Posts tagged with "relaxation"

Transforming Your Home With Self-Care In Mind

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If you’re searching for methods of transforming your home into a self-care sanctuary, you may be surprised to know that you don’t exactly have to spend a fortune to achieve this healing goal. Your home should showcase optimal comfortability level and while you should view your home as the one place in the world you can truly let go and just relax, you will benefit significantly health-wise from making small impactful adjustments to your day-to-day lifestyle as well. From reducing anxiety and stress to an improved ability to find quality sleep on a regular basis, making necessary changes will benefit your life in many ways. Therefore, incorporating self-care routines such as hand and nail care, while making physical changes to your home will be an effort that will continue to pay off.

The following home adjustments will increase your quality of life and transform your home into the ultimate calming sanctuary.

Relaxation Through Nature

Bringing nature indoors has become an increasingly popular design trend in recent years, and for several notable reasons. While the visual appeal of natural elements, such as pot plants and elegant wall fountains for the indoors will drastically transform your bland space instantly, the health benefits of nature will impact your quality of life through inducing calm and relaxation. This is because simply being around nature will help you feel more at ease, and there is ample scientific evidence to support the fact. Even though you don’t have to transform your home into an indoor jungle, adding a few indoor plants and incorporating the soothing sounds of running water with even a small water wall will be enough to summon an absolutely blissful atmosphere.

Other methods of bringing nature in, suggest that creating a small and practical kitchen herb garden or creating a display shelf of assorted crystals and gems are also incredibly popular. It is key to avoid going overboard and rather build up a natural aroma in your home as you go, as this will help you actively create an interior design you are comfortable with, rather than making extreme changes that may feel overwhelming.

Focus On Comfort

So many homeowners make the all too common mistake of designing their homes with visual appeal in mind while neglecting elements such as comfort. Even though the visual appeal is important, many would agree that it is far more important to feel comfortable in you home rather than focus on methods of impressing guests with your modern design talent. Therefore, a simple way of transforming your home without spending too much is to simply assess your current home design and consider which elements are cramping the comfort level. Perhaps you could add a few more cosy scatter cushions, or remove overwhelming decor items that take up space and harden the atmosphere. Your home should be decorated for you, and not for your guests. Adding comfort items such as candles, cushions, and area rugs is a great and affordable way of enhancing comfort in your home.

Keep Your Home Clean And Fresh

There’s no denying that countless homeowners around the world truly underestimate the impacts of a clean and fresh home. As many feel that a cluttered and cramped living space impacts their quality of life, a clean home will have the opposite effect. However, if you are not entirely fond of cleaning, it would be wise to consider creating a cleaning schedule that allows you to complete one or two tasks per day as this will help you reduce the overall effort, while you are able to keep your home clean in general. You could designate Mondays for dusting, Tuesdays for laundry, and so on. Alternatively, you could also craft a calming cleaning schedule and change your perspective on the chore by considering cleaning as a detox of your home that will ultimately detox your daily life from dust, clutter, and other smothering negatives that live in our homes.

Repaint With Relaxation In Mind

Painting your home is an extremely affordable way of increasing property value, and instantly sprucing up your property as well. However, if you opt to repaint with relaxation in mind by opting for calming colours such as neutral colours and soothing tones, you will be able to notice an immediate impact on the general atmosphere in your home. Therefore, you should avoid bright and bold colours such as emerald green and shocking pink as these are by no means relaxing colours. Grey palettes and pastels are perfect when considering your comfort.

Mama Medicine’s “Multi-Sensory” Readings

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The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown welcomes Mama Medicine, expert in ancient multi-sensory Medicine Readings, as the latest addition to the iconic Resident Healers Program.

Mama Medicine, whose given name is Deborah Hanekamp, now joins the Resident Healer Program with a unique health and wellness offering known as Medicine Readings. Having previously been named “Fashion’s Favorite Healer” by Vogue magazine, her work integrates more than 17 years of experience and wisdom in the healing arts. Her Medicine Readings blends ancient knowledge from across a variety of traditions. At the end of every Medicine Reading, Deborah prescribes spiritual homework and a ritual bath. These beautiful baths (with flowers, crystals and herbs), along with her unique aesthetic and approachable personality, have garnered Mama Medicine tens of thousands of global followers. In a world of gurus and self-help, Mama Medicine helps us connect to the inner shaman within us all: the power of love.

Created by Spa Director Tara Cruz, the Resident Healers Program launched on International Women’s Day 2018 to highlight three exceptional women with diverse offerings within the health and wellness space in New York City. Each of the three Resident Healers provide unique, mindful experiences for guests during one-one-one private appointments at The Spa. Deganit Nuur is an acupuncturist, herbalist and clairvoyant; Rashia Bell is a crystal healer and mediation master; and Snow Shimazu is a travel wellness expert, advanced body work educator and all-around wellness guru. In 2019 the Program once again expanded in time for International Women’s Day, with the addition of Michelle Pirret, International Sonic Alchemist. Each of these leading women offers guests seeking something greater than the traditional spa service.

In-Person Medicine Readings

Mama Medicine will offer in-person Medicine Readings for in-house guests, residents and local clientele.

A Medicine Reading is a healing modality created by Deborah Hanekamp designed to empower people to be their own healers. It involves the combination of conversation, an aura reading, and a healing ritual. It’s a very collaborative experience – the client shares what they are calling in or clearing out of their life, and then Deborah, based on what she sees, shares hidden talents, gifts or blocks that are coming up. In the ceremony, Deborah uses crystal singing bowls, song and scent to cleanse, bless and protect. During the session the client will lay on a heated bed of amethyst and black tourmaline crystals. 60 Minutes / USD 555

Mama Medicine is available for private appointments through March, April, May and June.

To book an individual consultation with Mama Medicine or any of the Resident Healers, contact The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown at 646-880-1990.

THE LIMING × BEQUIA

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THE LIMING, BEQUIA REOPENS IN NOVEMBER ON THE ISLAND OF THE CLOUDS

Caribbean Jewel Celebrates One Year Anniversary with Special Reopening Offer

Travelers seeking to practice liming or “the art of doing nothing” can do just that when The Liming, Bequia reopens in November. Nestled among St Vincent and the Grenadines, the tiny island’s newest luxury resort reopens on November 9th, celebrating their one-year anniversary with a special offer that promises to delight jetsetters from near and far.

Opened in December 2018, The Liming, Bequia is a boutique hideaway refreshingly located off the beaten track on the idyllic island of Bequia (Bek-way), the Caribbean’s best-kept secret. Launched by the Caribbean hotel management company The Liming Management, The Liming, Bequia offers guests a space to reflect and live the authentic island life of the Caribbean where channeling escapism is front and center. Influenced by the serenity of the local way of life, guests can reset and recharge in one of The Liming, Bequia’s 11 spacious and stylish private villas, each offering exquisite ocean vistas while retaining the utmost privacy and intimacy. With lush gardens, a private marina and views towards Canouan and Mayreau, The Liming, Bequia instantly rewards guests for going that bit further. The Liming, Bequia is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH).

Reopening after the off-season on November 9th, The Liming, Bequia is offering a special offer for travelers to entice guests to enjoy liming for even longer. The “Stay for 7 nights, Pay only for 5” offer is valid for bed and breakfast stays from November 9th – December 16th, 2019 and March 1st – April 30th, 2020. This offer must be booked by September 30th, 2019. Guests receive a $50USD credit for dinner per person per week. Rates start at $550USD per night in double occupancy on a bed and breakfast basis.

Villas

The philosophy behind The Liming, Bequia embodies the local liming approach to Caribbean life or “the art of doing nothing”. At The Liming, Bequia, this leisurely way to pass the time comes with added luxury enhanced by The Liming Management’s worldwide luxury expertise. Guests can choose from an array of spacious and modern one to five-bedroom villas and Junior Suite. The Gingerlilly Mansion is a five-suite bedroom house that sits majestically on the ridgeline above The Liming. With a plunge pool on one end and a freshwater swimming pool on the other, The Gingerlilly Mansion is perfect for friends and families vacationing together with its large dining room, media room, lounge, state-0f-the-art kitchen, living room, five well-appointed bedrooms with sea and ocean views and more. The ridgetop villa is ideal for entertaining with its own gazebo and lush gardens and spectacular views overlooking Mustique and St Vincent islands. All villas feature air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, 40-inch Smart TVs, Bluetooth Bose speakers and mini-bars. The one and tw0-bedroom villas feature private infinity pools. For travelers looking for the ultimate privacy, the exclusive one-bedroom Junior Suite has its own private terrace which enhances the suite’s airy, open-plan setting. With a private hot tub and breathtaking ocean views, the Junior Suite is ideal for that romantic getaway.

Cuisine

Boasting a tantalizing choice of locally sourced ingredients and a menu that changes seasonally including fresh island picked fruit, aromatic vegetables and ocean to table seafood served in bespoke ice troughs, The Liming Restaurant offers the finest of Bequia’s rich flavors. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Liming Restaurant can also arrange meals including a BBQ for hotel guests in the privacy of their villas or suite. Passing yachts also have the opportunity to experience the hotel’s restaurant by mooring at the resort’s all-purpose marina. The Liming, Bequia offers picnics for island hopping, private beach barbecues and can arrange the chef to cook for private dinners and gatherings. The Liming Restaurant offers an extensive cocktail list and a wine list with a hand-picked selection of fine wines from around the world .

Wellness

Internationally recognized and certified yoga instructor with over 30 years of experience, Patricia Healey practices yoga worldwide primarily in Bequia, Canada and India. From November through May, she teaches weekly classes in Bequia and is available for private classes at The Liming, Bequia with advance notice. The resort can also arrange in-villa/suite massages and spa treatments for guests. Massage treatments include aromatherapy, hot stone, Swedish and deep tissue, all with 30, 60 and 90-minute durations. Spa treatments offered include spa manicures and pedicures.

Weddings

With its sweeping ocean views and lush landscaping, The Liming, Bequia is the ideal venue for destination weddings and offers an array of tailored-made wedding packages. Whether it’s a small, intimate wedding for just up to ten guests or larger parties looking for exclusive use of the entire resort, The Liming, Bequia can accommodate up to 40 guests in its villas on a bed and breakfast basis. For that perfect wedding breakfast, The Liming Restaurant can accommodate up to 80 guests for breakfast through exclusive use of the resort. The restaurant can cater smaller parties with the private hire of the Gingerlilly Mansion for a maximum of ten guests.

The Island

With fewer than 6000 inhabitants, Bequia is the second largest island in the Grenadines at just 7-square miles. The island’s unique magical charm lies in the friendliness of the locals and the easy-going pace of life that is the spirit of Bequians. The Liming, Bequia can arrange island explorations for guests. Those with a thirst for adventure can board a hand-built schooner for a day trip to Mustique, or head into Port Elizabeth, with its colorful wooden houses and bustling produce markets. Learn about local conservation work at the Turtle Sanctuary or take a day trip to Tobago Cays. Enjoy the secluded beaches including Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay which can be reached on foot by the new Belmont Walkway from Port Elizabeth. To experience the panoramic view atop Mount Peggy, Bequia’s highest point with beautiful, unobstructed views, hotel guests can walk from The Liming Bequia towards La Pompe, learning about the history of the whaling industry on the island. Trek through different vegetation zones, including traversing open pastures, dry scrub bush and dry tropical forest to reach the spectacular view at the summit, known as Peggy’s Rock.

Getting to Bequia

Air Canada, American Airlines and Caribbean Airlines fly direct to St Vincent. Other international flights fly to Barbados. SVG AIR is a scheduled shuttle flight service that makes regular stops to the islands throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines. The most common way to get to Bequia from St Vincent is by a 60-minute ferry.

About The Liming, Bequia

Opened in December 2018, The Liming, Bequia is a luxury resort launched by the Caribbean hotel management company The Liming Management. Offering 11 spacious and stylish one to five-bedroom villas and Junior Suite, guests can practice “the art of doing nothing” or liming in privacy while enjoying sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea and nearby islands. Rates start at $550USD per person double occupancy on a bed and breakfast basis which includes air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, 40-inch Smart TVs, Bluetooth Bose speakers and mini-bars. The resort can arrange non-motorized water sports, bespoke boat trips, diving and snorkeling, in-villa/suite massages and spa treatments, private yoga, culinary demos, private beach barbecues and more at an additional cost and based on availability. The Liming Restaurant offers authentic island cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Liming, Bequia is available for weddings and special occasions with the option of exclusive use of the entire resort. The resort offers a Day Pass for $50USD per person which includes a welcome drink, two-course lunch and use of facilities from 11:00am until 5:00pm. For more information, visit www.thelimingbequia.com or email reservations@thelimingbequia.com.

About The Liming Management

Founded in 2018, The Liming Management is a Caribbean hotel management group launched by world-renowned and multi-award winning Inverlochy Castle Management Company and partners. A partnership of highly experienced hotel operators, managers, developers and Caribbean entrepreneurs, The Liming Management’s portfolio consists of luxury properties around the world, including Inverlochy Castle, Cromlix and The Liming, Bequia. Services range from consultancy to full management including new hotel developments (including design and construction), hotel takeovers (including funding and business planning support), exit strategies (including hotel sales and succession planning) and receiverships. For more information, visit https://theliming.com/.

About Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) matches independently minded guests with independently spirited hotels. The diverse collection of over 500 hotels in more than 80 countries around the world includes everything from cutting edge design hotels and city centre sanctuaries to historic country mansions and remote private islands – all SLH hotels are consistently different, however, they are all united by the fact that they offer the best locations, highest quality, personalised service and a truly authentic way to discover a destination. Guests can join SLH’s loyalty programme, INVITED, to receive Small Luxuries from their very first visit. For more information, visit www.slh.com.

EDEN ROC MIAMI BEACH

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7 Reasons To Experience Eden Roc Miami Beach

By Patrick T Cooper

Time to getaway! A jaunt to Eden Roc Miami Beach is the perfect prescription for relaxation. Upon arrival Eden Roc’s lobby will thrust you into an oasis of history. The hotels gently restored golden hand rails lead to sweeping views of the circular bar with signature spirits designed to bring your soul to an immediate rest. The eclectic libations and unique art curation will have you feeling the iconic vibes of legends like Nate King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra. Consider yourself amongst the elite traveler as this destination will envelop you to a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Famed architect Morris Lapidus breathed life into the Miami skyline with the hotels 415 ocean front rooms. Following a complete multi-million dollar restoration the Eden Roc Miami Beach is prepared to welcome you to a new level of hospitality. Allow your skin to absorb the subterranean ocean breezes and your eyes to dissect the elegantly appointed landscape at this Miami haven for global citizens.

Bites

Soaking up the sun can be draining. Who wants a burger? The farm to table cuisine at Malibu Farms is hypnotic. Be sure to order the grass-feed beef burger and Malibu blue nachos your tummy will thank me.

Beach & Spa

With an almost perfect location in the heart of Mid-Beach the Eden Roc is close to South Beach nightlife if you desire dancing and secluded enough for peace of mind. South Beach can be hectic at times so finding a beach chair can be a complete production. Fortunately, the Eden Roc has designated space for all hotel guest making it seamless to soak up the sun rays. Following your sun session follow in my foot steps and dash to the Esencia Wellness Spa. I paired the H2O facial and ocean glow body scrub to restore my skins natural exuberance.

Bed & Balcony

I’ve never slept so well in my life. I must admit I am literally in love with this property. The positioning of the hotel bed looking beyond the balcony toward the Atlantic Ocean was mesmerizing. The gravitational pull of the mattress lead me into siren slumbers. Beyond the bed the suites balcony made for the perfect office backdrop. Creative floods poured as my mind was free and fueled by aesthetically pleasing scenery.

Dinner at Nobu

Dinner fit for a king or queen is an understatement. Nobu is synonymous with great Japanese cuisine. Of course, my elevated Omakase dining experience was obnoxiously insane. Highest of accolades for this moment I was riddled with delightful morsels and you will be too.

Art

Art Lovers prepare to stroll the grounds at Eden Roc Miami Beach. The hotel is filled with color and mediums to inspire and educate you alike. From lobby to suites you can feel the artistic influence of the hotels partnerships with the Brant Foundation and Art Angels.

James Templeton, I Used to Have Cancer

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James Templeton has lived the past 33+ years cancer-free following a stage 4 Melanoma diagnosis. In his new book, I Used to Have Cancer, James chronicles how he created a miracle mindset and a change in lifestyle and diet to overcome his devastating diagnosis – and how he’s now working to inspire others to have hope, even in the face of a terrible disease.

James shares with his readers his own powerful daily routine, including the positive habits, regimens, and recipes he uses to remain healthy day-after-day. He is the also the founder of the Templeton Wellness Foundation, where he regularly chats with and interviews cancer patients, sharing their stories and inspiring others to adapt a lifestyle and mindset that can inspire hope and make all the difference.

Here he offers following healthy lifestyle tips and recipes:

Take Your Body To The Cleaners
It’s so important to sweat every day – whether that’s hopping into a sauna or through physical activity. By sweating, the body can rid itself of toxic wastes and make it easier for the immune system to work its magic.
Daily detox drinks, like superfood smoothies with powdered greens including chlorella and dandelion team, and seasonal herbal GI cleanses that clear out mold and bacteria are also very important when cleansing the body of unwanted toxins.
The East-Meets-West Diet
Food that’s rich in probiotics, like miso, tempeh and sauerkraut, combined with plenty of leafy, plant-based veggies, like brussel sprouts, are crucial for flooding the system with immune-boosting phytonutrients.
Phytonutrients may help prevent disease and can keep your body working properly.
Super Supplements
Certain vitamins, amino acids and plant extracts can help the body build up natural defenses and are easy to include in a daily regimen.
While everyone knows about the power of Vitamin C when fighting a cold, some other important immune-building supplements include proline, lysine, and green tea extract.
Make Time For Yourself!
There is no hidden secret to James’ success – He assures everyone that it’s simply so important to practice the everyday commitment to basic common-sense health rules.
The body needs a full 8-hours of sleep, lots of purifying water, a diet rich in probiotics and phytonutrients, relaxation, and to practice gratitude and forgiveness every day.

About James Templeton

By all standards of success, James Templeton seemed to have it all. He was a highly successful businessman, had a beautiful wife and daughter, and, only in his early thirties, had his whole life in front of him. To avoid the same fate as his father and grandfather, who both died of heart attacks at a young age, James became an avid runner―a passion that he believed helped him stay fit and healthy. Imagine his shock when, during a routine physical, his doctor noticed a mole on his body that turned out to be a melanoma―a dangerous form of skin cancer. The mole was removed immediately and James, who was diligent in his follow-up exams, appeared to be cancer-free―but only for a short while. When the cancer reappeared and had spread, on the advice of his doctor, James followed the conventional medical protocol, which included surgery and chemotherapy. He was also involved in a clinical trial. When he learned that the treatments weren’t working, James was obviously devastated. He had reached a new low point in his life, and as he lay in the hospital bed, he prayed fervently for help. As if by some miracle, help came to James in the form of three different visitors who would change the course of his life―and help direct him on a path back to health.

About I Used to Have Cancer

I Used to Have Cancer is James Templeton’s memoir―an inspiring look back at his unique journey in overcoming stage 4 melanoma. James takes you with him on a trip crisscrossing America, during which he shares the various natural approaches he followed to battle his cancer―from diet and supplements to meditation and lifestyle adjustments. As his journey continued, you will see first-hand how James’ definition of success changed from making money to seeing the next sunrise. And how he continues finding success by reaching out to others to share the lessons he has learned.
While this book largely focuses on the various methods James used to overcome his own cancer, it is also an inspiring story of not giving up when all other avenues of conventional medicine fail. It is about taking control of your life and finding a way back from the brink of death. It is about being able to tell your friends, “I used to have cancer.”

Mindfulness and Meditation for Children

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Breast Cancer Survivor & Yoga Nidra Facilitator Helps Children Live Happier With New Book

Children from all walks of life are exposed to stressful situations daily and learn to think in a way that creates anxiety. Some suffer hardships or see family members go through medical challenges, while others may be exposed to violence or substance abuse. Even children who come from privileged homes with intact families face challenges, whether it be parents who push them too hard, bullies who tease them at school, or online videos that send the wrong messages. All of these events can create insecurities and fears, which today’s youth don’t know to handle. Learning mindfulness techniques can help children be more resilient in the face of stress and help ease their worries.

How can we teach them?

By using a how-to storybook that introduces children to mindfulness techniques for easing anxiety and promoting happiness.

The Dolphin’s Secret: A Meditational Journey for Children by Meryl Best Lowell introduces children to Yoga Nidra—an ancient form of guided meditation which incorporates a sequence of mindfulness techniques—and encourages them to add it to their lives in order to feel calmer and happier. The book weaves how-to steps into the whimsical story of Meri, a beautiful mermaid, and her friend Aloha, a dolphin. Using The Dolphin’s Secret, parents and teachers can lead children ages 4-8 in these exercises as they lay down before naptime or bedtime.

“When children are scared, tired or sad, sometimes they act out in undesirable ways,” says Lowell. “The easy relaxation techniques incorporated into the story of Meri and Aloha will help caregivers as they guide children through ways to better manage themselves when they have these feelings. Not only can the story be used for entertainment when a child is feeling tired, but it can also be referred to in scenarios when a child is upset, and a parent or teacher needs to take action to calm them and stop the behavior from escalating.”

About Meryl Best Lowell

Lowell began practicing guided meditations while undergoing chemotherapy treatments for a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Once treatments were complete, she checked off a bucket-list item and went swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas– a life-enhancing and transformational experience. Later while on a hike, she was inspired to incorporate the mindfulness techniques of Yoga Nidra into a book for children- and of course, use dolphins among the characters.

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Holiday Destinations of Influential Women

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8 Dream Holiday Destinations of Influential Women

Everybody needs to get away from time to time. And the rich and powerful are no exception! In fact, the stress and responsibility of holding an influential position and being constantly in the public eye can make the idea of a holiday even more appealing.

MyLateDeals has researched where the world’s most powerful women choose to go when they finally get a chance to let off some steam.

Queen Elizabeth II

You might think being the longest-reigning Queen of England would be an easy ride. But while Her Majesty may not have to worry about paying the bills each month, she has dealt admirably with personal trauma and national crises over the past seven decades – and remained adored by the national and international public the whole time.

Of course, no British royal is short of a holiday home or two. For Queen Elizabeth, 50,000 acres of moors, forests, and farmland at Balmoral Castle in Scotland provide both privacy and fresh air away from London life.

“I think Granny is the most happy there,” revealed Princess Eugenie a few years back. “I think she really, really loves the Highlands.”

Madonna

The Queen of Pop is the best selling female recording artist of all time and her influence on today’s music culture is inestimable. But rising to the top of the industry wasn’t easy – especially in the sexist atmosphere of the 1980s: “I’m tough, I’m ambitious and I know exactly what I want,” explains Madge. “If that makes me a bitch, okay.”

Madonna may be the archetypal urban woman, but when it’s time to get away nothing less than paradise will do. Soneva Fushi, an idyllic island in the Maldives, is the artist’s “definition of heaven – [a place for] riding bikes in the moonlight and watching movies under a starlit sky.”

With visitors able to reserve their own stretch of sun-baked sand far from the 24-hour news cycle, Soneva Fushi is a place where Madonna needn’t worry about reading, or becoming, hot gossip.

Oprah Winfrey

Talk show host, motivational speaker, philanthropist… president? Such are Oprah Winfrey’s levels of empathy and talent, it’s impossible to rule out quite what she’ll do next. And that’s just what you see on the surface: Winfrey’s business acumen is so sharp that they even teach college courses about it.

Like the Queen of England, Winfrey has an impressive property portfolio and holiday homes to spare. Her first choice destination is her ranch on Maui, Hawaii, where landscape and spirituality walk hand-in-hand: “The real substance and value of being in Hawaii is the unspoken “spirit” of the people and the surroundings,” she writes. “Hawaiians understand that the soul of the land is what matters.”

And what does a talk show host talk about on her time off? “We chat, laugh and rate the sunsets according to their magnificence.”

Pink

While her closest competitors embraced the hyper-sexualisation of early-noughties pop culture, Pink showed the world that it’s possible to stay true to who you are and still make a success of yourself. She has been a true ‘mainstream alternative’ in an age of mass production.

The singer and songwriter finds escape through a vastly different culture: that of the Indonesian island of Bali. She relaxes and has fun with her kids by attending cooking classes, chilling on the beach, and taking in traditional dance and music shows.

“Thank you to the people and the ocean and the energy of Bali,” Pink effuses on Instagram. “We love you.”

Beyoncé

They say the way to Carnegie hall is practice. For Beyoncé, building the stamina to blast stadium audiences with her formidable voice was apparently a matter of running around the block singing at the top of her voice by way of ‘working out’ in her youth. Her talent and hard work have won her 22 Grammy awards and a unique position in 21st-century western culture.

It’s Europe for Beyoncé and hubby Jay-Z when they want a break from the intensity of American living. The French Riviera (including Monaco, Cannes, and St. Tropez) may not be as remote as Bali or Soneva Fushi, but combining the deluxe privacy of a mega-yacht with the bustle and glamour of dining out along the Côte d’Azur seems to do it for the Knowleses.

Meghan Markle

Markle has brought a touch of reality to the royal family, and is becoming an important ambassador not just in diplomatic circles but between everyday people and the British elite. But even before she wooed Prince Harry, sixth in line to the throne, Markle was celebrated both for her acting and for her political activism.

So it’s no wonder her downtime with Harry is often spent in Africa, the continent where the couple pursue a great deal of charitable work. They keep things relatively real at the £580/night Mapula Lodge in Okavango Delta, Botswana, where thatched huts and outdoor showers overlook a stunning lagoon.

“I managed to persuade her to come and join me in Botswana,” said Harry of one of their early ‘dates.’ “We camped out with each other under the stars.”

Michelle Obama

‘First Lady’ was never a title that Michelle Obama was going to accept lightly. The Princeton and Harvard graduate worked as a lawyer and in prominent government positions before cutting back to raise her daughters and become an ambassador for human dignity and justice alongside her husband.

Obama’s holiday plans are as unpretentious as you would expect. Every year, she and her family arrive on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, where the Obamas cycle, play tennis, eat ice-cream, and spend quality time with their dogs, Sunny and Bo.

It’s more about wholesomeness than glamour – but you can be sure Obama returns to her daily routine refreshed and inspired.

Serena Williams

Some say Williams is the greatest female tennis player of all time. But the consensus errs towards her in fact being the greatest athlete of all time, regardless of gender. An astonishing 23 Grand Slam titles – including winning the Australian Open while two months pregnant – would be inspirational enough even if you didn’t consider the extent to which she’s set herself ahead of her rivals and the adversity she’s overcome to get there.

Romantic Rome is Williams’ destination of choice. She met her husband there while breakfasting with friends at the Cavalieri Hotel in 2015; he proposed to her on the same spot a year later.

As she told Traveller: “Rome is one of my favourite cities in the world! It’s such a magical place and I have so many wonderful memories there.”

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Want to know which holiday destination is right for you? MyLateDeals has created a quiz to determine which holiday and inspirational woman you have the most in common with, so prepare to find out.

SANCTUARY ON CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN

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It’s Time to Seek Refuge at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain

By Patrick T Cooper

Sunshine and serenity await you at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. A unique property nestled in beautiful Scottsdale area with a meticulous landscape design. The views alone will bring your mind & body to a peaceful state. Pairing the view with exceptional service makes this travel destination a must visit. Moreover, the new category of room titled camelback casitas and suites are absolutely phenomenal. Get ready to see sunset in a new way.

Wake up and prepare to sizzle by the pool for a gorgeous Arizona tan. Then dash to the spa where there are 12 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms that will renew your spirit. Originally designed as a tennis ranch for the elite, this property is steeped in history. It’s no secret, that American businessman Bob Costellini was a patron of the facility and knew the potential for an award-winning respite for affluent clientele. Year-round outdoor dining is a plus or wrap your day as the hotel boast a magnificent dining experience at Elements with bespoke cocktails. The Sanctuary will have you practicing a new religion of hospitality.

For more about Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa visit : https://www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com/

Women Seize the Oars

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Women’s empowerment has seized the rafting industry. A leading river company is seeing a sizable uptick in the number of women now part of its crew of raft guides and staff. And they are recording an increasing number of female guests on rafting and mountain biking trips, scheduled and chartered.

Holiday River Expeditions (http://www.bikeraft.com/) reports that through the 2018 season, 40 percent of their guide staff were women. That’s the highest representation ever in its 50+ year history. It is looking like this coming year will be no different.

“Most of these women are returning for 2019. And we now have more applications for guide and crew positions coming in from women than from men these days,” said Karen Johnson, Holiday’s long-time office manager and spokeswoman. A growing number of women also serve in the office and warehouse as drivers and company managers. Susan Munroe, a long-time Holiday employee, leads an in-house guide/crew training program. Natalie Osborn has recently come onboard as the Social Media Director. Lauren Wood, a third-generation guide and founder Dee Holladay’s grandchild, is the company’s Trip Director and identifies as non-binary, adding further gender diversity to Holiday’s eclectic staff.

Female guides aren’t new to Holiday River Expeditions but they are becoming more of a force and influence. “Early on the rafting industry, much like every other outdoor industry in the 60’s and 70’s, was male dominated. Our founder Dee Holladay, always recognized the arbitrary nature of gender divisions and truly appreciated the added and necessary perspectives of women on the river,” added Johnson. “He used to say that women made better guides because they knew how to read the water better and not simply muscle their way through obstacles and rapids.”

Creative marketing at a time when the market is also expanding has led to an increase in the number of female guests. For example, a series of Balance & Flow Yoga and Wellness Trips draws increasingly more solo female travelers. Reunions of friends and just-for-the-fun-of-it groups of colleagues sign up for these itineraries, as do mothers and daughters.

“It’s not unusual to have an entire female staff on any of our trips these days. I hear it all the time that Mom was so glad for her daughter to witness a strong and capable female rowing their boat or leading their trip. It’s the perfect role model,” said Johnson.

New this year from April/May through September/October are custom, small group women-only rafting and biking itineraries in Utah and Colorado. These trips can be tailored to group desires, from the area, length, menu options and guides; all female or a mix. Here is a list of the most popular chartered trips. For details see: https://www.bikeraft.com/womens-river-rafting-trips/.

Gates of Lodore Canyon Rafting Trip: With 10 or more women (ages 18 and up), the per person rate is $885 for four days on the Green River in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument in Utah.
3 Day Westwater Canyon: This program is offered three times weekly and can be chartered for groups of 15 to 20. Thrilling Class IV whitewater on the Colorado River through Westwater Canyon (a miniature Grand Canyon) in eastern Utah provides excitement and beauty to spare. The per person rate is $610 for groups of 10 or more.
3-4 Day White Rim Trail is a multi-day, technically challenging mountain biking and star gazing exploration of the wilderness around and sky overhead Moab, UT. The per person rate is from $745 to $830 for groups of eight or more. This program is offered in April and May and again in September and October.
4-5 Day Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument is offered in May and June when the river runs full and the wildflowers bloom. The per person rate is $885 to $965 with a group of 10 or more.
5-6 Day Cataract Canyon in the heart of Canyonlands National Park is the company’s signature adventure that can be chartered for a minimum of 15 (24 maximum). The per person rate is $1,040 to $1,105 for 10 or more. Nowhere on its entire course does the Colorado River descend more precipitously than through Cataract Canyon, offering white water rafting at its best.

Following are Holiday River Expeditions’ signature Balance and Flow Yoga Wellness Trips that speak to a female audience. Trips center around immersion in nature and the guidance of specialists versed in healing practices. The adventure and relaxation intrinsic to river trips are augmented by honing in on spiritual and physical healing through natural energy, movement and nutrition. For details see https://www.bikeraft.com/balance-flow-trips/

White Rim Mt. Bike & Yoga: Katie Woods, a yoga specialist, guides this May 11-14, 2019, four-day mountain bike tour in Canyonlands National Park.
Wild Yoga on the Green River: This six-day Green River rafting adventure through Desolation Canyon is June 3-8, 2019. With the group will be Rebecca Wildbear, a river and soul guide.
Women’s River & Yoga Trip: A four-day rafting trip on the Green River through Lodore Canyon July 11-14, 2019 comes with twice-daily yoga sessions.
Women’s Multi-Sport Adventure: Women raft, kayak, hike and practice yoga for four days this Aug. 24-27, 2019 in and around the Colorado River on Ruby and Westwater Canyons.
Stand-up Paddleboarding & Yoga: For four days this Sept. 5-8, 2019, yoga, fitness and stand-up paddleboarding join forces while rafting the Colorado River through Ruby and Westwater canyons. Led by Katie Woods and the guides at Holiday River Expeditions.

For more information, availability, reservations or a copy of the 2019 catalog please call 800-624-6323, Email: Holiday@BikeRaft.com or log onto: http://www.bikeraft.com/

Follow Holiday River Expeditions:
On Twitter: @BikeRaft
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolidayExpeditions
On You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/HolidayExpeditions
Blog: http://www.bikeraft.com/blog/

Handling Your Anger

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5 STEPS TO UNDERSTANDING YOUR ANGER AND HANDLING IT EFFECTIVELY IN INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Anger can be a normal and healthy emotion. So why is it often so problematic? Here are a few signs that your anger may be harmful rather than helpful:

I’m often told I have a “bad temper”
Others distance themselves from me when I’m angry
Expressing anger leads to fighting
I don’t feel understood when I’m angry

Let’s take some time to understand anger in a different way.

As normal and as common as anger is, the emotion is frequently misunderstood and mishandled. In today’s day and age, we are taught that we are supposed to let others know exactly how we feel, which can be helpful at times; however, expressing anger is complicated for two main reasons. First, because it is often a secondary emotion, meaning that people often use anger to mask more vulnerable feelings such as hurt disappointment or fear. These feelings may be frightening because they can leave us feeling weak and helpless. This may cause us to resort to showing anger instead so that we can maintain a sense of control. Second, anger can be problematic because expressing anger, in the wrong way, can trigger fear, defensiveness and anger in the recipient. This may cause the other person to begin to protect him or herself instead of trying to understand you.

So What Is Anger?

In its purest form, anger can be a natural response to feeling purposely violated or wronged in some way. When we believe that someone has intentionally violated us, anger can give us the energy to stand up for ourselves. However, the way in which we understand and express our anger can either cause constructive or destructive results.

If expressing anger leaves you feeling misunderstood, or others feeling hurt, angry or shut down, these tips may help.

1. TAKE A MOMENT TO BREATHE

When you notice that you are feeling angry, slowing down your breath can give you a sense of self-control and peace. This will give you time and space to think about your process so that you don’t go on autopilot. If you feel tension in a particular part of your body, breathe relaxation into it.

2. NOTICE WHAT YOU ARE FEELING

Notice the thoughts that are passing through your mind and the emotions in your body. Is there a tinge of sadness or fear? Are you longing for something? Do you need reassurance? Because many people fear that the other person won’t be there for them in the way they need, these softer feelings often get ignored.

3. DISCUSS YOUR CONCERNS

Let the other person know that you have some apprehension about sharing your feelings because you fear that he or she won’t be receptive. For example, you may say something like “It’s hard for me to tell you what I need because I think you will judge me.” Once this is in the open, discuss this with the other person until you feel safe enough to share your more vulnerable feelings.

4. BE WILLING TO ADDRESS THE SOFTER FEELINGS

Acknowledging feelings such as loneliness and the desire for acceptance and appreciation can trigger feelings of vulnerability. However, expressing these feelings can connect you to others. When you let someone know your needs, if the dynamic is healthy, the other person will likely try to understand them and help search for a viable solution.

5. BE SOLUTION ORIENTED

Think about your intentions. What are you trying to accomplish by addressing your anger with others? Are you trying to hurt them in the same way you believe they hurt you? If so, this can feed into a destructive pattern of fractured relationships. On the other hand, if your goal is to resolve the issue so that you can build trust and harmony with the other person, then addressing your anger can be helpful. See my blog on Conflict Resolution for detailed steps on how to address conflict.

Understanding and addressing your anger in a way that restores harmony in your relationships can be easy when we focus on the right thing. Call me today for a free consultation so that I can help you change your relationship with anger from one that is harmful to one that creates peace.

About Dr. Crystal Clements:

Dr. Crystal Clements is a psychologist, who practices as a registered psychological assistant in Downtown Los Angeles at Here Counseling. She works with adults, adolescents, couples and families to treat depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and relational issues. She loves what she does and is passionate about helping people feel good about themselves and life. Dr. Crystal earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Studies and MAs in Psychology and Christian Leadership from the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. She earned a BA in Communications from the University of Pennsylvania. As part of her training, she completed an APA accredited internship in Health Service Psychology at California State University, Fullerton.

Contact her today for a free 15 minute consultation!