Class Schedule for 2010

Please note that I will be on family leave starting September 1st thru December 31st of this year. Please visit my website for new class schedule, starting in January 2010. Thank you!

http://www.katicayoga.com/

Natural Beauty Products

I have recently had friends and yoga students ask me what type of natural beauty products I use. As always, I like to share this information, so that they can use more natural products which are better for oneself and the environment.

Hair Products by Whole Foods:

Shampoo & Conditioner in either lavender or mint

Other Hair Products:

Giovanni brand "Frizz be Gone" (use on wet hair before blow dryer and flat iron)

Facial products by Earth Science:

A-D-E Creamy Cleanser

Aloe vera complexion toner & freshener

Almond-aloe moisturizer with spf 15+

Apricot gentle facial scrub (use only once per week)

August 2009 Yoga Sessions

5-Week Session

Mondays, 6:30-7:30 PM
Dates: August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Level: Beginner & Intermediate
Yoga Style: Vinyasa
Visit www.katicayoga.com for more details.

Monthly Pricing for August 2009 Yoga Session:
- $65 for 5-class pass
- $15 for drop-in/single class

If you would like to sign up for this session, please contact: kathy@katicayoga.com

Benefits of Yoga

General Benefits:
-Normalizes weight
-Alleviates insomnia
-Reduces effects of stress
-Strengthens immune system
-Improves focus, concentration, & mood
-Relieves fatigue & boosts energy levels

Muscoloskeletal Benefits:
-Tones muscles
-Prevents hernia
-Corrects bad posture
-Prevents osteoporosis
-Relieves lower backache
-Prevents & treats back problems
-Keeps muscles flexible & joints movable

Cardiovascular Benefits:
-Improves circulation
-Can normalize blood pressure
-Tones the muscles of the heart

Respiratory Benefits:
-Improves sinus conditions
-Improves breathing capacity
-Improves asthmatic symptoms

Hormonal Benefits:
-Can increase fertility
-Regulates menstrual cycle
-Helps to prevent hot flashes

Digestive Benefits:
-Rejuvenates abdominal organs
-Improves digestion
-Can improve constipation
-Relieves stomach ache

Yoga and Pilates

I recently started taking some pilates classes again, to complement my yoga practice. After practicing twice per week, I decided to recommend some of my students to give it a try as well, especially the ones who have back problems. It has been a great way for my students to really find a connection with their core and use it more during yoga class. Although I am loving my pilates class, I can't seem to stop my yoga practice. Yoga is definitely #1 for me. It keeps me physically in shape, mentally sane, and spiritually connected. I don't know of any other type of practice that nourishes me in so many ways.

Private Yoga Classes with Katica

Private Classes (1 student): A great way to learn the basics of yoga, have your questions answered and work towards a customized practice for your specific needs.
- $75 for one class
- $250 for a 4-class pass with one-month expiration

Semi-Private Classes (2 Students): Available if you want to split the expense with a friend, spouse, or significant other,
- $90 for one class
- $300 for a 4-class pass with one-month expiration

Yoga Party (3 or more students): A relaxing event for friends to celebrate bridal, birthday, or theme parties.
- $120 flat fee

Corporate Group Classes: A great for you and your coworkers to de-stress during your lunch hour with the convenience of having the yoga instructor come to your place of work.
- $120 flat fee

July 2009 Yoga Sessions in Worthington/Dublin, Ohio

Mondays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Dates: July 6, 13, 20, 27
Level: Beginner & Intermediate Students
Vinyasa Yoga: An active and challenging class including breath- synchronized movement through a series of postures that cleanse and strengthen the body while focusing and calming the mind. Though the classes can be quite vigorous, time will be spent in each class on pranayama and relaxation.

Monthly Pricing for July 2009 Yoga Session:
- $52 for 4-class pass ($13 per class)
- $15 for drop-in / single class

*If you are interested in signing up, contact: kathy@katicayoga.com

June 2009 Yoga Sessions in Worthington/Dublin, Ohio

Mondays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Dates: June 1, 8, 22
Note: Class will not be held on Monday, June 15th
Beginner & Intermediate Students
Vinyasa Yoga: An active and challenging class including breath- synchronized movement through a series of postures that cleanse and strengthen the body while focusing and calming the mind. Though the classes can be quite vigorous, time will be spent in each class on pranayama and relaxation.

Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM (NEW DAY)
Dates: June 10, 24, July 1
Note: Class will not be held on Wednesday, June 3rd
Beginner & Intermediate Students
Yin-Yang Yoga: This class is the perfect balance of Vinyasa and Yin Yoga. Experience an active and heated practice to tone and strengthen the body, while synchronizing the breath with movement. As a great compliment, release further tension from the body and stimulate the flow of chi (energy) by holding floor postures for 3-5 minutes.

Monthly Pricing for June 2009 Yoga Session:
- $72 for 6-class pass ($12 per class)
- $39 for 3-class pass ($13 per class)
- $15 for drop-in / single class

*Need to pre-register and prepay session before attending by emailing: kathy@katicayoga.com

Chai Recipe

On Saturday, May 8th, I made chai for 30 people at a baby shower and thought I should share the delicious recipe with you. It is made from scratch and definitely tastes better than the Starbucks chai. Chai happens to be my favorite tea to drink and can be made with soy or rice milk.

Ingredients: (serves 1)

- 4 leaves of fresh mint

- 1/2 tsp ginger

- 2 cardamom pods (crushed)

- 3 black peppercorns (crushed)

- 3 cloves

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 1 Tbsp black tea

- 1/2 cup milk (soy or rice milk)

- 1/2 cup water

Preparation:
- Boil water

- Add mint, ginger, crushed cardamom, crushed peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon stick

- Turn heat down and allow spices to cook for a few minutes

- When the liquid rises to boil again, add black tea and stir

- Add milk to mixture

- Allow to brew for about 2 minutes, until the tea color turns brown

- Strain spice mixture using a metal strainer

- Pour tea into a cup, add sugar to your liking, and stir

- Enjoy!

May 2009 Yoga Sessions in Worthington/Dublin, Ohio

Vinyasa Yoga on Mondays

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Dates: May 4, 11, 18, 26

Note: Since May 25th falls on Memorial Day, class will be held on Tuesday, May 26th.

Level: Beginner & Intermediate Students

Vinyasa Yoga: An active and challenging class including breath- synchronized movement through a series of postures that cleanse and strengthen the body while focusing and calming the mind. Though the classes can be quite vigorous, time will be spent in each class on pranayama and relaxation.

Yin-Yang Yoga on Thursdays

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Dates: May 7, 14, 21, 28

Level: Beginner & Intermediate Students

Yin-Yang Yoga: This class is the perfect balance of Vinyasa and Yin Yoga. Experience an active and heated practice to tone and strengthen the body, while synchronizing the breath with movement. As a great compliment, release further tension from the body and stimulate the flow of chi (energy) by holding floor postures for 3-5 minutes.

Monthly Pricing for May 2009 Yoga Session:

- $96 for 8-class pass ($12 per class)

- $52 for 4-class pass ($13 per class)

- $15 for drop-in / single class

*Need to pre-register and prepay session before attending by emailing: kathy@katicayoga.com

Healthy Things to Remember

One of the wonderful things about teaching yoga is that I have the opportunity to come in contact with other like-minded individuals to learn other ways to be healthy and lead a joyful life.

A few weeks ago, I attended a women's luncheon where I was able to hear a chiropractor speak. She mentioned ways we could prevent disease instead of depending on healthcare to cover our problems in the future. She talked about taking charge of your own health.

Here were some tips:

• 3-5 % becomes genetic disorder-the rest is up to you.
• You can't get what you want by focusing on what you don't want.
• Strive for excellence not perfection.
• Take 7 hours of sleep, minimum, each night.

Practicing Yoga in Nature

Last Thursday, I taught my yoga class in my backyard. It was a beautiful experience. It was definitely challenging with the children and parents yelling in the school yard behind our home, but it was a great way to really practice "YOGA" in the midst of noise. The yoga students were focused in their practice. They seemed to enjoy having this experience in nature. I can't wait to have such wonderful weather again so we could have class outside again. It was a breath of fresh air!

Meditation with Dogs

My dogs, Zen and Rocco, have been inspiring me to write this article. Recently, I moved my meditation room to the N.E. side of our home, in accordance to Vaastu principles. It so happens that this N.E. sun room used to be my meditation room when we first moved in, but then became my dogs' bedroom for a while.

Every morning, as I start to prepare my seat for meditation, my dog, Rocco, gets all comfortable on top of my blankets. Zen, likes to sit on the area rug nearby. As I move Rocco off my blankets so I can sit to meditate, he decides to sit right behind me, making sure he can still touch me with his head to my lower back. So adorable!

My dog, Zen, unlike the name, doesn't stay so still as I start to meditate. He likes to sit in front of me and lick my face. Okay, so maybe this isn't exactly considered meditation for me, but at least they are happy and relaxed in the surroundings of my meditation room. It is truly special!

After a while of this, I decide to move them out of my meditation room so I can be still and present. They keep themselves just outside the room, lying down to sleep. Once I do my meditation and some yin yoga sequences, I walk over to my dogs to love them and pass the positive energy of my practice to them. It is a beautiful experience!

Finally a VEGAN

As of Thursday, April 2nd, I have converted to a VEGAN diet, and it isn't an April Fool's Day joke. I have been thinking about making this change in my diet for a long time now, and finally became strongly inspired after reading enough articles and information on endometriosis and how vegan diets are a strong recommendation for endometriosis patients. I also had an appointment with a vegan nutritionist named Dr. Pam Popper who truly inspired me to take this step. I am thankful for her guidance.

Let's see how it goes. So far, I am feeling great! My skin even feels better on my face already, and it hasn't been that long. I also feel less bloated. I have found it to be a bit more challenging ordering food at restaurants, but not impossible. I had a delicious vegan pizza at Northstar Cafe yesterday. Yummy!

If you have any recipes you would like to share, please do! I will need them.

What do you enjoy most about your yoga practice?

I would love to hear what you enjoy most about your yoga practice. I have to ask because when I see how much my yoga practice has done for me over the years, I hope that yoga has blessed all of you in many ways as well.

What I enjoy most about my yoga practice is the spirituality it has brought into my life, the calm it has brought to my mind, and the health it has brought to my body.

FREE YOGA Presentation at the Old Worthington Library

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2009

Time: 2:00 PM

Place: Old Worthington Library - Meeting Room

Address: 820 High St., Worthington, OH 43085

Come join us to learn ways to incorporate yoga breathing and stretching techniques into everyday life.

April 2009 Yoga Session in Worthington/Dublin, Ohio

Mondays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Dates: March 30, April 13, 20, 27
Prepayment due: Monday, March 23rd
Level: Beginner & Intermediate Students
Vinyasa Yoga: An active and challenging class including breath- synchronized movement through a series of postures that cleanse and strengthen the body while focusing and calming the mind. Though the classes can be quite vigorous, time will be spent in each class on pranayama and relaxation.

Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Dates: April 2, 16, 23, 30
Prepayment due: Thursday, March 26th
Level: Beginner & Intermediate Students
Yin-Yang Yoga: This class is the perfect balance of Vinyasa and Yin Yoga. Experience an active and heated practice to tone and strengthen the body, while synchronizing the breath with movement. As a great compliment, release further tension from the body and stimulate the flow of chi (energy) by holding floor postures for 3-5 minutes.

Monthly Pricing for April 2009 Yoga Session:
$96 for 8-class pass ($12 per class)
$52 for 4-class pass ($13 per class)
$15 for drop-in / single class

*Need to pre-register and pre-pay session before attending by calling or emailing:

(614) 271-3913 / kathy@katicayoga.com

Practicing Yoga during this financial crisis

Are you finding it hard to spend money these days due to your job situation or worry about your financial future? What are your priorities when you decide to spend money at a time like this? For me, as a yoga instructor and a daily practitioner, I really can't imagine doing away with my YOGA. It is what keeps me sane and relaxed in the middle of all this chaos. I also know that there aren't too many things out there that cost $15 or less, that will give me an hour of sanity. If I can take a one-hour yoga class for only $15 or less when I buy a frequent class pass, I think it is well worth it. Everyone needs to take care of themselves, especially during these stressful times. As I have always said and experienced, there isn't a lot out there that will give you physical, mental, and emotional benefits like yoga does. Remember, it is more than a physical practice. It is a LIFESTYLE.

When I think of the things I find to be a priority no matter what, they are eating healthy and exercising. These are the things that will keep you going not just for yourself but for your family. When you are happy and in harmony, your family can be too.

FREE YOGA TALK

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2009
Time: 2:00 PM
Place: Down the Garden Path
Address: 2108 Arlington Ave., Upper Arlington, OH 43221

Come join us to talk about the following topics:

• Kathy's yoga journey: How and why I started yoga and how it has helped me in my every day life
  
• Breathing exercises: Tips on how to help you stay calm in the midst of chaos
  
• Yoga Demos: Vinyasa Yoga and Yin Yoga
  
• Question & Answer Session

March 2009 Yoga Sessions in Worthington, Ohio

Mondays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Dates: March 9, 16, 23
Level: Beginner & Intermediate Students
Vinyasa Yoga: An active and challenging class including breath- synchronized movement through a series of postures that cleanse and strengthen the body while focusing and calming the mind. Though the classes can be quite vigorous, time will be spent in each class on pranayama and relaxation.

Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Dates: March 12, 19, 26
Level: Beginner & Intermediate Students
Yin-Yang Yoga: This class is the perfect balance of Vinyasa and Yin Yoga. Experience an active and heated practice to tone and strengthen the body, while synchronizing the breath with movement. As a great compliment, release further tension from the body and stimulate the flow of chi (energy) by holding floor postures for 3-5 minutes.

Monthly Pricing for March Session:
$72 for 6-class pass ($12 per class)
$37.50 for 3-class pass ($12.50 per class)
$15 for drop-in / single class

Please call or email to register for class:
614-271-3913
kathy@katicayoga.com

TehKu - Tea Company

This afternoon, I had the most wonderful time meeting a friend for lunch and tea at TehKu in Dublin, Ohio. My friend, Katie, had been talking to me about this quaint tea location, and we finally had the chance to go together. We shared a pot of Sunset Chai, and it was delicious and soothing. Our lunch consisted of a potato and mushroom soup made with tea broth and a grilled cheese sandwich. What an idea. It was yummy!

I highly recommend you visit TehKu Tea Company located at 55 South High Street in Dublin, Ohio. Their website is www.TehKu.com

Enjoy! They have all their tea choices on the counter for you to smell before ordering. The service was great! Congrats to Inggrie and Jon-Michael for opening up such a wonderful place. I am already looking forward to my next visit.

Happy Valentine's Day

For all of my blog readers, I want to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day. I hope you have something special planned this weekend, whether it is with your spouse, significant other, friends, family, or a combination of all.

I am looking forward to my "surprise" date with my husband of 11 1/2 years. This will be the 17th Valentine's Day we celebrate together since we started dating in 1991 and married in 1997. Wow!!! That is a long time.

Doug, thank you for making every Valentine's Day so special. I love you!!!

Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Sarah Powers

I recently attended the Sarah Powers Yin Yoga Teacher Training in Miami Beach. It was wonderful! I highly recommend taking a workshop or training with her if you get the chance. Her presence is calming and her knowledge of the meridians is extensive. Training with her has really inspired me to continue learning more about this wonderful practice. As soon as I got back home, I started to practice the kidney and liver sequences. I feel a strong urge to share this information with my students, family, and friends, and they all seem thankful for it.

I have been practicing Yin Yoga consistently, almost every day, for the last year, and have really grown to appreciate this practice. I asked Sarah if it was possible, with a consistant Yin Yoga practice, to replace my acupuncture treatments, and she said "yes." The best thing for me has been to interweave my yoga practice with Chinese medicine, and now that I have my Yin Yoga practice, I feel I have found a wonderful balance.

I continue to teach my Yin-Yang Yoga classes, combining the practices of Vinyasa and Yin Yoga. The students seem to enjoy the harmony of both practices. I LOVE YIN YOGA!

Partner Yoga Workshop

Date: Sunday, February 15, 2009

Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM

Place: The Yoga Factory

Address: 223B East Broadway, Westerville, OH 43081

Pricing: $35 per couple or $25 per person

Taught by: Kathy and Doug Yannucci

To register, please contact: The Yoga Factory at (614) 891-8866

The Vegiterranean

On Saturday, my husband and I decided to take a drive up to Akron, Ohio, to have dinner at a wonderful vegan restaurant, called "The Vegiterranean." It was absolutely delicious and worth the 2 hour drive northeast of Columbus, Ohio. The restaurant is owned by Chrissie Hynde, lead singer of the Pretenders. The walls of the restaurant are lined up with portraits of famous vegetarians such as Joaquin Pheonix, Paul McCartney, and Shania Twain.

These are the dishes we sampled and loved!

• Frito Misto - Cauliflower tempura battered served with Lemon drizzle and Sweet Chili sauce
• Sarah’s Smoked Tuscan White Bean and Potato Soup with Aged Balsamic drizzle
• Baked Polenta Triangoli - with Wild Mushroom Bolognaise and Braised Escarole
• Risotto with Grilled Artichokes - Roasted Tomatoes, Wild Mushrooms and Fire Grilled Red Pepper, Saffron and fresh Thyme with vegan italian sausage

I recommend you try it. Our waitress was wonderful as well. She was proud to tell us how the restaurant was recently voted one of the Top 8 Vegetarian Restaurants in America by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

For more information, visit: www.thevegiterranean.com

Traditional Mayan Yoot Kene Massage

Have you ever had your belly massaged? I don't know about you, but my dogs get more belly rubs than I do. This treatment was so different from anything I have ever done. I liked it so much, I had 3 treatments done while I was at the Maya Tulum Resort. The masseuse was a midwife, and so, she had a lot of knowledge about the reproductive organs. In fact, she noticed my uterus was low, which she said happens from lifting heavy items or from a serious fall. The amazing thing is that she lifted my uterus back into place, and it didn't hurt, but I did feel a lot of pressure. Now, I am being so careful about lifting heavy things, so that my uterus stays in place.

As described at the Maya Tulum Resort, the Yoot Kene massage is also known as the Sobada Maya, an incredible healing form developed by the ancient Maya. It acknowledges the importance of the navel region as the body’s "power center". This is a full body massage, however, specific attention will be given to the readjustment of the internal abdominal organs. This deep belly massage will have an amazingly profound and lasting effect on your digestive system creating a deep sense of well-being.

Traditional Ceremony of Temazcal

Our most amazing experience at the Maya Tulum Resort was the Temazcal, otherwise known as the "sweat lodge." It was a great way to release toxins and let go of the past. We also had the opportunity to set new intentions for 2009. It was the most healing experience I have ever encountered. There were 9 of us in the lodge, along with a 10th person, a Chaman-medicine man. Yes, we all fit in this small lodge.

The Temazcal ceremony, as described at the Maya Tulum Resort, is about two and a half hours of total release of toxins, physical, emotional and spiritually. You will be within the actual temazcal (clay steam dome) for approximately an hour and 12 minutes. During this time an herbal tea made by soaking fresh herbs is splashed over heated volcanic rocks to produce a powerful fragrant steam. As your body begins to relax and detoxify, you will begin to experience a connection with Mother Earth through a series of four guided meditations. Each focuses towards a different cardinal point. These meditations will be accompanied by chanting and ancient music. At the end of each guided meditation the door of the temazcal is opened to allow in the energy of the next cardinal point.

This ceremony is also used to promote fertility in women. Give it a try if you get the chance and keep your mind open to possibilities.

Maya Tulum Vacation

My husband and I traveled to Tulum, Mexico, over the holidays, to spend our vacation at the Maya Tulum Resort. This resort offers yoga, chi gong, pranayama, and meditation classes daily. Since we had spent our holidays 2 years ago at the Pura Vida Resort in Costa Rica and loved it, we wanted to try one of their other locations. When we arrived, we were astounded at the beauty of the resort, right in front of the ocean. Most of the rooms were comprised of small cabanas with lots of windows, to hear the ocean and feel the breeze. The restaurant offers 3 vegetarian meals per day. The food was good, not excellent. We actually preferred the daily buffet meals in Costa Rica. One of the biggest reasons we preferred the buffet is because we could serve ourselves in our own time. The waiters at the Maya Tulum Resort were very slow and not attentive. It took us a few days to adjust to their pace, as we felt they did not want to help us. After talking to the staff, the service improved. Thank goodness! It is all about communication, right?

Overall, we had a wonderful time, getting sun on the beach, eating a lot, practicing yoga, and taking part in some wonderful treatments. See my next blog for details on the amazing treatments we did at the Maya Tulum Resort. I highly recommend them. Our purpose for taking these types of trips are to end the year, cleansing and letting go of the past, and starting the New Year, with positive intentions to take care of ourselves, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It is a wonderful experience.

If you are interested in taking a trip to this resort, visit: http://www.mayatulum.com/