Sunday, May 31, 2015

Braided Hairstyles - Because Girls Simply Just Like It

Braided hairstyles are very popular nowadays. I'm sure that when you were young, your mom put your hair in braids. This was usually both time consuming and irritating since most kids don't want to sit still for long periods of time. But braids are not only for kids,they are also for adults just like you and me.

photo credit: blissfullydomestic.com

photo credit: prettydesigns.com

photo credit: hairstylepic.info


photo credit: linzhouweb.com

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Messy Hair Bun - Simple Guides to Make a Messy Bun

Messy hair bun is one of the most popular hair styles of all time. Most women from teenager to adult are choosing this style in everywhere they go. There are many kinds of hair bun, but this time, it will be the messy bun show time.

photo credit: witanddelight.com
Yes, sometimes everyone wants to looked messy but still in style. And this style totally helps them because though it appears messy, women with this bun still look stunning, chick, and stylish. No doubt it becomes popular from generation to generation. The following is simple guides to make a messy hair bun.

1. Serum. For this type of bun, you need a serum such as Herbal Essences No More Frizz. But don't use it too much and do this at the ends.

photo credit: polkadotted.com
2. Brush. Take a brush and comb it back at the top. This is to make the top of your hair is teased backwards. Still with the brush, tease the sides of your hair. While with your hands, smooth your crown and spritz heavily with any hairspray. You need to continuously brushing your hair and smoothing it over with your hands.

photo credit: brides.com
3. After that, gather your hair with both hands. Make it as a high ponytail, and smoothing out the bumps carefully while moving your hair up your crown. You can do this by flipping your hair upside down and gathering all your hair in one spot. For this case, using a paddle brush is really helpful.

4. Secure the bun that you have made. You can do this by tying your elastic around the center of the circle or wrap your elastic twice around your hair then pull your ponytail half-way through the elastic.

photo credit: elenashoes.com
5. Now you need to emphasize your hair style by doing several steps like running your fingers through the front of your hair to loosen it from the elastic and add texture. Or you can slide in a thin black headband two inches back from your hair line, and slide in a second thin black headband three inches behind the first one.

photo credit: cuppajyo.com

photo credit: imgbuddy.com
6. Hairspray. For the final touch, mist your entire head with hairspray. It will make your messy bun stays longer.

photo credit: latest-hairstyles.com
photo credit: topinspired.com
Simple and easy. You will get a totally chick and stylish look for any occasions and time. Plus, it is a great joy and fun when doing this experiment.




Tuesday, May 19, 2015

How To Lose Weight With A Vegetarian Or Vegan Diet

Many people embark on vegetarian and vegan diets motivated by a view that it will help them control their weight. It is true that a recent study found that vegans weigh on average 30 pounds less than meat eaters do.

While technically a plant diet should be lower in calories because fruits and vegetables are naturally lower in calories than meat and dairy, it is important to realize that it can quickly turn unhealthy and very unsupportive to weight loss. For example, vegans who eat junk food, like chips, cakes, and cookies all day, all of which are vegan, but hardly conducive to healthy weight management or weight loss.

Sometimes, those who seek to lose weight by going vegetarian may remain unaware of the key principals of successful weight loss and continue to struggle with their weight regardless of their significant dietary changes. Today we will discuss scientifically proven steps to weight loss that are safe for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans.

photo credit: prn.fm
Achieving a caloric deficit is crucial to lose weight

It has been scientifically proven that to lose weight you must expend more calories than you consume for a prolonged period. Your daily caloric needs are a combination of your basal metabolic rate plus any physical activity you engage in. Your basal metabolic rate is largely determined by the amount of muscle mass your body has, with those who have more muscle having a higher metabolic rate.

For many people wanting to lose weight is can be helpful to understand how many calories their body requires each day, thankfully there are many reasonably accurate calculators available online which can do this for you.

Once you know how many calories, your body needs each day, aim to create a daily deficit of around 500 calories from a combination of reduced dietary intake and increased physical activity.

Simple strategies to reduce your calorie intake include decreasing meal and snack portion sizes, choosing healthier less calorie dense foods such as fruits and vegetables and limiting the consumption of sugary beverages such as fruit juice and soft drinks.

Now here is where following a vegetarian diet can play a special role, because plant foods are lower in calories, and very low in fat (which increases calories in food) you can eat more while sticking with the deficit discussed above.

Let us compare two meals, one vegan, and one non-vegan:

Vegan Meal:

A salad with...

2 cups of lettuce (16 calories)

1 tomato (16 calories)

½ cup of cucumber (8 calories)

1 teaspoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon vinegar (41 calories)

1 cup of cooked black beans (227 calories)

Total calories: 308

OR

The same salad but with...

1 chicken breast (boneless and skinless) - (284 calories)

Total calories: 365

A difference of 57 calories!

The black beans also give you 15 grams of fiber that keep you full longer, a key element of a quality food in weight loss.

Moreover, the fat count is lower in the vegan meal as well, with the chicken breast adding an extra 5 grams of fat over the black beans that only has 1 gram of fat per cup.

As you can see the 57 calories per meal is a big difference, and that is just one meal. There are many more examples that can save tons of calories, so you can choose to save calories, but you can also eat more with plant foods and that makes losing weight easier.

photo credit: infographicszone.com
Increased physical activity will increase your energy expenditure

Getting some exercise is a healthy way to increase the amount of calories you burn each day and will assist with weight loss when combined with a sensible calorie controlled diet. Best of all for those who do not like running or going to the gym, it really does not matter what physical activity you do.

Simply choose something you enjoy and stick with it for the long run, whether it is going for a walk with a friend, attending a dance class or even having sex, it really does not matter.

Increased fruit and vegetable consumption will displace less healthy food choices

People who have significant fruit and vegetable intakes tend to have less difficulty managing their weight. This is primarily because fruit and vegetables contain fiber, which will keep you full for longer preventing snacking on less healthy food choices.

Aim to consume at least five servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit each day. Determining the size of a serving of fruit is easy, with one medium piece considered a serving.

Reduced intake of discretionary high sugar/fat foods and beverages

When attempting to lose weight it is important to limit the quantity of high fat and sugar discretionary food choices such as chips, cake, muffins, biscuits, and sweets. This applies universally to all eaters, including vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters.

These foods provide little nutritional benefit and contribute significant amounts of sugar, fat, and therefore empty calories. To lose weight, try swapping these foods with healthier snack choices such as fruit, yogurt, raw vegetables, nuts, and even cheese on whole-wheat biscuits.





Friday, May 15, 2015

Yoga is Like Sex

Yoga is like sex. You can read about it, hear about it, and watch other people do it, but until you experience it first hand, yourself, you don't really get it. So what's the excitement all about? Why is yoga showing up everywhere from auto ads to executive meetings? Why are airlines presenting it to their passengers and why is it featured on Oprah? Kids are doing it in schools; buff athletes are doing it, even pregnant women and the wheelchair-bound. There must be something very seductive about yoga!

photo credit: sunwarrior.com
If you do yoga, you know that it's seductive. That delicious feeling of stretching from the inside out; that soothing sensation like warm honey flowing through energized limbs; and the "big payoff" at the end of a practice: floating away into the infinite. You can't access this in pictures, and yoga isn't a spectator sport. The real experience is only available to you if you actually do yoga.

Yoga is not just about the beautiful bodies of diehard yogis and yoginis, although fitness is definitely one of the major payoffs, yoga is a path to that illusive center we are all seeking...it's a path to inner peace. We're being drawn to yoga by the thousands because we need it; we crave what yoga offers and deeply need the body-mind-spirit connection we experience when we practice the 5000 year old art of yoga.

photo credit: corepoweryoga.com
Increased strength and flexibility, relief from headaches, back problems, sleep troubles, and stress related issues; deep relaxation, feeling energized, powerful, peaceful and centered... Sounds good? These are only a few of the myriad benefits of a yoga practice. Life is so much easier when we feel comfortable in our bodies, relaxed in spirit and come from a peaceful place of power within. Our days become more enjoyable and more relaxed. Our relationships become deeper and more sensitive. The world seems to be more manageable and, rather than reactive, we become positively proactive.

Many people first come to yoga for physical reasons. They want to find relief from back pain or they want to lose weight. They see the external benefits of a yoga practice, but like sex, the internal experience is what keeps them coming back for more.

"This all sounds good," you say, "but I haven't bent forward and touched the floor since I was 12. Sure, seems like a good thing to try, but I haven't exercised since high school! I'd be embarrassed to be seen in those tight yoga clothes... or worse, in a yoga class. I'd make a fool out of myself!" I've heard it all... and there's always a way. Don't allow your chattering mind or your fragile ego to keep you from discovering the treasures you'll find through yoga. Yoga is accessible to everybody. All you need to do is make a decision to go for it.

photo credit: health.com
Regardless of your physical ability, yoga can be adapted to be accessible to you. If you are physically challenged, you can do yoga seated in a chair. Even those who are bedridden can do yoga and we can all benefit greatly from "pranayama," the yoga of the breath.

Too busy? Weave it into your day with seated stretches at your computer, in the airplane, or while standing in line at the bank. Yoga can be subtle, internal and powerful. As you might suspect, I never take "No" for an answer. There's always a way to do yoga.

Here are a few tips to ease your entry into the world of yoga:
The first step is commitment. My first yoga class was a rude wake-up call. Every injury I'd ever had was talking to me. I thought I was in pretty good shape at 44, but my body's ability to do those poses was beyond discouraging... I hated it. There was voice inside my head that screamed, "Get me outta here!" But there was a more persistent little voice inside of me that said, "You don't have to like this, just do it." I knew, on some level, that I'd be really sorry if I quit so I made a deal with myself to keep going back to yoga class twice a week for a month. No judgments, no analyzing, no deciding "like it or not." So I pre-paid the classes and took my body to yoga class. After that month, I was hooked. I highly recommend this approach... It changed my life.

Once you get yourself into yoga class, the next biggest challenge is self-acceptance. A yoga teacher of mine once said, "Begin where you are and stay there." Wise words, and a big relief! After all, there's no other place to start than by accepting ourselves right where we are and realizing that we'll never be exactly there again. Every yoga practice is different because we are different, day-to-day, and minute-to-minute. One of the basic lessons we learn from a yoga practice is not to judge ourselves. For most of us, that's a hard one. Our culture trains us to be competitive. We want to compare ourselves with each other, with the teacher, and especially with our image of what we think we should be able to do. If you want to enjoy your yoga practice, judge not! Watch yourself from the inside; explore the sensations and the new feelings. Experience yourself from the inside out.

photo credit: popsugar.com
Another big hurdle is overcoming the goal-oriented, "Type A" personality approach to yoga; the attitude that the body must conform to perfection and each pose must be the textbook ideal. Give it up! Not a good idea for a number of reasons. First, no body does perfect poses. Not even the teacher, even though you may think so initially. There is no perfect pose. Yoga is a process, not a goal. The perfect pose for your body is different from the perfect pose for my body, or for any other body. The pose that is most integrated and balanced, that give you the best stretch and honors your body's limits... that is your perfect pose.

Secondly, yoga is a process of unfoldment. The symbol of yoga is the Thousand Petaled Lotus that keeps opening its petals deeper and deeper toward its center. Every time you do a pose, it will be a bit different, you'll do it at a different level and from a different place within yourself. Allow for those changes and patiently let yoga bring you to deeper levels of each pose as time goes on. After a while you'll discover that the real yoga isn't about the external form of the poses, it's about how you move the energy in your body to create them from the inside out.

And third, honor your body. It's not about pushing to your limit in every pose. You'll really regret that the next day! Yoga shouldn't hurt, and it's an inside job as to whether or not you'll experience pleasure or pain. You are in control here. The teacher talks, you do the yoga with your body. Just as we resist psychologically when we get pushed too far too fast (Oh yeah? Just try to make me!), our bodies resist as well. So honor your body's limits, don't push; allow, breathe and soften into the poses.

Keep in mind that there are as many different forms of Hatha Yoga (the physical path of yoga) as there are yoga teachers. Every teacher has a unique teaching style, approach and attitude, even if they have been trained in the same yoga lineage. It's important to shop around for a teacher who is well trained and one who inspires you. Find the teacher that suits your style and don't be afraid to go to different classes and change teachers as you develop your yoga practice.

Yoga is an amazing journey of self-discovery. The way you approach your yoga practice is a microcosm of the way you approach your life. It's a truthful mirror, a deep learning and exploration into the depths of the soul. I wish you blessings on your yoga path and light in your journey back to your most beautiful, authentic self.


Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Thee Best Places to View Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Spring brings forth the crisp air, emerging greenery and Cherry Blossoms in Japan. Cherry Blossoms, "Sakura" is the national flower of Japan and is held in reverence throughout Japan. A large number of festivals are held to honor and celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossom. Cherry Blossom begins to bloom from the southern island of Kyushu in late March and moves northward blooming in early May in Hokkaido.
You will be amazed by the sights of the cherry blossoms on your spring trip to Japan. But we asked Carol Enomoto who is the tour manager of Aloha World, a leading tour operator of escorted tours to Japan to name her three most favorite "cherry blossom" viewing locations. Although subjective, her choices are held by many including visitors and people living in Japan.

photo credit: flickr.com
Takada Park in Joetsu city, Niigata prefecture is the well known for the night time view of cherry blossoms. Takada Castle which is on the grounds is lit up by as well as over 3000 lanterns hanging from 4000 cherry trees. All of this illuminates the park and provides a festive mood for park goers. The moat surrounding the castle reflects the light of Takada castle and the lanterns creating a mystical atmosphere.   Viewing during the day is no slouch as visitors are able to walk down Sakura Road, which is a narrow path, lined with cherry blossom trees on both sides.

photo credit: mymodernmet.com
Himeji Castle in Hyogo prefecture is well known as one of the 3 most famous castles in Japan. It is also a favorite of cherry blossom watchers. One needs to realize that in Japan, there are many festivals which honor the sakura and Himeji Castle is no different. It hosts the Himeji Castle cherry blossom viewing Fair which features music performances.   With over 1000 sakura trees on the grounds, it is known as a very popular spot in Japan for viewing.

photo credit: flickr.com

photo credit: tohokukanko.jp
Hirosaki Park is built on the grounds of Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki, Aomori prefecture. With over 2600 cherry blossom trees, it is touted by several travel journalists as the best spot to view cherry blossoms in the Tohoku region. The cherry blossoms are set against the white walls of the castle and the pine trees. Over a million people annually visit Hirosaki Park during this time which usually runs from late April to early May which coincides with Golden Week in Japan.

The viewing of cherry blossoms in Japan is more than just an appreciation of the beauty,  as many enjoy the camaraderie of family and friends. Festivals can be found throughout Japan no doubt due to the "sakuras" stature as the national flower. It is a time to enjoy good sake, good food, family and the beauty of spring. On your next visit to Japan, you too will be in awe of the Cherry Blossom.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Baked Pepperoni Casserole

Sometimes when you need a quick meal to go to but have no food ideas then you have to rely on your creative mind to come up with a dinner or lunch for the family to eat. I run into these moments quite often and always manage to scramble and put something together that is satisfactory and usually spur of the moment. I may have never prepared the meal before, but once I have it instantly becomes a new go to recipe.

photo credit: closetcooking.com
I tend to keep a lot of pasta in my cabinets and pasta is one of those items that are a necessity to have in the pantry. You can eat it by itself or add some meat to it to create a meal. I needed a meal idea and had several boxes of macaroni noodles. Since my daughter has a love thing for pepperoni, I came up with the idea of baked pepperoni casserole. Here's my daughter inspired meal for you to try.

Ingredients
1 lb bag/box of elbow macaroni
1 package of sliced pepperoni
1 onion
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 can black olives
1 8 oz package of mozzarella cheese
¼ cup parmesan cheese

photo credit: marthastewart.com
Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions or until al dente which is firm. Please do not overcook noodles in water since you will put the pasta in the oven to cook. Drain the noodles and add in a casserole dish. Chop up the onion and add to a skillet with the olive oil to sauté for a few minutes then put in the casserole dish. Drain the can of olives and add to the casserole. Add the entire package of pepperoni. Use your favorite jar of spaghetti sauce or you can make a homemade sauce if you choose. I like the brand Ragu. Add the spaghetti sauce to the pepperoni casserole. Mix in half the package of cheese to the dish and mix well. Use the rest of the cheese to sprinkle all over the top of the casserole. Then sprinkle the parmesan cheese over of the dish. Add the casserole to a 350 degree oven and bake for 30 minutes or until nice and bubbly. Remove from oven and serve with buttered garlic toast.

photo credit: savorysweetlife.com
Buttered Garlic toast
4 slices of Texas toast
½ stick butter (room temperature)
4 cloves garlic
2 Tbsp parmesan cheese
Mix the butter, garlic and parmesan. Toast the bread and spread the garlic butter on the toast.



My Tips For Making The Perfect Pizzelle

If you're not already familiar with pizzelle they're a delicious treat that are simple to make, requiring nothing more than a few basic ingredients. Typically pizzelle are round and flat and come embossed with a distinctive snowflake pattern. They originate from Italy and are traditionally flavored with anise (although today they come in many different flavors).

photo credit: prouditaliancook.com
I won't bother listing a pizzelle recipe here since there are already so many published online. A quick search should give you a basic recipe in no time. But what I will do is list my own personal 'success list' for making, what I consider, the perfect pizzelle. After all you can't beat a bit of home cooking and pizzelle are a great place for beginners to start because of their simplicity.

One of the most basic things that catches most people out (myself included) is simply using your pizzelle maker correctly. You need to make sure it is fully heated. So before you even begin making your pizzelle batter, switch your maker on and allow it to heat fully. If you don't you're going to end up with a sticky mess that runs out of the mold when you close it. And it's a real bugger to clean off.

Speaky of sticky messes I'd recommend putting a non-stick spray or lightly rubbing a small amount of vegetable oil into your pizzelle maker before using it to help season it - especially if its new. Do this even if your maker states its non stick because my pizzelle still sometimes stick in my non-stick maker - go figure!
Also play around with your temperature controller if your maker has one. I like my pizzelle a light golden brown. But you may prefer yours a darker golden color. Your temperature controller will allow you to do this. So make a few batches varying different times and temperatures and you'll come up with a combination that makes your perfect pizzelle. My maker doesn't have a temperature control, which I think would be handy, but I know that one minute is the 'optimum' time for me. (If you're in the market for a pizzelle maker I picked my one up at this site).

photo credit: naplesillustrated.com
You could also get a few forms for your baked pizzelle. You see, when pizzelle are warm, they can be shaped around a mold to make cones or cylinders which harden when they set. To form something like a sugar cone. You can then fill them with ice cream or custard and crème - whatever you want really. I like this because I do prefer my pizzelle warm and fresh - actually when I'm making anything I always prefer it fresh from the oven. So this is a good way to make some really nice stuff to snack on later - that's just as delectable as the fresh pizzelle.

Well, there you have it. My round up of tips for making a decent pizzelle. The tips sound basic, and I suppose they are, but it is so surprising just how easy you forget the basics when you're making something new so it's handy to have a little crib sheet to guide you through.



Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Spring Rose Care - The Easy Way

Spring rose care will help get your roses off to a more enjoyable blooming season. Modern roses are the longest blooming of all shrubs. Many varieties start flowering in mid-late spring, with recurrent bloom cycles through late fall. Unless you are looking to grow absolutely perfect blossoms for competitive exhibition, roses actually require much less work than you may usually read about. Carefully chosen varieties of shrub roses will - with no summer spraying - yield a full season's bounty of blooms.

photo credit: jardins-sans-secret.com
Spring Rose Care - Timing
Spring rose care should be accomplished after winterkill (if any) has become apparent, but before the new leaves unfurl. There are several ways to figure this. I've found it is most successful to work on the roses just as the Forsythia starts to bloom, rather than slavishly following the calendar.

Spring Rose Care - Feeding
If you hilled-up your roses with mulch last fall, the first thing you need to do is to tear down the mulch mounds and spread it around the roses so that the total mulch depth never exceeds 1 ½ inches. If you have more, remove the top layer. The first spring rose care fertilization consists of four different products, a handful of each should be sprinkled around the plant in a circle, about 12-18 inches out from the stem: Espoma Rose-Tone®, Espoma Kelp Meal®, Espoma Epson Plus and Greensand (Five additional feedings, a month apart, consist of just one handful of Rose-Tone®--nothing else Never feed after September 1st; late feeding encourages late emergence of tender growth, which will be winterkilled). Use 1/3 to 1/2 as much of all products, at all times, on miniature roses.

photo credit: lsuagcenter.com
Spring Rose Care - Pruning
Pruning is usually considered to be the most time-consuming of all rose care tasks. Recently, a research study compared 2 beds of the same Floribunda roses. One bed was hand pruned by skilled rose growers. The other was pruned with a combination of a power hedge trimmer and a lawn mower raised up on huge wheels. Throughout the season, the two groups were compared for flower production. Guess which plot did the best. Hint: it wasn't the hand pruned plot. Carefully chosen roses are much tougher and more forgiving then most people realize.
At any rate, spring rose care pruning is not difficult if you keep the following points in mind:

  • You will need five good tools: sharp by-pass pruners, by-pass loppers, small pruning saw, elbow length (gauntlet) leather or rubber/plastic impregnated gloves, and safety goggles.
  • Over-pruning roses in spring tends to weaken the plant. Never prune away more than one-third of the live growth.
  • On all roses, remove diseased, dead and broken canes. A cane that has blackened from winterkill, or suffered physical damage, should be shortened to an inch below the offending section.
  • Where possible, cut on a 45 degree angle.
  • Once-blooming (as opposed to recurrent-blooming) roses require no further pruning in the spring. These are primarily antique roses and old-fashioned ramblers. Do whatever additional pruning necessary after blooming in early July.
  • Reduce hybrid tea roses to 4-5 vigorous canes not shorter than 30 inches. Grandifloras should be reduced to 5-6 canes not shorter than 36 inches. Reduce floribundas to 7 to 8 canes not shorter than 24 inches. In general, try to achieve a vase-shaped plant for most roses in these categories.
  • Especially on hybrid teas and grandifloras, cut 1/4 inch above an outward facing bud. Cut so the 45 degree angle allows water to drain away from, rather than into the bud.
  • Mini roses, shrub roses, rugosa roses and repeat blooming antique roses just need a haircut, trimming them to size.
  • Treat English roses and romantica roses as grandifloras.
  • Trim modern climbing roses and pillar roses to shape. Aged canes should be removed, as should those that grow away from the support or criss-cross awkwardly. Massive rejuvenation pruning is best postponed until early July and done, if at all, every 3 to 5 years.
  • To prevent cane borer, put a dab of Nubark(TM) Rose Stick on the cut wound of any cut branch greater than pencil thickness.
  • To discourage diseases and insects, rake up and discard all pruned material, including leaves, with the trash.
  •  
    photo credit: dennis7dees.com
    Spring Rose Care - Spraying
    On roses that have been troubled by fungus diseases a spray of lime sulphur during spring rose care will kill the over-wintered spores of blackspot and mildew. Mixing the lime sulphur with horticultural oil will control a broader range of pests. To achieve full effectiveness from the oil, this spray must be applied on a day when it is not going to freeze the following night. Spray the roses to the dripping point and spray all the surrounding mulch. This spray must be applied when the roses are still dormant--before they start to leaf out. During the next few days, top dress with enough mulch so that total coverage is 2 to 2 ½ inches. As roses leaf out, occasionally they are troubled by green aphids on the tips. These are easily controlled with insecticidal soap.
    Alan Summers, president of Carroll Gardens, Inc., has over 30 years experience in gardening and landscape design. He has made Carroll Gardens one of America’s preeminent nurseries, having introduced more than 20 new perennials and woody shrubs over the years and reintroduced numerous “lost” cultivars back to American gardeners.

    Carroll Gardens publishes a weekly online newsletter written by Alan. It contains valuable gardening advice and tips and answers to customer questions.

    Every Saturday, Alan hosts a call-in gardening forum on WCBM radio - 680 AM. For those outside of the WCBM listening area, they can listen to radio show via the internet.

    Tuesday, May 5, 2015

    Yoga for Beginners: The First Step of Yoga Practice

    Namaste, fellow yogis! 🙏 As a passionate practitioner of yoga, I’m thrilled to share my insights and experiences with you. Whether you’re a curious beginner or someone looking to deepen their practice, this article will guide you through the transformative journey of yoga.

    This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.

    Yoga for Beginners: The First Step of Yoga Practice

    Definition of Yoga

    Yoga—a word that resonates with serenity, balance, and self-discovery. Derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” it means to unite or yoke. But what exactly does it entail? Yoga is more than just physical postures (asanas); it’s a holistic practice that harmonizes the mind, body, and spirit. Imagine weaving together a beautiful tapestry of breath, movement, and mindfulness.

    Health Benefits of Yoga

    1. Improved Flexibility

    Remember when touching your toes felt like a distant dream? Yoga gently coaxes your muscles into greater flexibility. With consistent practice, you’ll find yourself reaching new heights—both on and off the mat.

    2. Increased Strength

    Yoga isn’t just about bending; it’s about building strength from within. Asanas engage various muscle groups, sculpting a lean and resilient body. Plus, you’ll discover muscles you never knew existed!

    3. Stress Reduction

    In our chaotic world, finding tranquility is essential. Yoga’s calming effect on the nervous system reduces stress hormones, leaving you feeling centered and serene. Savasana (corpse pose) becomes your mini-vacation.

    4. Better Posture

    Slouch no more! Yoga encourages proper alignment, supporting your spine and enhancing posture. Imagine standing tall like a mountain (Tadasana) with grace and poise.

    5. Enhanced Mental Clarity

    Ever noticed how your mind races during the day? Yoga cultivates mindfulness, allowing you to focus on the present moment. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II) becomes a metaphor for inner strength and unwavering attention.

    Types of Yoga

    Hatha Yoga

    The gentle introduction to yoga, Hatha focuses on foundational poses and breath awareness. It’s like sipping chamomile tea for your soul.

    Vinyasa Flow

    Flow like a river! Vinyasa synchronizes breath with movement, creating a dynamic sequence. Sun salutations (Surya Namaskar) awaken your energy.

    Bikram Yoga (Hot Yoga)

    Prepare to sweat! In a heated room, Bikram follows a set sequence of 26 poses. It’s like doing yoga in a tropical rainforest.

    Basic Yoga Poses for Beginners

    Yoga for Beginners: The First Step of Yoga Practice

  • Mountain Pose (Tadasana):
  • Stand tall, feet rooted, arms relaxed. Feel the earth beneath you—the beginning of your ascent.

  • Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana):
  • An inverted V shape. Stretch your hamstrings, awaken your spine, and let go of tension.

  • Child’s Pose (Balasana):
  • A gentle surrender. Kneel, forehead to the ground, arms extended. Breathe into your back.

  • Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana):
  • Rise like a cobra! Lift your chest, elongate your spine, and embrace your inner strength.

  • Triangle Pose (Trikonasana):
  • Open your heart and stretch your sides. Imagine a triangle connecting heaven and earth.

    Breathwork for Beginners

    Yoga for Beginners: The First Step of Yoga Practice

    Pranayama—the art of conscious breathing. Start with Dirga pranayama:

    1. Sit comfortably.

    2. Inhale deeply through your nose, expanding your belly.

    3. Exhale slowly through pursed lips.

    4. Feel the rhythm of life in each breath.

    Finding the Right Yoga Class

    Explore local studios or online platforms. Attend trial classes to find your groove. Remember, yoga is about connection—choose a class that resonates with your soul.

    Practicing Yoga at Home

  • Create Your Space:
  • Dedicate a corner for your practice. Add a mat, a candle, and perhaps a plant for good vibes.

  • Online Resources:
  • YouTube, apps, and websites offer guided classes. Find instructors who inspire you.

  • Consistency:
  • Set a schedule. Even 10 minutes daily can transform your life.

    Recommended Yoga Products

  • Yoga Mat:
  • Invest in a non-slip, cushioned mat. My personal favorite: the Liforme Yoga Mat.

    Yoga for Beginners: The First Step of Yoga Practice

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  • Yoga Blocks:
  • These assist with alignment and deepen stretches. Try the Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block Set.

    Yoga for Beginners: The First Step of Yoga Practice

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  • Yoga Strap:
  • Enhance flexibility during stretches. The A AZURELIFE Yoga Strap is versatile and durable.

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  • Yoga Clothing:
  • Comfort matters! Opt for breathable, stretchy attire.

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    Dear fellow seekers, embrace yoga as you would a warm hug. Let your breath guide you, your body flow, and your spirit soar. Whether you’re on a mountaintop or in your cozy living room, remember that every pose is an invitation to connect—to yourself, to the universe, and to the magic within.

    As I sign off, I bow to the divine light in you. Namaste. 🙏

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    Friday, May 1, 2015

    The Best Plus Size Spring Coats

    When it comes to the best plus size spring coats, there are many factors that should be taken into consideration before deciding on which coat is the best one to purchase. Spring time is truly magical in that we can begin to shed our heavier clothing for more playful and open jackets and coats. However, the tricky part is that the weather during the spring is somewhat unpredictable, with temperatures always varying between extremes of hot and cold, not to mention the ridiculous weather and all of the rain that usually falls during these months can be unforgiving. The question of the day is definitely regarding what are the best plus size spring coats and why.

    photo credit: babble.com
    photo credit: fashiontrendy.org
    Taking all of this into consideration, having more a few different types of spring coats is going to be the safest bet to cover all of your bases and keep your not only looking fashionable, but more importantly also warm and dry. You cannot go wrong with a plus size wool coat or even a blazer for those warmer months. The most important type of jacket or coat you can own during this season is hands down a good plus size raincoat since they are the safest bet in terms of providing significant warmth and protection against the weird elements during this time of the year. Investing into an elegant raincoat and matching accessories is a must, but it is also not practical to wear during the hotter days; this is where you need to diversify and begin to add various other spring outerwear and clothing into your wardrobe.

    photo credit: ssgk4.net

    photo credit: macys.com
    You need to really be creative and think out of the box. Spring is such a wonderful time of year because it gives us so many options of different things we can wear, however, this can just as easily become something negative since the demands due to the irregularity and ever fluctuating season can force us to have to constantly readjust our outfits. Some people welcome this while others dread it, and it always becomes a matter of personal opinion and preference at this point and stage. One thing is for absolute sure, you must learn to adapt to the climate outside and always have the right plus size spring coats backed up somewhere in your closest ready to come out and provide that sense of fashion and luxury you need, whatever the occasion may be.



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