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Showing posts from December, 2010

Ashtanga Yoga Moon Days 2011

"Observing this restraint to practice can be helpful in not becoming too attached to practice and routine. It also provides time for the body to rest and recuperate." Richard Freeman New moon Tuesday 4th January: new moon Wednesday 2nd February: new moon Friday 4th March: new moon Sunday 3rd April: new moon Tuesday 3rd May: new moon Wednesday 1st June: new moon Friday 1st July: new moon Saturday 30th July: new moon Monday 29th August: new moon Tuesday 27th September: new moon Wednesday 26th October: new moon Friday 25th November: new moon Saturday 24th December: new moon Full moon Wednesday 19th January: full moon Friday 18th February: full moon Saturday 19th March: full moon Monday 18th April: full moon Tuesday 17th May: full moon Wednesday 15th June: full moon Friday 15th July: full moon Saturday 13th August: full moon Monday 13th September: full moon Wednesday 12th October: full moon Thursday 10th November: full moon Saturday 10th December: full moon

Quote: Loving

The success of love is in the loving. It is not in the result of loving. Of course it is natural in love to want the best for the other person, but whether it turns out that way or not does not determine the value of what we have done. Mother Teresa

Pose of the day

Snowy yoga , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Sirsasana (headstand). An empty snow covered beach was too difficult to resist. Wellies stayed firmly on.

Dog plays piano

Dog plays piano , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . My dog really got into the festive spirit with his own rendition of " You Ain't Nothing but a Hound Dog"... Very funny!

Central Saint Martins Exhibition

Central Saint Martins Exhibition , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Here is my daughter with some of her work at her recent exhibition at Central Saint Martins in London. Many great artists and designers have studied at St Martins, including the wonderful Alexander McQueen who sadly died this year. An inspiration to many, including my daughter.

Recipe: Healing Beans, Greens and Garlic Soup

This soup is full of protective antioxidants, fibre and phytonutrients – plant compounds that protect your body from head to toe and may help balance hormones. Garlic supports the immune system, the gut and the heart – but cooking can destroy some of the healthful properties, which is why it is added late in this recipe. If you’re not a huge fan of garlic, cut it down by half or more. Ingredients (serves 4-6 people): 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter 1 large onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, minced 2 medium carrots, diced 1 teaspoon sea salt, tamari or liquid amino’s, or to taste 8-10 cloves garlic, minced 1½ litres water, or chicken or vegetable stock About 300g cooked white beans (from 2 tins, rinsed, or from about 200g dry) About 700g green leaves, chopped (spinach, kale, or chard) Freshly ground pepper and nutmeg to taste Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Instructions: Heat the oil in a large soup pot over low heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and salt. Cook for 10 minutes; then add

Backbend breakthrough with David Swenson

When I attended a David Swenson workshop recently entitled somewhere along the lines of “hands on adjustments” I had thought I might pick up a few tips, on assisting, my students into a couple of poses. David Swenson had been my first yoga teacher many years ago (16 to be precise). A lot of things have happened in my life in those years (and no doubt in his too) and I felt like a different person to the one who was introduced to yoga by this man all those years ago. We chatted briefly after the workshop and I thanked him for introducing me to Ashtanga yoga and, therefore, changing my life direction for ever. Amazing how one chance meeting on a Greek island can open up a whole new dimension! In fact I had gone to Skyros to attend a workshop called “Creative Change”. I changed my mind and moved to the other side of the island to do yoga and windsurfing. The workshop worked in a funny kind of way. David Swenson was just as I had remembered him; he had hardly changed at all... A little lig

Recipe: Goodness gracious... What a great gratin!

My family really enjoyed this gratin. You can make this a purely vegetarian by not adding the bacon and or using a cream substitute. Prep time: 15-20 mins Cooking time: 50 mins Ingredients (serves 4 people as a main dish or 6-8 people as a side dish): A splash of olive oil 2 rashers of smoky bacon (optional) 1 large onion and/or leek, finely chopped 3-4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 500g root vegetables (swede, celeriac, Jerusalem artichokes, parsnips, even potatoes), finely sliced* Sea salt and freshly ground pepper A pinch of ground cloves or a handful of thyme leaves 1 mug of double or luxury pouring cream ½ mug of vegetable or chicken stock, or water A handful of oats 1 mug of breadcrumbs A handful of nuts (chestnuts, if you can), chopped A nugget of butter A handful of grated cheese (optional) *Swede, celeriac and other big root vegetables need to be peeled and cut into more manageable pieces before slicing. Instructions: Preheat the oven to 190°C/Gas 5. Place a large frying pan o

Pose of the day

Utthita Hasta Padanusthasana B , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Utthita Hasta Padanusthasana B

Lady Gaga head piece perhaps?

Head piece art project , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . My daughter is pictured here wearing an item from her knit project. She is a student at Central St Martins in London and is having a private viewing of her work this week. Not your average knit item - but I love it!

Snowy London

Snowy Putney London , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . I took this photo in my local park this morning; Wandsworth Park in Putney (London). I love the contrast of this man's outfit against the snow.

Down dog V snow dog

Snowy dog London , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . The early morning snow here in London today. My dog loved it. Mind you, being a labrador, snow is in his genes.