Tips, Tools & Resources To Make The Most Of The Present Moment… At Home
Yes, we are in the travel industry and yes, the travel industry has been hit hard, but then again, most industries have. We are also in the wellness industry, which, on the other hand, is thriving with promises of potions, elixirs, vitamins and classes that will boost immunity, ease your stress and help you live longer. And while there is indeed much truth to the benefits of fueling the body from the inside out, to practicing mindfulness and movement, make no mistake, none of us are immune to the threat of this virus. There is no magic pill to protect our health, our livelihood or our sanity. In other words, we’ve got nothing to sell, no promises and no secret solutions. What we do have is a quick list of some of the best resources, distractions, education and escapes we’ve found over the past weeks. Plus, a fresh spring roll recipe and a few invitations to come together as a community through movement.
And a reminder…
Escape to Shape: Adventures in Wellness was built on the pillars of TRAVEL, WELLNESS, CONNECTION and GIVING BACK.
And while we may not be able to travel together right now, we can at least BE WELL, CONNECT and GIVE-BACK together.
Fitness
These past few weeks have been nothing short of inspiring as we build connection and community (+ boost immunity!) though movement.
Join Us for Any of the Below Virtual Classes
Join Escape to Shape owner Erica Gragg for a fast paced 60–75 minute yoga flow. Donation-based, pay what you can, only if you can. Please do not let your current financial situation hold you back from joining us on the mat! Please EMAIL US to receive login details.
Join Pilates Hudson owner Nicole Keegan for a 50 minute Pilates Mat Class. $12.00 per class or 3 for $30.00. Please register HERE.
Join Escape to Shape owner Erica Gragg for a 45 minute Kids Yoga class. Storytelling, asana and even a dance party! My hope is that it will provide a bit of a break to parents while offering a new form of meaningful entertainment and engagement for the kids! FREE. EMAIL US for login details.
Join Hot Mama’s Exercise Founder Teddi Bryant for her 1-hour Signature Class “Sculpt. Tighten. Tone” at 11:30am EASTERN TIME. Donation-based, pay what you can, only if you can. Please do not let your current financial situation hold you back from joining us! Please EMAIL TEDDI for login code and donation details.
Culture
Take a quick trip to any of these virtual museums and get your culture fix.
- Getty Challenge
- MOMA, New York
- Frida Kahlo (La Casa Azul), Mexico City
- Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
- The Tate, London
Escape
YouTube shows, websites, and even a documentary on our favorite elephant — take a break with one of these Escapes.
- Some Good News With John Krasinski
- Bored.Solutions
- Naledi: A Baby Elephant’s Tale
- Armchair Escapes
- Conde Nast Traveler “The 50 Best Travel Films Of All Time”
- #AllinChallenge
To Read
From the poetry lover to the Sci-Fi junkie, there is something for everyone.
- The Art Of Stillness: Adventures In Going Nowhere by Pico Iyer
- The MaddAddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood
- Pilgrim At Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
- The Poetry Of Mary Oliver
- National Poetry Month Online
- Miss Aluminum by Susanna Moore
To Learn
Take this time to learn something new from the comfort of your own home.
- Online Language Courses
- Virtual Wine Tasting
- WILDwatch Live
- Free Art and Design Courses from MOMA
- Online Cooking Classes
- Masterclass
To Cook
Inspired by our travels to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, this fresh spring roll recipe by Chef Erika Laurion is easy, healthy + fun for the family to make. Enjoy!
Spring Rolls
Ingredients (for 8 rolls):
- 8 rice paper wrappers (spring roll skins) or sushi rolls.
- Lettuce leaves (Boston or butter lettuce, hard spines removed).
- Several sprigs of Thai basil (about 24 leaves). Other varieties of basil will also work.
- Small bunch of cilantro, large stems removed.
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips.
- 2 carrots, julienned.
- Protein: cooked shrimp, marinated tofu, tempeh, or grilled chicken.
You can also use shredded cabbage (red or green), cucumbers julienned, pickled veggies, avocado, sprouts… be creative, use what you have, the more colors and crunch, the better. Use large green leaves first over the rice paper.
Sauce ingredients:
- 1/2 cup nut butter of your choice.
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce opt.
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or other sweetener.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha.
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce.
- 2–4 tablespoons water, or as needed for desired consistency.
The key is to soak the rice paper in warm-to-hot water, enough to soften it, but not too much as it will continue to soften as you lay ingredients inside. Roll as tight as you can and fold in the end just before you finish rolling. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts, For Now
While we realize that life still looks rather unpredictable and times have indeed been challenging we hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy, practicing self care and physical distancing and hopefully even finding glimpses of a silver-lining amidst this all. We have been inspired by the generosity of spirit, the way in which people have stepped up and embraced one another from afar; from the dedication of the front-line and essential business workers — the doctors, and nurses to the store clerks and garbage collectors. I cannot help but remind myself that with crisis often comes great opportunity and that there are huge lessons for us to learn here, once we are ready. And if I have learned anything thus far it is that the human spirit is resilient and there is still so much to be grateful for.
And while we are eager to travel again, we are prepared to PAUSE for as long as needed as the health and well being of our clients, friends, family and the world are our main priority. Wanderlust is a flame that is not easily extinguished! And when the time is right we are ready to ignite it with you once again! Escape to Shape/Escape Artist is here to listen, to empathize, to share. Now, more than ever, is a time to connect with compassion to one another. We remain dedicated to serving you as your go-to wellness holiday, your trusted travel advisor and most importantly, your friend.
Please stay healthy! xoxo
Erica, Francesco & Brandon