Robin and Michael Mastro are the leaders in the field of Vastu Shastra. Through their vast experience, they have created a unique system that offers life-enhancing yet simple principles. This exciting technique is presented in their groundbreaking award-winning books, Altars of Power and Grace and The Way of Vastu. By following these dynamic tools anyone can transform their life and make their dreams a reality.

Robin Mastro instructs people worldwide to enhance living and working environments through Vastu Shastra . Her work in this inspiring field took her to Egypt and India, where she studied ancient concepts of sacred space and Vastu Shastra. In 1998 she received her masters in Whole Systems Design from Antioch University, combining systems theory and creative design to develop transformative tools for environmental harmony and personal growth. Robin is dedicated to adapting the wisdom of ancient systems to enhance the reality of modern life. She is the creator of AltarWear, a jewelry and clothing line based on Vedic teachings. We recently had the distinct honor and privilege to speak with Robin about the life enhancing work she and her husband have been doing in the area of Vastu.

LM: Over the past several years Vastu Shastra has become a very popular phrase, yet only a few have a true understanding of the meaning and philosophy behind it. Can you explain what the basic principles of Vastu Shastra are?

RM: By aligning our homes and workspaces with universal energy that is alive and ever-present we experience nature’s support. The basic principles of Vastu Shastra, the science of building, are [Read more →]

Traveling to Kathmandu, not sure what you can afford? Not to worry, we’ve scoured the web and consulted with many Nepal trekkers…to come up with our list of top 10 attractions that you can enjoy without breaking your piggy bank. [Read more →]

Madlib’s The Beat Konducta Vol. 3 & 4

This dope instrumental hip-hop album from Madlib (aka Otis Jackson, Jr) features songs that vary from wholesale samples to polished rap tracks.This is a definite must have! for fans of Madlib, beat archeology and or good ol’ Bollywood kitsch.

While J Dilla’s final collection of hip-hop instrumentals was released to rapturous critical acclaim, [Read more →]

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is during this month that Muslims observe the Fast of Ramadan. Lasting for the entire month, Muslims fast during the daylight hours and in the evening eat small meals and visit with friends and family. It is a time of worship and contemplation. A time to strengthen family and community ties.

According to the Islamic Society of North America the first day of fasting for Ramadan 2007 is expected to be today, September 13th. (depending on where you live). Source: www.moonsighting.com

To allow for complete devotion to their faith, Muslims abide by stringent rules from dawn until sunset for the entire month. Eating, drinking, smoking, and sex are strictly forbidden during daylight. In addition, Muslims must show greater sympathy for the needy and poor. Fasting plays a key role in accomplishing these goals by allowing for [Read more →]

Sacred Chants of Ancient India: Various Artists

Incorporating the best of four volumes’ worth of material from previous releases, Sacred Chants of Ancient India (Kosmic Music) is a meditative experience that mixes strains of Western popular music with Eastern devotions. The chanting-singing of various Vedic chants (by talented female vocalists) soar above ambient piano, shimmering strings, and synthesized drumbeats.

One can hear ancient Indian mantras and chants, some of which have been [Read more →]

Floating Lantern Ceremony

The ancient custom of floating lighted lanterns in waterways symbolizes respect for the lives of people who have gone before us, the lit lanterns are meant to guide our lost loved ones along their spiritual journeys. It also represents a light of hope for peace and harmony that we send over the waters of transmigration. This very colorful, but quiet and serene ceremony provides a place to reaffirm our commitment to building a peaceful future and to pay respect to the lost lives at the World Trade Center.

[Read more →]

Yeah, we thought that title would grab you. Although we can’t take credit for it, it’s all thanks to the kids over at Rideamigos.com. Haven’t heard of them? They’re a new carpooling website that’s all about connecting peeps, reducing pollution, and splitting rising prices between riders?

Devised by one guy whose “commute sucks” [Read more →]

Balkan Beat Box’s, Nu Med

Balkan Beat Box’s second album, Nu Med, is finally here. The New York–based multicultural collective mashes up every Mediterranean and Caribbean influence you can think of, creating an invigorating album that is sure to keep your feet tapping. Influenced by cofounder Tamir Muskat’s Gypsy heritage, the group takes the listener through various locales, all propelled by an insistent electronic beat. Opening track, “Keep ’Em Straight” is representative of the album, with bongo drums and improvisational vocals cutting into bouncing horns and jingling percussion. [Read more →]

I have soap on the mind. I love all health and beauty products but soap has always been my #1 most-purchased beauty product. I have favorite soaps but lately I’ve been rethinking my big box store soap purchases. I’m not entirely sure what goes in to making mass produced soap but I am realizing that organic soap seems to be made with love, passion and bicycles…what?!

Justsoap.com’s soap line

In my eternal quest for the perfect soap, I turned to the internet because I wanted to see if my old standards would come up or if I’d discover new soap companies by typing in “ECO SOAP”. Wouldn’t you know that the first link that comes up is for www.justsoap.com and their company makes soap with a bicycle! A guy literally sits on a bike and churns the ingredients to make “Lemongrass Ginger”, “Lavender Rosemary” and “Sage Fir” soap! Haute couture soaps made by a Huffy. Well, actually – the bike looks pretty complex but you have to really appreciate someone who creates delectable soaps while conducting his own spin class. The soap is $2.95 per bar, a bargain at any price… [Read more →]

The Shrinkage Worldwide Award is open to anyone. It is intended to promote designers who are thinking about a sustainable future. The Shahneshin Foundation encourages submissions from all disciplines including art, architecture, interior design, industrial design, experience design, communication design, graphic design, digital design, and urban planning, as well as decision-makers, thinkers, theoreticians and industries. They are looking for evidence of a productive cross- and inter- collaborative work between disciplines.

The goal is [Read more →]