I am always looking for a new form of exercise to surprise my body so it doesn't get lazy and to keep my interest peaked.  Last night I went to an hour long stretch class called Lastics. 

Lastics was founded by Donna Flagg a former dancer.  She incorporates her love of dance and her knowledge of dance into an hour long stretching sequence that teaches you to listen to and move the most inner parts of your body to elongate your muscles.

This was no simple class - it was hard - but enjoyable.  Donna was hands on with her students helping you to move your shoulder down or push those shoulder blades together. 

I have to say I do yoga and Pilate's and this was a stretch class like no other.  I left feeling long and like I was walking tall.  Needless to say I slept like a baby.  Stretching all those muscles - and muscles you didn't know you had, relaxed me.  In the morning I was a little sore which is natural when working muscles that have been dormant for months.

I recommend this class to anyone that bikes or lifts weights as they tend to make muscles bulky - this class will help stretch them to give you a longer leaner look - not with one class, but with a few!!  I also recommend this class to anyone that wants to get a good deep stretch.  Who doesn't. 

If you want to read up on Lastics and get more information, the link is listed below. 

http://lastics.com/donna-flagg  

NYC FASHION WEEK

It's that time of year again in NYC - Fashion Week so get out your best outfit and check out what all the fashionistas were wearing today  

http://www.mbfashionweek.com/schedule

Dinner For A Hot Summer Night

Last night once again it was too hot to cook, but I had to because I had some yellow zucchini in my refrigerator that needed to be used or they would go bad.  I thought a little flame from an oven burner would not cause that much heat so I went to work.  I sprayed my pan with olive oil and let that heat up, I then added yellow zucchini, some corn that was sliced off the cob, some string beans and a bit of kale.  I seasoned this with cumin, pepper and some red pepper flakes.  I then took some tempeh strips and heat them in the microwave and wrapped them with some arugula in an eziekel wrap and topped the whole thing off with a cold Blue Mountain beer.  All in all it was a great dinner for a warm summer night.

In Memory of Francis

HUGO'S ADOPTION BIRTHDAY

Tomorrow is Hugo's adoption birthday - give or take a few days!!  I adopted him two years ago from the ASPCA on Easter Sunday.  I know Easter doesn't fall on the same day each year but it is symbolic.  It is supposed to be 75 degrees tomorrow so my sister and I are taking him for a nice walk in Central Park - if you're in the area tomorrow - keep your eye out for him!!!

DEER STOP YOGA

So I have been going to a new yoga studio that one of my yoga teachers started in her loft called Deer Stop Yoga in Williamsburgh Brooklyn. It is a warm inviting studio that always makes me feel happy to be there. Julia who runs this studio is a gentle soul who teaches a flowing yoga class that leaves you feeling so at ease. This is not to say that it is not tough - she does put you through the mill, but she is so graceful that you don't realize it at first. She has a mascot Oliver her hairless cat that sometimes has you laughing at his antics - he is a welcoming distraction to plank pose. If you are looking for a great Asana practice in a bright, airy, welcoming studio - check out Deer Stop at http://www.thisiswherethedeerstop.org/

Claire & Franklin

I had to put two of my cats to sleep this year. First it was Claire who was older and ready to go then it was her son Franklin that wasn't that old and I wasn't ready to let him go, but he was ill. It is never easy letting a pet go, but as owners we have a responsibility to know that when their quality of life is faltering then we must make that decision - not that it is ever easy. I will always remember them and their special traits.