Category Archives: Lifestyle

Lifestyle, Wellness

Lifestyle: Apothecary – Yarrow

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This past winter I had a Soul Path reading with Winifred at AwenTree as part of my healing journey. The reading was very insightful and confirmed some of the things I had been seeing personally. One of the things Winifred suggested was to see an herbalist in town and to get a consultation. One of the things that have struck me is how much my third-eye has a play in all of this – although not too surprising.

I often feel alone in my daily life challenges due to a lot of coming from a spiritual nature. Most of the time people understand only fractions of what I’m going through. Seeing this herbalist was the first time someone could understand on some level what I am going through. He combined both western and eastern practices as well as deeply spiritual anecdotes. I recalled my experience in Salem where my third-eye shut off completely during a shift and how traumatizing it was. The herbalist provided another perspective and that my third-eye shut off due to protection. This was an eye-opener (no pun intended) and led to another discussion about providing more spiritual protection in my day to day life.

I was also reminded that the pineal gland is connected to the endocrine system in the body which is said to house the third-eye and our connection when someone goes into the fight or flight tendencies from a PTSD episode our endocrine system becomes exposed to the adrenaline and when our endocrine system is exposed to these adrenaline energies for too long it causes inflammation to the body. If you can find ways to reduce inflammation it will in turn reduce effects of anxiety and PTSD. I’m not saying this is the treatment for all of PTSD disorders but it’s a huge aspect of it. For me being completely ‘open’ spiritually I was ‘inhaling’ all kinds of excess energy especially in an office setting – interpreting others’ energy as my own and seeing myself in them. One of the things that was suggested by the herbalist is to take Yarrow for negative energy and spiritual protection. I’ve done a lot with protection but it seems like my techniques aren’t serving me anymore so I’ve been on a quest to finding other healing techniques.

The Healing Power of Yarrow*

Adapted from: https://eluneblue.com/yarrow-magical-properties/

  1. Perhaps the most popular use for yarrow is as a sweat inducer. A cup of yarrow tea can help you break a sweat, which in turn can help break a fever.
  2. Among yarrow’s many folk names, it is also called nosebleed, and by no coincidence. Not only can yarrow cause nosebleeds, it is an effective remedy for against them. Simply take a yarrow leaf, squish it a little to release its aroma and therapeutic oils, roll it into a ball and use this to plug the nostril(s) that is bleeding.
  3. When suffering from hemorrhoids drink yarrow tea, or use a yarrow poultice on the affected area.
  4. When it comes to issues of the blood, yarrow is a powerful balancer, especially when it concerns the menstrual cycle. Yarrow is often used to start a menstrual cycle that is arriving late, as well as ease the flow of a heavy cycle. For these same reasons, pregnant women should not ingest yarrow.
  5. Yarrow is Nature’s bandage. Folk names like Soldier’s Woundwort and Knight’s Milfoil hint at its history as a sort of first aid kit in the midst of battle. Yarrow leaves can be used to pack a wound and stall its bleeding. They also have antibacterial qualities to help keep the wound clean of infection.
  6. Using yarrow to wash your hair is believed to prevent baldness, although it won’t cure it if already balding.
  7. Yarrow encourages the body to sweat, which can help break a fever. It assists the body in ridding itself of toxins, and a steam bath with yarrow in it can help relieve a headache.

*FDA Disclaimer

The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not render medical or psychological advice, opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical or psychological problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Links on this website are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy or content.

Blog, Exploration, Greenland, Iceland, Lifestyle, Luxury, Travel, Wellness

Exploration: GeoHotel and Blue Lagoon

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GRINDAVIK, IS – On my stop over on the way home in Iceland from Nuuk, Greenland I stayed at Geo Hotel in Grindavik. I ended up being super thankful for the transportation services offered at Geo Hotel as my flight from Nuuk was delayed half an hour and I missed my car rental pick up. 

If you are on your way or visiting Iceland Geo Hotel makes it super easy to travel to Blue Lagoon or to the airport via Blue Lagoon. It was easy to call them to schedule a pick up and then a ride to the Blue Lagoon transfer station. 

Due to miscommunication at Blue Lagoon I had missed my transfer bus to the airport but it ended fine as I had two hours at the airport to go and checkin and go through security. 

Geo Hotel offers a comfortable room at an affordable price within a quint town in Iceland. They also offer free breakfast starting at 6 am which allows enough time for a 7 am Blue Lagoon reservation. 

GeoHotel graciously extended a double room for my stay and I am happy to include them on this blog however I haven’t had the time to take pics of the room while I was there or explore the town as much as I would’ve liked so the pics posted to this blog are owned by GeoHotel.

Activities, Blog, Greenland, Lifestyle, Travel

Activities: What to Eat in Nuuk

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Considering that Nuuk is more of a destination where people travel to with a purpose, it’s relatively small in regards to finding places to eat. However, I was able to find some ‘must dos’ from my planning that I WAS able to do. 

Cafétuaq in Katuaq

The first was Cafétuaq in downtown Nuuk at the cultural center Katuaq. From its’ website, “The café in Katuaq is an oasis of culture universe. The cafe is a meeting point for many, ranging from local families to tourists, artists and musicians who perform or exhibit in Katuaq. 

CaféTuaq serves a variety of hot and cold dishes, mostly based on Greenlandic ingredients, with a hint of flavors from around the world. All our dishes are prepared on order, so they retain optimum flavor and freshness, which helps to enhance the culinary experience. If one does not want to eat, you can also enjoy a selection of hot and cold beverages while reading the newspaper or just enjoy the art on the walls and the vibrant life passing by outside.” 

I had the Greenlandic Tapas dish which was a dish that had a variety of Greenlandic delicacies such as smoked salmon, white fish with caviar, smoked scallops, ox meat, fish sticks and a fish ball as well as reindeer meat. 

The second location is Inuk Hostels. The cuisine is surprisingly American but a much better version. Fresh meat and vegetables with a hint of European flavor. Café Inuk is a must for the views and the food.

Café Inuk

Our Café is famous for the magnificent view. While watching birds, whales or seals, you can enjoy your breakfast, your lunch, your dinner, a glass of wine or a goodnight-beer. We serve the season’s greenlandic specialities, like meat of reindeer, musk-ox, south greenlandic sheep and fish are served all the year.

Appetizers, Blog, Lifestyle, Recipes, Topwind Diner

Lifestyle: Baked – Crunchy Rosemary and Olive Bread

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I had been craving some really fresh bread and decided to make some this weekend! I found a really simple recipe off of Pinterest and adopted this savory bread from LivingSweetMoments.Com but then just added my own spices!

Rosemary Olive Bread Recipe
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins

This amazing Rosemary Olive Bread Recipe has a nice crust on the outside and chewy on the inside. Better than any bakery. Enjoy a few slices with olive oil

Course: Bread
Servings: 1 loaf
Author: Tiffany Bendayan
Ingredients
  • 3 cups Bread Flour
  • 1 2/3 cups Water room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon Instant Yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary chopped
Instructions

  1. In a bowl the flour, salt, yeast, and water together. Use a wooden spoon to stir all the ingredients until combined

  2. Add the rosemary and olives. Mix it in the dough

  3. Wrap plastic wrap on top of the bowl and let it proof for about 12 to 18 hours

  4. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit

  5. Place a dutch oven with lid inside the oven to preheat for 30 minutes

  6. Meanwhile, on a floured surface, drop the dough and shape into a ball or your desired shape

  7. Make 3 shallow slits at the top the bread

  8. Cover the bread with a clean kitchen towel while the dutch oven preheats

  9. Carefully, place the dough inside the preheated dutch oven. Cover with lid

  10. Bake for 30 minutes

  11. Remove the lid and bake for 10-15 minutes more or until browned on top and crusty

  12. When ready, place the bread on a cooling rack

  13. Enjoy!

Blog, Gallery, Lifestyle

Gallery: Leo’s First Week

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Last Saturday I adopted my first cat! He is an 8-year old, black American short hair. My workplace works with Dakin Shelter and through facebook I was recommended Community Cat Connections in Webster, MA. Leo was rescued two days after my birthday and from death row in a New York City shelter. He was brought to CCC and his story and video were posted to facebook. I was also able to do most of the adoption process through facebook as well through the help of their volunteers.

One the way home from the shelter I had to pull over twice since he had escaped the carrier and hug him both times to calm him down. He is very affectionate and mellow but also seems to like his alone time which seems to be a good fit.

Blog, Fashion, Lifestyle

Lifestyle: Fashion – What’s in my Bag?

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What’s in my bag?

As an artist on the go I have quite a few items on me that may not be always on someone else.  And the ‘What’s in my Bag’ posts are an age-old in the lifestyle community. I have not done one in awhile nor in this edition of the blog. 

Looking at the photo above my items are in order:

  1. Pack of tissues
  2. Glass straw
  3. Writing Utensil roll-up
  4. Ipod
  5. Cell Phone
  6. Vlog Camera – Samsung NX mini
  7. Daily medication
  8. Ibuprofen 
  9. Lip Balm
  10. Nail clippers
  11. Liquid Matt lipstick
  12. Pin I designed
  13. Dube tube
  14. Quartz Pipe
  15. Anti-itch cream
  16. Plasma lighter
  17. Tampons

A few things that didn’t make it: ipod/cell phone camera lenses and my wallet. 

Blog, Lifestyle, Product Reviews, Wellness

Lifestyle: Apothecary – Urban Moonshine

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One of the best things about working at a food cooperative is having access to their robust Wellness Department. I have never been to a store where you can get Apothecary grade products readily available in person without having to order online. With recent developments I have been utilizing this department more so. In my first week back I was experiencing vertigo and the last time I did was when I had surgery in my ear – that time I used ginger powder to combat symptoms and ginger powder worked this time too. Though I ended up using more of a ginger syrup for this type of thing. Ginger also has been a great detoxing agent for me.

Additionally I had been enjoying an aromatherapy diffusor and the Eucalyptus scent. It’s been a great mental clearer as well as helps reduce stress and anxiety. I have been working on making my apartment stress free and finding ways to create a relaxing ambiance.

Lastly, to help with my insomnia I have been enjoying the Urban Moonshine Herbal Apothecary Simmer Down Tonic with Calming Adaptogens, Ashwagandha and Tulsi. I have been making an effort to move away from OTC drugs for everyday use and just consume prescription medicine. URBHA Simmer Down Tonic is a great solution to insomnia and sleepless nights due to stress. Though do keep it mind it won’t eliminate it just help reduce symptoms and promote restful sleep.

Less Stress, More Rest
A calming, adaptogenic formula that helps deeply replenish and restore the nervous system.* Certified Organic. Gluten Free.

  1. Promotes a mellow mood*
  2. Encourages restful sleep*
  3. Soothes nervousness, stress & irritability*
  4. Protects against the depleting effects of stress*
  5. Non-sedating—take any time of day
Home Decor, Lifestyle

Lifestyle: Home Decor – Bedroom Update

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These past six months or so I’ve been working on cleaning, organizing and sorting out my apartment after my move. Despite current circumstances at work, I’ve been blessed with some time to try and ground myself. I’ve been working to identify what does ground me and one of them is my apartment and more specifically my studio. So this past week, I’ve been running around and organizing and putting things together and sorted and thought I’d share an updated photo gallery of my bedroom.

I’m really liking how this is coming together. I’ve never really had an opportunity to decorate a space like this before to my complete liking. In order to afford everything, I’ve taken the ‘100 dollar approach’ to furnishing my apartment. Since I do see myself moving out of this space one day, I planned on not buying furniture that was expensive and if it only lasts a few years then that’s OK. One of the challenges of this space is how small it is. I’ve been constantly measuring, and researching, and remeasuring spaces to find furniture that fits without it sticking out too much or overwhelming the space. And one struggle I’ve run into is that the sizes of the space I’ve been coming up with fits into the junior/children section!

This bedroom is pretty much done. There are a few things I’d like to add, like a tall corner shelf between the bedroom and closet door, replace my nightstand, upgrade my bed to queen size, redo my dresser area a bit and maybe add some artwork here and there.

 

 

Exploration, Guatemala, International, Lifestyle, Travel, ◆◆◆

Exploration: Lake Atitlan for the Non-Backpacker

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SAN JUAN LAGUNA, Guatemala – Celebrate a birthday through solo travel by traveling to one of Central America’s most Non-Backpacker friendly destinations!

 

As I was searching for my next destination to go to celebrate my 28th, especially for a short duration, Guatemala kept coming up. I’ve been inspired by Lake Atitlan for ages from the spiritual and artistic points of view of the area. Not only that but the area is still very authentic in Mayan culture and as you may know I’ve studied and researched their culture in my art history classes and independently. I’ve said this when my family and I went to Yucatan in Mexico for my 21st, but I’m always fascinated when I’m actually standing in the same exact location that their ancestors did who built the pyramids (and other structures) that have lasted thousands of years. I have yet to go to Egypt but am working up to it, however, I am sure I will feel the same about Egypt when I do eventually go.

 

 

Accommodations

Considering the trip was literally 5 days, I had to make sure that it went smoothly and for that I chose to book with Uxlabil Eco Hotels. I particularly enjoyed the fact that this hotel was a chain and had a location in Guatemala City and Lake Atitlan, and not only that but their Atitlan location was adjacent to one of the most artistic towns in the Atitlan region; where you can see textile/weaving demonstrations, coffee tours and plantations, medicinal and herbal gardens, historical architecture and art galleries. As you can guess, my senses had a bit of a field day. I was able to book shuttles and taxis through the hotel who had called them before I arrived and the taxis were extremely prompt and made the trip a lot smoother.

 

From the outside, the itinerary was ambitious and possibly risky however many articles said to treat the journey to the lake as part of the experience, and I am very glad I went into that trip with that mind-set! My itinerary started about mid-day on Thursday when I departed from Boston, which my flight was delayed due to a technical error and I literally only had about 15-30 minutes to make my connecting flight in Miami. It had been a very long time since I had last connected through Miami and I had forgotten how nightmarish that airport was. I ran with my heavy equipment bag and everything else down at least a mile to the next terminal to make my flight. Considering it was a short trip, I couldn’t waste anytime and needed to make that flight. Thankfully I made it with 6 minutes to spare. Having a connecting flight in Miami, meant that it was 2 and a half hours to Miami and 2 and a half hours from Miami to Guatemala City.

 

 

San Juan La Laguna

I got into Guatemala City around 9 pm. Got to the currency exchange, got my luggage and found my taxi and was checked into the hotel by 10:30 pm. It also helped that this location was about 10 minutes from the airport. I ate, showered and was in bed by 11:30 pm. Considering I had to get up at 4 am, which wasn’t too different from my usual 5:30 wake-up time, to make the 6 am taxi to Lake Atitlan.

 

The taxi to Panajachel was about 2.5-3 hours, then from Panajachel to San Juan La Laguna was about a 2 hour boat ride across the lake. I’ve been surrounded by boats and on them before and I am generally not afraid of them, however, I was totally not expecting this boat ride to be extremely bumpy! So much so I was pretty shaken up upon arrival and I actually fell and banged my leg against the fiberglass boat and bruised my leg! Thankfully it didn’t prevent me from walking around. I also thought for a moment that I was in over my head since the road ahead of me off the pier was literally a 45 degree angle and with all of my luggage and equipment bag and especially after the day before. I thought the entire town was like this! But it apparently was only the side roads and the town itself had plateaued out and was extremely walkable. The region also had 3-wheeled ‘took tooks’ or taxis that were able to climb these steep roads. I was also very thankful for the temperature. The locals may have all been wearing winter coats, but I was in short sleeves and coatless. The temperature never got above 75 degrees when I was there and that made a huge difference for my heat exhaustion, I don’t think I could’ve done it if it was above that.

The hotel consisted of 3 floors of bedrooms, a dinning and lounge area – which had the most spectacular view, a dock, gardens, jacuzzi and spa, as well as many other amenities. The food was geared towards international travelers but had local, authentic flavor and produce. For dinner I had essentially a 3-course meal with soup, a main entree with side dishes of vegetables and rice, tortillas and finally desert. The menu did have an authentic mayan meal if you were looking for something of that flavor.

 

Departure

Sunday, I made my way back to Guatemala City. And I should have expected this, but Sunday was kind of annoying. There was  a lot of waiting around for the public transportation as it was much slower on Sunday. Additionally, there was also a lot of traffic going into Guatemala City, so a 2.5-3 hour trip turned easily into 3.5-4 hours. I basically retraced my steps back to the Guatemala City location. They had also upgraded me to a 3-person suite at the Uxlabil Eco Hotels which was very nice! I also enjoyed the fact that my flight home was in the afternoon so I did not have to get up super early. The flights home went well and nothing went wrong. However, I did find it interesting that I was flagged by TSA for SSSS. SSSS stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection and it appears on a passenger’s boarding pass when they’ve been selected by TSA’s Secure Flight system for enhanced security screening. I am very thankful for the travel group I am apart of for teaching me about this. Basically you get swabbed down before boarding the flight from Guatemala City. And actually because of the area I was in, I was actually thankful that that they had done that for possible drug smuggling or something could’ve been on my clothes, etc. that may have prevented me from reentering the country.

 

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Activities, Art, Cellular Automata, Design, Inquiry, Lifestyle, New York, Travel, ◆◆◆

Inquiry: World’s Largest Kaleidoscope

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Mount Tremper, NY | World’s Largest Kaleidoscope – While staying at the Emerson Resort and Spa one of their biggest features is a silo that has been converted into a kaleidoscope show. The show is an interactive display of light, sound and form and tells the story of the universe through this. The display was created by a local film firm in NYC and by two artists. After the show, you find yourself in a gift shop fill of different kaleidoscopes ranging from all sizes and prices. The team at Emerson gifted me a travel-sized kaleidoscope that I now keep on my kitchen table. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but this experience has inspired me a bit in my own photography.

The above image was taken through a triangle tubular piece and had a mandala panting on the back wall. This image is pretty cool and makes me wonder if I can recreate the effect by creating a kaleidoscope lens. Throughout the shop there were interactive displays where you can look through kaleidoscopes and spin a bowl of marbles to create your own visuals. This activity is complimentary for guests.