working at working out

I'm doing my best to stick with my exercising and have finally reached that miraculous point of actually looking forward to my next class (went to three this week).  Sadly though, I have not reached the miraculous point of being more energized throughout my day.  Working out in the morning is still my preferred time of day (for me it beats having to wait around for a class in the evening) and I do seem to get more done directly after.  Nothing like being a sweaty mess at the grocery store second thing in the morning.  


What I'm hoping is that I will start working again soon and therefore have more things to fill my day thus keeping my momentum going.  I've seemed to arrive at the old catch-22 though where I need experience to get a job but can't get a job without experience.  This was my dilemma when I last attempted a skin care career.  Fingers crossed that I may have an interview in the next week.  

Until I've rejoined the workforce though, I'm will continue to keep busy with working out...it's not as if I have any valid excuses not to do so.  Right? Right.  Once I'm back to work I will need to keep it up...but we will cross that bridge when we get there (again hopefully soon)! Motivation provided by Disney Pixar and I just have to keep swimming (or in my case PiYo-ing, Yoga-ing, and Barre-ing).  

Cheers to you and hope that all is going swimmingly for you!

yoga and barre and piyo...oh my

An idea of what I felt like in Barre

I'm hoping that your new year is off to a good start.  I've been doing my best to keep active, although I admit I've already sort of fallen off the early to rise-early to exercise wagon.  I blame the dog...he's just too cuddly first thing in the morning and makes it hard to get out of bed.  

An idea of what I felt like in PiYo

I signed up for a monthly membership at Ultimate Pilates in Glendora.  So far I've taken Booty Barre Flex and Flow, Barre Body, Yoga, and PiYo.  Trying to find my groove as all the classes are so different.  I'm aiming for two a week and then gym time on my off days.  All the instructors have been very cool and the class sizes are small...in Barre Body, I actually was the whole class.  

I struggled the most in PiYo. I didn't really know what I'd gotten myself into...it's kind of like a yoga class but in fast forward. As I was panting and trying to not obviously look at the clock the teacher threw me some praise and added it usually takes 2-3 classes to understand the directions/flow of class. I'm trying class two tonight, think happy thoughts for me.

A couple additional articles:
Tips to ease your mind about a new fitness class 
"New Year, New You" 

How is your new year treating you? Anything new you'd like to share?   

Becoming an early morning exerciser...part two

The hardest part is over once you get out of the house...and I did it!  Yep that's right, I got to the gym just before 7am (I'm going to work on getting that to an earlier time, but you've got to start somewhere).  Monday-Tuesday at the gym, and Wednesday I tried out a yoga class at Ultimate Pilates in Glendora.  Thursday, I opted out but still got up early...but my muscles were super sore so I took a day of rest.  

The benefits of being an early riser/exerciser have yet to be determined on my part.  I have yet to notice a boost in energy or productivity.  While I do seem to make better food choices throughout the day I still struggle with the late night binge.  I'm going to keep it up though because I know it takes time to adjust.  Here are a couple of links to check out:

Seven reasons to exercise before breakfast

6 Benefits to being a Morning Exerciser

Now let me tell you about my yoga class.  I signed up online with the Mind Body app.  For me it's super beneficial that I book a class ahead of time.  If it's booked I have to be there.  Ultimate Pilates had a deal where you could purchase an unlimited week of classes for $25.  Yoga, Wednesday morning with Lucas was awesome.  There were a total of four students (so lots of individual attention and adjustments were available).  He was a fun yoga teacher too...picture a funny Disney Jungle Cruise operator but nice. The class ran 75 minutes and let me tell you I can feel the difference an extra 15 minutes makes.  My legs and thighs, arms and shoulders are very sore today (but it's that good sore...accomplished sore).  Next up is Booty Barre Flex and Flow (again love that I am already booked for a Saturday morning class...no excuses).

Happy New Year to you, cheers to this being a great year for all of us! Have a safe and happy new year's eve and I'll see ya next year!

Out with old and in with the new

Dear 2015,

You were not my year.  You did teach me some lessons though, and for that I thank you.  I spent much too much of this year in tears, too much time was wasted on frustration/anger and the sadness that accompanies those feelings.  There were good times too and in the years to come I'll just try to remember those. 

Sincerely...good bye and good riddance.

Dear 2016, 

Be kind to me.  Please help me to find work that is worthwhile and that I feel good about at the end of the day.  Help me to keep in mind that my health should be a priority as I tend to forget when I pass sugary temptations...and can become much too comfy on the couch when I know I should be doing something (anything really).  Find ways for me to be comfortable in my own skin, allow me to be happy with who I am without comparing myself to others (but a good version of myself...the healthy, go getter version if you please).  Lastly (for now) make sure that I take plenty of time for those that I care about so that there is never any doubt about much I love them.  

Thanks in advance!

Cheers to 2016, ready set go. 

& You my dear readers? Anything you'd like to put out here in our little universe?

Becoming an early morning exerciser...step one

I got on a Pinterest kick the other night and took multiple clicks all over the Internet world reading all about how to be motivated to get up early and workout.  Tips and tricks abounded to get up and about first thing in the AM.  

I went ahead and grabbed my gym bag...threw a towel in, considered what else to put in but planned on coming home to take a shower after so nothing else seemed essential. Tossed a gym outfit on top of it and got my shoes laid out.  Next up: alarm.  Set my alarm for 6 am and put it on top of the gym clothes so that I would need to physically get up to turn off the alarm.  I even added a note to the alarm of "Turn on a light" because some articles said that it would wake me up more.  

I went to bed all prepped for my morning workout.  When I woke up it was closer to 9 am...I hadn't actually turned on the alarm.  This was right before Christmas and I had wanted to get the last minute stuff done, so I just up and showered and got on with the day.  My stuff is still sitting there waiting to go.  

I'm going to start my week off fresh tomorrow.  So tomorrow begins my step two: actually going to the gym (early...aiming for 6:15ish).  I felt like maybe I should blog it out, just so I can be accountable.  Wish me luck!   

Step one in review: 

1. Prep your gym stuff the night before (clothes, sports bra, socks, shoes, towel, and anything else you may need)
2. Set your alarm (and turn it ON)
3. Turn on a light when you first get up (supposed to help with like circadian rhythm or some such thing)

Relaxing and Recharging

Last week I went out to Glendale to take a Relax and Recharge workshop at the Heartbeat House.  Luisa lead us through "moving meditation, breath work, yin stretching and chakra release".  I really enjoy Luisa's classes (she also teaches Yoga Booty Ballet), she just has a great energy...very positive.  A little positivity can go a long way.

(Note/Reminder to self)

It was a very interesting 2 hour workshop...and it kind of flew by.  I like the idea of setting intentions, and appreciate reminders through out the class...because on my own it's like in one ear out the other, or um, in my mind and then not.  My intentions are like my abs...I seem to only be able to focus on them for a very short period of time.  Both things I should spend a little more time focusing on.  See handy dandy chart below for guidance on intention...I found this very helpful as I tend to focus on feelings first. 

Next up, a Winter Solstice Dance Party.  Happy to have been invited, as I mentioned this time of year can be a little rough around the edges for me.  I need to feel a little bit of the obligation (for example: meeting a friend) to get myself out of the house around the holidays.  

those people at the gym

I am not an avid gym goer.  I am trying to workout more. I have a gym pass and would really like it if some of the people at the gym would stop annoying me. I mean it's hard enough to get myself motivated to even go sometimes let alone getting there and having to deal with the cougher, the cackler, and the texter.  

(Seen here: The Texter...hard at work)

• The Cougher is the one that should really be at home getting some rest.  They creep up next to you on the elliptical (or what have you) and then proceed to hack/cough/gag either on the equipment or into their hands which they then place back on the equipment.  This person never wipes down the machine when their done.
• The Cackler is generally a woman, wearing more makeup that a prom queen and not much else...she always comes with a friend...always.  She will then proceed to laugh/cackle loudly and generally just likes to draw attention to herself.  You will hear her over whatever you have playing in your headphones...she will make sure of it. 
• The Texters are fine when they are in the cardio area, I take no issue with the phone fiddlers when they are going 1 mph on a stationary bike.  I do take issue when they're on the machine in the weights area and just chilling.  In between sets? Okay, but when it's been like 10 minutes...not so much. 

Lastly, and I do hesitate to add this one because it's not very common...but I have to take a slight issue with bearded men at the gym.  Not all, just one guy in particular actually...he was kind of handsome.  Very handsome and just scruffy enough and kind of tall too.  Then I realized his shorts had a high school logo on them...eek!  It's not okay to look like a grown up man being all beardy and then wearing shorts meant for a high school boy.  It is too confusing and I don't appreciate it.   

The next time your at the gym and encounter any of the these people...know that you have my sympathy.  Don't let them stop you, go workout, in spite of them.  

Meatless Monday (on a Tuesday)...a Lentil Chili recipe

Yesterday (Monday) I was in Long Beach at the Esthetics trade show so when I got home I wasn't exactly in the mood to cook dinner.  Thanks to frozen pizza and premixed salads I was good to go.  Today though I cooked.  

I have a turkey chili recipe that I pulled from a Shape magazine a couple years ago...I always tweak it a bit based on what I have on hand because I always seem to leave something at the grocery store.  This time I switched out the turkey for lentils.  See below for a little cut and paste of the original recipe with my tweaks are highlighted (or click here for the recipe directly from Shape).  It came out really well and looked nice and colorful with the spinach/cilantro/tomatoes.  

Firehouse Turkey Chili from Shape Magazine minus the turkey
Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large clove garlic, smashed  (I just used garlic powder)
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions, divided (I chopped up cilantro, very fresh and tasty)
• 1/2 pound ground turkey (subbed for Trader Joes' refrigerated lentils, 16oz)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained 
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (skipped, didn't pick it up at store)
• 1 cup carrot, diced (also forgotten at store...but I did use a couple of handfuls of chopped spinach that I wilted a bit in the pan first)
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan heat oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Toss in garlic and all but 2 tablespoons of the scallions and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
2. Add turkey and continue to cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in chili powder and cook for 1 more minute. Add tomatoes, kidney beans, bell pepper, carrot, brown sugar, and salt to taste. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Divide among 4 bowls and garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of scallions.  (Cut the cooking time to 10mins because of the lentils and sprinkled some cilantro on top)

What's cooking with you this week? Man, I crack myself up sometimes.  Really though, I love Pinterest for recipes and the occasional health magazine (some of those recipes seem like a lot of work though); where do you get your recipes from? Anything you'd like to share?

Long Beach Trade Show

Boldijarre Koronczay (he's from Hungary) President
of Eminence Organics

How do I love a trade show? Let me count the ways...
1. Shopping and samples
2. Classes and demos

Yeah, technically it's not a lot list wise but multiply it into a convention center and you've really got something there.  Bonus: I won a raffle in one of the classes (a book, a shirt, and a box of detox tea), additional bonus: I got to test drive a treatment with The Contour Light (a magical machine that breaks down your fat cells and helps you to lose inches...a $100 value).

I watched some awesome demos of which I would love to continue my education in a little further down the road.  The first of which is a bamboo facial massage using warm bamboo.  The woman doing this demo had a lovely french accent and was so relaxing that I almost fell asleep watching the massage (in a nice way).  Today I watched a demo using Kansa wand as part of a facial massage and I sat there thinking "Man, I want to do this too!!".

Example of a Kansa Wand
 from Diamond Way Ayurveda

Which leads into the shopping...I gave myself a very small budget, but I splurged and bought some Eminence products anyway.  They just smell so lovely and work so hard to make their booth amazing.  They have demos at their booth all day and they give so much info.  I also picked up some brushes...you can't beat wholesale (I'm guessing) prices.

After visiting this year I was realizing that somewhere down the line I would like to teach Esthetics. I love taking classes and learning more and more about the skin care industry.  There is always something new, unfortunately in school the focus is mainly state board.  Don't get me wrong students need the state board stuff but there is so much more that I wish that I had been exposed to.




Links from the stuff I liked in Long Beach:
Diamond Way Ayurveda (Kansa Wand Face Massage)
Eminence Organics (Official Website)
Ageless Health / Dr. Rhonda Donahue (Healthy Living/Supplements/Contour Light)
M'lis (Detoxing and Body Wraps...I'll have a certification class in October)

Nighttime napping...or how I've been sleeping soundly

I've downloaded a couple of apps to my Kindle for bedtime recently and am kind of digging how well they work together.

Relax Melodies (free), upgrade with more sounds for $2.99.
Lose Weight Now Lite by Glenn (free version)

I turn the weight loss app on first then go to the melodies.  I get the voice guidance from Glenn who speaks for about a half hour and the melodies play in the background (I set the timer for 2 hours, but that's me).

I don't know that the weight loss app has really done much, but I will give it credit for getting me to sleep quickly.  I don't even think that I've ever actually listened to the whole thing becuase it knocks me out.  I do know there is some visualizing yourself at your best weight and making healthy choices.  It may be working I feel like I am taking a little more time to consider my choices and being more aware of what I've eaten throughout the day (without tracking and logging).

 

The melodies are nice, you can play with the mix of nature sounds and music and adjust the volumes individually and create your own little nighttime lullaby mix.  It's really kind of cool.  I've been satisfied with the free version.

If you are having trouble falling asleep, try starting one of these apps (or something like them) this week...tell me how you're feeling by Friday.  :)




Ps: If you haven't visited the Facebook page, maybe check it out...bonus articles and humor and such :)  Prettypalooza on FB

Five stretches for a good night's sleep

Now that I've been working out more, I seem to have found some additional muscles that I didn't know I had.  So right before bed and first thing in the morning I've been adding some stretches to help with any stiffness or soreness.  These are some of my favorites (bonus being that you don't even need to get out of bed to do them).

Keep in mind that I'm not a doctor or a yoga instructor...I've just found that these combos have been working for me.

In any order:

1. Legs against a wall: helps to lower heart rate 

2. Pigeon: hip opener

3. Bridge pose: calms brain, improves circulation

4. Cat and Cow: good for posture, relieves stress

5. Child's pose and or Happy Baby: both good for calming body and mind

Again, I'm not a professional or anything, I just know these feel good and I've been getting to sleep easier and it's a nice way to wake up in the morning. Go ahead and check with a Doc, do what you need to do...it's the only body you've got!

If you need info on how to do these poses, or want more info on the benefits I found this website helpful: cnyhealingarts   

BOSU, for me...and maybe for you??

I've seen those BOSU balls laying around the gym before.  I've even seen some women with rather enviable bodies gracefully planking using the BOSU.  I had never dared picked one up at the gym though...I'm not what one would call graceful or coordinated. 

I did opt to try a class over at Equilibrium Fitness in La Verne.  The class sizes are small, so far between 4 to 6 and our teacher.  What I like about this class is that we do a bit of everything (legs, abs, arms) and work at a variety of paces.  I'm still at a place where I go a little slower so that I get the movements right (for the most part). It's kind of like a step class, meets a little kickboxing with some light yoga stretches included.  

Maura the instructor is super nice and welcoming and takes time throughout the class to check on everyone.  On my second visit we were balancing on the flat side of the BOSU and she actually came over an held my hands until I was up and balanced...twice. She came over and held my sweaty little hands, that's how nice she is.

It's a good workout, a get you sweaty and heart racing, leaving with wobbly legs kind of workout.  With a few more classes under my belt I may even feel coordinated enough to try it myself at the gym...during the off hours when not too many people can see me. 

too snarky for inner peace?

I enjoy my evening walks in nature, I do.  Right up until some joggers decide to run around me (it's not like I'm in the middle of the road, I hug the edge), or some mom with a stroller decides to pick up her pace right as I'm about to go around her.  So, for the most part I really like my walks.

I wanted to bring my mindfulness up a notch though. I downloaded the "Stop, Breathe & Think" app for my phone.  They have a "mindful walk" meditation and I decided to listen to it while walking.  Be more in the moment, not irritated by my fellow walkers.  As I listened to the app, I took time to breathe deep, and look at my surroundings.  I was looking to the sky and the trees and missed the sprinkler and tripped...didn't fall though, caught myself.  Then as I was supposed to be focusing on my breath and the scents around me I noticed that I was passing by the bathrooms...so not focusing on the scents over there!

I switched over to the "gratitude" meditation...and it was working for me.  Then this kid with training wheels caught up with me and started yelling at his parents to hurry up...at that point all I could feel gratitude for was the fact I did not have children.

I am a work in progress.  I do like the app, it's free and has a bunch of options for list of meditations.  Most tell you to be seated, but the ones I listened to were good while walking.

What do you listen to? Have you tried any meditation apps? Are you innerly peaceful?

My workouts are trying to kill me

In an effort to lose weight and fit into my clothes again (oh yeah and to be healthier too I suppose) I've taken up walking.  I know I got all excited thinking that I would have a walking buddy, but that hasn't quite gone as planned.  No worries though, she got me out there and got me moving.

Sadly, my workouts have been trying to kill me.  It's not like I'm walking through some forest populated with lions, tigers and flying monkeys. I'm also not aiming for any marathon distances.

I arrive at the park a little after 7 (cooler time of day and parking turns to free).  I park by the lake...but away from the ducks.  I turn on my little "Map my Walk" app and get started. The loop around is about 2 miles and I've been going at least 3 times a week.  T

On Monday, I was about halfway around when my shins started to hurt.  Like a lot.  I stopped and tried stretching...but realized that I wasn't stretching where it was hurting.  Took a few more steps, so much pain!  Being at the halfway point sucked, either way I still had a mile to go.  Summoning my inner high school gym teacher I walked it off.  Got home that night and read all about shin splints.

I Googled (as one does) and it told me that the cause of my pain was basically exercise (too much too fast).  I read that I should take it down a notch, get some rest and try something with lower impact.  The heck?!?!  It has taken me forever to get into some kind of routine and when I've finally found one that I've been sticking too (for like several consecutive weeks) and it causes me physical pain! So frustrating.

I made a plan to alter my course a bit and work back into my regular loop.  I found some helpful stretches and added a 30 day Ab Challenge to my workout.

Shortly after altering my course to help my shins I stumbled upon a new problem, quite literally.  On my way back to my car I fell in a hole. I hurt my knee and my elbow and my pride.  Lucky for me I was wearing my sunglasses and did not make any eye contact with anyone! I am now adding "watching where I'm going" to my list of things to make my workouts better.


Cheers to you and your legs that are like working as they should!

Buffalo Cauliflower, a tasty treat

Forever ago I went to a dinner at Mohawk Bend in L.A. We had the Buffalo Cauliflower as an appetizer and it was very tasty.  I've never been much for wings myself and these were a delightful option.

Fast forward to now when I'm watching what I eat (more or less).  I found this recipe on Pinterest (where else?) and decided to give it a go.  They came out pretty well and are relatively low in WW points to boot.  Bonuses for cauliflower: High in fiber, high in vitamin C, and has all sorts of other vitamins/minerals and antioxidants.  So yay for new recipes involving this "nutrient powerhouse"~~not sure where I picked that up, but I know it's not something I would've said on my own hence the quotes. I like it steamed or roasted and one of these days I'll try it mashed.  I don't know how I feel about using it as a base for pizza though.

For the Buffalo Cauliflower recipe click here.


Any favorite veggie dishes you'd like to share? Thoughts on cauliflower in general?

Getting started

Goal: Exercise more.
 What's stopping me? Myself.

In my head, I seem to think that I prefer to work out solo.  The thing about that is that it makes it increasingly easier to make excuses.  For all those articles that say "have a workout buddy", I've always thought "Nah, I'll go to a yoga class or head over to the gym on my own."  Then an hour passes (or two, or four) and I'm still on the couch.  Then I'm all...darn wasted today guess I'll go tomorrow.  This is all while having a membership to 24 Hour Fitness.  24 HOURS (and my gym is actually open during all that time)...how can I continually be making excuses?  You're guess is as good as mine.





So, having a workout buddy is probably the better way to go for myself.  Luckily for me, I sent a simple "how ya doin" text to a friend the other day which turned into an invitation to go for a walk that evening.  While on our walk she mentioned making this a regular M-W-F outing.  I immediately agreed.  We didn't track our walk beyond the time (about 1 hour) and we weren't like speed walking or doing lunges or anything but we were out there and we were exercising. 


For me, I feel like once I begin working out it gets easier.  Having 3 nights a week that I know I will be active will (eventually) spur me on to be more active in general.  As much as I like to think that I enjoy spontaneity, I actually really like having structure.  The hardest part is getting started.

PS: 

Hope you are all well and having a happy and healthy summer!
Cheers.

Points for me...or the day I joined Weight Watchers

My jeans don't fit.  Not even my stretchy pair...it's very sad.  I do not want to mourn the loss of these jeans just yet so I suppose I need to do something on my end.

My main problem area is my belly pooch...and I would also like to go back to just one chin in my pictures.  My arms could def be more toned...however I have seen pics of the ladies on both sides of my family tree and have kind of accepted my jiggly arm fate.

I signed up for Weight Watchers today.  It has been successful for a couple of my friends and also was recommended by my doctor a while back.  I had resisted the idea, thinking that I couldn't/wouldn't work on a diet. What made me all of a sudden change my mind?  I stepped on a scale at the gym and realized I was at my all time heaviest.

It's still very new to me.  I signed up online for a three month period.  I've tracked my food today but am currently finding myself guesstimating the amounts.  My big success of day 1 was choosing the vinagrette over the french dressing with my salad.  Yay me!

And so it begins...

Anyone out there been on Weight Watchers before? Any tips are appreciated.

Cheers all

Beach Day Prep

Bolsa Chica, CA 

June 1st and my first official beach day of the summer!  I will take a beach day over just about any other kind of day.

The night before a beach day is best for shaving the legs and underarm (trying to do these things day of will most likely result in skin irritation...and if you end up with a nick--ouch).  Currently using Lush-Prince Triple Orange Blossom Shaving Cream (I choose to get the smaller size which retails about $14.00).  

Day of: I start with sunscreen before anything else. For sunscreen, I like Sun Bum and Ocean Potion; I figure before you put your swim suit on you can better reach all your spots and places.  Don't forget the toes! Then come the swim suit and cover up.  

Into my bag goes: a large beach towel/blanket (for laying on) and a normal (smaller) towel for drying off. Additional sunscreen (now is when I opt for the spray on kind). I also like to bring a face sunscreen and keep it in my cooler (makes it nice cool and refreshing).  Sunglasses (an older pair that won't make me cry if it gets scratched or carried off by a wave).  Small cosmetic bag for cash, ID and keys. 

Snacks/drinks: I like to have a sandwich place pack me a sandwich, bring chips to share and generally a fruit of some kind: watermelon, pineapple, strawberries.  Also a large container of water (I like to fill it with ice too).  For the 21 and over crowd: Those little frozen daiquiri-juice pouches draw much less attention than red party cups.  Vodka spiked watermelon goes over well. For additional ideas may I suggest searching Pinterest for Beach Drinks? ***Proceed with caution though and keep an eye out for beach cops.

Any beach tips or treats that you'd like to share?

Aloha and cheers!

oh my thai...a massage experience

I've been working some crazy hours this month (as I do at the end of a quarter)...and decided to treat myself to a massage before month end.  I'd been looking into Thai massage and liked the idea of being stretched into relaxation.

I Yelped a bit, looking for a place with good reviews in my area. I was in luck, as there were a couple of places with rave reviews.  I opted for the Sukho Thai Healing Center in Glendora. I called as I was leaving work, hoping to snag an appointment that evening.  I was in luck and headed right over.  Drove right past it, thinking I knew exactly where they were.  Called them back, circled around, found their little place.  A very friendly older gentleman greeted me.

Being new to the Thai massage experince, I didn't completely know what to expect.  A petite little lady greeted me (I easily stood a foot taller).  She showed me to our small curtained off space and directed me to a box to place my clothes and left me to get to it.

I laid down in the very dark yet calming space.  My massage therapist came back and went to work.  She used oil, and had a very firm pressure.  It began as a pretty basic massage but with some added stretches here and there, I could feel her resting her weight on the back of my thighs which I think gave her better leverage on my back.  I turned over (face up) and she crossed one leg over the other and stood on the table to help stretch the back of my leg...with my leg up on her shoulder I realized very suddenly that I now had nothing covering my lower half. She half asked, half told me that I was okay...and then we repeated it with the other leg. Perhaps modesty is not my thing when my aim is to relax...but she didn't make me feel awkward for one second (maybe one..but not 5 seconds).

I really enjoyed the whole experience.  I also really like that we started off with a warm towel to give me a quick overall cleanse (I spent the whole day in flip flops, so it was super nice to have clean feet!), we finished off with another warm towel with a little essential oil to refresh the senses.  It's maybe a bit of a hole in the wall from the outside, but I would totally go again.

Chakra Balancing

A couple weeks back I went to Palm Springs with my work crew.  We stayed at the super lovely Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage.  Saturday, one of my work friends and I hit up this little place called Crystal Fantasy.  I realize that this is not a place for everybody, but I enjoyed myself.

As we wandered about the store filled with crystals, books, and tarot cards we soon found ourselves in the back room.  There were two ladies sitting next to massage tables and we asked what they did.  Crystal Healing and Chakra Balancing.  We consulted each other for a moment and it was decided, we were in.

I got set up with a sweet sprite like little lady named Holly.  She was so soft spoken and radiated kindness, I immediately felt at ease with her.  I laid back on her table and closed my eyes.  She asked questions about my life, stress, things I'd like to work on.  I told her anything she wanted to know (she just had that kind of presence).  She placed assorted crystals on my person and swept her hands over me...it was a very relaxing experience and also hard to explain.

Afterwards, we talked a little and she gave me her card.  I will for sure visit her again some time, and she let me know that I could contact her for a phone consultation anytime.

Like I said, it's hard to explain what happened.  If you're open to that kind of experience...it can be kind of neat.  I'm going to try and learn more about these types of healing alternatives.

Cheers all!