85 Broads & AmCham’s “Journey” Progressive Dinner

Hosted by 85 Broads and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), the theme of this monthly dinner event is “From Brazil to China” with special guest speaker Tatiana Rosito who will be sharing her inspiring journey “with flavors to spice more storytelling among us”.  This dinner will be hosted at Karaiya Spice House this Tuesday, October 18 starting at 6:30PM.

There are only 10 seats left, so book NOW before it’s too late!

85 Broads’ Progressive Dinners are ‘anchored’ by senior women who are leaders in their respective industries and have an interest in mentoring young talent.

85 Broads is an exclusive global women’s network inspiring, empowering, and connecting smart women worldwide.

This month’s progressive dinner will be introducing speaker Tatiana Rosito who will be sharing her inspiring journey.

Tatiana Rosito is Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Brazil in Beijing, where she has also served as Economic and Trade Counsellor in 2009 and 2010. She holds a Master in International Development degree from Harvard Kennedy School and an MBA from INSEAD and Tsinghua University. She is a career diplomat at the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil since 1995. Previously, she served as Economic and Trade Counsellor at the Embassy of Brazil in Singapore and as delegate at the Brazilian Mission to the United Nations, where she was in charge of economic development and international finance issues. She worked before at the Presidency of Brazil, as representative at the National Foreign Trade Board, among other duties. She studied Economics at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and the University of Brasília. 

About Karaiya Spice House:

Specializing in spicy Hunan fare, Karaiya serves up flavorful dishes with a spicy kick using only top-notch quality ingredients and Western style presentation. Tailored to those who love spice, this restaurant features classic Hunan dishes. A charming little two-story venture filled with antique Chinese artwork and sculptures and wooden window framework all across the ceiling, Karaiya is truly unique and distinguishes itself as a genuine masterpiece among Wong’s legendary Japanese restaurants. Located directly across from the new Hatsune Restaurant at the Village in Sanlitun, Karaiya is the new hot spot for those who like it hot. 

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2011
• Time: 6:30- Registration, 7:30 – Dinner
• Location: Karaiya Spice House
• Address: 3F, Building 8, The Village at Sanlitun, No. 19 Sanlitun Road, Sanlitun
  (3rd floor of the Nike Building across from Hatsune)
  朝阳区三里屯路19号The Village南区8号楼
• Tel:+86 138 0104 2177
• Cost: RMB 250 85 Broads Members / RMB 300 Non-Members  (advance purchase at Kocoon Spa, D-SATA, CC Sweets or Karaiya Spice House)
• RSVP: Email: Beijing85Broads@gmail.com
• Website: 85Broads.com

85 Broads is an exclusive global women’s network inspiring, empowering, and connecting smart women worldwide.

A global network of 25,000 trailblazing women, the “founding members” of 85 Broads were women who worked for Goldman Sachs at 85 Broad Street, the investment banking firm’s former NYC headquarters. Over the past decade, 85 Broads expanded its membership to include women who are alumnae and students of the world’s leading colleges, universities, and graduate schools worldwide. Our members are located in 82 countries around the world and work for thousands of for-profit companies and not-for-profit organizations.

All Shiny & New: Beauty Make-Over by Meili Autumn

I am in the mood for change.  Maybe it has to do with the quick change in season, with the weather cooling down and autumn season upon us. Maybe it has to do with the fact that another year has already flown past and it’s already my birthday coming up (yet again). In any case, whatever the reason, I was after a new look, something different so I went to the only person who I entirely trust to make me look and feel more beautiful than I thought possible.

Hands-down, the most talented make-up artist I’ve ever met, Meili Autumn works wonders. She has a gift and thankfully, she is both able and willing to share this gift with others.  There’s just something about a new make-over – it’s both invigorating and re-energizing.  I’m not going to go so far as to say that a make-over can make you into something that you’re not, but it definitely helps to bring out the best in you and has a way of making you feel all shiny and new again.

Having been featured as one of CityWeekend’s first Fashionistas back in 2008 (click here for article), I got to experience Meili’s magic first-hand and was beyond delighted with the results.  Since then, she’s been my go-to-girl for any special occasion or in this case, a sudden need for a new do.

Meili is stocked with make-up brushes of all sizes and functions, eye color shades, false lashes and everything imaginable to suit any complexion, skin tone and style.

For me, she recommended a vibrant look with bold eye colors.  I really had no preference and with Meili, I always trust her sense of style and beauty above my own personal judgement. And as always, she exceeded all expectations!

Check out the massive difference with these Before & After Snapshots. Like I said before – she made me all shiny and new!

BEFORE & AFTER:

Meili is almost always booked up with various appointments for events, photo shoots, weddings and special occasions but if you are looking for a personal consultation or make-over, you can contact Meili directly to book an appointment.  She’s both professional and personable and highly recommended by both myself and everyone I have ever referred to her in my past few years of event planning, fashion shows and weddings.

Upcoming Event:

If you’re interested in a new look and better facial care, Meili is teaming up with Kocoon Spa Lounge for a Make-Up Seminar next Saturday, September 17.

They will be giving recipes for D-I-Y Facial Masks and Meili will be teaching participants how to pick and apply  the right foundation for their skin tone and lifestyle needs and bring out your cheekbones!

Call 6410-5016 to book your space asap as the seminar is capped at 8 participants.

Interactive Yoga Charity: The Hutong and CAI

“Enjoy an Afternoon of Relaxation”

Hosted at The Hutong, Victor Chau will be giving a presentation about his month-long experience in an Indian Ashram.

Guests can enjoy Indian canapes, a brief roof-top yoga class, raffle prizes and a silent auction with items from Yoga Yard, OM42Yoga, Sassy Scrubs Body, Capital M, Kocoon Spa Lounge & Elixirs, Mughal’s and Dee Rawlins.

Proceeds from this event benefit will go to both Japanese Red Cross Society and CAI’s “Girls’ Basketball or Football for Life” project.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, April 24
  
• Time: 3:00PM-5:30PM
• Cost: RMB 50
• Location: The Hutong

• Address: #1 Jiu Dao Wan Zhong Xiang Hutong
• RSVP: erin@thehutong.com or janel@cai-china.org
• www.thehutong.com

Background:

• CAI (www.cai-china.org): A non-profit organization that works with the children of migrant families in both rural and urban China.
• Japanese Red Cross Society: Earthquake Donation Fund http://www.jrc.or.jp/english/relief/l4/Vcms4_00002070.html

LumDimSum Discovery: Sassy Scrubs Body

Sassy Scrubs Body first caught my eye at my last visit to Kocoon Spa Lounge, but when I received a Mint Chocolate Sassy Scrubs gift from my dear friend Kelly Olver, I became one of their biggest fans.  A week later at BJ FOoDIES ‘Shelter’ Charity Dinner, I had the pleasure of meeting the brilliant woman behind Sassy Scrubs Body – Ms. Cathleen Chang, after which I placed an order for 6 body scrubs as pampering gifts for family and friends!

Using all-natural ingredients and no preservatives, these hand-made sugar scrubs come in 12 yummy flavors like Lemon Coconut Cream Pie, Spice Banana Bread, Red Velvet Cake, Lychee Mojito, Blueberry Smoothie and Apple Cinnamon Latte.

Full list of Sassy Scrubs Body Flavors:

Not only do these scrubs smell absolutely delicious, the natural sugars dissolve into your skin, leaving you feeling silky smooth!  Especially in Beijing’s horrendously dry winters, these scrubs are the perfect remedy for dry skin - a natural way to gently exfoliate your skin, clear excess oil and dead skin cells, and save your precious skin from the dry weather!

To order Sassy Scrubs Body, contact Cathleen directly:  cathleenchang@gmail.com

Meet Holistic Practitionner: Marianne Niederer

A featured guest of Kocoon Spa Lounge, Holistic Practitionner and Founder of Shanghai-based holistic center In-Touch, Marianne Niederer will be hosting a free talk and interactive demonstration on Wednesday, September 1 from 7:00-8:30PM at Kocoon Spa Lounge.

RSVP: kocooninfo@kocoonspalounge.com

From September 1st-19th, 2010, you can also sign up for private sessions and the following workshops:

• Private Session: Energy therapy, Tarot cards reading, pendulum consultation
• Tarot Cards Workshop
• Pendulum Workshop
• Spiritual Development Workshop
• Meditation Class to train your 6th Sense

Sundays on Top with Syndicate’s Dan Stephenson

Sunshine – check.

Music – check.

Drinks – check.

BBQ – check.

If that’s not enough reasons for you to come out, Syndicate’s Dan ‘the man’ Stephenson will be on the DJ decks with his “super eclectic music selection”! Expect live musical surprises from some old and new friends, and of course, the one and only, DJ Patrick Yu, will be playing some Sunday Soundtracks.

What more could you want on a lazy Sunday afternoon?

• Date: Sunday, August 29
  
• Time: 4PM-late
• Location: Kokomo
  

Kocoon Goes Raw

LumDimSum is happy to bring two great forces together – Raw Food Chef, Jennifer McClelland & Spa Guru and Owner of Kocoon Spa, Maika Endo for this great event:

“Raw for Life” viewing at Kocoon Spa and a Green Smoothie Demo!

Hosted at Kocoon Spa, Jennifer will be giving an introduction to the health benefits of a raw food lifestyle along with a free green smoothie demo!

They will also be showing the featured film “Raw for Life”, a motivational and educational movie (starring Morgan Spurlock from Super Size Me, Tony Robbins, David Wolfe, Woody Harrelson) on raw food, weight loss, detox, beauty and longevity.

Event Details:

• Venue: Kocoon spa lounge & elixirs. Click here for location.
• Website: http://www.kocoonspalounge.com/?p=2479
• Cover: FREE if RSVP before July 15. After July 15, the participation fee will be 50rmb/ person.
• RSVP: kocooninfo@kocoonspalounge.com or by calling 010-5208 6068.

Background:

The raw food movement has been gaining popularity all over the world and is now on the Mainland China radar.  Today, Jennifer offers raw food classes at the World Health Store in Beijing as well as private and corporate training throughout Mainland China and Asia.  She brings her knowledge of sustainable agriculture, culinary arts and the raw lifestyle straight to your kitchen!  Next Raw Foods Cooking Class: Great Raw of China on Saturday, July 17 from 2-4PM (event details here).

For more information about raw foods & the health benefits of eating “living” foods, visit Jennifer McClelland’s website and the World Health Store Blog.

Your Divine Connection: Janet Thompson @ Kocoon

I recently read the book “Many Lives, Many Masters” by Brian L. Weiss, M.D. -  a “true” story of traditional psychotherapist who used past-life therapy to cure his patient’s anxiety attacks and recurring nightmares. Through the course of many sessions, his patient could recall hundreds of past lives – having lived each life in places all over the world, as a male and female, each time re-experiencing her previous life’s deaths – whether in war or disease or old age, and where her soul would “rest” before entering her next life for her soul’s next lesson.

Before this book, I had never really given the idea of reincarnation much thought. But every time this patient went into her trance and began speaking from a different life, it gave me goosebumps. And one of the most interesting aspects of this reincarnation theory explained in this book is that the most important relationships in your life – whether it’s your best friend, your spouse, or your family have most likely been a part of your previous lives. And each time your soul returns to Earth, there is a purpose, a lesson to be learned through trial and error until your soul can be freed from the endless cycle of life and death.

In most reincarnation theories, a person’s life is made to sound so tedious and monotonous, like an extended version of schooling, which most people also find tiresome and uninteresting, an obligation and a necessity for a better future. But instead of going to school to get a better education and work to not fail and have to repeat the same class, reincarnation threatens that you repeat the experience of life on Earth once again.  To me, that can only be considered a gift rather than a threat. While life will throw hardships, challenges and pain your way, it is also filled with beauty, love, opportunity and incredible joy and happiness. I live my life with every bit of enthusiasm and happiness I can muster because I don’t want it to end. I don’t know what may happen at the end of this life, so I try to soak up as much as of it as I can, while I still can.

The truth is that no one knows what happens when we die – if there is a heaven or hell, if we are reborn based on our previous life’s karma or for another lesson for our soul’s ultimate growth. As I have stated by personal beliefs in my post Soul Purpose, I am an Atheist. I believe in spontaneous combustion and that we have developed from molecules and will continue to evolve and change slowly over time. Rather than the universe having a mind with purposes and a moral law with the rewards and punishments of eternal heaven, hell, reincarnation, etc., I believe in coincidences, I believe in chance. And an after life? I guess when I die, I’ll find out, but I highly doubt either a heaven or hell will await me.  Like everything else in life, you never know what to expect next.  You can wish, you can anticipate and you can guess all you want, but nothing ever turns out the way you want or expect it to.

In any case, the book was a thought-provoking, entertaining read. Rather than believe it, it was just fun to imagine who in my current life may have played roles in previous life-times, where I could have lived in past life-times and if my current life had a lesson to be learned or what purpose I may need to fulfill.

Last week, I was surprised to find that in my regular newsletter from Kocoon Spa Lounge, they were about to host a free introduction and meditation class with Janet Thompson, a guest practitioner from the UK who is a Past Life Regression Therapist & Spiritual Teacher.

Janet began the introduction class saying that it’s been many lifetimes since she was last in Beijing and that the last time she was here, she had bound feet.

In her current lifetime, Janet is a practicing healer, teacher and channel for the Masters of Wisdom. She is a qualified Hypnotherapist and Past Life Regression Therapist as well as an accredited member of the Spiritual Navigator. She has been practicing past life regression therapy to help her patients heal soul wounds, release unwanted soul imprints, open the heart, clear karma and release blocks, rebalancing energy, and access to your soul purpose.

It was very interesting to hear glimpses about her own past lifetimes and how past life regression works.  Using a particular shallow breathing technique, clients are taken back from last week through their current lifetime, back into the womb and then back into a life where they connected with their spirituality to heal wounded lives and grow from a small, single individual life to a greater energy of the soul and how to unlock and develop your soul’s potential purpose.

If you are interested in her work as a regression therapist and how she works with the loving energies of the Chinese Goddess of Compassion and Love, Kwan Yin, Janet will be hosting host a series of workshops, group channeling and meditation sessions along with one-on-one sessions through June 20, 2010.

Janet will host a Group Channeling & Meditation Class this Monday, June 14 from 7-9PM (RMB 150 per person) along with a Past Life Regression Workshop on Saturday June 19 from 10am-5pm (RMB 770 per person).

One-on-one sessions can also be made by appointment – a 2-hour session is RMB 1500.

Learn Make-Up Trade Secrets: Holiday Glamour by Meili Autumn

With all the holiday parties, Christmas parties, New Years parties, family reunions, charity events, dinner feasts, and all the random excuses to throw festive get-togethers, there will be plenty of reasons you will want to look your best this holiday season.

Learn beauty and make-up trade secrets of professional MAC make-up artist & stylist, Meili Autumn at her make-up seminar at Kocoon Spa Lounge.

Mark your Calendars for Meili’s Free Make-Up Seminar @ Kocoon Spa Lounge:

• Tuesday, December 1: 7:30-8:30
• Tuesday, December 8: 7:30-8:30

Together with a free holiday make-up seminar, this is your chance to stock up on Holiday Glamour Make-Up Kits featuring eyeshadow kits with golden shades and her secret smudge-proof gel eyeliner will all be up for grabs.

Meili will also be launching her gorgeous feather jewelry/headband/accessories collection!! As this is the first time she is showcasing her new collection, all items will be available for special promotion prices.  ***This is the PERFECT Christmas presents for all your girlfriends!!

See here some photos of a few of her feather headpieces and hats:

She’s the talent behind all the Beijing Fashionistas, so come out with your girls and check out this fun make-up seminar for some quick tricks and tips and your chance to max out your make-up bag.

For reservations, call: 5208-6068

Beijing Hot Tips: Hot off the Press

I may have grown up in the US of A, but I after living in China for over 3 years, I have become such a sucker for discounts. Whether I’m bargaining at Yashow or scheduling a regimented plan to hit up as many possible restaurants as I can during CW’s Gourmet Month, I have come to accept that I am indeed a sucker for discounts.

It’s become an addiction in all of my purchasing habits.  I refuse to purchase without a discount or I find myself over-buying because I got a good discount and end up spending more than I ever intended to.

A perfect example: Yesterday was my mom’s last day in China before flying back home to Cali, so I booked us two facials at the most pampering spa in town – Kocoon, who happened to be celebrating their 1 year anniversary (Nov. 17-20) with some killer deals on facials, massages, pedicures and manicures, see here. After an hour and a half of soothing comfort with a facial treatment that made us spoiled rotten, my mom insists that I sign myself up for my next appointment, which is when we stumble upon Kocoon’s treatment series specials, and I end up with a massive package deal purchasing 11 facials for the price of 8 (which includes 2 free back relaxing massage treatments and 1 eye-puffiness treatment). As much as this is an awesome deal, in retrospect, we went a little overboard.

If you are not into some pampering love treatment, your stomach should be happy to hear that All-Star‘s got a new Winter Menu starting next week!  Print out this blog post on Beijinger and you’ll get 20% off the new menu items (special discount available from Monday, Nov. 23- Thurs, Nov. 26).  My personal new favorites on the new menu are All-Star’s Southwest Tortilla Soup, Steakhouse Burger, Blue Cheese & Bacon Burger, and California Cobb Salad to name a few.

For those with a sweet tooth, the new Sequoia Cafe next to Papa John’s at the Kerry Center is giving out free muffins until the end of November!  Sweetness!

Niajo: Taste of Valencia, España

I have heard nothing but good things and now I’m extending the grapevine. 

Niajo, a traditional Spanish restaurant, located just beside Kocoon Spa on the 3rd floor of Nali Garden Patio, has just opened its doors and their paella is really something to talk about.

Alex Sanchez, owner and chef, was most hospitable and professional.  My table of four came hungry and after having shared a bottle of wine, an assorted cheese platter (generous portions and plenty for 4 people for only RMB 95), and their specialty paella (it says it’s meant for two, but it was more than enough for four of us to share; RMB 148) we were delighted to have found such a gem.

Niajo Spanish Restaurant Review: 3/F C305A, Nali Garden North Building, Sanlitun (next to Kocoon Spa)  三里屯北街81号 Tel: 5208 6052

Best Part:

• Generous Portions (huge cheese platter & they say their paella is good for 2 people, and in reality it’s good for 4-5 pax).
• Extensive wine selection for good prices
• Spaniards approve the restaurant’s food authenticity
• Casual, bistro setting with nice interior colors & I love open kitchens
• Owner & Chef Alex is a great host

Comments:

• Still in pre-opening stages with printed paper menus and wine list
• Seating is a bit cafeteria style and lighting still needs to be fine-tuned
• Hopefully with Niajo and Let’s Seafood open and also Apocathery’s opening this week, this will bring in more traffic to the Nali Area rather than diffuse the already crowded dining market. My premonition is that Sanlitun area, Nali Patio and Sanlitun Bei is just beginning to blossom and the list of incoming restaurants and bars is only going to continue to expand.

Owner & Chef, Alex Sanchez