How to Start Doing Yoga at Home

Too tired to make it to class?  Want to do Yoga without anyone else looking at you?  In the silence and scent of your own home?  It's much easier than it sounds, and builds the invaluable skill of creating peace anywhere.  <3

1. Take at Least One Class First

If you're brand new to Yoga, your form needs to checked by a professional before you try and do the basic poses on your own.  Tucking in your backbone or lifting your collar bone can make a huge difference in some poses.  I can still hear my yoga teacher's voice correcting me from a class I took years ago!  As you master those poses at home, you can take another class to double check newer, more difficult poses you've been trying out.

2. Figure Out What Poses You'll Do At Home

You can do poses you learned in a class, print out a routine for free from the internet, subscribe to a Youtube channel, or invest in a book, app or dvd.  My favorite book is Slim Calm Sexy Yoga because of how clear the images are the plethora of short routines available.  There are quite a few apps out there, and they are great b/c they have built-in timers and you can see the lit up screen in the dark.  That's also a downside though because the bright screen can be jarring.  I personally place a book right beneath my nightlight/wax melter and use a timer that makes a sound when it's time to change poses.  It's easy to memorize a routine so I often just glance over if I happen to forget what's next.

3. Find a Space for Your Mat

Or buy a mat first if you don't have one yet!  Your space can be anywhere- at the foot of your bed, in the back yard, or any seldom-used room if that exists where you live.  You may have to find a spot that you have to clear out and refurnish afterwards.  If you can't find one, you may have to make a deal with your family to create one.  Especially if you're never home alone.  More on this in the next step.

4. Reward Others for Giving You the Space You Need

Let's be real, no matter how nicely you ask you may end up bothered especially if you have kids.  It'll have to be something along the lines of "If you you don't talk to Mommy until 6:30pm, she'll have more energy to play," or letting your partner know how much happier you'll be as a person if you had that time for yourself.  But if none of this works, you'll have to wake up before everyone else.  That's not so bad though b/c the world is so much quieter and still in the wee hours of the morning.

Also, make a plan to be around others with your improved demeanor and crediting your yoga.  They'll appreciate it and want to reinforce the good habits you're building.

5. Set Up Your Ambiance

Sound: I like an internet radio with soothing sounds or something with more rhythm during more intense sessions.  I usually play it from my phone or tablet.  You can also invest in a small indoor fountain or us an app with customizable ambient sounds.  My favorite is Sleep Pillow.

Lighting: Turn out the harsh overhead lighting and invest in a nice nightlight.  It makes a HUGE difference in relaxing your muscles and how far you can go into a pose when the lighting is soothing.

Aromatics: This can be incense, candles or and air freshener.  My favorite are the types you plug in that heat up scented wax blocks.  My favorite is a night light wax melter in one like this one.

6. Schedule It Down to Timing Your Poses!

Whether it be early in the morning before other people wake up, or my favorite- right before bed, choose something you know you can stick to.  For example don't plan to do it in the mornings if you're a chronic snooze-button abuser.  Even 10 minutes a day can make life more peaceful and enjoyable than it is now.

Invest in an HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) Timer.  No, not because your doing that type of training, but because it's perfect for yoga.  I use the app Cayanax HIIT Timer.  My warm-up is 1min, then I set 15 second and 1 min intervals for 20 rounds.  I give myself 15 seconds to get into a new pose and then hold it for a minute.  And the timer makes a sound every time so I don't have to look up or count, I can just relax.  Since I don't have a teacher, this is vital to enforcing the discipline to hold my poses long enough and for even amounts of time.  I get to focus on my breathing, relaxing and my form in the pose.  

7. Get Dressed for the Occasion- Or Not!

This is the beauty of doing yoga at home.  Along with zero commute or other people to deal with, I get to wear whatever I want. And that's usually pajamas.  :D

8. Learn to Do Yoga Anywhere

It will happen naturally.  Oftentimes at work I'll do a couple poses for my back in between clients.  It can be while you're cooking, watching tv, listening to a audiobook, praying, meditating, on the phone, before you leave the restroom- the possibilities are endless!  You'll find yourself feeling like a real yogi before you know it!

If this helped, please let me know in the comments below which step/s helped the most.  And if you've ever done yoga in an unconventional place?  Thanks and happy yoga-ing!

-Alex

Tips for Living with Allergies

I'll never forget the day a few years ago when my doctor called me on my cellphone post blood-work.  "You have the most allergies out of anyone I've ever come across."  And he's had thousands of patients.  Cats especially- their technology couldn't even read my reaction because it was off the scale.

I'm allergic to most plants, animals and metals.  Nothing very severe except cats.

Yeah, I'm basically an Alien.

So here are some of my best tips!  Enjoy!

1. Clean

Not just clutter, but dirt.  Vaccuum.  Dust.  Spray bleach on any signs of mold.  You know how it goes.   You want to take off as much unnecessary strain on your over-reactive immune system as possible.  And if people are demanding your time away from cleaning as much as you need to, tell them it's doctor's orders and for health reasons and they'll leave to your business.

2. Get Your Lymph System Moving

This means cardio.  Get into the habit of taking the stairs.  Relax and drop parking in the closest spot as possible and walk a little.  I highly recommending doing High Intensity Interval Training, even just 10 minutes every couple days.  It will make a huge difference to clear out all built up, internal inflammation.

3. Eat Clean & Drink More Water

This is a biggie, and way too underrated.  No matter how much medicine, shots, avoidance, whatever you do, eating clean will help SO much!  When I'm eating cleanly, not only do my allergies subside, but if I do need to take medication it works so much better.  

And guess who I'm sitting next to as I write this?  Yes, my pet cat.  Who should technically be able to kill me right now.  And no, I can't pet her for very long or  rub my face on her cute fluffiness.  But! I can coincide with her without reacting because I've built a tolerance to her and followed these tips.  To the point where I don't even need to take medication around her.  They help tremendously and have kept my body reaction-free and mostly medication-free.  

(***Note I still ALWAYS keep medication on me for emergencies.  Increasing exposure does NOT count for people who are still highly reactive and should only be done under a doctor's supervision.  It's been a journey of living more healthy, monitoring my reactions and allowing myself more exposure little by little).

Either way, these tips will definitely lighten your symptoms and make your medications more effective.  I hate feeling restricted and love the increased freedom of enjoying the nature and animals of God's Creation.  And hope you will too  <3

Much Love, Alex.  

The ONLY Skincare Routine You'll EVER Need!

It's not a brand name or magical serum- follow this basic structure to find the perfect skincare routine for YOU.  Only 3 steps!  It's similar to the Proactive System, except cheaper and customizable to YOUR skin!

1. Cleanse
Use a gentle cleanser in the morning and and exfoliate at night.  (If your skin is super-sensitive, only rinse it in the mornings).  Exfoliating cleansers contain microbeads that slough off a layer of dead skin cells on your face.  (Avoid apricot shards, they tear the skin and you'll pay for it w/ breakouts later). Or just use a washcloth/ facial brush with your gentle cleanser!

Sometimes, exfoliating oily skin too often can cause it to kick into high gear and produce even more oils to replace the loss of moisture.  Moisturizing properly can prevent that.  Or you may only want to exfoliate every other day or less.  Older individuals with drier skin may need to exfoliate twice a day to stimulate cell turnover.  Either way, make sure you cleanse your skin every morning and evening!

2. Astringent/ Toner (at night only)
Now that you've removed that layer of dead skin cells, this wonderful liquid can go into your pores and clean them!  (The active ingredient is salicylic acid).  Bye-bye blackheads! The terms astringent & toner are interchangeable, but astringents tend to be stronger.  They usually look like colored liquids in a bottle and you find them in the skincare section of the store (even grocery stores).  You pour a little on a cotton round or tissue and put it all over your face.

If you're not used to it, it can sting!  Stronger formulas are better for oily skin, and gentle toners are best for drier skin.  A super-gentle toner for very sensitive skin is witch hazel.  You may even want to do this every other day or less (after you exfoliate); it depends on you.

By the way, the best pore-clearing product I've found is Epionce's Lytic Cream. This line is usually only sold in doctor's offices- it's better than something you'd find in a beauty-based establishment.

3. Moisturize
Use a moisturizer containing sunscreen in the morning, and an anti-aging cream at night.  Use a special eye-cream around the eyes.  But this step is extremely versatile.  The moisturizer you use is ultimately up to you, as long as you moisturize!  By the way, it can take a while for really rich moisturizers to absorb (Up to 25 minutes), but don't skimp on it- just be patient.

*Optional: Acne Medicine
Use a cream and rub into your problem areas only.  Find one with benzoyl peroxide for the most effectiveness, or one with salicylic acid if your skin is more sensitive.

And that's it!  It's super-easy and it feels so luxurious to go to bed at night with clean pores absorbing my night cream :)  I hope you can use this foundational skincare routine to find what's perfect for you, and have your skin be the best it can be. :)

God gave us beautiful temples, it's our job to care for them and make them glow!

5 Cold-Weather Beauty Tips

Cold weather can be a very beautiful thing.  Stay glowing with these specialty beauty tips!

1. Put your summer foundation to good use.  Summer foundation gotten too dark for your lightened complexion?  Don't want to throw it out, but don't know what to do with it either?  Apply it to your neck.  We usually have a pale spot where our chin blocks the sun.  Plus, a darker neck looks longer and slimmer!  Just remember to blend well :)

2. Keep your lips from drying out- efficiently.  Cold weather can mean chapped lips.  As you're brushing your teeth, give your lips a gentle brushing as well.  This exfoliates them to remove build up of dead skin cells.  When you apply your moisturizer, apply it generously to your lips too!  It will soak in within a few minutes.  I do this with my clients all the time.

3. Protect your hair from frizzing in the cold.  Leave your conditioner in for a few minutes longer during your shower before rinsing it out.  You may also need to apply a little more product to protect it from the harsh cold. I like TIGI Bed Head Hair Wax Stick or extra gel/ leave-in-conditioner for curly hair.

4. Keep a rosy glow.  Our skin can look pale and drained in cold weather.  Instead of bronzer,  I love a shimmery, rosy blush in the winter.  For large pores or more mature skin, ditch the shimmer and add an additional light color on the tops of your cheekbones instead.  A simple eyeshadow works great.

5. Wear eyeshadow!  This is is my favorite time to wear creative eyeshadow looks and colors!  In the summer, our makeup doesn't last as long.  So take advantage of the cooler weather and have fun!

We Are Treasures of God

Do you remember being a child and having favorite toy as a friend?  All the love you shared and how much you cherished it?  How about a special pet?  Or an irreplaceable friend?  A family member, your spouse, your child... all of these are treasures in our hearts.  Treasures we would defend and love like they were a part of us.  Here are two passages about God describing his people as his treasures.

1.  Deuteronomy 26:18-19  "The LORD has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. 19 He has
declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised."

In Context: Moses' sermon is renewing the Israelites' promise to obey God, and God's promise to treasure the Israelites as his people.  The covenant was first made about ten years prior when the Israelites were rescued from slavery in Egypt.  (Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 7:6, Deuteronomy 14:2)

Contemporary Connection: Do I remember the day I committed myself to God's commands?  Do I remember the things he promised me?  Do I acknowledge the fact that I am God's treasured possession?  Do I say thank you for all the ways he treasures me?  Do I have faith in his promises about my future?

2. Zechariah 9:16 "The LORD their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown."

 In Context: God is prophesying through Zechariah that the Jews will be attacked by Greece, but they will miraculously defeat them.  And they will prosper and shine like crowned jewels.  This did happen, and is celebrated in the present-day holiday Hanukkah.

Contemporary Connection: It's inevitable that there are dangerous things and people in life that can harm us.  Do I believe that God is strong enough to protect me from being overcome?  Do I believe that he values me like the most beautiful part of his royal attire?  That he wants to be the one to lead me, and save me, and present me as a sparkling jewel...?

I hope this helps you in your understanding that God wants you to be his Treasure. <3

Hockey Player Tweets For Modest Women and Pure-Hearted Men

A young man Rocco Grimaldi took a stand on Sept. 28th via his Twitter, asking women to dress with more respect towards themselves and others, and for men to take responsibility for any lust they may have.  He is an 18-yr old Hockey player for the University of North Dakota, and the top scorer for the 09-10 season.  But he shows he's also on another team, God's team repping 1Tim 4:12!  He caused quite a stir with his bold remarks to the whole world:

"RGrimaldi23 Rocco Grimaldi: Ladies, you can help us guys out big time. Put your boobs away and everything else that is hanging out. Guys have a hard enough time with…

that temptation without u helping it along. When did being a beautiful girl become dressing with the least amount of clothes on? When did… 

what u wear become a competition? Before you dress ask, “Does this outfit honor God, does it honor my body, does it help serve/love my… 

brothers? If it’s a no to any of those questions, then u shouldn’t wear that outfit #ThinkBeforeYouDress 

 RGrimaldi23 Rocco Grimaldi: Guys u ready? Ur up next

Guys, when did sleeping with every girl u can make u a man? Anyone can lay with a woman. And don’t blame the women for how they dress… 

Don’t say it’s because they want attention. Don’t blame ur “curiosity” or that u just wanted a little taste of what it would be like… 

Women are not an object for playing with. Sex is a gift from God. We have made it idolatry by how we use it. We blame the women for what… 

they’re wearing, we blame the media for what they’re producing, but we never blame OURSELVES for how WE’VE twisted God’s gift to only… 

glorify ourselves. WE are the men and WE are to blame. God put US in charge of this earth so WE are the ones who need to man up and lay… 

down our lust. Don’t fall into that temptation. If you don’t do this, you may be a boy for the rest of ur life #ManUp"

I don't know about you, but I'm encouraged to a see a man stand up for honoring God with our bodies!  Someone who understands that yes, we are created to be temples of God.

Show your support on his twitter at RGrimaldi23!

10 Easily Overlooked Breakout Triggers!

Ever had an unexpected breakout?  I know I have, and it can be mind-boggling where those pesky blemishes are coming from.  Who knows, maybe there's something you've overlooked that can be fixed- and thus solve your breakout problem in a jiffy!

1. Hair Products Around Your Hairline
Especially leave-in conditioner after a shower.  Or hair gel.  If you tend to break out on the perimeters of your face, hair products could easily be the culprit.  Always wipe your skin clean all the way to the hairline after you wash or style your hair.

2. Your Hair Itself
Be it bangs or long locks, oily hair especially can transfer residue onto our face which can seep into your pores.  Keep your hair clean and off your face if possible.  Powder your face to protect your skin against the oil in your hair.  And if oily hair is an extreme problem, carry a small bottle of dry shampoo to comb through the front locks in the middle of your day.

3. Your Cellphone
Cell phone screens tend to be sticky and dirt and oils will cling to them.  Try not to press your cell phone against your face when you use it.  A quick tip is to use the hand sanitizer in your purse to carefully wipe it clean.

4. A Dirty Pillow
How often do you wash your pillowcase?  Once a week is ideal.  Oil from our skin can build up in our pillowcases over-night and become a breeding ground for bacteria.  Not grossed-out yet?  Go smell your pillow.  If you must have that "familiar scent" to lull you to sleep, hold another pillow (or stuffed animal I suppose) near you- but not against your face.

5. Cuddle Buddies
Any other person's face or skin touching yours will deposit foreign oils onto your skin.  And sometimes rub them into your pores... Their hair can also be a culprit.  As a makeup artist, I need to very careful about touching people's faces.  It's not too big of a deal, but if little Sally has a nightmare and insists on holding you tight all night, just make sure you cleanse your face in the morning. :)

6. Mindless Touching of Your Own Face
Not only your hands carry their own oils, but a lot of other dirt from the things you've touched as well.  If you have a habit of leaning your face into your hand, try leaning your neck onto your hand instead.  You'll feel your weight right below your ear.

7. Sweat
After a workout, always take a quick minute to wipe your face, chest, back and any other acne-prone areas.  Just take a washcloth and run it under some hot/ cold water in the restroom.  It feels great to let your face air dry as you stretch and cool down.

8. Contaminated Lotions
This one is a biggie.  If you have any facial products in a jar or pot, and your using your finger to scoop it out, it's probably contaminated.  Our fingernails carry a lot of germs, and lotions are wonderful places for them to grow and multiply.
I once had mysterious breakout all over my face soon after I started using a night cream in a jar.  I tossed it and bought a new one that I only use sanitized scoopers with.  All my acne cleared up within a couple days. 
This can be anything- a small plastic spoon, metal teaspoon, even that red stick you find in a handy snacks package.  Keep a small spray bottle of alcohol handy to give it a split-second spritz before scooping out product.

9. Picking at Your Face
Using your fingernails is a huge no-no.  It's like asking for acne.  They're filled with germs and you're basically scraping your skin open and rubbing germs in.  If you must extract, use a blemish extracting tool sanitized with a spritz of alcohol.  Or cover each finger with a clean tissue.  But even then, irritating an area that does not need to be extracted can cause a blemish to appear.  This has happened to me many times.  If it is a bad habit, try promising yourself not to pick at your face for three days.

10. Diet
Eating greasy, fried or just plain unhealthy food can make you more prone to breakouts.  Or you may have a mild allergy to something.  If this is a concern for you, try keeping a food diary and see if there are any connections to what you eat and any breakouts.

Hope this helped you to see if you have any hidden breakout triggers!  Now you can feel more confident that you taking good care of the beautiful face God gave you. <3