12.27.2008

props to gaiam


gaiam was one of the first companies i knew to make yoga products for the masses. in fact, i think my first (pvc -eek!) mat was gaiam. and just recently i picked up some inexpensive, eco-friendly yoga props from gaiam to better assist my private students with their practice.


i also stumbled upon their website, gaiam.com, and
like the rest of the post-christmas retail world, gaiam is also offering some great savings!


deals: take an extra 30% off already reduced outlet prices for savings as much as 70% off, plus receive FREE 2-day FedEx upgrade.

12.21.2008

ringing in the new year, by cleansing out the old


in attempts to have a fresh start in 2009, i am planning a cleanse for a clean slate. & so, i have begun scouring the web for different options because i am not sure if i want to repeat the master cleanse. personally, i like to chew, taste & swallow food, so i don't now if i can go the complete liquid route this time.

i stumbled upon totalhealthsecrets.com, a really great site with many options & resources for cleansing as well as organic supplements. there are
even a few books (like the one in the pic to the left) about cleansing that i am strongly considering adding to my library in hopes of finding my perfect cleanse.

although i haven't tried any of these cleanse systems, i am very interested in the healthforce cleanse (2 week program). they are a bit pricier than the master cleanse (a few lemons, syrup, cayenne pepper & some tea), but i feel like they offer a healthier, more balanced option for sustaining the benes of a cleanse after the cleanse.

fortunately, our friends over at totalhealthsecrets.com are willing to offer yogadeals readers (that's you!) a 10% discount through 12.31.2008! i will keep you posted on what i test out.

in the meantime, does anyone have any cleanse programs they love?

does anyone want to join me on my cleanse starting friday 01.09.2009?


deal: shop the products online, then when youare ready to order, call 510.653.5050 (m-f; 10:00-5:30 pst) and mention the yogadeals 10% discount!

12.16.2008

yoga city, our new virtual playground

finally! a website/community dedicated just to nyc yogi(ni)s! created by the fabulous brette & minna, their brand new site for busy, multi-tasking nyc yoga-doers is a super efficient way to access your options, find a way to start a yoga practice, take it to the next level, prevent injuries, find it on the cheap and pretty much everything yoga inbetween & of course coupons to sweeten any moment when you are looking for yogic bliss.

i can't wait to explore!
www.yogacitynyc.com

deals: thru
january 16, yogacitynyc is offering a special launch discount of 50% on ALL NEW PAID MEMBERSHIPS (don't worry this is just for those who want post/list their class/other yoga offerings, otherwise it's free!). use the promotion code: 1011 on the checkout page when paying.

12.13.2008

urban organic - not an oxymoron, but delivery in nyc


just because i am not a sustainable farmer (although some do exist even in nyc), doesn't mean i am not obsessed with eating like one. urbanorganic.com is a grocery delivery service that helps me do just this & conveniently!

this brooklyn-based company delivers fresh season produce to your door with a option of box sizes. i opt for the 'original value box' and get a delivery every two weeks of fresh veggies and fruit for about $37, including the $2 delivery fee. this delivery has been a saving grace on hectic days when grocery shopping is the last thing i want to spend my free moment on, even though i know the fridge is an empty lot.

worried you'll get the one veggie you hate? urbanorganic.com omits that by offering you up to three 'no's' so you never get stuck with a veggie you don't like.


the pluses
+prompt, reliable delivery
+quality produce

+great variety
+good portions

+everything is organic

+other grocery items (i.e. milk) can be added to your order
+can cancel deliveries two days before


the minuses
-support line never gets you to a person only a voicemail
-one-time $25 setup fee


deals: if you refer a friend, you get a free box!

12.10.2008

finding inner rewards in a time of outward chaos

the economic downturn in our environment has led many of us to go in - stay in on weekends, in the gym, in the zone - basically to inwardly reflect; really stripping us down to what is important in our lives, how we can live better & basically not go crazy. luckily there are inner rewards to be found or rather a new nationwide website to explore. the beta version of innerrewards.com offers you a community of similar minded folks, topic variety & destinations for helping you on your own self-centered journey (do not confuse with selfish)! think of it as a citysearch.com or yelp.com for those looking for a wholesome lifestyle, but you can also shop directly online - pretty much a one stop shop!

deal: innerrewards is doing a VIP promotion where if you contribute content, they will provide you with a free spa service (up to $200) of your choice. check here for the deets: http://www.innerrewards.com/about/bloggers/.

12.09.2008

no fear - tips for the new yogi are here



  1. start simple - seek out a studio that offers a beginner's class (aka yoga basics) this will allow you to explore your yoga without intimidation of what other more seasoned yogis may bring to their practice and build a strong asana foundation (the community section of craigslist.org and yogafinder.com are great places to start for local offerings).
  2. let your body tell your mind - for an hour out of your day, allow your body to feel and tell your mind how to feel rather than your mind controlling your every moment.
  3. breathe easy - despite your eagerness, the breath is the most important part of your practice. if you find yourself constricting or even stop breathing, back out of the pose otherwise you might pass out in 'attempted pretzel.'
  4. child's pose is your friend - fight your ego, listen to your body and embrace child's pose. this pose is great for resetting your body and mind, so if your thoughts begin to wander, come back to your inner child and find center.
  5. be prepared - come with an open mind, a clean body, use the restroom and blow your nose before you enter class, and limit heavy meals for 2 hours prior to your time on the mat.
  6. resist resistance - embrace this new journey and allow yourself to just experience your new practice - your openess will set you free! leave your judgments at the door.
  7. comfort is key - dress in layers of light weight clothing so that you can remove and add clothing as your body heats up and cools down. regardless of the many options, yoga isn't a fashion contest but a self-practice (however if you are looking for some apparel inspiration check out victoria keen - she's having a sale on her very unique line!)
  8. props - a mat and bare feet are pretty much the only props you'll need! many studios offer mat rentals if you not ready to invest in your yogic real estate just yet. other props that are helpful include: straps, blocks and blankets.
  9. water breaks - come to class hydrated and try to limit water breaks until after class.
  10. commit to the whole class - svasana, the final resting pose, is critical to your practice, don't skip out on it - it's not a nap, but a time for your body to absorb your practice and learn.

12.07.2008

why eagles don't get cellulite

ok, i don't have the answer for that question, but eagle is the yoga pose that can help you prevent cellulite! i was in a vinyasa flow class today taught by marco rojas at equinox and he passed along that little tidbit to us!

it actually makes so much sense! since your gluteous maximus as well as your meaty hammies are all wrapped up tightly in this pose, it can definitely wake up an lazy cells! and if you incorporate the eagle arms as well, you can help prevent the wobbly arms that keep waving after you stop (you know what i'm talking about)... now i don't have any scientific info to back this up (yet), but hey it's free, simple and you can do it while watching tv!

check out yogajournal.com for tips on how-to soar like an eagle!

if you have any scientific, yogi-nerd data to add to this, please share!!!

12.03.2008

living small

as an nyc citizen for the past 9 years, i have adapted rather well to living small. i actually don't know what i would do with more space (i have a hard enough time cleaning what i have!). and although i do enjoy my urban jungle, i am hoping one day to actually a little getaway bungalow in some tropical, sunshiny place, which is why i have become fascinated by the tiny and small homes that tumbleweed tiny house company offers! ranging from a meager 65 sq ft to a cozy couple hundred feet, i find my mind drifting to one day buying one of these plans... it would make a perfect little yoga retreat, of course my guests would need to pass a close quarters for compatibility - maybe there will a yogamates.com has something like that...

for home plans - sizes xs - small, check out: tumbleweedhouses.com

where would you build your mini nest?

12.02.2008

danku very much, for not so much

i have been doing stalker-esque 'walk-bys' of this place since i saw it's trademarked word: naturalicious on the building's facade. nestled between the regular overpriced cafes and spendy restaurants lies a new gem in midtown, which just opened on 12.01.2008!

danku, the dutch word for - you guessed it - thank you - is the new place to eat healthy and delicious food in midtown.

they are eco-friendly with their packaging and organic as possible with there food/beverage assortment. plus their staff is surprisingly warm and fuzzy, they have an inviting communal style dining area, and best of all, their prices are reasonable!!!

i enjoyed 2 delcious, spinach/artichoke krokets with the combo side salad and an organic, fair-trade coffee for all under $10! to top that, i still have the side salad (a healthy portion), which is filled with organic, seasonal veggies to eat for lunch tomorrow! caffeine and lunch for two days, what more could i ask for - oh, i know... a location downtown!!!

danku. danku very much.


lululemon in soho offers 30% off to fitness instructors

who: yoga, pilates & fitness instructors + personsal trainers

what: 30% off non-sale lululemon merchandise


when: thursday, 12.04.2008: 10am - 8pm (est)

where: lululemon athletica soho (481 broadway, just south of broome)


how: go to the store & shop for yourself (they don't allow gift buying); bring proof with you (i.e. paystub, class schedule)


why: quality fitness attire that lasts, might as well get a discount on it!

12.01.2008

happy hairless holidays

shobha, the hair removal company with a cult-following in nyc, is now becoming more accessible to the masses, even beyond the b-n-t commuters (bridge & tunnel)! shobha now offers it's all-natural, professional grade sugaring gel for home use, in a super cute kit for just $30! so delicious you can lick off any remaining sugaring gel, because yes, it is completely edible!

they also have some great aftercare products to help fight ingrown hairs onceyou finally rid yourself of the extra fur - my personal favorites are the exfoliating cloth & ingrown relief lotion.

deals: spend $50, save $10; spend $100, save $20; free shipping on orders over $35!

check out www.myshobha.com for great products & info on hair removal.

11.30.2008

handy inversion help

inversions are perhaps the most challenging part of my practice, but also an inspiration for me to one day be able to rock a handstand without any help from a wall or fellow yogi(ni)s.

handy helper #1: hand balancing workshop
join jordan mallah for an afternoon of inversion sequence & tools to strengthen your practice.

saturday, 12.06
2:00pm - 4:00pm
pure yoga: 203 east 86th st (nyc)
$50 (or $40 for pure yoga members)
to register, call 212.360.1888

handy helper #2: shoulder & core strengtheners
try incorporating some of these asanas in your practice for inversion prep:

  • plank: try isolated plank pose, remaining in the pose for 30-60 seconds, really root through your hands & feet while hugging in through your core, bringing your tailbone towards your navel; 2-3 isolations/practice.
  • core plank: start in downward dog, raise one leg, bend the knee & come forward to core plank, hugging your knee up to your chest trying to bring your forehead to the knee. include this through out your practice during your vinyasa flow.
  • dolphin: start in downward dog with your forarms on the ground, move forward into plank; sets of 10-15; 3 sets/practice
  • shakti kicks: begin in a down dog, walk your feet in a bit to create a shorter stance, bring your shoulders over your wrist, inhale & on a deep exhale, kick up to handstand prep with bent legs.

handy helper #3: props for hanging at home
practice your inversions on your own with a little help from a strap or swing

inversion sling start at $110 (about the price of a private session!)
yoga ropes start at $95

deal: although these props function on their own, if you splurge for both you get $15 off at www.yogaprops.com.

11.26.2008

always moola bandha & now 15% off

i'll admit it, i've been pseudo-stalking this tank for about a year & am going to finally accept the gift of 15% off from everythingyoga.com & get one!

better than that cola drink infamous for its red can with white, script letters, this tank reminds you to always embrace your mula bandha, the root lock in your pelvic floor that can give your asana practice that extra lift. (ladies, engaging this will also help in other intimate activities.)

this holiday season everythingyoga.com is offering 15% off every product and if you you buy a yoga figurines, you'll also get a free mala bracelet! use coupon code MALAZP8 at checkout.

11.25.2008

citywide universal yoga membership

for a mere $75 (that's like 4 drop-in classes in nyc) you can get a yoga passbook containing over 300 class passes to not only yoga studios but for pilates & dance, too!

the 2009 issue will be available december 15th, but you can start ordering now & if you'd like a 2008 passbook, you can get that for just $25, which is still much cheaper than a monthly pass to any studio i know!!!
i was thrilled to see that american health & fitness alliance folks spread the love around... these passbooks are available for nyc, chicago, houston & la!!! for each city, choose your medicine: fitness, yoga or pilates. heck, for the small price tag of $225 you could get all 3 and call it a year! but wait, if you buy 3 you get 1 free - its like retail bliss for the yogi in me, i already feel the high coming on!

special deals:
buy any 2, get $10 off
buy 3, get 1 free - find your buddies and share in the savings!

check it out for yourself: www.health-fitness.org

om before you eat

thanksgiving is typically a glutinous day, when yoga pants definitely come in handy for expanding bellies full of food rather than the breath. but there is hope for you and your pants - keep your pants on for a thankful asana instead. start your day with 108 sun salutations - yes, 108, so you might be less inclined to overload your plate.

om factory in midtown is offering a 90-minute class dedicated to 108 sun salutations - a number connected to wholeness of the divinity, perfect totality - aka a yogi thanksgiving prayer.

and if 108 salutations don't make you thankful, the price sure will: just $13 for the class!

the deets:

om factory
265 west 37th st @ 8th ave
17th floor
nyc 10018
www.omfactorynyc.com


thursday (thanksgiving day!)
11.27.2008
8:00am - 9:30am
$13/class

11.23.2008

dessert-like tea

for years i have loved this tea, and despite testing out other spiced options, i still really enjoy this oldie, but a goodie: celestial seasonings's bengal spice. its delicious, inexpensive and pretty accessible throughout the u.s., so even though i live in nyc, you can still find it near you!


some of the 'benes' include:
+caffeine free
+all-natural
+no preservatives
+sweet on its own
+zero calories alone
+makes a great soy latte!

yummy ingredients:
c
innamon, roasted chicory, roasted carob, natural spice & vanilla flavors with other natural flavors, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, cloves & nutmeg.

merry mats and more!


what's better than free delivery of greasy diner food? well a lot of things, but today lotuspad is offering free shipping for all orders that are $20 or more! the offer is valid through 11.24.2008.
(for more deets on lotuspad, read my previous post)




i've always enjoyed convertible clothing, i attribute it to the more bang for your buck theory which was instilled in me as a child... regardless of where my appreciation for this came from, girlskirtmission is having a sale, although the convertible harem pant is not part of it($68/$78), they are still bargain worthy since you can rock them as a pant, skirt or onesie (translation 3 outfits or as low as $23/oufit)!


11.20.2008

invest in portable real estate

with the markets tanking, why not invest in something that will be around a lot longer? - your yoga practice. set your intention and create your own eco-friendly mat to remind you every time you practice. or if you're looking for inspiration, you can also choose from a variety of mat designs to help keep your focus, like sadie nardini's core strength mat.

(congrats sadie on being the featured instructor!)


our friends over at yogamatic.com know that everyone loves a good investment, but also loves some savings; as a yogadeals reader you get an extra 10% off at checkout simply by entering
836737.

11.19.2008

better than homemade & customized


the return of the love note. instead of handwriting i have opted to type 100 personal minicards for my honey using moo.com for $19.99.

moo.com is a quaint little brit site that lets you create bcards, gift cards and mini cards. why i'm obsessed with everything mini, not sure, but i am and this definitely satiated my urge for stationery and miniatures.
i am also working on a few other projects or rather creating the need to use moo again, especially the moo frames where you can create mosaics with interchangeable pieces.
in addition to the minicards, they have mini card holders - what's not to love? merry little xmas early.

ps: place your first ever order at moo.com & get 20% off 1 pack of minicards! just enter code YRY7H6 at checkout - moohoo!!!
pps: spend $100 or more and get free standard shipping, just gorgeous dahlin'

11.18.2008

shake your asana

sure chants and nature sounds can be calming to the mind, but sometimes more fiery sounds can add the heat to your practice that you are looking for. enter derek beres. founder of earthrise yoga, derek creates a new playlist each week that pulls from a variety of global music to complement his asana sequences. yoga to a new beat weekly, although the music isn't free, the recommendations are priceless.

visit derekberes.com

get styled off the mat with each daily dose

it's one thing to find cute outfits for your yoga practice on the mat, it's quite another to be adept in styling yourself once you step off it. let stylepill be your 'in' to fashion without breaking the piggybank (because we know that the monetarily rich yogi is kind of an oxymoron). make today's intention affordable style, and make stylepill your insight for fashionable duds without the scary price tag.

11.17.2008

download your down dog

taking a page from radiohead's most current chapter, yogichocolate.com offers yogis everywhere the option of downloading mp3s of yoga and meditation classes, using a donation based system in which you pay what you can. and we all know in our downward spiraling economy, getting into downward dog can get pricey when paying per class at a yoga studio. these classes are great for the traveling yogi who doesn't leave home without their ipod or laptop - a new calorie-free menu item for room service that i warmly welcome!

meaningful mandalas

mandala, meaning 'circle' in sanskrit, is a circular design, often very intricate and ornate; each inspired by different components of the living and nonliving world. mandalas can act as great meditation tools and maintain your intention through the day. for more about mandalas and how they impact many cultures throughout the world, visit: www.mandalaproject.org

i was happy to stumble upon these mandalas, which i think look lovely on the keepsake box. whether you are inspired to use your own art or wish to shop cafepress.com for items others have created, the site brings new life to ordinary objects, at reasonable prices.

11.16.2008

$3 yogi stocking stuffer - yoga dvd

yogajournal is offering a 20 minute sampler of one of their dvds, so all you pay is the s&h: http://www.yogajournal.com/dvdsampler i ordered one for my mama (not 1 per customer limit)
the site said 12-14 days to ship, so plan ahead, no one likes an empty stocking.

poll of the month: tatted up yogis

11.15.2008

lavender eye pillows


nothing is more calming than an eye pillow during savasana (corpse/final relaxation pose) it blocks out light, adds weight to your eyelids so they don't have to do the work, especially if you are feeling restless (for all you peekers) and the ones with lavender add some much-welcomed aromatherapy, helping you to surrender into the ground and let your body absorb all that it has just done in your asana practice while lying motionless.

i was prompted to invest in my own eye pillows for my students when i taught a 7th grade class through the bent on learning program. we were in the school auditorium with bright stage lights overhead. my 7th graders who were new to yoga (as well as having not fully formed their frontal lobes) easily became very interested in poking and tickling each other during savasana while others would comment that the lights were too bright; my conclusion: get eye pillows asap.

i came across some great eyepillows unexpectedly on amerimark.com for $5.99 each! unfortunately, i just checked the site and they no longer carry them, however if you are feeling crafty you can make your own eye pillow.

gifting yoga for a healthier kiddie christmas


i'll admit it - it is still super early for me to be christmas shopping. as a procrastinator, i usually wait til, oh about december 20th before i realize i have to get some prezzies for under the tree. i have found that my procrastination is often due to my lack of inspiration for gifts. you can only give your mom so many sweaters, and how many toys does each kid really need... but when the epiphanies come to me, i know the perfect gift flashes in my mind. it's like a light goes on and all of a sudden i know exactly what to get and then i start googling until i find something that will fill my requirements (and tend to go overboard from there). and so, that is exactly what happened after my nephews and i had an impromptu yoga session in my grandparents living room. after determining that headstand was something my oldest nephew (4 y.o.) really enjoyed, i thought about sending them a little yoga this christmas.

immediately when i got home, i ordered 3 children yoga mats (i have 2 nephews, 1 niece - so 2 blue, 1 pink) and 3 yoga dvds and with google checkout (dangerous sometimes) it was a few clicks and two days later they got them! lotuspad was even courteous enough to email me to see if i wanted a note to be included! i happily took them up on their offer! now all the little ones have started a daily yoga routine, if i knew that was all it took, i would have done this 3 years ago :)

lotuspad is great!
children's mats range from $20 - 28
children's yoga dvds $15 each
free shipping on orders over $75!

www.lotuspadyogamats.com

no little tykes on your list? give the gift of yoga to inner city public school students in nyc, check out bentonlearning.org - a non profit organization near and dear to my heart!

core strength vinyasa yoga

the torrential down pours felt like the beginning of a very lethargic day, until i remembered my newest yoga dvd from on of my favorite teachers, sadie nardini!

the 60-minute, power hour i just rocked in my living room has inspired me to kick start my day. sadie's dvd is a real calorie-killer, all the while merging simplicity with challege to find your yogic center. who would have thought that high lunge would have me break a sweat in my pjs (ok, so i wasn't that energetic to change in yoga attire when i press play).

find out more about this great yogi: sadienardini.com
buy: core strength vinyasa power hour

budget friendly private & group lessions in nyc

with the hardships of the economy and general anxious energy that is surrounding us, i am offering a yoga sessions that are wallet friendly!

iI am an insured and registered yoga teacher (ryt 200) in core strength vinyasa yoga. I have experience teaching adults, as well as elementary school and middle school students.

you provide the space, I provide the yoga!

standard rates
(negotiable for multiple classes and special cases):
  • children (ages 4-16) $15/45 minute session ($5 for each additional child)
  • teens/college students (ages 16-22) $25/60 minute session ($5 for each additional student)
  • adults (age 23+) $30/60 minute session ($5 for each additional student)
please contact me if you are interested! bendy.yogi@gmail.com





levitate without bringing lightness to your wallet




for less than a gym membership, levitate yoga still offers their amazing $98 monthly membership!





the fine print:
  • you get unlimited yoga classes the program is auto-renew, meaning they'll charge your card every month
  • you get fast and easy check-in with a key tag, discounts on mat flats, massages, workshops and retail
  • you must commit to a 6-month membership to reap the benes
about the classes
from beginners to advanced yogis, each can find their spot in the cozy classrooms with a wide spectrum of yoga teachers who each bring their own special something to class.

personal faves
classes with paul & shri

other deets
  • $1 rentals - mats and towels - each washed between uses to avoid spreading yoga mat funk from one yogi to the next
  • great little boutique - find the essentials and some other pampering items
  • changing area equipped with freshening items to keep you on the move, ideal for the non-shower after class sprucing up (levitate has no showers)