Wednesday, March 13, 2013

orange carrot beet juice

I've started juicing again (not steroids). I've been trying to rise early and make juice for breakfast. This time of year I always feel a little downtrodden because I'm ready for fairer weather. Every time it snows is like a slap in the face. All I do is daydream about camping and running outside and swimming and friendship bracelets. Something about drinking fresh juice makes me feel like it should be warm outside. Maybe I can fool myself into thinking it's springtime.

Orange Carrot Beet Juice

Orange Carrot Beet Juice

2 oranges
4 carrots
1 beet 
Fresh ginger, to taste (I use around two inches)

Peel your oranges, beet, ginger. Carrots only need to be peeled if they aren't organic. The outer layer will contain pesticides in conventional carrots that should be removed. Juice and enjoy.

Orange Carrot Beet Juice

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

diy yoga mat spray

Last week I tried Bikram yoga for the first time. I had previously done hot yoga, which was just a Vinyasa flow in 95° heat. I had only heard rave reviews from my sister and friends who have taken Bikram, so I was excited to finally try it.

Here's how I like my yoga. The instructor is a little on the hippie dippy side. We listen to calming music. Hell yeah I wanna hear Bon Iver while I'm doing sun salutations, so what? The instructor makes corrections so you know you are doing the postures without fear of injury.

Here's Bikram yoga. There's no music. The instructors yell into microphones to push harder into poses. You are in the personal space of a very sweaty old man, who is only wearing tiny shorts and is better than you at Bikram. You feel like you are going to vomit, faint, or both. The instructor stands at the front of the room and does not make any corrections.

Yikes!

I had to leave my third class because I was pale, cold, and seeing stars. I want to give it another chance, but perhaps Bikram and I are not made for each other.
 
When you're sweating all over your yoga mat, it needs a serious cleaning after class. In lieu of buying expensive mat cleaner, I decided to try making my own. I was pleased with the results.

DIY Yoga Mat Spray

DIY Yoga Mat Spray 

1 cup water
1/4 cup vinegar
10 drops tea tree oil
20 drops essential oil of your choice (I used a pine wild scotch oil)

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. To use, spray your yoga mat liberally and allow to sit for a moment. Wipe down your mat with a damp cloth. It will take 5-10 minutes to dry completely.


DIY Yoga Mat Spray