marin living jan-feb 2025 by marin living

THE VITALITY ISSUE

“Nick is the real deal — a true guide through the wilds of real estate.”

—John and Sarah, satisfied Marin homeowners

Nick Svenson stands apart. Deeply rooted in Marin, his knowledge of the area, paired with an authentic, down-to-earth approach, makes him not just an agent, but a confidant. Nick doesn’t just close deals — he opens doors to new opportunities.

The

challenge ahead The impact on healthcare

By 2030 more than 9 million Californians will be over the age of 65 Marin County already has one of the largest populations of older adults, with over 22% of residents aged 65 and older

The PCC Program will o er:

Shortages projected to last until at least 2036; California faces a shortfall of 26% in registered nurses alone

How you can help

The healthcare industry is shifting towards home-based care, and it’s crucial that we help entry-level healthcare workers recognize this as a viable and rewarding career path. Together we can guide and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals to embrace this evolving ﬁeld and make a di erence in people's lives!

“We are excited to partner with By the Bay Health, one of the most innovative healthcare providers in Marin County, on this critical initiative to develop a thriving healthcare workforce to adequately support our growing community. Introducing students at an earlier age to the diversity of options in the healthcare field is key, and by bringing real-world experience and clinical expertise into the classroom we can expose students to additional career options that will create a tangible impact in our community.“

— John A. Carroll Marin County Superintendent of Schools

“The Novato School District is thrilled to be the first in the County to offer this valuable CTE course at San Marin High School. Students are hungry for knowledge about careers where they can find meaning and purpose and based on the positive reception to the new course, we’re excited to support this initiative to build more interest in growing fields such as healthcare.“

— Dr. Tracy Smith

Superintendent,

Novato Unified School District

 Community Education

Launching Intro to the World of Healthcare course at San Marin High School in Spring 2025

Scholarships

Paid Internships

A ordable Housing

“Our biggest barrier to ensuring access to high quality, accessible care in the home to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse and growing population of children and adults in Marin County is recruiting exceptional talent. We are optimistic this partnership will inspire more students to join the continuum of care—particularly in areas like home-based palliative care, hospice care, and home health care.“

— Skelly Wingard

CEO,

By the Bay Health

To learn more visit: bythebayhealth.org/gala2025-pathways

As we reflect on the journey so far, we’re filled with immense gratitude for our incredible clients, friends, and family. Your trust, support, and encouragement have been the foundation of our success. Every milestone we’ve reached has been made possible because of you, and we’re so thankful for the relationships we’ve built along the way. It’s an honor to be a part of your stories, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. From all of us at the Bowman Group, thank you for helping us grow and thrive—we couldn’t do it without you!

The value of our business is measured in the quality of the relationships we build.

Pmeet Howard Kornfeld, MD

Recovery Without Walls prides itself on being patient-responsive. We tailor our programs to your needs, rather than using a rigid schedule or protocol.

Directed by Howard Kornfeld, MD, Recovery Without Walls combines cutting-edge pharmacology, exceptional psychotherapy and integrative healing to promote comprehensive health and continuing recovery. At our Bay Area clinic, we specialize in addiction medicine and chronic . With our team approach and unique focus on individualized, holistic solutions, we serve patients of every complexity. Recovery Without Walls ensures every patient receives the quality of care they need to restore health.

www.recoverywithoutwalls.com

(415) 383-2949

office@recoveryww.com

ental Health & Integrative Psychiatry Reimagined.

In the evolving landscape of mental health care, ﬁnding real solutions means innovating beyond the traditional.

At Recovery Without Walls, our integrative psychiatry practice takes a holistic approach to mental health, addressing the well-being of your body, mind, spirit, and community. Led by Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, we oﬀer personalized care that includes psychotherapy, cutting-edge medication management, nutritional strategies, lifestyle adjustments, mindfulness techniques and other complementary therapies. In thoroughly assessed patients, we also oﬀer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Our goal is to support your unique needs, enhance overall wellness and foster lasting, positive transformation. meet Inna Zelikman, PMH-NP

JESSICA CLINE CO-FOUNDER, CEO jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com 707.302.0850

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR dina@marinlivingmagazine.com

707.238.2030

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EDITORIAL

Editor Caitlin Hamer

Contributing Designers

Roberto Avalos, Madeleine Hannes, Gregory Odendahl, Kathryn Saffell, Ronald Sequeira, Britney Trezzo

Contributing Writers

Keri Bridgwater, Rachel Fleischman, Annie Geiser, Casey Hatfield-Chiotti, Cassandra McDougall

Contributing Photographer Lori Eanes

Copy Editor Cynthia Rubin

Client Services Director Lauren Winsett lauren@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.300.0908

Mailing Address Marin Living PO Box 2104 Mill Valley, CA 94941

Office phone: 707.302.0850

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34 take note. How an innovative local photographer found his work on a USPS stamp.

On the Cover

Local photographer Lori Eanes (www. lorieanes.com) loves to play with food. She is constantly developing new techniques, like the one shown on the cover.

14 news. A new hub for MarinMOCA; Marin Theatre onstage; rock out at Noise Pop festival and HopMonk Tavern.

24 local splurges. Get your New Year wellness routine off to a beauitful start.

26 eat & drink. All about that mushroom coffee you’ve seen at the farmers market.

30 local getaways. Two ideal spots for the ultimate spa day.

36 game changers. A new way to honor loved ones starts with a seed. going places.

76 voyager. Technologically advanced treatments are helping people live healthier lives.

80 drawn together. Keeping the skies dark in West Marin. about this issue.

12 from the team.

38 Leveling Up

Our annual list of some of Marin’s top wellness practitioners.

42 Sea Siren Natural skin care with a key ingredient from the California coast.

48 Happy Belly Delicious and healthy recipes from some of our favorite local spots.

Daniel Gorostieta

Say hello to DreamStart

from the

TEAM

Lori Eanes shows off her photography technique with a curry, jalapeño and lime image.

NEW YEAR ASPIRATIONS

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our readers! January is a time of renewal both spiritually and physically and, to that end, we’ve got insightful stories on vitality and wellness to lift you up.

Our amazing Marin Living team is entering the new year full speed ahead and here are some of the healthy new routines they are looking forward to implementing. Dina Grant is planning to take her 10-year-old granddaughter on a once-a-month horseback trail ride adventure exploring different regions of the Bay Area and Napa/Sonoma; Courtney Roberts wisely hopes to get as much travel in as possible with her kids while they are at the perfect ages to appreciate it — on tap are Costa Rica, Greece and Paris (can we come?); and Kim McGinnis has dates on the calendar to head to North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and blissfully lounge on the big porch at her family’s fifth-generation mountain home.

In the feature section, we have a story on the founder of a successful San Francisco beauty brand

that uses giant kelp hand-harvested off the Central California coast in its products (yes, the brand even has its own seaweed forager); our annual roundup of local beauty practitioners; and tempting, healthy recipes from your favorite local eateries. In a synchronistic twist we meet a photographer in Take Note (page 34) who pioneered the transparency technique that local image maker Lori Eanes uses to perfection in the recipe feature and on the cover (we didn’t plan this, we promise!).

And we wrap it up with a bit of good news. The story our own Daniel Jewett wrote in May about a man formerly incarcerated at San Quentin who, among many other things, used a stint co-hosting the popular Ear Hustle podcast to turn his life around, was awarded at the annual S.F. Press Club gala last month. His intriguing redemption story is just further proof that we all can do whatever we want when we put our minds to it.

Lori Eanes

spotlight marin.

BRANCHING OUT

The members of Redwood Empire Bonsai Society are showing off some of their finest works at the Sonoma Botanical Garden (www.sonomabg.org) this winter. The Bonsai Show: Wood and Stone will be on display from January 10 to March 30. The indoor exhibit features 20 bonsai creations and a display of suiseki viewing stones.

Thank

WHAT’S ON STAGE

Marin Theatre’s (www.marintheatre.org) second production of the 2024–2025 season is Waste, a political drama that was written in 1906 and staged for the first time in 1927. The production, which stars the company’s new artistic director, Lance Gardner, runs from February 6 to March 2.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Community Action Marin (www.camarin. org) now has its first permanent headquarters. The new campus is located in Novato and will allow for expanded services as the organization works to alleviate the causes and consequences of poverty. “Our investment as we approach 60 years in the county also underscores our enduring commitment to creating a more just and equitable Marin for decades to come,” says the nonprofit’s CEO, Dr. Chandra Alexandre.

ART EXPANSIONS

The Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (www.marinmoca.org) has made a new home in downtown San Rafael. The space opened with a fresh exhibit in the fall, and the arts organization is starting the new year with Cluttered Heads: Reniel Del Rosario & Richard Shaw . This presentation of ceramic sculpture and graphic work runs January 18 to March 30.

Alain McLaughlin (left); courtesy of Richard Shaw (right)

Marin Theatre Artistic Director Lance Gardner returns to the stage.

“Walking Musician” at MarinMOCA in San Rafael

SOUND CHECK

San Francisco’s favorite indie music and culture festival, Noise Pop (www.noise popfest.com), is returning for its 32nd anniversary. Shows will be held across the city from February 20 to March 2, with bands like American Football, Soccer Mommy and Cymande on the lineup. More than a dozen venues, including the Great American Music Hall, the Fillmore and Rickshaw Stop, will play host.

ON THE MOVE

There’s a new way to get around in Marin and Sonoma. Redwood Bikeshare (www.redwoodbikeshare.com) is a two-year pilot project offering 300 e-bikes across the two counties. Though the program was originally set to launch in 2022, the pedal-assist bikes are now available to rent by app. “The Redwood Bikeshare program offers a fast, fun and efficient way for SMART riders and non-riders alike to connect to work, errands or recreation,” says Eric Lucan, Marin County supervisor. “With pedal-assist e-bikes, it’s a smooth ride toward a healthier, environmentally friendly future for our communities.”

PIECE OF MY HEART

Big Brother and the Holding Company is playing a KC Turner Presents show at HopMonk Tavern Novato (www.hopmonk.com) on January 18. The performance celebrates the birthday of the band’s famed former member, the late Janis Joplin. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of the concert.

American Football play Noise Pop

JOIN US AT METTA YOGA!

DYNAMIC TEACHERS, OFFERINGS, AND CLASSES TO EXPLORE YOUR EDGE, TRANSFORM YOUR BODY, AND NOURISH YOUR SOUL.

Explore classes across our three locations: San Rafael, Corte Madera, and Cloudbreak in Sausalito

Coming in 2025, our San Rafael studio will move to a spacious, upgraded location in downtown San Rafael!

New to our studios? Try our New Student Intro Offer: one month of unlimited classes for only $49.

If you’re returning to Metta, unlock our Marin Living Exclusive Offer: $108 for a 5 class pack.

SCAN FOR SCAN FOR THE INTRO THE INTRO OFFER: OFFER:

SCAN TO SCAN TO CLAIM YOUR CLAIM YOUR 5-PACK: 5-PACK:

BROADWAY BABES

Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco is home to a limited-run production of the national tour of Some Like It Hot January 7 to 26 (www.broadwaysf.com). The Tony and Grammy Award–winning Broadway musical follows two Prohibition-era musicians who go on the run in disguise after witnessing a mob hit.

CONSERVATION INFORMATION

The Richardson Bay Regional Agency (RBRA, www.rbra.ca.gov) recently celebrated the launch of a new Eelgrass Protection Zone . This is an area of water that will be off-limits to marine craft anchoring, in order to restore and protect eelgrass, which is critical to the health of the bay. “Eelgrass acts as the foundation for so much of what we love about the bay — from supporting herring runs and thousands of migratory birds, to helping ward off the impacts of climate change,” says U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman.

Some Like It Hot at the Orpheum Theatre

ARTISTIC EXPLORATION

San Francisco Art Week (www.sfartweek.com) makes a colorful return January 18 to 26. The weeklong celebration highlights the arts landscape of San Francisco and beyond, with art museums, galleries and nonprofits hosting events and exhibitions. Marinites can find offerings from Sausalito, Mill Valley, Larkspur and San Rafael.

“Refuge” (2022) by Adia Millett as seen at the LUMA Hotel in S.F.

Outdoor Warmth, All Year Round

The cold fog is coming in, yet you’re cozy and warm on your deck, thanks to expertly-selected and optimally-placed permanent patio heaters.

Alfresco Heating is Marin County's national patio-heating specialty company. They provide expert advice, high-quality permanent and portable gas and electric patio heaters, installation, and repair services. They would love to bring warmth to your outdoor living area. For a free phone consult contact: 415-884-2880

glow@alfresco-heating.com

the LIST

A look at special offers and new products from some of Marin’s favorite businesses.

By Caitlin Hamer

ROXY’S RANCH HAVEN

This new nonprofit in Petaluma is a peaceful place for both people and animals. Roxy’s Ranch Haven, started by Roxanne Albin, will be rescuing more animals in the future, some adoptable, but for now, people can visit the ranch and bond with the animals. Keep an eye out for upcoming events. www.roxysranchhaven.org

ALBERÓ

For the past three decades, Alberó has been the leader in custom cabinetry across Mexico, but now the company is expanding to the United States. The family-owned business is bringing the warmth and artistry of Mexican culture here with stylishyet-functional design choices. See the beauty for yourself at the new showroom in San Francisco’s Design District. www.alberousa.com

PERSIMMON.LIFE

Sometimes you just need to get your aesthetic treatments done at home. Or at your business, whether that’s an office, a fitness club or a salon. If you book an appointment with Persimmon.Life, the company will send providers out to you, ready to offer tox options, fillers, hair PRP, chemical peels and microneedling. www.persimmon.life

NEW YEAR, BEAUTIFUL YOU

It’s easy to start a wellness routine when the products are this lush.

By Cassandra McDougall

protects, thickens and adds color — it’s your new go-to. Available at Michele Holmes Studio (25 First Street, Corte Madera) and www. ryebeauty.com, $32

2. Organic, plastic-free and full of ingredients that promote a healthy scalp, Church California ’s handpoured shampoo and conditioner bars are the next generation of hair care. Available at Church Barber (524 Octavia Street, San Francisco) and www.churchcalifornia.com, $50 for the set

3. Hyaluronic Lip Booster by Osea is the antidote for dry winter lips. Made with sea fern, castor seed oil and meadowfoam seed oil, the nonsticky formula glides on leaving

behind a pretty shine and happy lips. Available at Nordstrom (The Village at Corte Madera), $28

4. Juna’s Detox Drops are a January must-have. Formulated with chlorophyll, lemon and mint, the drops dissolve in water to help with liver detoxification, boost energy levels and facilitate increased circulation and the elimination of toxins. Available at Beauty Heroes (817 Grant Avenue, Novato), $26

5. Oak Essentials ’ cult-favorite Moisture Rich Balm is as

indulgent as you’d imagine. Sea buckthorn oil supports collagen production, protects the skin’s barrier and glides on luxuriously. Available at Jenni Kayne (Marin Country Mart), $88

6. Locally made Oleema Skincare’s Tea + C is next level when it comes to rejuvenating skin, evening skin tone and improving tone and texture, thanks to hibiscus and vitamin C. Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself. Available at Good Earth Natural Foods (Mill Valley and Fairfax), $38

RISE AND GRIND

This Bay Area local is taking mushroom coffee to unexpected heights.

By Caitlin Hamer

WHEN THE PANDEMIC STARTED , many of us devoted our extra time at home to new culinary pursuits. For some, that meant sourdough starters. For Marty Friedman, that meant finding an alternative to caffeineladen cups of coffee.

“I’ve come to learn that caffeine is one of the most widely consumed drugs, and I was part of it,” says Friedman, recalling the unpleasant physical side effects that went hand-in-hand with his multiple cups of coffee per day. “And it was just bizarre that I was enduring all this, and it was even more bizarre that I would wake up the next morning and do it again.”

When he came across an article about coffee alternatives, it piqued his interest, and before he knew it, he was ordering a variety of health-enhancing ingredients, all in the interest of brewing a better morning beverage. After much experimentation, he settled on something he loved. “I had about 10 jars on my kitchen counter and every morning I would take a scoop of all these different things and put them together in hot water,” says Friedman.

Eventually he streamlined the process, combining it all into one powdered mixture, which coincidentally made it easier to share. He offered the new concoction

BOULEVARD REAL ESTATE: WHERE COMMUNITY MEETS EXPERTISE

As a 4th-generation Marin County native, I’ve always felt deeply connected to the place I call home. Growing up surrounded by Marin’s natural beauty, vibrant neighborhoods, and rich history instilled in me a lifelong passion for this community. When I launched Boulevard Real Estate, my vision was clear: to create a brokerage rooted in Marin’s unique character, not the corporate, nationallyfocused models of traditional firms.

Boulevard Real Estate is more than a business—it’s a reflection of my belief in fostering meaningful local connections. We are a brokerage of agents who focus on community and our Marin County roots, ensuring every client benefits from our shared passion and deep understanding of the area.

Beyond real estate, my commitment to Marin extends to serving as Chair of the Kentfield Planning and Advisory Board (KPAB), Vice President and Fire Committee Chair for the Kent Woodlands Property Owners Association (KWPOA), and as a board member for impactful organizations like Make It Home, Cool The Earth, and the Kentfield Greenbrae Historical Society. Whether working to reduce our carbon footprint through Carbon Neutral Kent Woodlands or supporting local women entrepreneurs through LEAP, I believe that giving back strengthens the fabric of our neighborhoods.

This community-first ethos defines my approach to real estate. My local expertise, combined with a relationship-driven focus, ensures clients feel supported at every step. Boulevard Real Estate is not just about buying and selling homes—it’s about helping clients build the life they envision here in Marin, guided by a team that understands its heart and soul.

Pictured above: Randi Curhan, Tierney Becker, Bitsa Freeman and Erik Altman

Mad Dandy partners Marty Friedman, Eric Toizer, Seth Steinberg and Josh Denberg

to his wife, and then their friends, and soon they were sharing it with friends of friends. It gained a name, Mad Dandy, and a following, thanks to success at Marin farmers markets, where you might find Friedman selling it alongside business partners Josh Denberg, Seth Steinberg and Eric Toizer. It’s also on shelves at Driver’s Market and Mollie Stone’s in Sausalito and Greenbrae, but fans across the country can purchase it online, too (www.maddandy.com).

Mad Dandy is not exactly a coffee alternative; there is a bit of Turkish coffee in it, both for the flavor and the caffeine — but significantly, it has roughly one-fourth of the caffeine you’d find in of a cup of drip coffee. Other ingredients include a blend of

I would take a scoop of all these different things and put them together in hot water.”

four types of mushrooms (chaga, reishi, cordyceps and lion’s mane), which boast adaptogenic qualities and may boost health and reduce fatigue; peanut butter and collagen for protein; and turmeric and vitamin-rich dandelion root for their anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Unlike regular coffee, it should provide you with a gentle energy boost; no jitters or afternoon slumps involved. And unlike a number of other coffee alternatives that Friedman has tried, it doesn’t need to be doctored to be consumable. He set out to create something that’s entirely palatable as is.

“The irony to me is that the one flavor people taste the most when they drink this is chocolate,” Friedman says. “And it’s the one ingredient we don’t have.” But he does liken the drink to a mocha; it’s a little thick and froths up nicely. Like a typical cup of coffee, it can be consumed hot or iced. And if you really can’t have caffeine, there’s a decaf version of Mad Dandy, too.

“We find a lot of people that say they’ve been wanting to reduce their caffeine intake but that they need their morning beverages, which defines me,” says Friedman. “I wanted to reduce my caffeine, but I’m really ritualized in the morning, and I need a warm beverage in my hand.” This might be the best new way to start your day.

Aaron Levy-Wolins /J. The Jewish News of Northern California

JANUARY 23 - 26, 2025 FORT MASON CENTER fogfair.com

January 22, 2025 Preview Gala Beneﬁting the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

PIER 3

AGO Projects, Mexico City

Altman Siegel, San Francisco

Andrew Kreps Gallery, New York

Anthony Meier, Mill Valley

Berggruen Gallery, San Francisco

Casemore Gallery, San Francisco

Crown Point Press, San Francisco

David Kordansky Gallery, Los Angeles

David Zwirner, Los Angeles

Fergus McCa rey, New York

Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco

Galerie Chantal Crousel, Paris

Galerie Maria Wettergren, Paris

Gallery FUMI, London

FOG FOCUS

PIER 2

Charles Mo ett Gallery, New York

Chris Sharp Gallery, Los Angeles

Commonwealth and Council, Los Angeles

Crèvecœur, Paris

Fernberger, Los Angeles

François Ghebaly, Los Angeles

House of Seiko, San Francisco

Johansson Projects, Oakland

Jonathan Carver Moore, San Francisco

Municipal Bonds, San Francisco

OCHI, Los Angeles

Rebecca Camacho Presents, San Francisco

Superhouse, New York

Gallery Japonesque, San Francisco

Gladstone, New York

Haines, San Francisco

Hauser & Wirth, Los Angeles

Herald St, London

Hosfelt Gallery, San Francisco

Hostler Burrows, New York

Jenkins Johnson Gallery, San Francisco

Jessica Silverman, San Francisco

KARMA, West Hollywood

Kiang Malingue, Hong Kong

kurimanzutto, New York

LEBRETON, Monte Carlo

Lehmann Maupin, New York

Lisson Gallery, London

LUHRING AUGUSTINE, New York

Marc Selwyn Fine Art, Beverly Hills /

Gió Marconi Gallery, Milan

Marian Goodman Gallery, New York

Mendes Wood DM, New York

Michael Rosenfeld Gallery, New York

Micki Meng, San Francisco

Night Gallery, Los Angeles

Nino Mier Gallery, New York

Peter Blum Gallery, New York

pt.2 Gallery, Oakland

Sarah Myerscough Gallery, London

SIDE GALLERY, Barcelona

Southern Guild, Los Angeles

Talwar Gallery, New York

Tina Kim Gallery, New York

Venus Over Manhattan, New York

REST AND RESET

When it comes to starting the year out on the right foot, nothing beats a spa day.

By Cassandra McDougall

NATIVE RITUALS

The Spa at Pebble Beach 1518 Cypress Drive, Pebble Beach, www.pebblebeach.com

Located steps away from the recently reimagined Casa Palermo, The Spa at Pebble Beach is more than a spa, it’s a rejuvenating oasis for both mind and body. From the luxurious locker rooms to the relaxation area with cozy chairs and an enormous fire pit, every step of the experience allows you to melt further into bliss. If you are looking for something you won’t find anywhere else, the Lasapa Lelima Purification Treatment is the way to go. Developed by Cari Herthel, a member and councilwoman of Monterey County’s Indigenous Esselen tribe, the bathing ceremony is a spiritual experience. It begins with a body brushing, continues with a scrub made of locally sourced coastal white sage, salt and elderberry, and then moves on to a wrap, a Vichy bath and a light massage with oil — all delivered by Darci, a local healer who is both extremely gentle and wildly powerful. This is an incredible way to reconnect to yourself, your past, your future — and is the perfect way to start a new year.

Learn to dance at Marin Ballet

Your first class is free!

Our experienced teachers nurture your child in an atmosphere of encouragement and fun.

•Age-appropriate dance training, using creative movement, songs, and games.

•Older students are introduced to ballet, character, and contemporary styles.

•At least two performance opportunities per year, including Nutcracker (ages 8+)

Class Schedule

Creative Movement 1 Age 3 Per Quarter: $160

Creative Movement 2 Age 4 Per Quarter: $160

Ballet Prep 1 Age 5 Per Quarter: $250

Ballet Prep 2 Age 6 Per Quarter: $250 9:00 – 9:45pm 11:15 – 12:00pm 11:00 – 12:00pm 9:00 – 10:00am 4:00 – 5:00pm 10:00 – 11:00am 4:00 – 5:00pm 10:00 – 11:00am

Students, ages 7–18, are placed into Levels by audition.

“I

am walking away with more fulfillment, resilience, adaptability, and grace than what any other afterschool activity/sport could have given me.”

-Marin

Ballet Graduate

Photo: Andy Mogg

SAY AHHHH

A complete renovation of the treatment rooms means even more luxury at the RitzCarlton, Half Moon Bay.

Ritz-Carlton Spa, Half Moon Bay 1 Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, www.ritzcarlton.com

The Ritz-Carlton Spa has recently been renovated and every detail in the treatment rooms, right down to the artwork, oozes luxury. Paired with the new look is a host of interesting new treatments focusing on wellness (think vibrational sound therapy and intuitive energy healing) and our favorite is the CBD Ocean Escape. The treatment starts with a dose of CBD taken under the tongue and then moves into the massage with CBD oil, a deep tissue foot massage and reflexology for the head and face. The combination works harmoniously to decrease inflammation and balance the nervous system. This is a true escape from your day-to-day.

Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay

Homeward Bound was a program like I never experienced before. People genuinely cared, from top to bottom. I can help other people now.

”

—SABRINA S.

For 51 years, parents in crisis have come to Homeward Bound of Marin. We open our doors to people like Sabrina, who now works at a substance use recovery program. With support from our staff, she moved to an affordable apartment near a school where her daughter thrives.

Your vital support will keep these services strong for other families if they lose the safety of home. Help solve homelessness in our community at hbofm.org/donate .

Emergency Shelter

Affordable Housing

150 beds of emergency shelter in four programs for families and individuals

Employment Training

450+ beds of permanent supportive housing in 16 programs around Marin

50+ students yearly in culinary training and supportive employment

Landy

Pandy Photography

STAMP OF APPROVAL

How a local photographer made a career out of innovations in photography and eventually found his work on a USPS postage stamp.

By Daniel Jewett

WHEN BERKELEY artist, photographer, writer and educator Harold Davis was five, his parents gave him a box camera, which he loved, but the idea — and the technology — to make a career out of it were still a way off for him.

While in law school he decided he was more interested in being a writer and painter — skills that would later inform his photography in ways he couldn’t yet imagine. But those talents weren’t big money makers, so Davis hung up his shingle in New York, where he was renting a 1,000-square-foot loft that he turned into a photography

“Summer Poppies”

studio, and had almost instant success making and selling commercial images and greeting cards.

“I had my first show of wilderness images that I made while hiking,” Davis says. “And I thought, ‘If I can do this with my life, what the hell am I bothering with this other stuff for?’ ”

But life is never a straight path and in the 1980s Davis and his second wife, Phyllis, turned to computer science after he got bored with photography. “I discovered that it was a lot easier making a very nice living part-time as a sophisticated

© Harold Davis

computer programmer than it was as a photographer.”

A chance incident would direct him back to photography when he walked into a computer job in Menlo Park and was surprised to see one of his prints behind the receptionist’s desk. At this point Davis was writing lots of books on programming languages and one of his publishers asked if he would write one on the new art of digital photography. “They said to me, ‘We hear digital photography is an up-and-coming thing, do you think you could write a book about it for us?’ ” Davis recalls. “I went out to Best Buy and bought a Nikon D70. I liked digital photography far more than I liked film and I could do more with it.”

And with that Davis found his calling writing many books on digital photography, teaching others at places like the Point Reyes field seminars and innovating new techniques in digital photography such as transparency.

I liked digital photography far more than I liked film and I could do more with it.”

His use of transparency (when the viewer appears to be looking through something like a flower) was honored by the Photographic Society of America as an innovative technique. Past winners have included the people who invented Photoshop, as well as Ansel Adams and Walt Disney. The process is complicated but involves using a computer to manipulate pixels, which are little points of light. “There really are innumerable ways to come up with pixels, but once you have the pixels, then there are all kinds of things you can do with them in post-production that aren’t immediately obvious,” Davis says, adding that the transparency process involves using as many as 5 to 10 exposures that will be combined into one image. He says it’s the same kind of thing Ansel Adams did manually in the darkroom using chemicals to dodge and burn the image, only this process, once you master it, is much faster and has more fluidity.

And there is one more honor that Davis received this year: five of his images were used on postage stamps (he’s had two others used in the past for a total of seven). He says he didn’t submit work for this, but a USPS art director got in touch and thought his images would be a great fit — with that magical combination of looking good on something so small but also able to be blown up for posters.

To honor Davis, the post office held the “first day ceremony” in Berkeley — the first time in history it has been done there. “It was a very moving ceremony,” he says. “And all the local post officials were here, including the postmistress of Berkeley, and she was in tears. The whole thing was really very compelling.”

Photographer Harold Davis and his 1-cent stamp released this year.

WITH NATURE

Better Place Forests, now with a site in Mill Valley, is changing the way we think about death and grieving. By Annie Gieser

THE WAY HUMANS GRIEVE is evolving. Around 60 percent of Americans who passed away in 2023 were cremated — more than double the percentage two decades ago, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. And 52 percent of folks report attending funerals in nontraditional locations. Are Americans laying the traditional cemetery to rest?

“My experience, and I think a lot of people’s experience, is that the end-of-life moment, that funeral moment, is kind of the opposite of life-affirming, right? It really just focuses on the end of that life,” suggests Adam Tibbs, CEO of Better Place Forests (www.betterplaceforests.com). “What is really compelling about the program that Better Place has around memorialization is that it’s the opposite. While we acknowledge that life has ended, there is an embracing of the cycle of life that nature enables.”

Better Place Forests offers memorial trees in the middle of a beautiful, natural forest. There are no tombstones, just memorial markers that were designed with inspiration from the look of U.S. Geological Survey monuments. No bodies can be buried in these forests, but ashes are mixed together with local soil and wildflower seeds before being spread under the chosen memorial tree. Friends and family can also take packets of the same wildflower seeds home to plant in their own gardens.

Sandy Gibson, the co-founder of Better Place Forests, lost his dad at 10 years old, and then his mom at 11. He spent years visiting his mother’s grave in a cemetery beside a busy street, with constant traffic. Gibson imagined a better place to grieve.

“My happiest memories with my parents took place in nature. I knew there had to be a better way to remember and connect with the people we love,” Gibson says on the Better Place website.

Now, there are 10 Better Place Forests locations in the U.S., along with one partner location that just opened at the Fernwood Cemetery in Mill Valley. As part of a partnership, Better Place Forests has a two-acre parcel of forest in the Fernwood Cemetery full of about 200 memorial trees. “We’re partnering with folks who have similar values with respect to nature and the importance of nature in the experience,” says Tibbs.

Outside Marin — but still a close drive away — a resting place with Better Place Forests could be under a giant redwood in the Santa Cruz Mountains, overlooking the ocean in Mendocino County or at a Yosemite Gateway. In each location, the company also partners with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant between 25 and 500 saplings for each tree purchased.

The vision of Better Place is to build a comprehensive set of services to help with end-of-life needs. The organization’s online tool, Wishes, helps people talk about a plan before death. “It’s so taboo, but it doesn’t need to be,” says Tibbs. “By introducing nature into that conversation, it becomes a little bit less challenging to talk about.”

Most important, Tibbs says: “We are really trying to make a difference in people’s lives through this.” A difference in how we grieve, how we interact with nature, how we talk about death, and, maybe, how we are laid to rest.

Spreading seeds and ashes as part of a ceremony.

The Seniors supported by Lifehouse at Hamilton Place benefit from an individualized service plan ensuring that they have the opportunity to live a full life on their own terms. The Lifehouse Supported Living Program (SLP) offers individualized training for seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), enabling them to live in their apartment or home. Services range from 30 hours weekly to 24-hour care.

This senior community is tight knit and gathers regularly for fun, games, and outings. What started as a small card game circle originally organized by Christine Jimenez, one of Lifehouse’s Direct Support Professionals (DPS), has blossomed into a lively weekly schedule full of activities like movie days or BBQ cookouts. Christine now works in collaboration with several other DSPs like Shanell Medina, and Decolar Wright to ensure that the people they support have something they can look forward to every week. These DSPs embody the core values of Lifehouse by facilitating acceptance, nurturing independence and helping individuals with I/DD find a true sense of camaraderie in their community.

Meet Stacey, one of our Seniors in SLP at Lifehouse! There is nothing quite like the confidence that Stacy brings to the table. Being born with a disability comes with obstacles that many of us could never imagine but Stacy is a firm believer in manifesting ones dreams and taking your life into your own hands, even if that means you need a little help getting there along the way. This self-confidence has led her to make several positive changes in her life this last year including her health and focusing on self advocacy through a certificate program with the Golden Gate Regional Center. She has now made it a point to share her knowledge with others at Lifehouse. She will be speaking at the next Lifehouse Employee Orientation to help incoming DSPs understand the importance of empowering the people they support to lead full lives on their own terms.

Stacey Bowen 13 years at Lifehouse

LEVELING UP

THIS YEAR, LEAVE YOUR UNHEALTHY HABITS BEHIND. SEEK OUT SOME OF MARIN’S TOP WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS AND EMBRACE A BETTER VERSION OF YOURSELF.

ASCEND CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER

One of the core components of feeling your best is feeling your most functional, and sometimes that means visiting a chiropractor. Dr. Will Lee treats a variety of musculoskeletal conditions using different techniques and modalities, like electrical muscle stimulation and diversified adjusting. 920 Northgate Drive, Ste. 9, San Rafael, www.ascendchiroca.com

BE WELL NATURAL MEDICINE

It’s time to look beyond your symptoms and discover the underlying causes of what ails you. Dr. Lisa Brent and her team are leaders in integrative naturopathic medicine solutions, and the practice includes a special focus on women’s comprehensive care. 655 Redwood Highway Frontage Road, Ste. 102, Mill Valley, www. bewellnaturalmedicine.net

CITRINE

Everything you need for a peaceful new year can be found at Citrine. Whether you’re seeking wellness classes, the healing powers of a Himalayan salt sanctuary or a shop stocked with crystals

TOP WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS

and sacred objects, this Larkspur boutique and studio is calling your name. 489-D Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, www.citrineca.com

CLUB EVEXIA

A fitness center that also prioritizes wellness and social events? Say no more. Club Evexia is the Bay Area’s only 21-and-over health club, and it also doesn’t require contracts — memberships are month-to-month. Enjoy a coworking space, cardio equipment and so much more. 100 Shoreline Highway, Ste. 100, Bldg. A, Mill Valley, www.clubevexia.com

CUE THE CORE

If you’re ready to really dive into the world of Pilates, Cue the Core has private sessions, duets and classes at all levels. You can get a serious, strength building

workout here, but if you need to embrace a slower pace, they’ve got options for that, too. 1327 Fourth Street, San Rafael, www.cuethecore.com

DIALOGICAL PERSONA HEALING ARTS

To really be your best self, you need to learn more about who you are and who you want to be. Kelsay Elizabeth Myers’ work is rooted in creative practices that help you discover yourself so you can make lasting changes to transform your life. www.dialogicalpersona.com

DR. WILKINSON’S BACKYARD RESORT

It’s a good thing this place has guest rooms and a restaurant — you’ll need an entire weekend here to fully indulge in all the rejuvenating and relaxing spa offerings. The Doc offers facials and massages, but you also must experience the spring-fed mineral pools and volcanic ash mud baths. 1507 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, www. drwilkinson.com

FITLAB STRONG

This woman-owned business specializes in creating a boutique fitness environment,

offering modalities like TRX, Les Mills and Indoor Cycle. But it’s the intimate coaching experiences that stand out here, providing opportunities to create customized workouts that are designed for your body type and needs. 711 Center Boulevard, Fairfax, www.fitlabstrong.com

JENNIFER BRINN, REIKI & INTUITIVE WELLNESS

Long respected as an effective technique for promoting relaxation and well-being, reiki might be what you need to start your healing journey. Jennifer Brinn offers reiki sessions that also involve somatic work and soul coaching, and of course she teaches classes on reiki as well. Locations in Ross & Sausalito, www.jenniferbrinn.com

MARIN NUTRITION AND HEALTH

Health is wealth, and the best way to embody this mantra is by addressing how you eat. The online coaching services at Marin Nutrition and Health are designed to reshape the way you approach nutrition, and meal plan assistance is also offered. www.marin nutritionandhealth.com

TOP WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS

MARTINE LANGSAM, IAT, WTS

MARGIE WOODS, LANGUAGE OF THE SOUL

Tap into your artistic side with Margie Woods. Explore a beautiful type of self-care through her in-studio therapeutic art journaling workshops, or if you’d rather be the art yourself, you can book a session to get your personal or branding portraits taken. www. margiewoods.com

MARIN ALLIANCE CANNABIS CLUB

For anyone curious about the medicinal effects of cannabis, Lynnette Shaw is the one to talk to. The trailblazing business owner and her staff make recommendations for patients based on their symptoms, with a variety of products ranging from topicals to vape pens and concentrates. 415.295.7633, Fairfax, www.marincbc.com

Hair care isn’t just about keeping your locks shiny and clean; it’s about taking care of your scalp, too. This certified trichologist and licensed cosmetologist addresses hair and scalp issues such as hair damage, thinning and loss and works holistically to address the causes. 165 N. Redwood Drive, Ste. 210, San Rafael, www. martinelangsam.com

METTA YOGA

From beginning to advanced and everything in between, this studio has all the yoga classes you could ever want (have you experienced Aerial Yoga Play yet?). But don’t miss out on the special events, which often combine yoga with the likes of reiki, massage and sound healing.

Locations in Corte Madera, San Rafael and Sausalito, www.mettayoga studio.com

MOONSTONE SKIN & BODY CARE

Sometimes your skin just needs a little extra TLC, and this especially applies to your face. At Moonstone Skin & Body Care, you can explore a variety of treat-

ments targeted to your needs, like cleansing facials and regenerating peels. You’ll leave looking and feeling refreshed. 1129 First Street, Novato, www.moonstone skincare.com

RECOVERY WITHOUT WALLS

When you or your loved ones need help with mental health, chronic pain and addiction, it’s best to seek help from trained professionals. At Recovery Without Walls, you’ll receive personalized, focused care encompassing psychotherapy, exercise, diet and more. 3 Madrona Street, Mill Valley, www. recoverywithoutwalls.com

THRIVE GIRL INC.

The fastest way to wellness might just be dancing like no one is watching. Michell Kawaja’s workout classes and silent discos are playful ways to access joy through movement, so if you’re hoping to finally learn to love exercising, this might be your jam. www.thrivegirl.com

VITALITY FOR LIFE –POWERED BY VASPER

While a two-hour workout completed

in 21 minutes might sound most appealing to those in a rush, the Vasper training system is actually a game changer for people with Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis and those recovering from injuries and surgeries. It’s low impact but highly effective. 21 Tamal Vista Drive, Ste. 196, Corte Madera, www.vitalityforlife.org

WELLSPRING ACUPUNCTURE

Yes, you’ll find acupuncture here, but you can also discover sound and energy healing and massage. And in addition to acupuncture for pain management, insomnia, digestive disorders and fatigue, there’s facial rejuvenation acupuncture, a beauty tradition dating back to the Qin Dynasty. 21 Tamal Vista Boulevard, Ste. 219, Corte Madera, www.wellspring marin.com

LOOKING YOUR BEST

AESTHETX MARIN

Dr. Trent Douglas and his team are ready to help you find the naturallooking but transformative plastic surgery results you’ve been dreaming of. Aesthetx offers a variety of procedures as well as nonsurgical options, all in a luxurious and supportive environment. 599 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Ste. 206, Greenbrae, www.aesthetx.com

BELLE MARIN

If “minimalism with a touch of luxury” is exactly the kind of aesthetic treatment you’re seeking, then let Dr. Faye Jamali help you look your best. In addition to injectables and body contouring, acne and hair loss treatments are available. 250 E. Blithedale Avenue, Ste. B, Mill Valley, www.bellemarin.com

PERSIMMON.LIFE

What’s better than touching up your filler or Botox? Getting to do so from the comfort of your home. You can book individual or group sessions (perfect for a girls’ night in) at your home or business, and Persimmon. Life will send a provider to you. www.persimmon.life

The pristine, protected waters off Big Sur provide mineral-rich salt for the Dara Kennedy Sea Soak; Dara Kennedy (inset)

SEA SIREN

Natural beauty entrepreneur Dara Kennedy’s bijou-size San Francisco store Ayla has a cult-favorite following — much like her newer but now equally coveted namesake skin care line made with sustainably sourced seaweed from California’s Central Coast.

BY KERI BRIDGWATER

Dara Kennedy’s best-selling Sea Serum (left); the most recent launch, Sea Retinal (right); Ian, Dara and Dara’s son, Tobin, take sea kayaks to hand-harvest kelp off California's Central Coast (opposite)

T"here are two things I'm religious about regarding my skin care routine. I never skip applying Sea Serum during the day or Sea Retinal at night," says Dara Kennedy, the founder of Ayla (www.aylabeauty.com), a petitebut-powerful eco-conscious emporium in San Francisco’s Japantown area.

A beauty industry veteran, Kennedy launched products at Elizabeth Arden and worked for Bliss founder Marcia Kilgore but saw a niche in the market for a natural beauty–specific space to share her passion for result-oriented, clean skin care. She started Ayla online in 2011, and her boutique on Bush Street, stocked with a carefully vetted range of “good for you” products by indie brands, followed two years later — along with a new devoted fan base.

With Ayla now a 2024 Beauty Shortlist Awards winner for Green Beauty Retailer of the Year, Kennedy's Sea Serum (the most recent addition to her line) was also nominated as a product finalist. Its star ingredient? Giant kelp hand-harvested off the Central California coast by local forager Ian O'Hollaren. Sourced in small batches a handful of times a year (giant kelp grows back in days, but if the beds don't look healthy, nothing is taken), each piece is meticulously triple-checked.

"Giant kelp has incredible antioxidant and hydrating properties, but we blend it with other coastal plants, including red seaweed from the Irish coast, to create this

Daniel Gorostieta (this spread and opening spread)

Giant kelp has incredible antioxidant and hydrating properties, but we blend it with other coastal plants, including red seaweed from the Irish coast."

We work with incredible people to harvest key ingredients for our products but in getting to know them, we also get to know the places they're from."

Daniel Gorostieta

multitalented vibrance booster that firms and protects the skin against photoaging," she says.

Using the term “biointegral” to describe her skin care philosophy, Kennedy sees relationships and circularity as pillars. "We work with incredible people to harvest key ingredients for our products, but in getting to know them, we also get to know the places they're from and do our part to give back." Five percent of every Sea Serum sale goes to advocacy network Climate Changemakers, while a portion of proceeds from each Sea Soak goes back to "citizen science" nonprofit Reef Check. "Beauty Independent, the industry organization that gave us another of our awards this year, called me the Alice Waters of skin care when I first developed the Sea Soak, and it's one of my favorite compliments ever," she says of her debut product, a DIY bath kit that launched in 2019 and has been lauded by everyone from Oprah to Vogue France .

"The Irish seaweed bath has been a cherished therapeutic tradition for generations, and Sea Soak highlights this remarkable synergy of two nature-sourced ingredients at their purest and most potent,” she says. “Kelp dried under the California sun and sea salt from Big Sur, filtered nine times and greenhouse-evaporated by our salt artisan, Carlo."

Regarding new additions to her lineup, Kennedy teased she would introduce her next product in early 2025. "It's inspired by needs we've observed with our customers at Ayla and features our giant kelp to soothe and hydrate while a new proprietary formula goes to work." A beautifully designed space, the store (whose name means "bearer of light" and whose interior pays homage to Jean Cocteau's 1950s French Riviera home) serves as a natural beauty movement stronghold for longtime fans and newcomers alike. It’s a place to discover Kennedy's growing edit of pioneering, ecoconscious brands she traveled the world to source (including MyHavtorn from Sweden and Sudtana from Thailand) paired with trusted, personalized guidance.

In addition to facials and master classes, Kennedy says, the rotating expert residency program is a customer favorite — in December it was holistic skin care guru Annee de Mamiel, the go-to facialist for Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung; this month it’s TWELVE Beauty founder Pedro Catalá from Valencia, Spain. "A cool thing about skin care is what we need is always changing, but switching products up doesn't have to be a chore,” Kennedy says. “I see it as a fun process and chance to learn something new instead."

Carlo and Dara head to the Big Sur cliffs in search of salt.

happy belly

Starting the year off on the right foot couldn’t be easier than with these delicious, and healthy, recipes from some of our favorite local eateries, partners and delivery services. Bon appétite!

BY MARIN LIVING EDITORS • PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORI EANES

Neka’s Winter Citrus Salad

from Urban Remedy, www.urbanremedy.com serves 2–4

INGREDIENTS

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• pinch sea salt

• 6 tablespoons olive oil

PREPARATION

1. Mash the garlic and salt together in a bowl. Add olive oil and stir into a paste. Add apple cider vinegar and stir again. Set aside.

2. Peel all the citrus and remove as much of the pith as you can. Cut blood oranges into thin round slices, then segment the Cara Cara oranges and pomelo, cutting away as much of the membrane

Siren Sisters’ Thai Tofu and Vegetable Curry

from www.sirensisterskitchen.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb cubed winter squash such as red kuri, kabocha or delicata (approx. 1 medium squash, skin on, mouth size)

• 1 lb cubed firm tofu

• ½ lb green beans, trimmed and cut in half

• ¼ cup coconut oil

• 2 (13.5 oz) cans coconut milk

• 2 cups water

• 1 tsp minced ginger

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• 3 tbsp red curry paste (store bought is fine, Mae Ploy brand preferred)

• ¼ cup white sugar

• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into thin half-moons

• ½ lb (1 medium) red onion, diced

• garnish: cilantro,sliced jalapeño and lime

PREPARATION

1. Cube squash and tofu for roasting, cut and wash green beans.

2. Toss tofu in coconut oil, sprinkle with salt, then bake at 500°F for 12 minutes. No need to press the tofu. Allow it to cool completely before removing from the sheet pan, then reserve.

3. Toss squash in coconut oil and sprinkle with salt, then roast at 500°F alongside the tofu until just fork tender.

4. Bring the coconut milk, water, ginger and garlic to near boiling, stir in curry paste, sugar and 1 tbsp salt. Turn off flame and reserve.

5. Use a wok (with burner, preferably) on high heat to quickly sear and blister all vegetables and combine the vegetables and tofu with the curry sauce. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.

6. Top with cilantro, sliced jalapeño and lime. Serve over rice.

With Thyme Provisions Salmon Mezze Bowl

from Alanna De Salvo

www.withthymeprovisions.com

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 5 cups cauliflower florets

• 16 oz wild salmon, cut into 4 fillets

• salt and pepper to taste

• 4 cups arugula or spinach

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 cups English cucumber slices

• ½ cup kalamata olives

• ½ cup pickled or raw red onions

• 1 cup fresh herbs like parsley, dill and/or mint, chopped

• 4 oz feta cheese, optional

ROASTED RED PEPPER WALNUT SAUCE

• 3 roasted red peppers

• 1 ½ cup raw walnuts

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¾ teaspoon sea salt

• ¼ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon chile flakes, optional

PREPARATION

1. Prepare the red pepper walnut sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, raw walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, cumin and chile flakes (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. This sauce will be generously spread on the bottom of the plate, about 1/4 cup per person (you will likely have extra sauce left over). Set aside.

2. Set the oven to 425°F.

3. On a separate sheet pan, spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 24–28 minutes, turning halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender.

4. Place the salmon fillets on a sheet pan, sprinkle with salt, and roast in the preheated oven until cooked through, about 7–9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.

5. While the salmon and cauliflower are roasting, prepare the remaining ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber and prepare the olives, pickled or raw red onions, and fresh herbs. If using feta, crumble it into small pieces.

6. Assemble the bowls. Spread about 1/4 cup of the roasted red pepper walnut sauce on the bottom of each bowl or plate. Use a spoon to spread it evenly, creating a base layer of sauce. In each bowl, start layering the vegetables. Add a handful of arugula (or spinach) as the base. Then, evenly divide the roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, olives and pickled or raw red onions between the bowls. Place a salmon fillet on top of the vegetables in each bowl. Use a spatula to carefully lift the cooked salmon and place it on top of the layered veggies. Sprinkle the bowls with fresh herbs (parsley, dill and/ or mint) and finish with a sprinkle of feta cheese (if desired).

7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Little Saint’s Beet Dip

from www.littlesainthealdsburg.com

PREPARATION

1. Wash and trim the red beets.

2. Steam the beets until they are tender (about 30–40 minutes, depending on the size of the beets). You can test tenderness by inserting a knife or fork into the beets; it should go in easily.

INGREDIENTS

• 300 g (about 2 ¼ cups, diced) red beets

• 200 g (about ¾ cup) Cocojune yogurt

• 20 g (about 1 ½ tablespoons) lemon juice

• 4 g or to taste (about ¾ teaspoon) salt

3. Allow the beets to cool completely. Once cooled, peel.

4. Cut the cooled, peeled beets into smaller pieces for easier blending.

5. In a blender or food processor, combine the beets, Cocojune yogurt, lemon juice and salt.

6. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

7. Transfer the beet dip to a serving bowl. Serve with your favorite crackers, bread or vegetable sticks. You can serve the dip immediately or refrigerate it for about an hour to let the flavors meld.

TIPS

• For a different flavor profile, you can add a clove of garlic or some fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the blender.

• If the dip is too thick, you can add a bit more yogurt or a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency.

Trendsetters

You know who you are — the bold innovators, the fearless business owners and the forward-thinking teams who consistently push boundaries to elevate your life and the lives of your customers. True change doesn’t happen without trendsetters. As we welcome 2025, Marin Living is thrilled to celebrate the individuals and businesses shaping the future by honoring this year’s Trendsetters. We shine a spotlight on the stories that define their journey and explore what sets them and their businesses apart. Uncover how these game changers defy convention, redefine success and plan to make this year extraordinary — all while inspiring a better tomorrow.

CASSIE ZAMPA-KEIM // INNOVATIVE MATCH

Dating advice and expert guidance to help you find the perfect match.

How are you disrupting your industry and thinking outside the box? I’ve always believed it’s important to keep my finger on the pulse of changes and trends in the dating industry, which is why I’m still here after more than 30 years in the business. I am continually creating strategies for my clients to meet new people and innovative ideas about how to keep the relationship they started interesting. The successes are evident; I have numerous clients in flourishing relationships and a few weddings on the calendar.

What separates you from the pack?

I’m not a nine-to-five dating expert because, guess what? Dating isn’t a nine-to-five endeavor. I understand my clients may need me for last-minute advice, whether about what they’re wearing, how to say goodnight after a first date, or what to text after a date. Other times, my clients may need reassurance and a friendly ear. I’m here for them whenever they need me. I’m the office, and I’m always open.

What’s the most interesting innovation you have come up with? My dating profiles are not the typical ones you’d find online. I speak to my clients personally, in addition to them completing an in-depth profile assessment. They tell me their story, which I then curate into a one-of-akind profile that reads like a story instead of a cliché personals ad. My profiles are as unique as the clients I write them for, and the results speak for themselves.

Why is living and working in the Bay Area so special? Daters in the Bay Area are among the luckiest in my opinion because of how many great dating options they have. From hiking to city dining to walks along the beach at sunset, the places to go for a date are endless. Plus, San Francisco is a quick flight to neighboring cities where daters can expand their horizons and search, especially if they’re empty nesters, retired, and have the time in their schedules.

INNOVATIVE MATCH West Coast 415.259.8714 www.innovative-match.com /@innovativematch

What separates you or your business from the pack? There are a lot of interior designers in the Bay Area, so our clients have a plethora of people to choose from. I believe that because we immerse ourselves in projects with all different aesthetics, we entice different clientele which gives every project a unique feel. I like to think that we are approachable designers and that we can mold and morph into any project — traditional, contemporary, modern, transitional and everything between. We love to challenge ourselves and I love being given the opportunity to try new things.

Have you noticed any trends in your industry? I love a good wallpaper. I always have. I wouldn’t necessarily call this a “trend” though it seems to be becoming more and more popular. Wallpaper has an incredible way of transforming a space whether it is making a big impact in an unexpected place or adding a subtle texture to the background of a room, I can’t get enough of it.

What’s the most interesting new innovation you use? Interior renderings have become an invaluable tool for our clients. Generating realistic views for the interiors helps the whole team really visualize how the space will come together. This does take extra time and comes with an expense, but in the end it proves worth it every time.

Do you or your business have a unique history in the Bay Area? My roots run deep in the Bay Area — I am fifth-generation Marin County,

sixth-generation Californian. My family and I live in the Dominican neighborhood of San Rafael, where we have a long history. The admissions building for Dominican University was my great-grandparents home.

High quality design made approachable.

JENNIFER WUNDROW // JENNIFER WUNDROW INTERIOR DESIGN

JENNIFER WUNDROW INTERIOR DESIGN www.jenniferwundrow.com

// PERSIMMON.LIFE, INC.

Medical aesthetics services in the comfort of your own home or anywhere.

Have you started any trends in your industry? Yes. Our combination of concierge in-home and on-location medical aesthetics services is something the industry has never seen before, making it easier for people to access high-quality treatments in the comfort of their homes or other convenient locations. Additionally, we’ve pioneered a medical aesthetics training program that’s the first of its kind in the U.S., requiring our state-licensed nurse providers to pass a rigorous evaluation before certification.

How are you leading the way in your industry? We’re leading the way by transforming the medical aesthetics market through convenience, quality and technology. Our expansion into new markets like Phoenix and our ability to scale our in-home and on-location services using cutting-edge software technology show how we’re setting new standards in this space. Moreover, we’ve made it our mission to empower nurses with a flexible and rewarding career path, which is something our industry hasn’t offered before at scale.

What’s the most interesting new innovation you have come up with? Our proprietary telehealth system is a game-changer. It allows clients and providers to interact in a seamless, userfriendly environment for everything from booking appointments to post-care. This integrated platform is designed to

PERSIMMON.LIFE, INC.

100 Larkspur Landing Circle Ste. 115, Larkspur, CA 94939 help@persimmon.life

ensure that the entire process — from the initial consultation to follow-up — is efficient, secure and convenient for everyone involved.

Does your business have a unique history in the Bay Area? Persimmon was founded in the Bay Area and it’s where our business model took shape. We’ve always been deeply connected to the community here, offering our services and contributing to local events and partnerships.

What is it about your business that makes it a local trendsetter? Vivalon is a trendsetter by pioneering a holistic, communitycentered approach to aging services in Marin County, where adults aged 60-plus currently make up 30 percent of the population. Over the next decade, this figure is projected to rise to nearly 40 percent. The

JOE O’HEHIR

Vivalon

999 Third Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 415.456.9062 communications@vivalon.org www.vivalon.org /@vivalonmarin

opening of the Healthy Aging Campus in January 2024 not only meets the needs of this growing population, but redefines the aging experience by integrating affordable housing, health care and essential services, all in one location.

What sets you apart in your industry?

Unlike traditional older adult services, Vivalon addresses the social determinants of health to support healthy aging: nutrition, transportation and social connection. The Healthy Aging Campus is Marin’s first centralized “health hub” for older adults, setting it apart through its focus on aging equity — the concept that all older adults should have equitable access to resources, connections and services. Integrating the “social determinants of health” into care recognizes that well-being in older adults is shaped not only by medical needs but also by housing security, social support and accessible resources.

What’s the most interesting new service you have come up with? Built in partnership with Eden Housing and Marin Community Clinics, our innovative Healthy Aging Campus is a central hub for older adults that combines affordable housing, health services and community programs in a way that no other initiative has done before in Marin County. The campus provides 66 units of affordable housing, a medical clinic offering primary and mental health care and an integrated suite of services for healthy aging. By strategically leveraging these partnerships, the campus offers an unprecedented resource in Marin County.

A campus totally focused on healthy aging for Marin’s older adults.

JOE O’HEHIR // VIVALON

/ MURPHYMCKENNA CONSTRUCTION

Refinement at every stage, from start to finish.

What are you doing to stay connected with the local community?

At MurphyMcKenna, we take pride in supporting public radio as part of our commitment to fostering meaningful connections and shared values. Beyond our support for public radio, we are proud to contribute to causes that make a tangible difference, including Habitat for Humanity, City of Hope, We Can Help and the annual Haiti Scholarship Benefit. Together, we’re not just building homes but also hope, opportunities, and strong communities.

What’s the most interesting innovation you have come up with?

Recognizing the growing demand for custom metalwork in our residential projects, MurphyMcKenna has established a full-service architectural and decorative metal shop. This addition allows us to provide clients with seamless solutions for everything from initial conceptual designs to intricate, high-end finishes and large-scale installations. By bringing metalwork in-house, we have enhanced

our ability to execute complex designs while expanding the range of services available to our clients. This hands-on approach empowers clients to play an active role in the customization and creation of their home.

What separates your business from the pack? At MurphyMcKenna, we take a unique, client-focused approach to estimating. Our valueadded strategy emphasizes transparency and trust at every step. By prioritizing clear communication and detailed cost analysis, we build trust and align our estimates with the scope and vision of each project.

MURPHYMCKENNA CONSTRUCTION

125 Park Place, Ste. 200 Point Richmond, CA 94801 info@murphymckenna.com 510.778.9964 www.murphymckenna.com /@murphymckenna_construciton

CONSTANCE MUELLER // STUDIO CM INTERIOR DESIGN

Beautiful design can help you feel good about yourself and your home.

What unique products do you provide to help your clients enjoy beautiful living? We are big believers in mixing high and low. When appropriate we love integrating smart home technology. We have access to exclusive designer collections to add a touch of luxury to the space. Lighting design is one of our favorite things to do.

What makes your team a leader in the beautification industry? We have been successfully creating beautiful interiors for over 20 years with many repeat clients and pride ourselves on our innovative approach to design. We love to push the boundaries and present unique solutions and work closely with our clients making sure their homes reflect their individual style and needs. Attention to detail plays a big role in our approach: from start to finish, overall layout, color scheme to selection of furniture and decor. Our goal is to create a cohesive and stunning space that brings happiness and joy — and repeat business.

How are you helping clients to feel good about their home and themselves? We help our clients feel good by personalizing the design and understanding their preferences and needs. The design will be uniquely tailored to them and will include comfort and functionality. We provide our clients the opportunity to express themselves by incorporating elements that reflect their taste and show their identify.

Why is it important to feel good about yourself and your home? Satisfaction with the living environment can have a significant impact on mental health. A beautiful and well-designed home can also enhance confidence and evoke a sense of pride. You are more likely to invite others into your space and build relationships.

What new innovations do you offer? We are constantly exploring new innovations and trends. We offer 3D renderings upon request to help visualize and explore different layouts and finishes in order to make informed decisions and ensuring our clients are fully engaged. By staying at the forefront of industry trends and embracing new technology, we provide innovative and creative design services for our clients.

STUDIO CM INTERIOR DESIGN

2235 Beverly Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

312.925.8438

constance@studiocmllc.com www.studiocmllc.com /@constancemueller

ANDREE JANSHESKI // BELLAM SELF STORAGE & BOXES

Visit Bellam Self Storage & Boxes to receive your free copy of my book.

How my guide came to be.

Being involved in retail and selfstorage, I meet many people, all with different challenges: organizing, packing, storing and moving. I decided to write a book on how to begin the process of packing for different life situations, to minimize stress with maximum organization. I included many stories from the wonderful customers I have met and helped. The stories will make you smile, laugh and will touch a cord. My mother told me that I was born with my clothes folded.

Plan the set up for the new residence. Pack all items that will be moved to storage first; that keeps the process more functional. Then pack items that you want at the new residence but will

not need to use immediately. This keeps your current residence functional. The final days of packing will be for those items that have kept the old residence functional. Those items will be labeled “open me first” to be ready to access at the new residence.

Do you have items to donate? Plan a location for those items, making it easy to review your decisions. Be sure to pack family heirlooms and photo albums carefully and keep them sorted for easy sharing with the family.

DR. FAYE JAMALI // BELLE MARIN AESTHETIC MEDICINE

The luxury leader in minimally invasive aesthetic care.

What is it about your business that makes it a local trendsetter? We combine medical expertise with artistic precision to deliver natural-looking results. We are proud to have launched a comprehensive and completely personalized medically-assisted weight loss program, led by Dr. Jamali. We pair FDA-approved medication with cutting-edge truFlex treatments to not only help patients lose weight, but maintain and even build muscle mass. Additionally, we have many stateof-the-art lasers and energy-based devices to address a multitude of skin concerns. One of our favorites is the Secret RF Microneedling with Radiofrequency, which works wonders to stimulate collagen and elastin production.

What sets you apart in your industry?

Dr. Jamali approaches each patient’s care with this mantra in mind: “I would rather look older than weirder.” This philosophy embodies our practice’s commitment to achieving timeless, natural results. When patients walk through our doors, they are treated like family, with each visit designed to ensure their concerns are addressed with the utmost care and precision. We strive for every patient to leave feeling heard and more confident than when they came. This approach is what set us apart at Belle Marin.

Does your business have a unique history in the Bay Area? At Belle Marin we’ve become known in the Bay Area for providing aesthetic medicine with a touch of luxury. With a deep appreciation of art and aesthetics, we have built a reputation for offering personalized, high-end care while staying committed to innovation in this field. Beyond our services, we cherish our connection to the Bay Area, known for its culture of creativity and innovation. This environment inspires us to continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in aesthetic medicine, ensuring our patients receive worldclass care with a distinctly local touch.

250 E. Blithedale Avenue, Ste. B Mill Valley, CA 94941

415.887.8718

hello@bellemarin.com www.bellemarin.com /@bellemarin_medspa

KARYN HOLLAND // CITRINE

This truly unique shop is where fitness and fashion converge.

What is it about your business that makes you a local trendsetter? Our mission is to create a one stop “shop” where fashion, beauty, wellness and fitness all converge. It’s rare for you to find all of this in one space, where each element is dialed in and done well. While we leave it up to the community to decide, we definitely feel like we have accomplished our mission tenfold.

What sets you apart in your industry? There is something here for everyone at Citrine. We’ve built a true Wellness Collective inside of a fashion boutique and have a vastly experienced team that brings over 20-plus years experience to each of their fields. Our focus is on meeting individuals where they are at, no matter what their intention was in coming through our doors. We aim to help all newcomers find the fitness class meant for them, the perfect outfit for a special occasion or the aligned health service with a modality that fits their needs.

How are you leading the way in your industry? We integrate so many modalities in our classes; we are more unique than your average yoga or fitness class. You sign up to participate in your yoga classes, yet you also receive an energy healing in the process. Even in our strength classes you walk away inspired to show up in your day-to-day life renewed and restored. We bring soul to every class we offer and each connection we make here at Citrine.

489 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA 94939

415.755.4027

www.citrineca.com /@citrineca

What are you doing to stay connected with the local community? Three times per year, we showcase our class offerings and services at our community “Wellness Day” meant to highlight the magic we curate at Citrine. We offer free sample classes to try out and give discounts on services so that anyone may sample and discover that there truly is something for everyone. We also partner with local businesses during community events to ensure that our Citrine tribe benefits from all that’s happening on the street, like the Larkspur Wine Stroll and the Fourth of July Parade.

MARIA GIULIANI // COSENTINO

Engaging the San Francisco design community around quality materials and community.

How are you leading the way in your industry? As the City Center Manager for Cosentino San Francisco, I am proud to represent a company that consistently leads the way in sustainability, innovation and responsible practices within the surfacing and architectural materials industry. Cosentino is at the forefront of green initiatives, including the development of groundbreaking products like the new Silestone XM, which now features a mineral composition with less than

COSENTINO

101 Henry Adams Street, Ste. 130

San Francisco, CA 94103

415.805.7059

mgiuliani@cosentino.com www.cosentino.com /@cosentinocitysanfrancisco

10 percent crystalline silica. This innovation not only enhances workplace safety for fabricators and installers but also aligns with our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint.

What sets you apart in your industry?

Growing up in Argentina, a country rich in architectural heritage and vibrant cultural diversity, instilled in me a profound appreciation for design and creativity. This upbringing shaped my passion for architecture and design while also teaching me the importance of collaboration and community. Argentine culture, with its deep-rooted sense of friendliness, warmth and connection, celebrates the richness of its people and their ability to come together to create something extraordinary. These values have deeply influenced how I approach my work and relationships, always prioritizing meaningful interactions and a shared vision for excellence.

What are you doing to stay connected with the local community? At the Cosentino City Center, we’ve cultivated a hub where industry professionals, homeowners and students can come together to explore innovative materials, learn about sustainable practices and collaborate on transformative projects. Being the Director of Professional Development for ASID, it is important to me that we are constantly hosting workshops, design events and networking opportunities.

Looking for an edge in the Tahoe Truckee market? With 22-plus years of local expertise, I’m your trusted advisor for navigating this unique real estate landscape.

Passionate about the Tahoe lifestyle? My deep community roots and eco-conscious approach ensure you find not just a house, but the perfect home for your mountain adventures.

Curious about the market’s unique appeal? I bring unmatched knowledge of neighborhoods, outdoor lifestyles and year-round activities. Combined with tailored solutions and innovative marketing techniques, I help you discover a home that fits your vision.

Your trusted Tahoe Truckee real estate expert — local insight, expert guidance and a home tailored to your adventure.

CARMEN CARR

Engel & Völkers Truckee Tahoe

10091 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161 530.448.1643 | DRE #01399136

www.carmencarr.com

carmen.carr@evrealestate.com /@carmencarrrealestate

Managing your Tahoe Truckee journey from afar? I specialize in working with out-of-town buyers, offering seamless communication, virtual tours and personalized updates. My proactive approach ensures a smooth, stress-free experience tailored to your needs.

Why choose a community-focused agent? As Director of the Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors and founder of Mountain High BNI and Truckee Talkers Toastmasters, I foster connections and promote personal growth. My dedication reflects my passion for our community’s well-being.

Ready to turn your Tahoe Truckee real estate dreams into reality? Partner with me for thoughtful advice, tailored strategies and expert guidance every step of the way. Let’s find a home that matches your mountain lifestyle.

CARMEN CARR // ENGEL & VÖLKERS TRUCKEE TAHOE

THERA BUTTARO // SONOMA COAST LIVING REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Over 40 years of passion, integrity and community.

What is it about your business that makes it a local trendsetter? At Sonoma Coast Living, we’re redefining luxury coastal real estate by blending creativity, technology and a customer-first approach. Our bespoke end-to-end services, including property management with access to top vacation rentals, set new standards that clients treasure.

What sets you apart in your industry? Our commitment to a “customer first” work ethic drives everything we do. We connect buyers and sellers with exceptional luxury properties while offering unparalleled property management services. With over 80 vacation homes in our management portfolio, our dedication to outstanding service is evident in every interaction. My extensive local knowledge and experience allow me to guide clients in making informed decisions. I connect sellers and buyers who genuinely appreciate the quality lifestyle their homes offer. Ensuring a memorable real estate experience for both is what I work to achieve.

What unique qualities do you bring to your clients? My greatest assets are my extensive local knowledge and deep roots in the coastal community. Having lived in Bodega Bay for over 35 years, I understand the nuances of the area and its evolving real estate market. I facilitate transactions and connect clients with trusted service providers to enhance their homes post-sale. This personalized approach ensures that my clients feel supported every step of the way, extending after close of escrow.

SONOMA COAST LIVING REAL ESTATE SERVICES

575 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923

707.849.5241

www.sonomacoastliving.com /sonomacoastliving /@therabuttaro

DRE: #00610278

JENNIFER BOWMAN // BOWMAN REAL ESTATE GROUP

Experience matters — see what this trusted real estate group can do for you.

What is it about your business that makes it a local trendsetter? At Bowman Real Estate Group, we’ve redefined what it means to work in real estate by focusing on relationships, not transactions. Our personalized approach, backed by 40-plus years of experience, allows us to stay ahead of market trends while deeply understanding our clients’ needs.

What sets you apart in your industry? Our unique selling point is our commitment to building long-term relationships. Whether working with down-sizers, first-time buyers or those looking for a weekend retreat, we tailor our services to each client, offering market expertise, design consultation and a seamless transaction process.

How are you leading the way in your industry? We provide concierge-level service, including personalized market analysis, in-depth disclosure reviews and access to off-market opportunities. Our expertise in navigating complex negotiations and inspections ensures our clients feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Does your business have a unique history in the Bay Area? For over four decades, Bowman Real Estate Group has been a trusted partner in Marin and Sonoma counties. Our deep roots and market knowledge allow us to provide unparalleled service, helping generations of families find their perfect homes.

What are you doing to stay connected with the local community? We’re proud supporters of local initiatives like 100 Marin and Home for a Home. By participating in community events and sponsoring neighborhood activities, we stay closely connected to the vibrant communities we serve.

BOWMAN REAL ESTATE GROUP team@bowmanrealestategroup.com www.bowmanrealestategroup.com 1118 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA 94939 415.755.1040 /@bowmangroupmarin /@thebowmangroup DRE #01933147

ROXANNE ALBIN, MBA // APPLIED FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

A financial services company with a big heart.

Is there anything timely with your business? We officially formed our nonprofit on July 4th, and it’s been amazing to see the positive impact that spending time with animals has had on so many people. We’re excited about the opportunities this nonprofit brings, especially as we aim to adopt more animals and witness the healing they inspire. Looking ahead, we’re eager to expand our services and host more events focused on adoption and creating spaces for personal healing and connection.

Is there anything new that you’re planning that our readers can look forward to?

We’re excited about our plans to rescue more animals, just like Cowboy. Some of these animals will be adoptable, offering people the opportunity to meet and bring them into their homes, while others will remain at the ranch to help create meaningful connections for visitors. We also need your support to make this possible. You can help by volunteering, donating food, partnering with us or contributing through our Chewy and Amazon wish lists. Every bit of support makes a difference in providing these animals with the care and love they deserve.

Is there any new community engagement your business has participated in you’d like readers to know about? We’re excited to share that we’ve been hosting quarterly Farm Fest and Marketplace events. These gatherings bring our community together for fun activities, unique vendor opportunities and meaningful connections. Many of the vendors support our nonprofit mission and are eager to contribute to the farm’s growth. We’re also looking to expand our reach by collaborating with more local businesses and animal rescues. For example, Cowboy, one of our rescues, recently had a full eye exam at UC Davis, where he’ll also have his neutering done soon. These partnerships help us provide the best care for our animals while strengthening ties within our community. APPLIED FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. PO Box 687, Petaluma, CA 94953 415.246.1461

roxannealbin@appliedfinancialservices.com www.appliedfinancialservices.com /appliedfinancialservicesInc /appliedfinancial

A new location and new team member mean even better aesthetic care in Marin.

What is new in the beauty industry in Marin? Aesthetx, the top plastic surgery and aesthetics practice, is moving to a brand-new location in Drake’s Landing in January. With this move, Aesthetx has brought in the top injector in Marin, Andrea Frederick, to join the team.

What makes Aesthetx a leader in the aesthetics industry? At Aesthetx, a highly personalized integrated approach is at the heart of their philosophy. The team combines advanced surgical and nonsurgical techniques with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the human form, ensuring that every procedure is not only technically precise and scientifically backed but also artistically crafted in a personalized way.

Tell us why Aesthetx is the most difficult appointment to get in Marin? The doctors and providers that we have here train injectors from all over the country on their techniques and have long waitlists to get in to see them. Andrea Frederick, a well-known trainer in the aesthetics industry, has recently joined Aesthetx and her schedule is already booked out a few months. Specializing in full facial rejuvenation, she skillfully combines dermal fillers, biostimulators and neuromodulators like Botox to achieve balanced, natural results. Andrea’s commitment to fostering enduring relationships and personalized care has solidified her reputation as a trusted leader in aesthetic treatments.

Aesthetx is known for its prominent celebrity clientele and for incredible results. What makes it different? Aesthetx is focused on delivering a highly personalized combination

of surgical and nonsurgical interventions to provide our discerning clientele with transformational results. Celebrities and executives are looking for a way to improve their appearance in an undetectable way and the collaboration between surgical and nonsurgical allows this.

AESTHETX

300 Drake’s Landing, Ste. 100 Greenbrae, CA 94904

415.980.6414

marin@aesthetx.com www.aesthetx.com /@aesthetxmd @andrea.frederick.np

KELSAY ELIZABETH MYERS // DIALOGICAL PERSONA HEALING ARTS

For bold hearts on the road to transformation, embodiment and self-expression.

What is it about your business that makes it a local trendsetter? Transformation, empowerment and embodied self-expression come from each individual’s own way of navigating the world. Every person has their own stories, symbols, metaphors, objects and desires that make up their creative soul, direction and path to inner healing and wholeness. At Dialogical Persona, I help my clients to dance, define and dream the future on their own terms.

What’s the most interesting new service you have come up with? I’m offering a free online monthly workshop series called Embodying Stories to help people fully express, connect to and release different emotional patterns through their bodies. The first few are centered on expressions of grief, anger and hope, so we can be free to express all of ourselves.

DIALOGICAL PERSONA HEALING ARTS kelsay@dialogicalpersona.com www.dialogicalpersona.com /@dialogicalpersona /dialogicalpersona

What is it about you that makes you a local trendsetter? As a designer, I stand out as a woman of color and the founder of Casa Cita Rugs. Inclusion is an essential aspect of every project I design, and I want to continue to use my platform to uplift, mentor and provide opportunities for designers of color.

What sets you apart in your industry?

Casa Cita Rugs stands out as a unique brand in the industry. Founded by a Latin American woman, it brings traditional Mayan and Aztec influences to life through a modern lens, showcasing a deep commitment to heritage and craftsmanship. I’m excited to debut the Winter Capsule collection soon.

How are you leading the way in your industry. Through CRS Design Studio, I bring a personalized approach that prioritizes thoughtful, client-focused design. Additionally, my passion for blending heritage with modern aesthetics led me to create Casa Cita Rugs, a collection that embodies stories of culture and traditions. One-of-a-kind rugs

CRS DESIGN STUDIO AND CASA CITA RUGS

cita@crsinteriordesign.com www.crsinteriordesign.com www.therugfinder.com (for all rug inquiries) 408.314.1942

San Jose, CA @crs.design.studio @casacitarugs

CITA ROJAS-SILA // CRS DESIGN STUDIO AND CASA CITA RUGS

MARCH: INSIDE & OUT HOME

As the season of renewal, March is the perfect time to breathe new life into your property — inside and out. At Marin Living, we’re putting the spotlight on individuals and businesses that bring exceptional expertise to the worlds of home design, real estate and property enhancement.

Our readers — property owners, homebuyers and design enthusiasts — are eager to connect with the very best in interior design, architecture, construction, landscaping, real estate and staging. This is your opportunity to showcase your products and services with a dynamic advertorial profile that tells your story and highlights what sets you apart. With Marin Living, you’ll enjoy a robust marketing package that includes a custom profile we’ll design for you, a sponsored article on our website for a year, newsletter promotions to nearly 16,000 engaged email subscribers and social media exposure to our highly engaged audience.

www.marinlivingmagazine.com

going places.

HEALTHY NEW YEAR

Tips for aging well; discover technologically advanced wellness in Mexico; connect with the stars in a dark sky community.

Enjoy healthy meals at SHA Mexico’s Shamadi restaurant in Costa Mujeres.

OPTIMAL STATE OF MIND

From cell therapy to cryotherapy, silver bullet wellness is all the rage, but do technologically advanced treatments have lasting results?

By Casey Hatfield-Chiotti

EVEN AT NIGHT, SHA Mexico (from $5,770 for four nights; www.shawellness.com), a new wellness clinic and resort in Costa Mujeres about 30 minutes north of Cancun, is impossible to miss. The modern white structure towers over the mangrove forest below. From the airy lobby, I can smell and hear the murmur of the sea. Views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea are a constant companion during my stay. Not long after I turned 44, I started to feel less well. My immune system seemed vulnerable. My stomach felt

off. Headaches followed by brain fog were happening too regularly. I wondered if it was perimenopause, long Covid or perhaps something worse, but my bloodwork showed nothing to be concerned about. I still wanted to improve my health, so I booked a four-night Rebalance and Energize program at the resort, which is easily accessible via a five-hour flight from SFO.

Founded by a businessman who recovered from diagnosed serious ailment after adopting an anti-inflammatory diet and

Courtesy of SHA Mexico

therapies like Chinese medicine, SHA has been on the cutting edge of customized treatments since the first wellness resort opened in Spain’s Alicante province in 2008. We’re often told there is “no silver bullet” for fixing complicated problems, but that’s precisely what SHA treatments and methodologies claim to do. At SHA, visitors can be offered everything from biohacking to stem cell therapy, transcranial electrical stimulations to cryotherapy in the effort to stop the clock and feel better. Programs at SHA can last as long as 21 days.

I wake up groggy at 6:30 a.m. for my first appointment, an advanced preventative diagnosis where a nurse conducts a variety of tests to assess my current health state. I slip on a robe and go to the Health Screening Lab, a pristine white room with rectangular video screens that look like something from Brave New World; I go through a circuit that includes a 3D body scan, a cognitive test and an analysis of my nervous system.

My results show high physical stress, very typical after a long travel day, but my body composition is healthy. I was hydrated and have scored well cognitively. But as I feared, my antibodies are on the low side and there are some flags to watch regarding my thyroid.

The doctor, Diego Martinez Conde, a general practitioner with a focus on functional medicine, advises me to start looking into hormone replacement therapy. “It can be life-changing,” he says. I should take vitamin K, and he urges me to add more protein to my diet. I add an intravenous megadose of vitamin C to supercharge my immune system to my agenda here (intravenous therapies help combat micronutrition deficiency). I am looking forward to the array of treatments I have on my packed schedule.

Without a thought, I jumped into the calm turquoise seas and started swimming back to shore, feeling healthier than I had in months.”

The bullet train to wellness doesn’t come without some pain. During cell regeneration therapy, the tiny pinpricks I feel all over my legs and backside make my body feel incredibly restless. During cryotherapy, I start shaking uncontrollably after being exposed to extremely low temperatures for three minutes. The boost of energy I felt afterward, however, is worth the discomfort.

Many treatments are more enjoyable. I drift into a deep sleep during transcranial electrical stimulation and the Ageless Youth Facial using INDIBA technology is relaxing and effective. Using technology developed to help astronauts achieve

The hydrotherapy circuit at SHA Mexico

optimum energy levels, the integrated bioenergy assessment treatment stands out for how it combines Chinese and Western medicines. My therapist combs my head with an electromagnetic device and a graph pops up on a large computer screen. I am stunned as acupuncturist Miguel, tall with broad shoulders and kind eyes, relays the results. There are blockages in my spleen, gallbladder and pericardium, he says, which can result in gut and immune system issues and too much blood going from my heart to my head.

“Stop thinking too much. When we overthink, we worry, ‘Did I do the right thing’?” In other words, it’s a vicious cycle. The following day, Miguel uses acupuncture to clear my blocked energy pathways. “Chinese medicine is 3,000 years old, and it works,” he says.

Diet is one of the most transformational parts of the SHA experience. My SHA nutritionist adds probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut to my meals. She suggests I avoid alcohol, gluten and coffee during my stay. I start the day

with nourishing brown miso soup. Meals like a green plantain crepe topped with roasted squash and scallops with mango and garlic vinaigrette are delicious and easy on my stomach. I look forward to ending my night with apple kudzu tea (a relaxing remedy for insomnia made of apple juice, water and Japanese kuzu tree root) rather than a glass of red wine.

On my last morning, I walk out to the palapa at the end of the dock I can see from my ocean view room. I do several sun salutations and practice pranayama breathing. Without a thought, I jumped into the calm turquoise seas and start swimming back to shore, feeling healthier than I have in months. Whether it was the cryotherapy, the hydrotherapy circuit with mangrove views, the time to myself, or all of the above seems beside the point. I feel strong enough and better equipped to take on life’s next stage.

Courtesy of SHA Mexico

Incredible views from SHA Mexico’s infinity pool

MORE HYPER-PERSONALIZED WELLNESS AROUND THE WORLD

“MONK-LEVEL” MEDITATION

At Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai in Thailand, guests are immersed in the destination’s spirituality with temple visits and by participating in the Vipassana Deep Meditation wellness retreat. Vipassana meditation is a rigorous practice that trains the mind to enhance emotional well-being, awareness and concentration. Those looking

for something less intensive can try the Vipassana Awaken the Mind program. www.aleenta.com

GENETIC TESTING

The family who owns Buchinger Wilhelmi, a medi-spa with locations in Germany and Spain, believe longevity is a matter of conscious prevention, but there’s no doubt genetics can increase

our chance of developing chronic diseases. Genetic tests at the resort reveal inherited predispositions to cancer, cardiovascular disease, thrombosis and coagulation disorders, hypercholesterolemia, glaucoma and diabetes, and offer preventive measures to mitigate genetic risks. www.buchinger-wilhelmi.com

MENOPAUSE THERAPY

Amilla Maldives’ customized programs with visiting practitioners can include a five-day menopause journey helping women navigate the daunting challenge of perimenopause and menopause. With jungle and azure waters as a backdrop, women enjoy one-on-one consultations with a wellness coach, daily wellness activities, and treatments like reflexology, intuitive aroma massage and craniosacral, effective tools for adapting to biological changes in the healthiest way possible. www.amilla.com

OZONE AND STEM CELL THERAPIES

The wellness program at Four Seasons Resort Maui is a collaboration with the health optimization and longevity company Next|Health. Thus, treatments like ozone therapy, the separation and oxygenation of blood to encourage bio-rejuvenation, and exosome therapy, a form of stem cell therapy, are on the cutting edge of wellness therapies. The Next|Health Longevity Protocol, including ozone, stem cells, exosomes and NAD+, prepares participants for any life challenge. www.fourseasons.com

From top: Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai in Thailand; Four Seasons Resort Maui

STARRY, STARRY NIGHT

West Marin is embracing darker skies not just for aesthetics, but for the benefit of the environment.

By Caitlin Hamer

TO LOOK UP AT the night sky and be able to see the stars is becoming an increasingly rare occurrence. Recent studies indicate that worldwide, nights are getting 10 percent brighter every year. And in Marin, it’s estimated that our skies are growing 7 percent brighter annually. But a local group is working to keep skies dark, and the reasoning goes beyond an appreciation of astronomy.

Inspired by U.S.–based nonprofit DarkSky International, DarkSky West Marin (www.darkskywestmarin.com) is a community-led initiative dedicated to preserving the region’s night sky. But the impetus for supporting this cause isn’t just about seeing the stars; it’s also about the negative impact that artificial lights have on the environment. As Peggy Day, co-founder of DarkSky West Marin, explains, it all started in 2020 when she and co-founder Laura Arndt, both officers in the Point Reyes Station Village Association, were tasked with dealing with complaints about trespassing light, which are lights that shine beyond the boundaries of a property.

“And then we discovered how much the light was affecting all the animals and plants, affecting their growth

cycles,” says Day. “Even on the coast, lights that are next to a body of water affect the habits of the fish and the other wildlife.”

It was Arndt who eventually floated the idea of DarkSky designation, and their own regional gathering, originally known as DarkSky Point Reyes, soon took off. Today, the group is known as DarkSky West Marin, and they’re planning to file an application to DarkSky International for Dark Sky Place certification. The process includes making sure that 80 percent of lighting in the region conforms to specific guidelines: lights must be directed only to where they’re needed, on only when needed, no brighter than necessary, and warmly colored. This is achieved by replacing existing lights with DarkSky Approved lighting, and then the streetlights and private lights are inventoried to prove to DarkSky International that the region has met these guidelines. Day stresses that these are not policies, merely suggestions, and that the majority of private owners have been happy to make the changes. If the application proves successful, you’ll know when you see the signs — literally. Signs would be installed

in various places informing visitors that West Marin is a Dark Sky community.

“I’ve lived here more than 50 years, and I used to be able to see all the stars and the Milky Way and everything, but now there’s this huge dome of light coming from San Francisco and Highway 101,” says Day. “So I’m hoping our efforts spread.”

In the meantime, anyone hoping to partake in the benefits of darker nighttime can join in on some stargazing hosted by local astronomer Don Jolley. These events are held once a month on the Giacomini wetlands between the third quarter and new phases of the moon.

“There’s a contingent of faithful locals, as well as folks from as far away as Pacifica and Sonoma,” says Jolley. He teaches the names of planets, stars and constellations, but finds a deeper component to share as well: “Every human hope and fear, every ambition, every tale of delight and caution is recorded and expressed in the stories of the stars.”

The Milky Way as seen over Lake Nicasio in the Nicasio Valley.