Aurora Pledge Candle Giveaway ends 6/21

I am very excited to give my readers a chance to win one of these awesome Lavender Harmony Aurorae Candles.  I have been enjoying mine so much while doing my Yoga over the last couple weeks.  The whole family has been enjoying the non-toxic clean lavender scent that fills the room when I am done.

See my full review here.

We will be giving away a candle to 10 Readers!

To enter just use the simple Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway starts 6/7 and ends 6/21, US only. Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to claim prize.  Good Luck!

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Aurorae Yoga Pledge Candle Review

I have mentioned before how much I love Yoga.  I think it is the perfect whole body workout while helping to reduce stress.  For me, Yoga is an intense workout but still helps in focusing and relaxing the mind, body, and spirit.  I have learned that when I balance my life with healthy eating, physical activity, and calming the mind I can receive better health for my whole body.  I love to use tools that help me relax, take times out of my busy day, and meditate on the positives.

One of the tools I used over the last couple weeks in my new Pledge Lavender Soy Candle Harmony from Aurorae.  This beautiful candle gives off a delightful soft clean scent to use during my Yoga workouts.  I have often thought about using candles while practicing my Yoga but never tried it until now.  Lavender is a very relaxing scent that calms my nerves and lifts up my thoughts.  While doing yoga you do a lot of deep regulated breathing and I have never wanted to clog my yoga area with strong fragrances.  The Pledge candle has a clean, non-toxic, breathing scent that was relaxing and was a great addition to my workouts.  A couple times I found myself pulling the candle out and just sitting back and enjoying my quite time.  One thing I love is that the relaxing scent fills the room and the whole family can enjoy it when I am done.

A couple Features of Pledge Candle

* Made with Soy Wax

* Comes in a beautiful Tin container that is recyclable.

* Makes no black smoke, with a soft clean non -toxic scent.  

* 30-35 hours worth of burning time per a candle.  

At first when people think about Yoga, and have not tried it yet, think its all about stretching 

Whether you are doing a hard Yoga workout, stretching, meditations, prayers, or working on starting your day out slowly you will enjoy this Aromatherapy Candle.
The Yoga Mat and Micro Fiber Yoga Towel also happen to be Aurorae, as you can see I really like their products, Eco friendly and great for Yoga. 

You can order your candle at Amamzon for $24.95.  Right now the candle is discounted to $14.95!!
As you can see above we will be having a Giveaway starting 6/7, be sure to enter!

Visit Aurorae Website

Like Aurorae on Facebook

Follow on Twitter
Follow on Pinterest

Check out all their products on Amazon 

Be sure to Enter the Giveaway HERE
10 winners!

Hoping for Health: Working Out With a Broken Toe

It has been a couple weeks since I have updated my fitness routine and wanted to share some new links and workouts.  I have been focusing on resistance training and using what I have in the house.  It's been too hot for long runs, but I am really missing running. 

Last Sunday I had an unfortunate accident, I believe I broke my toe.  I very well could have jammed it or stub it, but it hurts more than any other toes injury I have had with inflammation, bruising, and it is a little curved now.  I have heard from other friends and family that with a broken toe it just needs to heal.  Last week was excruciating, and I could not even do any workouts other than crunches and leg lifts.  I am happy to say that while it still hurts and is healing, I am able to do a bit more with it.  Today I tried my hand with doing squats.  This was a test to my balance and staying off my outside toe.  I am happy to be still working out even though I am not able to jump, run, or anything that cause me to land hard on my toes. I have found there is still a lot I can do and throw the excuses out the window. 

 This weeks Routine Schedule

Tuesday: 20 setups, 8 crunches, 8 leg lifts, 12s planks, 55 Squats, 10 Superman Banana
Wednesday: 25 setups, 10 crunches, 10 leg lifts, 15s planks, 60 Squats, 10 Superman Banana
Thursday:  rest
Friday:  30 setups, 12 crunches, 12 leg lifts, 20s planks, 70 Squats, 12 Superman Banana
Sat:  35 setups, 15 crunches, 15 leg lifts, 25s planks, 75 Squats, 14 Superman Banana
Sun:  40 setups, 20 crunches, 20 leg lifts, 30s planks, 80 Squats, 14 Superman Banana

Tabata Boot Camp

For those that Can do some Cardio Running.  My friend over at Tabata Boot Camp with Skyla, posted a great 20 minute circuit routine that is sure to give you awesome results.
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of -
200 meter sprint
20 push ups
30 sit ups
40 squats!
Be sure to Like her page and get her workouts to do at home!  If you have questions you can also ask her on the page! 

Woman's Health Has 4 Moves to a Better Butt

These four moves are commonly used in yoga and can be easy to get into a daily routine.  Chair, Warrior III, Revolved Half Moon, and Side Leg Lift.  While the Side leg lift may take time to get, these moves work on balance, breathing, core, toning, and flexibility.  To see instruction go here.

What are you doing to MOVE this week?

LVR Organic Yoga Pants #GreenEarthGiveawayPL

Earth Day is approaching and we are going to be celebrating it all month long!

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure to Review a pair of awesome Yoga pants from LVR.

LVR is a Eco conscious company making Yoga a Hot Fashion!

If you missed my review you want to head over and see this awesome company!

Review Link Here

LVR: Earth Friendly, USA-made, Conservationist, Stylish, and Comfortable!

 

Now for the Giveaway!

One of my wonderful readers will be winning a pair of these Eco Yoga Pants! 

To enter just see Rafflecopter below.  US Only.

Event runs from 4/1-4/22

While you are here check out the linky of other Pitch List Earth Day Giveaways. 

 

 

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Disclaimer: No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook and is Facebook-compliant. Winners will be notified by email from a ‘Pitch List ‘ Blog. Winners will have 72 hours to respond or risk forfeiting their prize. Prize fulfillment is the sole responsibility of the sponsor. The blogs participating may not be held liable for Sponsors who do not fulfill prize shipments.

LVR Eco Company Making Yoga A Hot Fashion

I am a crunchy momma!  I love my whole foods, natural lifestyle, green living, and living stress free with yoga.  My husband jokes that I am always in my yoga gear and I tell him that it's the best clothing ever made!  I was excited to hear that LVR was going to be sending me a pair of Organic Yoga Pants to review and sponsor for our Green Earth Event.  

They sent me pair Organic Fold Over Yoga Pants- French Terry.  I fell in love with them right away.  The extra fabric that folds down over my hips is comfortable and stylish, the pants fit my legs perfectly, and then flare at the ankle.  I am a little short so I just trimmed the bottoms to fit my height.  You never notice that I shorten the pants at all.  They are absolutely comfortable and I have been practically living in them.  

While the yoga pants are stylish, comfortable, and practical, I have more to tell you about them and the company!  

 

Designed and handmade in Los Angeles, so they are made in the USA, they are produced with the highest quality with minimal impact on the environment.  No matter your style you can find bright, relaxed, vintage, and more of the styles you are looking for.  They make tops, wraps, pants, and dresses for casual and active lifestyles.  Did I mention the clothing is organic?  Why is Organic Important!

This ECO friendly company also likes to give back through conservation.  In 2011 LVR partnered with ARCAS, which is an animal rescue center in Guatemala.  Every month the company donates a portion of their revenue to the rescue center for rehabilitation and release of the wild animals.  So each purchase will be helping this cause!  You can check out their Donation Timeline here.  I love when a company cares about conservation and protecting the environment.  You can read more about their earth friendly mission on eco clothing here.  

Personally, I feel really good about wearing clothing that means so much more than comfort and style.  When I wear these pants I know they are helping the environment, better for my skin, and helping to reach out and help with causes I support.  While ARCAS helps with many animals, I want to help them with the sea turtle hatchery below.  Please take the time to watch the short video below, and be happy that this company is helping in this cause through your purchases, WIN WIN!

Where can you find LVR?  Of course on their website, Facebook, and twitter, but also in high -end boutiques and yoga studios across the US, Canada, Japan, UK, and Middle East.  
Check out there Events and Calendar. 
Where have they been Featured in the Press?
Check out their selection of ECO clothing here.

 

Flat Rate Domestic Shipping is $4 and it is ECO Packing!

 We just got done reading Turtle Tide, which you can see my review on Saturday!  I thought it perfect that I am talking to my kids about Sea Turtle and conservation efforts that we can do and I see this piece on LVR's blog site!  Thank YOU, LVR for your compassion and efforts that are helping. 

I personally LOVE that when I buy these awesome organic clothing, I am also helping with these conservation efforts!  You can too!

Follow LVR

LVR Newsletter

LVR Website

LVR Facebook

LVR Twitter

LVR Pinterest

 

LVR: Earth Friendly, USA-made, Conservationist, Stylish, and Comfortable!  

Be sure to come back for our Earth Event and enter to win a pair for yourself!



Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my opinions and thoughts. I enjoy bringing my readers wonderful Companies, Events, Health News, and Green Living.  

Aurorae Synergy Mat and Towel Review and Giveaway

I love being an active person.  I find that my health and emotions are better balanced when I am active.  This last month I have been writing more about my running, and how much I was challenged and become a lover of the sport.  I wanted to take this time to tell you about one of my helpful tools for staying injury free and recovery. 

When you run you get a lot of tight muscles and soreness, depending on the type of training you are doing.  I was running almost every day, between short and long runs.  The one muscle I found affected the most was my calve muscles.  At times this was a hard muscle to stretch, but Yoga was able to get all the muscles loosen up for me.   

 

I was sent the Aurorae "Synergy" Yoga Mat-Towel Combination and Aurorae Micro-Fiber Sport/Yoga Towel, from Aurorae.  I have one of their regular mats, which I loved, until I tried their Synergy mat! 

I started using the Mat  and Towel in December, and continued through the beginning of this year.  It was a huge stress reliever for me to do Yoga on, and I found it easy to carry around on my travels.  Because the mat is machine washable, I wanted to put it to the test and run it till it needed a good washing.  The washing instructions are easy and the mat came out just a beautiful as when received it. 
One side has a regular mat fiber and the other is a fabric texture, a “Lush Skidless Microfiber Towel Top Surface”.  I love how the mat never moved whether on tile or carpet, and the softer side kept my hands from slipping, even when I was sweating.  Pretty much, the more you sweat the better you grip.  I used it for my floor exercises too.  When doing crunches I felt better support for my lower back and bottom.  My husband enjoyed using it for his crunches, and he noticed a huge difference in support and comfort.  In the features you will see this mat is a little more cushioned.

“No Longer the need to buy two products, a mat and a skidless towel. No Slipping, No Bunching or movement of a separate towel on top of your mat during your practice. Great for Hot Yoga practices, Ashtanga, Bikram etc. The more you sweat the better the grip.”

 

I find yoga helps to relax the mind and the body, but for me this past month it helps me stay injury free.  Stretching and releasing toxins that where building up in my sore muscles.  The Mat and Towel was a daily companion, whether I did a few minutes of my normal 5 basic moves, or an hour long stretch and detox session.  The mat was the most comfortable I have used by far, and I enjoyed learning how to use a towel during my workouts.  I was not sure I would use the towel much, but was so glad to try it out.  It was a wonderful tool to have that was easy to carry along and have a to dry off with.  I used it to help give extra grip on the mat and in a few stretching moves.  It is super soft and I can’t tell you how much I love the color, it makes me smile every time I use it.

Features of the Towel                                                                                                 

Super Absorbent-to help wipe away perspiration
Lush light weight super soft comfort and easy to carry
Machine washable- which was very convent and a must
Provides additional slip free surface for yoga

Mat Features

No odor, durable, and long lasting

72” Extra-long to fit ALL sizes

Light and easy to carry

Lush microfiber towel top surface

Ultra thick for comfort and protecting your joints**

Machine washable!!!!

SGS tested, approved ECO-friendly, and safe

FREE from phthates, latex, and silicone

BUY IT

Aurorae Website

Aurorae Like on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

Check out their Pinterest Site

Synergy Mat on sale $59.95

Aurorae Towel on sale $14.95

 

From the Owner

"I started this yoga company from the passion I developed for yoga over the past ten years. Being a cancer survivor since 2001, I needed an outlet in my life to help build my body as well as develop inner peace for my mind. Yoga has helped accomplish both of these goals for me while also making many new friends and energizing me with a positive and balanced attitude toward life."

 

Aurorae has many products for yoga and a crunchy lifestyle: apparel, mats, bags, belts, blocks, mists, and organic mat wash!

 

WIN IT

I was given one Synergy Mat to giveaway!  Awesome right!  Please head over to their Facebook page and tell them THANK YOU for this awesome chance to win my favorite Mat!

The Giveaway will run for two weeks and end on 3/27th.  The winner will be contacted by email and have 24 hours to reply with shipping information, NO PO BOXES.  US ONLY.

Good Luck!

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Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my opinions and thoughts. I enjoying bring my readers wonderful Companies, Events, Health News, and Green Living.

Take Time To Relax

Today's Objective is to Relax

 

It is important to take some time for yourself and unwind.  I do this in a couple of ways, and like to still try new ways to relax. 
Here is a list of some of my favorite unwind moments.

Yoga
Not a power session but stretching and breathing.  You can find some great videos over at MyYogaOnline.com  If you are new to them you can sign up for 2 free weeks, and give it a try.

Find a comfortable place to sit.
This is one of my favorites because I just sit back, take deep breaths, and think.  I usually will prayer, read, or reflect on issues.  We call this area "The Nook".  There is no talking or rough housing here; it is a place for reading and relaxing. 

Get outside
I know in some places it is pretty cold still, but when the weather is nice, get outside and enjoy the sunshine.  This allows us to soak in some Vitamin D naturally, which can lighten our moods and de-stress us. 








Get your hand dirty.
Working in a garden can be very therapeutic and allows stress to roll right off us.  If you don't have a garden, then maybe make this your spring project.  Start small and call it your Calming Place.

What do you do to Relax?

Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my opinions and thoughts. I enjoying bring my readers wonderful Companies, Events, Health News, and Green Living. 

My Yoga Online Referal Link

I love Yoga and it is a serious but relaxing workout.

Throughout the Holidays MyYogaOnline.com helped me stay fit and stress free.

 

 

With hundreds of videos to chose from you can literally have a different workout every day.  You can chose from teachers you like best.  Search the 4 level of difficulty from beginner to advanced.  There is videos to help explain and teach you correct poses, recipes, and videos of how to make.  Plus, don't forget the healthy and wellness programs to chose from.   

 

If you have not already tried out My Yoga Online, you can do so now for a free week with total membership benefits. 

Just go to http://www.myyogaonline.com/invite/Kelleyjohnsen 

Don't forget your friends!

Get 1 month free for every person you invite that buys a membership. There's no limit to how many free months you can get. Even if your friends don't buy, they still get 2 weeks for free. No credit card. No obligation. Just free yoga. They'll love that! And the best part -- the site sells itself. They'll join eventually and before long, you'll have a lifetime membership.

 

Disclaimer:  I am not paid for my reviews.  I am including a link as a referral and might receive credit for purchases.  I enjoy living a green life and like to bring my readers companies that are passionate about health, living natural, and clean

Yoga Kids Pose of The Week is Bold Warrior

Part of a healthful lifestyle is being active.  Kids need to see us as a good example and working to keep ourselves fit.  It also helps when the activity is fun and builds character. 

 

This weeks Yoga Kids pose of the week is Bold Warrior

 

My girls love Yoga.  We have a blast working on the different moves.  I have one that is a gymnastic and really can do some power moves. 

 

One thing I love most about Yoga is the peace and strength it brings to the mind and body.  Positive affirmations are important to use daily and help support mental wellness.  I want to raise strong minded, positive, well rounds kids, and love this weeks affirmation to go along with the pose.

 

 

Affirmations and Instruction from the YogaKids Website

Affirmations

In this pose say the following:

• I am a bold warrior.
• My body is strong.
• My mind is strong.
• My love keeps my family strong.

Wow, right!  Instead of hearing them whining and complaining, help your children see the positive in themselves and around them.  Studies have shown that affirmations help reduce stress and anxiety, I will be writing about this further soon. 

Instructions

1. Jump your feet apart (Steps 1-4 are just like Brave Warrior.).
2. Stretch your arms straight out of the shoulders, palms down and fingers stretched.
3. Turn your toes toward the right.
4. Bend your right knee into a right angle.
5. Turn your torso forward.
6. Raise your arms alongside your ears. Feel the support of the earth underneath you and stretch your hands to the sky.

In this week Pose of the week you will also see
Note to Parents and Teachers which is applying shapes and angles through the pose's.
Activity Ideas for Home and Classroom/ Math Medley
Visual Vignettes
Nutrition Tips
Be Sure to visit and sign up for your Pose of the Week email, FREE. 

 Disclaimer:  I am not paid for my reviews.  I am including a link as a referral and might receive credit for purchases.  I enjoy living a green life and like to bring my readers companies that are passionate about health, living natural, and clean.

Today's Yoga with MyYogaOnline.com

For the Month of December I wanted to do something a little different than my normal routine.  With the Holidays comes events, parties, guest, and stress.  Since I have seen more of my free time flying out the window, I wanted make sure that my workouts gave me a relief from stress instead of adding to it. 

Yoga was the perfect option for me.  When I received my new Libre Tea Glass, which I adore, I also received a one month subscription to MyYogaOnline.  I have found it to be a wealth of information, knowledge, and huge library of unlimited yoga videos.

You will find everything to help you learn the terms, poses, and sequences.  You can chose levels from beginner, moderate, intermediate, and advanced.  I liked how they will recommend videos for you, give you videos of the day, and you can favorite videos for easy finds. 

I could feel the stress of this Holiday season starting to creep up on me so I signed up for their Eliminating Anxiety: Peace & Power in 8 Stages.  You can do this in a fast track, daily stages, or extend it out.  You get to set the pace.  I received a email every morning giving me the stage of that day.  I loved it.  It gave me helpful information to work on to reduce anxiety and yoga workouts for the day that went along with the program.  I have to say that the helpful tips I learned during last week have carried into this week.  All the Programs are included with membership, and FREE right now to all new members through Dec 25th.

Today's Yoga was a great flowing workout.  Yoga Flo for Peace 40 Minute Practice.  I love to really feel my muscles being stretched and warmed, I know my body was needing this type of exercise.  The last 10 minutes of the video focused on relaxing breathing.  I have to admit I was so calm and relaxed I almost fell asleep.  I now feel focused, relaxed, calm, and stronger. 

I then enjoyed a wonderful cup of Berry Green Tea in my Libre Tea Glass.  I use these daily between my Libre Tall Glass and my Libre Tea Mugs.  You will always see me around town with one in my hand or purse. 

I am still running, but I have read so much that yoga really goes hand and hand with running.  I will take a month to de-stress my body and still work it hard to start my Calendar year 2013 for Running without injury. 

Don't forget to try out MyYogaOnline Free for 25 days. 



Disclaimer:  I am not paid for my reviews.  I am including a link as a referral and might receive credit for purchases.  I enjoy living a green life and like to bring my readers companies that are passionate about health, living natural, and clean

Green Deal! Toeless Yoga Socks!

Grippy socks that let your toes spread out!  These look really cool for the winter months when you need a little more on your feet. 

Toeless Yoga Socks only $7.98

PLUS Free shipping!  Awesome right.

If you are a yoga lover or have a friends that is, then these are a neat gift for Christmas!
 

Under Construction

Don't mind the mess.  I am organizing and cleaning up! Not all post are updated to the new tabs but should be soon :-)

Yoga Kids Pose of the Week is the Row, Row, Row, your Boat.

Row, Row, Row your Boat! by Yoga Kids.

What will you find in this week Pose of the week?

• Instructions on how to do thew pose with your kids.
• Notes and Tips for parents.
• Activities for the home and classroom.
• Visual Vignettes
•  Laughing language

For those that are homeschooling or looking for some fun activities at home, check out Yoga Kids tools for school bundle.  They are having 15% off right now!

YogaKids Review, Kids and Parents having fun together

Kids are active by nature and I find it beneficial to give them structured activities. 

Yoga is great for everyone learning to stretch, bend, and breath deeply.  This is a calming workout that works the entire body and mind.  I enjoy and look forward to doing Yoga with my kids.  I think it is important for them to see me having fun working out and that it is something I enjoy.  You feel a sense of peace and clarity after all the breathing that comes with Yoga workouts.

          


                                               

The girls doing downward dog on left, and then we move into runners pose on right.

YogaKids Foundations Training is the original program that revolutionized the way yoga is taught to children.

While doing our Yoga, we were listening to a new CD from YogaKids Fitness Fun Tunes.

If you would like to have a fun, giggling, and calming CD to get them started in yoga moves, this is it.  This CD is geared for kids 3-6, but my 8 year old was giggling and singing right along. Valued at $9.00, it is a great buy!

"Sing along with your child and these playful, education songs about animals, nature, fitness and more. Each song encourages a positive attitude and challenges imagination while building self-confidence and a love for fitness. Take a spin together through the YogaKids: Fitness Fun Tunes CD!"

1. I Like to Be the Animals
2. The Rocking Horse Song
3. ‘Y’ Is for Yoga. 
4. Om a Little Teapot
5. Loco Loco Locomotive
6. I’m a YogaKids
7. Reach for the Sun. 
8. Breathe: Take 5
9. YogaKids ABCs
10. Namaste 

The CD was more geared to fun moves and stretches, it was upbeat at times with a few slower song.  The kids keep asking to listen to the CD making it great to carry in the car,  as well as practicing the YogaKids Pose of the week.   My preschooler wanted to listen to it everywhere.  Namaste and Reach for the Sun were very relaxing, becoming a quick favorite with me.  I found myself singing a few of these song throughout the day.  Yoga is a great way to bring the kids together to have some fun.  They can stretch, giggle, and clear their minds.  A few times when the kids got bored and started arguing, I would put the CD on.  This was a great way to turn arguments into great family time together. 

If you are looking for a fun way to incorporate kids Yoga, sign up for YogaKids Pose of the week.  This is a weekly email that gives you a fun pose to do with the kids.  This week is Pedal Laughing. 

The weekly Newsletter

• They give instruction for doing the pose of the week.
• Tips for Parent and Teachers, this week is about the power and benefits of laughter.
• Activity Ideas for Home or Classroom/Math Medley/Awesome Anatomy.  Uses math to enrich this exercise.
• Body Benefits.  I love this especially, because it gives parents the tools to instruct and educate their kids.  I know for myself I like for my children to learn with me.  It gives us a chance to talk about other things than cleaning their rooms, picking up toys, being nice, and you know the rest.  We can communicate, bond, and learn.   
• Musical Musing.  More tips for talking with the kids and having fun.
• Nutrition Tip of the week.  This week is focusing on making the most of family time through meal times and letting your kids play a part in making the meals. 

 When you sign up for their Newsletter you can download Namaste, a FREE download song.  We have really enjoyed this song.  It is very relaxing and the kids have even used it to fall a asleep.

YogaKids.com the highest quality kids yoga supplies and many other treasures.
 Learn About YogaKids World Renowned Foundations Teacher Training Program

Yoga Kids has many wonderful tools to help you have a great time,  get fit, and have quality family time.  They carry tools and information for Parents, Professionals, and Yoga Teachers.

Check out YogaKids Store for fun things to use at home like music, games, books, posters, clothing, DVD's, CD's, mats, and other supplies. 

Disclaimer.  I am not paid for my reviews.  I received the  CD from YogaKids to review.  My thoughts and opinions are mine alone, and only like to bring a variety to healthy living.  I like to open my readers to the many options they have to companies striving to make a difference. 

Healthy Spirit: Start your Day with Yoga

I love Yoga with the benefits of clarity, detoxification, and a toned body, but did you know Yoga can bring you peace to your spirit?  In YogaPaws Blog for Beginner Poses and Postures they talk about starting your day with 5 basic moves. 

In the article they mention how the morning can be a great time to fit in Yoga.  All too quickly the days events of work, home, kids, pets, and more have us running from one event to the next.  Take the time for yourself to take deep cleansing breaths and let the stress and worries of the day roll off you.  This is the time to forget about all that is on the calendar and prepare yourself to be the best mentally, physically, and spiritually for your loved ones.

How can five little moves do all that? By helping you open your mind to the healing powers that comes from deep breaths, stretching tight muscles, and releasing the stress and tensions throughout your body.

Yoga can be cleansing and healing.  Your muscles want to stretch, burn, and release stored toxins.  We normally do not take enough cleansing breaths but rather shallow and short.  Breathing deep cleansing breaths while doing yoga clears the mind and lungs of stored chemicals and toxins like carbon-dioxide. 

The Five Moves for a calmer day, read article for full description on how to preform these moves. 

• "Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Benefits: This pose stretches your hip flexors and opens your chest, both of which help you feel released."
• "Marjaryasana (Cat Pose) Benefits: Often, your back might feel tight first thing in the morning. This gentle stretch releases that tension without stressing your hamstrings."
• "High Lunge,  Benefits: This pose provides a deep stretch in your hip flexors and the backs of your legs."
• "Bharadvajasana I (Bharadvaja’s Twist)  Benefits: This gentle twist is perfect for realigning your back after sleeping."
• "Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose) Benefits: This pose stretches the inner thighs and hips, letting you start the day with a sense of physical freedom."

If a calmer day is not quite enough to help you start Yoga, then maybe the fact that it is anti-Aging will help?

"There are seven basic attributes that characterize someone who’s vibrant and healthy, someone who seems to defy the effects of aging:

• Supple skin that radiates beauty
• Strong, shiny hair
• Well defined muscles and bone structure
• Boundless energy that lights up a room
• A light but firm and confident step
• A positive, well balanced attitude toward life
• A calm demeanor"

How do you start your morning?  Thinking about Yoga?

 

Ways to not stress over the Holidays, a Must read.

I wanted to write about the holidays. I am enjoying mine, but I am also starting to stress. The last minute things start to rack up and I made this note based on how to distress keeping my Immunes strong and staying healthy. So I wanted to share this with all of you as well.


• Taking time with a nice cup of tea with a loved one is very therapeutic. This way you slow down and relax. Some of my favorites are chamomile, green tea, or peppermint.
• You can also try the rescue remedies. Dr. Bach has combinations of homeopathic ways to improve moods and stressful situations. The rescue remedy is a five flower combo that is great for keeping stress and anxiety at bay.
• I am also going to be doing yoga 2 extra times a week. Yoga is a great technique for slowing down the breathing, stretching, and opening the mind. When you take that time to breath RIGHT, you allow oxygen to help the lungs detox from trapped CO2, and get rich oxygenated blood to the outer extremities of the body. So, it is very important to learn to breath right. During this time of year when we tend to stress and put to much on our plate, without knowing it, we shorten our breathing and do not get enough rich oxygen to the body.
• Also relax your mind. Meditation slows the breathing and also lowers the heart rate. You can use imagery to visualize the Holiday that YOU want. For example if you're going to be around more family and friends then you maybe use to, remember to take deep cleansing breaths, positive thoughts and you will make it through a crazy holiday.
• Studies have also shown that depression and anxiety will add inches around the waistline. Which will also increase anxiety. Since belly fat has been linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, try these simple ways to calm the nerves and blues.
• Also, take some time for some nice sunshine outside. We usually tend to be inside more because of the cold, but having a decreased amount of Vitamin D will also cause anxiety. So for both body and mind, get out side and enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and a nice walk around the neighborhood. You will feel so much better afterwards.



We all love a tasty, refreshing drink for a Holiday party. Hear is one you might really enjoy.

This serves two, so make adjustments for a larger get together.

Clementine Mint

Ice Cubes
12 mint leaves, finely shredded
2 whole leaves for garnish
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1 cup fresh Clementine juice
1 bottle sparkling water
slices of Clementine's

Fill pitcher with ice cubes, lemon juice, Clementine juice, sparkling water, shredded mint leaves, and slices of Clementine mix altogether. Then pour in glasses and garnish with whole mint leaves.
Something other than Eggnog, which I still love as well.

Have a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season.