The Sweetest Perfection

perfect [adjective, pur-fikt]
exactly fitting the need in a certain situation or for a certain purpose.


Often when we think of the perfect moments of our lives, they're times filled with bliss, joy, happiness. Though last night on my bike ride home, I found perfection in a new way. I have been going through a lot of stuff lately. I won't get into the details because they're not important. What is important is how I have been feeling. Quite simply, I have been feeling "less than", "Not enough", and as though I may have taken some wrong turns. 


As I rode home, the clouds had begun to move in and then the rain, hail, thunder and lightening followed. I was soaked, cold, my skin was turning a bit red and puffy. Just as I began to curse yet one more bad decision to be on my bike in a storm, I rode under a bridge. The bridge was a temporary haven for three people who looked like they were without a home or stability. I suddenly felt like I got the big old wake up call from the universe, you know the temper tantrum kind rather than the whispery sweet kind. I hadn't been listening. 


I was so worried about what I don't have that I couldn't see all the amazing things I do have. In that moment I was so worried about getting from point a to point b that I hadn't stopped to recognize that I had the luxury of point b. 


The part of yoga that I have always loved is the spaces in between. Learning to thrive when you're not quite in the darkness or the light. It was in that very physical manifestation of the space in between work and home last night that I woke up. I realized that some things aren't happening for me in the way or in the amount of time that I would prefer, but I am still on the path and the stability and opportunities in my life have been taken for granted. 


Time to push forward, recognize the perfection in that moment, the way everything came together to last night to serve a certain purpose, to remind me to trust my training, my motivation, my path. 


Have you ever experienced this form of perfection? Have you had the universe deliver you a perfect combination of signs and physical manifestations in order to teach or unveil?

A Case of Mistaken Identity

Artwork by Paul-Baptiste Baca

When I first joined Twitter, I joined with the name CupcakeMafia. It was funny but more important it exemplified who I am, a girl who is both sweet and tough. After awhile it seemed most of my contacts on twitter were outdoorsy, particularly climbers. I began to think that I should change my name to reflect that part of me. Something inside me told me to stay with what I had. Then again when I began to immerse myself in yoga and yoga folk, I thought....Cupcake Mafia doesn't scream "Yogini" but I stayed the course. In the last few months I have figured out why.

There has been a lot of talk about "identity" lately, particularly amongst my outdoorsy friends. They notice that they've expanded their interest and evolved. People once known as "Climbing" people are now skiing people, cycling people, paddling people. No one thing defines them. For those who let one thing, like climbing, define them, then face an injury, a loss of partner, a relocation, they're lost for awhile. They were a "Climber", now what?

I have thought about how I have identified myself both in the past and present. Words like Climber, Cyclist, Bookwork, Seamstress, Knitter, Yogini, Daughter, Girlfriend, Aunt, Athlete, Caretaker of Animals....these all came out of my mouth. When asked about myself it was always, "I work at blah blah blah, I live with blah blah blah, My hobbies include....". My identity was driven by external factors.

I stepped back and thought about those words and how they were not what defined me, but rather the core values they share. Rather than describe myself with brief words I am so much more.

I am someone:

• With a great capacity for love
• Who feels more connected to the earth and people of the world when I am outdoors
• Able to recognize the unity of my mind, soul, and body more when I participate in physical activities
• Who is willing to protect people she loves 
• Who feels at peace after bringing a project from start to finish
• Who remains open to new paths and new challenges

You get the picture. It's not an exhaustive list but it's a glimpse at how my process works. It has made a huge difference. I no longer dwell on the fact that I may not climb as much as I would like, that maybe I am no longer a climber. Rather I say, I may not climb as much but the part of my soul that is fueled from climbing is fueled with yoga, riding my bike, and so many other areas.

My identity is not dependent upon how often or how well I do something. Rather it's fluid, it evolves, and comes from what brings me joy, what makes me cringe, but on a really big level. My identity is also not dependent on how much I let others see. I can give as much or as little of each of these elements in my relationships and interaction and still maintain my authenticity.

So for my friends who are struggling with identity or even if you haven't given it much thought considering going through this process. Get rid of the words that are so static and describe yourself with core messages and phrases. Present yourself in a greater way. On that note... I better go change my biography ;-)

A Whisper to a Scream

When people find out that I am in a yoga teacher training program the question I am most often asked is "What makes you want to teach yoga?" (followed by "Oh you must be very bendy?"). That's a big question. How do you tell someone you may not know very well how profoundly yoga has impacted your life without over sharing or scaring them with the amount of passion you have?

Eventually I found the most concise and neutral way to describe that.

"Yoga helps me stay mindful of the connection between by mind, body, soul and the universe. With that awareness I am able to take my cues from the Universe and it has made my life a lot easier. I want to share that with other people."

So what does that mean? It means my life is really a lot easier because of the awareness yoga awards me.When the universe has a suggestion for you it starts out with a whisper. If you don't hear it, it will raise it's voice until the point that it's getting your attention like a two-year-old stamping it's feet, red-faced and in tears.

I now see the subtle messages, I hear the whisper that the Universe is sending to me. I rarely make the same mistakes over and over again hoping to get different results, I used to do this all the time. The best part, the Universe's messages aren't always telling you what not to do. Yeah, sure you get the "You'll regret that 9pm Chai when you try to sleep tonight" but you also get some amazing encouragement.

I began reaching out to people on a whim, a whisper, and then I see the doors of mutually beneficial opportunity fly open. I became more daring, more willing to go outside my comfort zone and the rewards have been amazing.

Do you have to practice yoga to hear the Universe's whisper? I don't think so. It's what has worked best for me but I have had similar experiences in hiking, climbing, and cycling. Anything that brings movement, thought, and a level of meditation or awareness with the universal connection will work.

I would love to hear from people with similar experiences. Have you heard the Universe whisper? What did it say?

Hi, I'm Cupcake, and I Eat Baby Food

Not too long ago I was visiting my best friends and as we were talking about how it can be difficult to stay nourished when you're active my friend showed me an awesome addition to her daughter's lunch box. At the time, I wasn't so sure how awesome it would be though, even though the daughter is six, it was still by a company that makes baby food, Ella's Kitchen.


While I think whole fruit is always a great option it was getting hard to eat pears and other sticky fruits on the go. They were messy or after a day in my bag cut, battered, and bruised. So the fruit pouch was appealing.

In the UK, Ella's Kitchen has a huge variety of snacks and meals for babies and toddlers. In the US, we get the Stage One Baby Foods and the Smoothie Fruits, the latter being my favorite.

Available in four varieties, the Smoothie Fruits are organic mashed-up fruit in a portable pouch. Averaging around 50 calories each they're a nice light snack on their own or great paired with some nuts or cheese. The fruit can be enjoyed at room temperature but I like mine refrigerated. For longer days I freeze the pouch the night before and by mid-afternoon it's ready to eat.

Once while shopping I couldn't find Ella's so I opted for the Earth's Best, Yogurt Smoothie instead. Since these have a bit of yogurt in them they are creamier and have more calories, around 70 per pouch. A little more sustainable for a snack on their own.
Also available in four varieties, the Earth's Best pouches freeze well and taste yummy.

The only drawback for me was the packaging. In the US, the pouch may or may not be recyclable based on your local practices. One excellent resource is TerraCycle, specializing in hard to recycle items. They currently recycle items like Capri Sun pouches and have a great selection of products made from recycled material.

However, if you're crafty there is another option. You can use the cleaned and dismantled pouches as material to sew a tote bag or hand bag. These instructions are based on Capri Sun pouches but with a little reconfiguration the fruit pouches will work too. I always love crafting from reclaimed material and these bags are cute for the summer and would be great for the pool or beach.

Enjoy the fun and innovating pureed fruit on your next long work day or day trip hiking and climbing. Maybe you'll love them so much you'll be inspired to get crafty and find a great new use for their pouches. If you do let me know!

I Love Wool Panties! aka My Review of PULSE Activewear

If you've been active in the outdoors for awhile you've probably heard that wool baselayers are the best. There are a lot of options for wool shirts and longjohns and that's a pretty easy idea to wrap your head around. Wool underwear? That's a whole other story. I have a hard time not imaging itchy wool near my ladybits and cringing. Luckily I am also a knitter and I know not all wool is created equal. If you're able to get your hands on delicious New Zealand merino wool then you are in for a treat. Luckily, that is exactly what PULSE Activewear is using.

Made with PrimaSoft, the underwear and socks available from PULSE Activewear stand out from other baselayer fabrics. The fabric is naturally very soft while providing excellent moisture-wicking and staying odor resistant. I was fortunate enough to try their V-Neck Sports Bra and Fitness Thong Panty for various activities and I am impressed. I wore the set running, cycling, during yoga, and snowshoeing. They kept me dry during the most vigorous activities and I felt comfortable the whole time. I will definitely bring these on my next camping trip. I feel 100% confident they will hold up for multi-day wear based on the fabric properties and design. I also put them through a few wash cycles and they held their shape beautifully and came out just as soft, if not softer than before, and wrinkle-free.

As far as the cut of the items I tested, they really worked for me. While they have a Fitness Brief Panty available for women I am a thong girl (yes I know: "LA LA LA Too Much Information"). However, when you're frequently wearing bike shorts and yoga pants the thong is your friend. The cut of the thong is generous while still serving as a low-profile garment. I really liked the V-Neck Sports Bra. It feels feminine while still maintaining some modesty. It is also great as a layer under more low cut items.

While I am not one of the men folk, I know most of my guy friends are boxer or boxerbrief types. I have heard it isn't easy to find these in wool but PULSE offers both as well as an undershirt for men. They also offer a year-round sock for men and women.

PULSE Activewear is a great way to upgrade your existing wardrobe or would make an awesome gift for a loved one, available at http://PULSEactivewear.com/.

Favorite Things: Goody Ouchless Comfort-Flex Barrettes

Have you ever had one of those weeks where nothing is going right? You know, the times where every mole hill feels like a mountain and trials you would normally handle with ease almost bring on 2-year-old style temper tantrums. Yep, we've all been there. It's funny how in those times of emotional wear we find comfort in the little things. In my most recent bout of inappropriate hardship I developed an even greater love for my new favorite barrettes.

Yes, for just under $4 I was able to turn that frown upside down. Did a barrette solve my problems or eliminate obstacles? No. However while practicing yoga it kept my hair back out of my face in a nice twist. Even through inversions and faster flows it stays in place, no fussing and adjusting. Then when it came time for savasana I didn't have to take it out! If you don't lie on the floor in Corpse pose often this may seem like a little thing but when you're able to just be there and breathe without dealing with the hair or barrettes that cause discomfort it is a really nice feeling.

Available at many grocers and drugstores these barrettes come in two sizes. The large is great for twists where all my hair is folded up. The small barrettes are wonderful for pulling half my hair back or twisting it up with the ends poking out. Not only are they great for yoga but for styling the post-bike helmet hair they're awesome. I have actually been able to wear them under my bike helmet as well. The design is so minimal it doesn't create pressure points or pain.

While I can't say the barrettes work miracles, give me greater clarity or anything else of huge magnitude I can say they give me just one less thing to worry about. On good days that's wonderful, on bad days that's even better.

But I....

I weigh too much. It's too embarrassing. I am too old. I just can't...

I have been thinking a lot about the excuses I hear and give when it comes to living an active life. While this blog post was moving around in my brain similar  thoughts were in the minds of two women I admire. The first post comes from Amy, an incredible woman and life coach. In her post "Excuses", she guides you on how to identify what types of excuses you're giving, how many are valid, and how to develop a strategy to get through the invalid excuses.

So I can hear the excuse for this now..."What if I don't do it right?" or "I don't believe I can motivate myself". Well then check out how Katie, at Adventure-Inspired Tales, used Amy's model and put it all out there. She's a brave girl, and I know you're brave enough to do it too. Confront yourself and your excuses!

If you need a little more motivation, check out these great stories of inspiration.

I can't do it alone

A few of these stories came courtesy of Michele Flamer's amazing, inspirational, emails and posts as the leader of the 30 Day Challenge on Facebook. So if your excuse is "I can't do it alone" check out the group and you will find safety and success in numbers!

I'm too big and too heavy

At 501 pounds Scott Cutshall was told he would die in six months. Click here to learn how he went from barely being able to move to biking as a lifestyle.

I'm too old

It's true once you reach a certain age you may no longer be eligible to be a professional athlete (though don't tell that to Mara Yamuchi who began her professional running career at 30). However age shouldn't and won't stop you from trying something new and having FUN! I love this piece on beginning kayaking after age 50. It has some great information on getting started that can be translated to other sports and activities.

I haven't done anything like this...it could be embarrassing.

Yes, when trying something new or pushing yourself to the next level you will be outside your comfort zone. You won't know everything and you will make mistakes. Some of them will be embarrassing mistakes but you're not alone and if you're able to laugh at yourself it can be character building. Check out these stories from Runner's World.

But I...I..I just can't

 If you really believe that watch this video. The amazing story of a man who runs for his son who can't.

Dirty Girls Need Love Too: Products That Pamper Active Gals

I like to get dirty, but I think you knew that. Between biking, climbing, hiking, and just playing outdoors I tend to be a little grubby a lot of the time. At the same time I like to take care of myself. I like soft skin and pretty shiny hair (even if it's windblown or I am rockin' the lovely helmet hair). Over the last few years I have found some great products for girls like me who are no stranger to being dirty but like to feel a little pretty too.

Lips

I love the lipgloss by "Yes to Carrots". It is shiny and soothing with just a hint of color. My favorite element is how easily it is applied. A lot of glosses are globby but this goes on smoothly. I love that is not tested on animals and 95% organic and Paraben and Carmine free. The only thing I would change is to add an SPF coverage.

Face

I don't like to wear a lot of make-up. Sure I own Foundation but that's really for special occasions. For my daily wear I opt for tinted moisturizer by "Kiss My Face". I have sensitive skin and most tinted moisturizers I have dried irritate my skin. The Kiss My Face pigment comes from minerals, not chemicals, and the product is oil and fragrance free. The mineral coverage also provides SPF 8 UVA/UVB protection.

Hands and Feet

My hands and feet always need a little extra love. They tend to be dry and when I added activities and the elements to that they just don't stand a chance. However I have found using Burt Bee's Thoroughly Therpeutic Honey and Bilberry Foot Creme does the trick. While designed for feet I love the results so much that I began using it on my hands as well. I have tried other products that work well but they are heavy and greasy. This moisturizer is light, absorbs quickly, and smells delicious.

Hair

I wash my hair every few days. I am prone to dry skin and also dry hair so shampooing frequently doesn't help. However, I am not a fan of that second or third day "Have you been in the wilderness too long?" look my hair takes on. So when I discovered "dry shampoo" I fell in love. The powder spray allows you to apply it right at the roots where hair may get a little oily and makes it easy to style. The transluscent formula has worked on my hair when it was dark brunette as well as blonde. While there are a lot of more expensive brands on the market I have found Batiste Dry Shampoo works just as well and is less expensive. I prefer the "Blush" scent but it also comes in "Tropical" and "Original".

For Yoga, for Cycling, for Climbing, for Living: PrAna's Erin Top and Bliss Capri Pants

Finding clothing that takes me easily from yoga to cycling to a casual dinner with friends is not easy. I need clothes that move with me while still flattering my figure and maintaining a certain level of modesty. I don't have the long lean body that you may think of when you think yogi/climber. Think less Cirque du Soleil and more Mary Lou Retton. I am short, muscular, and curvy. I am lucky to have found new wardrobe staples from PrAna that answer my needs.

An issue I come across when searching for tops is finding the right amount of support for the girls. Many brands design tops with adequate sports bras built in but they scoop too low thus don't work for yoga or anyone larger than a C cup. Another problem is finding a top that doesn't fall forward (yay everyone look at my tummy!!!) in inversion poses or fit so snug I feel like a wee little sausage in it. I love the PrAna Erin top because it addresses all these issues.

Made from 89% recycled polyester and 11% Spandex the Erin Top has superb moisture management so I never worry about a little perspiration from my bike ride. The built-in shelf bra is combined with a modest (yet not constricting) neckline. Coupled with a cute contrasting racer back style I have full support for the girls. I never worry about a wardrobe malfunction during inversions or a bumpy bike ride. Also, the stomach area of the top is perfect! It stays in place but it's not so snug that you can make out exactly where my belly button is.

The Bliss Capri Pantscompliment the Erin Top perfectly but have also become my go to pants for everything. I wear them to work, to the park, for hanging out with my fella, to going out to dinner. The length is perfect on my 5'2" frame to wear as an ankle length pant. For taller ladies this would be a true capri. The fabric is light weight but ready for climbing or other abrasive activities. The fabric also dries quickly. With the recent storms we've had in Colorado I have come to appreciate how important this is. The drawstring waist allows for a custom fit and stays where you put it (there's nothing worse than having to re-tie your pants all day). I also like the deep pockets, very convenient when you ride your bike everywhere.

I really can't say enough about how much I love these two items. After going through the wash about five times so far both have held their color and shape and no pilling! I plan on purchasing the Erin Top in multiple colors and probably a few pairs of the Bliss Capri Pants as well. After all, when you find a good thing, go with it!

Cupcake Challenge: Giving Back by Doing the Things You Love

If you've been reading my blog a bit, know me, or follow me on Twitter you know a few things about the Cupcake. I like being active, I like trying new things, and I love volunteering and giving back to causes I believe in.

For those of us who like adventure and to push ourselves physically we always feel compelled to challenge ourselves. So my newest challenge to you is while setting your spring and summer time goals consider a fund raising event in your chosen sport (or a new one)! Sometimes finding out where to start is the toughest hurdle so I have done a little research to get us going.

The HERA Women's Cancer Foundation has a variety of events for outdoor enthusiasts that support their mission to end the loss of life due to ovarian cancer. The events began with the Climb for Life which was brain child of Sean Patrick when she was recovering from her seventh ovarian cancer surgery. Since then the success of the climbing events has lead way to the upcoming Escape from Granogue Mountain Bike Race, and 2009 Run Like a Girl 8K Series.

Want to hit up Yosemite this year? Perhaps consider Climb for a Cause. Over Labor Day weekend this event will include an attempted summit of the Half Dome as well as other fun events. If you participate you'll be raising funds for The Cambodia Project and Guatemalan Dental Relief.

Yet another organization doing amazing things while getting people off the couch is Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up, which raises money to fight against pediatric AIDS in Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Participate by doing a climb in your own state this May!

If want to help inner-city urban teens experience the wilderness and love to summit mountains then check out Backpacker Magazine's Summit for Someone and their collection of amazing climbs. The events cover 17 peaks and different levels including women specific climbs and expedition climbs of five days or more.

A organization that has been known for their marathon, half-marathon and triathlon events is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. This group is unique in the fact that you are part of a team and train together to work towards the big day. If the idea of running or completing a triathlon doesn't knock your socks off check out their newest expansion into Hiking and Cycling events.

If the above mentioned events make you feel like a fish out of water how about Kayak for a Cause? This group chooses different charities each year and past recipients have included Outward Bound and the Sierra Club. This July's race will be the ninth year with paddlers going from Long Island to Connecticut.

While this is a relatively short list I hope it gets you thinking about your next step and how you can take your love of the outdoors to the next level. If you don't see something in your community or have a specific non-profit group you would like to support consider organizing your own event. Take it from me there is nothing more rewarding then organizing an event when your passion is the driving factor.

My Adventures In Cycling Part One: Prepared Like a Girl Scout, Where's my Badge?

It seemed as soon as I was road ready the weather decided to work against me. However I have managed a few rides and realized just like any other activity being outdoors is much different than the gym. You can't compare running on the treadmill to a trail run and riding uphill in the cold with wind blowing is so different than the stationary bike.

Since the weather hasn't worked in my favor I have been training and riding in smaller increments working my way up for the big daily commute goal. One part of that goal is being prepared for emergencies, particularly flat tires. I have outfitted my bike with an under seat bag including the core basic repair items:

• Spare tube


• Patches


• Tire Pressure Gauge


• Tire Levers


• A Multi Tool


• Pump

Of course having the tools is useless if you don't know how to use them. A client who commutes via bike frequently told me just sit down and change the tire three times in a row, in the comfort of your own home. The last thing you want is to have your first tube change be on the side of the road when the sun is going down. I watched this video a few times and went for it.

How to Change a Flat Tire on a Bicycle -- powered by ExpertVillage.com

It was so much easier than I had imagined and I feel better when I am out on the path miles away from home. My next installment will include tips for making your bicycle commute more comfortable in the mean time,visit REI's Expert Advice Site for a Basic Cycling Checklist.