I was recently introduced by a friend to MTV fitness guru Kristin McGee. Last week I took her yoga class at the Reebok sports club in NYC and really enjoyed chatting with her over lunch afterwards.

Originally from Idaho, Kristin is a vibrant and gorgeous example of a pioneer in blending ancient spiritual traditions and practices with a modern American lifestyle (her iPump yoga program is now an app on my iPhone.) Her goal is to demystify yoga, making it accessible without losing site of its origins. I came home with her Power Yoga DVD which I'm eager to use when I can't get to class.

You can see more about Kristin and her work here.

And I loved this "disappear" sign just outside the yoga studio at Reebok.

Happy Earth Day

Earth Day was yesterday, I know. In 1970 it was visionary to designate one day of the year but, honestly, in 2009 who would dispute that every day is Earth Day? Not my friend Cynthia Brennan. Last weekend was the opening of her new market, Table, in Bedford Hills, NY.

As a mom, designer, artist and entrepreneur, Cynthia is one of the most talented (and busiest) people I know. I remember when she discovered the food market 2 doors down from her sustainable design shop was closing. She became passionate about the idea of opening a year-round, indoor farmers market to sell organic and/or local, artisanal quality food. It has been a long, uncertain trip up a very steep learning curve, but the result is a wonderful gift to our community.

Cynthia's husband Patrick, an architect, completed the build-out of the space using LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification practices, and every interior detail has been thoughtfully and artfully designed by her. The newspaper flowers and glass globe sculpture in the photos demonstrate Cynthia's signature style!

Maybe I should mention that the food is de.li.cious. Executive chef Jonathan Pratt and his team use the seasonal ingredients currently in their inventory to prepared foods for eat in or take out. I cannot recommend Table highly enough for anyone living in the area.

Table was featured today on Martha Stewart's blog.
The photo of the Israeli couscous beet salad is from Martha's post. I have had it several times already and it is amazing.

Cynthia is enabling conscious food choices and for that I say congratulations and thanks!

B+

My friend (and be line website model) Debbie Gorman started a business last year selling her line of B+ jewelry. We spent a fun summer afternoon in the city's jewelry district together picking out some cool pieces to add to her designs. Her necklaces have been selling as fast as she can make them. Here is the story in her own words:

"We all face challenges in our lives. In our family it was leukemia. My husband Peter had a stem cell transplant in 2007 and it saved his life. Because of the transplant, his blood type changed from A+ to B+. BE POSITIVE is our message to the world. When you need something to hold onto, tie this necklace around your neck and wrap yourself in positive energy. You have the power and strength to overcome anything.

Giving back. Making a difference. Easing the next family's cancer journey. Profits go to Stem Cell Research at the Dana Farber Cancer Center and other organizations that promote Stem Cell Awareness."

She doesn't have a website yet, but you can email Debby at dgorman222@aol.com