Friday, April 10, 2020

New Healing Balms Are Ready!

New healing products are out!

Relax. Restore. Recharge with your own Sweet Indulgence.


Comfort Balm
Soothing the skin, while comforting the soul

Made with organic, vegan and non-genetically modified ingredients, Comfort Balm is made in small batches using silky coconut oil and beautiful flower essences to help you to revitalize and nurture yourself and your loved ones. This balm is an excellent addition to your daily wellness routine, encouraging self-compassion, and emotional balance and well-being. A soothing formula which inspires a sense of grounding, harmony and balance for the mind, body and soul. *For external use only.

This is a great way to boost the immune system and encourage wellness as part of a daily self-care routine.

Made with love in California.

Selling now at Suite Evolution https://www.etsy.com/shop/suiteevolution/

Shipping product bundles (e.g., two ore more products) without shipping fee through April 15, 2020 (U.S. only).

Monday, January 29, 2018

The Beauty of a Run and Find

I use my workouts not only as a place to prepare or cultivate mental conditioning and physical strength but also to explore ideas, thoughts and be more receptive to information that wants to flow.

I often get creative ideas when running in particular. Today, there was a theme that had a pressing need to be expressed while I was out on the open trail. The theme today was complete and total self-acceptance. Acceptance of all aspects of myself, my perspective, my life and everything in it -- now as it is. This does not mean I am not working towards goals or modifications but as I see it in this moment, to simply honor myself and the moment now (regardless of what the world, television or outside environment may say to the contrary). Learning how to relax even more and to push forward -- both have helped me to go even deeper into an awareness that becomes increasingly clear and useful over time.


There are so many images I encounter throughout the day -- images which remind, situations that are thought-provoking. Whether running or walking, there are so many opportunities to be reminded of what matters and ways of making a difference and being a contributor in one way or another.


Gratitude. I feel so thankful for the fruit that running provides in my life -- particularly on a creative and mental level. My running time offers a tremendous way of working with myself and, if you choose to share the time with others, it offers a beautiful way of sharing quality time together.


Balance and Stress Management. I have found that energy work (such as Reiki, Yuen Method, acupuncture, and meditation) can be incredibly powerful in support of healing the mind/body and for personal growth, transformation and to manage stress. Check out this online Reiki healing music video. I have used this type instrumental music while I work, to relax and during meditation. You can even play them while you sleep and wake up inspired and feeling like new money!

Take good care of YOU. #RunandFind

Brigitte Taylor
@suitebrigitte

Monday, July 21, 2014

Suite Updates: Suite Manifestations ~ Workshops and Retreats

We are happy to support you in implementation of programs and personal growth through workshops and activities!


We believe that celebration of the self creates greater room for celebration of all. #CelebrateYOU

www.suitemanifestation.com

Phone: 619.852.5773

Email: suitebrigitte@gmail.com




Sunday, July 20, 2014

Suite Brigitte Updates: "Perspectives & Voices" ~ Knox Middle School in San Diego, CA


"You must be the change we wish to see in the world." -Mahatma Ghandi


We invited some of our community friends to participate in a year-end environmental and health event at the campus of Knox Middle School in San Diego, CA on July 11, 2014. During an afternoon, over eighty middle school students were able to participate in a beautiful yoga experience presented by Jerome Gross and hear the positive affirmations presented during the class.


Jerome Gross and I have worked together for several years in community settings and on youth programs. I have attended his yoga classes and found that they were so beneficial, I was eager to share these experiences with friends, family, colleagues and the wider community. I have witnessed the transformation that can occur on campuses and in event settings when we have presented the yoga and Jerome has even taught students in the sixth grade to present yoga to the community.



The San Diego River Valley Conservancy (SDRVC) provided great materials on the environment as well as activities to engage the students. SDRVC is a non-profit organization "to implement the San Dieguito River Park and its Coast to Crest Trail stretching 70 miles from Volcan Mountain near Julian to the ocean between Del Mar and Solana Beach."

The San Diego Chapter of Table for 2 was onsite and spreading the word about their efforts to tackles the opposing issues of malnutrition and obesity. Students were able to learn about the food choice options locally as well as how their local efforts can benefit and impact the world around them.

Circulate San Diego is a grassroots nonprofit "dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to live, work, learn, and play." They shared their work which supports communities by helping to create more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods. Their interaction with students provided information on how those choices can be made and encouraged greater awareness and critical thoughts around use of space.

H20 Trash Patrol was onsite demonstrating their use of the stand up paddleboard to clean up "hard to reach" places in and around the water. Their work is of benefit to all -- the environment, public safety and health, and anyone utilizing nearby water.

We love being involved in local neighborhoods and will be creating more opportunities youth and community involvement. If you would like more information or to get involved, please contact suitebrigitte@gmail.com.

Many thanks to all of the nonprofits that supported this afternoon of education, healthy choices and fun. Special thanks to Ms. Margarita Bacigalupo and the staff of Knox Middle School for hosting this program. We look forward to more opportunities at the community level.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Suite Brigitte Updates: "Perspectives & Voices" ~ Blooming Orchid Wellness Center in Detroit



For several years, it has been my dream to travel with my work to various American cities. I imagined working on the road; planning events and working on various neighborhood initiatives; meeting new people and savoring new experiences in each location.

This year, my dreams have come true in many ways. I have been working with others in great cities such as Atlanta and Decatur, Georgia; Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia and recently, Detroit, Michigan.


One of the many reasons I chose Detroit, is that I have believed it to be a great and rich city with a lot of potential and so much to offer. I have always seen Detroit as an amazing canvas that is awaiting innovation, ideas and people who are interested in co-creating long term goals for the success of the city as a whole. The great architecture and churches have always fascinated me; the art and entrepreneurial spirit in the face of financial hardships have been absolutely mind blowing. The financial pressures that the city has faced also encouraged my interest to visit in my role as an Energy Practitioner/Wellness professional and to connect with other entrepreneurial agents of change with respect to public health and neighborhood support.

I collaborated with Laura Montalto, a massage therapist and owner of Blooming Orchid Wellness Center in the neighborhood of Corktown (very close to downtown Detroit). On the first day of my arrival, we held an energy healing reception in which I offered energy work and it turned into a highly charged creativity session.

Instead of focusing on negative media imagery or perceptions of negativity in general, we had a very candid discussion about some of the challenges as well as revelations which opened our minds for the possibilities of the people of Detroit -- the businesses, the residents as well as our dreams and our desires to generate positive conditions for everyone. We were all truly inspired and elevated – so that we took a 4 mile walk after our late afternoon event to check out the downtown area.

According to Laura, "Detroit is a city where all our main industries are gone. Many of our jobs have been outsourced so finding a job with benefits poses quite a challenge." She said several times that Detroit is not very walkable or bikeable. I walked around town during my entire visit (mainly downtown and arts district) and I believe the city has great potential for more biking, walking, running and responsive to need the public transportation demands.

Laura also noticed the changes around attitudes toward health and healing: "I see a big change in the city as more people are turning to the healing arts instead of reaching out to their doctors. Many more gyms/yoga studios and martial arts schools are opening up around the city. Before you had to travel to the suburbs to find these services. The progression here is slow but is steadily happening." While Laura stated challenges that many business face such as high insurance rates; lack of public transportation and crime, she also acknowledged:

"The great thing about this city though is it takes dedication and absolute love for not only our city, but our state. The revitalization of Detroit is essential for the health and wellbeing of the future of Michigan. Detroiters are fighters we lose our jobs well then we just create new ones, we open businesses in a decaying city because we believe in our city and through all the constant uphill battles we just keep pushing through."


After our energy work together, the group decided that they were going to create an empowerment program; that they would use poetry as well as their healing gifts to re-shape their future. In the weeks after my visit, we have continued to discuss other areas of concern to us as humans, as business owners and as women who care about neighborhoods. I will be sharing more of that discussion with Laura through this blog and I also intend to share other perspectives and voices that I encounter in other cities. I look forward to many conversations and actions that we will take as a result of experiencing different cities and insights offered by those who appreciate and support their neighborhoods -- residents and businesses.

Join me on Twitter @SuiteBrigitte

Monday, March 3, 2014

CycloFemme Inspires Worldwide Growth in Women's Cycling

Through my events planning work in San Diego and on the east coast I have had the opportunity to witness greater inclusion of community voices in planning efforts around pedestrian and biking safety. I have noticed more women riding their bikes on the streets of San Diego as well as an increase in community members (including youths) participating in the planning process for more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods. The promotion of cycling and the creation of strategies for greater ease in riding on city streets appears to be paying off.

Women’s History Month offers a context in which the advancement of women in cycling can be recognized and celebrated. I had the opportunity to speak with Sarai Snyder, the founder of CycloFemme, which is a worldwide cycling movement whose mission honors the past, celebrates the present and empowers the future of women in cycling.

SB: What is your impression of the growing number of female cyclists in communities throughout the nation?

Sarai Snyder: This momentum has been building for a long time and it is very exciting to see it finally taking real root. But being closely involved in the cycling industry, advocacy, and media, we are surrounded by it everyday and it is easy to think we've come further than we have. Women in cycling is a current topic of conversation, but this is just the beginning. We still have a long way to go.

SB: What are you most excited about regarding the biking industry?

Sarai Snyder: There are a lot of changes taking place. We are heading into an exciting time but when you boil it down, for me personally, it's still just about riding bikes. I love testing new bikes and gear. I think right now I'm most excited about electronic shifting. It's been around for a while but it is really just now becoming more readily available. It may seem simple, but this has major potential for women. Most of us have smaller, less powerful hands, the road bike shifting systems of the past haven't been very friendly to us. Now, it can be as easy as pushing a button!

SB: Bike riders as a group have become more diverse and we have noticed more commuters, female riders and casual riders. How are these riders impacting the biking industry?

Sarai Snyder: It's exciting to see more riders on any level, but these groups have the greatest potential for affecting change in our communities. That is why the growth is so inspiring. These riders are raising expectations for the industry but it's pretty slow moving. The cycling industry has always focused on technology. Now we are asking for better marketing, more education, and better product design that enables a successful cycling lifestyle. We are asking for better solutions to bigger problems. It's not about faster, lighter, better anymore. I see more innovative new companies popping up in an effort to address these issues but a lot of older, established companies are still narrowly fixed on the competitive rider.

I see more women trying new things and pushing themselves just a little harder. The start lines at women's races are growing and more women are taking on the role of mentoring newer riders. It's just plain awesome. Cycling is an amazing tool for taking us out our comfort zones and finding success. That is where empowerment comes from, through cycling we gain confidence to push the limits in other aspects of life.

SB: Tell us about Cyclofemme and the movement you created. Where is it headed? What do you hope to accomplish?

Sarai Snyder: CycloFemme is a global celebration of women on bikes. We chose Mother's Day (in the U.S.) as the day when we would all come together and ride. CycloFemme was originally announced to the masses on March 2nd, 2012. The message struck a cord and by May 13, 2012 we had 164 rides registered in 14 countries. The momentum has continued to grow exponentially. In 2013, we had 229 rides in 31 countries and we have created a pledge to "inspire one more woman to ride a bike."

The best part about CycloFemme is not in the numbers but in the spirit and camaraderie that has come of it. The goal is ultimately to encourage more women to ride, to join the tribe. We see women as leaders and change makers in their communities. If we want to see cycling adopted on a much larger scale, we must engage more women.

SB: Where can people get involved in Cyclofemme and what is its mission?

Sarai Snyder: The mission of CycloFemme is TO HONOR THE PAST and the emancipation of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers, for the freedom to choose and the chance to wear pants. TO CELEBRATE THE PRESENT and the riders who keep it rolling, bringing women's racing to the forefront, pushing the limits, breaking down barriers and sharing the love of the bike with everyone along the way. TO EMPOWER THE FUTURE of women in cycling and the opportunity for positive social change. Teach women to ride and they will change the world.

The best way to get involved is to plan a ride or join in on one on May 11, 2014. Rides can be registered on Cyclofemme.com and the pledge is also available to download and sign. Spread the word, invite a friend!

SB: What is the long-term goal of Cyclofemme?

Sarai Snyder: My goal is to find a way to bring cycling to the women who need it most. That could be women who need the bike for transportation, for economic development or for personal empowerment. However, at some point we all fit in to one of these categories. So, I guess that just means that we have a lot of opportunity for impact.

SB: I’ve written about biking from the standpoint of a commuter. This perspective, to me, is quite different from a mountain biker or competitive rider. Riding my bike to get around town -- especially in San Diego, CA, has encouraged me to notice so many community needs (such as bike racks, designated lanes and overall safety). Do you think more attention needs to be placed on the levels of riding and the different things that a rider might require, depending on how they are using the bike?

Sarai Snyder: I think the greatest deficiency in cycling is education. Like I mentioned before, generally speaking, we all have the same challenges. We might choose slightly different solutions, a mountain biker may choose a hydration pack over a water bottle because it is more convenient for drinking while dodging trees. A road rider will likely want lighter, grippier tires while a commuter is looking for greater flat protection. Personal preference also plays a big role.

The bike shops have the best opportunity to provide that education. Even local conditions play a role in decision making. Climate, road and trail conditions, concerns about visibility and distance are all factors in choosing the best gear. Bike shops are the go-to for learning about the community and getting involved in local advocacy issues. The best thing that any cyclist can do is find a bike shop that will take the time to share their knowledge and in turn support their business. A good personal relationship with your bike shop is invaluable.

SB: What are your thoughts on city biking (sharing the road with motorists versus designated bike lanes)?

Sarai Snyder: Living in Boulder, Colorado, we have a lot of both and I love every bit of it. Different infrastructure is appropriate for different places and roads, both have the benefits. Designated paths are really great for people who aren't comfortable riding in traffic, they can be super efficient too if they have integrated overpasses and underpasses as well. But, they can also get congested, more user groups are filling them up, taking away some of the efficiency. In some instances they also steer riders away from local businesses. I really believe that a good urban model incorporates both.

SB: Regarding the National Women’s Cycling Forum that occurred in 2013 -- what do you think was accomplished?

Sarai Snyder: Time will tell. It was a great opportunity for the leaders in the women's cycling movement to come together, building our community, sharing resources and inspirations. It was a leap forward and a real encouragement to see the momentum gaining steam. I also enjoyed seeing which cycling companies and organizations were represented, showing a commitment to national cycling issues.

SB: In terms of regional and nationwide advocacy, what do you feel are some of the most pressing issues involving city cycling? And trail/offroad riding?

Sarai Snyder: Funding is always the big issue with urban cycling and trail access for off road users. To get the most up to date information on the issues it is best to visit www.bikeleague.org or www.IMBA.com. The greatest need is for more cyclists to get involved in pushing for better infrastructure. Each of us have a voice and it is important to use it!

SB: There is room for growth in clothing and transitional wear for female cyclists. What shifts do you feel need to occur (in designs, materials and what needs adjustment?)

Sarai Snyder: Women like to make smart purchases on quality, functional, versatile gear. But we also want to look good doing it. I feel there is a great need for women's clothing that works both on and off the bike. Many of us make a point to live close to where we work making technical, cycling specific gear less important. What we need is more technical "lifestyle" wear with style. I realize that is a lot to ask. I'd love to see more collaborations between fashion and cycling brands.

Please register for the international CycloFemme movement by visiting the website at www.cyclofemme.com.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

[ATLANTA] Saturday, February 15, 2014: Celebrate Love + Love Thy Neighbor


It's happening! We survived the "#SnowJam2014" and we are off to CELEBRATE LOVE with an afternoon of beauty with the Love Thy Neighbor event at the Shoe Lounge in Atlanta on SATURDAY, February 15, 2014. The afternoon will be filled with a variety of mini spa treatments including makeovers and facials by Tina Broughton's Makeover Takeover; mini-Reiki sessions; special gifts, aromatherapy and refreshments! Plus you'll be able to check out the latest fashions in women's shoes at the Shoe Lounge located at 238 Walker Street, Suite 2, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Tickets are only $25.00 and a percentage of each will be donated to our charity partners which include the One Love Generation. We are committed to supporting the vision of upliftment and beauty that many of our youth are creating through their voices, their paintbrushes, the pictures, their songs and their lives.

This will be the perfect opportunity for you to feel energized, welcomed, relaxed and ready to be pampered and be in a refreshing environment. We'll get you ready for whatever you have in mind for your weekend, whether its girls night out and be ready for a night in town in Atlanta, Decatur or whatever you choose to do. You may know that KEM and El Debarge are in town that weekend and you'll be all set.

We look forward to seeing you at the Shoe Lounge in Atlanta. Check updates via Twitter @suitebrigitte.

Wishing you the very best for a love-filled and successful 2014.