LOVE IS...

Hot Yoga. Anusara Inspired. Pilates Teacher Training. Heat Heat and More Heat. Lazy Days & Hot Summer Nights. Frozen Grapes & Watermelon. Dutch Dreams - Pomegrante Sherbet! Chocolate Yogen Fruz! A DQ Blizzard - Reese Peanut Butter Cup. Restorative Yoga. Indian Food on a lovely Patio. Time Reading in the Garden. Trip Planning with my Bonita. Class. Writing. Fringe shows. Pool time with Lakey and the Ladies. Refreshing Lemon Drops. Homemade French Toast topped with a sprinkle of icing sugar, maple syrup and fresh blueberries! Spending as much time as I can enjoying and soaking in the warmth of the sun, blooming flowers and green green trees! A season of anniversaries, birthdays, hellos, farewells and my dear dear sister's Wedding! My new brother Robo. Bliss. Love. Kindness. Wine and Cheese. Grandma in the city. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins. An entire new family to welcome and meet and drink and eat and chat with. Speeches. The sound of Laughter. Warm Hugs from people I know and who know me without having to ask me a single question. Dancing. Bubble Machine. Friends. Girly Time. Cuddles. Cake lots of Cake. Lemon Crumble, Chocolate, Carrot, Caramel Cheesecake AND Creme Brule. Lessons. Changes. More food. And more to drink. Alcohol, Giggles, Tears and more Giggles. Packing. August and September bring yet more changes. Sarah and Robo. Love. Pilates Teacher Training Course - Completed! Travel Plans in the works and approaching oh so quickly. Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Yoga Training Program in Bali. 3months and then home for Christmas. Confusion and an adventure.

Food Diary: I have eaten a lot of delicious food over this last month. And Lots of Gelato and Ice Cream with all of this heat! Here are only a few highlights. 1) There is nothing more divine than a campfire veggie dog and smore sitting out in nature with your sister. It is a tradition that tastes like home. 2) Spa day at the Scandinave Spa and eating in Blue Mountains. Beavertails were had - Lemon and Cinnamon :) Greek Food. I said a hell yes to the Fig Feta Appetizer. And driving in the car with a chai tea latte is simple but oh so sweet 3) Wedding Prep and Family Week - Halibut. Almond Crusted Trout. Crispy Polenta. Beet Salads. Pizza in Little Italy. Variety of Cheeses from the St. Lawrence Market. Wine. Desserts. Dinner Hot Spots in TO: The Standard. Fresh. Live. Universal Grill. Faema. El Palenque Casa Del Mariachi. Messis.

Joy Blast:

" Spinning with my love"

Quotation: Second Reading from my Sister's Wedding. A classic, but as I am learning, it seems we need to be constantly reminded what love is.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous;

Love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly;

It does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,

Does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails...But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7,13

Reflection:

This weekend was not only a time of celebration, but it was also a time of learning. The summer is a busy time for holidays, traveling and inevitably weddings. Today, we think so much about the dress, the hair, the invites, the food prep, the music, the money, there are so many details that I think we forget the purpose of a wedding and what this old tradition is. It is a right of passage and one tradition that we still have left in our society today. It is a reminder to all of us that love exists. I realize this may sound extremely cliche, but it's true and we need to be reminded. We need to dress up and have a day that is meant to feel out of the ordinary to commemorate and remind us that this is special. This is important.

Perhaps it was because she is my dear and only sister, but as I took part in her day this weekend, and my first time being a Maid of Honor, I felt proud. I felt proud to be her sister. I felt proud of our family that came together to support her and Rob and I felt proud that the presence of their love and the love of our families were so strong it was overwhelming to me. Because I do not live in the same city as most of my family, I was amazed with the energy and joy that each of them, individually, and as a group fill me with. As a younger sister, still looking up to my big sister and as a young woman who is trying to find that somebody, I was inspired this weekend. As an entire two week period ensued, I was happy in an old and familiar way. I didn't want it to end and I didn't want everyone to go back home. This was one of the moments where you turn back and say "Remember When...". And for that, I am the richest girl in the world.

People are important. Be good to one another. Enjoy the people in your life. Love fearlessly.

Reminders from Eat, Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

As I watched the movie, after reading the book last year, a few key points hit me again!

1. " Ruins" are necessary for transformation.

2. Believe in love again.

3. "Il bel far niente" The beauty of doing nothing.

4. Vacuum your thoughts. If you get rid of all the negative thoughts, there is so much space and room for new thoughts. Positive thoughts."

5. Experience and feel what you do to the fullest, and then move on.

6. We have to pick our thoughts like we pick our clothes in the morning.

7. We must remember it is ok to fall out of balance in love, as this will bring balance to your life.

8." God dwells in you, as you. AS YOU."

Challenge of the Week: Love. Love Yourself. Love the People in your life. Love the home you live in. Love the food you eat. Love the people you pass and whom you do not know. Love the weather and the gusts of wind. Love the exact place and moment you are in, as it will pass. LOVE. Dedicate a minute. A day. This week to Love.

The Goddess Life: I am Rich

Travels. Vegas Trip with my ladies. Airplanes. Silliness. Champagne in Limos. Dry Heat. Vast Desert. Exploring a new place. Lights. Little Buddha Restaurant. Drinks. Dancing. Fountains. Shots. Walking the Strip. Rehab Pool Party! Lying on cabanas in the sun. Window shopping. Looking at Jimmy Choo shoes. My 3 Stooges. Zumanity Cirque Show. Dressing up. Getting ready with my Partners in Crime. Meeting new fabulous friends. Mexicana food on the Strip. Lounging by the pool. Caesars and The Bellagio. 1pm Noodle Dinner. Dancing in the Pool. Mango Mimosas. Laughter. Smiles & Perfect Company.

Food: Weekly Highlights

1. Little Buddha Restaurant at The Palms : Spicy Tuna and Spicy Salmon/Scallop Rolls. And Chicken Chow Mein - Shared with my Ladies

2. Breakfast Cafe : Stuffed French Toast with edible Orchid & 3 scrambled Eggs/Hash and Peppermint Tea - Shared with Karla

3. Diablos Mexican Restaurant - Diablo Chicken Salad Shared and SPLURGE Nachos - Sooo huge we barely made an indent on the them....

Quote of the Week:

Advice From a Tree

Dear Friend

Stand Tall and Proud

Sink your roots deeply into the Earth

Reflect the light of your true nature

Think long term

Go out on a limb

Remember your place among all living beings

Embrace with joy the changing seasons

For each yields its own abundance

The Energy and Birth of Spring

The Growth and Contentment of Summer

The Wisdom to let go like leaves in the Fall

The Rest and Quiet renewal of Winter

Feel the wind and the sun

And delight in their presence

Look up at the moon that shines down upon you

And the mystery of the stars at night

Seek nourishment from the good things in life

Simple pleasures

Earth, fresh air, light

Be content with your natural beauty

Drink plenty of water

Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes

Be flexible

Remember your roots

Enjoy the view!

Ilan Shamir

Joy Blast:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKgaw4gtxFw&feature=player_embedded

From the Ellen DeGeneres Show website...The babe is working it out!

Notice a theme with the Joy Blasts...WATCH CHILDREN - they are our teachers!

Reflection/Inspiration:

I must address the riots in Toronto during the G20 Summit this week. After having joined my friend for Vegan Lunch at Fresh on Spadina and Richmond and suddenly seeing swarms of policemen on bikes, horses, cars, & buses with their helmets, shields, clubs and guns we had to chuckle to ourselves at the intensity of their barricade when nothing was going on as we were escorted out of the restaurant and asked to move quickly. This, of course, is not an everyday occurrence in my world. As I began making my way home, I soon learned that the TTC was closed and would have to walk the duration.

On my hour walk home, I must have had someone watching over me, as my friend messaged me and would tell me things she would see on the news literally in places that I had just walked by 10 minutes prior. Eaton Centre in lockdown, police cars on fire, vandalism all over. Never had I been so grateful to live close enough to the downtown vicinity to walk home and upon entering my Yonge St. Clair neighbourhood -I don't think I ever appreciated the quiet rain as I will and did today. For the safe place and home I have. To live in a country where I don't have to see hoards of cops and protestors, vandalism and terrorism daily.

Wherever you may be, send out loads of gratitude for your home and clean streets. This is here as a reminder to us all to be grateful & show compassion. I do not have answers or know how our passion has strayed us so far away from our truth - that which is joy, love and happiness - but I send my best wishes, safety and positive vibes to all of those fighting wherever they may be. Gratitude for all of your riches - home, food, family, friends, ability to walk, hear, see, health....the list goes on. We cannot forget!

Challenge of the Week: Take time to sit, alone, outside and let a stream of appreciation flow wherever you may be.

EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD FROM HERE.

Yoga. Hot Pilates with Anna. Solitude. Writing and working on script at Starbucks in a cozy chair, while it's humid, and rainy outside & sipping a green tea. Wine, and antipasta with CC! And a random adventure out to the Danforth for some acoustic guitar, along with a night cap. Thank you Mr. Daniels - I enjoy your company in the heat of the summer! Rehearsal. Rehearsal. Rain. Class. Intuition. Energy Exchange. Yoga Yoga Yoga. Ooohh Russian Vlad's Intense Body Blast Class. Ekkk. Dinner on a patio with Sarah, Rob, and Rob-o's parents. Rewatching of old episodes of Sex and the City just before bed. Work. Errands. Bridal shower. Nap. Tony Awards. Tidy. Chat with Natskie. Dreams...Vegas Countdown: 4 days :)

Stand Out Moments of Delicious Delight:

1. Dinner at Olivias at Fifty Three in Little Italy. Salmon/Fingerling Potatoes, Roasted Beets and Spinach with Red Wine outside on a lovely Patio AND Dessert - Gelato - My most favorite summer treat...This time Tiramisu & Strachiatella :)

2. Dinner at The Rivoli. Classic Dinner with my Gemini Twin. Mushroom Burger, served with sweet potatoe fries and Champagne. A Double Fudge Chocolate Tart for Dessert!

3. Bree's Bridal Shower in Woodbridge! An Afternoon spent out doors, sipping champagne with blueberries, white wine spritzers, and HARD pink lemonade beverages. A gourmet, homemade variety of bbqed souvlaki, pasta, and salads...with lemon crumble cake, strong tiramisu and mini hand decorated cupcakes. Absolutely splendid! Well done!

Affirmations: A few a stumbled upon in an old journal.

I FIND the light & good in any situation.

I TRUST the Insights I receive. My SOUL is my authority above all else.

I RADIATE Peace and Serenity. No matter what is going on around me.

I HONOUR & use my special skills and abilities.

I can be CALM, BALANCED and in my CENTER whenever I choose.

I am STRONG & CAPABLE.

Eating HEALTHFULLY is easy & fun.

EVERYTHING I give to others is a gift to myself. As I GIVE I RECEIVE.

All my FEELINGS are a part of myself. I ACCEPT all of them.

Joy Blast:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKK-WWwcQME

Just a reminder that being silly is quite necessary!

AND

Quote of the Day from Ms. Whoppi Goldberg " I hope he gets butt acne."

Reflection/Inspiration:

An interesting passage a read from the play Trout Stanley by Claudia Dey.

As Trout expresses below, Max in Where the Wild Things Are tracing way back to the ancient stories of Greece, Rome and mythological tales: there is a beast and epic force within each one of us. I know I often need to turn to it and let it take over! It seems so often we forget that we are SO much bigger than who we are here, and the way we like to describe ourselves. I know there are days where my inner beast fuels me with laughter, tears, rage and tons of roaring and rolling around on the floor! It's important to listen to it carefully and quietly- it will scream something the most invaluable and important things to you and give you infinite amounts of strength and support.

Trout:

" An' I believe in kissing. For weeks at a time. I believe in the unchartered territories of the human brain an' I am against the monarchy. I believe that comin' of age is man's cruelest invention. I believe that forgiveness is overrated. I believe in time travel an' space travel. I believe that cooking is an act of love. I believe in revenge as much as I believe in peace. I believe that the divine is where solitude and togetherness meet in perfect seamless harmonious union. I believe in undying loyalty. I believe that war is a godly trick forcing us to look into the weakest parts of bein' human. An' I believe that our great tragedy is that we haven't thought to look. I believe that the nipple, the tongue, the lips, the place where the ear meets the neck, our eyelashes, as well as our sensual parts, are nature's most gracious offerings. I believe in fragility, slowness an' the long way around. I believe that the soul has a taste, a colour an' a smell, an' I believe that the soul can have orgasms. I believe that we're all animals, an' that anything worth anything comes from the beast within. "

Challenge of the Day: Integrity. Keep this word in mind as you carry on with your day. What surfaces?

It was the BEST of Times...The AGE of Wisdom & Season of LIGHT!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. My Gemini Twin Karla's Birthday, Shots, and BBQ. Family. Food. Strawberry Shortcake. Latino Music and Lazy Sunday! Late Night Pinot Grigio, Popcorn & Movie Watching in Bed to commence the celebrations! Morning Mimosa's and House Music ala Natalie while getting ready in my whimsical dress. Swarvoski Crystal Earrings with Hair Up off the Face, and my Marc Jacobs to accompany me with Kristen Barker to Pep me up and motivate the celebrations! Brunch. Mimosas with my Norwegian Julie's - Thank you for homemade blueberry muffins -Karla and Mel!!! Poached Egg with Smoked Salmon Hollandaise Rosti. YUM! Sun and Outdoor Patio. Great Start. Birthday Photos amongst my early years being emailed to me all day via my dear sweet mother. Phone calls from the both of them at 12:25 when I bursted into the world! Mani-Pedi - Bright Pink Toes and Massage Chair. Chakra Balancing Massage. New Adventure & Experience. Try it out. Very cool! So cool - I proceeded to leave the massage place with my dress, inside out and on backwards and did not notice until a good 10-15 mins later :) Laughter. Giggles. Ridiculousness. Walking to meet Matteo in Little Italy for some Pistachio and Bacci Gelato and Catch up Chat! Strutting home - more wine and dancing to House music admist getting ready for dinner with my sister at Messis. Halibut - Shrimp, Roasted Potatoes, Snowpeas & Asparagus! Homemade Apple Torte, Birthday Balloons, Streamers, & Sparkly Confetti Thrown over my head! Skyping my lovely parents who brought me into this world! Ending the day, gathered all together laughing at their sweetness! Two Bouquet's of Flowers. One from Wifey and One from Kristen. I love Receiving Fresh Flowers. Life Thoughts. Sweet Dreams.

Food Diary: Sickness attacked me yet again...so I have been living in a world of Homemade Soup. Brown Rice Noodles, Vegetable Bouillion, Carrots, Onions, Bay Leaf and Little bit of Salt and Peppa! Apples. Sprouted Grain Toast and Honey. Pineapple. Orange. Mango. Apple Juices. Neocitron. Tea. Tea Tea + HONEY....I am now officially back to adding normal foods back into the repertoire without coughing!!! So the chronicling of Toronto Patio's & Healthy Eats will continue shortly!

Gratitude:
I am grateful for everything I listed above!!! For all of my confusion & Joy and for the people that I can share it with. I am grateful for the changes in my life and my inspiration to create change myself. From my own Journal...

ON THE WALLS I WOULD WRITE...

EXPLORE. Adventure. Laugh Often. Connect with People. Be Bold. Risk Everything. Don't be afraid of opening and charging your HEART forward! Be honest. Climb Mountains. Jump. Dance. Take Time for yourself. Breathe Deeply. Find Compassion. Be Silly. Find and Surround Yourself with People that help you find your Inner Child. Let Your Goddess Energy Flow and Erupt. Understand that you are soo much bigger than the labels that we put ourselves into.

Joy Blast:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=434535512386

Roll Your R's - By My One and Only Lady F! I had to Lady - this is TOO priceless! :)

Reflection:
I have many people in my life who let me know that they appreciate me and on my day of birth the people that I like to call 'solid's' in my life ALWAYS show up! Emails, flowers, messages - no matter how far apart we are - they are always right there remembering and offering me kind words, inspiration, laughs and support! It is because of these people that I grow. These people count in my world and make me feel important and as I get older I find I have less time and desire for those who are not. Birthdays were always made to be a special event in my life! While a lot of my 'solid's are not living in the same city as me at the current moment- I was inspired to carry on the tradition and to TREAT MYSELF. While it is always lovely to be treated by others, there was something refreshing in being Fabulous and Enjoying in Solitude my own day of adventures and moment to moment delights! As my dear friend Amanda Gray has been doing for years - basking in doing whatever it is that brings you daily bliss. Adjectives such as Fancy, Wonderous & Splendiferous come flying out of her mouth in the enjoyment of some of the most simple tasks. I think we are all able to allow ourselves to do this on our special day -so now, the trick is learning that you can, in fact, do this EVERY DAY.

This is a small passage from my father in a letter that he wrote to me yesterday.

I offer to you the opening paragraph from a "Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens:

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way--in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."

These famous opening lines from the Book seems to create a sense of sweeping Possibility: the age is everything and nothing all at once.

My Prayer for you today on your wonderful day is that you will look at all that is Possible in your Life; that today your possibilities are felt in every moment. as you sit on your own bench in your garden or in the park you showed me; that you Love yourself and be tender with yourself; that you look into your eyes and the eye of God and be in awe for all that is in your life and for all that is Possible without bounds or limits. A Life of possibility was true and real when I held you in my arms 25 years ago on that brilliant day and the wonder of this remains true today for you. Allowing your inner child to stay with you in all manner, in Your smallness,Your vulnerability, Your softness,,, Your light... as it was when this adventure together started.

Challenge of the Day: Take a day or a portion of a day to go on a new adventure by yourself!

SPRING CLEANING...Clearing out the old & making room for new!

I have been on hiatus...sickness...rest...sickness...rest...Katie visiting in town. The Beaches. Dinner At Ciao. Out College Street Bar for some soul. Tequila Shots! Century, Cheval & Tattoo Rock Parlor to finish up the evening...Auditions...Acting Class. Starbucks. Motown Tunes reading of the Anam Cara. Hot Yoga and Yin Yoga up at North York. Hot Yoga Community Class back at Uptown. Group Century. My parents visiting the fabulous T.!Lunch at Hemingways. Stories from the weekend. Late Night Greek food at Christina's. Fantastic waitor. Wedding Dress fitting with my sister. Walks and tea up at Avenue and Eglington. Italian mid afternoon lunch at Amore! Glass of Wine with my dad at 4:00 perfect! Dufflet cake testing. Wiii tournament. Late night snacks at The Gem on Davenport. Hidden away Bar with the best juke box, soul, jazz, showtune music. Amazing atmosphere for late night red wine and tapas! Teeth Cleaned - Walk and browse and Pizza with my mother - who makes me laugh - so dear - at Hey Lucys on Bloor! And then off for the Graduation Experience with my ladies. Beer Bistro - White Wine...Drink at Canoe...Drink at Brassaii - Swedish Hockey Players? And Off to Cobra for a wicked dance party and running into my lovely friend Karla woot woot! To Fun Flirty Females- So Proud of all of you and your endeavors. You are powerful people who are capable of amazing things! Nikki you made my night :) Phone chats with a few old friends....acting class. Focus on Infatuation and Love! Nat, Farrah, Kris, Karla, Matty, Sarah M, Jules and Mama J - Love you all dearly and thank ya thank ya! xoxo Nyood Brunch with my Ladies. Oh boy a lot of Deep V's sported. But I do love a morning Mimosa. New Yoga Friend and Killer Power Flow Class. Thank you Michelle. A Yellow Lululemon Top on sale that makes me very happy in class and new pants. Thank you mom! Lots and Lots of Mom Time! I love this woman. Shopping and meandering and trying on dresses. Dinner at the Universal Grill :) Popcorn. Wedding Invitation Assembly Line. Yes - I was the one putting stamps on the envelopes. Hot Yoga. Hot Pilates. Thank you Anna - Back Body People. Work it out! Running shoe shopping with the mom. Thank you New Balance. AND Homemade Pizza and kitchen banter. Spoiled. Acting Class. Playing Michelle in my friends Pilot. Afternoon Bbm walk and sun, bench, bbm chat with Kristen! Bedford Academy Patio for Lunch. Walk. Tea and my mothers homeade Lemon Buttermilk Cake and Tea. I fully think this whole tea and crumpets thing needs to come back into business. Toronto in the spring :) Karla- Champagne before work and our dance parties are classic! And to my sister. You mean the world. I learn from you everyday.

Food Diary: I am way tooo far behind to catch up on every day. One week was definitely filled with a focus on no or little wheat, no citrus fruits, brown rice water. And then there were the days of indulgence that followed thanks to my parents visiting! Bread, Antipasto, Capellini with Roasted Vegetables, Red Snapper with Rice and Flambayed Cheese--- oh yes! Swedish Berries! Summers Homemade Blueberry Frozen Yogurt! Green Tea Bubble Tea and Falafel. Springrolls Tofu and Veg Stirfry! BeerBistro Fries, Fresh Greens, and Amazing Pasta! Indulging Nyood Brunch with a Caesar Shooter to begin! Mimosas! Fruit Share plates. And all sorts of different egg concoctions and french toast! AND The mom continued to spoil my eating habits this week. Lots of Dinners Out and About. Salmon at the Universal Grill, Homemade artichoke, red pepper, tomatoe, & zucchini pizza. Salada at the Bedford. Italian pasta at the beautiful Trattoria with some Pinot Grigio Vereza and a complimentary Tiramasu. Come on. Ridiculous. So Tasty! Umm Have you been to Dessert Trends Toronto People? Well we went there wedding cake tasting - ended up having chocolate ganache, and lemon cheesecake, & gelato tastes. AND stayed for dinner. My tilapia with mushroom ragout. FABULOUS! Not to mention the Roasted Beet and Baba Ganoush Spread with Crostinis they had to start. Along with, of course, my apples, blackberries, cottage cheese and YES I FINALLY TRIED IT the Vanilla Greek Yogurt and my protein shakes and BUBBLE TEA is back rocking my world. So addictive! My eating shall now commence back to something a little bit more routinely. This Indulgence Period. Closed. It was a pleasure!

Gratitude: Everything I listed above. My heart is overflowing. I am not being specific here today -which is not what this is about and not the habit that I want to get in to. BUT Life has happened over these past several weeks. People who aren't always in my life were here and so, time was spent with them. People come first in my life. I look above at all of these moments and I don't know what else has happened over the last several weeks; but it doesn't really matter.

Joy Blast:

This is my mother. I'm Lucky. The smile that forms deep in my belly when she is in my life is strong and so beautiful. She is so intuitive. This woman makes me laugh and find more of my Joy every time I see her. With her I can be silly & honest & grumpy & sensitive. And when she smiles- I look at her and my entire inner being is light!

Reflection: From the Book Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh

AIMLESSNESS

In the WEst, we are very goal oriented. WE know where we want to go, and we are very directed in getting there. This may be useful, but often we forget to enjoy ourselves along the route.

There is a word in Buddhism that means "wishlessness" or "aimlessness." The idea is that you do not put something in front of you and run after it, because everything is already here, in yourself. While we practice walking meditation, we do not try to arrive anywhere. We only make peaceful, happy steps. If we keep thinking of the future, of what we want to realize, we will lose our steps. The same is true with sitting meditation. We sit just to enjoy our sitting; we do not sit in order to attain any goal. This is quite important. Each moment of sitting meditation brings us back to life, and we should sit in a way that we enjoy our sitting for the entire time we do it. Whether we are eating a tangerine, drinking a cup of tea, or walking in meditation, we should do it in a way that is "aimless."

Challenge of the Day: Spring Cleaning. Thanks to my lovely yoga inspiration today Michael. Spend some time cleaning out the insides. Use your breath. Use the breath to make space and get rid of old thoughts & worries & stress that you don't need and make some room to clear your vision and move closer to your Joy! When are you going to let go? In yoga, there is only one answer. The answer is now.

The Importance of Rest

Sickness. Rest. Homeade Soup. Hot Yoga. Latin Cardio. Neocitron. Toast & Honey- Apples. Food Tasting at Sutton Place Hotel for my Sister's Wedding. Friday Night Wifey Night - Both not working on a Friday Night? Ok - Sweats, Neocitron, Noodle Dance Party - Pj wearing & watching of Men Who Stare at Goats and Coco before Chanel! Katie in Town from Sasky!!! Beaches lunch at Il Fornello & walk by the boardwalk. Dinner at Ciao with the Ladies before Work! Espresso Martini, Pinot Grigio and Food to Share! Work- Dance Party! Work. Sunday - Needing more Rest!!! New Yoga studio: Moksha Yoga North York! Hot Yoga and Yin Bliss! More rest rest rest. AND ok Nat- I will make an appearance out for Katie's Last Night! Ummm too many drinks later College Street Bar, Cheval, Century Room and Tattoo Dance Party! Nicely done Ladies! Now REST.

Food Diary:

Friday: Breakfast: Apple/Banana. Dinner: Food Tasting at the Sutton: Mushroom Consome & French Onion. Two Different kinds of Salad. Halibut in a beurre blanc sauce with cauliflower, capers and raisins. Taste of Cod. Dessert: Tastes of Creme Brulee - Incredible!!!! Lemon Tartlet, and Espresso Cheesecake! Late Night Snacks: Apples, Random Noodles. Lots of Tea!!!

Saturday: Breakfast: Banana Lunch: Il Fornello: Butternut Squash Soup and Salad with French Baguette Bread and Butter: Dinner at Ciao: Arugula Salad, Eggplant, zucchini, peppers, olives and mushroom pizza and Fettucine with shrimp in a lemon cream sauce - shared! Late Night Snack: Apple

Sunday: Sickness Ensues!!! Apple, Apple, Campbells Mexican Fiesta Bean Soup, A pot of Homeade vegetable soup! Toast with Honey x2 - Sprouted Grain Bread. The Late Night After Drinking Remedy: 1/2 Reggie's Egg and Avocado/Tomatoe Sandwich and Reggies Fries.

Gratitude:

I am grateful that my body is so response and knows when it needs to rest.

I am grateful for having Katie in town for the weekend to celebrate and show around T.O.

I am grateful that Ms. Lauren Campbell is safe and sound back in town and home from South America! We've missed you lady!

I am grateful that I know what my body needs when it is sick.

I am grateful for working with Mel on Saturday night - we had a good time and are a good team!

I am grateful for changes and continuing my yoga practice at a new studio.

I am grateful for Nat taking care of me and bringing me Neocitron - it helps!

I am grateful for nights of dancing with the ladies!

I am grateful for my lovely bed to crash in.

I am grateful that my parents will be visiting in a week!!!

I am grateful for time in the Beaches - I don't get there enough!

Joy Blast:

This is a story that my Yin Yoga Teacher Amanda told me during our class that warmed my heart! She was talking about her son who is 7 who ran this mini-marathon on the weekend. He has run this marathon every year for the past several years. The day before the marathon he was really excited and he was like " Yeah, I'm ready, I've been training really hard!" Both mom and dad are like, ok no you haven't but it's great that you are feeling so confident! So he runs the marathon and completes it in 12 1/2 minutes. He was by no means a front runner in the race, probably near the end of the pack BUT when he ran over to them at the end he was so excited and so proud of himself. To him he did awesome. 12 1/2 minutes was the absolute perfect time and he was so content with himself for that. Anyone ahead of him was too fast, and anyone behind him were too slow. It wasn't his ego, it was genuine excitement about what he accomplished!"

Reflection/Inspiration: Rest. I am one of those people that if I even feel the slightest amount of sickness in my body, I know I need to stop everything and let my body rest. I don't know how some people do it - I know life goes on and you have to. But for me, I know my body well enough to know that if I actually take 1 full day to just rest. Soup, tea juice, lying in bed, extra sleep - I take it! This is not an easy task sometimes in the world that we live in. Even for myself, someone who definitely lives a healthy lifestyle and takes that time for myself day to day - complete rest is still a challenge. But if you don't have a healthy body - you don't have anything. So make the time! Be good to yourself.

My Sickness Tip Its:

1. Fluids!!!! Herbal Tea with honey, Hot Water with Lemon, Neocitron, Apple, Orange or Pineapple Juice.

2. Soup: Canned if you don't feel well enough to make it. I make a homeade mix of Vegetable soup now and eat pots of it at a time!

3. Apples & Toast with Honey other good alternatives! This is pretty much all I eat when I am sick.

4. No dairy or junk food!

5. Oil of Oregano = Brilliant!

6. Sleep. Let your body sleep. Even if you are sleeping for hours - your body needs it!

"The international problem today is not hunger, poverty, drugs or fear of war. It is tension, hypertension and total tension. If you know how to free yourself from tension, you know how to solve the problems in your life. If you are able to balance your tensions, you can control your emotions, anger and passions." SWAMI SATYANANDA SARASWATI, INDIA

Challenge of the Day: Take a moment in your day to rest. Taking this time for yourself, even if it is as simple as a conscious breath in and out: It will change your life!

Keep Calm and Carry On!

Group Power. Hot Pilates. Hot Yoga. C-pump...all in a row Tuesday! Anna's Circles! Vlad kicked my ass! Lap Top Party and Catch up with Nats! Impromtu Dark Chocolate Decadence Probiotic Chapman's Frozen Yogurt. Workout High. Hot Yoga with Music with Daniel. Beautiful! Rain and Humidity. Tea with Ryan. Alice & Wonderland with Sister and Robo - Homeade popcorn and a few peanut M&M's. Drink at Spiceroute? No Nat, not tonite. 1 hour later. Ok. I am meeting you and Ms. Lakas there for a drink. Pissing Rain. Red Dragon Martini. Catch up with Chris. Hmmmm Ok Let's drop by Loki...The Official Reunion of Team Wifey Spontaneous Tagteam Evenings and R&B/Hip Hop Bootay shakin, tequila, vodka water barlime dance partys! Reggies Fries and Avocodo and Egg Salad along with buggin Josh enroute home! Webisode meeting at Cloud in the afternoon. Brush up on Eastern European Accent! Pilates with Anna- Love that class! Calgary Planning with Kbark? Reunion! ReelWorld Film Fest for the screening of Unrivaled! Home with the Brat!

Food Diary:
Tuesday: Breakfast: Apple Lunch: Banana Supper: Freshi Veggie Burrito - Spinach, Portabello mushrooms, peppers, tofu and brown rice. Late Night Snacks: Cottage Cheese & Blueberries & The aforementioned Chapmans Dark Chocolate Probiotic Frozen Yogurt W
Wednesday: Breakfast: Non Fat Cottage Cheese with Blueberries & an Apple Snack: Apricot Green Tea. Dinner: Cottage Cheese and Blueberries and an Amy's Veggie Pattie. Snack: Popcorn and Green Tea at the movie. Late Late Night Snack: Reggie's Fries & Half Avocado and Egg Sandwich
Thursday: Breakfast: Apple, Ginger Ale and Peppermint Tea Lunch: Cottage Cheese & Blueberries & leftover Cheese Rolls from Easter. Supper: The Usual - Amy's California Pattie topped with avocado on top of spinach, Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoe & Eggplant. Late Night Snack: Apple and More Dark Chocolate Frozen Yogurt!!! It is officially all gone now! Cravings fulfilled and subsided.

Gratitude:
I am grateful that my sister is so happy when Rob is in town.
I am grateful for adventure evenings!
I am grateful for ridiculous phone messages from friends named Kristen Barker.
I am grateful for nights of dancing and release - We all need a good boottay shake!
I am grateful that Jaymee Lakas is in my life!
I am grateful for Josh and him taking care of us at Loki!
I am grateful for being mischevious and messing around with people!
I am grateful for the amazing strength and endurance my body is building.
I am grateful for fast friends and new opportunities.
I am grateful for butterflies in my tummy that make me feel alive!!!!

Joy Blast:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umJz3a3afGY
"Love you I do" Dreamgirls! Hmmm, good mood track! I love the Motown!

Reflection/Inspiration:
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=598630393956
" Teach with your Heart" by my dear friend Kristen Barker! My teacher! Teachers are everywhere. The people in your life are there for a reason. People are placed in front of us to teach and help us own, unveil and reveal who we are and how we choose to live our lives. Look at the people you surround yourself with AND more importantly LISTEN.

Challenge of the Day: Whether it be rain, snow or beaming sun, take a moment when you are outside, breathe in breathe out and soak it in for whatever it is!