Muddle Blueberries and mint with lime juice and simple syrup.  Shake over ice.  Top with soda or sprite if you want it sweeter.  Garnish with extra blueberries.

Recipe created for UrbanMommies by Oru Restaurant at the Fairmont Pacific Rim.

Photo: Bopomo Pictures.

Lets face it; we go great lengths to keep the sign of time off our faces. Some of us follow intricate step-by-step beauty regimes, pump every antioxidant into our bodies and even inject poison into our faces. Botox is the last will-and-testament that we will virtually do anything to look younger. It’s Amanda Beisel’s mission to “save the world from Botox.” The owner of Yaletown’s new SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic practices a kinder, gentler approach to visage fatigue—cosmetic acupuncture. We all know aging is inevitable, “but we can choose, even direct and guide the speed at which we do,” the witty young blond insists. TCM is based on an integral mind, body and spirit connection. “Lines developing on the face are simply a reflection of the aging process originating internally in the organs and by balancing out the whole system, the skin becomes nourished and its natural health surfaces,” she explains. “A more even toned complexion is the first sign of balance within the body.” The beautiful Beisel believes that cosmetic acupuncture is the “only true anti-aging medicine because it works intrinsically both from the inside out. Boosting the internal system increases the results seen externally.” After the full 8-10 recommended treatments, expect to see fuller cheeks, relief of under eye circles, diminished fine lines and wrinkles, a more radiant and youthful appearance, smaller pores, even color, brighter eyes, improved collagen production and muscle tone and a lifted brow and chin line. But even after one treatment, expect to see brighter skin, slighter lines and an all-over glow. You’ll also experience a sense of overall rejuvenation after just one visit. SKN is the only spa in Vancouver who addresses anti-aging concerns with cosmetic acupuncture in conjunction with luxurious exotic spa services like hot jade stone massages and jade and ginseng facials using Jadience, a organic skincare line made from crushed jade. SKN facials are not just about the face, they incorporate scalp, neck, ear, décolletage, hand and arm massages. Here’s a hint: If you start with a cosmetic acupuncture session and end with a facial, your total relaxation is a euphoric 2-plus hours and the bliss will be all over your face. (Need I say more?) Before any session, Beisel takes an intense health intake. She asks me to stick out my tongue. An odd request, but I oblige. “Do I worry,” she asks after studying my tongue. “Of course, I’m a mom,” I reply. Apparently, the colour of the tongue is a telltale sign of ‘spleen deficiency.’ In TCM this correlates to emotions, particularly worry and anxiety. Later, while I rest on her table, she treats my condition by inserting fine needles into a trigger point on my shin. She then moves upward towards the face. I am here for a cosmetic acupuncture treatment, but Beisel first works to bring my body back to balance, and then tackles the lines on my face.

Cosmetic acupuncture has recently come into the spotlight for anti-aging as Lucy Lui, Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna are all major fans. But don’t expect drastic changes on the face like the aforementioned celebrity. “Cosmetic acupuncture is far from Botox where results are purely superficial, making everyone look kind of kittycatish,” Dr. Pardeep Dherari tells me in his bright Kerrisdale clinic. “Cosmetic acupuncture is more of an overall approach to wellness that begins within.” The Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine clearly has a command of the human body. Dherari, too, treats specific conditions rather than just the symptoms. “Many meridians begin and end on the face while others have branches leading to the face. By first establishing and treating the underlying problems in the body, the beautifying results appearing on the face are just responses to balance brought back to the body,” he informs me. After another intense health intake, I relax and lay on the table, completely giving my face up to his mercy. He inserts roughly 10 tiny needles in my feet, knee and shin areas, each point corresponding to a specific organ. “This will keep you grounded,” he advises before moving to my face. Next he begins to firmly roll my cheeks and jaw line. It feels like he is manually pinning my skin back. He then inserts 50-75 needles in my face, scalp and ears. Aside from a few sensitive pricks, the entire 10-minute procedure is virtually painless. “Just relax,” he instructs as he closes the door. “That’s likely,” I think. But I lay so still as not to move a single needle that surprisingly I do fall asleep on the table only to be woken when he returns 20 minutes later to remove the needles. “Taking the needles out are as important as placement, he says. “Slow and precise to avoid any possible bruising.” He finishes up with a brisk facial massage. I feel relaxed but energized, happy and strong. My steps are lighter, my breath easier. I look in the mirror and immediately notice a glow. My complexion is even. I am shocked, the deep laugh lines near my lip have faded, lines on my forehead have smoothed, my brows higher and any evidence that I was up all night with 2 sick toddlers has vanished. I am super impressed. I like how I look, and love how I feel. Cosmetic Acupuncture is my new addiction. Hey, we all have a vice.

Both Amanda and Pardeep acknowledge that everyone reacts differently, but for maximum, long lasting results they recommend between 8-10 visits and then monthly maintenance. For these results, to me this is effortless.

Our faves:

SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic
150-1152 Mainland Street
Vancouver
604.568.6333
sknclinic.ca

Dr. Pardeep Dherari
260-2025 West 42^nd Avenue
Vancouver
604.264.9921
dherarihealth.com

- Alyssa Schottland Bauman has been inspired to write about wellness and living a healthy lifestyle. Her work has appeared in NY, FITNESS, Pregnancy, InStyle, Food and Wine, Coastal Living, Spa, Seattle, Nuvo and Montecristo magazines.

1. Make sure you get dressed and put on lip gloss every day. It’s a slippery slope.
2. Evaluate your email address. Recently we’ve gotten job applications from ‘sexyfox’, ‘jennluvs69’, and maria1977. Do you think your private life and your age should really be out there for all to see? You are a mom now, woman.
3. Get a sexy pair of flat, rubber-soled shoes or boots.
4. Make sure your bra fits.
5. Ensure your wardrobe includes a killer black dress, a white blouse, and a nice belt.
6. Throw away all socks with holes, hose with runs, dead lipsticks, pilled sweaters and stained t-shirts. Oh, college sweats too. I bet Stacy London’s list would be even longer but we can start with these.
7. Find out what your husband/partner finds attractive as sleepwear, and make sure you have some.
8. Don’t put on something that has spit-up on it. EVEN TO GO TO THE GROCERY STORE.
9. Keep a few garbage bags in the car so you can toss the trash each time you think of it. Someone tweeted us recently that sprouts were growing in their car. Ick.
10. Get a good diaper bag/purse that makes you smile and shows your style. It will be with you for longer than you can imagine.

- Jill Amery is a grownup.

1.  Because of You (Kelly Clarkson)
2.  My Immortal (Evanescence)
3.  How to Save a Life (The Frey)
4.  Angel (Sarah MacLaughlan)
5.  You Must Love Me (Madonna)
6.  Sail Away (David Gray)
7.  Ready for Love (India Arie)
8.  All we Ever do is Say Goodbye (John Mayer)
9.  Mockingbird (Allison Moorer)
10.  Hands (Jewel)
11.  Gotta Be Somebody (Nickleback)
12.  Crack the Shutters (Snow Patrol)
13.  Take it With Me (Kitty Margolis)
14.  Here Without You (3 Doors Down)
15.  The Girl in the Other Room (Diana Krall)
16.  I’m With You (Avril Lavigne)

Available on iTunes.  Feel free to add your picks below.

1.  Apply lip gloss.  All the time.
2.  Wear big jewelery, especially statement necklaces.
3.  Breathe.  Wrinkles will disappear and you’ll get grounded.
4.  Floss.  Good oral care is crucial during pregnancy and beyond.
5.  Lose the stilettos during pregnancy and while you’re slinging your new baby.  Treat yourself to a great pair of flat boots.
6.  Do some writing.  Expressing your feelings gives you a glow.  Share it with us in our mommy stories.
7.  Bathe with rose petals and fresh lavender.
8.  Look deeply into people’s eyes.  They have experience to share.
9.  Plant a seed and watch it grow.
10.  Pair bright colours with lots of black.
11.  Shawls and flowing sweaters add a touch of romance.
12.  You might not feel like having the same sex you used to.  Grab a Cosmo magazine and learn a few new tricks.
13.  Pedicures.  Often.
14.  If clean hair seems like a time-suck when you have a baby to care for, throw on a hat or wrap an Hermes scarf around your head.
15.  Read.  Just one quick poem a day could make you feel more connected.
16.  Get in control of your body.  Or at least strengthen the muscles you can.
17.  Ask for what you need.  If you can’t ask, then text.

So throw on a pair of huge sunglasses, slide into a tight black dress and be proud of your expanding back and retained water.  For tips on dressing for pregnancy and transition, see our stylist.  Or check out the sexiest Celebrity Moms Alive, as according to CafeMom.

Photo: Courtesy of German Vogue, May 2009.  Heidi Klum.

www.olympuscanada.com

Roasted Chickpeas are my solution. Chickpeas are a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Roasting them gives them the crunchy texture that tricks my body out of its cravings.

It would be cruel for me to not share the recipe with you.

1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed.
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1-2 tbsp spice of your choice. Options include oregano, cumin or cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 375˚ C. Toss chickpeas in a bowl with oil, salt, pepper and spice. Spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Place in oven on middle rack. Shake pan every 10-15 minutes until desired crispiness. About 50 minutes total. Let cool and transfer to air tight container. Keep at room temperature in sealed container for up to 5 days.

I recommend setting a kitchen timer to ensure your chickpeas don’t smell like burnt toast. L loves these chickpeas as a snack and I love not feeling guilty giving them to her. If you don’t have time to make them I found them at Bosa Foods ready for your eating pleasure.

If you like what chickpeas can do for you check out what else you can do to them, starting with this easy and fast hummus recipe.

Happy Snacking!

- Stephanie Raposo

Founded as an alternative to invasive anti aging clinics, SKN’s mission has always been to provide safe and effective skin and body treatments that provide clients with amazing results.

Rooted in Eastern Medicine, many of the treatments at SKN combine new age technology with the wisdom and proven techniques of the old world. Bringing the western world of medicine together with the eastern provides SKN with enormous scope and opportunity. From Cosmetic Acupuncture to Photo Rejuvenation, the range of non invasive procedures offered at SKN are truly powerful and unique.

Clients are treated at the SKN Clinic located in beautiful Yaletown in the heart of Vancouver. Custom built for our clients, the SKN Clinic is a sanctuary tucked away in the bustling core of this vibrant city.

Our Contest:

Enter to win a Royal Jade Facial (90min)  by commenting on this post about what natural things you do to care for your skin.

Specifics of the Royal Jade Facial….

- Exclusive skin treatment using all natural, active skin products derived from organic Chinese herbs and the precious jade stone.
- Voted most luxurious facial in America and can only be found at SKN in Canada.
- The herbal combinations encourage collagen production and cell renewal leaving you with radiant, glowing skin.
- neck, shoulder, scalp, arm massage
- LED light therapy to awaken the cells.
- customized to your specific skin needs.

SKN looks forward to pampering an urban mommy!

www.sknclinic.ca

Trying to squeeze back in your pre pregnancy jeans can be a struggle for some. I have found the Plank exercise to be very helpful in getting me back into those Jeans this week!

The plank position will also do wonders for your core muscles which in turn will help protect your back from injuries when hauling your groceries into the house.

I love this exercise because you don’t get sweaty, you can do it in your pajamas, you don’t need any special equipment and most of all you can see results in your abdominal strength within a few days.

Basic Plank position

Step 1: Start by lying face down on the ground. Place your elbows and forearms underneath your chest

Step 2: Lift your hips to form a bridge using your toes and forearms to support yourself.

Step 3: Hold your hips up but keep your back flat. Engage your abdominal muscles. It should feel like someone is pulling your belly button inwards with a string. Hold this position for up to a minute. When I started I could only hold this pose for about 15 seconds until I needed a break. Take a break when you need to and then try again.

Plank with Butt raise

Not as sexy as it sounds.

Step 1: Follow above steps to hold basic plank position

Step 2: Keeping your back flat and legs straight lift your hips into the air.

Step 3: Return to start position and repeat for up to a minute.

I like to use M underneath me as motivation to hold this position longer. I mean you wouldn’t want to squish that much cuteness. L loves to workout with me. She is quite concerned about me wearing my shoes inside and I think I might have to buy an extra workout mat for her to cut down on the tantrums but I still love the company.

I will be doing the plank this week during commercial breaks or when I reheat food in the microwave. How are you going to incorporate exercise in your life this week?

- Stephanie Raposo

Kick Start Your Weekly Workout! Shop n’ Stroll Comes to Vancouver

Join us every Thursday morning starting March 18th, 2010 at 9:30 for Shop n’ Stroll Fitness Class at Oakridge Centre. Shop n’ Stroll is a fitness Class that turns your stroller into a portable fitness machine and takes baby along for the ride. The classes consist of a power walking combined with body sculpting exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the shopping mall environment with the last 15 minutes devoted to socializing for moms and baby. Dads welcome too. Class is sponsored by Oakridge Centre and free to attend!

Runners and Booties Fitness offers specially designed fitness and dance classes for mom, baby and toddler. WorkOut, MeetUp, ShopAbout with other mothers in your community at Shop n’ Stroll. To register or find out more about schedules and complimentary trial classes visit www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com or call 778-285-6265

Enter to win a $150.00 gift certificate to Lululemon and as we get ready to Shop n’ Stroll at Oakridge Centre! Enter by March 10, 2010.

www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com