Achieving Self-Care Balance

 JUPITER, FL – January 5, 2017 –"When the well's dry, we know the worth of water." – Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was known for his wit – and his wisdom. His famous aphorism from Poor Richard’s Almanack is the perfect metaphor for work / life balance. What are you doing to ensure that your personal well doesn’t run dry? Between a busy work schedule, family life, and social obligations it seems that our sense of self can be depleted – especially during the hectic winter months.
Fortunately Jupiter, Florida is a haven known for its natural beauty. The phrase, “We live where others vacation” is true, we just need to unplug and enjoy our surroundings. Here then, in no particular order, are some of our favorite activities and places to visit to keep our work / life balance in check.

FEATHERS N FRINGE

Maybe you are like us and a little “Retail Therapy” never fails to improve your mood – especially if a new outfit is involved. One of our favorite places to go for outfits and accessories is Feathers N Fringe. Whether we are looking for casual jeans or something a little dressier, this boutique always seems to have something to fit the bill. And to make it even better, owner Marni Wintermute herself is often there, greeting us with a smile and her philosophy: “I’m not here to sell you clothes, I’m here to make you feel fantastic.”

The whole experience makes us feel fantastic.

Wintermute buys her stock on a weekly basis – most stores buy on a monthly or even quarterly basis. This means that the clothing and accessories in the boutique can be very personalized. For example, “If someone wants ripped jeans and we don’t happen to have any in stock, we can get them right away,” Wintermute explains, “Or if you are feeling girlie and want to wear high heels and a dress one day and then those torn jeans and Chucks the next, we can put that look together quickly and affordably.”

Not only is her stocking practice different, so is her staffing philosophy. The Feathers N Fringe staff are trained stylists. “I worked as a stylist and my staff are all stylists,” Wintermute says. “I want to help you dress your dream.” To make that dream a reality, the store is even available for birthday parties and trunk shows.

We clearly aren’t the only ones who love retail therapy at Feathers N Fringe.

Of course, we pop in to the Jupiter location, but there are also stores in Royal Palm and Winter Park. In fact, Wintermute opened the Jupiter location two years ago and, based on its success, opened the Royal Palm store in July of 2016 and the Winter Park site in October of 2016.

For more information, contact Feathers N Fringe: 920 West Indiantown Road, Jupiter, FL 33478, (561) 320-9952; www.feathersnfringe.com

TWILIGHT YOGA AT THE LIGHT

Whether you regularly attend yoga classes or just want to experience what it is all about, there is no more relaxing setting than outside at twilight on the deck of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.

Taught by Mary Veal of Kula Yoga Shala, the all-level classes are held every Monday under the huge banyan tree at the foot of the lighthouse. If rain is in the forecast, classes simply move from the deck to the Museum’s porch. In fact, the only time class is cancelled is if lightning is forecast, “Because the lighthouse itself is a giant lightning rod,” says Veal, “Otherwise we are there, year-round, every Monday, teaching practical yoga in the most beautiful, peaceful setting.”

What is practical yoga?

Veal explains that practical yoga is just that – a way of connecting to yourself and relaxing that is actually applicable in everyday life. “In today’s hectic society we have lost that sense of connection to ourselves, to our community, and to nature,” she says. “These ‘Twilight at the Light’ classes help regain that. Before class, we all wait in line together for the Museum staff to open the gate and let us in. Then, during the class, there is no music, no artificial light, and no stimulus – just the sound of the water, the breeze, and nature. We’ve had bats, crickets, lizards, all manner of animals join our sessions. When it is raining and we move to the porch, we will see dolphins. It is just beautiful. The energy from the site is amazingly positive and we add to that with our peaceful sessions.”

Offered by donation, the only class requirement is that each student bring a yoga mat, a flashlight, and meet at the Museum 10 minutes prior to the start of class. Since “twilight” varies by season, it is best to contact the Lighthouse for exact times. A general rule of thumb is in Summer, classes begin at 7 pm and end at 8 pm; in Winter, they typically begin at 6 pm and end at 7 pm. Not surprisingly, classes tend to be busy, and the surroundings are lush, so we like to get there at least 15 minutes ahead of time to relax and enjoy the view.

For more information on Twilight Yoga at the Light, contact the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum: Jupiter, FL 33469, (561) 747-8380; www.jupiterinletlighthouse.org/calendar/twilight-yoga-at-the-light-50

Or Mary Veal at Kula Yoga Shala: 400 Toney Penna Drive, Ste. F, Jupiter, FL 33458, (561) 216-5852; www.kulayogashala.com

MARSTON BOUTIQUE

An organized closet leads to peace of mind, and, if correctly edited, the excuse for a shopping trip, at least in our books. Fortunately, here in Jupiter there is a store that can help both de-clutter your closet and then re-stock it – Marston Boutique.

Offering the “Closet Edit,” owner Katrina Aronson has designed the service to help her clients create their own style stories. Her philosophy behind creating the style editing service was a desire to help clients “Be the best version of yourself. It is that simple. Wear what really feels like you, but dress for who you really want to be.”

The process for the service is a fashionista’s dream come true. After an initial phone conversation, Aronson or one of her trained stylists, will arrive at your home for two hours of one-on-one time, including a full closet clean out and reorganization. Purged pieces are replaced with pieces from the Marston Boutique that have been chosen based on the initial consultation. The Marston consultants also provide a “wish list” of suggested items to complete your perfect closet. “We help you bring together a perfect closet using pieces that you already own and mixing in new pieces from the store or pieces that have been specially sourced for you,” Aronson explains. Additionally, the Marston team helps you donate or sell your unwanted pieces. It is like having a fashion fairy godmother.

Of course, you can always drop into the Boutique itself. Aronson’s philosophy of “Being the best version of yourself” is on full display in the beautifully curated racks and cases. She presides over a beautiful selection of clothing, accessories, and gifts in a mixed range of price points. At Marston Boutique there is truly something for any sensibility.

Whether you are in the mood for a richly scented candle or a gorgeous new outfit, Marston Boutique always has something tempting in stock. There is even a carefully curated section for the littlest ladies as Aronson stocks beautiful children’s clothing for ages 0 to 6.

For more information, contact Marston Boutique: 1200 Town Center Drive, Ste. 121, Jupiter, FL 33458, (561) 619-5286; www.shopmarston.com

BINKA

Retail therapy with a purpose is the best type of retail therapy – and if that purpose involves helping rescue dogs, then it is even better. That is why we love shopping for and wearing Binka clothing. Designed by Jupiter native Jessica O’Doski, the stylish Binka line of hoodies, tees, and tanks all feature great custom designs.

Perfect for casual everyday wear, the line is carried in a growing number of boutiques and spas. Supporting a local businesswoman always feels good. However, perhaps the best part of the Binka story is the fact that a portion of the proceeds are donated to various shelters and rescue groups that support the No Kill Movement.

“Binka is actually named for my dog, Binki,” O’Doski says. “She was adopted from a high-kill shelter and I grew up with her, running around on the beach in Jupiter.” The dot on the “i” in Binka’s logo is an echo of an amethyst charm that Binki wore on her collar. “Dogs are such pure love, especially rescue dogs. I created this business in 2004 to help save as many as I can,” she continues. She truly means it. Her passion is even reflected in her company’s mission statement: “Binka’s mission is to support the rescue efforts of homeless and abused animals and to inspire people to adopt animals from local shelters and rescue groups.”

“Absolutely, I have a passion for the clothes, but the dogs are the reason behind it,” states O’Doski. “Please visit your local shelter, humane society or rescue group’s website for more info on how you can get involved or adopt your next pet!”

Comfortable, stylish clothing with a life-saving purpose. That is something we love.

For more information, contact Binka: 2711 Ravella Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410, (561) 319-0349; www.binkagirl.com

A SUITE SALON

A new look can work wonders for your outlook on life – a new hair color, a new cut, and suddenly, the world seems brighter. You pamper everyone else in your life, but do you take the time to take care of yourself? Sometimes all it takes is a new nail color or a massage but those moments that you spend taking care of you are an important investment in your own well-being.

When we need to put an extra polish on our outlook, we head to A Suite Salon. More than the average salon, A Suite Salon is comprised of a series of professional suites – rather than the traditional stations found in a standard salon. This means that each stylist or massage therapist or esthetician has his or her own private studio. It is a haven of complete and total relaxation.

“We opened our first location in Stuart in 2007, and it proved to be so popular, that we now have a total of 14, nationwide,” says Dominic Santacaterina, the owner and operator. “Each suite starts out with high-end equipment, decorated in light, soft colors. It is up to the stylist to decorate and personalize it – making it into their own studio.”

And we aren’t the only ones who love it.

According to Santacaterina, several of the stylists working in his first location have been renting their suites since the location opened. Now that’s longevity.

We visit the Jupiter location.

For more information, contact A Suite Salon: 351 South U.S. Highway 1, Unit 101, Jupiter, FL 33477, (561) 203-1676; www.asuitesalon.com •