I'm a New Yorker, attempting to be a holistically hip girl while living in a very un-holistic world! So what exactly is the definition of holistically hip? It's being confident enough within yourself to be and do the things you love, that benefit you mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Holistically hip describes those unique souls who wear Manolo Blahniks on the subway on the way to yoga. Afterwards they listen to hip-hop while trolling the farmers' market. Holistically hip means living your best, most productive non-toxic life each and every day. And let's face it - if a few toxins get in the mix, you just keep powering forward and find your way back to your 'IT' zone. The goal is to find your IT zone, and live IT fearlessly! Just make sure your IT calms and excites you mentally, feeds you spiritually, and nourishes and tones your body. This is your personal IT. I pray that your IT allows you to shine unto the world brightly, just like the sun. I also pray that you take this awesomeness and connect it to the earth. Being holistically hip is more powerful than you and the perfect downward-facing dog. It's more than finding the perfect organic strawberries at Whole Foods Market. It's about connecting to where those perfect organic strawberries came from (before their packaging). It's about giving back to the Earth and appreciating all the wonders it does for you on a daily basis. If you leave in rural America then this might be easier than for us city folk. If not, it is still important. Find a park, a backyard, a beach or even a plant. Just make sure you take the time to give a little energy to a source that constantly gives you so much more (and at this point in time is being depleted).
I have gone back and forth between being a vegetarian and a carnivore for 20 years. I'm currently in vegetarian mode, and I started attending Farm School to understand the origins of organic food. I recently had an 'ah ha' moment while picking a radish out of the ground and eating it. So much for Whole Foods Market (and just for the record, the lines and attitudes at some of them are totally NOT organic). My personal goal is to plant flower gardens in every New York City housing authority. Gardens have an amazing effect on the spirit, and they have been known to lower crime. I also advocate for low-income residents to be allotted the same quality of food that everyone else has access to. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, paleo etc are all dietary choices but organic and non-toxic food should be a birthright, given to us by a higher authority. It should not be factored by social economics.
I believe that holistically hip living is just like, the old African proverb 'It takes a village to raise a child.' It also takes a village of connections to make the mind, body, spirit well, so you can connect it all back to the earth. I hope you enjoy my holistically hip slideshow of people, places and things. Please feel free to leave your comments and personal stories.
Holistically Hip People, Places and Things
It Takes A Village That Knows!(01 of19)
I suggest you seek out a village to support your own wellness journey. Get to know the supplement specialist at your local health food store. Stay the extra 10 minutes after your yoga class and ask questions. The beauty of people involved in wellness professionally is that they usually live it. It's very easy to utilize social media to reach out to them directly. They usually get back to you if you have a question, comment, or concern. The following slides and stores are my village.
That Guy Knows Beauty(02 of19)
A makeup artist walked into a health food store one day in 1999 and had a conversation with a worker. When the worker found out her profession and the fact she could no longer wear lipstick because of her allergic reaction, the worker offered to show her a natural brand. As the makeup artist followed the worker, in her head she thought, "Oh great, natural makeup! What are the shades? Light dirt, dark, dark and medium dirt?" When the makeup artist arrived at the display, she was flabbergasted at all the amazing color choices and textures. She was also excited to see foundation shades for all women.This makeup artist was me, and the brand was Gabriel Cosmetics Inc.I contacted Gabriel Cosmetics shortly after that and got a response from the man himself. He sent me the entire line. The first thing I did was try the lipstick and, lo and behold, after seven years of not being able to wear lipstick, I found one I could wear! I changed my career focus that day, to promoting non-toxic products to my clients.Gabriel De Santino, Founder of Gabriel Cosmetics, was inspired by his grandmother’s homeopathic practices and teachings. As a young child, Gabriel frequented his grandmother’s home near the coast of Mexico. There he learned the significance of the sea and its many properties (seaweed and kelp). As his curiosity and passion progressed into healthy living, he knew it was his calling to share these special properties with the world. In 1992, Gabriel developed a vegan and gluten-free skincare line, full of sea-derived ingredients inspired by his grandmother, and that line was called Gabriel Skincare, which evolved into what is now Gabriel Organics and includes a kids’ skincare line called Clean Naturally. In 1995, he launched a cosmetics line, Gabriel Color, and in 2001 ZuZu Luxe by Gabriel Cosmetics was born.I just want to say thank you, and I love you dearly. Your philosophy and brand have been essential to me both personally and professionally. Follow Gabriel Cosmetics on Instagram
That Girl Knows Everything(03 of19)
Rona Berg I call Rona Berg the Russell Simons of the wellness industry. She is both a pioneer and a trendsetter, traveling all over the world seeking truth within the industry. The wellness/sustainable/green/non-toxic or whatever buzz word you choose to use is not always done with pure intentions. There is a lot of mislabeling, false information, and misconceptions within the industry. Rona always has her eyes and ears open to this. She has a very Namaste disposition for the truth and a very 'no bullshit allowed' attitude for imposters. She is the former Editorial Director of ELLE Magazine, and is currently at the helm of Organic Spa Magazine as Editor-In-Chief. She also chairs the Personal Care Committee of the non-profit Green Spa Network, where she advises personal care product brands and spas on how to become greener and more sustainable. Rona is the Best-selling author of Beauty: The New Basics and Fast Beauty: 1000 Quick Fixes. Rona Berg is my mentor and friend in the rabbit hole of wellness, where anyone can be Alice. When I'm stressing around a topic at home, my husband usually turns to me calmly and says, "Ask Rona."Follow Rona Berg on Instagram
These Girls Know Love(04 of19)
Rebecca Gordon and Indie Lee:I love these two ladies! They are the super savvy dynamic duo of Indie Lee (an eco-chic skincare company). Indie Lee is a brand created with a purpose by these two dynamic women. Indie Lee-After conquering a life-threatening brain tumor in 2009 and receiving a new lease on life, Indie Lee created a brand of eco-chic skincare products. Since her tumor pointed to an environmental toxin as the culprit, she only sources natural, non-toxic ingredients good for the body and the environment. Rebecca Gordon is a marketing and sales guru. Having troubled skin herself, when Indie approached her about working together she was skeptical. However, to Gordon’s surprise when testing the product, she noticed her skin improved immediately. What started as a consultant role for the innovative skincare line quickly turned into a partnership. The thing I love about these women is their synergy! Their love comes through in their personality, products, and their blog. It's also the reason why they have achieved such great success in such a short amount of time. Their website is more than a 'buy my products' type of experience. Their blog is a go-to for stellar sustainable advice, and Indie is a DIY genius. Every time I speak to them about any topic, personally or professionally, you can feel the love. Follow Indie Lee Skincare on Instagram
That Girl Knows Food(05 of19)
Mareya Ibrahim: Mareya's spirit lights up the room as soon as you meet her! Known as The Fit Foodie, she is a celebrity nutritionist, author, and chef and is the founder of EatCleaner.com. Her site is a lifestyle destination for fit food information. She is the creator of the only macronutrient meal preparation plan called the Eat Cleaner Meal Prep Club and her book is called The Clean Eating Handbook. Not only does she want you to eat clean, but she helps you keep your food clean with her all-natural, biodegradable food wash + wipes. She is a stellar chef and hosts a daily cooking segment on Facebook Live. Being the mother of two amazing kids, I don't know how she finds the time. Hey! Mareya, can you bottle your time management skills, smile, and enthusiasm? Follow Mareya on Instagram
That Girl Know the Light(06 of19)
Cassandra Bodzak:This girl has light like the sun! I recently met Cassandra at a weekend writers’ event. I had known of her prior to our meeting but meeting her in person and hearing her story was inspiring. She is a healthy living guru from ABC’s The Taste and the host of Eat with Intention, and she is also a certified kundalini yoga and meditation teacher. This young hip global meditation and wellness teacher is the real deal. Her goal is:
To teach people how to utilize the technologies of food, meditation, and self-care, to make peace with their bodies and their plate, so that they can live their best lifeCheck out her free audio: Beginner's Guide to Bliss.I've met others on the same path as she is on in the past and sometimes I've felt like it was hard to just be real. I would feel funny ordering a glass of wine or saying the occasional curse word that comes out of my New York mouth (lol). Not Cassandra! She understands that everything is not always a Namaste experience; it's more like F-outa here! What I have learned from being around her is that when you bring love into the equation (mind, body, spirit), you will have less F-outa here situations, and, let us face it, that's what life is all about. Her book called Eat with Intention comes out this November. She merges the food and spirituality conversation to help people create a life that LIGHTS them up from the inside out. I can't wait to light up like a Christmas tree.Follow her on Instagram.
That Girl Knows Hair(07 of19)
Alex Williams: Endurance training is great for the mind, body, and spirit but sometimes not the hair. Since starting my competitive racing journey, hair has been an issue. Alex views hair care from the inside out and inspires women with her company FitHair. FitHair teaches just that. FitHair is both fun and inspirational. Alex impacts the world by blogging all things running. Having completed multiple endurance races such as triathlons and marathons, she serves on the board of the National Black Marathoners Association. Her brand encourages and helps women to achieve healthy hair from the inside out. Follow Alex on Instagram
That Girl Knows Triumph(08 of19)
Danielle Messina Danielle is the founder of the site: The GlamOrganic Goddess. She is a former professional figure skating coach, two-time breast cancer survivor, and author. I first met Danielle at an event a few years back. I was amazed at how much she knew about carcinogenic ingredients. She shared with me her prior cancer diagnosis in 2009 at the age of 31. This hit home to me, since my own sister was diagnosed at the young age of 28. Just like Danielle, there was no predisposition in my family. Danielle publicly documents her journey to find clean beauty products – without carcinogens, and without sacrificing her standards. She also shares her day-to-day struggles and is very honest about her cancer story (which returned in 2015). She is courageous, witty, and venerable all at the same time. My favorite Facebook post of hers is “Cancer messed with the wrong bitch!” Yes, Danielle, it did. Stay strong, my sister.Follow Danielle on Instagram
That Girl Knows Life(09 of19)
Angela L. Montanez:Angela L. Montanez is a Health Coach and Spiritual Advisor and founder of Door 24 Agency, a wellness agency. She has a passion for life that is like no other. She has spent 25 years on a journey toward spiritual and physical healing. She has managed a chronic autoimmune disease for over two decades and was a former Make-a-Wish recipient. I love spending time with Angela. She is a huge proponent of naturopathic and integrative medicine, but in a way that's easy to comprehend. Her healing journey is inspiring others to integrate healing foods with an enriching and spiritually healing practice. It's also amazing to go out dancing with Angela.Follow Angela on Instagram
Hike for the Revolution(10 of19)
I think everyone should show Vermont some love! Vermont has once again raised the bar for what's right. They were the first to abolish slavery and now they will be the first state to beat the industrial food corporation, by passing a bill that requires labeling of GMO products. Way to go, Vermont. I say ditch the serenity of a traditional spa and opt for something more heart-pounding and breathtaking. Vist Jimmy LeSage's New Life Hiking Spa , located in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont. Partake in an exhilarating hiking program and delicious and healthy meals, all in a comfortable country inn atmosphere. New Life is truly a unique vacation experience. They have programs that allow you to hike, lose weight, and get back in touch with nature.This is not a review and, no, I've never visited, but the itinerary looks amazing. If you visit after July 1, don't forget to stop by the local supermarkets and take a picture of the new GMO labeling.
Explore Your Local Parks(11 of19)
You can get a great education and a green thumb exploring the local parks. In New York City the City Parks Foundation offers tons of educational classes on gardening for all ages. They are also a great resource for planting trees and preserving the local parks in your area. Check with the local city and state parks for information in your area.
Become a Farmer(12 of19)
A new breed of farmers is popping up all over the country: The Urban Farmer. Along with this culture comes education. In New York City there is Farm School NYC. Realizing that there are so many resources in New York City, they created an educational opportunity. The mission of Farm School NYC is to build self-reliant communities and inspire positive local action around food access and social, economic, and racial justice issues. There are programs like this one popping up all over the country. I am currently enrolled in Farm School’s certificate program and love it! I'm still trying to figure out if my 'green thumb' is strong enough for a farm, but I do know I have a 'green mouth.' I use my knowledge to teach others and advocate for people living in poor communities to get organic fresh produce. I also teach others how easy it is to grow fresh herbs, greens, and plants inside a small, low-light New York City apartment. I have gained a great deal of respect for the food that grows on our planet, and also for our delicate ecosystem. I recommend Farm School to any and every one. Here are some additional Farm Schools that might be available in your area:The Farm School (Massachusetts) The Organic Farm School (Washington)Jewish Farm School (Pennsylvania)Rouge Farm Corps (Oregan) SoulFire Farm (New York)
Spend Some Alone Time With Animals(13 of19)
Visit this one of a kind habitat which hosts a diversity of animals and plants (some found nowhere else in the world). This is not your local zoo but The Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. According to LonelyPlant.com
The Galápagos Islands may just inspire you to think differently about the world. Charles Darwin visited in 1835 and was so overwhelmed, it inspired his theory of evolution. In 1959 the islands became a part of Ecuador’s national park system, to protect its ecosystem. In 1979 the Galapagos archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.I have personally never been to The Galapagos Islands but it's number one on my eco travel bucket list. Ecoventura offers several cruise options for different groups. From all women departures to small seven-day itineraries with just 20 passengers per ship with activities on board geared towards kids. This is a once in a life time adventure! Photo: Eduardo Gonzalez
Be in the World and Not of It(14 of19)
September 11th, 2001 (we all know the date, and most of us remember exactly what we were doing). Being a New Yorker and living on the island of Manhattan at the time, this date had a great impact on my family. My daughter (age 4 at the time) became very, very ill. They said she had pertussis. I had no idea what to do, so I took her someplace where I thought the air was clean. This place saved her life, and has become a part of our journey as mother and daughter. This special place was the Sivananda Ashram in Woodbourne. Sivananda is one of the largest and oldest international Yoga organizations in existence. Their focus is to spread and teach a yogic philosophy of peace, health and joy. This philosophy can be applied to maintain a peaceful mind, body, and spirit in one’s daily life. There are nine Sivananda Ashrams worldwide. The ashram runs 365 days a year, with a daily schedule as follows:6 a.m. Satsang* or Silent Walk (*Satsang is a 30-minute silent meditation, kirtan/chanting, spiritual lecture)8 a.m. Hatha Yoga Class10 a.m. Organic Vegetarian Brunch11 a.m. Karma Yoga (selfless service)12 p.m. Optional Activity (coaching class, walk or activity)2 p.m. Lecture, Activity or Free Time (see calendar)4 p.m. Hatha Yoga Class6 p.m. Organic Vegetarian Dinner8 p.m. Satsang10:30 p.m. Lights OutThe schedule and philosophy were created to maintain a peaceful mind, body, and spirit in one’s daily life. To achieve this enlightened state, one should incorporate the five points of yoga into daily life. They are: Proper Exercise (asanas), Proper Breathing (pranayama), Proper Relaxation (savanna), Proper Diet (vegetarian), Positive Thinking (vedanta) and Meditation (dhyana).The schedule and philosophy were created to maintain a peaceful mind, body, and spirit in one’s daily life. To achieve this enlightened state, one should incorporate the five points of yoga into everyday routine. They are: Proper Exercise (asanas), Proper Breathing (pranayama), Proper Relaxation (savanna), Proper Diet (vegetarian), Positive Thinking (vedanta) and Meditation (dhyana).My daughter and I lived on the ashram for months abiding by this schedule. I will never forget the impact this amazing way of life had on her spirit! Even now, every time I ask her where she would like to travel, without hesitation she says, “The Ashram.”
Get a Green Thumb Without The Dirt(15 of19)
This is my favorite indoor toy! Introducing The Bounty AeroGarden . AeroGarden is an indoor gardening system that allows you to grow non-GMO herbs and vegetables without harmful pesticides. I grow all of my culinary herbs and edible flowers with this system in my wellness kitchen. I currently have three different systems growing 365 days a year. I grow 7 kinds of basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, sage, lemon mint, kale, cherry tomatoes and several other yummies. I save a ton of time and money with my Aerogarden since my herbs now all grow in the convenience of my home. Follow AeroGarden on Instagram
Plant a Tree(16 of19)
Planting a tree in your neighborhood is a great idea, but let's face it not everyone is going to do it (heck I haven't). What about planting a tree in your home? If that a bit more doable here is everything you need in one convenient kit. Apple-tree-to-be includes everything you need to successfully start and grow an apple tree. What's just as cool, is the fact that you can plant a tree to commensurate different events in your life. Got a raise? Plant a tree? Child's graduation? Plant a tree? Getting a divorce? How about plant two trees and see which one grows faster.
Vegan Vaginas Saving the World (17 of19)
I once had a woman ask for my advice because her boyfriend didn't want to kiss her if the lipstick she was wearing was not organic. He felt that was his right. Now the new power generation of women wants their vagina to have the same rights. Introducing a vegan brand of condoms called L. (traditional latex condoms contain a milk protein called casein)L. was created by a photojournalist who spent time working for the Red Cross and United Nations. After discovering the lack of access to reproductive rights and the effects of HIV/AIDS on young girls, she was inspired to do something. Today L. has grown into a movement that works with over 2,800 female entrepreneurs and has distributed over 1 million health products in Sub-Saharan Africa.Follow L. On Instagram
Showing Love With Food(18 of19)
My daughter recently went away to college this year. I was actually concerned that she would forget to eat (of course that was not the case, and she came back with the extra freshman 15). What she did forget was to eat the healthy food she received at home. I recently got her a subscription from Love with Food. They will they be sending her a box monthly with organic and natural snacks. Not only will they be sending her a box, but for each box purchased they donate a box to a hungry child in the United States.This concept has also inspired me to do this within my own life and circle. I currently host a women's wellness dinner at my home once a month, for friends and family. The meal is six courses and is organic, vegan and gluten free. My friends love it and are happy to pay $50 per plate for the experience and food. We have major dialogue around health, wellness and of course food. The majority of the food comes from local community gardens, and I always have a great deal of food left over to share. Starting in August I will invite a second group of women to attend my dinners. The second group of may attend for free if they are receiving food stamps. I will also invite them to the community garden (on my block), to see where the food they are eating is sourced. I'm hoping this will encourage them to shop at local farmers markets that take food stamps. Follow Love with Food on Instagram
Explore Wellness(19 of19)
There is an "official" day for everything these days, and wellness should be at the helm. There is an official Global Wellness Day on June 11th. The purpose of Global Wellness Day is to ask the question, even if for just one day, "How can I live a healthier and better life?", to direct the thoughts of both individuals and society toward “living well” and to raise awareness. This day has passed, but the principals are year round.The main aims of the day are:To recognize the value of our lives.To pause and think, even if for just one day of the year.To be free from the stress of everyday city life and bad habits.To make peace with ourselves.To raise awareness about living well and increase motivation, not just for today, but for the remaining 364 days of the year.For more information vist: www.globalwellnessday.org
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