Good-bye 2009, hello 2010!

Take the opportunity to reconnect with yourself and with your growing baby belly tomorrow during Sarah's special New Year's Eve 2-hour prenatal class, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (Hint: This class is open to anyone—pregnant or not!)

Sarah says there will be "a KICK ASS mix of the 2009 hits and lots of other great stuff."

So show up to breath, stretch, energize, reflect on 2009, and set your intention for the New Year. There's no better way to send 2009 on its way than with a bit of time on your mat. Sign up here. See you tomorrow!

Love,
Alisa & the women of Blooma

Throwing out the "shoulds" in 2010

Thanks to guest blogger Sarina LaMarche, life & wellness coach, and author of the fabulous blog "One Balanced Life" for this posting about intention setting for the New Year. Happy dreaming & visioning!

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We here at Blooma are all about setting intentions, for your yoga practice and for your day. With the New Year approaching we wanted to suggest some alternatives to the traditional "resolution" setting that occurs. We encourage you to throw out the typical list of New Year's "shoulds" and instead embrace a more supportive practice of reflecting on the intentions you have for 2010.

Another idea is to write down all the things you want for yourself and your family in the new year. Think outside the box... think big.... and think small. Keep going until you can't possibly come up with another. Include not only things you want to do or achieve but how you want to be.

Some ideas include on my own list include:

• To spend time alone

• To be creative

• To be organized

• To start climbing

• To honor and respect

• To start climbing again

• To take a vacation with my family where we stay in one place

• To proofread stuff before I send it out

If one of your intentions in the New Year includes reconnecting with yourself, experiencing more balance or sense of presence in your life, you may want to consider signing-up for a Personal Renewal Group at Blooma. Blooma is the exclusive venue in the cities for these highly-acclaimed groups. The next group starts Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Groups meet once a month for six months on the 2nd Thursday at 7:30 p.m. You can sign up for the next PRG here and read more about PRG at www.selfrenewalcircles.com.

Sarina LaMarche

Life & Wellness Coach

www.onebalancedlife.com

Merry Christmas!

From all of us at Blooma, to all of you, we wish you a

very Merry Christmas filled with much love, family, friends.

We are grateful for each and every one of you!

Namaste,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooma's holiday schedule

Happy Holidays! In celebration, Blooma will be closed on Dec. 25 and Dec. 26. Most classes are canceled Thursday, Dec. 24, with the exception of two fabulous classes.

We would love to see you at one (or both!) of the following:

• Prenatal Yoga at 9:15 a.m. with Sarah Longacre

• Yuletide Yoga, a special Christmas Eve class, at 11:15 a.m. with Nan Gane

We will resume our regular schedule bright and early Sunday morning, Dec. 27. Happy celebrating!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Surviving the holidays...

My Early Childhood & Family Education (ECFE) teacher passed along a handout with simple, but wise tips called "Survival Skills for the Holidays for Young Families." I'm not sure where the tips come from, but I thought you might benefit from me sharing a few of them—especially as you start boarding planes to leave town or begin welcoming family visitors.

• Be in charge of your holiday season. Don't let other people or advertising medium impose their expectations on you. Keep in touch with your deepest feelings.

• Keep it simple. You arrange the pace and space. (So important for keeping your kids sane, too!)

• If the loss of a loved one, financial troubles, or any serious anxiety surround you this holiday, make the season as simple and as positive as possible for yourself.

And this part I really loved!

Holiday Bill of Rights:

• You have the right to take care of yourself: eat right, exercise, and get enough rest.

• You have the right to mixed emotions: happy, sad, frustrated, guilty, afraid, and thankful.

• You have the right to solitude—for planning, thinking, reflection, introspection, prayer, and relaxation.

• You have the right not to accept party or dinner invitations.

So curl up with a warm blanket, a cup of tea, breathe a loud ahhhh, and let any holiday stress simply melt away...

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Citrus + Snowflakes

Holiday cheer from Joanne, our web design goddess at Velvet Peel. xoxo!

Sarah's gift guide

Mama and local blogger "Pretty Mommy" posted a holiday gift guide based on Blooma owner Sarah Longacre's wish list. (No, this isn't a hint to get us a gift!) Take a peek at Sarah's gift recommendations for the woman in your life... maybe a funky, chunky ring, a pair of pretty gloves, or how about a riveting read? Happy last-minute shopping!

Love,

Alisa & the women of Blooma