siriously delicious

I'm guest blogging over at Siriously Delicious today!  My friend and hilarious, smart, savvy blog writer just had a baby so I was honored to guest post for her while she spends some Momma time with her gorgeous new girl!

I'm talking hostess gifts, so check out all the details on her blog!

a sneak peek

Some of you know that I've been working on quite a big side project for a little while now.  I am opening my own business and all of the wheels are turning...it is such an exciting time for me.  I've been working with the most lovely lady on my company branding, logo, website and all of that good stuff.  While the website is still in the works, I have this little site that you can visit and a new blog that I'm trying to keep updated with ideas, inspiration and projects.  Both will have fabulous face lifts very soon.

Branding is not for the faint of heart.  Seriously, it's really hard, I mean how do you pick a font that represents you?!  But, I'm really excited about the way things are headed and wanted to give you a little sneak peek....

This is going to be a fun journey, you guys!  I can't wait to share it with you along the way!

XO,
J

yogi bear: update

I did it!  I went to a real Yoga class.  It was scary for the first fifteen minutes, as it went something like this:

Me: "Hi, I'd like to sign up for a yoga class."

Yoga Lady: "Great, have you been here before?"

Me: "Nope, my first time ever doing Yoga."

Yoga Lady: "How wonderful!  Welcome!  Just sign in here."

Me: "Do I need to purchase a mat or anything?"

Yoga Lady: "Not all all, we have everything you need.  We provide mats, straps, blocks and blankets for you."

Me: {complete stunned silence.  Um, straps?  Blocks?}

Yoga Lady: {clearly a reaction to seeing my face} "Oh my gosh!  I'm sorry, that must have sounded so intimidating!  Don't worry, she'll show you how to use everything."

Me: "Great?"  {what the hell am I doing here?}

Then I took off my shoes and stepped into this adorable yet tiny studio.  People were all laid out on their mats already and I felt so incredibly awkward because I didn't know what to do.  Should I stretch like that guy?  Should I lay down and close my eyes like that girl?  Should I instagram a picture of my mat?

I decided to save the instagram for later and found a spot on the floor and just sat there.  A nice man asked me if this was my first time {what am I wearing a sign or something?} and we softly chatted for a few seconds.  He told me that I was going to love it.  He was right.

We got started shortly thereafter, and a few minutes in I could tell that I was going to like this!  My fears subsided as I focused on breathing and over the course of the next 90 minutes, I tried my best to give myself over to the practice of yoga.

As I walked out of the studio, I literally felt two inches taller.  I felt like smiling, so I did.  I felt quiet, like the to-do list constantly running in my head had been put on silent.  I walked out of there taller, happier and calmer.

I am proud that I threw myself into something new and came out feeling great about it.  In fact, I've already gone a second time this week.

We often get so comfortable in our daily lives and routines that we forget to stretch our boundaries, step outside our comfort zone and challenge ourselves.  I'm glad I had this little reminder that it really does feel amazing to challenge yourself to something new.

I hope this inspires you to do the same.  When you do, tell me all about it!  I'd love to hear your stories.

XO,
J

yogi bear

Lately, there have been a lot of changes happening around here and as a result I have let go of my personal trainer.  In addition, my habits of going to the gym have fallen to the wayside for wedding season.

I actually feel ok without the weight training, better than I thought I would.  But now I'm looking for something new to try for a while.  A friend of mine told me about this video and while I'm sure most of you have already seen it, I just had to share it.

I sat watching this video completely mesmerized by the beauty of it.  As the video drew to an end, I decided that I would like to try yoga.  Not because I think I will be able to achieve what she can do, but because she seems so at peace and that is what I want.  {her ridiculous body wouldn't be a bad thing to have either!}

She seems peaceful, content and complete.  She glows...she makes me want to try yoga.

I've always been intimidated by it.  I see the girls leaving yoga studios, smiling and laughing, headed into a coffee shop with their mats slug over their shoulders, and they intimidate me.  It's like they know something that I don't know.

I'm definitely scared to try something new, especially something that I literally know nothing about.  I'll be terrified to walk into the studio not knowing what's in store for me.  But I need to remember that it's good to challenge yourself and do something scary once in a while.  YES, it is.  So I'm going to DO it.  I'm going to take a deep breath and dive in...who knows, maybe soon I'll be walking into a coffee shop with my mat slung over my shoulder...and glowing.

Here's the video I mentioned....enjoy!  

 

XO,
J

olympic time

You guys!!!  The Olympics start tonight!!!

Beyond.  That's the level of excited that I am.

Last time the summer Olympics happened, I had just gotten back from living in China and I felt a sense of pride for a country that I had recently called home.  I remember the feeling I had while watching Beijing's amazing display during the Opening Ceremonies.  I can't wait to see what London has put together tonight!

I wanted to throw a party for the Opening Ceremonies, but I have to work tonight so instead I blogged about my Olympic party inspiration over on my events blog.  Check it out HERE!  I hope it will inspire you to host your own party sometime throughout the Games.

Happy Olympics everyone!!!

point your toes

For me, one of the most fun parts of getting a manicure/pedicure is picking out the nail color.  I am a total sucker for the names.  I have been known, on more than one occasion, to pick the color based on how much I love the name.  The more witty and fun, the more I love it.  

Well, OPI has really got me with this one.  As a former dancer and a prima ballerina at heart, I am dying to try their new collection which is coming out in April.  OPI has teamed up with the New York City Ballet to bring all of us dreamers this whimsical, feminine and oh so pretty collection of Spring polishes.  

With names like Barre My Soul, Don't Touch My Tutu and My Pointe Exactly...I'll be pointing my toes all the way to the nail salon for this one!  

keep calm

I don't know about you, but personally I am terribly sick of seeing those "Keep Calm and Carry On" prints.  They took off like wildfire and then they were everywhere all the time.  However, I saw a version of one the other day that I simply had to snap a picture of.

It was just an advertisement but it really struck a chord with me.  See, I've recently gone on some medication that makes me a little bit crazy.  I was on it a few years ago and I hated myself when I was taking it.  Now I'm back on it and am really terrified of becoming that crazy, hormonal lady again.

It's no secret that women are emotional.  Some more than others.  So, for myself and those of you that are reading this feeling a little ornery this morning, remember this....

I know I am going to BE strong and keep telling myself this.  

XO, 

Jessi