Nothing can stop me from making a beautiful mala. I often keep a mala kit on hand so that when the moment strikes, I can reach deep in my bag, pull out my beading kit and create. Seriously, I could be anywhere; camping, on a road trip, visiting with friends on the back porch, or a summer concert, I am always ready to put the good vibes into a beautiful piece for a future donation.

This summer has been full of adventures, and our malas have been my trusted companion along the way. In Moab, after a day of off-roading adventure, I sat fireside with friends, tying knots while soaking in the scenery of deep red/orange table mesas. We imagined what it would be like living in the Moab of the past, rich in Native American history, a gorgeous carnelian and lapis lazuli mala came to life in the desert that night.

Road trips are one of my favorite ways to spend some time with my family and friends. This summer took us to Omaha to celebrate Independence Day with close friends. Naturally, my mala kit came on the road with our caravan. We listened to mixtapes, laughed, and caught up on some long-overdue conversation all while tying knots. A stunning rose quartz, sandalwood, and howlite mala for the best friend of our last recipient, Anne, resulted. Each knot I hand tied was filled with love and ease as we rolled through the fields of Nebraska toward our destination.

I have enjoyed late summer nights on our back porch catching up during visits from family, laughing, connecting, filling each other with strength and hope as we navigate life’s mysteries. All the while creating, knotting in the soft light of a backyard bonfire with a good glass of wine. Many special malas resulted from these nights, all infused with healing, togetherness, and family strength in each knot.

I will always love nights on the grassy hills of Denver, tying knots with friends while listening to the funky fresh rhymes of Lyrics Borne. Booties shaking, hands in the air, Kids running the hills. These malas are filled with fun, playfulness and freedom, all the great feelings of a fun Summer night.

What fascinates me most is how a moment can be enhanced by adding a creative element rather than taken away. Having a mala kit on hand brings people together. It draws people in. People come with questions about the stones and “how do you tie those knots?”. It has allowed us to spread the word of our cause, make new friends, and build our community.

Having the opportunity to use my hands has always been sacred to me. As a massage therapist and Pilates instructor, my career has always included the use of my hands. As it turns out when I am away from the studio, I still crave the movement and creative ability of my hands, so I take it with me on the road, and it has brought me more joy than I could have ever imagined.

What you’ll need in your mala kit:

·         108+ beads

·         15 feet of nylon string (size #2)

·         1 Wire needle-to feed the beads on the string

·         1 guru bead

·         1 Tassle

Shannon

Vanessa and her Grandma enjoying time together a few weekends ago. We are so lucky to have Vanessa on our team and serving as one of our preferred providers.

In 2007 my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. At the time, I was about five years into my career as a massage therapist. I knew that Lymphatic Drainage Massage could help her with her edema (swelling) in her arms and wanted to learn how to help. It took a few more years before I enrolled at CSHA to take the three-part certification course on Lymphatic Drainage Massage. In 2010 I completed the course and started performing lymphatic drainage massage on a variety of clients with different needs. With my grandmother as my inspiration, I've committed to helping as many women as I can with my knowledge of Lymphatic Drainage Massage. I have seen first hand how it can benefit my patients' post-recovery and beyond.

Let's talk about the Lymphatic System, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, how it works, who it can help, and how it can help post-cancer surgery.

The Lymphatic System is the fluid system in our bodies. It maintains our fluid balance through an extensive network of vessels that pass through almost all of our tissue to allow for movement of fluid called lymph. The Lymphatic System is responsible for filtering and removing the toxins out of our blood; it circulates our hormones throughout our bodies. The Lymphatic System also plays an essential role in our immune system. You know the feeling when you start to get sick, and you can feel pressure, and congestion in either side of your neck? Some may say that their “glands” are swollen; however this is your lymph nodes. This feeling is your lymphatic system working hard to fight off infection. You also have large lymph node gatherings in your armpits and groin area. There are about 600 lymph nodes in the body that surround your internal organs and aid in the filtration of the lymphatic fluid process. These nodes can swell in response to infection, injury or other organisms and immune system cells.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) is a gentle, rhythmic touch that focus directly on the lymphatic system. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have its pump or pulse that continually circulates the fluid. In fact, the only way to get your lymphatic fluid to move is through exercise, walking, movement, or manually through LDM. If you sit around so will your lymphatic fluid. The lymphatic system is located about 2/3 of a centimeter under the skin, so it is very superficial, hence the gentle pressure. While receiving an LDM, clients experience a state of deep relaxation do to the light and rhythmic pressure. LDM is preformed in a very specific pattern following the exact flow of the lymphatic fluid to move out unwanted, stagnant, and excess fluid. This technique is hugely beneficial in an array of conditions.

Here are just a few conditions LMD can benefit:
allergies
sinus congestion
ear infections
increase metabolism
lower blood pressure
insomnia
stress
fatigue
digestive problems
under-eye puffiness

Additionally, post-surgery (of any kind) LDM can remove swelling and help to push out anesthesia that can hang out in your system, making you feel fatigued for months!

Women who have undergone breast cancer surgery may have lymph nodes removed. When this happens, the flow of the fluid is greatly disrupted. The lymph flow gets confused and doesn’t know where to go or flow. This can cause a back up of fluid that affects the entire arm, side of the body and can even cause swelling up into the face. The Lymphatic fluid is accustom to flowing in a particular pathway, and when the lymph nodes are removed, the fluid doesn’t know the path to filter back out of the body. Not only is this extremely uncomfortable, it also can decrease movement and range of motion. LDM moves this fluid and pushes it to filter out of the body naturally. When receiving LDM regularly, your body creates a muscle type of memory in the lymphatic system, which can aid in relearning pathways to filter out the fluid on its own! When I’m working on a client, and they can feel the fluid move out, it is amazing! My clients report feeling lighter, being able to move better and can visually see a difference. LDM post breast cancer is a game-changer!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Vanessa

Starting your day with a warm blend of fresh lemon juice and cayenne pepper can aid with digestion before your morning meal and stimulate your circulatory system. Lemon stimulates the secretion of gastric juices and cayenne pepper aids in opening the capillaries and can help regulate blood sugar.

Lemons are packed with antioxidants and electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, and calcium), and they help neutralize the body’s pH by making it more alkaline. pH imbalance has been attributed to many health issues. I have included a pH scale chart I found online, but you can find more detailed diagrams if you do a quick search. I thought this chart was a beautiful visual representation and a great starting place.

It’s a good idea to buy non-irradiated cayenne pepper since irradiation can reduce health benefits.

Keep in mind that the acidic lemon can wear away my tooth enamel. Look into using a glass or reusable metal straw.

After waking up, you can warm your water up to slightly warmer than room temperature and juice half a lemon directly in the glass. Then top off with a few sprinkles of non-irradiated cayenne pepper: mix and drink. Then follow up with a nice glass of plain water and try to wait 15 minutes or so before eating breakfast.

Make sure to watch out for adding too much cayenne pepper; take it slow.

Hope this is a simple routine you might feel like adding to your day.

Note: if you are currently going through any medical treatments or take medications, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor first before starting any new physical or diet changes.

Much love,

Denise

Or you can skip the cayenne pepper all together and go with a classic. :)

16 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water (From Foodmatters.com)

1. Lemon is an excellent and rich source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies

2. Lemons contain pectin fiber which is very beneficial for colon health and also serves as a powerful antibacterial

3. It balances to maintain the pH levels in the body

4. Having warm lemon juice early in the morning helps flush out toxins

5. It aids digestion and encourages the production of bile

6. It is also a great source of citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium

7. It helps prevent the growth and multiplication of pathogenic bacteria that cause infections and diseases

8. It helps reducing pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid

9. It helps cure the common cold

10. The potassium content in lemon helps nourish brain and nerve cells

11. It strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute

12. It helps balance the calcium and oxygen levels in the liver In case of heartburn, taking a glass of concentrated lemon juice can give relief

13. It is of immense benefit to the skin and it prevents the formation of wrinkles and acne

14. It helps maintain the health of the eyes and helps fight against eye problems

15. Aids in the production of digestive juices

16. Lemon juice helps replenish body salts especially after a strenuous workout session

Let’s connect on Pinterest!

My connection with gemstones came to me around the age of 12. I would collect stones that spoke to me while on Colorado hikes with my family. I stopped at every rock shop I found and searched through the inventory to find that special stone. I would look up the energetic properties in my books to find the meaning of my new treasure. I carried stones in my pockets in high school to help with mental clarity or protection. I would put my stones outside under the full moon rays for cleansing and recharging before returning my favorites to my pocket for safekeeping. (How to cleanse your crystals with the full moon)

Making malas has reunited me with my younger self. I love to search out the gemstone beads and create malas that aid in healing, protection, and self-love. A few of the malas that I’ve had the opportunity to make have gone to some amazing women who were drawn to the necklaces. When they discover the energetic properties that the specific mala brings, we are always surprised to learn that it is exactly what this person needs in their life. It is an amazing feeling to share this connection with others while raising money to support women in need. The love poured into each, and every handmade mala not only helps the individual receiving it but also supports our current recipient of Malas For Tatas. So much love form start to finish fills me up with gratitude.

My four-year-old daughter loves to help me create malas, and I love sharing my knowledge with her and seeing her light up. At a beading brunch, we sat down and created a mala that we named the mama mala. We take turns wearing it and have fun sharing it.

With love,
Vanessa

Interested in learning more about our Malas made for children or how you and your child can create a mala together? Reach out!

How to use your Prayer Mala

Hey Friends!

I found a great recipe on Pinterest a few months back and have been making it over and over. It’s delicious and I felt was worth sharing with our community!

I have made this Ramen Soup at least 8 times since discovering it this last March. The first time I made it I stuck to the recipe, since, I’ve added organic chicken breasts cubed for a more hearty meal. I also use bone broth for it’s added health benefits. Of course, you can leave it vegetarian.

The hardest part of making this soup is simply the prep – chopping all the delicious and flavorful fresh garlic, shallots, and ginger. But If you can set aside a few minutes to just deep breathe and listen to some music you can make it a zen meditative moment in your day. Bringing it all together is simple and easy. BONUS: The blog includes a quick and easy video tutorial so you can just watch it – then get after it.

My husband LOVES this soup and asks me to make it for him all the time.

I hope you guys love it too!

Link to Recipe: The Forked Spoon

We would love to hear about your favorite healthy recipes and share them with our community. Please email us at malasfortatas@gmail.com if you want to share. Or if you’d like to join us by hosting a beading brunch or trunk show, click here.

Below are a couple of photos I took with my phone but of course The Forked Spoon has some beautiful photos of the final product plated (bowled?) :)

Health Benefits of Bone Broth, click here.

I also included two of our Fire Element Series Malas: Ember and Volcanic. I figured they would align well with “fire” from the ginger and chili flakes in this delicious soup. This might be a great recipe for “Kapha” Dosha Types “Choose foods that are light, warm, and spicy. Tea with dried ginger and lemon is a great pick-me-up for Kaphas. Avoid heavy oily and processed sugars, which are detrimental to Kaphas. Use lots of spices such as black pepper, ginger, cumin, chili and lots of bitter dark greens.” from Ayurveda & Dosha Types for Beginners. See link Below.

Curious about Ayurvedic Lifestyle, click here
5 Ways to Get Started in an Ayurvedic Lifestyle
Ayurveda & Dosha Types for Beginners

Cheers!

Denise

Momentum Fest 2019 has been amazing! We couldn’t have asked for more. We love you all and can’t wait to meet more of you tomorrow. Please stop by our booth and say hello!

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Our beautiful booth radiates positive energy and is charged by every one of you that have stopped by. Thank you.🙏

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Guests Creating Prayer Malas with Erin

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Positive Vibes Found Here

Erin and Shannon xoxo

Hi there, friends.

My name is Denise Faddis, and I’m the Creative Director for Malas for Tatas. It has been an honor to work with my closest friends these past six months on building our brand design, logo, website, and marketing collateral for Malas for Tatas.

We have had such a journey together exploring all the elements we thought were essential to include in this website so you, our community, would understand about our cause. It was also vital to us that you felt included – we wanted to welcome you to join us in our evolution personally.

I’m so proud of all that my friends have built over the last year and continue to be inspired by the support we have seen from loving and generous humans like you.

It’s our goal to provide further information on holistic health and blog posts rooted in love, self-care, and community.

Stay tuned for more posts from me and our incredible team – Shannon, Erin, Stacy, Vanessa, and special guests!

xoxo,

Denise