Category Archives: A Yoga+Music365 Project

2010 Challenge to do yoga and listen to new music every day.

Yoga+Music365 (day54) – Mud Is My Ally by Harvester – The Recipe Edition!

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Each Tuesday I’ll share an easy, nutritious recipe so you can join me in the home-cooked self-care.

I am a hot breakfast kind of gal. For me, a hot breakfast says comfort and love. It also says my stomach won’t be growling before first recess.

Today’s post is dedicated to quinoa (keen-wah) for breakfast.  Click here for more information on this delicious grain.

Quinoa

1 cup quinoa

2 cups filtered water

Into rice cooker. Wait until it stops cooking.

Done.

Serve with warm milk, brown sugar, raisins, and sliced almonds. And don’t forget the Udo’s.

Or use the quinoa as a base for the Spiced Apples with ricotta cheese.

Please let me know if you made the recipe and what you think. Please share your favorite recipes!

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Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine’s Gentle Yoga at It’s All Yoga.

Today’s music is Mud Is My Ally by Harvester. Yes, Jed’s Harvester. They rock.

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Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

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Thank you to all of you who came to my February Recess 5:45 classes. Such an honor to practice with you! Namaste.

Yoga+Music365 (day53) – Gone by Dwight Yoakam – (Half) Marathon Training – The Unexpected Edition

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When I signed up for the half marathon training I wasn’t sure what to expect other than consistent cardio excercise twice a week. The following are some of the lovely treats I’ve experienced during the training.

  • Nature early in the morning. We mostly walk on the levy and so we’re amongst the trees, shrubs and plants.
  • The BIRDS! Who knew seeing yellow-billed magpies would be so exciting? I think this all stems from my learning about these birds on our last class field trip to the Yolo Basin Wetlands. (In case you don’t live in the Central Valley in California, I’ve posted a picture below.)
  • The ease in conversation amongst strangers. Most folks signed up to walk with their friends. Me and a couple other women went solo and have found each other to be great company.
  • Saying walk out five miles and turn around sounds so much easier than walk 10 miles. I love the semantic game of the turn around and its ability to ease my mind.
  • I’ve been pleasantly surprized at my body’s recuperation. I’m really tired at the end of a long walk, but after a good home practice I feel fine. Even days later my body feels way better than I thought it would.
  • I’m really happy with my choice to walk, rather than push myself to run. Thirteen miles really is a long way, so however you get there is a big accomplishment.
  • Genuine hunger after training. It feels good to be thinking about how to fuel my body in training.

I’ve been struck by how much this training is a form of yoga for me. I’m paying attention to my surroundings, listening to subtle clues from my body, and not pushing myself beyond what I need at any given moment.

Yellow Billed Magpie

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Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! I’m teaching tonight, so I have to prep myself.

Today’s music is Gone by Dwight Yoakam.

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Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

TONIGHT is the last class in this series!

Music Round Up! Week 7 – Comfort Food Edition!

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Each Sunday* I’ll share my thoughts on the music of the week. Please keep in mind I am not a music critic, just a girl with a musical obsession that needs to be tempered.

Yoga+Music365 is my effort to expand my musical horizons by listening to a new album every day in 2010.

I’m always looking for new music, so please send me the titles of albums that you absolutely can not live without, albums you wish were on everyone’s iPods and albums you play over and over despite no one else “getting it”.

The albums don’t have to be new releases, just new to me (or at least something I haven’t yet listened to in 2010**).

NOTE: I’m linking to Amazon now, so you can hear all the songs. Click on the band names to LISTEN for FREE!

MUSIC ROUND UP!

Day 43: 

Title: Phases and Stages by Willie Nelson

Highlights:

  1. Bloody Mary Morning!!!!!!!!!

  2. Pretend I Never Happened

  3. Sister’s Coming Home/Down At the Beer Joint

Will I listen again?

Without a doubt. This album goes well over breakfast. Waffles and Willie on Sunday morning.

In my new found enthusiasm for Leslie and the Badgers Roomful of Smoke, I left out this gem last week. This is the real day 42. Oh well.

Day 44:

Title: XO by Elliott Smith

Highlights:

  1. sweet adeline

  2.  baby britian

  3. waltz #2

  4. bottle up and explode!

At what point, do I say the whole damn thing rocks every time I listen?

It makes me want to learn how to play guitar and take up singing in a coffee-house.

*sigh*

I miss Portland, the 90s and my youth.

Will I listen again?

Yes, I think I’m going to go listen to my old Quasi records now.

Day 45: 

Title: Anodyne by Uncle Tupelo

Highlights:

  1. Slate

  2. Give Me Back the Key To My Heart

  3. Chickamauga

  4. New Madrid

  5. We’ve Been Had

Will I listen again?

 Love, love, love it.

New Madrid is one of my favorite songs of all time. In fact, it one of the only songs I’ve ever sung in public.

Day 46:

Title: My Bodyworks by Jane & Steven Schoenberg

Highlights:

  1. It’s Your Muscles (click the title to hear the whole song!)

  2. Bones

  3. Teeth Are Neat

  4. Everybody Passes Gas

Will I listen again?

Definitely. My students love singing along with this CD. Who doesn’t love a song that explains the digestive process?

I’m always on the look out for kid’s music that I can listen to over and over again. Especially music that has educational content, so if you know any others to recommend, pass them on.

Day 47:

Title: Three Feet High and Rising by De La Soul (click the link for video samples)

Highlights:

  1. Jenifa Taught Me

  2. Eye Know

  3. Ghetto Thing

  4. The Magic Number

  5. Buddy

  6. Me, Myself and I

Will I listen again?

Just so we’re all clear, I have to listen to this masterpiece on CASSETTE.

Where do I start?

Dear DeLaSoul,

I love this record.

I’ve loved this record since the first time I heard it in 1989 in the back of Keryn’s car on the way to the Palladium San Francisco.

The game show intro? Brilliant.

The sampling? Brilliant.

“We are not hippies.” – Brilliant.

If you haven’t heard this classic record in a while, I suggest you dig it out and take it for a spin. If you’ve never heard it, go BUY IT NOW.

Three Feet High & Rising

Day 48:

Title: The Greatest by Cat Power

Highlights:

  1. The Greatest

  2. Living Proof

  3. Could We

  4. Love and Communication

Will I listen again?

Yes. This is one of the albums I play at work when students are working. They love it too.

Chan Marshall’s voice is pretty haunting.

Day 49:

Title: A.M. by Wilco

Highlights:

  1. I Must Be High

  2. Casino Queen

  3. Box Full of Letters

  4. Pick Up the Change

  5. Passenger Side

Will I listen again?

Yes! This combined with Anodyne and Son Volt’s Trace really brought me fully into the Alt-Country genre in the mid-90s.

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 Please leave a comment about what you think I should be listening to this year.  Or what you’ve listened to from the list and what YOU think.


Or send me a CD – Yoga+Music365 c/o Tami Hackbarth PO BOX 188616 Sacramento, CA 95818.

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* Saturday keeps getting away from me, so Sunday is the new Music Round Up! day.

** All this new music is craziness and I miss listening to some of my favorite records. Hopefully you haven’t heard them yet and will add them to your collection as well.

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Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day51) – Closer to the Bone by Kris Kristofferson – Mrs. Pricklepants Edition

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February seems like a good idea on paper. It’s got at least two school holidays, daylight is getting longer, and there are only three and a half more months of school.

And yet, I’ve been kind of grumpy all month. Go figure.

Instead of leaving a trail of complaints why February sucks, the following is a short list of things about February that don’t.

  • We started the Money unit at school and students LOVE earning money for their hard work. They are decidedly less enthusiastic about paying for not working, however motivation is at an all time high right now.
  • I love teaching yoga! Who knew that something that scared me so much so recently could turn out to be so fulfilling?
  • My amazing sweetheart surprised me with a very sweet valentine – a little certificate for lunch and a foot massage – by hiding it in the cat food bag while he was away and I actually found it on Valentine’s Day.
  • Acro-yoga was super fun, even when working with a complete stranger. We met during the middle of the class and managed to laugh all afternoon. She’s the one I’m helping into handstand in the photo.
  • One of my best friends is moving into a house with a SWIMMING POOL!  Fishes like me, love them some swimming pools!
  • Three Feet High and Rising.
  • One of my other friends took me to her very fancy gym this week for a spa day. Steam, sauna, and soak – with towel service.  
  • The movie Crazy Heart.
  • Massage!
  • Seeing Rhett Miller play and being in the front row.
  • Reading the Fluent Self and other excellent blogs make me happy.
  • Yoga
  • Possibility of summer road trips with friends for more yoga and general all around fun times.
  • Anticipating seeing my amazingly wonderful friends from junior high over Zachary’s Pizza and a cocktail or two.

What about YOUR February isn’t sucking? Remind me why this month doesn’t totally blow. (That’s your clue to leave me a comment, so I don’t feel like I’m talking to myself.)

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Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! It’s a half-marathon training day.

Today’s music is Closer to the Bone by Kris Kristofferson.

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day49) – A.M. by Wilco – Fake Spring Edition

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I love spring:

the buds on the trees,

the flowers blooming,

the freshly cut grass.

A-choo!

A-choo!

I hate my allergies.

A-choo!

*sigh*

[eyes watering…]

Can you hand me a tissue, please?

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Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento.

Today’s music is A.M. by Wilco. Click on the album name for a link to the album. Click on the band name for a link to the band.

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Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day48) – The Greatest by Cat Power – Handstand Heimlich Edition!

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Handstand HeimlichJust a little something I learned at yoga teacher school.

Photo credit: Allie Hall

Yoga+Music365 (day47) – Three Feet High and Rising by De La Soul-Recipe Edition!

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Each Tuesday I’ll share an easy, nutritious recipe so you can join me in the home-cooked self-care.

Today’s recipe is for the basic smoothie. I know, everyone has their favorite already called Jamba Juice, but I’m here to advocate making your own at home. By making it at home, you can determine the quality of ingredients and figure out your own “boosts” to add.

I use the blender my parents got as a wedding present in 1965 to blend mine. It’s got a glass container and two speeds – slow and fast. Nothing fancy.

Instead of using ice, I use organic frozen fruit. I prefer berries, but peaches and pineapple sometimes make their way in too. During the summer when I’m are hiding from the neighbors because I just can’t eat any more of their homegrown fruit (just kidding!), I’ll toss an ice-cube or two in with it too.

My base consists of plain or vanilla organic yogurt, organic milk or rice milk.

To sweeten, I’ll use a bit of local honey.

My boost of choice? UDO’s Oil 3-6-9 Blend “a certified organic blend of guaranteed GMO-free, unrefined edible oils. This unique blend delivers a reliable source of the omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids that are essential to life, and includes the omega 9 fatty acids.”

Blend for 5 minutes. Pour into a travel mug and leave for work.

The addition of the oil helps make this smoothie a meal replacement. It keeps me full until lunch.

Please let me know if you made the recipe and what you think. Please share your favorite recipes!

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Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine’s Gentle Yoga at It’s All Yoga.

Today’s music is Three Feet High and Rising by De La Soul.

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Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Music Round Up! Week 6

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Each Sunday* I’ll share my thoughts on the music of the week. Please keep in mind I am not a music critic, just a girl with a musical obsession that needs to be tempered.

Yoga+Music365 is my effort to expand my musical horizons by listening to a new album every day in 2010.

I’m always looking for new music, so please send me the titles of albums that you absolutely can not live without, albums you wish were on everyone’s iPods and albums you play over and over despite no one else “getting it”.

The albums don’t have to be new releases, just new to me (or at least something I haven’t yet listened to in 2010**).

NOTE: I’m linking to MySpace when it’s available because of the ease of listening to songs, not because of a love of MySpace.***Click on the band names to LISTEN for FREE!

MUSIC ROUNDUP!

Day 36: 

Title: The Stand Ins by Okkervill River

Highlights:

Overall, I liked this one. However, nothing grabbed me and demanded a second listen.

Honestly, the best part of this one is my lovely friend Erin wanted to know why I chose this record (I already own it). Apparently I’ll be listening to all other records from Okkervill River because this band is Erin’s Old 97s.

Thank god someone else has a deep admiration for a band besides me.

Will I listen again?

Not to this one any time soon. I’ll be too busy checking out all their other records. Can’t wait!

Day 37:

Title: Hey Eugene by Pink Martini

Highlights:

  1. Hey Eugene
  2. Everywhere (Disney called and they are looking for this PERFECT song!)
  3. Tempo Perdido

Basically all the other songs are cocktail sounds that make me feel very Continental.

I adore this record.

It makes me want to put on my best MadMen outfit and drink cocktails. It’s so not my type, and yet it totally rocks.

Will I listen again?

Yes!

Hey Eugene is like a brain worm. It gets in and plays itself over and over. In a good way.

It also sounds NOTHING like any other song on the album, so don’t judge the record by that song.

Day 38:

Title:  The Ecstatic by Mos Def

Highlights:

I got nuthin. It’s just so needing more than a couple of listens. So out of my music realm at this point, it’s not instantly a must listen.

Will I listen again?

Maybe. I need to branch out, I’ve got it, so maybe.

Day 39:

Title: Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective

Highlights:

I don’t even remember listening to it. I do remember J-man telling me that I probably won’t like it.

Will I listen again?

Upon a second listen, I’m still thinking it’s not really my style. I wouldn’t turn it off if someone played it, but I doubt I’ll be the one playing it.

I’m starting to realize one of the shortcomings of this project. Listening once or twice for some recordings, just isn’t enough. Especially if a record is out of your comfort zone. Maybe next time I’ll do one a week and spend a whole week listening to one record so I can really give my thoughts after spending some more time to appreciate each one.

Day 40:

Title: Trace by Son Volt

Highlights:

  1. Tear Stained Eye
  2. Windfall
  3. Drown
  4. Loose String
  5. Catching On
  6. Mystifies Me

Will I listen again?

Yes, without a doubt. It’s a classic road trip sing along. This is one of the first “alt-country” records I loved and it continues to bring a smile to my face with every listen.

Day 41:

Title: The Con by Tegan and Sara

Highlights:

  1. I Was Married
  2. Relief Next to Me
  3. Burn Your Life Down

Will I listen again?

It totally reminds me of the Juno Soundtrack and I have that too. It’s cute, sisterly sing songy, maybe if I put a couple songs into a mix. As an album? Probably not.

Day 42:

Title:  Roomful of Smoke by Leslie and the Badgers

Leslie and the Badgers GO BUY THIS RECORD!

 

Highlights:

  1.  Los Angeles – folkie deliciousness
  2. Roomful of Smoke – country music at its finest. Someone should write a movie to go with this song. Just sayin.
  3. Old Times – by the chorus I was checking the liner notes to see who was behind all these classic songs. LATB wrote and perform their own music.
  4. Winter Fugue – Leslie sounds very Dolly Parton-esque on this on. In such a good way. I LOVE THIS SONG!
  5. My Tears Are Wasted On You – perfection.

Every song offers some sort of brilliance.Will I listen again?

 I can’t stop listening.

Everyone should be listening to this one.

Seriously, buy it and then go see  LATB  when they come to your town.

 Blame Rhett Miller. He’s the one that had them open the show last weekend at the Independent.

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 Please leave a comment about what you think I should be listening to this year.  Or what you’ve listened to from the list and what YOU think.

Or send me a CD – Yoga+Music365 c/o Tami Hackbarth PO BOX 188616 Sacramento, CA 95818.

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* Saturday keeps getting away from me, so Sunday is the new Music Round Up! day.

** All this new music is craziness and I miss listening to some of my favorite records. Hopefully you haven’t heard them yet and will add them to your collection as well.

*** If you click on the band name, you can listen to a few songs for FREE that the band has on their MySpace pages. That way you can actually take a listen and then go buy some new music. 

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Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day42) – Phases and Stages by Willie Nelson – The In Case You Missed It Edition! Volume 1

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I’ve recently discovered the wonderful world of blogs. I am aware I am late to the party, however it’s better to be late than never arrive. Who knew the Internet was full of such wonderful, caring, compassionate people?

Occasionally, I’ll post my favorite posts from other people here –

The In Case You Missed It Edition!

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Today I Am A Harbor Seal at the Fluent Self.  – Learning to become more relaxed during self-care.

The Seven Dwarves of Social Media at Marissa Barack, Can-Do-Ologist.  – Who are you? I was number 8, Lurky, until I just couldn’t keep from commenting on some irresistible posts.

The Seeds of Anger at Gwen Bell, Big Love in a Small World. – Stepping up to help those in need while trying to tame your own demons.

Honesty: The Best Policy for Simplicity at Simplicity by Sunny. – Life-altering truth-telling.

If you have a favorite blog that you’d want everyone to read if you were in charge of the universe, please let me know about it here. Leave me a comment about your favorites and maybe I’ll start reading them too.

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Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento.

Today’s music is Phases and Stages by Willie Nelson. Album link takes you to music and artist link to MySpace.

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Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day41) – The Con by Tegan and Sara – Refinements Edition

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This week I’ve thought a lot about this Yoga+Music365 project.

I’ve reached the 40 day milestone, people in real life have talked to me about it (which is such an amazing feeling) and I simply feel different from when I started.

I feel lighter, more clear-headed, more fun.

Maybe it’s the daily yoga.

The biggest indicator that things are shifting in my life came to me yesterday. At school we give HUGE assessments every six weeks and a week or two later get together to discuss the results. We’re looking at data to see how well our instruction is reaching each student and then make a plan how to refine said instruction before the next set of exams.

In the past, testing week was hell. I was very crabby and only worried about results. My stress and results driven ego would essentially ruin everyone’s week.

This time I decided to change my perspective. I would face the assessment results with a sense of curiosity.

Did this last round of instructional refinements make a difference in outcome? Can everyone survive testing week intact?

While testing week isn’t over yet, I am happy to report I have felt a definite lightness in myself. I’ve also seen that lightness translate into encouragement for students working hard and seeing them relax more.

The biggest growth I’ve seen in my students are from my two that struggle the most. I’ve been watching them take their tests this week. Instead of giving up and guessing, each of them is spending time trying to sound out each word and giving their all.

It’s been one big proud teacher moment all week with these two.

So has the refinement in instruction worked?

I would say so.

Has the daily yoga helped me be a better teacher?

Definitely.

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Today’s yoga brought to you by Kim at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento.

Today’s music is The Con by Tegan and Sara.

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day40) – Trace by Son Volt – The Recipe Edition!

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Each Tuesday I’ll share an easy, nutritious recipe so you can join me in the home-cooked self-care.

Cardamom, I love you.

You smell like Fruit Loops.

You taste like perfume (in a good way).

You never fail to bring a smile to my face and make my taste buds sing.

Coconut-Cardamom Kheer

Serves 4-6

3 cups water

1 cup brown or white basmati rice

1/4 tsp salt

1 2 inch cinnamon stick

1/8 tsp whole black cardamom seeds (not whole pods)

3/4 cup coconut milk (yum)!

1/3 cup agave nectar

1/8 cup chopped almonds, plus more for garnish

2-3 dates, chopped

ground cinnamon, for garnish

1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add rice, salt and cardamom seeds; bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 35 minutes, until rice is just tender and there is still a bit of water in the pan.

2. Add coconut milk and agave nectar. Simmer another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep coconut milk from scorching. Rice should be soft and tender. (For a creamier texture, let cool slightly and blend with a hand blender or food processor for several seconds).

3. Stir in chopped almonds and dates. Ladle into bowls and garnish with almonds and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Serve warm.

Recipe from Delicious Living, December 2008.

Please let me know if you made the recipe and what you think. Also tell me what you like and want to hear more about.

Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine at It’s All Yoga. She is a brilliant teacher+human and she came to my class last night which was at least 87 different flavors of awesome! 

It’s also a half-marathon training day. In the rain. Dude, I’m so committed.

Today’s music is Trace by Son Volt. Just so we’re all clear, this is one of the BEST records EVER. Click here to hear.

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day39) – Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective – Fueling vs. Food Edition!

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Recently our half-marathon training coach spoke to us about the importance of fueling our bodies during training so we could know the best way to keep our energy up during the race. She talked about how it’s important to not only stay hydrated with enough water, but that every 45 minutes we’d need to eat something in order to keep going during our longer training days and the actual race. 

She brought out examples of all the kinds of racing fuel: gels, goos, beans, powders, bars. 

With each example, I felt my anxiety level rise and I felt slightly sick to my stomach. It all looked so futuristic. 

During my workout along the trail in Discovery Park, I thought about how I’m going to fuel my body during the race. I try not to eat a lot of processed foods and mysterious “food like substances” like Michael Pollan talks about in his book In Defense of Food – totally creep me out. 

Read this book!

 

I asked Jessica – the coach- during the post workout stretch if we were ever going to talk about food. She laughed and gave me the rundown: 100 calories made up of complex carbohydrates and protein for every 45 minutes of activity. Some suggestions: peanut butter on whole wheat bread, string cheese and cracker, a granola bar. 

Endurance race folks: What do you do to keep your energy up during a race? How do you fuel? I’m looking for other fueling ideas for training days, so please share. 

Foodie friends: Any ideas to make functional training foods that taste great? Please share your ideas. 

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Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! I’m teaching tonight at 5:45 at It’s All Yoga and I’ve got to prepare. 

Today’s music is Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective. 

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com.  

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar. 

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Music Round Up! Week 5

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Each Sunday* I’ll share my thoughts on the music of the week. Please keep in mind I am not a music critic, just a girl with a musical obsession that needs to be tempered.

Yoga+Music365 is my effort to expand my musical horizons by listening to a new album every day in 2010.

I’m always looking for new music, so please send me the titles of albums that you absolutely can not live without, albums you wish were on everyone’s iPods and albums you play over and over despite no one else “getting it”.

The albums don’t have to be new releases, just new to me (or at least something I haven’t yet listened to in 2010**).

NOTE: I’m linking to MySpace when it’s available because of the ease of listening to songs, not because of a love of MySpace.***Click on the band names to LISTEN for FREE!

MUSIC ROUNDUP!

Day 29: 

Title: For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver

Highlights:

  1. Flume (LOVE IT!)
  2. Skinny Love
  3. Blindsided

Will I listen again?

I don’t know what I was expecting, but I thought this would sound different.  It’s mostly quiet guitar-y sing song-y which I love. I’m definitely going to listen again.

Day 30:

Title: Brighter Than Creation by Drive By Truckers

Highlights:

  1. Two Daughters and a Wife
  2. Perfect Timing
  3. Self Destructive Zones

Will I listen again?

Can you say Tom Petty- esque? Pretty straight ahead rock and roll. I’ll definitely be adding this to the play list.

Well, most of it. There are some serious duds on this 75 (!) minute album. There are plenty of songs for everyone.

Day 31:

Title:  Golden Delicious by Mike Doughty

Highlights:

Um, it kinda sounded John Mayer-ish  to me (please, someone make JM stop). I was surprised because I really liked Soul Coughing when my old roommate used to play them. I also loved them when they opened for Jeff Buckley at the Great American Music Hall back when I was a youngster living in the Bay Area.

Will I listen again?

Probably not this album. A couple of his other records were recently recommended to me and I’ll probably give them a listen.

Day 32:

Title: Blame It On Gravity by Old97s

Highlights:

  1. No Baby I
  2. I Will Remain
  3. Here’s the Halcyon
  4. The One

Will I listen again?

Yes, yes I will.  I think the Old97s are a seriously under-recognized band. People that love them, really love them. However, most people have no idea about them or only know about them from the TV show Scrubs.

The songs are catchy, fun, and most of the lyrics are smart and damn near poetic.  Their live shows are the most fun I’ve ever had and if you should ever see them playing in your town – GO!

Day 33:

Title: Sweetheart of the Rodeo by The Byrds

Highlights:

  1. You Don’t Miss Your Water
  2. You’re Still On My Mind
  3. One Hundred Years From Now
  4. Life In Prison

Will I listen again?

Without a doubt. For a brief period, I was banned from playing this at home. I guess someone thought I played it too much. What can I say? I really like Gram Parsons.

Day 34:

Title: Human Like a House by The Finches

Highlights:

  1. Last Favor (one of my all-time favorite songs)
  2. Human Like a House
  3. Step Outside

Will I listen again?

Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs sings like an angel. And she looks like the nicest teacher you’ve ever had. My class loves this record. Whenever I play it for them, they always say “Oh the pretty lady singing!”

Day 35:

Title: Live A Little by Pernice Brothers

Highlights:

  1. Somerville
  2. Grudge F***
  3. Automon

Will I listen again?

I already listened twice this week.  Recently I read someone say something like, “Pernice’s voice is like sugar with lyrics of vinegar.”  So true!

If you are on Twitter you can catch episodes of the Pernice Chronicles or “Pernice to Me” with Joyce at Ashmont Records. I laugh out loud almost daily.

 Please leave a comment about what you think I should be listening to this year.  Or what you’ve listened to from the list and what YOU think.

Or send me a CD – Yoga+Music365 c/o Tami Hackbarth PO BOX 188616 Sacramento, CA 95818.

* Saturday keeps getting away from me, so Sunday is the new Music Round Up! day.

** All this new music is craziness and I miss listening to some of my favorite records. Hopefully you haven’t heard them yet and will add them to your collection as well.

*** If you click on the band name, you can listen to a few songs for FREE that the band has on their MySpace pages. That way you can actually take a listen and then go buy some new music. 

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day38) – The Ecstatic by Mos Def – The World’s Longest “Pregnancy” Edition

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When we started the adoption process back in September 2008, several people suggested we start a blog to capture the time while we were waiting to build our family.

In theory I thought it was a good idea and thought I would do it someday because, that’s what “good” adoptive parents do.

Right? 

Good adoptive parents record every moment of waiting time so that they have a “pregnancy” story to share with their child when they ask about how they became a family.

Then I got all caught up in the notion of what “good” adoptive parents do and got overwhelmed in the judgement about what I am supposed to do.

I hate doing what I’m supposed to do.

So instead, I decided to just do some projects that interested me while we waited. So far, I’ve taken all classes possible to move across the salary schedule (who doesn’t love more money???), studied to become a yoga teacher and now I’m training for a half-marathon.

Oh and I started a daily writing project about two things I love: yoga and music.

I guess my future kid will at least know his/her mom was super busy while waiting.

Interesting to me now, that this blog about my becoming a yoga teacher is evolving into a kind of “pregnancy” story. It’s documenting the changes in me over time. I guess in my own way, I am documenting my transformation into a parent.

Adoption is obviously a longer wait than biological pregnancy. It’s also a much more personal “pregnancy” because there is no physical reminder of our impending parenthood.  If people don’t know we’re adopting – they would never know we’re expectant parents. We don’t have month-to-month bump photos or ironic t-shirts.

Stupid T-shirts

We just have a big binder and a whole bunch of waiting.

I’m curious how other people documented their transformation into parents.

How did you document your pregnancy or waiting time?

How did you share that story with your child when they asked?

Biological or adoptive stories are welcome. Please share your stories here.

 Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! It’s a half-marathon training day.

Today’s music is The Ecstatic by Mos Def.

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day36) – The Stand Ins by Okkervil River – Massage Edition!

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Every Friday I take the day off from blogging.

But what about the yoga and the music? Not to worry friends, it’s still happening, I’m just not writing about it today.

++++++

Let’s be honest, the real self-care comes from knowing your limits, boundaries and taking the time you need to renew.

What will I be doing instead of yoga, music and writing about yoga and music?

In honor of listening to my need for self-care, I’m having my twice monthly massage today.  Yep, I get a 90 minute massage every other Friday from Tess Bradley at the Body Mind Center in Midtown Sacramento.

Make an appointment with her – she’s AMAZING! Tell her you read about her here!

Twice a month massage?!?!?

It must be nice. I’ve been hearing for years about this practice.

Why yes, it is.

I look at massage as a financial commitment to my health and well-being. Massage, like yoga, helps me be a nicer person. It feels good and it helps keep me healthy. It also helps me be a better teacher, wife and friend. I started having massage regularly so I could deal with the grief of my stepdad dying and felt all the benefits of regular body work.

++++++

This is what I said the last time I told you about taking time off on Fridays. Not much has changed… I’m having a massage, wishing I could also go to the 4:30 class at It’s All Yoga to support my classmates and to luxuriate in their sweetness.

During my brief recess today I think I’ll concentrate on planning my next class and spending some quality time with the J-man and going bed early so I can be ready for my seven (7!!!!) mile training walk tomorrow morning.

What practices do you regularly do to take care of yourself? Please leave a comment and if your self-care thing interests me, maybe I’ll start doing your thing too.

PS- Think of Fridays as blog-reading catch-up day. If you’ve been a little behind on all the good stuff, here’s my gift to you.

PPS- Sunday is Music Round Up!

 Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day35) – Live A Little by Pernice Brothers

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I have a confession.

I never understood why yoga teachers thank their students for sharing their practice with them. I honestly just thought it was something that they say to end a class. Or they wanted to be polite or whatever. In any case, I just didn’t get it.

Then at the end of my first class, with everyone smiling at me, I felt it.

Gratitude.

Like that welling up, spilling over, where the hell did this come from – gratitude.

They (gulp! WE) truly are humbled and grateful for you sharing your practice.

I thought you’d like to know… we aren’t faking it.

++++++

Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine at It’s All Yoga.

Today’s music is Live A Little by Pernice Brothers.

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day34) – Human Like a House by The Finches – My First Class Edition

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Monday night I taught my very first solo yoga class.

Despite all my hand wringing nervousness before the class, I absolutely loved it!

It finally clicked why I wanted to do this in the first place: to share something I love with people.

The following is from Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living by Pema Chodron:

We already have everything we need. There is no need for self-improvement.

These words sum up why I love yoga.

Oh yeah, I also really like the laying down with your eyes closed part too!

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Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day33) – Sweetheart of the Rodeo by The Byrds – The Recipe Edition!

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Each Tuesday I’ll share an easy, nutritious recipe so you can join me in the home-cooked self-care.

Today’s recipe is from a Sunset Magazine cookbook recipe I found years ago and I changed it a bit.

We grow vegetables in our front yard and every year we have bunches of brocoli at one time. This year the crop didn’t do that well, so the farmer’s market has been our source for vegetables.

Pasta Risotto with Brocoli (or asparagus or other vegetable really)

Prep time: 10 minutes, Cooking time: 12-15 minutes

1 cup orzo or tiny shaped pasta

1 1/2 cups of water

1 1/2 cups broth ( I use chicken or vegetable depending on what I have)

2 cups (or more) chopped vegetables

1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated

garlic powder and dried basil

Combine water,broth, garlic, basil and pasta in a 2-3 Quart pot. Bring to boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Add brocoli and continue to simmer until pasta has absorbed almost all liquid and mixture is like a thick soup (7 to 10 minutes), stirring often to prevent sticking.

Stir in 1/4 cup of cheese, divide and eat.

Please let me know if you made the recipe and what you think. Also tell me what you like and want to hear more about.

Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! It’s a half-marathon training day.

Today’s music is Sweetheart of the Rodeo by The Byrds (with Gram Parsons singing!).  Click on the album title to listen.

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day32) – Blame It On Gravity by Old97s- The Blindfolded Yoga Edition!

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Blindfolded yoga?

I so didn’t make this up.

That would be Michelle.

She’s a fancy yoga teacher who is taking a month off from teaching. She’s been doing this for years, so she can get away with that wackiness. She knows what she’s doing and people trust her. They know she’s driving and so they follow her lead.

She’s pretty much a genius.

And she’s trusting me to sub for her during her time off.

DUDE!

That’s a lot of pressure.

I’ve talked to my Monsters and we’ve come to an agreement.

I’ve practiced my class at home, taught it to my wonderfully patient dude, and I promise to remember to breathe during the class.

I’ll also keep in mind that everyone there isn’t expecting Michelle because they all read her blog about her February Recess.

But back to the Blindfolded Yoga…

As soon as I put the blindfold on, I was filled with a sense of peaceful euphoria. All the striving and ego I fight against in the higher level classes just disappeared.  I was free to practice with all my focus internally. I was able to really let go of the anxiety I had been feeling about teaching and settle into concentrating on being in the moment. Of course all those moments included trying not to fall over myself or my props.

For a few minutes I was able to really live in the moment and that’s what yoga is all about.

Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! I’ve got to contain my nervous energy somehow.

Today’s music is Blame It on Gravity by Old97s.

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Music Round Up! Week 4

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Each Sunday* I’ll share my thoughts on the music of the week. Please keep in mind I am not a music critic, just a girl with a musical obsession that needs to be tempered.

Yoga+Music365 is my effort to expand my musical horizons by listening to a new album every day in 2010.

I’m always looking for new music, so please send me the titles of albums that you absolutely can not live without, albums you wish were on everyone’s iPods and albums you play over and over despite no one else “getting it”.

The albums don’t have to be new releases, just new to me (or at least something I haven’t yet listened to in 2010**).

NOTE: I’m linking to MySpace when it’s available because of the ease of listening to songs, not because of a love of MySpace.***Click on the band names to LISTEN for FREE!

MUSIC ROUNDUP!

Day 21: Sad Panda – no music today…

Highlights:

Will I listen again?

Day 22:

Title: Chimneys and Fishes by Little Sue

Highlights:

  1. Whiskeyhat
  2. Spring Becomes You
  3. When You Lie
  4. Bonnet
  5. Bad Girl

Will I listen again?

When I lived in Portland I would go to Happy Hour at the Laurelthirst Pub every week to hear Little Sue play. In between shows I’d listen to this record on repeat. It still makes me happy every time I hear it.

Day 23:

Title: Actor by St. Vincent

Highlights:

Learning that St. Vincent is a girl. A girl with a very serene and pretty face. Finally listening to the album that made some many Best Of lists.

Musically, nothing jumped out at me. Apperantly, I’m not cool enough.

Will I listen again?

Maybe. It’s really just not my style of music, however that could mean it’s good for getting me out of my comfort zone.

Day 24:

Title: Killed by Bears – Self-titled

Highlights:

Ryan Martin’s sweet voice and catchy pop songs. I honestly loved them all.

Will I listen again?

YES!

Jed gave this to me two years ago when it came out and saying I would love it. He was absolutely right!  This is why I’m doing this project. So I can actually make the time to listen to new records I will love if I would just listen to them. 

Day 25:

Title: Carried by Dust by Calexico

Highlights:

The singer kinda sounds like Guy Kyser of Thin White Rope and Doc Holler.

  1. Writer’s Minor Holiday
  2. Slowness

Will I listen again?

I’ll probably just listen to Thin White Rope.

Day 26:

Title: Cardinology by Ryan Adams and the Cardinals

Highlights:

  1. Go Easy
  2. Let Us Down Easy
  3. Like Yesterday

Will I listen again?

Here’s the honest truth. This album is falling into the category of what I heard first from an artist, I like best. I’ll probably stick with the mellow and rockin’ mixes my friend Stephanie made me. She picked songs she thought I’d like and she was absolutely spot on. If only my girlfriends would include song titles and albums when they make me mixes (hint, hint).

Day 27:

Title: We Started Nothing by The Ting Tings

Highlights:

  1. Shut Up and Let Me Go (very Franz Ferdinand)
  2. We Started Nothing

Will I listen again?

I’m not really feeling the super poppy synth pop girlie singer. Should I ever want a little of this, maybe.

Day 28:

Title:  Changing Horses by Ben Kweller

Highlights:

I absolutely loved every song on this record!

Old Hat – watch here.

Very old Willie Nelson/Gram Parsons.

You need to buy this record today!

Will I listen again?

Absolutely!

 Please leave a comment about what you think I should be listening to this year.  Or what you’ve listened to from the list and what YOU think.

Or send me a CD – Yoga+Music365 c/o Tami Hackbarth PO BOX 188616 Sacramento, CA 95818.

Today’s yoga brought to you by: Michelle Marlahan at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento.

Today’s music is Golden Delicious by Mike Doughty.

* Saturday keeps getting away from me, so Sunday is the new Music Round Up! day.

** All this new music is craziness and I miss listening to some of my favorite records. Hopefully you haven’t heard them yet and will add them to your collection as well.

*** If you click on the band name, you can listen to a few songs for FREE that the band has on their MySpace pages. That way you can actually take a listen and then go buy some new music. 

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day28) – Changing Horses by Ben Kweller

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People keep asking me if I like country music. If it sounds like Gram Parsons then the answer is yes, I like country music. 

Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento. I’m assisting her Basics tonight and then doing a little home practice to help the monsters in my head relax.

Today’s music is Changing Horses by Ben Kweller.  – Who sounds a lot like Gram Parsons!

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day26) – We Started Nothing by The Ting Tings – Books Edition!

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I really do heart books. I make it a point to read for pleasure every day. I also read to my students every day.

So naturally when the idea of a yoga studio book club came along, I jumped on it.  It’s All Yoga is starting up the studio book club again and Amanda (mama/yoga teacher extraordinaire) and I are in charge.

The first book is:

The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by the Dalai Lama and Dr. Howard Cutler (10th Anniversary Edition)

We meet the 4th Sunday at 4pm at 21st and X Streets in Sacramento – at the studio. Unless there is another workshop or event going on. Our other location is Temple Fine Coffee at 28th and S Streets.  Please join us!

If you can’t join us in person, feel free to leave comments here.

Please let me know if you read the book and what you think.

Also tell me what you like and want to hear more about. I’m always looking for post ideas.

Today’s yoga brought to you by Kim of Yoga for Scoliosis fame at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento. If you are interested in a Yoga for Scoliosis workshop – 2/6&7 at It’s All Yoga.

Today’s music is We Started Nothing by The Ting Tings

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day26) – Cardinology by Ryan Adams and the Cardinals – -Recipe Edition!

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  Each Tuesday I’ll share an easy, nutritious recipe so you can join me in the home-cooked self-care.

Today’s recipe was found on WordPress at Healthy Habits Coach. Check out her blog for more healthy recipes and tips.

 I love beets and am always looking for ways to get more vegetables in my body. To be honest, I like buying them more than making them. This salad was easy and delicious. The easy is really important because I hate making salads.

Even if you don’t like beets, you should try it. It doesn’t taste very “beet-y” – it’s cool, crisp, crunchy,  a bit sweet, a bit tart and it’s really pretty. I wish I had a picture, but I never remember to take photos of my food.

Beet and Grapefruit Salad (for 2)
½ beet, grated (RAW – I kept the skin on)
1 pink grapefruit, peeled and diced {I used blood oranges instead}
1 stock of celery, diced
¼ cup red onion, diced {I omitted – we didn’t have any}
Balsamic Vinaigrette to moisten
Slivered roasted almonds to sprinkle on top

Mix and enjoy.

Please let me know if you made the recipe and what you think. Also tell me what you like and want to hear more about.

Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! It’s a half-marathon training day.

Today’s music is Cardinology by Ryan Adams and the Cardinals

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day25) – Carried to Dust by Calexico

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Three people in as many days have asked me where I find cool stuff on the internet.

My answer: Twitter

Don’t knock it until you try it.

That’s all I’m saying.

Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice in Sacramento.

Today’s music – Carried to Dust by Calexico

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

NEW!!!! Mondays at 5:45 in February I’ll be teaching a Level 1/2 at It’s All Yoga – come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day24) – Self-Titled by Killed By Bears

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Self-care Tested

My self-care challenge was truly put to the test this week.  Bad adoption news kicked my butt.

In order to best care for myself, I took some time off work and tried really hard not to feel guilty about it. I know it was the best thing for me and I got a lot of support from everyone to do it, but I still felt a bit weird about it.

I wasn’t sick, but I definitely felt incapable of functioning. Fuzzy brain, spontaneous crying, and overall body fatigue and aches/pains.

Grief.

No bueno.

I turned to a trusted source for self-care: The Woman’s Comfort Book – A Self-Nurturing Guide for Restoring Balance in Your Life by Jennifer Louden.

Chapters are written like self-care recipes.  You find out what the assignment is, what it isn’t, what you need and when to do it leaving you no excuse not to take care of yourself.

Some of my favorites:

A Day Off – It sounds a lot like Pajama Day with excellent ideas like: making a picnic, a bliss list, being a tourist for the day, reconnecting with someone special, just being day, and silent day. I highly recommend this.

Hiding Under the Covers – Doesn’t really need any further explanation, does it? This is exactly what Mary Paffard advocated for us to do – REST.

When I Think of Comfort I Think of Food – permission to eat what you want without feeling guilty about it. I’d argue most American women could stand to read this chapter.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It wasn’t until Saturday morning during my half-marathon training that I really felt the physical effects of our bad news. During my warmup I felt like I was trudging through oatmeal. My legs were heavy and slow and my brain was foggy.

Although about halfway through my walk/run the cobwebs finally lifted and I felt my mood lift and I felt like I’ll eventually feel good again.

I’m so glad for this new found awareness of how a little self-care goes a long way.

Yoga+Music365

Today’s yoga brought to you by Deborah at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento.

Today’s music is Killed by Bears – Self Titled.

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

NEW!!!! Mondays at 5:45 in February I’ll be teaching a Level 1/2 at It’s All Yoga – come join me.

Music Roundup! Week 3

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 Each Saturday I’ll share my thoughts on the music of the week. Please keep in mind I am not a music critic, just a girl with a musical obsession that needs to be tempered.

Yoga+Music365 is my effort to expand my musical horizons by listening to a new album every day in 2010.

I’m always looking for new music, so please send me the titles of albums that you absolutely can not live without, albums you wish were on everyone’s iPods and albums you play over and over despite no one else “getting it”.

The albums don’t have to be new releases, just new to me.

NOTE: I’m linking to MySpace when it’s available because of the ease of listening to songs, not because of a love of MySpace.

MUSIC ROUNDUP!

Day 15:

Title: Townes by Steve Earle

Highlights:

This is Steve Earle covering Townes VanZant. It’s hard to go wrong with this combination.

Will I listen again?

Absolutely.

Day 16:

Title: Acid Tongue by Jenny Lewis

Highlights:

Hated it. Seems harsh, but it’s true. The last third of the album was better than the first two-thirds, but this was so NOT my cup of tea.

Will I listen again?

No, however I will listen to her band, Rilo Kiley. Love, love, love Under the Blacklight!

Day 17:

Title: Re-Arrange Us by Mates of State

Highlights:

Catchy synth indie pop with a married couple – what is not to like?

Will I listen again?

I doubt this will become a staple, however I can imagine listening to this doing housework or reading the newspaper on a lazy Sunday morning.

Day 18:

Title: Volume One by She and Him

Highlights:

  1. Thought I Saw Your Face Today
  2. Sentimental Heart
  3. I Should Have Known Better
  4. I Was Made for You

Will I listen again?

YES! It is very 60s/70s lounge-y poppy/Burt Bacharach-y

Is this a good time to tell you of my massive girl-crush?

The Molly Ringwald of the New Millennium!

Love her!

Day 19:

Title: Self-Titled by Sara Watkins

Highlights:

folk! bluegrass! pop!

A real singer songwriter.

Will I listen again?

Definitely.

Day 20:

Title:  Hitchhike to Rhome by Old97’s (Yes, they are the band I’m obsessed with. I had an extraordinarily crappy day and thought I deserved some well-loved music. Plus most of you haven’t heard this record and you all should.)

Highlights:

  1. St. Ignatius
  2. Wish the Worst
  3. Doreen
  4. Hands Off

 Will I listen again?

Um, yeah.

My name is Tami and I have a problem….

 Day 21:

I didn’t listen to music this day. Instead I indulged myself in other ways – like some good old fashioned retail therapy.

Check out my new boots! I got them in Curry and super-duper on sale – SCORE!

Please leave a comment about what you think I should be listening to this year.  Or what you’ve listened to from the list and what YOU think.

Or send me a CD – Yoga+Music365 c/o Tami Hackbarth PO BOX 188616 Sacramento, CA 95818.

Today’s yoga brought to you by: the post walk/run stretch by Fleet Feet in Sacramento and the kitchen using “The Runner’s Yoga Book” as a reference.

Today’s music is Actor by St. Vincent. 

Yoga+Music365 (day19) – Sara Watkins self-titled -Recipe Edition!

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Each Tuesday I’ll share an easy, nutritious recipe so you can join me in the home-cooked self-care.

This week’s recipe takes a bit of time on the weekend, but keeps easily in the freezer for home-cooked goodness on the workdays. It is also NOT vegetarian, however I think it could easily be made without meat.

Crustless Quiché

Serves 8 to 10

24 oz cottage cheese

2 cups of diced ham (or a couple of slices of crumbled bacon)

8 oz shredded Colby

6 eggs

1/2 cup flour

10 oz frozen spinach/thawed/drained – I usually use 16 oz since that’s the size from Trader Joe’s

1 tsp seasoned salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine all ingredients – mix well.

Pour into a lightly greased 9X13 pan

Bake 1 hour.

Cool, cut, wrap and freeze.

To heat – microwave on high for 2-3 minutes.

I like to eat this with a slice of toast and a Morningstar Farms sausage pattie. A savory delicious breakfast in under 5 minutes.

Tell me: Do you have any super quick, easy, delicious food ideas that help you feel well cared for? If so, leave me a comment and I’ll try them too.

Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento.

Today’s music is self-titled by Sara Watkins.

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

I’m teaching 3/5/10 – so mark your calendars!

Yoga+Music365 (day18) – Volume One by She & Him

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My left shoulder is hurting again.

And by again, I mean still.

I initially injured my shoulder falling on it on pavement back in 2000.

Falling?

Yep.

In the dark.

In front of a busy hotel.

Over a crack in the sidewalk.

Totally completely and utterly jet-lagged as I had just returned from London the night before.

In other words, I had absolutely zero warning that I was about to kill my shoulder.

The day after I fell I went to the doctor and had it x-rayed because I thought I broke my shoulder (ha – It’s only 9 years later that I know there is NO shoulder bone!) and the doctor told me it was just deeply bruised. I needed to rest it and eventually it would be fine.

I did my best to rest it while still taking twice a week yoga classes. Every time we went into Downward Facing Dog I would suffer through the discomfort in my shoulder and wonder why people kept claiming this was a resting pose.  I thought everyone felt the same discomfort and pressure in their shoulder that I did.

I thought that I was just doing the pose wrong. If I only practiced it more, I’d get better and my shoulder would stop hurting.

The only relief I found was coming out of the dreaded dog and putting myself in Child’s Pose with my arms wrapped around my feet.

It wasn’t long and something else caught my attention and I quit yoga.

Eventually my shoulder felt better. Or at least I didn’t notice it.

When I started practicing yoga regularly and the shoulder discomfort came back with a vengeance. Oddly, instead of listening to my inner voice screaming to stop doing what hurts, I just kept doing what the teacher asked.

And that was a lot of dog.

It wasn’t until we started talking about developing a home practice during teacher training that I started to think about what would help me feel better. Not doing every pose the class because someone went through a lot of planning and because I didn’t want anyone to think I couldn’t keep up.

If for nothing else, I’m so glad I decided to do the teacher training because it really deepened my own practice. Not so much the physical practice, but the practice of listening to my body and asking it what it needs to feel best.

So in order to really listen to what my body needs, until further notice – NO MORE DOG.

My fellow YTT, Bob, killed his pigeon and now I’m killing the dog.

If you set your mat up next to mine, please remind me to kill the dog.

Today’s yoga brought to you by Amanda, at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento.

Today’s music is Volume One by She and Him

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com.  — I’m teaching 3/5/10!

Music Roundup! Week 2

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Sorry for the delay. The day got away from me – in a good way. Let me count the ways…

1. First day of half-marathon training = success!

2. Baby shower where I didn’t know anyone except the guest of honor = success! I love meeting new, interesting women from all walks of life.

3. Running into a new friend at the library and chatting like crazy in the cold.

Each Saturday I’ll share my thoughts on the music of the week. Please keep in mind I am not a music critic, just a girl with a musical obsession that needs to be tempered.

Yoga+Music365 is my effort to expand my musical horizons by listening to a new album every day in 2010.

I’m always looking for new music, so please send me the titles of albums that you absolutely can not live without, albums you wish were on everyone’s iPods and albums you play over and over despite no one else “getting it”.

The albums don’t have to be new releases, just new to me.

NOTE: I’m linking to MySpace when it’s available because of the ease of listening to songs, not because of a love of MySpace.

MUSIC ROUNDUP!

Day 8:

Title: New Seasons by the Sadies

Highlights:

Nothing really stood out for me.

Will I listen again?

Maybe. We’ll see what other gems reveal themselves this year.

Day 9:

Title: The Reminder by Feist – (full disclosure: I’ve heard this one before, but not in 2010).

Highlights:

  1. So Sorry
  2. Past in Present
  3. 1234

Will I listen again?

Absolutely! I’m not sure what it is about this Canadian singer that makes me keep coming back, but I do.

Day 10:

Title: Noble Beast by Andrew Bird

Highlights:

Will I listen again?

I will keep trying, but none of these songs is nearly as good as the songs on the Andrew Bird mix CD my friend Michelle made for me. I would give you some of those names, but she didn’t give me the names. I did figure out “Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left.” Listen now.

Day 11:

Title: Stay Positive by The Hold Steady (full disclosure: I’ve heard this one before, but not in 2010).

Highlights:

Sequestered In Memphis

Will I listen again?

I have it, but I don’t ever listen to it. I have a strange disconnected relationship to The Hold Steady. I saw them live last spring and couldn’t stop smiling because they so clearly have a great time playing and their songs are fist-pumping athems of classic American rock, but for some reason I’m always listening to something else. Maybe now that I’m going to be walking a lot more I’ll add them to the mix and see if that helps.

Day 12:

Title: Middle Cyclone by Neko Case

Highlights:

  1. This Tornado Loves You
  2. People Got A Lot of Nerve

Will I listen again?

YES! Although I will have to keep myself from always listening to Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. The title track has a lyric that I believe is connected to my tear ducts.

Will I ever see you again
Will there be no one above me to put my faith in
Every time – a tear in my eye. I don’t know why, but that’s some powerful music.

Day 13:

Title: Emotionalism by The Avett Brothers

Highlights:

  1. Shame
  2. Paranoia in B-Flat Major

Brotherly harmonies!

Will I listen again?

Yes! Love, love, love! We may just have to go see them when they come to the Crest in April.

 Day 14:

Title: Trouble in Mind by Hayes Carll (full disclosure: I’ve heard this one before, but not in 2010).

Highlights:

1. Drunkin’ Poet’s Dream

2. It’s a Shame

3. She Left Me for Jesus

Will I listen again?

YES!  These dudes opened for Old97’s on their Blame it on Gravity Tour in 2008 and were rocking enough to capture my attention. Plus the pedal steel player looks like a 1967 version of Jimmy Page.

Please leave a comment about what you think I should be listening to this year.

Or send me a CD – Yoga+Music365 c/o Tami Hackbarth PO BOX 188616 Sacramento, CA 95818.

Yesterday’s yoga brought to you by: the post walk/run stretch by Fleet Feet in Sacramento.

Today’s yoga brought to you by: the kitchen!

Yesterday’s music is Acid Tongue by Jenny Lewis

Today’s music is Re-Arrange Us by Mates of State

 Yoga+Music365

Yoga+Music365 (day15) – Townes by Steve Earle

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Every Friday I am going to take a day off from blogging.

Let’s be honest, the real self-care comes from knowing your limits, boundaries and taking the time you need to renew.

But what about the yoga and the music?

 Today’s yoga brought to you by the new teachers at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento.

Today’s music is Townes by Steve Earle.

What practices do you regularly do to take care of yourself? Please leave a comment and if your self-care thing interests me, maybe I’ll start doing your thing too.

PS- Think of Fridays as blog-reading catch-up day. If you’ve been a little behind on all the good stuff, here’s my gift to you.

 PPS- Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

Yoga+Music365 (day14) – Trouble in Mind by Hayes Carll

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Last night I attended the kick off meeting for my half marathon training. There were hundreds of people (or at least it looked that way) wedged into the Fleet Feet on J Street to hear all about our upcoming training.

I signed up for this right after Christmas while my jeans were feeling a little more snug than they should and before I started my Yoga+Music365 challenge. Plus I’m turning 40 the weekend after the race and what a better way to usher in my new decade.

Right?

What the hell have I gotten myself into?

I’ve never done this kind of thing before, I don’t know anyone and they kept talking about “injury-free” training.

Why have I signed up for something with a warning label?

I’ll admit it. My training schedule scared me. In the next 8 weeks I’ll be going from walking one night a week to walking 7, 8, 10, and 12 miles AT A TIME!

There is some good news in all of this. 

Instead of striving for a sexier group (read more advanced/competitive/cool), I signed up in the walking group. Believe me, this is  a huge step in my yogic path.

Stay tuned for more adventures in training over the next couple of months.

Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice in Sacramento.  Damn dentist appointment.

Today’s music is Trouble in Mind by Hayes Carll.

Each Saturday I’ll share my thoughts on the music of the week in the MUSIC ROUNDUP!

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

Yoga+Music365 (day13) – Emotionalism by The Avett Brothers

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A couple days ago at work someone asked me about how to use blocks in yoga. I quickly rattled off a some answers and then went back to eating my lunch.

Days later I was still thinking about all the ways I’ve used blocks in yoga. Check out the HuggerMugger (yes, I still love that name!) chart above for some ideas.

 WAYS TO USE A BLOCK:

  • To make my arms longer in Triangle, its evil cousin Revolved Triangle, Half Moon and Side Crane/Crow.
  •  I’ve stood on blocks too make my legs longer in King Dancer.
  • I’ve stood on blocks to help me balance more evenly in Crow.
  • I’ve “massaged” my IT band (Ouch! I’d recommend the foam roller for this)
  • I’ve “massaged” my feet, calves, and hamstrings (Again, ouch. It’s like Thai massage – or self-induced accupressure).
  • I’ve used a block in Warrior 2 and lunge – put it between my knee and the wall for balance.
  • I’ve used a block to strengthen my upper body for inversions like forearm balance and dolphin.
  • To give myself a lift in Bridge
  • I’ve used blocks to support my knees in Supta Baddha Konasana and Sukhasana
  • I’ve sat on blocks in Hero
  • I even use blocks in Savasana. Well, if I put a bolster under my knees, I put my feet on blocks. So comfortable!

 What are ways you use blocks to help you in yoga? What are your favorite yoga props? Please leave me a comment and I’ll give your prop ideas a try.

Remember Saturday is the MUSIC ROUNDUP! I’ll share my thoughts on the music of the week. 

Today’s music is Emotionalism by The Avett Brothers

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

Yoga+Music365 (day12) – Middle Cyclone by Neko Case

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  Each Tuesday I’ll share an easy, nutritious recipe so you can join me in the home-cooked self-care.

Since my first week back, I’ve slipped a bit back into my habit of reading awesome blogs (Fluent Self being my favorite FREE therapy) in the morning before work.

Sometimes I get so caught up in the online goodness. Then I realize if I don’t leave RIGHT NOW, I’m going to be late. Which of course gives me a little adrenaline rush before work as I’m then rushing around trying to figure out at the last-minute what I’m going to grab quickly that will still nourish my body.

It’s not pretty, but I’m most alert first thing in the morning so that’s when I like to read the most… so sue me.

Here’s my easy quick healthy breakfast for the week.

Manna Bread (cinnamon date) with butter, jam or honey. I slice it, heat it for 45 seconds in the microwave or lightly toast it, spread and go. I eat it in the car (I know, I know) on the way to work with a warm cup of Pacific Natural Foods Almond Milk.

By the time I’ve gotten to work, my belly is full and I feel like I’ve taken care of myself even though I was a crazy rushed person.

Tell me: Do you have any super quick, easy, delicious food ideas that help you feel well cared for? If so, leave me a comment and I’ll try them too.

Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento. Gentle Yoga with Madeleine is like getting a little kiss on the forehead after a long day. In other words, just what I need at the end of the day. LOVE her!

Today’s music is Middle Cyclone by Neko Case.

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

Yoga+Music365 (day11) – Stay Positive by The Hold Steady

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Pajama Day!

Recently I took a yoga workshop with Mary Paffard about living with a serene heart. The basic message is that as a culture we’re too ambitious with our time and we need to make conscious choices about slowing down in order to care for ourselves properly.

She advocated staying home and staying in bed all day when you aren’t sick.

I couldn’t agree more.

After my excellent massage, I checked my calendar and saw that every single Saturday for the forseeable future was booked.

Except this one.

It was now or never. I had to take my chance at Pajama Day before all my weekend days got away from me. 

Pajama Day!

Saturday I spent all day in my pajamas. At midday I took a shower and put on clean pajamas.

No, I wasn’t sick. Remember this project is to help me not get sick.

What did I do all day?

  • wrote my weekly music roundup
  • read my blog comments and responded to my awesome readers
  • listened to music
  • listened to Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me while eating chocolate in bed – 2 Sacramento mentions!
  • watched an episode of GLEE (!)
  • watched Enlighten Up (loved it!)
  • read Havi’s brilliant blog – The Fluent Self
  • Facebooked with some friends about them joining me in Pajama Day
  • practiced yoga in my kitchen
  • read the newspaper
  • read a book
  • ordered books from the library

By bedtime on Saturday I was sleepy enough to go to bed at regular bedtime. I slept like a baby until morning and by Sunday evening I actually felt rested and ready for work.

 I hope to have another Pajama Day soon. I look forward to hearing about yours.

Today’s yoga brought to by Laura (one of my teacher training classmates!) at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento.

Today’s music is Stay Positive by The Hold Steady.

Remember to come back each Tuesday I’ll share an easy, nutritious recipe so you can join me in the home-cooked self-care.

Also don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com. 

 

Yoga+Music365 (day10) – Noble Beast by Andrew Bird

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Dear Downward Facing Dog and your evil twin Reverse Plank,

I hate you.

Love,

Tams

PS – I can’t see why anyone else likes you either. That’s how much I hate you.

Today’s yoga brought to you by Althea at It’s All Yoga, Sacramento. – A rare weekend treat!

Today’s music is Noble Beast by Andrew Bird.

Don’t forget FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com.