Yoga - Mala Meanings

amethyst mala, shop eat yoga logo inspiration, first seen here 

Yoga is not just a good workout. There is meaning behind every asana, visualization and meditation. The same goes for the custom intention jewelry by Chelsea Welch. Each of her mala bead necklaces come with a card describing their unique "Mala Energies." Every stone is different. 

Here is what my mala energies card says about amethyst:

Extremely powerful & protective stone. Enhances higher states of consciousness and meditation. Has strong healing and cleansing powers. Very calming. Helps one feel less scattered and more focused and in control of your life. Facilitates decision making, bringing common sense and spiritual insights. Enhances memory and improves motivation. Balances out the highs and lows. One of the most spirtual stones. Promotes love of the Divine, encouraging selflessness and spiritual wisdom.

amethyst geode mala, yoga instructor Kelly Grimes' family heirloom, first seen here

Now when Chelsea first began to fill me in on everything she knows about stones and crystals, their meaning and her personal experience associated with them, I was a bit skeptical. A first reaction can sometimes be like, "What is this hippy dippy nonsense!?!!"

The more I learned though, the more intrigued I became. Yogis are super in tune with the earth around them, yoga practices follow the moons and the sun and so it only makes sense to take the healing power and energies of crystals into account. Crystals come from the earth and each one has unique properties. Ancient civilizations have been using crystals for thousands of years. Why not just give them a chance and see what wearing a crystal can bring into your life?

Shop - Mala Bead Necklaces by Chelsea Welch

Chelsea Welch uses unique semi-precious stones for her hand made mala bead necklaces. Her pieces are the most beautiful and most complimented that I wear. Not only do they complete any outfit from lululemon to Anthropologie, they have a different meaning behind each piece. You choose your perfect mala bead necklace according to what you want to create or enhance in your life. If you already have a stone, a certain look for a necklace or an intention in mind, she can customize a necklace for you. Chelsea's knowledge behind the meaning of stones and crystals as well as her artistic eye are what make these mala beads more special than most.

from left: carnelian, red coral, amethyst, vintage amethyst geode heirloom, abalone

Yoga - FabFitFun Guest Blog

Today marks the start of the first annual South Bay Yoga Conference which kicks off this weekend. I am a conference volunteer and offered to write a guest piece for Giuliana Rancic's lifestyle blog FabFitFun.

In this last month of summer we want to make the most of the warm weather and long days. Yoga is one of the best ways to accomplish this! Yoga poses keep you in shape physically while yoga meditation encourages you mentally to stay in the moment and enjoy it to the fullest.

A yoga pose can be combined with yoga meditation to maximize the workout experience. For example, downward facing dog strengthens the hamstrings, gluteal and back muscles and the central nervous system. Holding yourself in this or any yoga pose allows your mind to focus only on the pose and how it feels to execute it within the body. You end up feeling and looking great while simultaneously learning how to maximize your enjoyment of every last minute of summer fun in the sun and barbecues with friends.

For more yoga information and complete yoga workouts make your way toward the sand, the waves and the city of Redondo Beach in the Los Angeles area on August 10-12. Stop by the South Bay Yoga Conference to get your yoga on or just peruse the latest in health food and fitness gear. 

There is something for everyone at the South Bay Yoga conference. Attend the unique variety of yoga classes such as "Yoga at the Movies" or "Yoga for Surfers." Check out the shopping and latest in healthy living by spending some time in the free marketplace. Learn about yoga accessories with Manduka, trying on semi-precious stone jewelry by Energy Muse or tasting freshly pressed juice from BeJuice Clean just to name a few. See you there!

Eat - Yellow Watermelon

Have you ever seen a yellow watermelon before!?!! I haven't! I didn't even know they existed, but as soon as I saw one I just had to try it. I love watermelon, it is one of my favorite fruits to eat or drink especially in the summer. Trader Joe's is still having supplier issues for their watermelon juice and I'm bummed about it! My mom's number one craving when she was pregnant with me was watermelon. When I told the manager at Trader Joe's in Redondo Beach this fun fact, he promised that he would relay it to corporate and get to the bottom of the supplier issues as soon as possible. In the meantime, yellow watermelon will suffice.

Yellow watermelon reminds me of honey. It is sweeter than its red fleshed cousin and a good source of  beta carotene. Red watermelon is high in lycopene which is usually forgotten because is not categorized into the night shade family like tomatoes, the most famous of the lycopene fruits. Those of you who are picky about the texture of tomatoes or don't like carrots, go for the watermelon instead!

Shop - Chilli Beans

h&m dress, vintage vest, free people bag, sunglasses by chilli beans, necklace by emma turnage

I went to the Chilli Beans store at the Century City mall and it immediately became my new favorite shop. They have unique designer sunglasses at three different price points ranging from about $30 - $60.  New styles arrive every week and when I saw this one the owners told me that it was the best buy in the store, the best design within the 'green' or $30 price range. Chilli Beans is a Brazilian company and these glasses would run upwards of $400 in Rio. Someday they might get there here in the U.S. so snag a pair for yourself while they still fit your budget!

The lens color is customizable.

Some of these glasses are designed with a 'top hat' on them and were seen in the designer's runway show this season.

Recipe - Guest Blogger on Navigating Vita

Navigating Vita is one of my inspiration blogs and recently was ranked #14 out of 25 in the circle of moms blogs. As a guest blogger this week, I sent her one of my favorite go to vegetarian recipes that kids and adults love.

For this recipe, feel free to use any version of the ingredients that you have on hand! It can be easily thrown together from your pantry. I have provided my suggested variations in the ingredient list below. It serves about 5 hungry vegetarians and meat eaters alike. There are usually some leftovers that can be gobbled up the next day, hot or cold! Kids love the flavor and they don’t even realize that it is packed with super healthy immune boosting ingredients.

Ingredients:

5-7 green onions

1 Tablespoon curry powder

1 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic or 3 garlic cloves

2 Tablespoons vegetable or canola Oil

1 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes (I like Contadina. For chunkier curry you can use diced or whole peeled tomatoes)

1 14 oz. can of diced tomatoes (If you use a 28 ounce can of diced or whole tomatoes, use a 14 ounce can of tomato sauce here)

1 package of prepared lentils from the refrigerated section in Trader Joe’s (You can start with the dry lentils as well, about 3 cups. Prepare them according to package directions. They usually need to soak for a few hours or overnight)

1 head of cauliflower or 1 prepared package from Trader Joe’s

Sea Salt

Black Pepper (Black pepper aids digestion!)

2 cups of Jasmine Rice (White, brown or your personal favorite)

For spicier curry:

Add 1 can of Diced Tomatoes for Fire Roasted Tomatoes from Trader Joe’s

Directions:

Heat the oil in a deep pan. Once hot, add the sliced green onions. I like to trim them over the pan using scissors for less clean up. Use the white, light green and dark green parts.

Let the onions simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add the curry powder, garlic and salt and pepper.

Stir and let simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the spices and the onions become integrated.

Add the can of crushed tomatoes, lentils, and the cauliflower. Let simmer for 15 minutes.

In the meantime, cook the rice that you have chosen according to package directions.

Add the can of diced tomatoes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes more until the cauliflower begins to soften and you can break it up into smaller pieces with your spoon.

Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour over rice and serve!