January Favorites

some of my Favs for this month and why

easy DIY tank

simple fun workout tank

RELAXATION TIPS

RELAAAAAAAAX......

So lately I've been working EVERY day ALL day long.  I'm use to doing massages but popping 8 out a day will eventually take a hit on any normal person...and i (unfortunately) am human.  Yoga has been saving my life so and i've been getting through the week just fine with energy to spare at the end of the day.  But holy cow!!! My last appointment today was a thick, tall SOLID man-such a sweet teddy bear of a guy-his arm alone i swear was 30 pounds by itself!  NO JOKE! That's how solid this guy was.  And of course he wants DEEP TISSUE. :p ahhhhhh

So needless to say, i'm in need of some good R & R, but my spa along with all the others in town are all closed :( And I'm on a low budget.  

But noooo problem! There are a bunch of things that help promote relaxation, releve tension/stress,  boost your mood.  And most of these items are just laying around the house :D Interesting enough, NO carbo load foods are on the list.

burning a scented candle is

actually more effective than eating

a snack. 

                                                                                        

Putting on a scented lotion (preferably one that you can associate with a good memory).   This will also make you feel happy.  Because smell is the strongest sense that penetrates the subconscious.   I like bath and body works lotions.

        Lavender promotes 

relaxation.

  Take a nice bubble bath.

Any sort of citrus fruit boosts your mood:)

Makeup on the Go

I discovered this look this morning when i was running late for work and needed to throw some makeup on my face.

http://www.all-about-juicing.com/
ALL ABOUT JUICING
This is where i find juice recipes for whatever specific benefit i want:)

ENERGY JUICE

Juice Recipe for ENERGY!

The days you're on the run and need a quick and easily digestible breakfast.

6 carrots

2 stalks celery

2apples

*Juicing is the absolute most efficient way to get your vital nutrients.  I'll be getting my own juicer for my birthday this month and i'm soooo excited!

So this is my current goal.

I'm really close to being able to do this pose....just a little more time in class and the flexibility will be there!

I'm shooting for two weeks from to day to get this.  So Feb 4 i'll be checking back in with an update.               

                                                      *This pose really opens up the chest and reduces lower      

                                                        back 

pain and helps with poster by lengthening abs...

                                                        thus 

making you look thinner!!! Who doesn't want :)

Portuguese Soup

So I'm not certain if this is an actual Portuguese recipe, but I learned how to make it from a Portuguese woman when i was living in Lisbon Portugal.  enjoy

YUMMY EGG & VEGGIE SOUP

Ingredients

2 eggs

3 handfulls fresh spinach

3 tomatoes

3 carrots

2 stalks celery

1/2 yellow onion

1 can chicken broth

3 cloves garlic

4 Tbls olive oil

approx. 5 c water

4 slices sourdough bread

1 spicy sausage (optional-but i think really gives it a kick)

1 dried bay leaf if possible

Directions

chop onion and garlic cloves
cook on medium heat in saucepan with olive oil and bay leaf and sliced sausage.

Sauté for a couple minutes then add water and broth (here you can add a little salt to absorb the taste).

add chopped carrots & celery.  Bring to boil until softened.  Switch to medium heat and add tomatoes and spinach.   When spinach is cooked add eggs (just put in immediately after cracking, no need to whisk together) and stir.  Salt to taste or add more water if needed.

Serve over a slice of sourdough bread.  Serves 4, unless you're serving hungry men like my husband...then it may just serve the two of you :D