December Yoga Challenges

Social media has its pros and cons - yes, it can distract us from living in the present moment, but it can also offer inspiration, support, and a sense of community.

I've never done any sort of yoga or fitness challenge before, but I'm love the concept of it - by doing a challenge on Instagram (with the yoga community), you have a whole group of people supporting you and helping you along the way. Plus, you're held accountable by the social aspect of it.

So this month, I'm doing TWO Instagram challenges: The #JustBePresent monthly challenge, and the #YogaWithTFM 10-day balance challenge.

The #JustBePresent challenge is 24 days of yoga poses ranging from easy to hard. I can already foresee that I'll have trouble with some of them... I still can't do a headstand, and I certainly can't do a split yet. But that's not the point - the point (almost redundantly) is about challenging yourself. It doesn't matter if you can't do something perfectly; you just have to go in with a positive intention, and try your best. 

In a way, this is also a challenge for accepting and loving yourself. Think about it this way - if you were in a yoga class, and you saw someone trying their hardest to do bow pose but not quite making it, would you judge them? Would you really judge them if they were giving their honest, earnest effort? I'm guessing you wouldn't. So why would you judge yourself for the same thing? If you come into your practice with genuine effort, that's all that is required of you. It all starts in the heart. Love yourself, and love your journey of progress.

The second challenge is the #YogaWithTFM 10-day balance challenge. I'm really excited for this one because the poses are challenging but within my range of ability (I think)! This challenge will be a great test of my abilities!

Check out my progress on Instagram:

#JustBePresent challenge - @sarahaldie

#YogaWithTFM - @thesunshineyogi

Post-Thanksgiving Detox

Thanksgiving is, without a doubt, a primarily food-centric holiday - turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie all seem to make an appearance at every table. For many of us, our systems take a serious hit after Turkey day (myself included). This year, my aunt made pecan pie for the first time.... it was SO GOOD! Unfortunately, my stomach isn't quite as grateful as my taste buds are.

Many people wrongly assume that fasting or drinking a liquid diet after an overindulgence "balances" out the body and "cancels" out what was eaten previously. However, consuming drastically fewer calories than you're used to can actually shock the system and exacerbate gastrointestinal distress. For any major dietary change, the body will adapt better if changes are made over time, instead of all at once.

So today, I started a detox to help my system reboot from the beating it took on Thanksgiving day. It's nothing as drastic as a 100% raw food diet or juice cleanse; instead, it's all about eating whole foods and rehydrating as much as possible.

1. Ginger Tea - Ginger has been used homeopathically for hundreds of years to treat nausea and indigestion. It can be kind of hard to eat raw, though, so I like to have it in my tea. Yogi Tea makes a really great blend.

2. Vitamin C - This vitamin supports the body's production of Glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant. Citrus fruits are the best known sources of Vitamin C, but it is actually found in higher concentrations in papaya, kale, and bell peppers.

3. Fiber - Eating fiber-rich foods is a great way to naturally clean out the digestive tract. Fiber isn't called nature's broom for nothing! This nutrient can be found in whole grains like brown rice, and in beans and oats.

4. Sweat - While there isn't a lot of scientific evidence supporting the claim that toxins are flushed out of the body via sweating, there's a whole lot of scientific proof that exercise helps your body reboot. Exercising immediately benefits the lungs, brain, heart, and immune system, to name a few. Just make sure you're staying hydrated!

5. Juice - Again, there's not a lot of scientific data regarding juice cleanses, but its potential benefits stand to common sense. When supplementing a healthy diet with all-natural juices, you're adding more vitamin- and antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies to your daily nourishment. However, keep in mind that juices are a lot more effective when consumed as a supplement to a balanced diet. Doing a juice cleanse on its own can be hard for your body if you haven't prepared, and you won't be getting as much fiber and protein as you should be consuming daily.
Read about my own experience with juice cleanses here!

6. Hydrate - This may be last on the list, but it's the first in importance. The average person needs about 8 glasses of water a day; however, this number is higher for athletes and active people (hello, yogis!). And if you're a fan of Bikram or Hot yoga, you'll be sweating out even more water. So drink up!

Best Black Friday Deals

Before Fair Tuesday, there's Black Friday... but with so many amazing companies out there, it's hard to keep track of all the sales that are happening.

So here is my roundup of the best yoga/fitness/wellness companies that are hosting Black Friday deals:

Alo Yoga
Early access sale with Promo Code IGLOVE

Beyond Yoga
Featuring 40% off all Sangria styles

Energy Muse

Glyder Apparel
Up to 40% off sitewide with code GOBBLE

Jala Clothing
Up to 30% off sitewide

Jus by Julie 

Lucy Activewear
Featuring 30% off everything!

Manduka
Featuring 25% off sitewide on Friday

Mata Traders
Featuring 25% off your purchase using code 5DAYS, plus a free scarf with any purchase of $25 or more

Organic Burst
Featuring 25% off all bundles

Plank Yoga Mats 
Featuring 30% off all mats

Prana
Featuring sale items 30% off

Vega

Yogasana
Featuring 15% off sitewide

YogaSmoga
Featuring $75 off a top & bottom combination

Keep checking back... this list will be updated as more brands announce sales!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am absolutely humbled by all of the blessings in my life. 

I have so much to give thanks for today. 

Today, be a witness to the blessings in your life.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Recipe Roundup: Healthy Thanksgiving Options Under 200 Calories

I love the concept of Thanksgiving - it's a holiday entirely dedicated to exhibiting gratitude for the blessings in our lives. However, this concept has the tendency to get somewhat lost in the deluge of delicious Thanksgiving treats that adorn our tables. It's incredibly easy to rack up hundreds (and sometimes even thousands) of calories in what seems to be an entirely innocuous dinner plate. For example, consider the following meal:

This one little plate alone contains 1,000 calories... half of the average woman's daily recommended caloric intake. (And that's not even counting appetizers, dessert, and wine.) Other sources say that the average Thanksgiving plate may contain up to 3,000 calories. However, there are still ways to enjoy the full taste of Thanksgiving without overindulging - it just require conscious eating.

Here are my Top 10 favorite recipes for a healthier thanksgiving:

1. Garlicky Green Beans with Pine Nuts
   140 calories per serving

2. Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins

    120 calories per muffin

3. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

     135 calories per serving or so (depending on the cheese)

4. Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)
    40-80 calories per roll, depending on the recipe

5. Simple Roasted Asparagus

    80 calories per serving

6. Rosemary Roasted Carrots

    90 calories per serving

7. Eggs Simmered in Harissa

    102 calories per egg (with sauce)

8. Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges
    102 calories per half potato

9. Molasses Cookies
    79 calories per cookie

10. Banana Bread
      169 calories per slice

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fair Tuesday

It's that time of year again - time to be with our families, stuff ourselves with delicious Thanksgiving food, and express our gratitude for all that we have. Ironically, the day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday - which, to some, is a rampant show of unmitigated consumerism. Now, I'm not going to sit here and say that I don't take part in Black Friday... I love a good sale as much as anyone. But I do think that this day presents an opportunity for us to give back to others instead of just serving ourselves.

Enter in the answer to Black Friday -  Fair Tuesday.

Fair Tuesday was launched in 2012 by Global Goods Partners, in order to raise awareness of the fair-trade market that is so often overlooked by consumers. Their website contains a directory of companies aimed at improving communities worldwide, with a focus on environmental sustainability and the improvement of the lives of woman globally.

Here are my top ten favorite products from eco-friendly and globally conscious companies:

1. Trades of Hope

Mumbai Earring Set, $28

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2. Chiapas Bazaar

Handwoven Lara Floor Rug Royal Blue, $250

Promo Code:  FairTuesday2014 for 15% off your purchase at Chiapas Bazaar

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3. Faire Collection

Piano Necklace, $49

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4. Fair & Square Imports

Agate rings, $12.50

Promo Code: Coupon code FAIRTUESDAY for free shipping on any standard online order

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5. Fable Naturals

Apricot and Olive Nourishing Body Oil, $18

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6. Evolvemint

Wallet clutches, $80

Promo Code: Receive 20% off our collection by using #fairtuesday2013 at checkout

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7. Love. Travels. Imports.

Mefie Raffia Tote, $70

Promo Code: #FairTuesday code Detroit Loves FT

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8. Madécasse Madagascar Chocolate and Vanilla

Pure Vanilla Extract, $10

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9. Mata Traders

Reversible Headband, $16

Promo Code: Use cod 5DAYS for 25% off purchases of $25 or more + a Free Sari Scarf

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10. One Degree South

Upendo Glass Bead Bracelet, $28

Top Five on Instagram: Monday 11/24

A photo posted by ALOHA (@alohamoment) on Nov 11, 2014 at 9:47am PST

A photo posted by Smoothie Bowl Recipes (@smoothiebowls) on Nov 11, 2014 at 6:08am PST

A photo posted by iSurf iYoga (ISIY) (@isurfiyoga) on Nov 11, 2014 at 6:35am PST

A photo posted by Breakfast Criminals 🗽 (@breakfastcriminals) on Nov 11, 2014 at 5:39pm PST

A photo posted by HIP HOP YOGA (@yoga213) on Nov 11, 2014 at 8:45pm PST

Review: The Green Teahouse Organic Matcha

Growing up, I saw both sides of the coffee/tea debate - My mom loves coffee, and got me into it at an early age. But my dad, on the other hand, loves homeopathic remedies, and introduced me to tea (with honey) to help alleviate my seasonal allergies. Because local honey contains trace amounts of pollen from local plants, according to my dad, it "immunizes" you against the allergens in your area. However, my dad is an engineer, not a doctor, and his great theory was less than effective (to say the least). But that's how my love for tea started!

Now, I'll drink any sort of tea - green, white, black, herbal, rooibos, chai, you name it. I love tea bags, loose leaf blends ... I've even made my own herbal tea from plants in my garden!

My indoor herb garden - Basil, Rosemary, Kale, and Peppermint - right by my sunniest window!

However, up until a few months ago I'd never tried matcha - basically the espresso of tea. Matcha is the highest-quality grade green tea stone-ground into a fine powder, then traditionally served with milk and sugar. Because matcha is whole-ground green tea leaves, it has up to three times the amount of antioxidants than regular green tea (where the leaves are just soaked in water).

 The first matcha I tried was Trader Joe's matcha green tea latte mix, but after looking at the ingredients and seeing that the first (and most abundant) ingredient was sugar, I knew I wanted to try a more pure form of the tea.

In West Hartford, CT, there's a lovely tea shop called The Green Teahouse that sells loose leaf blends and tea accessories. It was there I bought a little can of matcha, with the only ingredient being Japanese Organic Matcha Green Tea. Nothing like keeping it simple!

I immediately brewed myself a cup and added a bit of milk:

It was delicious! The matcha was bright and grassy, but still incredibly refreshing. The key here is to bring the hot water to almost boiling, but being careful not to let it boil, or else the tea will be very bitter. If you've never tried matcha before, I'd definitely recommend giving this a try! You can order The Green Teahouse's matcha on their website:

Cheers!

Yogi Crush: Kino MacGregor

You know those people on Instagram who seem to "humblebrag" with every post? Kino MacGregor is not one of those people. Although her poses are brag-worthy (to say the least) her genuine joy and enthusiasm for yoga radiates through every post.

Kino MacGregor started practicing yoga at the age of 19, and soon discovered the ashtanga method. After many years of practicing ashtanga, she travelled to India to study under its founder, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Now, Kino is one of only 14 people in the United States to have received their certification to teach ashtanga yoga from Jois.

Flexibility is a state of mind that moves beyond boundaries. The body is terra firma for the subconscious thoughts and behavioral patterns that run on autopilot through our lives. By challenging the body's limits you literally stretch your mind. Be strong, be flexible. Tune into the limitless expanse of your true potential through the inner journey if yoga. Video by @agpadovani

A video posted by Kino MacGregor (@kinoyoga) on Nov 11, 2014 at 4:37am PST

Following Kino on Instagram inspires me to challenge myself and to go for the harder poses in yoga, while keeping in mind that it took years of devoted practice to achieve those poses. Progress never comes overnight! And while looking at Kino's photos inspires me to get better, it's her words that help me along the way:

"Yoga is an inner journey that takes you deep down into the unexplored territory of your own mind, body and spirit. It is a personal practice aimed at giving you a direct experience of the true self within. You don't need to be strong or flexible to start the practice, you just need an open heart, a brave spirit and a willingness to put in the work Exactly when you meet your limit is where yoga begins. There is a posture that tests everyone and sometimes it's considered lucky if you meet your limit right from the first forward fold instead of needing an advanced posture. What posture pushes you to the limit in your practice now? For some it's backbends, others arm balances, others hips & hamstrings. When you meet that limit be calm, be brave, be peaceful, be strong. Don't demand the limit to change, just hold it in the pure light of awareness and watch to see what will be revealed to you. Let go of control. Follow, breathe, surrender into the infinite."

 

Exciting News!

As my blog has grown, I've been reflecting on my original intent in creating a blog. In the beginning, my blog was a bit of a lifeline - a sort of journal for me to remember all the good things in my life, at a time where things were very dark for me. But as the darkest night turns into the brightest morning, so has my life become happy again.

And while expressing gratitude is still my top priority, my vision has developed and matured over time. Through my blog, I not only want to bring sunshine to my life but to my readers' as well. I want this blog to serve as a reminder of all the amazing things life has to offer, and that there's something to always look forward to.

I hope you enjoy my new blog - and I hope your days are always sunny!

Gratefully,

Sarah

How To: Beat the Winter Blues

Have you ever noticed that you feel more tired in the winter months? Is it harder for you to get out of bed in the morning, or stay awake at night? Or maybe do you feel hungrier, craving rich, heavy foods? Welcome to vata season, as defined by the Ayurveda - characterized by cold, windy days and less sunlight.

An earlier sunset means less time for outdoor activities.

The Aryurveda

The Ayurveda is a traditional Hindu system of natural healing, and is as widely practiced in India as western medicine, having been incorporated into their healthcare system and medical infrastructure. As written in the Ayurvedic texts, there are three "states" of health that must be balanced, called doshas. They are defined as:

1. Vata (Space & Air) - this energy controls the bodily functions associated with movement, including blood circulation and breath.
2. Pitta (Fire & Water) - this energy controls the body's metabolic systems, including digestion and body temperature.
3. Kapha (Water & Earth) - this energy controls growth in the body, and includes the transportation of water to all body parts, and the immune system.

In the late fall and early winter, the vata energies are dominant. This means that our environment is cold and windy, and our bodies are prompted towards slowness, fatigue, and indulgence in heavy foods. However, we can counteract vata through what we eat and what we do.

Source: HuffPost

Balancing Vata Energy

1. Listen to your body. The body's Circadian Rhythm (the force that tells us when to go to sleep and when to wake up) functions in harmony with the natural rising and setting of the sun. When the sun goes down, it cues our body to prepare for sleep. In addition, the brain will produce less melatonin when there is less sunlight (further disrupting our Circadian Rhythms). Because there is less sunlight in winter, you will naturally want to sleep later and go to bed earlier. Honor your body by listening to these signals. You may not have as much time in the day as you're used to, but your energy will be in better alignment with your environment.

2. Wake up with Hot Lemon Water. Drinking hot lemon water in the morning will cleanse your system and and kickstart your metabolism. Try my Winter Wake-Up Tonic recipe here!

3. Start the Morning by Stretching. Unless you sleep standing up, your body is not in its natural alignment while you're asleep. When you stay in one position over a long period of time (as you do when you're sleeping), the blood "settles" into different areas of the body than it's used to. By stretching, you help recirculate your blood flow back to its normal state.

4. Eat a Protein-Dense Breakfast. Because protein digests slowly, it will keep you fuller for a longer period of time, quelling the desire to overindulge in food. Try hard-boiled eggs with turkey bacon, or this protein granola from Nature Valley.

5. Spice Things Up. By adding spice to your foods, you will add fiery pitta energy to your day, helping to balance the wintery vata. The best route here is to use peppers or spice mixes containing capsaicin (the compound that makes hot peppers hot). Capsaicin can be found in chili peppers, cayenne peppers, and tabasco peppers, and has been shown to contain antioxidants and aid in weight loss. What's more, the burning sensation in your mouth might help you forget about the cold outside!
In addition, spicy and energizing scents such as lemon, grapefruit, orange, and cinnamon will help revitalize you in the morning. Try The Body Shop's Total Energy Essential Oil or Golden Earth's Miracle Energy 2nd Chakra to energize yourself in the morning.

6. Create Warmth. In the winter when our biggest urge is to go back to bed and hibernate, it is crucial that we create warmth in our bodies by moving, whether it be through a quick run or a bikram yoga class.

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Keep in mind that like all seasons, winter is a transient phase. Spring always comes again!

Recipe: Winter Wake-Up Tonic

Is it just me, or is waking up on winter mornings especially difficult? To me, there's nothing more alluring on a cold winter morning than being in my warm, snuggly bed with my warm, snuggly puppy.

To combat my morning sleepiness, I always like to drink something something hot to get my system going. But whenever it's especially cold outside, or I feel like I have the sniffles coming, I make myself a cup of my Winter Wake-Up Tonic. 

It's super easy to make - all you need is hot water, lemon juice (preferably fresh squeezed), honey, and cayenne pepper. These four ingredients combine to make a drink that is invigorating but not too "in your face" about it. To make:

1. Squeeze a dash of lemon juice into your cup of hot water. Personally, I don't like too much bitterness, but you can adjust it to your preferences. The lemon acts as an energizing agent, in addition to cleansing your system.
2. Add in a teaspoon of honey. Again, you can add more or less depending on what you like, but too much sweetness will counteract the effects from the lemon and cayenne. The honey is used to balance the bitterness of the citrus and the spiciness of the pepper.
3. Add just a pinch of cayenne pepper. A little goes a long way here! Cayenne helps clear out your sinuses, as well as kickstarting your metabolism.

Cheers!

Sunshine Yogi Partner: Yogi Surprise

I am so excited to announce my collaboration with Yogi Surprise, an amazing company that offers a monthly care package filled with organic treats and holistic products.

How it works: Yogi Surprise is kind of like a "Birch Box" for the yoga community, filled with products like Booda Butter, Chakra Oils, Mala Beads, Rawnola, and Sencha Green Tea Mints. Every month you receive a new box, filled with yoga-inspired products. It's a perfect way to complement your holistic lifestyle!

In addition, the best part of Yogi Surprise is that one lucky subscriber wins a free yoga retreat every month! To enter, all you have to do is submit a photo of your Yogi Surprise box on their website (with bonus points for balancing the box on yourself mid-pose). This month, the retreat is hosted at the Kalani Ocean Retreat in Pāhoa, Hawaii:

Just off the coast of the Atlantic ocean nestled in 120 acres of jungle, the Kalani Ocean Retreat acts as a portal into the Puna ethic of sweet seclusion. Kalani offers floating pool massages, hula, tai chi, meditation, waterfall hikes, cycling, hung healing, contact dance, black lava leading to gorgeous beaches and yoga all day every day.

Sign me up!!

To earn 20% off your subscription to Yogi Surprise, click here!

Yoga Is

Yoga is about inclusion.
It is about creating positive energy with others, while finding energy within yourself. Yoga can be practiced by any person of any age, size, gender, or experience level. 

Yoga is about honesty.
It is about coming to the mat as you are, aware of your thoughts, yet giving your practice the fullest intention you are capable of. The fact that you're even doing yoga means that you're taking the right steps to care for your body. 

But most importantly, yoga is about loving yourself.
It's about thanking your body for what it does, and honoring its limits when they've been reached. 

Yoga is about gratitude - for yourself, and for the time you have been given.

Happy Weekends

If I had to describe my ideal weekend, I'd probably come up with a lot of answers. There's so much I like to do and so many places I like to go to, that I wouldn't be able to squeeze them all into one weekend. But sometimes the simplest things are the best things, like going home and spending time with the people you care about the most.

I always love going home, but in the wintertime it's especially nice. We always have a fire burning in our wood stove, and there's nothing like snuggling up with my two pups, watching the flames and feeling their warmth.

Home is where the hearth is.

On Saturday, my mom and I went grocery shopping, then I got some delicious sushi for lunch. It was my favorite kind - spicy tuna. It's funny how something as simple as sushi can make a day so great... but it's just a reminder it's the little things that count.

My mom and I also went to our local Goodwill on Saturday morning. We're both big thrift store fans - she loves to look at the plates and china, and I like to look at old records and books. But this weekend I had an amazing find - hidden away on the bottom of a shelf, I found a pair of ROLLERBLADES! I immediately tried them on and took a few laps through the store. They were a bit small for my feet, but who cares, they're rollerblades! (And they were only $8!)

Saturday night I spent with Ryan. Somehow we ended up at Dave & Busters (basically Chuck E Cheese's for adults) and played games all night, like air hockey and skee ball. We had so much fun together!

I had a lot of things to be grateful for this weekend. Well, that's not entirely accurate - I have a lot of things to be grateful for always. But this weekend I was especially reminded of it :)

How To: Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Ustrasana, when done correctly, is a pose that stretches all the major muscle groups of the body - including abdomen, thighs, chest, and shoulders. My favorite aspect of the the pose is that it creates space within the digestive tract, aiding in digestion and stimulating the metabolism.

To Do Camel Pose:

1. Start by kneeling on the mat, with your knees about shoulder-width apart. Inhale, and bring your shoulder blades down along the back, opening the heart.
2. Put your hands on your hips, and start the stretch by hinging backwards at the abdomen. Keep your thighs straight - don't lean back with your legs. 
3. To get your hands on your heels, it is usually easier to do one at a time. Keeping your thighs perpendicular to the floor, bring your hand down to its corresponding heel, and then the other.
4. Once your hands have connected with your heels, make sure that your thighs have stayed perpendicular to the floor. A common mistake many beginners make is to lean backwards in order to reach their hands to their heels, which is incorrect form. If it's too deep of a stretch for you to touch your heels, keep your hands on your hips when you lean back - just make sure that your thighs are perpendicular to the floor.
5. Concentrate on your breathing to relieve tension, especially in your neck. The neck muscles hold many of our stresses and worries, which can be felt in stretches like this one. Inhale, gathering all the tension in your body, then exhale, letting the tension leave your body through your breath.

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Yoga is about honoring your body, including your limits. Push yourself, but listen to your body if it tells you to stop. And above all, never judge yourself if a pose or stretch is difficult for you. What matters is your intention to learn and improve - not the level of difficulty you are able to achieve. 

Breakfast Bowls

In Japanese culture, the appearance of a meal is often just as (if not more) important than how it tastes. It's so important that they even have a word for it - moritsuke - meaning the arrangement of food on a dish. And this concept definitely holds true in real life - no one takes the most bruised, dull apple on the shelf in the grocery store; they take the apples that are smooth and shiny.

The same principle applies to eating healthy. When something looks good, it makes it that much more appealing to eat.

Enter Breakfast Bowls, beautiful layers of yogurt, fruit, granola, and chia seeds (and any other add-on that you like!). Not only are these bowls of deliciousness nice to look at, for me it also presents an opportunity to be creative about what I'm eating. This particular bowl starts with a layer of Dannon low-fat strawberry yogurt on the bottom, topped with fresh strawberries, bananas, Nature Valley Protein granola, and chia seed gel.

Ryan's creation

Because I work in finance, I have very little opportunity to express my creative side. Don't get me wrong, I love math and science, but I am also a classically trained pianist and artist. In fact, when I was in high school, I originally intended to become an art history major in college... so finding little ways to manifest my creativity is very meaningful for me. (Even if it's through fruit bowls!)

A painting I did of Ivy when she was a puppy (Acrylic, 2013)