Tag Archives: Lifestyle

Be Prepared When Natural Disaster Strikes

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Emergency situations, especially those that pertain to natural disasters, can be difficult to recover from without proper planning, which is why it’s important to take small steps from the start to help protect your family.

With the change of seasons comes an increased risk of weather-related emergencies. This fall, Clorox has partnered with the American Red Cross to encourage everyone to be “Red Cross Ready.”

Consider these three actionable steps to get your household ready for an emergency:

Prepare a kit: At minimum, you should have an emergency kit assembled with basic supplies. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to evacuate versus remaining in your home, which will affect the amount of supplies you need. A good rule of thumb is a three-day supply if you are evacuating and a two-week supply if you’ll be in your home.

  • Water: Keep one gallon per person, per day
  • Food: Stock up on non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items.
  • Disinfecting bleach: After a natural disaster, water may not be safe to drink. A few drops of an option like Clorox Disinfecting Bleach can be used to make water potable and can also help clean up mold and fungi from a buildup of excess moisture. Always pay close attention to the label to be sure you are following exact dilution instructions.
  • Flashlight (and extra batteries): Having a flashlight ensures that you’re able to navigate in the dark if the electricity goes out. Always keep extra batteries on-hand to power your flashlight and other items you may need.
  • First aid kit: In cases of emergency, first-aid supplies are crucial to help keep family members as safe and healthy as possible. Make sure to stock the kit with things like bandages, gauze and antibiotic creams.
  • Multi-purpose tool: Tools with multiple functions can be used for everything from cutting wire to opening bottles.
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items: In addition to disinfecting bleach, it’s important to keep things like moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal cleanliness.

Make a plan: Discuss how to prepare with your family or household members and talk about the best ways you can respond to the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play. Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and how you will work together as a team. Practice as many elements of your plan as possible.

Be informed: As an emergency is unfolding, normal communication systems like phone lines may be damaged or overloaded by call volume. Consider downloading smartphone apps such as the Red Cross Emergency App for customizable weather alerts, the “I’m safe”feature and other resources. It provides instant access to information for handling common first aid emergencies. You can also get trained in first aid and CPR so you’ll know what to do in case emergency help is delayed.

After a natural disaster, a safe and healthy recovery is key. Listen to local authorities and take safety precautions in case of storm aftershocks. Only use cellular or landline phones to report life-threatening conditions, keeping lines open for emergency responders. Return to your home only when authorities advise it’s safe to do so, making sure to also have photo identification to prove residency.

Learn more at clorox.com/redcrossready. (Family Features)

SOURCE:
Clorox

Steps to Better Sleep for Peak Sports Performance

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For fans and athletes alike, fall means gearing up for a new season of sports activities. While plenty of attention goes into developing skills and talent, other important components that affect an athlete’s performance can be overlooked. Especially considering the demands of an athlete’s training and game schedule, getting adequate sleep is often an afterthought.

However, a lack of sleep can significantly affect athletes’ performance both on and off the field.

Sleep quality, efficiency and duration all may decrease just before competition, limiting opportunities for athletes to get the optimal quality and quantity of sleep their bodies need due to intense practice and game schedules, according to research published in “Sports Medicine.”

The same research found sleep can affect several aspects of an athlete’s performance. Skills that require endurance tend to be more affected by sleep deprivation than short-term, high-power activities. Running speed and free throw accuracy improve with more sleep, for example. There is also evidence that getting inadequate sleep increases the risk of injury as sleep deprivation can cause low energy and problems with focus during the game. It may also negatively affect split-second decision-making.

Less sleep also means fewer opportunities for natural secretion of the growth hormones that occur in deep sleep and aide restoration, physical performance and a healthy metabolism.

Athletes can maximize their performance, recovery and overall health with these tips from Mattress Firm’s sleep health expert, Dr. Sujay Kansagra:

  • Ensure you are getting between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Athletes may need additional sleep due to strenuous daytime activity.
  • Keep your wake time and bedtime similar, regardless of your training schedule. Don’t wake up early to practice one day and sleep in the next. Try to keep it consistent.
  • If you have trouble falling asleep, avoid workouts late in the evening just before bed.
  • For competitive sports teams that travel across time zones, it’s important to try to adjust your circadian rhythm based on the time you will be playing in the new time zone. The goal is to time the game to when circadian rhythm and alertness are at their peaks, in the late morning and late afternoon or evening.
  • As the body works to repair itself during sleep, creating muscle tissue and releasing important hormones, sleeping on the proper mattress can provide support that aids in reducing aches and pains. If you need help selecting the right mattress, the experts at a retailer like Mattress Firm have a variety of sizes, options and accessories available that won’t break the bank.

Find more advice to ensure a better night’s sleep at MattressFirm.com. (Family Features)

SOURCE:
Mattress Firm

The Benefits of Service Dogs

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Supporting veterans when they return home

Service dogs offer countless benefits to help combat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but they can also be instrumental in rebuilding and uniting families after veterans come home from serving their country.

According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 30% of American military veterans experience PTSD after returning home from combat. Yet only about 40% of those individuals ever seek help.

Service animals are recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The designation is limited to dogs who are trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. In some cases, these tasks are highly physical in nature, such as guiding a person who is blind or pulling a wheelchair. Other roles service dogs play may be less immediately visible, such as providing a calming presence to a person with PTSD who is experiencing an anxiety attack.

More Than a Companion

Service dogs are highly trained to assist military veterans in achieving better quality of life. Veterans who utilize service dogs report lower levels of depression and anxiety, fewer hospitalizations and a reduction in medical and psychiatric costs, among other benefits. Beyond what these canines help prevent, consider these examples of what they empower:

  • Ease loneliness and stress
  • Reduce social anxiety
  • Decrease reliance on prescription drugs
  • Help veterans return to work or attend college
  • Strengthen personal relationships
  • Provide security, protection and unconditional love

Up to the Task

Just like the members of the armed forces they help, service dogs are highly trained professionals with an important job to do, including tasks such as these:

  • Turn on lights and open doors before a veteran enters his or her home
  • Nudging, pawing or licking to interrupt flashbacks or nightmares
  • Utilizing body weight as a grounding mechanism to reduce anxiety or alleviate panic
  • Retrieve bags with medications or a list of numbers to call during a medical emergency
  • Provide security and reduce hypervigilance in public places
  • Pick up dropped items and assist with mobility and ambulation

When You See a Service Dog

Service dogs are often large breeds that stand out in a crowd, and their calm demeanor can make it seem perfectly appropriate to approach and pet them. However, it’s important to remember that service dogs are at work and distractions can prevent them from providing the service their owners need.

The International Association of Canine Professionals offers these etiquette tips for interacting with service dogs and their owners:

  • Remember that a service dog is there as support for a person with a physical or health disability, which may or may not be readily apparent.
  • Respect that health conditions are private matters most people prefer not to discuss with strangers.
  • Just as you would not stare or point at a person in a wheelchair, avoid calling unnecessary attention to a person with a service dog.
  • If you must interact, always focus your attention on the handler, not the dog, so the dog can stay focused on its job. Avoid whistling, clapping or otherwise distracting the dog.
  • Teach children not to approach service dogs. Although most are trained to avoid aggression, a perceived threat to their handlers could result in warning growls or barks that may scare a child.

To see video stories of how service dogs have impacted the lives of veterans and their families, visit DogChow.com/service. In addition, for every purchase of specially marked bags of Dog Chow Complete Adult through Nov. 1, the brand will donate 5 cents, up to $100,000, to the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation Pets and Vets program, which matches veterans experiencing PTSD and other challenges with service dogs, free of charge. (Family Features)

SOURCE:
Purina Dog Chow

The 3 Things to do Immediately After Moving Across the Country

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Picking up and relocating yourself from one coast to another is hugely intimidating but massively impressive. It takes a lot of bravery to leave behind everything you know in favor of a brand new frontier! Whether you’re moving for a job, for love, or simply for yourself, there are some things you should keep in mind as you make yourself at home in a new city. Here are some suggestions on how you can go about settling in and acclimating to your new life.

1. Change Your Address

This might seem like a very obvious “duh”, but you’d be shocked to learn the amount of people who forget to update their address across all their various accounts. This includes all your credit card statements and automated billing accounts—you’re probably going to spend a bit of time at home unpacking or trying new takeout and the last thing you want is for your Spotify or Netflix account to turn off because a payment couldn’t process. Take the time to officially change your mailing address with the U.S. Post Office as well; that way, any mail that does come to your former address can be officially forwarded to your new home.

2. Set Goals

To keep your mind focused, identify why you moved and want you want to get out of this transition. Then, depending on your answers, create actionable steps that can help you achieve your goals. Here are some examples:

  • Moved for college – Buy a planner; rent textbooks; track flights around holidays
  • Moved for a relationship – Find balance; focus on self; explore hobbies
  • Moved for a job – Enroll in business course; research nearby lunch spots
  • Moved for self – Get outdoors; practice meditation; learn a skill

Use this radical transition as a time to reflect on self-improvement and personal growth.

3. Get to Know the Town

Once you’ve got the logistics figured out and your intentions set, you can have a blast exploring the new town you call home. To do so, you’ll need to be mobile. Maybe you’ve moved to the Big Apple or a similar city with an impressive public transportation, in which case you should start familiarizing yourself with those routes ASAP. If you road tripped across the country and already have a set of wheels at your disposal, then it’ll be easy for you to immediately immerse yourself in city life and all the nearby attractions.

But if you don’t have a car, you might consider buying one to avoid feeling immobilized, a prisoner to your new home. Those who know their move will be temporary might consider leasing a car versus buying one to avoid the hassle of shipping the car in the foreseeable future. For example, if you’re leaving the glitz of Hollywood to find your own beach on Florida’s East Coast, it’s probably easier to just lease a new Audi in Orlando. That way, you can avoid expensive shipping costs and don’t have to put the high mileage on your German sports car during the transcontinental drive.

Not sure where to go to meet new people and form new friendships? Here are the best happenings in the city to give you some inspiration!

  • Farmer’s Market – In Austin, you can go to the Lone Star Farmer’s Market every Sunday at the Hill County Galleria, but you’re guaranteed to find a similar farmer’s market in your new neighborhood. This gives you a prime opportunity to knock out your weekly grocery shopping while supporting and learning about small local businesses. Fruits and vegetables taste fresher when they’re locally sourced by farms you know personally! In addition to food stands, you’ll scroll through many booths and vendors give you a sense of what’s available around you and going on in the community.
  • Training Studio – Moving to a new city can be lonely, but exercise is a great way to cure that problem and productively kill time. Yoga in particular is known for its immense benefits on mental health as well as creating a foundation for many lasting friendships grounded in similar values.
  • Local Meet Ups – Meetup.com is a great resource you should use to discover online groups that host in-person events for people with similar interests. Networking mixers, outdoor adventures… there are no shortage of options you can find!

These are our top three tips for how to follow up your big move—now get out there and start exploring!

5 Cool Ideas for Self-Improvement Month

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Photography courtesy of (c) mavoimages / stock.Adobe.com.

There’s no good reason to wait until the new year to focus on self-improvement. There’s also no excuse. September is Self-Improvement Month, and a fine time to learn a new skill, take up an old hobby or set a goal.

Here are five cool ideas to try out over the course of the month:

• Start coding: Whether you want to switch careers and become a software or web developer or simply take up a new hobby, learning to code can open a world of possibilities, while keeping your mind active and vital. And these days, free online tutorials available in dozens of programming languages, can help you get started without any tools required but time and dedication.

• Learn to play piano: Learning a musical instrument can improve focus, enhance memory and reduce stress. For a fast-track to playing songs skillfully, check out the Casio CT-X700, which features a Step-Up Lesson system to easily learn songs from the keyboard’s built-in library. The display shows proper fingering and notation, and a six-track recorder allows you to quickly capture your inspiration.

• Set a reading goal: You don’t have to be a student to complete a reading challenge. Whether it’s to read 5 non-fiction books over the course of the month or get through that classic tome that’s been sitting on your bookshelf for years, give yourself a reading goal to achieve this month.

• Get outdoors: Spending time exercising in nature has powerful physical and mental health benefits. Give yourself the motivation needed to get outdoors with a wearable device, such as the WSD-F30 Pro Trek Smart Outdoor Watch, which includes a built-in compass, altimeter and barometer, as well as a slew of fitness and nature apps designed to promote wellness and help you better appreciate your surroundings.

• Start saving: If you don’t have a savings account, think about opening one during the month of September. Make it painless by having the fund draw automated monthly payments from your checking account. Then sit back and watch your savings grow.

Long before writing up resolutions, celebrate Self-Improvement Month, a perfect mid-year motivation for change and growth. (StatePoint)

Exclusive Interview: June Jacobs has Turned a Personal Struggle and Story into Success

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For over thirty years, June Jacobs has been a world-renowned spa visionary and beauty and wellness expert. June, together with her daughter Rochelle, created a line centered on highly efficacious, natural ingredients formulated to deliver immediate, impactful results with long-term benefits. All products feature cutting-edge botanical extracts, high-quality actives and a 20-year U.S. patented antioxidant blend of white, red and green tea extracts combined with goji berry, pomegranate and grape seed extracts to help prevent the visible signs of premature aging. Every product is made without parabens, sulfates, synthetic preservatives, synthetic dyes, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, petrolatum and mineral oil. Behold the key to unlocking the power of your natural beauty. Experience the ultimate lifestyle of skin health and wellness.

June Jacobs

June Jacobs

William Jackson, MBA, our Founder & Chief Business Officer had the pleasure of chatting with June to talk about satisfaction she’s achieved from living the life she loves, and to learn for what she’s most grateful.

We’re thrilled to invite you into our Exclusive Interview with June in our multi-award winning July / August edition.

Top Tips to Transition Back to Work After Baby

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Many new parents spend hours preparing for the arrival of a new baby – reading books, seeking professional advice and consulting friends and family. However, in focusing on birth, they may not get to prepare for other big milestones, like the transition back to work.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more women are returning to work than ever before – more than 70% of women with children under 18 are in the labor force. However, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest new mothers may not be getting the support they need from health care providers, family members and employers to meet their breastfeeding goals.

“Parenthood is complicated on its own,” said Melissa Gonzales, executive vice president of the Americas for Medela LLC. “Adding in a full workload is something that many new mothers take on within weeks after birth. With nearly two-thirds of moms going back to work after baby, there is a clear need to better the return-to-work transition for mothers in workplaces across America. There are easy ways for employers to simplify that process so parents don’t have to choose between returning to work and continuing to provide breast milk to their babies.”

Whether you are preparing for maternity leave, about to return to work after a baby or have already made the transition, the experts at Medela recommend considering these important workplace qualities:

Time and space. Employers are required to provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for one year after the child’s birth. Employers are also required to provide a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public which may be used by an employee to express breast milk. If you are planning to pump, check to see if your office has a private space to do so, and ensure there are accommodations to allow you to properly clean and sanitize your breast pump.

Travel considerations. If you are required to travel for work, look into your company’s existing policy on breast milk shipping and storage. With more women in the workforce, some companies include breast milk shipping as a benefit for women who have recently given birth who may need to travel.

Supportive resources. Some companies provide educational resources about continuing to breastfeed while working full-time. Ask if your employer provides resources to help you navigate the demands of breastfeeding, or if it provides access to virtual on-demand support such as a lactation consultant. See if your employer can connect you to another mom or parent who can help you or offer advice as you make the transition.

Other accommodations. As breast milk feeding becomes increasingly commonplace, companies are implementing policies to better accommodate working parents. Examples include extended parental leave, flexible hours, on-site child care and access to programs such as March of Dimes’ Healthy Babies Healthy Business program and New Moms’ Healthy Returns, a resource for employers created by Medela and Mamava.

3 Tips for Breastfeeding at Work

Returning to work after the birth of a baby demands organization and prioritization. This is especially true for parents who want to continue breastfeeding. Consider these tips when planning the transition:

Know your legal rights.Educate yourself on your federally protected rights so you can take a stand if your rights aren’t respected. Employers in the U.S. are required to provide breastfeeding moms with a private place and reasonable break time to pump.

Bring a backup. Consider keeping a spare breast pump kit in your car or at your office, just in case you find yourself without the parts you need to pump, like storage bags. You may even consider an extra breast pump to eliminate the hassle of carrying one back and forth.

Reduce unnecessary stressors. Stress can affect your milk supply and make pumping more difficult. It can be a challenge to manage all the stressors, but finding a space at work that feels calm and peaceful can make a difference. Make signs so you’re not interrupted, and schedule time on your calendar so colleagues know you’re not available.

Learn more at NewMomsHealthyReturns.com.

SOURCE:
Medela

6 Ways to Give Your Backyard a Summer Makeover

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Written by Kevin Jefferson

Kevin Jefferson

Kevin Jefferson

It’s never too late to give your backyard a summer makeover. After all, there’s plenty of time to enjoy your own little piece of paradise. It doesn’t really matter whether your yard is big or small; you can always do something special in order to create a true oasis for summer fun – and maybe even for the rest of the year, who knows? If you’re wondering what kind of projects are right for you this summer, keep on reading.

1. Take Care of Your Lawn and Existing Greenery

The best way to start this project includes using what you already have in your yard. Essentially, you want to mow your lawn and keep it tidy so that the rest of your backyard makeover can have a fresh and lovely basis. In case there are weeds, make sure to get rid of them. Actually, get rid of all the plants that simply don’t make you happy when you look at them. Also, don’t forget to prune your trees, bushes and shrubs to complete the look.

2. Add New Plants and Trees

Of course, it’s important to have plenty of greenery in your backyard. In that respect, you can play with different plants, shrubs and even trees to create the desired effect. When it comes to decorative flowers, you can arrange them in a specific order, plant them along the fence or use already decorative planters for this purpose. Those of you that don’t like gardening all that much will definitely enjoy low-maintenance plants. And, in case you want some extra shade, consider planting an evergreen tree, as well. You can buy a grown tree and replant it, so it won’t be necessary for you to wait for it to grow.

3. Build a Patio or Deck

You obviously want to have a place in your yard where you’ll be able to lounge and enjoy the fresh air and greenery that surrounds you. What’s more, this can become the hotspot for your friends and family gatherings. That said, it would be a good idea to add a deck area or at least a patio to your backyard. This may seem like a big investment at first, but it will be well worth it; a deck boosts your home’s value while the project can be done and over with in just a couple of days. You won’t even need that long for a simple patio.

4. Get Yourself Some Outdoor Furniture

What good is the deck or patio area if you don’t actually take the time to equip it with appropriate furniture? In case you do own outdoor furniture that’s in good condition, give it a thorough clean before arranging it in your backyard. In case you don’t, look around your local flea markets, thrift shops and garage sales. You’d be surprised just how many great deals you can get this way. In general, plastic and wicker are go-to materials for outdoor furniture. Don’t hesitate to spruce them up with colourful cushions, tablecloths and maybe even an umbrella or a shade sail for cover.

5. Make Sure You Have Proper Lighting

Most people have free time in the evening hours. What’s more, one of the best summer moments includes those nights that you get to spend in your backyard, relaxing and unwinding after a long day. You might enjoy the light of the stars and the moon the most, but you’ll still probably need proper lighting in this case. That said, torches, lanterns and string lights seem to be the most popular choices. You can also look into motion sensor lighting as well as the outdoor LED lights you could use along your garden path or driveway.

6. Feel Free to Accessorize

It’s important to give your backyard a personal touch just like you would with your interior. And, as you can imagine, you can get really creative when your summer backyard makeover is concerned. Of course, you can match the design to your home exterior, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there. You may be interested in a fresh coat of paint for your fence, and maybe a brighter shade for the summer season, too. You can use garden gnomes, plant and road signs, flamingos, and other typical garden accessories to add more interest to your backyard in general. A fun tip for smaller yards is to hang mirrors with interesting frames on the fence.

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, don’t hesitate to make the most out of it, especially when it comes to the warmer summer months. Being able to step into your private natural oasis means a lot, especially if you don’t get much free time off work. And, as you can see, projects for your backyard summer makeover don’t have to be too complex or require a complete renovation. It’s more than enough to stick with the basics and get creative where you want and can. 

Kevin has gone through an extensive home renovation with his son, which he has both thoroughly enjoyed, and dreaded every morning. He is now the proud owner of half his dream house (the other half has been waiting for spring). You can read more of Kevin’s work at PlainHelp.

San Miguel de Allende’s Casa Delphine Announces New Monthly Dinner Series

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Hotel Announces New Guest Chef Pop Up and Tarot Card Dinner Series

Named the best destination in Mexico for the fourth consecutive year by Travel + Leisure, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato continues to attract travelers from around the globe drawn to the city’s rich colonial history, vibrant heritage, thriving art scene, beautiful baroque Spanish architecture and more.

Casa Delphine is one of San Miguel de Allende’s newest boutique hotels, owned by Los Angeles based jewelry designer Amanda Keidan. The magical town surrounded by the Sierra Central mountain range in the middle of the Central Mexico Plateau completely stole her heart as it does to so many visitors from around the world. The doors of this chic boutique hotel opened in April of this year and Casa Delphine has already welcomed guests from around the globe. With just five suites, Casa Delphine’s intimate scale gives it a distinctly residential feel, with airy rooms and natural light streaming in through large glass doors and windows with geometric detail. 

The hotel is a treasure architecturally with beautifully hand laid boveda ceilings, exceptional detail in stonework and a layout that allows for two very private internal gardens offering a peaceful retreat from the city. Keidan’s concept was to create a luxurious place to stay and unwind with a beautifully curated community dining table for guests to enjoy conversation and revelations with fellow travelers, and a uniquely blue lobby which gives a pop of style. The city is known for attracting visiting artists, authors and other creative individuals, and this hotelito is well positioned to be a chic gathering place where imaginative travelers land and conversations flourish. 

Keidan designed the space herself, and each design decision has been carefully thought out and influenced by her own personality. The lobby, with its hand-carved large stone fireplace, is painted a deep rich blue, which melds into the deep blue velvet couches and 20-foot ceilings. Keidan collaborated on designing custom glass and metal faceted lights that are a nod to her background in metal and jewelry design. To make the other lighting extra special, Keidan asked local visual and print artist Ri Anderson to create some lampshades exclusively for Casa Delphine. One print is of Mexico City shot from an airplane at night and adjusted to repeat patterns. Anderson’s work brought in an extra level of texture and color in the rooms and the lamps are all one of a kind. The five spacious suites all feature cantera fireplaces, hand designed furniture from Keidan’s collaboration with local artists, warm accents, eclectic textures and colors, and balconies that overlook the private courtyards. Guests can enjoy majestic panoramic views of San Miguel from the Spanish hacienda-style private two-floor rooftop suite.

Pop Up Guest Chef Dinner Series

Casa Delphine is launching a monthly Tuesday night “Pop Up Guest Chef Dinner Series” showcasing guest chefs from San Miguel, Mexico City, New York, and Los Angeles.  The inaugural dinner in August, a four-course affair, features Peter Godoff of New York City. Godoff was the opening Executive Chef at “Orso” on Broadway’s Restaurant Row and the General Manager of  The Modern @ The Museum of Modern Art. Chefs lined up for future pop up dinners include Donnie Masterson of ‘The Restaurant’, JJ Castenada of ‘Fatima’,  Itai Zach of ‘Foodshop’ in Los Angeles and Samantha Koch, a health & wellness chef from Amsterdam. More exciting guest chefs are in the works. Dinner is approximately $80USD per person.

Tarot Card Dinner Series

San Miguel de Allende is a town with a deep connection to the mystic symbols of Mexican folklore. The history, beautiful architecture, legends and religious festivities of San Miguel offer the perfect inspiration and setting for a true tarot experience that connects mind and soul through images and words. Starting September 20th, 2019, Casa Delphine will host a monthly series of “Tarot Card Dinners” led by Miguel Canseco, a professional tarot reader and historian, who is also a psychologist, author and visual artist. The tarot card dinner is limited to 20 persons and will include each guest having a mini tarot reading, a four-course dinner, two wine pairings, and a roster of rotating guest chefs curating the menu (2400 pesos per person). The symbols and poetry embedded in tarot cards come to life in each of his readings. Tarot reading is an art form based on ancient knowledge, and according to Canseco, it’s a bridge to connect with the deep wisdom of our own soul and also an open door for imagination that allows the possibility to find deeper meanings in the challenges of life. Tarot dinners are  $120USD per person.

Wellness

Casa Delphine is inviting wellness experts from around the globe to come to San Miguel de Allende and teach their expertise in an intimate, beautiful setting at the hotel. The first retreat in January 2020 is aMeditation Retreat, 5-night/6-day retreat focusing on deep meditation and looking inwardly to re-program one’s minds and breathe to help individuals slow down and take in joy more fully and learn to live in the present more fully. The retreat will be led by Brazil native, Públio who has been dedicating his life to meditation and yoga. In February 2020, Casa Delphine will host a Wellness and Fermentation Retreat. This 4-night/5-day retreat features an array of cooking courses that will teach people how to better balance their gut health using plant-based cooking techniques and fermentation of vegetables and homemade nut milks. Taught by Samantha Koch of the Netherlands, guests will have healthy breakfasts at the hotel, excursions to local organic markets, and afternoon cooking classes and teachings in making the best dietary decisions. Evenings will include exploring the town with the world class cuisine that San Miguel has to offer. Dates and further details are forthcoming. 

Private Intimate Weddings and Events

With its stunning great room, dining room and intimate courtyards, Casa Delphine is a magical venue to host private events, dinners, and special celebrations. Guests can have exclusive use of the entire hotel, and they will receive a 15% discount per night for full buyout with rates starting at $1,250USD per night from September through February and $1,120USD per night from March through August. 

Concierge

The concierge at Casa Delphine can customize guests’ stays with adventure excursions and off-the-beaten-path experiences to fully appreciate Mexico’s most charming and festive city. Some of these incredible experiences include horseback rides with Cayote Canyon Adventures, lunch at local wineries, hot springs, private astrology readings, private tarot card readings, a private tour of Canada de la Virgen, Jazz nights at the Instituto, private massages in house or at local recommended spas. The hotel can also arrange private car transportation to and from local airports (BJX, and QRO) and the international airport in Mexico City (MEX).

For more information, visit www.casadelphine.com or email reservas@casadelphine.com.

Creating a Spa Oasis

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(Family Features) Transforming your bathroom into a personal home spa allows you to come home to a relaxing environment every day. By making space and removing clutter, along with adding decorative touches, you can achieve a stylish spa-like atmosphere in the comfort of your own home.

Whether you enjoy the understated, nature-inspired colors or the calming atmosphere, a spa-like bathroom can be beautiful, welcoming and relaxing. Escape the ordinary with these cabinetry ideas from the experts at Wellborn Cabinet.

Float your vanity

When it’s time to retreat, a spa-like bathroom promises sanctuary in its design. Floating vanities mount directly to the wall, providing more floor space and creating a streamlined look. By mounting the vanity to a wall, the space is broadened, naturally making the bathroom look and feel larger while also allowing the homeowners to customize the height.

Although the aesthetic benefits often come at the cost of limited under-sink storage space, this potential pitfall can be overcome with a customizable U-shaped drawer option designed to fit around the sink plumbing in your bath, allowing you to use all that under-counter space.

Clever, concealed storage

Style and functionality combine in bath cabinets and vanities designed to create your own private retreat where your space is serenely ordered and uncluttered. Common amongst spa-like bathroom styling is a clutter-free space, and in doing so, everything is hidden behind the cabinet doors, making storage solutions vital.

To get the spa-like bathroom look, consider adding organizational solutions like a tiered spice rack, sliding shelves and vanity appliance pullouts from Wellborn Cabinet. A tiered spice rack keeps your cabinets organized and makes your morning routine easier. Sliding shelves can make your mornings less hectic with a gentle pull that brings bath essentials right to you. Conveniently store hairstyling tools in one location without compromising design or space with a vanity appliance pullout.

Incorporate ample lighting

Design with relaxation in mind; the calm, warmer natural-color tones and ambient lighting help lend a relaxing vibe. Cabinet lighting adds depth, dimension and visual interest to a bathroom. An ideal lighting design goes beyond a centralized ceiling fixture and includes multiple layers of light.

Lighting in the bathroom is essential; illumination for everyday tasks can make your bath appear larger, add warmth and set the right mood. It may also be designed to tuck cleanly inside and under cabinets to provide well-placed light without visible fixtures or distracting wires.

Infuse natural elements

Nature can be infused into the design by playing on textures with metals, earthy color tones, the graining in the cabinetry and the addition of a subtle waterfall separating the his-and-her vanity to provide a relaxing retreat. For example, Wellborn Cabinet’s Biscotti Cherry and Terra Oak embossed melamine show off the wood-graining to highlight the natural aspects of the wood.

For more bathroom remodeling ideas, visit wellborn.com.   (Family Features)

SOURCE:
Wellborn Cabinet