Written by Katherine Sullivan | April 6, 2017

So youve planned the perfect vegan wedding menu, your bridal party is outfitted in cruelty-free styles, and even your wedding favors are veganbut what about your gift registry?

Brides and grooms are thinking outside the gift-wrapped box, ditching less-traditional wedding registries in favor of fun, new ideas. Your registry can be unique to you and your betrotheds personalities while also reminding guests of your cruelty-free, vegan lifestyle. Check out these nine vegan wedding registry ideas for a little inspiration:

Target and Bed Bath & Beyond are great, but if youre looking outside the big-box stores, you have optionsmany boutique retailers and specialty stores now offer wedding registries. Anthropologie, for example, has its own wedding and gift registry service. The store offers everything from dinnerware to bedding, furniture, and other cruelty-free home furnishingsthe Fireside Faux-Fur Throw Blanket and the Belgian Linen Angelina Sofa are just a couple of examples. Be sure to check the details of each item that you register for, ensuring that nothing on your list is made from leather, fur, down, or any other animal-derived material.

Unicorn Goods, the worlds largest vegan store, offers so many fabulous cruelty-free products and gifts that itll be hard to narrow your registry down to just a few. The retailer will create a custom collection for you to share with your guests. Just e-mail the company via its website to make this request.

Whats more valuable than a new crockpot or ironing board? How about making the world a kinder, safer place for animals? Charity wedding registry services such as The Knot and The Good Beginning let you choose from a variety of causes. If youd like to offer your guests the opportunity to donate to PETAs continuous work to stop cruelty to animals, our Change Makers page offers this option. The setup is simple, and this way, your guests donationsdedicated to the bride(s) and/or groom(s)will directly support PETAs vital work to stop animal suffering and abuse.

Are you and your soon-to-be husband or wife already established in life? Maybe you already have a vacuum cleaner and arent such huge fans of embroidered bath towels. If you do love wine, though, we have a solution: Encourage guests to contribute to your newlywed wine cellar. Request that, if they would like to offer a gift, they bring a bottle of their favorite vegan wine. Do you prefer red to white? Feel free to specifyjust be sure to remind them to check that their vino is Barnivore-approved. If youre a bit pickyno judgmentconsider creating a wine registry through Wine Enthusiast. This way, youll receive wines that are vegan and that you know youll enjoy.

If you and your fianc or fiance are indecisive about the best way to register, consider crowdfunding. Perhaps you both really want a new car with entirely vegan interiorsoh yeah, its a thingbut you cant really register for a car. Sites such as Deposit a Gift and Plumfund make it easy to raise money through your wedding registry and apply the funds to whatever you choose, without the tacky Please make the check out to memo on the wedding invitations.

Saving up for your big day can be difficult. Some brides and grooms opt for a potluck-style wedding in order to cut costs. Luckily, vegan alcohol is easy to find (shout-out to Barnivore). Let your guests know that you have all the kitchen appliances and bedding that you need but would love their help in making your wedding memorableor maybe not so memorable for some! Encourage them to contribute to your weddings open bar by bringing their favorite vegan booze in place of a more traditional gift.

Honeymoon registries can be a great alternative to traditional onesa win for both the engaged couple and their guests. Newlyweds can crowdsource their post-wedding trip, while guests can help the happy couple make memories that will last a lifetime. Perhaps you and your future husband or wife want to try snorkeling or scuba diving, or maybe a camping trip with your canine companion is more your speed. Animal-free circuses and theme parks, whale-watching tours, or visits to animal sanctuaries accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries are also great cruelty-free honeymoon activities. Regardless of where you decide to vacation, sites such as Wanderable can help happy couples get one step closer to their dream honeymoon.

Youre vegan, youre newly married, and youre in lovewhat better way to make the most of your honeymoon period than cooking nightly dinners at home for each other? To do so, youll need to be well equipped with a few kitchen essentials. Register at Williams Sonoma for your ideal slow cooker and then choose from these 12 vegan slow-cooker recipes. Add this doughnut pan to your registry and treat your special someone to baked vegan doughnuts. And dont forget to ask for the perfect frying panyoull need one to grill up all those delicious Beyond Burgers for you and your new spouse. But we get itnot everyone loves to cook. If your schedules are a bit chaotic or maybe your talents lie outside the kitchen, consider asking guests to contribute toward a vegan meal-delivery service, such as Purple Carrot, Veestro, or 22 Days Nutrition. Make it easy for your guests by specifying a meal plan or pack.

If you and your spouse-to-be already live a well-equipped life, consider asking guests to sponsor an animal who hasnt been as fortunate. If youre fans of majestic elephants, point guests toward The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. If youre passionate about protecting animals used for food, ask guests to sponsor an animal who lives at Farm Sanctuary. If chimpanzees have a special place in your heart, give guests the option to sponsor a chimpanzee with Save the Chimps. Just be sure to choose a sanctuary thats accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

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Still need help planning thefood,clothing,decorations,honeymoon location, and all the other details that go into wedding preparation? If its a cruelty-free, vegan wedding that you want, were here to help you make it happen! Check out our guide for help planning your perfect day:

How to Plan the Perfect #VeganWedding

See original here:

9 Vegan Wedding Registry Ideas for Compassionate Couples - PETA (blog) (press release)

Photo: Nourish Kitchen + Table

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Traditional Passoverfoodslike beitzah (a roasted egg) and zeroah ( a piece of roasted lamb)are pretty much as far from vegan as you can get. Even matzo ball soup is made with eggs.

But Nourish Kitchen + Tableis changing the game with avegan dishthat will keep you energized enough to get you through all those rounds of singing Dayenu. This year, the West Village restocreated a special crudit platterfora vegetarianspring seder,hosted by Jewish organization Arq.

The dish stars colorful fruits and veggies, served witha showstopping aioli made withbuzzy ingredientaquafaba(AKA chickpea water),which ups the protein. Its more unexpected than hummus, while just as flavorfuland its meant for sharing, but so delicious, you might not want to.

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Yields 4 servings

Ingredients 1 cup grated orange or rainbow carrots 1/4 cup finely diced red apple, peeled 1 1/2 tsp hemp seeds 1 Tbsp aquafaba aioli 2 tsp minced chives 1 1/2 tsp minced capers Pinch of nigella seeds (black cumin) Pinch of sumac Salt and cracked pepper to taste 1. Mix all ingredients in a blender.

2. Serve with unleavened seedy crackers or matzah drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt.

AquafabaaioliYields 1 pint

Ingredients1 medium clove garlic, minced 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 4 Tbsp + 1 1/2 tspaquafaba liquid (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 cup + 2 Tbsp grapeseed oil or extra-virgin olive oil

1. In a food processor, blend garlic through aquafaba liquid and salt and pepper.

2. Slowly drizzle in oil while blending in order to properly emulsify.

Each week we spotlight a healthy-delish recipe thats truly genius (and easy to make) from someone whos wowed us in the food world. Were talking buzzy cookbook authors and Instagram foodies to brilliant chefs.You can find more mouthwatering must-try ideas from the Recipe of the Week archive.

Heres what to make if you want to go vegan Beyonce-style. Plus, the low-down on why its about to get way easier on ordering a bleeding burger.

See the original post:

The vegan Passover dish that's stealing matzo balls' spotlight - Well+Good

Anyone who thinks vegan food can't be cheap and quick has never ordered right at Taco Bell.

While the fast food chain is beloved for its Chicken Chalupas and Beef Crunchwrap Supremes, the majority of the menu can be made vegan with a few simple swaps.

Vegetarians and vegans have flocked to Taco Bellfor years, and in 2015, the chain partnered with theAmerican Vegetarian Association in 2015 to create a certified vegetarian menu. Taco Bellsells 350 million vegetarian items a year, and there are 5.7 million vegetarian combinations. The possibilities!

And if you're avoiding animal products entirely, there's still plenty to choose from. In fact, the chain is so vegan-friendly thatvegan activist group PETA is launching anadvertising campaign on Friday to encourage customers to choose beans over animal proteins.PETA will be handing out free bean burritos at several locations. (FYI: You can swap beans for any meat with no extra charge.)

Worried a cashier might get confused by your custom order? You can use the Taco BelliOSapp to make your substitutions crystal clear.

Ordering the "Make It Fresco" option replaces cheese and sour cream for pico de gallo. Taco Bell's pico de gallo is certified vegan plus, if you're looking to lighten up your meal, it has significantly less fat and fewer calories than dairy. Be warned that checking "Make It Fresco" on the app often unchecks guacamole make sure to recheck it if guac is important to you.

Black beans and refried beans are certified vegan and they're also great plant sources of protein and fiber. No meat, no problem.

Taco Bell'sseasoned rice is not vegan. It is certified vegetarian but may contain milk. Do with that information what you will.

Taco Bellguacamole is certified vegan. Avocado ranch sauce is not vegan.

Taco shells, Gordita flatbreads and tostada shells are certified vegan. The taco salad shell is not.

"Hot" and "Mild" hot sauce packets are certified vegan but "Fire" is not. (And drowning beans with hot sauce makes them exponentially better, so don't forget to toss a few packets in your takeout bag.)

Getting hungry? Listed in no particular order, here are 10Taco Bell dishes you can "veganize" with minimal effort.

[Editor's note: Not every ingredient in the following dishes is "certified vegan" according to the Taco Bell site. Please check with your local Taco Bellto ensure an order meets your specific needs.]

Veganize it: Order without cheese or sour cream.

Veganize it: Order beans instead of meat and guacamole instead of sour cream and cheese. Add potatoes (not certified vegan but still delicious) if you're feeling wild.

Veganize it: Order it without cheese and sour cream. Grill it for extra deliciousness. Take or leave the rice depending on whether it bothers you that it contains traces of dairy.

Veganize it: Order it with no cheese and sour cream. Add salsa.

Veganize it: Order it without cheese and sour cream and add guacamole.

Veganize it: Order it with no beef, cheese or sour cream. Add beans and guacamole.

Veganize it: Order it with no cheese and no sauce. Add salsa, guac or both!

Veganize it: Order it with guacamole or pico de gallo instead of nacho cheese sauce.

Veganize it: Order it with no cheese, no sour cream and no beef. (Red strips, the small red tortilla chips, are certified vegan but the salad taco shell is not, so do with that info what you will.) Add guacamole and jalapeo peppers. Add potatoes if you want extra substance.

Veganize it: Order it with no cheese and no sour cream.

Read more here:

Taco Bell has a hidden vegan menu here are the 10 best dishes to order - Mic

Earlier this month, the moment Major League Baseball fans everywhere were waiting for finally came the season kickoff. After months of keeping abuzz with whos moving to which team or which college sports talent got recruited, its finally time to witness the majesty of one of Americas greatest pastimes. While you can stock up on the ingredients to make delicious vegan snacks for your game day viewing pleasure, going to the stadium is an entirely different affair if youve been trying to eat more plant-based foods. Everyone knows that hot dogs, chili cheese fries (and nachos), and burgers are pretty standard ballpark fare.

Luckily, in recent years weve seen an increase in the amount of vegan and vegetarian offerings at MLB ballparks and theres even a handy sitethats updated regularly that lets you know what options are available at specific stadiums. Which is great, because that beats having to bring your own veggie dog. This year, it looks like a lot of stadiums are stepping up their vegan and vegetarian offerings. For example, the Arizona Diamondbacks just added Field Roast frankfurters and burgers to one of their concession stand menus (yum). You can also find Field Roast options at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, but what were most excited about is that they now offer a vegan black bean burger, courtesy of Bareburger.

According to Gothamist, Yankee Stadium has also added the Chinese-inspired Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bao to their range of ballpark food offerings. We are seriously hoping that its vegan but even if it isnt, the prospect of munching on Field Roast Frankfurters and a Bareburger veggie burger are enough to tempt us to attend a Yankee game. If you dont happen to live near Yankee Stadium (or if youre a Red Sox Fan), then you can check out the options available at your home teams stadium here.

This delicious news is just another indication that the way we eat is evolving at a rapid pace. More people than ever are choosing to reduce the amount of meat they eat in favor of plant-based options, which is great news for the planet and animals as well. If the stadiums that house Americas favorite pastime are getting on board with vegan food, we think that is a pretty clear indication that the future of food is here.

Lead image source: Bareburger/Instagram

The rest is here:

Buy Me Some Peanuts and Vegan Burgers? Yankee Stadium Now Offers Black Bean Burgers! - One Green Planet

Spas and salons across Long Island and nationwide are offering steep discounts on select treatments for Spa Weeka national initiative equating into seven days of amazing savings at participating businesses, including $50 treatmentsrunning from April 17 to 23.

In anticipation of this extraordinary beautification celebration, some of the Morey Publishing staff were assigned the very tough job of experiencing spa treatments so we could report back to readers what to expect.

Ali Magno enjoyed a rejuvenating facial at the Center for Pain Relief and Wellness in Babylon, Marisa Giannico received a soothing microdermabrasion facial at Blue Salon and Spa in Stony Brook, Danielle Esposito was treated to a luxurious hydrafacial at Buglino Plastic and Reconsructive Surgery in Woodbury, and Jaime Franchi was spoiled rotten at Fantastic Spa and Nails in Bethpage, with a facial, massage, VIP pedicure and body scrub.

Although the treatments all differed, they were all equally relaxing and enjoyable. If youre in the market for luxurious pampering, Spa Week offers discounted treatments so you can spoil yourself.

Go ahead. You deserve it!

Ali:

The Center for Pain Relief and Wellness is nestled in the heart of beautiful Babylon village. This Long Island spa offers an array of treatments from massage therapy to body and skin care treatments. I was lucky enough to receive their one-hour deep cleansing European facial, and wow, was it amazing!

I was greeted upon arrival with the relaxing sound of birds chirping, scent of lavender, and a wonderful receptionist, Carrie Ann. I filled out a form that asked various questions about my skin, what kind of skin I have (dry; is winter over yet?!) where my problem areas were, if I had any allergies, and more. After a very brief visit to a warm and comfy waiting area, Kim, my facialist, came out to greet me. She was welcoming, friendly, and immediately made me feel comfortable and relaxed.

Once in the treatment room, Kim asked a few more questions about my skin to ensure she gave me the best treatment for my particular skin type. (We even swapped our favorite DIY treatmentsshe advised that I use brown sugar and olive oil to treat my dry hands!) The room was equipped with spa essentials to help me relax: dim lights, relaxing music, and a comfy heated blanket to lie under.

After a long winter, this facial was everything my skin wanted (needed), and more. This treatment consisted of various steps, including steam, exfoliation, extraction, and brightening.

The amazing exfoliator Kim used removed the top layer of skin that had braved the cold weather, leaving me with a smooth-to-touch complexion. Kim massaged a mango papaya lotion (which smelled good enough to eat) into my face to brighten my skin and break up any dirt that was in my pores. She also used pumpkin papaya face mask which, on top of smelling like a tropical oasis, helped my skin soak up much-needed moisture. In addition to all of this, I was treated to amazing shoulder, head, and hand massages.

This experience was the epitome of relaxation. After my treatment, my skin felt fresh, clean, refreshed, bright, and incredibly soft and smooth for days afterwards. It was like months of harsh winter weather and stress were erased. I cant wait to go back to the Babylon Wellness Center and see Kim for another facial, something Ive promised to treat myself to every time the seasons change.

Danielle:

Tucked in to the winding industrial park roads of Woodburys Crossways Park Drive, Buglino Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a much-welcomed oasis of spa treatments and cosmetic surgical procedures that will rejuvenate you from the inside out.

Headed by Dr. Anthony Buglino, this newly renovated location is clean and warm, with modern artwork, comfy furniture, and a pristine VIP room stocked with Keurig coffee and snacks.

The happy, welcoming receptionist greeted me and gave me a short questionnaire to fill out before getting my first Hydrafacial, MD treatment. Before long, I was whisked away by Dana Minkin, an esthetician, who gave me a tour of the spa and explained what every room was used for. Whether a patient is looking for a medical spa treatment, injections, or cosmetic surgery, Buglino Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery can accommodate them comfortably (and privately!).

Settled in to my leather reclining chair, Dana prepped my face for this one-two punch of a facial. Where other facials only do one thing or another, the hydrafacial is like the one-stop-shop of beauty treatments. This non-invasive procedure packs a scientific combination of hydradermabrasion, a chemical peel, extractions, and nourishing antioxidants into one quick session that leaves you glowing almost instantly. In just one session, your skin reaps tons of benefits, including: reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, increased elasticity and improved firmness, balanced skin tone and evenness, vibrancy, a smoother texture, a reduction of oil and congestion in the skin, minimization of enlarged pores and the diminishment of advanced signs of aging.

Once the hydrafacial began, I was in total relaxation mode, listening to the serene drumbeats on the speakers mixed with Danas soft step-by-step explanations of what she was doing. Not at all painful, the hydrafacial felt like an in-depth cleaning from beginning to end, like cool water massaged over my face. Finishing off with red and blue light therapy followed by a leave-on mask, I left the office, glowing.

If youre looking to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin, clean out your pores and reveal a fresher you, stop on by Buglino Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for their phenomenal hydrafacial. This is one spa treatment that youll be going back for, again and again!

Marisa:

When I walked into the Blue Salon & Spa in Stony Brook, I instantly knew I was going to enjoy my visit. The atmosphere was calming and the people were friendly. It was amazing how relaxed I felt before my appointment even started!

The receptionist Victoria couldnt have been nicer, greeting me with a big smile and a warm welcome. My esthetician, Billie, who was equally as welcoming, came over to introduce herself shortly after. I couldnt wait to get started.

Billie referred to the sheet I had filled out when I first arrivedin which I shared information, such as the different skin care products I use, and any allergies I may haveas she asked me questions to learn more about my skin.

Although Ive had several facials before, I had never experienced microdermabrasion. Having acne-prone skin, I cannot tell you the amount of time I have spent at my dermatologists office over the years, and all the different medications I have tried to get my acne under control. And not only must I deal with breakouts, but I also cannot escape the scars that serve as daily reminders of past breakouts whenever I look in the mirror.

As a result, I was curious to see if this treatment would help my skin look and feel betterand I was not disappointed.

Since Billie knew that I had never had this done before, she explained that the microdermabrasion would feel kind of like a cats tongue on my face, helping get rid of dead skin cells. This can fade the look of scars and age lines, as well as even out your skin tone.

Im not sure how long the microdermabrasion lasted, as I was way too relaxed to check the time. In fact, it was so relaxing that I almost fell asleep as I was lying there. From the comfortable bed I was in to the tranquil music in the background, I now know what being in heaven feels like!

Steam gently hit my skin as the facial began. This helped cleanse and hydrate, in order to ensure that it would be left looking brighter and feeling smoother afterwardswhich it did. Next, were the extractions, which are not my favorite part of the process, but I knew they had to be done. And Billie checked in with me throughout the entire session to ensure I was comfortable and relaxed.

My appointment finished with a hand and arm massage. I had the choice of a blueberry, cranberry or coconut scrub. (I chose blueberry!) My hands are always dry, so to say I appreciated this is an understatement. The scrub felt amazing on my skin and smelled fantastic!

Before I left, Billie was extremely informative and kind as she spoke to me about things I can do to keep my skin looking great. I felt as if I was talking to an old friend rather than someone I had just met.

Blue Salon and Spa is definitely a place to visit during Spa Week. The hospitality, accommodations, and services are like nothing youve ever experienced before. And your skin will surely thank you for giving it a much-needed day of pampering.

Jaime:

Fantastic Spa in Bellmore is nestled in a shopping center on Jerusalem Road. Once inside, half of the space is used as a bustling nail salon, while the other is a gorgeous day spa. Together, they become a rejuvenating, relaxing place to get luxuriously pampered.

Upon my arrival, Rachel, the manager, led me from the nail salon through the frosted glass doors to the private day spa, where the gentle sounds of flowing water and soft music greet each guest. The colors are subdued grays and browns, and automatically, I felt my shoulders relax. The friendly staff knows their stuff. Fantastic Spa has been thriving in two locations for more than 10 yearsand it shows.

Rachel introduced me to Sophia, who was going to give me a Swedish massage and deep-cleansing facial. As I later discovered, shes earned a well-deserved loyal following since she started a decade ago. I began by lying face-down on the heated table, covered with a light sheet. Sophias skilled hands took long sweeps down my entire body before working each muscle area with concentrated pressure to relieve all of my built-up tension with a sweet-smelling organic lotion. She spent long periods focusing on the crunchiness in my shoulders and neck, before soothing my lower back with her experienced hands. From there, she massaged my legs, ankles, and even my feet before she gently asked me to turn over. With my eyes closed, I drifted off as she massaged my shoulders and neck, then my arms and hands, working each finger and the pressure points in the palm of my hand.

I may have snored. If so, Sophia was kind enough not to mention it.

My facial was a 60-minute relax-fest, as Sophia deeply and methodically cleansed my skin. With a warm towel placed over my eyes, Sophia opened my pores with hot aromatic steam. She exfoliated my skin and carefully extracted any unwelcome blackheads that have made themselves known on my face. According to Rachel, the next step, which is so crucial, is often not included by less-professional salons. Sophia carefully covered my face in a rich anti-bacterial gel, meant to soothe the sites where blackheads have been extracted and protect against infection. With all my pores open and my face feeling so fresh and clean, my skin has no protection against irritants like dirt or make-up. The antibacterial gel is an important step, letting me know Im in the hands of real pros.

Next, Sophia covered my face with a mask customized to my skin type. As it set, I may have dozed off for a minute or more! When all was said and done, I felt refreshed, with a smooth, dewy complexion that my husband later praised the moment I walked in the door of our house.

But thats hours later. I wasnt done yet at Fantastic Spa.

After she worked her magic on me, Sophia introduced me to Chelsea, who served hot green tea and a snack of sliced apples and trail mix in the VIP pedicure room, a private area with only two reclining chairs and a lovely, peaceful decor in soft browns and golds with gentle music playing in the background.

Leah was on hand to treat me to the spas special pedicure, a deliciously chamomile-scented treatment that fills the room with a soothing aroma. This therapy helped me relax in my soft leather chair as Leah soothed my feet and legs with what seems like endless packets of different lotions. First, she soaked my aching feet in a chamomile bath, then rubbed my dry winter legs with a soothing scrub that sloughed away the dead skin cells. Next, Leah covered my legs with hot towels moistened with a chamomile mixture and filed my toenails.

Then, it was time for my favorite part of the experience. She lowered the lights, instructed me to relax, reclined my chair, and treated me to a 20-minute foot massage with an aromatic lotion. She coated my heels with a chamomile balm that made my winter feet almost unrecognizable. Finally, she painted my toes with a pretty blue polish that I cant wait to show off once the weather finally warms up and I can put my boots away!

Because I love everything they gave me, I plan to go back to Fantastic Spa for the fourth part of its special offer for Spa Week: its white sugar honey polish, a soothing treatment that exfoliates, nourishes and rejuvenates the entire body in a relaxing experience. Its the perfect way to wash away the dreary winter and step into spring. I cant wait!

Blue Salon and Spa

Buglino Plastic Surgery

Butterfly Garden Spa

Center For Pain Relief & Wellness

Deep Blue Med Spa at Long Island Plastic Surgical Group Babylon

Deep Blue Med Spa at Long Island Plastic Surgical Group East Hills

Deep Blue Med Spa at Long Island Plastic Surgical Group Garden City

Eastern Breeze Nail & Spa

EBJ Skin Care Center

Fantastic Spa Farmingdale

Fantastic Spa Bellmore

Joseph Christopher For Beauty & Wellness

Laser Plus Spa Bellmore

Lord & Taylor Salon & Spa

nu glo medi-spa

NuZen Spa

O Spa

Orange Skye Body & Beauty Bar

Red Door Spa Bellmore

Red Door Spa Garden City

Red Door Spa Woodbury

Red Door Spa at The Garden City Hotel

Smooth Generation Skin Rejuvenation Spa

Somatic Massage Therapy

Spa LacQua

Viana Hotel & Spa

Vita Ageless Medical Aesthetics

Read the original here:

Spa Week Offers Soothing Savings April 17 to 23 Across Long Island & Nationwide - Long Island Press

Floor Staff is songwriter, producer and composer Anthony Donnelly - a Dublin-based artist (and fellow D'Angelo obsessive)who explores social anxieties and expectations through his innovative take on pop music.

Singing in a beautiful falsetto, Donnelly says he tracked down the emotions captured on the album by playing and recording random objects with engineer Christopher Barry.

He's putting out a new EP,Convictionson 14 April - ahead of that we're premiering the shimmering new track 'A Love Sublime'.

Give it a listen below:

What have you been listening to recently?

Ive been listening to Beach House almost non-stop for the last 2 weeks. Mainly Teen Dream and Bloom. Its just the most relaxing music. Everything builds so tastefully. On the surface its quite simple and comforting. Then the clever chord changes and rhythms sneak up on you.

Im listening to a lot of Frank Ocean at the moment also. Really enjoying the Endless visuals album, the way its mainly a group of short musical ideas but it also has what can be considered a full song dotted now and then throughout. Its interesting how that kind of structure can be a very engaging 45-minute listen.

What are your plans for 2017?

I have some new musical ideas and approaches Im looking to experiment with this year. I think Ill be more confortable introducing very new or unrecorded ideas into the live shows. I can learn from the way it feels in a live setting and it should keep the shows fresh and interesting for my band and myself.

Ill be announcing some shows shortly for this summer and there will be some touring of Ireland and the UK. Writing wise Im still pushing forward and recording with another release hopefully before the year is out.

What was the first gig you ever played and whats been the best so far?

When I was 16 I fronted a band called Prime Stroking Position. We entered our schools battle of the bands. We took 2nd place at our first ever show. This was most likely down to our incredible rendition of ACDCs Highway To Hell. After this dizzying high the band dissolved but our lives would never be the same again.

With Floor Staff, my favorite solo show was probably a piano set I did in the Workmans Club Dublin for a charity called Syrias Vibes last Christmas. I had only started playing piano during the summer.

This was the fifth attempt at a show like this and the first time I felt I was really free to perform on that instrument rather then just playing it.

In terms of a full band show, my favorite so far is the 2014 Other Voices festival in Dingle. It was just a great atmosphere on stage and we met a lot of our favourite artists for the first time who were on the line up.

Convictions - the new EP from Floor Staff - is out on 14 April

Visit link:

New music to listen to this week: Floor Staff - The Independent

Depression is no longer a health issue that people are unaware about, even in smaller cities of the country. A lot has now been written and discussed about it to create awareness and educate people. This year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has themed the World Health Day around depression"A mental condition that people should not be afraid of and ashamed to talk about."

In their hectic and busy lives, people go through a lot of stress and anxiety. When it all starts taking a toll and begins to translate into depression is often difficult to ascertain. These days depression has become very common, given the pressure-filled lifestyles people are leading, especially in metropolitan cities and big towns. It is striking the young, the middle-aged and the old in equal measure. Yet, despite awareness, people still hesitate to seek professional help; else, they are unable to realise that what they are feeling is something beyond your everyday "blues." Unfortunately, not seeking help on time usually results in the depression deepening and becoming more severe.

It is important to be mindful of certain changes which are commonly experienced by people suffering from depression.

Not being able to sleep properly, feeling tired, fatigued, having a low appetite, loss of weight, continuous headaches are some of the signs of depression. Conversely, others may start overeating, sleeping too long and putting on weight.

Depressed people often have low concentration and forget things easily. They suffer from negative thoughts, guilt and feelings of worthless. Depression can also manifest in the form of irritability and reckless behaviour. Thought of self-harm are not uncommonand people may occasionally act on such thoughts out of frustration and impulsivity.

Becoming reclusive and losing interest in activities once enjoyed should be enough to ring alarm bells. Since cognition is also affected, as described earlier, performance at school or work may also job. They may act agitated, frustrated and impulsive; in a quest to feel "better" some people may resort to substance abuse, whether it's smoking, drinking, sedatives or other drugs.

It is alright to be sad sometimes, but when the feeling persists despite no obvious trigger or reason for it, then depression could be the cause. This overwhelming sadness makes it impossible to take enjoyment in life.

While seeking professional help is the best way to start the healing process, there are some other things you can do to facilitate recovery.

Having a structured routine can help keep your emotions on an even keel even if your mood is low. Achieving even small milestones in a day, such as watering the plants or cooking breakfast, can bring a feeling of achievement, resulting in increased motivation.

Depression can lead you to under- or over-eat. In either case you may lose out on key nutrients. Being vigilant about diet and eating plenty of healthy proteins and fats can have a positive effect on your emotional state as well.

Regular exercise helps in getting your mind off your preoccupations and releasing mood-enhancing endorphins. If you can't manage a gym session or a run, even a walk can give you a boost. I also recommend doing pranayams outdoorsthey help you focus and generate positive thoughts.

Lack of sleep is a sign that you are suffering from stress/depression. You must make sleep a priority even if isn't easy. As you like down, fight off the thoughts that clog your mind. You can focus on positive things that happened during the day or in general just before going to bed. Relaxing music might also help.

Try something new each day that you have not tried ever before. This might include cooking, drawing, reading, riding a bike etc. This keeps you busy and keeps your mind off negative thoughts.

Do not stay away from the ones you love. Tell at least one person about how you feel and what is going on. Airing your thoughts and knowing you have someone who knows what you are going through can be very comforting.

Practice affirmations/positive self-talk

One of the most powerful tools to overcome depression is positive self-talk. Make sure you are your own biggest champion and give yourself a pep talk every day.

How To Help Someone Struggling with Mental Health issues

Read the original post:

Depression: Don't Let Yourself Get Worse Before You Get Better - Huffington Post India

Make sure to subscribe to Baeble's In Our Ears Spotify playlist for new updates every Friday.

MANDI'S PICKS

Gorillaz - "Let Me Out (ft. Mavis Staples & Pusha T)"

This song sounds like a quality Gorillaz song but they add in the soulful lushness of Mavis Staples and the twist of hip-hop from Pusha T. There's a bass-heavy clap with Damon Albarn's semi-creepy, poised vocals spread throughout the track. It's definitely my favorite of the singles we've already heard from their upcoming album, Humanz, (out April 28th!).

Alt-J - "In Cold Blood"

Since this song came out about a week ago, I don't think I've gone a day without listening to it. It's much more anthemic than any of Alt-J's previous work but they didn't steer away from their sound too much. I love all the horns throughout the track and the build-up at the end is the perfect way to finish.

Alexandra Savior - "Girlie"

This song is so relaxing for me. Alexandra Savior has these long, drawn-out retro vocals that lure you into each song. "Girlie" is playful and charming and for only 21-years-old, Alexandra Savior has a old-school voice that is way beyond her years.

INDIA'S PICKS

Little Simz - "Picture Perfect"

This song reminds me of Missy Elliott circa the early 2000's. It has this nasty beat that you won't be able to shake. I mean, you might want to shake your bum because this song is so lit. Little Simz is so talented. Not only is she a lyrical mastermind, but she also plays the guitar. I saw her perform last night at House Of Vans in Brooklyn and there's something soothing about her performances. Similar to a poetry slam, you will follow every word and become instantly captivated. If you haven't heard of the UK rapper/singer, you have got to check her out, pronto.

Crystal Fighters - "At Home"

I have this passionate love for Crystal Fighters. The 5-piece electronic folk band creates music that evokes love, unity, and happiness. I know that sounds corny, but I swear their music will make you so happy. "At Home" has gorgeous melodies and tribal percussions that will take you on a mental trip to paradise. In this day and age, I think everyone would benefit from listening to Crystal Fighters.

Tei Shi - "Say You Do"

Tei Shi released her new album Crawl Space a week ago, and it's fucking incredible. The Argentine indie pop singer's voice shines in "Say You Do." The lyrics express that Tei Shi is in fact more mysterious than she may seem. She doesn't want her lover to know her fully, and claims he doesn't know her at all. Towards the end of the song, we start to think that Tei Shi is putting up a defense mechanism, afraid to get too close to someone she may not fully trust. Maybe it's time for me to take this to SongMeanings.com. Okay, I'm done.

KIRSTEN'S PICKS

Father John Misty - "A Bigger Paper Bag"

Well finally I can talk about how this is probably my favorite song off of the new Father John Misty record, Pure Comedy, which dropped today. "You be my mirror, but remember, there are only a few sides I tend to prefer," FJM sings flamboyantly. Us narcissists must come together and appreciate this line.

Skepta - "No Security"

Skepta is such a dynamic rapper and the beat is incredible - I'm not a huge rap head but I could listen to this forever.

Formation - "Pleasure"

I *clap* LOVE *clap* THIS *clap* SONG! That disco beat, the cowbell - they're like a more modest version of LCD Soundsystem with more edge. Doesn't that sound like a dream to you? I can't stop dancing. *Dances away*.

Originally posted here:

IN OUR EARS: Songs We Loved This Week - Baeble Music (blog)

Other than these columns, I spend most of my writing energy penning serious letters and emails, on behalf of the amazing politician I work for and with. Im blessed to do it, and thank God I can. But some days, another vein of writing busts out, a less serious one. God made us in his image with a funny bone so when a good clean laugh bowls us over, I think he joins in. Perhaps he chuckled a little on the day I sent this tongue-in-cheek memo. With apologies to any of my readers who genuinely suffer from hemorrhoids, (and since I missed April Fools Day) I share it with you, (especially if you have a desk job).

MEMO TO MY OFFICE COLLEAGUES Some of you have told me that you find the piles obscuring your desks and filing cabinets stressful. I have the same problem. In a bit of downtime a few months ago, I went online and searched How to Cope with Piles. Google retrieved some great tips. I thought Id pass them on. Ive added my personal notes in italics.

HOW TO COPE WITH PILES Wash your piles gently, using soft tissue. (Long-standing piles attract dust. Best to keep them clean, but use a dry tissue it wont smudge ink.) Dab, rather than wipe. (Well, duh. Wiping shifts paper around - so much for those stupid Excel files.) Sit in warm water several times a day. Your piles will irritate you less. (Ive sent a memo to Material Management to install a hot tub in my office. Still waiting for it to arrive.) Straining to eliminate makes piles worse. (It really does. Used to be, on the days the boss came in, my piles made me a basket case. Now I just stack pile on pile and tidy the edges. Play it cool. Dont fret. Deep breathing and relaxing music helps.) You are less likely to be bothered by piles if you eat a diet rich in fiber. (This really works. I eat beans daily. Hardly anyone comes near my desk anymore, and in spite of my piles, I stay calm. Perhaps most of our stress is related to how we think others view our messes who knew?) Wear loose and carefree clothing and undergarments. (Honestly, this one has me stumped, but Ive purchased a few swirly top to test it. Still pondering the undergarments. Ill let you know if all that helps. Just remember what happens at the office STAYS at the office.) When your piles stress you considerably, try a cream or gel. (Double chocolate gelato or maple-pecan full-fat ice cream ALWAYS works for me.) In severe cases, seek professional help. (Google professional organizer. Choose one and tell her you need immediate assistance to deal with a bad case of piles.) Hope that helps someone today! Back to work now. Kathleen Gibson Friends, laugh a little today! God made you with giggles and guffaws use them.

Originally posted here:

Sunny Side Up - Time to laugh a little - Yorkton This Week (press release)

Bruce Weber

For many people, getting to sleep in the first place is the difficult part. When your head is swimming with thoughts, ideas, stresses and mental to-do lists, it can be tricky to switch off and relax - and worrying about not getting enough sleep only adds to the problem. The NHS recommends sticking to a regular bedtime regime, to create consistency before you attempt sleep. Your body and mind need the opportunity to slowly de-stress and relax, so consider the following as pre-bed rituals.

Listen To Music. Sync Project is a company devoted to using music as medicine, measuring how music can affect biometrics such as heart rate, brain activity and sleep patterns. Unwind is a personalised music experience designed to promote sleep just visit unwind.syncproject.co on your smartphone and enjoy a tailor-made music experience created to lull you into a relaxed state.

No Screens. A 2015 study strangely enough conducted by Vodafone - on the effects of phone use before sleep found that over half of Brits regularly stay up late using connected devices to stream videos or check emails. Device use just before bed, or when we wake in the night, can make restless sleep caused by stress at work even worse, stated Professor John Groeger, director of research at the Department of Psychology of the University of Hull, as part of the research. Turn yours off, or put it somewhere out of reach, at least an hour before you hope to fall asleep.

Have A Bath. A warm bath helps the body to reach a temperature ideal for rest, as well as being a relaxing activity in itself. Amp up the sleep potential by using a lavender-based bath oil Aromatherapy Associatess Deep Relax Bath and Shower Oil is excellent, while the entire This Works Deep Sleep range is based on promoting quality sleep.

Cut Back On Caffeine. As relaxing as a cup of milky Earl Grey might seem just before bed, your body wont thank you for the caffeine hit. Swap it out for a good-quality herbal tea - better still one designed to aid sleep, such as Pukkas award-winning Night Time.

Go Analogue. Since you shouldnt be looking at any screens before bed, youll need another activity to fill the time. Try a spot of gentle yoga (the stretching will help your body relax, too), or read a book to distract you from the days worries.

Lina Scheynius

For a lot of people, falling asleep is only half of the battle. A 2016 YouGov study found that 43 per cent of UK women say they dont get enough sleep, and health experts have warned of the adverse effects those hours spent lying awake can have on our health. If you are suffering significantly from a lack of sleep then consider visiting your GP for professional help, but the following are also worth bearing in mind.

Try An App. There are plenty of apps designed to track, assist and understand your sleeping habits, so its worth trying some out. Sleep Cycle claims to analyse your sleep and wake you in your lightest sleep phase, whilst Sleep Time+ and Sleep Better are both tracking apps designed to help you to understand your own slumber habits and get into the sleeping pattern that works best for you.

Create Your Own Haven. For many people, interrupted sleep is a result of external factors such as light, discomfort and noise. Treat yourself to a tasteful silk sleeping mask, consider blackout blinds and have earplugs handy and if your mattress isnt up to par, let that be your next big investment.

Find The Perfect Temperature. The NHS says that a bedroom should ideally be between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius, so if you find yourself waking up either hot and bothered or chilly and shivering in the early hours then make sure to set your thermostat correctly during winter and have a fan ready for hot summer nights. And do you really need an excuse to invest in some great new pyjamas?

Address Your Stress. If you wake up in the early hours and really cant get back to sleep, try to consider whats keeping you awake. If youre making a mental to-do list in your mind then get up, make yourself a cup of herbal tea and write it down. Having it on paper can help clear your mind of distractions. Consider also starting a sleep diary. This is often the first thing a sleep expert will ask you to do, so get ahead of the game.

Angelo Pennetta

Its not only the sleep youre getting at night thats important - power napping can have real benefits. A 2013 study by the Beijing University of Technology examined the effect of napping on athletes after training and found that naps could improve brain function and visual systems, and promote physical and mental recovery. But not just any naps will do be sure to follow these rules.

Choose Afternoons. You know that afternoon slump, where you start to flag after a busy morning? Its not just you, its a part of human nature the Spanish siesta isnt just about staying out of the sun. If youre able to, try to time your power nap for the afternoon - or even early evening if youre likely to have a late night ahead.

Keep It Brief. The optimal power-nap length is thought to be 20 minutes or less, increasing alertness and boosting productivity. Longer naps can work too, but consider that sleeping for too long can leave you groggy, or affect your ability to get to sleep that night.

Have A Coffee. If youre trying to limit your nap to 20 minutes, have a cup of coffee before you go to sleep. It will take 20 minutes for the caffeine to kick in, which will help you to wake up more easily and in a more alert state.

Breathe. If you find it difficult to switch into nap mode in the middle of the day, try meditation or breathing exercises to get you in the mood. Headspace offers 10-minute-long meditation sessions which you can interact with on your smartphone, providing instant relaxation.

More:

The Vogue Guide To Sleep - Vogue.co.uk