Hug Your Love

All images by the lovely and talented Sarah Rhoads.

On Valentine's, give your love a hug.

It might be your spouse or partner that needs a squeeze.

Or someone in your family. A sibling, daughter or son, cousin, grandparent.

Maybe you need to wrap yourself up in a hug today, too? Love yourself. You're beautiful.

You Need to Say It

Photo via FYeahYoga.

Chances are, you need to say it again. To your husband, to your family, to your friends.

I love you; I always will. I forgive you for making mistakes. I missed you while you went to the bathroom just now. I missed you yesterday all day while we were at work. I want to spend more time with you, not my computer screen. I need you. I need to be held by you. I need to be close to you.

I love you. I always will.

A lot of the time we get by in the day-to-day without really ever connecting with those around us. Without connecting to our own emotions, fears, and needs.

We hardly take time to stop and notice what we're feeling, much less communicate it to those who need to know.

There's a difference between thinking it and saying it.

I urge you -- however lonely you are, however upset, or angry inside -- to show it today. Reach out to someone who can help you, or talk to you. Tell him you love him. Ask him if you can make a plan to spend more time together. You need it.

He deserves to know, as much as you deserve to tell. To let go.

Glow

Happy weekend, yogis! Hugs from me and the Hubs. Look at us glow.

We glowed at the work holiday party last night.

We glowed in Puerto Rico.

We glowed on the beach on our wedding night.

Have a happy holiday weekend!

Bikram Yoga Minneapolis on Black Friday

It was snowy out on Black Friday, so the heat felt great!

I'm way overdue to post about my adventure to Bikram Yoga Minneapolis during Thanksgiving weekend, but I'm excited to share about my visit to the studio. Also keep an eye out for several Minneapolis-themed giveaways today.

Instead of getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of Black Friday shopping, my cousin, a friend, and I toughed it out in the Torture Chamber. We were workin' off all that food from our family feast.

Photo by Joelle.

Last Friday I brought my cousin Joelle and her friend Matt to Bikram Yoga Minneapolis for an intense first class. Even I was surprised by how humid it was in there!

Joelle and Matt are Bikram badasses.

Minneapolis' studio is a beautiful space with artsy details, cool lounge chairs, and colorful decor. The hot room was a little cozy but we fit quite a few yogis among the two rows. 

Here's the studio space.

My only wish was for a new carpet. That Minnesota humidity can make things a little stinky! But that breeze at the end of class? Heavenly.

Loved the decor.

Our teacher Lori led with energy and spirit as she delivered a crystal-clear dialogue. My favorite was the way she pronounced "squeeeeeze" during Eagle as though she was wringing out a towel with her words. It definitely motivated me to wrap my legs tighter and sit deeper into second set!

I was super proud of Joelle and Matt for getting through class and performing some impressive postures. They are natural Bikram yogis, that's for sure! Both said they felt a little lightheaded at times and thought they might pass out, but they made it :) Whew!

No guns allowed... except those sexy biceps you bring to class!

After our showers and a refreshing Zico Lima Citron, we chatted it up with locals at the studio, Lori, and the studio owner, Martha. I realized that these ladies run a tight ship at Bikram Yoga Minneapolis and truly have a deep passion for the yoga, for teaching it the right way, and for sharing it with others.

When I handed her one of my business cards, Lori immediately mentioned her love for the phrase "at home in the hot room" on the card. 

The cards that help me yogavangelize!

"That's one of the best parts about this yoga," she said. "Anywhere you practice Bikram, you bring a little bit of your home with you."

I couldn't agree more, and I felt right at home at the Minneapolis studio. Hope to be back soon to take class again and teach one day! Namaste, Minnesota yogis.

Our lovely teacher, Lori. 

Here are a few words from Joelle's reflections on her first Bikram class. Great job, cuz!

As I stand, the sweat is everywhere: pouring off my arms, running down my legs, dripping down my face and nose, and turning my stomach into a shinny, glossy pool. The towel underneath my feet is soaked. 

I’m almost out of water. My head starts to slightly spin as I go into the next pose and hold it for what seems like five minutes. Pretty sure if was only about 30 seconds, though. 

A gush of cold hair whooshes down from the ceiling and hits my face. I breathe it in, close my eyes and exhale a very long, happy exhale. Time for a shower. It’s not until after my shower that I realize how incredibly loose, free-minded, and amazing I feel.

After class, a clear mind hit, a sensation of refreshing wonderfulness, no back pain, muscles all stretched out. It felt amazing. Bikram yoga. Mmmm!

Some of the awesome details in the studio: a note about how to lock the knee, and a stunning print of a pregnant yogi.

Thanks again, Martha and Lori and the Bikram Yoga Minneapolis team, and to Joelle and Matt for rockin' their first class. 

Check out the upcoming posts from some Minneapolis Etsy sellers to win local goods!

Hopes, Wants, Wishes: A Holiday Gift Guide

Deck the halls!

Christmas season is just around the corner, although it's hard to believe it while I'm enjoying 80-degree weather in Puerto Rico. Are you ready for your gift shopping?

Here are a few item's I've been drooling over lately.

Super sexy!

 Incredibly gorgeous swimwear from Mikoh.

Perfect for Bikram class.

 StayHuman ruched shorts.

A new take on the turtleneck.

A lovely Lole sheer top from Uncle Dan's in Evanston.

Warm and fuzzy and comfy.

Grey wool fleck botas from TOMS shoes. Adorable!

Have to love a long zip up.

Beautiful Wear With All Jacket from Lululemon.

Fancy yoga wear.

A wrap-around bolero style top from KayaYogaWear on Etsy.

Chunky scarf in the best color.

A scarf from Secret Pocket, who has my favorite store name ever.

This yoga bag is sick, and it comes in the color key lime.

A yoga mat carrier from Yogiwear that's to die for!

I'm also considering some rad non-traditional Christmas ideas like...

• Buying a potted tree.
• Donating a yoga mat.
• Doing an art swap or services exchange with friends instead of buying gifts.
• Baking all gluten-free goodies.
• Taking a silly family portrait.

What are you up to for the holidays? Would love to hear about your weird and wacky traditions in the comment section below.

Who Needs a Hug?

All photos by the lovely and talented Sarah Rhoads.

Have you given your love a hug today?

Jump for love.

Escape by the water.

Get close.

Smooch too!

Sneak a Hug

All of these incredible photographs are by Sarah Rhoads. I'm pretty much obsessed. :)

I'm fascinated and enthralled by the way a hug can take your breath away. Often more intimate than a kiss, more comforting than words, a hug is my favorite form of closeness.

A hug protects and supports.

A hug allows two to become one in joyous, overwhelming love. 

A hug is a full expression of happiness.

What is bliss? A hug.