Kill Em and Eat Em in the Country

The Flying "P" Ranch was our home for the last 24 hours. It was exactly as I expected....100% TEXAS. Marilyn and Denny are the owners, and they live, breathe, and speak just as you'd imagine for middle-America country folk. Marilyn is 63 with 'big' hair, full make-up, and a super sweet southern accent. She loves baking and shoots a Berreta over-and-under shotgun. Her husband, Denny, is 77 and is a soft spoken, tall, ex-alcoholic, big-game-hunter who lives simple, drives a big truck, and prides himself on his (many) mounts. The food they served up was just as I expected as well: steak, potatoes and buttered rolls. There was a salad too that was in a bath of Italian dressing and to wash it all down was some homemade Sweet Tea. For dessert was fresh baked blueberry cobbler, sugar cookies and some snicker doodle brownies. Yum, middle America! After supper we sat by the fire, enjoyed some hunting tales and then tucked ourselves into bed a little after 9pm.

We woke up to a winter wonderland. I wasn't even aware that weather like this happened around these parts- but to see it is to believe it. We were in the middle of an ice storm, with below freezing temperatures and steady falling sleet. Hunting didn't look like it was going to be much fun, and I felt grateful that I wasn't a part of the birding adventure...feeling perfectly content to sit by the fire with my book. As everyone sipped their coffee and ate breakfast (which was a spread of Bob Evans microwaveable burritos, sausage and biscuits, sweet buns, and instant cinnamon apple oatmeal) the sleet stopped and the weather stilled a bit. Hunting was on! Mom, Andy and Bobby (the hunting guide) bundled up and headed out into the fields with the dogs, a Brittany and a German short hair. I got to sit in the warm truck with the old man Denny for a bit and witness the excitement and managed to snap a few photos. I'm not much for hunting, but I have a huge respect for hunting and gathering your own food- an appreciation that I learned from my Dad who was the ultimate Renaissance man- always providing for our family. Also, to watch a dog move on their pure instinct, doing as nature intended, is beautiful. After snapping a few shots we headed back to the warm house and waited for the hunt to finish up. They got back with a full bounty, windburned cheeks, and smiles from ear to ear. They relived the hunt over cookies and ice cold beer, and the shit-talking continued until we packed up the car to head home.

Southern hospitality is as real and inviting as the hot buttered biscuits they serve up down here. Marilyn and Denny never treated us as customers, but instead as family. When we left, hugs were given out and I swear to you that the hug I got from Marilyn was warmer and more sincere than those I've gotten from my own family members. I look forward to the next time we come out to the ranch...I'll just be sure to pack some vegetables for myself....

Deep In The Heart of Texas

So here I am, down in Dallas, Texas with one of my dearest. oldest friends Andrew. He's in the process of opening more offices in Philadelphia and LA, so he wanted to take advantage of this transition time and bring me down for a few days. As always, he's pretty busy with business but lucky for us both, I'm great at entertaining myself. And lucky for me, there's heaps of yoga studios around here....

I got off the plane and Andy scooped me in the (bulletproof) G-wagon and took me out for a five-star seafood dinner in downtown Dallas. The next day we had breakfast in Deep Elem, the hipster part of town, at All Good- which not only has delicious food but also doubles as a badass music venue. He had work to do so I headed to yoga. I went to Sunstone Yoga which came highly recommended via Facebook. I wasn't impressed. Hot yoga just doesn't do it for me. I kept reminding myself during the class something that one of my teachers once told me: "It's up to YOU to bring spirituality into your practice". Really though, Sunstone embodied everything that I don't like in a yoga studio. Bright lights, military style instruction, oppressive heat, totally impersonal, and optional savasana. It's a factory for westernized yoga. Wow. Forgive me. Rant over. Alas, I just took it for what it was, enjoyed the complimentary hot tea and did my own meditation when I left. Andy scooped me up and we headed back to his office so we could book our next adventure together...KEY WEST. Andy's treating me to a scuba certification for Christmas. I can't wait!

The highlight meal has definitely been at HG Supply Company in east Dallas. HG (Hunter Gatherer) is a PALEO restaurant with an outrageously delicious menu, filled with fresh, delicious and innovative dishes that are organic, free range, grass-fed and best of all...candida friendly! Tamra, Andrew, Mike and I chowed down on one tasty dish after another. The garlic GINGER hummus was surprisingly unique and yummy and my duck confit with spicy broccoli and sweet potato hash was deeeeelicious.

To fill the time I've given Andrew guitar lessons and both the boys yoga lessons. The yoga was interesting, apparently it doesn't matter how much money you make or how old you are, fart humor is just as funny as when they were little boys.

We picked up mom late last night. She's been investing in Andy's company so she came down to take care of some business and to go hunting. This morning when they were in the office I hit up a class at Exhale Spa and goddamn goddamn...the class was unbelievable. So good. Challenging, unique, inspiring and nourishing. And now...with the two of them high on good business deals and me high on yoga, we are headed deep into the heart of Texas to go bird hunting.

Celebration Time.

Me and one of my besties, Bridget. I was so grateful to have a full night of fun with her (she JUST had a baby so she doesn't have much free time!)

Darren....my dancing partner. He twirled me, dipped me, and spun me across the dance floor like I've never been twirled before. So. Much. Fun.

Busted Heels From Too Much Dancing ..... Priceless.

MY FEET AND LEGS ARE ACHING AND I CANT STOP SMILING. 

Last night my friends Joe and Samantha tied the knot in Stone Harbor. The wedding was at the teeny-tiny church in town, and the reception was held at the shwanky Reeds across the street. I'm not a huge fan of the Church, but I absolutely adored Mother Susan, who officiated the wedding. I'm actually hoping to get back and attend one of her services sometime. She was such a light. I sang Ben Harpers "Forever" as Sammy walked down the aisle, and thanks to the church being so tiny (there was no room left!), I had the best seat in the house as I had to sit up front in the seat that I was in for singing. Samantha looked straight out of a fairytale, and pure happiness was radiating out from her so bright that it was blinding. She got a bit weepy when she was reciting her vows and when Mother Susan acknowledged the deceased. Sam's father passed away just a few months ago, and the pain of it all is still so fresh. I cried a few tears for her too, and I suppose some for myself as well, knowing that my Dad wouldn't be at my wedding either. Okay, enough sappiness.... 

After the short but sweet ceremony we headed across the street to The Reeds. It's over-the-top-definitely-not-your-typical-south-jersey hotel and restaurant. We had cocktail hour in the lounge with lots of delicious appetizers and, I of course, sipped a really stiff...club soda! Lately I feel like my life exists solely in the yoga studio. The only people that I see are ones that come to my classes, and the only interactions outside of the studio are with people FROM the studio usually regarding some activity or such OF the studio. So, IT WAS SO AMAZING to be OUT and ABOUT, and DRESSED UP, connecting with good friends that I don't see often enough. Also at the wedding was Darren. He's become a good friend and we've been casually seeing each other for a bit now. Let me tell you something about Darren...the mans got moves. In a dance-off, he would give Justin Timberlake a run for his money. So, no sooner that we were sent to our seats, we were on dance floor!! I was grateful for the two shitty songs that the DJ played, which gave us a chance to sit down and scarf down our (delicious but now cold!) dinner that had been waiting for us as we danced, danced, danced. We danced until they kicked us out...and then we walked across the street to Freds Tavern and danced until 2am and the music went off and the lights came on. Hell, I even danced ON the bar. Both my heels busted open, and my legs today are cursing at me for shaking it so hard. I always dance, but it was that much better because I had an epic dance partner. Darren has set the bar pretty high for a tango-partner thats for sure! 

Today I am exhausted, but the kind of full-body-exhausted that feels-oh-so-good. Another celebration of love, another beautiful evening!

Let Us Rise Up...

I am so grateful for hip hop music. I am grateful for the inspiration that it gives me to move my body freely, fluidly and without any restrictions. I'm grateful that it lead me to teaching "HIP HOP YOGA" classes, where everyone simply let's loose, has fun, and moves into their inner Golden Buddha. I am grateful for our amazing community, of which is scattered around the globe. This morning Kelly Croce drove down from Villanova, Michael and Maddie came up from Cape May, The Greens were in from Chicago, Paige was in from colorado, and Gene was in from Michigan. The crew was back together again, and it was amazing. I am particularly grateful for Jeff,one of my favorite yoga students, who celebrated his birthday this year with us, booty popping, gangsta-MUDRA-throwin' and singing to the top if his lungs. I am so happy, so thankful, and so full of love! Namaste...muthafuckas! 

 Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us be thankful. --The Buddha

Sent from my iPad

Thanksgiving

 

This was the second Thanksgiving without my Dad. Last year was tough...it had only been a few weeks since he'd passed. My mom and I had spent the evening at the house, just the two of us, for a quiet, loving dinner...neither of us feeling up to the social encounters that the holiday holds. It was perfect and I was grateful for the alone time as part of my healing. This year I feel so much stronger than I was the last, and I feel a gentle peace and surrender when I think of my Dad. We did thanksgiving at home again this year, just the two of us, with me cooking a delicious and healthy dinner. We didn't talk about him much, but that's because we don't have to. Do you talk about the air? No, not really- but that's because it's everywhere...you just know. And that's how I feel about dad. So despite the inevitable sadness each day without him holds, I woke up smiling because he exists within me. And for that realization I'm grateful. God Bless.

Black Friday Sale!

The Katie's Birthdays

Katie, Me, Katie, Annelise, Alex

Assisted backbends??

Dance party blurrrrr

Today was Katie Yoa and Katie Boz's birthdays! We celebrated with an epic (booze free) potluck at my houses after yin, which was filled with delicious food, wonderful company and an epic dance party playlist (follow me on Spotify!). Boom. Such a great night! Every photo taken was totally blurry and completely random, which summed up the evening perfectly!

Almond Bread

This candida friendly, paleo friendly, gluten free bread is to-fucking-die-for! It's nothing crazy exciting for those of you who can eat bread and pastries, but I am over the moon! One of my students made it for me last night and I have eaten the whole loaf...enjoying the slices with everything from almond butter, smashed strawberries, and ghee! It's amazing. And apparently quite easy to make!! I can't wait to bake my own...and perhaps enjoy a bit more slowly next time!

Brrrrrr!

GoodGodAlmightyImFreezingAndICantGetWarm!!!!

Trying to stay present, but seriously counting down the days until I'm in Mexico for my next retreat. There's two spots left for anyone else who is not feeling so in love with this cold weather!

Thanksgiving Yoga

I'm teaching my regular schedule this week plus the night before thanksgiving, Wednesday 7pm, and the morning of, Thursday 9:30am! I hope to see all of the wonderful yogis that I am so grateful for!

Truly Seeing.

The Buddha says that to close your eyes you can truly see. Last nights workshop was about just that. By cutting off the vision, you are forced to look within. Who am I? What fears are keeping me from moving from my authentic self? Am I existing in my truth? This workshop helps you to cut through the clutter and get amongst your Divine self. To find balance and stability you must cultivate a strong, intentional breath....and you must LISTEN to this breath as you move.

I'm so grateful for everyone who came out, and who trusted me to guide them through this sensory yoga flow!

Zoodles!!

This recipe is from a paleo cookbook called Well Fed. It's also candida friendly (yay!) and not to mention TOTALLY FREAKING AMAZING.

Zucchini
Almond meal
Shrimp (optional)
Ghee (make your own! See acorn squash post...)
Salt

Run lots of zucchinis over a julienne-ing tool (be careful not to cut your finger like I did!). After prepping the zucchini you want to suck the moisture out of it, so put it on a towel and sprinkle with salt. Let sit 20minute. Pat, rinse, pat, let dry. In a skillet cook shrimp in some ghee or maybe some coconut oil. Season with garlic, salt and pep. Toss in your "Zoodles" and season to taste (make sure you don't get too salt heavy!!).

As a "Parmesan" toast almond meal in a skillet and hit with a touch of salt. Sprinkle on top your "shrimp scampi".

Celery Root Purée

Boom.
So good.
Kelly and I made this last week when I was visiting.

2 celery roots, peeled and diced
Tossed into a pot and covered with vegtable broth
Boil until soft
Strain and reserve liquid
Purée in a food processor or vitamix with salt, pepper and 1/2 cup organic sour cream (so this is candida friendly). Add in reserved broth as needed for desired consistency.

So. Good. So. Easy.

Friendsgiving

Samantha, Me, Kaitlin and Bridget

What started out as a glorified kegger turned into a most glorious gathering...

My great friends John and Bridget own the Whitebriar in Avalon. They needed to empty out the kegs now that the season is over so they decided to invite a few friends over. Then the idea came up to do a Friendsgiving Feast, which was brilliant! John provided the turkey and the rest of us (all 25!) pitched in by bringing something as well. You all know that I love a good potluck, and this takes the cake as one of the biggest and best I've been to. Bridget set the table at the Whitebriar as if we were sitting down for a real thanksgiving dinner. The fireplace was going, everyone was dressed up, and you could feel the love. I felt a bit emotional at one point in the evening (gah, what's new there!?) because my friends love me so so much, and I, them. Despite going away for months at a time every year, we always pick up exactly where we left off...we love each other just as much if not more when we reunite...and despite the changes (Samantha and joe get married next week, Brian and Kaitlin got married last month, and john and Bridget had a baby two months ago) we are all growing together. So for this, I am THANKFUL. What better way to celebrate a holiday rooted in gratitude than with your beautiful friends?!

Acorn Squash and Pepitas

This recipe is my interpretation of a recipe I saw in a magazine. I love squash, but the Acorn variety is one that hasn't wow'ed me yet...so I decided to give it another go. Last night was our "Friendsgiving" (thanksgiving with friends), and my contribution was this and the pumpkin pies. My recipe goes....

-2 Acorn squash
-One cup toasted, salted pepitas
-Ghee
-Smoked paprika, cayenne, salt

Preheat oven to 415.

Slice the acorn squash in half, and then slice half moons using the squashes natural lines as a guide. Lay in baking dish and season generously with smoked paprika, cayenne (just a bit), and salt (being mindful that the pepitas are salted).

Ghee: you can but it, or you can make it. Yesterday, I made it from scratch for the first time. Ghee is simply butter with the moisture and fat milk solids removed. I did one stick of butter in a skillet over medium/medium low heat (you want to cook the butter down but not burn it). It takes about 10minutes for the "crackling" sound to stop and that means that you can take it off the heat. Let it sit and cool a bit for about 10/15minutes. Then pour through a very fine strainer or cheesecloth...which leaves you with clarified butter, or ghee. It's delicious, healthier and has so much flavor!! Also, it's candida friendly! Drizzle this over the squash.

Roast at 415 for 45minutes covered with tin foil. Then uncover and put under broiler for 10minutes to brown it off. Sprinkle pepitas over top and salt to taste.

This got RAVE reviews at dinner. Also, you can eat the skin of the squash because it's so tender, but you can also scrape the squash out and leave the skin be. Diners choice.