Well, it has been a long time since I posted, over a year! A lot has happened, my husband and I bought a house in Grass Valley, I opened an office space in Nevada City, I attended some beautiful and powerful births, and supported new mamas and second time mamas in their postpartum- it has been a good year.  
My office space is still in the works but I would like to offer a New Office Special for the month of March- 90 minute Rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massages for $75- that's  a savings of $50! To Redeem this special, please call with the discount code of OMarch2017

The following recipe is adapted from Ysha Oak's cookbook, Touching Heaven, available here.  This recipe is a wonderfully nourishing beverage great for postpartum mamas and anytime you want a delicious Ojas building drink.  
Ojas is the most highly refined biological substance supporting our immunity and vitality.  According to Dr Lad BAMS, Ojas "...circulates via the heart and throughout the body to maintain the natural resistance of the bodily tissues. Ojas fights against aging, decay, and disease." (Lad, Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles Page 212).  Ojas includes albumin, globulin, and many hormones in the body to support our immune function and vitality.  It also provides one with the glow of vitality and the ability to withstand stress and emotional disturbances.  
Here are some ways to increase Ojas in your life:

• Drink the Almond Date shake (recipe to follow:)
• Practice regular Self Massage
•  Eat Nourishing meals that are easy to digest- during fall and winter: soups and cooked foods, warm beverages, and ample spicing
• Create a daily routine with regular times for you self care practices
•  Ensure your inner fires of digestion are strong
• Get good quality sleep, winding down one hour before you want to fall asleep
• Practice daily Meditation, even 5 minutes of quiet sitting is beneficial
• Spend Time in Nature
• Create and nurture supportive community
• Healthy relationships
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Enjoy regular exercise and allow time for stretching or yoga
• Celebrate Love
• Enjoy Laughter
• Fulfill your soul's purpose

Almond Date Shake
Soak 10-15 almonds overnight, peel
2-4 dates, pitted, medals are the juiciest- if you use the other varieties you will want to increase the quantity of dates to 5-7 to equal the sweetness of medjools
1/2" piece of peeled fresh ginger
1/2 tsp cardamom, the hulled seeds are the best
1/2 tsp fennel
1/4 tsp cloves
​1/4 tsp cinnamon or more to taste
1 Tbsp + ghee or coconut oil 
2-4 cups just boiled water

Combine all ingredients in a high powered blender, make sure there is some space for air to escape through the lid.  Cover with a towel and hold the top of the blender.  Start on low speed and increase to high speed.  

Enjoy!  If you don't like the sediment that lands on the bottom, strain through a nut milk bag or mesh sieve.  

Who doesn't like a good massage? Most mamas I have had the opportunity to work with are in dire need of some rejuvenation and relaxation regardless of when they birthed their babies.  Unfortunately it can be challenging to make the time and have the resources to receive a massage on a regular basis.  Fortunately we can practice self massage and receive similar benefits- relaxation, reduced stress, reduced tension, better sleep, reduced emotional upset, the list goes on. 

How do I practice self massage?
Your self massage routine can be incredibly simple:
1. In a warm room, apply a small amount of warm oil in a loving way to your whole body.  The most important thing is to apply the oil with love and appreciation of your body- but if you want to get technical, apply the oil with circular strokes on your joints and up and down strokes on your long bones, with clockwise strokes on your belly.  If you have areas of tension, this is your opportunity to dig into those areas of tension- you know the perfect amount of pressure and speed for your body.    Generally your strokes should move toward your heart.  
2. Let the oil sit on your skin for 10-20 minutes while you brush your teeth, read a lovely book, listen to music,  meditate, or do some other activity that supports your body and mind to relax.  
3.  Take a nice warm shower or bath to rinse off the extra oil and to allow the oil to penetrate deeply into your skin. 
4. Pat dry with your towel.
5. Repeat daily for the greatest nourishment and rejuvenation. The more we can nourish ourselves, the better we are able to care for our families and do our work in the world.  Self massage is great for the whole family:)

What Oils should I use?
For Dry skin or during the late fall early winter: Untoasted Sesame Oil
For sensitive, oily skin, or during summer season: Almond Oil or a blend of sesame and coconut oil, during hot summer season coconut oil can be used 
For moist skin or during spring season use slightly less oil and use the following oils:
Almond oil, Olive Oil, Mustard seed oil, or sunflower oil 

If at any point in time your skin does not react well to the above oils, try a different oil.  Other options include: Jojoba Oil, Rosehip seed oil, Marula Oil... basically any oil you would eat, you can put on your skin depending on your skin of course.  

I'll write more on this later but if you have any questions regarding self massage leave a comment below or send me a message.  

Happy New Year!!! And may all mamas be nourished!!!