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 

the debate

When Spring 2006 rolled around, I found myself enjoying my first taste of LA Springtime.  The weather, always great, had a special crispness about it.  Then the girl scout cookies began to roll out.  Who doesn't love this time of year?  As I went to order some, I was looking and asking for the perennial favorite, "Carmel deLites."  However, they were no where to be found.  "Samoas" were what I saw in its place. The box looked the same, I was assured that the cookie was the same and that I just called it a funny name.

I wasn't happy about it because I don't have an affinity for Samoas, I like Carmel deLites.  I chalked it up to the Girl Scouts deciding they they would just change the name.

And then....a package came in the mail.  A care package from my mother-in-law arrived from Wisconsin last week and the Springtime debate for the last six years (the one in my head, I guess) has been settled.  It must be a regional thing.

Please forge the terrible picture, I was too excited for the taste test, I didn't even have time to focus my camera!  

Check it out.  They even look different.  My husband and I did a taste test, naturally, and found that the Samoas are a little more coconut-y and toasted.  While the Carmel deLites have way more carmel.

Now you know.

Carmel deLites or Samoas?  What's your pick?

inspiration everywhere

Over the weekend, I walked by this new stand in the Farmer's Market and noticed how adorable the decor and styling was.  And then I noticed something too cute for words.  Can you see those "wall hangings"?  Do you know what those are?  

Bundt pans!  Painted bundt pans.  

Too cute and clever for words.  This would be so easy and fun for either some kitchen decor for yourself...or of course I immediately styled an event (in my mind) around these fun little darlings!  How cute would this be for a dessert backdrop?  What a wonderful way to bring some color into an event, especially one for someone who loves to bake.  

Have you read The Baker Chick blog?  She pretty much rocks and is like a little sister to me.  She's getting married in August and if I was planning her bridal shower, you can bet that I'd be collecting and spray painting bundt pans until I was blue in the face!  

Inspiration is truly everywhere...what did you see this weekend that inspired you?  

eat something

I just have to say one negative thing that I took away from the Oscar ceremony and red carpet on Sunday.  For the love of all things delicious, I wish some of these ladies would just start eating.  

I love Rose Byrne and think she's a fabulous actress, but she needs to eat.  Please Rose, eat something.   

And I am so tired of Angelina Jolie.  Tired of the same red carpet looks and really tired of her extra bony frame.  That leg sticking out of your dress would have been sexy if it had any sort of muscle to it.  All bones and skin.  Gross.  And her arms are just as bad.  

Here's the thing.  The women in Hollywood have to remember that they are inspirations to millions of girls and woman around the world.  Why do they need to keep sending the message that looking emaciated is hot.  I bought into this thinking for a really long time and I have worked like hell to get over this.  Seeing these examples of what can only be malnourishment is not a friendly reminder.  It's unnatural and it's unreal.  

BE a real woman, don't let these images cloud your brain with what is beautiful.  What is beautiful is YOU.  Always remember that.