Technology Meets Style
This post was guest-written by Emily Moore, wellness blogger and freelance journalist. You can find her original content at www.live-gently.com and on her instagram @beann_sproutt.
The sun has just crossed the plane of the earth’s equator— this means longer sunlight-filled days ahead and a warmer climate as the northern hemisphere approaches closer to the sun. Besides the blossoming flowers and lengthier days, there is typically some form of rebirth and regrowth during this season. Whether that is a mental, spiritual, or physical form of transformation, spring is a great time to reflect and refresh as we enter into a much brighter season ahead.
There is something about spring that has always made me excited to start anew. My closet tends to get more spacious, as I thoroughly clean it out around this time, and my body tends to feel more revitalized, as I fill my tummy with lots of fresh fruits and veggies that this season offers. Besides the physical cleaning for spring, I like to focus on my internal state as well— a sort of mental spring cleaning.
As the lifeless foliage turns green and flowers begin to flourish, I find myself too yearning to mirror mother nature. I want to let the past go, forgive, and move forward with both happiness and gratitude.
One of my favorite forms of self-reflection that allows me to practice both forgiveness and gratitude is journaling. If the ability to forgive has been hard this past fall/winter season, I recommend writing a letter to this person in your journal. Writing down your frustration and collecting your thoughts in one place, allows for the transfer of built-up internal anger into organized words. I never send this letter, but at the end, I always make sure to write “I forgive you.” This form of journaling always tends to help me move forward— sometimes I even write multiple “letters” if I still feel anger towards this person. Forgiveness takes time.
Another form of journaling that helps bring about a refreshed mental state is gratitude journaling. Simply being able to focus on what I do have (this can range anywhere from talents and skills, to amazing people I am thankful for, to the highlights of my day) allows me to recognize the blessed life I am able to live. Focusing on the good (instead of complaining, wishing we had more, etc.) allows for happiness to prevail.
This spring, let’s practice moving forward and appreciate the goodness that Mother Nature has blessed us with. So, take that extra hour of sunlight, relax, and let your feelings flow onto paper as your mind is able to let go and spring forward.
Join Rhea Footwear in holiday celebrations by participating in our #holidayswithrhea giveaway contest! Post a photo on instagram of you (and family + friends) doing your favorite winter / holiday activity. Tag @rheafootwear and #holidayswithrhea in your caption for a chance to win an exclusive 50% off discount code!
The contest will run for two weeks from December 22nd until January 4th. One winner will be chosen on January 5th and will be contacted via direct message on instagram. More than one entry per user is acceptable and encouraged! Happy holidays!
'Tis the season for Rhea Footwear's 2016 Holiday Gift Guide! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Extend warmth and love this season by picking out thoughtful and heart felt gifts for your loved ones. Here, you will find an array of our favorite treasures to gift for the holidays.
1. Himalayan Salt Lamp from Urban Outfitters
Himalayan salt products are known to have incredible health benefits and can be incorporated into your life through cooking or decor! The negative salt ions released by heating can boost blood flow, improve sleep and increase levels of serotonin in the brain. This salt lamp will add warm light to any space and bring healing energy.
2. Faux Fur Pom Knitted Throw from Pottery Barn
Who doesn't need more cozies around the house during the chilly winter months? Even better, the poms make for a decorative accent on any bed or lounger. No matter who you're gifting to, they will appreciate this one- guaranteed.
3. Classic red flats from Rhea Footwear
These flats are a staple piece this holiday season. Make any outfit Christmas party-ready with these festive flats! Comfy and safe for those icy winter months!
4. Capri Blue Iridescent Jar Candle from Anthropology
Candles are by far one of the most versatile gifts. Everyone appreciates a yummy smelling, pretty candle for their bathroom or bedside table. Anthropology candles make an amazing stocking stuffer!
5. Organic Vegan Cookie Mix Set from Free People
These cookie mix sets are an adorable and thoughtful gift for any and all vegan loved ones! Each cookie mix comes complete with a wooden spoon and cookie cutter or maple syrup. Give the gift of yummy and organic treats this Christmas season.
6. 101 Cocktails to Try Before You Die from Burro
We are sending you and your loved ones all of our love this holiday season! Make sure you stay safe on your feet this winter season with reliable, non-slip shoes. Happy holidays!
Dear Coffee: We appreciate you. Out of appreciation, the Rhea Team will be celebrating national coffee day this Thursday (9/29), preferably over a steamed almond milk latte. If you're feeling in the spirit Thursday morning, check out one (or all) of our favorite coffee joints here in LA.
This charming little spot tucked away on Melrose Place is the ultimate trendy, LA coffee shop. This magical brewery of all things caffeine-y and magical is the birthplace of "But first, coffee." So yes, you'll definitely need to take a few shots for the 'gram before you leave.
Located on the Venice's most beloved street Abbot Kinney, Intelligentsia Coffee is the home of true coffee engineers. Anyone from high-brow espresso hipsters to coffee commoners will find something skillfully crafted to their liking here. Rhea Recommendation: The Angeleno. Quad shot, simple syrup, milk, ice, shaken. Enough said.
Venice is truly a coffee hotspot. Blue Bottle Coffee is located just a few shops down from Intelligentsia and brings its authentic, San Francisco vibes to the heart of Abbot Kinney. The minimalist shop offers just enough options for the inquisitive coffee drinker, but keeps things simple and straightforward (as they should be).
Groundwork Coffee is one of the many buzzing businesses that line Rose Avenue in Venice. This lovely shop is the type to make you smile the moment you walk through its rustic doors. The friendly baristas and (what I like to call) comfort coffee is sure to warm your heart and belly.
Another San Francisco native, Philz Coffee is notorious for its carefully brewed pour-over coffee. Walking into the Santa Monica location is like walking right into your neighborhood coffee shop, pulling you in with its homelike atmosphere. Philz is living proof that a simple cup of coffee can be extraordinarily crafted and authentically special.
Sit back, relax and have yourself a wonderful cup of coffee to celebrate the holiday. May your coffee be strong and your days be lovely.
The summer season is slowly coming to a close which means it's time for a cleanse! During the transition between seasons, it's a great idea to set aside time to make changes, plan out the next couple months and create space in your life for new things. As the leaves change color and the weather becomes more temperate, fall is a time to let go of our old ways and welcome new beginnings. Here you will find a few of my favorite cleansing practices to help ring in the fall season.
1. Change out your summer wardrobe. There's nothing like waking up to the first chilly day of Fall with all of your comfy sweaters still stowed away in bins. Once the scorching days become scarce, start to reintroduce some of your beloved fall pieces back into your closet space. This makes transitioning into colder weather much easier and less stressful!
2. Dust! After running AC units and fans all summer, you're most likely due for a good dusting. Take time to wipe down your fans, windowpanes, shutters and vents so that when it's time to crank up the heat during chilly nights, you air can be clean and dust free!
3. Stock up on your favorite teas. Tea before bed is one of my favorite fall and winter rituals. Steep fresh ginger in hot water for 5 minutes with a squeeze of lemon to help improve circulation during the colder months.
4. Journaling session. Journaling is a pretty regular thing for me, but it's especially important to journal during moments of transition. Take some time aside to recap from summer, document how much you've accomplished, what you're grateful for and what you're setting out to do during the winter months. Colder weather requires more indoor activities, so take this time to brainstorm how you'll stay active this fall and winter.
5. Put together some yummy fall recipes! During the fall and winter months, the body requires more concentrated energy to stay warm. Root vegetables like potatoes, garlic, onions etc. thrive in the winter months since plant energy moves downward to regulate in colder temperatures. Look into what foods will be best for your body when cooler weather sets in and get creative with fun recipes.
Let us know what works best for you as you transition from summer to fall in the comments below. Happy cleansing and namaste!
I trust in nature for the stable laws of beauty and utility. Spring shall plant and autumn garner to the end of time. -Robert Browning
Rhea Footwear thanks everyone who participated in our #RHEAsummer2016 instagram challenge! Due to a large volume of participants, we've created our next summer challenge for you. We want to see how YOU stay active and healthy this summer.
Hashtag #RHEActive in an instagram photo of you doing any type of fitness activity (sports, beach workouts, fitness classes, group exercises + more). Multiple entries are accepted and encouraged!
At Rhea, we think it's important to incorporate fitness activities into your everyday life and even more importantly, to make it fun and interactive. Rhea Footwear's mission is to make any activity or adventure fun and SAFE. So grab your family and friends and get #RHEActive with us! We will choose three lucky winners on Tuesday 8/23.
Rhea Footwear is invested in safety and slip and fall prevention in any and all activities. Rhea Footwear combines an exclusive rubber compound and patented outsole with a micro-tread pattern to channel out liquids and provide maximum contact with the surface.
There is nothing like fun in the sun with good company and amazing weather. We've put together a list of essential summer go-to's and must-have items for you to take on all of your adventures!
SUNSCREEN
Whether or not you burn in the sun, sunscreen can help reduce skin damage from the sun altogether. It's important to keep sunscreen with you, especially if you find yourself outdoors often! Keep your summer activities fun and safe by protecting your skin!
EYEWEAR
Your skin isn't the only thing that needs protection. Proper sunglasses can help protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. Stay safe and stylish with a pair of good shades.
WATER BOTTLE
My favorite accessory. I take my reusable water bottle everywhere I go because it limits the usage of plastic water bottles, and helps me stay hydrated all day long! It can also save you a few dollars a day if you usually buy bottled water on the go.
DISPOSABLE/ POLAROID CAMERA
Be ready to capture life's wonderful moments on film! I love having a disposable camera on me so I can have a few printable photos at the end of the summer. They're great to keep, add to a small gift or string up on a wall!
A BOOK OR MAGAZINE
I love to keep at least one book or magazine, along with my journal and planner with me. You'll never know when you need to jot something down, or when the long summer day calls for a reading break. At the beach, by the pool or sitting in traffic- a book is always good to have!
GOOD SHOES
Good shoes are a MUST HAVE for any and all summer outings. Shoes are your foundation and support for adventures and activities, and help you stay on your feet during the loveliest season of the year. Rhea Footwear's non-slip sandals combine fashion and function with NeverSlip technology. This is how Rhea does beach days:
In case you haven't yet seen what Rhea Footwear sandals can do, check out this short video:
Hershy Petty is a familiar face on the West Side. Whether he's on a beach run, strolling down the canals or managing the floor at local restaurant LEONA in Venice Beach, he makes his presence known and appreciated.
Easygoing and personable, Hershy tells us that it's the people part of the business that's got him hooked. People come to the restaurant to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or to grab a few drinks after a long day at work. They come around looking for a good time.
This isn't Hershy's first restaurant in Venice. He previously worked at an upscale restaurant on Abbot Kinney, so we asked him what makes the food culture in Venice so special.
"I believe our food culture on the West Side is driven by our clientele. They’re young, hip and they’ve got a lot of money. If the food is locally sourced, ethically harvested and socially responsible, they’re willing to pay more for it."
The world of food and food culture speaks a lot about the people and the place from which it blossoms, and LEONA is product of that. The team behind LEONA stays current with the style and trends of Venice while also aligning with the needs and wants of the community.
Hershy describes the clientele at LEONA as connected to and invested in their community. Hershy's team integrates this into the restaurant by hosting events such as beach cleanup days, participating in a local inter-restaurant soccer league, and #HashtagLunchbag (where they made and distributed lunchbags to local homeless people on the beach and pier).
The interconnectedness of LEONA and its community is reflected in the lively atmosphere of the restaurant on a busy night. Locals and neighbors excitedly return to share the weekly special with a new friend, to stop in and chat with Chef Nyesha, or to just have a glass of wine at the bar. Hershy makes it his duty to make everyone, visitors and locals alike, feel right at home once they step through the doors.
"I treat every table like they're a guest at my party. Pretend like it's a wedding; as you move around, every table must feel your presence and know that you want them there."
Just a block from the beach, LEONA is an exciting place to be. Hershy prides himself in reflecting the feel of the restaurant in his choice of attire every shift. While it's his job to pay attention and guide the guests' experiences, he notes that they're also paying attention.
"They appreciate the shirt you got from Scotch and Soda, or a haircut you got at Rudy’s Barbershop on Main Street. It’s a way to feel good about yourself while also showcasing the other businesses in your community."
While staying on top of the latest trends is an exciting and crucial part of the job, it's just as important for his style of dress to be practical and supportive. Hershy claims that shoes are everything in the restaurant industry. Without proper footwear to support 10-12 hour days, it's impossible to work efficiently. He admits that shoes are usually the hardest part of the outfit because they must have a balance between comfort, durability and utility.
The ideal restaurant shoe not is not only supportive and durable, but also must have premium non slip features to prevent dangerous slip and fall accidents. As a manager, Hershy has witnessed many accidents due to inappropriate footwear and actually requires his team to wear closed toed, non slip shoes. We asked if Hershy believed that a shoe could be both reliable and safe, while also meeting his style standards.
"Not since a good friend of mine shared Rhea Footwear shoes with me, did I think I could wear something as elegant and elevated in fashion and also serve me in both front and back of house duties. I don’t have to worry when walking back and forth out of the kitchen; I know I’m going to be safe and look good."
So the verdict is in and Hershy more than approves of our NeverSlip technology that is so brilliantly paired with a stylish and elegant design. In the heart of Venice, Hershy Petty and the team at LEONA push food culture forward by connecting people, sharing food and going above and beyond style standards.
Looking to heat up your summer? Get involved in our summer instagram challenge! Mention @rheafootwear and hashtag #RHEASUMMER2016 in any summer lifestyle photo! We will select ONE lucky winner at random and send over their very own pair of non-slip Rhea Footwear sandals to enjoy the summer in.
Multiple posts per user are acceptable and encouraged! We look forward to seeing what you're up to this summer so GET CREATIVE. A winner will be chosen two weeks from today on 7/27.
Do you find yourself shamelessly buying mugs and ties every year for Father's Day? Are you looking to switch things up this time around? Make this upcoming Father's Day unforgettable with a unique, handcrafted gift from Etsy. This online marketplace is a mecca of all things handmade, vintage and artisanally crafted. We've listed our favorite Father's Day picks below:
These personalized wooden cuff links are a great gift for any dapper looking, style conscious dude. Each gift is made to order from Clouds and Currents Etsy shop.
Small, thoughtful and unique. This cedar candle is made from natural soy wax and essential cedar oils. Even better- it comes with a few sweet words printed just for Dad.
There's nothing better than receiving a gift you'll actually use. Cord clutter haunts all of us and this cord organizer is functional, nifty and excellently engineered.
A perfect gift for a new Dad. This first father's day frame is completely customized and is a timeless keepsake.
These custom made toiletry bags make an excellent gift and are beautifully crafted. Each bag can be customized to read a name or initials.
These himalayan salt grilling stones are just plain cool. They reach temperatures higher than 450 degrees and can also be frozen as a cold food platter.
Speaking of food, this hand made marble cutting board/ cheese platter is a great gift for the Dad that loves to cook.
A perfect complement to the Himalayan salt stone, this personalized grilling set is another timeless gift for the ultimate grill master.
These whiskey/beverage stones are a creative and unique twist on father's day gifts. For anyone who likes drinking whiskey, wine or anything chilled, these stones are a great pick.
Last but not least, a pair of stylish and safe shoes are sure to win any guy over on Father's Day. Check out Rhea Footwear men's styles on the website!
