May Newsletter 2024

There are many points in our lives when we feel the call to make some changes in our lives.  Change is what commands our attention and our conscious mind.  It snaps us out of behaviors and patters that no longer serve us and asks us to explore and listen to the depths of our spirit and our calling. 

One thing I am loving as I myself am experiencing change is exploring various teachers and healers at a special luxury fashion and homeware brand called La Double J in the center of Milan.  La double J was founded by JJ Martin who, like myself, has a love for all things beautiful and is fascinated by the spiritual world.  She started hosting various healers and teachers in the basement of her incredibly rich, colorful, and spiritually infused boutique.  I think of her as the Peggy Guggenheim of the spiritual world as she wholeheartedly desires to support teachers and healers by hosting and promoting their work through all of her creative channels.  Sounds baths, crystal readings, breath work, energy healers, aromatherapy experts, yoga nidra, various styles of yoga - the idea is you show up open and without judgement to see what resonates with you.  What this has created is a beautiful community and a space to go out to that does not require eating or drinking or small talk.  You come together with people from all walks of life to receive insight, learn something new, relieve any built up stress, and have a healthy night out.  If you too are feeling the urge to make some changes in your life I can recommend heading out to explore a spiritual offering in its many forms as a means to center yourself and focus inward to find your next steps.  Life is so beautifully creative.

Wishing you a smooth and enjoyable transition into the quickly approaching summer.

With love,

Christina (and Andrea)

I recently taught a yoga class at La Double J in JJ’s beautiful space in the center of Milan. Before I taught, I was treated to an exquisite photo shoot and loved every minute of it. If you’re ever in Milan, do make a point of checking out the beauty that is La Double J. On the subject of traveling to Milan…I wrote a piece about my favorite wellness spots in Milan.

RECIPE:

MY FAVORITE SICILIAN SUMMER SALAD

My Favorite Sicilian Summer Salad

My sister in law taught me how to make this salad during a summer trip to Sicily and I can’t get enough of it. I make this salad at least 3 times a week in the summer…it is light, crunchy, sweet, salty and delicious. I can find everything easily at my farmers market and it takes me a 5 minutes to make.

Ingredients:

  • 3 Medium Fennel Bulbs

  • 2 Medium Navel Oranges

  • 1/2 Thinly Sliced Red Onion, or 3 Green Onions, Chopped

  • 1/2 Cup Pitted Kalamata Olives, Coarsely Chopped

  • 5 Tablespoons Olive Oil

  • 1.5 Tablespoons Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

  • Salt & Pepper to Taste

  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Mint or Parsley, Chopped.

    Instructions:

    1.      To cut the oranges, using a sharp knife, slice off each end.

    2.     Place the oranges on a cutting board cut side down.

    3.     Slicing down, cut away the peel along with the pith from top to bottom.

    4.     Once the peel has been removed, working over a bowl, carefully remove the orange segments from the membrane that separates them.

    5.     Remove any seeds, cut the orange segments in half and place in large bowl.

    6.     Cut the fennel bulbs in quarters, cutting away any brown spots, then using a sharp knife, cut away the core.

    7.      Using either a sharp knife or mandolin, slice the fennel very thinly, then place in the bowl with the orange segments.

    8.     In a small bowl. whisk together the lemon, olive oil, salt, pepper, and mint.

    9.     Add the onions and olives to the bowl with the fennel, then drizzle the dressing over everything. (if you are sensive to onions you can soak them in a bowl of ice water with a tesaspoon of salt for ten minutes – they will become sweet and digestible.

    10.  Gently toss, then arrange salad on a platter.

     

Enjoy!

We are obsessed with Italy, as always. But as we plan for our upcoming retreat at COMO’s Castello Del Nero we can hardly contain our excitement. This twelfth century castle has Renaissance frescoes and has been renovated in perfect COMO style by the incredible Milanese designer Paola Navone. Of course the signature COMO Shambhala spa is as exquisite as ever. The food is Italian perfection. The staff are simply adorable. We are truly looking forward to being here with a group while teaching yoga, hiking, exploring Italian villages, and soaking up all that this beautiful area has to offer! We hope you can join us! And yes…you are welcome…no matter where you are at in your practice or life…our retreats are always inclusive, accessible and transformative and we would LOVE to have you!

Please Join Us for a Curry Yoga Retreat

Nov 3-9, 2024

COMO’s Castello Del Nero Resort, Tuscany Italy

Limited Spaces Available