Pinch punch, first of the month!
I’m not in to making folks feel like a fool so here’s a joke…
“You know you are getting old when you bend down to do up your shoe laces and wonder what else you can do while you are down there”.
George Burns
I hope Mother’s Day was a wonderful day for all of you! I’m sending big love and respect to all people who Mother/parent and for those who no longer have their kids with them or Mothers with them.
I took my Mum out for the day to Kew Gardens. Having recently partially ruptured her Achilles we were very grateful that Kew provide motorized scooters! My Mum had the best time whizzing (at 3mph) around in the scooter so life’s lemons were turned into Lemonade! We had a lovely lunch out in the sun, got to satisfy our love of exploration and inquisitiveness and both agree that experiences are often better than getting stuff!
Once again my belief that nature provides was reinforced when looking at the descriptions of many of the plants are used in medicine and treating major and minor disease! Kew is busy breeding and collecting seeds from the many endangered species of plants so they can reintroduce the plants when they become extinct in the wild, in the same way Zoos are trying to do the same with birds, animals and fish. Kew gardens really is worth a visit – I highly recommend it as a lovely day out.
I went to Pineapple on Saturday to get a ‘dance fix’ and attended a street/hip hop class. My natural style is funky, commercial and lyrical jazz so I’m proud of how I pushed myself in to a less natural style and to be honest I did quite well! (not as well as the front line but then I found out that they are the professional dance crew for this teacher!)
What’s my point in telling you this?
Well I tried something new with people I have never met before, I knew that this would not come easily but I wanted to expand and explore my repertoire rather than do what I know I can already do. (Growth Mindset).
I wanted to learn from the teacher so I came to the class in what I call my ‘know nothing state’ and was nervous, but hey, I had nothing to prove and lots to gain. When I take the pressure of myself I learn far more easily (‘feel the fear but do it any way’)
I put myself in the same position as the new participants who come to my class are in and I think that’s a good thing (empathy and understanding are qualities I value).
I wanted to be inspired as a choreographer and experience a different style (fuel my inspiration).
I took a second class with Antonio (who will be coming to teach Independance with me in May,) and the routine was a glorious lyrical piece which came far more naturally to me and it was wonderful to be able to express and release . We then went to post-class drinks and chats and he told us some hilarious showbiz stories. I was also thrilled to hear that he continues to dance professionally even in his late 40’s Maybe there might be some dance roles for a lady of a certain age, what do you think? Ha ha (have some fun and release my inner dancer).
Interestingly the age range attending the classes at Pineapple is truly from kids to seniors and I hear that there is an incredible 92 year Ballet teacher who teaches 5 days a week at Pineapple to packed Ballet classes, where young aspiring Prima Ballerinas come to be coached by a legend! Wonderful. Dance is for every one of every age! Teaching, inspiring and mentoring is for every one of every age! Learning is for every one of every age!
Gut Health Talk
Independance
4 hours of fabulous teaching, choreography fun and laughter!
Step
FFY
Friday’s Fitness Yoga is a blend of ancient Yoga inspired postures with modern fitness methods.
It’s a fitness program that incorporates stretch, strength and yoga-like postures. There is no dogma, chanting or use of Sanskrit terms. The focus is on strength, stability, suppleness and mindful breathing.
Most Importantly, you will feel fantastic afterwards!
Venue: All Hallows School, Farnham, GU9 9HF
Day: Fridays 26 April, 3, 10, 17, 24 May 2019
Time: 6.30pm – 7.15pm
5-week course for only £30 or £6.50 per class when booked in advance or £7.50 on the door voucher credits can be used but only in advance.
A sticky mat is essential for safe and effective practice at class and at home. Bring your own or purchase from us.
Message me now to take bookings!
Chick Pea Curry
I cannot wait to try this Chick Pea Curry recipe from ‘Jessica in the Kitchen’!
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 medium yellow onions OR 1 large red onion, sliced
- 14 ounces/400g fresh tomatoes, diced (if using canned, drain the tomatoes)
- sea salt & ground black pepper, to taste
- 16 ounces/454g can chickpeas, drained
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 13.5 ounces/383g can coconut milk*
- 2 teaspoons coconut flour (OPTIONAL)**
- 1 small lime
Instructions
- In a deep pot over medium high heat, add the coconut oil.
- Add in the onions and tomatoes. Grind some sea salt and ground black pepper over the mixture and stir together. Lower heat to medium and allow to cook down until juices of the tomatoes are naturally released and onions are soft, about 10 minutes.
- Add in the chickpeas, garlic, garam masala, curry powder and cumin. Stir to combine.
- Add in the coconut milk and stir again. Add in the coconut flour, which helps to slightly thicken the curry. Bring the curry to a boil, and then reduce to medium-low so that the mixture continues to simmer for 10 to 12 more minutes.
- Taste the curry and season with salt and pepper if you desire. Remove the curry from the heat and squeeze a lime lightly over the top of the curry, stirring to combine. Don’t skip this step!! Allow to cool slightly and then serve. Enjoy!
Wishing you a fab week, remember to send me your requests and to challenge yourself a little every day to keeping growing and learning.
Love ya,
Helen xxxx
