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/.

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.
    

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!!!

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?

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!

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.