3 of the Must-see Places in Laos

To get at least an idea of what Laos has to offer, We’re offering 3 must-see places in Laos that provide an overview of the beauty of the country. 

To fully appreciate Laos, you have to spend at least a week or two traveling the country. Visitors from neighboring countries often feel breaking up their visits into multiple legs and concentrating on different areas of the country is the best way to explore Laos. 

But to narrow down your visit to the types of attractions that will interest you the most, you have to have a place to start. By offering 3 of the must-see places in Laos to visit, we’re suggesting a big city, a smaller town and a national park to give you at least a hint of the attractions of Laos. By visiting these locations, you can get an idea of what you’d like to see more of on your future visits to this beautiful country. 

Vientiane

Every visit to Laos should begin with a visit to the capital city of the country. Not only does Vientiane offer a beautiful variety of French-colonial, traditional and modern architecture, but it offers many historical sites, temples and monuments as well. And if you’re visiting the city as a stepping-off point to tour the rest of the country, Vientiane offers the largest variety of transportation options, whether you’d like to fly, take a bus or boat, or hire a private car. 

This multi-cultural city along the Mekong River also offers some of the best Lao handicrafts and souvenirs to bring home. Visit the Vientiane Night Market down along the riverside and shop the night away. It also features a wide variety of restaurants featuring cuisines from all over the world. 

Luang Prabang

There’s a good reason why this village has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Luang Prabang embodies all the charm and beauty of Laos. This peaceful village in northern Laos is on a peninsula surrounded by the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. It perfectly illustrates the daily rural life of Laos among the French-colonial and traditional buildings and Banyan tree-lined streets. 

Stroll around the town or relax at any of the numerous cafes, restaurants and bars offering riverside views. The town is surrounded by stunning, green forested mountains that serve as a backdrop to the rural scenery.

Bokeo Nature Reserve

For a chance to see some of Asia’s most revered and rare wildlife in their natural habitat, a visit to Bokeo Nature Reserve is on our list of the 3 Must-see Places in Laos. The nature reserve merits at least a couple of days visit to give yourself the best chance of spotting the rare and elusive wildlife within the park. 

The park offers unique, comfortable and fun treehouse accommodations where you can stay to extend your visit without leaving the nature reserve. For the rare chance to see bears, buffalo, elephants, gibbons and tigers as they were meant to live, Bokeo Nature Reserve ranks on our 3 Must-see Places in Laos list.  

The post 3 of the Must-see Places in Laos appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

from Wellbeing Magazine https://ift.tt/3o3xspy
via babu31

The Best Wedding Catering Service in Bangkok Can Make the Day

You want everything to be perfect on your wedding day. And whether you’re working with a wedding planner or planning your big day on your own with the help of friends and family, this includes hiring the best wedding catering service in Bangkok. 

A wedding is a different sort of event from a corporate party, networking event or a private function. It is primarily a celebration of love. Weddings are emotional affairs. Caterers should be flexible in how they approach a wedding service to take into account the range of emotions on a wedding day. This means that the most well-respected catering services for large corporate functions, may not be the best wedding catering service in Bangkok. 

A successful wedding catering service manager has to be part psychologist and part calming influence. Above all else, they have to be able to adjust to the wishes of the bride and groom on the most important day in their lives. 

Planning is Everything

The best wedding catering service in Bangkok works with the organizers to deliver a service that is discreet, refined and in keeping with the spirit of the special day. Typically, they’ve serviced hundreds of weddings before and know all the ins and outs of this specialized type of catering service. 

They’ll work with you to plan the menu, whether you want a buffet or a sit-down meal service. They can offer several elegant place settings according to your desires. They can also provide decorations to match the color scheme you’ve chosen for your special day and help with the flower arrangements.

A quality catering service will also visit the wedding venue with you beforehand to discuss locations of the tables and service stations, service walkways, and backstage food prep and clearing areas.  They’ll make suggestions based on their experience of ways to simplify the venue’s set up to prevent long lines and make it easier for people to visit other tables. 

They’ll also help you plan the day’s events and have people on hand that can assist with the preparations. Keeping to a well-planned schedule is one of the hallmarks of a catering service experienced in providing catering services for weddings. 

Serving You and Your Guests

Above all, the best wedding catering service in Bangkok is one that will make you and your guests feel comfortable and well-taken care of on your special day. They’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly and seamlessly from providing food that satisfies any dietary restrictions of you or your guests, to cheerfully providing for any last-minute changes to your schedule of events.

They’ve been able to establish their reputation based on their experience and expertise in handling both large crowds and intimate gatherings and providing an extraordinary level of service to both. A wedding caterer can provide a photographic portfolio of the many weddings they’ve catered as well as recommendations from their valued clients. 

Browsing through their portfolios and discussing options for your wedding is the best way to determine the right catering service for your special day.    

The post The Best Wedding Catering Service in Bangkok Can Make the Day appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

from Wellbeing Magazine https://ift.tt/3j9d2rp
via babu31

Best Ethical Elephant Nature Park in Thailand

If you’re an animal lover and want to experience these incredible giants in the wild at an ethical establishment, this article is here to point you in the right direction. For many good reasons, seeing elephants up close and personal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Land of Smiles. These animals are a significant part of Thai culture, so any trip to Thailand is not complete without spending some time with them. However, you need to be aware that not all elephant sanctuaries are run ethically, and you have to be careful when making your selection. You don’t want to support an establishment that mistreats or abuses elephants in any way. For decades these fantastic animals have suffered at the hands of cruel humans, who have used them for logging, farming and entertainment. That’s why it’s extremely important to make sure you only visit an ethical sanctuary. Fortunately, we are here to guide you with our list of the very best elephant nature park in Thailand worth visiting across the country. 

The Surin Project (Isaan)

The Surin Project is unique in that it serves as a sanctuary for both elephants and their handlers. Why? Because the trainers are often treated as poorly as the animals. Here, roughly 200 trainers and their wards live in the sanctuary. The elephants are rehabilitated while the trainers are given new employment. At this project, there are no ‘visitors’; you can only step inside as a volunteer, anywhere from one week to eight weeks. Through this scheme, you’ll work alongside project leaders, get to know the local village community and support the elephants and trainers. 

Elephant Nature Park (Chiang Mai)

This park is perhaps the most well-known elephant conservation project in Thailand. Established in 1995 by award-winning conservationist Lek Chailert, it sits on the edge of a lush rainforest on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Here, more than 75 elephants, each with their own heart-breaking story, get to roam free. In addition to the elephant, the park is also a refuge for an assortment of cats, dogs, horses, buffalo and warthogs. Here you can venture inside as a visitor, either for a day or overnight; helping to feed and bathe the animals. They do offer long-stay volunteer posts too.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Phuket)

EJS was the first-ever operational elephant sanctuary to set up camp in Phuket. Like their counterparts, they offer half-day, full-day and overnight tours of their facility, wherein guests get the unique opportunity to interact with these magnificent elephants in a safe and secure natural environment. Trained English-speaking guides will share how the welfare operation runs, the personal history of each animal and the mahouts (trainers) will guide you in preparing their food, bathing them and playing with them. The difference with this sanctuary is that you get both stunning jungle and beach views. 

We hope this article has answered any questions you had about elephant sanctuaries in the Land of Smiles, and now you’re ready to visit an ethical elephant nature park in Thailand.

The post Best Ethical Elephant Nature Park in Thailand appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

from Wellbeing Magazine https://ift.tt/2T9BO0d
via babu31

Why Choose a Monthly Apartment for Rent in Sathorn as your Bangkok Base

Bangkok is a large and cosmopolitan city, with neighbourhoods to suit almost every taste and budget. Younger folk tend to lean toward the outer areas, like On Nut and Ari, while families and working people prefer the downtown areas of Sathorn and Sukhumvit. If you’re planning to stay in the City of Angels for an extended period, you might be struggling to decide where is the best place for you. Well, worry no more, we are here to help with a guide to the best neighbourhood in town: Sathorn. Read on to discover why making a monthly apartment for rent in Sathorn your home-away-from-home in the Big Mango is such an excellent idea.

Overview

First things first, let’s define exactly what area we’re talking about. Although separate entities, Sathon Road and Silom Road run parallel to each other and are often regarded as one place. The area can roughly be defined to include Lumphini Park and Rama IV to the east, the Chao Phraya River to the west and Silom Road to the north. 

The area benefits from excellent public transport access, there are BTS (skytrain) stations at Silom, Sala Deang, Chong Nonsi and Surasak, not to mention MRT (metro) stations at Lumphini and Silom and a BRT (bus) station at Chong Nonsi.

Defined as the city’s “CBD”, due to its ubiquitous skyscrapers and international companies, Sathorn is the preferred location of many expatriates living and working in Bangkok. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is just one big glass and concrete cage, in truth, there is a real juxtaposition of old and new in the part of town. 

On weekdays, workers pour into the area to pound away at their keyboards from 9am to 5pm. As the day draws to a close, the worker bees scuttle home, and the nightlife revellers descend. On weekends, the area is somewhat sleepy, you will mostly see people for sightseeing and brunching. And then at night, the party scene comes alive.

Where to live in Sathorn

No matter if you want to be in a quiet side-street or right in the thick of the action, Sathorn can meet your needs. The area is replete with a lot of modern high-rise buildings with state-of-the-art facilities and older, low-rise ones with extensive grounds.

If it is an actual house you’re after, consider heading south of Sathon Road towards Nanglinchi and Yenakart. If your budget is tight, you’ll need to get away from the mass transit hubs. The deeper you go in the sois (i.e., backstreets), the cheaper rent gets. On the plus side, these areas usually have more of a community feel. 

If you want to live a Sex in the City lifestyle, your best bet is Sathon streets 10 and 12, here you will easily find a monthly apartment for rent in Sathorn amongst the many bars, cafés and restaurants.

Despite what you may think, Sathon isn’t just a business hub. It is well suited to young professionals and families as well. We hope you’ve found this guide useful and will soon be calling Sathorn your new home!

The post Why Choose a Monthly Apartment for Rent in Sathorn as your Bangkok Base appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

from Wellbeing Magazine https://ift.tt/2H57bXv
via babu31

Save Lots of Time with Online Forms Automation

Do you love the convenience of doing business online but hate the endless necessity of filling out online forms? If so, you’re not alone. Many customers only shop online when they have to. They’re put off by the constant repetition of filling out forms with personal information they need to safeguard. 

Online businesses also notice that a significant percentage of their business transactions are abandoned when personal information is asked for in an online form. The necessity of these forms is serving as a deterrent to what should be a fast and convenient way to order or apply for products and services. It’s taking all the convenience out of the process and making it more of a chore than it should be. 

But with more and more companies, governmental agencies and organizations turning to an online model because of the costs and time savings it offers, people should expect to be confronted with more forms to be filled out online in the future. 

Welcome Solution to Online Forms

Luckily, a company has devised a welcome solution for people that are continuously having to fill out these forms. The solution uses a personal data management system in the form of a data locker, into which a user enters all their personal information. Then, when the information is needed to fill out a form, the user simply calls up the information from the system and auto-fills it into the form using a QR code. Forms are completed quickly and accurately, and by being encoded through the QR code, your data stays secure. 

Different types of information can be retrieved individually to be used in school applications, credit card applications, travel visas, and much more. By having these options in the way your data is stored, you only provide the data necessary to complete the transaction. This also increases the security of your personal data. 

Approaching online forms with this ingenious solution saves you time and makes filling out job applications, or any form that you have to fill out repeatedly a breeze. 

Streamlining Enterprise Transactions

For enterprises, the solution offers additional benefits as well that make it easy to coordinate user’s data with existing CRM systems and ensure the privacy of a customer’s data. Never again will your staff have to deal with another hard copy, hand-written application that can be misread. The system is completely online and paperless. No more scanning, filing and storing. It also saves your enterprise on expensive printing costs. 

With the elimination of the tedious filling out of forms for users, and the savings in time and money it offers to enterprises, the personal data management system offered by a company called Beam, is something that’s a definite hit on both sides of the spectrum. For users who frequently order or apply for products and services online, it’s definitely a time-saver and provides a greater feeling of comfort and security in providing your data.  

And for enterprises adopting an online business model, it both eases the ‘pain points’ of customers and reduces internal costs as well. The Personal Data Management System by Beam looks like it’s ready to solve the data transaction problems of both users and recipients now and into the future.   

The post Save Lots of Time with Online Forms Automation appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

from Wellbeing Magazine https://ift.tt/3nZiMb7
via babu31

Phuket Condos for Sale: What to Consider Before You Buy

Many expats daydreaming about owning some bricks and mortar in the Land of Smiles. Some manage to do it successfully; others don’t. There are a lot of pitfalls to avoid when purchasing real estate in Thailand. The good news is that unlike with a house, foreigners are permitted to buy a freehold condo without restriction, but only in a building where Thais own 51% of the total number of units.

Buying a condominium might seem like the logical thing to do, especially if you’re married to a Thai, planning to spend many years here working, like to visit a few times a year or have an eye on retirement. However, before splashing out big bucks to purchase one of the many Phuket condos for sale, take time to research the pros and cons of an investment. So, without further ado, let’s look at a few key points to consider.

First and foremost, choose to buy from the right developer. Do your research and visit as many show homes as you can. There are some very reliable and honest builders out there, in particular, we can recommend Pace Development, SC Asset, Pruksa, AP (Asian Property), Major Development, Ananda Development, Supalai and Noble Development. Also, make sure you work with a trustworthy and respected real estate agent who will point you in the right direction and look out for your best interests.

Next, think about what it’ll be like to live in a property you like. Take time to explore the local neighbourhood, drive during peak hour to your office or school, visit in the evening to see if it’s noisy and so forth. You must put yourself in the shoes of being resident and view the building/condo from that point of view. Think about what facilities and amenities you use on a day-to-day basis and decide whether they are within easy reach. For example, if you have small children and there are no supermarkets or pharmacies within a 20 min drive, will that suit your needs? And if you’re a frequent international traveller, how long is the drive to the airport? Remember, living on an island should be fun and easy, so set yourself up for success from the start.

Lastly, take a good look at the common areas of the building you’re considering buying in, is it well maintained and neat or in bad repair? Understand what kind of management a building has is key. You want to invest in a building that is properly run. Also keep in mind that when you buy within a condo building, you’ll be expected to pay monthly or annual homeowners association (HOA) fees. A building collects these funds to assist with maintaining and improving facilities in the whole building. For example, HOA fees typically cover the costs of maintaining the building’s common areas, such as lobbies, patios, landscaping, swimming pools, elevators, and paying for common-area utilities like water, sewage and garbage disposal. The association may also occasionally levy special fees to fund major works, like fixing a roof or upgrading the car park. So keep in mind that you will be responsible for paying these mandatory fees once you’re an owner.

We hope this article has shed some light on the Phuket real estate scene and that you’re now better prepared to investigate, and potentially purchase, any of the many wonderful Phuket condos for sale on the island.

The post Phuket Condos for Sale: What to Consider Before You Buy appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

from Wellbeing Magazine https://ift.tt/3dG8ms6
via babu31

Meet Mariel Widmon: Yoga Brought Me Home

Join Mariel every Monday at 8 AM UK  as she takes over the Wanderlust TV LIVE studio with an intense HIIT Strength and Mobility class that promises to leave you feeling powerful and ready to start the week on the strong side.

Half English, half Mexican (with an American accent), Mariel has practiced Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow yoga around the world for over a decade. Leaving behind her high powered and high-stress corporate job that left her unfulfilled and unhappy, she achieved her longtime dream of becoming a yoga teacher in the hopes of sharing with others the countless ways it has positively impacted her life. Mariel shares a passion for life coaching and nutrition that together with yoga have become the pillars for her business Mindful Sonder – a holistic approach to wellbeing.

---

How did Yoga enter your life? Was it love from the first sight?

Yoga entered my life because of my mom. Growing up I had a very fractured relationship with her and it wasn’t until I left for university (at the tender age of 16!) that we start to make amends. My family moved to Malaysia where my mom was introduced to yoga and meditation and it changed her life. Yoga became something we did together, to help us bond and heal. It’s been a long journey and no, it was not love at first sight. But yoga has a way of getting to you, whether you seek it or not. I was searching for myself and yoga brought me home.

What is the intention you carry as you share these sessions online? What essence are you hoping is transmitted through the practice that goes beyond just watching someone on a screen?

I want students to connect with the joy of the practice, as well as its deep lessons that go beyond the physical. Growing, learning, evolving can be a challenging journey, so finding the lightness as we navigate the darkness is important. My intention is to inspire and empower and I hope that comes across in my classes.

As you’re a teacher, you’re also a student. How does your personal learning journey continues as you step on the mat learning as opposed to teaching?

I think the best teachers will always be the most dedicated students. The learning never stops so for me I will always consider myself to be first and foremost a student. It is through my own experiences that I am able to share my learnings in a relatable fashion.

What would be the one piece of advice you could give to the Wanderlust TV streamers to deepen the connection with a teacher during their online practice?

We are all interconnected. Though we may not be in the same room, we move and breathe together – with one universal heartbeat.

If you could have dinner with an influential persona in the history of Yoga, who would it be and why?

I actually met and practiced with Pattabhi Jois when I was a teenager. I wish I had realized then what an important figure he was and perhaps because I didn’t, would love to be able to go back and get to know him a bit better. In truth, if I were not limited to yogis specifically, my all-time hero is Brene Brown. Her teachings in vulnerability, shame and belonging resonate so deeply with me and are so relevant in our practice.

 

1

The post Meet Mariel Widmon: Yoga Brought Me Home appeared first on Wanderlust.

from Wanderlust https://ift.tt/2T8AdHO
via flipkartrider

Meet Maude Hirst: Evolving in Stillness

Come and sit every Thursday at 7.30PM UK on Wanderlust TV as Maude takes over the LIVE studio to guide you through an Explorative Meditation class.

Maude Hirst is the founder of the company EnergyRise: on a mission to find a unique path into mindfulness for everyone. Her passion is to empower people by lovingly connecting them to their unique expression of who they truly are.

With a background in yoga, meditation, intuitive movement meditation and Theta Healing, she believes that introducing a daily mindfulness practice into your life can bring a life changing calm, clarity and direction to your external world.

---

How did Meditation enter your life? Was it love from the first sight?

I saw a family friend meditate when I was a child and was fascinated but never quite understood how I could sit still for any substantial amount of time, so parked that interest until much later when I started practicing yoga. I would feel in those few moments of Savasana at the end of each class, such a deep sense of calm and that peace would stay with me for hours after. I wanted to explore more. So yes I would say it was love at first sight, it just took me a while to fully commit to the relationship.

Your background is in acting and it’s known to almost everybody that the movie industry is a stressful environment. Would you say that it was one of the motivations to pursue Mindfulness and Meditation training?

Yes absolutely. For me, the acting industry was a place where I could hide behind scripts and characters and never really have to be myself. It was also a life of so many ups and downs and lots of uncertainty, so I think I was searching for something that could bring inner stability and space to discover myself. And meditation has definitely brought that and more.

What is the intention you carry as you share these sessions online? What essence are you hoping is transmitted through the practice that goes beyond just watching someone on a screen?

My intention is to connect people back to themselves. To help switch your attention away from the external world and the over-thinking mind and into a place of inner awareness and peace. I believe that once we have inner awareness of who we are and how we feel, it empowers us to create the life we want to live.

As you’re a teacher, you’re also a student. How does your personal learning journey continues as you step on the mat learning as opposed to teaching?

I believe we are always students in this game called life. Meditation is called a practice for a reason, it’s an ever-evolving practice. Every time I go into meditation it is a new experience, an opportunity to understand myself and connect on a deeper level. I recently did a 10-day silent meditation retreat, meditating for 10 hours a day and I am amazed at the depths and wisdom that can arise within us from just sitting in stillness. I am always looking for new ways to evolve my practice, myself and my teaching so I think it is so important to always remain a curious student.

What would be the one piece of advice you could give to the Wanderlust TV streamers to deepen the connection with a teacher and themselves during the online practice?

Consistency is key. Meditation is simply a practice in shifting your awareness away from the external world and into your internal world. The more you commit to the practice, the deeper your experience and connection will be both to yourself and the world around you. After a while meditation becomes like a comforting massage. Don’t think of it as another chore to add to your life, think of it as a healthy new habit.

1

The post Meet Maude Hirst: Evolving in Stillness appeared first on Wanderlust.

from Wanderlust https://ift.tt/37pZdD3
via flipkartrider

Meet Pip Elysium: Overcoming Obstacles with Movement

Step onto the mat every Friday at 8AM UK on Wanderlust TV as Pip takes over the LIVE studio to host Deep Release Flow – a practice that works on deeper levels than your usual Yoga class.

Pip Elyisum is an internationally recognised AcroYoga teacher, trained ballet dancer and performer. She’s been featured in Yoga Magazine, Om Yoga Magazine, The Telegraph, The Metro, London Evening Standard and is one of London’s top teachers for Wanderlust.

When not travelling abroad for Teacher Trainings & Retreats, Pip is a Yoga Teacher, Dancer & Facilitator for London’s Leading AcroYoga Studio & Events, School of AcroYoga. Pip brings the beauty of movement and exceptional quality of line (dance) to the demonstration of AcroYoga.

---

How did Yoga enter your life? Was it love from the first sight?

I started yoga, the physical practice at the age of 17 when I was professionally training for dance. I immediately felt the benefits and it was a lovely compliment to dance. However, when I REALLY started to find yoga, it found me. It first found me when I was going through a tough time emotionally and found it was a way to support that journey. Since then, yoga has taught me life lessons and a way to work with things in everyday life.

What is the intention you carry as you share these sessions online? What essence are you hoping is transmitted through the practice that goes beyond just watching someone on a screen?

The focus of the classes may come across from the outside eye, as a way to become more flexible and working with the fascia. On a deeper level, I aim to connect with the student to work with their limitations. To help them to open the body, to then allow them to be open enough to release the tension that has been built up. Releasing this tension may also help release them from deeper areas of their life where there has been constriction, stress, strain, and other limiting beliefs built from the mind.

As you’re a teacher, you’re also a student. How does your personal learning journey continues as you step on the mat learning as opposed to teaching?

I tend to self enquire a lot. This brings up a lot of philosophy which stems from movement to life events and the way we perceive things. More recently, I was on my own for three months during lockdown which forced me to look at some very uncomfortable things, with a series of unfortunate events that followed. We are all spiritual warriors having to deal with everyday life, it’s how we respond and work with them long term is what matters the most. 

Movement is the first thing that allows us to help change our physiology so we can be in a better state to manage all the different things going on. Stepping onto the mat for my personal practice allows me to visibly see the restrictions in my body that may also be constricting me in areas of my life. With this understanding, it allows me to bring a great sense of empathy and compassion to students and where they may be that day.

What would be the one piece of advice you could give to the Wanderlust TV streamers to deepen the connection with a teacher during their online practice?

Having three months on my own during the lockdown in London, live streams was a very exciting way to connect. Turning up on time for the class allowed me to treat this as a dedicated time for me, so I would encourage you to do the same. Interacting by messaging on the platform and connecting with others online brought a great sense of community and connection. 

When I was attending a live stream as a student, I liked to treat it as a real-life class or meeting. I set up the room, stuck to the class the whole way and I turned off all distractions. This helped me connect with the teacher, the practice and myself. It was also exciting if I told the teacher beforehand (or after) that I was attending the class. I hope this piece of advice will help you to have an enjoyable online experience with a teacher.

If you could have dinner with an influential persona in the history of Yoga, who would it be and why?

Good question! Micheal A Singer. His book changed my life ‘The untethered soul’.

1

The post Meet Pip Elysium: Overcoming Obstacles with Movement appeared first on Wanderlust.

from Wanderlust https://ift.tt/3jbyw7c
via flipkartrider

Meet Dirish Shaktidas: Reminding You of The Divinity

Dance, release and lighten up with Dirish Shaktidas Friday at 6PM UK on Wanderlust TV as he takes over the LIVE studio to host an upbeat, Prana-boosting Shakti Dance class.

Dirish is a London based yoga teacher immersed in the world of holistic healing. Internationally trained by world-renowned teachers he has been practicing yoga dance and meditation for over 10 years. Having grown up within a Hindu household with sacred mantras, Dirish combines his deep knowledge of movement, mindful meditation and sound.

---

How did Yoga enter your life? Was it love from the first sight?

I always wanted to do Yoga. A family friend was practicing Yoga and it always intrigued me. Also my 93-year-old uncle was a yogi and had been practicing for 50 years. So you could say it was passed down through my family. But I truly got into Yoga when I was traveling around Asia and stumbled across a Yoga Retreat in Thailand and it was a Big Fat YES!

I did a whole week and completely altered my attitude to myself and life. It was something that just filled in the gap for me. For so long working in Fashion and Design I was around so much stress and pressure I didn’t have something that could give me the juice to reboot and relax me. 

What changes have you noticed in yourself since you began a steady practice?

Being true to myself, my life and others around me. Learning my boundaries, learning all aspects of myself. How to align with what feels authentic. Being a better listener to what goes on within me and without. I am calm, I am relaxed and empowered by all the different practices of yoga and meditation that have exalted me.

What is the intention you carry as you share these sessions online? What essence are you hoping is transmitted through the practice that goes beyond just watching someone on a screen?

I carry the intention to lighten and brighten the hearts of the people. Bring themselves into their full selves to remind themselves of their divinity.

Tell us a bit more about the story of Shakti Dance – how did you come up with the class?

I love it, people always think that I created it, which is a huge honor to uphold but Shakti Dance is the Yoga of Dance and it was created by my teacher Sara Avtar. The origins of this practice derive from Kundalini Yoga. It has eight specific phases to this dance: 

• Intro – Connecting with the Creative Source and Inner Guidance: tuning in with a mantra that is usually used with Kundalini Yoga but it is uniquely led by combining movement and mudras (hand postures).
• Warm Up – Opening Pranic Currents with Flowing Yoga Asanas: organic, rhythmic and flowing floor stretches/asanas, coordinated with the breath, open and deeply relax the body, releasing stress and blockages. Meditative, grounding and nurturing, this phase opens and increases the flow of prana-shakti through the body’s energy channels (Nadis).
• Flow Steps or Standing Exercises – Charging the Magnetic Field with Repetitive Standing Exercises: after opening up the pranic-flow, the class moves into energising, breath-related standing exercises that open the chakras, rebalance the five elements and charge the pranic body with increased vitality.  The standing exercises work with the body’s natural geometry and mechanics, adhering to principles of harmonious movement, e.g. surrendering to gravity, giving impulse from the navel, lifting through the bandhas (body locks) and opening lines of stretch.
• Free Dance – Spontaneous Movement Meditation: having calmed the mind and accumulated charge, you are now quite literally propelled into the free dance. In this stage, the innate creativity of each individual is given free rein.
• Relaxation – Release, Relax and Rest: lying in Shavasana (corpse pose), the phase of relaxation calms, harmonizes and consolidates the stimulation of different qualities of energy in the previous phases.
• Meditation – Mantra with Meditative Movement: these movement meditations align and balance your energy field. They may be done sitting or standing, and are generally practiced to a mantra. These meditations can be very profound, are enjoyable to learn, and create a powerful group matrix when practiced in a circle mandala.
• Closing: A simple and specific mantra, combined with mudra movements is chanted at the end of the session, bringing inner and outer worlds into balance, while creating a protective auric shield around each participant.

Shakti Dance brings up so many different sensations. It’s a release, it’s a boost, it’s a moment of letting go and letting be. Could you pick one feeling that is always present when you teach a class and you want students to take away?

It’s hard to pinpoint a specific feeling, I would choose the feeling of Sacredness. We all want that reassurance of safety but sacred takes it to the next level. Before we bare our souls we want that security, especially if you are new to the form of Shakti Dance. I want students to take away the feeling of freedom to express their soul self and feel Lit on the inside and out.

What would be the one piece of advice you could give to the Wanderlust TV streamers to deepen the connection with a teacher and themselves during the online practice?

Do your best, stay present to all the sensations without judgment and trust the process.

If you could have dinner with an influential persona in the history of Yoga, who would it be and why?

I would say Mata Amritanandamayi aka Amma (The Hugging Saint). She has one of the most inspirational stories I have heard.  I would love to know how she processes living her life and how she has the capacity to hug and help thousands upon thousands of people, travelling the globe for decades and doing everything selflessly with the utmost Love and Grace. I would also ask the big questions: 

“What is the soul?”
“What is the purpose of the human experience?”
“How best do we handle uncertain times?”
“How do we handle 2020?!”

1

The post Meet Dirish Shaktidas: Reminding You of The Divinity appeared first on Wanderlust.

from Wanderlust https://ift.tt/31iucNa
via flipkartrider

In Shuggie Bain, A 15-Year-Old Glaswegian Boy Turns Caretaker For His Alcoholic Mother

Douglas Stuart’s Booker-shortlisted debut novel tells a heart-aching story about the search for sexual identity amid parental dysfunction

from Verve Magazine https://ift.tt/3jejCwS
via babu31

[Transcript] – The Best Way To Test How Healthy Your Heart Is: Ben Greenfield Undergoes A Complete Advanced Cardiac Evaluation & Reports The Surprising Results!

From podcast: https://ift.tt/3k2rwe2 [00:00:01] Introduction [00:01:29] Podcast Sponsors [00:03:46] Ben's Examination at The Clinic: Guest Introduction [00:06:04] Ben's Heart Ultrasound

The post [Transcript] – The Best Way To Test How Healthy Your Heart Is: Ben Greenfield Undergoes A Complete Advanced Cardiac Evaluation & Reports The Surprising Results! appeared first on Ben Greenfield Fitness - Diet, Fat Loss and Performance Advice.

from Ben Greenfield Fitness – Diet, Fat Loss and Performance Advice https://ift.tt/347dt1o
via babu31

Chicken Thyme Vegetable Sausage Rolls

These Chicken Thyme Vegetable Sausage Rolls are simple to make and are sure to become a party favourite. They also make for a healthy snack and my kids love them cold in their school lunchbox too. Sausage rolls are such a classic but the commercial pastries have no appeal to me. These, however, have a…

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.

from Well Nourished https://ift.tt/3o7rt3g
via babu31

Quick Vegetable Fritters

These easy to make Quick Vegetable Fritters are a fabulous low-GI and gluten-free plant-powered snack. This is a great option for when you know your kids need a good serve of veggies in their day. Fritters can be notoriously tricky to get the ratios right- they can fall apart so easily or be too solid….

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.

from Well Nourished https://ift.tt/37jPa24
via babu31

Savoury Mince Bowl

This fantastic high-protein Savoury Mince Bowl combines tasty mince with the nourishment from eggs and vegetables to fuel your body for the day ahead. A high protein breakfast is a great choice for sustaining energy, building muscle and controlling your appetite. Plan to rise and shine with this super satisfying Savoury Mince Bowl, or make…

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.

from Well Nourished https://ift.tt/349O4UH
via babu31

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken (Cheddar Ranch Chicken)

This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken (Cheddar Ranch Chicken) is an addicting concoction of chicken, cheese, bacon and perfectly seasoned with ranch dressing. Cooking this in the slow cooker takes all the work out of it and makes it a super simple hearty dinner on busy days.

Things are called “crack” for a good reason. They’re just so good you get addicted. You just can’t enough like this Best Christmas Crack Recipe. This Crack Chicken is amazing especially when made with Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix.

Crack Chicken Recipe

What exactly is “Crack Chicken?” It’s that classic combination of cream cheese, ranch, cheddar and bacon. Similar to the Crack Dip, this has all the same delicious flavors, but made meal worthy by adding chicken. Now you can have a bowl full and not feel guilty, like you might if you had a whole bowl full of just dip.

This keto friendly dish is so versatile, and everyone loves it. It’s a hearty, rich and creamy meal. Perfect for any occasion, it’s like the little black dress of dinners. Dress it up or down depending on the occasion and it’s a winner either way.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Ingredients

Simple ingredients when put all together taste so amazing.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: I love that you don’t have to pre cut these
• Homemade Ranch Seasoning: This is the dry mix not ranch dressing. Using homemade is SO GOOD
• Cream Cheese: Creamy and decadent filling
• Bacon: Cooked and crumbled then stirred into the chicken mix.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded over top and melted when warm.
• Green Onion: Top it off as a garnish!

How to Make Crockpot Crack Chicken

This is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner.

1. Slow Cooker: In the bottom of a slow cooker place the chicken. Sprinkle with dry ranch dressing. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and place over the chicken and seasoning.
2. Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4.
3. Shred: Shred the chicken and top with bacon and cheese. Cover till melted. Garnish with green onions.

Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Slow Cooker

It’s really difficult to mess up this Crack Chicken recipe but here are a few tips to help it be awesome.

• Chicken: Use skinless and boneless chicken for less fat and grease. You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs with the same success as chicken breasts.
• Bacon: For the best taste and texture use real bacon crumbles not bacon bits which can be pretty artificial tasting.
• Keep it from Drying! This is definitely a recipe you don’t want to over cook it. The best success is long and low.
• Cream Cheese: Chunk the cream cheese and distribute evenly over the chicken for even melting.
• Cheddar Cheese: Bacon and cheddar just go together but you can easily change it up, try jalapeno pepper jack for a kick, colby or even swiss.
• Storing Cheddar Ranch Chicken: Keep this in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days and YES you can freeze it. Put it in a freezer safe airtight container and it will keep for up to 3 months.
• Double: Double the recipe and freeze leftovers for quick dinners or even lunches.
• Shredding Chicken: The easiest way to shred chicken is with your hand mixer right in crock pot. It’s easy and fast. Or you can also just use two forks.

What Do You Eat Crack Chicken With?

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is such a versatile dish. It can be served so many different ways, making it a new dish each time!

• Over rice: This adds an asian twist.
• Hamburger buns or Pitas: Place on oven toasted buns for a delicious sandwich.
• Mashed potatoes: Over top for a rich and tasty meal.
• Inside of baked potatoes: Split open your baked potato and insert the chicken right inside.
• Crackers and veggies: Make a fun dip with a fun tray full of deliciousness.
• Wrapped in a Tortilla: Something light but simple for a quick lunch or snack time.
• Lettuce Wraps or on top of a salad: Add a little more to your greens with this hearty chicken and cheese.
• In Pitas or Croissants: Another idea for a quick lunch or a gathering.
• Pasta: Bring on something filling with noodles and this chicken.

More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes to Love

These chicken favorites are made so much easier in the slow cooker,  and that makes life so much easier.

• Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
• Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
• Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup

Print

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken (Cheddar Ranch Chicken) is an addicting concoction of chicken, cheese, bacon and perfectly seasoned with ranch dressing. Cooking this in the slow cooker takes all the work out of it and makes it a super simple hearty dinner on busy days.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword crack chicken, crack chicken recipe, slow cooker crack chicken

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Servings 6 People

Calories 427kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 2 packets dry ranch seasoning or try my Homemade Ranch Seasoning
• 2 8 ounce cream cheese
• 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

• In a slow cooker add the chicken to the bottom. Sprinkle with dry ranch seasoning. Top with cream cheese. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours long.
• Shred the chicken with two forks. Top with bacon and sprinkle with cheese. Cover until melted. Serve on buns, over rice and garnish with green onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 56g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 527mg | Potassium: 901mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 257IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 147mg | Iron: 1mg

 

from The Recipe Critic https://ift.tt/3j3C0IQ
via babu31blog

Keto Morning Glory Muffins

Keto Morning Glory Muffins are packed full of low carb, sugar-free goodness! A great healthy breakfast option. This post is sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill. What a glorious morning for morning glory muffins. Or perhaps it’s a glorious afternoon, if you’re one of those people who prefers their muffins as a snack. Whenever you choose...

from All Day I Dream About Food https://ift.tt/37gD9uh
via babu31

Sabbath Ramblings: A Boy Who Shaves.

A few days ago, I emerged from a father-son wilderness survival camp at Twin Eagles Wilderness School—a cold, thrilling, and

The post Sabbath Ramblings: A Boy Who Shaves. appeared first on Ben Greenfield Fitness - Diet, Fat Loss and Performance Advice.

from Ben Greenfield Fitness – Diet, Fat Loss and Performance Advice https://ift.tt/3590ont
via babu31

5 Ingredient Flourless Chocolate Banana Bread

After a week of grinding at work, it’s time to grind in the kitchen and create something yum! This week I’ll be cooking some meals for my weekly meal prep, … Read More

The post 5 Ingredient Flourless Chocolate Banana Bread appeared first on Amazon Warrior by Caroline Bakker.

from Amazon Warrior by Caroline Bakker https://ift.tt/2T60bf2
via babu31

Homemade Pancake Mix

Super easy and made with simple ingredients, you can ditch the box mix and make your own Homemade Pancake Mix.  Make the most delicate, divinely fluffy pancakes whenever you want for your family!

Making things from scratch is so unbelievably easy. Just like this Insanely Good Homemade Granola, but it can be intimidating like the thought of making Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup. But the great news is,  just like those recipes, this is insanely easy and quick and once you try it, you’ll never go back.

The Best Pancake Mix

Not only is super simple but the pancakes it makes are so good! Fluffy, soft, tender and melt in your mouth tasty. Warm breakfasts are so great to wake up to and this makes it so easy.  Just whip this up with some milk, eggs, and oil  and you’ve got a hot breakfast in no time. Pancakes really are fast and they’re just so comforting, everyone loves them.

Buying and preparing all of your own foods is the single easiest way to ensure that you know exactly what your family is eating.  It is also a great way to save money on groceries!  Most premade baking mixes are typically simply mixtures of very simple, common dry baking ingredients. This homemade pancake mix is easy to whip up and is a great way to save on the budget.

Pancake Ingredients

You probably already have these in your pantry.

• Flour: All purpose flour works best for fluffy pancakes
• Baking Powder: This gives you fluffiness and puffs the pancakes up.
• Sugar: A little bit of sweetness to add in the pancakes.
• Salt: Always needed for balance!

How to Make Pancake Mix

Ever look at the ingredients in those box mixes? Can’t pronounce some of them can you and you don’t even know what they’re for, and you’re feeding that to your family. Now you can know exactly what’s in your pancake mix!

1. Mix: Whisk all the ingredients together. Place in a sealed container and keep in a dry cool place.

Pancake Mix from Scratch

Now it’s time to use the mix for fluffy yummy pancakes. It is just two simple instructions to making the best pancakes at home.

1. Mix: In a medium bowl mix together 1 cup of milk 1 egg and 2 Tablespoons of oil. Add in 1 cup of pancake mix and stir till combined.
2. Cook: Drop by 1/4 cups in a heated buttered skillet on medium heat.

What Can I Put in my Pancake Mix?

There are so many variations and fun ways to eat a pancake. From classic butter and syrup to adding in fruit or chocolate, these pancakes are amazingly delicious. Your family will be raving how good they are!

• Spices: This is the perfect base to add spices. When you add your mix to the wet ingredients add in cinnamon, vanilla, pumpkin spice, or other flavorings.
• Mix ins: To your wet mix add in mashed bananas, nuts, blueberries, chocolate chips, chia seeds, flax meal or protein powder for variations.
• Flour: You can use whole wheat flour, unbleached flour or all purpose flour in this pre mix.

Tips and Storing Homemade Pancake Mix

• Double: Feel free to double the mix or even triple it. I like to make lots of pancakes at once and freeze them for even quicker hot breakfasts in the morning.
• Wait: When cooking your pancakes wait for those bubbles to form on top to ensure you don’t end up with gooey middles.
• Butter: For extra richness substitute melted butter for the oil. So yummy!
• Don’t over mix: It’s important when you mix your wet with dry ingredients you don’t over mix. It’s ok to have a few little lumps.
• Storage: The shelf life of this homemade mix is about the same as any you’d find at the store. This should keep for 6-8 months in a cool dark place. Make sure your jar or container has a tight seal as well.

More Homemade Goodness

Because Homemade is always better, and unbelievably easy!

• Homemade Cheese Sauce
• Homemade Ranch Dressing
• Easiest Marinara Sauce
• Homemade Fajita Seasoning
• Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

Print

Homemade Pancake Mix

Super easy and made with simple ingredients, you can ditch the box mix and make your own Homemade Pancake Mix.  Make the most delicate, divinely fluffy pancakes whenever you want for your family.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword pancake mix, pancakes

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 4 People

Calories 425kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1/3 cup baking powder
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

To make pancakes:

• In a medium sized bowl whisk together 1 cup milk, 1 egg and 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil. Add in 1 cup of pancake mix and stir until combined.

To make chocolate chip pancakes:

• In a medium sized bowl whisk together 1 cup milk, 1 egg and 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil. Add in 1 cup of pancake mix and stir until combined. Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 601mg | Potassium: 2092mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 17g | Calcium: 868mg | Iron: 6mg

 

from The Recipe Critic https://ift.tt/3kdwTHq
via babu31blog