Attract Your Wellness : W.E.L.L Summit Event November 6th

About the W.E.L.L. Summit

Welcome…
to The W.E.L.L. Summit, a celebration of living well, making empowered consumer decisions, learning from top professionals—and of course, the luxury of health.

The W.E.L.L. Summit… is not just a conferences its Given you a chance to  taking the first step in creating & seeking wellness for you !! In where in gathers together in one place ( November 6th at Boston,MA)  and one weekend the best speakers of the wellness & beauty community !

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 A event like no other that bring you closer & personal  with professionals to bring motivation & to get answer to those tough questions that you wanted to get answers too  :

But we’re also providing intimate access
to these professionals through exclusive small break-out sessions. All the questions you’ve always wanted to ask. All the tips you’ll need for buying beauty products, overhauling your pantry, selecting a workout program that fits into your daily life. The latest trends, complete with insider tips. These are the pioneers of the wellness industry…and they can’t wait to meet you.

 Read up on the complete list  :

W.E.L.L Summit Speaker

I am super excited to hear from many of these amazing people many in which have been a inspiration to continue my road to Eco-living and inspired others along the way . In addition to see many of my great friends such as Organic Bath Co. & Ru from ShortSmallSweet.net  Blog  along many others !  Making it a magic & Family affair as we gather together are talents & passion to bring it to you the community  !

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Its does not stop their !!!

 You will get to enjoy a Well Summit style pampering like no other ! With the chances to enjoy organic Farm -to-Table food , Wine and complementary make-overs using the best in healthy beauty. With amazing pampering stations with the best in Eco-brands & best part meet & greet  many of the leaders behind these company’s .

In Less words its a complete  Rock -ON  of Beauty Wellness !!

Feature brands  ( in Photo) at the W.E.L.L Summit includes  Meow meow tweet, S.W . Basics , Organic Baht.CO, Josh Rosebrooks  are just a few of the many amazing brands and speakers that you get to meet !!

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All Happening  at the  Wyndham Hotel in Beacon Hill, Mass. Beacon Hill is a 19th-century residential neighborhood in Boston that sits directly north of the Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden.

Get your tickets for W.E.L.L Summit !!!

(Just Click above)

*****Please note: Tickets will NOT be sold at the door. Sales close at 12 p.m. EST, Tuesday, October 27th . Best suggest to get tickets sooner as it may sale out earlier !

Hope to see you Their As We summit are self-Love !!

 xo, Boho Chic Meets Organics

Yoga at Home for beginners #7 : Yoga References

Thank YOU !

Its been much fun & learning experiences in write this series for you all. Many THANKS to Ru  from Short Small & Sweet Blog for Team with me to bring you all these awesome post.  I hope you all enjoy the post for the Yoga At Home for Beginners Series but most important that you all gain motivation form it ! SO Thank you for all your support & comments !

YOGA REFERENCES :

As part of the Yoga at Home for Beginners this last post  me & Ru share are personal references from books, APPS to websites and much more. Places where you can get information about poses, yoga benefits and most important ways to help you stay motivate through your  yoga journey .

♦ON – The- Go Apps

I am always on the go and going form city to city to friends house to visiting family . The following APPS are the ones that I use and love to use on the Go !

1.FitStar Yoga
It’s a yoga app for on the go. You can take a class or sequences no matter where you are .It’s pretty much taking a yoga teacher with you & with great video and easy to follow. Plus new work out sequences are always add. Cost: $ FREEE basis, $8 monthly membership

2.Yoga Studio
A app that you can create your sequences and schedule your video classes right into your phones calendars. In addition you can flow the 65 + video classes and over 280 poses with detail instructions.
Cost $4

3.Daily YOGA
Is another great app that include yoga sequences for runners, beginners, loss weight  and much more. Its easy to follow as it shows you each move in video form. It also has a pose library that explains each pose and how to do it right. In addition to having yoga music too.
4. Yoga Radio
Is a great app for yoga music and relaxing music. It has many great stations and tones of music to set any mood that you’re in or wish to be. Cost $ FREE

5.Pocket Yoga
This app has many features including a yoga sequences that is detail in video play plus has a feature that tracks your progress. In addition to tracking your heart rate and calories burned. It also has music library too. A great app for on the go and taking your yoga every were you go. Cost $3

6.YOS
Is a community basic health living & yoga community where you can have support form others that are trying to achieve the same goals as you. It like a motivation buddy that include meal recipes, health remedies, yoga at home sequences videos. Cost $ FREE

♦Websites for Yoga

1. The Yoga Journal  : This is a great site to get new sequences moves  and get detail information about the benefits of different poses . In addition get wellness & health information about eating, stress and even clothing ….. much more.  They also have amazing videos for different poses that focus on different health areas like stress, meditation , weight control and many many more. They also have a coll Phone APP that you can download into your phone.

www.yogajournal.com/

2. GaiamTV : This is also a great website for yoga sequences & video of many poses to follow and do at home. Really like this site to keep expanding in poses and keep my sequences fun when I feel like I need to add a new one. In addition this site is very informative about health yoga living and health.

www.gaiamtv.com/

♦ Yoga Books

1. Meditations from the Mat : Daily reflection on the path of yoga 

by Rolf Gates

This is a great book and recommend in reading it as it helps you see yoga in a different perspective and not just another work out routine . It lets you see yoga as a mind & body teaching .

2.The Yoga Bible by Christian Brown

This is another great book for all levels of yoga . It includes 150 poses with detail information in how to achieve the pose. Its a great book to look and pick poses to add to your sequences . Really love the pictures and how detail it is.

Thank you all again for making this series such a hit  !! Make sure to check out Ru Yoga Reference selection !

As Remember you can go back and catch up all the post for this  whole series !

Yoga At Home for beginners #6 : Maintain a yoga schedule

Maintaining a Yoga schedule

One of the hardest part of starting any giving work out or new habit is keeping that going but most important keeping it in your daily routine.Today me & Ru  will discuss with you  how we both keep are Yoga at home habits .

You would thing that doing yoga at home would be easy as all you do is roll out your mat and start moving into some yoga poses . But for many including myself keeping up with yoga practices at home can be difficult and even a challenge.

One of the reason that I think that home practices is hard is that we expected in to look and feel as if your in a yoga studio.

But in reality it’s NOT. This is a expectation that is needed to let go out the window, Once you do it will make it easier to start creating a home yoga practice.

Why is home practices important ?

While going to a yoga studio can be a treat and fun as you meet other yoga peeps but sometimes you can’t always make it to class due to unexpected things of life.

Building a home practice allows you to get on your mat while also deepening the connection to yoga.

You see when your in the class its easy for one to zone out but getting on your mat at home is different in that you are in charge of not only moving your body through the poses but also getting your mind to your mat in the first place.Its more of you been in CHARGE and empowering yourself in a much personal level!!! A lesson that I think a yoga class will not give you .

A home yoga practices is real mind practices!!!
More than any unexpected event or call that your dog just ripped its toy apart. It is so often that our thoughts are the one keeping us off out mat. If we can master those thoughts then you are working in mastering out your mind- which is what yoga is all about.

Here are my personal Tips in Keeping myself in the Mat

1. BYE BYE EXPECTATIONS

Your home practices will not look like a yoga studio!! You don’t have to practice for 60 or 90 minutes. Start slow with a 5-10 minute yoga sequences. At the end see how you feel and do you feel like you want to continue to another sequences. If not just stop and end it their.

2. Move in a way that you feel good

Just like you don’t have to practices for a 1-hour the same for the fact that you don’t have to do a whole yoga sequences. You know your body the best and what it needs. So pick a few (3-to5 ) poses to start off with and work with those . Remember too that yoga is more than just a body poses. You can also spend some time on your mat meditating or working in your breathing practice.

3. Make it your Routine & A part of you life

In a post note write or I phone  the time that works for you best to take 10 minutes for your yoga practices. Maybe its first thing in the morning ( like me at 4am) or maybe its after work or before you go to bed. Whenever it is , try to commit to practicing at that time and make it a ME TIME MOMENT ! It does not have to be everyday but try to make it a habit, like for example every Tuesday & Thursday in the morning I take my 10 minutes of yoga .

4. Make the Space Special

The space that you pick to do yoga at home make its like your Specially space. Just like are space for putting are beauty products or are closet-space that holds that pretty perfect little black dress. Make it your own !!

5. Ask for help & look for inspiration :

Doing yoga at home can be overwhelming but don’t be afraid to ask a yoga teacher for advise. Also uses your local references or online yoga site like Gaiam Tv . A great place to get tips and live video form yoga teachers. Yoga Journal is another great site with lot of information. Finding  inspiration  is just as important in keeping you going . Find a new pose that you want to achieve that month or week will keep you in track. 

And remember that you are in charge with that said make it creative and build your yoga time & sequences for you !!

I hope these tips help to keep you going in your yoga practices ! Make sure to check out Ru Tips too in keeping a yoga routine !

 

 

Yoga at Home for beginners : Yoga with your Pet (Doga)

Yoga with your furry friend

 Are paw friends are  always on are side and know when we feel bad . They are always reminding us to take a moment to feel love and connect with are self and are nature side . Having a pet is a great thing in a humans life and one that shows to have great benefits in helping us deal with stress better as they bring us calmness .

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For this edition of home yoga I will show you how I do Doga ( dog Yoga )  with my little furry friend Nala.  Doga is great to build a wonderful connect with your pet but its also great for both sides as it brings  both you and the pet calmness & bonding .

Is Doga for you & your pet???

• Doga is not for every dog !! It take time  for your dog and you to find a way to work together which is the idea behind Doga is finding a way to bond.

• At first your pet will thing its play time ! Nala  ( My dog) sure though the same but as we kept doing the poses she learn & came to understand  .
• Keep POINT is to be calm & don’t get upset if you dog doesn’t want to do it !! Remember this is something new for both of you .

My & Nala Doga Sequences

Step One : Making Room to do Doga

◊ Make sure you & your pet have room to do your Doga Sequences . You both don’t want to be bumming into things around you. So safe is always important !

Step Two Start the sequences or poses :

◊ I first start off in Mountain pose or prayer pose as Nala sit right in front of me in the mat  !

 

Standing Forward bend Post

◊ I then move  into expand my arms down as I bend my knees to get into  Standing Forward bend pose ( UTTANASNA)

◊As you move your arms down pet your furry friend as they sit in front of you . As you can see Nala likes ! Hold the position for  1-2 minutes before going to the next pose.

◊ your pet can also lay down as you pet them during thee ( standing Forward bend pose) , which is another way to position your pet when doing this pose as you can see Nala is doing too !

Child Pose

◊ As you are bending  in Standing Forward bend pose  you can slowly position into child pose . As you can see Nala & my paws .

◊  Then place  you dog or pet in your lap  .

◊ Then position you dog or pet  as if you where going to give them a stomach rub  make sure to give the pet support by placing you hands behind their head or back as I am doing here with Nala .

◊ I then slowly bend forward my upper body as I  hold  Nala as if i where going to give her a hug  and hold the position for 2 minutes . You can also just hold your pet  supporting its back as you sit in a straight line back  position as I am doing here with Nala Zones off.

Next pose is Sukhasana ( Seating Meditation pose )

◊ As you are in Child Pose  let your pet go slowly  and   you  then slowly get on a India sitting position . As your pet is sits in  front of you. You can pet your pet while changing position to keep the dog in the mood .

◊Then pet your pet in your lap again and hold your dog or pet in front of your chest where your pet can feel you breath as you can feel theirs .

◊Slowly pet your dog or pet as you have your eyes closes . In this moment focus on your dogs or pets breathing as they will do the same .  Do this for about 3 or 5 minutes and then slowly open your eyes and give your dog  or pet a good hug 🙂

Here are some more Pose :

Here are some great poses to try with your furry friends .

 

 

This is a great Diagram  above by Jennifer D’Angelis  doing pose with her dog  and showing how to do the positions. Doga is recommended by many yoga teachers for dogs or pets that have a lot of energy or have behavioral problems as it helps with focus .

My experiences & results with Nala :

I can personally say by experiences in doing yoga with Nala ( my dog) that it has help her control her super energy as before she would go crazy hoping around . Doing yoga with her for 2 years now I have seen a big change as she has energy but it not wild like before.  We also have a much specially relation & bond that goes be on just been my best furry friend .

Now Nala actually  pulls out the mat to tell me that its time for are Yoga 🙂 !! We do it  two -times during the week .

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  My best advises is to slowly add positions as your pet feels more conformable doing them with you and do Doga as one pose at a time .  And let it be something that you both enjoy . And remember the sequences are not to be long but short for at least 5 to 8 minutes .

If you have questions or would like to know more Please feel free to leave a comment below .

I hope you enjoy this post and make sure to check out Ru recent post on her yoga sequences !!!

Yoga at Home for Beginners #5: stress relief sequences

Yoga for stress

Stress is one of the biggest factors in today living as more people suffer from stress and is one of the many cause of heart disease, anxiety and depression. One important step is recognizing it and working on relieving the tension before it goes out of hand. Doing yoga pose is one way to relief tension in the muscles and makes them more relax. In addition it helps to center your body and mind when it out of balances.

In this part of yoga at home sequences I will provide some useful poses in addition to references that focus on relieving stress or anxiety. Make sure to check out Ru post on Happy Hips !!

Lets Get that Tension Out !

 

Step One Preparing the body & mind:

With staring the stress & anxiety sequences one must prepared the body and one way to do so is start out with the Sun Salutation sequences.  Its a great way to warm up the whole body.

You can find step by steps in my last post : Yoga sequences for Boost of Energy.  Right after doing this sequences you are step up to continue to your  stress sequences.  

Step two doing the stress sequences:

 

The following diagram by Shannon Orcutt in Restorative Yoga Poses to relieve stress is a great sequences for just that!  I love and have used this often in moments that I feel over  loaded with work .

All you need is a Pillow as a support tool and a yoga block. Hold each pose for about 2-3 minutes each  and remember to breath in and out slowly  while doing each pose and changing into the different poses . 

!Also when doing the leg -wall pose remember to use the wall as support and not your back !

 

Adding a Relax touch :

When doing the stress & anxiety sequences  I like to light up my lavender candle  just to help me set up the mood and a relax space. I find that it really helps when doing this sequences.

 

 

 

A great Book for yoga pose to help with stress:

 

A great book and read that I found to be very useful in this topic is a book by Elaine Gavales  called The yoga mini book for stress Relief. Its a book that provides a step by step of different sequences in focus on stress poses. In addition it mixes mediation which is a great way to re- center you mind .  I highly recommended this book as its very easy to follow and very informative  . It also comes in different languages too ! Find it all your local book store  ( online store) or at amazon.com .

I hope you enjoy this yoga sequences and find it helpful to relax and be more stress free !

Yoga at Home for beginners 4 # : Yoga sequences to Increase Metabolism

For are continue series on Yoga at Home  for beginners Me & Ru will be sharing more of are favorite yoga Sequences.So Make sure to go over Ru blog (Short Small&Sweet)  to check out her  Yoga Detox Sequences. As I will be sharing my Increase metabolism sequence to avoid been a Winter Bear !  

Art Photo by : Kuro-Risu

How Not to be a Winter Bear ?!

During Winter Season are body become slow as we are less activate due to the cold weather . Which influences highly in having low  energy and having a hard time in keeping are weight where we want it to be .  Helping  are body keep its flow going and helping are digestive system convert food to energy and of course burn that fat !

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 7 Tips is keeping a healthy Metabolism :

1. Drink lot of WATER ! Yes its important to take in that * glass of water everyday. Water help’s your system clean it .

2. Eat your GREENS & veggies too  : Including more greens & fruits  to your diet help your body get clean out and get a nature detox in less words get that Bad Fat Out and keep the good nutrition IN.

3. Drink Cups of Green Tea : Green tea has many benefits including helping speed up your metabolism . 5. Slow down on those sugars :  We all love sugar but during winter a cut back is needed as we burn it off less faster .

6. Get your Beauty Sleep:  Getting  8 hours of sleep helps your body recover & regain its energy to keep the metabolism going. Getting little to no sleep actually slow down your metabolism much faster.

7. Stay activate:  Staying active in some way or form is important and hard in winter season as all we want to do is curb in a blanket, I know Me TOO.  Do a fun dance video or run up your stairs a few times  are just some fun ideas. No matter what you do just keep your body going !

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A At Home Yoga sequences to avoid being a Bear & keep Burning that Fat :

The above diagram  Fit.com by Brittany Costa   . Shows step by step yoga sequence that  focus in giving are Metabolism going  and to avoid it from slowing down ! I personally love this sequences as its a simply yet effective one for your body & mind to keep it activate during winter blues .In addition for a more challenge I some time use small weights of 5-pounds to make it more like a strength sequences.

Tips for Sequences:

• Remember to do the poses  slowly and never rush your self while moving to one pose to the next.
• Remember to breath naturally by inhaling and exhaling during the poses.Avoid holding your breath at any point in time.

I add this sequences to my routine at least twice a week  to keep my metabolism on check .  Specially during the winter season as I don’t want to be a sleepy BEAR 🙂  .

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I hope you enjoy this post, and don’t forget to check out Ru Post on Yoga Detox sequences  .

Yoga at Home for Beginners #3 : Energy Boost Squence

Energy To Keep Us going :

 This week me and Ru  share are home sequences  that we use in at home yoga practices .  Morning, noon or evening, no matter the time of day at some point in time we just want more energy!

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The following sequences that I’ll be sharing is one of the Top know sequences that is great for stretching or in this case I use it to wake up my body  and get my energy going  . The Sun salutation can be done anytime to get a instant shot of energy boost to keep you going . I personally  use these to keep me going on my long days or to just boost me up again.

The Sun Salutation

The sun salutation is is a great morning started yoga sequences to get you ready for your tasking day.  Its a sequences that only takes  8-10 minutes of your morning and can be done anytime of the day as well.  I do find that starting my morning with this sequences helps me keep my energy going the rest of the day and like ” Nutrition professionals say Breakfast is the most important meal of the day to keep your body going” & morning yoga is just like that the fuel that keeps the engine going.   The following diagram above  by Maknwaves.

Steps In doing the Sun Salutation sequences :

•   Step #1 :Stand at the front of your mat with hands in  prayer position ( Mountain Pose).

•  Step #2 :Inhale & stretch your arms out and raise them over your head. Arch your back slowly a bit .

• Step #3 :Exhaling, bend your upper body forward trying to place the palms of your hands on your feet. Keep your legs straight .

• Step #4 :Inhaling, bend legs, place hands on the floor, and bring your left leg back, while your right leg remains between your hands.

• Step #5 :Exhaling, bring your right leg back next to your left leg. Make sure that your legs are spread a bit. rise your hips and bring your trunk and head down. keep your legs and arms stretched out, and your back very straight.

• Step #6 :Hold your breath, bend your arms until your whole body is 4 inches away from and parallel to the floor .

•  Step # 7: Inhaling, straighten your arms, arch your back and bring your trunk and head back ( Cobra Pose).

•  Step #8 : Exhaling, raise your hips and bring your trunk and head down. Keep your legs and arms stretched out and your back very straight  ( Down Dog Pose).

• Step #9 : Inhaling, bring your left leg forward and place your foot between your hands. Keep your right leg extended and your gaze straight head.

• Step #10 : Exhaling, bring your right leg forward and bring your feet together. Keeping your legs extended, bend your trunk forward trying to place your hands on the floor.

• Step #11 :Inhaling gently raise your body until you are straight ( back to Mountain Pose)  .

Step #12: Repeat this sequence one more time !

So here I share with you some fun diagrams of Sun salutation that I love to follow :

I am very visual person so  I like to use and follow fun diagrams of yoga sequences . I find that it really helps me stay motivated but also have fun doing the sequences .  The following diagrams are some of my favorites  to follow and take with me in my  Ipad or on my phone.

A cute Sun Salutation to sweet a day:

This super cute diagram is actually a poster that you can get by a Esty shop called Artractions. Although it looks like its no longer been sold. But I still find is super cute to follow and have in your phone or Ipad .

The Bear’s Keep you going :

Another great & fun diagram  of the Sun Salutation sequence  by myoga.com . How cute is this bear !! If a bear can get motivated to do it so can you.  This diagram makes the sequences fun to follow !

Tips:

It’s important when doing any work out or activate activity that you make it fun & looks fun for you to follow.This will provide you to stay motivated !!!

Mix it UP :

Jennifer Jarrett’s sequences on Mind Body Green , is a great morning or any time of day sequences to do to get a good boost of energy again . This 10-15 minute is created to wake up your body ! I really enjoy this sequences and use it to mix it up by doing this one, one day and the Sun salutation the next day. I do this routine twice as I do both right & left side of my body.  You can read up on how to do each step by following the link. Its super easy and great for beginners as its a very flow sequence.

Video on another great  Energy Sequences:

Another great sequences is by Kathryn Budig  called 3 Moves for Right-This -Second Energy at Women’s Health .  This is a fun sequence to follow , although my require a little more to practice and learn it for a beginner but is worth a try.

I find that its important to have two routines so you can mix it up and keep you motivated. That way you avoid the whole  constant repeat pattern issue that happens  when  you work out  that can cause your to get bored . As always make it fun and enjoyable for you !!!

Now that we are All BOOST-UP!!!!! we can take on  are task with better energy  !

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I hope your enjoy this Yoga post and let me know if you try any of these sequence to BOOST up your energy ?. Make sure to check out Ru post on her blog as she shares Her  Good Morning Sequence !

Yoga at Home for Beginners #2 : clothing & tools (w/Short Small & sweet)

As part of are continue series of Yoga at Home this week we bring you Yoga at Home for Beginners #2 : clothing & tools. This week me & Ru (Short Small & Sweet Blog ) will be discussing the tools & clothing that we use in doing yoga at home . Make sure to check out Ru post : Yoga at Home for Beginners #2. As I am sure she also has great selection including a DIY to clean your yoga mat !

Below I will be sharing some of my tools & clothing  and  give you tips in which ones you should splurge on .Lets get start !

The Yoga Mat:

One of the main tools & most important one is a yoga mat. Its the tool that is going to protect your hands & feet form getting hurt but also will give you the support & grip that you need while doing your  yoga sequence . Yoga mat’s come in many different colors & style  & even textures .  Their is so many   variations that some times shopping for a yoga mat can be over whelming !

Here are some tip’s for Shopping for the right Yoga Mat :

• Length :  when buying a yoga mat consider your height !!!  If your a Tall person or have long legs like me 🙂 . Consider buying a mat that is a longer length !! As you don’t want half of your body to be on the floor & the other part to be in the mat…Get the 72 to 74 inch mat. If your not tall a standard size mat that is 68 inches  should work just find.

• Texture of Mat:  Many mats come in different texture depending in what they are made out of. Make sure you get a mat that is not a slipper texture . Check for WORDS like Non-Slipper Surface in your mat. If it does not state this then that means you will most likely slip away on your mat. Also when picking a mat think about how you want it to feel in your feet do you want it to be rough or soft.

• Style & color of mat:  When picking a style of color for a mat make sure you pick a color that won’t hurt your eyes after looking down at it for a while . Neither pick a color that you think will cause you to get distracted . Your best bet is to be light colors  or the color Blue for example that makes you think of water !

• Easy cleaning Mat:  This is one of the tools that your be sweating on and placing in the floor. So when buying a mat make sure that it is functional in that its easy to clean & wipe down material. you don’t want a mat that takes long to dry or does not dry at all after cleaning it . Mats that are easy to clean have Key words like ‘Easy surface cleaning’ . If a mat does not state that it is easy cleaning or is made out of cotton materials it most likely is not a easy mat to clean.

•  Mats weight:  Some mat styles or texture can make the mat weight really heavy. If you plan to use your mat to travel around with from yoga class or from one house to another then you need to consider its weight.  If you plan to leave it at home then a heavy weight mat should not be a big issue since it going to be in one place.

After you narrow down your picks form the above tips , I am sure your find the right mat for you.

Where to get a Mat that’s good & Good price :

The price for a mat can range any where from $10 to 100 . It all depends on the above mention of style, texture & length . You can find great mats for a great price at your local Target, Marshalls, TJ-Max .

I find that the mat it one of the two items that you should spend a little more .  At least the most $30-$35 for a good quality mat.

My Mat:

My yoga mat is 72inches in length , I need the extra length for my legs :). Its a silver color that is not is soft yet gives a little pop of style . Its actually a double side mat that has no-slip surface . Love it too for been light weight and easy to carry  during my travels. I got my mat at a local Marshalls store for $8 by the brand Zone Training -Lifestyle products .

The yoga Clothing to wear:

Since your doing yoga at your own home you don’t have to worries about dress up to much like if your going to a yoga class or gym . You can actually just do yoga on your own Pj’s if you wanted too !

Clothing Tips :

• PANTS: My tips for clothing is that you pick PANTS that you feel good in but most important that you feel good moving your legs around . If you feel too tight in your pants or like you can’t really move your legs then your not wearing the right pants for yoga. Wear pants or tights that move with your body !!!

• Pants Material:  since your be working out in your pants & sweating you want to pick a material that allows your skin to breath through like for example cotton or recycled material . You don’t want your pants to stay with a smell neither even after wash :(. I  for sure would say that the second item that you should spend extra on is some good quality yoga pants !!

My Yoga Pants:

In my cause since I am pretty much a girl on the road , I sometime don’t have time to change . So my yoga pants sometimes are my dress wear. For this I pick pants that are function-able with my life style . The ones in the photo( which I love ) are made out of recycled polyester and have a black & white floral print that adds style. I wear this with a long sweater or sweater dress & some boots and  I am off to work. ( Pants are by Athleta).

The Yoga Top

•  For a yoga top:  You can use a yoga bra for example or a tank top of your prefer length. Make sure you pick a top that you feel good & one that you can move around with while doing yoga. The same with the pants also pick a top that is breathable material and one that does not stick to your body while you sweat. Also pick a top that is not going to roll up on you while your doing yoga as this can cause you a distraction as you could constantly find your self pulling down your top.
  

  My  Yoga Top Picks:

My top pick is a basic organic tank top in long length . I like the organic material because its more breathable and just feels good in the skin while I do my yoga sequences.

The yoga shoes :

This last item is more of a extra item I would say. I love to wear yoga shoes to just have a better grip on my feet on the mat since your feet become your strength to your body. If you want a better grip on your feet on a mat I highly recommend yoga socks or slip on (yoga shoes) . They make a great differences in your feet . I find it just gives a good grip support specially when doing tough yoga moves .

Where to find yoga socks or shoes:

You can find them where they sale yoga clothing or tools for work out . I know Target has them and I’ve seen them at Marshalls or TJ Max too.

My Yoga shoes :

I got my yoga shoes at my local Marshalls  by the brand Versa Toes. They are a lot of fun and have a good grip on the mat while I do yoga. I enjoy using them during winter to keep my feet warm but to have that extra  grip on the yoga mat on my feet.

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I hope you enjoy this part of the yoga at home series & that the tips where helpfully for when your shopping for your yoga gear or clothing.  Make sure to check out Ru blog posts on some of her clothing & tool picks !

Yoga At Home for Beginners #1 : Setting Mood & Space (collaboration with Short Small & Sweet Blog)

Kicking off January & 2015 with a Yoga Series

I am super happy to bring you this special series and to kick start a health year. Join me in this special series is  Ru by Short Small & Sweet. Together we will provide a basic guide of practicing yoga at your own home  This guide is a great for those staring out yoga as much discuss will focus on beginner level yoga but those with more experiences can also benefits form this series  . Every week (on Mondays) we will talk about different topics form setting your space, tools, clothing, home sequences mini series,  maintaining a yoga schedule and yoga references from Apps, books and much more .

Just note that me & Ru are no experts in yoga and the suggestions made are basic in are experiences in practicing yoga at home . The idea of this post is to give you basic tips & guide  in how a Yoga at home can be enjoyable & fulfilling .

For week 1 : of this series we are kicking it off by how to set the mood & space

Go check out Ru by Short Small & sweet post in how she sets her home yoga space !!  :  Yoga at home for beginners #1 shortsmallsweet.net

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Setting the Mood & Space

Setting the mood & space is a very important element in practices yoga . As this can influences how you will benefit form yoga . setting the mood & space will help you have focus both mentally & body . Its also  super important  when doing at home yoga  since been at home sometimes can surround yourself with more distraction that can cause a challenge to forces. Below  I will show you  how I set my own space at home & achieve a non distraction space.

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Making the air  calming to breath brings your space to calmness!

Making the air that we breath to a calmness is something that we don’t thing to do when doing home activities. But is actually a important element  in order to feel calm specially in your space & doing yoga at home.  And you can achieve this by using aromatherapy sprays !

Some of my favorites is by the brand Lotus Wei.

To bring Peace & Calmness I love Inner Peace mist. It has a mix  of Lavender (main scent), Vetiver & cedar. I mist this around the room or space that I will be doing yoga and its makes it smell amazing but also brings such a relaxing inner calmness to the room.

To bring self love I also use Infinite Love mist . I use this when practicing a more deeper yoga sequences or for those rain days that I need a extra lift  .  It has mix  of Mandarin, Rose Honey . Mandarin is the main scent that gives a up lifting yet a awaking scent . I love this one too for those days that you need a extra up lifting in your mood or spirit.

This next one is a exclusive mist by Lotus Wei & CAPBeauty  called The Captivator (only found at CAPBeauty.com) .  Its a energy mist that creates a room full of energy & self love. Its mix of sandalwood,geranium,neroli, gardenia & navel orange.  This mist does what it states as its a very uplifting yet very enjoyable in bring self happiness.

Using the MIST…..

I use each mist depending on the mood that I am in & how i want to set the mood in the room. I also spray these in the room but also in my self . Which helps a lot to set & prepare you for your sequences of that day.

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Scents Influences are mood in many ways just like wearing red Lipstick !

Another great way yet easy to set the mood in your space for yoga is using candles . Burning a candle a few minutes before doing yoga helps to get you read but also helps you to focus better in your practices . As scents has the same impact of changing are mood just like wearing a red lipstick to feel like your in top of the world.

Some of  my Candle picks…

You can use any candle that you like or love but its important that you PICK a SCENT that brings you CALMNESS & FOCUS. Some great scents are Lavender, Lemongrass, Orange, Lemon & etc. Make sure the scent is a soft one and one that is not so over powering . Also don’t get scents that smell like candy, food or sweetness as theses can cause you to get hunger during  your practices!!

One of my favorites is a soy candle by Level Naturals in FOREST. I love this one as it brings the outdoor scent of green plants & trees indoors. I love how this scents helps me transport myself into the wildness of nature.

Other ways to scent your room..

Other ways you can bring scent into your room & set the mood is by using fresh herbs or flowers like for example  dry Lavender buds ( in photo). I place my dry buds in a contains and put two drops of essential oils to in power the smell of the lavender. I place it near me to breath the smell in and enjoy the benefits of lavender. You can also place this near a open window or fan  so the smell below around the room.

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Feeling Beautiful makes you do well !

Yes, that’s right  feeling good is just as important . And if feeling good with your self is that you must wear makeup or lipstick or paint your nails like ME ! Then DO IT!!! Is just as important to feel go about your self before doing anything because if you don’t you will not enjoy your yoga . The reason is that your mind & body will get distracted, which will not allow you to enjoy the yoga sequences or  its benefits.

To me  Nail polish makes me Beautiful ……

When doing yoga one part of the body that you see most is your toes and for me personally if my toes are not pretty It cause me to get distracted as I am Thinking to myself ” My toes look really ugly “. So I always love to paint my toes into a bright color or a color that I love to feel good :). One of my favorites right now is Aila Cosmetics Nail Polish in #LikeABoss , its a beautifully gold that makes me feel golden !! Find it at Beauteabar.com.

So go head put something Beautiful and roll out your Mat!!!

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The light that shines on you !

The lighting in your yoga space is also a important part when doing yoga at home. Having the wrong lighting can cause you to go to sleep & can be a distraction. When ever possibly I recommend a light setting that not to bright or to low of a light. I aslo best recommended to use Natural sunlight as its the best & right about of light. Specially during the morning & afternoon hours.

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The Space is & becomes your center!

The Space that you choice to practices yoga is a very important one . When choosing a space make sure its one that has a flat flooring as you don’t went to hurt your feet or your self when doing your sequences.

Pick a space that allows ME TIME ….

Also when picking a space in your home make sure its a space that is not one that people will come in & out of the room. Pick a room or space that allows you to have ME TIME alone for at least One Hour . If the room has a door that you can close that is even better as you will have more control of the distractions that can enter your space.

Enough space to move….

Make sure the room or space that you pick has enough room space for you to move around without bumming into things . But a amount of space that allows  you to move with easy & places your yoga mat . My key rule is to place my yoga mat in the center of the room & strength out my arms . If I can touch something  from my mat or from the length of my arms then that is telling you that its not enough room to move .

My Space …

Photo show above is my yoga space , Its actually a second living room space that is unused . I love this space for its four-windows & flat hard wood floors that I feel adds a touch of nature . It is a space that has a lot of room, which is super important !!

Always keep in mind that this space is your CENTER!

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Plants Bring a breath of fresh air !!

In addition to Mist sprays & candles Plants also can play a roll in setting your room mood . Adding a touch of nature always brings us some form of calmness & inner peace .

Plants also give you a senses of being some where else in less words it transforms your space to your own getaway!!

I personally use a lot of green plants  like little palm trees seen in the photo. It really helps to bring in the nature feel inside the space and makes its look more like a little getaway thats is actually right in your home. You can even use fresh flowers and place them in a table to enjoy its smell. No matter what plant you bring let it be one that brings you calmness & joy but don’t pick one that will cause you distractions !!

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This is the end of are First way of Yoga at home part #1 !!

I hope you enjoy this first part and make your to read up on Ru post as I am sure she has many great tips in how to set your home setting for yoga.

Stay tune for part #2 as we discuss  clothing picks & tools to make yoga practices more effective at home but also enjoyable .

Summer Caribbean & Travel Series : Coconut Crazy With Pacifica

 

 

Coconut Crazy With Pacifica !

For this part of the Summer Caribbean & Travel Series I am presenting My Coconut picks by the brand Pacifica that I been loving this summer. I love coconut for it scent & nutrition benefits to both skin & healthy.

THE BRAND PACIFICA 

Pacifica is brand that focus on Body & Beauty products . The brand is know for their  Tropical & Caribbean scents that take any one to the Paradise Islands. Also the Brands is 100 % Vegan, use natural Ingredients & is cruelty -Free . It is also a brand that its products are made without Sulfate & Paraban.  The best part of Pacifica is that its a brand that  can be  found at your Local Target or Wholefoods . Which means you get to test & try many of theses products before buying.

To get more information about the Brand & its products go to: pacificabeauty.com

Now Lets Take a look at the Products & go coconut Crazy !!

Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Perfume ROll-On

This travel roll on perfume is a great size to take with you any where you go .  It came in this beautifully box with a Indian flower  design (  seen in the above Photo)  . Love the packaging of this perfume.  The perfume is in a glass tube with red flower design going around tube ( seen in the below  photo) & with a gold Top.

The Scent: The scent of the perfume is strong in the roll-on but once you put it on it fades to a nice sweet coconut smell. The notes or scents are coconut with a Indian flare spice. It has more of a sweet scent then a tropical scent. The lasting power of this is at least 4 hours  after that you will need to reapply just like any other perfume which fades after a few hours.

The Ingredients :  Alcohol denat ( natural grain), Parfume ( pacifica own fragrance blend with natural & essential oils, water.

Although the ingredients may not be the greenest I consider it to be a much better pick compared to most perfume out there that have a longer list of ingredients & contain ingredients that can be very harsh to your skin.   Also I think for the price of $14 its a great buy.

Earth Notes: Portion of proceeds support clean water.

Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar hand Cream

This hand cream is another great travel item and size hand cream. It has the same scent of the perfume mention Above but with a much more softer scent then the perfume.  It comes in a Indian  flower pattern with golds, reds & light blue.  Again the packaging is beautiful and  sure to call the attention of many peoples eyes when you pull it out your hand bag.

Texture of Hand Cream:

The hand cream has a light texture that is not sticky or oily when rub to the hands. It sinks right in the skin leaving your hand silk soft but not slippery . The scent fades once you rub your hands together and smooth the cream into your skin. Really like the way it feels in may hands and how it has a nice light scent .

Ingredients : water,sunflower oil, aloe leaf juice, shea butter,sweet almond,  olive fruit oil, grape seed oil,coconut water, Pacifica natural fragrances & essential oils, are some of the ingredients in the list. To get the full list go to Pacificabeauty.com

This hand cream has good ingredients but of course you can find better ones that have more pure ingredients . This hand cream is great  because its light while other trendy to be very heavy in the skin and I personal don’t like that Feeling.

Earth Note: Portion of proceeds support clean water

 

Pacifica Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes

I really been loving these for my out door events like doing yoga & running . They are great to have in your bag when working out or just to have to wipe your hands or your face to refreshing up after a beach day .  I love to use these too when I am playing with makeup .

The scent: 

The wipes  have a tropical coconut smell that is not over powering . The scent does fade once you finish wiping your face . The scent does not stay in your skin instead is more of a refreshing scent that fades quickly .

 The wipe size & function  :

The wipe as you can see in the photo above it has more in length then it does in how wide it it. Which for some people this make not be the best size to use to wipe off makeup. But since I use it to wipe off my Yoga Mat or to refresh my face after a morning run   or yoga class the size works great for these functions.

Although I personally do NOT recommend them to be use as Makeup Remover Wipes. First the wipe is too soft and has no grip in doing the function  to remove makeup. Also these wipes have Fragrances which its not good if you have sensitive skin  or eyes . So keep this in Mind. But they are great to be use to wipe you hands, Yoga mat or gear or to wipe off some green juice that you just happen to drop in your jacket. 🙂 ( this is me everyday !! 🙂 )

You get 30 wipes for $6 to 7 depending where you get them ! I find they are a great price & smell great.

 

Ingredients :

No sulfate & No Paraban !!! Water, coconut water,aloe leaf extract,papaya fruit extract, calandula extract, citric acid, phenoxyethoal,potassiun sorbate, fragances(all natural).

Although these are not the best wipes in terms of ingredients , I think is still better then what one finds out their or compared to other products in the market.  I love the scent of coconut that it has and also like how soft they are. As mention above I only use these for my active lifestyle and they work just great for that. 🙂

COCONUT CRAZY !!!!!

 

I hope you enjoy this post and all my coconut picks by Pacifica. Love coconut scent to always take me away to a tropical island 🙂

(All products mention here bought with my own money and my review are always  honest . Also keep in mind that what works for me my not work for you. So make sure to check all ingredients to see if it fits your needs & skin type. )