Bountiful Living

honey

2012-01-23T10:49:00.002-05:00

I just had the happiest breakfast.....ever.

Carrot juice and Hemp Toast with Backyard Eden Honey.
This honestly is the best honey I have ever had. It has a deep rich flavor. To me it has a flavor of caramel. Thank you Jeff Rainey for harvesting the most beautiful honey....ever.

You must have some.

Please support your local honey folks.

love,

Saturday Stone

2012-01-21T11:10:00.004-05:00

Kitteh Paw

Dandelion Coffee

2012-01-17T08:12:00.003-05:00

Don't get me wrong, I love a good cup of espresso....but the side effects are not always desirable. Like a migraine, fitful sleep, psychotic jitters. And since I am doing a Detox for 30 days and eating an 80% alkaline diet, I'd rather skip the double tall whatever.

Enter coffee alternatives. I think they all suck. Except for this one. I like it hot, cold, black or with almond milk. No sugar needed...it has a touch of natural sweetness to it. AND Dandelion Root is very alkalizing! Double bonus for Dandy Blend!

Welcome 2012

2012-01-15T10:33:00.003-05:00

It is embarrassing to see that I haven't posted since August.

For 2012, I have made a commitment to myself to surrender, to let go of worry and to be willing to feel vulnerable.

So, this will mean that you may be hearing from me more frequently. I hope that's a good thing for you. I know it will be for me.

Great Love,

Hurricane Headache!

2011-08-25T10:29:00.003-04:00

What ever Dear Irene decides to do, we at least know we are going to see some wind, rain, and most definitely a change in barometric pressure. Already I am feeling it. I woke up this morning with a bit of a headache. I have a tendency to get them before a storm. So I thought I would share with you my quick fix that I did on myself.

1. I did just a couple of Bowen moves on my neck.
2. Did a double shot (2 T) of E3 Live Blue Green Algae. If you are in the area, I have E3Live for sale at my office, or you can just order it from them directly.
3. Drank 16oz. of "high quality H2O"

Results: Headache gone in less that 10 minutes!

If you'd like to learn more about Bowenwork, I am having a *FREE* Bowenwork Clinic this Sunday 8/28, 1pm at Beloved Yoga in Reston. No need to register, just show up!

Cheesy Kale Chips

2011-07-13T16:40:00.004-04:00

I love kale. I love Brad's Cheesy Kale. I don't love paying $8 for 2.5 oz of kale and contributing to the consumption of plastic containers. So...figured I would try to deconstruct the recipe and make my own. After all, how difficult could it be? Not difficult at all. So there. Here is what I came up with...

Kate's Cheesy Kale
1 bunch kale
1 C raw cashews
1 C raw sunflower seeds
1/2 red bell pepper coarsely chopped
1 C nutritional yeast
juice of 2-3 lemons
sea salt to your liking
just under 1 C water (enough water to make it like a creamy salad dressing)

Wash and dry kale. Remove the center stem. Tear into bite size pieces. Place all kale in a large bowl.

Place all remaining ingredients in a food processor and blend until creamy.

Pour the "cheese dressing" over the kale and mix thoroughly. I like to use my hands to make sure everything is covered and mixed well.

Place kale on the trays of a dehydrator (you just need the mesh trays, no need to use a teflex sheet).
"Cook" the kale at 115 degrees in the dehydrator for 10-12 hours.

Good luck with making them last for more than one day!

Considerations:
Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
If you do not have a dehydrator, some convection ovens will allow you to go as low at 115 degrees.

If you try this, please let me know how it goes! I would also love to hear if you decide to change anything or add anything that would make it better.

Blessing to all of you!

Crackers!

2011-06-21T09:03:00.004-04:00

Lately I have been obsessed with flax crackers. They are so yummy. I made a huge batch yesterday. Here's what's in them...

Flax seeds soaked for 8 hours
Pumpkin seeds soaked overnight
Sea Salt
A little grapeseed oil
Dehydrated for 10 hours at 108 degrees

Flax and Pumpkin Seed Goodness!!!

I happen to LOVE them with raspberry jam. Confession: I can kill a jar of jam in less than a week!

Love + Gratitude

2011-06-19T08:04:00.004-04:00

Things I love and am grateful for...

My dearest friend that I miss and love. Suddenly I am realizing that we don't really have any pictures of the pair of us! humpf....that is a case of taking for granted the fact that we saw each other practically every day....until she moved to Denver. Boo. ADVICE: don't take the ones you love for granted. spend time and take photos!

Yarn. Yarn. Yarn. Crochet. Crochet. Crochet. LOVE. I have finally completed all the squares I want for my granny blanket and now I can weave them all together. I will reveal the final to you soon. This is a small project that I started for my tea tray. It's almost done. Does crochet mirror life? I seem to have a few crochet works in progress. My life is a work in progress.

I love these 2 books that I am reading now...

The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

Companion of God by Dadi Janki

Listening to the most beautiful music by Anonymous 4

I totally love this fuzzy monkey...

I will leave you with some Dadi Janki...

Let me be humble and
let me harmonize and work well with all others,
but let me not become like them.

Others may be influenced
by their own arrogance
or by their own negativities,
or by ordanariness in the mind,
but this does not mean that I have to be.

There should be so much truth in me
that others become truthful

My inner state should be such that
not only am I not influenced
by the negativity of others,
but my very presence is a positive influence
on all negativities.
This is true, spiritual detachment

It is so exhilarating
to experience yourself as a Spiritual Being
You should never hide
that sparkle on the face that comes
from having come to God

Everything we used to do on the basis of ego
can now be done out of love.

~Dadi Janki

Next Week...

2011-06-16T07:15:00.002-04:00

I turn 40! Quite frankly, I couldn't be more excited. I wasn't even this excited when I turned 21.

Anyway.......What do YOU love about being 40?

update.....again....+ recipe

2011-06-03T08:01:00.004-04:00

It has been about 2 months since my last posting and I am working on feeling guilt free about it. :)
This spring has been quite busy for me and Bowenwork Therapeutics.

My best, dearest friend moved away. To Denver. I was so happy for her because it is something she and her husband have been wanting to do since she and I met. I was so sad for me because I felt liking I was losing the sister I never had. You see, we are both only children. We had our "only child" quirks....together. We grew to love and laugh at them. She is still my best and dearest....just living in Denver. I'm still adjusting. :/ Love video chat though!

Here are some goodies for you.....

Kabobs we had for our Memorial Day BBQ

Veggie + Shrimp Kabobs

Fruit in the blender for smoothie

Most delicious smoothie!

Recipe:
green grapes
orange (peeled)
slice of honeydew melon
5 strawberries with tops
slice of lemon with rind
handful of spinach
honey
a little water
Blend in Vitamix

feeling a little blue

2011-03-30T08:48:00.003-04:00

....for NO particular reason! I am normally a pretty happy person and I pretty much love my life. I think it is this weather we are having. It is cold, cold, cold, and I really just don't like it anymore. Spring and summer can't get here fast enough for me.

Here is what I have been doing to bring in some cheer:

*go for walks outside (no matter how cold it is...just bundle up!)
*eat oranges...they are so bright and happy looking
*crochet more granny squares and plan my next project
*get at least 9 hours of sleep (this is crucial for me!)
*take my vitamins
*paint my nails red
*have bouquets of daffodils around the house (these are my favorite flower)
*do yoga

Do you have any suggestions?

Sunday

2011-03-27T10:12:00.005-04:00

Today I am grateful for...

A quiet morning to drink tea and crochet
A sweet kitteh that curls up by my elbow
Green tea incense
Toast with peach jam
Snow in March
My awesome and supportive Dad
9 hours of sleep
Lunch with BFF

What are you grateful for on this beautiful Sunday?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Oh...inspiration!!!! ......for the next project from A Beautiful Mess. LOVE!

God is in the Details

2011-03-23T09:53:00.004-04:00

Yesterday morning I went for my usual walk on the W&OD trail by my house. Normally I will plug my ipod into my head and listen to an audio book on business, marketing, or self improvement...all areas of my life I need vast improvements in. My latest has been The Big Moo by Seth Godin. I highly recommend. Anyway, lately I have been feeling the need to unplug a bit. See with fresh eyes. Slow down. Enjoy. Appreciate. Be creative. Wonder at. Be grateful for. See the Sacred in all things.

***Slow Down***

***Appreciate + See***

***Wonder***

***There is ALWAYS a way***

***Pay attention to the details.....

...so the bigger picture turns out more of the way you'd like. And don't forget to ask for help***

Just a Hello!

2011-03-22T09:23:00.003-04:00

Stone really wanted to say Hi! and insisted we take a new photo...right now. So...me with no make up, still in my pajamas, and wiley hair.

We wish you a Happy Tuesday!

Friday Stone

2011-03-18T07:49:00.004-04:00

Hello Everyone! I hope you enjoy this beautiful, amazing, warm spring day.
Today I am having overwhelming feelings of gratitude + joy.

Granny Adventures

2011-03-17T10:52:00.005-04:00

Hellllooooooo! I have been bursting to get these photos posted. I have been Granny square obsessed! They are so much more fun than watching tv. I just set up camp on my couch with my tea and hook away.

Stone is always there to help.....

Here is what I have so far......

I have a lot more to do in order to make a nice blanket. It was this blanket that has been my inspiration.......

Isn't it beautiful!!!!! It is from the lovely Lucy over at Attic 24. Check out her Blanket Fest!

Last Sunday my BFF and I went to a fabulous and inspiration yoga workshop with Max Strom.
He wrote the book "A Life Worth Breathing". I am almost half way through it and savoring every word. If you ever have a chance to study with him, I highly recommend it.

Have a beautiful day everyone!

The Happy Hooker

2011-03-02T08:31:00.006-05:00

I learned how to knit back in my early 20's. I was taught by a very talented fiber artist named Holly. She gave me knitting lessons in exchange for babysitting her son. Over the years, I have made relatively simple projects like scarves and afghans. I made the switch over to the dark side a couple of years ago. Now I am a hooker and proud of it. I LOVE to crochet. Why?! Because it's easy, fast, fun, quick, relaxing, and you get to play with all sorts of beautiful colors and fibers.

My favorite place to go locally... Uniquities in Vienna . I am also so happy to have found a great selection of yarn at Walmart and AC Moore. AC Moore sells yarn from Stitch Nation, the site of one of my favorite books, Stitch n' Bitch ~ The Happy Hooker...it was from this book that I learned how to crochet.

Here are some fun links... Sarah London + Why didn't anyone tell me?.

Here is an up close of the edge...

But wait! There's more! Check out what is hitting the runways! The Granny Square is back!

These photos are from The House of Holland.

My next project is to master the Granny Square. I hear they are easy as a wink. I hope so. I don't think I will make a dress out of them.... I just want to make a blanket. And there is this wonderful charity project called Crochet a Rainbow you can donate your Granny Squares to if you have some extras lying around.

Do you like to crochet? What projects are you working on? What tea do you like to drink when you are crocheting? I'd love to hear from you!

Friday Stone

2011-02-18T08:42:00.002-05:00

My sweet cozy kitteh!

Have a beautiful weekend everyone~

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T10:41:00.003-05:00

This morning I had my favorite wheat free - gluten free pancakes from Pamela's Products. They are the BEST!. I added cherry preserves on top. yum.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Reinstating Balance and Creativity

2011-02-13T09:05:00.006-05:00

Has it really been since August that I have posted?!?!? Well, no longer will it go this long between posts! I have to tell you that I have been fortunate with the healthy growth of Bowenwork Therapeutics. Many people are being helped with Migraines, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Shoulder, Back, and Neck Pain...Bowen WORKS!
I have also realized that this blog provides for me a creative outlet that I have been sorely missing. I am constantly telling people to create more balance in their lives all the while I have been a little out of balance with mine. So here is my public commitment to reinstate creativity and balance back into my life on a regular basis.

One of the creative things I have been longing for is to take a pottery class. Well, I found one at the Reston Community Center. The class starts in April. I went to sign up and it is already FULL! boo. I am now #2 on a waiting list. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I REALLY want to take this class. For the time being, I will continue with some crocheting projects. You can go to Lion Brand Yarn for free patterns.

I just made this orange fuzzy cowl for my bff for her birthday...

And on Saturday, I ran a free Bowenwork Clinic at Potomac River Running for 2 hours. People came with with knee pain, headaches, shoulder and neck pain, shin splints, and back pain. They left feeling much better! Karma Bowen!

Have a fabulous week and I will see you SOON!

summer recap

2010-09-19T08:29:00.007-04:00

Chihuly

how was your summer?! i took a couple months off from blogging but now i am back... again. i seem to do this a couple times a year. take some time off...come back with new eyes, new experiences. i like to do this. keeps me fresh.

here's a recap of my delightful summer...

thomas and i went to the beach a couple of times. had SUCH great times. i got to meditate by the ocean, do yoga on the dock, eat massive amounts of fresh seafood, ride my bike, and sleep...
A LOT!

we went to michigan to visit my dad (another wonderful beach experience). i haven't been home to visit in a few years and it was interesting to see the changes in the small town i grew up in...holland, mi. we had a wonderful time talking, going for walks on the beach, bike rides, and eating delicious food (my dad is a great cook!)

s'mores on the beach with our neighbors
thomas and my dad building the bonfire

we also got to see the Chihuly exhibit at Meijer Gardens. THAT was amazing! here are a couple photos...

the summer has come to an end and i am so grateful for the wonderful blessings from it. now it is time pull out the cozy fleece hoodies, make hearty stews in the crock pot, get fired up for some football, and enjoy hot apple cider.

this fall you will find me in these places...
*taking ashtanga and yin yoga at inner power yoga in sterling
*walking the trail
*behind my computer writing for my new Bowenwork Therapeutics website. it is currently up and running! yay!
*at the Bowenwork Therapeutics office helping people with chronic pain, migraine headaches, MS, fibromyalgia, and parkinson's.

today my yoga was...

2010-07-19T22:16:00.003-04:00

practicing the discipline of learning new + scary web things
crying over the loss of a beloved family dog
making lunch for my husband
eating lunch with a friend
a 45 minute yin yoga practice
a quiet walk at sunset alone counting fire flies (18 to be exact)

happy midsummer's eve!

2010-06-23T08:49:00.002-04:00

today is midsummer's eve!

here are some things you can do to celebrate:

savor life's simple pleasures
celebrate nature
put fresh flowers around your house
eat fairy cakes (fancy word for cupcake)
drink peach iced tea
rock in a rocking chair
have some lemon syllabub
write in your journal what you are grateful for
jump rope
hula hoop
go to your local farmer's market and stock up on fresh fruit and veggies
meditate
lite soy aromatherapy candles all around your house

*this list is inspired by sarah ban breathnach's book "simple abundance"

have a beautiful merry day!

Sunday 7

2010-06-20T20:36:00.005-04:00

1. sleeping in on sunday
2. fresh pineapple with lime, ginger, and mint
3. green tea
4. simple abundance
5. cool dads
6. walks with my bff
7. lessons that help me grow

*~what are you grateful for?

quick carrot juice

2010-06-16T08:28:00.002-04:00

put through your juicer:
8 peeled carrots
1 apple
1 peeled lemon
1/2 - 1 inch of ginger

sip + savor!

Vegetarian Vampire Blood

2010-06-14T10:43:00.003-04:00

"Vegetarian Vampires" by Remedios Varo

(she is one of my most favorite artists, ever!)

i love to juice. however, i go through phases where i will go on a juicing frenzy for a few weeks and then will stop for a while, then repeat. it really is just me listening to what my body is wanting and needing. this morning began another round of juicing. i am so excited. i got out my juicer and juiced my FAVORITE juice...BLOOD! it is a recipe from Juliano's RAW.

blood:
2 apples
1/2 of a beet or 1 very small beet peeled
1 inch of ginger
*run through juicer...sip and savor!

this photo really doesn't do it much justice. it is much more red than this. oh, so yummy!

what is your favorite juicing recipe?

the friday stone

2010-05-21T13:56:00.003-04:00

hi...i'm batman

stone was just a few months old in this photo. i was going to name him radar. his ears are still SO big!

have a great weekend everyone!

mice will share their frosting if you ask nicely

2010-05-20T07:57:00.002-04:00

this is from jason sweeney at i am your canadian boyfriend. apparently, his teddy bear can kick your teddy bear's ass.

happy thursday!

spinach and wild rice salad

2010-05-18T08:02:00.005-04:00

i don't have a photo of the finished dish because i ate it too quickly! this one is easy as a wink...

mix the following together...

*left over cold wild rice
*a couple of handfuls of chopped spinach
*tahini salad dressing (i got a great one from wisteria gardens at the farmer's market on saturday mornings at lake anne)
*a handful of roasted salted sunflower seeds
** you could add some chopped red bell peppers to this to brighten it up too!

enjoy! this is SO yummy and easy to make.

p.s.... if you can't get tahini salad dressing you can make your own...
mix together:
lemon juice
tahini
vegetable oil
garlic
dash of soy sauce.

friday stone...on saturday

2010-05-15T08:16:00.003-04:00

hi there! we had a really good week...how about you?

spring breakfast

2010-05-10T07:46:00.003-04:00

lately for breakfast i have been eating a huge bowl of strawberries from the farmer's market, a slice of manna bread with honey, and of course...tea.

what do you crave for a lovely spring breakfast?

the friday stone

2010-05-07T08:27:00.003-04:00

for i am stone, lamp kitteh, keeper of xerox!

the only reason he sits on the copier is so he can get his nose up to the light bulb because it is warm. often times, he will get too close and will let out a little yelp from burning his nose!

have a beautiful weekend everyone!

electrolyte lemonade!

2010-05-06T07:59:00.003-04:00

it is getting warmer outside and a lot of you are out in it sweating or you are at a hot yoga class...sweating! here is a wonderful little treat for mind, body, and soul.

electrolyte lemonade!
(adapted from the "lifefood recipe book by annie jubb)

blend all these ingredients in a blender (a vitamix works best)

4 organic lemons (yellow skin removed)
3 T coconut butter
1 organic pear, (cored)
pinch of sea salt
6 C filtered water
6 T honey or maple syrup
20 Drops of CELL FOOD ( you can buy cell food at whole foods or here

*this makes a huge batch you can keep in your fridge. ENJOY!

i'm back!

2010-05-05T07:25:00.002-04:00

so many wonderful things have been happening! here is the rundown...

*my BOWENWORK practice has been taking off like wildfire! Bowenwork has been helping so many people. here are a few examples... ankle injuries, back pain, neck pain, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, helping people sleep better, managing MS and fibromyalgia symptoms and decreasing the incidence of flare ups, TMJ pain, and headaches. just to name a few!

*i have officially opened up BOWENWORK THERAPEUTICS in herndon, va.
click this link to check out the site and see what is going on and to get details.
also, feel free to become a fan on facebook!

*i have decided to take a pottery class this summer! oooooooh! i am so excited!

*the friday stone will be returning this FRIDAY! stone is currently sitting on my lap making my legs numb.

*networking! networking! networking! i joined the Dulles Chamber of Commerce. ooh! i feel like a grown up now!

*i added to the sidebar of this blog a link to SheaTerra Organics. i have been using their soap, shea butter, and baobab oil. it is amazing! for some reason, the baobab oil is getting rid of my acne!

that's it for now. see you for the friday stone!

life is truely bountiful!

2010-03-27T09:44:00.004-04:00

life is truly bountiful
and
i am grateful

Bowenwork ~ yoga ~ bosom friends ~ loving husband ~ daffodils ~ walks outside ~ sprouts ~ kittehs ~ papaya with lime ~ karma yoga ~ ganesh ~ meditation ~ kesar chai tea ~ organic goodies ~ journaling morning pages ~ rose incense

what are you grateful for?

Quick Update

2010-03-12T21:34:00.003-05:00

I have had a wonderfully busy week seeing lots of Bowenwork clients. I am spending the next 4 days with more Bowen training! I am tired and excited at the same time. I have lots to share with you all but am just too pooped out! I will check back in with Bowen updates next week.

In the mean time... get lots of sleep, drink green tea, take your antioxidants , go for a beautiful walk outside, drink lots of water, and do yoga!

3 things for friday

2010-03-05T10:15:00.004-05:00

Stone + Thomas having dinner together.

Go to The Local Flavor to support your local farmer. You can pick up your food at a local drop off or have it delivered directly to your door!
How wonderful!

Here is what they offer...

Grass-Fed Beef & Lamb (hormone & antibiotic free!)
Pastured Pork & Chickens (hormone & antibiotic free!)
Free-Range Eggs (from foraging, pastured chickens)
Local, Raw Honey (with & without comb)
Handmade Salsas & Mustards
Organic Produce
Chutneys & Jams
Locally Roasted Fair-Trade Coffees

Here is what they believe in...

Promoting Healthy Eating & Lifestyles
Connecting Farmers and Producers Directly to Buyers
Educating People About the Food System
Supporting Local Farms & Sustainable Agriculture
Humane Treatment of Animals
Protecting the Environment
Reducing Dependency on Petroleum

Kimi at The Nourishing Gourmet has a GREAT recipe for Veggie Bean Burritos. Check it out!

Have a Great weekend everyone!

kitteh pod

2010-03-04T07:33:00.003-05:00

is this not the cutest thing for kittehs ever!? my friend ingrid over at the conscious cat shared this one. you can find these lovely kitteh pods over at the modern cat. they are called katzenhohle.

i wonder what stone would do with one of these?

why, thank you!!!

2010-03-01T15:14:00.003-05:00

I was just awarded this Beautiful Blogger Award from Marisa over at Getting Back to Basics.

Thank you for thinking of me!

Steaz Sparkling Green Tea

2010-02-22T10:36:00.003-05:00

I have a new love! Steaz Sparkling Green Tea Soda ZERO in Black Cherry. It is the most delicious wonderful treat I have found to give myself lately...ok...aside from yoga, or 10 hours of sleep.
I found it at Whole Foods and at Wegman's. It is sweetened with stevia which I don't always love, I feel there is a little bit of a bitter aftertaste.
BUT! I don't taste the bitter stevia aftertaste with Steaz. AND...it has 500% of your daily value of Vitamin B6, 833% of B12, and 100% of Folic Acid.

ENJOY!

It tastes great after a hot steamy yoga class!

Pennywise Platter

2010-02-19T12:40:00.004-05:00

Oops! a day late. Kimi at The Nourishing Gourmet is featuring a delicious looking recipe from the Mom's for Safe Food Blog. Check it out!

I am featuring my favorite Fruit Salad.

the friday stone

2010-02-19T10:39:00.003-05:00

well... someone has to wash my feet for me!

have a great weekend everyone!

practical detox

2010-02-15T09:08:00.004-05:00

So often people ask me if they should do a cleanse, or fast, and which one to do. I have tried several cleanses in my life just to experiment to see how they work and what they do to my body. Any more, I am just not a huge fan of the "trendy" cleanse. I like to keep things practical, and easy.

What I have found from doing the "trendy" cleanse...

~some can be very expensive
~there are a LOT of pills, powders, and shakes to take
~they can be very harsh to the intestines...cramps, urgent running to the bathroom
~they won't let you eat...sometimes at all! (lemonade cleanse, NOT a fan)
~they are very low calorie and I end up not having enough energy to get through my day

In today's Huffington Post, Dr Mark Hyman posted a fantastic article on toxins, and how to get them out of our bodies. He gives a clear, practical, reasonable, and healthy way to detox...

10 Simple Steps to Enhance Detoxification

Proper detoxification is so essential for health that you need to start enhancing your body's ability to detoxify today. Here is how to do it:

1. Drink Clean -- Drink plenty of clean water, at least eight to ten glasses of filtered water a day.

2. Eliminate Properly -- Keep your bowels moving, at least once or twice a day. And if you can't get going, then you need some help. This can include taking two tablespoons of ground flax seeds and taking acidophilus and extra magnesium citrate capsules. If you have any chronic diseases or problems, you have to be careful about taking supplements and should work with your doctor.

3. Eat Clean -- You should also eat organic produce and animal products to eliminate the toxins, hormones, and antibiotics in your food.

4. Eat Detoxifying Food -- You should eat 8 to 10 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables a day, particularly family of the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, collards, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi) and the garlic family (garlic and onions), which help increase sulfur in the body and help detoxification.

5. Minimize Drugs -- Avoid stimulants, sedatives, and drugs, such as caffeine and nicotine, and try to reduce alcohol intake.

6. Get Moving -- Exercise five days a week with focus on conditioning your cardiovascular system, strengthening exercises, and stretching exercises.

7. Avoid the White Menace -- This includes white flour and white sugar.

8. Sweat -- Sweat profusely at least three times a week, using a sauna, steam, or a detox bath.

9. Supplement -- Take a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement.

10. Relax -- Relax deeply every day to get your nervous system in a state of calm, rest, and relaxation.

Mark Hyman, MD

Here are a couple of things that I do to incorporate these habits...

*First thing in the morning, drink 1 liter of water to flush out.

*Sweat, move, get strong, and stretch with some yoga at Down Dog Yoga.

*Use Natural Calm Magnesium (sold at Whole Foods)

*Take Organic Life Vitamins (you can buy them HERE or from me)

I encourage you to get started on some of these. Let me know how it works for you!

snowy stone...unhappy

2010-02-08T08:25:00.004-05:00

%#@&*#...
GROOOOWNDHOG!!!!!!

the friday stone

2010-01-22T09:29:00.003-05:00

Fill your day with sparkly things. I do...it makes my eyes glow.

Have a joyful weekend!

Pennywise Platter Thursday

2010-01-21T08:32:00.004-05:00

For all of us that want to continue to eat really healthy, nutrient rich foods and NOT spend a lot of money doing it....check out NOURISHING GOURMET'S Pennywise Platter. This week she has a link to a delicious Moroccan Chicken Stew. It is a very easy crock pot meal and perfect for a chilly winter evening. Also, check this out....Rich, Dark Hot Cocoa that just happens to be dairy free and refined sugar free. Another treat for a cold winter's night.

Have a wonderful day!

Dry Skin?

2010-01-19T08:48:00.005-05:00

I don't know about you, but lately my skin has been quite dry and itchy! Here's some things I discovered work really well...

Soap that does NOT have sodium laurel sulfate in it. I have fallen in LOVE with Skin Trip Coconut Soap. They have a coconut lotion that I love too.

When my skin gets really bad, I rub in a healthy amount of Bag Balm. I am telling you...it WORKS!

If your scalp is itchy and dry too, get shampoo that doesn't have sodium laurel sulfates too. It won't be as sudsy but it will get your hair clean and get rid of the itchies. Recently, I tried Deva Curl's No Poo Shampoo. I LOVED it.

Here is a link to a really cool blog for healthy green products...Nature Moms.

Healthy skin from the inside...be sure you are taking some kind of fish oil daily. My absolute favorite is Green Pasture's Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil. I think it is the best on the market and it is endorsed by the Weston A. Price Foundation.

Have a great week and stay healthy!

friday stone

2010-01-15T12:58:00.002-05:00

i hope your friday is wrapped up in a big red ribbon too!

have a great weekend everyone!

my bowen weekend

2010-01-12T07:57:00.005-05:00

Some of you know that I am in training to complete my Bowenwork Certification. This weekend I successfully completed Module 4 of 6! This weekend we reviewed and practiced procedures learned in 1-3 and learned the Bowenwork procedures for ankle, hammer toe, bunions, upper respiratory, TMJ, and forearm.

It was a great weekend and I am still overwhelmed at the amazing effectiveness of this work.
The Ankle Procedure is used to help with ankle and knee problems, cold feet, peripheral circulation problems, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs. Runners LOVE this one and the...
Bunion and Hammer Toe Procedure for helping with bunions and hammer toes, tight feet, balance issues, painful toe joints.
The Upper Respiratory and TMJ Procedures were the most profound for me. Probably because I grind and clench my teeth something terrible. I don't have TMJ but my experience of having these two procedures done helped my jaw relax, my sinuses drain completely, and I slept so well that I woke up in the same position I fell asleep in. Here is a shortened list of what can be helped: allergies, asthma symptoms, hay fever, influenza, colds/cough, sore throat, ear problems migraines/headaches, teeth grinding/clenching.
The Forearm Procedure is just wonderful and it feel SO good! Helpful for painful forearms, wrists, hands or thumbs, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain.

I posted a video of a news station in Canada doing a cover story on Bowenwork over on KateDeriso.com if you would like to check it out. As soon as I get my own video recorder, I will be making my own little bowen videos too!

Have a wonderful day!

the friday stone

2010-01-08T08:15:00.002-05:00

I HATE SNOW.

my mother, on the other hand, thinks it's funny to put me out in it.

i am not amused.

Nourishing New Year's Resolutions Carnival 2010

2010-01-06T08:59:00.004-05:00

I am joining Kimi over at the Nourishing Gourmet in her postings of this years Nourishing New Year's Resolutions Carnival. These are resolutions that focus around "What new things we want to learn about and incorporate, old good habits we want to resurrect and new habits we want to form"

Here are my resolutions and promises for myself for the New Year:

1. Journal. I find that the more I write, the less I turn to food and the more mindful I am in all areas of my life. Check out Julia Cameron's book The Writing Diet.

2. Drink more water! I find that currently I have to work very hard at this. My goal is to simply make this a habit so that I don't have to think about so much. It should be second nature for me to be drinking 3 liters of water a day.

3. Make More Lacto-Fermented fruits and veggies...and eat them! I've made my own sauerkraut, and after a couple of trials and one explosion of cabbage ALL over my kitchen, I think I have it down. But in order for this goal to happen, I am taking a cooking class this week with Monica at Simply Being Well. I will not only refine the art of sauerkraut making, but learning how to make lacto-fermented pickles, salsa, apple butter, and more!

4. Bring food with me and pack my own lunches. I have fallen into the rut of..."Well, I'll just pick something up if I get hungry". Even though this may not be a lot of money to do once in a while, those $7-$15 lunches add up a LOT when you do them a few times a week. No more for me. I will diligently and mindfully bring my healthy homemade food and lacto-fermented veggies with me! I got a start on this goal yesterday when I packed my lunch:

I packed up in my 3 compartment metal food container: gentle lentil stew, lacto-fermented sauerkraut, and beets. I also snacked on cashews and dates to satisfy my sweet tooth. You can find containers like this one over at The Tickle Trunk.

What are some of your Nourishing Goals for this coming year? Please leave me a note!

celebrating my mother

2009-12-22T10:32:00.003-05:00

this is my mom, judy. this photo was taken out of the window of her apartment in paris in the late 1960's.

it was 7 years ago yesterday that she died. i am not always sad, but i miss her. i talk to her everyday and she is with me always.

in my bedside table i have a letter from her that i read often. on the outside of the envelop it says, "kate- this is to be opened in the event of my death". she wrote this on november 13, 1982. it is written as if she sent it to me yesterday.

i read this letter because i still need to hear that she loves me and is proud of me. but my most favorite part of this letter is her reminder to me "that what you are for other people and what you do for them is the most important measure of your success".

i love you mom.

happy winter solstice!

2009-12-21T10:08:00.005-05:00

happy winter solstice!!!!!

december 21st is the winter solstice and the longest night of the year. i think it is wonderful and healthy to celebrate these long dark nights with healthy grounding foods like hearty stews, a pot roast, soup, homemade bread, fires in the fire place, candles burning, hot tea, hot mineral baths, and long nights of sleep.

sleep is something to be celebrated and not thought of as lazy. there is a wonderful book you might be interested in called "Lights Out: Sleep, Sugar, and Survival" by anthropologist T.S. Wiley, where she talks about the night being the time of the spirit, spiritual communion, and meditative healing. also, research shows when you sleep for 9-14 hours a night during the winter (like our ancestors did), the "brainwave readings are akin to those observed during transcendental meditation" and that our bodies release higher levels of endorphins.

here are some of my winter solstice tips:

*make time for at least 9 hours of sleep, even if it is one day a week.
*turn OFF the t.v.
*take the time to cook something for yourself and your family.
*take a hot bath
*light lots of candles and turn off the electric lights in your house.
*walk outside every day for at least 20 minutes. yes, it may be cold, but bundle up and do it anyway!
*take a hot yoga class
*keep in mind that from today forward the days will continue to slowly get longer and that there literally IS light at the end of the tunnel.

BATH THERAPY:
draw a bath of the hottest water you can tolerate. be sure to have a few glasses of water near by so you can replenish your body as you sweat. add 2 Cups of Epsom Salts + 1 bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide (yes, an entire bottle). if you'd like, you can add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil. soak as long as you can ( i usually try for a minimum of 20 minutes). surround yourself with lit candles, soft lights, and maybe a good book to read while you soak. when you get out, wrap yourself up and go to bed!

take good care,

making a snow angel!

thomas not happy about falling in a snow bank.

our winter blizzard walk!

the friday stone

2009-12-18T08:36:00.005-05:00

ok....it's not quite stone but his long lost cuz.

we just returned from a magical and relaxing vacation in xcaret mexico at the xcaret resort. this photo was taken at the xcaret park. the resort was on the property of a nature preserve where there were lots of kittehs...

lizards everywhere!

beautiful blue butterflies.

macaws.

and my favorite....the baby sea turtle. this little guy was doing back flips in the water and living a wonderful life that this place help made happen. he was one month old and will be released into the ocean at 3-4 months. i wanted to hold one so bad but they were so good and not letting the animals get used to human contact so they have a better chance of survival when they are released.

what will you do today?

2009-12-04T11:13:00.003-05:00

today=

*morning meditation. ganesh mantra siddhi jaap "om gam ganapataye namaha"

*home practice and prep for teaching intermediate yoga class tonight at down dog herndon 6pm

*lunch with mom in law at angeethe. love indian food!

*cook dinner

*teach yoga! come and join me at 6 pm. (see above!)

enjoy your weekend everyone and remember i have some open spaces on saturday for bowenwork. all sessions $55. just give me a call!

up coming events this week!!!!

2009-11-30T10:26:00.004-05:00

this next week will be full of yoga and bowenwork for all!

YOGA
join me this week at the herndon down dog studio !

monday 6pm + 7:45 pm all levels

wednesday 6pm + 7:45pm all levels

friday 6pm intermediate

BOWENWORK

i have 2 openings on tuesday december 1st at 1pm + 2pm.

also a few spots on thursday december 3rd. make your appointment soon! they get snatched up pretty quickly.

if you can't make it during the week, i will be open for appointments on saturday december 5. this is my only saturday for the month of december. book your appointment now!

all bowenwork sessions are just $50!

what can bowenwork do for you? well, here is a list of just some of the conditions that respond favorably to bowenwork...

*back pain + sciatica
*hamstring injuries
*digestive problems
*migraines and other headaches
*hip, knee, ankle, and food problems
*neck and shoulder pain
*carpal tunnel

Thanksgiving in New York with the Family

2009-11-28T09:35:00.006-05:00

happy thanksgiving everyone!

thomas and i left at about 8pm on tuesday evening thinking we would have better luck at that time with the holiday traffic. we were incorrect! this turned out to be a very long drive with traffic back ups and accidents. my first gratitude of this thanksgiving holiday was that i was safe, healthy, and alive. i do NOT love the new jersey turnpike.

we arrived at 66 and west end to wake up my cousin at 1:30am, get a few hour of sleep before heading out onto the streets of nyc to spend the day at the met. we could have spent days there in that amazing museum. here is just a little bit of what we saw and were allowed to take pictures of without a flash...

wednesday evening we skipped going down to watch them blow up the balloons for the parade because it was raining. instead we ducked in to ollie's noodle shop for some delish chinese food + hot green tea. then it was off to queens to visit aunt margaret.

thanksgiving day was filled with laughter, cooking, cleaning :) , looking at childhood photos, a break for bowenwork for sore backs, and eating the most delish thanksgiving dinner i have ever had. thank you aunt margaret! she put so much love and work into that dinner and you could feel it! she actually soaked the turkey for a whole day in brine!

thomas + christina cleaning up!

thomas and i headed home at 10 am from queens and made it to his mother's house in reston by 2pm. better timing then on the way up there. we are home...safe, sound, grateful.

blessings to you all!

friday stone

2009-11-13T10:52:00.001-05:00

SMILE!!!!

have a great weekend everyone!

update!

2009-11-09T06:51:00.005-05:00

i will be a better blogger.... i promise!!! sorry i have not been here in a while. sometimes i just like to unplug myself and not spend so much time on the computer.

here is what i have been up to lately...

juicing!
i have been juicing every morning and feeling SO good! here is my latest juice recipe...

4 carrots

3 celery
bunch of parsley
apple

my mother in law was in the hospital for a couple of days. she is at home and doing well now.

stone is well and being the sweetest kitteh...except when he's not :) when the weather turns cold, his arthritis acts up and he does a lot of limping around the house trying to find the warmest spot. we have put out for him a heating pad with a cozy blanket on top and i have begun to add cod liver oil to his food. **if anyone out there has any other suggestions, i would love it! he gets grouchy when his hips hurt.

lastly, i have been doing a lot of bowenwork and i continue to welcome new clients that are dealing with any chronic pain in their life. i have been seeing great results with back pain, shoulder injuries, and hamstring injuries. if you are interested in learning more about bowenwork, you can check out my other sit e for some videos. i have a great introductory rate i am offering...$50 a session! what a bargain!

lots of love to you all and stay healthy!!!

the flu shot....yesterday and today

2009-10-28T07:40:00.004-04:00

both of these videos are well worth your time to watch

this is a segment done on 60 Minutes in 1976...

Swine Flu 1976 Propaganda
Uploaded by BennyTheBear. - Watch the latest news videos.

october 2009, ashburn, virginia

shoes cup + cork club

2009-10-25T10:01:00.005-04:00

"espresso is to italy what champagne is to france"

yesterday i was roaming around sweet old town leesburg and came across this sweet little coffee shop. it was raining so i ducked in to have a cappuccino. boy...was it delicious! i didn't have any of their food but the coffee was very good. i loved the atmosphere too!

old shoes hanging from the old original tin ceiling.

they have comfy pillow on their chairs and all sorts of board games you can play with your friends while you sip your yummy coffee.

have a beautiful day!

the friday stone

2009-10-23T08:40:00.002-04:00

snergles...

thomas and stone snergling.

i'm not sure how thrilled stone was in this moment, but it was very sweet.

have a great weekend everyone!

flu vaccines

2009-10-21T08:35:00.003-04:00

ok...i will keep my rant to a minimum. i understand that whether or not you get the flu vaccine (either the regular or the h1n1), it is a personal choice. i am not here to sway you one way or another.
i would just like to say.... why the hell isn't any one in the media talking about eating healthy and getting enough sleep so you can have a strong immune system!
oh, that's right...taking a nap and eating a carrot won't pay for the pharmaceutical company execs' country club membership.

i'm done now. have a nice day. :)

the friday stone

2009-10-16T15:41:00.002-04:00

a smoky stone.

have a great weekend everyone!

p.s. i posted a couple of great videos on bowen therapy if you would like to check them out...
click HERE.

3 steps to healthy skin

2009-10-15T09:01:00.005-04:00

i just started doing this about a month ago and i am seeing amazing results! i have not had a break out and low and behold...not even a blackhead to pick at.

here's what you do...

1. rinse off your face with warm water. you really don't even need to use soap but if you do, use something very gentle like burt's bees baby bee buttermilk soap.

2. soak a cotton pad with bragg's apple cider vinegar and rub all over your face.
i am not totally sure why this works, perhaps it's because organic apple cider vinegar is rich with potassium and enzymes. quite frankly, i really don't care why, i just know that it does wonders for my skin and keeps the acne away!

3. take a washcloth, rinse it out with water, roll it up and stick it in the microwave for 30 seconds. carefully unfold and place the steaming towel over your face. gently scrub your face with the warm steamy cloth. this feel SO good to do first thing in the morning and at the end of your day!

try this and let me know how it is working for you and your skin!

red smoothie

2009-10-14T09:05:00.003-04:00

i just love my smoothies! this one is almost identical to the acai smoothie i posted back in december. this time, i tweaked it a little bit...

1 1/2 C non-fat plain kefir
1/2 acai smoothie pack
2 T ground flax seeds
1 scoop of miracle reds

a few things that are important to remember as we are all working at building our immune system in order to not get sick this year...

take probiotics + eat lots of veggies and fruit to boost your levels of anti-oxidants

In terms of boosting immune function, Lactobacillus fermentum was recently reported to boost the immune health of long distance runners, protecting them from respiratory illnesses. The Lactobacillus strain was associated with an enhancement in the activity of T cells, key players in the immune system (Br. J. Sports Med., doi 10.1136/bjsm.2007.044628)

*kefir has LOTS of pro-biotics
*acai + the ingredients in miracle reds have TONS of anti-oxidants to help boost your immune function

take good care of yourself!

the friday stone

2009-10-09T16:40:00.003-04:00

the burrito kitteh....

stone has discovered a way to paw at the folded up comforter at the foot of our bed and either make a tunnel or a little pod for him to curl up into. i promise, this is entirely his own doing. what a silly kitteh!

the friday stone

2009-10-02T12:37:00.003-04:00

i am the bed king.

doctors like bowenwork too!

2009-09-28T11:41:00.005-04:00

as some of you already know, i am now practicing bowen technique! i wanted to share with you some more information about it.

the following is a wonderful excerpt from an article written by Gerri Shapiro called "bowen technique and fibromyalgia relief: a gentle touch produces miracles"

Bowen Technique Hailed By Health Professionals

Dr. JoAnne Whitaker, M.D., was facing a hip replacement and back surgery when she discovered the Bowen Technique. After receiving Bowen treatments, not only was she able to walk, but she went back to playing golf... without surgery. She was so impressed that she flew to Australia to train in the Bowen Technique and now treats patients with ailments ranging from bunions to heart disease. According to Dr. Whitaker, "Bowen Therapy is the single, most important hands-on healing technique in medicine."

Brenda Williams chose the Bowen Technique as the sole hands-on component of her hospital's pain management unit.

Dr. Ted Sleigh states that of all the modalities he has used, "Bowen Therapy has helped so many of my patients that I would never want to give it up."

Audrey Butko, M.D., considers the Bowen Technique to be a blessing in her practice because of its simplicity, results and patient satisfaction. It has nearly eliminated her need to use cortisone injections.

Dr. Christine Staub, a family physician with a special interest in the treatment of chronic pain, has seen the Bowen Technique "unlock the door" for patients who reached an impasse in their pain treatment. "I am thrilled to have Bowen Therapy as a resource for myself, family, friends and patients," she said.

New Zealand Naturopath Lou Hassik has said that the Bowen Technique has made his previous approach to human health care redundant. He now considers Bowen to be "the most important health care discovery in human history!"

Mitchell R. Mosher, DPM, claims that the Bowen Technique is one of the most powerful physical medicine techniques he has learned in 24 years as a podiatrist. He routinely uses the Bowen Technique to complement his treatment of various foot and ankle injuries.

According to Russell Dick, Osteopath: "There are things in life which pass in front of you that must be grabbed with both hands. Bowen has turned my practice on its head, with 80% of my patients being given Bowen as first choice."

Gerry Townsend, M.D., offers the Bowen Technique to acute and chronic patients who have not responded to traditional treatment for myofascial pain syndrome, back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis or fractures. Although skeptical at first, C.S. Whitman, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon, now regularly refers patients to her program.

Success Stories

Marsha (age 51) suffers from Fibromyalgia. On a scale of 1 to 10, she lives at a constant "10." She also has chronic fatigue and can barely get through each day without having to rest constantly. After her first session, her pain level went from a "10" to a "4", she made it through the whole day without having to take a nap, and she slept through the entire night for the first time in months.

Grace (age 39) also has Fibromyalgia. After her first Bowen session, she felt extremely tired for about three days. Then she started to steadily improve. She had less pain, no falling down, almost no vertigo and she was walking and sleeping better.

Pat (age 42) was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1992. After her first Bowen session, she felt well enough to take a walk. After her second session, she started feeling more energy. By the fourth treatment her carpal tunnel syndrom had become much improved. By the fifth Bowen treatment she was able to discontinue her pain medications. Since then, her knees have stopped hurting and her night sweats and fevers are just about gone.

My mother is eighty years old and suffers from fibromyalgia and other stress-related disorders. After one Bowen session, she slept through the entire night for the first time in six years. The next morning, she was able to walk without her walker!

Conclusion

The main difference between the Bowen Technique and other modalities is how fast it works, how gentle it feels and how long the pain relief lasts. It is also easy to learn: there is only one basic move.

The technique has been successful in treating fibromyalgia, back pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines, arthritis, stress and more. For me, the miracle lies in the fact that doing so little produces such long-lasting relief.

About the author: Gerri Shapiro, MS Ed, is a leading health educator and Bowen practitioner who has worked with the World Health Organization, Asian Development Bank, USAID and Management Sciences for Health in the areas of alternative and traditional medicine. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy and American Holistic Health Associations and editor of www.boweninfo.com, an information site about the Bowen Technique, including Bowen practitioners, training, research, articles and other resources.

the friday stone

2009-09-25T08:43:00.002-04:00

this sun is so good i have to brace myself!

and by the way...where is it today!?

hope you all have a beautiful weekend!

pasta with kale + mushrooms

2009-09-22T08:11:00.003-04:00

this one is super easy!

1 portabello mushroom washed, scrape out the gills, and slice
4-5 leaves of kale chopped
butter
wheat free gluten free penne pasta
salt
pepper
crushed red pepper flakes

1. boil up the penne pasta (about 7 minutes)
2. saute the mushrooms and kale in some butter. (i used about 2 T) cook until done to your liking.
3. drain and serve the pasta with the kale and mushrooms on top.
4. add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes

ENJOY!

the friday stone...late...sorry

2009-09-20T21:39:00.003-04:00

this was stone today out on the porch basking in the beautiful virginia sun we had today.

i am sorry this is late in being posted. my mother in law has been in the hospital for the last few days. her heart rate has been very low and she is scheduled for a pace maker implant monday. thank you for all your well wishes!

have a beautiful week everyone!

golden moon tea ~ vanilla jasmine

2009-09-17T06:51:00.004-04:00

i love tea. i have a morning ritual that includes drinking a pot of tea as i read my morning emails, meditate, read, and blog. some mornings are a little more difficult for me to get moving. that is when i bring out my "secret weapon" tea...
golden moon's vanilla jasmine tea. the vanilla jasmine is a blend of vanilla black tea and green jasmine tea. they are not two flavors i would think to pair up but i am telling you, it is by far one of the BEST teas i have tasted in my life! it is like having a cookie in a tea cup. no sugar needed!

you can order it from here and enjoy it on a beautiful crisp autumn morning to start your day out right!

the friday stone

2009-09-11T06:33:00.005-04:00

"i am napping in the warmest, most bestest spot in the whole of the world...don't you dare move me!"

introducing...

2009-09-08T14:08:00.006-04:00

introducing...bowen therapy!

as of tuesday, september 15, i will be offering bowen therapy!

what is this bowen therapy you may be asking?

bowen therapy is a modality of body work that is comprised of gentle yet powerful moves across muscles, tendons, and peripheral nerves. these moves stimulate a response in the body that triggers the body's natural self healing response.

sounds kind of vague, huh?

i'll get a little more specific and technical for you. these "bowen moves" i am mentioning are specifically placed so that the muscle spindle fibers are directly affected and stimulated. these muscle spindle fibers are directly "wired" to the gamma motor system of your brain. the moves then send a message to your brain to relax. time is given in between moves for the nervous system and the body to absorb and assimilate the new information and a new way of being. this is only one aspect of how bowen works. to learn even more...the official bowtech website

here is some of the good news...
bowen offers long lasting relief from pain and discomfort
most conditions respond in 2-3 sessions
bowen improves the body's mobility
bowen relaxes muscles and tendons
bowen stimulates the body's intake of oxygen and nutrients

bowen therapy has been known to help...
chronic pain
frozen shoulder
sports injury
tmj
headaches/migraines
stress and anxiety
tendonitis
sciatica
depression
add/adhd
neck pain
fibromyalgia
asthma

here is MORE good news...

for my readers in northern virginia...

i am offering an introductory rate for new bowen therapy clients. if you have any of the above mentioned issues, know someone who does, or are just interested in feeling better in your body, schedule an appointment TODAY! the introductory rate is $50 per session. email or call me!

tea trade winner!

2009-09-04T16:05:00.004-04:00

no...it is not my cat stone. it is the lovely melita over at gussying up the tuttle!

one tin of delicious award winning coconut pouchong tea from golden moon tea is headed your way, girl!

thank you to everyone that posted a comment and twittered this give away.

tea is good for you and has lots of antioxidants. so do fruits and veggies! go to the 9 a day challenge and join me!

have a beautiful weekend everyone!

running + tea + a salad

2009-09-03T07:03:00.005-04:00

yesterday i went for my second run of the week. i have been running with my running coach julia for a little over a month now. i started with walking 1 minute, running 1 minute for the first week. the second and third week walk 1 minute, run 2 minutes. i remember thinking as i was finishing up my third week, "oh, crap...she is going to up my running time again next week to 3 minutes...i just don't think i can do that". well guess what? i am. and it is not a big deal. i can totally do this! i am actually looking forward to upping my time to 4 minutes in another week. all i am doing holding space for a possibility of growth and strength.
what i am totally loving about this experience, is what an impact it is having on my yoga practice. my yoga practice is more grounded, stronger, focused, free, and more flexible. flexible? is that possible? well...yes. i can now almost get into hannumanasana full splits. i have been working on this pose for YEARS!

TEA
please don't forget about the tea give away! leave a comment!

A SALAD
if you love cabbage like i do, make this!

1/4 head cabbage, shredded
1 tomato chopped, seeds removed (unless you like the seeds)
1 avocado cut up
juice of 1/2 of a lime
drizzle of olive oil
crushed up tortilla chips

put it all together in a bowl, stir it up, and EAT IT!

golden moon tea give away!

2009-09-02T07:59:00.007-04:00

i am so excited to have my very first give away! as you may know i just LOVE tea. and i love golden moon teas. right now i am savoring a delicious cup of vanilla jasmine tea to set my morning right before i head out for a run.

i am giving away a tin of golden moon's award winning coconut pouchong tea!

details for the give away:

1. please leave a comment on how much you love tea, what your current favorite tea is, and what, if any, tea ritual you may have.

2. tweet the contest on twitter and make sure you mention @yogikate

3. post the contest on your blog if you have one.

the winner will be chosen at random and will be announced on friday september 4.

lentils + greens

2009-08-31T07:17:00.003-04:00

i just love lentils! and they are so good for you...

~high in fiber
~great source of low fat protein
~good source of iron, magnesium, and folate
~about 230 calories in one cup of lentils

here is a recipe i tried this weekend. it is very easy and delicious! i even ate it for breakfast!

i adapted it a little bit, but the true owner of this recipe is tosca reno of the eat clean diet cookbook

1/2 medium purple onion peeled and chopped (original recipe calls for 1 whole onion)
1 large stalk celery, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 meduim bunch of kale (original recipe calls for chard) well rinsed and chopped
1 t sea salt
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil + 1/2 T butter (butter is optional...i like it though!)
1 1/2 C chicken broth (you could use veggie broth or water as well)
1 cup puy or french lentils (the little green ones) soak overnight, rinse and drain
1 t fresh thyme chopped
1 t fresh oregano chopped
2 t fresh lemon juice

1. in a large stock pot place onion, celery, carrot, olive oil, butter and salt. cover and cook over medium low heat, stirring often, until veggies are soft

2. add broth, lentils, and herbs. bring to a full boil. reduce heat and cover. stir occasionally and make sure the lentils are just getting soft. about 30 minutes.

3. add kale and cook until the leaves soften - not more than 10 minutes.

4. serve and drizzle with a little lemon juice.

enjoy! and let me know what you think! oh...the eat clean diet cookbook is a great one to own!

gluten free pasta

2009-08-28T06:48:00.007-04:00

FINALLY! a gluten free pasta that tastes really good and doesn't turn to mush! i got some yesterday and here is what i made...so yummy!

easy gluten free pasta with oilve oil, tomato, + cheese

bionaturae gluten free penne rigate cooked
tossed with olive oil
add one fresh tomato chopped (and seeded) on top
sprinkle with parmesan cheese

i devoured this and then i went to see julie + julia. i went to the movies by myself...which i LOVE to do and had a delightful time! even more delightful was that my tummy wasn't upset like it gets from wheat pasta.

have a great weekend everyone!

tea trade

2009-08-27T07:57:00.003-04:00

i am excited to announce that my friend melita over at gussying up the tuttle is having a tea trade!

if you love tea as much as i do, click the link to her blog and you can join in the tea trade!

this morning i am drinking coconut pouchong tea from golden moon tea company. it was awarded the "best tea" award at the 2007 world tea expo. get some and you will know why...it is absolute heaven!

have a beautiful thursday!

i'm disappointed

2009-08-25T06:48:00.002-04:00

i think it is important to know just where your money is going.

here are a few things i found out about recently...

*burt's bees is now owned by clorox

*tom's of maine is owned by colgate-palmolive

*odwalla is owned by coca-cola

*pepsi bought naked juice in 2006

*kashi cereals is owned by kellogg's

*kraft food bought "back to nature". kraft is a subsidiary of altria which owns phillip morris.

just thought you might want to know these things in order to be an educated consumer.

wheat free spelt biscuits

2009-08-23T08:21:00.003-04:00

i made biscuits the other day and they are delicious! they are wheat free and made from spelt flour. the recipe is from the babycakes cookbook.

they turned out surprisingly yummy!

babycakes spelt biscuits
2 C white spelt flour + more for dusting
1 T baking powder
1 t salt + more for sprinkling
1/3 C coconut oil + more for brushing
3/4 C hot water

preheat oven to 375. line baking sheet with parchment paper.
in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. pour in oil and hot water and mix until combined and a dough is formed. if the batter is dry, add more hot water.

dust the counter with spelt flour. place the dough on the surface and drag it through the flour. pat the dough until it is 1 inch thick. cut out biscuits with a 3 inch round cookie cutter and place on baking sheet.

brush each biscuit with coconut oil and sprinkle with salt. (i used the flaky kosher salt)

bake on the center rack for 8 minutes, rotating the sheet 180 degrees after 4 minutes. the finished biscuits will have a golden, flaky crust.

let the biscuits stand on the sheet for 5 minutes before serving. cool and store in a plastic wrap at room temp for up to 2 days. (mine have lasted fresh for more than 4 days!).

let me know how you like them!

confession

2009-08-21T15:47:00.005-04:00

the friday stone will be posted next week. today i have to let you know something...

i started running.

here's why... i have been feeling like i wanted to push my self in a loving and healthy way into something that would up the ante on my health in addition to my yoga practice. i have now completed my second week with my running coach and i have doubled my "running time". we started the first week running for 1 minute and walking for 1 minute. now this week run for 2 minutes, walk for 1. i am going to continue with the 2/1 for the next several days and then by next weekend up the time to 3 minutes running, 1 minute walk.
here is what i notice and my thoughts on this whole thing...

i am a yoga practitioner first and foremost. this running however, has actually helped my yoga practice. i feel SO strong, i feel like i can really raise the bar for myself with my yoga practice. this week i actually have been able to get into hanumanasana (splits) for the first time.

i have a lot more energy. i have had to pay better attention to what i eat also.

i actually want to do MORE YOGA. i will tell you ALL that practice yoga...3 times a week is a MINIMUM that you should be practicing if you want to start to see changes in your body and your life. go ahead...up the ante to 5 practices a week...see what happens:)

i feel that as a yoga teacher, the way to teach is to demonstrate... demonstrate by living a life where there is a constant call to be better, to grown, to transform, to be healthy, to love.

so this running thing for me is really not about running at all. it is taking a leap of faith in the possible.

blueberry muffins ~wheat + gluten free!

2009-08-17T07:15:00.006-04:00

saturday morning i got up early and cooked up a batch of wheat free gluten free blueberry muffins. oh boy! they turned out amazing! i had quite a blue saturday morning with blueberry muffins, fresh blueberries and my blue tea pot.

i love to sit out on my balcony in the morning sipping tea and reading. it sets my day just right. i am currently reading "a return to love" by marianne williamson.

i got the blueberry muffin recipe from karina's kitchen blog...
blueberry sour cream muffins

Beat together in a large mixing bowl:
2 large free-range organic eggs - room temperature
1/2 cup extra light olive oil *i used organic canola oil instead

Add in and beat:
1 1/4 cup (packed) organic light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (whole, low fat or fat-free)

Slowly add and beat in:
2 cups Pamela's Ultimate Baking Mix

Gently stir in:
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1 heaping cup fresh or frozen organic blueberries (not thawed, if using frozen)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 12-muffin tin with paper cups. Spoon the batter into the cups. I used all the batter for twelve; I like my muffins as big as possible. Bake in the center of the oven for about 25 minutes, until golden and dry in the center. [If using fresh blueberries, cut back the baking time to about 20 minutes.] Cool on a wire rack very briefly, then tip the muffins out of the pan and place them on a wire rack to continue cooling (this way, they don't get soggy).

enjoy!

the friday stone

2009-08-14T16:21:00.004-04:00

a good teeth check...

several months ago thomas taught stone to "sit" on his lap so he can check his teeth. it is very sweet. stone reluctantly sits down after thomas says "sit stone...stone...SIT".
stone patiently sits while thomas checks his teeth. when he's done, thomas kisses stone on the head and says, "i'll put you down now".

life in balance

2009-08-10T09:14:00.003-04:00

some days, today being one of them, i get this overwhelming sense that all is well and right in my world.
without even trying, small decisions are made that end up making such an amazing difference in my life.
like...
~going to bed early
~getting up early and going for a run with my bff julia.
~actually doing a home yoga practice without feeling like i HAVE to do it...i just want to and my body is craving it.
~taking a yoga class at LEAST 3 times a week to feel the transformative power of yoga
~going to the farmer's market and feeling good about supporting local farmers
~eating the most AMAZING "power honey" from bees n' blossoms first thing in the morning to give me that energetic boost i need to go for my first run...because i am a cardiovascular turd!
~creatively organizing my life, schedule, work, and clients in my planner pad.
~reading inspiring books that make me look at my life in a new light and make me want to do the work involved at being a better person...no matter how hard it may be.

here is what i am reading this month...

just finished the four agreements for the 3rd time!
almost finished with wesley the owl
just started a return to love

right now i simply feel grounded, clear, healthy, and happy.

what do you do to get your life in balance?

2009-08-09T11:48:00.002-04:00

the sunday 7

things i love + am grateful for...

1. boundaries
2. clear honest communication
3. the four agreements
4. a return to love
5. clean floors
6. farmer's markets
7. air conditioning on a really hot day

what are you grateful for?

the friday stone

2009-08-07T08:24:00.003-04:00

kitteh kurls up in the oddest places.
as long as there are slivers of sun.

have a beautiful friday all!

a delicious smoothie

2009-08-04T06:56:00.005-04:00

i just discovered this delicious plant protein, green super food, enzyme and probiotic rich powder to make my morning smoothies with. my favorite flavor is the pomegranate mango infusion. thanks julie! you can buy it here or at whole foods.

here is how i make my smoothie...

1 scoop of amazing meal
1 cup plain almond milk
a spoonful coconut oil
ice
...then blend and enjoy!

do you have a favorite smoothie?

look up!

2009-08-03T06:57:00.005-04:00

...or you could:

make chicken soup
meditate and send love to someone who is hurting
eat cherries
do yoga
go for a walk outside
bake cupcakes and decorate with colorful sprinkles
doodle
light incense and fill your space with a beautiful smell
call a dear friend
take a nap
get a massage
write a list of all the things you are grateful for
do a back bend, a head stand, a or shoulder stand
decorate your space with daisies
read an inspirational book
put on some happy up beat music and dance
eat papaya with lots of lime juice
ask for a hug

*photo by alex ostrowski

what do you do to lift your spirits?

the friday stone

2009-07-31T07:09:00.004-04:00

one evening thomas and i were at the table playing a game of monopoly. stone was pacing around looking like he wanted to join us, so thomas picked him up and plopped him in his lap. stone bought up all the real estate and started building hotels...he won...once again.

meme blog award

2009-07-29T07:34:00.002-04:00

thank you to melita over at gussying up the tuttle for this blog award!

here are the rules:
1. share 7 tidbits about myself.
2. share the award with 7 blog friends.

7 tidbits about myself:

1. i have to work very hard at being organized. i use a planner pad and in order to keep myself focused and excited, i use colored sparkly pens to dress it up and i decorate it with stickers!

2. i love trying out new supplements. i think it is important to do that before i can recommend them to my nutrition clients. i think it is better to speak and recommend from personal experience than from simply something out of a book...just 'cause they said so.

3. i REALLY LOVE what i do. yoga. nutrition coaching. massage. i have the best job in the world!

4. i am taking another massage training course in september on bowen therapy . i will be looking for a couple of clients to do case studies on...specifically looking for people who suffer from migraines, chronic pain, and/or fibromyalgia.

5. i am a terrible swimmer.

6. right now i am reading "the four agreements" by don miguel ruiz for the 3rd time

7. i love to collect statues of ganesh and place them all around my home and in my meditation room.

the 7 blog friends i would like to pass this award along to:

1. eat. run. do yoga.

2. myspace.om

3. hang on little tomato

4. naturally nina

5. food life love and laughter

6. hartke is on line!

7. kimberly wilson

magnesium

2009-07-28T08:36:00.004-04:00

peter gillham's natural calm magnesium

natural calm magnesium is one of my favorite supplements! I LOVE IT!
i have been taking it for a few years now and here is what i experience when i take it...

1. it helps me sleep like a baby

2. it eliminates muscle cramps and spasms
3. it helps me stay regular!
4. it actually gives me more energy
5. since i have been taking it...NO MORE MIGRAINES!

natural calm comes in a power form that you just mix with warm water. it fizzes up. and then you drink it down! it is simply pure straight magnesium, stevia, natural flavoring. i love the way it tastes...like crushed up smarties! (raspberry lemon flavor)

here are symptoms of magnesium deficiency:
stress
low energy, fatigue, weakness
pms and hormonal imbalances
inability to sleep
weakening bones
muscle tension, spasms, cramps
headaches
anxiousness, nervousness, irritability
constipation

you can pick up a 16oz container of natural calm at whole foods for around $38, or here for $18.78!

the sunday 7

2009-07-26T08:04:00.002-04:00

this week's gratitude list...things i love, appreciate, am greatful for...

1. my dear friend julia
2. my cat stone
3. a clean house
4. yoga
5. a quiet morning sipping tea
6. fresh veggies
7. lots of sleep

transforming t-shirts

2009-07-25T07:26:00.005-04:00

this week's artist date!
brought to you by...
generation t: 108 ways to transform a t-shirt by megan nicolay

i met my dear friend julia at salvation army friday afternoon and we picked up several great t shirts that we wanted to work with. we laid out our loot on my living room floor and started to leaf through the "generation t" book to get our creativity on.

here's what we created...

i started with this really cool cheerios tshirt (sorry it is sideways!)

this was phase 1

this was phase 2. we thought it would be cool to cut up the sides then lace them up with the "ribbons" from the bottom hem of other tshirts we cut up. one side is orange and the other red.

we forgot to get a before of this great tshirt but we cut up the sleeves, cut out the neck, and made a deep v in the back, then laced it up with the bottom hem cut off from another light blue tshirt.

this is the front.

this is the back. i think it is SO cool!

what was your most recent artist's date?

the friday stone

2009-07-24T07:32:00.004-04:00

i love lamp!

the best crab cakes ever!

2009-07-23T07:42:00.002-04:00

thomas and i had some blue crabs left over that we caught off the dock from last weekend, so last night we shucked them, dug out all the delicious meat and made crab cakes!

no photos of the crab cake because we gobbled them up so fast!

this recipe is from cousin cheryl. i don't know where she got it but i will pass it along for all to enjoy!

btw, no need to add anything but a little lemon juice...they are THAT good!

The best crab cakes (ever)

1/4 C. light mayonnaise

1 tsp. grated lemon peel

3/4 tsp. dry mustard

1/4 tsp salt

pinch of ground red pepper (cayenne)

1 pound lump crab meat

10 crushed to coarse crumbs, saltine crackers (1/2 cup) I used Town House.

2 Tbsp. butter or margarine

In medium bowl, stir mayonnaise, lemon peel, mustard, salt, and pepper until blended. Gentley stir crab meat and cracker crumbs into mayonnaise mixture.

Onto wax paper scoop crab mixture by scant 1/2 cups into 8 mounds . I use the 1/2 c tupperware measuring cup to shape the cake. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to two hours. In skillet melt butter over medium heat until it just begins to brown. Gently add cakes and heat till golden on both sides 6 to 8 minutes.

ashwagandha!

2009-07-22T08:39:00.004-04:00

ashwagandha

ashwagandha is an amazing ayurvedic herb that i have been taking for a while now. and i have to tell you...I LOVE IT!

ashwagandha is considered to be an adaptogen which improves physical energy, athletic ability, and strengthens the immune system.

it is also known to...
be a mild muscle relaxant
help with pain management for arthritis
regulate blood sugar and manage sugar cravings
increase energy and vitality
anti-anxiey
help your body produce its own thyroid hormones

what i notice for myself when i take ashwagandha is that i have lots more steady consistant energy (no jitters), less sugar cravings, and a greater sence of calm with hectic days. i noticed that when i ran out of it and didn't take it for a while, i felt sluggish, low energy tired, tense, and i actually got a cold.

my favorite brand is banyan botanicals

have any questions? send me an email!

the sunday 7

2009-07-19T09:20:00.005-04:00

things i love...

1. breakfast outside in the beautiful sun, with tea, and a good book
2. my dear, sweet, fun, funny, honest, tender husband
3. warm ocean water
4. the smell of coppertone sunscreen
5. juicy fresh papaya with lots of fresh lime juice
6. honest + open communication
7. sand stuck to my feet

what do you love?