For me, 2012 is going to be the year of a solid commitment to myself and my overall health and well being.  I do understand that we all have our ways to find happiness, harmony and new fabulous de-stress methods but I can start by sharing my top 3 “intentions”:

1. Make time to relax. 15 minutes a day is the goal. Living with an autoimmune disease I have always researched the latest trends/discoveries on how to manage the onsets of pain and inflammation.  And what I keep hearing over and over again is that stress counts by far as the biggest factor for the onset of illness.  And if that is not bad enough, stress actually speeds up the aging process and causes wrinkles.  I feel vanity staring me right in the eyes.

So this year I will commit to 15 minutes/day to keep the pain and wrinkles away.

1. Follow my recent discovered Dr Fuhrman health diet.  I have always been a healthy “dieter” but I introduced the Fuhrman diet into my life mid last year and stayed on it for 3 months.  It was absolutely amazing.  I felt good and looked so much better than I had in ages.  Then the Xmas season arrived and out went the kale and in came the sugar treats. Now I am ready to make the lifestyle change and stick to it. That said, I do have one disclaimer though… and that is champagne.  One should not live a fanatic lifestyle but a combination of laughter, celebration, exercise and a diet packed with nutrients (which is Dr Fuhrman’s principal: maximum nutrients per calorie.)

1. Caring/Volunteering. We all know how good it feels to give so why not make it a bigger priority? I will no longer make any more excuses about being too busy running a business or needing more time for friends and/or hubby.  Giving back can happen in many ways and I can always turn a lunch date into a fabulous volunteering event with a friend.

I was pleased to hear that Marni’s top 3 tips to make this the most fabulous holiday season mainly involved relaxation, food and cozy drinks to prepare at home. As much as I love social events I also really appreciate Mette time at home (hence… home spa products).

Below find Marni’s 3 tips to holiday dream land:

Fabulous lifestyle from Toast UK

1. Wear comfy sweaters and pajamas all day long. The best part about the holidays is that you have no reason to change out of your pajamas – especially when you are spending the day with loved ones. At the very least, wrap yourself up in your comfiest sweater. This will make you feel warm, happy and free to just be yourself.
2. Put your feet up by a warm fire with a Mette Vangso pillow behind your head. Nothing says relaxation like a plush lavender pillow that soothes away tension and stress. There is no better time than the holidays to take advantage of some “you” time! (I swear I did not ask Marni to say this!)
3. Indulge in cozy, warm and fuzzy drinks and food. My all time favorite drink would be my homemade Heart Warming Chai.
   Do give it a try:

Spiced Chai Tea (Photo credit: Flickr/mouse)

Ingredients
1 cup pure water
1 cup Ryza rice (or almond) milk
1 cinnamon stick
4 pieces of cloves
1⁄3 inch fresh ginger root, sliced
3 pieces whole peppercorns
1⁄3 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
1⁄4 teaspoon whole cardamom seeds
2 teaspoons Rooibos tea
Honey, maple syrup or agave nectar to sweeten

How it’s Made
1. Simmer all spices in 1 cup of pure water covered for 30 minutes.
2. Add the tea and milk and bring to a rolling boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, cool slightly to comfortable drinking temperature and serve with a sweetener of your choice, or plain.

Now that I’ve shared what I learned from Marni, remember to relax and take care of yourself and let the joy begin. I am definitely going to try this recipe. Maybe right after I post this.

And stay tuned as I embark on my quest for more fun and fabulous tips to make this holiday season more enjoyable.

Vi ses!

ummmmmm...Honninghjerter (Photo credit: Flickr/kraen)

Every year, the mood changes for people all around the world during the holiday season, whether they become happy, sad, or lonely, there’s no denying that we all succumb to the holiday spirit during this time of year. But for those who don’t know, Christmas is the holiday that Danes value and anticipate the most. From the decorations, to the home crafted presents, to the amazing holiday treats and the candle lit cafes, the site of it all can turn the biggest scrooge into Cindy Loo Hoo.

when all else fails ..... (Photo credit: Flickr/deCadmus)

I’ve been fortunate enough to have had many memorable holidays – with friends and family, and the shopping deals I scored of course, but I know many of us have had different experiences as well, so what I would like to know is how do we turn this holiday season into the most joyful experience without too much stress and headaches.

I will interview other fashionistas sharing our holistic positive outlook on life and learn about at least 3 tips from each on how we can make this holiday season the most festive experience. I will add some “sparkles” with specials I find and offer and hopefully by the end of this season we can all look back and say “what a fabulous holiday season”.

#1 – Pay full attention

The Phonekerchief helps jump start new etiquette for our digital world

Gift giving for any holiday is incredibly stressful. And to give a gift that needs to convey a particular message – like “I love you”? This year, give something that will truly help preserve any type of relationship in this electronic crazed era. Called the Phonekerchief, this is a stylish little hanky made of silver fibers that blocks calls and texts – so that you and your (fill in the blank) may enjoy uninterrupted communication whenever the mood strikes. Just like our fantastic Mette Vangso pillows, these cloths are cut, sewn and printed in the USA.

#2 – Laugh it off

Mortified: the noble pursuit of personal redemption through public humiliation

Is there anything better than a good laugh? Perhaps we simply want to shake off the pressure surrounding the holiday. So why not start the week off right with Mortified’s Annual Doomed Valentine’s Show. Mortified is a traveling show in which brave men and women stand up in front of a crowd to share their most hilarious, embarrassing secrets from the past. Sometimes this means reading a diary or digging up old love letters. Embrace the awkwardness this year at the Mission District’s Make-Out Room and share in the collective unease that this holiday seems to bring out in the best of us. Or better yet, host your own Mortified dinner party, invite your nearest, and enjoy a little mutual psychotherapy.

#3 – Spread the love

Forget the wining and dining. Do something that matters.

Everybody deserves that special someone on Valentine’s Day. But this person can take many forms. This year you can assume the role of special Valentine’s Day volunteer, and make a heart-felt donation to a charity or cause. The Case Foundation, a philanthropic organization devoted to good citizenship through positive social change, has posted a list of 14 ways to do good and feel good this Valentine’s Day. There’s plenty to choose from and each is a wonderful way to say that you care, without the conversation hearts.

#4 – Delicious, sensual and filled with love

The 8th annual "Food From the Heart" at the Ferry Building Marketplace

Food isn’t just about sensuality. Food can also mean comfort, love and intimacy. And where is the best see-and-be-seen foodie paradise in all of San Francisco? Why, the Ferry Building of course. A popular bastion of fine, luxurious ingredients farmed in our own backyard, the vendors at the Ferry Plaza stand for all that is delicious, local and green. So, if you are up for a foodie adventure, how about a couple of reservations at “Food From The Heart”? Food, wine, and chocolate tastings will, at $2-$4 a pop, make a romantic out of the most skeptical among us.

#5 – Chocolates….

And finally, if you are a traditionalist at heart and want to stick to chocolate I would recommend a company aligned with our own values here at Mette Vangso – Luxurious Comfort, Naturally.

Gnosis products celebrate health, exquisite flavor, and integrity.

Gnosis is a fantastic chocolate company using only the finest ethically sourced raw cacao. They combine the goodies with antioxidant-rich ingredients such as acai berries, and then distribute the luxurious delicacies in recycled and biodegradable packaging.

And if that is not enough to convince you to go with Gnosis, they also donate 10% of their profits to charity. Now that is LOVE……

#1 – Be a locavore

The Hayes Valley Farm, an urban community farm in San Francisco (Photo credit: Flickr/Hayes Valley Farm)

Not exactly a revelation in San Francisco, health experts nation-wide are seeing an increased movement towards local sourcing of food. “Supermarket Guru” Phil Lempert tells us to watch out for a “growing influence of regional tastes and culture in retailer offerings as consumers and retailers show growing awareness of the ecological and nutrition benefits of local sourcing.”

Mayo Clinic nutritionist Jennifer Nelson predicts the locavore movement will reach all the way to your own backyard, citing the physical, ecological and financial benefits of growing, preserving and cooking your own food. So make sure to visit your farmers market, community-run urban farm, or start a victory garden, and chow down while simultaneously protecting your health, your wallet and the earth.

#2 – Getting easier to be green?

Among an interesting collection of consumer trends, trendwatching.com cites an increased interest in “ECO-SUPERIOR” products. Consumers have been dissatisfied with the amount of “Greenwashing” witnessed among large corporations in the past. 2011 will be the year for companies to live up to their promises.

We use carbon neutral shipping

Here at Mette Vangso we strive to live up to our values: Luxurious Comfort, Naturally. From the organic, fair trade grains we use to fill our pillows, to the carbon neutral shipping we use to send you you’re order, we’re building our business and creating our products to have the biggest impact on your health, happiness and wellness while having the smallest impact on the environment.

#3 – Gimme a “D”!

The start of a new year is a fine time to make dietary adjustments and it might be a good idea to check your vitamin D intake.

• A study released by the US National Library of Medicine supports the key role of vitamin D in skeletal health.
• A study conducted by Brent Kinder, MD, UC Health pulmonologist and director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Center at the University of Cincinnati, links a deficiency in vitamin D with autoimmune lung diseases.
• An increased level of vitamin D intake among postmenopausal women has been linked to a decreased chance of contracting breast cancer.

So do you really need any further encouragement to apply that zinc oxide and pack your bags for a post-holiday Hawaiian getaway? I didn’t think so.

#4 – Stop stressing

The American Council on Exercise has released its 2011 predictions about health and wellness trends. The one item on that list that jumps out the most to us here at Mette Vangso? Exercise used to battle stress. Coming off of a tough economic climate in 2010, and perhaps looking with uncertainty onto the coming year, the easiest, most inexpensive way to blow off a little steam might just be taking a walk. Or a jog.

Exercise releases endorphins, which help us relax, and vigorous exercise actually acts as an appetite suppressant, so that we are more likely to eat moderate portions and feel good about our bodies – which is one less thing we’d like to worry about this January.

#5 – You are what you eat

Pumpking seeds are a great source of iron (Photo credit: Flickr/Will Luo)

Calling all the ladies out there! LIVESTRONG‘s Alyse Levine gives us the lowdown on the most important superfoods for 2011. Her picks?

• Pumpkin Seeds – a good source of iron, which can help reduce headaches
• Leafy Greens – a good source of calcium, helping you avoid osteoporosis
• Chia – we also saw this on our friend Marni Wasserman’s blog, mentioned as a great source of fiber, energy, and Omega-3 fatty acids
• Black Rice – high in antioxidants, which decrease the risk of heart disease

So snack happy in the new year, put those Pringles aside, and let your diet do the heavy lifting.

Do leave a comment and let us know what trends you’ve spotted or are predicting for this year!

Culinary nutritionist Marni Wasserman

We were recently contacted by Marni, a culinary nutritionist focusing on the overall stress, diet and wellness connection. After hearing of her interest in our product, we were intrigued by her mission. Her review of the Mette Vangso Classic pillow was glowing, and our curiosity was piqued. Who is Marni, and more importantly, how do her nutritional values overlap with Mette Vangso’s core philosophy, “Luxurious Comfort, Naturally”?

Holistic health

Her glossy website, replete with vibrant photos of healthfully composed meals, is certainly mouthwatering. I don’t know anyone who’s ever made quinoa look so delicious. Digging into Marni’s site, I find out that her healthful outlook on life was honed through studies at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Toronto. I take a quick detour to the school’s website, which tells me that the aim of holistic health “is to unify the physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional and spiritual components of the client’s life.” This seems to be right on track with the type of organically luxuriant physical experiences we so strive to promote through our pillows. So perhaps Marni and Mette have more in common than first meets the eye.

..striking a balance between taste and experience

Nutritious alternatives

Wild Honey-Lemon Poppy Loaf with Nude Bee Honey. YUM!

Many of Marni’s blog posts are about finding nutritious alternatives to the types of foods that people take for granted; chocolate, for example, or cookies. Her main focus is on striking a balance between taste and experience, uniting all the senses to achieve a “fully nourishing” goal (her own phrase).

By “fully nourished”, she isn’t simply focusing on the meal itself. Her approach is a multifaceted makeover that enables you to realize an entirely new way to approach food and food preparation, from cleaning out your kitchen, to streamlining your shopping lists, and even maintaining your personal health goals. You go to the very root of the issues, and reinvent the way that you think, feel, and experience eating. By targeting the specific behaviors that contribute to our eating habits, we can feel less stressed and more empowered about the choices we make when it comes to our health.

…less stressed and more empowered about the choices we make…

Snow-Capped Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Marni offers cooking classes and consultations and I have to say I am ready to make that serious commitment for a change in my sometimes too luscious or decadent culinary experiences.

#1 International Orange

If you really just want to sink into a state of muscle-melting bliss, there is no finer establishment than this Fillmore street spa. Regardless of your chosen treatment, you will be ushered back to a comfortably lit, steamy bathroom, equipped with all those complementary effects of personal hygiene that make you feel like a real VIP (what?! Free Q-tips?). Then, relax in the steam room, take a nice long shower, and cleanse yourself of all those urban impurities you dragged in with you. Just before you are ready to be met by your aesthetician, you can take a moment to cool off in the waiting area, which is stocked with an assortment of (superfood alert!) dried fruits, dark chocolate, and mint tea. All this BEFORE your massage. And once you’re done with that… lather, rinse, and repeat.

We love International Orange because organic products are used in every facial and only organic and natural creams and oils are used in IO massages.

#2 MiettE

There is nothing like a trip to an old fashioned candy store to reduce my stress level and take me back to the days of worry free living as a child.

Miette has a modern, cheerful, and always delicious atmosphere. Its magical décor, fabulous selection of old-fashioned candy, confections from around the world and treats made by local artisan make the experience even more addictive. Often you will see children mesmerized and giggling in the shop and you can not help but join them for a little escape from the outside world.

And for a luscious organic perk I would recommend Miette’s made-to-order organic cotton candy.

#3 Yield Wine Bar

Organic, interesting and affordable food? Check.
Certified organic and biodynamic affordable wines? Check.

Escape the unwashed masses, grab a seat and make yourself at home at this Dogpatch wine bar voted best wine bar in SF in 2009. And what is best about this experience is that you can feel free to order whatever dish you like without worrying about a cost analysis and what to chose. All dishes are one price. Basically all you have to do is pick a good sounding dish (or two), watch the world go by with a glass of fabulous wine and kick back for an hour or two.

http://www.yieldsf.com/

#4 The Casting Pools, Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club (Photo credit: Flickr/Adam Sharron)

I think this place is meant for old guys to practice their fly fishing. But since last I checked, fly fishing and old men aren’t particularly trend-worthy, so the casting pools can feel pretty isolated. It’s just a peaceful, out-of-the-way location to stage a small picnic, or seek inner solitude. For a fabulous picnic experience I like to add some glamour (and with good conscience too) with a natural willow eco-friendly wine and cheese picnic basket.

Or I suppose you could go there to practice your angling techniques. Either way, this little hidden oasis is pristinely maintained, and the placid pools lend a Zen element to the atmosphere that will have you saying “Om”.

#5 Balmy Ally

Balmy Alley has the most concentrated collection of murals in the city. (Photo credit: Flickr/Phil Whitehouse)

So you’ve escaped the gloomy reaches of the Avenues and found yourself in a sunny corner of the Mission district – what now? Pick up a spiced chocolate donut and a Gibraltar from Dynamo Donuts, and seek a bit of respite from the hordes of hipsters spilling out the doors of the St. Francis Fountain Diner in this little pedestrian ally way. The walls of every house and garage are adorned with a different mural, some in the classical style found throughout the rest of the neighborhood, some not, but all breathtakingly beautiful. The ally is short so take your time, and you’ll find yourself greeted on the other side by a local soccer match. Or retrace your steps for another donut.

Why do we love Dynamo Donuts so much? Each donut utilizes organic, sustainable, and local ingredients whenever possible. They are always handmade daily by Sara and her dedicated staff.

http://www.balmyalley.com/

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient of Tylenol (Photo credit: Flickr/Eric Bryan)

Here at Mette Vangso, we’re not interested in the “take-two-and-call-me-in-the-morning” approach to healing. In a search to figure out why we typically bow down to the Almighty Aspirin, I found an interesting Q&A published in the Tufts Journal, in which Ewan McNicol, the assistant professor of anesthesiology, explains the effect of Tylenol on the body. His opening statement reveals that “we don’t fully understand how acetaminophen (read ‘Tylenol’) works.”

…we don’t fully understand how acetaminophen works.

Not a particularly mind-blowing revelation, but intriguing none the less that such a common over-the-counter drug should be the topic of some, if any, medical speculation. The U.S. National Library of Medicine tells me that acetaminophen targets mild to moderate pains (your run-of-the-mill headaches and colds), and belongs to a class of painkillers known as analgesics. It is a weak analgesic, therefore it will not decrease inflammation, but it will inhibit the production of an enzyme (cyclooxygenase or COX) that is key in the production of pain.

Side Effects

As I continue to scan the article, I find an icky-sounding, but familiar, list of side effects. We cannot expect infallibility of medicine. It does lots of wonderful things for us. Why, just last week I was watching “House”, and a particularly grumpy Hugh Laurie actually made a quadriplegic man walk again! But when it comes to something as simple as a mild ache or pain, why put something into your body when you’re not 100% sure what it’s going to do once it gets there.

Heat Therapy as an Alternative

Our "Aqua Luscious" Classic heat therapy spa pillow provides a soothing moist heat.

Heat therapy is great for those low-grade aches and pains because it can be applied externally and doesn’t interfere with enzymes, or cells, or your central nervous system. Most people are probably familiar with heat therapy as a common home remedy for pain or sickness. Maybe you’ve applied a pharmaceutical heat pack to a strained muscle, or indulged in a hot stone massage at the spa.

According to the book Therapeutic Modalities: The Art and Science, superficial thermotherapy, the application of heat to the body in the form of hot packs or electrical heating pads, increases the flow of blood, allowing tense muscles to loosen up and relax. Muscle soreness is generally caused by tissue damage or inflammation. Muscles need nutrients in order to function properly or heal from injury. Increased blood flow helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, allowing them to grow stronger and more resilient. Heat therapy, instead of interfering with your normal physical processes, simply helps facilitate those processes that the body uses to heal itself.

The Mette Vangso buckwheat spa pillows are designed for just this purpose. Warmed in the microwave for a minute or two will maximize the soothing, therapeutic benefits, leading to an increased sense of well-being without that icky-sounding list of side-effects.

Acupuncture

The Yerba Buena Acupuncture Collective

Jody, a good friend, whose job exposes her to countless toddlers (resulting in stresses I cannot even fathom), and has experienced chronic back pain for much of her life, recently raved about a visit to the Yerba Buena Acupuncture Collective, a community acupuncture clinic. I can hardly call my job, surrounded by ever-present aromas of Mette’s pillows, stressful, and my back pain generally stems from one too many hours in front of a computer. But I’ve always been intrigued by acupuncture, mainly because I have NO idea what it is. Talk of it generally conjures up visions of “Hellraiser”, which as far as I know has no origins in eastern medicine, so I decide to do a little journalistic investigation. Plus, Jody has a “free friend” card, so if all else fails, I can blow my cash on a little retail therapy later this afternoon.

This morning is foggy and misty, and I decide to walk over to the clinic. Located on a quiet stretch of McAllister near the Panhandle, the clinic is both bus accessible and catty-corner from an adorable new café, “Matching Half”, at which I begin my morning with a steaming cup of Moroccan Mint tea. Mental note to return to said café for the delicious looking baked goods and Wi-Fi access. At 11:10 I walk into Yerba Buena and am greeted by soft overtones of acoustic guitar, and a pleasant greeting from Demetra, one of the clinic’s founders.

A non-clinical clinic

Despite my continued use of the word “clinic” and seeing the various framed medical certificates that paper the wall, the place is anything but clinical. It is incredibly warm and inviting, and filled with potted plants and blanketed recliner chairs; feels more like a cozy club house. Combined with Demetra’s warm and giggly demeanor, I almost expect the place to be fronted by a sign that says “No Boys Allowed!”

The word “community” in its title not only refers to the neighborhood, but the studio’s communal arrangement. Several cushy chairs face the center of the room, to accommodate up to four patients at a time, but I have the place to myself during this visit.

First Timer

This being my first acupuncture experience, Demetra takes a few minutes to explain her method, which she likens to balancing on a see-saw. Instead of focusing on the source of the muscle soreness or pain, she concentrates on activating the energy flow from the other end, so as to release whatever is blocking it. I tell her about the muscle soreness I get after I run, so for the tension in my shoulders, she deftly taps a few strategically placed needles in my hands and feet. I assumed I’d be bristling like a porcupine, but when she is finishes a few moments later, I count only about ten needles total. I barely feel the needles prick my feet, and although the palms of my hand are a little more tender, soon all I experience is a subtle warming sensation in the area of each needle. Every now and then there is a noticeable pulse of blood in forearms or ankles, until I eventually drifted off to sleep.

After the nap

Demetra wakes me up about 45 minutes later and gently removes the needles. What do I expect to feel? Instant euphoria? Transcendental enlightenment? What I do feel is increased mental clarity, an almost lightness in the back of my head and neck, which is a definite improvement from the morning grogginess that followed me in. I am more relaxed, and apparently I should be feeling my muscles loosen throughout the day. She recommends a return visit, which I would absolutely consider, in addition to another treatment called “cupping”, which is likened to deep tissue massage.

Do I feel like a brand new person? I don’t know if I would go that far, but a little informational pamphlet informs me that acupuncture is a process like any other treatment, and you won’t be transformed in a day – and that’s food for thought. Speaking of which, after I leave the clinic, I round the corner and indulge in a decadent bittersweet chocolate ice cream cone from Chili Pies and Ice Cream, an amazing new Southwest influenced sweet shop.

Mind? Check. Body? Check. Looks like I’m ready to tackle another helter skelter holiday season head on. On second thought, better grab a pint for the road.