Yoga Ruins Your Life (Video)

I fell across this video on my Tumblr feed and I just had to share it. Everything he says in this video I just keep nodding and goes "YES! That, exactly!" Yoga ruins your life in so many ways and it's fantastic.

Yoga Ruins Your LIfe from Yoga Workshop on Vimeo.

Before I Die I Want To...

It's hard to believe that June is basically over. I feel like June didn't even happen. When time passes so quickly it can sometimes be alarming because your life is made of that time. 

What did I do this month? I saved ducks, saved a dove, painted and drew tons of pictures, did a small amount of yoga, started the process of buying our first house, cared for the dog through recovery from surgery, packed up most of my house in prep for moving, received two rejection letters from art galleries, met new people, spent a lot of time with my favorite husband, and more. Sounds like a decent full month.

The only thing I think it's lacking is travel. I want to travel more and experience things I could never find at home. I want to squeeze as much experience into my life as possible. On that note - here's a TED talk with Candy Chang about just that topic. 

What do you want to do before you die? 

What can you do to make your life more full?

In fact, don't even tell me. Better start making it happen before you miss it.

This TED talk via HuffPo

Wednesday Inspiration

A lot of people get the joy kinda sucked out of them by Wednesday, so I just wanted to choose some inspiring yoga photos today. Get outside, do your practice, and focus on loving every second of it.

Be Bold and Expressive, Laugh until you fall out of a pose, and make No Apologies.

via FuckYeahYoga

via LightWeight

via YogiMoni

via elleodian

Unboxing #NDL07 from Quarterly Co.

This quarter's delivery from No More Dirty Looks via Quarterly Co. is for girls a bit more girly than I am. I don't do manicures or even keep nail polish around. I simply keep things clean, short, moisturized, and smooth edged. I won't let that color my opinion though because most ladies like to keep their nails a bit more decorated. 

Glass Nail File from Czech Glass

Since I like to keep my nails simple - this glass nail file is my favorite part of the package. Before now I didn't even know glass nail files were a thing. It's pretty, easily cleaned, and lasts forever. The enclosed letter (still envelope free!) says it allows more precise shaping and is less harsh on nails than emery or steel. 

RGB Nail Lacquer

I usually only paint my nails for special occasions, but this punchy Too Red color is fun and classic. Other colors people may have received in this mailing were Coral, Punch, and Pink. This product is five-free meaning it does NOT contain formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, or camphor. Yay!

PRITI NYC Soy Nail Polish Remover Pads

These 100% biodegradable wipes are disposable, but are made with essential oils and other non-toxic ingredients. Tiny and easy to carry with you in case you have a manicure emergency. They arrived in this little tote which is cute and I'll totally find a use for it after the individual wipes are gone.

Are You Sleeping Through Your Life?

Via Sylvia Mordini - on her Twitter

New experiences are easy to find. You can create them at any moment. In small ways or big ones. In your yoga practice they may look like a new studio, a different teacher, a new location in the room, a pose you've never tried... music, mats, outfits, friends to practice with, chanting... 

All these things create a slightly different experience. Some of these are small things, but they are the same small things that people fight against as if they were epic monsters. They actively avoid placing their mat in a different place in the classroom. The front row is pretty unpopular. 

Your comfort zone can become like a prison if you move in full time. Your ego may try to trick you into believing it's not worth the risk. Remember that feeling when you first tried (and loved!) yoga?  

Try something new this week! Don't sleep through your life.

Unboxing #NDL06 from Quarterly Co.

Trying out envelope-free contributor letters - Love it.

This crinkly brown filler is my favorite.

Vapour Multi-Use Lip & Cheek Stain in Impulse 209:

So glad to get this because the last multi-use stick I got from a different company actually made me break out terribly. Looks classy in the tube and gorgeous on my skin. Feels silky smooth instead of sticky or gel-like. Super-easy to create a barely there glow or wowza party glam. Love Love Love Love Love It.

From the site - " Vapour Aura Multi-Use Blush is made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% mineral pigments & vitamins. Nourishes with Vapour’s face specific infusion of anti-inflammatory Frankincense, antioxidant Tulsi and moisturizing & calming Lotus flowers."

Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Mascara in Black Magic:

I've been procrastinating on trying a clean mascara because I'm so attached to my old dirty stuff. My eyes are also easily irritated by makeup, so trying new mascara is risky no-fun business.

This new clean honeybee item gets screamingly good reviews by others, but personally I found that after about 47 strokes and multiple applications - I couldn't tell if I had any mascara on at all. I wouldn't let it put you off from trying it - 'cause apparently I'm in the minority here. Click through up there for tons of other (happier) reviews. However, for me, this product is useless.

On the upside - I still wore it all day with zero irritation, it stayed put (no runs!), yet washed away with a few splashes of water at the end of the day.

12 Symptoms of Spiritual Awakening

Source: http://www.recoverytradepublications.com/blog.html?entry=12-symptoms-of-a-spiritual

Learning to Live: Stephanie Snyder

From wonderful yoga teacher Stephanie Snyder comes this inspiring TEDx Talk about darkness, passion, yoga, and self-study.

From the video description:
"What you hide from the world owns everything you do. Your most successful existence will come from making friends with your broken places and being of service. Know yourself and you will know what your life's work is meant to be."

 

Readers Via Email - Click Here for the Video.

Thoughts to Brighten Your Day

A little something to think about that may brighten your day.

What's the best compliment you've ever received?

Think about it - relive it - enjoy its truth.

You can share or keep it to yourself - but take some time today and remember the good things.

Two of my top compliments I can think of at the moment:

"Your voice is so unique. I could listen to it forever without getting tired of it."

"You've always been a bad ass motherfucker! ... like a fucking Jedi."

Pics totally not mine.

Unboxing #NDL05 from Quarterly Co.

The latest delivery from No More Dirty Looks via Quarterly Co. arrived late last week. Luckily I was recovered enough from my wisdom teeth extraction (all 4) to be excited about it and brave the 4 degrees Fahrenheit outdoors long enough to hike it in from the mailbox at the end of the driveway. 

The theme of #NDL05 is "Wake Up Glowing". 

The products and tips in this bundle all help you achieve the healthy beautiful glowing skin everyone aspires to without slathering yourself in creepy carcinogens.

They start in this quarter's letter by reminding you that beauty comes from the inside - so get plenty of sleep, healthy fats, omega-3s, exercise, and do things that make you feel good like making out with someone you love, meditating, or getting a massage. The only thing they somehow left out is to drink tons of water. Staying hydrated is one of the easiest/best things you can do for bright lovely skin.

Vivare Exfoliating Skin Cloth:

When I opened my package I immediately recoiled at this cloth looking ugly and cheap, but I really don't like blue. Other lucky people got pinks, purples, and greens which are cheerful and cute.

What does it do and what do I think?

It's a big scrubby cloth, so it exfoliates dead skin cells off and increases circulation. It also lathers really well so you can use less soap and rinses/dries really easily. It came with a warning to use a light hand, but I scrubbed the crap outta myself and couldn't seem to make it unpleasant. Turns out I really like it. 

One Love Organics Brand New Day sample:

To quote the site: "Soothing organic sweet pea flour and fresh pineapple enzymes polish off dead skin cells while helping to protect the new ones." Gentle enough to use every day. Arrives dry, you mix it into a paste and scrub or use it as a mask. The only thing in the box I haven't tried yet.

One Love Organics Morning Glory:

This brightening complexion booster smells awesome and comes in one of those great little brown bottles I'm infatuated with. I enjoy using this, but have only put it on twice. So I don't know yet if it's working it's magic or not. Lots of great reviews... and it's worth it just for the scent.

Their site also has product tutorials for the curious or confused.

W3LL PEOPLE Universalist 2:

This multi-use luminizer brightens your face without sparkles and glitters. Which have their place, but it's not in most people's everyday. This stuff is easy to apply and if you buy the full sized stick it will last a long time.

You Don't Have Time to Hesitate

It's a new year which means everyone is making plans and changes and looking forward. In case you're considering letting go of dreams and plans - here's a little advice via Pinterest.

Yoga Video for the Winter Blues

Today is the Winter Solstice (some people think it's also the end of the world but let's focus on the more likely instance of winter).

I live in Idaho these days. In a pretty upbeat part, but still kind of northward as far as weather is concerned. Living up north can suck. I don't like wind, cold, or grey skies... and snow gets old real fast. The suckitude of winter can take an especially dark turn for those prone to seasonal depression.

Whether you suffer from S.A.D. or only get a little lacking in motivation for the darker months - you can benefit from today's sequence made specifically for Winter Blues. I guess if you're concerned about the end of the world - this might be for you too. At only 34 minutes long it won't be hard to squeeze it in.

Good for beginners. Do this as often as you feel like.

Readers via Email - Click Here for the Video.

Unboxing #NDL04 from Quarterly Co.

My fourth delivery from No More Dirty Looks via Quarterly Co. arrived on Black Friday. I was very excited. A little song and dance in my kitchen may have been involved. #NDL04  ran into a few obstacles getting here like backorders and then Hurricane Sandy. This post was then postponed due to conflict with the Gift Guide, so let's get down to business before #NDL05 gets here.

This quarter is all about a little company called Sprout; which due to a recent slew of changes is now called S.W. Basics. From the site: "...all of our ingredients are either certified organic, Fair Trade, or sourced from small family farms."

With S.W. Basics the packaging is pretty, the ingredients are simple, and I think any of their products would make great stocking stuffers.

Sprout Lip Balm Flight is a sleek little tin holding a handy little drawstring bag containing all 4 flavors of lip balm. Available in ethically sourced Beeswax or Vegan. Flavors are Peppermint, Cocoa, Citrus, and Cinnamon. I love love love lip balm, so I was particularly excited about this part. My lips are very important to me.

I dove right into the cocoa flavor which I would characterize as light and delish (in scent and flavor). It's not sticky like some other beeswax balms I usually buy.

2 oz. Sprout Makeup Remover composed of Sweet Almond Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Jojoba Oil is all organic and doubles as a moisturizer. I'm usually terrible about taking off my makeup at the end of the day, but this oil is providing the incentive to change that. I love the way it feels on my skin, it works even on waterproof mascara, and so far it hasn't caused any breakouts.

Stop Worrying

photo not mine.

Unboxing #NDL03 from Quarterly Co.

It felt like an eternity waiting for my 3rd Quarterly box from No More Dirty Looks. This quarter I received the Skin Saver package. I struggle with my skin all the time, so I'm psyched about this handy pile of stuff. Some of it's dry, some of it is scaly from forearm stands, some of it is acne-prone, some of it has a mild sunburn, and some of it is fine just fine. It's all over the place, and don't even get me started on my cuticles.

The use descriptions in the enclosed letters are getting more vague each time, but I'll totally forgive that because I think the mailings are getting better and better.

Kahina Giving Beauty Argan Oil is supposed to be good for everything. Hair, eyelashes, skin all over - including as a facial moisturizer for acne-prone skin. So far, this is my favorite item in the box.

Essence of Vali Detox Renew Mist  contains essential oils of grapefruit, lemon, cypress and juniper. It smells so light and airy that it brightens up my day in one spritz.

Skincando Combat-Ready Balm is an all purpose skin salve originally used by soldiers in war zones. For a skin salve it's really lightweight which I like. Great stuff made by an eco-friendly company - I'm happy.

Stark Skincare Green Tea Detox Clay Mask - quite simply - it's clay with fruit extract. You add your own liquid/honey and apply as either a full face mask or a spot treatment. Since you add your own liquid - it's highly customizable, ships lighter, and lasts longer. I hear good things, but haven't tried it just yet.

Things I Love This Week

I'm in a very happy pro-love mood this week. I just bought these "Let Love Rule" Toms and I think they're fabulous and comfortable. They'd be great to/from yoga classes, walking in a Pride parade, or just around the house. I recommend them. Very much. In case you've been living under a rock - learn about Toms and their One for One movement here. 

Other things I love this week:

Aelita Andre - Art Prodigy or Just Having Fun?

Five Yoga Poses for Happy Hips

The Summer Hair Challenge at NMDL (enter by June 24th)

The "What's in your Yoga Bag?" column on Namastilo

http://pinterest.com/pin/144818944238089582/

Five Simple Rules for Happiness

http://pinterest.com/pin/144818944237977159/

Monday Morning Motivation

This story is inspirational and it kicks all your excuses right in the balls.

 

Readers via Email - Click Here for the Video

Unboxing #NDL02 from Quarterly Co.

I've been eagerly awaiting my 2nd package from No More Dirty Looks and Quarterly for days. I'm still joyously experiencing the three items from last quarter's package, by the way. After I spent a good portion of yesterday morning at the DMV - I was exceptionally happy to find what was inside the latest mailing.

Search this hashtag on Twitter to find out what other subscribers are saying.

A letter introducing the theme, the items, and how to use them.

  

This Quarter's Loot:

Essence of Vali Sleep

Blissoma Harmony Candle

Wei of Chocolate Wei Relaxed

Lotus Wei Quiet Mind Energy Mist

Everything here is to "create rituals for unwinding". Mostly aromatherapy type stuff which I don't usually use, but I'm more than willing to give it a try. I'm particularly interested in the Energy Mist - probably because I think it's pretty.

Aren't these chocolates cute?
Two words: Chocolate Meditation

My favorite detail at the end of each letter.

Want to get your own Quarterly package from NMDL? Go Here.

In the Art Studio

My posts have become slightly less reliable lately. For this I apologize, and I'd like to offer an explanation.

Little known fact - I used to be an artist. There's always this argument about whether yoga is art and I just transitioned into a different art style, but I consider the two to be too separate to be related. For me anyway. Nothing even remotely compares to drawing and painting. As long as this exists - there is no other art to me.

Once upon a time I did some art school and I was offered money for my work and people thought I had talent or something. However, it's hard to pay the bills as an art major so I went into biology instead (clearly I threw that idea out the window when I ultimately chose yoga). Anyway - with both art and yoga in my every day - I'm finding a ridiculous amount of happiness and fulfillment.

My latest project - and my first foray into soft pastels.

I recently cleared some space and started a home art studio. I got tired of sitting in the kitchen floor to draw and paint all hours of the day. So now I have this room all to myself and it's quiet and full of sunlight and I am spending all my time there. Sometimes I wash the colors off my hands and climb into bed in the wee hours of the night/morning - forgetting all about the blog-post I was supposed to write. So forgive me and be patient as I figure out how to arrange my schedule/life of activities - again. It's always something.