Next time you see them in class, say hello!

NAME Sue Preston
HOMETOWN San Francisco
YEARS IN SF I split my time between Oakland and Sacramento – no longer living in the city of my birth!
PROFESSION Healthcare Compliance Director
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS My husband’s drumming accompanied by great friends, good food, and some fabulous libation!
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE I’m surrounded by teachers – they’re all inspiring. But my 7th grade teacher, Mrs. Curotto, always inspired me to travel.
GO-TO AFTER YOGA SNACK Let’s just say “comfort food”!!!
FAVORITE WRITERS I like discovering writers through my book club. Not sure I have an overall favorite.
FAVORITE ARTISTS Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs, Bette Midler, Garth Brooks. Oh, and Michaelango is pretty cool!
HEROES My younger sister Tess and my folks
SUPER-HERO TALENT I tell myself the funniest jokes!
FAVORITE TRIP Ireland. No matter where I go, it will always be Ireland
IDEAL SUNDAY Restorative Yoga with Tina
5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY My dog, my family, my girlfriends, my work…and a zen Sunday before heading to Tina’s class!
FAVORITE YOGA POSE Should be Instant Maui, but actually it’s lazy Buddha!
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Music, laughter, and the ocean
MANTRA It is what it is…

NAME Mandy Kondo
HOMETOWN Manitowoc, Wisconsin
YEARS IN SF 8 months
PROFESSION Yoga teacher
IDEA OF HAPPINESS Fullness with balance
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE YOU Patrick Creelman (from Hong Kong), Steph Snyder
FAVORITE WRITERS Steve Coll, B.K.S. Iyengar, Haruki Murakami, Jane Austen
FAVORITE ARTISTS March Chagall, Marcel Duchamp
GO-TO AFTER YOGA SNACK green smoothies — banana, frozen pineapple, mango, almond milk, kale and (the secret ingredient!) cilantro
FAVORITE TRIP Diving in Indonesia with my husband
FAVORITE POSE Tough one! Probably the transition from Urdhva Dhanurasana to handstand to Uttanasana & back…talk about feeling powerful!
HERO my sister, Kathleen – the hardest-working, most (brutally honest), and hilarious gal I know
5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY Yosemite, practicing with my HK teacher, scuba diving, animals, surprises
IDEAL SUNDAY Spent in the sunshine, barbecuing with close friends, and the ocean nearby
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS scuba diving, traveling, hiking/camping
MANTRA I am not these thoughts. I am not this body. I am everything. Everything is me.

For more tidbits on Sue and Mandy, 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

How and when should one apply eye products? Day and/or night?
Eye products can be applied both AM and PM. A daytime eye product should be hydrating, increase circulation and decrease puffiness as well as look great under makeup.

At night while our bodies are resting and repairing, your eye product should be busy regenerating your collagen and elastin and getting rid of your crows feet. Nighttime eye products sometimes have low doses of AHAs or retinol, which is good but not safe for daytime use because of increased sun sensitivity – sunburn around the eyes – ouch.

How does it affect eye makeup?
When applying eye products remember that the product will travel. So, gently dab the product all around the eye following the orbital bone – this should include the brow bone. Less is more with all facial creams and serums, but absolutely important with eye products. Never glob it on and do not apply products too close to the eye so as not to irritate the eye.

Is applying to the lid ok?
Most eye products are not intended for application to the lid, but there are a few that are safe for the whole eye. If the product is not labeled safe for the lid, absolutely do not apply it there.

Arcona’s Eye Serum and Peptide Eye Serum are both products that are super lightweight, hydrating and safe to swipe over the lids.

Realistically, how long will it take to see results?
Immediately after application the skin around the eye should feel soothed, hydrated, plump and de-puffed. When it comes to dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles you must be patient. These are conditions that took a long time to manifest so they take a good while to correct.

I think that it is safe to say that within 6-12 weeks you should see improvement. The eyes are really a reflection of your health and wellness. I use many great eye products but nothing works better than a lifestyle made up of low stress, lots of rest, exercise, a healthy diet and loads of water. I can’t say that I know anyone living this life – this is why we need great eye products I guess.

What are you favorite eye products?
I love In Fiore Vis Clair firming eye treatment – this product is great day or night. It is a lightweight serum packed with the highest quality herbal and floral ingredients. I love how it leaves the eyes looking refreshed and lively with the slightest hint of gloss. If you are looking for the ultimate treatment – try layering the In Fiore Veloutee lip and eye balm over the Vis Clair – Amazing!

My top pick for flawless makeup and a favorite among many makeup artists is the Arcona Eye Dew. It is viscous and a bit tacky, but applied with just the right touch (it works best if you dampen your fingertips before applying), looks perfect under makeup. With shea butter, hyaluronic acid, essential fatty acids and vitamin E, this product is super hydrating and anti-aging.

If you are serious about targeting fine lines and wrinkles or stubborn milia, Arcona The Eyes Have It is a great choice. You must remember that this is a treatment product and should only be used 1-2 times per week at night. This product has retinol and glycolic acid so it is great for refining, regenerating and stimulating circulation but absolutely must be used with caution.

Namaste,
Sofia

No ifs, ands, or eyes about it.

Are they really worth the $?
There is quite a range in prices of eye products, but I can safely say that there is an eye product out there for every budget. As far as I’m concerned, I will pay more for great quality organic foods just like I will for skin care. It is all going into my body. Spend more eat/use less is my motto.

How are they different from moisturizers?
The most important thing to remember about eye products is that they are developed strictly for the delicate skin surrounding the eye. This skin is the thinnest of the entire body.

So, when applying a facial moisturizer that may have high percentages of active ingredients like AHAs and retinols, you should be very careful to avoid the area.

Also, most moisturizers are heavier and made up of ingredients with larger molecules. This can be very congestive and heavy on the eye area causing sagging, blackheads and milia (a keratin filled cyst found just bellow the epidermis.)

A great eye product should be lightweight and penetrate quickly leaving the skin replenished, smooth and plumped.

When should one start using eye creams/serums?
When you feel like you need an eye cream you should go ahead and start. For some, that is as early as 18. When you are not well rested or are suffering from terrible allergies, a nice eye product can help make you feel a million times better and this can happen at any age.

If we are talking about anti-aging then I would say that mid-20s is a good time to start with an eye product.

Stay tuned for next week’s Part II, where Yolanda shares her expert tips on how to apply eye creams (Day or night? Is lid Ok?) and her top eye cream picks for all sorts of occasions.

Namaste,
Sofia

Next time you see them in class, say hello!

NAME Christie Matheson
HOMETOWN Boston, MA
YEARS IN SF 5
PROFESSION Writer and illustrator
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS Swimming in the ocean with my family (on the east coast in the summer—not in SF!)
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE Allie Edison (of IO; one of the kindest people I’ve ever met) and David Magone (founder of Pranavayu)
GO-TO AFTER YOGA SNACK Veggie sushi
FAVORITE WRITERS So hard to choose. E.B. White, Harper Lee, Mary Oliver
FAVORITE ARTISTS Also hard to choose. Eric Carle, Ian Falconer, Sabra Field, J.J. Sempe
HEROES Jane Goodall, teachers and nurses and doctors
SUPER-HERO TALENT Remembering dates and random details
FAVORITE TRIP My honeymoon in Bhutan
IDEAL SUNDAY A long run, a nap, a “hike” with my kiddos, time to read the paper
5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY Hearing my 2-year-old laugh and my almost-4-year-old sing (and vice versa), a good night of sleep, dinner with friends, another good night of sleep
FAVORITE YOGA POSE Ardha Chandrasana
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS My family, running (source of tight hips and hamstrings on the mat), children’s books, writing, making pictures, being outside
MANTRA Be grateful

NAME Haley Mannix
HOMETOWN St. Helena, Napa Valley, CA
YEARS IN SF Almost 4
PROFESSION Photography student, IO front desk
IDEA OF HAPPINESS Being around family and my beloved animals
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE YOU Nature, Travel, and Light
FAVORITE WRITERS Milan Kundera, Jane Austen, Heman Hesse
FAVORITE ARTISTS Group F/64 photographers, my peers, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bonobo, Zero 7, Air, Massive Attack
GO-TO AFTER YOGA SNACK Avocado
FAVORITE TRIP The year I called Barcelona home, and the many travels within that time
FAVORITE POSE Child’s pose and sun salutations
HERO My Dad. He’s my best friend and I will always strive to be the kind of human he is
5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY Autumn, Fog and rain, jazz, developing film, Point Reyes and Big Sur
IDEAL SUNDAY (aka Saturday) Watch the sunrise, yoga, breakfast and brunch, farmer’s market, an adventure up or down the coast and through the mountains, homemade dinner and early to bed.
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Cooking with whole and healing foods, exploring the city and nature, music I love, finding the light
MANTRA “Let go…”

For more tidbits on Christie and Haley, 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

Next time you see them in class, say hello!

NAME Joan McNicholl
HOMETOWN Chicago, Illinois
YEARS IN SF 12
PROFESSION Pharmacist/Biotech Industry Consultant
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS Time with my husband, dogs, family, and close friends
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE YOU My mom and dad; my yoga teachers – they all make me strive and believe “I can do it”! …just try and try again :)
GO-TO AFTER YOGA SNACK No such thing, usually head for a meal
FAVORITE WRITERS Jane Austin, Emily Griffin, Jhumpa Lahiri
FAVORITE ARTISTS Leonardo da Vinci, Paloma Picasso (Jewelry), Christian Louboutin (shoes)
SUPER-HERO TALENT Improvised cooking- give me a few key ingredients; I can make it a meal!
FAVORITE VACATION Italy –anytime
IDEAL SUNDAY Yoga followed by brunch with hubby, then a chill afternoon at the house
5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY Just chilling, hanging out with my hubby and dogs, making it to yoga at least three days a week, running to sweat the stress away, spending time with loved ones
FAVORITE YOGA POSE Tree pose
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Collecting shoes and purses
MANTRA Don’t sweat the small stuff

NAME Melissa Ferst
HOMETOWN Los Gatos, CA
YEARS IN SF 16
FAVORITE TRIP Careyes, Mexico and Kauai – beach and sun!
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS Seeing the success and happiness of my children and IO’s employees and learning so many lessons from both of them!
YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC Diva Primal, Norah Jones, Katy Perry and James Taylor
YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS Georgia O’Keefe, Annie Liebovitz, Sebastiao Salgado
YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS Anne Lamot, Molly Fumia (my mom!)
YOUR SUPERHERO TALENT Boundless courage
YOUR FAVORITE POSE Triangle
HEROES Ghandi and Martin Luther King
5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY Watching my kids play soccer and my husband coaching them, chocolate chip cookies, hugs, my 5 siblings, IO spa services
IDEAL SUNDAY Hanging with my family, eating good food, watching the Giants or 49ers, going on a hike with my best friend
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Being a mom and being a business owner
YOUR MANTRA “Let go…”

For more tidbits on Joan and Melissa, 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

This year I’ve been reflecting on the many ways we love because Valentine’s Day always conjures up mixed emotions (depending on your relationship status). Why must that be so?

One of the reasons is that there are many ways we, as humans, love.

The ways in which we choose to love can be as unique as we choose to make a living, maintain our wellness, or entertain ourselves. Being single or being in a relationship are both valid options for living a life, and one is not better than the other.

Being singe is a wonderful way to spend time discovering yourself. You have more space to decide how you want to live your life, without having to keep someone else’s in mind. You’ll also have pride on comes with facing life on your own terms.

Yet, on the other hand, companionship is equally comforting in a different way. Choosing to have a mate, brings an opportunity to share your discoveries, challenges and life with another person. And, like all chemical reactions, there is an inevitable transfer of energy that comes when 2 unique beings meet.

So, all this pressure for LOVE on the 14th? Push that all away. You’ve already got it – the many ways in which we LOVE.

With love,
Sofia

Next time you see them in class, say hello!

NAME Emilie
HOMETOWN Bedford, NY
YEARS IN SF 7
PROFESSION Advertising Director
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS Looking at the ocean
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE YOU All those who teach me to breathe and to live in the moment
GO-TO AFTER YOGA SNACK Cashews
FAVORITE WRITERS Gustave Flaubert, Kafka, F. Scott Fitzgerald
FAVORITE ARTISTS Picasso, Magritte
HEROES My friends
SUPER-HERO TALENT My NY taxi-hailing whistle
FAVORITE VACATION Traveling anywhere I have not been before
IDEAL SUNDAY Sleeping in, going for a hike, and prolonging the weekend with a good wine-infused dinner with friends
5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY Travel, the people in my life, molten chocolate desserts, dogs, a good sweat
FAVORITE YOGA POSE Pigeon and Crow (can’t decide, both noble creatures in their own right)
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Tennis, horseback riding, singing, skiing, travel, wine tasting, trying new restaurants
MANTRA Go where the love is

NAME Leslie Su
HOMETOWN a lovely little town in West Virginia: Vienna
YEARS IN SF 4 years in SF, 2 years and counting in Palo Alto!
FAVORITE VACATION My honeymoon! Maldives and a safari in Kenya (in that order).
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS An abundantly well-lived, and full life – complete with grace, good health, wholesome friendships, new discoveries, worldly travel, family love, and beauty.
BEST AFTER YOGA SNACK Fraiche yogurt. Obsessed with their Oreo flavor.
YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS Edgar Degas (my 1st love at age 5)
YOUR SUPERHERO TALENT Falling asleep at movies and being a country mouse and a city mouse all rolled-up in 1!
YOUR FAVORITE POSE Pigeon. Oh it hurts so good.
HEROES My mom and dad. And those who truly live by what they believe in.
5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY QT time with my best friend and husband Jeff, sunshine, seeing the world, being inspired, laughing with close friends and family.
IDEAL SUNDAY a good night’s sleep, sunshine, Farmer’s Market, a hike and a lil’ bit of shopping!
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS travel, fashion (anything J. Crew and Isabel Marant), party planning/event design, homemade cooking, fitness (training for my next road race or triathlon)
YOUR MANTRA Everything has beauty. Be grateful – to yourself and to others.

For more tidbits on Emily and Leslie, 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

Let us give you a few more reasons to lock in a good habit: our inaugural 31-Day Yoga Challenge, beginning October 1st.

Our challenge to you: commit to the 31-Day Yoga Challenge and build a bridge to your better side.

The reasons to salute the sun on the mat are aplenty. Inspire your existing yoga practice or create a powerful new one and experience the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of a dedicated yoga practice.

THE DETAILS

All 31-Day Yoga Challenge participants are eligible for 15% OFF all massage services during the month of October (Monday-Thursday only).

For each IO yoga class taken, each participant will be entered into our drawing for prizes (limit 1 per participant).

The raffle prizes include: a 60-minute IO massage, a IO 5-class yoga card, and gift cards from Athleta and Fraiche Yogurt. The more you practice, the more likely you are to win!

The student who takes the most classes in the month of October (up to 31) will win the ultimate IO experience (total value: $315): – a 60 minute IO massage (value $110) – a $100 IO retail gift card – a 60 minute IO private yoga class (value: $105) with instructor of choice

Each participate must purchase a 31-yoga class pass ($120) from the IO Front Desk (expires October 31) for before the challenge starts on October 1, 2012.

The best prize of all: a new good habit, your improved health and happiness. Let’s get WELLthy together!

Here’s to good habits for 31 days,
Sofia

New to our San Francisco spa is Kai’s first foray into hair care with their Argan Oil infused shampoo and onditioner ($34 each for 10oz.).

The advanced shampoo and conditioner is one of the 1st hair care products to use glycolic acid, which helps to exfoliate the scalp. It’s no surprise that Kai has put out another wholly clean and peace-abiding product.

If you’re a fan of Kai’s signature scent of a light blend of gardenia and white exotic florals, then you’ll love dousing your hair in the same.

In addition to glycolic acid and argan oil, the shampoo formula contains coconut oil, glycerin and mild surfactants that delicately remove dirt and buildup without stripping hair of color or texture.

The vitamin-rich conditioner is uniquely infused with Vitamin eE, shea butter, safflower seed oil, plant extracts that help to reconstruct, detangle and replenish hydration level deep within the hair shaft. End results: expect vibrancy, strength and smoothness all day long.

Like all of Kai’s products, both the shampoo and conditioners are paraben, sulfate and phthalate free. Never tested on animals, made in the USA and packaging is 100% recyclable.

Smell the gardenia,
Sofia

This week, we had the chance to chat with Leah Kim, Nike’s Global Yoga Ambassador, who recently published a book called From Office Hell to Yoga Heaven about her journey from office cubicle to yoga teacher.

Tell us a little bit about where you’ve been and how you found yoga.
I’ve been based in London over the past couple years, after having lived in Hong Kong for three years. I’m originally from California, where I found yoga in Santa Monica. I had dabbled in yoga classes here and there from when I was a teenager, but it was when I first took my teacher Ally Hamilton’s class at Santa Monica Power Yoga that I became a serious practitioner.

Something lit up and woke up within my heart and soul during that first class with her, and I was instantaneously hooked. I think it was a combination of Ally’s extremely likeable personality and her grounded and sensible yoga speak, as well as the sheer challenge of the practice itself that pulled me in. I found it astounding how difficult it was to touch my toes and to try to stay remotely still for a few seconds. At the same time, it felt like I was being effortlessly and magnetically pulled to my mat. A calling, as they say.

Nike Global Yoga Ambassador. That’s 4 big power-packed words in a row! Tell us, what does that really mean?
It is indeed! Technically, I am signed with Nike as one of their Elite Athletes. Nike considers an athlete to be anyone who is dedicated to their movement practice, be it a competitive sport, dance, or yoga. They foster relationships with athletes that they feel represent the best in their field, and that fit the Nike brand.

As Nike’s Global Yoga Ambassador, I represent yoga for Nike on a global basis as a Master Trainer and Spokesperson. This means I serve as the face of Nike yoga, whether for a media event, or to create yoga content for the Nike Training Center app, or of course to teach people yoga!

We have a lot of athletes that come into our studio, what are your favorite poses for runners?
A simple forward fold is great for getting into your hamstrings as well as releasing your spine. Instead of trying to jam your legs straight, try a soft bend in your knees, and separate your feet about hips width apart. Hold opposite elbows. Completely release the weight of your head, neck, shoulders, and the rest of your torso. Keep both feet firmly grounded, but sway forward and back a bit. Switch the crossing of your arms. Connect to the sensations and emphasize a full exhale.

What’s your favorite post-yoga snack?
These days I’m really liking fat free Greek yogurt. Depending on how I’m feeling I’ll add oat bran, flax seeds, chia seeds, manuka honey, and/or berries.

What is the most rewarding part about being a teacher?
Happy and peaceful faces at the end of class. Watching people feel better and get stronger, more open, and more confident. When a student excitedly shares with me that they found their balance in a pose like Crow Pose. It’s not about the pose itself, but what it represents: the diligence, practice, and fearlessness it takes to get there.

Where do you turn to for inspiration?
I love watching the world go by. I love talking with all different kinds of people about all different kinds of life things. I love listening to talks by anyone who is passionate about life and what they stand for.

What’s playing on your yoga playlist right?
Alexi Murdoch, Massive Attack, Krishna Das

What is the thing that challenges you the most?
It’s a challenge for me to take it easy on myself. I am a perfectionist by nature, so I can unconsciously set crazy, basically impossible expectations for myself. It’s important to have big dreams and aspirations, but I think it’s equally important to just be proud of who you are and grateful for what you already have. So I practice nurturing a kind inner voice, both on and off the mat.

What’s next for Leah?
I’ve just published my first book! It’s called From Office Hell to Yoga Heaven, and it’s an anecdotal guide to becoming a yoga teacher. It’s available as an e-book through Hyperink.

I’m always happy to hear from peeps so feel free to get in touch!
www.facebook.com/leah.beyoga or Twitter: @leahkimyoga

Next time you see them in class, say hello!

NAME Lisa Jean
HOMETOWN Morgan Hill, CA
YEARS IN SF I’m an East/South bay baby, but I’ve been working in SF for I think 6 years now.
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS sun kissed, sand in the toes, ocean hugging my bones, dear friends, laughing, lots of laughing, eating lots of green things, good health, warm belly
YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC the raw kind, the emotional kind, the live kind
YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS I feel we are all are artists, I’m really insipired by my friends… Drew Roulette, Kim Evans, Ben Henderson, Julia Dawn
YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS So many, but what comes to mind is Tom Robbins, Octavia Butler, Salmon Rushdieie
BEST AFTER YOGA SNACK Dinner
SUPER-HERO TALENT: To hear the unspoken, and feel the unseen
FAVORITE POSES Triangle pose
HEROES All the mothers, and all the children, both seen and unseen
IDEAL SUNDAY Good sleep, Good love, delish meals, Mahalia Jackson on the stereo, a beautiful walk in the trees, smiling friends
OFF THE MAT PASSIONS the mystery of the human body in connection to spirit, creative wellness, writing
YOUR FAVORITE VACATION In real life, the Cayman Islands were a dream, in a dream, Africa.

NAME Karen Hennessy
HOMETOWN Pleasant Hill, CA
PROFESSION Director, Technology Certification
FAVORITE VACATION With friends and family in the south of Chile (the farther, the better) and romantic Tahiti
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS Being at peace with where you are in life, and taking time to enjoy the people and places that surround you
BEST AFTER YOGA SNACK A delicious salad or sushi
YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS Oscar Wilde, Maya Angelou, Dr. Suess, Jhumpa Lahiri, and a whole bunch of food writers
FAVORITE ARTISTS Rodin, Richard Avedon, Olafur Eliasson, Sol LeWitt
SUPERHERO TALENT I’m ridiculously organized
FAVORITE POSE Pigeon, triangle, headstand
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE YOU My parents, but inspiration can come from anyone as long as you take the time to listen
IDEAL SUNDAY Early morning yoga at IO, followed with good coffee and a stroll, an afternoon outdoors, ending with dinner among friends or family
SONG TO SING IN THE SHOWER Anything by The Cure!
YOUR MANTRA Follow your heart and do the best you can, it will be enough

For more tidbits on Karen and Lisa, 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

The countless hours (or non-hours if you live in San Francisco) spent in the sun, fog and or by the beach may be eating away at your resplendent glow. Yes, hyperpigmentation, acne, photodamaged/photoaged skin are all aftereffects of too much sun, dirt or imbalances in your lifestyle.

Meet our newest member to the IO menu at our San Francisco spa: the Resurfacing Mask ($24).

Some call it a peel, others a mask, but whatever you want to call it, it’s a power-packed punch of an add-on that gently and effectively resurfaces your skin without the downtime and the residual peeling often found in peels.

This means you’re up and running the minute you walk out of the spa, radiant and ready to be seen at your next bachelorette party or summer BBQ.

The Resurfacing Mask contains glycolic, retinol, and niacin and antioxidants that help to rapidly polish and smooth the skin. Removing dead skin cells, it is the perfect add-on to our Deep Cleanse Facial ($155) as it replaces all chemical and manual exfoliants, (which means this add-on is nothing but powerful!).

Last but not least, the Resurfacing Mask helps to restore a healthy glow back to dull skin and deep cleans pores, so acneic skin types, need not shy away! However, not recommended for extremely sensitive skin.

What’s not to love? It’s only $24 and at the ready for you this summer.

Smooth skin for summer,
Sofia

Next time you see them in class, say hello!

NAME Jodie Marie Walker
HOMETOWN Adelaide, Australia
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS Sunshine on my (well-protected) skin, being close to or in a body of water, fresh air, quality time with loved ones and live music
YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC A little bit of EVERYTHING, with a lot of Bon Iver and Beyoncé
YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS Nish, an Adelaide spraycan artist
YOUR FAVORITE WRITER Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Harper Lee – I’m a classics junkie
YOUR FAVORITE POSES It’s hard to go past Pigeon! Especially when it’s adjusted/deepened by a lovely teacher!
YOUR HEROES Anyone and everyone who is passionate and pursuing their dreams
IDEAL SUNDAY Sleep in, good food, a long walk, more good food, yoga, food, warm (wind-less) sunshine, and music and food with friends
YOUR FAVORITE VACATION South Africa

NAME Paulina Barahona
HOMETOWN Santiago, Chile
PROFESSION Psychologist
FAVORITE VACATION With friends and family in the south of Chile (the farther, the better) and romantic Tahiti
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS Walking around the greenest most beautiful forests in the world: the hillsides of the Andes mountains, in the south of Chile
YOUR SUPERHERO TALENT It’s sooo unpopular…but I must say I’m a domestic goddess!
YOUR HEROS My parents and my husband. They have all done exactly the opposite of what was expected of them and they all succeed!
FAVORITE POSE Downward-facing dog and tree pose
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE YOU In yoga? Marina Chaselon. In life? My husband.
SONG TO SING IN THE SHOWER Aves de Paso, by Joaquín Sabina
YOUR MANTRA Every thing is all right!

For more tidbits on Jodie and Paulina, 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

Grateful for our freedom …
to be well
to be open (yes, we’re open today)
to be present
to be responsible
to be strong
to be willing
to be flexible
to be giving
to be gracious
to be at one with ourselves, our community and the world in which we live.

Happy 4th of July,
Sofia

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration’s final sunscreen regulations went into effect, and we’re all left a bit confused.

Thankfully this month our team of skincare experts gives us the breakdown on sunscreens. Answering the questions “Why is broad-spectrum important?” to “What’s the different between a chemical and physical sunscreen?” here’s what to look for in a sunscreen and our esthetician top picks:

1. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Broad-spectrum protects against UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the “burning” ray, which is responsible for sunburn and damages the superficial layers of the skin, ultimately a key factor in skin cancer.

UVA rays are the “aging” ray, which penetrate more deeply than UVB rays and plays a major part in skin aging and wrinkling, or photo-aging.

2. Physical sunscreens most effectively reflect the UV rays away from the skin.
Currently there are 17 active ingredients approved by the FDA for use in sunscreens that fall into 2 categories: a chemical or physical sunscreen. Most sunscreens have a combination of both ingredients.

Most UV filters are chemical, and form a protective thin film on the surface of the skin and absorb the UV radiation. The physical sunscreens reflect the UV rays away from the skin. The controversy in chemical sunscreens is that they may cause internal inflammation, which ultimately can increase your skins pigment production and other aging factors.

Our favorite physical sunscreen is the Skinceuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50 ($32 for 50mL), available in-spa and made of entirely 100% physical sunscreens. With an added universal tint that looks good on all skin tones, the sunscreen goes on smooth and has a nice matte-fying effect.

3. Apply your sunscreen at least every 2 hours and wear it daily
No but’s about it! Wear it daily, no matter where you are. We recommend an SPF of at least 20 or higher everyday.

As a general rule, re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours, and more frequently if you are sweating and in and out of the water.

Protect intelligently,
Sofia

This week, I sat down with one of our senior most estheticians at our San Francisco spa, Jennie Hooker, who knows a thing or two about skincare for expecting mothers. A mother herself, Jennie brings her personal and professional experience to the table: skincare for expecting mamas.

How does the skin change during pregnancy?
It definitely gets more sensitive, more sensitive to products and especially sensitive to the sun. The hormones make a lot of women break out, especially in the 1st trimester when the body is having a big surge of hormones, creating an imbalance in the skin.

What products can help address these changes in the skin?
You’ll want to use mild products, and the more natural or organic the better. It’s best to invest in a good sunscreen and wear a hat!

There is something called “pregnancy mask” which is a form of melasma, a darkening of the pigment in your skin. It tends to affect women on the forehead and the upper lip (avoid waxing your lip if you can). The sun can make this mask appear and sadly the discoloration doesn’t always go away. So prevention is the best solution! Skin tags and broken capillaries are common as well, but seem to dissipate a few months after the baby comes.

For breakouts, what products are safe for expecting mothers?
Low percentage alpha hydroxy acids’s are okay, especially in mild over-the-counter products. Again you just want to be really good about your SPF since AHA’s are slightly exfoliating. Other options are benzoyl peroxides, clays, organic willowbark and papain (a papaya extract).

My favorite regimen is:
Kahina Facial Cleanser ($56), with Clarisonic skin cleansing brush, if not too sensitive, followed by Arcona Herbal Compound ($30) or In Fiore Soleil Fleur ($115), then a nice SPF. In the evening, cleanse and alternate Gentle Solution by Arcona ($48) with Kahina Lotion ($62) or an In Fiore face oil ($60) such as Calme.

What ingredients should expecting mothers avoid? Why?
You want to avoid Vitamin A products as these can be irritating and in strong doses can penetrate the blood stream. You’ll also want to be stop using Hydraquinone (a common ingredient to treat hyperpigmentation). Mild enzyme peels during a facial are fine (always let your esthetician know about your pregnancy), but you should avoid strong peels especially those offered through a medi-spa.

How long should they avoid these ingredients?
It’s safest to wait until you are done nursing before returning to any stronger at home products or high percentage peels.

Any other things you’d like to mention?
Once you become a mama, time is precious and skincare regimens go out the window. Stick with your SPF and you can use convenient cleansing pads like Preserve Skincare Face Cleansing Pads ($38) or Arcona Triad Pads ($30) to get the job done after a long day.

To all the mamas,
Sofia

Next time you see them in class, say hello!

NAME Ashley Smith
HOMETOWN Salt Lake City
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS Yoga followed by a meal with loved ones
YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS Gustav Klimpt, Nan Goldin, Mark Ryden, Egon Schiele
YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS Dorothy Allison, Charles Bukowski, Henry Miller, Carl Jung YOUR FAVORITE VACATION Mexico
BEST AFTER YOGA SNACK Sushi
YOUR FAVORITE POSES Pigeon
YOUR HEROES My mom
YOUR OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Food, wine, nature, reading, playing with my skin care products.
YOUR MANTRA Know thyself and everything in moderation.

NAME Fred Baldi
HOMETOWN Sacramento
PROFESSION Chief Operating Officer of Bia4Autism.org
FAVORITE VACATION Tuscany
TEACHER WHO INSPIRES YOU Our family dog
YOUR HEROES My wife
FAVORITE POSE Warrior Four and Child’s Pose
AFTER YOGA SNACK Cereal with fresh fruit
FAVORITE ARTISTS Neil Young, Bob Marley, Wilco, Lucinda Williams, Josh Ritter
5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY Mornings, sunshine, San Francisco, friends and family
YOUR MANTRA Ahhh…haaaa…sweet

For more tidbits on Ashley and Fred, 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

We’ve been discussing the topic with our clients and amongst ourselves as one’s skin heath and wellness is affected by the quality and duration of sleep we receive each night.

So much of what is talked about is the length of sleep, or how many hours a night, we should be getting: 8-9 hours for most adults. However, it’s not just the length of sleep that matters, but the quality of sleep. For instance, frequent interruptions (those with sleep apnea suffer from this) is just as debilitating as no sleep at all.

The effects of good quality sleep on one’s wellbeing are immense. The mind and body benefits are evident, however the skin’s countenance is the 1st visible sign that you are sleeping WELL.

For instance, sleep relaxes the facial muscles, allowing your face, facial lines and wrinkles to relax. Your skin will appear more relaxed, healthier and younger with a good quality night’s sleep.

Being horizontal also has its anti-gravity benefits, where gravity isn’t pulling down on you. The lack of facial expressions at night allows the dermal layers of your skin to rejuvenate. (This is why we often put on our more active skin care serums at night).

Take a moment to think about the quality of sleep you are getting. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll start using less of your eye cream and more sunscreen?

No wonder why they call it beauty rest,
Sofia

Such a gem, that the candles were recently featured in the New York Times as a perfect last minute gift for Mother’s Day.

Pronounced: “cah-ree-eh fra-ray” and founded in France in 1884 by two inquisitive and entrepreneurial minds of brothers, Carrière Frerès Industrie launched the historical candles to reflect the botanical passions of the 19th century. Interestingly enough, this is the same house that founded Diptyque candles.

Carrière Frères is the keeper of wax craftsmanship from the XVIII century. At the dawn of the industrial revolution in France, the Carrière brothers revamped wax-maxing by pioneering the famous night-light, which burned for six hours with a constant beam and without smoke, turning indoor candles to both function and form: an object of comfort and quality.

Hand poured in a custom-made glass frosted jar and made of 100% natural wax (50% soy wax + 50% palm wax), the 6.7 oz. single note fragrance candles are 100% paraffin-free and other petrochemicals-free. Now-a-days, you’ll be hard pressed to find a single scented candle that holds this much integrity. Here at IO, we like our scents authentic and clean.

With a burning time of approximately 50 hours, the line features 33 scents and is made with the purest and most refined essential oils available.

The following scents are available for purchase at the SHOP at IO: Tomato, Watermelon, Firebrand, Aguarwood, Gardenia Tiare, and Tea Plant.

Hottest selling scents? Watermelon and Tiare. Smells like summer already.

Singularly focused,
Sofia

This month our very own San Francisco spa esthetician Eleanor Bagley, heads to Hawaii with a carry-on full skincare products, tested for the Hawaiian elements. Mahalo Eleanor for sharing! Here are Eleanor’s summer skincare picks:

In Fiore Fleur Vibrante ($58): The ultimate healing floral balm. Great for healing over exposed or sun burned skin with soothing calendula and sea buckthorn.

Kahina Argan Oil ($36 for 30mL): Used for centuries by the Berber women of Morocco to combat the suns harsh rays with its high concentration of vitamin E.

Dr. Hauschka Translucent Bronze Concentrate ($39.95): Great mixed with any sunscreen, moisturizer or body lotion to give you that sun kissed glow.

IS CLINICAL Pro Heal Serum ($78 for 15mL): Super antioxidant for daytime wear. A mixed blend of 15% vitamin C and olive leaf extract to protect the skin from damaging environmental stressors and heal the skin topically. This formulation can even be used on insect bites!

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion Defense SPF 50 ($32 for 50mL, $64 for 125mL): Sweat and water resistant for all your activities with a perfect tint for all skin shades to give your skin a vacation and stay makeup free! Our new 125mL size is available now for a limited time only! Stock up.

Kai Body Lotion ($37): Because we never want to leave Hawaii and you don’t have to with this blend of exotic scents.

Aloha,
Sofia

So, what’s the skinny here? Examine your nail polish. Not all nail polishes are created equal.

That is until we recently found RGB Cosmetics (NEW AT IO for $16 each), a modern, green, cruelty-free, vegan and sophisticated nail polish collection FREE of the 5 known carcinogenic ingredients commonly found in your average nail polishes: formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, DBP, and camphor.

Let us count thy ways in which RGB nail polishes are the way forward. Formaldehyde, the very same ingredient used to keep dead corpses looking “alive”, is used in your average nail polish simply to ensure a long shelf life and also to retain its color. Personally, I think this is enough reason to simply stop applying the others.

However, if you’re looking for more reasons why RGB reigns supreme in our skin and nail care world, the product is vegan, cruelty-free and made in the USA. Unlike the other “green” water-based nail polishes currently on the market, RGB outlasts the competition in what I call the “chip factor.” With a drying time of under 3 minutes, RGB polishes, with 2 applications, are just as long lasting as your average joe nail polish.

RGB Cosmetics (which stands for “red, green, blue” – the 3 elements used in graphics) believes in sophisticated nail color, so you’ll never find crazy colors in the line, and is a cult-favorite among celebrities and the red carpet awards.

Perfect for everyone, I especially think RGB is a must for expecting mothers who should be watching what they are putting in and on their bodies.

The following 6 colors are available for purchase at IO: Pink, Doll, Haze, Toast, Coral, and Dew (from left to right).

Now that we’ve covered the whys, stop by the SHOP at IO before your next mani ped and rest assured you’ve thought your nail care through.

Think about your nails too,
Sofia

NAME Kari Zabel
HOMETOWN Twin Cities
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS Anything involving adventure and moving my body and TRAVEL!
YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC TO PLAY IN CLASS Depends on my mood – anything from Iron and Wine to Gift of Gab to Krishna Das
YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS Andy Warhol, Jean Michael Basquiat, Banksy, Barbara Kruger
YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS Tom Robbins, David Sedaris, John Irving, Jack Kerouac, Simone de Beauvoir
YOUR FAVORITE VACATION Corn Islands, Nicaragua and Rajasthan, India
BEST AFTER YOGA SNACK Fruit or chocolate, but never the two together
YOUR FAVORITE POSES Hanumanasana (splits) and pincha mayurasana (forearm stand)
YOUR HEROES Too many to list – people who live with integrity and passion
YOUR OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Travel, reading, running, chocolate-making, creating, adventuring
YOUR MANTRA The one I most often use is “It is what it is,” which can seem like a kind of annoying phrase, but I think it is actually just a reminder that you can’t force things to be something that they are not. And have to accept/hold what is in front of you, hopefully with some compassion.

NAME Paige Prichard
HOMETOWN Salem, Oregon
PROFESSION Financial Editor
FAVORITE VACATION Bend, Oregon in the summer
SUPER-HERO TALENT I can make wicked pancakes
YOUR HEROES My parents
FAVORITE POSE Pigeon
AFTER YOGA SNACK Yogurt and fruit
FAVORITE ARTISTS Neil Young, Bob Marley, Wilco, Lucinda Williams, Josh Ritter
5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY My dog, sunny days, live music, road trips with my husband, and cooking for friends
YOUR MANTRA Life is too short to diet

For more tidbits on Kari and Paige, 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

Just this month, we’re proud to introduce a handful of new Kai products to our shelves, including Kai’s newest aluminum-free deodorant ($24).

However, we’ve been head over heels in love with Kai’s Fine Linen wash (16 oz. for $42), which is a wholly clean and peace-abiding product. No need to worry about harmful agents infused in your clothing – or better yet your water!

If you’re a fan of Kai’s signature scent of a light blend of gardenia and white exotic florals, then you’ll love wrapping yourself in Kai-scented clothing, post wash.

The linen wash is perfect for your delicates and your towels. The proprietary formula is infused with silk proteins, which strengthen fibers in fine fabrics each time it is used. The best part? The solution is biodegradable, so no need to worry about what your putting back into the environment.

Like all of Kai’s products, the Fine linen wash is paraben, sulfate and phthalate free. Never tested on animals, made in the USA and packaging is 100% recyclable.

Smell the gardenia,
Sofia

How to get there? Apply a topical antioxidant religiously and daily. Antioxidants are our 1st line of defense against the major skin-aging culprits like sun, pollution, free radicals, and collagen depletion.

Think of this image: cut open an apple and leave it on the counter for 1 minute. What happens? The skin browns and shrivels slowly over time due to oxidation, a process that damages the cells of the fruit. However squeeze a lemon on the surface, and the apple retains its white untouched surface.

This is same process that occurs with our skin over time. By applying our “lemon juice” or an antioxidant, the skin’s naturally occurring aging process begins to slow down.

In addition to preventing damage from the inside, antioxidants supplement the UVA + UVB protection against the sun’s rays. Fact: sunscreens block up to 55% of the damaging free radicals responsible for hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and lackluster skin tone, giving us even more reason to prevent against the elements.

Unfortunately, there’s no single antioxidant that will do the job, so it’s important to get a variety. Look for adequate percentages of each topical antioxidant (e.g. at least 10-15% of Vitamin C). A few of the well-researched effective antioxidants:

Vitamin C: vital for collagen production, the substance responsible for providing skin its plumpness and elasticity, alleviates inflammation

Vitamin E: known to protect against sun damage and promote healing of scars, prevent loss of moisture, and improves skin tone

Ferulic Acid: anti-inflammatory properties when combined with Vitamin C + E, helps to project against UV damage

Phloretin: Provides advanced protection against photo aging when combined with Vitamin C + Feurlic Acid

When to apply?
Apply to clean skin, pre-moisturizer and pre-sunscreen.

Some of our favorites all available at IO:
iS CLINICAL Super Serum ($140)
Arcona Youth Serum ($87)
Skinceuticals Phloretin ($152)
In Fiore Soliel Fleur ($115)

Go get your antio’s,
Sofia

NAME Jason Gillenwater
HOMETOWN Iowa City, Iowa
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS Spending time with my wife
YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC TO PLAY IN CLASS Radiohead, Jai Uttal, Krishna Das, John Coltrane
YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS Max Weber, Henri Matisse
YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS Jack Kerouac, Michael Pollan
YOUR FAVORITE VACATION French Polynesia
BEST AFTER YOGA SNACK Vegan donut from Pepples
YOUR FAVORITE POSE Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand)
YOUR HEROES John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Joe Henderson
SUPER-HERO TALENT I’m good at directions. Kind of like a homing pigeon.
YOUR OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS The saxophone, jazz, coffee and hiking
YOUR MANTRA So Hum

NAME John Carney
HOMETOWN Boxford, Massachusetts
PROFESSION Financial Analyst
FAVORITE VACATION Europe with a half-plan
SUPER-HERO TALENT Muscles big enough to lift cars
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE YOU Lindsay Jean Thomson
FAVORITE POSE Lately, Malasana squat
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Photography
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS Good food and really cold beer
BEST AFTER YOGA SNACK Coconut water and trail mix, assuming the trail mix has M&Ms in it
GO-TO SING IN THE SHOWER SONG The Right Stuff
YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS Colum McCann, Peter Carey
YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS Ryan Muirhead; Ozzy Garcia; Medeski, Martin & Wood
YOUR IDEAL SUNDAY Lots of coffee and meandering

For more tidbits on Marie and Scott, 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

With a mission of “women helping women through shared beauty rituals,” we couldn’t be more inspired. Here’s what Katharine L’Heureux, founder and beauty extraordinaire at Kahina had to share with us on a recent visit to San Francisco.

Describe the Berber women, their beauty and their skin and why Argan oil is the liquid gold of Morocco.
The Berber women are known for their mysterious beauty. There is much speculation as to their origins, but it is believed they migrated from the Orient and they often have beautiful almond-shaped eyes and complexions of that heritage.

I hesitate to generalize, but the Berber women I meet in the countryside are mostly very poor. Because of their religion and their economic situation, beauty regimens are limited to traditional remedies using natural ingredients such as argan oil, which comes solely from their region. As a result, despite the harsh conditions in which they live, they have beautiful radiant skin and lustrous hair.

What about the Berber women inspires you the most?
Their simplicity, their generosity, their happiness, their artistry.

Sustainable – is apparent in your philosophy, packaging and product extraction process. How has the argan tree provided not just a source of well-being for the Berber women but also the earth?
The argan forest is situated at the Northern edge of the Sahara desert in a region with very little vegetation. The tree loves to grow in the dry conditions of the region and has resisted efforts to be cultivated in other parts of the world. The deep-growing tree roots help to keep the growing desert at bay. It also serves as an important food source for the people and animals of the region.

How long is extraction process, start to finish?
First the argan fruit is harvested from the argan tree. The women need to gather approx.. 15.5 lbs of fruit to obtain the material for one liter of oil. The fruit is then dried in the sun, peeled and the seeds are cracked to get to the tiny interior “almond”.

The work of cracking the nuts is extremely labor-intensive and can take one woman approximately 8 hours to crack the nuts to produce one liter of oil. The oil is then cold-pressed by machine to ensure there is no bacterial contamination.

How many Berber women are now employed through the coops that you work with? It is hard to know exactly as some women choose to work from home to crack the nuts rather than go into the cooperative, and many women work only when they are able to. I work with several cooperatives and each of them employs approx. 50 to 100 women.

What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is finding balance through optimal physical, mental and spiritual health. When one of these areas is out of whack in our lives, we aren’t “well”. In our culture, it is easy to take for granted that we are in good physical health and have access to food and clean water, and in seeking to have more material things than we need we tend to neglect our spiritual well-being by letting stress get the better of us.

What are your top 3 wellness tips?
It is so obvious to do the things we need to do to stay healthy – eat properly, get plenty of rest and exercise, but sometimes we need to be reminded. In addition, embrace some sort of spirituality in your daily lives by being grateful for what you have, act consciously, and help others. Practice gratitude. I was always told that you can choose to be happy. I never thought it was as simple as that, but we can choose to be thankful for what we have every day rather than dwell on the negative.

What is next for Kahina?
We have some exciting new product launches planned for this year – hello soap and brightening serum! I am hoping to extend the line to body care soon.

Anything else you’d like to add?
Love International Orange! ☺

Thoroughly inspired,
Sofia

One of our obsessions as of late at our San Francisco spa are our one-of-a-kind Sari Throws from Bangladesh and India. Each is a handcrafted gift of love straight off the backs of women on the other side of the world. Not to mention, they are eye-catchingly beautiful!

Hand-stitched from 6 layers of reclaimed cotton saris, these fair-trade throws can be used as blankets, bed covers or shawls. (When Parker Posey stopped in, she also couldn’t resist and scooped one up for herself!)

The sari is the traditional dress and symbol of India and is known for their bright colors and intricate patterns. Each throw is unique and hand quilted together by women living in impoverished areas of Calcutta, India and Bangladesh.

The best part? In addition to preserving traditional handiwork, the purchase of each throw provides the necessary educational, social, spiritual and vocational support to the women so they can rise above their circumstances to create a better livelihood for both themselves and their families.

What better way to adorn your home and give back to those who need it the most?

Each throw measures approximately 40” x 79”. Available for purchase at the SHOP at IO for $78.

Just like us, no two are the same.

Choose wisely,
Sofia

What’s the story with toners?
Traditionally, toners were used to restore the normal pH in the skin after a harsh or very alkaline cleanser. However, the cleansers of today are much more balancing, and less stripping than the cleansers in the past.

So why even use a toner anymore?
Just like cleansers, toners have had a major makeover in the last decades. Today we use toners to treat the skin after cleansing.

For example, a client experiencing breakouts can use a medicated toner with acne-fighting ingredients post-cleansing. A favorite at our San Francisco spa are Arcona Raspberry Clarifying Pads ($24) . These effective and convenient toning pads are loaded with acne fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree extracts.

Clients that want a kick to their anti-aging regimen can use Arcona Solution Pads ($42) to target sun-damage and wrinkling. Glycolic acid is the main ingredient in these highly effective toning pads.

What are the benefits?
Toners can also replenish nutrients and antioxidants to the skin, which aids in the protection and healing of the skin. This is particularly important for a dry or sensitive skin type. Arcona Triad Pads ($30) can be purchased in a liquid or pad form, and leave the skin hydrated and protected with cranberry extract, vitamin E, and omegas 3 and 6.

My personal favorite is Vitale, from In Fiore. Vitale is a toning mist, which can be sprayed directly on the skin after cleansing. Vitale contains aloe vera, an anti-inflammatory agent, as well as chamomile, seaweed extract, and many other vital herbs.

Additionally, toning is an effective step in removing any debris that may be left behind after cleansing. This is especially important for congested or acne-prone skin.

What should you do after toning?
This is the time to apply the appropriate serum, and moisturizer for your skin type.

Happy Toning,
Sofia

No two better than to bring in spring energy are Marie Murphy, who teaches an all levels vinyasa class on Monday and Wednesday at 7:00AM and Saturday at 1:00PM at our San Francisco yoga studio and Scott Jacobs, a dedicated IO yogi who off the mat is a Principal/Owner at Benjamin Madison Wealth Advisors.

TEACHER OF THE MONTH Marie Murphy
IDEA OF HAPPINESS Feeling productive and engaged with the world around me, and connected to the people in my life.
FAVORITE VACATION Hard to pick. If we’re talking about the past, I was in the Peace Corps in Zambia and had some pretty magical adventures throughout Southern Africa. If we’re talking present day, any vacation that involves me going on it is my favorite.
FAVORITE MUSIC TO PLAY IN Joan Miro, David Byrne, Enrique Muthuan
BEST AFTER YOGA SNACK After I teach at 7:00 a.m., I usually head across the street to Jane for their chai. Since it’s homemade, it varies from batch to batch, but on a good day, it’s life-changing.
FAVORITE POSE After years of dislike, I have really come to appreciate ardha chandrasana.
SUPERHERO TALENT I make fabulous lasagna.
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Cooking, wine, eating, good times with good friends, my mister man, my doggie, and, of course, doing bodywork.
MANTRA If not you, then who? If not now, then when?

STUDENT OF THE NONTH Scott Jacobs
HOMETOWN Nanuet, New York
SUPER HERO TALENT I can usually help someone feel better about themselves in one meeting due to a positive energy exchange.
HEROES My Dad, Ira Jacobs, retired school teacher from the Bronx, NY now in West Palm Beach just chillin’.
FAVORITE VACATION Somewhere warm with a foreign currency, foreign cuisine, foreign language and no family…and I love my family, just not on vacation.
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE YOU My first yoga instructor and dear friend Caley Yavorsky and I adore Allie Edison.
OFF THE MAT PASSIONS Helping the less fortunate, animals, yoga, traveling, peanut butter and Maggie…not necessarily in that order.
THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY my cats Jackson and Suzy and my wonderful girlfriend Maggie…did I already mention peanut butter?

For more tidbits on Marie and Scott, 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

This week, I sat down with mask queen esthetician Eleanor Bagley who lives for masks and peels. (Read her interview on when and how to use masks.).

Today, Eleanor takes it to another level with a focus on peels and our newest peel, the Arcona Mandarin Brightening Peel ($74).

What is the difference between a mask and a peel? Are they the same thing?
Peels are used to exfoliate the skin and are stronger. Masks can be used for many different things such as nourishing, hydrating or purifying the skin.

Sometimes exfoliating agents such as enzymes can be placed in masks as a multi-function product, but the exfoliation is much weaker than doing a “peel.”

What are the benefits from the peel?
Peels encourage deep exfoliation and increase cellular turnover which ultimate helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by helping to rebuild collagen and elastin. Peeling the skin can induce a brighter firmer and younger looking skin.

The Arcona Mandarin Brightening Peel uses many top-notch brightening and anti-aging ingredients like glycolic and lactic acids as well as patented brightening ingredients that block and fade existing hyperpigmentation. On top of all that goodness, the Arcona Mandarin Brightening Peel contains super antioxidants like lycopene and mandarin extracts!

How often should one peel?
This all depends on the strength of the peel, some can be used once a week, month or spaced out over time. The Arcona Mandarin Brightening Peel can be used once a week.

I love this peel because it doesn’t have any “bite” as I say. It has a gentle feeling, but is also very effective. Once every couple of weeks is a good time frame for most peels. But be careful! With peels, you will most likely see your skin peel a lot or a little but you want to let the peel run its course on the skin before doing another one.

How do you add in a peel into a skincare regimen?
Peels just like masks are generally used to treat the skin in some way. Find the right peel for the issue your looking to correct such as aging, brightening or smoothing acne scarring.

You can use peels at home by the manufactures recommendations. I would use a peel at night every couple of weeks. For masks, you can apply them up to 3 times a week anytime of day.

Peel it all away,
Sofia

For me, it’s been an unanswered question for years, and I finally did something about it. I asked one of our restorative yoga instructors, Tina Foster. Tina, who teaches Sunday at 6:00pm, was the perfect source.

She explains:

The role of the heart in the body is a rich and compelling topic – for physical as well as symbolic and spiritual reasons.

Lying on our right side after savasana is grounded in a few elements:

1.The anatomical heart is on the left side. Rolling onto the right side allows the heart to lie “on top” (so to speak) of the organs, which puts less pressure on the heart.

It’s subtle, but most people when asked to lie on each side and compare the sensations can feel the difference. Lying on the left feels like the heart is working harder to expand, and is a little less comfortable.
Some people even feel a little jarring energy in the chest area, or what they say feels kind of like an anxiety feeling.

2. In the ancient yogic body, the right side is associated with the surya nadi, (solar nadi), which facilitates outward projection and activity. (The right side is also related to the masculine flows of energy, stemming from the surya nadi.) This is what one is moving towards leaving savasana, after having been inward during savasana.

3. Lastly, pausing on the right side allows one’s natural blood pressure to reach its potential homeostasis. We all are looking for more homeostasis, aren’t we?
Thanks Tina for helping to unravel a topic that we all take for granted. Now, I can finally lie at peace on my right side.

Namaste,
Sofia

We scour the world for only the most results-oriented, active and pristine skincare lines. And then when we find one that we love, it’s really on.

This month, we’re excited at our San Francisco spa to bring forth iS CLINICAL, the newest member of our skincare collection. iS CLINICAL is a results-oriented, multi-tasking botanical-grade skincare line focused on anti-aging, acne, hyperpigmentation and advanced skin conditions.

Dubbed a cult-favorite among the Hollywood set, the clinically validated and award winning skincare line was developed by a team of world-renowned pharmacologists and physicians.

But what we love most about iS CLINICAL is that it’s a 3-for-1 or even 5-for-1 deal. More results in 1 bottle, which means more bang for your buck.

For many of us, we are balancing multiple skin priorities (I like to call them “priorities” instead of ‘issues’) such as acne, pigmentation, anti-aging – all at the same time. Now with iS CLINICAL, no longer do you need to buy multiple products to address each issue. iS CLINICAL brings forth products that do it all.

Some of our estheticians’ truths on iS CLINICAL:

Cleansing Complex: “With white willow bark extract (the source of salicylic acid), it’s gentle enough to address breakouts without drying out your skin.” – Yolanda Porrata

Active Serum: “I love it. It does so much – reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothes skin texture and address hyperpigmentation – AND it makes your skin glow.” – Eleanor Bagley

White Lightening Complex: “We all could use a little bit of brightening in our lives. It truly does make a difference. This is one of the safest, brightening products I’ve used – and I’ve seen it all!” – Jennifer Gallegos

Stop by the SHOP at IO to check out the other iS CLINICAL products.

In truth we trust,
Sofia

Lindsay Jean Thomson, who teaches an all levels vinyasa class on Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00PM and Saturdays at 10:00AM at our San Francisco yoga studio and Alison Reid, a dedicated IO yogi who off the mat works in Public Relations and Advertising.

TEACHER OF THE MONTH Lindsay Jean Thomson
IDEA OF HAPPINESS Waking up every day happy to be doing what I’m doing. I feel lucky to be living the good life – great friends, a job I love, a beautiful city.
FAVORITE VACATION Past? Paris and Thailand. Future? I hope to make it to Kenya, India, Vietnam and Peru in the next few years.
FAVORITE MUSIC TO PLAY IN CLASS Bon Iver, Andrew Bird, Bob Dylan, Florence + The Machine, Phoenix, Miike Snow, These United States, The Rolling Stones, A.A. Bondy, José González, The National and so many more! If you like what you hear, I put my playlists up on my blog: shantiloveyoga.com.
BEST AFTER YOGA SNACK Dark chocolate…and a glass of red wine!
FAVORITE POSE Sun salutations and pigeon
HEROS People who are unfailingly kind
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Live music, good food, the great outdoors, adventure!
MANTRA “Practice love until you remember that you are love.” – Swami Sai Premananda

STUDENT OF THE NONTH Alison Reid
SUPER HERO TALENT I would love to time travel
HEROES My dad and mom
FAVORITE VACATION Anywhere in Spain.
FAVORITE ARTISTS Music I’m listening to now: Broken Bells, Sea Wolf, Miike Snow, The XX, National, Ryan Adams, Coldplay, Boxer Rebellion
IDEAL SUNDAY Sleeping in followed by brunch with friends, yoga and then a massage
5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY Laughing so hard it hurts, spending time with friends and family, a good night’s sleep, a spicy bloody mary, lazy days
OFF THE MAT PASSIONS photography, interior and fashion design

For more tidbits on Lindsay and Alison, 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

Just in at our San Francisco spa, the Acupuncture Restorative Facial, is our newest addition to the IO skin menu. The highly-anticipated facial, needles and all, is here to stay.

Before the launch, I had a chance to catch up with Amy to get the inside scoop on why needles on the face truly bring out the best in us – inside AND out. And, it goes without saying that Amy’s top wellness rule to live by is prevention, prevention, prevention.

What is the principle behind acupuncture?
Acupuncture needles are a method of communication between a skilled practitioner and the interior of the body. We use the needles to cause microtraumas to carefully chosen acupoints, thus drawing an immune response of fresh oxygenated blood carrying white blood cells and nutrients to the area.

What is the Acuppuncture Restorative Facial all about?
I always start by treating the body so we can address any underlying issues that are mirrored on the face – primarily stress, hormones, poor digestion, pain, toxicity. From there I move to the face where the needles address fine lines and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation and acne.

Seems scary. Needles on the face? Ouch. What does it feel like and approximately how many needles are used? Everyone’s different. Treatments are tailored to each client’s unique physiology. I might use anywhere from 10 plus needles on the area of the face, but keep in mind these are teeny tiny hair thin needles. I find it to be gentler than extractions.

Which points on the face are used?
We’ll start by choosing a few lines or scars to work on, other popular points are located along the jaw to release jaw tension, above the brow to prevent eyelid drooping, and some wonderful points on the neck to help lift the neck.

How quickly can one see the benefit?
You’ll begin to notice a difference after 3-5 treatments. And, not to be overlooked here, the amount of internal medicine that is received in the course of several Acupuncture facials amplifies the benefits from the inside out.

However, these treatments are most effective when performed weekly over a period of 3-6 months, but because it causes such a flush of circulation to the face, you’ll notice a lighter and brighter countenance that lasts longer and longer with each treatment.

Is this OK for expecting mothers? No
Or men? Definitely!

Who should avoid this treatment?
Mainly expecting mothers, anyone with a cold/flu, herpes outbreak, skin that is having a reaction, recent history of migraines, uncontrolled hypertension, using blood thinners, etc. I will also avoid any areas where one has had laser treatments, botox or fillers within a certain period of time.

Give it a try,
Sofia

This year we followed one of our beloved yoga teachers, Andrea Maltzer, to the conference. Between assisting MC Yogi and Amanda and taking Stephanie Snyder’s class, we paused for a moment to reflect on the biggest yoga party of the month.

What brings you back to the YJ Conference?
I’ve been attending the YJ conferences for over 10 years now. At times as a participant, and this time as an assistant. It’s a great opportunity to be able to experience a lot of different teachers in a short period of time.

I always learn a lot about the practice and the yoga teachings that I bring back to the students I am blessed to serve.

What’s new for 2012?
This year, I had the inspiring opportunity to take a class with Stephanie Snyder who teaches in San Francisco. Her class was called ‘hips of a hero.’

She compared our hips to that junk drawer we all have. The drawer we throw the junk we don’t know what to do with into. I love that analogy.

So, how do we release the “junk”?
In the 2-hour workshop, we worked through a series of postures getting into the hip joint area. Focusing on poses that open up the hips: gomukhasana, pidgeon, double pidgeon—

But more importantly was the sequence: slowly leading up into these openings. I learned that when we tighten our jaw, our hips follow suit. Relaxing your jaw is one of the first steps in letting go of tension in the hips.

Why the hips?
We often hold onto unresolved issues, problems, things we wish we would have said – in our hips. That is the junk we are holding on to. By practicing yoga and doing some slow basic hip openers such as the ones above, we can start getting into these places and let go of some of the junk.

Andrea, with her inspiring playlists, teaches Monday and Wednesdays at 6:15pm and Sunday at 8:30am.

Namaste,
Sofia

Everyday at our San Francisco spa we hear this question, “Which facial is best for me?”

So we’ve put together a quick guide to determine which facial is right for you.

First, consider yourself lucky. Both our Deep Cleanse Facial and our Custom Enzyme Boost Facial will leave your skin dewy, radiant and purely undeniable. Both facials draw from select products made with essential oils, naturally active enzymes and antioxidant vitamins. Unlike other spas, organic products are used in every facial, and no generic products are every considered.

So, either way way you will walk out of our San Francisco spa radiant and ready-to-be-seen.

A few key questions to answer:

• First time for a facial?
• Congested or seeing blackheads from 4 feet away?
• Simply put, in need of a deep, pure cleanse?
• Was your last facial over 3 months ago?

If you answered YES to any of the above, the Deep Cleanse Facial (75 minutes for $155) is for you.


• Does your skin look dull, lackluster from winter hibernation and/or indoor heating that has sucked your skin dry?
• In need of desperate exfoliation?
• Time is of the essence and you need to get in and out as quickly as possible?
• Are you on autopilot with the Deep Cleanse and in need of a change?
• Big date this weekend and need to dress to impress?


If you answered YES to any of the above, the Custom Enzyme Boost Facial (60 minutes for $135) is for you.

Now do right by your skin and don’t make let suffer any longer. Get your facial on today. Call 415.563.5000 to book your appointment today.

Face forward,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/which-one-is-for-me-deep-cleanse-facial-or-custom-enzyme-boost/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/tibetan-singing-bowls-of-beauty/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/tibetan-singing-bowls-of-beauty/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:00:57 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=4219 We’re starting off the year slowly. Easing into the rhythm and feeling our way into the year. What’s the rush any way?

To honor the silence and beauty in ourselves, we’ve been playing with our Tibetan Singing Bowls here at our San Francisco spa. Playing til our hearts content.



The Tibetan handbeaten singing bowls are a gift of simple beauty and art. Each singing bowl is hand tuned by Indian skilled artisans and made with a special 7-metal bell alloy that produces a unique sonic “voiceprint” when played.

According to Tibetan oral tradition, the existence of singing bowls dates back to the time of the historical Budda Shakyamuni (560-480 B.C.) and a tradition brought from India to Tibet, along with the teachings of the Buddha.

It’s the perfect companion for home decor, yoga, meditation or bodywork. The bowls produce sounds that invoke a deep state of relaxation, which naturally assists in meditation, yoga or any moment of silence you are treating yourself to.

Lisa, one of our Certified Massage Therapists, loves to place the humming bowls on the backs of clients. The sounds and vibration reverberates through the body, creating a healing affect on the chakras.

To make the bowl sing: place open palm in 1 hand and hold striker vertical like a pencil. Gently tap bowl with the stick and then move it around the rim with firm and steady pressure. Bowl will begin to hum and vibrate with rich melodic tones.

Available for purchase at the SHOP at IO: 4.75” bowl $84, 6” bowl $120, 8” bowl $170, 12” bowl $325.

Singing til our hearts content,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/tibetan-singing-bowls-of-beauty/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month-5/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month-5/#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:00:05 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=4193 To welcome the NEW YEAR with open arms, I present our 1st yoga student + teacher of 2012: Leila Swenson, who teaches an all levels vinyasa class on Monday and Fridays at 7:00 AM and Wednesday at 12noon at our San Francisco yoga studio and Tobin Schiller, a dedicated IO yogi who off the mat works in marketing for Restoration Hardware.



TEACHER OF THE MONTH Leila Swenson
HOMETOWN Los Angeles
IDEA OF HAPPINESS Love…good friends, good company…and lots of yoga!
FAVORITE VACATION Hawaii…snorkeling in Hanauma Bay…eating Macadamia Nut pancakes
FAVORITE MUSIC TO PLAY IN CLASS Anything that inspires and moves the body… from Moby to Bon Iver, Architecture in Helsinki, Wah!, Krishna Das,The xx, and beyond…
SUPER HERO TALENT Empathy
FAVORITE POSE Ardha chandrasana (half moon)
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Singing, dancing and watching movies
MANTRA Thank you.



STUDENT OF THE NONTH Tobin Schiller
HOMETOWN Fresno, CA
HEROES My parents
FAVORITE VACATION Hanalei, Kauai or Sunset Beach on Oahu’s north shore. Paradise and uniquely relaxing and inspiring.
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE YOU Lots…but I love Kate Lumsden, Andrea Graham, and Lindsay Thomson
SING IN THE SHOWER SONG Lately I’ve been on a Carpenters kick…I’m a child of the 70s
5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY A sense of calm, an upcoming vacation, great food with great friends, a good belly-aching laugh, and clean sheets
OFF THE MAT PASSIONS Taking the road less traveled

For more tidbits on Leila and Tobin, 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

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month-5/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sealing-in-2011-with-love/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sealing-in-2011-with-love/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:00:23 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=4082 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

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sealing-in-2011-with-love/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/were-in-love-new-in-fiore-masque-royal-veloutee-lip-and-eye-balm/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/were-in-love-new-in-fiore-masque-royal-veloutee-lip-and-eye-balm/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:00:57 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=4077 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

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/were-in-love-new-in-fiore-masque-royal-veloutee-lip-and-eye-balm/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month-4/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month-4/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:00:30 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=4065 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

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month-4/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/my-io-favorite-things-holiday-gifts-of-wellness/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/my-io-favorite-things-holiday-gifts-of-wellness/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:00:38 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=4060 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

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/my-io-favorite-things-holiday-gifts-of-wellness/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/allie-edisons-inspired-yoga-playlist/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/allie-edisons-inspired-yoga-playlist/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:00:51 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3848 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

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/allie-edisons-inspired-yoga-playlist/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/being-thankful/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/being-thankful/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:07:08 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3852 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

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/being-thankful/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/dry-brushing-101-with-jodie-walker/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/dry-brushing-101-with-jodie-walker/#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:20:32 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3855 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

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/dry-brushing-101-with-jodie-walker/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month-3/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month-3/#comments Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:00:01 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3862 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

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month-3/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-masks-with-eleanor-bagley/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-masks-with-eleanor-bagley/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:00:24 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3868 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

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-masks-with-eleanor-bagley/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/hydrating-on-planes-om-of-nm-hydrosols/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/hydrating-on-planes-om-of-nm-hydrosols/#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:00:40 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3704 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

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/hydrating-on-planes-om-of-nm-hydrosols/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/huffington-post/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/huffington-post/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:35:06 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3829 Summer Spa Treats for Skin and Hair
September 2011
“The Organic Detox Facelift is a powerful solution that combines cleansing, enzymatic exfoliation and
intense hydration.”

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/huffington-post/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/7x7-sf-2/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/7x7-sf-2/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:34:15 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3826 International Orange Indulgence is Standing By
September 2011
“There are good San Francisco spas and there are better ones. International Orange has always kept a low profile as one of the better ones.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/7x7-sf-2/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/bon-appetit-2/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/bon-appetit-2/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:32:02 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3823 Our favorite Farm-Fresh Beauty Products: OM of NM
August 2011
“OM of NM, the small, privately run family farm handcrafts its products exclusively for BA-favorite International Orange spa in San Francisco. [The scrub] leaves your skin so lightly moisturized that you can use it in the morning, towel dry, put on your work clothes, and you’re out the door.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/bon-appetit-2/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/7x7-sf/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/7x7-sf/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:30:35 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3818 Triple Threat: Yoga, Steam + Spa at IO
July 2011
“International Orange still has the same allure as it did when it first opened…sometimes the oldies but goodies are the best discoveries.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/7x7-sf/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/style-com-2/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/style-com-2/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:26:21 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3815 The 411 Beauty Insider: In Fiore’s Julie Elliot
July 2011
“This [International Orange] is always my go-to place. All of the aestheticians and body workers are very experienced and regarded as some of the most talented in the Bay area.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/style-com-2/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/refinery29-com/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/refinery29-com/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:15:57 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3806 Editor’s Guide to San Francisco’s Best Beauty Spots
June 2011
“An extra bonus for you pregnant ladies, they have special mom-to-be massages and packages, too.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/refinery29-com/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-pursuit-of-handstands-part-2-with-jody-hahn/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-pursuit-of-handstands-part-2-with-jody-hahn/#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:00:10 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3691 I’ve kept you waiting. Here’s Part 2 of Jody Hahn’s step-by-step guide to mastering the handstand.

This week Jody shares her steps for the advanced yogi or anyone who’s seen the world upside down. If you have mastered getting up at the wall, now it’s time to figure out the balance away from the wall.

Part 2: Level 2/3 The advanced yogi
We now get into the head game again. Try not to think too much.

My favorite thing to tell people whether they move themselves further from the wall or into the middle of the room is to kick up to 12 o’clock.

1. Hands are at 6 o’clock. Just kick up to 12. We get into the habit when we are at the wall of kicking past 12 o’clock to find the wall.
2. So, move yourself about a foot or more away from the wall so that you have the wall for security if you need it.
3. Or move into the middle of the room (this is how I really got balance-by staying away from the wall).
4. Kick up to 12. Keep the legs energized.
5. You may fall. That’s okay. That is precisely how the body figures out how to balance.



Alternatively, at the wall:

1. Kick to the wall and then bring one leg away so that the heel is straight up from the pelvis.
2. You must bring the hips back toward the wall a bit to avoid ‘banana-ing’.
3. Then begin to hug/squeeze the inner thighs towards each other allowing the other leg to move forward in line with the leg that is already away from the wall.
4. Reach the heels up and push the hands down.
5. Keep some softness in the chest don’t become too rigid.

Is there a time one should not be inverting?
Women who are menstruating, those that suffer from shoulder or wrist injuries, or anyone with high blood pressure.

Any tricks for overcoming the fear of falling?
Yes! Fall a couple of times. You will realize that you will be ok and then you can get on with balancing. If you feel yourself losing balance, pick up 1 hand and cartwheel out instead of flipping all the way over.

Getting up or not getting up into inversions is not going to make or break your life. A lot of the time it’s a head game. Your doubt and fear will stop you. That’s life, right?

Be involved in the process and see what you learn about yourself. That’s really what yoga is about anyway.

Namaste,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-pursuit-of-handstands-part-2-with-jody-hahn/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month-2/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month-2/#comments Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:18 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3726 Happy October yogis!

This month, I bring you October’s shining stars: Andrea Graham, who teaches an all levels vinyasa class on Monday and Wednesday at 7:45pm at our San Francisco yoga studio and Dina Mussano, a graphic designer for Whole Foods.



TEACHER OF THE MONTH Andrea Graham
HOMETOWN Louisville, Kentucky
IDEA OF HAPPINESS Feeling connected to all that surrounds me
FAVORITE VACATION Hawaii
FAVORITE MUSIC TO PLAY IN CLASS Upbeat, interesting, emotion provoking. Some of my favorite artists right now: Yofi Yah, Jamie Moon, WAH, Bombay Dub Orchestra
FAVORITE ARTISTS Andy Goldsworthy, JM Basquiat…and many others!
BEST AFTER YOGA SNACK A vegetarian taco!
FAVORITE POSE Revolved triangle
OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Wheat-free baking, traveling, camping, hiking
MANTRA All is as it should be





STUDENT OF THE MONTH Dina Mussano
HOMETOWN A little farm in Pennsylvania
IDEA OF HAPPINESS Losing my inhibitions
FAVORITE VACATION Spring in Paris
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE YOU Bryan Kest, Allison Hodge, Andrea Maltzer
IDEAL SUNDAY Yoga, coffee, farmers’ market, beach, Giants game…all on a warm, sunny day in SF
FIVE THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY Exploring different cities, a good soy latte, the perfect vintage find, my friends and family and, of course, Hello Kitty
FAVORITE POSE Pigeon or hero. I’m a fan of arm balances too.
MANTRA Do what you love, love what you do.

For more tidbits on Andrea and Dina, 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

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month-2/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-pursuit-of-handstands-part-1-with-jody-hahn/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-pursuit-of-handstands-part-1-with-jody-hahn/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:24:31 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3669 In every yoga class, there is always a glimmer of hope that I might just get upside down.

I’ve been on the handstand pursuit for years, receiving inspirational and practical guidance all along the way. And, in true yoga form, there is no right or wrong way to get into a handstand, but there is great guidance on how to get there.

This week, Jody Hahn, our very own “queen of inversions” shares with us her step-by-step guide on getting upside down. This week, Part 1: for beginners. Jody, who makes it a point to include inversions in her classes, teaches Thursday and Friday at 9:15am.



PART 1: Level 1 Beginners

Warm-up
You don’t want to just jump into any inversion without preparing and warming the body. So, start with a few sun salutations and some standing poses to warm and lubricate the body.

Pre-handstand
Now for the fun handstand prep pose: “L” Pose, which will get you more comfortable with being upside down with support from the wall.


1. Come to the floor on hands and knees with your feet against the wall, hips over knees and shoulders over wrist.
2. Spread the fingers, full palms and all fingers firmly pressing floor.
3. With your the feet against the wall, lift the knees up so you are in down dog with toes on floor and heels against the wall.
4. Walk the legs up the wall to hip height, straighten the legs and press your chest toward your feet.

Handstand
Same set up as “L” pose, but now you will face the wall.
1. Place your hands 4-6 inches from the wall
2. Lift into down dog and shift your shoulders directly over your wrists, slightly soften the chest toward the floor allowing the shoulders to broaden, look between your hands- looking at the floor. This is KEY!!
3. Bring 1 foot forward an easy comfortable step toward the wall (think of a runner in blocks about to start a race). The other leg remains very straight. Keep your core toned, kidneys slightly puffed.
4. Using the leg that just came forward push that foot firmly into the floor and jump with that leg and launch the straight leg up and keep it straight. This is your momentum leg.
5. The bent leg is the launch leg; the straight one is the momentum leg. Maybe you practice jumping with the legs in the correct position, the tummy toned, kidneys puffed to get the feel for it first…and then give it some muscle and GO FOR IT!!
6. Once you are up push the floor away with your hands, squeeze your legs together, take your pubic bone toward your belly button/tailbone toward the heels and firmly press your heels toward the sky.

A few other tips


1. Try to avoid the classic “banana” position when the belly moves toward the middle of the room and the lower back arches away from the wall. Ouch. Pull the belly and hips back toward the wall.
2. Remember to breathe through the whole process.
3. Now, you might not get up. That’s ok.
4. Practice. Realize that the alignment and strength are one aspect.
5. It’s also a head game. Don’t let your head tell you that you can’t. You can. You learned to walk, bike, maybe ski etc. the body knows how to balance. Even upside down. You can’t think your way into it. You can think through the elements of alignment but then let the body figure out the rest.

Step by step,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-pursuit-of-handstands-part-1-with-jody-hahn/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/adding-on-the-essential-oil-add-on/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/adding-on-the-essential-oil-add-on/#comments Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:00:02 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3618 There are plenty of things to add-on. An extra cherry on top, a gossip magazine in the checkout line, an upgrade on your flight across the country.

But if you’re going to add-on anything these days, add on essential oils.

Specifically I’m talking about adding an In Fiore Body Balm ($15) to your IO massage at our San Francisco spa. It’s an addition that will enhance your massage ten-fold.

Not only will adding essential oils enable your IO Certified Massage Therapist to more readily address pressure points and muscles, but you will also receive the all-encompassing healing remedies of aromatherapy. The detoxification and healing benefits of your massage will linger for longer than sans-essential oils. Your mind, boy and soul will thank you.

Which essential oil to choose?
Take a peek at the menu below. Each In Fiore body balm is hand-blended and crafted with powerful essential oils and antioxidants to hydrate dull skin, bodies and minds.



THE BALMS

DALAYA euphoric blend
Jasmine and Lemongrass. This relaxing and euphoric blend promotes well-being, helps in pain reduction and improves circulation.

JOLIE balancing blend
Rose, Bergamot and Chamomile. This nourishing blend is ideal for treating dry and sensitive skin (including eczema and rosacea).

KASHMIR grounding blend
Patchouli, Neroli and Sandalwood. A rich, woodsy aroma with a floral hint, the essentials in this blend combat tension and anxiety.

SHEVANTI sensual blend
Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Frankincense and Rose. Earthy and sweet, Shevanti is ultra-decadent and completely revitalizing.

TANGIERS uplifting blend
Lemongrass, Ginger and Tangerine. This balm is soothing to muscular aches and pains and can improve skin scars, blemishes and stretch marks. Not to be used during pregnancy.

TIAGI tranquil blend
Lavender, Neroli and Lemon. Put insomnia and anxiety to bed with this nervous system sedative. This blend is also ideal during pregnancy as it helps prevent and heal stretch marks.

My favorite? Tiagi.

The extra benefit? You’ll walk out of the treatment room with supple, dewy skin, and a beautiful relaxed glow.

Add-on,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/adding-on-the-essential-oil-add-on/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/michelle-lyn-on-itching-for-a-healthy-scalp/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/michelle-lyn-on-itching-for-a-healthy-scalp/#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:00:59 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3600 Have you thought about your scalp lately? For many of us, it’s the last thing on our minds.

As one of the most overlooked body parts, the scalp is quite literally the root of maintaining overall balance and wellness for the body.

Michelle Lyn, a member of our San Francisco spa Certified Massage Therapist team, sheds the light on what it means to have a healthy scalp.

What is a healthy scalp?
A healthy scalp feels light and clean, allowing the hair lots of movement and provides greater blood flow and circulation throughout the whole head, which ultimately supports brain function and overall immune health in the body.



Energetically speaking, a healthy scalp helps to de-clutter the mind, opening us to greater mental clarity and presence. Yes, please!

Signs of an unhealthy scalp
Itching, dryness/dandruff, Eczema, an oily or filmy feeling left on your fingers after feeling the scalp.

The culprits
Stress, weather, sun, poor diet, pollution, chemicals in hair care products, pool chemicals, hair dryers and the list goes on and on…

5 things you may not know about your scalp


1. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, throughout the scalp you can find treatment zones affecting all areas of the body and body functions. People are familiar with the idea of the body and organs represented in the feet… well, it’s true for the scalp too!
2. Rotate shampoo + conditioner so that you’re not using the same every day
3. Lather for a 3-5 minutes to fully remove excess build-up from hair and scalp
4. Massaging the scalp releases tension in the neck and shoulders
5. Give yourself a mini scalp massage in the shower by lathering your shampoo with your knuckles rather than fingertips

Michelle’s at-home scalp care
IO ENRICH Body Cream: not just for your body, but also great for de-frizzing hair

Organic extra virgin coconut oil: we use in our treatments at IO. Perfect for de-frizzing & adding shine. Sometimes I’ll use in place of my normal hair gel.

IO ANOINT Body Oil: great for scalp, hair and body. Use as a hot oil treatment!

Start from the top,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/michelle-lyn-on-itching-for-a-healthy-scalp/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month/#comments Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:00:55 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3559 We’re proud of our yogis and teachers at IO.

So much so that each month we proudly feature a student and teacher of the month.

Here are September’s shining stars: Erika van Gemeren, who teaches an all levels vinyasa class on Thursdays at 7:00-8:00am, and Bessie Lee, manager of Cielo Boutique, one of our Fillmore Street neighbors.


TEACHER OF THE MONTH Erika van Gemeren
HOMETOWN Walnut Creek
YOUR FAVORITE VACATION Anywhere with a body of water, close getaways – Tahoe, Russian River
YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC TO PLAY IN CLASS I really play an eclectic range. Anything from Ravi Shankar-Radiohead-Mc Yogi-Nick Cave-Dj Drez, come and check it out!
YOUR HEROES Janet Stone, all the Mommas and the Papas in the world, and anyone who truly lives from their heart
BEST AFTER YOGA SNACK Kale crunchy chips
YOUR FAVORITE POSE Yoga squat (malasana) – a favorite way to eat lunch also!
SUPER-HERO TALENT I can do the worm – not sure how Super Hero that is, but it is a good party trick!
YOUR OFF-THE-MAT PASSIONS Snowboarding, reading, hiking, spending time with my kitty, Karma Yoga



STUDENT OF THE NONTH Bessie Lee
HOMETOWN Menlo Park
PROFESSION Manager of Cielo Boutique on Fillmore Street
YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS Inner peace
YOUR FAVORITE VACATION Being in Paris and strolling along the Sienne
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE YOU Everyone has an inner teacher so I find inspiration in all people
BEST AFTER YOGA SNACK Chocolate
YOUR OFF THE MAT PASSIONS Shopping, clothes, art, music
YOUR FAVORITE POSE Half moon pose
YOUR MANTRA Live to the point of tears – Camus wrote that!

For more tidbits on Erika and Bessie, read their complete profiles on the yoga board located outside of the studio.

If you’d like to nominate a student, email Lindsay at lindsay@internationalorange.com

Namaste,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-student-teacher-of-the-month/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/io-renewal-day/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/io-renewal-day/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:00:00 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3552 Next Tuesday, September 13, our San Francisco spa will close shop for 1 day for our annual IO Renewal Day.

For those of you who have been around IO know that Renewal Day is our day to turn in and reset.

With each Renewal Day, we realign ourselves. Renewal day is a day of refreshment and revival. We gather our IO family and give the spa, space and spirits a deep cleanse.



We roll up our sleeves and wash down the walls, apply a new fresh coat of paint and patch up the unfinished projects. We bring new life to the space with new linens, furniture and fresh air.

In addition to the physical cleansing of the space, Renewal Day is also an opportunity to reflect on our progress as a community and business, brainstorm ideas for new goals, and re-connect with each other.

The results are bountiful. The next day, we wake up reinvigorated and inspired and better equipped to bring the best wellness offerings to our clients. And we remember why we are all in this together.

All of this got me thinking about ways in which we personally renew ourselves. Do you give yourself a day of rest? What do you do to renew yourself?

Renew you,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/io-renewal-day/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/hiding-in-the-sun-the-io-sun-deck/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/hiding-in-the-sun-the-io-sun-deck/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:00:56 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3524 Now that it’s the end of everyone else’s summer, it’s officially the beginning of San Francisco’s. Which means, sunny September is just around the corner.

So, where to go to hide out in the sun? Come over to our IO sun deck. I bet you didn’t realize that we had one, did you?

I call it one of our best-kept secrets. There are few spas, let alone San Francisco apartments, that can boast of a proper rooftop/sun deck.

Located at the back of our San Francisco spa, the IO sun deck is a gem of its own. Smack dab in the middle of the city, our redwood sun deck is peaceful, pristine and lush with succulents and calming bamboo. Sadly, I don’t think the deck is used to its full potential.



When to go? Right before your treatment.

Cozy up in your robe, bring your mint tea and organic nibbles and walk through that glass door. Spend 10-15 minutes on the sun deck. On the deck you will find reclining chairs, tables of all sorts set up for you to read, nap, meditate, write in a journal or simply soak in the summer sun.

For the full IO experience, I recommend the triple threat: yoga, steam and sun deck right before your treatment.

Then before you know it, your practitioner will be greeting you on the deck and off you go into IO bliss.

Ready to visit? Book an appointment online or call 415.563.5000 and come in for sunny San Francisco spa day.

I heart sun decks,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/hiding-in-the-sun-the-io-sun-deck/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/why-get-a-facial/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/why-get-a-facial/#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:00:52 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3458 It’s safe to say that if getting a facial was as commonplace as brushing your teeth was, we’d not only have brighter faced futures, but just more wellness in our lives.

This week, I’ve decided to tackle a basic question that’s often overlooked: Why get a facial?

To many, getting a facial seems like a decadent luxury that’s beyond budgets and lifestyles to be considered essential or is something that they don’t need (e.g. there’s nothing “wrong” with my skin).



So, in defense of facials, here are a few reasons for why getting a facial is more important than you think.


1. It’s the ultimate anti-aging treatment
   Staying young and fresh-faced means taking care of yourself and your skin. What you do at home is only 1 part of this equation. The other is receiving the deep cleansing, exfoliation and hydration only a facial can provide. Getting a facial means you are doing your part to slow down the clock.

   Think of getting a facial as analogous to going to the dentist for a routine cleaning. Brushing at home is necessary, but you rely on a professional for the deep cleansing and maintenance to keep your pearly whites in tiptop shape. Why stop at your teeth?

2. A little TLC goes a long way
   Facials are more economical than you think. For 4-6 weeks after a facial, your skin will appear radiant, resilient and even-toned.

   That’s a heck of a return on your investment! Not only will your skin continue to renew itself after your facial, but also your spirit will be lifted knowing that you’re doing right by your skin.

3. Better than a good night’s rest
   Believe it or not, people have mistaken the results of getting a good night’s for a facial.

   The effects are similar, but facials go 1 step further to remove toxins and dirt accumulated over the weeks, months and years. And at our San Francisco spa, our facials incorporate extensive facial massage, which improves circulation for an even-toned complexion.

   If you’re simply craving that dewy, healthy glow and can’t get a good night’s rest get a facial. It won’t disappoint – and you’ll sleep better too!

Not convinced? Just give it a try. I promise I won’t be the one to say, “I told you so!”

It’s more than just a frou frou frill,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/why-get-a-facial/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/ease-sore-muscles-with-io-bathe/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/ease-sore-muscles-with-io-bathe/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:00:02 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3482 Three weeks ago I signed up for an all-women’s triathlon.

(Something I thought that I could never do, I’m doing!)

Outside of the positive benefits of increased energy levels and lower stress, training for the triathlon has brought on a continuous series of muscle pain and soreness – from my shoulders to quads – all of my muscles have been talking to me!

While I live for massage therapy with our San Francisco Spa and Certified Massage Therapist team, I’ve discovered an easy and painless daily practice to help to relieve my soreness: taking baths with IO Bathe, a bath soak.

IO Bathe has been the key to releasing my muscle pain and tension. It’s almost too easy. BATHE bath soak, one of the products from the IO Organic body care collection, and is a radiant and detoxifying treatment to harmonize overactive bodies. (Not to mention it was named best bath soak by allure Spa Magazine)



All you have to do is draw a warm bath and dissolve ¼ to ½ cup of the treatment salts. Add more salt if you desire a more intense bath. Then slip in up to your shoulders and soak for at least 15 mins.

So what’s doing the work?

The key ingredient: Vetiver root. It aids in the release of muscle pain and tension and helps to move the lactic acid built up in the muscles.

There are a few other active ingredients in IO BATHE that does wonders. Sea salt, Epsom salt and baking soda help to draw out toxins and encourage circulation. Orange blossom puts the nervous system at peace. White Lotus is softly sweet and brings you quickly into la-la land.

For many of us Type-A personalities, stopping to take a bath is harder than we think. But all that more important. Ease muscle soreness, create space and simply giving your body a good soak are enough reasons to BATHE.

Any other tips on easing pain or soreness?

In BATHE I trust,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/ease-sore-muscles-with-io-bathe/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/skin-savior-3-things-you-need-to-know-about-face-oil/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/skin-savior-3-things-you-need-to-know-about-face-oil/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:00:20 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3406 Like many things, applying oil to your face seems contradictory (and suffocating!) Why apply oil to already oily skin?

For years, we’ve been advised to buy oil-free skincare products. Then we learned: oil is actually a miracle worker. It’s more than just for parched skin. It’s a savior for a variety of complexion ailments ranging from (yes!) oily skin to acne to hyperpigmentation.

Bottom line: face oil is good for you. Its lucrative properties make it a 1 hit wonder. So if you invest in anything (except for sunscreen), it’s face oil.

At our San Francisco spa, we’ve been on the bandwagon since our doors opened 9 years ago and have a variety of face oils that address any skin’s needs.



Here are 3 things you need to know before taking the oil plunge:


1. Buy oils made from pure essential oils or other plant-based ingredients
   Face oils are water free and are made from pure plant oils which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Most (and the best) face oils contain a base oil such as jojoba or almond oil mixed with potent seed oils such as black cumin, rose hip or grape. Always check the formulation to make sure that you are buying quality oils.

   A few of my favorite oils:
   Dry skin: In Fiore Nourrit Oil Concentre ($60): a must for lifting dull and tired complexions. Alleviates wrinkles and quenches dehydrated skin by encouraging new cell growth and improving circulation.

   Oily skin: Dr. Haushka Normalizing Day Oil ($42.95): The almond oil in this non-greasy blend helps to normalize and manage the skin’s oil production.

   Acneic skin: Dr. Alkaitis Organic Nourishing Treatment Oil ($80): this raw, living formulation does wonders on acne.

   All skin types: In Fiore Calme Oil Concentre ($60): Part of my personal regimen, this anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-septic blend soothes skin and increases skin resiliency, for ultimately a more even skin tone. I mix 3 drops of Calme with In Fiore Treate Gentle Cleansing base.
   

2. More effective than moisturizers
   Despite their slick texture, oils are more effective at moisturizing your skin.
   
   Face oil seals moisture more effectively and is absorbed by the skin faster than moisturizers, which are often laden with other ingredients that take a while to break down. Skin immediately feels softer and more radiant!
   
   
3. Test drive oils at night for at least a week
   Scared of showing up to the office dewy faced? Test drive oils at night for a week to ensure that it’s a match.
   
   Face oils should be used in place of your moisturizer. However applying oils at night is the most effective time to apply since your skin is repairing itself while you sleep.


And, one final rule of thumb: apply only 2-3 drops into your palm and press into your skin

Embracing oils,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/skin-savior-3-things-you-need-to-know-about-face-oil/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-rahnie-smith-on-skincare-through-the-ages/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-rahnie-smith-on-skincare-through-the-ages/#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:00:58 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3364 Life transitions happen! Every 10 years, we transition through another decade.

Do you know what your skin needs throughout the ages?

This week, I sat down with Rahnie Smith, a member of our San Francisco spa and Esthetician team, to break down the most common complexion offenders and what we should be paying attention to as we transition through the decades. As a former makeup artist, Rahnie brings a deep understanding the skin’s needs from cleansing to waxing to makeup application.



We all want to look fabulous at every age. What should we focus on at each decade?

20s: The Radiant 20s
Skincare in the 20’s is about keeping the skin clean, fresh and protected from the sun and the environment. Because skin in the 20s has an abundance of collage and elastin, the skin always appears firm, plump and has healthy glow.

Your 20s regimen:
Cleanse: Arcona White Tea Purifying Cleanser ($42)
Tone: In Fiore Toning Floral Essence ($60)
Antioxidant: Arcona Desert Mist ($32)
Hydrate: Arcona Magic White Ice ($38) is a great all purpose, all skin types hydrator.
Protect: Use at least SPF 30 daily.

30s: Prevent wrinkles + pigmentation
Skincare in the 30’s is similar the 20’s, but in the 30’s signs of sun damage begin to appear as a result from our teenage years spent in the sun. Also some aging signs such as pigmentation and fine lines may appear in the mid-to-late 30’s.

This is the perfect time to start introducing alpha/beta hydroxy acids and retinoids into your evening regime so the skin can repair while we sleep.

Your 30s regimen:
Cleanse: Dr. Alkaitis Organic Purifying Facial Cleanser ($65)
Tone: Dr. Alkaitis Organic Herbal Toner ($55)
Antioxidant: Arcona Youth Serum ($87) (a Vitamin C in the AM) and Arcona Vitamin A Complex ($68) (a retinoid or alpha/beta hydroxy acids in the PM 2-3x/week)
Hydrate based on your skin type (normal, combination, oil, acneic)
Protect: sunscreen (at least 30 SPF daily)

40s and 50s+: Reverse the damage + strengthen
In these 2 decades, the skin begins to lose radiance due to declining levels of estrogen, which effects skin elasticity, pigment, firmness and tone.

Time to introduce peptides! Peptides stimulate collagen and improve the skin’s texture and elasticity, and are perfect for anti-aging, age reversal and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

Your 40s and 50s regimen:
Cleanse: If your skin is on the drier side, be sure to use a cleanser that is nourishing and gentle so you don’t strip away your skin’s natural oil: In Fiore Treate Gentle Cleansing Base ($58)
Tone: It’s important to use a hydrating toner: Arcona Cranberry Toner ($32) with cranberry extracts and rice milk
Antioxidant: Skinceuticals Phloretin CF (normal to oil skin) or Skinceuticals CE Ferulic (dry skin)
Hydrate: Arcona Peptide Hydrating Complex ($95)
Protect: Sunscreen (at least SPF 45 daily)

What is consistent throughout the ages?

1. Know your skin type
People of all ages have acneic, oily, dry or combination skin. Any of these types may also be sensitive. It’s very important to know your skin type to buy products designed for your skin.

2. Get facials, the ultimate anti-aging treatment
A little TLC on your face goes a long way. Facials will give you a deeper cleanse, exfoliation and hydration. Facial massage detoxifies, increases and stimulates circulation so your tone and complexion will be radiant!

3. Retinoids are the whole package and proven
Retoids fight acne, build collagen and fade spots. They are DO-ers. What more could you ask for?

4. Always wear your sunscreen
The only way to keep your skin at its best is to always wear a sunscreen of at least SFP 30. Daily. No exceptions. Yes, on those foggy SF days, our skin is still exposed to the harmful UVA/UVB rays.

And, then get out there and smile!

With secrets in the steam,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-rahnie-smith-on-skincare-through-the-ages/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/making-the-most-of-io-5-io-tidbits-you-should-know-for-your-visit/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/making-the-most-of-io-5-io-tidbits-you-should-know-for-your-visit/#comments Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:00:42 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3156 We love our clients. We really, really do.

Without you all, we’d be devoid of our passion: bringing wellness transformation to all.

Though, I must confess. Too often do I see clients rushing in-and-out and missing the best parts of IO. By arriving late, rushing or not taking full advantage of the spa’s calming nurturing amenities and space, you are only hurting yourself. Your wellness, your experience and your happiness.



So in the spirit staying present and living life to the fullest, here are my top 5 tidbits for getting the best, most complete San Francisco spa experience:

1. Cut down on phone time: book IO appointments online
No more letting your officemates (or boss!) in on your spa dates or waking up a sleeping baby during naptime. Take care of your spa booking needs online with ease and simplicity. (NOTE: for same-day booking, please call us at (415) 563-5000.)

2. Don’t sell yourself short: Arrive 20-30 minutes early
Most clients arrive with less than 15 minutes before their schedule appointment time. This leaves barely enough time to check-in, undress and unwind before your appointment.

Instead give yourself ample time and arrive 20-30 minutes to make full use of the amenities: shower and steam. Steaming and showering are essential before any treatment, as the beneficial oils used in IO spa treatments are best absorbed through clean skin and softened pores. You’ll be selling your body short without.

3. Relax on our redwood sun deck
Did you know that we have an outdoor urban oasis, our sun deck? It’s one of our best-kept secrets and is the perfect place to perch, soak in the sun and unwind before your treatment. Don’t worry, your IO professional will meet you there.

4. Go for the Triple threat: Yoga + Steam + Spa Treatment
For the ultimate experience, the IO triple threat is the best way to experience IO. The order of operations is yoga + shower/steam + treatment. This way you’ll be sure to rid yourself of all toxins – mental and physical before your treatment.

5. Request the last appointment of the night
This is my favorite time slot. By snagging the last appointment of the day, all you have to do is go home and roll into bed, relaxed and ready to go. Your journey off to la-la land will be ever-so-sweet, I promise.

Have more questions about IO Spa and Yoga 101? Call or read for more information.

Here’s to making the most of the best,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/making-the-most-of-io-5-io-tidbits-you-should-know-for-your-visit/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/table-time-interview-jennifer-bautista-debunks-acupressure/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/table-time-interview-jennifer-bautista-debunks-acupressure/#comments Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:58:39 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3321 Acupressure: Is it a mystery to you?

This week, I sat down with Jennifer Bautista for an Acupressure 101 session. Often confused for acupuncture, acupressure is a hidden gem, like a middle child overlooked by its siblings: massage and acupuncture.

Jennifer, who comes from family of a self-taught reflexologists and aromatherapists, brings a love for acupressure and its healing benefits to the IO team. Outside of IO, Jennifer can be found walking the city, eating bread pudding at La Boulange or hanging out at Fort Mason. It’s no wonder Jennifer’s perfectly suited for acupressure. Her favorite treats? A fabulous pair of shoes or a hug from her mom.



Acupressure: what is it?
Acupressure draws from the same basic philosophies behind acupuncture, but the Qi is manipulated by pressure and massage instead of needles.

What is the philosophy behind it?
Similar to acupuncture, acupressure manipulates acupoints on the meridians on our bodies to move stagnant and/or excess Qi and to build deficient Qi. The general idea is to bring balance back to the body.

How is it different from acupuncture?
In principle there are no differences, but the application is less invasive than acupuncture since it requires only a hand and a person in need.

Are there tools involved?
Just a massage therapist studied in acupressure and their skillful healing hands.

What are the benefits?
A person receiving acupressure can feel immediate relief of a headache, nausea, anxiety or pain and have the added benefits of touch as well.

What are the major acupoints?
Acupressure points are all over the body. There are hundreds of them and they lie within the meridians. Two major points on the body are Large Intestine 4, located between your thumb and index finger and Bai Hui, located in the center of the crown of the head.

What areas do these major acupoints help to release?
Large Intestine 4 is used for some headaches, fevers, sore throats and many other ailments. Bai Hui is great for headaches and vertigo as well as other ailments. People who practice Qi Gong, Reiki, or meditate often focus on this point as a place to receive Qi into the body.

Who is acupressure best suited for?
Acupressure is a great tool for those who are not open to needles or people who have skin integrity issues and need a gentler modality.

What are some at-home acupressure therapies tips?
I recommend that you first receive acupressure from a trained therapist and then have a self-care routine taught to you. As much wellness as acupressure can bring is as much harm as it could potentially do if you are not using the correct points for your specific needs.

What are your 3 favorite products?
1. T-spheres: Amazing especially for self-care acupressure routines. It is a little massage therapist with you always.
2. IO BATHE Bath Soak: These salts are truly therapeutic. I’m a big advocate of the benefits of a good soak in quality salts and essentials oils, especially given our climate here in SF.
3. Dayala In Fiore Body Balm: Consists of jasmine, lemongrass and pure love. Dayala eases pain, increases circulation and enhances my massage ten-fold.

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/table-time-interview-jennifer-bautista-debunks-acupressure/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/and-away-we-go-sofia-does-tahiti/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/and-away-we-go-sofia-does-tahiti/#comments Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:00:10 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3292 Not often to I get to boast about an epic vacation like my recent 8-day trip to Tahiti. So here I am, blissfully happy to share my island love for the land and people of Tahiti.

After a 8-hour flight, I landed in Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia. An archipelago of mountainous islands formed by volcanic activity and surrounded by coral reefs, Tahiti is the perfect spot for a wellness vacation for the mind, body and spirit.

As soon as I stepped off the plane, I was greeted with gracious smiles and a lei of native Tiares, the Tahitian gardenia. I spent the majority of my time on the motu (“islet” in Tahitian) of Moorea. From above, Moorea vaguely resembles a heart, with its 2 symmetrical bays, Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, opening up to the north. Talk about optimal heart-opening karma!

Daily life on the motu was island-perfect: Local, fresh, and full of explorations. Read on for my Tahitian favorites.



Local fruits abound
Tahiti is ripe with local juicy fruits, which became an integral part of my diet. Pineapples, baby bananas, coconuts and pamplemousse (“grapefruit” in French), a huge grapefruit, all call Tahiti home. I just couldn’t get enough and ate passion fruit daily and multiple times a day.

The days are long, but…
Days in Moorea are 12-hours long. I greeted the sun daily at 6:00am and watched the sun set at 6:00pm. Because of this ritual, I was able to reconnect with the beauty and meaning of time. Eight days in San Francisco, bustling with work, life and social activities goes by with a blink of an eye. Eight days in Tahiti felt complete, and a reminder that life does exist outside of deadlines and buzzing iPhones.

Explore: Tahiti Expeditions
In addition to soaking up the beauty and rays of the sun, I took a 1-day excursion led by Frank of Tahiti Expeditions. With his guidance, we hiked around the island to a vista point and caught glimpses of the 2 bays. Breathtaking, to say the least.

Stingrays and sharks make for world-class snorkeling
Because of the large coral reef that surrounds it, Moorea has some of the world’s best snorkeling. Calm, clear and full of friendly fish, the water was my daily habitat. Morning snorkel sessions included sightings of stingrays, sharks (!!) and bright beautiful fish. Like the friendly people of Tahiti, the underwater creatures are one in the same.

Visit: The Paul Gaughin Museum
A long time fan of Paul Gaughin’s Tahitian paintings and Tahitian Women on the Beach, I visited the Paul Gaughin Museum, a capsule dedicated to his life’s work. While most of Gaughin’s most famous pieces live in other museums, it was honor to view unseen sketches and block prints in Tahiti.

While the trip to Tahiti is more than a weekend getaway, the journey west to the South Pacific Ocean is well worth it. You’ll find a heart-warming place to reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with life beyond our 7×7 square mile city.

Walking on sunshine,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/and-away-we-go-sofia-does-tahiti/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/vanity-fair/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/vanity-fair/#comments Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:48:49 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3256 Shaping Up Skin with a “Yoga Facial” at International Orange
June 2011
“…known for its serene, centering atmosphere and beloved by celebrities who possess both flawless skin and bodies (Christy Turlington, Gwyneth Paltrow)…what I left with was well worth the effort: radiant skin that’s still plump and blemish-free weeks later, and perhaps more toned arms and legs as an added bonus.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/vanity-fair/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/7x7-magazine/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/7x7-magazine/#comments Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:48:36 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3253 2011 Best of the City: Beauty On-the-Go
June 2011
“One shot of International Orange’s Preserve Skincare products, and your beauty routine will forever be altered. The face-cleansing pads are the perfect all-in-one solution for anyone on the go.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/7x7-magazine/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/style-com/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/style-com/#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:49:04 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3251 The Stock List: Preserve Skincare + Taking a Swipe at Wrinkles and Acne
April 2011
“The seasoned pros have come up with a solution: a pre-soaked facial cleansing pads that wipe away impurities and rebalance the skin’s pH with high-tech botanicals so you never have to bother with tedious soap again.”

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/style-com/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-ashley-smith-on-exfoliations-5ws-and-how/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-ashley-smith-on-exfoliations-5ws-and-how/#comments Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:47:49 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=3212 Now that we just celebrated our nation’s birthday, let’s talk about another re-birthing process: exfoliation.

Overwhelmed by the thought of it? Not to worry, I’ve brought Ashley Smith to the rescue to break down the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How’s of exfoliation.

With over 5 years of experience, Ashley brings an unparalleled passion for exfoliation to the IO team. (Just look at her ever-glowing skin!) She practices what she preaches. Outside of our San Francisco spa, Ashley can be found cooking at home or noshing at La Taqueria in the Mission.



Without further ado, here’s are Ashley’s 5 W’s and How on exfoliation:

Who needs it?
Everyone! Mature, acneic, dry, oily and pigmented skin types all benefit from exfoliation. Exfoliation is essential to making any major differences to the skin. Exfoliation makes the skin look alive! (After all, it is our largest organ.)

What are the benefits?
There are 2 types of exfoliation: manual and chemical.

Manual exfoliation, or scrubs, encourages removal of dead skin, which contributes to congested skin, and also helps brighten up dull or aging skin.

Chemical exfoliation encourages new skin cell growth every 5-7 days to every 28 days. It helps to even out skin tone and bring overall brightness and clarity to the skin.

When is the best time to exfoliate and where should you exfoliate?
Apply a manual exfoliant on your face and décolleté in the morning or before a night out. For optimal results, use 3 times per week, preferably having used a chemical exfoliant the night prior.

Chemical exfoliants work best while we sleep, when the skin is regenerating itself. Because ingredients can cause sun sensitivity, avoid using during the day. In general, it is essential to protect yourself from the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen while using an exfoliant.

Why exfoliate?
As the skin begins to mature, it naturally regenerates more slowly. Exfoliation helps stimulate collagen and elastin fibers, which keep skin looking younger, brighter and firmer.

How often for each skin type?
Normal skin: 2-3 times/week.

Problematic: (acneic/congested) Use a salicylic or glycolic acid 3-4 times/week. Skin with blackheads benefit from a scrub, while skin with breakouts should focus on chemical exfoliants.

Dry: Lactic acid is ideal for dry skin because it is gentle and can hydrate the skin. Use a gentle scrub 2-3 times per week to remove dead skin cells. Enzymes also work magically on this skin type.

Sensitive: This skin type can benefit from very gentle exfoliation such as using the Clarisonic brush with a gentle cleanser and a non-acid based chemical exfoliant like Skinceuticals Retexturizing Activator. Both of products can be used daily.

Mature: Mature skin can benefit from lactic acid, glycolic acid, and retinol to target fine lines, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and loss of elasticity up to 5 times per week.

When shopping for an exfoliant, what are the key ingredients to look for?
Lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acids, and retinols are the most effective chemical exfoliants. Choose based on an individual’s skin type (see above).

Best all-time exfoliators?
1. Arcona’s Gentle Solution and Raspberry Resurfacing Peel are my favorite chemical exfoliants.
2. Skinceuticals Retexturizing Activator: great for dry or sensitive skin.
3. In Fiore Lustra Cleansing Balm: The best scrub at IO. Devotees call it, “divine mud” and “facial in a jar.”

With secrets in the steam,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-ashley-smith-on-exfoliations-5ws-and-how/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/table-time-monk-wellington-on-unlocking-the-bodys-hidden-connections/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/table-time-monk-wellington-on-unlocking-the-bodys-hidden-connections/#comments Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:00:43 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2890 Ever been on the massage table hoping to ease back pain, but the therapist addresses another area instead?

This week I sat down with Monk Wellington (yes, a Monk!) to get the scoop on why this is so. Counterintuitive, but true. What we think are seemingly unrelated parts are in fact, the key to relieving discomfort. Here’s a holistic moment: it’s time to stop fixating.

Monk, a member of our San Francisco spa Certified Massage Therapist team for 5 years, is a dancer and an artist, whose experiences have deeply influenced his bodywork techniques. His belief in mind and body integration is steadfast. Outside of IO, Monk can be found dancing at a studio in the Mission or studying Japanese or physics.



Monk, enlighten us. What does “unified/complete health” means to you?
Unified/complete health means always being aware of what goes in and out of your body and mind. Equal parts on both ends will always keep you balanced.

What do you do to take care of yourself?
Physically: I dance and run 2-3 times a week. I lift weights to keep tone. Being nimble is my goal, not bulk. I work with my hands a lot, so I ice twice a week, but that’s just preventative care.

Mentally: I love learning, so I read a lot. I try to meditate everyday. I love art, watching it or creating it. Not necessarily because of the community, but because it’s about expressing, sharing, releasing, which helps the body a lot. The body processes all kinds of information, and if we don’t let it out, it gets to the point where you need to see someone like me!

We all know that the mind-body connection is inseparable. What are some “hidden” places of stress/pain that we often overlook?
It’s different for everyone, but the place most are surprised they have tension is in their armpit. We use our arms everyday for everything, and massage focusing on shoulders definitely alleviates the back. However, what really helps the most is that funny spot underneath your shoulder that may have never ever been touched before.

What’s your secret to unlocking the lower back?
The lower back is where the pain is felt, however not always, but often times the source is the hips. The hips are at the core of the body, so if they’re tight, they pull on every thing else. When that happens, people often feel it in the lower back or in the hamstrings. Having tight glutes is the main source of sciatica, which can be felt in the foot too.

What is your IO favorite treatment?
The Four-Handed Massage with another therapist, because it’s a fun experience to share. It’s like dancing with a partner versus dancing alone.

We all have them, favorites. What are your favorite products?
1. In Fiore Pur Face Oil: my skin is a little oilier than average and this has helped me balance out my skin’s pH.
2. OM of NM Lavender Tangerine Salt Scrub: perfect for alleviating the mind and extracting toxins from sore muscles.

To close, here’s a poem of reflection, written by Monk himself:

“Science is the process by which to clarify reality.
Philosophy is the process by which to clarify the mind.
Art is the process by which to clarify expression.
Beauty is the process by which to remain undefined.”

- Monk Wellington

With Table Time,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/table-time-monk-wellington-on-unlocking-the-bodys-hidden-connections/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/inside-out-summer-skin-protection-beyond-spf/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/inside-out-summer-skin-protection-beyond-spf/#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:00:07 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2898 San Francisco summer is in full effect. Overcast, cold, windy, foggy. Time to escape SF city limits in search of sun and heat.

After all these years living in San Francisco, it seems as if I’ve forgotten what summer is really like. Life beyond the fog belt does exist, but what to bring to protect the skin? SPF, a hat and sunglasses?

While essential, SPF works only on the outside. We forget to protect the skin from the inside, which is a critical element to preventing sun damage and slowing the skin’s aging process. Much like our San Francisco wardrobe, summertime is time to layer it on.



Layer on: Antioxidant serum then SPF
Before you apply your SPF (use at least 30 or 45+ for sunny tropical destinations), apply an antioxidant serum like Arcona Booster Defense Serum or Arcona Youth Serum that protects the skin from the inside. The best part? It transitions well into daily skincare routines focused on preventative aging.

Both Arcona serums are supercharged with high concentrations of antioxidants such as Green Tea, grape seed extracts and dismutase, which help to neutralize the damaging affects of UVA/UVB rays.

Why is this important?
Antioxidants help to protect the skin from premature aging and reduce free radical damage, which ultimately is the culprit of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and fine lines.

Extra credit: Hydration and balms
It’s also important to keep skin hydrated. Properly hydrated skin gives way to a youthful glowing complexion and helps to maintain the skin’s resilience against photo aging. Pick up the Arcona Wine Hydrating Mask or my personal favorite, the Astara Golden Flame Hydration Mask to soothe, refresh and quench the skin post beach time.

Last but not least, antioxidant rich and celebrity-loved In Fiore Fleur Vibrante is the final deal to seal, heal and counteract sun damage. Highly recommended for those who spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer. To apply: rub thin layer between palms and press into your skin before bedtime.

And, if you can’t escape the San Francisco fog, step into our spa in San Francisco. Our steam room leaves no-body out in the cold.

Summer days are here again,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/inside-out-summer-skin-protection-beyond-spf/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-karen-on-balinese-beauty-rituals/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-karen-on-balinese-beauty-rituals/#comments Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:00:50 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2621 With a passport full of international stamps, our very own Karen Waage lives for traveling and discovering beauty rituals of the world. While not globetrotting, Karen can be found at our spa in San Francisco working her magic on clients of all skin types.



Can’t make it to Bali this year? Read on for Karen’s secrets in the steam:

Where in the world have you experienced the best facial?
Bali!! More for the uniqueness of the facial and the beautiful outdoor spa it was in!

What made it outstanding?
The Balinese incorporate the island’s riches into their treatments. Getting treatments was a great way to experience all that the island has to offer.

What are the skincare rituals of the Balinese?
The Balinese utilize the island’s treasures and foods such as honey, oatmeal and flower petals. What goes on their skin is what they eat at home.

For example during my traditional honey cucumber facial, oatmeal was used to exfoliate my skin while the honey softened my skin. Honey is a great antioxidant. The cucumber was used as a finishing mask for its cooling, tightening and moisturizing properties. I had a rose petal bath following the facial. Rose is a wonderful anti depressant and astringent treatment.

Throughout your travels, have you found common elements across the cultures you’ve experienced?
I’ve found that no matter who you are or where you are women (and men) all over the world have beauty rituals. It’s inspiring to me that all women have this in common. Though the ingredients may be different, beauty rituals are something that are passed down to children and grandchildren, etc. So, it’s important for us to think about what we are passing down!

What have you learned from your travels?
I have learned to appreciate and embrace what you have, but be open to finding new ways to incorporate other culture’s practices into your own skincare ritual.

For instance, the Balinese women use ingredients from their own kitchen. There are skincare gems at our fingertips that we often overlook!

What are your 3 essential skincare products?
1. Skinceuticals Phloretin CF: Preventative care that creates a strong foundation and fights free radicals.

2. In Fiore Lustra: With crushed organic flower petals, it’s the most beautiful exfoliant I have gotten my hands into! Along with exfoliating, it has great hydrating and detoxifying properties, which will leave your skin glowing like you wouldn’t believe.

3. Arcona Night Worker: Perfect for outdoor types and dry skin. A night serum packed with Vitamin C and fruit enzymes that helps hydrate and promote collagen production. Collagen is important for everyone. Collagen breaks down faster with sun exposure, so it is important to protect your skin while out in the sun!

What are your top 3 skincare rules to live by?
1. Never go to bed with a dirty face
2. Always use preventative treatments
3. Exfoliate!!!

With secrets in the steam,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-karen-on-balinese-beauty-rituals/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/dear-dad-io-fathers-day-gift-guide/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/dear-dad-io-fathers-day-gift-guide/#comments Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:13:23 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2885 Oft-forgotten are Dad’s and their heroic efforts. They double duty as friends, fathers, leaders and worker bees. On Sunday, June 19th, how will you honor your dad?

My dad has always been there for me, yet I succumb annually to the standard “fatherly” gifts, of which I’m never sure if he actually uses.

So this year I decided to bring him into IO for a day of wellness, San Francisco spa style. Here’s what I’m gifting him:

Pure 100% Deep Tissue Massage ($180) + Foot Reflexology ($75)
This is 120 minutes of true bliss for my workaholic dad. Between putting in time at the office and working on home improvement projects, my dad never stops.



So head to toe, he’ll be receiving deep tissue muscle therapy, penetrating the 2nd muscle layer, which is famously known to store pent up tension. With the Foot Reflexology add-on, pressure point work helps to balance bodily systems and give his chi a boost.

Malin+Goetz Shave Cream ($22 for 4oz.)
Instead of a facial, I’m giving him the best shave in town.

My dad doesn’t have the slightest clue as to what his skin needs, which is why the Malin+Goetz Shave Cream is perfect. Non-irritating, the cream is suitable for all skin types, yet soothes and hydrates the skin with natural Vitamin E and amino acids. I know my dad will proudly display it in his bathroom. The packaging doesn’t scream “girly.”

Arcona Tabula Rasa ($22 for 35mL)
Never perfect, razors have a mind of their own. Ouch. This is the perfect weapon for soothing razor burn and ingrown hairs. Enough said.

Best of all, Father’s Day, Sunday June 19, is still a few weeks away. So there’s still plenty of time to plan your fatherly treat.

To the paternal powers that be,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/dear-dad-io-fathers-day-gift-guide/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-spa-retreat-for-your-insides-can-can-cleanse/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-spa-retreat-for-your-insides-can-can-cleanse/#comments Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:12:47 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2896 Four times a year the seasons change. And with each change, we season-proof our wardrobes, cars, homes, skincare and even travel essentials.

But too often do we forget to clean our insides.

I’m not talking about the infamously intense Master Cleanse, where your body goes into shock. I’m talking about the CAN CAN Cleanse, a nutritional, organic 1-day or 3-day liquid cleanse that is a San Francisco spa retreat for your insides. The CAN CAN Cleanse is a healthy and sustainable way to check in with your health and wellness goals and re-set. All systems a go!

The reasons to cleanse are plenty. Here are just a few:


• give your digestive system a break
• boost energy and self-esteem
• reset poor eating habits
• jump start weight loss goals
• simply feel what it feels like to truly feel good!





Last week I completed my spring 3-day cleanse. I’ve tried a handful of cleanses and have never found the right fit. They’ve been unsustainable, awful tasting, or are too hard to manage given my on-the-go-lifestyle. After CAN CAN’ing, I walked away more clear headed, pounds lighter and skin glowing like I just had a facial!

Teresa, founder and chief inspiration officer, sets you up for success and overcomes the pain points that makes most cleanses unsuccessful. (She even sends you a note of inspiration during the day just at the right moment – when you think you’ve had enough!)

It actually tastes good!
No more depriving yourself or your taste buds. The CAN CAN cleanse consists of 8 liquids/day (2 fruit juices, 2 green vegetable juices, 2 herbal teas, 1 nut milk, 1 savory soup), sequenced approximately every 1.5 hours, and never leaves you feeling hungry.

Each time you start to feel hungry, it’s time to grab another can. Added bonus: each liquid is actually something that I would drink on a regular basis!

Opt for delivery or pick up
Like takeout, you can decide whether you’d like to pick up your cleanse or have it delivered to your home or office. Cleanses begin on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

No brains required
Each can is labeled 1 to 8, so all you have to do is count to 8. Teresa also provides pre-cleanse and post-cleanse guidelines that help to transition your diet for a more effective cleanse.

Eat seasonally, eat organic and support local farms
All fruits and vegetables are in-season and whenever possible sourced locally from Sonoma and Central Valley farms.

Permissible eats
Bathing your digestive system with nutrient rich liquids is the goal, but eating is OK if needed. The CAN CAN Cleanse believes that all bodies and cleansing experiences are different and provides a list of “permissible eats” such as a ½ of an avocado or an apple. Best to have on hand before so you aren’t reaching for cookies instead.

I simply CAN’t say enough.

You CAN CAN Cleanse,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-spa-retreat-for-your-insides-can-can-cleanse/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/party-like-a-yogi-star-io-yoga-parties/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/party-like-a-yogi-star-io-yoga-parties/#comments Wed, 25 May 2011 14:45:41 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2619 Everyone loves a good party. Fun, festive or simple, parties now come in all different shapes and sizes.

Galas in gardens, bonfire beach parties, pop-up parties in farmhouses, tea parties, the options are endless.

Yet the one thing that the party world is missing is a good YOGA PARTY.



Sounds too zen? Well, let me count the ways why an IO yoga party may be perfect for your next celebration – graduation, birthday, or baby shower – to plan or to attend.

1. It’s unique, active and communal
No more of the same ol’ gathering over food at a restaurant or home. No more struggling to maintain conversations with people you don’t know. Yoga parties provide an all-levels, inclusive, activity where 1st time yogis will feel supported. It’s a great way to get active together.

2. It puts everyone in a great mood
Yoga brings out the best in anyone. At the end of the private yoga class, everyone will be lighter, brighter and smiling.

3. Everyone loves a beautiful space
The IO San Francisco yoga studio is a pristine, sun-lit space that will greet any party with joy. Ample space for small parties to gather and mingle, the beautiful and intimate studio is picture perfect for memorable party photos.

4. Giggling in downward dog with someone else is just plain fun
For those who are yogis, you know what I mean. Practicing together means that you can just bust out laughing with your closest friends.

5. Minimal prep work required
We all have enough to do every day. Party planning is one more thing to manage. With an IO yoga party, all you need to do is show up. Mats, yoga accessories and your yoga instructor will take care of the rest.

6. Sport your groovy threads
Last but not least, you just bought the perfect yoga pants and need another excuse to wear them.

Now, which instructor to choose? Check our yoga team bios here. Then email Alice at alice@internationalorange.com to start the party planning.

Let the yoga partying begin,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/party-like-a-yogi-star-io-yoga-parties/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-anna-crowley-food-for-skin/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-anna-crowley-food-for-skin/#comments Wed, 18 May 2011 14:45:24 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2617 This week I chatted with IO esthetician Anna Crowley, who loves to talk food. It’s not a secret that what we eat is an integral element to maintaining bright, radiant and healthy skin.



So giving us more than just food for thought, here are Anna’s tips on how and why we should eat and do right by our skin:

Let’s start with the basics. How does food affect the skin?
We are what we eat! We have all seen and felt the effects of taking good care vs. taking poor care of our bodies. When we eat well, we feel healthy and well balanced. Like it or not, our skin is the ultimate indicator of our well being. Complexions speak a thousand words. See someone with bright, dewy skin? I bet you they eat well!

What should we be eating for a brighter, healthier face forward?
Pack in the antioxidants!

Oh, buzzword, antioxidants. Why is it important to eat them?
The simple answer is that antioxidants protect us from free radicals, which are molecules that destroy healthy cells. Antioxidants help to stave off the skin’s natural aging process of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

What foods are packed with antioxidants?
Antioxidants are found in small red beans, strawberries, artichokes, nuts, spices such as ground clove, oregano, cinnamon. Even the Russet potato has antioxidants!

At our San Francisco spa, each esthetician custom-blends food grade ingredients and products into the facials.
We incorporate food constituents like enzymes, cranberry extracts, sugar and milk “acids,” along with other plant and flower extracts and essences. Many of our backbar (professional use only) products have ingredients such as oatmeal, olive oil, white and green teas, vitamins C and E and even silver! You can find other tasty ingredients such as raspberry, rice milk, and red wine in our cabinets of treats and tricks.

Sounds like breakfast! What are the benefits of oatmeal, silver and honey?
Oatmeal is a natural exfoliant that helps to soothe irritated skin. Silver is antibacterial and helps to aid in infections. Finally, honey is a natural humectant, so it helps to retain moisture and is also an anti-inflammatory.

What are your 3 favorite antioxidant rich products?
1. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF: With its antioxidant properties and Vitamin C, apple seed extracts and bran oils, it helps to reverse sun exposure.

2. Arcona’s Desert Mist: Packed with Vitamin C, E, witch hazel and marjoram extract, it acts like a shield, working against pollution, chemicals, weather. Apply in the morning.

3. Malin+Goetz SFP 30 sunscreen: A must have. Prevent while we can!

With secrets in the steam,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-anna-crowley-food-for-skin/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/5-minutes-a-day-may-national-meditation-month/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/5-minutes-a-day-may-national-meditation-month/#comments Wed, 11 May 2011 16:45:58 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2739 The mind has a mind of its own.

It’s infamous for meandering, dreaming, fixating and dominating our state of being. A good day turns bad simply because the mind can’t walk away from an email, an unexpected comment or a to-do list.

Admittedly my quest to finding ways to calm the mind is still in its infancy. So when I learned that May is National Meditation Month, I welcomed the chance to shift my meditation practice to a new level.

I’ve committed to 31 days of meditation in May. Studies say that it takes 21 days (or 3 weeks) to start a habit. I threw in extra 10 days for good measure.



Since I started last Sunday, I’ve found a few tips for calming my monkey mind. Truth be told, I am a perfectionist, (who probably needs meditation the most!) and wanted to share what’s worked for me:

1. Start small: 5 minutes up to 10-20 minutes
Like others, I held an expectation to sit for 30 minutes (or even an hour) in order to receive the full benefits of meditation. Quite the opposite. By starting small and quieting the mind for just 5 minutes daily, you will benefit from the positive effects of meditation and eventually work your way up to 10-20 minutes (or beyond!). Twenty minutes is just under a half hour, and for me, is an easier time commitment to integrate into my lifestyle.

2. Uniformity is boring: variety is OK!
There are a variety of ways to meditate. Knowing that each day is different, I adjust my meditation daily to accommodate how I’m feeling. Some days I practice focused meditation, other days I engage in activity-based meditation, such as yoga in San Francisco.

Focused Meditation means close your eyes and focus on something intently. This could be a visual (like an image), something auditory (like a sound or your own breath), or repeating a mantra (like “practice silence”).

Activity-based meditation doesn’t really look like meditation. Through an activity such as yoga, walking or gardening, you engage in a repetitive activity that helps to quiet the mind and allow your brain to “shift.”

3. Schedule it
Like dates with my girlfriends, I block time in my calendar for my daily meditation. It’s helpful if you can find a consistent time each day in order to build routine. However, if one day you shift to an alternate time, that’s just as good, too!

They say April showers bring May flowers. So here’s to blooming your meditation practice and challenging your mind to give yourself a break.

To 5 minutes a day,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/5-minutes-a-day-may-national-meditation-month/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/more-than-a-phone-call-io-mothers-day-gift-guide/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/more-than-a-phone-call-io-mothers-day-gift-guide/#comments Wed, 04 May 2011 14:45:04 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2614 We all have one: a mom.

Nurturing, powerful, young, and old, mothers make the world go round. This Sunday, May 8th is our chance to make our love loud and clear.

What to get a dynamite mom? A mom-to-be? An-always-present grandmother?



Here are my top 2 picks for Mother’s Day gifts for moms and the moms-to-be:

IO Organic Fusion Massage + Healing Hot Stone Add-on
Moms deserve the best. And this one is the best combos on the IO menu. Using only rare organic ingredients, the 60-Minute IO Organic Fusion Massage ($135) works wonders for moms who give their all, always.

This luxurious massage incorporates only pure, organic products: IO Enrich body cream and IO Anoint Body Oil, exclusive to our San Francisco spa. With the aromatic Jasmine and Green Tea notes of the IO Anoint, healing occurs instantly. It’s abundant antioxidants and natural glow in a jar.

Then comes the blend of vitalizing massage techniques: Swedish to melt tension, Shiatsu to awaken energy pathways and Thai Yoga stretches for deep release. If this doesn’t scream perfect-for-mom, then I don’t know what does!

Finally to top it off is the finishing element: the Healing Hot Stone Add-on ($38). Heat goes deep to soothe deeply rooted tension, increasing blood flow to draw out toxins and re-directing nutrients to targeted areas. The best part? One stroke with a Hot Stone is like 10 strokes with a hand. Oooh-la-la.

Mom-to-Be Massage (60 minutes for $110)
We crafted this maternity massage based on our signature IO Massage to address expecting mothers’ needs. Plushy pillows and supportive props are incorporated for relaxed comfort for mom and baby. Utmost care is taken to soothe and soften areas of pain such as back and joint pain. With a bundle-of-joy en-route, the mom-to-be is one step closer to motherhood.

It’s a fact that Mother’s Day is the biggest day of long-distance phone calls. Now go out there and do more than just call.

We love you moms,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/more-than-a-phone-call-io-mothers-day-gift-guide/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/interview-kim-sculpting-flowers-at-io/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/interview-kim-sculpting-flowers-at-io/#comments Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:39:29 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2612 At IO, we’re constantly inspired by the everyday beauty that surrounds.

For those of you who have visited our San Francisco spa, you may have noticed our impeccable floral arrangements curated by our in-house floral designer and front desk team member, Kim. (If you haven’t, then maybe it’s time to stop and smell the flowers!)

Kim has worked with some of San Francisco’s most respected designers such as Valley Flora and Ariella Chezar. Outside of IO, Kim can be found soaking up the sun on her rooftop or at Dolores Park.



This week I chatted with Kim to uncover her sculptural approach to floral design and tips on how to bring this beauty into our homes.

What is your creative process like? Is there an art or science to arranging?
It’s a bit of both. I think about flower arranging like sculpture. It’s a lot about shape and understanding color. Like most creative processes, I start with my budget. Then I think about shape and size. Or, I build from what looks interesting or freshest at the flower mart. For instance, I might be drawn to a particular vine to develop an idea the arrangement’s color, feel, shape, size.

The “science” is rooted in the technique required for prep work, such as removing leaves, putting flowers in water before arranging, and the use of the various tools such as flower foam or chicken wire.

Where do you go to get inspired?
The San Francisco Flower Mart is the best! I love checking out what’s in season and fresh. I tend to fall in love with certain flowers and get inspired by them. Otherwise I get ideas/inspiration from friends in the flower business or trade magazines.

Where do you buy the flowers?
As a floral designer, I am able to go to the SF Flower Mart during hours that aren’t open to the general public (2am-10am). After 10am, certain vendors open up to the public. First I visit my regular vendors to get a general idea of what product is available before I make my purchases.

Any tips for a 1st timer?
If you aren’t familiar with flower arranging, it can seem like you are buying a lot of flowers, but when you actually process the flowers (remove the leaves, cut the stems down), you end up with a lot less product than you thought you had purchased. So buying a little more (if in your budget) is a good idea.

What’s in season right now and what should we be buying?
Ranunculus, tulips, hyacinths, roses, lilacs and peonies. Spring is a lovely time for flowers!

How can one begin to create an IO-like, small arrangement at home?
Start with the vase you would like to use and then think about the overall size/shape and budget.

If you have a small budget, ask vendors what’s in season and select two varieties of flowers – keep it simple. Also, keep in mind complementary colors. If I’m going for contrast, I think about the color wheel and select colors on the opposite sides of the color wheel. For example, a red-violet flower pairs beautifully with a yellow-green.

Build your arrangement by starting from the largest to smallest elements. Also, turn your arrangement in a circular direction. This will help you see it from all sides to fill in any holes. Finally, taking a step back helps to give you overall perspective.

Here’s to blooms at home,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/interview-kim-sculpting-flowers-at-io/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/earth-day-io-acts-of-kindness/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/earth-day-io-acts-of-kindness/#comments Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:03:14 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2595 Happy Earth Day, Mother Earth!

Annually April 22 marks the date of what many call the birth of the environmental movement in 1970: Earth Day. Founded by US Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day gives us the chance to celebrate the power of millions of individual actions – to preserve the Earth’s natural resources.



At our San Francisco spa, we’ve been on the bandwagon since the beginning. Here are a few earth-friendly practices that we commit to – day in and day out:

Our floors: reclaimed Brazilian cherry wood
Look down. Our floors are more than just supportive. They are also reclaimed Brazilian cherry wood. We’ve reduced and re-used. Now for recycling…

Use of recycled, non-bleached paper towels
Spas are infamous for their excessive laundry bills and water consumption. To cut down on our water consumption, we stock recycled non-bleached paper towels in the spa to encourage clients to use fewer towels and save water.

Refillable dispensers in the showers
Gone are the days of 1-use plastic bottles. We’ve installed refillable shampoo, conditioner and soap dispensers to minimize our footprint.

Commitment to water saving devices
Waste not, want not. Our low-flush toilets use only what’s necessary!

Green and proud: Green Yoga Certification
Our yoga studio holds a Green Yoga Certification. We conserve energy by leveraging the power of the sun streaming through our large windows and use eco-friendly yoga props.

Zero-waste yoga mats
Not all yoga mats are created equal. We sell and use Manduka PROlite® yoga mats. High performing and pleasing to the eye, the eco-friendly mats are produced in a zero-emissions facility.

Retailer of eco-friendly and recycled products
We love beautiful things. But we love it even more when they are made intelligently. This season our SHOP at IO features one-of-a-kind, fair trade and handmade throws made of recycled saris as well as alo, yoga apparel made from eco-friendly materials such as bamboo and certified organic cotton.

What will you be doing to celebrate Earth Day?

Happy Day Mother Earth,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/earth-day-io-acts-of-kindness/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/to-be-or-not-to-be-wallet-friendly-io-spa-membership/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/to-be-or-not-to-be-wallet-friendly-io-spa-membership/#comments Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:37:20 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2519 It seems as if the world is laden with memberships – professional groups, social networks, flash-sales sites. Usernames, key fobs, passwords, we all have them. Don’t you think it’s a constant juggle to stay involved?

The one membership in town that you’ve got to get in on is the cost-friendly IO Memberships to our San Francisco spa. It’s all about stripping away the chaos and getting back to life’s essentials: wellness.

With a savings of up to 25% OFF, you’ll have the peace of mind that each month you’ll be taking care of yourself. Of your body. Of your skin. Of your mind. No more work-takes-over-my-life. Putting yourself as a priority is life lesson #1 in my book.

Frankly, the benefits are long lived. Members receive priority and personalized continued attention with your favorite bodyworker or esthetician. Much like a bootcamp or marathon training program, this is your wellness program.

The road to better health is long, and with more time on the table, you’ll get to know your body and skin in ways you never thought you could. With consistent treatments, problems melt away much faster, and 60 minutes starts to feel like 90 minutes.



The 4 levels of membership:



1.   IO Spa Membership (Monday-Friday) $280/month
      2× 60 Minute IO Massages, 1 Deep Cleanse Facial and 10% off in-spa retail purchases

2.   IO Spa + Yoga Membership (Monday-Friday): $360/month
      2× 60 Minute IO Massages, 1 Deep Cleanse Facial, Unlimited Yoga (any class, any day of the week) and
      10% off in-spa retail purchases

3.   IO Spa Membership: $320/month
      2× 60 Minute IO Massages, 1 Deep Cleanse Facial and 10% off in-spa retail purchases

4.   IO Spa + Yoga Membership: $400/month
      2× 60 Minute IO Massages, 1 Deep Cleanse Facial, Unlimited Yoga (any class, any day of the week) and
      10% off in-spa retail purchases




As an IO member, you will receive special benefits such as the ability to share your membership with a guest up to 4 times per year.

What more could you ask for? Save money and get good on your health with the best spa in San Francisco? Double down, please.

For more details, visit our Spa Membership page. To inquire about Membership at IO, please email our Membership Coordinator at membership@internationalorange.com.

Join us,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/to-be-or-not-to-be-wallet-friendly-io-spa-membership/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/spotlight-tartine-bread-at-city-arts-lectures/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/spotlight-tartine-bread-at-city-arts-lectures/#comments Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:45:37 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2478 “Because of our temperate weather, San Francisco is one of the best places to make bread and cheese… ”

Last month, I attended City Arts & Lectures’ program “On Artisan Food,” a conversation with Chad Robertson of San Francisco’s legendary Tartine Bakery and Bar Tartine, and Sue Conely, co-founder of Cowgirl Creamery.

Bread and cheese is what they talked about all night long.



From failures to favorite moments, the two discussed many topics, but converged on one commonality: an insatiable and obsessive dedication to their craft. According to Chad, “it takes an obsessive personality to do this type of thing.”

It’s no secret that Chad is considered one of the best bread bakers in the U.S. Trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, his love for bread started by mistake: a rejection from architecture school. After over two decades of apprenticeship in France and the U.S., Chad is our local star in his own right. He’s easy-going, elemental and brings a groundedness spirit to the craft of artisan bread.

“Making bread is a ground experience. Because every day you start fresh. You have a full cycle of mixing the dough, letting it rise overnight and baking it and starting again. You come full circle every day.”

He most recently launched his 2nd cookbook: Tartine Bread, in which he explains how it all works. And for the 1st time, the recipe to his crusty masterpiece and signature Basic Country Bread is released. It’s no joke. The recipe is 29 pages. Written more like a narrative, the recipe is like reading an autobiography. Of bread.

For those who may not have the stomach to tackle the at-home recipe, you can always stand in line at 5pm every day for the chance to get 1 of the 175 loaves baked daily. However, it sells out within an hour. So according to Chad, he recommends going during the weekday, where your chances of scoring the city’s most prized bread will be in your favor.

What’s next for Tartine? “We’re fermenting – vegetables. That’s what’s next.”

To the beloved crafts we all hold,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/spotlight-tartine-bread-at-city-arts-lectures/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-brides/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-brides/#comments Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:30:53 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1940 Get Glowing: IO Custom Enzyme Facial
Spring/Summer 2011
“…a customized skin cocktail of smoothing fruit enzymes that’s surprisingly effective – think pineapple, papaya, and grapefruit gently working through your tired skin. Added bonus: Nearly all of the facials involve deft neck and shoulders massages, letting you take care of dull skin and pre-wedding jitters all at once.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-brides/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/daily-candy-sf/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/daily-candy-sf/#comments Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:28:04 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2459 The Weekend Guide
March 2011
“What? A bargain on unlimited classes for 30 days at San Francisco’s chicest studio. Why? It’s time to come out of hibernation.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/daily-candy-sf/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/bon-appetit/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/bon-appetit/#comments Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:27:15 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2456 So Fresh & So Clean: Preserve Skincare
March 2011
“Packed with purifying herbs and essential oils, these pads from San Francisco spa and yoga studio International Orange smell as good as they make your skin feel.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/bon-appetit/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-chronicle-sfis/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-chronicle-sfis/#comments Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:26:30 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2454 Awakenings: Floral-scented shortcut for better skin
February 2011
“Estheticians Jennifer Gallegos and Jennie Hearn, both skin care experts at International Orange, have created these cleansing pads to help make skin as dewy and fresh as a garden abloom.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-chronicle-sfis/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/wallpaper/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/wallpaper/#comments Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:25:51 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2452 Beauty News: Editor’s Picks
February 2011
“New kid on the block, Preserve Skincare, ticks all the boxes with its duo of face cleansing pads. Conceived by Jennie Hearn and Jennifer Gallegos, both seasoned aestheticians at San Franciscan spa favourite International Orange…”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/wallpaper/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/table-time-christy-swenson-on-aromatherapy-at-home/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/table-time-christy-swenson-on-aromatherapy-at-home/#comments Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:52:33 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2341 Today, I’m honored to kickoff Table Time, our IO Massage Therapist Interview Series. It’s no secret that our talented certified massage therapist team can work the best of them – knots. But beyond being bodywork masters, they bring more to the table than just their hands…

This week, I chatted with Christy Swenson to discuss one of her loves: aromatherapy and her personal tips for easy at-home relaxation techniques.

Christy, with her wealth of massage expertise from her experiences in NYC and Fiji, helped to develop the IO Scalp treatment add-on, a treatment based on essential oils. Outside of IO, Christy can be found painting cards (which she sells at Verde SF), teaching yoga, taking 2 baths a day and cooking healthy recipes from 101 Cookbooks.



Let’s talk about the other person in the treatment room – you! You spend all day taking care of others. What do you do to take care of yourself?
Epsom salt baths, aromatherapy, and T-Spheres are my saviors. My friend Stephanie in New York invented T-Spheres, aromatherapy-infused massage balls, which we sell in our San Francisco spa. Designed to use at home or traveling, they are the perfect self-massage tool that combines aromatherapy and massage into one. I bring them everywhere – even to yoga!

What’s the magic behind aromatherapy?
I love essential oils, because, they help you breathe with intention. And that’s what aromatherapy is, the practice of using plant oils, or essential oils, for physical and psychological well-being.

There are so many scent options. How does one choose the right one?
In Fiore Body Balms give me what I need to get balanced. If I’m un-grounded, I use Shevanti, which has ylang ylang, rose, sandalwood, and patchouli. If I’m feeling too serious and un-loving Dayala is great. If I’m having trouble sleeping, I use Tiagi, which has lavender, lemon, and bergamot, which is great to calm the mind. If you have sore muscles, I dry brush my skin and then apply Jolie. Jolie’s chamomile properties help with inflammation.

Now that it’s spring, what do you recommend for a cleansing of the body and mind?
Sage burning is always good for a cleansing of spaces and the body. For the mind, I recommend rosemary, lavender or mint to help ease pain, promote healing and relaxation. For homes, boiling eucalyptus or taking a bath with it will help to cleanse and detoxify. Lemon, tea tree, and lavender have anti-microbial properties, which are great to use for a deep cleanse of the home.

Last but not least, what are some easy, at-home relaxation techniques?
1. Apply 7 drops lavender oil to an old cloth and put it in the dryer to infuse aroma in your clothes, sheets and towels.
2. Rub peppermint oil on hands and then rub your sheets to infuse the oil for a better nights rest.

Then breathe your way through it.

With Table Time,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/table-time-christy-swenson-on-aromatherapy-at-home/feed/ 2 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-yolanda-porrata-product-lover-extraordinaire/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-yolanda-porrata-product-lover-extraordinaire/#comments Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:08:49 +0000 phil.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2311 I’m thrilled to share a project that I’ve been working on for a few weeks: Secrets in the Steam, our IO esthetician interview series.

With each interview, I’ll go behind-the-scenes and into our back spa to uncover IO’s best-kept secrets and learn how estheticians always keep picture perfect skin (it’s not just genetics!).

This week I spent some with Yolanda, a self-professed product junkie who at an early age opened a spa in her bedroom called “Beauty Weird,” where she performed 3 services: nails, custom-blended masks and weird hairdos.

In addition to her highly reputed Brazilian bikini wax, Yolanda is known for her impeccable attention to detail (no pore or hair is left unturned!) and passion for always keeping things fresh. When not at IO, she can be found eating at Bar Argicole, shopping for ballet flats at Gimme Shoes and re-arranging her house furniture weekly.

Her daily regimen: product cocktails
I am not afraid to mix things up. I believe in variety so my skin can’t predict what’s coming. This insures that my products are working effectively, and I never become bored with my routine.

This means I make a little product cocktail in my hand, which might look like this: 1 pump Arcona Magic White Ice, 1 pump Arcona AM Acne Lotion and 2 drops of InFiore Pur Oil. I appreciate the rules and protocol, but once you know and understand them, you can break them.

Beauty inside and out: Yolanda’s bathroom cabinet



Timing toners and tonics: Apply before and after moisturizers
The perfect time to apply your serums and moisturizer is on a fresh damp face. I like to use good quality rosewater, In Fiore Vitale Toning Floral Essence or Dr. Alkaitis Organic Herbal Toner.

So tone, and while your skin is still damp, apply your moisturizer and serums. This will allow the product to penetrate evenly, and you may not have to apply as much.

Once you’re done layering, spray toner again directly onto your face or into your palms and press it into your skin. This final step will set your product, plus you will be left with a beautiful dewy complexion.

Yolanda’s survival skincare essentials
1. Preserve Face Cleansing pads: They are the perfect multi-use product, keeping me feeling and looking fresh without drying out my skin.

2. In Fiore Soleil Fleur: a multi-use heavy hitter. Anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and antibacterial, it’s packed with antioxidants and prevents and heals UV skin damage. Oh, and it smells amazing, so it’d be my perfume as well.

3. Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick: It’s a lip saver for all situations!

Yolanda’s top 3 skincare rules to live by
Exfoliate, hydrate and protect. Try not to pick – that’s four. Don’t forget about your décolleté (men have a chest and ladies, we have a décolleté) – that’s five.

With secrets in the steam,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/secrets-in-the-steam-yolanda-porrata-product-lover-extraordinaire/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/fleurting-with-compassion-giving-flowers-giving-back/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/fleurting-with-compassion-giving-flowers-giving-back/#comments Tue, 22 Mar 2011 21:03:26 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2239 I’ve been “fleurting” with compassion lately. Read: I’ve been giving a lot of flowers. To my friends, to my family, and to people whom I’ve never met.

For most, flowers are sent either day-of (birthday, holiday) or after the fact (thank you, condolences, congratulations). Yet, they never seem to be a “before” thing. So, I’ve started the practice of sending flowers before the “occasion” happens.

For instance, if I’m going to be a guest at a friend’s house or dinner party, I send flowers in advance of my arrival. This way the host(ess) knows that not only am I very grateful for their hospitality, but that through the flowers, I hope to bring a little bit of beauty into their homes. Or, if a girlfriend is slaving away at an arduous work project, I’ll send flowers before the project is over just to give her that “extra push” to the finish line.

Yet, sending flowers from one of SF’s talented florists will end up costing you a pretty penny. So instead, I’ve summoned the Flowers to Care program, created by Jaime at The Monkey Flower Group in Napa, to help me affordably give flowers that give back.



Here’s how it works: with only $20, Jaime will assemble a small arrangement of fresh, local flowers. She will then professionally shoot the arrangement and send you a digital photo of the flowers to download onto your desktop, share with friends, etc. See a sample image here.

However, the actual flowers are delivered to the Cope Family Center, and will be enjoyed by families of every background, ethnicity and socio-economic level of the Napa community, who otherwise wouldn’t be able to enjoy flowers given their circumstances. While FTC isn’t an official charity, the beauty in this project is the idea that through flowers, one can support multiple causes at once – local flower growers, families in need, a local business and friends.

I suppose the biggest hurdle is getting over the fact that you won’t be sending “real” flowers to your personal contact. Yet, I think there is something to be said about sending a beautiful image (that will actually outlive any real arrangement!) and giving back to those in need. It certainly has a feel-good feeling to it, no?

Fleurting away,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/fleurting-with-compassion-giving-flowers-giving-back/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/farm-fresh-and-to-you/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/farm-fresh-and-to-you/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:22:40 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2218 Living San Francisco, the epicenter of organic consciousness and foodie nation, organic is more than a buzzword. It’s our life and our (California) style.

This week, I received my 1st delivery from Capay Organic’s Farm Fresh to You (FFTY) home delivery service. Talk about Fresh DELIVERED. Talk about taste buds alive. Farm to table, and it doesn’t get any easier than this.

Farm Fresh to You is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) that caters to the health-conscious, the busy bodies, the yogis, the vegetarians, the worker bees – all of us. For those who are looking to welcome Spring, here’s a new wellness practice for the season.

The process is seamless, easy and online: select your box type, size, delivery frequency (weekly, bi-monthly, monthly) and wait for your organic produce box to arrive on your doorstep (or office desk). Tell them what you don’t love, and you’ll never see it in your box. You decide.



Boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes: Mostly Fruit, Veggies only, Snacks, Mixed and small, medium and monster. Included are recipes for what to cook with the heirloom tomatoes you received this week.

The Easy-to-Prepare boxes, which require no cooking, are a golden ticket for those who are always on-the-go. In fact, this is what I signed up for. The produce is low maintenance and makes for easy salads or snacks on the run. Not to mention très fresh! I’ve been chomping on my slicing tomatoes like it’s candy.

In addition to supporting local farms, being a part of a CSA is also about learning what’s in season and stimulating your home and diet with an infusion of nutrient-rich, mouth-watering organic produce. You also receive produce as close to the harvest as possible, which beats the grocery store, where often times produce sits on the shelf for over a week before it hits your basket. Being a part of a CSA also means you’re connected to the farm and can visit the family farm.

All in all, participating in a CSA frees you and your schedule up to do more of what you love and need. (e.g. something as simple as getting outside to breathe fresh air!). And we all need more of that.

Do it for Spring and a re-awakening of taste buds.

Fresh delivered,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/farm-fresh-and-to-you/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/calling-all-brides-io-blissful-bride-package/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/calling-all-brides-io-blissful-bride-package/#comments Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:02:03 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2104 This year, my best friend is getting married. She’s not one to be fussy beauty-wise. But like most brides, she’s turned on the amplifier and is ultra-focused on looking her best for the big day. Who can blame her?

In fact just last week she asked me what she could do to prep her skin for the big day. Talk about breakthrough! I had been waiting for her to ask. Time to up-the-ante on her skincare regime for her best face forward.

Because I have a hunch that there are other brides-to-be out there, I’ve decided to share how we at IO are here to take care of your pre-wedding jitters with the IO Blissful Bride Package.



Crafted with the bride-to-be’s needs in mind, we launched the IO Blissful Bride Package ($379, a 15% savings), a series of 3 Custom Enzyme Boost Facials plus 1 Décolleté Love and 1 Bright Eyes Add-on.

With the 3-part series, each bride-to-be receives a customized program designed to seal in the ultimate glow for the big day. With a 15% savings, it’s easy on the wedding budget.

Each esthetician blends a specialty fruit cocktail enzyme mask of pineapple, papaya and grapefruit that breaks down dead layers of skin and accelerates regeneration of new cells. This is the trick to getting that glow that all brides crave. You need to break down the old to build up the new.

We recommend that each facial be scheduled at least 1 month apart with the final facial scheduled no less than 2 weeks before the big day. An added bonus? The final facial is extended to include the Décolleté Love and Bright Eyes add-on. The Décolleté Love brings generous attention to the oft-forgotten upper chest whereas the Bright Eyes will tighten and brighten the eye area with a collagen treatment. Bye bye fine lines and puffiness!

Rest assured, brides will radiate all the way down the aisle and be one step closer to pure marital bliss. My best friend couldn’t be happier.

Finally, it’s not just brides who are glowing. San Francisco Brides is also raving about this, too. Click here for our recent press. Then jump on your to-do list and request an appointment online.

Perfect your glow for the big day,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/calling-all-brides-io-blissful-bride-package/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/spring-fling-travel-essentials/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/spring-fling-travel-essentials/#comments Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:13:50 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2192 Now that Spring is just around the corner, I’ve season-proofed my on-board travel essentials. Unlike the seasonal closet change-overs, travel essentials are often left out of the ritual. Why stop at your clothes?

After banking my share of frequent flier miles last year, I realized that what I do on the road is just as important as what I do every day. With that, here are a few Spring-proof tips from my carry-on:



Cover up: Alpaca throws over cashmere
Cashmere no more! It’s alpaca throws for my 30,000 feet rides. An alternative to cashmere, alpaca, a luxurious and soft, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly material from a llama-like animal indigenous to South America, has better insulation than cashmere. It also stays cool in summer and wicks away body moisture. Because of its fiber density, alpaca throws are thinner and lighter, taking up less space in your carry-on. Added-bonus: it doesn’t pill like cashmere!

In Fiore travelers: Treate and Vitale
I’ve had enough of my CVS travel-sized containers breaking mid-flight, leaving me to befriend hotel soap. Thank goodness IO recently introduced In Fiore Treate Cleansing Base and Vitale Toning Floral Essence travelers. Not only do they meet the 3oz. rule and are sturdy enough to withstand the luggage handlers, the In Fiore travelers are flower-perfect for Spring. Light and nourishing, both products infuse my skin with organic herbal goodness, no matter what climate traveling to.

Make good on reading
Bring your iPad or book. Without the distractions of email or phones, time on the plane is one of the few places where I catch up on my reading list: books and magazines! Not to mention reading is a great way to get sleepy…

Get some peace and shuteye with Oyuna Eye covers
My trick to fighting jet lag is to get all the sleep I can on the plane. I swear by the soft, luxurious Oyuna eye covers, sold at the SHOP at IO. Simply wearing it tricks my mind and body to wind down, go to dream land and wake up refreshed. Bonus: wearing an eye mask is a great way to signal “don’t bother me” and keep the chatty neighbor or flight attendant at bay.

Pack it up: Lina Rennell zip pouch
The perfect pouch to keep in your seat pocket. Stuff this locally made, eco-friendly, handcrafted pouch with your in-flight go to’s, and you’ll travel in style and consciously. Sold at the SHOP at IO.

OM of NM Hydrosols
Made from organic herbs from our favorite family farm, OM of NM Flowering Mint Hydrosol is better than the Evian hydrating mists that celebrities swear by. With the added warming, immune system boosting benefits of mint, I stay hydrated and healthy through and through. Mist generously over the face upon departure, mid-flight and landing to reap the benefits. Other scents available on the IO Webshop.

Travel well,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/spring-fling-travel-essentials/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/weekend-getaway-point-reyes/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/weekend-getaway-point-reyes/#comments Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:10:12 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2160 Recently I escaped the city drum for greener pastures of the countryside: Point Reyes, a rustic area located approximately 30 miles northwest of San Francisco.

Known for its rugged coastline, preserved open ranchlands, forest hiking trails and its culinary gems, Point Reyes is an ideal weekend getaway for those who adore local treasures. In addition to its picturesque landscape, it’s also home to some of my very favorite treasures: Cowgirl Creamery cheese, Hog Island Oysters and Coyuchi organic bedding.

Calling all locavores! It’s the perfect place to cozy up, breathe fresh air, read books and fill up on local, wholesome organic food. And that is exactly what I did for the weekend.



SLEEP
Olema Druids Hall: an intimate elegant 4 room B&B at it’s finest. Formerly a meeting hall for the Druids Association (a druid was a member of the priestly class in Britain). Rooms stocked with Café Fanny granola and EO bath products. Rebecca, the innkeeper, couldn’t be a kinder soul. My daily breakfast basket was always filled with the perfect assortment of pastries, fruit and quiches.

EXPLORE
Tomales Bay Trail: a 2.5 mile round trip “out-and-back” hike among cows. Trailhead begins on Rt.1. Bring layers and because the wind picks up on the rolling hills. Skill level: moderate and (can be) muddy!

EAT
Cowgirl Creamery + Cantina: heaven for cheesehounds like me. Devoured my fair share of artisanal, fresh organic cheese for lunch. Highly recommend the Ham and Mt. Tam sandwich.

Hog Island Oyster Farm: Did you know it takes 18 months to 3 years to grow a premium Hog Island Oyster? Rain or shine, you can picnic every day 9-5pm at the farm. Fresh from the source, the oysters are paired with wine, Cowgirl Creamery cheese and waterfront views of Tomales Bay.

Osteria Stellina: the new kid on the block, Point Reyes (population: 350) does Italian locally and organically. Be sure to make reservations, as it’s a hoppin’ on weekend nights.

Bovine Bakery: get your morning fix of organic, handmade pastries and strong organic drip coffee. Best to go early before they sell out of their famous morning buns to the bikers.

Nick’s Cove: spot where I devoured BBQ oysters. Located a few miles north of Marshall, heed caution, as it’s a windy drive up Rt. 1 to this woodsy restored historic restaurant with cottages. Decent food for slightly pricey prices.

SHOP
Coyuchi outlet: Founded 20 years ago in Point Reyes Station, Coyuchi is known for its organic home textiles. My bed got a makeover with the deeply discounted bedding and linens.

Vita Collage: a sister store to Olema Druids Hall, this carefully curated home décor/jewelry store is perfect for special gifts. Receive 10% off if you are a guest of Olema Druids Hall.

Sounds delightful? Closer than typical weekend trips to Wine Country or Tahoe, Point Reyes should not be missed. The quiet gem brings more than just an appreciation for the simple life, but a smile to last you into the weeks ahead.

Coyuchi and Cowgirl Creamery conquered,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/weekend-getaway-point-reyes/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-best-gift-yet-private-yoga-sessions/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-best-gift-yet-private-yoga-sessions/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:23:44 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2134 One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was the gift of private yoga sessions. I know, a more enlightened being might have responded, “love” or the “gift of life,” but I’m not there yet. Well maybe with a little more yoga, I’ll be there one day.

So let me take a moment to ooze in my love for private yoga sessions.



Private yoga is like learning how to ride a bike for the first time. With just a little bit of assistance, you’re off and running. Off into the sunset or down the street, the adventure is yours for the taking.

Through 3 one-hour sessions, I worked with an instructor to strengthen my arms and shoulders. The experience was unlike any other group yoga class I’ve taken. It was exponentially more challenging, more engaging and more “me.”

With all eyes on me, I had no chance of cutting corners. The session elevated my sense of awareness, something that can be difficult to master in a group session where there are plenty of distractions. I discovered that my body is smarter than I realize and it seeks efficiencies: stronger muscles overcompensate for not-as-strong muscles. After my 1st session, I felt I had unlocked my practice, my physical boundaries and my yoga practice.

The reasons why people seek out private yoga are varied. Some are new to yoga, some need help getting started, others are at a plateau in their practice, while some are working through injuries.

Yet the real deal is that you don’t need a reason beyond the simple desire to practice yoga as it was originally practiced: as a personal and unique experience for your mind and body.

Now, where to start? Many SF yoga studios offer private yoga. At IO, we offer private or semi-private yoga classes ($105 for 60 minutes and $140 for 90 minutes). All sessions, taught in our sunlit studio, are tailored to address your specific needs.

Ready to sign up? Send a note to Alice at alice@internationalorange.com and she’ll get you all set up.

Kudos for simply getting yourself on the mat.

Namaste,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-best-gift-yet-private-yoga-sessions/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-heroic-valentine/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-heroic-valentine/#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:57:42 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2119 Love, another four letter word.

Next week approximately 141 million Valentine’s Day cards will be exchanged in honor of St. Valentine’s Day. After Christmas, Valentine’s Day is the 2nd most popular card-sending holiday, with 85% of all valentines purchased by women.

No doubt do I love a beautiful, handmade valentine. But given all the pomp and circumstance of Feb 14th, do we really know why and what we are honoring?

There are plenty of legends surrounding the origins of the holiday. Most stories point to the patron saint, St. Valentine, who was a priest in 3rd century Rome, and his heroic, sympathetic and romantic efforts.



According to one legend, Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II’s outlaw on marriage. Claudius believed that single men made better soldiers than those with families or wives. Realizing the injustice, Valentine continued to perform marriages despite the Emperor’s wishes until he was imprisoned for his actions and sentenced to death.

While in prison it’s believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl. Before his death, he wrote her a letter, where he signed “From your Valentine,” the expression that is still used today.

It is from this that we celebrate Feb 14th (a date marks the death or burial of St. Valentine) as a day where chocolates, roses and valentine cards flow in overabundance. We place pressure on relationship statuses, whether or not dates are to be had and cause unnecessary pressure and guilt on ourselves. All this for a man who stood up for his beliefs.

We’ve migrated far from Valentine and his heroic feats. For this year, maybe instead of getting caught up in the hubbub of the day, consider Valentine himself. Take a moment to acknowledge the heroes in your life: mom, teacher, mentor, or best friend.

Send a note of gratitude– and write, “From your Valentine with love.” And don’t just do it on the 14th, do it spontaneously. There is life after February 14th.

With love,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-heroic-valentine/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/finding-fun-in-failure-the-happiness-project-by-gretchen-rubin/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/finding-fun-in-failure-the-happiness-project-by-gretchen-rubin/#comments Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:09:17 +0000 admin http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2073 I admit it. I belong to a book club. I have always been sheepish about joining a book club simply because I feared failure of not being able to keep up (I’m a slow reader!) and because it just seemed clichéd.

Then last year, my friend Erica and I formed our own club of two. Our 2nd book was New York Times Bestseller The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.

The main premise of the book is Gretchen, who objectively has a “happy” life, commits a year to test-driving the wisdom of the ages on how to be happier. Like other books of this sort, she imparts a very practical approach on how to find happiness in every day life without uprooting oneself. For more details, check out the book.



There are a plethora of takeaways, but one idea in particular was the most relevant to me: Enjoy the fun of failure.

The operative word being “fun,” a word that rarely is paired with “failure.” I’ve heard of not being scared of failure or accepting of failure, but fun?! A total oxymoron if you ask me.

So with a little guidance from Gretchen, the thinking now rings true. Research shows that happy people outperform unhappy people, and while this seems intuitive, feeling happy is related to achieving success. Yet, success has risks associated with it – one of them being failure. But what you do with failure is directly related to finding more happiness.

Failure has its upsides. It allows us to score successes. So by shifting my perspective on “failure” and associating it with fun helped to release my sense of dread of the entire concept. It means that when crisis strikes, I think, “This is the fun part.”

And really if I do in fact succumb to my fear by failing to successfully participate in this book club, at the very least I had fun failing and found The Happiness Project in my course.

Let there be fun,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/finding-fun-in-failure-the-happiness-project-by-gretchen-rubin/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/interview-jennie-jennifer-on-preserve-skincare-pads/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/interview-jennie-jennifer-on-preserve-skincare-pads/#comments Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:48:11 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=2015 Jennie and Jennifer, 2 of IO’s very own estheticians, have more in common than the first 5 letters in their names. With over 20 years of combined experience, they are the powerhouse behind newly-launched Preserve Skincare cleansing pads, sold exclusively at IO.

The pads ($38 for 45 pads) are the ultimate, all-natural cleansing pad and are flying off the shelves at the spa and IO Webshop. I had a chance to catch up with the dynamic duo to get down-and-dirty, behind-the-scenes on the new product line.

1. What was the inspiration?
Honestly, we loved the idea of an easy cleansing step. We found that clients were often going to bed without washing their faces. As natural problem solvers, we came up with the perfect fix. We knew clients were attracted to the convenience of pads and wipes, but there wasn’t anything that had high quality ingredients or something that we’d recommend.

2. How long did it take to conceptualize and develop the line?
The whole process took about 2 years. We worked closely with our chemist, doing ample testing and sampling which allowed us to develop a product we truly believe in.



3. What is the difference between the 2 pads: Orange Blossom vs. Geranium Leaf?
The Orange Blossom is a wipe-and-go pad: cleanser, toner, hydrator all in one. The Geranium Leaf is a deep cleansing, slightly foaming pad, especially beneficial for clogged, congested or imbalanced skin.

4. How are the pads different from other pads (e.g. Arcona Cranberry Triad Pads)?
We wanted a pad that was thick, substantial and luxurious. Something that would act more like a cloth and could be used on the face, neck and décolleté.

5. So, are they re-usable? How often can you use them?
Yes! Use them anytime. Anywhere.

6. Tell me a little more how you selected the all-natural ingredients.
This was the most exciting element of creating our product. It was important for us to select the best ingredients that would be most effective and beneficial. We researched the therapeutic and aromatic attributes of the extracts and essential oils and ultimately came up with amazing blends that not only treat the skin, but the senses as well!

7. Let’s get dirty. Based on the confessions on the facial table, 8 out of 10 people skip washing their face at least 2-3 times a week! Is that really true?
Hopefully we haven’t broken any confidentiality assumptions. But yes, unfortunately, what we’ve gathered is that our clients lead busy lives and aren’t perfect. They travel, work long hours, and put lots of babes to bed, not leaving much time for skincare.

8. What’s next for the line?
A 3rd pad is in the works for a dry, sensitive skin type!

9. Anything else you’d like to add?
Preserve what you’ve got. Wash your face. Please.

To purchase, visit the SHOP at IO or the IO Webshop. I think you’ll never go to sleep with an unwashed face again.

Wipe it all away,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/interview-jennie-jennifer-on-preserve-skincare-pads/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/interview-lindsay-jean-thomson-at-the-2011-yoga-journal-conference/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/interview-lindsay-jean-thomson-at-the-2011-yoga-journal-conference/#comments Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:28:11 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1990 1. What are you hoping to learn and bring back to the IO Community?
There are so many ways to move and to understand and express movement. I hope to find new ways of doing this, to expand my verbal and physical vocabulary. As a teacher, my intention is always to make the practice accessible and beneficial to all students. I’m very excited to share some new techniques with the IO community!

2. You attended Jason Crandell’s all-day intensive on Technique and Precision. What are some common mis-alignments that you most often see?
I don’t like to use that word because I think “mis-alignment” implies that something is being done wrong. To me, the beauty of yoga is that there really is no right or wrong. There are many ways to practice, though sometimes I see students try to push themselves beyond their ability level or sacrifice one part of their body to stretch, strengthen or expand another part of their body. I encourage mindfulness and part of being mindful is being present to what is – not pushing beyond.



3. What do you find most inspirational about Jason’s practice? What can we learn from him?
Jason teaches us how technique can be a useful tool, but he isn’t dogmatic or rigid about the alignment of postures. He encourages us to hold the postures as a means to being present and to understanding the body rather than the means to an end. And he reminds us that the ultimate purpose of yoga is to still the mind.

4. For those who didn’t get a chance to attend the conference, what other yoga resources would you recommend to yogis who want to get inspired and evolve their practices?
There are so many! Some of my favorite books are: The Heart of Yoga by TKV Desikachar, The Essential Rumi translated by Coleman Barks, The Gift by Hafiz (translated by Daniel Ladinsky), Light on Life and Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar, and anything by Eckhart Tolle, Robert Thurman or Pema Chodron.

5. What do you find most rewarding about being a yoga instructor and IO Yoga Manager?
This practice has been life changing for me. Yoga teaches us that avidya, ignorance of our true self and our place in the world, is the main cause of suffering. If I can help to lessen pain even the smallest amount for a relatively small group of people, it’s a blessing. I am so honored that people place their trust in me to help guide them in their practice.
As the new yoga manager, I am enjoying meeting and hiring talented teachers and cultivating our community at IO, which is truly a sanctuary for so many wonderful people.

6. Any other insights you wish to share?
Practice, practice, practice! Take deep breaths, and be nice to yourself.

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/interview-lindsay-jean-thomson-at-the-2011-yoga-journal-conference/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/peel-intelligently/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/peel-intelligently/#comments Tue, 11 Jan 2011 23:01:48 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1953 Intelligence need not be just an I.Q. thing. It’s also an IO-thing.

Last week, in honor of the New Year, I treated my skin to the IO Intelligent Peel ($38). For years I’ve been devoted to my regular Deep Cleanse Facials for glowing, clean skin. But with each passing year, I find that I need more of a “boost.” Some extra juice. Then, it occurred to me. Like everything else, why not start off the year intelligently?

The Intelligent Peel, the newest addition to the IO menu, is an active, advanced facial add-on that offers a powerful one-two punch of exfoliation and antioxidant delivery for cell renewal and restoration. It’s perfect for distressed, tired or overexposed skin, and targets acne, sun damage, wrinkles and/or hyper-pigmentation with the use of natural remedies.



The Intelligent Peel is exactly what my skin has been craving for after another year of the elements: airplane travel, sunny days at the beach, and winter-parched skin from my walk to work. The peel, when applied to your skin feels a bit tingly, adds another layer of exfoliation while at the same time infuses the skin with antioxidants to replenish skin and combat free-radical activity. Double-whammy bliss.


Yet, the true beauty of the Intelligent Peel is: the ingredients of Lactic, Salicylic, Glycolic and/or Retinol, are naturally derived. This means they are more compatible with the skin’s natural function.

Unlike other (chemical) peels, the Intelligent Peel contains NO synthetic ingredients, leaving your skin bright, smooth, clear and radiant. Not all peels are created equal, so it’s up to us to choose wisely. I say no thanks to stripping my skin raw with chemicals.

And so, to my esthetician’s recommendation, I’m now supplementing my Deep Cleanse Facials with the Intelligent Peel through a series of 4 treatments. Depending on your skin (sensitive?) and wellness needs (pregnant?), each IO esthetician will select the right combination of ingredients for you.

The best part? No need to carve out extra time in your calendar. An additional 5 minutes is all it takes. Intelligent beauty at its best.

Peeling away the layers,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/peel-intelligently/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/sunset-magazine/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/sunset-magazine/#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:45:15 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1925 Holiday Hot List | All Made in the West: OM of NM Salt Rub
December 2010
“Sea salts soaked in grapefruit, tangerine, and lavender oils give skin a spa-worthy pampering at home.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/sunset-magazine/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new/#comments Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:22:05 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1885 It truly is a new year.

Out with the old, in with the new, January 2011 has arrived. Traditionally this 1st month is ripe with resolutions and promises of the year ahead. January is our chance to dream big, set goals and welcome the year with positivity.

So, what do you want to do in 2011?

For the majority of us, we will resolve to correct negative behaviors and make resolutions such as “lose weight”, “eat better” or “save money.” While inspiring, it’s actually the quality of these resolutions that sets us up for failure. Not only are we working against the odds, since by Valentine’s Day 80% of us will have given up on our resolutions, but the goals are vague. And, they lack positivity.



So to ring in a truly new year, let’s overturn the past. Write down goals that are positive, specific and achievable. (Then send them to a friend for accountability.) For instance if you resolve to “eat better in 2011,” pledge instead to “eat fresh vegetables 3x/week.” This way, rather than waiting for a whole year to pass to pat yourself on the back, you’ll have achieved your goal every week. (Why wait?)

Lastly, I almost forgot to mention another piece of newness: me, Sofia. I’m here as your partner-in-crime and new author of the IO blog. While I’ve been behind-the-scenes at IO all along, I’ll be chronicling all things that inspire me here on the blog.

Wellness is more than the compulsory trips to the doctor. It’s about the small decisions we make every day. Everything counts. So from my SF whereabouts to fostering my passion for products that make my skin glow to my love of farmers markets, you’ll find a journey of wellness here at the IO blog, Sofia-style.

Happy 2011,
Sofia

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/comfort-and-joy-io-holiday-gifts-of-wellness/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/comfort-and-joy-io-holiday-gifts-of-wellness/#comments Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:26:05 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1873 As we round the corner to this twelfth month, we send gifts of love, joy and beautifully wrapped presents during this season of giving.

This holiday we’ve stocked our shelves with handcrafted gifts of wellness. Gifting, in many ways, has become a burden and a chore (among other things!). So this year at IO we’re bringing forth simple and beautiful gifts made by hand, locally and with heart. An IO peace offering in times of chaos, if you will.

Here’s what’s in store at the SHOP at IO:

Le Labo Vintage Candle Collection ($60)
A cult-favorite, the bespoke 5-scent collection of 100% soy wax handpoured into hand-distressed, one-of-a-kind vintage tin cans is the perfect blend of sophistication and scent. We’re also honored: the Le Labo founders handpicked IO as one of their 60 favorite retail stores in the world to debut the exclusive line. Come in and smell the bliss.

Munio Candela Sachets + Soaps: closure to a year full of goodness
Simple indulgence at its best. There’s nothing more encouraging than gifting co-workers in need of a respite with 100% Organic Soaps ($11) and Green Bath Therapy Sachets ($10). Featuring peppermint, lavender, chamomile and wild flower scents, we dream of more soaks and cleansing in the year ahead. Yes, we do.



For the jetsetter-on-the-go: Lina Rennell Zip Pouches ($76)
Perfect for carrying winter weather beauty needs on the go, the ethically produced 8”x4” zip pouches made in Aptos, CA signals beauty in art in a small package. Select from calming lilac linen with metallic gold triangle print or a Natural linen with metallic gold Helsinki prints, we promise you won’t leave home (or beauty) without it.

Write, write write away!
Didn’t spend your entire year searching for the ultimate holiday card? We’ve got your winner. Stunningly simple and gorgeous, the bluepoolroad letterpressed holiday and new year boxed cards ($25) are flying off the shelves already. Individually handstamped with soy-based inks in LA, the cards are sure to deliver greetings better than the rest.

The best part? You won’t find these gifts just anywhere. Exclusively yours at IO. Now, time to treat yourself to the gift of time and shop our handcrafted gifts of wellness.

Here’s to simple gifts,
International Orange

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/comfort-and-joy-io-holiday-gifts-of-wellness/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wellness/litany-as-spoken-by-a-3-year-old/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wellness/litany-as-spoken-by-a-3-year-old/#comments Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:48:28 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1608 This video has been making the rounds on Facebook. I have watched it a whole bunch of times, and it never fails to make me catch my breath.

If you don’t recognize the poem, it’s Litany, by Billy Collins. I’ve heard it spoken at many a wedding ceremony as a testimony to the devoted power of love.



However, hearing it spoken so artfully by a child too young perhaps to really grasp its deeper meaning somehow instills it with an innocence and hope that takes this lovely poem to another level.

And forget about the poem. What about this beautiful child, who is clearly going to grow up to be brilliant in some regard?

I’m bookmarking this one as a tool I can draw on whenever I need a reminder that life is about love, lightness, and art.

Amen for the creativity of children,
International Orange

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wellness/litany-as-spoken-by-a-3-year-old/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/mind/it-feels-good-to-be-nice/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/mind/it-feels-good-to-be-nice/#comments Fri, 10 Dec 2010 19:38:40 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1523 I have a friend who has an annual practice she calls Three for Three. For one month, she makes a point, every single day, of doing one creative thing, one relaxing thing, and one nice thing for someone else. I love this idea.

In my life, I’ve had people do some pretty wonderful things for me, merely for the sake of being generous. Once, a cab driver saw me waiting at a bus stop in the pouring rain, and offered me a free ride. Another time, I received a $100 bill in the mail with no note—just when I had been eyeballing a sweet new sweater that cost exactly that much.

Probably the nicest thing, though, was when I started getting anonymous daily gifts in my mailbox. Little tokens of thoughtfulness: handwritten poems on beautiful paper, wildflowers tied with string, a single sachet of some sort of delicious tea. This went on for weeks. Eventually I figured out that it was my neighbor—a local artist who I had only spoken to once or twice. She was making a point of making my day, every day, just for the creative fun of it.



I was young and poor and had just moved to a new city where I hardly knew a soul. It meant everything to me that someone cared. I felt like she—this virtual stranger—was seeing from the outside that I needed a little love and mothering.
And she wasn’t in it for the credit or the gratitude. It was a purely selfless expression of appreciation from one artist to another.

I never forgot this experience, so now I try to take the opportunity to do something nice for a stranger whenever I can. There’s so much joy and power in a thank-you-free-gift!

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/mind/it-feels-good-to-be-nice/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/when-in-doubt-throw-it-out/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/when-in-doubt-throw-it-out/#comments Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:31:39 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1505 When it comes to STUFF, are you a binger or a purger?

Lately there’s been a lot of buzz on the web about the 100 Things Challenge. The idea is to commit to getting rid of most of your stuff. Dave (the crazy dreamer who started this initiative) came up with a newfangled slogan for the project:

Reduce (get rid of some of your stuff)
Refuse (to get more new stuff)
Rejigger (your priorities)

Now, reducing down to 100 things may not work for all of us. But the idea is an intriguing one. What can you get rid of? What do you think you own that actually owns you?



Here are some ideas of places you can start to pare down:




• Books: A few years ago, I realized that I probably wasn’t ever going to read those piles of books again, and just looking at their pretty covers wasn’t a good enough excuse for all the space they were taking up in my home. I lugged them all to Green Apple Books and sold them for a pretty penny. I felt good knowing that the energy of my books was getting passed along to another eager reader, and I treated myself to a nice massage with the cash. Now, after I read a book, I pass it right along to a friend!

• Car: When I moved to San Francisco, I sold my car. City Carshare is a great alternative, and I no longer worry about parking tickets and all the other anxiety that goes along with being an urban car owner.

• Clothes: This is the obvious place to purge. And it can be the hardest, for many of us. One idea? Give clothes that don’t fit you to friends in need. That way, you can always get those jeans back when you drop a few el-bees!
  I’ve got a long way to go to whittle my stuff down to 100 measly things, but I think I’m headed in the right direction.
  

Simplistically yours,
International Orange

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/when-in-doubt-throw-it-out/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/c-magazine-2/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/c-magazine-2/#comments Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:59:25 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1796 The Best of Golden State Beauty: IO Bathe Bath Soak
November 2010
“From fruit scrubs to organic serums, here are 22 reasons why Golden State potions are the cream of the crop.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/c-magazine-2/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/instyle/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/instyle/#comments Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:54:25 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1793 2010 Beauty Black Book: Best SF Facial IO Custom Enzyme Facial
October 2010
“…by using lymphatic drainage massages and fruit enzyme exfoliating masks, the aestheticians at this relaxing spot are able to clear clogs with minimal irritation.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/instyle/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/when-positivity-is-negative/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/when-positivity-is-negative/#comments Thu, 28 Oct 2010 21:39:38 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1615 I recently read Bright-Sided, by Barbara Ehrenreich. It got me thinking.

Here in the Bay Area, we take our upbeat spirituality pretty seriously. I hear a lot of talk about The Power of Positivity. First there was The Secret, and now it’s at the point where one can’t get through a yoga class or cocktail party without having a conversation about The Law of Attraction.

In my own life, I’ve noticed that whenever I seem to be going through a rough patch, my local friends will counter my whining with advice along the lines of: “You just have to set a good intention, and abundance will follow.” (Which sounds dangerously like “Buck up!” when I’m in a certain mood.)



This sort of abundance-thinking can be encouraging and motivating. But, as Ehrenreich points out, it can also be self-defeating. There comes a point for all of us where the most healthy—and helpful—thing to do is to curl up in a ball, eat a pint of ice cream, and just bawl our eyes out. Who among us hasn’t had that cathartic experience? I have to say that I might feel deprived if I was told I’d have to go the rest of my life without having one more meltdown. As a woman, I feel entitled to my occasional bratty episodes! It’s the trade off for dealing with hormones, right?

At the very least, Bright-Sided is a great read and a good alternative view. I’m adding it to my list of recommendations.

In joy (but not always!),
International Orange

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/when-positivity-is-negative/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/goop-com-by-gwyneth-paltrow/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/goop-com-by-gwyneth-paltrow/#comments Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:41:17 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1781 GO San Francisco
July 2010
“International Orange (IO) named after the paint color of the Golden Gate Bridge, is an open space of Zen in the middle of the city.”

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/goop-com-by-gwyneth-paltrow/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/daily-candy/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/daily-candy/#comments Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:39:17 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1778 Mothers’ Day Savings
May 2010
“Visit International Orange for a sublime massage to a complexion-restoring facial.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/daily-candy/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-magazine-4/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-magazine-4/#comments Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:13:15 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1776 Saving Our Skin: IO Organic Body Products
March 2010
“Claim to fame: Handcrafted spa brand with products created from organic, wild or biodynamic ingredients.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-magazine-4/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-examiner/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-examiner/#comments Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:09:26 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1772 Introduces New Organic Detox Facelift Facial
February 2010
“It’s designed to rescue skin from drying winter weather and get it dewy and revitalized for spring.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-examiner/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/creativity/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/creativity/#comments Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:34:53 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1538 Creativity is one of my favorite topics. And Sir Ken Robinson is one of my favorite “experts” on creativity. If you haven’t seen his TED talk on how “schools kill creativity,” it’s a must-view:

Sir Ken is a Brit who makes the rounds speaking about education reform, and he’s also a charmingly funny character. In this video, he rouses a good argument about how important it is to encourage creative, right-brained thinking in our schools.

Sir Ken says: “All kids have tremendous talents, and we squander them ruthlessly.” We’re all born creative; we really are. The silly, endearing things that kids say? They’re figuring out how to think. And they’re willing to make a lot of mistakes in that process.

But as we get older, we’re less and less willing to take risks and make mistakes with the way we think. We become self-conscious, and attached to our cultural notions of success and being “right.” We become disinclined to fritter away our time on tasks that don’t seem productive.

It’s never too late to embrace your right brain. And you don’t have to be an “artist” to do so! Grocery store baggers, bus drivers, day traders… everyone has a right brain. We access it every time we decide what to make for dinner, or find a new solution to a problem at work, or envision our future. In fact, all problem solving is inherently creative.

And I’ll wager an argument that learning how to express ourselves creatively is one of the most empowering things we can do to become successful individuals in this left-brained world.

After all, as Sir Ken says, creativity is just as important as literacy.

Artistically yours,

International Orange

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/creativity/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/renewal-day/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/renewal-day/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:45:18 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1617 We recently had our annual “Renewal Day” here at IO. That’s when we close up shop for a day in order to refresh our environment. We clean the entire spa up and down, paint the walls, and readjust the feng shui, if you will.

It’s like a cleanse of our space, but it’s also an opportunity for our IO family to spend a soulful day together behind the scenes re-energizing our quarters.

When we reopen shop the next day, we always feel reinvigorated and re-inspired. We gain clarity around new goals, ideas for uplifting events, and a grounded sense of wellbeing from taking care of our environment with devotion and love.



IO has been open for almost ten years now, and we’ve remained steadfastly committed to this idea of periodic renewal… not just of our work environment, but of our yoga programming, our spa and retail offerings, and our general outlook as holders of what we consider a blessed and tranquil space.

At the same time, we feel strongly about staying true to our foundation—in other words, our mission—of offering A Bridge to Your Better Side. Our co-founder, Amy Darland, once wrote a wonderful blog about this concept.

With love and renewed clarity,
International Orange

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/renewal-day/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wellness/chinese-medicines-extra-season/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wellness/chinese-medicines-extra-season/#comments Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:51:35 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1547 Chinese Medicine is an amazingly effective system that we honor here at IO in the form of talented onsite acupuncturists and Chi Nei Tsang (belly massage) practitioners. In Chinese Medicine, the body is considered integrally linked to the mind and emotions. We are holistic beings, and how we handle one aspect of our lives affects all others.



Chinese Medicine advises us according to the seasons. How we eat, sleep, and act in winter is different than what we need in the summer. And interestingly, there is a fifth season in this ancient Eastern modality: LATE SUMMER. This is the season we just passed through. It started in late August and lasted until the Autumn Equinox (September 22, this year).

Chinese Medicine’s Late Summer Season is associated with the earth elements—and the harvest. This is the time of year, traditionally, when farmers reap the benefits of all their hard work through the spring and summer. And for us urban dwellers, we can consider it the time of year when we harvest the mental and spiritual work we may have begun earlier this year.

Did you make New Year’s Resolutions? Now is the time to reflect on how those intentions have manifested (or not). And then in this next season—FALL—we being to wind down for the winter rest. So, right now, we’re in the transition from yang to yin energy. Perhaps a perfect time for a nice restorative yoga class?

Happy Fall!
International Orange

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wellness/chinese-medicines-extra-season/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/judgments-are-alright/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/judgments-are-alright/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:57:41 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1351 How many times have you heard it said, “don’t be so judgmental”? Or, “I’m not a very judgmental person”?

I’ve heard it, have said it myself, and have worked at trying to “fix” the tendency. And guess what, I keep on judging. It’s what we do. It’s really the attachment to the judgment that is so painful. Through teachings of the Dharma and the guidance and learning I have gotten through other teachers and teachings, I began to awaken to the concept that ah-ha, judgments (even seemingly “negative” ones) are a key part of human mental process, they are the buried treasure that helps us know 1) what we like and do not like at any given moment and 2) where we are holding onto hate.



Ever notice how some judgments are super fleeting and others are quite steadfast? Ever notice what those judgments are really saying about what resentments we have? Those resentments are the things that we walk around with and they are the parts that really cause us and others hurt. What fertile land there is in the awareness of our judgments instead of pushing away and ignoring them?

Witnessing, allowing and inspecting is a very different way of being and so much more loving than casting a negative judgment (tsk, tsk…you’re BAD for thinking that, for not liking that, for desiring that).

Negatively judging our own judgment is yet another form of close-mindedness and a self-mutilating form of not letting ourselves into our own hearts—not loving ourselves and not being present with WHAT IS.

Being judgmental, yes, it hurts sometimes but not in the way so many of us have understood it. It hurts us more, the one having the judgment, not to look deeper at the gift within the judgment. Once acceptance comes, and the road may be short or long, our judgments won’t own us anymore. We will be freer.

Rescue your judgments,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/judgments-are-alright/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/why-not-love-all-of-me/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/why-not-love-all-of-me/#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:12:55 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1349 There’s a personal revolution that is possible in all of us. It’s a revolution that can bring a new level of self-acceptance, a sense of peace and a rush of love (read: acceptance) that is actually unending. So, where is the road map into this experience?

I have been looking at the places in me and about me that I still don’t love, in other words the places I do not accept, the things, and ways about me that I resist or even abhor – that are simply not invited into my heart, my own center stone of mercy; and mercy being the very thing that really heals our hearts and sense of self, and which can only start from within to radiate outward. It is with mercy for ourselves first, that we can embody the kind of unconditional, true love that we all yearn for at the deepest levels.



With that, I have been working on inviting in the parts of myself that I secretly or not-so-secretly hate. Yes, I said “hate”. How does a person begin this process? There are countless ways. Here is one…

I think about what I don’t like about myself, journal or talk to a trusted friend/teacher/counselor about it. I try to be as honest as I can and I attempt to acknowledge the resistance I have to myself as I am. I look at my judgments of myself or other people as a guide to my love of self – or lack of love, in places.

Judgments are great guideposts, even if they get a bad wrap. I try to sit with the way my judgments feel. Sometimes I can’t do it at all or not for very long because I am distracted or in too much pain. But I am learning that the inquiry is a solid start in loving all of me. As is.

Trucking toward love,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/why-not-love-all-of-me/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/follow-your-bliss/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/follow-your-bliss/#comments Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:33:30 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1347 This concept of “following your bliss” has got my attention. The late, great Joseph Campbell, one of my personal idols (and who I proudly share a birthday with), coined the phrase. If you haven’t watched the Bill Moyers series of interviews with Joseph Campbell called “The Power of Myth”, I highly recommend it. If you have, you might want to watch it again.

What does it mean to follow your bliss? Joe Campbell (I am taking nickname liberty here with my b-day forefather) borrowed this concept from one of the three Hindu principles to find fulfillment in life. He said that his clearest inroad of the three routes was to follow his rapture as his guide. So that is what Joe did over his lifetime, he followed his bliss and inspired his many students at Sarah Lawrence to do so.



Joe’s bliss started with a fascination with Native American tribes. This led him to a lifetime of study, teaching and publishing on comparative religions throughout history and the myth and stories of all the peoples of the world—the stories that define, remind and guide us into meaning in our human existence. Joe’s rapture about these subjects was obvious. His eyes shine as he speaks, like a little kid in awe of dinosaurs but with the seasoned calm of an elder. Thrilled and rooted at once. I can feel his mind making connection as he shares a deep well of information. I want to be in the room with him asking questions myself.

Someone close to me was teasing me as I talked about following my bliss and he brought up the concept of hedonism. He said the word in jest, but as I thought about it, I realized that hedonism could be the lead in for you (I am not prescribing it, but it could be). But what I imagine is more likely is that the experience of pure unadulterated pleasure will ebb and flow along the way. Perhaps it won’t be an eternal bonbon eating party. Then again, I would love to be proven wrong on that. I guess the point is to look for one’s particular brand of bliss, hopefully find it and keep right on trucking.

Hedonism or not, the Hindus and Joe were referring to a bliss, a rapture, that is sustainable. That would be my suggestion for hedonists, be honest with yourself. Is the pure pleasure-seeking working or is that enough? Maybe that’s the question we might all ask ourselves as we go. Is this path helping or hurting me more? Is this guidance I am following charging my battery? Is it lighting the holy fire in my belly? Or is it just lighting the fire of my senses? In the search for rapture, it wants to be both. That’s where the magic happens.

The beauty of it is that my bliss doesn’t need to please anybody but me. Your bliss only has to float your boat. It’s been said that, “all actions have both positive and negative aspects, and all we can really do is lean toward the light”. Make the work about finding out what the individual bliss path is and keep following it, hell or high water. Lean into your own rapture.

Finally, beware naysayers. Polish off those courage-and-dedication lucky charms. Run the other way from bliss-kryptonite. Follow the leaders, particularly the happy ones who seem to be having fun at it. From what I’ve glimpsed in the ones who inspire me like Joe Campbell, the ones who have found and followed their bliss, is that if followed ardently it will be a road paved with gold, a personal version of the yellow brick road. The light in the eyes of these folks is unmistakable. And something wonderful happens when we are lit up with inspiration, we end up inspiring others authentically and when that happens it makes the universe around us glisten.

Following mine,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/follow-your-bliss/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/summertime/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/summertime/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:27:16 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1345 The sun’s royal season is underway as we enjoy the most light of the entire year. Enjoy the magic of daylight and sunshine and all that it exposes, allows and shows!

Revel in what is here in the season of the sun with sweet sunsets, backyard BBQs and playful sundress wearing weather. If you live in San Francisco proper, perhaps a jaunt over one of the bridges for a taste of summer will help you feel the season more fully. And, here is a little summer sun poem for you, by Mary Oliver called THE SUN…



Have you ever seen
anything
in your life
more wonderful
than the way the sun,
every evening,
relaxed and easy,
floats toward the horizon
and into the clouds or the hills,
or the rumpled sea,
and is gone—
and how it slides again
out of the blackness,
every morning,
on the other side of the world,
like a red flower
streaming upward on its heavenly oils,
say, on a morning in early summer,
at its perfect imperial distance—
and have you ever felt for anything
such wild love—
do you think there is anywhere, in any language,
a word billowing enough
for the pleasure
that fills you,
as the sun
reaches out,
as it warms you
as you stand there,
empty-handed—
or have you too
turned from this world—
or have you too
gone crazy
for power,
for things?

Receive the sun,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/summertime/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/its-only-a-body/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/its-only-a-body/#comments Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:59:00 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=952 I recently found out some very heavy news. A dear friend of mine tested positive with such a high probability to get breast and uterine cancer (she has the gene that causes both) that she is having all her female parts removed. You heard me right. This year, my friend’s breasts and uterus will be removed. She is still very young and very beautiful. And post-surgery, she will still be very young and very beautiful but it won’t be the same. Her body will never be the same.

When she tearfully told me what she had to have done, we both cried. I love her so much. She is scared, to say the least, scared of the risks and scared of the loss and scared of it not being the same, the familiar, and the body she’s called home and grown attached to for 30-some years.



So we talked about it. She told me that she knows her lesson now is to learn that she is not her body and her love of self as well as others love of her is not about her beautiful body, it’s about something so much more vast that it cannot be contained in a skin-suit. I have never seen my friend so brave and so vulnerable and so beautiful as that night when she unveiled this news to me.

Exposed, disoriented from shock and deeply frightened, my friend is embarking on the biggest lesson she’s had in this lifetime about body identification. Only a powerful woman like she could see through this trauma to find her lesson in it, already, and what a blessing and inspiration that is.

Bless her,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/its-only-a-body/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-good-stuff/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-good-stuff/#comments Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:07:22 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1197 So if you are buying things anyway, why not get the good stuff, right? I do fancy a “less is more” way of living in the world, but if you are going to buy, I suggest it be the good stuff. In my book, at least a little of a good thing is way better than mountains of crap or even a mole hill of the mediocre. In that case, at IO we scour our sources, handpick, hand-design and then hand it over to you for sale in the Shop at IO on Fillmore Street. Take a gander next time you are in the market. It’s special stuff.

Limited edition IO MANTRA apparel, yoga utility totes, and Saipua handmade soaps and candles are among the latest specialty additions.



The limited edition IO MANTRA t-shirt series is a tribute to wearing your wellness. Locally printed, the tees feature IO signature mantras of “PRACTICE SILENCE” and “STRETCH YOUR MIND. MOVE YOUR BODY. FEEL YOUR SKIN.” The tees, created under the direction of my good friend and creative visionary, Matt Dick, come in natural vintage white, heather linen and black. Good fit and very soft.

The IO Yoga Tote redefines yoga bag standards – on and off the mat. Made from a natural heavy canvas, the yoga tote is a completely posture-conscious bag and for the first time, shifts the weight from the shoulder to the hand. The hand-carried yoga utility tote brings simplicity and transformation to the wellness practice.

Saipua, derived from the Finnish word for soap, is now available at IO with its handmade soaps and candles. The soaps, carefully crafted in small batches, use food-grade vegetable oils, butters, herbs and extracts. Each bar is hand cut, dried and cured in the Saipua family-owned workshop. The 100% soy candles are beautifully packaged and each scent has a limited edition of 250.

Also available are very special local products from Juniper Ridge, fine purveyor of incenses, smudge sticks and sachet. These items are favorites of mine for scenting your space and for energetic room clearings. Yes, you can do it just like the shamans do!

That’s all for now from consumer headquarters.

Good stuff,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-good-stuff/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/whole-body-health-from-the-feet-on-up/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/whole-body-health-from-the-feet-on-up/#comments Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:52:23 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1195 With roots tracing back to the medical practices of the Chinese and Egyptians, reflexology taps into more than just the feet, affecting all the regions of the body through targeted massage and pressure point work through the soles alone. The end goal is the create healing and decrease pain in the whole bodily system. Sounds pretty efficient, eh?



IO Foot Reflexology, a 30-minute soothing pressure point treatment is a worthy add-on to any IO Massage. Often misunderstood, reflexology is an ancient art that is more than a fancy foot rub. Each IO Foot Reflexology treatment begins with hot towels to soothe and cleanse. Luxurious In Fiore Pedicure balms in peppermint, chamomile or ginger are used to help heal depending on the client’s needs and constitution:

1. Peppermint is cooling and a classic choice for relieving overburdened feet.
2. Chamomile is calming and subtle and promotes grounding for body and mind.
3. Ginger is warming and stimulates circulation for those who need a chi boost.

Happy feet could mean a very happy whole entire body!

Be good to your feet,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/whole-body-health-from-the-feet-on-up/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/ode-to-the-urgent-sun/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/ode-to-the-urgent-sun/#comments Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:17:00 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1193 The sun is egging me on,
Urging me to GROW.
Unrelenting and full of resolve,
Piercing and blistering,
Hot and un-bothered,
Doing his thing,
Creating energy,
Melting things,
Blossoming things,
Hatching things —
In his Golden Light.



And when the sunlight hits just right, in that Golden Hour, I feel him entering my skin, diving deep into my flesh, through my organs, touching every neuron, electron and quark, and zooming through to the other side of me, the side that never has an end or an incubation because it is always there. Unending.

It is the real me that he touches.

In that place of Sunlight Fingerprints, I unfurl and grow. I begin and end in that place.
There is nothing like the sun and his light.
Egging me on to INFINITY.

Sun-kissed,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/ode-to-the-urgent-sun/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/grounded-vinyasa-yoga/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/grounded-vinyasa-yoga/#comments Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:05:00 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1191 Let’s talk about yoga, California yoga. We are a far cry from India, let’s be honest. Around these parts, San Francisco and most of California, Vinyasa yoga or Flow yoga, as it has come to be called, is the most widely practiced. Its active style is a well-matched entrée for a Western results-oriented audience into an ancient attunement practice.

Definition: Vinyasa (a.k.a. flow)
A “collection” or “arrangement” which links poses together to create an active class. For the most part this yoga style is derived from Ashtanga yoga with a more freeform and creative format.



IO Yoga is intended to be a Grounded Vinyasa Practice that offers students the ability to sweat, enjoy, challenge themselves and begin to explore their inner life on the mat with echoes into life off the mat. Our emphasis on the grounding is very intentional. Many, many yoga studios and healing techniques in general, especially in the New Age arena, lose sight of grounding. Big no-no. Grounding is of the utmost importance. At IO, we balance out our flowing Vinyasa yoga classes with some quiet Restorative yoga class options, which make an ideal compliment to a more active practice.

What we attempt with our IO Yoga is that though it may be flowing, we intend it to be stabilizing and rooted at the same time. Becoming flexible in the body but scattered, air-headed and all-over-the-place in the mind is not the goal. Yoga by design was intended to help us come into our bodies and the experience of the body and as a preparation for sitting in silence and stillness more comfortably and presently.

Let’s get grounded,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/grounded-vinyasa-yoga/feed/ 3 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/i-like-the-quiet/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/i-like-the-quiet/#comments Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:18:03 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1189 I like the quiet. A lot.

The quiet can be downright intoxicating or whatever the opposite of intoxicating is. When I’ve gotten really quiet, as quiet and still as I have ever been, on silent meditation retreats, I have sunk deep into love with the silence and it has perhaps been my very best teacher.

For some 8 years and counting as I write this, the phrase, “Practice Silence” has been one of our IO mantras and one that has held me so well through these last years of personal discovery and nudged me to try to find out who the heck I really am.



My quiet time has taught me about having mercy for myself, and others, and about patience, of which I am not naturally endowed. Ha! Boy, has that one challenged me. And the silence has taught me to hear better what is really going on for me and what’s going on around me in my worldly experience. It’s taught me slowness. And pause.

I have such gratitude for the quiet moments, for silence, an unshakable awe and respect. Oh how beautiful it is. Subtle. Echoing. Poignant, if you open up to really listen to the quiet and go deep.

Try some silence,

Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/i-like-the-quiet/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/organic-detox-facelift/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/organic-detox-facelift/#comments Thu, 27 May 2010 20:56:39 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1187 Please, please, please stay out of the plastic surgeon’s office for at least another day! This facial does the best we can do to naturally help the skin stay healthy. Plus, this is one really healthy way to spend seventy-five minutes.

Have you ever had a facial? Okay, have you ever had an IO Facial? Okay, so have you ever had the IO Organic Detox Facelift facial? Let’s just say, you might want to check it out. This one is as good as it gets in the land of organic facials. Period.



The IO Organic Detox Facelift is artfully crafted for those seeking purely organic anti-aging remedies. This supreme facial combines skin cleansing and enzymatic exfoliation and uncovers plumped, dewy, revitalized skin. Invigorating facial massage serves to pamper the skin, increase elasticity and stimulate the lymph for toxin and fluid release. Utilizing only pure organic ingredients, the facial draws upon the power of able hands to elevate both skin and spirit.

A pristine product selection of the best of the best includes organic luxury skincare lines such as Kahina, Dr. Alkaitis, Dr. Hauschka and In Fiore. Based on skin type and needs, our experienced IO estheticians create exact formulations for each client. To top off the skin-pampering experience, local organic edible products such as raw honey are added to seal in the curative benefits.

Love your face.

Try an Organic Facelifter,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/organic-detox-facelift/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/let-it-all-hang-out-on-the-dance-floor/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/let-it-all-hang-out-on-the-dance-floor/#comments Tue, 18 May 2010 20:13:43 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1185 Sometimes you gotta let it all hang out. The dance floor seems as good a place as any. In the right setting, that is. Or perhaps just in the privacy of your own home, but wherever you choose to let it out, I highly recommend dancing.

Recently I got talking about dance to one of my teachers, a great healer named Doctor Linda who is a master level Naturopath, Homeopath, Acupuncturist, and a trailblazer in the study of Energy Medicine and Radionics. And she just so happens to love to dance. I love to dance too, although like most people, I am often shy about it. Linda told me that when she went through some very tough times more than a decade ago, dance saved her. She said she literally danced her way out of depression.



Now I can think of a lot of ways people try to undo depression. I can think of a lot of medicines and pills and counseling and recommendations and remedies that doctors and laypeople try in order to get un-depressed, and many of them work, but I really love the idea of this way back to balance. It is so empowering, body-healthy and just plain fun.

Okay, I’m not suggesting a person jump off Prozac or lithium in every case without a plan besides “dancing yourself well”, but hey I’m not claiming to be your doctor. I do, however, feel inclined to make a case for dancing as a joyful healing practice. There’s something about the rhythm of moving your body in whatever way feels liberating to you, at a given moment. And some people would even call it art.

When dancing to music, your body begins to re-rhythm itself. Re-alignment begins. I can report firsthand that dancing helps immensely to unwind me on a mental, emotional, and physical level. Following a drumbeat in movement initiated in the hips can actually help re-balance the second chakra where our will resides.

If you want some guidance on the road to letting it out on the dance floor and feeling really good doing it, here are two superior suggestions that have helped me dance along the path:

1. Dance Your Bliss
2. Five Rhythms

Keep on dancing,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/let-it-all-hang-out-on-the-dance-floor/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/its-not-what-happens-its-how-you-are-with-what-happens/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/its-not-what-happens-its-how-you-are-with-what-happens/#comments Tue, 04 May 2010 19:18:52 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=948 Have you ever had something really bug you, totally fire you up, hurt you or on the other hand make you so, so happy? Yes. Of course. Okay, so then have you ever had a similar thing happen, only this time something has shifted, and this time that same “thing” didn’t bother or excite you like it did before?

Lately I have been noticing just how regularly this happens to me. The constant isn’t what happens, it’s actually how I experience what happens that matters more. It’s how I feel about something that flavors the experience, not so much what it is. I am seeing quite clearly that under certain circumstances, the mundane really feels joyful, the painful can feel pretty tolerable and the pleasurable can actually feel downright boring. It all depends on the space I’m in.



Experiences we come to know one way aren’t often what we expected. Everything is changeable really, and shifting constantly, so learning to balance with whatever comes seems the wisest, most joyful path. It’s the Middle Path, as the Buddhists call it, and it’s the recipe of being grounded in awareness itself that brings the clearest, most unshakable quality of peace.

Now that’s awesome, if you ask me.

So I am taking another step toward uncovering ways of teaching myself how to experience moments more fully and without expectation, and be more childlike again in my moving through the world. And what helps? Anything that engages me in the present moment.

1. Meditation teaches a concentrated focus on my experience of the here and now.

2. Creative outlets connect me to playfulness and self-expression which activates my focus on the present.

3. Physical activity helps me feel my body and grounds me in the moment.

Basically, anything that gets us out of our thoughts about the past or future and into our current experience widens our ability to interface with what is happening now, in this very nanosecond.

Try at least one of these practices daily. See what you think. Notice how you feel. And remember…

It’s all changeable,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/its-not-what-happens-its-how-you-are-with-what-happens/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sing-your-heart-out-at-glide/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sing-your-heart-out-at-glide/#comments Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:33:44 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=954 Lately I’ve felt more like singing. I’ve wanted to use my voice (open up that 5th chakra). I’ve wanted to celebrate out loud. Open my heart. Let loose these vocal chords. A little while back on the Sunday before MLK Jr. Day I went with my friend Jamaica to Glide Memorial Church to celebrate the life and work of Doctor King and to sing from our hearts with the church and the gospel choir.

Now I don’t have a history of going to church much, even though I went to a Jesuit university. And I didn’t go regularly to church growing up, even though my family was technically Christian. But then again, Glide’s not your average church.



Although Glide is a Methodist church it has a policy of inclusion of all creeds, colors, sexual orientations and socioeconomic situations. There’s a little sermonizing and there’s A LOT of clapping and standing and singing.

I recommend it highly as an uplifting, fun and expressive way to spend a Sunday morning. There are two sessions, one at 9AM and another at 11AM. It’s a full house so come early if you want a great seat; otherwise take what you can get.

Inspire yourself and sing. Feel a sense of connection and community. Check out Glide sometime when looking for something empowering to do on Sunday in San Francisco. It left a golden glow in my heart the whole day. It seems to have that effect on people.

Sing out,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sing-your-heart-out-at-glide/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/boston-globe/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/boston-globe/#comments Fri, 02 Apr 2010 17:45:01 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1116 …Aaah New Big City, Old Rainy Day? Relax, Feel Like a Native
February 2010
“No froufrou frills in the compact white treatment rooms – just experienced massage therapists and all-organic blends of body oils: golden jojoba, safflower, geranium, and honey-scented beeswax. The warm and attentive staff leaves personalized notes for clients after each treatment.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/boston-globe/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-magazine-3/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-magazine-3/#comments Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:53:12 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1118 Craving: Cold Sweat
January 2010
“This month, International Orange creative director Matt Dick’s yoga mat tote is sure to inspire the stylish to start practicing savasana as they ring in the new year.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-magazine-3/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/natural-health/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/natural-health/#comments Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:42:43 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1114 Purify Your Beauty Routine
September 2009
“International Orange ENRICH… is a deep hydrating lotion with shea butter and vitamins A and E that leaves skin silky but never greasy. The scent is fresh, with hints of tuberose and jasmine.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/natural-health/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/ritz-carlton-magazine/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/ritz-carlton-magazine/#comments Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:39:29 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1112 Shopping San Francisco
Fall/Winter 2009
“Indulge in a 90-minute hot stone massage at this modern oasis known for heavenly body treatments, the best yoga classes in the city and a sundeck spread with farmers-market nibbles.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/ritz-carlton-magazine/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/new-beauty/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/new-beauty/#comments Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:22:53 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1110 Spas in Unique Locations
October 2009
“International Orange’s Enrich Body Lotion is an ultra-hydrating, paraben-free body cream made with wild-crafted ingredients. The aromatherapeutic trio of white lotus, bergamot peel and tuberose petal essential oil leaves skin with an uplifting and refreshed scent.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/new-beauty/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/allure-spa/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/allure-spa/#comments Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:19:17 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=1108 IO BATHE A Bath Soak
Summer 2009
“This is the best soak I’ve ever tried. The sea salts, Epsom salts and baking soda really helps to relieve muscle tension.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/allure-spa/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/peaceful-prenancy-massage/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/peaceful-prenancy-massage/#comments Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:55:28 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=956 So how do you spell relief from pregnancy? Well, apart from waiting the nine months to GIVE BIRTH to the bouncing bundle of joy (mixed with the minor distraction of crying fits, lack of sleep and dirty diapers)…

My girlfriends tell me massage helps a lot.

I’m not a mom yet so I clearly can’t speak first hand about this, BUT just about all my close girlfriends have a baby or two on their hip these days and they ALL coveted some time on the massage table and took up the offer if they got the chance, especially in the third trimester.



Of course post-natal massage is a godsend for moms too but starting out the journey before baby with a little help from our massage friends, seems to be the desired path, and for good reason.

Although “eating for two” may be a bit of a misconception (with a baby on board the female body only needs an average of 350 more calories per day), the reality of making a baby is a tall order, and the body of the mama IS really “working for two”. And it does a body good, when it’s working so hard to have a lot of extra TLC.

For my friends and IO clients who are making babies, here’s a special treat for you…

IO PEACEFUL PREGNANCY PACKAGES
Soothe your soon-to-be-here bundle of joy and breathe your way to relaxation. Opt for 5 or 9 60-minute IO Mom-to-Be massages customized to accommodate expecting needs and schedules. Suggested full program: 2 during 8th month, 4 during 9th month and rest as you see fit.

Essential Package (5 massages) for $445 (save 15 percent)
Pamper Package (9 massages) for $775 (save 18 percent)

Thank you mamas. You work hard for the kiddos.

Your sister,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/peaceful-prenancy-massage/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/bridezillas-are-so-last-season/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/bridezillas-are-so-last-season/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:20:26 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=958 While we can’t be ultimately responsible at IO for the behavior of our clients that become brides, we can help ease the wedding planning pain and maybe, just maybe, avoid some unnecessary Bridezillas.

Listen up, if this sounds familiar…

So you’re getting married? You’re just about as excited as you can be about the man and the BIG DAY! You have already started planning (ever since you could talk?) and… guess what? Here comes the S.T.R.E.S.S. All of a sudden the term “bridezilla” that you thought could never apply to you is beginning to sound a wee bit close to home. Uh-oh.



Since I’m still part of the single crowd (which in my friend group is not much of a “crowd” anymore), I can’t tell you what it was like for me, but what I can say is that IF I was getting married I’d want to have regular back rubs from my hubby-to-be (yes, that is a prerequisite to partnership with me!) but I wouldn’t want to miss out on professional help either, professional massage that is.

Massage does a body good. Time at the spa helps. It’s good medicine for a busy body and mind to sit in the steam room, have a hot shower, lounge on the deck, quiet the beehive mind and forget (for a moment at least) the worries of planning and finances and list making and pesky relatives and do I look fat in this dress? and…

Erase the word “bridezilla” from your vocabulary. It’s been overused anyway. Relax and enjoy your special day.

And here, this might help…

IO BLISSFUL BRIDE PACKAGE
Perfect your glow for the big day. Slip into a series of 3 Custom Enzyme Facials and radiate all the way down the aisle. Extend your final facial to seal in ultimate perfection with 1 Decollete Love and 1 Bright Eyes facial add-ons. One step closer towards pure marital bliss. $379 (save 15 percent).

Congrats lovely lady,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/bridezillas-are-so-last-season/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/its-only-a-mind-and-its-job-is-to-think/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/its-only-a-mind-and-its-job-is-to-think/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:49:02 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=950 Sometimes I want to stop my brain. Stop it from thinking. Stop it from thinking things I don’t want to think anymore. Just STOP already. But try as I might it just doesn’t stop. My mind just keeps on thinking and thinking and thinking.

Sound familiar?



It’s helpful to remember that it’s just a brain and it’s doing its job. In fact, when the mind is generating a lot of thoughts it’s actually doing it’s job really well. Kudos, mind, even though you are a pain in my brain a lot of the time. When the mind is at work it’s often trying to protect me as the operating system for my body. After all it’s with thought that this operating system works better than any other animal on the planet.

But we humans are well served to remember that we are so much more than a brain and the mind that is our constant companion. And it’s been providing me with relief lately when my mind is heavy and busy and feeling too full of thoughts, to use that very brain to remember…

It’s only a mind,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/its-only-a-mind-and-its-job-is-to-think/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sing-your-heart-open-sing-kirtan/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sing-your-heart-open-sing-kirtan/#comments Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:03:29 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=946 Kirtan is call-and-response chanting performed in India’s devotional traditions, sometimes called Bhaki Yoga, or the practicing of devotion. Kirtan practice involves chanting the names of the divine in song or hymn like a mantra. Kirtan is traditionally sung to the accompaniment of instruments like the harmonium, two-headed mradanga drum, and/or kartal hand cymbals.

Over New Years I did a Kirtan Camp, of sorts, with Gaura Vani in Costa Rica. It was the cleanest and clearest celebrating of a new year maybe ever for me as we joined another kirtan group with Jai Uttal to sing in and ring in 2010. Connecting one voice with the voices of others, makes one singular powerful, uplifting, freeing common voice. The feeling attached can be rapturous even though it may sound hard to believe.



I encourage anyone looking to feel inspired to try singing a little (or a lot) but not in the interest of performance. Try a kirtan sometime and let loose to the power that is evoked when sacred mantra is sung. Kirtan is popping up more and more all over the Bay Area and in many cities around the globe. Gaura Vani and Jai Uttal and David Stringer are all great fun to sing with.

This weekend I will be singing kirtan with Sean Johnson from New Orleans at Laughing Lotus. Join me if you are interested. And you don’t have to ever have tried sometime like this to enjoy it. There’s a certain mysterious resonance to it all, especially if you suspend your disbelief.

And if nothing else, it sure feels good to use your voice and SING YOUR HEART OUT.

Get together and sing,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sing-your-heart-open-sing-kirtan/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/dark-chocolate-and-massage/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/dark-chocolate-and-massage/#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:53:33 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=960 Sounds like a good time, doesn’t it?

My friend Jewel makes one of my very favorite chocolates on the planet. Jewel is also part of the IO extended family. She actually used to work at IO in the very early days right along side me and Melissa back when we were our Front Desk Team as well as our Laundry Ladies as well as our Receptionists and Service Providers (Massage and Yoga, respectively).

As it turns out, we’ve always been lucky with high-powered help finding its way to our door at IO and Jewel was no exception, in fact you could say she might have set the trend. Jewel came to us on hiatus from her pastry chef career. She needed a break from the heavy-duty kitchen work and bustle of that world so she came to IO and dug in with us in the land of wellness where at IO we at least really, really try to practice what we preach.



Well, Jewel’s time with IO came and went and she launched back into culinary-heaven (with smatterings of hell to keep it interesting) and several years later she launched her impeccable line of artisanal chocolates, Cocoa Absolute.

So what does this have to do with massage, you ask? Jeez, use your imagination! Okay, if you need a little help then here’s what we’re offering at IO during the month of February for V-Day and again in May for Mom’s Day.

Give love and eat chocolate.

With the Gift Certificate purchase of $150 or more, receive a FREE box of the perfectly sweetened, velvety richness of Jewel’s Cocoa Absolute. Gift Value $40. See IO Front Desk for purchase during the month of February.

Chocolate lover,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/dark-chocolate-and-massage/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/taking-the-waters-hot-springs-in-california/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/taking-the-waters-hot-springs-in-california/#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:51:32 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=447 I’ve been a fan of getting out of the city and “taking the waters” for as long as I can remember. When we were growing up, Ma and Pa Darland packed my brother and me along on many a family outing to hot springs around California and the Northwest. I know that helped inspire me to create a spa of my own. Soaking in hot water was the first human spa experience and it’s a healing tradition older than the hills.

To put it plainly, hot mineral water is a great way to soothe and relax both body and mind. Sulfur, one of the main components in hot springs, smells like hard boiled eggs but is actually great for your skin, hair and nails. (It’s actually a prominent component of the keratin in your body.)

Mineral water is detoxifying and cleansing and draws out impurities. It’s kind of like immersing yourself in a whole-body facial, and having fun while you do it.



Indian Springs, in historic Calistoga, is a great resort if you want to incorporate an entire spa experience into your trip. They’ve converted their hot springs into an Olympic-sized swimming pool replete with lounge chairs and umbrellas. Growing up, it was a place a journeyed yearly with my family for a little hot water and mud baths getaway.

Esalen’s hot springs, located on the side of a stunning cliff halfway down Highway 1 in Big Sur, offer hot springs infinity pools with a panoramic view of the plummeting cliffs and the Pacific ocean. You should see the view from the baths. It’s world class. They only offer public access to the springs in the middle of the night, which sounds kind of strange, but can actually be a great twist on a camping trip in one of the nearby state parks or sign up for a workshop (they offer almost everything under the sun) and stay on sight.

My personal favorite is Wilbur. My friend and rocking yoga teacher, Sarana Miller was born on the property itself and her father still owns it. On a recent getaway to Wilbur, I quickly remembered how to relax and forget my stresses (or perhaps boiled them away in hot water!?). The special sauce was the combination of country sun and warm, healing water. Their motto, “In all the World, No Waters Like These,” holds true for me. Not only does that environment relax my body nearly immediately, but it relaxes my knotted mind.

Other folks say they really like Orr Hot Springs (in Ukiah) which is a lot like Wilbur, I’ve heard. Harbin is another well-known favorite near San Francisco although I’ve heard it’s more of a scene so I’ve tended to shy away.

Click here for a directory of hot springs across California!

Take the waters,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/taking-the-waters-hot-springs-in-california/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/bringing-more-country-to-city-life/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/bringing-more-country-to-city-life/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:57:48 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=512 I thoroughly enjoy my time in the great outdoors. It is great. There’s nothing like waking up to fresh air and the sound of birds and wind in the trees without the distraction of sirens and construction and traffic. For all its vibrancy and convenience, the city sometimes wears on me, my emotional well being and my immune system. I guess you could say I’m particularly sensitive, but I don’t think I’m alone in this department. A lot of folks grin and bare it with city living, more than they are aware of or would like to admit.

The woods, on the other hand, inspires me to bliss. Just like it did Thoreau.



Even though my heart tells me I could fall into full-time country living with joy, I am still tethered to city life. Some portion of urban life for me will be a reality in the foreseeable future. And I like the balance of both.

So the question becomes, how can I bring more country into my city life? How can I begin to bridge the gap that exists when I cross the GG Bridge from San Francisco into Marin County?

Some people enjoy strategically-placed houseplants or even a white-noise maker. For me, aromatherapy is a great way to inspire calm and remind me of the essence of nature. Evergreen-scented candles and rich woody incense are some of my favorite reminders of the wild.

Most importantly, I aim to spend time in the fresh air every single day – usually in the morning before the hubbub really starts – by going on a solitary walk around the quieter streets of my city neighborhood. Even a short walk counts for me. It’s a priceless way to reconnect with the glimpses of nature we’re lucky to have in San Francisco – the fog rolling in, trees wet with raindrops or dew, cherry blossom buds beginning to open, or a sweeping, majestic view of the bay and the ocean beyond.

Find your urban-country balance,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/bringing-more-country-to-city-life/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sangha-means-community/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sangha-means-community/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:50:53 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=513 I just returned from a new year’s kirtan (devotional singing) and yoga retreat in tropical Costa Rica followed by a very fun wedding with friends (old and new) and it’s got me inspired and thinking about building community.

In Buddhism, the word “sangha” traditionally means “community of monks”, and it comes originally from the Sanskrit or Pali for “coming together”. Although traditionally in Buddhism it denoted a gathering of spiritually attained, ordained Buddhist monks, in contemporary speak, it means more loosely any gathering of community.

The basic principle of the sangha is that coming together in a community with a like-minded group of spiritual practitioners will facilitate each member’s path to enlightenment.



Even in Western cities like San Francisco, there are Buddhist sanghas everywhere. I sometimes drop in on one in the Richmond called Urban Dharma. (It was founded by renowned meditation preacher Noah Levine after the publication of his seminal book Dharma Punx. More info here.) Or, when I’m in Marin I frequent my favorite sangha at Spirit Rock.

With these two Buddhist sanghas, when we gather it generally involves a brief seated meditation, followed by a themed talk on aspects on the path to spiritual awakening in real life.

After my recent retreat and adventures in Costa Rica, I am reminded of a looser definition of sangha that I’d like to share. To me, sangha is any positive-minded community that you consciously create or join with the goal of creating a bridge to your better side.

For instance, a consistent yoga practice at a studio (like IO) can start to take on the aura of a sangha. It’s a place, after all, where like-minded practitioners come together with the goal of clearing their heads, breathing deeply, and finding more peace in their lives.

Another type of sangha might be a book club. Or a women’s group. Or singing in a choir like the one at Glide Memorial here in San Francisco. In other words, any regular gathering where we meet to reclaim our better, more balanced selves.

After all, truth is one, paths are many.

This month at IO we are starting our very own Tuesday morning sangha (called IO Renewal Tuesdays) for our staff members which soon will probably open up to anyone who would like to attend for the IO Sitting Circle, special yoga classes, and fostering community. Stay tuned.

Finding sangha,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sangha-means-community/feed/ 2 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-wonders-of-homemade-soup/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-wonders-of-homemade-soup/#comments Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:50:12 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=621 I’ve written in the past about the self-nurturing, wholesome aspect of cooking meals at home. (See “One Thing at a Time“) When cold weather strikes, I really start to embrace the comforting experience of preparing a good meal for myself, and particularly if that meal is soup.

Warm soup on a chilly, damp, foggy day… is there really anything better?

My M.O. is to spend an hour at the farmers market (my favorite urban market is at the Ferry Building in SF) and talk to the farmers about what’s in season and perhaps how they recommend preparing it if I’m needing guidance or inspiration.



On a recent visit, I learned all about heirloom varietals of beans that are only available fresh for a short period every year-like cranberry beans, which shell like English peas, but taste more like a hearty white bean. (Incidentally, they are so beautiful that it’s difficult to get yourself to throw them in the pot.)

I worship all of the aspects of cooking soup, from picking out the ingredients, talking to the farmers, washing the wonderful, mineral-rich, healthy dirt off the vegetables, shelling the beans, chopping and dicing and peeling, sautéing garlic in olive oil, and patiently watching the big pot of soup simmer on my stovetop for an hour, filling my entire home with its warm, rich goodness.

Homemade soup is not just a psychologically comforting phenomenon; it’s truly brilliant for your health, especially when made from farm-fresh organic ingredients. It’s also easy to reheat, lasts for days, and can be frozen for another night when you aren’t so much in the mood to cook which makes it the perfect healthy food for singles and families alike.

Make wonderful soup,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-wonders-of-homemade-soup/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/thai-massage-at-io/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/thai-massage-at-io/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:45:53 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=617 Often, in the western world, Thai massage is watered down into a version of Swedish massage that incorporates a few faux-yogic stretches here and there. I’ve experienced Thai massage in many spas and the mother land as well as other Asian countries, and wanted our IO bodywork program to incorporate the real deal.

At IO, we do our best to offer an authentic variation on the theme. In keeping with tradition, our Thai massage sessions take place on a mat on the floor so more body mobility is possible for both giver and receiver.

Thai massage is a very powerful, therapeutic form of treatment that incorporates breath and bodywork with movement and stretch. It’s a sort of hybrid of yoga and massage. In fact, it’s often called “lazy-man’s yoga”.



Technically, Thai massage works by releasing and manipulating energy along a system of meridians and channels of breath within the body. For this reason, breathing through the treatment is essential to experiencing the full therapeutic effects of the work.

If you’ve never tried Thai massage, you might be surprised at the deep level of relaxation and balancing that it imparts.

If you have an existing yoga practice, this style of bodywork can act as a wonderful bridge between your more active asana routine and the lazy bliss of getting a massage. If you have never done yoga in your life, it can be a nice introduction to the releasing sensation of yogic stretching.

Either way, Thai massage is just one of the many ways that we strive to offer you a full range of balancing, relaxing and health-imparting options at IO.

Keep stretching,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/thai-massage-at-io/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/practicing-equanimity-when-its-hard/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/practicing-equanimity-when-its-hard/#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:21:33 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=623 Think of the last situation that really riled you up. Do you have that moment in mind? Are you mad just thinking about it? Sure. That’s normal. Okay, now imagine you press the rewind button and approach that hair-raising scenario with equanimity.

Equanimity is a calm abiding in a state of unemotional, compassionate and peaceful mind and it’s one of the core principles of Buddhist practice. Of course, it’s impossible for any of us only-partly-awakened folks to be equanimous all the time. This is a practice like any other. So we keep trying.

The point is to keep on keepin’ on. We aim for it, sometimes we fail, we forget, we lose our temper, sometimes we overreact and embarrass the heck out of ourselves… and then we remind ourselves gently and without judgment (on a good day) to come back. We practice this in ‘real time’ and in our ‘real life’, just like we do in meditation, with awareness as the goal.



Aside from our own state of peace and calm, there is an aspect of equanimity that concerns how we deal with other people’s “stuff”. It’s that place where we find an equal balance between being too involved (or even co-dependent) and being too detached.

I’ve found a few trick or treats on the path to equanimity:

1. When a friend comes to me with a problem, I invite my compassion and empathy to the party.
2. I focus on listening instead of giving advice. This one can be hard. But, less is more, here.
3. As Alanis Morissette screamed in her 1990s anthem, “I am NOT the doctor.” So when I am being most skillful, I help my friend talk through their own options. That’s far more empowering for them (although this way I don’t get to hear myself talk. Ha!).

From a yogic perspective, we all have to deal with our own karma. If we try to “fix” someone’s problem for them, we hijack their opportunity to work through their personal karma. Or to put it another way, if we step in to save the day then we know how to solve their issue, but do they? Often not.

And here’s yet another nuance of equanimity, and perhaps the hardest one of all to master: not letting the people who really bug us, bug us. They will likely still trigger us. We all have people who bother us. These preciously annoying creatures and moments are where powerful lessons are learned, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. And even if the lesson is to walk away from that relationship or experience.

If we learn to bring compassion to those extremely challenging (or just slightly annoying) situations and even to those people that trigger us the most, then folks, we’ve made some major progress on our path to equanimity.

Keep practicing,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/practicing-equanimity-when-its-hard/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-art-of-living/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-art-of-living/#comments Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:31:56 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=619 “The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether his is working or playing. To him, he’s always doing both.”

That’s a quote I love, by James Michener. Pretty much covers it, right?

In a nutshell, this message captures how I aspire to treat my own life. Rather than compartmentalizing work versus personal time, I treat the two as extensions of one other. And while it hasn’t always been as clear as that for me, and it continues to be a work in progress, I love to integrate. When I practice taking my yoga “off the mat” and into the world, this integration brings more connection, balance, and breath to my experience.



I know it may be easier for me to set out on this goal of integrated work and play since I co-own a business and intentionally created an environment with more freedom to connect my life. And I know that for many of my friends who choose instead to work a “job” job, it can be a tougher project to stay connected to themselves at their 9-5.

Wise folks say that the key to success in a career (or even a job) is to find a way to get paid for what you already love to do. For myself, founding International Orange, fostering a wellness community, and developing a line of organic skin and hair care products that I truly believe in, has been very energizing and rewarding (although not always a breeze). And the adventure continues.

When we have the guts to seek out our own blessings, the world begins to morph for us and it can actually happen quickly. In the way that the choices we make open up certain doors for us, what we choose, becomes who we are. And we always have choices, as frightening as they may sometimes seem.

But if we still feel we can’t make a shift now, then what do we do? Make one anyway. Okay, but if we still aren’t ready to do that, then what? Then we find the part(s) of our job or situation that do feed us, and focus there. A calm, joyful attitude will open a window in the mind to let the breeze in.

Integrating,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-art-of-living/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/meditation-and-addiction/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/meditation-and-addiction/#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:40:08 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=615 I haven’t completely renounced myself from alcohol. I still like to enjoy a drink now and then. But on the spectrum of attachment and craving, I think most of us, certainly including me, could use a reminder about our relationship with the crutches in our lives.

A local sangha (or community) group called Urban Dharma that I drop into on some Friday nights in SF’s Richmond District, was started by Noah Levine and a group of folks who discovered Buddhism and meditation through their paths in recovery from substance abuse.



Meditation – and particularly in a sangha format – is such a powerful tool for helping us to get past our addictions, whatever they are. Insight meditation, in particular, helps us to connect to the emotions behind our cravings and learn to sit with our feelings, no matter how painful and difficult they may be.

A regular meditation practice helps me to stay grounded and real with myself. Because I sit every day, I am more inclined to pause and notice my behavior ‘off the cushion’, as we say. When I find myself mindlessly reaching for that cup of coffee or that second glass of wine I don’t even want, my witness voice pauses. Even that pause itself is helpful in affirming my personal awareness, regardless of if I choose to have the drink.

Certain friends of mine who really struggle with their addictions have found concrete relief through their participation in sanghas and their exploration of Buddhism. Although I myself have not attended, I’ve heard of a group that meets at the Zen Center every Monday night at 7:30. It’s an alternative to AA if that format or the traditional ‘higher power’ verbiage and philosophy doesn’t compute.

One of the most empowering aspects of meditation, in my mind, is that it encourages us to find the higher power within, or, to put it another way, to surrender to the fact that even if we believe in a higher power, it’s not going to make our decisions for us or walk our path for us. That’s our own job, task or privilege, depending on our perspective.

And cultivating faith within this landscape is wise work. It helps us walk on our own, without the crutches.

Have faith,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/meditation-and-addiction/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/dreamboarding/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/dreamboarding/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:37:00 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=613 Dreamboarding is basically like making a collage, with an intention. It’s a semi-annual activity of mine. Over the year, I collect images I love, things I dream to do, be or manifest and then when there’s time and I have a hankering to get the creative juices flowing, I make a dreamboard. And it becomes a sort of collage-altar for me and my life.

If you take a workshop on dreamboarding, they’ll often kick it off with a visualization meditation to help get you “in the mood” which I have yet to try, but sounds like a helpful idea.



Think of that special something you are seeking. It might be tangible, like a home or a car or a new dress. Maybe you’ve been thinking about getting a pet but haven’t known how to find the right one. Or for a lot of us, it’s a partnership that we envision. Perhaps your dream is more esoteric. World peace? Inner bliss?

Whatever it is (and it can really be anything), you can construct it on paper. All you need is a piece of cardboard backing (the side of a box works fine), some old magazines or catalogs, glue and scissors.

What I love about dreamboarding is that it brings out creativity (the inner artist), and as you may know from past blogs, I’m a firm believer that we all have one. At the same time, it’s a powerful manifestation tool. While the process of making a dreamboard is in itself so empowering, the art that you create through the process can be a tangible visual reminder to yourself to stay on track with your dream-goals, your deepest desires.

I like to hang my dreamboard in a place where I see it each day. Sometimes I feel private about it so I keep it in my bedroom. But sometimes I want to share it and expand the power of it by allowing other people to see it, which I like to imagine might make the manifestation power of the dreamboard exponentially stronger!

Dare to dreamboard,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/dreamboarding/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/right-eating-the-slow-food-movement/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/right-eating-the-slow-food-movement/#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:31:19 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=295 The Slow Food Movement is one of my favorite new crusades, although it’s not exactly “new”. Our IO Spa Yoga and Shop concept was even inspired by the movement. We wanted to be the Slow Wellness business where products and service offerings reflect sustainability, natural ingredients and care.

Conceptually, the practice of Slow Food has been around since humans first became a civilized people: eating food made with consciousness and care, from only local and seasonal sources. (In essence, it’s the opposite of fast food.) The phrase “Slow Food”, however, is a relatively new one.

In California, we are lucky to have a large variety of local and seasonal fruits and veggies year round. Not to mention the plethora of local organic farmers and vendors who raise their animals ethically for meat and dairy. So it’s not much of a hardship to eat according to the Slow Food rules.

Buddhists call it “Right Eating”.



Unfortunately, unless you have a lot of time on your hands to research what’s in season and organic, it can be intimidating to devote yourself to Right Eating. When was the last time you were at the grocery store and bought okra? Or persimmons?

There are several Bay Area organic vegetable delivery companies that make Right Eating incredibly easy. Getting your groceries delivered to your house sounds pretty lazy and decadent. But it’s actually a great deal.

They literally drop a box of amazing, seasonal, local, organic and actually quite diverse veggies and fruits at your doorstep once a week. You don’t have to do any of the work to figure out what’s in season, and sometimes they even include recipes and suggestions on how to use your produce.

There’s a freedom in not having to decide what to buy, although with some delivery companies, you can manage your orders to detail. Two of the biggest box delivery companies are Planet Organics and Farm Fresh to You. It’s easy to sign up and requires virtually no effort on your part once you get it going.

If you’re interested, there are a lot of great books on the subject, favorites being “Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan and his new one, “In Defense of Food“.

Slow down and enjoy,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/right-eating-the-slow-food-movement/feed/ 3 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/animal-totems/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/animal-totems/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:00:19 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=511 Yes, this is a blog post about finding your Spirit Animal. I love that term. It makes me laugh every time because it sounds a little silly. But humor aside, I am fascinated about exploring my Spirit Animals and opening my awareness to all the creatures of the world.

Recently I blogged about the chakra system and how it can be used as a metaphor for healing the various aspects of ourselves that make us whole, happy human beings.

I also respond learning about the animal totem system employed by native peoples of the world and namely the Native American traditions. Animal totems are an aspect of paganism that ground us in our connection to the natural world.

In the shamanic traditions, animal spirits are considered our “allies” and are aligned with us to guide and lead us through our lives with their intrinsic, intuitive wisdom. One resource I found calls animal totems “imaginary guides on your life journey”.



For instance, if you are going through a phase in your life of feeling overly dependant on others, the cat might be your animal totem for channeling feelings of independence and solitude. The frog is a totem of personal transformation and metamorphosis.

For me, an animal totem that shows up lately is the skunk. Don’t laugh! Shamanic belief is that skunks teach us to assert ourselves and garner the respect that we are due. Skunks are fearless, yet peaceful…. two qualities I strive to attain in harmony with each other.

Not surprisingly, those with a skunk totem are also strong advocates and users of scent in their lives. Being that aromatherapy is a huge part of my business and one of my personal passions, that makes sense.

When I see a skunk, instead of freaking out, I have a much more friendly and inquisitive response. Of course I’m still not going to let her spray me.

The most powerful aspect of the belief in animal totems, in my mind, is the reminder that we are a part of nature. Being more aware of our interactions with the animals in our lives -whether they are house pets, urban pests, or country wildlife – helps to bring us back into harmony with our true nature as natural creatures.

Not every healing system works for everyone. The trick is to find ones that speak to you, that jive, and then use it as a doorway to learn more about yourself. Let these doorways be your Bridge to Your Better Side.

Listening to the animals,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/animal-totems/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/chakra-system/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/chakra-system/#comments Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:57 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=510 I’m always fascinated by spiritual systems that help us find out more about ourselves. I think a lot of the so-called “esoteric” spiritual practices that we encounter work best in our Western mindset when we think of them metaphorically.

The chakra system is a perfect example of this.

A lot of us are into yoga. We love the physical practice, the calming effect, and even some of the more exotic rituals like chanting and breathing practices. But when teachers start talking about chakras, many of us glaze over.

As Western thinkers, it’s easy to write off the idea of chakras as a hocus-pocus new age idea with no tangible link to our physical beings. But within this ancient Sanskrit belief system, I believe there is a lot to be learned about our present-day relationship to physical, mental and spiritual balance.



In the most basic terms, chakras are energy centers in the body. We have seven of them:




1. Muladhara (the root chakra)
   
2. Swadhisthana (the sacral chakra)
   
3. Manipura (the solar plexus chakra)
   
4. Anahata (the heart chakra)
   
5. Vishuddha (the throat chakra)
   
6. Ajna (the third eye chakra)
   
7. Sahasrara (the crown chakra)
   

Working with our chakras – even as symbols of how we treat ourselves – gives us an opportunity to create real transformation within us. Visualize the connection between your chakras, and you take a step toward Building a Bridge between what may seem like disconnected parts of yourself, but are actually intrinsically linked.

For instance, when the link between your heart and throat chakras is blocked, you will have trouble communicating your feelings and intentions clearly. Yoga asanas or breathing exercises that serve to open up the chakras and connect them together can help you bring attention and awareness to your lines of communication.

The fact that this energy system is typically illustrated with beautiful drawings and vivid colors and symbols shows how the chakras are integral to your own creative nature (and you do have one).

Chakra-love,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/chakra-system/feed/ 3 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/project-ahimsa-turning-beats-into-hope-worldwide/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/project-ahimsa-turning-beats-into-hope-worldwide/#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:04:22 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=507 Okay I am up on my soapbox now to promote a project that some brilliant and giving friends of mine are doing. I really like to promote projects like this one that mutually support the mission of this blog: to offer readers a bridge to their better side.

Project Ahimsa is an exciting nonprofit that I could not be more proud to spread the word about. It’s a “global effort to empower youth through music”. Employing the cute catchphrase “slumdog musicaires”, they raise money to give grants to music programs that serve kids in needy countries around the world, such as Uganda, Columbia, India… and even right here in San Francisco.



So far, they’ve created 70 grants in 14 countries and helped countless kids who otherwise might not have a chance to express their creative talents. Their benefit concerts (which raise awareness for their grants) feature big-name performers like Michael Franti and The Black Eyed Peas.

Project Ahimsa just put out a CD called Global Lingo. It’s a musical amalgamation of the voices of the kids around the world and the performers who have inspired and supported them. The proceeds from the CD go right back into the project.

You can sample the music, see a video, buy the album, or make a donation here.

My good friend Vijay Chattha, who started this organization, says: “Music can heal and connect communities. We all just need to understand one another. Global Lingo proves it can happen through music.”

That’s what I’m talking about.

Oh and guess what? The music is amazing!

Easy listening,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/project-ahimsa-turning-beats-into-hope-worldwide/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wellness/the-travel-bridge/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wellness/the-travel-bridge/#comments Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:48:24 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=521 The theme of this blog is Building a Bridge to Our Better Side, and one of my favorite ways to do that in my own life is to travel. Visiting other places and exploring unfamiliar terrain is an opportunity to simultaneously shrink our world and expand our perceptive horizons.

I try to get away whenever I can. Extensive travel has always been a part of my life. From the time we were infants, my folks used to strap me and my brother Garrett into backpacks and set off on adventures. By now traveling is in my blood.

My parents now live on and work their own ranch-style organic farm in New Mexico, and I recently returned from a visit down there, where I took part in the annual “crush”.



The crush is a time to gather with family and friends, work the land, and help harvest the year’s crop of grapes for the making of traditional balsamic vinegar – like they’ve done for some 1000+ years in Modena, Italy. Years back, my family ventured to those parts to explore, and we brought back this beautiful tradition.

This year I went straight from the isolated desert of New Mexico to the frenetic pace of New York City. The transition was humbling. But having the flexibility to land on my feet and acclimate to the present moment, wherever I am, is an empowering feeling.

From my earliest memories of traveling in Mexico as a toddler with my parents, travel has always taught me loads about exploration and self-sufficiency, exposed me to the exotic variety of the world, and showed me that we can alter our reality quite easily albeit uncomfortable in moments. Sometimes a location change can speed up our self-growth in a way that’s, dare I say it, enlightening.

And every time I escape from the so-called bubble of the Bay Area, I am always amazed at how many variations there are on happy, satisfied lives.

I think of travel as an educational opportunity one could never get from a book (although I do love my books). To paraphrase a quote I love: a thousand words cannot describe an apple in the same way as one single bite.

May we bite into life, vigorously and often.

Exploring,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wellness/the-travel-bridge/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/three-words-organic-detox-facelift/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/three-words-organic-detox-facelift/#comments Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:00:50 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=509 I try to refrain from making this blog a forum for the blatant promotion of IO products, but occasionally I feel so passionately about one of our services that the need arises for me to get up on my soapbox and blab a bit. So here goes.

The Organic Detox Facelift is our brand new facial on the menu at IO. To call it a facial is underselling its magnificence, as it’s really a holistic combination of a whole body skin-invigorator, blissful head and neck massage, and skin savior.

The Organic Detox Facelift employs a pristine selection of my favorite skincare products, some of which we sell in our boutique, and some of which we reserve for back-of-house treatments. For this skin-pampering experience, we use the best of the best.



An exact formula is always tailored to your particular skin type and needs, but we’ll customize a combination of all-organic luxury products by Kahina, In Fiore, Dr. Alkaitis and Dr. Hauschka… all personal favorites of mine.

Oh, and some raw, local, organic honey for your face. Yum.

Getting a facial is a sensory experience that always reminds me to treat my skin a little better. And spending 75 minutes in the loving hands of our one of our experienced estheticians is a gift I give myself whenever I can.

Beyond caring for your skin, it’s about caring for your whole self – body mind and soul. ‘Cause ain’t that what it’s all about?

Happy face,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/three-words-organic-detox-facelift/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/real-deal-yoga-teachers-at-io/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/real-deal-yoga-teachers-at-io/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:00:04 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=508 The IO Yoga Program is an integral element of our holistic offerings at IO, and we are constantly on a quest to hone and refine our roster of teachers and classes to stand out from the 80+ other yoga studios and gyms in San Francisco.

As a longtime yogi myself, my philosophy is that yoga should enhance your life in more than just a physical fitness sense. Or, to put it another way, soothing your nervous system and learning how to breath is just as healthy for your body as building muscle tone and stamina.



We look for “real Mccoy” yoga teachers (mostly of the vinyasa style) who can provide a strong asana flow with substance and rhythm. We look for and find, teachers who really get the soul of using yoga to build a healthier body, mind and spirit.

I like to think it’s because they “get it”. They come from a grounded place with authenticity, personal practice, and spiritual awareness – despite their varying backgrounds and levels of experience – and to me, that je ne sais quoi is crucial in carrying a class and encouraging a transcendent yogic experience.

So to you, my favorite IO yoga teachers (which means all of you, because we wouldn’t have you here if we didn’t love you), a paean of gratitude for your heartfelt service.

See you in class,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/real-deal-yoga-teachers-at-io/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/seeds-of-change/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/seeds-of-change/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:08:45 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=504 Recently I had a moment of synchronicity of the sort one simply must act on.

I was flipping through a book called Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (great autobiographical chronicle by Barbara Kingsolver, incidentally, about an experiment with growing all her own food for a year) and I learned about a progressive seed company called Seeds of Change.



Seeds of Change is a New Mexico-based seed company that takes it one step further than organic. Their seeds promise to be untouched by the hands of genetic-modification and other sorts of scientific meddling.

As a company, Seeds of Change is committed to bringing back nature’s finest in the form of heirloom vegetables and flowers.

(I’m so enamored with the mission of this company that I want to repeat their a splice from their web site:
“Our organic seeds represent a starting point for change. They epitomize the best of our genetic heritage…”)

I was already intrigued by Seeds of Change when I just happened to see a display case of their products at Pharmaca. I loitered there for quite a while, salivating over the lavender bergamot, the cinnamon basil, and the medicinal borage.

Now, I am not exactly set up for gardening in my urban apartment, but I want to do my part to support this company by spreading the word.

Because growing your own heirloom vegetables and herbs – even just for fun and one at a time – isn’t that another lovely way to build a bridge to your better side?

Seeds of Change,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/seeds-of-change/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/people-who-like-you/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/people-who-like-you/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:00:54 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=477 So this IO blog is really all about finding, building, being A Bridge to Your Better Side. This has always been our mission at International Orange (a moniker we borrowed from the paint color of the Golden Gate Bridge itself), and with this blog as a forum, we aim to share ideas, inspiration and empowerment for friends, IO team members, clients and readers.

I cherish the dialogue these conversations can foster, and hope to incite and inspire a sense of community. In my own community, I have a ground rule I try to stick to.

Spend most of my time with people who like me for who I am (not what I might be able to do for them or what I might become someday, but who I am as is). Easier said than done?



Now you are thinking, “obviously that would be nice but is that even possible?” Yes, I know it’s possible and I think it’s incredibly important. On the flip side, it’s important to recognize that not everyone will like you for who you are, and that’s just the way it is. I love this saying: “It’s none of my business what you think of me.” It seems to help. And yes, sometimes it’s important to learn from those who don’t like us or vice versa because of the mirror they put up for us, but that’s a blog entry for another day.

Through the years, I’ve learned to cultivate a group of friends and business cohorts who appreciate me as I am most of the time… and vice versa. Unconditional love is the best medicine, and friends, family and community members who support me as is make me feel accepted and beautiful in the here and now. It’s that simple although living in the simple may feel very complicate at times, especially if you are in a phase of waking up and shedding the Negative Nelly’s from your inner circle.

Somehow, unconditional support builds a landscape for authentic change and growth to bubble up more naturally. Being unconditional is a practice and a tough one for the human brain (in fact conditionality is a necessary albeit overused defense mechanism), but when it comes to healing the human heart, unconditional love is the special sauce. With it, we can relax into becoming our truest selves, when given the space and freedom to discover it without pressure. This work is worth it.

And no, you can’t always love everyone, no matter how “spiritual” you try to be (unless we’ve reached enlightenment). Clearly, people are complex, and personalities don’t always jibe. But if you do your best to surround yourself with people who like you (the REAL you) there’s a good chance you’ll be a lot happier.

Allow room for your true, authentic self to flower. It’s that part of you that is the most lovable and unique side of you anyway. Let ‘er rip.

Love,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/people-who-like-you/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-magazine-2/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-magazine-2/#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:36:53 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=497 San Francisco Magazine
Best of the Bay Reader’s Poll 2009: Best Pamper Spot
July 2009

“Ten thousand votes later (all cast on our website), your decisions have been handed down… Best Pamper Spot: International Orange”

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/san-francisco-magazine-2/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/c-magazine/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/c-magazine/#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:35:28 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=494 C Magazine
Best of California: Top 5 Hydrating Facials
Summer 2009

“International Orange: Custom Organic Enzyme Boost Facial – Take away the ocean and California is a desert – and don’t think our skin doesn’t feel it. Rehydrate with these replenishing facials from a handful of the state’s premier aestheticians.”

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/c-magazine/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-miracle-of-plant-life/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-miracle-of-plant-life/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:52:58 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=476 A few weeks ago I noticed that a few of the English peas in my latest batch from the farmer’s market had started to sprout. Normally, I’d consider those to be beyond their peak of freshness and I’d toss them.

This time, though, I was inspired by some reading I’ve been doing on growing vegetables. Living in a city apartment, I’ve never really considered growing my own food, although my parents are gifted farmers / gardeners and I was raised around fresh, homegrown fruits and veggies.



I decided to see what would happen if I set these baby peas aside in a dish of water.

A few days later, they turned into fledgling pea plants. They thrived in the water and the sun, and started reaching their brave little shoots up to the sky.

I transplanted them into some leftover soil I had lying around from a less hardy houseplant, cracked my kitchen window, and watched them grow, enthusiastically and almost visibly. Every day, they added a few inches of tendrils and fresh leaves.

I don’t know if I lucked out, or if the non-GMO, organic peas I culled these seedlings from were just naturally inclined toward vibrant life, but watching them grow up has been an empowering, metaphoric experience for me these last few weeks.

If an unassuming little pea can turn into a beautiful, shiny plant in a matter of weeks, surely our existence on this planet is not as doomed as some seem to think it is these days.

Thank you, pea plants, for reminding me of the miracle of life. And thank you for reminding me to appreciate a few of the most divine yet simple things I have available to me every day: water, sunshine and fresh air.

Plant miracles,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-miracle-of-plant-life/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/summer-skincare-in-your-own-kitchen/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/summer-skincare-in-your-own-kitchen/#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:13:44 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=475 Forgive me if I sound like Martha Stewart when I say this, but I find it delightfully empowering to know that I can whip up my own skincare recipes right in my kitchen at home, with a few simple ingredients from the farmer’s market. (Or, maybe I’m actually channeling Alice Waters).

And if, of course, I can’t find the time, I know where to buy the real-thing already whipped up and packaged for me at IO. Options can be empowering too, but here’s a way to do it yourself. Here’s a recipe I recently mixed together:

Rose Geranium Coconut Balm



Rose geranium is a lovely plant that’s edible, pretty, and extremely pungent… in a good way. This time of year, you can get your hands on a bunch at local farmer’s markets for about $2.

It only takes a tiny bit of the leaves to impart a lot of flavor to your balm, so rinse off a wee pinch, and then put the rest in a small vase to freshen up your loo or bring some Spring to any corner of your house.

Throw it in a blender with some coconut oil… the good old cooking variety will do. (Here’s a little tip: chop up the rose geranium first, then blend in the oil at a very low speed, only briefly. Too long and too fast will alter the chemistry of the oil in less than desirable ways.)

Pour it into a recycled jar, and voila! You have yourself some fresh, practically edible hand balm.

Of course, you can substitute the rose geranium with just about anything from your kitchen that smells good to you.

Experimenting like this is what inspired me to develop IO’s very own line of IO Organic Products, and if you use some imagination, perhaps you too can invent your own line of wellness items. Or at the very least, create a few balms or scrubs customized to your very own skin.

Here’s yet another empowered way to be a bridge to your better side.

Experiment and HAVE FUN.

Kitchen-unconfidential,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/summer-skincare-in-your-own-kitchen/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/your-feet-a-bridge-to-whole-body-health/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/your-feet-a-bridge-to-whole-body-health/#comments Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:20:20 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=474 The ancient art of reflexology is way more than a fancy foot rub. It’s a medical practice that can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians and Chinese and has since spread to all corners of the world.

The basic premise of reflexology is that areas of the feet correspond to other areas of the body, and that by massaging, pressing, rubbing and otherwise probing these areas, stimulation of the body’s qi will create healing and decrease pain. How cool of an idea is this?



I love the metaphor of the feet being a bridge to the entire body. I also love to have my feet rubbed. Feels so good, especially when those dogs are barking.

At IO we supplement our reflexology treatments with the luxury of In Fiore Pedicurie balms in peppermint, chamomile or ginger. Depending on your constitution and your particular needs that day, each aromatherapeutic balm carries with it a specific healing capacity:

• Peppermint is cooling and a classic choice for relieving overburdened feet that are stuffed into hot shoes all day.
• Chamomile is one of the more calming herbs and its subtle, earthy scent conjures up a grounding low vibration for your body and mind.
• Ginger is warming and stimulates circulation for those of us that tend to need a little qi boost.

Whether or not you believe that areas of the feet literally map to other systems of the body, the basic truth is this: a foot rub sure does feel divine, and we all deserve to pamper our piggies once in a while.

Be your own foot bridge to health,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/your-feet-a-bridge-to-whole-body-health/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/happiness-is-a-local-non-cafo-cow/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/happiness-is-a-local-non-cafo-cow/#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2009 01:03:43 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=473 Because I grew up surrounded by left-wing bohemian role models, the concept of “Made in the USA” often struck me as an overly patriotic, politically conservative denouncement of global culture. But as I get older, and hopefully wiser, I realize that making a commitment to support local businesses is actually a healthy, progressive choice.

In particular, supporting local farmers is one of the most proactive choices you can make as a consumer. Buying local, in-season food not only boosts our local economy, cuts out the agro-industry middle men, and cuts down on fossil fuel waste; it’s also better for you.

And here’s a not-so-secret fact: local organic food that goes from farm to plate in a matter of days (sometimes even same day) tastes way better too. That’s because it contains more nutrients, less chemicals and modified genes, tends to be picked when ripe, and doesn’t spend half its life sitting on a truck.



I like to think it’s also because fruit and veggies that are grown and picked by a local farmer are raised with love. The same might be said for buying local beef, pork and chicken that were allowed to lead stress-free, normal lives before their time came.

(If you really want to horrify yourself sometime, try googling the word “CAFO”, or simply click here to read the EPA definition.)

If you need some inspiration to take it local, read Barbara Kingsolver’s marvelous memoir Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life.

Or check out your local farmer’s market. You have one. Here is a list of Bay Area Farmer’s Markets.

Last tip, and my favorite new web resource: The Local Food Wheel.

Eating seasonally and supporting local farming bridges the gap between your cash and the hand that feeds you.

Bridge the food gap,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/happiness-is-a-local-non-cafo-cow/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/creating-your-own-community/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/creating-your-own-community/#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:55:36 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=472 It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our burgeoning cyber-communities: Facebook, Twitter, email, IMing. Never in my life have I had such a rich social life spanning so many time zones and cultures. Closer than ever in some ways and farther apart in other ways. Connected by information and data, but often missing the intimacy and real human connection.

I talk to friends and relatives on many corners of the planet on a regular basis and at all times of day. And almost unanimously people say that the most practical invention of this era, and my lifetime, is the internet.



I guess I am lucky, because I like to write and taking care of things via email is a natural tactic. But often, something is lost in translation. When it comes down to it, there’s nothing like body language, or a nuanced word, or even just good old eye contact. Be careful. Internet communication can become yet another TO DO list that has the potential of pulling us away from our individual path and priorities.

Because of our ability to communicate with multiple people at a time, work from home and transact deals so efficiently with the touch of our fingers, we may lose sight of our actual physical communities. I think about about ways to keep the face-to-face in my life.

It might start with putting down the cell phone and getting out there. Or it might begin with shutting off the computer and being quietly with myself for a few minutes or even an hour or two. Maybe it’s taking the time to make eye contact with a neighbor. Stopping to chat. Asking them what’s up. And then really listening.

Community has long been considered a personal support system that can keep us afloat in hard times. (Thus the success of institutions like AA and so many religious organizations and groups.)

In today’s world in flux, community can serve as your bridge over troubled water, which just happens to be IO’s working mission for this current climate of change and turmoil. Last week we closed down business for our yearly IO Renewal Day to refresh the spirits of our team, build community, and renew the space we work and play in.

And provoking that sort of community by making more of an effort to interact with people in person, and with yourself in person, well, that’s what I call building a bridge to your better side.

With your eyes, your ears and your heart. It makes a difference.

Create community,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/creating-your-own-community/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/when-you-are-stressed-practice-simple-skin-care/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/when-you-are-stressed-practice-simple-skin-care/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:36:18 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=462 An unfortunate side effect of stress and anxiety (sensations that many of us are overly familiar with and even more these days) is that it impacts our skin directly and visibly. Impurities, wrinkles and other complexion messer-uppers love to show themselves just when we don’t need one more thing to manage.

The fact that we tend to sleep poorly, eat badly and exercise less when we are going through hard times only exacerbates the spiral effect of stress.

Even when the rest of your life seems hard to manage, even if it doesn’t seem like it, you always have some degree of control over how you treat your body’s largest organ, and getting a grip on your skin is just the first step (and a great bridge) to feeling in control of your body and your life.



AGUA
It starts with drinking lots of water.

The whole eight-glasses-a-day thing can be tedious, but I’ve found that spiking my Hetch Hetchy with herbal tea or citrus and then drinking out of an old-fashioned Ball Jar can make it more enjoyable. (Plus, the Ball Jar has ounce markings so I know I’m getting my measurable eight-per-glass. In fact as I write this, I have an 8 ouncer half full of agua con ginger y lemon. I’ve got a ways to go on my daily in-take, but I’m well on my enjoyable way.)

KEEP IT CLEAN
Keeping “cooties” off your skin is also important. We tend to touch our face when we’re nervous or bored. Consciously avoiding the spread of bacteria from your hands to your face helps prevent those unsightly eruptions (yes, pimples).

MOVE THAT BOD
Yoga is great for circulation, and therefore great for your skin. So is a brisk morning walk, or any outdoor time / fresh air you can squeeze into your schedule.

TREAT YOUR SKIN
And when some time frees up in your schedule, consider rewarding your skin. She works hard for you, quietly holding it all in, and she is your biggest organ. I’m partial to rewarding my skin at IO. It sounds like C Magazine agrees by the recent rating in their Best of Summer issue that names our fabulous Custom Enzyme Facial “Best of State Top Five”. But, then again, I don’t need to be convinced.

Keep it simple.

And reward your skin,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/when-you-are-stressed-practice-simple-skin-care/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/embracing-the-feminine/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/embracing-the-feminine/#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:00:16 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=469 A few things have got me thinking about the role of the feminine in our modern culture. One is a recent re-read of the women-centric historical novel The Red Tent, which focuses on customs from Biblical times of honoring womanhood with female ritual and community.

The other is this insightful Ani DiFranco quote I stumbled upon:

“I find it metaphorically resonant that a pregnant woman looks like she’s just sitting on a couch, but she’s actually exhausting herself constructing a human being. The laborious process of growing a human is analogous to how a woman’s work is seen. It’s hard to recognize, because a man’s work has such extravagant evidence – skyscrapers, for instance – while a woman’s work just makes the world quietly turn.”

Our western culture was founded on and highly validates masculine qualities like ambition, stoicism and action. This is how a capitalist culture thrives, at least on the outside. In my own past, I’ve excelled at tasks and have been very driven, whether it be in school or with starting my own business early on. And I have earned benefit and burden from this hard work and effort.



But the beautiful truth is that there is a yin to every yang, and while we plow ahead relentlessly with our careers and goals and drives, the feminine energy all around us yearns quietly to keep us balanced. The pertinent question is, are we listening to the feminine voice? Are we listening to her soft call? For a long while, I can say that I wasn’t listening.

I observe so many of my female friends starting families and having babies. It’s amazing to witness them retreat into the knowledge of their own bodies, to trust in the harmony of nature and learn to just relax into it. So without that happening for me, I am self-imposing these feminine skills.

To me, the positive attributes that define the feminine in our culture are things like: being more fluid and flexible, honoring collaboration, downplaying hierarchy, and cultivating creativity. I strive now more than ever in my own life to invite these qualities into my world, into my personal life and into IO. We look for teammates that can share these same aspirations and invite both precision and accountability as well as fluidity and creativity. That is balance. And balance is what we all seek on a soul level.

Embracing the feminine within isn’t just a requirement for women finding balance. For men, integrating the concept of the feminine and all her ways of being in the world can actually take the pressure off “fixing” everything. That can really liberate the dudes in our lives.

I know this can be a hard sell to the manly-man, but it could be the golden ticket to wholeness and joy for both sexes. What part of you, are you leaving out?

And, by the way, if by writing this post I am accused of being a Goddess worshipper, then so be it. It’s about time.

Circling life,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/embracing-the-feminine/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/loving-yourself-right-now/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/loving-yourself-right-now/#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:00:54 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=424 Most of us – if we were lucky – were raised with this empowering message at heart: “You can be anything you want.” I heard this myself growing up, and now as part of the wellness community for my work and pleasure, I go on periodic retreats that teach this concept through a gamut of methods. Though the words my be different, the mission is about the possibility of transformation and the framework often includes yoga/movement, meditation, self-expression and prayer.

In the yoga world especially, there’s a lot of talk about being “on the path”. In other words, heading in the direction of being in a “better way” with yourself and your world. Plodding ever closer to enlightenment and freedom where there is no suffering for body, mind or spirit. Sounds like a worthy cause, right?

I do believe that it’s important to teach kids, and adults alike, that our potential is limitless and that we should dream big. This is an empowering, democratic attitude. And it’s the language of hope and of the visionary and the believer that is available in all of us.



But there’s definitely room for more than one philosophy. It’s not a one size fits all thingy. Try this one on for size: accept yourself just the way you are. That’s quite a slippery spiritual endeavor actually and could take a lifetime or ten to master. And it’s as good a pathway into transformation as any.

Pick a door, any door. The key is to pick one. And open it. Pandora might jump out, but then again she probably looks freakier than she really is. It’s a Wizard of Oz sort of situation, more smoke and mirrors than reality, more of a mirage than material. Fear always looks bigger than it is.

So why not love ourselves as is? I see a lot of friends working their hearts out to achieve career success, the perfect weight, a balanced social life, and some degree of spiritual peace. And of course, I am not immune to the ambition trap myself. In fact, I am a self-proclaimed seeker with a background in consumerism.

But I like to take a step back and tell myself, in the dorky and insightful words of Mark Darcy of Bridget Jones’ Diary fame, “Amy, I like you just the way you are.” And, yes, I did just quote a chic-flick.

Anyway, it has a nice ring to it. Who has ever heard enough of that in their life? Try it on yourself. Or try something more creative and paint yourself a love-mandala, like this one shown above. I don’t care if it sounds silly. Let’s get beyond that for a minute. Do something, anything, out of the ordinary that’s about loving who you are in this moment.

While I’m at it, let me remind you of another message we hear a lot in the “spiritual-sector”. It’s the simple and liberating message of being present, living in the here and now. Being present and loving yourself go hand in hand. Allowing what is true now to be as it is, honors it and, in a way, loves it just the way it is. And oh what a relief it is.

What are you waiting for? Be your own bridge to your better side.

Love yourself now,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/loving-yourself-right-now/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-healthy-dose-of-fresh-air-on-mt-tam/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-healthy-dose-of-fresh-air-on-mt-tam/#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:00:26 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=422 Well it’s almost summer, you know, and summer always inspires me to spend more time outside. Living in San Francisco, though, it can be hard to tell when it’s actually summer with all that fog blocking out the sun. June gloom, as we call it here.

One recent Saturday, I woke up to the dreariness of a socked-in June day in the city. I easily could have stayed in my toasty bed for hours. But, due to a hiking date with a friend who doesn’t take flaking lightly, I nudged myself into gear and over the GGB to Mill Valley.

As usual, I’m glad I did.

There’s something so invigorating about fresh air. High on Mt. Tam, the air takes on an energizing, healthy quality that makes me feel like I am inundating every single cell with nourishing oxygen and, dare I say, longer life.



It’s like being in an anti-pollution oxygen chamber, replete with the background symphony of happy birds and the intoxicating smell of sun-warmed sagebrush and manzanita. It’s a sensory experience that I wish I could wrap up and gift to all my friends.

And the best thing about fresh air is that it’s so democratic. (At least, if you have access to a place where you can be out-of-doors with no smog, and I realize that I am privileged in this world to be able to take that sort of thing for granted.)

Fresh air is, more or less, available to everyone; it’s free; and there’s no limit to the amount you can have.

I can’t encourage you enough to get over that bridge and treat yourself to a dose of nature’s finest.

Fresh air enthusiast,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-healthy-dose-of-fresh-air-on-mt-tam/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wellness-the-anti-stress/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wellness-the-anti-stress/#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:01:23 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=420 Wellness is the anti-stress. And taking care of yourself is an investment in your well-being akin to a reliable savings plan for your financial security. Especially as the current economic situation drudges on, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with stress and uncertainty.

Truly, taking care of yourself is your first line of defense against the health-degrading effects of anxiety and tension. What that means for you is open to interpretation, but taking a little time out for yourself every single day is so important to maintaining the equilibrium of mental, physical and spiritual health – three things that are integrally linked.

Maybe it means you opt to take a yoga class instead of unwinding with a glass of wine after work. International Orange has some great classes designed specifically to dissipate tension, such as our Friday night Mellow Flow and our Sunday evening Restorative Yoga.



Or immerse yourself in the sanctuary of an IO spa massage. Even better, treat yourself to any two IO spa treatments in the same day, and we’ll invite you to take a yoga class for free.

One of my personal favorite ways to unwind these days is with a Dayna Decker botanical candle (a recent addition to the Shop at IO). And I swear, it transcends any candle experience you’ve ever had. For real, taking one of these beautiful candles home will exponentially enhance the calming effects of your bath, meditation session or chill-time.

Here’s another worthy splurge I recommend for stress therapy: REN rose bath oil. I’ve given this to a few friends who aren’t huge “rose flavor” fans, and they’ve come back begging for more. It smells exactly like a rose bush. In your bath.

These are just a few ideas, courtesy of IO. In truth, any steps you take to nurture your own sense of peace and trust in the universe are bound to pay off, more than any economic stimulus plan possibly could.

Your personal wellness is a bridge to your better side.

So treat yourself well,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wellness-the-anti-stress/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/lucky-magazine/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/lucky-magazine/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:46:43 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=459 Lucky Magazine
May 2009
“The online arm of luxe Pac Heights spa International Orange offers a great selection of natural beauty items.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/lucky-magazine/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/conde-nast-daily-traveler/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/conde-nast-daily-traveler/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:45:04 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=457 Amy Darland’s Top 5 Sustainable San Francisco Picks
April 2009
“…Darland and her co-founders Melissa Ferst and Kary Chendo have gained a cult following for their top-notch yoga classes and all-natural spa services.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/conde-nast-daily-traveler/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/7x7/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/7x7/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:38:11 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=453 It List: San Francisco
February 2009
“If two hands are better than one, then it stands to reason four hands are divine. International Orange puts the theory to the test with the launch of their nurturing Four-Handed massage this month. The treatment utilizes two massage practitioners working to bring you to a state of total relaxation and — we can put our hands together to applaud that.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/7x7/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/face-parlour/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/face-parlour/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:30:15 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=451 Give (or Get) Good Face
December 2008
“One-part technical genius, one-part retreat and all parts organic, the Organic Rejuvenation Facial is skincare (and gift-giving) perfection!”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/face-parlour/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/press/the-coveted/ http://www.internationalorange.com/press/the-coveted/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:27:33 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=450 Best of Beauty 2008
December 2008
“I had my first facial at IO this year. It was the best facial I’ve ever had, which is no small feat, because I’ve had many over the years.”
]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/press/the-coveted/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/in-fiore-let-thy-fragrance-be-thy-medicine/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/in-fiore-let-thy-fragrance-be-thy-medicine/#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:00:51 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=425 Thanks once again to The Coveted for featuring several of IO’s skin-friendly “eco-products” in their post about facial peels (read article here). And for highlighting the sage advice of IO senior esthetician Alicia Moody, who truly knows her stuff when it comes to what’s good for the skin.

A facial peel is like a really deep cleaning for your face. When I clean my house, I use non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, organic products. Likewise for my face. The Arcona and REN products that Alicia mentions are favorite sellers at IO, and I can testify that they are amazing. I am an avid user.



I save a special place in my heart for our In Fiore products because they are made with love and inspiration by a great friend of mine and they’ve long been a popular staple at IO. The Coveted mentions In Fiore’s Fleur Vibrante balm for soothing dry, parched or irritated skin post-peel. It’s truly good stuff.

The In Fiore motto is “let fragrance by thy medicine”. I adore that. Next time you are at IO, check out one of our tester jars and I guarantee you will fall into rapture over the precious garnet-colored glass vials of balms that smell like heaven itself.

But In Fiore balms are not just skin deep. They are elegant, couture holistic treatments designed to promote long-term skin health and radiance. Most In Fiore products use a base of the highest quality jojoba, grapeseed and vitamin E oils enhanced with precious aromatherapeutic essential oils.

I personally believe that a great, human-friendly product is only half the battle with skin care. Equally important is that you enjoy using the product, and I can’t imagine a more decadent self-pampering experience than In Fiore.

Love,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/in-fiore-let-thy-fragrance-be-thy-medicine/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/no-better-way-to-say-i-love-you/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/no-better-way-to-say-i-love-you/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:00:07 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=423 I risk sounding like a 1-800-Flowers ad when I say, there’s no better way to say I love you than with flowers. Okay, maybe there are better ways, but flowers are one good way at least. Flowers are such an easy way to invite beauty into our lives. Plus we can easily give them to ourselves and receive the gift of their beautiful color and scent.

And for those of us who live in the city, they are an instant reminder of our inherent connection to nature. I love picking up a bundle of flowers at the farmers’ market, because I know they are fresh, local and handpicked. It’s always a lovely treat to see what’s in season at each particular time of year. Sometimes, the farmers will only have lilies. Other times, just anemones. Recently, lilac season peek-a-booed her brief and pretty head.

At IO, we always make sure there are fresh flowers in a glass bowl below each massage table, so that if you happen to open your eyes during a treatment, you zone in on their simple loveliness.



We borrowed this idea from the tenets of Indonesian ceremonies. Indonesians revere flowers and make a place for them in all of their abundant rituals. The art of honoring flowers as a symbol of love and devotion is second nature to their culture, and it’s one of many foreign traditions we could all do well to co-opt.

I believe in flowers as a simple and wholesome way to reconnect to the natural beauty inherent in all of us. Tying back to a recent blog I wrote about the power of yin energy and our life-giving, feminine side.

Try it… buy yourself a bouquet of your favorite flowers (splurge a little even), put them somewhere in your house where you will see (and smell) them every day, and let me know if it isn’t a lovely reminder to admire yourself a little more.

Flower power,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/no-better-way-to-say-i-love-you/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/threatening-to-close-californias-state-parks/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/threatening-to-close-californias-state-parks/#comments Sun, 07 Jun 2009 00:45:19 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=440 When I heard the news that our governor is threatening to close most of California’s State Parks by the fall, I got sick to my stomach. Really. This is an issue that hits close to home. Mt. Tamalpais and the serene sanctuary of our breathtaking state parks are my church.

Not everyone in this world has access to rolling hills, fresh air, gangs of wildflowers, not to mention maintained hiking and biking trails accessible from convenient trailhead parking lots. But that’s a bigger issue. I know that my rights to use this land to begin with is a luxury these days. How messed up is that? And now that’s in jeopardy too?



When I cross the Golden Gate Bridge to invest in some me-time outside in Marin, I am also investing in building a bridge to happier, healthier, more centered Amy, and surely that impacts those around me in an infectious way. I like to think so anyway!

And if you are a budgetary pragmatist, consider this: closing the state parks won’t actually save the state any money at all, when you consider the inevitable spike in crime, littering, and forest fire that will have to be dealt with as the result of an unsupervised, unmaintained park system.

Even those of you living outside California still have a vested interest in the fate of its parks. Every year, tens of thousands of out-of-state visitors go to there enjoy its scenic beauty and spend our tourist dollars. California isn’t a prime travel destination because of its governmental structure, let’s put it that way.

Check out this smart LA times op-ed piece about how the closing of our state parks will create calamity. And another good one from SF Gate.

We go to state parks with friends and family to inexpensively escape the craziness of modern life. Especially in these lean times, our state parks are a benefit we shouldn’t have to live without. To me, they are the very foundation of health and happiness, and without them, well, we wouldn’t be living in the same California.

If you are a believer that parks should be protected then take a minute right now, and add your name to this petition to Gov. Schwarzenegger.

Help keep California’s parks open.

Open-space advocate,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/threatening-to-close-californias-state-parks/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sustainable-in-san-francisco/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sustainable-in-san-francisco/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:00:40 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=421 Recently, Conde Nast Traveler’s “Daily Traveler” editor asked me for my “5 Sustainable San Francisco Picks”. I gave a shout out to some of my favorite places in this lovely city of ours. You can read the full article here.

In this progressive area we’re blessed to live in, there are so many great sustainable resources that narrowing it down to five was a challenge. I wanted to take this opportunity to expand my list, and I invite you to share your eco-friendly picks with me as well.



1. Green Apple Books – You’ve probably heard me say before that I support the energy of sharing books instead of killing more trees. This is the biggest and most charming used bookstore in the city.

2. Boulettes Larder – This sweet, cozy little restaurant in the Ferry Building is a fundamental player in the global Slow Food Movement. The food is amazing, local and fresh.

3. MUNI – It’s true; I’ve started taking the bus. Currently, I don’t own a car, and the bus is one of the most overlooked and under appreciated remedies of the gas and global warming crises. The people-watching is priceless, and you never have to deal with parking.

4. Sunset Scavenger – The trash company that the city has contracted to deal with our everyday garbage and recycling has made it incredibly easy for city residents to take it one step farther and compost.

5. Ideal Bite – It’s like Daily Candy for the conscious set, with regular and doable tips for living in accordance with environmental ethics. My roommate from college, Heather, is co-founder, but this isn’t favoritism, I got into Ideal Bite before I realized it was my old roomie’s endeavor. Small world, eh?

Love to hear your suggestions and ideas for living more sustainably in San Francisco and around the planet. Do tell.

Earth-friendly,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sustainable-in-san-francisco/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/change-your-eating-habits-one-step-at-a-time/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/change-your-eating-habits-one-step-at-a-time/#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:00:33 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=394 Lao-Tsu said that “a journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step”. Well, the same goes for healthy habits. It can start with a single act.

Self-helpers say, “the first step is admitting the problem.” I’ve slipped a little lately. Unfortunately, recognizing the need for change doesn’t automatically make change happen. Like cleaning up a really messy house, cleaning up our bad eating habits can seem overwhelming. Where to start?



With housecleaning, it’s sometimes easiest just to pick one random area and home in. Clear out the junk drawer, and the motivation and momentum gets a kick start. All of sudden, you’re in the housecleaning zone.

So if your body is your temple then your sugar consumption (or coffee habit, or carb ODing) is the junk drawer of your corporeal and spiritual house, if you will.

Break one bad habit, and you might find that it’s a lot easier to get on a healthy roll.

For me, it’s often about drinking more water. I know I should be drinking eight full glasses of the good stuff a day, but sometimes I get lazy or forgetful. My skin starts to look dry, I’m constantly thirsty, and my energy level plunges.

So I write myself a friendly little reminder note. I post it somewhere that I will see it regularly (on my computer, for instance) like this:

“Amy, drink water NOW.”

I find that once I incorporate the healthy water drinking back into my daily rituals, I’m less inclined to reach for caffeinated beverages or sugary drinks. Plus, drinking a healthy amount of water smooths out my digestion and I get more “regular” which most of us find helpful. My skin looks more dewy and my organs must be thanking me too as water plumps up there cells up and helps to flush out waste.

When the positive effects of water drinking kick in, I’m usually inspired to make other changes to my eating habits. One realistic step at a time or “one day at a time” as the 12 steppers say.

Off to drink my water,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/change-your-eating-habits-one-step-at-a-time/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/be-your-own-temple/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/be-your-own-temple/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 13:00:42 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=397 Apparently scientists are proving that people who have a long-term, dedicated meditation practice actually develop bigger brains. Now that’s what I like to hear.

Scientific studies are showing that longtime meditators have thicker frontal lobes – the parts of the brain that control focus and concentration. That sounds good to me. Especially since meditation practice is one of my most consistent and balancing daily practices.



Still, I’m not so concerned with developing a bigger frontal lobe this lifetime, but the added concentration is certainly one reason I dug into meditation in the first place. It helps to balance out brain state and how I handle my emotional body. But apart from the brain changes, scientists are also on their way to proving a connection between devoted spiritual beliefs and physical health.

I read a Time Magazine article that spouted about a trillion statistics and scientific justifications for how regular prayer or meditation can positively impact our biological functioning. Out of all this convincing data, one simple statement rang especially true for me:

“…people who maintain a sense of gratitude for what’s going right in their lives have a reduced incidence of depression.”

This is a good reminder for me to get back to practicing gratitude: taking time every day to be thankful for something in my life. It can be anything. It can be tiny or grand. Being thankful for my health, a friend that reached out to me, a smile from a stranger, or a sweet morning walk I took to enjoy the wildflowers springtime offers up.

Being grateful for the little things reminds me of how precious life really is. I try to take a moment after yoga, meditation or before bed, and make a simple list in my mind. A sort of prayer, if you will. Science is also showing that prayer and meditation have a similar impact on both mental and bodily health.

These practices have served me especially well when I’m going through a hard time. Like lately. And I have to say I do think they make me a happier and healthier person.

A bigger brain or not, I’m a believer.

Be your own temple,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/be-your-own-temple/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/chocolate-is-it-really-good-for-you/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/chocolate-is-it-really-good-for-you/#comments Tue, 26 May 2009 13:00:13 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=396 I always crack up a bit when I read an article in a magazine about “recent studies” showing that red wine, chocolate, and excessive sleeping are all secretly good for you.

A part of me thinks that we’re all just looking for a justification for our bad habits. But then again, how can something that makes me so happy be all that bad for me?

How can a tasty little substance known as “the champagne of the Mayans” be wrong? So let’s talk about chocolate.



The facts: chocolate contains a certain amount of sugar, fat and caffeine. But chocolate also contains a powerful antioxidant in the form of flavonoids.

Sure, vegetables also contain flavonoids. They just don’t happen to present the flavonoids with quite as much aplomb, in my opinion.

(Actually, the reason that chocolate contains flavonoids is that it’s made from plants. No mystery there.)

It’s actually the cacao plant, the cacao bean in particular, that contains the healthy goodies.

Antioxidants improve blood flow (especially to the skin, which helps makes us healthy AND beautiful), positively impact heart health, and lower cholesterol.

Other chemicals in cacao are thought to improve memory and reaction time by increasing blood flow to the brain.

Some claim that cacao can balance out certain hormones in the body and provide a rush of euphoria for a matter of hours. I think I’ve felt this one first hand.

Bottom line: chocolate makes me feel good. In moderation, dear ones.

I choose to believe that a well-deserved hot cocoa from Bittersweet on Fillmore Street in San Francisco (my ‘hood and right up the street from IO) makes my day a little sweeter.

It might not add ten years to my life. But then again, who knows? It might.

Chocolate lover,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/chocolate-is-it-really-good-for-you/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/pocketbook-friendly-wellness-at-io/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/pocketbook-friendly-wellness-at-io/#comments Thu, 21 May 2009 13:00:18 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=398 Lately in our world we are inundated with fear-based information about the economic situation of our nation and the world. It is a reality. And it’s being felt in some way by every American.

Yet, amidst the gloom and doom, when I continue to wait in line for a seat at a restaurant on an average Tuesday night in my neighborhood and see smiling faces and hear laughing, I can’t help but think; wow, people are still having fun.



Many San Franciscans are finding ways to keep joy in their lives. And it’s encouraging. People are simplifying, because they have to, and many seem to be keeping some fun in the mix. Fun and laughter is my light in the dark. Having fun seems to carves out a space deep enough for hope to live in. A fun-well of sorts that I can dip in for a sip of hope when I’m thirsty for it.

At IO, our mission is to be A Bridge to Your Better Side. A subtitle to our mission statement is this: to be A Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Everyday our team at IO attempts this mission by consistently offering exceptional wellness care knowing full well that it’s always important to take care of your body and mind but even more so in stressful times.

Our hope at IO is that we make that a little easier for our community. We have always offered wallet-friendly options for our wellness rituals during weekdays, but we’ve dialed it up to answer the call.

7×7 Magazine listed us in April’s “The Seven: Best Spring Spa Deals”, citing our Massage Stimulus Package (our 60-minute IO Signature Massage for only $89 – a 15 percent savings).

We’ve always got a healthy handful of other spa offers that combine our consistently excellent treatment quality with wallet-friendly rates during off-peak hours. Check out our Spa Specials page for the nitty-gritty.

And remember, no matter what’s goes on in our crazy world, the stability of your own health and well-being depends upon treating yourself with care first. It starts with you and radiates outward.

We live in a world in flux. In our own hearts may we be steady, strong, rich in spirit, and as relaxed as humanly possible.

TLC time,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/pocketbook-friendly-wellness-at-io/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/urban-hiking/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/urban-hiking/#comments Tue, 19 May 2009 13:00:23 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=360 Steven Wright once famously quipped, “Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.”

Wise words, and zen advice. In addition to my daily morning walks, I’ve often found myself trying to get from point A to point B in the city, too impatient to stand on a corner and try to flag a cab or wait for the bus. So I start walking, with the thought in mind that eventually I’ll end up hopping a ride on some sort of transport. More often than not, I get so caught up in the reverie of simply walking, that before I know it I’ve reached my destination, sometimes even great distances.



Walking – or “urban hiking”, as it could be called – is not just good exercise and an awesome way to save cash. It’s also a fantastic method to clear the head and shift your energy. It’s earth, body and mind-friendly. Do be careful of potholes and road-ragers however.

Beyond all of those things, there’s something about seeing the city on foot that transcends our daily view. I liken it to a cross-country road trip. Until you’ve had that eye-level, real-time experience of cities merging into farmland merging into plains merging into mountains, and back into cities, you can’t really fathom the great expanse and true soul of the country.

On a micro level, it’s the same way walking through San Francisco (or any other city). To get where you’re going on foot is one of the most empowering, enlightening experiences you can have. There’s a freedom in it. And a beautiful feeling when you are a tourist in your home city.

Here’s one more simple way to slow down, be mindful and experience more joy in the process. Try it. You might like it.

Urban hikers unite,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/urban-hiking/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/evening-primrose-oil-inside-and-out/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/evening-primrose-oil-inside-and-out/#comments Thu, 14 May 2009 13:00:29 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=399 When a smart acupuncturist friend recently mentioned evening primrose oil, I looked it up. There’s a great book called “Prescription for Nutritional Healing“ that offers natural remedies for pretty much anything that ails you.

I’m keen on learning about “miracle” herbal medicinals. I learned that it’s not just prescribed for (ahem) PMS and women’s health issues which I’d heard. Yes, another remedy to avoid feeling and acting like a grump a few days out of the month. But it’s more than that.



Evening primrose oil is also touted to promote heart health, aid in weight loss, reduce high blood pressure, and relieve pain and inflammation. And traditionally, it’s been used topically to treat skin conditions like eczema and inflammation.

Evening primrose oil’s primary weapon against bad health comes in the form of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid (EFAs). Fatty acids are essential for human health and are not produced by the human body.

Ideally, of course, we get GLAs from our diet in the form of things like fish, flax seeds, canola oil, and some nuts. But in lieu of a perfect diet, it’s good to know how to supplement, especially with targeted EFAs that are specifically designed by nature to affect our individual health needs.

You can pick up evening primrose oil in capsule form at Rainbow Grocery or any other natural food market that has a decent supplement section.

And we carry several products at IO that contain evening primrose oil specifically for the skin.

In Fiore, a favorite product line of mine and one we’ve stocked in our Shop at IO since its inception, is loaded with the stuff. I’ve been using In Fiore oils and balms on my face and body at least once a day since 2002. I’m a believer.

In Fiore is one of my “secrets” although not so secret anymore. Evening primrose as well as loads of other healing and smell-like-heaven flower essences and oils help make In Fiore powerful stuff. Both healing and heaven-scent.

Although the jury is still out on whether evening primrose oil is the magical elixir some claim it to be, why not give it a whirl.

Plus, it has just about the most romantic name for a nutritional supplement that I’ve ever heard. Say it. Evening Primrose. It makes you want to buy a bottle just to display it on your armoire.

As prim as a rose in evening-time,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/evening-primrose-oil-inside-and-out/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/we-are-the-ones-we-have-been-waiting-for/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/we-are-the-ones-we-have-been-waiting-for/#comments Tue, 12 May 2009 13:00:59 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=393 I read a recent book by Alice Walker that is poignantly relevant to the times we are living in and her voice, beautifully inspirational. Her powerful message is summed up well in her book title, We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For — Inner Light in a Time of Darkness.

Walker’s message touched me so much that at the beginning of our recent IO All Team meeting, I read allowed her borrowed message from the Elders of the Hopi Nation. I share it with you now:



We have been telling people that this is the Eleventh Hour
Now we must go back and tell the people this is the Hour

And there are things to be considered:

Where are you living?
What are you doing?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.

It is time to speak your truth.

Create your community.
Be good to each other.

And do not look outside yourself for the leader.
This could be a good time!

There is a river flowing now very fast
It is so great and swift that there are those who will
be afraid.
They will try to hold on to the shore.

They will feel they are being torn apart and they will suffer greatly.

Know the river has its destination.

The Elders sat we must let go of the shore, and
push off and into the river, keep our eyes open, and
our head above the water.

See who is in there with you and Celebrate.

At this time in history, we are to take nothing
personally.
Least of all ourselves.

For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth
and journey comes to a halt.

The time of the lone wolf is over.

Gather yourselves!

Banish the word “struggle” from your attitude and
your vocabulary.

All that you do now must be done in a sacred manner.
And in celebration.

“We are the ones we have been waiting for … “

—The Elders, Hopi Nation, Oraibi, Arizona

All of us humans, now more than ever have an opportunity, a calling really, to take honest inventory in our lives for ourselves and for our home… planet earth, mother earth. It’s a time of great change. We can feel it, sense it, see it, hear it.

But what will we do about it?

As Walker and the Hopi Elders remind us, we must know our own landscape (internal and external). We must have the guts to let go of things that aren’t serving us. We must find the power to change.

Where has our personal responsibility for ourselves, our lives and our planet gone? What things can be left behind that aren’t in service of your life purpose and your personal path? If you haven’t identified your purpose or path. Then start there.

Michael Ray’s book called The Highest Goal, helped me sort that question out.

That’s what I am trying to do in my own life and that’s what I recently posed to our IO Team and now pose to you, our IO community. Sometimes that’s relatively easy work, joywork even, and sometimes it just plain hurts. In either case, now is the time.

Who are you waiting for? We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

It rings so true for me that real transformation starts from within. Even if forced upon us, change only transforms us if we let it. And your chosen community will support your transformation. If IO is part of your chosen community, then we can support your process of waking up to yourself and your wellness transformation.

Trust that the river knows its destination.

And let go of the shore,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/we-are-the-ones-we-have-been-waiting-for/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/mother-wright-angel-to-the-hungry/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/mother-wright-angel-to-the-hungry/#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 18:39:28 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=408 This is the inspiring story of an unsuspecting hero who recently passed on, but first she fed many lives.

May Anne Wright, known to her East Bay community as Mother Wright, was just an ordinary woman who was inspired by a lucid dream in 1980 to help the world’s hungry.

She started small, using her $236 social security check to buy weekly meals for the homeless at a local Oakland park. They called her “The Mother Theresa of Oakland”.

Mother Wright’s own life had been a difficult one. She grew up poor in the South and lost her mother at a young age. She was forced to escape an abusive husband as a young adult and fled cross country.



Where she ended up was far from “home” and among strangers, making ends meet as a low-paid manual laborer.

But Mother Wright had a knack for creating community wherever she went. Besides her own twelve children, the poor people of the East Bay soon started to look at her as a sort of mom.

Not just interested in providing food and shelter, Mother Wright thought it equally important to provide the homeless with dignity, and insisted on serving meals in style, with tablecloths and proper place settings. She didn’t just take pity on her subjects; she offered them respect. And that made all the difference.

Mother Wright considered feeding the hungry her calling and made it her life’s work. Hers is an inspiring story of vision, tenacity and self-sacrifice.

By the end of her life, Mother Wright’s benevolent reach had extended to all corners of the world. Through the last three decades of her life that she performed this miraculous work, she consistently refused to accept any pay for her efforts.

Mother Wright passed away recently at the age of 87 and left a legacy behind. If you’re as moved by her story as I am, consider contributing to The Mary Wright Foundation, which will continue to help the homeless long after she is gone.

Her devotion to the people of Oakland is her lasting legacy, and she won’t quickly be forgotten.

I believe heroes like Mother Wright exist as examples to us all. Like Gandhi and all great peaceful leaders, her life’s work was not just about making a difference as an individual, but showing the world that absolutely anyone can make a difference.

That includes you and me.

What’s your cause?
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/mother-wright-angel-to-the-hungry/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/swine-flu-fear/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/swine-flu-fear/#comments Thu, 07 May 2009 13:00:08 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=390 I’m not sure which is scarier, witnessing the swine flu “pandemic” sweeping across the world, or witnessing the fear of a pandemic freaking us out and making top headlines everywhere last week.

I don’t mean to discount the possible gravity of situations like this. Swine flu is a real thing and it’s affecting a lot of people. It basically shut down Mexico City and spread to the Bay Area.

We also know that the C.D.C. deemed the H1N1 flu, nicknamed “swine flu”, a possible pandemic with a similar M.O. as the Spanish flu of 1918 that paradoxically prayed on the immune healthy instead of the immune weak (infants/elderly).

In the case of the Spanish flu, it started as a milder flu that popped up in the springtime and then came back with a deadly vengeance later that fall.



But what I find really frightening at this stage in the game is the global media’s participation in promoting global crisis. We often walk a fine-line between promoting awareness and inciting fear.

Awareness is noticing what actually is. Fear, according to dictionary.com, is “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.”

We humans like a good story. And we have been known to, on more than rare occasion, jump to conclusions and exaggerate. Hence, the rampant addiction to gossip magazines and getting into other people’s “business”.

Maybe it’s just that we like to have something to talk about, something “important”, something that at least feels like it connects us? Maybe it’s an easy way to make us feel more invigorated, more alive (even when the subject is about possible death)?

How about some good examples?

A friend of mine had the sniffles. I saw the fear in her eyes as friends warned her she may be experiencing the first stages of a deadly virus. Another friend was invited to a party that was cancelled because the host didn’t want to bring “strangers” into her home.

Suddenly her friends are strangers? That’s odd.

Fear sells, and when we let fear lead, we lose sight of the reality that most of us will not be touched by swine flu. Or if we are, in some hellish scenario, then fear doesn’t help anyway.

You can protect yourself. Wash your hands. Protect your bodily system with anti-viral remedies like olive leaf, elderberry or oscillococcinum, a proven homeopathic flu fighter.

Consult a doctor if you have the flu. But largely this is yet another reminder to take extra care of yourself. To me that seems the big lesson so far (that and, don’t overreact).

Do yourself a favor, don’t let your fear get the best of you. It’s not healthy. I believe it is important to be aware. And in the case of pandemics, they have been a reality in history, but remember it’s just not at all clear that this is another one.

I love the classic Franklin Roosevelt line and it seems apropos here: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”

And in any case, since laughter is the best medicine, do yourself a favor and check out this silly video.

Tame your fear,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/swine-flu-fear/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/make-your-own-tea-party/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/make-your-own-tea-party/#comments Tue, 05 May 2009 16:39:44 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=395 All this Boston Tea Party talk recently in the media made me think a lot about tea (and not just because of tax season). I’ve always been a big tea lover.

One of my favorite things to do is make up my own herbal teas, or, as they are technically called, tisanes. Tea being the dried leaf of the camellia sinensis plant. This is what we think of as black, green or oolong tea.



Herbal “teas” are really just infusions of dried or fresh plants. Tea geeks and foodies like me call these tisanes.

Anyway…

In South American countries like Peru, it’s common to be served fresh mint leaves straight from the garden, steeped in hot water and called “tea”.

These medicinal (and yummy) concoctions have been an integral part of South American cultures presumably for thousands of years.

I take a page from that belief system and on occasion brew myself a nice steamy cup of hot water infused with somethin’ special.

Fresh ginger root (for belly aches), mint leaves (for cooling down the belly), or licorice stick (for throat soreness).

A spritz of lemon here, a dash of local honey there, and I swear, it’s better than coffee. (Well, maybe not for everyone but its worth a try.)

Find a source book like “Healing with Whole Foods” by Paul Pitchford if you’re interested in the medicinal properties of various herbs, or wing it and use the imagination of your taste buds.

All you need is a cup but I recommend a beautiful teapot (you can get a cheap one in Japantown), some hot water, and the flavorful substance of your choosing.

Really, you can make tea out of almost anything edible, and it’s a great way to use up neglected herbs and roots that are lying around your kitchen in danger of withering.

Tea partying,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/make-your-own-tea-party/feed/ 2 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-sane-way-to-multitask/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-sane-way-to-multitask/#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:00:57 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=364 A couple months ago I wrote a blog entry about the advantages of simply doing one thing at a time.

Bill, one of our blog readers, commented on it and pointed me to another great blog posting called “Discover Why Multitasking Damages Your Business and How to Fix It.”

This article introduced me to the fact that human mind is a “sequential processor” – meaning that we are actually not designed to do more than one thing at a time.



According to Jonathan Jordan, author of the blog, multitasking is not only impractical and counter-intuitive, but it’s actually not efficient because it tends to result in so many more mistakes.

I bought into this theory, and I take it to heart whenever I can. But it’s a fact that the evil monster of multitasking is not completely avoidable unless we are hermits in a cave or some such thing.

Sometimes, we just have to do more than one thing at a time. Especially if we have jobs… or friends… or children… or partners… or…

So anyway, recently I stumbled upon this zen parable:

Seung Sahn would say, “When you eat, just eat. When you read the newspaper, just read the newspaper. Don’t do anything other than what you are doing.”

One day a student saw him reading the newspaper while he was eating. The student asked if this did not contradict his teaching.

Seung Sahn said, “When you eat and read the newspaper, just eat and read the newspaper.”

I love this, and I’m not exactly sure why. I think what Seung Sahn is implying is that it’s okay to do more than one thing at a time, as long as you are present with both things, and those things work in harmony together.

This doesn’t mean than I give myself permission to simultaneously email/facebook/write/talk on the phone/ad nauseam… although I admit I have caught myself in this scenario once. but as long as I can find two tasks that compliment each other, that’s a good start.

If you’re gonna mutlitask at least be mindful. Catch yourself. Notice what you’re doing when you are doing it. Perhaps you’ll enjoy the experience more or create some space to do less of something that’s not really serving you.

Peace,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-sane-way-to-multitask/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/four-handed-massage-better-than-two/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/four-handed-massage-better-than-two/#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:00:16 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=361 We are grateful (though not altogether surprised) that our very own IO Four Handed Massage was mentioned in San Francisco Magazine’s annual It List. The Four Handed Massage is a unique bodywork service that IO has cultivated in order to offer you something ceremonial and luxurious.

San Francisco Magazine sung our praises this way:

“If two hands are better than one, then it stands to reason four hands are divine. International Orange puts the theory to the test… The treatment utilizes two massage practitioners working to bring you to a state of total relaxation and we can put our hands together to applaud that.”



Picture this:

You are sequestered in the calm sanctuary of a soundproof treatment room at IO, with two of our most experienced massage therapists beholden to you for one hour. Soft world music is lulling you into a trance-like state.

The delicate aroma of our heady IO body care products floats across your skin to your nose. You are more relaxed than you ever thought possible, in four capable hands.

Rather than rely on a systematic approach to the treatment, the massage therapists will communicate with each other non-verbally to focus on muscles that need the most attention. You can trust their intuition to provide you with a transcendent self-care experience.

I bet this will be the most decadent massage you’ve ever had. And you might ask for Lisa and Christy. They are a powerful pair and that’s certainly true when it comes to Four Handed Massage.

Ceremonial is the word that comes to mind. Yes, I am laying it on thick. But it’s an amazing experience.

Double your pleasure,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/four-handed-massage-better-than-two/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/look-ma-no-hands-the-beauty-invention-of-the-year/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/look-ma-no-hands-the-beauty-invention-of-the-year/#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:00:22 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=363 Once in a while, a revolutionary new beauty tool comes along that’s worth raving about in this blog.

Clarisonic is a laudable invention that’s been written up in the Huffington Post as being “spectacular” and “the skin care product — for women and men — of 2008”. We took the rave reviews to heart and tried it at IO, and it did not disappoint.



Think of it as a Sonicare toothbrush for your face. (It’s actually made by the same people who make Sonicare, so they know their stuff.) It’s basically a self-facial gadget that you can use every day to deep clean, exfoliate and brighten up your skin at home. It’s waterproof, so you can even use it in the shower.

How does it work? Their patented sonic frequency technology vibrates the brush across your skin at 300 movements per second, so it gets into your pores and the fine lines of your face (not that you have those!) better than cleanser and a facecloth alone could manage. This gentle cleaning and exfoliating action allows your skin to better absorb moisturizers and toners so that you get your money’s worth out of all of your beauty products.

And it’s not just for the face. You can use the Clarisonic on your entire body for allover better skin health. You can apply any high-quality skincare product with it, or use it sans product altogether.

We’re generally reluctant to buy into gadget crazes at IO, so this is the only high-tech tool we use during our facial treatments. We’ve had so much good feedback about using it that we decided to offer it for sale in our boutique. For just under $200, this is the best skincare bargain around.

And on a personal note, I’ve been using my Clarisonic. I can absolutely see the difference in my skin.

Clarisonic!
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/look-ma-no-hands-the-beauty-invention-of-the-year/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/kicking-the-habit-of-wasting-energy/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/kicking-the-habit-of-wasting-energy/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:21:36 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=362 National Geographic magazine is such a great visual pleasure and informative read. I read it more when I was a kid and in love with the color, the images, the animals, the landscapes and the mystery of far away places. Recently I’ve picked it up again.

I was inspired by the April issue: “Saving Energy Starts At Home”. Of course this is a basic concept that I was introduced to early on by my parents in such wise and simple ways as:

“Please close the refrigerator.”

“Please turn off the light when you leave the room.”

“Please close the door; you’re letting all the heat out.”



You get the picture. So I previously considered myself a sort of expert on home energy saving skills. But I did learn a few new tricks from National Geo.

Let me just say that if I owned a house (and I don’t), there would be a lot of potential ways to upgrade and modify my building to save energy and make an investment in the future of our environment. (Please read the article if you are a homeowner!)

But since I rent, I can’t currently affect the way my building is constructed on a fundamental level. However, there are ways even renters can use less energy in the home, and thus contribute more to the welfare of our planet.

For example:

1) Choose your light bulbs wisely. Compact fluorescents are slightly more expensive but use much less energy, and therefore last way longer, making them actually less expensive in the long run (and preventing you from having to change light bulbs. Bonus!)

2) If you have access to the water heater, you can turn it down to 120 degrees (which experts recommend as the perfect medium between wasting energy and livable comfort.) That way, you aren’t wasting energy needlessly heating up water that you’ll then need to cool down with the cold faucet anyway.

3) Turn off the lights at night and take a look around you at the little green glows. How many electronics are you unnecessarily charging? Computers, cell phones, digital cameras, dustbusters… these things do not need to be plugged in for nearly as long as we think, and every moment in an electrical socket equates to fossil fuels burned. It’s called “vampire power”.

We’re addicted to our electricity, our heat and our hot water. But like any habit, it can be kicked.

You can actually read this entire article online as well as take a quiz on how you can reduce your own carbon load. Check it out.

Save energy,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/kicking-the-habit-of-wasting-energy/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sandra-cantu-breaking-stereotypes-the-hard-way/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sandra-cantu-breaking-stereotypes-the-hard-way/#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:59:06 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=385 Once in a while a news story comes along that draws my attention away from seemingly more colossal world events like war in Iraq, earthquakes in Italy, and pirates in Somalia. Maybe because of the local human interest element, or perhaps because it’s so morbidly compelling, but I’ve been riveted by the story of Sandra Cantu, the 8-year old girl who was recently abducted and killed in Tracy, CA.

For those of you that ignore the news (not always a bad thing), here’s what happened: Sandra Cantu left her home on the afternoon of March 27th to play in the neighborhood – a very sheltered, tight-knit mobile home community where everyone knows everyone. She never came back. Last week, farm workers found her body in a suitcase floating in a nearby irrigation pond. And Saturday, they arrested Melissa Huckaby, a young mom to one of Sandra’s playmates and a Sunday School teacher and daughter of the local minister.



It’s jumping the gun a little bit to assume that Melissa Huckaby is guilty of murder. But certainly, the press and local police are indicating that there was a confession. Prompting the greater community to wonder, WHY?

It’s a terrible story without a lot of redemptive elements. But for me, there has got to be a lesson here somewhere. I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and what I’ve come up with is this:

Never, ever assume that you know what happened based on stereotypes or history. During the seemingly endless stretch during which Sandra was missing and then found murdered, I think most of us unfortunately assumed that a pedophile – a male pedophile – must have been involved. It’s a morbid fact that our minds do go right to that place, based on countless media stories and past events.

An excerpt from today’s news story: “Sandra’s father was questioned, as was a neighbor with a criminal past. They also questioned Huckaby’s 77-year-old grandfather, a church pastor. Then there was the man who admitted that he once kissed Sandra on the lips at the neighborhood swimming pool.” Up until the moment that Melissa Huckaby was arrested, we were all calling the perpetrator “he”, and using our fear and confusion to make up possible endings in our own minds.

The fact is, something horrifying happened to Sandra Cantu, but we don’t know (and may never know) exactly what, why and how. In the meantime, I’ll consider this a lesson in not jumping to conclusions. Just because the guy across the street looks kind of creepy, does not mean that he’s a potential killer. And just because my neighbor is a Sunday School Teacher, does not mean she’s an angel.

Ugh,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/sandra-cantu-breaking-stereotypes-the-hard-way/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/healthy-escapism-reading-to-relax/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/healthy-escapism-reading-to-relax/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:00:54 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=365 Reading is one of my favorite low-cost stress-reduction activities. I love reading to relax. There is something mentally relieving about turning the mind over to a story or riveting subject matter.

Getting into a good book, in that sense, can be like a mini-retreat. It’s reading meditation. It’s a vacation from the regular rattle and hum of the brain. And in my book (pun intended), it’s healthy escapism.



There is a relaxing effect that happens when we allow our brain waves to sync with our eye movements in the act of reading. It’s as if creating a lulling rhythm of left to right, page to page, has a positive physical effect on the nervous system.

I’m willing to bet there have been studies on this very matter, but I can only testify to my own experience with my nose in the books. Time flies.

Reading is almost the opposite of meditation or other practices that encourage us to “be present”. I am a big believer in meditation, and practice it daily. My more disciplined practices are vital to fostering balance in my life.

And I also revel in the richness of habits that often feel more indulgent, in the sense that I get joyfully lost in them, disappear into them. It’s my lazy-woman’s meditation practice.

And I love that you can pretty much read anywhere. Try keeping a paperback in your bag. A good book can make an interminable bus ride fly by, or a tedious wait in a doctor’s office feel like a treat.

I know the gossip mags are a hideously effective temptation and easy to get lost in them too, but perhaps a sweet little book could make a healthy replacement from time to time? Plant better seeds.

As most of my friends know, I usually have several books going at once although I’m not the fastest reader. And by several books, I mean a stack of 7 or so next to my bed at any given time.

I’ve read some good ones lately, among them:

We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For by Alice Walker. Her message of light in a time of darkness is poignant.

The Seductress by Betsy Prioleau is about historic women who bucked the matronly M.O. and ravished the world with their lost art of love.

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink (also a very well-acted film).

And The Pearl by John Steinbeck (when I was kayaking on the Sea of Cortez).

I get a lot of my books secondhand from friends. And I love the energy of passing books along. It’s a generous gesture and a commitment to learning and sharing.

Read a book. Pass it on.
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/healthy-escapism-reading-to-relax/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/what-ahimsa-yoga-means-to-me/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/what-ahimsa-yoga-means-to-me/#comments Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:00:13 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=327 When I was new to yoga and freshly enamored of its health benefits and the sense of harmony it endowed upon me, I happened to have lunch with a yoga teacher who I greatly admired. Seeking clues to the “right” way to practice yoga, I asked him how often he himself practices. Without hesitating, he told me, “Everyday.”

Just as I suspected. When you’re new to yoga, it’s tempting to go to class every day, if not more. Our type-A culture has us convinced that if something is good for us, we should do it all the time, even if it’s difficult.

“Wow,” I said, “How do you find the time to go to class that often?”

“Well,” he confided, “Sometimes I go to a yoga class. Sometimes I go surfing. And sometimes I just hang out at home and meditate. It’s all yoga to me.”



Meaning, I suppose, that it’s not the activity that makes it “ahimsa yoga”, but the intention and the sense of presence while you are doing it.

This was an early and profound yogic lesson that has slowly shaped and shifted my attitude toward how I practice yoga. In the beginning, I did find that going to a regimented asana class was helpful in that it gave me a sense of focus and self-discipline. It instilled a strong foundation for a physical and breath practice that I have never abandoned.

As the years have passed, I’ve learned for myself that sometimes foregoing the “workout” to stay home and read a book in bed does indeed feel more yogic and definitely more ahimsa. The concept of ahimsa, which is a concept often brought up in yoga classes, means the avoidance of violence or non-harming. I practice ahimsa starting with myself. In my personal life it often means, for instance, not forcing myself to do something that doesn’t feel right.

There is a compassion that accompanies truly “listening to your body” or your mind or emotions. Sure, sometimes I still push too hard and do things that don’t serve my body and mind, but I am getting better, more aware and skilled at bringing myself back to center and practicing ahimsa, starting with myself.

That said, it’s important for me to recognize the different between ahimsa and sheer laziness. Not engaging in the world can also be a concern. So I try to participate in at least one or two group yoga classes a week.

The other days, my ahimsa yoga practice consists of meditation in the morning, a little bit of asana practice at home, a brisk morning city hike, and yes, the delicious peace and coziness of reading in bed in the evening.

Practice ahimsa,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/what-ahimsa-yoga-means-to-me/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-skinny-on-body-image/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-skinny-on-body-image/#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:00:46 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=328 I saw a movie recently starring the dream girl of so many of my guy friends, Scarlett Johansson. It got me thinking about body types. Scarlett is a very beautiful woman. And she’s no waif. Then there’s Marilyn Monroe. She was the dream girl of an entire generation. She was no waif either.

We hear so much in our culture about how skinny is “better”. I’m not sure I am buying in. I have girlfriends who are utterly gorgeous (staggeringly so, in fact) though they might also be called “heavy” or “healthy” girls (a term which is often quite accurate). They don’t seem to have any trouble finding fabulous partners and certainly not any more trouble than our thinner sisters. Their husbands/boyfriends/partners seem to think they are goddesses.

So where does all this push for skinny come from? Is it from the fashion industry? The media? Consumerism? Perfectionism? Control? Our parents? Ourselves?

It would be fun to see Michael Moore direct an expose on this subject called “The Skinny on Body Image—An American Obsession”. In the meantime, I try to resist buying in. Sure, I like to look fit, but the key is to feel fit which is never fully reflected in our mirror image nor in a number on a scale. So I exercise to feel invigorated and healthy, not to feel skinny. Striving for skinny makes me struggle more and feel less powerful.

I eat what I want but try to remember to stop eating when I’m full, or when I recognize that I’m eating for reasons other than hunger. And I’m so not perfect. When I “fall off the bike”, I dust myself off and get back on. If I gain a few pounds in winter, like I usually do, so be it. It’s natural, after all, for our bodies to store up a little bit when it’s colder, and as we age.



When I see a movie or read a magazine, I am barraged with images of impossibly thin, fashionable women who I am pretty confident diet themselves into misery to maintain their size. But when I look around me at my friends and family, I see a lot of beautiful, healthy, realistically-shaped women. And thank goodness their aren’t on perpetual starvation diets because going out to eat with them is one of my true pleasures in life.

The funny thing is, for hundreds of years, rounder, more voluptuous women were the “in” body type. Check out any painting of a Raphaelite goddess for confirmation of this truth. Even up through the 50’s and 60’s, women with a little extra padding were considered the paradigm of beauty. The current TV show Mad Men hearkens back to a few decades ago when bigger, curvier women were considered more attractive. Marilyn Monroe and Jean Harlow were no size 2s.

When I catch myself “feeling fat” I try to remember to pause and grab a little perspective on the subject. It’s my body image ideal not to succumb to the unrealistic expectation that western culture tries to put on us to match up to some sort of notion of thin = beautiful. The more I look around, the more I realize that happy = beautiful. And much of the time that happiness has to do more with enjoyment of life than restriction of it.

Let’s revel in life’s pleasures, riches, and the truth that those things aren’t exclusively bestowed upon skinny magazine waifs anyway.

Love your hips,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-skinny-on-body-image/feed/ 3 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/meditation-and-poetry-on-the-sea-of-cortez/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/meditation-and-poetry-on-the-sea-of-cortez/#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:22:29 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=367 Just back from the sparkling Sea of Cortez, I glimpsed some of what John Steinbeck must have found as he ventured down to the Baja peninsula time and again, soaking it up, soaking it in and writing about it.

Baja’s raw beauty and starkness made me yearn to write. But for me it called for poetry before prose.

I was on a wilderness meditation retreat with a great teacher of mine, Mark Coleman. As a group of 12 plus 4 superstar support staff, we kayaked, meditated and lived as part of nature for just shy of a week.

While there I also celebrated my most life-affirming birthday yet.



On the way down to Baja by plane, I read Steinbeck’s little book called The Pearl. One quote was particularly fitting as I entered the inner terrain of meditation and the outer terrain of the desert islands of Sea of Cortez:

An accident could happen to these oysters, a grain of sand could lie in the folds of muscle and irritate the flesh until in self-protection the flesh coated the grain with a layer of smooth cement. But once started, the flesh continued to coat the foreign body until it fell free…

This happy accident of oyster self-care yields something precious, a pearl. It reminds us that beauty can come out of suffering. Like a lotus flower growing out of mud. A dandelion sprouting from a pavement crack.

With this message echoing in my head I was ushered into the silence of the retreat. And with that I entered my inner world that yields ‘pearls’ from the often rugged container of my personal ‘oyster shell’.

Since my vow of silence on retreat included a vow not even to write, listening to poetry was as close as I got. Those poignantly spoken words often made my heart soar and wet my eyes with tears.

On our first night sleeping under the stars, Mark read us one of my favorite poems reminding me I was in the right place. I heard it first several years back from a consoling friend as I was diving into my own “Sweet Darkness”.

Here’s a passage from that poem by David Whyte:

The dark will be your womb
tonight.

The night will give you a horizon
further than you can see.

You must learn one thing:
the world was made to be free in.

Give up all the other worlds
except the one which you belong.

Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet
confinement of your aloneness
to learn

anything or anyone
that does not bring you alive

is too small for you.


Cultivate pearls,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/meditation-and-poetry-on-the-sea-of-cortez/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yin-versus-yang-yoga/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yin-versus-yang-yoga/#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:00:13 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=332 Inherently we are all a combination of Yin and Yang energy. Yin being the mellow, moon, “female” energy, and Yang being the “male”, sun, aggressive energy. These two qualities are innate in every person we meet, every activity we undertake, even in the foods we eat. The whole world lies on a continuum of Yin to Yang. To be in balance, ultimately, the key is to strive for a middle ground.

Our western culture particularly tends to drive us more heavily toward the Yang – ambitious careers, workaholic addictions, the whole concept of “working out”. So it stands to reason that we have to try a little harder to integrate the Yin into our lives.



That’s where restorative yoga comes in. Although any style of yoga is popularly considered to be a relaxing, mellow activity in the first place, the types of yoga that many of us practice (power, vinyasa, flow, ashtanga) are about as far to the Yang side of the spectrum as asana can get. We hope to relax and unwind, but also to build strength, stamina, discipline and focus.

Restorative yoga, on the other hand, is absent of ambitious western ideals. It’s truly just about letting go. When you step into a restorative class, you abandon any aggressive, goal-oriented tendencies and surrender to the opportunity to, quite simply put, laze about.

In that inert state, there is the potential for our Yin energy to come back into balance. Liken it to bodywork, or to taking a nice hot bath. The truly soulful effects of an hour spent in simple, unengaged yoga poses contribute to greater health and relaxation. I often find myself strangely energized after taking a restorative yoga class.

Committing to cultivate your Yin side is anything but a waste of time. It’s a vital component of becoming a whole, healthy, happy person.

Relax into it from time to time,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yin-versus-yang-yoga/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-plastic-world-we-live-in/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-plastic-world-we-live-in/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:00:20 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=331 If you’ve been following my blog, you’ve probably heard me dis on plastic at least a few times. The miracle product of the last century has turned out to be not such a great thing after all. At least, if you are the environment. Or a human body. As we’ve gotten smarter, we’ve found out a few dark and dirty secrets about this ubiquitous material.

For one thing, plastic, as we all well know by now, is barely recyclable and basically never decomposes. Turn over any plastic container and you’ll see a number in a little triangle on the bottom. That number denotes what kind of plastic it is and whether it can be recycled. For the record, only numbers 1, 2 and 3 can currently be recycled in the state of California (and we’re a pretty progressive state when it comes to environmental standards.) That means that all of the other numbers simply get thrown away. And by “away”, I mean that they actually never go away.



I found this nasty little fact on the California Integrated Waste Management Board’s web site: “… plastic film, packaging containers, durable goods, and other plastic items make up 9.5 percent, or 3.8 million tons, of the disposed waste stream in California. However, plastic is only recycled at about a 5 percent rate statewide.”

Even closer to home, recent studies have found that one of the key ingredients in many plastics, BPA (bisphenol A), leaches into our body and at even small doses may play a key role in high rates of breast and other cancers, as well as instigating early onset puberty and triggering immune system disorders. The scariest part of all is that a lot of this plastic toxicity comes from sources you would least expect…. the lining of canned foods, water coolers, Nalgene bottles, and even baby bottles.

What can we do about it? It’s not realistic to cut plastic out of our lives completely. Plastic is in everything, mostly because it’s incredibly versatile as well as inexpensive to manufacture. We live in a world conditioned to believe that disposable is better. Watch a few TV commercials and you’ll quickly see: products that can be used once and then thrown away are all the rage. Don’t even get me started on the over-packaging of almost every product out there.

I’ve made small steps to cut down on plastic in my own life. I avoid buying food or drinks in disposable plastic containers whenever I can. I buy certain foods in bulk and re-use my own containers when I shop. I never, ever microwave anything in plastic (and for that matter, I try to avoid microwaving in general… but that’s another story.) I don’t run plastic through the dishwasher. And I avoid any plastics with a 7 in the little triangle on the bottom, because those tend to be the worst BPA culprits.

I’d love to hear more proactive ideas from you. What else can we do to cut out plastic?

Trying,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-plastic-world-we-live-in/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/whats-the-deal-with-spring-cleaning/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/whats-the-deal-with-spring-cleaning/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:00:19 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=326 We’ve all certainly heard the term “spring cleaning”. Does it seem like an archaic concept to you? The whole notion of being seasonally-driven to inventory your entire home just once a year isn’t all that realistic, especially if you live in a climate where winter doesn’t exactly keep you housebound.

Since it’s almost spring, I did a little research into the matter, and it seems that Spring Cleaning is probably derived from an ancient Jewish tradition of deep-cleaning the entire house in preparation for Passover. You see, one rule of Passover states that for the entire 8-day holiday, you cannot eat anything leavened (meaning that it contains yeast) and, in fact, you must make sure that there is nothing leavened in your entire house. Not even a crumb. Thus, the deep-cleaning ritual to make sure not a crumb of leavened “chametz” remains on premises.



In seasonally-driven climates, this tradition has been universally co-opted as a great excuse for an annual deep-cleaning ritual. Spring is the time when we open all of our windows and let some fresh air in.

It’s also, obviously, the time of year when the days start getting longer. (Although technically they’ve been waxing since winter solstice in December, it’s right about now that we really start to notice the expanded evenings.) This extra daylight gives us extra energy, and I think we can all agree that it takes an extra bit of energy to do an immaculate cleaning job.

Let’s take the concept of Spring Cleaning one step further and think about areas in our life where we can afford to let something go. Maybe it’s a bad habit that doesn’t serve us anymore, or a friend who we’ve grown out of, or an attitude towards something that we’re ready to shed. Spring is the time for looking ahead, and sometimes that means we need to drop some baggage in order to lighten up our load.

Or maybe for you it just means a good closet cleaning. And if so, don’t forget that Goodwill is right down the street! Because the nice thing about lightening your own load is that it can often mean contributing to someone else’s fortune.

Spring Cleaning,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/whats-the-deal-with-spring-cleaning/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/skin-doctor-alkaitis/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/skin-doctor-alkaitis/#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:00:40 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=329 Somewhere in my mid-twenties I got the memo about taking care of my skin. It was right around the time we launched the spa. Extra pressure and extra stress had my skin working overtime.

Even those of us in the wellness world have to manage stress as we try to remember to practice what we preach. Plus, I wasn’t 18 anymore and my skin was changing. It needed more TLC.

When I was a kid, my mom’s beauty routine consisted of slathering on Kiehl’s face wash (before they sold to L’Oreal) and splashing her face with water. Both my grandmas had even simpler habits including Cold Cream mostly.

And yes, times have changed an with that the earth’s air-quality and atmosphere is altered. Many drugstore products of moms and grandmas era don’t do the trick to combat the pollutants, allergens and radiation from an exponentially stronger sun.



Fortunately, nature and science are doing a pretty good job of keeping up with the shifts in the needs of our pretty faces. I’m particularly smitten with a natural product line that we recently started carrying at IO: Dr. Alkaitis Holistic Organic Skin Food.

Dr. Alkaitis is not just some marketing concept; he’s actually a highly regarded research scientist with a PhD in physical chemistry and credentials in the research fields of cancer, viruses and genetics.

More importantly to me, he’s an ethnopharmacologist: one who knows how to heal with plants. He is not, in other words, simply a guy with a good idea. He’s a real, bona fide scientist with holistic intentions.

Dr. Alkaitis’ particular expertise is acutely apparent in his innovative, high-integrity product formulations. I’ve spoken with him personally on the phone when we were considering the line.

I can vouch for his serious passion for his work and his depth and breadth of relevant knowledge. I also find it refreshing to know there are Real McCoeys left in the world.

But aside from the founder’s star-striking credentials, the real integrity of Dr. Alkaitis products lies in their making. Unlike most skin care products that are based on water and alcohol, these are made with a base of aloe vera and very high quality oils and butters.

Dr. Alkaitis products use primarily “living” ingredients that are biologically active. Which means that they are minimally processed and still contain active nutrients that your skin readily soaks up.

These skincare products are food-grade quality so it’s good enough to eat, but please don’t!

I think the Dr. Alkaitis motto says it all: The Essential Foundation of Beauty is Health.

I’m all for that.

Healthy is beautiful,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/skin-doctor-alkaitis/feed/ 2 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-almighty-mufas-an-ode-to-avocados/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-almighty-mufas-an-ode-to-avocados/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:00:56 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=333 I know it sounds like a dirty acronym. But what MUFA actually stands for is “Mono-Unsaturated Fatty Acid”. MUFAs are the good fats. And yes there is such a thing.

Fats have traditionally gotten a bad rap in our culture. They are often accused of being literally “fattening”. But in truth, they are a necessary part of a balanced diet. It’s just a matter of choosing the right ones and eating them in reasonable amounts. Because eating a small amount of fats daily is crucial to maintaining metabolic health focusing your fat intake on eating MUFAs is actually considered a good way to lose weight by most dietary experts



Replacing the “bad” fats (saturated fats and trans fats that is) and replacing them with MUFAs has been associated with weight loss (especially in the pesky belly area) and better overall health. The skin benefits greatly as well. In fact, Mediterranean cultures with their high consumption of olive oils and other MUFA-containing foods have an impressively low rate of heart disease and a high rate of healthy, pretty looking skin.

Finding MUFAs is easy. Besides olive oil, they are rampant in such yummy stuff as nuts, avocados (oh how I love you, avocados), popcorn, olives and whole grain wheat. Find out the breakdown of foods that contain MUFAs.

Oils high in MUFAs (like olive oil and peanut oil) are considered especially good for cooking because they remain stable at higher temperatures and do not become “hydrogenated” easily.

This is what the American Heart Association has to say about MUFAs: “Monounsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. They also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body’s cells. Monounsaturated fats are also typically high in vitamin E an antioxidant vitamin most Americans need more of.”

They’re the experts, I suppose. I’m sold on any excuse to eat more of my favorite things.

Cheers to the MUFAs of the world,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-almighty-mufas-an-ode-to-avocados/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/aging-gracefully-and-realistically-with-ren/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/aging-gracefully-and-realistically-with-ren/#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:12:24 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=330 “We don’t like it that our bodies change shape. We don’t like it that we age. We are afraid of wrinkles and sagging skin. We use health products as if we actually believe that our skin, our hair, our eyes and teeth, might somehow miraculously escape the truth of impermanence.”

That’s Buddhist teacher, Pema Chodron, speaking.

It’s true that we are always looking for that one miracle product that is going to reverse the effects of aging, zap our wrinkles, perfect our skin and disappear our sags. The marketing lingo of most beauty products feeds right into our fears around aging.



But what if it wasn’t about being younger? What if we could be happy right where we are on our precious life path? I can keep dreaming can’t I?

What I love about REN products (new to us at IO) is that it’s not about performing a miracle. It’s about letting your skin be the best skin it can be at its given age. That doesn’t mean you are going to go to bed with REN Vita-Mineral Radiant Day Cream on your face and wake up twenty years younger. But it means that you’re going to wake up with skin that’s more hydrated, less stressed, and thus inherently more radiant and youthful in demeanor.

Chodron reminds us:

“According to Buddha, the lives of all beings are marked by three characteristics: impermanence, egolessness, and suffering… Recognizing these qualities to be real and true in our own experience helps us to relax with things as they are.”

Let’s face it. No beauty product is going to make us younger. But by treating ourselves to high-quality skincare products designed specifically for our skin, right now, at our age, maybe we can alleviate a little bit of our suffering around attachment to youth.

Convert to REN Buddhism?
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/aging-gracefully-and-realistically-with-ren/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-of-food-workshop-saturday-march-7/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-of-food-workshop-saturday-march-7/#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 03:55:36 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=325 One of my favorite women, Carolyn Cohen, and her very cool partner, Vincent Peterson, are hosting a workshop at IO on Saturday. I highly recommend your attendance at this mini-retreat called YOGA OF FOOD (March 7, 1:30 – 4:00 PM). Be there or be square. Leave more well-rounded, more balanced, and in the company of these two healing teachers, certainly more well.

Recently back from a year traveling the world exploring yoga, Ayurveda and one another, Caro and Vinnie will bring the intimate act of eating into alignment with the beloved practice of yoga through these beautiful, age-old wellness tools:

1. Asana & self-acupressure for digestion
2. Ayurvedic theory of food combining & doshas
3. Sanskrit food blessings & meditations



Yoga and her sister science, Ayurveda, offer a great deal of wisdom regarding our relationship to food. What, when, how, and most importantly, why we eat are all valuable questions. In this mini-retreat, these two offer up their seasoned expertise in the realms of vegetarian cooking, yoga and Eastern holistic medicine to infuse your meals with yogic ritual and creativity.

All levels welcome. Workshop cost is $40 per individual.
Please call (415) 563-5000 ×1 or see the front desk to pre-register for IO Workshops.

Need I say more?

A happy belly is a happy being,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/yoga-of-food-workshop-saturday-march-7/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/io-organic-fusion-massage-an-io-client-testamonial/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/io-organic-fusion-massage-an-io-client-testamonial/#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:52:34 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=309 Perfect Fusion – A Treatment Testimonial by IO Client, Joslyn H.

I have to rave about IO Massage Therapist, Mieze Steinberg, and the amazing IO Organic Fusion Massage she gave me the other day. The Organic Fusion is a specialty massage that combines three of my favorite things: massage, yoga, and aromatherapy.

I learned that Mieze is trained in Thai yoga massage, which is bodywork that is like letting someone else put your body through yoga poses without you ever lifting a muscle, so to speak. She raised me gently into a heart-opening cobra pose which made my cranky back feel fantastic, and then stretched out my hips by manipulating my legs in the most subtle, effortless way.



IO Organic Fusion also incorporates basic Swedish massage and a little bit of shiatsu: the practitioner uses their fingers to apply pressure to traditional points along the body in order to stimulate the meridians (in eastern medicine) and key points along the nervous system (in the western philosophy). Shiatsu is a traditional therapeutic form of massage, and utterly relaxing.

Here’s my favorite part of the experience: having the highest-quality organic IO Enrich cream methodically and sensually applied to my skin, all over, to re-hydrate from the drying effects of winter. That’s followed up by a liberal application of IO Anoint body oil. Both are organic products that have lasting effects on my skin. Even after sitting in the steam room for a good twenty minutes after my massage, my skin still felt baby-soft for quite a while.

I like to be really warm, especially when I am trying to relax. And the warmed, citrus-scented towels that Mieze laid under my neck, across my back, and around my feet had the most cozy and comforting effect. If it sounds like there’s a lot going on with this treatment, trust me, it all blends magically into a sensory experience that will leave you feeling like a happy noodle.

Thank you for the perfect fusion. When can I come back?

Joslyn

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/io-organic-fusion-massage-an-io-client-testamonial/feed/ 2 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/me-dates-refreshing-alone-time-on-the-cheap/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/me-dates-refreshing-alone-time-on-the-cheap/#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:04:55 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=310 I want to share some free (or really cheap) ways I’ve found to entertain myself out and about in San Francisco. A while back I blogged about the value of “artist’s dates” – an idea I got from the book The Artist’s Way that inspires me to take myself out regularly for some good quality alone time. Here’s more on that same important subject.

I live near IO in Pacific Heights, which is conveniently close to one of my favorite neighborhoods on the planet: Japantown. This little hidden gem of a ‘hood has some of the most exotic shops in the city. Where else can you find tiny little fish for sale in tiny little aquariums that fit in your pocket? Not that I would ever buy one, but still, it’s weirdly cool. And on the bridge in the Japantown mall, there is an entire shop devoted to incense. It’s the most amazing-smelling place I’ve ever been. I like to browse around the shops for a while, then settle in for some noodles and genmaicha tea. Just thinking about it makes me feel all cozy.



Another great way to pass time is at any one of the countless farmers’ markets in the city. Although the Ferry Building Farmers’ Market (on Tuesdays and Saturdays) is the most glamorous of the bunch, sometimes I like the smaller neighborhood markets, like the one that takes place every Saturday morning where Fillmore Street intersects O’Farrell. Here, you get the real local farmers who are just trying to make a living selling what they’ve just harvested. It’s not always organic so know that going in (ask them if you have questions), but it’s all home grown and local. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, and you’ll feel good about supporting local farmers. The fresh air is nice too. (Bay Area farmers’ markets).

Another cool and absolutely-free activity is hanging out at the library. So few people go to the library now that it’s actually a special experience. Isn’t that funny? There are branches in almost every neighborhood in the city (and in most cities, for that matter), and for the price of flashing your ID, you are welcome to spend as much time there as you want, curled up with a book, with the perfect excuse to turn off your cell phone and tune out your life. If you’re ever craving alone time, I guarantee that no one will ever find you at the library! (San Francisco library branch locations).

I’ll leave you with these me-date ideas for now although there’s more where that came from. If you have other free or inexpensive ways to pass time in San Francisco, or your home city, do tell.

Enjoy your free, me-time,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/me-dates-refreshing-alone-time-on-the-cheap/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-lipstick-effect/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-lipstick-effect/#comments Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:43:24 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=294 Recently my friend, Philip Wood from Citizen Citizen told me about a fascinating occurrence, something totally counter intuitive, that really grabbed me at a gut level. He pointed me to this article about an excerpt from the diary of one of the first British soldiers to liberate Bergen-Belsen concentration camp from the Nazis in 1945. In January I blogged about “What Inspires You?” This real life story inspired me with hope.

And it’s also a story about lipstick.

Essentially, what Lieutenant Colonel Mervin Willett Gonin wrote about was the month he spent at Bergen-Belsen (one of the most notorious death camps of the holocaust), and the atrocities and horrors he saw there, along with the helplessness and shame the British soldiers felt in their inability to save every single person. But amidst all the misery, an interesting thing happened. A package full of red lipsticks arrived.



At first, the British were flabbergasted that someone in their ranks had thought a box of lipsticks would be any help at all in saving the victims of the death camps. They were in dire need of medical supplies, food. So many more pressing things in order to save lives. Wouldn’t lipstick be incidental, even an offensive offering to those in dire need?

Never underestimate the power of hope in saving a life. The lipsticks got out, and suddenly, the prisoners were reminded of a life beyond the walls of Bergen-Belsen, before there was a war. Suddenly, everyone was wearing lipstick. They didn’t have proper clothes, but they had lipstick. And that red lipstick, as Colonal Gonin put it so eloquently, started to give them back their humanity.

I don’t know how to integrate this information into my own obviously more comfortable and privileged life, but I do know that there is a message in this story. I’d love to hear your thoughts, and to share this harrowing yet somehow lovely account, in Colonel Gonin’s own words. It’s not an easy read, but it’s a rewarding one.

Hope in a tube of lipstick,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-lipstick-effect/feed/ 8 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/facials-not-what-you-might-think/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/facials-not-what-you-might-think/#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:15:02 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=311 If you’ve never had a facial, it might not be what you think. Many people have preconceived notions that this type of spa treatment is a decadent slathering of creams onto the face with little or no real impact. Honestly, at many spas these notions are a reality. At IO our facials are quite the contrary.

IO Facials include lavish massage of face, decollete, neck, shoulders, arms and sometimes even feet, plus often double-exfoliation, masks with enzymatic peeling power, serums to tighten and firm, oils to super-hydrate, all beautifully scented and many organic and natural products that really work. I think of a great facial as a health treatment for my body’s most visible, biggest and very important organ: the one that’s exposed to constant stress in the form of solar rays, urban grime and all sort of invasive pollutants that are unavoidable in modern city life.



Our IO facials are all performed with the same supremely high-quality products that we sell in our boutique, and are customized to your particular skin type and situation. We never use generic products, ever. Depending on the treatment, in various ratios a facial will hydrate, rejuvenate, deep-clean, and slow down the aging process. Regardless of the specialty, a facial at IO is meant to restore health to exhausted or ignored skin and give it the confidence and attention to bounce back.

Of course, a facial isn’t a face lift, but it is vastly safer, way cheaper, and feels better. You’ll likely leave the spa with the most radiant skin of your life for at least a few days. Continue to take good care of your skin at home and your friends will certainly comment about your amazing skin and maybe even accuse you of a recent round of Botox. Ha!

From Sonja of The Coveted’s “My Year of Beauty” post in January: “I had my first facial at IO this year. It was the best facial I’ve ever had, which is no small feat, because I’ve had many over the years.”

And to reciprocate, The Coveted is a really great, edgy local blog that has gotten national exposure for its refreshing, sassy coverage of fashion, beauty and style. The all-female bloggers are especially interested in eco-beauty, vintage clothing, sustainable fashion, and all of those green-friendly catchwords we love to hear.

Never underestimate the power of a good facial.

Amen,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/facials-not-what-you-might-think/feed/ 2 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-tropical-hut-of-ones-own/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-tropical-hut-of-ones-own/#comments Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:18:28 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=308 Ah, the importance of time alone, time away from it all… I cannot stress it enough. I just returned from a yoga retreat with one of my all-time favorite teachers, Peggy Orr, at Haramara in Sayulita, Mexico. Haramara is rustic elegance at its best. And, for me it was out of this world. Literally. So different from city living. The lack of electricity (candles and flashlights only), no cell phone reception, open-air rooms without locks or even many doors, and the freshly prepared veggie and vegan food, facilitated my peace of mind, freedom of spirit and joy of heart.

Upon returning home from Mexico, I followed my urge to revisit Virginia Woolf’s famous women’s lib essay, A Room of One’s Own, where she instructs that every woman with creative and intellectual potential, in order to give her genius a fighting chance to shine, needs 1) a room of her own and 2) a stable passive income. Sure, sounds nice and tough to come by. Some disagree that those things aren’t necessary to expressing genius, but what I can say for sure is that we all need a little time and space to reconnect to our true selves, our heart’s deepest desires, and our uniquely beautiful talents.



The time spent on our own with no particular goal other than to explore ourselves can be spent almost anywhere, in a candlelit bedroom, in a bathtub with music lulling us, on a mountainside trail, or (and I’m currently partial to this option) in a tropical hut with a modest but comfy bed, mosquito net, outdoor shower, and old-fashioned oil lamp to read and write by. (Okay, 4 hours of yoga a day on retreat helps too, but I’m not going to suggest that’s possible for everyone.)

Whatever you do, find some time and space for yourself. At all costs. I promise that the most amazing things will happen.

Time to retreat,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-tropical-hut-of-ones-own/feed/ 3 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/one-thing-at-a-time/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/one-thing-at-a-time/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:30:16 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=297 A life coach gave me a powerful lesson that made a positive impact on how I function in my day-to-day life. For a week, she challenged me to spend a solid hour every day practicing “not multi-tasking”. This sounds easy, but actually requires a healthy does of focus and discipline.

I chose lunchtime. For an hour, I simply ate lunch. I didn’t eat lunch and read. I didn’t eat lunch and talk on the phone. I didn’t eat lunch and work. I even tried not to daydream.



At first, I felt anxious about the lost time. There are so many things we can accomplish by eating while we do something else. Growing up, my parents were never keen on the idea of eating in front of the TV, which of course made it practically irresistible whenever I could get away with it. But now that I am older, I understand why they didn’t want me to develop that mindless habit of shoving food into my mouth while my attention lay elsewhere.

There is a ritual in enjoying food. To actually be present to the taste, the sensations of swallowing, the change in your body chemistry as you integrate the nutrition, and to notice the moment when you are no longer hungry. This, to me, is a way to develop a healthy relationship with food.

These days, I try to integrate the non-multi-tasking concept into cooking. When I cook dinner for myself, I relish the time spent alone in the kitchen. I don’t succumb to the ringing phone. I don’t play music. I enjoy the silent reverie that allows me to appreciate the rhythmic chopping, rinsing, sorting, frying, and even the cleaning. I think it makes for a more delicious and appreciated meal. And at the very least, is a peaceful respite from my cluttered urban life.

So now I challenge you. For one week, or even one evening, can you prepare yourself a lovely meal, without doing anything else? Let me know if it tastes a little different.

For once, resist the urge to multi-task. Sit back and enjoy the present moment.

Bon appetite,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/one-thing-at-a-time/feed/ 3 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-multi-faceted-benefits-of-essential-oils/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-multi-faceted-benefits-of-essential-oils/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:19:20 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=296 Smell is the only sense that we become numb to after a matter of minutes. Bright light is always bright light; we might get used to it, but it’s bright all the same. Loud noise stays loud until our eardrums can’t take it anymore. But scent actually disappears, perceptively. This is why you can’t smell your own perfume after a while. Or your own body odor, for that matter.

This is why aromatherapy is such a powerful therapeutic tool. Well, at least that’s my theory. But when you smell essential oils, the initial hit has a powerful affect on your body and nervous system. When we become numb to the scent, the effects are more subconscious.



A friend of mine swears that peppermint oil is the only thing that makes her feel better when she has a stomach ache. But here’s the catch – she doesn’t simply smell it. She rubs it on her belly. Peppermint oil, like many other essential oils, has powerful absorptive qualities. In a more direct way than peppermint tea or a peppermint candy could penetrate via the digestive system, actually applying peppermint oil to her belly allows the healing fumes to sink directly into the tissues and organs. As an added bonus, the sharp, sweet scent of peppermint oil has an association for her that speaks to healing and reviving. The mere smell of peppermint oil can now have a positive effect, thanks to smell’s strong nostalgic association.

At IO we use this science of aromatherapeutic oils in many of our products and services. The benefits range from somatic to emotional. Many of our massage treatments are customized with essential oils, such as our in-house IO Anoint Oil or In Fiore’s Dayala, Jolie, Shevanti or Tiagi Body Balms.

Pretty much every beauty product we sell or use at IO was selected in part due to its scent. And, of course, the quality of the essential oils in our products have to be up to par for us to stand behind them. Period.

Scent yourself, naturally,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-multi-faceted-benefits-of-essential-oils/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/kick-and-scream-or-age-gracefully/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/kick-and-scream-or-age-gracefully/#comments Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:57:48 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=287 I’ve been working on shifting my attitude about getting older. With each new fine line, sag, and yes, some gray hairs, I give myself a little pep talk. But luckily it’s not always an uphill battle. There are some ways in which getting older is a relief, even kind of nice (wow, did I just say that?).

There’s the whole wisdom-of-experience thing. And as I enter my mid-30s (okay, I know I’m not that old), I’ve realized that thankfully I’m just not as hung up on how I look anymore. And what a relief. There’s a magical and freeing equation that operates like this: the older I get, the less I care about the superficial stuff.

Feeling good matters much more than looking good to me. Making a positive impact on the world matters way more than looking hot in a bikini (and, yes, I still care about how I look in a bathing suit, but thank the lord I don’t panic like I used to, weeks before I knew I’d be seen in one).



That said, I still do my best to look good since that helps me feel good too. Fortunately, I’ve found ways to look good that don’t involve plastic surgery or other terrifying medical procedures. Okay, I admit it helps to work in a spa, where I have immediate access to all sort of age-defying treatments like invigorating facials, relaxing massage, and toning yoga, not to mention fabulous organic products.

Of course by now we know the import of staying in shape, eating right (greens and veggies, healthy oils, minerals, vitamins, and plenty of water) and taking care of ourselves to stay vibrant and healthy. In addition, in my travels and research, I’ve stumbled on more obscure graceful aging techniques like acupuncture face-lifts. Tiny little needles (really, almost imperceptible) are inserted at key points in the face to tone it up. It’s absolutely not invasive, and over time, it actually works to strengthen elasticity in the muscles and settle down fine lines and facial tension. We tested these out briefly at IO, but it didn’t stick (wink. wink). Perhaps someday we’ll offer them again.

So when doubt starts to creep in about aging, I remind myself of this simple and powerful fact: it’s just natural. It’s natural to be concerned about aging. And it’s natural to age. Let’s face it, nobody is getting out of here alive. And if I’m lucky, one day I’ll end up looking like Helen Mirren, who is pretty much a babe, at any age. She’s an elder-hottie with more wisdom and poise than a whole gaggle of cheerleaders.

Don’t be shy, share your age-defying tricks with me for my arsenal. We’re in this together. And you know what they say, “the clock is ticking”…

Ha! Just kidding. Don’t buy into that junk. Throw away the clock. And vow to try, at least, to love yourself as you age. Grace is beautiful, in and of itself. It’s the struggle, the resistance that can make a face and body harsh and more wrinkled than they need to be.

So relax more, and find ways to lighten up in the process.

Aspiring elder-vixen,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/kick-and-scream-or-age-gracefully/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/bottled-water-is-out-tap-water-is-in/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/bottled-water-is-out-tap-water-is-in/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:19:48 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=286 Bottled water used to be all the rage. There was a time not that long ago when you wouldn’t see a photograph of a celebrity without a plastic bottle of water attached to their hand like the world’s hippest accessory. And in every yoga class or gym, bottled water was ubiquitous. Fiji water seemed like the best new product since sliced bread.

Then I heard the other side of the story. The side about how Fiji water is shipped from so far away that the shameless energy expended in its extraction and distribution far outweighs any health benefits you might glean from the stuff. And then there’s the little matter of what happens to the bottle when you are done drinking the water. It doesn’t turn into compost, I’ll put it that way.



Tap water has a bad rap, but here’s a little secret: the United States has the most healthy and least dangerous potable tap water of any country in the world. In the Bay Area in particular, our tap water comes from “high Sierra snowmelt from the pristine Hetch Hetchy Reservoir” (according to sfwater.org – read more about it). You could pretty much drink this water straight out of the river without much worry, and that’s before it goes through the technologically superior water system that we are lucky to be privy to.

Bottled water, on the other hand, is subject to nasty plastics that can leach into your body in an insidious but invisible way. I try to drink more out of the tap. If you’re worried about too much chlorine, fluoride or potential contaminants, use a simple filtration system like a Brita. I’m trying to cut plastic bottles of water out of my life. We don’t carry them at IO. We do sell a bottled water for our parched guests and that’s Antipodes which comes in an elegantly reusable or recyclable glass bottle. And the water we serve to yoga and spa guests is none other than filtered San Francisco tap water.

Okay I know what you’re thinking, tap water? Really? Well, in NYC there’s now even a company bottling and selling New York City tap water! The message of this company flies in the face of the outlandish purity claims of other bottled waters. But it’s still selling water in plastic bottles which I’m not into. For more on this catchy story check out an article about the aptly named, Tap’dNY.

And if you need a little tap water pick-me-up, here are a few easy ways to spice up the on tap experience:

Use an Eco / Body-Friendly Water Bottle
I like my cute SIGG water bottle instead of buying into all that plastic. It’s reusable and not harmful to your health.

Filter Your Own
Sometimes I filter my tap water (and add healthy minerals) by soaking Japanese bamboo charcoal in it. You can get drinking-water grade charcoal in Japantown at various shops like Boulettes Larder in the SF Ferry Building.

Warm It Up
I warm it up with a little lemon and ginger, maybe even some honey. This is a great morning-time tea. It gets the digestive juices flowing for a healthy start to the day.

Mix It Up
I mix it up in a pitcher with fruits and herbs I find in my fridge or cupboard. You’d be surprised what creative combinations you can come up with: herbs like fresh mint and thyme are great, and pretty much any fruit will add a yummy twist to the plain stuff.

For me, the bottom line on water is that it’s good stuff, often even the kind right out of the tap. Simply put, water flushes things out and is the easiest, healthiest way I know to aid elimination. I try to drink a lot of it. Sometimes I forget, but I try, try again.

Go ahead, drink the water,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/bottled-water-is-out-tap-water-is-in/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-artists-way-tap-your-creativity/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-artists-way-tap-your-creativity/#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:22:19 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=280 Recently I dug up a favorite old book, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Have you ever read it? It’s basically a 12-step program for recovering non-creative types. Or to put it another way, a revolutionary book that taught me how to tap into my own latent artist. We all have one ya know…an artist inside. Some of us just forgot how to use it along the way.

Okay so maybe it doesn’t mean deep down you’re a brilliant painter like my dear friend Josephine Taylor-Tobin, an impeccable designer like IO Creative Director, Matt Dick, or a super skilled coiffeur like my pal Alex Sandor. I’m certainly none of these. What it does mean is that we all have the capacity to insert more creative ways of thinking and being into our daily lives…even if that life is mostly spent in front of a computer or serving others.

And in becoming more creative, we boost our ability to do our jobs better, live our lives more fully. Plus it’s just a heck of a lot more fun.



This book still inspires me. Periodically I revisit it and remind myself to make space for the inner artist in my day-to-day life. Sometimes this looks like a daily journaling practice. Painting silly watercolor artwork for my eyes only. Singing along loudly to my iPod in my room, while driving, and yes, there’s always the shower option. These days, I am channeling my creativity through beginning a teaching practice. I am stepping up to lead workshops as part of our IO Wellness Workshops series. My first workshop of the sort will be in March (stay tuned on our workshop page for details). It’s an Urban Renew YOU Retreat that I am pleased to be co-leading with Dr. Brenda Wade. Think spa treatments, yoga, a little friendly meditation and lots of tips and tools to be the most inspired version of beautiful YOU.

The Artist’s Way also taught me the value of the “artist’s date”. It’s a non-negotiable, regularly scheduled date I make with myself, and only myself. Sometimes I go to the movies. Sometimes I visit a museum. Sometimes I just curl up with a book. How the time is spent is not nearly as important as the priority commitment to spending time with number one. It’s kind of like a soul Sabbath, if you will.

In my favorite quote from the book, Julie Cameron puts it beautifully: “In a sense, as we are creative beings, our lives become our works of art.”

Think about it. Don’t you want your own life to be a work of art? And what would that look like for you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Be creative,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-artists-way-tap-your-creativity/feed/ 3 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/one-good-way-to-stay-warm/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/one-good-way-to-stay-warm/#comments Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:41:06 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=281 Through this chilly January weather, hot stone massage is an amazing way to stay warm. It might sound a bit frou-frou, but it’s actually one of the more down-to-earth bodywork experiences. It’s very mentally calming and muscle-tension melting. The technique of hot stone massage has its roots in ancient Native American and indigenous Hawaiian rituals. I’ve also seen it integrated into shiatsu sessions at traditional Japanese spas.



Here’s how it works: hand-sized smooth basalt river rocks are heated to just the right temperature (not too hot, not too cold, just perfectly warm) and placed on select areas of the body – like the hands, feet or along the back. The heat selectively warms and relaxes particular muscles, allowing the massage therapist to affect your body in a deeper way, without overheating you systemically. The subtle heat radiates throughout your nervous system, promoting relaxation and stimulating circulation. It’s a very comforting experience and a sweet twist on standard massage.

At IO, we personalize our hot stone massage with the addition of our Anoint body oil. The aromatic effects of white lotus and jasmine flower combined with the antioxidant properties of grapeseed oil elevate this massage experience to a higher caliber of relaxation. The lubricating property of the oil allows the massage therapist to smoothly massage the stones along your muscles for a more dynamic effect.

If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’ve heard me herald the benefits of our IO Organic Product line. I helped design these products, I really believe in them, and I especially love to see them integrated into our amazing bodywork sessions. If you’re looking for an interesting alternative to traditional massage, might I suggest you give this one a try. I bet you’ll love it.

Stay warm,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/one-good-way-to-stay-warm/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-wonders-of-kombucha/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-wonders-of-kombucha/#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:08:34 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=277 It’s official, kombucha is getting trendy. It’s on the lips of many health-seekers as one of the current trendy health drinks (think pomegranate juice). While trends of any kind are often just fads, the truth about kombucha tea is that it’s been around for thousands of years even though it’s just now making its healing mark on our holistically impaired Western culture.

Kombucha is basically a fermented tea. In the ancient Far East, where kombucha originated, it was known as the “Immortal Health Elixir”. A tall order, if you ask me. But kombucha does seem to have some pretty incredible health benefits.



Kombucha is often casually referred to as “mushroom tea”, but in truth, there are no mushrooms involved in its making. It’s actually fermented from several strains of bacterial and yeast cultures. The clustered culture looks like a mushroom when growing on the tea as its being fermented, thus the misnomer. Each bottle of kombucha allegedly contains over a billion of the healthy little guys. The fermentation of this particular mix of microbes creates a drink that’s contains C and B vitamins along with various beneficial enzymes and essential amino acids. The bacteria also results in probiotics being pleasantly rampant in the brewed tea so it’s great for your gut.

Aside from aiding digestion, what else does kombucha actually do for you? Health claims range from boosting liver functionality to actually preventing cancer. It’s an antioxidant, and that’s always good in our toxic world.

Regardless of its heralded health benefits, kombucha is a bit of an acquired taste. It has a tangy bite. I actually heard someone refer to it as “the roquefort of tea”. In my humble opinion, the kombucha that we carry at IO – Kombucha Wonder Drink (not so humble name) – is one of the tastiest of the commercial lot. It’s naturally effervescent, comes in several quixotic flavors with an oolong tea base, and is certified organic. (You can always brew your own kombucha at home, but it’s not for everyone. Aside from being difficult, messy and time-consuming, it’s tough to get the recipe right.)

At the very least, kombucha is a nice twist on a simple refreshing beverage.

I ‘heart’ kombucha,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/the-wonders-of-kombucha/feed/ 3 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-different-kind-of-power-lunch/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-different-kind-of-power-lunch/#comments Fri, 16 Jan 2009 03:40:27 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=274 Partly for my own selfish reasons, we’ve introduced noon “Power Lunch” yoga classes to our regular schedule at International Orange.

With ten years of yoga practice under my belt, I’m in a place where a shorter, more concentrated class packs a vital punch, especially in the middle of my workday. Most standard yoga classes range from 90 minutes to two hours, but that time commitment doesn’t always work for me. A solid hour of no-nonsense physical yoga serves a couple of purposes.



First, it resets my day. I often find that when I step away from the tasks at hand, I get a clarified view of the bigger picture that lets me come back to work creatively re-energized. Like I mentioned in my last blog about yoga, the simple act of hanging upside down and breathing is a great way to “drop my brain” and get rid of all the clutter. Then, the solutions to my daily problems can shine through.

Metabolically speaking, throwing some physicality into my afternoon keeps me on track to eat healthier and sleep soundly that night. Yoga reminds me to take better care of myself.

And, when I can’t rationalize spending an hour outside in the sunshine in the middle of my day, I can at least lounge in the sunny yoga studio at IO. Not that our somewhat rigorous Power Lunch classes necessarily constitute “lounging”. But if I’m lucky, I’ll chance upon one of those golden moments where I feel calm and at peace with my universe. I love those moments.

Whether that sense of peace comes from the relaxing exhaustion of physical exertion, the joy and harmony of chanting “OM”, or simply the time spent focused on me, it feels awfully good.

Now that’s my idea of a Power Lunch.

Food for thought,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/a-different-kind-of-power-lunch/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/1600-pounds-of-garbage/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/1600-pounds-of-garbage/#comments Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:22:58 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=271 That’s the average amount of garbage each of us creates a year.

Yesterday, an activist friend of mine showed me a photo of a gargantuan pile of garbage and plastic waste that will basically never decompose – at least, not in our lifetimes. Or those of our children. Now that’s depressing.

It can be a bit daunting to feel personally responsible for the earth, but the truth is, every piece of garbage you don’t create is a step in the right direction. I’ve adjusted my own personal sense of entitlement when it comes to creating waste by implementing the following changes in my habits.



Generate Less Garbage
Recycling is good and reusing is even better. I hang onto a few extra glass jars and plastic containers to use instead of tuperware. I don’t like clutter either so I don’t collect too many jars, but having a few around is always useful for storing leftovers, homemade salad dressing or even as a bud vase for a flower.

Boycott Plastic and Styrofoam
Whenever possible, I boycott plastic and styrofoam. If I find myself in desperate need of a beverage when I’m out, I go for the ones in glass bottles. Plastic is, in my opinion, a fairly evil substance. It’s not just bad for the environment, it’s bad for your health. And, throwing out styrofoam makes me cry, so I try not to get takeout from places that use it. Most businesses will change if you tell them it’s important. Consumer opinion counts so let your favorite vendors know.

Don’t Throw Away Useful Things
I don’t necessarily throw things out when I get sick of them. I donate them. I give them away to friends. The nice thing about living in a city is that what I consider trash is often someone’s treasure.

Read News Online and Share Your Books
I read the newspaper online or second hand in a coffee shop. I give most of my books away as soon as I’m done reading them. Favorites I keep, but I try to keep the information flowing into my brain and then pass it on to a friend.

Buy Recycled Paper Products
I buy recycled toilet paper, paper towels and printer paper. Okay, so recycled toilet paper may not be quite as cushy as some on the market, but if there’s one product that deserves to be made from recycled paper it’s this one.

Recycle Better
I highly encourage you to take 2 minutes to learn the rules of recycling. If you muck up your recycled items with real garbage, the city throws it all out. Don’t let your recycling efforts be for naught!

Bring Your Own Bag
I do my best not to accept paper bags for my groceries. I keep a light-weight canvas bag in my over-sized purse and use both for my store bought items. If I have to take a paper bag, I always reuse it or compost it. Yes, paper bags are compostable which leads me to my next tip…

Compost It
San Franciscans are blessed with a civic composting program (those lime green trash bins). All food products, yard waste and paper products that don’t have plastic coating, including milk cartons are fair game. Sign up your building or home for the service and keep your compostables out of our landfill.

One more thing, if you really want to be convinced of the perils of garbage, rent the movie WALL-E. It may be an animated “kids” movie, but it’s a sadly realistic projection of how the earth will turn out if we don’t find a way to reign in our trash habit.

Keep it clean,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/1600-pounds-of-garbage/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/io-wellness-workshops/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/io-wellness-workshops/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:45:12 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=268 The time has come for us to dive deeper into our commitment to beauty and wellness from the inside out. With that, I’m thrilled to introduce our upcoming IO Wellness Workshops for 2009.



Since 2002, we’ve offered exceptional yoga and movement-based workshops at IO, but this year we move beyond our old paradigm and expand our offering to bring you new meaningful experiences. All of these workshops aim to supplement your health and well being by introducing you to new tools and practices that have worked for me, and the IO Team, first hand.

The first workshop is just around the corner on Saturday, January 24: Rejuvenation with Indigo Stray.
If you love yoga but think of it as a way to work out and get in shape, this is a great opportunity to experience the other side of yoga – the one where you simply let go, relax, and reap the benefits in a passive way. This is the exact opposite of the “no pain no gain” mindset a lot of us get trapped in when it comes to our physical practices.

Restorative yoga is the asana equivalent of a hot bath or a good massage, and it’s appropriate for a wide range of experience levels. This can be your first yoga experience or your one thousandth. Either way, I highly recommend indulging in a Saturday afternoon of peace, quiet, and lounging about (in a beneficial way) in our tranquil, warm IO movement studio. I love Indigo’s teaching and I L-O-V-E restorative yoga.

On Saturday, February 7, Dance Your Bliss with creator Rachel Fleischman as we roll up the yoga mats and dance. Rachel has the credentials to guide us in a truly transformative afternoon of dancing, intention setting and just plain fun. She is a successful psychotherapist as well as a pioneer in the art of healing-based movement. But don’t worry; she won’t be analyzing you, just empowering you to let go for a few hours. Think of it as a mini-retreat for body and soul.

And here’s one very close to my heart: on Saturday, February 28, I will co-lead an Urban Wellness Retreat with Dr. Brenda Wade, a renowned psychologist and motivational speaker known for her “love centered approach to transformation” (and yes, she has even been on Oprah). This afternoon will be a rich collaboration of yoga, spa treatments and wellness guidance. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience what IO is truly all about.

Early this year we’ll also be hosting a Yoga Inversions workshop, a class on energizing Ayurvedic Food and watch out, we’re just getting warmed up… Stay tuned to our workshop schedule.

See you there,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/io-wellness-workshops/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/what-inspires-you/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/what-inspires-you/#comments Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:35:32 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=265 A brand new year, resolutions, the presidential inauguration any day now – never a better time to look ahead with hope and idealism. It’s also a ripe opportunity to reflect on past experiences and people that have inspired us and instigated reflection and personal growth in our lives.

In my own life, inspiration often comes from the most unsuspecting places.

You won’t usually find me lauding a coming-of-age baseball story since I’m not much of a sports buff, but here’s a great exception. It’s the story of my friends, the Miller twins, who made an autobiographical first film called “Touching Home” and what’s more, just got a major book deal. They did it against the odds, with unrivaled tenacity and in honor of their deceased dad who was always their biggest fan.



Noah and Logan Miller grew up in rural West Marin in a working-class family, a few towns away from where I grew up in a county where money is pouring out of most pockets. Their passion was baseball, and they climbed their way out of a poor childhood and became rising sports stars. In the end, their baseball dreams didn’t work out and they eventually found themselves back at home working in a quarry alongside their often drunk, sometimes-homeless and ever troubled dad. (It’s a little weird sharing such personal details about guys I know, but there’s a film about it and soon a book release so I figure I’m allowed.)

This could have easily been the end of their ambitions, but the Miller twins made “lemonade” out of their lemons and released a notable indie movie as a paean to their father, who died of a heart attack, penniless in jail in 2006. With 17 credit cards and a boat load of gumption but absolutely zero experience making movies, they managed to convince elite actor, Ed Harris, to play the role of their dad and in the process told a cathartic story about family that helped them, in their own words, “memorialize our father”. Did I mention that they are also the stars of the film, wrote and directed it themselves and it’s actually really good?

Aside from the pathos of the story portrayed in this movie, the story behind the movie and the determination of the Miller twins to get it made is so inspiring, it’s also a testament to how losing sight of one dream can actually kick-start another.

The struggle against adversity is a classic movie formula because it echoes real life. In one way or other, we all come up against great challenge and struggle in our lives. Buddhist philosophy says that confronting our suffering and transforming it into learning is the heart of life. Or in Western words: what doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.

Thanks to the Miller twins for their inspiration.

What inspires you?

Gratefully,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/what-inspires-you/feed/ 8 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/2009-resolve-to-look-ahead-with-positivity/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/2009-resolve-to-look-ahead-with-positivity/#comments Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:48:29 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=259 Here’s an inspired twist on making New Year’s resolutions:

Over the next few days (or even on New Year’s Eve – why not?) take time out to meditate on where you’d like to see yourself by the end of 2009. Envision changes you’re eager to make in all of the different areas of your life – career, relationships, finances, your health and personal goals. Be realistic and compassionate, but don’t be afraid to dream big.



Then, write yourself a letter. Now here’s the key – write it in the present tense, as if these things have already happened. I know it’s a little hokey, but who cares.

Dear Amy,

I am so proud of you. In the last year, you finally learned to take more time for yourself, to embrace your health wholeheartedly, to meditate daily, take even better care of your body, and to handle all of your challenges with more grace and poise.

You made sure to relax, read books, get regular massages and facials, enjoy yoga, travel extensively, experience culture and spend quality time with your loved ones.

You were also grateful and proud to see International Orange grow and your team more aligned and positive than ever. I’d like to think that you set such a good example for your staff by taking care of yourself that they were inspired to treat themselves better as well. And that seed rippled down through your community, to your International Orange clients, and in turn to their friends and family.

That’s why International Orange is a thriving, vibrant business and a comforting sanctuary for so many San Franciscans even in a time when that’s not the case everywhere. I am so proud of who you are and what you’ve helped bring to the world.

Love,
Amy

Seal and address the letter to yourself, give it to your most organized and reliable friend, and ask them to mail it to you in early December of 2009. Then, forget all about it. Give it up to the gods, as they say.

It might sound like a contrived visualization technique à la “The Secret”, but it’s actually a profound experience. You might amaze yourself when, a year from now, you read the letter and find that you are actually in a much different place then when you started your year. It’s all about setting an intention in motion. Here’s what it’s not about: pressure, guilt or perfectionism.

So often, New Year’s resolutions seem designed to submit us to failure. We throw our hearts into them for a month or so and then we give up and forget all about them. This year, I invite you to try a different path.

Wishing you health, love and happiness in 2009,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/2009-resolve-to-look-ahead-with-positivity/feed/ 2 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wallet-friendly-io-spa-yoga-lounge-memberships/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wallet-friendly-io-spa-yoga-lounge-memberships/#comments Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:08:18 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=260 We’ve offered IO Spa and Yoga Memberships since we opened in May 2002 but now more than at any time since we’ve been in business, personal wellness is even more critical and needed. Stressful times require special measures to keep us healthy, happy and sane.

As an antidote for these times, we introduce our new cost-friendly IO Memberships available during January 2009. Just in time for all those resolutions you’ll be making. Here’s one resolution we can help you commit to… the commitment to your own body, to balance and to regular stress-relief.



Introducing three new memberships with superior wellness benefits including consistent and exceptional care of your body and mind. We offer Spa and Yoga, Spa-Only and Yoga-Only Membership options with exceptional pricing and including some very special perks:

Savings of Over 30% – deeper than our weekly offers stretch

Ease of Booking via Email – with your dedicated Membership Coordinator

10% Retail Savings – on all products purchased at IO

Share Your Membership – share 4 treatments per year with the guest of your choice

All of us at IO are dedicated to your wellness transformation. Now all you have to do is dedicate yourself.

Stretch your Mind. Move your Body. Feel your Skin.
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/wallet-friendly-io-spa-yoga-lounge-memberships/feed/ 1 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/holiday-gifts-that-do-a-body-good/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/holiday-gifts-that-do-a-body-good/#comments Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:54:04 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=254 This year my family agreed only to give one another gifts that fit the following criteria:
You can eat it. You can read it. It’s homemade. It does a body good.

These gift-giving guidelines were a good and worthy challenge. Needless to say, I’m still working on a photo collage for my brother (oops, don’t tell). So, if you’re like me and you’re still getting the whole gift thing together, no panicking.



For great finds in the edible and homemade category, if you live in San Francisco, the Ferry Building offers stellar last minute options. Yesterday I bought some truffle salt and acacia honey that will warm the bellies of my nearest and dearest. In addition, here are some simple but thoughtful IO gift ideas that speak to tranquility, health and natural beauty – qualities we aim to exemplify with all of our offerings at IO.

Spa Treatments at International Orange
We have some superior IO Holiday Spa Specials. And, there’s nothing more nurturing than gifting a friend the time to dedicate to their own wellness. We all have someone in our life who could use a good excuse to slow down, even if just for an hour or two.

Our Very Own IO Handcrafted, Organic Products
A great choice if you are committed to supporting fair trade and organic farming. Beyond that, our products are made with love and are cultivated with absolute attention to detail. I can personally attest that there is nothing synthetic about our aptly named products, Cleanse, Enrich, Restore, Nourish, Balance, Anoint and Bathe. They smell pretty amazing too. Year after year, my family and friends yearn for these homemade and good-for-your-body gifts.

A Bath with Candle Light
Well, you can’t actually give someone a bath wrapped up in a box, but you can set them up for success with our IO Bathe – a sea salt-based detoxifying bath treatment that’s designed to encourage circulation while calming the nervous system. Toss in a Kai Skylight Candle and you can rest comfortably knowing you’ve given a loved one an evening of blissed-out alone time. What a gift.

The Gift of Pampered Skin
My soul-sister, Julie Elliott, serves up amazing gifts with her geniously handcrafted products from In Fiore. Her luscious balms make bodies supple and well-scented. Some even pay special and seductive attention to specific and important parts of the body, like Peppermint Pedicurie for feet and toes, Decollete Balm for chest and neck and Bikini Balm for you know where. Always on my gifting list are the equally irresistible all-over body balms like Kashmir (rich, woody and great for guys), Tiagi (lavender, lemongrass and my mom’s favorite) and Dayala (great for exotic flower lovers, like me). For even more variety, IO also carries a bevy of creams, lotions, scrubs and cleanses for you to browse online or in our shop on Fillmore Street.

Yoga
I’ve talked a lot about the healing power of yoga in recent blogs. Spread the gospel by giving a gift certificate to yoga classes at IO. Like our products, we handpick our yoga teachers based on their level of expertise and their nurturing presence. For beginners, a private yoga session with one of our experienced staff can be a great way to encourage them to jump in.

That’s about it for my holiday gift pitch. I wouldn’t be promoting IO products and services if I didn’t feel personally invested in all of them. That’s how we do it over here at IO. We founded IO with the vision of creating an urban destination of calm, healing and transformation. The products we sell are a direct representation of our core values. It’s my gift to you to offer them up this holiday season… and beyond.

Happy, happy, merry, merry,
Amy

]]> http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/holiday-gifts-that-do-a-body-good/feed/ 0 http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/this-holiday-season-take-time-for-number-one/ http://www.internationalorange.com/blog/this-holiday-season-take-time-for-number-one/#comments Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:20:05 +0000 ron.wilde http://www.internationalorange.com/?p=250 This time of year it’s so darned easy to get pulled into the holiday momentum in a not so healthy way.

Are you feeling obligated to attend every last get-together while simultaneously crunching in work deadlines, shopping for gifts amidst the retail mayhem, hosting family, hanging decorations and trying to do it with a tighter budget and a smile on your face?

Well, that’s just crazy, isn’t it? Things can quickly become very overwhelming. Overwhelming and stressful.

I find it useful to remind myself that it’s normal to feel a little sluggish as the days get shorter and chillier. There was frost on the ground this morning as I took my morning walk. It even looked like there was snow in San Francisco on Monday morning since all the hail that fell the night before had piled up on street corners. It was a rare site and proof that winter is mere days away. Here she comes, the season of hibernation. We either choose to invite her in with a warm welcome or she comes blowing the door down anyway.



Biologically, in fact, our bodies are designed to go into a semi-state of hibernation this time of year. Of course, that’s not what ends up happening in our modern Western world. Still, there are ways to slow down even during the frenzied month of December. Here are some effective tips I’ve cultivated in my own life to help ease the pandemonium of the holidays.

Just Say No…To Evites
Ask yourself, if I say no to this party, will I really be missed? Okay, so you’ll be missed. But will you be missed to the extent that it’s worth stretching yourself thin to make this happen? Pick and choose your social outings based on what will make YOU happy, not what you feel obligated to attend.

One for Me, One for You
While you’re opting out of mad socializing, take the extra time to do something nice for yourself. Indulge in a restorative yoga class, treat yourself to a relaxing massage, or maybe just a nice hot bath.

You at the Top of the List
Put yourself at the top of your holiday shopping list. Even if it’s just a candle or some bath salts, give yourself a token of appreciation. Truly, I believe that we best serve others and the world by taking care of ourselves first so we are better equipped to give wholeheartedly and generously to others. I’m still working on this one myself, but I’ve made a lot of progress that shows me this lesson is a good one. Give it a try with me.

Wallow in Sleep
Get in bed a little earlier, at least once a week. Light a candle. Sip a warm cup of tea, hot milk with honey or hot apple cider. Crack open the book that you’ve been wanting to read, but have been too tired and too busy to pause for. Read a few well-deserved pages. Drift off into a sweet slumber. (Remember to blow out your candle first. A house fire would not be relaxing.)

Revel in Food
‘Tis the season. This time of year a little more food is called for. Go ahead, have some comfort food. Satisfying a yearning for comforting food can help prevent over snacking on sweets or junk. If you go easy on the alcohol then having a little more comfort food won’t result in weight gain. Enjoy the warmth of stews and soups. Remember to eat foods in season like root veggies and dark leafy greens with fortifying vitamins and minerals. Opt for cooked foods instead of raw for easier digestion during cold winter months. Keep your internal system warm and well fed. You’ll be healthier and more satisfied.

Don’t Worry Your Pretty Head
Go easy on yourself. Worrying less results in a sparkling glow from the inside out and fewer wrinkles. It’s proven. Don’t worry too much about the consequences of these simple suggestions above. None of these things are harmful to your health. Any lingering guilt you may have, toss it away. Plus, that’s what New Year’s Resolutions are for.

Have a little fun with taking care of yourself, as well as others, this season. Give yourself permission to hibernate a little too and send yourself into the New Year feeling healthy, balanced and recharged.

Take time for number one,
Amy

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