Friday, October 30, 2009

Halloween calls for cute babies!

OK, parents, time to get creative!

Blooma's Jennifer Colletti is teaching a Partner BYOB class tomorrow from 2-3:30 p.m. and she welcomes costumes! If you bring your camera and capture a shot of you and your costumed little one in a yoga pose, please send me a photo to publish next week on the blog! Alisa@Blooma.com

Meanwhile, Bellies to Babies will host a 3 p.m. costume contest for preggo bellies and babies. (Use this adorable lobster-in-a-pot costume idea for inspiration!) Judges will pick their favorites at 3:30 p.m. The winner of the "best pregnant woman in a costume" will receive a $50 gift certificate for Bellies to Babies. The winner of the "best baby costume" will receive a $25 gift certificate.

Babies to Bellies
6638 Penn Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55425

Happy Halloween,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Doulas Birthing in Uganda

Thank you wise doula sisters for all of the love and celebration this past Monday night.
Angela did an amazing job decorating us. Are you enjoying the henna? I love looking down at my hand and feeling you all with me. What a great image! Thanks to you all!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Let's talk about sex, baby (sing it!)

Need some inspiration to put a bit of sizzle back in the sack? Then come to Blooma this Sunday for a free sexual health workshop!

"Beyond the Bedroom: Sex and a Healthier You" promises to be an empowering and enlightening event, whether you're comfortable gabbing aloud about your sex life (or lack thereof) or prefer to sit back and listen.

Led by a nurse practitioner from the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, discussions are informal and allow plenty of time for Q&A. We'll cover all kinds of topics, from spicing up your sex life and communicating with your partner, to rekindling the passion and post-birth sex drive.

The event is free, but please register online. We'll have food and refreshments, too!
Read more at: www.sexandahealthieryou.org

What: Beyond the Bedroom: Free Sexual Health Workshop
Date: Sun. 11/1/2009
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

To put you in the mood, I'll leave you with this fun video about sex after baby from Momversation. (I love this site... just hang tight through the commercial.)


Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma



Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Blooming in Uganda blog!

If you just can't get enough Blooma blog action, check out Sarah's new Blooming in Uganda blog for updates on her goal of raising $20,000 to build a birth center in Uganda!

http://bloomauganda.blogspot.com/

Love,
Alisa & the women of Blooma

Blooma birth story: Rebecca

We are so honored that so many of you want to share your birth stories! And we've been receiving so many lately that we're going to make this a regular feature of the blog. (If you want to share yours, e-mail it to me at alisa@blooma.com.)

Today we hear from a mama named Rebecca who wrote to me saying, "I never tire of hearing about people's amazing birth experiences and I think it is so important for women to have a chance to hear the full range of possibilities."

If you're a birth story junkie like Rebecca (and those of us at Blooma), follow this link to Rebecca's blog. She sprinkles her story with plenty of humor, including details of "groaning that morphed into loud, low MOOing" and compares herself at one point to "a most unsexy, mooing pole dancer." I was a vocal birther myself, so this description made me laugh out loud with understanding! Thanks for sharing, Rebecca!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma







Monday, October 26, 2009

Global awareness for better birth

I heard a story on the BBC this morning about the high mortality rate of birthing women (along with fistula, which leaves women horribly incontinent) in underdeveloped countries. In fact, health ministers from around the world are meeting in Ethiopia today to discuss how to lower those mortality rates. You can read the BBC story here.

While it's easy to think only of our birthing and health care options here in the Twin Cities, let's also extend our reach out into the greater world. Today's news shows how far we have to go. If helping to build just one birth center, in one small village, in one country, can help even a small number of women have healthier birth outcomes, let's do it. In Uganda alone, complications related to childbirth kill 150 women every week.


Let's help Sarah reach her goal of raising $20,000 for the Off the Mat, Into the World challenge. She'll travel to Uganda, Africa next year to help build a birth center. Please donate now, however small the amount, or however generously you're able to give. Please let your friends and family know about Blooming in Uganda, too, even if they do not live here in town. Better birth is global issue, not just a local issue.

One fantastic way to get involved is to register now for the Blooming in Uganda Gala at the Weisman Art Museum, Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Have a good time while supporting a good cause, with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, and special guest speakers Krista Tippett, host of MPR's Speaking of Faith; and Matthew Sanford, paraplegic yogi, author, and founder of Mind Body Solutions.
Donation: $50 per person; all proceeds go to Blooming in Uganda.

Thank you so, so much for your involvement and support of this hugely important project.


Love, Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

A Boring Birth (impossible!)

We were touched by a mother's story posted recently on a blog for the local chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN). Martha Basham's written birth story is beautiful, inspiring, and poignant. So then why does she refer to it as "boring?"

She writes, "it wasn’t was dramatic. Or scary. Or painful. It wasn’t anything that people typically envision in a birth. And it was nothing like you see on T.V. By all means, Isaiah’s entrance into this world would probably be classified by some, as boring...

"But really, I would not call it boring. Sure, it wouldn’t make for good T.V. but I wouldn’t call it boring. I would call it peaceful. Joyous. Beautiful. Calm. Relaxing. Even triumphant."

To read Martha's entire story, head over to the ICAN blog. We never get tired of empowering birth stories like these!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Friday, October 23, 2009

Coffee for Uganda


We happily blogged last week that the Birchwood Cafe is selling a special brew to benefit Blooming in Uganda. If you haven't yet tasted the Peacewood Coffee called Ugandan Peaberry, hurry on over to the Birchwood and pick up a pound! Your tastebuds will thank you every morning and Uganda will, too.

The Birchwood's owner, Tracy, wrote about the fundraiser in the cafe's recent newsletter. We were so touched by the story and Tracy's words that we just had to reprint it. Thanks, Tracy! (See you soon at the Birchwood, everyone?)

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

“Blooming in Uganda” Fair Trade Fundraiser
When I learned that my dear friend and daughter’s doula, Sarah Longacre, was planning a trip to Uganda in Feb. 2010 to build a birthing center, I knew I had to help. Not only because Sarah and her yoga studio, Blooma, were such an immense support throughout my pregnancy and her presence at Lily’s birth a true gift—the sad fact that in Uganda, 435 out of every 100,000 women die of childbirth related causes also really struck home. Having a skilled attendant present at a birth and celebrating my daughter’s first birthday were things I could take for granted, but maybe not so for some Ugandan women.

Hmmm… how could we help raise the $20,000 she needs? Later the same day, while chatting with Mel at Peace Coffee about which coffee to feature for Fair Trade Month, she mentioned the limited edition Ugandan Peaberry and it hit me like a ton of coffee beans.

Fair trade is about supporting the growth of healthy communities, and what better way to help grow community in Uganda than by donating from our sales of Ugandan Peace Coffee to support the health of Ugandan mothers and babies!

Now until mid-November, we’re brewing the Ugandan Peaberry daily, so come try a fresh hot cup. You’ll love the deep chocolate and molasses notes and thick mouth feel so much that you’ll want to take home a pound. Or two. Or ten! For every pound we sell ($12) we’ll donate 50 percent to “Blooming in Uganda” to help ensure that Ugandan women and their new babies get a healthy start.

For more info on other “Blooming in Uganda” fundraising events or to donate directly check out www.blooma.com. And if you are expecting, or know someone who is, Blooma offers pre- and postnatal yoga, childbirth education, wellness services and an amazing, supportive community for moms-to-be, new moms and their families. As I celebrate Lily’s first birthday this month, I’m grateful to Sarah and honored to help support her, Blooma and their vision for “Blooming in Uganda."

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Infants 101 - this Sunday!

Do you have questions about medical care for your infant? Whether you're a new parent or a parent-to-be, get your questions answered during a FREE talk, Infants 101, with Dr. Tom Sealey this Sunday evening at Blooma.

Dr. Sealey, recognized as a "Top Doc" in Mpls St. Paul Magazine, has been a primary care pediatrician with Metropolitan Pediatric Specialists for 30 years and is a past board member of the Twin Cites Childbirth Education Association. He tells Blooma that he is "committed to providing patients and their parents with sound health information based on scientific data."


Dr. Sealey plans to talk all things related to newborn evaluation and testing, jaundice, feedings, signs of concern, colic, acid reflux, infection, and vaccines. He'll also address the question we all have as parents, "When to call the doctor?" Come with your questions!


Sign up now for this free event and meet Dr. Sealey this Sunday, from 6-7:30 p.m., at Blooma.

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Cute clothes, wine & yoga - this Saturday!

If you're not yet familiar with Kaja Foat, join us this Saturday for a real treat. (And if you've been to Kaja's classes before, you already know what an amazing class you're in for!)

A Jivamukti yoga instructor and designer, Kaja will teach a special class at Blooma beginning at 4 p.m. to benefit Blooming in Uganda. After class, stay for a Foat Designs sample sale, mingling, and wine!

Kaja and her twin sister's earth-conscious clothing line, Urban Yoga Wear, produces some of our favorite and most beautiful yoga wear. Now Foat Designs is launching a baby line of cashmere baby blankets and hand-made toys— you'll have the chance to shop before these adorable items hit stores!


Call Blooma or
click here to sign up now. ALL proceeds go towards the $20,000 challenge that Blooma has taken on to help build a birth center in Uganda. The suggested donation for this event is $15-$30. We look forward to seeing you Saturday!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Jace Devin


 

September 15
2:43 am
8 lbs 2 oz
20 inches long

Congratulations, Anna!

Jaime Pellegrene's Vincent James



October 10

2:36 pm
6 lbs 15 oz
19.5 inches long

Congratulations to Blooma instructor and mama, Jaime Pellegrene!

Cedar Lee Albin



August 26

Congratulations, Larissa!

Eleanor Marguerite


March 7

Congratulations, Karin!

Clementine Mae Pauline





Congratulations, Nicole!

Ayla Erica


Ayla Erica

October 7
7 lbs 7 oz
20.5 inches long

Congratulations, Jen!

Snack time!

Many of us moms work hard to choose foods and products that are both safe for our kids, ourselves, and the environment. That's why I think these reusable snack bags are so fabulous.

Instead of packing cheese cubes, carrots, or crackers for your child in a throw away plastic bag, try these "snack ditty" bags. They're made from 100 percent organic cotton that you can toss in the wash. The company, eco•ditty, also makes larger, sandwich-sized bags.

Better yet, head to our very own Twin Cities Green store on Hennepin Ave. in Uptown. They sell reusable cotton sandwich bags lined with water-resistant nylon and a handmade velcro enclosure. Peapods in St. Paul has adorable reusable snack and lunch bags, too, including a stainless steel lunch box that will withstand anything!

The brains behind these reusable snack and sandwich bags clearly had more than health in mind when they designed them in such cute patterns. Snack time has never been so pretty!


Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Monday, October 19, 2009

Thanks for the birthday wishes!

Hello you wonderful Blooma families,

Blooma had a WONDERFUL birthday party this past weekend. Thanks for the terrific turnout! The tacos were tasty, the music and story telling wildly fun, and the love abundant. Were you there? What did you enjoy most?

Tanya Villano was on-hand taking photos and we'll post them as soon as we get them in!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Naveen Raj


 
 

October 1
2:50 am
7 lbs 6 oz.
21.75 inches long

Congratulations, Lila and Rishi!

Friday, October 16, 2009

News Flash: Nursing moms to the gym!

It's not easy to carve out time to pump iron when you're a mom of little ones. New research, however, says it's especially important to work out if you're a nursing mother.

While breastfeeding, women transfer around 200 milligrams of calcium per day from their own stores to their breast milk. (Hurrah for healthy babies!) According to recent research published in a journal called
Medicine & Science in Sports, exercise can help decrease bone loss while you're giving all those yummy nutrients to your baby. The prescription? A combination of strength training and aerobic exercise for three days a week. (Take advantage of the childcare at Blooma and come for a Yoga For You class, or show up together for BYOB—Bring Your Own Baby yoga, which I teach on Saturdays with Jamee Yung!) Read more about the study here.

Naturally, exercise will also help you feel better all the way around, from more restful sleep to creating a more clear mind.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Birchwood Cafe + Peace Coffee = Love for Uganda

One of Blooma's favorite restaurants, the Birchwood Cafe, is generously holding a fundraiser to benefit Blooming in Uganda, our effort to help build a birth center in Africa.

For every pound of Peace Coffee Ugandan Peaberry sold, the Birchwood will give $4 to Blooming in Uganda. A pound sells for $12. Pick up a bag or two today! (We'll be selling some this Saturday at our 2nd birthday party, too.) What is a "peaberry," you ask? Find out here.

As for this special coffee's flavors, here's what Peace Coffee says: It begins "with mild berry notes and finishes with deep chocolate, molasses and a hint of malt with a thick buttery mouth-feel throughout." Eh-hem, start brewing my cup now, please.

(You might as well go to the Birchwood hungry, too, while you're picking up your pound of coffee. A must try: the Pumpkin & Vegetable Handpie, which I ate for lunch earlier this week. It's made with roasted local pumpkin and Wisconsin Gruyere in cream cheese pastry. Talk about decadent, fall yumminess!)

A big smooch to the Birchwood for helping Blooming in Uganda. We are so thankful to this open-hearted community for supporting healthy, safe birth for ALL women!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Blooma Birthday Bash— Saturday!

Celebrate with us this Saturday from 4-7 p.m. as Blooma turns 2! Bring your babies, your kids, your partners, and your friends for a fun-filled afternoon of music, cake, tacos and celebrating. RSVP now.

Get ready to wiggle and dance to the amazingly fun Bunny Clogs as they take the stage from 4:30-5 p.m. (Adults love their music, too! Give them a listen.) Then Jack Pearson brings his zany music and storytelling to the stage from 5-6 p.m.

Alongside all this music we'll have a taco truck
serving dinner, 15 percent off all class packages purchased that day, lots of discounted retail items, and other retailers selling all kinds of fun goodies.

We'll also continue raising money for Blooming in Uganda, which is helping to build a birth center there early next year. The best birthday present Blooma could ask for is a $15 donation. That covers the cost of a birth kit for a Ugandan mother, providing what she needs for a safe, clean, empowered birth.

And right now it looks like the sun will bloom just for us Saturday afternoon, with an expected high of 44 degrees! We can't wait to see each of you, to celebrate with you, and to thank you for bringing so much love and energy to Blooma.


Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

"Your life is your practice"

My Saturday retreat with Karen Maezen Miller, Zen Buddhist priest and author of Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood, was nothing short of inspiring, relaxing, and forgiving.

Why forgiving? Because we all say or do things as parents that sometimes we wish we could take back. But with Maezen's guidance that day, those of us in attendance were reminded that we get to "start over" at any given moment, whenever we want, returning ourselves more fully to mindful parenting.

It's like meditation. When your mind begins to wande
r, gently bring it back to your breath. So it is with parenting. When your kids are driving you batty, breathe. When you're not getting enough sleep, breathe (and maybe cry... but breathe, too). When you need to let go of worry, exhale. Being mindful of your breath keeps you planted in the present moment—and doesn't that always lead to better decision making, parenting or otherwise?

Several other Blooma teachers and moms attended Maezen's Rochester retreat, too. What a luxury it was to spend a whole day for ourselves, taking time for yoga, for talking with other women, for learning from Maezen, for meditation, and for wandering the beautiful grounds of the Assisi Heights retreat center (pictured here).

For a quick fix of wisdom, Maezen-style, check her blog, Cheerio Road. Today's posting, "The Parent's Little List of Letting Go" is, as she puts it, "a seasonal refrain sung to the tune of a deep exhalation."

What have you done to pay attention to your breath today? Since I'm no Zen master, but can attest to how good it feels to meditate—even briefly—I'll pass along a few tips that Maezen gave during our retreat:

• Find just 5 minutes (you can do it!) and set the kitchen timer.
• Sit still, spine straight, palms open. Relax.
• Keep your eyes open and let your gentle gaze fall about 3 feet in front of you. (Eyes open because Zen meditation isn't about closing out distractions but meditating through them.)
• Inhale
• Exhale

Pretty simple, eh? If your mind wanders and you need something to focus on, count to two on your inhale, then four on your exhale. With regular practice, you'll find yourself more focused, more relaxed, and ready for anything your kids throw your way when your 5-minute timer dings.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Friday, October 9, 2009

Birth & Baby Expo - Tomorrow!

Whether you're pregnant with your first child or already raising your little one, tomorrow's Twin Cities Birth & Baby Expo should have something fun and educational to pique your interest. (And pssst, Blooma is a sponsor of the event!) It will be a fantastic opportunity to meet doulas and midwives, learn about various childbirth methods, natural toys, and birth centers, and maybe even get a henna tatoo.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) at the Midtown Global Market. (Click here for directions.) Admission is free, and the first 350 visitors get a goodie bag, too. If you're particularly interested in meeting doulas and midwives, show up at 11 a.m. for a special meet and greet.

Blooma's Liz Abbene will be there all day representing us, so be sure to say hello if you see her. Sadly, I'll miss the expo, but for another great event: The Mother's Plunge retreat in Rochester. I'll report back next week with details of the retreat. In the meantime, enjoy the Expo, and let us know all about it if you go!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Wknd Workshops: Prenatal + Boot Camp for Dads!

The chance to help raise money for a new birth center in Uganda continues this weekend! We're offering two special workshops in which all the proceeds will benefit Blooming in Uganda.

On Saturday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., we want to see every pregnant mama in the house for a special 2-hour Prenatal Yoga and Chiropractic Workshop with Sarah Longacre and Dr. Tim Fargo. He'll talk about ways to reduce pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy by using safe and natural techniques. He will also give instruction in The Webster Technique, an effective technique that helps balance the pelvis which, in turn, can ease pregnancy pain, reduce incidence of breech births and shorten labor time. (Most doulas I know swear by the Webster Technique!) The suggested donation is $15-$30. Sign up now.

Dads, don't think we've forgotten about you! We're holding a Boot Camp for Dads this Sunday from 3-5:30 p.m. with personal trainer Anthony Arnold. The Vikings kick off at noon, and Arnold will be ready and waiting with a post-game workout. Go ahead: Tailgate all morning, then get your tail kicked (in a good way!) all afternoon! Sign up now.

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Find healthy kids toys!

We all want to do right by our babies and children, and sometimes that means doing a bit of investigative work before speaking with our dollars. When it comes to finding healthy toys, car seats, and other kids stuff, the people at the Ecology Center have already done the work for us. Searching HealthyToys.org before buying a new play thing for my kiddo tells me whether the product I'm thinking of getting is high (or low) in certain chemicals like lead, chlorine, or arsenic that may be harmful to my child's health. This site used to rank only toys, but has now added HealthyStuff.org, a searchable database of test results for things like teethers, activity mats/gyms, car seats, and more. Cheers to good information and healthy choices!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Reclaim and Rejuvenate!

Calling all moms searching for balance! (Um, isn't that most of us?) Sarina LaMarche, a life & wellness coach, has a new Personal Renewal Group (PRG) starting Oct. 21 at Blooma.

If you’re not familiar with her PRGs, they are AMAZING. Supportive, nurturing, empowering, and created specifically for mothers. The group meets once a month for 6 months to share in reclaiming, rebalancing, and reconnecting. With the daily business of our lives, who doesn’t need a little bit of help with reconnecting to who we are?


You’ll also learn:

* strategies for making self-care a priority so you can live, love, and parent optimally
* how to experience greater life balance. Each monthly session includes discussion, exercises, reflection time, etc.


What’s more, all this takes place within a community of other mamas you’ll get to know and create a meaningful connection with. These groups are based on the exciting new book The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate, and Re-Balance Your Life by Renee Trudeau. Check out www.reneetrudeau.com for more information.

Here’s what a few women in Sarina’s previous PRGs have to say:


“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Sarina in many different ways—a Personal Renewal Group and one-on-one. In every setting, I have been impressed with Sarina’s calming, understanding presence, her creativity, and her wisdom without condescension. She has a unique ability to challenge participants without making them feel uncomfortable… She doesn't use a cookie cutter approach; she encourages clients to explore different choices and options that fit within their own value system. Sarina's suggestions and insights have helped me find the path of motherhood and self-care that is right for me. I am so grateful to have found Sarina.”
—Amy, Minneapolis

“Sarina is simply amazing. After attending a mom’s group with Sarina, I knew I was ready to make some significant changes in my life. I worked with Sarina as my life coach, through her support and guidance, I was able to take significant steps toward creating the life I want as a mother and wife. I am continuing to work on positive changes through one of her Personal Renewal Groups. I highly recommend enlisting Sarina’s help as your life coach or by attending one for her groups. She will help you change your life in amazing ways.”
—Erin, Minneapolis

Sign up now for Sarina’s next Personal Renewal Group, which starts Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. You may also contact Sarina with questions, via her website: OneBalancedLife.com.

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Friday, October 2, 2009

A quote worth pondering...

“When I stopped seeing my mother with the eyes of a child, I saw the woman who helped me give birth to myself.” -Nancy Friday

I came across this quote the other day and it blew me away. That’s probably because 17 months into my own journey as a mom, I’ve realized just how much I’ve come to reflect on my relationship with my own mother. Judgments have given way (most of the time) to understanding. I’ve begun to view the complicated layers of our relationship with a softer heart. I understand through a new lens that we are all simply doing our best. Once we become mothers ourselves, we inevitably open our eyes to seeing the women who birthed us in a new light, and in turn, experience ourselves differently, too.

I’m curious: what is your response to this quote? How has your relationship with your mother, or view of your mother, changed since bringing a child into the world yourself? Perhaps your relationship has become even more complicated, or perhaps it has experienced a renewed sense of affection and loyalty. Either way, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Wind-down Time

Our own Shayla Boger, Yoga for Tots teacher, graces us with a guest posting today. Her soothing tips for bedtime prep are ones ALL of us could use, but especially those sweet (and oh-so-energetic) kiddos! Be sure to check out one of Shayla's super fun tot yoga classes, too. Kids 18 months to 4 years old LOVE her bright spirit and loving energy. Find her at Blooma on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. Sign up now.

___

As we all know, putting our children to bed can be quite difficult at times. I struggle with this almost every night; especially with my 2.5 year old. She has recently graduated from potty training school and has also given up her nuk (which she's had since birth), so needless to say, we have lots of "stop and take a breath" moments. It's so funny—being a children's yoga instructor you'd think my children would be angelic and super in touch with their inner being.
Well, that's not the case. But I do have to give them some credit: they're both sweet + pure, like all children. With all of this being said, I want to share some things we do around our house to settle down, whether for night time or nap.

1. We put rocks in our children tubby to help them calm down, and feel the natural sensation of the earth on their skin. Plus, they're fun to play with!

2.
We spray our children’s beds with lavender water every night to help calm them. It's really easy to mix. For every cup of water add 2 drops of lavender; you can switch up the essential oil to fit your preference. You can find essential oils at Blooma. (They should be arriving in about a week!)

3. We work on exercising our bodies and minds to enter a quite space which allows us to prepare for sleep. Either lay in bed or sit up straight with eyes closed. From this position we fill our tummies with air and blow out through our mouths. Repeat as often as needed.


4. One other relaxing thing we do with our children is rub their feet with massage oil. I also do this at the end of my yoga class, you would be blown away at the response I get. It's amazing!

Here are some books and oils I love and incorporate in my classes, and with my children at home:
Massage oil

Lavender oil

Books:
Moody Cow Meditates (Hardcover), by Kerry Lee MacLea
Peaceful Piggy Yoga (Library Binding), by Kerry Lee Maclean
I Can Be: A Child's Whimsical Introduction to Yoga (Paperback), by Christine M. Sumner
A Tree Is Nice, by Janice May Udry and Marc Simon

You can visit my blog, LiveSavvy, to order the books directly. I hope you enjoy this information!

Om shanti,
Shayla