Do you know the Muffin Woman?

Mmm My Aunt Linda's Super Healthy POWER muffins allow the whole family to power through the day!

How do you make a healthy muffin that doesn’t taste like cardboard? Ask a Freyer…

To keep with the family theme of this week, I want to showcase another talent in my family…cooking. Cooking is also an extraordinary talent honed by the women in my family, and mostly all of our bonding happens over a good solid meal.

My Aunt Marina was a gourmet food stylist, while my mother has brought her Italian roots into modern cooking.

My Aunt Linda, is also a fantastic cook in the health food arena. She has mastered cooking for specific diets…Heidi is a vegetarian and gluten and lactose intolerant, while the boys in the family scoff at anything that looks “healthy”.

To satisfy the tastes of her family and yet keep them healthy, she has perfected a slew of recipes for all meals and has become a muffin master.

Every morning, at the crack of dawn, my aunt will make a fresh batch of the healthiest, tastiest POWER MUFFINS that even the anti-health-food boys in the family can’t live without.

yummmmm

Just the smell of them in the mornings draws you down to the kitchen to their tastiness.

After becoming instantly addicted to these morning treats that kept me energized all day, I begged her for the recipe. Every muffin is made as healthy as can be, with all natural sugar substitutes and extra whole grain everything. She says she makes different ones each day and experiments constantly….

Try Truvia as a natural sugar substitute instead of Sugar or the synthetic Splenda...

honey also works well as a sugar additive that's natural and healthy...you can also add honey to warm muffins instead of butter

experiment with different healthy additions like Flaxseed!

Some of her key ingredients are low fat buttermilk instead of skim milk, Truvia (an all natural sugar substitute) , wheat flour, oats and honey. Also, you can experiment and add in Flax seeds and all sorts of grain additions to add extra vitamins and minerals to your breakfast. Using spices like nutmeg and cinnamon will also give your muffins flavor without the need for excess filling ingredients. She also uses pretty much all organic ingredients!

Also make sure you do not overcook them for a minute! These healthier ingredients dry quicker and as soon as they are too cooked that’s when you get the cardboard taste…so watch them carefully!

Honey Graham Muffins

1 1/4 c graham cracker crumbs

1/2 c whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 c white flour

1/2 c oatmeal                                           Mix all together in a large bowl

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

3 tbs melted butter (I use light butter)

1/4 c honey

1 egg                                                       Mix all together

1 c buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 c raisins                                          Add if desired

Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients until just mixed – don’t overmix!  Spray muffins pans with Pam and bake for 18 minutes at 375.

Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

1 c whole wheat pastry flour

3/4 c white flour

1/2 c oatmeal

1/4 sugar (I use Truvia-8 packets)            Mix all together in a large bowl

2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 1/4 c applesauce

2 tbs oil

1 egg                                                   Mix all together

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix liquid ingredients to dry ingredients and add (optional):

1/2 raisins

1/2 c walnuts

Spray muffin pan with Pam and bake 18 minutes at 375.

Bodies in Motion: A Freyer Family Affair

Freyer Girls at the dance studio...from left: Heidi, Megan, myself, my mother, Aunt Linda, Petra

So I didn’t get a chance to post yesterday. I was a little distracted while visiting my Aunt Linda and my cousins Heidi, Petra and Christian in Wilton and Fairfield Connecticut.

Heidi and Linda just opened up a new pilates, ballet and yoga studio in Fairfield called “Pirouette, Pilates and More“.

Moving our bodies has always been a huge part of my family. My Aunt’s and cousins’, Heidi and Petra, dancing inspired me to keep dancing when I was young up through college. It also inspired my mother to get back into dancing when I was about 5  years old. Since then, my mother has also become a seasoned dance teacher, choreographer, yoga and pilates instructor.

My Aunt Linda...Ballet teacher extraordinaire

My cousin, Heidi, dance and pilates instructor...

My aunt Linda, an accomplished Ballerina, has been one of the top ballet teachers in Connecticut for years, while Heidi is an incredible teacher, especially in her private lessons. Heidi has danced all over Connecticut and New York City. Their students have gone on to dance all over the country and even in the New York City Ballet. She has now become a seasoned pilates instructor as well.  have had the privilege of dancing a piece choreographed by Ted Thomas (formerly of Paul Taylor Dance Company) with Heidi and take many of her classes.

I have since strayed from dance, largely due to injury and burn out from the psychological pressure of the dance world environment, and I have found my real passion in movement through yoga.

My mother, Susan, has always been my inspiration to keep my body moving

My mother was actually the one that first got me into yoga. She thought it would be fantastic for my anxiety, and after getting injured from dance, I needed a physical release that would help rehab my body. At first I was resistant, to put it lightly.  My mom persisted, giving some restorative classes to me and my friends the night before SAT’s and dragging me to an afternoon workshop or two.

It wasn’t until I really needed a mental and spiritual fix at a time when when my body had contracted pneumonia, that I finally embraced yoga on my own. It finally just clicked for me.

Now that I’m planning on returning to India to train as a teacher, I have been thinking about teaching in Connecticut with my family. Lo and behold, my cousin – in-law (my cousin Scott’s wife) Megan, has been teaching at the studio and some surrounding studios and has developed quite a following.

Megan, trained in Om Yoga, is a wonderful addition to our family and the studio. An artist and roller derby veteran, yes roller derby, she exudes a harmony, humility and kindness about her that is priceless.

The newest Freyer-girl to the family, Megan, is not only an amazing yoga teacher, but an artist and roller derby veteran! She's pretty bad ass...

So yesterday, all of us Freyer girls had the wonderful experience of taking her class. It was incredible. Maybe it was the fact that all of us women were coming together, doing something wonderful for our bodies and souls, or maybe it was Megan’s gentle yet inspiring and motivating teaching techniques, but I have never felt so spiritually restored after a class.

Megan definitely pushed my physical limits in this class, stretching and adjusting us in Monkey pose, Hanumasana. We did a special modification by putting our front foot up against the wall and sliding back, while she would come around and adjust our hips to be more square…YOWZA!  My Aunt Linda had no problem sliding right into her splits on both sides, however, after a sunrise run, my hips were a wee bit tight.

We also experimented with Bird of Paradise pose and some different ways to get into side plank and headstand. So many new ideas!

The best thing about the class was the laughter and joy. The great thing about the women in my family is they never take themselves too seriously, and always try to find the joy in our experiences. Turning every day, every dance class, into an adventure. The next task is to get the boys involved!  I can’t wait to go back down to see them again!

Yoga Pose of the Week: “Just Dance” in Natarajasana

Natarajasana...you can reach the right arm back and pull the foot closer to the head, but I wanted to show the beginner pose which is great for strengthening biceps/triceps!

So I’m heading down to Connecticut today to visit my Aunt and cousins. My cousin Heidi and my Aunt Linda have been running very successful dance studio in Connecticut called Ballet Ecole for many years, and have recently opened a new studio named “Pirouette, Pilates and More“. Both are classically trained and unbelievable dancers who inspired my love for dance. They also both love yoga!

So in honor of them, this week my pose will be…

Dancer’s Pose or Natarajasana

The pose is a dedication to Lord Shiva...Lord of the Dance...(photo: http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper344/stills/77yq1o51.jpg)

Nata is the Sanskrit word for “Dance”, while Raja means “king”…so the pose actually means “Lord of the Dance” and sometimes attributed to the Hindu god Shiva.

Lord Shiva (photo: http://shootfighter.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/836nataraj.jpg)

Lord Shiva is one of the primary Hindu Gods. He is depicted in many manifestations, including Shiva “The Destroyer” or as the “internal dancer”. Depending on the day, or what my mood is, sometimes I call upon different visualizations of his character to help me reach he pose’s fullest expression. For instance, if I am coming up against some major obstacles in my life or day, I will visualize my self as the “destroyer” in this pose. Full of power, my body becomes my own bow and arrow and I am ready to take on the world!

The thing I love about this pose is that it literally activates, utilizes and strengthens your ENTIRE BODY.  From your ankles, thighs, hips, biceps, shoulders, triceps, lower back…everything benefits. The places I usually feel it most are my thighs, lower back biceps, shoulders, and a deep stretch in my hips.

The pose has also helped me recover from a  sever sprained ankle. The ankles are strengthened and challenged to support your entire body in this pose in an awkward way.

Internally, your lungs expand, your kidneys are massaged for better functioning, your spine is challenged in flexibility and your abdomen is activated. Obviously this pose helps strengthen your ability to balance and focus.

In Ashtanga yoga, which is the main type of yoga  I practice. Using a mudra in the extended forward hand helps this focus.

This pose is a wonderful ‘heart opener’, to the point that once you relax into your fullest expression, you really feel like a free warrior spirit release in you…almost like you are invincible. You really dance in this pose!

To practice Natarajasana

• Stand in Mountain Pose.
• Inhale and shift your weight onto your right foot firmly, and lift your left heel backwards to your left buttock as you bend the knee, press your thigh bone back and pull the knee cap up to keep the standing leg straight and strong .
• with your left hand- grasp the outside of your left foot or ankle. Lift your pubis towards your navel, and press your tailbone towards the floor.
• Begin lifting your left foot up, away from the floor, and back, away from your torso. Extend the left thigh behind you and parallel to the floor. Stretch your right arm forward, in front of your torso, parallel to the floor, while pressing the thumb and index finger together.
• Press your shin towards the back wall using thigh strength to elevate your trunk upward. Engage your core to protect your back.
• Focus on a spot far in the distance and engage ocean breathe.
• Remain in this posture for about 5-10 breathes.
• Release, sweeping the forward arm up and back and repeating on the other side. Perform each side twice.
• Remember to always practice this new poses for the first time in the presence of a seasoned yoga teacher!

Bomb and Bloom: Seed bombs help those with a ‘black thumb’ go green!

Okay so I must admit, I am the anti-gardener. In fact, I believe I repel all plant life forms to the point where flower buds snap shut at the site of me.  However, I still hold this insatiable dream that one day I will be able to create and maintain a little Eden of my own. One that’s free of pesticides, and unnatural chemicals, but is full of beautiful flowers and maybe even some edible fruits or vegetables.

The concept of seed bombs really appeal to me. A mobile projectile…awesome…combined with an all natural life form that will grow on its own…even more awesome. Seed bombs first began in the 1970’s with the Green Guerrillas in New York and in 1992 by artist Kathryn Miller.

Guerrilla Gardeners did some damage...in a good way...in the 1970's in NYC (photo: http://static.flickr.com/15/22221481_625179325c_b.jpg)

Now, seed bombs have become a fun and accessible way to put a little green in your day.

Dutch stamps that contain seeds...blooming postage! (courtesy of inhabit.com)

the Dutch TNT seed stamp! (http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/bloomingstamp2.jpg)

The Dutch postal company TNT have created, get this: Seed bomb stamps! They will not actually bloom in the mail box like above, but when you peel back the plastic off the stamp and plant it, it will grow!

Sprouting business cards? so creative! (courtesy of ihabit.com)

Jamie Wieck (click here) designed these little guys for professionals to help their cards stand out. The cards convert into little houseplants when the recipient waters them. It’s an eco-friendly way to network!

We’ve all heard of the concept of a “seed bomb”…but here all the work is done for you!

garden gnomes grace the biodegradable balloons that carry Dutch Studio Tx's Seed Bomb

One company is making it a piece of cake, and fun, for people like me…The Dutch Studio TX have created biodegradable seed balloons!

Pre-packaged seed bombs! Would make a great gift, as well!

I love the idea of becoming a Naturalist Ninja- covertly going on missions to reclaim overlooked, overused pieces of land to its natural beauty. Buying these pre-made seed bombs would be perfect for me. I would simply carry the bag around with me everywhere and, ready…aim…fire! Kinda fun, right? Only $6 per bag and contain a myriad of flowers! Contact “Outside in the city” for more info here.

combating desertification, one seed bomb at a time

A total hippy's dream: raining seed bombs

And maybe one day, this design will actually come to fruition. A biodegradable capsule, by Yanko Designs, that includes a seed bomb to combat desertification! For more info…click here.

make your own seed bombs...click the link below (photo courtesy of orignauxmoose.com)

For information on how to make your own see bomb, click here.

Yoga Pose of the Week: Fly like an Eagle in Garudasana

As promised, this week I’m bringing you the “King of all Asanas” according to B.K.S. Iyengar…

Eagle Pose, or Garudasana (sometimes spelled Garundasana)

Eagle pose....the King of all Asanas

Much to many yogi and yogini’s surprise…Garudasana doesn’t actually translate to “Eagle”… Garuda actually translates to something along the lines of “all-consuming fire of the sun’s rays” or “devourer of serpents“. Eagles, being large birds of prey, represent those translations.

Garuda, the 'devourer of serpents', helps Lord Vishnu defeat demons

In Indian tradition, Garuda, being such a devouring serpent, helps Vishnu in the fight against demons, Asuras and darkness.  Garuda is the “king of birds” and therefore, his pose is the “king of all asanas”, or poses.

Eagle courtesy of www.alaska-in-pictures.com

When you think of an eagle, what kind of images come up?… Piercing and extended vision, monstrous and yet graceful wingspan, discerning taste in prey and stealthy speed, absolute control over the skies?

Eagles have vision that extends to a three mile radius and double vision to focus on objects a mile away, while they can also rotate their heads 270 degrees. They can even see some ultraviolet color spectrum in addition to their full color vision.

Lord Vishnu and Garuda...courtesy of himmapan.com

Because of these talents, Garuda became the vehicle of Vishnu, used for his unparalleled perception, precision and strength. Garuda is the liberator of one from obstacles.

Garuda’s pose can help you liberate yourself from obstacles, focus your vision, and increase your grace of power and strength.

A dancer performing a Tibetan dance of the Eagle... courtesy of earthlink.net/~rfriend11/Het-p2.jpg

The eagle represents freedom and strength in other cultures (obviously the U.S.) as well. Native Americans, Mexicans, Egyptians, Moroccans, Tibetans…etc., all find inspiration in the eagle’s gifts.

The pose channels the part of one self needed in taking control of one’s life, of one’s will power. It increase your ability to focus and channel your positive energy toward building lasting connections to your body and relationships around you.

Love this artistic interpretation of Garudasana...photo courtesy of Gosia Janik

As I mentioned in a previous post about kayaking, this pose is fantastic for balance. It strengthens your shoulders, calves, ankles, sciatica, thighs, hips and shoulders.

To practice:

1. Start this pose in Tadasana, or mountain pose.

2. Inhale deeply as you raise your arms over head, like your spreading your eagle-like wingspan up.

3. Exhale as you bring the arms sweeping down, squat, bring right arm under left arm and bind, while you bring your right leg OVER your left thigh and wrap your right foot around your left calf.

4. Take 5 deep Ujjayi breathes as you focus forward. Triceps parallel to the floor at shoulder level as shoulders move back, separate and move down away from the ears. Hands move your forearms out perpendicular to your biceps. Squat deep in the pose, releasing the hips, controlling your balance with you core, straight lower back, tucked tailbone, and strong ankle.

5. Take one last deep breathe, exhale and then inhale as you release, swing the arms up again and repeat on the opposite side. Perform each side twice.

The pose helps reduce asthma, lower back pain and fibromyalgia, and urinary problems.

This pose is also a fantastic pose for men. It is a powerful and confidence boosting pose that doesn’t require a tremendous amount of flexibility at first, but actually helps increase flexibility in the shoulders and hips, where men generally are more tight, especially athletes. It also improves stamina, control and endurance during other athletic activities…and I’ll let your mind wander…

Try these unique designer patterned Koshas yoga straps for Eagle pose, and other poses...they actually convert to normal belts! At http://www.yogaaccessories.com/Koshas-Artisan-Yoga-Belts_p_122475.html#

Sometimes, when men (and women) are first starting this pose it is hard to wrap completely up. So just cross your leg over the opposite thigh and hold it, no need to wrap the foot under yet. And for those tight in the shoulder, use a yoga strap…extend arms straight out, parallel , at shoulder height and hold a strap with tension between your two hands.

Beginners with knee problems may want to avoid this pose until they have strengthened their knees through other poses.

Also, if you are having trouble balancing at first, try the pose with your back against the wall.

Also, please practice any new poses for the first time in the presence of a seasoned yoga practitioner!

This pose is usually placed in the midst of a standing series of Warrior poses and sun salutations. Afterward, I like to do a heart opener like Cow face pose, gomukhasana, or flow into Headstand, sirsasana, to really strengthen my back further! I also enjoy leaning forward, extending my wrapped leg back and going into a warrior III from there- that’s a big balance buster!

Also, try this pose while lying on your back, lifting the arms and legs to meet one another (head up), holding for 4 breathes and releasing. Alternate a few times on each side and your abs will be screaming, in a good way!

For more information on Garuda, the mythical figure, click here.

For more information on this pose, check out Yoga Journal or B.K.S. Iyengar’s book “Light on Yoga”…available here.

Walk the Plank…Yoga for Sailors!

Pirates and yoga...interesting...(photo: tropicyoga.com)

Being a New Englander…one of my favorite midsummer activities is sailing….well, that’s a stretch. I like watching other people sail who know what they are actually doing, while I just wait to be given a simple task, like skirting the mainsail in a lazy Saturday race, or making sure everyone’s beers are full.

before a race...I think I may be more of a liability than help in this one

the high side

I have some friends that are fantastic sailors, and who’s lives consist of  living aboard ships, small and large, and are therefore at the whim of mother nature and their own instincts.

Sailing 'Nirvana' to Nantucket last Summer overnight (my friend Dave up there)...dawn...perfect time for some yoga

When racing, core strength, leg strength, balance, and arm strength are essentials. You must be quick on your feet, perceptive, completely aware of what’s around you at all times, calm in times of utter stress, and you must be able to think extremely quickly in dire situations. Sailing well depends on your understanding the environment, your relationship with the elements of wind and water, and letting go of the idea that you can control the outcomes of your endeavors.

As an activity, it is environmentally friendly, if you don’t use the motor at all, and can humble your entire being.

although it doesn't look like it here, my brother, Andre, is a much better sailor than I would ever be

love those cold mornings on the water...my friend James (left) surveying the sea...

Yoga can help calm a sailor’s mind, get him/her in tune with elements that determine his/her course, and prepare his/her body for a race, or a casual sail.

My main fear when sailing, especially racing, is going overboard because I am so awkwardly tall and clumsy. Also, I know many of you get nauseous just at the thought of boats in the water, but I may have a few curing poses.

Even for the casual sailor, or guest on a boat, I have a few poses in mind that may be great for before, during and/or after your sail!

Wheel is great on a boat!

1. Chakrasana (wheel)…strengthens legs, arms, core and increases balance and clarity of mind. Learn more from my previous post on wheel, here…

probably one of my favorite spinnakers I've seen, well at least the one that related to my life the most...saw it at a race outof boston two summers ago...

2. Adho Mukha Savasana (Downward Dog)…great for the core and arm strength. Also reduces nausea and increases clarity of mind. Learn more here.

3. Balasana (Child’s pose)…calms the nerves, rejuvenates and reduces nausea. Learn more here.

4. Bakasana (crane pose)…fantastic pose for arm and core strength! Make’s you feel like you can conquer the world after conquering this pose.  Learn more here.

Tree by land or by sea!

5. Vrksasana (Tree pose)…my balancing favorite…great on board! Learn more here.

Warrior III is great for balance and core strength

6. Virabhandrasana (Warrior III)…also great for balance, leg, and core strength. Learn more here.

7. Ardha Chandrasana (half moon pose)…increases balance, hip strength, core strength and leg strength. Learn more here.

Walk the Plank!

8. Plank…one of the best for core and all over body strength. Helps energize the entire body and get you centered for a long sail! Also try side plank. Learn more here.

9. Matsyasana (fish pose)…just because of the name….learn more here.

Boat pose

10. Boat…see Monday’s post here!

11. Malasana: Yogic squat

I also like the idea of using some recycled products while sailing and reusing ripped and old sails that typically would go straight to the landfill after use.

Go local to find recycled sail products in Gloucester, MA with Second Wind Sails…

Love this recycled sail wine bag from Second Wind Sails...who doesn't love a great glass of organic pinot on the deck at dusk...

that's a baby in a sail bag...who does their marketing? they should get a raise...

The Gloucester company, Second Wind Sails,  makes everything from Christmas stockings, to dog collars, to shower curtains, to wine bags, to pillows, to duffel bags using recycled sails.

Recycled sail yoga bag from seafevergear.com for only $19.95!

Seafevergear.com also has great recycled sail products including a yoga bag for only $19.95 and is located both in San Diego and Cape Cod…

ReSail (predecessor to the popular Sea Bags) doesn't just make the typical tote...they make everything from duffels, to garment backs, to change purses and can customize any bag with your company or boat logo

Although I posted earlier about “Sea Bags” recycled sails into bags…ReSail, of Newport,RI, claims to be its predecessor in style and purpose, has much more variety and is actually cheaper!…The line began with using recycled sails, and now includes any recycled material from a working sail loft (Dacron, Kevlar, etc.) using sail stitching techniques. They even make recycled Kevlar dog collars, recycled sail bean bag chairs, and recycled sail sailing jackets/vests! Check the website out here.

Yoga Onboard

In the, why didn’t I think of this? category:

Yoga Onboard...a book by Kim Hess

Kim Hess of Miami has created a book called “Yoga Onboard”. Kim, an avid sailor and yoga teacher, created a system of poses she believes would work well for sailors and live aboard’s. She also charters sailing yoga retreats and vacations for small groups! Find out more here.

Kim Hess, of Yoga Onboard doing some downward dog action

Wanderlust Wednesday: Dive into sustainable luxury…and some yoga… in the Maldives

Now that the weather is finally becoming pool/beach suitable (we’ll forget about the hiccup yesterday), I have been on the hunt for the perfect combination of a pool and beach…and a little eco-consciousness might help to!

Well I think I found a new favorite pool that I would die to visit…if I ever win the lottery…

The infinity pool at the Huvafen Fushi Resort in the Maldives.

Huvafen Fushi resort and spa in the Maldives

The freshwater infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean at the Huvafen Fushi resort in the Maldives

Have your cake and eat it too...at your room: a private infinity pool, hot tub, expansive deck, and a private portion of ocean (maldives.tropicalideals.co.uk)

Named the best beach resort by Harper’s Bazaar and featured in Conde Nast Traveller, the resort is located in the North Male Atoll area of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Arrive by plane to Maldives International airport and either take a 30 minute speed boat ride, complete with complimentary champagne, or a sea plane out to this man-made, but nature conscious, paradise.

Map of the resort...the Maldives are located off of the South West coast of India

The hotel created an underwater spa and organic raw restaurant as part of their sustainable luxury endeavors. They also take part in fair trade practices of local goods and conservation of their local island reef and the greater reefs of the Maldives.

and yet another swimming pool...

The freshwater infinity pool, surrounded by day beds, the private pools for each of the 43 rooms, the sustainable reef and the healing floating saltwater pool, all combine to give this resort the title of holding the best quality pool:ocean:guest ratio.

Ariel view of a portion of the resort (maldives.tropicalideals.co.uk)

Every room comes with either a private plunge pool, or if your are willing to pay the really big bucks…a larger private pool.

This particular room even comes with a telescope for prime romantic star-gazing in the middle of the Indian Ocean....ahhhh...the rooms also boast 7ft x 7ft beds (maldives.tropicalideals.co.uk)

Lonu Veyo is a “green” saltwater floatation therapy pool…the first of its kind in the Maldives

The resort also boasts a “green” saltwater pool, called Lonu Veyo, that has “special healing techniques”.

The resort has its own area of reef for SCUBA and snorkeling that is preserved by the hotel, complete with rays, turtles, and on occasion, even sharks...

I just melted when the website states they have complimentary SCUBA out of their PADI dive center…I would probably find myself fully addicted again, doing 2 dives a day…spending all my time in those glorious waters looking at rays, exotic fish and sea turtles, that are abundant and viewable even from some of the decks of the resort.  The resort also boasts sunset fishing, deep-sea fishing,snorkeling safaris and boating trips.

The hotel even has an “in-house” reef, and a spa, Lima (by the Per Aquum group),  immersed under water surrounded by the reef! Even if you aren’t a swimmer, you can enjoy the reef while experiencing the resorts spa treatments which include all natural spa treatments and remedies, spa cuisine, aromatherapy massage, and yoga massage, among a slew of other treatments that can be customized for you. The spa boasts “chromotherapy” lighting and an indigenous treatment known as crystal therapy. Wooden tools for massage were created by locals specifically for the spa, while the virgin coconut oil was purchased in a fair trade, sustainable way and is used as a staple in  signature treatments for guests.

An organic spa paradise in the Huvafen Fushi resort (photo: maldivedigst.com)

yes, please?

part of the spa...view the fish while you relax

Per Aquum spa

Get your party on at Umbar at the resort, which has even boasted fashion shows and shoots by some of the world's top designers

Even though you are on a private island, it does not mean you go hungry…far from that, actually. As I mentioned before, there is “spa cuisine” and fresh fish plucked from the ocean at the resorts many restaurants and bars. The main bar, UMbar, has been frequented y some of the world’s top DJ’s,while serving designer cocktails.

There is also an underground wine room/restaurant called Vinum and a more casual restaurant called Fogliani’s.

Vinum glowing underground wine bar and restaurant is romantic and cave-like

Meanwhile, for a healthier stay, the restaurant, Raw, serves that aforementioned spa cuisine and even raw cuisine for optimal health benefits. Celsius and Salt are also options for deliciously fresh food on the island,or take a break from the resort and explore other restaurants in the Maldives through the resorts speed boats or plane, along with “destination dining” at private locals around the island.

Yoga pavilion at Huvafen Fush...picture doing yoga out there at dawn...mmm

I must admit, the element of the resort that really got me hooked was its perfect yoga pavilion…completely separated from the rest of the resort, jutted out into the Indian ocean…your yoga practice here is sure to bring you to new levels physically, spiritually and mentally. You can even experience the resort through a yoga retreat through teachers such as Annoushka Hempel.

The resort boasts a 'yoga therapy' sessions as well as numerous yoga retreats from world-renowned gurus

The pavilion is not the only delegated yoga spot...you can practice practically anywhere...even in the underwater lounges and spa, surrounded by fish! (photo courtesy of blog.360dgrs.nl)

Rooms even sport ateways to the ocean through the floorboards!!

The resort is expensive, I am not going to lie.

It can range,depending on season, from about $1100 per night to about $8000 a night if you are one of those people who just absolutely needs the larger private pool.

For me, I think I’d be happy just working as a concierge here, or maybe as a visiting yoga teacher…hint,hint, Huvafen?…sigh…

I think I would easily find paradise at the place where infinity meets the ocean

For more information on sustainable tourism in the Maldives click here.

For more information on the Huvafen Fushi Resort click here.

Yoga Pose of the Week: I’m on a Boat…pose…Paripurna Navasana

Paripurna Navasana: “Full Boat Pose”

Boat pose...Paripurna Navasana

Take advantage of this human boat;
Free yourself from sorrow’s mighty stream…

- Shantideva: “The Way of the Bodhisattva” -

Skill level: Beginner

Because it’s summer, and we all love the idea of spending our weekends out on the ocean, especially now that the weather is nice, I decided “Boat pose” would be a great way to help us create our own vessel to physical strength and inner calmness.

Boat pose is all about endurance and vitality. It teaches us to breathe through challenges in our lives while remaining strong in our core…in our inner being.

Whenever I need an energetic boost in the morning, or a little confidence if I am feeling shaken, I use Boat pose as an instant adrenaline shot. It increases my brightness and warmth of body and spirit.

Boat pose teaches those who try it to become self-sufficient, creating one’s own vessel, one’s own inner rescue ship, in times of need.

Boat Pose is one of those old tried and true poses that has descendant poses and exercises in everything from Ballet, to core training, to Pilates. The pose cuts right to the core and helps build strength in your arms, lower and upper back, shoulders, hip flexors and quads.

The pose helps with intestinal problems, bloating, thyroid  and kidney problems.

Weaknesses in your body and mental state become very apparent, very quickly  in this pose… so don’t become discouraged if you notice you may that have as strong of abs, or legs as you thought, or if you are unable to hold the pose as long as you wanted to. This pose will quickly become a favorite in your practice to help build strength in some of these hidden muscles, and train your brain and spirit to stay the course.

(photo courtesy of yorkmeditation.co.uk)

To get into the pose follow these simple steps:

1. Sit on the center of your yoga mat Pull in your legs and grab your upper legs on the back side below the knees. Tilt your upper body backwards so that your lower back carries your weight and the entire upper back is aligned in a straight perpendicular line.

2. With the help of your arms, hands on the back your thighs, pull your knees in close to your chest while remaining upright, balancing slightly tilted back on your tailbone. In this position, be careful t not get lazy, keep your upper back from arching forward and remain engaged in your core, lifting up towards the sky.

3. Extend your arms so they are parallel to the floor.

4. Stretch your legs and feet together, legs extended out at a 60 degree angle.Stretch tops of the feet so they are almost pointed but spread the toes t a flexed position, really pushing the energy out through the legs and out through the tips of the toes.

5. Keeping the back as straight as possible, pulling the shoulder blades together back and down. Bring your arms along the body parallel to the floor and focus on a particular spot for your balance. I like to focus at the space between my ankles.

5. Cultivate Ujayii breathe…”ocean breathe”

6. The aim in this pose is to remain open in the upper chest, letting your heart feel like it is moving forward, while you remain steady and strong in your core, constantly pulling those abs in. Don’t stick your chin out, but keep your spine aligned, moving shoulder blades down from the ears, down the back.

After getting into the pose, try to remain with an open-heart and strength, and ask yourself to remain in this state for as many breathes as possible before coming down and relaxing for a few breathes on your back. Try to do about two rounds of this.

Notice which parts of your body are having the hardest time enduring, or which get sore quickly. That will help you tailor your practice to build strength in those specific areas.

7. You can make the pose more advanced by lower the legs even further until the shins are parallel to the ground. Also you can twist slowly from side to side while up in Boat pose to maximize the abdominal strength training.

8. Afterward, lie on you back in savasana (corpse pose) and meditate on the challenge that your just endured.

Do not strain yourself too much if you feel you need to come out of the pose. But keep strong, lifted and endure as long as possible. This pose helps brighten your spirit and increase your ability to be bold in the face of obstacles.

Enjoy!

Note: if you have lower/upper back problems, consult a yoga practitioner before beginning this pose.

"couples' Boat pose' is also a great way to overcome obstacles in your relationship and "stay the course" with your partner....photo courtesy of quacquac.org

Sustainable Style: Satisfy the elegant hippy within with laLESSO designs from Kenya

Give back and get stylish for summer with LaLESSO's designs

One thing that I loved about being abroad was the fashion! So many clothes…so little time…and SOOO much cheaper than the U.S.

I received a few e-mails asking where I got the skirt I was wearing on my post about Newburyport’s Farmer’s Market the other day (here)…so here is a little piece about that skirt…my oh-so-favorite skirt!

sadly, my version of this skirt did not come with a pet camel...

another image of the same style skirt I have in a different pattern...although I do recommend wearing a shirt or bikini top

In a boutique store in Rondebosch, just outside of Cape Town, I discovered these fabulous  printed garments, that were all hand-made and gorgeously African.

A closer look brought me to realize that all of the fabrics were hand painted and contained traditional Indian and Kenyan “handkerchief” patterns and even incorporated Swahili sayings on the prints.

The prints are then hand sewn by local Kenyan women into these wonderfully unique dress, skirts…even bathing suits and ballet flats!!

ballet flats by laLESSO

Because the fabric is hand painted, every piece of clothing is 100% unique! The company was started by two young, fresh out of University women (one from Kenya and one from South Africa) who wanted to bring African style to the fashion forward world while giving back!

The company helps support the Eastern African cotton industries and local women financially.

They have been featured in every major fashion magazine, including Elle and Vogue…

Runway show: laLESSO

Here are some pics from a fashion show on the British Vogue website of LalESSO…

For an interview with the owners on their design and style philosophy…click here

wearing my favorite skirt...over one year old, and after tens of washes and wears...it's still as good as new!

I walked away the first day with this wonderful Kenyan skirt (above) that is soooo comfortable.My friend Lucy, and some other friends, also fell in love with their printed dresses and splurged as well!

I literally have worn that skirt at least once a week (minus the winter) since i bought it last Spring, and it has survived TONS of washes and being bleached by the African sun on an outdoor line while abroad…

I actually have the dress on the right and in a similarly colored pattern...the Salama dress...it's the perfect beach cover-up or dress for evening cocktails on the ocean/beach! I wear it ALL the time!

I also purchased a short, kind of sassy darker colored skirt that is black and purple, while I purchased a a halter dress that is purple, cream and black. I actually wore the dress yesterday to Rockport, MA with my family for lunch, and received a bunch of compliments on it!

They even make these adorable terry cloth beach shorts!

mix and match LaLESSO bikinis and dresses (for women and babies!) with other African inspired sustainable style items...

Here’s a little blurb about the company from their web page…

“All Lalesso clothing is manufactured under strict and extremely conscious ethical conditions in our self owned workshop in Kenya, East Africa. All our employees are paid well above the average wage and are already benefiting not only their lives but the lives of their families and have been able to increase their standard of living considerably. Each ‘lesso’ or ‘khanga’ is hand washed in the Indian Ocean before being transformed into a Lalesso creation; this is an age old method of aiding the stay fastness of the dyes.

Please note that the colours and pattern designs on the ‘khanga’ or ‘lesso’ are all unique, the manufacturers produce five designs each week and after that the design is never produced again. What this means is that each piece of fabric in it’s respective print will most likely never be found in the same garment twice so please understand that if you like a certain print but it’s in the wrong size, I’m afraid it is not possible to order it in your size. The colours/designs shown are ONLY available in the sizes given.”

read more about laLESSO or purchase their garments at the link below...

Buy clothes from laLESSO here…

Note: shipping to the U.S. will probably take about 4-10 days, so practice a little patience! Of course buying clothing in South Africa for me was much less expensive and I even got my Salama dress on sale for the equivalent of $30. However, the dresses and other clothing usually run from about $40 to around $100, which still isn’t too bad considering it is handmade and goes to a good a cause…I suggest waiting for a sale, though!

Update: LaLESSO is actually launching at TOP SHOP in the Oxford Circus… hopefully they will be here soon!..check out their Facebook group here

Wanderlust Wednesday: Finding Brangelina’s Namibia…not on Brangelina’s Budget

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt put Namibia on the pop-travel and sustainable travel radar when they visited a few years ago to adopt

We all remember the media frenzy that was the adoption saga of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Namibia a few years back, bringing a large, seemingly obscure, yet beautiful African country on the radar.

However, most of us are not celebrity philanthropists and therefore cannot enjoy Namibia on their budget. The Jolie-Pitts actually rented an entire hotel in Swakopmund for their stay while enjoying privately chauffeured adventure tours all over the country.

In Namibia you can literally drive for hours and hours without seeing a single soul…which is both disconcerting and liberating…reverting your psyche back to a time when people were not encroaching as much on the planet…Here’s a picture of some people we drove past after four hours of seeing no one…they drove off into the distance in a old pick up truck but we had no idea where they were heading…no place in sight

Ostriches...feels like the African version of Jurassic Park

Because Namibia is such a tremendously large and spread out country, with a population of only  about 1.8 million people, the task of seeing everything is economically and physically daunting, while the airfare to he country is expensive to begin with. The density of people in Namibia i roughly about 6.6 people per square mile…compare that with another vacation destination, Bermuda, which has a density of 3,140 people per square mile. Getting around can get expensive.

I lucked out.

our tents...camped out the night before our hike through the Namib Desert

I spent the past semester studying at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and when Spring (South Africa’s Fall) break came around, I heard the red deserts of  Namibia calling my name. Because Namibia borders South Africa, I did not have to fly, and to save money, a few friends and i decided to join an “Overland Tour” through Nomad Travel. Yes, one of those camping, roughing it, big bus (well we were forced to call it a truck, not a bus) tours. They do provide tours that are luxury, or accommodated, or camping depending on your budget, age, and type of traveling you want to do.

the overland vehicle, and our guides...making a stop in the middle of no where on the way to Fish River Canyon

The experience was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. It was more luxurious and laid back than I could have thought, and I was able to travel to so many parts of this beautiful country, but I’ll focus this post mainly just on the “adventure” part that Brangelina explored just outside Swakopmund and the Namib Desert.

One of the first places we visited after crossing the border was Fish River Canyon...unbelievable...my friend Meg took a moment to survey the lands

My tour only covered southern Namibia and yet we covered a lot of ground. We started off in Cape Town, naturally and, over the course of about 8 days, we traveled through Springbok, camping at the Namibian border at the Orange River, to Fish River Canyon (the oldest canyon in the world), to Solitaire (the smallest town in Namibia), to Soussesvlei, to the Namib Desert, to Swakopmund, to the capital Windhoek and back down again.

a map from thimbi-safaris.com of a similar route in Namibia we took, minus crossing the border from South Africa

The whole trip, including extras, nights in guest houses, sand-boarding and adventure sports, nights at the pub, and miscellaneous purchases probably cost me a total of $600.

The most expensive part about traveling in Namibia is the initial cost of airfare…however, once you are there, it is extremely cheap, especially if you book hotels and tours once you are there. Also, even there off-season has good weather, so stay flexible in your plans and stay for a long time, at least 2 weeks…there is so much to see!

I couldn’t believe it either…

A couple friends, the owners son, and I jumping into the Orange River to cross to Namibia! That's the dock at the Bushwacked facility

We stayed the first few nights just south of Namibia and then drove up to the border and camped out there at an adventure travel campsite called “Bushwacked” click here. This place was a blast! It was beautiful, the people were friendly, the facilities were wonderful, and the bar was a party!The camping is also only about $6 per night!!

Bushwacked

We were able to jump into the Orange river and swim across it literally crossing over from Namibia to South Africa, as well as canoe up to the river on a day trip!

We then drove up to Fish River Canyon (pictured above) which was a trip, literally and figuratively. The drive was long, but it was magical. Fish River Canyon transported us into a different time and place because the Canyon is so incredibly old. For more info…click here

Solitaire...smallest town in Namibia

We then camped at the smallest town in Namibia…Solitaire. population: ~30 people and the town mayor is also the manager of only store…the General Store…which is famous for its apple pie….weird enough.

Solitaire's only hotel- the Country Lodge was actually really nice!

You can camp out like we did, or stay at the town’s only hotel: the Country Lodge, complete with a refreshing pool and great little restaurant! (click here)

My friend, Kevin, checking out the waters after hiking down into the Sossusvlei canyon

the boys playing frisbee at dusk at Sossusvlei

We then made our trek down to Sossusvlei canyon to watch the sunset and camped out nearby at a great lodge and campsite also complete with pool. For info on Sossusvlei click here. There are plenty of camp sites and luxury lodges nearby that offer the ability to self-drive to the canyon, or guided drives that are reasonably priced.

Dawn at Dune 45 - the hike was so much more difficult than we anticipated- but so worth it!

We spotted a movie set in the Namib desert!!

My friend, Lucy, enjoying the solitude of the Namib Desert

Eye Spy!- see if you can spot the hot air balloon in the distance- it s areally popular activity to do over the Namib desert at dawn or dusk! we spotted this one in the distance

In the morning we made the highlight of our trip…watching the sunrise at Dune 45 in the Namib desert located in Naukluft park and then touring the desert with a seasoned Bushman. The Dunes are among the highest and oldest in the world, tinted with a brilliant shade of red which we learned is because of the amount of iron in the sand. For more info on the Namib Desert click here…

Tree pose in the desert at dawn

petrified trees in the Namib desert through my sunglass lenses

Ariel view of Swakopmund...courtesy of watchingamerican.com

Swakopmund is the largest vacation destination in Namibia. It’s mild weather-wise because it lies on the ocean at the edge of a desert.

Because Namibia was a German colony, the town is filled with German people and its architecture…which is strange in appearance and emotionally disconcerting when considering the implications of the colonization. However, the town is a fantastic place for people looking for a relaxing beach vacation in a serene town, and for adrenaline junkies alike.

There are numerous adventure travel tours…and the one we went on to go sand-boarding was actually the same one celebrities use and is located right outside the center of town! You can customize your own adventure trip which may include skydiving, sandboarding, quad-biking, and anything else you want! I decided to go for the sand-boarding-quad-biking combo and it was amazing. A private tour through the desert with me and two of my girlfriends on quad-bikes and stopping to sand-board! The whole morning ran me about $50 bucks total.

For a great company- use “Desert Explorers”- they were amazing! Click here for their website!

According to their owners, and photos, the Jolie-Pitts used their services over 13 times! While most of us cannot afford that, a day trip is worth the money!

We went quad-biking and sand-boarding with "Desert Explorers"- great company! (that's me on the right)

My tour-mates and I were able to forgo the tents after a few nights in the Namib desert and stay at a fantastic and cheap guest house that was complete with an indoor pool!

Dunes Backpackers even has an indoor pool and bar!

Dunes Backpackers Lodge was located right in the center of Swakopmund

The great think about Swakopmund is you can literally walk the entire town.

Stay where the celebs stay in Swakopmund for only $100 dollars per night- The Burning Shore beahc lodge

If you want to stay where Angelina and Brad Pitt stayed during their trip and are looking to splurge in Swakopmund, try The Burning Shore . The Jolie-Pitts actually rented out this entire hotel during their stay, but you can rent a room for only $100 per night!

Stay at the Chameleon Backpackers while in Windhoek...only $12 per night! there are so many unique and creative backpackers lodges for young people and families alike!

If you decide to travel into Windhoek and want to stay on a budget, even though we didn’t stay overnight while there,  a friend of mine stayed at this unique backpacker’s lodge called the Chameleon for only $12 per night! click here

For more information on the Overland tour that I participated in Nomad Tours,  click here…

For more information on traveling to Namibia in general click here…

Crossing the Tropic of Capricorn