Thank you, Aurorae!

Hi, y’all! How are ya?

SO sorry for the delay on posting the winner! I do hope you’ll forgive me.

For one, I’ve been super busy on the farm. Who said Amish livin’ was peaceful and serene? It’s hard work and chaos, I tell ya! Well, I suppose the peace and quiet is thrown in there, too.

Two, there’s been a gazillion things pulling me in a gazillion directions and every time I came to work on this post, I got pulled away. Ack!

Anyway….

I’m excited to announce the winner of the Aurorae Yoga giveaway. I know y’all have been anticipating this day for two weeks so let’s get to business, shall we?!

There were 116 entries. And, as usual, I visited Mr. Random (www.random.org) to find a winner.

I totally wish each and every one of you could have won this prize – but only one takes away this awesome Aurorae Yoga package today…

And who does #103 belong to?

Well, it belongs to Emily of Random Recycling!

Emily@random recycling said:

Just signed up for the newsletter.
Thanks!
Emily
Emily@random recycling´s last blog ..Green Decorating Ideas for Summer Parties

Enjoy yoga-ing, Emily:-D

Didn’t win? Don’t worry! You can still get yourselves the same awesome Aurorae set!

Get an Aurorae Yoga mat HERE!

The Aurorae Yoga Sport Sweat Towel HERE!

And/or the Aurorae Yoga Slip-Free Rosin Bag HERE!

Thanks to everyone who entered! Look for ANOTHER Aurorae Yoga review and giveaway in the future! And a VERY, VERY special thank you to the fine folks at Aurorae Yoga who made this AWESOME giveaway possible!!!!

And….

Congrats, Emily! You’ll hear from me soon!!!

Thank you, Aurorae!

And…. Hello, fantabulous friends!

How’s your week going so far? Did you have an awesome day yesterday? What about today? Have you had a smoothie? Were you brave enough to try my black smoothie?

And I’m tickled pink (hehe) that y’all are so excited about my garden-inspired Meatless Monday recipe: Raw Rainbow Wraps. Those are definitely friendly for a yogi lifestyle, don’t ya think?

Speaking of yogi lifestyle, do you use a slip-free rosin bag as a part of your yoga practice? If so, have you tried Aurorae’s? And if not, would you?

I was pretty excited when I received mine. Of course, I’ve found quite a few yogis seem to think that “extras” aren’t always necessary (like blocks, etc.) but hey, if they enhance your practice and/or motivate you to get yoga-ing, why not use ‘em?!

In this photo, you can see Aurorae’s Slip-Free Rosin Bag fits in the palm of your hand. It isn’t huge and doesn’t take much space. It’s the perfect size to toss in the pocket of your yoga bag – or even your purse! Well, for that matter, I suppose you could even put it in your pocket if you were in a rush or just prefer that method.

Before I get busy telling you all the juicy details about this magical little bag, let me refresh your memory…

Remember my in-depth review of the beautiful, inspiring, pink (my favorite color EVER!!!) yoga mat?

You can read it HERE, if you missed it.

And did you see my thoughts on Aurorae’s Yoga Sport Sweat Towel?

Read all about that HERE.

Now, on to my thoughts regarding the Slip-Free Rosin Bag….

About Aurorae’s Slip-Free Rosin Bag

If you’re a natural sweater and find yourself slipping on your yoga mat – whether or not you’re in a hot yoga class – you might be in need of Aurorae’s Slip-Free Rosin Bag.

Why?

Well, this little creation can indeed be the answer to no more slipping and sliding on your yoga mat. Who wants to be interrupted when you’re in that still, calm yoga moment?! Yoga poses are meant to be enjoyed, savored – not cut short by sweaty palms or feet!

And Aurorae knows just that:

Product Description (from the site):

Aurorae Yoga Rosin Bag has been developed to aid in the prevention of slipping on your Yoga mat. Similar to gymnasts, tennis players and baseball pitchers, perspiration creates slipping problems when a firm grip is necessary to maximize their performance. Our Aurorae Yoga Rosin Bag increases your gripping power and absorbs perspiration with the slight touch of the bag. The Rosin should be applied to both your hands and feet before your practice and added as needed during your practice. Please make sure to store your Yoga Rosin Bag in the Zip lock bag it comes with to increase its life. We at Aurorae are always looking for simple and cost effective ways to help you improve, as well as enjoy your practice. Remember "It’s Your Yoga". Relax, Enjoy and Namaste.

Ah….

I can relax and enjoy, can’t you?

Pros

As I mentioned above, this rosin bag helps create a dry, enjoyable experience for you and your yoga mat (well, your hands, feet, and mat anyway!)

Here’s a little more information…

Product Features (from the site):

• Innovative new technology to prevent slipping
• Increases Gripping Power
• Product exclusive to Aurorae
• Absorbs Perspiration
• No Odor, Non Sticky
• Made in the U.S.A.

Did you read that? You don’t have to be bothered with any type of smell – this rosin bag doesn’t have any type of odor.

And for just $6.95, what do you have to lose?

I had to squish it and smear it on my hands to get a feel for it…

Can you see it?

And it works! How cool is that?!

Cons

I genuinely try really hard to find something that some of you may consider a con – but I simply can’t think of anything here. I always try to consider low budgets when I write reviews (I’m a VERY frugal gal myself!) – but this bag merely costs a few dollars.

Verdict/Grade

Aurorae Yoga’s Slip-Free Rosin Bag gets an A+ from Raw Juice Girl!

Great job, Aurorae!

Have you ever tried a slip-free rosin bag? What did you think? Do you love it? Enjoy it? Look forward to using it?

And… the Surprise?!

How would you like to own an Aurorae Yoga set? That’s right! Look for the next post, because I’m launching an Aurorae Yoga Giveaway! Winner will get to choose whichever mat they want PLUS you’ll receive the same Aurorae Yoga Sport Sweat Towel and Slip-Free Rosin Bag that I’ve reviewed.

Ready?

Off to get that giveaway post ready. Woo hoo!!

Disclaimer: The generous folks at the Aurorae Yoga company were kind enough to send me a beautiful, luxurious yoga mat from their collection to review. They also sent their Sport Sweat Towel and their Yoga Slip Free Rosin Bag. However, I was not paid to write this review – or even asked to write one.

Thank you, Aurorae!

Y’all know I’m always excited when packages arrive and I get new products to review, but I was especially impressed with this package – the quality is fantabulous!

I immediately knew when I unwrapped my mat that I was going to enjoy practicing yoga on it – and I do!

When my fingertips met this mat, I felt nothing but plush thickness. The word that keeps coming to mind: luxury.

There’s nothing better than time on the mat. To me, it’s a chance to clear my mind, strengthen my body, mind, and soul, and also rejuvenate. It’s a great way to start the day, or even end it. And I know it will be even better with Aurorae’s Hope Yoga Mat.

And now on to the photos and in-depth review…

First, let’s start with opening the box. It was like Christmas morning! I think this would be the perfect gift for anyone who loves yoga, or is considering getting in to it.

Aurorae Delivery!

I requested the Hope Aurorae Yoga Mat, not only because it’s pink – and pink is my favorite color – but because its message emanates such peace and beauty.

Intuitive

Faithful

Visionary

Power of Positive Thought

Energetic

Healing

Wow. Pretty powerful stuff. And very inspiring!

All Three Items

Aurorae Yoga Mats

About the Company

It’s always nice to get a feel for the people behind the products. And that’s why I always try to share some background on the company, its history, and/or its owner. I love learning why the company was created and how it was born. And so far I haven’t been disappointed. This time is no different. I’m truly inspired by the founder of Aurorae Yoga – and I believe you will be, too.

Dennis Ingui is a fighter. He is passionate about life and health and he’s not just interested in a thriving business, he has a desire to share with the world quality products that will enhance our yoga practice and help us live healthier, happier, more enriched lives.

See for yourself.

From the site:

I started this company from the passion I developed for yoga over the past nine years. Being a cancer survivor since 2001, I needed an outlet in my life to help build my body as well as develop inner peace for my mind. Yoga has helped accomplish both these goals for me while also making many new friends and energizing me with a positive and balanced attitude toward life.

I’m not an instructor or a yogi, just a dedicated student that has enriched his life through yoga and understands what a regular everyday student needs in their yoga practice.

Your business is always appreciated and we at Aurorae look forward to servicing your yoga needs and hopefully making a few new friends along the way.

Thank you.

Dennis Ingui /President & CEO

Aurorae

Remember, "it’s your yoga" so don’t be intimidated or uncomfortable. Relax, Enjoy and Namaste

Need I say more about this man, or company? Congratulations to Dennis on being a cancer survivor and thank you for sharing your passion – and awesome yoga products – with the world!

Pros

This mat is soft, thick, luxurious, beautiful and inspiring. I love that each mat has a name and inspirational meanings. It’s wonderful to practice yoga on a mat that makes you feel so wonderful – and how fantabulous that my pink mat has such a beautiful message:

Intuitive

Faithful

Visionary

Power of Positive Thought

Energetic

Healing

Ah, healing…  it’s a sign! This site, after all, is a tribute to my own healing journey.

I just had to list those inspiring words again. I love ‘em! And they seriously represent how I feel about my life and yoga.

And did I mention how soft and plush this mat is?

Cons

You may want to sleep on it! I’m not kidding. This is a fantabulous yoga mat!! How can I say something negative? I can’t find anything bad!

Verdict/Grade

I absolutely must give this mat an A+ because (as I mentioned above) it’s soft, thick, luxurious, inspiring, beautiful – and it’s only $30! I don’t think the price is bad at all – especially considering it’s such high quality, and a VERY worthy investment. After all, isn’t health and exercise important? Living a longer, fuller life is absolutely important.

I’m sure $30 isn’t even half the cost of what a lot of you would spend on shoes or clothes. Let’s make health a priority!

I can’t imagine that anyone wouldn’t be pleased with their purchase. Seriously! It’s that awesome.

Also, I saw some yoga mats at the store the other day (other brands around $20 – they were SO thin!).

And you can get your own fantabulous Aurorae mat here, in my Raw Shop!!

Are you a yoga lover? Do you have any Aurorae products? Do you have one of these mats? If so, which one do you have, and why did you choose it? The color? The message? Both? And if you don’t have one of these mats, which one would you choose? You can share why you’d choose that mat, too. Get a feel for Aurorae – I have a surprise for you!!!

Coming Soon

In no particular order…

• Review of Aurorae Sport Sweat Towel
• Review of Aurorae Slip Free Rosin Bag
• Health Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses – And Why I Drink It
• Tart Cherry Concentrate Health Benefits – And Why I Drink It
• More recipes
• More reviews and giveaways – lots of surprises!

Contest Alerts

The Delightful Learning blog is giving away a GALLON of Tropical Traditions shredded coconut!!!

Bitt, from A Bitt of Raw, is giving away a Vivapura raw foods package!

Ashlei, The Vegster, is hosting a $50 shopping spree for Swanson!

And don’t forget about my Tropical Traditions giveaway for organic, raw, wild honey.

Disclaimer #2: The links to Amazon are affiliate links, so if you purchase anything once you click on them, I will earn a small commission. Thank you in advance for supporting Raw Juice Girl’s hard work!

I’ve blogged about yoga before. It complements raw living so well in my life. I honestly feel like it is wholesome for me, like it grounds me, and brings me full circle from deep within. It’s still amazing to me how many differences there are when I compare the times I’m practicing yoga, and when I am not.

Doesn’t the gal in this photo look so at peace? Of course, there were lots of other cool yoga photos I could’ve chosen for this post, but I thought the hay was the best fit – considering I’m in Amish country.

I’m going to share the pros and cons of yoga vs no yoga in my life later (below) but first, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite go-to yoga resources.

YogaisYummy.net – I came across this gem a while back. I immediately loved Polly’s bright, sunny, positive attitude and her fun yoga videos. I continue to use her videos – especially if I’m short on time (her videos are each 10 minutes in length).

Stacy McCarthy’s Yoga Body Lean & Defined Total Body Workout DVD – I loooooooooooooooooooove this DVD. Seriously, y’all. I think it’s fantabulous! Stacy’s voice is so reassuring and one thing she says that really resonated with me the first time I ever played it, was this:

“Be slow to judge and quick to acknowledge your efforts toward a healthy life.”

That’s a difficult thing to do, but so rewarding!

The Bolder Mat Company – I love this company! They’re passionate about the environment and they make beautiful mats that are not only inspiring to practice yoga on, but they’re actually sticky mats that are good quality and serve a purpose. They’re cushy, too!

Ali MacGraw – Yoga Mind & Body DVD – This was a gift from a reader. Mika sent me her very own (treasured!) copy and I was so honored that she blessed me with that gift! By the time I get to shavasana with this DVD, I feel like I’ve died and gone to Heaven! (I blogged about Mika’s gift here.)

Where the Lemon Water Comes In

A lot of you have asked why I love drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach). I shared my answer on the FAQ page but I’ll paste it here for your convenience.

Lemons are loaded with goodies your bodies need such as Vitamin C and heart- and cancer-fighting compounds like limonin and limolene. I love them. I have been drinking warm lemon water each morning before breakfast for a long time now. My Mom is a HUGE advocate of lemons and we have been having them in our iced tea for oodles of years. The warm lemon water (drank on an empty stomach) helps alkalize the body, jumpstarts your liver and bowel and flushes your kidneys and bladder. It’s very cleansing to your body. Lemons boost your immune system, lower histamine levels, and help give your skin an overall healthy glow. I definitely feel less energetic and have less “umph” on days I don’t get my lemon!

Hope that helps you understand my obsession with warm lemon water.

Warm Lemon Water Recipe

Ingredients:

• a slice of lemon (you can use up to a half of a lemon)
• a cup of hot water
• a drizzle of (raw) honey or organic stevia (optional – I drink mine plain, without sweetener)

Directions:

1. Add some water to your tea kettle.
2. Heat the water (don’t let it boil).
3. Squeeze the lemon slice/wedge into your cup.
4. Pour hot water in to cup (about 3/4 full).
5. Sip and enjoy.

Tip: Don’t chug this down. Slip it slowly. I eat about half an hour (sometimes up to 45 minutes) after I’ve drank all my warm lemon water.

Back to Yoga

So, when I’m not practicing yoga and drinking warm lemon water every morning, I feel:

• stagnant
• stiff
• lethargic
• moody
• out of balance
• hungrier
• sleepy
• blocked on my writing/blogging
• etc.

When I am practicing yoga and drinking warm lemon water every morning, I feel:

• stronger
• happier
• more grounded
• more alert
• healthier
• less hungry
• more radiant
• more confident
• like I’m bursting at the seams with words to write
• and much more

I sleep better, too, when yoga and lemon water make their way into my day!

What about you? What grounds you and makes you feel more centered and just healthier and better? Is it yoga? Raw foods? Smoothies? Running? Please share!

Photo Credits:

jhoc (yoga)

spakattacks (lemon)

Michele L. Tune

Health Websites and Blogs

Health sites and blogs are abundant all across the Web, but which ones should you invest your time in? Which ones share accurate information? I’m sure there are a ton of other fabulous health sites out there, and I might have even come across them, but today I want to focus on just three of my recommendations and why I recommend them.

KathEats.com

Health Blog: KathEats.com

Health is #1 priority with Kath. I’ve been reading this blog for quite a while. I love the fact that Kath reached her goal weight and successfully maintains it by exercising, eating healthfully, and staying focused on ultimate health. Kath isn’t a vegetarian but she doesn’t eat a lot of meat. She also finds ways to incorporate tofu and veggie burgers into her meals. You’ll find lots of salads as Kath loads up on the veggies. And, you’ll be absolutely amazed at her creativity when it comes to eating oatmeal almost every morning! She even has a special Tribute to Oatmeal page that she updates once in a while. Kath is so personable, you can’t help but be inspired to live a healthy life when you read her posts. I can’t say enough great things about KathEats.com (a.k.a. KERF). Enjoy your visit!

Wellsphere.com

Health knowledge made personal

I’ve been visiting Wellsphere.com for a while now and recently shared with you that I’ve been welcomed to the Wellsphere Health Community as a Top Health Blogger (which I’m thrilled about!). The variety of topics at this site is simply amazing. From vegetarian to weight loss to sports to fitness and exercise to information on various illnesses and green living, there is a massive amount of resources in the Wellsphere Community. I guarantee you won’t be able to get to it all in one visit – you’ll have to visit time and again and absorb it in snippets. Wellsphere.com is definitely a health site you’ll want to bookmark and return to from now on. You can also join the Wellsphere Community and actively participate in healthy conversations. I’ll see you there! (Add me as a friend if you join.)

Dr. Emily Kane

Health and Alternative Medicine

This health site is new to me. I discovered it when Esculon Magazine (owned by Alexandra Mihaescu)  mentioned HealingwithJuices.com in an article about juicing: “Learn all about juice fasting and what it can do for you from Dr. Emily Kane and Michele Tune.” I hadn’t heard of Dr. Emily Kane so I went to check her out. Her site is full of alternative medicine-related articles. One of her articles that I enjoyed immensely and find to be a fabulous resource is Tips for Reducing Stress. Be sure to take your time and have a look around, dig through her archives, and gobble up the natural health knowledge she so willingly shares with her readers. You’ll be glad you did!

I’ll be sharing more fantabulous health sites in upcoming posts – including a new one I’ve been working on – so be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get  free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and tips to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health.

Have you ever visited any of these health sites? Did you bookmark them? Did I leave out any important aspects about these sites? So, which health sites do you frequent? Join in (or start up) the conversation and spill the beans!

Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices (and smoothies!)

Michele L. Tune

Last week we talked about taking our life and health back in 2009. We also looked at how to focus on short-term goals so we can actually reach the health goals we set for ourselves. Today I’d like to talk to you about continuing to make that happen. Choosing health over temptation isn’t easy. In fact, it’s far from it. When everyone else is pigging out on luscious looking deep-fried foods and oversized sodas, milk shakes, or liquor it takes more than a little self-control to be able to sit on the sidelines and eat a salad, sip a water or unsweetened tea, and focus on your health instead of “being in the moment” with the crowd that surrounds you. Right?

I paid my dues doing that. I’ve lost over 100 pounds and it didn’t happen because I joined in with the others at the table who were eating whatever they wanted. Yes, I had to sit through people gobbling up gorgeous chocolate cake or creamy mashed potatoes. But I made it. My sacrifices paid off and I can hardly believe how different my life is now compared to then. My weight loss happened (slowly) because I decided to take my health back.

I’ve only shared a teeny bit of my story but here’s a quick summary: After barely surviving domestic violence, I was in pretty bad shape. My life was in shambles and I honestly never thought I’d see the pieces fit back together again. I was so broken, so depressed, and in such bad health my future looked hopeless at times. In my 20′s, my medical records read like a senior citizen’s (seriously). I suffered all sorts of health issues and was on numerous medications to control them, and required a few surgeries. My weight ballooned up to near 300 pounds and I literally experienced “laying on my death bed” – it was bad…

Raw juices and juice fasting has been a huge part of my healing process.

Someday I hope to publish a book about my journey, but until then I’ll blog and share snippets and I’ll do my best to be that inspiration you need when you’re home alone and you’re only connection with the world is your computer – or when the house is sleeping – and food and unhealthy drinks are calling your name. It’s my desire to be comfort when you need it, a resource for raw juice and smoothie recipes when you want to whip one up, and to be a friendly voice so you know you’re not alone on your weight loss and/or health journey.

Let 2009 be the year you focus on you. If you don’t take care of you, you can’t take care of those you love. You’re worth it. You’re health is worth it. Life is precious. You deserve ultimate health. What is your health worth to you? Mine is priceless.

Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get  free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and tips to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health.

Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices (and smoothies!)