Shrimp Ceviche

my mom makes one of the best ceviches ever.
if you like shrimp and shrimp cocktail... then you would love love love this!  its so easy!

1 bag of frozen cooked tail of shrimp/defrost in strainer
and cut in bite size pieces, usually 3 from each shrimp (i like the shrimp from costco best)
juice of 6 kunes
juice of 3 lemons
1 white onion diced in medium sized pieces
2 or 3 avocados (can add more)
a half or 2/3s bottle of catsup
1 can of green chiles
5-6 tomatoes diced in small to medium sized pieces
salt and pepper
tabasco sauce optional
1 large bunch of fresh cilantro, leaves only - no stems

this makes a really large bowl, and it will last 3 days in the refrigerator
enjoy!

Studio Classes

{i'm the girl on the far right}

I'll be teaching every Wednesday and Thursday nights for mat pilates as well as core strengthening Yoga.  It becomes hot yoga at this small studio in San Clemente called "Bella Pilates" when we get going so if you prefer one or the other, it stays in the middle.

Thursday nights I teach at 6pm - pi-yo and then at 7pm - vinyasa flow level 2 yoga.

I hope you can make it!

thought to digest

{mary ruffle}

think good thoughts! cortisol is the most potent of heart hormones.  anger suppresses this and the immune system for up to six hours.

exciting news!

image found on: www.fffound.com

so here at yellow lotus, we have some exciting news to render.

things have been busy in everyone's lives and we have felt badly for neglecting this blog.

progression has taken place and we would like to announce 

that we will be offering privates and classes to those interested.

we already have some booked! 

please comment or call us to book your appointment for a class.

if you would like a private:

your first class is only $40!

we will drive to your home, bring you a mat and towel, music and give you a private introductory yoga class.  its a pretty great deal.  

after that, a yoga private with either myself {melissa} or lisa varies depending on location and type. 

if you would like to organize a party:

you are FREE

if you can get 7-10 people to come to your house, park or beach.

each person will be $10 each for your party.

we will be doing bridal showers, baby showers, bachelorette parties, birthday parties etc.

if you refer a friend to us, we will also cut you some slack.  

we are very excited to roll this one out.

to contact lisa: 949.244.8811

to contact melissa: 949.903.8155

if you have any questions, please let us know.

thanks so much.

namaste.

chakras - colors... an interesting article i found

“How chakras reveal the state of your health:”

A chakra is a vortex of energy. There are seven main chakra points on the human body which start at the base of the spine and finish at the crown. Simultaneously, they vibrate to create the body’s electro-magnetic field, or aura. As science states, color is a vibration of light; each chakra has a corresponding color.

“Healing with crystals and gemstones:”
Healing with crystals and gemstones is an ancient science. The body responds to gemstone healing by allowing the aura of the crystal to mix with the body’s bioelectrical field. The stone’s color corresponds to the particular chakra, revitalizing and clearing to reestablish balance and health. Breaking through blockages created by stress is the purpose of gemstone healing.
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• 1st Chakra - Root
• 2nd Chakra - Splenic
• 3rd Chakra - Solar
• 4th Chakra - Heart Chakra
• 5th Chakra - Throat Chakra
• 6th Chakra - Third Eye Chakra
• 7th Chakra - Crown Chakra

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1st Chakra - Root
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The first chakra is the Root Chakra and corresponds to the color red. It deals with one’s connection to the earth:

• Survival Issues

• Passion

• Physical Vitality

• Anger

• Warrior-like strength.

A Weak First Chakra Can Be Identified By:

• Lack of energy

• Lack of passion

• Lack of sexual desire

• Depression

• Inability to ground or center oneself

• Inability to experience the present moment

Stones to Balance a Deficient 1st Chakra:

• Hematite

• Red Coral

• Garnet

• Obsidian

• Boulder Opal

• Tiger Iron

• Bloodstone

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2nd Chakra - Splenic

________________________________________________________

The second chakra is the Splenic Chakra and corresponds to the color orange. It deals with one’s creativity:

• Imagination

• Sexuality (being comfortable in the physical body)

• Social Skills (ability to relate in an open-hearted way, sense of humor)

A Weak Second Chakra Can Be Identified By:

• Shyness

• Lack of confidence

• Fearful – immobilized by “what if?”

• Emotional disconnectedness

• Reproductive/sexual issues

• Lack of Trust

• Lack of vitality; passion for life

Stones to Balance a Deficient 2nd Chakra

• Carnelian

• Orange Calcite

• Fire Opal

• Tiger Eye

________________________________________________________

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3rd Chakra - Solar Plexus

________________________________________________________
The third chakra is the Solar Plexus Chakra and corresponds to the color yellow. It deals with life force, also known as the vital breath or chi:

• Career (fulfillment in the workplace)

• Happiness, joy, cheerfulness

• Intelligence (unique acceptance of self)

• Freedom from inhibitions

A Weak Third Chakra Can Be Identified By:

• Poor digestion

• Lack of confidence

• Fear of being alone

• Inability to find the joy in simple things

• Allergies, breathing issues

Stones to Balance a deficient 3rd Chakra:

• Citrine

• Yellow Calcite

• Amber

• Prehnite

• Sunstone

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4th Chakra - Heart Chakra

________________________________________________________

The fourth chakra is the Heart Chakra and corresponds to the colors green and pink. It deals with issues of the heart:

• Ability to lovingly identify with all life forms

• Forgiveness of oneself

• Love (ability to give and receive)

• Health and Healing

A Weak Fourth Chakra Can Be Identified By:

• Inability to let go

• Lack of self love, respect

• Unhealthy heart (blood pressure issues)

• Emotional detachment

• Fear of commitment

• Inability to give and receive love freely

Stones to Balance a Deficient 4th Chakra:

• Rose Quartz

• Malachite

• Aventurine

• Chrysoprase

• Jade

• Tourmaline

________________________________________________________

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5th Chakra - Throat Chakra

___________________________________________________
The fifth chakra is the Throat Chakra and corresponds to the color blue. It deals with one’s ability to communicate:

• Connecting thought to the spoken word

• Ability to speak freely, comfortably

• Projecting the voice

A Weak Fifth Chakra Can Be Identified By:

• Fear of speaking up

• Stuttering

• Inability to express oneself

• Difficulty relaxing in a social situation

• Quiet, distant

• Problems with thyroid

Stones to Balance a Deficient 5th Chakra

• Rainbow Moonstone

• Sodalite

• Azurite

• Blue Opal

• Labradorite

• Turquoise

• Chrysocolla

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6th Chakra - Third Eye Chakra

___________________________________________________
The sixth chakra is the Third Eye Chakra and corresponds to the color indigo. It deals with one’s psychic abilities:
• Higher intuition
• Ability to see the unseen; to hear the unheard
• Acceptance of metaphysical sciences
• Past life recollection

A Weak Sixth Chakra Can Be Identified By:
• Fear of death
• Blatant refusal to acknowledge the spiritual world
• Fear of success
• Lack of self-discipline
• Poor eyesight, headaches, weight issues
• Lack of trust in that which cannot be proven by science

Stones to Balance a Deficient 6th Chakra
• Lapis lazuli
• Flourite
• Black and Boulder Opal
• Azurite

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7th Chakra - Crown Chakra

___________________________________________________
The seventh chakra is the Crown Chakra and corresponds to the color violet. It deals with one’s spiritual connectedness:
• Relationship with Gods/Goddesses
• Openness to guidance from spirit
• Acceptance of life – death process
• Channeling; astral travel

A Weak Seventh Chakra Can Be Identified By:
• Fear of the unknown
• Lack of faith and/or hope
• Inability to identify with spiritual world

Stones to Balance a Deficient 7th Chakra
• Amethyst
• Sugilite
• Fluorite
• Charoite
• Clear Quartz
• Black and Boulder Opal

sunrise

This week I had a chance to do a photoshoot with the photographer Shane Harder.  I will slowly add the photos in future posts.  It was early and cold but worth the beautiful sunrise.

music monday - for the dancers

If you are in the mood for romance or just reflecting on a sweet memory of someone you love then this song is for you.




As a dancer, I would love to coregraph a dance to this all in pastels with light pink point shoes.  Or just simply dance in your room like this...

"i remember, when you were dancing, you were dancing..."

slowing it down sunday

Most people who resort to doing yoga are busy people who are successful, who live lives that are dictated to them.  Their schedules are full, they makes plans and are adventurous.  The need to spend time alone or are forced to do yoga due to too much running, not enough stretching or the effects of physical pulses.  I call these people the MOVERS and SHAKERS.  


Everyone knows that life can be stressful.  It can be extremely stressful when money becomes tight, health is at risk, relationships are on a tight rope or other life threatening factors raise anxiety.  Your heart rate raises, your breath is seemingly out of control and you pulse is beyond modern.  We forget to take deep beaths, remember what the purpose of our life is here on earth and how to stay happy.  

If you ever go to a professional yoga class... I'm talking about a class not in a 24-hour setting, you will notice the instructor will have you bow to yourself in thankfulness for what you have done.  At first this may seem a little funny. A little absurd.  As you come to know your body, the muscles and how it works, you will come to know how grateful you are for making that one hour to two hours that you gave back to it to stretch, bring heat, pull your muscles longer, make leaner and feel stronger.  As you do this, you will find the stress lifting. You will notice as you walk back into the busy life you lead, it is crowded with a lot going on that you will crave those quiet times in class or while you are alone or other places you find peace.  

Go there; take deep inhales and exhales.  

Find that happy place.  

We all know DHA is really good for babies brain development. But what is DHA? Docosahexaenioc Acid (say that 3 x fast!) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid found throughout the body, especially in the brain and eyes. *note: don't get confused with another omega-3 called ALA found in walnuts, flaxseed, and canola oil. Its good but not as good as DHA.

Why is DHA so good for growing fetuses and babies? Beginning the last trimester of pregnancy to the first 2 years of age DHA levels in the brain rapidly increase. Several studies have shown infants with higher blood levels of DHA score better on tests measuring their brain (or cognitive) and visual function. Basically makes babies smarter and have x-ray vision! Ok, maybe not x-ray but it makes it better.

Good sources of DHA: -Fatty fish (aka salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, and tuna) 2 servings of fatty fish a week is recommended *1 serving = 4 oz

Don't like fish? Well you can take a DHA supplement, usually in the form of fish oil or algal oil. (You want about 200 mg of DHA/day)

*Caution* Pregnant and breastfeeding women should NOT eat swordfish, tilefish, king mackeral and shark. Also tuna should be limited to 6 oz per week.

So make sure you add a little fish into your diet. Its good for you too! Makes your heart healthy by lowering triglycerides (fat) in the blood, heart rate, and blood pressure.

And may I also suggest that Trader Joe's has excellent wild salmon in their frozen section at a good price. Just marinate that baby (salmon) in the fridge with soy sauce, olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, fresh pressed garlic, and a little brown sugar, for about 1 hr then bake in the oven (covered with foil) or BBQ 400 degrees for 20 min. Add a little brown rice and edamame and voila! Magnifique!! Cheers! ~Steph

pilates music

so i am adoring a new artist...

james yuill

he is great

especially for pilates.

my favorite song is "sweet love"

i found him when i had a meeting at starbucks and they hand out those free music cards.

anyway, you should check him out... especially if you do pilates at home and need a playlist to keep your momentumn up.

break

Please excuse this small break we are taking from blogging until next Sunday.

Namaste.

-Yellow Lotus

{Big Bear recent retreat}

tum tum - metab

It seems like everyone would like to know what the trick is to keeping a fast metabolism. Exercise, eating small portions often throughout the day help of course but I am going to outline some poses that stimulate a faster metabolism.

There is hope!!!

Your thyroid gland is directly connected to your metabolism and is located in your neck. As many poses you know of that require you to pull your chin to your chest, activates your thyroid which in turn communicates with your metabolism.

For one Example, there is the:

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana {aka: Bridge Pose}

will strengthen your entire spine, create flexibility to your spine, opens your

breathing passageways, stimulates your thyroid and could open emotions; bringing them up or out.

{full extension bridge}

{picture of myself by nathan murdock at 12,000 ft. at mt. timp, ut}

niyaz

The Artist of the Week is Niyaz. They claim they are 21st century new-age music that adopts Persian and INdian Folk influences. I wouldn't use this music for any type of yoga practice but maybe a song or two during the core strengthening section or a sculpting class. I think there is a fine line between yoga class music and indian food restaurant music and I think they walk it... which is sort of fun. It can also motivate you during your yoga practice to reach deeper, or further in your pose. I like them this week, so that's why I wanted to high light them.

Yoga Retreat

Lisa is hosting a Yoga Retreat in Mexico! There are only 24 spots available so if you are interested in a week of no stress, relaxing on the beaches of Mexico and the most amazing yoga instructors pulled from Mexico and Orange County, then you should really consider it. If you want to find out more details go to the website.

wild card - sorta

So I sort of forgot to read my own rules. Thursday was suppose to be Yoga Tips so here it is:

- Going Bald? Loosing some hair after baby?

Do down-dog when you wake up and when you are about to turn down. It allows blood flow to come to the right areas of your head, helping the hair follicles to grow back and develop.

- When is the best time to do yoga?

In the morning. You should have a glass of lukewarm/room temp. water and perform your yoga exercise 15 minutes after.

- What to wear?

What is most comfortable to you but its best to have form fitting clothing especially if you choose to do hot yoga. You want to wear minimal clothing. You want to be able to move freely but be able to lift, and stretch your legs and arms without feeling conscious of exposure.

If you have any questions, please comment here. We would love to answer them!

public

Linkedin is about to go public. This is not local news but this is important. I have been following the news, the talk radio and newspapers and this is sort of a big deal. I thought Amazon was going to be public before Linkedin would. I use Linkedin to network with friends and family in similar areas to help friends get work but I know with starting a new business this networking system will come in handy.

Thought this was worth mentioning.

holidays

Happy Thanksgiving!

You are about to eat loads of food your body isn't accustomed to, the amounts, the sugar levels, the change in your daily activities etc. O

n Friday you might feel sluggish, bummed about how much you ate, feel lazy and that urge to detox. Herbal detoxes are very popular now. Remember only three detoxes a year otherwise from studi

es, you can turn your colon and other important organs into black leather. Click on this link to read more about ways to naturally detox and if you are feeling comfortable enough, get colon hydrotherapy.

Start Fresh!

swwwwwweet potato pie

some say their eyes are bigger than their stomachs. some say they can't stop craving the same food or meal. THIS vegetable is something i {melissa} crave on a daily basis. i have been studying about dr. joel furman for many years. they recipes he comes up with are bland to some, but his intentions are to prevent disease. all of his recipes are delicious after training your taste buds. you might see i few recipes on here from him. i thought this would be best since we will all be stuffing our faces for thanksgiving soon. i hope you enjoy your thanksgiving from yellow lotus!

Sweet Potato Pie

The following recipe is from Dr. Fuhrman’s Healthy Times Newsletter; Issue 3, November 2002. The pineapple gives it a delightful Hawaiian twist. Happy and healthy Thanksgiving baking!

(Preheat oven to 350 degrees.)

4-6 sweet potatoes (organic are sweeter)

1 1/2 cups orange juice

Canned sliced pineapple (unsweetened)

Bake sweet potatoes at 400 degrees for 90 minutes or until soft. Let cool. Peel off skin and mash in a food processor or Vita Mix with sufficient orange juice to reach desired consistency. Spread mixture into a pan. Cover with pineapple slices.

Bake for 1/2 hour.

Makes 4 servings.

tum tum

to be able to deeply stretch and hold each yoga pose, or stay strong to withstand each repetition of pilates, or to lift your leaps off the floor with diligent height, your abdominals must be strong. your core. you will hear this word often. i will go further into this but for today, i will talk about a few exercise you can do from home to keep midsection toned... especially through this thanksgiving weekend.

Abdominal Crunches: Lie flat on the floor. Your arms at your side and your legs straight out of your hips, in front of you. Raise your head enough that you peel your shoulder-blades off the floor, chin perpendicular to the floor, and continue to lift until you feel a "crunch" Hold for a "one-one-thousand" then simply lie back down slowly, as if you were placing each vertebrae back on the floor; one at a time. Keep your legs straight so it allows your abdominals to create lean muscle instead of bulk. I like to think, Trader Joes over Costco when it comes to muscle...

++up to 100 reps a day with your work out.

easy breezy.

try it.