wellness – Baltimore Magazine

The Benefits of Red Light Therapy Go Well Beyond Glowy Skin

Lauren Bell — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:28:46 +0000

You may have heard of red light therapy as a popular skin care trend, with many influencers and beauty professionals donning light-up masks on their social media channels to promote antiaging and smoother skin. But while it can give you a glowing complexion, red light therapy has major full-body and mind benefits, as well. We talked to Dr. David Meredith of Very Well wellness center in Cross Keys about the treatment and its many uses.

What is red light therapy?
It’s a therapeutic technique using specific wavelengths of visible red light and infrared light to stimulate the cells in the body. It can strengthen the mitochondria—the cell’s energy source—which may repair and improve cell function. You can get red light therapy from different devices, such as lamps, panels, or face masks, but we offer a full-body red light bed, which is great for getting the full-body benefits of the treatment. It looks like a tanning bed, but instead of UV lights, it uses red and infrared LED lights.

What are the benefits of red light therapy?
The FDA has cleared it for pain relief, inflammation, and wound healing, so it’s very helpful for people with autoimmune disorders or looking to accelerate their healing process. But if used regularly, it is also said to help with conditions like arthritis, asthma, hypertension, carpal tunnel, and high blood pressure. It is commonly used for skin care and antiaging and is especially helpful in clearing up skin issues like eczema, acne, and psoriasis. The red light is said to stimulate collagen production, which improves skin elasticity, leaving your skin smoother, often with visible results right away. This can also help reduce scarring and sun damage. It is also said to help with brain health, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality.

How often do you need to receive red light therapy to feel the benefits?
People start by coming in one to three times a week until they get noticeable results and then they can space their appointments out. If it’s a short term or superficial issue that can be resolved, you don’t need to keep coming in, but for things like antiaging—you aren’t going to stop aging—you need to set up appointments to maintain the results you want.

Are there any risks involved with red light therapy?
Women who are pregnant should not use it, but there aren’t really any known risks. People who take medications that may increase skin or eye sensitivity should check with their doctor first. Eye protection is provided for you, but not necessary. The biggest thing is that everyone feels safe and comfortable with the process.

WHAT YOU NEED:

FRESH FACE: Take your makeup off before the treatment so that the light is able to penetrate the skin properly.

FACT CHECK: Do your research when purchasing at-home devices. You want to make sure you are buying a quality product.

GAME PLAN: Talk with your health care provider about what amount of red light therapy will benefit you most.

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Four Local Wellness Brands to Help You Prioritize Self-Care This Year

Rachel Hinch — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 18:26:25 +0000

One New Year’s resolution that is surprisingly hard to keep? Practicing self-care. Sure, it may sound easy enough, but a true path to self-care requires intentionality—and the right partners. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some essential local wellness companies.

Medspa: K Stewart Beauty and Wellness
Start the year fresh and revitalized with a visit to K Stewart Beauty amd Wellness. This Fells Point medspa offers non-invasive beauty-boosting treatments from the inside out, ranging from go-to facials and laser hair removal to hydrating IV therapy. 1310 Fleet St., 443-963-1695

Soaps & Scrubs: Harp Vision
More than skin-deep, Harp Vision body care products were developed with relaxation in mind. Each soap, scrub, and bath tea is formulated with therapeutic natural ingredients, such as eucalyptus, cedarwood, and rosemary, targeted to soothe muscle and joint pain as much as to cleanse the skin.

BEARD CARE: Five O’Clock Co.
There are washes and scrubs, oils and conditioners—a whole routine’s worth of products to keep facial hair soft and skin nourished. Five O’Clock Co.’s artisanal, organic beard care line ensures utmost health and growth for those who want to take their at-home grooming to the next level.

HERBAL APOTHECARY: Stone Row Apothecary
Hand-crafted right here in Charm City, this apothecary’s collection of essential oil roller bottles are designed for on-the-go aroma- therapy, with blends to ease digestion, energize, and more. Be sure to check out their cleaning concentrates—an environmentally friendly solution for maintaining a spotless home.

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It’s Happening at Harbor Point

Megan McGaha — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 20:14:11 +0000

Harbor Point is more than just a neighborhood, it is one of Baltimore’s best destinations for food, shopping, wellness, and more. Featuring epicurean outlets like Cindy Lou’s Fish House and Ceremony Coffee Roasters, a curated selection of retail businesses, and wellness facilities from yoga to cycling, it is the city’s premier up-and-coming community. Perhaps Harbor Point’s most striking asset is its 9.5-acre waterfront green space. The pinnacle of that park land is the Central Plaza, located at 1310 Point Street, and it is the heart of Harbor Point all summer long.

New for 2023 is the Harbor Point Summer Event Series, organized in collaboration with Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore. From May-September guests can hang out on the Central Plaza and enjoy a series of free-to-attend, family-friendly events that are fun for all ages.

It all kicks off with a Yappy Hour on Friday, May 12. That’s right, you can have cocktails with your Cockapoo, wine with your Weimaraner, or brews with your Boxer. Whatever the breed, bring your furry friends to the Central Plaza from 5-8 p.m. for music and drinks on the lawn. Grab a special “pup cup” from Ceremony Coffee Roasters and swing into West Elm for a dog-friendly open house featuring a free wine tasting from Bin 604.

June promises a magical evening when Harbor Point hosts its first Night Market in partnership with Bmore Flea. On June 15 from 4-9 p.m., a showcase of some of Baltimore’s most talented craft makers and vintage dealers will have their one-of-a-kind pieces displayed under the lights of the Central Plaza. In addition to the opportunity to meet with some of the area’s coolest creatives, there will be drinks and music all evening long.

In August the Central Plaza will transform into a children’s wonderland for its first ever Play Day event. The lawn will be filled with unstructured play equipment for kids to explore and build, plus music that both kids and grown-ups will enjoy.

The Harbor Point Summer Events Series will close in September with a final Yappy Hour. But even if you cannot attend one of these special events there are many ways to enjoy Harbor Point. For example, al fresco exercise enthusiasts take note: Waterfront Wellness is back for another season! This weekly series of free fitness classes is held right on the Central Plaza lawn from May through September.

Stay in-the-know about all the summer events taking place this season by visiting Harbor Point’s website or following them on social.

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Noticing the “Skin Cycling” Trend on TikTok? Here’s How to Do It:

Rachel Hinch — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 18:13:15 +0000

—Shutterstock

Switching up your skin care routine might sound like a bad idea at first, but the latest findings say that cycling between tough exfoliation and nourishing moisturization throughout the week might actually be the best thing for a glowing complexion. The viral concept of “skin cycling” is all about interchanging products to keep your skin as healthy as it is free of blemishes and fine lines. At its core, skin cycling implements the tried-and-true method of limiting how often you exfoliate to ensure your skin’s moisture barrier is in tip-top shape. Here’s how to do it.

NIGHT 1: EXFOLIATE
The first day of your skin cycle should revolve around exfoliation. As always, start with a gentle cleanser to clear off any makeup. With a clean slate, apply a chemical exfoliant such as a serum that includes alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids. These exfoliants are said to be less damaging to your skin than a rough scrub but potent enough to clear the deepest pores. You might also apply spot treatments this night.
Try: About Faces Multiple locations including 894 Kenilworth Drive, 410-828-8666.

NIGHT 2: RETINOL
Retinoids are vitamin-A derivatives heralded lately as the “it” product for anti-aging. Boosting the skin’s normal rejuvenation process, retinoids are said to heal acne, fade hyperpigmentation, and reduce fine lines at a faster rate. After cleansing, apply only a dab of retinol to your entire face. A small amount goes a long way. If your skin is sensitive, try adding a layer of moisturizer before applying the retinol to prevent dryness. Always complete the night with a moisturizer.
Try: Belcara Health 1427 Clarkview Road, Suite 300, 410-424-5779.

NIGHTS 3 AND 4: MOISTURIZE
Give your skin a break with two back-to-back nights of TLC. Start with a gentle cleanser followed by a hydrating serum such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, and always cover with a creamy moisturizer. These two nights are imperative to give your skin time to recover from intense cleansing. If you notice extra dryness or redness after nights one and two, try products that contain calming rose hip or squalane.
Try: EcoSevi

WHAT YOU NEED:

TIME: Skin cycling is a practice that changes daily and it might take some time to see the full results, as your skin’s natural turnover cycle is around 28 days.

EXFOLIATE: A deep clean can give us faster results when looking to reduce texture, even tone, and minimize wrinkles.

MOISTURIZER: Regardless of your routine, ending your nighttime routine with a moisturizer is key to healthy skin.

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Amie Ward Provides Health and Wellness Resources to Folks Behind the Bar

Sophia Naughton — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 19:27:59 +0000

—Photography by Travis Marshall

Amie Ward came up with the concept of becoming “The Healthtender” when she realized that people in the hospitality industry, especially bartenders, were under an enormous amount of physical and mental stress. Both alcoholism and even suicide were alarmingly prevalent in her industry. She decided to combine her background as a bartender with her 20 years of training in the physical fitness and wellness arena to create a program specifically tailored to those folks behind the bar.

Why did you see a need for mental health and wellness resources in the hospitality industry?
I started my programming back in 2015 because I had been seeing this disconnect between the amount of labor that we put in each day as bartenders, but how little we were taking care of ourselves. We’ve lost people in the industry as a result of suicide or because of complications from alcoholism, and that kind of took it to the next step of teaching people about trying to be a little bit more mindful about the way that they’re drinking and what’s actually happening to your body on a physical level when you’re drinking.

Was there a pivotal experience that made you realize you wanted to start improving the industry?
The Baltimore Bartenders Guild would do a monthly education event, and in December of 2015, I got up to talk about how to give yourself proper nutrition when you’re on a marathon shift. This woman named Lindsey Johnson, who runs a company called Lush Life Productions, was there. And she’s like, “You have to do this,” and that kind of inspired me to start putting together my business plan for The Healthtender.

How did it feel to be recognized as someone who could supply a need for not just your community, but the global bartender community?
There was definitely validation. I want people to feel good in their skin, I want people to feel good with their bodies and just be able to listen to their bodies and really understand that better. It’s been wild and it’s been awesome and I’m so happy that I do this.

What are some of the services that you offer to bartenders?
Lots of movement classes, stretching classes, mobility classes, boxing, because I love boxing. But my biggest thing and the thing I’m most proud of is being able to make classes that are adapted to every type of body. So making people who would never find themselves in any kind of gym setting or whatever feel really comfortable about it. I’m not a nutritionist, but I can teach people how to meal-plan. I am a Mental Health First Aid instructor as well.

What do you recommend as a good first step for bartenders if they are interested in improving their overall wellness?
Would you like to eat a little bit better? Would you like to move your body better? Would you like to feel less pain? I think taking a mental inventory of what’s going on in your world is a good start. I love when people just come to talk to me first because I always will talk to people for free without any reservation to find out what their needs are and kind of send them in the right direction.

How would you describe the community you’ve built?
This is just a group of humans that genuinely care, support, and want to see each other survive, thrive, and grow in their own journeys. It’s just so supportive, and it’s really the way that I want to see the industry going when it comes to mental health and being able to create that community literacy on the topic of de-stigmatizing sobriety, addiction, and the pursuit of mental health.

What are your hopes for the restaurant and hospitality industry in the future?
I really want a shape-shifting of the entire culture and the landscape of hospitality. I want health insurance to be a normal thing. I want five-day workweeks or 40-hour workweeks to be a normal thing. I want owners to pay their bartenders appropriate equitable wages. I want people who are generally more vulnerable as a population or in a marginalized identity put to the forefront so they can actually be the leaders that they were designed to be. I want the hospitality industry to prioritize people rather than profits.

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Unwind this Autumn with CBD

Megan McGaha — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 18:14:46 +0000

Unwind this Autumn

Summer is over and the pace of life is picking up once again. School, work, looming holidays—it can all quickly start to feel like too much. But autumn is also a time to get cozy, to nurture ourselves before the winter season and holiday madness. Now is the perfect time to take a look at your self-care routine and understand how CBD products can play a role in your overall well-being.

Goodness in Gummies

Plain Jane sells hemp and CBD products and was founded by local entrepreneur Lindsey Holthaus. While Holthaus explains that Plain Jane’s main product lines consist of CBD hemp prerolls, flowers, and joints, many of today’s consumers are interested in CBD edibles.

Better known as “gummies” edibles are the perfect way for someone new to CBD products to experience the vitality and soothing sense of calm that comes from CBD, the naturally occurring cannabidiol found in hemp. Whether you are looking for help sleeping, want the added benefits of CBD in your multivitamins, or simply want to ease anxiety and bring a deeper sense of calm to your day, low-potency gummies are an easy, discreet—and delicious—way to incorporate the benefits of cannabidiols into your wellness regime.

Looking for a low potency dose of CBD on days when you can’t seem to find a little sliver of time to yourself? Peppermint gum freshens breath, contains only 20 mg of CBD and no THC, and can be slipped in a pocket or purse. Perfect for on-the-go.

Beauty and the CBD

CBD is not just to be ingested. Applied topically, it has remarkable implications for beauty and skin health. Although research is still ongoing, early indications show that cannabinoids may hold qualities that help the skin heal faster, limit the growth of bacteria and fungus, and soothe discomfort.

“Research also suggests that cannabinoids applied topically may help with a variety of skin conditions and may improve the production of collagen, making the skin and muscles firmer and connective tissue and bones stronger,” says Plain Jane founder Holthaus.

Combining the healing benefits of antioxidant-rich cannabinoids with decadent salves, body butters, and creams makes for products that are a must-have to nourish both mind and body. Topical applications like CBD Silk Night Cream offer and ultra-luxurious, peptide-enriched moisturizer, while Milk and Honey CBD lotion leaves skin hydrated and radiant. Topical CBD treatments are an excellent way to cool down overworked muscles after the gym, relax at the end of a stressful day, or simply treat yourself to a spa-like indulgence without ever leaving home.

Share the Experience

Incorporating CBD products into the routine of our busy lives is easy, safe, and can be beneficial to overall wellbeing. They also make great gifts, perfect for the upcoming holiday season, or to share with friends on special occasions. A gift bag of CBD topical lotion pared with loose flowers and gummies would be a welcome addition for anything from a girls’ weekend to a romantic getaway.

Shop today and you can not only enjoy the benefits of incorporating hemp and CBD products into your wellness regime, you can be a part of Plain Jane’s social justice mission. Persons formerly incarcerated for nonviolent weed-related charges always get 20 percent off their purchase.

Shop now and use code Bemorechill25 to get 25 percent off your purchase today and start enjoying the benefits of CBD.

https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Plain-Jane-x-Lit-Studio.mp4

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Best of Baltimore 2021

Aaron Hope — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 13:00:46 +0000

Edited by Max Weiss
Illustration by Blu Moo

August 2021

Best of Baltimore

Best of Baltimore 2021

Our annual compendium of the people and places that make Charm City great.

Edited by Max Weiss. Illustration by Blu Moo.

August 2021

Written by Ron Cassie, Lauren Cohen, Janelle Erlichman Diamond, Rachel Hinch, Ken Iglehart, Christine Jackson, Jane Marion, and Lydia Woolever with John Farlow, Ashley Glenn, Suzanne Loudermilk, and Mike Unger

Spots by Rose Wong

Photography by Schaun Champion, Mike Morgan, Philip Muriel, Christopher Myers, Matt Roth, Sean Scheidt, and Scott Suchman

HERE’S OUR YEARLY DILEMMA: When it comes to picking “Best of” winners, do we go out of our way to celebrate the shiny new places, or do we continue to award our perennial favorites? The truth is, we usually try to mix it up, striving for a perfect blend of old and new, fresh and familiar. This year, we went a step further, creating “Hall of Fame” categories for local mainstays alongside our regular compendium of all things awesome in Baltimore. That doesn’t mean Hall of Famers are retired or disqualified from future “Best of” issues, it just means we want to give them a little extra pat on the back in these tumultuous times. Thanks for always being there.

Best of Baltimore 2021: Style & Wellness

Aaron Hope — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 20:57:24 +0000

By JANELLE ERLICHMAN DIAMOND AND RACHEL HINCH
With Ashley Glenn

August 2021

Best of Baltimore

Best of Baltimore 2021: Style & Wellness

Our annual compendium of the people and places that make Charm City great.

By Janelle Erlichman Diamond and Rachel Hinch. With Ashley Glenn

August 2021

Photography by Schaun Champion, Mike Morgan, Philip Muriel, Christopher Myers, Matt Roth, Sean Scheidt, and Scott Suchman

COURTESY OF LAFORCE/PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWN HUBBARD

LIMITED COLLECTION

Hilton Carter for Target

Baltimore’s favorite plant guy, Hilton Carter, had quite the year—Wild Creations, his third book, hit shelves this spring, he and his wife, Fiona, are expecting their first baby this month, and his limited collection “Hilton Carter for Target” landed in stores. The more than 65 products included planters and stands, watering cans, shears, faux and real plants, and vessels and terrariums for the plant propagating he has made so popular. It was also great to see Hilton doing what he does best—connecting with plant novices via two minute videos through Target’s website, produced locally by Shine Creative.

CONTEMPORARY WOMEN’S CLOTHING

BRIGHTSIDE BOUTIQUE

Chances are you’ve heard about Brightside Boutique. With stores in Federal Hill, Fells Point, Hampden, Annapolis, and a newly opened location in Washington, D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood, this shop is a bit of a local phenomenon—and a favorite among trendsetters. Owner Christie Vazquez has her pulse on all things fashion and makes sure there are always wardrobe musthaves on the racks, including her own Brightside The Label collection. Can’t make it in-store? The online shop is as good as the real thing. For even more inspiration, head to their Instagram account—unless you’re trying to save money.

FASHION SHOWROOM

The Doll House Boutique

Since its founding in 2004, The Doll House Boutique has become an iconic shopping destination. Owner and celebrity stylist Natalie Karyl has an eye for high fashion, stocking her showrooms in both Baltimore and Los Angeles with carefully curated pieces from local and independent designers, as well as one-of-a-kind upcycled creations from her own label, Ragdolls Couture (think graphic prints, ruffle hems, and imaginative styling). The looks are bold and fashion-forward, so only trailblazers need apply.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN SCHEIDT

FAIR TRADE FINDS

Mango + Main

In 2016, Mango + Main was an online shop promoting fair trade goods, featuring several artisans, including groups in Rwanda, Haiti, and Peru. But in 2019, owner Shannon Riesenfeld’s vision grew when she opened a shop in downtown Annapolis. Today, Mango + Main connects local and global communities with handmade products for your home and closet—such as vibrant woven baskets from Rwanda or lush body scrubs from Baltimore’s own Hon’s Honey.

ONE-STOP SHOP

SWEET ELIZABETH JANE

Nothing can stop Sweet Elizabeth Jane. Owner Tammy Beideman opened up shop in historic Ellicott City in 2011. Since then, Sweet Elizabeth Jane has been through two floods and a pandemic. What keeps this boutique strong? The one-stop-shop feel, chock full of trendy clothing, accessories, and home décor, and the community pride she conveys with cult-favorite Ellicott City themed tea towels. The shop lives up to its motto: “urban girl, happy home, vintage soul.” And we’d add another phrase to that list: indomitable spirit.

PLANT BOUTIQUE

B.WILLOW

Plant shops are about so much more than just plants these days. Instead, they’re about creating community, sharing knowledge, and bringing joy. And no store demonstrates that concept better than B.Willow, with its peach-colored brick Remington rowhouse. Inside the boutique you’ll find owner Liz Vadya and her expert staff answering questions about all types of plants, from cacti to a low light tropical. They give virtual plant consultations (like “Why is my monstera so unhappy in this spot?”), and they’ll even gently repot your plant. Vadya also champions local growers and makers and is constantly donating a percentage of her sales to charity.

RETAIL EXPERIENCE

In Watermelon Sugar

From her Hampden corner, In Watermelon Sugar owner Leslie Stevenson knocks out perfect storefront windows each season. She's been filling her stylized, eclectic, and thoughtful boutique with our favorite products since 1998—which officially makes her the retailer-in-chief of The Avenue.

SHOPPING CORRIDOR

HAMILTON-LAURAVILLE MAIN STREET

Harford Road offers the perfect morning of shopping and noshing. We suggest starting at the heavenly Cloudy Donut Co. before popping into Domesticity: Fabrics Shop & Sewing Studio and the tiny Found Studio | Shop, with its incredible selection of creative goods. Grab a breakfast sandwich at Red Canoe Cafe before heading to Tortuga for the perfect assortment of jewelry, home, and wellness products. There’s also the aptly named The Children’s Bookstore right next to Zeke’s Coffee House, so everyone is happy. (On your way home stop at Wockenfuss Candies—part chocolate shop/part post office.)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN SCHEIDT

RELAXATION DESTINATION

SaunaFit by the loft

If Natalie Sams knows one thing, it’s taking care of people. In 2015, Sams launched the loft, a self-care destination offering facials, lash extensions, and brow shaping. But last year, Sams took it to the next level by introducing SaunaFit. With the infrared room, clients can do a quick sweat (benefits: anti-aging, detoxing, fat burning, relaxing, healing) or take advantage of the SaunaFit program, which combines access to the sauna and a Peloton bike in the recovery room. And it’s all in a space that is clean, modern, warm, and inviting—Sams’ specialty.

THE FUTURE IS FEMALE

WELLNESS INFLUENCER

Jami Crist

As a beloved instructor at REV Cycle Studio, Crist is known for her big smile, encouraging words, and championing of women. That also involves being honest about her fertility struggles. Crist presents herself as a real person on her own wellness journey, and we luckily get to go along for the ride.

ONLINE MAGAZINE

Jennifermag.com

Editor and creator Jennifer Cooper’s online-only magazine is a nod to the once-popular name. We all know a Jennifer—and Cooper taps into that woman with beautiful stories about living with breast cancer, messy relationships, addiction recovery, and the art of living well.

STYLE INFLUENCER

Tia Nicole

Tia Nicole Newton is the whole package. Smart, beautiful, oodles of talent, and a style icon. We check her IG almost daily to see what she’s wearing, what she’s eating, and what she’s working on.

SHOP OWNER

Kohli Flick

Becket Hitch owner Kohli Flick really loves what she does—and it shows in every transaction, curated item, and IG video she posts. There’s a reason it’s the go-to shop for just about everything—and it’s Flick.

SUPPORTING MAKERS

Taken

When Vanessa Milio’s popular pop-up, Taken, became a permanent brick-and-mortar, fans everywhere cheered. The Dulaney Plaza shop isn’t just a perfect place to find unique gifts, but Milio’s mission is to highlight and elevate artists, makers, and confectioners.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT ROTH

CONCEPT SHOP

The Cahoots Brothers

After winning the Remington Storefront Challenge in 2019, artists Kyle Johnson, Warner Blak, Greg Morton, Alex Bell, and Arvay Adams officially opened The Cahoots Brothers last year. Forged in the spirit of collaboration, the business—which sells everything from art to jewelry, ceramics, vintage finds, repurposed clothing, and more—allows each talented co-founder to bring their unique sense of style to the table. With private shopping appointments available and weekend garage-style pop-ups that often feature local musicians or makers, they’ve quickly become a neighborhood mainstay.

VINTAGE EXPERIENCE

A DAY N JUNE

Two words come to mind when shopping with A Day N June: vintage and vibrant. Owner Lindsey Brown only selects items for her online shop that ooze style and sustainability, after all, there’s a reason customers keep coming back for more. Not only does this self-described “lifestyle concept shop” have bold clothing and accessories, but there’s also a selection of home items, including a vintage brass and glass arched etagere, a mid-century modern infinity coffee table, and art deco plant stand. Brown packs most items in environmentally friendly and repurposed materials, proving you can be both stylish and eco-friendly.

WHOLENESS CENTER

CHARM CITY INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

This Canton gem, run by Dr. Tom Ingegno, offers both Eastern and Western wellness options—a rarity—and provides multiple services, including acupuncture, cupping, salt therapy, massage, and nutritional/ lifestyle coaching. We really like the custom “health stacks” for specific complaints (sinus, aches, skin, immune system) that combine the best services for that ailment. The “Rise & Shine” is whole-body cryo, red light therapy, and a cup of coffee.

WOMEN’S WELLNESS

INDIGO PHYSIOTHERAPY

Samantha DuFlo knew that something was missing in her physical therapy practice—a holistic approach to women’s health and a sense of community. By 2016, DuFlo created Indigo Physiotherapy, a clinical practice that focuses on pelvic pain and dysfunction, sexual health, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery, but with a whole-body wellness approach. Not only do patients get one-on-one personalized physical therapy treatments—including craniosacral and massage therapy—but they can also take advantage of the yoga studio and shop at the well-vetted retail boutique.

COURTESY OF PILATES HOUSE/ JULIE HOVE ANDERSEN

@pilateshousebaltimore

Don’t think Pilates is your thing? You might change your mind when you see Julie Hove Andersen’s beautiful and inspiring photos on Pilates House’s Instagram. Andersen captures the beauty of the human body doing hard things inside this white-walled studio. Owner Penny Lane (yes, really), a Nashville transplant, has created a serene space smack in the middle of Fells Point and filled it with some of the best instructors in the city. Aside from Andersen’s photographs, Lane fills her IG account with inspiring videos and hosannas for clients who have reached 100 classes and joined the #greatbuttsclub.

Turn Your House Into a Sanctuary With These Locally Made Items

Lauren Cohen — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 16:05:55 +0000

We’re spending all this time at home, so why are some of us more stressed than ever? Mental health experts say it’s important to periodically unplug, unwind, and check in with ourselves. So, no matter what the stresses—kids, boss, spouse, you name it—schedule some “me time.” Here are a few locally made items to get you started.

TEA: Waxing Kara
In winter, nothing feels quite as comforting as a hot cup of tea. There are several herbs that are rich in antioxidants and provide soothing effects. A fan favorite? Chamomile. Known to promote relaxation and a good night’s sleep, this herb is made even better when blended with other soothing herbs such as spearmint and lemongrass.

BODY OIL: Hey Thanks! Herbal
Looking to nourish and baby your skin? Try body oils. Typically made with essential oils, they absorb much easier than commercial lotions and leave your skin supple and smooth. Ingredients such as sunflower oil are great at locking in moisture, while added oils like St. John’s Wort are known to reduce inflammation and soothe tense nerves.

CLEAN JUICE: Pure Raw
It starts from within. Getting your daily dose of essential nutrients is key to feeling good. A simple way to ensure you’re getting all you need? A delicious fresh-pressed juice. Check out your options, as different concoctions can address different health needs. For example, a mix of lemon and ginger, a natural source of antioxidants, can help to keep your immune system running smoothly.

FACE MASK: Mount Royal Soap Co.
What’s a self-care ritual without a face mask? A clay mask is great to clean, hydrate, and refresh the skin for optimal texture and tone. To get a deep but gentle cleanse, kaolin clay will be your go-to when soothing winter skin, while added natural oils such as rosehip and pumpkin seed can reduce redness and soften your complexion.

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Cold Affront

Lauren Cohen — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 08:30:00 +0000

Winter weather is notorious for wreaking havoc, leaving skin dry and red, and hair unruly. But the cold air doesn’t have to mean losing your summer glow. This year, we’re fighting back with products made right here in Baltimore.

EXFOLIATE

If you’re the type to get dry skin in winter months, be sure to exfoliate gently, but regularly. Alpha hydroxy acids are gentle exfoliants derived from natural foods and can help stimulate cell turnover, keeping pores clear and complexions bright without further drying the skin. Try: Lavender Face Scrub ($13) at PriyaMeansLove.

CALM

If winter triggers skin irritations or you’re prone to windburn, adding neutralizing products to your skin care routine is essential. Soothing serums and masks can cool and tone down irritated skin. Try: Aloe Cucumber Soothing Serum ($20-35) at SoBotanical.

SMOOTH

Hair can take quite a hit from going between dry, windy weather and the heated indoors. Adding texturizing spray or curl enhancing products can make that disheveled look seem purposeful, while hair oils can smooth out the frizz. Try: Castor Oil Blend ($6.99) at Fancy-Free.

HYDRATE

When humidity drops, your skin often needs a boost of moisture. Products with ceramide, a fatty acid that builds our natural skin barrier, and natural emollients (think: shea butter) help to lock in moisture, while delicate cleansers protect your skin’s natural oils. Try: Whipped Pudding Moisture Cream ($13.99-34.99) at Oyin Handmade.

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Start Right

Jess Mayhugh — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 08:30:00 +0000

We all know the importance of a good night’s sleep, but did you know that your morning ritual can affect your entire day? If your morning begins with a quick cup of coffee, yelling at TV news, and skipping breakfast, you’re not alone. We consulted with Tiffany Houchins from Woodberry Wellness and Diana Sugiuchi from Nourish Family Nutrition on strategies to kick off the day energized, productive, and happy.

Good timing. A peaceful morning begins with a full night’s sleep and a gentle wakeup call, says Houchins. She suggests exchanging the alarm clock for rising with natural sunlight or a sun lamp. You don’t need to wake up before the sun to be more productive, but do allow yourself enough time to accomplish your morning tasks to alleviate the pressures of a morning rush.

But first, water. Start your day with a tall glass of water. After a long night’s rest, your body wakes up already craving hydration, Sugiuchi says. Not only will you mitigate any ill effects of dehydration later, but you’ll also feel refreshed and energized before your day is in full swing. She recommends adding cucumber, mint, or lemon to your water for a change in flavor and further nutritional value.

Me time. Take it easy and enjoy yourself! Engaging with things that bring you joy sets your intention and your mood for the rest of the day, Houchins explains. Get groovy to your favorite songs in the morning to add an extra boost of joy, or reserve an additional 10 minutes of your routine to set positive intentions for your day or take a solo walk in the fresh summer air.

Refuel and restore. It’s less about a big breakfast and more about the right breakfast, Sugiuchi says. Starting your day with a balanced breakfast regulates blood sugar levels, improves concentration, and keeps a steady metabolism that will satisfy your appetite and prevent later cravings. The key for morning energy? Complex carbohydrates. She suggests a bowl of oatmeal, hard-boiled eggs with a cup of fruit, or even a peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread.

Up and at ‘em. Whether you take five minutes to walk the dog or catch a 45-minute yoga class, moving your muscles in the early part of your day stimulates blood flow and oxygen distribution that will give you a natural energy kick. Getting outside is a great way to feel less burnt out, Houchins notes. Morning jogs are also a manageable way to wake your body up while balancing the mind with the focus on breathing.

Plan your day. A little spontaneity can keep a routine fresh, but be honest and mindful of your limits, Houchins advises. Creating a to-do list in the morning is a helpful tactic to ensure a productive day. Avoid becoming overwhelmed by not overcommiting and sticking to the action items that will restore and bring you balance.

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Summer Wellness Guide for a Healthy Body and Happy Mind

Rachel Hinch — Thu, 30 May 2019 12:50:13 +0000

Summer is all about soaking up the sun, spending time with friends, and (hopefully) relaxing. According to Tiffany Houchins, an Acupuncturist at Woodberry Wellness, this season is known for joy, laughter, connection, and communication. With her expertise, we’ve pieced together a guide on how to instill these elements into our daily routines.

Joy & Laughter

“It’s the season of joy,” Houchins says, “and it’s associated with the heart, the small intestine, and our pericardium—all of those things really love joy.”

• Before getting out of bed, try a laughing meditation to set yourself in a good mood: Think of memories and things that bring you joy and laughter.
• Get ready for the morning singing and dancing to your favorite songs.
• Give yourself extra time to be a little spontaneous with your routine.

Food & Drink

• Drinking hot tea in the warm weather actually cools you down. An excellent herbal tea for heart health and mood-boosting benefits is Hawthorne.
• Bitter foods invigorate the body—chicory root, dandelion, and mustard greens are fresh and satisfying summer foods.

Connection & Communication

“Because summer is associated with the heart, it’s also about connection: connection with our authentic self and connection with other people,” she says.

• Counter morning stress by practicing fire breathing. Clear out the tension by breathing in deeply and exhaling loudly through your mouth.
• Try dry brushing your arms with a loofa to stimulate the meridians in your arms that are associated with the heart.
• Rose quartz is known as the crystal for the heart. Wearing it on your wrist or around your neck can stimulate peaceful and loving energy right into the heart channels.

Self-Love & Affirmation

• Bring a little intimacy into your day by practicing self-love affirmations in the mirror or sending a love note to someone you care about.
• Take a walk outside to breathe in the fresh air and take some “me time.”

Source

Top Workout and Wellness Trends for 2019

Kate Rowe — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 11:57:00 +0000

As we dive into the new year, we’re already starting to see new fitness trends take over our Instagram feeds. People are using the calendar to reset and fuel fresh goals, pursuing all things health and wellness. There’s no shortage of new tips, tricks, and fads, but we’re taking a look at the things we think will stick around for the full year.

Body and Mind

First and foremost, we’re seeing a shift from only-fitness to all-around wellness. In 2019, you’ll focus on training your body and your mind. People are realizing they need to look at the whole picture, not just the physical. From sleep to mental health and stress to nutrition, being “well” is at the top of the list and brands are making help accessible to all. Apps like Headspace are making meditation more mainstream and we’re seeing it more in Baltimore, with events by Jason Williams of Charm City PT and others. Local legend Michael Phelps is working to lessen the stigma around therapy, sharing his story of anxiety and depression, encouraging approachable apps like Talkspace to assist with mental health.

Easy Access

Companies, trainers, and brands are building new ways to make their information more easily accessible, particularly with digital fitness. Streaming and digital-guided workouts are everywhere and apps have multiplied on your phone, on your TV and even in your Mirror. Amazon-owned audiobook seller Audible even has audio-guided fitness programs available from Aaptiv. As we see more focus on convenience and easy-to-use programming, we know this trend will only continue to grow.

Shorter Workouts

Shorter workouts are on the rise (count us in!). People are busier than ever and are looking for a short, effective workouts to help them reach their goals. The 2019 MINDBODY Wellness Index Report shared that 44 percent of Americans “try to prioritize fitness when they can” but nearly 37 percent identify time constraints as a an obstacle to living a healthier life. Studios and digital leaders are offering shorter classes and sessions to cater to the demand.

Because of the time constraints, we’re also seeing a continued rise in HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts, which typically involve short bursts of high-intensity bouts of exercise followed by a short period of rest. While HIIT started with elite athletes and has been growing in interest since 2014, this trend has gone fully mainstream. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal annual Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends ranks it in their top three of 2019 trends.

Low Impact

In an effort to balance high-intensity workouts and focus more on the long term, we’re also seeing a rise in swimming, walking, yoga, and other low-impact fitness activities. Swimming particularly has myriad benefits and can be perfect for people with osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and even bad posture. But don’t think because it’s low impact means it’s easy—your body is working hard to move you through the water. You can even add in underwater weights like surf legend Laird Hamilton, cycle bikes like D.C.’s Splash Cycle, and much more.

According to MINDBODY, yoga and swimming topped the list of exercises Americans are most interested in trying next. Although popular across the board, when broken down further by age, swimming rises to the top with exercisers ages 45 to 65. The Washington Post reported that “baby boomers are retiring but not slowing down,” making way for specific low-impact programs tailored to their age group. While it hasn’t been in the top 10 for ACSM since 2007, they are showing that fitness clubs are capitalizing on these individuals because they generally have more discretionary money than their younger counterparts.

Recovery, Recovery, Recovery

Going along with the theme of overall wellness, you’re going to see a major emphasis on recovery in 2019. On a recent episode of the Tim Ferriss podcast, LeBron James and his trainer talked about the importance of his recovery, including sleep. While you may have seen a foam roller in the corner at your gym, you can expect to see more myofascial, stretching, and compression tools. More trainers and studios are also utilizing percussion tools, like the Theragun and Hypervolt, to add another layer to your pre and post-workout.

Blurred Lines

Lastly, in 2019 we’ll see expanded offerings from your favorite places and trainers. As we’ve seen here in Baltimore, major cities are becoming saturated with fitness options. It’s not only hard for you to choose just one, but it’s tough for studio owners to keep up with the competition. This year, you’re going to see some studios and instructors grow their offerings to accommodate and attract clients with new classes, workshops, hours, etc. On the other end of the spectrum, we’re also seeing a rise in class offerings from large gym brands—in an effort to keep up with the desire for small, unique experiences.

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The Beauty Issue

Aaron Hope — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Our cover story is an exploration of beauty in all its forms. We found it in the five women on our cover, in the revealing roundtable we hosted with them, in A conversation about male standards of beauty, and in the small businesses in Baltimore that encourage self-care and acceptance on a daily basis. Our conclusion? Beauty is everywhere. You just have to know where to look.

By Lauren Bell
Photography by Mike Morgan

Styling Assistance by Karmen Osei. Makeup by Jamaya Moore. Makeup Assistance by Perryn Morris. Photo Assistance by Travis Marshall. Set staged by Wishbone Reserve. Shot on location at Lift Yoga + Strength.

Health & Wellness

The Beauty Issue

Our cover story is an exploration of beauty in all its forms. We found it in the five women on our cover, in the revealing roundtable we hosted with them, in A conversation about male standards of beauty, and in the small businesses in Baltimore that encourage self-care and acceptance on a daily basis. Our conclusion? Beauty is everywhere. You just have to know where to look.

By Lauren Bell.
Photography by Mike Morgan.

What if you were asked to name someone beautiful in our culture today? Who would you think of? A Victoria’s Secret Angel? A popular YouTube star? Idris Elba? Yes, they are all “beautiful,” but too often our definition of that word is way too narrow.

Whether it was the porcelain skin of 18th-century France, the slim silhouette and bobbed hair of the roaring ’20s, or the hourglass figure favored in the ’50s, the notion of the physical ideal, particularly for women, has evolved over time. But one thing has remained constant: a woman’s need to live up to those impossible standards in order to feel beautiful. Beauty standards are constantly shifting, even within our lifetimes (think the pencil-thin eyebrows of the ’90s and the perfectly contoured faces of the Kardashians so popular a few years ago). But now there’s a new wrinkle: We exist in a world where everything can be faked or fixed. Any imperfections or minor flaws can disappear with the swipe of a finger or the right phone app. And young women have grown up with this technology. We have been taught from a young age to alter ourselves in order to be beautiful.

The Beauty Awards

35 of Baltimore's most unstoppable beauty products & professionals.

The mass media leads the way by presenting and celebrating these ideals that are unattainable for most people and so often symmetrical, thin, and white. The images we are told to digest from big companies, celebrities, or Instagram feeds are oftentimes heavily Photoshopped and processed through many filters. The real danger starts when we begin to compare ourselves to these images. We aren’t born with insecurities, we are taught to be insecure.

Well, we say screw that. We are dedicating this entire issue to the fact that beauty is multidimensional and deeply personal. The truth is that beauty is intrinsic, existing naturally within us all, and the fewer filters we apply, the clearer it is for our inner splendor to shine through. When you view beauty through that lens, there is no room for harsh criticism or negativity (shout out to Travel + Leisure magazine, which named Baltimore the ugliest city in the country). We happen to think Baltimore is beautiful in its diversity, creativity, and humility.

We found all of those things and more in the following lively and candid conversation about beauty standards among five local women. And yes, while a good skin cream or proper hydration can do wonders, beauty is less a look and more a feeling. So take time to celebrate yourself and each other, as we are, and as we are supposed to be. Empowered.

How do you think your upbringing affected the way that you see beauty in the world?

Alexis Wilkins: I have a sister who is very close in age, and growing up we were always referenced as “the little dark one” or “the tall light one.” There was always a comparison happening between us, and it kind of made me crazy.

Dayna Bolden: When I was a young girl I used to always hear, “You’re pretty for a dark-skinned girl.”

Wilkins: Yup.

Bolden: Like what does that mean? You’re pretty for a dark-skinned girl? Why can’t I just be pretty or beautiful? I never want my daughter to ever hear that. It’s just, “You’re beautiful.” That’s it.

Lauleh Aslani: It’s like a backhanded compliment.

on Stereotypes:

“Even to this day if you google ‘beautiful woman,’ the first thing you are going to see is a white woman.”

Dayna Bolden | Entrepreneur/Blogger

Bolden: It is. And as a child I didn’t get it, but now I get it. It’s like they were shading me actually. Wilkins: I hear the same things. “You’re pretty for a plus-sized woman.” Can’t I just be a beautiful plus-sized woman? Why is that separate?

Aslani: I used to get, “You dress really nice for a Muslim hijabi woman,” and it made me think, like, what’s your idea of a Muslim woman? What are you supposed to look like? I was born and raised in the Midwest and felt a clash of being American, Persian (my ethnicity), and Muslim (my religion). I hear from one side and everyone’s like, “You dress really nice for someone who wears a hijab,” but then the Muslim community is saying, "You dress too American.” Everyone has an opinion, and I definitely went through phases, but thankfully I had an older sister and my mom to help guide me through, because I would look at magazines or the internet, and there was never Muslim representation in the media.

Vanessa Ulrich: My mom is white, and my dad is Thai, and I had the benefit of living in Thailand for six years when I was growing up. My mom really helped shape my outlook on beauty and did a really good job of teaching me to love and appreciate all of my features. My eyes are like my dad’s, but my hair is more like hers, and it helped me create this whole sense of self.

Julia Marciari-Alexander: I grew up in the ’70s in an academic environment outside of Los Angeles, so it was both L.A. and academia all in a supercollider. And it was always, are you smart, or are you pretty? But really for me it was all kind of summed up in Charlie’s Angels, who were the famous people of my moment. You had Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, and Jaclyn Smith, and you chose which one you wanted to be. Kate Jackson was the slightly homely, super-smart Angel, and so I always wanted to be Kate Jackson—mind you, I look nothing like her. But you had to make this distinction, which is just super false. You can be both, you can be neither, you can be you.

What do you think makes a person beautiful?

on social pressures

“As far as social media goes, people are only going to show their happy moments."

LAULEH ASlANI | Executive Health Coordinator at Sibley Memorial Hospital

Ulrich: It’s when a person’s charisma, intelligence, humor, and kindness comes through. I mean, we all take so many pictures of ourselves, and that’s one way of us representing who we are. Looks are definitely part of it, but for me, beauty is really about personality traits that someone displays when you are right in front of them.

Bolden: I agree. It’s definitely an energy thing for me, because you could have the most beautiful person in the world, and if they act nasty, they’re not beautiful to me anymore.

Aslani: Someone’s personality really draws me to them and can make them seem even more beautiful. There are so many people who we follow online, and you might think you have an idea of who they are, but then you meet them in person and they are standoffish or different than you expected. But then you meet some people and they are even more beautiful in person because their personality shines through.

Wilkins: I think that’s how the digital age has changed things, because you can look at a magazine from 20 years ago and all you see is a picture, you don’t know anything about that person, but with social media you are able to show more than just your outward appearance.

Marciari-Alexander: I think when a person inhabits their passion publicly is when they become beautiful. You could call it animation or enthusiasm, but when you see someone light up from within and they become sort of iridescent because they are talking about something they really care about, that’s when you truly see them as opposed to the construction of themselves that they are creating. I talk with my kids a lot about the need to question people who are on YouTube and how that is their profession. You don’t know them. You may think you know them, but what you really know is the construction of themselves that they are presenting to you.

How do you think the concept of beauty has changed over the years?

Marciari-Alexander: I’m really interested in the notion of whether there is an inherent beauty that is beautiful to everyone or if beauty is always subjective. I think it is probably always subjective. We spend a lot of time and money as a society constructing norms around beauty that people feel they have to conform to. And that goes all the way back to the very beginnings of the Egyptian world. One of the things I love about this moment in time is that I feel like there might be a little bit of an explosion of the normative construction of beauty that comes down from one group in society. Whether you’re in the Far East, the Middle East, Europe, or America, each culture has traditionally had its own normative sense of beauty over time, but what I think is really beautiful now is that we are starting to see that those norms change even within one culture or across cultures.

Ulrich: And I love how social media has helped us to do that.

Marciari-Alexander: Absolutely.

Ulrich: It allows everyone the ability to show themselves at their most confident and beautiful and has been able to bring together so many different voices.

Have you ever felt stereotyped based on how you look? How do you deal with that?

Bolden: All of the time. As a black woman we’ll get stereotyped as being aggressive or being mean. For me, I just try to be myself no matter what and in any situation.

Wilkins: I definitely agree. The standard of beauty is different for black women. For example, you can have natural hair and be able to express yourself in that way, but I don’t feel comfortable doing that, and I think that is just based on my life experiences. I want to still have long, straight hair. My hair is not long, and my hair is not straight in real life, but I still look for those types of ways to align myself with that type of standard of beauty. It isn’t always the best thing, but that’s just how I feel comfortable, and when I’m comfortable, I feel beautiful.

Bolden: Even to this day if you Google “beautiful woman,” the first thing you are going to see is a white woman. I’m dark-skinned, and 20 or 30 years ago that wasn’t considered beautiful. It’s important for me to change the standards of beauty, especially for black women, by showing a dark-skinned woman that she is beautiful, that she can wear her natural hair and still be beautiful.

Ulrich: And I think for women specifically, the way beauty has historically been taught as the epitome of what a woman should be, it’s important to show all of the different kinds of beauty to young girls as they grow up so they know that there isn’t just one standard that they need to aspire to.

How do you think beauty standards differ between women and men? Do men have it easier?

Marciari-Alexander: Well, I can imagine that all of us get more comments on our clothes or on our hair or the “You look great.” But when you’re talking to a male museum director it doesn’t start with “Oh my gosh, you look great,” or “Your clothes are really tight,” or “Your suit is really inappropriate.” I mean, I have had people tell me that my skirt is too short or that my blouse is too open. Just don’t comment. It’s lovely and nice to have people say how great you look, but on the other hand, you’re like, I’m in a professional setting right now. Thank you, but hmm . . . maybe not.

Wilkins: I don’t know what male beauty standards are. There isn’t really conversation around what a man looks like. It’s more about what a man thinks or what a man does.

Marciari-Alexander: I am 6 feet tall, and my husband is 5’6” and a runner, so he is really fit and small, and he will tell you that in his career up until now, he’s always felt that he gets looked at differently because he doesn’t conform to what people imagine a man in his position to look like. I actually think that men do struggle with this, but we aren’t providing the language to talk about it. I love the idea of saying that there are implicit standards of male beauty or appearance, so let’s call it out and let’s say, “Hey, that’s not okay,” or “Hey, everybody looks great.”

Do you ever feel intimidated or weighed down by the pressure to look a certain way to advance your career?

Bolden: I think it can be hard trying to balance people’s expectations with my own brand and still remain authentic. Social media is constant, and I don’t try to be perfect, but I am trying to put my best foot forward every day because of the pressure. I have 65,000 people following me on Instagram, so it’s like I can’t go out and look crazy.

Aslani: I put pressure on myself, but in a good way, because I want to represent Muslim Persian women in the workplace well. If my appearance is put together, then I’ll get a positive reaction out of patients and out of my colleagues. I do believe that my wearing a scarf has helped me in many ways to get the job I currently have. When I was in school, professors knew my name the first day of class. I kind of stand out, and that can be a good thing or a bad thing. I see it like I am representing a tribe of other Muslim women, so I kind of need to have it together.

Ulrich: I work for a boutique health care strategy and marketing agency and deal with 99 percent of my clients over the phone, so I don’t have to do my hair or put on makeup for work. But then outside of work I try to look a little more polished.

Marciari-Alexander: I would say there is absolutely no correlation of doing my job well and the pressure to be beautiful or dress one way or another. Although the presumption is that people who work in the arts industry accessorize really well!

Do you have any insecurities that you will always carry with you?

Marciari-Alexander: When I would tell people that I grew up in California they would say, “No you didn’t, you’re not tan.” And the fact is, I don’t tan. I get really, really sunburned. I always felt that my super-duper white skin and my super straight hair wasn’t the picture of ideal beauty in the world that I came from. It was blonde, beach waves, and tan skin. So even though theoretically I have the same attributes as the standard of beauty, I never felt that way. Now, I got to age 50 and I was like, I don’t care, I’m fabulous . . . and my skin looks awesome!

Ulrich: I think for me it’s that I have under-eye circles. I have very thin skin like my mom and my grandmother, and so if I have one late night out I get bags under my eyes. I used to try to Photoshop them out of photos, but now I think maybe I should just wear them as a badge of pride, right?

Marciari-Alexander: Absolutely!

Ulrich: Because I do a shit ton of stuff.

Aslani: I think it just says you’re working hard. You’re hustling!

Marciari-Alexander: It’s like gray hair. Ladies! Gray hair is awesome.

Wilkins: I love your hair.

Ulrich: Me too, I want to go all silver like you.

on beauty standards:

“Beauty has historically been taught as the epitome of what a woman should be.”

Vanessa ulrich | Senior Director, PR at Sage Growth Partners

Marciari-Alexander: I’m not there yet, but I do it intentionally because I have so much gray hair now. My daughter’s like, “Are you sure?” and I say, “Yes, I’ve earned this!”

Wilkins: This sounds so horrible to say, but I have a lot of insecurities. Weight has always been my struggle. Stretch marks just started to appear places like on my belly and my arm. I thought you got stretch marks on your belly when you have a baby, not from just being a regular person. Recently, I went to a bachelorette party with my sorority sisters, and while I feel like I’ve grown to be more comfortable in my own skin, it was like zoom, I’m back to 2007 feeling like I’m the biggest one in this sorority line. I am constantly trying to combat that inner struggle. And through combatting it, I find my confidence.

Ulrich: It’s so important that we talk about the fact that we all have insecurities and off days. If you are in the public eye, people might think that we look perfect all the time, but that’s just not the case.

Aslani: It’s not a big insecurity for me, but I’m Persian, and all Persians get their noses done. It’s like a rite of passage, like all of my cousins got their noses done when they were 16. I think Iran, or more specifically Tehran, is one of the number one places for rhinoplasties. I was there a few weeks ago and my family were all asking me if I wanted to get my nose done.

Marciari-Alexander: I would give anything for your nose.

Aslani: And I always say no. I inherited my nose from my dad’s side of the family. I’m pretty happy with it, but thanks for pointing it out to me. So, I’ve always thought that my nose wasn’t perfect, but you know what? It’s my face. I don’t want to get another one. I’m happy with the one that I have.

How do you deal with unrealistic beauty standards?

Wilkins: I remember when I first realized that you could edit the width of your face on an app and I thought, “This is so amazing. I look so skinny!”

[Everyone laughs]

Wilkins: Slowly but surely, I decided that I had to stop using this, because it was not truly me. If I’m going to have this blog where I am supposed to be about body positivity and I’m going in and making my cheeks a little bit smaller, then that’s not truthful. But I look at everyone’s pictures and I think, well, everyone else is probably doing it to some extent. The Facetune app is rampant, and everyone is going in there and changing their look. You don’t even realize it because all you’re seeing is this little square on Instagram.

Bolden: I have a daughter, and she watches YouTube videos, and I remember one time she was like, “I want my hair long and straight like her,” pointing to a little white girl in the video. And the little girl was beautiful, but I had to explain to her that’s not your reality. My goal is to just keep telling her how beautiful she is. I tell her she is beautiful every single day. I tell her how much I love her hair every single day. She has thick curly hair, and I tell her how much I love her hair every single day because I never want her to think differently.

Aslani: My mom always told me to not compare yourself to someone else, because you don’t know what they are going through, and you don’t know their struggles. As far as social media goes, people are only going to show their happy moments. I’m not going to share a photo of me when I’m sobbing and crying and can’t reach the 20 deadlines in front of me.

Are you worried about aging?

Wilkins: Black don’t crack.

[Everyone laughs]

Bolden: That’s what I thought of.

Marciari-Alexander: I didn’t know about that.

Wilkins: You haven’t heard that before?

on self esteem:

“I am constantly trying to combat That inner struggle. And through combatting it, i find my confidence.”

alexIS wilkins | Event Planner

Marciari-Alexander: No, that’s awesome.

Wilkins: I just turned 30 in April, and I went and got a facial and the esthetician asked what I needed, and I didn’t really know because I have really good skin. But once she found out I had just turned 30, she recommended the anti-aging treatment, and I’ve literally never even thought about anti-aging before, but that made me think maybe I should be. Brands keep pushing it on us to the point that you feel like you need it.

Bolden: I think people are freaking out over nothing, but I’ve also never gotten into the whole anti-aging thing. I just take care of my skin and don’t think about aging because it’s inevitable. Everyone is going to get older, and you’re going to age.

Aslani: I started using under-eye cream when I was 24 or so because I am predisposed to getting dark circles under my eyes. My mom always told me from the time that I was like 12 or 13 to take care of my skin. The products I use need to be preventative so that I don’t have to use dark spot anti-aging wrinkle cream in the future. Who even knows if these creams actually work? There are products that are upward of $300 to use on your face. I’m perfectly fine with the stuff I find at the drug store.

Ulrich: My whole thing is nutrition. I’m not afraid of aging, but I know that if I eat well now my skin will look good now and later. My mom’s a big hippie, so she’s always been all about science-based nutrition. I think the only thing she’s ever put on her face is glycerin, like actual 100-perccent glycerin from a health food store. Growing up, I never saw her with a skincare routine, but there was always a really balanced meal on the table.

Marciari-Alexander: As the old lady in the crowd, I would say that I am cheap, so I’m not spending money on that stuff! Someone once said to me if you start getting plastic surgery in your 30s or your 40s, you’re going to have to get it again in your 50s and your 60s. I think if we say we are proud of our bodies and ourselves then let’s be proud. We’ve earned our wrinkles, let’s own it. I look at somebody like Gloria Steinem, who I don’t think has had work done, and you look at Catherine Deneuve or Jane Fonda, and you can see the difference in how they look. One looks natural and proud, and the others no longer look like themselves. I think part of my aversion to plastic surgery was also that I got my hair done for a wedding when I was 30 and they pulled my hair so tight that it actually looked like I had a facelift. I looked so scary, and that was the end of that.

Why do we have such a hard time believing we are beautiful? What have you done to learn to love yourself?

on comparison:

“We need to understand that it's now human to feel like it's our job to compare ourselves to others Because we’ve been trained by a really long history to do it.”

JULIA MARCIARI-ALEXANDER | Executive Director, The Walters Art Museum

Wilkins: I think it’s just about overcoming the constant comparisons. That’s what really drives it and, in an age where all you are doing is looking at other people’s pictures, lives, and things that they’re doing, it’s so hard not to compare.

Marciari-Alexander: There is a really long history of putting people into visual boxes. This is why I think it’s important that we go to museums and that we learn to be incredibly savvy visual consumers. What we are doing now on social media is no different from what they were doing in 17th-century England or in an African country where they have beauty norms about what neck braces to wear, or in China, where they bound their feet. Every culture has its beauty norms, and those norms have been visually reinforced for thousands of years. We need to understand that it’s now human to feel like it’s our job to compare ourselves to others because we’ve been trained by a really long history to do it. We’ve kind of been brainwashed. But we do have the tools to become good visual consumers, and we have the responsibility to teach our families not to feel like they need to conform. Everyone needs to choose their own path, and I would just encourage everyone to step out and recognize that what is put in front of them and what is considered the standards of beauty so they can then decide what they want to do.

Aslani: I agree. I think it’s just human nature. It’s been a part of our history and will be a part of our future in the digital age. Everyone’s compared themselves to someone else at some point, but as you mature and get older and wiser, you’ll become more comfortable in your own skin. I am comfortable in my skin right now. People can comment and say, “You’re not showing your hair” or “You’re covering too much,” and your opinions are your own, but at the end of the day, I’m comfortable with who I am, what I’m wearing, and how I’m presenting myself, and that is when I feel beautiful.

The Male Gaze

While we tend to focus on the impossible beauty standards applied to women, men also deal with challenges related to appearance, masculinity, and the ever-shifting male ideal. so We HAD a conversation about the male stance on beauty, self-acceptance, and the effects of social media when it comes to a man's appearance.

Noah Mumaw

Founding Partner & Co-owner of Monument Sotheby’s International Realty, 40

ON BEAUTY: Well, there are different types of beauty, right? There is physical beauty, and then there is the beauty a person has inside them.

ON SELF-LOVE: I have a cowlick in my hair, and when I was younger, I wore my hair longer because of it. I’m sure my parents dismissed it and made me feel like it wasn’t important. But I have three young sons, and I see in my two older kids the stuff that bothers them. It may not feel like a big deal, but it is to them, and it’s important to treat it that way.

ON SOCIAL MEDIA: If Instagram went down tomorrow, there’d be 100 million models that went out of business! It’s a lot more in everyone’s face than it used to be. I worry for my kids with everything being at their fingertips. They see things online and they think that it’s true. But really there are these billion-dollar companies that are in control, and it’s scary.

Rahzé Cheatham

Opera Singer & Model, 22

ON BEAUTY: Beauty is often not determined by us but is determined for us. It has become this tri-part entity where it’s what “society” says, what we think we are, and what others perceive us to be. What beauty really is is a series of smoke and mirrors.

ON SELF-LOVE: I identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming. So I feel my entire gender identity is forced onto me, and accepting this body as my body is something that I have to do every day just because people keep trying to insist that these physical attributes [looking like a “man”] mean something.

ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Being a black-identifying person, it’s strange to have your natural features demonized and then to see other people adapt them for themselves and be praised. Rather than people like me seeing this and thinking, “I’m beautiful,” we hate ourselves more because we don’t look exactly like those people. It’s a very strange cycle of self-hate.

Coffin Nachtmahr

Toy Maker and Artist, 26

ON BEAUTY: I think a person being themselves unapologetically makes them beautiful.

ON SELF-LOVE: When I started to express myself through my outward appearance, I felt like what people expected of me and who I knew myself to be were completely separate. I think that’s what brings some of the shock value to people I meet, because the way that I look is different from the person they get to know. I can dress extreme, or I can wear a suit, but either way, it’s uniquely me.

ON SOCIAL MEDIA: I personally feel like if it has done anything, it has alienated more people or created such extreme standards that everyone looks like a clone. There’s no in-between space, and that’s so strange to me. There are very defined standards in pop culture and social media, but that isn’t real culture. Reality and social media translate almost like a text does to a phone call; they convey different tones.

Ryan Detter

Software Engineer at NASA Goddard, 39

ON BEAUTY: I’ve found more beauty lately in moments I’ve shared with people. Like at the end of the Baltimore half-marathon when I was waiting for all of my buddies. It was a beautiful moment because we went through something big together.

ON SELF-LOVE: It’s never been something that I’ve had an issue with, but I have scars on my face. I’ve had them since I was two months old, and people are very sensitive about that around me, not realizing that because I grew up with it, I never look in the mirror and see my scars. It’s all I’ve known.

ON SOCIAL MEDIA: For guys, it’s very anti-selfie on social media. I hear selfies are anti-masculine, and I’ve even had a friend be like, “You post selfies? What?!”——but to me it’s just owning it. I don’t want to come off as vapid, but you know if I’m wearing a tux today, I’m going to freaking take a picture of it—it’s bad-ass.

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Fitness Instructors Share Tips on How to Jumpstart Your Morning Routine

Kate Rowe — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 13:12:00 +0000

We’re coming up on the annual daylight saving time switch. Unlike the dreaded springtime change, in November we get to “fall back” and essentially gain an hour. If you’ve always wished to become a morning person, rejoice—this is the time you can use to jumpstart your morning routine.

It’s been proven that getting moving as soon as you wake up can help your day be more productive, create healthy sleep patterns, and more. Everyone has their own idea of the perfect morning jolt. You want to wake up and get energized to attack the day—but how do people do it?

We talked to some of Baltimore’s top fitness instructors to hear about their favorite, energizing morning routines:

Elyza Dolby of Yoga with Elyza, Movement Lab, and M. Power Yoga
Dolby starts the day with intention, both literally and figuratively. She keeps a journal under her pillow so the first thing she does in the morning—and last thing she does at night—is write. “Depending on the day, I either scribble out my dreams, gratitudes, morning pages [random thoughts] or all of the above,” she says. After that, she hangs with her (adorable) pup Beamer, and makes herself a celery juice. “After celery, I sip on a warm cacao for heart-opening,” she says. “Then I meditate, pull tarot and set an intention for my day ahead.” Once the necessities are out of the way, she’s ready for whatever craziness is to come.

Esther Collinetti of Rev Cycle Studio
Collinetti’s morning actually starts the night before. “I am someone that strives on structure in order to stay in integrity with my dreams.” Depending on the day, her alarms are set at different times and they are all labeled with things that inspire her. For example, 4 a.m. is labeled “One Life”, 5 a.m. is “Get Out of Your Comfort Zone”, 6 a.m. is “Do Epic Shit”, and 7 a.m. is “Remember You’re a Badass.” After waking up to an amazingly inspiring alarm, she jump-starts each morning with a sweat workout—either leading a class at REV or training for her next (yes, next!) Ironman. “Sweating gets me started for the day in order to get my system roaring in a higher state of mind, body, and heat connection,” she says.

Jami Crist of Rev Cycle Studio and Solid Core
Crist wakes up super early because, like many of us, she loves having a little time to herself before the day gets crazy. “I get up around 4:45 a.m., drink a glass of water to help flush out my system and I start the coffee ASAP,” she says. After a quick walk with the dog, she does mediation for 5-10 minutes with some light stretching. During this time, she sets her intention or looks at her horoscope to help guide her for the day, making sure to write it down. “I feel like this helps me to start my day with new fresh energy.” From there, it’s on to prep time. She reviews and prepares, so that she knows exactly what needs to be tackled that day. To get in one final wake-up push, she often adds in a pre-work workout which helps her set her body up for a successful, energetic day.

Jason Williams of Charm City PT and M. Power Yoga
Williams’ morning ritual keeps it simple—”Hydrate, Meditate, Caffein-ate.”

KG Spencer of BeachFit Baltimore
“Life with a new baby means no two mornings are ever the same,” says Spencer. That said, even seemingly mundane consistencies help this new mama keep her sanity. Every day, Spencer wakes up and immediately makes the bed. Then brushes her teeth. Then brushes her hair. “Always these three things—always in this order,” she says. It may not seem like much, but she says kickstarting her mornings this way means, no matter what chaos the day inevitably brings, she at least has a tidy room, clean teeth, and brushed hair.

Maddison Rowles of FX Studios and Rev Cycle Studio
Rowles is out of bed and out the door by 4:30 a.m. Aside from her typical morning routine, she says there are two steps she can never forget—coffee and podcasts. On her hour commute to work, she fuels up with her favorite donut shop coffee blend with almond milk, a coconut Lara Bar, and her favorite dynamic podcast duo Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark in My Favorite Murder. “If you don’t know about this podcast, now you do,” she says. “There is no better way to get my morning started.”

Marissa Walch of Yogaworks, FX Studios, and Marissa Walch YouTube
Walch and her four-legged partner, Minnie, start every morning together. “I like to sit quietly and drink my coffee with Minnie on the couch,” she says. “I purposely wake up earlier than I need to to make sure I have this bit of time to be quiet, drink slowly, and share some smiles with Minnie before starting a day where I don’t normally have time to sit down.” She always has her workouts pre-planned and typed into a Google calendar, but she doesn’t lay her clothes out like many people do. “It forces me to wake up and make decisions early in my day,” she says. “It turns my brain on so I can figure out if I need yoga pants, workouts tops, etc.”

Mimi Nguyen Washington of Seya Wellness
Before Nguyen gets out of bed each morning, she takes a few minutes to journal in her Five Minute Journal, and do a quick 7-10 minute guided mediation on gratitude. “The Five Minute Journal is also gratitude based,” she says. “While its hard to love getting out of bed when its dark out, instead of thinking, ‘I have to leave my warm bed to go to work,’ I try to shift the focus to, ‘I’m grateful I have a job to go to and a purpose to wake up.'” As often as possible she uses breakfast as a no-tech time, leaving her phone upstairs and enjoying breakfast without the distraction of emails, texts, or social media. “When was the last time any of us really stopped to savor the food we’re tasting and the flavor in our morning coffee?”

Oksana Koval of Fitness by Oxy and BeachFit Baltimore
Oksana starts the day at 5 a.m., so there’s little time to dilly-dally. She begins with an intention-setting practice accompanied by a glass of warm water with lemon. “It’s important to stretch before leaving the house,” she says. With a day full of classes, starting early and often ending late, she makes sure to take care of her body inside and out.

Reese Ashe of Reflex Fitness
Reese reminds us that, “No matter who you are, motivation always comes from within, so ‘find your why.’” While we see gyms and instructors all over town, it’s always been his goal to offer the fitness industry in Baltimore something unique, while providing for his family at the same time. When that alarm goes off every morning, he knows his job is to get others inspired and motivated. He reminds himself of his goal—and why he set it in the first place—and makes that his main focus. “Family and fitness are my why.”

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Culture Club: Creative Labs, Nights on the Fringe, and Talib Kweli

Lauren LaRocca — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 10:20:00 +0000

Visual Art

Profiles of Color III
Fredericksburg, Virginia, artist Ronald Jackson reimagines African-American portraiture in his solo show Profiles of Color III: Fabric, Face, and Form at Galerie Myrtis. The mixed-media pieces are collaged with bold shapes and patterns, reminiscent of Klimt but with a contemporary African accent. June 30 through July 28, with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. June 30 at Gallery Myrtis, 2224 N. Charles St.

Landmarked
Ada Pinkston explores historical landmarks and monuments in Landmarked, a highly participatory show that invites visitors to respond to prompts and, in doing so, become part of the exhibit as it unfolds. A pedestal in the gallery will serve as a space for performance art pieces throughout the duration of the show, including a special night of guest performers on June 16. June 1 to 22 at Cardinal, 1758 Park Ave.

Music

BSO’s New Music Festival
Imagine the elegance of classical music performance against the backdrop of Graffiti Alley and you have the June 22 Chamber Jam with Mind on Fire, Shodekeh, and Ok Miss, part of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s four-day New Music Festival. In its second year, the fest brings contemporary classical music to venues across the city, highlighting living composers. This year, Kevin Puts’ oboe concerto Moonlight, a piece commissioned by the BSO, will premiere at a free show at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. June 20 to 23.

John Williams at Camden Yards
Celebrated American composer (and lifelong baseball fan) John Williams—who has written scores and served as music director for films that include E.T., Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Star Wars—will be at Camden Yards on June 11 to throw the first pitch. Before the Orioles game, the BSO will perform a selection of his well-known pieces, starting at 6:30 p.m. The game will be followed by the June 13 Evening with John Williams performance at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

Theater

Nights on the Fringe
Ballet, theater, puppetry, film, crankies, spoken word, dance, circus arts . . . the list goes on for Nights on the Fringe, a vaudeville-inspired cabaret weekend presented by Charm City Fringe—in case you are itching to see some Fringe-worthy shows before the main festival in November. The evenings will be hosted by Aaron Henkin (WYPR’s Out of the Blocks) and Umar Khan (Gin & Jokes, Super Comedy). 8 p.m. June 8 and 9 at the Baltimore Theatre Project.

Literary Arts

Books in Bloom
The daylong Books in Bloom festival brings a host of writers across all literary genres to Columbia for readings, discussions, children’s activities, and a pop-up bookstore. The lineup includes Amanda Lucidon, Edwidge Danticat, Elliot Ackerman, Ian Mackenzie, Jane Delury, Jeannie Valasco, Katia D. Ulysse, Nathan Bomey, Sujata Massey, Vikram Sunderam, and others. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 10 at downtown Columbia Lakefront, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia.

Miscellanea

CreateScape
Creative Labs’ CreateScape event celebrates the DIY arts culture of Baltimore through a free, three-day open house at the group’s headquarters. With a focus on health, creativity, sustainability and collaboration, the fest, hosted by Creative Labs, will cross yoga and dance battles with live music and street art. An array of artisan vendors will give this event a festival feel. June 8 to 10 at Creative Labs, 1786b Union Ave.

Healthy Baltimore: A Festival of Wellness
The free Healthy Baltimore festival at Port Covington will bring an array of music, food, and health and fitness vendors aimed to get you on track—plus the inspiration to move your soul and your body with a performance by Talib Kweli. Pre-registration is required. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 16 at The Field in Port Covington, 200 E. Cromwell St.

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Fit File: Allison Woodward

Lauren Bell — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 14:37:00 +0000

Students might find it difficult to get a seat in one of Allison Woodward’s spin classes. That’s because the longtime instructor at Coppermine Racquet and Fitness Club off Falls Road adds a secret ingredient to her classes—trivia.

During every song Allison played, someone has to call out the song title and artist, and each correct answer got a point. The person with the most points wins. Yelling out guesses while breaking a sweat made the spin class much more lively and entertaining, and the minutes on the clock seemed to fly by.

After a class of guessing and sweating, we got the chance to ask Woodward about her fitness history, favorite songs, and why her mom is her inspiration.

How long have you been a fitness instructor?
Allison Woodward: I first started teaching classes in 1987 and I fell in love with it. I’ve been teaching overall for 30 years. I’ve been working at Coppermine since 2012, so I’m going on my fifth year there.

Can you tell me a little about Coppermine?
AW: We are a racquet and fitness facility, and our two racquet sports are squash and tennis. We also have a full fitness gym as far as treadmills, bikes, and weights. And we have about 65 classes a week including spin, insanity, a large variety of yoga classes, Pilates, group strength, barre, and step class. I teach spin, barre, yoga, step, strength, and a running class.

What is your favorite class to teach?
AW: Spin and yoga because I think there is more of a connection with people in those two classes. That’s the part of my job that I love—meeting people, building connections, and learning a little bit about everyone.

What are your favorite songs to workout to?
AW: I love fast beats. My favorite songs are “Sweet Surrender” by Sarah McLachlan, “5 Hours” by Deorro, and “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. I like songs that have meanings in the lyrics to motivate everyone to be stronger.

Where is your favorite place to shop for fitness gear?
AW: Definitely Lululemon. They have the best fits for the multiple classes and sports that I compete in. I am a competitive triathlete, and I just completed the world championship in Hawaii, where I trained in all of their apparel. I love the cut of their tops, shorts, and running pants. They are athletic but still feminine.

What is your personal favorite way to workout? Least favorite?
AW: My favorite workout is running. My least favorite is any kind of dance class.

If I wasn’t a fitness instructor, I would be a . . .
AW: Social worker. I love knowing all kinds of people. I love the diversity of those I am blessed to be surrounded by and if I could help more people learn how amazing they were and make a difference to them, I would be so happy.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
AW: My mom. She lost our dad, her best friend and husband, when I was 6 and raised four kids on her own without ever complaining or giving up. She is the most positive person I know. She is now 88 and still that amazing lady with so much class and kindness.

What do you hope to accomplish with each class that you teach?
AW: To make people feel better than they did when they walked through my door.

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Fresh Off the Press

Jess Mayhugh — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 08:30:00 +0000

Central New York native Daniel McKelvey discovered juicing while working in the casino business.

“I traveled to Vegas and San Diego where acai bowls and juicing are very popular,” he explains. “So I just started learning about the business and juicing’s benefits. Then I moved to Delaware where I started making juices for family and friends, and that is really what got me started.”

After moving to Maryland, McKelvey opened his first Pure Raw Juice location in Federal Hill in January 2015. Among his goals, he says, are acclimating people to pure and raw foods and educating them about healthy snack options. To that end, Pure Raw features a wide array of all-natural, organic, gluten- and dairy-free menu items like cold-pressed juices, acai bowls, raw cashew and almond mylks, smoothies, and power shots.

After two years of business, it became apparent that Pure Raw was outgrowing its Federal Hill location and on Dec. 7 of last year, McKelvey opened his new store on York Road.

“We’re between Towson and the city, so it’s a perfect scenario all around,” says McKelvey. “We looked at all the colleges around this area and thought this is the spot where we need to be.”

The new, 1,520-square-foot space offers more seating for customers as well as charming details like barn wood accents and locally painted murals.

As for the future, McKelvey says, “This year we’re focusing on taking a step back to build the brand through events and social media. The sky really is the limit.”

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Super Foods Guide

Jess Mayhugh — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 08:30:00 +0000

The latest trend is super foods—nutrient-rich foods that are said to maximize health. While not all nutritionists believe these foods have superpowers, they do agree that they are very good for you. So let’s dive in!

Agave
Unlike sugar, agave provides natural sweetness and is a delicious way to moderately replace high-glycemic and refined sugars. Try using this nectar as a substitute for sugar when you’re baking or to sweeten some of your favorite drinks.

Flaxseed
Flaxseeds lower cholesterol, help with blood pressure, and are great for digestion because they are high in fiber. Simply sprinkle them over your sandwiches, yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal. It is best to buy whole seeds and grind them up.

Chia Seeds
Although these seeds were once best-known for growing your Chia Pet’s green leafy “fur,” they are now also known for being packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and calcium. With a nice crunch and nutty flavor, they make a great topping for things like oatmeal, smoothies, or even salads.

Spirulina
This green powder, created from algae, is incredibly high in protein, antioxidants, and B-vitamins, and is often recommended to vegetarians because of its high natural iron content. Add this powder to your smoothies or mix it into water and drink it straight.

Quinoa
Quinoa is a whole grain that has enough amino acids to make it a complete protein. A great addition to your diet, this relatively low-calorie food gives your body a lot of energy. Quinoa is cooked like rice and can be a great side dish to any meal.

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A Roundup of our Favorite Water Bottles

Jess Mayhugh — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 08:30:00 +0000

From left to right: Klean Kanteen aqua water bottle ($17.99) at City Sports; S’well gold water bottle ($35) at Becket Hitch; Ello pink silicone water bottle ($14.99) at Target; Under Armour Elevate Tritan flip-top water bottle ($16.99) at City Sports; Pure Focus
water bottle ($28) at Lululemon.

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Flexible Fitness

Jess Mayhugh — Thu, 14 May 2015 11:05:00 +0000

After the birth of her third child, Lisa Quigley struggled to get back into shape. “The normal routine of jumping on the treadmill or lifting some weights just wasn’t working,” says the runner from Havre de Grace. In search of variety, she tried group fitness and loved it, but found the times inconvenient, the classes often full, and attending too expensive.

That was when she came up with the idea for Real Flexi, a monthly membership plan that allows users to pay a flat rate and reserve space in classes at various gyms around town. “Currently, we offer 250 classes a week at numerous locations in Baltimore and Harford County. By the end of the year I estimate thousands of classes including the beltway areas—like Timonium and Columbia—and Ocean City and Delaware,” she says.

Just a few months after Real Flexi launched in November 2014, ClassPass arrived in Baltimore with a similar membership model. “The boutique fitness space is really blowing up in Baltimore,” says ClassPass CEO and co-founder Payal Kadakia, noting that clients love the convenience and variety of classes.

Both programs do have similar challenges, though: Popular classes can sell out, and some find the monthly fee hefty—$99 for ClassPass and $69 and up for Real Flexi—especially since most people are taking boutique classes in addition to their regular gym membership. Real Flexi addresses that problem by including studios with traditional gym equipment, where you can workout as part of your class allotment.

For studios, the benefits of membership (fuller classes, new clients) outweigh the drawbacks (both companies take a percentage of the cut). By signing on as a ClassPass partner studio, Rick Zambrano, owner of REV Cycle Studio in Locust Point, hopes to gain exposure to a broader audience. “People now want the flexibility of being able to take a variety of classes and enjoy several different types of workouts as opposed to going to the [big] box gym down the street.”

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The Me Guide 2015

Jess Mayhugh — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 08:30:00 +0000

Jump into the new year with confidence.

By Hilary Geisbert with Shabdiece Esfahani and Rebecca Kirkman. Photography by Christopher Myers. Hair and makeup by Susan Heydt for Smashbox at Suze Makeup Studio. Quilled paper lettering by Veta Sherman.

Jump into the new year with confidence.

Sponsored by Lifebridge Health and Fitness

It’s that time again—the beginning of a new year, which means the making of a new you. You’re probably setting goals to become a better friend, parent, sibling, employee—and the list goes on. Before you prioritize that list, why not start with yourself? You can’t fully help someone else if you’re not the best version of you. So take that spin class that you’ve been dying to try. Book that full-body massage that will make you feel amazing. We promise, those around you will thank us later. The Me Guide is about that—putting yourself first—indulging in beauty, while getting back on a healthy track with food and fitness to become the happiest, healthiest you.

Beauty Road Map

Here are 10 steps to make you feel and look good from head to toe.

NO.1 squeaky clean

Davines takes pride in creating 100-percent clean-energy hair products. (Bonus: They also serve as great eye candy for the medicine cabinet.) Favorites include the deep conditioning Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle Conditioner, the Replumping Hair Filler Superactive for some extra va-va-voom, and its latest and greatest addition, the Texturizing Dust for maximum volume. Davines hair care line available at Bella of Canton, 2809 Boston St., 410-327-7872; Laboratorie, 735 Deepdene Rd., 410-435-0805; and The Parlour, 9515 Deereco Rd., Lutherville-Timonium, 410-853-7032.

NO.2 hot wax

Bikini upkeep can be ouch-inducing to say the least–so don’t take shortcuts. In 45 minutes, The Australian Vacial ($35 add on) at All About Me Salon and Dayspa will get you in tip-top shape with a cleanser to remove bacteria, followed by exfoliation to get rid of any pesky in-growns. The soy-based wax pampers sensitive skin, and is finished off with a soothing mask that zaps redness, plus a moisturizer, leaving you smooth and confident to take that sarong off on vacation. All About Me Salon and Dayspa, 212 Washington Ave., Towson, 410-828-8929.

NO.3 timeless cut

The It Cut this season is the shoulder-length layered bob. But wait, wasn’t that the It Cut last season? The bob never goes out of style,” explains celebrity stylist Dean Krapf, of Lluminiare Salon, who has seen (and cut) it all (haircuts with Dean starting at $95). The key is to mix it up. “Right now, the freshest statements have been about texture and length.” For a more traditional, yet modern, look, think shoulder-length sleek blow-out, while bohemian beach waves offer a fresh take on the classic cut. Lluminaire Salon, 15 W. Allegheny Ave., Towson, 410-583-1500.

NO.4 cup crusaders

Since 2004, when Gwyneth Paltrow showed up at a film premiere with mysterious marks on her back, numerous Hollywood A-listers have joined the cupping movement. The cited benefits of cupping massage ($110-135 at Ojas Wellness Center) include toxin release, relieving back and neck pain, and even reducing cellulite. The downside? You might walk away with octopus-like marks varying in color, which fade in two to four days. Hey, if it’s good enough for Gwyneth. . . . Ojas Wellness Center, several locations, including 1501 Sulgrave Ave., Ste. 103, 410-664-6527.

NO.5 new color

Nothing encourages a fresh start quite like new hair color. Even for virgin tresses, the trend of balayage (a form of hand painting in highlights and lowlights) leaves a natural effect, keeping color dimensional with a natural sun-kissed look. Whether you opt for highlights or all-over color (single process starting at $80, balayage starting at $90), pro-colorist Matt Hagan at Studio 921 treats coloring as a form of art. “Find your comfort zone and rebel,” he advises. “Even just a little.” Studio 921 Salon & DaySpa, 921 E. Fort Ave., Ste. 108, 410-783-7727.

NO.6 kiss and makeup

About Faces’ Owen O’Donnell, Smashbox retail specialist and ambassador and self-described contouring genie, is here to coach you through a customized, hour-long makeup session. After the personalized makeup lesson ($95), you’ll leave the salon with step-by-step instructions that O’Donnell devotees keep tacked to their vanities. “Following the right steps, using primer, the right brush, and [doing things in] the right order is half the battle,” says O’Donnell. “You don’t necessarily need a lot of skill.” About Faces Day Spa & Salon, several locations, including 1501 S. Clinton St., Ste. 300, 410-675-0099.

NO.7 summer glow

We’ve all been there–terrified (or victimized?) by a spray-tan disaster. Enter Scrub and Tan ($140) at the Baltimore Spa and Salon. It starts with 30 minutes of exfoliation (options include a heady mix of fruit and nut extracts or an invigorating arctic white-peat blend). After that, a flawless, J.Lo-esque spray tan is applied–sans the Oompa Loompa shame. Baltimore Spa and Salon: The Ritz-Carlton Residences, 801 Key Hwy., 410-625-2427.

NO.8 fresh face

FX Studios’ Organic Peel and Peptide Illuminating System by Éminence ($700/series of four) is an innovative three-step facial-and-peel combo done over a 12-week period that helps to prevent and reverse signs of aging. It’s a unique combination of four in-spa facials and peels and a home-care kit using products that are organically derived, making it gentle on any type of skin. FX Studios Salon & Spa, 11270 Pepper Rd., Hunt Valley, 410-771-1500.

NO.9 Boh-dacious

Who knew that you could use Baltimore’s iconic staples–Natty Boh and Domino Sugar–to help get glowing skin and hair? Turns out our favorite one-eyed pal can provide body and shine for hair and improve your complexion by killing off bacteria that trigger breakouts. The 50-Minute Baltimore Beer Treatment ($165, Four Seasons Spa) includes a full-body beer-and-sugar scrub, followed by a warm shower and full-body massage, all while sipping on a chilled Boh. Cheers! Four Seasons Spa, 200 International Dr., 410-576-5800.

NO.10 ageless skin

Spa in the Valley’s acupuncturist, Niloufar Gorman, is known for the success of her non-surgical facelifts that utilize a combination
of acupuncture and her own skin-care line, Biovisage. MVPs of the line include a 24-karat gold anti-aging serum ($125.50) and a
cellular vitamin-C serum that is said to reduce wrinkles by 40 percent ($88). Her work is the closest thing to magic outside of Photoshop. Spa in the Valley, A Salon by Debbie Spa, 118 Shawan Rd., Ste. P, Hunt Valley, 410-771-0200.

Home Sanctuary

Add these items to any room to create a Zen feeling

Smoothie King

Great tasting (and good-for-you) smoothies!

Hemp Berry High

Benefits
Great for digestion, high in protein and essential minerals and vitamins.

Ingredients

5 ounces orange juice
1 banana
1/2 cup blueberries
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon chlorella powder
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
1 teaspoon maca powder
1 pinch Himalayan salt
3/4 cups ice

Fun Fact

Himalayan salt contains many trace elements and minerals for good health, prevents muscle cramps, regulates electrolyte balance of cells, and balances blood sugar and pH acid levels.

Available at Zia’s Cafe, 13 Allegheny Ave., Towson, 410-296-0079 and Plant Bar, 529 E. Belvedere Ave.

Orange Aid

Benefits
Boosts immune system and promotes good eye health and healthy skin.

Ingredients

2 carrots
1 mango
2 tablespoons hemp seed
Mountain Valley spring water (to fill)

Fun Fact

Hemp seed is the ultimate plant-based protein, rich in vitamin E to aid digestion. It helps increase energy levels and metabolic rate. Carrots have high levels of vitamin A and anti-inflammatory benefits. Mountain Valley spring water is preferred because it is not packed in plastic.

Available at Agora Market at the Inn at the Black Olive, 803 S. Caroline St., 443-681-6319.

Blueberry Pie

Benefits
Low-fat, high in antioxidants (which help to boost your immune system and prevent infections), aids in reducing belly fat, loaded with vitamin C.

Ingredients

2 cups frozen or fresh blueberries
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1/2 ripe banana
1/3 cup walnuts
1 teaspoon maple syrup

Fun Fact

Maple syrup contains essential nutrients like zinc and manganese, which can help strengthen your immune system. Be sure to look for a bottle that lists pure maple syrup as its only ingredient, not one made with processed sugar.

Available at Grind House Juice Bar, 2441 St. Paul St., 410-220-0166.

Jump Start

Benefits
Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It helps restore tired muscles and rejuvenates the body, while boosting energy.

Ingredients

8 ounces organic apple juice
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 banana
1/4 avocado
3-4 chunks fresh pineapple
2 scoops ice

Fun Fact

Fresh pineapple is the source of the enzyme bromelain, which is being studied to discover its effectiveness in alleviating arthritis, reducing inflammation, and treating burns.

Available at Corner Juice Bar & General Store, 2400 Fleet St., 410-844-1538.

Hot Workouts

10 new routines that will keep you motivated and moving.

Punch it Out

Grab a pair of boxing gloves for MAC Attack, a high-intensity class at the Maryland Athletic Club in Harbor East. Trainer Wayne McFadden Jr. combines boxing, boot camp, and strength training to get students’ heart rates up and cores engaged with activities such as punching bags and squat thrusts during this 60-minute power hour. Maryland Athletic Club, several locations, including 655 S. President St., Ste. 200, 410-625-5000.

Combat Training

A new take on self-defense, BodyCombat is a martial-arts-inspired workout at Merritt Athletic Clubs. Kicks, chops, and strikes are choreographed to upbeat music in this class, which blends boxing, karate, and taekwondo. You won’t earn a black belt, but you will burn an average of 730 calories during this 55-minute class. Merritt Athletic Clubs, several locations, including 210 E. Centre St., 410-332-0906.

Play Date

For new moms, getting back into the workout routine can be challenging. That’s why Inline Fitness’ husband-and-wife owners Josh and Heather Kirk offer classes where kids can come along. Baby Bootcamp incorporates standing barre and Pilates moves—all with the wee one in a front carrier. And the Mommy & Me Pilates class targets new moms’ trouble spots—abs, legs, back, and arms–while balancing baby (six weeks to crawling) on the belly. Inline Fitness, 720 S. Montford Ave., 410-940-9601.

Surf’s Up

You can’t catch any waves in Baltimore, but you can still get a long, lean, surfer body with SurfSet classes, which challenge your abs and stabilizer muscles while balancing on a surfboard that mimics the motion of being on the water. Founder Alison Schuch and instructors have designed one-of-a-kind classes that pair SurfSet with everything from yoga to cycling. Remember: summer bodies are made in winter. BeachFit, 1400 Aliceanna St., 410-753-4354.

Music Men

It’s music to our ears that students at M. Power Yoga do downward dog to live tunes during Music in Motion classes. And it makes perfect sense given that brothers and co-founders Jason and Joel Herd are musicians themselves. The candlelit sessions feature tunes—from singer-songwriters, to jazz, to post-rock—that help quiet the mind and soothe the body. Silence is so overrated. M. Power Yoga, 3600 O’Donnell St., Ste. 100, 410-534-9642.

Hardcore Warriors

With its graffiti-covered walls and open warehouse floor plan, Urban Evolution’s 15,000-square-foot Southeast Baltimore studio feels more like an urban skate park than your typical workout space. Starting with the Intro to Parkour class, students—ages 9 and up—learn to scale walls and execute maneuvers like box- vaulting and rail-balancing in an obstacle-course format. Once you’ve released your inner ninja warrior, join other parkour practitioners for an outdoor jam (applying skills in an informal setting) at locations around the city like Fort McHenry, Patterson Park, and the Inner Harbor. Urban Evolution, 6801 Eastern Ave., 855-646-5271.

Dancer’s Body

Maybe you’ve tried barre—the strenuous workout combining ballet, yoga, and Pilates that is known to lead to long, lean muscles—but at Pikesville’s Barre studio, founders Kara Bennett and Aimee Fulchino offer exciting new takes on this trendy routine. Their hardcore classes combine classic barre postures with yoga stances and fat-burning cardio exercises. A MegaFormer machine piles on an even greater challenge, as it adds resistance and leaves you as exhilarated as you are exhausted. Barre, 2586 Quarry Lake Dr., Pikesville, 410-486-8480.

Air Time

Catch some air as you swing from a low-hanging, hammock-like silk scarf during an Air Yoga class at the Canton Club. This class, which helps strengthen your core and improves overall flexibility, offers much more than your typical mat session with its combination of traditional poses and upside-down asanas. (Your arms and abs will thank you later.) Relax into it—and enjoy the sweeping views of the harbor, too! Canton Club, 2780-D Lighthouse Point East, 410-276-5544.

On the Road

The Road, a nine-week training program by Earth Treks Climbing Centers, will put you on the path to fitness in no time. This class, a full-body workout for all fitness levels, includes conventional and unconventional training methods with “Roadies”—who lift weights one minute and swing a sledgehammer or drag a 250-pound tire the next until they run out of gas. Earth Treks Climbing Centers, several locations, including 7125-C Columbia Gateway Dr., Columbia, 410-872-0060.

Pool Party

When you’re tired of sweating it out at your traditional spin class, try the European workout craze that has made its way to Baltimore: aqua spinning. To tone abs, legs, and thighs, hop on one of the spinning bikes submerged in Brick Bodies’ downtown lap pool to reduce spinning’s stresses on joints while burning up to 800 calories. Brick Bodies, several locations, including 218 N. Charles St., 410-547-0053.

Perfect Fit

Looking good while working out.

Ever since strong has become the new skinny, women can’t get enough of all things wicking—sweat wicking, that is. With that in mind, activewear brands have really upped their game—using new patterns, technologies, colors, and silhouettes to create pieces that can be worked into your everyday wardrobe, allow you to sweat it out at the gym, and are spot-on with the latest fashion trends. It sounds like a perfect blend of functionality and fashion, if you ask us.

To and From

Bright bomber jacket ($228) at lululemon athletica. Energy bra ($48) at lululemon athletica. pure stretch cheeky underwear ($12) at under armour. speedform studiolux shoes ($79.99) At under armour. Lined city jogger pants ($98) at athleta.

Studio Space

Sports bra ($39.99) at Under Armour. Energy bra ($48) at Lululemon Athletica. Wunder Under Crop II ($82) at Lululemon Athletica. Leg warmers ($58) at Lululemon Athletica.

Track Meet

Perfect Tight printed capri ($59.99) at Under Armour. sports bra ($39.99) at Under Armour. Nike hooded sweatshirt ($80) at City Sports. Nike Free 5.0 shoes ($100) at City Sports.

Get the Gear

Spa Week

Jess Mayhugh — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 17:01:00 +0000

With its mission to bring “affordable wellness to the masses,” National Spa Week allows you save while still pampering yourself—choosing from treatments like facials, pedicures, and haircuts. Although official participating spas offer these services for $50, others simply celebrate the week by hosting events or creating custom packages.

Here are just a few we recommend. Visit the site for a full listing and additional information.

*FX Studios Salon & Spa

Enjoy two 60-minute custom massages or Custom Facials for $150.

Guest must purchase package of two massages or facials. May not substitute services; services non-transferable. Package expires 12/31/14. Not valid with any other discounts or promotions.

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa at The Village of Cross Keys

De-Stress Body Treatment (50 minutes)

Essential Facial (50 minutes)

Youth Restoring Pedicure (50 minutes)

Hair Pick–Me-Up (choose from a haircut, blow-dry and finish, or single process color)

*The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

Supersmile Event: Thursday, October 23 from 5 to 8 p.m.

A complimentary event where you can try Supersmile—a product that safely whitens your teeth (up to five shades) in just six minutes. Each guest will receive a free Supersmile toothbrush and mini whitening system. Spaces are limited, so be sure to call 410-223-1440 to sign up.

*Not official participants of Spa Week

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Great Sunscreens for Summer

Jess Mayhugh — Wed, 28 May 2014 08:30:00 +0000

NEUTROGENA ULTRA SHEER DRY-TOUCH BROAD SPECTRUM

What We Love: Lightweight, leaves your skin smooth and soft, sans that greasy feeling. Available in SPF 30 to 100+.

Price: $7.99.

Where to Buy: Target, several locations, including 3559 Boston St., 410-246-8515.

SHISEIDO SUN PROTECTION EYE CREAM BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN

What We Love: A water-and-perspiration-resistant daily eye cream that does all of the wrinkle prevention, while also protecting from UVA/UVB rays.

Price: $35.50.

Where to Buy: Sephora, 825 Dulaney Valley Rd., 410-337-7494.

COPPERTONE SPORT CONTINUOUS SPRAY

What We Love: Great for any athlete who wants to protect his or her skin during even the sweatiest of activities or while swimming. The spray-on application makes it easy to apply evenly.

Price: $10.99.

Where to Buy: Harris Teeter, two locations, including 3779 Boston St., 410-522-0270.

LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS TINTED MINERAL ULTRA LIGHT SUNSCREEN FLUID

What We Love: Provides sheer coverage for the face and evens out skin complexion with its slight tint, while providing a SPF of 50.

Price: $33.50.

Where to Buy: Ulta Beauty, 3541 Boston St., 410-327-0891.

MYCHELLE DAILY DEFENSE CREAM

What We Love: This unscented organic zinc oxide formula is sheer for daily use, and safe enough to use on those with sensitive skin.

Price: $17.99.

Where to Buy: Whole Foods Market, 1001 Fleet St., 410-528-1640.

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How can reiki help what ails you?

Jess Mayhugh — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 09:30:00 +0000

Years ago, Brianna Bedigian was in a car accident that left her with a serious ankle injury and walking with a cane. Then, to compound matters, a few years later, she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue. “For two years, I lost my life, and I couldn’t hold down a job,” recalls Bedigian. “Someone suggested I try reiki, but instead of going for a session, I trained as a reiki [master]. It changed my life.” Eleven years later, Bedigian is the owner of Mt. Vernon’s Quiet Winds, where she combines aspects of reiki, yoga, and hypnosis. “At the time I got into reiki, I understood the overall concept,” says Bedigian, who also works with rehab patients at University of Maryland Medical Center for Integrative Medicine. “But I was not prepared for how much it genuinely helped me feel better and inspired me to work with others.”

Can you define reiki for us? Reiki is a form of energy work defined as universal life-force energy. It is similar in concept to what is now understood to be the quantum field in physics. It’s the idea that everything is energy, including us, and that energy is flowing around us all the time. When someone becomes a reiki, they can draw that universal energy through themselves and offer it out of their hands. Reiki is given through light touch or by hovering just above the body——traditionally, the 12-hand placements move from the top of the head to the feet.

Who can benefit from reiki? Reiki is good for those who are suffering from overwhelming stress, battling an illness, recovering from an injury, suffering from grief, struggling with depression, or feeling disconnected. In addition to private sessions, people can be trained to become a reiki and use it as a self-healing tool.

What does it feel like to have reiki and how does it work? For each person, the sensation of reiki can be really different—some people only feel sensations of heat, while others feel sensations of waves or tingles. If you were to come in for a session, we’d talk briefly and you’d explain to me why you’ve come. In my studio, you lay fully clothed and face up on the massage table. The treatment I offer is based on the traditional 12-hand placements. Most people become so relaxed, they shift into a meditative state or fall asleep. From my experiences, I have observed it relaxes people in a way that is overwhelmingly profound.

WHAT YOU NEED

Use these items to maximize your reiki session.

Be Calm
Lavender oil is a great additive for a calming, relaxing, and soothing experience.

Bath Time
After your session take an Epsom salt bath to draw the energy off.

Reiki 101
Pamela Miles’s Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide is a great tool to learn more about the practice.

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How does love affect your well being?

Jess Mayhugh — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 09:00:00 +0000

We all know that being in love feels good, but according to some experts, love can actually be good for your overall health. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we turned to licensed clinical social worker Tammy Tilson of Tilson Therapy, whose practice specialties include dating, relationships, and intimacy. Tilson says that the search for love is a universal one. “Regardless of a person’s sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or background, most people want to be in a relationship and have similar needs and feelings,” explains Tilson, who also helps clients develop dating profiles on her website upscaledatingcoach.com. “In my practice, most couples who are looking for help in their relationship struggle with similar underlying issues such as intimacy, communication, partnership, and power.”

Why is being in love good for your health?

Many research studies show that people in loving relationships have a lower death rate compared to single people. If a person is in a healthy, supportive relationship, they are more likely to have higher self-esteem, which lowers both men’s and women’s chances of becoming depressed. Other studies show that a person is more likely to adopt safer behaviors when they are in an intimate relationship. Finally, a loving relationship helps reduce a person’s anxiety.

What happens to you physiologically when you first fall in love?

When you first meet someone of interest, the brain produces the chemical called oxytocin, which is called “the bonding hormone.” This endorphin gives us a warm and fluttery feeling throughout the body just by the mere touch or sight of our love interest.

Any tips on meeting a mate?

It is very important to be open-minded and have realistic expectations. By figuring out what you need and what makes you happy, you are able to navigate the dating world with more success. It is also important that a person feels good about themselves before they consider looking for a mate.

Is friendship good for your health as well?
Many studies show that people who have a group of close friends are more likely to live longer than those people who have fewer friends. The beneficial effects of friendship help people lengthen their lives, even when they are confronted with life’s most difficult stressors.

What you need:

Use these tips to achieve love and a happier life.

BFFs
Having a good group of friends is just as important and beneficial to your health as family.

Pros and Cons
Make a list of what you want in a mate—deal breakers versus things that you can put up with.

Carefree
Loving relationships can lower anxiety, which can reduce heart disease and psychological issues.

›› Do you have a question you want answered? E-mail us at ghilary@baltimoremagazine.net and we will select various questions to feature in an upcoming issue.

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Smart Beauty Tricks

Jess Mayhugh — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 13:00:00 +0000

“How to properly contour and highlight, without looking overdone.”

Kristin Lee Magro, sales and marketing coordinator, Baltimore Sun Media Group

“Heat your eyelash curler for 10 seconds prior to using. It holds curl and acts similar to your curling iron.”
Susan Paulson, stay-at-home mom

“Use a drop of Visine to take the red out of a pimple or blemish.”
Nina Kasniunas, assistant professor, Goucher College

“Ignore beauty trends and expensive crap that doesn’t work. Learn to love myself. Eat a healthy diet and drink lots of water.”
Anne Fresia, senior research subjects specialist, The Johns Hopkins University

“Using toothpaste for a breakout. Gone by the morning!”
William Grace, director of catering, Westin Annapolis Hotel

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