Krushin’ Hard

Written by Michelle Walrath | Photographed by Jay Wen

Ahh there’s nothing quite like back to school. The sweaters, the new sneakers, the smell of fresh notebooks. But one aspect of the September onslaught that we mamas can all commiserate on is LUNCH, specifically taking time out of our busy schedules to pack a protein-packed, healthy, all natural lunch that won’t end up in the cafeteria trash can. 

Enter Organic Krush, an incredible organic restaurant throughout Long Island and the Hamptons. Founded by Fran Paniccia and Michelle Walrath, the pair was inspired to open the eatery after taking their kids to a concert and finding nothing, or nowhere healthy to eat. They signed on Swallow chef, James Tchinni and created a philosophy of  using environmentally-sourced proteins like tuna, salmon and chicken that have zero hormones and are always fresh, always organic. Needless to say we have a major “krush,” so much as that we asked Fran and Michelle to help us design the perfect kids Bento Box so we can incorporate their healthy vision into our kid’s everyday lunchtime staples. Here’s their take on a Deconstructed Buddha Bowl and some deslih snacks to top it all off.

DECONSTRUCTURED BUDDHA BOWL

Toasted Quinoa

"It's one of our favorite hearty, protein-laden grains here at Organic Krush. Toasting quinoa is very simple to do yet people are often intimidated to try it! Toasting quinoa adds a delectable, slightly nutty flavor to the grain!"

Instructions 

• Measure the amount of quinoa you will be using. Place in a fine mesh sieve.

• Rinse with running water

• When the water runs clear, turn water off and shake out as much water as possible.

• Add wet quinoa to heavy duty (we love Le Creuset) on the stove top.

• Over high heat, let the quinoa dry out and "toast"

• Use a wooden spoon to move the quinoa around the pot every few minutes.

• Turn heat off and add the proper amount of water

• Bring water / quinoa to a boil and then lower to a simmer

• Follow directions on bag of quinoa for proper cook time.

"Proteins, like chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu add great flavor."

"Mix in your kids favorite veggies, we love broccoli, sweet potatoes and edamame."

"I cut up veggies and store them raw in the fridge, then you can take out just what you need to do a quick steam or stir fry as you’re packing up the box. (grilled chicken can also be done ahead of time, and then squeeze with lemon and a dash of olive oil right before packing up).

Snacks

• Mix of Berries and Bananas

• Coconut Flakes

• Popcorn with Flavor Topping
  

“When purchasing popcorn kernels, make sure they are certified 100% Organic, as most corn crops in the United States are now GMO-corn. This means insecticides and herbicides have been injected into the corn kernel. We do not consider GMO-corn to be safe corn to eat. Most natural grocers sell organic corn and since popcorn is such a light, healthy, high fiber snack we love recommending it to children. In terms of cooking the kernels, our preferred method is the stove top Whirly-Pop. The kids can help twirl the kernels around the pot (using just a little bit of olive or coconut oil) and then they can also help shake on some fun toppings. We love this shredded coconut on Thrive Market.

Thanks to Organic Krush for these delicious tips, now we just want to know, is there an age limit for Bento Boxes?

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Learn More

Organic Krush

Yumbox

Beauty Shop

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

Walk into CAP Beauty and you are instantly transported to a land of luxurious all natural wellness. From the supplements to the teas, to the shampoos, face oils lip balms and a stellar offering for mamas and babies, CAP Beauty is our dream beauty cabinet, kitchen pantry, nursery and vision of an organic lifestyle all rolled into one. This west village zen-den is the brainchild of Kerrilynn Pamer and Cindy DiPrima, friends of 20 years who set out to create a modern, inspiring and inclusive home for the amazing world of naturals. They consider it a "clubhouse" for people to discover the power of plants, make new friends and elevate the way they feel both inside and out. Well this club is growing, most recently with the addition of a West Coast shop coming this fall in the new Fred Segal Sunset Boulevard location, a new website AND an anti-inflammatory CBD adaptogenic oil, The Daily Hit. We sat down with this incredible pair to get the lowdown on the shop, how they choose the line-up and why bee pollen makes for a pretty sweet dessert staple.

So obviously we are obsessed with your shop. Can you describe the “trigger moment” in launching the shop?

When I found out that I had celiac I added a small category of natural beauty to my previous store Castor & Pollux. The response was fantastic, my clients were engaged in a way that I had never seen before and I decided that the world deserved a spot that was inspiring, modern, inclusive and filled with health. CAP Beauty was born.

How do you determine what you're going to buy or showcase for the store? Are there certain checklists you have for a product or brand?

Since there isn't a standardized definition of what “natural” means, we have an in-house definition that all products we carry are free from synthetics. Once that’s been established, we look for products that are effective, a joy to use and speak to us on some level. This can be a very intuitive process or one that is heavy on science, it depends on what product we are considering.

Why do you think there is such a focus on wellness and what do you attribute it to?

Technological advances and our fast-paced way of life have made for a complex and nuanced world. We believe that the rise in self care and wellness is a reaction to everything moving so quickly around us. When we take care of ourselves we are better able to take care of others.

Cindy’s Faves

Kerilynn's Faves

Totally. How do you think the wellness beauty movement, and life at CAP Beauty, has impacted your parenting style, if at all?

Cindy's kids are schooled in yoga poses and ask for bee pollen on their ice cream instead of sprinkles! They are interested in health and have picked up practices simply by being exposed to it through osmosis at home and out in the world.

Must try the bee pollen move! OK lastly, what makes you fly?

Meditation, exercise, spending time with friends and eating the most life-giving foods around allows us to soar.

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Learn More

Cap Beauty

Immunity

When it comes to Aubrey Levitt, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. As the founder of Immunity, an incredible herbal probiotic, Aubrey was raised by a mother who was very into alternative medicine. “She turned our suburban lawn into an organic garden with compost,” said Aubrey. “We had herb books around the house.” When her mother was diagnosed with liver cancer, she went to Mexico for Gerson’s therapy, a program that encourages the body to fend off illness through an organic, vegetarian diet. Between the constant juices and illegal medications, her mother’s illness became a huge financial burden that changed Aubrey’s perspective on healthcare and what we put into our bodies. As an adult Aubrey suffered from digestive issues, hormonal imbalances and anxiety. When traditional doctors were dumbfounded, she again looked to all natural aides and eventually came up with her best selling supplement. Immunity reduces stress by cleaning up the gut, which in turn stimulates and supports the immune system and lessens the negative impact of stressors on the mind and body. We sat down with Aubrey to learn more about probiotics, her morning rituals and the key to starting a business.

Confession...we love Immunity. Can you describe your background and your journey in creating it? What was your trigger moment when Immunity was born?

Immunity was birthed naturally out of a previous line of herbal tonic and elixirs. I was in fight or flight from 6 months old, which led to being sick often, taking rounds of antibiotics, in turn creating more stress. I tried various cleanses and healing modalities, looking for a way to reset my body and build resiliency to stress. I was very lucky, because I was taught tools like meditation at a young age. But my body still needed a jumpstart. Things changed when I was introduced to the microbiome and the role the gut can play in mood and stress.

Why are probiotics so important and what about your ingredients specifically? What make Immunity special?

The fermented herbs target stress. One of the biggest factors that can play into gut health is stress. When we are in fight or flight the environment in our gut changes and if that goes on for a long time, we are not supporting the body’s basic functions.

 

How did you manage starting this business?

Collaboration. I never really create anything alone and luckily so many angels have shown up along the way. I will say that starting a biz has been a crash course in personal growth. I’ve had to face all the parts of myself that make me uncomfortable.

Have you made any mistakes along the way and how have you learned from them?

Oh goodness, tons. I didn’t know a thing about operations. I really couldn’t plan logistics. I’m only slightly better at both, but I have learned how to trust my instinct and to fail. And that it doesn’t feel so bad to fail, unless it is a result of not trusting myself.

 

We love that. And it’s so true. Can you tell us, what is your "therapy?"

Walks along the ocean watching the waves crash, spending time with good friends, kids and yoga.

Can you describe your morning ritual?

Morning ritual is key for me, especially since my life can be so unstructured. Ideally, I wake up around 5:30/6:00, meditate and do a little yoga. Then I have my herbs and probiotics and head out to do something physical. When I come back home I look forward to espresso with fresh nut milk.

So good!  So we're sure there must be some exciting next steps in the works, is there anything you can share?  

We are really looking to bridge worlds, by making plant and probiotic remedies accessible. That will include personalized formulas in the future and setting a new standard in the industry with research. I am also passionate about starting a conversation around gut instincts and how listening to your gut can be key to happiness.

OK, you're stranded on a desert island, what are you five must-haves?

Ha, I have been asked this before. I’m a Virgo, so I’m pretty practical.

1)     Fire

2)     Water purifier

3)     A friend, preferably someone who has basic survival skills

4)     Chlorella tablets…

5)     Herb Books for identification

Yes!! And lastly, what makes you fly?

I try to fly in my dreams all the time. In life, I really love connection. I joke (but, it’s true) that I can fall in love with anyone within a few minutes. This used to feel like an oxymoron because I am also quite shy and a loner. Both are true.

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learn more

bodyandeden.com

Coffee Mate

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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Wellness coach Jamie Graber takes us through her morning coffee recipe (with a side of supplements) to get her body and mind aligned for the day. Perfect for your Monday AM caffeine kick, or any time you need a perk.

2 oz espresso
 

10 oz hot water
 

1 teaspoon maca
 

1/2 teaspoon cordyceps
 

1/2 teaspoon rhodiola
 

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
 

1 teaspoon ghee (Ancient Organic's is my favorite)

Blend the above ingredients
(You can also substitute espresso for 6 oz of coffee and 4 oz water)

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for more info

visit organicallyjamie.com

C Class

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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When we found out Joanna Vargas was launching a Vitamin C serum, we knew we needed to get in. On. That. We usually pop the vitamin in pill form as soon as we start sneezing, but we had no clue how great it is for the skin too. According to Joanna, Vitamin C is the prime building block for a great complexion and that it can aid any skin condition. Read on for more intel on this magical serum.

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A Wild Dove

OK so we need the Vitamin C breakdown. What exactly does Vitamin C do to the skin upon application?

Joanna Vargas

Vitamin C brightens the skin, evens out pigment, and reinforces your elasticity at the molecular level. It guards the skin against cell mutation, caused by exposure to sun and pollution in your everyday life.

A Wild Dove

Wow, ok. Major benefits it sounds like!

Joanna Vargas

It will also extend the life of your skin cells, so you will just look younger the more you use it!

A Wild Dove

Whoah. That sounds like magic! What about the classic Vitamin C pill? How does topical application compare to oral ingestion?

Joanna Vargas

They're similar in concept. Both provide the body with an extra layer of protection against cell mutations while reinforcing cellular function.

A Wild Dove

Are there any risks to Vitaminc C in topical application?

Joanna Vargas

Vitamin C is very unstable so you have to go with a trustworthy skincare line. It’s hard to maintain potency in the bottle. Also some formulas can be very drying. I tried to be very aware of those when creating my Rescue Serum.

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shop the story

Joanna Vargas Rescue Serum

A Beginner's Guide To Crystals

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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Are you intrigued by crystals but feeling intimidated? Like you want to try them but don’t know where to start? We got you. We spoke to Rashia Bell from The Cristalline who breaks down the power of crystals and their benefits in this quick hit guide. Her tips, below.

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My favorite crystal is...

“It depends on the day, but one of my must haves at all times is Selenite which is amazing at clearing the energetic body.”

When I'm feeling stressed, I use crystals to...

“Immediately create a shift in my energy. I use different stones for different things. Selenite to clear, Pyrite to protect, Black Tourmaline to ground, Citrine to focus and inspire."

It all depends on what I am trying to achieve in that moment. Crystals are so multifaceted in their ability to change how you feel.”

My favorite moment with crystals is...

“When I am about to go to bed at night. There is an immediate sense of calm that comes over me. I use my crystals to truly leave the day behind, invite new beginnings, access my subconscious energetic layers and create a greater sense of understanding oneself even while I sleep.”

My advice to someone discovering crystals is...

“Don’t be intimidated to try out different stones and explore different ways to work with them. And remember it isn’t about searching for the right crystals based on their meaning or trying to achieve a certain goal. If you seek them out, they will find you.  Just open yourself up, allow the stones to resonate and they may surprise you!”

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for more info

visit thecristalline.com

Too Kule For School

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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Nikki Kule was born into fashion. Here’s the gist - her father Gene Kule was the “King of Pants” having created the 1970’s clothing brand Happy Legs with her mother Arlene. Knowing she wanted to continue the biz’, Nikki attended Parsons The New School for Design in Paris and New York and honed her aesthetic around the world. She took a role with her family, but after having her first child, saw an opportunity to create luxe children’s wear by launching KULE in 2001. Soon after, chicsters from Amy Astley and Stella McCartney to Madonna came calling. Based on her initial success, Nikki then launched a full boy’s and girls line for Brooks Brothers. But as her children grew older, she decided to design women’s clothes to better serve her own passion.  She naturally gravitated towards stripes, and thus KULE was born. It’s become the de-facto must-have line for a cool Parisian-meets-New York take on the stripe. We spoke with Nikki about everything from horizontal lines to the little ones, and how she manages it all -

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A Wild Dove

What was the "trigger moment" for launching an exclusively striped collection?

Nikki Kule

Stripes have consistently been included in all of my collections, starting from my first season for the KULE children’s line. When I decided to transition my business from children’s to women’s, I wanted to focus on something I truly loved.  Stripes make me happy. I had been searching for the perfect striped shirt my whole life.  Since I have never found it, I figured it was time to stop searching and create it myself.

A Wild Dove

We couldn’t agree more! What’s a typical day like for you? Can you describe the different "hats" you wear?

Nikki Kule

Every day is a little different. I work closely with a great team in our Soho-based studio. One day I might be working with my team on a look-book shoot, and on other days I might have the phone plastered to my ear on conference calls with my factory.  My favorite days are when I am wearing headphones and designing the upcoming collection or creating content for our social platforms. One thing is consistent.  It’s very busy every day, but all of the hard work is worth it.

A Wild Dove

Being an entrepreneur, you must be learning a great deal along the way. What is one mistake you learned from?

Nikki Kule

The one mistake I have learned along the way is that I can’t be afraid. There was a time when I really wanted to design women’s clothes, but one of my close friends was a designer. As I didn’t want to compete, I started a children’s wear collection.  More recently, when I wanted to launch a women’s stripe focused collection, someone I knew had started one six months before me. Both times I changed my course since I didn’t want it to seem like I was copying them. I eventually went ahead and did it anyway since it was all I ever wanted to do.  I decided to chase my dream and not worry about what other people think.

A Wild Dove

What's the best advice you've been given?

Nikki Kule

A piece of advice I follow and often share, is to stay focused, trust your instincts and make decisions quickly. It’s easy to get caught up in trends and other people’s work. The only thing that will set me apart is me.  

A Wild Dove

We’re writing that one down. How do you stay balanced?

Nikki Kule

I always make sure to spend quality time with my family. We are really close and they help me stay grounded. I also love to run. I release so much stress and can rebalance simply by running and exercising.  I also love to stay in on the weekends, catch up on reading or watch old movies.

A Wild Dove

What are the next steps for Kule?

Nikki Kule

While stripes will always remain the focus of the collection, I am slowly expanding our accessories and outerwear categories. We are also introducing a Resort and Summer collection for the first time in 2018. And I have a secret project in the works right now with a long time friend that I am so excited to share later this summer.

A Wild Dove

Who are your style icons?

Nikki Kule

To name a few of the obvious - Lauren Hutton, Jane Birkin, Lauren Bacall, Sofia Coppola and Alexa Chung. To name a few of the not so obvious, my mother Arlene Kule, who taught me about quality and taste and Ruth Shuman, who founded the charity Publicolor. Both are inspirations inside and out.

A Wild Dove

What makes you fly?

Nikki Kule

Stripes!! They make me happy. Not to be literal, but my airport uniform always includes a striped top because who doesn’t want to be happy when they travel?

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for more info

visit kule.com

Hanging On A Rope

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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Think jump rope is solely for grade school games during recess? Think again. Amanda Kloots is bringing our favorite childhood activity to adults through her intense workout, The Rope. Amanda founded the class after working as a private trainer and saw how awesome jumping rope can be for cardio, strength training and agility work. She started experimenting on her clients and suddenly realize she had discovered something unique. We can tell you, firsthand, it works! We sat down with Amanda to talk through this amazing workout and its benefits, and how she manages to stay balanced while building The Rope’s future (hint, it involves launching her own jump rope!) Our conversation, below.

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A Wild Dove

The Rope is such a kick ass workout. Can you detail the benefits of jumping rope?

A Wild Dove

Jumping rope is literally one of the best exercises one can do!  It tones your entire body while torching calories and shrinking body fat! In my class I focus on four themes while jumping - warmup, coordination, endurance, and speed.  Warmup works on perfecting your basic jump and getting your heart rate up.  In coordination, I add in fancy footwork to connect your brain to your body, which strengthens your brain and helps with agility.  Endurance is the third interval.  In this sequence I encourage everyone to jump at a certain tempo for a longer period of time to build their endurance. Lastly, we work on speed and stamina by doing sprints. Whether you are a beginner or advanced jumper, you can work on on four themes and you see yourself get better with each class.

A Wild Dove

Your workout seems great for traveling, all you need is the rope! Can you walk us through some exercises we can do when we can't make it to your class?

Amanda Kloots

Absolutely!  If you are traveling, a great way to work in The Rope is to focus on intervals: 

• Begin jumping for two to three minutes and work in some planks to get your core fired up. Grab the rope in both hands and start toning your abs with standing abs leaning left and right, keeping your arms above your head.

• Start jumping again for another two to three minutes. Grab your rope above your head and work on some standing lunges pulling the rope down toward your body to get an upper body workout as well! After completing lunges on both right and left sides, begin jumping again for another three minutes.

• Throw your rope down on the floor in one line and hold a plank over your rope. Tap your right leg over to your left and then switch to the other side for three counts of eight. Do the same with your hands.

• Grab your rope and finish off this mini workout with another few minutes of jumping!

A Wild Dove

What are some tips for keeping good form while jumping rope?

Amanda Kloots

• Stay low! You don't need to jump higher than the rope thickness.

• Always keep your shoulders over your hips, your hips over your knees, and your knees over your ankles!

• Keep your elbows at your waist and your arms in a 90 degree angle.

• Make sure your abs are engaged, your glutes are tight, and your knees and feet are together

• BREATHE!

A Wild Dove

The Summer Series at the One and Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas sounds heavenly. Can you give us the inside scoop?

Amanda Kloots

This is the ultimate weekend getaway! I cannot say enough about the resort, it is gorgeous and the staff are fabulous. You get three workouts with me, one each morning! You also get a paddleboard lesson, lunches, dinners, and cocktails. The best part is you can get there in two-and-a-half hours and then it's absolute heaven!

A Wild Dove

Sounds it! You must have a crazy schedule, how do you stay balanced? Any rituals you can share?

Amanda Kloots

I have a hard time staying balanced but I do my best. I always take one day off a week where I let my body completely relax. I get medical massages each week and acupuncture when needed. I also am religious about icing my muscles and rolling out with a foam roller!

A Wild Dove

What are the next steps for The Rope?

Amanda Kloots

The next steps are super exciting. I am in the midst of creating my own jump rope!! Stay tuned!

A Wild Dove

Lastly, what makes you fly?

Amanda Kloots

I absolutely love teaching! I get so energized walking into a class and seeing everyone excited to work out. The endorphins after teaching a class that lasts for hours, I can't get enough!

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for more info

visit amandakloots.com or

check out the class schedule here

Joy Dushey’s “Joyful Approach” Retreat

Written and Photographed by Joy Dushey

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We spoke with Joy Dushey, founder of The Joyful Approach and M.O.F. (member of the flock) on her first-ever wellness retreat that provides the perfect reset for busy mamas and non-mamas, alike. Needless to say, we are IN on the next one and will bring you along with us. In the meantime, she tell us about her magical weekend away.

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My first “The Joyful Approach Retreat” was one of the most heightened experiences of my life. I created the retreat with the intention of bringing all kinds of women together to unite in a healing process through The Joyful Approach intensive workshop, with astrology integration, and daily yoga, all in beautiful Tulum, Mexico.

I collaborated with Alia Mai, a yoga instructor and founder of Kin Yoga Retreats in Tulum along with the outstanding astrologer Rose Theodora based in Los Angeles. Both Alia and Rose are contributors to The Joyful Approach and both incorporate spirituality to their teachings. The three of us worked thoroughly on creating an integrative retreat that would facilitate growth and healing through introspective work, as well as bringing awareness to the mind, body and spirit by creating a sacred space for women to open up and share in a safe environment.

The retreat was situated at Casa Violeta, a chic, tranquil hotel on the stunning white sand shores of Tulum. The hotel is family-owned and the staff pours love and care into every detail to ensure the guests feel comfortable, rejuvenated and can have a profound experience.  We were a total of 15 diverse women from New York, Los Angeles, Montreal, New Mexico, South Carolina and Steamboat Springs, CO. Out of the 15, nine of us are dedicated mamas trying to find the balance in our lives for self care and support in the day to day responsibilities that come along with mama-hood.

The morning began with a morning practice of meditation and Hatha Vinyasa. We then had a beautifully prepared breakfast set overlooking the ocean with delicious fruits and natural ingredient foods, such as pancakes made with ginger, almond and quinoa.

For the first two days, I taught The Joyful Approach curriculum.
The first day was based on the six fundamental components of the Joyful Approach holistic lifestyle: Sleep, Nutrition, Hydration, Breathing, Thinking and Movement. It was about raising awareness and  bringing the components into balance to create a more holistic approach to our lives. On each topic, we touched on supporting mamas in challenges they face. When we spoke on the importance of movement and time management, we talked through creative ideas of how to exercise with your child. I taught the importance of breathing throughout our day as well as dedicating time for meditation with mindfulness. I guided a meditation and stressed how important this is to avoid “reacting” with your child and learning to pause and breathe in moments of stress.

The second day was part two based on more emotional components and how we relate to each other, ourselves and the world. The components that support the six fundamentals such as “boundary setting”, setting intentions, core values, self love and living in authenticity. Boundary setting is an area I still work on day to day, so we all shared the importance of setting boundaries as mamas. Core Values are also an area for us to create clarity so that we can make choices as mamas with always having our core values in place.

On the third day, Rose led a powerful workshop on astrology. It was not only fun and exciting but also eye opening. Rose facilitated private sessions for each guest with an astrology reading based on their charts that were prepared in advance. She guided those that asked about their children’s signs and offered skills to orient with them with a better understanding of why they are the way they are!

After these workshops we broke for another delicious meal prepared with love and creativity for lunch.  There were a few hours left open for free time to go out on excursions and discover Tulum until our daily practice of Yin Yoga. This was a beautiful way for us to melt our minds and bodies into deep relaxation.

We had elegant dinners that were also tons of fun. It was a time where we could all share our experiences from the day in an intimate setting or someone would prepare a speech and bring gifts for the group.

We were blessed to have a sound bath with the amazing Alesandra Montana of Suhuy Multi Vibrational Therapy after dinner. We layed comfortably on our mats in the darkness with the warm breeze brushing our faces, the smell of Kopal in the air and surrendered to the sound waves and harmonic vibrations. The several sound instruments included quartz, crystal, Tibetan bowls, Chinese gongs, mayan shells, didgeridoo and human voice that all helped to restore inner balance. It was complete magic.

Another highlight of the retreat was a pop up shop of Kimonos hand sewn with intention by my LA sister Rita Ghanime. There were also beautiful dream catchers designed by Alia Mai, hand-knit crochet bikinis by Laguna Collective, and essential oils I brought with me from my teacher David Elliot, along with Lavendar silk eye pillows from Lara Elliot made with her Reiki light.

The last powerful event was my facilitating a group Breathwork healing session. I have had groundbreaking transformative experiences with this style of Pranayama Breathwork. With my intention to be able to share this with the world. I witnessed these women letting go, feeling safe to experience cathartic journeys and free themselves through endorphin release. When the session ended we stayed in this space of radiant love, we were laughing, crying, and playing like we were children again. It was beautiful and a memory that will stay in my heart forever.

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For more info

visit TheJoyfulApproach.com

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.

Crystal Clear

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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An interior design firm that makes your home feel beautiful and functional? Yes please. An interior design firm that improves the energy of your home that makes it a happier place to live? Absolutely! Such is the premise behind The Cristalline, the firm founded in 2015 by Rashia Bell, a crystal healer and designer and Elizabeth Kohn, who’s also a designer. The pair most famously for placed crystals throughout the new studio of The Class by Taryn Toomey, including under its floorboards to keep in love, protection and healing while pushing negative energy out. They do the same for homes, inputting their design expertise while also determining the best place for say, a Rose Quartz to let love in or a Black Tourmaline to keep out electric currents. We were so inspired by The Cristalline’s work that we followed them into their client’s space to experience firsthand how it all comes together in the home.

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A Wild Dove

Now more than ever, balancing our energy in our physical space seems so needed. What was your trigger moment in deciding it would be your life's work?

Rashia Bell

It came out of a process of trying to balance my own energy, living in New York for so many years and constantly going. I was drawn to stones as a child and had worked in jewelry, so I loved being around stones. Years later I started to meditate but was continually defeated by my inability to focus. I had started collecting crystals and one day I decided to just take one and hold it in my hand. I felt the stone’s energy and the sensation racing up my arm. From there I went on to testing out different stones and seeing how different the energetic response was. As my knowledge with crystals increased, I realized that the cumulation of all of the different career paths was to merge crystals and interior design in an effort to both balance one’s energy and the spaces they inhabit.

A Wild Dove

Such a wonderful idea. Can you tell us about the services The Cristalline offers?

Rashia Bell

We aim to have The Cristalline be a full-service lifestyle company that helps you create balanced energy within all areas of your life. We believe that your home is the foundation for having a “well life.” Our specialized offerings include our Energetic Interior Design Services. These start with an assessment of the current state of your space both energetically and aesthetically, identifying imbalances and space challenges. We then offer recommendations to help create a space that is balanced in function, design and energetic perspective, incorporating crystals. From there we then delve further into the more traditional side of interior design in sourcing home furnishings, materials and space planning, but the unique aspect is really the merging of all of these components and how these changes can largely support your harmony and wellbeing. The most full-service layer of our work provides larger scale design services for the construction, project management and furnishings required for full space renovations. We also offer one-on-one private crystal healing experiences and workshops to introduce people to crystals. We do private crystal events and host wellness experiences, such as the Wellness Escape that took place in May in Colombia.

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A Wild Dove

That sounds amazing. We can’t wait to have you over!
So if someone wanted to explore crystals on their own, how would they best go about it?

Rashia Bell

The best way to explore crystals is to experience them. Go to a shop, touch and feel them, note the textures, shapes and sizes, then ask questions about them. I believe those interactions are a great introduction to crystals and once your interest is piqued, you learn about them in other ways. Our Crystal Healing workshops are often the first place that people come when wanting to learn more about crystals. It's a joy to be able to provide a vehicle for them to be able to experience the stones firsthand in a relaxing environment.

A Wild Dove

Do you have a favorite crystal? (We promise we won’t tell the others)

Rashia Bell

It changes by the day and depends on my mood, energy level and what I am trying to work on. The crystals that definitely blew me away at first were stones such as Black Tourmaline, Hematite and Pyrite that block the Electromagnetic Frequencies that radiate off of our technology and all of our devices. I put them everywhere, on my cable box/wifi modem and on my cell phone at night. You cannot have enough of these stones especially living in NYC apartment buildings where we not only have to worry about our own devices but all of the other ones in the apartments around us.

A Wild Dove

What is the difference between your work with crystals and Feng Shui?

Rashia Bell

We are interior designers, and we are always looking at spaces with our aesthetic knowledge, our honed taste, and a trained eye. These tools give us the ability to grasp within a room the emotions and feelings that they evoke that are the result of beauty, proportion, fluidity, functionality. We instinctively know when a space does or doesn’t feel right and can immediately identify if it is the result of design, function, poor space planning or energetic factors. We help people attain the best flow and alignment between all of these elements.

A Wild Dove

We're sure there are some exciting projects and future plans for The Cristalline. Can you share some?

Rashia Bell

We did a collaboration with Onda, the natural beauty online destination. It is a Self-Care set of rough crystals coupled with our Himalayan salt bar. I spent five years as a cosmetics buyer, so it is fun when past and present lives collide. We are launching e-commerce, which will offer our personally selected crystals and exclusive designs for the home. We’re planning a soft launch this summer with a revamped website and full rollout in the fall. Additionally I am taking The Cristalline on the road within the US and South America to offer our services and events to those outside of New York. I love spreading the crystal love all around the word!

A Wild Dove

We can’t wait to check it all out! Lastly, what makes you fly?

Rashia Bell

As a designer the ability to travel is my oxygen. Discovering a new place, an unfamiliar culture, artisans and their crafts that is what inspires me most. I relish seeing crystals from where they grew from the earth. The history, the rawness, the ability to resonate with the fruits of the earth is a truly moving experience that never ceases to ignite my passion.

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The Cristalline’s Rashia Bell and Elizabeth Kohn take us through crystals and the how, which and where to incorporate them into your living space. Check out this easy guide below to bring some positive energy into your home.

Septer Amethyst (Bedroom Nightstand)

The Septer refers to the structure of this special type of Amethyst. Their pointed structure 'points' us in the direction of things we do not have, yet desire, and show us the path to how we can grow. I like Amethyst in the bedroom. It's a stone of protection so it creates a safe space for a restful sleep.

White Quartz Crystal Geode
(living room)

We like to use large geodes in the home because they help maintain clear energy flow within spaces.

Barite, White Calcite and Pyrite (Bedroom Dresser)

Barite (top left) - helps to uncover dreams and access the spiritual world.

White Calcite with Pyrite (middle right) - Both of these are viewed as protection stones. White Calcite is a very grounding and calming stone, and pyrite helps to block negative energy.

Pyrite (bottom left) - Pyrite also helps to block the EMF frequencies from technology.

Apophyllite & Stilbite (Bathroom)

Apophyllite is a gentle, beautiful stone that helps one to forge a spiritual connection. Stilbite clears the energy of the mind so that one can find inner peace and take charge in discovering dreams and desires. We like to use this stone in bedrooms and bathrooms because it helps create very serene energy in it's surroundings.

Celestite (Foyer)

This is a calming and uplifting stone that helps to create universal energy. In the entry of the home, it helps to maintain stable energy levels by blocking outside noise and distractions.

Kyanite with Clear Quartz  (Kids Room)

We chose this blue kyanite for a young child’s room because it is a very nurturing stone that enhances communication and expression to support development and learning. It is a great stone for children as they learn to read and articulate themselves.

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For more info

visit TheCristalline.com

Title Change

Written by A Wild Dove | Photographed by Eric White

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Jamie Graber recently made a change, a big one. After seven years owning the popular West Village cafe Gingersnaps Organic, she chose to focus on wellness and lifestyle coaching and recently launched her new website Organically Jamie. It’s not easy to make a change as an adult, and we wouldn’t be alone in often wondering, “What If?” We spoke with Jamie on how she came to make that leap of faith and what’s lies ahead in her next chapter.

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A Wild Dove

So you’ve made a huge transition recently. Many of us are probably experiencing similar desires to make a change but we fear what lies ahead. Can you walk us through your thought process in making the change and offer some guidance for our readers?

Jamie Graber

It was a difficult decision and one that I took a long time to make. As the years rolled along with Gingersnap’s I felt less and less inspired. I sat with that and noticed that I was feeling depressed and each day it was more difficult for me to get up and go. Once I got there, I would see the customers and light up, but often I had to go handle some store emergency. I made lists of the things that lit me up and then lists of what I spent my day doing. I took a look at those lists and saw that they were very different and it was in that moment that I knew I had to make a huge change.

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My advice is meditate and journal for a month. Notice what you do daily that makes you happy and what doesn't.
Make lists and compare them. Get a coach to help you navigate making changes.

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A Wild Dove

We love how you refer to your work as Cognitive Reframing Sessions. Can you tell us what that means and share what those sessions are like?

Jamie Graber

It is the idea that you have the ability to choose the way you see the world.  We can choose to see life as happening to us or for us. It is your perception that will change the outcome and the journey. It is finding out the thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back and training yourself to see it differently. It is behavioral training that changes the way you perceive the world. It is similar to the Law of Attraction, but goes deeper than that. You have to sit and see what your blocks are and then we do the work to remove them, through pattern changing and Reiki, which is a subtle body energy work that helps facilitate block removals.

A Wild Dove

That makes total sense to us. Especially since we're all trying the be the best versions of ourselves.
For the busy mamas you coach, what is some advice to help them balance, restore and thrive?

Jamie Graber

Start with knowing that there is a reason they tell you to put your mask on first during the safety portion of flights. You can’t be of service to your family without taking care of yourself first, and that is not being selfish. Finding a way to move your body at least 45 minutes a few times a week. There are so many options. The important part is finding something that works for you, something that is fun and therapeutic.  And I would say a daily, nonnegotiable is to sit quiet for a minimum of 10 minutes and do some form of mediation.  This can be mantra based, guided, anything that helps you sit quiet, and breathe.  Long breaths in and out.

A Wild Dove

Food and cleansing was also such a big part of Gingersnaps, how do you think those themes parlay into the work you're doing now?

Jamie Graber

It all goes back to prioritizing yourself and doing things that make you feel good.  Everyone feels better when they are making conscious choices, whether food, thoughts, company. Some sessions are mostly about food, but that is just a small part.  It is the deeper feelings of self worth that most people have to work on.  When you are loving yourself, it is so much easier to make better food choices.

A Wild Dove

It’s amazing to see you truly following your heart. What are some suggestions you can give to others seeking to empower themselves and follow their dreams?

Jamie Graber

Meditate, sit, quiet your mind.  Take the time to really observe what you are doing daily and see if that is bringing you closer to what you really want. I can’t say enough how important I think having a coach can be. The ability to have someone who can be objective about what they see as your blind spots and then holding you accountable is priceless.

A Wild Dove

What makes you fly?

Jamie Graber

Seeing clients, friends and family make changes in their lives based on our discussions. Laughing with my friends and family. Noticing all the blessings and love that surrounds me. Fun projects with my husband, we are currently copper electroforming crystals.

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For more info

visit organicallyjamie.com

The Skin We Live In

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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There’s a reason Naomi Watts and Julianne Moore entrust their skin to Joanna Vargas, facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection. Not only are her products amazing, but Joanna’s philosophy centers around caring for the complexion from the inside and out. It’s not enough to have great serums and eye creams, but our diets must reflect healthy choices that will make us glow. So given the rising temps, we asked Joanna for a little advice on how to weather the summer transition and what it means for our skin. Her answers, below.

 

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A Wild Dove 

Ok, so we all need a skin detox after winter. Your Spring Clean Detox Facial sounds like magic. Can you tell us more about it?

Joanna Vargas 

I love seasonal product changes and treatments. The skin changes so much depending on weather and humidity levels. Detoxing after a long winter is something I think everyone should do, and greens are an excellent way to do that!

A Wild Dove 

Greens inside and out! For in-home maintenance, it sounds like the Daily Serum, aka "green juice for the skin," is an extension of the facial. Can you describe?

Joanna Vargas 

My all-natural Daily Serum is packed with vital greens and is inspired by my love of green juicing. It contains oat grass juice for the lymphatic system, chlorophyll for oxygenation, vitamins A, C, E, and F found in leafy greens, and hyaluronic acid. My favorite ingredient is galactoarabinan.  It causes more cell turnover than a glycolic but it’s anti-inflammatory, so it doesn't cause irritation. It's the top selling product in my salon because it works for everyone and it’s my secret weapon for dull skin.

A Wild Dove 

That sounds amazing. How do you refresh your skin to transition it into spring/summer? Either through treatments or product changes?

Joanna Vargas 

Spring and summer skin needs less moisture but just as much TLC because of our increased exposure to the environment. A change in the weather really changes the needs of our skin. Once the weather gets warmer, I suggest changing your skincare routine to just serums. In addition to my Daily Serum, I also have a nighttime formula called Rejuvenating Serum, which is made from argan oil for vitamin C, jojoba oil for balancing oil production, olive oil, a skin softener, neroli oil for better circulation, and rose hip oil for environmental protection. It improves your skin’s ability to heal and the texture of the skin.

I also always encourage people to carry a little bottle of rose water spray in their bag. Rose is awesome for hydrating skin when mixed with water and feels incredible when you are getting sticky from walking around outside.

A Wild Dove 

Wow! Well, we love it and now we know why! What are some the ways we can avoid breakouts and oily complexions in the summer heat?

Joanna Vargas 

Summer skin gets stressed immediately after our first big weekend in the sun. Not only does our skin have to adjust to the drying effects of air conditioning, we have the sun, sweat, pollution and sunscreen all attacking our skin! It's hard to maintain great skin in the summer, but a good start is to exfoliate twice a week to clean pores and get rid of the dry dead cells on the surface of the skin.

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The Joanna Vargas Green Juice Recipe

• 4 leaves romaine

• 1 stalk celery

• 1 whole cucumber

• A handful of spinach

• A handful of parsley

• A handful of kale

• 1 whole apple

• A dash of lemon and ginger

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find out more

joannavargas.com

Spring Beauty That Is Sure To Spark Joy

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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Michael Anthony -

“This is a smoldering look with a more subtle palette using Marc Jacobs twinkle pop eye stick in 'Leila' with Anastasia Beverly Hills shadow palette in ‘Kim’”.

Ryan Austin -

"Whether it's bright orange or a dusty pink, adding a pop of color really helps your lifeless, washed-out summer hair feel like it's been upgraded. Not ready to make it permanent? Try colorful clip in extensions or Kevin Murphy’s 'Color Bug' hair chalk"

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Michael Anthony -

“For the festival or Margiela-inspired look, I went with shades of green in the lower lash line. I topped it off with 'In Extreme Dimension' mascara in 'Hottie with a Body' from MAC, which is LIME GREEN! It's part of the brand’s new range of colored mascaras which, on the lower lashes, is a super easy way to add a twist to your look.”

Denim Jacket by Balenciaga

Ryan Austin -

"For a really fun pool-to-party look, braid some bright pieces of fabric into your hair. I love to cut up a colorful bandana or a scarf and braid it in. Here I used multi-colored and metallic embroidery threads."

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Michael Anthony

“I’m loving the new Anastasia Beverly Hills GLOW kit in 'Aurora'. It has spacey cool shades that aren't usually found in highlighters. It’s a great spin on the craze of highlighting. I used the lavender shade called "Spectra" over the purple shadow and some of "Eclipse" on the skin.”

Headband by Miu Miu | Silk Tank by Nili Lotan
Rings by Jennifer Fisher

Ryan Austin

"Statement headbands and turbans are a great way to bring your not so polished summer looks to the next level. This Miu Miu one is PERFECT for summer."

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Michael Anthony -

"For a SULTRY worn-in look, I used a waterproof pencil along the lash line and some warmer tones throughout the crease and lid. Then I use a cream shadow from RMS, (which is a totally cruelty free vegan product line) with my fingertip to warm up the product, and I push it onto the lids."

Ryan Austin -

"High gloss hair has been a growing trend for a while but even though this is an effortless look, it takes some extra effort to achieve a polished wet look. Product is key!! Try something with a little more hold from the roots to mid-shaft like Oribe 'Gel Serum' and some Ouai 'Wave Spray' in the ends."

Top by Nili Lotan | Chandelier Earring by Aurelie Bidermann

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For more information 

visit Michaelfaces.com

and ryanaustinhair.com

Delicious for ALL Kids & Mamas- Jamie Graber's Allergy-Friendly Recipes

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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In honor of Allergy Awareness Week, we asked Jamie Graber, wellness coach and founder of Organically Jamie, to come up with some allergy-proof recipes for kids and mama’s that are as delicious as they are healthy. We’re talking the perfect concoctions for breakfast time, inside school lunchboxes, as well as for afternoon snacks. We guarantee that all children and adults, alike, will be begging for seconds.

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Homemade Hemp Milk is a great alternative to dairy, soy, nuts and processed boxed milks. You do not have to soak the seeds like you do for man nut milks.  This recipe can be adjusted, you can switch out the hemp seeds to sunflower or sesame seeds, or to nuts like Brazil nuts and almonds (for those without nut allergies). For the nuts, I like to soak them the night before, then rinse and ready.  This helps to remove the enzyme inhibitors that make it difficult to digest the almonds.

Ingredients

• Hemp Seeds

• Filtered Water

• Blender or Nutri Bullet

• Nut Milk Bag Pure Joy Planet Nut Milk Bag)

• Salt

• Dates or Coconut Palm Sugar

• Vanilla

Instructions

1. In a blender, pour 1 cup of Hemp Seeds and blend with 3 cups of filtered water. If you want to make a smaller batch in a NutriBullet, half the recipe.
   

2. Blend the water and seeds for about 1 minute.
   

3. Drape the nut milk bag around a glass jar and pour the contents of the blender through the bag.
   

4. Once the liquid has been separated from the seeds, you are finished.

If you want to make it sweet pour the separated liquid back into the blender. The amount of sweetener can be adjusted for your taste preference.  

ADD Either

• A pinch of Himalayan Sea Salt

• A teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

• Pitted Dates OR

• A tablespoon of Coconut Palm Sugar .

instructions

1. Blend all the above, then pour back into your glass jar and done. The milk should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.

This milk can be used for cereals, overnight oats, chia pudding, smoothies and coffee! You can also lightly heat it up (so it's warm to the touch, but not hot) and blend in some of your favorite adaptogens to make a nice elixir.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh Hemp Milk

• Chia Seeds

• Cinammon (optional)

Instructions

1. Take 2 cups of freshly made hemp milk
   

2. Pour over 1/2 cup of Chia Seeds
   

3. Add a pinch of cinnamon to taste (optional)
   

4. Whisk all of the above and let sit for about an hour, until it becomes gelatinous (or let them soak overnight)

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These are a great gluten free option (and also an alternative to processed chips that often contain unhealthy oils).

Ingredients

• Himalayan Sea Salt

• Thin Baking Sheet

• A mandolin - (I use a Benriner Japanese Mandolin Vegetable Slicer)

• Cooking spray, either Coconut oil
  or Avocado Oil

• Non Slip Silicone Baking Mat -
  (I prefer A Silpat)

• You can use Beets, Potatoes, Yucca, Yams etc... (For a sweet version use Sweet Potatoes, Coconut Oil and Cinnamon)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to bake at 300 degrees
   

2. Wash and peel vegetable of choice (I personally leave the skin on my potatoes)
   

3. Carefully, thinly slice your vegetable on the mandolin
   

4. Place your baking mat on your baking sheet
   

5. Lightly spray the sheet with coconut or avocado oil
   

6. Carefully lay the sliced vegetables on the sheet not overlapping
   

7. Sprinkle a bit of Himalayan sea salt on top
   

8. Place in the oven for about 20-30 minute and start checking on them in 10 minutes

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find out more

OrganicallyJamie.com

Itsy Bitsy Brainfood

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

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Allergies are a topic that’s close to our hearts. Lynn’s son Callum has a nut allergy, and his safety is something she’s always thinking about - whether on a plane (more on that later), at a birthday party, or in the school cafeteria. So in honor of Allergy Awareness Week, we are introducing snacks, recipes and brands that we’ve relied on over the last few years so that our kids can feel like they’re not missing out at meal time and actually enjoy what they’re eating.

First up is Bitsy’s Brainfood. Maggie Jones and Alex Buckley are the brains behind this genius brand, where each cookie, cracker and chip features all-natural, healthy ingredients that are totally nut-free. (The brand’s Smart Crackers and Cookies are made in a peanut and tree nut free facility while the cereals are made in a peanut and egg free facility). The pair started the line after working for a non-profit organization that focused on empowering children through healthy eating. We sat down with these inspiring women, where we talked allergy awareness, a devotion to authenticity and why showing off those veggies is so important.

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A Wild Dove

So we are all about empowering mamas as well as children. Can you tell us your “trigger moment” in developing Bitsy's Brainfood?

Bitsy’s Brainfood

It began with empowering kids. As mothers, we realized how few options existed when it came to organic, packaged, and authentically nutritious food that kids would actually eat!  And so we felt that by creating snacks that were more than a nutritional net-neutral, we’d be empowering parents like us, whose energy for food battles might otherwise end in an official position vaguely resembling all Cheez-its, all the time.

A Wild Dove

Uhhh yup! Right here. What we love so much about Bitsy’s is your honesty and transparency. That's our philosophy too. Can you tell us about making that call, which feels so different than what others are doing? 

Bitsy’s Brainfood

For better or worse, we really don’t know any other way! It’s a funny thing. That commitment to honesty has both created our most considerable challenges and formed the foundation of our brand. It started with the idea that while efficient in the short run, it was fundamentally counterproductive to “trick” kids into eating vegetables. We were excited about our ingredients, not pretending to be junk, and we wanted to get kids excited, too. Sticking to our principles on this—refusing to reformulate—was a big risk. But we think we moved an invisible needle.

A Wild Dove

Totally. Why hide what they should be eating anyway? That’s how we feel. We also love that you're nut free. With a nut allergy in our family that’s an added bonus, since your products are already so delicious as it is.
What influenced that decision? 

Bitsy’s Brainfood

So many families struggle with allergies, and the rise of children with anaphylactic nut allergies has been alarming, to say the least. This means that increasingly, all of us—whether ours is a family with allergies, or not—are called upon to keep kids safe. As a brand created by mothers for kids, we felt strongly that our products be safe for school and that we provide options for as many families as we’re able.

A Wild Dove

Now for the million dollar question. How on earth do you make your products so yummy?!

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Bitsy’s Brainfood

We’ve put a lot of research and work into testing and tasting every single bit of every single Bitsy’s product, because we know that if we want kids (and families!) to choose healthy, then our products have to been as good-tasting as they are good for you. But the secret is in the real, nutritious ingredients. It’s true.

Gabi wears tee by Beau LOves UK | Callum wears tee by Mini Rodini

A Wild Dove

We believe you. And we’re loving everything you do. Thank you for sitting down with us and sharing your story. Lastly, what makes you fly?

Bitsy’s Brainfood

When you’ve had a dream for a while and have been working on it for a few years, there can be times when it feels like such an uphill battle. But then we meet a new person who didn’t know about Bitsy’s, and she’s excited to learn what we’re about. And those moments are so reinvigorating. They remind us that there’s so much potential for growth, so much good work to be done, and that what we’re working on matters.

Images of Alex, Maggie, and family courtesy of Bitsy's Brainfood

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For more information

visit Bitsysbrainfood.com