Ladies Who Launch

Why I Chose To Study Ayurveda

Earlier this year, I earned my Diploma in Ayurvedic Sciences. Wait, before you roll your eyes and click away dismissing this as another health fanatic blog, I'd like to tell you how Ayurveda is changing my life and assure you that this is not just another "New Age" or "yoga-nazi" voice.

I first experienced the benefits of Ayurveda when I traveled to India and stayed at an Ayurvedic Resort. I chose that type of vacation at the time because I was in dire need of a fresh start in my life - my job, personal life and physical body all needed some TLC. Physically, I suffered from chronic back pain, which, I typically treated with a cocktail or glass of wine at the end of the day. Yes, I exercised and went to yoga (good yoga studios on LA's Westside) and no, it never completely eradicated the pain.

After two weeks of eating freshly prepared Ayurvedic food and receiving medicated oil massages on my knee injury (chondromalacia patella) and aching back, I felt revived. The chondromalacia patella cleared up after 5 months of constant nagging pain that worsened over time and had been locking up at night. My back pain was markedly better. You might be thinking that anyone would feel great after two solid weeks of pampering and may be right. In any case, this turn around in how I felt caused me to be curious about what was in those massage oils and what was it about that "vata balancing" food that helped me. I took up the formal study of Ayurveda so that I could learn to make myself feel that good all of the time, not just while on vacation.

Two years and one diploma later, I am still learning and still implementing changes to my life. I'm not one for diving into to the ice cold sea. I put a half of a pinky toe in, then sit under the sun umbrella and think about why I should bother to put my foot in. I'd say I'm about hip deep at the moment. I want to share with you what my feet are experiencing down below the water's surface. Maybe you'll want to put a toe in, too.

How to Unleash your Inner Sexpot

Would you like to unleash your inner Sexpot?
Pole dancing is the latest trend in workouts it is true. It is Audacious. It is bold.

And fun.

It makes me feel juicy, bodacious and empowered. It trims my waistline and causes me to think differently about who I am being in the world. All that from 2 hours in a very intense and pleasurable workout?

Yes.

So consider this.
If all matter is energy and the Law of Attraction says that like
energy attracts like energy, then imagine the kind of gorgeous
energy you can create by giving the pole a whirl?

There is much to be said for my pole dancing classes and I have
noticed a change in how I approach everything in my life.

As Sheila Kelly, the founder of SFactor has said, "Soak in the
pure, unadulterated flow of your life. Breathe it in and exhale
everything in your mind until your entire being is just bliss. Let
your body float with soft, languid moves that are simply organic to
your being. When you step outside into your day you will notice
something has shifted."

I think I am (finally!) becoming the exquisite creature I was meant to be.
When you uncover your inner sexpot you also uncover your creative
center, which helps you to think of great new ideas for your
business and gives you the lift-off to actually complete what you
start!

Imagine that?

One of my coaches, Andrea J. Lee of Vancouver, British Columbia often speaks about doing activities that open you to your most sensual and creative self. For me it comes from movement and there is nothing like gathering the courage to dance with a pole...and do it gracefully. And also not be afraid to flop on the floor and try again.

If you are looking for a way to shape up your body, mind and spirit
then the Sfactor may just be the thing for you. They have intro
classes and studios are opening all over the place.

Even Oprah loves it.
You will too.
It's Pure Audacious power.

Go on check it out. You know you want to.

http://www.sfactor.com

Nancy Mindes, Chief Audaciousness Officer
Audacious Ladies Coaching Company
http://www.NancyMindes.com

Dining Is About More Than The Food

Come on ladies are we really going out to eat just for the food? No way!
In a perfect world we want to meet the man of our dreams, or have the perfect evening, or be blown away by some celeb spotting. Dining is much more about the "total package" than just another meal.

Going out has become about the overall experience we judge a place on how it makes us feel; from the people, the lighting, the music, even the temperature, this is what creates a good experience. And last but not least, yes gals the service. I have had some ok meals but if the service
is great then all is forgiven. The best way to find out about the latest and greatest places? Do your research, word-of-mouth, a trusted website, a good friend these are ways you can ensure your money and more importantly your time is well spent on your evening out.

Some diva-worthy spots to check out? We know plenty. In Miami our fave place is Casa Tua, in New York City we are huge fans of Sapa, and in the dirty south we love Crescent Moon. Want more scoop? Check out Social Diva's "real reviews" on dining experiences www.socialdiva.com/blog

Cupcakes Take The Cake

Vons, party cupcakes 4 days later (2)
Originally uploaded by jleighb.

My friends and I have a blog that is all about cupcakes.
Cupcakes Take The Cake is where we share our passion for cupcakes with pictures, recipes, and interviews with bakery owners and assorted cupcake lovers.

One of our favorite cupcake bakeries is Sugar Sweet Sunshine which is located at Rivington St.  They provided the cupcakes last year for Ladies Who Launch Live here in New York. 

Other cupcake bakeries In New York include:
Babycakes
Billy's Bakery
Buttercup Cafe
Happy Happy Happy
Two Little Red Hens