Posted on
September 12, 2017
by
Charlene Solomon
| 14 Comments
“Party in the city where the heat is on
All night, on the beach till the break of dawn
"Welcome to Miami"
"Bienvenidos a Miami"
As hurricane Irma bears down on Florida, Trina and I reflect on our visit to Miami and Fort Lauderdale only 3 weeks ago. We send our hopes of safety and strength to those affected by the hurricane. I live in Austin, TX and happened to be in Houston when Hurricane Harvey hit. I can say I understand the fear and worry for your friends, family, and neighbors. We love Miami and share with you now our fabulous SoloSol Movement pop-up shop grand tour. XOXO Charlene Solomon
The SoloSol sisters hardly ever get to see each other. These days of technology allow us to run a business together even though I live in Texas and Trina lives in California. We email, call, text, and skype but in-person visits are rare. When the opportunity to visit Miami for a couple of days came up, we jumped! Of course south Florida is gorgeous and the sisters would get to spend time together! We started the trip with a Ft Lauderdale beach photoshoot, because, YASSS!!! The beautiful waters of south Florida cannot be beat! Don’t get us wrong, California beaches are beautiful too but that Cali water is cold cold cold.
Day 2, West Elm Miami Midtown pop-up shop. Our first West Elm event was wonderful! Can you believe that West Elm allows small businesses to setup shop and sell their products in store?!?! We were generously given space on a beautiful dining table near the front window and laid out our current Jungle Goddess Collection. Those of you that know Trina and I, know that we can be quite shy, especially when it comes to promoting ourselves. But the West Elm employees and customers were very friendly and encouraging! It was also a treat to have dynamic duo, Pablo and Cristina stop by the pop up (@highonyoga @murdoc305). This lovely couple has a beautiful acro practice, so of course, Trina grabbed her camera and we headed out to the Wynwood Walls for a photo shoot. Look at these awesome shots we got! We can’t say enough positive things about Pablo and Cristina. They are truly special souls! After working up an appetite, we went to this amazing yoga studio/café for veggies burgers… DELILCIOUS! http://lovelifewellnesscenter.com/cafe/
Day 3 was jam packed with 2 pop-ups!!! First stop, House of Yoga, a small, intimate, beautiful studio with a cozy family-vibe. https://www.houseofyoga.com/. The owner, Janelle, is warm, fun and genuine and her studio represents that. We just love that this small studio provides kids yoga classes! What a beautiful mission to help kids learn the many benefits of yoga. Of course, they offer adult classes too. You should definitely check them out! Every one that stepped foot into the studio was so kind from the teachers to the students.
Second pop-up of the day was West Elm Hallandale where we met another amazing team of West Elm employees supporting our small business. We are incredibly thankful! We also had a visit from our lovely ambassador, Sharon @mommyrunsit. We got to meet Sharon’s family, who drove all the way down to see us and do a mini-photoshoot. After a long day, we headed to the beach for cocktails and seafood with a view of the beautiful Miami Beach waves crashing.
Our final day, we woke up early to do a photoshoot but it was raining! But a little rain never stopped the SoloSol Sisters, so we covered the camera with a towel and ran around in the rain and splashed in the ocean. Then we headed to West Elm Dadeland for our final pop-up shop. We met some great customers including a coincidental encounter with a good friend of our ambassador Pablo who recognized him from our huge banner. Funny, right? Our final dinner was some delicious Cuban food at a restaurant where we got to practice our Spanish. (Still craving the food) We spoke more Spanish in Miami in a few days than we did in the last few years. We absolutely LOVED it! Fun fact: I studied abroad in Alicante, Spain and used to be almost fluent in Spanish. Trina and I used to only speak to each other in Spanish.
We headed back to the hotel in Surfside to finalize samples for our upcoming Majestic Nights Collection and get some rest for our 5am flights. We were sad to leave this beautiful place, but happy we got to spend the weekend together and meet wonderful people. ¡Adios Miami!
Posted in
DESTINATION,
INSPO,
TRAVEL
Posted on
August 31, 2017
by
Sila Atikol
| 0 Comments
There is a general misconception about healthy food, that it is not tasty. We all want to opt for the healthy but when you think about it, who wants to eat tasteless food, or how long can you keep it up? As someone who have been staying on the healthy side of things, I can tell you that healthy doesn't mean not delicious. I am a fat soul and I cannot live without enjoying my food. You might think that I got used to the taste of healthy food because I am going on for so long, and it is true that your eating habits are only habits and when you choose differently, you do get used to it and eventually built new habits. But that's definitely not the case here. I have some friends who are strictly against healthy eating. When I have them over at my house as guests, I refuse to serve them something that I would not normally eat. So I am serving them one of my healthy or paleo deserts along with coffee and I can tell you with great pleasure that they are enjoying every bite and cannot tell the difference.
In summer avoiding the ice cream would be the biggest challenge for most healthy eating newbies. So I would like to share with you some of my favourite, most delicious and easiest alternatives for the hottest days of summer.
1. Strawberry
This one can actually be done with pineapple, peach (peeled) or mango as well.
Ingredients
4 cups of frozen strawberries (I always make sure they are not completely frozen and not completely melted)
1/4 cups Low fat yogurt or creamy coconut milk
3 table spoon or less Agave syrup
Few drops of lemon juice (optional)
Blend everything together and if you are using ice cream moulds, separate your ice cream, and put it back into the freezer for another 5-10 minutes before you serve. As easy as that...
2. Banana
This is for my cocoa cravings.
Ingredients
2 peeled and frozen ripe bananas (similarly you can wait for them to soften a little bit)
2 (or more tablespoons) unsweetened 70% cocoa powder
1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (optional to make it more creamy but it has a strong taste that suppresses the taste of banana)
Put everything into the blender at once and you have your ice cream. You can separate your ice cream into ice cream moulds or cups and serve after leaving it in the freezer for additional 5-10 minutes.
Enjoy <3
Guest Blogger: Sila Atikol
Pilates, Total Barre, Yoga, SUP & TRX Instructor, Thai Massage & Reiki Therapist, Healthy Life Blogger
@silastikol
@silatesblog
Posted in
HEALTH&WELLNESS,
RECIPE
Posted on
July 11, 2017
by
Trina Solomon
| 0 Comments
SoloSol Movement was featured by Yogi Approved as one of the top Brands that gives back!
Click here for the link to the full article
Posted in
INSPO,
SOLOSOLMOVEMENT
Posted on
June 29, 2017
by
Khat Matias
| 299 Comments
I was naked in a room with 12 men… and it was great.
I stumbled upon Bold Naked 2 years ago after reading about this unique vinyasa class in passing. Interesting. I registered an account. The location of the studio is kept private, until you meet their criteria of non-creepers. The brief questionnaire asks about your personal practice, what you’re looking to gain from a nude class, etc.. et voilà. You’re in. All I had to do next was show up.
For 2 years, although I hadn’t signed up for a class, I read their weekly Monday emails equipped with an inspirational quote (i.e: “Authenticity is the most attractive garment you could ever wear.”) and reminder that “tomorrow is Co-ed Tuesday!” My Tuesday finally arrived. It was my last in NYC before moving to Bali. I cleared my calendar, took off work and declared it my monthly “Khat Day.” Yep, Khat Day is a thing.
I love being nude with my partner. But feel extremely shy around everyone else.. thats normal right? When my friends would go topless, I’d volunteer to take their infamous boobs-to-ocean-with-bathing-suit-top-in-right-hand kodak moment. Once, I went to a nude optional area in Lake Tahoe called the Secret Cove (highly recommend this spot!). While the entire population took that option, I kept my gear on. I wanted to “free bird” like everyone else but couldn’t place my brave badge. Where does it go when I need it the most!?
Some babes flashing the Pacific Ocean
Off I trotted to this top secret building in Chelsea and ride an old elevator to the 5th floor. I slowly turn the knob to enter. “Wow. This is fresh!” I tiptoe onto black hardwood floors in this loft converted into a gorgeous, contemporary yoga space. I am greeted warmly by the co-owner and teacher, Monika to my right and nod a silent “hello” to a fully nude man on my left.
Stay cool. Look him in the eyes. Don’t look down. Smile and pretend he’s NOT shining his treasure at you. I find out almost immediately that I was one, if not the only, nude newbie.
Everyone is on a first name basis! Regulars. Monika checks me in, thankfully at that, as I diverge my attention from the group of men casually chatting about work, their weekend, the game, the dogs, etc, while getting undone. If there were changing rooms, I wouldn’t have known because no one was using them! They emptied their belongings into cubbies. Behind them, some students were already situated on their mats in a dim lit room.
Monika informs me that she usually declines sign ups to coed when the scale tips too far to a single gender. That evening, she didn’t have the heart to turn anyone away, being that Bold Naked would not be renewing their lease. Ok.. what does that mean for me? With two coed classes left, she adds, “there are a lot more men in the class tonight.” A lot. They were ALL men. Most of the students looked like young professionals in their 30s and 40s. I was definitely the youngest. Good GOD. “Oh, ok!” I say, with a little too much pep in my step.
Meanwhile, I’m still in this pattern of stripping and stalling. “Ok jacket goes on coat rack. Oh wait. Can’t forget to hang my scarf! La la la. Jeans off first. Squirrel!” I stalled long enough for most of the students to disperse themselves, like afternoons in NYC post-rush hour when everyone wants at least an arms length distance from each other. That’s when an angel came through the door and was greeted with hugs by same naked man. I forget the name of this angel but all I could remember thinking was, “Yes! A female. More plz. Thanks.” There were 14 of us spaced out generously. 12 were men.
Suns out, buns out at Secret Cove, Lake Tahoe
I snag a spot on the third and final row because no way in hell was I compromising any emotional resistance in my favorite pose, downward facing dog. Catch my drift? I set up camp between two men. I highly recommend this being a BYOM (bring your own mat) kind of class. Although they offer mat rentals.. come on guys. Butt Sweat level 99! Dude on my left who initiates small talk thankfully gets a silent hush as the lights dim a bit more. Monika makes her way to the front of the room. She looks great.
Damn. Who wakes up like that?!
She checks in with each of us individually and by name, asking how we were feeling on a scale of 1-10. Honestly, I was at 5. By the time she made it to “Katherine?” I warmed up to a 7/8. Monika paves a very comfortable space. It’s like letting out a long sigh.
We began checking in with our physical selves as the lights cycled through a rainbow of soothing colors.
Here we go.
If I thought any longer of my infinite insecurities I had in that room, I’d be stealing time and possible joy from myself. I’d be distracting my mind from the present experience. In Sanskrit, this practice of non-stealing is called “asteya.” I could change nothing about my setting. The class would go on even if I rolled up my mat and walked right out.
I decided to change my perspective. Instead, I focused on my breath and let the expectations go.
Photo by Aaron Kleinerman (@thesoulnavigator)
Monika taught an all levels vinyasa class that allowed me to play. I balanced on my hands, on my arms and on my head. Just when I thought I could get away with hiding my engine parts from at least some of the guys, that idea was challenged. We used all sides of the room. So if anyone didn’t get the chance to see my goods in Prasarita Padottonasana A, they surely got a chance to view them from Prasarita Padottonasana C. By that time I’d almost forgotten we were all naked. I didn’t have to fondle with my own clothes or look at anyone else’s. I was just practicing yoga.
To answer some of your questions, yes, there were dingles and grapes hanging from the vine but in all honestly, I was too in tune with the flow, that my eyes were busy with drishtis to wander. This, and the fact that I have poor eyesight served me well, so zooming in for HD peeks were impossible. Thank Buddha. If anyone was “excited” I wouldn’t have noticed. Hello, looking inward here!
By the time we arrived in our final svasana, I was filled with a handful of emotions. It overflowed into a form of happy tears. In this transitional phase of my life, between moving overseas and following my bliss, I felt this release. It was as if my body was a balloon of pressure and someone came over to poke me. So I deflated, became soft and relaxed. I finally sensed my “free bird” moment. I hugged Monika right after class and thanked her for this new experience.
Everything we truly need is found in ourselves. Right here, right now.
As for this experience, I’d say if it scares you, you should try it. Nothing grand ever comes from staying in your comfort zone.
So like the weekly inspiring quotes that Bold Naked shared with their readers, here is mine to you. “I’ll try anything once. Twice if I like it. Three times just to be sure.” If it’s not a naked yoga class, thats okay, too. But I hope you find your “free bird” moment. I promise the view is like a breath of fresh air.
Much love and practice on,
Xx Khat
Say Hello. I love new, smiling faces!
To follow my adventures in love, puppers, yoga retreats and islands all over the world.. find me on Instagram, @khat.mandu or visit my website www.KatherineLindsey.com!
Join my next retreat this December 3-9th with our beautiful Puri Bali Bliss Crew!
Rinse off in the Indian Ocean, recharge your yoga practice, revive your soul and repeat. Xx
Posted in
INSPO
Posted on
June 04, 2017
by
Shan Maher
| 0 Comments
Yoga & sisterhood go together like bananas and peanut butter or red wine and dark chocolate.
When you bring women together, the energy is higher and oh so beautiful. The wonderful thing about this combination is that there are so many unique types of women in this world, the personalities range to all ends of the spectrum.
Together we are more powerful. We are an unstoppable force of nature that has the ability to create and overcome any obstacle big or small.
Together we can take on the world.
So why yoga and sisterhood? Why the combine the two?
Women have not always been so keen on embracing one another's faults and being a supportive shoulder.
It wasn’t until maybe in the last few years where we’ve seen a dramatic and incredible rise in sisterhood and goddess circles. It’s as if the notion of lifting each other up and being supportive is an entirely new concept.
To be fair, it kind of is.
We are often conditioned in school to be jealous of other women and most of the time the comments we make in grade school can be nasty and hurtful.
But this is why the second half of this blog sandwich is so so yummy.
Yoga
If you think about it, yoga brings forth an opportunity to connect with fellow members of your community. It is a practice that not only transforms your body physically but also mentally. It lets you invite others in and forces you to dive into who you really are at the very heart.
It showers you with chance encounters with like-minded souls and people who are going through hardships or basic day to day dramas just as you are.
This is not to say that yoga is just for women. But,I do believe that this practice has offered me personally - along with many others - awesome doors leading to lifelong friendships and wonderful sisterhoods.
These days, you see many yoga workshops and classes geared towards the divine feminine or our sacred shakti energy, which is brilliant.
Introducing women to their own history and energies inside is quite powerful. Teaching women that it is okay to be who they really are and feel all their emotions can be so hard.
Pent up emotions for women are stored so deeply within our hips and heart. We hold on with all our might to past pain because we are often taught that by doing so we become stronger or more normal. This is so far from the truth!
Yoga is the gateway to our heart. Every asana peels back layers that we’ve built up over the years and every breath works through our bodies to help open us ever so softly.
I have cried so many times in half pigeon, I have sobbed in savasana and tumbled to my knees after holding camel for longer than five breaths.
Yoga provides an incredible opening and once you are opened there is no turning back. But if we can’t turn back where do we turn?
To our sisters.
We sit and we share all of the feelings without judgment, without hesitation. Women’s circles and friendships offer us a safe space to continue breaking down the barriers. Our sisters are not only shoulders to cry on but they are also our sponges. They help absorb and feel everything that we feel, offering us different perspectives and solutions to ease our frazzled hearts.
So one last time, why yoga and sisterhood?
Just as in yoga - where we need adjustments and aid while moving our bodies into deeper bends or softer holds - in life, we need this same support, this same cushion and helping hand to assist in guiding us as we navigate through all the wildness of life.
This is the reason why I am so in love with Solosolmovement; the entire brand is founded on the concept of sisterhood and yoga. Trina and Char provide fashion for every woman of every size, every shape and personality from all over the world.
They are inclusive to the needs of every woman and are inspiring us all by showing that by offering support to one another we can truly make a difference in whatever aspect of this life we so desire.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to not only work with their brand but also to have them as friends!
Posted in
INSPO,
SOLOSOLMOVEMENT
Posted on
February 06, 2017
by
Trina Solomon
| 0 Comments
5 Yummy Valentines Day Recipes
Create a romantic meal for your Valentine or indulge in some sweet treats alone (Bridget Jones style). Enjoy!
We are OBSESSED with Coconuts!
Everybody loves Nutella!
A sophisticated treat
Cocktail Hour: Spanish Style
Delicious Nutrition
Posted in
HOLIDAY,
RECIPE
Posted on
January 28, 2017
by
Shan Maher
| 8 Comments
Last week I had the privilege of taking a tour around the factory in Bali where Solosol Movement creates and manufactures their clothing line. Located in complete paradise, it makes sense why most of the prints that Trina and Char create emulate the environment.
Arriving at the factory I was greeted by Yuli, the manager who wore a bright smile on her face as she welcomed me inside. I was shown to the meeting room and chatted with her while we waited for Reina who is the niece of the factory’s owner. Once Reina arrived, we began what I thought would be something like an interview but which turned out to be more like an engaging two hour conversation about fashion, life, yoga, pilates and of course Solosol! I found out that Yuli has been a part of this factory for sixteen years. Reina came on board a few months back to take over the other managing position while her aunt is away for travel. I was so excited to hear about how much of a family run facility it appeared to be and it truly was such a delight getting to know these women. From them I was given a unique insight into the world of fashion production.
After we chatted and the employees came back from lunch break I was shown around the factory. It opened its doors in 1993. The facility is 900 square meters but with plans to expand within the next year to keep up with demand. There is a total of 41 employees including the managing staff. It is a female dominated work environment - the employment ratio is roughly 80% female and 20% male. When I asked Reina why that is she told me that in Indonesia there is actually a higher percentage of females to males.
I began asking her more in-depth questions about the employees and her responses to questions made me really happy to hear. They are an equal employment opportunity run facility with employees of various backgrounds and currently have two people there with disabilities who had no experience prior to working there in fashion, but were given proper training and are now flourishing in their work. After hearing that, it came as no surprise to me why there are some employees that have been there as long as 20 years! Every person who is hired is able to choose which station or machine they wish to work on and then trained accordingly.
Their work hours are from 8am to 4pm six days a week with an option to work the seventh day. I asked if a lot of employees chose to work the overtime and she said yes because they are paid and compensated appropriately for their extra time and dedication to the company. Reina said that by providing choice in stations and offering fair pay, it inspires longevity for every employee and creates a more family like atmosphere within the factory life.
As I walked around the factory most of the women were laughing and chatting with one another while creating the products. It was awesome to see such a lively atmosphere within the building. When I pictured fashion production facilities I never quite imagined what I was shown at their factory. All employees there seemed really happy and enjoying what they were doing. It was really heartwarming to experience. I could see why Trina and Char chose this place to create and manufacture their line of clothing.
I asked Reina why they like working with Solosol Movement and both she and Yuli smiled stating that both Trina and Char are understanding, nice and awesome with communication. Reina went on to further say that it is fun to work with Solosol because she shares a similar taste in design and print style for active wear. I asked if there were any complications in working with companies outside of Indonesia and she said there aren’t many issues if any. Trina is amazing at communication and both women have a quick and efficient response time which makes the production run quite smoothly. The women also enjoy getting once a year visits from Trina and Char while they come to QC their current clothing line and also design samples for new upcoming lines.
To create an entire line of clothing for Solosol it takes three machines, three different workers and a quality control team (which is usually Yuli and Reina) overseeing each station as each piece is manufactured. It takes one week to make a sample for a new article of clothing and once the fabrics and design are ready to go it takes roughly thirty to ninety days to get all the pieces boxed up and shipped out!
I continued touring the factory for about an hour and as I left I was really stoked to write this article. I am so happy that I was able to visit their factory and meet all the women there. It is inspiring to see Trina and Char’s designs come to life in such a great work environment. It’s no wonder why I always feel so loved when wearing their clothing. It is created in a place full of happy people.
I always knew Solosol Movement was special but it really made me smile to see how much care and thought went into choosing such a lovely place to create their clothing. I am so proud to be a part of the Solosol Movement and work with really lovely humans who are impacting the fashion world in a positive way by being mindful about where and who produces their clothing.
Posted in
DESTINATION,
INSPO,
SOLOSOLMOVEMENT,
TRAVEL
Suns out, buns out at Secret Cove, Lake Tahoe
