XMAS SHOPPING

Our inventory is getting low! Start shopping now . . . we have some great imports on our website and we want to offer our friends a special holiday discount. If your looking for some beautiful and unique holiday gifts go to www.zengari.com and browse through the Imports,Spiritual Antiques & Zen-Accessories, enter the code XMAS at checkout and receive 50% off on your order. That's good right? 50% off between now and December 10! Our Venetian wallets are great, hand painted Italian trays are really pretty and the Zen Garden Art rules. Spread the word . . . PEACE, LOVE & ZEN to you all this holiday season!(I can't believe it's already the holiday season)

http://www.zengari.com/pages/welcome.htm

Archangel Michael

Archangel Michael Oracle Cards
A 44-Card Deck and Guidebook
by Doreen Virtue

The 44 cards in this deck feature messages for you from Archangel Michael and incredible paintings of this magnificent angel. You’ll also receive answers to your most pressing questions. An accompanying guidebook gives you step-by-step instructions on how to conduct an accurate, safe, and powerfully healing reading for yourself and others.
The Miracles of Archangel Michael
Paperback or Hardcover
by Doreen Virtue

You’ll learn how to contact Michael; and discover ways to work with him for physical and emotional healing for yourself, your friends and family members, or your clients. The stories in this book will open your heart to the amazingly pure, unconditional love that Michael has for anyone who seeks his help. The Miracles of Archangel Michael will help you feel safe, protected, and very loved! The book includes fascinating true stories of how Michael has protected people while driving, guided their careers, safeguarded their children . . . and even reveals his little-known talents for repairing mechanical and electronic machines!

Eco-Friendly Candles

Take a look at our newest best seller and our idea for the PERFECT GIFT for the wine lover in your life! These are hand made(yes, we had to drink many different wines to empty the bottles for you!) JK.

Totally Eco-Friendly, soy wax, all natural essential oil frangrance blend.
AND selling like crazy to local wineries.

Order online at: http://www.zengari.com/category_47/Recycled-Wine-Bottle-Candles.htm
or make your own! It's the perfect DIY Xmas Gift.

Wishing you Peace, Love & Adventure Always!

Empowered Reading & Downloads

Just a quick post for a few new finds. We have subscribed to Steve Maraboli and Empowered Living on iTunes. Steve is the host of The Most Listened to Internet Talk Radio Show in the USA! The show is dedicated to life, the truth and being free. He interviews many of the greatest authors and thinkers of our time. You can download the shows for FREE and listen while walking, driving, etc. The show has been keeping us company on our walks around the lake. Check it out at:
www.empoweredlivingradio.com or search on iTunes.

A few of our favorite finds from recent shows:


Visit our Amazon store to find these & other books we love!
http://astore.amazon.com/zenimpdes-20

The Power of Meditation

"As you enter the Serenity...you change yourself." Stuart Wilde

From a spiritual stand point, this might be all wrong. But I really have to tell you that meditation works.

Call it whatever you want: relaxation, connecting to spirit, tapping into the greater being, visualization, positive affirmations, flow dreaming, the law of attraction . . . shall I go on?

There are many names for it. I like to call it Entering The Silence. It is the essence of becoming centered. Grounding into whatever it is that you believe is guiding your life force; Universal Energy . . . God . . . Jesus . . . Angels . . . Spirit . . . Inner Being . . . Higher Self . . .
It doesn't really matter what name you use, they are completely personal -whatever works for you.

What I know for sure is this: when I focus on connecting within myself to a greater source, life begins to shift a little. It usually takes a few days of conscious effort and then I notice a positive difference. Of course when I see the tangible results, I am often so amazed by my ability that I get thrown off course for a few days while I celebrate my creation. But in all seriousness this is very real.

I am thankful for the very beautiful results that are being shown to me at this time. So this is the Zengari Guide to Meditation.

1.) Create a SACRED SPACE that you can return to everyday.
We recommend a Zen-Tent:) but any designated spot will do.
Create your own personal altar that reflects your spirit &
your beliefs.
It can be as simple as a small table with candles, photos, statues,
crystals, crosses, etc . . . whatever items remind you of a higher power.

2.)Sit or lay comfortably and just BREATHE.
Many texts recommend sitting so that you don't fall asleep, but I personally love to lay down. It is a position of more comfort, more surrender & more openness to me.
Breathe in & out. Focus on the breathe. As thoughts arise, just let them drift on by.(I actually like to keep a notepad near by so that I can jot down some of the more important thoughts. I find that these are often valid insights & if I write them down I am then free to move on, knowing I can come back to them later.)

3.)Play MUSIC that is relaxing &/or uplifting for you.
This is often an easier way to enter a realm of higher vibration. It helps to raise your vibration and create sacred space, separate from simple relaxation.
Rhapsody, Pandora, MySpace - many great online resources to find soothing tunes.

4.)A great way to start any session is with GRATITUDE. Sometimes just thinking about all of the good things that you have in your life can lift your energy instantly. This is a good practice throughout the day. Look around for things that you LOVE. Small & large - this can easily change your perspective. Most people complain about all the things they hate. Imagine being the person thinking about and commenting on what you LOVE & APPRECIATE.

5.)Another option is to download or purchase GUIDED MEDITATIONS.
There are so many resources online. A few of our favorites are:
http://www.HayHouseRadio.com
http://www.Auracolors.com
http://www.Flowdreaming.com
http://www.DoreenVirtueLLC.com

6.)Practice using oracle cards, tarot cards, goddess cards, angel cards, inspirational message cards, etc. These decks simply provide a focus for your practice. The beauty is the more that you use them, the more information they tend to provide. A very nice way to receive messages about your life.

Just remember that simply sitting quietly for 5 minutes can bring about more peace in your world. Likewise, a short afternoon rest or nap can be equally beneficial. Deep breathing with a free mind is a wonderful thing. Daydream a little ...

The goal is to find a space and style that works for you. There are many meditation practices out there. At Zengari we believe that it can be simple and it can be easy. Start here and expand to more specific and complex practices as your heart desires. A simple feeling of connecting to yourself or to the universe can revitalize your energy, creativity & desire.

Also try to remember that meditation & a dedication to more peace & quiet in your life may not present instantaneous results. It is more like a cumulative effect, a slight increase in your energy vibration. Do it for the relaxation benefits & enjoy the spiritual benefits as they show up. The synchronicity in your life is sure to increase. Happiness & abundance as well.

ENTER THE SILENCE & enjoy.

Zengari goes Hollywood

We took the Zen-Tents on the road last month and found ourselves enjoying a very luxurious Emmy Party!! It was a blast. We met some famous and fabulous people and made some great connections along the way. Our tents were a big hit & we got a lot of nice feedback from the Hollywood crowd.

In case you don't know the set-up, we have three Zen-Tents on-line that are available to rent for private events, but mostly we specialize in custom tent designs. We are currently in negotiations with NYC, LA & Carmel to add some beautiful stores to our network. Stay tuned and keep an eye out for Zen-Tents. Bringing more peace to the world one tent at a time!

Thanks so much to Nathalie Dubois and DPA & Associates for hosting the event, as well as Eric & Glory Wee for spoiling us rotten at their own private Hotel Hermosa. The hot tub, home cooked meals, red wine & ocean view were the perfect combination for these tired gypsies. Every single person we met at this event was kind, friendly & amazing. We are looking forward to working with our friends Erika Siefred of Eva Varro and Mercedes of Jus d'amour & Mercedes Music in the future. LA, Beverly Hills & Hermosa Beach were rockin'. We can't wait to go back!
We are now dreaming of peace and zen in the home of each and every gracious person we met at the event, as well as plotting our own screenplay and future story ideas to make our personal mark on Hollywood. (Seriously . . . we are not even kidding, we have some great ideas!)

Wishing you PeACE, LOVe & ADVeNTURE always!!!

Wendy & April

*Names of people in the above photos: Madeline Zima, Cote de Pablo, Joely Fisher, Vanessa Williams, Sarah McLachlan, Penny Marshall, Sophia Milos, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Angela Featherstone, Brayden Pierce, Angela Bassett,, Andy Serkis and wife.

Our Secret Spot

Ok, this is a big secret to give away, but it is such a cool little spot that we have to share it with you. This is really the only private space we have found directly on the Grand Canal that is public and easy to get to. It's a perfect spot for photos and a fabulous place to bring your own bottle of vino and enjoy the sunset. It's nestled in between palazzos with marble steps and little boat docks. Directions: From the Palzzo Grassi go around the church of San Samuele and head south on Calle Malipiero, right at Ramo Corte Teatro, then straight until you reach the Corte Sforza. ENJOY. Hopefully next time we are there we will meet you.

Nightlife & Entertainment in Venice

Let's face it, Venice is not known for its nightlife. However, we have always found plenty of things to do and see.
GRAN TEATRO LA FENICE - It's worth going even if you don't like opera. You can take a tour during the day or see a performance in the evening. A very Venetian thing to do. Gorgeous doesn't begin to describe this wonderful theatre. Sitting in the elegant box seats makes you feel like you have gone back in time. http://www.teatrolafenice.it/
MUSICA A PALAZZO - You may see people dressed in costume handing out invitations to these events. We were worried that it might be a tourist trap, but we were pleasantly surprised. Performed in amazing & historic palazzos you will experience opera up close and personal. I had to move my feet out of the way a few times for the actress to walk past. Quite a unique experience. Check this website for information, as well as concerts that take place in churches! http://www.veniceconcerts.com/
PUB - The Devil's Forest Pub. Located near Campo St. Bartolomeo; just 5 minutes on foot from the famous Rialto Bridge.
SANTA MARGARITA SQUARE - The most nightlife to be found in Venice. Young locals gather here with many small bars/restaurants and outdoor seating. Dorsodoro.
Ask around . . . last time we were there we found a few bands playing live music!
RELAX on LIDO - If time permits and you are there during the warm season, the island of LIDO is a great place to get away from it all. This is where locals go to the beach! The entire island has a slower pace and a beachy feel. Accessible via vaporetto.

Our Venice Faves

In case you haven't noticed, we are in love with Venice. Her mysterious spirit, crumbling beauty, and ancient canals call to us. Every 6 months or so we are aching to return. For now, we will enjoy writing about a few of our favorite places. Until we return again . . .

Churches - Explore & Enjoy as many as possible. Great places to rest and soak up the history of Venice.

Cafes - enjoy your morning or afternoon coffee off of the main streets if possible, here you find better prices and neighborhood regulars. Pastries &/or paninis make for a great breakfast. You'll also usually find fresh fruit & juice too. Locals stand at the bar, we usually pay the extra to enjoy a table.

Take a Break - Most of the gorgeous hotels have a nice lobby bar or terrace. This is a great way to soak up the ambiance even if you are not staying there.

HOTEL DANIELI - The most beautiful lobby in Venice. Perfect place to stop, rest and get away from the crowd. Order a drink in the bar and enjoy stepping back in time. http://www.danieli.hotelinvenice.com/

HOTEL BAUER - Gorgeous terrace on the Grand Canal. The drinks may be a little pricey, but your paying for the view of Salute, plus they bring nuts & snacks. Try the bellini in any flavor. http://www.bauervenezia.com/

HOTEL AL PONTE ANTICO - Located just steps from the Rialto Bridge, this has got to be one of the best public balconies overlooking the Grand Canal. Perfect at sunset. Friendly staff, tiny place. Even if you don't stay here, make it a frequent stop for a beautiful flute of prosecco. http://www.alponteantico.com/

ANTICO LOCANDA MONTIN - Lush garden restaurant in the heart of Dorsodoro. Very quiet and peaceful. Great tuna tartare. www.veniceby.com/locandamontin/

HOTEL FLORA - With its small garden and quaint bar right in the heart of the San Marco shopping area, this is a perfect place to rest your weary feet. Turn at the alley between Bulgari & The Opera Gallery. http://www.hotelflora.it/

ANTICO MARTINI - (located at La Fenice) Both sides of the restaurant are great! We stopped in before the opera for vino & trichetti in the wine bar. Then following the opera had a fabulous dinner on the terrace of the restaurant. http://www.anticomartini.com/

Venice Tips

"If you manage to pack lightly, you manage to live lightly." Diane Von Furstenberg

Pack your bags and then go back and take out half of it! It's so much easier and much more european to pack light. Americans are easy to spot hauling their giant suitcases over the bridges of Venice. Casual elegance is the goal. Comfort is number one - lots of walking means you must have comfortable shoes. It's nice to have at least a couple of daytime shoes so that tired feet can switch off day to day. Hopefully you can get by with one pair dressy shoes for evening, or boots in the winter. Venice is hot in the summer and cold in the winter, luckily these days it is easy to check a weather report before you go and pack accordingly. It has rained on us many times in Venice, but it only adds to the charm. On our last visit we sat in an empty traghetto on the Grand Canal, outside of our apartment and enjoyed a lightning storm directly over Venice. It was amazing. High water (aqua alta) occurs about sixty days a year between October and early January. At this time of year it might be a good idea to pack your rain boots, or just by some when you get there. They do place wooden walkways in all the main tourist areas that keep you above the water, but check this website if your planning a trip around that time; http://www.veniceword.com/ Anyway, Venice is a water city so don't let a little more water stop you!

We recommend flying directly in Marco Polo airport. Then take a water taxi into Venice. A taxi can be arranged through your hotel, or just pick one up at the airport. Average rates are around 100 euro. Entering this mystical city by water is the only way to go, especially if it is your first time, but every time really. It allows you to acclimate to the water mode of transportation and just gives you great romantic views as you enter Venice.

Venice is an amazingly safe and friendly city. Surprisingly, most tourists come in via train just for the day, so in the evening Venice quiets down a lot. After dinner is a great time to take stroll. On our very first night ever in Venice we were jet lagged and took a late nap, waking up at 1 am. We got dressed and went to see St. Marks Square!! It was beautiful, romantic and empty . . . except for a group of young locals playing guitar and singing american songs!! We stopped to sing for awhile and enjoyed a unique and fabulous first night.

The Vaporretto, or water buses, are a great way to get around. You can by different usage passes and quickly get familiar with the routes. Check out http://www.hellovenezia.com/ for more info.
Some of the lines run very late at night, so this is a nice way to enjoy the lights of the Grand Canal after all the crowds have left. Take your ipod and get a good seat up front and just cruise the canale. Cheap entertainment at its finest.

We always enjoy limiting the number of destinations we visit on each trip in favor of staying one place longer and really soaking up the feel of the city to get a more genuine experience. Depending on how much time you have this is a great way to travel. It is amazing how quickly you begin to recognize people and feel like a local when you do local things like go to the same cafe every morning. We generally stay in apartments when we travel. It just adds to the authenticity and gives us a lot more freedom and options throughout our stays. For example, we are able to visit the markets and cook or just keep snacks in the kitchen. Cheese shops are great, of course the fish market at Rialto, but our favorite is the produce boat on a small canal in Dorsodoro. Try the rocket & tomatos, then pick up some buffalo mozzarella to go with it; perfect. There is a wide range of apartments available for most tastes and budgets. A few of our favorite websites for apartment rental are; http://www.veiwsonvenice.com/, http://www.truly-venice.com, http://www.venice-prestige.com/ and http://www.venice-rentals.com/ are our favorites, but there are many, many options out there. You'll be amazed at how many vacational rentals there are. We love a view of the water and of course location is important. But a quiet part of town is often better than being right on a main attraction. Venice is pretty small, just look for easy access to vaporetto stops or bridges. We love staying in Dorsordoro, the Saint Stefano area or the Zattere with its long waterfront promenade and expansive views of Giudecca. These places are all quiet with a very authentic feel. It really is hard to go wrong. Just pay close attention to the size of the apartment, those Italians really have a nack for taking pictures that make rooms look bigger than they are. Also, don't be surprised when you find the beds not especially soft, and often justs 2 twins pushed together to make a king.

Venice My Love . . .

When traveling to Venezia be prepared to both remember & forget everything you have heard or read about the most unique city in the world; La Serenissima, The Most Serene Republic. We firmly believe that if you are going to Venice, the best formula for experiencing the wonders that she has to offer begins with reading a few guide books, getting a feel for the layout of the islands, making a few notes of names of famous sights and recommended restaurants, taking them to Venice with you, maybe even reading over them a little on the flight . . . then simply leaving it all behind. Leave every book in your room or apartment and enjoy the thrill of discovery. We find it much more adventurous and entertaining to explore Venice on our own, following any path we choose and stumbling upon the great treasures that Venezia has to offer. This way you cand find yourself in tiny calles, far off the beaten path and suddenly a warm, cozy trattoria will appear. You sit down to have an afternoon snack and a bottle of prosecco, only to realize that yes - you do recognize the name of this place and it is world famous for its seafood risotto!! But the fun is that you just stumbled upon this great find. Likewise and even more so for the churches. We can't really imagine following directions to find our way around Venice. They are confusing and time consuming. The grand churches that consigned work from the most prestigious artists of the time are more magnificent than most museums around the world. Let us just say that directions and addresses are hard to follow in Venezia. Better off to wander and live by the old adage of "Never pass a church without going inside!" The churches are many in Venice and the ones not worth going in are few. Regardless of your religion, take a moment to go inside as many as possible. In our opinion, these are the most perfect places to relax and reflect. Simply be thankful that you are there and that you are blessed in so many ways. It is also a good time to just be still and let Venice speak to you. She may speak to you in a church, through a famous work of art, a decadently crumbling palazzo, one of the many canales, the open sea, or somewhere else along the way. But if your goal is to absorb the mystery of Venice and appreciate that she still stands today in much the same ways she did many centuries ago . . . if you listen, she will speak. And we are certain that you will fall in love.

Zengari Favorites

The newest addition to our website: Zengari Favorites ~ books & oracle cards we love.

Check it out at: http://astore.amazon.com/zenimpdes-20

Welcome to the Zengari Travel & Spirit blog. This is going to be a lot of fun. Travel & Spirituality are two of our passions and we love to talk and write about both of them. On this blog we hope to:

• give you more of the stories and histories behind some of our beautiful products
• provide inspiration and interviews with many of the great spiritual teachers who have influenced our lives
• post travel photos and guides from our buying trips to Europe
• get to know our clients and friends on a deeper level ~ uniting our tribe

So please join us on this journey. Sign up now to receive new blog notification and we will get it goin'!!