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Illness, Float Therapy, Yoga, and the Northside Market // Weekly Mantra

February 5, 2017 by Rachel 24 Comments

So last week I was all “this is going to be THE BEST week,” which is pretty much just tempting fate. And fate handed me about 50% of what I was expecting last week, and 50% of the unexpected. Win some, lose some, friends.

Monday morning I woke up with a bit of a sore throat, but I got myself and the kiddos ready to go into work (for those who don’t know, both of my children come with me to work everyday — it’s quite a benefit!). Shortly after we got there, a building maintenance issue was uncovered and we realized that instead of 2 of us staffing one small area, there would be four of us. Which… is way too many. So I said “Hey I’m kinda feeling like poo a bit. Send me home.” And so I went.

No sooner did I get home did I start having fever and chills. It was so bizarre. I still don’t really know what was up, but I spent all of that day in bed, shaking and aching. I finally gave up and texted Chad at 3pm and told him I absolutely needed him to come home and take care of the kids. I was completely incapable of doing so. He ended up making it home from work very early so that I could try to sleep off the fever. I awoke some time later, but still feeling really awful.

Long story short, our Tuesday plans were ruined, too, because not only did I not go into work, but I kept Ari home from preschool just so I wouldn’t have to leave the house. I was so ashamed to keep Ari home, but I seriously couldn’t muster the energy to drag two kids out of the house for preschool dropoff.

But then I had a moment of panic — this fever? Did it have something to do with the dental procedure I had had on Friday? Should it be cause for concern? So I ended up having to drag both kiddos in to the dentist office with me. Far less than ideal, especially when there was an hour wait. But we survived — and my procedure site was not the cause of the fever! Hooray!

Thankfully, all of that rest paid off and Wednesday morning I was finally feeling so much more like myself! Well enough to go to work and take Ari to his first ever karate class!


OMG this kid loved his karate class! And, no joke, a serious natural talent for it!

Thursday evening I had scheduled my first ever float tank therapy session. If you’re not familiar with ‘floating,’ it’s essentially floating in 10-inches of super buoyant water (thanks to the 1000 lbs of epson salt!) in a sensory deprivation chamber. The tank is lightless and soundproof, so, in addition to your body floating effortlessly, your entire body and mind are completely zoned out.


Being semi-claustrophobic, I was super nervous about getting into the tank/chamber. But after a while, I was totally fine — even super relaxed! The only way I can explain it is that it was like a 90-minute savasana!

And the effects have lasted for days. Guys. I fell asleep SITTING UP AT MY COMPUTER WITH THE TV ON. Even at my most sleep deprived moments, I have never been that relaxed!

Next thing I knew, Saturday morning was upon us — and a very busy day at that! We started with the monthly kids workshop at Home Depot! No joke, this build was complicated, ya’ll! It ended up taking way longer than I anticipated, so we were racing to make it to Ari’s karate class.

​[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLIgsbcYBLA ]
Chad missed Ari’s first class so this was his first time seeing Ari in his (new) element! It was just as adorable as his first class. And he still really loved it!

And from there I raced home to put the kids down for naps and I raced back out again. I made my triumphant return to yoga after a terribly long hiatus!

My deer friend Gretchen is opening a new studio, Do Good Yoga, so I went to check it out. Honestly, it gave me the perfect excuse to get back on my mat. And, oh my gosh, it took returning to my mat to realize how much I’ve missed my yoga practice!


Post-yoga I brought Remy to the site of Noto North Akron, Do Good Yoga, and Akron Honey Company for the first Northside Market Akron!


The vendors and DJ were amazing! I’m so lucky to be a part of such an awesome community of makers and shakers!

Between all of this fun AND a late night thanks to the Super Bowl, my weekly mantra for this week is simple:


Happy Monday, friends!

 

Filed Under: #MomLife, Akron, Ari Davis, busy mom, children, crafty, creative, desserts, events, explore locally, live happy, mantra, mommyhood, NEO, Ohio, pampering, parenthood, week in review, weekend, workout, yoga Tagged With: #MomLife, akron, ari davis, being a mom, busy mom, children, crafty, explore locally, family, fitness, food, foodie, health, life, local, mantra, mommyhood, motherhood, weekend, workout, yoga

postpartum fitness // wishes + plans

January 17, 2016 by Rachel 1 Comment

I know I’m not postpartum yet, but gosh, I cannot wait to get back to feeling like myself. Don’t get me wrong, I’m giving myself as much time as necessary to heal, postpartum. However, this warmer than usual winter has had me in a bit of a jealous fit from time to time. Especially since it’s been absolutely perfect running weather up until recently. And here I am, barely able to walk up the stairs without peeing myself. Ha!

Postpartum, however, I will not let a little pee stop me from getting my workout on! Thank goodness for Depend Silhouette Active Fit womens briefs. Trust me, I know I will need them after this child is born (heck, I need them now!). And I totally know that I’m not alone! In fact, more people have bladder leakage in their 20s than people in their 80s! And if you’re a mom, you probably know what I mean!

itsahero-fitnesspp

  1. Barre Fly. This studio opened up in Canton a while back and I’ve been dying to try out their aerial yoga! And I’m sure it will feel awesome on my postpartum hips! And perhaps I can even (finally) check out a barre class!
  2. Balance + Brews. Basically, yoga in a brewery. Umm, yes please! Again, these started like right around the time I found out I was pregnant. I’ve been itching to get to one of these classes, because, beer… and stretching!
  3. PureMvmnt. I’ve always wanted to try pole classes. However, I have zero rhythm and absolutely no core strength nowadays. This space was created to empower women! And what better way than by building core strength.
  4. Believe In CLE. I missed the last couple of Believe in CLE yoga events and I’m dying to get back to a huge practice!
  5. GrooveRyde. Dying to try out this new cycling and yoga studio!

Luckily when I head out on my new fitness adventures, no one will have a clue that I’m struggling with some light bladder leakage. And I’ll be spreading #underwareness because they are SO discreet! With a lower rise, Depend Silhouette Active Fit briefs both fit and feel like real underwear — so I don’t have to worry about something embarrassing happening while I’m doing aerial yoga. Ha!

underwareness
You can try them out for yourself for FREE! Get a free sample here and check out how Depend is entering year three of #Underwareness, a social movement and charitable cause to break down the bladder leakage stigma! And most of all, don’t let a little bladder leakage hold you back from getting out there and moving!!

 

Many thanks to Depend for sponsoring today’s story and spread #underwareness cause.

Filed Under: #GetFit, #MomLife, #SweatPink, Akron, children, cleveland, coupon, deals, explore locally, fitness, fun, goals, health, life, mommyhood, money saving tips, NEO, Oh baby!, Ohio, parenthood, pictures, postpartum, review, running, sponsor, wellness, workout, yoga Tagged With: #GetFit, #MomLife, #SweatPink, akron, being a mom, children, cleveland, coupon, deals, explore locally, fitness, fun, goal crusher, goals, health, life, local, mommyhood, money saving tips, motherhood, NEO, oh baby, ohio, parenthood, postpartum, pregnancy, review, running, sponsor, wellness, workout, yoga

GIVEAWAY!! // Elevate Akron // Fall 2015

November 15, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

Again, I have to say it… Northeast Ohio is simply amazing. There is so much to do, so much to see, and so much to be involved in! While this can be found within so many groups and hobbies here in Ohio, it’s especially true of the yoga community.

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First there was Believe in CLE. And then, earlier this year, the first ever Elevate Akron event. Thankfully, we’re ending 2015 with yet another FREE yoga event before closing out 2015!

Next Sunday, November 22nd, yogis from all over our region, will gather at the University of Akron field house for a sweaty vinyasa practice, speakers, and an after party complete with food trucks, games and DJ Nino!

elevate3
The excitement that is set to vibrate throughout the city of Akron — and Northeast Ohio — is building! I’m SO excited to attend, pregnant belly and all!

elevate2
Lucky for one of my readers, I was asked by the great ladies of Lululemon Akron to giveaway one commemorative Elevate Akron 2015 tank or tee! Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter — and please only enter if you are local and will be able to pick up the tee!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck! Be sure to register for the FREE EVENT HERE. Oh, and here are the nitty gritty details for the event:

  • Parking. Parking is available in lot 10 directly behind the building.
  • Arrive Early. Music, day-of check-in and yoga mat parking starts at 4:30PM. The festivities promptly at 5:00PM with a special speaker followed by our vinyasa class.
  • Bring Cash. Hello? Food trucks galore!
  • Limited Mat Rentals. So be sure to bring one!
  • Packet Pick-Up. Event organizers urge you to attend packet pick-up at the lululemon Akron showroom on Friday, November 20th from 11:00AM-6:00PM or Saturday, November 21st from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. Pre-ordered tees and tank tops will also be distributed during these designated times.

See you there! xo

Filed Under: #GetFit, #SweatPink, Akron, cleveland, events, explore locally, fall, fitness, fun, giveaway, health, life, live happy, Lululemon, NEO, Ohio, plans, wellness, workout, yoga Tagged With: #GetFit, #SweatPink, akron, cleveland, events, explore locally, fall/autumn, fitness, fun, giveaway, health, life, Live Happy, lululemon Akron, NEO, ohio, plans, wellness, workout, yoga

long weekend, big plans!

May 22, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

We have been busy busy bees as of late. But we’ve also managed to sneak in weekend naps and late PJ mornings on the weekends as much as possible.

This weekend, however, may be the exact opposite. There are so many exciting things going on and I’m going to try and squeeze in as many as possible! If you’re in Northeast Ohio, I hope you’ll check some of these out! Maybe I’ll even see you there?!

For The Fitness Fanatics  //

  • Community Yoga  //  lululemon athletica Akron Showroom  // Free  // Saturday, 9 am – 10 am
    A free all-levels class for the local yogis! Arrive a few minutes early, bring a mat and some water!
  • SUP Yoga  // Portage Lakes, Release Yoga  // $33  // Saturday, 9 am – 10:30 am
    This is the second year that Release Yoga has offered a weekly SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Yoga class! What a fun and unique way to get a workout in! Pre-registration is required here.
    supyoga
  • Northcoast 5k  // Kent  //  $30  //  Saturday, 9:30 am
    If you’re looking to fit in a fun run this weekend, head to Kent and squeeze in a quick 5k! Awards take place post-race at the Water Street Tavern where finishers enjoy a free beer (21 and over, of course!), a $2 happy hour until 9 pm, and admission into the NPC Northcoast Championship Fitness Show, which is taking place on KSU’s campus! Register here!

For The Locavores + Craft Show Lovers  //

  • Crafty Mart  //  Thirsty Dog Brewing Company  //  Free  //  Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm
    Head down to Akron’s own favorite brewery for live music, crafty finds from incredible vendors, food, and brews! These events bring everything wonderful about Akron to one central location and one time! If you haven’t been, I highly recommend stopping by! More information can be found via the Facebook event page!

craftymart

  • Sunday Market  //  Hingetown, Cleveland  //  Free  //  Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
    The Cleveland Flea Hingetown Market is back! And the focus is brunch! I’m incredibly excited to visit one of my favorite little places, Hingetown, for the second year of their Sunday Markets!

sundaymarket
For the All-American  //

  • Vicious Cycle, a Lynyrd Skynyrd Cover Band  //  Lock 3, Akron  //  Free  //  Friday, 7 pm
    The Friday night concert series at Lock 3 is back and if rocking out with a lot of other people is your thing, then this is for you. Bonus? Free parking and lots of bars and restaurants within walking distance.
  • Marc’s Great American Rib Cook Off  //  Jacob’s Pavilion, Cleveland  //  $8  //  Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 12 pm – 11 pm, Monday, 12 pm – 8 pm
    Lots of options for BBQ, beer, and music. Kids 12 and under are free! You can find more info here.

However you choose to spend your long weekend, I hope you spend it surrounded by family and friends!

Filed Under: #GetFit, #SweatPink, Akron, beer, cleveland, Cleveland Flea, crafty, crunchy granola, events, explore locally, fitness, Flea Market Fun, food, fun, goodies, life, links, live happy, Lululemon, Ohio, plans, running, summer, weekend, yoga, yum Tagged With: akron, celebration, cleveland, crafty, events, explore locally, fitness, food, foodie, life, local, ohio, running, weekend, yoga

Elevate YOGAkron // outdoor yoga festival!

May 20, 2015 by Rachel 5 Comments

There are many things that I’m passionate about. When two of those things come together (like drinking wine and painting, for instance – LOL!), I am in heaven!

Two other things that I am passionate about: Northeast Ohio and Yoga. A few years ago when the first Believe In CLE event took place, I was beyond excited to practice yoga with hundreds and hundreds of other yogis at the Rock Hall.

Recently some of my fellow Akron-area yogis put together an outdoor community practice at Hardesty Park, located in the heart of Akron’s Wallhaven neighborhood!

elevate yoga akron
In partnership with the City of Akron & local yoga studios, the lululemon athletica Akron Showroom and YOGAkron have teamed up to present the inaugural Elevate YOGAkron event, which is being held on Friday, May 29th from 6:00 – 9:30PM, rain or shine!

This free-, outdoor-yoga festival will celebrate the heart and soul of the beautiful city of Akron! Live music, courtesy of Akron-native DJ Nino, will last through the all-levels Vinyasa practice, led by lululemon Ambassador and YOGAkron Founder Tracy Rhinehart (ERYT-500HR). During the all-levels practice, yoga teachers from various studios throughout Akron will be offering hands-on assists to the practicing yogis!

The Cleveland-based, Akron-loving, company, NOOMA, will support the event with free samples of their delicious electrolyte hydration drink throughout the practice! After the practice, DJ Naeno will continue to spin until 9:30PM and local food vendors, such as Ms. Julie’s Kitchen, will be at the event to provide nourishment and just plain ol’ tasty eats for the yogis!

elevate akron tank
Registration to the event is completely free, but you will need to fill out an online registration here. You do have an option at the point of registration to purchase a commemorative tee or tank for just $10. (I did! Look how cute it is!?!)

Registered participants can check-in, complete their waiver, and pick up their Elevate YOGAkron shirts at lululemon athletica Akron Showroom (21 Furnace Street in Downtown Akron) or at Yoga Bliss in Fairlawn (3045 Smith Rd, Fairlawn, OH 44333) during normal business hours on both Thursday, May 28th and Friday, May 29th. Check-in is also available at the event beginning at 6pm for those unable to do so ahead of time.

Will I see you there?? Let’s lift Akron up with love and light! 🙂 If you have never been to an event like this and want someone to go with, hit me up and let me know! 🙂 I’d be happy to go with ya!

Just before this post was set to go live, the folks over at lululemon let me know that they’d like to give an Elevate YOGAkron t-shirt to one of my readers! Enter using the rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED POST! 🙂 Ha! I just really love Ohio, I really love Akron, and I really and truly love the yoga community here. 🙂 And the giveaway? That just seemed to fall into place the way that the community of Akron likes to do! I just hope to see some of you there! And hey? why not try and score a tee while you’re at it! (Thanks, Lemons!)

Filed Under: #GetFit, #SweatPink, Akron, Baptiste Power Yoga, cleveland, cleveland yoga, events, explore locally, fitness, fun, life, live happy, Lululemon, off the mat, Ohio, plans, workout, yoga, Yoga Bliss Akron Tagged With: #SweatPink, akron, celebration, community, events, explore locally, fitness, food, fun, giveaway, health, life, Live Happy, local, lululemon Akron, ohio, yoga

back on the mat // #youphoriayoga

April 25, 2015 by Rachel Leave a Comment


Since marathon training began (and since it has ceased to exist) I haven’t been on my yoga mat nearly as much as I’d prefer. Like, hardly at all. [insert frown face]

But I have had one chance to ground myself on my mat with Marni Task at Cleveland Yoga.

Since I haven’t been on my mat much as of recent, I decided to take a Vinyasa Class, sans heat. Well, sans HOT heat; because it was definitely still warm.

yogamat3
I’ve taken for granted that time spent on my mat — that time where the sun is shining through the windows and heating the room; that time when I am surrounded by strangers, breathing in unison; that time when the only thing I have to worry about is being in that very moment, in that very pose.

But there is always a LOT of sweat — even in the non-heated classes. And I learned years ago that a yoga practice isn’t complete without a yoga towel — something to catch the sweat so you aren’t sliding around your mat. My first yoga towel was a yogitoes mat; then I started to use a Manduka towel; and most recently a Youphoria Yoga towel.

yogamat1
I was honestly impressed by the towel. It didn’t need sticky things on the bottom side, like other towels. It just sticks to the mat. Also, it’s common practice to sprinkle water on your towel before the practice even begins to prevent slippage on the towel before you begin to sweat — but I didn’t even need to do that! I was really impressed at how well it works.

It really made for a perfect practice. That and the sunshine and the community. <3 LOVED it. It serves as a reminder that I really need to get back on my mat at least once a week, even if it’s a home-practice.

How do you fit in your yoga practices? And what are your favorite yoga accessories? 

 

Disclosure: I was selected to receive a YouphoriaYoga towel for my honest opinion and review of this product. The content and opinions expressed here are all my own. Thank you to BDS Outlets/YouphoriaYoga and Tomoson for sponsoring this post. #youphoriayoga

Filed Under: #GetFit, #SweatPink, fitness, health, live happy, off the mat, review, sponsor, workout, yoga Tagged With: #GetFit, #SweatPink, fitness, health, review, sponsor, workout, yoga

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