton to sewing the final touches. Plus, their styles are modern and super flattering! SHOP THE BRAND

Angela Roi is a vegan leather handbag brand with products that “look” just like fine leather classics. These elegant bags are certified by PETA and I find myself reaching for the timeless Eloise Satchel again and again. The brand also pays their employees fair wages under safe and comfortable conditions. SHOP THE BRAND

KATLA | Áslaug Magnúsdóttir, founder of Katla, wanted to create an environmentally-friendly brand that offered comfort and style, and she did just that. Katla makes the most luxurious sweatsuits made out of 100-percent Icelandic environmentally-friendly fabrics manufactured following zero-waste principles. The cozy products are made in small batches to ensure no resources are wasted. They make sweats both women and men—my entire family has the Force set in black. I love that the clothing is made-to-order in Iceland and ships out only days later. SHOP THE BRAND

Unsubscribed | This brand is a go-to for flowy summer dresses that will last forever. Unsubscribed believes in consciously created, slow-made fashion. One of my favorite boho-style dresses is made by Unsubscribed. I bought it at their store in East Hampton last summer, and now they plan to open a store in Malibu, which I’m super excited about. SHOP THE BRAND

Unsubscribed | St. Roche

St Roche is a responsibly designed and manufactured, trans-seasonal clothing company based in Los Angeles founded by husband-and-wife team Sue Stemp and Paud Roche. They choose their manufacturing partners very carefully only working with small factories, either family or women run businesses, that are ethical and compliant. The pieces are very feminine and have beautiful details. SHOP THE BRAND

Eve and Max | Founded in 2020, Eve and Max is a newer socially conscious, luxury fashion brand. Every collection is designed with seasonless staples built to last and the goal of breaking the standard shopping cycle. The Collection is offered once a year, via online pre-order, and through invitation-only pop-up trunk shows across the country. Seasonless and timeless, each annual collection will collaborate with a contemporary artist, offering clients access to exclusive artful styles. Orders are fulfilled within four to six months. SHOP THE BRAND

While I’m trying to be better about buying sustainable clothing and accessories, I’m far from perfect. But, I believe that every step in the right direction is a positive one. I love that more and more environmentally friendly brands are popping up, and I can’t wait to continue trying more of them!

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Toxic Timeout: Here’s Why The Pros Say To Avoid Preservatives BHA + BHT

We know to steer clear of suspiciously immortal packaged snacks, but potentially harmful food additives can live in a wide range of unexpected places too. Potentially harmful chemical preservatives, BHA and BHT, are ingredients found in  foods like cereal and chips, as well as many common cosmetics. Creepy? We think so.

As with every product and ingredient in our Toxic Timeout Series, the concern here is about long-term behaviors. We're less concerned about the danger of one bag of chips or one shower with a questionable shampoo then we are the cumulative effect of a lifetime of minor, but pervasive chemical exposures.

Amy Ziff, founder of certification group MADE SAFE is looking out for our future selves by sharing the facts on BHA and BHT...

What is it bht?  Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are closely related chemicals - preservatives commonly used in cosmetics, personal care products (mainly shampoos, deodorants, body lotions), and even food and food packaging. BHT is a toluene-based ingredient; toluene is part of the so-called “toxic trio” commonly found in nail polish and is linked to reproductive harm.

What is the concern? These two chemicals are linked to a wide range of serious health problems, organ-system toxicity, skin irritation and more. BHA has been linked to reproductive and developmental toxicity.

+ The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed BHA as a Category 1 endocrine disruptor, meaning there’s comprehensive evidence of endocrine disrupting effects.

+ BHA has been linked to reproductive and developmental toxicity and also been identified on California’s Proposition 65 list as a possible carcinogen.

+ The National Toxicology Program’s Report on Carcinogens as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

While some say that in small doses either of these two chemicals won’t cause harm, they’re found in so many products from food to personal care that it’s hard to know if your exposure is on the low or the high side. Additionally, most endocrine disrupting chemicals are active at incredibly low doses. We suggest that you err on the side of caution and skip BHT and BHA where you can.

How do we avoid bht + bha? Luckily, BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) appear on labels, so you can read ingredient lists on cosmetics, personal care and food items to avoid them. You can also look for the MADE SAFE seal on products, as neither BHA nor BHT are permitted in any of our certified products. Check out MADE SAFE certified cosmetics and personal care products from Annmarie Skin Care, S.W. Basics, and True Botanicals for BHT- and BHA-free formulations.

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A Healer Weighs In: On World News, Tough Emotions + Staying Empowered

Reading the news lately can be crushing. How do we go about our day knowing that so much chaos and suffering is happening elsewhere? Energy healer Benson Simmonds is a compassionate intuitive who practices an ancient form of Jewish healing similar to Reiki. We asked Benson to help us process the difficult emotions, respond in power, and uncover our opportunity to respond in a new light... 

In the wake of the tragedies worldwide like the upheaval in the Ukraine, we often find ourselves feeling powerless, discouraged and confused. How are we supposed to respond? How can we react to make a difference to people suffering in a different country or continent?

As an energy healer and spiritual life coach I have been confronted by this both personally and professionally. I want to share with you how I coach my clients in the hope that it will support you as you cope in strength...

01 | Allow Yourself To Feel When you hear of a tragedy, allow yourself to respond by opening your heart and feeling empathy for the person or people affected.

Open up your heart and imagine how you would feel in a similar situation. You may find yourself becoming saddened or angered at the injustice of a disturbing event. Allow yourself to experience whatever emotions come up without judging them.

Take a moment to notice where you feel these emotions physically in your body. Lean into the physical sensations and the emotions and let them flow. Give yourself a few minutes to let them wash through you. Allowing yourself the full experience of the emotions will also allows them to dissipate and you won’t have to carry them as a heavy burden with you for the rest of your day.

Perhaps part of you is thinking, “but maybe I should allow those negative emotions to stay with me for the whole day or even longer?” My answer is always the same. Holding on to negative emotions never helps the situation in any way. It doesn’t help you or the people experiencing turmoil, such as the people struggling for their freedom in the Ukraine.

Why? Because spiritually and scientifically we live in a quantum world, meaning your actions, thoughts and energy have a quantum effect on the world. On a quantum level, your thoughts and your state of consciousness directly impacts the world. We forget this.

You often forget just how powerful you are. Holding on to negative emotions actually adds more negative energy into the world which doesn't help anyone.

02 | Take Compassionate Action Once you have allowed your heart to open for those who are struggling, the next thing to do is take meaningful action. If you have family or friends involved crisis, offer them your support, love and words of comfort. If not, find an organization you trust to donate to. Taking a direct action can help us to overcome a sense of powerless.

03 | Counter the darkness with light Choose to let a particular tragedy, such as a faraway war, inspire you to become a kinder, more compassionate person overall. Take a proactive stance toward loving kindness for yourself, your friends or family, and your community. Do it to honor the people involved in the global crisis on your mind.

Choose to respond to the crisis that feels out of your control by creating a positive impact that you do have control over. You may not have the political power to mobilize forces in a foreign country, but you do the power to do an act of kindness and be more compassionate every day.

Do something thoughtful for yourself or someone else. Give a dollar or even a genuine smile to someone homeless. Pay for someone’s coffee or lunch while you're out. Call or text a friend or loved one and tell them five things you love about them.

Why does this thoughtfulness have such a profound influence both on the people around you and those who are suffering in different parts of the world? Because of the principle I like to call QUANTUM KINDNESS. Your act of kindness, generosity or thoughtfulness will not only have a likely ripple effect, but it directly affects the quantum energy of love and kindness in the world. It is felt and will be felt by someone half way across the world. Someone in the Ukraine or someone who is struggling emotionally may feel your positive energy. The shift they experience in their day will influence someone else, and so on. That is how your one action genuinely affects the entire world.

We forget how powerful each of us really is. Dr. David Hawkins explains in one of my favorite books, Letting Go that love always triumphs over fear and evil because the vibration of love and kindness is thousands of times as powerful as the lower emotions of fear, anger, guilt, pride etc. The bottom line is that your act of kindness, your quantum kindness can nullify the negativity of thousands of other people in this world.

04 | a powerful ritual The next step is to take a moment to send love to a group or individuals who are experiencing tragedy.

What most of us do is sit down and think of someone in need and think of sending them loving thoughts or prayers. Of course, this is a great place to start, but most people don’t know how to send love in an empowered way. Usually, doing this will begin to feel draining for you, because you are sending love from your own limited well of love.

The secret is to allow the love and intention to flow through you. Here's a process I like to equip my clients with:

Take a moment to sit in an upright position. Start to ground yourself by feeling the weight of your feet on the floor. Feel the muscles in your feet connecting to the floor. Feel the weight of your sit bones on the seat of the chair and the weight of your back muscles on the back of your chair. Allow yourself to feel present and grounded, just by becoming aware of your body and muscles, without judging.

Now, imagine a beam of beautiful white divine light, the light of unconditional love, flowing from the sky down through the top of your head and into your heart. You may want to think of someone who you love, someone close to you, living or passed on. Once you have this feeling, allow the light of unconditional love to flow into your heart and get brighter and brighter. You may want to imagine the light in your heart as a green or pink light. Allow yourself to feel more and more love flow through your heart. Let the light get brighter and brighter.

Once you feel your heart filled with light, then, and only then, imagine you are sending a beam of light from your heart to a group of people or an individual. Visualize the beam of light from your heart flowing through the hearts of one or many people, filling them up with love. When you do this, you will never become drained. What you are doing is simply becoming an open channel for divine light to flow through. It will actually energize you as you are doing it. Do this for a few minutes every day.

05 |hold positive outcomes in your heart The last exercise is to hold in your mind the outcome that you want for the group of individual affected by a tragedy. Don’t complain about the problem or negative politicians. This just gives them the energy of your attention.

Instead, visualize the outcome you desire. Hold your intention to hearing or reading the great news of a victory and solutions arising where there is a crisis. Focus on what you do want, not on what you don’t want. Focus on a loving positive outcome. It will feel good as you do it and it will also have a quantum effect on the actual situation.

While some of these practices might seem foreign to you or challenge the way you see the world, these new habits can change the way you respond to crisis. You will begin to recognize how powerful you really are, and how much our personal thoughts, actions and visualizations can impact the world.

If you want help putting these steps into practice consider consulting a spiritual guide, energy healer, coach, therapist, etc. to guide you through the practice.

May you be blessed to embrace your true power or what I call soular power, the true power of your soul. May you be blessed to become a proactive channel of divine love, kindness, and compassion and bring quantum kindness and love to the world.

Get Benson's book, Soular Power: Unlocking the 8 Gates to Joy and Abundance, a handbook for breaking out of ego and returning to the higher energy of joy.

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You’ve Got This: The Mental Wellness Collab We Cannot Wait To Wear

IN HONOR OF Mental Health Awareness, California heritage brand, SeaVees recently created these adorable slip-ons with Bay-area artist Carissa Potter Carlson. And we can’t get over them.

Printed with the artist’s beloved illustrations, the shoe carries the simple message, ‘You’ve Got This’ on the outside and ‘I’ve Got This’ on the inside. Imagine sending a flash of hope and optimism to everyone at your coffee shop -- right on the soles of your feet. And a quick mental pick-me-up every time we put on our shoes to leave the house this season? Sign us up.

Not only is the classic canvas shoe absolutely adorable (SeaVees essentially invented sneakers like these in the ‘60’s), but the message-rich shoe is also being sold for a good cause. At a time like this, when everyone is talking about mental health, this shoe is a perfect fit. We’re wearing these slip-ons now through summer, gifting them to friends who could use a lift, and wishing they came in kid’s sizes too!

Here are a few things you should know about the limited edition shoe, the mental health cause it benefits, and the artist behind the collab...

The 'You Got This’ Sneaker | This artist collab sneaker is a limited edition, so shop it while you can. SeaVees is offering Chalkboard readers 20% off this or any any full priced shoe with the code in our banner below. If the messaging isn’t your style, check out this wearable style instead.  

The shoe itself is SeaVees’ classic Baja Slip On and comes in men's and women's sizes. Carissa’s signature affirmation artwork is printed on the outside upper, as well as the inside of the shoe -- a secret message screenprinted in the inside footbed that only the wearer will know is there. The outsole also has an exclusive pop of green, the color of the international symbol for mental health awareness.

The Mental Health Cause | 10% from each pair of collaborative shoes sold will benefit the Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara. SeaVees flagship shop is also in Santa Barbara and the brand wanted to keep their impact as local as could be. The Mental Wellness Center is on a mission to reduce stigma around mental health through the promotion of self-care, connection, kindness, education, prevention, and peer outreach.  

Meet the Artist | Carissa Potter Carlson is the artist behind People I’ve Loved. The folks at SeaVees chose her for the authenticity around her art surrounding themes of relationships and emotional well-being. In her Instagram handle, the artist describes her work as “things to help you feel a little less alone.” We love the way that mission shines through in this simple shoe style.  

Here’s the brand’s brief interview with Carissa in celebration of the collaboration...

Tell us about yourself in brief: I am a human being who really likes to make things. And I like people. And I like the outdoors. I spend a lot of time thinking about why we do what we do. What it means to be human. And what it takes to keep going. 

Can you tell us a bit about the design for this mental health awareness sneaker and your hope for the campaign?  I am really privileged to have had a family that valued mental health as part of wellbeing. I started using the phrase, “You got this.” to myself and other people years ago. I remember when my friend and fellow artist Cara Levine said it to me. It somehow haunted me in a good way.  

The shoe design morphed from a pair of socks I had made that were superhero socks. Like a Clark Kent situation – you could wear a message of meaning and confidence that no one knew about but you.  

With the shoe, the text is visible. It becomes a message for other people, a way to comfort them without saying a word. And I like that. Almost like, “You are safe with me.” Even if people think that the message is too literal, perhaps on some level, they will feel it anyway. Or it will raise their sense of agency in a world that feels out of control.

What are your passions and what led you to People I’ve Loved? People, how we approach intimacy, and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of things, are all so fascinating to me. For me, I never felt as though I belonged. Working through my desires with art makes me feel better. I hope it makes other people feel better too. In my mind, I craft the conversations, acceptance, and connections that I long for. I try to orchestrate this for other people. 

If there’s one word we’d use to describe your work, it’s “relatable”. You have the incredible ability to make everyone feel seen and understood. Where does that come from? How has your exploration of your own mental and emotional health impacted your art?  That is really flattering, thank you. I think it’s because I have no shame. Nor should you. I think that by exploring ‘why things are the way they are’ we often uncover acceptance – and that feels good to me. I feel at peace with what is. 

I see my own mental health practice as a series of experiments. It’s fucked up to say, but it's comforting to know that when you share things about yourself that other people feel the same way. Good and bad. Right or wrong. I long to feel accepted and loved for every part of me. Even the unlovable parts. I want that for you too. 

Every artist has a different creative process, can you tell us a bit about yours? Do you wait for ideas to come to you before you get to work on them? Or do you set specific time to work and trust that the words and art will come to you?  Both. Basically, I just pay attention to what my brain is thinking about and run with it. Sometimes nothing comes, and I just show up and hope for the best. Sometimes I take a nap and my questions are answered. I wish I had a solid formula, but I also really value flexibility. And being tender with my thoughts.  

There is a certain faith I have in the universality of the human experience, that I am never alone in how I feel. Having a child has done wonders for my attempts to reframe everyone’s inner voice. 

My creative advice would be to listen to your mind and pay attention to what is worrying you. Write it out. Explore that. And something will come.

How to Shop the Sneaker | You can get your hands on SeaVees’ limited edition ‘You’ve Got This’ sneaker for a limited time. SeaVees has given us a generous 20% off with the code in our banner below. Spread a bit of encouragement everywhere you go this spring, support a great cause for California’s youth – and look good doing it.  

Need the perfect pick-me-up gift for a friend going through a career change, headed to college or facing some a life challenge? Shop the shoe in their size as a wearable reminder they can put on every single day! We love the idea of gifting this shoe to a teacher or coach.  

Shop all of SeaVees timeless, easy footwear styles HERE. A few of our favorites from the 1960’s California heritage brand include the Baja Slip-On Platform, Monterey Sneaker and the men’s Legend Sneaker. Every shoe is a classic, made sustainably and made to last.   

The post You’ve Got This: The Mental Wellness Collab We Cannot Wait To Wear appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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The Woman Behind Felix + Gusto Green On The Future of Restaurants

We love talking with people at the top of their game. Interviewing CEO and founder of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, Janet Zuccarini, was every restaurant lover's dream.

Gusto 54 is best known here in L.A. as the team behind the pasta temple that is Felix Trattoria. The always-booked Venice haunt has been lauded as Esquire’s “#1 Best New Restaurant in America,” Eater LA’s “Restaurant of the Year,” and was shortlisted as a finalist for the James Beard “Best New Restaurant” award a few years back.

Now, Janet and team are taking on hemp in a fine dining atmosphere with DTLA's new Gusto Green, a plant-forward restaurant in partnership with Ziese Farms, the only federally-approved purveyor of hemp leaf for food. 

We asked Zuccarini to talk to us about the new space, what makes a restaurant great, and what's next for the restaurant industry in general...

Favorite dish at Gusto Green: Sourdough Puffed Pita with hemp heart zaatar and smoked baba ganoush. I also love our Coconut Cream Pie (vegan and gluten free!), Burrata Pizza with asparagus (the season just started!), Kale Caesar Salad (vegan and gluten free), both Crudo dishes, and new Gaucho Steak with chimichurri is amazing for people who want to eat animal protein.

The perfect restaurants are...There are many elements that make a restaurant great. Sometimes it can be the smallest details that make or break an experience. Striking a good balance is the key for aiming to please your customers, attracting new business and building your brand over time.

A great restaurant hits it on all points: location, menu, consistent delicious food, service, atmosphere, cleanliness, noise levels and price point.

What you wish more diners knew now: We want diners to know that we appreciate them now more than ever after these 2+ years of navigating the pandemic—where hospitality arguably was one of the industry’s hit the hardest.

3 big trends in restaurants next: One, knowing the source of your food, which farms your produce is coming from, and who your food purveyors are.Two, moving further towards embracing hyper-local with all the concerns for the environment.
Plant-forward menus are becoming more and more popular. Animal proteins are moving more towards sustainable fish, grass fed beef and treating animals humanely.

What do all restaurant people wish diners knew? There is some talk out there about restaurants paying staff more. I wish people knew how slim the profit margins are in the hospitality business. The national average is 4% net profits. The system is broken—as food costs skyrocket, all restaurants should be charging more, but instead the industry accepts slimmer profit margins.

Best business advice ever given? Treat your team well. Happy people make people happy.

Tell us the full scoop on Gusto Green! Our brand-new Gusto Green delivers a menu of plant-forward, omnivore-friendly cuisine; a dedication to featuring quality ingredients from game changing purveyors; and a commitment to modernizing what it means to eat and live healthfully. Located in DTLA, our restaurant is a warm, friendly, and progressive destination that embraces the future of food and lends a feeling of dining in nature (the moment you step into Gusto Green, you’re underneath a custom-built greenhouse-like structure). Gusto Green incorporates highly nutritious hemp and terpenes in its foodways, provides access to plant-medicine movements, and pushes boundaries of food innovation at the intersection of wellness and indulgence.

One of my favorite food memories of all time...I was in Italy on a wine trip and the owners of a vineyard took us to this tiny mountain top restaurant north of Verona where a family cooked everything directly from their farm. They were closed this one particular day but opened up just for our group. They had a fire going in the middle of the restaurant and the “nonna” took charge and cooked us an incredible Italian feast, everything made from scratch from handmade pasta to the burrata cheese, to cooking Florentine steaks over the fire in the middle of the restaurant. This meal was Italian home cooking at its absolute best.

Fave cookbooks: My favorite cookbooks are anything by Marcella Hazan, which were the first cookbooks I purchased when living in Italy in my 20’s. She’s the queen of Italian cooking. As I’m dining more plant-based, the king for me is Ottolenghi. I love Ottolenghi’s cookbook Simple and Plenty. Another cookbook I use more than any other cookbook these days is Eating Out Loud by Eden Grinchpan, with incredible delicious, recipes— many of which are plant based.

Business books: Good to Great by Jim Collins, E-Myth by Michael Gerber and The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Ruiz' book is not so much a business book but I have gifted this book the most. It’s a recipe to live a happy life in work and life in general.

What other restaurants Are you excited about? I just dined at Pujol in Mexico City, so I was very excited about Damian in DTLA. Now I hear Enrique Olvera is supposedly opening another restaurant in Venice, which would be a great addition to the neighborhood.

What is unique about L.A. diners and restaurants? L.A. has always been at the forefront of health and well-being, which is why we are excited to have opened Gusto Green, a plant-forward restaurant.

Another difference is that L.A. generally likes to dine on the early side, whereas in other cities like New York and Toronto, you can easily book a 9:30 pm table, which is a much harder sell in L.A.

Best wellness or sustainability trends happening in restaurants now? Hyper-local sourcing of food products and produce, biodegradable packaging, the banishing of plastic -- especially plastic straws, sustainable fish, grass fed beef, use of adaptogens, botanicals and herbs infused in beverages and food.

Prettiest restaurant you've ever visited? La Sponda in Positano is an incredibly beautiful restaurant with killer views.

What is your next project? We are close to starting the buildout of our next restaurant, Stella in West Hollywood, in the original Madeo space on Beverly Blvd. Stella will be very authentic Italian with a focus on fish and seafood and cooking on a fire.

What more foodie thrills? Read all our interviews with chefs like Rene Redzepi, Ottolenghi and Dan Barber! 

The post The Woman Behind Felix + Gusto Green On The Future of Restaurants appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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