2011
Sealing in 2011 with love
Here we are: the final week of the year.
As most of us are marinating in love, indulgence and happiness this holiday season, I wanted to take a small moment to seal in the year with reflection.
What kind of year has it been for you? What will you be taking with you into the New Year? What have you accomplished this year?
At IO, we’re grateful to have clocked in another successful and bountiful year, thanks to our talented San Francisco spa team and clients who are forever committed to a life full of WELLNESS. We’ve had another year resplendent with growth and success. And most of all, we’ve loved serving our new clients and loyal clients on a daily basis.
A few things for the year ahead: We turn 10 next year! So, get ready for an exciting year ahead in 2012.
From our hearts to yours, we thank you for another year of health, wellness and allowing us the opportunity to serve as a bridge to your better side.
See you in the new year,
Sofia
We’re in love: New In Fiore Masque Royale + Veloutée Lip and Eye Balm
Our latest skincare obsessions in our back bar (that’s code for our back of the house of professional use) are In Fiore’s new Masque Royale + Veloutée Lip and Eye balm.
We just can’t get enough of In Fiore’s newest products. Here’s why.
MASQUE ROYALE ($185)
More than meets the eye. While the name includes “masque,” don’t just think of it as so. The newest gem from our coveted In Fiore line, the royale delight can be used as both a mask and a deep overnight treatment crème. It’s the latter that our skincare team has fallen head over heels with.
Perfect for those who are seeking firm, toned skin. Supremely crafted as an ultra-fortified regenerative compound made with the wonder nutrient royal jelly, honey, Masque Royale rises above all the other masks currently on the market with this outstanding property: it contains over 30 floral constituents derived from rose petals, jasmine flowers, white peony, calendula blossoms, honeysuckle, rose hips, sacred blue lily, white lotus, and orange blossoms.
This decadent, rapid healing golden crème will leave your face feeling resplendent from temple to temple. (Acne-prone skin: you can use it too!)
VELOUTÉE Lip and Eye Balm ($58)
Like a world class traveler, this new balm packs it in with grace and style. Packaged in a beautiful gold compact, the multipurpose balm stands out from the crowd with its nourishing extracts of oils like carrot seed and resveratrol from Japanese bamboo. It’s more than nourishing, it goes 1 step further to counteract the environmental free radical damage and counter acts the development of fine lines around the eyes and lips. Read: everyone needs this!
Personally, we’ve been over-generous in our usage, applying on our eyes and lips hourly. But the impending winter season is upon us and the humectant properties of the new Veloutée is guaranteed to bring us bright eyed into the new year.
Royally yours,
Sofia
Yoga Student + Teacher of the Month
To seal in 2011, I bring you December’s featured student + teacher of the month:
Bridget Kavanaugh, who teaches an all levels vinyasa class on Monday and Fridays at 12noon at our San Francisco yoga studio and Holly Foster, a dedicated IO yogi who off the mat is a managing editor at an aquatics life sciences journal.
TEACHER OF THE MONTH Bridget Kavanaugh
HOMETOWN Grosse Pointe, Michigan
IDEA OF HAPPINESS Relaxing on sunny front porch after a really good yoga practice and catching up with loved ones
FAVORITE VACATION Any of the Spanish speaking countries
FAVORITE MUSIC TO PLAY IN CLASS Girish, Ben Harper, Michael Franti, Diogal, Carla Bruni, Bon Iver
SUPER HERO TALENT Miraculously finagling plane rides after my laundry list of stories and reasons for missing the flight
FAVORITE POSE Half moon and frog (a love/hate relationship!)
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS The papaya salad and green juice from Herbivore – yum!
MANTRA LISTEN, LAUGH AND LOVE as often as possible
STUDENT OF THE NONTH Holly Foster
HOMETOWN Toronto, Ontario, Canada
FAVORITE WRITERS Xinran, Paulo Coelho, F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Brontë sisters
FAVORITE VACATION Tough call…either Bermuda or Denmark/Sweden
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE YOU Allie Edison, Lindsay Thomson, Rosemary Garrison, Zed Zaremba
IDEAL SUNDAY A morning hike with my husband followed by a picnic lunch and the Sunday paper while relaxing by a campfire
5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY Being surrounded by nature, canoeing on a quiet lake, traveling to new places, curling up in front of the fire
FAVORITE POSE Supta baddha konasana and I love arm and standing balances
For more tidbits on Bridget and Holly, read their complete profiles on the yoga board located outside of the studio. For our complete IO yoga schedule, please visit our yoga schedule here.
If you’d like to nominate a student, email Lindsay at lindsay@internationalorange.com
Namaste,
Sofia
My IO favorite things: Holiday Gifts of Wellness
The season is officially upon us: the HOLIDAYS.
This time of year brings heightened stress for all. So this holiday, we’ve scoured the earth for simple, beautiful, handmade nesting gifts for the wellness enthusiast. We’ve stocked our shelves with a collection exclusively available at our San Francisco spa. It’s our IO peace offering, if you will.
Looking for ideas for everyone on your list? Here are my IO favorite things for holiday:
For the homebody: Miller et Bertaux Candle Collection ($56)
Stay home and smell the bliss. Straight from France, the unisex 3 scent candle collection designed by Parisian fashion house Miller et Bertaux is unisex, modern, militantly minimalist and inspired by the designers’ global wanderlust with Mexican churches and greenery in Asia.
Like our skincare philosophy, the candles are designed to be burned alone or to be layered with another Miller et Bertaux candle to create a unique home fragrance.
For the Urban Gardener: Grow Bottle Organic Herbs ($35)
Intelligent design for the urban gardener. Handcrafted from recycled restaurant wine bottles, each Grow Bottle, uses simple hydroponics (Read: NO DIRT!) to grow fresh culinary herbs year-round. Upcycled and completely composed of repurposed and reused materials. Available in Organic Basil, Organic Chives, Organic Oregano, Organic Parsley and Heirloom Mint.
For the world-class yogi: Handbeaten Tibetan Singing Bowls ($84-$325)
A gift of simply beauty and art. Each gold singing bowl is hand tuned by Indian skilled artisans and made with a special bell metal alloy that produces a unique sonic “voiceprint” and resonance when played. The perfect home décor. Available in 4 sizes: 4.75”, 6” 8” and 12”.
For the one who has it all: An IO Spa Gift Certificate
Make it easy on yourself. Gift the one who has it all an IO spa gift certificate. This way the recipient can select their treatment of choice and relax, unwind into the New Year with a massage, facial, acupuncture, yoga or all of the above.
For the jetsetter on-the-go: Handstiched Bengali Sari Blankets ($78)
The ultimate airplane companion. Handstitched from 6 layers of reclaimed brightly colored cotton saris, the one-of-a-kind fair-trade sari blankets are hand quilted together by women living in impoverished areas of Bangladesh. The purchase of each blanket provides the necessary educational, social, spiritual and vocational support to the women. Measures approximately 40” x 79”.
For the evolving fashionista: Matta NY Maya Necklace ($84)
One size fits all occasions. The Maya Necklace is a fashionista’s new best friend. The possibilities are endless. Wear as a bracelet, belt or necklace and she’ll be ready for her daily date with fashion. Available in saffon, ginger, fuscia, indigo, sierra, teal, moon, lilas, pacific and poppy.
For the mommy fashionista: Matta NY Shoulder bag ($110)
She’ll never leave home without it. Expressly unique and crafted from vintage Indian Kantha prints, the Matta NY Shoulder bag is the perfect fashionable diaper bag replacement and a force to be reckoned with. The beautifully vibrant prints carries everything your favorite mom (or mom-to-be) desires.
Happiest of holidays to you and yours,
Sofia
Allie Edison’s Inspired Yoga Playlist
Getting on the mat during lunchtime has been one of my favorite ways to break up the day and greet the sun at its peak.
This week, I took Allie Edison’s Tuesday 12noon 1-hour vinyasa class. Allie, who teaches Tuesday and Thursday at 12noon, brings a positive buoyancy and lightness to her classes through her practice and music.
So for you yogis who often find yourself asking, “What was that song during bridge pose?”
Here’s just the thing for you: Allie’s inspired playlist
PLAYLIST
- Hari Om by Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band
- This Realm by Natacha Atlas
- Who Needs Forever by Astrud Gilberto / Thievery Cooperation
- Air I Breath by Badmarsh and Shri (Kid Loco Remix)
- More Than This by Roxy Music
- Dust in the Wind by Daughter Darling
- Street Spirit (Fade Out) by Radiohead
- Here It Is by Leonard Cohen
- Fade Into You by Mazzy Star
- Dagger by Slowdive
- Blessed to be a Witness by Ben Harper
- First Light by Lifescapes
- Lavender Girl by Jarboe
- Happy listening and happy yoga.
Namaste,
Sofia
Being Thankful
Tomorrow is the day where we give thanks to the friends, the earth, good health, love and all the other good things under the sun.
In honor of this day or gratitude, I’ve decided to keep this one short and sweet. A time for reflection.
What are you thankful for?
Here’s to a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving to all,
Sofia
Dry Brushing 101 with Jodie Walker
At IO, we’re blessed with a talented team, dedicated to wellness at work and in life.
Jodie, a member of our San Francisco spa front desk team, is also a Certified Yoga Teacher, and knows a thing or two about a beautiful wellness technique called dry brushing.
So this week, I asked Jodie a few basic questions on the who, what, when, where and why’s of dry brushing.
What is dry brushing?
A technique of exfoliating with a dry, natural bristle brush that gently brushes the skin.
Why is it important?
Our skin is the first agent that comes in contact with the outside world, protecting us from chemicals and bacteria. So, we must do it justice by taking better care of it.
What are the benefits?
increases circulation
removes dead skin cells and stimulates new cell production
cleanses the lymph system, which in turn strengthens your immune system
detoxes the body, digestive and nervous systems
aids in tightening the skin, toning muscles and fighting cellulite!
What do I need?
A stiff-bristled brush. At our retail SHOP at IO, we sell beautiful Iris Hantverk natural brushes ($21-26), made by visually impaired Swedish craftsman.
When and where?
Best to brush before your shower, on a dry body in the morning and not right before bed.
What is the technique?
There is a specific way to dry brush the body – always towards the heart.
Begin either from the feet and work up or from the neck down. It doesn’t matter which way you start, but always, always, apply long, slow strokes towards the heart. It can actually cause stress to your lymph system by encouraging circulation away if you do the opposite.
Thanks Jodie for sharing your tips on dry brushing!
Brush it all away,
Sofia
Yoga Student + Teacher of the Month
Yogis, we’re closing in on 2011!
This month, I bring you November’s featured student + teacher: Ellie Bowman, who teaches a Level 1 Vinyasa class on Tuesday and Thursday at 7:45pm at our San Francisco yoga studio and Ben Jones, a dedicated IO yogi who works in commercial real estate.
TEACHER OF THE MONTH Ellie Bowman
HOMETOWN Syracuse, NY
IDEA OF HAPPINESS A morning of coffee and reading, a winding coastal bike ride, an amazing meal with my boyfriend, family and friends
FAVORITE VACATION Exploring what lies off the beaten path. And a little relaxing. Basically living like a local wherever I go.
FAVORITE ARTISTS Monet, Gaudi, Picasso
BEST AFTER YOGA SNACK Sushi
FAVORITE POSE Pigeon pose
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Cooking, baking, traveling, reading
MANTRA Follow your heart
STUDENT OF THE NONTH Ben Jones
HOMETOWN Cincinnati, OH
IDEA OF HAPPINESS Not working on Sundays
FAVORITE VACATION The beach
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE YOU My Parents
IDEAL SUNDAY It being sunny in San Francisco
4 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY Skiing, down time, soccer, the beach
FAVORITE POSE Anything that can get my back to loosen up
SUPER HERO TALENT Still working on it
For more tidbits on Ellie and Ben, read their complete profiles on the yoga board located outside of the studio.
For our complete IO yoga schedule, please visit our yoga schedule.
If you’d like to nominate a student, email Lindsay at lindsay@internationalorange.com
Namaste,
Sofia
Secrets in the Steam: Masks with Eleanor Bagley
Ooh, masks. Luxurious yet, intimidating.
In this Secrets in the Steam interview, esthetician Eleanor Bagley, helps us break down the reasons to (or not to) mask. Eleanor, when not at our San Francisco spa, can be found eating at small local restaurants or pursuing her other passion, fashion.
What is the purpose of a mask?
Masks are great for overall skin health and also good for treating skin conditions such as acne or dehydration.
Using different masks or mixing masks is appropriate when you’re trying to achieve results. A tip: select the appropriate mask for your skin type is important. For instance you wouldn’t want to put a drying clay mask on when your skin really needs hydration!
What are the benefits?
A quick fix to your skincare needs. Masks should be incorporated into your regimen when skin needs a pick me up. Some days your skin will feel dry, dull or broken out, and that’s the perfect time to mask!
How often should one mask?
Ideally 1-2 times per week or whenever the skin needs a little TLC. Or when you just feel like doing a mini treatment at home!
Best time/tips on how to apply a mask?
Apply a layer all over the face, neck and décolleté. Let the mask sit on your face for approximately 10- 15 minutes before you wash. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also apply the mask with a brush.
What is the difference between professional grade and over-the-counter masks?
Professional grade masks have higher concentrations of active ingredients. They are formulated to be blended with other ingredients such as higher concentrations of acids or enzymes and should only be applied by an esthetician.
Over-the-counter masks are intended to be a part of a complete skincare regime at home to help the integrity of the skin.
My all time favorite masks are:
Astara Blue Flame Mask ($41)
For impure skin. This mask contains powerful purifying ingredients such as tea tree and healing Kaolin clay. Great as a spot treatment as well.
Arcona Wine Hydrating Mask ($38)
This luxurious hydrating mask is jampacked with antioxidants and nourishing oils such as borage and macadamia to help quench dry and sensitive skin.
For triple threat masking, I love the Astara Mask Madness Kit ($61). This combo is purifying, hydrating and revitalizing. Also comes with a fun masking brush!
Thanks to Eleanor for the 101 on masks!
Here’s to masking the night away,
Sofia
Hydrating on Planes: OM of NM Hydrosols
I’ve been spending too much time on planes lately.
All this time at 30,000 ft has left me parched and with a new best friend: my OM of NM Lavender Hydrosol ($12).
Sad but true, I’ve become attached to my OM of NM Lavender Hydrosol, because it has keep me hydrated and free from germs (no more getting sick!).
Produced exclusively for our San Francisco spa by our IO-family farm, the OM of NM Hydrosols are pure water-based solutions with steam-distilled essential oils. Only 2 oz. each, the hydrosols are also travel-friendly and TSA-size approved.
The farm, Old Monticello Farms of New Mexico, is set in a mile-high valley of the Southwest, and produces a beautiful collection of 5 hydrosols: Flowering Mint, Lemon Verbena, Rose Geranium, Mountain Lavender and Wild Basil. Each is produced in strict adherence to organic standards.
I love all the scents, but lavender has been my golden ticket for its multi-purpose qualities: balancing, antiseptic and calming. In addition, hydrosols help to maintain skin pH balance and absorption of product ingredients.
How to use?
Throughout your flight and as needed, mist generously over face and body as a refresher. One word of caution: be careful not to mist too generously, as your neighbor may prefer to be scent-free!
Added bonus?
The lavender can even dual as a light fragrance so you don’t have plane smell when you land.
Spritz liberally,
Sofia
