Yoga Addicted

Universe-ity (and an awesome give-away!)

2012-02-16T09:05:00.000-05:00

"The entire universe is a university. Everything and everybody is a professor to us. We constantly learn from everybody and everything. We learn even more through pain than through pleasure. Whether we want to or not, the world will give us the experiences we need and make us grow."
~Swami Satchidananda

Speaking of new experiences, I did want to point you guys in the direction of a chance to win a $200 gift card to Lululemon! It is super easy...just click here and "like" iTriage on Facebook. Easy peasy.

Have a great holiday weekend,
Namaste!

Current Food Addiction

2012-02-10T17:25:00.001-05:00

The Sprout, a local vegan/raw restaurant is currently making a grilled cheese with pickled okra sandwich. Now, before you throw up in your mouth, give me a chance to explain. It is the best combo I have had lately and I CAN'T GET ENOUGH! I just went for lunch for the second time this week today. Pickled okra is so yummy and placed on some Ezekiel bread with some Daiya cheese....GENIUS. I must buy some of this cheese soon. I have never been a fan of vegan cheese, and would normally just forgo it all together but now I am thinking of all the possibilities!

*I know a lot of you hate okra, I get it, but check out the pickled variety in the pickle isle...so worth it!

Help a Fellow Yogi Out (and get some cool stuff!)

2012-02-04T09:19:00.000-05:00

Fellow yogi’s!!

My name is Jessica Alexander and I am the “Nutti Yogini.” Why “Nutti?” Because I am not only passionate about the practice of yoga, but am also passionate about yoga wear that is fashion forward. I have designed a cutting edge yoga line of clothing and jewelry called, NUTTI YOGINI. The line features:

· Sustainable and recycledfabrics;

· organic cottons;

· extra thick lycra, meant to last through years of yoga wear;

· moisture control wickaway;

· and, “INTENTIONS” printed on the clothing in Sanskrit. (i.e. Gratitude, Serenity, etc.)

And the best part about NUTTI YOGINI is that it is 100% MADE IN THE USA, all the way down to the zipper!

Nutti Yogini’s most popular items so far are:

· A high-rise yoga pant, which solves the dreaded “muffin-top” problem;

· an extra comfy hoodie with a uniquely designed over-sized hood to keep you warm;

· and, a recycled jersey cotton scarf.

We need YOUR help in order to continue providing sustainable, 100% American made, yoga clothing to yogini’s around the world. We have 31 days left to achieve our GOAL! If you help us, you will receive amazing, LIMITED EDITION Nutti YoginiREWARDS. Be the FIRST to rock it!

Learn more by watching our ‘Rock the Yogini’ video online at this linkhttp://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1143059414/rock-the-yogini

I personally have my eye on those awesome intention high-wasted pants!

Midnight Meditations

2012-01-31T17:32:00.000-05:00

A little foggy right now from lack of sleep, all of my "midnight meditating". My little man is keeping me up with his constant noises and feedings and I couldn't be happier. We invested in a co-sleeper this time around and I have him at an "arms reach" at all times. I can't believe that I didn't do this with my first two. I absolutely love having him so close for all of the late night eating. Half the time I can't even remember getting up with him and feel like I got a whole nights sleep. The other half I am a zombie the next day (like today).

If you have never heard of a co-sleeper click the link above, it is great. The one thing I don't like about it however, and I should say my hubby doesn't like about, it is the almost impossible transporting capabilities. It is very, very hard to break down and move about. The one and only time we have traveled with it I heard various curses from upstairs and had a red-faced demon come down to load it in the car. The carrying case had ripped it's first time being used. Very frustrating. From now on the thing will stay in my room and not move.

If I had any advice for new mommies, I would say that co-sleeping is great, and to go for it! Just like during meditation, take deep breaths, be patient and all will fall into place. Appreciate every moment with your little babe and sleep will come later. It's over rated anyway:)

Shit Yogis Say

2012-01-15T13:16:00.000-05:00

Late Christmas/Early Baby!

2012-01-14T10:05:00.001-05:00

So sorry I have neglected the blog once again, but I had a huge after Christmas surprise. My water broke two days after Christmas (4 weeks early) and a couple hours later Miles Bennett was born. He was the tiniest baby that I have had, but at 5lbs 14oz he was healthy and strong. Two and a half weeks later he has gained almost a whole pound and getting bigger as we speak. We are all in awe of him and I have a feeling his feet won't touch the ground for a long time:)

Proud Big Sis and Bro

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-25T02:51:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone enjoys a safe and light-filled holiday season!
Namaste,
Mandy

Green Monkey!

2011-12-19T08:33:00.000-05:00

I have a confession to make. This pregnancy has done a real number on me. A lot different at 34 than the last one at 29. Amazing how just a couple of years make such a difference! All the good intentions in the world all went down the drain the first 6 weeks of nausea and general malaise. I love the idea of being completely vegan, tons of greens and lots of yoga. Well, that did not happen. Greens could not be stomached, being upside down was a nightmare and cravings were having the best of me (hello cheese and oreos!)

Finally, my stomach came around and allowed me some salads and green smoothies. The green smoothies actually started to help me with lots of different maladies and then made it back into my repertoire. Now, at 35 weeks I am loving my smoothies and juices as well as raw veggies again. Planning to make up for some lost time in these last 5 weeks!

Last week, my wonderful hubby bought me a Groupon to The Sprout a raw/vegan restaurant in Mt. Pleasant. Since it is near my Doctor's office I went and had lunch. It was so nice to have someone else juice/blend for me, and not to have to clean (another reason my juicing hasn't been up to par....cleaning the juicer!) In comes the GREEN MONKEY, my first of it's kind. I know why I've never thought of it before, it's because it uses the juicer and the blender in one drink...oh my! Double clean up! ha ha. Well, it is WORTH it! Because, it is amazing! It is just a blend of green juice then dumped into the blender and mixed with some frozen bananas. I can't give away the exact recipe, but I can tell you how I re-created it at home this weekend. I juiced a combo of greens (spinach,romaine lettuce) broccoli stems, apples and oranges. Then I added that to the blender which was full of frozen bananas. It was sooooo delish! I can't tell you exactly why it is so much better than just a plain old green smoothie or juice, but it is. Maybe the layers of flavor? YUM. Even my hubby agreed that is was the best I had made for him, and that is a HUGE compliment.

I also enjoyed their delicious burrito (not raw) and mac and cheese. Very fun to have healthy food but not to have to make it myself. However, it did encourage me to start making more at home and finally getting back into the swing of things. Still enjoying some chocolate...but, adding in lots more salads and such.

Back to the subject of cheese. This is a funny one. I have been craving cheese like crazy, in any shape or form. Something usually so low on my list jumped to number one, and I just gave into huge platters of amazing truffle cheese, Havarti dill, Gouda, Comte, Gruyere, etc. you get the point. My hubby being a huge cheese head was indulging me like crazy. Then came a nasty bought with congestion so bad I couldn't breathe at night. The mucus was unbearable and so uncomfortable that I couldn't sleep. I know that dairy causes this but could not kick the craving! Cheese pizza was beckoning! Finally, I withheld the dairy for 1 day and noticed a small enough difference to extend it another day. Now, by day 5, I can irrigate my nose first thing in the morning and not have any more problems. I know in another couple of days I might not even have to do that. What relief! I am starting to think that it is a slight dairy allergy, it is that extreme.

Now if only I could cure my super sore hips and synthesis pubic dysfunction...(I'll save that rant for another time:)

Santa Does Yoga

2011-12-08T09:24:00.000-05:00

Click on the image to read a fun little ebook about doing yoga with Santa!

Santa's Workshop

2011-12-07T12:01:00.000-05:00

This year while looking for the perfect treats to make for friends and family I came across the BEST idea...Bath Fizzies! While on my trip to Seattle, I found this cute little boutique you may have heard of called Lush, that specializes in fresh homemade bath treats. So of course I thought, what better idea to make something similar for people. I found this amazing recipe and modified it more to my needs and am very pleased with the results so far. Easy ingredients and pretty fast assembly. Right now it is all about fast and easy for this big pregnant lady:)

Bath Fizzies

1/2 Cup Citric Acid (I found this for cheap at my local Indian Grocery)
1 Cup baking soda
3/4 cup corn starch
1/4 cup organic cane sugar
6 drops of food coloring (could use beet juice, carrot juice etc...)
10-15 drops scented oil of choice

Stir all dry ingredients in a big bowl then, with a spray bottle add water very slowly so mix doesn't bubble. When it is able to form a ball you can mold it into any shapes or molds you wish. A silicone ice tray would be ideal, but I am using a small muffin tin lined with saran wrap and it works fine. The ideas are limitless here, just be open b/c the mix is crumbly. Leave in mold overnight or until firm and let dry completely.

The pink is Orange/Clove and the blue is Sweet Almond

To package these I am going to put them in mason jars and tie a pretty bow around the top with a label of the scent and ingredients.

Elena Brower at the Wanderlust Festival SPEAKEASY Lecture Series - Strat...

2011-12-01T15:16:00.000-05:00

Find Contentment

2011-11-14T07:49:00.000-05:00

Contentment is purity of heart, not a heart that is anxiously searching for something. When you have that contentment, everything is golden to you. Gradually learn to rise above all you wants. Keep your body and mind totally easeful and peaceful. Let things come and go as nature wants, as God wants. There is a Cosmic Awareness that will function through you. Don't put your ego in the middle and create an impediment for that Awareness to function through. We create a lot of impediments along the way.

Taken from The Golden Present
Swami Satchidananda

2011-11-10T07:33:00.003-05:00

Music For Yoga

2011-11-07T08:39:00.000-05:00

Do you guys listen to music when you practice, or do you prefer silence? I am wishy-washy on this subject just because it fluctuates with my moods. Some days I am totally able to tune everything out and others music is a distraction and sometimes music is a lead in to my relaxation like a gentle wave.

Some of my favorites are (and they are hugely varied) Jack Johnson, Damien Rice, Girish, Donna DeLory, Duffy, Norah Jones, Leslie Mendelson, Kate Voegele, Spoon and lots of others. Mostly I just like to mix it up to keep it interesting. I also love all kinds of Kirtan and have variations by lots of different artists. I love to make playlists that keep people grooving with things they may have heard before mixed with Kirtan and other chants they probably haven't. If you are new to my blog or have forgotten this post about My First Ever Music Review check it out, I still to this day love and use these Cd's and plan on having the Divine Birth one on hand in late January:)

What are your thoughts on this? Do you have favorite music for yoga? I would love some new tune ideas!

Do You Know Joanna Steven?

2011-10-24T14:27:00.000-04:00

If you have any questions about being a natural mama, Joanna Steven is where it's at for knowledge. I love to visit her blog for anything having to do with pregnancy, nutrition, and was actually just there searching for how to get more iron in my diet. She is as smart as they come, and does all the research, so I don't have to! (Thanks Joanna!)

Check out her blog for a chance to win the book (and also just because it's a great blog:)

Creating Healthy Children by Karen Ranzi.

How To Catch A Monkey

2011-10-21T08:50:00.001-04:00

How To Catch A Monkey

What a great story to read first thing in the morning to really set you up for the day, and for me the long weekend ahead. Go and DANCE WITH THE JOYFUL UNIVERSE this weekend! Thanks to My Life Yoga for this great parable!

West Coast Travels

2011-10-16T21:08:00.000-04:00

My Nephew flying a Kite at Oceanside, OR

From The Top Of the Space Needle

From Under

My Hubby Doing His Version of Warrior I

Moi with Nephew

What a great trip, brought home the weather as it was cloudy and rainy here for a week after I got home! Glad to report the sun has returned though:)

A WINNER!

2011-10-11T17:36:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Suzanne over at One Happy Hippie! Suzanne, the lucky duck wins a cool new yoga outfit by YMX. Thank you to all who commented, that was a very successful contest! Suzanne, just email me at Mandy Woz @ gmail dot com with your address and I will send it to YMX so they can send you your prize!

Stay tuned this week for pics and a run down of my amazing trip West! (My YMX jacket was perfect for the Seattle mist!)

Contest News

2011-09-30T16:05:00.000-04:00

Since I currently have only 5 entries on my contest for YMX yoga clothes I have decided to extend the deadline. I am leaving in the morning for Seattle for the week and will give all of you readers a week to COMMENT! Please don't pass up this awesome opportunity to win $200 worth of yoga clothes! All you have to do is click HERE and leave a comment. THAT IS ALL! EASY PEASY, LEMON SQUEEZEY!!!!!

So be patient with me, and I will back to posting and announcing the winner around or on October 10!
Have a great week!

Thrive!

2011-09-26T14:13:00.000-04:00

I just bought and devoured Brendan Brazier's book Thrive! I had read reviews about it and heard buzz about it online but had not seen it in bookstores and basically forgot about it until last week. While at the Earthfare, getting my Kombucha fix, I was checking out the books and they had it! I read it in a day or two and have been making recipes out of it ever since. Reading it also encouraged me to watch Forks Over Knives as well as Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead (Which I'll get to in a little bit).

If you are a book nerd and nutritional wanna be like me, you probably have already read or heard about most of the things Brendan covers. However, reiteration is what works for this hard head. I also love the way that he talks about stress. Saying things that I knew, but in a new way that really seemed to hit home for me. For instance, he breaks down types of stress. Which I love, because as a yoga teacher and pretty mellow person in general, I don't think of myself as stressed. But, I do...I do stress over things like feeling guilty over food splurges, drinking diet sodas, and not exercising enough... added to whatever else is going on at any given time. What he refers to as "Uncomplimentary Stress" is "the term I use to describe anxiety that produces no benefit." Well, BINGO! He also says "You may notice that your energy level is down, yet you are also having trouble sleeping, that your tolerance is lower-small things irritate you- and you're having trouble making even minor decisions."
"Typically, the advice we receive is to not engage in as many stressful activities- "Don't work as much" or "Slow down and take more time for yourself." Following such advice is one way to reduce stress. However, doing so also reduces productivity, which can actually contribute to stress: The last thing a high achiever wants to hear is that he or she should slow down."
Not that I'm going to even think of calling myself a "high achiever", but I have come to the conclusion over the years that being overwhelmed is one of my triggers toward depression. Therefore, not doing things makes them pile up and eventually overwhelm the crap out of me. A sure fire way for me to end up in the fetal position.
What does any of this have to do with diet? Well, EVERYTHING. If you have EVER eaten from an emotional point that is. If you only eat for fuel, never for taste, then, good for you. But, a large percentage of us eat emotionally, and if stress is in the picture it will have you doing things you wouldn't normally do. Kinda like to much alcohol. So, if you don't address the stress, the rest is pointless. You will be on a cycle of the same old, same old. You have to reign in that stress to change for good, and I am pointing at myself while saying this.
Enter...Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, a documentary about one man's journey to health and the others that he found along the way and changed as well. I love this movie because it was fast-paced, funny and genuinely engaging. I just had to see what happened at the end. It is an amazing testament to juicing and all of the benefits of eating a micro-nutrient based diet. WATCH IT! (It's on Netflix)
Speaking of MICRO-NUTRIENTS...my lunch today...

Zucchini Noodles

With Brendan Brazier's Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Marinara (p.266)
and his Almond Flax seed Burger (p.233) as "meatballs"

And of course, a huge Artichoke and some Nootch on top!

I have also tried his Blueberry Pancakes (p.213)
and the Balsamic Vinaigrette (p. 256)

Please don't forget to leave a comment on my previous post to enter to win this cool outfit from YMX

Want Some New Duds?

2011-09-21T16:18:00.002-04:00

For more detailed pics of the jacket and leggings, please click on the links below

I was asked recently by YMX to review some amazing clothes from their line. I checked out their website for the Koi Hoodie and Leggings and immediately said YES. Online they definitely caught my eye and I could picture sporting them to class. When I received the package I was surprise at how small it was. How did a whole outfit fit in one tiny little mailing envelope? Once opened I was in awe of the lightness of the fabric that both hoodie and leggings are made of. It is AMAZING! It's called Madkool, and it is in fact, Madkool! It is so light that I couldn't stop rubbing it, so thin you can feel leg stubble:) The best part about it in my opinion is that it is UPF 50! You guys know how fair I am, and how HOT Charleston is, but this material prevents burn, and cools off fast when wet!

Another benefit was the size. Being 5 1/2 months pregnant I asked for a large jacket to accommodate the bump and XL leggings just because in the past it seems the workout clothes run small. Well, both sizes are great and allow tons of room for growth. I have been wearing the hoodie a ton in this Charleston "I don't know if I want to be blazing hot or cool yet" weather. The leggings I have been sporting with a tunic in lieu of tights, and have gotten lots of compliments.

YMX wants to give you guys some of these amazing DUDS! All you have to do is "Like" YMX on Facebook here for one entry. Leave me a comment to let me know you did it!

For a second entry, Follow YOGA ADDICTED (you know you wanted to anyway:) And leave me a comment.

Lastly, Just leave a comment, any comment and you are good for one entry.

GOOD LUCK! Believe me, this is worth the extra effort!

Please be aware that at this time, YMX is asking for US residents only.

Photos by Lily and Van 9 and 6

Forks Over Knives

2011-09-19T08:57:00.001-04:00

I just watched this movie yesterday and can't say enough about how awesome it is. If you can watch them pulling plaque out of an artery and still want to eat lots of animal products, more power to you...but it works for me!

Baby Stuff and Stuff and More Stuff, HELP!

2011-09-08T16:44:00.000-04:00

Up until this point in my pregnancy I have kept very blase about buying anything, needing anything or otherwise falling into the trap that is the baby superstore. Well, today, I BLEW IT! I went to the baby super store to look at some cheap furniture options because I have not been happy with what I have found on Craig's list. I had a plan of getting everything second hand but don't know if that is going to work now. I also started freaking out about recalls and sides that come down etc. on used cribs, so needless to say I went and did a little reconnaissance.

What a huge trap of over excess this baby superstore is! They want you to buy, buy, buy and most of this stuff is just crap that you don't need. It is for convenience and most of all just junks up your space. The list of things "they" say you need is amazing. I don't know what half of it is, and this is my 3rd baby!

My new goal now in the way of baby stuff that I need is to make a list of must haves and a small wish list of things that would be cool. If you can enlighten me on things that you use frequently and things that you could not live without I would be so THANKFUL!!

Here is what I have so far on my MUST HAVES:
Good Stroller (because I love to walk, and needs to be beach worthy:)
Sling or Wrap (have a Maya Wrap that I loved with my son)
Crib
Car seat
Comfy rocker
Cloth diapers (which I am investigating right now...HELP!)

Yogi Clothing!

2011-09-07T14:23:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Christopher over at Yogi Clothing I have been stylin' in some new yoga duds! My favorite being my new "All-the-time Tank" that looks like this...

Photo from yogiclothing.com

It is amazingly soft and fits perfectly over my growing "bump". It also looks great with anything:)

He also sent me some pants and a sports bra that I could not find on the website so I didn't want to advertise them and get your hopes up...haha. Seriously though, the pants are really cute but, they are white. So white that every pose I did in the mirror showcased a lot of things that I don't really want to showcase while teaching if you know what I mean! The same pants in black however, would be ideal. The sports bra was of the one-size fits all variety and what that usually means to me is no support. While it is very soft and very comfy, it's more of an around the house type thing for me. If you are smaller in the top than I am, it would be perfect though for yoga and other non bouncy forms of exercise.

All around, the clothes at Yogiclothing.com are awesome and I am drooling over these and have them on my wish list...

Love them! Go check out these and other amazing styles at Yogiclothing.com

The Luxury of Space

2011-09-02T07:26:00.001-04:00

I always talk about making room to grow in our bodies and lives through yoga, but this past week I have taken it literally and moved into MORE SPACE! As a family we have always lived in smaller homes and in our recent house search had the luxury of looking for a little more space than we are used to. With baby number 3 on the way and the other 2 getting older we just new we needed at LEAST more than one bathroom!

We are finally in, getting settled and most importantly BACK ONLINE! I have some exciting new things to post about, so stay tuned and be patient!

Thanks and Namaste,
Mandy

Compromising Cravings

2011-08-14T17:00:00.000-04:00

Now that my appetite is coming back full force the cravings have started! My sweet tooth has grown by leaps and bounds and I have taken to wanting comfort food. Comfort food in the South = grits, stews and soups and the other day was shocked by a craving for...SLOPPY JOE'S! So, being a firm believer in WHAT YOU RESIST PERSISTS, I had to give in. However, for me a craving can be compromised with. My "junk food" is most people's health food "crap" (so they say:). So, at the store I picked up some Sloppy Joe sauce (next time I 'm making my own), fake meat crumbles (I like Smart Crumbles or Morningstar Farms) and set to making up a batch. I also got some amazing whole wheat buns and grain mustard. YUM-O! Also, to make myself feel better I whipped up a huge salad on the side. Right now my favorite salad has spinach, blueberries, feta, walnuts and Annie's lite Poppy Seed Dressing, delightful!

Any of you want to comment on some fun food cravings? Pregnant or not, I know we all have them!

Woke Up This Morning...

2011-08-08T16:00:00.001-04:00

To my little man yelling, "They're tearing down the parade ground!" over and over. I finally got out of bed to see what he was talking about. Sure enough, at 7:30 this morning they were demolishing the playground across the street. The oasis of my children for the last 2 years was being taken down by a large piece of equipment. As much as he was upset, he was also in awe of the big machine working and how fast something could be taken apart (of course!)

I had to explain to both kids how that in order to grow we have to clear out the old. Sometimes this is hard, but once it is done we love the growth so much that we have a hard time remembering the old thing that we had labored so hard over getting rid of in the first place. I used the example of the mythological bird the Phoenix and how from the ashes it was reborn anew. They loved that. For my own personal safety, I just hope they replace that old equipment, and fast!

So in my usual manner, I took this little lesson with me to class this morning. Reminding my students that while executing each asana (pose) this morning, to also think about setting fire to the old way of doing it to make room for growth. We started slowly working up to a pretty active warm up to start our tapas (heat) going and worked into some fast paced Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutes) as well as variations of Uttitha Parsvakanasana (Extended Side Angle) and Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II's). The quads started to heat up fast and led us into some twists and then some long planks and plank varients with arms and legs going all which a way. By now everyone's tapas had heated a good bit and we finished it off with some Setu Bandhas (bridges) and eventually some more core work. All leading to Savasana (Corpse Pose), so appreciated after so much work. Then the real work could begin, the recovery process, then total relaxation. Ahhhhh
After a nice heated practice, the real take away is the new playground that you have built and all of the promise that lies within it.

In Your Own Image

2011-08-07T13:42:00.000-04:00

In a very literal sense, the body is a living sculpture of yourself. Aside from genetic inheritance and the body images received in childhood, the body is molded by changes in the psychological state. Thoughts and feelings as psychic energy in the aura affect the physical body via nerve centers and endocrine glands, altering its apparent structure and function. Some examples of this are: the drastic physical changes in appearance which are clearly seen in people subject to multiple personalities, and the super seen in people subject to multiple personalities, and the super-human strength experienced in emergencies or under hypnosis.
-Charles Breaux

Chocolate Chip Cookies...YUM.

2011-07-28T17:36:00.000-04:00

Lily with Her Cookies (and prison-like forearm tat)

Chocolate Chip Cookies! (vegan)

1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 cup White Sugar
2/3 cup Applesauce
1/4 cup Non-dairy milk (I used Vanilla Coconut today)
2 t Vanilla
1 1/2 cup Flour
1/2 t Baking Soda
1/2 t salt
3/4 cup Choc. Chips (non-dairy or your fav, I like chunks of my fav Greeen and Blacks 70% choc bar)

Preheat to 350 degrees F. Mix sugars and wet ingred. first real good. Then add dry ingred next until well incorporated and lastly fold in chocolate. Bake 8-9 minutes.

These are real cakey cookies, which I love, I don't know if it's the applesauce or the fact my kids stirred the crap out of them. But, they are yummy and that's all that matters to me:)

This recipe was modified from a very yummy one on the Post Punk Kitchen, If you've never been there, check it out!

Butternut Squash Lasagna

2011-07-26T17:25:00.001-04:00

My Hubby's Beautiful Butternut Squash!

Our garden this year was purely experimental. No neat labeled rows for my Hubby, he decided to go with what he referred to as a "volunteer" garden. One where he, and the kids threw out many varieties of seeds, watered and let go at it's own pace. Flash to a couple of weeks later when he comes inside with a "zucchini" that was shaped very weird. I told him that I thought it was a very under-ripe butternut squash and to let it go and see what happens...and whala! Yummy butternut squash pour moi!

My favorite lasagna to make is my Vegan Butternut Squash Lasagna, based on an idea from a friend of mine including TONS of cheese. I made these little butternut squash raviolis at Thanksgiving last year and they were such a hit I decided to use the "cheese" from those and layer it into the lasagna.

As with all of my ideas/recipes, there are no measurements. I am a totally blind taste-based wanna-be in the kitchen that refuses to measure...ha ha.

So what I do is boil the whole wheat lasagna noodles and drain. Then I prepare the "cheese". If you have a little left over you can add to soups or use as a dip later, it's good. In the blender (Vita-Mix) I put a heaping cup of raw cashew nuts, a scoop of nutritional yeast, a couple of garlic cloves and some salt. Mix up until cheesy, may need a little water for blending. Taste a lot to get the flavor good and yummy.

When that is done, I set up a station for all of the layers and get to prepping. Marinara sauce first, noodles, cheese, spinach and basil, tomatoes and any other yummy veggie you want. Shredded carrots or zucchinis would be great. Keep layering until you have the casserole covered. On this one I ended with noodles and then covered the top with the last of the cheese and sauce. It worked beautifully!

Layering

Fresh Garden Tomatoes and Basil

Sadly, I don't have a picture of the end product, but it was amazing. Believe me when I say I have the PICKIEST son in the world, and he even likes this dish. I also have a very carnivorous hubby that loves it as well. If you have any questions about making this, please leave a message and I will be glad to answer. The main thing is, much like my last post, it is about being creative and free. Do what makes you happy, not what you think/someone else thinks and it will turn out beautifully!

Flower Power

2011-07-25T14:08:00.000-04:00

"No self-centered attitude, no self-immolation, no violence against ourselves, all these things belong to the past and it is an old-fashioned way of behaving. Why not be like the flowers in the field without any reason? They live, they blossom, they expand. Their perfume is swept in the air by the wind and it is not contaminated by ideas, duties, motivations. Those things would twist the flowers in different directions. "
-Swami Karmandanda Saraswati

Having been working with my classes the last couple of weeks on "stopping and growing", finding this passage this morning really brought it all together. While I am definitely concerned with the form of my students and their knowledge of the way their bodies are reacting in each pose, I have been playing with this freedom based exercise. Where once we get into the pose, we stop, grow and then sway and move with the breeze. Allowing them more freedom in movement, letting go of expectations and enjoying the just "being" that this creates.

Constant rigidity from being at the computer, in front of the wheel or on the couch causes us to start becoming rigid in the mind as well as the physical body. That is why I am starting to highly encourage my students to move, forge relationships with the body, get to know it better. You may be flexible and not even know it, you may be really strong but have forgotten. You may love to be quiet and at peace within, but because of years of constant chatter and activity lost the ability to enjoy it.

Try this if you are feeling stuck. Get up, and do a half Sun Salute. Start in Tadasana (Mountain Pose), standing straight up with your feet under your hips hands at your sides. Inhale and Exhale deeply. When you have done that a couple of times, on the next inhalation start to lift your arms out beside you and all the way to the sky, as you exhale start to bring them back down while starting to hinge at the hips and fold toward the floor. Once here, you are in a forward fold, arms hanging down relaxed. If you are really tight in the hamstrings (back of the legs) put your hands on the couch or a chair. Breathe here. Then when you are ready take the next inhale to come up to a halfway position with your hands on your shins, then exhale release down again. Do this a couple of times. Then, choosing the next big inhalation put your hands on your hips, bend your knees pull your belly in tight and slowly bring your arms up to your sides, then bring arms all the way up over head (finish inhale) and exhale arms down to sides and back to standing Mountain. Take a moment standing and do it again a couple of times.

This should loosen you up a little and get you feeling a little bit more free! Enjoy.

Filmed by Lily (age 9)

FYI

2011-07-17T17:49:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone is having a great Summer! Wanted to alert all of you Yogi's to some great deals over at Manduka right now, just click here.

Some of the great items on sale are:

Manduka’s eKO Yoga Mat: the eKO is the most eco-friendly mat on the market. Made from non-Amazon harvested natural tree rubber, with organic non-toxic foaming agents, this biodegradable yoga mat is sure to please any yogi eKO 85” Moss & eKO Lite Mats- All colors

Manduka eQua Hand Towel: Extremely lightweight, yet plush, durable, super-absorbent and quick drying, the eQua micro-fiber towel outperforms ordinary cotton or polyester towels - on the mat, at the gym,- or anywhere you break a sweat: eQua LONG Towels & eQua Hot Hand Towel (You may remember my mini review of this product here)

Practice Tote: Designed with yogi-tailored usability and style, resilient fabric and hardware, and a breathable mat compartment, the Practice Tote offers sleek storage and protection for your essential yoga tote-ables. Both small and large totes in all colors

MatWare Mat Sleeve: Made of water-resistant recycled fabric, the MatWare Mat Sleeve is sleek and surprisingly spacious with a ventilated, structured mat compartment and accessory pockets. Both small and large mat sleeves in all colors

Pregnancy Wha?

2011-07-12T12:17:00.003-04:00

Yep, it's true. I am now 12 weeks preggos, 3rd times a charm! We are very happy and excited to be welcoming this tiny little miracle into our family. The kids are off the charts and are devouring the baby's progress each week. I know this is going to affect my blog as I research and want to share what I learn with you guys in the way of prenatal yoga, natural healthy pregnancy foods and weeding my way through the world of cloth diapers. I feel like so much as changed in the last *gasp* 6 years since my last birth, it's a whole new experience!

Cheerfulness Is...

2011-07-01T08:28:00.000-04:00

Cheerfulness is a spontaneous expression of a purified heart and a steady mind. A clear mind is naturally blessed with cheerfulness, and a cheerful person spontaneously loves all and hates none. A cheerful person is fulfilled within, and this cheerfulness overflows, affecting everyone who comes near. On the other hand, an impure mind teems with countless conflicts. Spiritually speaking, a person with such a mind is empty. One who is empty envies those who are fulfilled, and easily becomes angry and vengeful. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to cultivate those divine qualities that purify the heart and steady the mind, thereby allowing cheerfulness to unfold spontaneously.
_Pandit Rajmani Tigunait

Some Cool Things for the Hot Summer

2011-06-29T16:59:00.000-04:00

Solixer all natural sodas that come in a couple of different herbal concoctions. I love these amazing sodas! I have had a bad past addiction to diet coke (I KNOW!!!) and love all things bubbly. So these are an awesome alternative to those YUCKY sodas with all kinds of chemicals in them. The other thing that I love is that I can get them at the Vitamin Shoppe down the street (since I don't have a Whole Foods that close).

Mandaka eQUA Mat Towel Perfect for hot yoga or practicing outdoors in this heat! It is great b/c it fits the length of the mat. I also love to use it as a towel for other workouts as well. Comes in lots of amazing colors and styles! Check out that one with the Namaste on it!

Magic Carpet Yoga Mats by Sophie. Not only do they look like works of art, they are fully functioning yoga mats!

Midnights with The Mystic by Cheryl Simone and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, An amazing little book packed with insights from Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev in the Isha Yoga Tradition.

Iyengar Intensive at Estes Park 5 DVD set What else could you want? This awesome set is just like you were at the real thing. It has 3- 120 minute Asana classes, 3-90 minute Pranayama Classes as well as tips and discussion with Iyengar himself.

Book Club, Downward Dog Upward Fog

2011-06-27T13:42:00.001-04:00

As many of you may already know, my top two hobbies are yoga and reading. I spend a ton of time reading about yoga and all things remotely similar. Most of these as you may imagine are non-fiction. I absolutely love however, a break in the "serious" reading to indulge my fiction addiction. So, think of my excitement to read both in the same book. I get funny accounts of yoga, and of like-minded fallible humans that are struggling with the same things that all of us experience. How to share our yoga world with the rest of the world. How to merge everything we learn in class, through readings and teachings into the rest of the world that might not be (really?) as into this spiritual stuff we are.

Meryl Davids Landau's new book Downward Dog Upward Fog is a light easy read that tackles some deep issues all in a fun way. The underlying message of the story is to try and see the good within everyone and by doing so the good in you will start to shine out more and more.

Follow Lorna on her path to more spirituality and how to deal in this crazy world. Let me know if you get the book and how you like it. There are book club questions in the back if anyone is up for some fun discussions!

Yoga Earth

2011-06-23T10:17:00.000-04:00

Yoga Earth, have you heard of them?? Sent me some amazing samples of their new products to add to your water or favorite drink. They call them "Functional Nutrition for Active Living" that provides long lasting energy, full-spectrum antioxidants, natural pre/post electrolytes, organic skin detoxification, probiotic digestive balance and 16% daily protein (vegetarian).

Balance, has flavor notes of Apple, Acai and Creamy Beet juice. This one is great on it's own (I shake it in a mason jar with ice and water) or great added to a green smoothie or fresh squeezed juice.

Vitality, has flavor notes of Kiwi Fruit, Japanese Green Tea and Irish Moss. It is the greener one of the two, and would also be amazing dumped in a smoothie or fresh juice. However, it is yummy alone with ice and water as well.

Dania from Yoga Earth just alerted me to a new giveaway that they are sponsoring. All you have to do is:

1. Click here to "Like" YogaEarth on Facebook

2. Click here to tag yourself in this video

3. Click here to answer the poll on our Facebook wall: "Which community-built product would you like to see YogaEarth make next."

Living Food in Charlotte

2011-06-15T19:17:00.000-04:00

Maybe a year ago or so while in Charlotte, NC a wonderful friend of mine took me to Luna Living Foods Cafe. It was a cute little new cafe inside of a bigger fitness center. You could tell that some of the kinks had not been worked out yet, however, the food was amazing. We all got different dishes so we could all share so I am not even that sure of what I had the first time, but I was in awe of the raw lasagna that one of us had ordered.

Flash to last week while in the Charlotte area, all I could think of was that amazing lasagna and how I needed to have it again. And, how I need to expose my mom to it as well. We planned a day out of taking the new train into Uptown and stopping over at Atherton Market where Luna is and then progressing further Uptown to The Discovery Place for Van's benefit.

What an amazing trip! Well satiated we had a great time watching Van play his little heart out as well as his first impressions of riding the train.

The Story Of Yoga

2011-05-25T07:08:00.000-04:00

Fresh Air Fund

2011-05-24T13:23:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard of the Fresh Air Fund? If not please go check it out! This is an amazing group that helps bring city bound children out to nature over the Summer. I wish I lived in one of the highlighted states!!

Click for Kripalu!

2011-05-22T16:11:00.001-04:00

Wanted to let everyone in on a chance to win this fabulous prize! Just go to Dr. Sinatra's Facebook page, click LIKE and you are entered! You have until June 15, 2011...so get to it!

Time Is Precious

2011-05-12T10:30:00.000-04:00

When we waste our time, it is like plucking the pearls from a dazzling necklace one by one and thowing them away. But when we use time well, each minute adds another jewel to enhance the beauty of our lives. Because time is our life, it is very precious, and we need to learn to treasure it.

~Tarthang Tulku

My NEW YOGA MAT, Love Love Love!

2011-05-06T14:45:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone, Hope Spring is treating you well in various parts of the Country. For those of you dealing with the aftermath of disaster, My heart and deepest thoughts are with you.

Destin Beach, Florida

Having just returned from a week vacation in beautiful Destin, Fla I am in the process of regrouping and getting back into the swing of things. Returning to my wonderful classes (that I MISSED) leads me into talking about my NEW YOGA MAT. Like the pull of a new car in the driveway calling you to come out and play, a new mat does the same. For the last couple of years I have not wanted to buy a new mat because I own half a dozen. Even while at the same time having a terrible relationship with each one. My last very pricey mat is in such disarray that when I step my foot up from any wide standing position, my mat comes with me. So, I have been using at least 2 mats at a time (the bottom one being to slippery when wet). Needless to say this is not ideal. While searching for a new yoga mat to replace my old ones, I was contacted by Kulae, to try out one of their mats.

I got the Kulae Yoga Mat tpECOmat Plus in Sea/Slate and have been LOVING it! It is very light (unlike my 10lb roll) and it is soft, yet not to squishy. Passed the smell test and is of course easy on the eyes. I could go into more deets but if you are in need of a new mat, follow the link above and get the full preview. It is amazing is all I can say and I have not found one thing that I DON'T like about it yet. Thank you so much KULAE!!!

My New Yoga Mat!

Vegan Cake Pops!!!

2011-04-11T20:10:00.002-04:00

I was asking myself the other day why I had not posted or been inspired to post food at all as of late. Well, not only has it been to beautiful here to be inside on the computer, but I just haven't been really eating anything crazy. Everything has been very simple, tons of fresh produce, juices and smoothies. Along with banana peanut butter chia pudding and lots of water. Just not that inspired. Until St. Patrick's Day. We went to a St.Patty's Day fest where I was introduced to the amazing-ness that is a Cake Pop. Have you heard of these delicacies yet? Basically, it's a ball of cake on a stick, dipped in icing or choccie and topped with whatever goodies suit your flavor. So, needless to say since March I have been thinking (dreaming) about these little balls of goodness.

I entered Vegan Cake Pops into Google and came up with this link to Gliving (if you've never been over there, you should check it out regardless!) and this great (but unhealthy recipe). I made some changes like using an organic vanilla cake mix. So, that made me feel a tad better:) But, be warned the sugar in this is off the charts, and one tiny (mmmm) bite is enough to put you in a sugar coma for days.

They start as balls...

And End up Pops!

Kid Tested and Approved!

MMMMM!

"Friendly" Wake Up Call

2011-04-06T07:29:00.000-04:00

While watching an interview with John Friend, founder of Anusara yoga, I got a nice, much needed wake up call. While Anusara yoga was a heavy part of my life for about 4 years, since being in St.Thomas and then moving back to Charleston, I gradually moved away from it. Why? Well, mostly because that while in St.Thomas I was practicing with non-Anusara teachers or alone. My intentions were to pick up where I had left off before moving but aside from the occasional class or workshop it never did. I have been on autopilot ever since. My goal has been to catch one or two classes a week, but my home practice that was so strong in the Islands did not resume. Lots and lots of excuses, My rental house is to small, the class is to far away, I don't have enough money...bla, bla, bla. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE the non-Anusara classes that I attend, however, I know now that a tiny little piece of my personal yoga puzzle has been missing.

What is Anusara yoga? Anusara is a sanskrit word meaning to flow with grace. John Friend set up a style of yoga around just that. A heart opening graceful practice built with the foundation of love. Yes, there is a ton of alighnment and a ton of tiny refinements invoved but the thing that sets it apart from other yoga is the basic intent of the class. The intent of letting every student open to their own potential, basically by showing them how good they are and how good they can become. Good physically, emotionally and energetically. This is not just a workout class people.

On the DVD interview, John talks about setting up sacred space. Starting with the space that one practices, as well as the space one occupies (body). He also goes into a detailed description of tantra, which has been misconstrued by the West as something sexual. Which, yes it could be, but that is just a small part of it. What the main idea is, is that we are right here, right now, and we should enjoy every single minute. Tantra meaning to expand, open and awaken to the connection of life. Enough of the pety negativity, one viewing of this and you are radiating positivity.

At one point the interviewer asked why all Anusara teachers are so beautiful. He answered so eloquently that it is because the heart cultivation that happens as an Anusara practioner shines through to everyone. I know this might sound a little hokey, but have you ever taken an Anusara class from a certified Anusara teacher? I definitely agree.

All yoga in my opinion opens people up, releases emotional as well as physical blockages and connects the body-mind-energies. In Anusara yoga this is a well known, well discussed idea. It is not just something that happens, but something that is expected and relished. Helping students CHOOSE to be uplifted, their own space to be thought of as sacred and the consistant current of energy to move freely and gracefully.

Grace: To make oneself beautiful for the Divine

Check out this interview as well as the amazing Master Classes with John Friend on the DVD John Friend's Anusara Yoga Grand Gathering available at The Yoga Journal shop.

Beautiful Day at the Beach

2011-03-17T14:31:00.000-04:00

Photos by Jessica Pope Photography (email me for more info if interested:)

Let Go of Fear, and Learn to Fly

2011-03-15T16:27:00.000-04:00

I am blogging outside today in the sunshine and loving every minute of Spring. Yesterday, My daughter age 9 finally started to ride a bike. With that has come the most amazing witnessing of freedom at it's finest. In St.Thomas, we had nowhere to ride, so she didn't learn early, before fear. Once fear set in to her, she had this huge mental block about riding, involving falling, and other horrors. Over the weekend we bought her pads for every major area and were hoping to give her a sense of security. Sure enough on the way home from dance she told me she was ready. We were out for about 5 minutes and she was riding! This was in the making for almost 2 years, so my joy was probably a little overboard, but whatever.

This whole thing got me thinking about yoga, the fear we have and how once we alleviate it, we can move on. I hear all the time about fear of headstands, fear of balancing, and even fear of savasana, corpse pose. How do we learn to recognize fear, squash it and move past it? Well, the practice itself. We mentally put on our pads, feel secure and go for it. That my friends, is what practice does. The more we practice, the more secure we are, and the more we can fully move on.

Once the security is set, the freedom to explore, play and thrive is abundant. So practice, practice, practice! Don't forget to play in your poses, find your inner child and explore them. Don't just do it because the teacher said to, do it because it feels good. Find your own inner rhythm, trust yourself. You are your best teacher, and just like my little one, listening to herself and not us ultimately got her where she needed to be. FLYING!

2011-03-05T18:51:00.002-05:00

Mindfulness is deliberately paying full attention to what is happening around you and within you, in your body, heart and mind. Mindfulness is awareness without criticism or judgement.

Promises, Promises

2011-02-23T18:39:00.000-05:00

A reaccuring theme in my life lately has been about keeping promises. I was graced with the arrival of Swami Radhananda's book "Carried by a Promise". Which had me immediately questioning myself with the idea. Do I keep promises? Do I go out of my way to make good on the things I do and say?

It is a very difficult question to answer about oneself. I do feel as though I keep promises in the way of responding to phone messages and emails, and trying to reply to any communication as well as meeting with friends etc. Am I 100%? No, not close, but not to shabby. Where this gets a little hairy is in the way of keeping promises to myself. Do I always stick with things that I set out to do? No. A big huge hairy NO. I feel like I don't hold myself up to the standard that I do others when it comes to follow through.

This realization makes me sad. It makes me feel like I am a hypocrite, that I tell others to be gentle to themselves. I tell others to give themselves a break and not to beat themselves up. Yet when it comes to me, I treat me like I wouldn't dream of treating others.

In Swami Radhananda's book "Carried by a Promise" she begins the book as a wife and mother and chronicles her journey into Swami-hood. I love this premise, because it shows that you can be hard on yourself, let it go, go with the light and learn to forgive yourself. You can rise above the petty crap that we all do to ourselves and others. You can learn to go with the light, and let it guide you instead of the ego, that evil little voice in our heads. You can also recognize your thoughts when they arise, breathe into them and in a calm way learn to deal. That might be the most inspiring thing about the book to me is how she started to transition in times of unrest. Instead of getting angry, mad or crazy, she slowly learns to accept each thing and move on.

The daily invocation she does is an amazing inspiration to me as well, and I have started to use it myself. The Divine Light Mantra "I am created by Divine Light. I am I am sustained by Divine Light. I am protected by Divine Light. I am surrounded by Divine Light. I am ever growing into Divine Light."

Slow Motivation

2011-01-30T18:56:00.000-05:00

The biggest catch twenty-two in the world is that of the exercise variety. The whole I feel to fat/ugly/lazy to get off the couch but knowing that if you did, just a little, you would feel 100% better. So how does one fix the problem? Well, by admitting that a change needs to be made, figuring out how you want to change and then acting on that. It is indeed harder than it sounds. Here are some tips to achieve what I like to "Slow Motivation".

Slow Motivation is a term that I use to help people move from extreme non-movement to movement again. It is not about making someone who has not been active automatically running 3 miles a day. That is not practical, and it is a very popular attitude when it comes to working out. However, this attitude leads to injury, frustration and ultimately failure. In comes "Slow Motivation", in which you work on your goals slowly and practically.

Step One: Write your final goals down in a notebook that you use just for this purpose. Example (keep it simple) "I want to be able to walk a mile comfortably"

Step Two: Come up with a schedule that fits into your current schedule to start moving you closer to your goal. Example "On Tuesdays and Thursdays I don't work until 9, I will start walking slowly around the block at 8 on these mornings"

Step Three: Lay out your gear the night before and write down your feelings about what you are about to do. Hopefully getting yourself excited about your new adventure. Be easy on yourself and don't set your expectations to high, you only set yourself up for failure. Say to yourself, "tomorrow morning after my walk, I will feel so energetic!"

Step Four: After implementing your plan, keep journaling about your experiences. By doing this you will see what is happening with you and you can then decide when to slowly add more.

Lastly, Step Five: Now that you have the tools, if you decide to add more to your slow schedule, you can look back at your journal and figure out what else you would like to add. Then start back over again with Step One.

These steps are helpful in not only exercise but in eating as well. Instead of one day dropping out whole categories of foods, you just say "I will start slowly decreasing my sugar intake...". Beginning an exercise/eating program in this "Slo Mo" way helps you to learn where you are indulgent, as well as lets you gradually notice the changes that start to occur. Once that starts to happen, your motivation starts to pick up and your possibilities for the future follow.

Wanna be Yoga Addicted?

2011-01-17T15:12:00.000-05:00

Just when you may be thinking to yourself, "How can I remember to check out what's going on over at Yoga Addicted?"... Megan over at Build A Sign emailed me about doing a little promo. So I went over to the Build A Sign website and designed some stickers and clings for my car window (and yours). They were super easy to create, and turned out AMAZING. Do you want one? The first 15 people that email me at Mandy Woz @ gmail dot com with their address will get one in the mail. Just 2 things...1. let me know if you prefer a sticker or a cling 2. Follow me under the "Friends of Yoga Addicted" box.

Thank you so much to Megan, you did an awesome job. I am so proud of them:)

Out of the Murky Water a Lotus Blossomed..

2011-01-11T16:50:00.000-05:00

After the 5th day of cleansing I decided I was nice and shiny and brought the cleanse to an end. Mostly chugging green juice on the 5th day and the morning of the day after. Then celebrating last night with amazing veggie tacos ala my hubby and a glass of red. Felt great, and one glass feels like a couple after such a thorough cleansing! Why would I go straight to the vino you might ask? Well, for one, my kids were out all day for a "snow" day (no snow) and after all of that I felt I need the fine antioxidants that a good Beaujolais can offer! Anyway, feeling great. Energetic, sassy and alert. I always love the feeling after a cleanse and stepping out into a new clean slate. Have you ever detoxed, cleansed, fasted? I am very interested in any and all experiences with this! No detail is to much for me, so please, share!

Day 4 and Zumbathon!

2011-01-09T09:25:00.000-05:00

Day 4 concluded with an amazingly fun Zumbathon for My Sister's House, a local charity for victims of domestic abuse. It was a 2 hour workout with lots of fun teachers, snacks and friends, all for a donation of $10 a piece. I took my 9 yr old daughter and we shook it like crazy. She only made it for an hour, but I was so proud. She really did a good job, and we both had a blast for a great cause. That was fine with me, since my energy was not very high at 7pm day 4 of my cleanse. Feeling light and clean, just not bursting with energy to jump around for 2 hours!

Food today:
Lots of Water
Green smoothie
Raw soup with added sea veggies
Blueberries and 1 clementine
2 b12 drinks
Raw soup (like above)
Senna Tea
Water

The Senna tea is a natural detoxifying tea and I have done it the nights of day 3 and day 4. It does cause major release of toxins if you know what I mean, so if you do drink it, make sure lots of water or coconut water are taken as well to make sure you don't get dehydrated.

Cleanse Day 3 and Pilates

2011-01-07T19:25:00.000-05:00

Checking in at the end of day 3 helps keep me accountable for my choices during the day. Today looked a lot like day 1 but with a couple of additions. Oh, and I should mention I added a green smoothie last night before Zumba and yoga to tide me over. Added to the fact that I made my kiddos banana smoothies and they were so good I added coconut water, spinach and was on my way.
Day 3
Hot green tea with lots of lemon
water
cleansing lemonade*
green smoothie (same as last night)
4 clementines
blackberries
orange b12 drink
shot of noni juice
hot simple veggie soup*
Did about 30 minutes of exercise after class this morning including jumping jacks, some dancing, crab walks, planks, shoulder presses, bicep curls, squats, jump squats and skiers. Let's just say I got sweaty and impressed my friends with all of my energy. Half from my "Motivation to Kick Ass" play list and half I am sure from my cleanse. Feeling lighter already!

Yesterday I did my first ever pilates class on the Cadillac machine (above). I have never done a session because it is just so expensive and gasp, I hate to admit this, but for the money I just rather do yoga. So, Living Social had a deal for 4 classes for $49 and I jumped on the deal. I was really excited, but wanted to try it out to see if I really liked it before investing in more sessions. Well, it turned my blah attitude about pilates around. It is very detailed, structured and a lot harder than I thought it would be. Did I mention that I was the only person who showed up and got a private with the owner? This is worth a LOT of $$ and I lucked out with my first session being private. I got a lot of special attention and on top of that got some nice assisted stretches too. SWEET. If you ever have a chance, do it!

Hope all of you have an amazing weekend! I have a ton planned and hope to fill you in on Monday (if not sooner!)

Namaste!

Post Holiday Cleanse...Inside and Out!

2011-01-06T16:29:00.001-05:00

So how many of you got a little crazy over the holidays?? Me! Me! I did! I had a blast doing it and don't feel one ounce of regret. Lots of fun food, Proseco, and very little exercise = huge need for some order around here. I am on day 2 of internal cleanse that started as a tiny idea of doing the Master Cleanse (find my other cleansing posts here) then morphed into a hybrid cleanse with the Cleanse Lemonade as well as fresh raw juices, smoothies, soups and for dinner hot veggie soup or broth. Lots of warming tea and tons of water as well. I am also doing lots of yoga and dancing and even tried my first pilates on the big machines today. So much fun, will post about that later. I am not a doctor or nutritionist so don't go out and copy that strategy all willy-nilly. I know my body and know what it needs. Right now that is NO caffeine, alcohol, sugar and I am also unclogging by leaving out grains and anything heavy for just a couple of days. Nothing crazy. I am the type of person that has to go cold turkey (tofu?) to get back on the wagon...so wish me luck. After around day 3 I plan to add in more salad and some complex carbs. Still avoiding caffeine, alcohol and sugar for up to a couple of days afterwards.
Day One looked like this.. Early morning to lunch-
                                         Cleansing Lemonade
                                          Lunch-Creamy Raw Soup
                                          Water and hot tea
                                          Dinner-Simple Veggie Soup
Day Two was more fun:    Early Morning to lunch-
                                          Cleansing Lemonade
                                          Water and Hot tea
                                           Lunch-Raw Soup
                                          Cleansing Lemonade
                                          Dinner-Simple Veggie Soup

Cleansing Lemonade (Mandy Style) I take a huge BPA free water bottle and fill with ice and water. Then juice of one whole lemon, 2 TBSP maple syrup and a dash of cayenne.
Raw Soup In the blender I put a whole avocado, handful of spinach, 1/2 cucumber, hemp seeds, lemon juice, turmeric, curry, Bragg's and nutritional yeast. Cover about 1/2 way with water and blend. Season to taste. I don't want to use salt right now so the curry really adds lots of spice. Also, garnish with cilantro.
Simple Veggie Soup In a huge pot with lots of water, add collard greens, cabbage, onion, carrot, turnips, spinach, and some sea veggies (I used wakame). Boil until soft.
Veggie Broth take some of the above after a little bit of cooking, blend and strain through a nut milk bag or fine sieve. (have been adding this to my kids food as well as a booster)

Outwardly cleansing, well, finally got the tree down and everything out in the garage. The den is back normal and all of the laundry done and put away. Next on my list is to scrub the kitchen and then on to the kids rooms. I have one large leaf bag full for the Goodwill and will start another one soon. Then maybe once that is gone, this tiny house will feel a bit larger again:)

As the cleansing is taking place, my shoulders are starting to feel lighter and my body will hopefully soon follow. I will keep you posted on my little journey to taking out the bad and letting in the good...making space and setting a perfect ground level to start adding on to for this fresh new year.

Happy New Year to All!

2011-01-04T16:48:00.000-05:00

What a great year 2010 was, and best wishes for 2011 to be even better! Our holiday was amazing and we truly celebrated all season long. Beginning with Thanksgiving my Hubby has had a good bit of time off so we have been traveling and loving every minute of it. That being said, I am looking forward to a "break" now that we are back on schedule.

Here are some photo highlights of our holidays!

Van and his cousin Levi (first meet)

Bella, Van and Lily getting ready to ski

Old Mama's First Black Diamond since High School

Van and Daddy get ready to shred!

Hung by the Chimney with Care..

Sledding at Boo and Gwimpies House

Proseco and Phish New Year's Eve with E and D

Lily Reading us 'Twas the Night Before...

Let the Games Begin!

Life Is Full Of Little Pricks

2010-12-16T07:39:00.001-05:00

The great people of Lotus Healing were so gracious to send me an amazing healing mat to test out and review. A funky little torture device of relaxation, it is fun and for me, it actually works. Based on ancient Tibetan acupuncture technique, it stimulates muscles to relax and melt. For some it is a bit intimidating, however, I love it.

I took it with me to the Yoga Loft for our book club the other day and was anxious to hear what my fellow teachers had to say about it. They did not get the full experience of course because they were in clothes, but most did not exactly feel relaxed after. I think the little prickles got to them, so relaxed they were not.

I have been in lots of trainings the last couple of weekends and along with gallons of Epsom salts have used my mat to release tense muscles. The thing I notice when I am tense, is that I massage, squeeze and even pinch myself to stimulate my nerves into relaxing. With this mat, I don't have to do that, the mat does it for me. It says in the directions to start slow with maybe a thin sheet barrier and work up to nothing and staying longer. For me, I did not need the barrier and love the feeling. Some sensitive areas are my tush and my upper neck. To remedy that, I just start lower and put the neck roll on the mat lower at the top so it is perfect position.

On the Lotus Healing Mat website there is a ton of info as well as FAQ's and one I love is about the kids. It is correct, my kids are drawn to this and use it a good deal (every time I have it out) with their clothes on. They are so into it, I have to warn them to be careful as it is not a toy and they could really hurt themselves.

One last thing, If you do get this mat, try lying it on the floor and massaging the feet on it! Amazing!

If you have any other questions that I haven't answered feel free to leave a comment! I made a little video of me getting on it the first time, but couldn't bring myself to use it, maybe I'll try again! Keep reading the info below for a promo offer of $5 off!

Bring Bliss to Your Holidays with the Lotus Healing Mat™

Ease pain, stress and muscle tension this season with proven Tibetan pressure technique
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Out of My Comfort Zone! Dancing to A New Beat...well, lot's of new beats!

2010-12-07T07:19:00.001-05:00

I have always been a huge fan of dance and have been taking Zumba, Nia and of course, Fusion for a long time now. I finally decided in order to teach it I needed some help. I wanted some sort of class to improve my self-esteem (when it comes to shaking it in front of lots of people) as well as choreography and music.
In comes the Zumba workshop that I completed this weekend with Loretta Bates. Wow! What an amazing day I had! First of all, Loretta was amazing (that's her in the front). Secondly, what a freaking workout! The instructors I have danced with before all have amazing qualities, but Loretta was just fantastic. Really making this exhausting day a ton of fun packed with lots of ideas and inspiration for all of us to take to our own future students.
I have lots of practicing to do before I step in front of a class of my own, but I am getting really excited. I have to work on my own choreography, getting comfortable with queuing and sequencing as well as my actual flair for some of the dances (was not born with Latin flair:( . I also have to learn how to transition from a calm yoga teacher to a more vibrant and motivating dance teacher. Which I have already seen happening. My yoga is getting a little more vibrant while bringing a small bit of peace to my dancing (lowering expectations, letting go of judgement and just being in the moment). Both of these disciplines complement each other so well my main objective is to bring people who would not otherwise choose yoga to trying it, as well as those non-dancers to let loose a bit and get moving!

So cheers to me for dancing out of my self-contained yoga box and doing something that scared (still scares) the hell out of me. What have you done that's scary lately???

Trying to Organize My Reading

2010-12-01T08:28:00.000-05:00

I have a very ADD reading list, if you saw the books under my nightstand, yes, UNDER, you would be shocked (or maybe see similarities???). I have no fewer than 50 books in various categories. Waiting to be read, in the process of being read, or already read but being used for reference. It is a huge pile of literary comfort to me, a huge fire hazard to my hubby.

What is Mandy reading currently? Well, I thought if by making a list I might start making some organizational sense in my own head (?)

In no certain order:
Books I am currently reading:
The China Study by T.Colin Campbell
Yogini by Shambhavi Lorain Chopra
Yoga Gems
November Yoga Journal (read Yoga's Greater Truth by Mark Singleton, it's awesome!)
Ayurvedic Healing by Dr. David Frawley

Books I am currently using for reference:
The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
Becoming Raw by Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina
Yoga The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness by Erich Shiffmann

Books on My to read list:
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Color Me Vegan by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Appetite for Reduction by Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Murder at The Bad Girl's Bar and Grill by N.M. Kelby

I have no idea if that just helped me or overwhelmed me even more. If you have any recommendations for me or comments on any of these, please share. My Amazon wish list has room for more!

There is a Goddess.

2010-11-17T08:04:00.002-05:00

"There is a goddess.

There is a goddess inside me who has nothing to prove. She does not need approval. There is no question of her worth. She is Divine.

There is a goddess within who does not seek peace. She is peace. She is the vibrant expression of everlasting joy. She is Divine.

I have an inner devi who is not afraid to die. For her there is no death. There is no fear. She is Divine.

And she is all of nature, every grand sequoia, every delicate moth. She is every snake that slithers sending shivers up my spine. She is Divine.

She is every human spirit, every woman, every man, the laughter of a baby, every heart and every hand. They are all Divine.

And she is wonder. She is life. She is heaven. She is earth.

She is all of the seasons and all of the stars. All she sees, feels, hears, and knows is love.

She is love.

Through her, there is no suffering. There is nothing to hide. And in her, there is wisdom. There is nothing but truth.

She is the constant creation of change. Her womb germinates and pullulates pure beauty as infinite potential.

She is the mystery. She is emerging and receding. She is waking and she’s dreaming.

Her vision flashes lightning and her song is the pulsing in my veins.

It is the pulsing of the tides.

She enters the party wearing the jewels of power, compassion, and insight. Her dance makes the wind blow. It makes the river flow. She is Divine.

She is a wild warrior for freedom, the sweet soft whisper of freedom, the yearning, the burning, the spontaneous recognition of Divine.

And when I celebrate, I celebrate her. And when I meditate, it is on her.

And when I breathe, it is she who breathes me; for she is me. I am Divine."

~r.r. Shakti

Wanderlust

2010-11-16T14:12:00.000-05:00

Crispy Peanut Butter Treats with Chocolate Chips

2010-11-16T11:35:00.000-05:00

Makes 9-12 squares

1 box brown rice crisps cereal

1 3/4 cups brown rice syrup

Fine sea salt

3/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter (preferably unsweetened and unsalted)

1/2 cup grain-sweetened, nondairy chocolate or carob chips

Pour the rice cereal into a large bowl. Heat the syrup with a pinch of salt in a sauce pan over low heat. When the rice syrup liquefies, add the peanut butter and stir until well combined. Pour over the rice cereal. Mix well with a wooden spoon.

Once thoroughly mixed and cooled to room temperature, stir in the chocolate chips. Make sure the mixture is cool, or you will end up with melted chocolate instead of chocolate chips in your treats.

Turn the mixture out into an 8"x8" or 9"X13" baking dish. Wet your wooden spoon lightly and press the mixture evenly into the pan. Let cool for 1 hour-if you can- before cutting into squares or bars.

Re-printed with permission from Rodale Publishing (Thanks!!!)

I used these the second time and they were delish, already a little sweetened so you don't have to use as much as the recipe (well, if you care about that kind of thing)

Sorry I didn't take one of the finished product, they did NOT last long enough!

The variations for this recipe are limitless, and I have to say that I love it with chocolate chips best! YUM

Q & A with an 8 yr old (and a great gift idea!)

2010-11-09T16:48:00.000-05:00

I was sent the SOUND ASLEEP Comfort Pillow with Built-in-Speaker to review last week and I have been having a hard time reviewing it for one reason; My daughter has commandeered it. She hooks in "her" ipod and is out like a light.

So let me back up, this is a pillow that is fluffy and comfy like all pillows but has a little cord on one side that attaches to your mp3 player and through a little speaker broadcasts your choice of music into your ear. Weird right? Well, that's why I was fine turning it over to her, I need complete silence to sleep but she has always had music playing. Her Cd player broke about a month ago, so this was perfect timing!

Me: What is so cool about this pillow?
Lily: You can listen to music on the pillow!
Me: Would you give this as a gift?
Lily: It depends on the person, and maybe.
Me: To who?
Lily: To you
Me: We discussed letting your brother have it every other night, why has that not happened?
Lily: Cause I like it very much
Me: What do you like to listen to?
Lily: The Hairspray Soundtrack and that yoga music you let me listen to the other day (She's talking about Divine Birth by Snatam Kaur that I reviewed in the last post:)
Me: What would you not like to listen to?
Lily: Songs with bad words
Me: Anything else?
Lily: It's one of the best pillows I have ever had. When I am fully asleep I hear nothing.

There ya go, the best endorsement you can get! I do have to say that while I don't like to have music going while I sleep, I do love to do savasana in bed and think this would be awesome with this pillow quietly playing Silent Moonlight Meditations...just saying. If I ever get to try, I'll let you know:)

Warning: Not for kids under 5, and finding a good place for the mp3 device is preferred. We use a pocket that is suctioned to the wall for it:)

My First Ever Music Review

2010-11-05T18:41:00.001-04:00

I was very excited to be asked to review 2 Cd's from Spirit Voyage. Divine Birth, and Silent Moonlight Meditations. The first, Divine Birth, Meditations, Shabads and Songs for your Child in Pregnancy and Life, is so beautiful...and it works! I played it for a crazy stressed 8 year old today and it calmed her so much she asked to listen to it again tonight to sleep. It is a very peaceful CD and perfect to put classes in perfect relaxation and peace. I have just the group for this one (a lunchtime in-office group in LOVE with legs-up-the-wall:) The second, Silent Moonlight Meditation is equally as relaxing and wonderful. It is by Gurunam Singh and I love his calm voice and the harmony vocals by Samrit Kaur are amazing.

Both Cd's come with full lyrics and translations of each mantra. They are also both from the Kundalini yoga tradition which is so full of nurturing and comfort, that to me it just rolls off the tongues of the artists, which makes it apparent that both were born from love and true devotion.

Aerial Yoga!

2010-11-02T16:44:00.000-04:00

"He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying" ~Nietzsche

I have always loved to swing, hang upside down and of course, stretch to my limits. How about all of this at one time, for adults, with a padded floor??? Pure Awesome-ness! This is Aerial Yoga, an amazing form of yoga developed by a yoga teacher/aerialist that combines floor exercise with the sling to maximize decompression, alignment and strength.

The slings also known as "silks" or "hammocks" are made of the same fabric used by aerialists in the circus. They are very strong and can hold upward of 1000lbs.

Some of the benefits of the slings are decompressing the body using gravity, building core strength and getting the best from each pose with proper alignment. For example, one of my favorite poses was doing Downward facing dog with the sling. Mainly because if you have ever been adjusted in this pose, with a press to the hips, you realize how great it feels. But you also realize you can't maintain that openness by yourself. In comes the sling, keeping you decompressed, you can stay like that for awhile, and really let things open up. After leaving class, I felt amazing and very loose. Day 2 my lower back was sore and day 3 it's my inner thighs, DEEP into my inner thighs. So even though my first class was getting used to the sling, and not much of a sweat inducing workout, I still worked muscles I haven't felt in a long time!

Since this was my first class I refrained from taking pictures of myself, but if you are curious, check out Jordan's website Aerial Fit HERE. I have about 4 more classes left in this series, so be patient and I will post some pics of myself in the air soon!

Happy Flying!

Musical Yoga, A Kind Recipe and Some Witch-e-ness

2010-10-28T11:32:00.000-04:00

I have been a busy gal lately and thought I would just post about a lot at once instead of splitting it all up. First off, An amazing concert by Phish...

You know it's musical yoga if you look around and thousands of people are moving and smiling. The HAPPIEST mass group I have been around in about 14 years. Yes, that was my last Phish show...14 years ago! (I was 10, haha) What a great night spent with amazing people.

Next up, Whole Wheat biscuits from The Kind Diet, by Alicia Silverstone.

If you like biscuits, than these are a great alternative to the white flour laden store bought variety. I love to have a soysage biscuit on the weekends as a special treat,and was very pleased with these. They are also good with some vegan butter and homemade jam (kind of like a scone).

YUM!!! I also added some grainy mustard and a slice of tomato. If you don't have this book yet, you need to get it! I have tried the Peanut Butter Crispy Treats and the Kabocha Squash and Black Bean Stew as well, and they are all winners. Will get pics of the treats on Sunday, because I plan on taking them to a Halloween party.

Last, here is some major Witch-e-ness that I am not apologizing for...

This was in preparation for the kid's first big Halloween party, which included lots of dance contests, pin the something on the pumpkin, and lots of sweets (no comment:)

Hope you all have a great and safe Halloween.

Kicking and Screaming

2010-10-20T07:05:00.000-04:00

When you meditate, do you ease right in or go in kicking and screaming? Maybe on different days it changes like the wind. Some days it is very ease-ful and others, not so much. I have this thing I refer to as the "Wormhole". If my brain gets away from me and I need to focus I imagine a wormhole, kind of like a big slide that I take my gaze. Then I can begin to let the brain relax and slide down. Some days, however, my virtual legs and hands pop out like a 5-pointed-star and prevent me from sliding. They just stay right there with the hooks in so no progress can be made. When this happened the other day, The first thought I had was Kicking and Screaming.

Then that led me to thinking of how this is such a metaphor for all of the things going on in my life. I don't know why it has been so prevalent recently, but I have been putting my own hooks in and not letting go. I am so naturally not like that, I am normally (?) a LOT more passive and a LOT more laid back. Where is this fighting coming from? I had kind of decided it was coming from inside and around me. I have had such inner struggle as of late that it is starting to seep out. I was just reading a book last night that suggested we take so much of our struggles and make them about ourselves and forget all about outside influences. Influences in the way of relationships, change, seasons, traumatic experiences etc. Once I read that I felt a sudden relaxation of my "hold", it made me start to feel better that it might not all be what I was thinking was all ME.

A friend told me about a new magnet she just got, It says "Let Go, or Be Dragged". I love this and need to make it my new mantra. Let go, and give up the constant struggle. My very own bumper sticker says "Struggle Less, Soar More"...see, I know what I need to do, it's just hard to step back and take your own advice sometimes.

No Stamina for Repetition

2010-10-12T12:18:00.000-04:00

This is what my meditation today after 2 1/2 hours of yoga...I have NO STAMINA FOR REPETITION. Let me explain, if I go somewhere one way, I have to go another route home. Yes, it's that bad. I don't like to say things more than twice if I can help it, and if I have to, I will put it 100 different ways before repeating the exact same sentence.

So in comes class this morning with a very wonderful and beautiful friend and teacher Marlene C. that I haven't seen in years. She started with an amazing warm up sequence that was very flowy, Shiva Rea-ish and moved onto lots of Kundalini style breath work. This in the way of moving from Downward Facing Dog to Plank with the breath. Inhale...plank...exhale...dog and back and forth forcefully and fast 21 times! Afterwards we went into child's pose and rested. I was thinking...Wowsers that was hard, and no sooner did I think that we were up again for a second round. My shoulders are going to be SOOO sore tomorrow. We didn't stop there either, lots of ab work by moving the leg up into 3 legged dog and into the opposite elbow, lots of sets and lots of reps.

I do all of these poses very consistently in my classes and practice, however, never with such gusto and stamina. I just have a hard time making my classes do another set of something when we could be moving onto something new. This is a weakness of mine that I really need to address, and class this morning was perfect for waking me up to that. STOP RUNNING MANDY!!! Be content and enjoy...

Which leads me to class #2, in thinking about my stamina and how to improve upon it, I stayed for the class right after the 8:00. Which was just a wonderful compliment to class #1, and my lovely friend/owner of The Yoga Loft, Darcy, taught. She went for a more Yin approach today which is lots of long holds and building of strength and stamina inside as well as out. By the end I was desperate for savasanna (final relaxation).

It is so easy as a teacher to get stuck in the all teaching no taking rut, and this is why it is so important to branch out and take classes. You get a great read into yourself, finding things that you have been avoiding, or other issues that need to be addressed. Not to mention the inspiration that comes from taking classes from your peers that let you tap into their knowledge and training.

My goals for building stamina and embracing repetition are going to be as follows...
1. SLOW DOWN!
2. RE-VISIT POSES AGAIN AND AGAIN IN THE SAME CLASS/PRACTICE
3. ADD EXTRA TIME TO PERSONAL PRACTICE
4. USE THE ABOVE ON AND OFF THE MAT

Do you have a hard time with repetition or stamina? Let me know what's up with you and how you like it! I think this is the main reason that practices like Bikram Yoga and the Ashtanga Primary Series will never be my first loves when it comes to yoga. However, I know that these are huge challenges to me for a reason and ignoring it won't help...WHAT YOU RESISTS PERSISTS!

Big Girl Mac and Chreese, The Kind Diet and My New Toy!

2010-10-07T14:26:00.000-04:00

I made the most yummy lunch today out of a box of a box of Road's End Organics Organic Mac & Chreese Alfredo style pasta. I was a little skeptical of how it would taste, but once I doctored it up it was amazing. I can't wait to have part II for dinner!

I made the box by the directions given and used almond milk for the milk requirement. At the same time the noodles were cooking I sauteed spinach in garlic oil. Then added diced tomatoes, a little salt and pepper and some hot pepper flakes. When the spinach was wilted I threw in some diced black olives and fresh basil. As this was coming along I was looking in the fridge for anything else to plop in and found some Soyrizo and decided to saute that and add it as well. This was the most amazing sauce! Once the noodles were done and the seasoning chreese package mixed in I put it all together. WOW. I feel amazing, it was so yummy but healthy and filling too.

While eating I was reading The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone and let me tell you, I love this book. Her voice it so calm, intellectual and entertaining it just flows by. I would recommend it to anyone "flirting" with giving up meat and dairy. If you have read Skinny Bitch, this is the opposite in tone, but with the same message.

The recipes are also very comprehensive all the way from simple treats like apricots dipped in chocolate to more complicated recipes from the likes of Candle Cafe. I am excited to try them out soon, so I will let you know how it goes! I think number one might be Crispy Peanut Butter Treats with Chocolate Chips, and just in time for Thanksgiving and Fall is Thanksgiving Tofu and Cornbread.

Any book with a focus on good clean eating by way of fresh veggies, fruits, whole grains and nuts has my vote. Alicia really takes it one step farther by adding in her own opinions, experiences and choices which leads the book in a cheerful direction. Proof positive of how invigorating and light giving this way of eating works.

On another note, in the quest for constant change in my exercise routine, I bought a bike! I am really excited about it because every time I tool around my neighborhood in the car I think about how I could be walking or riding. My goal is to ride it to the school when I volunteer and to progressively get farther out each time. What started as a quest for the perfect beach cruiser ended today in a used mountain bike. I think that it will be more versatile and that if I want to get even more serious I can take it to ride the bridge and the beach. We'll see.... So far I road it home from the auto repair shop where my car is getting fixed. Fun times!

Wish me luck!

Pictures of My Trip...and a Smile

2010-10-02T22:45:00.000-04:00

Thanks for letting me air my tension yesterday. I didn't want to go into detail, just was expressing my frustrations which I rarely do on my blog. I agree with Geisha Girl's comment..Always best to be direct and forward.

On a lighter note, some beautiful photos of Destin and my Bro's new apartment.

My amazing Baby Brother letting me know how he feels about me photographing him....

Veuve cheers (after moving ALL Day) in the childhood Dukes of Hazard mugs...

The new Steamer "Titanic" chairs on the porch

Still working on an update to the question of how to stand up for yourself and not be viewed as crazy, ungrateful or as a bitch. Love that in most of my reading...the answer lies with Patanjali and the yoga sutras...when dealing with someone(s) that are difficult or negative...just disregard. Which is probably what I should have done from the get go, and not let my emotions take over.

Live and learn...what a constant practice this LIFE journey is! Keep Smiling!

How to NOT look like an Ungrateful Bitch While Standing up For Yourself.

2010-10-01T13:23:00.000-04:00

By the very emotional title of this post, which is a little more aggressive than I usually am...you can probably tell I'm a little on a tangent right now. How does one stand up for themselves without coming off looking like a totally ungrateful bitch? If you came here for the answer, sorry...I really was looking for you guys to answer me on this one.

I am about to head back to Charleston after a week in Destin, Florida helping my brother move. While here I have had to deal long-distance with my hubby which is just never easy. Talk about LOST in translation! Just very ready to get home and do some face-to-face time.

Thank you to my hubby and Mother-in-Law for everything you did this past week filling in for me, and please, just accept a NO from me sometimes and let that be that. I do it for you guys...

Peace, Love and ACCEPTANCE.

and seriously, any tips???

Owning It

2010-09-10T08:28:00.000-04:00

Last night while teaching, I overheard the movie from the cardio theater next door. It was Wolverine, of which I am a huge fan. It was funny how tuned in I was to that noise after telling my class to let go of distraction and work on focusing inward. But, like I said, I LOVE the X-men and Wolverine so I guess that is why I picked up on it.

It really got me thinking about how we all have power within us and how we choose to use it, if at all. How some of us walk around all of our lives without knowing the pure light and power that we hold. A joke for my husband and I is to tell the kids (especially super hero obsessed Van) to use their power for good and not evil. But if you really get down to it, it is true. We all have it, it's just what and how we decide to show it to others.

The first step to owning your power is to give into powerlessness, and maybe that is why some never realize their true power. Because, to really own your own power you have to first accept the things you have no control over. That Buddhist idea of letting go, non-attachment. Not grasping to an idea of yourself so hard that your knuckles turn white. Things I will never be; a math person, a supermodel, highly energetic, a runner. I will never be able to change people, or always solve their problems. I will never be able to control others behavior or their minds. And all of that is OKAY. Once you release those things from your thinking, your shoulders start to relax.

Sometimes we feel powerless and that is scary. We feel or believe that there is no hope to a situation, or take on way to many negative feelings. These things weigh us down, and are like carrying around a bag full of rocks for no reason. Why?? Because we are scared of feeling guilty or powerless. The truth is though, once you set that heavy bag of rocks down and walk away, you start to feel lighter. You start to walk taller and you start to show your own power. You start to OWN your power.

A mantra that I love is from the book The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie and it says "Today, I will remember that I can take care of myself. I have choices, and I can exercise the options I choose without guilt". We all were born with power and the right to take care of ourselves in any way we see fit. Release the guilt (that is to widely a misused emotion).

Do you feel lighter yet?

If you need a little more help letting go to regain your power, meditate. Sit comfortably. Come into a deep yogic breath in through the nose and out through the nose. Take the breath in deep to the base of the belly and up into the lungs lifting the chest. Let it out slow and complete. Close the eyes and continue. You can say a mantra that resonates with you or use the quote above. Try to do this for a couple of minutes or until you start to breathe easier. The lighter the burden of guilt on you, the hopeless feelings of powerlessness, the easier to take the next breath.

When you are finished, walk taller, lighter with your feeling of power, freedom and liberation from all that does NOT serve you. Find your Moksha, open your heart and start to shine out. Then with all of that light shining from you, go into the world and use your new found power for good and not for evil.

Everyone is a Winner....Especially.....

2010-08-31T10:13:00.000-04:00

Grace from Front Porch Yoga!!! Grace, you won the amazing little yoga book that could..."27 Things To Know About Yoga" by Victoria Klein. Congrats!!!!

Teachers Meeting, Cleaning and Zumba

2010-08-25T20:23:00.000-04:00

Do you remember how when you were in school Teachers had meetings ALL the time, and dreaded them so bad (maybe it's just me since my mom was a teacher) ? Well, on Monday after a wonderful 1 hour Anusara -inspired class we had a great little Kula (community) meeting. It was so awesome to be included in this group of Anusara-inspirees, very cool to sit and chat about teaching in a non-pressured environment. We discussed pinnacle poses and how to wrap the class around it, what poses to add and to use to prep. I loved every minute of this "think tank" of yoga teachers and teacher wanna bees. I have never really had a chance to be part of a group outside of a teacher training or workshop so it was extra nice to just talk (and talk and talk...you know that about me;). I hated having to leave and can't wait for the next one! What better way to share info (we can't all do every workshop) and meet like-minded people. Ahhhhh.

Next up, Cleaning, and if you've ever read my blog before you know it is not one of my favorite things. When my wonderful, angel-like friend Mia expressed interest in helping me I was skeptical of making someone else (outside the fam) help me with such a crappy task. After much tug-o-war ending in her enthusiasm and crazy talk about it being therapy for her, I finally gave in. Today was the day, and after being in my bathroom (which is TINY) for 3 hours I was in shock that she still had stuff to do. She was tooth brushing the grout on the floor and the walls. It has hit me how terrible of a cleaner that I am. Yes, I knew already, but didn't think it was THAT bad. She proceeded to the main room, base-boards (they were white????) floor and fan blades. Whoosh, that was just today. All I can think is that if it took so long to do the bathroom, the kitchen is going to take about 12 hours, cause you know how much I use that!! My job was to throw out/organize and really clean Van's room, which took me the whole time. I went out and did a drop off at the Goodwill and bought some organizers for his closet. All said and done, I feel amazing and can't wait to start tomorrow. I jokingly call this the Mia diet, non-stop cleaning (soooo tired). I hope you are all lucky enough to have a friend like Mia!!!!

Did my 2nd Zumba class the other night with 30 other ladies and LOVED it. I liked it the first time, but this was full of energy, the teacher truly LOVED to dance and the music was awesome. I highly recommend this form of ~~fun~~ workout! Felt like I was down at Carnival!!! Woot Woot.

Do you have a regular group or meet up with like-minded folks?? Are you cleaners or not so much? Have you found a form of exercise that is so much fun you forget about the work part??

My First Bikram Yoga Class (It's Hot)

2010-08-17T16:27:00.000-04:00

This morning was the first in a series of 10 Bikram yoga classes for me. I have done hot yoga in the past and always loved it (the heat mostly) and was excited when this 10 classes for $35 deal came out on http://www.groupon.com/ (they also do a new student 7 classes for $25). I think the thing that has always kept me away from Bikram yoga is that I don't enjoy doing the same thing over and over. I mean the SAME exact poses in the same order every time you go. Just reminds me of one of those choreographed gym yoga classes that don't vary.

I feel very split in two about how to go about reviewing the class. Half of me loved it, from a workout perspective, it just doesn't get any better than that. The other half, the yoga teacher part of me just finds a little lacking in the yoga department FOR ME (so if you love it, don't hate me).

Workout half of me thinks that I never feel better than ever after a great sweat session, and this is definitely that! I love the athleticism of the other students, I love the heat, I even like the poses and the sequence. I also enjoy that Bikram yoga brings normally type-A peeps to yoga and keeps them occupied with it's consistency, predictability and competitiveness.

Yoga teacher half of me thinks that in a class like this there is so much competitiveness with each other (you tube it if you don't believe me) and with the self, it is hard to be quiet and in the moment. The thing I love so much about my style is that it is heart-opening, loving, freeing and there is a LOT of room to move, grow, create and just be with the self. Which just that description alone would have my type-A friends running (love you guys). I love to vary my routines, tie in themes, and my life experiences as well as throwing in new and exciting poses, sequences etc. I also love a good savasana (corpse pose) and as there are tiny little ones in Bikram, and they encourage you to take your time getting up at the end of class, there was not much in the way of relaxation or meditation. But, and this is huge, at the end of class the teacher handed out a freezing cold wash cloth with mint oil on it. That alone is worth a trip back (see how easy I am?)!

So, as my series grows and I get more comfortable with it, I am very curious to see the changes that will take place. Who knows, maybe my meditation (at home) will get stronger, maybe I will be a nicer driver and maybe, just maybe my arms won't be so flabby. I will post again after my 10th class and let you guys know how it goes. Wish me luck.

Have YOU ever done a Bikram Yoga Class? Thoughts?

A Weekend Workshop and The Next Phase of My Life (come give me some ideas PLEASE!)

2010-08-16T09:13:00.000-04:00

I feel like I have been apologizing all Summer for not blogging enough for one reason or another. My latest reason though, is because my computer has been funky and I have been scared to death that I was going to loose all of my pictures and music.

But, My honey finally went out and bought an external bla bla bla and backed everything up. So HOPEFULLY I am now back in business.

Yesterday, I attended 2 great "Playshops" with Anusara teacher Cat McCarthy at Spirit Moves. Here is the description;

Life happens, and how we choose to coalesce with that flow all starts with our attitude. When we wade in the pool of our heart, it's easier to step into the fluidity of life.

Anusara Yoga is an elegant and transformational style of hatha yoga in which the artistic expression of the human heart blends harmoniously with the scientifc principles of body biomechanics.

This weekend workshop will provide a solid foundation upon which to playfully explore your yoga practice, combining skillful technique with an optimal outlook. In a potpourri of asana, Cat will guide us through Anusara's Universal Principles of Alignment to find more fluency of body, mind and spirit.

My friend and yoga Cohort from Anusara Immersion and Teacher Training, Shannon, just happened to show up and fill the space beside me!

Doesn't that sound lovely?? It was, and I left feeling so open and ready to be receptive to this new phase of my life. What new phase do you ask?? My kids, BOTH of my kids, START SCHOOL TOMORROW!!! Arg, what am I going to do with my life?? Well, that is what I have been asking myself all Summer, and been trying to ignore it. Will get back to you on that...but, in the short term I plan to; A. Deep Clean my house B. Detox C. Hot yoga EVERY DAY D. Have some girl time not necessarily in that order.

While just floating around the web today, don't forget to join my contest here, by commenting or following. It's a great book, and come on, all you have to do is leave me a little comment:)

And, if you have even more time, leave me a comment today and give some idea about what to do with myself after my kids go to school. What do ya'll do?? (if you answer work, yes, I know people do that, but ugh, be more creative...haha)

I will leave you with a wonderful yoga thought. Anusara means to flow with grace, but literally translated it means Anu- individual and Sara- essence...so go out today and flow with your individual essence. Doesn't that sound nice, ride the flow of yourself (kinda like the lazy river, well, that's myself...what's yours?)

Book Review "27 Things To Know About Yoga"

2010-08-09T17:10:00.001-04:00

I just finished the book "27 Things to Know About Yoga" by Victoria Klein, what a great little resource! It is a fast easy read, and a nice little book to compliment your collection. If you know NOTHING about yoga, this is a great step-by-step guide to everything you need to know, and fast. If you know A LOT about yoga already it is a great book to carry around for little tidbits, and it is the perfect size to stick in your purse or mat bag. It is part of the "Good things to Know" series that includes other titles such as "27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home", "12 Things to Do to Quit Smoking" and "21 Things to Create a Better Life' to name a few.

I am very impressed with the organization of this book and the amount of information packed in. I really don't think that Ms. Klein forgot anything. If you know someone that wants to get into yoga and just has no idea where to begin, this would be a great gift along with a mat.

Starting by defining yoga, then running through Sanskrit words, safety, supplies, manners, then moving into the 8 limbs of yoga (which is a nice reference for even seasoned yogis). The book ends with the benefits and reasons of savasana, and a great list of books to use to further your yoga knowledge. (With Dr. David Frawley (read about my time with him here) at the top of the list!)

This is definitely not the only content in the book, just a sample for you to get an idea of the comprehensive-ness of it. The very best part is...I HAVE ONE TO GIVE AWAY! To win a copy for yourself, 3 WAYS...
1. COMMENT ON MY BLOG (one for each thing you do)
2. FOLLOW MY BLOG (IF YOU AREN'T YET!)
3. GO CHECK OUT VICTORIA KLEIN'S GREAT SITE HERE AND FOLLOW HER TOO!

I am going to open this one up until August the 29th at MIDNIGHT. So tell your friends...believe me, it's a great gift! I will also be a stop on Ms. Klein's Blog Book tour soon, so watch out for that as well!

Vacation's Over...(come see the pics!)

2010-08-03T10:24:00.001-04:00

With Van (notice all my sun gear:)

Just got home from a week over on Edisto Island (see last years pics here and here) and in need of a vacation from my vacation.

Boo! (my Mom)

Edisto Marina

My Brother "Uncle Choo", Van and Daddy A

Van and Baby

Our Transport for Next Year...

Lily and Van

The Angel Oak

The White building was at the Charleston Tea Plantation, and the Pomegranate was out at Rosebank Farms. What an amazing trip, and this is only half of it! Glad to be home though, and have some exciting posts coming up soon.

And The Winner Is....

2010-07-24T10:30:00.001-04:00

My random name picker Lily

Tyra!!!! Congrats!!!!
Tyra from Domestic Darma (please check it out, what a great blog!) will be getting some Ulitima Replensiher to fill all of her electrolyte needs. Lucky girl Tyrah, I love mine and use it often, especially when traveling or when making smoothies and green juices aren't an option. I hope you love it as much as I do, and feel free to write me an email letting me know your thoughts. I hope everyone (even you losers:) have a great weekend.

Yoga Props (not the kind you think:)

2010-07-21T17:53:00.000-04:00

I was just notified the other day by email about winning a "Top 45 Yoga Blog" award (check out the new cute badge on the right) and really wanted to share the link because of all the great blogs on there. If you are like me, then you are always looking to expand your reading to new and interesting blogs. This is a great list, if you are on there...Yoga Props to you, and if your blog is not on there, it should be...We are a great lot of talent us yoga bloggers! Click here "Top 45 Yoga Blogs"

And don't forget to comment on my previous post (up to 3 times) to win some Ultima Replenisher!

Hey Little Kid, Want Some Candy???

2010-07-19T14:10:00.001-04:00

(grape is my favorite:)

Well, it's not exactly candy...but for those of you who read my blog about Ultima Replenisher surely remember me saying how good it is. If you missed, check it out here or just trust me. This stuff is a great natural electrolyte drink powder that is stellar in replenishing lost vital vitamins and nutrients during your workout, hot day or after a long night.

Thanks to Lauren, we are giving away a bit to a lucky reader. I am going to make it super simple, leave a comment and you are entered. Up to 3 entries/comments per person. A randomly selected reader will be awarded and your surprise will be shipped directly to you. You have until Friday July 23 to enter, please comment and let your other bloggy friends know as well! Good Luck.

And please, if you have extra time, go check out my creative projects from the week on my art blog The Charles Wright Project

A Personal Account of My Largest Organ.

2010-07-17T16:02:00.000-04:00

This post has nothing to do with yoga, eating, recipes, art or good books. It is a little more personal, well a lot more personal. It has to do with my biggest organ, my skin. One that I have been very conscious of protecting ever since the high school days of "laying out" (in my case freckle collecting). Living at the beach for the last 15 years has really forced me to protect my skin in a very diligent way.

Living in St. Thomas, USVI forced me to go even further regulating sun to 2 hours at a time, sun-shirts, 50+ SPF, hats and lots of shade. All of this still resulting in very infrequent burns (mostly in small areas close to clothes lines) and of course more freckles.

It took a friend of mine showing me her melanoma scar to get me to the dermatologist office and finally get a VERY thorough inspection of my every dot (which I thought would take HOURS). While I checked out better than I thought I would, I do have to get one little mole scraped (sounds horrible right?) at the beginning of August.

Once I got all of that out of the way we had to get down to some serious stuff...my fine lines, haha. Which she told me were not bad for my age (thanks to the hats and sunglasses) and my face and chest were better than she thought they would be. Then moving to the shoulders, she informed me that was where most of the worst damage is. She pointed to the white skin under my arm and said that is the color I should be. And said that if I was out of the sun permanently the freckles would fade (but who can do that? I have kids! can't keep us all in a bubble!) I was a little surprised, and told her that it was all with wearing the sunscreen. So the next step, cover it up. Now I am looking into shirts with long sleeves and SPF in them. Because, long sleeves alone is not enough. They only provide about 3 SPF. (picture me at the beach the other day with SPF, long sleeves, hat, shades and half the time under an umbrella and STILL getting burnt on the neck:(

My point by this whole post? If you are doing some, it is probably still not enough. Point number 2, even if you get a beautiful tan, your face will age prematurely and you can still get melanoma. Point 3, the best sun protection? Abstinence...which is no fun, so if you are going to do it, be safe:)

I wish you could see this better, the book is "A Raisin in the Sun" no kidding, and no staging. This lady was beside me out at the pool the other day.

Another thing I learned and this might be TMI, but I wish I had known sooner...If you have seborrheic dermatitis (AKA itchy itchy scalp syndrome), a tar shampoo such as T-gel works but must be left on for 10 minutes a couple of times a week. This was a revelation, and while I gave up all chemicals trying to relieve my constant and sometimes horrible, I'm talking HORRIBLE itching, this is WORKING!!!! So while a 10 minute shower is really pushing it for a water conservator, and using such a product not my first choice (if you know of a natural one that works please feel free to share) I am so happy to not be going all meth addict on my scalp anymore:)

Finding Shiva

2010-07-12T14:51:00.000-04:00

I have taught a Shiva/Moon based class the last 2 days and really wanted to share the main premise of it with you. It is a very calming yin class that is very subtle in it's "work". I love the feeling of the fluid armit (sweet nectar of life) throughout my body after such a class.

The focus of the lunar class is to rejuvenate and restore, which makes it perfect to do once a month. Especially for Vata doshas and Type A personalities. Being that these folks are more about burning, burning, burning and never building, it is an amazing practice to start to restore and renew.

For us non-type A's and of other doshas...it is still a very amazing class that teaches us the importance of relaxation (which Kapha's have down pat) and also helps alleviate depression. That is valuable to all walks of life. Depression is very easy to experience this day and age because it is caused by loss of a stimulus. What stimulus do you ask? It could be your friends don't want to come out and play, there is nothing on TV, you finished your book, have nothing to clean, etc. etc. When all of the GO, GO, GO has been taken away we experience what we have as a society diagnosed as depression.

To deal with this, we learn to sit. Meditating on the Breath of Shiva, the OM Hum (ham) mantra, cooling breaths like a sitili breath, chandra namaskar or moon salutes, hip openers any restorative poses (especially with a bolster). One of my favorite ways to calm the crazy water of life is the visualization of a calm cool lake. Each thought you have is like a pebble interrupting the calm. You may have a good bit of rings caused by these interruptions at first, but as you start to pay attention they become fewer....and farther between. Until all that is left is a cool calm lake, smooth and unscathed.

Doing this will help to establish the grace that flows through the body, rejuvenate the subtle body, and make space for all other efforts to alight.

For more info about the Sitali breath click here ( I really love this graphic and description:)
To find your dosha (ayruvedic constitution) and learn more click here
How to do a Chandra Namaskar

Ultima Replenisher

2010-07-08T14:02:00.000-04:00

Lauren over at Ultima Replenisher sent me some amazing samples the other day of their "balanced electrolyte drink". If you are like me, sometimes water just doesn't do the trick. I don't like the choices of electrolyte drinks that are available at the gas stations and grocery stores because most are just sugar, salt and water. Not to mention the other mystery ingredients (seriously, some of those colors????).

Ultima Replenisher comes in flavors such as grape, wild raspberry, orange, and lemonade. The samples that I received came in a .15 oz packet and I LOVE that because I can just carry them around in my purse and add to water wherever I go. I can't really tell which is my favorite flavor, because they are all very good. Some other good things about them are there are No artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners, they are gluten free, vegan, 100% non-GMO, No MSG and No caffeine. With only 10 calories what more could you ask for? Hands down beats the super market electrolyte drink choices.

To find out more about the nutritional info (there's lots of vitamins and minerals) check out the link here; Ultima Replenisher . Please let me know what you think or feel free to ask questions. I am hoping that soon we can offer a give-away offering this awesome drink add-in!

What's Up?

2010-07-07T19:22:00.000-04:00

Thanks for being so patient with me. I have been offline for a week or so having cancelled my wireless air card and finally getting some cable. Now, I can write and publish faster, so I am excited about that!

The Summer has flown by super fast, and I have been very busy. My goal is to start posting more now, starting with a review of a great new product tomorrow.

Have a great night,
Mandy

Lots Of Creation Going On...(sounds dirty right??)

2010-06-28T15:20:00.000-04:00

While at the Ashram my creative juices were unleashed and I have been working on millions of projects all at once. I had a great idea to start recycling fabric and making bags to paint on. Being that I am so obsessed with bags I thought this would be a fun free way to add to my collection! What I didn't realize was how much WORK it would be! I am one and a half bags into it, and my kitchen is a sewing studio, but I am having fun. My usual MO is to have lots of ideas, get just a little way through them and then halt. My NEW MO is to breathe, create and realize that Rome was not built in a day. It does NOT have to all get done NOW (even though having my kitchen back would be nice:)

First up, bag #1...I went to this site...Tiny Happy and found that great shoulder bag tutorial that I did not follow perfectly...but if you've ever read this blog....ya know.

I think it turned out pretty cute! I tried to match the paint on the outside with the interior fabric. I also sewed on the two charms for added bling. They are cool and say things like "loyalty, grace, unity, trust, courage, charity, passion, joy...etc." Excuse the pic of me...child taken, and shortly after awakening...

Bag # 2 is a free flow design that is still awaiting a handle and some paint. It is going to be more of an over the shoulder bag with a long handle.

The long bag with the nice khaki interior...lining from the skirt I used to line bag #1. Got said skirt at the Thrift Store and Daughter said...."I hope you are not wearing that"...she is 8!

Will post some pics when done...cross fingers :)

Next was breakfast this morning...AMAZING Vegan Chocolate Muffins

YUMMINESS!

The RECIPE...

1 cup wheat flour

1 cup white flour

1 cup sugar

1 cup stevia

2/3 cup cocoa

1 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

2 t vanilla

1 T apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup apple sauce

1/2 cup raw vegan choc pudding *

1/2 cup water

1 t cin

Mix all dry stuff in a bowl, make a well in the middle. Add liquid stuff and stir. If a little more water is needed add it in slowly...but don't over stir. Fill in sprayed or lined muffin tins. Bake on 375 F for about 20 minutes.

* Raw vegan choc pudding...a couple very ripe avocados, agave, vanilla and cocoa blended until it tastes delish. You could use reg choc pudding or just use a whole cup of water instead of 1/2.

It just makes even moister.

Last up, I harvested this big boy, the best

Creation has to offer!

YUM

(lots of compost, good soil and sunshine:)

2010-06-24T15:00:00.000-04:00

I have stopped entering contests online mostly because A. It takes to long and B. I never win. I know, that sounds super negative, but since it takes up time AND I never seem to win anything, I just figure other uses of my time are more lucrative. So, that being said, I never really promote other contests...BUT, I got an email the other day with this one that sounds like a winner. AND it's easy to sign up for, the more people you ~~pimp out~~ generously alert to the contest the more entries you get. What's the prize you may ask? A trip to Squaw Valley in Callie for Wanderlust Music and Yoga Fest...couldn't get much sweeter than that. It is through Free People an amazing retailer and a great blog. Click here to enter...good luck.

5 Days at the Ashram

2010-06-23T00:28:00.000-04:00

Instead of trying to put my last week into words that are slow to come, I am going to open my journal for your viewing pleasure. I got home Sunday night and have just not been able to express how amazing my time was and how inspired and energized I am. So, please don't judge this for grammar or any technical stuff...blame it on the bliss....

June 16.
What does your yoga look like?

June 17.
Surrender and let go- Pratayhara Practice....How's it going on day 2? I was really able to let go today better than last night. Yesterday's practiced found me very tense and my neck was in knots, probably from the drive (8 hrs)- This started a major headache that I believed would be alleviated through some strong breath work and asana, however 2 hours later my head was still pounding. This morning I woke up fresh and happy. What a great sleep, We had no power and it was just sooooo quiet. Almost to quiet, don't worry, this did NOT keep me awake! This morning practice was amazing and I thought I was sweating yesterday! Today I had to shower and change before breakfast, 2 showers before 12, must be a record. We did some amazing asana that incorporated lots of pranayama and my belly is feeling weird hours later. Think I got some stuff really internally moving- emotionally as well as physically. Breakfast was banana and kiwi w/ soy yogurt, sunflower seeds and a scoop of PB...Yum...In the discussion this morning we talked about our doshas-their main attributes and how to balance and sense imbalance. Very informative. Pranayama= #1 internal medicine. Now realizing if that's the case I seriously don't do enough. At tonight's talk we went into some specifics about creating wellness in the body through yoga and asanas. With Mas we started using asana to cool excess pitta-breath w/movement lacing hands together, pushing in and up on the inhale (to bra line) exhale push, palms facing out, to straight arms, extending up on inhale back forward exhale, inhale in to chest, repeat. We also did nadi sudi with raised arms standing and switching, felt really great and cooling to the head. In meditation we did om inhale krim (kreem) exhale and eventually went inward with it- Great! Oh, and during meditation I remembered my dream of leaving my hubby for Rob P..who was very into my listening skills. (guess I was mentally detoxing my cluttered head of young 20 somethings) haha.

June 18.
This morning we did an amazing asana practice. Mostly the moving practices include kapha (excess) poses to wake up slow kaphas and get them sweating and actively motivated. It really worked for me! Yesterday I was sweating buckets, today still dripping but not as embarrassingly. I wore my be present pants so maybe that's the main diff considering they wick away moisture and dry quick (love love)
Lots of kappalabhati today getting faster -added in some warrior 2's as well as extended side angles and warrior 3's. (love to hate) especially since my tush and hips were sore. Now I'm outside in the beautiful sunlight with a nice breeze, writing, following my great break outside as well. Things I want to do more often....Walking on small pebbles, taking care of my hubby....NURTURE.

Friday (18th) Night.
We had a great spaghetti dinner and then at 7:45 met upstairs and before our talk about relationships then moved up to Kalish, the Natajhara Temple and watched the sun set. It was amazing! We then did some mantra to the Goddess and also to Venus which was shining out so bright. We could see Saturn above the Moon as well as Venus, Mars and the North Star. It was beautiful. Oh how I miss my Starry Nights over the Carib....La Sigh.... But if I was there, I would not be here. Lots to learn. PS...abs sore from yest. (the planks with breath work) I dreamt about St.Thomas and Dixie and Atlas

Ask of your Mother Goddess as a child asks of their Mother, keep pestering her and she is bound to give in at some point!

June 19.
Morning Asana- how awesome with such simple movements- Surya Namaskar adding in pyramid with bind to straight let-lots of over head stretching- vinyasa sequence of dancer from side to side- standing head to knee- to tree- lots on kapha, waking it up and motivating.

After the morning lecture I walked down to the Lotus Temple after realizing for some reason the Laughter yoga (which I was excited to try) was cancelled. What a beautiful and silent walk. While there, I got a Hanuman magnet and some note cards. I want to write Shambhavi a thank you note. Her grace has been just mind blowingly life changing for me. I can't wait to read her book. Went to the tea shop after lunch, big bust, teasing me with Green and Blacks Choccie but not taking debit cards. Resting now for this afternoons program. Went to Kalish to hang out, Great nap and program, wonderful dinner, the BEST cauliflower EVER...Nootch...and brown rice. Satsang was fun with upbeat Kirtan- with even some Oh La Ga Ga Ga added in and then had a DVD with Swami Satchidananda speaking. One question was how to raise your kids, and he spoke about setting good examples for your kids. They might not be ready to listen to you, but they are always watching. He is so fun to listen to, and funny! The question was written something like "How do you raise your kids in the world today?" and he responded "Where else would you raise them?".
Dr. Frawley spoke again and really reiterated the point of pranayama being the best internal medicine. Tomorrow is the last day here, and I am exhausted. Inspired, exhausted and inspired. Ready to leave, but not....

June 20
What a great time...Leaving I had the horrible feeling I was forgetting something. Went through my whole check list, camera, phone, wallet, keys, toothbrush....Finally realizing about an hour out that the thing I forgot was a little piece of myself. 6 years was to long an absence, it will not be that long before I return again!

Reading: Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide by Dr. David Frawley

To Catch You Up...

2010-06-12T20:08:00.000-04:00

My life has been very crazy this week. Starting with what I thought would be a "calming" Monday to relax us after the weekend...led to a heartbreaking Tuesday....a very sore and sad Wednesday and on to a very busy and eventful weekend. I was trying to keep the kids and myself busy so that we wouldn't sit around and think of how much we are missing Dixie. So, we have been to the Summer Movies, the Water Park, the Pool, Friend's Homes, as well as dining out and even a couple of free nights for myself.

Next week I am leaving on Wed. morning to travel up to the Satchidananda Ashram in Buckingham, VA to attend a Yoga and Ayurveda workshop for 5 days. I am so excited, and believe that the Universe knew a month ago, when this opportunity arose, that it was perfect timing for me to find it. I am in desperate need of some serious alone time, meditation, healing, education and of course lots of yoga.

I apologize that I have not been posting that much and fear it will get even more sparse over the Summer as our activities continue to grow (as well as my exhaustion). I am looking forward to posting all about my trip as well as the awesome inspiration that will come from it. (hello landscapes....)

Some other personal things that I have been up to:
Reading Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff, a fascinating journey of yoga through the body.
Creating new classes and class ideas
Sketching and drawing (pun intended) inspiration from human life (see HERE)
Finishing up the Percy Jackson series (awesome) with my 8 yr old
Snuggling and trying (operative word) to educate the pups...:)
Working out by walking/toning/yoga/sauna-ing

Hope all of you are having great Summers so far, and if you have any great ideas/activities that I should know about or just want to share, please do!

Namaste, Mandy

Good Grief; A Tribute to Dixie

2010-06-09T09:06:00.000-04:00

Dixie Bubbles Wozniak Mar 99-June 2010

Yesterday I lost my best girl friend of 11 years. Her name was Dixie and she was a Chocolate Lab and the most amazing dog ever. I always said when I die, I want to come back as Dixie. She was a very old soul and gazing in her eyes melted my heart every time. We had a lot of great times together over the years. She loved the beach, or any body of water and was obsessed with chasing balls or sticks. I feel so blessed that she didn't suffer long and went peacefully.

Bailey, Atlas and Dixie

Dixie and Van Napping

Atlas, Dixie, Van and Lily

Dixie and Van in St.Thomas

Cooper, Lulu, and Dixie

Spoleto Arts Festival 2010

2010-06-01T20:45:00.001-04:00

Friday night my Mom came into town to celebrate her birthday and enjoy the Festival. Friday night started off with the Les Ballets Trockaderos, an absolute blast. It is a ballet of all men, most of whom are en pointe (that's on point shoes!) in tutus and leaping like you wouldn't believe. They were amazing and if I ever have the chance to see them again, I am THERE! I highly recommend! Click here for more info about these awesome, funny atheletes.

So many inspiring Artists!

For more art...check out my other blog and see how we met our Springtime Deadline!

A Long but Snappy Post about Walking, Podcasts, and Picking up Trash!

2010-05-24T13:36:00.003-04:00

I have been starting my morning walks again and LOVING them! In St.Thomas, every morning I would drop off my daughter and get to Magen's Bay before 8 (since it was free) to walk "THE LOOP" (about a mile) 3 times or so. My son would love to be pushed in the stroller while reading, playing with toys or just kicking back. Afterwards we would go sit/swim/play on the beach for a couple of hours.

I think being back in the States I was refusing to start my walking habit because of the fact that I was being a brat about not having the Magen's Bay Backdrop. However, a year later, I realized that I had started to put on some lbs and it occured to me that my "fun" walks actually helped me maintain my girlish figure.

(See what I mean?? Magen's Bay)

So, here I am at about week 4 and totally loving the freedom and amazingness that comes from outdoor exercise...as well as a small loss of lbs...which I'm not gonna lie, feels great.

My favorite things to do while walking...setting up a great play list before hand to really get the feet going, looking at the scenery and stopping for honeysuckle, and my new fav...PODCASTS!!!! I feel like a dumb ass that I just got in on this bandwagon, but now that I have an iPhone that I actually plug into my computer more than once a year, it works!

My favorites so far:

Vegetarian Food For Thought: Inspiring a Joyful, Sustainable, Compassionate Diet by Colleen from Compassionate Cooks

Marianne Williamson's Miracle Thought (which are short thoughts of the day that are amazing thoughts to use for daily inspiration.)

We Like It Raw

Raw People Radio

Meditation Station (not really for walking, but I love these after a hot shower while relaxing on the bed)

Elsie's Yoga Class (I LOVE Elsie's Anusara yoga classes and plug this into my speaker for awesome FREE classes at home!)
(I get all of mine through itunes)

Do you have a favorite that I HAVE to try??? Please leave a comment and let me know...I am looking for new ones all of the time! Oh, and some more rock star songs for my jumping play lists?? I still like to rebound when I get home from walking...and love to jump to the beat!

One last thing, the first day that I walked I kept turning my nose up at all of the CRAP that people threw out of their cars. I even stopped and picked up some and started to fill the space under the stroller. The next day I took a reusable grocery bag and looped it over the handle bars and had my son ALERT me when he saw trash. That is now our big game and I have filled a bag each day...Then we take it home, pick out the recyclables and throw the rest in the trash.

I even get the tabs from the cans for Lily's school that go to the Ronald McDonald House here in Charleston. I am excited to continue this over the summer and get her involved as well, although as the heat starts to really turn up it will be hard!

What have YOU DONE TODAY to save the PLANET??? And for the love of the goddess, DON'T LITTER!!

Fresh for the Summer

2010-05-18T07:52:00.001-04:00

Last week I found a book called Raw Kids, Transitioning Children to a Raw Food Diet at the health food store on the sale rack for $5. While I am not even thinking about trying to convert my kids to an all raw diet (not that I think it is bad) I am trying to encourage much more veggie and fruit intake. This book is a great resource and personal story of Cheryl Stoycoff, who used the raw food transition for behavior modification in her sons. I enjoyed the personal story of her family, but love the tips to a healthier lunch box, as well as snacks and dinners that kids love (and stubborn non-veg hubbies).

My goal for myself and my children for the Summer is to increase the freshness of their snacks and meals and we started last night. I let the kids pick all of the ingredients for a veggie soup out at the store. We came home and put it all together. They both had a blast peeling carrots and stirring the soup. We also completed our dinner with vegan double chocolate cookies. YUM.

Lily's Veggie Soup
Start with garlic, carrots, tomatoes chopped and thrown in the pan with some olive oil and stirred until very fragrant. Add in 1 can of Tomato sauce followed by 1 can of water. Stir. Then add in red kidney beans and keep stirring, adding in another can of water. Then add in a cup of alphabet noodles and cover. When the noodles looked al dente, we added a cup of frozen peas. Let cook for another 5 minutes or so and take off the heat. Pour into bowls and top off with fresh herbs from the garden. Lily likes basil.

Double choc chip cookies...find here at the Post Punk Kitchen

My Story of Vegetarianism, and a Book Review

2010-05-12T09:15:00.002-04:00

*Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer is one of those books that I was dreading to read. I don't eat animals and don't really need encouragement to stay away from them, However, I heard the book was a "must read" so I recently got it from the library.

Maybe I should back track and begin my story of vegetarianism first. I don't think I have ever really told it to you. While in college, my roommates were veg heads, and me being young and away from home for the first time was introduced to many foods I had never heard of before. Things like falafel, hummus, mushroom burgers, and gasp...salad...haha. yes, I had heard of it, but was a strict meat and potatoes kind of girl. Onions, mushrooms, and anything green was pretty much foreign to me.

I also had what I now look back on as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) because I could not go out anywhere after eating dinner, because I would get sick every time. Add in massive amounts of alcohol and it was a huge recipe for disaster. I gained weight, smoked and generally felt like shit all of the time. Still eating meat, I did start trying these new foods that my roomies were making and really started to expand my palette.

Fast forward a couple of years, and I was just married and on the top of a mountain in Oregon about to camp for a week at a Rainbow Gathering. I was very worried about my stomach problem and the issue of "going outside"... As the week progressed and I lived off of the rice/beans/potato/veggies that were lovingly made, I was able for the first time I can remember.. "go easily". After coming down off the mountain, I am sad to say it took about a year to make the transition..but one day eating a hamburger I just knew I couldn't do it anymore. So, that was about 12 years ago (which means I am about to celebrate 13 years of marriage...CRAZY!) So, I lived on a mostly veg diet that included fish for about the first ten and in the last 2 have cut out fish and dairy. I would love to say that I am a strict vegan, but I love my honey, and am not to picky about reading labels when out and someone has gone out of their way to buy me Quorn chik nuggets (which have egg whites, but are freakin DELISH)....But at home, remain pretty tight to my no animal product standards.

In comes Eating Animals, in which the first thing I can say is that I love how Jonathan Safran Foer writes. He writes from his perspective, and it's not dry at all. It is very warm and intellectual at the same time. I also love that he really brings out the point that all we eat is really based on storytelling. How everything we put on the table is about a story, or what it means to someone and their history. AND, how that is not a bad thing, but also HOW we can start to change that to write our own new stories. Why not change the turkey at Thanksgiving to lentil soup or something equally as fabulous. It's not about the turkey, it's about the company...and we can have a loving family meal over any food. We just have to rewrite a little....

It's not preachy, it's just the facts, and it is presented in a way that basically says...if you are going to still eat meat...Do it responsibly. Don't support factory farming, go to a local farm or one you know uses good practices. I think I was a little naive about factory farming, and now every time I see one of those commercials on TV showing healthy cows just waiting to get milked I start to seethe inside. It has really lifted the hazy layer of ignorance I had over my face.

I highly recommend this book and am really excited to read some of his other works...if anyone has read this or any of the others please feel free to leave comments. I am curious to see other peoples ideas on the subject.

*click on the Eating Animals link above to check out the great website and read about other stories

Happy Mother's Day....and Check Out my New Project....

2010-05-08T21:29:00.000-04:00

I hope all of you have a great and Happy Mother's Day. We are all the mother of something...

I also wanted to point you to my new blog project for anyone interested in Art, Creativity and the amazing things that we (you) can do with it! I am very excited and would love any support/participation that I can get! It's called The Charles Wright Project, check it out if you get some extra time.

Have a great and wonderous weekend and
Namaste

Laughter

2010-05-05T08:29:00.000-04:00

Laughter, a poem by Hafiz, shared by my friend Matthew (check him out at One World Dharma) this morning. Made my day, and hope it does the same for you!

What is laughter? What is laughter?

It is God waking up! O it is God waking up!

It is the sun poking its sweet head out

From behind a cloud

You have been carrying too long,

Veiling your eyes and heart.

It is Light breaking ground for a great Structure

That is your Real body - called Truth.

It is happiness applauding itself and then taking flight

To embrace everyone and everything in this world.

Laughter is the star

Held in the sky by our Beloved,

Who eternally says,

"Yes, dear ones, come this way,

Come this way towards Me and Love!

Come with your tender mouths moving

And your beautiful tongues conducting songs

And with your movements - your magical movements

Of hands and feet and glads and cells - Dancing!

Know that to God's Eye,

All movement is a Wondrous Language,

And Music - such exquisite, wild Music!"

O what is laughter, Hafiz?

What is this precious love and laughter

Budding in our hearts?

It is the glorious sound

Of a soul waking up!

Flip The Tree

2010-05-04T09:38:00.001-04:00

While an upside down Tree Pose/Vrksasana is technically a Handstand/Adho Mukha Vrksasana, in my "Tree" class the other day we turned our trees upside down in a variety of ways.

We did it in Shoulderstand/Sarvangasana

We did it in Headstand/Sirsasana

and last but not least

Legs up against the Wall/ Viparita Karini

Mixing up your "normal" practice by adding Tree legs to Cow Face arms, or crazy Tree branches to Warrior legs...it benefits your body by keeping it active and guessing. It also keeps your mind sharp by not getting to serious and attached to any one pose. Or to how any one pose "should" be or feel. Being a non-conformist from birth, this comes pretty easy to me...but what about you?

Do you feel bored and stale by the same old routine?

Do you know what pose comes next?

Is your body still vibrating with excitement and energy each time you hit the mat?

TREES

2010-04-30T14:22:00.000-04:00

"The Creation of A Thousand Forests Is In One Acorn"

~Emerson

I have been dreaming, meditating, thinking (even painting) A LOT lately about trees. They are so fantastic and have so many meanings...I was thinking about a couple of posts on the subject.

Vrkshasana/Tree Pose

I couldn't have a post on trees without mentioning this wonderful pose. I have this on the top of my list of favorites (which is very long). The main reason why it's so great?? Because it is the ultimate calming position. You can not have a monkey jumping around in your head thinking about grocery lists, night plans or cleaning while holding your body on one leg. You can not over analyze your situations in vrkshasana, you can only concentrate on being in the present. Right here, right now.

When preparing for Vrkshasana, I first maintain Tadasana (Mountain Pose) for a couple of deep breaths really grounding into my feet, spreading my toes and rooting into the Earth. I do a couple of pelvic tilts to find a neutral spine, and lift my chest, letting my shoulders move down my back. Then I engage my abdominals and start lifting one foot up and to wherever it wants to land that day. Whether it be with the ball of the foot on the floor, heel lifted to the leg. On the calf or up to the inner thigh (never against the knee). I start to root here as well and bring my hands to my heart center. The strength of my inner tree coming from my center Source...my energy. I then inwardly rotate my thighs by sticking out my tush just a little and find my "Core".

Breathing here and then maybe even letting my tree blow in the wind, finding different variations all while moving from the core center. Letting the arms move up over the head like branches and then letting one hand come down to one side for a side bend stretching the entire side body. Then moving to the other side and back to center. The most important part of maintaining your balance is the core focal point as well as finding a visual one outside of the body, or right off the tip of the nose.

A true Yogi is not one who can hold tree pose for hours without a stumble or even add all of the variations without a shake. A true Yogi is one who can fall out of tree pose and laugh at the self, and try again. One who can take it all lightly but with focus and concentration, knowing that with practice, all will come.

My very great class of Ladies this morning exploring their trees...each individual and strong in it's own right.