It’s almost 2022, we’ve gone from luxury highrise, private offices to home -offices, dining out to becoming gourmet home chefs, and dining in, from text message dating to online video dating, and a pandemic that does not want to go away!
Let’s make some major changes in 2022. Men have become more aware of self-grooming, body image, and hygiene, and for this we applaud you. Ladies, let’s admit that when a great smelling man walks by we quickly turn around and want to follow, or better yet get his number.
Here are some tips for men to start off on the right foot.
1. Brush and floss your teeth daily – you only get one real set of teeth. Then pucker up for a night of smooching 2. Trim the eyebrows – look in the mirror if they look bushy they are. Don’t let those bushy eyebrows get in the way of our loving gaze 3. Keep your ears and neck hair-free – just ask your hairstylist or barber to keep you manscaped. The hair on your ears and neck is not attractive. Would you want to see your girl with a mustache or ear hair? 4. Less is more with your fragrance, women love the scent of a man, that’s why we steal your shirts 5. Trim the nose hairs – yes, it sounds trivial and basic but it can make difference whether you get a second date 6. Tailor your clothes -we don’t want to think you’re wearing your father or uncle’s hand-me-downs. The right fit is sexy, no matter your size 7. Take the time to match your belt to your shoes – if you have a pair of black and brown dress shoes and a black and brown belt you are on the right track. 8. Hands, keep your nails grooming and short – if you cannot clip them then book an appointment with the nearest spa, you may even meet the one 9. Good facial cleansing is a must – good products can make your cleansing routine exciting
For some help and advice visit, The Grooming Lounge a source for men’s grooming solutions. They provide solutions on their website, Barbershops + Men’s Spa.
The Grooming Lounge’s mission is to arm Men with confidence through their grooming products and services.
The Grooming Lounge was founded back in 1999 by men with just the right experience in the men’s grooming and fashion industry. After serving as the “un-official grooming gurus/suppliers” to their male friends they decided to make it official by creating a grooming brand incorporating shops, and an informative website. Giving men or women, the opportunity to purchase their male custom blended products.
The one important grooming habit ever a man should know. Even if you have a beard shaving is still required. The best shaving products and proper shaving techniques can make it a simple, enjoyable, and luxurious ritual. Enjoy feeling smooth, refreshed. Try new men’s shaving supplies or be sure to stock up on your favorite essentials,
Just because 2021 brought casual to the forefront of our fashion and grooming, it’s still important to take care of yourself.
One of the best ways to get yourself mentally and physically into the work mindset is to continue with your morning routine, shower, get fully dressed, have a healthy breakfast, start a skincare routine and hygiene routine.
Grooming Lounge has everything you need, from their own special formulas of men’s hair care products to leading brands to maintain a brilliant head of hair.
Grooming Lounger has the best products for men to grow, maintain and style their facial hair. Beards have made their way back, and it looks like they are here to stay. Purchase all your men’s beard grooming products for a perfectly groomed beard. From beard oils, wash, balms, brushes, and all-around beard kits, find your favorite at the Grooming Lounge.
If you’re a guy who truly cares about the way you look, you’re not going to the supermarket to buy your grooming supplies. Healthy skin starts with a daily skincare regimen. Men, remember the importance of having a fresh and clean, smelling face and body, and don’t neglect your hands.
We can all agree that 2020 was a year like no other, and it will go down in history as one of the most difficult collective challenges in our lifetimes. As the hashtag says, #weareinthistogether. No matter your level of income, age, skin color, or which part of the world you live in, we all had to rethink how we get from morning to night, facing challenges like working remotely and DIY beauty regimens.
We are grateful that our favorite brands made 2020 easier for us. We figured out how to get through it, even if it meant that our hair colorist had to drop off a premixed color formula so that our dear life partners (or children) could apply.
It may not have been a pretty sight, but from the creative photos on social media, it certainly came with a large dose of humility and humor.
This year we have decided to honor the brands who were there for our company in our Downtown’s 2020 Ultimate Beauty Gift Guide.
Here are a few of our favs!
Supremÿa Eyes at Night. Exceptional night skin care dedicated to revealing the youth of the eyes.
Supremÿa Cream An exceptional night treatment specifically for dry skin or skin lacking comfort, which targets the visible signs of aging to offer noticeably enhanced rejuvenation.
Scent Sational gifts from Sisley Paris. Sisley continues the original collaboration with artist Quentin Jones celebrating Izia in a new package inspired by her colorful ‘rock’ universe. Collages of roses, fluorescent ink, and flecks of paint boldly decorate the box. Its delicacy and lightness contrast with the ‘rock’ design of the box and echo the singular rose at the heart of the fragrance.
A limited-edition holiday bundle of 3 bestsellers from Bali Body, Ultra Dark Self Tan, Face Tan Water & BB Cream, it’s everything you need for the perfect glow. In a festive gift box!
Roam Slippers
ROAM slippers and sandals are all about comfort. They have custom-molded footbeds that are pillow soft while completely supporting your feet. The mid-soles are wrapped in neoprene for wicking and breathability, keeping your feet cool. There is also memory foam added to the uppers that allow the shoes to mold and form to your feet – truly creating a hug for your feet.
TYME
Make travel and everyday styling easier, and faster with Tyme. Combining many different size curling irons with a straightener. No more cluttered drawers, cabinets, and suitcases – just one tool.
One of our Publisher’s new FAV!
Joon Saffron Rose shampoo, this gentle conditioner detangles, hydrates, and smoothes hair. Used in traditional Persian beauty rituals for centuries, the “Antioxidant Powerhouse” created by Saffron, Rose, Pistachio and Pomegranate nourish and strengthen the hair strand while restoring elasticity, making your hair look/feel softer, stronger, and healthier.
Persians have used Saffron, Pistachio, and Rose in beauty rituals for centuries. Saffron, a spice worth more than its weight in gold, is used to strengthen hair. Pistachio nourishes and moisturizes for bouncy and smooth hair.
Coming from a haircare background, Shiva and Kayvon Tavakoli spent their entire lives in the salon haircare world. Their father came to the US when he was 17 years old and after moving to Houston, built a successful salon empire and haircare laboratory.
Joanna Vargas, We needed something to help keep our beauty regiment up, as we all worked from home, spas, and salons were closed during the quarantine. For a wide-awake look, with or without concealer, use the Magic Glow Wand to reduce the appearance of puffiness, invigorating your complexion, bringing your glow back.
Use it with a serum or mask for an unbelievably soft and radiant look!
One of our newest discoveries Deborah Lippman’s, hand and feet moisturizer, trust us, it will change your hands and feet forever. With the hard winter approaching, start now and by spring you will feel like a new person!
Your hands are the first to reveal your age. Keep them guessing with this award-winning cream formulated with shea butter, avocado, and jojoba oil. Winner of Health Magazine’s Healthiest Hand Cream, as voted by leading dermatologists Broad spectrum SPF 25 sunscreen protects from the sun’s UVA and UVB harmful rays Shea butter, Avocado, and Jojoba oil keep hands moisturized Botanical brightening complex helps to even skin tone.
Again for the 3rd year in a row, we are including BrooklynBotany. We cannot get through a winter without their scrubs and now new Sweet Almond oil.
This holiday season we sampled their new Blueberry Scrub, all we can say is THANK YOU Brooklyn Botany. Our dry skin feels renewed, and radiant, the winter dry itch is gone.
Sweet Almond Oil, the perfect name for Brooklyn Botnay’s oil.. sweet it is, very mild, and hypoallergenic. This oil is safe to be used for almost all skin types including sensitive, dry, and oily skin. It can even be used on children and babies skin.
Can’t get to St Barth this year, no worries, they bring their delightful products to you. And, just in time for Christmas with Ligne St. Barth
Feel the beauty of the island – surrounded by warmth, a breath of wind cools your cheeks. Sea Breeze embodies the lightness of a tropical summer day: with the deep blue Blue Lagoon shower gel, tingling like a bath in the surf. Try this sun splash, with grapefruit as an invigorating freshness accord. This beguiling Premium Care Oil gives your body, face, and hair, a golden sheen.
We cannot get enough of this brand. Anything they make it superb. We love the new refill pouch. Sustainability is here for Ouai.
We have tried many dry shampoo’s and it can be hit or miss. But not with Ouai’s Super Dry Shampoo. Works every time and does not leave your hair unruly or limp.
Ready for a private dinner at home for two, or just want to feel sexy? Intensely seductive, Good Girl Eau de Parfum Carolina Herrera’s Suprême reinvents the iconic Good Girl fragrance with a daring new formula. Redefining the emblematic contrast of lights and shadows encourages you to connect with your rebellious side. Grab one for a delicious stocking stuffer.
One does not think about body serum. However, we have been using Immunocologie body serum for years. Yes, it does moisturize, repair, and restore. It’s very light to the touch but deeply moisturizes. A dry oil intended for full-body application. We found that after a bath or shower apply, and leave on your skin all day and or night, it’s silky smooth and your skin will feel radiant and restored.
FourSeasons Hotel New York Downtown Give the gift of luxury to your loved one, or maybe the gift you have been looking for yourself. Join Downtown New York’s newest intimate space Club 27 where you can focus on your personal fitness and wellness goals, surrounded by inspiration and without any distractions.
Mudras.com
With this signature bespoke massage treatment, you will experience the magically unique and tailor-made Body Reset massage. This is considered a secret weapon for many of our #MudrasFam. The BodyReset Technique was developed by Yotam Kafri founder of Mudras.com Holiday special for first-time clients. Get 30% off on your first session!
Mention Downtown Magazine to get your special offer. LIMITED TIME ONLY!
Get your gift certificate now!
For those who are enjoying the sheer pleasure of CDB, these are our picks for the 2020 Holiday Season
Meet our first CBD infused moisturizer specifically formulated for the face. Lord Jones Whole Plant Formula Acid Mantle Repair is a soothing CBD moisturizer formulated to help maintain the acid mantle, support the skin’s moisture barrier, and rebalance the appearance of stressed skin.* Each jar contains 250mg of CBD (<0.3% THC).
These premium tinctures contain 500mg of full-spectrum CBD derived from specially-sourced hemp for unparalleled purity and quality. Each dropper delivers approximately 20mg of CBD. Available in two flavors, Orange and Peppermint.
Her Royal Hempress skincare collection is defined by synergistic, small-batch blends of CBD and potent botanical actives that have been specially crafted with the highest attention to detail. Created by a generational, social-conscious gardener & mother Emma Spivey, Her Highness uses powerful botanical ingredients to complement the transformative CBD to leave skin feeling naturally radiant and for therapeutic relief.
Her Highness is a cannabis lifestyle brand based in New York with a curated collection of cannabis, CBD, and consumption essentials designed with the modern consumer in mind. Her Highness product is thoughtfully designed with the intent of bringing cannabis into a woman’s world, not the other way around. With a dynamic range of stylish, high-quality products for smoking, stress relief, self-care, and pleasure, Her Highness satisfies every cannabis craving.
New Highs CBD hopes to enlighten and empower women and men towards the path of an elevated lifestyle utilizing the healing properties of CBD. New Highs products invigorate the mind, body, and soul-lifting up high while remaining non-intoxicating.
“Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics inspired by his desire to help my patients. In 2013, patients started asking about CBD and their health. He took the opportunity to research, study, and attended conferences in order to confidently provide answers to patients who were asking about the health benefits of CBD. Here are just some of our favorite products.
Deep moisturizing lotion utilizing condensed red ginseng water that strengthens the skin barrier and balances the pH for healthy and luminous skin. Donginbi Red Ginseng.DONGINBI was created in 1899, based on internationally recognized manufacturing company Cheong Kwan Jang’s philosophy of creating Korean red ginseng for external use.
Botanika life has a wide array of products catering to an active and healthy lifestyle. Improving what already works by bringing in nature’s miracle ingredient CBD.
Whatever your plans for this holiday season, stay safe, do not gather in large crowds, think about your loved ones and, wear a mask. We look forward to seeing you in 2021.
Pamper yourself with these eco-friendly products that will glam your style.
LIGHT BRITE Naturally clean teeth are possible with Dr. Brite Naturals Whitening Toothpaste, which is formulated with sustainable and effective plant-based ingredients that are safe to swallow and include no artificial sweeteners or colors. Dr. Brite products are created in small batches in their California headquarters, using ingredients sourced from the United States and India (neem oil), and with minimal packaging. drbrite.com
BRUSH UP Help skin achieve its best glow by invigorating the lymphatic system with The Ritual Brush by Joanna Vargas. Made from all-natural materials, the brush is designed to stimulate circulation when used on dry skin before bathing. All of the beauty powerhouse’s products are packaged in FSC paper, glass, and recycled plastic, and are cruelty-free and 100% vegan. joannavargas.com
DISCO DANCING
A cleansing and energizing body wash for men containing eucalyptus, aloe, and papaya, Disco Body Wash uses clean ingredients that are vegan as well as gluten, aluminum, cruelty, paraben, and sulfate-free. All products come in sustainable and recyclable packaging, and through their membership program, you can put your skincare routine on repeat. letsdisco.com
BODY BEAUTIFUL
More than 95 percent of the ingredients in Kjaer Wise’s The Beautiful Oil come from organic, sustainable, and biodynamic sources and are certified organic by the CCBP. The oil is loaded with nutrient-rich botanicals like moringa, rosemary, and ginkgo biloba. kjaerweis.com
A HIGHER BAR
Luxurious, salon-style shampoo and conditioner bars by HiBar save on packaging and shipping costs without sacrificing quality haircare. Available by subscription or single purchase, in three formulas: Moisturize, Volumize, and Maintain. HiBar arrives in plastic-free packaging, is cruelty-free, and formulated without sulfates, parabens, silicone, or phthalates. hellohibar.com
FULL BLOWN
Achieve maximum volume and airy texture for fine hair with Fekkai’s Full Blown Volume Dry Texturizing Spray. This salon-quality, high-performance products also provide our planet with a deep cleanse by creating packaging from 95% recycled plastic, and they are vegan and cruelty-free, as well as free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, and phthalates. fekkai.com
STRESS LESS
Filled with soothing patchouli, lavender essential oils, antioxidant rosemary, and refreshing eucalyptus, Indie Lee’s DeStress Body Wash is COSMOS-certified, which is a leading third-party global certification process. All products are packaged in glass jars or recycled plastic tubes and use FSC-certified paper. indielee.com
SHINE TIME
Shampoos and conditioners from Davines OI are steeped in nourishing Roucou oil—an antioxidant-rich Amazonian plant that helps repair cell damage from UV rays–to maintain softness, shine, and volume. The company has pledged to align with the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the UN and compensates for their own CO2 emissions. In 2018 they eliminated the use of fossil fuels in their company headquarters in Parma, Italy. us.davines.com
VITAMIN BEAUTY
All of the essential nutrients you need are included in DL.MD 13.5.1 Multivitamin, without fillers or excess ingredients. It is a liquid formulated for maximum absorption, and the Myron glass bottles that store the formula guard the product’s effectiveness. The company gives back by helping to supply essential vitamins and nutrients to children in need. thedlmd.com
SMART SCENT
Delicate underarm skin can breathe a sigh of relief with Smarty Pits deodorants. Founded by Stacia Guzzo when she decided to go aluminum-free in response to her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis, the lightly scented deodorants are powered by prebiotics which helps to nourish the good bacteria living on your skin. They are also phthalate-free, paraben-free, propylene glycol-free, and cruelty-free. Smarty Pits deodorants are available in a super-strength formula as well as a sensitive skin version that is baking soda-free. smartypits.com
REWILD YOURSELF
The Naturally Considerate line of self-care products was created by Manda Kalimian, founder of the Cana Foundation. The range, which includes gentle, sustainable, naturally fragranced cleansers and moisturizers, also comes with ceremonial sage smudge sticks and instructions on how to get back to nature. Naturally Considerate products are designed to work harmoniously with each other and with nature to benefit your skin and bring out the best within your body and life.
The products are free of parabens, dyes, and harsh chemicals, and are never tested on animals. They are formulated with pure, organic, and wildcrafted essential oils. These gifts from nature synergistically assist the skin’s natural desire to revive, refresh, and rejuvenate; while encouraging healing for your mind, body, and spirit.
The line includes Reflection face serum (above), which is formulated with clary sage, hemp, and neroli; Running Creek face wash; Well Being body lotion; Rewild Sacred spritz face toner; Whitewater body wash, and Speak Only Love lip balm. The company’s commitment is based on reducing or eliminating their carbon footprint as much as possible to provide truly sustainable, natural skincare products. All proceeds support the efforts of the Cana Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. dedicated to the conservation and protection of native wild horses. naturallyconsiderate.com
To us,bodyART absolutely puts the A.R.T in the heart. Not to be confused with Y-7 Yoga, bodyART is set in Western Exercise Science and Traditional Chinese Medicine. ThebodyART training system is created to help individuals perform at their highest physical level while staying injury-free. It is a non-competitive, welcoming environment where individuals can concentrate on themselves and their personal goals.
Last Wednesday, Downtown had the chance to take a class with Ryan Beck, the owner and Creative Director of bodyART. Beck, a Downtown New York resident, is originally from Los Angeles where he had a voluminous dancing career. He danced for Beyonce, the Black Eyed Peas, MOMIX, MTV, and more. He was also a content director for companies like ABC, BC/EFA, Good Morning America, and Hard Rock Cafe.
Photo Credit: bodyART
Robert Steinbacher, the creator of bodyART, introduced the concept to Beck in 2011. He loved it. Since then, Beck has been granted exclusive rights to launch, manage, and operate allbodyART studios in the country.
bodyART has three different class options: Original, Deepwork, and Flow. We took the Original class, a holistic workout providing cardio, strength training and flexibility work inspired by martial arts, yoga, physical therapy, and classical conditioning. As I am an avid CrossFitter and Adam a Fitness Practitioner, we both had different perspectives of the OriginalbodyART class.
Aida’s Perspective:
Taking this bodyART class made me realize that I can be very stiff. My cardio and strength are decent, but I struggled when Ryan had us swing our arms. Then I began to loosen up and felt amazing doing the rest of the movements. My lower back was hurting all week but, by the time I finished the bodyART class, my back felt as if it had never hurt. In the last ten minutes of the class, we meditated with our eyes closed. I got a tad bit emotional as Ryan told us to imagine ourselves at the end of 2020. Overall, the bodyART class provided me with a sense of emotional and physical relief.
Credit: Jayna Photography
Adam’s Perspective:
BodyART was a true release for my whole being. The way Ryan had us flow from one movement to the next seamlessly, made me feel in tune with my body. He asked questions about our body during the class like, “Which foot felt heavier than the other.” It made me even more aware of that mind-body connection. And as the music came into sync with the rhythm of the class–fast to slow, exertion to relaxation–I felt that stress and the weak cold I was harboring seep out of my pores. To capture it simply, it was healing. And that becomes even more apparent towards the end of class, where Aida expressed her experience about it so eloquently.
Credit: Jayna Photography
bodyART should be on everyone’s agenda. With this being stated, do your body and mind a favor and book your next class with Ryan by clicking on this link: https://www.bodyart-studios.com/take-class
Our beauty gift guide includes everything you need to satisfy the most beauty-obsessed on your list. From fragrance to body scrubs to seductive love oil, we have selected our favourite things to brighten up the holiday season. And don’t forget to treat yourself as well!
Splendida Bvlgari Tubereuse Mystique
Tuberose is known as the “Mistress of the Night”, a symbol of pure seduction, its aroma is opulent and enchanting, a legendary flower whose allure has hypnotized across centuries and cultures. Because of its temperamental, delicate nature, it is also known as the “Diva of the Field.”
Omnia Coral by Bvlgari
Our CEO’s favorite fragrance by Bvlgari must be featured in our beauty gift guide 2020. Inspired by the shimmering hues of precious red coral, Omnia Coral is a radiant floral-fruity Eau de Toilette of tropical hibiscus and juicy pomegranate. It is reminiscent of summer, the sun, resplendent nature, and far-off oceans. She never leaves home without this delectable, nonintrusive fragrance.
Bond Gold Coast
One of our all-time favorites in Bond No. 9. This year, New York’s most iconic fragrance house celebrates in scent the timeless grandeur and youthful vibrancy of one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. Gold Coast, Bond No. 9 creates a scent snapshot of a city that is always changing, but that retains its character and legacy, the meeting of distinguished old guard New York with the dynamism and spirit of new guard energy. Even the packaging is so very special, Gold Coast’s delicate, yet dynamic, rose scent is reflected in the latest interpretation of Bond No. 9’s iconic Silhouette Bottle, metallic rose gold, laser-engraved with the house’s NY Token signature seal. A must this year!
Bond No9 Fragrances, lipstick,giftboxs,Amphora
Let’s not forget her lips. Bond No. 9 product’s packaging is a gift in of itself. New York Lips Single with Ruby Stones. The most luxurious, high-performance lipstick formula, crafted with the finest ingredients and most innovative technology is all dressed up for the holidays in an opulent refillable gold case covered with hand-applied Ruby Fanci-Stones. This ultimate gift is also a gift to the planet. Refillable. Vegan. Gluten-Free. Cruelty-Free.
A luxurious golden vanity case, SUBLIMAGE Le Coffret unveils two emblematic skincare products from the SUBLIMAGE ritual. Take this ultimate gift with you.
Crabtree & Evelyn Body & Hair Oil
Crabtree & Evelyn, harvesting the nourishing qualities of nature, The Gardeners collection centers on the mind and body. Feed the skin with our Sweet Dreams Overnight Mask. Soothe your soul while you sip our Star Showers Tea. Experiment with a new night-time ritual. Strike a unique balance.
Best Bronze Bronzer
Best BronzeLeg Makeup is high coverage, matte leg makeup that will give you gorgeous, flawless legs in seconds! This simple to use, spray-on makeup instantly camouflages spider veins, stretch marks, scars, uneven skin tone, freckles, and cellulite. Waterproof and transfer-resistant, it won’t come off on clothing or furniture and can even be worn in the water! Made with beeswax to smooth out pores and sweet almond oil to hydrate the skin, Best Bronze Leg Makeup has got you covered.
Laura Mercier 12 Hour Matte Finish
We are loving Laura Mercier’s weightless Texture This lightweight, the finely-milled powder doesn’t add weight or texture to the skin. It doesn’t settle into fine lines and never looks cakey.
Laura Mercier Caviar Volume Panoramic Mascara and Caviar Stick Eye Color
Laura Mercier’s Caviar Volume Panoramic Mascara offers intense volume, a full panoramic look, and irresistible soft-touch lashes, as it glides on effortlessly to create high-impact volume and glossy intensity in one bold stroke.
Knours One Perfect Cream
Know your body, a new brand with a great mission for all women. Your skin may feel dry,
dull and tired during the week of your period or during menopause due to lowered estrogen levels. One Perfect Cream is multitasking at its best. Age-defying, brightening, nourishing and moisturizing benefits helps fight visible signs of aging while balancing your hormones to help your skin glow every day.
Pinch of Color Lip
Our Publisher’s new favorite must-have lip color. Waterless in technology and luxurious in a formula, this matte lip color won’t bleed, won’t transfer and won’t budge for over 8-hours+. Infused with natural, lip-nourishing extracts of Rose Hip Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Mango Seed Butter, this highly pigmented lip color glides on to a comfortable, velvet matte finish rich in depth and dimension. Make this year the year to buy the ultimate gift for your lips!
Mudras Body Reset
The Mudras Body Reset is a personal customized massage, their signature treatment. Each session is tailor-made, designed to meet your individual needs and to generate optimal results. Give it to someone you (really) love, someone who needs it, or someone with impossible standards.
High On love Oil
HighOnLove this holiday prepare for love…try love with this superior grade lubricating oil blends made with hemp seed oil. Curated by Angela Mustone, a specialist producer of adult cosmetics, this product line brings heightened style and intimacy, for the discerning woman who knows what she wants in the bedroom.
Shiffa Mint and Basil Body Scrub
Shiffa Healing Balm
Dr. Lamees out of personal necessity created her first product, SHIFFA Pregnancy Body Oil, a unique organic oil that both protected her skin and increased her well being. SHIFFA a personal vision- natural healing that promotes beauty from within. Coming home from a long day in New York City, prepare a luxurious bath, champagne, candles and Shiffa for the ultimate pampering.
This deep-cleansing, foaming scrub from Quai, is like a trip to rehab for your scalp and skin. A weekly detox powered by gently exfoliating sugar crystals to cleanse and soften skin.
NVLA Amal Vegan Nail PolishWILLOW’S BAY
Polish without fear?
After nearly three years of research and development, in-home celebrity manicurist Gina Alcedo announces her official launch of Nailvana LA(NVLA), a collection of vegan, cruelty- and 8-free polishes, cuticle oils, and creams.
BB Mineral -Infused Clarifying Mud MaskBB African Black Soap Body and Face Scrub
Our entire office loves Brooklyn Botany a local brand that combines the wholeness of nature with the passion of emerging apothecaries, we make your next moment of Zen both effortless and affordable. There is something special about BB, it truly is the ultimate gift to give yourself.
We have chosen our favorite facial wipes C’est Moi. Their ingredients are thoughtfully sourced and utilized to help maintain healthy skin and our environment. It’s important to remember that an ingredient’s source does not always determine its safety, that is why all of our products are rated on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database.
Rituals home and body this holiday, a must-have for your office and or home this season. Lighten your mood with this energizing scented candle. Based on uplifting sweet orange and cedarwood and will put a smile on your face for up to 50 hours. Sweet Orange is our office’s fav!
Going on a trip just toss in your suitcase this grouping of R+Co favorites. From cleanse to prep to style, this sets does it all. Packaged in a limited-edition, R+Co Mesh Pouch. Who can say no to this?
Dre Marrero, a personal trainer at The DOGPOUND. Photo credit Matteo Matty Matt.
By Andreina “Dre” Marrero, a personal trainer at The DOGPOUND
Dre Marrero stands on top of a tire that DOGPOUND members use for exercise. Photo credit Alice Teeple.
“Mind-body connection” is something we hear about in the gym, but many clients interpret it differently. What makes the mind create changes in the body? What causes the body to withstand the pain of the movements the create growth? There are numerous scientific explanations to answer these, but what about the unknown factor: your soul?
Welcome to personal soul training. Yes. You read that right. Soul training.
Embedded deep within all of us is that magic, or what I like to call our “Wizard of Oz.” Someone behind that mind and body which instructs us to lift that arm, get that last rep, and “listen” to what our body tells us. While mind-body gets all the attention, what about our soul training? This encompasses past pain, anger, frustration, and numerous lower vibrating energy that keeps us from making permanent changes with our bodies. Running is energy; Training is energy; Lifting is energy. All in all- life itself is all about ENERGY!
This takes us to our energy centers, which play a vital role in our training and our personal health/wellness plan. Our 7 energy centers (chakras) give us significant clues towards what changes our soul needs to project progress outwardly. In simple terms: heal the soul, heal the mind, heal the body–IN THAT ORDER.
Our first energy center, for example, the root chakra, is responsible for stability, rigidity, security, and a sense of “I Am.” As life happens for us, this energy center can be thrown off and cause restlessness, insecurity, excessive anger, and impatience. Performing grounding movements such as deadlifts/squats can help release this energy as well as associated feelings that are occurring in our personal lives. Staying consistent will eventually get you dual results: an enhanced body but, most importantly, a healed part of the soul, which can be life-altering. Our decisions are based on our thoughts, which are based on our feelings and beliefs. Who houses those feelings? Our soul.
Changing the body from within is vital for growth. We ensure we have the brain to grow, the courage to persevere, but most importantly, the heart to make these changes permanent and truly live a healthy lifestyle….from the inside out.
Remember- there’s no place like home. That home is your body & training the inner self is just as crucial as the outer shell. (Clicks heels twice…)
