Yoga and Doga

Peak Fulfillment's Cloud Yoga Mat

I'm new to the world of yoga.  With that being said, I need a mat that provides ample support, doesn't slide, and feels comfortable on my bare feet.  That's where Peak Fulfillment's Cloud Yoga Mat comes in.  It's thick with extra cushion making it the perfect yoga mat for beginners like me.

Long Enough for Someone 6'4" to Do Yoga

I'm 5'6" so I don't need an extra long mat but am pleased to note that some of my taller friends can use the Cloud Yoga Mat with ease.  I like the fact that I can keep my yoga strap, water bottle, towel, and bolster pillow at one end of the mat where it's out of the way but still within reach when I need it. It's eco-friendly and toxin-free which are must-haves in my house as I try to buy only products that align with my values.

I Think Joplin May Want to Try Doga!

I love the idea of Doga, yoga with your dog!  I discovered the website Doga Dog: Yoga Doggie Style and its free videos.  I can't wait to see if Joplin feels the same way about yoga that I do.  She loves being touched so I'm sure she'll like doga!

Doggie Yoga is Good for Their Hips and Joints

Here's what I love about the mat:

• It's 100% recyclable!
• It's dual textured meaning both sides offer different benefits to yoginis.
• It's odor-free.  I can't stand chemical smells stinking up my home!
• It comes with a 100% money back guarantee.

Here's Doga Dog's free videos: http://www.dogadog.com/DowloadVideos.html and a link to get your own Cloud Yoga Mat from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XB177GK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage.

Disclaimer: "I received this item at a discount in exchange for an unbiased review."

Matcha, Matcha, Matcha Want?

Making Homemade Lip Balm

So, what's the deal with matcha tea?  What makes it so hip and desirable?  Why are chefs using it and celebrities drinking it?  How is it better than regular green tea?

Matcha tea is essentially finally ground green tea leaves.  The powder is the same color as and tastes a lot like spinach.  According to Health.com, matcha tea is rich in antioxidants and is known to protect against heart disease and cancer.  It helps a person age better, lower their blood pressure, and regulate their blood sugar. Take that green smoothies!

Matcha is also perfect for using in homemade beauty products which I've chosen to share with you today. I took my can of Midori Spring Matcha Organic Ceremonial Quality Green Tea Powder and added it to a recipe I found online for Green Tea & Citrus Lip Balm found on the Vitacost website.  As any good creative does, I made adaptions to make up for my lack of cocoa butter (I used shea butter instead) and substituted the pots for lip balm tubes.

I did not brew the matcha.  Instead, I measured it out and added it directly to the coconut oil.  An intense shade of green, the color alone told me that I'd need to use less next time.  Because it’s potent, a little goes a long way.

Check Out the Beautiful Green Color!

Here’s what I like about Midori Spring matcha tea:

 It comes in a vacuum sealed bag in a beautiful canister which helps it maintain its freshness.
 It’s GMO-free, gluten-free, and organic.
 It smells amazing.
 It’s a versatile ingredient and healthy, too!
 A little goes a long way.

The lip balm was the first of many recipes I plan to try.  Having a can of matcha tea on hand lets me experiment in the kitchen.  I think I may try making these Matcha Raspberry Bliss Balls next.  What do you think about that idea?

Disclaimer: I received this item for free from Midori Spring in exchange for an unbiased review.  All opinions expressed in my blog are mine and mine alone.