What a Looker!!

So, I have been on the look out for a nice, inexpensive, sturdy t.v. stand to replace the decrepit over-sized t.v. stand we have been using. Once again Knock Off Wood to the rescue! I absolutely LOVE this site!
The picture above from Pottery Barn is what I had in mind. I like this set up, first of all, because it is just BEAUTIFUL, also because it is modular, so I can add on to the look as I have the space/ need for it (this would be a perfect way to store family board games, children's toys, extra family room items, etc.), and I fell in love with the rustic hardware. I tried very hard to imitate the hardware as closely as I could....

And here is my end result! I will add on as I can, but I started first with the closed-door style. We really needed to keep the curious, do-it-by-myself fingers of our two-year-old away from our expensive electronic items. And I really loved the big rustic lock originally used to close the doors. I like what I was able to come up with for the lock, but I remain on the hunt for one that more closely resembles the original Pottery Barn picture.

Just look at all that storage!! Perfect!

Fast, easy, economical (way less to make it on my own than to buy it from even Wal-Mart, let alone Pottery Barn!).

I am very pleased with the results. I have loved the savings and personalizing of building my own furniture so much that I told my husband that all I want for Mother's day is a nail gun or a chop saw.... ;)

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." - Mahatma Gandhi

Great Entertainment For Next To Nothing!

Here at Simply Yoga, we LOVE to save money! These days there are so many ways to get things done at a lower cost than the conventional way, and renting movies is no different.

We have been members of Netflix for about a year and a half now. My husband and I have never had any complaints. We feel the price is great as long as we stay on top of sending our movies back in a timely manner so we are able to get as many movies back in a month as possible to really push our $9.00 / per month membership as far as possible. Once Netflix started their "Play Now" feature, we were even more impressed. Our lap tops became a great source for even more Friday night "Date Nights" at home while the children slept, and our children were always eager to be able to pick a movie to watch as a reward or fun family night.

Well, move over lap tops -- here comes the Wii Netflix Disc! Another home run for Netflix! The Wii Netflix disc is free. If you have a Wii, a high speed internet connection for your Wii, and at least the $9.00 / per month membership to Netflix, all you have to do is sign up through your Netflix account to have them send the disc to you and you will be able to stream Netflix straight to your TV through your Wii in no time!

We received our disc this weekend and have LOVED it! Watching movies with this free disc is costing us dimes and nickels instead of renting movies for several dollars a pop. Such a great and inexpensive alternative!

Mexican Slow Cooked Carnitas

This will be our dinner tonight. Doesn't it make your mouth water just looking at it!?! This recipe, along with many other great weight loss recipes can be found here. I especially like the fact that this recipe is made before hand in the crock pot, with minimal preparation just before serving. I love meals that let you get in, get it done, and get out. Can't beat it!
The recipes is below:
** Once again, make sure you look for tortilla wraps that are low in calories and low in carbs. Tortillas can be deceptively high in calories, usually with about 200 or more calories per serving. The lower below 200 calories, the better. Usually whole wheat, low carb tortillas are your best bet***

Mexican Slow Cooked Carnitas
Serving Size: 4 oz (1/2 cup) • Points: 4 pts Calories: 176 • Fat: 7.7g • Protein: 25.8 g • Carb: 1.3 g • Fiber: 0.1 g
2.5 lb pork shoulder blade roast, lean, all fat removed (I used Smithfield)
6 cloves garlic, cut into sliver
cumin
adobo
garlic powder
3/4 cup 99% fat free chicken broth
2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (to taste)
2 bay leaves Season pork with salt and pepper.

In a medium sauté pan on medium-high heat, brown pork on all sides for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.Using a sharp knife, insert blade into pork, cutting small holes and insert garlic slivers. Season pork generously with cumin, adobo and garlic powder all over.Pour chicken broth in the crock pot, add bay leaves and chipotle peppers. Place pork in crock pot and cover. Cook low for 8 hours. After 8 hours, shred pork using two forks and combine well with the juices that accumulated at the bottom. Remove bay leaves and adjust salt and cumin (you will probably need to add more). Let it cook another 15-30 minutes

Restorative Bound Ankle Pose

Yes, I have been MIA for quite some time, and I am sorry. My husband and I are both students and have been pain-stakingly preparing for and muddling through the last couple of tests we had to take before we could finally be free for spring break. And WOO HOO spring break has finally come!!
So with all that studying and stress, my mind has been gravitating toward some nice and relaxing restorative yoga.
There are few things that can get you closer to heaven than some great restorative poses.
One of my favorites is the Bound Ankle restorative pose. Just lay back, relax, and let gravity take over and do it's job. Ahhhhhhhhh.....
Benefits

• GREAT hip opener
• Relax the spine
• Chest opener
• Increase Flexibility

The easiest way to get into this pose is to place pillows on either side of you. You can pile the pillows however high you need, depending on your level of flexibility and comfort in this pose. Sit in the Bound Ankle pose (more commonly known as the Butterfly). Then carefully lay down and let your spine relax and your hips fall open onto the pillows. Open your arms into a T position to help open your shoulders and chest. Just close your eyes and relax as gravity takes over and helps open your hips even further.

The key to restorative (and perhaps a big BONUS), is to relax in the pose for several minutes as your body experiences the benefits of the pose. Some relaxing music to listen to always helps to keep your mind quiet and relaxed in restorative poses.

When you are ready to move from this pose, place a hand on the outside of each knee, and carefully lift your knees back to a closed center position. Carefully and slowly roll to your right side and push yourself back up to a sitting position.

Personalized Band-Aids

I saw this idea in Parenting Magazine and loved it! Band-Aids with Sponge Bob or Scooby Doo are fun, but they get pretty expensive. So this was a fun solution that is far better than some cartoon character's picture to cover up those little "Uh-Ohs".

My children and I picked up some plain band-aids. Then the children colored and personalized the band-aids themselves. It was a fun after school activity!

We drew pictures and wrote messages to whoever gets to wear these band-aids.

The children were all so proud of their art work, and they can't wait to see the band-aids put to use!

A fun and inexpensive activity for the kids and performs an important function for the family.

Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II)

Looking for a pose that will give your inner thighs a new definition of strength and stability? Look no further. The Warrior II pose will really get your inner thighs burning as you stretch and open your hips. When done correctly, this pose can be an all-around-toner for the whole body. I love to incorporate a Warrior series in the classes I teach, focusing on holding Warrior II for an extended period just to reap the added benefits this pose can offer.

Beginner Tips:
To modify this pose for a greater or lesser effect, widen your stance.
Keep your back foot parallel with the end of your mat.
Keep you hips and shoulders parallel with the the side edge of your mat.
Try to focus on keeping your bent forward knee pushed out toward your pinkie toe on that same foot (this will really give this pose the added "tweak" that will get your legs burning).
Hold your abdominal area nice and tight, keeping your pelvis tucked under -- no booty stickin' out!
Finally, really tighten your triceps as you hold your arms straight and strong.

There you go, an all-around-toner that will make you feel a little stronger and walk a little taller as you leave your practice. Enjoy!