Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Peace Exchange this week!!!

The Alluem Kids classes are cancelled this week, but not to worry - the Peace Exchange is on! Last year we exchanged with India. This year we'll be exchanging with Africa!
Join us for two wonderful events during the holiday break:
4-8 yr olds: Wednesday, December 28th - 3:45-4:45pm
9-12 yr olds: Friday, December 3oth - 7:30-8:45pm
Register online - workshops tab! Click here!
Click on photo to enlarge.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Peace Exchange Flashback

So excited for this year's Peace Exchange with kids in Africa! Enjoy this video from last year's exchange with kids in India! Join us this week if you can! Sign up online - workshops tab!

"Create Peace Project is an arts-for-peace-education non-profit organization. Through our work with people of all ages, our mission is to foster self-awareness, strengthen communities, and spread peace through creativity on a global scale. We achieve this by facilitating collaborative arts workshops and promoting positive peace practices through our arts-for-peace projects."
To learn how you can get your school involved in the Peace Exchange, click here:

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Melt Your Heart

Melt your heart and enjoy the holidays!!!

Friday, December 23, 2011

12 Days of Giving - Day 12 - YOGA!

Last year the on the 12th Day of Giving, YOGA was the featured gift that gives back! Well here it is again!!!! It hasn't stopped giving back! So many benefits for your body, mind and soul! The list is endless! This year, give someone you love the gift of yoga! There are lots of options for gift cards at Alluem Yoga!
1 - Alluem Kids 8 Week Winter Session - $96 (1/23-3/20)
2 - Baby & Me 6 Week Session - $78 (1/27-3/2)
3 - 6 Week Beginner's Series - $78 (2/5-3/11)
4 - Yoga: The Workshop - $35 (1/7)
5 - Candlelight Restorative Workshop - $30 (2/10)
6 - New Student Special - 3 classes for $30
7 - 5 Class Package - $70
8 - 10 Class Package - $130
9 - 20 Class Package - $240
10 - Unlimited Monthly - $120
11 - Drop in Class - $15

SO MANY OPTIONS! And the good news for you last minute shoppers...you can purchase right online and print out your own gift card! Click here: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=7159

Thursday, December 22, 2011

12 Days of Giving - Day 11 - Gaiam

If you practice yoga, you've probably had a Gaiam mat or at least sat next to someone in class who has one. Gaiam has partnered up with a Fair Trade company called ONE WORLD through which they've discovered HOPE. Gina and Greg Hope's idea for HOPE Fair Fashion in Action is simply a small company based on very big thinking ranging from jewelry to clothing to home decor. Each piece celebrates the interconnection of the global community. And with a partner like Gaiam, HOPE is building markets for fair trade products and creating a safe, comfortable place to earn a living in dignity.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

12 Days of Giving - Day 10 - SoapBox

Much like our friends at Toms, SoapBox is doing a one for one project that is saving lives. SoapBox works to save children suffering from pneumonia, rotavirus and cholera due to unsanitary living conditions. They've reached out to several US cities, as well as several international aid organizations.
"When you buy a bar of our soap, we send a companion bar to a child in need. Our aid soap doesn’t look or smell like the soap that you buy. The bars of soap we donate are a mission-specific formula which is different than the bar we sell to retail customers. This is because the soap we send around the world has to be formulated for all types of temperatures, humidity levels, storage conditions, and water properties. Our mission-specific soap formula is specially designed to be gentle on all skin types (similar to baby soap), particularly for people who may have never used soap before. Despite the differences between our retail bar and our relief bar, the relief bar is still made with all natural ingredients, is glycerin based, and is of the same high quality as the bars we sell online and in stores."


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

12 Days of Giving - Day 9 - Somaly Mam

January is Yoga Freedom Month! The mission of Yoga Freedom Project is to unite the yoga community around the issue of sex trafficking through education, awareness, and fundraising for organizations we believe in. Why not start supporting now!? This holiday, shop the Empowerment Store through the Somaly Mam Foundation to help put an end to slavery. Beautiful jewelry and scarves made by survivors of modern day slavery undergoing rehabilitation.
Stop by the studio to learn more about Somaly Mam's story. Her book is now available at the front desk for a $15 donation to the Somaly Mam Foundation. Read this book, learn about Somaly's brave fight against the powerful and corrupt forces that steal the lives of young girls around the world...then share her story with a friend. A book discussion and donation based yoga class will be held at Alluem Yoga on January 28th from 1:00-3:00pm!

Monday, December 19, 2011

The 12 Days of Giving - Day 8 - PeopleTowels

Choose to reuse! I love this company...
"People Towels are the newest concept in sustainability, and the latest in eco-chic fashion. An on-the-go, sustainable alternative to paper towels in public facilities, these reusable personal hand towels are made of a patent-pending fabric that’s 100% certified organic Fair Trade cotton. The light-weight fabric is absorbent, yet dries quickly. PeopleTowels are printed with eco-friendly dyes, and come in a variety of designs to appeal to different tastes and styles."
"PeopleTowels is born of the belief that we can all find new ways to personally incorporate sustainability and conservation into our daily lives. PeopleTowels is an idea borrowed from the Japanese, who have been using reusable, personal hand towels for decades."
And now you can kick the holiday season off with double good gifts - give a gift with a built in donation to a worthy cause. Choose from the "Plant a Tree Gift Set" benefitting Trees for Future, the "Breast Cancer Fund Gift Set" benefitting the Breast Cancer Fund, or the "Pet Lover Gift Set" benefitting the Humane Society.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

12 Days of Giving - Day 7 - Kohl's

That's more like it...I'm always excited to see which book and plush set Kohl's is going to pick for their Kohl's Cares® program. This year it's Nancy Tillman's charmingly written and beautifully illustrated series of books. The one seen below is from the "The Spirit of Christmas" collection. It's a sweet rendering of the excitement and magical moments during the holidays. This story shows that the most touching part of the Christmas season is spending time with those we love. Paired with the lion plush, this Kohl's Cares collection is sure to be a family favorite.
100% of the net profit from the sale of this item will support kids' health and education initiatives in communities nationwide. Visit the Kohl's Cares® site to learn more: www.kohls.com

Saturday, December 17, 2011

12 Days of Giving - Day 6 - Booda Baby

I love a onsie that makes a statement...look closely and you'll see that this one reads:
"I will make a difference."
"For every t-shirt or onsie you buy and for every t-shirt or onsie a child wears, Booda Brand promises the gift of a book through the incredible organization, Room to Read. A book that will inspire a child in need who wants to learn beyond the borders of his or her mind. Booda Brand truly believes that education is the key to breaking the continuous cycle of poverty. As such we have founded a unique business model called One for You, One for Humanity based on the idea of reciprocity."
I'm loving the Booda Brand site right now...they even give you some great suggestions on inspiration picture books! Great for the classroom (or yoga studio!!). Click here:

Friday, December 16, 2011

12 Days of Giving - Day 5 - FEED Bags

There are sooo many new FEED Products this holiday season! How can you resist???
One of my favorite bags that I've been using these days is the FEED Love Bag.
Each FEED Love Bag will provide 25 meals in areas with high rates of HIV/AIDS patients through the UN World Food Programme (WFP). AND it's great for toting around all those kid's yoga props!
And speaking of kids, check out the adorable FEED Our Small World Bodysuit and Pants.
Each bodysuit and pants set purchased will generate funding to help UNICEF provide 150 children with essential Vitamin A supplements - a nutrient proven to be particularly crucial to the health of a growing child. Sadly, millions of children do not have access to basic health care and nutritional supplementation, including Vitamin A. For these children, this one nutrient can make a big difference.


Thursday, December 15, 2011

12 Days of Giving - Day 4 - Beats

I've always been a fan of (PRODUCT)RED...afterall, I was born on World AIDS Day.
Beats by Dr. Dre headphones from Monster were engineered to let music lovers hear their favorite tracks exactly how the artists intended them to be heard. These headphones are the first Beats to be added to the (PRODUCT)RED collection. A portion of the profits from this (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition will go straight to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa...and all the kids love them.
SOLO HD (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition are available at Apple stores, www.apple.com, and www.dell.com.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

12 Days of Giving - Day 3 - TOMS!


We can't say enough about Toms at Alluem! We love their shoes! We love their sunglasses! We love their mission! For every pair of shoes purchased, founder Blake Mycoskie donates a pair to a child who would otherwise be barefoot. And now for every purchase of sunglasses you make, someone in need will get the gift of sight. Visit www.toms.com.
Remembering Alluem Kids "One Day Without Shoes"!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

12 Days of Giving - Day 2 - Serrv

Serve - it's what we do as human beings. We help each other, as Gina says, however you can,
when you can. Introducing Serrv - a nonprofit organization with a mission to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.
For more than 60 years, SERRV has worked to eradicate poverty through our direct connections with low-income artisans and farmers. SERRV originally stood for "Sales Exchange for Refugee Rehabilitation and Vocation" but their mission has expanded greatly since the beginning.
There is sooo much available through SERRV - jewlery, handbags, scarves, home decor, dishware!!! All Fair Trade and handmade!!! Visit www.serrv.org.
Here are just a few of my favorite items:

Tree of Life Wall Art

Children of the World Garland
And for the college kid in your life...
The Study Break Gift Basket


Haitian coffee, Singing Rooster Mountain Bleu, and new Snickerdoodle cookie mix from The Women's Bean Project are nestled in a tray with the Twilight Mug from Prescraft in Cameroon and the Discreet Notebook Set from Mahaguthi in Nepal.

Monday, December 12, 2011

12 Days of Giving - Day 1 - Krochet Kids International


From the 15 days of Gratitude, to the 12 Days of Giving!!! Here it comes again - the list of gifts that give back!! Check in daily to see how you can help others in need while you shop your heart out this season! Krochet Kids International was started by a couple of high school friends who wanted to create cool headgear for their winter sporting events. Crocheting is not the normal hobby for young guys, but nonetheless it caught on and peers loved thier hats! They taught friends and family how to crochet up through college, when they began to want even more. They wanted to be able to reach others...maybe even people in developing countries. After a trip to Uganda, where they taught women how to crochet as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty. Thus formed the non-profit Krochet Kids International.Krochet Kids has continued to grow and evolve in ways they never imagined. Today, over 100 people go to the compound in Northern Uganda everyday to work and to rewrite their stories for the better. The products created abroad have been well received here at home and the cooperation of our staff in America and artists in Northern Uganda has created a sustainable cycle of employment and empowerment. Buy a hat! Change a Life!
The best part about this program...the label. Every hat carries with it the signature of the woman who crocheted it on the label. You can visit the website (or use your handy dandy QR scanner on your iPhone) to learn more about the woman who made your hat and see how you are directly impacting her and her family. And then...you can send her a message. Maybe a simple thank you, maybe a message of hope and gratitude. The women see every message and they appreciate each one.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Winter Session Registration is OPEN!

Registration for Winter Session is open!
8 Week Session with Karen starts in January!

Alluem Tweens (ages 10-12):
Sundays: 11:15am-12:15pm
or Mondays: 3:45-4:45pm

Alluem Kids (ages 7-9):
Sundays: 12:30-1:30pm
or Thursdays: 3:45-4:45pm
or Tuesdays: 3:45-4:45pm (NO CLASS 1/31)

Alluem Little Kids (ages 4-6):
Sundays: 10:00-11:00am
or Wednesdays: 3:45-4:45pm

$96 per 8 week session
Register online - www.alluemyoga.com - workshops tab
All fees and packages are non-transferable, non-exchangeable and non-refundable. Any classes not used in the duration assigned are forfeit. Students may make-up missed classes in another class of their age group only.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 15 - Gratitude

When we take the time to find gratitude in the every day things in our lives, we are feeding the soul. When we stop taking life for granted, we are strengthening our hearts. When we pause to breathe and love ourselves and all around us, we are increasing our quality of life.
I'm so proud of all of the Alluem Kids who took part in the gratitude challenge!!! I loved reading all their lists:
Family, friends, education, beds, pets, homes, siblings, the army, the president, electricity, shoes, clothes, food, water, health...and even homework. Oh, yeah...and yoga!
Thanks, kids!! Keep on finding gratitude!!!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 14 - Savasana

Savasana. Need I say more?
Benefits of Savasana (deep relaxation) from MyYogaOnline.com:
- relaxes central nervous system/calms mind - helps relieve stress - relaxes body - decreases beta brain waves and shifts to slower brain waves - reduces insomnia/improves sleep - reduces headache and fatigue - helps relieve depression

Monday, December 5, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 13 - Kids Helping Haiti

This week some of the Alluem Kids classes have been working on their own pieces of art for this weekend's auction. The kids know about the disaster in Haiti and know that the people are still in need. By creating a piece of art work from the heart, they will be making a BIG difference.
I'm so grateful for these kids.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Saturday, December 3, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 11 - Believing in Yourself

Haitian American visual artist Nadine LaFond graced our studio today...what an amazing afternoon of art and yoga!! Gina began by leading us through some asana, opening our creative chakras and then Nadine led us through what she calls a Channeling Art Workshop. She helped students connect with and record personal journeys through the use of symbolism.
Nadine brought some pieces of her artwork to inspire the participants. The one that struck me was the piece shown here. Inscribed on the bottom is the Haitian phrase "Map Couri", meaning run away or escape. That is rethought with "Map Kembe" meaning stand strong. I believe this is a symbol of inner strength and determination. This is holding your head high and believing in yourself even in the face of doubt. So beautiful.

Friday, December 2, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 10 - Music

"A Home In Haiti" CDs from Floating Records just hit Alluem!
For only $10 you can have this rockin' playlist of music to kick back and be inspired by! And to top it off you're helping make a difference in the life of someone in need. So grateful for music and this project. A Home In Haiti features 11 songs by Floating Records best artists, highlighting the finest local music in Marin County and beyond. From country-rock Americana from Calafia, to alternative rock from Acacia Collective, to the surf-guitar twang of Treble Makers, A Home in Haiti is a modern musical roadmap. Also with new unreleased tracks from local favorites Fiver Brown and The Good Sinners, and Tracy Blackman, A Home In Haiti is a treat for the ears and good for the soul. 100% of all proceeds from the CD are going to build a new children’s community center in Jacmel, Haiti, still recovering from the January 2010 earthquake. Our good friend Lisa Rueff, and her Collective Hearts Yoga’s “Collective Hearts for Haiti” project, are working tirelessly to make this dream a reality for the children of Jacmel. We are pleased and proud to be working with them on this effort.
To preview the music, visit: http://www.floatingrecords.com/fr_ahomeinhaiti.com
100% of the proceeds go to Off the Mat into the World.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 9 - Birthdays!!

Happy Birthday to me! Spent my day celebrating with some of my favorite Alluem Kids!
We mixed, baked and decorated a Whopper Cake at Storytime Yoga! Then celebrated with the 7-9 year olds with a fun-filled class!! So grateful for joyful birthdays!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 8 - Christmas Trees!

Past by the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree yesterday! They were setting up for the tree lighting happening tonight!!! I'm a sucker for a good Christmas tree!
So grateful for the holiday season!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 7 - Making a Change


I'm grateful today for people who want to make a change in the world. I had the pleasure of spending most of my day in the city with the Yoga Freedom Project Planning Committee and representatives from the Somaly Mam Foundation. It was an inspiring brainstorming session for the month long initiative that will culminate in an inspirational Yoga for Freedom practice led by NYC's leading yoga teachers. The evening will be a celebration of the yoga community's commitment to the eradication of slavery in this world. To learn more about this event and how you can get involved, visit: www.yogafreedomproject.com/

Monday, November 28, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 6 - My Art

With the Alluem "Art of Yoga" Workshop coming up this Saturday (Dec. 3rd) and the Art Auction Gala Event (Dec. 10th), I've been diving into my art head first! (Watercolor image above done today.) It's been so great taking time to unleash my creativity - painting, drawing, collaging! So much fun!! I'm so grateful for my art!
My recent inspiration has been Nadine LaFond...she is an accomplished singer, songwriter, visual artist, teaching artist and friend. She is an amazing light in this world and will be helping us with these 2 great events at Alluem!!! I can not wait! To learn more about Nadine, visit: Nadine LaFond - Kickstart

Sunday, November 27, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 5 - Time to Restore

Restorative Yoga is one of the best gifts you can give to your body. I remember the first time I took a Restorative class...it was hard! Although it is not a physically challenging practice, it is a challenge for the mind. Restorative Yoga forces you to relax. In a world of do this, do that and go here, go there - and as fast as you can - it becomes a challenge to relax and let go. Our minds spin and our bodies wear down...we need to restore! During Restorative Yoga you are brought to a point of deep relaxation. During deep relaxation, all the organ systems of the body are benefited, and including the reduction of blood pressure and blood sugar levels, the increase of the "good cholesterol" levels, as well as improvement in digestion, fertility, elimination, the reduction of muscle tension, insomnia and generalized fatigue. The class is designed to relieve the effects of the chronic stress that our bodies hold on to. Through deep and relaxing stretching, our bodies release toxins that we unnecessarily store and hold onto because we rarely give ourselves the chance to slow down and release.
It was a rare occasion for me to be able to reap the benefits this morning during class with Leigh! Leigh teaches Restorative at Alluem every Sunday at 8:30am and Tuesday at 7:30pm. And this Sunday morning, Restorative was just what I needed! And for that I am grateful!
Learn about the benefits of Restorative Yoga for Kids: click here

Saturday, November 26, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 4 - Fresh Air and Sunshine

I'm so grateful for days like today. Fresh air and sunshine were in abundance today!

Friday, November 25, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 3 - Leftovers

I am blessed.
Thanksgiving leftovers have filled our fridge. In fact, our fridge is always full...and for that I am grateful. There has never been a time that we have been hungry. And there are times that we can even share our wealth of nourishment with others who do not have enough.
I'll never forget the Food Drive we held while I was in school at Marywood University. I helped deliver Thanksgiving Dinners to families in need with the collegiate volunteers. I'll never forget their faces and the joy in their eyes. They were so grateful.
I pray for the families that don't know where their next meal will come from.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 2 - Thanksgiving

Here it is, kids...Thanksgiving - it is THE DAY to think of all the things and people you are thankful for. I started my Thanksgiving day bright and early at the studio prepping for our biggest class of the year. We had 46 shining students filling all 3 rooms of the studio - so much energy! It is really something special to experience!! Every year the money from this donation based class goes to a charity near to our hearts...this year was for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and in honor of MOvember! During November each year, MOvember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men's faces in the US and around the world. With their Mo's these men raise vital funds and awareness for men' health. Gina dedicated this class to her father who is undergoing treatment for glioblastoma - an aggressive form of brain cancer. And when we were asked to set our own intentions, I set mine for my dad, too.
Over the past two years, my dad has been undergoing treatment for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Lymphoma. It has been a wild ride and hard to watch at times, but I am happy to say that last month, the doctors stopped chemo treatments after positive blood test results and reported him to be in remission. His spirits seem to be lifted, his energy is up and is hair has grown back, but no moustache. :) So this morning in recognition of the men in our life who have battled cancer, I bowed my head, held my hands at hearts center and silently sent prayers of thanksgiving to my dad.
I'm so thankful to have spent this morning with my beautiful Alluem Family - always so moving and always so fun (as seen in the video below!!). And I'm thankful to have spent the afternoon with my family at home around the Thanksgiving table. We are so blessed to be together.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

For more pictures of our Thanksgiving Class, visit our Facebook page: Alluem Yoga

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 1 - Staying Young at Heart

“Everyone is the age of their heart.” ~ Guatemalan Proverb
Day one of the Gratitude Challenge and I couldn't be more grateful to be someone who is young at heart. I love when the kids ask how old I am...I always make them guess. Not too long ago, a 4 year old asked me if I was 15. I was tempted to say yes...because to be honest, sometimes that's how old I feel! And yes, sometimes that's how old I act! Yup, I said it!
I believe how you act when you're around kids has a lot to say about how old you are at heart. The hearts of children are playful, honest, and pure. They are full of imagination and joy. Some say our hearts harden as we get older IF we forget how to have fun, how to let go, how to dream, how to laugh, how to be free. To keep our hearts young, it's good to take a look at our own inner child - laugh, play, be silly!
Tonight I spent the evening with some of my oldest friends. Where did we go on this night before Thanksgiving?? To the movies of course...to see The Muppets!!! Laughter filled the theatre with applauding at the end - the movie was GREAT! Jason Segel = hilarious!!! Want to stay young at heart - go see The Muppets!!
My favorite part...right here:


Sunday, November 20, 2011

The 15 Day Gratitude Challenge!!!

What are you grateful for? What are the things in your life you most appreciate? The people in your life that you most love? The feelings in your life that make your heart want to burst?
When you sit a group of kids down and ask them what they are grateful for you may often hear the usual toys, dolls, or the latest piece of electronic entertainment. While hearing that they appreciate these things is nice, it's even bigger when children can look deeper and find gratitude in more then just the material.
After a class of moving down our bodies being grateful for every part of us - our eyes that can see the beauty in the world, our arms that can reach out and hug the ones we love, our hands that can lift up a friend when they fall, our core that houses our important organs that we need to take care of to keep us healthy, our legs that help hold us up, and our feet that take us where we want to go. When we appreciate our bodies for all it does for us, we want to take care of it so that we can continue to do the things we love and go the places we want to go. The Alluem Kids know that when they come to yoga class they are doing just that. Taking care of themselves so they can be the best kid they can be!
After class, the kids were introduced to the 15 Day Gratitude Challenge! Over the Alluem Kids Thanksgiving Break, the kids are challenged to take their yoga off the mat and think of one thing every day for the 15 days of Thanksgiving Break that they are grateful for.
Day One was completed in class and I'm proud to say they have shown me that they get it.
Some examples:
- "Yoga. It helps me to find peace in my heart." (Why I Practice)
- "My house. Some people, like the people in Haiti live in tents." (Hope for Haiti Day)
- "My home. Because it's still standing after the flood." (Natural Disasters)
- "My Mom." (Bonding through the Tween Years)
- "My Best Friend." (Fall with Friends)
- "My bed." (Time for Bed)
- "My shoes. Some people don't have shoes." (One Day Without Shoes)
- "Peace in my life." (Create Peace Project)


I told the kids I would also be taking the 15 Day Gratitude Challenge and posting each day on the blog! So for the next 15 days...15 things I'm most grateful for!!
Please note, during the Alluem Kids Thanksgiving Break, the following classes are canceled for Kids, Teens and Babies:
- Wed, 11/23 - Alluem Little Kids - 3:45-4:45pm
- Wed, 11/23 - Alluem Teens - 6:00-7:00pm
- Thurs, 11/24 - Alluem Kids - 3:45-4:45pm
- Thurs, 11/24 - Storytime Yoga - 1:30-2:00pm
- Fri, 11/25 - Baby & Me - 11:30am-12:45pm
- Sun, 11/27 - Alluem Little Kids - 10:00-11:00am
- Sun, 11/27 - Alluem Tweens - 11:15am-12:15pm
- Sun, 11/27 - Alluem Kids - 12:30-1:30pm
- Mon, 11/28 - Alluem Tweens - 3:45-4:45pm
- Tues, 11/29 - Alluem Kids - 3:45-4:45pm

Friday, November 4, 2011

Gregory's Paper Airplane

I just ordered my copy of Gregory's Paper Airplane and I can not wait to share it with the Alluem Kids! This book was written by 8yr old Ben Sherman after attending church one week and listening to his pastor speak about human trafficking in Cambodia. That night he went home and wrote a book for the children. It is simply beautiful. For Ben, it's not about how many books are selling or even his accomplishments at such a young age...it's about how many girls he is saving through the sales of his books. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go towards Agape International Missions, a not-for-profit organization who's mission is to prevent child trafficking in Cambodia and to restore hope to its victims through holistic aftercare; and to International Justice Mission, a not-for-profit human rights agency that secures rescue and justice for victims of slavery and other forms of violent oppression, and helps them heal within their own communities in Cambodia and other countries in the developing world.

Gregory's Paper Airplane from 121 Community Church on Vimeo.


Soon the Alluem Kids will be happy to learn that in January they will be part of a movement to bring smiles to the faces of girls in Cambodia through the Somaly Mam Foundation's Post Card campaign...much like Gregory does when he flies his airplane all the way to Cambodia with a message for the girls inside. I recently learned of the Somaly Mam Foundation through Off the Mat NYC (a division of Off the Mat Into the World). I attended a beautiful yoga class and kirtan in the city to help raise funds for the work Somaly Mam tirelessly does everyday to save women and children who are being trafficked against their will. It is truly a global crisis. After the class, I picked up Somaly's book The Road of Lost Innocence (The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine) and was blown away. She is a hero. It inspired me to create my latest art video to help raise awareness (seen here on my art blog), and to also get involved with the Yoga Freedom Project that will be happening this January in yoga studios around the world including Alluem Yoga (details to come)!! If you can, please help Off the Mat NYC raise funds for Somaly Mam through the Yoga Freedom Project by clicking the link below:


http://www.crowdrise.com/yogafreedomproject/fundraiser/KarenGilmour


Thank you!!!!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Given a chance to change the world, I would...

"...travel to all countries in need and stay for 2 years each. I would teach children to learn and bring food to all in need of food. And provide shoes for everyone without shoes." - age 10

"...help broke people and families on the verge of breaking. Also, I would make food for people who need help. Plus, I would get homes and better places to live for poor families." - age 11

"...build parks and playgrounds for underprivileged children and sanctuaries for endangered animals." - age 11

"...put the movie Pay it Forward into action!!" - age 12

"...donate money to Japan and Haiti. I would also be as nice as I can." - age 10

"...become a vet to help endangered animals." - age 10

"...get rid of money and make it a you need/I need environment." - age 12

"...try to solve all problems, like world hunger." - age 10

I'm so proud of these Alluem Kids!!!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Halloween Yoga!

Remembering Halloween 2010 with the Alluem Kids!!

Please note there will be no 3:45 Tween class on Halloween Day. Class will be rescheduled on Tuesday, Nov. 1st at 3:45. If you can not make that time slot, please come to the Sunday Tween class at 11:15am. Thank you and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Fall with Friends

We are constantly changing - on and off the mat. Some days we're on the ball at school or work - conquering whatever may come our way! Some days we just want to go back to bed and start over. Some days we can stretch deeply coming into a full wheel, but sometimes we just may not be feeling it. Some days we may be so steady in our tree pose, but sometimes we may fall out. Every day our bodies respond differently depending on what is going on in our lives or what we may be feeling inside and that's okay. Our bodies change every day and change can be hard. Change can be confusing. Change can be uncomfortable. But change can be easier with friends.
Introducing "The Little Yellow Leaf" by Carin Berger. The Little Yellow Leaf is afraid of change. One by one he watches all the other leaves fall from the great oak tree. "I'm not ready yet." he thinks. "Not yet. Not yet. Not yet."
The season changes and still the Little Yellow Leaf hangs on tightly. Why? What is he afraid of? Why won't he just let go? As yogis we practice the art of "letting go", the art of non-attachment. We gradually learn to let go of the things we are attached to - it is a process. The thing that most often keeps us attached to objects, people, or feelings - is fear. Fear of the unknown. And the way to conquer this fear is through understanding. Having awareness of our fears and compassionately observing them allows us to embrace them for what they are so that we can more easily let them go. Hiding these fears, keeping them inside or becoming ashamed of them is counterproductive....it gives our fears power - makes them grow bigger. Sharing them with a friend and putting voice to these fears often helps...just like it did for the Little Yellow Leaf.
Just when the Little Yellow Leaf felt most alone, he spots a scarlet flash on the other side of the tree - a leaf, just like him, holding on to the great oak tree. "You're here?" called the Little Yellow Leaf. "I am," said the Little Scarlet Leaf. "Like me!" said the Little Yellow Leaf. Neither spoke. Finally..."Will you?" ask the Little Scarlet Leaf. "I will." said the Little Yellow Leaf. And one, two, three, they let go and soared! Together.
It is so much easier with a friend. The Alluem Kids found that out as they reflected on the last thing they were afraid to let go of - whether it was a toy or favorite shirt they've out grown, moving on to the next grade, moving to a new town, saying good bye to a pet - all agreed it's easier when you can share your feelings and fears with a family member or friend. And what better way to celebrate our friends then...partner poses of course!!!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Fall/Winter Session!

Registration for Fall/Winter Session is open!
8 Week Session with Karen starts the week of Nov. 6th!

Alluem Tweens (ages 10-12):
Sundays: 11:15am-12:15pm
or Mondays: 3:45-4:45pm

Alluem Kids (ages 7-9):
Sundays: 12:30-1:30pm
or Thursdays: 3:45-4:45pm - * Class filled
or Tuesdays: 3:45-4:45pm
*Due to the overflow of returning students in this age group, we will be opening up an additional class time on Tuesdays from 3:45-4:45pm for this session only in lieu of a waiting list.

Alluem Little Kids (ages 4-6):
Sundays: 10:00-11:00am
or Wednesdays: 3:45-4:45pm

$96 per 8 week session*
4 student minimum/15 student maximum
Register online - www.alluemyoga.com - workshops tab
All fees and packages are non-transferable, non-exchangeable and non-refundable. Any classes not used in the duration assigned are forfeit. Students may make-up missed classes in another class of their age group only.

*Please note: There will be no classes on 11/23, 11/24, 11/27, 11/28, 11/29, 12/20, 12/21, 12/22, 12/25, 12/26, & 1/1 due to holidays.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

A Very Cranford Weekend

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported at the Centennial Village Music Fest AND the Cranford Street Fair! I love the way this community comes together!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Surviving Hurricane Irene for the Little Ones

Free Support Group for Preschool Age Children and Their Parents

Cranford Community Center - Rooms 205 & 206

220 Walnut Ave. Cranford

Please take advantage of the Counseling Services provided by Trinitas Regional Medical Center this month. This is a free support group to help Preschool age children cope with the after-effects of Hurricane Irene. Parents will meet at the same time in the room next door to share their own feelings and learn ways to help their children adjust to changes brought on by the hurricane.

The group will meet on Tuesday, October 4th and Tuesday, October 11th from 4:30-5:30pm.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Child Health Day - October 3rd

Child Health Day is a national observance intended to highlight the importance of children’s health in the United States. This year’s theme, Helping Children Lead Healthy Lives, reminds us that nothing is more important than the health of our children. Many times when we think about health, we may think only of germs, viruses, illnesses. While protecting our children from these things is important, especially now that they are back in school and exposed to a lot more, it is also important to make sure our children are healthy in mind and spirit as well. Your body hears everything your mind thinks. Staying positive and open keeps the whole self healthy.


Be Fit, Be Strong, Be You is a great book to help tweens learn how the mind, body, and spirit are all connected. It is a great lesson on health for the whole self. Filled with tools to encourage young people to become aware of their bodies, their breath, their self esteem, how they show up in the world. It's all about self care. The sooner kids learn how to live a more balanced life, the better and brighter their future will be.





Enjoy some downloads from the book through Free Spirit Publishing:
Introduction
Mind, Body, Spirit
A Note to Parents
Be Fit, Be Strong, Be You correlates with the National Health Education Standards.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Friday, September 23, 2011

First Day of Fall

Happy Fall from the Alluem Kids!
Enjoy this video from last year's Fall Celebration!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Birthday Bash at Alluem!!!

Book your YOGA Birthday with Alluem Kids TODAY!

Click to enlarge.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Global Mala

This past weekend, Global Mala events swept the globe! Yogis gathered in places nationally such as Newark, the Jersey Shore, NYC, Scottsdale, San Jose, Hawaii - as well as internationally in places such as South Africa and Japan - all with one goal in mind...PEACE. These yogis practiced in large groups all doing 108 Sun Salutations - linking movement and breath. When we practice yoga we find a sense of peace and relaxation of body and mind.
I like to think of Global Mala as a wave of peace...meaning, peace starts with one person. YOU. Being peaceful to those around us, encourages them to be peaceful to people around them, in turn causing those people to be peaceful around even more people, and so on and so on. Creating a wave of peace, and in this case, through yoga...starting on our mats.

For the Alluem Kids this week, we have been practicing for peace as well! We did not dive into 108 Sun Salutations, but we did challenge ourselves to do 8 basic Sun Salutations! Each one was dedicated to sending peace out to all the different people in our lives:

1 - For our Parents - for life, for love, for protection

2 - For our Sibilings - knowing they will always be with us

3 - For our Grandparents - for their heritage and wisdom

4 - For our Best Friend - for neverending laughter, love, and joy

5 - For our Worst Friend - even they need peace, afterall we each have a story

6 - For our Favorite Teacher/Coach - may they bring us knowledge and strength

7 - For our Classmates - may we all grow together

8 - For our Town - with Community we stand strong

The kids all moved with grace and strength when intention was placed behind each movement. So proud of them! A much needed Restorative pose was waiting for them at the end!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Remembering...

“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together...there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart...I'll always be with you.” ~A.A. Milne

Saturday, September 10, 2011

New Class Time!

The Fall Session starts tomorrow! Due to the overflow of students in the 7-9 age group, we will be adding a SECOND class time on Sundays from 12:45-1:45pm!
Alluem Little Kids (ages 4-6):
Wednesdays 3:45pm-4:45pm

Alluem Kids (ages 7-9):
Sundays 12:45pm-1:45pm
Thursdays 3:45-4:45pm

Alluem Tweens (ages 10-12):
Sundays 11:15am-12:15pm
Mondays 3:45-4:45pm

Alluem Teens (ages 12-17):
Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm

$96 per 8 week session
(Ask about our family discount!)
Registration is still OPEN! Sign up today online -
www.alluemyoga.com - workshops tab