Holistic Health in Anacostia! Your Body-Your Life

Over 50 women living east of the Anacostia river will move and groove in the name of health on Monday, March 12, 2012 for the 2nd Annual Your Body-Your Life Holistic Health Workshop at the Hillcrest Recreation Center.

 

We can no longer ignore the health issues and how they impact women and children in our community. From HIV/AIDS, access to healthy food, obesity and environmental pollution, something must be done to shift the health culture for residents in Wards 7 and 8. 

The event will feature an inspiring yoga class, veggie delights by DC Central Kitchen and a raffle by the US Office of Women's Health. Torey Hollingsworth of Greater DC Cares and Karli Hurlebaus of DC Central Kitchen will share actionable steps toward health activism for women living East of the River.

The event is sold out but get on the wait-list and email anacostiayogi@gmail.com for more details.

2nd Annual YOUR BODY-YOUR LIFE

Monday, March 12, 2012

7pm-8pm

Hillcrest Recreation Center

3100 Denver Street SE

Washington, DC 20020

202-645-9200
Register Here:

http://anacostiayoga.eventbrite.com/

Yoga By Another Name: Kemetic Yoga

"I used to think that yoga was only  for Indian men meditating wearing white diapers" laughs Yirser Ra Hotep. But Hotep soon realized that yoga was for everyone, "I would travel to a village in Ghana where no one has ever heard of the word yoga. I'd see little African kids getting into the exact same positions."  The more he researched, the more he realized that there was more to yoga than what we thought.

Anacostia Yogi and Yirser Ra Hotep at the Yoga Skills Training

After 30 years of practicing Hindu-based yoga, he developed the Yoga Skills Method- a Yoga Alliance Approved training for yogis who want a deeper cultural connection to yoga.

Kemetic Yoga Teacher Training

Hotep, a social worker and professor, has traveled the world verifying that everyone on the planet practices some form of  "yoga". Hotep eventually traveled to Egypt to document the athletic movements on the hieroglyphs and discovered "Kemetic Yoga". Now the Yoga Skills Method is gaining momentum as more people want to learn about the history of diversity within yoga.

The African Olmecs of Mexico in their versions of  "Locust" and "Scorpion"

Teacher Trainees Learning Kemetic movements from Yoga Skills

Yirser Ra Hotep explaining anatomy to a trainee

Both Ancient Egyptians and Hindus focus on chakras 

The Yoga Skills  training is a great addition to the Hindu-based understanding of yoga. Hotep's extensive understanding of the body, spirit and movement reveals that "yoga" exists in every culture. He reminds us that the "Breath, movement, and the spirit connection is our birthright."

Texts on movement throughout Ancient Africa

 The Yoga Skills Method on Kemetic Yoga is powerful way to learn the cultural history backed up with anatomy and psychology. I now fuse my Hindu-based foundation with Kemetic Yoga for deeper meaning within the soulful movement in yoga.

Take a class on Kemetic Yoga
PIES Fitness Yoga
374 S. Pickett Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22304

Fore more on Kemetic Yoga, visit http://www.yogaskills.com/
Toll Free: 888 599-YOGA (9642)
Phone: 773 396-6613
Email: yirser@yogaskills.com

Chocolate City Yoga: DC's Best Black-Owned Yoga Studios

Once upon a time I'd enter a posh yoga space only to discover that I was the only black woman. While finding my zen, I also found a disconnect from the fellow yogis across the mat.

One upon a time in yoga isolation

Lately, I've stumbled onto a black-owned yoga studio community that offers up the diversity and friendliness that I've been looking for. The Chocolate City Yoga scene is starting to heat up with a new crop of wellness businesses. I picked out my top yoga studios from Northwest DC to Alexandria, VA. These owners offer the much needed support and variety missing in the DC wellness circuit.

1. PIES Fitness Yoga, owner Marsha Banks Harold

Alexandria, VA 

The ever-loving and ever-moving Marsha Banks Harold

"It was my calling to open a yoga studio", says PIES Fitness Yoga owner, Marsha Banks Harold as she registers a 15th student into the Kemetic Yoga 200 hour Teacher Training. Marsha, lovingly known as "Mama PIES", recently renovated the colorful space in Alexandria, Virginia after she couldn't fit any more students into her old studio. PIES offers yoga, zumba, belly dancing and a unique "yoga melt" class. In addition to running the busy studio, Marsha balances a high powered 9-5 work schedule and raises her four children with the support of her husband. Marsha's yoga calling came after she lost 80lbs and a friend encouraged her to complete a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. Since then, Marsha's been hooked on yoga and now teaches over 5 classes per week.

2. Embrace, owner Faith Hunter

Adams Morgan, NW DC

Faith Hunter, maintaining balancing 

Faith Hunter is more than just a yoga teacher, she is savvy businesswoman with an international presence  connecting yogis from across the globe. Her new studio, Embrace, is a one room laboratory designed to push students to reach their greatest potential. Embrace offers 300-hour intensives, Sanksrit yoga workshops and celebrity yoga instructors, all while building a welcoming yoga community.

3. Spiritual Essence Yoga, owner Dana Smith

Upper Marlboro, MD

Dana Smith captures her Spiritual Essence

This little yoga gem tucked away in the secluded Upper Marlboro suburb may be a hike for those bound by the DC metro. But Spiritual Essence Yoga is worth the trek if only to commune with Dana Smith and her team of specialized instructors. I popped into a free community class and learned from the team of experts about the benefits of a restorative yoga practice. Dana Smith's studio is warm, cozy and a great environment for building a one-on-one relationship with your yoga instructor.

4. MamaSita's & The Sitea Spice Boutique 

owner Dr. Sunyatta Amen

Takoma Park, NW DC

MamaSita's is one of the most established wellness spaces for Black women in Washington D.C. Dr. Sunyatta Amen caters to an expanding market of women who long to fire up their dormant hips. The Takoma Park studio sits adjacent to Dr. Amen's latest venture, the Sitea Spice Boutique Tea Shop. Drop in on a Cardio Belly Dance class with Mama Gigi,  try a Funk Yoga class or go straight to the source, Dr. Sunyatta Amen, for her powerful reggae belly dance class.

5. Jordin's Paradise, owner Rania Jaziri
Shaw/Convention Center, NW DC

Jordin's Paradise, Studio Owner Rania Jaziri

Rania Jaziri's 7 year international fitness background reflects her passion to bridge the connection between professional dancing and stepping up your sexy. Jordin's Paradise offers steamy sessions such as Stripper Bootcamp and Pole-yoga-lates. The sultry-themed studio attracts alternative clientele seeking more sensuality in their fitness regimen. Rania Jaziri is outspoken, friendly and challenges any stereotype of the Middle Eastern business women.

Noticeably absent from the list is a yoga studio East of the Anacostia River. My vision is to open a space that blends social health justice with the revolutionary and meditative spirit of yoga.  Black women are finally realizing that our health is our wealth. It is time to start investing in ourselves and cash in!

Anacostia Yogi Studio for 2013

Resources for Small Minority & Women Owned Businesses
U.S. Small Business Administration Minority Owned Businesses
Washington Area Community Investment Fund
DC Small Business Development Center
Tips on Owning a Yoga Studio
Nielsen Market Research Report on Black Economic Spending Habits

Ohhm on HU: Yoga at Howard University

Yoga is making its way onto Howard University's campus with the new series, "Yoga for the Free".  The classes kick off this Thursday February 23, 2012 at Howard University's Slowe Hall (Dorm) at 1919 3rd Street NW. 

Classes will be offered at a different HU dorm every week throughout the semester. This week's class will be led by yoga instructor and psychology major/Japanese minor Brandon Copeland. Copeland is a rising star in the DC wellness community. Trained at Yoga District, he blends creativity with a contemporary twist on yoga for the new millennium.

Yoga Instructor Brandon Copeland

Yoga for the Free is sponsored by Respectable College Living, an organization raising health consciousness for college students.  


Practice yoga with the next generation and bring a mat for yourself (and maybe an extra one for a friend if you have one) and water. For more info contact Amber Moore or donate by helping connect Howard University students to the beauty and simplicity of holistic living.

Yoga for the Free at Howard University

Every Thursday at 6:30pm

Slowe Hall 

1919 Third St NW

Twitter Hashtag #yoga4thefree 

Amber Moore @pureAmberguity

Respectable College Living @RespectCollege 

@TheGOYSLife

Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/events/357990070885669/

Donation http://yftf.eventbrite.com/

Run, Eat, Sleep & Blog: Top 10 Health & Wellness Bloggers

Blogging is the new black. Everybody either has a blog, is starting a blog, or trying to make money from a blog. Online media has opened the doors for niche black health markets ranging from vegan rappers to vegan racists. Some bloggers work daily on new content, while others write occasionally on anything and everything related to health and wellness.

Blogging and fitness can happen, just not at the same time. 

Finding a well written blog with useful content can be frustrating, confusing and often a huge waste of time. I've stepped in to make your online reading faster and easier by narrow down my top ten favorite

 health-conscious bloggers. 

1. Chelsea Loves Yoga 

 The first time I saw Chelsea Jackson, she and a friend were practicing headstands and partner yoga on New York Subway platforms. I immediately wondered, "Why would these two fit, beautiful but weird black women put their faces near the floor of a  New York Subway?" The Spelman-alum uses yoga as an educational tool for youth and started an amazing yoga spotlight featuring brown yoga experts from around the world. Check out her most recent interview with Dead Prez rapper "Stickman" at http://www.chelsealovesyoga.com/

2. Black Girls Run

She can't possibly be smiling because she loves running. 

Long distance running, also known as joint torture, is something I have yet to master. Running intimidates and demoralizes me, but I still do it. When I found Black Girls Run, I realized I was not alone. The founders, Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks, say they created Black Girls RUN! "in an effort to tackle the growing obesity epidemic in the African-American community and provide encouragement and resources to both new and veteran runners."  The blog lists upcoming races, black women's running groups and even a 60 minute motivational music mix. Visit http://www.blackgirlsrun.com/

3. Raw Fit Mama 

The Raw Fit Mama speaks out about her drastic weight loss! 

After this 5'1 mom gained over 50 lbs battling depression, she made a decision to switch up her game and take on a plant-based lifestyle. The Raw Fit Mama details the ups and downs of weight gain and analyzes how our food choices are connected to our emotional stability. She also includes a  Black History list of her favorite health blogs! Visit http://rawfitmama.blogspot.com/

4. The RGB Fit Club 

Stickman of Dead Prez taking no prisoners!

Dead Prez rapper Stickman, calls on the hip hop community to wake up and start a health revolution. The RGB (Red, Green and Black) Fit Club has a radio show and shares information about Monsanto, cancer causing foods and maintaining healthy relationships.

5. Black Fitness Tumblr & Black Yogi Tumblr

You too can look like this. Black Fitness Tumblr

Visual images are always good motivators when trying to move from the sofa to the yoga studio. These two tumblr sites showcase some of the most beautiful images of black bodies in the health world!

6. Sistah Vegan

UC Berkeley PhD Candidate A. Breeze Harper won't let work get in the way of her family-time, literally! 

Every once in awhile, I run across someone who radically challenges the way I view the world. A. Breeze  Harper wins the award for linking food injustices, white supremacy and vegan-ism! I know that a vegan white racist may sound like an oxymoron. But Harper's new book Sistah Vegan explores the elitism, judgment and entitlement of the current vegan philosophy and dialogue. She even references alternative black health experts like Queen Afua as a source for her research. Buy her book or read her blog at http://sistahvegan.wordpress.com/

7. Brown Girl Farming

Natasha Bowens (left) blogs about getting food from the farm to the fork.
Photo by Hughes Anhes

Natasha Bowens goes where most black women never go, to the farm. She gets her hands and feet dirty by growing her own vegetables and documenting the process in a project called, The Color of Food. She has raised over $10,000 in support for her farming efforts by reporting and blogging about unorthodox farming techniques such as beekeeping and farming in her swimming pool!
Visit Natasha's blog at http://browngirlfarming.com

8.The Flavor Diva- Tesia Love 

Tesia Love sincerely looks like she is happy to cook for you!

Tesia Love's warm smile looks like she will whip you up a batch of home-made cookies spiked with tablespoons of love. Her blog includes recipes cooking tips, tutorials and she is a prenatal yoga instructor at Shakti Mind Body Studio in DC's Shaw neighborhood. Try out her Almond Cookie recipe at http://flavordiva.com/

9. Girl Trek

Get it Girls! The young ladies of Girl Trek

Vanessa Garrison and Tanya Morgan Dixon founded this walking organization after being inspired by the rebellious Harriett Tubman. The ladies sponsor and ignite young girls to form power walking groups in neighborhoods like Anacostia and bridge the connections between activism and health. 

10. African-American Environmentalism Network

Last year, the online magazine, Madame Noire asked, "Do Blacks folks care about the environment?". Of course we care, we just care more at the local level. The African American Environmentalism Network Blog expands the conversation to federal and state jurisdictions by providing updates on new laws and what we can do to get politically active on environmental changes. Get involved at http://aaenvironment.blogspot.com/

Do you know of any obscure blogs written by a diverse perspective? 
Email anacostiayogi@gmail.com or share in the comments section.

An Active Anacostia Forum Sat Feb 11, 2012 9am-11am

Is the Anacostia River ready for recreation and tourism? Is it safe to paddle, row, waterski, fish or canoe along the river? Will we ever give the Anacostia River the same reverence, care, attention and maintenance that we give to the Potomac River or even the man-made Tidal Basin?

Rowing along the Maryland side of the Anacostia River

Anacostia Watershed Community Activist Brent Bolin says, "YES" in his recent Greater Greater Washington article. I spoke briefly with Brent last year about the Anacostia River's recreational possibilities. 

Tweet about the Anacostia River to @bcbolin and check out his blog  http://brentcbolin.blogspot.com/

The neglect and abuse of the Anacostia River by Federal and local governments reflects the short-sighted view of urban development. Overlooking Anacostia demonstrates that environmental racism/classism is alive and well. Residents of ALL DC wards must pay close attention to the natural resources in their communities and demand legal action when they smell something funky. Now, these big wigs must spend millions to clean up the oil, toxins, trash traps and pollutants that they thought they could sweep under the rug or dump into the river.

In the end, who benefits? Who gets hurt? Who pays? Advocating for clean healthy waterways will impact property values, the quality of life, environmental sustainability and create income generating opportunities for communities along the river. 

Come share your thoughts at the Anacostia River Health and Recreation Forum sponsored by the Anacostia Community Boathouse Association. This is an important time to let your voice be heard as we witness a major shift in Washington DC's demographics. 

Anacostia River Health and Recreation Forum

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 9am-11am

Featuring government officials and health experts including:

·         Dr. Janet Phoenix, DC Environmental Health Collaborative

·         Dr. Sacoby Wilson, School of Public Health, University of Maryland

Welcoming Remarks by Tommy Wells, DC’s Ward 6 Council Member and a paddler!

February 11, 2012, 9am-11am

First District Metropolitan Police Station, Community Room

101 M Street, Southwest

Washington, DC 20024

Sponsored by:

Anacostia Community Boathouse Association

Anacostia Watershed Society

Contact info@anacostiaws.org with questions or visit www.anacostiaws.org.

A Natural Obsession- Health Care or Hair Care?

"So I hear Black women's hair makes up about 40 percent of your being" joked a male friend who remains bewildered by black women's obsession with hair. His comment struck a cord with how much time, conversation, money and mental energy we place on the worship and obsession over our hair.

I've sat through hours of endless conversations about hair length, texture, products, youtube videos and hair salons. On the other hand, I have friends who are completely satisfied with their hair but operate on the fringes of collective black feminine beauty ideals. I sought out to explore this "Natural Obsession" with hair and learn how we connect our hair care with our health care.

Is the natural hair-care obsession a cultural norm or a side effect of distorted health priorities and unrealistic beauty standards?

What does  your hair mean for  your health?

You would think that the natural hair movement would change our irrational preoccupation with hair. Instead, we've become better consumers buying up all the shea butter, exotic oils, aloe vera and food products to capture the fleeting ultimate natural hairstyle. But what does this have to do with our health? Are we more concerned about the oil in our hair than the oil in our food?

Here is what you told me about your hair, health and self-esteem:


Janine, 31, Education Professional
I am absolutely infatuated with my hair right now.
For 31 and a half years I operated under those same tired beliefs about my hair: unruly, hardly manageable and difficult to grow. I’ve been natural for 11 years and have donned almost every natural hair style under the sun from little afro to locks, twists and braids. In the six months since I’ve begun practicing healthier hair habits and remaining mindful of my hair when making everyday choices, I’ve seen my hair become healthier and have been able to retain my growth and mitigate breakage. I take a holistic approach to hair care. The same time and intention I take with regard to my body I also give to my hair.  I am very active and work up a good sweat on average four days per week. I never think twice about the intensity of my workout because of my hair.

Veronica, 34, Business Owner 

My hair is me. The health of my hair  is an extension of my well-being. The body is designed to protect itself so if my hair is dry, brittle and/or shedding, it means my body isn't getting the nutrients that it needs.  My hair goal is to grow it as long as possible.  I do my best to wear protective styles, eat the right foods so it gets to nutrients that it needs, drink plenty of water to keep my body properly hydrated, and rest so my body can repair itself.

Helina Metafaria, Yogini and Owner of The Meta Experience
I find black women hair stories to be a little cliche, and I've outgrown the hair talk.
It makes me feel like "why we still thinking about hair, black people, get yourself on to the next one!"  I have found black women's obsession with appearance redundant and I feel much more relaxed in my skin. I do get a little confused when I attend an event where everyone is in the hair /clothes/nails competition. Black women spend entirely too much time and money on hair products and material things than most other ethnic groups. Although I do care about how I look and how I feel, I could care less about the fashion shows and runways in daily life.  Before a yogi does his or her yoga practice, one traditionally washes the face, dresses appropriately, and takes care of the physical as a sign of inner worship and respect. I feel free.  

Ambi, 35, Mother of two 
Why am I wearing some Chinese girl's hair in my head?
I recently asked a girl to put tracks in my hair and ended up taking it out that night.  I want to be over hair but I'm not really yet. But it always takes this expensive, delusional temporary psychosis for me to once again realize that I really have to accept who I am and what I look like. I obsess about my "hair" esteem and it's definitely connected to my whole sense of self and self image.  American culture foments this hysteria over beauty and the idea that part of a woman's beauty is wrapped in her hair.  White women feel pressure to conform to standards of beauty as well, but the difference is that their rolling-out-of bed look is the acceptable norm whether they wash, comb, brush or even touch their hair. I realize that I have to just appreciate myself but I don't consistently do it yet. Instead of having a fly hairstyle and be overweight or unhealthy or have bad skin, I have no hairstyle and I have low cholesterol, low blood pressure and good flexibility, strength, and energy levels.


CJ, 37, Attorney 
I used to be so anal about keeping my hair just so. Always super straight. Always "perfect." 
I lamented about "bad" hair days.  However, around the time I became serious about the yoga stuff, I stopped caring.   I no longer apologize for my hair when it's not straight.  I know that others aren't on the same page as me just yet.  So, some folks offer comments. I won't lie -- the comments sometimes hurt.  We all want to feel attractive, yes?  While negative comments sting, my former vanity hasn't returned.  I prefer to meet guys who meet me when my hair isn't super straight.  This is the me that I am most days.  If all they want is the straight haired girl who's perfectly waxed, wearing the latest cute clothes and make up (this is still me occasionally), then we won't work.

Thank you to the ladies for honestly sharing their hair journeys. If you would like to share your thoughts on hair and health connections, email anacostiayogi@gmail.com

The African Connection: Kemetic Yoga with Yirsir Ra Hotep

Chicago-based yogi, Yirir Ra Hotep challenges the history of Yoga by developing his own style of Egyptian yoga called "Kemetic yoga." Hotep is offering a four month 200 hour yoga teacher training (Yoga Alliance approved) for those interested in becoming a certified Kemetic Yoga instructor at Pies Yoga and Fitness Studio at 374 Picket St. in Alexandria Va.

Yirsir Ra Hotep helping an aspiring yoga teacher

There will be an informational session at Pies this Sunday Feb. 5th at 11:30 am to 1:00 pm conducted by Marsha Banks-Harold. Please contact her for more information at 703 887-9574 or piesfitness@aol.com. To register for the course or to read more about it go to:

http://www.yogaskills.com/kemetic-yoga-yogaskills-method-teacher-training-and-certification-dcvirginia/

Yirser Ra Hotep is a master instructor of Yoga with over 35 years of teaching experience.  He has trained and certified tover 200 Yoga instructors around the United States, Europe and the Caribbean.  Yirser is one of the founders of the Kemetic Yoga movement, coined the term Kemetic Yoga™ and is the creator of the YogaSkills Method.  Yirser has created award winning Yoga programs for children with special needs and has been featured in various national media including the Oprah Winfrey Show, Yoga Journal, Ebony Magazine, ABC News, WGN News, Chicago Tribune and many radio stations.

Yoga in Your Hood: Baltimore's Holistic Life Foundation

In 2001, brothers Atman and Ali Smith put their minds and hearts together to launch a revolutionary program to shift the conscious of Baltimore children. Their non-profit  Holistic Life Foundation grew out of a shared life-long passion to bring positive and uplifting resources to Baltimore City.

Ali Smith, Atman Smith and Andres Gonzalea of The Holistic Life Foundation. 

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The University of Maryland-College Park Alum teamed up with college friend Andres Gonzalez and built a team that now offers yoga classes, life skills and workshops to over 25 children per day. The Grio reporter Janelle Richardson featured the brothers in a feature on Black communities and yoga.

This program proves that our kids need spiritual guidance and  tools to manage life's ups and downs. A healthy future for our children will depend on programs with both  meditation and education to teach kids  (and some adults) how to navigate emotions without resorting to violence.

Hopefully we will see the The Holistic Life Foundation spread its wings in Anacostia. For more information on The Holistic Life Foundation visit http://www.hlfinc.org

HOLISTIC LIFE FOUNDATION Office: (410)669-0645 Fax: (410)532-2278 COMPANY EMAIL: info@hlfinc.org

Flight of the Yogi with Ieshia Ali 1/29/12 6pm

Join DC Yoga Studio Owner and  Ieshia Ali  for Flight of the Yogi Worskhop

at 

Verizon Center Vida Fitness 

Sunday, January 29, 2012 6pm-8pm.

Free Jinga Fit Class in Columbia Heights NW

Give your body what it needs this winter, a little sexy movement to heat up the nether regions with Lola's Jinga Fit Zumba class! 

Lola will kick off a one-night only free Zumba Jinga Fit class at the Dance Institute of Washington in Columbia Heights on Monday, January 23, 2012 from 8:15pm-9:15pm. Lola's Zumba style is heavily influenced by Afro-Brazilian culture incorporating high-energy and fast paced Samba footwork.

Instructor Lola Pyne Photo by Andre Vondell Dalton

I jumped in on the action during a December fundraiser at All Souls Church where I met another East of the River Zumba Instructor, Dolly Davis! We are putting our heads together to bring a Zumbathon East of the River in 2012!

Photos by Andre Vondell Dalton
DC Zumba Family: Destiny (2nd row on left) Lola (center  in Red) AYogi (seated in yellow) and '
Dolly Davis far right in red 

Zumba and other dance workouts are a great compliment to my yoga practice. Dancing helps to loosen up stiff joints and offers a low impact cardio workout for all level aerobic activity. Come join in on the party, because it never feels like a workout!

Monday Night Jinga Fit
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2741587161
January 23, 2012
8:15pm-9:15pm
www.JingaDanceFit.com

The Dance Institute of Washington
3400 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20010
2 blocks from Columbia Heights Metro (green/yellow line)
www.danceinstitute.org
Questions about the event? Contact dancewithlola@gmail.com

Eating Healthy on the East Side

"It has been a long time coming", but we finally have healthy dining out options East of the Anacostia River! Call me what you want, but I refuse to ingest the chicken wings & mystery mumbo sauce that so many people rave about. I'd much rather "cross the bridge" than risk my health at these dungeons disguised as carry-outs. How do these places pass health inspections??

It is refreshing to finally spend money locally on healthy dishes like salmon salads, curry chicken, roti, or chai tea!  As your bootleg  local food critic, I picked out the top healthy eating establishments East of the Anacostia. Each restaurant is scored based on three categories: Ambiance, Food and Customer Service rating each up to 1 full star  for a total possible score of 3 stars.

Uniontown Bar and Grill 2.5 DC Stars

http://www.utowndc.com/

In my best attempt to ignore the fact that the owner is caught up in a drug scandal, I ordered the salmon salad and sweet potato fries. I now see what all the hype is about. The salad was fresh and crisp. The salmon was cooked to a juicy perfection and I had no shame in ordering another basket of sweet potato fries.  Uniontown struck gold with the location and its signature Cajun style menu.
Ambiance- 1Star 
The space is open with easy seating, clean bathrooms and on busy nights Uniontown can get noisy but overall has a friendly vibe.
Food- 1 Star
Then non-veggie options taste great, but only have a  few vegetarian or vegan choices that are not fried.
Customer Service- 1/2 Star 
The service is hit or miss. The laid back environment shouldn't mean laid back response times.

Thai Orchid Kitchen- 2.5 DC Stars 

http://www.thaiorchidskitchen.com/

Fresh Fish, Cucumbers, and soups

After creating pizza, I am sure Jesus himself created the recipes for Thai food. It is a perfect blend of spices, herbs and savory seasonings. My favorite dishes are the Thai Basil Chicken or Coconut Curry Tofu.

Ambiance- Half Star

Tucked between a gas station and a beauty supply store, finding parking can be frustrating. The decor leaves much to be desired with brown chairs and a yellow 1980's Asian kitsch.
Food- One Star
Thai Orchid is consistently tasty and they offer all the standard Thai dishes with vegan and veggie options.
Customer Service- One Star
Easily the best service East of the River with a friendly, helpful, responsive and caring staff. Feels like a true neighborhood restaurant plus they deliver!!

Big Chair Coffee - 1. 5 DC Stars

http://bigchaircoffeeshop.com/our-menu.html

Rumor has it that Big Chair has made an attitude adjustment. I decided to give it another chance after my first disappointing experience two years ago. I took a chance on their Salmon Burger and a chai tea. Let's just say I things haven't changed much.
Ambiance- Half Star
After the upgrade, Big Chair has made significant improvements.  I still find the interior too dark and the bathrooms could use a woman's touch.
Food- Half Star
The food had an oily aftertaste as if it's been cooked on a grill with bacon. The coffee tasted like it was made with a packet from Safeway. But they have now breakfast options!
Customer Service- Half Star 
While the owners are very nice, I find that the customer service doesn't match up with the community's expectations.

Pimento Grill - Jamaican Cuisine DC 2.5 Stars

Located in far-southeast, Pimento Grill is a little outside of my comfort zone. But it is well worth the wait and the distance. You can't go wrong with moist rice and beans, ripe plaintains and tender tilapia.
Ambiance- Half Star
Pimento is more like a pick it up  quick  and less of a sit down and take someone out to dinner.
Food- One Star
Great food and they usually serve everything fresh listed on the menu!
Service One Star- 
The wait can be longer than expected, but you can call ahead of time and pick up.


The quality of life East of the Anacostia is moving in a different direction.  We want more access to local fresh, healthy and pleasant eating establishments. The benefits of living in a city like DC are having  quick and diverse options that enhance the neighborhood and mix up the daily grind. I still long to see a Sweet Green, Chix DC,  Everlasting Life or  Senbeb Cafe offering healthy and vegetarian fare East of the Anacostia!

"I Can See Clearly Now" Vision 2012

The last time I did a vision board was in 1992. My friends and I cut out pics from magazines of Antonio Sabato Jr. as my future husband, the latest Coogi sweater and my dream summer vacation.  I didn't get Antonio, but I did get the Coogi sweater and the summer vacation! Twenty years later, vision boards are now back in vogue. We realize that these fun games actually help shape our lives and set concrete goals. Aisha Moore of the REEL Health Committee organized a dynamic session called "Creating Your Vision" kicking off on Saturday Jan 14, 2012 from 11am-12:30pm at Benning Road Library.

What's in your crystal ball for 2012?

Join your neighbors and other emerging leaders as we reset for 2012. Start the New Year off with a vision for your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.  In this 90 minute workshop, our dynamic facilitator will walk you through creating a visual representation of the things you want to have, be, or do in your life. We will also discuss how to make your vision a reality. All materials as well as light refreshments provided.

Nationally recognized Yoga instructor and Holistic Health Expert Bahiyyah Park will lead the journey. She has highly developed counseling and listening skills and is effective in the science and art of personal transformation in the lives of her clients, family and friends. Fore more on Bahiyyah visit http://www.purebodyandmind.com/

Creating a Vision for your Health with Bahiyyah Park Vision Board Workshop

Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM (ET)

Register: http://reelvisionboard.eventbrite.com/

$10 Members; $15 Non-Members

Location:

Benning Road Library
3935 Benning Rd. N.E.
Large Meeting Room
Washington, DC 20019