This morning most of the group did some volunteer stuff around town to help out.  We met at 8 and headed out at 8:30.  We split into 3 groups and headed off to different areas to do some litter patrol.  Basically, we were given areas within our area that we had to walk through, picking up trash along the way.  Also trying to separate out recycling from actual garbage.  Some of the things that end up as garbage are interesting.  The bottom of a shoe, for example.

So we did that this morning.  Picking up garbage isn’t exactly thrilling, but it wasn’t awful.  Sadly, it was mostly us GAIAS people.  The locals didn’t really turn out to help, which was unfortunate but oh well.  It was a good way to spend a morning, though I would have preferred to sleep in. 

UPDATE: A CNN Newsflash on Sunday has indicated that a viewer of the show recognized her and called in. The girl`s parents have been located and will be reunited with her shortly.

I stumbled upon this story reading CNN. As an amnesiac myself, I feel the deepest concern and empathy for this young girl. I would truly appreciate it if you could please pass this on to those you know or if you have any information, to contact the NYPD Missing Persons Squad at 212-694-7781 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. Thank you. ~D.C

Girl Found in NY Claims No Memory of Name, Home, Family
By Evan Buxbaum
CNN

NEW YORK (CNN) — Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a teenage girl who mysteriously turned up in Manhattan two weeks ago, claiming to have no memory of her family, her home — or even her own name.

The teen has recalled an excerpt from the fantasy novel “Fool’s Fate” by Robin Hobb.

“I just want to know who I am,” the girl says in a statement released by the New York City Administration for Children’s Services. The teen, who is being referred to as Jane Doe, continues, “I want to know who I am and what happened to me.”

The Caucasian young woman, described by New York ACS as “very soft-spoken,” is 5 feet, 6 inches tall, light-skinned, with short, straight, cropped blond hair and blue eyes. Doctors are estimating her age to be between 14 and 17.

ACS Commissioner John B. Mattingly appealed to the public in a statement, “asking anyone who may know this young woman to help us locate her family as quickly as possible, so we can safely reunite her with those who love her.”

The girl was found in midtown Manhattan around 12:30 a.m. October 9 outside the Covenant House youth shelter, although the organization tells CNN that she was not a resident at the time and did not appear as if she intended to seek refuge at the facility.

According to its Web site, with nearly 7,000 youths seeking shelter per year, “Covenant House New York is the nation’s largest adolescent care agency serving homeless, runaway and at-risk youth.”

A security guard for the shelter noticed the girl walking around on the sidewalk near Covenant House and approached her. Finding her unresponsive, he called the New York City Police Department.

Police officers interviewed the young woman, but it became clear that she couldn’t provide authorities with any information about herself. The NYPD said she was wearing military green camouflage pants, a black shirt and a pair of black sneakers when she was discovered.

Children’s Services said the girl recently wrote down the name “Amber” and has responded to it on one occasion, but she has no idea whether it is her true name.

On another occasion she is said to have recalled certain words, which turned out to be an excerpt from the fantasy novel “Fool’s Fate” by Robin Hobb. The girl is also apparently writing a fantasy story of her own that features a heroine named Rian, “who’s been raised by the commander of the guard post on the edge of a fantasy kingdom,” says the young woman.

The girl has a 2- to 4-inch scar on her lower left back and had a black, handwritten birthday message on her arm, addressed to a name of Japanese origin, when she was found, police said Friday.

Judging from poor dental hygiene, said Lt. Christopher Zimmerman, she appears to have been living on the streets for some time.

“This case has been going on since October 9,” Zimmerman said. “Today is the 23rd, and we’re vey concerned. It’s been a very long time now. That’s a long time frame to not identify somebody. Especially someone who we believe is a juvenile. Usually juveniles we get a lot of inquiries about.”

While the girl is confused and her story remains vague, Mattingly said, “she is safe with us, and we are doing all we can to help her, but she needs to find her family.”

She is apparently reviewing materials for a high school GED exam, saying that she is able to do the math but has no recollection of studying the history and science portions. However, according to the Children’s Services statement, the young woman “can easily retain the information.”

New York City Administration for Children’s Services and police are asking anyone with information about the young woman or her family to contact the NYPD Missing Persons Squad at 212-694-7781 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. (Source: CNN.COM)

Claire B.’s Broadcast Schedule – From the Heart of Racing

Tonight – a special broadcast on “Dialed In” on Sirius NASCAR Radio that is near and dear to the hearts of the members of the racing community. The second annual Jail and Bail” at the Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson, NC. will be the site of tonight’s broadcast of “Dialed In”. (7-10 EST). I’ll be broadcasting LIVE from the event to take you inside some of the fun and sincere caring that makes up the folks who work in the NASCAR garages and on the road.

The event, supported by Best Buy and the NASCAR officials right up to the highest level began when the officials who worked with 28- year-old NASCAR official Brienne Davis wanted to do something to honor her after she was killed in an auto accident in the spring of 2008. Tonight’s event will feature NASCAR celebrities being “locked up” in an effort to raise money for the Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund at the NASCAR Foundation. Country music star Rodney Atkins will be there tonight and a list of drivers celebrities and officials.

Brienne was a Universal Technical Institute graduate and proceeds from the event tonight will benefit the Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund which was created to encourage women to seek a career in the automotive industry and is intended to provide an opportunity for a qualified female student who wishes to attend one of the 12 UTI campuses across the US.

It’s also intended to honor Davis – who was smart, and spunky, respected as an official and was well liked within the garage when she was taken away too early in a tragic auto accident.

Brienne was special and she always smiled. Tonight, we’ll share some of the laughs and fun and raise money in her name. I hope you can join us in person at the Brickhouse Tavern ($10 per person) – or check out how you can pitch in on nascar.com/foundation. I hope that you can listen to ‘Dialed In” LIVE from the event 7-10 EST tonight.

NOTE: At the time of Brienne’s death this web site did a tribute to Brienne and had quotes from NASCAR officials about her and postings from you. Click here to remember Brienne and reading what was posted at the time.

Rest of the weekend CBL schedule:

Saturday night racing and a short weekend has shortened the broadcast schedule this weekend.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009
“Dialed In” LIVE From the Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson NC 7-10 EST

Thursday, October 15th, 2009
“Dialed In” LIVE from LMS AFTER Qualifying is over (Qualifying begins at 7:00 P.M. EST on PRN) until 10:00 p.m. EST

Friday, October 16, 2009
An extremely short “Dialed In” LIVE from LMS from 7:00 p.m. until the start of the Dollar General 300 Nationwide series race on PRN at 7:15 p.m. EST

Saturday, October 17, 2009
CBL will be on the SIRIUS NASCAR Radio Post Race show LIVE from Victory Lane after the Sprint Cup Series NASCAR Banking 500 on PRN

Sunday, October 18th, 2009
Special LIVE “Dialed In” from 11-2 p.m. featuring the drivers who will be competing in the NASCAR Diversity Combine next week. LIVE appearances but tons of young drivers competing in the combine.

“Tara’s Theme: Music, Friendship and Love” has been rescheduled to 28 November 2009, Saturday, 7:00 p.m. at Meralco Theater.

Below is an e-mail message sent by Larry and Anne Santelices, Tara’s parents: 

Hi everybody,

The new date for the benefit concert is November 28, Saturday. Still at Meralco Theater, 7:00 p.m.

We are thankful to the management of the theater to have gone out of its way to get in touch (when everybody was reeling from the disaster) with those who made reservations to get the confirmation if they will push thru or not. We were lucky that that date became available.

Cheers.

larry and anne

———————————-

We apologize for the inconvenience the postponement may have caused you or your friends.

We hope that you can help us spread the word about the change in schedule. If you have sent out posters or e-mails, please update these with the new date. 

Thank you very much! 

-Angela Serrano

————-

The typhoon Ondoy

In light of the recent catastrophe, we also urge everyone to help out.  People are still in need of clothes, food, medicine, and essentials. also, if you know people who’d volunteer their cars, i think that’s urgent as well. maski half-day lang just to help in bringing stuff to those affected.

Here’s a re-post from inquirer.net for those who need them:

MANILA, Philippines – Below is a consolidated report of the interactive maps, private groups and business organizations where you can find information on how to help the victims of tropical storm Ondoy, based on the sites of INQUIRER.net columnist Manuel Quezon III (http://www.quezon.ph/2009/09/26/how-to-help/), bloggers Frannywanny (http://www.frannywanny.com/2009/09/public-advisory-typhoon-ondoy-ketsana.html) and Jane (http://herestolife.wordpress.com/) and Google map creators Serge Gregorio and Franklin Naval.

Rescue Operations

National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) (+632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9115061, +632-9122665) Help hotlines: (+65 734-2118, 734-2120) ndcchelpdesk@gmail.com
Philippine Coast Guard (+632-5276136)
Air Force (+63908-1126976, +632-8535023)
Metro Manila Development Authority (136)
Marikina City Rescue (+632-6462436, +632-6462423, +632920-9072902) Pasig Rescue Emergency Number (+632-6310099)
Quezon City Rescue (161)
San Juan City Hall Command Post (+632-4681697)
Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (+63245-9634376)
Senator Dick Gordon (+639178997898, +63938-444BOYS, +632-9342118, +632-4338528)
Senator Manny Villar (+639174226800. +639172414864, +639276751981)
Philippine National Red Cross (143, +632-5270000)
Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter operations center hotline: (+632-6350922, +632-6347824)

Rubber boat and chopper requests

NCRPO (+632-8383203, +632-8383354)
Private citizens who would like to lend their motor boats for rescue please call emergency nos: +632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9122665, +632-9115061)
You can also text (+632917-4226800 or +632927-6751981) for rescue dump trucks.
For those who are able to lend 4×4 trucks for rescue: Please send truck to Greenhills Shopping Center Unimart Grocery to await deployment, Tel No. (+632920-9072902).
Petron & San Miguel Corporation are lending choppers for rescue operations, call/text: (+632917-8140655) ask for Lydia Ragasa

Power supply concerns

Meralco (+63917-5592824, 16211, +63920-9292824) If you want service cut off to your area to prevent fires and electrocution.

Donations of heavy duty flashlights needed for rescue operations in Cainta, Rizal area. Contact Cielo at (+632918-8824356)

E-Donations

SMS: text RED to 2899 (Globe) and 4483 (Smart)
G-Cash: text DONATEAMOUNT4-digit M-PINREDCROSS to 2882
TXTPOWER.org: Paypal, Smart Money (5577-5144-1866-7103), G-Cash (0917-9751092)

We can do this! The Filipino people will rise again from this tragedy. Let’s do our part to help out.

- Quincy Gonzales

ondoy photo taken from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/annalyn/3958428720/

I WAS ASKED TO DESIGN A BUTTON FOR ALL THE DOG BLOGGERS TO PUT ON THEIR WEBSITES. TO HELP SHOWCASE WHAT A WONDERFUL THING THESE PEOPLE ARE DOING TO HELP ANIMALS OF ALL KINDS LEFT BEHIND FROM DISASTER TORN AREA’S. THESE FOLKS CAN USE YOUR HELP IN ANY FORM, FROM YOUR TIME TO VOLUNTEER OR DONATION. LET’S SHOW SOME LOVE FOR THEM,  FOR ALL THE ANIMALS AND PLACE THIS BUTTON ON OUR SITES.

One of my favorite charitable organizations out there, Kiva lends microloans to small businesses throughout the world. Help strengthen the world’s economy one little business at a time; I’ve lent to four businesses so far.

In addition, Kiva’s gift certificates make awesome gifts for that special do-gooder in your life. Yup, I once got one as a birthday gift and used it right away. No gift card lying around after two years due to indecision or loss. Don’t act like you’ve never had those fees chopped off a gift card of yours because you had no idea what to use it on!

Anyways, check Kiva out. You can start lending today with as little as $25.00. Do good.

Last night we kicked off Three Square’s Restaurant Week with Diego at the MGM Grand.  It was my youngest daughter’s night to pick what we ate and she wanted Mexican, so there we were.

Their special dinner menu of $30.09 per person looked promising, especially because it began with table-side guacamole.  Let me start by saying that the service was spectacular.  Also noteworthy was the guacamole.  The freshness was so incredible.  Unfortunately those are about all of the good things I can say for Diego.

Mexican food is supposed to be simple and authentic.  I found everything about Diego to be overdone and pretentious.  The bubbling water feature at the table was interesting for a second but soon led us to ask what was the point.  The chips came with 3 salsas and 3 types of salt.  My husband and I have found that anytime a restaurant is looking for a gimmick, they bring out the salt varieties.  Let me try to close on a positive note and say that the fact they had a kid’s menu was nice.  Our daughter enjoyed her cheese quesadilla which was enclosed in an empanada type shell.  All total our bill was $158.00.

Don’t worry, I am not giving up on Restaurant Week as there are many other incredible choices left to pursue.  Further, your experience with Diego may be entirely different from ours.  The important thing is that all of us are “Dining out to help out.”

Love and Mys-adventures.

“Dream as if you will live forever, but live as if you will die today.” -James Dean

Good quote by the legendary James Dean! My dad has a painting of him with this quote written on it. Fantastic man, short life, but in his short life he did great things.

R.I.P. James Dean

February 8th, 1931 – September 30th, 1955

Toy Sailboat in the coffee shop! Go get it! NOW! Lol!

“What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.”

-Friedrich Nietzsche

Usually, when I’m going through troublesome times, my dad says this quote to me by Nietzshe. Also, Lecraeman of this site has talked to me the past couple days about life and some troubled times we all go through Thanks Crae, you have really helped me out on some quandarys this past week

~Eric E

Hopefully if I get to post, there will be a new quote! Apply this to your life today and see where it takes you and how this phrase can help.

Give back and get stylish for summer with LaLESSO's designs

One thing that I loved about being abroad was the fashion! So many clothes…so little time…and SOOO much cheaper than the U.S.

I received a few e-mails asking where I got the skirt I was wearing on my post about Newburyport’s Farmer’s Market the other day (here)…so here is a little piece about that skirt…my oh-so-favorite skirt!

sadly, my version of this skirt did not come with a pet camel...

another image of the same style skirt I have in a different pattern...although I do recommend wearing a shirt or bikini top

In a boutique store in Rondebosch, just outside of Cape Town, I discovered these fabulous  printed garments, that were all hand-made and gorgeously African.

A closer look brought me to realize that all of the fabrics were hand painted and contained traditional Indian and Kenyan “handkerchief” patterns and even incorporated Swahili sayings on the prints.

The prints are then hand sewn by local Kenyan women into these wonderfully unique dress, skirts…even bathing suits and ballet flats!!

ballet flats by laLESSO

Because the fabric is hand painted, every piece of clothing is 100% unique! The company was started by two young, fresh out of University women (one from Kenya and one from South Africa) who wanted to bring African style to the fashion forward world while giving back!

The company helps support the Eastern African cotton industries and local women financially.

They have been featured in every major fashion magazine, including Elle and Vogue…

Runway show: laLESSO

Here are some pics from a fashion show on the British Vogue website of LalESSO…

For an interview with the owners on their design and style philosophy…click here

wearing my favorite skirt...over one year old, and after tens of washes and wears...it's still as good as new!

I walked away the first day with this wonderful Kenyan skirt (above) that is soooo comfortable.My friend Lucy, and some other friends, also fell in love with their printed dresses and splurged as well!

I literally have worn that skirt at least once a week (minus the winter) since i bought it last Spring, and it has survived TONS of washes and being bleached by the African sun on an outdoor line while abroad…

I actually have the dress on the right and in a similarly colored pattern...the Salama dress...it's the perfect beach cover-up or dress for evening cocktails on the ocean/beach! I wear it ALL the time!

I also purchased a short, kind of sassy darker colored skirt that is black and purple, while I purchased a a halter dress that is purple, cream and black. I actually wore the dress yesterday to Rockport, MA with my family for lunch, and received a bunch of compliments on it!

They even make these adorable terry cloth beach shorts!

Here’s a little blurb about the company from their web page…

“All Lalesso clothing is manufactured under strict and extremely conscious ethical conditions in our self owned workshop in Kenya, East Africa. All our employees are paid well above the average wage and are already benefiting not only their lives but the lives of their families and have been able to increase their standard of living considerably. Each ‘lesso’ or ‘khanga’ is hand washed in the Indian Ocean before being transformed into a Lalesso creation; this is an age old method of aiding the stay fastness of the dyes.

Please note that the colours and pattern designs on the ‘khanga’ or ‘lesso’ are all unique, the manufacturers produce five designs each week and after that the design is never produced again. What this means is that each piece of fabric in it’s respective print will most likely never be found in the same garment twice so please understand that if you like a certain print but it’s in the wrong size, I’m afraid it is not possible to order it in your size. The colours/designs shown are ONLY available in the sizes given.”

read more about laLESSO or purchase their garments at the link below...

Buy clothes from laLESSO here…

Note: shipping to the U.S. will probably take about 4-10 days, so practice a little patience! Of course buying clothing in South Africa for me was much less expensive and I even got my Salama dress on sale for the equivalent of $30. However, the dresses and other clothing usually run from about $40 to around $100, which still isn’t too bad considering it is handmade and goes to a good a cause…I suggest waiting for a sale, though!

Update: LaLESSO is actually launching at TOP SHOP in the Oxford Circus… hopefully they will be here soon!..check out their Facebook group here

One of my friends, Chance, feels he is being called to go to Japan to be a missionary. I was talking to Sarah and we decided that we would like to help him out with his goal. He needs to buy a plane ticket, which is about $1500. He currently works at Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters, and from what I have gathered, the pay isn’t top notch there, so he could use all the help he can get.

You can help.

Sarah and I were discussing ways that we can possibly raise money for him. We were thinking car washes, fundraisers and Katie even suggested bake sales. If you would like to donate (any amount helps!), help with fund raising, or you have a suggestion of how we can raise money to help our friend do God’s will, you can talk to Sarah McIntyre or myself.

Thank you so much. If you don’t want to give or anything, can I ask you to just pray for this? Pray that God’s will be done. Thanks!

So you may have “bow hunting skills…nun chuck skills….” but what about Mongolian warrior skills…aka shooting a bow and arrow off of horseback while riding across the Steppes?

I didn’t think so.

Mongolian warriors were the fastest most tactful warriors in their time. Led by Genghis Khan (name given in 1189), who united rival clans , and by the mid 13th century,  the Mongol Empire extended from Beijing to the Caspian Sea.

TRain to be a Mongolian Warrior in Mongolia...for vacation

Now you can learn what it takes to be a Mongolian warrior through Mongolian Warrior training….one word…AWESOME.

Mongolia, or “The land of the blue sky”, is one of the last places on earth where one can explore an untamed natural world in a dynamic landscape. Travel on horseback with nomads, who learned their skills from their ancestors, through ominous snow capped mountains, down through lush and calm green meadows filled with wildflowers and edelweiss, galloping towards a barren desert until you reached a pine-tree filled forest reminiscent of an Asian warrior film.

Mongolian landscape...traditional Mongolian huts

Movie Still from "Genghis Khan"...filmed in Mongolia

A Mongolian travel adventure is responsible travel because it furthers the idea of “Fair Trade Traveling” by supporting the local culture, traditions and arts, while not exploiting it.

mongol warriors (photo courtesy of nomad.com)

BBC did a piece on this travel adventure entitled “Tasting Warrior Life”. Mongolia, as well as being great for adventurers, is a great place to show your support for the local flora and fauna which carries some rare animals…including the argali sheep, przhevalsky horse; Asiatic wild ass, wild camels, snow leopard and ibex. Dinosaur remains have also been found in the area!

A sample sleeping situation for one of the Mongolian warrior tours..they are surprisingly luxurious

Depending on the tour company you travel with, and how much you are willing to pay, groups can range from 2-12 people and are usually around 9 days long and cost around $2000, not including airfare.

Tours include an itinerary in which you are completely taken care of. Think of it as Mongolia’s version of a safari on the steppes.

Activities include, and are not limited to, learning how a warrior would live their day, riding horses and taking care of them at the end of the day, learning archery skills,  Mongolian cooking, taking part in Mongolian shaman ceremonies, Mongolian traditional songs…and…my favorite…learning Mongolian wrestling tactics and skills. Training progresses over time, and in between you travel to different parts of Mongolia, and can opt to visit museums and monasteries.

Nomad Tours does an expedition…click here
So Does Responsibletravel.com, who also donate to climate care for each person who signs up for the tours…click here

If you do not want to do a full tour, but want to stay at a truly Mongolian hotel that is only $60 per night…yes only $60 per night…try the Hotel Mongolia Resort (click here)

Hotel Mongolia at night...looks like a miniature Mongolian city...and operates like one as well

A "Ghen" Room at the Hotel Mongolia

Entrance to Stone "Ghen" room

The Resort is equipped with all modern essentials but you will feel like you are stepping right back in time to the Mongolian empire…you even have your own “tent” which is actually furnished with a full bathroom.

Hotel Mongolia

Entrance to a "Temple Room" at the Hotel Mongolia...

There are different types of rooms, and the most expensive (from $80) is the Temple Room located in the stone building.

Temple room at the Hotel Mongolia

The Resort is only 40 minutes from the regional airport and 20 minutes  from Ulaanbaatar city. It has facilities  and services that include a business center, restaurant, room service, pool tables, boating, archery, beach volleyball on the river beach, massage…any modern hotel amenity.

The Hotel strives to the standards of "Fair Trade Traveling" by enhancing its guests' cultural experience of Mongolia through traditional performances and cultural experiences

For more information on the Hotel Mongolia...click the link below

For more info, click here

Now…If you are in the mood to splurge in your trip to Mongolia after a long hard adventure-packed tour through the Steppes…then you have to check out Mongolia’s premier luxury resort…The Terejl Rsort and Spa

Entrance to the Terelj Hotel at night

The hotel is located next to the gorgeous Terelj National Park...where you can go hiking, horseback-riding, etc.

The resort was recently named one of the top luxury hotels in the world. It only opened in 2007 and is the first luxury hotel in Mongolia. The design reminds me of a 19th century palace and yet fits well into the Asian landscape.

The hotel functions as any other luxury hotel, catering to every need (including pick up from the local airport and organized tours of surrounding areas of interest), and even has an outdoor wedding garden!

The resort has eco-friendly initiatives and “Fair Trade Traveling” initiatives that include utilizing local fabrics (like cashmere and camel hair) for its linens and decor, and employing local artisans to make furniture, sculptures and paintings for the hotel.

The "Presidential Dining" includes exquisite serveware...

Suite at the Terejil blends traditional and contemporary elements as well as an East meets West design

Spa at the Terelj Hotel

I watched ‘Casablanca’ the other night and my desire to travel to Northern Africa was reignited immediately. I also was in the midst of a girls’-night-in, consisting of homemade summertime facial masks. I thought to myself…hmmm…spa PLUS Morocco would be the ideal….and what do you know? One of the top Eco-Spa’s in the world is located right in Morocco.

Kasbah du Toubkal Mountain Retreat (photo courtesy of www.highatlasfoundation.org)

Tucked at the base of North Africa’s  tallest mountain in Morocco is the Kasbah du Toubkal Mountain Retreat.

Kasbah du Toubkal...I would love to wake up doing yoga on this patio..followed by some homemade mint tea...(photo courtesy of www.sawdays.co.uk)

The hotel is run by the owners and the local Berber community, a naturally eco-friendly culture. The hotel’s philosophy is centered around the preservation of the local National park and a partnership with the local Berber community (all of the employees are Berber as well).The hotel has successfully transitioned from a feudal homestead into a place of warm hospitality.

At the base of Mount Toubkal, your luggage is thrown on a mule and you hike up to your room, passing gorgeous local flora along the way.

The gardens of the resort create a quiet and all-natural oasis in the Berber region... (photo: http://www.noflights.com/gallery/original/kasbah_garden_large.jpg click to enlarge)

eat outside...or inside in the hotels romantic restaurant and lounge... (photo: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2491179793_2d2ed58bd5.jpg)

Upon arrival you are greeted with mint tea and cleansing rose water while the hotel is lit with candles and wood-burning fires…no wasting electricity here. The candles and fires allow you to enter a  timeless ambiance that many hotels only fantasize about achieving.

simple yet chic and authentic bedroom at the Kasbah...thatched ceilings, stone floors, linen bedding and Moroccan lamps lit with cream colored candles (photo courtesy of http://lh3.ggpht.com)

The doorway to the resort makes you feel like you are stepping back into a forgotten time and world.... (photo: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/91/229468518_80b01b1ede.jpg?v=0)

The Spa-resort is famous for its trekking expeditions to the summit of Mount Toubkal and consequential authentic Moroccan spa experience.

The hotel boasts an authentic and yet private hamman experience (a cleansing and rejuvenating plunge pool), steam room and options for many spa treatments.

the authentic hamman at the resort...I could relax in there for hours after a long trek...or a long lunch... (photo from media.expedia.com)

The hotel has won many awards due to its efforts to reach out to the local community and reduce its carbon footprint. Every guest is charged a small surcharge (5%) to contribute to a community hamman, irrigation systems and local communication systems. Sustainable and chic…I love it!

The hotel ranges from about $200 to about $700 depending on time of year and type of room.

For more info on trekking Mount Toubkal click here.

For more information on the Kasbah du Toubkal click here.

Now, of course, not all of us can afford to jet off to Morocco for the weekend, so stay tuned for a post on things you can do to create your own Moroccan spa at home this weekend…

fresh organic organges and view greet you each morning at the base of the mountain from a room at the Kasbah... (photo http://lh6.ggpht.com)

Although its more economical to use the mat from the local studio at class, or to buy a cheap mat from Marshall’s or T.J. Maxx, local studio mats can have up to 100,000 bacteria per square inch, and el-cheapo mats can sometimes be made from non eco-friendly materials, and be of el-cheapo quality.

Who needs a yoga mat? (photo courtesy of anneliesrigterphotography.com)

Original yogis, and many to this day, in India didn’t (and still don’t) even use yoga mats…connection to the earth  and stability through bare feet are optimal for a deeper yoga practice. Story goes, that B.K.S. Iyengar was teaching a class in the U.S. when he was slipping all over the place. Suddenly a student handed him a non-slippery rug…hence…the yoga mat was born.

While in India, the ashram I studied at used simple rugs. These yogis are using something a little less conventional... (photo courtesy of incomingindia.com)

However, for the average Joe, me, a yoga mat is a great tool to gain stability and to create a non-slippery space for oneself, in a class, or anywhere you “lay your mat”.

Most yoga mats are made with PVC’s  (polyvinyl chloride) which is a highly toxic plastic to prevent slipping. However, there have been some pretty cool advances in yoga technology to make mats eco-friendly, biodegradable, less ‘gross’ (using microban technology), and non toxic ,while new sites are offering services in which you can design your own mat! (and it gets even crazier…further down in the post)

Yogamatic provides a custom design service…

Design your own inspirational mat...even with a photo...at YOGAMATIC.COM (Click here)...a little pricey...but I would love to take some personal time on a space that's personally inspired!

Even celebs have joined the yogamatic craze....

For some sustainable yoga mat purchases…try Jade Yoga mats. They plant a tree when you buy one of their eco-friendly mats! Their Harmony mat is also one of the best around (although they are a splurge at about $60 a pop)! Click here.

Jade Harmony Yoga mats come in an array of colors

These Chakra yoga mats below, are on sale at yogaacessories.com and are so unique! They feature the Chakras (from root to crown) on a variety of corresponding rainbow colors to help focus your energies, mind and spirit. They are also long at 72″ and extra thick at 1/4″! Click here to purchase at only $24.95.

Chakra yoga mat

To support a local business…for all you Bostonians…try a mat from Lotuspad in Cambridge…and they eve are developing carbon-free shipping solutions for those not in the area, and they do BIKE DELIVERY for those who are local! The mats are wonderful, as well!

Lotuspad yoga mats in Cambridge, MA (click here)

These all natural yoga mats, below, from 3Guna Ayurveda are more for meditation, but they are super comfy-looking, fair trade and made with organic materials.

3Guna Ayurveda yoga mat

Some eco friendly yoga mats from bluelotus.com made form natural tree rubbers (click here)

treehugger.com makes a wonderful eco-friendly mat as well! (click here)

You can also personalize your yoga mat with self-adhesive mantras and designs from omtime.com

A variety of mantras and designs on inspirational mats that are PVC-free available at (matsmatsmats.com)

For some more cool yoga mat designs…try matsmatsmats.com (above)

Eco-friendly mats that look like grass...the kitchen floor....and even chocolate?

These Plank Mats (above)make you feel like you’re doing yoga on the grass, shag carpeting,  a plank of wood…or even chocolate, yes…chocolate…not sure how I feel about them for my practice, but if you’re interested click here.

Some new innovations in yoga mats include…

1. This mat by Yoga Maendy…its 6′ x 6′ Microban square mat, so its ideal for partner yoga, experimenting so you don’t fall of your mat in more difficult poses, and for the extra tall person…like me! For more info…click here.

This giant Maendy Mat is a steal at $49!

2. Really want a yoga island? Try this ROUND mat from Mandalyogamat.com.

These round yoga mats from mandalayogamat.com make you feel like you are in your own sacred mandala, or lotus flower...

3. In the “You’ve got to be kidding me” category….Technology and yoga mats? Who would have thought…? These guys did…at Yanko Design some yoga loving techies invented a “Super Yoga Mat” in which the mat ‘unfurls’ from a metal tube that can play music or yoga videos right on the mat…for more info click here.

Yanko Design's Super Yoga mat plays yoga DVD's right on your mat!

I don’t know about you, but over the years i have accumulated a slew of mats. After about a year of practice they can get a little grimy, and I am the victim of impulse buying when I see a new funky pattern that inspires me. I started keeping mats in emergency places…like they are fire extinguishers or emergency flashlights…one in my car…the corner of my room…by the back door to the porch…the garage…you know, just in case….its getting out of hand.

But what do I do with all the extra/old yoga mats? There is a solution!

The Boulder Mat company has a recycle program where you can donate your old mat and get a $5 discount on purchasing a new one! The company will donate the mat to charity or break it down and make a new one!

Recycle your mat with any of these ideas or at the website above!

Gaiam has a list of 50 ways to reuse your mat here. Tips include sound proofing, tree ornaments, dog/cat food dish no-slip pads, lining kitchen shelves, donating to animal shelters, flower pot drainers, and even bases for a baseball game with the kids!

Some tips on Yoga mat etiquette when in a class or practicing at home…

1. Clean it with a natural cleanser after use! Bacteria and mold thrive on yoga mats… and let it hang out to dry afterward, especially after hot yoga. Wash your yoga rug (blanket) as well after every few uses and cleanse your blocks/straps with some non-toxic wipes/cleanser as well.But be careful to dry after cleansing…sprays can leave your tools slippery and therefore dangerous.

Here are some wonderful cleansers I’ve found and tried…

This Vermont Soap Yoga Mat Wash is great! It's certified organic and is under 10 bucks for 16 oz.! click here...

Stirlen makes a line of all natural cleansers that are biodegradable. Stirlen "Chi" spray has natural harmonizing scents and is also under $10....click here...

Happy Yoga Mat wash comes in wipes ad spray! It's organic/vegan, with refreshing citrus and lavender scents, and anti-fungal tea tree oil...click here...

2. Do not step on anyone’s yoga mat but your own (except in couple’s yoga). Feet bring in toxins and dirt from the outside world and its not the nicest thing to step on a neighbor’s “private practice space” they have set up in class. Wash your own feet before practicing…remember you’ll go from Mountain pose at the top of your mat, to face down in the same place while taking a break from Bow.

The most eco-friendly mat around...(photo courtesy of livebreatheyoga.com)

One more tip…since it is summer…try forgoing the mat altogether for one practice and take a step to be closer to nature by performing some poses in a flat and sturdy patch of grass or sand….its amazing!

Kaya Mawa resort in Malawi...an eco-conscious fantasy

Well, the weather still has not let up and its making me long to go back to the wonderful, and much drier, Africa. One country I have always wanted to visit in Africa is Malawi…in South Eastern Africa nestled in between Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania. One may think that because it is landlocked it may not be an ideal paradise, but Lake Malawi (which provides a border between Malawi and Tanzania and Mozambique) makes any resort in that area feel like a beach paradise. It is also called the ‘Calendar Lake’ since it is 365 miles long and 52 miles wide.

The beaches are pristine, the people are warm and energetic, and it is an untapped paradise for water-lovers despite being ‘landlocked’.

To experience Malawi in true luxury form without making a negative dent, but rather a positive one in the environment and culture try staying at one of the top eco-friendly and sustainable resorts in the world….the Kaya Mawa.

Bathtub overlooking those crystal clear waters at the Kaya Mawa...a dream! Every hut has its own bathtub with the same view, a huge mahogany bed and even the 'loo' has a view!

I'm ok with this view...Kaya Mawa resort

one of Kaya Mawa's premium Chalet's in the evening

spectacualr rooms! uber romantic at the Kaya Mawa

Located on the Likoma Island of the northern part of Lake Malawi (close to Mozambique), this lodge is a step back into a undeveloped wonderland of flora and fauna. The island is only 17 square kilometers and you will stay in one of 10 stone and teak-framed ‘chalets’.

The huts and resort were built entirely BY HAND (there was no machinery on the island) with help by employment of local people (who speak with the Tonga dialect). The workers used the local landscape and resources (stone and natural cliffs) to build the resort into the island as naturally as possible.

SCUBA is the pristine waters of Lake Malawi...

The Honeymoon suite is even located on its OWN PRIVATE ISLAND!

get there by small plane...maybe not the most eco-friendly...but certainly makes you feel like you're in "Out of Africa"...and surprisingly not as expensive as you would anticipate!

Get to the resort by air (small planes in Africa are so much fun for a birds-eye view!) or by boat and arrive to pure relaxation or get started with their activities which include snorkeling, SCUBA, sailing, mountain biking, exploration to Mozambique, and visits to the local village of Nkhwazi to the school or even to the local dance bars!

If you want to look into how to offset your travel emissions from flying…click here.

Children's choir at the local school

some other local children in front of the school..adorable!

The resorts sustainability initiatives stem from its mantra “Maybe Tomorrow” (in local Tonga dialect). The management works in partnership with the locals to stem overfishing, improve the agricultural scene in the area by planting as much new produce as possible, not using machinery in construction, employing locals, and helping the local village schools with volunteerism and large donations (for purchases of football fields for athletic programs in the schools and other endeavors).

They even started an Island Child program in which one can sponsor a local child’s education, health care, etc.

Likoma means beautiful, from “silikoma” or “sweet land” and it certainly lives up to that name.

Rates range from a semi-affordable (relatively speaking) $180 (US) up to $430 (US) per night (for a the honeymoon suite). Definitely a splurge, but compared to other luxury hotels that aren’t as sustainable, I would say it’s a deal!

Although March is the prime-time for the rainy season, it should be dying down by now! Note: you will want to look into getting some immunizations and some Malaria pills before you head over, and there are many different options for travel/air carriers, so contact a travel agent who specializes in African travel for some advice or check out a “Lonely Planet” guide here from Amazon…or the Lonely Planet’s condensed version of Malawi on their website here.

Malawi was a British colony (many obviously speak English making travel easier) that gained independence back in 1964 but has struggled to develop a market economy and provide the proper health care for its citizens, struggling with infant mortality rates, malaria, HIV/AIDS, agricultural sustainability, improving environmental protection and increasing the quality of education for its densely populated citizenry.

Although celebrities (aka Madonna) have made adopting children from this country popular, I suggest a better way for feeling socially responsible: donate to the local schools when you visit (even just some school supplies we take for granted would help), or maybe spend part of your time on vacation volunteering at a local school if you feel moved to do so. You will be helping more than one child!

An image of the Gule Wamkulu dance (photo courtesy of farm4.status.flickr.com/3556)

One thing that really draws me to Malawi is its cultural heritage and its focus on dance. Since I am a dancer, and have studied some African dance, it would be my dream to go to Malawi and study some of their traditional dances of their Bantu people that are performed at many rituals and traditional ceremonies. Some dances include the Gule Wamkulu of the Chewa people in which the members dance in elaborate costumes and even on stilts, while the vimbuza which is a healing dance performed by witch doctors to help patients of the Timbuka in northern Malawi.The government even founded a National Dance Troupe!

some volunteers from Luzicare (luzicare.com)...the nonprofit utilizes the skills of locals to help those battling HIV/AIDS, even those who are battling it themselves

A friend from my alma mater, Colby College,  a few years ago began an organization to help children in Malawi called Luzicare. This unprecedented endeavor by a busy college student, Jamie Goldring, has helped to bring aide to thousands of people (particularly children) suffering from HIV/AIDS in the country. It is a remarkable effort that is really making a difference by a remarkable young man…for more information on his efforts click here.

For some more basic facts on Malawi from National Geographic…click here.

sunset over Lake Malawi (courtesy of newsimg.bbc.co.uk)

Want to be an extra in a movie? Want to spend some time with MY DEAR DISCO on set? Independent film THE LAKE EFFECT will be shooting a band scene with MY DEAR DISCO, from 4pm-10pm on June 24th at Bells Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo, MI. This will be a lot of fun, we have such a fun, talented, and energetic Los Angeles-based cast and crew! Please note this is NOT a concert event. You MUST be available from 4pm-10pm on Wednesday June 24th to apply. If you are available please send your information including: full name, phone number, your approximate age (we are in need of 50-75 “20-somethings”), your availability, and friends who may be interested with all their info to thelakeeffectpr@gmail.com. Additional details will be provided at a later date upon selection. Thank you for your time and interest in our production!

For the 4th week in a row, Thitiwoot from Thailand needs a sponsor. Is God leading you to sponsor this child? Read more about him below:

Thitiwoot is a 7 year old boy in Thailand and has been waiting over six months for a sponsor. Thailand was one of the areas devastated by the tsunami of December 2004.

Thitiwoot’s favorite activities are walking, soccer and hide-and-seek. He lives with his mother and 5 siblings, and helps by carrying water, gardening and cleaning. Is God calling you to sponsor Thitiwoot?

It’s easier than you think to make a difference for a child! With sponsorship you show a child  God’s love through monthly $38 donations ($32 until September), providing health care, education, Bible study and more, as well as writing letters to the child that can impact their life for Christ!

Learn more about sponsorship by clicking here.

Click here to sponsor Thitiwoot!

If he’s already been sponsored, search here for other children in need.
(I am not in any way affiliated with Compassion, except that I sponsor a child.)

You can also help by donating to the Global Food Crisis Fund.