Skimbaco Lifestyle: Wellness + Wanderlust issue

2016

WELLNESS & WANDERLUST

HEY THERE! WE DO THINGS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENTLY HERE. SKIMBACO LIFESTYLE DIGITAL MAGAZINE IS ADVERTISER-FREE AND BROUGHT TO YOU BY US. US = BUNCH OF SUPER COOL FOLKS, WHO MET ONLINE. AND IN REAL LIFE TOO. THIS IS A PASSION PROJECT WHERE WE PRETTY MUCH JUST WANT TO SHOW YOU WHAT WE DO. NOW, THAT SOUNDS NICE, DOESN’T IT? YOU COULD EVEN... JOIN US.

PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

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PHOTOS: KATJA PRESNAL

FROM THE EDITOR | KATJA PRESNAL Hello my friend! I am so excited to bring you this Wellness + Wanderlust issue of Skimbaco Lifestyle.

A lot has changed since our last issue. Our family has moved countries twice first from Sweden to New York, and then from New York to Nova Scotia, Canada.

I have focused on taking charge of our wellness and continuing the wanderlust lifestyle we’ve always lived.

Skimbaco Lifestyle has gone through changes too. The biggest changes were

ENJOY LIFE diffuser jewelry collection, and joining Young Living as independent distributors. They both launching our own product line, the

align with our mission to inspire living life to the fullest, and give YOU the ability to enhance your life, and also to join our team. My personal passion has always been to help others, and this allows me to help people to take charge of their wellness and create a way to make extra income (maybe for travels?).

We also welcomed the wedding photographer couple Brooke and Wilhelm Genn of

Nomadic Newlyweds as part of our team. I could not be happier to work

with this power couple.

Read more why we are crazy about essential oils, and how to add wellness into your everyday, even when traveling. From spa trends to recipes we found from wellness destinations around the world, we have it all covered. And in true Skimbaco fashion, we have plenty of travel ideas for you too!

Namast’ay enjoying life.

Pictured: Visiting Bali with our daughter Gabriella.

My husband Matt and I Owner | Editor-in-Chief in West Sweden.

Skimbaco Lifestyle

Katja Presnal

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Fashion & Wanderlust: Enjoy Life jewelry traveled to Sedona, Halifax, Kansas City and Savannah.

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DIY recipes inspired by spa destinations around the world

Community: Featured Skimbacoer

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Lifestyle: The safest luxury car in the world comes with a free trip to Europe

Health: Spa and Wellness lifestyle trends.

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Travel: West Sweden

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READY TO ELOPE? Win a free dream couples photography session in Europe! Worth $5,000!

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SPECIAL FEATURE: WELLNESS + SPA TRENDS AND DIY WELLNESS RECIPES FROM AROUND THE WORLD STARTING FROM PAGE 31

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Travel: guest cycling gains grounds as a popular luxury hotel amenity

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Health: Essential oils - are they safe?

Can I really cook with them?

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Food: Lavender Pear Tart Recipe

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Community: My Skimbaco Moments

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Health: 8 Reasons to Join Young Living

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Special offer: free gift with a purchase

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Shop: shop our cover

Food: Lemon Haddock Recipe 6

SKIMBACO TEAM KATJA PRESNAL | Editor-in-Chief/Owner | Nova Scotia, Canada Born in Finland, but left almost twenty years ago to travel the world with the love of her life and their three children. Founded Skimbaco Lifestyle in 2007 to inspire living life to the fullest.

INSTAGRAM: skimbaco | katjapresnal

brooke Genn | Editor & Photographer | USA Creative and adventurous. International photographer and travel writer whose imagery draws you in and plants your feet on the cobblestone in whichever foreign town she and her husband are exploring. Prone to spontaneity, likely to set sail on a moments notice and always takes the road less traveled.

INSTAGRAM: nomadicnewlyweds wilhelm Genn | Couples Getaway Expert & Photographer | USA Style-savvy adventure & travel lover. Foodie and one half of the husband & wife photography team, Nomadic Newlyweds. He loves to scope out local brews wherever he visits & swears by staying up late, or rising early, enough to experience each city without the hustle of the crowds.

INSTAGRAM: nomadicnewlyweds WES HOLLAND | Luxury Lifestyle Writer | NYC, New York, USA

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Wes is a luxury lifestyle writer based in New York and the founder of Life Through Preppy Glasses He is the head of marketing and creative strategy for a top-producing luxury real estate team in NYC and the Hamptons. Wes can often be found enjoying a glass of champagne or checking out the hottest spots in the city.

INSTAGRAM: wes_holland | skimbacofashion SATU VĂ„NSKĂ„-WESTGARTH | Project Manager | Norway Satu left her marketing career in Finland early 2009 to travel the world with her kayak, bike and skis. These days she is living in a dream destination with a dream job as a Nordic Manager for 50 Degrees North designing arctic high-end holidays for others, and with a home in the Norwegian mountains.

INSTAGRAM: todestinationunknown

AND CONTRIBUTORS LEIGH HINES | Luxury Travel Writer | North Carolina, USA Obsessed with luxury hotels, likes healthy living and loves afternoon tea. Former TV journalist. Southern girl who loves everything European. Thinks a good luxury hotel is a destination of its own. Mother of two. Founder of Hines Sight Blog.

INSTAGRAM: hinessightblog isabella presnal | Vlogger | Canada Isabella has a YouTube channel: AVloggingGirl. She has lived in five different countries and despite her young age, has traveled more than some ever will. Currently a student, and holds the executive production manager position for her school’s student news broadcast while studying for the International Baccalaureate diploma.

INSTAGRAM: avlogginggirl tasha elkins | Travel Blogger | Oklahoma, USA "I have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering. I work in Oil & Gas. I refuse to let either of those things define me or keep me from my passion - travel,” says Tasha , who has dedicated her free-time to finding ways of making traveling feasible while having a day job. All of her tips & trips can be found at her site Travel Part Time.

INSTAGRAM: weekendretreats jessica hall | Style & Lifestyle Blogger, Style Consultant | Ohio, USA Jessica is the founder of Armoire Answers, a blog about style, life and travel, and the CEO of Armoire Consulting a wardrobe consulting service that tailors to men, women, and corporate clients. She is best known for her classy, yet edgy style and bubbly personality.

She’s also a proud puppy mom to her 3 year old Havanese, Bruti!

INSTAGRAM: halljessicalynn mika MCGINNIS | Lifestyle Blogger | Kansas City, Missouri, USA Mika is a fashion-forward, twenty-something midwest gal with big dreams! She’s the creator and blogger behind Layers And Lipstick as well as a passionate wedding photographer and videographer. Her obsessions include - but surely aren’t limited to: yoga pants, Mexican food and her adorable pup Luther Nash.

INSTAGRAM: layersnlipstick

LIVE Petite Crystal Hand Knotted Strand Turquoise Lava Bead & Tan Leather Tassel Diffuser Necklace ($108) gives you a stylish way to wear your essential oils!

FASHION + WANDERLUST Editor: Brooke Genn

PHOTO: BROOKE GENN

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The ENJOY LIFE diffuser jewelry collection is so versatile that it looks good in any landscape or city scene. Casual jewelry that's easily dressed up or down is ideal for travelers. A few versatile, easy to pack items go a long way! For the cherry on top, add your favorite essential oils and let the lava beads and luxurious leather diffuse the aromas all day!

Join us for a fun tour de fashion in Sedona, Halifax, Kansas City and Savannah.

PHOTOS: BROOKE GENN

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JESSICA IN SEDONA, ARIZONA PHOTOS: BROOKE GENN

Recently, I had the pleasure of taking a trip to Sedona, Arizona with two of my lovely girlfriends!

I embarked upon my first-ever hike at the Devil's Bridge Trail, and can't recommend it enough. This experience is exhilarating and the vistas (at nearly 5,000 feet) are remarkable. The trail is just enough of a challenge for newbies, and the arch at the end of the trail is totally worth it and AWESOME for photos! I recommend venturing out early in the morning to avoid large crowds and scorching temps!

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Our weekend was full of adventure, food and fashion.

While packing for this getaway I didn't stray too far from my usual, neutral, colors…

Instead, I added some "desert inspired” accessories to each of my looks!

One of my favorites was wearing a black bandana tied around the neck, it evoked those western vibes I was aiming for. I paired that with my versatile “Wear Your Courage” wrap bracelet, a classic black leather watch, my favorite torn white jeans from “Flying Monkey” and my oversized olive cardigan!

For another Sedona-inspired look, I paired a French braid and pink lip with my long choker necklace. The choker gave my simple outfit the flare it needed and my pink lip gave me a perfect pop of color.

PHOTO: BROOKE GENN 15

My Wear Your Courage Black Leather Diffuser Wrap Bracelet/Lariat with Lava Bead ($41) goes with everything.

Check out from the last page of the magazine how to get it free as a gift!

HALLJESSICALYNN P H O T O : B R O O K E G E N N16

The Wear Your Courage Leather Diffuser Wrap Bracelet/Lariat with Turquoise Lava Bead ($41) is one of my go-to accessories. I prefer it as a necklace, but love how it also turns into a bracelet.

Try this “Atlantic Breeze” essential oil blend: Young Living’s Lime, Peppermint and Northern Lights Black Spruce mixed.

SHOP AT SKIMBACOLIFESTYLE.COM USE COUPON:

MAGAZINE10 TO GET 10% OFF EXP. 9/30/16 NOT VALID WITH OTHER PROMOTIONS

ISABELLA IN NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA 18 PHOTOS: KATJA PRESNAL

The Atlantic Canada has brisk weather, even during summer. I love it, it feels cozy to me. When the sun shines — everyone is out and having a great time, soaking up the rays. The sunshine is celebrated like a special guest, as it should be.

A good windbreaker, trench coat or a raincoat is amust. While Halifax actually is quite fashionable, it is filled with hipsters, and fashion-wise, pretty much everything goes. I wear my Converse with everything here, they fit perfectly in the landscape and the style of the city,

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One of the best things about living in Halifax is the surrounding nature, and great day-trip destinations. I love going to Peggy’s Cove fishing village year round to chill out and watch the sunsets.

AVLOGGINGGIRL

PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

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The turquoise

2GETHER Silver Hand Forged Hoop Diffuser Earrings ($47) with turquoise lava beads really pop against my pink top.

MIKA IN KANSAS CITY PHOTO: BROOKE GENN

Midwest summers can be sultry! For someone who has lived here in the Midwest my entire life I am always looking for lightweight fabrics that can be breezy from sun up to sun down.

Downtown Kansas City is full of fashion and inspiration!

I am a fan of the Downtown City Market - who doesn't love to support locals? Between the gorgeous flowers, homegrown vegetables and bakes goods, one of my favorite things to do! I am always trying to find a place with great ambiance and a unique experience - if you love pizza as much as I do, you have to try Il Lazzrone's! Their authentic Neapolitan pizza has me obsessed - I highly suggest it!

P H O T O : K A T J A P R E S N22 AL

It doesn't matter what you wear, Downtown Kansas City is a very causal scene and yet, there are certainly spots for a formal night out as well! Toss on a simple sundress and go for pizza or suit up for a five-star steak house - KC has it all!

Floral patterns are really in this summer - I love to pair them with a bright color and always aim for an outfit that transitions well from day to night.

PHOTOS: BROOKE GENN

LAYERSNLIPSTICK

So many different ways to wear the same necklace/bracelet!

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Savannah is a vibrant city, rich with history and character‌ Becoming aquatinted with the towns’ quirky personality, I wander the cobblestone streets beneath sturdy old oak trees, draped in romantic blankets of Spanish moss, until I reach Morrell Park at the rivers edge. An elegant sailboat is docking beside two stately yachts and visitors are stirring about the riverwalk with excitement.

While Southern style usually has a crisp and preppy vibe, the fashion tone in Savannah is as bit more eclectic. Home to SCAD (world renowned art & design college) and graced by over 13 million visitors each year, this is a city where any trend goes.

BROOKE IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA PHOTO: WILHELM GENN

The summer sun is relentless and Savannah, while seductively charming in most ways, is sweltering. I’ve based my neutral tee and white shorts ensemble almost entirely off the fact that it’s the breeziest option in my carry-on, but I’ve made sure to add a bit of pizazz and interest to the outfit with my brown toned geode necklace ($90)

PHOTOS: WILHELM GENN

Taking a peek into the past by wandering into the various vintage shops about the Historic District is a fun way to spend a morning in Georgia’s oldest city!

Along the way I find endless lush green squares created around stunning statues and trickling fountains - as I feel inclined, I claim a bench and enjoy breaks beneath the trees.

After, it’s lattes at the oh-so-Pinterest-worthy Paris Market before chowing down on a burger at The Green Truck!

PHOTO: BROOKE GENN

FEATURED SKIMBACOER

NAME: CHARLI I’M FROM: NORFOLK, UK P R O F E S S I O N : T R AV E L BLOGGER LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST MEANS TO ME: THAT I AM ALWAYS LEARNING MY LIFE CHANGED WHEN I REALIZED: THAT IT WAS OK TO BE SCARED, BUT IT WAS IMPORTANT NOT TO LET FEAR DICTATE MY DECISIONS M Y F AV O R I T E D E S T I N A T I O N S : S T K I T T S & N E V I S , S A N T O RINI, AND WANAKA, NZ I D R E A M O F T R AV E L I N G T O : B O R A B O R A & I C E L A N D

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SKIMBACO

SPA & WELLNESS LIFESTYLE TRENDS AND DIY RECIPES INSPIRED BY WELLNESS DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD.

EDITOR: KATJA PRESNAL PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

Whether you are a lover of luxury spas, world travels or staying at home, we have the tips for you. There is one thing for sure: being healthy and taking care of yourself is always good for you no matter where you are.

We gathered an extensive list of spa and healthy living trends to make sure there is something for YOU – whether you are at work, home or trotting the globe or whether you are alone, with your kids or with your spouse.

Yes... Some ideas are fancy and luxurious, but some will actually help you save money. Scroll forward on the magazine, and we will also share how we stole some tricks from our favorite destination spas, and created easy DIY-versions for you to enjoy them at home too.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR WELLNESS

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WELLNESS FOR CHILDREN 33 PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

Special thanks to Spafinder Wellness, Inc. for a comprehensive trend analysis. Their 2016 Forecast is based on ongoing surveys of, interviews with, and visits to the 25,000-plus wellness providers in the Spafinder Wellness 365 network. Thank you also for Lippe Taylor, the leading communications agency that specializes in motivating women to buy, act and engage, and HealthyWomen, the nation’s leading independent health information source for women. They together examined whether women are taking a more hands-on approach to managing their health.

The toxic chemicals in normal personal care products, poor diets, constant stress, and too much screen time are taking their toll on kids. It’s time to focus how to teach healthy habits for kids, and get them set up for wellness lifestyle.

Luckily, schools and wellness industry are starting to pay more attention to children’s wellness needs and health education. You can find more kid-focused yoga classes, massage for toddlers, wellness-centric family vacations, or just an emphasis on organic healthy foods in families’ everyday diets.

One of the leading travel trends with the kids is also taking only one child for a trip at the time. These one parent-one child trips can be more meaningful and allow full attention to one child only.

OUR EXPERIENCE: I have been taking our children on special trips, and when one of our daughters turned 13, I took her to Bali. In Bali, we spent a mommy & daughter spa day at the Westin Nusa Dua, and took thai chi and yoga classes together, authentic Balinese cooking classes, and biked around the Nusa Dua beach.

The wellness, culture and culinary focused trip was life changing for our daughter, and also inspired permanent change in our everyday life.

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DIY WELLNESS

According to the HealthyWomen/Lippe Taylor Women’s Health Behavior Index 72% of women surveyed identify themselves as health DIY-ers. Women are taking a more hands-on approach to managing their health by doing their own research, using alternative medicine like essential oils, making decisions about over-thecounter medication for themselves or their families or using monitoring devices. As high as 90% of women said they search for medical information online before seeing a health care professional. Over half of the women still self-treat or medicate based on their online research instead go see a doctor.

One of the big trends in DIY health care is the increasing use of wellness apps.

Millions of American consumers are already doing video consultations with doctors, and using their smartphones as health tools. The shift has already been happening and the download of health care apps have doubled since 2013 according to Price Waterhouse Coopers. You can get on-demand massages from Zeel, get your own health coach from Vida and $49 digital doctor visits from Walgreens.

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Hand-in-hand with the time-saving new wellness apps, ondemand massages and DIY health care comes home spa with DIY beauty products. Pinterest is full of DIY beauty product recipes of sugar scrubs and oatmeal masks – and how to use coconut oil in 50 different ways as a beauty product.

Women are not just making body scrubs at home, but also whipping their own anti-aging creams and mixing essential oil blends and learning to perform raindrop technique massage.

Women have realized that treatments that typically were available only spa luxury at luxury spas can now be created at home for the fraction of the price.

OUR EXPERIENCE: I am a big believer in common sense approach on personal health care. However, several years ago I thought I had anxiety, but it ended up being pulmonary embolism. It taught me not to ignore symptoms, and be more tuned into my body and book that appointment if any doubts.

Several of our team members also use Young Living essential oils and other natural products to maintain wellness, including me. Our diffusers are diffusing soothing blends, and we experiment with DIY beauty regimens.

DIY home spa has become more of a lifestyle than a rare splurge, and the Young Living membership and Essential Rewards program makes the “oily lifestyle” affordable and helps you to save 24% off prices. Read more at Enjoy Life with Oils website.

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MIXING THE ADRENALINE RUSH WITH ZEN TIME

Après-skiing is an old concept many associate with cocktails and partying after the day at the slopes. The new trend is combining high-octane adventures topped off with “après-adrenaline” relaxation at spas, resorts and wellness retreats. There is actually science behind why this seemingly paradoxical contrast can be addictive: adrenaline rushes followed by “Zen” relaxation uniquely reset and quiet the brain, and result in the most blissed-out relaxation.

OUR EXPERIENCE: Our team member Satu biked the entire Wild Atlantic Way, the coastal road of Ireland, and took relaxing spa breaks like stopping at the Kilkee Thalassotherapy Centre, a family run health spa, in one of Ireland’s oldest holiday resorts, Kilkee, Co. Clare, for hot seawater seaweed bath.

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SURFING FOR EVERYONE

Surfing has become mainstream, especially with its spinoffs like standup paddle boarding (SUP), and it is fast becoming a new wellness travel genre. The spinoffs like SUP can also found on rivers and lakes, like in Austin, Texas. Many luxury hotels with wellness programs and spas now also offer surfing classes. There is also an explosion of welcoming all-female surf retreats, and a new wave of surfsimulating fitness classes and wave-simulating surfing parks.

OUR EXPERIENCE: Our team member Satu has been surfing in Ireland, and while you might not think of Ireland as a surf-destination, it is very popular among tourists, especially along the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route. Satu says the long coastline offers perfect training places for beginners and more demanding spots for the adrenaline hunters with more surfing experience.

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SEXUAL WELLBEING

PHOTO SAINT HOTEL

Sexual wellbeing is an important aspect of health. New sophisticated sexual wellbeing programming at wellness retreats, spas, and fitness studios are trending. Everything from new high-tech sex fitness trackers and “toys,” to touch therapies and sex-forward hotels.

OUR EXPERIENCE: If attending a sex retreat seems over the top, book a weekend away with your loved one in a luxury hotel – and never leave the room. Our hotel expert Leigh Hines recommends boutique hotels like the Autograph Collection Hotels with Marriott. A great hotel that exudes romance is The Saint Hotel in New Orleans – they even have suites with the theme, “Play Naughty, Sleep Saintly.” The hotel rooms are decorated with luxurious fabrics and with exotic furnishings. Stepping into that hotel room immediately takes you out of your normal routine and is an escape from regular life.

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ANCIENT TREATMENTS

PHOTO: BROOKE GENN

In many ways wellness is going back to basics, and with this I mean, back to ancient healing wisdom. Ayurvedic healing treatments of India are trending globally and after thousands of years healing indigenous peoples, the ancient Mexican practice of temazcal is the latest manifestation of travelers seeking out native, authentic wellness offerings. Temazcal is an elaborate ritual in which a trained shaman uses heat, steam, aromatic herbs, and ancient prayers and chants to connect guests with forces of the physical and spiritual world.

OUR EXPERIENCE: Brooke and Wilhelm visited Naay Spa, a relaxing Mexican themed spa with a mix of traditional and alternative spa therapies, including the Temazcal soothing rituals, during their stay at the El Dorado resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

One a side note, the Naay Spa also offers the Delicious Chocolate therapy, which is a stimulating treatment rich in minerals and smooth, nourishing cocoa butter. The food-inspired spa treatments have also been trending.

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The AWAY spa at the W Retreat & Spa Bali Seminyak offers spa packages specifically for men. What a better way to feel refreshed than with a package known as “I Love you Man”?

Luckily, I found a way to create a Baliinspired spa treatment at home without the long flight to Indonesia.

Start with a skin exfoliation scrub with aromatic spices of black pepper and cinnamon. You can rev-up your engine with Balinese secret to vitality Lanang Bagus (“Hot Hunk” in Balinese) and overtake aging with this treatment.

Black pepper has a crisp aroma that is comforting and energizing. It is soothes muscle discomfort following exercise. The Cinnamon Bark creates a soothing, relaxing sensation.

An essential oil-based facial scrub is an easy way to cleanse while feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Some of us will not be traveling to Bali, however, that does not mean we have to miss out on great spa treatments.

BY WES HOLLAND

DESTINATION: W RETREAT & SPA BALI SEMINYAK, INDONESIA

PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

WES_HOLLAND

Luxury Black Pepper + Cinnamon Body Scrub for Men 3 tablespoons of sea salt 1 drop Young Living Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil 1 drop Young Living Black Pepper Essential Oil 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil like almond or avocado oil Mix well. Store in an airtight container.

PHOTO:KATJA PRESNAL

When you satiate your wanderlust with adrenaline fueled adventure, you’ll probably need to refuel! A smoothie can be a nutrient powerhouse, but who knew it could taste like a sin?

Summer Sanders, CEO + Founder of Local Juicery, Sedona, Arizona, has agreed to share with us her prized recipe for her lustful “Mint Chip” smoothie. Residents of Sedona & tourists alike flock to Local Juicery to sample all of the guilt-free goodies & cold pressed juices.

The “Mint Chip” smoothie doesn’t just make for a great refuel though, it also makes for a decadent dessert. This is due to its healthful ingredients uncanny ability to perfectly mimic a Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake, sans the dairy. To add to this beneficial smoothie, utilize an ingestible Peppermint essential oil, such as Young Living’s Peppermint Vitality. It’ll easily turn this clean-eating smoothie into a tummy soothing treat & aid in digestion.* Skipping dessert to stay healthy just became a myth. *Not evaluated by FDA. Young Living Peppermint Vitality is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

BY TASHA ELKINS

DESTINATION: LOCAL JUICERY, SEDONA, ARIZONA

PHOTO: BROOKE GENN

Mint Chip Smoothie 2 cups almond milk (homemade preferred!)

2 tablespoon almond butter 1 handful fresh mint or 2 drops of Young Living's Peppermint Vitality Essential Oil* 1 handful fresh spinach 1 large frozen banana 3 ice cubes (optional) 1 pinch of sea salt 2 dates, pitted 1 tablespoon cacao nibs Blend & Savor! So what are you waiting for? It’s not every day you find a recipe that satisfies your stomach & eases your mind.

WEEKENDRETREATS 44 PHOTO: BROOKE GENN

Nordic meets Oriental at the luxurious Upper House Spa in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The spa, lounge and the gym span on three stories and at the 20th-floor spa you can enjoy stunning views of the green city and the iconic Liseberg amusement park right from the sauna and the pools. For those who are not scared of heights, there is even a glass floor pool above the city.

The spa offers self-administered spa rituals packages for face or body, and you will get a bag with goodies for your visit.

I learned more the body peel with mineral salt, essential oils and warm oil that helps you to remove dead skin cells, and gives intense nourishment. You’ll first feel relaxed, but end up feeling energized. This is my new to-go treatment at home, I love how it feels, and how soft it leaves my skin.

Start with a shower, then rub the Himalayan Salt Peel all over your body. Cover with a towel and leave on up to half an hour, then rinse off with warm water.

BY KATJA PRESNAL

DESTINATION: UPPER HOUSE SPA, GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN

PHOTO KATJA PRESNAL

Himalayan Salt Peel 4 tablespoons of Himalayan Salt 1 tablespoon of Coconut Oil or Almond Oil 2 drops of Young Living Lavender Essential Oil 1 drop of Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil Mix ingredients and enjoy!

This will leave your skin feeling so refreshed!

SKIMBACO

PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

Charlotte, North Carolina is home to Starwood’s luxury The Spa at Ballantyne. This four star resort’s spa has the exclusive Carolina Lavender Treatment Spa series, using local, organic harvested lavender from York, South Carolina. With the Carolina Lavender Body Wrap, spa guests experience luxury exfoliation with a lavender sugar scrub followed by a hydrating lavender shea butter. This 50-minute treatment is the ultimate in spa luxury and is followed by a cup of Lavender tea.

Skincare experts at The Spa at Ballantyne recommend body exfoliation at home once a week between spa visits. Exfoliation works best if you do the scrub with your body dry then rinse off using no soap. Follow up with a hydrating lotion like a natural lavender lotion.

BY LEIGH HINES

DESTINATION: THE SPA AT BALLANTYNE, CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 47 PHOTO: BALLANTYNE

HINESSIGHTBLOG

Luxury At-Home Lavender Sugar Scrub 3/4 cup of sugar 1/4 cup of vegetable oil (1 teaspoon coconut oil) 6-8 drops of Young Living Lavender Essential Oil Mix well. Store in an airtight container.

White sugar works the best for face because it’s thinly granulated. We recommend mixing a little bit of coconut oil because it makes skin so soft.

Almond or avocado oils work the best, but if you only have olive oil on hand, go for it.

PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

Sunrise. Seaside. Couples massages.

The Naay Spa at Casitas Royale in Riviera Maya, Mexico couldn’t have spoiled us more...

The morning was absolutely silent apart from the rustle of the palms, the discreet daybreak song of the birds, and the crashing of the waves against the shore.

We had the El Dorado Casitas Royale resort to ourselves, it was paradise at it's absolute finest. We drifted in and out of sleep with the rhythm of the sea, the therapeutic art of the masseurs and the relaxing scent of lavender and rosemary oils... If there were only a single aspect of our luxurious all-inclusive trip to Mexico we'd recommend that you not miss - this is it.

With fresh mimosas in hand, we stopped back by the spa to savor a few more moments of tranquility.

If you can book a trip to an El Dorado resort, go. In the mean time, use this recipe to enjoy a tropically inspired massage at home with your spouse.

BY WILHELM GENN

Relaxing DIY Massage Oil 7 drops Rosemary essential oil 7 drops Tea Tree essential oil 5 drops Lavender essential oil 3 drops Orange essential oil fractionated coconut oil Add the essential oils in a 4 oz dark glass jar. Fill the remainder of your jar with fractionated coconut oil, fasten the lid and roll between your palms to blend.

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THE SAFEST LUXURY CAR IN THE WORLD COMES WITH A FREE TRIP TO EUROPE TEXT & PHOTOS: KATJA PRESNAL

PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

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SAFETY FIRST. ALWAYS. Volvo has been proving year after year how to make impossible possible with a safety invention after another one. We traveled to West Sweden to hear the latest. You too can get a free trip to Sweden with the Volvo Overseas Delivery program. We love the program so much, that

we’ve ordered two Volvos

this way!

When I became pregnant with our first child, I knew I had to buy the safest car on the market: a Volvo.

Volvo focuses in safety like no other car manufacturer in the past or today. Volvo invented the 3-point seat belts in 1959, was the first car company providing side airbags, laminated windshields and rear-facing car seats for children. Volvo still holds the patents for their inventions, but wanted to share them with all car manufactures to provide safety to everyone, not just for Volvo-drivers. We also have Volvo to thank for the roll-over-protection system for SUVs, for blind spot detection and pedestrian detection with full auto brake among other safety and environmental innovations.

The Swedish car company also invented the integrated booster seat built right into the seat. I cannot even tell how many times I have been thankful for eliminating the need of two car seats on the backseat.

For parents who can't see themselves driving a mini-van and have three children in the car seat-age at the same time, this is life changing. Speaking of Volvo's slogan "Volvo for life" - it truly has a dual meaning. Your Volvo will last for life - and it will save your life too. Volvo is so focused in building safe cars, that their new company vision that by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car.

53 PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

HONESTLY, "SAFETY" IS ONLY HALF THE TRUTH. VOLVO IS EVERYDAY LUXURY.

I remember sitting inside a V70 at IAA, the Frankfurt Motor Show, the largest car show in Europe, and feeling bliss. The car show was so loud, but the second I closed the car door, there was silence inside the car. Volvo works really hard to balance that you hear just the right amount from outside (they could make the car completely sound-proof, but that would not be safe, now would it?).

Inside the new XC90 and S90 is the Bowers & Wilkins sound system that gives you a concert hall-quality music experience right in your car.

No, really. You can set the sound-system to sound like the acoustics in the Gothenburg concert hall.

The Volvo S90 2017.

The new XC90 is one helluva luxury SUV that makes any car enthusiast drool. As a wagonlover myself, I am obsessed with the V90, coming next year, and the S90 sedan is simply sexy, and competes not just with BMW and Mercedes-Benz but also with Jaguar and Porsche. The Volvo S90 will be the first car in the United States to offer Semi-Autonomous driving technology as standard. Yes, you read that right. The Volvo Pilot Assist allows the car to speed up, slow down, brake and steer at speeds up to 80 MPH. Now: top that with a car-shopping experience like no other with a free trip to Europe.

54 PHOTO: VOLVO CARS

PHOTOS: KATJA PRESNAL

VOLVO OVERSEAS DELIVERY & FACTORY TOUR IN GOTHENBURG As advertised, you will get: - Two round-trip tickets to Scandinavia.

- One night at the Hotel Post in Gothenburg.

- Lunch and factory tour at the Volvo factory.

- Home shipment services to your U.S. Volvo dealer - all paperwork taken care of!

How it works: - You order a new Volvo car from a Volvo dealer and opt for the Overseas Delivery.

- They will book your flights to Europe for you.

- You plan your trip & pick your car in the Volvo Factory.

- You can drive your new Volvo on your vacation.

- You drop your Volvo in an authorized shipping place, and the next time you will see it in your home dealer.

This is simply the most amazing car shopping experience you will ever have, and I cannot recommend it enough. My only tip is that you start planning it ahead of time, especially if you are perhaps trading a car in. It will take a few months from your order date to the day you will receive your car. If you are financing your new Volvo, you will also have to start making payments before the delivery date. For most people this is not a problem, but worth to mention from the financial planning point.

All of the fees are included in the initial purchase price, and you will not have any surprise fees when you pick up your Volvo or when you drop it off in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The Factory Delivery Experience in Gothenburg is a must for any Volvo-fan, we just did it the first time this summer. We have had our Overseas Delivery Volvos shipped to other European locations (for extra charge).

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There are 13 possible pick up spots around Europe, including Paris, Brussels and Copenhagen. We picked ours in diplomat sales point in Germany, and the second one in Helsinki, Finland. If you are driving in Europe for the first time, Scandinavia is the safest place to start (just be prepared for slow driving and roundabouts), and Sweden is gorgeous.

You will get the free hotel stay at the Hotel Clarion Post, free private car service from the airport to the hotel, and to pick up your new car in Gothenburg.

The Volvo staff in Gothenburg will make you feel like part of the family, and you will realize your car is so much more than just a vehicle. You will receive white-glove treatment at the factory, and learn more about your new car than any dealer has ever showed you.

Of course, I also loved shopping for the official fan-gear from the factory shop, and the free tradi-

tional Swedish meatball lunch was a nice way to get our trip started.

You can also attend the Volvo factory tour and learn more about Volvo’s innovative & ecological manufacturing practices. Ask also for the Volvo Experience - it is where you get an inside look about the future visions of the company, and see why safety is the driving force behind the company.

Just down the road is the Volvo Museum, where you will learn more about the history of the company. We even saw our first Volvo model in the museum - you can only imagine how old it made me feel!

And remember, picking up your new car is just the beginning of your adventure in Europe! Next you will get to take it on the roads!

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WEST SWEDEN West Sweden is a perfect destination for those who are interested in wellness and natural living. My recommendation: tour the countryside and the coast by car, but start in Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden.

One word that describes West Sweden perfectly, especially during summer, is “green.” The lush gardens in the cities, the green country side, the ecological lifestyle and the garden-to-table food concept... it’s all green. Read about our favorites in West Sweden.

BY KATJA PRESNAL

GARDEN SOCIETY OF GOTHENBURG Garden Society is located right in the middle of the city. It’s a perfect place for an afternoon walk and it’s a perfect spot to have a coffee break, or as Swedes say: fika. The rose garden has over 1,200 different roses blooming each summer, and it’s a sight of its own. The majestic Palmhouse is my favorite though, the stunning greenhouse building contains five sections with different climates.

EAT, LOVE, PRAY... FISH Gothenburg is known as a culinary destination, and especially known for its local fresh food, and thanks to its coastal location: seafood. Fishmongers and fishermen have been selling fish and seafood at the Gothenburg Fish Auction since 1910, in the largest fish auction of Sweden. The Fish Auction is only for wholesale, the locals buy their seafood from the Feskekörka, the Fish Church, instead. It literally is a fish market that looks like a church. It was built in 1874 and modeled after Norwegian churches. You get a better understanding why fishing has been, and still is, like a religion in the area, especially when you get out of the city, and speak with locals in the archipelago. There are entire towns, like Fjällbacka, on the West Coast that were built thanks to herring fishing.

RESERVE A TABLE Try these culinary experiences in Gothenburg.

When at the Fish Church, stop and have oysters for lunch at the restaurant Gabriel overlooking the fish market. Ask for the special beer, and how to mix it with champagne as the chef Johan Malm recommends for the perfect pairing with the oysters.

Take a dinner cruise from Lilla Bommen harbor (close to downtown) and enjoy the archipelago views while eating.

Even better: take a ferry to Klippan, and eat at the famous SjĂśmagasinet restaurant. It has one star in Guide Michelin, and has been a traditional gourmet destination for years.

For more modern twist, try my absolute favorite restaurant in town: Bhoga. It also has a star in Guide Michelin, and their imaginative 8-course menu is to die for, just don’t expect to get the same thing twice: the menu changes daily.

We found the best desserts in town at the Norda Bar och Grill at the Clarion Post Hotel, built to a majestic old post office building. The hotel itself was also our favorite in town.

And when looking for more casual place to eat fresh local food, and especially if you like craft beer, head to Lagerhuset.

UPPER HOUSE SPA As already mentioned in this issue... Visit to Gothenburg is not complete without visiting the Upper House Spa. Book an afternoon of relaxation in the luxurious modern spa overlooking the city views.

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ARCHIPELAGO Speaking of views... You have to see the archipelago of Gothenburg. Twenty islands, and several coastal towns, the archipelago is the second most beautiful in the world (ask my very biased opinion of the most beautiful one!).

Head to Marstrand, an island about 40-minute-drive from the city. Tourists are not allowed to take cars on the island, but the island is only a short ferry-ride away. The island feels like stepping into a Swedish storybook (I grew up reading Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking and Emil of Lönneberga), and I wanted to just immediately move on the island for good. Marstrand hosts several sailing competitions each year, and it has a long history as a playground for the royals.

A little bit further is Fjällbacka (pictured), and murder mystery fans might recognize this little fishing village also from the books - from Camilla Lackberg’s crime novels.

You can take a guided murder mystery walking tour around the town, and hear the stories, and the places the books are based on. Don’t worry - the actual murders are just imagination!

The best view of the village is up at the Vetteberget, a large rock formation that is divided in two, with Kungsklyftan, King’s Cliff, in between, and you can take a very unique hike in the between the rock formation to reach the steps that take you all the way to the top to get the best view of the town, and the surrounding islands off the coast.

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Fjällbacka has incredible history that spans hundreds of years and several herring seasons. Once it even produced so much herring oil, that all of the city street lamps of all the way in Paris were lit by herring oil made in Fjällbacka.

Oscar-award-winning Ingrid Bergman also loved Fjällbacka, the star of the Casablanca spent summers in the picturesque village, and even held sailing competitions for the kids around the island she stayed on.

ROAD TRIP TO INLAND The archipelago isn’t West Sweden’s only waterway. Head to the largest lake of Sweden, the Lake Vänern, and more precisely, to Lidköping, where the Läckö Castle is located by the lake. The castle itself was built in the 17th century on a spot where an old bishop’s fort dating from 1298 was once built on.

Those interested in clean eating, will love visiting the castle’s gardens, and eating at the Hvita Hjorten Restaurant. One of our highlights on our trip was meeting the Läckö Castle’s main gardener Simon Irvine, who took us on the tour around his garden. Simon spoke lovingly about natural gardening, and even showed us his secrets to composting. Simon masterfully uses every inch of the garden to grow multiple crops of vegetables each summer and he literally carries 61

them to the Hvita Hjorten Restaurant nearby. When we were waiting at the restaurant to meet up with him, he walked in carrying a large box full of vegetables and took it directly into the kitchen. Later on the same day, we had one of the best vegetarian meals we’ve ever had. Simon’s magic in the garden combined with the Hvita Hjorten’s chefs vision results in plates - and tummies- full of happiness.

GÖTA CANAL And not to be missed: the Göta Canal, the most famous tourist attraction of Sweden.

The waterway is 382 miles (614 km) long, and links West Sweden to Baltic Sea on the East side.

Visit Lyrestad, and stay at the Norrqvarn Hotel, a hotel built in an old mill, right by the canal. The hotel is an unique small resort, with mini canal built for kids to play in, and a small forest full of mushroom and tree stump-shaped troll houses for families to stay in. I recommend staying for the night, but it’s a perfect day trip destination as well. Have lunch (or dinner) at the Norrqvarn’s restaurant serving fresh local food. Rent a bicycle from the hotel and bike by the Göta canal. We spent a few hours biking by the canal, and watching the boats go through a few of the canal’s 58 locks. Truly an experience to feed your wanderlust.

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Photographers: Nomadic Floral: Andrea

Newlyweds

K. Grist Floral Designs

Planning: Madison

Sanders Events

Makeup/Hair: Hello

Lovely KC

Jewelry: Trewolla Dress: Altar

Designs

Bridal

DREAMING OF ELOPING TO EUROPE? Free European Elopement Photography Package

by Nomadic Newlyweds Valued at $5,000 Fill out this simple form for your chance to win a free day of couples destination photography!

This photography session is being oered only during our journey on August 15th - September 22th, 2016 through the following countries:

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PHOTO: KATE CORNFIELD

THE WILDEST RIDE OF MY LIFE: BICYCLING 1500 MILES IN IRELAND - AND HOW ANYONE COULD DO IT!

BY SATU VÄNSKÄ-WESTGARTH

TODESTINATIONUNKNOWN

“YOU DID WHAT?“ “I bicycled the scenic route, the 2500 kilometer long Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland.”

Putting it like that, even now, two years later, the “Ride Wild” adventure along the Wild Atlantic Way feels like the whole trip must have happened to someone else. Me, biking long distances? Really?!

The months leading up to the bicycling adventure were filled with excitement, for sure, but also with spouts of self-doubt. As a mother of a baby and a toddler, and wife of an outdoors man who’s work keeps him abroad for long periods at a time, the time and effort I could put into bicycling in preparation for the longest ride of my life were very limited. And by very, I mean miniscule. I can actually count the times I were on the bike before the trip. Beside training in the gym all through the winter there was one 40-km ride with my brother in Finland, three short rides, up to 30 km with my friend Anne Marit in Norway, and one 2-day and one 4-day bike touring trip here in Norway.

Hence when me and Anne Marit arrived in Derry in County Donegal, on a late Sunday evening in early August ready to start the challenge we had set for ourselves, we had no idea, really, what to expect. In my mind I kept thinking that if we just got through the first week to start with, we were already winners. I also regretted my decision to be so open about the upcoming adventure and to partner with Tourism Ireland to promote it, as all I hoped at the start was that I could do this bike ride sneakily without anyone knowing, and in case of failure, hide in some local pub in a tiny village somewhere off the coast nursing a pint.

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PHOTO: KATE CORNFIELD

Loyal to its name, the Wild Atlantic Way can get wild. Even though the late summer weather was mainly kind to us, strong winds and heavy showers were never far. But still, the route itself was manageable for people like us, who were bike touring properly for the first time. Despite the planned daily distances of 100 kilometers a day, there was always room for plan B and C if needed, and the likelihood of getting stuck somewhere wild in the darkness of the night was next to none. And true to their reputation, the Irish could have not been friendlier and more helpful.

But the reason why we ended up in Ireland was not only down to the friendliness of the Irish or the fact that we could get at least to a pub or cosy B&B if we got stuck somewhere. The Wild Atlantic Way itself arouse my curiosity when I first heard about it about a year prior to this trip, and for someone who had lived in Ireland and visited many a time since, the whole route seemed to packed with off-the-beaten path sights and “locals only� knowledge I knew nothing about.

FIVE WEEKS OF AWE Small country lanes, secluded beaches, barren and boggy landscape, sharp sea cliffs, lush seaside vegetation, small country pubs and lively towns. Contrast after contrast, all in a day or two coupled with the weather that matched these contrasts in the landscape. Making our slow way down from Derry to Kinsale on our bicycles, we had the chance to take it all in. The wind, the sun, the rain and the scenery. To really feel with every sense how it is to live life to the fullest.

And we did make it through the first week and stopped for a weekend in a small holiday resort of Rossnowlagh in County Donegal. And then we made it through the second week when we arrived to Westport in County Mayo. After these first two weeks I forgot to think about getting through the weeks. We were getting through alright, and now it was the time to go with the flow and enjoy. The feeling when you accomplish this kind of slow, 5-week goal you have set for yourself which is doable but challenging, is strange mixture exhilarating joyand pride, of course, but also kind of a quiet comprehension of what you are capable of.

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PHOTO: SATU VÄNSKÄ-WESTGARTH

I don’t know yet what my next adventure will be but I try to keep an open mind, and look at those people who inspire me, the places I have dreamed of exploring, and things I’ve wished I could do but have discarded as impossible.

Why could I not do those too?

PHOTO: KATE CORNFIELD

PHOTO: ANNE MARIT STORØDEGÅRD

ADVENTURES ARE NOT “FOR THE OTHERS,” FOR THOSE WHO ARE FITTER, OR FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN TRAINING ALL THEIR LIVES, OR FOR THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE TO BALANCE WORK AND FAMILY. THEY ARE FOR EVERYONE. FOR YOU AND FOR ME. SATU VÄNSKÄ-WESTGARTH

TRAVEL INSIGHT: GUEST CYCLING GAINS GROUND AS POPULAR LUXURY HOTEL AMENITY

BY LEIGH HINES

PHOTO: THE RITZ-CARLTON HALF MOON BAY

HINESSIGHTBLOG

Sometimes the best way to explore an area is to pedal your way through town on a leisurely bike ride. Whether you are an avid biker or someone like me who gets on a bike very rarely, you will find that more and more hotels are giving you the option of experiencing cycling fun while on vacation.

Hotels are seeing that guests are enjoying the use of bicycles. If you want to bicycle around Vancouver, then the Wedgewood Hotel and Spa is the perfect place to check in to do so. This hotel’s general manager, Philip Meyer, loves cycling so much that he may just give you a private cycling tour of the city. The Wedgewood Hotel, under Meyer’s leadership, even has its own cycling team, and over the past ten years, it has raised $2.5 million dollars for the BC Cancer Foundation in honor of the hotel’s founder.

California is known for its scenic highways. Resort guests at The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay have access to complimentary beach cruisers while staying at the resort.

“Biking along the Coastal Trail is a great way to experience Half Moon Bay,” remarked Kaitlin Crawford, a spokesperson for The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. “Guests can ride 7.5 miles from the resort all the way to Pillar Point Harbor. Once guests reach Pillar Point Harbor there are many coastal restaurants to grab lunch, as well as watching 79

the surfers catch waves and a little shopping. Off the coast of the harbor is the legendary surf spot Mavericks, where the big wave surfing competition takes place.”

This bike trail is considered a paved, easy trail, but some portion of the trail is along the highway.

People like me may feel more at ease on Jekyll Island, Georgia, where there seem to be more people on bikes than there are in cars.

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel, rich with its affluent millionaire club’s history, is in the center of all the action on and rents bikes right at the hotel. Guests can cycle to the beach, to the island’s waterpark or around the trails of the hotel.

“It’s always amazing in the busy summer months to go out and see the entire rack empty. That means everyone is riding around the island soaking up all the history and activities offered, “ commented Brittney Strickland, social media coordinator with the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel. “The interesting thing about Jekyll Island is there are over 20 miles of bike trails throughout this small barrier island.”

Traveler, avid runner, and wellness coach Elena Sonnino seeks out properties where she can stay on track with her fitness goals. As a guest of the Lodge of Glendorn, a Relais & Chateaux property in upstate Pennsylvania, she took advantage of the complimentary bikes the hotel provided to explore the property.

In one day, she said, “I have fished, foraged, hit a clay target with a shot gun, ridden a bike and gone paddle boarding.”

Now, I would say that is active. Knowing this fitness guru, she probably rode all 18 miles of bike trails.

“Using bikes along the 18 miles of trails and roads at the Lodge at Glendorn is one more way to enjoy the resort in the summer. The vast and beautiful property fosters wellness as the valley begs to be explored,” stated Sonnino.

Next time you check in to your hotel, see if you can get a bike to explore your destination!

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BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GABYPIE CLOTHES, DESIGNED

BY A TEEN ARTIST. MADE IN THE USA SHOP AT GABYPIE.COM

ARE ESSENTIAL OILS SAFE? CAN I REALLY COOK WITH THEM? Essential oils are in, and also coming to your kitchen as a pantry stable!

Are essential oils safe to be used in cooking and taken internally? YES! And also: not always!

The answer is not quite that simple, because all essential oils are not equal.

Every home chef knows that there is a difference between fine French Brie cheese and the processed Velveeta cheese. Essential oils have same kind of quality differences, and there are essential oils that are like fine French cheese or Champagne. And then there are products that are overly processed that can be bad for your health, exactly like the Velveeta cheese, GMO-produced, and other processed foods are.

EDITOR: KATJA PRESNAL

Essential oils are natural components from botanicals, and they are extremely potent. They can be a vital part of your wellness regimen, and very delicious in your food. As essential oils have become mainstream, it’s good to go know some basics, especially before you add them in your next dish!

else was added to the finished product.

Reputable companies own their own farms, or know exactly where their oils come from and work together with the farmers. They do numerous quality tests along the way to ensure the oils contain the optimal levels of the beneficial compounds - and nothing else.

Essential oils are not well regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and a product can be marketed for you as “essential oil” when it contains only 5% actual essential oil, and rest of it can be chemicals or vegetable oils.

Tip: look for therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Tip: only look for 100% essential oils.

Essential oils are categorized in four grades: 1.Commercial grade oils - typically used in cleaning products.

2.Fragrance/perfume grade - often used However, FDA does require that a prodas “natural fragrance,” but can have uct’s intended use should be labeled to added petrochemicals in it. guide what consumers expect it to do, and many essential oils are listed as 3.Food/flavoring grade - you can find GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) these as “natural flavor” in foods and by the FDA for oral consumption. Always candy. check the label for intended use, and 4.Therapeutic grade - The therapeutic how potent the essential oil is. grade oils can be put on your skin, can Tip: when an oil is labeled as a dietary be inhaled, and are safe to take intersupplement, it is safe to be taken internally. nally.

Multi-level-marketing companies are one There are very big differences in the qual- of the best ways to buy oils, because ity of different essential oils depending they come with a community, or “upline,” where and how the plants were grown, of essential oil enthusiasts, who will tell how the plants were cultivated and what their personal experiences with the oils & kind of process was used to extract the open a door to wealth of information for essential oils. And of course: if anything you immediately.

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Essential oils are natural, but “natural” doesn’t also always mean “safe” - or would you use poison ivy on your skin?

In addition to above tips, common sense goes a long ways too.

Some of the great essential oils for culinary use are lime, black pepper, basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, peppermint and marjoram.

Easy way to spot essential oils that you For example: we eat lemons, so Lemon can use for cooking: check out Young essential oil is probably safe to take inter- Living’s Vitality line. nally, right?

The Vitality-line of essential oils are Lemon essential oil is a powerhouse, it meant for internal consumption, and are contains 68 percent d-limonene, a powthe perfect addition to flavor a glass of erful antioxidant, and can really pack water, add to your favorite tea, create unsome flavor for many dishes. However, limited recipes or simply be used as a since it is so powerful, always remember dietary supplement. to dilute well, and 1-2 drops go far.

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HOW TO USE VITALITY LINE ESSENTIAL OILS? 1. Add 1-2 drops to a glass of water or rice milk. Use glass or stainless steel glass when adding essential oils in water. (My favorite: 1 drop of Peppermint Vitality in my morning coffee) 2. You can mix essential oils with honey, agave nectar, or even with powders like cocoa powder prior mixing them to liquids. (Try: 1 drop of Thieves Vitality in honey for your tea) 3. Put several drops of oil into an empty capsule and swallow with water.

4. Put 1-2 drops onto a piece of bread or add to your meals when cooking.

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Lemon Haddock INGREDIENTS: 1 pound fresh haddock ½ to ¾ cup bread crumbs 3 tablespoon avocado or olive oil 1-2 tablespoons of capers 3 drops of Lemon Young Living Vitality Oil sea salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: Add the avocado or olive oil to a large oven safe baking dish or skillet. Add in the Lemon Vitality oil from Young living, salt and pepper, mix well to fully combine.

Place the fish in the pan, one piece at a time and coat in the oils and seasoning.

Top with bread crumbs and capers.

Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes at 400F degrees. You’ll know the fish is done when it is white and flaky all the way through in the thickest part of the filet.

ADDITIONAL TIPS: We made our own bread crumbs by toasting multigrain bread a then breaking them down in the food processor.

I also make small pads of frozen olive oil that has a drop of Thyme Vitality essential oil in it. I mix 1/3 cup of olive oil with 2 drops of Thyme Vitality essential oil and spread as a thin layer on parchment paper and freeze. Once frozen, I cut it in small individual pads.

Lavender Pear Tart

INGREDIENTS: 2-3 ripe pears 1 pie crust 4 tablespoons of butter ½ cup flour ½ cup brown sugar 1 cup of oats 2 drops of Lavender Young Living oil DIRECTIONS: This recipe made four single serve tarts.

Thoroughly wash and peel the pears. Remove the core and thin slice the fruit.

Fit the pie crust into small tart pans, pressing carefully but firmly around the edges.

In a small bowl, combine the soft butter, flour, brown sugar, oats and Lavender Young Living oil together until you have a crumble that has chunks mixes in. Be careful to have the lavender oil fully incorporated throughout the crumble for even tasting.

Add some of the crumble on top of the pie crust as the first layer.

Lay thin, ripe pear slices across the entire tart.

Cover the top with more crumble.

Bake at 375F for about 12 to 14 minutes or until the pears are baked through and the pie crust is golden brown. Pears that are less than ripe might take a little longer, simply tent with tinfoil to make sure they do not brown too much. Allow to cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan and enjoying. I sprinkled a little bit of food grade lavender on these.

MY SKIMBACO MOMENTS, SO FAR

BY WILHELM GENN

Since marrying the love of my life Brooke, in 2013, the skimbaco moments haven’t stopped! Whether we’re simply enjoying quiet afternoons at home or jet-setting across the globe, we always find cause for celebration.

That’s what I believe living a skimbaco lifestyle means, celebrating and cherishing life’s seemingly ordinary moments. My wife and I say this, and we live it - being “newlyweds” is a frame of mind, rather than a period of time. This idea helps us create adventure in any

NOMADICNEWLYWEDS

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situation and always live life to the fullest!

Here are just a few of my favorite skimbaco moments from our three years as “newlyweds”: - Enjoying the in-between moments and laughing everyday.

- Relaxing in Adelboden, Switzerland.

- Enjoying fireside brews and soda bread in Dingle, Ireland.

- A last minute sailing adventure in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro.

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- Enjoying Rome by Moonlight (and seeing the Trevi Fountain with no crowds!)

- Introducing my wife to the only beer she’s ever liked in Prague.

- Indulging in squid ink risotto and Dalmatian wine in Croatia.

- Our private, poolside brunch in Riviera Maya.

- Taking in the colors of Fall in Minnesota.

“BEING “NEWLYWEDS” IS A FRAME OF MIND, RATHER THAN A PERIOD OF TIME.” BROOKE AND WILHELM GENN

Our skimbaco moment: Tying the knot on Marco Island, Florida.

Photo: Binary Flips 92

8 REASONS WHY YOUNG LIVING WELLNESS LIFESTYLE IS FOR YOU 1. Essential oils offer health-promoting benefits.

One small essential oil bottle can last for months, or years, and be used for multiple different purposes.

2. Young Living’s natural products can enhance fitness experience, give you more energy, and help to recover faster. Travelers love the help they get for jetlag too!

5. Try the natural beauty products and discover how to fight against wrinkles, and aging, and keep your skin healthy - naturally.

6. Young Living’s natural supplements in addition with your healthy diet help you to meet your nutritional needs. They can also help you to lose weight or maintain healthy weight.

3. Their natural household cleaner, dish and laundry soaps help you to eliminate using cleaners with toxic chemicals.

7. Getting enough sleep plays an essential part in your health, mood, sex life, weight control, and more. Aromatherapy can help you to sleep better.

4. Spa-like scent & aromatherapy at home! The artificial fragrances in scented candles can effect as negatively as second hand smoke from the cigarettes. Be good to yourself and start diffusing essential oils.

8. Save money in the long run. Essential oil lifestyle can typically save money on various ways. Staying healthier keeps your medical costs lower, and essential oils can replace other products you would normally buy.

TIP: CONSIDER THE WHOLESALE MEMBERSHIP! Wholesale members save 24% off the products on every order, and they can join Essential Rewards program to gain rewards points towards free products. Wholesale membership is the only way to create an independent Young Living wholesale Distributor business, and to receive commission, although business side is completely optional.

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Join Young Living with us and use enroller and sponsor number 2437916 when you join. Or see all of our team members at EnjoyLifeOils.com and join under any of us!

Get the Premium Starter Kit (starting at $160) with: 11 most popular Essential Oils, Diuser, 2 NingXia Red samples, 10 Sample Packets, 10 Business Cards, 10 Sample Oil Bottles and other member resources.

Join with us during August 2016, and in addition you will receive as a free gift: essential oils reference guide, Cedarwood essential oil, and diuser jewelry, that can be used as a necklace or bracelet.* Almost $300 value for $160!

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SKIMBACO LIFESTYLE LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST SINCE 2007

SKIMBACOLIFESTYLE.COM

INSTAGRAM: SKIMBACO TWITTER: SKIMBACO PINTEREST: SKIMBACO FACEBOOK: SKIMBACO SUBSCRIBE TO EDITOR’S NEWSLETTER.

EMAIL: KATJA.PRESNAL@SKIMBACO.COM

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COVER STYLING + PHOTO: BROOKE GENN OF NOMADIC NEWLYWEDS

SHOP:

JEWELRY: ENJOY LIFE DIFFUSER JEWELRY ESSENTIAL OILS: YOUNG LIVING