Pie Pie Pie

At this moment, my belly is so happy and full of pie. The images tell all. Goodnight, yogis!

  

Apple-Tastic: A Midwest Adventure

 Illinois in fall is quite beautiful.

Today was the big day: apple picking galore at Apple Holler in Wisconsin! The Hubs, Best Man, and I piled in the car and took off, ready for a little time away from Evanston and the chance to stock up on fresh, crisp apples.

Our journey proved to be a fun experience on its own: we watched the passing countryside, where Canadian geese chilled on the banks of ponds, and all around were open fields and power lines and big power-plant-looking buildings. We were in the land of open spaces, churches, gas stations, used car sale lots, empty time.

I noted a big RV depot and snapped a photo as we zoomed by:

The Midwest is best for RV shopping, it seems.

Next up it was a roadside Pick 'N Pull lot with a meager amount of junked cars...well, in comparison to the one I'm used to seeing back home when I go with my dad. He's a pro at finding hidden treasures among the trash piles. This photo reminded me of how rewarding it can be to find a beautiful gem among what seems to be garbage at first sight.

Then we laughed at the roadside sign reading:

PONY RIDES

PUMPKINS

...and wondered what the people who owned the place would say if we strolled up and demanded to really see those ponies riding pumpkins. Only kids on their backs so far, as far as I could tell from the car window. Dang! 

We also wondered about the menu from Captain Porky's restaurant in a little town called Wadsworth. 

"Sadie Hawkins Dance" blasted through the speakers as we neared the Wisconsin border. It was one of our many songs in the playlist entitled "Sweet Music." (Thanks Hubs!) 

And then, pretty quick, there we were outside the big crowded arena labeled as Apple Holler, fighting for a parking spot and walking down the dusty road to the entrance. 

Kiddos everywhere. Hand-painted signs advertising the farm animals, pumpkin patch, and corn maze. The sound of far-off reggae music. The smell of hay.

Here we were: Apple Holler in all its glory! 

We laughed at the billy goats and their story-high "bridge" (a spot where they could wander from one side of the "farm" to the other, and grab a bite up top on the way. They were pretty smart, scooting the little food barrel closer when visitors weren't wheeling it up fast enough). We finished the corn maze in about ten minutes (the boys ditched me, but I just smiled and kept on wandering around in my boots). Then it was off to the orchard!

We walked over to find rows and rows and rows of... bare trees! No apples around except on the dusty ground. We located one little spot with golden-colored apples and managed to pick it clean. The rest of the fruit we scrounged from beneath the trees, checking carefully for holes and bruises but managing to find several buckets worth. We piled them high, threw a few in our pockets, munched some on the way out, and applauded our successful efforts! It was a lovely experience, wandering between the rows of trees, separate from the city, close to loved ones, surrounded by the fresh air.

I managed to sneak in a kiss or two here and there, too. :)

Then it was time to buy a  half-gallon of cider, and we were on our way. Next stop, an urban-dweller's favorite shopping maze: IKEA! We figured, hey, if it was (partially) on the way, why not swing in for a few Swedish meatballs before returning home? And what a yummy dinner it turned out to be: lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes and mac 'n cheese on the side, too! Success. 

Our bellies full, we were ready to wander the store. I oogled and ahhed and managed to resist the many items I knew I didn't need, but wanted...but we did find some lingonberry preserves, a plastic bag organizer (woohoo!), and some thin ginger cookies. 

Next it was a sleepy, sunset-filled ride home for me, with the window half-down and the evening breeze blowin' in. I lounged in the backseat while the boys braved the traffic and kept our awesome playlist going. It was a fun fall day to remember, and a refreshing taste of the Midwest. 

Tomorrow's installment: apple crisp! There are going to be pans and pans...

Check It: An End of Weekend Update for the Blog-Obsessed, Apple-Loving Yogis Out There

Aurajoon's blog is one of my favorites out there. She takes the best photos, too!

Hey friends. Happy end of weekend! Are you cozied up in your home? Spending time with your loved ones before the work week launches off?

I hope so.

I have a few little things from around the Web to share. In case you're bored, watching your husband sleep on the couch (or your little one, maybe?), or just taking a moment for yourself to catch up on the blogosphere. Here you are!

Blogs, Baby
So I've found a couple new ones I'm loving, plus there are old favorites I highly recommend you check out. 

• Aurajoon, I'm gushing over your newest developments at home. This lady writes one of the most gorgeous blogs around and she's about to have a little babe! I felt silly, but I literally squealed upon reading the news (I know, crazy, cuz I haven't even met her). I've been following her posts about beautiful homegrown garden produce, lazy afternoons with her family, and the tasty cooking she does often. I highly recommend taking a glance at her posts, especially if you have a passion for gardening and homegrown food. She's wonderful. Congrats, lady, on your newest life journey! I will pray for the little one and that your pregnancy goes smoothly.

A pretty, pretty baby is on the way: news from Aurajoon.

• Enjoy Small Notebook if you want ideas on how to live simply, gracefully, and peacefully in your home. And, as the site's bio reads, it's a great spot for those who believe that "you don't need to buy more storage containers to get organized." Amen to that! And thanks, Ash, for sharing this lovely gem and for your constant inspiration when it comes to homemaking, cooking & the art of marriage.
• Have you ever glanced through Darling Dexter? It's a creation by Whitney Deal, graphic designer, photographer & awesome wife who is working on developing her own fashion line. She often shares stunning photos like this one of her lovely cacti:

Yay succulents.

• For Once, Then, Something is a blog about, well, everything and nothing at all, it seems. I really enjoy the well-orchestrated chaos that this site brings together. Beautiful juxtapositions. Images that burn. Words with gusto. (Like today's post? A Rwandan proverb: "You can out-distance that which is running after you, but not what is running inside you." Good stuff!) All in all, it's art worth remembering...and sharing, I say.
• My good friend Veronica Roth is a writer with a sweet book deal with Harper Collins (three YA fiction novels -- dystopian thrillers, oh yeah! Her first is called Divergent and it looks brilliant). Anyway, we recently caught up and talked all things weddings cuz, um, I'm pretty much still obsessed even though our Big Day came and went, and she's engaged at the moment. But anyway, Veronica is one heck of a talented writer, a compassionate Christian friend, and really just one of the coolest and funniest people I know. I love her sense of style, humility & sarcasm. Like this post. Pretty much the best. Thanks, V, for swinging by and hope I see you again soon!
• Last but not least up, a new friend who I recently encountered and discovered is a soulmate-to-be: we are both huge health freaks, we love art, we dig great coffee, and we believe in saving run-over pigeons who have a fighting chance (she actually did this recently, so I give HUGE props! And the bird lived! Just goes to show what a little faith can do for you, friends. And research skills when you need to find Chicago's Pigeon Guy!). Anyway, Cate with a C is a beautiful lady and a unique artist with a vision for the world unlike most. Her gentle speech, down-to-earth style, and laid-back demeanor just make me happy. I can't wait to hang out more soon and hopefully have Cate over to paint a little mural on our dining room wall (the Chicago skyline, oh yeah). Here's one of her art pieces, and be sure to check out the rest about her exuberant work!

Art is property of Cate Fhionnain, a caring lady with some big talent. Hire her today for a commissioned piece!

The Big Apples
Alright, we've all been blabbering about fall and how lovely it is for quite a few weeks now. And not to discount the autumn season, my favorite time of year, and its crunchy leaf piles, cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches, and chance to harvest everything wonderful in the world...but dudes, there is something else you need to take advantage of here. I mean, get in the car and enjoy before it's too late...


That's right: apple orchards! Namely the ones where you can run through corn mazes too! Oh man, oh boy, next weekend the Hubs and the Best Man and I are GOING! I am so stoked. Like, jumping up and down, pee your pants like a little kid laughing excited. It's pretty silly, actually. We have the bags on our counter and I wiggle whenever I walk by.


I've already made an apple crisp just using leftover apples and ones on sale at the market and I'm still pretty darn enthusiastic about this trip. We're accompanying friends from Brella, where my sexy man works, and I can just tell it's going to be a great time. I'm hoping I can wear orange plaid, cowboy boots, and my big grin around all day. And I will have pictures (and new pies, and cider, and probably apple butter) afterward, believe it. 


What are you baking lately? Done any apple picking?

Easy recipe for calm and success: DO YOUR YOGA.

Back on the Mat
OK dudes, last update of the evening. Today I hit the heat like a real yogi and it felt so amazingly fantastic even though I hadn't been in almost a week. I was feeling The Yoga Truck after the chiropractic news and all the busy-ness I've had with work lately, but this was just getting sad! 


No yoga = very sad me. Generally just twitchier, more tired, distracted, unable to remember little details. And since I've got tons of details going on lately, it makes for a rough day/ week! I'm so glad to be back on track and enjoying time in the studio.


I felt beautiful in front of the mirror today. Centered on the postures. Welcoming, open, warm. Not distracted by those around me, or the silly remarks by my instructor as he first walked in: "Alright, yogis. We're trying to fix this. The new policy is: when you see the lights in the front of the studio go out, get your ASS in the room! No exceptions!" 


I love moments like this and it was a great start to class. Reminded me that there are no excuses for not being there to get your Bikram on. We all need it. Make it happen!


Here's to a blissful week filled with yoga, readers! Keep me posted on your adventures, and I will do the same. Namaste.

The time for romping in the woods is now. Photo via Aurajoon.

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness: A New Post in the Letting Out the Domestic Series

Know what I love about this 60-day yoga challenge I'm completing?

It's inspiring me to change a whole lot more in my life than just my Bikram practice. My eating, cleaning, and general living habits are improving, too.

That's right: not only am I making inner changes to my muscles, skin, circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system and mental health, but I am also consciously choosing a healthier lifestyle. Bones to skin, inside out, beyond my own flexibility.

I've kicked soda, alcohol and super sweet foods.

I'm making more nutritious recipes for me and the Hubs, including lentil soup, foraged greens with garlic and chile, honey-vinegar braised chicken, and creme fraiche ice cream (so it's rich, but still better than Ben & Jerry's!). I also want to try my hand at cheaper and healthier alternatives for granola and trail bars. I'm a sucker for the Luna brand, but they can be pricey!

I'm limiting my caffeine (specifically coffee) intake and increasing the amount of water and hydration-rich foods I take in each day. I'm also trying to eat more superfoods that benefit women, like berries, grapefruit, salmon and low-fat yogurt.

I'm meditating more. (I'll be posting a review quite soon about Julie Rader's Mukti Meditations CD.)

I am doing my best to get more sleep, and rest my Monkey Mind when it should be relaxing instead of worrying.

And the other important change I've implemented? Healthy cleaning! That's right. It makes me look like this:

I smile because I am no longer inhaling toxic chemicals, nasty bleach, or ridiculously harmful materials while I wipe down the kitchen and bathroom countertops, or while I scrub the toilet, or when I mop the floors.

Fresh air. Natural products. Healthy, thankful lungs! It's a beautiful thing.

I'm also excited to try out some new home spa remedies, like an Epsom salt and baking soda bath (great for the skin), an invigorating coffee/salt body scrub, and a lavender foot and hand wash. So lovely!

Especially with the transition to cooler weather -- and the threat of the impending cold & flu season -- it's great to be thinking holistically about my health. I feel more conscious now than ever of the products and potions I allow myself to come in contact with and the way I keep my body and home pure.

It's like they say: you are what you eat. But you are also what you practice, what you inhale, what you believe, and what you put your time and money into -- whether it's your yoga practice or your tub cleaner!

Be conscious. Use green products. Respect your body.

Live in a way that's sustainable!

If you're interested in reading more, I'd suggest these sites which are new to my Google Reader:

The Daily Green

Care 2

Care 2's Econesting Blog

Seventh Generation

Tree Hugger

Inhabitat

Healthy Living Blog

Also, you're reading Seth Godin's blog by now, right? If not, get on it!

Photo via SustainableEcho's Flickr Photostream. A bit grammatically incorrect, but I love the sentiment!

Be My Thrill, Be My Honeypie

That's Steve and that's Deb of The Weepies, a really kick-ass folk/pop band I'm in love with. Check 'em out!

Next up in Letting Out the Domestic: A Series on New Apartment Life...

New Arrivals (It's in the Music)

Have you ever listened to The Weepies? They are one of my favorite bands, a folk duo with some of the sweetest tunes and most charming lyrics you'll find. Plus, Deb & Steve started just as bandmates and are now married with a beautiful little babe and that's just a lovely story all around :)

I highly recommend oogling at the beautiful pics on their Myspace page. You can see the adorable little Theo in all his glory and check out some of their awesome songs.

Oh, and also: they have a song titled "I Was Made for Sunny Days." Who wouldn't want to listen to that on a lovely end-of-summer afternoon?

I just downloaded the new album Be My Thrill and I'm stoked. It's some really great stuff, plus it's getting me even more pumped to see them live at Space in Evanston very soon with the Hubs! I am finally, finally checking them off the list of fave bands to see live.

The other night I was going through all my (32!) old ticket stubs from past shows -- everything from Spoon to Treasure Island fest to The Decemberists and Josh Ritter, too -- and I realized it's been awhile since I've seen some rockin' live music. And quite awhile since I've seen one of those intimate, life-changing acoustic shows that are the ones you really remember.

So, along with all of the other shifts and changes that this fall season will bring, I'm ready for a new arrival into great music, too. Other bands I hope to listen to more of as the weather turns cooler:

Lady Antebellum (for the smooth-talkin' days)

Rise Against (for the crazy days)

Innocence Mission (for the quiet times)

Mat Kearney (for when I'm longing)

The Ghost of Brown County (for when it's time to dance)

She & Him (for the long and winding days)

Amos Lee (for the peaceful moments)

Who are you playing on repeat lately? Who do you listen to get pumped up? To chill out? Who's bumpin' in your backseat on long travel days or in your speakers at home while you're cleaning? After yoga class?

Recommendations appreciated. Enjoy the tun-tunes!

Photo via Algo's Flickr Photostream. Beautiful, isn't it?

Critical Mass Chicago: One Less Car

Photo of the Silver Steed by yours truly. What a beauty, eh? This was her first long ride, and boy, was it lovely!

Picture this: shards of the setting sun are bouncing around the square. The gathering crowd squints from the glinting light off of the fountain's water, from the reflection of skyscraper windows, from the sliver of a glowing orb they spot in the distance. The sun is setting on Daley Plaza, downtown Chicago, on the last Friday evening in August.

Who are all these people gathered? Passersby stare out their open car windows with confused looks. And why all those bikes?

Those of us who are here know what's about to happen. The ride. A journey around the city where we can take over the streets. We call out around every corner, safe within the ebb and flow of The Mass. The sound of gears clicking and brake handles pumping -- it falls like rain in the place of what would be the indistinguishable, hushed roar of traffic. Instead, the warm night air is filled with the sound of vuvuzuelas hounding the neighborhood, the shouts of riders awakening their onlookers with enthusiastic "Happy Friday!"s and fist pumps.

We all wave as we fly by. We smile at the people who gather to stare, bewildered, in wonderment.

We're the bikers. The Critical Mass.

On Friday night, I participated in Chicago's last summer ride for Critical Mass, a group that organizes large biking events throughout the city. Basically what happens is a huge, well, mass of people gets together at Daley Plaza, starts circling the block until everybody's joined the pack, and then they launch off on an adventure throughout city streets. Generally the mapped plan moves either north or south and then loops back toward The Loop.

Don't get me wrong, it's not a marathon but by no means is it a quick trip. It makes a difference if you've got a decent bike, a helmet (of course!) and comfortable clothes, but I'd say any enthusiastic environmentalist (or outdoorsman) would certainly enjoy this adventure.

Here are some of the best moments

I experienced during the ride:

1. Screaming under any tunnel/ overpass, just to hear the echo.
2. Waving to bikers across the water riding over not one, but TWO other bridges crossing the Chicago River.
3. Getting high-fives from strangers along the sidewalk who were beaming ear-to-ear at our antics. One was from an old lady with gray hair who exclaimed, "What the hell are you doing?" when some riders in front of me left her hangin'. It was hilarious.
4. My friend Shiana yells "Happy Friday!" at some workers at a restaurant. They don't react and sort of grimace and scowl in our direction. "Come on, look a little happier, it's Friday!" she countered. Then they smiled. :)
5. As we rode by the big Harpo Building where The Oprah Show is filmed, another biker exclaimed in a high-pitch voice, "Helloooooo, Ooooooprah! It's Critical Mass! Happy Friday, Ooooprah!" The best. Thanks, crazy guy!
6. Meeting crazy peeps: a guy who I helped hook on a fake plush tail to his belt loop; the little girl on a tandem with her Dad who was wearing a neon sparkly skirt; everyone there who had beautiful tattoos (inspiring me/ making me jealous about the one I'm hoping to get!); the Old Pros who rode with stereos attached to their bikes; The Veteran Man who used a blow whistle to direct bikers, stop traffic, and generally keep order on the ride; and, of course, every Chicago PD officer who helped support our safe integration into the streets.
7. The bike pump that saved my friend Shuling's tire so she could ride on and enjoy the open road. On a completely different note, she writes an awesome blog about social media and documentaries and films, and she's super talented. I recommend you check it out, plus she's going to post about our journey soon, too!
8. The Jamba Juice we enjoyed post-ride. Yum, yum, yum. Yay protein + matcha green tea!
9. Managing not to lose our bikes to gravity on the L ride back. Feeling super bad ass while standing there in our sweat and biker gloves. Also feeling pretty BAMFy while waiting around at the Ogilvy station before we set off for Daley Plaza. That's right, we got kicked out for blocking traffic. So we decided to ride all night, blocking traffic...
10. Experiencing the beauty of The Mass -- surrounded by bikers, warm summer air, the buzz of traffic on the other side of the road, the shouts of strangers staring and honking their horns, the pride of the little green pin I stuck to my shirt and now wear to remember that fantastic night. It was all groovy, baby!

Do you bike? Do you do other activities to complement your yoga practice? Sometimes we need a little break from the heat. Sometimes we need the open road, or the pleasure of company while working out. Sometimes we just need to bike it out, and Critical Mass is there for us. I highly recommend you participate in another ride next month in your city, whether it's Chicago or elsewhere. (Those hills in San Francisco: what?! Astonishing.) Write me about the crazy awesome time you have!

A Little Inspiration for Your Saturday Morning

Photo via I Can Read. It's true: the only one who can determine you is, well, YOU.

Readers, yogis, people of the world: can you believe it's almost September?

The fall season is my favorite. A better time to cuddle, wear a scarf and leather coat, eat soup, drink hot coffee, and of course read by the fire. In my case, the fireplace filled with candles, but hey it works!

There's nothing quite like breaking out your couch cuddle blankets, either. Movies are just better when you can burrow under a warm fuzzy, I say.

It's also a beautiful time of year to reflect on where you are as the sunny days come to a close, and where you'd like to be as the skies change over to a stormier, darker, colder time.

What do you need to accomplish while you've still got nice weather out? A bike ride to the Botanic Gardens? Flying a kite on the beach with your little one? More yoga in the afternoons?

What about the friends and family you've neglected to visit with while there's time to sit on restaurant patios? I highly recommend a few appetizer plates or beers or both at an outside table before your chance ends! Take advantage of what's in season and the fact that this is the golden time of year to share tasty morsels and true conversation with the people you care most about.

Last night on the big Critical Mass tour of Chicago, I was so thankful to take advantage of the gorgeous weather and chance to wave hello and shout "Happy Friday!" to all the Chicagoans lounging outside of little cafes and bars all along the city streets. Especially the ones that waved and shouted back with big smiles. Seemed like such an intimate yet fleeting moment as I whizzed by on the bike. Incredible!

It got me thinking, too: how much of the time we live so fully inside ourselves, so disconnected from the world around us, holding back from even our close family and friends much less strangers in the place we live. Not that there's not a benefit to understanding our own selves -- goodness knows in the past few months I've been discovering more and more the beauty behind introspection, meditation, and strengthening your own soul with what you love.

But the bottom line is this: we weren't created to experience the world all on our own. We were made for relationship. In the past year, I've been developing, fostering and falling more and more in love with my Wonder Spouse, my husband, my best friend.

And what's more, planning our wedding and enjoying the Big Day brought me closer together with my parents, his parents, my siblings, and his siblings, too!

The more we have given all summer, the more we've received in terms of love, support, and guidance along the way. It all hinges on this idea that's so central to our faith, too:

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

(Matthew 22:36-40)

What a huge demand which includes an incredible blessing beneath it! God calls us to love Him fully, wholly, with all our identity and our life, but also to love others with the same pure, life-changing practice. What isn't stated explicitly in this passage, but what reigns true throughout the Gospels is that our reward for these efforts -- and however imperfectly we love our God and our people -- He will continue to love us, forgive us, hold us, and help us.

No matter our faults, we will not be forsaken or left alone by Him. We are never alone. Not on cold fall evenings when we sit alone on the porch. Not on nights when we're cuddling with our spouses, or tucking the babes in for bedtime. Not when we feel lost, confused, tired, or in pain. Not when we ride in the middle of the Chicago city streets, waving to strangers and locals who watch with a perplexed look as we pass by.

On this lovely last Saturday in August, my challenge to you is to see what you can let go of about yourself. See what fear, shame, or regret you can give up. See whose opinion you can ignore, knowing that it does not in any way have to shape who you are -- but only if you decide not to let it to. Chances are you're like me and you're your own biggest critic. And guess what? You don't need to be!

Breathe, let go, move on. And get pumped for fall!

Photo also via I Can Read. Whose opinion do you fear? Can you let go and know that you are beautiful as you are?