While yoga is not just about postures (there are 7 other parts to it, to be exact), the main thing about yoga is »yoking«, connecting, realising that we're all in this together, which is something that extends far beyond the four corners of the yoga mat—caring for the Earth, the oceans, equal rights, our neighbours and every. damn. thing.

Early mornings are the perfect time to devote to self-care, our spiritual practice as well as our health. I just really wish I was better at waking up (and functioning) that early. Ayurveda―Indian science of life―says that time of day is ideal for multiple Ayurvedic practices to keep our mind and body healthy as well as happy. Are these just for Nag Champa incense loving, crystals charging, hummus devouring hippies? Or can they actually be implemented in everyone’s life? If you ask me, the latter.

Flower and Spice was founded by Karmen Novak who, after studying organic skincare science at UK-based Formula Botanica, fell deeply in love with natural skincare and its overwhelming benefits. She saw firsthand the soft, glowing, calm skin that was a result of using only natural and organic ingredients, which led her to start experimenting with different botanicals to develop truly natural products that not only transport the senses through scent and texture but powerfully nourish and care for the skin.

Sometimes our vision gets clouded by the images of pretty pretzels with their legs behind their heads and we silently say to ourselves: »ohhh, I want to do that too«. And it's great to want to grow and learn and expand, but according to Patanjali and the Yoga Sutras, Asana or yoga posture is just one of eight limbs of yoga although social media tries hard to convince us otherwise.

The main box I wanted my shampoo and conditioner to tick—besides not being full of chemicals, not being tested on animals and, if possible vegan—was the “no plastic” box so I was looking for a shampoo/conditioner bar.

Here's a list of words in Sanskrit — a language of ancient India with a history going back about 3,500 years — I wish I knew before going to my first class and that might help you be a little bit less confused if you're just deciding to go for your first class or you've heard these before and were wondering what they mean.

If I have to choose between quantity and quality of the yoga leggings I buy, I’d choose the latter. I would much rather have a few amazing pieces, knowing where they were made, how, by whom and from what kind of material. Collecting large amounts of poor quality leggings that were made for a big corporation in a factory in a third world country, with the minimum wage of workers far below anything decent, and atrocious working conditions, just isn't my thing. 

A general guideline for yoga during your period is to take this time to nurture, cleanse and release. Take the time to be still and don't feel bad about it. But if the movement feels good, make your yoga practice soft and rhythmic.

So you didn't have a baby, get married, traveled the world or launched your amazing business this year? I didn't either. And you know what? I know for sure that you and I can still find around a bazillion things that we did do »right« and that made our 2018 rock without those big events that get paraded on social media over and over and over again. 

Meet the team of amazing yoga teachers behind the content in our app and on our blog. Each Melon & Lime yogini comes with a unique set of skills and teaching style. Read these quick intros, visit their yoga classes, book private lessons or connect with them on social media.