Life Lessons From My Dogs

A & S 2My husband and I have two dogs (Sebastian and Annabelle) that we cherish and love. They are are more like children to us then pets. They have made our lives so special in so many ways. They’ve shown us endless amounts love and devotion and we could not be more grateful to have them as a part of our family.  In fact, because we love our dogs so much we decided to adopt one more… a little pug we named Liberty. LIBERTYWe could not be more excited.  As our family continues to grow, my heart continues to expand as I open myself up to more love than I’ve ever imagined.  I owe a lot to these special dogs.

Having dogs has taught me so much about life and love, so I’ve decided to dedicate this week’s blog to my babies.  Here are some of the things I’ve learned from my dogs! Enjoy! Continue reading Life Lessons From My Dogs

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Block Party

Why yoga blocks can enhance your yoga poses:

block crowDid you ever try using blocks for yoga? If not, you should consider incorporating them into your yoga routine.  Blocks can be extremely useful to your yoga practice. They can help provide length, stability, and comfort, but can also create a challenge and are a great way to enhance your practice.

Blocks can help you progress into the more challenging variations of certain yoga poses, helping you build better strength and balance, and allowing your body to get into a more effective shape of the posture.

Yoga blocks provide: Flexibility, Strength, Support, & Balance

block pyramidAs you work to increase balance and flexibility in your practice, yoga blocks are a great tool. Yoga blocks allow you to safely move into poses so that you are aligned, open, and feeling good.block triangle When your are having a hard time performing some poses, for example half moon pose, warrior pose, pyramid, or triangle; the blocks can serve as a supporting tool that you can place your hand(s) on to help bring the floor to you, allowing for added length to your arms and getting full extension in the pose. Choose the block height based on your flexibility. Note that you may choose a different height each time you get on your mat.

Yoga blocks can also provide support. Blocks can support your head and neck during lying positions or support your weight during sitting and standing positions. In a lying position, place the block under your neck to avoid straining your neck or spine. In seated positions, try sitting on a block; either cross legged or legs behind you as in hero’s pose for example. Sitting on a block is a great way to alleviate any tension or discomfort on your knees. When in a standing pose, for an extra challenge or degree of difficulty, try standing on the block (i.e. maybe in tree pose or warrior III) and see how it feels, this is a great way to work your balance and your core.


butt on blockAdditionally, since yoga blocks can help support weight, they can also maintain balance. This is helpful during standing, squatting, as well as sitting positions. Blocks will help you find your center of gravity so you can maintain your balance and hold a position longer, feeling more open and aligned.block bridge 2

So next time you’re in class, rather than worrying about how the blocks will make you look, think about how they will make you feel!

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Giving is Good for You!

hand heartAs most of you may be aware, I love hosting fundraisers and raising money for charity. I am  always looking for new ways to give back. In fact, in a previous blog, I wrote about why I love running on a charity team team so much. Being able to help and support others is something I am incredibly passionate about. I support many charities and organizations and find true joy and happiness in being able to help others. In fact, I have made a career out of helping others. I want to leave my mark on the world so that when I look back at my life, I can say that I gave it my all, that I helped as many people as I could, making a difference in their lives through my actions and words.   Continue reading Giving is Good for You!

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Best Outdoor Activities to Rejuvenate You- NJ

No time like the summer to remind yourself to get outside and take a breath of fresh air. Stepping away is always the best option for a fresh perspective.

Nature offers one of the most reliable boosts to your mental and physical well-being. So get outside and enjoy some of the wonders that nature has to offer. 

Here a few of my favorite outdoor activities:

faculty roadRunning: I enjoy running around the streets of Princeton with my friends, but the Delaware and Raritan Canal (D & R) has a lot to offer. The D & R Canal is one of central New Jersey’s most popular recreational corridors. You can jog, but also canoe, hike, bike, and even horseback ride. The canal and towpath are part of the National Recreational Trail System.  With nearly 36 miles of the main canal and 22 miles of the feeder canal, you’ve got plenty of miles for your running pleasure.  

bikingBiking: I have recently taken up biking and have quickly grown to love it. I’ve been enjoying spending time outdoors with my husband. I always look forward to our weekend rides together.  I feel fortunate that we live where we do, because Central NJ has a lot of wonderful places to bike.  Somerset County parks offer bikers many trails for biking recreation. Whether you are a novice or expert, using a mountain bike or a ten-speed, they’ve got you covered.

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Hiking: The Somerset County Park Commission offers many miles of trails throughout its park system, many of which meander through pristine, picturesque settings. The trails give hikers a chance to seek solitude, watch wildlife, and enjoy the great outdoors.

You can visit: Little Brook Sanctuary, Lord Stirling Park, Center Trails, Natirar, Skillman Park, Sourland Mountain Preserve, or Washington Valley Park.

beach handstandGoing to the Beach: New Jersey has so many incredible beaches.  With 130 miles of coastline, spanning from Sandy Hook to Cape May, NJ offers many white sand beaches that are sure to please.  Along the coast, you will find barrier islands, bays, majestic lighthouses, fishing villages and of course many scenic views. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the sun, sand, surf, fun and excitement that the Jersey Shore has to offer. Find a beach that’s right for you: http://njmonthly.com/articles/jersey-shore/best-beaches/

No matter what you enjoy, you’re sure to find something outdoors in New Jersey to help you recharge!

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What I learned on my trip to Disney World…

Last dans family picweekend I went to Disney World with my husband’s family. We went to celebrate my in-laws 50th Wedding Anniversary. While Disney World is not really my thing; I don’t like rides, I get unfortable in big crowds, don’t do well waiting in lines, and I do not like the heat and humidity…I still had a great time and I learned a few things along the way. Continue reading What I learned on my trip to Disney World…

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