Below is an account of a time I got sick six months ago. It was originally posted on Live Towards Love, my old blog. Last week, I got sick. Same exact reason, I started working with a new set of kids (new job) and of course, I get sick. They also say that when the seasons change, you get sick. That happened. I stand by what I did. This time around, I only did one thing, and I was sick for a little over a week. I was not as on top of getting back on track as I was but check out what I did.

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I just started working with children a few months ago. They say that the first nine months you get sick constantly until your immune system gets used to its environment. I don't know how true this is but I got sick. I made it a goal to not but after the first week of having my shirt covered in snot, slobber, and tears, I knew I would get sick soon.

I had something simple, probably a cold. It started with a scratchy throat and then a runny nose. Nothing too unbearable. I wouldn't have minded if my anniversary wasn't in four days... eek!

This is what I did to cure myself and IT WORKED. [If you are sick, go to a doctor. I am not a professional and I am not saying that this will work for you. But hey, give it a shot, but still... if you are sick, go to a health professional.]

Day One
Symptoms: Throat is scratchy, later that night, the nose started running.
I did nothing but drink a cup of "Throat Coat" tea. It made my throat feel better.

Day Two
Symptoms: Same but worse. Sneezing like crazy.

• Breakfast - fruit juice (something that had celery in it, it was gross, but I drank it because it is good for me, and it was fast, I had to go to work)
• Lunch: a bowl of butternut squash soup (for comfort), ginger lemonade HOT (made my throat feel better. I don't like ginger but it helped). A Greek-style salad (because its healthy.)
• two once organic wheat grass shot - THIS is freaking amazing. I noticed a difference. I was feeling extremely exhausted, I just finished working, I wanted to crash. I felt infinitely better. I was awake. I felt good. 
• a really long nap (it felt like 4 but I didn't keep track)
• ginger lemonade with a shot of wheat grass (cold) 
• Raw Caesar salad and Green Alkalizing Soup
• LOTS OF WATER

Day Three
Symptoms: Same but equal. Small cough, lots of sneezing.

• Breakfast - green smoothie (something with bananas, and mangoes, and greens)
• Lunch: Green Alkalizing Soup (Lydia's Organics) - saved half. This stuff is awesome for when you're sick. 
• some complex sandwich that I probably shouldn't have ate but I did because I was hungry and tasted delicious. By complex, I mean, it wasn't a whole food. 
• I also had a cookie. (: 
• 2 hour nap 
• Late night snack - ginger lemonade with a shot of wheat grass
• LOTS OF WATER

Day Four
Symptoms: same symptoms but a lot better than before.

• 10 hours of sleep
• Brunch - Green Alkalizing Soup & "Throat Coat" tea
• Dinner - Chinese food. 
• smoothie and an ounce of wheat grass
• I also did some light yoga which magically cleared up my nose.
• LOTS OF WATER

Summary: I mostly ate raw, whole, organic foods. Nothing too complex (minus the obvious).  The two foods that I swear saved me is the Green Alkalizing Soup (which I used to hate but now love) and the wheat grass. I need to do more research on Wheat grass but the difference it made is unreal. Another big thing is rest. I took tons of naps and when I went worked, I didn't overexert myself.

I had fun being my own project for the past few days. Even though I don't feel 100% better, I feel a lot better than I did a few days ago!

What are some things you do when you get sick that you swear makes you feel better faster?

 
 Hello Friends! I have another fun guest post for you all. This is my friend Stef who is also doing the #posebypose yoga challenge with me. She has written a great post on how to get your wheel pose. Check it out and give Stef a warm welcome. (:


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I’m Stef, and I am here to let you in on the inner thoughts behind my top 5 choices for poses to help strengthen and enhance your Wheel Pose.
 














Tips and tricks: If you can’t reach your feet yet, you can tuck your toes, use a yoga block or hold onto the legs of a chair behind you.

Hello friends! I have another beautiful friend to introduce to you all.  I am super excited to introduce my friend, Rebecca. As you know, I am co-hosting a yoga challenge with a few girls. Rebecca was in charge of sharing her knowledge on the Tripod headstand. Without further ado, here is Rebecca!

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Like Cat stated, the #PosebyPose Challenge was about picking peak poses and making them more accessible to everyone by pose building. I picked Tripod because it was the first inversion pose I was able to become successful with. I started practicing yoga about four years ago in my home. After I became comfortable with the basics, I wanted to do more, I wanted to stand on my head. I followed videos and online tips on how to get started, and went from there. I hope these tips are helpful for anyone starting out, and that the variations will be fun with those who are more experienced.


Day 1:    Down Dog.
I wanted to start off this cycle with this simple, elegant, and effective pose.     It helps build strength and stamina overall in the body, particularly in the arms and shoulders, which will help build up to Tripod.

Fun variations - and there are many.    My favorite:  Three legged dog (pictured here).    One type of three legged dog is with the hips squared, toes pointed down.   There is a straight line from your heal to your hand.   The other variation is a great hip opener, where the hips are stacked and the toes are pointed.    Again, try and hold these poses for as long as you can.   And remember to breathe!




Day 2:   Chair Pose
I love chair pose.   The pose works on balance, while engaging your core, bum, and leg muscles.     During my yoga studio class, my instructor describes this pose as “torture.”    But, I love it.    Bring it on. From mountain pose, sit your bum back like you’re about to sit into a chair.   



Day 3:   Reverse Plank
Reverse Plank can be a hard one.    Hard in a good way.    Not only is it a most awesome shoulder stretch, but it really engages just about every muscle of the body. I *love* to let my head go and hang back. Some like to keep it straight with the spine. Do what feels good for you. Try to hold for as many breaths as you can.   Enjoy and smile!

 
Day 4: Supported Shoulder Stand
Shoulder Stand is a nice inversion pose to get more comfortable with being upside down.     It also helps with all the stabilizing/balancing muscles. I like to imagine I’m extending my legs not only upwards, but backwards as well.   I find this keeps me the straightest.   *Do Not* move your neck.    Place most of your weight on your upper back and shoulders, not your neck. Express energy through your feet and toes.   I tend to wiggle my toes, but I’m a toe wiggler, so this may just be me.     Try to hang out for a minute or two or three.   


Day 5:  Wall Tripod
I love the wall:  so sturdy, strong, and trustworthy.  When I first started inversions, I did them for a long time against the wall.    The wall helped me gain confidence.

Basic Tripod Position:
Find the flat crown of your head.    Place your head against your favorite wall, crown of your head flat on the floor.    Position your hands in front of your head, fingers spread and facing towards your face.     The space between your head and hands should be an almost perfect triangle.    Your elbows should point directly forward, not out.     Your elbows should be directly over your wrists.
Walking up the wall.
Face the wall and get into tripod position with your hands and head.     Make sure the area behind you is clear of “stuff” - if you fall (and you might), you don’t want to land on anything - keep your fall zone clear.
Walk up the wall.    This prep is really playful and ultra flexible:   you can be closer to wall, or farther out.    You can rest both feet on the wall, or alternate.    Or you can try to hover away from the wall.    So, it’s totally up to you.  What is important though:    keep your alignment.    Back straight, elbows over wrists, etc.
Another helpful prep wall pose:   simply doing tripod, but with the wall directly behind you.



Peak Pose:  Tripod Head Stand
Here we go!    The peak pose!
Find the flat crown of your head.    Place your head flat on the floor.    Position your hands in front of your head, fingers spread and facing towards your face.     The space between your head and hands should be an almost perfect triangle.    Your elbows should point directly forward, not out.     Your elbow should be directly over your wrists.   Straighten your legs, toes on the ground.   Get comfortable with distributing weight in your arms, shoulders, upper back, and a little on your head.      Once you feel steady, move one knee to your elbow.     If this feels good to you, you can move on.    Place your second knee on your other elbow.     Stay here and get comfy.    Do not move on (up) unless you are comfortable.    If still uneasy, practice more Wall Tripods.     But, if you’re feeling steady, move on.   Slowly lift your legs.     When I was a beginner, I liked to keep both my legs bent and slowly moved them up.    Once your legs are straight, get a feel for your balance.     Most of the weight should be in your hands and arms, not your head.   Extend through the balls of your feet.

Rebecca is a single mom working in Early Education. She is maintaining a healthy lifestyle after losing 150 pounds about 3 years ago.    Besides yoga, she loves to cook (and talk about) yummy plant-based vegan foods. Although she grew up in Southern California, she has found a wonderful home in Northern California for the post 20 years. You can find Rebecca at http://bexmaddy.tumblr.com.

I started my healthy life blog on Tumblr over three years ago. Monday, September 22nd marked the day I officially got ten thousand followers! I am so grateful for the community. They helped me when I needed advice, they made me laugh, but most of all, they supported me. I want to thank all of my followers by doing a HUGE giveaway!


This is THREE giveaways in THREE weeks! Here is the breakdown:

1. Fitness Giveaway - winner announced Oct 6
2. Karelsells Bracelet Giveaway - winner announced Oct 13
3. Yoga Relaxation Giveaway - winner announced Oct 20

Check out this post to see how you can enter to win! 

Yoga Relaxation Giveaway

• Orla Kiely zip pouch
• Seaweed Bath Co. powder bath (lavender)
• Stress Relief/Relaxation Karelsells Crystal Bracelet from my Etsy Shop
• 10 ft. yoga strap 
• Lavender eye pillow
• 2 small incense sticks
• 2 scented tealights
• assortment of teas

This week is different and the giveaway is going to be done through Tumblr. Check out this post for all the official rules on how to enter to win the giveaway.


Thank you again to everyone who has supported me. I am so happy and I truly love each and every follower I receive. You are the best!!!






I am not sponsored or getting to paid to endorse or giveaway any of the items mentioned above. I gathered all items myself. Thank you!

Happy Saturday friends! Today I am super excited to introduce my friend, Cat. I know Cat through Tumblr and over time we became good friends. She is also part of the yoga group that hosts monthly yoga challenges. This month is called #PoseByPose. I will let her talk more about it! I hope you enjoy.

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#PoseByPose was all about making tricky poses accessible to everyone. A lot of the time we see these perfect pictures floating around and it feels like we’ll never get there. It’s easy to forget about all the hard work that goes into making something look simple. So we decided to break these poses down to highlight what was going on and encourage people to build up to them safely. I was really excited to kick off this month’s challenge, especially because I chose to feature one of my favorite poses. I chose to build up to Crow because it’s a really versatile pose that gets more fun the more comfortable you become with it. On top of that, it was the first arm balance I was able to do, so it seemed like a natural choice.

My first attempts at getting into Crow were a total disaster. I couldn’t get my balance, I face planted, my wrists hurt, I couldn’t get my feet off the ground. I didn’t understand how some people made it look so effortless. I thought I had decent upper body strength so I just didn’t get it. So I started breaking it down and learned that while Crow takes a strong upper body, it also requires a strong core and open hips. So I started paying more attention to building these strengths in my practice until it clicked.


Day 1 – Plank.
I chose plank because it’s a great all body pose. If you do it right, nearly every muscle is engaged. Plank is a staple, but it’s one that is easy to cheat. So my emphasis for the day was on alignment – wrists under shoulders, shoulders pulled back, core tight, hips lifted, body in one straight, strong line. We often flow through Plank as a transition, in between various poses, so I wanted to take a day to focus just on that pose. It’s a great one for building strength and measuring progress. There are at least a dozen variations on plank, so I chose to highlight a few beginner’s versions along with some more intense options.


Day 2 – Chaturanga or Low Pushup
I did this pose wrong for YEARS. When we went through it in class on our way to Up Dog, I lowered down as though it were a normal push up – still challenging, but not quite right. It wasn’t until and instructor broke it down step-by-step that I realized I’d been doing it wrong the whole time. When I started paying attention to my alignment, everything changed and I felt an immediate impact on my practice. I realize now that this pose is the key to so many other poses.
That said, it’s a killer. And like plank, it can be easy to rush through with minimal effort. So again, the key for the day was to tune into alignment and just hang out in the pose for a while. There aren’t as many variations on Chaturanga. For today, if anyone wanted to amp it up, repetition was key.


Day 3 – Boat Pose
After two intense upper body days, I decided to shift the focus to core. The core got warmed up in day 1 and 2, but in day 3 it was the star. I won’t lie. I struggle with Boat. It’s one of those poses that I have to make myself do because I know it’s good for me, but I don’t like a single second of it. That said, forcing it into my routine has had a tremendous impact and I’ve seen a ton of improvement – not only in my core strength, but in my hips, hamstrings, and quads too. For today I gave several leg variations to play around with, as well as the option to rep it out in a series of boat sit ups.


Day 4 – Garland Pose
At last a little relief! Garland is one of those great poses that you get to relax into and let gravity do the work. I never fully appreciated the pose until an instructor had us practice staying in Garland for as long as we comfortably could. It was a totally different experience than squatting down for a few breaths and moving on. The immediate impact blew me away. Ever since then I like to incorporate Garland as often as possible. It’s beginner friendly but is a great pose for people at any stage of their practice. For me – someone with very, very tight hips from running – it’s another pose that has changed everything. And with Crow it’s helped my lower body get a better angle, making it easier to float my feet off the ground.


Day 5 – Lizard Pose.
This is another great one for runners or anyone with tight hips. Lizard is an intense hip stretch, moreso than Garland. It’s not quite as beginner friendly, but there are modifications that still make it accessible. I chose Lizard for this series because, like Plank, it’s a great pose for monitoring your progress. Every time I come into Lizard I find a little more room, a little more steadiness, and a little more strength. And, like Garland, it’s a great one for getting those hips ready to fly on into Crow.


Day 6 – Crow Pose.
The day we’ve been working towards! I was so excited for this one that I admittedly went a little overboard. It’s such a fun pose I couldn’t resist. Along with tips and tricks for beginners, there were Side Crows, Fallen Angels, Crow to Chaturanga jump backs, and so many amazing things from the people participating with us.


It was so fun and so inspiring to go through the posts each day to see how people put their spin on the daily pose. There was everything from people working up towards their first plank to those who were capable of some crazy superhuman moves, and every single one brought a smile to my face. I was thrilled to co-host this challenge and have met a ton of wonderful people through it. The best part is, after my part I got to see how my amazing co-hosts built up to their own challenge poses.



Cat is yoga loving digital librarian living in Milwaukee. For more find her on tumblr at yogarian.tumblr.com.

I started my healthy life blog on Tumblr over three years ago. Monday, September 22nd marked the day I officially got ten thousand followers! I am so grateful for the community. They helped me when I needed advice, they made me laugh, but most of all, they supported me. I want to thank all of my followers by doing a HUGE giveaway!

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only (sorry international friends - I can't afford to send something overseas). It will be sent with First Class Mail. If you win and would like to purchase tracking or insurance for the giveaway, we can arrange something. If you are international and would like to pay for shipping, that's cool with me too. Otherwise, it is all freeeeee.

This is THREE giveaways in THREE weeks! Here is the breakdown:

1. Fitness Giveaway - winner announced Oct 6
2. Karelsells Bracelet Giveaway - winner announced Oct 13
3. Yoga Relaxation Giveaway - winner announced Oct 20

I tried to make the items as gender neutral as I can! Each week, I will create a new post for each giveaway. This week is the Karelsells Bracelet Giveaway.


Karelsells Bracelet Giveaway
Winner chooses ONE bracelet from Karelsells' Etsy Store. Above are some examples of the bracelets. Use code GRATITUDE to receive 10% off your next order (expires Oct. 24, 2014).


NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAY
Yoga Relaxation Giveaway

• Orla Kiely zip pouch
• Seaweed Bath Co. powder bath (lavender)
• Stress Relief/Relaxation Karelsells Crystal Bracelet from my Etsy Shop
• 10 ft. yoga strap 
• Lavender eye pillow
• 2 small incense sticks
• 2 scented tealights
• assortment of teas

I am doing my first Rafflecopter giveaway so it can easily choose a winner for me and you can have multiple entries!

Congratulations to Amanda who won last week's Fitness Giveaway! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you again to everyone who has supported me. I am so happy and I truly love each and every follower I receive. You are the best!!!






I am not sponsored or getting to paid to endorse or giveaway any of the items mentioned above. I gathered all items myself. Thank you!

I have always loved the idea of subscription boxes and I finally have found one that I absolutely love! Yogi Surprise is a monthly subscription box that compliments a yoga lifestyle that include full size products that values health, connection, and joy for $44.95 per month (this includes shipping). The kind people at Yogi Surprise is giving all my readers 20% off for the life of your membership when you use the code: VIBRANT.

Why I love this box:

• GMO Free! - free of all genetically modified organisms. 
• Vegetarian - all products are vegetarian friendly and completely cruelty free. 
• Full size products - I love trying new things and all of the products have been yogi approved! (:

This month's theme is LOVE YOURSELF. The items in the box is "a special way to give back to yourself, like a bouquet of flowers you'd pick up at the market, just to make you smile :)". Love it! Everything about this box encompasses this theme beautiful. It is such a great theme to start of the boxes!



What is in my October box?

• Teatulia Organic Tea Medley - This is the first thing I saw in my box and got super excited. I recently started drinking tea again because it is starting to get cold and I am starting a new night routine by winding down with a cup of tea. This packages contains a variety of 7 different flavors of tea.  Retail: $8

• Buddha Nose Awaken Yoga Mat Spray - If "awaken" had a smell, this is it. This deodorizing yoga mat and body spray is made with witch hazel and essential oils. The description even says you can use it as a hand sanitizer. I love multifunction items. I cannot wait to try out this spray as a mat cleaner. I just spritzed some on my hands and it smells so invigorating.  Retail: $10

• Emmy's Organics Dark Cacao Macaroons - I am so excited that this box has food, AND it is vegan! Everything on the ingredients list is all natural and mostly organic. I will definitely be enjoying this guilt-free!  Retail:$3

• VedaBar Pitta Bar - Another food item that is all organic and made with yummy ingredients like dates, maple syrup, pumpkin seeds, ginger, and turmeric. Suggested Retail: $48/box (box of 12)

• Big Dipper Wax Works Beeswax Aromatherapy Tin -  This aromatherapy candle is a blend of Cedarwood and Balsam. It is 100% pure beeswax and made with essential oils. I can just imagine having a peaceful retreat on my yoga mat meditating to relaxing music and burning this therapeutic candle. Retail: $6

• Rooted Beauty Raspberry Citrus Facial Wipes -  I am super excited for these wipes. I have been trying to think of a solution for my walks between work, yoga and home without smelling or sweating. I can smell the sweetness of the Raspberry. This product would be great when I need to take a quick refresher.   Retail:$6

• PeopleTowels Organic Cotton Towel- What a fun reusable cotton towel! I love the design and I love the sustainability even more. I already use cloth "paper" towels using cut up old tshirts and washing them after each use. I love everything about this towel. The design, fair trade, organic, and using eco-friendly dyes. Retail:$6

I am so thrilled about what I received in this month's box. I will be back next month to share November's box. Click here to learn more about Yogi Surprise subscription box. Use code VIBRANT to save 20% off for the life of your membership (aka forever!).






**All products mentioned are included in the Yogi Surprise monthly subscription box. I pay for my own membership. Post contains referral links. This is not a sponsored post. All reviews and opinions are my own. **

September just flew by! That means #freeyogis September yoga challenge is over. I enjoyed seeing how everybody interpreted each tag. I had so much fun interpreting them myself! This was the second challenge I helped host. I had the privilege to do this along with the lovely and most amazing girls: Chante, Stef, Rebecca, & Cat. Just like August's #yogapartypeople, we hosted the challenge on both Tumblr and Instagram. Tumblr does not give us numbers of who participated but we had a total of 693 posts on Instagram.


We are hosting another yoga party for October called #posebypose where we break down a difficult pose and work on achieving the pose. Check it out here!

Now I want to show you some of my favorite pictures from this past month's challenge. It is organized by day and I will link to all of the pictures to the person that owns them.

Day 1: #freedom by yogawithkarel

Day 1: #freedom by yogarian

Day 1: #freed by bexmaddy

Day 2: #happyyogi by healthyhappymotivation

Day 2: #happyyogi by yogawithkarel

Day 3: #strength by odamio

Day 3: #strength by yogarian

Day 3: #strength by bexmaddy

Day 3: #strength by sunny-yogi

Day 3: #strength by yogawithkarel

Day 4: #positivity by yogarian

Day 4: #positivity by learningyogi

Day 5: #fierce by healthyhappymotivation

Day 5: #fierce by yogarian

Day 5: #fierce by bexmaddy

Day 5: #fierce by odamio

Day 6: #acceptance by acciocheer

Day 6: #acceptance by yoga-granola

Day 7: #inversionlove by healthyhappymotivation

Day 7: #inversionlove by learningyogi

Day 7: #inversionlove by acciocheer

Day 8: #stability by sunny-yogi

Day 8: #stability by margaritayoga

Day 8: #stability by healthyhappymotivation

Day 9: #sleepytime by sunny-yogi

Day 9: #sleepytime by margaritayoga

Day 10: #vulnerable by healthyhappymotivation

Day 10: #vulnerable by learningyogi

Day 10: #vulnerable by yogarian

Day 10: #vulnerable by sunny-yogi

Day 11 #love by healthyhappymotivation

Day 11: #love by bexmaddy

Day 11: #love by yoga-granola

Day 12 #sunsalute by yogawithkarel

Day 13 #gratitude by healthyhappymotivation

Day 13: #gratitude by sunny-yogi

Day 13: #gratitude by odamio

Day 13: #gratitude by yogarian

Day 14: #flowga by bexmaddy

Day 14: #flowga by healthyhappymotivation

Day 15: #bound by sunny-yogi

Day 16: #courage by acciocheer

Day 16: #courage by bexmaddy

Day 16: #courage by learningyogi

Day 17: #loveyourself by sunny-yogi

Day 17: #loveyourself by yoga-granola

Day 18: #flexibility by sunny-yogi

Day 18: #flexibility by bexmaddy

Day 18: #flexibilty by healthyhappymotivation

Day 18: #flexibility by philosophical-donut

Day 19: #grounding by yoga-granola

Day 19: #grounding by bexmaddy

Day 19: #grounding by sunny-yogi

Day 20 #release by yogawithkarel

Day 20: #release by learningyogi

Day 21: #trust by yogarian

Day 21: #trust by healthyhappymotivation

Day 21: #trust by bexmaddy

Day 21: #trust by acciocheer

Day 22: #funky by odamio

Day 22: #funky by sunny-yogi

Day 22: #funky by yogarian

Day 23: #forward by odamio

Day 23 #forward by yogawithkarel

Day 23: #forward by healthyhappymotivation

Day 23: #forward by acciocheer

Day 24: #calming by philosophical-donut

Day 24: #calming by margaritayoga

Day 25: #breathe by odamio

Day 25: #breathe by yoga-granola

Day 26: #balance by learningyogi

Day 26: #balance by yogarian

Day 28: #care by yoga-granola

Day 28: #care by sunny-yogi

Day 29: #burning by yogawithkarel

Day 29: #burning by margaritayoga

Day 29: #burning by sunny-yogi

Day 29: #burning by healthyhappymotivation

Day 29: #burning by bexmaddy

Day 30: #reflect by yogarian

Day 30: #reflect by yogawithkarel

Thank you so much for looking through all of our amazing participants pictures! I am truly inspired by everyone and I cannot wait to see everyone's pictures for the #posebypose October Yoga Challenge.






I have received permission to share these pictures. All the owners of the pictures are linked on each picture.  If you see a picture that is yours that you want taken off this page, please email me.