yoga: build some heat!

sometimes we just need a workout - something that's going to challenge us and really build some heat!  with yoga's boundless benefits, it's not only fabulous for centering yourself and de-stressing, but it's an amazing full-body workout as well.  you get everything you need all in one place : )  when you're in need of some heat, try out this 10 minute sequence i designed to do just that!

namaste : )

om monday: be there

maybe you've heard the saying "wherever you are...be there", but it's simple wisdom is worth repeating.  i cannot tell you how many times throughout the day my mind is not where i am.  i'm thinking about my to-do list, our weekend plans or what to make for dinner, and consequently, i'm totally out-of-touch with the here and now - the present moment.  but every time we choose to dwell on the past or wonder about the future, we're denying ourselves the only moment we ever have...this one.

credit {here}

when you become aware that your mind is elsewhere, don't judge, don't label, just notice.  and then breathe.  in yoga, we're taught to align both mind and body with the breath and by doing so, we become mindful and fully embrace the present moment.  yogi or not, you can use that tool, too.  the breath is a wonderfully simple way to ground yourself.  by focusing on your inhales and exhales, you begin to quiet the mind chatter and begin to slowly sink into the moment at hand.

believe me, it's not easy to get in the habit of noticing when you're mind has drifted away (i'm still working on it!), but if you can begin to cultivate that skill, you'll receive the gift of the present. 

namaste : )

yoga: tone your abs

we all would love super-flat, sculpted abs, but in order to get there, you first need to build some core strength.  and, you guessed it, yoga is a phenomenal way to tone the abdominal muscles and build strength throughout the entirety of your core.  if you're ready to whip your stomach into shape, check out these yoga postures that will build muscle and heat!

namaste : )

weekly wrap-up: delicious dinner & de-stress with yoga

well, the weekend is almost upon us, so i wanted to share some helpful links to keep you well-fed and grounded.

s'mores pies that i found on foodgawker - recipe {here}

looking for a healthy, delicious and carb-free dinner?  try this super easy and yummy {baked spaghetti squash}. even pasta-lovers will be converted!

feeling over-worked and stressed out?  yoga could be the answer.  check out this {short yoga sequence} that links movement with breath-work to de-stress with the breath!

love food?  who doesn't?!  my new obsession is {foodgawker}.  their beautiful food photos will provide you with endless meal inspiration...and, they have an iphone app, so you can gawk on the go!

happy birthday, han!  a yellow cake, found on foodgawker, just for you : )  recipe {here}

and last, but certainly not least, happy birthday to my little sister, hannah!  we have a whole weekend of celebrating to look forward to, starting with a happy (birthday) hour at our fave bar, bobby simone's!  can't wait : )

so mavens, have any fun weekend plans?

foodie wednesday: baked spaghetti squash

i've had a spaghetti squash sitting on my baker's rack for a week now, and i finally decided to do something about it.  after surfing the internet for a short while for inspiration, this is what i came up with : )  this stuffed spaghetti squash recipe is both hearty and healthy and is a great option if you're trying to cut back on your pasta intake.

1 large onion, chopped
1 spaghetti squash
1 cup pea shoots
½ tbsp butter
¼ cup grated parmesan
1 tbsp minced garlic
2/3 cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp bread crumbs
olive oil
salt & pepper

preheat oven to 425

1.      split squash in ½ length-wise (this will take some muscle!) and scrape out seeds.  put on baking sheet and drizzle both halves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.  bake for 30-40 min until flesh is tender.

2.     while the squash bakes, sauté onion in olive oil.  after onion cooks down a bit, add garlic and continue to sauté until onion is caramelized.

3.       take squash out of oven and allow to cool.  scrap out flesh and in a large bowl, mix with onions, yogurt, parmesan, pea shoots and season with more salt & cracked pepper.

4.       refill squash with mixture.

5.       melt butter and mix with bread crumbs.  sprinkle evenly over top 2 refilled squash halves.  put back into 425 degree oven for another 10-15 min until top is golden brown.

allow to cool for 5 min before serving.  this recipe will serve 4 as an entree (1/4 squash each).

bon appetit!

yoga: de-stress with the breath

as you may already know, yoga is a great way to de-stress and reduce anxiety.  by linking breath with movement, yoga works to align both the inner and outer body in the most optimal way.  (which feels great, by the way!)  if you need a little "me-time", indulge in this simple 10 minute routine that i developed to help you reconnect with your authentic self.

namaste, mavens : )

om monday: funky feelings

did you ever notice how bad moods or frustration or stress tend to breed more bad moods, frustration and stress?  and yet, even with that knowledge, it still can be extremely difficult to pull yourself out of the "dark place".  somehow it seems like you're accomplishing something by hanging on to that negative emotion - analyzing it, dwelling on it, ruminating about it.  but, it is in those moments, when we choose to just let it go that we can experience the greatest growth and uncover the deepest insight into ourselves.

credit {here}

the first step is just bringing some awareness to the situation.  just noticing - hey, i'm totally pissed off right now.  and realizing that the "pissed off" attitude is not you.  it's just something your experiencing, a shifting, changing, fleeting emotion that can be dealt with any way you choose.  i know, easier said that done, but just breathing some space between you and the negative emotion will help it dissipate faster. 

now, that you've recognized the emotion, don't judge yourself or beat yourself up for feeling blue, or angry or annoyed.  instead, just breathe.  that's right - just breathe.  you've heard that one before, right?  turning to the breathe, and consequently quieting the mind is one of the most effective tools for moving beyond difficult emotions.  as you breathe, you may begin to feel the sharpness of the emotion begin to dull and begin to slowly melt away.

credit {here}

from there, slow down.  i find that my negative emotions are often coupled with a propensity for rushing and not being present, which in turn makes me more frustrated, because i'm not being effective, efficient or present.  when i slow down, i see things more clearly.

next time funky feelings creep into your day, just notice them.  recognize that they are not you and therefore can be changed.  breathe and slow down.  and everytime you consciously choose to move past your negative thought patterns, it will get easier - i promise.

namaste