Ridin' Dirty

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

 

So maybe we had one or two pieces of pie at our holiday dinner. And what’s a New Year’s Eve celebration without a midnight champagne toast (or two or three) ? So once January 1st  (fine, January 2nd) came along, we wanted to detox...

Enter Dirty Lemon.

It’s all about “staying real” and enjoying ourselves - no meal plans, cheat days or 14-day fads. We also love a direct and simple philosophy to juicing, particularly when it’s all natural and comes in chic, streamlined packaging. The one week detox features cold pressed lemon juice to cleanse the system and alkalize the body, as well as activated charcoal that absorbs thousands of times its own volume in toxins. Ginger and dandelion root aid the body’s natural digestive process, while the daily formula is designed to help to calm the stomach, flush out the kidneys and trap impurities before they can be absorbed by the body. (On a side note, we even find that it helps with bloating and other PMS-related issues, which is a major bonus.)

The brand added a special Skin + Hair formula, featuring collagen peptides, as well as, a Sleep variation of Magnesium and rose water, among other calming agents. There’s even an energy drink with adaptogenic herbs to keep you going.  But the best part is that food isn’t off the menu. Dirty Lemon isn’t a cleanse, but a simple way to add some cleansing properties into the diet and reset our bodies. Not to mention, it has the simplest reordering process on earth. All you have to do is text the number when you’re ready for another round - day or late night.

Now, onto the next resolution.

 

 FIND OUT MORE

www.dirtylemon.com

Dios Mio!

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

We’re not ones to buy into hype, particularly in the form of skin care. Sure, we invest in top quality products, but we refuse to hop on the latest fad or high end cream. Which is why Mio Skincare is SO GOOD. Mio delivers results - whether in the form of pregnancy body care, aging issues or all around tightening and contouring. We could go on and on singing the praises of the phenomenal line, but we picked our faves below- 

 

Shrink to Fit

Fortified with a high concentration of antioxidants, caffeine, rosemary extract, green tea and horsetail plant, this luxe moisturizing cream is designed to help reduce the appearance of uneven, bumpy areas and increase skin’s elasticity. A natural combat for trouble spots like hips, thighs and arms. And who doesn’t need that?

 
 
 
 

Dry Brush

This exfoliating brush features natural boar bristles and massage nodules that removes lazy skin cells and dirt. By polishing and massaging all over to stimulate circulation, you’ll eliminate layers of dead skin and improve its overall appearance. Done and done.

 

Get Waisted

We like the sound of this already. The gold standard of the Mio assortment, this amazing cream is formulated with Rhodofiltrat Delessaria, pharmaceutical grade caffeine and Oat Protein Complex to help replenish moisture to improve the look and feel of skin as well as flatten and contour those pesky little bulges that come with age.

The Activist

Get marching! The “superfood of skincare,” this body oil works to soothe skin while balancing the look of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. It’s intensely hydrating, antioxidant rich formula delivers moisture and nutrients deep down to boost strength and elasticity. It also pumps bounce and radiance back into aging skin! Bonus.

 
 

Double Buff

This non-abrasive scrub is dedicated to revealing brighter, smoother, more even toned skin using an omega-rich exfoliator of pumice, lava and bamboo. Extract of fig and organic shea butter also hydrates and moisturizes while organic sweet almond oil soothe sensitive skin. The results are smooth and supple looking skin with renewed clarity and radiance.

 

 

Workout Wonder

Perfect for pre and post-workout, this gel is like a spa session for your muscles that helps to soothe and cool. Featuring a cocktail of herbs and extracts like horse chestnut, horsetail extracts and a natural blend of essential oils, the formula leaves limbs feeling energized and ache-free.

 

Plant Life

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

 

To quote the “Cheers” theme song, Gingersnap’s Organic is indeed a place where everyone knows your name. Except instead of offering pints of beer or shots of whiskey, this homey West Village cafe is serving up delicious juices, salads, wraps and pastas, all within the context of vegan, raw food. The brain behind the brainfood is Jamie Graber, an entrepreneur who opened Gingersnap’s four years ago, which in a short time has drawn significant buzz from both raw foodies and foodies alike. 

 
 

When did you first get involved in the raw movement and was there one memory or moment when you realized this was the lifestyle for you?

I was raw for five years, until I met my husband, who is a chef, which changed things. I was living in LA at the time and doing a yoga teacher training and I had struggled with eating. But after doing teacher training and just being in California, I was eating more plant-based for sure, but I wasn’t attached to anything. All the sudden I went raw and it was amazing. I hadn’t even thought about going into it for work, but one of the of girls in class started talking about Juliano Brotman, the head chef at Juliano’s Raw. I met him next day and he said, ‘You’re hired...I don’t know what for, but you’ll work here.’ That propelled me. From there, I managed a restaurant called Rawvolution. When I moved on a whim to New York, I came home to feel it out. I landed and stayed and ended up opening here.

 

Graber got her start, as most raw proponents do, in Los Angeles, but her hometown soon came calling, where she saw a void in the market for a proper sit-down cafe offering delicious plant-based fare. We sat down with Graber to talk about juices, meat-eating husbands and why french fries aren’t always such a bad thing -

WHAT’S THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND GINGERSNAPS ORGANIC?

It morphs and changes so often. At first I thought it would be a store with all raw foods from around the city. But I started paying attention to signs and flow and I met my husband, and it turned into to more of a cafe. At the time, there was One Lucky Duck but there was no room to sit, it wasn’t quite the thing we were talking about. My husband is very much a meat eater. He studied at the French Culinary Institute and cooked at Del Posto. He said, ‘You need to make a place where even if I didn’t eat this way, I would love it.’ Also I wanted a plant based menu that was light. Lots of vegan food is really heavy with tofus and seitans. It has a nice balance to it. Then we started with juices, which is a huge part of our business. We’re now offering cleanses and that’ how it all evolved.

 

How has the raw food movement evolved or changed since you opened the shop?

I think there is a larger amount of options with all the pop-up places and chains like Juice Press and Juice Generation. They all have some raw options. When I was raw, I was so dogmatic about it. It was a label of who I was. Now, what’s nice is that it’s part of people’s lives but it’s not like, you’re either raw or you’re not. Our customer is more like my husband. Everyone is putting raw into their diets now, it’s not just diehards.

 

What's one thing that would surprise most people about the raw lifestyle?

People think it has to be all or nothing. Again, it’s about understanding the benefits of a plant-based diet without having to go the whole way. I think people are surprised that I will eat french fries. I eat stuff that has no nutritional value but when I live in the space of mostly plant-based food, there is room to have other foods in life. And you wind up feeling OK because you don’t overdo it. It keeps you in balance. Once you decide to be in a healthy lifestyle, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a candy bar. There’s room for all of it.

 

 
 

Where do you see the future of Gingersnaps Organic going?

I love the idea of a community cafe. I love knowing so many people and who know my staff. It's their family. I have no desire to have multiple locations. Certainly not in New York. Where I see myself five years from now is probably having one shop in LA and spending time in both places.

That’s the big dream.

 
 
 
 

Mindful Meditation - During the Holiday Season

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

The holidays can mean excitement and joy, but often times they can be more stressful than joyful. Whether from the pressure of shopping, entertaining, obligatory parties, family dynamics, or the expensive chaos of travel, we all could use a little mental relaxation and de-stressing.

Meditation is a powerful tool that can be used any time of year, but when you're feeling hectic during the holidays it can be the perfect way to center. While it is ideal to get 20 minutes of meditation in a day, it can also be done anywhere,even if you're standing in line at the post office,or in a cab stuck in traffic. By simply taking a few deep, slow breaths, focusing completely on your inhale and exhale, you can already feel calmer.

Meditation is all about grounding yourself in the present moment and focusing your attention on fostering calm. With a little deep breathing, low repetitive sounds, and the ability to let the day slip away, meditation will bring the stress levels down a few notches.

Steps for Meditation

Below are some basic steps you can take when performing a seated meditation:

  • Find a quiet place. This should be a comfortable spot in which you won’t be disturbed for the period of time you plan to meditate. You may wish to start with 5 minutes and work your way up to 20 or more. You can be indoors or outdoors, in the sun or in the darkness. Wherever you can be and achieve some quiet solitude will work. Remember to turn off your phone, or set a timer so you're not concerned with the time.

  • Assume a seated position. You can choose to sit in a cross-legged position on a mat on the floor. With this method it’s more comfortable to prop yourself with a small pillow or rolled blanket just under the buttocks to tilt the pelvis slightly forward. This makes it easier to maintain a straight spine for the entire meditation. Or you can sit in a chair with both feet on the floor. If at all possible, you should be holding your upper body in position rather than allowing it to rest on a chair back. The point is to place your spine in as upright a position as naturally and comfortably as possible for the length of the meditation. An upright spine maximises the entire process of breathing.

  • Your eyes can be open, closed, or slightly open. Many find it useful to loosely train the eyes on a point ahead and slightly down from them without moving the neck out of alignment. Some people choose an object on which to focus, such as a candle flame, a crystal, or a religious figure or painting. Do not focus visually, though, just use the item as a place to center yourself and return your mind when your thoughts wander. Remember, this is an inner journey and you don’t need your physical vision. Many people find their outer vision disappears from their consciousness as they enter the meditative state.

  • Place one arm or forearm on each knee or put place your hands in the form of an oval, facing outward, in your lap in front of you. Relax your shoulder and arm muscles and be sure you are comfortable.

  • Notice your breathing and concentrate on a natural rhythm. It is preferable to breathe through the nostrils if you can. Be aware of the air entering and leaving your body. Make this the first point of your meditative focus.

  • Become aware of all the nuances of your breathing. Notice the feel of the air in your nose, your throat, and your lungs. Pay attention to the aroma and the air quality. Feel the relaxation and oxygenation of your entire body, and the sensation of movement of the accessory breathing muscles in your chest and back. Feel the relaxation of your shoulder muscles and the lengthening of your neck muscles when you exhale.

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Try a Love and Kindness meditation

The holidays are a great time to incorporate Love and Kindness to your meditation practice. The Buddhist teachings share stories from various traditions, guided meditation practices, and illustrate how each one of us can cultivate love, compassion, joy, and equanimity from practicing Love and Kindness in our meditative practice.

According to Sharon Salzburg, “By practicing loving-kindness meditation, you can learn to see the lives of others as related to your own to open up to the possibility of caring for others not just because you like them, admire them, or are indebted to them, but because your lives are inextricably linked.”

 

STEPS TO LOVE AND KINDNESS MEDIATION

1. Begin with someone who has been of  help to you; maybe they’ve been directly generous or kind, or have inspired you though you’ve never met them.

Bring an image of the person to mind, or feel their presence as if they’re right in front of you. Say their name to yourself, and silently offer these phrases to them, focusing on one phrase at a time.

    •    May you live in safety

    •    May you have mental happiness (or peace and joy)

    •    May you have physical happiness (health, freedom from pain)

    •    May you live with ease

2. After a few minutes, move on to a friend. Start with a friend who’s doing well right now, then switch to someone who is experiencing difficulty, loss, pain, or unhappiness.

3. Offer loving kindness to a neutral person, who you don’t feel a strong liking or disliking for - maybe a cashier at the local deli, a cab driver. When you offer loving kindness to a neutral person, you are offering it to them simply because they exist, you are not indebted to or challenged by them.

4. Offer loving kindness toward a person with whom you have difficulty. Start with someone mildly difficult, and slowly work toward someone who has hurt you more grievously. It’s common to feel resentment and anger, and it’s important not to judge yourself for that. Rather, recognise that anger burns within your heart and causes suffering, so out of the greatest respect and compassion for yourself, practice letting go and offering loving kindness.

5. Lastly, offering loving kindness to our universal brothers and sisters to expand on global love and peace.

 

As modern mamas living in the over information age, (where everyone is an expert and parenting opinions are shared as freely and easily as an Instagram post) it can be tough to filter through the white noise to find the facts. Naturally, we’d love to consider ourselves wise in all sorts of ways, but the truth is sometimes we’re scrawling SOS in the sand. Good thing we’ve got the guidance and expertise of our own personal rockstars: the people who inspire us on the daily. Our rockstars (our flock) are enthusiasts, professionals and influencers in the fields of wellness, travel, education, style—the list goes on. Each one brings a profoundly different perspective to the table, one informed by their own experiences and outlooks. And that perspective is priceless.

They say it takes a village…we say it takes a flock.

 

 


Mama Said - Erika Bloom

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

 

You could say Erika Bloom stumbled upon pilates. She first tried the exercise in the late 90’s when she was training to be a professional dancer and suffering from constant chronic injury. While she enjoyed her private sessions, she didn’t find any real relief until she dropped ballet, but always know there was something special about the workout. Eventually she returned to modern dance, having moved to New York to train with Alvin Ailey and Merce Cunningham, but all the while pilates stayed with her. In 1998 she got her teaching certification and fast forward a few years, Bloom is not only a prominent instructor, but a total 360 degree life coach, specializing in holistic growth through exercise, diet and integrative medicine.

 
 

She has her namesake Erika Bloom Pilates studios on the Upper East Side, in East Hampton, Watermill, Turks and Caicos and Greenwich, CT.  In LA she offers in-home programs with plans to open a studio there in early 2017. They all feature instructors highly trained in biomechanics and the ability to assess and customize sessions while combining Pilates with other body methods such as yoga, Franklin, and Structural Integration. If that wasn’t enough, she offers body work, acupuncture, and holistic health counseling. The practitioners coordinate care with each other and also with clients doctors. Each studio also houses a boutique filled with a carefully curated selection of organic and natural beauty products, exercise props, and eco-friendly fitness apparel.  

 
 

If that weren’t enough, Bloom is also busy raising two kids and encouraging them to live presently, actively and happily. We sat down with this inspiring mama and got to the bottom of her day-to-day health philosophies and favorite life rituals:

 

Can you describe your philosophy towards health and wellness? Did having children change that philosophy?

I believe in eschewing trends and focusing on creating a healthy, balanced life. I combine what is known about health and wellness from evidence based science and logic together with what we each can observe from connecting to ourselves. We must honor and respect where we are each day in terms of hormones, energy, and stress and care for ourselves in a very real-time way.  When we choose our foods and our exercise routines we need to listen to our bodies and make nurturing choices. Choose what is right for you, not what someone else says is healthy this week. I’m a huge believer that, whatever food plan this leads you to, we should always eat real, unprocessed food. Real, whole foods are always a better choice, even if the alternative is considered a ‘health food’, and starting with this basic premise will lead to plates full of healthy vegetables, fruits, proteins, and whole grains. When you choose exercise, choose something that doesn’t just make you look good but also that keeps you aligned and healthy and your body functioning in a way that is sustainable as you age, have babies, and move through life.

How do you teach or impart this philosophy towards your children? Is that a challenge and if so, how do you stay true to it amidst all the temptations for kids?

You have to lead by example. If you create a life where you take joy in movement and are excited by the deliciousness of healthy foods, your children will feel the same way. I believe in balance, and not rigidity, in my life and for my children, but living an overall healthy life is a non-negotiable for us.

 

What's your favorite workout routine?

Pilates! It’s forever been the thing that makes me feel best. It aligns me, stretches me, tones me, keeps me strong and healthy. I never get bored with it as it requires a lot of focus and body knowledge and it’s always changing. There are just an infinite number of variations of exercises to both heal and challenge.

What's a typical day like in terms of food and exercise? Do you have any favorite supplements?

I use the morning to spend time with my children. We make breakfast together and lunches for school and then get ready for the day. I usually eat eggs with kale, a few blueberries, half a piece of millet flax bread, and a matcha. I try to get all my nutrients from food but I take supplements just in case. I alternate between taking Lumity and Aloha and then add in a little more B’s in the morning and Magnesium at night for sleep. After school drop off I go to the studio and see clients. I focus on continuing to drink water to stay hydrated while I teach and sometimes have a SoulGarden juice from Juice Press or an ItoEn organic green tea. When I’m done with my morning clients I have lunch which is usually a salad with salmon or a protein salad from JuicePress. In the afternoon I do my workout, a private session on the Pilates apparatus with one of my teachers. Then it’s meetings with my managers and check in with teachers on client care. My afternoon snack varies but is usually kombucha, raw dark chocolate and either apples and almond butter or organic turkey slices on millet bread.  Then in the evening I have dinner with the kids: usually fish or chicken, quinoa or sweet potatoes, and cauliflower or broccoli.  Dessert is either a ‘shake’ of ripe bananas with a splash of milk or a handful of blackberries. Before bed I like to do some therapeutic Pilates mat work and stretching. Then I have a tumeric tea and read in bed until I fall asleep. I use organic essential oils, either as a spray or in a diffuser, to aid in relaxation before bed as well. Sleep is a huge priority for me and I like to be asleep by 10:30 at the latest.

 

Can you share a favorite routine or ritual with your kids?

I love the time we spend in the morning when I’m making their lunches. They sit across from me at the counter and talk about what’s on their minds while I chop fruits and veggies for their lunches. Any unstructured time with no screens is great. We like taking bike rides with our tandem around our neighborhood or taking wandering walks in the city talking and exploring new things.

What is your therapy?

I’m really into the idea of ‘little rituals’. These are small things that involve self-care where you can be very present and appreciate the moment. Examples of these are giving yourself a foot massage with organic coconut oil, doing a face mask, making matcha, or watching the sun rise in silence. The key is to really be aware and enjoy each moment with no multi-tasking or self judgement.

 

Who’s your dream guest list at your dinner party and where would it be?

My closest friends all talking openly and honestly about our inner selves and supporting each other emotionally. That’s my idea of a good time. And maybe Hilary Clinton can join us.  While I have many people from the present and past that I admire, I’m happy to be inspired by them and read their writing but there is nothing more satisfying to me than really connecting with people without fear, pretense, or ego.

Cyndi Lauper or Madonna?

Madonna. While I do have irreplaceable memories of dancing on the coffee table with my brother to ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun,’ Madonna is the ultimate role model of a self-empowered working mother.

 

If you were stranded on a desert island, which five things would you bring?

Nothing. There is truly no material that I cannot live without. I would take my two kids of course. Being on a deserted island with my two kids with no iPads sounds pretty awesome, actually. I’m in.

 
 

FIND OUT MORE

www.erikabloompilates.com | INSTAGRAM @ERIKABLOOMPILATES

SHOP THE STORY

Activewear by ASTERIA

As modern mamas living in the over information age, (where everyone is an expert and parenting opinions are shared as freely and easily as an Instagram post) it can be tough to filter through the white noise to find the facts. Naturally, we’d love to consider ourselves wise in all sorts of ways, but the truth is sometimes we’re scrawling SOS in the sand. Good thing we’ve got the guidance and expertise of our own personal rockstars: the people who inspire us on the daily. Our rockstars (our flock) are enthusiasts, professionals and influencers in the fields of wellness, travel, education, style—the list goes on. Each one brings a profoundly different perspective to the table, one informed by their own experiences and outlooks. And that perspective is priceless.

They say it takes a village…we say it takes a flock.

To the Moon and Back

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

 

We’ve always been huge supporters of an all natural ethos in terms of beauty and wellness, so needless to say, we were pretty excited about the “drinkable beauty” trend. And once we discovered Moon Juice in LA, you could say we were official converts. The chic jewel box of a shop was opened by Amanda Chantal Bacon, a world traveling chef, mama, lifestyle leader and food educator. From the moment we sprinkled our first dust, we were smitten with her philosophy that a holistic lifestyle is more than about juices and snacks, but is a healing force in the world for those of us seeking beauty, wellness and longevity. Ever since we tried the Power Dust, an ancient elite formula to support peak performance, stamina and longevity, we have more energy and feel leaner from the inside out. Plus, we feel an extra boost of stamina while working out and throughout the day. The Brain Dust is a mental potion featuring Astragalus, Lion's Mane, Shilajit, Maca, Rhodiola, Organic Stevia and Ginkgo. It maintains healthy systems for superior states of cognitive flow, clarity, memory, creativity, alertness and a capacity to handle stress. We swear it helps us think clearer.

 
 
 

Moon Juice also offers a wealth of all natural, health-driven tonics, juices and a ton of apothecaric items in their LA Store. According to Bacon, she created Moon Juice for people interested in a new way of living, fueled by excitement to live better. Yes!

 
 
 

FIND OUT MORE

www.moonjuiceshop.com

Mama Said Knock You Out

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

 

While we love a good kid’s gym class, we’ve often found that our children’s greatest athletic achievements derive from practicing adult sports. Which is why when we discovered that the popular boxing mecca Gotham Gym offers children’s training, we had to investigate. Founded by Rob Piela, Gotham is suited for the entire family - at all backgrounds and fitness levels. “Boxing lends confidence to people,” said Piela. ”Men, women and children together. It's empowering to know how to box. Plus it’s an all-around workout. You burn lots of calories, improve balance and coordination and it's fun.” It doesn’t hurt that Piela and his trainers have a healthy, empowering view of diet and exercise that we at at A Wild Dove are 100 percent behind. “People should make healthy choices but miss some days at the gym and eat ice cream if they want to,” said Piela. “I find that the people who are in the best shape are the ones who are consistent with their diet and exercise but allow themselves to splurge here and there...not the people who obsess."

Callum loves working with the amazingly talented, hilarious Mike Castillo, who trains one-on-one with kids when he’s not training himself. Mike began boxing at age 15 and has competed in the New York Golden Gloves seven times, taking home two silver and two bronze medals. He’s also an ex-Marine and overall badass. But even having endured the toughest physical elements on earth, he still marvels at the energy and determination that children bring to the ring. We sat down with Mike and got the heavyweight lowdown on his fitness goals, simple pleasures and why he loves training kids.

 
 

What led you to boxing?

Long story short: I used to weigh 315 pounds and my dad said I had to box or I was going to die a virgin.

I started boxing the very next day, which also happened to be my 16th birthday.  I originally walked into a Kung Fu gym and they kicked me out before I even fully stepped in, as I left they told me there was a boxing gym a couple blocks up.  At the boxing gym they welcomed me with open arms.  And they made me fight immediately.  I got knocked out one minute into my first sparring session, but I immediately fell in love with it.  It was the most exciting thing I had ever done in my life - the headgear, the gloves, the sweat, the competition, it was all so surreal, and even though my head was throbbing and my nose bloodied, I returned the next day.

 
 

What do you love about working with children in the ring?

Teaching kids is the greatest thing. It can be very easy sometimes, I am the oldest of 6 children and I have two girls of my own. I was also a US Marine Sergeant. I served for 10 years.  I love teaching kids how to become fitter versions of themselves and become more sure of their abilities.  When I can see the lightbulbs going off in their heads, it’s like magic. I like helping people reach their potential. Teaching kids and adults is really not that different.  Kids just have more energy.

We equate boxing with exercise, but what would you say to parents who are skeptical that boxing is promoting violence?

Boxing is beneficial to kids because it’s an outlet, it lets them express themselves physically, like dancing and singing. It’s really no different.  It lets them burn off all that energy that they didn't use in school or at home.  And to the parents who are skeptical that boxing promotes violence, I would say, “Boxing does not promote violence. Before boxing I was a very confrontational child, I’d fight a lot. After I started my boxing training I never fought outside the ring again. I was kind of too tired, whatever energy I had left, I'd use it to finish my homework.

 
 
 

Why is boxing beneficial to children?

Because when you train, you train in all planes of motion. You move laterally, you move up, you move down, at almost all angles. It’s not one dimensional.  The training lessons you learn in boxing you can apply to baseball, basketball, football, and tennis. And vice versa, I think kids should play all sports and learn as much as they can about different sports. It can be like chess, boxing forces kids to think critically.

What sort of fitness do you do outside the ring?

I do all kinds of fitness, I lift weights, I box, I do some light yoga, I do Soul Cycle and Peloton. In college I was on the cross country team. I recently just completed my first and second triathlon. I am currently training for a Half Iron Man. I want to be an Iron Man. I kind of hate running now, but I do it.

 
 
 
 

Sounds like a lot of fitness! What’s your favorite way to chill out?

I like to go to physical therapy. I’m so active and hard on my body, and it’s kind of beat up. I’m not a spring chicken anymore. I have been fighting since I was 15. I’m 38 now. I have a lot of friends who are physical therapists and massage therapists. I book sessions with them often and they teach me things about recovery. I’m also a voracious reader. I love Junot Diaz, Stephen King, JK Rowling and Jodi Piccoult.  And going out to eat with my wife and daughters. We love anything Italian.

What’s your spirit animal?

My spirit animal is an old clydesdale horse who loves Guinness Draught beer, apples and bacon cheeseburgers!

 

 

To find out more contact

 MIKE CASTILLO | GOTHAM GYM | 600 Washington St, NYC | bigmikecastle@gmail.com

Salespeople, stylists, skincare specialists and all manner of self care mavens—they can be so much more than simply people who provide a service. If we’re lucky enough to score a particularly first-rate one, they might be closer to our therapists, confidantes…basically our support team. They work magic on our wardrobes. They whip us into shape after a rough week. They set us straight when we’re mired in bad vibes. They nix our doubts and fix our hairdos in one fell swoop. They are truly transformation experts. In this series, we’re giving credit where it’s due: to the pros who keep us on point. Get their take on style, wellness, and how we can all learn to love ourselves a little better—even after we’ve left their stomping grounds.

 

Super Elixir

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

 

Super Elixir Will Take You from Feeling SuperBad to Super Human.

Sometimes there aren’t enough green juices in the world.

You know the feeling. Low on energy. Low on mood. Depleted in every sense of the word with a never-ending to-do list. Fortunately for us mortals, Elle McPherson was feeling the same way when she decided to do something about it. (Yes, it’s possible for supermodels to feel run-down, they’re just like us!)

 
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McPherson went and sought help from her nutritional doctor, where she learned about body acidity and alkalinity. She then sought to balance her pH levels, which she said changed her life. “I realized the effect proper nutrition can have,” said the model-turned-mogul. Along with her London-based practitioner Dr. Simone Laubscher and business partner Andrea Bux, the trio launched WelleCo, a purveyor of products and supplements designed to rid the body of toxins and bring about a feeling of wellness to the world.  

The first splash WelleCo made was with McPherson’s famous Super Elixir, a careful combination of super greens, Chinese herbs, digestive enzymes and members of the maitake mushroom family. In a powder form designed to be mixed with water or sprinkled over a salad, the elixir is formulated to be absorbed by the body at a cellular level, optimizing the function of our digestion, endocrine, circulatory and nervous systems, to name a few. It became the must-have product during fashion week, where models were seen chugging green water backstage as were front-row editors as they slugged from show to show. Kate Moss was said be an addict.

 
 

But WelleCo didn’t stop there. Today it has an entire arsenal of wellness products designed to keep us looking and feeling our best. Its latest member of the Super Elixir family is the Nourishing Protein, featuring amino acid L-Phenylalanine, which is designed to kick start sluggish metabolisms (yes please). Other ingredients include chromium to help balance blood sugar levels and reduce cravings, psyllium husks and fiber to keep us fuller longer and dandelion for liver support. Antioxidants such as acai and pomegranate hoover up free radicals to slow down internal and external aging, and B-Vitamins act as anti-stress on the body for those of us living life in the fast line.

 

Hey, it it’s good enough for “The Body,” it’s good enough for us.

Cooking with Intuition

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

 

A few years ago, I started an Instagram account spontaneously called Breakfastdujour.  It was born at a time when my older daughter left for college and I was resting a running injury. The images were from photos I captured on my iPhone after creating a breakfast I prepared.

My normal morning routine consisted of waking up my girls, giving them a quick breakfast and getting out the door eager to get my run in through Central Park. But when I got injured and my older daughter left, I had time to reevaluate. I reflected on my purpose, which was always prioritized with my dedication to being a stay-at-home mom. I reflected on the feeling of imbalance of not using my creativity and putting so much emphasis on my physical body. With this pause, I felt more at peace with not rushing out in the morning and the feeling of wanting to nurture both my husband and younger daughter who were still at home for a few more years.

 
 

Most of my breakfasts consist of an egg variation. Both my husband and daughter were under the guidance of a nutritionist enforcing a “clean eating” diet higher in protein than carbs. I like keeping my kitchen stocked with ingredients readily available for me, so once a week, I shop for produce. I love going to Farmer’s Markets for the most organic produce right from the farms surrounding New York. I love that there is a service called Rustic Roots that delivers right to your door, hand picked from farms on Long Island.

 
 

I also like to support the local, smaller mom and pop health food stores, and then there is Whole foods with the largest of selection. I have specialty shops in my neighborhood, like Dean and Deluca and Eli’s that offer irresistible delicacies and condiments. I love having an array of fresh herbs that give the most unique and individual flavoring to whatever I’m creating. Using herb infused oils is essential with cooking and drizzling for added flavor. There are some ingredients I prepare in advance to have ready available, like pesto sauce, marinated artichokes and sundried tomatoes.

 
 

My process started with getting into the kitchen very early morning anywhere from 5-6:30 am. I enjoyed this peaceful time when everyone else was asleep. I put on music and selected the ingredients according to what I was feeling that morning. I also love food styling, so color complementing and herbs for garnishing was part of the process. I collect recipe books for inspiration but never follow measurements. I always modify and change ingredients to satisfy my creativity.

When I was done with the preparation of the dish and plated it, I took a few  pics with my iPhone and posted on Instagram. I normally selected one ingredient that I used in that dish and offered nutritional value and health benefits to that ingredient.

Here is a recipe for my Shakshuka:

Shakshuka is a Tunisian recipe in it’s original origin but has become very popular in Israel and is almost a standard breakfast there. It can be served as a hearty breakfast served with piles of pita or challah or as a lunch entree. There are so many variations of cooking Skakshuka but its primarily made with baked tomatoes and eggs.

 
 

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 large onion halved and thinly sliced

  • 2 large red bell peppers seeded and thinly sliced

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 can of whole plum tomatoes coarsely chopped OR 5 large very ripe tomatoes chopped

  • 3/4 teaspoon quality salt (sea salt or himalayan)

  • 1/4 plack pepper

  • whichever herbs you choose from below:

    • fresh oregano

    • fresh thyme

    • fresh basil chopped

  • Bread of choice: country/pita/Ezequiel

 
 

Preparation:

  1. Heat oven to 375 degrees

  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium/low heat

  3. Add onion and peppers

  4. Cook gently until very soft

  5. Add garlic and cook until tender 1-2 minutes

  6. Stir in spices and herbs

  7. Pour tomatoes in and season with salt and pepper simmer tomatoes down about 10 minutes until a soft but still chunky consistency

  8. Gently crack the tomatoes into skillet over tomatoes

  9. Season with salt pepper and herbs

  10. Optional for spice lovers ..hot sauce and red pepper flakes

  11. Serve with toasted country bread or pita or Ezequiel bread

 

 

As modern mamas living in the over information age, (where everyone is an expert and parenting opinions are shared as freely and easily as an Instagram post) it can be tough to filter through the white noise to find the facts. Naturally, we’d love to consider ourselves wise in all sorts of ways, but the truth is sometimes we’re scrawling SOS in the sand. Good thing we’ve got the guidance and expertise of our own personal rockstars: the people who inspire us on the daily. Our rockstars (our flock) are enthusiasts, professionals and influencers in the fields of wellness, travel, education, style—the list goes on. Each one brings a profoundly different perspective to the table, one informed by their own experiences and outlooks. And that perspective is priceless.

They say it takes a village…we say it takes a flock.

 

A WILD DOVE

 
 
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