5 Reasons Why I Love Bikram Hot Yoga...



1.  The Cleansing Effect is like no other. Since this type of yoga is done in a hot room (101 degrees), you sweat profusely which is great for detoxification and cleansing the body.  You will be amazed at how wonderful your skin looks!



Bikram Yoga - 26 Postures



2.  Mind, Body and Spirit Connection.  In today's world, especially with a toddler at home, its difficult to find time just for myself to relax, think and rejuvenate my body.  Hot yoga is the perfect place to do this as for 90 minutes, I can be with myself and get in touch with my mind, body and spirit.  This practice, as disciplined as it is, has taught me that the spirit controls the mind, the mind controls the breath and the breath controls the body. If you understand this and apply it to your daily life (and stressful situations), it will change your world.

3.  Look Leaner.  It isn't a magic mirror, it's reality.  Not only does hot yoga burn calories in a heated room to help shed unwanted weight, but it also helps to tone, lengthen and stretch your muscles, improve your posture, balance and co-ordination. It's amazing! .





4.  Nobody cares.  Its the only place on earth where you can wear only bootie shorts and a sports bra, sweat like a pig and nobody cares, even if you have a muffin top! 

5.  It's so good, it keeps me coming back.  So much so, that I cancelled my 20 year long gym membership! The effect is incomparable.

Standing Bow Pulling Pose
 (no that's not me, but wish it was - dang! Look at those abs :))



Mmmm, what's that smell?

I recently discovered a new Laundry Detergent that not only fits the budget, but also the personality.  I believe that the more natural the product is, the more I want to buy it.  Usually I have found that if the product is more natural, sometimes you sacrifice smell or texture.  Not in this case!  At a price of $15 for 210 loads at Costco, ECOS Laundry Detergent is nostaligic!  It reminds me of my childhood when we used to hang our laundry outside on the clothes line over hanging the garden.  The clothes come out smelling so fresh and clean!  I also love the idea that this laundry detergent is non-polluting, 100% all natural and non-toxic and naturally scented with essential oils of lavendar, rosemary and coconut.  This is especially important to me with a little baby at home whose skin is so delicate and sensitive.  Suddenly, the laundry in our home is always done right away:)

http://www.ecos.com/ecosliquid.html#spec

Skin that Glows!

So I was feeling like my skin needed a makeover.  It's winter now (well, might as well be) and its time to refresh and rejuvenate!  I paid a visit to my local Shoppers Drug Mart and was greeted by Wendy, a friendly employee.  I explained to her that I am now 30 and the wrinkles are just around the corner. I want to nip them in the butt before they get me.  She pointed me in the way of "Neostrata Exfoliating Skin Renewal Peel".  I am glad she did becuase this product is fantastic!  I was skeptical of it at first, especially since the price is $75, but wow!  After one treatment (there are 60 in the bottle), my skin is brighter, tighter, smoother and fresher looking. If you are considering a trip to your local esthetician for a microdermabrasion treatment, this one comes in a bottle - and 60 of them!

Let the Christmas Tree Sparkle with Twinkling Lights...

...put on the ornaments, its a beautiful sight.  So I did.  It IS beautiful.

Aside from the fact that the tree is missing all ornaments at toddler level, I think the tree turned out pretty good!  It reeks of Christmas spirit :)  I love the time of year called Christmas.  Its not only a one day event but a whole SEASON of goodness. After 30 Christmas' I am still not bored and am equally excited every year.  Interesting. I am even more excited this year as it is Maya's first Christmas where she will understand what is going on for the most part (last year she was 6 months old). Oh, the magic!

No matter what they say, every day should feel like Christmas!!!

Chai Tea Latte

This is what I like to make for my friends when they come over for afternoon tea and good conversation!  I haven't met anyone who didn't like this as the flavour is very rich but not too overpowering with a perfect balance of spicy, creamy and sweet.

I also find that this tea contains the secret ingredients to help inspire you with thoughts to blog about :) I like to think it works for me anyways!

Chai Tea Latte

4 cups of water
2 cups of milk (any kind you prefer, I usually use soy milk)
2 black tea bags (or any other flavour you prefer, earl grey is another fav!)
10 cardamon seeds
3 whole cloves
2 black peppercorns
Sugar or sweetener to taste
1/4 of a cinnamon stick

Boil all of the ingredients together except for milk.  Once the liquid has come to a boil, take the temperature down and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes, pull out the tea bags and spices.  Add milk and stir.  For a frothy texture, use a hand blender to whip all of the ingredients together and voila!  Serve in a tea cup with sprinkles of cocoa and cinnamon, if you like!

Makes 6 cups of goodness.

Cardamon Pods
(can be purchased at any grocery store)



Whole Cloves
(can be purchased at any grocery store)



Cinnamon Sticks
(can be purchased at any grocery store)

Knock, Knock - anybody home?

I was inspired to write a blog after I realized how many thoughts I have throughout the day that are completely wasted as I did not share them with anyone.  Through my blog, I want to tell you about everything I think you should know and that I wish others told me sooner.

"Welcome to my Home".  Feel free to make yourself at home here in my online world as each room tells a different story. 

• Kitchen: I love to cook and learn new ways of experimenting with different flavours.  Cooking has been a passion of mine since I was very young.  I think I have my fair share of delicious recipes that I think you would love.  Let's cook!
• Bedroom: This is not always a place for sleep.  Let's talk about fashion, fun and decor!
• Bathroom:  Some of us spend more time here than others so i thought I would devote this room to tips on making ourselves look pretty and handsome and making the most out of what you have!
• Nursery:  For those of you with little ones, you will want to spend some time with me in the this room as I tell you about my latest finds in baby/toddler clothes, tips I have learned along the way, decor and everything else to do with baby!
• Living Room: Anything goes here.  Let's get social.
• Laundry room: This is one chore some people love to hate.  I just plain love it.  I have figured out how to remove even the most stubborn stains, experimented with making my own laundry detergent naturally and want to share it with you!
• Garden: Let's talk about the earth, flowers, plants and more!  I have found a new appreciation for planting, growing and taking care of my herb garden, flowers and plants.  
• Office:  Over my extensive education and many years of managerial experience in finance, I think I may be able to come up with a few ideas to write about here. I have come up with efficient and effective ways to save money, spend money, organize your money and making the most of what you have!
• Rec Room/Exercise Room: Time to get physical.  We only have one body so let's love it, work it and own it.  I have lots to share about my experiences with life as a competitive swimmer, personal trainer, nutrition counsellor.  I beleive we are all capable of doing amazing things both physically, emotionally and spiritually so I want to share some of my stories here.
• Medicine Cabinet:  If I wasn't a professional, FTM or manager, I would be a Naturopathic Doctor.  To fill my desire of learning about natural and preventive medicine, I am studying Homeopathy and reading about several alternative treatments and medicine for a variety of symptoms, most of which I think are avoidable if you know, I want to share them with you.

So relax, grab a coffee and hopefully I can inspire you, teach you and maybe entertain you during your stay :)