The Blog has MOVED!

Hey all, I decided to move the blog to website. To keep up with the current gratitudes and motivation, please visit: http://www.perfectunionny.com/blog/

Thanks!
-Hope

Solemn Friday Gratitudes!

This evening marks the beginning of Yom Kippur. The Day of Atonement. While I am a very spiritual person, the Jewish Holidays bring me to a solemn place. A place of ancient religion that I followed as a child. I don't usually go to synagogue, but prefer to honor the holiday in a more personal way. Reflecting on who I am as a person and the strength of my actions and how they affect others. With that in mind, I offer my gratitudes and a grander list of desires.

Gratitudes:
1. performing my 12th wedding ceremony today before I jump into the holiday
2. the guy who gave me the napkin from his coffee when I asked so I could wipe my drippy allergy-ridden nose
3. moving forward on my attempt to get out of catering by the end of the year
4. sunshine and light breezes
5. catching up on my TV shows, podcasts and book reading

Desires:
1. people having more awareness for those around them
2. a quick and safe end to all US conflicts
3. actually going on the 3 trips I have mentally planned in 2014
4. regularly taking action to widen my social circle and make my business thrive
5. the strength to make the best choices for the well-being of my family and myself.

Want to share yours? Feel free to add in the COMMENT section below.

Almost forgot the Friday gratitudes!

For the first time, I not only almost forgot to share my gratitudes, but I didn't event want to write them. I literally let out an audible "oh, no" before I sat down to catch up on my Late Night with Jimmy Fallon episodes. That's when I realized I needed to reflect even more. So, without further ado...

Gratitudes:
1. a boat ride on the channel at a family friends' house before Rosh Hashana dinner
2. 3 pending weddings for the remainder of this year - oooh, so close to my goal
3. getting to marry couples. I love my job.
4. having fun with my nephew
5. surprise catering gigs to help pay the bills

What I'd Like - yeah, these are mostly the same from last week...
1. the drive to move forward on the Zen Bride
2. to finally launch my new website
3. the energy and mental strength to return to a home yoga practice
4. continue to expand my social circle
5. finding a less demanding side business as my business grows.

All right, add yours if'n you want. You know the drill. Have a great weekend!

Another Friday, another set of GRATITUDES!

I promise I started another blog post this week, but with a crazy week and lots of priorities I am not even close to finishing it. I cannot believe it's almost 3pm already. I still have lots to do today, but the sun is shining and if I put my nose to the grind stone, I will be able to tick all of my to-do items off my list.

Here we go!

Gratitudes:
1. some long work hours followed by time to recover
2. 2 additional pending weddings
3. finally getting the okay to print out tomorrow's wedding ceremony. Whew!
4. support and encouragement for my No New Plastic Challenge
5. the woman at the little farmers market at Lincoln Square who split a loaf of cranberry walnut bread - and the baker who agreed to sell us each a half

Desires:
1. the power to move my Zen Bride workshops forward
2. getting out in the world in order to expand my social circle
3. a better apartment in a quiet neighborhood
4. the strength to return to a daily home yoga practice
5. finding a less physically demanding job as my business grows

Want to share your own? Please do so in the COMMENT section below!

A Little Gratitude

Another sunny day in the Big Apple. This week was a quiet work week, so I have made an effort to do something to promote my business or develop my skills every day. I cannot tell you how important it is to get yourself out there. As a Taurus, I am not a fan of change. The problem is without it, you're just stuck where you are. Here are the things I am grateful for this week, followed by an updated desire list.

Gratitudes:
1. those who came out to my cabaret on Sunday
2. my friend Amy who continually pushes and challenges me to think bigger and better
3. two additional pending wedding couples
4. satisfying TV shows - specifically The Wire and House of Cards
5. sunny, breezy days

Things I Desire:
1. Energy and drive to write an engaging blog post
2. a date
3. regular vacations and travel opportunities
4. a better social circle
5. strong collaborators

And you? Anything to add for yourself? Feel free to shout it loud and proud in the COMMENT section below.

Sunny Friday Gratitudes

This week went much faster than expected. I had some unexpected catering gigs and then filled the rest with a training, a meeting, writing some wedding ceremonies and trying to get rid of this stinkin' sickness. But there's plenty to be thankful for.

GRATITUDES

1. the sunny sunshine

2. the people and resources at The Actors Fund

3. Amy Banks for her talent and patience

4. not so early morning so I can sleep and recover

5. coffee

It looks like I need to post my desires above my work space since I really didn't make any headway with any of them this week. So here they are again.

THINGS I'D LIKE

1. time and energy to write the blog posts in my head

2. more connection with the wedding community

3. a date

4. to be fully decongested

5. a better social circle

Want to share your gratitudes or desires? Feel free to add in the comment section below. Happy Friday!

Thank you, Thank you very much

Another Friday, and another week to count my blessings. I've also decided to add my wish list, since I need to not only appreciate what I have, but remember my next steps. For the past 2 days, I've encouraged folks to be mindful of their productivity. No dawdling, no pissing around. Effective action. But I'd like to think big picture. Sending ideas out to the Universe.

GRATITUDES
1. time to recover from being sick - AGAIN
2. working with good people in the catering world
3. finalizing and beginning new wedding ceremonies
4. finding gold strappy heels to go with some dresses for weddings
5. finding a replacement pianist for my upcoming cabaret. he's going to be great
!

THINGS I'D LIKE
1. time and energy to write the blog posts in my head
2. more connection with the wedding community
3. a date
4. to be fully decongested
5. a better social circle

Have any of your own? Feel free to add them below. We will support and celebrate you!

Early morning Gratitudes!

For the past few weeks I have been working early jobs. Two weeks ago it was 3 days of 5:30AM, last week was 5 days of 6AM and today was 4AM. Four AM!! Since public transportation is light in the early morning hours, I left my apartment just before 3AM and headed downtown. One of the catering companies I worked for had a big party last night and my gig this morning was to serve breakfast to the production crew. It's nice to begin the day being thanked over and over. After an all-night breakdown, I can imagine hot coffee with smoked salmon, fresh pastries and hot breakfast sandwiches are a welcome sight. I got back home at 7:30AM and after a little snooze, I am up and ready for the day just before 10AM. Not bad.

Here are things I am grateful for this week.
1. Cooler temperatures
2. Being able to see my nephew
3. Catering leftovers
4. Finding a salwar kameez to wear to the Hindu fusion wedding I'm doing in a few weeks
5. Three pending wedding couples, and almost hitting my 2013 ceremony goal!

You know the drill. I do these every week. If you want to play at home and add your gratitudes, please do so in the comment section below.

Stupid, tired gratitudes...

It's just after 10PM and I can barely keep my eyes open. I should have gone to sleep an hour ago. Working long hours at catering jobs this week has taken a toll. But there's lots to be thankful for...

1. Booking one more wedding for this year, and meeting with my first couple for a 2014 wedding!
2. Cooler temperatures
3. Catering leftovers
4. wine - specifically white wine on hot days
5. my cat Maxie for waking me up BEFORE my 4:30AM alarm  - um, not...so,
6. time to read a bit of the 5th installment of Game of Thrones

Dayum it's HOT - um, thanks!

It's almost 7PM and it's 98 degrees out there. I feel like I'm back in Davis, CA. Luckily I was inside all day, and my apartment is comfortable. It's been a long week and there's lots to be thankful for.

1. air conditioning. At work, on the subway, in my apartment.
2. lots of catering leftovers
3. Good feedback on an upcoming wedding ceremony and a consultation with a new couple for Monday
4. One of my co-workers for making me a pomegranate margarita to take home after a long week
5. Amy Height for my first guest post on her blog

Feel like sharing? Please do - in the comment section below.

The Chakras Explained - CROWN

After starting this series of posts last December, we finally reach #7 - the Crown or Sahasrara in sanskrit. The crown chakra is located at the top of the head or hovering just above. This energy center holds our aspiration, spirituality, inspiration and wisdom. While our Root connects us to the strength of the Earth, I like to think of the Crown connecting us to the world around us - both people and things. Yes, this is the most woo-woo of chakras, but that's where the inspiration and wisdom come from. You know you can feel it, you just may not be able to express them in the groundedness of words.

If you have empathy for others, a strong connection to a higher power (dare I say 'god') or a sense of balance in your subconscious and conscious self, there's a good chance that Sahasrara is open and healthy. But if your head is 'in the clouds' most of the time, you find it difficult to see the 'big picture' or have sensitivity to light and sound, your Crown may need a little cleansing. So, how do you do that, you may ask? You know, open your mind? With many people walking around staring at electronic devices, we've become a little self-centered. So, first off, PUT YOUR SMARTPHONES and E-READERS AWAY. Look up and be present in the world.  If you still feel disconnected, here are some ways you can balance your crown.

1. Meditate. Sit quietly with your eyes closed and bring your energy and awareness to the top of your head - your crown. As you breathe, allow an imaginary cord or a series of tendrils to extend out into the universe. Know that you are not alone in the world, but part of the wonder, strength and power of those around you.

2. Volunteer. There's nothing that can help bring perspective than giving your time to help others. Choose a population or a cause where you are passionate and ask them how you can be of service.

3. Surround yourself with VIOLET. The color most associated with Sahasrara is violet. So wear violet clothes, borrow or buy some amethyst jewelry, or if scent is more your style, dab some lavender essential oil on your wrists and temples.

4. Do yoga. When teaching a class that focuses on the crown, I make sure to do headstand (or a beginner variation) and everyone's favorite Savasana (corpse pose).

5. Try a little AFFIRMATION. Write "I am complete and one with divine energy" on your bathroom mirror or above your word space and read it aloud each time you see the phrase.

As we know each of the chakras are paired with a gland in the body and the crown is no exception. Sahasrara is ruled by the pineal gland. It is located in the brain and produces several important hormones including melatonin, which influences sexual development and sleep cycles.

How open is your crown? Anything work to help balance yours? If so, please share below in the comment section.

Gratitudes A to Z: Give me a C, a bouncy C!

The dog days of summer have really taken a toll. Lots of catering work, temps in the 90s and a little jaunt to the Maritime Provinces of Canada left little time or energy. I have not tackled the alphabet gratitudes weekly, nor have I been blogging regularly. While this week is crazy, I do plan to have daily office hours the following week - with regular blog and social media posts. Watch out!

In the meantime, here's a little gratitude in the 'C' Department

Cats: I really do think I'm a cat whisperer. There, I've said it. While I have my own cat, Maximillian, there's something about the cat energy that I find immensely fascinating. Amazing focus, the ability to turn on a dime. They usually laid back and cool - a quality for which I strive.

Cameras: While there's nothing like the naked eye and fully taking in an experience, the camera can at least capture the moment and help you remember.

Chocolate: Gosh, I love it. I was raised on milk, but have come to appreciate dark over the last few years. Perhaps it's because of all the supposed health benefits, but truthfully I don't care. A simple piece of chocolate can make everything better. And if it's covering an espresso bean, all the better.

Coffee: I started drinking coffee working at the now defunct Lamb's Theatre here in NY during college. I started drinking it light and sweet and iced at the beginning of the summer and drank it hot and black by the end. Now, I'm a coffee snob. Perhaps it's due to my time on the West Coast, but I am picky. I like brewing it myself in my french press with a little soy milk. I am not an addict, but I do usually have coffee every morning.

Computers: They really have changed our lives, non? A little email, a little streaming TV, social media and the ability to write, save and file documents - all at our fingertips. Amazing.

Candles: While I don't have a lot of 'stuff' anymore since I live in a super small apartment, I do still have a number of candles. I like them for their sense of ritual. Bumping up the ordinary for something special. An extra glow, perhaps some scent - it somehow allows time to slow and be more present.

That's all I can think of right now. But I will continue to add if others pop up. Feel free to add yours in the comment section below.

Happy Friday thanks!

A driver just pulled up in front of my building and is blasting their stereo so loud. They keep teasing by lowering it, but it starts back up as they change the song. It's difficult to be thankful for anything since I cannot really hear myself think. The breeze coming in from the window is so nice, but I think I am going to have to close it and turn on the air to drown it out. I just put in a noise complaint, but I doubt anything will be done about it.

I'm doing my best here, but I should be able to eek out a few gratitudes.

1. performing yet another wedding this morning!
2. my friend Amy for taking care of Max and making herself feel at home while I was away
3. a good bit of catering scheduled for next week
4. cooler weather and a lovely breeze
5. a great trip to Nova Scotia and PEI

Now you. Have any gratitudes to share? Please do so below in the COMMENTS section.

Maritime Thanks!

I am currently taking my first vacation in a few years. It's completely well deserved and long overdue. Quite a few thanks to make.

1. My parents for including me in their Canadian tour
2. Amy Banks for hanging at my little hobbit hole, keeping Maximillian company
3. sunny days on the water. Nothing like spending time in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
4. work for when I get back
5. having good hair days - even without my usual hair products

That's all for now. I need to head back to whale watching, eating fresh oysters and lobster in Cheticamp. Bon soir!

Dog days Friday Gratitudes!

Last night as I came home I grabbed my mail from the box and pulled out a letter from the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, VA. I put in a petition to officiate the wedding ceremony for my friend Jamie from grad school and it was DENIED. I just about freaked out and didn't sleep well last night. I woke up early and after 3 phone calls, I finally got to a clerk who basically said it was a dead issue. Two minutes later Jamie returned my phone call and I passed the news on. She took it well. Much better than expected. It's days like these that make me 1. consider a more in-depth ordination process and 2. miss my uncle, the rabbi.

Here are things I'm grateful for this week:
1. air conditioning on public transportation
2. my friend Amy for agreeing to stay at my place to watch Maxie when I'm gone
3. the last bits of catering work before a break in July and possibly August
4. time to do laundry
5. the time I did spend with my uncle. I will channel his energy and insight as I perform my first wedding ceremony with major Jewish elements in a few weeks
6. spending time with my beautiful nephew on Monday
7. connection with more wedding professionals this week and teaching a few of them yoga in the Park

Have something you're thankful for this week? Feel free to add it below in the COMMENT section.

GUEST POST: Finding Your ‘Why’ When it Comes to Food

The following is a post by holistic health coach, Amy Height. We met for iced tea on a hot day as she just moved up to Upper Manhattan. We talked about our past in the arts and our current passion of motivating people to live healthier lives. Welcome Amy!

FINDING THE 'WHY WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD

There are countless factors in play when it comes to how we eat. Making a change to diet or lifestyle can be daunting; so much so, in fact, that most of us elect to remain inactive, opting for ease and familiarity rather than challenge or change.

For many, the desire to make a change is rooted in "what things will be like" on the other side. Inaction is the paralyzing fear that the sacrifice, the work, the effort won't be worth it. That we will fail, or worse, miss out on something good -- and that won't be worth it either.

If these worries are holding you back, consider instead the impact of making this change across our entire life. What will making this change mean for you? What will you gain from it?

Do you want to lose 10 pounds? Do you want more energy? Do you want to prevent disease? Do you want to be able to run up the stairs or pick up your kids or finally rid yourself of digestive upset? You can. You just need that ONE CLEAR REASON in mind to push you forward. What will that change mean for you? What will it add to your life? Moments of envy, frustration, doubt, or desire will be far more bearable when we have a big-picture motivator to keep us moving in the direction we intend.

In my practice, I work a great deal with people looking to overcome emotional eating and rebuild their relationship with food. Changing food habits means we need to get in touch with why we eat the way we do. This means considering why we associate certain foods with certain situations, looking at the connection between food and mood, and tuning into the signals our bodies provide. It can be overwhelming. There is a lot of information there, both physically and emotionally. When we start to look closely at our choices – really give ourselves space to think about the choices we make – we begin to find opportunities hidden in our patterns that will permit us to break through. The key is taking a step off the ledge, acknowledging that we wish to make a change, and choosing to actively do so.

Keeping that goal in the forefront provides constant motivation and a rubric against which we can assess our choices: is this in line with where I want to go and who I want to be? Will this choice guide me closer to that goal? Know that you can make any change you want to, and that your reasons for doing so are valid, strong, and impactful.

If you’re looking for a clear place to start, these five ideas may help to stay motivated when it comes to making changes to food:

- identify your trigger foods: these are the things you can't turn down and the ones that usually leave you feeling less than great. Start to make the connection between mind, body, and food.
- find substitutions you enjoy: the more good stuff there is in your diet – and your life in general – the less room there is for the more undesirable stuff. ‘Crowd out’ foods that don’t fuel your body with a variety of ones that do (and ones you enjoy).

- keep your big picture goal in mind: post it somewhere you will see it often (perhaps the wallpaper on your smartphone)
- don't deprive yourself: when you choose to partake in a treat, allow yourself to enjoy it fully. Guilt only exacerbates feelings of deprivation – and that’s not what we’re after! Flexibility and balance will serve you far more effectively.
- surround yourself with people and situations that support you: again, ‘crowd out’ negativity with as much positive energy as you can find. How do these interactions nourish you in ways food cannot?
- be open to new things: embrace adventure and exploration with your food.
- remember that there is not one diet that works for everyone: be open to tapping into your body’s intuition. It will tell you what it needs.

Each time we take action, we must first make a decision. Set that big-picture intention, keep it in mind, and maintain a strong attachment to it to guide the decisions you make. Then let things unfold as they will and revel in how great you feel for doing it.

Amy Height is a holistic health coach, yogi, runner, blogger and sometimes-stage manager living in New York City. She is a huge fan of ethical eating and leading a sustainable lifestyle, working with clients to incorporate good for them/good for the planet practices into each day. She spends much of her free time experimenting in the kitchen, on a constant mission to reestablish her own relationship with food while helping her clients to do the same. She is a contributor to alittlemoregood.com and regularly blogs about food, life and positive things at her website, www.fromthegroundupwellness.com.

First Friday of Summer Gratitudes!

Hey it's Friday, it's sunny and not only are all my dishes done, but I am doing my gratitudes in the AFTERNOON! I didn't forget. I guess 'thank yous' are on my mind. Here are mine for the week.

1. being able to see the bottom of my kitchen sink
2. being able to do most of my wedding work from home
3. Karen Stone for gathering a group of great ladies - which forced me to leave my apartment
4. a week of great weather
5. booking another wedding couple this week. I'm at 12 of my 15 couple goal! Huzzah

And you? Where are you grateful? Please share JUST ONE below. Go.

Gratitudes A to Z: Can I get a B!

The blog has been pretty quiet lately. I do have lots to say, but I find it difficult expanding my thoughts over 140 characters. There's ideas ruminating, but the writing is hard.  I tell a great story and if I could get someone to transcribe my many yappings, I'd be set. But my desk is clear and I'm caught up with my administrative duties, so I'm sitting down once again to catch up on the blog. My goal is to do these alphabet gratitudes once a week. Let's see how I do.

Give me a B...thanks!

Beer: I am not a huge beer drinker, but since it's been a little warm here in NY, a cold frosty brew is super refreshing. I also worked the Brewer's Association conference over the weekend, so I've got beer on the brain.

Blogs: I have not had too much time to keep up on many, but I do enjoy the blog format. It's a great way to keep up with friends and strangers on various topics. I have a blog list on the left margin of my blog. But I also tend to read LearnVest, Unclutterer and Apartment Therapy regularly, as well.

Beaches: The one main reason I left Atlanta was the fact that it was landlocked. I grew up close to the water and a rocky beach. While I do live close to the Hudson River now here in NY, getting to the beach is a little more difficult. I need to make the time to go. I am a much happier person with the sun on my face and my feet in the wet sand.

Beets: Gosh, I love beets. They are like little veggie candy. Full of vitamins and minerals, but gosh they are messy. They are always the source of a laugh or two especially blood related with beet juice on the fingers during food prep. Not to get too graphic, but since the betanin (or red color) does not process in the body but appears in the urine and stool, there have been quite a few mistaken health scares. And one embarrassing doctor's visit. Sigh.

Boots: I forgot what it's like to live in the north. I spent many years not needing boots. I now have two pairs that kept my feet nice and toasty during the winter months.

Blue skies: Every time I see a clear blue sky I think, "What a perfect day to jump out of a plane!" In fact when I went sky diving in 2007, there was not a cloud in the sky. I am grateful for those days when the sun is shining and the sky is a bright blue. It's like anything can happen and positivity is in the air.

Barefoot: heck, I wrote a blog post on it. Read it, here.

Books: I am not currently on a reading spree, but I do love books. I am taking a break from reading Game of Thrones and the Jaycee Dugard book. I have found my subway rides are great for lots and lots of reading. I did look at my bookcase and all of the books that I'm not reading or may never use again since I don't teach acting or dance anymore. But I am certainly not ready to give them up quite yet.

Bartering: For some reason my brain goes to bartering first over money. Lately I've had to weigh my time vs. money spent, but over the years I've bartered hair and make-up for food, and yoga for ukelele lessons. I love that exchange.

Okay, I am back looking in the dictionary, so I will end it here, but add on if I can think of any great additions.

Like...

Baths: I love 'em, so why don't I take them more often. Perhaps it's the summer time and the thought of sitting in hot water makes me uncomfortable. But talk about a great stress reliever? Yeah, baths do that. And so good for your body with some epsom salt and lavendar. Ahhhhhhhhhh.

Have any of your own? Add them below in the comment section!

Surprisingly sunny Friday gratitudes

I brought my umbrella on my work adventures today, but instead needed my sunglasses. Thanks weather forecasters.

Here are some gratitudes I'd like to share this week.
1. my snuggly Maxie for joining me in mourning Lincoln. I have surprisingly been okay. Maxie less so.
2. lots of work. Both of the catering and the wedding variety
3. a great meeting with Amy Height, a passionate health coach. We have lots of collaboration ideas. Watch out!
4. Ester-C, my neti pot and soup. A bout in the rain and weird weather this week threw a cold my way. Knock on whatever that I will not be down for the count.
5. A lovely message from one of my past grooms in response to an email I sent to all of my past couples. It is yet another confirmation that I am on the right path.

And you? Something to share? Please share your gratitudes (or just ONE) in the comment section below.

Friday thanks for LINCOLN!

It's a rainy day in NY and by gosh I'm thankful for a lot of things.

1. the joy my sweet boy Lincoln gave me for the past 15 years. I said a sad farewell to him this morning but I know he's no longer in pain or suffering.
2. the kind people on the train on my way to the vet who saw me at my worst and wished us well
3. all of the people who gave Lincoln a bit of love, snuggles, a scratch under the chin and some tuna over the years.
4. the respectful and compassionate staff at Inwood Animal Clinic for making a difficult thing, a lot less difficult
5. all of the hugs and kind words from folks on Facebook when I posted about Lincoln
6. Eric, Keri, Angela and Kate who called or texted to check in with me
7. my pain in the ass cat, Maxie for staying by my side today

Gratitudes A to Z: Let's start at the very beginning - A

It's so much easier to bitch and vent than share the good things, isn't it? To remind myself that the world and my little existence is not half bad, I do a weekly gratitude list on the blog. I used to do one every day, but heck, it's hard enough to remember the weekly one. A few months ago, my friend Tommy Housworth suggested I do a list highlighting each letter of the alphabet - in gratitudes. Check his out here. I've been dragging my feet since it's a huge challenge. So, I'm just diving in and keeping the expectations low. If my list is small, so be it.

A TO Z GRATITUDES: A

Apples: They are not only one of my favorite fruits, but they are an excellent vehicle for peanut butter! They also show up in a few of the lessons I use in the classroom to teach kids about healthy eating. Just 2 weeks ago we discussed the values of buying local apples vs. those shipping in from, say, New Zealand. I'm lucky to live in the Big Apple!

Atlanta: While I was born and raised in New York, I feel like that I grew up in Atlanta. It softened my rough edges, forced me to slow down and the people I met offered more opportunities than I can count. It's a true community that I have not been able to find elsewhere.

Anatomy: My love for anatomy started in high school as I became an aerobic instructor and certainly came in handy teaching The Fundamentals of Movement at UC Davis and during my yoga certification training. The human body is fascinating and unfortunately many people do not know about their own and how it works.

Arnica: I bruise easily - and I'm clumsy. I use arnica topically so I don't look like I'm abused on a regular basis. 

And this is where I draw a blank - even looking through the dictionary. Yes, I confess I opened the dictionary! So I decided to add as I go. If one pops in my head, even if I already completed that letter, I will add to the list. See, lowered expectation leads to less frustration.

Have an 'A' gratitude or two? Feel free to add your own in the COMMENT section below.

Steamy Saturday Gratitudes

Okay, I'm not gonna lie like I did in past weeks and change the post date. It's Saturday and with a crazy day with my students' dinner party at Gracie Mansion last evening, I completely forgot to post the gratitudes. It was a hard day with lots of challenges and I think it oozed over to today since I snapped at 2 servers at the catering job this evening. That's a first. And I hope that I am not now known as the bitchy chef. Anywhoo, lots to be thankful for. Here's just a few.

1. Booking the last 3 couples I consulted with to officiate their weddings

2. having a very successful photo shoot for The Zen Bride

3. scheduling my next cabaret for August

4. walking around Gracie Mansion like a boss

5. people who appreciate me and offer to assist

There's got to be something you are grateful for. Please take a moment to add JUST ONE below in the comment section.

Thanks!

Friday Gratitudes!

Hey it's Friday morning and I am doing my gratitudes ON TIME! Yay me! It's been a crazy few weeks, but lots of exciting things are happening and I am super grateful. Here's my list. Please join me and add your own in the COMMENT section below.

1. warmer temperatures
2. my first successful wedding of the year
3. booking two more weddings this week
4. the excitement of the Dinner Party Project students and their energy making guacamole today
5. coffee
6. selling out my cabaret last Sunday and getting invited back to perform in August!

And you?

Friday Gratitudes

It's been another wacky week and I am just trying to keep up. I did have a stellar day yesterday. Teaching for Spoons in the early morning followed by a cabaret rehearsal and then a wedding rehearsal in the afternoon followed by yummy Mexican food and sangria!

Life is not half bad.

Here are things that I'm thankful for this week.

1. lovely weather
2. a great wedding couple that appreciates all of the personal touches
3. supportive musicians that are ready to rock out on Sunday
4. some great catering friends who make the daily grind easier
5. my father for driving me to my first wedding of the year and sharing his enthusiasm with all around him.

Super sleepy gratitudes

I worked like crazy this week and it's been difficult to take a moment and be thankful running from place to place. I did breathe and release my shoulders a few times, I've tried to keep drinking water and I did splurge on a beer.

Here's what makes me say 'thank you.'
1. warmer weather - a nice rain and a chance to wear my galoshes!
2. Kyla for being game to grab a well deserved beer when it may not have been the wisest decision.
3. Maria and Gina for suggesting getting together for my birthday.
4. My friend Jennifer for satisfying my huge love for live a capella music at her lovely workshop last Sunday.
5. 2 students today in the dinner party class who answered questions in a wise and concise way. almost made me cry.

Have gratitudes? You should. Take a moment to consider the people and things that make your day less sucky. Please share them below.

A Little Gratitude for Friday

I started another round of The Dinner Party Project with Spoons Across America this morning. It's been challenging on many levels, but I am excited to see the growth in the students. This was a busy week and the next few are busy as well. Here's to good time management and time to take care of myself. In the meantime, here's where I say, Thank you.

1. to the engaged students I saw this week and the educators who work tirelessly to teach them

2. sunshine and breezes

3. cool locations in this amazing city - specifically a rooftop bar where I attended a networking event and a garden across the street from my friend Jennifer's house

4. The Zen Bride photo shoot taking shape

5. a great first rehearsal and a completed set list for my Facebook Songbook cabaret.

If you'd like to share, feel free in the comment section below.

Sunny Friday Gratitudes!

Today was a sunny, lazy day. Those two are enough to be grateful, but let's try for a full list.

1. sunshine in the Big Apple. I'm still wearing my winter jacket and it's almost May, but heck, it's at least sunny.

2. a day off to go to the movies! I really don't remember the last time I went. So, I made it a double header.

3. more catering work in the kitchen vs. being on the floor - so less heavy lifting

4. keeping my apartment tidy

5. fresh beets, ginger and apples. A yummy, fresh combination.

And you? What  do you appreciate? Please share your list below.

The Benefits of Barefoot

Today is Tommy Housworth's birthday. For those of you who do not know, Tommy suggested a number of really great blog posts over the past few months. He has a blog called Barefoot Zen and is an avid barefoot runner. Therefore it's no surprise that he wants to spread the gospel of the naked foot. So, Happy Birthday, Tommy and this post is for you!

The Benefits of Barefoot

While it's difficult to be out and about without shoes in New York City, they're the first thing that I remove when I walk through my apartment door. First, I don't want to track the dirt and grime from the street in my home, but without shoes I am more comfortable. It's less formal and I can stretch my feet out from long days standing or walking on unforgiving pavement.

While I love a nice shoe, I cannot wait for the warmer months so I can be barefoot more often. Luckily there are a plethora of parks close by so I can doff the shoes and walk in the grass. I also had the opportunity to visit Coney Island twice last year and dig my toes in the sand and allow the tide to come up over my feet. As a yoga teacher I talk lots about the connection of the feet to the floor, but it's truly a connection with the Earth. Finding the groundedness and stability from the Earth and bringing it in to the body. Pushing into the Earth to find length upwards as we stand or balance on one leg in vrksasana or garudasana. And I firmly believe we cannot find this connection with our shoes on.

I've had major foot and ankle injuries over the years. I first sprained my ankle in these cute red clogs when I was 5, but I broke my foot twice and sprained the ankle at least 6 times. It wasn't until I was in physical therapy from the last injury in 2009 that I was told I don't walk evenly. In fact, I put little weight on my left foot and my right foot had to make up the difference. I finally knew why people kept asking me if I was limping! It's no surprise that I kept re-injuring since I did not use my feet efficiently. You can tell how you do by the way your shoes wear. Mine tended to wear out on the lateral or outside first, because I used to put my weight there. Due to physical therapy and my yoga practice, I'm more conscious when i walk, and make sure I'm giving each full foot it's due. My balance is certainly better and I know it's because of my barefoot focus.

Last year I did work study at the Yoga Journal Conference here in NY. During the 3-day conference, I had the good fortune to take 2 of Leslie Kaminoff's classes. With my years of foot and ankle injuries, I was excited to focus on the feet from a yoga standpoint. The feet and ankles have an amazing amount of bones, muscles and ligaments holding them all together. This gives us an unbelievable range of motion in the foot. Much of it we don't use because our feet are always in shoes. 

I could say a lot more, but I do think that Yoga Anatomy guru, Leslie says it better. Take off your shoes, roll your feet around on a tennis ball or ask your partner for a foot massage and watch these two videos. You can also check out one of his websites here.

Go.


I suggest starting with this one. And then go here.

Have questions, comments or suggestions? Please add them in the comment section below!

Friday Gratitudes

I feel like I'm grateful for much of the same week to week. Not that that's bad, but I'd love something new. Perhaps I'll change something up this coming week.

Here's what I'm thankful for:
1. starting to work with a new couple in counseling - and they are delightful
2. catering leftovers
3. Spring in NY! And yes, it will kick your city's Spring in the tootie!
4. connecting with some friends this evening
5. a bit of catering this week, but a full schedule next week.

And you? Care to share your gratitudes? Please do below.

The Chakras Explained - THIRD EYE

I don't believe any of you have been waiting with bated breath for the next installment of The Chakras Explained. But it does surprise me that I have not explained any chakras since January. Apologies. We're almost done as we hit #6 of 7.

When I teach yoga I tend to use the heart chakra more than any other. I summarize anahata as the center of love, compassion, forgiveness and acceptance. However, only recently when creating a meditation for a workshop did I create summaries for all seven. The Third Eye (or Ajna in sanskrit) is the center of our intuition, imagination, intellect and faith. It's located in the center of the forehead, but since our energy radiates 360 degrees, it's also in the back and sides of our head.

This chakra for me has always been very open. It allowed me to intuitively teach over the years and as a child I had a very vivid imagination. I guess I still do. Other ways to tell that ajna is active and healthy are empathetic connections, open mindedness, powerful dreams, mental stamina and easy meditative states.

If the 6th Energy Center is under-active, you may not be very good at thinking for yourself, and tend to rely on authority figures. You may be rigid in your thinking, relying heavily on your beliefs and not open to new ideas. You might even get easily confused, have poor memory, experience eye issues and have difficulty recognizing patterns. When the 3rd Eye is over-active, we may experience nightmares, headaches, have difficulty concentrating and even hallucinate.

Don't fret. If your Third Eye is not in balance, there are a number of things you can do to heal and cleanse ajna. Try these.

1. Eat purple foods. Grapes, blueberries, purple carrots, plums, purple cabbage and eggplant, for starters.
2. Play with lavender. Dab some essential oil on your wrists, lather on some yummy lavender lotion or steep some lavender with your favorite tea!
3. Have an herbal oil treatment (Shirodhara). Some spas offer this treatment where warm oil is poured on the center of your forehead. Trust me, it's a pretty remarkable experience.
4. Do yoga. When I teach a class that focuses on Ajna, I take time in child's pose with the forehead touching the floor. I also make sure to do our surya namaskar or sun salutations with our eyes closed. 

What's going on in your 3rd Eye? Did any of the cleansing suggestions work for you? Anything you want to share? Please add your comments and questions to the comment section below.

Rainy Friday Gratitudes!

It's been quite a week.  I worked A LOT of catering jobs and my feet hurt and I am exhausted. I decided to skip yoga this morning, stay in bed and eat a real, yummy breakfast. While I cannot think fully straight, I am thankful for a good number of things.

1. Completely settling my workers comp claim
2. Lots of catering work and some yummy food on the job
3. The strong hands of the massage dude in the nail salon around the corner. I treated myself to a 30 min. reflexology and chair massage session yesterday.
4. Meeting or speaking with a few potential wedding couples
5. Warmer weather - even two 70 degree days - and some well needed rain.

And you? Where do you find thanks? Feel free to share it below.

Friday, friday, thank you!

I got home last night and there was a flash of inspiration to write my gratitudes. But no, it never happened. I guess the gratitudes are now on Fridays.

Here's what I'm thankful for this week:

1. A lovely evening with a colleague. Thanks for sharing a great dining experience at Maialino, Lise!
2. Slightly warmer temps - Spring in NYC
3. Finally setting a date for my NY cabaret!
4. Booking another wedding for the fall
5. Moving forward on The Zen Bride

What are you grateful for this week? How 'bout sharing ONE in the comment section below. Go.

How Much is Too Much?

My good buddy Tommy Housworth suggested a number of blog posts to me. Some he's already written about here. Others are new challenges.

At the end January, he gave me 5 post ideas. I've posted two of them here and here. And then in the middle of March, he threw in another one:

When does enthusiasm or passion for something good for you become a tad like evangelizing or beating your own drum? How do we support one another in our journeys without sounding like me-monkeys and know-it-alls in the process?

Tommy asked from the point of view of someone newly returned to vegetarianism. He wants to shout it from the roof tops. Similarly, my friend Michele sells Arbonne products and is afraid of being too pushy. And in February I challenged myself to avoid plastic. I wanted to make it personal goal, but here were a few times that I wanted to (and did!) question others on their use.

I can really only speak about my experience. And there are 4 blog posts where I talk about my No New Plastics Challenge. I did make it a personal goal and announced my successes and challenges most days on social media. There were a number of people following along and I hoped that sharing my experience would start a discussion. I wanted people to question their own habits and make some gentle changes. Did that happen? I think so. At least on a small scale. However, I approached it from a purely personal place. I did what was right for me and I never judged others around me. I answered questions when people asked and explained what I was doing if someone wanted more information. I guess the biggest thing is that I didn't make a big deal about it. While working a catering event they put out plastic plates and utensils for us during a meal break. I quietly went around, asked for and received a ceramic plate and real silverware. I also offered to wash them to make it easier for the guy handling sanitation. When I returned to the eating area, I didn't flaunt my plate or ask why people didn't ask for one themselves. I did what was right for me.

The only time I walked the line was bartending an event that only used plastic cups. I encouraged people to reuse their cup, but didn't make a face if they didn't want to (which only happened twice.) I did see the realization in a few people's faces that they could indeed reduce their use of plastic. A few thanked me for offering to refill their glasses, so they didn't take a fresh cup. It was a fine line. One of the other bartenders overheard me and started doing it, too, but I certainly didn't announce it to the rest of the staff or ask the bussers to allow people to keep their cups.

So, Tommy in terms of your first question, I think you just know. It's a gut thing. You know when you cross that line and start evangelizing. If you find some pro-veggie information that you feel would benefit others - post it, email it, snip and mail. If you are trying to change someone's beliefs, you may question that - unless what you think they are doing is dangerous.

The second question is my favorite. How to support? And the answer is ASK. If you want help spreading the word about one of your passions, let people know. Those that can and have an interest will do so. Those that don't want to, won't. Most people want to support, they just need to know HOW. Be specific with what you want. Conversely, if you want to support a friend in his/her mission, ASK how you can best assist. If you have a suggestion on a way to help another, ask too. Just be prepared for a gentle (or not so gentle) rejection.

If you are enthusiastic about something, I feel you do need to shout it out loud and proud. If you are truly passionate, there will be interested parties around you that will want to know. They will want to know because it's working FOR YOU. Others can either look on your actions as something that may work for them or be motivated solely by your passion to find something equally meaningful.

Anything to share? What are your thoughts on the issue? Please add to the discussion below. And if you have a blog post suggestion or a question, email me: hope@perfectunionny.com

Another round of (Friday) Gratitudes!

Okay, okay, I woke up this morning and realized that I completely forgot to post gratitudes yesterday. I think it has to do with a lack of habit. My schedule is always different and yesterday I was out and about all day. I guess I could set up a reminder, but either way I am certainly not beating myself up about it.

Here's what I'm grateful for this week:
1. Seder with some friends and my parents
2. a great visit with my good pal, Tony
3. the start of another Spoons Across America Dinner Party Project and affiliation with Gracie Mansion
4. booking another wedding in June
5. sunshiney days

And you? What makes you go, thanks!? Feel free to add it below.

*ahem* Friday Gratitudes

I am having a hard time believing that I actually missed doing my Thursday gratitudes. I have been very busy this week, but it's a gentle reminder that I do need to consciously take a moment to be thankful for all that is.

Here's what I got this week:

1. Another booked wedding couple and an increased number of pending ceremonies
2. More catering work
3. Teaching some very cool 2nd graders this week about bees and honey - 11 classes in total
4. A feeling that things are right where I'm supposed to be
5. A great (albeit short) visit with the almost famous matzo ball maker, Jennifer Levison

Late Night Gratitudes

Okay, I'm not gonna lie. I almost forgot about my gratitudes today. I worked a super long day yesterday and played catch up today. But heck, at least I'm taking the time now. Here's a short list of things that I am super grateful for:

1. more work coming my way
2. working with great people yesterday - especially Kim, Tim and Charlie
3. that I can fit into my pants!
4. being able to see (and play with) my nephew
5. lemon verbena. The essential oil spray that I made and use frequently to counteract the poopy cat smell.

Have something you are grateful for? If so, feel free to add it below. I would love to know.

Losing Weight Check-in #6

I have changed a few habits, but the weight is coming off slowly. I guess I put it on slowly, since I didn't even notice it, so it shouldn't be a surprise that it's taking some time to come off. My eating was all over the map this week. Lots of catering, so a good bit of salty food, but I also skipped meals (which I never do!) There was also a birthday party and cake so I aim to start off with a clean slate in the coming week. My free gym membership at David Barton expired this past weekend and I will start my discounted month at NY Sports Club either today or tomorrow. Hopefully I will find classes I like and time to go most days.

Good news is that the pants fit better and I feel more comfortable in my clothes. I just hope that doesn't let me slide and abandon my mission.

Monday

Breakfast: 2 egg whites, cheddar, 1 slice whole wheat bread, 1/4 c tomato/eggplant sauce, coffee with Skim

Lunch: Let's just say I ate a good bit of trail mix today

Dinner:  Hoisin salmon with white rice and sauteed peppers & eggplant

Water: 20 oz.

Exercise: Basic yoga class (75 min) planks during hulu commercials = 3:40

Tuesday

Breakfast: 1/2 sweet potato, 1 egg, cheddar cheese, tomato/eggplant sauce, 1/2 c coffee with skim

Lunch: banana & Clif Bar

Dinner:  green salad, 2 meatballs. 2 thin slices brisket, Israeli cous cous & corn salad, mini pork slider, mini cheesecake, 1 chocolate chip cookie

Water: 40 oz.

Exercise: Vinyasa yoga class (60 min) catering work

Wednesday

Breakfast: 1/2 c coffee with skim

Lunch: 4 pieces sushi roll, sukiyaki with veggies & rice, salad with artichoke hearts & sun-dried tomato

Dinner:  small chicken wrap, 4 pieces veggie sushi, a few handfuls of trail mix

Water: 32 oz.

Exercise: catering work and a bit of walking

Thursday

Breakfast: 1/2 veggie quesadilla, small coffee with milk, mini black & white cookie

Lunch: 1/2 chicken wrap, veggie sushi, romaine lettuce, red pepper with balsamic vinegar
Snack: banana, 2 bites of blondie

Dinner:  veggie sushi, canapes: 1 mac/cheese, 1 crab cake, 2 smoked salmon, 1 tarte flambe, 1 prosciutto mousse

Water: 30 oz.

Exercise: catering work and a bit of walking

Friday

Breakfast: 2 egg whites, 1/3 veggie quesadilla

Lunch: large salad with chicken and salmon, cucumber & sun dried tomatoes, 1 fig bar, coffee with skim

Dinner:  root veggies with 1/3 veggie quesadilla, glass of red wine

Water: 32 oz.

Exercise: a little walking

Saturday

Breakfast: coffee with milk, small Italian meat sandwich

Lunch: 2 pizza crusts, small piece Carvel ice cream cake

Dinner:  lots of sushi, 1 glass wine, 1 small hot sake

Water: 12 oz.

Exercise: jumping at bouncy house birthday party, 2:15 plank

Sunday

Breakfast: 3 pieces of sushi, tea

Lunch: coffee, 1/2 bagel with 1/2 white fish salad and half cream cheese with lox. 2 slices of tomato, small slice of birthday cake with a little scoop of chocolate ice cream

Dinner: Large bowl of soup with roasted root veggies and chard and mystery meatballs, 1 small Reese's PB cup

Water: 20 oz.

Exercise: playing with my nephew