Free to Flow (A Review of Onzie Hot Yoga Wear)

Things are starting to heat up! Well, almost. :)

Here in Chicagoland, you can feel summer trying to break through. The days are increasingly warmer, the sun is out, and on the cloudless days I begin to dream of beaches.

Which is why I am stoked about my one-piece leotard from Onzie -- it's part yoga wear, part swimsuit! In general, I love clothing that can be re-purposed depending on the occasion, and Onzie lives up to my standard for versatility.

Are you gearing up for a vacation on the beach, and also looking for a new yoga outfit to use all summer? Check out Onzie for some shopping options -- they carry quite a variety of pieces for hot yoga and more, and there's some fun, funky and wild colors to choose from.

If you're like me, you're ready to get outside for a sunny summer. And as we say in Bikram, where the eyes go, the body follows!

Note: more Onzie reviews coming soon from my sponsored yogis!

Yoga in Motion

Heather Robinson: Balance from Prana Living on Vimeo.

Some beautiful reflections on living mindfully, cultivating balance, and reaching your goals. And what a wicked climb!

Any of you readers like to scale mountains? :)

Memory and Compassion

All photos taken by my dad, who works as a Public Information Officer for the SBA.

He's currently on location in Joplin, MO, which was recently devastated by the worst tornado since 1950.

When was the last time you felt like your life was turned upside down?

I'm sitting at home on this quiet Memorial Day weekend, enjoying the sounds of rain out the window and birds chattering with each other in the trees. I can smell strawberry rhubarb crisp in the oven. It's almost ready to eat.

I'll serve it with vanilla ice cream, a big scoop for me. I imagine the rich taste, and how I'll love it most because I bought the rhubarb stalks fresh this morning at Evanston's farmers market. Crisp, red, ready.

I wandered the tents slowly, enjoying each of spring's new offerings. I bought what was ready to eat, instead of shopping with a list in hand. I lingered, watching families interact and the community come together over food.

There is nothing better than that feeling of togetherness.

This afternoon, I read emails from my dad about what he's seen in Missouri and Kansas, where the tornadoes hit. I looked through the photographs he attached, shaking my head at the computer screen and wondering about luck, erosion, and loss.

I wondered about how grateful I can be for the quiet. For the unremembered days.

There are families in towns who have recently lost everything -- loved ones, shelter, dreams, their plans for the future. Their worlds have been turned upside down.

Perhaps, before the storm hit, their lives were as quiet as my day is today.

I ask you, readers, yogis, compassionate people -- as you celebrate Memorial Day weekend and as you take time to remember those who have given their lives for our country, pray for these families. Send hope their way. They are grieving and have witnessed great destruction... while many of us grill hamburgers in our quiet backyards.

As we make new memories, we also mourn the loss they have suffered.

From one of my dad's emails...

I'm in Reading, Kansas. It's a teeny little town, very poor, streets are just dirt. Only about 230 people live there. I drove over yesterday from Joplin, Missouri.

This week was hard. I worked several 18-hour days with lots of driving, 4 am start times, etc., so much happening it's hard to keep track of things. But I am NOT complaining - I count my blessings every time I see what I've seen this week. (You should, too.) Two of my fellow colleagues have just missed getting hit by tornadoes along their paths this last week.

No big deal for either, but it kind of makes you stop and think.

Who knows where I might be sent next?

As you celebrate this weekend, fly the flag. Eat a hotdog. I've attached a bunch of photos -- some are amazing. All the damage views are horrible...I love you...

Thank you, Dad, for the compassion you bring to the places you witness. You are able to help turn the world right-side up, little by little, in these cities which have been struck by disaster.

To any of the individuals and families who might be reading this, my heart goes out to you. I will be praying for you -- for strength, hope, perseverance.

And if I could, I'd have you over for a bite of strawberry-rhubarb crisp this evening. Fresh, piping hot from the oven, steam rising off the plate as the scoop of ice cream is added.

We'd sit together in the quiet of home, knowing that we are not alone, tasting what is good.

Business Alliance for a Sustainable Evanston and Tuesday Night Cupcakes!

Happy Sunday, all!


Hope you're having a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend. I'm spending time with my lovely cousin, Joelle.

 

Nothing better than The Bean at Millenium Park in springtime!

Just wanted to share a quick announcement about BASE -- the Business Alliance for a Sustainable Evanston. They are an awesome local green group dedicated to changing Evanston into a more socially, environmentally and economically green city.


Do you have any plans for Tuesday night? If not, I'd totally recommend swinging by their bi-monthly meeting at Tiny Dog Cupcake on Davis Street at 5:30pm. Not only can you taste a sweet treat, but there will be lots to learn about great green practices and products from the NU Engineers for a Sustainable World. 


I hope to be there for at least the first half. See you soon, green Evanstonians!

(PS: Full disclosure: the two owners of Brella Productions, where I work, are members of BASE and practice a lot of incredible green habits in the workplace, at home, and in the Evanston community. For more info about ways our company leaves a lighter carbon footprint -- and ways you can do so, too! -- read these tips.)

Views of Evanston in springtime from my phone. It's so beautifully green already!  :)

Green Fest:Inspiring Speakers, Tasty Food, and a Great Vibe

A view from the cab ride home after today's festivities.

The air was electric with change.

My favorite part about attending Chicago GreenFest today? You could feel the sense of community present in the room. It was wonderful being able to people watch, float between booths, sample delicious and healthy foods, and hear from incredible speakers with a lot to share.

My wonderful friend Shuling and I are cabbing it back to north of the city, but I leave Chicago today with a renewed sense of hope. New energy. New delight with the urban community at work here.

More to come very soon!

Green Fest: Good Morning!

All photos by yours truly.

Happy Green Fest, all! I'll be heading down there shortly but wanted to share some reflections on my inspiration for attending today.

I believe it's time we started caring about our world. Our neighborhoods and our people, and our natural environment, too. 

I believe now is the time to consider where our food comes from, how our hunger impacts our world, how brothers and sisters in other parts of the world go hungry every day. Now is the time to consider our health and treating our bodies to clean, healthy food.

Sustainability is an issue to consider now, in this moment. So is climate change. Pollution, energy, transportation, endangered species... the list is long, because the time is now.

Can you be challenged to listen to our world and the problems within it? Can you be moved to action? There are simple ways you can make a difference. There are simple ways you can encourage others to do the same.

I can't help but hear words by Walt Whitman ringing in my ears:

Give me the splendid silent sun, with all his beams full-dazzling;  

Give me juicy autumnal fruit, ripe and red from the orchard;  

Give me a field where the unmow’d grass grows;  

Give me an arbor, give me the trellis’d grape;  

Give me fresh corn and wheat—give me serene-moving animals, teaching content;

Give me nights perfectly quiet, as on high plateaus west of the Mississippi, and I looking up at the stars...

--From "Leaves of Grass" (130) by Walt Whitman

Or maybe Wallace Stevens speaks more closely to your heart:


It is possible that to seem -- it is to be,
As the sun is something seeming and it is.


The sun is an example. What it seems
It is and in such seeming all things are.


Thus things are like a seeming of the sun
Or like a seeming of the moon or night


Or sleep. It was a queen that made it seem
By the illustrious nothing of her name.


Her green mind made the world around her green.
The queen is an example... This green queen


In the seeming of the summer of her sun
By her own seeming made the summer change.


In the golden vacancy she came, and comes,
And seems to be on the saying of her name.


Her time becomes again, as it became,
The crown and week-day coronal of her fame...

--From "Description Without Place" (I) by Wallace Stevens

You hold the world in your hand. On most days, it may seem like you don't, but you do. Now is the time: do something great with the world.

Breaking the Silence

Hey all, I'm back! The blogging break has been wonderful, but I missed you all. How have you been? How is your yoga going?

The last few weeks have been a reflective time for me. I have been writing, exploring, feeling, thinking, learning to take the time just to be.

I have been carefully choosing my words. Like the poem I was just reading this morning...

Calm the heart's dark waters;

collect from deep thoughts

the proper names for things.

Heaven and earth are trapped in visible form:

all things emerge

from within the writing brush... (from Lu Chi)

But on some days, I don't choose them carefully. I sing. I spew. I just talk and talk.

Often we are quiet for so long when inside we are longing to cry out.

My challenge for you this week, as I return to Alive in the Fire with new inspiration, is to clear yourself a path for the moment you are in.

Experience where you are now.

You may see the road before you -- distance in the path -- a journey waiting -- but for now, set it aside. Be here.

As Whitman has said:

You must habit yourself to the dazzle of light

and of every moment of your life...

Can you choose to see the world with wonder today? Whether you are at your mat, or simply working through the challenges of your day, observe what you are experiencing. Try for a moment not to judge what's happening or react to it, but just to be present.

And at the times when the day feels crazy -- a blur, a crashing in, a falling down -- give yourself permission to let go. Take a break. Come back, remembering your name. Remembering what you bring with you.

Trust what guides you; trust your dreams. Listen to your fears, but not too closely.

Move with the story you have.

More from me soon. It's great to be back :)

Join Me at the Chicago Green Festival!

Graphic via the Chicago Green Festival.

Readers, I have some exciting news! I will be blogging live from the Chicago Green Festival this Saturday, May 14. There is some incredible programming lined up and I can't wait to take part.

I am most looking forward to hearing from Colin Beavan of the documentary No Impact Man and the No Impact Project. If you haven't yet seen his film or read his blog, I highly encourage you to check them out!

And for those of you who are interested in taking your living green approach to the next level, please do join me this weekend :)

Also, watch this quick video -- it's a challenge from Colin to try the No Impact Experiment for a week. By participating in this life-changing carbon cleanse, you phase out habits for over-use of the earth's resources, you learn to live with less, and you can share a powerful message with family and friends. Little by little, you can make a huge difference in our world!

Whether you're just starting to think about the green revolution, or you've already got plans to get your green on this weekend at the Fest -- I hope you'll tune in for my posts!

Namaste, all.

 

Love green foods, green places, green grass?  See you Saturday! 

On Break

Photo via Hearts Expanding, my new favorite yoga blog.

Hey readers, hope you're having a great week! What are you up to?

I wanted to let you know I'm taking a little blogging break. 

As hard as it is sometimes to set our priorities in order, I'm realizing right now I need my yoga more than I need my writing about it :)

In the meantime, I encourage you to check out this yoga blog I just discovered (where all these beautiful photos are from), and to:

• practice your headstands and handstands
• look forward to my post about the Mr. Yoga workshop I took at TruHarmony (where I conquered my fear of headstands and arm balances!)
• let go while you're in Camel pose and see how it can transform your practice, and any fear you carry in your life
• look forward to some posts about yoga wear and meditation CDs that are rocking my world and the way positive tools are helping me learn compassion for myself & others
• eat home-grown or organic, healthy, wholesome foods that you've bought at the farmer's market (and be grateful for springtime!)
• celebrate your blessings!

Namaste.

PS As always, feel free to reach me at aliveinthefire@gmail.com and thanks for reading!

Happy Earth Day!

Photo via Yoga Dudes on Tumblr. 

Ironically, I'm a bit under the weather on Earth Day... but wanted to share some wonderful reading from around the web. Here are some Earth Day Posts you won't want to miss! 
Note: photos are from the links below them. Enjoy!


First, a list of cool stuff you could do today to celebrate our great, green planet.

From Anthology: sweet moss art by Anna Garforth.

Julia Yee Yoga's post on grasshopper. I really want to practice with her in that little garden of space! It always feels so sacred and quiet when I see the photos :)

From Pacing the Panic Room: Ryan's tribute to raising kids who understand that raising food is a real, physical process. So beautiful. I can't wait to have a big garden someday!

OnceWed has some incredible ideas in this post on how to make art out of corks! What a fun and creative way to decorate for a wedding.

PrAna brings some reflections on Food, Inc., one of my favorite docs out there.

"Be Brave and Revise (Or, Alternately, My Struggle with Fear) by Veronia Roth. Great friend, beautiful lady, amazing writer. She has inspired me in many ways over the years we've known each other, and this essay is a big addition to that list. If you've ever dealt with anxiety or writing before, you'll want to read this! (And do check out Veronica's book Divergent; it's incredible.) 

Also, I loved this visual reflection from I Can Read on Tumblr on why worrying gets you nowhere :)

And, for those needing a laugh, a hilarious comic from xkcd (click to enlarge photo):

Note: the rollover reads: "You're a turtle!" :)

Enjoy the world, yogis!

Momentum

Photos via FYeahYoga on Tumblr.

I've been feeling a lot of momentum going on this week: at work, at yoga, in my creative projects, relationships, thought processes throughout the day. It's great to be on the move.


It's also amazing to reflect on the way a consistent practice on the mat can really catapult you to new places. Yoga is transformative. Transformational. 


It's all about the process.


J over at Lock the Knee said it beautifully in a quote from one of her students in a recent post:


[Bikram yoga can make you a] different person - body changed, personality changed, attitude changed, everything changed.  


[As a yogi, you realize:] I don't have to prepare to practice, I just have to come in and practice... I am just keeping myself open to feedback, just listen, adjust, and change... If you think you're 'perfect,' if you're always 'doing it right,' then you can't learn, but if you're just 'practicing,' then you can keep adjusting and taking in new information. 


I'm so glad I found the momentum to start practicing again, not worrying about getting it right. It's such a relief! (And thanks to Juliana's student for describing this concept so beautifully.)


See you in the Hot Room for a Bikram class tomorrow? And at the arm balances and inversions workshop with Mr. Yoga down at TruHarmony on Saturday, if you're going!

A Tribute to Bikram Yoga Evanston, My Home Studio (Plus NBC Chicago's Video About Us!)

All images are screenshots taken from the NBC Chicago video. Apologies for the low res!

Yogis, check it out! A couple weeks ago NBC Chicago did a video feature about Bikram Yoga Evanston, my home studio. It's fun seeing our director, Stuart Getz, chat about the awesome physical and mental benefits of the practice and watching some of my yoga friends do some beautiful postures.

You guys are all rockin' it, fellow BYE-ers. I know I haven't met all of you around the studio, but I'm proud of the way you bring yourselves to class, share your practices wholeheartedly, and engage in the supportive community that's present at our studio. I have to say: we have the best teachers and the best yogis around!

I love the solid dialogue, the willingness to fight for discipline in the room, and the positive attitude that our teachers bring to class (and that students adopt as they move throughout the postures and breathing exercises). I also love that our fearless leaders can sometimes be sarcastic (hilariously so), fun-loving, imaginative, and poetic, even, in class. 

It makes the experience of yoga just that -- an experience that's worthwhile and enjoyable, not just a task on a to-do list for the day. Many thanks to the yogis who aren't afraid to fall out, laugh at themselves in the mirror, and grow together as silly things happen during the yoga.

Not to mention, it's wonderful being taught to do the postures right and being surrounded by yogis who aren't willing to sacrifice quality for depth. When the alignment is right and the mental approach is calm and focused, the benefits are endless!

Lots of love and a big namaste to everyone on staff at BYE, and to all of my fellow yogis.

Our little family is a fun mix that I enjoy being a part of each time I practice. I love you guys.

To the retired all-star athletes (like Mike Adamle, who used to play for the Chicago Bears)... to the currently-active all-star athletes (especially the local high school basketball teams, and Chicago Bulls players who come to class)... to the Northwestern students looking to reduce your stress levels (been there, and I'm so glad you're taking Bikram!)... and to all the other awesome moms and dads, families and kids, hardworking people who come to the studio for rest, relaxation and time in the best Torture Chamber around...

Thank you. You, my yogis, are incredible.

You Are Not Alone

 

Photos from a while back.

Anyone else out there listen to Josh Ritter? He's amazing. I was listening to some of his songs last night and feeling nostalgic. Reflecting on old memories, playing these moments in my head again and again. Like the lyrics of the song go:

Lucky are you who finds me in the wilderness

I am the only unquiet ghost that does not seek rest

-from "Bone of Song," by folk artist Josh Ritter

I met Josh Ritter a while back, and he's as awesome as his music is beautiful.

Sometimes we are surprised, astonished even, by what we find when we look backward. The amount of love that can linger for a person we hadn't thought of in a while, or hadn't taken the time to reach out to.

Wistful -- bracing -- effortless -- those are the words that come to mind. The way two people can find a way to fill up space without even trying. We were in a place, a time, a togetherness I have yet to find again. Words of my own float through my head when I listen to those songs.

There is a lot of value in taking the time to reflect. Meditation is not nothing.

Meditation is not for nothing.

Take the time you need to reflect on the experiences you have, the people you know, the love you can give that you haven't offered yet.

Look through the old photographs. Listen to the songs. Write down the music you didn't know you had inside. Then give them all away. 

Bikram says it too: if you can, you must.

Photo here and all below by Joelle Waskey, my lovely cousin.

Bikram Yoga Bloggers and Teacher Training

Photo via The Hot Yoga Girl, a Bikram blog I just discovered.

Are any of you blog readers gearing up to become Bikram teachers starting next week? I'm getting excited to follow the stories of some very soon-to-be teachers-in-training.

I love reading Bikram blogs. It's fun to learn how other yogis interpret some of the madness we encounter in the hot room. Sometimes enlightening, always entertaining, you can discover a lot of Bikram blogging goodness on my blogroll, listed below and to the right.

Photo via a post by @NancyChloe on Twitter. She's here in southern CA for the spring 2011 Bikram Teacher Training!

While I do primarily practice Bikram and hope to teach it one day, I also follow some yoga bloggers who love other styles. I also keep fitness, style, cooking, and wedding blogs in my reader. I think it's important to consider a variety of voices and opinions on yoga (and life in general), and it's great to keep an open mind when reading or writing about a personal yoga practice. I hope that this approach keeps things fresh around here at Alive in the Fire!

If you'd enjoy more Bikram-related content, I'd encourage you to check out these three sites. As always, feel free to drop me a line if you discover a beautiful blog or wild posture photos you think I might like. Happy reading!

Sweat Your Heart Out: This is a Bikram blog by Jacob, a yogi who hopes to teach one day. His posts are reflective and thoughtful and he has a great grasp on how and why Bikram yoga is such a healing practice.

Bikram Infinity: Greg blogs about his Bikram adventures by sharing incredible posture discussions, thoughts on how to build great habits in the Torture Chamber, and meditations on how you can apply your yoga to life off the mat.

 The Hot Yoga Girl: Tiffany's blog reads like the inside of a yogini's diary, featuring down-to-earth post-it notes with inspirational quotes, messages from family members, or little reminders written on them. Her thoughts give a positive, passionate look at some reasons to consider going to training.

Onzie Yoga Wear For Your Yoga or Swim Practice

 

Photo via Onzie, my new favorite yoga wear.

Sometimes we get stuck in a rut: with relationships, with our diet, with our yoga practice. Every now and then, we need a kick-start to get a boost of fresh air or a spark of new energy.

Since it's officially springtime now (we had our first 80-degree day here on Sunday!), I'm ready to celebrate. And I've got an inspiring yoga wear company for you to check out. They're called Onzie.

This shop features not only high-performance gear that feels great to wear to the hot room, but it's also perfect for your trip to the beach, a swim at a neighborhood pool, even your favorite pilates class. When I first saw the site, the two thoughts that came to mind were:

• Sweet! There's enough variety here so that everyone can find a fit that flatters and is comfortable. That way, the last thing on your mind while you yoga is what you're wearing. What you wear to yoga shouldn't be about impressing others or trying to look sexy, it should be about feeling great and not being distracted by your outfit!
• Plus, getting one of these no-frills, sleek-lookin' outfits is kind of like an investment for your spring and summer, not just your yoga. 

It's pretty rare that a product -- even a yoga one-- can make me feel that excited!

Which is the first reason why I realized Onzie is a rare gem. The second? When Kimberly, Onzie's President and and fearless leader, reached out to me and offered to collaborate through the blog, I knew this would be a great fit.

Beautiful yoga wear? Check. Kind heart and generous spirit? Double check. 

Kimberly and the Onzie team quickly offered to donate gear not only to me to test, but also to each of the sponsored yogis who were interested in trying it out. In a matter of days, she had shipped leotards, shorts, capris, you name it -- all over the country.

And the sacrifice she made hasn't gone unnoticed. The team and I plan to blog about Onzie in the days and weeks to come, not only because we think it'd be a great idea for you to check out their shop and consider making a purchase... but mostly because Onzie's approach to yoga wear hits the mark.

Photo via Onzie. 

As their web site reads:

At Onzie our philosophy is "keep your practice challenging, and your wardrobe simple!" 

Onzie's no-frills one-pieces and separates are best worn while sweating, swimming, or simply lounging around. In keeping with the principle of being inclusive, rather than exclusive, Onzie is affordably-priced and suitable for all activities and practices. 

Photo via Onzie, the yoga wear that doubles as beach wear!

I hope, as always, that you understand the top-priority goal behind any content published here at Alive in the Fire isn't to make a buck or sell a product, it's to help you better your yoga practice. Finding awesome gear is an important part of that.

As a blogger, it can often be hard to find a sponsor that matches happily with your writing goals and your blogging philosophy. I'm excited to announce that Onzie is a perfect fit here. Pun intended!

Mr. Yoga Workshop @ TruHarmony in Chicago

Photo via the Mr. Yoga site.

Hey yogis, have you heard of Mr. Yoga? Also known as Daniel Lacerda, this super-strong yogi is somewhat of a teacher celebrity, and I'm excited to announce that he's coming to Chicago!

If you're interested in meeting Mr. Yoga and taking a killer workshop, check out the info below about TruHarmony Yoga in the city's weekend with him coming up on April 22nd and 23rd. I'm hoping to attend, but if I can't make it, you may see an update from sponsored yogi Rich since TruHarmony is his home studio. 

If you do go, be sure to leave me a comment or drop me a line at aliveinthefire@gmail.com with your thoughts! :)

Photo via this review.

Mr. Yoga  Weekend

When: April 22nd and 23rd

Where: TruHarmony Yoga, 900 N. Franklin, 5th Floor

The Schedule for the weekend is as follows:

Friday, April 22nd:

6-7:30pm: Mr. Yoga Workout

Followed by reception at the studio!

Saturday, April 23rd:

9-10:30am: Mr. Yoga Workout

11:00-1:00pm: Inversion and Arm Balances Workshop

2:00-3:30pm: Mr. Yoga Workout

Followed by a meet and greet with Mr. Yoga! 

To register for a spot, please go to TruHarmony's scheduling website. Log in with your User Name and Password, then visit their Workshops Tab. From there you can select which session(s) you would like to attend and submit your reservation and payment online. Please note that all  payments and reservations are final.  

For more information about TruHarmony Yoga, check out this post. It's a beautiful studio with a friendly staff located in the heart of Chicago, and this is a workshop you won't want to miss! 

Milk Bubbles

The Milk Mason from The Panic Room Videos on Vimeo.

Hey all, Happy Tuesday!


In case you need a little break from your adult life, I have just the video to share on this beautiful, bright Tuesday morning. It's been a while since I posted to the Beyond Childhood series, and I couldn't resist sharing this clip; it's a perfect example of what the series is all about: letting loose your inner child no matter your age!


Meet Tessa, the lovely daughter of Cole and Ryan over at Pacing the Panic Room. PTPR has always been one of my favorite blogs, and for reasons like this.


Ryan has a talented eye for catching the tiny moments that shouldn't be forgotten -- like the way sunlight hits a jar of milk bubbles, or the fragile allure of a child's hands moving, or the pure joy of raw curiosity. The eagerness behind her eyes. The love in her eyes as she glances off-screen at her parents. Best of all: the sound of laughter, on-camera and off, and the way it reminds us to be real people.

Enjoy, and namaste!

Strangely Creative (A View of Google Maps)

Do you guys ever use Google Maps street view to find out more about where you're going?


I love being able to utilize the map tool for planning trips so I know the street corner where I need to turn or which building I'm headed to, so I don't get lost. I also love "visiting" places across the country where I haven't been in awhile (or can't afford to fly to).


In fact, a couple weeks ago I spent time with a friend, Shuling, and we explored my old neighborhoods in California and hers in Singapore. It was mind-boggling! I could just see myself walking down those faraway streets, even though I was sitting in front of the computer at home.


A Canadian artist, Jon Rafman, has created a bizarre yet mesmerizing project using the images from Google Maps. He calls it "Street View surfing." The series of photographs are surreal, often revealing odd characters, objects, animals, kids, even an exploding fire hydrant.


Every frame seems so visceral and raw, and some are so wild (I especially love the one with the butterfly in mid-frame, below, and the elephant standing in a lush, green landscape, above.)

His website stands as an interesting, graceful, and engaging comment on humanity, and the way we sometimes wonder: who's watching?


It also reminds me of the way yoga helps us live exactly in the moment. These photos give a vision for some very strange yet beautiful moments!


To see more of the photos, check out Rafman's website. Note: some of the content is a bit graphic and some is inappropriate for kids to see.


All photos collected by Jon Rafman on Google Maps. Found via Very Short List. 


The above captures don't do justice to the size of the images on Rafman's site, so I encourage you to take a look there if you're fascinated :)

A Video to Inspire Your Spring and Summer

Video via Lululemon on YouTube.

Anyone else ready for sunshine? I'm hoping it brightens up this weekend, but yesterday and today have been so gray. (Although I do enjoy fog because it reminds me of growing up in northern California, I wouldn't mind a few rays and puffy clouds!)

I just discovered a beautifully-composed video from Lululemon. I love the way the upbeat music, close-up shots, and outdoor settings make me feel fired up for spring and summer.

Hope they inspire you as well! Oh, and see if you can spot the cool tattoo in this video :)

Happy Friday, all.

Tune Up Your Bike: An Etsy Video for Springtime

Tune Up Your Bicycle For Spring from Etsy on Vimeo.

Readers, do you bike?


I started riding to and from work a couple weeks ago and I am loving it. The freedom of biking is fantastic -- fresh air every morning and evening, a little workout built in to the day, and I don't have to rely on a method of transportation that hurts the environment. Plus, I have to say: I adore my beautiful silver bike :)

I can't wait to take longer rides in the area once spring weather warms up just a bit. I definitely want to hit up the Chicago Botanic Garden, and maybe participate in Critical Mass again. Sweet!


Enjoy the video above if you're getting ready to start riding again, but need to tune up your bicycle. There are some useful tips in there! You can also check out the full Etsy scoop on fixing up your bike for spring.


Namaste and remember to keep your joints happy with a little yoga after you bike :) I know my hips, knees and ankles thank me when I can get in a Bikram class before I pedal fast!