Looking for a place to relax and get in touch with nature, do some yoga, read a book.  I came across this gorgeous rental property in Woodstock, NY.   The Waterfall House.

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The Sanctuary is a beautiful, simple solution to getting all of your plug in devices under control. The simply chic white box hides a universal charger compatible with over 1500 electronic devices from most major brands and a USB port allowing hundreds more electronic devices to be charged using just The Sanctuary. You can charge your cell phone, PDA, Blackberry, iPod, MP3 player, and bluetooth headset simultaneously in one location.

The Sanctuary by Blue Lounge

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It’s Earth Day 2008, where is your favorite CEO?

This Earth Day Many many eco-minded CEO’s could be found at the Fortune Green Conference -that is  great news. I am sure there are many high level strategic topics being discussed, but the one thing that I did come across was a blog reference to a conference highlight about a new “eco-inspired” laptop by Dell.

According to the blog post on  Earth2tech , Michael Dell revealed what looks like a laptop encased in a bamboo box. “Dell said the computer is 81 percent smaller than a standard desktop, uses 70 percent less power and is filled with recycled materials like old bottles, milk jugs and detergent cases. While Dell wouldn’t give the name of the bamboo box, he said the product would come out later this year and would likely range in price betwen $500 and $700.”

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According to a post on the Green Car Congress blog, a University of Virginia study by funded by the National Science Foundation found that “air pollution from power plants and automobiles is diminishing the fragrance of flowers and thereby inhibiting the ability of pollinating insects to follow scent trails to their source. This could partially explain why wild populations of some pollinators, particularly bees, are declining in several areas of the world, including California and the Netherlands. ”

“The scent molecules produced by flowers in a less polluted environment, such as in the 1800s, could travel for roughly 1,000 to 1,200 meters; but in today’s polluted environment downwind of major cites, they may travel only 200 to 300 meters. This makes it increasingly difficult for pollinators to locate the flowers.” - Co-author Jose D. Fuentes, a professor of environmental sciences, at UVa.

The researchers believe that air pollution, especially during the peak period of summer, may be a factor. “To investigate this, they created a mathematical model of how the scents of flowers travel with the wind. The scent molecules produced by flowers are very volatile and they quickly bond with pollutants such as ozone, hydroxyl and nitrate radicals, which destroy the aromas they produce. This means that instead of traveling intact for long distances with the wind, the scents are chemically altered and the flowers, in a sense, no longer smell like flowers. This forces pollinators to search farther and longer and possibly to rely more on sight and less on smell.”

It quickly became apparent that air pollution destroys the aroma of flowers, by as much as 90 percent from periods before automobiles and heavy industry. And the more air pollution there is in a region, the greater the destruction of the flower scents.

Source: Quinn S. McFrederick, James C. Kathilankal and Jose D. Fuentes; Air pollution modifies floral scent trails; Atmospheric Environment Volume 42, Issue 10, March 2008, Pages 2336-2348 DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2007.12.033

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This is the perfect time of year to take a road trip to Stockbridge, Mass and visit Kripalu . This place has one of the very best yoga shops I have been to -where you can spend hours upon hours-browsing for CD’s, incence, books, jewelry, potions + lotions, yoga mats, yoga clothes and meditation pillows. Kripalu , with all due respect, is much more than a yoga shop, it offers hundreds of classes that can take your yoga practice to a new level.

The facility itself is a little bit ominous from the outside, but just get yourself inside, and into a class or seminar and you will begin to understand why it is one of the havens of yoga on the East Coast. Kripalu overlooks a beautiful lake and just the scenery alone can align your senses. On your trip to Kripalu, do stop in the adorable + historic town of Lenox , Mass featured in the NY Times and do try Betty’s Surf Pizza.

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Springtime is here. The birds are chirping and my feet are screaming. For me, spring means that maybe it is time to take off my Ugg boots . Thankfully, I have my Havaianas Flip Flops to switch into. There is a new style that I have my eye on-The Buddah Flip Flop-which is not yet available on the Havaianas website. But to each his/her own, there are hundreds of great looking flip flops to choose from on their site. By far, Havaianas are the greatest looking, best feeling flip flops I have put on my yogi feet.

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Dr. Mao’s Secrets of Longevity is a great source of health & wellness tips and is featured on Yahoo! His most recent post talks about how to create  some inner peace during the 40+ per week you might spend in an office environment.  Here are a few of his tips that are easy to implement:

“Set Boundaries- Are you the go-to person for every favor and question that is needed in your workplace? Learn to respectfully set your boundaries and say no. Also, take a look at your calendar and make sure you are not over-scheduling yourself after work. Write in one night a week for yourself, and treat yourself to a tai chi or meditation class, a bath, or just an evening curled up with a good book. ”

“Skip the second latte, which stimulates your central nervous system, makes your mind race, and adds to your stress. Instead, try these simple and natural pick-me-ups:

• Take a tea break. Instead of coffee, go for teas that gently boost your energy, such as ginseng, eucalyptus, or ginger.

• Find ways to keep moving all day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Drink a glass of water from the water cooler every hour. Park your car a few blocks away from where you’re going. Not only will this perk up your energy, it will also improve your mood.

• If it’s a nice day outside, eat lunch outdoors or just take a walk around the block. The fresh air and the break from routine will be an invigorating addition to your workday.

• Get sustainable energy with snacks. Eat a snack at mid-morning and another one at mid-afternoon consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, or protein-rich foods like humus made from beans will help you sustain your energy and prevent low blood sugar from setting in.”

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Idealist.org  is a project from Action Without Borders, a non-profit organization founded in 1995. It’s a social network of individuals and organizations who exchange resources and ideas, locate opportunities and supporters, and take steps toward building a world where all people can lead free and dignified lives.

Quick Stats from Feed Blitz: : Population: 264 676, Nonprofit Jobs 8100, Volunteer opportunities 12 540, Organizations 74 219, Idealist Groups 656, Consultants 1008, Internships 1765, Programs 1709, People 140 029, Volunteers 75 436, Materials 7222, Speakers 3557, Events 684, Campaigns 589.

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Every once in a while , I stumble upon something really useful ! Here is a link to Tara Stiles’ personal Yoga Butt home practice . It’s advanced.  I know Tara is a Ford Model, but I’m not sure if she is a certified yoga teacher. I’ll check.  It i snice that she is sharing what she has learned from taking lots of classes!  So be careful-if you are not a yoga teacher..yourself. Tara has several short yoga videos on  www.fordmodel.tv

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This story came to me from aunt Chris ( who could win the nicest aunt in the world contest) , who is a breast cancer survivor. I think I was whining about something silly, like an early hot flash and she gladly took my call as if it were of major concern to her. After the call, she sent the link to Randy Pausch’s “last lecture” that appeared on Oprah. Maybe I was the only one who had not seen it , but it made an immediate impact on me.

Randy Pausch, 47, has pancreatic cancer, a terminal disease. He is also a popular professor at Carnegie Melon University. So far he has defied the odds, but the cancer has spread to his liver. His prognosis is poor. He said he did the lecture for his 3 children, and for me as a parent of 2 kids and a child who lost my mom to breast cancer ( at age 56), what he has done for his children is truly a gift.

With all the accolades, awards, donations and flowers my mom received after her death, one wish for me would have been for her to persoanlly share her dreams with me -like Pausch so bravely did for his kids and for the benefit of all.

I am wishing for a miracle for you, Randy Pausch. And I will take your message to heart and share it where I can. You just created one miracle for many to take notice of. Our lives. You were born to teach us all this course!

For the latest update on Randy USA Today April 7, 2008

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I just tried Botox, against my better judgement, but I had to give it a “shot” ! Nothing could have prepared me for the sound of needle breaking through the muscles in my forehead. Ouchh! Now, my one long worry line across my forehead is gone, but a simple task like putting on my mascara or putting in my contacts was almost impossible for a few weeks. I can’t explain it, but “the faces ” I make when applying mascara or putting in my lenses were no longer available to me on Botox.

Of course, right after I get the Botox, after stressing out about it for over a year, I see a book call Yoga Face Work Out. With just a few minutes of facial yoga a day, the book claims, in six months you’ll have tighter, more refined skin. Well thank you, thank you, Annelise Hagen! She is the Brooklyn-based yogi behind Yoga Face, an anti-aging regimen that promises to eliminate wrinkles and tone the muscles above the neck through a series of eye-popping, tongue-wagging, jaw-dropping moves.

Check Out the Yoga Face Class on the Rachel Ray Show.
Extra Tip: The Forehead Workout

The Yoga Face program, partly drawn from vocal training techniques used by actors, is comprised of facial exercises, body poses and breathing methods meant to detoxify the skin and lift the face naturally without the use of knives or needles.

“Facial muscles are involuntary muscles, they’re reflective of whatever we’re feeling,” said Hagen, who has taught yoga for more than 10 years and facial rejuvenation yoga for the past three. “It’s nice to know there’s a real solution.”

Recent Press: Daily News

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2008/01/03/2008-01-03_the_yoga_face_workout.html

Her Book : Yoga Face ( the link also shows many of the key facial “poses” ) Go Now, while you are still Botox-free!

http://us.penguingroup.com/static/html/hfb/yoga.html

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If you are a yogi and want to paint your studio, design a website, select a new yoga mat, here is a helpful resource in deciding what colors might work best for you and be “on trend”. Check out an interactive presentation on the Color Association website that kindly offers up this year’s trends in color and provides great direction. Notice how many colors are inspired by nature, with rich but muted tones.

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Have you ever thought of doing a “cleanse”. Lately, the subject has come up more than once. I found a  unique online resource that gives a comprehensive overview on cleansing.  Blue Print, makes cleansing as easy as 123. Juices can be delivered to your home. Let me know how it goes….!  Blue Print Cleanse

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If you don’t know Seane Corn, here’s a chance to get to know her better with a highly rated YouTube video clip. She is an amazing yoga teacher and an even more amazing advocate for bringing yoga “off the mat”. I heard she is also originally from New Jersey ( yeah Jersey!).

Do some yoga with Seane.

About Seane: “Seane Corn is co-creator, with Hala Khouri and Suzanne Sterling, of the Off the Mat, Into the World™ campaign, a program that aims to inspire and guide you to find and define your purpose and become active in your local or global community in an effective, sustainable, and joyful way. She also created the yoga program at the California based Children of the Night, a shelter that houses and educates adolescent prostitutes. As a National Yoga Ambassador, Corn is also a dedicated activist for YouthAIDS, whose mission is to raise funds, provide services, and spread national awareness surrounding this global emergency. : Omega website

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Finally, after two years it was time for a new mat. Switching mats is really an emotional moment for me. I have been looking and looking and finally found my new mat by JADE at the Kripalu gift shop. It is a luscious purple and has a a great grip and perfect thickness. When I was holding it while walking through Kripalu, I got a  “nice mat”  and  a ” wow what a great color” comment! If there are any other Jade Mat fans , click on the article title and post a reply!

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