As I ponder our still bud-less maples—and whatever else we have in these parts—I can’t help but think of one of the more invigorating portions of Align Pilates’ recent Costa Rican adventure: zip lining with Miss Sky Canopy Tours. Don’t get me wrong, the yoga and Pilates during last January’s Wellness Retreat certainly got our hearts a-pumpin’. However, our ga-gongs beat to a different and more exotic brand of exhilaration when we went flying over the Costa Rican jungle.

The friendly crew at Miss Sky hooked us up, clipped us on and gave us all we needed to know to glide over the tropical greenery, including a trustworthy helmet. Swinging over and through the lush trees, like the monkeys we heard guffawing in the distance, I finally found out what it is like to “fly like a bird”…or a monkey, as the case may be.

We hereby give you permission to unleash the kind in moo. I mean you.

Got to Have It
EO Chocolate & Mint Lotion

• What: Cocoa Absolute and Mint combine to nourish and protect your epidermis.
• Why: Mint condition.
• Where: Online at EO Products.

Bits and Bites
May Day Cafe

• What: A quaint, independent café serving up breakfast, brunch and an urgent cup o’ Joe.
• Why: Coffee. STAT!
• Where: 3440 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis

Around Town
Keegan’s Irish Pub

• What: Have a St. Patty’s day pre-funk at one of the city’s finest Irish pubs.
• Why: Go green.
• When: When the milk in your Lucky Charms turns pinkish-brown.
• Where: 16 Ave NE (across from Surdyk’s), Minneapolis

I Think I Can
Motivational Quote

• What: Love like crazy and be yourself.
• Why: You’re good enough, you’re smart enough and doggonit, people like you.
• Where: Online at Saying Images.

Links you’ll love:

In need of a little mood music? Whether you’re feeling cool as a cucumber or prickly as a pear, Stereomood matches the tunes to your ‘tude.

Read any good books lately? Join the community of Goodreads to list and rate your faves…and find out what your pals are flipping through.

Do you love Pilates? Do you have a flexible body, mind AND schedule? Do you want to make extra money doing something you LOVE? If you answered Yes, Yes and Heck yeah! to these three questions, Pilates Teacher Training may be a perfect fit for you.

“The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.”
Simply put, we love Pilates. And we want to spread the love. Beyond the studio, Align Pilates is a Licensed Private Career School. Together, our program leaders have over 20 years of experience in creating innovative and intelligent instructors. Through private lessons, workshops and group classes, Align’s unique program guides you from the fundamentals to the advanced principles of Pilates, allowing you to take your own practice to the next level…and show others how to do the same.

Interested but not sure where to start? Start at the beginning! Stop by our Teacher Training Open House on March 26th to meet the Align staff, tour the studio and learn first-hand what our program is all about. Also, take a peek at our Teacher Training page where you can find FAQ’s, download a training syllabus and view an application questionnaire. The next Teacher Training Program starts April 30th, 2010.

Reform you body. Reform your life. See you at the studio!

So long, February! At long last, we have reached March. So far, it has arrived like a docile lamb. Although we know that winter’s lion will have at least one last roar before we enter into full-on spring, we have absolutely no complaints about the upper 40 degree temps we are reveling here in the Twin Cities. (Could we reach 50 degrees by Friday?!) And even though Ms. Nature is probably being a horrible tease right now, this does not mean we can’t start planning for spring. To that end, here is a helpful list of timely March to-do’s.

‘Tis the season to whip out your mops and brooms, start driving away the dust and grime that Old Man Winter tracked in under his boots and prepare to let a little sunshine in. It’s also a good time to not only prepare your home, but prepare your body and mind for the upcoming season: start stocking up on spring foods, get those pesky finances in order and ditch a day at the gym to work out in the fresh air.

After all, there is a time for all things—a time for work, a time for play and a time to clean your dryer vents.

Got to Have It
Urban Striped Headwrap

• What: Take care of those work-out whispies with this fun, functional and flirty wrap.
• Why: Urban turban.
• Where: Online at Amazon.com.

Bits and Bites
Restaurant Week 2010 – LAST CHANCE FRIDAY!

• What: If you hurry, you can still enjoy a specially-priced meal at a select Twin Cities eatery.
• Why: Best week ever.
• Where: A participating restaurant near you.

Around Town
Whole Body Care Fair

• What: An array of experts guide you through the ins and outs of natural body care.
• Why: There’s something for every body.
• When: Saturday, March 6th ~ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
• Where: Whole Foods ~ 3060 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis.

I Think I Can
Motivational Quote

• What: “As we drive along this road called life, occasionally a gal will find herself a little lost. And when that happens, I guess she has to let go of the coulda, shoulda, woulda, buckle up and just keep going.” ~ Carrie Bradshaw
• Why: Abso-f@#!in’-lutey.

Efterklang – Modern Drift

Listen now>

So here are some shower tips to make the most out of your cleansing experience. My personal favorite: “Just like the sponge in your kitchen sink, your washcloth can attract unsavory characters faster than Cancun during spring break.”

So tart showering wisely and who knows? Maybe you’ll have a little more fun while you are at it. And remember, what happens in the shower stays in the shower.