The Journey Begins!

We’re moving and we invite you to come with us! Here’s the introductory post

Alicia Charlene

Thanks for joining me! I’d like to start off by introducing myself. That way, you can get to know me better.

What piques my interest?

• Food! I love checking out restaurants and diving into new recipes. I grew up with a love for the kitchen, so I’m skilled at  chopping, slicing, sauteeing, baking, you name it! I’m pretty darn comfortable with creating flavors too, my nose is my sous chef. A few wafts or a taste and I know immediately what a dish is missing!
• Family ♥ I am mom to the most spectacular human being on the planet, Jade Cecilia. I am happily married to my husband James. We have two adorable little Beagle mix hounds as well. A tiny human and two crazy dogs are chaotic at times, but they keep life interesting and sweet.
• Travel. Even if it’s just heading into town for the day, I love to…

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Baked Carrot Cake Donuts

Pinterest is a magical place where perfection is what meets the eye. Like come on, who comes up with this stuff? All of the world’s most creative people live on Pinterest, and I’m obsessed.

And because Jade’s 1st Birthday is coming up in a few weeks, I’ve been spending a healthy amount of time browsing idea after idea for decorations and high chair tutus. So naturally I decided to see what this gold mine of a website had to share when I needed some fun baked donut ideas.

Lo and behold Baked Carrots Cake Donuts!

 

I had ordered a silicone donut mold about a week before we were set to test out recipes.

I must admit that I had never before baked homemade from scratch donuts. I was a little intimidated, but it seemed worth a try. It was actually super easy! I can’t wait to bake up the next batch of a fun new flavor.

Also, luckily for me, I had remarkably had literally everything I needed to make this exact donut. It was fate.

So, here is the link to where I sourced this jaw dropping baked carrot cake donut.

 

https://insidebrucrewlife.com/2012/01/carrot-cake-donuts/#_a5y_p=3285825

 

Enjoy!

 

Until next time,

xoxo

 

My Favorite Things

It’s show and tell time, ladies and gentleman! I’m so excited to share with all of you some of my most loved things. Some of my faves change from time to time. I blame it on curiosity, and because there are so many wonderful things out there to be obsessed about!

 

So, February is almost here, like literally days away. And the inspiration is flowing! I’m really digging all things pink, purple, feminine, and sweet. If you’re looking to incorporate all these fantastic qualities into your life, I highly recommend splurging on fresh blooms. Jade helped me pick out some lovely pink tulips and carnations.

Can you guess what’s next on my list? It’s juice! I usually make up my own concoctions, but this time I thought I’d give FullyRawKristina’s Glow Stick and Cotton Candy Juice recipes a try. They did. not. disappoint. You can find both of these recipes in her book.

Glow Stick Juice

Cotton Candy Juice

Lastly, I’ve found myself taking in the scenery around me even more. Now, I’ll pull off to the side of the road if something catches my eye instead of driving on by whispering “next time.” For instance, a snowy riverbank with the most beautiful clear water that could barely be seen while driving. I wasn’t going to pass this one up! Taking in these small moments is meditative and rejuvenating. I encourage you to hit the pause button and take in a new perspective often.

I’m curious as to what are your current faves! What is inspiring you lately?

 

Until next time all you beautiful souls.

 

xoxo

Living with Epilepsy

There’s something about going through a devastating event that puts it life in perspective. I’ve had my fair share of such events. To this day, the most traumatic events are the result of having Epilepsy. And it might be mild compared to what others have gone through, but this neurological condition is mine.

Yesterday morning, it reared its ugly head. I had aura after aura; they came in waves. For me, the aura is the scariest part because in those few seconds I’m still aware and conscious. Whenever I’m asked to describe this feeling, I can’t quite put it in words. Part of is that I want to forget it. Part of it is just so bizarre. Another part is seeing the looks on the questioner’s face. The face people make when I do my best to explain this phenomenon is a mixture of “I don’t believe you,” or “I’m confused as hell.” The aura though, is the scariest feeling I’ve ever felt. It literally feels like I’m not going to make it out alive. The seizure is probably the easiest part; I have no idea what’s going on. In between my auras yesterday, I kept telling James how much I loved him and Jade. I had so much to say, but my brain was overworked and I had to economize my words. So, all I could manage was “I love you.” I was crying and praying for this not to be the end of me. During the aura, I want to scream out for help, but I’m frozen. I’m helpless. I have no control.

And as soon as I’m frozen, that’s when I’m sure I’m not going to make it.

I felt like I was never going to see my family again.

I continue to share my journey living with Epilepsy, because it’s how I reclaim my power. My words are proof that I’m still here. I make myself vulnerable by sharing my story, but it is my hope that someone can relate and then they might not feel so alone. Epilepsy is an isolating disorder. There aren’t a lot of people who understand. People judge, whether it’s intentional or accidental. People make assumptions about you. They like to categorize you into mislabeled boxes. They baby you, or they outcast you. When really all we want is for people to treat us normally.

I bet if I never made people aware of my status, they wouldn’t know. And I can say this with confidence because I live with this every single day and sometimes even I forget.

I may have Epilepsy, and sometimes it may overcome me. However, I will never stop fighting and striving to live the life I want to live. Our days are numbered here on Earth, and I surely don’t want to spend my time living in fear. Every day I am given, I embrace it. I don’t have time not to. While I’m still here I will continue to share, continue to do what makes me happy.

I hope you do the same.

Tea Time Check-In

Today is a cloudy, wet Sunday with temperatures in the mid 40’s. So, it is safe to say that the earl grey tea steeping in my mug is simply delightful. I am at my desk like most of my Sundays, and Jade is napping quietly in her nursery. This block of time that I carve out every week is put to good use. This is when I catch up on filing and accounting. I plow through my virtual to-do’s that I’ve put to the side. Yes, I take Sunday to tidy up my life, so to speak. I thoroughly enjoy it, too. A lot of my days are full; the time passes quickly, and the day is gone in a flash. Sunday is my pause button.

On the agenda this week are super important tasks such as finalizing next month’s yoga class schedule, wrap up Christmas photos, dive deeper into two incredible literary works (“Perfectly Imperfect” & Big Magic”), expressing my creativity, and a few other things that have just escaped me. I’ll take that as a sign that everything I’ve listed so far is officially top priority.

Anyway,  reflecting back on the previous holiday week, I am full of gratitude, and I’d like to acknowledge what I’m grateful for. I taught 5 yoga classes and got to connect with my students on a deeper level, my father celebrated his 59th birthday, my daughter experienced her first Thanksgiving, I’m healthy, my husband is healthy, and this list could go on and on, so I’ll spare you all and leave it at that. But I’m curious, what are you thankful for?

In the coming week, I challenge you to tap into your softer side, your vulnerable and authentic self. Explore what life is like when you lean in and shed a layer or two of your tough exterior. Notice if you’re able to connect to others more easily. How does that make you feel? Do you dismiss the very notion of it or are you inquisitive?

We’ll check in on how it goes next week! Until then, I hope you are well.

 

Namaste

 

 

Tea Time Check-In

Bom dia!

We are weeks away from Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a brand new year! Yes, its sweater season. And today, Westport feels like the scene in Wizard of Oz just before the storm rolls in and sweeps up Dorothy’s house (and her little dog, too!)

 

My Monday is going rather well so far. I woke up early to the sound of hail pounding at my bedroom window. Not bad, really. I was able to enjoy some alone time while baby slept in. I’ve cleaned the kitchen, got in some serious baby snuggles, and am currently putting in some work at the office 😉 Major plus of working from home. But wait, that’s not all! There’s more! I rolled out my mat and practiced juicy, deep hip openers. I’m walking like a baby deer, but I feel so much lighter. #YogaWin

Speaking of yoga, a new week kicks off again tonight. Vinyasa at 6 pm! I have missed my students. They brighten up my day and I always look forward to seeing them. Come join us, make new friends, and get to know your community! Check out the updated schedule.

But wait! There’s more! I will be hosting a FREE YOGA event November 24. Reservations are required and space is limited. So grab your best bud and make it a date!

Okay, that’s all for now. But if I were to make another announcement, I would most certainly do so on the Alicia Henson Yoga Facebook page. Just sayin.

Have a beautiful day!

 

 

 

Motherhood be like…

Some days it’s either shower, eat or nap. You may only choose one. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Do not put that in your mouth! Not you, the baby.

Anyway, you’ll probably ask yourself some follow-up questions like, am I leaving the house today? Do I have to? Like really, can it wait until tomorrow? When was the last time I ate? How many cups of coffee are too many? Silly question, the answer is no. My answer doesn’t make sense…..I’ll have tea this time just in case because I read something somewhere in my mom group on Facebook. Don’t put that in your mouth! Oh, I suppose you’re hungry. Okay. I’ll make you something to eat and then put you down for a nap.

Okay…what was I saying? Right…shower. Okay I’ll shower while baby naps.

*hears baby wake up immediately after shower*

Crap, that was not a nap!

*rest of day is a blurrrr*

Some days its waking up before baby feeling completely rested ready to win the day! Morning routine is on poiiiint. I don’t need a nap cause I slept awwwwesome. I showered yesterday so I’m good. And I just finished breakfast, so here I am with all of this free time updating my blog. I’m basically super woman and it’s only 11 am. I have life figured out. I should buy a lottery ticket. I’m totally going to fold and put away the laundry today. I rock. While I’m at it, I’m going to plan our family photos. I should do that. It’s on my list of things to do. Crap..what else is on my to do list? Wait…what day is today? Man thinking about my to do list makes me tired. Maybe I should take a nap.

*lays down*

 

*closes eyes*

 

*baby wakes up*

 

*washing machine goes off*

 

Wherever you are on your journey in motherhood, you are the best mom ever. Even if you feel cranky today or tired or on top of your game. You got this. I raise my coffee mug (secretly wishing it was wine) to you and all the mamas and mama’s mamas

Ain’t no hood like motherhood.

 

Classes This Week

 

OCTOBER

23 6:00 pm-Vinyasa 7:30 pm-Block Party

24   6:00 pm-Vinyasa

25 11:30 am Chair Yoga

26 11:30 am Chair Yoga

27 7:00 am-Slow Flow

28   6:00 pm-Vinyasa

29 7:30 am- Slow Flow 4:30 pm-Yoga+meditation

Yoga at Chateau Westport

yep, thats right!

Yoga classes are currently being offered at Chateau Westport. Class offerings include Vinyasa, Block Party, and Chair Yoga.

Here is the current calendar for the month of October.

Also, be sure to check out “Alicia Henson Yoga” on Facebook to stay up to date!

We have free mat rentals, blocks, and aromatherapy.

Ask about our Military and Senior discounts!

On the Mat

When it comes to your yoga practice, the right mat makes all the difference. And while you can save a few bucks by browsing the discount rack for fashionable spandex, don’t skimp when it comes to your mat; your foundation!

You need a mat that meets your needs. You need a mat you can count on time and time again. You need a mat that understands you and doesn’t shy away from your morning breath. In fact, you deserve the most magical of yoga mats. But, how does one find their forever mat? How do you know when it’s the one? You just know… but wait!

By skirt, I mean yoga mat. And wouldn’t you wanna know what your friends think? Better than that, how about some experience-based tips?

My Top 3 Tips!

1. Determine your individual needs. -Do you travel often? Are your knees tender? Do you have a latex allergy? Is your practice usually sweaty? Are you taller than most? Etc.
2. If budget is a major determining factor, you still have options. Sign up to receive discounts and stay abreast of sales. Then, your financing issue becomes a great opportunity to practice patience. Perspective makes a helluva difference!
3.   Consider reviews. What are people saying? How did the mat fare compared to others? It just so happens that a huge product comparison was conducted by Reviews.com Check out the link here.

 

So as you can see, I am a fan of Manduka. Recently, however, I’ve discovered B Yoga mat and I’m impressed. I recommend either of these brands, though there are several other mats that may suit you better, so be sure to read up on them using the link above.

 

See you on the mat!