Outdoor yoga with triyoga

Check out triyoga's Flash Mob Yoga classes taking place over the next few weeks. First one was last night in Chelsea and the brave yogi's were practicing their moves in the rain. Now that's dedication.

The classes are in collaboration with lululemon athletica, the much loved athletic brand from Canada. These 30 minute vinyasa flow classes will take part in Chelsea, Carnaby Street and Primrose Hill.

The idea? To celebrate yoga, bring the community together and offer some yoga fun.

Post class, Passport to yoga booklets will be given out by the lululemon team. These passports will give you 10 complimentary yoga tickets, which can be redeemed at a participating yoga centre of your choice, triyoga being one of them.

Simply rock up at one of the following sessions, roll out your mat and get moving.

Dates with triyoga teachers:

Thursday 19th July at 1pm - 1.30pm with teacher Claire Missingham

Location - Carnaby Street.

Thursday 26th July at 1pm - 1.30pm with teacher Amne Poulton

Location - Primrose Hill Park.


For more information visit www.triyoga.co.uk 

Bend it with Natasha Rizopoulos

I’m very excited about Natasha Rizopoulos coming to London's triyoga to teach a series of life enhancing workshops. A regular Yoga Journal contributor she certainly knows her stuff and any classes you can do with her will improve your practice and refresh your perspective on life. 

Her style cleverly blends Ashtanga and Iyengar principles which results in a dynamic and intelligently sequenced and aligned Vinyasa Flow class. If you fear going upside down there is an entire workshop dedicated to just this - I have booked already.

Check out detailed info on each of her six workshops at www.triyoga.co.uk

Happy Hair + Body = happy me

If you are in need of some TLC then book a day at FOUR on Conduit Street and get pampered from head to toe.

It is the beauty insiders secret with supermodels and beauty editors alike gracing its big brass doors.

Since discovering their clever colour experts my mane is back to its 'pre grey' glossy self and feels positively happier.

Book in with any of the founders - Brooke, Denise, Charlie or Maleeka and you will leave feeling like a well turned out New Yorker. These clever 'hair enhancers' work their magic and find you the best colour for your skin type, age and personality. Bad hair days are officially over.

Post colour I book in for one of the Dr duve body treatments, on this occasion the Dr Duve Sculpt me a better body which aims to firm and contour the body targeting areas prone to sagging and premature ageing. Stomach, upper arms and thighs are given the once over with the super sonic Dr Duve laser jet Whoosh combined with the Dr Duve Duve Micro needling ( which is less painful that it sounds). All of this detoxes, exfoliates and firms up those problem areas.

I come out with bouncy, healthy hair and a body that feels more toned and less lumpy. Ready for Selfridges jeans department.

To book a colour or a Dr Duve treatment call FOUR on 0207 297 9600


www.fourlondon.com

Bo Forbes comes to triyoga

If you are having the same old problems as me:

 1) Stiff body

 2) Insomnia

 3) Chattering mind

Check in with yoga expert and teacher Bo Forbes at triyoga. She is leading a series of innovative and life-changing workshops from 24th May - 29th May.

Through her method of Integrative Yoga Therapeutics she is able to address physical injuries and emotional imbalances from depression to anxiety.

Expect a mix of in-depth learning, extensive discussion and yoga movement. You can mix and match workshops but book early as its sure to sell out. 


For more detail on the individual workshops please visit www.triyoga.co.uk or call 0207 483 3344

Purple Dragon a kids wonderland

Purple Dragon looks more like a posh Japanese restaurant from the outside, but step instead and you are transported to a kids paradise. With uber library, swimming pool, recording studio, mini kitchen, trampolines, in-door golf and they can even chase butterflies- not real ones. This place is hard to fault.

While children play you can grab a juice or have lunch at the swanky restaurant or relax and indulge in a manicure(while your cherubs are watched over by the teachers)or pedicure.

We love the Purple Dragon’s Adverntures + experiences offerings which aims to enhance children’s learning through teacher-led classes that promote confidence, communication, co ordination and creativity. You have to see it to believe it. We took away painted lanterns, mini pizzas and sleepy but very happy children. The only question from 3 year old Huxley was “but where was the Purple Dragon” - perhaps the only thing that the clever people behind purple Dragon have missed.

www.purpledragon.com

Your IVF bible

As someone who had huge problems falling pregnant I understand what an emotional rollercoaster it can be. For those struggling with conceiving and considering IVF treatment, Brigid Moss’s (Health director of Red Magazine and expert on the subject) new book IVF - An Emotional Companion is a modern day infertility bible.

It clearly answers all the practical questions you might have about IVF but what I love most about this book are the real life stories shared by 23 women. Just hearing how other people are coping through this difficult time offers great emotional support and can help us feel more positive.

IVF - An emotional companion by Brigid Moss is published by Collins and available from all good book stores nationwide.

Oiling up gets personal

Aromatherapy Associates Oils are fast stress relief in a bottle. I take them away with me (the mini’s) I have my bathroom stocked up with them and I buy them for my loved ones. So as a loyal fan, it was music to my ears to hear they are opening their very own boutique in Knightsbridge. Expect a gorgeous ‘at home’ environment, expert led aromatherapists and a range of stress busting and radiance boosting treatments.

Choose from radiance inducing facials, deeply restorative massages and a range of healing body treatments - I'm booking in for their Sleep Deeply treatment. Perfect, post long nights awake with baby which has brought on insomnia. I love the idea of the Ingredients bar where you can experience essential oils in their raw form and learn more about what they do. Best bit? You can book your very own session with Aromatherapy Associates founder Geraldine Howard who will create a bespoke oil blend that is perfect for you - they even engrave your name on the bottle. I'm not one to gush but this is genius. I can barely contain my excitement. I’m first in line even if it's not cheap (£450) it means I can create my very own spa experience at home night after night home and away. This is wellbeing at its very best. Down side? It takes four week to arrive, I am waiting with baited breath!

Will update you once my little bottle of happiness arrives...

For more information visit www.aromatherapyassociates.com

Stretch your limbs Chelsea-side

triyoga, the UK's leading yoga centre has just launched a new branch in Chelsea. If it's great yoga teachers, inspiring workshops and fantastic treatments you are looking for then it's worth checking out. I'm already hooked and stretching my limbs with vigour. Be warned, chic yoga wear is advised. Most stylish and comfortable brands are Hardtail and LuLu lemon ( currently only available in US) and British newcomer Shanti Sundays. Shop then stretch.
For yoga schedule and more click www.triyoga.co.uk

Super charge your life

I've been harping on about the benefits of alkalising the body since the genius chef Christophe Reissfelder introduced me to green juicing and yummy superfoods over a decade ago. So I was delighted when Honestly Healthy, a new healthy food concept launched a few weeks ago at Selfridges. The brainchild of Natasha Corrett ( forward thinking chef) and Vicki Edgson ( the UK's leading nutritionist).

Honestly Healthy is a line of vegetarian food which is tasty, wholesome and very moreish and also supports local farmers.

Why is it so special?

1) its the only truely healthy lunch you can get on the high street

2) It is brimming with alkalising ingredients which is often lacking in our western diet.

I treated myself to the Green Goodness which was packed with juicy portobello mushrooms, a good helping of seaweed and quinoa. The combination of ingredients promises to deliver healthier skin as it is antioxidant rich. Eating on the run has never been so healthy. Now I am looking forward to trying their Powerful Protein lunch box - perfect for new mums who are sleep deprived and in need of a natural energy boost.

Available at Selfridges food hall.

for more information visit www.honestlyhealthyfood

Feel good supper

On Tuesday The Sorority ladies gathered together for the charity Keep a Child Alive hosted by Sorority founder Lisa Tse and supported by the lovely Alicia Keys (and not to forget little baby Oscar, Lisa’s gorgeous new baby). The evening was hosted by Mews of Mayfair and the food delicious.

The Sorority will be launching a collaboration with Alicia and her charity to help to empower women in developing countries.

The wonderful evening inspired and uplifted me. And knowing that we have the opportunity to support women in developing countries to become independent is truly exciting. During the evening ideas were shared, a vision begun and a feeling that many positive things would come was felt. Watch this space…

For more information visit www.keepachildalive.org , www.thesorority.org

A summer of yoga....

The workshop - Yoga + live music with Shiva Rea

Shiva Rea, the original Californian goddess comes to London with the talented Kirtan musician Dave Stringer. Shiva will lead two workshops 'Fire + Flow' which will explore ways in which we can learn to channel our energy using yoga methods to help us achieve what we are seeking and 'Drops of nectar' a class which will help you renew and rejuvenate using the method of prana flow yoga. Both workshops will be lead by Shiva to live music by Dave Stringer. This is yoga at its best and is not to be missed.

Tickets - £100

To book visit www.bodyinbalancetv.com

The retreat - Yogaabode's Yoga + Pilates escape

I'm treating my post baby tummy to Yogaabode's restoratative Yoga + Pilates retreat in pretty Suffolk. I will get to stretch my limbs and strengthen my core abdominal muscles by taking two daily yoga classes and one pilates class. Retreat is set in a converted barn nestled in the quiet countryside. Food will be vegetarian, seasonal where possible and very tasty. Hoping for tighter stomach, longer limbs and to come away feeling more energised after having many sleepless nights with new baby.

Dates - 10th - 12th June

For more information visit www.ya-retreats.co.uk

The kit - Lounge lover yoga babe set

Fed up with the usual dull yoga kit? Be more inspired and invest in some yoga pieces that make you feel good. I love this chic tank and leggings set by lounge lover. Both top and bottom are flattering and feel great to wear. The price is hefty(£145) but worth it as the fabric is durable (stretch-modal)so will last many a wash and you even get a cute bag to pop it in post class.

Available from www.net-a-porter.com

Sustainable Style Magazine launches

Check out Six Magazine - a brand new high end ethical fashion magazine that has its finger on the pulse. Each month it will showcase an impressive line up of ethical designers as well as give us the inside scoop on new and exciting organic health and beauty buys. For culure vultures there are sections on art and culture as well as a round up of the best artists.

All this and they are also giving 20% of profits towards helping the fashion industry become more sustainable.

We're hooked.


Read more at six www.six-magazine.co.uk

Drink your greens

The clever people at Radiance Cleanse - the UK's premier fresh juice delivery service have just launched their Radiance Green Cleanse - the first of its type here in the UK. Thank God someone has done this, I have been harping on about the benefits of green juices for years.

Why's it so special? Basically the more alkaline our bodies become the healthier we are. These perky little green juices (a mix of fresh organic vegetables) work miracles on our system, allowing us to detox in a truely nourishing way. End result -a stronger immune system, more energy and if you need to loose a few pounds they will simply drop off. Drink up!

To book your Radiance Green Cleanse visit radiancecleanse.com

Bump happy

There are some things that really uplift the spirit when with bump - especially towards the end when to be honest it becomes a little uncomfortable.

For that pregnancy feel good factor check out a few of my favourite things:

Using - Spiezia face cleanser. The effective and calming herb blend has kept my skin glowing with health.

Taking - Viridian Pregnancy complex - the blend with the most impressive and purest ingredients list. Its helped keep me energetic and prevented too many hormonal melt downs.

Indulging - Treating myself to a weekly gluten free polenta and almond cake at Melrose + Morgan in Primrose Hill - could be one of the best deli's in London http://www.meroseandmorgan.com/

Stretching my limbs - With the gorgeous Nadia Narain at triyoga - a great way to meet other new mums to be and to give you that feeling of inner calm and contentment http://www.triyoga.co.uk/

Wearing - The beautiful Tallulah & Hope poncho's throughout my entire pregnancy - the fabrics are gorgeous and the shapes very flattering. I am sure they are going to be in my wardrobe post baby too http://www.tallulahandhope.com/

Both Spiezia and Viridian supplements available from the glowgetter store.

Image Tallulah & Hope poncho.

Yoga + Music = Wanderlust

If you are a serious yogi then you must check into The Standard Hotel in Miami for a brilliant line up of Yoga and music at the Wanderlust festival which runs from March 17th - 20th. Expect an amazing line up of teachers including the likes of Elena Brower and Vira Yoga Schuyler Grant of the Kula Yoga project. All this alongside some of the best musicians of Kirtan, world and electronic music.

While there you can also get to indulge in some of The Standards holistic therapies whether it a bit of acupuncture or kicking back in one of their chinese herbal baths. And if foods your thing, expect a healthy Mediterranean menu available poolside. Only wish we had the weather for such things over here.

Tickets available from www.wanderlustfestival.com

Uplifting prints

With the rush to get the babies nursery sorted I have come across these gorgeous prints by artist Frea Buckler. Luckily I have managed to snap up the 'Elephants on parade' print and also some of the smaller prints including this gorgeous one of blue giraffes. Her uplifting range of prints will brighten up any nursery and hopefully inspire baby Astrid to love animals.

To find out more about Frea's visit www.freabuckler.com.

To buy visit http://www.printroomlondon.com/.

Stretch mark free tummy

Since bump I have been smothering my tummy with a range of anti stretch mark oils, creams, balms and lotions. So far so good - I'm 8 months pregnant and none have appeared yet. The ones that stand out against the crowd are The Organic Pharmacy's Mother to be stretch mark oil - smells divine and is easily absorbed. The combination of rose hip, marigold, neroli and lavender works to deeply nourish while the essentials oils calm the mind.

Mama Mio's award winning Tummy Rub Stretch Mark butter has a nice consistency and melts in easily, leaving the stomach feeling hydrated and comfortable. It also seemed to help with the itching of the area which often happens as the stomach stretches and grows. Its packed with healing and nourishing Omega oils but the pungent smell put me off using it regularly.

My personal favourite is Spiezia's Restorative Balm - the smell is heavenly, the texture creamy and thick and the ingredients list impressive and as natural as it gets. The powerful combination of coconut oil, nettle and rosehip means it is super hydrating and repairing. The downside? It takes a while to sink in as its so rich so best used in the evenings post bath.

Sticking to The Organic Pharmacy's oil in the mornings and Spezia's Restorative balm in the evening as an indulgent treat.

The Organic Pharmacy available from http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com/

Spiezia available from www.glowgetter.co.uk

Red Magazine expert panel

Red Magazine have just launched their new expert panel, now live on their website. During the year a range of women in fashion, beauty and business will be sharing their advice and knowedge. I feel truely honoured to be asked to be one of their wellbeing experts. I'm in good company with other experts including award winning health and beauty writer Alice Hart- Davis, travel writer Lisa Johnson and legendary Vogue beauty editor and founder of This Works, Kathy Philips.

Check out the range of expert tips in 2011 to keep you healthier and happier http://www.redonline.co.uk/

Yoga with bump

If you're pregnant and want to continue your yoga practice ( without falling asleep) Nadia Narain's classes at triyoga are exceptional. You can to move seamlessly into various yoga poses which are safe for baby and you, meet other mums-to-be and sing a song to your baby at the end of class. This might all sound a little New Age, well at least the singing bit, but you will feel amazing afterwards. At the end of her class I always feel calmer and more connected to my baby - no wonder Gwyneth Paltrow is such a fan.

For more information visit www.nadianarain.com

Shanti Sunday's = A happier yoga practice

Tired of dull yoga accessories? Shanti Sunday's puts the fun back into yoga. This brand new line of yoga props, created by yogi and designer Tracey Ellis stands out against all the boring purple yoga stuff. My favourite item is this super soft cotton bolster - with a cute flower print and comfy buckwheat filling. My shavasana's are instantly more satisfying. Fabrics are organic and each piece has been lovingly crafted by one of her small team of sewers.

Snap one up for Christmas for your yoga loving friend.

Available from glowgetter from December 2010