Happy Easter

There is a place nestled in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio called Eggshelland.

Since 1957 the Manolio family of Lynhurst has been offering the public a fun, free display of painted eggshells arranged on their front lawn in the shapes of popular cartoons, Easter bunnies, and religious images. Now a local tradition, EggShellLand has grown over the years to include designs featuring over fifty thousand hand-painted shells, which the family plans all year and then sets up with the help of their fourteen children and grandchildren.

These are my own photo's because of coarse I went as soon as my friend Melissa was in town and told me about this place. For more photos, you can click on their website which is linked above.

Tatted

I know I have multiple personalities. Some days I feel feminine and delicate. Others I am dark and angry. Others I am a hippy and others I am a tomboy. Today I am just feeling tattoos.
I don't think I would ever go as big as the following but there is something I like about side tattoos lately. But I am very particular about it. Very fine line between too much/trashy, and sexy. I think the most I would go is maybe something small on my upper side rib, but thats pushing it. I'd really like to get my white hamsa on my wrist soon though, and thinking about an Ohm.

I found out that this tattoo convention, Hell City, is coming to Columbus in May and I want to go! Even if I never get a tattoo, I am still interested in it as an art form and think a convention like this would be one of the most interesting things to ever go to.

Coincidentally, as I was looking at tattoos on google and there were two randomly that struck me more then others. It turns out they were done by the same guy, Phil Young, who I think will be at the convention.



Here are just a couple more, from my friends and others I found and like.





UPDATE: Just yesterday @littlelittley posted a tweet about getting tattoo's over the age of 25. I responded saying I am 25 and want my first. My reasoning was that I had a long time to think about it and if I am still so obsessed with getting the same thing after this long, I should just do it. When you are 18, it's rare that something means so much to you that you want it inked eternally on you. Much better plan then just some tramp stamp cuz you are mad at your dad!

There seemed to be a lot of support on the decision to get them later in life. I know a lot of people who do mother daughter tattoos, in the mothers case, her first. I can't wait til the hardcore tattoo bodies get old. I am dying to see a great grandmother all inked up!

But this also brings me to another possible entire blog entry, which is tattoos in society now and specifically in the work force. I just ate at a restaurant that was if not acceptable, practically encouraging for you to show off you tattoos as an employee. But I am not referring to those. I mean regular office jobs. Is it becoming a more lenient thing or will certain places, like law firms, always be strict about this? What's a dumb 16 year old girl with a butterfly on her ankle to do 15 years down the road with a law degree?

Yelping Again

Check out my latest Yelp reviews on Tina's Night Club and Happy Dog from a fun birthday weekend for food n such and friends!

Happy Dog got me thinking, if I had to open a restaurant with a one food gimmick, I think I would do shrimp. That would go along with my idea to open a restaurant on a boat on Lake Erie. Something like Frying Pan in NYC. What kind of food would you focus on if you had to pick one? I've heard of hot dogs, chicken, burgers, falafals, pizza, smoothies, baked potatoes, mac n cheese...

#HappyinCLE

Here's the full story about the whole Forbes.com/whattheforbes.com/positiveleycleveland/#happyincle phenomenon, told by my new twitter friend @caralageson on her blog.

http://www.icarabout.com/2010/02/hey-forbes-the-entire-city-of-cleveland-hates-you/

Shirts made by Fresh Brewed Tees

Too Easy

I was looking for a cab company because I am currently stuck in the apartment with no car and no one to take me on a must do errand. Check the last location...

We are a full service taxi company offering transportation to:* Casinos* Airports* Outlet Malls* Sporting Events* Theaters* Schools* Shopping * Churches* Cedar Point* Amusement Places* Nite Clubs* Bars* Correctional Institutions
A Taxi Service For All Your Transportation Needs!! Casinos, Airports, Outlet Malls, Sporting Events Theaters, Nite Clubs, Bars, Correctional Institute

Types Of Yoga

After getting hooked at Cleveland Yoga, I wanted to learn more about the different types of yoga. Cleveland Yoga uses the teachings of Baron Baptiste, (yes he has twitter: @BaptisteYoga) combining Vinyasa, Bikram, and Power. About.com summerizes things well:

HATHA

Hatha is a very general term that can encompass many of the physical types of yoga. If a class is described as Hatha style, it is probably going to be slow-paced and gentle and provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses.

VINYASA

Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that is used to describe many different types of classes. Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized movement, tends to be a more vigorous style based on the performance of a series of poses called Sun Salutations, in which movement is matched to the breath. A Vinyasa class will typically start with a number of Sun Salutations to warm up the body for more intense stretching that's done at the end of class.

ASHTANGA & POWER YOGA

Ashtanga, which means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga. A set series of poses is performed, always in the same order. Ashtanga practice is very physically demanding because of the constant movement from one pose to the next. In yoga terminology, this movement is called flow. Ashtanga is also the inspiration for what is often called Power Yoga. If a class is described as Power Yoga, it will be based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not necessarily keep strictly to the set Ashtanga series of poses.

IYENGAR

Based on the teachings of the yogi B.K.S Iyengar, this style of practice is most concerned with bodily alignment. In yoga, the word alignment is used to describe the precise way in which your body should be positioned in each pose in order to obtain the maximum benefits and avoid injury. Iyengar practice usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods versus moving quickly from one pose to the next (flow). Also, Iyengar practice encourages the use of props, such as yoga blankets, blocks and straps, in order to bring the body into alignment.

KUNDALINI

The emphasis in Kundalini is on the breath in conjunction with physical movement, with the purpose of freeing energy in the lower body and allowing it to move upwards. All asana practices make use of controlling the breath. But in Kundalini, the exploration of the effects of the breath (also called prana, meaning energy) on the postures is essential. Kundalini uses rapid, repetitive movements rather than poses held for a long time, and the teacher will often lead the class in call and response chanting.

BIKRAM/HOT YOGA

Pioneered by Bikram Choudhury, this style is more generally referred to as Hot Yoga. It is practiced in a 95 to 100 degree room, which allows for a loosening of tight muscles and profuse sweating, which is thought to be cleansing. The Bikram method is a set series of 26 poses, but not all hot classes make use of this series.

ANUSARA

Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara combines a strong emphasis on physical alignment with a positive philosophy derived from Tantra. The philosophy’s premise is belief in the intrinsic goodness of all beings. Anusara classes are usually light-hearted and accessible to students of differing abilities. Poses are taught in a way that opens the heart, both physically and mentally, and props are often used.

JIVAMUKTI

This style of yoga emerged from one of New York’s best-known yoga studios. Jivamukti founders David Life and Sharon Gannon take inspiration from Ashtanga yoga and emphasize chanting, meditation, and spiritual teachings. They have trained many teachers who have brought this style of yoga to studios and gyms, predominantly in the U.S. These classes are physically intense and often include some chanting.

FORREST

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and gaining popularity around the U.S., Forrest Yoga is the method taught by Ana Forrest. The performance of vigorous asana sequences is intended to strengthen and purify the body and release pent-up emotions and pain so that healing can begin. Expect an intense workout with an emphasis on abdominal strengthening and deep breathing.

KRIPALU

The name Kripalu is associated both with a style of hatha yoga and a yoga and wellness center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Both were founded by yoga guru Amrit Desai, who came to the United States from India in 1960. Kripalu is a yoga practice with a compassionate approach and emphasis on meditation, physical healing and spiritual transformation that overflows into daily life. Kripalu also focuses on looking inward and moving at your own pace.

INTEGRAL

Integral yoga follows the teachings of Sri Swami Sachidananda, who came to the U.S. in the 1960s and eventually founded many Integral Yoga Institutes and the famed Yogaville Ashram in Virginia. Integral is a gentle hatha practice, and classes often also include breathing exercises, chanting, kriyas, and meditation.

SIVANANDA

The first Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center was founded in 1959 by Swami Vishnu-devananda, a disciple of Swami Sivananda. There are now close to 80 locations worldwide, including several ashram retreats. Sivananda yoga is based upon five principles:

1. Proper exercise (Asana, focusing on 12 poses in particular)

2. Proper breathing (Pranayama)

3. Proper relaxation (Savasana)

4. Proper diet (Vegetarian)

5. Positive thinking (Vedanta) and meditation (Dhyana)

ACROYOGA

This is done with a partner. I'll go ahead and say its the next level of yoga and will be the next new big thing. http://www.acroyoga.org/


Definitions:

Ashram: Retreat or secluded place, where the principles of Yoga and meditation are taught and practiced.

Chakras. Centers of radiating life force or energy that relate to major nerve plexuses and glands in the physical body. There are seven chakras that store and release life force, energy. Simplified, they are: the top of the head; the brow, slightly above and between the eyebrows; the throat, the heart, the solar plexus, digestive center; the base of the spine; and the sacral center, located three to four inches above the base of the spine.

Dharma. Self-discipline, the life of responsibility and right action. (ehem LOST fans.)

Om: The impersonal Absolute of Hinduism — omnipotent, omnipresent, and the source of all manifest existence. Represented in symbol as


Namaste: "The Spirit in Me Honors The Spirit in You."

Yoga: In Sanskrit means "to control" "to yolk" or "to unite"

Yogi: Someone who practices yoga.

(source)

Life Update

On the complete opposite side of what I just posted about, I have been living my life to the fullest I possibly can. I just returned from Israel and moved to Cleveland!

When people first hear that I live here now, the first thing out of every person's mouth is "Why?". Well the obvious reason is because of David. Yes I LOVE New York, and I will miss it more then I can say. But I know I can be happy here too. If there is one place I HAD to move, (minus LA), this is the best place I could come. I have friends here already, I am familiar with the area, I am comfortable here. I've actually become pretty defensive for living here, which I find slightly amusing.

I am excited to see where David and I can go from here. It's gunna be a fun and interesting ride, that will probably make for a good blog entry or two, but I don't doubt for a second that this was the right decision. It was and I am finally happy.

Before I got here I was in Israel. I staffed another Birthright Sachlav trip. The average age of this group was 19 and 20 so it was a little different to be with younger participants this time. I was way more nervous that they would be harder to handle but this group was amazing. They took in everything we had to say and were really just a happy and enthusiastic group. Gillian was my co counselor and she is an awesome teammate to have. I lucked out majorly.

What I liked about this trip was that it was still different enough itinerary wise that I wasn't bored with the actual travel part. I still have not seen so much in that country. I wish I could have stayed but I was too anxious to get home to Cleveland. Next time perhaps. I would like to go in the summer but after the second half of this trip went down, it's a tough call.

I got very sick unfortunately and really struggled. At first I figured it was just what all the kids were coming down with but it was something worse. I thought I had mono because I couldn't stay awake, then maybe bronchitis. Either way, I was unable to go to the doctor which sucked. I had such a hard time keeping myself together the second half of the trip and I felt so bad because I couldn't be there for the kids. I almost want to go back just to prove I can be better! Regardless of how I felt, they all said they had an amazing time and I am glad I got to be a part of that.

There were many talented and colorful people on this trip. One was from Ohio, 3 were from Oregon who we played in the Rose Bowl while we were there, some were from the Brooklyn bubble (Flatbush), some had never traveled before. We all got very close after New Years, which was spent at a club called Constantine in Jerusalem. I was not thrilled being away on my one year anniversary but after pouting for a bit, I gave in and let loose and enjoyed everyone's company.

One of the boys, Michael Benatar, is an aspiring filmmaker. He filmed almost the entire trip and is in the process of creating a highlights reel. He has part 1 and 2 finished so far and if you are bored or interested in birthright, watch them here!

(Side note, Aladdin just started playing on TV. How appropriate.)

All of my photos are here, but my favorites are below. Oh and if you know anyone interested in Birthright, I am always willing to chat (I could for hours)!

Co Counselors for The Doobies

So hipster on our first night out.

Behai Gardens

Hamsas

Jerusalem moon during sunset