The Prenatal Yogis with our Preggers Bellies!

Seriously, what a difference a week makes.  I have been home from my fantastic yogafit mind body fitness teacher training in AZ for one week now, and oh how it feels like it was a month ago!  It’s been a crazy week since then, but a great one.  I subbed 8 classes last week and taught a total of 9 which is the most I have taught so far in one week.  And, well, it was AWESOME!  Esecially off the heels of the conference.  But that was last week and if we are to be living always in the present moment as I have been striving for since my level 5 training in AZ, then I have to let go of the last week which was awesome and try to find some awesomeness in today, in this moment.  Today if you can’t tell hasn’t been the best, but I have worked hard to not let it get the best of me or to allow myself to label it as a bad day…because it’s not every day is a good day, you just have to find the good in it somewhere!

So here it is, my awesome moment will be now, as I blog to you all about something joyous, as opposed to being grumpy or upset about a longer work day than what was originally expected and complications with hours, money, work, stress, driving, traffic, etc. The topic for today is Prenatal yoga and what I learned at my conference.

First off what a difference a belly makes!  As you can see above we all had to stuff our shirts with pillows to go through a yoga class as if we were pregnant.  Now I know for those of you who have been pregnant you are probably laughing right now because a pillow is nothing compared to a living human being growing inside of you, but I have to say just using the pillow really made me have a better appreciation for pregnant women who practice yoga, or do anything physical for that matter.  I thought I could still do at least simple things, I knew to stay away from twists and inversions, but basically thought that was it.

Ohhhhh no, was I wrong.  I couldnt even do a simple lunge, I has kneeing my baby within the first 5 minutes of class!  Once the class was finished I tired, even though we did level 1 moves and I was thinking to myself half way through, this is not going to be a big workout like I had hoped…it was, moving around with that pillow was tough work.

After the class and the day of learning about what to stay away from, what to encourage, helpful cues, and great insight from a lot of the mothers in the training, I felt great.  Learning the different stages the baby and mom are at each week, again was shocking how much can change in just one week!  After it all, I have to say I can’t wait to host my first happy tummy party for a prenatal group now.  (I bet you thought I was going to say i can’t wait to be preggers, but no this experience actually scared me off a bit from wanting that anytime soon!)

I also can’t wait for my sister to get pregnant again.  When she was pregnant with her first child, my adorable little nephew Lucas, she did not work out very much and we were far apart on opposite sides of the country so I couldnt practice yoga with her.  I hope for her next pregnanxy she will be open to practicing with me so we can help mommy and baby and tummy feel strong and at peace.

If you have any experiences teaching prenatal classes, great cues or poses to use, or are pregnant and are interested in some poses or series of poses you can do while pregnant, please comment below so we can chat!  And of course if you are interested in a happy tummy party please check out the website – http://www.happytummyyogaandsweets.com

Namaste,

Jessica

As a yoga instructor, or really anyone in the health and fitness/healing and wellness industry, it’s so important for us to make the time to fill up our cups.  We teach and teach and empty and empty ourselves with every class.  Now don’t get me  wrong, we love to do it, it’s our passion, but we do need to be aware of the fact that we cannot expect to keep giving giving and be able to be healthy and whole ourselves.  This is why I love taking a week off and soaking everything I can in from yogi masters and other teachers from around the U.S.  In my training yesterday we even had a woman from Dubai and Canada!

I will have much more to write on my experience when I return home as for now I am blogging from a coffee shop for the free wi-fi!  But for today I wanted to at least share my experience in what I learned in a Thai Massage workshop last night at the conference.  It was AMAZING!  I myself have never gotten a Thai Massage, but am going to be on a mission when I get back to SD to find one!  From what I experienced and learned as techniques I am hooked!  As we were leaning over our partners getting up close and personal in their “off limits zone”,  the Master Trainer who was instructing us on how to give a Thai massage jokingly said, “it’s the best sex you never had”.

And she was right!  It felt amazing and very personal, very full of love and support and your body felt like butter afterwards.  Now granted I was practicing with my mom at the training so that was a little weird, but I could see what she meant.  Who knows who my next Guinea Pig will be!

Namaste,

Jessica

I wanted to share with everyone today what I’ve been indulging in and some new and old discoveries, who knows if they will be new or old to you.  First off, I’ve discovered new meaning in my meditation, and a renewed love of my crescent moon meditation pillows.  I know this sounds like an advertorial for one of my products and a way to plug my company, (trust me I’ve been an internet Marketer for the past 6 years, so I know how this stuff works and how those business people think), but its honestly just something I’ve rediscovered.  Not only have I found it a most welcome friend when I meditate, but I’ve found other uses for it during my asana practice, as a great support under my hip in pigeon pose, as a pillow for my head in savasana, I’ve even used it in reclined fish pose when my block wasn’t handy.  I love when you find products, or in my case make products, that serve multiple functions.

But what I really wanted to write about today was the very unconventional way I’ve rediscovered my crescent moon meditation pillow…by NOT using it.  These pillows are everywhere in my life, one in my car, my trunk, my yoga bag, my bed room, my sewing room, I mean they are everywhere.  I can’t so much as wake up, or get in my car to go to the market without seeing them.  And I used to feel as if they were making a mockery of my, staring me down as I went through life ignoring them and paying very little attention or time to my meditation practice.  I have been very good at practicing yoga regularly, but not so much my meditation outside of meditation classes in the studio.  I know its something I should be doing which is why I would always get down on myself when I saw the pillows staring me down.  It wasn’t until this week where I got some time alone, away from my family and even my friends to realize that I do have a regular meditation practice, a working/moving meditation.  I have found ways to meditate without being on the pillow or the mat.  And isnt that the point of it all?  Finding ways to be one, be at peace, and be present through our daily activities.  I found myself meditating while driving, while cleaning my house, while lying in bed in the morning, during my strenuous runs, preparing food, even in the simple tasks of getting ready in the morning.  I feel this overwhelming sense of peace, clarity, focus, happiness, and light.  I find the peace and flow in any task I am doing, whether it be my boring desk job, or peeling an orange…when you find the flow and make your work a mindful meditation it seems to go by quicker and both you and your task at hand benefit from it.

I think this realization of my mindful meditation has  also helped me accept this lack of blogging. It’s a new type of meditation that I was always striving for, but never could achieve.  It came of course when I stopped trying and let go of any judgment or pressure on myself.  Funny how that always happens huh?

Well, there was actually much more I wanted to blog about in terms of the new discoveries this week, but I guess that just means I have more to blog about soon, for now I’ll leave you with two artists I discovered during this time off from blogging that I very much enjoy, and have found very helpful with the mindful meditation while just walking around my house doing day to day things.

Steve Gold – http://www.somuchmagnificence.com/

Colin Foulke – http://www.colinfoulke.com – I just discovered him this morning actually, thanks Mr. Prodan!

Namaste,

Jessica

Pretty much ever since I read this magnificent book, “When You Eat At The refrigerator, Pull Up A Chair”, I highly recommend it.  It basically is the starting point from years ago for my mindful approach to eating.  I guess in a way its where happy tummy’s philosophy got its roots.

I will write more on this great book later this week, but for now, per the suggestion of a new friend, I wanted to share with you a snapshot into my “diet”, minus of course the slices of pie or cupcakes I thoroughly let myself enjoy when I feel the need!

Here is a quick run down of my diet and or whats helped me:

Pescatarian – so the only meat I eat is Fish, I do eat Eggs and other dairy like yogurt though.  I found when I was a vegan my hair got brittle and skin was dry, even though I was supplementing with B12, our bodies need B12 from animal sources as well as the good fatty omegas from fish etc.
I do not drink any alcohol
I do not drink any caffeine of stimulants – I do think Green tea is good, but I personally do not take any caffeine, but I know many women who swear by its health benefits.
I stay away from cheese as best I can.  (Staying away from wine helps, because if I had wine, I had cheese!)
I do not eat any processed/refined sugars/carbs from white starches, so I pretty much stick to brown rice, whole grain bread etc. (that is the usual, it doesnt include the occasional cupcake, no i dont eat only whole grain cupcakes!)
I also eat the most carbs in the morning, then a few in the afternoon and basically none by dinner time so my body can burn them off throughout the day.
I try to drink 8 full glasses of water a day

I do a Isagenix 9 day cleanse every 6 months or so to help flush out toxins and waste and also lose extra pounds.  Then throughout the year I drink one shot of the Cleanse For Life drink, it tastes like fig juice, but I feel GREAT on it!  Here is information on Isagenix – http://www.isagenix.com/us/en/nineday.dhtml

Typical go to meals for me are:
Baked teriyaki tofu with brown rice (PS the BEST brown rice is at Costco, they have these individual packs that only take 90 seconds in the microwave and they are ready, they are serious deliciousness and SO fast)
Cold Grilled veggies like Eggplant, zucchini, squash – drizzled with olive oil.  I can eat these anytime and on the go as snack in zip lock bags
I eat an Apple everyday. Random its like that saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away! But great portable snack to keep with you in your purse or car, I always have them.
I either eat an orange or drink a small glass of not from concentrate high quality orange juice in the morning.  Great way to wake up without Coffee! Learned that tip from the book, “Skinny Bitch”, pretty much the only thing I took and kept with it.
I eat a bowl of oatmeal every morning for breakfast, helps with cholesterol and fills you up, I either put blueberries on it or use the Quaker weight control oatmeal packs, cinnamon flavor is my fav!
Dinner – usually Salmon, tilapia, any kind of white fish, or tofu, Couscous, Quinoa,and lots of grilled veggies.
occasionally I’ll have sweet potatoes, but always stay away from white potatoes. (Except when its my birthday and my Mom makes my favorite meal, homemade mashed potatoes and gravy!!)
Chobani greek yogurt non fat – I Love this stuff, best brand I think for fat free greek yogurt, fruit at the bottom, peach is delicious.  So much protein and very filling.  A little hard to eat on the go since it needs to be cold. Another thing I do is freeze it sometimes and eat as dessert when I come home from yoga, tastes sweet like Im eating ice cream and the protein is great after a work out.  Oh I also try not to eat anything after 8pm.
I also try to drink one glass of milk each day, sometimes its every other day, but I feel dairy does really help you lose weight and feel full, plus it helps your bones and skin and hair!

I typically eat about 1200-1400 cals per day but really try not to focus on the calories but on what I really feel like eating when I feel like eating it and listening to my body.  but for the most part my body craves the items I listed above because I want to be healthy.  Of course every now and then I have some peanut butter pie or something else amazing but I sit down, enjoy it and dont feel any regret or shame after.  here is the book I was talking about: http://www.amazon.com/When-You-Refrigerator-Pull-Chair/dp/0786885084 – Author Geneen Roth, she’s amazing!

Supplements I swear by!

#1 Colostrum!  This stuff is amazing, I used to get sick all the time very easily when people had colds, a healer in LA told me about this stuff and I didnt get sick for a year and a half.  I stopped taking it for 1 week when I moved here and got sick.  So I tested the placebo effect, this stuff really does work, but you have to take it everyday.  It also helps with your G.I. track and with tummy discomfort.
A whole food multivitamin.  I was taking multi vitamins like One a Day, etc and those are all mineral based, it makes a HUGE different to use a whole foods based vitamin, I got a good one at Ramona Family Naturals, but I also really like the Brand “Alive” which you can find at CVS.
Probiotics – I like the brand PB-8 – this helped me with all kinda of stomach issues and reduces bloating, love this stuff
Vitamin b12 – I have a spary for the tongue, but you can take in pill form too. Helps increase metabolism and deliver the B12 your body lacks when you cut out certain animal products.

That’s about it I think, oh and I do yoga 1 – 2 times a day, sometimes 3 if Im teaching so I think that definitely helps.

And that’s about it.  I hope it was helpful.  I find so many women, myself included, are always looking for the best way to look like someone else, so I find it funny now being a yoga instructor that people ask me about my diet and how I keep my body the way it is…I guess the grass is always greener. But yoga and lots of other Buddhist philosophies have helped me be content with what I have.

Do you have any favorite food secrets that help control your weight?  Any tips on mindful eating and how to stay healthy and happy without restricting yourself from everything?  Please share by commenting below!

Namaste,

Jessica

My Mentor!

Isn’t she beautiful?  This is Heather, one of my dear friends, who I have for some time now considered my mentor.  She is one of the most beautiful, smart, driven, and overall amazing women I have ever met, let alone had the honor to call my friend. And this post is dedicated to her, just as my yoga practice yesterday was dedicated to her.  The reason why you all should care and not consider this a fluff piece?  This woman has some serious wisdom, so read on if you’re interested in this homeopath wonder woman!

A few years ago, my true journey in this life started when I decided to leave my job, boyfriend, and life in San Diego to go find myself in Europe and then New York City.  I was 24 and before I made that leap I decided to take 4 women who I respected and trusted out to dinner to get their perspectives on life and my decision.  Heather was of course at the top of this list.

After indulging in some amazing truffle mac and cheese at one of my favorite restaurants in Kensington, we drove back to my house in her beat up car that didn’t even have a door handle.  She needed to run off to one of her 3-4 jobs at 10pm at night to go clean someone’s house.  She was explaining her jobs that she had to get to and her school schedule and I said, “I could never do what you’re doing.”  I mean, she was so impressive, chasing after her goal, doing whatever it took to make it happen, and taking no handouts or easy routes to get it.  It was all her.  And what she said next I have carried with me ever since, and think about it more times than I can count throughout my life.  She said, in her most beautiful and strong way that is Heather, “Yes you could.  You could.  You just don’t have your carrot.  I have mine.  If you had your carrot and someone then told you, ‘OK its going to be 9,000 steps straight up to get it.’ You’d start climbing.”

I LOVE that.  I have always loved it, but it means even more to me now, now that I FINALLY have my carrot.  Almost 4 years later, and after 3 moves, and multiple internet jobs that made me miserable, I have not only found my carrot, but I’ve started my climb.  For those of you who haven’t gotten it by now, my carrot is teaching yoga!

I hold on to this piece of wisdom every day of my climb.  And some days it does feel like it’s 9,000 steps straight up, but other days I see myself smiling bigger and for longer than I ever have.  I currently work 3 jobs and am looking for more.  I currently live back at home with my parents after 10 years of independence so I can afford all my schooling I need to finish my RYT and other certifications.  But I am so happy.

I love Heather and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to know this amazing spirit.  Good friends, great mentors, who help you out through this life, who want the best for you, who challenge you and just say one thing that your spirit then holds on to, that is truly AWE-some.

Forever in awe of my good friend Heather, and wishing everyone else gets to go through their life with a great mentor and friend too.  If you have any stories of loved ones or guides, friends that have helped you out with words of wisdom, please comment below, I’d love to hear them.  We never know what the power of our words and our stories will do in another.

Namaste,

Jessica

The Man Himself!

“True happiness relates more to the mind and heart. Happiness that depends mainly on physical pleasure is unstable; one day it’s there, the next day it may not be.” – The Dalai Lama

I have been reading a book my good friend Emi Onishi gave me when I first left LA and was on my leave of absence from my corporate gig, “The Art of Happiness.”  I still in the first half of the book, but already obsessed with this text and know exactly why Emi gave me the book when she did.  There is a quote in the book that is exactly what I had been telling myself and all my friends during that rough time of my life, “…the right choice, is often the difficult one – the one that involves some sacrifice of our pleasure.”

Now, I had been telling all my friends that all the panic attacks I was having and the decisions I was making were difficult and horrible, but I knew I was finally doing the right thing for myself, which was definitely the harder thing to do.  I kept saying, “I’m finally not taking the easy way, I’m doing the right thing, which is normally the harder thing to do.”  I had no idea I was quoting the greatness that is the Dalai Lama!

Anyways I wanted to blog today to share some of his wisdom, not mine.

There is a chapter in this book, that discuss the difference between happiness and pleasure.  And it really makes perfect sense and puts things into a great new perspective.  He discusses how in our society we often mistake pleasure for happiness.  And when you think about it, it’s so true.  Whether that pleasure is in a romantic relationship, a drug, alcohol, or a second or third piece of chocolate cake.  Pleasure is usually a physical and temporary sensation that never brings lasting happiness.  And in our want everything, take anything society we usually use our pleasure barometer in our every day decisions, which might explain why even the richest of the rich are unhappy in this country.  We aren’t truly asking ourselves, “will this make me happy or just bring me pleasure?”

I have started to use this question/frame of mind with my decisions this week with food, exercise, shopping, my down time, pretty much everything, and it has truly helped me to become happier.  And isn’t that what this whole thing is out, (I’m talking about both life and my new venture with happy tummy of course!)  Anyways I have to thank my good friend Emi for bringing this book into my life and for loving me for who I am and the crazy decisions and twists and turns I put everyone through who is on this ride with me.  I also want to end this post with blatant plagarism since I can’t re-write it better myself.  I leave you with the last paragraph of Chapter 2 from “The Art of Happiness”, and hope this helps inspire any of you to reframe your thinking to truly experience not only a happy tummy, but a happy life.

“But there is a better approach: framing any decision we face by asking ourselves, “Will it bring me happiness?” …It puts a new slant on things.  Approaching our daily decisions and choices with this question in mind shifts the focus from what we are denying ouselves to what we are seeking – ultimate happiness.  A kind of happiness, as defined by the Dalai Lama, that is stable and persistent.  A state of happiness that remains, despite life’s ups and downs and normal fluctuations of mood, as part of the very matrix of our being.  With this perspective, it’s easier to make the “right decision” because we are acting to give ourselves something, not denying or withholding something from ourselves-an attitude of embracing life rather than rejecting it.  This underlying sense of moving toward happiness can have a very profound effect; it makes us more receptive, more open, tot he joy of living.”

Namaste,

Jessica

I have to post on an embarrassing situation that happened to me this week.  I wasn’t going to at first, but it made me laugh so much my tummy started to hurt, and well one side of me that I haven’t really shown yet on this blog is my love of comedy, imrpov, standup, movie/TVquotes, and general ridiculousness, so why the hell not?

I decided to post a tribute to Elaine from Seinfeld with this post as when this event happened the instant I got home I said to myself, “I feel like Elaine or George on Seinfeld.”  And this tribute to Elaine is fantastic.  I love the ridiculous social situations the two of them get themselves into, especially the work related ones.  And this is where my story begins…

I was asked to have a meeting with the Owner of the Gym where I had recently been hired to teach the Wednesday night level 2 yoga class. I had no idea what the meeting was going to be about since I already had the job, but being the responsible person I am I prepared a powerpoint presentation on different yoga classes I thought the Gym could benefit from, as well as a review of the Gym’s website, seeing as my Corporate background is in Internet Marketing.

So I’m going into this meeting feeling pretty good about myself, right? Well, about 5 minutes into the meeting I realize they have no interest in my yoga or marketing ideas and the meeting was about something completely different.  So, we’re ending the meeting and the Owner asked if I had any questions for him.  My manager at the gym had mentioned that the Owner was having a party at his house this weekend for the staff, so I asked him what his address.  Seems harmless, right?  How can I get myself into trouble now?  The meeting was ending and I was getting his address for the party, and he as happy to provide it.  but of course, Jessica’s big mouth gets into the way and the mental filter that most people have is as always not working.  He hands me a pen and tells me the address and I start to smile and say, and I quote, “Remember that old joke from Highschool, your porn name is the street you live on and the name of your first pet?”

Yes, I reference “porn” the first time I meet someone.  And the funny thing is, I didn’t think it was bad, until he made a comment.  Which was totally appropriate, if I was in his shoes, I too would be very shocked and flabbergasted, (I don’t like that word, but can’t think of anything better to describe the feelings).  He proceeded to mention, “wow, mentioning porn on a job interview.”  Now, in my defense, I did not know this was a job interview, and if I knew it was an interview I most definitely would not have said that, I mean I think I wouldn’t. And anyways the street name was SO funny and I feel appropriate for the comment.  I mean if it was Male Drive, I wouldn’t have said anything, but it was a funny street name that instantly made me think of this joke.  I do not watch porn, and never had, in fact I’m worried to even post this for fear that viruses will instantly spread to my computer for even mentioning the word online, but I wasn’t online, I was just talking, being myself, and thought it was funny.  I think my issue is I like to laugh and smile in this life, even if its inappropriate or at my own expense.  Even if no one else thinks it’s funny, I’ll make a comment, I’ll state what you probably shouldn’t.  But hey, that’s just me.  It’s what makes me good at improv. (Yes I do love Improv and can’t wait my return to the stage! Shout out to my good friend Mobs who also kicks butt at improv!)

Anyways we laughed and I left and it seemed like everything was fine, but then as I was driving home I had this overwhelming feeling that something was wrong.  Whenever I have this feeling my mind starts getting defensive, replaying the event and saying to myself, “it’s fine, that was no big deal”, but the longer that replays in my head and I tell myself things are fine, the more I know they really aren’t.  I proceeded to tell my mother the story when I got home and she was loving and supportive as always, but as I proceeded to ask her for the 3rd time, “that was OK, right? I mean it wasn’t baaaad?”  She tried to hold back her grin as she said, “well, you might have wanted to wait until the 2nd or 3rd time you met this person to mention porn.”  I DIED laughing instantly and we had about 4-5 hours of laughter and jokes for the rest of the afternoon.  Having so much fun making fun of my inappropriateness and later she mentioned, “what kind of pie can you make to get out of that one?”  and again I was on the floor.

But she was right in her thinking…as I was already in my head thinking about the party I have to attend and what pie/dessert I will bring to attempt to redeem myself.  I think I might go with the peanut butta pie from my last post, because its so friggin good, but part of m wants to make something a bit more impressive like a cheesecake.  my favorite cheesecakes are pumpkin or white chocolate raspberry, which don’t really feel Summer-y to me.  So??  Any ideas out there?  What kind of pie can get you out of a Elaine or George Job Embarassment moment?  I know one thing, I won’t be doing the little kicks dance of Elaine at the party.  Knowing me I will, just to make it that much more awkward so I can laugh to myself at night at my funny little TV series of my own, which is my life.

Namaste,

Jessica

Peanut Butta Pie!

I won’t even start with my usual self loathing and apologies for not blogging in over a week, I’m just gonna write.

Peanut butta pie!  That’s how my mom and I say the name for our new favorite pie.  This surprisingly simple and amazingly delicious pie is the perfect thing for summer.  It’s definitely going on my happy tummy menu, (as soon as I develop that part of my site, and business for that matter).   I made this pie for a co-worker last night and delivered it to her today at my part time internet gig and amongst the cubicles and cliche office space shenanigans was my “thank you” pie.

I felt I should post on this for two reasons today.  Number 1, because this is how happy tummy really got it’s original roots, me baking for co-workers and then being told, “you should do this for a living”.  And number 2, because this pie is friggin delicious!

The picture above is of the peanut butta pie after the first slice was enjoyed by my lovely coworker Gina at her cubicle.  And was today ever a classic, “I work in an office” day.  A few hours after I delivered the pie I was at my desk and I could hear the echos of a sadly sung “happy birthday” that commemorated someone’s birthday party at their desk.  It reminded me of my favorite show and favorite character Elaine on Seinfeld, during the episode where she can’t stand one more cake party at her office and swears off all of them singing songs that don’t even make sense, celebrating sick days just to get a piece of cake!  I believe her quote to her co-workers was, “I mean we’re all unhappy.  Do we have to be fat too?”

I love this episode and this quote because it rings true with the misery I felt when I was working full time in my last corporate gig.  I was unhappy.  And I have to remember that as I am pursuing my dream of happy tummy.  I am happy now, although it is very difficult and challenging to give my life a 180, I have to remember not everything will change, and I still bring cakes and pies to co-workers for no good reason.  I love it.  I will always bake for people, I don’t know if I’ll get used to being paid for this, but I know I’ll always do it to show my thanks and love.  Baking for others just makes me happy, so yea co-workers who work full time, you get to be fat too!

So, on with the recipe!  It’s so simple, I hope you enjoy!  A perfect recipe for the summer bbqs, 4th of July, and any other Monday in your life!

Peanut Butta Pie!

Pie Crust:

Definitely make from scratch

preheat oven to 450 degrees

Combine i cup sifted flour with 1/2 tsp salt in mixing bowl.  Cut in 1/3 cup shortening until mixture is the size of small peas.  Sprinkle water over mixture a little at a time until dough is just moist enough to hold together.

Roll out with a rolling pin onto saran wrap and then place over pie tin.  Poke holes in the crust and bake in oven for 8-12 minutes until golden brown.

Prepare Pie Filling while crust cools.

Pie Filling:

Peanut butter crumbs:

Combine peanut butter and powdered sugar until crumbs form – make a lot!

Make Vanilla pudding – either from scratch or an instant Jello pudding mix.

Beat heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form then add sugar to taste until stiff peaks form.

Putting together the Pie:

Put a layer of peanut butter crumbs into the bottom of the pie

Then place a layer of pudding

Then another layer of peanut butter crumbs

Then another layer of whip cream

Then another layer of those peanut butter crumbs!

It looks beautiful and tastes like a peanut butter cup without the chocolate!  Delicious!  And if you want add chocolate shavings to the top to give it a extra kick!

I hope you all enjoy this pie this summer, either at your next office party, or at your summer outing!  Whatever you do, enjoy it!  Be happy.  Don’t think of the calories.  Just be in the moment with the peanut butta pie!  And say it like that, it helps you to let go, and smile!

Namaste,

Jessica

I don't even wear high heels but I love this!

Random title I know.  But after sewing some custom orders today and using a recent gift from a great family friend of mine I had to blog about it!  My good friend Lynn Hallbacka gave my mom and I a high heel tape dispenser which we used today for the first time!  It’s a great invention and SUPER cute and appropriate for the happy tummy work room!A short post for this Memorial Day, but I wanted to get a word out as I worked on happy tummy today, both the website and our products.  The website has been updated with ALL of our available fabrics for all pillows so please check it out here!

Also, the reason the title says from marathons to tape dispensers, working with this dispenser today and attending the tough mudder event this weekend both reminded me of the high heel marathon I ran a few years back when I lived in New York.  Yup, I ran in 4 inch stilettos!  (So I guess the caption above is a lie since I wore heels for that race, but honestly I don’t wear heels…ever.)  Another memory, another ridiculous event I just had to try!  So I want to know, what crazy thing have you tried lately?  Where has your life taken you?  I never though it would bring me to a custom tape dispenser or me sewing, but here I am!

Z Pack To The Rescue!

OK so I’m sorry everyone, but I just spent the last hour writing, which what I thought after finishing was one of my finest posts, to only discover it got lost when posting through wrodpress.  How?  I do not know. Why?  i can’t even ask the internet Gods fue to pur frustration.  but I will post this small post for now.

Here’s the gist, I got sick this past week, hence no posts, no website updates, no nothing.  Even no yoga.  And I questioned, “why is it that the old adage “those who can’t do teach” seems to be true when it comes to my life?”  And, I realized, after many witty remarks and some charming paragraphs that I had practice yoga this past week even if I didn’t realize it, because when I’m sick I have to listen to my body, it forces me listen more and talk less, to slow down, to take a break.  And so instead of being upset with myself for not blogging, canceling two yoga classes this week, and not working on the website or sewing the 5 orders I am backed up on, I am going to acknowledge the fact that I was practicing off the mat.  I was listening to my body, breathing, and feeling.  And as the yoga Mogul Beth Shaw always says, “as long as you’re listening to your body and breathing and feeling, you are having a successful yoga practice.”

So this post is much shorter than it was intended to be, but as I am still sick and just received my Z pack tonight, I must finish this now and go to sleep.  I challenge myself and all of you to work on something that does not come natural to you.  For me, that is treating myself nicely and not being too hard on myself.  So as I gracefully go into this last leg of sickness, I am going to work on treating myself with the same care I do my students and realize its all about the journey.  If you want some company in your misery, please share your challenges below.

Namaste, 

Jessica