Results at a Glance

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Kellee's Progress: So far I've lost 8 pounds since starting the challenge. I know this is probably mostly water weight, but I'm still happy to see it go!!

Cam's Progress: So far Cam has gained 3 pounds. We're still finding a balance with eating paleo and making sure we both have enough nutrients and vitamins every day as well as good fats!

What We Learned Last Week

{Photo by Lululemon}
Kellee: Most of the our "cants" are actually fears. I've been scared of going into camel completely. I know my spine can handle it (back bending in half moon is my favourite!), but I kept telling myself I "couldn't do it because of my anxiety." It's true camel brings up a lot of emotion in me (and others), and definitely makes me a bit dizzy after, but as soon as I made up my mind that I COULD do it, I did... and it felt amazing. I wanted to cry afterwards I was so happy!

Cam: Slow down and breathe; it's not always about rushing into it and being perfect from the beginning. You need to breathe, slow down, think while you are doing. Also, hydration means more than just drinking water; electrolytes are key as drinking tons of water isn't going to help you from cramping in the hot room. Make sure to have plenty of cocowater, gatorade, lemon/sea salt in water, or whatever you chose as your electrolyte of choice.

This Week's Pose

{Photo by Bikram Yoga Vancouver}
Half Moon Pose with Hands to Feet Pose will be our focus this week. After Bishnu Gosh day Cam and I are incredibly sun burnt, so we've had to stay out of the room for a few days. I'll be back at it tomorrow though! Yay! Check back next Wednesday for what we learned from this week's pose, and tips we've learned from the teachers in class.

Enter to Win a Class Card c/o Bikram Yoga Vancouver:
Entry Number Two!

If you think you missed out on last week's entry chance, never fear! You have until August 31st to enter, and we'll give you a new way every Wednesday!

To Enter:
{1} Fill out the form below for 1 entry


{2} "Like" P+L on facebook and fill out this form for 1 entry

{3} Follow @PirateAndLilac on Twitter and fill out this form for 1 entry

{4} Scan posters at the BYV Kitsilano or West End locations with your iphone or andriod for 1 entry.

Next Wednesday we'll be posting more paleo meals, and what we've been doing to keep up our calories for class! I've been working hard on getting Pirate+Lilac's shp up and running as well, so stay tuned for news about the launch date!

Until tomorrow...

Things have been crazy busy in my life lately, so I ended up taking an unintentional hiatus. Woops! I'll be back on track with tomorrow's post. We'll also have another entry chance for our July Giveaway. For now I need to soak my skin in aloe, as this Vancouverite has definitely been taking advantage of our late summer arrival! :)

Until tomorrow...

{Photo by Neal Fowler}

Our challenge is officially underway! Cameron + I have already been eating paleo, but as of tomorrow morning (yesterday for Cam, who came to a class while I was at work ♥) our yoga practice begins again! I can't wait. I was hoping to get into class today, but I realized last minute I have a meeting at noon today! Eeps! Usually I would get panicky about not being able to practice when I want to, but I'm learning to stop thinking of Bikram as something I "have to do". Sure, it works every single muscle in the body and is an amazing source of exercise, but for my own practice, I don't want it to be inconsistant with months on and months off. I want my practice to be part of my life weekly. So, although I'm busy for 12 hours of my day today and can't make it into class, all I can do is breathe, smile, and get up for class tomorrow!

Win a Class Card c/o BYV!

{Photo by BYV}

Every Wednesday Pirate + Lilac is giving you a chance to enter to win a 5 class card from BYV. New to Bikram Yoga? This is a perfect chance to try it out! Already a practicing student? Who couldn't use another 5 classes for free to further their practice? Check back every Wednesday for a new way to enter!

Complete the Following to Enter:

{1} Fill out the form below for 1 entry


{2} "Like" P+L on facebook and fill out this form for 1 entry

{3} Follow @PirateAndLilac on Twitter and fill out this form for 1 entry

{4} Scan posters at the BYV Kitsilano or West End locations with your iphone or andriod for 1 entry.

See you in the hot room, Vancouver!

{Photo by ankakay}
I was hoping to get a blog post out yesterday for Canada Day, but I woke up with a misplaced rib two days ago! Gah! Cameron felt so horrible for me, I could see it on his face. I couldn't stop the tears from falling and I could barely breathe (it hurt at the top and end of every breath. It felt like someone was stabbing me at the top of my ribs over and over). Luckily I have an amazing sister, who also happens to be a physical therapist, and who immediately sent me some adjustment exercises by email. To be honest, I was a bit skeptical (I know my sister is talented, but I kind of looked at the simplicity of the exercises and was like, there is no way this is going to help...) and it hurt like crazy while I was attempting the exercises, but I woke up 2 days later with no pain whatsoever! I can take full deep breaths and it doesn't feel like I'm being assassinated! Yay!! I was so worried with my bikram & paleo challenge going on this month that I'd already be at a disadvantage, but I feel right as rain! (Sorry to mention rain, Vancouverites... I know we're all a bit touchy considering the sun has been a little less than social with us this summer!)

Speaking of the Bikram & Paleo Challenge, Cam & I have our first grocery shopping trip today! My list is meats and veggies. A few fruits. That's it. Simple, quick, and the recipes I have planned this week look delicious! We'll be posting What We Ate posts periodically along with photos and descriptions of what we cooked for our paleo meals! My sister has been thinking of starting a paleo blog... Here's my shout out to you Melanie: Please do it! Cameron and I need more recipes!! :)

If you're interested in entering to win a class card c/o Bikram Yoga Vancouver I will finally have the deets posted up by this evening. Your first chance to enter is this Wednesday, (Happy) July 4th!

Don't worry fashionistas, I have an international giveaway for July that will be posted in a few days!


{Photo by Cameron ♥}

It's time for me to head off to the grocery store. I've planned meals up until Saturday, as we're going to try to do a fair amount of our shopping at the Kits Farmer's Market on Sundays from now on!

Do you shop at farmer's markets, or grocery stores? Do you only shop organic or a wide range? (We are on a strict budget so we tend to buy organics that are on the "dirty" list, and a mix of organic and not for the rest.) Comment below, or on twitter!