Focus Forward Friday: Do Nothing

Photo by Jonas Peterson, one of my favorite wedding photographers.

Focus Forward Friday: 

A weekly ritual for deepening your practice.

Today's focus: sit still. Can you slow down for a full two minutes and just breathe? I just stumbled upon this amazing site and I am entranced by it. Try taking a break in the middle of your day -- whether you're at the office working, about to start your car and drive somewhere, shopping at the grocery store, or just relaxing at home.

Two minutes of silence, stillness and meditation can do wonders!

Soap Heaven

Photo via Lauren Ross Photography.

Photo via Glen Allsop Photography.

Sometimes we need a space for escaping. A spot to relax, unwind, create, imagine. A space simply to be.

You can create such a space in your home with the right mindset, a nice candle or two, and a lovely spa in your very own bathroom.

I highly suggest soaps and dead sea salts from Sharilynn Studios on Etsy to do the trick. Shari creates dreamy handmade products that are awesome for daily use as well as for special at-home spa days. 

My husband and I have been enjoying her well-crafted, gentle, and lovely-smelling soaps for a couple of weeks now and we both love them. I also love knowing that they're made from all-natural, healthy ingredients that are great for my skin. Plus, she's got a great variety of scents that aren't overly feminine or masculine, so they are great for anyone.

Our favorites so far are the eucalyptus spearmint zen and the coconut lime verbena flavors. Amazing!

A few of Shari's amazing soap and dead sea salt products I've been trying. Love them!

On days when I feel tired or a little stressed, a bath featuring her amazing sea salts helps immensely. I can finally warm up, let go, and enjoy a good steamy bath with no distractions, no conversations, and no negative thoughts in my mind.

Sharilynn Studios also has awesome back scrubbers and pumice stones for sale, so you can get that little extra "oomph" in your cleaning routine.

I also love that Shari's site features artwork and art supplies for sale. She is a talented artist with an inspired, insightful eye for beauty. Swing by her Etsy shop to find out more-- and tell her I sent you :)  You won't be disappointed!

And believe me, when that lovely box shows up on your doorstep with goodies inside (like it did for me), you'll be on your way to luxe and joyful goodness!

Photo via Sharilynn Studios on Etsy. Artwork for sale.

Monday Morning Ballet

All photos by the talented Rachel Papo.

On Monday mornings, it's best to stretch out before you start work. Aren't these little dancers stunning?

From the Island: Handcrafted Clay Necklaces

Next up in the featured Puerto Rican Etsy sellers is BijouxHibou. At this shop, you can find beautiful artisan necklaces and tiles in a style described as "Raku meets tie dye."

One lucky Alive in the Fire reader will win this mango-inspired necklace.

Beautiful, right?

The pendant measures 1 1/2" in diameter and it comes with a 26" rust colored satin cord with sliding knots so you can easily adjust the length.

Wandie's description of her shop:

Painter, sculptor, animal lover, dreamer, island girl at heart.  I'm an artist + illustrator from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and I create small, skillfully wrought, abstract pieces of art in clay. I created my shop, Bijoux Hibou, pronounced bee-zhoo ibu, which is French for Jewel Owl, as an oasis I could escape to and let my imagination and love for color run wild.

My tile pendants are created to look like natural and rustic pieces of pottery. The color and texture creates personality to bring out the best in each piece. I like to think of them as abstract pieces of art on clay. I enjoy creating a variety of color combinations and design elements that evoke emotion, self -expression and inspiration.

On enjoying the outdoors:

I love horseback riding and I took Hunter/Jumper lessons in Texas for two years and I'm a mountain biker.  Since I'm active I don't wear alot of fine jewelry but when I do, I like to wear one of my pendants while tackling some single-track on my mountain bike.

To win the necklace, please leave a comment below and check out BijouxHibou's shop on Etsy.

Also, BijouxHibou is offering a 15% off deal on all orders by Alive in the Fire readers until 12/17. Simply enter the coupon code BHSURF15 when checking out. Enjoy!


Finally, we've got a winner for the lovely silk scarf by SilkMari! Congrats to Ms. Copsey. Email me so we can coordinate getting the scarf to you.

Coqui: Paradise Reverie

Photo via DaydreamLily.

Paradise Reverie
a thing too perfect to be remembered:
sudden croak of the coqui


invisible and concealed
from far or from very close

in the night it is dangerous to listen     at a distance
in the night, listening becomes

living,      coming to assure me     are the sounds of 
nature speaking its name     co     qui


I was healed
free of situations
in the faraway
co     qui       co     qui  co     qui

voices stirring the sky
a strange happiness    suddenly there


sound could slip through it
co qui    binding us      to this night

Summer Reading in the Fall

This is a sweet craft project I made awhile back simply by folding the pages of a cheap, library-sale-bought book.

If you're like me, your summer reading list extends year round, and fall is a great time for catching up on some of the books you've been meaning to read during the warmer months. 

When it's chilly, rainy or gray out, that's the best time to cuddle up to a good book. 

Here's what's on my shelf at the moment:

• The Wisdom of Yoga by Stephen Cope. An intriguing and approachable look into the yoga sutras by an intelligent psychologist and writer who knows how to tell a gripping story.
• Bikram Yoga by Bikram Choudhury. The man behind the madness tells all about his experience growing up as a yogi, bringing his infamous series to the West, and discovering the amazing benefits of the class.
• Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class by Bikram Choudhury. Bikram's other book outlines his 26-asana trademarked series, taking an in-depth look at each posture and how to do it and how it helps your body. Bikram also explains the difference between the ideal pose and your reality/ your edge, and how no matter how out of shape you are, it's never too late to start the yoga! 
• Divergent by Veronica Roth, pre-authorized copy. My amazing writer friend Veronica is about to publish her first YA dystopian thriller novel about a futuristic world where young people face incredible choices that will determine the rest of their lives. Think the Harry Potter series meets the Ender's Game series and 1984. Amazing stuff! Congrats and thanks for sharing, V.
• Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and One Raucous Year of Eating Locally  by Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon. This fascinating tale is extremely well-written and informative. Ready to open up your eyes to the sad state of affairs in the American food industry when it comes to sustainability? Alisa and J.B. will show you the challenge, beauty, and reward of making the choice to eat foods only within 100 miles of their Canadian home.

             

I'm also listening to:

• Julie Rader's meditation CD. Amazing! Have I mentioned that you should buy this? You should buy this. It's wonderful.
• The Weepies. The Hubs and I are off to see them live in Evanston in about half an hour! I'm wiggling in my boots and just can't seem to wipe this grin off my face... :)
• "Club Can't Handle Me" by Flo Rida ft. David Guetta. It's just good for dancin'. No shame here!

What are you reading and listening to lately? Please share any of your favorites, yoga-related or otherwise, in the comment section below!

Thank you, Northwestern Library, for some seriously intelligent yoga-related books.

The Challenge of a Challenge

Nature knows perfect balance, like in the petals of a camellia flower. This pic was taken right outside the Capitol in Sactown. So lovely!

I believe in balance. I also believe, "If you can, you must." So what should a passionate yogi do when she's motivated to do her yoga for 30 days in a row, but some crazy awesome things erupt into the mix of her day-to-day life?

I've been struggling for the past several months to find a job I love, can make enough money doing, and feel excited about. Last week, I got hired on to do some work at the same place where Hubs has been for over a year now, Brella Productions. I love them! It is a dream come true!

But this means a couple things:

1. I'm doing the nine-to-five now, Monday through Thursday.

2. I've got to budget my time so I still have a chance to edit for editZING clients.

3. I must be careful not to get overextended so that I can maintain healthy relationships, get enough rest, have time to cook dinner, and fit in Bikram.

Anyway, long story short, I've put my 30-day challenge on hold... again. I feel a little sad saying that, because I know I'm up for it and could handle the heat for a whole month. But I also feel a strong need to keep things centered, so I don't get stressed, sleep-deprived, or overwhelmed. About a year ago this time I was not doing well and it's because I signed myself up for disaster: too many projects, commitments, and self-imposed expectations about the future.

Too much worry!

This year, I'm deciding to pick and choose what I let slide into the #1 spot on the list of priorities. Some days, it's yoga. Some days, it's work. Most days, it's family and loved ones.

How do you balance your time, energy, and relationships so that you have enough you to go around? Where do you draw the line when it comes to meeting the goals you set for yourself, or deciding when it's best to let them go?

I'll admit, it's tough seeing my name up on the wall at the studio, next to all the other yogis who are keeping up with their month. All those little stickers lined up, showing off the sweat and struggle they've endured, next to my blank spots where I thought I would have been taking class.

But I'm pretty excited that I have the willpower to say my sanity matters more! and that I have a heart that knows there will be many, many years of yoga to come.

I can rest easy knowing life is in balance, and the yoga is always there waiting.

A staircase goes down, a staircase comes up. We choose to see opportunity in change!

Best Free Haircut: Thanks Beauty & Balance Salon!

Hey-o. So yesterday I mentioned that free hair cut I had a few weeks back. Just wanted to share with you a little more about the awesome salon where I went for it. Beauty and Balance is a full-service salon in Kenilworth, a bit north of Evanston on Green Bay Road.

Their space is beautiful and their staff is great. Friendly, upbeat, laid-back.

Each stylist's station has a retro-refurbished desk and the lighting is super mod & hip. I loved it! I felt so relaxed, refreshed & pampered while I was there.

The best part? I scored a free haircut from Stephanie, a talented hair stylist who's in the process of completing her training. Her free hair cuts are currently on hold due to the holiday season, but she'll be back in action before long! 

I also met up with Jennifer, who's doing her hair coloring training and offering a sweet $20 deal on all-over color for women (basically the cost of product). It was a screamin' deal, and a fun time.

If you are interested in color services, you can reach Jennifer here:

Jennifer at (224) 374-9895 -- Wednesday color

and the salon's phone number is: (847) 256-2182. You can find their email and directions here.


Keep in mind that it may take a little longer for cut and color than you're used to...but instead of dropping over a hundred bucks, you'll be saving cash and getting the chance to sit back and relax for a little while.


Thanks again, Beauty and Balance!

10 Things I Learned This Weekend

Hey lovelies. What are you up to on this fine fall Tuesday?


I have a little list to share (idea via Apartment 513). What have you learned recently?

We could be in Taiwan visiting beautiful countryside like this before long! 

See #10 for more on learning from Asian friends, and a life filled with  love and peace.

10 Things I Learned This Weekend

1. Nature's beauty is meant to be cherished, and it's rather hard to do that from your apartment porch in an urban environment. Find time to get into the woods, to jump into the lake, even just to walk by a park near your neighborhood. And then sit there, with nothing to do, and enjoy the fresh air! The sky. The clouds buzzing by. During the hubbymoon, one of my favorite moments included hugging The Hubs tight around his life-vested chest, cruising at quick speeds over the lake water in a jet ski and looking up at the beautiful sky to witness what's always there, but usually goes unnoticed: the true earth.

 2. The Bikram blogging community rocks. So awhile back I posted a lengthy review of my thoughts on the state of the blogging industry as it relates to yogis at their keyboards, and I have to say I've expanded my perspective even more since then. Especially since I started Tweeting I have come into contact with a great group of Bikram regulars who are so passionate about the yoga and about living like true yogis. It means a lot to know you can connect with other yogis around the globe simply by signing on to the Internet.


3. It's not all about the challenge; it's about the yoga. So I have a short story for you. Sunday afternoon I missed class. It was so, so sad: I was riding my bike too fast on the way there, desperately trying to make up time, and I almost crashed. My sexy black leather bag got caught in my tires and I somehow managed to keep my balance and make a hard stop, but it was scary! Anyway, I race to the studio, throw my bike lock on, and run over to the front door to the building and of course, it's locked. I may have just been able to swing in to the studio if it had been open but alas, no answer to the phone either. Class had already begun and here I was, coughing, cold, and on what would have been day 20 of the challenge. Boo! I was sad and frustrated. So I rode home, drew a hot bath with my new epsom salts, and proceeded to realize: it's more important that I do this yoga because I love the yoga than just to complete a 30-day challenge. 


Isn't that a crazy and cool thought? I realized I had been putting so much effort toward getting to class every day just to get there and check it off the list...I was starting to forget the real meaning behind the challenge. So now I've had time to reflect, renew my excitement, and plan for a challenge starting in Oct. Plus now I can finish it during the same time frame as the rest of the studio, which will be super motivating. It's so important to dedicate yourself when it comes to your personal health and spiritual fulfillment...but not when it starts to get in the way of your sanity (and in my case, safety!). Be conscious. Be realistic. Do a challenge for the right reasons!


4. Bundle up. So it's starting to be chillier here in the Chicago area, and that means scarves and cozy blankets! I absolutely love cozying up at home. I recommend sea salt baths (and I'm going to be reviewing a brand I'm just about to try soon!), tea (chai is our home favorite), and warming up my hot beans (a bag of rice/beans covered in cloth that you can use to soothe your neck, back or tummy). So relaxing!


5. Pumpkins are the best. I went to the farmer's market on Saturday and found a small, wonderful pumpkin. Then I steamed him up, processed in the food processor, and baked some tasty pumpkin bars! The best part? Cream cheese frosting. Homemade. So, so tasty.


6. I love creative film projects, the city of Chicago, and my loving husband. Saturday we had an adventure down in Hyde Park shooting our friend's jazz concert. Although it was a little overcast and cold out, we had a blast photographing the talented musicians as they grooved and improvised. It was so fun seeing the colorful crowd, too! Then after a bus ride through downtown (one of those huge, double-length buses!) we hit up Billygoat's Tavern for some cheezborger, cheezborgers! Delicious and classic. I love you, Josh! Had such a great time :)


7. Bikram has quite a story. So I recently purchased Bikram's book and am loving his intriguing tale of growing up with yoga, learning from his guru, ending up in the United States, and transforming many lives through his 26-posture series. Bikram is an interesting guy -- and much more complex than you'd first think from hearing his crazy English and seeing his numerous luxury cars. He really has a passion for the spiritual and health-based side of the yoga, and I totally respect that. I'm so stoked about furthering my understanding of the class, the foundations, and the philosophy at work behind it all. And I can't wait to meet you, Boss!


8.  Sleep more, sleep better, live happier. I am head-over-heels in love with the meditation CD I was recently given (full post coming soon!). Holy Moly Julie Rader is talented and so soothing. Her simple tracks focus on breathing techniques, controlling the mind, and relaxing so fully that it changes your sleep for the better. Can't wait to share more about this with you soon. And if you're in CA, get to her upcoming workshop! I wish I could be there.


9. It's good to mix it up. I'm a complete Bikram addict, but I'm starting to realize the awesome benefit of doing other types of yoga and exercise along with my practice to give my body a wake up call and keep things fresh. Not only is it great to move around the Torture Chamber so we get varied experiences in the hot room, but it's also great to change up our fitness routine in general, too. Pilates, at-home practice, a bike ride to the park...these are all great ways to help your body benefit more from Bikram.


10. Love those around you. Sometimes we are tired, defeated, worrisome, concentrated on ourselves. This doesn't mean we can sacrifice our willingness to forgive, cherish and help those around us! In the book of Malachi, God tells us: "Return to me, and I will return to you" (Malachi 3:7). He means that we must run with open arms and open hearts toward His way -- toward the practice of selflessness, generosity, and love for our neighbors -- and our blessings will be many. This week the Hubs and I are hosting a couple of exchange students from Taiwan at our place and although it was a bit of a challenge to work out the logistics and a bit of a sacrifice to give up our personal space (and couches ha!), we did it anyway. We opened our home and our hearts to visitors, and we have been so blessed by the girls. We have enjoyed fellowship and fun and sushi with them, and now we have a reason to come visit great friends in Asia sometime in the future. It just goes to show: if you open up to the possibility of being generous, you never know what goodness will come back your way.

Loving Lululemon's New Eagle Bra, Dark Icelandic Chocolate & Design Blogs

Lululemon Athletica carries awesome yogi wear and travel bags. Their stuff is top notch! Photo from their website.

Oh hey again. How's your Thursday afternoon turning out?

Mine is pretty lovely. I'm enjoying a little square of dark Icelandic chocolate (thanks, Whole Foods!), a glass of Cera Sport pomegranate acai berry rehydration mix, and a glance at this new blog I love, For Once, Then, Something.

I'm also meditating on this:

Yoga is the stilling of the changing states of the mind.

- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

I'm saying aaaaaaaah and doing my best not to miss the Hubs too much. Heading to Bikram soon. It's super hot and humid here today, so I'm guessing the room will feel cooler than usual. I hope. I'm sleepy!


I think I'll wear my new Lulu bra that a friend treated me to. It's comfortable, supportive, and sexy. Pretty much a perfect fit!


Now for some rockin' out to folk music (or terribly indulgent pop) on my way to the studio. Enjoy your evening, yogis!

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?