Olive Juice

Happy to be home, sad to have left, feeling a sense of calm and collectiveness, feeling sore yoga legs and kayaking shoulders.

I returned this afternoon from my first visit at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, in the Berkshires. I went for 2 1/2 days, mid-week, as a happy-birthday-to-me retreat. The center offers a variety of workshops and training year long, but I went for an R+R personal retreat.

R+R visits are all inclusive: meals, workshops, classes, activities, and lodging. 

After careful consideration I chose dormitory lodging, knowing I’d be bunking beds with up to 19 other people, but was up for the challenge and it was the cheapest option. Alas, I came prepared with two sets of ear plugs and three variations of sleeping masks. To my surprise, I didn’t need them! Everyone was so impressively silent by 10pm each night – and since we were up by dawn, no light blocking mask was needed. 

The premises had everything you need, and surrounded by beautiful, lush mountains and serene Lake Mahkeenac. The food was also spectacular, largely  vegan/vegetarian cuisine.

I was lucky enough to hear that some of the chef’s recipes are available online, so allow me to spread the good word – http://www.kripalu.org/article/270. Try the Millet Cauliflower Mash!

For 2 nights check-in was Monday at 2:30, check out was by noon Wednesday (but you can stay the full day). The daily schedule is something like this: 6:30am yoga, breakfast, workshop (for chakras or Ayurveda health, for example), guided hike, lunch, yoga dance, guided kayaking, dinner, cooking class. One can partake in any, none, or all of the workshops/classes/activities. I spent half my day in those, and the other writing, meditating, sauna/whirlpool, or walking outdoor paths. I also learned my dosha is predominantly Pitta, that women vegetarians should consume anchovies and oysters to supplement their iron (I am not a vegetarian, but good to know!), and I really, really should steer clear of artificial sweeteners (no more diet pepsi!), will check out Stevia instead. Further nutritional reading recommendation was The China Study, by Dr. T. Colin Campbell.

I attempted to avoid technology, thus didn’t take any photos – but below is one I found to be quite capturing of our view – from Flickr user StephanK. All in all a great trip, but a few tips for next time: 1) people actual bring their laptops, not saying you should but it’s acceptable, 2) bring an extra pillow (for the dorm), 3) RSVP ASAP for kayaking trips, they are in serious demand (there’s a waiting list for the waiting list!).

Twice last month did I win from Fling It Girl and once from Kirtsy! What can creative-commenting get a girl? White tea, strawberry cupcakes from Lux Sugar, and two free passes to Lucky Shops in NYC!

If you haven’t checked out either of these sites, hop on over. Besides giveaways and competitions, both offer up-to-date resources for fashion finds, design, family matters, mind/body, technology and more. Sign up, submit links of your own and join the conversations!

About 2 years ago I stumbled upon Textile Arts website, a showcase and for deco-chic fabrics – and their respective wall hangings, bags, and shower curtains available for purchase.

I had bought the Lumimarja wall kit for about $70 and it’s garnished three different apartments since. Their new designs are tempting me all over again – take a peak! Easy chic!

 

We chose not the uber-spacious, “green” loft; not the fancypants Regency office with pool, hot tub, conference room access (although, if we weren’t heading into winter, perhaps a second look); we chose the quaint, smallish room on the fourth floor, no elevator, no parking, previously inhabited by a painter who left colorful marks strewed on our floor. And love it.

We have creativity and character, thus our space much reflect such. And draw in like people.Elsewhere in the building is a branding agency, architects, animators, and artists. Today, passing a door on the floor below a woman, hearing my footsteps (ok, loud too-high heels), burst from her room asking, “Would you like to see my pond?!” “Sure..” As we flipped threw polaroids from her 12 acre (really?) “pond” in the countryside. “I just found these, and I had to share with someone!” “They’re great, thanks for that!”, says I and continue, smirking, down the hall and she back through the door.

I look forward to meeting the rest of the 188 North Main St. residents in future months, and crankin’ DandyID style! Visit if you’re in the area.
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At times I do over-prepare and plan, yes, however the camp-out ended up being our surefire ticket to getting the new iPhone on release day. Which I *needed* as I’ve been phone-less for a week, and without mobile e-mail for 3 months. Our friend Matt Emmi from One Button set up Rock Band in a smart car, so entertainment throughout the night was provided, along with sugary goodies and mini-kegs. A Zero-Gravity chair served as my bed, donuts served in the early morn by Krista Paul of The Trip Door, and by 2pm the iPhone was in my hands.  

Mid-April I said my goodbyes to CPB and moved on to co-found DandyId with Arron Kallenberg and Anthony Dimitre. We’ve since launched an open beta and are communicating with third-parties for partner integration with our repository and widget. While partnerships form, users can sign up and fill out their identities – then grab a widget containing those ‘chicklets’ and respective links, for their blog. I have the widget, in badge form, on this blog.

I’ll also be moving my home base back to Rhode Island  later this month, and setting up Dandy headquarters in the Providence area. We’re hiring two developers, PHP/MySql/Mashup ninjas, and possibly an intern. Arron will remain in Boulder for 2 more months or so, heading our business development. If you’re a developer in the RI area (or in Boulder through July/August) please contact us for more information! 

DandyId is launching on a more official note this August at Gnomedex.  Check out the DandyId blog for future information, and DandyId.org to signup!

This guy knows whats up…in Maine too! Outlandish, but impressive. 

http://www.sheagunther.org/photos/

So I’m an official Boulder CO residence as of Aug 3.

It’s increadibly awkward how outdoorsy everyone is. Lives revolve around it. I have yet to been acquainted with one not involved with biking, hiking, and rock climbing. 

I did a 4 hour hike Sunday witih two co-workers, and there was a group 6 insane mountain enthusiasts making the climb using… unicycles. Unicycles. I could barely make do with my 2 legs. Unicycles!

So I bought a Trek bike and a yoga membership. Sometimes dancing (hip hop class) (ok went once but will again). Snowboarding pass is next. Have been partying far less than my Miami nights. Clubbing is limited in these parts.

It was chilly enough to sport sweaters the past two days. And yes, that’s an enjoyable aspect for me. Seasonal withdrawals accompanied my south florida residence. I love the brisk air; and my hair can air-dry. 

Low maintance country.

www.flickr.com/saraolive