self love in 2018

always, around the new year i feel this surge of creativity.  this hint of inspiration to write and to paint again.  it must have something to do with all the time off from work.  it frees my brain up to think about and to feel the energies that make me tick.  

i really dislike nye itself, but what i do love about a new year is the chance for a clean slate.  the opportunity to create new goals.  2017 was rough for a lot of people.  it brought a lot of challenges to my life both personally and professionally.  2017 really, in all sense of the word, challenged me.  it also brought so much love and sense of purpose to my life.  it brought the decision to spend the rest of my life with the man i spent my life waiting to meet.  the man that makes me feel incredibly loved, supported, and respected.  2017 really shook things up.  i think when we get comfortable in life we tend to coast.  we tend to forget about things that excite us and entice us, and it's hard to remember the things that we are passionate about.  what i'm trying to say is that 2017 drudged up a lot of painful bad feelings but it brought a lot of people to life again and gave them a sense of purpose.  

my new goal and resolution in 2018 is simply to be kind to myself, and this means a lot of things, and i'll list them out..

• stop insulting your body
• love and appreciate where you are in life 
• know that you are intelligent (as i spell intelligent wrong about 3 times)
• trust your gut
• don't allow yourself to be bullied
• don't feel like you have to react if someone challenges or confronts you.. you owe it to yourself to gather your thoughts
• stop overthinking other people's possible actions, thoughts, or behavior.. you can only control yourself so stay peaceful and mindful 
• work out simply because it makes you feel confident and good, inside and out
• be thoughtful about what you consume both physically and mentally
• know that you have a skill set that can't be taught 

zach and i recently started leasing a car and now have sirius radio.  we have been listening to a lot of howard's 'best of 2017' interviews and it helped me realize something that is both obvious but important.  i learned that no matter who you are, how famous you are, what your job title is, how talented you are, everyone and anyone can feel intimidated by someone or insecure, or second guess themselves, and feel like what you have to offer just isn't good enough.  i'm sitting there listening to these people who i see as confident, smart, and insanely talented feel less than and i'm like completely dumbfounded by it.  but it shows me that i am not alone in my feelings and that as an outsider it seems crazy.  i want, in 2018, to look at myself the same way i see other people.  i want to see myself as a talented, inspired, smart, confident woman.  i want to be my best self, especially as i enter into marriage. it is a process but i've been my best self once before and i can do it again.  2018 will be about self love and respect and i will enter in as i enter every new year, with optimism and love.

post wedding workout

It is wedding season and I just came back from a pretty epic one.   I definitely packed on a little weight (in my defense I was celebrating from Wednesday - Sunday) and my body is aching from head to toe..... the toe is quite literal.  I still can't feel my second toe from my shoes. There was lots of jumping and what I consider dancing... but is really just jumping and flailing. My calves hurt and I'm not feeling too toned.  

I just saw that the lovely Adriene uploaded a new video and it is exactly what I needed!  It stretches the calves and hamstrings and also has a little core work out!  I highly recommend it even if you're not recuperating from a wedding.  Enjoy + namaste loves!

from illustration to reality: yoga with adriene

Now I KNOW  that I'm being a nerd, but I couldn't help but be so excited when I saw the latest video that Adriene put out.  She looks just like my illustration that she so lovingly shared with all of her followers (@adrienelouise)!  I smiled the entire practice... through the sweat and the pain!

I've started doing Adriene's Yoga for Weight Loss videos and they are kicking my ass.  But if I plan on wearing my new yellow bikini in a few weeks I have to keep on truckin'!

Namaste loves!

hangover yoga + a headstand

This morning was a struggle... to put it lightly.  Let's just say my alter ego was running a muck downtown last night.  Woof.

Today, at 3pm when I peeled myself from my bed, I thought it was appropriate to try out Adriene's Yoga for Hangovers.  Of course it was perfect and exactly what I needed.  I felt so good after that I tried out my first ever headstand.  Her Foundations of Yoga series is so great. When I've attempted headstands before I was doing it all wrong.  Putting actual pressure on my head, feeling frustrated, and not understanding why I couldn't get up into one.  She really dives in deep to the necessary steps to accomplish this position.  

When I first got to stage one of lifting off with my knees bent I was SO excited, so of course the second time I did it I filmed it.  I felt so good about it I extended my legs and held an actual headstand!  My form is definitely not great.  I need to work on getting that straight line from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes, but I was so proud of myself!  Especially on a day where I wanted to lay down and die for the most part.

So if you were out with me last night... or had a similar experience, I highly recommend Adriene's Yoga for Hangovers!  Namaste.

day 30: find what feels good

It's day 30 and I feel a lot of feelings!

This last day was kind of sad but very rewarding.  For the first time ever I led my own practice! Well, there wasn't much leading as it was only me, but still.  It felt really fulfilling that I could do my own thing and feel great after.  It was actually more therapeutic than when I follow someone else.  Your mind focuses on what you're going to do next or how your body feels at that moment. There's no room for the BS of your day to sneak in.

On day 30 I think it is so important that I look back and think about where I was when I started and where I am now.  I was feeling so stressed and anxious, my body felt tired, and my mind felt cluttered. Every time I practice yoga I feel lighter and happy so I knew this journey would help heal, and it did.  My mind feels happier and healthy, my body feels stronger, and I definitely feel less anxious.  All positives and I couldn't ask for more.  

There will always be stress out there and there will always be things that make you sad or angry or aggravated but what's important is to find something that can wipe all of that away, even if it is just for 20 minutes.  

Thank you so much Adriene for helping me find my center and feel good about myself once again. This was so fun and I strongly suggest participating in the challenge if you can.  Adriene is such a great teacher.  She moves at a slow, steady pace and you don't realize that you're building muscle until you're doing things you could do before. Also she is funny and weird and we would totally be besties.

K, I'm going to go eat some healthy homemade tacos now.

Be well, namaste, and FIND WHAT FEELS GOOD! 

day 29: sweet surrender

I can't believe it's already day 29.  The journey is almost over.  I'm a little sad about it but excited to dive into her other videos.  

This challenge has brought be so far from when I first started.  I got some of my flexibility back and I'm back in my groove of doing good for my body and my mind.  I have definitely found something that I know will center me when I'm feeling a little off balance and something that will clear my mind and help me to focus on what's important.  Health and happiness. 

Stay happy and namaste loves!

day 28: a floral moment

Adriene definitely has a floral moment going on in the background of her video today so of course I had to showcase an arrangement within an inspiring interior!  I used to buy myself flowers all the time for my room and I haven't done that in a while.  Yoga and flowers.  That sounds like the perfect combination.

This practice, even though it was labeled playful, was a little frustrating for me.  It made me realize how important it is to stretch and move around everyday.  I felt very stiff and not so playful after not practicing for a few days.  I came into flip dog pretty well though!  I was proud of myself for that. 

Enjoy!

day 26 + 27: finding my happy

During yoga I find that my mind tends to wander and it always finds its way to a happy place. A popular vacation spot for my mind to go is to this photo.  I took this one day last summer when my mom and I met some friends on a beach in Gloucester.  The sky was gorgeous and the water was so blue and.... freezing because it's Massachusetts. Thinking about it makes me calm and it makes me smile.  

Enjoy your day and enjoy your practice. 

day 24 + 25: little olive + the dancing warrior

Day 24 was an interesting one.  I was dog sitting my "niece" and doing yoga with little baby Olive was hysterical.  Thank God it was a restorative practice because it was difficult to get anything done.  Any time I would lay down olive would lick my face and any time I was in a seated cross legged position she would sit in my lap.   Not to mention when I would lye down she would lay on my tummy.  I couldn't be mad.. I could only laugh.  As you can see in the photo above, she has really mastered downward facing dog. 

Day 25 I was back in my apartment in my zen zone.  I felt great, I felt strong... I practiced some crow.  My right wrist is still feeling a little weak.  I'm not sure if I should wrap it or just keep trying to build strength.  I would love any suggestions if you have any!

Be well everyone! 

day 23: freedom + forgiveness

The painting above was originally a tattoo design for a little yogi friend of mine, Joanna.  Last summer when I was back home visiting I took one of her classes (which kicked my ass in the best way) and then after we spent the afternoon in the North End catching up on life, talking about my illustrations, her yoga, and what it was like for her moving out of NYC and back to Boston.  She has really built a beautiful life for herself in back home.   She teaches yoga and lives in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Boston.  I think she was the first person to help me see that you don't HAVE to stay in NY to find this "career fulfillment."  I know that seems a little obvious but when you're in it you feel it's the only option.  She definitely opened my eyes a bit.

If you are in the Boston area and want to take a class from my friend Joanna, she teaches at North End Yoga + South Boston Yoga.  Her classes are fantastic.  I sweat so much she needed to bring me a towel in the middle of teaching.  I really loved her class.  When I go to visit I'll have to make a pit stop in the city.  Her website is joannabenevides.com

So I think the wild flowers above are a nice little symbol of freedom for this practice. I really love this watercolor.. especially with the piles of snow outside, it's a reminder of spring.  As always, Adriene leads a relaxing and empowering practice in day 23.  I don't want it to end!  I have a feeling this yoga challenge will quickly become my new "series on Netflix that I just watch on repeat." BUT she does have other videos that I am very excited to dive into.  

Take care, be well, and happy Sunday!

day 22: heart to earth + full body awareness

Day 22 starts out with heart to earth pose which I think works back nicely to the concept of full body awareness.  To me it helps remind me to appreciate every little simple thing that is good.  Your heart, your health, and the perfect ground we stand on. 

Lately I've been missing my home and my family a lot. The photo above is a picture I took when my mom came to visit me in the fall.  We took a walk through Central Park and this was a moment we passed along the way.  

day 21: joyful home practice

Day 21! This practice was all about focusing on your breath, fine tuning and exploring your poses, and finding full-body awareness.  It  was very relaxing and of course... joyful! 

Happy Monday everyone.

day 19 + day 20: heart practice

Happy Valentine's Day!  

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays.  I love the pink, red, and white color combos and the cute cards and the hearts.  I love it all!  

All day I've watching rom-coms and painting while snow falls outside. It's the perfect Saturday afternoon.  Since it has been freeeezing on the east coast it's a great time to warm up with some at home yoga. Day 19 is all about the breath while day 20 focuses on opening up the heart.   

Stay warm friends!

day 18: balance

Day 18 was pretty cool.  There were some poses I've never done before that required a lot concentration, balance, and trust in your body.  When I felt myself stick the pose I was so excited and inspired.  I've been attempting to find some balance in my everyday life as well.  Getting to the office early and staying late, then continuing to work at home has been throwing me off a little bit.  So I'm trying to focus on centering myself, keeping my mind happy and clear when I can, and trying to figure out what my real happy actually is.   It's a process. 

fancy brunch at home

Now that I live on my own I can't be out brunching and lunching like I used to.  So!  I made a fancy Brooklyn inspired brunch for myself. When I cook.... especially when I'm making it up along the way... I tend to not measure.   This is exactly why I don't bake.  I just don't like following directions!  So below, I have left a general idea of how I made this.  

INGREDIENTS 

kale
turkey bacon
1 egg
armesan cheese (grated)
2 lemons
1/4 cup of olive oil
3 large cloves of garlic (minced) 
thyme, salt, & pepper

Take a 1/2 bunch of kale, chop it up, rinse, and set aside in a bowl. Then cook up 4 strips of turkey bacon, chop, and sprinkle over kale.
 
For the dressing squeeze two full lemons and mix into your salad as well as one large handful of parmesan cheese.  Then warm about a 1/4 of a cup or less of olive oil in a small pot with 3 large cloves of garlic, minced, over medium heat.  Heat for only 1 minute and make sure to NOT brown the garlic.  Let it cool for a few minutes before mixing it into your salad.  

For your soft boiled egg, bring water to a boil in a pot (enough water to fully submerge your egg).  Once your water is boiling bring it down to a simmer and carefully place your egg in the water using a spoon. Let it simmer for 7 minutes and then rinse your egg under icy cold water for 1-2 minutes.
 
After pealing and cutting your egg in half place it on top of your salad. Sprinkle some salt, pepper and thyme over top and enjoy!!

Let me know if you try this recipe and if you have any yummy additions! 

Happy Sunday!

day 16 + 17: ocean breath + a boost of happy

Mercury is in retrograde people.  Which means nothing is right in the world.  A bit dramatic... yes... but somewhat accurate. Mercury rules over communication so when it's in retrograde, up is down, left is right, I have zero balance, and my brain is like scrambled eggs.  These past few days have been.. not good, to keep it simple. Lots of anxiety and frustration.  I have to say that my time on my little mat is the only time when I can really let go of it all. 

I can't say that these videos have completely erased the bad energy but they have really calmed me down and helped me to find my breath when I feel a little panic-y.  

In day 16 Adriene talks about ocean sounds through your breath.  When you achieve it it is so relaxing.  The images that flooded my mind of course were the photos I took down by the water over Thanksgiving at my family's home in Boston.  Calm and blue.  Such a relaxing image.  I also held my side plank on both sides!  Super exciting.  I don't think I've ever done that.  Small victory for the day.

Day 17 really grounded me and calmed me this morning before I headed into work.  I went to bed early last night but woke up at midnight and mind was racing, stressing, and I couldn't fall back to sleep.  I was really glad that I managed to woke up early this morning to partake in day 17.   I feel a lot better... my mind clearer. 

Enjoy + be well.

day 15: half moon

How fitting. Day 15, halfway through and it's all about the half moons!

I took some time to reflect on why I started this challenge.  I wanted clear my mind, reunite with my happy, and to feel good both inside and out.  My mind, like everyone I know, gets completely filled with unnecessary stress and negative perspectives of current situations.  I wanted a moment where I could dust all of that away.  A moment where none of that exterior shit that takes up far too much energy matters. When I step onto my 10+ year old bright blue mat I take time for me, and I breathe away all of it. 

Day 15 and I already feel changes. My body feels slimmer, stronger, and I stand up straighter.  And I smile more!  The theme of the half moon got me so excited. It's the moon I was born under and the halfway point of my first challenge of the new year.  The half moon pose was a challenge since it is all about balance... another thing I'm striving for in the new year.  Even though I fell out of the pose oh so gracefully, it reminded me that every day is different with new challenges.  Points like that in the challenge teach me to appreciate all stages of any process.  Even if you unattractively fall flat on your face.

day 14: hovering cat

In honor of the hovering cat poses in day 14 here are the kitties I've been working on!  Phoebe on the left is almost done!  I have to paint in her wallpaper and then she is complete.  Cali on the right is pretty much done. I love her pet portrait because her wallpaper was inspired by the restaurant Indochine in NYC.  Ever since I took some friends from home to Indochine I have been obsessed with that wall paper.  I love it!  And from what her owner tells me, the vibe of the restaurant really fits her personality.  Perfection! (Perrrfection... NO! that's cheesy, jk jk)

Day 14 of the 30 Days of Yoga challenge was both relaxing and challenging.  I'm finding that I really need to work on core and wrist strength.  This session touched on both. I'm excited for day 15!  It's the mid point and I want to reflect on the reasons why I started the challenge as well as my new year's resolution.

Till then!  Namaste.

interior inspirations: stick pose

Today we had a snow day in New York so I got to wake up and start my day with the lovely Adriene.  I really do love waking up early and doing my yoga before going to work, but lately I can't seem to get in bed early enough to not wake up late and be in a complete rush in the morning! Today was definitely a healthy balance of work and yoga.   Everyday should be like that.

Day 12 and lucky day 13 were all about realigning the spine and building endurance.  We sat in stick pose for a second so of course my brain went right to my new stick decor!  Sounds weird.. but it looks great!  I've got branches on the brain!  I love when my yoga practice can relate back to my art and design work.  Keeps me inspired.   

inspiring sundays

Today I found some inspiration on Franklin Street in Greenpoint.  Sadah and I had the most adorable brunch and then walked around.  We hit up People of 2morrow, Home of the Brave, a few other cute home decor shops.  The store designs were all just as beautiful as the product.  Makes me excited for the day that I have a whole house to design instead of just one room. 

I also got closer to finishing my frame wall.  Very excited about that.  I think I need maybe three more and my collection will be complete!

So the shopping therapy was taken care and now we take care of the mind and body...

Lately I've been doing two videos a night.  That's just how I function... I'm in my zone and I want to keep going.  Day 10 was nice and is why I love these videos so much.  They are challenging but they also allow you to relax and not feel like you have to have this crazy difficult work out everyday.  It's nice.  I also just think she's hysterical.  

I hope some of you have tried these videos or at the very least they have inspired you to get out and move around in your own way.  One of my best friends, who was also a yoga instructor, would always encourage me to just simply move around a little.  It doesn't take much to release stress and make your body feel good.   

I hope everyone has a wonderful week.