It’s quite intriguing as to how much we all put forth so much time, effort, and energy into “being successful” — chasing money. With that said, per the many convos with various peers and mentors, it’s always a delight to step away from the everyday grind and enjoy some of the simple things in life.

This morning, I had the pleasure of enjoying a nice [holiday] cup of Starbucks Coffee on my very own porch all the while witnessing the beauty of nature (especially after the sunshine follows a rainy night). Maybe it was the caffeine kicking in, maybe it was the super glow of the trees and whatnot, I’m not sure. What I do know is that after finally getting up and walking away, I noticed how relaxing and nice it is to simply enjoy a nice cup of coffee outside for all of 30+ mins.

I think I’ll try that more often. Back to the grind.

By PAOLA SINGER (NY Times)

When the socialites are in town, don’t bother trying to park anywhere near Brava Beach in José Ignacio. The dirt roads are narrow, the Porsches wide, and there are too many drivers anxiously vying for a spot. After all, everyone’s eager to check out the scene unfolding by the shore: models in micro bikinis, wealthy Americans trying hard not to stare, European bon vivants staring unabashedly, and Argentine beauties blowing air kisses every which way.

To the old timers of José Ignacio, a small village on the southern coast of Uruguay, the traffic jams are something of a shock. Not long ago, this was a sleepy fishing outpost, a refuge for loners and the occasional celebrity seeking to escape the paparazzi in nearby Punta del Este, a glamorous playground often compared to St.-Tropez.

But in the last five years, José Ignacio has evolved into arguably the chicest spot in Latin America, favored by jet-setters from around the world.

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When you think of losing weight and getting healthy, you think about lacing up your running shoes and heading to the gym. But the next time you think about getting healthy, try a new vision that includes whispering sounds of the rainforest, rejuvenating smells of eucalyptus, the relieving heat of water soaking through your skin and the relaxing pressure of experienced hands releasing knots under your neck and back. In other words, treat yourself to a session at the spa.

The No. 1 contributor to many degenerative diseases is stress, and taking a regular session at the spa, once a week or even once or twice a month, can help you de-stress and improve your health. Chronic stress can lead to ulcers, chest pain, weight loss, weight gain, loss of appetite, digestive problems, canker sores, cold sores, acne, rashes, eczema, high blood pressure, miscarriage, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, heartburn, headaches, back aches, stiff muscles, constipation and diarrhea. 

Source: Urban Influence Magazine | Continue Reading »