A Yoga Expert’s Playlist
October 11, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Washington Magazine just featured a great article on yoga music. It called out a common part of yoga practice that is often assumed to be a certain way — music. Let’s face it, when most of us think of yoga music we think of new age music, with maybe some wind chime noises and chanting thrown in for good measure. The article reiterates the fact that this does not have to be the case, and that this kind of music isn’t for everyone. Does this make you less of a yogi? Certainly not.
The article presented a great playlist created by Kelli DiNardo, who owns Past Tense Studio and features a great mix of songs that include everything from Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” to Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird.” I couldn’t love it more. The important thing to keep in mind is that everyone’s different — there is no universal playlist. Go with what you like and try to bring in songs that will motivate you, and flow smoothly with your standard yoga practice. Here’s the playlist that DiNardo gives: « Read the rest of this entry »
FDA Checks for Tainted Cantaloupe
September 29, 2011 § Leave a Comment
In the U.S., Federal Health Officials continue to expand efforts to ensure that no more people are affected by cantaloupe that has been tainted by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Such bacteria tainted cantaloupe has already spread to 18 states, and resulted in 72 illnessess and 13 deaths among U.S. citizens.
The outbreak was first reported September 12 and was traced to consumption of Rocky Ford cantaloupes grown at Jensen Farms’ fields in Grenada, Colorado. ”Because some of the wholesalers and distributors may have further distributed the recalled cantaloupes to food processors, it is possible that additional products that contain cantaloupe from Jensen Farms could be recalled,” the FDA said. “There is no indication of foreign distribution at this time.”
Never Too Late To Find Your Path In Life (via The Chart)
September 23, 2011 § 1 Comment
“Late bloomers? Late for what? What is it we’re late for?”
I had called Shilloy to discuss late bloomers, chiefly because last year, in her early 40s, she made a dramatic shift in her career as a marketing exec and went back to school to become a therapist. But as I began our interview, it was clear that something was putting her on edge.
“The term ‘late bloomers’ pushes a button for me,” she admitted. “Part of it is that for decades I bought into this whole paradigm in our culture of blooming when you’re supposed to. And I was on track! I was keeping up with the Joneses – with the education, the salary, the home, aiming for the 2.5 kids by a certain age. I was living in New York City, working for a blue-chip firm, and I was going through the motions of what you should be doing when you’re successful. Maybe my work was still not answering the question of who I was, but I justified it as ‘I’ll make all the money I want to make and then I’ll do what I really want to do.’” … The Chart
Snacks That Give You Energy: Day 10
September 21, 2011 § 5 Comments
For the final day of great energy snack posts, I wanted to keep it pretty simple. Lemon water may not quite constitute a snack, but did you know that sipping water with lemon — whether cold or hot — is known to be an excellent source of energy? Dehydration is one of the major forms of fatigue, so sipping on hydrating lemon water does its job by diminishing that risk. Furthermore, it gives an added boost of vitamins and enzymes. Make sure to kickstart your day with a cup of hot water and lemon!
Source: Kimberly Snyder
Compiling Your Alternative First Aid Kit: Day 11
August 8, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Neem (azadirachta indica) Powder
Neem, which is considered a sacred plant in India, has dozens of uses — from acting as a natural air conditioner when placed in gardens to helping to keep your gums healthy. Neem powder may be difficult to find outside the subcontinent, but it’s worth a look at your local Asian grocery store if you can’t find it elsewhere.
For travelers, neem is great for keeping those terrible pests of the night away. A natural insect repellent, you can sleep a little easier after sprinkling your sheets with the powder. It has a clean medicinal smell, though the odor can also deter some people from using it.
Source: Matador Life
Growing Interest in Sustainable Tourism In Mexico
August 3, 2011 § 2 Comments
A few weeks ago I featured a string of posts promoting a greener Mexico, and incorporating that into a natural and holistic lifestyle. Today I came across an interesting interview with the CEO of Travelocity Mexico, Rodrigo Cobo, talking to The Mexico Report regarding their agreement with the Rainforest Alliance, and announcement of the first new Green Hotels Directory in Mexico. This is great news for those considering traveling to Mexico for a yoga or wellness retreat (or for any other kind of travel) that are looking for a green hotel to stay in! Here is some key information from that interview:
Are the hotel regulations for obtaining a green certification the same in Mexico as they are in the U.S. or Canada?
Travelocity’s Green Hotel Directory works with second- and third-party green hotel verification and certification programs such as Rainforest Alliance whose standards closely align with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) and who can guarantee an audit. This distinguishes our Directory from other less rigorous programs and promotes a standard framework for “sustainable tourism.” We know our customers trust us to hold the line against “green washing” and provide them with eco-friendly hotels that have been verified. Bottom-line yes, the regulations for a green certification is the same all over the world, and align with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. « Read the rest of this entry »
Organic Fruit Smoothies for Summer
August 2, 2011 § 1 Comment
Berry and Rose Geranium Smoothie
New York Times Health recently featured the recipe for these amazing looking organic smoothies. If you live near a farmer’s market, or have access to good fresh fruit — smoothies are a great way to enjoy a summer treat, while still getting the nutrients your body craves! Enjoy these berry and rose geranium smoothies on a warm summer day!
Fragrant rose geranium is very easy to grow in pots, and a little goes a long way. The recipe recommends using it to make a syrup that you can add to just about anything you make with berries. « Read the rest of this entry »
Mexico is a Safe Place to Travel Especially with Improvements to Mexican Border Security (via Mexico Today)
August 1, 2011 § 1 Comment
In a July 18 press release, Chula Vista Deputy Mayor Rudy Ramirez stated that the public’s false perception that Mexico is dangerous is not supported by real crime statistics. The press release reads, “A key topic of discussion was that the perception of the insecurity of the region is not supported by statistics regarding public safety.” In the press release, Ramirez reported on a recent meeting with mayors from different cities throughout Southern California and Baja California in which they discussed the false perception individuals hold in regards to safety and life in Mexico. The mayors also spoke about the need to work together to “promote economic development” and tourism in Mexico. … Read More
Via Mexico Today
Check Out EcoRico!
July 21, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Now here’s an idea worth getting behind. Giselle Achecar is the woman behind EcoRico, an eco-lifestyle brand that believes in holistic health for people and planet. Eco Rico is the integration of Achecar’s life-long creative passions for writing, performing, cooking and eating with her powerful conviction for inspiring and teaching others to care for and respect the earth, as well as themselves. Check out this introductory video, and visit the EcoRico Website.
Letting Go in Mexico (via Yoga Journal)
July 20, 2011 § Leave a Comment
My four-year-old laughs—there’s no better sound—and splashes in the shallow water, so shallow she could wade out into the ocean for as far as the eye can see. But as we gaze at the sunset together, I’m holding her hand and keeping her close to shore.
Yes, I’m a worrier. Recently divorced, I never seem to have enough time or money. I worry not only about my daughter’s well-being, but that she doesn’t get enough of me. I should do more, be more, I think. Which is why, even though this weeklong yoga getaway to Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancun in Mexico, is definitely a material hardship, I’ve chosen to come anyway—to breathe, unwind, retreat.
I’m committed to yoga because I know, intellectually, that breaks are good for me, and for my daughter, too: When I get back to parenting, I’m renewed, patient, attentive. But emotionally, it’s different. Guilt is always there. I find myself wondering whether I should be allowed to feel so good when I’m apart from my daughter. … Read More
By Diane Anderson
Via Yoga Journal
