Finding Balance (Yogi Surprise August Review)

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Balance is an ongoing challenge for me.

Finding the right mix of doing and non-doing, of excitement and relaxation, of seriousness and levity, of saying 'yes' and saying 'no'...

I believe this will be a continual process, and I'm grateful for the moments when I feel in balance.

I'm also grateful that yoga helps me find balance.


In this month's Yogi Surprise box, I discovered a wonderful mix of items designed to restore and re-harmonize my body's natural energies. I love the sense of calm that I found when using any of these products, and I'm glad that the monthly arrival of the little purple Yogi Suprise box on my doorstep is a reminder to find time to slow down and rejuvenate.

Here are my favorites from the Yogi Surprise August box:
Root + Willow lemon geranium lava scrub

I've been craving a body scrub for months and was so pleasantly surprised to find this one in the box! The smell reminds me a lot of a lotion we used to have at one of my favorite yoga studios, and that extremely relaxing feeling of being in Shavasana when the teacher comes around at the end of class and gives you a shoulder press (amazing!). This scrub is my absolute favorite item from the box. Its invigorating aroma with the lemon really perks me up, and I love the feeling of soft skin after the sugar scrub. I'll definitely be heading to the Root + Willow site to buy some more when I run out. :)
Tiger Balm patch pain relieving patches

These are genius! I've loved Tiger Balm ever since I started yoga and I used to use it quite a bit during my Bikram days. Usually I'd end up making a mess whenever I'd apply it, and then would have to be careful to wash my hands afterward and not to rub it off on my clothing or yoga mat. These patches are a clever way to keep your hands free of the pain-relieving ointment, and they stay sticky for hours! I highly recommend these for after a strenuous workout or yoga class, or if you're like me and you get home from work at the office and your neck is sore. Highly recommend them for all yoga teacher trainees, too!
Navitas Naturals superfood bar (goji acai)

This bar was delicious. A perfect afternoon snack or pick-me-up before yoga class. And it's certified organic, plant-based and made with superfood ingredients. Yum!

Stamba superfoods travel supplement

I haven't taken this supplement for long enough to know that it's making a big difference for me in terms of energy and immunity support, but so far I like the results! You can tell that the brand takes great care in making a high-quality supplement, and I absolutely love the little glass container that the capsules are in (I'll be reusing it for sure). Thanks, Stamba, for being a part of this month's box!


What practices help you stay in balance? Do you have any go-to products you use to help bring things back into balance?

Sending big hugs to the team at Yogi Suprise, and as always, to you, dear readers. Much love and cheers to finding balance throughout this month!

All photos of me in this post by Ken Johnson of CKCImage.com. CKC Image is a Humboldt County photography business; check out their Facebook page for more awesome photos. Other photos via Root + Willow (3), Tiger Balm (4), Navitas Naturals (5) and Stamba (6). Leggings by Ginger Orange Activewear.

Summer Sun Salutation (Yogi Surprise July Review)

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Are you enjoying your summer, yogis?

I can't believe July is already halfway over! Hope you're enjoying slow, sunny days whenever you can. The summer season is one of my favorites, and I've been especially grateful for cooler weather on the coast lately.

I made a trip to visit friends and family in the Sacramento area last week and it was over 100 degrees-- too hot for me! When we returned to the green forests and cool breezes up here in Humboldt County, I felt quite relieved :)


I love that summer encourages us to celebrate. To be outdoors. To invigorate our hearts, be creative, and strengthen our determination!

I believe with all the heat and passion of summer, it's also important to find ease and balance even in this active time of year.


What are some of your favorite ways to wind down on warm summer nights?

I absolutely love my new Yogi Surprise July box, which was filled with summer essentials to help me relax and unwind.


These are my three favorite products from the box:

Shea Radiance whipped shea butter with apricot oil. Oh. My. Goodness. This stuff is incredible! I've been using it on my feet at bedtime and it feels so luxurious. It's also great for moisturizing my feet, especially the area around my heels which has been dry and a little cracked lately from walking around barefoot and going to the beach. I'll definitely be buying a new stash of this amazing butter after I run out.

Gypsy Soul Organics sun salutation salve. This little guy is my new favorite lip balm. It's now at home in the easiest-to-reach-pouch of my purse -- 'nuff said :)
Manduka Equa yoga hand towel. This super-soft microfiber towel absorbs sweat quickly, and is now an essential in my gym bag or whenever I take a sweaty hot yoga class. It's perfect for someone like me, because as you know, I sweat a lot! :) I'm grateful that Yogi Surprise has partnered with Manduka because I believe they're one of the best brands out there for yoga gear (you can read my review of their lightweight travel mat, or check out how much the Sponsored Yogis team loved their cushy, supportive eKo mats.)


Cheers to keeping cool, calm, and refreshed all weekend, and throughout the rest of summer, too! Namaste.

Have a Beautiful Weekend.

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Happy Friday, yogis!

 What are you guys up to this weekend?

 I'm excited to relax, make s'mores, go grocery shopping for new recipes, take the dog for a walk, and do some writing.

 Here are some fun links from around the web:

 Staying mindful even when you're frustrated (I so needed this one!).

 Questions to ask before your yoga teacher training.

 Do you ever drink alone? Also, a yummy mango colada.

 Which spot in northern California would you visit? :)

 These vibes.

Plus, a recap of posts on Alive in the Fire from this week:

Here's hoping you have a beautiful weekend! XO


Illustration found on Pinterest and photo found via Tumblr.

Have a Fantastic Weekend!

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What are you guys up to this weekend? I'm excited for date night at a local wine bar, sleeping in, going to a local Oyster Fest event, taking it easy on Father's Day, and sharing as many hugs as possible. :)

Some fun links from around the web...

 This couscous salad looks yummy.

30 ways yoga teachers can make more money, from Yogipreneur.

 Yoga postures for hot summer days.

 Let go of stress.

 Funny #dadquotes for Father's Day. Plus, Father's Day gift ideas.

 40 fun and free things to do this summer.

And some of this week's posts on Alive in the Fire, in case you missed them:

 Ways to boost your self-esteem, if you're feeling critical of your body.
A documentary about loving yourself as you are.
Yogi Surprise June and celebrating the summer solstice.
Don't be stinky after yoga!
Yoga poses for if you're feeling angry.

Photos by Brynna Bryant of Respiro Photography.

Solstice Celebration (Yogi Surprise June Review)

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Summer is here!

Are you doing anything to celebrate the summer solstice this weekend?

I don't know about you, but here in California we are definitely already feeling the summer vibes :)


During the summer months, I'm grateful for sunshine, longer days, barbecues with friends, staying up late and sitting on the back patio, live music, time in nature, naps on the beach, and of course, sangria, Caprese salads, garden tomatoes, and watermelon! ;)

What are you grateful for during this time of year?


This month's June Yogi Surprise box reminds me to take time for centering, and to balance the fiery energy of summer with time for resting and renewing.

Here are my favorite items from the box:


Kate's Magik Moon Goddess anointing oil. I love the Jasmine scent and have been using this often in my essential oil diffuser. It really does make me feel more like a goddess!


Anima Mundi Apothecary Palo Santo Mist (Bad Vibe Killer). Palo santo is soooo amazing! Have you guys tried it? It has this rich, earthy, woodsy, masculine smell that reminds me of being around a campfire. Apparently you can spray this on the body for pain relief, but I just love the scent so much I spritz it around the house!


GoMacro Organic Cashew Caramel Bar. We were just talking about these bars on Alive in the Fire recently and how they are great energizing snacks for before or after yoga! I agree with Kelsie's conclusions about how delicious they are :)

Thank you, Yogi Surprise team, for always knowing exactly which seasonal items will make my day.


Photos in this post by Brynna Bryant of Respiro Photography.

PS More Yogi Surprise goodness from May, April, and March.

Abundance Is...

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What does abundance mean to you?

Lately I've been pondering the things besides money that make me feel full, happy, and content. Things like:

Love notes to remind me I'm awesome.


Waking up to a house that smells like coffee, because it's already been made.


Warmth on a cold day.

Love from a sweet old pup.


The feeling of being out on the water.

The feeling of fresh air on my skin, and sunshine.


Beautiful, simple things. 


Yoga books I get to review on this beautiful blog. 


My knowledge of yoga. Being familiar with the poses.

Understanding my own body, and of how the body can heal.


Friends who will practice with me ;)

Friends who are loving, fun, and encouraging.


My practice.

And the sweet surrender of Shavasana.

In what ways do you feel abundance in your life lately? I'd love to hear...


PS I think I'll make this a regular thing, reflecting on abundance. In the last year of quitting my 9-to-5 job in order to freelance and teach yoga, I've learned a lot and reflected quite a bit.

I often find myself thinking about:
  • money and how much money is enough
  • what things make me feel at peace, whether it's my practice or my bank account
  • what I deserve
  • what I manifest
  • how my identity gets wrapped up in my work
  • what my career goals are
  • when my heart feels most full
Stay tuned for more posts on this topic of abundance, and how it relates specifically to teaching yoga. May you witness abundance all around you today. Namaste, friends.

My Fearless Year: Quitting the 9 to 5

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Ever since I started my own writing and editing business, editZing, I've loved being a freelancer. I've always had projects going on outside of my 'regular' job, whether it was helping edit a book, write one, blogging, or otherwise creating projects and supporting friends with their projects.

For a long time, I let these 'side projects' be in the background-- I would think about them a lot between 9am and 5pm, and often I would long to be away from my computer, out doing something meaningful. I wanted enough time to be able to focus my attention, to quiet down. It's hard to be creative when you've got deadlines looming and emails filling up the inbox. And when you get home exhausted, feeling like you have to hurry up and get to bed so you can wake up and do it all again the next day, the cycle is hard to break.

This year, I made another big step toward living fearlessly: I quit my 9-to-5 job doing project management, and I'm now focusing my attention on teaching yoga, offering Reiki healing, and working on Web and social media projects for small businesses.


Can I just say... wow! This is huge. A huge move. Certainly the boldest change I've made in a while. Ever since I graduated college, I've worked 40 hours a week, generally in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. 

A part of me thrived on the chaos, and especially on the dynamic interactions with coworkers and friends. Being on a highly productive team has a sort of buzz to it. But what I discovered, just this year, is that I was ready to move on. 

To create my own work, meaningful, powerful, healing work. To guide others through practices like Yoga and Reiki. 

To devote myself wholeheartedly to this path. 

Spending more time in meditation, in presence. Tuning in. When you allow yourself to be in that space, to be quiet and peaceful instead of frazzled, it's a whole different experience.

I wake up in the morning and I don't rush out the door. Sometimes I don't even set an alarm; I just let my body wake when it's ready. I like to sit in the backyard with my coffee and my breakfast and the dog, and just take my time starting the day. Setting an intention.

During these quiet moments, I can really feel a sense of peace. And I'm able to carry that with me and use it in everything I do... all the 'work,' all of my relationships, all of my teaching. It makes such a powerful difference.


And yet even with this big change of pace, I still draw on all the experiences I've had, all the work settings where I've been building my 'professional' skills. Project management is important with any endeavor, including this blog. Communication and clear writing are key with any business. Graphic design, social media, meeting deadlines, bringing a positive attitude to the workplace... yes! Every business can benefit from these things I've learned, whether it's in the health and wellness arena or not. I'm so grateful that I now have the chance to choose which businesses I want to collaborate with, and help them grow.

And while I love not being at the computer screen quite as much, I'm glad I have creative projects coming my way. I'm currently building websites for an Ayurvedic wellness center, and an organic skincare line. I'm talking to small business owners and helping them understand what tools they need, and how to conquer the overwhelming feeling that comes up when they think about Facebook or Twitter. Diving in to these projects is fun!


I love that I can do a variety of things to earn my income, on and off the yoga mat, at and away from the computer screen.

All the time I spent doing other work has prepared me for this, and has helped me develop my work ethic, my rhythm, my flow. I have been learning my purpose all this time, and will continue learning it as I go. 

Maybe something is happening right now that is painful or uncomfortable or disheartening. But you know what? It is preparing you for something. Every experience you have leads you to another. You're building your determination. 


If things aren't quite the way you want them to be, consider this: you have the power to change your life. 

I'm living, walking proof of that.

One quote that I wrote down and kept at my desk for the last six months was this:

How brave -- to imagine a different life!

Change starts with the mind. The thoughts. Every thought you have shapes your reality. If you want to make a change, start thinking about it as if it is already true.


I'm so grateful for you, dear reader, for following along. You inspire me daily.

And I'm here for you, if you have any questions or want a little support with whatever shifts you're making. I fully support and love you :) 

Can't wait to see how this unfolds for all of us! Gratefully, humbly, namaste.

PS More fearless year posts: releasing fears, and embracing my inner weirdness. 

Summer Salads

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Photo courtesy of Elizabeth.

Happy Friday, yogis! I hope you're all enjoying a beautiful week. Do you have any fun yoga plans this weekend? :)

I wanted to share a little post from my lovely sponsored yoginis Elizabeth and Keyla. They've both been making new summer salad recipes featuring Litehouse dressings. If you're looking for quick meal ideas for this weekend, try these! 
Photo via Litehouse.
From Elizabeth:

Being quite picky with my salad dressings I have to say I am so in love with the Spinach Salad dressing. The texture of the dressing did take a little getting used to, however the flavor is so yummy! I really enjoyed the bits of bacon and the smoky flavor. 

My favorite salad mix so far with this is:
  • spinach
  • fresh strawberries from my garden
  • walnuts
  • hulled hemp seed
  • Litehouse Spinach Salad dressing
Mmmmm! It's my go to lunch these days. I was also quite impressed with how many varieties of dressings Litehouse offers.

Above photo courtesy of Keyla. Below photo via Litehouse.



From Keyla:

Here's a great summer salad featuring the Greek vinaigrette. 

Black Eyed Peas and Barley Salad

  • 1 cup of dried black eyed peas 
  • 1 cup of dried barley 
  • 1 cucumber 
  • 1 pack of grape tomatoes
  • Handful of cilantro
  • Handful of cheese (Feta)
  • Lite house Greek vinegarette 
  • Salt and pepper to taste 

Cook the peas and barley in separate pots and prep the veggies as they cook.

How to cook black-eyed peas: Soaking is not essential for black-eyed peas, but cooking time can be shortened if they get a quick soak in hot water, or soak overnight in cold water if cooking the next day. Place dried peas in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove pot from heat and allow to stand for 60-90 minutes. Drain water and replace with fresh, cold water for cooking - or if you skipped the hot-soaking step, just rinse and add cold water. Place on stove and bring to a boil in a pot with a lid. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, tilting the lid slightly to allow steam to escape, and leave to cook for up to an hour, or until tender

How to cook Barley
1 cup pearl or hulled barley
3 cups water or stock
Salt (optional)

Instructions
  • Combine the barley and water. Add salt if needed
  • Bring to a boil: Bring the water and barley to a boil over high heat. Keep an eye on the pot to prevent foam from overflowing.
  • Simmer the barley: When the barley has reached a boil, lower the heat to a low simmer, cover, and continue to cook until the barley is done. For pearl barley, start checking at 25 minutes. For hulled barley, start checking at 40 minutes. The barley is done when it has tripled in volume and is soft yet chewy. Add more water if the pan becomes dry before the barley has finished cooking; check every 5 minutes until desired chewiness is reached.
  • Drain the barley (if necessary): When the barley is done, it will have absorbed most of the water. If there is a little water still left in the pot, just leave the barley to sit for 10 minutes, covered, until it has all been absorbed. If there is a lot of water left, drain the barley in a strainer over the sink.
  • Fluff the barley: With a fork, fluff the barley to separate the grains and set aside.

Assemble the Salad:
1. In a big bowl, combine diced cucumber, grape tomato halves, cheese, barley and black eyed peas. Toss in Litehouse Greek Vinaigrette and add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with a handful of fresh cilantro or parsley. You can serve as a side or on top of fresh spring greens. Enjoy!

Have a lovely weekend, and big thanks to Elizabeth and Keyla for sharing these yummy salads! Namaste.

 PS More summer salads.

Summer Sunglasses from Firmoo (And a Giveaway!)

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Who doesn’t want free sunglasses in summer?!

I am grateful that Firmoo reached out and offered me the chance to try a new pair. I picked these awesome purple shades – I could not resist! I love how often getting the chance to write about a product on my blog encourages me to pick something a little more wild than I might normally choose :)

Of course I went with these badass purple shades – they are great for lounging poolside, going for evening walks, and summer hikes with friends!



I highly recommend Firmoo; they have an awesome website with lots of choices for glasses and sunglasses, which you can order with or without a prescription. Their website is easy to use, and they’ve got this handy feature where you can upload a picture of yourself and see what you’d look like wearing a certain pair of frames (it’s called their Virtual Try-On feature).
 

GIVEAWAY! Firmoo is giving away 5 free sets of frames to Alive in the Fire readers! If you would like a pair, please leave a comment below or send me an email at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com and I'll gift you the code :)

 PS Check out this other pair of sunglasses I reviewed for Firmoo a while ago. Happy shopping, yogis!

A Guest Post on Aloe Vera

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Photos via Pinterest.

Oh, summer sunburns. I recently suffered a bad one, and was reminded of the healing properties of the aloe vera plant.

Today I bring you a guest post from Louise Ross on the many wonderful benefits of aloe vera, which go beyond just treating sunburns. Happy reading, and be sure you wear sunscreen while it's still hot out, yogis!


Aloe Vera: It's More Than Just a Plant

I often blog about natural remedies for many medical conditions because they're easier to apply, are highly effective, and have less side effects on our health. Today, I bring you the 'plant of immortality', as the Egyptians referred to it thousands of years ago, aloe vera plant.

Used as a beauty regimen, a cure for insomnia, and a solution for baldness, it is even considered as a potential AIDS and cancer fighter. Scientists and researchers are still studying its antiseptic properties but aloes definitely sound promising. 


To give you an idea, here are the highlights:

1. It has soothing effects on skin.
If Cleopatra is known to be the most vain woman that ever lived (she regularly bathed in fresh milk, mind you), then her use of aloe vera is a certain sign that it's a good routine. She used the succulent juices on her skin as a daily beauty regimen to, you know, keep away wrinkles and keep herself looking radiant.

Plus, aloes have a cooling effect that's great during summer. I once applied this on my son's sunburns and the results were instant. It's the perfect first aid for rashes and sunburns.

2. It has healing properties for scars and tattoos.
Ever been victimised on a drunken night at 17 and ended up with an Elmo tattoo on your tummy when you woke up? Well, you don't have to suffer endless ridicule and horrible memories of that night because aloe vera is your go-to. Although it can't fully erase inked skin, it can assist tattoo removal cream in getting rid of your tattoo. You don't have to go through painful laser treatments just to erase your barbwire arm ink.

I haven't tried this routine myself because thankfully I don't have embarrassing tattoos, but it's certainly a must try.


3. It moisturizes and exfoliates skin.
When I was 5 months pregnant with my 1st, I was desperate for an anti-stretch marks lotion. All I found in cosmetics stores were creams promising smooth skin but without any assurances of 'no side effects'. Fearing risk for my baby, I looked for an alternative. It was a relief I discovered aloe vera. Sure, I knew about aloes good for the hair and all that, but I wasn't aware that it was good for baby bumps as well.

Now, I have no stretch marks and my tummy is even smoother and wrinkle free. Try applying raw aloe vera juice gently on your belly after you bathe and before you sleep. Notice the difference in just two days.

4. It helps with digestion problems and boosts immune system.
Anybody who's had digestive problems should keep a pot of aloe vera plant close to their kitchen windows. It's a natural remedy that can sooth your tummy and, well, help with any digestion issues you have.

Plus, it's the perfect boost for your immune system, it has high levels of anti oxidants, and it stimulates white blood cells, essentially the ninjas of your body.

It really doesn't get any better than this. 

Photo by me.

Aloe Vera can also help with:
  • Skin troubles
  • Burns and irritations to the skin
  • Removal of scars and blemishes
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Digestive problems
  • Detoxification
  • Cardiovascular health
You'll find a lot of cosmetics products like lotions, creams, deodorants, and even makeup feature aloe vera in the ingredients list. It's a world renowned plant with terrific medicinal and healing properties.

Conclusion 

Aloe vera has been here for thousands of years, and yet we're only scraping the surface of its potential for medicine. Given studies and researches about this plant for many years now, who knows what it can do in the next few months, years?

About the Author: This article is written by Louise Ross for Lazer Cream - a leading provider of a quality tattoo removal cream in the UK. You can find success stories and photos from customers found on their site.

Summer Road Trips

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Have you gone for any adventures this summer?

Lately I've been spending time in Tahoe. It's such a breath of fresh air to be in the mountains, to be near the water. And to be with some beautiful people who know the importance of balance between work and play, and who aren't afraid to follow their dreams.


It inspires me to be in a gorgeous place where there is such good energy, and I feel grateful for California all over again.  

I think I will be taking a long drive out to Chicagoland soon, too. Summer is the best time for unexpected adventures, seeing new places, feeling free. 


Where has your summer taken you?

Lake Tahoe Yoga and Paddleboard Yogis

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Yogis, today I witnessed history in the making! A big group of beautiful people met up in Kings Beach at Lake Tahoe to break the record for the largest stand up paddleboard yoga class. 

The event is part of the all-weekend Ta-hoe Nalu Paddle Festival which features various races and live music and food on the beach.


Gorgeous weather, yoga adventures, and time in one of the most beautiful places in California... pretty much my idea of an ideal weekend :)



It was fun watching people try different postures. I have yet to attempt paddleboard yoga (I've only been paddleboarding once), but it definitely looks like a challenge!


They had a headstand contest, too. The winners were inverted for at least three minutes!



I also took a beautiful Bhakti flow class this morning at Yoga Studio Tahoe in Truckee. I loved Shaelah's calm, spiritual style of teaching and the way she incorporates love, kindness, and compassion into every movement. Every breath felt like an offering.

That's my first introduction to the Tahoe area yoga scene, and I can't wait to try more studios! If you have any recommendations for places you've been, do tell :)

Hope you're having a beautiful weekend. Namaste.