Yoga Position of the Day

Ok, I have been trying tons of new things to see what makes me feel energized. I didn't want to do yoga at first bc I already have a few strikes against me (vegan, tall and skinny) and I didn't want to stereotype myself any further. Well, too late! I find that yoga is the one means of exercise that I can get into! I find it powerful and relaxing. My goal with posting yoga positions is to encourage everyone to give it a try, even if it is one position a day! So for today, let's do a nice relaxing one.

I am pulling my inspiration from a box of yoga cards that I had picked up a year ago. They are from Rodney Yee and it is called Yoga the poetry of the body. You can buy them yourself here http://rodneyyeeyogastore.com/0312316275.html His website is also pretty cool with online videos and everything!

Ok, to the move...
Name: Mountain Pose/ Tadasana
Time: 15 seconds to 1 min
Feel: Feel the strength of your legs rooting into the ground-- a visceral connection to the earth. Then, as your legs root downward, feel your supple spine rise up. Broaden your back body as you lift your upper chest, expanding your collarbones into the wings of your arms. Feel the natural curves of your spine--length, width, and depth without rigidity.
My pointer: Remember to relax your shoulders. You will see just how stressed you are when your shoulders keep creeping up to your ears!

Good Luck

Cleaning windows with vinegar and newspaper!

I am sure you have heard from your mother how she had once used newspaper and vinegar to clean her windows. Well, I have tried it and it works. I also just saw a woman in Costa Rica cleaning her storefront windows with newspaper. So this is my green tip of the day!

How is it green you ask??

You get a chance to put those old newspapers to good use.
You don't have to buy/use excessive paper towels.
Using vinegar cuts down on toxic chemicals in your home.
It is Cheaper!!

Here is a link with directions on how to dilute the vinegar (or lemon juice).

http://www.ehow.com/how_2228008_use-vinegar-newspaper-clean-windows.html

So go clean you windows and save some $ and trees!

Benefits of Pink Himalayan Salt

I am copying and pasting from the livestrong website. I wanted everyone to get a chance to learn about pink himalayan salt. I discovered it myself a couple of years ago and this is all I use now. I was amazed by the 84 trace minerals. Plus I have a thing for pink. It looks great in the kitchen!

The info:

[Before the advent of modern-day medicine, people used salts for centuries to heal themselves. Himalayan salt is a pink salt that can be found in the Himalayan Mountains. Dr. Janet Star, alternative health and nutrition expert, states that biophysical research on this pink salt has identified crystals that contain the 84 essential minerals required to sustain human life. Because of this, Himalayan salt can be a natural and chemical-free alternative to traditional table salt. Himalayan salt has no additives and can alleviate the symptoms of a variety of conditions.

Dental Hygiene

Himalayan salt can be used to maintain good oral hygiene. Add some of the salt to water, and let the crystals dissolve. Then use it for a good gargle to stop halitosis. If you have sore and bleeding gums, gargling three to four times a day with a Himalayan salt and water solution can help. An infected tooth can be painful and make your entire body hurt. Using Himalayan salt with water and swishing it around the sore tooth can help draw out the pathogens and kill bacteria and germs.

Acne

Himalayan salt aids in certain disorders of the skin such as acne. It works by drawing out toxins. The toxins that are in the body as well as under the skin can be one of the causes of skin disorders such as acne. Himalayan salt can be purchased in the form of a bar and can be used to wash the face. It can also be dissolved in water and used as a face wash. There are also recipes available online and at health food stores for making facial scrubs that can also assist in the treatment of acne.]

The source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/26690-health-benefits-himalayan-salt/

Some learn more links : http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/pinksalt.php

You can find this in health stores everywhere. Whole Foods carries it ground or in large rocks. Trader Joe's sells it for 1.99 in their spice section.

Give it a try!

Habit 4: Be a model, not a critic.

Be a model, not a critic.

Look at the weaknesses of others with compassion, not accusation. It's not what they're doing or should be doing that's the issue. The issue is your own chosen response to the situation and what you should be doing.

Fair Grounds Coffee House Iowa City, Iowa

I don't know too many people who visit Iowa often, but if you happen to be one of them, (and vegan) I have found the place for you! This cafe looks like it belongs at a beach town in CA! It has a vegan bakery and 2 vegan menus to choose from (Breakfast or Lunch). They have fair trade coffees to buy in bulk for a very reasonable 11.99-12.99 per pound. They have a relaxed atmosphere with board games that you can play if you are in the mood, plenty of outlets for your computer if you need to do a little work or comfy couches if you just want to fall asleep in public!

The details:

• 319.338.2024

  fairgroundscoffeehouse@gmail.com

• Monday - Friday

  6:30 am - 7 pm

  Saturday & Sunday

  8 am - 6 pm

• 345 S. Dubuque St

  Iowa City, IA

The link : http://fairgroundscoffeehouse.com/