I did go to Terra Yoga on Thursday - we had a fill-in teacher that normally works on Thursday mornings. Now I don't remember her name - but she was 'Bikram' like which I didn't really care for. She wasn't as bad and she did play music which I loved.
The studio is small - but I kind of like that. Its also closer to my house which I love.. and the times with a 5:15 start are perfect for my schedule. We'll try it a few more times (I bought a ten card) and hopefully I'll have a better report.. its all in the teacher ;)
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Hot Yoga / Bikram Search
For over a year now a good friend of mine has been trying to get me into Hot Yoga. I tried it a long time ago and about died and have been hesitant to go back.. but recently I've gotten on a Groupon / Living Social kick where you get a daily offer.
An offer came through for $30 of unlimited hot yoga at Breathe in Seattle. Being one of the only studios with staggered heat (the back of the room is 85 the front is 105) I decided it was a good deal and tried it out.
I fell in LOVE. But living in Bellevue and driving to Seattle. Not my idea of fun.
Low and behold just as my free month was ending a deal came through for 20 classes for $30 at Bikram Hot Yoga of Redmond. WOO HOO! So I bought it and then I went. I was shocked.
At Breathe they are gentle with you - Yoga is your journey. They are particular about your form - encouraging you to stay in a pose at your level for as long as you need to - even if its years of only going to the first stage. I left feeling in control of my body, thoughts and mind. Bikram Hot Yoga of Redmond pushes you to go to the hardest part of the pose. In fact almost is an exact opposite opinion as Breathe. I also found the instructors to be loud - talk fast and I left feeling like I had been through the wringer. It felt like a personal trainer in your face pushing you as hard as you can. Not my style. Fearful that I was loosing my mind I had a friend go with me, she felt exactly the same.
So, thinking it was this studio I tried Bikram Hot Yoga of Renton. The studio is beautiful. The floor is a weird plastic breathing material that I loved for the sweat factor, hated to feel on my bare feet. I talked about my experience at Breathe and at Redmond and was assured there was no yelling. My first class was closer to Breathe then Redmond and I was ready to sign on. I waited though. And I was glad I did.
My second class at Renton I brought a towel to stand on when we turn so that I didn't have to stand on the floor. The instructor called me out in the middle of class and told me I had to stand on the floor. I was shocked. After I went home I decided to do some research.
I found the a wonderful posting and learned that Bikram is different the Hot yoga. Silly me - the poses were the same - but the philosophy of Bikram is what I was experiencing at Redmond and Renton and I did not like it. I do think that some LOVE IT - as its intense and some people want to be pushed. I sought out Hot yoga for the calming and relaxing points of it. And also - in the words of a good friend who is a yoga instructor - to feel in control of my body. The Bikram philosophy from my point of view - is about giving up control to your instructor. Probably a good idea.. but I'm not there yet in my Yoga journey.
I had gotten another great deal on a website called Savy for Urban Yoga / Spa in downtown Seattle. With an upcoming wedding I thought I'll go there try the studio out and get a mani / pedi on the way out.
BLISS! I cannot even describe how much I loved this studio. The floor was a soft solid material - felt silky but non absorpant. The teacher was amazingly wonderful, tender and nice. Encouraging you to do what felt right in your journey. She even asked in class if we had too much heat and wanted a response!! When we said yes, too hot, she opened the doors to cool us down. I was in awe. I spoke with her and then went upstairs to the WONDERFUL locker rooms - where they have LOCKERS and free locks (I know for those of you who have not been to a studio - this is RARE). The showers are individual - and what you would expect at a spa - hand held sprayers - high end shampoo/ conditioner and WONDERFUL body wash.
And then I went and got a Mani Pedi - umm.. bliss. This is the way to do hot yoga.
And then I remembered - I'm in down town Seattle. Great for Saturday / Sunday but in my day to day life on the week - dealing with traffic and parking. Its just not going to happen :(
So my hunt continues. I'm off to Terra Yoga in Issaquah tonight - I'm feeling confident as a friend goes there (the before mentioned Redmond Hot Yoga friend). So we'll see - the hunt for my home studio continues....
An offer came through for $30 of unlimited hot yoga at Breathe in Seattle. Being one of the only studios with staggered heat (the back of the room is 85 the front is 105) I decided it was a good deal and tried it out.
I fell in LOVE. But living in Bellevue and driving to Seattle. Not my idea of fun.
Low and behold just as my free month was ending a deal came through for 20 classes for $30 at Bikram Hot Yoga of Redmond. WOO HOO! So I bought it and then I went. I was shocked.
At Breathe they are gentle with you - Yoga is your journey. They are particular about your form - encouraging you to stay in a pose at your level for as long as you need to - even if its years of only going to the first stage. I left feeling in control of my body, thoughts and mind. Bikram Hot Yoga of Redmond pushes you to go to the hardest part of the pose. In fact almost is an exact opposite opinion as Breathe. I also found the instructors to be loud - talk fast and I left feeling like I had been through the wringer. It felt like a personal trainer in your face pushing you as hard as you can. Not my style. Fearful that I was loosing my mind I had a friend go with me, she felt exactly the same.
So, thinking it was this studio I tried Bikram Hot Yoga of Renton. The studio is beautiful. The floor is a weird plastic breathing material that I loved for the sweat factor, hated to feel on my bare feet. I talked about my experience at Breathe and at Redmond and was assured there was no yelling. My first class was closer to Breathe then Redmond and I was ready to sign on. I waited though. And I was glad I did.
My second class at Renton I brought a towel to stand on when we turn so that I didn't have to stand on the floor. The instructor called me out in the middle of class and told me I had to stand on the floor. I was shocked. After I went home I decided to do some research.
I found the a wonderful posting and learned that Bikram is different the Hot yoga. Silly me - the poses were the same - but the philosophy of Bikram is what I was experiencing at Redmond and Renton and I did not like it. I do think that some LOVE IT - as its intense and some people want to be pushed. I sought out Hot yoga for the calming and relaxing points of it. And also - in the words of a good friend who is a yoga instructor - to feel in control of my body. The Bikram philosophy from my point of view - is about giving up control to your instructor. Probably a good idea.. but I'm not there yet in my Yoga journey.
I had gotten another great deal on a website called Savy for Urban Yoga / Spa in downtown Seattle. With an upcoming wedding I thought I'll go there try the studio out and get a mani / pedi on the way out.
BLISS! I cannot even describe how much I loved this studio. The floor was a soft solid material - felt silky but non absorpant. The teacher was amazingly wonderful, tender and nice. Encouraging you to do what felt right in your journey. She even asked in class if we had too much heat and wanted a response!! When we said yes, too hot, she opened the doors to cool us down. I was in awe. I spoke with her and then went upstairs to the WONDERFUL locker rooms - where they have LOCKERS and free locks (I know for those of you who have not been to a studio - this is RARE). The showers are individual - and what you would expect at a spa - hand held sprayers - high end shampoo/ conditioner and WONDERFUL body wash.
And then I went and got a Mani Pedi - umm.. bliss. This is the way to do hot yoga.
And then I remembered - I'm in down town Seattle. Great for Saturday / Sunday but in my day to day life on the week - dealing with traffic and parking. Its just not going to happen :(
So my hunt continues. I'm off to Terra Yoga in Issaquah tonight - I'm feeling confident as a friend goes there (the before mentioned Redmond Hot Yoga friend). So we'll see - the hunt for my home studio continues....
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Dumped the Amish.. kept the muffins
So.. the last batch of oat bran muffins I made spoiled - I have no idea why but I had read a few other people mention you can make the recipes without the starters.. so.. I dumped.. I did it in a hurry - no tears were shed ;)
Last night I made these oat bran muffins from cooking light:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=522196
I used dates instead of raisins (and that's only because that's what I had) - I did the whole thing in the Cuisinart - so it was probably more blended then it asks you to - but they were GOOD.
I may use this as my new base recipe for 'wheat' muffins and play with it a bit (I got some new flours at the outlet in Issaquah that I want to try)
For my 'white' (aka unhealthier) I made lemon muffins - I used the amish recipe as a base omitting the starter (obviously). I used sugar free lemon pudding and vanilla yogurt instead of oil. I also used Trader Joe's cage free egg whites (out of the jug) for the eggs - I then forgot I was halving the recipe and used too much flour - I tried to take it out - but either way at the end of the mixing it was still thick so I added a hefty amount of lemon juice and some more milk, then some agave syrup and sugar to sweeten (sorry no idea how much) - the result was goey yummy lemon.. muffin shaped things (a little too moist to call muffins). I'll work on this recipe a little more.
So - look for more muffin / bread recipes.. without starter!
Last night I made these oat bran muffins from cooking light:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=522196
I used dates instead of raisins (and that's only because that's what I had) - I did the whole thing in the Cuisinart - so it was probably more blended then it asks you to - but they were GOOD.
I may use this as my new base recipe for 'wheat' muffins and play with it a bit (I got some new flours at the outlet in Issaquah that I want to try)
For my 'white' (aka unhealthier) I made lemon muffins - I used the amish recipe as a base omitting the starter (obviously). I used sugar free lemon pudding and vanilla yogurt instead of oil. I also used Trader Joe's cage free egg whites (out of the jug) for the eggs - I then forgot I was halving the recipe and used too much flour - I tried to take it out - but either way at the end of the mixing it was still thick so I added a hefty amount of lemon juice and some more milk, then some agave syrup and sugar to sweeten (sorry no idea how much) - the result was goey yummy lemon.. muffin shaped things (a little too moist to call muffins). I'll work on this recipe a little more.
So - look for more muffin / bread recipes.. without starter!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Chocolate Cupcakes
I finally found a recipe that Bill LOVES...
I took the recipe from Betty Crocker for Chocolate fudge cake.. I reduced the amount of sugar, flour and milk and added a cup of starter. I used sugar free chocolate pudding (2 small packages) and added a little extra milk.. I omitted the baking chocolate (as the pudding mix) however- which I had stirred in some chocolate chips. When I really sit down and look at it I will post a better recipe (and email or comment if you want the exact thing)
For me - I really think the butter is what added to it.. they came out kind of soft / gummy (just the way Bill likes it!) And everyone agreed they were NOT dry. BIG hit.. unfortunately - NOT low cal :) But for a treat - they aren't BAD. :)
I took the recipe from Betty Crocker for Chocolate fudge cake.. I reduced the amount of sugar, flour and milk and added a cup of starter. I used sugar free chocolate pudding (2 small packages) and added a little extra milk.. I omitted the baking chocolate (as the pudding mix) however- which I had stirred in some chocolate chips. When I really sit down and look at it I will post a better recipe (and email or comment if you want the exact thing)
For me - I really think the butter is what added to it.. they came out kind of soft / gummy (just the way Bill likes it!) And everyone agreed they were NOT dry. BIG hit.. unfortunately - NOT low cal :) But for a treat - they aren't BAD. :)
Kate's Muffins
So.. searching the internet for inspiration I came across this website / recipe: http://www.gardenwife.com/healthy-oat-bran-muffins-made-with-amish-friendship-bread-starter/comment-page-1#comment-177865
These are the BEST muffins. Kate (18 month old niece) LOVES them :) And when I'm using all organic ingredients, no sugar and no added fat.. well LET HER EAT THEM! I use all whole wheat - the last batch I exchanged one cup of whole wheat flour for 1 cup of oats (upping the oats and hopefully lightening the muffins) and I added whole rasberries (defrosted frozen ones) to the batter - I have yet to have one (Tomorrow morning!) But mom says they are keepers!
These are now staples in the house and will be what I make with my whole wheat until we are sick of them...
These are the BEST muffins. Kate (18 month old niece) LOVES them :) And when I'm using all organic ingredients, no sugar and no added fat.. well LET HER EAT THEM! I use all whole wheat - the last batch I exchanged one cup of whole wheat flour for 1 cup of oats (upping the oats and hopefully lightening the muffins) and I added whole rasberries (defrosted frozen ones) to the batter - I have yet to have one (Tomorrow morning!) But mom says they are keepers!
These are now staples in the house and will be what I make with my whole wheat until we are sick of them...
Monday, March 1, 2010
Cherry Cheesecake Bread
Ok - I think this may be one of my best recipes yet!!
I took a standard amish starter (White flour) - I followed the recipe, except:
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce for 1/2 cup oil (then used 1/2 cup oil as well)
2 small boxes of SUGAR FREE cheesecake pudding mix (instead of large box of vanilla)
roughly 1/2 cup of reduced fat cream cheese
Roughly 1/3 cup of white sugar (instead of the 1 cup recipe says)
about 3/4 cup of cherries (Which I didn't cut as much as I should have - fresh)
I ended up adding milk.. maybe 1/3 - 1/2 cup more then it called for - I skipped the cinnamon
The key to this bread was using the beaters and under baking it a little (about 50 minutes instead of 60) AND THEN REFRIGERATE - we had some after it cooled and then some more the next morning (after beeing in the fridge overnight) OMG sooo good :)
I took a standard amish starter (White flour) - I followed the recipe, except:
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce for 1/2 cup oil (then used 1/2 cup oil as well)
2 small boxes of SUGAR FREE cheesecake pudding mix (instead of large box of vanilla)
roughly 1/2 cup of reduced fat cream cheese
Roughly 1/3 cup of white sugar (instead of the 1 cup recipe says)
about 3/4 cup of cherries (Which I didn't cut as much as I should have - fresh)
I ended up adding milk.. maybe 1/3 - 1/2 cup more then it called for - I skipped the cinnamon
The key to this bread was using the beaters and under baking it a little (about 50 minutes instead of 60) AND THEN REFRIGERATE - we had some after it cooled and then some more the next morning (after beeing in the fridge overnight) OMG sooo good :)
Whole Wheat - Banana Bread
I made banana bread with the whole wheat starter I have.. definitly the best with that starter - I did put cinnamon brown sugar on it this time - (there is another post with the recipe alterations for this - I did use brown sugar this time and ground oats for some of the flour) - the topping added a LOT :)
I also added nuts.. OK this is what I did because as I write this I realize I altered a lot :)
Full whole wheat starter - basic recipe minus oil (used trader joes cinnamon applesauce (1 cup)) Egg substitute (which I'm now using all the time), no pudding mix, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 cup rolled oats ground in the food processor (I also tossed in some flax seed (which I didn't ground enough)) - about a half cup of walnuts (which I also did not break / grind enough)). 3 medium mashed bananas. Used about 1/3 cup of brown sugar (and no white sugar other then original feed)
It makes a dense bread.. but a good morning bread :)
I also added nuts.. OK this is what I did because as I write this I realize I altered a lot :)
Full whole wheat starter - basic recipe minus oil (used trader joes cinnamon applesauce (1 cup)) Egg substitute (which I'm now using all the time), no pudding mix, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 cup rolled oats ground in the food processor (I also tossed in some flax seed (which I didn't ground enough)) - about a half cup of walnuts (which I also did not break / grind enough)). 3 medium mashed bananas. Used about 1/3 cup of brown sugar (and no white sugar other then original feed)
It makes a dense bread.. but a good morning bread :)
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