Dream up your own Case: iDreamCase

These days smartphones and tablets are all vying to be the next "best tech gadget" as they morph into newer innovative models every year.  Although these devices intelligently do many things (connecting us to the world)  to help us function and communicate in our professional and personal lives, we have to be careful not to damage, drop or lose our delicate expensive gizmos. I'm guilty of dropping an iPhone in pho soup (Yikes), accidentally scratching iPads on a desk, or digging through my purse which is like making your way through a "black hole" to find my cell buried somewhere at the the bottom. Taking care of our devices can be a challenge but so can finding case covers that we like, whether it's to protect them or showcase our individual style.  

Want to set your iPhones and iPads apart from all the rest? The folks at iDreamCase have you covered. I stumbled upon iDreamCase Founder/CEO Gabi Hanoun, who shared with me his uniquely handcrafted cases made from exclusive genuine leather and his passion for bookbinding artisanship.  His story goes back 30 years ago with his experience as a book binder for then Cardoza-James Binding company.  The Master Book Binder learned how to produce superior quality cases on books and reinvented his art of hand-made book binding for modern day tech gadgets in particular, cases for iPad, iPad mini, Google Nexus7, and iPhone sleeves. 

I got a chance to meet with Gabi in San Francisco, to talk about his company while he demonstrated how he created his finely crafted cases.  I was greeted with a warm welcome and was inspired by his excitement for how his products. So much of Hanoun's past has helped influence his work today and his commitment to making the best quality products and keeping some of the traditional vintage flare with his handmade cases.  I tried out several cases on my iPhone and found they were functional and stylish.  There's openings along the sides of the case for all the buttons and ports, for iPads and iPhones including a camera hole. It's sleek design and light weight makes it easy to carry while the case also bends to perform alone as a stand.

Another great feature and benefit of the iDreamCase is being able to customize the look of your case with the various seasonal fabrics and leather colors available. You can even personalize cases with a monogram of your choice of names or custom titles. Gabi enjoys creating unique cases even showing me some sample ideas inspired by sports teams colors, and modern leather colors in metallic hues, perfect for your World Cup soccer team favorites! Company names or special numbers can also be monogramed along the case. With these special design options, iDreamCase will help you dream up ways to customize cases for yourself, a colleague, friend or family. 

Take a look at a few of the product demo videos below and find out how you can make your own iDreamcase:

For more information go to http://idreamcase.com 

Namasté your way in Akasha Yoga

namasté your way in

                    Akasha Yoga

Nowadays, in California, it seems there's just as many yoga venues as there are bars and Starbucks on every corner.  Although your doses of caffeine and happy hours are accessible and can be a temporary remedy, it can drain your energy and your bank account with very limited health benefits.

With the popularity of Yoga and pop-up studios, it may be overwhelming to figure out which studios to venture into without feeling intimidated by some of those incredibly flexible students, hot rooms and chanting.  However, you don't have to be a Yoga guru by any means.  Just like any fitness regimen, it takes time to master exercises.  Even with Yoga it's a discipline, and it starts with simply willing to be open with yourself and your potential.

I admit, I'm a yoga junkie, checking out new yoga spots, addicted to yoga pants, with a zeal to live a stress-free and balanced lifestyle.  Flashing back, I'll never forgot my first yoga experience - it was awkward, unfamiliar, and I was so unbalanced - I didn't get it.  Yet I felt compelled to step onto the mat, boldly shaking through my downward dogs.  Honestly, the practice of yoga spoke to me and opened up a new door on a personal, spiritual, and fitness level - plus I slept like a baby.  It challenged me in so many ways offering up a new found discovery, with breathing, and stretching my body in ways that I had never experienced.  With every wobbly warrior pose, chair pose, uttanasana (forward bend), and chaturanga (low push up), I embraced my weakness and eventually became comfortable my vinyasa flow.  

Essentially yoga can be defined as oneness, unity, and a journey into the self.  Ultimately, it's an opportunity to look inward and find yourself and possibly be enlightened.  The challenges that come with learning yoga are key to your growth on a physical and mental level.  Being able to calm your mind, to silence your inner voice that critiques and makes noise, to overcome the doubt, pushing yourself through every pose, to hold, to breathe, and to just show up to a class are all a part of the process.

Luckily, to help you find your Zen is Jamie Testa and Carolyn Thomas owners of Akasha Yoga Studios - a local business from Vacaville and Davis, California.  Having met the folks doing some good for their community, I was able to sit with the owners to discover what inspired their journey with Akasha Yoga and what their studio had to offer.  Unique instructors who are smart, thoughtful, kind, and engaged, guide a variety of inspiring classes for any level. Typically taught in a warm room setting, some classes are set to musical beats that motivate and challenge your body and mind.  They also encourage deepening your practice through additional workshops and events.  
To learn more about Akasha Yoga or browse their schedule of classes, visit the website at www.akashayogastudio.com.  Plus, here's a video to introduce you to Akasha Yoga and the owners. 
~namasté

Check out Akasha Yoga Studio on Do Tell Do Tell TV Youtube channel here:
Thanks to my crew Mark Marcelo at IdioGenius.  
Thanks to Jamie Testa at Akasha Yoga for inviting us in.