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Los Angeles, United States
Welcome to my blog. Running out of time is about sharing all things beautiful. Time is the most undefinable yet paradoxical of things; the past is gone, the future is not come, and the present becomes the past even while we attempt to define it, and, like the flash of lightning, at once exists expires. Life is too short, so let's start writing.

February 28, 2010

Between Mind and Heart.

Have you ever asked yourself “How do I start a yoga practice?”. 

It can be daunting or intimidating just thinking about the possibility you might be lead into getting your leg stretched behind your head.  I’ve been there.  The feeling of walking into a class with 30 die hard yogis who proceed to pull out their Mandukas, lay their water bottles down, and start warming up in ways you could never manage can make anyone new to practice a little queasy.  But it doesn’t have to feel this way at all. Start where you are. That’s really the only option you have. Actually in yoga I believe we are never advanced, we always come to the mat beginning something new. Our practice evolves every day and each time we come to the mat, the pose brings us to another place.

Want to make your asana session more enjoyable and more beneficial? Then you must relax as you practice. Whether you do yoga for exercise, to relieve stress or both you'll get more out of it if you relax. Don't stress about how stiff you are and don't strain to get into a pose, just do your best and most importantly enjoy it. If you're always thinking about where you ''should'' be, you'll miss what's going on in your body at that exact moment. I'm still not as flexible as I should be, I can't do a cartwheel, I can't do a handstand in the centre of my mat and certainly I have no intention of trying the splits again. Yet, I am focused, I let my mind and my breath do the work, my body automatically follows. 

So... Instead of worrying about how inflexible you are, just notice your tight spots. Watch your breath, notice how it affects your body and let it help you open and release into the pose. Observe your mind, make sure it is focused on the pose and the breath. Don't let it bully you into pushing too far. Gradually you'll be able to hold the pose longer and extend your boundaries.  While contracting certain muscles, relax those that don't need to work. Don't hold unnecessary tension in your face or jaw, in your neck or shoulders. This tension blocks the flow of energy in the body that yoga is designed to enhance. Practicing yoga will be the beginning of a very new experience - breathing your way through life. Your injuries will subside, your mental clarity will tremendously improve and life will feel new again.

How to start a yoga practice:

- Choose a studio or a class - Every studio has its own culture, vision and style of practice.  Try out as many places as it takes to find the one that you feel most comfortable and meets your desires.  You may want to try Kundalini, Ashtanga, Hatha, Hot Yoga or Iyengar style.  Try different ones, and you will know which one you resonate best with.

- Buy a beginners level DVD - This is one way you can practice on your own time, and this can also accommodate your particular schedule.  I strongly believe having a good teacher in a reputable yoga studio cannot be replaced , at least in the beginning stages.  So supplement the yoga studio classes with a few DVD's.  Variety also brings freshness to your practice and growth. 

- Less is more – I can’t stress this enough. I still find myself having to pull back from overdoing the pose. You end up compromising alignment, and the whole benefit of the pose.  As Yoda said to the young Jedi in Empire Strikes Back  “You must unlearn what you have learned”. So unlearn, listen to your body. Breathe!! The breath is much more important than twisting your head 180 degrees.  Step back, and feel what is happening throughout the whole pose.  Forget about the finish line.

- Talk to your Teachers - You will be surprised how willing yoga instructors are to spend time with you after class. You will begin to cultivate wonderful relationships with them.  If you become a regular to their class its almost inevitable that a distinct type of connection develops between you both.

-Treat yourself to an outfit - Why not make it fun and dress up during class. Juicy's ''Down Dog Couture'' is brilliant and will not break the bank.

For me, yoga is not just a workout, it's about working on myself. Namaste.

February 27, 2010

Following The Sun.

As I sit here at my frequently visited tattoo parlour, I am overly excited for my sister's first and only tattoo. Visiting LA, I had to make her trip memorable. As she takes her anxiety pills and hesitates to sit on the chair to get inked, she is a brave woman who knows what she wants... a sun.

Howard Teman's work is very well known in Los Angeles. His brand new studio opened its doors on 9.9.'09. His warm spirit and energy will make your visit worthwhile. After creating more than half of my designs, Howard garners my unequivocal recommendation.

T-Man Tattoo in Studio City.




In the early '90's, Teman became renowned around Hollywood for his series of lithographs which reflect pop culture of the 20th and 21st centuries. His pieces contain uncanny likenesses of Hollywood film legends, rock stars and infamous serial killers. 

Here is one piece that should not go unnoticed: 

After two hours of intense detail and no complaints from my sister, I know that all is going smoothly. 

And..... voila.

For me, ink opens a window to my soul... don't judge me silently. I have been customising my body since the age of eighteen. Seven interesting pieces later, I am still hooked and I will continue to colour my skin. I like tattoos because quite frankly, I like to be rebellious.

Show me a man with a tattoo and I'll show you a man with an interesting past - Jack London.

February 26, 2010

The Voice and The Snake.

This gorgeous red head stepped into my life three years ago when I discovered her album 'One Cell In The Sea'. A Fine Frenzy aka Alison Sudol is a self taught pianist originally from Seattle.

Her lyrics are enchantingly beautiful and hits the soul like a painful feather. Not only does she have mad talent but has a powerful personality that will leave you blushing in awe of her kind heart. I am very lucky to have met her personally, on more than one occasion. It was a lot of fun styling her for the late night show on Craig Ferguson when she performed "Blow Away". She is a bright light and a joy to be around.

Her latest album "A Bomb in A Birdcage" is top notch and I cannot get enough of it. The best thing about it is that all her songs are perfectly balanced and arranged. The lyrics and the melodies have etched into my subconscious and I occasionally find myself humming to them on a daily basis. Obsessed? Perhaps. In love? Definitely!

My favourite song on the album has to be "Stood Up". Having said that I'm so chuffed that "Happier" finally has a music video. Sudol's vocals on this is mind blasting, a song that will tear your mind and make you come back for more.


My friend Carrie and I being goofy with the talented musician.


Be sure to follow her on twitter, her tweets are as charming as her presence.

You won't convince me that I'll be better off, so you go on and I'll be happier - Alison Sudol

February 25, 2010

Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi.

His runway shows were often like performance pieces: One featured models with headwear made of trash, another showed off 10-inch heels shaped like lobster claws. Yes... I am talking about Sir Alexander McQueen.


Yesterday was the final day at London Fashion Week and I certainly cannot go on with my blog without paying tribute to this brilliant man. Having worked for him and Dolce & Gabbana at Harrods while attending University, his designs play a special place in my heart. He was a true legend and an exceptional designer. Although I could not be in London this year, I was there in spirit.  There are no words to describe his creativeness, his energy and his obsessive need to focus on detail. I will most definitely remember his incredible achievements and what he did for fashion in London.




I want what I do to speak volumes - Lee Alexander McQueen

February 24, 2010

Push The Limits.

After running 21km on Sunday at the Pasadena Marathon I inspired myself to achieve the unachievable. After in and out of training for four months I was having second thoughts about this race. This was probably the most amazing thing I've ever done in my lifetime. What a rush, a complete runners high is an understatement. I had to make my mind run my body, it wasn't my age, it wasn't my diet, it was my will power to succeed. Over the past few months I've given myself thousands of reasons to keep running, but it always comes down to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.

I'm currently in a zone where all I want to do is run run run. This morning I ran a challenging 5k at the Hazeltine Park in Sherman Oaks. Amazing running trails in the Los Angeles area can be found here. My favourite trails also include Runyon Canyon and Fryman Canyon, the scenery is just spectacular and very motivating. They are both dog and baby friendly, so no excuses. 

Upcoming races that I will be involved in:
  • Run The Waves 10k @ Zuma Beach (running for children's special olympics) - March 6th.
  • Wholefoods Market 5k @ The Rosebowl - March 16th.
  • Run For Hope 5k @ Mailbu Beach (running for cancer research and treatments) - April 10th (birthday run).
  • Santa Barbara Half Marathon @ Solvang - May 8th.
  • Santa Monica Classic 10k @ SM Pier - May 16th.
You might be sitting there and thinking OMJ I'd rather be sitting on my sofa sipping tea instead of breaking out in a sweat, but sweat cleanses from the inside, it comes from places a shower will never reach. Good things come slow, especially in long distance running. First thing first, find a great pair of trainers (if you dont want to break the budget I recommend new balance) and make sure to update your ipod since music is extremely important to boost up your tempo. I usually run to House Radio on Pandora on my iPhone. Running on the treadmill and running outside is completely different. Want to track your miles, calories and speed on the go? There's an app for that. RunKeeper is fantastic and you can keep logs of previous runs.

I'm quite chuffed and proud of myself if I may say so. I've earned this pain, and I shall enjoy it.



Hello and Welcome.

In the next few chapters I will take you with me into another world, into a world of music, fashion, healthy living, spirit and meditation. Since I told myself 2010 would be my breakthrough, I'm here to jot down the memories.

I hope you enjoy Root. Time enjoyed wasting is not wasted time.