Brighten Up

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All photos via Color Me Katie.

I recently discovered the most happy-go-lucky blog. Just browsing through the posts and silly photos at Color Me Katie makes me smile.

Katie is a freelance photographer and street artist dedicated to making fun things.

Two of my favorite posts of hers are about brightening up the world.

For instance, say it's a rainy day. Why let the weather get you down? Instead, place rubber duckies in puddles around town and watch as people smile as they realize there's a reason to be happy for the wet weather. Those ducks seem pretty grateful, don't you think? :)



Or, turn some plain rocks into colorful creations that almost blend into their environment. Adorable!



What's Pure (YogaEarth Purity Coconut Water)

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Photos via Pinterest and YogaEarth.
I'm not going to lie. I have a thing for the taste of coconut, the smell of the air after a sudden downpour, the feeling of wrapping up in pajamas after I towel off from a shower, and the bright, clean light of mid-morning coming through a window.

There is something precious about purity. I think I know why this is: because it's not common in our world.

Photos via Minimalissmo.

And yet, we need more things that make us feel refreshed. We need more simplicity. Our modern world could use a little of what we cherish on our yoga mats: focus; clarity; plain, graceful movement.

In my experience, the brands I enjoy most are the ones that produce a feeling of effortlessness when I experience them. For a brand to be memorable, there has to be something organic, something that just feels right about engaging with its products, something worth trusting in what's being offered. It's always been this way with YogaEarth... plus I've fallen in love with their latest and greatest: Purity, featuring 100% organic coconut water.


Photo by yours truly.

Purity is my favorite YogaEarth product to date, and a big reason why the brand falls into this category for me. While the other superfood supplements are wonderful, there's something so  approachable about Purity. Yogi or couch potato, it's a drink you can love. There's nothing demanding about YogaEarth Purity; when you drink it, you're asking for clean and easy hydration -- no performance, no endurance, no drama.

And its simple, classic coconut taste out ranks any other coconut water I've tried (including -- gasp! -- the name brands you see at the grocery store and in your studio's refrigerators).  Plus, that pure taste brings me back to the sunny beaches of Puerto Rico... honestly, who could ask for more?
Photos via Kamp Photography and YogaEarth.
Thirsty to try some? Check out my lovely Facebook app -- you can save $10 on any order using my special coupon code ("rachelstroud"). Good until 11/11/11!

In Pursuit of Coziness

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Photos by me.

Exciting news: I finished knitting a cowl! I'm pretty proud of my crafty work, especially since now I have something quite cozy to enjoy all fall and winter. I do so love this time of year when you can bundle up.

I've also been enjoying my muck-lucks lately :) My slippers are all worn out since I wear them around the house so much (the bottoms have come off and flop everywhere, but I can't seem to let them go quite yet). Any suggestions for new pairs?




Oh, and I almost forgot my favorite part of the cowl -- it doubles as a hood. I'm stoked for super warm ears and afternoon naps where no one notices me snoozing under all that yarn :)


If you'd like to make one for yourself, check out this knitting pattern. (FYI I decided since I don't have a fear of commitment and I didn't want to fool with a button every time I put the cowl on, it would be easier to sew the ends together as one big loop. Pretty clever, right?)

Fall Finds: Treat Yourself to Some Autumnal Love

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Above photo via Rose and Crown. Below photo via Sarah Rhoads.

Fall is in full swing. Before winter creeps up on us,  why not indulge in a little extra autumn-inspired bliss? Here are my favorite finds for the season.

Fall Fashion

Grey polish
via Pinterest

Knit socks and cozy cowls
via Union

  
via Urban Outfitters
 

At Home
 Freshly baked cinnamon rolls
via The Answer is Always Pork

Fresh milk delivered to your doorstep
via Pinterest
For milk delivery in Chicago, check out Oberweis, PeaPod and Fresh Picks.
For the Puget Sound area in WA, try Smith Brothers Farms.
For New York and Connecticut, try Hudson Milk.

Candles that smell like fireplaces or leaves
via Candle Delirium
via Yankee Candle

Lip balm and anything from this Etsy shop, really

Winter spice tea
via Twinings

Ready to curl up on the couch? Me too :)

Falling for Fall

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November is the perfect month for taking afternoon walks and crunching in the leaves on the way to meet a friend for pumpkin chai.



And then admiring the sunset on the way home, enjoying the smell of fires in fireplaces.


I wish someone made a candle that smells like fallen leaf piles, wood fires, and neighbors baking chocolate chip cookies. :)

Bikram Yoga Reading

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Photo via 365 Days Yoga.

For all you Bikram fanatics, I've got a few interesting posts and articles to check out. Happy yoga reading!


Lucille's Yoga Adventure
A blog featuring reflections of a Bikram Teacher Training graduate who opened her own studio. She offers honest, down-to-earth advice on things to consider if you're planning to open a studio (step number one is to find good people!), plus how to make the most of your training (ignore the drama, take notes on teaching styles you like, and live in the moment).


Photo via 365 Days Yoga.


Doctor's Orders
Yoga Lily's posts are the perfect mix of wisdom and whim. She's not afraid to get into the nitty-gritty details of a real-life yoga practice -- like the way even Bikram yogis feel lazy sometimes, and the fact that sometimes your body feels like a cat sitting on an old radiator during class. This week she offers an inspiring post on practicing Bikram yoga while recovering from injury. As she says, self-healing takes "caution, self-awareness, diligence. Yoga is not a magic bullet. But self-efficacy is."


Photo via Lululemon.

Prima Yoga Opening on Patch
An inspiring story of two sisters who opened a studio together. As someone who's always dreamed of doing business with my twin (or at least living closely so we could practice yoga together!), this one had me smiling.

Green Cleaning and Happy Memories

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As you know, I'm a big fan of green products... especially the ones that support my wish to breathe free of toxic chemicals, and inspire me to clean with a smile.

When Maggie from Eco Store USA contacted me a few weeks back, I was excited to try out a few of their products, including their luxurious coconut vanilla body wash and handy all-purpose citrus cleaner.


Right away, I fell in love with the body wash. The smell takes me right back to Puerto Rico! It turns something as simple as my daily shower routine into a mini-vacation right at home :)  And of course, brings back lovely memories of all those yummy pina coladas on the beach.



Highly recommended! This would make a perfect stocking stuffer for a sister, mom or friend.

I also tried out the citrus spray cleaner, and was happily pleased with its performance. There's nothing better than being able to wipe down your kitchen counters and bathroom sink without worrying that yucky chemical residue will be left behind. As the bottle reads, "no nasty chemicals" here!



Eco Store USA has a wide selection of wonderful bath and body, household cleaning and baby care products you should check out. They even feature green pet care products! For all you stellar moms and homemakers out there, theirs is a store that's not to be missed. Also be sure to check out Eco Store USA on Twitter and Facebook.

Afternoon Tea Treat

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Photos via Flickr and Google Images.

I had my lovely friend Lindsay over last night and she introduced me to the tastiest tea treat. The best part? It only requires three easy ingredients!

Make yourself a cup of chai tea (we used Yogi Chai Roobios). Then add a spoonful of raw wildflower honey (which, amazingly, has the consistency of ice cream) and a dollop of coconut milk (out of the can works perfectly). Bliss in a cup if I do say so myself! :)

 

Focus Friday: Move Freely

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Focus Friday: how can you deepen your yoga practice this week?

It's been a while since I posted in this series. I'm approaching it a little differently now, more freely, much in the way my approach to yoga has changed. Lately I've been allowing myself to follow my natural rhythms and move in the way I need to move, in the moment. Instead of applying a stringent formula to how I practice, I invite the postures I most need and sometimes I take a night off.

This video struck me, especially the question: what moves you?

Photo via Prana.
Shiva Rea has always been an interesting yoga figure to me. She seems to approach the mat more openly than many teachers, and the way she incorporates dance into her practice is inspiring.

Shiva always seems so elated when she teaches -- it's as if she's right where she's meant to be, don't you think?

This makes sense when you take a look at her description of finding flow in yoga. As she says, "Vinyasa is a natural sequence unfolding with creative intelligence - a conscious evolution connecting each moment with unifying breath." She is willing to move with the moment, to let it unfold organically, unrestrained.

Today's focus: freedom. How do you need to move today? Let your body find its natural rhythm. Be willing to ask: what moves you? Then let the answer guide your practice.

Namaste.

How Do You Beat Winter Blues?

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All photos via Rose and Crown.

Chicagoland is starting to get chilly. And snow storms have already hit the east coast... which means: I need your help!


I would love some ideas on things to do at home other than watching TV or sitting in front of the computer. I do love going out, too, but sometimes I like being cozy and staying in -- which can make beating the winter blues even more challenging.


Thoughts? What do you do when you're home in winter?


Here are a few of my ideas:
  • Buy some board games and invite friends over to play
  • Whip up some homemade marshmallows to use in hot cocoa (and generally try new recipes together)
  • Photo shoots 
  • Make a new mix and have a dance party in the living room
  • Plan a vacation
Please chime in with your thoughts below. Thanks for your help, readers!


Retreat Day: Yoga, Meditation, Relaxation

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Photo via Lilie Zen Coach.

I've got another silent retreat coming up this Sunday, so I thought I'd share a little more about what the day entails, plus a few thoughts on how you might create your own retreat day at home.


The main idea is to clear space  -- both physical and emotional -- for yourself. Observe how you are doing in this moment. Only you can tend to the inner workings of your body, mind and heart.


Now, you may be wondering why and how silence can help you approach the self-reflective practices of yoga, meditation and relaxation. You may be thinking: do I really need to be completely quiet for a whole day to do these? And, more importantly: how can I go a whole day without talking?!

Photo via Lilie Zen Coach.

You may be surprised by the amount of energy silence allows you to conserve. By limiting the cognitive and physical exertion required by talking, you can dedicate more to your practice. Moreover, by limiting the speech that comes out of you, you allow yourself the chance to let some of that dialogue back up internally. Words build up like water behind a dam, and you can see the contents of the river more clearly.


In my experience, silence has allowed me to give space for whatever is happening internally. If I am sad, for instance, but have not given myself the time to sit down and be present with my feelings, I may not be aware of what's causing my sadness (or even the mere fact that it's there!). If I want to move beyond a negative emotion, I first have to give myself adequate space and time to first witness it.


Once I become aware, I can accept how I am truly doing -- and perhaps change how I'm doing for the better.



Photo via  Montmarte.

In his book The Wisdom of Yoga, Stephen Cope quotes Swami Kripalu to explain the powerful nature of practicing intentional silence:


Silence is the first step toward obtaining truth since it helps us to curb untruth, which we generally express by talking excessively all day. This incessant flood of speech makes us prone to the bad habit of speaking untruth.


Cope goes on to reflect on the doors which silence can open for us:


What may appear to us as simply a voluntary self-denial of speech is described by yogis as an experience rich in deepening interiority -- an experience in which not just gross speech, but the very nature of thought itself (the subtle and constant chatter of the mind) is revealed for observation and study, creating a new level of witness consciousness.


You may be surprised at the wonderful benefits silence offers. Within a limited amount of time, you begin to experience energy, clarity, peace, focus, connection, and concentration. In the beginning, silence may be a challenge, but its blessings will encourage you along the way.


Photo via Olivia Rae.

Here's the schedule I'll be using for my silent retreat.
  • 9:00-9:30 am: outside meditation. We begin by observing ourselves within nature.
  • 9:30-11:15 am: morning yoga class. Physical practice prepares us for a deeper mental practice later in the day.
  • 11:15am-12:30pm: mindfulness eating (lunch). Have you ever eaten a meal in complete silence? This eye-opening meditation allows you to fully experience the rich flavors and textures of food as well as your personal experience of becoming full and satisfied by food.
Photo via Olivia Rae.
  • 12:30-1:00pm: walking meditation. Taking slow, attentive steps allows us to reflect actively and experience our bodies fully.
  • 1:00-1:30pm: seated meditation. Seated meditation offers a more intensely internal and mental approach. We practice witnessing thoughts and sensations, and attempting to have no reaction to them as they pass.

Photo via 365 Days Yoga.
  • 1:30-2:00pm: walking meditation. A second round of walking meditation, with a focus on experiencing ourselves within nature, not just within ourselves.
  • 2:00-2:30pm: seated meditation. The other rounds of meditation have allowed us to go deeper and deeper inward, making this seated experience even more significant.
  • 2:30-3:00pm: relaxation/ yoga nidra. We give our bodies the deep, full rest they deserve.
  • 3:00-4:15pm: afternoon yoga class. This class tends to be a genuinely internalized experience of yoga because you have spent so much time meditating beforehand. You are able to fully witness your breath and the way you approach postures and finding your edge. And of course it feels great to move freely again after periods of stillness!
  • 4:15-4:30pm: integration meditation. A final period of meditation allows us to integrate all of the observations we've learned about ourselves throughout the day.
  • 4:30-5:00pm: speaking circle. After an extended period in silence, it's helpful to speak with each other about our experience before we depart to re-enter the world as we know it.
Photo via Olivia Rae.

Ready to try a retreat yourself? Start by setting aside a whole day (or as much of one as you can) on your calendar. Explain to family and friends that you'll be out of touch at this time (no cell phone, no email!). Set up a space for yourself where you can practice yoga and meditate, and prepare your lunch the day before. Here's a sample of the routine you might try out:

At Home Schedule
9:00-10:00am: morning yoga practice
10:00-10:30am: meditation
10:30-11:00am: morning snack / break
11:00am-12:00pm: take a walk or read
12:00-1:00pm: mindfulness eating (lunch)
1:00pm-1:30pm: walking meditation
1:30-2:00pm: seated meditation
2:00-2:30pm: relaxation/ yoga nidra/ nap
2:30-3:00pm: reflective journaling


Photo via Pinterest.

Dreaming of Faraway Places

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Photos via The Psychology of Molly.

I've had my mind on planning a vacation lately. I could see myself going somewhere mountainous like Colorado, or tropical and warm, or even snowy and cozy (how lovely would it be to cuddle up in front of the fire every night?!). I've heard resources like airbnb, HomeAway and vrbo are awesome.



Are you guys planning any fun holiday trips?

Where did you go for your first real vacation on your own (not paid for by parents)?

Kiddos in the Blogosphere: One Year Later

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Photo by Raul Gutierrez.

A long while ago, I posted about some of my favorite families in the blogosphere and their kiddos. Now I'd like to offer a follow up to that post, featuring an update on these beautiful bloggers. Their homes are so full of love, and their little ones are getting so big!


Joanna and Alex of A Cup of Jo are the parents of the adorable Mr. Toby. I love following their posts on life in New York City and adventures in parenting. Joanna offers some lovely insight on motherhood as well as the best spots to enjoy in the Big Apple. And isn't it cute how Toby is already picking up his parents' dashing style? Check out those wayfarers! You're on your way, little man.


  



Ryan and Cole of Pacing the Panic Room are wonderful. They bring such a creative, energetic approach to parenting their little ones, Tessa and the Littlest Buddy. I love when Ryan's photos capture moments like this -- so graceful, effortless, and fun. Ryan is one of those rare photographers who is unafraid to capture the rawness of a moment, like when a set of new parents welcome their child into the world. And if you're into wild hairstyles, fashion photography, or indie music, you should swing by his blog. Plus, how sweet is it that Ryan signs every post with "all the love in the universe?" 






Kelle Hampton's dreamy blog features her two beautiful daughters, Lainey and Nella. Kelle really does stay true to the blog's title, Enjoying the Small Things, as she posts about life's little pleasures like fall arts and crafts, time together as a family, and bathtime and chicken noodle soup. There's something so joyous about this spaced you've carved out for yourself and your family, Kelle! 





I'm happy to report that the little dreamer from Mila's Daydreams is up and about. What a precious little girl who seems to have her mom's eye for creativity already. And, exciting news: Adele Enersen, the genius mom behind the series, is publishing a book! If you'd like to keep updated on the news about when it's published, go sign up here.

Copyright ©Adele Enersen.

Copyright ©Adele Enersen.
Copyright ©Adele Enersen.
Copyright ©Adele Enersen.

I love that Anna of Rummey Bears isn't afraid to post when her daughter has a runny nose or a scraped knee. She captures the essence of childhood on the Rummey Bears blog -- the bright, sneaky, silly side of being a kid -- which occasionally hurts, but is so worth it. Thank you, Anna, for your courage and your humor.
  




Finally, I'd like to introduce Jamie of A Desert Fete, super blogger and mom of precious Hank. Not only does she post here, but she also shares an online space at Hank + Lucy. Sometimes I swing by and just imagine how those two little ones will grow up as best friends. They are in the hands of some good mamas!





Who are your favorite mom and dad bloggers out there?

Note: photos are from each respective blog.