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St Barths is Buzzing: When and Where To Go

WIMCO | Beach House Cosmos

WIMCO | Beach House Cosmos

The island of St Barths is one of our favorite winter retreats. Here is an update on some of the latest happenings on the island…

New Restaurants
St Barths is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. With over 60 restaurants packed into its compact 8 miles, you’ll have no difficulty finding new and exciting places to try out every day. Long time favs like Maya’s, the Hideaway, Sante Fe, Do Brazil and La Gloriette all have their fans. Here is a quick take on two newcomers.

25 Quarter: The pop art inspired bar opened up in the space formerly occupied by Monbarth in Gustavia, and the year before that by Rhum St Barth. It advertises exciting “street food” like finger food tacos and sliders.

Carpe Diem: A bit of Italy has been found its way to the La Pointe area of Gustavia, in the space formerly occupied by Le Ti Zouk. This is a simple restaurant with Italian dishes like beef carpaccio , burratina with sausages, and zucchini soup for starters. For main courses, several varieties of pasta, with different sauces, and the ability to choose the portion size. A good value.

25 Quarter

25 Quarter | Gustavia, St Barths

Best times to go
New Year: Think multi-course dinners, champagne toasts, moonlight on the calm ocean, fireworks over the harbor in Gustavia, parties on the yachts tied up to the quai, live music in the streets and in many restaurants, a moveable feast for the eyes and senses.

Carnaval: Feb 9, 2016. An intimate fun version of Mardi Gras

Bucket Regatta: March 17-20, 2016. See some of the most elegant and impressive large sailing boats (100+’ in length) in the world compete for the celebrated Bucket cup.

Les Voiles de St Barths Regatta: April 11-16

St Barts Villa

Where to stay
St Barths has several top notch hotels, and for those of you visiting St Barths for the first time, that may fit your comfort zone. Repeat visitors to the island quickly figure out that the island’s private villas can offer more space, privacy and value than a comparable number of hotel rooms. If you are game to try a villa rental, we recommend that you contact WIMCO Villas, a company we have used for several of our vacations. Their reservations office in the US will help guide you to a villa that best suites your needs, and then their on-island concierge team will take care of your every need during your vacation.

Reservations: info@wimco.comor 401-849-8012

WIMCO has some excellent villas still available for New Years week, call for details.
Links to a sampling of villas is included below:

5+ bedroom villas
WV CML http://www.des08.com/t/30977171/498610353/67369589/0/18155/?2997ebdd=VGVzdCtvZitjb250ZW50JTNBK0hvbGlkYXlBdmFpbGFiaWxpdHlPY3QyMDE1&x=2714850f
$89,950/week – *10 night min
WV BWH http://www.des08.com/t/30977171/498610353/67369604/0/18155/?2997ebdd=VGVzdCtvZitjb250ZW50JTNBK0hvbGlkYXlBdmFpbGFiaWxpdHlPY3QyMDE1&x=46ce337c
$75,000/week
WV STR http://www.des08.com/t/30977171/498610353/67369607/0/18155/?2997ebdd=VGVzdCtvZitjb250ZW50JTNBK0hvbGlkYXlBdmFpbGFiaWxpdHlPY3QyMDE1&x=29616409
$80,000/week – *7 night min.
WV WAY http://www.des08.com/t/30977171/498610353/67369609/0/18155/?2997ebdd=VGVzdCtvZitjb250ZW50JTNBK0hvbGlkYXlBdmFpbGFiaWxpdHlPY3QyMDE1&x=b8ba1209
$110,000/week

3 & 4 bedroom villas
WV PEK http://www.des08.com/t/30977171/498610353/67840296/0/18155/?2997ebdd=VGVzdCtvZitjb250ZW50JTNBK0hvbGlkYXlBdmFpbGFiaWxpdHlPY3QyMDE1&x=9ab876fe
$39,500/week – *10 night min
WV COS http://www.des08.com/t/30977171/498610353/57243052/0/18155/?2997ebdd=VGVzdCtvZitjb250ZW50JTNBK0hvbGlkYXlBdmFpbGFiaWxpdHlPY3QyMDE1&x=b7d01295
$46,000/week
WV HCH http://www.des08.com/t/30977171/498610353/67369723/0/18155/?2997ebdd=VGVzdCtvZitjb250ZW50JTNBK0hvbGlkYXlBdmFpbGFiaWxpdHlPY3QyMDE1&x=3d9b4e58
$30,000/week

1 & 2 bedroom villas
WV ATO http://www.des08.com/t/30977171/498610353/67369763/0/18155/?2997ebdd=VGVzdCtvZitjb250ZW50JTNBK0hvbGlkYXlBdmFpbGFiaWxpdHlPY3QyMDE1&x=40f4c01e
$12,000/week
WV TED http://www.des08.com/t/30977171/498610353/67369808/0/18155/?2997ebdd=VGVzdCtvZitjb250ZW50JTNBK0hvbGlkYXlBdmFpbGFiaWxpdHlPY3QyMDE1&x=030b8c29
$21,620/week – *10 night min.
WV BBE http://www.des08.com/t/30977171/498610353/67369833/0/18155/?2997ebdd=VGVzdCtvZitjb250ZW50JTNBK0hvbGlkYXlBdmFpbGFiaWxpdHlPY3QyMDE1&x=c4c50d5a
$7,000/week – *12 night min.

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Keeping Up With Studio 1696, Seasonal Pop-Up Shops

Studio 1696 | 1696 Old Okeechobee Rd, West Palm Beach

By Eileen Louissaint, Altima Contributing Writer

We have already featured Studio 1696 on our blog, but as season gets closer we want to make sure that you all are keeping up with the excitement that is to come at the warehouse retail store. When you walk inside, you will notice A LOT. Colors, patterns, precious stones, textiles and textures from around the globe. The international collection of world travelers Lars Bolander and Nadine Kalachnikoff practically comes to life at their visionary spot in West Palm Beach. From December through April, the dynamic couple will host a series of pop-up shops featuring some of our favorite local artists and designers. Wyatt Koch (Remember our profile where he announced his upcoming fashion line?), Rory Mackay (His stationary collection was just featured in the Oprah Magazine), and Caryna Nina are just some of the artisans who will be featured in the shops.

Follow Studio 1696 on Facebook to make sure you know who will be there and when!

Preview Party December 1st
Pop-Up Shops December 2nd -14th
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Clem Penrose – Fine Art
Pat McInerney – Jewelry
Rory MacKay – Stationary
Jenny Garrigues – Accessories

Preview Party December 14th
Pop-Up Shops December 15th -24th
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Whitney Baldwin – Jewelry
Wyatt Ingraham – Menswear Fashion
Caryna Nina – Tunics
Denis LaMarsh – Imported Furniture
Montecristi Hats by Yovanny – Panama Hats
Rory Mackay – Stationary
Clem Penrose – Fine Art

Strong Boalt Menswear – Menswear by Amanda Boalt

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Renowned Artist Details the Work of Clem Penrose

Clem Penrose Exhibition

Clem Penrose Exhibition

Although interpretations by a novice may be refreshing, explanations from a trained eye which describe the intricacy of fine art is a necessity. This is why we stepped back on this one to let the renowned artist and writer Bruce Helander detail the artwork of  Clem Penrose, Fine Artist and Creative Director of the New Harmony Artists Guild in New Harmony, Indiana. His artwork will be exhibited at Studio 1696 throughout the entire month of December. For more information, please contact 561-832-2121

An excerpt from “Penrose Examines the Power of Nature with a Double Feature of Invention”
Written by Bruce Helander, American painter, collage artist, editor, and writer

The artist begins his journey by exploring surfaces with elementary position marks he later expands. Then he presents a marriage of carefully mixed acrylic paints that seem to have an affection and natural attraction to those non-organic surfaces. After he has laid down the basic elements of his composition (often based on memory or dream cloud formations and waterway edges, which add a colorful reflective spirit), Clem Penrose incorporates ancient myths into his paintings. He examines the power of nature with a double feature of invention, utilizing lighting and tornadoes that at the same time form kinds of abstract, stick-figure shapes with meandering tails, which can disappear and reappear depending on barometric pressure. In another amazing picture entitled Wolf Moon, Penrose sets up a clever night scene, where midnight trees are silhouetted against a mysterious and provocative sky, convincing the viewer that the clouds from the head of a wolf howling at the moon. All of his works have the distinct flavor of the extraordinary movement of light. His newest works reflect his recent residency in Palm Beach, where the Intracostal Waterway and powerful Atlantic Ocean seem to have a gravitational pull on his creative impulses. Down where the sea kisses the shore, his visionary expressions are exemplified within his paintings, such as Islamorada – The Purple Isle and Standing Mandela. Reflecting on natural beauty manages to conjure up all the experiences of his past, while dexterity and imagination spin it back to the picture plane. Deliberate sharp edges bring a peculiar and convincing separation between foreground and background, adding a realistic sense of space.

Clem Penrose "Sunset on the Gulf", Airbrush Waterfront

Clem Penrose
“Sunset on the Gulf”, Airbrush Waterfront

Click Here to continue reading on Clem Penrose’s website, clempenrose.com
-Bruce Helander is an artist and curator who writes on art. He is the former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs for the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design.

Penrose was also featured in Posey Magazine Summer 2013.
The article titled “Life After Life After Life” by Linda Neal Reising takes a closer look at the artist’s journey and personal life.

Click the feature below for more…

Clem Biddle Penrose VII featured in Posey Magazine

Clem Biddle Penrose VII featured in Posey Magazine

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Looks to Love: Whitney Baldwin Designs

 

Whitney Baldwin Designs

Pave Diamonds, Whitney Baldwin Designs

By Eileen Louissaint, Altima Contributing Writer

Studio 1696 presents a bazaar shopping experience highlighting the international collection from world travelers Lars Bolander & Nadine Kalachnikoff. This season they plan to host an eclectic and inspiring roster of vendors including Whitney Baldwin Designs. Baldwin creates authentic jewelry designs from the four natural elements- earth, fire, air and water. She personally handcrafts the pieces with South Seas Baroque pearls, fresh water pearls, semi-precious stones, quartz crystals, gold and sterling silver.

Whitney Baldwin Designs_South Sea Baroque Pearl Necklace

South Sea Baroque Pearl Necklace, Whitney Baldwin Designs

In 2004, Baldwin started designing and marketing jewelry influenced by her individual style while residing in Sante Fe.

Carnelian Geodes, Whitney Baldwin

Carnelian Geodes, Whitney Baldwin

Whitney Baldwin Designs donates 5% of net profits monthly to non-profit local wildlife sanctuaries for the conservation, education and rehabilitation of endangered species of animals.

From February 15-18, 2016,  5% of sales or a portion of sales will benefit the Gentlemen of the Garden.

Semi Precious Stone Stretch Bracelets, Whitney Baldwin Designs

Semi Precious Stone Stretch Bracelets, Whitney Baldwin Designs

Follow Whitney Baldwin Designs on Facebook.

 

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Palm Beach Profile: The Dish on ‘Knife Fight’ Celebrity Chef Sean Brasel

By Eileen Louissaint, Altima Contributing Writer

As Meat Market’s very own Chef Sean Brasel prepares to duel it out in the kitchen on the Esquire Network during Season 4 of Knife Fight, our team went behind the scenes to get the real dish on Palm Beach’s celebrity chef. (Watch the episode during a Special Happy Hour at Meat Market on Tuesday, November 17th. Limited Attendance, RSVP below.)

Born and raised in Colorado, Chef Brasel launched his career as sous chef at Cliff Young’s in Denver. He attended Madeleine Kamman’s School for American Chefs in Napa Valley and shortly after began his business as a restaurant consultant. Chef Brasel and his business partner, David Tornek, opened several restaurants in Denver before moving to Miami, Fla where they introduced two restaurant’s to the South Beach scene. Meat Market was created as a modern take on the classic American steakhouse, now raved about from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Miami and Palm Beach, Florida. Keep on reading to find out who Chef Brasel refers to as “Beethoven in the Kitchen”, what culinary trips he is planning next, as well as what to look forward to at Meat Market during the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival MIAMI TAKEOVER.

Altima: What dishes should guests look out for this season?
Chef Sean Brasel: Developing a new Dover Sole and adding a rotating Mixed Grill featuring exotic cuts of meat, working on some fresh salads featuring local farms.

Altima: Who do you look up to in your industry? Why?
Chef Sean Brasel: There are so many talented chefs and restaurateurs out there, I really can’t name just one, but if I was too I am in awe of the mastermind Grant Achatz. He is like Beethoven in the kitchen.

Altima: We read your bio on the Meat Market website where it states, “Brasel and Tornek focused much of their attention on bringing the American steakhouse into the 21st century with Meat Market.” What need did you see in the American steakhouse that you wanted to change?
Chef Sean Brasel: There isn’t anything specific we wanted to change, we just thought doing it our way is a little more different than the old connotation of the dark wood classic cigar smoking steakhouse.

Altima: When did you know you wanted to be a chef?
Chef Sean Brasel: I loved cooking ever since I was young; I just didn’t realize it could be a reality until I was 19.

Altima: How do you get your inspiration?
Chef Sean Brasel: Inspiration comes from many different sources, sometimes just touring a farm and tasting a delicious fresh mango or strawberry can give you inspiration. As a chef, I am an avid reader and always looking to learn new techniques and patterns in cooking. That also gives inspiration when you read a cool idea and you say to yourself, “Wow, I never thought of combining those flavors.”

Altima: Favorite kitchen equipment or gadget?
Chef Sean Brasel: I am falling back to basics and am really in love with my mortar pesto. It’s a way of crushing for flavor without the electronic things that we have come to depend on. It really makes you think about the outcome of the product thru process.

Altima: Best cooking tip for a novice in the kitchen (Especially for the holidays…)
Chef Sean Brasel: Plan your menu! Planning is execution and without proper planning, you can overcook things or have items not made correctly as your rushed to finish them.

Altima: What do you consider your proudest moment in life?
Chef Sean Brasel: Very tough question. I once catered a Super Bowl event for 3500 people at Miami Bayside. Most of the staff were culinary students. It was nothing but work for 2 weeks straight, and lots of organizing but once that event was running perfectly, it felt so amazing.

Altima: Where do you enjoy spending your weekends?
Chef Sean Brasel: I enjoy working on Saturday nights, and sleeping in on Sunday and going to brunch.

Altima: Top 3 Happy Hours in and around Palm Beach?
Chef Sean Brasel: I don’t know. With the exception of Meat Market. I don’t get the chance to explore different Happy Hours as much as I’d like.

Altima: Next vacation?
Chef Sean Brasel: I am going to Japan and Guam in November cooking some fabulous Certified Angus Beef Steaks for a few select dinners.

Altima: Any pets?
Chef Sean Brasel: Not right now. I do miss my old dog.

Altima: What do you normally wear outside of the kitchen?
Chef Sean Brasel: If I am not in my gym workout clothes, then I am in jeans and a t-shirt

Altima: Biggest pet peeve?
Chef Sean Brasel: I have a big pet peeve with my cooks who tell me the easy answer versus telling me the truth like, “Chef I burnt this product.” Instead blaming everyone else who supposedly turned up the oven or the flame.

Altima: What are some of the highlights we can look forward to at Meat Market’s MIAMI TAKEOVER during the annual Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival?
Chef Sean Brasel: Miami Takeover in Palm Beach will have some amazing chefs in Miami working together. We are working on creating something different to bring to Palm Beach by featuring our own take on what Miami cuisine is and how we can use one specific local product to showcase our individual culinary twist of Miami flavors. The lineup features some of the best culinary talent in Miami right now and I’m excited to get cooking with them!

Knife Fight, Equire Network feat. Meat Market’s Chef Sean Brasel
NOVEMBER 17TH | 9 PM EST
Looking for tickets to the Knife Fight? Our club members are invited to cheer on Chef Brasel as he competes for the title of ‘Culinary Master of the Universe’. The screening will allow guests to watch the show a week before airdate. Meat Market will provide Happy Hour pricing for bar guests and complimentary bites that Chef Brasel created while on the show (These dishes have never before been seen on the menu!)
RSVP HERE

 

 

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Best Halloween Party in Palm Beach, Ready Go…

By Eileen Louissaint, Altima Contributing writer

Before you even think about buying your ticket for this year’s Gentlemen of the Garden’s (GOG) Halloween party, you better have a costume in mind. Simply donning a witch hat or cat ears will not do. It is the one time of year you are invited to dress all out in the most haunting, whimsical, romantic, childish and sometimes sexy costume you can think of. And the best place to do it in Palm Beach County? The annual GOG Halloween party.

On Friday, October 30th, the party will kick off at 8 p.m. at Lynora’s Osteria – 207 Clematis Street, Downtown West Palm Beach. Ticket sales in the past have supported the GOG’s philanthropic contributions to landscaping and environmental beautification projects including Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Mounts Botanical Gardens, The Community Foundation Green Fund, and The YMCA of the Palm Beaches.

You can purchase tickets at www.thegog.org
$200 per person (Under 40 $150)

As mentioned above, a costume is mandatory!
Need a little inspiration? Check out costumes from last year at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum.

Julia Duresky/CAPEHART

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Shadowing the Vibrant Mexican Community, Christophe von Hohenberg

Eileen Louissaint, Altima Contributing Writer

My last trip to Mexico was for a wedding. I remember the jovial spirit of the wedding party as timeless festive songs echoed along the coastline while we flooded the dance floor. The colorful lights, skirts swaying and twirling with every song…You could feel the liveliness of the Mexican culture which has been passed down for centuries.

There are times when words cannot do justice to describe the most vibrant and touching moments. This is when we can thank the invention of photography and the photographers who capture and tell stories with their stills.

Christophe von Hohenberg, renowned portrait, documentary, and lifestyle photographer briefly describes the plot and inspiration for his upcoming exhibition, Shadows of the Gods….

“For the past eight years, I have been living among the shadows with the children of Montezuma and Cortez, exploring the neighborhoods,” says von Hohenberg. “From walking through romantic Calle Francisco Sosa in Coyoacan, to losing my balance on cobblestones in the picturesque Colonial neighborhood of San Angel.”

Shadows Of The Gods Book Cover

Splitting his time between Mexico City and New York City, von Hohenberg’s photographs have been featured in American Vogue, Art Forum, Vanity Fair, German Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Fortune, and French Vogue, as well as art galleries and private collections around the globe. He has published two acclaimed books Andy Warhol- The Day the Factory Died and Another Planet – New York Portaits – 1976 – 1996. 

Shadows of the Gods features photographs ranging from 2007 to the present, capturing the emergence of contemporary art and culture within Mexico City’s historical setting. A selection of the pieces featured in the exhibition will be taken from a section of the book which is devoted to Mexican Street Art.

Join von Hohenberg as he reveals his latest work at

Leonard Tourné Gallery
46 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065

Wednesday, November 4 through Saturday, November 14

Contact maribel@altimapalmbeach.com for more information.

Mexican Street ArtMexican Street Art

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The Private Collection of the Iconic Patrick McMullan Debuts in Palm Beach

Eileen Louissaint, Altima Contributing Writer

“If you don’t know Patrick McMullan, you ought to get out more!”
– Andy Warhol

In the 1980s, Patrick McMullan found his niche photographing high profile events and celebrities. Today, he maintains his solid reputation with a team of professionals who capture over 50 exclusive events each week from New York to Los Angeles- that means almost 3,000 events each year! If you have not seen him lately, perhaps Warhol said it best, “You ought to get out more!”

Everyone has their own inspirations.

You will often find artists observing and admiring the works of their peers, strangers, or legends past. This is no different for Patrick McMullan. Take away all the glitz, glamour and people, and enter his home to find his most prized collection. “Pictures” is the compilation of Patrick McMullan’s personal purchases from art shows and thrift shops. This selection of photographs has not been seen by many but his family and friends- until recently. After a great success at the Salomon Contemporary in New York, Patrick McMullan’s collection will make its way to Palm Beach’s Paul Fisher Gallery as the show heads south as one of the most anticipated events this season.

SAVE THE DATE

Exhibition Opening
November 13th until December 1st

“Pictures”
by Patrick McMullan

Paul Fisher Gallery
433 Flamingo Dr
West Palm Beach, 33401

For more information, kindly contact Maribel@altimapalmbeach.com or 561-833-8283.

 

 

 

 

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Under 30 Palm Beach Profile: WYATT KOCH

You may have seen Wyatt Koch at one of Palm Beach’s elite events carrying the dance floor dressed to the nines, playing tennis at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, or enjoying the serenity of his farm in Florida. Palm Beach has taken notice of Wyatt’s charm and bold fashion sense since he moved here from New York City in 2006. Today, the son of renowned businessman William (Bill) Koch has some big news to announce coming up this winter. Altima sat down with Wyatt for a Q&A and we are excited to share it with our readers!

Altima: What events do you look forward to the most each season?
Wyatt: GOG Halloween Party, Lily Pulitzer Beach Bash, Paradise Casino Gala, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Gala, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Man & Woman of the Year, and of course, POSH Palm Beach, which I will co-chair this year.

Altima: Where do you enjoy spending your weekends in Palm Beach?
Wyatt:  I like to get out to my farm on weekends. When I am in town, I like to play tennis at Mar-a-Lago, shop on Worth Avenue, grab lunch at Nick & Johnnie’s, Café Sapori or Bice, or just relax at the beach.

Altima: What are your Top 3 restaurants on the island?
Wyatt: Café L’ Europe, Echo and Palm Beach Grill.

Altima: What is your favorite store on Worth Ave?
Wyatt: Neiman Marcus, and my sales associate, Michael Diaz, is great.

Altima: We heard that you have some big news coming up in December 2015. Care to dish with Altima readers?
Wyatt: I have recently decided to pursue my lifelong passion for fashion by starting a fashion line. Wyatt Ingraham LLC was launched a few months ago.  We are very excited about the upcoming line of men’s shirts.  I am also excited that 10% of all profits will be donated to charity.  You can learn more about the clothing line and my inspirations at www.wyattingraham.com

Altima: What should we expect from your first collection?
Wyatt: The first collection will be exclusively men’s shirts.  We have a fabulous line about to be released, with bold colors and inspired patterns.  These are high quality, American made shirts for the impeccably dressed man.  These shirts will grab attention and inspire the men who wear them to be bold.

Stay tuned, we plan to follow-up with Wyatt in a few months when he officially débuts Wyatt Ingraham!

Designs coming soon to www.wyattingraham.com.

 

By Eileen Louissaint, Altima Contributing Writer

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A “De-Stress, De-Compose, Relax” Method Tailored for YOU

Christine Festa | Yoga Pose

Christine Festa | Mermaid Yoga Pose

Yogis are everywhere! In the studio, on the beach, at the park, perched on a mountain top, and in homes. People are taking this relaxation practice everywhere they go. It is a way to disconnect with your common life distractions (work, school, family) and connect with your inner-self.  How much better is it when an experienced yoga instructor comes to you, understands your needs and creates a tailor-made itinerary?

I recently experienced a tailor-made session with Christine Festa with Movement Yoga and Wellness who takes her mobile studio on the road.

‘She zenned me out.’

With the holiday season quickly approaching (The Christmas and Hanukkah decorations are already in department stores- TOO SOON!) I know it would behoove me to adopt a de-stressing routine to be my best self for the most wonderful time of the year. It can be hard to find the right methods which fit your needs, so it is helpful (and much safer) to hire an expert who can help you achieve the best results for your mind, body and soul!

We know this is a huge deal at Altima! With the hectic schedule of our season, I have to be reminded by my kids  to JUST BREATHE!

Yoga offers a slew of benefits you may not have even thought of including strength building, flexibility, balance, and mindfulness.

Science has shown that bringing the body into relaxation can alter your response to stress not only on an emotional level, but a physical one too.

Christine Festa is a certified yoga instructor and founder and owner of  Movement Yoga and Wellness, A Mobile Yoga Studio in South Florida. You can contact her at 561-396-9791 or christine@movement.yoga to set up your private session.

 

Christine Fest | Yoga Headstand with Eagle Legs

Christine Festa | Yoga Headstand with Eagle Legs

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