For Mind, Body & Soul - A Beginners Guide to Yoga

Happy Monday!

I just completed another Midday Yoga class at my school. I LOVE this class and had been looking forward to it since Wednesday. I have been taking this class for about two weeks and can already tell that it is improving my back and stress level. I'm more aware of my breathing, muscles and posture. Doing yoga midday relaxes and prepares me for the rest of the day. 

Here is a list of the top 10 reasons YOU should start doing yoga!

1. STRESS relief

2. Inner peace

3. Increased strength

4. Weight loss & waste management

5. Increased overall energy

6. Improved sleep

7. Heightened mental and intuitive awareness 

8. Improved hormonal balance

9. Brain synchronization & brain fitness

10. Whole body detoxification

What's not to love? Yoga is for your mind, body and soul. It is a health plan that focuses on 3 very important aspects of YOU.

Mind, Body & Soul

Anyone can DO yoga!

I think the most important part of the learning process for learning how to do yoga is to do it with someone else who has experience with the positions and breathing styles. It can be daunting and stressful when searching the internet, checking out books or watching videos. There is a lot of information to dig through!

Plus, who doesn't like wearing yoga pants?

And don't forget to eat well, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

History of Yoga

Health Effects of Yoga

Effects of Yoga on the Mind

Effects of Yoga on the Soul

Blessings, peace and joy this week,

Miss Maully

My 5 Things - How to Restart those New Year's Resolutions

I know we all start the New Year with some really fantastic expectations of ourselves and by the end of the month they start to fade away into old habits. I decided to kick old habits to the curb and refocus on my main goal and a few side goals as well. Each month I will edit the list for changes or accomplishments and post my results. So here is the first set of My 5 Things that I'm throwing to the world. Enjoy.

Here is my list of 5 Things I'm trying to get into the habit of doing:

1. Drink more hot tea

2. Meditate at least 2 times a week

3. Workout 4 days a week

4. Keep up my healthy and clean eating

5. Always donating or giving away stuff I don't need or use anymore

I made 5 things to focus on at once rather than a ton of things. These are my 5 things for the month of February. 

I'm drinking some hot green tea right now with a little squirt of honey in it. I LOVE hot tea and there is this super delicious Indian restaurant that has the most AMAZING hot chai tea that I can't stop thinking about!

I've always really been into meditation, but can never put my eager desire into action. I love the benefits and mindfulness but somehow I pass over the opportunity. Do you meditate? It is such a beautiful form of relaxation and finding your inner truth. 

I've started working out at my school and already am hooked. I LOVE exercising and I'm trying to reach my goal weight of 130 (That's ~60 lbs to loose, hopefully by August =).

I started out eating super healthy and clean and then the brutal blow hit. It is very hard to eat healthy and at all when you can't afford to buy groceries for awhile. So that's the point I'm at right now. 

I'm always trying to de-clutter and organize. Just want to get rid of stuff that's not used anymore and that is taking up space and cluttering my mind!

So all you have to do to re-inspire yourself to follow through with your New Year's Resolutions is to:

Step 1: Take one really important goal.
Step 2: Surround it with a few smaller goals.
Step 3: Don't try to do everything at once and don't overload yourself with dozens of complex goals.
Step 4: Start simple. 
Step 5: Write your 5 Things on a few sticky notes and place them where you will see them everyday.
Step 6: Never give up!

For me, this month is all about Mindfulness (*hint for next post*} of soul, mind and body. 

Stay tuned! 

So what are your 5 things to focus on for February? 

Let me know in the comments below!

Peace, love and blessings,

Miss Maully

"The Most Eclectic Blog"

Miss Clean Eats - Clean Eating in 2014 {Research}

Writing has always been one of my hobbies. I used to write poetry and short stories when I was younger, and then my passion turned to papers, research and blogging. {I wont talk about the "Notes" I used to post on Facebook.} 

Another of my passions has been eating. And while it has served me well in the sense of trying very diverse foods and encountering multiple foodgasms, I have indulged a fair too many times. The days of surrendering to my sweet tooth are gone. So are the days of french fries, fried food, pizza, additives, un-natural coloring and all that nasty crap that I never ate growing up. Since living on my own my health and diet have taken a turn for the worst and I'm ready to change the "Freshmen 15" lifestyle and use my creativity and love for flavors and textures into a Clean Eating and Free Wellness Center Membership at my School type of thing.

This crafty and oh-so-busy momma is taking in the reins to focus on school, my family and my health. I have the rest of my life to worry about and right now hobbies are not big on my list of things to worry about. Although I do take the occasional day to unwind and get creative, Serious Crafting is on hold-for now. Nursing School will demand A LOT of my time. And what better way to fuel those early morning workouts and late night studying sessions than a new eating and exercise lifestyle. My goal is to reach 130 lbs and tone my body. I also want to permanently change the way I consume food. 

Don't get me wrong, I love all the gardens for lawns, organic, plants, and sustainability impact on the environment stuff. It's been in my blood my whole life. My parents buy organic everything and It really sucks that I can't afford all that yummy gourmet stuff. I plan to...someday when I have my career and can afford to spend more than $180 a month for a family of three. 

While my clean eating may not all be organic, it will definitely follow the guidelines for clean eating like Produce, Protein, Plant based fats and whole grains.

I am so exited to be starting this journey and can't wait to STICK WITH IT! I'm so ready to be fit and healthy and feel great! 

This post is the introduction to my New Year's Resolution and I hope that you will join me in Clean Eating in 2014. 

Remember- You only have to do something 7 times before it becomes a habit. =)

The Plant-Based Dietitian
Julieanna Hever, M.S., R.D., C.P.T. , also known as The Plant-Based Dietitian, is a passionate advocate of the miracles associated with following a whole food, plant-based diet-the established effects of which provide positive healthful benefits.

Clean Program Blog
Dr. Junger describes how he became aware of the toxicity of our planet. He also explains how detoxification and cleansing have been around for thousands of years, but the knowledge has been lost, and right now it’s more important than ever to reclaim this information. Most importantly, Clean is a manual for readers to learn how to turn on and work with their own detoxification systems to restore and maintain optimal health. << LOVE the blog, just not the price of what they are selling...OUCH!! 

Spinach for Breakfast
The purpose of our blog is to provide those currently practicing the Clean program or those just looking for clean eating inspiration, with an organized forum of go-to recipes from a variety of sources. << GREAT Ideas!

365 Days of Clean Eating
I am not a Dr, a Nutritionist or a professional in the health field.  I am just sharing my own passion for food and health and what I've learned over the years. << TONS of really delicious recipes.

Top List of Clean Eating Websites & Blogs
Not all of these websites or blogs are specifically focused on eating clean, but they have been included in my Top List of Clean Eating Websites and Blogs because they all provide valuable information, whether it be healthy recipes, nutrition tips or just general healthy eating and cooking tips. << PACKED with info. 

I will be researching recipes, information and different chefs for the next month to be prepared for my debut in January. I have already had Clean thoughts running through my mind.

Follow my journey with me! Join in on Eating Clean in 2014!

xoxo

Miss Maully

Anything Goes in August {Musings Pt. 1}

Wow, the time has flown! I really got out of my groove over the summer. But I am trying to expand what I write about so that I can post more! 

I'm exited to share a few things with all of you! 

1. My business is growing...very slowly but I have my online website set up now. You can view all of the current items for sale and purchase them using PayPal! Head on over to www.missmaullyco.com and see what you like! =)

www.missmaullyco.com

2. We adopted/rescued two adorable kittens from a friend. They really help complete our family! {for now!!} 

The orange one is Oliver and the Tortie is named Olive.

3. I'm on the job hunt. It's bittersweet but exiting to be looking for a change. The final straw for me is that my boss, the store manager, is quitting!! I know that the store will be going downhill and I need to get out before work starts overriding my schoolwork. We also need the $$. 

4. I start school again next week. I am really exited. I love school, learning and meeting new people and seeing people that I know. I am so ready to get my degree and get out and move on with my life! I'm ready to be able to support my family and be financially stable and have a job that I love doing. This will be the last semester of all but 1 of my pre-req's for the nursing program and also the semester that I find out if I will be accepted into the nursing program. 

5. Rosetta is NINE MONTHS OLD!!! My, how time goes by soooooo fast. It seems like yesterday when she was born and she is almost ONE!!

I'm trying my hand at some new adventures. The first one is meal prepping. My first attempts went pretty well and I am going to continue to learn and grow and become a pro.

Bean & Cheese burritos

English muffin and deli thin pizzas {these are mine}

Boiled potatoes, tuna salad, egg muffins, {so freakin' delicious} pepperoni English muffin pizzas for the SO and waffles.
So far this prep had saved SO MUCH time, was so easy and I barely prepped anything!!

The second one is writing. I used to write all the time. Well, I used to do many things all the time. Either I have become lazy or...I've become lazy. It doesn't matter that I have a child, I need to find time to do the things I want to do or need to do. I come up with all these plans and ideas and they ALWAYS fall through. I at least want to TRY and SUCCEED, even if it is a small gain. 

Some things I am focusing on right now:

1. School

2. Spirituality

3. Personality

4. Involvement {I want to do some volunteering with my Honor Society}

5. Writing & reading 

I am still young, and even though I have a child I am always on the prowl for enriching my life, learning and growing. I am still finding out who I am and I don't believe that that journey ever ends. I am involved with tons of things and I love it that way. My daughter ALWAYS comes first. Most of the things I do for her like Climate Cadets, school, work...I have to have some me time and do things I enjoy too. And some of those things are stuff we can do together like events, day trips, going outside, etc. Most of my work is done on the computer after she is in bed. That's my time. During the day I {when I don't have school or work} I clean and prep meals while I watch Rosetta. My life has daily challenges but I wake up each day ready to face them and know that I am blessed with what I have. 

I want to do a new series called My Spiritual Journey--Maulism Movement. I started it as a FB page but I think it would be more appropriate here so that I can write to the extent and length that I want to.

Alrighty mommas, I'm out and off to plan some topics to blog about. Have a great night!

xoxo Miss Maully

Serendipitous Summer {Stuff Part 1}

Hello loves! <3

I know practically no one reads this blog...but I'm hoping I will get a nice community of followers one day! Until then I will continue to write like I have thousands of listeners!

 

 

I've missed writing but so much has happened in my life since last posting. Rosetta is sitting up now and getting ready to crawl any day. She had her first time at the pool, first time eating baby food {sweet potatoes}, first time sitting in a shopping cart, babbles different syllables...

We moved into our apartment and we all love it. Rosetta has tons of space to roll around and play. We haven't unpacked everything yet but we are close! 

I formally decided to switch majors and I am taking summers classes to work towards getting all my pre-reqs completed so I can apply for the Nursing program to become a Lactation Consultant. I have also done some research in becoming a doula. I really want to teach some classes as well.

I am giving my organization, Sustainability for You {S4U} a makeover. I want to focus on teaching children the importance of living a sustainable life and would love to do classes, parties, and discussions in schools and classrooms.

I have applied for a new job...please send blessings that I will get it because it pays more than my current one!

I have taken up doing yoga when I wake up {and hopefully I can remember to do it before bed!}

I started journaling again and doing the Transform Your Life: A Year of Awareness Practice app for iPhone.

I changed the name of my Facebook Page from Kansas City Feminists to Breastfeeding Feminists.

I crossed 300 followers on Pinterest!

I NEED to continue working on my business, Made by Maully. Unfortunately, I am not the most effective planner, so I usually forget things very easily and do not get things done when I need to. I'm trying to change but I need to step it up...ALOT!

My friend and I will be learning to bake this summer!

&& I can't wait to start making homemade bread and meal plan again!

 

Though I think I have totally found myself, I am definitely still in the process of figuring out what I want in life and what I really want to do. I have had disappointments in the past of my proposed career and school ideas not working out, but life is all about TRIAL & ERROR right?

 

I can't wait to post pictures of our apartment, cleaning tips, organization and DIY when everything is unpacked and put away. It all looks like a mess right now!

 

I will say that I have a craft center, "mud room" marble-top dresser and a sparkling clean kitchen!

 

Goodnight all!
More to come so stay posted!

 

xoxo Miss Maully

 

April Showers Bring May Flowers {Musings Pt. 2}

Ahhh just a Sunday night without the Walking Dead. I miss it and want it to be Fall already! No, not really because then Rosie will be almost 1... =(

I am so exited about moving out. I am ready for us to fly our wings and live in our own place.  I can't wait to start decorating Rosie's room!

So I have my ongoing to-do list of short term goals, but I also have a long-term to do list of goals and one of those is to write a book. 

I have many ambitions in life and I intend to achieve them all! 

Rosie will be 6 months old next month! I cannot believe she is growing so fast. 

She is so cute and I want her to stay that way!

So Jake told me that he does want to go to college now and take advantage of his workplaces school aid program. That is awesome news and I'm glad he wants to go now! He'll start when I graduate. 

I start my new workout plan next week. We are restarting our Biggest Loser Challenge at work again so I have another 3 months to lose this baby weight!! 

I am accepting a personal challenge to use the computer and my phone less starting in June. It will be summer and I just want to focus on my family and my businesses.

Short post. I'll do a theme post tomorrow night. 

Goodnight!

xoxo Miss Maully

April Showers Bring May Flowers {Musings Pt. 1}

Wow!

It has been awhile~

 Rosie can now roll from her back to her tummy and push up. There have been several times I have laid her down to go to something real quick and when I came back she was in a totally different position. She grows more everyday!

I have some exiting news~We are moving into our own apartment next month and I can finally decorate it as a home! I cannot wait the suspense is killing me!

I have been pinning so many For The Home pics. I know the design will come together eventually. It will be a work in progress. I'm thinking earthy shabby chic with a retro/vintage vibe. Rosie will have her own room and I can decorate it will all her things, especially pictures and things I have made for her.

I am almost done with this semester at school. Then back to full time next year. My businesses are going good, starting slowly but making progress.
visit www.facebook.com/madebymaully and "like" it. Then you can see all the cool jewelry that I make!

I am also researching companies that I can be a consultant for, so that I can work from home more until my businesses kick off. I will be going to school a little longer than I had planned to get my Sustainability Certificate, a new program being offered next spring. I think I am going to be a Sustainability Coordinator or teacher as my backup career. I could be a substitute teacher too? I am still working out the kinks. I just want to do everything! I LOVE life SO much!

I've made two goals. 

`1. Post everyday

2. Comment on another blog everyday

I can DO IT!!

Anyway, this is just a short post as I am off to bed...

Goodnight lovelies!

xoxo Miss Maully