Top 3 Mother's Day Ideas!!

Happy May!!

With Mother's Day being just around the corner, I thought I'd share some fun ways to celebrate all mothers.

It is important to note here that moms come in many shapes and forms.  Here are just three of the types of moms I have met in my life:

• Best Friend's Mom- This is when you and your best friend are so close, it is like you share moms.
• College Mom- This is not a sorority-type, but that teacher or boss (you know who you are!!) whom you spend every day with sharing stories, learning, and growing.  During the college years, you find this person, not as a replacement, but as a rock for you to be supported on while your mom is miles away.
• Mom Mom- This is the woman who raised you.  Whether she gave birth to you, adopted you, or simply raised you as her own, this woman knows every thing bout you.  She was probably there for many milestones in your life.  

All of these types of mothers help to raise stubborn kids into outstanding adults.  They make sure you are taken care of, well fed, and show respect.  These moms make you feel strong and secure in the person you are becoming.  They show you so much love, it sometimes makes you want to cry.  

These women are strong, dedicated, under-appreciated, and loving all at the same time.  

You know your mom better than anyone else.  So, this Mother's Day, show her how much you appreciate her by doing something a little different:

• Instead of taking her to brunch, surprise her by making breakfast!
• Instead of buying her yet another piece of jewelry, take her to a garden and spend the whole day walking, talking, and admiring the beautiful flowers.
• Instead of buying a card, write her a poem or a simple note telling her how much she means to you.

Remember, it is not the size or dollar amount of the gift, but the thought that goes into the gift that counts.  And hand-made or donation-based (i.e. donating to a charity in her name) gifts are always welcome.

What are you doing for your Mom this Mother's Day? Let me know in the comments!

P.S. Here's an adorable shot of our tortoise!  If you've been following the blog for awhile, you will see how big she's gotten.  She now loves to climb out of her tank, or even on top of the lights!!

Mantra Monday: Natarajasana

Hi friends!

This week's mantra is all about self love!  As we come to the end of January and beginning of February, we are constantly bombarded with red and pink everything every where.  Whether its ads on TV or online, we are constantly reminded of the fact that Valentine's Day is just around the corner.
Whether you are in a relationship or not, this "holiday" can be overwhelming.  I have never truly enjoyed Valentines Day simply because it puts pressure on people to buy yet another gift.  If we want to give a gift to a friend or loved one, why wait for a holiday?  Just buy them the gift and give it to them.

Instead of indulging in more consumption, I would like Valentine's Day to truly turn into a day of love.  You know how during the holidays, everyone seems to be in a better mood?  Why don't we carry that love and merriment more consistently throughout the year?!

That is why, this week, I have devoted the Mantra and Asana to love and fun.  Life is too short to be grumpy all the time.  Lighten your heart with some play time this week (see the pose below) and remind yourself that it is good to smile and be happy.  The yoga pose below is meant to lift your spirits and evoke a sense of play and fun!  The key to this mantra, though, is to actually believe it!  And from personal experience, even if you don't really believe it at first, the more you say it, the more you start to truly believe it!  I can tell already how beautiful you are!!

So...go...right now...look in the mirror and let yourself know how beautiful you are.  Give yourself some of this love and then pass it along to a friend or loved one!  Tell them how beautiful they are, and then let them know to pass it along as well!  It can't hurt, the world needs more love anyways :)

This week's Mantra:

This week's Asana:  Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose)

From standing, lean your weight onto your right foot and gently bend your left knee so you can hold on to your left foot behind you.  If you can not comfortably hold onto your foot, use a strap, belt or towel to loop around your foot for extra length.  Breathe.  When you feel balanced, lift your right arm up towards the sky, then gently start to lean forward; bending at the hip.  Press your left foot into your left hand (or strap, etc.) and breathe.  Keep your gaze forward, your chest lifted, and both legs strong and steady.  Stay here for 5-10 breaths, then repeat on the other side.

 I would love to see your pictures!!  Tag me on Twitter or Instagram @TheYogiRD