Yogadiva's Divine Life

change is good~new blog

2011-06-07T21:02:00.005-05:00

Sometimes we just need to make a change~big or small. We just need to act, do something different. I've been playing with the idea of changing this blog for a long while now, and I decided today was the day. Instead of recreating this blog, I decided to create a new one on wordpress. You can now find me here. I hope you stop by, and if you do, please leave a comment because I'd love to hear from you!

Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste'
Leslie

p.s. Not sure if I will continue to write on this blog or not. I'm just going to see what happens...

may favorites

2011-05-30T09:10:00.005-05:00

May 2011 Favorites:

Loreal Elnett Satin Hair Spray

(Love this stuff! It doesn't leave my hair sticky or stiff & brushes out easily.)

Benefit Coralista Blush

(If you are going to splurge on one blush, this is the one. It is my all-time favorite coral blush. Beautiful!)

Acuvue 1-Day Contact Lenses
(I've worn contacts for years. I've always worn the disposable ones you are only supposed to wear about 2 weeks; however, for the past few years, I've gone through right eye contacts twice as fast as left eye because they always seemed to get an annoying film over them. I recently switched to 1 a day contacts, and although a bit more expensive, they are SO worth it. I haven't had any right eye problems since I switched! Should have made this switch a long time ago!)

Half-Moon Posture (Ardha Chandrasana)-photo from Yogajournal.com
This is one of my all time favorite poses. The sense of expansion and lightness I feel in this pose is like no other! Love it!)

*Pink & Purple Feather Hair Extensions*

*anything Turquoise*

*MC Yogi station on Pandora*

And last, but certainly not least:

*Instructing Power Flow Yoga again regularly at a groovy new studio in town: Yoga Sol*

Feel free to share your May favorites! I'd love to hear what you are loving these days!

Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste

Leslie

june yoga journal cover

2011-05-26T18:41:00.003-05:00

I am loving the June issue of Yoga Journal

~the topic of women and leadership is a favorite of mine!

If you are interested in seeing a bit of the cover ladies speak,

check out the live magazine.

Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste

Leslie

challenging power yoga sequence

2011-05-25T15:30:00.004-05:00

Here is a yoga sequence from the class I taught yesterday:

Begin warming up with a series of sun salutations.

Once warm, continue on with this challenging power yoga sequence--

*hold pose 5 breaths before moving on to the next posture.

*Downward facing dog* (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Lift right leg and swing through

*Warrior 1* (Virabhadrasana I)

*Warrior 2* (Virabhadrasana II)

*Reverse Warrior 2* (Urdva Virabhadrasana II)

*Extended Side Angle* (Parksvakonasana)

Inhale back up to Warrior 2

Straighten front leg and prepare for Triangle

*Triangle* (Utthita Trikonasana)

*Pyramid* (Parsvottanasana)

*Standing Split* (Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana)

*High Lunge*

*Revolved Side Angle Pose* (Parivrtta Parsvakonasana)

*Low Lunge with both arms resting on inside of right leg-lower upper body down*

*One legged King Pigeon* (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)

*Downward facing dog*

Lift left leg and repeat all on other side

Don't forget to breathe, breathe, breathe!

Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste'

Leslie

newest favorite smoothie recipe

2011-05-23T06:44:00.003-05:00

Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Green Smoothie

1 banana

1 1/2 cups soy or almond milk

2 heaping tablespoons dark chocolate cocoa powder

1 tablespoon agave nectar

1 teaspoon natural peanut butter

1 big handful of organic spinach

2 cups ice

Put it all in the blender and blend!

Enjoy!

Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste

Leslie

get your flow on sunday!

2011-05-21T11:41:00.005-05:00

I'll be spending part of my Sunday with Gabrielle Bernstein and Latham Thomas
getting my flow on...

What will you be doing?

LOVE me some ustream!

Peace,

Leslie

letter to your future self

2011-05-20T17:46:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow night my group of almost 300 Senior students will be walking across the stage and receiving their diplomas. This week has been incredibly busy with many exciting Senior activities. It has been a pleasure and honor to watch these students grow and evolve over the past three years!

At one of the activities, a group of students gathered for a small reunion. The teachers who hosted this gathering had a box full of letters the students had written as elementary school students. These letters were addressed to "My future Self," and had been sealed since the time they wrote them.

I LOVE this idea! Why not take some time this weekend and write a letter to your future self?

Seal it and plan on opening it in 5 or 6 years.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Even if you don't have a graduation, find a reason to celebrate!

Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste'

Leslie

heart chakra & yoga

2011-05-16T19:10:00.007-05:00

Tomorrow afternoon I will be teaching my weekly Power Flow Yoga class at Yoga Sol. The theme is going to be focused on opening the heart chakra. The fourth chakra, or heart chakra, is the center of the human energy system and is connected with love (all kinds--not just romantic), compassion, & spirituality. It opens us to experience love for ourselves and others, and lets us feel compassion, joy and peace. If we allow our hearts to open and express love, this will permeate every area of our lives and enrich our relationships (including our relationship with ourself) in ways we can't even imagine.

Here are some affirmations to help us strengthen the heart chakra:
I am love.
I deserve love.

I am compassionate with myself and others.

I am able to express love in my life fully.

I am open to love in my life.

Here are some yoga poses to help us open our hearts:

*camel pose*
*fish pose*

*low crescent lunge*

*cobra*

all you need is love...

Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste'
Leslie

*picture from picturedepot.com*

prom & living the spiral

2011-05-14T07:39:00.007-05:00

Last night my sweet husband and I attended prom--it's my 6th one.

I must say, while we were there, it seemed to be a hit. Most of the kids were dancing and genuinely having a good time. (Some of the proms I've been to that hasn't been the case.)

My sweet husband and I even snuck in a slow dance before leaving.

Here are some pictures from the evening: Dinner before at Tellers.

Having a little fun with pocketbooth app.

Today I'm off to a seminar on living the spiral:

http://darlingyoga.com/events-and-workshops/living-the-spiral-seminar/

Not exactly sure what to expect, but it sounds very interesting!

Should be a good time.

Enjoy your weekend.

Slow dance with your sweetheart!

Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste'

Leslie

zumba & getting out of your comfort zone

2011-05-09T20:07:00.007-05:00

One of the items on my May Intentions list is to try out a Zumba class. I've been meaning to do this for a while now, and since there is a Zumba class at the new yoga studio where I'm teaching, I figured NOW is the time!
Once I wrote that intention down on paper, I knew I'd make it happen.

(WRITE DOWN YOUR INTENTIONS & GOALS & YOU'RE MORE LIKELY TO DO THEM!)

Zumba was loads of fun and immediately sent me back to my floor aerobics teaching days...

with a Latin dancing twist! So glad I went!

I believe it is so important to make a conscious effort to grow and learn and evolve.
One way to do this is to step out of your comfort zone and try new things!

What is it that you've been meaning to do for a while now?

What is something you'd like to learn more about?

What is something you'd like to learn how to do?

NOW is the time to act. No excuses...just action. It's that simple.

It can be something as small as going to a zumba class. No room for self-judgement...

just your inner guide. Shhhh.....listen....she IS there!

Once you know what you want to do,

BE WILLING.

WRITE YOUR INTENTION DOWN.

THEN, DO IT!

Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste'

Leslie

mom's day

2011-05-08T07:44:00.006-05:00

Although I'm not a mother,

I have no doubt it has to be the hardest job on earth.

Some say little baby souls choose their parents,

and I must have been a wise baby soul because

I chose a wonderful momma.

She taught me to be a

strong

independent

kind

creative

thoughtful

passionate

loving

woman.

For this, I will forever be grateful.

Thank you, Mom.

I love you.

XOXO,

Leslie

on inspiration

2011-05-04T19:41:00.003-05:00

Living an inspired (i.e. in-spirit) life takes conscious effort. I don't wake up every morning feeling connected and full of spirit energy--that's for sure. I make small choices throughout my day to incorporate and invite in as much inspiration as possible. Some days it's easier than others. And, small choices do add up and can make a BIG difference.

Here are a few things that keep me living in in-spirit:

*prayer*

*expressing gratitude*

*practicing yoga*

*teaching yoga*

*listening to Hayhouse Radio*

*listening to inspiring podcasts*

*not watching the news--especially before bed*

*listening to inspiring music*

*reading inspirational books*

*avoiding negativity and violence--in word, thought, and action*

*making a conscious effort to invite in love, peace, & joy*

Add a little sprinkle of inspiration in each and every day!

Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste'

Leslie

weekend in review

2011-05-01T17:10:00.006-05:00

*attended YogaSol staff meeting--can't wait to start teaching again on Tuesday*

*got pink & purple feather hair extensions--more to come this summer*

*ate dinner on the patio at Flatbranch*

*paid bills*

*did yoga*

*Barnes & Noble artist date*

*purchased gift for Mom's day*

*planted flowers*

*planted herb garden--basil, lavender, lemon balm, oregano, mint, and rosemary*

*hosted chocolate pancake, sausage, & scrambled egg brunch for parents-in-law*

*cleaned house*

*sipped mocha at Starbucks while reading and making lists*

*meditated*

*watched Oprah--going to miss her show terribly*

*viewed youtube videos*

*cooked home-made pizza for dinner*

*devoured kale chips*

*enjoyed fresh flowers*

*completed AFAA CEU on Life Coaching*

Had a fabulous weekend!

Hope you did, too.

Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste'

Leslie

may meditation challenge

2011-04-30T18:25:00.004-05:00

Overall, the April Attitude of Gratitude challenge went well. I definitely believe one of the secrets to happiness is living with a spirit of gratitude!

If you're up for another challenge, here's the challenge for the month of May:

For at least 5 minutes a day
MEDITATE.

It's only 5 minutes.

We can do anything for 5 minutes, right?

There are all types of meditations:

You can focus on just riding the waves of your breath.

You can count each breath to keep your mind focused and clear.

You can focus on a phrase or mantra:

Inhale "Let"

Exhale "Go"

You can do a loving kindness meditation where you focus on these four phrases as you start by thinking about yourself, then move on to someone you love, & then the challenging part...thinking about someone who you don't particularly like:

"May I (you) be free from fear."

"May I (you) be happy."

"May I (you) be healthy."

"May I (you) live with ease."

If you have trouble clearing your mind, move first! Do some sun salutations, take a walk, dance!

Your mind will most definitely resist this process--especially since most of us are very addicted to thinking. It will tell you you can't do it. It will tell you you don't have time. It will tell you there are other more important things you need to be doing. It will start projecting into the future or clinging to the past. When you find yourself thinking, just name it in:

"Thinking" and return to your breath.

If you think you can't do it, watch the documentary Dhamma Brothers. It will inspire you. It's only five minutes, but it will make a huge difference in the quality of your days and nights!

Set your alarm for five minutes and give it a try!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,

& Namaste'

Leslie

april favorites

2011-04-28T20:38:00.009-05:00

Here is my list of favorites for the month of April:

LUSH Karma perfume
LOVE this smell & so does my Sweet Husband!

MAC Costa Chic Lipstick
It's a beautiful, bright coral color that is perfect for spring & summer!

MAC Club Eyeshadow
This photo does not do it justice. It is the coolest eyeshadow color EVER-seriously.

It's a beautiful green color that blends out to brown.

You can quickly put on this one color and it looks like you spent hours on your eyes!

Neti Pot
This is most definitely not the sexiest favorite on my list, but it is a must have.

I am not sure how I ever survived before using a Neti pot regularly.

Every time I use this I am once again amazed at how much easier it is to breathe.

*walks with pups*
*glasses of water with fresh lime and lemon*
*listening to Hay House Radio*
*Ujjayi breathing*
*Anjaneyasana*

What are some of your April favorites?
Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste'
Leslie

on putting that baggage down

2011-04-27T17:19:00.012-05:00

While I love a beautiful piece of luggage as much as the next Diva girl, there is some baggage I just don't wanna carry. No matter how wonderful and loving and gracious our parents were as we grew up, we all acquire baggage. It's just a part of life. This baggage isn't like a gorgeous Louis Vuitton filled with inspiring beauty; this baggage is down-right ugly and filled with crap. It feels oh. so. heavy. to carry on a daily basis. It slows us down. It keeps us stagnant. It casts a dark shadow on our lives. Yet, sometimes we do everything in our power to keep on carrying it. We fill it with anger. We fill it with fear. We make up excuses as to why we need to keep it around. We hold on tight to it, as if we would have to go naked without its contents. We believe it is a part of us, and that we wouldn't be "ourselves" without it.

Here is the simple, good news:
We can CHOOSE at any moment to put our baggage down.

It is just that simple. We can send our parents, past lovers, friends, etc. light and love and forgiveness, and then set the bag down and MOVE ON. And, anytime we feel the baggage trying to roll back into our lives, (and I can guarantee it will at some point or another) we can make a conscious choice to stop it and simply refuse to pick it back up. While others may have filled our baggage full, we are the ones who have control of whether or not we carry it.

That, my friends, is personal power & responsibility

& we ALL have it.

What do you need to set down today?

Peace, Love, Lipstick

& Namaste,

Leslie

partner yoga & comment love

2011-04-25T19:55:00.006-05:00

Tonight my sweet husband and I did some partner yoga after I led him through a short private session. If you're interested, check out this short demo of partner yoga.

Also, I wanted to let you know how much it means to me to get comments from readers. Please feel free to post a comment when you stop by. I so appreciate comment love!

Wishing you a wonderful week!

Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste'
Leslie

yoga workshop & lovely ladies of inspiration

2011-04-23T20:36:00.010-05:00

I just got back into town from a two day intensive yoga assists workshop with Gina Caputo at Kansas Siddhi Yoga. It was a wonderful two days of learning. When I get back home from yoga teacher training workshops, my mind is always spinning with ideas and inspiration and a sense of being humbled, yet very empowered. I cannot wait to teach my next class!

If you ever have a chance to take a class or training with Gina, I highly recommend it. She is inspiring & tough as nails, but with a great sense of humor & a huge heart. She is now also added to my list of women who inspire me. Here's my current list of lovely lady inspiration:

Kris Carr
Gabrielle Bernstein
Seane Corn
Oprah
Madonna
Kimberly Wilson
Louise Hay
Cheryl Richardson

I think it's so important to recognize those who are your sources of inspiration, so you can begin to grow and learn and transform--particularly focusing in on the characteristics in that person you admire. What rational risks did she take to get where she is? What feeling does she evoke in you when you're in her presence or simply observing her? How can you give a similar feeling to others? How can you be fully yourself, yet integrate some of what you've learned fom her?

Who inspires you?

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste'
Leslie

*photo from Kansas Siddhi Yoga website

shedding perfectionism

2011-04-20T17:57:00.008-05:00

Perfectionism is not a prerequisite to anything besides pain.

I consider myself a recovering perfectionist. I know I am not alone with this constant battle, and many women, in particular, are right there with me. I come from a long line of perfectionistic women--some of whom still announce the title proudly. Here are some reasons perfectionism is a sure road to pain and disappointment and definitely worth the time and effort to let the title go:

Perfectionism can stop us from starting.

People who strive for perfection often will not attempt something because they feel like they can't do whatever it is perfectly. Many missed opportunities and experiences can go by in life for those who set perfection as their standard. Sadly, this means opportunities to grow and learn and transform and move in the direction of your dreams can be passed by.

Perfectionism can stop us from finishing.

Many times projects go unfinished because the perfectionist's perception is that she is not living up to her own unrealistic standards. The false notion is that not finishing something is better than finishing the project and it not being perfect.

There is NO such thing as perfection.

Striving for perfection will always be a let down because it simply does not exist. No matter what you do or how you do it, it will never be perfect, so you're setting yourself up to feel unworthy, not good enough, and constantly falling short. We all know (in our heads) that perfection doesn't exist, but we need that shift of knowing to move to our hearts, so we can let it go!

How do we make that shift to the heart knowing?

Radical Self-Love, Self-Compassion, & Self Acceptance

When you feel the perfectionistic voice sneaking into your head, make a conscious decision to shift your thinking. Imagine that you are talking to your best friend:

What would you say to her in the situation? How would you support and encourage her? How would you help her see her strengths and be more compassionate with herself?

Here's to shedding perfectionism, one self-loving thought at a time!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,

& Namaste'

Leslie

music & the soul

2011-04-18T19:23:00.005-05:00

Jodi Picoult is probably my favorite contemporary fiction author. Her books always make me think about moral and ethical dilemmas. They are entertaining, and when I want a page-turner, she is always the author I reach for. I am currently reading her most recent book, Sing You Home. One of the characters is a music therapist. Here is a very interesting snippet from the book that as soon as I read, I wanted to share: "Some cognitive scientists believe human response to music provides evidence that we are more than just flesh and blood-that we also have souls. Their thinking is as follows: All reactions to external stimuli can be traced back to an evolutionary rationale. You pull your hand away from fire to avoid physical harm. You get butterflies before an important speech because the adrenaline running through your veins has caused a physiological fight-or-flight response. But there is no evolutionary context within which people's response to music makes sense--the tapping of a foot, the urge to sing along or get up and dance, there's just no survival benefit to these activities. For this reason, some believe that our response to music is proof that there's more to us than just biological and physiological mechanics--that the only way to be moved by the spirit, so to speak, is to have one in the first place." Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste' Leslie

weekend in review

2011-04-17T19:23:00.015-05:00

*All ready for The Little Black Dress charity event benefiting the local women's shelter.**At the event with my co-worker girlfriends.* *Our tulips finally bloomed. Yay spring!* *Veggies getting ready to be grilled.* *Spent the day with my good friend Tara. We talked for 8 hours straight--seriously. So wish she still lived in MO.*

*Late dinner with family at Chevy's.*

*Planted flowers in 4 pots and on top of our rain barrel. Only 2 more pots to go. Pictures to come.*

*Made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast.*

*Grocery shopped--got lots of yummy fruits & veggies.*

*Read while sipping a grande, non-fat, no-whip, mocha in a for-here mug at Starbucks.*

It was truly divine. Hope yours was, too!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,

& Namaste'

Leslie

yoga at home sequence

2011-04-11T19:40:00.008-05:00

I just finished an at-home yoga practice & it. was. divine. It was one of those practices where I turned the music on and just let my body lead. It always feels so good to silence the mind monster--even if just for a short time. I turned on my Le Spa Sonique cd, and just let go.

For those of you interested, here is the sequence I practiced today:

Start in Mountain Pose

3 1/2 Sun Salutations

Sun Salutation A--4Xs

Sun Salutation B--4Xs

Standing in Mountain

Inhale arms up

Exhale forward fold

Inhale extend half way up

Exhale forward fold

Inhale to plank Exhale lower slowly

Inhale Cobra Exhale Down Dog

(Now for the standing sequence--hold each pose 3 breaths)

From Down dog move into Warrior 1-hold

On the 4th exhale, move into Warrior 2-hold

On the 4th exhale, move into reverse Warrior-hold

On the 4th exhale, move into extended side angle-hold

On the 4th exhale, move into pyramid with hands on the floor on the outside of front leg, or on leg if you need to modify-hold

On the 4th Inhale, move into standing split-hold

On the 4th Exhale, move into crescent lunge (with back knee down or up--you choose)-hold

On the 4th Exhale, revolve the crescent lunge--hold

On the 4th Exhale, come back to center and move into pigeon pose-hold

On the 4th Exhale, move into Down Dog

(Repeat entire sequence on the other side)

Come into sitting for Wide Angle Seated Forward Bend-hold

Come onto back for Supine Spinal Twist-hold

Then, do other side Savasana for at least five minutes

Come up to sitting cross legged, hands at heart center.

Breathe as you focus on the following four phrases:

May you be free of fear.

May you be happy.

May you be healthy.

May you live with ease.

Namaste'

Leslie

weekend in review

2011-04-10T18:07:00.009-05:00

*major grocery shopping excursion w/ Sweet Husband*

*yummy fajita dinner at friends' house*

*house cleaning*

*hosted good friends & their two little girls for the weekend*

*went on a picnic*

*shopping trip where I picked up this*

*reading this while sipping a mocha at Starbucks*

*BBQ at home*

*chocolate pancake breakfast*

*long walk while listening to this podcast*

*planted these*

*afternoon nap*

*bookstore browsing at Barnes & Noble*

*home-made ham & pineapple pizza*

Love weekends!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,

& Namaste'

Leslie

shifting

2011-04-06T18:56:00.006-05:00

The end of my day at work today was hard. Being the receiver and then bearer of bad news doesn't sit well with my soul. I left feeling tired and drained. Then, I decided I was going to shift my stinkin' thinkin', and kick Negative Nelly to the curb--where she belongs!

Here are a few ideas to help with this shift

(you may need to utilize a few of these to get Ms. Nelly totally gone):

*take a walk*

*read inspiring blogs*

*do yoga*

*create a gratitude list*

*pet your pups*

*take three deep, full, present, relaxing breaths*

*write in your journal*

*meditate*

*kiss your spouse--a good, long, juicy one or at least get a good hug!*

*listen to fun, feel-good music (maybe even bust out in dance, if your body desires!)*

*read through a list of positive affirmations*

*watch something funny (nothing's as good for the soul as laughter)*

*walk bare-foot in the grass (maybe even do a cartwheel if you're feeling courageous!)*

Little actions and shifts in perspective, can make a BIG difference!

Peace, Love, Lipstick, &

Namaste'

Leslie

a few spring break photos

2011-04-05T18:36:00.002-05:00

New hair with highlights Vision Board

Expect Miracles t-shirt

Lunch in KC

Peace, Love, Lipstick

& Namaste'

Leslie

spring break 2011 in review

2011-04-03T08:09:00.005-05:00

*overnight trip to KC w/ Sweet husband & good friends*

*trip to St. Louis w/ Sweet husband and met up with good friends*

*hosted spring break soiree' w/ girlfriends*

*watched Kris Carr and Garbrielle Bernstein's Crazy Sexy Miracles lecture via ustream*

*dinner on patio at Flatbranch*

*long walk w/ the pups*

*Barnes & Noble browsing*

*Target shopping trip*

*designed and got "expect miracles" t-shirt made*

*Spring Cleaning*

*closet organizing*

*sushi & pad thai at Kampai w/ Sweet Husband*

*reading & mocha sipping at Starbucks*

*typed up loads of yogathoughts for upcoming yoga classes*

*made yummy pasta dinner*

*lunch at Bangkok Gardens & hung out downtown*

*made new vision board*

*got new do...lots of blonde highlights added to my hair*

Peace, Love, Lipstick

& Namaste'

Leslie

april attitude of gratitude challenge

2011-03-31T09:20:00.011-05:00

I thoroughly enjoyed the March Movement Challenge and found it to be a really rewarding, yet do-able discipline. Knowing that I only had to move 20 minutes a day (we can do anything for 20 minutes, right?) the pressure of needing to work out for hours and the excuse of "not having enough time" both went right out the door. Most days I exceeeded the 20 minutes, too. How did it go for you? With the closing of March, I've decided to create a new challenge for the month of April (although I do plan to keep the movement going!) The April challenge is below. Please feel free to join me!

April Attitude of Gratitude Challenge

Each day during the month of April find 5 things (people, places, experiences, etc.) that you are thankful for and write them down! You can keep a gratitude journal and write them in it throughout the day or at night before bed. You can get a gratitude partner and e-mail or text your list to him or her throughout the day. You can have family dinners and share your list with each other at that time--get the kids involved, no matter how young they are! Also, begin and end your day by saying, "Thank You" and feeling the true abundance in your life. Feeling like you're living in lack is much more difficult to do when you live with a spirit of gratitude. Fight your lack-loving ego, and pour some gratitude gravy all over it! I know it's not April just yet, but here's my gratitude list for today: 1. Spring Break 2011 2. Thoroughly enjoying an evening last night with some girlfriends 3. Watching the Crazy Sexy Miracles lecture with Kris Carr and Gabrielle Bernstein 4. Enjoying my morning cup of decaf coffee 5. Smelling a yummy lemon scented candle burning in the kitchen Yes, life is full! What are you thankful for today? Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste' Leslie

march favorites

2011-03-29T08:36:00.008-05:00

March is quickly coming to a close, so I thought I'd share some of my favorites from this month.

First, Revlon Soft Nude lipstick.

It's the perfect nude color, feels great on my lips, and the price is right!

Revlon Peach Petal Lipgloss

Love this lipgloss, and it goes perfectly over the Soft Nude lipstick. Loving this book! Wondering why I didn't write it myself! Found this non-sudsing shampoo/conditioner at Sally's Beauty Supply. It's sulfate free, has argon oil in it, and is made specifically for curly hair. I love how my hair feels after using it! I think I just might be giving up traditional shampoo! A co-worker introduced me to this Aveda Comforting Tea, and I fell instantly in love. Initially on the palette it tastes like many other teas, however at the very end of the tasting experience you get a shot of sweetness that I cannot really describe. It just might be the perfect tea. (The price is a little high, but I talked myself into buying it by thinking about it being less than $1.00 per cup!)I am also loving this Burt's Bees Citrus facial Scrub. I leave it in the shower and use it to exfoliate my face regularly. It's gentle, yet gets the job done! Love me some Burt's Bees!

*Blueberry Mango Green Smoothies* (YUM!)

*Pigeon Pose* (Can't get enough of this hip-opener this month)

*Black Eyed Peas Pandora Station* (For when I feel like dancing--or even when I don't.)

Last, but not least:

*SPRING BREAK*

I'm on it now, and enjoying it thoroughly!

Feel free to share some of your favorites for the month of March!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,

& Namaste,

Leslie

i'm back and yoga flow sequence

2011-03-22T18:31:00.007-05:00

Tonight I subbed a yoga class, and it felt oh-so good. I cannot explain how teaching yoga makes me feel beyond it's like I'm returning home every time I teach. I'm present. I'm alive. I'm full of energy. I'm calm. I'm focused. I'm relaxed. I'm out of my head and in my body. It's amazing! I have been on a year long yoga teaching sabbatical (although I taught quite a bit subbing classes and in the school where I work during this time "off"), and while I know it was good for me to take this mini-break, I am more than ready to begin teaching regularly again! I am also thrilled that I will be instructing at a fabulous studio here in town that has just the vibe and energy I want to be a part of. April 19 is the exciting start date, and I know lots of good things are to come! For all you yoginis out there, I thought I'd share a flow that will get you nice and heated: Inhale to chair pose Exhale sink deeper into chair Inhale to your tippy toes (while in chair)--I always give this as an option, not a requirement Exhale feet go flat as you foward fold into uttanasana Inhale half way up and out extending the spine long Exhale to plank and slowly lower on the exhale Inhale cobra or updog Exhale downdog Inhale while in downdog Exhale walk or hop feet to hands Inhale half way up and out extending the spine long Exhale forward fold into uttanasana (Repeat 5-10 times to get nice and heated from the inside out!) Keep going with the flow! More to follow... Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste' Leslie

my breakfast & smoothie recipe

2011-03-19T09:02:00.006-05:00

I love home-made fruit smoothies! This one is probably my all-time favorite. I usually just eyeball the ingredients, but here's my estimate of everything that goes into this smoothie. Delish!

Blueberry Mango Green Smoothie
1 cup mango
1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries
2 cups organic spinach
1 1/2 cups vanilla soy milk
1 cup crushed ice
1 tablespoon agave nectar

(I buy a big bag of frozen mango at Sam's Club; however, I find it becomes really hard to blend if I leave it frozen, so I usually thaw the mango out. I do leave the blueberries frozen. Sometimes I also add 1/2 an avocado if I want it extra smooth. I also just use a cheap blender I bought at Wal-Mart. It's a Hamilton Beach one that has a spout which can dispense the smoothie, as long as it's not too thick. We used to have a nice Cuisinart blender, but it actually broke while I was making one of these. The Hamilton Beach one works wonderfully and the price is definitely right.)

Hope you have a great day! And, if you have smoothie recipes you love, please share!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste'

birthday celebration

2011-03-16T20:14:00.005-05:00

Last night we celebrated my Sweet Husband's 38th birthday.

We had a great time.We ate a lot of sushi.

It's one of our favorite celebration foods.

And, we got a free dessert for his birthday!

Mango icecream! Yum!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,

& Namaste'

Leslie

family time

2011-03-13T20:08:00.005-05:00

I am truly blessed with a wonderful family. Yesterday we had our annual March birthday celebration. I believe there are 6 people in my family with March birthdays, so we get together each year to celebrate them all at once. The star of the celebration is always my Grandpa, who just turned 87 years old! He and my Grandma are my marriage role-models. Such a cute couple. Love them both so much!

Other than family time, I spent the weekend doing yoga, breakfast out with Sweet Husband, reading and mocha sipping at Starbucks, and dinner out with Sweet Husband. Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,

& Namaste,

Leslie

holy hip openers!

2011-03-07T17:06:00.004-06:00

My hips are tight. As much as I'd like for them to be all loosey-goosey, they are most definitely not. I've come to accept rather than judge my tight hips, and with that acceptance, I continue to work to open and release them. I'll never forget the first time I heard the beloved Power Yoga instructor Bryan Kest say the hips are "huge storage depots for stress." I thought: What??? The hips aren't a part of my body where I typically thought about stress being stored. However, he's so right: It's there. It's most definitely there. Today I decided to devote my practice to clearing that stress and opening my hips. So, I just completed this practice: http://www.yogajournal.com/video/64and holy hip openers do I feel good!

Do you practice yoga with any on-line resources? I haven't done too much exploring of on-line options. Do share!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste'
Leslie

self-compassion: go easy on yourself

2011-03-06T09:30:00.007-06:00

I believe self-compassion is one of the keys to unlocking a healthy, happy life. With that being said, I continue to have to work on a daily basis to keep my type A personality in check and treat myself compassionately. Here is a short New York Times article that once again reiterates the importance of going easy on ourselves:

http://nyti.ms/foOHha

I love the idea of writing a letter of support to yourself! And, we all know, I am a big believer in writing and reciting affirmations/mantras. Over time, these little changes can make a big difference!

Another resource that has helped me tremendously on this self-compassion journey is Tara Brach's book Radical Acceptance. I read it just over five years ago, and it really changed my life. Tara Brach is fabulous, and she also has a podcast where she lectures on topics such as mindfulness, self-acceptance, living in the present, etc. Definitely check her out if you are interested!

Hope you're having a self-compassionate weekend!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste'
Leslie

march morning sequence

2011-03-05T12:37:00.002-06:00

This morning I decided to do a gentle yoga practice. So, I headed to www.yogajournal.com and picked out this video to try:

www.yogajournal.com/video/99

It was exactly what I needed.

peace, love, lipstick,
& Namaste'

march intentions

2011-02-28T17:28:00.004-06:00

*March Movement Challenge*

*Keep a daily food, exercise & mantra journal*

*Have a fun weekend getaway with my Sweet Husband and a Friend Couple*

*Be healthy (no more sickness)*

*Spend at least 15 minutes reading inspirational literature at least 4X a week*

*Work on AFFA CECs*

*Get my locks trimmed*

*Get a pedicure*

*Attend nephew's 2nd Birthday Party*

*Organize closet & get out spring clothes-Yay!*

*Thoroughly enjoy spring break*

What are your intentions for the month of March?

Namaste'

Leslie

the march movement challenge

2011-02-27T10:29:00.005-06:00

I've decided during the month of March I am going to challenge myself (and all others who would like to join me) to move each day. There was not a lot of movement in my life during the month of Feb., and my body & mind are feeling it! So, here's the challenge:

Move a minimum of 20 minutes every day in March:

Walk

Run

Ride a Bike

Do Yoga

Lift Weights

Dance

Stretch

Just get your body moving!

It will thank you!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,

& Namaste'

Leslie

*photo from thelandbirdsofsoutheastbrazil.com

feb 2011 favorites

2011-02-26T16:25:00.004-06:00

Sadly, between the blizzard and illness, I've spent much of February laying at home in bed or on the sofa. However, I did venture out a few times and was able to enjoy the following favorites:

I started reading this book, and I'm enjoying it so far!

Saw this movie with my Sweet Husband at a very cool, little independent theater in town.

Loved it! (Hope it wins an award or two tomorrow night on the Oscars!)

OCC Lip Tar--very interesting lip product. Vegan and cruelty free--gotta love that. The color is "Hush." It is a perfect nude-pink color and very pigmented.
Sebastian Potion Nine--I have used this stuff for years, and I still love it.

It leaves my hair feeling soft, conditioned, and very healthy looking.

I was able to get my hands on this Urban Decay Naked palette on ebay. It has 12 beautiful, highly pigmented colors. Also cruetly free-which I love.
A few other favorites include:

*a z pack to aid my recovery*

*Sara Bareilles Pandora Station*

*Homemade vegetable & ground turkey soup:
1 can chicken broth
1 can beef broth
5 cans diced tomatoes
2 cans corn
1 cup chopped carrots
2 cups chopped potatoes
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped red pepper
1/2 head of cabbage chopped
1 small onion chopped
1 lb. ground turkey

-Just brown the turkey, add all the other ingredients, and cook for an hour or two on medium/high heat.

Hope you've had a great month. I'm definitely looking forward to welcoming in the month of March!

Namaste'

Leslie

girl crush

2011-02-24T14:12:00.004-06:00

Sickness=Day 5 (Yes, your read that correctly, day five and still feeling like rubish). I've literally been alternating laying on the bed and on the sofa for five full days now. When I am feeling back to my normal, healthy self, I am going to go out and celebrate my life and my health--that is for sure! Until then, I will continue to fill my days with resting and internet surfing.

In the midst of my surfing, I have come across the fabulously inspirational Gabrielle Bernstein. Are you familiar with her? Well, if not, definitely check her out! She is my newest girl crush. I love finding fabulous women who are doing great things! I will be ordering her book soon, and I'm looking forward being continually inspired!

You can check Gabrielle out here.

Much love, health, & happiness to you all!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
Namaste'
Leslie

yogathought

2011-02-22T18:03:00.004-06:00

This photo pretty much shows how I've been feeling lately. According to the Dr., I have walking pneumonia and need to rest, so that's what I've been doing. I've been very glad to have the animals around to keep me company. I am really looking forward to feeling back to my normal, healthy self!

Although I haven't felt well enough to do much yoga recently, here's a yogathought for the day:

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." --Frederick Keonig

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste'
Leslie

gratitude list

2011-02-17T18:27:00.002-06:00

Today I'm thankful for:

*my amazing husband
*the sound of peep frogs
*windows open and a cool breeze filling the house
*watching the sun set
*my health slowly, but surely, returning
*a large vase full of bright orange clementines on the counter

What's on your gratitude list today?

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste'
Leslie

three day weekend list

2011-02-11T09:31:00.004-06:00

You gotta love three day weekends! The only thing better is a four day weekend, which I have coming up next week! Here's how I plan to spend my time:

*massage
*movie with friend
*sipping hot coffee each morning
*lunch with my momma & aunt
*reading at coffee shop
*yoga
*helping administer the ACT to a load of students (this probably isn't something I'll be savoring, but it will give me a little extra cash for spring break next month! I'll definitely savor that!)
*looking through new InStyle magazine
*writing & sending valentines cards to loved ones
*perhaps even taking a hike through the snow

It's looking to be a great weekend!

Peace, Love, Lipstick
& Namaste'
Leslie

a word on chakras

2011-02-05T16:16:00.006-06:00

As I've mentioned multiple times recently, I've been reading Judith Anodea's Eastern Body Western Mind and LOVING it. I actually finished the book yesterday--it's a whopping 458 pages and I finished it in less than a month (which is fast for me, since I am always reading at least three books at one time). Today, I started going back through the book and rereading all the quotes I highlighted. For those who aren't familiar with the chakra system, or why it matters, here is a short explanation from the book:

"Chakras are not physical entities in and of themselves. Like feelings or ideas, they cannot be held like a physical object, yet they have a strong effect upon the body as they express the enbodiment of spiritual energy on the physical plane. Chakra patterns are programmed deep in the core of the mind-body interface and have a strong relationship with our physical functioning. Just as the emotions can and do affect our breathing, heart rate, and metabolism, the activities in the various chakras influence our grandular process, body shape, chronic physical ailments, thoughts, and behavior. By using techniques such as yoga, breathing, bioenergetics, physical exercises, meditation, and visualization, we can, in turn, influence our chakras, our health, and our lives. This is one of the essential values of this system--that it maps onto both the body and the mind, and can be accessed through either."

(*photo from http://www.besteasternhealthtips.com/)

I will be sharing more from this book throughout the next month. It really has opened my eyes to the connection between our chakras and our personality, health, and well-being. Creating a balance of energy flow is the ultimate goal, and once again, I am reminded why yoga is such a healing practice.

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste'
Leslie

jan. 2011 favorites

2011-02-02T14:22:00.006-06:00

Here are my January 2011 favorites (in no particular order)

LOVE this book! Cannot say that enough.

It is the perfect book for anyone interested in the chakra system & western psychology
I realize I've posted about this DVD many times, but it truly is my go-to for my at-home practice, and I 've used it quite a few times during January.
Love the instruction, sequence, music, & scenery!
With the winter weather going on and on, I've been loving using this bronzer to give my face a golden glow. It's a matte bronzer--which I love! Don't get me wrong, I am all about sparkle & glitter, but for a bronzer, I prefer matte.

I am also loving MAC Hue lipstick....

...with MAC Florabundance lipgloss over it.

The result is a beautiful peachy, nude color that feels wonderful on my lips!

Also loving...

*watching youtube videos*

*sipping Tulsi Sweet Rose tea with a tablespoon of agave nectar*

*my knewly knitted hat*

*home-made taco soup*

*pandora Bebel Gilerto station*

So, that's my Jan. favorites list....a little yoga, a little reading, a little food, a little beauty, a little music....Hope you enjoy. What's on your Jan. favorites list?

Peace, Love, Lipstick

& Namaste'

Leslie

light & yogathought

2011-02-02T11:11:00.004-06:00

The blizzard has ended and the sun is now shining brightly. It always amazes me how much more energized, productive, and happy I feel when the sun is out--even if there is 17+ inches of snow on the ground! The sunshine is a reminder to let our own light shine always!

"As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others." --Marianne Williamson

Peace, Love, Lipstick
& Namaste'
Leslie

blizzard day plans

2011-01-31T20:17:00.002-06:00

We are under a blizzard warning here in the mid-west. I don't know that I ever remember blizzard like conditions here. Needless to say, we are having another snow day tomorrow--this makes our 5th one. While this does mean we will now be going to school after Memorial Day, I do plan on enjoying the wintery day to the fullest. My agenda includes:

*enjoying my cup of decaf coffee w/ Sweet Husband
*yoga
*art journaling
*making cards
*knitting
*reading

I will probably even play a little bit with my newest ebay purchase Love getting creative with my make-up!

Wishing you a safe and warm day wherever you are!

Peace, Love, Lipstick
& Namaste'
Leslie

my prayer

2011-01-30T17:06:00.007-06:00

May I live fully, fearlessly, faithfully.

May I breathe in love-

my heart overflowing.

May I spread this love-

your love-

to all I encounter.

May I listen

and know

I am not alone.

May I pay attention

to miracles each day.

May I live my spirituality daily

so it rains

down

everyone

helping us all grow.

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste'
Leslie

yoga at home & kindness

2011-01-24T18:46:00.008-06:00

Tonight I turned off my cell phone, went into our study/music/yoga room and did my Ali MacGraw Yoga Mind & Body DVD. I LOVE this DVD. It has great music. It has beautiful scenery. It has wonderful instruction. (Erich Schiffman instructs the practice.) When I am wanting a steady, but not overly rigorous practice, this is definitely my all-time favorite DVD.

I now feel more connected to both my body and my breath. I feel open, and whole, and cleansed. Tonight's practice reminded me of the importance of being kind--and not just to others. Every thought that we think our bodies believe and absorb--whether the thoughts are true or not. The body is wise, but it cannot distinguish between true thoughts (like we are light, and love, and full, and whole) and those that are rubbish. I try my best to make sure my thoughts about myself are kind and loving thoughts; however, this is often easier said than done. I also realize that my thoughts can often become stressful thoughts about work, life, money, etc. My body absorbs all those stressful thoughts, and those toxins just hang out in the body (and eventually cause dis-ease) unless released. I'm currently devouring the book Eastern Body Western Mind, and with every page read, I am once again reminded of how important yoga is to help keep our bodies cleansed and our hearts open and full.

I'm setting an intention this week to be extra kind to myself? Wanna join me? Do some yoga, too. It does a body good!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste,
Leslie

knitting night

2011-01-21T23:14:00.005-06:00

Just finished my newest knitting project. Definitely been needing warm hats for this snowy, cold weather we've been having. I do love wearing hand-made hats and scarves during winter!

Hope you're staying warm!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste'
Leslie

thoughts on jivamukti yoga dvd

2011-01-17T12:54:00.008-06:00

I'm sitting in Barnes & Noble getting ready to skim through The Power (a follow up book to The Secret)-I won't be buying this one, but I am interested in skimming through it. I also have a copy of Kris Carr's (LOVE HER) Crazy Sexy Diet-This one I just might pick up, as I truly adore Kris Carr and admire her positive attitude, spunk, and perseverance. I also think she is incredibly knowledgeable and has great thoughts to share. My pile also consists of O Magazine and People (one of my guilty pleasures).

I'm feeling pretty yummy right now, not just because I have a day off and I'm chilling in B & N, but mainly because I did yoga this morning for the first time in a bit. (If you read this blog regularly, you know I was really ill, and there was no activity of any kind happening during that time.) This morning, I pulled out my Jivamukti Yoga DVD w/ Sharon Gannon & David Life. I bought this DVD back in December, and this is my second time doing it. From what I know about Gannon & Life, I highly respect both of them. I pretty much bought this DVD because their name was on it. I thought I'd share my thoughts with you about this DVD today--keeping in mind it's my personal opinion only!

Overall, I think this is a DVD I will reach for regularly. It is a fast moving practice that begins with flowing to get the body warmed up. Then, it slows down a bit and each pose is held around 5 breaths. Some of the postures include Warrior 1, Warrior 2, Triangle, Revolving Side Angle, Side Plank, Bow, Wheel, Shoulder Stand, Head Stand, & Seated Forward Fold.

The DVD has both Sharon and David moving through the postures. You can choose either of the two for the actual verbal instruction. I find that I much prefer Sharon instructing (not sure if this is because I am much more used to female voices); however, I do find her voice to be a little mechanical. I really appreciate instructors whose voices sound very authentic. Don't get me wrong, I know the importance of voice softening and using a soothing tone while instructing, but I am definitely a bit turned off if the instructor's voice sounds almost robotic.

The instruction, however, is very good. I appreciate both the physical descriptions of the poses as well as the integration of the more soulful side of yoga. There are not many, if any, modifications given throughout the practice, so I do feel this is more of an intermediate & advanced practice. Although there are not a great deal of extremely challenging postures (beyond headstand) throughout the class.

There is live music being played throughout the practice. The music is nice and not distracting (although very repetitive). If you like a variety of music you may find this music somewhat monotonous after a while. During the actual practice none of the music has words (which I typically prefer); however, during savasana the song does include lyrics. I find this to be very distracting to final relaxation.

Once again, I do think this will be a DVD I reach for regularly. I would give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. My favorite yoga DVDs are still Bryan Kest's Power Yoga Series 1, 2, & 3. They are oldies, but goodies; however, I am glad I bought this DVD and am looking forward to doing it again soon!

For all you yogis and yoginis out there, I'd love to hear your favorite go-to yoga DVDs. Do share.

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste'
Leslie

feelin' good playlist

2011-01-16T20:35:00.005-06:00

I find it's easy to slip into winter blahs during this time of year. I also find upbeat music can instantly change my mood for the better. So, this evening I created a Winter 2011 Feelin' Good playlist that I plan to listen to, sing to, and dance to regularly throughout the rest of this winter! Here it is:

Respect by Aretha Franklin
Hunter by Dido
Mercy by Duffy
I feel It All by Fiest
Virtual Insanity by Jamiroquai
Say Hey (I Love you) by Michael Fanti
Straight Up by Paula Abdul
Love Song by Sara Bareilles
All I Wanna Do by Sheryl Crow
Smile by Vitamin C
Beauty in the World by Macy Gray
Express Yourself by Madonna
Can't Touch It by Ricki-Lee

What songs would be on your Feelin' Good playlist?

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste'
Leslie

winter wonderland

2011-01-12T08:46:00.006-06:00

Here in the midwest, we've been snowed in for two days. Love me some snow days! Although I really do not like winter, I cannot imagine living in a place where the seasons aren't distinct. Here are some photos Sweet Husband took with our Nikon earlier this winter:

Hope wherever you are, you're staying safe & warm!

Love, Peace, Lipstick,

& Namaste'

Leslie

turning 80 & word of the year

2011-01-10T16:08:00.007-06:00

Yesterday my family celebrated my sweet Grandma Nana's 80th Birthday. It was a great time. I know I'm very blessed to have such a wonderful family. Grandma Nana did a pretty good job raising her four kiddos, I'd say. I have so many happy memories of going to Grandma's house as a child. I sure hope I've inherited some of Grandma Nana's kindness, spunk, & sense of style! She is such a wonderful lady who has touched the lives of so many people. Love you, Grandma Nana!

And, to top the evening off, my sweet Mama bought a karaoke machine, so we spent the night singing and laughing together. Nothing's as good for the soul as spending time having fun with loved ones!
With that, I've decided my Word of the Year for 2011 is JOYFUL AUTHENTICITY (I know this is two words, but I'm breaking the rules). I want to reconnect with that childlike adventure every child has. I want to play. I want to explore. I want to laugh. I want to be filled with pure happiness. I want to be silly. I want to break the rules. I want bliss. I want to be myself fully in every action and interaction I have without any judgement or worry of judgement from others. Who says being an adult means we have to let go of all these things, anyway? I want to look back when I'm 80 and have no regrets!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste'
Leslie

simplicity

2011-01-05T15:24:00.004-06:00

For the past two years, I've chosen a word of the year to focus my energy on throughout the year. I haven't totally decided on my 2011 Word of the Year (I know, I'm a little behind), but I had been contemplating simplicity. Although I don't think this will end up being my word, I find it interesting that I was thinking about using it, and the first week of 2011 has definitely been simple--forced simplicity one could say. I came down with a monster cold/flu last Thur. We spent New Years Eve at home on the couch with a movie. And, I've pretty much been at home every day since then. I made the mistake of trying to go to work yesterday, but that didn't go over very well, and by 10:00 a.m., I left and headed to the Dr. before coming home. I don't have the energy to do anything besides sleep, read, and surf on the internet. I cannot smell a thing (this is killing me as I LOVE my sense of smell). I cannot taste anything (which is also killing me as eating just isn't as fun when you can't taste it!). I literally haven't left the house since last Saturday except for my short jaunt to work and the Dr. Anyway, 2011 has been simple so far. This wasn't exactly what I was invisioning when thinking about the word simplicity, but it's what I got. Anyway, I will continue to ponder my 2011 word of the year, and I am very much looking forward to feeling back to my normal healthy self.

Do you choose a word of the year? If so, I'd love to hear your choice.

Namaste'
Leslie

goodbye 2010

2010-12-31T09:49:00.005-06:00

I'm finishing out the year feeling very under the weather. I have not been sick all fall & winter, but it seems despite my daily vitamin and Emergen-C, I officially have a miserable cold. Boo! Being sick definitely makes me appreciate my normal good health!

As I reflect on 2010, here are a few of my favorite memories & happenings:

*sold our 1st home
*bought a new one
*moved
*took a yoga teaching sabbatical
*hosted our first Thanksgiving dinner
*went to Hermann & slept in a converted wine cellar
*hosted a soup & wine tasting party
*1st pool party at my Mom's
*turned 34
*annual Girls' weekend

Overall, it's been a good year, although somewhat uneventful (besides the big move). I'm very much looking forward to 2011. I remember in 2005, I said Ifelt like it was going to be a big year, and well, I ened up getting engaged, married in Jamaica, getting a counseling position, and buying our first home all while attending graduate school. It was quite the year--to say the least. I have that same sort of feeling about 2011. I don't think these typse of huge life changes are going to occur, but I do feel like it's going to be a very good year with some exciting changes!

I hope you have a wonderful New Year!

Namaste'
Leslie

holiday 2010 photos

2010-12-29T17:02:00.003-06:00

Three holiday celebrations down, and only two more to go. Tonight we are going to an ugly Christmas Sweater party (first one I've ever been too--and it should be fun!) & Saturday night is our final Christmas celebration with my Mom's dad and his wife. Throughout the festivities, we took many photos with our Nikon D60. We bought this camera earlier in the year, but hadn't used it very much. After all the photos we've taken and printed lately, I am very, very pleased with it. (I don't know much about photography, and the photos this camera takes, makes me look like I do!)

Today I took down all our Christmas decorations. While I think having them up makes the house feel cozy & festive, after the holiday, I always look forward to taking them down. Partly, to have it checked off my list of things to do and partly because I appreciate the spaciousness that I feel after everything is down and put away. I've found this is the perfect time to clean up, organize and create space in my life for all the great things to come in the New Year!

Namaste'

Leslie

holiday goodies

2010-12-26T21:32:00.008-06:00

As always, Santa & family & friends were very good to me this year. (I guess I must have been a good girl, huh?) Here are a few of my favorite holiday gifts:

I got this book in the mail a few weeks ago and it made. my. day! Besides the fact I love getting snail mail, (really, what can be better than a snail mail gift?), I've had this book on my list of books I wanted to read for a while now--ever since I heard a podcast interview with the author. Thanks so much to my sweet friend Dana. (She is tHe BEsT snail mail gift giver!). Truly, it is a perfect gift, and I am looking forward to reading it in the New Year!

Just watched this & I enjoyed it just as much, if not more, than the first time around in the theater. Just adore the clothes, beauty & all-things sparkly!
Speaking of sparkle, I am loving this perfume. One of it's top notes is raspberry, and while I used to not really like berry smells, lately I have found myself loving them. I plan on pairing this with Bath & Body Works Snow Kissed Berry lotion scent. Yummy!

And, yes, another one (as you already know, I love all things that smell yummy), and I do believe this may be my newest all-time favorite scent. It's very different than my other perfumes, but I love it. I'm not sure of all the notes, but I definitely smell a hint of orange blossom when I wear it. This one may just become my 2011 signature scent! Thanks to Jennifer at Sophora for recommending it.

And last, but not least, my lashstash kit. To me, putting on make-up is a creative expression. I enjoy doing it--choosing the colors, blending, contouring, highlighting. It's art I get to do every day, & I have always enjoyed it. I have also been on the hunt for my favorite mascara, so when I saw this at Sephora the other day for $38, I almost bought it; however, I talked myself out of it. So glad I did because when I went there today with my Christmas gift card, it was on sale for $24.00. Can't wait to try it out!

So, these were my favorite gifts. I do admit I enjoy all things style & beauty. Some critics out there might say it isn't very "yogic" of me, but I am a yogini who loves a good perfume & mascara...that's just me, no apologies...

I hope you had a wonderfully beautiful & sparkly holiday, too. Would love to hear what some of your favorite gifts were.

Namaste'

Leslie

holiday party 2010 photos

2010-12-19T19:56:00.007-06:00

Last night was my mom & step-dad's annual holiday party. It was a good time! Here are some photos from the evening:

My sweet grandma Nana who turns 80 next month.

My handsome husband.

My BFF Hayley.
My aunt and her sweet hubby.
My mom, her two sisters & my sweet Grandma Nana.

Love my family & friends. I'm very blessed.

Namaste'

Leslie

creative christmas project & magic tree

2010-12-18T13:14:00.004-06:00

I've spent my morning making home-made stamped gift cards and wrapping a few gifts. This is the first year I've made gift cards, and I'm very happy with how they turned out. I simply used fancy scissors to cut the silver paper I had. I used green, blue, and bronze ink for the stamps. I punched a single hole in the top, tied ribbon through it, and finished off by adding a sparkly sticker gem. Voila! Quick, easy, and personal. Last night my sweet husband and I and another friend couple went on a Starbuck's run and Christmas light gazing trip. I must admit, the lights around town were somewhat of a let-down (I swear the small town I grew up in--with population 2,000--has some of the best. lights. ever.), but the magic tree was truly magical!

Tonight we're off to my Sweet Momma's holiday party. Looking forward to the festivities! Hope you have a bright & sparkly weekend, too.

Namaste'

Leslie

2010 reflections

2010-12-14T07:02:00.000-06:00

eastern body western mind & seane corn

2010-12-10T17:45:00.003-06:00

Seane Corn is one of my all time favorite women and role-models. I adore her authenticity & inner and outer beauty. She radiates light and love--truly. One of my goals is to attend a yoga workshop with her some day--hopefully soon! I would love to have the opportunity to be in the same space with her and learn from her. I recently listened to a podcast of her being interviewed which I found fascinating. It was a part of the Sounds True podcast that I downloaded from itunes. I highly recommend it, if you get the chance. In this interview Seane mentioned a book called Eastern Body, Western Mind. I immediately looked it up on Amazon, and I knew this was going to be my next read. It's a book after my own heart combining yogic philosophy, spirituality, and psychology. I got the book in the mail today and immediately started reading it. For those of you interested, here's the description of the book from the back cover:

"In this groundbreaking book, Anodea Judith brings a fresh approach to the yoga-based Eastern chakra system, placing it within the framework of Western thought. Exploring the chakras through Jungian psychology, somatic therapy, childhood developmental theory, and metaphysics, she creates an elegant and practical system for healing energy imablances and taking control of your mental and physical health.

Each chapter focuses on a single chakra, starting with a description of its characteristics and identity issues. Judith then examine that chakra's particular developmental patterns, its traumas and abuses, and how to keep it in balance. The unique combination of Eastern and Western theories elucidates the spiritual nature of personality development and how it fits within the structural logic of the body.

Seamlessly blending psychology and spirituality, Eastern Body, Western Mind creates a compelling interpretation of the chakra system and its relevance for Westerners today."

Love this! I look forward to sharing many insights from this book with you!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend. I'm off to a night of knitting with the girls.

Namaste'
Leslie

peter pan & december intentions

2010-12-05T20:51:00.005-06:00

Today I took my nephew to see the children's theater production of Peter Pan. I love the reminder of reconnecting with our child-like spirit this holiday & throughout the New Year.

Here are my December intentions:

*practice yoga at least 2X per week
*go to gym 2X per week
*take nephew to see Peter Pan
*go to Momma's holiday party
*finish reading Wired for Joy
*go to dinner at Glen's Cafe w/ Sweet Husband's parents
*start reading A Course in Miracles & Eastern Body Western Mind
*go to knitting night with lady friends
*make Christmas gift tags
*be fully present at all holiday festivities
*finish knitting scarves
*get together with friend Hayley
*organize jewelry armoire
*type up revised 35 by 35 list
*go Christmas light gazing
*LOVE fully, spread joy, & connect w/ my child-like spirit

What are your intentions this holiday?

Namaste'
Leslie

holiday photos

2010-12-03T07:06:00.009-06:00

I just began reading the book The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin. I have had this book on my reading list for a while, and when I saw it as a bargain priced book at Barnes & Noble, I couldn't resist buying it. As I read, I am once again reminded that we are born creative. It doesn't matter if you don't paint or draw, you are still an artist with a creative spirit! Sometimes we can become very disconnected to our creative side by the busy-ness and noise of every day life. This is why it is so important to take opportunities to get still (yay yoga!) and plan inspiration dates. Find the time to reconnect with your creative side! What inspires you? What gets you excited? What are you drawn to do? What would you do, if you had all the time in the world?

One of my favorite ways to be creative is through decorating. Since we are in a new house this Christmas, I've added a few new color schemes and decorations, but I was able to use most of our older decs in bedrooms and the study. Christmas decorations just make the house cozy and warm...

This is a little vintage looking tree in our study. I love it. The photo doesn't do it justice at all. Raspberry is one of my favorite colors!

I'm loving using the center of our square table as a display for decorations. I bought a bunch of small silver and gold candle holders from Michael's for $2.00 each, put out some ball ornaments randomly, filled two vases I had with ornaments, and put 4 snowflakes (I got at Hobby Lobby a few years ago)in the center on a round mirror I had.
This is a little raspberry tree I've had for a few years.

This is a candle stick I bought at Marshall's this year. I actually got two of them, and I am absolutely in love. I will be leaving these out all year round!

Peace

Thought these initial ornaments were fun. Found them at Kohl's last year.

The tree...I've always loved white trees. I orginally started with a gold, silver, and bronze color theme, but decided I needed more color, so I added in a silvery blue and green apple. I'm pleased with the final result.

Peacock blue is also beautiful, in my opinion!

This is the entry way to our home. Thanks to my momma for helping me with this arrangement!

I got this wreath years ago at Macy's, and I love it. Fun green feathers? What's not to love? It used to have a raspberry ball in it, but I wanted it in the living room, so I switched out the ball for a blue one.

Another shot of the table and tree in the evening.

"We need to remember we are all created creative and can invent new scenarios as frequently as they are needed." --May Angelou

Get your creative juices flowing this holiday season!

Namaste'

Leslie

yoga by the fire and growing as an instructor

2010-12-02T06:28:00.006-06:00

Last night I did yoga by the fire (I highly recommend this--if you have a fireplace!). I had my Christmas lights on, the fireplace going, and the rest of the lights low. It was a very cozy practice! I actually used a recording of a class I taught January 2010. It's interesting doing yoga to your own voice. For beginner instructors as well as those who are more seasoned, I highly recommend recording yourself occasionally. It can be a good opportunity to learn and grow. Throughout my years instructing, I also found it helpful to give surveys to my clients every year or so. It was always a quick, easy, and anonymous survey, but the feedback was really valuable. Use the more critical feedback in constructive ways (as hard as it can be, try not to let ego get involved), and then throw them away. I think saving really positive surveys is a good idea, though. If you are having a down day, or questioning yourself, pull out those positive surveys to give yourself a shot of confidence! You can also include them in your yoga instructor portfolio to show future employers. Just a few tips I have found helpful!

Happy beginning of December!

Namaste'
Leslie

34th birthday month & gratitude

2010-11-24T12:13:00.007-06:00

It's hard to believe my 34th birthday month is already coming to a close and Thanksgiving is TOMORROW! I am filled with gratitude that my sweet husband & I now have the space that will allow us to host my family (around 17 people) for our Thanksgiving celebration. I've made "gratitude" bookmarks for everyone attending, and we will be reflecting on the past year and writing at least 3 things we are thankful for. Then, we will share them before we eat. Here are a few photos of my many birthday celebrations & some shots of getting ready for tomorrow's festivities:

We had a yummy free (well mine was free) dinner at the restaurant Blue.Sweet husband actually found out he had walking pneumonia that day, but he still looks as good as ever!

2nd Birthday dinner celebration with my Sweet Mama

Gratitude bookmarks for the familyHope you have a wonderful holiday filled with gratitude, laughter & love!

Namaste'

Leslie

yoga cues to take off the mat

2010-11-20T14:02:00.003-06:00

These are some cues I use throughout my yoga classes. They very difinitely have just as much use off the mat as on...

*When feeling most challenged, use your breath to help you remain calm

*Inhale-let, Exhale-go, Inhaling-let, Exhaling-go

*Equally balance your effort with your surrender

*Notice places that do not need to be working, and allow those places to relax and soften

*Breathe deeply

*Check in with your body

*Look at the space between your thumbs and visualize the direction you want to go in life, now take two steps in that direction

*Tune in to your body's wisdom

*Allow yourself to let go of doing, and just be

*Your stronger than you know

*Be compassionate with yourself

*As you breathe in, invite in anything you may need more of in your life right now (compassion, strength, health, wellness, etc.), just breathe it in, then exhale and trust

*Listen to your body

*Tune in to your strength and feel it fully

*Allow yourself to be grounded, rooted, and centered

*Open to stillness

May we know truth.
May we speak in truth.
May we live our truth.

Namaste'
Leslie

choosing joy

2010-11-19T15:34:00.005-06:00

To tell the truth, being a postive & joyful person is a lot of hard work. I completely and whole-heartedly believe it takes a lot less courage and a lot less work to be a Negative Nelly, so to speak. Don't get me wrong, I have days when I feel down, and there are many times when I slip into negativity--Lord knows, I am no where close to perfect (and thankfully I'm so over trying to be) but overall, I would consider myself a very positive person whose intention is to always see the positve in myself, my life, and others. This is because I do the hard work and I make the choice. I consciously choose to contradict every negative thought about myself or others with a positive one. I consciously choose to celebrate the little things in life as well as the big ones. I consciously choose to see the opportunities in the challenges. I consciously choose to trust life. I consciously choose to give thanks every chance I get. I consciously choose to practice yoga and take care of myself. I choose my attitude, outlook, and approach to life on a daily basis. It is very hard work. But, it's oh-so-very worth it.

Do the work. Be courageous. Choose joy.

Namaste'
Leslie

loving kindness

2010-11-16T06:44:00.001-06:00

May you be free from danger

May you be happy

May you be healthy

May you live with ease

Namaste'

Leslie

love 3 day weekends

2010-11-14T17:17:00.008-06:00

This weekend was a 3 day weekend, and it is always amazing to me how much difference that extra day makes! Love it! And, I get another one next weekend because I'm taking Friday off for a personal day--I always try to take a day off around my birthday to spend some extra time reflecting on the year and thinking about the direction I want to go in the upcoming year. Not getting older, only getting better. :) Here are a few photos from this weekend.

This is a shot of my new black bow ring. Couldn't resist... This is my cute new hat (Charlotte Russe) and matching scarf (Marshalls). Love me some pink!

Went to the King's Daughters Festival. Didn't buy a thing, but did get a cute bag.

Sipped some Adam Puchta wine.

Got cozy by the fire.

Did some knitting with a loom.

Breakfast at Panera

with my Sweet Husband.

Shallac-ed my nails. (Love this beautiful, rich color: Fedora w/ Hot Chilis over the top).

Now I'm at home listening to George Winston's Autumn cd, blogging, smelling a yummy chicken in the oven, and loving life.

Hope you had a great weekend, too!

Namaste'

Leslie

yummy hot chocolate recipe

2010-11-10T19:59:00.003-06:00

So, it really hasn't been all that chilly around here this week, but after our trip to Hy-Vee tonight (why are grocery stores always so darn cold?), I was craving some hot chocolate. My mom has a wonderful hot chocolate mix recipe, so I whipped some up tonight. Just fyi...this recipe makes a huge amount, so beware and use a gigantic bowl to mix it in. It's great to give away for little holiday gifts.

Holiday Hot Chocolate Mix
*1 box dry milk that makes 8-10 quarts
*1 lb powdered sugar
*1 box of chocolate milk mix
*8 oz. low-fat nondairy creamer
*marshmallows or whip cream to top

Add hot water to a 3-4 heeping spoonfuls of mix. Stir. Marshmallows or whip cream to top.
Enjoy!

Namaste'
Leslie

leslie time

2010-11-09T08:31:00.003-06:00

I'm sitting at Panera Bread enjoying a bagel, cup of coffee & some Leslie-time. I've been at a counseling conference since Sunday (counselors have such good energy!), and this morning I woke up and knew a little alone time was in order. The conference has been great. I've gone to sessions covering overindulgent children, using love and logic, suicide prevention and assessment, and personality theory. The final keynote speaker is this morning at 9:45 a.m., then I'll be heading back home. When I was teaching, I never felt like I could take the time to get away and go to professional development opportunities. Although it is hard to get away, I now understand the importance of going to these types of events. It's so good to be around other professionals and learn from them. I've also enjoyed connecting with some of my girl co-worker friends. Girl-time is another necessity for the soul!

This week at work is also only a four day week, so I will only be working two days (although I know they will be two days with four days of work crammed in!) I scheduled a massage Thursday night to kick off my 3-day weekend. I'm feeling just a wee bit spoiled...but it is my birthday month!

How can you grow, learn, & take care of yourself this month? Don't just think about it! Do it.

Namaste'
Leslie

prana flow

2010-11-05T20:40:00.004-05:00

Tonight I attended an incredibly yummy 90 minute prana flow yoga class with Gina Caputo from Kansas Siddhi Yoga. If you ever get a chance to take a class with Gina, I highly recommend it. Seriously, I left the yoga studio feeling completely fluid--like the muscles and bones had left my body and I was all water and skin. It was an incredible feeling--like I was floating on earth. It was also so nice to really let go and have permission to let my body move as it wanted. Our bodies absolutely talk to us....if only we would always listen.

Namaste'
Leslie

my newest love

2010-11-03T19:23:00.007-05:00

Hot baths--I must admit, I have never considered myself a bath lover. In the past I've enjoyed them occasionally throughout the colder months, but they have always been something I could live without. In our last house, we didn't have a bathtub in the master bathroom (the one I used) so I rarely took them. Now we have a nice, big jetted tub, and I have fallen completely head over heels for hot baths. I have even started getting creative and making my own yummy scented bath fizzies (more on this in a future post) to make my bath time even more luxurious. There is nothing to melt the stress away like a hot bath, the smell of lavender, and candles lit. Truly divine.

Take a little time and pamper yourself, too. You deserve it!

Namaste'
Leslie

nov. intentions

2010-10-31T13:44:00.006-05:00

(I am almost embarrassed to admit that I go to Starbucks so much the baristas there now start making my drink (grande', decaf, nonfat, no-whip mocha in a for-here mug) as soon as they see me walk in. And, a few weeks ago, one very talented barista even made me a heart!)

I love the month of November just as much, if not more than, October! Between my Birthday on the 17th (yes, I am a total Scorpio) and one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving--which we are able to host this year because with our new home, we now have enough room--it is a month I always look forward to!

Here are my intentions for my birthday month:

*fully enjoy my birthday month--celebrate my life daily
*host Thanksgiving dinner for the first time ever
*continue planning time with girlfriends
*go to a Yoga workshop
*go to Missouri School Counselors Association Conference
*finish knitting hot pink slippers
*get creative--make stamped cards to put on the table for Thanksgiving, start another hat, finish knitting J's scarf
*revise and update my 35 by 35 list
*get a massage
*take a personal day from work to reflect, create, and savor life
*listen more, try to fix less
*keep a daily gratitude journal (always oh so much to be thankful for!)
*practice really paying attention and being mindful as much as possible

What are your intentions for November? I'd encourage you to write them down. I truly believe that the act of writing down goals, dreams, and intentions really does help you make them come true!

Namaste'
Leslie

weekend in photos

2010-10-24T20:13:00.006-05:00

Love the pocketbooth iphone app!

This is Sweet Husband's fake photo smile.
GameDay was in town.

Must admit, I didn't even know what GameDay was until last Wednesday...

Fun fall shots at one of my favorite parks.

Hope you had a good one, too!

Namaste'
Leslie

yogathought

2010-10-20T15:48:00.003-05:00

"Tension is who you think you should be.

Relaxation is who you are."

--Chinese Proverb

Namaste'

Leslie

fall soup & wine tasting party

2010-10-17T17:01:00.008-05:00

I love fall & home-made soup & entertaining. This weekend we put the three together and had a fall soup & wine tasting housewarming party. Here are a few photos from the evening:

I made Sweet Potato and Corn soup (I don't really like sweet potatoes, but this soup is YUMMY. It's also super healthy). My sweet husband made Winter Squash and Bacon soup (not so healthy--but very, very good). And, my step-dad made white chicken chili (Thanks, Tim). The soups were all a big hit. I also printed the recipes for each of the soups on fall colored card-stock, so those who wanted could leave with a recipe. Hosting a gathering can be a lot of fun. Choose a theme and go for it!

Namaste'

Leslie

10.10.10 favorites

2010-10-10T17:06:00.006-05:00

Photo above: Picture of me last weekend right before eating my favorite big breakfast. Here are some of my other favorites:

Favorite movies: Love Actually, Pretty Woman, Little Miss Sunshine

Favorite sitcoms: Sex & The City, Ally McBeal, Modern Family

Favorite big breakfast: eggs (over medium), sausage, hashbrowns & biscuits & gravy

Favorite foods: sushi, mashed potatoes, pizza w/ pineapple, mushroom, & canadian bacon

Favorite Starbucks drink: Grande' Decaf, non-fat, no-whip mocha, in a for here mug

Favorite books: East of Eden, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Little Engine That Could

Favorite yoga poses: Triangle, Downward Facing Dog, & Tree pose

Favorite flowers: orchids, gerbera daisies, & zenias

Favorite musical artists: Madonna, Dido, Nora Jones, Coldplay, Jack Johnson, Nick Drake...um, too many to list

Favorite things about fall: fall clothes, mums, apple cider, bonfires, yummy home-made soups

Need to brighten your day? Make a list of your favorites!

Namaste'
Leslie

hot pink slippers

2010-10-07T17:38:00.002-05:00

I love learning.

Tonight I am going to learn how to knit hot pink slippers.

I think it's so important to stretch ourselves, and no matter what our age, continue to learn, grow and challenge ourselves.

What do you want to learn? What step can you take to move yourself in that direction?

Namaste'
Leslie

oct. intentions

2010-10-02T16:15:00.003-05:00

Welcome October! (One of my all-time favorite months!)
Here are my intentions for this month:

*host fall soup & wine tasting housewarming party
*eat mindfully & exercise regularly
*thoroughly enjoy the fall weather
*get some good fall photos
*continue planning more girl-time
*learn more about life & wellness coaching using this book
*finish reading Wired For Joy & Catching Fire
*start reading Women & Money
*spend time with Grandma & Grandpa
*knit hot-pink slippers
*explore the brand new Marshalls coming to town (so. very. excited. about this!)
*try not to use the phrases "I'm tired, stressed, or busy," the entire month
*don fun, fall scarves, arm-warmers, & hats
*take at least 3 deep, full breaths every day

What are your intentions for the month?

Namaste'
Leslie

lions in your home

2010-09-30T18:08:00.006-05:00

Wired for Joy is one of the books I'm currently reading. It's written by Laurel Mellin, and while interesting, quite honestly, it has a bit too much of a text-book type feel for my personal preference. With this being said, I continue to read it because the topic is fascinating, and I'm learning. Essentially it's about rewiring the circuits in our brain to be joyful rather than stressful.

I do believe that being "stressed out" is almost celebrated in our culture today. Even as I write this I am thinking of how ludicrous that statement sounds, but I personally believe it. Seriously, if a person isn't busy and stressed there must be something wrong with them or missing in their life, right? We can become completely identified with our "stressed out" selves and our brain can become wired to be habitually stressed. Being stressed is a bad habit--period.

So, I'm working on this...it's a process, that's for sure. While Laurel Mellin wrote an entire book on the topic, so far I think there are two poignant statements that sum it all up quite simply:

"'Stress is optional. There are no lions in your home.'"

I'm going to try to remember this next time I'm feeling like there are!

Namaste'
Leslie

changing names

2010-09-26T15:38:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking about changing the name of my blog to SavorLifeStudios.blogspot.com I haven't decided for sure just yet, but I have been feeling like that name encompasses more of the direction I want this blog to go. So, if I decide to take the plunge and change the name, I invite you to follow.

Namaste'
Leslie

gratitude

2010-09-24T16:21:00.003-05:00

Today I'm thankful for:

*the upcoming weekend (& much needed downtime)
*perfect football weather tonight for Homecoming
*my home
*fresh, new pair of contact lenses
*hot pink wool to knit my first pair of slippers
*light classical music station on tv

What's on your gratitude list today?

Namaste'
Leslie

sleeping in a wine cellar

2010-09-19T15:57:00.007-05:00

This weekend my Sweet Husband and I went to a B & B in Hermann with some friends. This was my first trip to Hermann, and we had a great time. The Bed & Breakfast we stayed in was Murphy's B & B (Murphy is a sweet boxer pup). Our room was actually a converted wine cellar. When we booked the room, I was just a little hesitant about sleeping in a wine cellar, as I thought it might be dark and gloomy; however, thankfully, that was not at all the case. It was bright, charming, and very cozy. Here are a few photos from our trip:

Hope you had a charming weekend, too!

Namaste'

Leslie

iphone and yoga apps

2010-09-17T18:24:00.003-05:00

I LOVE my iphone. Before I had an iphone, I'd never been "into" phones, and the phone I had was old and one that I'm pretty sure I got for practically free with my plan. When I purchased my first iphone, I felt like such a diva, it prompted me to change the name of this blog! Now that I've had an iphone, I don't know that I could ever turn back!

One of the best things about the phone is definitely all the apps. This afternoon, I just purchased two new ones: Yoga Quiz & Yoga Deck. I haven't had a chance to use them, but I'm hoping to find them both useful.

For all you iphone users out there, I'd love to hear what your favorite apps are. Please share the iphone app love!

Happy Friday.

Namaste'
Leslie

another one

2010-09-15T18:00:00.000-05:00

Emiliana Torrini...check her out!

I LOVE Pandora.

What are your favorite stations?

Namste'
Leslie

my new favorite pandora station

2010-09-14T20:17:00.000-05:00

Donna De Lory...check her out.

Namaste'
Leslie

fall wardrobe must-haves

2010-09-11T15:03:00.017-05:00

I love everything about fall...the leaves turning colors, apple cider, pumpkins, the cool, crisp air, bonfires, hayrides, and mostly--fall clothes. Today, I moved my fall clothing from the spare bedroom closet into my closet. Here are some of my fall wardrobe must-haves:

Comfy Black Pant (I got this exact pair at Target).
Jewel Colored Cami's with lace (deep fuchsia, dark plum, & turquoise blue).

Love me some arm warmers...and scarves!

Great, funky-cut sweater to wear over the cami's. (Layer, layer, layer).

CND Shellac Nail polish in Fedora.

Fun, extra long silver necklaces.

This is what you'll find me in this fall!

Have fun. Express yourself. Get creative with your fall wardrobe.

Namaste'
Leslie

good news challenge

2010-09-09T16:37:00.004-05:00

Today I had a student stop by to tell me good news. (Gotta love this!) Essentially, earlier in the week she came by because she was very frustrated with a situation with a teacher, and she reacted to the situation in a not so good way. We talked about how she could approach the teacher and have a mature conversation to try and right the situation. Today she came in and told me she talked with him and it went very well. This is a HUGE deal for this kid. She said the entire time she was talking with him she had my words in the back of her head (Double love this!).

When I first started my counseling program, I felt a lot of pressure (from myself) to "fix" people and "fix" situations. I remember one of my favorite instructors and mentors saying there is no such things as "fixing"--all you can do is plant seeds...just keep planting seeds. It's so exciting to see seeds I've planted over the last 2 years with my students starting to grow.

This incident also got me thinking about how glad I was she came back to share her good news with me. It seems people share complaints and frustrations much more readily than good news (and I'm not talking about in a counseling situation here--just in daily conversations). At times, I believe complaining can almost become a habit--and a not-so-good one, at that. Although I did have many situations today that wouldn't be considered "good news," that one small victory is what is really standing out in my mind and is most important. Oh how the world would be different if everyone shared at least one piece of good news with everyone they encounter...

So, that's my September challenge to you--share a piece of good news (no matter how big or small) with at least one person a day throughout the month of September.

Spread the goodness.

Namaste'
Leslie

home photos

2010-09-06T18:47:00.010-05:00

I always enjoy seeing shots of other people's homes. Overall, I think our home is a good reflection of us and is starting to feel very cozy. One of the ways I find to express my creativity is through decorating. I am a bargain shopper (love me some TJ Maxx, Marshalls, & Gordmans), and I love when I find the perfect accessory.

Namaste'

Leslie

voluntary simplicity

2010-09-04T13:47:00.002-05:00

"Voluntary simplicity means going fewer places in one day rather than more, seeing less so I can see more, doing less so I can do more, acquiring less so I can have more...Slowing everything down is a big part of this. Telling my mind and body to stay put with my daughter rather than answering the phone, not reacting to inner impulses to call someone who 'needs calling' right in that moment, choosing not to acquire new things on impulse, or even to automatically answer the siren call of magazines or television or movies on the first ring are all ways to simplify one's life a little. Others are maybe just to sit for an evening and do nothing, or to read a book, or go for a walk alone or with a child or with my wife, to restack the woodpile or look at the moon, or feel the air on my face under the trees, or go to sleep early.

I practice saying no to keep my life simple, and I find I never do it enough. It's an ardous discipline all its own, and well worth the effort. Yet it is also tricky. There are needs and opportunities to which one must respond. A commitment to simplicity in the midst of the world is a delicate balancing act. It is always in need or retuning, further inquiry, attention. But I find the notion of voluntary simplicity keeps me mindful of what is important, of an ecology of mind and body and world in which everthing is interconnected and every choice has far reaching consequences. You don't get to control it all. But choosing simplicity whenever possible adds to life and element of deepest freedom which so easily eludes us, and many opportunities to discover that less is actually more." --Jon Kabat-Zinn Wherever You Go, There You Are

I'm going to practice some volunary simplicity this Labor Day Weekend! Want to join me?

Namaste'
Leslie

welcome september

2010-09-01T19:00:00.004-05:00

September Intentions:

*Spend a weekend in Hermann w/ Sweet husband and friends
*Playdate w/ Hayley at Summit Lake Winery
*Finish reading Fly Away Home and Women, Food, & God (didn't happen last month, as I had hoped....I just read too many books at one time!)
*Teach 3 donation yoga classes at work in honor of National Yoga Month
*Play piano at least 1 time a week (went down from 3--I think this is more do-able for me right now)
*Learn 3 guitar chords (hoping Sweet Husband puts new strings on his guitar soon, as one is broken)
*Final summer pool party at my Momma's new pool
*Morning hike through the woods w/ Sweet Husband
*Start reading Yoga Adjustments book again

What do you have planned for the divine month of September?

Namaste'
Leslie

being a witness

2010-08-28T15:35:00.004-05:00

Another theme I often use in yoga classes is the idea of being a witness...allowing ourselves to just observe our thoughts, our sensations, our reactions without any sort of judgment or attachment or resistance. This can be a difficult task, but I have found the more I open to the idea of witnessing myself, the more I am able to simply witness others. Try it during your next yoga class or if you don't practice yoga, just give it a try in your daily life for a day or two. Notice how this small, yet powerful, shift in awareness makes you feel.

Here's a bit more on the idea of letting go of judgment and simply becoming a witness from Jon Kabat-Zinn's book Wherever You Go, There You Are. (Side note: I am LOVING this book! Not sure why I haven't read it before now.)

"Imagine how it might feel to suspend all your judging and instead to let each moment be just as it is, without attempting to evaluate it as 'good' or 'bad.' This would be a true stillness, a true liberation.

Meditation means cultivating a non-judging attitude toward what comes up in the mind, come what may. Without it, you are not practicing meditation. That doesn't mean judging won't be going on. Of course it will, because it is the very nature of the mind to compare and judge and evaluate. When it occurs we don't try to stop it or ignore it, any more than we would try to stop any other thoughts that might come through our mind.

The tack we take in meditation is simply to witness whatever comes up in the mind or the body and to recognize it without condemning it or pursuing it, knowing that our judgments are unavoidable and necessarily limiting thoughts about experience. What we are interested in in meditation is direct contact with the experience itself--whether it is of an inbreath, an outbreath, a sensation of feeling, a sound, an impulse, a thought, a perception, or a judgment. And we remain attentive to the possibility of getting caught up in judging the judging itself, or in the labeling some judgments good and others bad." --Jon Kabat-Zinn

I have found the moments I able to truly become a witness, I feel so present and alive and connected. It is divine. Give it a try.

Namaste'
Leslie

letting go yoga instruction

2010-08-25T17:36:00.008-05:00

This afternoon, I've been reading Jon Kabat-Zinn's Wherever You Go, There You Are, and there was a great paragraph on letting go which reminded me of a letting go progressive muscle relaxation exercise I like to do at the end of yoga classes right before savasana. So, for those of you who teach yoga, I've written out an example of the wording I use. Feel free to borrow! :) For those of you who aren't teachers, try it on your own. It feels SO YUMMY! Enjoy!

Here's the quote from the book:
"Letting go means just what it says. It's an invitation to cease clinging to anything--whether it be an idea, a thing, an event, a particular time, or view, or desire. It is a conscious decision to release with full acceptance into the stream of present moments as they are unfolding. To let go means to give up coercing, resisting, or struggling, in exchange for something more powerful and wholesome which comes out of allowing things to be as they are without getting caught up in your attraction to or rejection of them, in the intrinsic stickiness of wanting, of liking and disliking. It's akin to letting your palm open to unhand something you have been holding on to." --Jon Kabat-Zinn

Here's the exercise in letting go (imagine calm, relaxing music, and my soothing voice):

"Now lying on our backs with our arms straight out to the sides and our legs a little wider than mat distance apart, just allow yourself to settle into this star position. Close your eyes, and let me lead you through this progressive muscle relaxation exercise. For some people relaxing can be incredibly difficult, so this can help. We will actually be contracting muscles in order to more fully relax them. I will cue you, connecting the breath to the movements, and we will hold our breaths just a moment before relaxing fully.

Let's get started with our right leg. Let all your awareness move down to your right leg. Actually begin to contract and tighten all the muscles in the right leg. Squeeze your muscles, pointing your toes on the right foot. Squeeze tightly up into your glutes and maybe even lift your right leg a few inches off the floor. Now let's take a big, deep, full breath in through the nose. Hold the breath a moment, and then completely and totally relax and release the leg heavy toward the floor as your exhale fully.

(Repeat this on the left leg).

Notice how your lower body feels compared to your upper body....Now let's bring your awareness up into your right arm. And, just as sometimes we need to work to consciously relax the body, the same is true for the mind. So, if you'd like, imagine placing anything your need to let go of mentally-anger, fear, anxiety, negativity, anything-into your right hand. Now close your right fist and squeeze tightly. Begin squeezing all the way up the right arm into the shoulder. Take a deep, full breath in. Hold the breath a moment. Now, as you exhale open your fist, release and just...let...go.

(Repeat this on the left arm. I usually say if they weren't able to totally let go, they can put the same thought in the left hand, or they can choose something else they are tired of holding on to.)"

After this exercise, we bring our legs closer together, move the arms inward, and relax deeply into savasana.

Hope you enjoy this exercise in letting go.

Namaste'
Leslie

all we need is love

2010-08-22T16:37:00.004-05:00

"Deep in the center of my being there is an infinite well of love. I now allow this love to flow to the surface. It fills my body, my mind, my consciousness, my very being, and radiates out from me in all directions and returns to me multiplied. The more love I use and give, the more I have to give, the supply is endless. The use of love makes me feel good, it is an expression of my inner joy. I love myself, therefore, I take loving care of my body. I lovingly feed it nourishing food and beverages. I lovingly groom it and dress it, and my body lovingly responds to me with vibrant health and energy. I love myself therefore, I provide for myself a comfortable home, one that fills all my needs and is a pleasure to be in. I fill the rooms with the vibration of love so that all who enter, myself included, will feel this love and be nourished by it. I love myself therefore, I work at a job that I truly enjoy doing, one that uses my creative talents and abilities, working with and for people that I love and love me, and earning a good income. I love myself therefore, I behave and think in a loving way to all people for I know that that which I give out returns to me multiplied. I only attract loving people in my world for they are a mirror of what I am. I love myself therefore, I forgive and totally release the past experiences and I am free. I love myself therefore, I live totally in the now, experiencing each moment as good and knowing that my future is bright and joyous and secure for I am a beloved child of the universe and the universe lovingly takes care of me now and forever more. And so it is."--Louise L Hay

Namaste'
Leslie

saturday love list

2010-08-21T08:17:00.003-05:00

I'm listening to the Eat, Pray, Love soundtrack in preparation for going to see the movie tonight with one of my fabulous friends. It has been a long week, and I have every intention of enjoying this weekend to the fullest!

Here is my Saturday love list (all those things I'm grateful for and loving right now!):

*Eat Pray Love soundtrack (great variety of music)
*Ira & Abby (watched this movie last night--very, very quirky, but I really liked it (even though it got a C+ rating!)
*CND Shellac Nail polish (seriously, the BEST. STUFF. EVER!)
*my sweet husband (I ran out of soy milk this morning, and my coffee was way too strong (boo!)--so he volunteered to run to the store to pick up some milk)
*Cool Tropical Breeze candle from Bath & Body works
*Going to bed to a thunderstorm and waking up to sunshine

Hope your weekend is full of love!

Namaste'
Leslie

Namaste'
Leslie

3 requests

2010-08-14T16:35:00.005-05:00

Over the past 4 months I've watched in amazement as the number of blog followers has almost tripled. Wecome to all of you! I never dreamed there would be this many people interested in reading what I have to say, but I am honored you are here! I wanted to write this post to let you know I would really like to hear from you! Please don't be shy about leaving comments! I have 3 requests for you today, and I thank you in advance for taking the time to let me know your thoughts!

First, please let me know what brought you to this blog--either how you found it or what you liked about it enough to follow it.

Secondly, please let me know if there are topics you would like me to focus on more or address. What do you most like reading about?

Lastly, let me know if you have any questions for me--about yoga, life, counseling, or pretty much anything! (I'll try to answer as many questions as I can in upcoming posts, but please be patient if I end up with a load of questions!)

Once again, thanks for stopping by. Wishing you many blessings and a fabulous weekend!

Namaste'
Leslie

2 fab yoga resources

2010-08-10T17:21:00.004-05:00

This morning while listening to Yogapeeps podcast (resource #1--Hear great interviews with all types of yogis and yoginis), I found out about yogavibes.com I haven't yet bought any classes or memberships, but I have been really enjoying watching the free vignettes. It's always so good to see and hear how other instructors cue and explain yoga postures. All you yoginis out there hungry for some more yoga resources, definitely check these out, if you haven't already!

Hope you enjoy!

Namaste'
Leslie

summer 2010 photos

2010-08-09T16:37:00.003-05:00

Namaste'

Leslie

august intentions

2010-08-08T17:48:00.006-05:00

I've decided I'm going to start writing down intentions each month. I like the idea of intentions instead of goals for two reasons: First, goals technically are supposed to be measureable and objective, and most of my list will not be either. Secondly, I like intentions because by stating an intention, it is declaring want I want to focus on and the direction I'd like to go without the pressure of feeling like I have to reach my goals, and the feelings of guilt that will ensue if I for some reason don't meet one or more.

So, here is my list for August:

*Host a Happy Hour Housewarming party for co-workers
*Guest teach yoga classes at Element
*Have a play date with Hayley--see Eat, Pray, Love & go to dinner
*Play the piano at least 3X's a week
*Get my knitting needles out and finish my Sweet Husband's scarf
*Celebrate my Grandpa's birthday with family
*Finish reading You Can Heal Your Life & Women, Food, & God
*Practice lots of self-care during a very, very busy month-eat healthy, get a massage, practice yoga, laugh a lot, etc.
*Spend a weekend at my Momma's with family
*Take photos with our new camera (that's really months old, but hasn't been used much)
*Get photos printed and put them in albums

What intentions do you have for the month of August?

Namaste'
Leslie