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It is my mission at cityWell to provide affordable and accessible preventive health care to a wide range of urban wellness seekers while making self-care part of everyday life and not just a luxury.

Now, more than ever we need to find ways to bring well-being into our homes and into our lives, by creating simple rituals to help us feel WELL, cared for and connected to our bodies.

With House of Well, it will be my goal to share the many rituals I have cultivated over the years to heal my body and my mind.


Feel Well

Spring is the perfect time to renew and leave those long winter months behind.

This time, I chose lemon as the star ingredient for its many benefits for our well being. 

Lemon is known to help treat acne, blemishes and oily skin. It tightens pores, and brightens the skin. Citrus fruits are packed with Vitamin C and have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. 

Bonus! Lemon scent is very uplifting and enhances your mood.

SPRING RENEWAL – PREPARE YOUR WINTER SKIN FOR THE WARM WEATHER

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Lemon-infused face/body scrub

You will need only 3 ingredients that can be found in any kitchen.

  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Brown or white sugar (coarse is better)
  • Oil, olive or coconut, or if you prefer a more neutral oil, use grapeseed oil.

Mix lemon juice and oil of your choice in a bowl.  Add sugar and mix well. 

Apply to your face and let it sit for 5 mins. 

To use it as a body scrub, apply with gentle circular motions, paying attention to spots that tend to have more dry, dead skin build-up (elbows, knees, feet, and hands). 

Rinse off!

If you have a little extra, keep in your fridge, in a jar,  to use later.

Heal your heels 

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Lately, I have been asking my clients about their concerns … and one answered “cracked heels!” I understand exactly what she is talking about! I have myself painful-looking cracked heels!

Last week, I was pleasantly surprised when Rebecca, my massage therapist, took it upon herself to massage my feet and apply Shea body butter.  Within seconds it felt better, and after a day or two my heels were soft again!

The cream she used was Karité Shea Butter Body Cream made by three sisters from Ghana that we carry in our shop. Very nourishing for winter skin! *Read more about their skincare creations here.

If your feet are very cracked use an antibacterial ointment like Bacitracin, it will work wonders!

Treat your feet!

Another wonderful (and inexpensive) self-care ritual,I love, especially after a long day of work, is getting a foot soak. All you need is a bowl large enough to fit both feet comfortably (you can get a cheap plastic one from your corner dollar store), warm water, Epsom salts and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. 

Or you can purchase our Revive Bath Salts, made with Epsom salts, essential oils of Basil, Peppermint, Rosemary, and dried Rosemary. They are wonderful!

However, if you want to make it at home, check out how I do it! https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_5tqdNjobR/?igshid=18anydml1zs83

After the soak, apply a moisturizer, and put socks on! Cozy up with a cocktail, a glass of wine or fresh-brewed tea. It will give you the feeling of pure luxury and care and all the while, you will be healing those aching heels. Maybe you can even trade foot soak and massage with a friend or a loved one? 

Take good care and until next time. Treat your body WELL!

more feel well tips

  • May 13, 2021

    Heal your heels

    Lately, I have been asking my clients about their concerns … and one answered “cracked heels!” I understand exactly what she is talking about! I have myself painful-looking cracked heels! Last week, I was pleasantly surprised when Rebecca, my massage therapist, took it upon herself to massage my feet and […]


    Read More

  • May 13, 2021

    Winter revival (and survival)

    Dry Brush or not dry brush? That is the question! This has been on my mind since early winter. Everyone is talking about dry brushing!  Why dry brushing, you ask? Well, let me explain.  First, consider dry brushing as a ritual. Take time to give yourself and your skin some […]


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  • March 1, 2021

    My time out

    Yoga Sanctuary with Erica Mather During this “ Pause” I have often thought about offering a stretching and meditation class for you all, but it’s hard to find the discipline to commit. I still might, but until then, you can try “Yoga Sanctuary” on Fridays from 12-1:15pm with Erica Mather. […]


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  • July 1, 2020

    Avocado Hair & Face Mask

    Ingredients: 2 or 3 ripe avocados (depending on your hair length) Whipped or any honey Olive or coconut oil In a bowl, mash the ripe avocados, and add a generous tablespoon of honey or coconut oil. Mix and apply to dry or dampened hair. Gently massage your scalp. If you […]


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  • May 20, 2020

    Make your own 🌿 Revive Bath Salts & Scrub

    At cityWell, we love making our products! One of our clients’ favorites, the Revive bath salts! Well now, you can make yours at home too! Or pre-order some online from us It’s a great way to wake you up, exfoliate and nourish your skin while improving circulation! People love getting […]


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  • April 21, 2020

    Dry Brushing

    Dry Brushing This ancient self-care treatment is an easy way to stimulate the lymphatic system, the body’s natural way to detoxify. It is also a great way to improve circulation. Other benefits include – removing dead skin cells while tightening pores.  And the best benefit of all is that it […]


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Eat Well

My easy recipes for healthy eating. Make them yours!

My favorite salad for summer: Caprese :🍅🌿

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Heirloom tomatoes, red onion, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil… This is the perfect combo in my book! 

Quick and easy to prepare, satisfying as a meal or starter, for lunch or dinner.

Option – Add slices of fresh peaches or nectarines for a little bit of sweetness…

Or substitute avocado for mozzarella if you would like a vegan option! 

Dress with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, salt & pepper! 

Pair with a light dry Rose 🌸

Well tip! If you can’t find fresh basil at the farmers’ market, you can grow some! It’s so easy and makes it that much more special. 🌱 

How have you been feeling? Eating? Digesting? During these times it’s easy to lose track of being mindful around food. Try to take a moment to tune into your body. Take a deep breath before you take your first bite. Try to savor and enjoy. 


DRINK WELL

Coconut water, lemon, lime and ginger elixir

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  • one coconut water bottle (brand of your choice) I like VITA COCO
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 lime
  • 1 small ginger root
  • cayenne, if you like pepper 🌶
  • a sprig of rosemary for garnish

If you have a mason jar or cocktail shaker that’s great!

Add a few ice cubes into a shaker a mason jar works well too). Then pour about ½ the coconut water.

Add slices of lemon, lime and ginger. Spice it up with a little cayenne and shake.

Pour into a nice glass and top with Rosemary (which is good to keep by your computer for memory retention :)🌿

After hours add a little mezcal for a hydrating cocktail! 😉

more eat well tips

  • May 13, 2021

    My favorite winter cocktail(s)

    It’s been a long winter, lots of snow and cold… and one thing that has gotten me through these dark days has been the comfort and delight of warm winter drinks… SPICED MULLED WINE I have been experimenting with mulled wine and hot toddies! They are the perfect tonic for […]


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  • March 1, 2021

    Pineapple/Blackberry breeze


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  • March 1, 2021

    My Favorite Salad: Caprese

    My favorite salad for summer: Caprese Heirloom tomatoes, red onion, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil… This is the perfect combo in my book!  Quick and easy to prepare, satisfying as a meal or starter, for lunch or dinner. Option – Add slices of fresh peaches or nectarines for a little bit […]


    Read More

Fresh Watermelon Juice 🍉🌿🍈

Watermelon is (benefits) naturally sweet, super hydrating and just yummy!

I would love making this easy, fresh juice for a special treat for clients at cityWell. It’s refreshing, satisfying and so good for you!

All you need is (for next time) 

Maybe for another time 👇🏼

 

Two of my favorites of the moment! Coconut water, lemon/lime/ginger (optional) mezcal margarita!🍋🍈

What’s great here is the coconut water hydrates and you get the vitamins of the fresh lemon and lime juice, all the while enjoying a delicious summer beverage!

 


Live Well

My tips for a well-lived life. From my house to yours.

 Take a beach Day! 🏖

 

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This past weekend, as the temperatures soared and the quarantine fatigue really set in, I was in desperate need of “escaping”! 

The first thing I could think of was that I wanted to be by the water. As you probably know by now I believe in the healing power of water, even if it’s just to look at it!

So on Saturday, two of my friends and I ventured to the dock in Sunset Park to take the Ferry to Far Rockaway Beach. It’s the same price as the subway and is a fun and easy way to travel even if getting the dock is not the easiest. It also takes off from Wall St! Here is the link!

There are no refreshments like usual (at least when we went on the boat) but the ride is 45 mins long and you can byob it seems?!

The drop-off is only a short walk from the beach! Follow the crowd or take a free shuttle to another popular spot on the boardwalk.

There are a few Delis where you can buy snacks, but concessions should now be open! 

Find a day or an afternoon (if possible not a weekend as the ferry can be busy at night) and get away! Change your perspective and dip your toes in the sand and water!

 

A trip to the Hamptons

This may sound fancy (and it is!) but I just really needed a bit more of a getaway so I hopped on the LIRR on Monday to Southampton. I had stayed there once before, years ago, off season. Only two hours on the train. Go on a weekday and you will find much  better deals. 

The Southampton Inn where I stayed was a bit pricey ($250 for one night) but totally worth it! A beautiful pool, lots of greenery and places to sit and relax, a nice room, accommodating  staff, and a shuttle to the beach anytime you want between 10-5! They have towels at your disposal! 🙂

The little village is charming.  The first night I ate at a lavish restaurant, 75 Main. The following evening I went to a French restaurant, Le Chalet where I sipped Rose and had an ample and delicious salad nicoise. 

All in all I was away for 36 hours. I returned yesterday with a renewed energy and focus. I highly recommend it if you can swing it! This time it was a lifeline! 

Links to Southampton Inn and another B&B !

 

more live well tips

  • July 1, 2020

    Bring more green into your life and home! 🌿🌱

    I have been needing more nature and green, but as we all know getting out is not as easy as it used to be! This past weekend, while out for a Sunday stroll, I was inspired to buy some plants! I got a few succulents (I’m a sucker for succulents […]


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  • May 20, 2020

    Create a Space you Love to Live!

    Now that we are spending so many hours at home these days, creating a comfortable, creative as well as visually relaxing space is vital! Finding a space you really enjoy is one of the most important things, especially right now! I realize this may be hard when you are sharing […]


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  • April 21, 2020

    morning ritual

    For me, it’s my morning ritual – tea in bed while reading the newspaper or a book. It is the perfect way to ease into the day and get some “me-time”. I recommend taking short breaks from your phone or your computer, throughout the day. Sit by the window, listen […]


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  • April 5, 2020

    Take time to get some sun on your face

    Here’s hoping that you had a chance to soak up at least a little of the beautiful and healing sunlight today! And maybe you even had some moments to read your favorite book like Beth did 🙂 Sun heals. ☀️💦📔 BACK TO TIPS


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  • April 1, 2020

    Make your shower an aromatherapy steam room!

    If you are missing a good steam like I am, see if you can get your hands on some eucalyptus, lemon & peppermint essential oils. 🌿🍋🌱 Try Whole Foods, online, or at your local Pharmacy. Put a few drops of each in the shower after it has been on hot […]


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  • March 29, 2020

    aromatherapy for your linens

    Spray your linens and body with your favorite aromatherapy spray And try to make your bed so it is waiting for you when you end your day! 🛏 My fav is RESTORE! What’s yours? Thanks for sharing @amyfoley7827 💕 BACK TO TIPS


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  • March 27, 2020

    create a well space

    Create a space that you want to be~That inspires you. Helps you feel calm and creative. 🌿 I spent much of last week moving some things around in my space to help it feel more open, inviting, and inspiring. Swipe to see how it turned out. Art by the talented […]


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It is my mission at cityWell to provide affordable and accessible preventive health care to a wide range of urban wellness seekers and make self-care part of everyday life and not just a luxury.

Now, more than ever we need to find ways to bring well-being back into our homes and our lives, by creating simple rituals to help us feel WELL, cared for and connected to our bodies.

With House of Well it will be my goal to share the many rituals I have cultivated over the years to heal my body and my mind.