All posts filed under: Latest Features

Finding Wellness in the Adirondack Mountains and The Newly Opened Eastwind Hotel

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As summer neared the end, I longed to squeeze in a getaway that would shake off the persistent stress of the city and provide me with a wilderness escape. The allure of the Adirondacks lies in the region’s many lakes, hiking trails and ice age history. This was going to be my chance to go further north and hike around the 5 million year old national landmark that is the Adirondack Mountains. On the agenda was adventure, forest bathing, grounding, sauna time, and swimming in lakes. Staying at the newly opened Eastwind Hotel & Bar in Lake Placid was just the cherry on top. The Adirondack Mountains have a captivating history – not only is this where you can find the fifth highest mountain (Whiteface Mountain) within the United States, it was once the home of two Native American nations (the Iroquois and the Algonquins). The historic intrigue continues well into today. A great example of this is Eastwind’s new property. The three owners, Bjorn Boyer, Julija Stoliarova, and Dan Cipriani, took over a 1950s …

Upstate New York Experience At Kenoza Hall, An Upscale Wellness Retreat In A Class Of Its Own

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These Are Not Your Grandmother’s Catskills Before airplane travel became the norm, New York families sought easily accessible refuge in the Catskill mountains. Then the grandkids stopped going. My own immigrant family settled in the Catskills in the 1960s, acquiring property that would help the slavic community vacation. Even though I live in New York City I consider upstate to be my personal refuge. Today’s upstate continues to reel in a new kind of visitor – younger generations from all over the world come to the mountainous region for relaxation and inspiration. Fortunately, some things remain the same. From blueberry picking and hiking, to nighttime campfires and vintage shopping, some aspects of upstate still remind me of childhood. It is safe to say that the Catskills are in their heyday once again. New and restored hotels sprouting all over Upstate New York have plenty to offer to new and loyal visitors alike. Among the many new retreats, Kenoza Hall is in a class of its own. Not only is it awe-inspiring and well-preserved, it has …

Be Your Own Wellness Hero: Your Guide To Self-Love With The Help Of Experts

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Self-love might seem straight forward, but for anyone who struggles with acquiring it, self-love is complicated. First let me say, this is a no judgement zone. The very idea that we lack self-love can be triggering. Like many out there, I was never told I am a special or a princess. I was not told that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. In fact, it was the opposite, but that is a story for another time. I grew up without praise, and yes, it effected my self-esteem. As an adult it is up to me to re-wire my brain and build myself up. I know what you might be thinking. That is no easy task and mistakes will be made. My only advice would be that in order to start on your self-love journey, you have to start someplace. Start by appreciating yourself. This means waking up in the morning and appreciating your body, your face, your heart, your mind, and even your past mistakes. It helps if you think of past …

Get Blessed With Benedetta: Talking With Skincare Founder, Julia Faller

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In an industry known for its fickle attitude, the year 2021 has decidedly remained to be the one year we all seek skinimalism. Benedetta’s founder, Julia Faller, has been loyal to the less is more philosophy since the 80s. Calling the founder and president of Benedetta, Julia Faller, a pioneer in the clean beauty industry would be an understatement. What makes one a pioneer? If we had to define such a person it would be someone who questions the norm and goes against the grain, pushing aside fear of scrutiny and failure. As a licensed esthetician and clinician in the 80’s and 90’s, Julia found herself questioning the cosmetic and skincare industries. When no laboratory or even botanical suppliers, were willing to accommodate her wish for petro-chemical free ingredients she decided to do it on her own. She accomplished this by going directly to the source of ingredients and marrying science with the natural world. Today, the brand continues its trailblazing quest with transparency and conscious beauty. Benedetta is Farm-Sourced®, organic, vegan and cruelty-free. This …

Witches, Psychics, Shamans and Mystics You Should be Following On Instagram Right Now

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Forget everything you think you know about witches, psychics or shamans. Society, films and even the media, have brainwashed us to fear the unknown, but social platforms are slowly changing the way we view spirituality and old religions though individual stories. It might surprise you to know that people accused of being a witch were simply herbalists, healers and midwives. Today’s witches feel no need to hide, although some still choose to keep their practice private, making connecting with a likeminded coven a breeze. Instagram is one of the best places to highlight your work through photography and videos, network, and even get tips on becoming a witch or shaman yourself. When seeking a shaman or psychic nothing compares to one-on-one meetings, but social media allows us to cast a wider net. Whatever type of spiritual fulfillment or answers you seek, these Instagram accounts happily provide. We highlight accounts that help us get inspired, celebrate our differences and teach us to keep an open mind. We present our list of Witches, Psychics, Shamans and Mystics …

World Bathing Day: Celebrate Water With A Special Bath Soak

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Water deserves a celebration. World Bathing Day highlights the many ways cultures use water for wellness, but more importantly it puts a spotlight on the plight of people who do not have access to an abundance of clean drinking or bathing water. Rooted in ancient spa culture, bathing, soaking, washing, floating and showering can take on many forms, each personal to the individual. Bathing represents history, community, health, healing, and life. We could not live without water. When you take a bath or a drink of water, remember that you are fortunate, remember to save water, and remember that it takes a united effort to keep our water source clean. On this World Bathing Day we honor the tranquil healing water brings with a soak, and we savor the soak with special products that add to our wellbeing. Easy ways you can respect and celebrate water: Do not let your faucet water run while brushing your teeth or shaving your beard. Use your bath water to water house plants. Take a bath. Showers waste more …

Conversation With Wander Beauty Founders, Divya Gugnani and Lindsay Ellingson

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Shopping for clean and cruelty-free beauty at Sephora is still an impossible task – fortunately the list of brands available just got an update with Wander Beauty on the shelves. When it comes to shopping for products that go on or in your body, transparency should be a given, but is not always provided. With US clean beauty regulations being in the grey area, this brand takes a fresh and simple approach to ingredients – blending the natural with the synthetic (safely). We refuse to believe that today’s savvy and educated beauty community falls for marketing schemes, they say clean beauty is here to stay. It was only a matter time before Wander Beauty made it into Sephora. If you had to consider just one clean brand for all your essentials, you might make it Wander Beauty for their multitasking abilities alone. Wander beauty checks off all the boxes: the packaging and colors are pretty, the ingredients healthy, and the textures non-sticky. Let’s talk makeup. It can be hard to pick a favorite. The Liquid …