Friday, July 24, 2015

Interval Yoga 30 Day Challenge Halfway Point

So today is lucky 13 in the interval yoga challenge, almost half way. Have to admit this week has been mentally and physically tough. I've only done 3 days out of the week so far. When I have those days when I  feel I can't or don't want to do, I just don't. Listen to your body and mind, but get out of your head. My mind's been going none stop this week and I just need to slow down and tell it to shut up, and if I can reach that point the silence is oh so soothing. In the past when I had weeks like this one I used to reach for alcohol to calm my nerves and numb out. Just what I needed right, filling my body with toxicity, drowning my power and mentality to heal myself and just deal with sh*t. Proud to say I'm really close to celebrating 7 months of sobriety. Yoga and meditation has indeed helped me stay on the path of recovery


                                                 INTERVAL                       *                           YOGA
                                 an intervening of time & space                 a spiritual, physical and mental practice




A moment of introspect after doing the Slow Gypsy Workout. Take time to pause & reflect.
Namaste and best wishes for a beautiful weekend.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Corner View ~ Overgrown


How delighted am I that my neighbors blackberrie bush is overgrown beyond it's boundaries and flows into my yard. We pick them in early morning for smoothies & yoghurt.

To see a global take on "overgrown" visit FuoriBorgo.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Interval Yoga 30 Day Challenge Update

Hello beautiful yogi's! How was the first week of the challenge for you? I've been consistent with the workouts and Instagram pics so far ( this is more challenging that I had thought). To do a daily posting on my blog seem's to be a bit of a challenge in my daily Mom schedule so I will be doing a post on Friday's only . You can follow my daily instagrams @ gypsyspirit916.



Have a beautiful and energizing weekend.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Interval Yoga 30 Day Challenge ~ Day 3

{Corner View friends my post is after this is one, so please scroll down, but you can still enjoy this post also }

Yesterday was a pure leg day all day for me.  I took the kid's to the California State Fair and we walked here , there, and everywhere looking at all the exhibits, shows, and standing in ride lines. When I find the time I will post our fair fun. Time to stretch and balance with today's flow, and yay we get to sit.


Now treat yourself with a post workout smoothie. I also love smoothies and juice as breakfast, especially when it's already warm weather in the morning. How's the weather in your neck of the woods? Thanks to my neighbor for sharing his crop of nectarines with us.

Banana Nectarine Dream


Recipe:
1 frozen banana, 1  1/2 cups almond milk , 2 nectarines

Throw it all in the blender & enjoy!

Corner View ~ Morning Light


I love when the blazing sun knocks on my door  asking if it can come in 


and sit awhile and warm the space


casting shadows, making fresh art on the wall.

I love how first morning light thoroughly warms my bones. For global" morning light" visit FuoriBorgo.

P.S. I'm putting together a Corner View list on my side bar, please leave me your link so I can add you. Thanks!

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Interval Yoga 30 Day Challenge ~ Day 2

Anybody else sore from yesterday's practice? If you don't use it you lose it, and now it's like starting all over to gain the strength and flexibility. My sleep was sounder though with dreams more on the peaceful side. Remember to go with the flow and not get frustrated over not having full range of motion, it comes in time. So here's today's video, don't forget to check into Instagram with your selfie after your workout with #intervalyoga30daychallenge.


Do you do your toes for your yoga pose?


Since us yogis are in poses that constantly have us looking down, why not dress them up. Mine are Sally Hansen Insta Dry 424 Set Sail painted for the 4th of July at the beach. I tend to slip on my mat especially in these hot days , so I was so excited to score these Nike Studio Wraps at Ross for $11.00.

How ever you dress them up or dress them down, take time to fully appreciate how your feet and legs support your body.


Monday, July 13, 2015

Interval Yoga 30 Day Challenge ~ Day 1

So far this Monday is going great. As I was drinking my coffee  checking my e-mails and messages I got a great surprise on Instagram. I had told Ali Kamenova I needed a spiritual change and was looking forward to the challenge and that I might just blog this new venture. She responded with " yes do it! I will share your blog". I was floored and did a little happy dance. The situation got very real at that moment and now it's time to do the work to begin the journey.

I'm starting of the challenge in the beginner level even though I practice yoga on and off through the years. Today will be an assessment of were my physical capability's lay.


 The full weeks schedule can be found here.

Pose Of The Dancer


Official hashtag for the 30 day Selfie Instagram Challenge is #intervalyoga30daychallenge @alikamenovatv. I hope you join us!

Sunday, July 12, 2015

I need more yoga in my life

So I'm going to give this challenge a full hearted go, Ali Kamenova's 30 Day Selfie Instagram Challenge. Photos will be of yoga, healthy living, and anything else that arises related to the challenge. Let's see how far I can go and hopefully make the whole 30 days. Here's to a strong start to what ever you wish to accomplish this week and this month.


Saturday, July 11, 2015

Sunday on the Wharf....Santa Cruz Part 3

 I loved waking up to the morning view of the beach . I threw open the curtains and windows to enjoy the sights and sounds as I packed us up.

 Before heading back to the boardwalk for the day we had to take a side trip to a laundry mat to dry  towels and suits. An angel trumpet tree loomed over the fence into the parking lot.

 We're just chilling at the Ultramat waiting for the laundry. Santa Cruz is full of murals and art.

 Even in the bathroom. Art by Spider

 {S} wanted to skate Mike Fox skate park and chill with the locals. His dream is to move here after high school.

 Sunday was a lot sunnier than the day before, and a lot less people. There's the Bahia Apts. that will be torn down to build a hotel. I wonder where in the city the trolley goes, and only 25 cents to ride.


 Bill Lewis is the Sand Man of Santa Cruz. I didn't remember to take a finished photo of his patriotic art.

 We strolled on the Wharf to enjoy the sights and look into the shops. I get really inspired by the crafts I see. This little boat was the the perfect photo prop.

 {E} & {M} were discussing "Jaws" which is crazy because 15 sharks were spotted in Aptos not far from there. 

 The wharf is the perfect place to take panoramic photos. 

 The weather was perfect for the beach and seaside activities.

 My husband even boogie boarded with {E}.

After a weekend of sand and sun, it was time to head on out and drive back home. {E} is full of sand from the ocean, {M} wanted to go on the Haunted Castle ride one last time, {S} is wore out from skateboarding the town, and {L} is upset she didn't go on the Ferris Wheel as promised. Only one way to remedy these summertime blues.....another trip in the future.

I hope you are all finding fun and adventures in the 
haze of summer daze.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Riding The Waves of Amusement ....Santa Cruz Part 2

What makes the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk  the prime amusement destination for my little tribe is the combo of sand, sun, and fun. The sights, smells, and actual feel of the sea on your skin and up your airways is truly good for the soul. This is one of my "Zen Zones".

 To enter the boardwalk is free but parking for the day is $15.00. We bring an ice chest full of food and a sun tent , plop it down on the beach in the morning and when we're hungry and ready to hit the waves we're all set (we save a lot of money this way, just a helpful tip). If you plan on coming to the boardwalk more than once and love to ride the rides I suggest getting a season pass. When you purchase a pass you receive a coupon book and an all day ride pass for a friend. I hope you enjoy our memories and hopefully you can travel here one day and make memories of your own.

The 4th of July was pretty overcast most of the day, but that didn't dampen our fun.


Ghost Blasters

{ L} is finally tall enough to ride The Giant Dipper

The fire truck is {M}'s favorite

 Grabbing a "Paradise Dog" from the Wharf.

 Clam Chowder from the Galley in the arcade.

Texas Donut, and no I did not eat this all by myself, I shared.


 Testing out the ocean

 My older children decided to boogie board and enjoy the water.

 My younger ones decide to stay on land.

Discovering the sea's treasures.

It's not a complete day at the beach until someone gets buried in the sand.

As we celebrate independence I dream of more peace for this world, how about you?

Part 1 of this adventure can be found here 4th of July weekend In Santa Cruz. But wait there's a little more, stay tuned for Day 2 "The Wharf".








Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Corner View ~ Routine

I have to admit since the kids have been out of school I've fallen out of routine. No need to bus around kids to and from school has me inconsistent about the flow of the day. Hot lazy and unbearable heat is also to blame. Great that today's corner view post is routine because this is the day that I finally fallen back into mine.

About 2 weeks ago I had gotten ill and was able to only lay in bed fevered for a week. Not doing my usual routine of getting up early, exercising and making proper nutritious meals to nourish myself are probably part of the culprit. I was out of balance and out of touch.

This very morning was the 180. I got up at 4:00 a.m. with a fresh perspective on life in general and the directions I want to go. Blame it on my gypsy soul to want to travel and endeavour and I feel that pull so much more these days. So far this morning I had ginger lemon tea instead of coffee and I got my workout done. Next up is house cleaning, meal prep, a well over due trip to the library with the kids, and hopefully a day of inspirations to lead me into the new. Routines are essential for flow and balance, and when  aligned your light illuminates and the world becomes brighter off your spark.

~ Namaste ~

For more "routine" from around the globe visit FuoriBorgo.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

4th of July weekend in Santa Cruz




The drive from Sacramento to Santa Cruz on the morning of 4th of July went pretty smooth, actually smoother than our trips on non holiday weekends. We always get giddy when we see this sign, a crazy curvy drive through the forest lands us into our favorite beach town Santa Cruz, C.A.

~ DAY 1 ~

Views from Lanai Lodge



The walk from the hotel to beach is about 7 minutes.

Peace & Love America


 La Bahia Apartments

Big Tree Line

Main Beach
And the beach was packed! We staked our claim, popped up our little sun tent to store our boogie boards, ice chest, and other day at the beach essentials. I have many photos so I will break them up into separate post. Despite all the no firework signs there were aerial fireworks on the beach at night, and whats 4th of July without fireworks! Stay tuned for more more Santa Cruz memories.





Thursday, July 2, 2015

Summer Birthday Celebration

On Tuesday my lovely {L} turned double digits! That's right the big 10. Time seems to be flying by so fast especially on these hot summer days and splendid cooler summer nights. Last years birthday camp out went well and so {L} wished to have another one this year.


We set up tents and bought marshmallows for the campfire.... which never happened, it was still to hot at night for a fire. At least I have a stash for next time.


I made a quick camp sign out of the cardboard found at the bottom of the bottled water case. I had some scrap book pages in the craft cabinet and glued them on.


This bouquet came out beautifully. The roses are from the butterfly garden around the fountain. Lace and hot glue up- cycled my old spaghetti jar really nice. Add a solar light without the spike into the middle.


Simple patio set up. but enough to give a festive touch. Please excuse my gardening transplant pots on the side.


This is the result from the solar light, a luminescent nighttime bouquet. I definitely will experiment with these in the future.


The party went well under a magically lite sky by the Full Moon I special ordered just for her (wink).


This whole week has been pretty eventful and I'm really looking forward to this holiday weekend. We are trading in BBQ's and fireworks for sand, sun, and boardwalk fun. I wish you all a safe and sane Fourth of July.