Monday, September 1, 2014

Shine your light project

My beautiful new friend, Melora Morgan, asked me to share my favorite pose and why it inspires me for her #shineurlight project in the hopes of awakening people to all of the amazing benefits of yoga besides the physical.
"I'm hoping to teach people who may be nervous about yoga, or feel like they aren't flexible enough or balanced enough to even try. If they hear other people's stories, it may help them to open their heart and eyes to the multitude of benefits that yoga brings. Physical, mental, and spiritual." - Melora Morgan, founder of Serenity Tree Yoga





Ustrasana is one of my favorite heart openers because it makes me feel vulnerable and open. It exposes you and shifts your gaze away from anything coming towards you that could be potentially threatening.

In the last few months, I've placed myself in vulnerable situations with purpose. Situations I typically like avoiding! I left a comfortable job at the risk of failure, I've said "no" when ordinarily I would be passive to avoid confrontation, and I'm wearing my heart on my sleeve with the risk of being hurt. Whatever the outcome in any of these given situations- I'm accepting.

We tend to associate vulnerability with weakness, and hide behind what we're good at or what's familiar to us. Maybe out of fear of failure, confrontation, or being hurt. But if we become defensive or numb ourselves... with drugs, alcohol, work, food... we can avoid all those uncomfortable feelings right? But numbing ourselves to the discomfort of vulnerability does more damage than good. We rob ourselves of growth, love, forgiveness, and support. So you see it's not vulnerability that makes us weak, it's avoiding it all together.

Approach joy, challenges, and disappointments with the same earnest. Challenge yourself to accept vulnerability. Start a relationship even if there's no guarantee it'll work out. It's scary as shit. Do it anyways. Share your gifts and talents freely with the risk of ridicule. Share it anyways.

Fail. Succeed. Do both with an open heart. Then shine on.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Unless you've been living under a rock, you might have heard about the ALS Ice bucket challenge.


The ALS association is the only non-profit organization raising funds to fight Amyotrphic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. It's a neurodegenerative disorder affecting approximately 5,600 new patients every year. It is progressive and causes paralysis of voluntary muscles. In rare cases, patients can survive with this disease for more than 20 years, but in most cases patients will only live about 2-5 years after diagnosis.

What's this have to do with dumping ice water on your head?
The Ice Bucket Challenge is just a fun way the association has used to get the word out, raise awareness, and raise funds for research. And they've done just that, reaching 1.2 million new donors with this challenge, and raising $70.2 million so far this year, compared to $2.4 million they raised by this time last year.

Challengers are dared to either complete the challenge within 24 hours of being nominated, or donate $100 to the ALS association. I'll gladly say, most of my friends who have posted their videos have accepted the challenge AND donated to this cause.



Even celebrities have jumped on the bandwagon. Probably one of my favorites was uploaded by Chris Pratt!




And David Beckham
....I could honestly watch that 10 more times


I sat around like the last kid to be picked in gym class, waiting to be nominated. And received two nominations within 24 hours, from my dad (yea...I can't believe my dad was picked before me, I've apparently underestimated his coolness) and from challenge duo, Brody & Shaun. I was only willing to post one video, but upon learning of my second nomination, my mother had other plans in mind...



Although I'm not overly fond of dumping clean drinking water on the ground, mom did say she needed to water that side of the yard anyways today icon wink C. Wonder Weekend Sale    40 50% of everything!

Before you donate to any foundation or fundraising event, I urge you to do a little research on charities before making a contribution. Mindfully give to those who are transparent about their funding...how much actually goes towards research, and how much revenue the CEO pockets. The ALS association scored very high, so you can take comfort in knowing your money is going to an accountable cause!

So for those others like me, still waiting to be nominated to participate...this is for YOU! I challenge any reader who has not yet known the fatal freeze that is the Ice bucket challenge, to post your video and #alsicebucketchallenge and #yogabarrechs so I can see yours!

If you want to 96 the challenge but still want to make a difference, donate here!


Friday, August 15, 2014

Charleston James Island Connector Run

JIC run 2013

This past November, I ran the Charleston James Island Connector Run as a race ambassador with my family, Shanna, and Shannon. It was such a well organized event and benefits a great cause, the Gavalas Kolanko Foundation. It's a partnership of local Charleston sponsors with CofC, CSU, The Citadel, TTC, and the Art Institute to provide scholarships to students with disabilities. As a rehabilitation counselor, you know this is near and dear to my heart and is important for me be involved with in my community. I plan on running it again this year and I've been looking forward to it literally since I finished the race last year!





As an ambassadorI was able to meet the recipients of last year's GKF scholarship and speak with each student individually about their plans for college. The kids blew me away! I had a chance to talk with a few families of these brilliant students, two parents in particular who were lighting up the entire room with their smiles. I knew immediately who their son was in the group of 13 recipients. He was smiling even bigger than they were, and it was so contagious I found myself grinning ear to ear! They talked about how proud they were of him, how smart he was, and what he wanted to do when he graduated college. This was a BIG deal for them. For several students with disabilities, the cost of medical equipment and disability management is an issue. This foundation extends the opportunity for a college education to students who may otherwise not have the funds. I don't run the race to break records (because Lord know I'm slow as molasses). I run the race for these kids! The 6 hills are just an added bonus ;-)

There's a 5k and 10k run/walk option, as well as a 10k bike before the runners start. The race features stunning views of the Charleston peninsula via the James Island Connector, normally not a bridge pedestrians are allowed to run on! The race itself is big enough that you feel this inspiring sense of community, yet small enough that the crowd isn't overwhelming (unlike other bridge runs *ahem*) icon wink C. Wonder Weekend Sale    40 50% of everything!




Use discount code: Melissa14 at checkout for 20% off


If you don't want to run/walk, but still want to be involved, volunteers are needed to fill lots of roles before, during, and after the race! Sign up here to volunteer!

(No, I did not mean to rhyme)


Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Millions of peaches, peaches for me!

We went peach picking out at St. Julien Plantation in Eutawville!


There's nothing I love baking more during the summer than Peach Cobbler. Every single recipe I've come across has been different, but in my humble, untrained palate, I prefer a simpler flavor. I think any spice besides cinnamon can overpower the peaches and a little nutmeg in my cobbler can ruin it for me! So the recipes I've seen for "easy peach cobbler," don't compare to how easy this recipe I use is. It is SIMPLY the best!


SUPER Easy Peach Cobbler


Ingredients:
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup self rising flour
3/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 - 3/4 stick butter (I use 1/2 in a dark casserole dish)
2 cups cut up peaches (for me, this was 3 large peaches)

Directions:
Melt butter in casserole dish. Mix sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, and milk together to a smooth paste. Pour into middle of melted butter. DO NOT STIR!! Spoon in the peaches and resist the urge to stir! 
Bake at 325 for 90 minutes. Depending on your oven, you may not need the full 90 minutes. I like a bit of a crust so it's my preference to leave it in that long! And oh my gosh it is sooo good! Bon appetit!

This picture does NOT do it justice!



Tuesday, July 1, 2014

What's PiYo?!

What is PiYo?!




PiYo was created by Chalene Johnson. It's a unique workout presented by BeachBody that "combines the muscle-sculpting, core-firming benefits of Pilates with the strength and flexibility advantages of Yoga." It's a fast, low-impact exercise that uses no hand weights, but instead lengthens and tones muscles using your own body weight. 

"I wanted to create a workout that would work for every age and fitness level."                                                                                                              - Chalene Johnson

Want to see it first hand what it's like?

Come find out for yourself this Thursday!





Wednesday, June 18, 2014

6 Recipes for Healthy Burgers

I need to be better about posting food more often! Those seem to be the entries that get the most hits! It's a day late..sorry bout that, but here's a Tasty Tuesday post with 6 healthy burgers to the heavier greaseburger option we've all come to know and love. I want to make an effort this summer to eat less red meat. I tried it for Lent this past season, and if I were to be graded, I would've scored a 78% (oops). I really love steak! And it's hard for me to pass up an opportunity to eat good BBQ or grill out. Especially now that the weather is so nice! I scoured up a few recipes I plan on trying this summer that I think you'll enjoy icon wink C. Wonder Weekend Sale    40 50% of everything!


1. Quinoa turkey burger with caramelized kale and onions

Full recipe at Fabtastic Eats 

The recipe sounds mouthwatering! I'll definitely be trying this one first. Until last month, I'd never cooked kale before...it's so tasty sauteed with a bit of garlic! This recipe's not exactly meeting the terms of an ahimsic diet that my yoga teacher training encourages, but hey..baby steps.



2. Teriyaki salmon burger


Full recipe at Grill This, Not That

A nice pescetarian option! I had a very similar salmon burger at the First Flush Festival a few weeks ago at the Charleston Tea Plantation. I can't remember what the name of the food truck was, but they have an actual restaurant on Folly Rd. It was really good! I've never attempted making a salmon burger before so this should be interesting.



3. Green chile cheeseburger


Full recipe at Cook This, Not That

OK. Not everyone has jumped on the gluten free, vegan/vegetarian (or even pescetarian) band wagon. Here's a nice MEATY burger that's still very healthy. And not that I count calories (I don't even know what that means) but this burger is under 400 while your typical burger at a restaurant is over 1,000!



4. Spicy chickpea veggie burger


Full recipe at Running on Real Food

For those looking for a gluten free and/or vegan option, this looks great! I do love some hummus so I just may give this one a shot. I am a bit concerned about the texture and structure though, so if you happen to try this one let me know how you like it and how you kept it from falling apart!



5. Stuffed Portobello burgers with caramelized onions


Full recipe at Women's Health

I don't often cook with mushrooms, but when I do I always wish I'd made more. (Did that sound like a weird Dos Equis commercial?) Good thing this recipe makes 4!


6. Build your own vegetarian burger


You could always make your own recipe! I've discovered the perfect formula:
[1 lb beans of your choice] + [1/2 c onion, chopped and 1 garlic clove, minced] + [2 c veggies of your choice] + [3 tbsp liquid flavoring] + [4 tsp - 2 spices of your choice] + [1 c binder of your choice] + [1/2 c texture optional]

Beans - Use a food processor but watch your consistency. You don't want it too emulsified. For beans I recommend using lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, or black beans. But remember black beans can be pretty dominant and even if you use a little, you're making a black bean burger no matter what you use next

Veggies - I suggest carrots, celery, spinach, kale, artichoke, zucchini, or squash

Liquid flavoring - Mix and match from the following: ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire, teriyaki, buffalo, balsamic vinegar, salsa, pasta sauce

Spice - I suggest combining at least 2 of the following: paprika, cumin, chili powder, italian seasoning, black pepper, cayenne pepper, fennel, oregano, curry powder, and salt IF your liquid flavoring doesn't already contain any

Binder - I recommend sweet potato, bread crumbs or panko, quinoa, buckwheat, or oatmeal

Texture - I recommend avocado, sun dried tomatoes, olives, mushrooms, or crushed cashew, walnut, or almond

*TIP:: If your patties are too mushy and not holding the shape, add a bit of flour or baking powder!*




There are countless wonderful recipes online for healthy burgers and vegetarian options. If you have one you particularly love, share it with me in a comment down below!




Saturday, May 31, 2014

We have lift off!

Ever since my last post (announcing the Barre Launch event), life has been a complete and total whirlwind.





I....
- taught two classes at the Barre launch event and it went GREAT! Could not have asked for a better turnout. There was lots of newbies and the ladies in attendance loved the class. Extra shoutout to my friends and family who attended in support!
- got a job offer for an addictions counselor position (and YES, of course I accepted). I start on Monday :-)
- flew to Colorado for some much needed R&R and to watch my cousin, Madison, graduate

The view from Cambio Yoga studio, where I spent one morning practice. Beautiful isn't it?! 

- started teaching 3 Barre classes a week at Pivotal in West Ashley. There's been a pretty good turnout each time, and in each class, the "first timers" are still the majority! Which is awesome..the program is steadily growing. If you haven't come to my class yet, you've got to try it out! Tuesdays at 6pm, Wednesdays at 5:30, or Saturday mornings at 9. Take your pick :-) 
- had my last day at Voc Rehab yesterday and it was so bittersweet. My coworkers threw me a lovely party..and afterparty icon wink C. Wonder Weekend Sale    40 50% of everything! Many people have asked me if I'm excited. Of course I'm excited, but it also really hasn't hit me yet. I don't think it will until I'm on my way to work at 4:30 Monday morning. (Yea...the work hours are 5am-1pm) This is a good thing though, as it gives more time in the afternoons to enjoy daylight and I'll need the extra hours because...
- will be starting my 5 month journey with Holy Cow to become a yoga teacher beginning this weekend!! I am so flippin excited. I've been counting down the days since December when I started putting my application together.

Whew!
You think I've got enough on my plate?! 

Link


So tell me, since I've been putting together playlists for my Barre classes, what song gets you goin at the gym? Comment below! :-)



Saturday, May 10, 2014

Barre Launch Event is HERE!!

I have been waiting months to finally announce a date for the Barre Launch event at Charleston Pivotal Fitness!!!


It's here!! Join us this Wednesday, May 14th



Space is limited to 25 people so there will be 3 separate times to accommodate:
9:00 AM with Jessica L
5:30 PM with ME!!
7:00 PM with me!!

**Sign up sheet is located at the front desk of the Pivotal Fitness-West Ashley**
The Launch event is open to both members and non-members. RSVPing for the Facebook event will not secure your spot- you must either sign up at the gym or give them a ring at (843) 571-5858.
First come, first serve so act quickly!



Me, every time I have to go anywhere besides the yoga studio:




But seriously,
What do I wear?!

From the beautiful Caroline at This Styled Life


1.  I recommend dressing comfortably in a fitness top that's not too loose and not too tight. There is seated work and leg lifting so I don't recommend wearing shorts, unless you don't mind flashing 25 other people. Anything knee length or longer and fits close to the skin is good.

2. Bring a yoga mat if you've got one! If you don't, no worries you can borrow one from the gym

3.  You don't have to wear "sticky socks" since the studio is hard wood floors, but if you have them and you feel so inclined, by all means bring 'em. But if you don't already own a pair, you don't need to go out and buy them icon wink C. Wonder Weekend Sale    40 50% of everything!

4. A smile! Don't be nervous! If this is your first time at a Barre class, you are part of the majority! Hydrate before you come, and bring a bottle of water cus you. will. sweat.



Get ready to get down...it's gonna be a BLAST!






***UPDATE!! - My 5:30 class has only one spot left! Tiffany is no longer teaching the 7:00 class, it'll be with me now! That class still has 10 spots left so call the gym and get on the list ASAP! (843) 571-5858***






Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Sweet and Sour Chicken

This was MMM mmm good! Stephen made this a while ago; he found this recipe on AllRecipes and it turned out amazing. That's cooked rice, steamed with some green beans there in the background.

Sweet and Sour chicken recipe found here

Ingredients
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp garlic salt
10 chicken tenders (or a package of chicken tenderloins)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup chicken brother
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp salt



Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375
2. Pour cornstarch and garlic salt into large resealable bag
3. Dip chicken strips in beaten egg and drop in cornstarch mixture. Shake chicken in bag until all pieces are fully coated
4. Heat vegetable oil in skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken for about 5 minutes.
5. Stir vinegar, sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, soy sauce, and salt together in bowl.
6. Arrange browned chicken in baking dish and pour vinegar mixture over the chicken.
7. Bake in preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Spot check for color- should come out golden!

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Spicy Sausage Pasta

I've had this recipe pinned for over two years! About time I decide to make it!

From Kevin and Amanda

Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb smoked sausage (I used Johnsonville mild Italian sausage)
1 1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chiles
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 oz penne pasta (I used elbow maccarroni because 3 years ago, Christian bought 10 boxes
"because they were on sale"--and I've been trying to get rid of them ever since)
1/2 tsp salt and pepper, each
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (I used the last of the Fontina cheese)
1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions


Directions
  1. Add olive oil to skillet and cook sausage and onions til light brown.  Add garlic and cook about 1 minute.
  2. Add broth, tomatoes, cream, pasta, salt, and pepper. Stir together and bring to a boil.  Cover and reduce heat to medium-low.  Simmer for about 15 minutes (or until pasta is tender).
  3. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 of your cheese.  Top with the remaining cheese and scallions (do not stir!) Broil until cheese is melted, spotty brown, and bubbly.



Tuesday, April 22, 2014

6 layer salad

This year, we introduced a new recipe into our typical "Easter with the family" food spread. I've seen several recipes for this 6 layer salad before, all with slight variations, but since I'd given up mammals for Lent, any recipe including bacon was out of the question.

Mom found this recipe at Taste of Home online. We both get the magazine in the mail, but I'm glad she is starting to use her iPhone for more than just group messaging! icon wink C. Wonder Weekend Sale    40 50% of everything! I particularly like this recipe because of the chicken, it's super simple, and also because you make it the night before and less worry in the morning.


From Taste of Home

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups uncooked small pasta shells
1 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cups shredded lettuce (I recommend red leaf or romaine)
3 hard boiled eggs, sliced
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
1 package (10 oz) frozen peas, thawed

Dressing
1 cup mayo
1/4 cup sour cream
2 green onions, chopped
2 tsp Dijon mustard

Toppings
1 cup (4 oz) shredded Colby or Monterey Jack cheese (we used Colby)
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley



Directions
  1. Cook pasta according to package; drain and rinse with cold water.  Drizzle with oil and toss to coat
  2. Place the lettuce in a 2 1/2 qt. glass serving bowl; top with pasta and eggs. (It could look more aesthetically pleasing to stand your eggs up sideways against the glass if you're into the whole presentation thing!) Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Layer chicken and peas.
  4. In a small bowl, mix dressing ingredients until blended and spread over top. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.
  5. Just before serving, sprinkle with cheese and parsley.



Sunday, April 20, 2014

Easter Olympics

I'm really missing my cousins today :-( 


3 years ago, we started an Easter tradition dubbed "The Easter Olympics"
Complete with a cut throat egg hunt and, seen here, the "Fluffy Bunny" competition.

I haven't eaten Peeps since.

This is hilarious


Last year, we took it up a notch and our parents hid 75 eggs along with 10 mini bottles. Most eggs contained dollar bills but a few held slips of paper labeled Starbucks or Subway to be traded in for gift cards!

 The competition was fierce, but we were ready. We'd been training all year for this event. It was a fight for the finish, as you can see Christian already reaching for his first.






For several minutes in the beginning, I was actually fearful. I think the feeling can be compared to the first 10 minutes Katniss must have felt once entering the Hunger Games.


His feet are not touching the ground

When the stakes are this high, it doesn't matter if you're a girl in a dress. You can and may get hip checked. Eggs scattered and your dreams of coming out on top shattered? Too bad.


There's no crying in Easter Olympics


We of course started the morning going to Easter mass together icon wink C. Wonder Weekend Sale    40 50% of everything! and no lecture needed, we know the true meaning of Passover.  Every holiday is spent with my family, and with each year that passes we are building some wonderful memories. This year everyone is kind of doing their own thing though.  Ashlyn has exams, Morgan is back in CO, and Christian is finishing up some final projects. 

It's not the Hunger Games-esque "Easter Olympics" that I'm missing this year, it's the change and growth our family is doing. Christian is graduating college next month and who knows if he'll be in SC next holiday or working in TX. Who knows when we'll all be together for Easter again?  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for next year.

We might celebrate a different way than your average family
...but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Crock Pot Chicken Taco Salad

Listen to my words carefully: You NEED to make this soon!

Today's recipe is so easy! I love crock pot recipes. Set it in the morning, and dinner is served when you get home. Often I get so busy at work that I forget it's cooking, so it's an added bonus when I remember before I leave work that I don't have to cook icon wink C. Wonder Weekend Sale    40 50% of everything!

I made several phenomenal changes to this Crock Pot Chicken & Black bean taco salad recipe that I highly suggest adopting. It is hands down the best chicken recipe I've ever eaten. So yummy, this definitely gets 2 thumbs up!!

From Skinny Taste

Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp reduced sodium taco seasoning 
(Instead of taco seasoning I used 1 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp oregano)
1/2 tsp cumin
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed
1 cup salsa (Consider using a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies)


For the salad:
6 cups chopped romaine or red leaf (I used red leaf)
1/4 cup Mexican cheese blend (I still had shredded Fontina and Cheeder cheese left over from this recipe)
(y'all know I hate cilantro, I completely nixed that ingredient) 



Directions
Place the chicken in the slow cooker (I cubed the chicken so it cooked a little faster than the recommended 4 hours) and season with taco seasoning (or the substitutes I used) and cumin. Pour the beans over the chicken and top with salsa.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with 2 forks. (You could cook it on high for 2 hours if you forgot to set the crock pot before leaving in the morning...which has definitely happened to me before!) Shred the chicken and combine with the beans and sauce. 
Keep warm until ready to eat.

To serve
I crushed up blue tortilla chips (leftover from this recipe) and regular tortilla chips and placed them at the bottom of a bowl. Then, I topped with a handful of lettuce, then a few scoops of chicken, then topped with cheese! The Fontina cheese instead of the Mexican blend was ahhhhmazing!



Prepare for heaven in your mouth. Bon appetit!

Monday, April 14, 2014

3 rules to make everything awesomely okay



I read this article by yoga teacher, Alanna Kaivalya, in the 2nd issue of Mantra magazine a few months ago. I LOVE it and wanted to share it with you here.

"In the 13 years I've been teaching yoga, I've been around the block enough to witness people trying to fit themselves into a yoga box- one that tells them they "should" act or behave a certain way in order to be a yogi.  Some fall prey to yoga dogma and force themselves into an inauthentic mode of self-expression that wears Lululemon pants and is stuffed with kale.  Let's cut the bullshit, get out of the box, and start living authentically. Here are some rules to follow:"


1. Don't get weird. If you're already weird- in whatever way that might manifest itself- let your freak flag fly. And don't go changin' simply because you get the impression that you "should" to fit in with yoga.  There are few things that are a bigger bummer than leading an inauthentic life, like trying to fit yourself into a rainbow filled sparkling box of yoga sunshine if that ain't your gig.  No need to trade your motorcycle boots for hemp flip-flops or your bangles for a bindi...unless you sincerely feel moved to do so.  Yoga can help you to feel more authentically you.  Let yoga fit into your life, not the other way around.


2. Just try to be less of an asshole. Let's be honest.  We are all human.  There are gonna be good days and there are going to be bad days.  As much as we move around on our mat, life's challenges will push us to the brink and occasionally kill our yoga buzz.  Can we all just allow ourselves to be human and agree to try to be less of a jerk in those stressful times?  It won't always work, but it sure is more possible than trying to be a perfect ray of sunshine all the time.  That's a standard no one can achieve and will only result in greater frustration.  Quit it.  Do your best and keep on keepin' on.


3. Always be ready. You never know when it's going to happen.  And, by it, I mean your life.  Always be ready.  Say yes to the opportunities that arise, because interestingly, everything that appears before you is meant just for you and is an opportunity to engage in and participate with your life.  It's like that quote by Joseph Campbell, "We are not looking for the meaning of life, so much as we are looking for the experience of being alive."  Well, this is it.  Start saying a hearty "yes" to all the moments of your life- the good, the bad, and the ugly, because they're all yours.  Engage in the experience, don't shy away, and what you'll find is that life will unfold itself as a perfect expression of your active participation.


Friday, April 11, 2014

Charleston Paddler

Looking for something fun to do this weekend?? With the new warmer temperatures, it is the perfect time of year to get out in the sun and try something new. May I introduce to you, Charleston Paddler

Find them on Facebook here

Located on Shem Creek right in Mt. Pleasant, Charleston Paddler offers Paddleboard and kayak rentals and tours, mini boat rentals, and surf lessons. They also offer boat tours/charters where you can visit the little islands surrounding the peninsula, view the historic sites near the battery, go on a bar hop booze cruise, or hop on board an inshore fishing charter. Have I mentioned their prices are excellent?! 
The closest I've ever come to a headstand on water
I met the owner, Harry, last Summer when I was looking up places to do SUP (stand up paddle) yoga. He was super nice and it was so much fun trying this new "sport" out.

A SUP yoga class is $25 and includes a 2 hour paddleboard rental (only $10 if you BYOB...board, not beer. Although Harry might be open that as form as payment hehe), where you paddle out to a dock, there's a short yoga class on the dock led by one of the fabulous instructors, then paddling back in for a flow session on the board.

My favorite part of the class might just be the sunset yoga class on the dock. Sooo relaxing after a stressful day at work!






The SUP yoga classes are every day at 6pm (except on Saturdays), as well as Wednesdays and Fridays at noon! The classes are all levels so if you have never tried yoga, this is a really neat way to start your practice.

Paddleboard and kayak rentals are always available so if you're not into yoga, it's OK you can still enjoy padding around. And no shame if you have to paddle from a seated or kneeling position!







The views once the sun begins to set are breathtaking

If you haven't seen Charleston from a Paddleboard yet, you're missing out icon wink C. Wonder Weekend Sale    40 50% of everything!
Give Charleston Paddler a call!

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