Sunkissed Yoga :: Mats + Cats

About 6 months ago I made a commitment to try and practice yoga every day. And in the past 6 months, there's only been a few days that I've missed. There's definitely been days where I've only done a short 15 minute practice, but I still got on my mat! I'm pretty proud of myself for staying so consistent- but I have to say it's the yoga that's drawing me back, not necessarily my strong will or determination. 

Now I'm at the point where if I DON'T get my vinyasa or chaturanga or tree pose or forward fold in, my day just doesn't feel quite right.
I have definitely noticed that my mindset is more energized and focused when I start my day with yoga - and I look forward to doing it as soon as I wake up and even when I'm going to bed the night before.
Sometimes I treat myself to a full practice before bed time, intermixing sipping my bedtime tea (more on that in another post!) and doing my stretching and breathing.

Back problems run in my family, and has already crept in on me. One of my goals in building my practice is to restore and strengthen my back so I don't see more problems and pain as I get older (30 is right around the corner for me...ah!).
The biggest thing I've learned (or been reminded of) in these past months that I've really been diving into this beautiful and ancient discipline is to bring what I learn on my mat into my daily life. To stay calm and strong, to keep my head above my heart and to remember to show myself and others love and forgiveness always. 

"A special combination of substances designed to bring about
a specific effect upon the body or mind is [thus] called a yoga."
- The Yoga of Herbs, David Frawley & Vasant Lad

This is an Ayurvedic definition of yoga from an herbal medicine book I'm reading, but I like how it relates to the practice of physical yoga. 

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Since my practice is getting more "serious" I decided to purchase a new yoga mat, my old one wasn't as grippy as I'd like, and I was looking for something a little more eco-friendly.

I found this AMAZING mat by Barefoot Yoga that I am in love with and would recommend to anyone! It is on the thinner side, so if you have bad knees or other sensitive areas, it may not be right for you (or you can just put another thicker mat under it when you're practicing, like I do.) It's called The Original Eco Yoga Mat and it is exlusively sold by Barefoot Yoga Co. The jute and natural fibers are so grippy and feel so "earthy" to practice on. The underside is rubber, so it also grips the floor very well. It is biodegradable and made sustainably- so nothing to feel guilty about at all!

I love this natural color, it reminds me of sand, but they also have some brighter options. 

And my kitty, Tiki, who also enjoys practicing yoga (she just likes to the lay on the mat and get in my way) gives her approval as well.

PS: these super fun pants are from Omgirl and I got them here. Organic cotton, not too thin, and super comfy!

I'd recommend this yoga channel to get started, if you don't already have a favorite or are looking for something new. I hope you can find the same amazing benefits and energy that I have from making this a part of my daily ritual.

Until next time, keep dreaming. xoxo

Sunkissed Recipe :: Super Seed Coconut Granola

I love granola....on my yogurt, on my smoothies, as a cereal, on a hike, or just shoving a handful in my mouth when I'm feelin' hungry. It's so good as a snack or for breakfast, I just love it. 

I've been wanting to make my own granola for a while now, and finally got around to it! I've saved a few different recipes from Pinterest and kinda just picked and chose (did that sound weird?) from them to create my own granola divine! My husband loves a good bowl of cereal, so when he tried this and loved it, I really knew I was on to something.

Honestly, it's not complicated at all, so I'm really over-talking myself here....ha. It just takes a few extra minutes in the seed & grains aisle at your local grocery store to stock up on all the necessary ingredients. By making this yourself, you know exactly what's in it and aren't being fooled by healthy looking packaging that may contain a product with an excess of sugar, preservatives and processed ingredients!

Why your body will love what's in this:

• hemp seed (a super food) is an amazing source of protein, that's easily broken down by your body
• pumpkin seeds have free-radical fighting antioxidants, and contain zinc which is essential to a healthy immune system
• these seeds also contain many essential fatty acids, including Omega 3 & 6
• full of hearth healthy ingredients, including almonds
• coconut flakes and oil are also full of good fats, helps prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure
• oats are always a delicious and healthy food, high in fiber and great for regulating digestion, keeping you "full" and boosting your immune system

Here's the recipe, it's really fun to make! 
This makes a large amount that will last you a while. You can half the recipe if you don't want or need a lot.

INGREDIENTS (try to buy organic if you can)

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup hemp seeds
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1 1/2 cups coconut flakes (unsweetened)
• 1 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit of your choice)
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 2/3 cup raw honey 
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 275' F.
• Pour all dry ingredients into a large bowl and mix well. Set aside.
• In a pyrex or other heat safe measuring cup, add wet ingredients together.
• Place cup in a pot of simmering water, while stirring, until all wet ingredients have melted & mixed well together.
• Drizzle the liquid mixture over your dry ingredients and mix together well! (You can sample it here!)
• After everything is fully combined, pour granola onto a large baking sheet.
• Place into the heated oven for 35-45 minutes, until golden and slightly crispy. Every 10-15 minutes mix the granola around on the pan so it cooks evenly.
• Remove from oven and let cool completely. 
• Transfer to an air-tight container (after you eat some), where it should last a few weeks if kept in a cool, dry place.

ENJOY!!
Until next time. xoxo

Sunkissed Escapades: Weekend Away in Morro Bay

My husband and I went away for my birthday weekend a couple weeks back. It was such a beautiful little trip, I just had to share some photos! We decided to head over to Morro Bay for a few days to do some relaxing, hiking and good (hearty) eating- as per usual. The weather was gorgeous- sunny but not too warm, with a lovely breeze. We scored on a fantastic room at The Inn at Morro Bay. Definitely check into it if you're staying in that area! 

Our view from the hotel deck

With the sailboats and the calm blue water, it felt like we were in a Mediterranean fishing village.

Breakfast at Dorn's was amazing! They say they have the best buttermilk pancakes, and don't dismiss it for false advertising. I'm usually a waffle gal- but these were to die for. Although they were huge, I'm pretty sure we both finished our's...along with the rest of our breakfast!

We chose a new place to go hiking that we hadn't been to before, Montana del Oro State Park. You can see the ocean from almost any trail you hike, the beaches are gorgeous, and it's free! We hiked up to one of the higher peaks, which was a good workout after our hefty morning meal. The views from the top and other spots along the trail were just unbeatable, and by the time we got to the top, the morning sea fog had rolled away and it was sunny and warm.

My handsome man, wearing our lucky hiking backpack as usual. 

There were so many beautiful butterflies playing together at the top of the peak.

 

We rested at the top and enjoyed the view for a while, then headed back down the mountain to go check out the bluff trail.

"Rock Shrine Beach" as I like to call it - this was the biggest one there. No one ever tries to break them down, it's really cool.

Had to take a few sunset pics that night- because really, who ever gets tired of watching this gorgeous sky?

We spent the last morning playing frisbee (our frisbee's awesome, you can get one here!) and drinking a few beers on the beach. Made a pit stop at Firestone Walker Brewery to eat on the way back - they had some delicious grub and it's one of Eddie's favorite beers, so he was in hog heaven. 

We got back home with sand on our feet, red cheeks and another beautiful weekend of memories to cherish. So instead of spring cleaning this weekend, consider getting away yourself! It's always a better option.

And here's one more sunset photo just because I really love my new camera...and sunsets.

Until next time. xoxo

Sunkissed Refresher: Get Away for a Day

Wouldn't we all love to be able to just get up

and go to some awesome place we've always wanted to see?

Hawaii, Vegas, New York, Italy, Fiji...wherever it is, sometimes it 

can get really expensive and you just get bummed out because maybe you can't afford it.

Well, why not just jump in your car and drive out in the country,

find a beach, some mountains, a little hole in the wall restaurant you've

heard good things about, go find a river or a lake, 

or a quiet town off the beaten track you've never been to.

Just going somewhere for the day, that doesn't cost you your life savings

or entire credit card balance, is so refreshing!

It gets you out of your funk, puts things back into perspective,

helps you to appreciate the life you have back at home. 

Maybe you'll meet a new person that inspires you,

see something that gives you hope if you're feeling down, 

or just be able to have some peaceful, alone time.

Stop waiting for something fun to happen, and go out 

and make it happen! Let the wind whip your hair and the the music

take you somewhere else, think about whatever you want or don't

think at all, forget about "real life" for a few hours and indulge in the moment.

Grab some friends or just jump in your car or on your bike and GO! 

Until next time, keep dreaming. xoxo

Sunkissed Solution: Run Away

Run run run away!

No, I'm not talking about running away from your problems,

your life, your fears or challenges...

just running. =)

Feeling your feet fly across the ground beneath you,

feeling the cool or warm breeze in your face,

the power and strength of your own body moving you forward,

blasting some good tunes in your ears or sometimes turning it down so you can 

hear the sounds of the world around you (or the car that's about to run

into you because they're not paying attention).

For me, a good run ALWAYS makes me feel better.

Life can get out of control and uncertain, but 

when you put your mind and will-power into running a certain distance,

you're in complete control of yourself and you feel powerful

and self-assured and confident!

And, who wouldn't want to feel that way?!

I understand that sometimes "just" jogging isn't enough.

Ya, if you're trying to beef up, lose a 

reasonable amount of weight, or work on certain "problem" areas,

you obviously would need to incorporate weight lifting,

diet changes, etc...but if you are consistent and goal-oriented about

your runs and keep pushing yourself, I believe it can do the trick for ya!

So, I made a little list of how

running can benefit you, alot of them are common 

sense for most of us, 

but some may surprise you:

• Makes you healthier in general: increases your lung function, raise levels of good cholesterol, boosts your immune system, reduces your chances of getting blood clots.
• Strengthens your ticker: all that blood pumping when you're gettin' your jog on helps your arteries keep their elasticity and keeps your heart in good working order!
• Burns calories (duh!): the heavier you are, the more calories you'll burn when you run; but that just means that as you lose weight, you push yourself to go farther, faster, harder...you get it.
• Ego-booster: when you're setting goals about how far or often you run, and you accomplish those, you feel soooo darn good that you can't keep from giving yourself a little pat on the back....or 2 or 3.
• Relieve stress, depression, all those bad vibes: if I'm having a bad or stressful day, just going on even a short jaunt will make the world of a difference in my mind set. Running forces your body to exert that energy on pushing yourself forward, making your body go go go; so those hormones that are causing you to feel down, angry, sad, annoyed, etc. are being put to use for your good, and they kinda forget why they were making you feel bad to start with!
• Running will help you sleep better, be less likely to get headaches, strengthen your body, give you more energy, help you focus, and just seems to make you a more positive, upbeat person in general! 

So, grab your kicks and hit the road!

Check out this site and this one too for more info.

Until next time, keep dreaming. xoxo

Sunkissed Smoothie

Wanted to share this delicious smoothie recipe...its definitely my go-to smoothie on a warm summer day, or even during the colder months after a good workout.

These are the ingredients I always use for it, but you can use similar products 

that you already have or enjoy more. 

1. Pour half Orange Mango Juice (I love Santa Cruz Organic juices) and half Light Vanilla Soy Milk into blender.

2. Add mixed berries, fresh or frozen. I usually use blueberries, strawberries, and boysenberries.

3. Add one banana. Cut it into a few pieces so its easier to blend up.

4. I usually drizzle some agave nectar on top to sweeten it up a little.

5. Add a few cubes of ice, more or less, depending on how thick you want it.

6. Blend for about 30 seconds, or until all ingredients are mixed well and theres no ice chunks left to get stuck in your straw!

7. When I have it on hand, I sprinkle some fresh granola on top as well.

8. Sit back and enjoy a healthy and delicious smoothie that you made yourself!

Until next time, keep dreaming. xoxo