Wedding Rings and Yoga Things

Happy Hump Day!

Phil and I went wedding band shopping the other day…totally crazy! I know our wedding is like a month away so it shouldn’t be so surprising BUT there was suddenly this feeling of “WOW, this is really happening!” There was something about putting that band on that made things feel REAL…I can’t wait to be Colleen April! Anyway, we’re working towards the wedding day by day and last week I shared our skin prep secret – Lush face masks, so totally amazing! This week I’m sharing a little about how we’re working towards our wedding ready bods! Coupled with regular yoga (duh!) I am keeping things interesting with different forms of cardio – cycling, interval training, light jogging, and today I’m jumping into The November Project. I am not sure what to expect but I’m looking forward to the adventure!In other news, I have been enjoying teaching yoga in San Francisco and can’t wait to teach more and more. I get so nervous each time I teach – questioning my flows, beating myself up if I stumble over my words, worrying if people hate it – but the more I put myself out there the less I question, beat myself up and worry. Tonight I am teaching my first corporate yoga class and I hope it’s the first of many! I know if I keep putting myself out there and takings steps forward, good things will continue to unfold!As a fun little yogi motivation this month, I’m doing an Instachallenge! Chicago Yoga Lab’s September Splits Bits Info Challenge to be exact…day 1 is in the books and I would love it if you’d follow along this month on my Instagram!!

’till next time, keep smiling!! 🙂

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Making it work

Getting back into a groove with my diet & exercise regime has been challenging – I recently started a new job at an artisan Italian shop where the hours can be long and the food is incredible. Pasta Gina focuses of fresh pastas, raviolis, sauces, spreads, soups, salads, and classic entrees; so as I am sure you can imagine, taking home dinner every night is quickly becoming routine. I have been careful to avoid the tiramisu, cannoli, and other tempting treats BUT still need to be sure our pasta dinners are carefully balanced with the right amount of cardio and less wheat/grains throughout the day.

Today I woke up with some yoga, road my bike to work, and plan to squeeze some mid afternoon yoga in as well…I may not be able to dedicate 90 minutes to practice or 60 minutes to cardio but 30 minutes a few times a day adds up!

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Thursday Already?

Hey there friends! How on earth did it get to be Thursday already?!?! Even though there’s still one more day until it’s official, I already feel like the weekend is here! My college bestie Michelle is in town with her beau Mike and I am so excited to start the weekend early! 

I was able to sneak a little cardio in yesterday after work (awesome 22 minute routine that totally kicks butt – break down below). and am hoping for a little yoga today…there are only 58 days until I leave for my Yoga Medicine teacher training & with the craziness of the last 6 weeks I have not been as diligent about my practice nor my supplemental exercise as I’d like to be! 😦 I don’t know about anyone else but I am totally a routine freak! I feel best when I am organized, regimented and sticking with a daily routine. I can’t decide if that’s good or bad…does it mean I’m unable to healthfully adapt to life’s changes?! OR is it a product of juggling family, school, sports & a social life since before I can remember?!?

I often wonder if the things we crave in life – routine, food, vacation spots, etc. – are simply a product of our childhoods or expressions of something deeper within ourselves. This is yet another thing I meditate about…finding the ability to express my deepest, truest self & honoring me first…not easy for someone who has allowed decades of external influences define my inward and outward ‘self.’

ANYWAY, I still have that bulu review I promised last week (maybe today will be a double post kind of day), & I’m excited to share my version of cherry chunk ice cream with walnuts and dark chocolate for Foodie Friday tomorrow – trust me, Ben and Jerry have got NOTHING on this girl!! 

‘Til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

 

22 minute circuit 

• 60 sec. down dog push ups
• 10 sec. rest
• 45 sec. burpees
• 10 sec. rest
• 90 sec. front & back lunges (45 sec. each side)
• 10 sec. rest
• 45 sec. mountain climbers
• 10 sec. rest
• 30 sec. forearm plank 
• 20 sec. rest

* 4 times through ( 5 min. 30 sec. each round) *

 

Guess what…

Hey Friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Phil and I had a lot of fun doing Paddle Board Yoga, BBQing with friends and family, and making plans for our wedding…Oh yea, I’M ENGAGED! I’ve been so MIA lately because Phil and I got engaged June 28th & its just been a whirlwind! On top of our exciting news, my sister is pregnant so I am going to be an AUNT! Who is more blessed than me, right?!?!?! I can’t believe I am going to be a wife and an aunt…Holy Moly!

The next year is going to be a busy one with planning a wedding, doing my yoga teacher training, continuing to build my health coaching expertise, working full time, helping my sister & taking care of our new home since Phil and I will be moving into our very own place next month!I promise I will do my best not to talk about weddings all the time but I know I will be adding little tidbits along the way to chronicle my wedding planning process! More exciting is going to be my wedding work out/diet routine. Phil and I have agreed once we move into our place Aug. 1 we go into ‘sweating for the wedding’ mode & getting back to our healthiest selves!

We’ve both been maintaining pretty healthy diet and exercise routines but definitely find excuses to slack on the cardio and indulge in the vino, haha, but that’s life, right?!?! Tomorrow I’ll be sharing my most recent bulubox review & plans for the coming weeks in terms of yoga routine, so until next time…SMILE!

Summer Solstice & Weekend Fun!

Hello WordPress Family! I hope everyone is officially enjoying their summer!! Saturday marked the Summer Solstice & like a good little yogi I honored the occasion with 108 sun salutations. There was much internal debate about joining a group or class but I personally enjoy doing my 108 practice privately – knowing there are a number of like minded souls globally participating in the same tradition makes me feel much more connected to the yoga community anyway!

I did three sets of 36, dedicated to the past, present and future. My past meditation was focused on letting go with gratitude – acknowledging everything up to this point as a blessing that has helped shape the person I am. My present meditation was focused on celebrating each moment without judgement – not labeling an experience positive or negative but receiving it as it comes with openness & excitement. My future meditation was focused on honoring my inner light – remaining true to my inner self and continuing to follow my heart along my path to happiness.

Phil & I enjoyed a long ride on Sunday – about 40 miles – but we broke it up with some swim lessons & lunch @ Zakes in Fort Washington. We enjoyed a peaceful night in Sunday that was only slightly saddened by the tie that should have been a win for the US against Portugal in the World Cup. I was admittedly more frustrated that I should have been but we’re still in the tournament and have a shot against Germany….

Let’s go USA!!

 

RUN RUN RUN

Happy Hump Day!!

Today is National Running Day, so to all those runners out there, today’s the day to hit the pavement, track or trail!

As most know, I can’t run anymore because of the injuries sustained to my spine, but I can appreciate the feeling of the open road beneath my shoes & the freedom that comes with being able to just go!

Enjoy!

Motivated Monday

Hello WordPress Family! I hope everyone had a lovely Mother’s Day and wonderful weekend! This weekend was so much fun but definitely indulgent…I haven’t had that much sugar in so long…I was bouncing off the walls like a little kid! Seeing as the weekend was full of delicious sugary drinks & delightful cheese plates, today’s post is dedicated to some motivating reminders!

I love this one because I constantly shift or cancel my workouts for other plans – work, social or otherwise. If I look at my workout sessions as important business meetings (the business of taking care of my body), I’m less likely to cancel.

This is one thing I remind myself all the time – it doesn’t matter if you indulge a bit on the weekends, miss a work out or just have a bad week because each day is a chance to begin again!

This is the final one and its a good reminder that eating well, exercising, etc.. isn’t a diet, fad or temporary means to an end…its a lifestyle! When you take good care of yourself, inside and out, it shows!

 

Pose-a-day: The weekends shots are up on instagram & today’s Pincha Mayurasana (forearm balance) will be available for your viewing pleasure this evening!

Daily Eats

• Breakfast: Greek Yogurt w/Walnuts & Strawberries
• Snack: Cucumber
• Lunch: Pasta Salad w/Tuna
• Snack: Apple
• Dinner: Seared Scallops w/Arugula Salad
• Dessert: Fruit

Yoga Conference Breakdown

Happy Hump Day Lovers! My yoga conference buzz is still pushing me through this gloomy week! I know I’ve said I love rainy days but let me be clear, I am not a fan of several in a row!ANYWAY, I promised to share all the amazing details of The Yoga Journal Conference in New York this past weekend! The lovely and talented Kristin Ritter of Nourishing Storm was my partner in crime for the weekend & I couldn’t have been more blessed to have such an inspirational force to share the weekend with!

In addition to our 6 workshops this weekend, Kristin and I decided to do a little yoga throughout the city, striking a pose wherever and whenever the mood struck…

All silliness aside, I learned so much this weekend. I started with Tiffany Cruikshank’s ‘Inspire’ workshop which focused on the breath and harnessing our inner strength with the breath. Afterwards Jason Crandell did a 360 degree tour of the hip joint in his workshop! We dissected all the different muscles that connect/wrap through the hip joint and the connection to the spine/back bending – totally awesome! Finally, I finished Day 1 with Shiva Rea’s ‘rhythmic vinyasa’ workshop. It was all about understanding our synchronicity with the universal rhythm and using the fullness of our breath to tap into that rhythm…totally inspirational!

Day 2 began by de-mystifying revolved triangle with Rodney Yee and his wife Colleen Saidman. The two worked in tandem to expand our understanding of twists & totally revolutionized the way I look at getting into poses, holding poses, and directing my energy during practice…those two are no joke! While I loved Rodney & Colleen’s worksop, it was a total yogic juxtaposition to take ‘down to fly’ with Dana Trixie Flynn next. With rock/rap music blaring, glitter flying & dance parties in between sequencing DTF approach to yoga is definitely unique but I love her message: be authentic to yourself, have fun, & keep it light! I closed the conference with Tiffany Cruikshank’s ‘release’ workshop. Our focus was on myofascial release and boy did we need it! I have messed around with myofascial release after intense work outs but it was totally invaluable to learn from a yoga, sports medicine & chinese medicine expert!

Since this post is already long enough I will save my take aways & action steps moving forward for tomorrow! Game 7 of the Flyers v. Rangers Stanely Cup Play offs is tonight…LETS GO FLY GUYS!!

 

Daily Eats

• Breakfast: Greek Yogurt & Blueberries
• Snack #1: Pumpkin Seeds
• Lunch: Brown Rice Noodles & Tofu w/Vegetables
• Snack #2: Sweet Potato Chips’
• Dinner: Citrus Cod w/Snow Peas
• Dessert: Popcorn & Cacao Fudge Bars w/Coconut

 

YJC 2014 & Today’s Adventures in Exercise

I may not leave for the conference until tomorrow but my excitement is already palpable! That’s right, the road to Yoga Journal Conference NYC 2014 is almost complete – in a mere 33 hours I’ll be checking in for a weekend full of incredible energy, excitement & inspiration!

Last year I attended the business of yoga workshop & participated in the free group classes but this year I am taking 6 workshops covering various aspects of practice. I’m super excited to learn from some of the world’s most amazing yogis – no joke, most of these inspiring folks are internationally recognized & travel extensively to share their practice – but I’m a bit nervous! Considering a lot of the conference attendees are teachers themselves or veterans in the yoga community, how could I not be nervous?!?! Instead of letting my nerves get the best of me, I’m transferring that energy into absorbing all the weekend has to offer! Beyond the workshops, its incredible to feel the sense of community & positive energy from everyone around – knowing you’re surrounded by people who share your passions is very powerful!

Wish me luck!

Today is pilates class number four & I finally feel like I am getting the hang of it! I really enjoy the isolated movements…you can totally feel the shape of your muscles changing! Also, this will be the second week I’m experimenting with weight lighting. Its been years since I have done any lifting but with my back pain increasing it makes sense to try & strengthen all the supporting muscle groups. I am lifting with my pilates partner in crime over at Kissing Chubby Goodbye since she’s been into the lighting scene for about 8 months now & we’re definitely easing me back into it. The plan is to keep it simple, play it safe with the spine & see how it goes…I’ll keep ya posted!

Have you tried anything new lately? I’d love to hear about it!

Daily Eats:

• Breakfast: Quinoa Protein Porridge w/Banana
• Snack #1: Greek Yogurt w/Blueberries
• Lunch: Egg Salad w/Mixed Greens & Pita
• Snack #2: Peanut Butter & Honey Whole Wheat Pretzel Sticks
• Post Workout: Apple
• Dinner: Baked Tofu w/Exotic Mushrooms & Sweet Potato Fries
• Dessert: Cacao Mousse Tarts

Everyday Inspiration & Detox Day 10

Happy Hump Day Folks! We’re in double digits and there are only five more days until Phil & I have successfully completed The Vabulous Life Spring Detox! We both agreed there are many things we’re going to incorporate into our regular routine; however, we’re both looking forward to adding things like eggs, nuts, dairy & wine back to our diet…in moderate amounts of course, haha!

Speaking of yummy deliciousness, yesterday’s Sweet Freedom trip was a success!! Maybe it wasn’t exactly in the spirit of detox, seeing as we had a dessert smorgasbord, but it definitely adhered to the letter of the detox & OH MY GOD everything was delicious! Considering I picked these goodies up on my bike before going to yoga class, before riding all the way back home, I opted for a few little bites that looks like they’d travel well! I’m not a big ‘cake ball’ fan but Sweet Freedom‘s delicious little bites may very well  have converted me. Each treat was slightly different then its ‘normal’ counterpart but in all the best ways…there was no heavy, weighed down feeling after indulging and believe me, each bite was incredibly indulgent!!

Even though there wasn’t a single ounce of guilt after last night’s dessert, I still wanted to start today with a bit of cardio – a cookie is a cookie after all, no matter what its made from! I am really loving the timer app I downloaded! It makes it so simple to throw together quick cardio sessions and squeeze in a solid work out anywhere- if anyone reading this is into fitness and doesn’t already have one of these apps, GET ON IT, its a game changer!

 

Speaking of game changers, seeing this yesterday reminded me yoga conference is just a few weeks away and I am going to have the chance to practice with some amazingly talented yogi’s – like this goddess, Tiffany Cruikshank! I attended yoga conference in NY last year and it was totally inspiring! This year I am doing classes all day Saturday & Sunday and am so excited to open up my practice in new and powerful ways!

 

 

Detox Day # 10

• Morning Elixir
• Breakfast: Green Flax Smoothie
• Snack #1: Apple & Pumpkin Seeds
• Lunch: Citrus Shrimp w/greens
• Snack #2: Hummus & Cucumber
• Cranberry Flush
• Dinner: Carrot Ginger Soup w/Sweet Potato Chips
• Dessert: Cacao Chip Cookies

 

Where do you find your everyday inspiration?!?!?