I decided about two weeks ago to get back into yoga. Now that I am writing and sitting more my back and legs have some seriously unhappy days. This is absolutely helping. I am not a fan of purchasing media but I hope to make up for that by putting the word out about how much I like, or in some cases, dislike the pieces found on Netflix or online.
The Crunch series has several videos in a panorama of workouts. Candlelight Yoga is one of the mellow choices. Released in 2002 and currently available on Amazon and Amazon Instant video , I found it on Netflix. The 45 minute workout and yoga instruction is appropriately listed as beginner/ intermediate.
Sara Ivanhoe began instructing in the practice of yoga in 1995 and is noted as certified in Yoga Philosophy and Ecology. Her voice is incredibly soothing throughout the video adding to the relaxing ideals in the program. Sara’s methods and explanations are grounded and fun too. How many yogis do you know that would explain the yoga breath as Darth Vader-like?
I am not incredibly flexible, nor do I desire to train my body to be a pretzel. Seriously, what is the point unless training to be a circus artist? I wanted something with a reasonable time and without the requirement of being a Vedic in training. Throughout the video Sara explains each movement and the breathing that should accompany it. She makes suggestions as to how to make the moves less stressful for those with minimal flexibility or balance. The musical ambiance was appropriate without making me feel as though I should don some prayer beads, and the colors of the setting and the clothing of the people in the video were calming.
The only complaint, or maybe more aptly, caveat I have about this video is the opening. The standard Crunch series theme and image montage is jarring. If possible, mute your television or computer speakers. Watch for the first images of Sara and her students to appear before turning on the sound again.
This is a quality yoga instruction for beginning basics, lunch breaks, or centering. I didn’t break a sweat, pull anything or get completely lost and confused. It takes less than an hour, minimal space and no special clothing or equipment.
Remember, drink lots of water, never over do it, and everything takes practice.
AdeebA Korsana Bellydance Classes:
Mondays, 6:00PM (Home Studio, Glendale)
Tuesdays, 7:00PM (Home Studio, Glendale)
Wednesdays, 6:30PM (Rio Vista Recreation Center, Peoria)
Fridays, 5:30PM (Foothills Aquatic Center, Glendale)
Nomday: Asian Foods
A weekend spread spectacular Asian style! I swear to you, these recipes are so epic you will have to keep them top secret or they will disappear while you are making them! Do not try to make this last a week. It won’t happen!
Disappearing Potstickers
Approximate Cost: $15.00
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
1 lbs. Ground Pork
4 green onions (chopped)
½ can of water crests (chopped)
2 tbsp. fresh ginger (chopped)
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 package wonton wraps
1 can chicken broth
Brown pork. Combine pork with other ingredients in a large bowl. Bring a small amount of chicken broth to a boil in a steam pot. Fold meat mixture into wonton wraps. Fold wontons like small envelopes. Steam wontons for about two minutes each. They are great as finger foods right off the plate, but can last a little longer if tossed in a basic chicken or vegetable soup.
Poof! Crab Puffs
Approximate Cost: $10.00
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
8 oz. Imitation crab meat (shredded)
4 green onions (chopped)
2 tbsp. fresh ginger (chopped)
1 tsp. soy sauce
½ can of water crests (chopped)
2 packages cream cheese (softened)
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 package wonton wraps
Cooking oil
Blend filling ingredients in a large bowl until cream cheese is smooth. Fill wonton wraps with about a tablespoon of mixture. Press wrap around filling like a flower. Drop puffs into oil until golden brown and crisp. Let cool on drip rack or paper towel.
Arizona is finally ‘blessed’ with summer-like weather. Joy of joys. So, here are a couple cold meal ideas to try out.
Tuna Salad
Approximate Cost: $5.00
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: No Cooking
5 cans tuna
1 block cream cheese
1 tblsp. lemon juice (optional)
½ cup Mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic crushed
Salt & pepper to taste
Soften cream cheese and mix all ingredients until smooth. Serve on salad greens or toast.
Chicken Salad
Approximate Cost: $30.00
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
1 lbs. chicken breast (cooked)
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup walnuts
1 cup pine nuts
½ cup Swiss or other semi hard cheese.
4-6 orange cuties (peeled and separated)
16 oz lettuce or salad greens of choice.
Bake the chicken for 45 minutes at 400 degrees. Allow chicken to cool before shredding or slicing into bite-sized pieces. Toss all ingredients in a large salad bowl. The fruit adds enough moisture in my opinion, but a small amount of balsamic vinegar doesn’t hurt.
I only did cooking for one household today and this recipe was not crossed off the list since it is a favorite, so expect to see a more complicated version later in the year.
Potato Soup
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 – 8 hours
8 medium red potatoes, cubed
1 large red onion, diced
1 quart chicken broth
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup butter
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Paprika to taste
Nutmeg to taste
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Combine ingredients and cook on low heat. Mash potatoes until coarsely chopped and soup is thickened. Stir in cream and cheese. Add toppings as desired.
