EP 1: "You Deserve The Best" Arden Martin
Arden has become a dear friend and support in my own wellness journey. Originally from California, she now lives in New York and serves the collective as a Vedic Meditation teacher. She is beautiful inside and out, and her skin has the dewiest, healthiest, most beautiful glow, as if it shines from within.
Arden is also the first interview in our podcast:
Please listen to our lovely Interview and read below for extra nuggets of inspiration.
What is your nationality / background? I'm half Chinese, half Irish/Italian/Pan-European :) I was born and raised in Silicon Valley, California.
What were you favorite and least favorite foods mom cooked for you as a child? My mom is from Taiwan, and she cooks amazing Chinese food - but she also made the BEST lasagna and chocolate torte when I was a kid. I've still never tasted a red sauce as good as hers. She also gave me cottage cheese and canned peaches as a snack, which I can't believe I loved... I'm a 90's kid through and through! My least favorite food was squash in any form, but I've grown to like it as an adult.
What is your favorite healthy home-made recipe? I don't cook much lately, but my favorite thing to throw together is greens and beans, inspired by Molly Wizenberg's method on Orangette. It's comforting, delicious, and so simple. Here's what I do (click for recipe)
“You deserve the best. Never feel unworthy or not justified in having the best.”
What was your favorite bonding activity you did with your mom as a child? When I was really little, my mom and I used to go out for donuts and bear claw pastries - we didn't keep many sweets in the house, so this was always super exciting. As I got older, I often joined her on her evening walk and we would talk about all sorts of things. I've always admired my mom's commitment to jogging each morning and walking each night, not to burn calories but to clear her mind and move some energy around. There's a lot of strength in her consistency.
What are your "keep my sanity"’ essentials? I splurge on skincare (Living Libations from CAP Beauty is my go-to), so it feels like a treat to wash my face each night. I also avoid setting an alarm in the morning whenever possible. Finally, a little time to myself each day is key.
What has been the best beauty / health / wellness advice your mother has given you? Pamper yourself from time to time. Also, a little makeup goes a long way - first and foremost, it's important to look like yourself.
What beauty / health / wellness advice will you pass on to your kids? "You deserve the best. Never feel unworthy or not justified in having the best. I tell you this is your heritage; but you have to accept it, you have to expect it. You have to claim it. To do so is not demanding too much." ~ Swami Brahmananda Saraswati
What is your go to / favorite workout? Walking and light yoga... my body doesn't love intense exercise, so I keep it easy!
What is your non-negotiable self care routine or tool? Vedic Meditation - It's made me the woman I am today, and I'm so grateful to be sharing it with others for a living.
Any other special things you want to share? For women especially, intuition is everything. We all have an inner voice, but it's often distorted by stress - and so many of us aren't sure how to listen or what to listen to. Whatever helps you connect with that inner voice is worth your time, every single day. And if you don't yet have a way, meditation is a great place to start.
Please visit Arden's website for information on Vedic Meditation, free intro lessons and upcoming workshops: