tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35503950737930909962024-03-21T04:55:47.674-04:00SparkesWELLNESSpersonal training ~ Thai massage ~ dance ~ yogaWELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-63694166938760785832010-02-12T00:04:00.003-05:002010-02-12T00:13:39.684-05:00Shoulder LOVE @ lululemon athletica<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW7f7xzQU1_RWozx5SufBD_TSH-lDgQ4g2KQqes0ElTK-4ymg_iLDbHk8cAkIsQdfamupQdaIex_ys_icsOTtnZBZvmLAzaMWG3yuEbnjDV7UGG8repDstHjNDM1Y-yvCF7oClpzDFUaY/s1600-h/logo.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW7f7xzQU1_RWozx5SufBD_TSH-lDgQ4g2KQqes0ElTK-4ymg_iLDbHk8cAkIsQdfamupQdaIex_ys_icsOTtnZBZvmLAzaMWG3yuEbnjDV7UGG8repDstHjNDM1Y-yvCF7oClpzDFUaY/s320/logo.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437219770691821650" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sunday February 21, 2010 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM</span><br />472 Bergen St (at Flatbush)<br />Q to 7th Ave, 2/3 to Bergen <br /><br /><br />By now you know the drill... Join me for another great <span style="font-weight:bold;">*FREE*</span> workshop @ <a href="http://www.lululemon.com/newyork/brooklyn/events/event-18817-2010-02-21">lululemon athletica</a>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Show your shoulders some LOVE!</span><br /><br /><br />Our favorite Thai yoga masseuse is back!!<br /><br />Do you have tense shoulders, a tight neck, and rounded chest? Sitting at your computer all day, stress, and even the February cold air can make your upper body stiff.<br /><br /><br />Don't you wish your friend/lover/roommate knew how to rub your shoulders and stretch your neck? <br /><br />In this workshop you will learn partner stretches and Thai bodywork techniques to relieve your neck and shoulder tension. You don't want to miss this!<br /><br /><br />We will combine stretching, reflexology, energy line work, yoga poses, and massage to decrease pain, increase flexibility, and improve circulation. Your instructor, Elyse Sparkes (<a href="http://www.sparkeswellness.com">www.sparkeswellness.com</a>), will lead you through exercises where you will be both the giver and the receiver of the stretches. Bring a friend so you'll be able to practice these new stretching techniques at home!<br /><br />*Be prepared to work in comfy clothes and bare feet*<br /><br />Did I mention?... It's <span style="font-weight:bold;">*FREE*</span>!WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-77380471847733011302010-02-08T23:19:00.006-05:002010-02-08T23:28:16.945-05:00Valentine's Partner Stretch ClassThere's still space available in <span style="font-weight:bold;">Valentine's Partner Stretch</span> class this Thursday!!<br /><br />Click <a href="http://sparkeswellness.webs.com/newsspecialevents.htm">here</a> to sign up by Paypal<br />or<br />Email esparkes@gmail.com<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Thursday, Feb. 11th<br /><br />8-9:30pm</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHtAjwMRS4EXeQJR0gcAdZ4k7q0-_ug_08r9IwyzsgNsVJy-6FIhkK9QdQQs8KtY2bf4PJJz6n7Yky0IlzE2pUBc-0NMZNXqLQvwj48ODJ3mdum6ybkRvDXtAV6AI_OIiuQRZEYaiNKNS/s1600-h/1q3s1t7l-1.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHtAjwMRS4EXeQJR0gcAdZ4k7q0-_ug_08r9IwyzsgNsVJy-6FIhkK9QdQQs8KtY2bf4PJJz6n7Yky0IlzE2pUBc-0NMZNXqLQvwj48ODJ3mdum6ybkRvDXtAV6AI_OIiuQRZEYaiNKNS/s320/1q3s1t7l-1.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436094871741933442" /></a><br /><br />@ Conscious Body Studio in Park Slope, Brooklyn<br /><br />575 5th St. between 8th Ave & Prospect Park West, 2nd floor<br /><br />F train to 7th Ave stop<br /><br /><br /><br />Ever wish your friend/lover/roommate could massage your shoulders or stretch your back?<br /><br />Bring them to this fun, original event!<br /><br />In this class you and your partner will learn Thai massage and partner stretching techniques in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. <br /><br />Partner stretching and Thai massage combine stretching, reflexology, energy line work, yoga poses, and massage to decrease pain, increase flexibility, and improve circulation.<br /><br /><br />You'll leave with simple and effective techniques to practice at home. Plus there will be <span style="font-weight:bold;">healthy treats</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">surprise gifts</span>!!!! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">You won't want to miss it. </span>WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-12567708266099711692010-01-31T16:54:00.004-05:002010-01-31T17:01:22.193-05:00I'm a Celiac ChickAs many of you know I'm a Celiac Chick! (Remember my <a href="http://elysesparkes.blogspot.com/2009/11/gluten-free-girl-and-thanksgiving.html">Gluten Free Thanksgiving</a> post?)<br /><br />I live with <a href="http://www.celiac.org">Celiac disease</a>, an autoimmune disorder that destroys the lining of your small intestine when you eat foods containing gluten.<br /><br />Once you get diagnosed it's not too bad! If you eat a gluten free diet (no wheat, rye, barley, or any derivatives of proteins found in those foods), your symptoms will disappear and your health will improve.<br /><br />Thanks to growing awareness it's easier to buy gluten free foods at grocery stores and find meal options at restaurants. Plus you can find a bunch of resources on the Internet. My favorites are the <a href="http://www.celiacchicks.com">Celiac Chicks</a> website, a hip & healthy guide to gluten free living, and the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Celiac/">NYC Celiac Meetup</a> group.<br /><br />When I was in Asheville, NC over the holidays I stumbled upon the <a href="http://posanacafe.com/">Posana Cafe</a>, %100 gluten free! I was so impressed with this place that I wrote a guest blog about it for the Celiac Chicks website.<br /><br />To read it and see more pics, click <a href="http://www.celiacchicks.com/2010/01/gluten-free-ashville-north-carolina.html#more">HERE</a>!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LNGIrbasUbcdpZ5uaG-RbEP4kpg98nOf1nx7jG621nOWbYdjOtq3lKdhYawp8hEfzRnEOXBjEKKvj7zuEZcvvLPVEBTlOQGXjXR0CcylYu-0J810z070S6sRw-XfQgqFmwYSqxH1isoG/s1600-h/Posana+Cafe+Gluten+Free+Menu+Items+6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LNGIrbasUbcdpZ5uaG-RbEP4kpg98nOf1nx7jG621nOWbYdjOtq3lKdhYawp8hEfzRnEOXBjEKKvj7zuEZcvvLPVEBTlOQGXjXR0CcylYu-0J810z070S6sRw-XfQgqFmwYSqxH1isoG/s400/Posana+Cafe+Gluten+Free+Menu+Items+6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433026758765575714" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Chocolate-Raspberry Truffle Cake w/almond ice cream (%100 gf)</span>WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-16157544381776548462010-01-24T18:30:00.003-05:002010-01-24T18:33:24.370-05:00YOGA: Strength & StretchStretch class is back by popular demand, and with a new twist!<br /><br />*Now at the Conscious Body Studio in Park Slope*<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />4 Wednesdays in February (3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th) @ 6:30-7:30pm</span><br />Conscious Body Studio in Park Slope (5th street between 8th Ave & PPW)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />YOGA: Strength & Stretch</span> class will focus equally on building your strength, endurance & increasing your flexibility. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNX8XMzQjYk2T-bthIJF5ku_IGt5BEvlLltUSiLPT2oSwvwcagQo2ObV3AOB7rfB70VzVlPbOvAAirvEh9T190EnX-zFbH5nzDOmhHJ-Fs9w4Tj8vA_o6GZfEeBrVgWTipKXU3kXE3Ox-/s1600-h/Elyse.trikonasana.Small.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNX8XMzQjYk2T-bthIJF5ku_IGt5BEvlLltUSiLPT2oSwvwcagQo2ObV3AOB7rfB70VzVlPbOvAAirvEh9T190EnX-zFbH5nzDOmhHJ-Fs9w4Tj8vA_o6GZfEeBrVgWTipKXU3kXE3Ox-/s320/Elyse.trikonasana.Small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430453333689822818" /></a><br /><br />This class will invigorate your physical body, calm your mind, and bring balance to your practice on and off your mat.<br /><br />You will:<br /><br /> * develop long lean muscles<br /> * feel more grounded and open<br /> * condition your arms, legs, & core<br /> * have limited class size for personal attention<br /> * receive modifications for injuries or special conditions<br /> * increase your breath awareness<br /><br /><br />4 weeks for $75 *Limited Class Size. <br />$20 dollar drop in rate *(if room is available)<br /><br />Register by Jan 30th: email esparkes@gmail.com to sign up.WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-30391395586521690662010-01-24T18:09:00.004-05:002010-01-24T18:18:32.273-05:00Hamstring Showdown Success!!THANK YOU to everyone who came out to the <a href="http://www.lululemon.com/newyork/brooklyn/events/event-18039-2010-01-17">Hamstring Showdown Workshop at lululemon athletica</a> last Sunday!<br /><br /><br />It was a huge success. The lululemon athletica Brooklyn Showroom was packed with people learning about Thai yoga massage, partner stretching, and how to effectively increase hamstring flexibility.<br /><br /><br />Check out some pics!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTN9oY5w52oyPwanBwyv5CRokAyW9dkQL4zx61ndcExLrQ0g06s53YtENc3Z8j1Hh5UwxUXeHBImBtS6EEJJY1JdI03JfZY5k1Q3ks4p4pQGoGG1wt443__3nQydJuvzFM3qMH-tuLJMZ/s1600-h/lulu1.17.10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTN9oY5w52oyPwanBwyv5CRokAyW9dkQL4zx61ndcExLrQ0g06s53YtENc3Z8j1Hh5UwxUXeHBImBtS6EEJJY1JdI03JfZY5k1Q3ks4p4pQGoGG1wt443__3nQydJuvzFM3qMH-tuLJMZ/s320/lulu1.17.10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430447751213855202" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Partners chatting before we started</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd2HCMQJk0R3S3vP5wrqQAb0yHNfhAnrJveIZR25kIHGw2DgvXd7XVWkGwQurv2pTR9ORuUlXQ1cMrSvCDqrYqTsXw0JdvzhG8RjidRJeHdAOltwJT6xFlE8oIjxCo1Ye91QNkPLkcn72/s1600-h/lulu.classroom2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd2HCMQJk0R3S3vP5wrqQAb0yHNfhAnrJveIZR25kIHGw2DgvXd7XVWkGwQurv2pTR9ORuUlXQ1cMrSvCDqrYqTsXw0JdvzhG8RjidRJeHdAOltwJT6xFlE8oIjxCo1Ye91QNkPLkcn72/s320/lulu.classroom2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430447749103469554" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Elyse introducing Thai yoga massage</span><br /><br /><br /><br />Missed this event? Don't fret!<br /><br />Stay tuned for details about the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Valentine's Day Couples Stretch Workshop!!!</span>WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-54880268261210702282010-01-21T20:04:00.003-05:002010-01-21T20:14:55.964-05:00*NEW* location: Conscious Body StudioI am so excited to have a new home studio in Park Slope! <br /><br />I will start holding classes and private sessions in this studio starting next Wednesday, January 27th! <br /><br />This studio is: <br />• conveniently located (5th st. between 8th Ave & PPW)<br />• warm, bright, and inviting<br />• equipped with free weights, resistance bands, yoga mats & props<br />• quiet and calm for private sessions and Thai massage<br />• personal for classes and workshops<br />• close to F train, short walk from 2/3<br />• perfect for buddy sessions<br /><br />Call me at 201-240-4228 or email esparkes@gmail.com to book a Thai massage, personal training, or yoga session at this new space!WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-60757362109297573082010-01-14T19:16:00.003-05:002010-01-14T19:25:33.339-05:00Help for HaitiNatural disasters strengthen our sense of community...I have received several different messages from local health organizations for ways to help the situation in <a href="http://globalvoicesonline.org/specialcoverage/haiti-earthquake-2010/">Haiti</a>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveA4AYPVWa1bGM4fgxZsnE3H0GEgcXaVQH8ls9iRyLIXgtwyu0tSvHmPct9w6vLNsfDrYQyvUCz6DyJxFtu7weUOJTnjQxTU4Da6QDtZ7xItU1whwWUEzBoSUMnD42KPLFroKqh31SdAt/s1600-h/Haiti-2010-quake.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveA4AYPVWa1bGM4fgxZsnE3H0GEgcXaVQH8ls9iRyLIXgtwyu0tSvHmPct9w6vLNsfDrYQyvUCz6DyJxFtu7weUOJTnjQxTU4Da6QDtZ7xItU1whwWUEzBoSUMnD42KPLFroKqh31SdAt/s320/Haiti-2010-quake.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426754980198550706" /></a><br /><br />Here's a list of ways to contribute through your local fitness centers:<br /><a href="http://www.triomph.us/"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Triomph Fitness, Health, and Wellness</span></a><br />540 President street<br />Brooklyn, NY<br />11215<br /><br />"Clothing, hygiene products (men and women), canned foods, etc... will all be collected at Triomph this Saturday between 12-5p.m. Of course items can be brought in starting immediately, and we will continue to gather products well after Saturday."<br /><br /><a href="http://fitnesscollective.net/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cobble Hill Fitness Collective</span></a><br />278 court street<br />Brooklyn, NY<br />11231<br /><br />"Please stop by the Collective with your cash donations. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Clinton Foundation for rescue efforts."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.brooklynbjj.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu</span></a><br />412 Myrtle Avenue<br />Brooklyn, NY 11205<br /><br />"Accepting donations to go to Operation USA."<br /><br /><br />List of other resources for help and donations: <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34835478/ns/world_news-haiti_earthquake/">MSNBC world news</a>WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-18306713334828117572010-01-11T00:24:00.002-05:002010-01-11T00:27:13.292-05:00Hamstring Showdown *FREE* class<span style="font-weight:bold;">Thai Massage & Partner Stretch<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> workshop @ <a href="http://www.lululemon.com/newyork/brooklyn/events/event-18039-2010-01-17">lululemon athletica</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">S</span><span style="font-weight:bold;">unday, January 17th @11am</span><br /><br />It's FREE. Bring a friend!<br /><br />lululemon athletica<br /> 472 Bergen St<br />Brooklyn NY 11217<br />tel: (718) 636-6298<br /><br /><br />"Hamstring Showdown at the Showroom!! Have you always wanted to be able to bend down and touch your toes? Or, for those yogis out there, get closer to that split you've been working on? Well, with the help of a partner, you can!<br /><br />In this workshop, fantastic Elyse Sparkes (dancer, personal trainer, and thai yoga masseuse extraordinaire!!) will teach us partner stretches and Thai bodywork techniques to lengthen our hamstrings for a more effective stretch.<br /><br />Partner stretching and Thai bodywork combine stretching, reflexology, energy line work, yoga poses, and massage to decrease pain, increase flexibility, and improve circulation. In this dynamic workshop, Elyse will lead us through exercises where you will be both the giver and the receiver of the stretches - so bring a friend and take these techniques home with you!"<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZR8e8fxlcW0TlAuZi1YM9T4wyzHqnAA6_g6wu-nqJQjRM_1hQZc68DitL3Pc8Ph0-V-CBcsmL66OASI_lLdkUhUgNQ0afA9jB_Sa13BO-Kf3onXilL6sW8IpfdP32EZloyitkB1cRlAQj/s1600-h/TYMdemo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZR8e8fxlcW0TlAuZi1YM9T4wyzHqnAA6_g6wu-nqJQjRM_1hQZc68DitL3Pc8Ph0-V-CBcsmL66OASI_lLdkUhUgNQ0afA9jB_Sa13BO-Kf3onXilL6sW8IpfdP32EZloyitkB1cRlAQj/s320/TYMdemo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425349332035167090" /></a>WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-1054294176467160702010-01-04T13:49:00.005-05:002010-01-04T14:17:18.946-05:00Plan an exercise-cation in 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1m8sLQZhSR0q1Z4L4VsiL0EOtm258yDEKm2tJ6pfxktdMUu4J034qivLuhlLcLyNyCopqH56z4xECDo7uS_8K1O6YRWmC0dcUiWMe39Z1mNPfcy8n7OovmwbPHbdf8dvUYMDe3jCL8oD/s1600-h/6491_106084899260_667074260_2204590_3282783_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1m8sLQZhSR0q1Z4L4VsiL0EOtm258yDEKm2tJ6pfxktdMUu4J034qivLuhlLcLyNyCopqH56z4xECDo7uS_8K1O6YRWmC0dcUiWMe39Z1mNPfcy8n7OovmwbPHbdf8dvUYMDe3jCL8oD/s320/6491_106084899260_667074260_2204590_3282783_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422965084905490210" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">HAPPY 2010</span> !<br /><br />I had the pleasure of spending New Year's at <a href="http://lindyfocus.com">Lindy Focus</a>, a lindy hop dance festival in Asheville, North Carolina.<br /><br />It was a 5 days full of dance classes, lectures, workshops, formal evening swing dances, and late late late night blues dances!!<br /><br />One of the best things about this was that I was on vacation, but was still being super active! When I take time off from work I usually try to keep up my fitness, but usually somehow I get off track. At Lindy Focus my vacation was based around dancing!<br /><br />Dancing might not be your drug of choice (I highly recommend it anyhow), BUT you can build a vacation around your favorite activity. Take an exercise-cation! You could hike, bike, ski, take a yoga retreat (<a href="http://omyoga.com/om/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74&Itemid=122">like OM's</a>), or anything that makes you move.<br /><br />Plan an exercise-cation for 2010WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-26957835038970399422009-12-13T20:35:00.002-05:002009-12-13T20:50:36.005-05:00Pink Glove Dance<a href="http://www.providence.org/Oregon/">Providence St. Vincent Medical Center</a> employees donned pink gloves and danced in support of breast cancer awareness. <br />The Pink Glove dance has gotten over 1.6 million hits on YouTube! <br />If you haven't seen it yet, watch it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw">HERE</a>. <br />(The more YouTube hits, the more funding for breast cancer awareness...SO SEND ON THIS LINK!!!)<br /><br />"We thought that seeing health care workers wear pink gloves would remind people to talk about breast cancer and that some of the money from the gloves could be used to pay for mammograms for women that couldn't afford it," said Sue MacInnes of Medline Industries Inc., the company that created the gloves. Medline Industries Inc. says it will donate a portion of the profits from the pink gloves to fund mammograms for women who otherwise would not get them.*<br /><br />*from <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/WN/pink-glove-dance-youtube-video-spreads-breast-cancer/story?id=9210224&page=1">ABC News article<br /></a>WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-46899879313060102432009-12-06T19:23:00.003-05:002009-12-06T19:28:40.381-05:00NY Times Advocates Self MassageI happened upon this great article in the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/">New York Times</a> about the importance of regular self massage and massage therapy! It's a quick informative read: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/health/nutrition/03fitness.html">Becoming Your Own Massage Therapist</a>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCw1j9QCDKV6A7sC1c6MZ5FglktxTr3FVkUWSSr1yK6cfnWbEUY1AHqAclzNKsH0DaMni1MWhX1fu59kM7DiYZMMim0dkB1C2iI8KPSpIj_vbBCS7q4U91DJsT9yoPnUhrWxaRsyTq_jj/s1600-h/articleLarge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCw1j9QCDKV6A7sC1c6MZ5FglktxTr3FVkUWSSr1yK6cfnWbEUY1AHqAclzNKsH0DaMni1MWhX1fu59kM7DiYZMMim0dkB1C2iI8KPSpIj_vbBCS7q4U91DJsT9yoPnUhrWxaRsyTq_jj/s400/articleLarge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412284157907166930" /></a>Foam rollers get press, wohooo!!WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-62834211980221907682009-11-30T23:48:00.002-05:002009-11-30T23:53:45.870-05:00**NEW SESSIONS & DECEMBER SPECIALS**Here are two great NEW types of sessions!!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Buddy Sessions:</span><br /><br />Workout with a partner. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Personal Training or Yoga sessions for 2 people with 1 trainer</span>. <br />Save some cash, exercise, AND have a great time ;)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">DECEMBER SPECIAL: 1 session for $100 OR 3 sessions for $285</span><br /><br />• Great present for your significant other, best friend, or relative<br />• Get inspired by your exercise buddy and have a blast<br />• Save mucho money<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">½ & ½ Yoga and Thai Massage:</span><br /><br />An hour and a half <span style="font-weight:bold;">ALL</span> about <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOU</span>. Drop into a meditative state while strengthening your entire body with 45minutes of vinyasa yoga. Then become completely passive as you receive 45minutes of Thai massage.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">DECEMBER SPECIAL: 1 (90 min) session for $120 OR 3 (90min) sessions for $285</span><br /><br />• Guaranteed to reduce stress and tension<br />• Will increase circulation and flexibility<br />• Strengthens and stretches muscles<br />• Perfect gift to put on YOUR wish list<br /><br />Call 201-240-4288 or email esparkes@gmail.com to book your sessions!WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-16498207359755657812009-11-29T23:26:00.005-05:002009-11-29T23:47:00.899-05:00City HarvestFeeling full from your Thanksgiving meals? <br />Now is the perfect time to do some giving. <br /><br />One of my favorite organizations to donate to is <a href="http://www.cityharvest.org/">City Harvest</a>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"Now serving New York City for more than 25 years, City Harvest is the world's first food rescue organization, dedicated to feeding the city's hungry men, women, and children.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiH3TddNg8IGa1ykMPlU0XBlUCPah8hEFKQSdHaDCLYb37GJfn2Jr8iPiR9ox-IOgGALbN7Ygcx84gEHLaJ__buNnjHoNtlH6uc8MtKkEvNiGFX4krFndoGfsnfKET0d_wFRXYDP_Ped6o/s1600/charityimage.asp.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 103px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiH3TddNg8IGa1ykMPlU0XBlUCPah8hEFKQSdHaDCLYb37GJfn2Jr8iPiR9ox-IOgGALbN7Ygcx84gEHLaJ__buNnjHoNtlH6uc8MtKkEvNiGFX4krFndoGfsnfKET0d_wFRXYDP_Ped6o/s400/charityimage.asp.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409748480483521922" /></a><br />This year, City Harvest will collect over 25 million pounds of excess food from all segments of the food industry, including restaurants, grocers, corporate cafeterias, manufacturers, and farms. This food is then delivered free of charge to nearly 600 community food programs throughout New York City using a fleet of trucks and bikes as well as volunteers on foot. Each week, <br />City Harvest helps over 260,000 hungry New Yorkers find their next meal.<br /><br />City Harvest also addresses hunger’s underlying causes by supporting affordable access to nutritious food in low-income communities, educating individuals, families, and communities in the prevention of diet-related diseases, channeling a greater amount of local farm food into high-need areas, and enhancing the ability of our agency partners to feed hungry men, women, and children."</span><br /><br />You can donate your time in <a href="http://www.cityharvest.org/volunteer/">volunteering</a>, <a href="http://www.cityharvest.org/donate-funds/">individual or corporate gifts</a>, or <a href="http://www.cityharvest.org/donate-food/donation-guidelines/">food drives</a>.WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-38533086216368955282009-11-22T23:03:00.013-05:002009-11-23T14:29:12.439-05:00Gluten-Free Girl and Thanksgiving<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkvdLKeckaOa4yEhTgjhyrnhd3ZP32A761_6lCyWtQnECWoWgxsHHp5oz3NaUcG6TZ8tmOgpuq7GC_0cNpF53jQ6lWPmCkwKEqUDulAgDD7J_xZWxCUTdlaksALPYPbpn6VPNHg3cRGOz/s1600/pumpkinpie.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkvdLKeckaOa4yEhTgjhyrnhd3ZP32A761_6lCyWtQnECWoWgxsHHp5oz3NaUcG6TZ8tmOgpuq7GC_0cNpF53jQ6lWPmCkwKEqUDulAgDD7J_xZWxCUTdlaksALPYPbpn6VPNHg3cRGOz/s320/pumpkinpie.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407379768358473010" /></a><br />Many of you already know that I am a gluten-free girl. Not <span style="font-style:italic;">the</span> <a href="http://glutenfreegirlabout.blogspot.com/">Gluten-Free Girl</a><span style="font-style:italic;"></span> (a well known blogger, chef, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Girl-Found-Loves-Back/dp/0470411643/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258949764&sr=8-1">author</a>), but <span style="font-style:italic;">a</span> gluten-free girl.<br /><br />What is gluten, and why would I be free of it? Read about Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Disease at <a href="http://www.celiac.com/articles/572/1/A-Summary-of-Celiac-Disease-and-Gluten-Intolerance-by-Scott-Adams/Page1.html">www.celiac.com</a><br /><br /><br />My favorite hip and cool gluten free resource is <a href="http://www.celiacchicks.com/">Celiac Chicks</a>. You can watch one of the celiac chicks in this (long but informative) <a href="http://scienceofthetimes.com/2009/10/29/scitimes-video-health-celiac-disease-gluten-free/">video.</a><br /><br />Now, how does all this relate to THANKSGIVING? <br />Holiday eating can be torturous with food allergies and restrictions (missing out on bread stuffing, pies, sauces, etc.), especially on a holiday that's all about one enormous meal. <br /><br />BUT...<br />there's hope. <br /><br />One of my personal training clients, a chef, suggested that instead of trying to replace those holiday staples with gluten free alternatives, try new recipes that will appeal to gluten eaters and gluten free alike. <br />This makes me happy. <br />Very very happy. <br />:) <br /><br />You can experiment with recipes that will give a new flair to your traditional Thanksgiving meal too!<br />I'll try to make <a href="http://www.food52.com/recipes/1445_quinoa_stuffing_with_dried_fruits">Quinoa Stuffing</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUujVrNajGaAUiCiB6hdUx9zuEQf3kSqQonEgDYaKei1dsccYt6vsStQZfGtBVDbMv6E1SUF_m5t4iVvLrZfvAFBEl7TjUXzf5XB9-RZl3ocsqgm0ZhEEKn_vU7dboIQrHN2-96JlGsVJP/s1600/Medium_Stuffing_on_the_stove_2_.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUujVrNajGaAUiCiB6hdUx9zuEQf3kSqQonEgDYaKei1dsccYt6vsStQZfGtBVDbMv6E1SUF_m5t4iVvLrZfvAFBEl7TjUXzf5XB9-RZl3ocsqgm0ZhEEKn_vU7dboIQrHN2-96JlGsVJP/s200/Medium_Stuffing_on_the_stove_2_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407381903006054690" /></a> and maybe <a href="http://www.food52.com/recipes/777_rum_apple_cake">Rum Apple Cake</a>.<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBSsRMWkybL2EaFr0sYjXibZYFErHSAxuA4tMt308tjRmxTz4z-NlcXNlOZSTrYK-BMZJE8LvPxJxQpllfCOOY8AjtuUtgejQw5Otwv0ZKG_KsO_2eOC-k5v3eGk1OoQo6GTDhnowlXD2/s1600/092909F_0975-1.JPG.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBSsRMWkybL2EaFr0sYjXibZYFErHSAxuA4tMt308tjRmxTz4z-NlcXNlOZSTrYK-BMZJE8LvPxJxQpllfCOOY8AjtuUtgejQw5Otwv0ZKG_KsO_2eOC-k5v3eGk1OoQo6GTDhnowlXD2/s200/092909F_0975-1.JPG.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407382300563636258" /></a><br />(recipes & photos from <a href="http://www.food52.com">www.food52.com</a>)<br /><br />There are also some good recipes at <a href="http://glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com/2009/11/gluten-free-thanksgiving-2009.html">Gluten-Free Girl Thanksgiving 2009</a><br /><br /><br />Want some other tips for the holidays? Read my post from last year: <a href="http://elysesparkes.blogspot.com/2008/11/thanksgiving-tips-for-healthy-turkey.html">Thanksgiving 2008</a><br /><br />HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-45792238352172515212009-11-09T23:03:00.005-05:002009-11-10T00:31:58.866-05:00have FAITH see CHANGEThis weekend, in my yoga teacher training course at <a href="http://www.omyoga.com/">OM yoga center</a>, we began to delve into the teachings of <a href="http://arlingtoncenter.org/yogasutra.html">The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali</a>.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOB58qiVwaEjff742Fs9IRqjCnaKHoQqxySB3-K9FvxTtuecyz0rOChbrrOWWaWm8RTNqBKpYw8E-aUEoys87ym1Z5s06A6lRCp1JqI7WcyhuaJ9yG-3QvrMt_O_x6kyBf7U9QwzAJ5Lc/s1600-h/yogasutra.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOB58qiVwaEjff742Fs9IRqjCnaKHoQqxySB3-K9FvxTtuecyz0rOChbrrOWWaWm8RTNqBKpYw8E-aUEoys87ym1Z5s06A6lRCp1JqI7WcyhuaJ9yG-3QvrMt_O_x6kyBf7U9QwzAJ5Lc/s320/yogasutra.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402325631613219554" /></a>Patañjali organized the study of yoga. He wrote the <span style="font-style:italic;">Yoga-Sutras</span> in the second or third century and people still use it today as a guide for observing the human mind. The word sutra means thread, an appropriate description of the work, as Patañjali threaded and interspersed the ancient yogic ideas with practical meditative techniques.
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<br />According to Chip Hartfranft's translation the <span style="font-style:italic;">Yoga-Sutra</span> is a, "collection of 196 compact observations on the nature of consciousness and liberation [that] remains unrivaled for its penetrating insight. Though brief, the <span style="font-style:italic;">Yoga-Sutra</span> manages to cut to the heart of the human dilemma."
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<br />This is one of my favorite quotes from the translation...
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"The forces that give rise to change exist <span style="font-style:italic;">before</span> change becomes visible."</span>
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<br />To me this comes down to having <span style="font-weight:bold;">FAITH</span>. Faith that you are where you are supposed to be at any given moment.
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<br />Do you ever feel like you're NEVER going to get what you want?
<br />Or that you've been working SO hard towards one goal, which always seems to be unattainable?
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<br />I do and I often find myself getting stuck in the <span style="font-style:italic;">"What If's"</span> of a situation.
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">What if</span> I don't make enough money?
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">What if</span> I never lose those 5lbs?
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">What if</span> my foot pain never goes away?
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">What if</span> I'm single forever?
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<br />And then when things <span style="font-style:italic;">do</span> happen, (I financially support myself, I make positive changes to my body image, my injuries heal, I'm in an amazing relationship, etc.) I look back on the stress and worry of the <span style="font-style:italic;">"What Ifs"</span> and wish I could've just relaxed and had faith that everything would work out.
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<br />This reminds me of my previous post <a href="http://elysesparkes.blogspot.com/2009/03/living-right-now-with-buddha-body.html">Living RIGHT NOW! with a Buddha Body</a
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<br />If I have <span style="font-weight:bold;">FAITH</span> that I am doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing RIGHT NOW! then it is impossible to label something 'good' or 'bad'. If something is neither good nor bad, it just <span style="font-weight:bold;">Is<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>. If everything just <span style="font-weight:bold;">Is<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> at any given moment in time, then you can feel content in knowing that you are on your path. The forces that give rise to the changes you want may be unrecognizable to you until after the change has occurred.
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<br />All you need is <span style="font-weight:bold;">FAITH</span> that you are on your path!
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<br />(<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzJ2NKp23WU">cue Beatles song</a>)
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<br />WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-73845808928866517592009-10-27T08:41:00.005-04:002009-10-27T19:18:36.449-04:00Yummy Root VeggiesRoasted root vegetables are easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and definitely my favorite healthy dish in the fall and winter. <br /><br />Here's a straightforward recipe to try. <br /><br />Feel free to experiment with your own combinations of root veggies and flavorings. <br /><br />Choose a few different root veggies: <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwhtfuKaqVqlR5PW3kTaZwcj0rnbniRxvDzaoT33G3C3XamCb_8V5l6U7ydQSXn9K1a88fNAwFN3vAQ7MdnjQKHYi-10TEXld8tNlfGFpdBIx4sBe7UblVq9YghBNI6nW258A0AS_Untm/s1600-h/FN_RootVeggies_064_s4x3_lg.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwhtfuKaqVqlR5PW3kTaZwcj0rnbniRxvDzaoT33G3C3XamCb_8V5l6U7ydQSXn9K1a88fNAwFN3vAQ7MdnjQKHYi-10TEXld8tNlfGFpdBIx4sBe7UblVq9YghBNI6nW258A0AS_Untm/s320/FN_RootVeggies_064_s4x3_lg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397422404299473282" /></a></span><br />Beets<br />Potato<br />Sweet Potato<br />Carrots<br />Parsnips<br />Fennel bulb<br />Onion<br /><br />Choose your seasoning:<br />Garlic<br />Rosemary<br />Thyme<br />Salt<br />Pepper<br />Olive Oil<br /><br /><br />1. Preheat oven to 425 F<br />2. Wash veggies & chop into small chunks<br />3. Mix veggies with seasonings & evenly distribute on oiled baking dish<br />4. Bake covered for 30min, uncovered for an additional 15min (times may vary for your oven)<br /><br />Allow to cool and enjoy with some steamed greens and healthy protein. <br /><br />YUMMY!!WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-24374585593518628642009-10-24T07:26:00.005-04:002009-10-24T07:40:22.590-04:00The Art of Self Care & Healing Massage WorkshopI'm teaming up once again with <a href="http://www.lululemon.com/newyork/brooklyn">lululemon athletica</a> (my all time favorite exercise clothes store) to present a new workshop <span style="font-weight:bold;">The Art of Self Care & Healing Massage</span>. This time in partnership with <a href="http://everydaybalancenyc.com">Zoe Levine</a>, personal trainer extraordinaire and <a href="http://meltmethod.com">MELT method</a> instructor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lMbN_ZG5YbT22srBZz3qR46MOy9URx2YV4XuPbqmgXn_jrfw3EnlCtLAI5Q2WO_HR4LFINeqaOjlmbvWb8ZsW8OGSH9Z8gwwFbiBhIywxfwCWv4AgShp_o8xpbFIk6oyt97I-Jt0Vn_2/s1600-h/DSC02713.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lMbN_ZG5YbT22srBZz3qR46MOy9URx2YV4XuPbqmgXn_jrfw3EnlCtLAI5Q2WO_HR4LFINeqaOjlmbvWb8ZsW8OGSH9Z8gwwFbiBhIywxfwCWv4AgShp_o8xpbFIk6oyt97I-Jt0Vn_2/s320/DSC02713.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396128524375510690" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.lululemon.com/newyork/brooklyn">@ lululemon athletica</a><br /><br />472 Bergen St. @ Flatbush Ave in Park Slope (2/3 to Bergen) <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday, November 4th, 7-8:30pm</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">It's FREE!!!</span><br /><br />In this workshop, body practitioners Zoe Levine and Elyse Sparkes will share techniques on self-care and healing others through the MELT method and Thai yoga massage. Learn easy ways to make your body feel great on your own and with the help of a partner. Awaken and energize your hands and feet with MELT methods, and then use your increased sensitivity in full body assisted stretches and Thai massage. You'll leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. <br /><br />The M.E.L.T. Method® (MELT) is a self-treatment technique that helps prevent pain, heal injury, and erase the negative effects of aging and active living. In this workshop MELT instructor Zoe Levine (<a href="http://everydaybalancenyc.com">www.everydaybalancenyc.com</a>) will guide you through simple yet powerful self-treatment techniques that reduce pain and tension in your whole body by treating just your hands and feet. Regular treatment can provide relief from neck and low back pain, arthritis, bunions, and carpal tunnel syndrome. <br /><br />These quick self-treatments can be done anywhere – home, work, or travel.<br /><br /> Thai yoga massage is a modality that combines stretching, reflexology, energy line work, yoga poses, and massage. Learn to be both the giver and the receiver in this workshop, which will focus on increasing flexibility and improving circulation for your whole body. Your instructor Elyse Sparkes, <a href="http://sparkeswellness.com">www.sparkeswellness.com</a>, will show you ways to reduce stress and feel completely relaxed. <br /><br />Bring a friend so you'll be able to practice these new healing techniques at home!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3us_H5iEKdxifJHScW8Psp69l6qr5Ho3c-SbVKVVRAHbKvO4TInZNsDQvFCL8OnwahhcZ3pwPSymEUwVlikBCSME1FGnzC-WtCp7NeAMFOVRvPVVm_LmdIIBeNaE2H7QhoIQ00E2sBCOQ/s1600-h/DSC02694.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3us_H5iEKdxifJHScW8Psp69l6qr5Ho3c-SbVKVVRAHbKvO4TInZNsDQvFCL8OnwahhcZ3pwPSymEUwVlikBCSME1FGnzC-WtCp7NeAMFOVRvPVVm_LmdIIBeNaE2H7QhoIQ00E2sBCOQ/s320/DSC02694.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396129339675492962" /></a><br />Workshop attendees practicing Thai massage & Assisted StretchingWELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-88198801692956253242009-10-18T20:54:00.003-04:002009-10-18T21:05:29.372-04:00Park Slope ParentsI was recently added to the <a href="http://parkslopeparents.com/index.php">Park Slope Parents website</a> as a recommended personal trainer! <br /><br />"Elyse is a great personal trainer with a lot of energy, skill, and knowledge. She's patient, but pushes you to be your best."<br /><br />Park Slope Parents is an online resource for raising children in Park Slope, Brooklyn.<br />Want to write a review? Add your entry <a href="http://parkslopeparents.com/index.php?option=com_sobi2&sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=142&sobi2Id=3217&Itemid=212">HERE</a>.<br /><br />Thanks parents of Park Slope!WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-63208670609409464202009-10-14T23:29:00.012-04:002009-10-15T19:29:56.496-04:00Climbing the Knife Edge @57My dad recently celebrated his 57th birthday by taking a 10 hour hike up 5000 feet to <a href="http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/">Mount Katahdin</a> and across its most dangerous and narrow ridge: The Knife Edge. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bWSBm6PmSiCOiVfiWVVFatJ5z-8yi7rgr8rob2CA-RpYoybaNnLQxAwJdRfnZbvkOOzYObD3rM3MPm81dkrlB1Z1FerP9m6Ss6LgWON9JVRgwwDmtGP0OdOPTWTLfvhht92inbHEue-5/s1600-h/dad.Hiking.knifesedge.09.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bWSBm6PmSiCOiVfiWVVFatJ5z-8yi7rgr8rob2CA-RpYoybaNnLQxAwJdRfnZbvkOOzYObD3rM3MPm81dkrlB1Z1FerP9m6Ss6LgWON9JVRgwwDmtGP0OdOPTWTLfvhht92inbHEue-5/s400/dad.Hiking.knifesedge.09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392954983857436434" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb69AVlukLY&feature=related"> (Can't imagine traversing loose rock piles only 3 feet wide on the very top of a mountain? Watch this short video and you'll get the point pretty quickly).</a><br /><br />I've always known my dad to be active and adventurous, and upon thinking about this impressive feat I realized how much physical endurance, dedication, and passion for life he has in order to accomplish this. He is absolutely a role model for me in my health and the ultimate inspiration for fitness and longevity.<br /><br />I'm always curious about what motivates people to keep a continuous healthy lifestyle. How can I make sure I'm fit enough to climb a mountain on MY 57th birthday?!? Well, I asked the man who did it himself....<br /><br />ELYSE: How long have you been hiking?<br /><br />DAD: Since I went to the International Ranger Camp in Leysin, Switzerland, in 1962. I was 10 years old and hooked by seeing the Alps.<br /><br />ELYSE: What was hiking the Knife Edge like?<br /><br />DAD: Totally exhilarating...beautiful...wicked good! We were up 5000 feet traveling a narrow ridge about a mile from Baxter peak. There are several old codgers like myself up there, but mostly 20, 30, and 40 somethings.<br /><br />ELYSE: How did you train for this hike?<br /><br />DAD: I trained this summer with yoga classes, daily lake swimming, kayaking, biking, and 3 preliminary lower elevation mountain hikes. I was in good shape by early September.<br /><br />ELYSE: How did exercise become part of your lifestyle?<br /><br />DAD: My father and mother started yoga, stretching, and walking when they were in their 50's. They are now 94 and have a personal trainer for strength training and physical therapy for rehabilitation. My father still goes to the gym on his own to do leg presses. They are inspirational to me at their age, so I made exercise a priority in my lifestyle as well. <br /><br />ELYSE: Do you think hiking/fitness/exercise keeps you feeling young?<br /><br />DAD: Yes! Keeping the blood flowing like that is good for the body, mind, and spirit, which creates agelessness!!<br /><br />ELYSE: Any advice you have for those of us who also want to climb a mountain at age 57?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXENqbunVB7iDOTwPoT0-NmHJbsEHtkJsUYbPNbRqyhvYdF8ACJ-XTzKU0LbNR30n-xIy0q4QcFCCJ5j78lQtEOypE8nLH6AT0MPMgM4niGFDWGW2rBY0cSn7Q4r-kuPkqfs0YMNBmT9vo/s1600-h/Mr_Peabody_and_Sherman.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXENqbunVB7iDOTwPoT0-NmHJbsEHtkJsUYbPNbRqyhvYdF8ACJ-XTzKU0LbNR30n-xIy0q4QcFCCJ5j78lQtEOypE8nLH6AT0MPMgM4niGFDWGW2rBY0cSn7Q4r-kuPkqfs0YMNBmT9vo/s320/Mr_Peabody_and_Sherman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392964452907881442" /></a>DAD: The only thing between you and staying fit are the barriers you put up to exercise. I am not the most graceful or athletic person (they used to call me Mr. Peabody). I've had numerous injuries throughout my life, but I committed to the idea of starting to go for body toning & endurance, and stick to a meal plan geared to obtain my goals. I got a personal trainer and followed a program. There have been highs and lows, but I know now that I can do it. Truly, fitness is the key for alignment with self, energy, and longevity. It's a blast!<br /><br />ELYSE: Wow, how true! <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"Fitness is the key for alignment with self, energy, and longevity. "<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> <br />You are such an inspiration. <br /><br />Happy birthday and many many many more!!<br />Mount Everest at 75 years old perhaps?!?<br /><br />;)WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-90238936909087655032009-10-08T12:28:00.002-04:002009-10-11T20:25:21.353-04:00STRETCH class in Prospect ParkBack by popular demand :)<br /><br />Meet @ Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday, Oct. 15th, 6pm </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">*** ONLY $10 ***</span><br /><br /><br /><br />Take advantage of the autumn weather in the beautiful Prospect Park. You'll be able to breathe in fresh air as you lengthen your muscles and relax your mind. Bring a towel, yoga mat, and/or clothes you don't mind getting dirty. <br /><br />We'll meet at Grand Army Plaza entrance @6pm and settle on the Great Lawn. <br /><br />Rain Date TBA. <br /><br />Bring your friends!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">***All attendees will receive a coupon for a $50 Thai Massage with me (normally $80/hr)***</span>WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-62253790623913916892009-10-05T21:56:00.002-04:002009-10-05T23:13:43.688-04:00...5k fun in the mud...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86yvvhif-a_itM_-kvfj8IDenDuzL0TfbHVPbdIxhpqaS3Fs1QDFiTzMzl9z3P9jsAWKRfaaCmMU2UDTe3UL1sCjyxX8GgpQA7sx0_qGATNnw_spV7J7SCCRAi8zPzdY8gZc91vGNh9v4/s1600-h/DSC02757.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86yvvhif-a_itM_-kvfj8IDenDuzL0TfbHVPbdIxhpqaS3Fs1QDFiTzMzl9z3P9jsAWKRfaaCmMU2UDTe3UL1sCjyxX8GgpQA7sx0_qGATNnw_spV7J7SCCRAi8zPzdY8gZc91vGNh9v4/s400/DSC02757.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389300743973491298" /></a><br />30'x90' mud pit right before the finish line of the <a href="http://runamuckfestival.com/">RunAmuck</a> 5k race<br /><br /><br /><br />What exactly IS RunAmuck?? Watch this <a href="http://gannett.a.mms.mavenapps.net/mms/rt/1/site/gannett-westchester-084-pub01-live/current/launch.html?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=53084c5594b49a933fbbe19576af6718efedab13&maven_referralObject=1284124104">VIDEO</a>.<br /><br />There were lots of obstacles before we even got to the race!...Our team went from 4 to 2 members, it was cold & rainy, and we feared we hadn't trained well enough. <br /><br />Well, I'm sure glad we persevered because it was a BLAST!!<br /><br />The first mile of the race was the most difficult for me. It was trail running with a lot of steep hills. I had expected the obstacle course challenges to be interspersed in the 5k (to give my non-runner legs a rest), but no, all the extras were at the very end. The pace slowed down a bit when the trail turned into a true hiking path, navigating around rocks and tree trunks and (most of all) mud puddles. Of course, after you're fully exhausted -and muddy, muddy, muddy- the course goes straight through a lake. I had the not-so-brilliant idea to try to swim because running wasn't really an option anymore. Ha! I quickly found out that it is impossible to swim in mud filled sneakers. So now, completely soaked and freezing with numb legs, we had to do high knee jumps over ropes, hurdles, and army crawls under nets. Right before the finish line there was the 30' x 90' mud pit to dive in, splash in, and get just a little bit more muddy. We did the whole shebang in 44minutes, not too shabby!! ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJ6X3Nr3YKpAMgpqGJJKwA5Z622fZOd2tnecu0ysOsxbfJbFJ1aVaY8TyRaI92kdGhe93bmE9UV5lUJBxuFh0-ikp4li2rQMewLJhMaowZKErGPcuOfgqiR09vmCySNYQlwnCNV8SJhKN/s1600-h/DSC02758.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJ6X3Nr3YKpAMgpqGJJKwA5Z622fZOd2tnecu0ysOsxbfJbFJ1aVaY8TyRaI92kdGhe93bmE9UV5lUJBxuFh0-ikp4li2rQMewLJhMaowZKErGPcuOfgqiR09vmCySNYQlwnCNV8SJhKN/s400/DSC02758.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389300751054669426" /></a><br />final muddy jump at finish line<br /><br /><br />I highly recommend RunAmuck for a super fun way to exercise, meet other folks with healthy lifestyles, and laugh a lot!<br /><br /><br /><br />Oh yeah, and did I mention that you get really muddy?!?!?WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-54667543437913680842009-09-29T19:16:00.004-04:002009-09-29T19:31:16.807-04:00WIN a session with me at the Equality Now Party!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPVaIAn041PtS6WwHRMhqDzh-dAslFntKKR6vLMV5ptPq9AKO66sGEGriW7YMMY3uy2LRgmVJAvuzwvSaSayTJ7FpchM9z9qf4Il0qMiOKzzFIrUEryPQKH608QE-7bzfxlaHtDlL8zAj/s1600-h/Equality+Now+WEB.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPVaIAn041PtS6WwHRMhqDzh-dAslFntKKR6vLMV5ptPq9AKO66sGEGriW7YMMY3uy2LRgmVJAvuzwvSaSayTJ7FpchM9z9qf4Il0qMiOKzzFIrUEryPQKH608QE-7bzfxlaHtDlL8zAj/s400/Equality+Now+WEB.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387035976315920210" /></a><br /><br />On Wednesday, September 30th, come out and enjoy an evening of fun at <a href="http://www.jimmysno43.com/">Jimmy's 43</a>. Kim Braun and Christine Elmo are hosting a party for Equality Now. ALL money collected at this event will go towards transporting people from NYC to DC for the National Equality March on October 11th, 2009. <br /><br />With cheap beer, fun performances and an amazing line-up of raffles, you are bound to have an incredible night. We have a grand list of prizes to win, all which have been donated by local NYC body practitioners, hair artist and photographers. A live auction as well! <br /><br /><br />Jimmy's 43<br />43 E 7th St.<br />By Subway: Take the 6 to Astor Place Take the R/W to 8th Street Take the F train to 2nd Avenue<br /><br />Performances by:<br /><br />Kara M. Tyler aka Red Sonja (Burlesque)<br />Shani E. Manor (Musican)<br />Siobhan O’Malley (Musician)<br />Ben Carroll (Musician)<br />Jay Paranada, Laura Nell Dubuisson, Megan Buzzard, Calvin Thompson and Roderick Borden with accompanist: Rachel Kaufman (Cabaret)<br /><br />Raffles donated by: (1 for $5 or 3 for $13)<br /><br />Esther Ahn<br />G. Oscar Anderson<br />Charlotte Blake<br />Michelle Boule<br />Paige Martin<br />Katy Pyle<br />Antonio Ramos<br />Elyse Sparkes <br />Colin Stilwell<br />girlscenenyc.com<br /><br />Dance Theater Workshop<br /><br />treats from BABELAND and more!!!!!<br /><br />Live Auction donated by: <br /><br />Chef Joe Aponte - picnic for you plus two<br /><br /><br /><br />Tony award winner Sutton Foster sponsered a bus for the march. Watch her video <a href="http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid22792485001?bctid=40276154001">HERE</a><br /><br />Points being addressed at the march are the following:<br /><br />**The repeal of the defense of marriage act so that every marriage in every state has the same federal rights.<br /><br />**Repeal of the don't ask don't tell so that lgbt persons may serve in the military openly with the same rights as straight people.<br /><br />**End to workplace discrimination for everyone with the employment non discrimination act.<br /><br />**Right to adopt children.<br /><br />**Hate crimes legislation that include lgbt people and protects them like other targeted groups.<br /><br />**Immigration reform that recognizes same sex couples and ends the needless seperation of families.<br /><br />**Anti-bullying policy in our schools via the safe schools improvement act.<br /><br />Further information about the march can be found here <a href="http://www.broadwayimpact.com/">http://www.broadwayimpact.com/</a>. <br /><br />If you are unable to attend the party, but are still interested in making a contribution to the cause, click on the link below and scroll halfway down the page to find instructions for how to make a donation.<br /><br />Find Facebook Invite <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=281406445382&ref=mf">HERE</a>WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-74661850374851616532009-09-27T21:48:00.005-04:002009-09-27T22:11:17.688-04:00RunAmuck is in one week!!!I'm so excited for this next Saturday...working out AND playing in mud?! hells yeah.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd06X4jWAwDHbYsWxbX5Y2QURVjWi_GKKO_oIJNtQr8g9dlv6f7FkFAQ9rdrbmouZAXnoySZaiQH11ELzZ3t_MJ8le7H6jNmKjDOvrUAVLwPBiGSF-e5ERK9u9Fzk2liRYJSXfd6pTB8y4/s1600-h/runamucknysmall.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd06X4jWAwDHbYsWxbX5Y2QURVjWi_GKKO_oIJNtQr8g9dlv6f7FkFAQ9rdrbmouZAXnoySZaiQH11ELzZ3t_MJ8le7H6jNmKjDOvrUAVLwPBiGSF-e5ERK9u9Fzk2liRYJSXfd6pTB8y4/s400/runamucknysmall.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386334767112380466" /></a><br />"This is the New York RunAmuck Mud Run! The Mud Run is a challenging 5K run with hills, beach crossings, water, walls, inflatables, and MUD. Finish it all up by jumping into our 90' mud pit as you cross the finish line. This will be the most fun you'll ever have!" -<a href="http://www.runamuckfestival.com/RunAmuck_New_York.html">RunAmuck Festival</a><br /><br /><br /><br />The registration is still open <a href="http://www.runamuckfestival.com/Home_Page.html">HERE</a>WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-67250681909511629492009-09-16T22:19:00.007-04:002009-09-22T16:12:32.516-04:00Approaching 30?...Hydrate your Spine!<span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Are you approaching 30 and all of a sudden starting to feel stiff and achy? </span><br /><br />Well, there's a valid reason for that. According to Judith Hanson Lasater PhD., PT, after 30 years of life your spine stops receiving a direct supply of blood, the disc dries out, and creates problems in your body. <br /><br />In her book <span style="font-style:italic;">Yoga Body</span>, Lasater says, "The nucleus pulposus [substance that is the weight bearing axis for all spinal movement] has no direct blood supply after the third decade of life. Yet it is made up of 80% water. So what keeps the disc plump and full of water?"<br /><br />Yikes. Sounds scary, but don't give up hope just yet. There's an answer, and thankfully it doesn't involve popping pills or invasive surgery.<br /><br />So... What does keep the disc plump and full of water? (Drum roll please...)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">MOVEMENT!</span><br /><br />"Movement is what causes the disc to take up fluids. By bending forward, bending backward, and twisting, pressure on one side of the disc causes the other side of the disc to take up fluids passively, which helps them stay plump and healthy."<br /><br />Phew. <br /><br />Here's a simple warm up/cool down stretch that moves the spine in all possible ranges of motion. For best results match the movement with the breath.<br />This can be done from pre-teens to age 100, so there are no excuses!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How to Hydrate your Spine:</span><br /><br />Stand up with your feet touching, arms by your sides, shoulders rolled back and down<br />-Inhale, your arms out to the side and up overhead<br />-Exhale, interlace your fingers, face the palms up to the ceiling<br />-Inhale, side bend to the right<br />-Exhale, back to center<br />-Inhale, side bend to the left<br />-Exhale, back to center, arms down by your side<br />-Inhale, interlace fingers behind your back, lift sternum up to ceiling<br />-Exhale, fold forward over your legs, release your hands to the ground<br />-Inhale, reach right arm up to the ceiling, allowing your gaze to follow the right hand creating a small spinal twist<br />-Exhale, release the right arm, fold forward over legs<br />-Inhale, left arm up to ceiling, twisting to left<br />-Exhale, fold forward over legs<br />-Inhale, roll up to neutral standing position<br /><br />Repeat 3-4 times for a happy, healthy, hydrated spine at any age!WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550395073793090996.post-24064633358637881392009-09-10T00:00:00.003-04:002009-09-10T00:04:34.883-04:00parkWORKOUT in Prospect Park<span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday September 16, 2009 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM<br /><a href="http://www.prospectpark.org/visit/interactive_map">Prospect Park (meet @ Grand Army Plaza entrance)</a></span><br /><br />It's September and time to fall back into shape! Get strong, get buff, get sweaty...all outdoors in the beautiful autumn weather. Be prepared for a smorgasbord of squats, lunges, pushups, and everything else hardcore. <br />This is not for the faint of heart (ie: your butt will be kicked).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">*Suggested $5 donation. RSVP to esparkes@gmail.com by Sept. 14th<br /></span><br /><br />Bring a towel, water, and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty (you will be touching the ground...think Plank!!).<br /><br />We'll meet at <a href="http://www.prospectpark.org/visit/interactive_map">Grand Army Plaza</a> @6pm and settle on the Great Lawn.<br /><br />Rain Date TBA.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">All attendees will receive a pass for 2 personal training sessions for $100 (normally $160...wow, now that's a deal!)</span><br /><br />Bring your friends!WELCOME to Sparkes Wellness!http://www.blogger.com/profile/05892947278131532960noreply@blogger.com0