Valerie Waters is a graduate of  The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, which  focuses on overall wellness…not only nutrition, but also work life,  how we are in relationships, and other choices in our life that afect our general well-being.

Contact Valerie today at http://vitalitywithvalerie.net/ for your free initial consultation!

The most recent issue can be read online, and is full of wonderful information, including Managing Stress, the beneits of moderate pressure during massage, and more!

You can read it right here: http://cp.revolio.com/issue/50186

At Metamorphic Massage For Women, we are offering Gift Certificates for a special Mother’s Day Package. Choose a 60- or 90- minute session, which includes a hot stone add-on, and berries and chocolates after the session. This offer is not availabe for prenatal massage, as hot stones are not available for prenatal sessions.

Mom will surely love you for this special gift! Gift certificates are available at http://metamorphicmassageforwomen.com/services/gift-certificates/

The 75 minute class starts at 6:40 pm.  The fee is $20.00 per class or $65.00 for the 4 weeks if paid in advance. The first session starts Tuesday, March 29th.

Learn to play the djembe (African hand drum) in a fun group setting. In these classes you will learn the basics of how to play bass, tone and slap, and simple African rhythms. The class will include both time for instruction and open jamming.  You will become comfortable playing the drum in a group setting as well as community drum circles.  No experience is necessary.  Drums will be available for use during class or to purchase.

Beginners who are trying this for the first time are suggested to do all 4 classes, more experienced players can come anytime as a drop in!

 Susan Petrie is a graduate of a two year instructor training program and continuing student of West African music, studying with Bill Schiedt at the Tam Tam Mandingue school of the djembe in Winston Salem, a branch of the Tam Tam Mandingue USA  international School founded by Master, Initiated Djembefola Mamady Keita.  www.TTMUSA.com  She has also studied with other talented drummers around the country. Susan is also a dedicated member of a local performance group, Rhythmicity.

Susan has studied Drum Circle Facilitation with many world known teachers and a trained Remo Health Rhythms Facilitator.  She will incorporate some “free form” drumming into the classes.

The Masters say the djembe is a traditional instrument invented by the Mandingue people of West Africa. It is the way of the djembe to give thanks to those who passed the spirit to us. It is our way of thanks to pass the spirit to those who will come next.

Email Susan at DrumWithSusan@gmail.com to reserve your seat!  Or, for more information, call her at 919-601-6684

Make this year all about her, and give her something that shows just how much you appreciate her presence in your life.  

Metamorphic Massage For Women is offering 10% off all gift certificates for 30-, 60-, and 90-minute massages.   Check it out at http://metamorphicmassageforwomen.com/services/gift-certificates/

Laughter also provides several physiological benefits.  It helps to decrease stress, thereby lowering our blood pressure and increasing blood flow.  What a great way to reduce the risk of  a heart attack!   When we are less stressed, our muscles relax, and our immune system also gets a boost. It can also increase energy, and reduce pain through the release of endorphins.  Think about it…how much better do you feel when you are laughing on a regular basis?

Many years ago, I was a whitewater raft quide.  One day, in the midst of an incident, I found myself and half the paddlers from my boat sitting on top of a large rock in the middle of the river,  my boat wrapped around the rock, with rushing water preventing me from easily getting the raft off the rock.  None of my paddlers were comfortable in the water to begin with, so the entire time I worked to get the boat ready for the crew on shore to peel it off the rock, I cracked a bunch of jokes.  This helped alleviate the stress of the situation for the nervous paddlers.  Other people in our boating party were on the banks of the river thinking we were having a grand time…which  we were!  I recall after the trip my participants saying how my light attitude and ability to make them laugh helped calm their nerves.  Using humor helped to shift our perspective from feeling threatening by the situation to it just being part of the adventure.

Find more ways to increase the laughter in your life…learn some new jokes and share them with friends….go to a comedy club….learn to laugh at yourself.  Take life less seriouisly, and feel better!  Its certainly cheaper and a lot more fun than going to the doctor!

Diane Stakoe, a local yoga teacher with two daughters, is teaching a yoga class for pre-teen girls (ages 8-12) at Moving Mantra Yoga Studio in North Raleigh.  the series will be held on Thursday from 4:30 – 5:30, beginning September 30th and running through November 30th. 

For more information, go to http://www.movingmantrayoga.com/html/instruction/courses.htm

Now through Mother’s Day, Metamorphic Massage For Women is offering a special package for the mothers in your life.  Choose either a 60 -minute or 90-minute session, which  includes her  choice of  either adding heated stones to the session, or incorporating a 30-minute Body Polish.  After her massage, she will have some time to enjoy some berries and chocolate.  ( This offer is not available with prenatal massage.)

Are you a woman looking for a way to spend time together with your mother or duaghter?  Come in together, for either a 60- or 90-minute massages in separate rooms, and meet up in the reception area afterwards to share a few moments over berries and chocolate.    What a great way to spend some girl time!  16 and over, please.

Gift  certificates are available at http://www.metamorphicmassageforwomen.com/services/gift-certificates/

Prenatal yoga helps to strengthen uterine and pelvic muscles, improves circulation, and can aid digestion, while increasing the mother-to-be’s overall comfort.  The class consists of gentle postures, breathwork, and meditation. 

Anisha Desai will be offering prenatal classed as Gateway Yoga on Oberlin Road in Raleigh, on Fridays from 11:15 to 12:30, beginning on April 23rd.  There is a FREE introductory class on April 18th from 4:00 to 5:15.  No experience is necessary. 

For more information on Anisha, go to  http://www.AnishaDesai.com

For more information on the class, or to register, got to http://www.gatewayyoga.com