Spanista » Self Care Rituals, Reflections & Resources for Joyful Living by Ginny Shiverdecker

  • Spa Style & Self Care Reflections, Rituals and Resources for Joyful Living

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  • About Spanista

    Ginny Shiverdecker, Creator of Spanista is Spa Wellness Enthusiast, Adventurer Seeker and Brand Builder.
    Ginny is……Read more

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Picasso Dali Exhibit Features Fantastical Friendship Dali Museum St Petersburg is seeing artistic genius in duplication. Literally. After a fantastic brunch shared in yesterday’s post, we motored over to the other side of downtown St. Petersburg where the Yacht Club is located to make our first visit of the Dali Museum. So anticipating touring the landmark exhibit, Picasso/Dali, Dali/Picasso. Two Legends. Side by Side was warranted. Spanista craves such expansive stimulus as an important ingredient to live joyfully.

To give you a sense, the Dali Museum is home to an unparalleled collection by renowned artist Salvador Dali (1904-1989). The collection features over 2000 works comprised of a wide range of media expressions. Dali canvases are fascinating. Every time I view one of his master works I see it differently given the state of mind I am in at the time. But that said, it is really Picasso’s work I am really intrigued with. It seems as my life unfolds with many rich human experiences, I see Picasso’s creative approaches with new eyes. Therefore cultivating a deeper understanding for each canvas and appreciation for his brilliant point of view. It simply stirs the soul.Picasso-Dali-Exhibit-Features-Fantastical-Friendship-4.jpegPINIMAGEPicasso-Dali-Exhibit-Features-Fantastical-Friendship-5.jpegPINIMAGE

Now the story of the two side by side is an inspiring juxtaposition – The story of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali is one of influence, rivalry and artistic greatness. Both men were born in Spain – Picasso in 1881, Dali 23 years later in 1904. The exhibition presents these two giants of modern art who changed the way we understand images and role of the artist. They are presented side by side in the exhibit, perhaps for the first time. The exhibit consists of 92 works that span the careers of both artist. Seeing them side by side tells the story of influence they had on each other – in some cases one reinterpreting the painting of another directly. You can see the fantastical rivalry come to life in front of you. This indicates their lives were intertwined over the years in ways we can not imagine. This includes loans from 22 institutions and private collections and is supported by the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities.

They did not allow photography of any of the artworks so you will not see any pics here. Rest assured the presentation of the works side by side is fascinating and opened up many curiosities about the relationship between the two – questions that will never be resolved but fun to ponder all the same. But you may enjoy seeing the architecture and the waterfront location pics.Picasso-Dali-Exhibit-Features-Fantastical-Friendship-7.jpegPINIMAGE

Spanista Takeaway: Picasso Dali Exhibit Features Fantastical Friendship Dali Museum St Petersburg brings about a joyful spirit for Spanista after viewing the exhibit. One feels more aware, more alive with a fullness of spirit of their unique beauty as seen through the eyes of these courageous artists who influenced the modern evolution of the art. Beyond seeing legendary work, is recognizing lessons in staying true to your personal voice of self-expression with conviction. It can be valuable to the world. Creative Courage is to be treasured and saluted. A unique view of the world can become a global treasure.

More on the Dali Museum visit tomorrow.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Part 3 Locale Market Offers Relaxed Refined Yummy Dining Level 2 where Farmhouse is a delightful escape from the mundane in St. Petersburg, Florida. Yesterday you read about Level One. Now let’s explore Level 2 of the Locale Market – an intimate bar area that is open, airy and full of light. Seating includes a large communal table,  round high tops and a cozy metallic framed bar area.  We opted for the bar and quickly noticed  we had arrived just in time to secure a spot before waves of people flowed in at mid-day.

The Farmhouse Bar serves a host of wine varietals, champagne, serious cocktails and select craft beers. It is brunch time on Saturday. Those thirsting for an enchanting class of rose or pink champagne now fashionable in select circles, would find it quenched well. Suddenly pink light sparkled in crystal glasses as the sunlight bounced off the window panes just right for a few fleeting moments. It was a magical moment. Where joy come alive right in front of your very eyes. It captured our attention and agreed it is a good omen.

 

 

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We found our perfect spot at the corner of the bar – a preferred seating arrangement of my husbands for lunch. Spanista too was now enjoying my glass of rose as my hubby and I waited for our dishes. The menu is simple and full of flavorful offerings and refreshments. My selection was for a healthy, clean salad of kale and crispy quena with shaved parmesana and a light lemony dressing, garnished with a delicate red flower stealing the scene.

My hubby ordered a home crafted fettucine with a simple ground duck ragu also with shaved paramsana. He shared a sample which you see my serving dish.  Beautifully prepared, we indulged our senses with the aromas. I took a sip of my rose and we dived in for the first taste. Yum. The wine was the perfect complement to the delicate tastes of the salad. Silence on the part of my hubby – he was deeply engaged in the savory tastes of his pasta. All I could hear was the sinning of his pasta fork amidst happy chatter of couples around us. Happy was he, in his choice. He came up for air to engage again. We took our time while we observed the interesting clientele of all ages. Many coming to see the wine boutique pictured here as well as check out the chocolatiers.

We found we were well satiated after completing our dishes, but it was still fun to explore the colorful flavors of hand crafted chocolate pictured here. This location is killer – hard to resist.

We took a stroll around the Sundial shopping area as the weather was beautiful – in the low 70’s with clear blue skies. Then Spanista is off to the Dali Museum for a special exhibit.

More tomorrow on Dali from St. Petersburg!

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Part 2 Locale Market Experience Hits Foodie High Notes Perfectly. This is truly an inspiring symphony coming together to generate perfect pitch. The artistry required to create such a sustainable and pleasant harmony of presentations is something that could only be accomplished when two talented friends dynamic forces spark in true partnership.

Celebrity Chef Team, Michael Mina and Don Pintabona have created a fantasy land of gourmet delights and set them in a relaxed and refined environment. Locale Market, in St. Petersburg, Florida is minimalist yet presented in thoughtfully modern surroundings and with great taste. To enhance this is the perfect complement of humanity – expert people who serve you.

Yesterday, I shared the market’s exterior design. Today, we go inside to experience the offerings. One appreciates marvelous attention to detail at every turn in this curated cathedral to Italian Cuisine. The first level features:

~ Bakery & Italian coffee bar (the culture raises savvy coffee drinkers)

~ Direct from the garden, select luscious organic produce for your food preparation

~ Choice meats like special aged steak cuts and freshest seafood selections from the world over

~ Hand crafted fresh mozzarella and hand selected cheeses and salumi

~ Glorious iced beds of select oysters and clams

~ Unique ice cream shop that serves an incredible new version on the traditional

~ Excellent rare accompaniments like tubs of truffle butter flecked with shaves of black truffle and Himalayan sea salts are easily accessible here

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If that is not enough, there is also Farmtable Kitchen that offers speciality prepared entre stations – seafood dishes, pastas with a range of ragus like duck, Italian special sandwiches and burgers – ask about the ‘Burg’. Audacious, really!

The featured departments ring true to the love of classic of cooking with the inclusion of select high-end cutlery and cooking utensils, cookbooks and select cooking and serving accessories that round out the sensory experiences.

Part 2 Locale Market Experience Hits Foodie High Notes Perfectly makes Spanista feel grateful to be alive to enjoy such delights. This is a one of a kind delight for the senses.

Tomorrow will move up to the second floor to enjoy the Wine Bar and Restaurant and more. Won’t you come back to join Spanista?

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Celebrity Chefs Create Locale Market Culinary Experience St. Petersburg Florida. This is a stunning paradise for foodies who want to shop for select freshness or hang out and enjoy the atmosphere with a great glass of wine in hand.  Just across the Bay from Tampa it offers an easy 30 minute trip over one of the long-span bridges with lovely water views – just enough distance to make you feel like you are on a mini get away.

Spanista is so excited about sharing discoveries in St. Petersburg that this will be the first a four-part series. And will include a visit to celebrated Salvador Dali Museum also in St. Pete for an extraordinary global exhibit entitled Picasso + Dali.

Today, I want to introduce you to the 20,00 sq. ft. two-story epicurean as two Celebrity Chef’s envisioned it at Locale Market. As a friendship ‘passion project’ it is a total urban chic environment that embraces the unique waterfront local.

Locale Market & Farmtable Kitchen is located in the Sundial, a boutique lifestyle center in the heart of this intimate harbor side city. Surrounded by an eclectic mix of classy high-rise condominiums, downtown business buildings and mixed local neighborhood establishments, it serves an eclectic mix of people, residents and visitors, including the CEO of HSN, Mindy Groosman who calls St. Pete one of her homes. Focused on advancing the fresh movement on Florida’s west coast opened mid December.

Celebrity Chefs, Michael Mina and Don Pintabona are super power partners. Michael’s expertise includes successful ownership of acclaimed restaurants in Miami, Southern California, Phoenix Seattle and Vegas. Don is former executive chef at Robert DeNiro’s Tribeca Grill, NYCity also a graduate of USF is happy and proud of this new way to serve Floridians.

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Today’s post is about introducing the two Celebrity Chefs – Michael and Danny and share their debut in St.Petersburg. A teaser about what to come. Tomorrow we will go inside to enjoy the experience first hand.   To see what the media are saying, check out Tampa Times article by Laura Riley, Times Food Critic article, “Locale Market Opens To Gaga Shoppers at St. Petersburg Sundial.”

Spanista Takeaway: Celebrity Chefs Create Locale Market Culinary Experience St. Petersburg Florida. The Spanista Lifestyle focuses on foodie enjoyment that is centered on freshness – grown of earth and spanned in the seas. Making smart choices should not mean sacrificing things you love. It does mean developing practices of balance and moderation – to be mindful while you enjoy natures’ bounty and goodness. But it also means savoring the way and time to hunt and gather – having access to excellence and rarities should be relished. Especially having an informed, experienced and passionate service staff to prepare, answer questions and share knowledge about the best offerings. The staff at Locale Market is amongst the best. So you can make the right choices to suit your taste whether you want to prepare a meal yourself at home or have it prepared for you. Spanista welcomes having such access to such exquisite options for our community.

Congratulations to Michael and Dan from your new friends in Tampa. And thank you!

Wellness Seekers, come back tomorrow for a look inside.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

 

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Friday Wellness Tip: Spanista Suggests Real Simple Solution Breathe. Perhaps this sounds simple enough, but for someone like me who has a tendency to absorb the fast paced energy of the environment around me as juggling too many things I love doing while anticipating outcomes (get the picture?), I developed the habit of holding my breath unconsciously. Not sure when this habit developed but it now takes a concerted effort for me to be mindful of it. And work to correct it.

Last weekend I realized I was getting headaches in late afternoons which is rare for me. Thinking first I was dehydrated, I turned to H2O to replenish. But after a couple of days this did not appear to have an affect. Then it occurred to me to monitor my breath and sure enough, I found myself not breathing naturally – I was ‘shallow breathing’. Do you know what I mean? Just taking in enough breath to sustain life but not taking in the proper levels of oxygen required to stream through my body. This has two negative impacts – 1.) My shoulders move up to be level with my ears which bring about discomfort in my neck muscles; 2. ) This compounds the headache that then stems from two source points – to low a level of oxygen and neck muscles that are tense enough to create stress that add to the headache.

So what is happening? I do not know about you, but I am finding it a bit hard to grasp that in a few short days two months of 2015 will be gone. Yes, they are used up, finished, spent! Never will these days be revisited. As I reflect, the beginning of this year has been exciting – with loads of travel, nurturing Spanista’s development with posts, enjoying family time and branding projects for some interesting clients. My time has been invested well but looking back, I have lost site of a few of my Self Care Rituals – especially because I have not been home or been over booked. It happens so easily, right? Unconscious stress is building up in my body.

When a headache appeared again late yesterday I picked up Real Simple Magazine and lay down to try to work out what to do with my Self Care to break this pattern. You know the saying “When the student is ready, the teacher appears?” Well paging through Real Simple’s: ‘Let It Go’ January Issue, ( yes I am behind in my quality reading) filled with 62 ideas to free yourself from guilt, clutter, stress, and body hang-ups and make this your best year yet.” I held onto this edition because I loved the cover tile so much. Well I got to page 42 and there is was – The Answer to my needs right now. The Headline to the short feature was simply: BREATHE. It was written by this months expert – Margaret Townsend, a certified breathwork and Hakomi practitioner in the Portland, Oregon, area. Find her at the livingbreath.com. Reading this Spanista was reminded of medical research proving deep breathing, at least once a day, can strengthen your heart and restore muscle health.

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Margaret offers this simple Self Care advice: BREATHE. She recommends thinking about a stressful situation you are facing at the moment. Close your eyes to scan your body to find the tension spot when you think about the situation. (my neck!) Rest your hand on the tense spot and comfortable inhale to focus the breath to reach the tension spot. Exhale and breathe again mindfully to get to the tension spot. Repeat several times. Then relax. Now feel the new softness in those spots. Mindfully breathing into tightness creates softening as a gentle way for tensions to relax.

Spanista Takeaway – Friday Wellness Tip: Spanista Suggests Real Simple Solution Breathe! Applying Margaret’s method, I focused on my tension area to realize my headache was gone in a few minutes. Now I am reminded to be conscious of proactively controlling my breathing deeply – catching it early. But if I forgot I have a new Self Care Ritual I can turn to for relief. Why not give it a try?

Let Spanista know if it works for you, so we can share the results with other Wellness Seekers?

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

P.S. Photo Credit for Real Simple Magazine Article of Butterfly by Christopher Baker.

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