05/16/2012 In Spa Community by bien-être

We leave on a jet plane to the beautiful island of Maui VERY early Saturday morning. I cannot wait to eat my weight in pineapple. I will be posting from Maui, sharing pictures of all our adventures. I will also be reviewing the best spas in Maui, dreaming up some fabulous tropical facial recipes, and learning more about some new favorite key ingredients.

Now, time to pack! I usually do not check luggage when we travel, and rely on one carry on for EVERYTHING I will need for the week. I lucked out on this trip, as there is a Whole Foods right next to the airport. I will pick up organic body lotion, shampoo, conditioner and extra snacks when we arrive so that I dont have to bring it all with me. However, I do always show up prepared. With many fun trips under my belt, I have my packing routine down. Here’s what I plan to pack for 8 days in Maui:

osmosis Travel Kit, normal skin
sanitas Solar Block and Osmosis Shelter (yes I need both)
everyday Minerals make-up
sun hats
rash guard (great sun protection while snorkeling or if we are out all day)
bathing suits
cover ups
sun dresses
flip flops
wedges
hiking clothes and shoes
yoga pants
yoga Rosary Necklace
essential oil perfume
laptop – for posting!
Camera
cell phone with tripit app (this great app allows you to organize your entire trip in one place and keep all important info, like reservation numbers and house security codes, handy)

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04/20/2012 In Spa Community by bien-être

Yesterday morning, I had the amazing opportunity to go listen to His Holiness the Dalai Lama speak at San Diego State University. He came to meet with University scientists, researchers and faculty, and give three public talks on ‘Compassion Without Borders.‘ This was his first visit to San Diego, and it has been on my bucket list to see him in person and hear him speak. I joined 12,000 locals at Viejas Arena on campus bright and early on a sunny Socal day ready to soak up this once-in-a-lifetime experience. (side note: for 12,000 people who all had to sit in traffic, be shuttled in, stand in line, go through security, and rush to their seat – there was no complaining, arguing, pushing or shoving – it was the most peaceful and happy crowd I’ve been in!)

He really does remind me of Yoda. He is wise and calm – but so joyful and happy. He literally cracks himself up when he tells a joke, and smiled the whole time. He took the time to bow to each corner of the arena, acknowledging us for being there and thanked every person on stage who helped with the lecture, going to each of them and placing a special white shroud around their neck. He is also very humble, and kept saying ‘I am nothing special. I am just a man.‘

I think we all left feeling inspired and filled with the joy and peace that radiates from this man. Not a bad way to start my Thursday!

I jotted down some notes while listening to His Holiness, and wanted to share some with you:

~ The real source of strength is truth. Not weapons or money.

~ We all of us have every emotion. We are born with every emotion already in us. The most important emotion is compassion.

~ We feel love strongly at birth. Mothers nurture their babies. Animals do the same…except some turtles. Even crocodiles lay their eggs and stay back but they watch – nurturing. Some turtles though, they lay their eggs and then they leave! The tiny baby turtles must survive on their own. When I found this out I was very surprised. It’s very sad for these turtles.

~ We must nurture our children so they know love. Also, at time of death, there is only love. Money? Not important. Physical body? Not important. Education? Not important. Love – only importance. So, at birth and at death, love is most important. We must look at times in between and make love and compassion most important.

~ Your mental health comes first then physical health. If mentally calm – physically healthy. Physical things only make us happy for a short time. If you are peaceful and calm you can rise above physical situation. But, no physical situation can overcome your state of inner peace.

~ What is the best way to find your path in life if you have lost your way? Future isn’t guaranteed but it’s open and dependent on self confidence. Don’t think narrow like a horse with blinders. If you are desperate and confused it’s due to narrow mind so open your eyes and look around with a more holistic viewpoint – you will find your way.

~We are the same family - now seven billion human beings, actually brothers and sisters. Mentally, emotionally, physically, we are the same. Your blood is my blood, your bone is my bone.
Furthermore, our potential for good things, for constructive things – the same. Also the potential for destructive things – the same.

~ Forgiveness is separating the actor from their action and having compassion for that person. Think how sad this person mentally, emotionally – to do such things. Forgiveness is always necessary, forgetfulness is not. For if we forget completely, we will repeat. Preventing someone from doing wrong again is compassion toward that person too.

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03/17/2012 In Spa Community by bien-être

I love this company! I was turned on to Tiny Devotions while waiting for yoga class to begin at the lovely Bindu Yoga Studio in Del Mar. Their mala necklaces and bracelets are so beautiful, and each one is hand-made with special natural stones to symbolize peace, love, strength, balance, wisdom…and many other things we would all like more of in our daily lives. Mala beads, or prayer beads as they are also called, are used in yoga and meditation to be a reminder of daily purpose. They are used to help one focus in meditation, and bring a constant reminder to be ‘in the present moment’ for those who wear them. I have some traditional Mala beads, but I have to admit that they are not as beautiful as those made by the ladies at Tiny Devotions…I’m thinking it may be time to upgrade.
Learn more about this fantastic small company at their website, read their blog and shop their store – or, for you local San Diegans, stop by Bindu and check out their retail display (and let me know so we can take a yoga class together!)

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03/09/2012 In Spa Community by bien-être

“Yoga classes are so expensive!” – has this been an excuse for not going to yoga lately? Probably (Ive said this plenty of times myself…) which is why I’m posting this calendar. If you don’t already know about these calendars, go to Lululemon to pick one up NOW! These calendars show which local pilates, barre, crossfit and yoga studios offer FREE classes for Lululemon each day. The best part is that all you need to do is show them this calendar for your free class. You do not need to be a Lululemon employee or VIP to sweat for free. I can personally attest to loving classes at Barre, Yoga Tropics, Bindu, and Core Power…and have some friends who are addicted to Crossfit.

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03/08/2012 In Skin Nutrition, Spa Community by bien-être

Anyone going to the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim this weekend? It should be a great show – full of natural skin and body care, whole foods, gluten-free goodies and super green supplements. I’m going to try to go, but in case I cannot make it, I will report from San Diego all my natural foodie friends findings! Stay tuned!

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