YogaWorks Expands to Baltimore Studio

YOGAWORKS EXPANDS EAST COAST PRESENCE WITH PURCHASE OF SEVEN AWARD-WINNING STUDIOS IN BALTIMORE

YogaWorks, the rapidly growing leader in yoga practice and fitness, today announced its fourth acquisition of 2015 with the purchase of seven Charm City Yoga studios in Baltimore, Maryland.  This deal comes on the heels of YogaWorks’ acquisition of two studios in Boston last month, and seven studios in Northern California earlier this summer.  The renowned yoga company’s accelerated growth is due partly to the rapid adoption of yoga across the country, coupled with the demand for consistently high-quality yoga in growing yoga cities like Baltimore. In fact, Forbes Magazine rated Baltimore as the 6th fastest growing yoga market in the United States.

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“The award-winning Charm City Yoga studios are an amazing addition to our family because they, like YogaWorks, feature terrific teachers committed to building a local community where students can experience the physical and mental benefits only yoga can provide,” said Phil Swain, Chief Executive Officer, YogaWorks.  “From teens and young adults enjoying more rigorous classes to the restorative and relaxing pace of a gentle class, these Baltimore studios offer a wide variety of classes to meet the varied needs of the local yoga community.”

Kim Manfredi and Chris Blades opened the first Charm City Yoga Studio in 2000 and have dedicated their lives to growing the yoga practice in Baltimore.  “I am excited to partner with YogaWorks to grow our yoga community and continue the work we have started with our dedicated teachers and team.” said Ms. Manfredi.  “YogaWorks is a well-respected name in the yoga world and we believe that our students, staff and teachers will be able to benefit with additional opportunities and over 25 years of experience that YogaWorks brings.”

To maintain Charm City’s celebrated flow of yoga programming and operations, which has been recognized as “Best of Baltimore” for 15 consecutive years, Manfredi will remain deeply involved as both a teacher and yoga teacher trainer.  And, as with all of its acquisitions, YogaWorks will retain the company’s current teachers and staff in order to continue offering students the same great diverse programming, including Vinyasa , Gentle Yoga, Ashtanga, hot yoga, prenatal classes, and the popular community classes, workshops, and yoga teacher training programs. Names of all studios will eventually transition over to YogaWorks as the brand seeks to broaden its presence in this market. Through the end of the year, Charm City Yoga students will receive complimentary access to over 850 online yoga videos through YogaWorks’ online platform, MyYogaWorks.com, an excellent way to practice yoga between classes or further one’s practice while traveling.

Charm City Yoga studios, conveniently located around the Baltimore area, include: Mt Vernon, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Towson, Severna Park, Pikesville and Columbia.  With studios in Boston, New York City and, now, Baltimore, YogaWorks is further expanding on the East Coast with its first Washington D.C. studio set to open in early 2016.  YogaWorks also has several more studios in construction on the West Coast that will open within the next six months.

 

About YogaWorks

Founded in Santa Monica, California in 1987, YogaWorks has become the nation’s authority in the yoga space offering world-class teachers at yoga studios, a premier yoga teacher training program, workshops, retreats, and best-in-class online yoga at www.MyYogaWorks.com. YogaWorks’ trademark approach is a mix of safe, compassionate and skillful teaching featuring a diverse array of yoga styles and teachers for all levels of students. In addition to yoga, YogaWorks also offers a variety of fitness classes, including Pilates, BarWorks®, SculptWorks®, and TRX®.  Moreover, it features specialty programing, including private yoga, restoratives, pre-natal, Urban Zen® and meditation.   It is YogaWorks’ unwavering commitment to excellence – in teaching and practice – that has honed its reputation as the most respected name in yoga. Dedicated to giving back and to inspiring change in others, it is of utmost importance to YogaWorks’ teachers, employees and students to be involved in the local communities where studios operate.

For information about either studio, or to learn more about YogaWorks’ programming, philosophy and locations, go to www.yogaworks.com orcharmcityyoga.com.

Holiday Travel Essentials – How To

The holidays prove to be a busy travel time! From escaping the cold weather for a warm relaxing vacation to traveling to your loved one for a long weekend, make sure you have those key travel necessities on hand such as:

KORRES Greek Yoghurt Cleansing & Make-Up Removing Wipes will fit into any carry-on bag! This package of pre-moistened cleansing wipes are formulated with nourishing Greek yogurt to easily remove stubborn face and eye makeup while softening skin. Each pre-moistened, textured, and non-irritating cloth effectively removes stubborn face and eye makeup, leaving skin refreshed and deeply nourished. A calming duo of chamomile and calendula oils relieve stressed or sensitive skin while gentle macademia and jojoba oils help skin retain moisture. Perfectly packaged for on-the-go cleansing, skin is left revitalized, smooth, and hydrated ($15; Sephora.com).

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Take freshness on-the-go with the mini versions of Lavanila’s bestselling deodorant! This All-Natural, freshly scented pure vanilla deodorant provides superior, long-lasting odor protection. Soothing essential oils blend with powerful anti-oxidants and beta glucan technology for daily defense and nourishment ($8; Lavanila.com).

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Don’t let your scent be compromised during travels! Katy Perry’s Mad Potion Eau de Parfum Rollerball features tahitian vanilla orchid, sweet white peony, fresh & crisp apple, madagascar bourbon vanilla, luminous jasmine petals, soft & whipped fluffy musk, Mexican vanilla bean absolute and glowing amber ($18; Kohls.com).

Katy Perry Rollerball

Get comfy with Hästens Travel Pillow. With 100% duck down this travel pillow is the perfect accessory to guarantee a little beauty rest while you’re traveling – whether by air, train, or automobile. Or use it as a makeup bag and zip it up with your loose beauty items with the rugged blue check fabric out. Then when you have settled in to your seat for your long trip reverse the pillow to expose the soft cotton and down interior. Comes in three colors. ($150; Hästens Stores nationwide; for more information, visit: www.hastens.com).

Travel Pillow

Add a pop to your hair with Hairdo by HairUWear French Braid Band. Add a finishing touch with the Hairdo French Braid Band that’s as much fashion accessory as it is hair accessory. Effortlessly chic, it attaches in an instant. What better way to add cachet? Use to hold your hair back for a classic look or hold your ponytail or bun in place with this braid band, just like you would use an elastic ($10; Ulta.com).

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Natures Bounty Hair Skin and Nails Vitamin – Review

Here’s a well-known fact, after having kids and lack of eating a balanced meal (everyday) my nails were very brittle. The slightest manipulation would split my nails; aside from years of wearing acrylics and using the wrong chemical products.

While shopping in the grocery store, I ran across a new line of vitamins call Natures Bounty Hair, Skin, and Nails.  I was skeptical because some vitamins do not produce the results they proclaim on the bottle. Needless to say, I purchased the gummy vitamins and here’s what I discovered:

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1.  They taste really good!  I almost forgot I was chewing a vitamin and took one too many.  No worries, I didn’t have any side effects.

2.  They gave me a boost of energy which is the normal deficiency in my body.

3.  They did not make my stomach ache.  This is a common problem (for me) with other hair, skin, and nail vitamins.

The ultimate result is that my nails look amazing!  I’ve never had long nails but the health of my cuticles look so much better.  The strength of my nails have also improved and signs of deficiencies are not as noticeable.

In regards to my skin, I have a natural glow and thankful I added this vitamin to my skin care regimen.  I am waiting for the hair growth results because it’s in a natural (chemical free) state and will have an official update in May 2016.

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I wanted to share Natures Bounty Hair, Skin, and Nails Gummies vitamins with everyone because it’s really an awesome product!

The Downy Ball – Fuzzy Sweater Solution

With dropping temperatures, puffy coats, fuzzy sweaters and warm boots become the everyday norm. But with cold weather comes dry air and much more static electricity. Tired of your hair standing on end, random shocks throughout the day and intimate articles of clothing sticking to the outside of your pants?

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The creators of the Downy Ball have come up with some static reducing tips, like tossing an aluminum foil ball into the dryer to help further reduce the static charge that clings to our clothes.

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For me, Sunday’s considered to be laundry time and I am planning to pick up a Downy Ball.  My sweaters are notorious for having fuzzy balls and I couldn’t understand why until I ran across this little tool.

Downy has other products to help us in this area as well such wrinkle releaser and scent beads.  We spend so much money on our wardrobe, let’s make sure we’re caring for it in the proper manner.  Do you have any laundry tips, feel free to share them in the comments section below!

Kingsmill Golf and Spa Resort – Holiday Travel 2015 {Lifestyle}

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Fall Weekends Frighteningly Busy as Halloween & the Holidays Near

* Low Gas Prices, Means Holiday Travel/Get-A-Ways Are On The Rise*

The countdown to Halloween is on, and as we creep closer to the holidays, Kingsmill Resort’s reservation system is spooky busy with many key weekends in October, November and December starting to fill up.   The reason, according to Kingsmill Resort, is the increased desire to create multi-generational memories by establishing new traditions for family travel during the fall and Holidays.  Low gas prices and high demand for Kingsmill’s riverfront cottages and spacious condos featuring full kitchens support this trend.

Kingsmill Resort is the only AAA Four Diamond condominium resort in Williamsburg and the only property with direct access to the majestic James River.  Sitting on 3,000 acres of land, Kingsmill Resort is ripe with stories of fright and holiday delight dating back to America’s beginnings.  It’s also a fall/early winter harvest of golf, watersports, heated indoor pools, a million dollar spa, restaurants, tennis, biking and just a cannon-ball shot away from the area’s iconic major attractions.

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What does this all mean?  For travelers planning a visit to Greater Williamsburg this holiday season to take in the fall foliage, ghoulish frights at Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream, or Greater Williamsburg’s holiday lineup, that means it’s best to book now or beware.   There may be no room at the proverbial “inn.”  A word to the wise, if you are thinking of calling Kingsmill Resort ‘home’ for the upcoming holidays it is best to book now, or the resort may be stuffed and your family will be crying foul.

Fall/holiday packages that are exceptionally value driven and popular include:

·       The Howl-O-Scream package through October 31 which includes accommodations for two nights in a  guest room (upgrade to condo available), daily breakfast, complimentary shuttle service to Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg and access to Busch Gardens with two Fun Cards.

·       The Thanksgiving package, featuring a two-night stay in a one bedroom condo, breakfast daily, complimentary transportation to Colonial Williamsburg, and of course a traditional Thanksgiving buffet.

Three distinct Christmas Season packages:

1.     Christmas Town: a two-night stay and multi-day tickets to Busch Gardens

2.     Let It Glow: spacious accommodations in a condo for two nights, breakfast daily and curbside transportation to Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg.

3.     Holiday Traditions:  featuring two-night accommodations in a holiday-decorated condo including a tree and fireplace, meals, and more…

Kingsmill Resort is an AAA Four Diamond condo resort and member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Located on the James River off I‐64 between Richmond and Norfolk the property is within minutes from Williamsburg’s numerous destinations including Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, The College of William & Mary, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.

C O Bigelow Freesia Candle – Breast Cancer Research Foundation

All year long, C.O. Bigelow donates 10% of all sales of their Freesia Candle to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a leading organization which fights breast cancer by advancing promising research around the globe.

Freesia is one of the brand’s most popular perfume oils, which inspired this soft, floral scent featuring a heart of tart quince, jasmine, pink freesia and tender muguet. The feminine and uplifting power of this candle honors the spirit of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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Price: $42.00

Available: bigelowchemists.com, C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries: 414 Avenue of Americas, New York, NY 10011

Ann Taylor Fall Boot Collection

As the weather grows colder, warm up your closet with fall favorites from Ann Taylor. Grab all your fall shoe must-haves and most sought after trends including, fringe booties, braided booties and leather riding boots.

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Feel and look luxurious in the Ellen Leather Riding Boots from the Ann Taylor ICON collection for all your fall festivities. Transition from your desk to evening fun with the suede fringe bootie or opt for a braided leather bootie paired with your favorite pair of skinny jeans for a more casual look.

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Nordstrom Fall Beauty Trend Week – The Mall in Columbia

Nordstrom Fall Beauty Trend Week started on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at The Mall in Columbia.  I attended the event because I love beauty products and wanted to learn more about the cosmetics brands featured.

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The event (taking place now) specializes in providing promotions such as Oxygen Facials, Hand & Arm Massages, and tips for achieving the perfect Blow Out.  To conclude the week, Nordstrom will present a live interactive morning talk show with a special guest panel!

Visit the online site to register for the Nordstrom Fall Beauty Trend Week near your location.

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Retinol Anti-Aging Eye Gel Pads: Rev-EYE-talize for Fall

They say your eyes are the windows to your soul, so what are your eyes telling the world about you?  To keep eyes moisturized, de-puffed, and prevent the early signs of aging, look to the retinol revolution with Retinol’s *new* Anti-Aging Eye Gel Pads, which launch in-stores this month.

With the changing season, the fade of summer tans, and fewer daylight hours, it’s easy to fall prey to a tired, run-down appearance which are instantly made noticeable through the tell-tale signs of puffy, irritated eyes. Fight back this fall with Retinol’s vitamin enriched eye products:

  • *NEW* Retinol Anti-Aging Eye Gel Pads (SRP $16.00) offer quick, soothing treatment that provide visible improvement in the appearance of fine lines and puffiness while hydrating the sensitive and fragile skin under the eyes. It is a perfect treatment before a night out or any time you want to look or feel refreshed.
  • Retinol Eye Gel (SRP $22.00) is formulated to reduce the visible signs of aging around the delicate eye area. This gentle gel will help minimize the appearance of puffiness, dark circles and restore tone and elasticity. Formulated without fragrance for use on even the most sensitive skin.

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  • Key Ingredients: Retinyl Palmitate, Phyto Collagen, Vitamin E, Glycerin, Aloe Vera and Allantoin
  • Reduces Puffiness and Fine Lines
  • Hydrates and Refreshes

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Retinol Eye Gel – ($22.00 – 0.5 Oz.)

  • Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, E and Glycerin
  • Micro-beads encapsulated with Retinyl Palmitate
  • Smoothes to minimize the appearance of fine lines
  • Moisturizes to improve texture, clarity and radiance

 

*Products available online and in-store at ULTA Beauty stores, Harmon Face Values at select Bed Bath Beyond stores, as well as online at as well as www.retinoltreatment.com

About Skincare L de L Cosmetics®

Skincare L de L Cosmetics® is the original Retinol-based anti-aging skincare line developed in 1987. These proprietary and multi-benefit products are formulated with Retinol Palmitate (Vitamin A) as well as Vitamins C & E to safely and effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Retinol products in the regimen help improve skin texture through exfoliation, while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This intensive blend of hydrating ingredients absorb quickly, leaving your skin looking firmer, brighter and more radiant. Find more information on Retinol at www.retinoltreatment.com.

The Aginging Gracefully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS Book Review

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Everyone wants to age with as much poise and grace as possible. While there are many books about super foods and supplements, few provide at-a-glance guides in each recipe detailing key ingredients and how they increase health and longevity.

Delicious foods and rejuvenating nutrients combine in Grace O’s The Aging GRACEfully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS To Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life, a collection of enticing, nourishing recipes that promote health and a joyful, sustainable life. The age-fighting recipes here are crafted based on a foundation of scientific research and many different cultures’ ancient knowledge of medicinal herbs and natural ingredients.

Grace O’s cookbook focuses on five categories of natural anti aging properties of food that are essential to healthful living:

  • Antioxidant
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Immunity Boosters
  • Mind and Beauty
  • Disease-Preventing

 

About the Author: Grace O has been cooking and baking professionally all of her adult life. As a young adult in Southeast Asia, she managed her family’s cooking school and eventually opened three restaurants. She is also the creator of FoodTrients, a unique program supported by current research that positions food as an anti aging strategy.

Book Review – 

This particular book intrigued me because we can learn about the health of our bodies through the various foods we eat. The Aging GRACEfully Cookbook is no ordinary cookbook because the author’s not listing recipes based on taste alone.

The cookbook truly combines recipes that are in connection to the properties (previously) listed such as immunity boosters which is vitally important this time of the year.  Also, the natural ingredients are in line with the expected health benefits such as the use of flax-seed or coconut oil.

I would recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in changing their lifestyle and health through food.  It’s also great to have in your kitchen for guests with dietary concerns.

Click on the link to purchase the book and remember that true beauty starts from within!

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