Scooter Girl Designs

New

2009-12-09T00:06:00.001-08:00

Greetings ScooterGirl Fans - I apologise for my absence however I was frantically whipping up a new website called "Spiral Woman" which will now house everything that is me in the spiritual and physical sense so come check it out and let me know what you think :)

Can you go Raw?

2009-11-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

Nathalie Lusser is the founder of Raw Food Witch - a fabulous support website for Raw Foodies or those of us considering the prospect of going Raw. What is going Raw? It is increasing the ammount of raw food in your diet to the ideal being about 100%. So knocking out things such as gluten, sugar, caffeine, dairy and replacing them with a wide range of nuts, beans, fruits, vegetables, etc.

Even going 50% raw in your diet is a great achievement and I kind of found I did that with my first scooter girl cleanse however when I approached round 2 I found I needed some more guidance and so I enrolled in Nathalie's e-course. The e-course is up to its 3rd week, although I am actually only starting the meal plans this week...but the information on nutrition and battling cravings has been super interesting!

Nathalie is informative, down to earth and a walking testimony on how beneficial this sort of diet change can be in your life. After starting back with a trainer and going through the pains of weighing in and having pinch tests I knew my diet was not working with me anymore. Dropping on and off the cleanse was not helping either...I need something to be more permanent for last results and to also find out which foods are not helping. This has all begun to come clear with Nathalie's course.

Check out her website - its full of freebies and lots of useful information!

Rawfoodswitch.com

First Wedding Anniversary

2009-11-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

So the Benj and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary last weekend. It times very closely to Ben's birthday so for the his b'day I gave him a hot air balloon ride over Canberra with a company called "Balloon Aloft" and it was awesome!

Although you start the day very early (5.30am you meet at the venue) the balloon ride ends with champagne and a buffet breakfast. Heaven!

After hot air ballooning we drove towards the coast for 3 days of bliss at a place called Denhams Beach, just south of Batemans Bay in NSW wales. We stayed in a heavenly little vila right on the water and as you can see we had no trouble relaxing.

For three days we ate seafood, Ben snoozed and sipped on his beer, I walked the beaches, hicked a mountain or two and had the glorious blessing of swimming in the ocean as the rain fell and a storm brewed over the horizon. A magical few days and a chance for us to unwind.

Ben and I chatted briefly about the significance of being married 1 year and together now for 3 years - still a fairly young relationship but as strong as ever. Ben has this amazing ability to make me laugh like no one else I know. If I come home in a stroppy mood...it only takes him a few seconds before I am rolling around giggling with laughter. Ben is also exceptionally generous - he would give me the moon and the stars if I let him...he still calls me "princess" and I love him for it as it makes me feel like the centre of the universe.

Yep, after one year of marriage we are still as happy as the day we met :)

Flyer Design - A Day of Mindfulness

2009-11-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

For more information go to www.ingelararetreat.com

Where did I go?

2009-11-21T12:01:00.000-08:00

Just a little update par-tay peeps! Sorry for the delay in my posts of late...ALLOT has been happening.

After offering free Tarot readings to the public I was hit with a number of requests all in one day and so I have been slowly working through them conscious of setting aside at least an hour for each reading to insure it is in detail and applicable to the persons current question. Has been a great experience and I've recieved some awesome feedback.

I'm also deep underway on a new website I'll be developing. Rather then contining with Scooter Girl Designs being both my design work and all the my other life work I'll be seperating the two. Scooter Girl Designs will remain as my design work but all my personl work, tarot, the cleanses, workshops, etc will go under a new website looking to launch in the new year.

I've also been preparing to embark on a RAW FOOD 21 day cleanse which will be awesome and is supported by the Raw Food Witch, Nathalie Lesser. On the day I decided I need to do another cleanse I enrolled in Nathalie's new e-course about curbing cravings and it has been big and very informative. As yet I've not been ready to actually switch entirely to raw food...but that time is drawing very very near! I just need to make some mental space to give it the right ammount of attention!

A few people have been emailing requests for projects to begin prior to the end of the year so I just wanted to mention that I am unable to take on any work now until 2010 - I'm completely full up for the next few weeks! This is of course AWESOME for me but not so good for those of you needing work done quickly. If you are able to wait then wonderful...email me your requirements and I can schedule you in for 2010.

Scooter Cleanse biref update - I have a new personal trainer!! WOOT! WOOT! And I am back doing Power Yoga each week plus now pretty much working out every single day. Food wise I've slipped off the band wagon a bit due to my wedding anniversary and a much needed weekend away...but I'll talk more about that soon :)

Day Two - Cleanse checking in

2009-11-05T00:32:00.000-08:00

The first week is usually pretty tough. My poor body after the high of day one comes crashing back down as my vices start screaming out for one last hit.

Once again my skin goes into overdrive...so it has broken out a bit and I WOULD be freaking out however this is EXACTLY what unfolder last time during the cleanse so I'm riding the wave.

Some subtle nice changes have occured though. My appetite isn't as large as it was 2 days ago...in a small way. For example I was a big after hours snacker. BIG! i'd come home and raid the pantry and fridge scoofing food then would take a small pause and inhale dinner. Yesterday I had two rice crackers then dinner and that was it. Today I had no snack, ate only about 3/4 of dinner and was done. Interesting how our appetites shift in this way isn't it?

Exercise...well it has been pretty hard this week to get out of bed early for my hour of exercise but I did it. Yesterday was an hour of NIA and this morning was an hour long walk by the creek and as always I feel great afterwards...but the starting sucks!

I have also take some steps to keep this journey humming along.

Step One;
I booked in for a fitness assessment. This is to find out if what I am doing is actually balanced or if there are areas I'm not doing so well in.

Step Two;
I signed up for the Raw Witches new 30 day challenge. WOOT! This will help HEAPS and heaps and if you want to check it out please hit her website. The Raw Witch is amazing but so down to earth.

Step Three;
Last night I had a 90min long Goddess Reading with a beautiful soul called Tanishka, the found of Star of Ishtar. The reading was just wanted I need to confirm my direction, answer some concerns I have and spurt me along with more enthusiasm about what I am doing.

Food Wise I have been doing okay. Breakfast both mornings has been chopped banana, strawberries, some sunflower seeds and a small drizzle of honey. So yummy...and the strawberries are home grown - hee, hee.

Morning Tea has been an apple...a big rosey Fuji Applie and a cup of dandelion tea. Lunch yesterday was a bean role and today a spinach and feta role. Today I didn't eat as well. By lunch time I just craved carbs so since I had not eaten any...and know that carbs are important too...lunch was a little carb heavy but I balanced it with chicken and vege for dinner. Snacks have also been dried fruit pulp that are squased into rolls, which sounds weird but I get them from the local markets and they are YUMMY!

And no I have not jumped on the scales as I dont want this to be about weight loss...besides with my skin changes, appetite changes and general energy changes I already know what is going on inside :)

So Day Two almost complete...on to Day Three :) Oh...another video will come soon...

And don't forget...if you want a free tarot reading (so I can practice) just holla!

Introduction to SCOOTERGIRL Cleanse

2009-11-02T22:09:00.000-08:00

My first video blog entry...how exciting :)

SCOOTERGIRL Cleanse - Intro from Sonya Madden on Vimeo.

SCOOTERGIRL Designs - looking for team members

2009-11-02T21:34:00.000-08:00

Are you a web programmer or uber tech head?

Are you looking to work with an extremely talented SCOOTERGIRL Designer who has more work then she can juggle?

If you answer yes then SCOOTERGIRL DESIGNS NEEDS YOU!

Wanted: Enthusiastic and friendly friggin AWESOME web programmer.
For: Web and Media Development
Requirements: You need to have proven experience with WORDPRESS, BLOGGER, CSS, HTML, and ideally some experience in e-commerce.
Contact: Me ASAP! But please only serious applicants - sonya@scootergirldesigns.com.au

Scooter Girl Cleanse - 30 day challenge

2009-11-02T21:07:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I undertook my very own "SCOOTERGIRL CLEANSE" which consisted of no sugar, caffeine or gluten for what ended up being around 2 months. The motivation was a intense retreat weekend I had coming up in which I wanted all my channels open and clear.

So the retreat has been and gone and I've embraced all 3 back into my diet more then I would like..and slowly but shorely...as if on cue...the little tummy re-ammerges reminding me of why I should not allow some things into my system.

Now this isn't about weight gain or loss...although that does happen...this is about my poor digestive system and all its unhappiness which includes bloating, poor digestion, stomach cramps, gas, which I am pretty sure all ties also too poor skin tone...pimples...oily hair and the list goes on.

All of those symptoms disappeared when I kicked the "terrible-three" to the curb.

This week I've felt down and flat. Emotions have been running high for a variety of reasons and my coping mechanisms were weak from poor diet. I knew I was eating too much processed food again and not enough fresh. Being a typical and female who always hunts for a quick fix I started poking around the web earlier today hunting for the latest "weight-solution" or fitness campaign. I contacted a personal trainer in my area promising myself they would know the answer...blah...blah...

And it wasn't till MUCH later in the day I suddenly realised I already know everything I should and should not be doing! I've read every friggin book under the sun...and then some...and they all say the same thing. I've had trainers...gym memberships...I've tried all the usual fitness crazes looking for the quick fix...and yet nothing yielded results quiet as well as my "SCOOTERGIRL CLEANSE" that I just had a crack at a few months ago.

Well Ladies and Gents...lets go again I say!

This time for my own personal enjoyment I am going to document the journey for all of you EVERY day for the next 30 days...all the cracks and crannies...all the highs and lows to "keep it real" lol! I want to be open about this and I want to share my journey with you.

So here are my guidelines (not rules as rules can be broken, lol);
- Minimal intact of highly processed sugars and their associates (all other sweateners that are processed).
- Minimal intact of caffeine (sometimes it hides in things but the obvious ones to avoid are drinks like black tea, coffee, etc. I've become a big fan of ECCO, lol!)
- CUT OUT ALL GLUTEN! This one I gotta do as eating what I think is yeast...as not all gluten products cause me pain...but the ones that do like bread...oh the agony afterwards. Sharp stomach pains...bloating...usually gas...and general bad toilet experiences...lets just say IT AIN'T WORTH IT!
- And this time I'm going to add the following about dairy - MINIMISE!

Dairy. Dairy. Dairy. Oh how I love you. I am a HUGE fan of cheese. Many years ago I used to work walking distance to a cheese speciality store and a french bakery. I dread to recount how many times I would each french bed with 200g of the latest gooey cheese for lunch during work...that is so not good for you.

Now...because I do love cheese...BIG TIME...and all things cheesey...and the occasion treat like a Gluten Free cookie I am adding in that SCOOTERGIRL Cleanse now has a 7 day rule. On the 7th day you rest...and eat whatever~

I've never tried the one day rest rule before but I'm going to give it a crack.

Okay...so the SCOOTERGIRL 30 DAY CLEANSE begins tomorrow!

Lets all shout HURRAY!

What is my desired outcome?
January 2010 will see me and a number of other fellow NIA instructors travel to Byron Bay (I know...how tough...NOT!) to attend the first Australian NIA Blue Belt Intensive Training. Now when I completed White Belt back in 2008 I was pretty fit. I was seeing a trainer weekly...I did pole class twice weekly and I ran/walked almost daily. Since moving to a much cooler climate I've dropped most of my exercise routine but the ever looming NIA training has sparked life into my limbs again. A few weeks ago I began waking up 30 mins earlier to squeeze an hour of NIA or an hour walking into my day in the morning. On top of that I still do Power Yoga weekly and have begun hunting down Pole classes again (its awesome for toning!)...however its a fairly bit push to do all this and I feel my fitness improving but needing allot more before January.
For me...trying to exercise while still eating poor food is literally like trying to push S*#@ up hill. It doesn't work and I've seen my body struggling for energy or try and digest a big meal while I'm running - doesn't work too well. So to get fit so I dont die during Blue Belt...I gotta do my SCOOTERGIRL CLEANSE!

Open Day at Ingelara Retreat

2009-11-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

NIA - class times for 2010

2009-11-02T20:59:00.000-08:00

When: Fri and Sunday starting January 2010.
Where: Equalife Yoga Studio, Hall (near Canberra, ACT).
Contact: 0412 405019 if you would like to reserve a space in this class

Tarot readings - I need to practice

2009-11-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I completed a course in tarot and have since been doing my best to practice...but was then inspired to offer my new found skill to you readers as my gift.

I'm offering 10 people a reading *FREE* which I will offer via email so you will have the reading to keep.

That is right...I wont charge you as I would enjoy the opportunity to practice as well as serve you.

Be quick to jump on this opportunity and email me your interest.

Love and light!

NIA Demonstration Video

2009-11-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies, If you have been wondering what NIA is all about please have a look at the following video then join my class :)

NIA comes to Canberra

2009-10-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

Just before I got married in 2008 I promised myself that I would completed the NIA White Belt intensive training and I am so so glad that I did that.

I discovered NIA around 4 years ago after a big call to return to dancing. As a child I did allot of dance...I mean allot...but left it behind for sports in my teens however it never really completely left me. I always longed for it to be back in my life. In my early 20s I explored Hip Hop, Street, Funk, Latin and Ballroom all to try and fullfill the call inside but none really sat well with me...till I came across NIA.

NIA is not just a dance class which is why I probably loved it straight away - NIA is a combination of 3 main fundamentals - the Dance Arts, Healing Arts and Martial Arts. A NIA class is not about getting the routine right - instructors are happy if you choose to freedance the entire routine - as NIA is all about being in the moment, feeling the sensations of movement and listening to what your body tells you.

And I just friggin LOVE IT! So in love with it in fact I have committed to facing all my fears and decided to begin teaching NIA. Completing my White Belt training in 2008 meant I was qualified to teach immediatley but instantly I felt fear and just plain chickened out. Nearly 12 months have passed and I've moved, changed jobs and grown allot as a person. The time has come.

PLUS even bigger news is not only will Canberra have its very first NIA White Belt Instructor...but...I am now also undertaking the next level of training in January. NIA Blue Belt training is the 3rd level of training in the NIA program and I'm going to be there straight into the new year.

So yay! NIA comes to the ACT in a BIG way - woot!

If you are a local lass or lad and interested in coming to a class flick me an email. I'm in the process of locking down a venue so its not far away :D

Come feel the joy of movement!

http://www.niaaustralia.com.au/sonyamadden.html

a tribute to Vespa :)

2009-10-05T20:37:00.001-07:00

Gotta love advertisements like these... :)

My Pilgrimage Plans for my 30th year

2009-10-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I sat with my spirit sisters and thought about what lay ahead of me. The fact 2010 would be my 30th year rang loudly as a year that needed to be acknowledged in a big way.

I felt a transition take place while on retreat. I was moving into the next phase of being a woman, no longer a mere maiden but now a woman coming into her power. My 30th year felt like the time when that coming into would just be.

As the time softly rolled by during my retreat, full of meditations, visualisations and messages, my 30th year kept singing softly to me as a year for spiritual growth. I allowed the thought to sit and grow by itself but it did not take long for the inner whispering to point in a clear direction.

I was to go on a spiritual pilgrimiage in my 30th year. I was to travel alone, to return to being just me ...and I did not need to think hard about where I would go..it was the place I had felt called to for over 10 years now. A place I once was within hours drive of but could not quiet get the rest of the distance...a place I think will feel like a second home to me...but also a place of great growth and development...and intrigue.

I would be going to the place that was once called Avalon, but is now Glastonbury.

Amazingly enough I did not have to look far to find the "how" - Lucy Cavendish, the lovely lady behind the retreat I just attended - is co running a tour to the UK in June 2010. WOOT!

As usually happens when I make a decision that entirely rings true...things start to click in to place.

Firstly - I contacted the organisers exactly two days before their booking cut off date so got in = SCORE!

Secondly - after emailing Suzanne, the second part of the duo who ran the Avalon retreat with Lucy, I discovered that Suzanne was also attending - two of my most inspirational friends both going to this amazing place at the same time as me. How awesome!

Thirdly - my dear dear hubby did not even question the need for me to go alone.

And it keeps growing...

I decided I would put a certain ammount of money away each week to start saving and suddenly more money was accessible so I could do so without the risk of late bills.

I've placed a picture of Glastonbury Tor on my desk at work and just feel a ancient calling to be there. I know it will be a life changing trip for me and I can't wait.

So that is my big BIG news. In June 2010 I will be flying to the UK for the second time...but this time entirely alone...to join some wonderful souls and explore the ancient ruins and sacred sites the area has to offer.

What a amazing way to acknowlege my 30th year.

Ingelara Retreat - Girls weekend away

2009-10-01T17:20:00.001-07:00

Photo of me outside Tipi at Ingelara Retreat

Dear friends of mine, Pete and Gini, are the happy creators and owners of Ingelara Retreat, located just south of Canberra...and I am lucky enough this weekend to be sleeping inside one of the tipi's with some soul sisters to celebrate a dear friends birthday. What a way to start the long weekend!

We shall light a big fire, boil billy tea, toast marshmellows and enjoy a range of healthy (or not so healthy) snackies while being able to view the stars through the top of the tipi and share stories all through the night.

Tipi's have such an interesting energy. It is something difficult to describe. Something I love and sometimes fear at the same time. Some nights we have huddle around the fire as the tipi sheltered us from rain or the cold feeling like we were in the safest place in the world.. Other nights we have all inched to the back of the tipi as the fire takes on a life of its own and we wonder if it will engulf us and the tipi with us.

I completed both my Reiki Level 1 and Level 2 training at Ingelara in a tipi. I've attended retreats where the tipi was the star. I've been part of women's circle in the tipi and every experience has been wonderful...but I am yet to actually sleep in the tipi so this will be something new...and even though it is forecast to be pretty cold I dont mind.

Selina Fenech

2009-09-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I cross paths with an artist who literally has me spellbound for days. I hunt across the web for everything that mentions their name or shows their work and in a way, I become entranced.

Firstly I shall put in to context how I found the amazing art of Selina Fenech - or how it found me.

While on retreat (and yes I will post about my experiences soon...just still processing, lol) Lucy introduced us to her new Oracle cards - the Faery Oracle Card Deck. Lucy's previous "DragonFae Oracle" became a personal favourite for me...even my hubby had to acknowledge their importance recently. I was cleaning through boxes and boxes of our life we still had not unpacked after relocating. For me it was about 10 boxes of books. As I was sorting Ben wandered behind me and saw me stacking my Oracle Cards in a pile. Although I had no intention of parting with any of them he must have thought that pile was the "donate to charity" pile. I pulled out "DragonFae Oracle" and he pointed at the cards saying "Do not give those away. You have to keep them..." then wandered off. I just smiled. He is not a card user but knew how important those cards were.

I love him.

But moving on...

Faery Oracle is the new collection from Lucy and the way she introduced the cards will always be a memory I cling to and hopefully get to share 1000 times. Please bare in mind this is Lucy's story and I am merely sharing to highlight why this cards are so special.

Many many years ago Lucy created a magazine called "Witchcraft" in which submissions were very welcome. A young 13 year old girl growing up in country NSW sent Lucy images here and there, some getting published, some not, but Lucy always kept in touch with the young girl knowing she was a special child.

Over a decade later and that small girl is now the rather well known artist Selina Fenech - known for her amazing faery and fantasy style images and associated merchandise. (Their is an article on Selina in this months "Spellcraft" magazine.)

Selina Fenech is the artist who illustrated the entire Faery Oracle deck of cards working with Lucy and the outcome is in a word, stunning.

But more to the story is Selina was actually diagnosed with Cancer just prior to taking on the project. She expressed her concerns to Lucy that it may slow the progress of her paintings but Lucy was happy to wait as she felt confident the two were to do these cards together. Through Chemo and all the highs and lows of treatment Selina continued working on the cards...finishing the last 2 cards just after discovering the treatment had been successful.

Doesn't that just blow your mind?

What a beautiful story.

So I went hunting for Selina's website and yes she is a very special woman and I am thankful for talented women like Selina who can share their stories and give us all warm fuzzy feelings and bundles of inspiration.

So check out the cards if you feel called. You can sit and wait as the little joyful mischevious creatures send some wildness into your life :)

Loving Earth Raw Chocolate

2009-09-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

Words can not do this chocolatey goodness justice...the stuff is awesome!

I've tried raw chocolate and organic chocolate before. Usually I'm left unsatisfied due to a grainy texture or just not much flavour..."Loving Earth Raw Chocolate" has taken my breath away. I was allowed an opportunity to try (before I buy) at the Avalon retreat I recently attended...and then I bought 4 bars as it was so good!

Trust me when I saw I KNOW chocolate. I grew up telling everyone if they bought me any chocolate other then my fav brands I'd throw it away. They would not even get a look in. During my time in Sydney I hit the Lindt Chocolate Cafe ever fortnight to stock up on Lindt balls and hand made truffles. Coming to Canberra I resorted to Lindt bars or Cadbury bars bought in the store. I protested when Cadbury's clearly changed their reciped and squealed with joy when they reverted back. I sent my husband across Melbourne to scout out a new bar of chocolate once after reading a review of them in a magazine. I've tried all brands in the health food store...and finally this one has just fallen into my lap *Grin*

AND....as you know I'm still doing my "scootergirl cleanse" but the Loving Earth choccie does not break that cleanse (bonus!) as it does not contain processed sugar, but instead uses agave syrup...a natural sweetener. Even with the Peppermint one (which is my fav) they use natural oils to flavour - so wonderful! So I can pretty much eat all I like...but the even BETTER thing about this chocolate is I dont need much. A piece or two and I'm done...so less is really more!

Try it! You must! Its awesome!!

TRY IT NOW!!! http://www.raw-chocolate.net/

Two for the price of one

2009-09-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

This is so so exciting and SOOOO worth a mention...

My dearest friend, Leonie, is not only in this months "Spellcraft" magazine BUT her name is on the cover! OMG! How amazing is that?! See below...and look on the right about mid way down :)

AND...as if that isn't awesome enough...Lucy Cavendish, the same Lucy who is running the retreat I'm attending this weekend...amazing Australian Author...is the Guest Editor for the magazine!

Too much awesomeness for one magazine!!

Disappearing into the Mists of Avalon

2009-09-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

Could I possibly be more excited then I am right now? I dont think so *giggle*

Tomorrow night I step onto a plane and disappear into the mists of Avalon for a glorious three whole days. I'm referring to the "Mysteries and Magick of Avalon" retreat run by Lucy Cavendish and Suzanne Namesby.

We were sent out emails from both Suzanne and Lucy earlier in the week encouraging us to prepare. To turn away from media in the lead up to the event. To soak in salt baths. To leave negativity behind and even to monitor our food intake. I'd pretty much been doing that for a month after some pretty big signs to drop to gluten, sugar and caffeine from my life and I've not really looked back.

This week I've found my dreams to be haunting me in away. I wake with strange messages floating through my mind and not really sure what they mean.

I feel the next few days will be pretty huge but I am armed and ready for whatever unfolds in Avalon.

Scooter Girl puts "Goddess Tutor" hat on and is loving it!

2009-09-20T18:28:00.000-07:00

I am UBER excited and privledged to be a part of a wonderful online community my dear friend has launched called "Goddess School" - and you should totally join!!

Founded by Goddess Leonie, the Goddess School is a social area for like minded goddess to come and share their journey during one of the two courses on offer both of which I have completed in the past and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED!

So if you need a bit of a creative boost, or perhaps even a bit of a declutted in your life and need some guidance, come and join the school for our first term of awesome-ness! Oh, did I mention I'm one of the tutors...can you tell I'm excited?? I'm just there to lend a hand when required as Leonie wanted to be 100% sure everyone had support when they needed it :D

All the information you need can be found here; http://www.goddessguidebook.com/courses/

A moment of bliss

2009-09-03T16:53:00.001-07:00

04/09/2009
Originally uploaded by RedSonja26

A few years ago I longed for a lifestyle that had me sunken into a comfy lounge chair enjoying the soft breathing of a dog leaning on my lap.

Last night as I watched a documentary called "FoodMatters" (check it out...cause all I can say is WOW!) I sat sipping herbal tea with Charlie, my giant pooch who is pretty much cross everything and came from the RPSCA, slept soundly on my lap only moving to get a little closer.

I am so gratefull for such moments in life.

Such bliss!

Day 10 on Scooter Girl Cleanse

2009-09-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

I know! Can you believe I have made 10 days on my "no caffeine, no sugar and no wheat" cleanse! Me! Of all people...me who ate chocolate daily...who ate wheat several times daily and could not start the morning without a coffee.

Here I am on Day 10. WOOT!

So...how do I feel?

Pretty good actually. I almost said "pretty normal" but its better then normal as my pre-cleanse normal was pretty flat.

I must confess though I had grand plans of getting up early again this morning for Yoga but as my alarm went off at 5am I hit snooze button and sleep the extra hour rather then work out. I do plan on making it up by going tonight...but that shows I'm still me :)

Food wise I've notice massive sensitivies becoming rather clear. The other day I had something with a mild ammount of gluten in it as I was starving and had no choice...and within an hour or two my digestive system was giving me hell.

I did start to suspect though that I was eaten too many carbs and not enough fresh fruit and vege in an attempt to stay full. I'm trying to change that back to more fruit and vege but its tough as my stomach is still getting used to the easily process foods.

I've not really missed chocolate or lollies of coffee for that matter. When everyone hits the coffee shop in the morning I simply boil the kettle and have a cup of roasted dandelion with a bit of milk and it is more then enough for me.

I did feel amazingly bright this morning when I headed into work, and very alert. I felt super sensitive to things around me and just really bright. My skin has cleaned up allot.

Oh! The other big thing I've noticed is my weight has stabilised. I'm a girl who has her weight go up and down a few kilos within a week but now it is perfectly consistent...in saying that it hasn't really gone down (which I did secretly hope for) but...I have noticed my jeans and clothes are all a bit looser. I didn't take measurements before I started so I've not guarantee but it does feel like I may have shrunk a bit in dimensions...which is always good :) Probably less bloating then normal.

So I'm hanging in there with no real call to stop...the longer I last the more motivated I am to keep going and to try and get even cleaner! I've not address the dairy/meat thing yet but maybe next week I'll attempt to cut out milk....we'll see though.

New Discovery - Power Yoga Morning Class!

2009-08-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

Last week I attended my usual Monday evenning Power Yoga class but it seemed word had spread fast...too fast...they had to turn people away from the class as they were full! I was the last one allowed in but when the class is super full I find it difficult to stretch out properly as you are only about 20cms between each mat.

This week I thought I would switch and try the morning class...but of course that meant getting out of bed a whole lot earlier then normal. I went to bed reading a Yoga book to keep me motivated. Set my alarm for 5am and dozed restlessly as I always do when I know I have an early start.

4.30am and I was awake so I showered, packed clothes in case I didn't have time to return home and shower, had some water and read some more before disappearing into the morning darkness for my class at 6am.

Hunger pains kicked in enroute so I pulled into a servo for a smoothie before joining the small class of 4 which is exactly what I wanted.

I was interested how my body would go first thing in the morning with little food in my belly but I think it helped. For the first time ever I was able to hold the half moon pose and the crow pose - both are tough for me and today I got them...for a few seconds :)

Crow Pose - Step 1 and 2

Half Moon Pose - looks easy but is sooooo not!

What was so so amazing though...to walk out of my class feeling completely limber, fresh and rejuvenated and to step in a truly beautiful morning. It wasn't too cold...the sun was shining and I had time to zip home, change, kiss the hubby then dart off to work to enjoy some Gluten Free Cereal and a snack (Power Yoga makes me hungry, lol).

So give an a.m. class a go as it has just blown my mind. There is another one Thursday morning so I might try for 2 in one week. WOOT!

The book I have been reading is "Journey into Power" by the founder of Power Yoga John Baptiste - is a good read.