Dear Future Student,

in , , , ,

My goal in this yoga world has always been to be the stepping stone. 

 

A stepping stone for the one who says "I can't ever do yoga" or a stepping stone for the one who simply needs an hour of stillness. 

 

Yeah, I'm going to push you, but not in only physical ways. Sure some of the poses we will do may be challenging. But I’ll tell you, THE most challenging thing you can do is be on YOUR mat. In your own body and in your own mind. 

 

Everything; EVERYTHING in life stops us from tuning into ourselves even the slightest bit. 

 

So yeah. It's probably going to suck that I'm asking you to be still. To control your movement by using your breath of which you're also controlling. 

 

It'sp r o b a b l y going to suck that I'm explaining the pose, walking you through it a couple of times and then there is silence.

 

You're probably going to want me to talk.

 

To fill in the void. 

 

But guess what? 

 

This is where YOU come in. If you can't be okay with the silence, THAT'S where I need YOU work.

 

It isn’t that I’m not leading you. I'm watching. Of course, I'm going to make sure you aren't struggling. I'll even chime in to remind you to focus on your breathing and to make sure you aren't holding your breath. I’ll even step in sometimes and tell you where to focus your breath or your energy.

 

I'm going to throw things out like ‘Hinge’ pose, where I'm asking you to truly think about which body part is moving and when. This pose is great for your hamstrings, glutes and core. But do you know what's getting more of a workout? Your mind! 

 

You have to remember to inhale and raise your arm, to exhale and lower it at the same time you raise your leg, to inhale again and lower your leg and raise your arm up above your head. Then after all of that, you have to remember to stop. That on that next exhale you're only lowering your arm before you begin this whole entire sequence of movement again. 

 

Sure. Those muscles you're working are getting a great workout. 

 

But your mind… That's what’s getting the brunt of it. 

 

It's okay that you don't like slow yoga. 

 

It's also okay if you want a faster pace. 

 

That means you've progressed past the point of my instruction. That means it's time to push yourself more to experience the benefits of other styles and postures in yoga. To see what else there is that you like and don't like.

 

It could also mean that while you've mastered the types of poses I'm cueing, you haven't yet been able to in tune to your body. And although you can complete an entire Vinyasa flow sequence easily (which I commend you for), you may also need more work on slowing down and getting in tune with your body!

 

Please know though, in no way, shape or form did you just waste your time;  For one, you learned something about yourself. You learned what you like – and what you don’t. You even spoke up and said what you preferred! That’s amazing! Do you know how many people keep silent on that kind of stuff?

 

You should also know that you didn’t waste my time either. That last hour we just spent together is so valuable to me. I’ll use it to better my teaching in the weeks, months and years to come. I’ll make changes and tweak things we did. I’ll even pull things that I really liked from our time together and bring them into a future class of mine.


In that short amount of time we spent together; we both learned things! Seriously, how rare is that? How amazing is it you can leave a situation having bettered yourself, and the person you just experienced it with?

 

Just remember, in the midst of all the chaos, to always check back with yourself. To give your mind that work out again, and to take the time your body so desperately needs in order you to listen to yourself. 

 

hello, hello!

in
To sign-up for Mindful March go to; www.savvyserenityyoga.com/mindfulmarch (or click the picture above)

To sign-up for Mindful March go to; www.savvyserenityyoga.com/mindfulmarch (or click the picture above)

Wow you guys... It's GORGEOUS outside today! This very spring like Mid-February day is making me ache for long summer nights of bonfires, grilling and friends.

I realize I've sort of been MIA here for a while now. I've got some pretty amazing things planned coming up this March and I've been using my spare time to edit the content for that! If you haven't seen my promos yet for Mindful March (and how have you not lol) I am offering you all a month of mindfulness; all online and all completely f r e e! I'm working with some pretty amazing ladies in the area (and not) to deliver you all Mindful content for the ENTIRE month of March. That's right. EVERY day in March I will have some sort of content whether that's here on the blog or on my Facebook page! So please, go sign up if you haven't already!

So what else has been going on? Well, you've probably noticed my Curvy Yoga class moving throughout the week. I've finally found a way to make it work! Beginning in March I will be offering it as a 6-week series. I've gotten a great response so far and I am so excited to be able to share my Mindful March content with them too. Writing content that than correlate my online stuff to my in class stuff has been challenging. But I just know it will be worth all of my efforts; and then some.

My park district series is going GREAT! I have met some pretty amazing ladies through this class and it is an honor to be able to teach them. I really feel myself coming into this teaching gig. Don't get me wrong though. Sometimes I'll catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror as I am teaching and think, "Who is she?" and have this total out of body experience. A year ago I never dreamed I would be here doing this. Six months ago I never would have dreamed I would be teaching with no book... and no "read these as you teach" cues. Yeah, I still need a sequence. Sometimes I'll write how I want to say it. But the majority of it has been stick figures or pose names and me being IN class and not on the paper. (Mindy and Jane were totally right... IT DID COME TO ME! haha)

So that's the yoga stuff.

I feel closer than ever to Eric right now. Marriage is hard work! But it's worth it. We are taking 2016 to get back on track and back to fixing/sprucing up our home. We had a leak in our kitchen which has caused us to have to re-do our flooring. So, this is the next major project.

We've had never ending car issues it seems (both mechanic wise AND my car being hit in the parking lot at work). We've finally worked through that. Next and hopefully last thing on our list is to have the bumper repaired from the damage caused by someone hitting it while it was parked.

Our pups are doing great. I know I promised I would blog about Cooper. It's just been so hectic I never truly have time to sit down and write about it all.

In December, the weekend of his first birthday, something spooked Cooper in the yard and he took off. He was missing almost 3 days in the cold. When we found him he was hurt. He had been hit by a car. He's had several x-rays and a surgery to repair his broken leg as well as a skin scraping to re-grow the dead tissue on his belly and is finally now back to the spunky little puppy we once knew. Perhaps even spunkier; if that's even possible. We're glad to have him back! He definitely completes our little family.

So yeah. It's really just been us rolling with the punches of life and me getting used to becoming a yoga instructor. 

After March, I definitely plan on getting back into a regular schedule. I'm still working out the kinks in that. It will all come together though, I have no doubt about that.

I hope you all are having a wonderful start to your year.

We'll chat soon!

PS. Have you heard the 'new' Mumford & Sons? Ok, it's not new... It came out in 2009... But holy cow! I heard a song last night at yoga and I've been in love ever since. I am working diligently into incorporating their album into my yoga. I'm loving the songs but more importantly the words of those songs. 'Sigh No More', 'Awake My Soul' and 'After the Storm' have been on repeat since last night's yoga class.

links and loves

in

I figured I haven't done one of these in quite sometime and there are tons of amazing things I've been loving lately. So, what better way to celebrate Friday than to share a few of my favorite things?

o n e-  If you know me, then you know I'm an avid YouTube beauty blogger/vlogger lover. I happened to watch a monthly favorites video where one of the girls mentioned loving candles by this company called Big White Yeti. She had talked about loving the scent Camp Kannickinnic and I knew I had to try. So, I jumped right over to Etsy and browsed their shop. I wanted to order more, but I just couldn't decide.  I figured I'd browse more later but I'd order just this one for now. Imagine my surprise when not only was the company so close to me (Milwaukee) but the owner had actually originally been from Aurora. My order caught her eye and she sent me some amazing goodies to which I am forever grateful for. Everything I've smelt so far (3 different scents - and the Camp Kannickinnic = a m a z i n g! It smells like campfires from my childhood when we went away to camp) I absolutely love! Since they're soy, they burn forever which is also nice. I can't wait to order more! You've got to check them out!

find big white yeti here!

t w o-  The Dearly Box by ElisabethAshlie jewelry (aka Lauren at The Lauren Elizabeth (dot com) I haven't even gotten it yet. But I am so so SO excited that Kate (also Lauren's sister) over at The Small Things Blog is curating March's box. You have until February 15th to secure your March box. I just ordered mine last night and I C A N N O T wait until it comes. Both are local to the Chicagoland area (well, Kate now lives in North Carolina). I'm loving finding so many amazing locals!

t h r e e-  If you've got dry, unruly, over processed "in desperate need of a trim" hair, Macadamia hair care is for you. I started using the oill I received in my Birchbox a while back. (Seriously, it's been months and I use this little 1 oz bottle every day, and I've still got half a bottle left) Macadamia hair care has recently become my new favorite. I have hands down noticed a drastic improvement in the integrity of my hair since I started using it. Then I received the spray oil in a following box. (Also good. Nice and light so it doesn't weigh your hair down). I finally broke down and decided to try another product. I picked up a conditioner last night at TJ MAXX and well, I'm hooked. Birchbox has a shampoo, conditioner and oil set for $26. There's also a discount code going around for 21% off which makes this even cheaper. ({21ANDCOUNTING})

f o u r-  BIRCHBOX! Which is no surprise! Birchbox is a $10/mo beauty subsciption service that lets you try new products (and some favorites). Each month you'll get 4-5 samples of which you can review for points. For every 100 points, you earn $10 (basically $5 each box you get). You can redeem those points for products or money off larger ticketed items. You also receive points if you order through them, which is also nice! Sort of like a little cash back in your pocket to try something else.

Sign up for Birchbox here!

f i v e-  I received this Caramel Cray Cray lip scrub by a brand called Perfectly Posh from a dear friend as a Christmas present. I am always weary about lip scrubs because sometimes they can be too hard on my lips and cause other issues. But this lip scrub... holy cow! It smells amazing.. it tastes amazing... and most of all, it works amazingly! This stuff literally makes my lips feel like a dream! I already ordered a back up and plan on continuing to re-order (and try new flavors too!)

s i x-  As a new blogger and yoga teacher, I use images to share on social media and for projects I do here on my website. Things like class listings, special projects and things like that. I can't always capture what I'm looking for and that's where a website like Unsplash comes in. Unsplash is a website that offers free high resolution images for you to do with however you please. I've found some GREAT ones that I plan on using during my upcoming Mindful March as well as a few other side projects I'm working on.

b o n u s! This meatball sub casserole

My family has absolutely been loving this casserole. It's delicious and best of all it is SUPER easy to make!

Live . Laugh . February?

This time last year I was being talked into looking at a teacher training which ultimately led into me applying for Ganesha's YTT program and graduating last December. In this past year I've changed SO much. You just don't ever really realize how something like a teacher training changes you until you go through it. In a way, I feel like I was a Stretch Armstrong doll being stretched and tugged in all directions mentally, physically and emotionally.

Now, a year and a teaching certificate later - am I complete? No? But, a year ago I never thought I'd be running a yoga business on the side, teaching 2 classes of my own or putting together some of the programs that I am. Things are changing and I'm loving every minute of watching it all come together. I've got many more things hidden up my sleeves, and I've definitely got more things I want to branch out and explore.

One thing I've learned is branding yourself is hard work! Worth it, but hard! Right now, I'm just trying to find out what works!

In the meantime; head on over to my Facebook page to follow me for ({14 Days of Love}).

Second Look: Manduka EKO SuperLite yoga mat

in ,

Last month I received an email letting me know of the add-ons for my monthly Birchbox subscription. Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that sends you 4-5 beauty products to test out monthly. You can review the product on their website for points that eventually equal to dollar amounts. (For every 100 points, you earn $10) You can also order products through their site and earn points to use on different products you are interested in trying or those that you love and want to repurchase again and again.

In my e-mail I was excited to see that not only was a yoga mat an add-on item, BUT it was a Manduka mat. I thought the price was pretty decent, and without overlook added it onto my January box. After ordering I checked over the reviews and I've come to realize that they are pretty much 50/50. So, I decided I would pass along my review if you're on the hunt for a new yoga mat and are looking at this one.

The Mat:

Manduka EKO SuperLite(TM)

The Claims:

"The eKO SuperLite Mat is a superior travel yoga mat that provides excellent grip. Wherever your practice takes you, the eKO SuperLite is the best yoga mat for yogis on the go!"

The Cost:

$32 as a Birchbox add on but you can expect to pay between $30 and $40 respectively depending upon location.

I actually tried this mat for the first time during a class I taught last night. The first thing I would say I noticed was how light the mat was. The better quality the mat, the heavier they seem to get. All through training I had (and still have) a Jade yoga mat; which I love. But lugging that thing around the city was such a pain in the butt. It was just heavy! I dreaded bringing it to class with me and ultimately ended up keeping it there at the studio for the duration of training. This mat was literally SUPER LIGHT! I think I caught myself thinking this quite a few times actually. Especially when I rolled it out to set up my area for teaching. It unrolled like a dream. For sure a win in my book!

Of course with the mat being literally weightless, you're going to lose out on thickness. This mat comes in at only 1.5mm thick. So, I guess this is where you could start with the pros and cons. Unless you prefer a pretty dense and squishy yoga mat, then this is perfect. Now that I've tried it, I almost think I prefer it to my thicker Jade mat. I get the same grip, and I like the firmness of the floor that you can feel through the mat. Which brings me to my next point; grip.

Typically until broken in, Manduka mats are somewhat slippery. While I did have socks on (hey, I was cold), I have to say, I didn't notice at any point where I felt I was slipping. Granted, my practices are usually more gentle and restoring. I think I will have to play with this and see what happens when I do more of a vigorous practice and also practice without socks. I feel like if you use a carpeted surface, you will probably prefer a thicker mat that will stay in place. But on a hard surface, this mat doesn't move much for me.

The thinness of this mat allows it to be rolled OR folded. This makes this mat to be the PERFECT travel mat because it can fold up to fit in your suitcase, carry-on or even purse (depending on your purse size, of course). The downside to this; this mat tends to have a memory of those folds. So, you'll likely permanently have them in your mat if you chose to store/transport it this way. But if that's not something you mind, and you're solely looking for a travel mat then I think you'll still be perfectly happy with it. For me, I'm just a little too OCD to have the folds permanently in my mat. So, I prefer to roll it.

Another downside you could say would be if you normally use a yoga mat bag. I just got this one here from Hugger Mugger and I absolutely LOVE IT. Expect to have TONS of room left over (which actually might be great because you can throw in a block (foam so it doesn't get too heavy), strap or an extra sweater/shirt to change into. You may actually not even need the yoga mat bag anymore. Which for me is sad, because I really love my bag.

All in all, for the price of the mat and durability I've experienced thus far, I have to say I'm super happy with this mat.

Be on the look out for this mat at a discount similar to what I paid for it through Birchbox at retailers like; Marshall's, TJ MAXX, Nordstrom Rack, etc. You can also order it here on Manduka's website at normal retail price ($40 + shipping).

*If you're interested in signing up for Birchbox and it's $10 monthly subscription that you can cancel at any time; please check out Birchbox's site and sign up here!

Flash Forward:

  • Beginning February 3rd, Curvy Yoga will now be held Wednesdays at FocusOm Batavia from 7:00 - 8:15pm. You can find this class on FocusOm's website under Yoga For The True Beginner if you'd like to pre-register.

  • Beginning March 2nd, Curvy Yoga is changing to the format of a 6 week series. Here, we’ll meet you where you are on the mat and focus on helping you on your journey to happiness and well-being. Each week we will guide you through a practice with thoughtful instruction and support to help you reach your goals safely and most importantly; at your own pace. We’ll use physical movement along with guided meditation and some yoga philosophy to not only help you develop strength, balance and flexibility but also help reconnect the mind and body; all while within a fun, comfortable atmosphere. 

March's series will be surrounded by Mindfulness and will also be a part of my Mindful March event. (stay tuned for details on Mindful March)


Curvy Yoga will run from March 2nd to April 6th and will cost just $85. Register here!

Weekly Class Changes

The month is nearly over and that means three things; it's almost my birthday... the year is already flying by AND I've got some announcements on a few things for the upcoming months!

First off, My Tuesday night Curvy Yoga class; now called Yoga For the True Beginner is moving from Tuesday to W E D N E S D A Y! For now, it is still a drop-in class. (hint hint and some more changes coming, so stay tuned!)

Join me every Wednesday from 7-8:15pm at FocusOm Batavia for a little mid-week R&R! As a special thanks, those who come the entire month of February (which is really only 4 Wednesdays) will have their name entered in a special drawing to win a special prize! :-)

Next up, You will see minor changes again coming this March to my Curvy Yoga class. I can't give it away just yet, but I promise it's all in good fun and something you surely won't want to miss.

For now, this secret project is under wraps. But, because I like you, I'll give you a little sneak peak below! ^_^

My Very First Mala (and I made it too!)

Hello! Happy January! Sunday I ventured into the city and spent the day with my Ganesha girls. We went to a Mala making workshop at Beadniks, Chicago. When I first stepped into the store, it was taken aback. It was absolutely gorgeous! The perfect sanctuary for stringing Mala beads AND they had some pretty fabulous looking jewelry for sale too. We were each given a tray, and some guidelines for picking out the beads we wanted. What would work with what, and what to make sure we had (and didn't have). The first thing that caught my eye was a Buddha head charm on the front table. I went back and grabbed it. I needed this on my Mala.

Then I started looking over the beads. All of them were so pretty. I had made a Pinterest board with ideas. Everything from colors to patterns to styles. I have to say, with so many choices in front of me; I was super overwhelmed. I hadn't decided on a color going into it and that added to my anxiety. For some reason, I kept getting drawn into the purple section of "the wall-o-beads". So, I knew I had decided pretty much on having a purple Mala. I really liked the texture of having a bigger bead pass through my fingers. It's just less stressful for me to move through the Mala when the beads are bigger. I'm not experienced enough to want spacers - so I nixed that idea. I wanted something with smooth beads, that would easily pass through as I counted. I feel like I hit that on the head.  I wanted beautiful intricate beads, but was also on a budget. So I settled for a solid and then added about 40 or so of the pretty patterned beads. I was so concerned I wouldn't have enough. OR that I would have too many. When I got back to the table, I literally hit 108 ON THE HEAD! I couldn't do that again if I tried. So, after fretting about whether or not I was making the right choice (cosmetically AND for my tight budget this week) that's how I knew it was meant to be.

I chose navy blue string because it complemented the purple without being TOO MUCH PURPLE.  For my guru bead, I chose a brass bead that matched my Buddha head. For the tassel, I really wanted something to pop. I didn't want it to be a sea of purple, and I didn't want to dull it out with a washed out color like white or gray. I wanted a little punch. On the inside of the guru bead, there was this teal/aqua color. I loved it! So, I chose that as the tassel color. Originally I had picked a string that was coated in wax. That was awful. So halfway through wrapping, I changed my mind. I'm pretty happy with the way my tassel turned out. If I plan on making more - I will need to perfect this.

The overall process consisted of arranging your beads, stringing your beads and then tying the knots. The knots were the most tedious. The bigger the bead - the harder it is. The longer the strand gets - the harder it gets. This whole process, after picking out what I wanted took me about 2 1/2 hours or so with little breaks. It would definitely be a great craft while watching TV or listening to a book. When I got home, my hand was a little cramped. Tying such small knots with big chubby fingers is a little hard lol.

Price wise - I paid about the same as if I were to buy one already made. The experience was much more fun though. The workshop cost $35. Then my purchase at the store for my beads and materials not given to us in the cost of the workshop, was around $75 with tax and all.

I'm interested to see what I make now that I semi know what I'm doing. I'll be sure to post anything that I do!

I'm so glad I got to spend some QT with my yoga girls! It was so nice to get together. I am looking forward to more things like this!

All of us, and all of our Malas. (Well accept one) They are all so unique to our personality. I think if we were to drop them in the center of the room, without knowing who they belong to, our instructors could have probably gave them back to each o…

All of us, and all of our Malas. (Well accept one) They are all so unique to our personality. I think if we were to drop them in the center of the room, without knowing who they belong to, our instructors could have probably gave them back to each of us knowing who's was what! :-)

and here is my finished product;