Razzy Reads Blog

By Ashley McGuirk

Welcome the newest addition to Razz, Yoga Fresh’s cold pressed juice! Not only is this amazing, but do you know all of the wonderful benefits drinking cold press juice can do for you?

I have highlighted the top five reasons you should grab one of these babies and enjoy on your way home from yoga class. Try one, or all three (pssst they’re all delicious)!

There will be a total of three flavors to choose from and trust me, it’ll be hard to decide. What’s even better is not only do these juices taste great, but they pack a lot of nutrients and other benefits. Read on to find out why drinking juice is so incredible for you!

Number one: vitamin + mineral absorption

Drinking fresh juice is an easy way to absorb vitamins + minerals. Most fruits and vegetables contain the essential vitamins + minerals our bodies thrive on, on a daily basis. These include Vitamin A, B, C, etc. iron, potassium, magnesium, fiber + more. So, if you need a quick pick me up skip the coffee and grab a nutrient packed juice.

Number two: naturally detoxifying

We all know how important it is to eat our fruits and veggies. Both contain a lot of amazing nutrients that can help aid our bodies in many ways. But did you know that fruits and veggies also help your body detox? Yes! Drinking fresh juice can help get rid of toxins that linger in your body. By drinking juice it’s easy for our bodies to absorb the vitamins and nutrients that juice contains. So, the next time your sweating out toxins in a hot yoga class, grab a juice afterwards knowing your body has gotten a full-fledged detox.

Number three: curb cravings

A lot of juices taste so delicious it’s hard to believe they’re good for you. That’s mostly because of the natural sugars in most fruits and some veggies. While sugar cravings can come on strong have no fear because drinking fresh juice can help curb those temptations. Natural sugars from fruit is much better to consume over highly processed sugars. So next time you want to avoid processed sweets, grab a juice and enjoy!

Number four: increase energy

We already know the amazing health benefits drinking juice can provide. As mentioned before it’s packed with numerous vitamins and minerals which give our bodies nutrients we physically need. But with that, we also convert those vitamins and minerals into energy! Instead of eating a traditional granola bar after yoga class, try a fresh juice! It can boost your morning routine and leave you feeling energized.

Number five: strengthens your immune system

During this time of year its common for sickness to make its way around town. Viruses, the flu, colds and more are likely to cross your path. One way to help prevent catching one of these sicknesses is to drink juice. Drinking one of the available juices from Yoga fresh are all packed with Vitamin C, which helps strengthen your immune system. Fight back sickness by enjoying one of the amazing flavors offered at Razz.

Interested in enjoying a delicious juice? Come in and check out all three flavors. You can trust they’re all from a local business right up the road in Bel Air, Md and we re-stock regularly. Try one or all three, but don’t forget to tag #razzyoga and #yogafresh when sharing with friends and family on social media. Have a great winter season! Namaste.

 

By Ashley McGuirk

Every month Razz will be highlighting one of our amazing yoga instructors so that our community can grow closer to one another. This way our students can get a better idea of the instructor and the classes she/he offers on a weekly basis. Building a strong yoga community can be both beneficial to not only the students but to the business as well. The more we learn about one another the stronger our relationships become, resulting in a community full of love and support. For the month of January, we decided to highlight one of our community yogis who is participating in the Hatha Raja Yoga teacher training this year, meet Steve! Steve is a compassionate yogi who wants to bring the healing principles of yoga to others. His goal is to eventually share the practice of yoga with those who suffer from mental illness and veterans suffering from PTSD. Read along as Steve shares his relationship with yoga and his “why” behind his teacher training and yoga practice.

1.) Who are you and why did you decide to become a yoga teacher?

My name is Steve Kenny husband and father of three. I decided to become a yoga teacher because it has helped me heal and grow in so many ways. I have obviously gotten physically stronger but yoga has allowed me to really find out who I am. It has healed me in many ways. Truly body, mind and spirit. 

2.) When, where and which yoga teacher training are you completing? 

I am currently attending the Hatha Raja training at Razz Yoga. 

3.) Overall how would you describe your relationship with yoga?

I thought like many others that yoga was an athletic class, but it has allowed me to really connect with myself spiritually. Yoga has made me a more compassionate husband, father and friend. So, it is a very personal relationship. 

4.) What do you want your future students to take away from your class?

I only plan to offer charitable classes to people who suffer mental illness and do not have the means to pay. I also want to offer classes for veterans suffering from PTSD. So, I want them to see there is a way to quiet the mind and heal with compassion and love without loads of medication. 

5.) (Just for fun!) What is your favorite holiday? 

Christmas, of course. 

We hope you enjoyed reading this fun interview with Steve! If you have any questions about the yoga teacher training here at razz feel free to reach out to us. It is a wonderful life changing experience that can benefit you in so many ways. Have a wonderful week! Namaste.

 

By Ashley McGuirk

I don’t know about you guys, but I am so excited to welcome a new year! 2020, a new decade. Who knows what this year or decade will bring, but one things for certain, your decisions can help sculpt an amazing year or even ten years. It’s honestly up to you and what you want to attract. At this moment, many people have decided to come up with a new year’s resolution. Whether it be the classic, “lose weight, get healthy etc.” or “spend less money” these types of resolutions can be hard to stick with. I know I probably sound like a broken record, but making open ended new year’s resolutions like the ones I just mentioned, can often set one up for failure before they even begin. So, I encourage you to really sit down and think about where you’d love to see yourself one year from now. Get personal and real with yourself. What do you really want out of your one and only life?

Do you see yourself starting your own business?

Do you see yourself running a marathon?

Do you see yourself on Broadway?

Do you see yourself becoming a Yoga instructor?

I know all of these goals may seem silly and out of reach, but in reality, someone else is out there doing it. So, why can’t you?! Is it really that crazy to want to strive for your ultimate goal? The answer? ABSOLUTELY NOT. So instead of kicking the can down the road, start NOW. Start by asking yourself, what do you enjoy most in life? What do you want to create? Who do you want to be?

These are important questions you want to become clear on as you continue to live your life.

If coming clear with yourself is a challenge and you’re not sure where to start, then I highly suggest attending our goal setting ritual on Sunday January 12th at Razz Yoga. Join Jessie Benson for an intentional setting workshop that will create an amazing start to your year. In this workshop Jessie will celebrate all that you have accomplished in 2019 and work with you to craft something remarkable for 2020. The workshop begins at 12PM with a vinyasa flow followed by a meditation and then closes with a purposeful journaling activity. The journaling activity is unique because of its carefully guided prompts encouraging you to infuse more meaning into each area of your life. This workshop is for everyone and promotes a healthy start to the year!

Read more about the workshop on our events tab. If you attend this workshop please be sure to share your experience on our Facebook group or Instagram page. Tag #RazzYoga and share your thoughts + feedback. We love building our community of amazing yogis!

By Ashley McGuirk

            It’s the holiday season, which means its baking time! Baking is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. It brings back so many wonderful memories with my parents baking all sorts of cookies to hand out at school. Since I was a kid I’ve always enjoyed making a variety of cookies and creating cookie trays to give out to friends and family. However, this year I decided to go for a healthier route. Instead of all the sugary cookies I usually make, I thought I’d find some of my favorite traditional holiday cookies but in a healthier form. With food allergies on the rise it’s important to remember there are other options out there. You don’t have to give up some of your favorite Christmas cookies anymore. I’m sure many of you are searching the internet for a variety of cookies recipes to use at family gathers, office parties and cookie exchanges so to help narrow it down for you I picked through some of my favorite health and wellness food blogs to bring you the BEST versions of your favorite Christmas cookie recipes!

Some are vegan, paleo, gluten free, dairy free etc. Below I have tagged and included the link to ten traditional Christmas cookie recipes. I made sure to include traditional recipes like sugar, snickerdoodle, peanut butter and more. I hope this helps your cookie recipe search. I enjoyed baking and tasting each and every one of these recipes. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Have a wonderful holiday season! Namaste.

• Number one: What Molly Made –Paleo + GF Snickerdoodle Cookies

https://whatmollymade.com/paleo-gluten-free-snickerdoodles/#wprm-recipe-container-9140

This recipe is so easy and so yummy! Being Paleo and GF almost anyone can enjoy these wonderful, classic cookies.

• Number two: Rachael’s Good Eats – Homemade Twix Bars GF, DF

https://rachaelsgoodeats.com/healthy-twix-bars-gf-df-refined-sugar-free/

Now I know these aren’t technically a cookie, but trust me they’re almost better than a cookie. These homemade twix bars taste absolutely amazing and contain 0 refined sugar. You honestly would have no idea if I didn’t tell you that. Not only is this recipe wildly popular but it’s GF, DF and refined sugar free! If you want to shake your cookie exchange up a bit, I highly recommend you make these babies.

• Number three: Kale Junkies- Life Changing Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies Paleo + GF

https://www.kalejunkie.com/nicole-modic-blog/life-changing-chocolate-chip-tahini-cookies

Now I personally have made this recipe more than once and they certainly live up to the hype. Kale Junkie certainly knew what she was doing because these paleo and gluten free cookies taste like the real thing! Can I get an AMEN?!

• Number four: From My Bowl- Vegan Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

https://frommybowl.com/double-chocolate-peppermint-cookies/

Now this recipe was super impressive to me because not only does it have the amazing chocolate peppermint duo, but it’s also vegan! So all my fellow yogi’s who follow a vegan diet this is one of the recipes you got to try!

• Number five: Ambitious Kitchen- Paleo Ginger Molasses Cookies GF + DF

https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/paleo-ginger-molasses-cookies/

Ginger bread cookies are pretty much my favorite holiday cookies. There’s just something so warm and cozy about a soft, thick gingerbread cookie and this blogger captured it all! This blog has to be one of my personal favorites. There hasn’t been a single recipe on her blog that doesn’t knock your socks off. Each recipe is so detailed and what still gets me is most of these recipes are Paleo, GF or DF. Now if that’s not impressive then I don’t know what is.

• Number six- Stay Sweet Ashley- Dark Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies GF +DF

https://www.staysweetwellness.com/post/dark-chocolate-dipped-peanut-butter-cookies

Hey that’s me! I just had to add this recipe to this list, because not only am I proud of it, but it’s so darn good. I seriously want every peanut butter lover out there to try it! This recipe can be made Paleo (sub out PB with almond butter) and is GF. Super yummy and easy to whip up.

• Number seven- Paleo Running Mama- Soft Maple Walnut Sugar Cookies

https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/maple-walnut-sugar-cookies-paleo-gluten-free/

Okay, I actually drooled while reading that title. Paleo Running Mama is an awesome resource if you enjoy a paleo diet. This recipe is above and beyond my expectations. Who knew you could create something this delicious without dairy and gluten!

• Number eight- Erin Lives Whole- White Chocolate Cranberry Cookie

https://www.erinliveswhole.com/healthy-white-chocolate-cranberry-cookies/

Even though this recipe isn’t traditionally vegan Erin does an awesome job of providing substitutes to make it vegan friendly. This is a holiday classic you won’t want to miss out on. Is it just me or do cranberries taste better during the holiday season?

• Number nine: Heart of a Baker- Vegan Chocolate Crinkles

https://heartofabaker.com/vegan-chocolate-crinkle-cookies/

Need I say more? Yes, somehow this beautiful soul came up with a vegan version of chocolate crinkles and I think she deserves a huge award and round of applause. Chocolate crinkles are one of the most requested cookie recipes during the holiday season and it makes me so happy to see that vegans won’t be missing out.

• Number ten: Minimalist Baker –Vegan Sugar Cookies

https://minimalistbaker.com/1-bowl-vegan-sugar-cookies/

Saving one of the most popular Christmas cookie recipes for last, Minimalist Bakers vegan sugar cookies. The recipes this woman comes up with are truly amazing. Every single one vegan friendly and tastes like it was curated by a genius. If you don’t already follow her page, please do. You will not be disappointed.

By Ashley McGuirk

It’s already Thanksgiving week and we all have so much to be thankful for! 

I don’t know about you, but there are so many things to be grateful for in my life starting with family, friends, a place to call home, good health + more. Like most families at Thanksgiving, my family goes around the table giving each person a moment to share what they’re especially grateful for this year. I’ve always loved this tradition because it gives me a moment to reflect on all the wonderful things that have occurred in the last 11 months. It’s also refreshing to hear all of the wonderful reasons people feel grateful.

This year I plan to share I am most thankful for the obvious, my baby boy Keegan, but also my yoga practice. I’m choosing to share my yoga practice because it’s played a huge role in my life the past five years.  As I get older, the years seem to become shorter with each season lasting for only a blink of an eye. Even though time feels like it’s racing by I can’t help but feel loads of gratitude for where I am at this very moment. I’ve never been happier in my entire life. I’m sharing this with you because I give a lot of credit to my yoga practice. Obviously, it took more than just practicing yoga to become content and more at peace, but practicing yoga definitely played (and still plays) a major role in my life. I personally feel the reason I’m happier is because yoga has taught me the importance of living in the present. By living in the present moment, I realize how much more at ease I feel. I don’t feel as anxious or negative and I find that I approach situations with more of an open mind. Living in the moment also helps me remember more. Instead of getting distracted by the past or the future I find myself focusing on that very moment, which is something I cherish especially now that I have a son. So, thank you, yoga, for helping me stay in the present moment. I am so thankful for yoga, where it has brought me and the amazing community its created for me. I suggest you take the time to reflect on where yoga has brought you. It’s a fun activity to think on and who knows? Maybe you too, will share how grateful you are for your yoga practice at the Thanksgiving table. 

Although sharing our gratitude for one thing at the thanksgiving table is a wonderful tradition I often think to myself, “Why do we only say what we’re grateful for on Thanksgiving? Why don’t we practice gratitude more often?” So, I’ve taken the liberty of putting this practice to work by writing down five things I am grateful for every single day. I recently adapted this practice into my morning journal within the past year. I started writing down a variety of things that I was grateful for each morning and it really began opening my mind to all of the amazing things I should be thankful for every day. For example, from one of my past entries this summer, I wrote down how grateful I was for my eyesight. I felt so grateful to be able to witness the sunrise, the bright blue sky, my pregnant belly, my adorable dog etc. I feel like I too often take my eyesight for granted and so taking the extra two minutes to practice gratitude had me feeling all sorts of happiness. I highly suggest you adapt the same practice within your daily routine. Simply draw five bullet points and write down the first five things that come to mind when you think of your life and what you’re most grateful for. Challenge yourself by writing down different things each day. You’ll be amazed how wonderful this exercise can be. 

All of us at Razz Yoga hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving week! Namaste. 

By Ashley McGuirk

Essential oils are a hot topic these days and have been for the past few years. They are known to not only make a room smell incredible but also have amazing healing properties that can drastically help the way someone feels, breathes or even looks! I know those are strong statements to make, but from my personal experience they do rang true. Take it from me, a born skeptic who tends asks too many questions when it comes to anything that interests me. Essential oils are the real deal.

            When I was first introduced to essential oils, I had no idea what their benefits consisted of. I just enjoyed the natural scents like lavender and peppermint. These natural scents always made me feel refreshed and relaxed at the same time. However, I wasn’t 100% sold on the idea of diffusing them. I read articles that claimed diffusing essential oils could help me breathe clearer or even heal skin irritations, so I decided to put them to the test. Long and behold, this. stuff. works. These oils even impressed my husband (and that’s saying something)! We were hooked after my sister bought me a diffuser for Christmas. A few days after receiving the diffuse we both had stuffy noses and experimented with a blend that consisted of peppermint, lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus. We diffused this blend right before bedtime and it had us sleeping like babies! Our noses miraculously opened up and we were able to breathe clearly. After that, we continued using the diffuser on a daily basis and have been ever since. We use oils to help with sleep, skin irritations and more! My sister introduced me to chamomile oil which helped healed a rash I had on my wrist. She uses it on a weekly basis because of her kids’ skin sensitives and it does wonders!

            There are so many wonderful healing principles that come from essential oils. I highly recommend you give them a try! Razz offers a variety of doTerra scents ranging from lavender to Christmas blends. Be confident in knowing that essential oils are so much better than burning candles in your household. Especially if you purchase high quality oils like doTerra. Feel free to give the website I read! They have all the information you could possibly need in terms of what essential oils are, their healing components, how to use them etc. Below I have pointed out my three favorite scents. I explain why I not only love their smells but how they benefit my lifestyle!

• Lavender- This one is pretty obvious. Lavender has always been one of my favorite scents since the beginning of time. I love the earthy/ floral scent. It not only makes my home smell amazing, but it also smells inviting and clean! I love nothing more than diffusing lavender oils to help me relax. I diffused it almost every night before I go to bed and even diffused lavender during my homebirth earlier this year! I loved breathing in the scent during my contractions. I highly recommend using a diffuser when you’re in labor. It benefited me in so many ways!
• Peppermint- I absolutely LOVE peppermint. Not just the smell but also the taste. I find it so fresh and rejuvenating. That’s why I drop a few dabs of peppermint oil onto my hands, rub my palms together and take in a deep breath from my palms. It smells so refreshing and gives me an instant burst of energy. I also love using peppermint oil before I work out because it makes me feel energized (and it doesn’t hurt to cover up the smell of sweat).
• Clary sage- This is my third favorite oil for many reasons. First of all, (like most oils) it smells amazing. I love breathing in the scent of clary sage. Clary sage smells a combination of earthy and fruity with soft floral notes. I love using it when I’m experience menstrual cramps. Clary sage has been proven to aid as a pain reliever, so I highly recommend it to women who experience painful cramps. I always drop a few dabs of clary sage oil onto my lower abdomen and rub it in before I go to bed or right after I shower.

I hope you enjoyed this post on essential oils. If you’re interested in trying a few, feel free to check out the samples in the front lobby at Razz. Razz has a variety of high quality doTerra oils that are wonderful to use. 

By Ashley McGuirk

Friendships are one of the most sacred and cherished relationships for human beings.

We all have different friendships ranging from childhood friendships to work friendships or even yoga friendships. Whatever title they may have, they are the glue that holds each and every one of us together. Friends are there for us when we need them most. They can relate to us, have fun with us and teach us lessons we needed at that one moment in life. I can’t tell you how many times my best friends have been there for me in times when I felt lost or just needed someone to talk to. I think most would agree with me when I say, without my friendships I have no idea who I would be or even where I’d be! What I’m trying to get at here is the love our friendships contain really do make the world a better place. We all have those special friendships that challenge us to become better people. In honoring these types of friendships its important to set aside time with them to cherish and grow. With that being said, this weekend I recommend you take some extra time to spend with one or more of your closets girlfriends at Razz Yoga.

How does self-care bliss sound?

Well, grab your girlfriends and join Razz Yoga this Saturday November 16th from 12-p.m. for an amazing one day retreat honoring women! It’s a perfect time of year to reflect and relax. Before the hustle and bustle of the holidays take advantage of this amazing opportunity to relax and honor yourself. This women’s only retreat includes so many rejuvenating activities that include essential oils, yoga, meditation and more! What better way to spend your Saturday then relaxing and vibrating your highest energy with your closest girlfriends? This is not only a way to spend time on yourself but also in the company of your best friends. By raising your own vibrations within this retreat, you are doing others a favor by inspiring them to do the same. As stated on the Razz website,

“Each part of this mini retreat is carefully selected to optimize the ability to open the body and mind to new experiences. We will practice to initiate a deep connection both physically and mentally. doTERRA essential oils will be introduced and explained as a compliment to your practice at designated times to enhance and enrich your experience. Come for the connection. Come for the experience.”

Need I say more? You don’t have to be a professional yogi to attend. Sign Up Here.  Bring a friend or make a new one at Razz!  All levels of yogi are welcome to experience this mini retreat. If you have any questions about the retreat feel free to reach out to Heather at Heather@razzyoga.com Have a great week! Namaste.

 

 

By Ashley McGuirk

Every month Razz will be highlighting one of our amazing yoga instructors so that our community can grow closer to one another. The more we learn about one another the stronger our relationships become, resulting in a community full of love and support. This week we decided to change it up a bit and highlight one of our community yogis who will be completing the Hatha Raja Yoga teacher training this fall. Meet Jessica!

1.) Who are you and why did you decide to become a yoga teacher?

That’s hard to answer with limited time and space. In the simplest terms, I am a happy person…a wife, stepmother, daughter and sister who is also an equestrian, yogi, adventuresome, animal-loving mental health professional that travels a lot. I get excited about everything and experience a steady flow of joy. I wanted to do the Yoga Teacher Training because I am a former ballerina who enjoys movement. The fact that yoga is holistic including the body, mind and spirit has always meshed with who I am. This is a great way to immerse myself further into my practice and enjoy it with others.

2.) When, where and which yoga teacher training are you completing? 

I start the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training here at Razz Yoga on November 1st!

3.) Overall how would you describe your relationship with yoga?

I am very dedicated to my yoga practice. As someone that has a muscular disease, it is a constant source of awe and joy when I see what progress I have made and continue to make. Spiritually, physically and mentally, yoga uplifts me and, consequently, often others that I come into contact with

4.) What do you want your future students to take away from your class?

Teaching is not necessarily my goal, but I am not opposed to it. I want others to take away a sense of happiness, contentment, thoughtfulness, a good laugh and the belief that they are capable of more than they think when they interact with me. In regards to yoga specifically, I’d like to impart to others that yoga is for everyone regardless of perceived limitations.

5.) (Just for fun!) What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish and why? 

I love stuffing! It is traditional, yummy and easy to make a fantastic vegan version.

We hope you enjoyed reading this fun interview with Jess! If you have any questions about the yoga teacher training here at razz feel free to shoot Heather or Beth an email.  Beth@razzyoga.com It’s a wonderful life changing experience that can benefit you in so many ways. Have a wonderful week! Namaste.