Lululemon Grand Opening!

Don't miss it folks!

*blogger is a lululemon showroom educator

yoga awareness month

September is national yoga awareness month! 

Check out my article titled 
"Yoga will kick your asana" 
in this month's issue of The Current on page 82; on newsstands around Tulsa now! 

(copy & paste or click the pdf link below; page 82 or read below)

http://currentland.com/Portals/0/Archives/PDF/The%20OK%20Current%20-%20September%202011.pdf

"Yoga will kick your asana" 

I heart yoga, so when asked to write an article about yoga, I thought, you bet your down dog I will. There are so many new developments in the practice of yoga that it’s hard to keep them straight.  In this article, I attempt to break it down for you.  Although I consider myself to be a novice yogini, I am a seeker and a student of yoga.  I first tried yoga approximately 10 years ago while attending college. I remember feeling calm & relaxed after the experience but did not consider it a true “workout” because I was a collegiate student-athlete and had done my fair share of 6 am conditioning workouts. Geez, was I ever wrong!  The next day, I had muscle soreness that was legendary.  Ever since, I have tried several different types of yoga and became certified as an instructor last year.  I guess you could say it was a challenge that was on my bucket list.  Teaching a yoga class and being responsible for someone’s personal yoga experience was a challenge from which I learned a great deal. Because I am a practitioner of yoga, I feel that it is important to be enlightened on its roots.

Researchers have traced yoga’s origins back 5,000 years ago in India and some think yoga may be up to 10,000 years old.  There are several different types of yogas, one of which is called classical yoga, or Raja yoga. It is defined by Patanjali’s yoga sutras written sometime in the second century. This text defines the “eight limbed path”, which consists of the steps and stages leading to enlightenment, or Samadhi. Patanjali is considered by many to be the father of yoga and his yoga sutras still influence most modern styles of yoga. Centuries after Patanjali, yoga masters created a type of yoga to rejuvenate the body and prolong life; they believed that the physical body was the way to enlightenment.  This practice lead to what we know as “hatha yoga” or for short, yoga.

In order to understand yoga, one must first understand some of the lingo.  The word yoga is a term derived from the Sanskrit word "yug" meaning to join together, to yoke or to unite. It is a set of various techniques to unite the mind, body and spirit within the individual and to unite the individual with the Divine, the infinite or the universe. A yogi is a male student of yoga, while a yogini is a female student of yoga.  Namaste is the traditional expression of greeting and farewell practiced among yogis and performed with the hands placed in prayer position at the heart center. It is usually accompanied with a bowing of the head and body. It means, "The Divine in me salutes the Divine in you."

Hatha yoga, known simply as yoga to us, is the most common yoga practiced in the U.S. It combines 3 elements: physical postures called asanas; pranayama, or controlled breathing; and relaxation or meditation. Bikram yoga, or hot yoga, is a style or school of hatha yoga that emphasizes a high-energy workout and sweating which focuses on cleansing the body from the inside out.  Ashtanga yoga is a subdivision of hatha yoga that includes an intense physically challenging workout, also referred to as "power yoga". It places equal emphasis on strength, flexibility and stamina while it synchronizes movements with breath in a continual flow of action to create heat, which produces a cleansing or detoxifying effect of the body.  Kundalini yoga is also a style of hatha yoga. It is a path centered on awakening and employing kundalini energy stored at the base of the spine. It uses the breath, postures, chanting and meditation to stimulate and move this energy up the spine.  Vinyasa is a steady flow of connected yoga asanas linked with breath in a continuous movement. It is a particularly dynamic form of yoga. The Sun Salutation is one example of a vinyasa yoga routine.

Because I am a registered nurse and recommend health regimens to patients, the research-based health benefits of yoga are mucho important to my practice.  The scientific study of yoga states that the mental & physical aspects of health are closely intertwined.  According to research, yoga reduces depression, stress & anxiety by lowering heart rate, respiratory rate & blood pressure.  Because yoga helps regulate stress, it also regulates pain responses by increasing pain tolerance.  Studies also show an improvement in energy, headaches, back pain, fatigue, sleep quality & well being.  An added bonus, yoga can improve your sex life by increasing blood flow to your nether regions (wink, wink).  Most importantly, yoga has gained increased popularity in our culture because evidenced-based medicine has proven it to be a low-risk, high yield way to improve overall health. 

In addition to its health benefits, yoga has gained increased popularity due to its influence on Hollywood, which began in 1947 when a yogini named Indra Devi opened her yoga studio.  Since then, it has exploded amongst celebrities including Lady Gaga, Russell Simmons, Jennifer Aniston, Sting, K$sha & Jon Bon Jovi to name a few.  Many athletes have turned to yoga to improve flexibility in other sports & disciplines.  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar states that yoga helped him learn to control his breath, gain flexibility & prevent injury. 

Now that you are well versed in yoga’s origins, lingo, health benefits, & popularity, get out there and work your asana off.  

lemonista: week 1

LuLuLemon Manifesto!

This week was my very first week as a lululemon girl.  I couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of this wonderful company & culture.  Here are some of the classes I got to sample in Tulsa this week.  I definitely held true to the company's manifesto of "sweat once a day!"

Monday:

• crossfit @ YWCA midtown 12:00pm w/Christina

description: running, push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, spinning- all rolled into one intense workout!

• bikram yoga @ yoga quest 5:30pm

description: 90 minutes of yoga poses in a room heated to 105 degrees.  It was intensively sweaty, yet rejuvenating.  You must try.


Tuesday:

• yoga on the deck @ blue rose cafe on riverside 8:00am

description: this was such a treat after our intense workouts on monday.  A morning yoga class on the lower deck at the blue rose cafe overlooking the peaceful arkansas river.  We practiced our asanas while looking out over the water watching the ducks take their morning bath.


Wednesday: 

• soft yoga @ inner peace yoga 5:45pm w/Meghan

description: Because I was still sore from monday's classes, this was just what I needed to work out the stiffness & soreness in my muscles. 


Thursday: 

• barre @ total pilates 6:00am w/Karen

description: Although I never get up before dawn, this was well worth it.  This class targets & tones all those areas you want to lift: hips, thighs, & glutes while bringing out your inner ballerina!


Friday: 

• power pop yoga @ YWCA midtown 4:15pm w/Emily

description: This class is like yoga boot camp- focuses on cardio & strength poses set to really great music!


Saturday:

• rooftop yoga @ ascent on cherry street 9:00 w/Jennifer

description: This yoga class is on the rooftop of ascent outdoor apparel and the new lululemon showroom tulsa.  It is offered on saturday am, so you can stop by the cherry street farmers market afterwards.  I can't wait to try this class tomorrow! 

What are some of your favorite tulsa fitness classes?

fall boots

I love summertime but after the heat wave this year, fall cannot come soon enough.  I'm longing for the time of year when you can pull out boots & scarves.  Here are some of my favorite boots. 

1. minnetonka moccasin boot 

2. j.crew dixon short boots

3. hunter original rain boot

4. sorel caribou snow boot

5. j.crew metropolitan ankle boot

6. frye billy boot

{salutation nation}

I'm so excited for this event!  If you love yoga & being outside, you should definitely attend this fabulous outdoor class.

Join your community to move, breathe, connect & get your down dog on!

{salutation nation}

what: an international day of yoga led by local yoga ambassadors, complimentary & open to all levels

when: saturday, september 10

time: 9-10am

location: ou-tulsa schusterman campus

4502 East 41st Street

Tulsa, OK

See you there on the mat! 

beach bag essentials

  I'm so excited for our beach vacay coming up!  Here's what's in my beach bag. 

1. {SPF} la roche posay sunscreen milk- i used to worship the sun with oil (yeah I was a bad girl) but now I protect my skin with this sunscreen
{available @ walgreens}

2. {Magazines/books} i have tons i've been meaning to catch up on and under the umbrella is the perfect time. 

3. {Evian spray} mist yourself with this while sunbathing (or just take a dip in the ocean) to feel rejuvenated

4.{iPod} for your beach playlist ;-)

5. {camera} for beautiful beach photo ops

6. {baby powder} sprinkle this on your body and dust off with a towel to get the sand off

7. {headband} lululemon, of course

8. {beach towel} Ralph Lauren

9. {lip balm with SPF} bobbi brown

10. {shades} ray ban wayfarer (on my wish list)

11. {beach hat} j.crew

What's in your beach bag?

{road-trip checklist}

I'm a planner, therefore I make a lot of lists.  I have to-do lists, grocery lists, wish lists, packing lists, etc.  Because we have an upcoming road trip planned, I made a list of my must have items to make the long car ride more tolerable.


1. {audiobooks} "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac & anything by Chelsea Handler keep me entertained.  My husband enjoys financial audiobooks which put me to Zzzzz :-)

*available at iTunes.com for download to your iPad, iPhone, or iPod


2. Nap blanket, eyemask & pillow
*available at brookstone.com


3. {Playlist} upbeat songs like "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson are sure to help pass the time.


4. Ice chest- with drinks & sandwiches & snacks


5. Hand sanitizing wipes & trash bag


6. Comfy clothing & flip flops


7. {Reusable cups} much greener than the styrofoam ones at gas stations


8. {iPad/laptop/dvd player} so I can play scrabble with mom or watch a movie


9. Yankee candle car freshner- especially if you're riding with boys- trust me!


10. {1st aid kit} because ya never know


11. {Magazines/books} My favorite guilty pleasure magazines include Us Weekly & People Style Watch; other favs are Self & Women's Health, which have great fitness & nutrition info. 


I am hoping to finally finish "The Bell Jar'' by Sylvia Plath. 

There you have it, my essentials for a pleasant road trip.  Happy travels!

yoga essentials

Here are some yoga basics I cannot live without.  They are surely to help perfect your down dog!

Sigg Om Bottle $19- It's important to hydrate before, during, & after yoga to help flush out the toxins, but aren't these cute?  

The Mat $68- this is the best yoga mat I have ever used  (and I've tried dozens, just ask my husband) and totally worth the investment. The mat literally soaks up sweat and keeps your hands & feet from slipping. See below. 

Power Y tank $52- this is my go-to yoga top.  It's breathable, sweat-wicking, & has a built in sports bra

The wunder under crop $78- think of them as the spanx of yoga clothes, but comfortable.  They hold you in and have a comfy waistband which prevents muffin top in your down dog.

Slipless headband $12- this is a must-have. It's great for layered hair. It has a rubber grip on the inside for a stay put hold. 

  *all available at lululemon.com & lululemon showroom Tulsa in September 2011

** I am a lululemon showroom educator; the opinions and positions expressed are my own and don’t reflect those of lululemon athletica.

drugstore beauty

For those of you who know me, I'm a sucker for beauty products.  Although I tend to splurge, there are also some beauty bargains I cannot live without. 

1. Neutrogena anti-residue shampoo $5- this is the best clarifying shampoo that I've found.  It gets my strands squeaky clean and eliminates oil.
2. Goody stay put headbands $4- these won't slip off while working out
3. Loreal voluminous mascara $6- Because mascara should be replaced every 3 months, this is a cheaper alternative to the department store brands.
4. Psst dry shampoo spray $6- this has been my lifesaver.  spray this on roots to soak up oil after the gym or on clean hair for a volume boost
5. Kiss my face moisture shave $4- this rich lather leaves my legs feeling silky smooth
6. Pantene flat to volume conditioner $5- rich enough to detangle, but light enough not to weigh my hair down
7. Aquafor healing ointment $4- this is a miracle ointment.  I use it to remove mascara, as an eye cream, & as a cuticle cream
8. Ivory Simply Lavender body wash $4- this has a natural soft smelling lavender scent
9. Burt's beeswax lip balm $3- I have these all over the house
10. Burt's bees tinted lip balm in Rose $7- this has the same moisturizing properties of the original but with a hint of natural looking color.  I heart!

{salsa fresca}

I love making fresh salsa.  It's so much better than the store bought kind.  This recipe is just fantastic. Enjoy!

I start with fresh ingredients....the colors are so beautiful, don't you think?

I get these "sunbursts" at Sam's in bulk.  They're great in salads or with hummus too

These are the tools I use

This vegetable chop from williams-sonoma is handy

I love my citrus reamer from williams-sonoma; it gets all the juice and the pulp.  If you're into that sort of thing. 

Wash and spin your cilantro leaves in a salad & herb spinner

So fresh; I heart cilantro

Cut a jalapeno in half and remove seeds & white membranes- leave a few if you think you can take the heat and add to blender or food processor  

Add 1 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves to your blender

Yum

Add 2 cups yellow cherry tomatoes

1/3 cup chopped yellow onion

Press 2-3 cloves of garlic and add 

Getting close...

I just love the vibrant colors

After combining your ingredients- pulse a few times (not too much)

Allow foam to settle from the pulsing

taste test...mmm

ladle with funnel into a pretty jar

Secure with lid & ring.  You can eat right away or refrigerate for up to 1 week.  XOXO

Salsa Fresca

1/3 yellow onion

2 c yellow cherry tomatoes

1 jalapano

1/2 lime with pulp

4 campari tomatoes

1 c cilantro

2-3 cloves garlic

makes 1.5 pints

{strawberry-rhubarb jam}

I made this jam based on my strawberry rhubarb pie recipe.  It's sweet & tart & perfectly spiced.  I love to put it on mini pillsbury buttermilk biscuits or a whole wheat english muffin.  

First start with fresh strawberries...

I really like to use ball brand pint & half pint jars

I got this handy canning kit at target along with my jars; you can choose regular or wide mouth jars.  You will need 2 boxes of fruit pectin- I like ball brand fruit pectin but grabbed these boxes from whole foods. 

You will need a canner or stock pot to process your jars after they're filled and another pot to make the jam

slice the strawberries

and wash your jars and lids in HOT soapy water

squeeze 1/2 c lemon juice (it helps activate the pectin)

and add it to your pot

bring your stock pot or "canner" to a boil 

add the strawberries

add the {frozen} rhubarb on med-high heat

add the sugar and pectin stirring constantly

now bring to a rumbling boil for approximately 1 minute; you can add 1tbsp of butter to decrease foaming

remove from heat and ladle jam into your clean, sanitized jars using the funnel provided in ball canning kit

wipe the rim of the jar before applying lid and securing with ring; place in pot and process {boil} for 10 minutes making sure water covers jars

remove from boiling pot using jar lifter provided in canning kit and allow to cool at least 24 hours; you should hear the lids "pop" in as the jars cool.  This is part of the sealing process. If any lids pop up and down when pressed, they are not sealed and should be refrigerated. 

Ta-da, darling jam!

recipe: {darling strawberry-rhubarb jam}

6 c sliced strawberries

4 c frozen rhubarb

1/2 c lemon juice

6 c sugar

2 boxes pectin

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tbsp butter

makes 6.5 pints of darling jam