This month was also our 8 years anniver­sary cel­e­bra­tion. We cel­e­brated by tak­ing a morn­ing for our own relax­ation and fun at Kocoon spa.

We danced, drew, shared our dreams.

While I understand that this may be a very helpful tool for many people for valid reasons, I tried it and decided that it was not for me. 

A healthier you.

Stress relief can improve your vitality and state of mind: You will feel better and look better. Care of yourself and your body with our special offer:

Massage & Facial Package

Buy 10 massages or facials and get 2 extra for free. 
Save up to 1760rmb!

购买10次身体护理赠送2次（限相同护理
购买10次面护赠送2次 (限相同护理 )
最高赠送金额1760元!

*Treatments are non exchangeable, offer valid until August 31st, 2013; 18 month validity, may not be combined with other offers and promotions

活动截止日期为2013年9月30日，有效日期为18月,优惠护理限购买相同护理10次

Between 10:30am and 4pm you can enjoy 15% discount towards any spa treatments with our special

Lunch-Time-Membership program. 

You may purchase a 3000rmb-pre-paid account at Kocoon spa and enjoy exclusive treatments discount.

Conditions:
Waxing services are excluded from the program. Your membership cannot be used in conjunction to other promotions. Membership can be transferred provided 200rmb administration fee.

Since I am in Beijing I tried a lot of different carrot cakes - with or without frosting - and they were all different. Some were too sweet, some too firm, some too dry, but the best and perfect one I ate was at Dareem Cafe in Sanlitun South. Therefore my goal was to make a carrot cake which was at least as delicious as Dareems'. It is the first carrot cake I made - Maika gave me the recipe - and it was simply delicious: succulent and just perfect! I did not any topping as it was already delicious, but I think for the next time I'd probably try some walnut cream cheese frosting...we'll see!

And here comes the recipe, inspired from Natalie Eve Garrett 

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups almond meal (or 1 ½ cups ground almonds or other nuts)
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
a pinch of ground cloves
a pinch of salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
4 eggs
2/3 cup raw sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 ½ cups carrots (3-4 large carrots), peeled and finely grated (I used a food processor, but you can also use the smallest holes on a box grater. Or, in a pinch, you can buy a bag of pre-shredded carrots at a place like Trader Joes, though they’ll be drier; soak them for an hour or so first!)
2/3 cup raisins (optional)

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease a 9” cake pan with olive oil spray plus a drizzle or two more olive oil; set aside.

2. Combine almond meal (or grind your own in a food processor), spices and baking powder in one bowl; set aside.

3. Beat the eggs (with a mixer fitted with a whisk, or briskly with a fork). Slowly add the raw sugar and beat until it’s thick and ribbon-y. Add in the almond extract and olive oil, keep beating. Ahhhh that gorgeous almond smell!

4. Gently fold in the almond-spice mixture, and then slowly add the carrots and raisins.

5. Pour the batter into the cake pan. Bake for about one hour.

Fresh Lemongrass Tea and Homemade Carrot Cake at Kocoon Spa

Looking perfect in Summer with our Water Lily Facial

This corrective facial is perfect for very sensitive or sunburnt skin. The calming, strengthening, and repairing benefits of Waterlily, Green Tea, and Proline will leave you completely refreshed and recharged and glowing with vitality.

睡莲面部护理（缺水或晒后）

可降低皮肤温度缓解由于晒伤、敏感、紧张造成的皮肤不适感，包括日晒过敏和刺痛。防止外部环境因素弱化皮肤抗阳光紫外线的 侵袭。滋润肌肤还原透亮清爽的肌肤

Our Spa Special in July: This month you can enjoy our Water Lily Facial plus 15 minutes back massage as a prelude to your Facial, using your choice of organic Aromatherapy blend for only 450rmb instead of 565rmb if you book this month - safe 115rmb! 

Dalida Turkovic shares simple and effective ways to experience mind-body connection for increased confidence, focus and health.

These meditative standing, sitting and lying practices help you focus on energy centers in your body and connect with the present  moment to experience stillness, peace and relaxation no matter where you are and what you are doing.

Co- Founder of Small Steps Coaching and Dao Leadership, Dalida Turkovic, executive wellness coach, lives and works in Beijing for over 20 years. In her work and life she uses practice of Neijia, yoga and meditation to help her clients connect with resourceful states when dealing with set backs and changes at work and life.

The general format format:

1-Q&A about the practice

2-Relaxation/Connecting with the present moment

3-Various mindfulness/meditation techniques: standing, sitting or lying positions

4-Sharing and meditation homework

Is it the same topic / theme each time?

"It's not the same unless I have a group of people who haven't attended the previous session. The content will depend on the questions people have and the needs of the group."

Is there any pre-requisite? 

"The duration and type of practice will depend on the level of the group: Absolute beginners will require some time to cover the basics of the posture and purpose of meditation."

5 Ways To Prevent Getting Sick  

While the changing of the seasons might be all anyone can talk about right now, it’s fun to look back to the warm summer months, which were such a fantastic break from catching colds and flu. As the cool air arrives so does the onset of spreadable germs, causing sneezing, coughs, sore throats – you name it. It’s definitely exciting to break out our favorite fall gear – like rain boots and cozy sweaters – but catching a cold is no fun at all. Here’s a look at how to ride through fall looking and feeling your best with 5 ways to prevent getting sick. 

1. Get Lots of Exercise. Good for your body in so many ways, getting your sweat on is an excellent way to flush your body of no-good toxins that cause you to feel ill. Keeping the heart pumping and muscles moving gives you the foundation you need for a strong immune system.

2. Get Enough Sleep. While it may be tempting to stay up late binge watching all the new primetime shows, that’s exactly what DVR is for. Getting in bed early and sleeping soundly through the night gives your body the strength it needs to fight off nasty germs that may come your way. Try winding down in the evenings a bit earlier than you normally would to get into the habit of a nice, early bed time.

3. Load Up on Fruits and Veggies. Packing your body full of healthy vitamins is one of the best ways to fight off cold and flu – and that’s pretty easy to do when your diet is loaded with good-for-you fruits and veggies. Mix in some citrus fruit for an added boost of vitamin C.

4. Scale Back the Party Mode. Everyone around you catching colds, but still hitting the town on Friday night? Alcohol is known for weakening your normally tough immune system. Opt for a Friday night in here and there to catch up on your favorite shows and snuggle up with some herbal tea. Also a great way to sneak in some extra Z’s.

5. Drink Enough Water. While staying hydrated is good for you in more ways than one, water helps flush out the toxins that cause illness. When you deprive your body of water, there’s nothing to flush out the bad cells – leaving you feeling pretty bad all around. Can’t stand plain water? Add some lemon or lime for a little flair.

Article from: Loren's world by Loren Ridinger