how to detox

do this: spinal twists.  in yoga, they compare twists to wringing out a washcloth.  they purify your system and detoxify the blood.  plus, they feel goooood.  (stand with your feet parallel, 4-5 ft apart.  hinge forward at the waist and place hands/fingertips on the floor.  keeping your back flat, twist your right arm up to the sky, leaving your left hand on the ground.  look up, if you can.  hold for a few deep breaths.  repeat on the other side.)  still not sure what to do?  check out the pose {here}.

another spinal twist option.  credit {here}

eat this: veggies!  there is nothing like simply prepared, wholesome veggies to set you right again.  {shameless plug coming} and, i have just the thing {wink}, my lovely (and FREE) cookbook, vegetables & vodka!  all the dinner recipes "star" veggies and are less than 450 calories per serving.  so, what are you waiting for?  download it below : )  and if you love it, please pass it along...

drink this: water.  that was a given...  but, if you're finding h2o a little boring, opt for seltzer or add a squeeze of fresh citrus to your glass or enjoy a cup of tea with 1 tsp sugar in the raw & lemon.

try this: too often, we plant ourselves in front of the tv or computer screen until moments before bed.  we give our bodies no time to slow down and relax.  try to turn off all electronics 30 min before bed.  spend that last bit of time reading, chatting with your spouse or writing in your journal.  you'll feel infinitely better, i promise!

here's to a simply fabulous (mini) detox!  what are your detox tricks?.

growing into myself

hello, mavens!  i hope you're all enjoying this lovely tuesday so far.  i wanted to share an ego-boosting experience of late : )

yesterday, at the end of advanced vinyasa yoga, the teacher was discussing her upcoming teacher training that will be starting this september.  now, any of you who frequent lifestyle maven know that i am a yoga-phanatic.  and, yes, i have flirted with the idea of pursuing my teaching certification.  but, i was completely flattered (and surprised) when the teacher singled me out at the end of class and said "cailen, you should think about this" as she handed me a brochure about her teacher training.  umm, wow.  me?  i try not to allow my ego to get the best of me, but i adore yoga so much that this compliment lifted me up to cloud 9.

credit {here}

so...i am really considering starting the training this fall.  it's a commitment - 15 weekends (friday 5-9, saturday 12-6, sunday 12-6) from september 2011 through may of 2012.  but, i definitely think it would be worth it...

isn't it funny how our lives twist and turn and eventually lead us deeper into who we are truly meant to be?  i encourage all of you not to deny your true passions...and listen to what your world is telling you (even if it's not in words).

cheers!

.

om monday: seeing rightly

"it is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."


at the close of yoga on saturday, the teacher ended class with her usual quote.  the lovely little sentence that she often utters is so simple and so true.  i was wondering what wise yogi's words she was repeating.  so, i googled it : )


to my surprise, it was not a yoga guru who first uttered those words.  it's a quote from the little prince (a.k.a. le petit prince).  a novel by antoine de saint exupéry from 1943. 

credit {here}

as a college french major, i must admit, i'm a little surprised (and embarrassed) that i didn't know that this famous quote came from a novel that is widely read and discussed in french classes.  but, in a different setting, in the zen-quiet of a peaceful yoga studio, the words took on a new, clearer and more profound meaning. 


"it is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."


namaste : ).

how to celebrate (the end of) summer

it's hard to believe that we're almost 2 weeks into august.  this summer has flown by, and now we're just over a month away from fall.  (my personal favorite season.)  but before we bid summer adieu, i think it's important to soak up every last bit of sun, surf & sand.

do this: stop by a local road side stand or farmers' market to enjoy the season's bounty.  fresh berries and fruit.  juicy tomatoes, zucchinis and peppers.  stock up while they last : )

credit {here}

eat this: ice cream.  the other day, craig, my sis (hannah), olive (our dog-baby) and i stopped at our favorite local ice cream place.  dilly's.  i ordered my "usual" - small (soft-serve) vanilla in a cone with rainbow sprinkles.  it tasted like my childhood.

credit {here}

wear this: sunglasses! chic sunglasses are a must for summer (well, really a "must" year-round, i guess.)  i often treat myself to a new pair each season.  they needn't be expensive - they just have to be stylish!  if you haven't indulged in a new pair, be certain to pick up some with built-in uv protection.

credit {here}

try this: slim calm sexy yoga.  there are still a few good beach weeks left, so if you have yet to start your summer workout regimen, don't fret.  better late than never!  even just the idea of getting fit will make you feel more bikini-confident.

enjoy (what's left of) the dog days of summer.  any end-of-summer plans???.