9.6.10

Juice Me



While its not a new concept, juicing became a new addition to my diet while in Bali, and not surprisingly I am hooked. In almost every restaurant, from the local dive to the 5 star resort, a selection of fresh juices were always listed on the menu. But beyond the pineapple, papaya, and watermelon combinations, I was drawn to the vegetable mixes. After gulping down enough citrus mixes and sipping a few banana, coconut and chocolate smoothies, I took the plunge into vegetable juices. My first was a digestive drink in the Gili's with beet, carrot and ginger - and it was amazing. After that beverage, it became a feat to try as many new mixtures on every menu before I left Indo. I had many variations of detoxing tonics and energisers; like the Zesty Cooling Greens (orange, cucumber, parsley & spirulina) or the Potassium Magnesium (banana, fig & flax seed), and Fatigue Fighter (parsley, carrot, orange & spirulina). I am thinking I need to buy myself a juicer pronto!

Out of all the places I imbibed these healthy treats, my favorite place was in Seminyak, Earth Cafe. Not only did I go there enough that people started recognizing me, but I really appreciated the whole life concept they promoted. Healthy seasonal, vegetarian, and organic foods, with a whole shop full of teas, spices and organic products. As soon as you opened the door you felt relaxed and healthy. I wish I had one here in San Diego!

8.6.10

Ndiginus, Jewelry



While I was in Seminyak (Bali), I went to a yoga class at Prana, which was taught by LA based Rae Vavra. After a great class consisting of controlled breathing, as well as a handful of hip and shoulder opening positions, Rae displayed a selection of her jewelry. Her colorful, bold pieces were an unexpected surprise, and frankly irresistible to buy. Each piece seemed to tell a story through the handpicked beads and detailed stitching and weaving. And not only were they beautiful, but a portion of proceeds support a charitable organization she developed, N'diginus, which helps with the education of orphaned Balinese children. It appears that Rae is trying to bring good karma full circle while in Bali, and I was more than happy to help! www.ndiginusonline.com * image from Megan Christine

7.6.10

Savvy Euro Beach Trash


I happened to have BBC on the television one morning while I was in Indonesia and caught the tail-end of a story on the Save the Beach Hotel in Rome. The hotel, which was launched by the makers of Corona Beer, used trash collected from beaches across Europe, creating the first hotel made completely out of garbage. The goal is to promote awareness of safeguarding the coastal environment and prevent shoreline pollution. The hotel is only slated to be open for four days (the same time as World Environment Day), and is fully booked. Designed by artist, HA Schult, the interiors are busy, textured and colorful. Simple pieces of furniture allow the focal point to be the array of trash lining the walls and embedded in the flooring. Not surprisingly, the concept has stirred up quite an appeal. While it may not be a glorious and comfortable stay, the trend resulted in reservations from A-list names, like Helena Christensen.

*image from TresSugar

Indonesia - An Adventure of A Lifetime

i just got back to the states from a fantastic trip to indonesia (the islands of bali & lombok), and i couldn't be more ready to turn around and head back for more. on the ridiculously long plane ride from denpasar-taipei-los angeles, i finished up my travel journal and scrolled through my photographs. after recalling all the memories i had just made, i also listed all the places i would be sure to return to next time i am back. and there will be a next time! sometimes while we are in the midst of an experience we don't have the chance to soak it all in at once, and its not until we've stepped away and reflected, that we realize how lucky we were to have had this amazing adventure. * image from Megan Christine