Monday, December 28, 2009

Add More Ing to Your Life- Retreat in Costa Rica with Gabrielle Bernstein & Latham Thomas


Add More ing to Your Life Retreat

A Vacation with your -inner guide On April 14- 18, 2010 get your ~ing on with Gabrielle Bernstein, author of Add More ~ing to Your Life – A Hip Guide to Happiness.

Escape to Recreo, a luxury Costa Rica resort, for 5 days of adventure and personal growth. Gabrielle will guide you on a journey inward to connect with your inner guide (aka ~ing), clear your negative thought
patterns and celebrate yourself at Recreo Costa Rica.

Guests can expect:
* Complete mind/body cleanse
* Guidance with yoga/integrative nutrition expert Latham Thomas of Tender Shoots Wellness
* Daily activities of yoga, kitesurf~ing, horseback rid~ing, kayak~ing,mountain bik~ing, ziplin~ing, hik~ing, swimm~ing and more
* A women's retreat

Menu options include Latham's culinary treats for marrying raw food to Costa Rican cuisine

For Five days - Four nights, the cost is $1,750 for a private room OR
$1,550 when you bring a friend and share a room
Lodging, meals, airport transportation included
Taxes and airfare are an additional cost.

For more information visit
www.addmoreing.com or www.recreocostarica.com
To sign up call: Christina at Recreo – 877-268-2911 or
info@recreocostarica.com

Enter to win your space at the retreat:

After reading ADD MORE ~ing TO YOUR LIFE - submit to Gabrielle a two paragraph explanation of how the book has inspired you to change. Submissions can be sent to freetrip@addmoreing.com. In addition you must subscribe to the addmoreing.com site at www.addmoreing.com


Saturday, December 26, 2009

New Year's Day 108 Sun Salutations

Om Factory- 265 W.37th street, 17th floor, between 7th-8th aves

www.omfactorynyc.com


Celebrate your transition into 2010 with a vibrant ceremony of community and GRATITUDE for the amazing future that lies ahead. Release all you are ready to leave behind through a deep and sweaty moving meditation of 108 transformative salutations. Our spirits will vibrate high to the music of an unbelievably fun and upbeat playlist!

This ceremony begins by setting your particular sankalpa (wish or intention) for your mala. You will set an over all sankalpa, as well as one for each salutation. The tapas (heat and austerity) of your practice will create a fire that devours impurities and obstacles. Your positive thoughts will collect to manifest beauty, abundance and healing for you to receive through out your New Year.

Why 108? Vedic culture viewed 108 as a number of the wholeness of existence. This number also connects the Sun, Moon, and Earth: The average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 times their respective diameters. Such phenomena have given rise to many examples of ritual significance. According to yogic tradition, there are 108 pithas, or sacred sites, throughout India. And there are also 108 Upanishads and 108 marma points, or sacred places of the body.

This will be fun, this will be special, this will be something you remember for years to come. Give yourself this gift of yoga ceremony. You need not have ever done a single salutation to join us. The initial salutations will be led though you will soon be carried away in the wave of your own moving meditation. Each salutation will be counted for, so your only responsibility is to show up, open up, breath, have fun, and flow!

Om Factory NYC :: new york yoga workshops and events in midtown manhattan | urban yoga retreats, ny

Om Factory NYC :: new york yoga workshops and events in midtown manhattan | urban yoga retreats, ny

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Darling Chai Tea- Recipe

Darling Chai Tea
Chai is one of my favorite drinks of all time. Good for any stage of pregnancy and postpartum, earthy, grounding, warm and soothing. I would pack this tea for myself when traveling and would drink it while breastfeeding as fennel boosts milk production. This is also a great option to alleviate morning sickness.

Ingredients:
2 cups water 1 tbsp fennel or anise seed
1 inch stick of cinnamon 8 whole cloves
1 inch piece ginger (grated) 1 cup almond milk
1 tsp black peppercorns 6 tsp. agave or honey (or to taste)
8 cardomom pods 3 teaspoons loose white tea or 3 tea bags

Put water in saucepan. Add the cinnamon, cardomom, pepper, fennel, ginger, and cloves and bring to a boil. Cover, turn heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the milk and sweetener and bring to a simmer again. Throw in the tea leaves, cover, and turn off the heat. After 3 minutes, strain the tea into two cups and serve immediately.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Latham is teaching Prenatal Yoga in Brooklyn!

Greetings Mamas, for all of you Brooklynites that have been asking me to come down to Brooklyn, well the day has come. I will be teaching an 8 week prenatal yoga series at Yoga Sole in the Windsor Terrace section of Brooklyn. The class will meet every Saturday for 8 weeks. I look forward to building community with you all and having a fruitful class where we celebrate and honor the innate wisdom of our bodies in preparation for birth. Please contact Yoga Sole directly to register for the series if you have any questions about whether the class is right for you, please contact me directly: info@tendershootswellness.com

Prenatal Yoga with Latham Thomas
January 9th through February 27th
12:30-2pm

For More Information

email: evalena@yogasole.com tel: 718 541.1382

web: yogasole.com street: 254 Windsor Place, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Mama Glow Meditation & Shopping Event at EGG Baby


Season's Greetings! EGG Baby and Tender Shoots Wellness presents:
Mama Meditation & Shopping Mixer at EGG pop-up shop in Dumbo. Join us for an intimate evening in guided meditation and centering this holiday season. Take the stress out of holiday shopping and stretch out on a yoga mat. Mix and mingle with other moms while you shop the hottest in EGG threads this season. Save 15% on each purchase. See you there!

When: Tuesday, December 8th, 6pm
Where: EGG by Susan Lazar pop-up shop, 72 Jay Street, Brooklyn

Limited space available, so sign-up today!
RSVP: press@egg-baby.com

B.Y.O.M
Bring your own Mat

Mama Glow Mondays at Euphoria Spa!


Tender Shoots Wellness & Euphoria Spa are pleased to announce our first collaborative offering: Mama Glow Mondays at Euphoria Spa. Take a private (or semi- private if you choose) "Mama Glow Prenatal Yoga" class and receive Tender Shoots Wellness nutritional counseling for $99 (regular pricing is $140)

Mama Glow! at Euphoria Spa with certified prenatal yoga teacher and holistic health counselor Latham Thomas of Tender Shoots Welless. This dynamic prenatal yoga practice will support your health and well being throughout pregnancy as well as prepare you mentally, emotionally, and physically for childbirth. The class is a safe and nurturing sequence of postures and exercises that require no previous yoga experience.

Starting Mondays, November 30th, 11:00am
Yoga: $20, 75 min
Nutritional Counseling: $120, 60 min.
Massage and Yoga/Nutritional Counseling may be done on separate days. Up to 4 participants per class. Exp. 2/1/2010

Manduka Yoga Mats for this Holiday Season!



So by now you're already thinking about what to buy for friends and loved ones this holiday season. If you want to make a great investment in a sweet gift, then check out Manduka Yoga Mats. They make the top of the line yoga mats and props used by many studios across the US and globe. I love their high quality products and use them in my home and with clients that I work with privately. If you know someone new to yoga, check out their yoga kits; Manduka has put together special kits for customers to purchase each one is different so check out which might work best for you. In the kits find products like: mat, blocks, strap, bolster, mat bag, yoga towel, water bottle, etc. You can specify the colors you want and mix and match the products to meet your needs. For a limited time Manduka is offering 20% off all Manduka gear for 4 days only, so 'tis the season to get your gifting on! Just enter the sale code BLACKMATFRIDAY and take your discount today. Just CLICK HERE to get started with your Manduka shopping!! Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

EGG Maternity by Susan Lazar

If you are still searching for fashionable and comfortable maternity wear- look no further. Susan Lazar has expanded her EGG baby line to include mama chic EGG maternity. The sleek and flattering lines and sillouettes and fabrics create a sense of luxury. The simple details, finishes, and colors are perfect. You can wear these looks during pregnancy and transition them postpartum. The Sweetheart Jersey Dress pictured above conceals any curves that you don't want to accentuate, while the wrap showcases your blossoming belly. Who says you have to sacrifice style while pregnant? Visit EGG by Susan Lazar online
Check out her boutique in Dumbo- EGG pop-up Shop 12 Jay Street, Brooklyn

Mama Glow Yoga and Prenatal Beauty Services at Euphoria Spa!

Tender Shoots Wellness has joined forces with Euphoria Spa to offer prenatal yoga semi-privates. Sign up for a package and get a Complimentary health history consultation! This special collaboration will begin November 30th, just in time for the holiday season. Euphoria Spa is a holistic day spa located in the heart of Tribeca. Owner Kristen Haines believes in using natural products to promote healthy skin rejuvenation. I love the hydro-facials where my skin is drenched in moisture. Every time I leave I have a luminous glow that lasts! If you are pregnant you might be interested in the pregnancy massage treatments (buy one-get one free) or learning how to perform baby massage on your new bundle of joy.

The 30-minute prenatal massage ($55) helps work out the aches and pains associated with carrying babyweight 24/7, while the ‘Expecting Exfoliation’ treatment (45minutes for $99) uses all natural ingredients to replenish oils lost during pregnancy. Once the baby is born, their services keep coming: New moms who have gone through hours of labor can surely benefit from the 60-minute, $129 ‘Fresh Air Facial,’ designed to restore glow and balance. When 4 am feedings leave you exhausted, treat yourself to the ‘New Mommy Hot Herb Thai Massage’ ($139 for 60 minutes or $169 for 90 minutes), a blissful combination of Thai, aromatherapy, and hot stone massage. Private yoga lessons for new mommies and babies are also available.Try the Blue Agave Facial- to die for. Make your appointment today. Visit- Euphoria Spa online
Euphoria Spa is located at: 18 Harrison street, 2nd floor between Greenwich and Hudson

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Latham Thomas- New Face of Kripalu Yoga

I'm sure many of you have seen it already, but it was much to my surprise when fellow yogis were contacting me saying they saw me on Kripalu's cover for the winter magazine. I did a shoot with them earlier in the year. So if you get Kripalu catalogue sent to you, then you will see me on the cover as well as the website. For those who don't know, Kripalu Yoga Center is an amazing campus in Massachusetts that offers yoga training, massage therapy and ayurvedic studies. They have programing year around with people in the wellness, yoga, mind-body, personal growth fields. Its such a great place and peaceful and quiet if you just want a little R & R.
Check them out- www.kripalu.org

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Equinox Fitness hosts Nutrition & Cooking Demo with Latham


Tuesday I had the pleasure of conducting a cooking demo and tasting of protein rich post workout foods for Equinox Gym members. The initiative is to help members think more about how their diet affects their training and overall health. Showing simple ways to integrate healthy eating for busy city living. I will be at the flagship location on 63rd and Lexington doing cooking demos on a monthly basis so if you missed this one, stay tuned for the next one. For all of those interested in the recipes, here they are. Now get cookin'


Sunday, October 25, 2009

Georgia Salon & Spa- Jodie Becker

Nestled in Nolita, Georgia Beauty & Salon is a concept developed by my good friend Jodie Patterson-Becker and Kiara Ellozy. Named after Jodie's first born daughter, Georgia stocks rare product finds that real product fiends would faun over. The deconstructed style and old world charm of the high tin ceilings and exposed walls mounted with an array of pictures of great grandmothers, young women with beautiful tresses and 70s style, mixed in with pictures of Jodie herself make the space feel like home.
Making your way to the back area past the grand curtains and a maze of products you will find a salon tucked away. Services by appointment only. Not only do they sell beauty products but you can buy beautiful intimates.

Jodie, who recently gave birth to her 4th child, (although you wouldn't be able to tell) just recently collaborated with Susan Lazar- EGG, to produce a new natural baby wash that was created for charity in support of Community of Unity- a youth development organization. Support Georgia and stop by to purchase baby wash and check out the other amazing products and services they offer.
Georgia is located at: 89 East Houston Street, near Elizabeth visit them online- Georgia

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Latham Teaches Mama Glow! Yoga at Destination Maternity Grand Opening!!

Destination Maternity will open their newest location in Carle Place, Long Island. Join Latham for the grand opening next Friday, October 30th. Please see the details on the flyer. Take FREE classes with Latham!! 45 minute sessions from 10:30pm, 11:30pm, 1:30pm. Please RSVP to hold your place- 914.948.2153 See you then!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Mama Glow Yoga Testimonial from Virginie

Hi Latham,

How are you? I'd like to thank you for the yoga class, the doctor said during the delivery that it was very obvious that i took prenatal yoga class and very helpfull! Everything went very well.

My son was born july 4 and we named him Archibald. I'm going back to live in Belgium, I wish you lot of success and a very good, nice and peacefull life.

Take care,
Virginie

Monday, October 12, 2009

LET CHANGE FLOW- A Transformational Workshop with Gabrielle Bernstein & Latham Thomas

Join Gabrielle Bernstein & Latham Thomas for their transformational workshop:
Let Change Flow!
Motivational speaker/author Gabrielle Bernstein & Vinyasa yoga instructor/wellness practioner Latham Thomas will guide you in a two hour transformational journey of motivational lectures, Vinyasa flow yoga, guided meditation, and aromatherapy. Change does not have to be difficult. Embrace the moment, surrender to your joy,remove obstacles, and stagnation from your life. Be guided and Let Change Flow!

Sunday, October 25th, 1-3pm, at Om Factory,
$30 advance/ $35 at the door.
Om Factory- 265 W. 37th street, 17th floor, between 7-8th aves, A/C/E to 34th st.

Sign Up Today to Reserve Your Spot- Click the link below.

See the Flyer below.

for more info on the gabrielle & latham visit:



Thursday, October 8, 2009

Pose of the Month- Upward Lunge Variation

In the Autumn I find it a nice time to draw energy down into our lower body, strengthening our legs, the arches of our feet, arms, and grounding us into the season. I like to teach lunges and have students pulse down deeper into the lunge. Try it.

Start in Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog). Exhale and step your right foot forward between your hands, aligning your knee over the heel. Keep your left leg strong and firm.

Inhale and raise your torso to upright. At the same time, sweep your arms wide to the sides and raise them overhead, palms facing.

Be careful not to overarch the lower back. Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor and reach back through your left heel. This will bring the shoulder blades deeper into the back and help support your chest. Look up toward your thumbs.

Be sure not to press the front ribs forward. Draw them down and into the torso. Lift the arms from the lower back ribs, reaching through your little fingers. Hold for 30 seconds to a minute.

Then exhale, release the torso to the right thigh, sweep your hands back onto the floor, and, with another exhale, step your right foot back and return to Down Dog. Hold for a few breaths and repeat with the left foot forward for the same length of time.

Benefits- releases sacrum and reduces sciatica.
Works & Strengthens- Ankles, Calves,Thighs, Groins, Abdomen, Chest, Shoulders, Armpits, Neck

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Mama Glow Yoga Testimonial from Raquel

Hey Latham!

The twins were born on 30 June. I went for a routine check up at my doctors and found out that John Jr. was running out of amniotic fluid. I went into hospital on the 29th and was started on pitossin. I opted for an epidural early and dozed on and off through my labour. By 5:30am I was 91/2 cm dilated. The first baby was out within 15 minutes, followed 18 minutes later by the second. I am afraid to tell my birthing story. It was absolutely beautiful! I don't think I pushed for more than 35 minutes. I still can't believe that I managed to push out 2 babies.

I don't think any of this would have been possible had I not exercised and done yoga. Both my babies were head down from 28 weeks of pregnancy. I could not have had this kind of experience without attending your class. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I miss you guys.
Our double blessing has finally arrived.
John Lawrence was first to make his grand entrance into the universe, weighing in at 6.08 lbs and 19 3/4 inches in length followed 18 minutes later by his sister, Isabella Grace who weighed in at 6.4 lbs and 19 1/4 inches in length. Mommy, Daddy and babies are all doing fine, Thank GOD!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Fashion's Night Out with Vogue Magazine & Tender Shoots Wellness

These are some of the pictures from the fashion event I hosted with Vogue and Destination Maternity. Here I am with fashion icon Veronica Webb, and head designer at Destination Maternity, Simon Carson at our panel discussion on pregnancy, beauty, wellbeing, and fashion.
Here we are on panel moderated by Vogue's senior editor Abigail Walch.

If you missed this event and would like to attend our follow up yoga class Mama Glow! on Saturday, October 10th 12-1:15pm, at Destination Maternity 57th street location, then please register by calling 212.588.0200

Shrina's Video Testimonial- Prenatal Yoga

Shrina was a regular student at my Om Factory Tues/Thurs classes over the winter and Spring. Hear what she had to say about the class.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Yoga Playground- Soul FLow Sunday

Join me for a Soulful Sunday morning at Om Factory. A Journey into the soul. Heart & Hip Openers & 70s Soul Classics. 10-11:30am at Om Factory- 265 W. 37th street, 17th floor, near 8th ave. This is an open level vinyasa class. Come get your Soul flow on!!

Add More Ing to Your Life- Breakfast for Editors


Today my dear friend, life coach, entrepreneur, mentor, and new author Gabrielle Bernstein presented her forthcoming book, Add More ING to Your Life, to editors from all the top glossy magazines. We hosted a breakfast fit for queens.

Menu:
Fresh Squeezed grapefruit juice
Carrot & Zucchini muffins
Spanish Tortilla Verde
Acai with bananas and Granola

and the guests parted with my famous Cumin Cardamom Caramel Popcorn in their plush gift bags. Gabrielle's book will hit stands in January 2010. Stay tuned for info on our upcoming retreat in Costa Rica in early 2010. Visit Gabrielle's site: www.herfuture.com for more info on fab Gabby.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Food Advice for Yoga Students- The Daily Practice

Greetings,
Check out this article that features Tender Shoots Wellness on The Daily Practice. Learn about what foods to eat before and after your yoga practice.

Food Advice for Students

Shared via AddThis

Monday, August 31, 2009

Ideal Bite | Morning sickness got you spinning?

Ideal Bite | Morning sickness got you spinning?

Shared via AddThis

Hi Folks,
Check out my article on Ideal Bite. This is a great recipe for Lavender Ginger Ale. This is great if you are dealing with morning sickness or you just need a dose of ginger in your life. Enjoy

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Fashion's Night Out with Vogue Magazine & Tender Shoots Wellness



Join Latham at Fashion’s Night Out with Vogue Magazine
Thursday, September 10th, 2009 Destination Maternity- 28 E. 57th street, at Madison ave The first day of Fashion Week Tender Shoots Wellness, Vogue Magazine, and Destination Maternity invite you to attend an evening of pampering & shopping, celebrating Fashion’s Night Out. Join Latham for a FREE prenatal yoga class at 6:30pm, and 7:30pm followed by a panel discussion on pregnancy featuring guest panelists: Fashion Icons- Veronica Webb, Karolina Kurkova, Prenatal Wellness Expert- Latham Thomas, Moderated by Vogue Editor- Abigail Walch. Enjoy hand treatments and chair massages provided by Edamame Spa, and beauty care demos from Mama Mio and Basq skin care. View Nicole Richie's new maternity collection. This is a FREE event for expectant moms. Please RSVP with a store associate to attend prenatal class, space is limited- call 212-588-0220

This event will be a blast. Come join us and bring your fashionable adorned belly along.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Miles for Midwives- A race in support of Midwifery

Miles for Midwives | 2009 | Prospect Park Brooklyn
Join us!!
Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 from 10am-2pm at Bartel-Pritchard Square at Prospect Park South for the 7th Annual Miles for Midwives race co-hosted with the NYC Chapter of the American College of Nurse-Midwives and Choices in Childbirth.

This event is to recognize local midwives and their work as well as promote midwifery access in our communities.

My son was delivered by midwife Stacey Rees of then Elizabeth Seton Childbearing Center and it was an amazing empowering experience. She has since formed Clementine Midwifery practice. I am grateful for having that experience with her.

For more information please visit: www.choicesinchildbirth.org
American College of Nurse Midwives | Choices in Childbirth

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Go Organic, Not Broke

From the Farmer's Market to the Super Market- 7 Savvy Tips to set on track to a green diet that is better for you, the planet, and your wallet.

By Latham Thomas

Living green is becoming mainstream yet its still difficult for people to make a switch over to Organic, mostly because the cost. Organic produce can cost up to twice as much as conventional produce because of there aren't subsidies for Organics like there are for conventionally grown food. We think that organic food is expensive, but really conventional food is incredibly cheap.

In the United States, a very small percentage of income goes toward purchasing food: less than 10 percent in 2004, compared with 23 percent in 1929. The federal and state governments heavily participate in and financially support U.S. agricultural production. The prices for our food are unrealistically low and consistent because of big government involvement in the form or subsidies, grants, tax incentives, etc. We pay twice for our food, once to the IRS, and once at the supermarket. Organic produce is more expensive to produce- the cost of seed, fertilizer, pest management, labor- is often more costly than conventional products.
When we pay for organic food, we are paying for the REAL cost of food.

But even with the current cost of organics you can still eat well without breaking the bank. Start saving with these 7 savvy tips and set on track to a greener diet that's better for you, the planet, and your wallet.

1. Can the Middleman
Organic food purveyors, the middlemen and grocers are happy to take advantage of you and charge as much as they can get because they know their product is in demand. Farmer's Markets are a great way to cut the middle man and deal directly with the farmer to purchase your produce at a fair price. Also CSA programs (community supported agriculture) are popping up everywhere. Farmers arrange a flat fee for the season and you essentially purchase a share of the land for the season, which guarantees you quality produce and in some cases meat, or eggs as well. This is a huge money saver for more information check out: www.localharvest.org/csa<
http://www.localharvest.org/csa>

2. Wait 'til Late
If you can wait until the end of the day to do your shopping at the Farmer's market you can take advantage of great discounts and deals. Since most farmers will be looking to pack up for the day around 5-6pm they don't want to take back any of their product. Most will do 2 for 1 deals and usually give you the product at your desired price when it's late in the day. The only risk is that the selection may not be ideal since it's the end of the day. For more info on farmer's markets check out: www.localharvest.org<
http://www.localharvest.org>

3. Buy No Name Brands
Don't be attached to a certain brand. If your market carries a generic version of the same product, you can save up to 50% by choosing store brands. Whether its Whole Foods, Safeway, or Fry's each supermarket has their own brand. Look for the USDA organic seal of approval which guarantees that a product meets certain standards for pesticide and chemical free practices.

4. Buy in Bulk
Whether you buy from a health food store, supermarket, or food coop, buying from the bulk bins is a great way to stretch your dollar. Many stores have bulk sections where they store whole grains, beans, legumes, seeds, nuts, dried fruits, cookies, nut butters, sweeteners, and spices. Stock up on bulk foods, which saves on packaging, and you can determine the amount you want to purchase and restock as needed.

5. Spend in Season
The best time to buy organic produce is when it is at the pinnacle of its growing season. As the season progresses the price shifts downward and usually drastically- that's the best time to buy at dirt cheap prices. You can also talk farmers down on their prices and buy in bulk, resulting in even more savings. If you end up with too much, you can always freeze, can, or pickle or share it.

6. Clip Coupons
If you are going to save big on organics, you have to become a savvy shopper. Grab all the coupons for organic food that you can find. Check store fliers, Sunday newspaper, food packaging- like Amy's Organics, Cascadian Farm, and Horizon Organic- usually have coupons inside the packaging. Sign-up for their newsletters and collect coupons that way and log on to their sites to see if there are any online offers.

7. Grow your Own
If you really want to save on organics, why not plant your own garden? Whether you grow in window boxes in your city apartment, or in your backyard, growing some of your own produce is empowering and rewarding as well. You can start with herbs, mesclun greens, and root veggies like carrots, beets, which are all easy to grow- remember starting small is key. You want to keep it easy to manage and fun. Visit Seeds of Change, www.seedsofchange.org<
http://www.seedsofchange.org> to order a seed catalogue of organic varieties. Visit Organic Gardening, www.organicgardening.com<http://www.organicgardening.com> for more info on getting started with your mini-garden.

Whether you are shopping at the Farmer's market or the supermarket, you are a member of a co-op or CSA, whether its from Whole Foods or homegrown, keep your eye out for savings and don't forget- B.Y.O.B, bring your own bag.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Raw Food Workshop at Soho House, NYC

Today little people gathered at Soho House with their parents to learn to make healthy summer dishes. Our focus was raw foods that are tasty, nutritious, and help us to cool down. We had a range of kids from ages 2-6. All of them were excited about the amazing flavors and colors on their cutting boards. We had a summer theme- and practiced some yoga in between. Below are some of the pictures and recipes. 


Watermelon Mint Salad 

This sassy summer salad is great for lunch on the go, barbecues, post workout snack, and kids enjoy it too. It's easy to make and tastes great. Watermelon is a powerful food, rich in Vitamin A, B Vitamins, vitamin C, lycopene, magnesium, and potassium.

 

Sassy Watermelon Mint Salad (prep time 15 minutes)

1 5lb watermelon 

1 red onion or vidalia onion

1/2 cup fresh chopped mint

1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley

1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro

4 tbs fresh lime juice

salt and pepper

(1/2 cup feta cheese, optional)

 

Cut the watermelon into inch size chunks, slice the onion into thin ring like strips and soak in a bowl of cold water for at least an hour. Discard the water and remove onions. In a large bowl add the watermelon, mint, cilantro, parsley, lime juice, and onions, gently mix then add salt and pepper to taste. 




Mango Lettuce Wraps (prep time 30 minutes)

These mini wraps are a great way to bulk up on fiber from greens while experiencing the sweet taste of mango on a warm summer day. 


2/3 cup raw chopped cashews   1 handful cilantro leaves               

1 tbsp sesame oil                         1 handful basil leaves

1/2 cup lemon juice                    1/2 handful mint leaves

2 tbsp chopped ginger                 1 tbsp shoyu (soy sauce)

1 cup almond butter                     1/4 cup agave nectar                 

1/2 head of cabbage shredded   1 carrot cut into thin pieces       

1 mango cut into pieces               6 large collard green leaves


Mix all liquid ingredients on high in blender (agave, lemon juice, ginger, shoyu- then add almond butter) you are looking for a cake-like consistency. Then fold in shredded cabbage. Mix cashews in a separate bowl with sesame oil and sea salt. Cut the center rib away from the collard green leafs and arrange on the cutting board with underside facing up. Arrange cabbage mixture, carrots, mango, cilantro, basil, mint, inside the wrap and fold.




Coconut Acai Ice Pops

8 oz acai puree (can be in packet form)

1/2 cup bluberries

2 cups water

1/2 cup agave nectar

1 cup fresh or canned coconut milk


Place acai berry, blueberries, water, and agave in high speed blender and pulse until you have a smooth mixture. Pour about have the mixture into popsicle molds then top off with the coconut milk.  Place the popsicle stick inside and freeze for at least 1 hour. Remove popsicles from mold by gently running the molds under warm water. 



Choices in Childbirth Monthly Meeting for Expectant Moms

Choices in Childbirth is pleased to announce June’s free informational meeting for expectant parents:
 
Inspiring Birth Stories: Coping With Labor/ Comfort Measures
Position, Breath, Movement, Imagery, Massage, Medications? 
Are you preparing to give birth and wondering how you’ll work with contractions?  Or, is your partner expecting and you are thinking about how you will support her in labor? If so, please join us for an evening of inspiring birth stories
from new parents and hands-on experiences of a range of comfort measures from some of New York’s most practiced doulas.  
 
Date: Monday, June 22nd, 6:15-8:30 PM
 
Meeting location: West Side Music Together, 102 West 75th Street, Ground Level
 
Guest presenters: Natashia Fuksman, CD&PCD(DONA), CCE(CEA/MNY); and Angelique Clarke, Certified Reflexologist and Labor Doula, and two new parents whose experience include hospital, birth center and home birth. 
 
Please RSVP to kelly@choicesinchildbirth.org as seating is limited. A small donation for snacks is asked. 
You can print out the flyer on the Choices in Childbirth website: http://www.choicesinchildbirth.org/CIC%20MonthlyMtg_June09.pdf
 
Hope to see you there!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Prenatal Yoga moms Pamper Each other

At the end of each class I teach I always build in time for final relaxation. During this time using essential oil blends I lightly massage the face and anoint the temples, and sinuses or massage the hands using lavender aromatherapy lotion. This week I had the mommies from Om Factory Mama Yoga class apply that same loving technique to one another. It was interesting watching them as they chatted and laughed, smiled, and bonded. Each of them could relax and depend on the others to take care of her, that with each gentle touch they were sending her and her baby, peace and light. Touch is healing. Place loving hands on someone today and offer a gesture of warmth with your touch.
To learn more healing touch techniques join me at Jurlique Skin Care on July 8, 2009 for an Evening of Wellness. To RSVP- email: info@tendershootswellness.com

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Sexy & Cool Summer Drink- Watermelon Lovin'

Watermelon Lovin'
Who says you can't have watermelon off the rind? This sexy summer drink is great to take with you on the go, serve at picnics and barbecues, post workout hydration drink, and kids enjoy it too. It's easy to make and tastes great. Watermelon is a powerful food, rich in Vitamin A, B Vitamins, vitamin C, lycopene, magnesium, and potassium. Not only is it s thirst quencher, but helpful in reducing inflammation caused by athsma, diabetes, colon cancer, arthritis, and a recent study shows that watermelon juice prevents erectile dysfunction. 

--Ingredients--
3 cups Watermelon chunks
1 cucumber (peeled)
1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves (chopped)
juice of 2 limes
1/2 cup ice (optional)
2 tbsp agave nectar (optional)

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and pulse until liquid. Serve chilled and relax. Yum!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Mama Glow! at Jurlique- An Evening of Wellness for Expectant Moms


Mama Glow!- An evening of Wellness for Expectant Moms  Hosted by Jurlique Skin Care  Wednesday, July 8th 6:30-8:30pm at the Jurlique Concept Store  436 West Broadway, between Prince & Spring streets

Pregnancy is a time to celebrate your beauty and abundant new life. With busy city living it’s easy for moms-on-the-go to forget to pamper themselves.  Join holistic health practitioner Latham Thomas, founder of Tender Shoots Wellness- a boutique holistic lifestyle practice serving women during their childbearing years as she takes you on an exploration of well being. This special evening we will explore the wonderful effects of Jurlique aromatherapy essential oils, light massage techniques that will help soothe you during pregnancy and support you during labor, yogic breathing, and light meditation.

Light refreshments will be served. Featuring: Honey Drop Organics, Urban Goodess Chocolate.  All participants will receive a 20% discount certificate for any wellness service at Tender Shoots Wellness as well as a goodie bag with product samples courtesy of Jurlique Skin care.  For more information or to RSVP CLICK HERE 

Monday, May 18, 2009

Latham Participates in Vital Juice Recessionista Pop-Up Wellness Retreat


Vital Juice's 1st Annual FREE Recessionista Pop-Up Wellness Retreat

Who: Recessionistas, health nuts and all Vital Juice subscribers.

What: Fitness classes, spa treatments, health foods, surprise celebs and more--all free! Let Vital Juice treat you to 3 days packed with your favorite health and wellness products and experiences. Take Hip Hop Yoga or Bosu Bootcamp, relax with a blackberry massage or feet detox, sample the latest healthy snacks or let a nutritionist guide you through the aisles of Whole Foods. It's summer, and we're celebrating good health at no cost to you!

When: Thursday, June 18th, Friday, June 19th and Saturday, June 20th.

Where: Union Square, New York City! Come to the Virgin Megastore space on 14th Street and Broadway (across the street from Whole Foods).

How: Just sign up for your free subscription to any Vital Juice email for admission to the event.

Why: When was the last time you got a workout, massage, makeover and lunch for free?

Tell your fiends now: the more the merrier!

Come through for your complimentary aromatherapy treatment in our zen station. Have some raw food and just relax.