A to Z Gratitude!

Recently I received a challenge from Peaceful Daily.  I am calling it the A to Z 26 Days of Gratitude.

There has been A LOT going on in my life this past month and half, from making heavy momentum with my personal business, celebrating my 2 year anniversary, creating a backyard patio with my hubby, having my 82 year old mom living with me and going through shoulder replacement surgery two weeks ago, (She's still here) to getting ready to create my very first fitness video!

Told you I have been busy!

With all that said I am very grateful for so many things in my life and I thought this was a great time to reconnect with friends, family, fans and followers for a little Gratitude exercise together.

Are you ready to take the A to Z 26 Days of Gratitude Challenge with me! 

Every day beginning with the letter A, we each write down something or someone we are grateful for. Each day is a new letter for the next 26 Days.  There are 31 days in this month and since we are starting on day 3 that only leaves us 2 extra days.  July 30th pick the initial of your first name and July 31st your last name.

Feel free to share you gratitude with friends, family and me here on the blog or via email.


Here Goes:

July 3rd Letter A - I am grateful for Aerobics!  For those that don't know Aerobics was the birth of today's fitness industry and I am very grateful because I truly LOVE my job.

Taj

Photo by Cathryn Lundgren

Time for something Sweet

Hey Folks,

I came across this recipe from Peaceful Daily and since I am feeling in the mood for a little something sweet I felt I should give it a try and share it with each of you.

Enjoy

Ingredients 
½ cup coconut oil 
1 cup brown sugar 
¼ cup almond milk 
1 tablespoon vanilla extract 
2 cups flour 
1 teaspoon baking soda 
1 teaspoon baking powder 
½ teaspoon salt 
1 cup vegan chocolate chips (Trader Joe’s chocolate chips are accidentally vegan!) 

Instructions 
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Cream together the coconut oil & brown sugar, then add the almond milk & vanilla. In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Combine the wet & dry ingredients, then fold in the chocolate morsels & any other mix-ins of your choosing. Roll into Tbsp sized balls & place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, then flatten them out a bit with your palm. The dough may be a little crumbly, but just smoosh it together and it will work fine! Bake for 7-10 minutes. (I did 9 which was perfect) 


Taj

Photo: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sar2698/5570315650/sizes/n/

I believe, I believe, I believe!

Hello and Happy Tuesday!  The title of this blog should be sang in the tune of Donkey from Shrek!  (that should get your day going) 

I hope April is treating you well on Day 2.  For me it WAS a good day... since I am in Taipei Tuesday is almost over.  But before you get fully going into your day and I go to sleep I wanted to share this recent daily inspiration I received from Peaceful Daily.  

I am personally going through some wonderful changes which involve being in the dark and being open to the experience.  Maybe you too will be inspired but the words below. 

Believe What You Feel

On this day, Morrie says that he has an exercise for us to try. We are to stand, facing away from our classmates, and fall backward, relying on another student to catch us. Most of us are uncomfortable with this, and we cannot let go for more than a few inches before stopping ourselves. We laugh in embarrassment.

Finally, one student, a thin, quiet, dark-haired girl whom I notice almost always wears bulky, white fisherman sweaters, crosses her arms over her chest, closes her eyes, leans back, and does not flinch, like one of those Lipton tea commercials where the model splashes into the pool..

For a moment, I am sure she is going to thump on the floor. At the last instant, her assigned partner grabs her head and shoulders and yanks her up harshly.

“Whoa!several students yell. Some clap. Morrie finally smiles. “You see”, he says to the girl, “you closed your eyes, That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them too – even when you're in the dark. Even when you're falling."

- "Tuesdays With Morrie" by Mitch Albom

See you Soon! 

Taj 

photo from: http://www.google.com.tw/search?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&biw=1214&bih=684&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=trust&oq=trust&gs_l=img.3..0l10.111896.115173.0.115545.18.18.0.0.0.0.170.1111.11j4.15.0...0.0...1c.1.7.img.iRhNtiZX1CM#imgrc=CHkjUCJ1ZwlvVM%3A%3Buc26d4tU93p-lM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Flogopond.com%252Flogos%252F8bab01d7928fe9f35c4d3135163aef7a.png%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Flogopond.com%252Fgallery%252Fdetail%252F48624%3B325%3B260

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

I've always loved this story and when I received it tonight in my email, I said "Hey why not share!"

I'd bet money that everyone reading this blog has SOMETHING going on in there life.  Some things are bigger then others and some more pressing.  But I also guarantee that you, yes you, probably give to much credit and attention to the little things.

I've recently dealt with a dear friend being told he has cancer and must have surgery ASAP! While at the same time watching my my best friend - my Grandma - struggling with a bad shoulder that needs to be replaced.  Can you say OUCH with me.

But at the end of the day, both he and my grandma helped me to realize in more ways then one there is so much to be grateful for, so much to cherish in life and not time like the present to enjoy the ones we love.  My dad was known for saying "Time waits for no man" and he was so right. Stop trying to get this done, followed by that before you have the TIME to love the ones you're with!

I value you my readers, followers and sharers of my blog! Each time you awake to another day of life... Remember my motto:  Live, Love, Laugh and have Fun being you!

OH and Don't sweat the small stuff!

Now enjoy the story, I've a feeling you've read it before.  It never hurts to be reminded!

See you soon.

Taj

A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”

“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.

The sand is everything else. The small stuff.” “If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.” 


 Photo:  http://www.google.com/search?q=Sweat&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=d9VMUf65FqTk4AOv94HgDw&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1214&bih=684#imgrc=GL05p1TG9USBmM%3A%3BCong2BlHmqBotM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F4chandata.org%252Fimages%252Fthreads%252F375152_sweat.gif%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F4chandata.org%252Ffit%252FAnyone-have-proolem-with-sweaty-balls-Like-I-sweat-down-there-ridiculously-I-shower-daily-Like-30-minutes-out-of-the-shower-I-know-a375152%3B1122%3B1277

March Madness and I don't me NCAA

Wow its March 2013! 

I can't believe my last post was Feb 4th... really. Somebody, anybody please tell me where is time going and why is it moving so fast?

I recently became a subscriber of the Peaceful Daily message.... honestly I don't even know how, but I have been enjoying some of the things they are sending me and I thought:  Why not share them with you!

I've never explored numerology but I do believe in the power of cycles and letting go! Funny things is as I read this email and as I sit here typing to you, I am planning my schedule for Spring 2013.  I will be letting go of past relationship so I can make room for the future.   Its true you have to give up something to get something.

What are you willing/ready to give up and get in return?

LET GO AND LET LOVE IN

They say March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. Energetically, this month will come in like a kitty cat and go out like a ram.

The Universe is conspiring to help you love yourself. The keys to happiness are forgiveness, compassion, and gratitude. You have an opportunity to practice these spiritual arts all month long. March is the 3rd month of the year. 2013 is a 6 Universal Year (2+0+1+3 = 6), and March 2013 is a 9 Universal Month (3 for March + 6 for 2013 = 9).

In numerology, 3, 6, and 9 encourage emotional sensitivity and expression. Since 9 is the last of the single digits, it is considered the end of a cycle. They say a cup must be empty before it can be filled. You must love your past in order to let it go. You must let go of your past in order to make room for a joyous future.

To make peace with your past, you can bless it. Say a prayer, forgiving yourself for any missed opportunities, love lost, or anger provoked. Let the waters of forgiveness wash over you like gentle rain from heaven. Send gratitude to all the people in your life who were essential to you becoming the amazing person you are today.

Thank yourself for all the love you have created and positive energy you have generated. As you head into spring, the new YOU will be ready to emerge more colorful, blissful and radiant than before. 

by: Kari Samuels. 

Like what you read above? Feel free to log onto Peaceful Daily for more. 

Taj

Day 23 of New Year New You

Happy Monday everyone and Congratulations to the New York Giants!

Well I didn't have wings and beer while watching the game, but I did enjoy the comfort of Chinese food.  Yeah take out it was, traveling home today and the hubby was out.  :) Made it home just in time to see the start of the 2nd half.  What a game!!!! I was on the edge of the couch.

So who's ready for Day 23.

Fitness:
Is time to challenge our upper body! Try this push up routine to help tighten the pccs, shape the shoulders and tone the arms.  You might be a little sore tomorrow but you will definitely feel lifted.

• Start by doing 10 traditional push ups to warm up
• Perform 5 push ups with feet on a bench - you can choose bench height
• Perform 5 push ups over a Bosu flipped up side down
• Perform 5 push ups with 1 leg lifted off the floor - be sure to switch sides
• Rest when needed between sets and smile you just did 25 push ups!  

Looking to truly challenge your existing push up workout:

• Try at least 1 clapping Push up - if you can do more go for it 
• How about doing 1-  3 clap Push Ups 
• Or perform 1- 1 handed push up on each arm
• Last but not least, 1 arm and 1 leg push ups - be sure to switch sides

Enjoy and remember you don't have to do all of the above.  

Food:

Make it colorful!  Today is a good day to add a little color to every meal,  especially if you enjoyed the game with comfort food.  Eat at least one piece of fruit with breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Eating fruit with your meals like apples, can help with satiation and keep you from over eating.  Its also flu and cold season, fruits help to give you antioxidants and vitamins needed to keep us healthy.  

What fruit will you start the day with? 

Making your own smoothie is a great option or stopping by your favorite juice bar for lunch.  Here is a good morning recipe I like using a blender and its packed with Vitamin C:

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup soft tofu (optional)
• 1 orange seeded
• 1 tbsp grated gingerroot
• 1 tbsp honey

Self Growth:

Keep it to yourself!  Today I want you to repeat after me:  "I _________ Pledge to keep it to myself, no complaining!"  

Its easy to complain about things but what good comes out of it?  As you go through the day and things arise remember these four words: Peace, Love, Joy and Gratitude.  See the positive today and let it guide you along.  Monday's can be moody but take a stand no complaining TODAY! 

Until Tomorrow,

Taj

photo:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/crevette_x/2241123132/sizes/s/in/photostream/ 

Day 7 of New Year New You

Well it's been one week!  I hope each of you are diligently following along.  I am having fun setting up the daily challenges. MY apologies for the late post... Today is my birthday and I was out last night with some friends.  :)

My Day 6: Got in my plyometric exercises and put an apple in my salad!  I wasn't able to invest in my workout yesterday... But there is ALWAYS today.

Here we go with Day 7:

Fitness:
Surprise its your day off.  Yeah!  Everyone needs a day off from work and so does your body. ENJOY, there are no physical moments you have to perform today.

Now if you weren't able to complete one of the other days fitness challenge and you want to get it in today, be my guest.  I am keeping it leisurely today.

Food: 
Go GREEN today!  Make today about adding more green veggies to your diet try:

• Collards Greens
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Spinach

Green leafy veggies are full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Grab a freshly made glass from your local juice bar, make your own at home.  Steam them for lunch or dinner or  stop by a local raw food restaurant like: Quintessence in Manhattan. 

Self Growth:

Take advantage of your day off! Restore your body with one of of the following: 

• Massage
• Sauna or Stem Room Treatment

If getting to a spa is too late notice for today, bring the Spa to you!  Prepare a hot bath with the following: 

• Candles to set the ambiance
• Epsom Salt
• Drop in some Lavender oil (if available to you)
• Bubbles are always nice too

Afterwards give your body a nice self rub with some lotion or baby oil.   Take your time and move with the muscles, long strokes. 

Enjoy!  I think I see a Spa Treatment in my near future :) 

Until tomorrow

Taj 

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alicehenneman/5849718391/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Day 5 of New Year New You

Jeez Louise is it COLD in New York.  Do you think I can click my ruby red heels three times and wish myself back to Puerto Rico?  If it would work I'd be back in heartbeat.  Wishful thinking, its time to get back to work and back to my students.  I miss them just as much as I miss working them out.

My Day 4: Since we were traveling back home I wasn't able to try a new class today... BUT I will make it up this week.  Made 2 substitutions:  had two servings of veggies and maple syrup for sugar.

Here we go Day 5: 

Fitness: 
Its Push Up time....  So Drop Down and give me 20!

Yeah I'm not kidding you read correctly today is push up day.  Now I realize some of you can do 20 push ups in your sleep so I challenge you to do 20 slow count push up. Count 1, 2, 3 down and 1, 2, 3 back up.

You can always do these in intervals, the ultimate goal is to accomplish 20 pushups.
If you are feeling energetic and ready for more do an additional set.  Enjoy!

Food:
This cold weather is beckoning me back home to my bed.  How about you?
When its cold outside our energy levels have a tendency to drop.  Break out some spices to bring you warmth as well as flavor and health benefits like energy.

Stop by the store today and pick up the following to prepare a Spicy Energy Mix you can take to work.  It will keep you satisfied during the afternoon lull and boost your energy.

• 1 ounce pumpkin seeds
• 1 ounce pitted chopped dates
• 1/2 ounce dried mango or another fruit of choice
• 1 ounce almonds
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for those who like it spicy. 

Mix together and enjoy

If you can't pick up the above items, try having a yogurt during the day.  Its good the digestion and has vitamin B-12 important for metabolism and helps to give you a bit of energy. 

Self Growth: 

Book a date with YOURSELF!  Crack open your planner, hit the calendar app on your phone or tablet.  Look over the next 25 days and RESERVE a 1 DAY just for YOU!  

This day you be all about YOU!  You could work out, read, go the movies.  Hit the bookstore and check out the new best sellers list. Go shopping at the vintage market you heard about, go to a dance studio or museum.  Whatever you choose its all about creating me time.  

There is no better way to recharge yourself then by taking care of you.  DO NOT skip your date or let something cut into your time.  Stick to the plan and do you.  

I'd love to hear what some of you have chosen to do for Me Time!  

• 
  

Until tomorrow!

Taj 

• 
  

photo:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/siva0215/3528423770/

Living Well Yoga Retreat!

I am so excited and I just can't hide it!!!!
(singing and doing a happy dance)

I also can't wait for you to read this exciting news below:

You will not believe the GREAT deal I have just been offered to share with all of you!

Although this weekend's weather here in New York was rather lovely for November, we all know that winter is around the corner!

After eating with the family during Thanksgiving, spending money for travel and gifts over Xmas and partying in the New Year why not take a 4 night 5 day trip. Its time to get away for yourself, rejuvenate, reconnect, restore, refresh, re_______ (you fill in the blank) and get ready for the rest of the year, with the:

LivingWell Yoga Retreat!

Jan 14 -18, 2011

Presented by: Taj Harris

Here is what you can expect during the retreat:

• 2 daily Yoga sessions - on beach and within the garden areas
• 2 daily Meditation and Journaling sessions
• Lifestyle and Nutrition Workshops
• One on One Coaching Session
• Cooking Lessons
• 3 Meals and Snacks per day - Fully Catered
• Chef, Bartender and Housekeeper on premise
• One Planned Group Outing
• Free time to lounge around estate or take an optional off-site excursion
• Complimentary Massage
• Ground Transportation to/from airport (Puerto Plata)

I can’t think of a better excuse to get away in the heart of winter, than a trip to the beautiful, sunny north coast of the Dominican Republic!

Previous Cost:

Regular Price - $980
Early Bird Pricing - $875

NEW SUPER SAVER RATE:

$798.00 per person!!! That's less then $200 a night to include all of the above and more.

Please email me for more details. Space and time are limited so don’t delay. Payments can be made via Pay Pal, Check or Money Order. All money due by Friday Dec 10th.

*minimum 10 people required
**airfare is not included in cost listed above

For more info email: Tajbodyandsoul@gmail.com

The property and accommodations:

Stunning beachfront luxury estate villa set within a secure gated community
Main house with kitchen, very spacious open air great room, dining room, large outdoor patios, bar, pool and jacuzzi.
7 unique and discrete private bedrooms fully air conditioned with en suite baths.
Set on a beautiful private beach - this is not a tourist trap.

Take a look at a few pictures of the property:

Taj

Photos from: www.wheretostay.com

Living Well Yoga Retreat!

Hello Everyone!

I am so excited to announce the following retreat. I know I have been MIA, but I have been very busy working on amazing things to bring your way! Stay tuned for weekly post from me.

Here are some things you can expect to read about:

Cooking Ideas/Recipes

Fitness Tips

Thoughtful Process

Keeping it Fun

LivingWell Yoga Retreat!

Jan 14 -18, 2011

Presented by: Taj Harris

I can’t think of a better excuse to get away over a 3 day weekend in the heart of winter, than a trip to the beautiful, sunny north coast of the Dominican Republic!

After this retreat you might not want to return home. :-)

The property and accommodations:

stunning beachfront luxury villa set within a secure gated community.
main house with kitchen, very spacious open air great room, dining room, large outdoor patios, bar, pool and jacuzzi.
7 unique and discrete private bedrooms fully air conditioned with en suite baths.
set on a beautiful private beach - this is not a tourist trap.

Here is what you can expect during the retreat:

2 daily Yoga sessions - on beach and within the garden areas
2 daily Meditation and Journaling sessions
Lifestyle and Nutrition Workshops
One on One Coaching Session
Cooking Lessons
3 Meals and Snacks per day - Fully Catered
Chef, Bartender and Housekeeper on premise
One Planned Group Outing
Free time to lounge around estate or take an optional off-site excursion
Complimentary Massage
Ground Transportation to/from airport (Puerto Plata)

Cost:

Regular Price - $980 (due in full Dec 1st)
Early Bird Pricing - $875 (due in full Oct 15th)
$199 (non-refundable) deposit required to reserve your space

Above prices are based on Double occupancy, if you are interested in Single or Triple occupancy please email me for details. Space is limited so don’t delay. Payments can be made via Pay Pal, Check or Money Order.

*minimum 10 people required
**airfare is not included in cost listed above

For more info email: Tajbodyandsoul@gmail.com

Taj