Posts tagged ‘My life’
every WOMAN workshop leader
Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states. ~Carol Welch
This past weekend I had the opportunity to be a workshop leader at Every WOMAN Powell River. I hope everyone enjoyed the sample of yoga. My workshop was first thing in the morning, a perfect way to start the day.
The whole day was filled with inspiring workshops. I took in pilates, nai, Qigong, African drumming, belly dancing, meditation and made time to relaxed in the tea lounge. The lunch and snacks were tasty and seemed to never run out.
Thank you, Kerri and Lynn, for organizing which a memorable, action packed day. I don’t think I’ve stopped shimming my shoulders yet, thanks for the moves Mara. 
For those that couldn’t make it, here’s the link to a slideshow (click here), created by a local photographer. I’m in the drumming segment, to the right of the lady in pink, my good friend Erin.
Also, check out what city is next for Every WOMAN at http://www.everywomanintheworld.com
Lots of celebrating this weekend
It was a great weekend. I had a birthday, spent time with great friends and the men’s hockey team won gold.
Life can get back to normal, the Olympics are closed. The energy was on high all the way to the end – what a hockey game. National free yoga day was also this weekend and we celebrated with a class on Saturday. There was a great turn out and a lot of new faces. Thank you for everyone who came and to Violet for the amazing cookies. The perfect post-yoga treat. Here’s the recipe, try them!
Sivananda Cookies
3 cups plus 1 tablespoon rolled oats
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup raisins or golden raisins
1/3 cup raw unsalted peanuts*
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons oil
About 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease two or three baking sheets. Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, add the oil, and mix thoroughly. Stir in enough water to make a firm dough.
Take a spoonful of dough, about the size of a ping-pong ball. Roll it into a ball, place on one of the baking sheets, and flatten to a circle about 4 inches in diameter. Repeat to make 12 cookies. Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden at the edges. Cool on a wire rack.
* Use sunflower seeds, roughly chopped almonds, and/or unsweetened dried coconut instead of, or as well as, the unsalted peanuts.
Makes 12
Recipe from The Yoga Cookbook and recipelink.com
Weekend in the city
Just back from a long weekend down in Vancouver, which started on Thursday. Before you get jealous, the trip was planned around Tyson getting laser eye surgery. His appointment was on Friday morning and he was seeing somewhat clearly by ten that night. He said the surgery was the strangest experience he’s ever been in and the lack of vision right after really put things into perspective (or lack there of). He’s on the mend and is already feeling the benefits of not relying on contacts and glasses.
On Saturday evening we went to the hockey game, Canucks vs Penguins. We made our way to the glass before the game to get a glimpse of the players warming up. To my surprise there was, #71 Evgeni Malkin in Plow Pose (Halasana).
He’s known for his unique style of stretching, which include poses that resemble Pigeon (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) and Upward-Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana).
Also, I just couldn’t wait for the soft cover of Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert to come out. Gilbert is the author of Eat, Pray, Love. If you haven’t read this lovely memoir, I highly recommend it. This new book, Committed, is an investigation into matrimony and her coming to terms with entering a second marriage.
Best riding on the coast
In 2003, I had visited Powell River for a summer and fell head over heals for the technical single-track biking trails. I love the speed of downhill mountain biking but there’s a sense of accomplishment when riding the winding, root-filled and hilly trails Powell River offers.
After that summer I vowed to one day come back to this lush rain forest. And here I am. Just a mere three blocks from my house and I’m able to get lost in the bush, push myself to new levels. Experience the riding here in PR first hand though this video. It will make you want to get on your bike and ride.
Getting organized
Ok, where have I been? Good question. Things are starting to pick up at work (Christmas is upon us), renos are still in the works, and I’m ENGAGED (Yahoo!). With all these great things happening in my life and the colder weather zapping my motivation (I have to pin it on something), there is no better time to get organized then the present and a good way to do that is making lists. I scoured the blog list I frequent and came across these nicely designed printable lists by Erin Vale. To download them for yourself click here. (Sorry for the link to a link.)
Image from How About Orange Blog
Weekend of rain
It was a lovely weekend of rain out here on the coast. Giving me lots of guilt-free time in the kitchen, baking. I was inspired to try a new recipe for pumpkin cookies. Pink Stripes, a blog I follow, was having pumpkin week, last week and shared a recipe for Pumpkin Nut and Chip cookies. This recipe reminds me of my mom’s good old chocolate chip cookies (minus the pumpkin, cinnamon and nuts) I knew I’d like them. I found they mixed up just the same, I couldn’t wait to try one right out of the oven.
I wasn’t able to find pumpkin pie spice, so I used all spice instead (hope that was a proper substitute). If you know where to get pumpkin pie spice please let me know. Also, I found pecans per-chopped in the bulk section, I want with them instead of walnuts.
Pumpkin Nut and Chip Cookies
1/2 C butter, softened
1 1/2 C sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 t vanilla extract
2 1/2 C flour
2 t pumpkin pie spice
1 t cinnamon
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 C milk chocolate chips
3/4 C walnuts, finely chopped
• Preheat oven to 350ºF
• Mix butter and sugar until creamy; add pumpkin, egg and vanilla, beating well after each addition
• Sift dry ingredients into a separate bowl; gradually add to pumpkin mixture until well-blended
• Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts
• Drop batter by heaping teaspoons onto lightly buttered cookie sheets
• Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until edges are golden brown
• Cool on wire racks and store in airtight container
Recipe courtesy of the California Milk Advisory Board
Mothers and Daughters
Today was also a first for me. I taught my first Mother and Daughter yoga class. A totally different dynamic than an adult class, the learning curve was steep tonight. I had a great time and some silly giggles too. It’s great to see children in Happy Baby, they don’t have to be told to move and explore the pose, I had happy babies rollin’around the room enjoying themselves. Thanks to all the ladies coming out to the class.
rootdown ringtone
I wanted to share with you the ringtone I’m using on my phone, but there isn’t enough space on my blog site to host the mp3… so, I thought of the next best thing. The full length video. Enjoy Root Down by The Beastie Boys and enjoy your weekend.
On my nightstand
Okay, I know the title isn’t at all yogic and I normally wouldn’t pick up a diet book. I first heard of Skinny Bitch in the tabloids a few years ago…someone (famous) was photographed reading it outside a cafe and sales went through the roof. I came across a copy at a garage sale two weeks ago and paid 10 cents for it. The price was right to find out what all the hype was about. Turns out it’s a GREAT BOOK. Funny, no mention of mini-skirts or platform shoes, I wouldn’t call it a diet book either, even though they do map out a meal plan towards the end of the book, it’s a lifestyle. If you were thinking of becoming a vegetarian this is a must read.
Once I got over the colourful language and “tough-love” talk I found the book very informative. These ladies did their research and tell you like it is. The picture they paint of mass food production and treatment of animals we eat is not appealing. They investigate how government agencies in the United States allow the food industry to lower their standards for profit. After reading the first few chapters I felt more educated about food and empowered to make more healthy choices.
It’s empowering to know that what I choose to put into my body, I get out. Or more simply, you are what you eat. I truly believe when I shop I’m casting a vote; paying a little more for organic, natural and locally grown foods will benefit everyone in the long run, if only myself for the time being.
Get it, read it. You’ll love shopping, eating and yourself more then ever.
Thanksgiving leftovers
I’ve had a whirl-wind month so far and it doesn’t look like I’ll be slowing down any time soon. Renos are in full force, we’ve made it to the climax, now it’s just putting everything back together. The main floor is nearly complete and we can stop wearing our shoes in, Yay. Last weekend my parents came out from Alberta and had Thanksgiving turkey with all the trimmings. Thanksgiving to me is a time to reflect on what I have and be grateful for all the wonderful people and moments we share together. I’d have to say this was one of the best Thanksgivings in some time, I had great friends and family to share it with. I am truly grateful for all I have.
The weather sure has changed and I can really feel the dampness already. My favourite days are rainy ones, with hot drinks and warm sweaters. I’d rather be wearing layers in the cold and be cozy then in next-to-nothing and too hot. I’m going to add more ginger to my diet this fall and winter. Ginger is warming and helps to settle the fire in the belly and gets the blood flowing. An easy way to include ginger is to add it to a morning tea of hot lemon water. The lemon helps to wake up your metabolism first thing in the morning. Have the tea 30 minutes before you enjoy your breakfast.
What have you done with all those leftovers? We had nachos with turkey tonight.
Blogging tutorial
Pic from the Patricia website
Last night I went to the show with my good friend Kelly. We saw Julia and Julie, I know, your totally thinking that movie has been out of theatres forever. Popular demand brought it back to Powell River. If you are ever visiting Powell River, do take in a show at the Patricia Theatre. It’s the longest running movie theatre in Western Canada and had restored it’s beauty. The seats are a bit uncomfortable, but an intermission during the longer movies lets you stretch your legs and get some air.
What a funny movie, Meryl Streep was fabulous, and Amy Adams played such a likable character. I was most interested in seeing the film for the blogging aspects, hoping Julie would have the same reservation I’m having. Like Julie, I’m just not sure if I’m cut out for this; is there time to blog; who’s out there reading and interested in what I’m saying. I’m really fond of the idea of sharing ideas and life experiences, but the truth is when it comes down to it, I’d rather be a spectator. I’m going to face my fear and open up a little more.
Thanks for being out there and finding my blog interesting.
Namaste
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