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Nutrition

Macronutrients, Blood Sugar & Their Effects on Your Health and Energy Level
Ever hit “hangry” or reach a food coma? Ever wonder why and how this happens?

Learn:
How macronutrients affect your blood sugar levels.
How to eat to maintain an even keel.
How to feel great and confident in your food choices.
How to feel your best and live a long healthy life.

Find Your Balance Between What You Want To Eat and What You Should Eat: Dieting Versus Intuitive Eating
Take your understanding of diet and nutrition to the next level. Are you looking to get your questions answered about your eating style, popular diets, and fads? Come join Jodie as she breaks it down and shares the positives and potential negatives of various diets. Learn other ways to eat that are sustainable and intuitive.

Jodie Goodman Block, MS, RD, CDN is the Golden Door Spa’s evidence-based Dietitian/Nutritionist with answers you can trust and rely on to help optimize your health and promote longevity. She is the Founder of The Health Institute of Nutrition — a private practice, an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and on staff at Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute in La Jolla, California..

Jodie is recognized for her work in Women’s Health and Sustainable Weight Loss Nutrition. She has served as a guest expert at various Wall Street Corporations and NYC Health Clubs and as a college adjunct professor. She has been featured on television and radio broadcasts including CBS News and Fox 5 Good Day New York.

Art in Its Moment

Art in Its Moment, Part 1
Using art, literature, and music as its vehicle, the first chapter of ART IN ITS MOMENT (AIIM) is a fun romp through five eras of history: The Classical, The Romantic, The Modern, Mid-20th Century, and the 21st Century. Weaving together literature, art and music, AIIM brings alive the different textures of each historical period to suggest how the art created in each epoch grows from the experience of being alive at that moment.

Art in Its Moment, Part 2
The second chapter of AIIM will focus on a 21st century composition—THE UNIMAGINED: PREPARATIONS FOR THE UNKNOWN– a composition which was inspired by walking the labyrinth at Rancho. Levick will relate how the labyrinth inspired him, and more specifically, how inspiration was translated into music. You will be encouraged to share how the music made you feel, what you liked and didn’t like, how you would describe in words what you just heard, etc.

 

Hugh Levick’s music has been described by LA Times critic, Mark Swed, as ‘outstanding’ and by critic Rodney Punt as “channeling Bach’s mental energies and Hindemith’s angularities.”  In 2013 Signature Records, the dynamic and eclectic label sponsored by Radio France Musique, released the Diotima String Quartet recording of Levick’s three string quartets. In June 2018 Signature Records/Radio France released Levick’s second CD, which once again features the Diotima. A third Signature CD of Levick’s music, featuring the Diotima and the French ensemble, TM+, is planned for 2023. In 2011 Levick created HEAR NOW, a festival of new music by contemporary LA composers. In its eleventh season HEAR NOW 2022 took take place between April 24th and May 1st in Los Angeles. He has performed in Los Angeles, Paris, NYC, Switzerland, Germany, and Spain, among other places.

Golden Hour Photo Walks

Are you interested in improving the quality of your portraits, landscapes, or family snapshots? Amateur or “aficionado,” digital or film, iPhone, “throw-away,” “point and shoot,” or pro camera, come join Melba Levick on two afternoon photo walks in the glorious Rancho La Puerta gardens for some tips on how to improve your photos.

 

Photographer Melba Levick has published over 60 photography books on travel, design, architecture and gardens, in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Her work has been exhibited internationally and appears frequently in magazines worldwide.  Among her recent books are Ranches: Home on the Range in California, (2018, Rizzoli International, NYC), and The California Missions, 2019, which had its first signing at Rancho La Puerta! The Spanish Style House, from Andalusia to California, also Rizzoli, came out last Spring 2021, along with Mission San Miguel Archangel from Nazraeli Press. Melba’s newest book is CASA SANTA FE, Design, Style, Arts and Tradition, published by Rizzoli in Spring 2023.

Clips from a Hollywood Career

Clips from a Hollywood Career, starring Steve Martin, Johnny Cash, Gene Wilder, Harrison Ford, Dick Van Dyke, Bill Cosby, Forrest Whitaker, Jeff Goldblum, and Me

How Movies Get Made: Stories about The Frisco Kid, The Jerk, and Lush Life
Michael Elias holds an informal chat about how films get to be made – and talk about three of his movies.

Is It Too Late to Be a Writer?  Of Course Not, But Then What?
Michael will talk about what to do with that completed manuscript – agents, publishers, and the new phenomenon of self-publishing.

 

Michael Elias is an award-winning writer, actor and director who has written film, television, theatre and fiction. His new novel, You Can Go Home Now, is a timely and addictive psychological thriller featuring a female cop on the hunt for a killer while battling violent secrets of her own.  The book was recently published by HarperCollins in the U.S. and was released by Editions du Masque in France in February 2021.  He is also the author of The Last Conquistador, published by Open Road Media. Michael Elias was born and raised in upstate New York, moving to New York City after graduating from St. John’s College in Annapolis to pursue a career in acting. He was a member of the Living Theatre (The Brig) and acted at The Judson Poets Theatre, La MaMa, and Caffé Chino. Elias transitioned to Hollywood and with Frank Shaw wrote the screenplay for The Frisco Kid starring Gene Wilder and Harrison Ford, then Envoyez les Violons with Eve Babitz and began a long partnership with Rich Eustis. Together, they wrote the screenplays for Serial, Young Doctors in Love and created Head of the Class a television series for ABC, partially based on Elias’ experience as a high school teacher in New York City. Elias also worked with Steve Martin, a collaboration that included material for Martin’s comedy albums, network TV specials, and the screenplay for The Jerk. Elias wrote and directed Showtime’s Lush Life with Forrest Whitaker and Jeff Goldblum. He was nominated for best Director at The Cable Ace Awards that year, and the TV movie has become a jazz film classic. His semi-autobiographical play about a small hotel in upstate New York was directed by Paul Mazursky, ran for four months in Los Angeles, with the LA Weekly naming The Catskill Sonata one of the best ten plays of the year.

The Cleanse Program at Rancho La Puerta

Learn to live the anti-inflammatory life, which prevents disease by promoting wellness at every level.

The Program Includes

  • 7-day detox retreat with a professionally designed and led 5-day Green Juice Cleanse
  • Personal consultation with Dr. Michael Finkelstein M.D., F.A.C.P., A.B.I.H.M.
  • Autonomic Response Testing* Evaluation and Treatment plan
  • Access to all of Rancho La Puerta’s classes and services
  • A nourishing natural setting and supportive community

Learn more here.

 

Our consultant is Dr. Michael Finkelstein, a renowned Holistic-Integrative Physician, who has also spearheaded the Ranch’s 2-week Detox and Cleansing Program, now available to guide you personally through this process. After a 1-hour consultation, a customized protocol will be designed that will include specific juices, made just for you at our Juice Bar, and integrate that into a complimentary plan of fitness activity and spa services to suit your needs. During the hour you will receive the additional benefit of his expertise and a “second opinion” on your medical questions and your lifestyle choices to help you more fully address your overall health and well-being. www.slowmedicinedoctor.com

Power Your Pelvis

OVERVIEW- This series of presentations empowers you to understand your pelvic floor muscles and the associated bowel, bladder and sexual functions.

PYP Handouts 4.8.2023
Australian-Pelvic-Floor-Questionnaire_V2015.10

Part 1 – Power your Pelvis: How Fit is Your Pelvic Floor? Let’s Explore!
Are you up to date on current Kegel -pelvic floor exercise techniques? Do you wonder where the next toilet is when you go out?  You are not alone!! Learn how the pelvic muscles control urine leakage, urges and frequency as well as bowel control and sexual appreciation. You will leave understanding the function and anatomy of the muscles of the pelvic floor and its relationship to pelvic health. Optional questionnaires will be available to help identify any areas of potential issues.

Part 2 – Power your Pelvis: How do I Kegel? Let me count the ways!
This presentation teaches proper pelvic floor activation and release. It will cover the importance of breathing to pelvic health and pelvic floor exercises. You will learn to self-assess your breathing patterns and your pelvic floor muscles. You will leave this class understanding how to exercise your pelvic floor muscles with optimal breathing techniques.

Part 3 – Power your Pelvis: Simple Self-Care for Bowel and Bladder Control
Have you, a family member or friend been offered medication or surgery for bladder/bowel leakage? The first line treatments are these simple self-care techniques to improve bladder/bladder control. Additionally, in this presentation you will learn how to use your pelvic floor with your core for movement and exercise.

Part 4 – Power your Pelvis: Sexuality and the Pelvic Floor
This stimulating presentation reviews the pelvic floor as it relates to sexual functions and dysfunctions through the lifespan. Learn specific exercises, breathing and release techniques to optimize your pelvic sexual health. We will review previous exercises and learn a few new ones!

 

Kathe Wallace, PT, is an internationally recognized pioneer pelvic health clinician, educator and author in pelvic health and pelvic floor dysfunction. She is the author of Reviving Your Sex Life after Childbirth and multiple educational handouts to restore the pelvic floor. She has focused on pelvic health since 1988. She currently serves as a Clinical Instructor, Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Kathe has been honored to receive both the Washington State Physical Therapy Association Clinical Excellence Award and the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Pelvic Health, Elizabeth Noble Award for providing extraordinary and exemplary service to the field of pelvic health physical therapy. Her professional mission is to ignite and nurture knowledge regarding pelvic floor function and dysfunction.

Piano Concerts by Aleck Karis

Alex Karis offers two evenings of piano concerts:

Concert Bach and Beethoven

Beethoven’s Magnificent Late Sonata Opus 106 (the “Hammerklavier”)
One of Beethoven’s most innovative, challenging, and deeply moving works

 

Aleck Karis has performed recitals, chamber music, and concertos across the Americas, Europe, Japan, and China. As the pianist of the new music ensemble Speculum Musicae he has participated in over a hundred premieres and performed at major American and European festivals. His appearances with orchestra have ranged from concertos by Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin to those of Stravinsky, Messiaen and Carter. His seven solo discs on Bridge Records are: Chopin/Carter/Schumann, Mozart, Stravinsky, Cage, Feldman/Webern/Wolpe, Poulenc, and most recently, Debussy. His two discs on Roméo Records are Music of Philip Glass and Late Chopin.  A Distinguished Professor of music at the UCSD, he has studied at the Manhattan School and Juilliard, and his teachers include William Daghlian, Artur Balsam and Beveridge Webster.

A Conversation with Linda Wertheimer

I will try to look ahead to the American presidential election, concentrating on the cast of characters and the issues potential candidates will be facing.  I also look forward to your questions and to hearing what you think about the coming election.

 

Linda Wertheimer is a card-carrying “Founding Mother” of NPR who has covered Congress and political campaigns going back to the seventies.  She anchored NPR’s evening news program, All Things Considered for a dozen years, as well as election nights and political conventions.

 

Piano Concerts by Juan Pablo Andrade

Costa Rican pianist Juan Pablo Andrade is the recipient of numerous awards at several international piano competitions in Costa Rica, The U.S. and Brazil, besides being awarded the National Prize of Music by the Costa Rican Ministry of Culture. He performs extensively across the U.S., Latin America and Europe as a recitalist, collaborator and soloist with orchestras. Andrade has been a soloist with the Costa Rica and the Bolivia National Symphonies, as well as the South Bend and the Greensboro Symphonies among others. Recent performances include Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, in Gillette, Wyoming, and Beethoven’s “Emperor” Piano Concerto in Costa Rica’s National Theater. His recent CD for Centaur Records (CRC3666) titled War to Peace, a recording with violinist Betul Soykan featuring works composed during WW II, has received worldwide critical acclaim. In addition to his performance activities, Andrade is a professor of piano at UT Rio Grande Valley and at the Semper Music international Summer Festival in the Italian Alps.

Design Enlightenment Method with Bea Pila

Does Your House Tell Your Story? Exploring your deepest desires for an authentically designed home.
What makes a space “feel” sacred to you? It’s all about how you want to feel, and your energetic signature. Let your inner child be your guide to inspired interior design. Learn to let your emotions be your guide and deep dive into your authentic self by using a useful discovery questionnaire that will spark awareness that goes beyond style. Become aware of the “Why” before selecting the “What” so that every design decision is made with clarity and alignment to you and your lifestyle.

Permission Granted: The teacher has called recess & you can play in all your rooms!
Did you ever think deeply about the way you place your furniture? Did you know that this seemingly simple decision dictates how you and your family behave in your spaces? Furniture placement is a mindful act and becomes the architecture of behavior, in other words, as we artfully and mindfully place our furniture we can feel supported, connected, and fulfilled. Join me to learn how to think “Outside The Room” with interactive tools and tips to plan our spaces with a fresh new approach. Give yourself permission to play in all your rooms without conditioning from the past, and use your rooms with new eyes that support and serve you.

Time to Honor Yourself at Home, & What if It Took No Major Financial Investment.
I’ve always believed that design is a transformative and life changing process and should be accessible to all of us. Years of changing people lives for the better have led me to believe that everyone’s home is their very own Sacred Space, and Interior Design is a powerful tool to create happiness and joy. Whether you hire a professional, or not, you are capable of creating your very own Sacred Space, with or without a huge budget. Let me show you how.

After thirty years as an award-winning interior designer, Bea Pila has evolved into an influential thought leader on a mission to bring authenticity, alignment, and SOUL to interiors. Through her many talents including drafting, space planning, designing furniture, as well as her hobbies of dancing ballet and cooking for her large family, Bea has learned that it truly does not matter “what” we do, it’s “why” we do it, and she is eager to dedicate the rest of her lifetime inspiring others to ask “why,” to fearlessly follow their heart, and to nourish their soul with the answers within.  Learn more about Bea and see her inspiring interiors at www.BPilaDesign.com

Design Enlightenment Method

Does Your House Tell Your Story? Exploring your deepest desires for an authentically designed home.
What makes a space “feel” sacred to you? It’s all about how you want to feel, and your energetic signature. Let your inner child be your guide to inspired interior design. Learn to let your emotions be your guide and deep dive into your authentic self by using a useful discovery questionnaire that will spark awareness that goes beyond style. Become aware of the “Why” before selecting the “What” so that every design decision is made with clarity and alignment to you and your lifestyle.

Permission Granted: The teacher has called recess & you can play in all your rooms!
Did you ever think deeply about the way you place your furniture? Did you know that this seemingly simple decision dictates how you and your family behave in your spaces? Furniture placement is a mindful act and becomes the architecture of behavior, in other words, as we artfully and mindfully place our furniture we can feel supported, connected, and fulfilled. Join me to learn how to think “Outside The Room” with interactive tools and tips to plan our spaces with a fresh new approach. Give yourself permission to play in all your rooms without conditioning from the past, and use your rooms with new eyes that support and serve you.

Time to Honor Yourself at Home, & What if It Took No Major Financial Investment.
I’ve always believed that design is a transformative and life changing process and should be accessible to all of us. Years of changing people lives for the better have led me to believe that everyone’s home is their very own Sacred Space, and Interior Design is a powerful tool to create happiness and joy. Whether you hire a professional, or not, you are capable of creating your very own Sacred Space, with or without a huge budget. Let me show you how.

After thirty years as an award-winning interior designer, Bea Pila has evolved into an influential thought leader on a mission to bring authenticity, alignment, and SOUL to interiors. Through her many talents including drafting, space planning, designing furniture, as well as her hobbies of dancing ballet and cooking for her large family, Bea has learned that it truly does not matter “what” we do, it’s “why” we do it, and she is eager to dedicate the rest of her lifetime inspiring others to ask “why,” to fearlessly follow their heart, and to nourish their soul with the answers within.  Learn more about Bea and see her inspiring interiors at www.BPilaDesign.com

Concerts by Ashley Lucero and Mircea Gogoncea

Romantic Guitar Evening, with Ashley Lucero and Mircea Gogoncea
A Lineage of Sound, with Ashley Lucero
Interactive Concert, with Mircea Gogoncea

Mircea Gogoncea, DMA, is a 30-year-old Romanian-German classical guitarist based in Los Angeles. He has performed in over 350 concerts on 5 continents. With a total of 169 competition prizes, he is also considered one of the most awarded guitarists in the world. He is Head of Guitar at tonebase, the leading online resource for video tutorials with the world’s most inspiring musicians. He recently graduated with a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Southern California, his sixth university degree and second doctoral-level diploma. His debut as a composer took place in early 2022, when he performed an entire concert of music he wrote for guitar, live electronics, and audience participation.

Ashley (Ash) Lucero is a guitarist, composer, and educator from the United States known for her musicality and humor on stage. She explores multiple styles through both intensive performance study and inspired improvisation. She is currently attending the University of Southern California in pursuit of her Doctorate in Musical Arts and studies classical guitar privately with Bill Kanengiser of the Grammy Award winning group, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. Her other musical styles include flamenco guitar and avant-garde improvisation.

Concert by Laura Dean

Piano Music Through the Ages from Baroque to Broadway
Take a trip down piano lane with Laura as she performs a wide variety of captivating solo piano music from composers Jean-Philippe Rameau, Joseph Haydn, Charles Wakefield Cadman, Amy Beach, Dave Brubeck, and George Gershwin.

Sing Along with Laura Dean
Join Laura for a casual and entertaining hour of singing featuring standards, folk songs, musicals, and pop favorites. Laura provides the song sheets and the accompaniment on the piano!

Pianist/Music Educator/Author

Laura Dean’s dynamic music career as a musical artist/teacher spans over twenty-five years and includes audiences in the United States, Europe, and Mexico. Originally from Montana, Laura lives in Seattle, Washington where she performs, teaches, writes, and offers private and public concerts along with school/community residencies and music education workshops.

Her first book, Music of the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier was published in May of 2022 (McFarland Publishing). Her musical recordings include Romanza de Amor ¬— featuring piano music written by Mexico’s beloved composer, Manuel Ponce (2018); and Women with a Past — featuring a selection of solo piano works by women composers from the classical era through the 20th century (2015).

For more information on Laura and her musical projects, please visit her website: www.lauramusic.biz.

Piano Concert by Laura Dean

A look at the Westward Expansion through the lens of music. This compelling solo piano program weaves together first-hand accounts and songs of the 1800s American West. The musical lineup includes  Northern Cheyenne courtship flute improvisations, Spanish Fandangos, dance tunes, old time hymns, Stephen Foster favorites, cowboy songs, selections from Thunderbird Suite by Charles Wakefield Cadman, American Ballads by Roy Harris, and more! This program takes inspiration from Laura’s book, Music of the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier. (McFarland Publishing, 2022).

Sing Along with Laura:  Join Laura in the lounge for a casual and entertaining sing along featuring standards, folk songs, musicals and pop favorites. Laura provides the song sheets.

 

Laura Dean’s dynamic music career spans over twenty-five years and includes audiences in the United States, Europe, and Mexico. Originally from Montana, Laura lives in Seattle, Washington where she performs, teaches, adjudicates, writes, and offers private and public concerts along with school/community residencies and music education workshops. She thrives on travel to both domestic and international destinations where she collects stories, photographs, videos, and music which inspire and inform her solo performance programs, writing, and educational residencies.

Her first book, Music of the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier (McFarland Publishing), was published in 2022.  Laura created Hear It, Sing It, Move It: A North American Folk Song Collection – a complete curriculum including song book, teacher’s curriculum guide, and recordings (2018).  Romanza de Amor, her first solo recording, released on Yellow House Records (2011), features a selection of piano works from Mexico’s most beloved composer, Manuel M. Ponce. Women with a Past, released on Yellow House Records (2015), features piano works from five women composers from the Baroque through the twentieth century. For more information on Laura and her musical projects, please visit her website: www.lauramusic.biz.

Author of Music in the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier

 

Food for Thought with Michael Ableman

Food for Thought:  A Conversation and Visual Exploration into Redefining our Relationship with Food, Farming, and the Land

 

Michael Ableman is a farmer, author, and photographer. He is the cofounder and director of Sole Food Street Farms and one of the early visionaries of the urban agriculture movement. Ableman has created high-profile urban farms in Watts, California; Goleta, California; and Vancouver, British Columbia. He has also worked on and advised dozens of similar projects throughout North America and the Caribbean, and is the founder of the nonprofit Center for Urban Agriculture. Ableman is the subject of the award-winning PBS film Beyond Organic narrated by Meryl Streep. His books include From the Good Earth, On Good Land, Fields of Plenty, and Street Farm; Growing

Food, Jobs, and Hope on the Urban Frontier. Ableman lives and farms at the 120-acre Foxglove Farm on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia.

http://bit.ly/Ableman_EPKJune | http://michaelableman.com/ www.michaelableman.com  |  www.foxglovefarmbc.com   |   www.solefoodfarms.com

Hands-On Cooking Classes with Tanya Holland

Tanya offers hands-on culinary experiences, 3.5 hours each, during which you will enjoy preparing your own meal along with fellow cooks. Classes take place at La Cocina Que Canta, our culinary center on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 4pm.

Tuesday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM Sign Up
Each class $125+tax. Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.

Wednesday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM Sign Up
Each class $125+tax. Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.

Thursday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM Sign Up
Each class $125+tax. Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.

 

Tanya Holland is the founder of the famed Brown Sugar Kitchen restaurant and author of Tanya Holland’s California Soul, Brown Sugar Kitchen and New Soul Cooking cookbooks. She is the Chef/Chair of The James Beard Foundation Awards. Her Oakland based restaurant received multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand awards. She is an in-demand public speaker who frequently leads the conversation on inclusion and equity in the hospitality industry. Holland holds a Bachelor of Arts in Russian Language and Literature from the University of Virginia, and a Grande Diplôme from La Varenne École de Cuisine in Burgundy, France. Holland competed on the 15th season of Top Chef on Bravo; was the host/soul food expert on Food Network’s Melting Pot and has made numerous television appearances including The Today Show, The Talk, CBS This Morning, Iron Chef, Master Chef and Selena + Chef.  Holland a member of the prestigious Les Dames d’Escoffier Bay Area chapter, and was honored by the City of Oakland when June 5, 2012, was declared “Tanya Holland Day.” A year later she was awarded the Key to The City. Internationally, she served as a Culinary Diplomat for the US State Department in Kazakhstan and Mexico and taught classes in France for gastronomic travelers.

Pickleball Tournament

Move over March Madness! Join us for the inaugural on-site Pickleball Tournament!

After participating in workshops in the beginning of the week (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday – sign up required in the Main Lounge, and open play on Wednesday), teams of two comprised of YOU, our Ranch guests, will compete against each other in this fun two-day event. There will be an advanced beginning and intermediate bracket; all levels are welcome! Guests do not need to attend any of the classes to participate in the tournament.

Matches will be held on Thursday and Friday. A bracket of the teams and their standings will be posted in the Main Lounge. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded. All participants will receive a 25% off coupon to purchase Rancho La Puerta pickleball paddles in the Mercado. Cheering on your fellow Ranch guests is FREE and encouraged.

Sign up at the Main Lounge before Wednesday at 12pm to participate.

Hot Topics for Holistic Health and Nutrition

Boost Brain Health: Holistic Solutions for Memory, Focus & Clarity
Improve brain function and prevent early aging with diet. Your brain needs essential nutrients for your nervous system, memory and learning. Learn to improve cognition, energy and fight free radicals using whole foods and expert-approved supplements.  Keep your brain sharp with these wellness tips!

Don’t Sweat Stress & Anxiety: Nutrition & Mindfulness Remedies
Optimize your mental health with expert-approved foods herbs and supplements for a less-stressed YOU.  Certain diets have been shown to boost mood, calm the brain and improve focus. Learn which superfoods are key to living a stress-free life.

Detoxify Your Body: Lower inflammation and Reset Your Metabolism
Reducing your toxin load is key to a healthy mind and body.  Learn to curb cravings, mitigate symptoms & increase energy with easy strategies.

Sexual Health for Men and Women
What we eat affects our energy, mood and hormones. Many foods and supplements contain natural aphrodisiacs! Improving blood flow is crucial to sexual wellness. Learn how a nutritious diet can improve fertility, stamina, libido and even heart health!

 

Kim Ross, MS, RD, CDN takes a holistic, integrative approach to health.  Nutritional treatments are aimed at enhancing the body’s ability to heal and detoxify itself. Kim’s individualized programs incorporate a variety of techniques and tools that enhance optimal health including nutraceuticals, homeopathy and herbs. After receiving a BA from University of Michigan, Kim received an MS from New York University in clinical nutrition. She has a certificate in holistic nutrition and completed a fellowship in herbal medicine through the Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine. Past affiliations include Equinox, Rockefeller University and NYU Fertility Center. Currently, Kim lectures nationwide on cutting-edge health topics, consults to businesses and maintains a private practice in Manhattan.

 

Nutrition Topics

The Great Microbiome: Our Greatest Ally for Optimal Health
It is becoming common knowledge that gut bacteria are connected to aspects of health, including inflammation, body weight, cancer, immunity, brain function, and so much more. Norma will discuss the benefits of gut bacteria and its impact on our health when out of balance, including how it prepares us for novel viruses that continue to evolve in our world today.  Whether you are new to this topic, or want to know the latest, there are gold nuggets to take away for everyone! RLP#1-GreatMicrobiomeKeyHealthHO

The Top 10 Ways to Heal Your Gut & Maximize Your Microbiota
Considering the amazing benefits of our gut bacteria and its implications on our health, how can we be sure we are eating to maximize our microbiota? Our gut bacteria is influenced by our diet, environment, age, activity, hygiene and stress level. Norma will discuss better foods, lifestyle choices, and updates on supplements that heal and support a healthier gut. RLP#2-Top 10 to Heal Your Gut HO

Epigenetics: Your DNA is NOT Your Destiny!
Our DNA was originally thought to be pre-programmed and could not be changed. We were stuck with what we got! That has all changed with the new understanding of Epigenetics, which is the ability of nutrition and other environmental factors to turn human genes on or off. In other words, our food intake and lifestyle behaviors have an effect on how our genes are expressed!  How about those “bad” genes that run in your family? There is new hope!  Learn how your family history, current symptoms, and/or genetic testing can point out deficiencies that can be supported with nutrition, supplements and changes in your environment. RLP#3-EpigeneticsHO

BONE DEEP: Everything that matters for better bone health!
Did you know that the prevalence of osteoporosis increased for women from 2007-2008 to 2017-2018?  Is it true that calcium supplementation can be harmful?  Are there other nutrients that are more important for bone health?  What other factors matter for bone health?  Join Norma to learn a comprehensive approach to improve bone health.  It’s important for everyone, considering low bone density is prevalent in over 50% of women and over 30% of men aged 50 and over. We have a lot to talk about! RLP#4-BONE DEEP HO

  

Norma Flood, MS, RDN, delves deeper to treat problems where they start.  Motivated by her own health challenges and those of her clients, she applies functional nutrition therapy to effectively treat or support digestive health, mental health, and eating disorders.  Life coaching is also central in her practice. With a background in Pharmacology & Toxicology, Norma’s journey started in research at Viagene-Center for Gene Therapy.  Personal health issues then moved her to get a master’s degree in nutrition and then complete her clinical training in a highly competitive dietetic internship at the UCSD Medical Center.   Norma was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Student for her major, and the Outstanding Dietetic Intern for the state of California.  Her 20+ years of experience as a dietitian include UCSD Cancer Center, UCSD Medical Center, Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, SDSU Student Health Services and Athletics, and finally Private Practice as an Integrative and Functional Nutritionist. Norma also has a passion for reaching out to youth, which inspired her to start a school garden program at Painted Rock Elementary School, as well as establish Poway Unplugged, which included a tween/teen day camp to teach positive coping tools and balanced health to young girls. Norma is a mother to a 17-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son in Poway, California.  During her free time, she loves hiking, yoga, gardening and time with family and friends.

Natural Health to Optimize Brain & Body

Hidden Triggers of Early Aging
Don’t nod in agreement as your friends blame their physical and mental declines on “getting older.” Learn about five factors you might not have considered (or treated) that affect aging and energy. Factors range from the microbes in your gut to vitamin deficiencies. Discover which ones may apply to you.

A Better Brain
A healthy brain and mind are essential tools for living our best lives. Whether your concerns are occasional brain fog or a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s, you do not have to resign yourself to future cognitive decline. Learn some basic brain science and self-assess ways to improve your mental capacity. Learn self-care techniques to keep your neurons firing for optimal performance.

 

Erica Oberg, ND, MPH, has practiced integrative & natural medicine for 20 years. She has held leadership positions in medical schools, NIH research, public health, and clinical practice. Her approach to health and medicine combines the rigors of science with the wisdom of nature and our bodies. She is passionate about helping people experience health as a state of vibrancy and vitality. As such expertise is in preventing, reversing, and taming chronic disease, neuro-regeneration, and anti-aging. Dr. Oberg specializes in nutrition & lifestyle, IV micronutrient therapy, and identifying the underlying causes of disease using advanced testing. Dr. Oberg received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine in 2003 from Bastyr University, where she also did her residency. She was awarded a prestigious NIH fellowship at the University of Washington where she conducted and published research on health behavior change, nutraceuticals, and health creation. She has gone on to practice in several internationally renowned integrative clinics and is currently in two locations in Southern California – a concierge practice in La Jolla and an wellness lounge featuring IVs, vitamin shots, regenerative aesthetic therapies.
www.VitaLabWellness.com

Natural Health to Optimize Brain & Body

Hidden Triggers of Early Aging
Don’t nod in agreement as your friends blame their physical and mental declines on “getting older.” Learn about five factors you might not have considered (or treated) that affect aging and energy. Factors range from the microbes in your gut to vitamin deficiencies. Discover which ones may apply to you.

A Better Brain
A healthy brain and mind are essential tools for living our best lives. Whether your concerns are occasional brain fog or a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s, you do not have to resign yourself to future cognitive decline. Learn some basic brain science and self-assess ways to improve your mental capacity. Learn self-care techniques to keep your neurons firing for optimal performance.

 

Erica Oberg, ND, MPH, has practiced integrative & natural medicine for 20 years. She has held leadership positions in medical schools, NIH research, public health, and clinical practice. Her approach to health and medicine combines the rigors of science with the wisdom of nature and our bodies. She is passionate about helping people experience health as a state of vibrancy and vitality. As such expertise is in preventing, reversing, and taming chronic disease, neuro-regeneration, and anti-aging. Dr. Oberg specializes in nutrition & lifestyle, IV micronutrient therapy, and identifying the underlying causes of disease using advanced testing. Dr. Oberg received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine in 2003 from Bastyr University, where she also did her residency. She was awarded a prestigious NIH fellowship at the University of Washington where she conducted and published research on health behavior change, nutraceuticals, and health creation. She has gone on to practice in several internationally renowned integrative clinics and is currently in two locations in Southern California – a concierge practice in La Jolla and an wellness lounge featuring IVs, vitamin shots, regenerative aesthetic therapies.
www.VitaLabWellness.com

Transitions, Transformations, and Traveling Solo!

How to embrace the inevitable life transitions and learn a unique way to travel in your new chapter of life.

Transitions—Embrace them!
Transitions are part of life. Whether it’s an evolution from a demanding career to retirement, a busy parent to empty nester, partnered-up to single, we are always changing. Sometimes the change is voluntarily and sometime change is foisted upon us. We will talk about identifying these transitions and organizing your new chapter into the right pillars for you.  One of the pillars for most people is travel. Especially now, people want to travel more or differently, but are at a loss as to what that really means.  The next sessions will deal with this one aspect of your transition—traveling in a different way as you design the next chapter of your life.
RLP Session 1 Handout

Transformation—How Shirleyfest can become “[your name here] fest”
In Berlin, Melbourne, Montréal, Rome, Kyoto and cities on every continent, Shirley carefully picks a host city and then embraces an intentional way of travel. She’s thrown dinner parties for new friends, perfected the art of eating out alone and unlocked the essence of the cities.  Although this sounds spontaneous, there are concrete steps she takes while planning and executing each Shirleyfest. Whether you are single, or just want to travel alone, or envision doing a fest with a partner, you will learn that optimizing your travel means mastering three basic concepts. Buccieri RLP Handout 2 Solo article

Travel—The art of becoming a local
One of the secrets of Shirleyfest is being part of the community you have chosen. Learn how to “put lines in the water” in order to seek out the right people to meet. Shirley will show you how to increase the odds that those “lines” will pay off.  You will learn why it is important to establish a “first thing in the morning” and “last thing at night” place. In short—you’ll learn how to live like a local.

Travel—The nuts and bolts of travel technology
Many of us love that we are unplugged when we come to the Ranch. Yet we find ourselves plugging in the minute we cross the border for home. When we travel, and especially when we travel solo, technology can be a double-edged sword. Learn what specific apps, web sites and technology are critical aids and what you can leave at home.
Buccieri RLP Handout 3 Technology

 

Shirley Buccieri is the creator of Shirleyfest: living one month every year in a different city in the world.  She goes to her new city alone, rents an apartment and fully embraces the city as a local. Everyone who learns of the concept loves the idea, but most have no idea where to begin.  Her acclaimed blog, shirleyfest.com has been read in 91 countries and featured on various radio stations across the globe.  Shirleyfest was born out of transitions in her life.  Shirley is uniquely qualified to provide insights, tips, and enthusiasm to those interested in turning any transition into a transformation.

Hands-On Cooking Classes + Thanksgiving Dinner with Susana Trilling

Susana offers hands-on culinary experiences, 3.5 hours each, during which you will enjoy preparing your own meal along with fellow cooks. Classes take place at La Cocina Que Canta, our culinary center on Tuesday and Wednesday, at 4pm. In addition, Chef Susana will collaborate with La Cocina Que Canta’s Executive Chef Reyna Venegas and her team to create a special feast (with wine pairing!) on Thursday at 4:45pm.

Tuesday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM Sign Up
Each class $145 (tax included). Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.

Wednesday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM Sign Up
Each class $145 (tax included). Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.

Thanksgiving Mexican Delights 4:45 PM Sign Up
Savor an unforgettable Thanksgiving feast, where Chefs Susana Trilling and Chef Reyna Venegas merge their talents to create a Mexican symphony of flavors. Join us for a celebration that marries the heart of Oaxaca with the bounty of our Tres Estrellas Organic Farm, promising a unique holiday experience! Cost is $150 per person, tax and wine pairing included. The maximum number of guests is 30. Sign Up at the Appointments Desk or through the link above.

 

Susana Trilling is a chef, teacher, caterer, author, TV host, food consultant and director of Seasons of My Heart Cooking School in Oaxaca, Mexico. She was a chef/owner of 2 NYC restaurants, Rick’s Lounge and Bon Temps Rouler,and Seasons of my Heart Catering. Susana has lived in Oaxaca since 1988, where her two sons were born and raised on their ranch. She is considered an authority about Oaxacan food and has authored 4 books, featured in numerous magazine articles and was the host of her own PBS series that ran for 6 years, as well as participating in various TV shows with leading chefs and TV hosts from all over the world. She has been a guest chef and is a member of IACP, Mexican Mycology Association and Slow Food International. She is currently teaching, leading tours and is a partner in her line of mole sauces called ¡Ya Oaxaca! being distributed in the US.

Hands-On Cooking Classes + Brain-Boosting Holiday Feast with Jean Courtney 

Jean Courtney offers hands-on culinary experiences, 3.5 hours each, during which you will enjoy preparing your own meal along with fellow cooks. Classes take place at La Cocina Que Canta, our culinary center on Tuesday and Wednesday, at 4pm. In addition, Jean Courtney will collaborate with La Cocina Que Canta’s Executive Chef Reyna Venegas and her team to create a special feast (with wine pairing!) on Thursday at 4:45pm.

Tuesday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM Sign Up
Each class $145 (tax included). Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.

Wednesday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM Sign Up
Each class $145 (tax included). Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.

Thursday Brain-Boosting Holiday Feast 4:45 PM Sign Up
Get ready to infuse your holidays with the richness of Farm-to-Table cuisine, a perfect blend of health, tradition, flavor and fun! It’s a no-brainer! Cost is $150 per person, tax and wine pairing included. The maximum number of guests is 30. Sign Up at the Appointments Desk or through the link above.

 

Jean Courtney  is a researcher, writer, entrepreneur, and perpetual learner on a mission to make everyday wellness easy and efficient. A decade ago, after retiring as a legal investigator, Jean shifted her focus to learning everything possible to try and avoid the dementia that found her mom.  She has put together easy, efficient and delicious ways to cook using neuroprotective ingredients, with an emphasis on minimizing inflammation and maximizing brain function. She has done extensive research and will help you understand the why behind making healthy choices for your brain and body. Jean recently completed a Soil to Table certification program living at Tres Estrellas organic farm and learning and practicing regenerative farming and food preservation techniques.  She is a firm believer that your DNA is not always your destiny – your dinner plate can be your destiny.