Friday, March 25, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Love List
I haven't done a love list in a while. Today I am choosing to share my love of Iceland. I just returned from my second trip to Iceland a few weeks back. Here is some of the highlights . Enjoy!
My husband and I were graciously given gift vouchers for Iceland Air from my parents and Dear Aunt and Uncle. They were about to expire and we were ready for a vacation! The last real vacation I had was with my best friend Tara www.inkandwit.com two years ago to Iceland. I have been wanting to go back ever since.
So this is how I do Iceland! We drove to JFK because the NY winter has been so harsh we couldn't take the chance of missing a flight. The car ride with the Hubby was fine until we got to NY and were running late "my family will laugh at that". Any of you who are married can understand this! We were perfectly on time as our flight was delayed for two hours because of strong winds. I had my parsley and was ready:) The flight was lovely they put us in the emergency row without us having to ask or pay extra because of Daniel's height. The flight was quick only 5 hours. When we landed it was still dark about 8 am in the morning. Then we got on a bus to take us directly to the Blue Lagoon. Heaven! This is the way it is done get off the plane go directly to soak! http://www.bluelagoon.com/Geothermal-spa/
We checked in to the Blue Lagoon Clinic where we stayed and I highly recommend! You have your own private lagoon the rooms are breath taking and it includes free passes to the Blue Lagoon Spa which is a beautiful 5 minute walk through the moss covered lava rocks! Of course there is fresh free fruit all day as well as free Scandinavian breakfast and free espresso bar with rice milk !
The private lagoon at Blue Lagoon Clinic
The first day at the lagoon within our first hour of soaking and swimming in the warm healing waters we saw a rainbow over us! Sorry, no pictures. The night of our stay we were hungry but we did not rent a car and were in the middle of nowhere. The woman at the clinic called another hotel called the Northern Lights Inn http://www.northernlightinn.is/ for us knowing that they offered a vegan option for dinner. She arranged for them to pick us up and bring us back after dinner. When we arrived there was a dog waiting to greet us by the door and I had realized that my friend Michelle has stayed there a month ago. She had told me about the dog and the great food. I recognized the dogie right away! The food was amazing and prepared fresh. We had a cauliflower blended soup and vegan ratatouille and an amazing Salad! The next day after another soak in the Lagoon we caught a bus to Reykjavik the capital of Iceland and headed to our hotel, Centerhotel Anarvohll . You should hear me try to pronounce that one. http://www.centerhotels.com/pictures/?album=1&gallery=2
There are some pics of the hotel on the link above. Of course they were all super nice , helpful the hotel restaurant over looked the mountain view and harbor of Iceland. We only enjoyed the free breakfast but got to enjoy the view anyway. The hotel also had an amazing quiet spa downstairs. Both times I was there I got to enjoy it all by myself. It included a Finnish sauna,a lava rock steam room and a lava rock whirlpool . That day we took a walk around and decided to go feed some animal friends we passed on the way to our hotel. It was a nice walk the sun was out . We stopped at a bakery got a loaf of fresh bread and went to the pond. Here are some of our friends. We spent a good amount of time there.
His pink feet are just the cutest and he was full of personality but so sweet.
That night we went on our first Northern Lights tour. We all packed into a bus and headed out about 10pm to the highest altitude point. The conditions have to be just right to see the Aurora Borealis no clouds, below zero and solar flares. The first night we were out till about 2 am no luck it was just to cloudy and snowing. The next day was Valentine's Day we don't really celebrate but I found a raw food restaurant that I wanted to check out. So we walked the endless mile to get there but it was totally worth it! The atmosphere was not only stunning and food nothing short of amazing but there was a yoga studio as well! We got there to late so no green juice was left but plenty of raw food . The restaurant is called Glo. I had my choice of two different salads and some raw canneloni. Daniel had a coconut curry soup and salads.
We walked all the way back to Reykjavik center. Where we stopped in my favorite shop in Iceland a photo shop arcticphoto.is/. We bought two prints one for our home and one for my sisters new apartment. She was watching all of the animals we live with after all,it is no easy task! This shop is amazing ! I met the sweetest friend and photographer. Looking forward to purchasing some more prints for the home and centers. Our friend Mai from the shop is very into photographing the Northern lights and helped us by looking up the forecast for that night. Mai said we would defiantly see them that night. We got back on that bus and before we even left the parking lot in Reykjavik I looked out the window and saw green lights in the sky! We had great success that night seeing the Northern lights in many locations. We arrived back home after 2 am. I must admit I am a little crazed about the Northern Lights now even more so. I have found this great website that I can watch the Northern lights live from home every night after dusk.http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/auroramax/ It will do until we can go back to Iceland. Yoga retreat in Iceland anyone? I am working on it!
So this is how I do Iceland! We drove to JFK because the NY winter has been so harsh we couldn't take the chance of missing a flight. The car ride with the Hubby was fine until we got to NY and were running late "my family will laugh at that". Any of you who are married can understand this! We were perfectly on time as our flight was delayed for two hours because of strong winds. I had my parsley and was ready:) The flight was lovely they put us in the emergency row without us having to ask or pay extra because of Daniel's height. The flight was quick only 5 hours. When we landed it was still dark about 8 am in the morning. Then we got on a bus to take us directly to the Blue Lagoon. Heaven! This is the way it is done get off the plane go directly to soak! http://www.bluelagoon.com/Geothermal-spa/
We checked in to the Blue Lagoon Clinic where we stayed and I highly recommend! You have your own private lagoon the rooms are breath taking and it includes free passes to the Blue Lagoon Spa which is a beautiful 5 minute walk through the moss covered lava rocks! Of course there is fresh free fruit all day as well as free Scandinavian breakfast and free espresso bar with rice milk !
The first day at the lagoon within our first hour of soaking and swimming in the warm healing waters we saw a rainbow over us! Sorry, no pictures. The night of our stay we were hungry but we did not rent a car and were in the middle of nowhere. The woman at the clinic called another hotel called the Northern Lights Inn http://www.northernlightinn.is/ for us knowing that they offered a vegan option for dinner. She arranged for them to pick us up and bring us back after dinner. When we arrived there was a dog waiting to greet us by the door and I had realized that my friend Michelle has stayed there a month ago. She had told me about the dog and the great food. I recognized the dogie right away! The food was amazing and prepared fresh. We had a cauliflower blended soup and vegan ratatouille and an amazing Salad! The next day after another soak in the Lagoon we caught a bus to Reykjavik the capital of Iceland and headed to our hotel, Centerhotel Anarvohll . You should hear me try to pronounce that one. http://www.centerhotels.com/pictures/?album=1&gallery=2
There are some pics of the hotel on the link above. Of course they were all super nice , helpful the hotel restaurant over looked the mountain view and harbor of Iceland. We only enjoyed the free breakfast but got to enjoy the view anyway. The hotel also had an amazing quiet spa downstairs. Both times I was there I got to enjoy it all by myself. It included a Finnish sauna,a lava rock steam room and a lava rock whirlpool . That day we took a walk around and decided to go feed some animal friends we passed on the way to our hotel. It was a nice walk the sun was out . We stopped at a bakery got a loaf of fresh bread and went to the pond. Here are some of our friends. We spent a good amount of time there.
That night we went on our first Northern Lights tour. We all packed into a bus and headed out about 10pm to the highest altitude point. The conditions have to be just right to see the Aurora Borealis no clouds, below zero and solar flares. The first night we were out till about 2 am no luck it was just to cloudy and snowing. The next day was Valentine's Day we don't really celebrate but I found a raw food restaurant that I wanted to check out. So we walked the endless mile to get there but it was totally worth it! The atmosphere was not only stunning and food nothing short of amazing but there was a yoga studio as well! We got there to late so no green juice was left but plenty of raw food . The restaurant is called Glo. I had my choice of two different salads and some raw canneloni. Daniel had a coconut curry soup and salads.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Kitchen Tools for a Yogi Summer Cleanse
Although these things are not needed they do make life easier and more enjoyable! This is what I have in my kitchen.
The Excalibur Dehydrator
http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com/vegetarian.htm
This has a temperature gage so you know for sure that the food you are dehydrating is 100% Raw. That's the point to save the enzymes we loose them once our food is cooked at higher than 115-118 degrees. There is no point in dehydrating food if it is over that temp you might as well through it in the oven. The shelves are removable and it is helpful for making larger items such as raw burgers,macaroons,cakes etc. You do need teflex sheets for the soupy items your cheeses ,flax crackers,etc. The teflex sheets can be purchased off there site as well.
The Breville Juicer
I love my juicer! It is easy to clean and makes great green juice. There are a lot of great juicers on the market but I need quick and easy for my mornings. I have three dogs and a daily morning Yoga and Mediation practice followed by up to 4+ classes a day. One of the great things about this juicer is that you can put a whole cucumber and 4-6 stalks of celery all at once in it with out having to cut them into tiny pieces. Saves me soo much time. Some of the higher end juicers can make things like almond butter etc. You can easily make almond butter in a food processor and your Vita Mix,so no biggie!
The Vitamix
I use the vitamix at least once a day on weekends 2-3x a day! It is great for all my Green Smoothies not a trace of green leaf to be found! Also my coconut , raw smoothies,and raw blended soups. I make my own raw flours from cashew,almonds and make almond butter. This will Be the biggest investment for the raw food yogi kitchen but well worth it! I bought mine after my blender broke from making to many raw smoothies :) You can use the link and code below to receive free shipping! At least $25 off. They do have refurbished ones you can purchase which are a little cheaper and a 3 month payment plan options. Enjoy!
https://secure.vitamix.com/redirect.aspx?index.aspx?COUPON=06-006083
These are the top three items!!! To your Green Health and A Better World.
The Excalibur Dehydrator
http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com/vegetarian.htm
This has a temperature gage so you know for sure that the food you are dehydrating is 100% Raw. That's the point to save the enzymes we loose them once our food is cooked at higher than 115-118 degrees. There is no point in dehydrating food if it is over that temp you might as well through it in the oven. The shelves are removable and it is helpful for making larger items such as raw burgers,macaroons,cakes etc. You do need teflex sheets for the soupy items your cheeses ,flax crackers,etc. The teflex sheets can be purchased off there site as well.
The Breville Juicer
I love my juicer! It is easy to clean and makes great green juice. There are a lot of great juicers on the market but I need quick and easy for my mornings. I have three dogs and a daily morning Yoga and Mediation practice followed by up to 4+ classes a day. One of the great things about this juicer is that you can put a whole cucumber and 4-6 stalks of celery all at once in it with out having to cut them into tiny pieces. Saves me soo much time. Some of the higher end juicers can make things like almond butter etc. You can easily make almond butter in a food processor and your Vita Mix,so no biggie!
The Vitamix
I use the vitamix at least once a day on weekends 2-3x a day! It is great for all my Green Smoothies not a trace of green leaf to be found! Also my coconut , raw smoothies,and raw blended soups. I make my own raw flours from cashew,almonds and make almond butter. This will Be the biggest investment for the raw food yogi kitchen but well worth it! I bought mine after my blender broke from making to many raw smoothies :) You can use the link and code below to receive free shipping! At least $25 off. They do have refurbished ones you can purchase which are a little cheaper and a 3 month payment plan options. Enjoy!
https://secure.vitamix.com/redirect.aspx?index.aspx?COUPON=06-006083
These are the top three items!!! To your Green Health and A Better World.
Tsunami Prayer
Here is a beautiful ritual prayer we can all easily do to help those that are suffering and those souls that have passed move into there destination. I met Mother Maya one summer many years ago during a week long Karma Yoga stay in NY. I have read all of her books and find her to be very inspiring and full of pure divine wisdom. Please use the link below to get to Mother Maya's ritual prayer.
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Tsunami-Prayer-from-Mother-Maya.html?soid=1102593731203&aid=W9rZrvGRELc
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Tsunami-Prayer-from-Mother-Maya.html?soid=1102593731203&aid=W9rZrvGRELc
Saturday, March 12, 2011
An Expedition Across Iceland
This two guys are so inspiring. I would love to do an expedition around Iceland perhaps not all on foot though! Stay tuned for more pics and an update from my recent return there.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Just Breathe
Check out this amazing site! www.doasone.com
We all woke this morning to yet another natural disaster. What can we do? We can begin to breathe together everyone can do this! Take time to unite in breath for peace and healing of the Earth today. I dare you to do this for just five minutes at your desk and share with as many as possible!
I am not about doom and gloom or creating fear. We have heard from all the great mystics and elders of our times that enough is enough. The collective shift has to begin now. I again Highly recommend the book I posted in a previous post The Hope.The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism
There is plenty to do!We can make it simple with our intention and breath everyday or make great change in our personal lives and how we live on the Earth. We need to develop a harmonius relationship with the Earth and others. It can not be about me,mine,and I. We must be able to give love freely in many forms. So lets start today. What are you willing to do? What are you willing to let go off so that the Earth and all her beings may thrive? It may be on a sub conscious level or a material level. We can all start with our breathe!" The Earth is shaking us off like fleas"what can we do to help? What can you shake up in your life and let go of that is not serving the world collectively.
We all woke this morning to yet another natural disaster. What can we do? We can begin to breathe together everyone can do this! Take time to unite in breath for peace and healing of the Earth today. I dare you to do this for just five minutes at your desk and share with as many as possible!
I am not about doom and gloom or creating fear. We have heard from all the great mystics and elders of our times that enough is enough. The collective shift has to begin now. I again Highly recommend the book I posted in a previous post The Hope.The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism
There is plenty to do!We can make it simple with our intention and breath everyday or make great change in our personal lives and how we live on the Earth. We need to develop a harmonius relationship with the Earth and others. It can not be about me,mine,and I. We must be able to give love freely in many forms. So lets start today. What are you willing to do? What are you willing to let go off so that the Earth and all her beings may thrive? It may be on a sub conscious level or a material level. We can all start with our breathe!" The Earth is shaking us off like fleas"what can we do to help? What can you shake up in your life and let go of that is not serving the world collectively.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
OM NAMAH SHIVAYA!!
Maha Shivaratri Blessings 2011
This is the most Auspicous day for Yogis.
The story of Maha Shivaratri s found in the Puranas. This is the day of Shiva and Parvati's sacred union. This day was sacred to Shiva and so he told Paravti they would be married on this day. The story goes like this ,a Great King was once fasting and when asked why he told the story of a previous birth on this very day. He was gathering food for his family and didn't make it out of the woods in time when the night fell. He remained in the woods with the wild creatures so to keep safe he climbed up in a tree. All night to pass the time he threw twigs down and leaves also to keep the animals away. He cried for his family and his life. There was a ShivaLingam under the tree and this very night was Shivaratri little did he know. His all night vigil of throwing twigs and tears shed for the Lord pleased the Lord greatly.
Once Parvati asked Lord Shiva, "o Venerable Lord! Which of the many rituals observed in thy honor doth please Thee most?" The Lord Replied ,"The 14th night of the new moon, in the dark fortnight during the months of February and March,is my most favorite day. It is known as Shivaratri. My devotees give me greater happiness by mere fasting than by ceremonial baths and offerings of flowers, sweets,and incense. The devotee observes strict spiritual discipline in the day and worships me in the night."
It is believed that the devotee who maintains vigil through the night can conquer his lower tendencies of Tamas and Rajas and free from all sins.
May all achieve liberation and remain fixed on him alone. Om Namah Shivaya!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Can you give up just one meal for the nourishment of others?
Can you just give up one meal? This is what I asked students to do sometime in the next two weeks to skip just one meal and donate the cost of that meal to the hungry. This idea was inspired by Andrew Harvey. I am reading his book The Hope " A Guide To Sacred Activism" We do not have it in the bookshop just yet but you can purchase it here on Amazon. About two million people live on less than a dollar a day not to mention all of those that die of starvation or go hungry. It is unnecessary ,we have so much to give even if you are financially in hardship yourself. Can you find it in you to give up just one meal or comfort and share all that you do have with another. Here is a great charity to donate to www.buddhistglobalrelief.org
If you would rather feed the animals donate to Humane Association or your local rescue in need.
Please let me know if you will join me and spread the world lets start a revolution .
May all be Happy and Free of Suffering,Om Shanti.
If you would rather feed the animals donate to Humane Association or your local rescue in need.
Please let me know if you will join me and spread the world lets start a revolution .
May all be Happy and Free of Suffering,Om Shanti.
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