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Easy Tips to Go Green

Happy Earth Day!
Earth Day for me is a reminder to appreciate Mother Earth, not only today, but everyday, and to remember that every little thing we do has an impact on the earth. Here are a few tips to help make your daily life a little greener...

- put up a 'pas de circulaires' or 'no flyers please' note by your mailbox (it'll change your life!). You don't need to buy an official sticker, we made one ourselves and it does the trick.
- sign up for online billing; you can usually do this through your bank, or check on the back of your bill (sometimes it even saves you money)
- pick up a stainless steel water bottle and/or travel mug; millions of water bottles end up in landfills everyday.
- bike to work; if you don't have your own bike, check out bixi bikes in Montreal
- make your own lunch... or if you pick up food, ask them to wrap it in wax paper instead of using styrofoam, or better yet, bring your own tupperware.
- eat less meat; factory farms are responsible for more than 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
- compost your food scraps; if you live in Montreal you can get an outdoor composter at you local Eco Quartier or make your own worm composter
- recycle; I know this is an obvious one, but there are still some people who don't do it...
- buy a reusable canvas bag; carry one with you so that you're ready for the spontaneous grocery shop (they even make bags that fold up into teeny tiny squares, so that it won't take up too much room in your bag).

If you have any other suggestions or tips, please add them into the comments section, I'd love to hear them!

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Veggie Eats in Montreal

Before going on a recent trip to NYC, I googled vegetarian restaurants in the area. I came across one of Moby's blog postings listing some of his favorites, and found it super helpful. I thought I'd do the same for Montreal...

Starting with my favorite Aux Vivres (amazing vegan food), Yuan (asian fusion), Pushap (yummy Indian), Bonnys (in Griffintown), Green Panther (Mile End) Chu Chai (for a nice dinner) or Chuch (for lunch), Divan Orange (venue/restaurant), Casa del Popolo (hearty sandwiches), Burritoville (Mexican), Juicy Lotus (in NDG), La Faim du Monde, Le Commensal (buffet/cafeteria style).

Some veggie friendly faves: Olive et Gourmando (awesome Viva Las Vegan sandwich), Veritas (yummy hummus & eggplant sandwich), Santropol (sandwiches, salads, pies), Chez Jose (vege paté), Clark Street Bakery (spicy aubergine sandwich), Shaika Cafe (chick pea wrap, in NDG).

Bon appetit!
P.S. Please feel free to add your favorites to the list...

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Mayan Riviera Yoga Retreat 2010

Just arrived back home from our yoga retreat in Tulum. We had an amazing group of 19 people! The setting was gorgeous and the energy was incredible. Yummy food, beautiful beach, yoga, and new friendships. It's amazing what one week can do...

The best part is seeing the transformation in everyone, not only in their yoga practice, but in themselves. As we take time away from our responsibilities we connect with ourselves, and when we look at our lives from a distance, we can see what really matters, and sometimes see what changes need to be made.

Tulum not only has amazing energy with rich Mayan culture, but is also geared towards 'eco tourism'. In this setting we really feel a deep connection and appreciation for the earth. The beach, the ocean and especially the stars, remind us that we are just a small part of this incredible universe.

This retreat has left me feeling renewed and inspired. I am so grateful to everyone who joined us for making it extra special. It really was an amazing week!

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look around once in a while you could miss it." ~From the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off

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Yoga On-The-Go

For those times when it feels like all you've got is 10 minutes... We don't always have time to take an hour and a half class at a studio, but those hectic days are usually the times we need it the most. Here's a short yoga practice filmed while we were on vacation in the Bahamas. The gorgeous beach and ocean always leave me feeling inspired... Hope this video helps keep you centered on those busy days.

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Veggie Scraps turned Veggie Stock

During the summers Jason and I compost all our kitchen scraps in our outdoor compost bin. By the end of the summer, the bin is full, and as winter sets in, it is difficult to get to, so we stop composting for the season. I have been feeling so guilty every time we throw kitchen scraps in the garbage (unfortunately the fruits and veggies won't turn into compost in the garbage dump due to lack of oxygen, and being mixed with battery acid, diapers, plastic, etc). I've been meaning to start worm composting indoors, but have yet to get around to making the space and buying a box (I also feel there's no way a small bin is going to be able to handle all the veggie scraps we create!). After chatting with Tara (one of our lovely receptionists) about it, she suggested we save all our scraps in the freezer and when I have enough, turn it into veggie stock... brilliant!

Since I'm home sick today, and veggie stock seems to be one of the only things I've been able to eat, I figured now was the perfect time to test it out. I checked out Jae Steele's Get it Ripe cookbook for a recipe, dumped everything into a pot and let it simmer... super easy! In the meantime I decided to try the Immune Boast Juice... I clearly don't have the right blender, as this turned into more of a meal rather than a juice (probably not the right thing for my upset belly anyway).

The veggie stock turned out amazing! I feel proud to have made it from scratch and am excited to use it in recipes. After watching the movie Food Inc on the weekend, I feel extra inspired to try new food options, start worm composting, and go a little more out of my way to buy local & organic. If you haven't already seen this movie, I highly recommend it!

One of Jason's friends once painted me a picture of a pig for my birthday. When he gave it to me, he said it made him think of me because it was wholesome. Although I was skeptical at first, I still feel like it was an amazing compliment.

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Oma's Secret to Happiness

Over the holidays I chatted with my Grandmother about life, love and happiness. At 96 years old, she has lots of experience, and is an inspiration to myself, and to anyone who's ever met her. We have a picture of her doing the plank pose (at 91 years old) posted up at the studio, people are constantly looking at this photo in awe and amazement. When I pass this info on to my grandmother, she always says "what's the big deal, it's just plank pose". I love her determination and strength! I think everyone could benefit from some words of wisdom from my Oma, so I caught some of it on video... (Oma is dutch for grandmother)

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Detox Playlist

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Detox Workshop! The effort, determination and energy in the room was amazing! I had some requests for the playlist, so here it is...

Mangalam (Chillums At Dawn Remix) [Remixed By Sean Dinsmore] 5:14 Prem Joshua
Hey World (Remote Control Version) 4:17 Michael Franti & Spearhead All Rebel Rockers (Bonus Track Version)
Ease Off The Liquor 5:58 Timbaland Presents Shock Value II Active 80 6
Sometimes 4:06 Michael Franti & Spearhead Stay Human Hip-Hop/Rap 80 6
Toxic 3:27 Britney Spears
Everybody Ona Move 5:49 Michael Franti & Spearhead Yell Fire!
Marchin' On (Timbaland Remix) Feat. OneRepublic 4:12 Timbaland Presents Shock Value II R&B 80 3
Wicked Are Good 4:28 Wade Imre Morissette Strong As Diamonds
Walking On A Dream 3:19 Empire Of The Sun Walking On A Dream Electronic
Obama Song (feat. SoliLLaquists of Sound, Cherine Anderson & Anthony B) 4:09 Michael Franti & Spearhead
Let´s twist again 2:22 Chubby Checker Let´s twist again Rock & Roll
Piece Of Me 3:32 Britney Spears Blackout Dance 80 2
You Dont Know How It Feels 4:43 Tom Petty Wildflowers
Paper Planes 3:26 M.I.A. Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack Soundtrack
Forever 4:38 Chris Brown Now 71
Bob Marley - Red Red Wine 5:21 Bob Marley
U.K. Girls (lets get physical mix) 4:49 Goldfrapp
Love 2:43 Air Love 2
Here Comes The Sun 3:20 asana OHM Shanti
Study War 4:18 Moby 07/10/2009 9:31 AM Wait for Me
Hallelujah (feat. Charlie Sexton) 4:16 Justin Timberlake & Matt Morris Hope for Haiti Now
Killing The Blues 4:17 Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Raising Sand
OM-Harmonisation 11:08 Patrick Torre Universel OM-Le Mantra Des Mantras New Age

February Luna-Tox: We'll be detoxing all month long with our regular classes, plus you can take the 28 day challenge, or the Tasty Life Cleanse.

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Sumptuous Scandinave Spa

After a late night out with the girls, I spent the perfect Sunday afternoon with Bram and Laurel at the Scandinave Spa. Walking into the Scandinave you feel like you are stepping into a completely different zone; a place of total relaxation. The spa is based on the aged-old European tradition know as 'thermotherapy', or the hot & cold baths.

After changing into our bathing suits, we headed to the hot steam sauna. This is a circular room with three different levels of seating. It is so steamy in here you feel like you are inside a cloud, it has a really dreamy effect. We sweated it out for 10 or 15 minutes and then went for the ice cold rain shower - extremely intense, but the after effects are amazing. After doing a round of hot-cold, you are meant to relax, so we headed to the 'relaxation room'. We plopped ourselves down on the giant bean bag cushions and lay there with our bodies tingling (it almost feels like an opium den).

We finally peeled ourselves off the cushions and headed to the dry sauna. This is a gorgeous, wood-filled space that smells like yummy evergreens. The heat feels so good, it easily melts away any stress or tension. We followed up the heat with a quick dip in the icy, cold bath. My advice for the cold bath is: don't think about it, just do it!

Back in the relaxation room, we got some smoothies and snacks from the 'bar', and stretched back out on another giant cushion.

The third hot station is the hydro-jet bath. It's a warm pool surrounded with jets on the sides, and water pouring down the walls. The best part is the waterfall. If you sit right under it, you get an amazing shoulder and neck massage.

The whole experience is really special. It leaves you feeling relaxed and blissful. We forget sometimes, to slow down and take care of ourselves. Somehow it doesn't seem to be at the top of our priority list, yet our well-being is so important in all aspects of our lives. Instead of taking care of ourselves, we often wait till something goes wrong, and then we try to fix it. I think the secret to good health and well-being is to appreciate our bodies and to take care of ourselves. We spend money on our houses and cars, why wouldn't we spend it on our own bodies?

As part of our Detox Month, we're offering a Detox Yoga Flo Workshop with access to the Scandinave at 20% off. Plus you can participate in our 28 day challenge, or check out Myrite's Cleanse.

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Yoga in the Beautiful Bahamas

For the past couple of years, Jason and I have been traveling to the beautiful Bahamas. There are said to be 365 islands in the Bahamas (one for each day of the year). Each visit we have been exploring a different island; this year we visited Long Island. We rented a small cottage right on the ocean.

Our days consisted of lots of beach walking, relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. In the mornings I practiced yoga outside on our back porch facing the sun and listening to the sound of the ocean. It was so beautiful and inspirational, I had the feeling of being completely free and totally connected to nature. During the day we walked on deserted beaches and often sat and watched the waves. In the evening we star-gazed, and were lucky enough to be there during the full moon.

When I'm in Montreal I often forget to look up (especially when there's icy sidewalks... I'm so focused on not falling, I'll forget to look up for days), but in the Bahamas it's impossible not to notice the stars and the moon. The sky is so big, and the stars are so close it feels like you could almost reach out and touch them. You look in one direction and see miles of aqua blue ocean, and then in other: beach, coral, and green vegetation. In the city we are surrounded by so many man-made things that it can be easy to get disconnected with nature, but in a place like the Bahamas nature is so in-your-face, and so beautiful, that you immediately have this feeling of being smaller... in a good way.

The earth, and all the animals, are often seen as 'ours' to use, as 'resources' for humans, but in fact we are just one of many species that are a part of this incredible earth. Being on a small, remote island puts you at the mercy of mother nature (power outages, rugged roads, tides, wind and waves) and island pace (the friendliest, kindest people... but a much slower way of life... takes some getting used to, but we love it).

On our flight home, as we were coming in for landing, I looked down and thought at first that it looked like a scene from a depressing futuristic movie, where everything was gray, cold and deserted, but after spending a couple days back in Montreal, and visiting our parents in Hudson, I am seeing the beauty in the winter wonderland; the sound of the snow crunching under boots, the sight of our breath, and the coziness of bundling up. The beauty of nature is all around us. Going away allows us to see it in a new light, and gives a renewed appreciation for our surroundings and our lives.

We reopen the studio today. I'm excited to see everyone and to bring some Bahamas energy to Montreal!

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Luna Pins!

We wanted to have some mini Luna gifts to give out... so we made Luna pins! They're adorable! You can pick up your pin at the studio (they make perfect stocking stuffers), or we'll add them in with any online orders made from the Luna Shop. Thanks to Lisa and Melissa for making it happen. Hope you like them!


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Luna Yoga T-Shirts Arrived

After choosing the right style, color, graphics, sizes and quantities, we finally sent in our t-shirts to get printed about a month ago... Naturally things took a little longer than they were supposed to, and I was forced to put on my "I won't stand for this" voice (there's a balance to being ok with everything, and with making a business run properly). They finally arrived with the storm on Wednesday (just in time for our holiday Yoga & Live Music event), and they're super cute! They are made locally in Montreal by Oom, in cozy organic cotton. Both the mens and womens are nice and long and fitted (perfect for yoga... no hiking up during downward dog... very important!). We went with classic black this time; very chic, very Montreal. Our motto is on the front: Live Laugh Love / Vivez Riez Aimez (always good to remind each other of these essential ingredients to life), and our logo is on the back.

Whenever I take on these small projects I always forget that they turn into big projects, but they are very rewarding when you see the final product...

They are available at the studio, and will be available next week in our online shop. Hope you like them!

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Luna Yogamentary

So I decided to make a little documentary of Luna Yoga... (as I'm sure some of you noticed us sneaking in some shots here and there). I had so much fun making this video! For those of you who have not been to the studio, this is a little sneak preview, and for the regular visitors... you might be able to spot yourself in downward dog...

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Workshops with Eoin Finn

Today I did two amazing workshops with Eoin Finn and his wife Insiya. They are currently touring Canada promoting their new DVD The Pursuit of Happy Hips, and came to Luna Yoga to pass on some "Blissology"... Finn style...

We spent the morning exploring the anatomy of our hips, and then followed by twisting, bending and contorting them until they felt like Silly Putty. It was a fun, sweaty, packed class, filled with smiles and sighs.

After a quick bite to eat at Veritas (amazing aubergine and hummus sandwich!), we headed back to the studio for Yoga and Ecology... two of my favorite subjects! We discussed the need for change and appreciation for the earth. How our disconnection with the earth is what is causing the most harm. We talked about ideas to help us reconnect with nature; each day taking a moment to appreciate the wonders and beauty of nature, and to share it with someone else, to remind ourselves, and each other, of this incredible ecosystem that we are a part of (not apart from). The discussion was followed by another amazing vinyasa practice (handstands and all!).

Yoga = union. When we remember our connection with all things, and can see other beings and nature for what they really are, instead of seeing them simply as food or resources, we can begin to change our destructive impact on the earth. It all starts with awareness...

Once again I am left feeling inspired and sleepy. Curled up next to me, my two zen masters Fonzi and Leo remind me once again, to close my laptop, and go to sleep.
Goodnight.

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NYC!


My first trip to New York City (I know... I can't believe it took me this long either). What an amazing city, so much energy buzzing around it's crazy!

Day 1: It was also my first time going to the Jivamukti Yoga Center - although they recently moved, this is the founding center of Jivamukti Yoga. I spent several years studying with Sharon Gannon & David Life (the founders of Jiva) with visits to Toronto, and then did the Jivamukti Teacher Training at the Omega Center (in New York State) in 2007, but I had never been to the 'mother' studio... It’s a great big space right downtown on Broadway. Surprisingly, it’s in the same building as a Bikram studio - it’s amazing there’s enough people to support 2 studios in the same building! Jason came with me to the first class with Matthew. The room was warm and packed (around 65 people). My first reaction to Matthew's teaching was that he was exactly like this city: fast and abrupt. His first words were “Stand Up.” From there we quickly started moving through salutations and sequences. I found myself loving it - the fast movements, all the people squeezed in together, the fun music, the heat, the sweating, and the quick commands coming from our teacher. We struggled, laughed and sweated our way through an amazing class.

Day 2: After another day of sight-seeing my body (especially my feet!) were sore and I was feeling tired. As Jason headed to the music shops, I headed back to the Jivamukti Center to take class with Ruth. Ruth is one of the senior teachers, who is now teaching part of the Jiva teacher training. I had heard about her, and was excited to take her class. She had a calm and compassionate presence, her class was very different from the one I had taken the day before. This time it was a slower pace, with Ruth counting us through each inhale and exhale (often ‘accidentally’ adding in a couple extra breaths). We worked hard and ended up just as sweaty as the day before. After class Jason and I stumbled over to Alphabet city for some yummy Indian food and live sitar & tabla.

Day 3: I happily put on my brand new boots and headed back to the Jivamukti center for a 12 o’clock class with Sangeeta. I think because it was midday on a Tuesday, class was a little smaller (we were now about 25 people)... this made it much easier/less scary to kick up into handstand! Sangeeta started us with a beautiful chant, led us through a perfectly sequenced class, and encouraged us through challenging asanas. Half way through class I realized Sangeeta and I had done our teacher training together (its been a couple years, and we were 100 people...). There was only one other Montrealer at our training, so it’s always fun to see someone who I went through this amazing experience with... and fun to see where life has taken her.

All three classes were quite different, but I loved them all! I’m happy to have had the full Jivamukti experience (Russell Simmons and all!). It’s amazing to be in a room packed with people all working together through their own individual struggles... sweating, laughing, struggling, pushing through, and finally collapsing in savasana. After arriving home to a cheerful customs agent, a helpful security guard, and a patient parking attendant (especially since I accidentally threw out our ticket) Jason said “somehow the world seems friendlier”. There’s something about traveling that forces you to open up to others, to ask for directions, or help with figuring out the subway system, that reminds you that we are the same... a little lost, but eventually find our way with the help of each other.

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First blog post...

My first blog post ever! After discovering a good book/recipe/yoga class, I'm excited to pass on the info to others, so I figured a blog was a good way to go about it... Plus we just had an amazing weekend with friend and yoga teacher Kimberly Wilson and beau Tim. Kimberly always leaves me feeling inspired, as she is one of the few people I know that accomplishes so much (studio owner/writer/designer/activist/podcaster) and yet she remains calm and happy (we even had time to get a reflexology foot massage while she was here!). So I am taking her advice and starting my first blog, with the intention to write notes, ideas and thoughts about life as a modern yogini in Montreal...

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