Product Highlight-LifeFactory glass waterbottle

Today, we highlight the LifeFactory glass water bottles.  These little guys are glass, with a protective silicone sleeve, and a screw-on lid.  They are BPA- and other chemical-free.  They are dishwasher safe, and tougher than you'd think.  I've dropped mine, and it was just fine!  If you're looking to avoid all the yuck that can get into your system through your regular, plastic water bottle, try one of these!  Check out http://www.lifefactory.com/ for more information.  We carry the 22-oz at the studio for only $20, and the 16-oz for only $16. 

Handmade rice heating bags

If you can sew, you can make a really nice rice-filled handmade heating pad.  These are microwaveable, and all-natural, and pretty quick to put together.

You'll need:
-a 12 x 12 inch square of the outside fabric (I used leftover quilt squares)
-a 12 x 12 inch square of lining fabric
-a washcloth
-rice
-a funnel
-thread & sewing supplies
-a sewing machine
-cutting supplies (I used a rotary cutter, a self-healing cutting mat & a quilting ruler, but you could use scissors and a regular ruler)




leftover quilt square

 Begin by cutting your fabrics.  Make sure the outside & lining are the same size.

Create a pocket, by folding the outside fabric in half, right-sides together.  Stitch one short side & the long side closed.  Create another pocket from the lining fabric, but leave a 3" opening in the middle of the long side.

Be sure to clip your corners.

Turn the outside pocket right-sides out, and insert it into the lining pocket, placing the raw edges together.  Stitch around the top.

 Reach through the hole in the lining pocket and pull out the outside fabric.  Turn the lining pocket right side out & use a butter knife to push out the corners.

Stitch together the hole in the lining, using either a hand stitch or a topstitch.
Push the lining down into the outside pocket.
Topstitch around the opening, to create a more finished look.

Next, fold your washcloth in half.  Stitch up the short sides, then sew parallel lines, to create small pockets in the washcloth.

Use a funnel to pour rice into the small pockets, filling about 1/2 full.  Stitch across the top to close.
Insert washcloth into cover & you're done!
Heating pads can be microwaved 1-2 minutes, but please be careful as you remove them.  They will be hot.

If you aren't interested in making your own, these are available at the studio, or by phone.

Mountain Yoga Studio

151-A East Mountcastle

Johnson City, TN  37601

423-262-9551

Fresh Starts

Let me begin today by saying "I LOVE A NEW YEAR!"
It's such a fresh start.  Yogis believe that we can be fresh & new each moment of each day.  That by being present in each moment, we wipe away the past & the future, and all we have is right now.  So, to me, the New Year is very yogic.
Take a breath, right now, and think about inhaling purity, then exhaling anything from 2010 (or before) that you no longer need.  What repetitive thoughts do you have that no longer serve you?  What habits do you have that are destructive to your health and the well-being of others?  What would you like to change about the way you interact with the world?  Anything is possible.  At this moment, you are not your past, or even your future.  All of these exist only in the mind.  Clear them out to make room for the 'you' that you want to be.  Inhale cleanliness, exhale your mental baggage. 
Begin to notice your 'self-talk'.  What kind of things do you say in your own mind when confronted with a challenge?  Are you plagued by "I'm not good enough", held back by "That will never happen", or weighed down by how you think others view you?  Exhale & see if you can let go of some of this chatter.  You don't need that in your life.  Start today with affirmations.  Remind yourself that you have an eternal Soul, or a Witness, that is more than this life.  And you're not only good enough, but you are to be cherished.   Make a resolution to start positive self-talk today.
And finally, release previous failures, to make room for future successes.  Yoga can make great changes in your life.  If you've tried before to get consistent with your yoga practice, but have fallen off the wagon, dust yourself off and try again.  The past is gone.  All you have is right now.  So, clear some room, light a candle, and get out your mat!
Happy New Year & Namaste
Jennifer


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