Me in Melange

It Was Hard, But I Did It & Mother’s Day

Did everyone exercise today?  I did, but I'll tell you, it was hard.  I did my favorite yoga class and then I got on the Peloton for a 30 minute ride.  I tried a new instructor though and I could not STAND her.  Which sounds fairly dramatic but there is nothing quite like doing something hard that requires sweating and physical exertion and at the same time being intensely annoyed by the person who is supposedly motivating you.  Ugh, horrible.  I pushed thru though and I DID feel better afterwards though, that's the good news.  I love the Peloton, it's amazing if anyone is on the fence about getting one.  It's super convenient,  great cardio, and I love that you can tailor your rides unlike when you actually go to a spin class.  I never want to get on for more than 45 minutes (20-30 is perfect), so committing to an entire 60 min spin class sounds horrible.  The key though is finding instructors that you like, because some of them are very colorful and very stylized, so you just have to find your compatible style.  The instructor today kept making the heart sign with her two hands, and she said 'I love you' way so many times I wanted to box her.

I will note though, that forcing myself to exercise more than normal felt really good after it was done.  I'm ready to hit it again because this week is all about getting strong and pushing thru the lethargy.

Also, reminder to all...Mother's Day is coming soon (5/10).  You still have time to find something and have it shipped with time to spare.  Also, I will just note, that if you have a daughter-in-law who is a mother, YES, do buy her a gift.  No, my mother in law never does this, but I think it's an incredibly sweet gesture to honor the mother of your grandchildren so when I do in fact have a daughter-in-law, I'm definitely doing it!!  I also love to send little gifts to girlfriends because mamas everywhere should be celebrated!  Today we're doing 30% off all jewelry, so it's easy to find something small and special for the mamas you love (code: mama)--and of course we wrap and ship it for free!  Easy right?

Signed, ME {lv}

 

Moving & Meditating

I'm kicking my week off with moving in mind.  Our goal is to exercise this week, sweat a little, breath deep, stretch and feel strong.  We'll improve our bodies and our mental state.  I can't wait because honestly, I can use a little endorphin punch right now (at least enough to get me back up to normal).

I'm also going to try to meditate this week.  Pre-quarantine I utilized my yoga classes as my mediation time, but I can't get the same level of relaxation and focus from doing home classes with the kids being crazy in the background, interrupting me whenever they run out of frozen waffles or orange juice (which seems to happen ALL the time).  I think my nerves are frayed and if I ever could use a boost of mediation relaxation, it's now.

I have a couple of the Satori Rue mala necklaces that I love, but truth be told, I've never actually USED them for any mediation practice (they do make nice necklaces though).  However, I'm about to change that, and try doing some Metta mediation (aka loving-kindness mediation).  I've never done this type, and thought it wasn't really my thing, but I did listen to a podcast on 10% Happier that has changed my view on it.  If it's good enough for the skeptic Dan Harris, it's good enough for me. So my thought was to use the mala, and do a loving-kindness type chant in my head, 108 times.  I mean, how could thinking 108 loving thoughts be anything but good for the soul right?  

Happy Monday everyone!  Do something great for your body today, even if you are dragging and your first instinct is to binge watch Money Heist while eating your weight in almond butter and jam on crackers.  Uhm, not that I would know anything about such things....

Signed, ME {lv}

Getting Dressed & Wish Bracelets

I was struggling to find ways to kick it up a notch today--change my boring and predictable stuff into interesting and elevated.  It's funny, when you start paying attention you realize how MANY things you do on autopilot each day.  Tons of little things that you don't even think about, but if you stacked them all together you have quite a chunk of time.  Basically a big chunk of boring, hence the whole goal of trying to make it less so.

I kept catching myself doing something without even thinking about it and just spacing out in the process.  Like absently folding laundry, or unloading the dishwasher.  I tend to sleepwalk thru those activities for obvious reasons, but it's sort of sad to sleepwalk thru good size chunks of your day right?  I realized that I probably need to be more efficient.  You know how they have basically determined that "multi-tasking" is totally inefficient.  I think I spend the whole day bouncing around from thing to thing, trying to juggle, instead of just allotting chunks of time to respective things.  Maybe there is more sense in just doing a BUNCH of laundry all at once vs. bouncing in and out all the time, one load here and there.  I mean, maybe sitting down in the laundry room and doing laundry for two hours every 4 days while listening to a book on tape with a candle burning for aromatherapy, maybe that's not such a bad two hours?  Vs. popping in and out for 5-10 minutes 5 times a day every day, and since the chunks of time are small you can't really do anything else to "up" the experience.  I don't know, just pondering the structure of my days...wondering if I need a revamp so that I can maximize my activities better, and make them more interesting or enjoyable.  

What's really sad is my big "thing" today was getting dressed and actually doing my hair.  Like blowing drying it and everything.  I know, wow right?  I did my workout earlier in the day and then truthfully there have been many (read lots and lots) days that I've just stayed in my yoga clothes after my class, let the sweat dry, and got on with work (either Melange work, or around the house work).  Kind of gross, but I'll admit, quarantine has made me lazy in this department.  I will say, that it felt MUCH better to actually take a shower, get dressed, and do my hair.  I even put a little makeup on...and perfume.  I think it's really safe to say that I've hit an all time low when my big win is doing my hair and putting on some makeup. Truthfully no one in the house seemed to notice much, but I felt less blah, so I guess that's what's most important.

I am super excited about these new Wish Bracelets that we are getting in tomorrow.  I bought these as gifts probably a year ago (and we've finally bought them for the store), I was a little obsessed with them because I really think they are ingenious and I love the concept and the style of them.  Basically it's a bracelet that you slip on to your wrist, but the clasp is a little empty canister that comes with a tiny scroll that you write your wish, affirmation, prayer or whatever on, and then you roll it back up, stuff it into the mini canister and then you screw the clasp back on locking it in place.  I love that you carry your affirmation near you, and you hold that energy close.   I think it'll make a great Mother's Day gift (although truthfully I can't remember if I've already given my mother one so I don't think I can risk it and give her another)!   I think these will make great surprise 'pick me up gifts' for friends too!  Stay tuned...lots of cool colors too!

Signed, ME {lv}

 

Near Misses, Erasa, Spa Yoga & Grown Up Dinner

You know my sister that always ignores my phone calls?  Well, despite that, I try and leave a  missed call on her phone here and there, mostly out of habit and mostly because I periodically get hopeful she'll answer. Well today I called, she didn't pick up but she did text back and actually say she would call me later and "was everything ok?"  I thought it was a bit odd since I didn't leave a message, clearly it wasn't important or an emergency, and usually she doesn't seem to care one way or another when she sees a missed call from me.

Well, two hours later she called me BACK.  Shocker right?  I picked up the phone and she launches right in with "well, I guess you heard what happened to me"!  Huh?  Actually no, I was just calling to say hi and check in.  Unbeknownst to me I had missed the "big news" that must have been floating around the family.

What happened?   Well, it's a cautionary tale that is a good reminder for us all.  She was driving on the freeway, by herself.  Going the speed limit and cruising along without an issue in the far right lane.  The car to her left decided to move lanes without checking her blind spot and she literally just moved over and hit my sister at the front of her car.  The force was hard enough, and the speed fast enough that there  was no way to react, and the next thing she knew she was slammed into the concrete barrier on the side of the road, and then subsequently hit one of those reader boards they park on the site of the road that post messages about speed, or delays etc.  She crashed into that and by the time she stopped every air bag was deployed in the car, and the entire front end was squished forward like a collapsed soda can.  She, miraculously, wasn't hurt (except for general aches and a swollen lip).  The driver that hit her was fine too, and since there weren't many people on the road no one else was hurt.  She said it all happened insanely fast, there was no time to avoid or swerve or do anything.  She was incredibly lucky, and it's a reminder that #1 driving is dangerous, and it's easy to forget how dangerous.  #2, sometimes people just make mistakes, even when they are driving the speed limit, and otherwise good drivers, and sometimes you are the unlucky recipient of that.  Life can throw the most unexpected curveballs, just another reminder.  The woman that hit her felt horrible, and it was simply a momentary lapse on her part that could have had lethal repercussions--they all got really lucky.  

On another, less scary note, I put my diffuser on this morning and burned a candle when I did yoga to "elevate the mundane".  It made it like a little spa hour, it was awesome.  I wouldn't necessarily call yoga mundane, but sometimes it gets a little routine, and putting on the diffuser and candle made it feel more special.  Truth be told, sometimes I cut the classes down because the beginnings and endings can be looonnnnggg and while they are super peaceful, it's hard to steal 15 minutes for a super slow meditative start to class (simply because most of the time the kids will ignore my  activities and come busting into the room ruining my zen).  The answer has been to cut the start and finish a little short, BUT today I didn't do that.  I luxuriated in the entire class, every minute and it was much, much more peaceful.  I had to leave a note on my door that said "don't bother me under penalty of grounding, unless you are bleeding (a lot) or the house is on fire".  I got my full hour.

My other attempt at elevating the mundane was my vision of having a grown up dinner, complete with wine. glasses with sparkling water for the kids and lemon wedges.  It was a nice idea, but by the time dinner rolled around I was so tired from the long day, and John didn't feel like cooking with me, so I voted for easy breakfast for dinner, he agreed and it turned into the opposite of a grown up dinner.  It was like a kid dinner. Wine glasses tomorrow (maybe).

The best part of the day was when I stole away to grocery shop, and was taking my time doing it since it's basically a treat now to go out.  I got a call from John who said he had his mother on the other line and she had a question for me so could he patch her in.  He patches her in and you know the question?  It's about the.best way for her to cover her gray roots (she's blond, courtesy of a really good hairdresser that she now can no longer go to).  She thought I would have the "best advice" and I'm guessing this is because I've get lots of grey roots and have no doubt bought a box or two at a drugstore in my lifetime.  She wasn't wrong.  But the best part was trying to explain what she needed to buy as I"m walking in the store and wearing my mask.  I don't know what it is about those stupid masks but they make me feel like I have to talk loud, so I'm explaining all about grey coverup color, as I'm walking thru the uppidity high end grocery store, and I'm basically shouting.  There's nothing like passing a cute guy at the frozen aisle while you say loudly "look for touch up grey root dye, and make sure it's permanent so it covers it up really well".  I'm guessing he probably also noticed I wasn't taking my own advice.

Lastly, in an attempt to kick it up a notch with my beauty routine I bought Erasa XEP-30 which is supposed to hit the lines on your face HARD (in a good way).  I mean, the word "erasa" sure seems like it would do it right?  I am already worried about coming out of this quarantine looking SO much scarier than going into it.  I need some high powered skin stuff to be my stand in for botox because who knows when that's going to be available again and I can't come out of this period with 2" of grey roots, wearing sweats because nothing else fits, and looking 10 years older because all my botox has worn off.  No thank you cover-19.

Hope everyone found at least one thing today to elevate the "basic", and make it sparkle just a little.

Signed, ME {lv}

 

Being Blown Off, Exercise, Feeling Awkward & Sun Worshippers

My "reach out" plan today was to call my other sister (I have a total of 3, only one of which I speak to regularly).  This sister is 6 years my junior and we could be good friends because she is super cool, but we aren't because she's woefully flaky and it drives me batty.  So we exchange texts.  Sometimes.  I usually let her call me because years ago I got sick of making the effort.  BUT, today was going to be different because I was working on my challenge to reach out and connect with people. Except that she didn't answer my call, OR my text.  So, basically my efforts were totally sabotaged and I was blown off.  I'm going to try reaching out to someone easier tomorrow, family is tricky.

I forced Romeo to reach out today too, and he had better luck, but it took a solid 30 minutes of cajoling to get him to do it.  His friend's dad had texted me yesterday to see if Ro wanted to FaceTime with his friend Brody.  So we made a tentative time for today.  That time rolled around and I gave Romeo the phone number but his response was, "I don't want to, it's going to be awkward".   I hear the kids say this a lot--the "awkward" word.  It's pretty much the universal social fear right?  Feeling awkward, not knowing what to say, do or wear.  We had to go thru all the scenarios that were possible (i.e. what if we have nothing to talk about, what if I want to go and he wants to talk, what if my iPad runs out of batteries) and eventually he managed to reach out and contact his friend.  When all was said and done he had a great chat and I think it was good for him to push thru his 9 year old social anxiety.  If he was an adult and had that fear he just wouldn't have called and he would have missed out.

I am reminding myself today to exercise, because even though I don't always feel like it, it always makes me feel better.  I try to get on my mat every day, and I try to either walk or get on the Peloton too.  There are days though that feel heavier, and I just can't shake off that fatigue/morose feeling (Saturday was one such day).  Yesterday I was dragging a bit, and didn't necessarily feel like doing anything, but I pushed myself over the hump and it felt so good afterwards.  I am writing these words as a reminder to myself.  Get up and move even if you don't feel like it!! I notice with this whole quarantine/corona crisis that I can go a handful of days and feel like "I've got this", but then I hit a wall and drag.  I think what it boils down to is that it takes work to stay upright when things are all turned around, and it can be exhausting.  You can't feel on top of it every day, but at least for me if I continue to do the handful of things I know physically make a difference, my mind will follow.

On another note, apparently the UV index has been 5 here mid day and so the older two kids have been tanning.   That's right, teens still tan.  It's like nothing has changed from my high school days of baby oil and hours outside (or trips to the tanning booth).  I've been phobic about going in the sun as long as Ava and Lucia have been alive so I'm not sure why they aren't appropriately freaked out.  Yet they are not.  Nope, they are up on the terrace, in teeny tiny bikinis, frying their nice smooth skin.  When I told Lucia she might regret it when she's my age she said, "oh by then they will have easy medical fixes, I'll be fine, I'd rather look good now".  Just as a side note, she didn't use baby oil, but she DID use coconut oil.   Watching the whole thing made me slather on twice as much sunscreen. I didn't bother giving any lectures, it wouldn't help.

Lastly, I wore my Siganka Garland top today (I have it in pink), and it was perfect.  The weather was about 70 degrees, I had on that top, with my jeans cuffed and my Birkenstock flip flops.  It was just the right amount of relaxed bohemian.  Love this top!! LOVE.

Signed, ME {lv}

Cake Headquarters

Cake headquarters sounds like a good thing.  Who doesn't love cake, and wherever cake is "headquartered" has to be equally awesome, right? 

The answer is, not so much.  I will literally go CRAZY if Gia keeps baking as much as she has been.  I know it's a good activity, I know she's bored, but seriously, ANOTHER cake?  I can't deal.  She makes a huge mess, which she diligently tries to clean up, but let's face it, no 12 year old is going to clean up the way I'd want it cleaned up.  She tries super hard, but literally ever time there is something wonky going on.  Like today's cake, she only noticed half-way thru that she didn't actually have enough eggs because this cake called for 8 eggs.  Yes, you heard right, EIGHT!  I can't keep up with the flour, sugar, butter and eggs demand.  It's impossible.  So then she had to "half" the recipes, but since the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients had all been assembled already, she had to then measure out equal portions and the whole thing was chaos.  Just so you can visualize, she's making a sprinkle, 5 layer cake.  So 5 little 6 inch round pans, loads and loads of sprinkles, and more cake then anyone can realistically eat.

I'm really trying to channel my gratitude here, and stop complaining....but aaaaahhhhhhhh, it's going to send me over the edge.  All I do is clean the kitchen, buy groceries, and oh yeah, cook real food (i.e. anything without sugar) that most of them complain about.   When you can just fill up on sprinkle cake, why bother eating real food? I have more time, but not more patience.  When she asks me, "what do they mean by 4 eggs and 4 egg yokes?"  I want to snap, because not only does it seem self explanatory, I am just tired of answering baking questions (there are SO many).  How's that for being a bad mommy?  In case you are wondering, YES, I did do yoga today, and YES, I do seem strung a little tight despite's that fact...I see it too.

Other than that bit of complaining, I AM excited for Friday.  Why you ask?  Because, Friday is just suppose to be more special (quarantine or no quarantine), and even thought the schedule isn't changing all that much on the weekends, at least there are a few things I'm excited about.  One of them is that my yoga studio is doing a live class on Saturday night AND on Sunday morning.  The Saturday night class (Saturday Night Soul) is a musician playing a cello, and a teacher named Tony who has the most meditative and relaxing voice ever.  Sunday is my favorite guru teacher Alex that I rave about all the time. He's amazing and is doing his Soul Shakin' class.  The classes are free, so I'm going to post the link here: YoYo Yogi Studio  I know Sunday is Easter and the class is at 10:30 a.m. so it might be tricky for a lot of us, but trust me when I say, his classes are inspiring, so if you can swing it, fit it in.

Meanwhile back at Melange :-), we are doing a "fun-ness" Friday section, because funness isn't a word, it made us laugh, and we thought it would be well,....drumroll please.....FUN!!  So check out the section, there are some fantastic styles at 50% off that you can't resist: Friday Funness Section

Have a happy Friday, we made it thru another week of quarantine, and hopefully some of you are still drinking water, AND writing in your gratitude journal.  Any little bit is a win as far as I'm concerned!!  

Signed, ME {lv}

5 Things, Summer Excitement & Early Wake Up Call

Do you want to know how I woke up this morning?  I'll tell you right now, it wasn't in a relaxing manner.  I woke up to the sound of my phone vibrating on my side table.  My phone sound is shut off between 11-6, but it does vibrate from 6:00 a.m. onward.  So at 6:04 a.m. the phone starts vibrating, which immediately woke me up, much the way you can be dead asleep and your kid barely says your name all the way in the next room and immediately you are up.  No one calls this early, I knew it had to be something bad. 

My unconscious brain immediately feared something must be wrong.  I looked down at the phone and it was my dad's number.  So instantly I'm thinking, "oh crap, what is wrong?"  I tried to answer but no one was there.  I then texted, "are you ok??"  The response?  "Oh yeah, how are you?  Good morning."  Huh?  Turns out, my dad had butt dialed me.  Not emergency at all.  I did my sun salutations after that but it didn't quite get me in the zone like it should have.

On a totally other note, Amanda told me a great idea that I started to use today.  Her idea (which isn't her idea at all, she read it somewhere, so it's really someone else's good idea), is to go thru each room of your house and write down 5 things you could do to improve it.   I started that today, and it's sort of brilliant because I regularly walk into rooms in my house and think, "Oh, I need to do that", but then walk out and  promptly forget.  So now you have a list of things you could do, or that you might need, that will improve a room.  Thinks like "wash walls", "need new trash can", or "need bath caddy".  I don't know why this silly exercise was so useful to me, but it was.  I think because I just lack the organization or memory to actually follow thru with any of the things I need to do around the house.  I have a weekend coming up that is going to have some free time in it, and while I don't want to pressure myself with anything hugely ambitious, it would be nice to at least knock a few things off of my "room improvement" list.

Lastly, I felt such a rush of summer optimism with the new Siganka shipment that arrived today!  I absolutely love the airy cotton, and the easy styles...it just feels like sun to me!!  I love this line, and I love it because the styles are easy and I've worn them to death (some of my favorite summer travel pieces), but also because I love the designer. She's  a wonderful soul, loves what she does, and has this beautiful hybrid of a spirit....she lives in both Hawaii and Vermont (although I think more Vermont now) , and there is something about her balance that just comes across in everything she does.   It's exactly the zen, relaxed vibe you'd expect.   Anyway, it makes me feel even better supporting the line.  Bring. On. The. Sun.

Signed, ME {lv}

Weren't We Just Here?

I woke up this morning thinking, "wasn't it JUST Friday?"  Actually, last Friday, I woke up thinking it was Thursday, so at least I didn't do that this week.  In so many ways the week went by in a flash, and in so many ways it felt like it was slow like molasses.  I can't figure out the dissonance.  I think the days feel long, but the week didn't I guess.

Then I asked myself what I did this week, did I do anything?  I was pleasantly surprised when I tallied up in my head what I did.  

I drank a LOT of water, much more than in any other week for as long as I can remember.  I think I also cemented down a darn good habit.  I also cooked a lot of veggies, and I'm happy to say, my fridge has no dead, wilting veggies in it anymore.  Thanks to Amanda's challenge -- it kickstarted me!

Romeo finished his 4th grade flashcards, which means we went on a lot of walks and did a lot of spelling words.  I got him to do online school every day this week, and at least got the other kids ready to start next week.

I made a gluten free banana bread and ate the whole thing. I went to the grocery store twice. I cooked most nights....except for one night of take out (plus, I think I'm doing take out tonight too).  We're doing our part to help restaurants!

I worked a considerable amount (albeit way, way less than this time last year).  

I called a lot of friends.  Drank a good deal of wine (for medicinal purposes).  Read the book, The World That We Know (by Alice Hoffman...it's great). I watched a little t.v. with John at night--eventually we'll get thru Killing Eve.  I regulated my media, and didn't let too much in.

I finished ordering things for the kids' Easter baskets.  Apparently the Easter Bunny doesn't get a quarantine hiatus, she's still expected to deliver the baskets.  

I did a reasonable amount of housework (not amazing, but respectable amount).  I kept up with the laundry, and that's always a feat unto itself.

I did yoga every day (it's a highlight of every day).

I don't know people, I think that's pretty good actually right?!  I mean, my bar is pretty low right now, but I think I cleared it without any problem.  Overall, pretty stellar week....hope you all feel the same about your first days of April. 

Signed, ME {lv}

Pet Peeves, Learning New Things & Perspective

I've got a lot of "mom pet peeves", but probably my biggest is when the kids call out "mom, come here"...and I respond "what is it?" and they respond, "just come here".  Then we go round and round....me: "no, tell me what you need first", them: "I just need you, it's an emergency".  From experience I know, it's not an emergency.  If they can stop the flow of blood with a bandaid, definitely not an emergency.

Me: "if it's important tell me what it is?" them: "no, just come here, HURRRRYYYYY".   Me: "I'm not coming unless you tell me what you want."   Them:  "mom you have to come NOW, just come, I can't explain it." Sometimes all they "can't explain" is that they spilled smoothie on their bed even though they aren't suppose to have smoothies in their bedrooms.  This interchange, happens via shouting from different rooms or different floors of the house, OR via text, which is especially annoying....and it happens ALL the time.

I haven't figured out how to eliminate this type of interchange.  It seems like it should be easy enough, but somehow it keeps happening.  And no, it's not like I actually "jump to" and validate their request by ultimately going to see what they want in person.  I don't (at least anymore).  However, that doesn't seem to dissuade them from doing it again, and again, and again.  Just saying, it's annoying, and because they are home ALL the time now, it seems to happen ALL the time.  

On another note, I learned today that "mantra" is a Sanskrit word that means "instrument of thought".  Just in case you didn't know that either, now you know.  Cool right?  

It was yet another weird weather day today here, with bursts of sunshine and brilliant blue skies (note the cherry blossom tree in my flower of the day pic--it looked like an enormous pink cloud it was so beautiful, especially against the intense blue sky).  It went from bright and sunny, to windy and rainy within the span of a walk, and dang, it was COLD when the sun disappeared.  It was a reminder that yes, Spring is here and Summer is going to come soon but, it's definitely still quite chilly.

Lastly, I woke up this morning, and stuck with my routine of sun salutations and media restrictions.  I allow myself to read a choice few articles each morning.  One such article was from New York Times (I tried to go back and find it on my news feed but couldn't), and it was editorial on why we should stop trying to be so productive during quarantine.  The upshot was that we should stop pressuring ourselves to try to be super productive and "get lots done" during this time and just give ourselves a break. Dealing with the basics is a lot right now. Maintaining a semblance of a routine (that is new, that you had to come up with on the fly), keeping your spirits up, and picking a couple of things to do is plenty. Trying to learn a language or paint the entire inside of your house, well, that might just be too much pressure.  Luckily I was never planning on doing anything quite that grand in scale, but I like the overall perspective which was to remind us to be gentle with ourselves and our expectations during this time.  There's a fine line between being motivated to do things that are good for you and you will feel good doing, and then pressuring yourself and feeling guilty for not doing stuff constantly.  So I'm not going to cross the line, and I'm going to remind myself that there is no pressure.

OH, and my water intake yesterday...well, I did get to 64 ounces, but I told Amanda that any ounces after that would be in the form of grape water (aka, wine).  Today, I did slightly better, I'd say a solid 72 ounces, which is progress.  Not sure I can reach the 100 ounces goal, but I'm at least sticking with a minimum of 64.  I also made a cabbage and apple slaw to utilize the two kinds of cabbage that came in my boxes over the last couple of weeks.  As a side note, cabbage lasts forever.  I was sort of hoping it would have gone bad so I was off the hook, but no, it was still super fresh looking.  Anyway, I made a good slaw with purple and green cabbage and a diced apple, and then used some vegan slaw dressing that was quite tasty.  I don't think any of the kids liked it, but I ate a ton so at least I stuck with my veggie goal. 

Starting to get excited....Siganka is officially on the horizon, and that will bring some clothing sunshine our way!  My Siganka pieces that I wore last spring/summer got SO much use it was ridiculous!!

Happy Friday!

Signed, ME {lv}

Little Things & Leeks

If it's one thing yoga has taught me since I began the practice, it's that you have to honor where you're at.  Some days you bust out of the gate with enthusiasm, other days you simply don't.  There's no judgment either way (or so the practice goes), you accept where you are, and honor that place.  Not an easy thing to do, but at least thru the practice I'm now willing to look at how I'm feeling, acknowledge it with honesty, and then I struggle to not judge it (still very hard for me).  

Today I didn't jump out of bed with the same enthusiasm as I had hoped to.  I was more enthusiastic on 3/31 for the start of April, then it turns out I actually WAS on 4/1.  It's ok though, these are rough times all around, and we strive to move forward but we accept that sometimes it's by millimeters. 

On a bright note though, I drank 32 ounces of water before 11 a.m. and that felt like a little accomplishment right there.  I'm shooting for a second 32 ounces before 3 p.m.  It's such a silly thing, I'm not sure WHY it's so hard for me to drink water, but it just is.  I know it's so good for me though, and it's an easy enough thing to change (and I need things I can control and change right now that are positive for me). Don't we all?

My second goal for this week is to eat more greens on a daily basis.  I have this damn organic farm box that comes every Friday and I've tried to get on board with cooking more of the greens, but truth be told I had to throw out two lifeless and limp bunches of greens last week.  Shame on me.  So, this should be an easy goal (theoretically) and I can control it (I sure have the time), plus it's really good for us.  So to that end, I looked up recipes for leeks.  I've only ever cooked leeks with potatoes in a soup.  That's it, that's my leek experience.  I've eaten plenty, but it's always been prepared by chiefs far more creative than myself.

Here's the recipe I made, Chickpeas With Leeks & Lemons, it was pretty darn tasty.  I happen to have a lot of canned chickpeas for some reason so this was perfect.  I think part of my barrier to cooking more greens thing is that I fear the kids won't eat it and it'll just be me.  The truth is at least 2 of the kids are pretty adventuresome green eaters, and 2 out of 4 is the best odds I can hope for in cooking anything for them, green or otherwise.  So, add extra greens to my challenge this week, we might as well round out the healthy stuff.

My highlight today was a comment Romeo made.  We had gone on our daily spelling walk.  It was rainy and cold, and he was under dressed as usual (shorts, teeshirt and a sleeveless vest).  He was carrying a kid's umbrella in one hand, and trying to control Milo in the other hand (which is no easy feat because Milo's pre- quarantine weight was probably 95 lbs, and despite the extra walks, it's probably now 100 lbs).  The dog is CHUNK-Y.  Anyway, it was wet, I'm trying to quiz him on flashcards, we are both cold, and so we came back home and Romeo declared he's "taking a shower."  I come upstairs 30 minutes later and Romeo says to me with all the earnesty and sweetness that only a 9 year old boy can have, "that was the BEST shower ever, it was so nice I can't believe how nice it was."  It was such a simple thing, a shower, but his appreciation for it was so deep in that moment, and so happy.  The tone of his voice had so much gratitude for having that wonderful, simple shower.

I tried to grab some of that gratitude during the rest of my day, and appreciate the simple little things, like my lemon and ginger tea, and my fuzzy socks that I put on when my feet got cold.  

Every day, we do what we can do, no matter how simple or little, and we appreciate how lucky we are to do it.  That's my mantra to myself.  That's our mantra in our business.  

I'm ok with the fact that I was the tortoise today, not the hare.  Tomorrow, we shall see (maybe all the water and extra greens will give me superpowers).  

Signed, ME {lv}

Wine & Books

Sunday is for being lazy right?  I hung out in my super comfortable Velvet sweats (from a couple of years ago...they are wide legged with a racing stripe down the outside of each leg and I love them), a long sleeve tee with a short sleeve tee layered over it, and a scarf (because it was cold today and I took two walks and ended up keeping my scarf on all day).  I read my new book and drank wine.  How's that for a productive day?  

Did I do anything else?  I did do a yoga class this morning, and I think I threw in one load of laundry.  The kids were all equally lazy, and were happy to be left to their own devices.

It's pretty unimpressive.  I'm going to gather some strength to start the week out with some purpose because it's going to be Monday shortly, AND it's going to be a brand new month in just a couple of days.

I can't stand the thought of April just going by in a hazy state, with an aimless, distracted stress existence.  I can't do the things I thought I would do, but I can do a lot in a month with extra time, right?

So I'm going to come up with some April goals.  Some quarantine goals.  I know some of us are still are working full time (some of us at home and some of us at essential jobs out in the world) but regardless most of us find ourselves with buckets of time that we normally would have allotted to other things that we now can't do.  So the question, before April arrives, is what are we going to get done during this time?  

Meanwhile, my book is good, and my loungy day was restorative.  Going to hit the ground running tomorrow.

Signed, ME {lv} 

New Favorite Quote, Fruit Crisp & Real Big Problem

“We think that the point is to pass the test or overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don't really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It's just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.”  Pema Chödrön

That quote came from my yoga class this morning and I love it.  It's a variation of Amor Fati, the love of one's fate, and accepting everything in life--good and bad-as part of your miraculous life.   Acceptance vs. resistance because you know it all has to be there. Part of what lifts me up when I have tough days is just the reminder that you have to have space to accept it all, not only the good stuff, but the incredibly difficult stuff too.   I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I'm so grateful for yoga.  I continue to do my 10 sun salutations each morning and I think it really IS changing my life just a bit

I also made a glorious fruit crisp today (apple and rhubarb which I randomly saw at the grocery store and decided to grab--I use to have it a lot as a child).  I made it vegan and gluten free, but it tastes great so I don't think it's going to keep my family members from eating it which is a bummer.  Usually all I have to say is "it's gluten free and vegan" and they clear out, but this turned out TAAAA-sty.  I felt like getting dressed and making a fruit crisp qualifies me as having a very productive today.

But here's the REAL catastrophe that gripped my children today.  Around 5:30 p.m., as we were cooking dinner, the electricity went off.  John and I were in the kitchen together and used our phones to check the utility website to confirm indeed, there was a power outage to 3200 people and estimated time of fix was 8:30 p.m.  Within minutes the kids realized that they had no internet, so it was like consecutive screams of terror.  Apparently school being closed, us being quarantined, no contact with friends or grandparents...none of that scared them like this.  You would literally think the zombie apocalypse WAS starting from their exaggerated, "wwwwhhhhhatttttt IS hhhhaaappppppeeennnnniinnnnnng????!!!!"  

I had some very concerning questions asked during this time that made me think I needed to start home schooling asap..."does the t.v. still work?"  was one such question. We were without power for exactly 1 hour and 15 minutes and it was as close to a crisis as we've been in a LONG time.  When it went back on it was like they had been provided food after not eating for two weeks.  

Note to self, make sure my kids have a little perspective and that we schedule an electricity free weekend in nature this summer.  Actually, that sounds horrible.  Scratch that.  Instead, note to self.....buy back up generator. 

Signed, ME {lv}

Living In The Now

I'm trying to work on things to keep me de-stressed.  It's way too easy to let the news sweep you away, and the fear of the "what if" sweep you away.  Share your little de-stressing techniques with us, we can all use them.

 After I did my yoga class this morning online (with my favorite guru teacher), my big takeaway was that even during all of this, we have to be asking ourselves, "what am I doing today to push myself towards who I want to be and how I want to live".  There is no "pause" button on life while a disaster happens.  This is still life happening and we all still need to focus on the NOW.  No, none of us have days that look like we thought they would look a month ago, but they are what they are, so how can we find joy, satisfaction and hope from them despite everything?  

That's my goal.  It's not easy though, I am the first to admit it takes real work on my part NOT to dive into panic and media overload.  But what if today was our last day?  Or tomorrow?  Or this week, or this month?  Do we really want to spend our precious time waiting for "real life to start" while we ooze stress from every pore of our bodies?  Not me.  So today I did my awesome yoga class, suffered thru most of a 20 minute Peloton strength training with John (they are free for 90 days), walked outside, read my book (I'm almost half way thru American Dirt--it's very gripping).  I helped make a big family dinner, called a couple of friends, texted a bunch more, and tried to keep the offering from yoga class in the front of my mind.  

We don't know what will happen tomorrow, or the next.  That's just the fact.  What we do know is that we have right now to do the things that better us, make us happy, make us feel good, and enrich us.   Most of experience is your personal perception of it, some people are eternally optimistic, and some people eternally pessimistic.  I tend to fall in the middle, with a heavy leaning toward optimism.  What I do know is that I can perceive these weeks (maybe months) of changed life as a prison, or I can choose to make them fun in some ways, choose to make them special in some ways, and choose to work on myself, help others and enjoy the things I am able to do.

I'm concentrating on that.

Meanwhile, I've just spilled my tea, which is no doubt going to take HOURS to pull out of my cream and light grey throw rug.  How fortunate I have the time to do that right now.  Silver linings.

Signed, ME {lv}

Binge Watching & Green Overload

It's been awhile since I've really watched any show that was interesting enough to warrant binge watching with my limited time.  But let's face it, most of us have a bit more time on our hands so binge watching something sounds a lot more attractive.  John and I started "Killing Eve" a few nights ago and that's pretty entertaining.  Dark and violent, but entertaining and interesting.  I think the last thing we watched before that was "The Stranger" which was also a good one season show (sort of like a lot of those True Detective type series that carry the storyline just one season).  Curious to see what other people are watching so I can make a list!

Today was a genuinely boring Saturday, which in normal times would feel luxurious and wonderful.   Now it felt a little disconcerting to be honest.  I slept horribly last night and had the worst nightmare ever.  I dreamt that John, after 25 years of marriage (we are actually. about to celebrate our 25th anniversary), announced that he wanted a divorce because he decided he was going to run off with someone.  Anyway, it was horrible because in my dream I was devastated, and so genuinely distraught that I was exhausted when I woke up.

The other thing that broke up my sleep was Ava who walked into our room at 3 a.m. and in a regular, loud and unapologetic voice declared we needed to "take her to the hospital IMMEDIATELY".  Now, if it was anyone else I would have bolted out of bed and been putting my clothes on before they uttered another word, but because it was Ava I stayed in bed and calmly replied, "I doubt it, what's up".  Well, she was convinced that between the hours of 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. her appendix had gone from just fine to infected and about to burst.   No joke.  Her side hurt and according to her it was gravely serious.  We told her she just had gas and to go back to bed and wake us up if she was still in unbelievable pain in two hours.  Ava has John's hypochondriac gene, and she's super, SUPER dramatic.  Any issue, and she's near death...until something distracts her and then she's perfectly fine.  She slept until 11 a.m. and when I saw her in the kitchen I asked her how her side was and her relpy was, "oh fine, the infection went away".   She's crazy.

Besides doing my yoga class (and yes, I'm maintaining my first thing in the morning sun salutations. and media hold off), we went on a walk, read (started a new book "American Dirt"), did a little work, texted people, and looked up recipes for all the greens I have from my organic delivery box.  They  are starting to pile up and I've got to move into double speed to try and find recipes for things like chard, and collard greens (which I just rarely cook).  If you open my. fridge it's like an explosion of veggies.  That's probably why the kids keep complaining that there is no food.  The only bad deal is that these farm veggies wilt and get unhappy looking real fast, so it's a race to find ways to use them while they are looking spry.

Tonight I used a bunch of my very weird looking kale (some variety that I just don't see often), and I sauteed it with onions, garlic, then added white beans, diced tomatoes, Italian seasonings, salt & pepper and it was GOOD.  I feel like I'm doing an unnatural amount of eating right now.  I'm trying to chalk it up to healthy and somehow a little anti-viral protection.  

Signed, ME {lv}

Running Like A Grandma & New Rituals

Milo and I watched the sunrise this morning.  That was a nice start to the day, and  less stressful than reading the news.  Highly recommend this.

Personally I think the key to navigating any change is to set up routines, and real quick.  John and I have self-induced so many big changes in the last 10 years that we've become pretty good at it.  I think at one point I counted 7 house moves, one state move, different schools, lots of extended traveling (culture shock is a tough change for kids)...the list goes on.  All of those things disrupt your routine, and the result is always predictable with kids (and adults for that matter).  You feel uncomfortable, you don't like it, you feel grumpy, uneasy, angry, sad, and sometimes physically ill.  It's textbook every time.  We crave predictability and routine.

So the writing was on the wall that this change with covid-19 that we are currently dealing with would be no different.  The kids have gone thru all stages for sure, and I've seen them in myself too.  We have all been thrown into a new routine, or rather, our OLD routines were all ripped away from us so we were spinning without routines.  No school, no work, no dinner out Friday, no social events....the list goes on.  

So, my big push this week has been to try and stick to the old routines that I could stick with (family dinner, tulips on the front table, etc.), and establish some new ones.  It doesn't take very long to get new habits going, and it always amazes me how easily the kids will get in the new flow.  

So my new routines for me include my 10 sun salutations each morning, and then an online yoga class.  Then we are making breakfast.  Romeo and I take a walk late morning with the dog, and practice spelling and math problems.   Then it's music practice time, then Gia bakes something in the afternoon.   Nothing monumental, but I've noticed how quick they are grabbing on to the new rituals--they are like life preservers.

Today Ava decided she wanted to go on a run, and she tried to recruit Lucia who wouldn't go, so she begged me and despite it being the LAST thing I actually felt like doing, I did it.  Two minutes into the run Ava turns to me and says, "are you going to run like a grandma the whole time?"  Nothing like a little teen shaming to force you to run faster.   I think I might have shin splints for weeks now.  Ava never works out, and she still seemed unphased by the spur of the moment run.  It wore me out though and I think my big toe is dislocated.  Super irritating.

I will also just say, that despite setting up a new schedule/routine and recognizing how important that is, I really miss my old one.  I grieved it a little today to be honest.  Maybe even more than a little.  I miss you old life, I miss you bad....can't wait to get back to you.

Hope everyone made it thru the week.  Curious to see what what new routines everyone is establishing that is
 working for them.  I'm tossing up this picture that John took at a restaurant last week because it really is pretty funny (and not funny at the same time I guess).  It made me laugh though!  TP rolls $500, and one pump of hand sanitizer for $300. Cheeky.  

Signed, ME {lv}

The Good Things Around Us

In my ongoing efforts to think positively and not get pulled down to the depths with the current state of affairs, I tried some strategic things today.  One, I started my day with my 10 sun salutations and no media afterward for 45 minutes.  This was day #2 and I think this might be the ticket for me....starting out the day without being bombarded first thing.  Much better foundation for the day.

Then I had my latte, and then I did a yoga class online.  Again, that was a pretty good centering thing for me and was better than doing it late in the day I think. It fortified me and gave me strength.

The kids and I took the dog on a walk, and I enjoyed the outdoors for a brief time, and also enjoyed the heart warming signs of togetherness I saw.  I know that this is an incredibly isolating time for many people who might live alone, and my heart breaks for everyone that feels that way right now.  For other people it's a frustrating time because you are now forced to spend SO much time together in a confined space with little to do, BUT on the flip side, it also gives people the time and bandwidth to connect.  I saw, on a Thursday mid-morning mind you, a family taking a walk together, and I saw parents engaged in activities with their kids that ordinarily might take back seat because of time constraints (or jobs of course).  Don't get me wrong, I want job back, but all we can do is enjoy what we do have.

Everyone I saw was keeping a very safe distance from other people, there weren't the groups of young people that I've heard rumor of (although I'm sure that's happening somewhere near me).  What I saw was just a sense of timelessness that really only comes with a shut down like this where there are simply less options, less things to do.  There are no restaurants.  There are no stores to go to.  There are only so many groceries you can buy.  We're all getting our fill of screen time, and there are still a lot of hours in the day to do meandering and unrushed things.  I can't honestly remember the last time I walked the dog with absolutely no agenda afterwards, or set things I have to do.  Romeo and I do it daily, but usually it's after I pick him up from school, and before I pick up his sisters where we have a tight little window of about 35 minutes.   Today we strolled along, me trying to stump him with spelling words, and him content to prep for the imaginary spelling bee.  I did this in attempts to outweigh hours of Fortnite video games by the way

Anyway, I guess my point is that as much as this entire situation is beyond scary in every way (and unwanted in every way), all we can do is take one day at a time, and find beauty in the simple things that ARE happening.  I might not have a store operating right now and all the stresses of that can stack up nice and tall, but what we do have are wonderful emails from friends and customers, little notes, or even just seeing a name of someone we know and love on a web order makes us happy.  It's not about anything more than being happy for what we have, and the wonderful people we know and the time we get with the people we love.  

Plus, I will also just note that Ava & Lucia have been in sister-fighting mode for months.  It's been bad.  They fight over clothes, over friends.  Pretty much anything (this is the problem with same sex siblings too close in age).  Anyway, the silver lining of this quarantine is that they are so, SO, so bored that they are starting to talk and laugh together again.  Desperate for friend time, they are learning to be friends again.  Silver linings.

Signed, ME {lv}

 

Conscious Uncoupling, Corona Cinnamon Rolls & Sun

I'm consciously uncoupling from the media.  Well, partially uncoupling.  That's right, I'm going Gwyneth Paltrow on the media.  

I started my day with 10 sun salutations, BEFORE I looked at my phone or anything electronic.  I have to admit, it's a horrible habit but the first thing I do every morning is reach over, grab my phone off the charger and read about what is going on in the world.

Not this morning.  This morning I woke up and I thought about what my yoga teacher had said when I was doing my yoga training two years ago.  She said, "wake up and do 10 sun salutations, and I promise you it will change your life."  At the time I didn't do it....not sure why exactly, but I didn't.   Well, I started today, and I can see how it might a actually be if not life changing, adjacent to life changing.  It's essentially 10-15 minutes of deep breathing and meditation, but in an active form that for me feels easier than sitting to meditate in the morning (which I've tried to do many times and the habit hasn't stuck).

After my 10 salutations I resisted phone checking urges, and instead I went downstairs, made my latte, did my normal domestic rounds of picking up stuff in the kitchen, going down to the laundry room etc.  It was a full 30-40 minutes and I still hadn't checked any media and let me tell you, it was amazing.  Then John came downstairs full of media reports and broke the spell.  Then I realized, I'm not going to miss anything if I partially break off from media, because unfortunately everyone else is going to fill me in moment to moment.   What it might do though is quash some of the not so low stress hum that has settled into my brain and I can feel it zapping my strength.  I've got to find a way to be positive more hours of the day than not.

It's was a gorgeous day, the sun was out, flowers were everywhere, and it feels hopeful just to be outside.  Romeo and I walked Milo, and then we came back and made cinnamon rolls for my parents.  But then I had a thought, what if someone in my house is asymptomatic and we make cinnamon rolls and somehow get coronavirus on it??  Is that possible?  Can the corona be baked out of the cinnamon rolls?  So I did some googling, and basically they don't know for sure, but SARS dies off in temps of 160 degrees for 30 minutes.  Plus John said you can't "eat" the virus it'll die, you have to inhale it or touch it to your face/nose/eyes.  So We baked the rolls and then devised a plan to get them on a paper plate and covered with no touching and little exposure to potential airborne bugs.  I'm especially neurotic when it comes to my parents, who fall into that "elderly" category (I'm sure my mom wants to stab someone when they call her elderly), but nonetheless, we've got to be über careful.  Anyway, we dropped off cinnamon rolls, flowers, and a spray bottle of 409 (since it kills bacteria and viruses).  Not the most exciting care package to get, but also not the worst.  We left it on their door step, rang the door bell and dashed.

I did another online yoga class, and another couple walks.  Was very excited that we got in the Féret Parfumeur for my ravaged hands.  They feel dry ALL the time and have that weird feeling that is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I can't wait to lather my digits.

Hope everyone is keeping their spirits up!!

Signed, ME {lv}

 

Digging Deep, Currents & Boats

Now that I've got all kinds of time to cook and to deep clean, I can think of nothing else that I'd like to do less. Why is that?  I was desperate for few hours just a couple of weeks ago so I could continue my spring cleaning mission and now that I can do it I'm feeling too depleted.  Two weeks ago I distinctly remember complaining about how FAST the weeks were flying by.  I blinked and it was Friday...AGAIN, and again.  It's been two days since the kids officially were let off school, one day since the store shut to the public, and if you told me it had been month, I'd say, "feels about right".  Time is dragging by so. so. slowly.  

But today I tried to be positive.  The reality is, the kids are officially off school 6 weeks.  We're all on lock down for realistically 2-6 weeks.  It feels like an eternity.  It does genuinely feels that way, but in reality it isn't.  I'm not saying it won't feel painstakingly slow, but big picture, it's not that long.  Other good news is that this is an election year, which means there is a lot of pressure on the government to get this economy jumpstarted as soon as the virus is under control.  It will happen.  Third good thing is that there are some incredible doctors spread out over this entire globe that are working tirelessly to come up with an anti-viral and a vaccine.  It will happen, anti-viral trials are already underway for whats seemed to work so far.  There are too many smart people working on it for it not to happen quickly.  Fear & panic is the problem,

So those were the positives I tried to focus on.  I also did an online yoga class, which was better than I thought because my favorite guy was teaching it. That made me happy.  His whole theme of the class was "get to know yourself".  I had to actively push out the voice in my head that started out by saying, "I know myself, I'm a basket case who is literally flipping out that her kids are off school for 6 weeks and I can't go to yoga".  I pulled myself together and tamed my monkey mind at least a little.

I went on a walk with John, and we came across this marquee which I thought was fitting, it read "Same Current, Different Boats".  That sums it up.  I also read later on some other billboard. the phrase, "focus on what you can control" which I thought was pretty fitting too.  Yes, we can only focus on what we can control, and let go of things out of our control.  

On a final note, Gia was saying today she was super scared (and it had nothing to do with the coronavirus, it had to do with some scary movie preview she saw), and Romeo told her, "I don't get scared anymore from things, I just think about unicorns when I get scared and then I'm not scared."  Unicorns?  Yep, apparently they protect you from being scared.  So here's to visions of unicorns.

Today we're doing a deep discount on gifts...mostly because it seems like a swell time to buy someone a gift, AND it also seems like a swell time to buy yourself a gift.  Show some love, because we all need it.

Signed, ME {lv}

 

 

 

A Day In The Life

The new normal....

Wake up too early to get up, check the news, get depressed, stop reading it.  Try to go back to sleep. Can't because of said depressing news.  Get out of bed for real, and make a happy collagen latte (hoping it enhances my super immune system so I don't get the CV).

Clean up the kitchen after the kids tornado thru for breakfast.  Cheerios everywhere and evidence they ate every strawberry in the house. 

Exercise, which now consists of giving myself a yoga class which is far less peaceful than going to a yoga class. I cheat in poses much more and I can't get myself to relax.

Force the kids to go on a walk with me.  Gia tells me bees pee out of their stingers.  I believe her for about 3 solid minutes because my brain is filled with coronavirus stress.

Go home, work a bit, get more stressed when I learn that Melange is going to close for at least two weeks.  Stop working and go online to buy some more vitamins--again to super-immune-system my body up.

Decide that the kids have once again eaten thru half the food, so head to grocery store where I likely will get coronavirus, ebola, hep C and god knows what else because it is packed beyond capacity with some people with very questionable health.  

Go home, unpack groceries.  Encourage the kids to make a list of things they "need" to do during the day (like practice music, do math, read, clean room).  Hear entirely too much whining and run out of energy to stand my ground.  That's on my list for tomorrow, for sure.

Do laundry, get irritated that Lucia uses 4 towels each time she showers and hangs up none of them, but instead throws them into the dirty laundry.  Spend too much time being irritated and folding clothes.

Stop and take 5 deep breaths, it helps.

Call my friend.  Text three others.  It also helps.

Decide that there is no way I can spend the entire next 2-3 weeks of this new schedule in sweats and a tee, I'll lose it.  Vow to make myself more presentable tomorrow even if I don't leave the house.

Gia makes breadsticks. She's used all the butter, most of the flour and a lot of sugar in the last 3 days (two cakes, brownies and now breadsticks).  It's messy, lots of ingredients get wasted, there are 5 million questions and I try to be super patient but it's tough. She just wants me to bake with her but I have a hard time pulling myself out of my news stupor which I later feel bad about.  I know the kids need things to do to stay entertained, but...ugh.

Find out John's work is officially stopping travel and everyone is working from home.  Also find out the governor closed restaurants and bars temporarily.  John's visibly depressed about not being able to eat out (the highlight of his days, literally).  We're bickering constantly about the state of the world and I wonder if we're gong to kill each other during this "work from home period".  I'm betting yes.  We could have a corona-casualty divorce.

Bars are slated to close tomorrow, so John and I take 45 minutes to go down the street in a patently socially irresponsible move before the official close of bars and restaurants.  The restaurants and bars will be closed for our 25th wedding anniversary so it feels like we deserve to take advantage of this last opportunity.  Whiskey was awesome, I can't lie.  John ordered a Penicillin, the healthy whisky drink version guaranteed to keep you well.  John leaves the bartender a fat tip because it's his last shift for quite awhile.

Overall, not my best day at managing my mood or stress.  The state of things is going to bring ups and downs, and I guess we have to be able to roll with it.  I am going to follow my own advice and try to find something to hold on to that feels normal.  My favorite candle, cozy pj's, my face moisturizer that I love, maybe my favorite funny movie tonight (which is Horrible Bosses FYI).   It's up to us to lead the way for everyone around us (our kids, our partners, our friends)....to set the tone, to try and be generous with our kindness, and ease up with our stress.  I don't pretend I can do it every day, but I'm really going to try (and definitely try harder tomorrow).

Now's a good time to send your favorite people cards and little treats, because we're all going to need our moods lifted a bit, so why not be the bringer of joy?  Seems like a good move to me since there isn't all that much we can do, except be careful, be kind and be supportive.

Signed, ME {lv}

 

Little Bits of Sanity

I'm not going to lie, this week I've really tried to channel our happiness theme, but it's been tough at times.  There's such a balance we need to strike now in the midst of what is emerging at break neck speed.  Most of us haven't been thru a pandemic before (watching the movie Contagion doesn't count).  There's a lot of media frenzy out there, and misinformation, and just that fact alone is enough to drive someone to the point of a full blown melt down.

I am continually telling myself to take deep breaths, and to remind myself that we just take one week at a time, and remember that we'll get thru this but only if people keep a level head and avoid freaking out.  Social distancing doesn't mean social isolation, so we need to continue to support each other, enjoy our family and friends and try to continue to live life, albeit in a modified, and safer, fashion.   I know it's harder for people that are immune compromised (or living with someone who is) and feel like they really have to fully isolate physically.  I just hope they don't isolate mentally and they keep reaching out to friends and family, and people who care because it's miserable to be all stressed by yourself without the support of your tribe.

I went to yoga class this morning (some of my tribe) and it was lovely and my "little bit of sanity today".  It was just the perfect reminder that we need to continue to do things for ourselves that are healthy, both physically and mentally.  I washed my hands before I went into the room, and after I left--safety first.  The message today was about bravery and vulnerability.  Her quote was something to the affect of "bravery starts when vulnerability becomes intentional".  It's true, the hardest thing to do is to make yourself vulnerable intentionally.

Now is the perfect time to remember self care, because we're under stress and a lot of information bombardment.  Our immune systems need to stay strong, so we need to take care of ourselves in all the ways we know how.  Good food, lots of sleep, moments of peace and quiet, self-care, laughing with friends, fresh air, things like that.  Basically all things that make you happy, put a smile on your face and make you feel good.  So my hope for everyone this weekend is to take care of yourself, be consciously proactive in creating your own peace bubble, because otherwise you are going to get eaten away by collective stress (that happened to me when I went down the media rabbit hole for 3+ hours today--it's a dark place).  You can do all the things you need to do to protect yourself and your community without contributing to the stress energy and without making yourself miserable (because that sure can't be good for your immune system). At Melange we're wiping down door handles, hard surfaces regularly, and using hand sanitizer and hand washing obsessively.  We're also trying to laugh regularly, eat healthy and mediate for bits of peacefulness. Deep breathing...I'm doing it right now and I've got to say, it really helps.

Signed, ME {lv}

Little Bit Prepper, Hot Yoga and Gratitude

All I know is that this virus outbreak is only worrying me to the extent that NOW I feel the need to be a little bit more of a "prepper" -- not for this situation, but for a truly bad one that might come at some point in the future.  What I'm noticing is that people don't do well with a little uncertainty, or restriction, or risk.  Seriously, if something even remotely bad happened in this country, there would be a full blown crazy panic of monumental proportions.   I wasn't feeling the need before, but now I feel like I do really need some kind of stockpile for when a real crisis happens because things will not go well and people will likely lose their collective sanity.  I feel like we are just starting our experience with the coronavirus and already people are giving themselves anxiety attacks.  Slow your roll people, it will all be fine and you can't burn out on anxiety this early.

Not to totally minimize the coronavirus, it's a terrible inconvenience and yes, we all need to modify certain behaviors to help mitigate risk (i.e. washing our hands alone is thing #1 and the practice will help not only this new virus but the spreading of the flu which is already dangerous to so many vulnerable populations).   John keeps saying that at the end of all of this we might end up socializing behaviors that save many lives that otherwise wouldn't have been saved.  Let the hand sanitizer and hand washing mania begis.  Better stock up on hand cream, that sanitizer dries your hands out BAD.

I returned to hot yoga today after my microblading week long hiatus.  It felt great, and I was totally grateful for what my body could do the whole time.  I just felt so happy that I was there, my body felt good, and I was no longer jeopardizing my eyebrows.  Big sigh of relief there.  Last week taking it easy in more restorative classes was nice, but today felt 'back to normal' and really good.

The sun is shining this week, and we've got at least one day hitting 60 degrees.  That's a reason to be happy right there!  The only thing salting my game is that I noticed some gray hairs in my eyebrows.  What the what?  I take a lot of different supplements, why haven't they figured out one to fix grey hair yet?  I feel like I need to do some more googling on that.  Meanwhile, my Glossier Boy Brow gel is going to do double time.

Digging on these new Prairie Underground joggers--you can feel like you are lounging in your sweats, BUT you will look super cool.  They are really cute on, love these!  Especially love the cropped length.

Signed, ME {lv}

 

 

Wonders Never Cease

I just want to take a moment to appreciate how amazingly possible BIG change is.  Two years ago if you had told me my husband of almost 23 years (that was 2 years ago), would someday work out all the time, lose 25 lbs and drop two pants sizes there would be NO way I would believe it.

As long as I've known John he's been a little thick around the middle.  We met in our early 20's and I think then he might have been leaner, but I can barely remember because it didn't last long.  He use to tell me that it was just "his body shape" because I, on more than one occasion, approached him with the harsh reality that he had gained quite a few pounds and it was bad for his overall health.  He was flummoxed for YEARS by even the suggestion that he might need to lose a little weight and work out.  He just didn't see it--like men sort of tend not to.  Women are acutely aware of their weight, fitness, and where they fall on the scale of physical fitness.  Men, not so much.  Usually he would lose weight in the summer when we were traveling and he was super active, but then gain it all back by Christmas.

Everything changed about a year ago, and I'm not entirely sure what the turning point was.  He was a solid 178 lbs, and then he started consistently working out 3 days a week, then 4, and next thing he knew he was down to 155.  Super lean flat abs for the first time in his life.  Maybe it was a mid life crisis, who knows, but all of the sudden it was like he realized at age 50 that he wasn't in fact in shape OR very healthy.  He'll now look back on a picture of himself 10 years ago and he's shocked that he looks so "puffy"--he's genuinely shocked, I find that baffling.

I know what you are thinking, did he get a girlfriend or engage in some illicit side action?  Yeah, I've seen enough movies, I thought about that too.  Nope, I don't actually think that was the motivation, I think it just finally dawned on him he could really change.  I also think once you make headway toward a big change you realize how awesome it is, and that motivates you even more.    

I contemplated all of this as I lay in my 8:30 a.m. yoga class that JOHN motivated me to go to with him.  That's right, he pushed ME to get out of bed at 7:50, and rally to yoga without coffee or breakfast.  John's favorite thing in life is food, so the fact that he'd actually get moving early, without breakfast AND coffee, all to exercise??  Needless to say, it seriously blows my mind.

It's a true testament to the fact that you can change, and surprise yourself and everyone you know.  It makes him happier and it makes me happier because I know he's physically so much healthier, I notice it in everything he does.  

So here's to changes (and wonders) that can amaze you at any time!

Signed ME {lv}

Less is More

I'm reminded this week that less can be more.  I've been off my regular yoga schedule--no hot yoga until my brows are cemented down.  So I've been taking a mixture of slow flow classes, and this morning I did a slow restorative meditation yoga class.  First I will say, it takes some mental flexibility for me to change things up, I am so married to my routine (which I love) that going outside of it throws me off more than it should.

What I will say, as I've gone thru my "new" week is that it's been really nice.  My regular classes are really physically demanding, and they are so dang hot.  They feel intense, always.  Sometimes though, less is more, and I feel like I've gotten so much out of going at a slower, less intense, and more reflective pace.  The stranger thing?  I've been SORE and it's like I took harder classes, but they were harder in new, softer ways (which apparently still made me sore).

On a new stuff note, I'm crazy for the little dainty rings from Jennifer Cervelli.  They come in gold, rose gold and silver, and they are wonderful solo but also stacked up.  I love the idea of making a wish and putting on the ring....three rings, three wishes.  When my brother in law (years and years ago), wanted to propose and used the excuse he had no money to buy a ring for the reason he wasn't doing it (not really the reason), I tried to convince him to buy these rings and pledge three romantic things to my sister (like I promise to love you forever, support your soul, and rug your feet when your tired....or whatever).  For the record, he didn't use my good idea.  Can't remember what he did, but it wasn't nearly as good...not even close.  

Oh, and I ALSO love the long Salt + Slate necklaces!!  How awesome is that going to look with a simple white
tank and white linen pants??   Also super cute wrapped around the wrist!!

Signed, ME {lv}

Jumping to Conclusions, Sabotaged Yoga & Costco Mania

This is my daily reminder to myself to NOT make assumptions.  We all do it constantly, and sometimes it’s just utilitarian and necessary.  Sometimes it’s unfair and counter-productive.  I do it a lot with my older girls.  I got my undies all in a wad this morning when I couldn’t find a shirt I wanted to wear.  I was ready to tear into someone for stealing it without permission.  I had my finger on the trigger the second I realized the shirt wasn’t there.  To be fair, I’m not entirely crazy, they have stolen MANY things from me (their version is that it was “borrowed”), and it’s been a lot more than once that I’ve found things crumbled up on their bedroom floor.  Once Lucia even CUT a shirt of mine (cropping shirts is a big thing with teens and her excuse was that I never wear it).

Anyway, I was about to hit the fan this morning, angry energy was pouring out every pore of my body….and then I found the shirt, in the place I had put it away, and then forgotten I had put it away there (only to remember when I actually found it).  OOOOOHHHHH, yeah.

My point is this...Get your finger off the trigger, don't jump to conclusions.

My morning yoga class was sabotaged because I forgot to leave my door unlocked.   It’s house cleaning day, my one day where I get to enjoy a few hours of a clean house before the minors ravish it again.  It’s basically my favorite day.  I am suppose to leave the door unlocked, and even though I remembered everything else this morning and had plenty of time to finish the laundry, write their check, pick up all over the house (basically do a mini-clean before the deep clean), somehow I forgot the most important part. I know, first world problem, but still a bummer. 

So 5 minutes into the class my watch vibrates, and I can see it’s the cleaning service, and instantly I remember that I had forgotten.  I was so mad at myself!  Why is it that I have to literally write everything down or I forgot?  Can I blame it on peramenopause? I had to pack up all my crap and dash because otherwise my window of time would be over and they would write me off.  I get so much joy from yoga, but I DO also really love a clean house….there were clearly conflicting worlds today.

Almost lastly, I had my normal Costco food delivery today (there isn’t a Costco very close to us so I just have it delivered every couple of weeks).  The guy that usually comes is hysterical, with dreadlocks that go past his butt, a big laugh, and he's always full of jokes.  So we got to chatting and he told me stories about the current Costco mania.  Apparently people are stocking up x 10.  Understandably people are nervous, but I didn’t realize quite how bad until he showed me pictures of the line for checkout on Saturday (no joke, it was like a 4 hour line), and the huge cart flats he was filling for orders.  I had ordered garbanzo beans and he informed me there wasn’t a “bean to be had” in all of Costco…and apparently it was a good thing I didn’t need toilet paper either because there was a run on that too.    I’ll say it again, my goal is to NOT freak out despite all the current events.  He told me that he delivered a big flat shopping cart of soda pop to a woman.   No joke, he showed me the cart, and there had to be 50 big things of soda stacked on it, every kind imaginable.  I said it must have been for the woman's restaurant, or a school carnival or SOMETHING other than 'end of the world prep'?  No such luck, he actually asked her, and indeed, she wasn't worried about running out of water, but she was REAL worried about running out of pop.  True story.

Lastly, for real, how cute does Amanda look in in the header picture wearing the new EF (tee, cardigan and scarf)??  Such a cute group!

Signed, ME {lv}

Ear Piercing

There was a time that I was much more conservative as a parent.  When Ava, my oldest, asked to get her ears pierced I made her wait until she was "old enough".  When she asked to get second piercing the answer was, "absolutely NOT."  The same went for hair dye, bikinis and makeup.  

But truthfully, it didn't last long because Ava is, unfortunately or fortunately, an unrelenting child (the CIA could use her interrogation purposes, she's be better than water boarding.)  She wore me down year after year, and I consider myself to be fairly tough.

Fast forward to today.  My second daughter, Lucia, now 15, asked me to give her a second piercing.  Well, not exactly.  She actually GAVE herself a second piercing on one ear, but then came upstairs to ask me to do the second one because it was harder to do the "other ear."  That's right, she pierced the first ear herself, with a long needle, some alcohol and an apple--I didn't even realize she was doing it. Girl has nerves of steel.  When I asked her why she didn't wait and have it done at one of those mall kiosks she said, "you need a parent's permission to do it and it costs like $50."  So apparently she didn't consider asking for my permission, but kudos to her for saving $50.  

So when she came up and asked me to the second ear, I felt obligated to help.  She was one ear in, and clearly not feeling confident about the second hole (and it's tricky to get them even.). She's been a handful lately, so stabbing her thru the ear with a sharp object didn't seem entirely ridiculous. 

So I did it.  It was awful--it goes against your instinct as a parent to actually stab something into your child that isn't for life saving purposes.  It did however bring back a very old memory of a high school party, my best friend, and a similar ear piercing situation (I honestly can't remember if she pierced mine or I did hers--she couldn't' remember either.)  I can recall the orange we used to hold behind the ear, and the wine coolers we were drinking for courage (remember those awful things?), which are probably responsible for our poor memory of the whole thing.

So that's it, I've come full circle from piercing ears in high school, to piercing my own daughters ears. I'll add that to the list of things I never I thought I would do.

Yoga today was good, but the best part really was at the very end when we were just about to say namaste and get out of that hot sweaty room and she said "I see you."  For some reason that phrase really hit me, and stuck with me.  It's what everyone wants, it's universal.  To be seen.  It's funny though, rarely does someone say it out loud like that.  It was lovely I will say.

We had more sun today.  It's official, Spring is almost here!  I finished my closet today, and have my piles of stuff to get rid of.  There were winter pieces that won't make the cut and it's nice because now when I go to put my winter clothes away for good (which will be very soon), I will only be putting away stuff that I know I want for next year.  I'm also methodically going thru and washing my cashmere, de-pilling it and then when I pack it away I'm going to use some of the Meyer's dryer sheets in the plastic bins so that they come out smelling wonderful next winter.  The only thing better than cashmere, is good smelling cashmere.

Signed, ME {lv}

Teary Yoga

I know I talk about yoga a lot, but I can’t help myself.  Today was an intense class.  The instructor is one of my favorites, and she had just come off of an intensive weekend training and she warned us that she was a bit raw.  This is what I love about yoga, it’s so much more than just the poses, it’s really all in your head, that’s where the real work is.

Anyway, she talked about she felt during this training program she attended, which basically amounted to “unworthy”.  It was that feeling of walking into a room and feeling like everyone had a better job, more education, better outfit, prettier, funnier….basically that everyone is out of your league.  Who hasn’t felt that way?  Part of the training during the weekend was to tap into what was holding you back, what made you feel unaccepted, or unworthy.  She shared a memory of her father (who died suddenly when she was in her teens), and how he had come to a diving meet (after rarely ever coming) and said, “I just thought you’d be better by now.”  So part of her cathartic weekend, was coming to accept herself, and her father’s limitations, and forgiveness. All in order to move thru them and keep them from holding her back or being the excuse that held her back.  As she was telling her memory of her father she broke into tears.  It was such a vulnerable moment for her, and she was willing to share it with everyone. Another reason I love yoga.

She quoted someone…I think it was Eckhart Tolle, who said, “First there must be acceptance. Then you can begin.” All the things (insert people, circumstances etc.) that hold you back, are things you haven’t fully accepted yet. 

She went on to teach a hard ass class….lots and lots of arm work.  Another reason I love yoga.

On a totally other note, my other favorite thing (clothes) deserves a little shout out too.  I just got the Anni Kuan Kite top, and can I just say how great it is??  I think this is such a perfect morphing top….it can morph from day to night, or season to season.  Super cute on too (love the sleeves), and I think it will make a great travel piece. I like that it isn’t black, but it’s not a washed out grey either—it’s that great in-between that manages to still look fresh and not dreary.  It took me a long time to warm up to Anni’s fabrics (I couldn’t get past the fact that they weren’t “all natural”) but I have come to totally trust her ability to find fabrics that feel, wear, drape and wash really, REALLY well.  I’m never disappointed. I have her flight pants in black, but now I know I need them in the grey too because it would be fantastic worn with the top—a lá jumpsuit style. 

I will also say, that I’m enjoying my Child perfume and body cream almost every day.  Last I heard Cammi had totally converted to loving it too.  Initially when I asked her if she liked it she said, “well, it’s not for me really.” The smell changes a lot on your skin, and at first smell from the bottle it can feel a little bold, but softens and mellows so beautifully on the skin.  She now has confirmed she’s completely in love with it too.  I just really adore the small roller ball size, it’s always in my purse and I love that I can dab it on during the day.

Lastly, Romeo wore shorts and a tee shirt today….it probably didn’t get warmer than 52 degrees outside. When we walked the dog in the late afternoon he said, “mommy, I hate to tell you, but I think it’s because you are over 40 that you are cold because I’m always comfortable OR I’m too hot.”  So apparently my advanced age is making me cold. Who knew?   

Acceptance & Hotter Than You Think

I don't usually go to yoga on the weekends, but I did today.  It was a great class, and the messaging was all about acceptance.  Acceptance of yourself, of the things you can change and the things you can't.  It was a really good class, and I needed it.  You know how I know I needed it?  As I lay there in the first couple of minutes of class, when I was suppose to be thinking about relaxing, and focusing in, I had crazy monkey mind instead.  The kind that goes like this..."I left the kids alone, hope they are ok, Lucia is up with her friend and she said her room smelled funny, but what if you lights a candle, and what if her friend knocks it over, and then her drapes catch on fire, those drapes are so long, and then the whole room goes up in flame, where are the fire distinguishers downstairs, would Romeo and Gia know what to do, what about the dog, maybe I should go home, I should really be there in the morning, they are going to make a mess in the kitchen, I hope no-one uses the new sharp knife, what if they end up getting cut, what will they do, we probably don't even have bandaids, but what if the ambulance has to come, i should have told them not to cook anything, boy my underwear feel tight, I wonder if I shrank them."

For real.  That stream of consciousness was about 10 seconds, and it only got worse from there.  Sometimes I shocked by how much your mind can get squirrelly and spend so much energy running around chasing nothing.

In the spirit of acceptance though, I recognized that I just was what it was.  That was where I was at today....and it was ok.  I worked with it, and did the best I could.  

My only other reminder for everyone is that you are hotter than you think.  If you doubt me, just look back on a picture of yourself 10 years ago (long story, but suffice it to say, I'm looking at old photos.)  I bet you'll think, "dang, I looked pretty good."  We are our own worst critic in the moment.  So just remember that this is as young as you'll ever be from here on out, and you are hotter than you think.   Appreciate yourself, you are beautiful!

 

Signed, ME {lv}

 

 

Memento Mori

Amanda and I had a conversation yesterday about my Xanax worthy anxiety that I'm having right now.  John just left for his Panama trip with my brother-in-law where they will surf and dive.  Because of all of the serious health issues that crept up with my father-in-law, I’m irrationally scared that something is going to happen to John.  Yoga is barely helping, that's show bad it is.

Amanda, in her wisdom beyond her years, talked me off the ledge. She has already been faced with her worst fears regarding death and losing a loved one, and so she has perspective the hard way.  People like me, who live in anticipation of their greatest fear, have no perspective yet, just fear.  

She said, “if I'm being completely honest, I kind of appreciate people when they live with a little bit of the anxiety of the inevitable, means you aren't taking it for granted.  You're trying, and appreciating what life is, and who is in it.”

So if I can clamp down my anxiety to a tolerable degree, I think she is right, being aware of the fragility of life isn’t a bad thing, and once you are aware of it, you can’t help but be somewhat anxious but you also are hyper aware of all that you have in the moment.

She also forwarded me two things, the latin phrase: memento mori, and the quote:

"let us prepare our minds as if we'd come to the very end of life. let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life's books each day. The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time" – Seneca

Memento Mori translates to “remember (that) you will die.”  It’s the idea that the contemplation of death is an appropriate way to appreciate life.

So now I’m contemplating that this post might sound a little morose.  It’s not meant to, it’s meant to be a reminder that life is short, and to appreciate all the joys you can in the moment. I know I've talked about it before, it's a common thread running through my head these days.

Of course, because I love a good pivot, I”ll just say that I’m fully enjoying the new Velvet group.  I just love the line, it's super high up on my "things I wear" list.  I think I might have said that about Margaret O’Leary, Lilla
P. and Anni Kuan that came in this week too.  We’re so lucky to carry such wonderful designers, it’s all such a treat when they come in.   This is one of my favorite little white tees, I love it....although I think I'll probably actually wear a bra, unlike the model they used.  I mean really, no on does that in real life??!!  The sleeves are awfully sweet though.

Signed, ME {lv}

So Much Love We Could Burst

This time, I really am keeping this short and sweet.  I just want to express a little love, since it's love day after all.  

Love for my kids, who keep me laughing and pulling my hair out on a regular basis. I had to pick Lucia up at the high school in the middle of the day, and drive her home to poop in her own bathroom because she simple could not do it at the high school.  Seriously, if that's not funny (and extremely inconvenient and annoying), I'm not sure what is.

Love for John who's unflappable peace of mind and goofy humor allow me to keep a good perspective.  25 years together and I'm not sick of him yet, which seems like a good sign.

Love for myself.  Yep, that's right.  Myself.  I can finally say at age 31....ok, I mean 48, that I love myself, and I've done a pretty good job of letting go of the self loathing of my youth.  Self love is so important, it's the foundation for everything we can and will love in the world.  

Love for yoga, which is one of my favorite things to do in the world. I'm so lucky to have found it and I know how cheesy that sounds, but it's also so true.  It's changed my life.

Love for Melange and all the amazing people I've met over all the years (nearly 20 if you you can believe).  I feel so lucky to have had so many amazing women touch my life thru this job.  It blows my mind on a regular basis. 

Love and appreciation for the fact that I have a warm cozy house and healthy food to eat.  I'm thankful for that every single day and know how lucky I am that I don't worry about having the necessities. 

Love for my country, that despite being in crisis, is still the most amazing country in the world (and I say that having a LOT of love for a LOT of countries out there.) 

Love for my friends, without whom no amount of therapy would be able to prop me up.  I feel privileged to have a circle of friends with whom I feel completely comfortable and completely supported and I don't ever take that for granted because it's a gift.

Love for my dog, who never complains about being stuck with a family that ignores him most of the time, doesn't walk him enough, and complains about his large body regularly (he really does need to go on a massive diet though.)

So that's it.  I hope everyone today takes a moment to make their love list, because it's a sweet day to remember all that you love.  It's also a really great day for treating yourself to chocolate, flowers, red wine, and oh yeah, even a little Melange shopping.

oxoxox

Signed, ME {lv}

Telomeres, Waxed Canvas Totes, Health Vibes & BO

I’ve got a lot to say, but I’m going to try and make it short and sweet (which just means it’ll be slightly shorter than a novel.)

First, I went to yoga this morning and I almost died.  Not from the class itself, but from SOMEONE in the class with the most alarming body odor ever.  I could not for the life of me figure out where it was coming from.  It was so strong at first I thought, with genuine alarm, “could that be ME??”  So I spent a good chunk of time analyzing that possibility.  First, would you even smell yourself?  I mean, if it was THAT bad, wouldn’t you notice it….OR would be the opposite, maybe you don’t even notice it the way you don’t notice that your house smells like a dog when you own a dog?  That was my first contemplation.  I had been using John’s deodorant because I ran out weeks ago and have been uncommitted with which direction to go (Megababe again, or something else?)  As my mind is racing I'm considering the fact that maybe men's deodorant doesn't work on women?  This is how crazy I was getting.  Anyway, I confirmed there was no way it was me, but the smell was so overpowering at times I honestly thought I might have to leave.   A rather traumatic, and not very peaceful, yoga class.  My yoga take away was this: make sure you wear deodorant. 

My focus today (and anyone reading this please focus all your health energy on this too) is on my dear friend who is going in for testing today.  She had cancer last year, beat it after a grueling chemo round, and has been clear since but they saw a suspicious spot on her lung in her last scan, and then she has some symptoms that make me entirely too nervous.  I’ve been trying to channel lots of good energy her way all week.  She’s the most amazing person, and I think of her as family (an older and wiser sister….she could probably technically be my mom if she had me at in her teens.)  She’s definitely given me enough guidance to be a mom, she’s one wise woman.   I’m nervous though, it would be devastating to hear anything but good news.  

Because I love to pivot from the serious to the frivolous (and let's face it, life is a weird combo of both), I will do so by saying that my Newton Supply field tote that I recently bought is quickly becoming my favorite thing ever. That waxed canvas gets better as it wears in, it takes on this cool patina as it creases and gets tumbled. It's even on sale--even better.

Lastly, I have been known to go down many-o-rabbit hole regarding health, longevity, eating for health etc. I don’t waste time on Instagram, or facebook, but I do waste a crap-ton of time reading about health stuff online….and also in books (but is that really wasting?)  Right now I’m knee deep in the book, The Telomere Effect.  In a nutshell, telomeres sit at the end of your chromosomes.  They can be short, or long.  You want long ones because that is what keeps you young and healthy. The book tries to sum up all the ways our telomeres gets shortened so that we can stop doing that, and start doing the stuff that keeps them long and keeps us young.  Since I want to live forever, AND would prefer to do it looking wrinkle free and perpetually 40, I like to deep dive into all of this. 

Pessimism is not good for telomeres, but mindfulness and focus IS good.  I won’t bore you with all the details of why those are both true, but unitasking and keeping my mind from wandering like a monkey are attributed with longer telomeres.  I was just saying the other day to my friend when I was talking about the Moment  app (that tracks how much I pick up and use my phone each day), that my one goal out of it was just to try and condense my usage, not necessarily limit it, but condense it so I’m not constantly flitting around from thing to think.   So far I haven’t improved, but I’ve definitely confirmed that I suck and pick up my phone WAY too much.  I haven’t been disciplined enough to try and limit my “check in’s” on the phone to hourly (which is absolutely enough, but my self control and ability to let go of the concept that I need to know everything right this second, is real, real bad.). First step is recognizing your addiction right? I do really want to stop involuntarily multi-tasking.

I'm excited for Valentine's Day.  Prepping my love gifts today, can't wait for our all heart dinner (yes, silly tradition with the kids where dinner involves only heart shaped foods).  

Signed, ME {lv}

Church Yoga & Losing My Car

Ava recently go her license (just about a week ago).  She’s 17, so she’s waited a long time to get it because we forced her to take a 3 month driving course and rack up loads of driving experience.  She’s still only an ok driver (on a good day).  I am not entirely sure I’ve ever driven with her when I haven’t feared for my life at least once.  

So now that she’s officially in possession of a card that says she’s “allowed to drive” (the state licensing system must be fundamentally flawed), she’s basically begging to drive ALL the time.  Ultimately we’ll buy a third family car, but the thought of her having easy access to a lethal weapon right now seems like a very bad idea.  So meanwhile, she’s begging to drive our cars.  My car is the smaller of the two, so it’s probably safer to drive for her and maneuver in the city and into parking spots etc.  She borrowed it today, and I gave her a very specific window of time she could use it, and then she blew thru that car curfew and brought it back an hour late claiming, “I thought it didn’t matter because you had dad’s car.”  All I know is that this is going to be TORTURE from start to finish.  I know it’s a “learning” time and I’m supposed to be patient and all that, but still, it’s horrible and I pretty much dislike every minute. I worry the entire time she has the car on the road, it’s going to take years off my life, AND I’m basically losing my car every other minute which is not a little inconvenient.

On a brighter note, I took John to my church yoga class Sunday morning at 8:30 with my favorite instructor.  It was a really hard class, with some crazy balancing moves that were hard for experience yogis.  Twisted half moon?  There were like 20 of them.  John was totally lost, and every time I happened to notice him he looked like he might topple over, and/or he was doing a very, VERY distant cousin of the actual pose. Still, he liked the class a lot, and that made me happy.  The message today I thought was fitting for me, because I literally was just complaining about my mundane, crazy boring day.  The offering today was two things, to seek things out that make you uncomfortable or challenge you because those are the moments and memories that are most valuable to us.  The other aspect of his sermon was about being present in the mundane aspects of our lives, and how much work it takes to actually do that. It’s a huge challenge, but when you can be present during all those countless “mindless and mundane” things we elevate them. I've got a lot of those mundane moments, so I'm going to really try hard this week to be less cranky about them, and more appreciate of the moments themselves.

What I also know is that we finally got Makana candle restock, and I'm so happy because I've burned thru my secret stash of them (I have to hide them from Ava & Lucia because they like to steal them.)  They all smell so delicious, and I love the smaller size we carry because it's the perfect size for the bathroom, or little places here and there.  It's also a great size (and price) for an easy little gift for your girlfriends (Valentine's Day treat anyone?)

Happy Monday!

Signed, ME {lv}

Too Boring To Talk About

I have a lot of days where someone will ask me how my day was, or what I did (this happens with John all the time), and I honestly can’t imagine reciting the mundane crap I did because they can’t really want to know that stuff right?  I think that’s why I like writing so much, you can’t see the person’s eyes glaze over or the look of boredom when you explain that you did 4 loads of laundry, got gas, cleaned out the fridge, picked up a skirt for you kid and mulled over sizing for a solid 25 minutes, went to the pharmacy to try and investigate perimenopausal supplements (which made you want to shoot yourself), and picked up the house (because somehow if you don’t do that everything just progressively gets more out of order and chaos is only days away.) No one wants to hear all that really. Usually I’ll go to answer John’s question, literally opening my mouth slowly with a pregnant pause, then promptly close it and declare, "it’s too boring to talk about.

Today was that kind of day. Nothing terrible, just a lot of mundane stuff that needed to get done.  It can’t be avoided, but it’s also painfully boring stuff.  I wish I could say I found the cure for the coronavirus, wrote a novel, or invented a life changing app.  No, I just managed to finish laundry and that included rewashing the table cloth and getting out the spaghetti stains that didn’t get out the first time.  Ugh…even writing it is killing me with boredom.

I barely made it thru yoga class this morning because for some reason it was twice as hard as it was on Monday (same sequence, same teacher).  This time I had to back off several times for fear of passing out. Her messaging was all about determination (which was essentially the same message as Monday), but was totally appropriate because it actually took a crap-ton of determination to make it thru the class. 

Gia has a dance tonight, so her and her two friends are going, and this morning was all about the drama of what she could wear because “she had nothing”.  I think basically we all feel that way from middle school onward.  It's when the, 'what the hell am I going to wear' starts?  Nothing ever seems right. 

I’m putting my “chill” essential oil in my diffuser and I’m going to just relish in the fact that it’s Friday, and the work week is behind us.  I'm also gong to relish in the new Swahilli Coast beaded bracelets that came in today-- which are fantastic.  The last group sold so quickly, so we got a large restock of styles and a bunch of new styles in as well.  They are so pretty stacked up, the hardest part honestly is picking which ones are your favorite. Love these, they are so well made, sturdy feeling and totally unique!

Signed, ME {lv} 

Smell Like A Goddess

Seriously, the new Child Perfume is amazing.  I can't even begin to give it enough praise.  I've been wearing it for 18+  years, and recently a friend tried to appropriate it, and I was bummed for awhile and tried to experiment with new scents, but I will always have this in my arsenal of smells.  

It's floral, but super rich and exotic, and because it's a rollerball with oil it warms up on the skin and takes on a unique "just for you" smell as it reacts to your skin and body heat.  It actually stays on too because of the oil factor.  I put it at the base of my neck at the back, cleavage and I've been even known to dot the armpits.  You start heating up and you smell delicious.  Apparently it's known as the scent that drives men wild.  

I also love that it's totally affordable, and last a LONG time...AND you can throw it in your handbag and do a quick refresh on the fly.

That's it, hope I've convinced everyone of its awesomeness.  What I haven't tried yet (but I can't wait to own) is the rich body cream.  I'm all about layering a scent to that you just smell like it head to toe and this would definitely do the trick.  I'm also a sucker for rich body cream.  Apparently it's pretty amazing according to those in the know.

Lastly, happy Friday people.  It's been a week, but we made it.  I will leave you with one parting word from my yoga instructor this morning: "if you don't choose the time to relax your body, your body will choose for you."   So take care of yourself, give yourself some down time this weekend!

Signed, ME {lv}

Going Your Own Road, Phantom of The Opera, & New Bags

I’m just going to give a shout out here to those out there comfortable enough to just DO. THEIR. OWN. THING.  I have a renewed love for all people who just take it upon themselves to zig when other zag, and do what they need to do for themselves.  I ponder this because I realized this morning in yoga that I’ve been taking classes with this woman next to me about two years. I’ve only recently learned her name, because (and I’m embarrassed to admit this), I was a super judge-y yogi and was kind of irritated by her.  Why?  Well, because I have never known her to actually “take” the class in the classic sense. She comes in, grabs a lot of props, and basically does her own class, she might take a cue here and there from the teacher, but by in large she goes at her own pace, does her own stretches, and you’d almost think was literally taking a different class by what she was physically doing.  Sometimes she even seemed to dance and sway with the music.  Granted, it’s good music, but still.  Of course I’m being super stereotypical too, because to me she looked the part of a yoga class attendee, so I expected such.  She’s dressed in cool yoga clothes, had all the equipment, she’s was put together, pretty, not really old, not really young….basically she looks like someone who should be doing the class like everyone else.  How terrible is that for me to say?  (I’ll admit, if she came in looking like a hippy from the ‘60’s, with long undone hair, beads everywhere and flowy clothes,, I would have maybe “gotten” the whole thing better.) The Lulu Lemon and cute yoga bag threw me off and made me think things should be a certain way.

 It grated on my nerves, and I can’t really say why exactly. I think for a long time in the beginning of my practice I was much more aware of people next to me, and less in my “own zone” than I am now.  I would look over at her and she’d be doing something completely different and I couldn’t help but think, “why bother coming to class if you are going to ignore the teacher?”  I was also probably irritated because her separateness threw me off, I lost my place as a result.  I was doing exactly what you AREN’T suppose to do in class, comparing myself and looking at my neighbor.

Well, fast forward to now, and I honestly barely notice her physical movements.  I’m concentrating on my own junk, and the external things don’t mess with me off as much.  Plus now I have come around to a new way of thinking, which is KUDOS to her for coming to class so diligently, and doing what she needed to do for herself!  Now I think she’s super cool (and not just because I introduced myself and found out she IS in fact super cool.)  Every single instructor is always pushing the concept that you take what you need, leave what you don’t.  That’s all she is going.  She’s taking the construct of the designated time, place, and hot yoga room. She’s taking the teacher's messaging, some of the physical poses, and she’s making all those things work for her in a way that actually works for her.  It’s pretty awesome really.  She doesn’t worry about what anyone thinks, or get embarrassed that her jive is different than someone elses. 

So this is just a long way of expressing my new found love of “going your own road”, even when it looks funny, even when it stands out, and even if no one else understands it.

My other highlight of the day was the fact that Romeo, when it came time to choose a new song to learn with his guitar instructor, chose the theme song from Phantom of the Opera.  Why does this make me happy?  Well, because you do all kinds of stuff for you kids, and you always wonder what, if any, will stick, or make an impression.  Half the time you do stuff and you get deflated because they most definitely DO NOT seem to make an impression (and usually you’ve spent a pile of money, and/or time which you then feel like you’ve wasted.)   

We went to Phantom of The Opera last summer in London at the Queen’s Theater.  It was a splurge, it was a late showing, it was long….all things that were making it hard for Romeo (then 8 years old), to fully process.  He seemed to really love some of it, but then did also fall asleep at the end.  I was excited that he pulled some memory up that propelled him to want to learn the music.  Something DID stick (clearly the cool music.) 

Lastly, I’m love, love, loving the boho nod from Chloe & Lex that makes me so excited to wear spring clothes and liven up the world with some color!!  This bag to the left is just whimsical and funny and everything a spring bag should!

Signed, ME {lv}

Warrior Day

Sometimes you have to just go full warrior to get thru the day.  Today was that day.  Mondays are always a push, but today followed several days of no sleep, and I still had a sick kid at home.  I just felt spent all around, and depleted.  John comes home tonight, so really the day was just about powering thru because once he's home to balance out the energy in the house, all will be good.

Having him gone was hard in odd ways this time.  Even when I wasn't driving the kids around or doing stuff for them, just having their energy in the house and feeling like I was the only one there to absorb it, that felt hard for some reason.  Plus they had friends over a lot, so you can just amp up the energy there, and noise, and again, it felt like a lot to absorb.  I don't think there is any logical reason why physically having John in the house would have changed that situation, but it feels like it does.  The other thing I hated and underestimated (which I've complained about a lot already) was the weekends and having to stay up to make sure the girls came home by curfew.  I HATE staying awake late (it's one thing if you are out at a cool dinner or bar), but just sitting at home, it was torture.  John's a night owl, and it's one of the few ways our perfectly opposite personalities actually mesh perfectly because he doesn't mind staying up for them.  Likewise, I don't mind getting up early and feeding the little kids.  

I did, despite having Gia home from school, steal away for a quick hour to go to yoga.  That was my loving act of kindness to myself.  I told her it was to sweat out any flu germs she may have given me.  Not sue if that's possible, but it sounded good.  The yoga wisdom today was the teacher's offering of "determination."  Which I felt like was perfect for me because determination requires a vision of where you want to go, and pushing thru the hard stuff--and I had both of those things (yes, on a micro level I realize, but sometimes you have to work one day at a time.)  I love yoga, sometimes it really is what holds me together.

I was also comforted by the new Prairie Underground that came today.  The Adrian tee--AMAZ-ing,  the detailing is so cool, and yet it's a classic wear-with-anything tee.  I'm leaving this pic big so you can "maybe" see the detailing.  It's a hard to describe, inset  raglan type seam, with ruching.  It's just cool looking.  Also love the neckline, it's not scooped, but it's not crew either. I want two in each color that's how much I dig it.

Signed, ME {lv} 

 

Hello Love Month, First Act of Kindness & Yoga Inspiration

I've got BIG news.  Well, maybe not that big, but it feels kind of big to me.  Lucia went to yoga with me this afternoon!!  Yes, my moody, more than occasionally irrational and irritated teen went with ME to a 4:30 p.m. (on a Friday no less) yoga class.  I thought for sure she was going to bail on me.  I would have put money on it.  But no, she actually came, and it was a good class, and I think she really liked it.  The message today was awesome, and the teacher was one I really love AND who is infamous for lots of messaging.  Seriously though, all I could think of during the entire class and all the awesome yoga lecturing was "Lucia, I hope you are really listening."  The focus today was on the concept that it is never too late to do what you want to do, or be what you want to be.  She actually gave this quirky (and totally random) example that had inspired her whole thought process.  The story went like this:

She was watching videos of kiss cams at sports events.  Who knows why, but she got sucked into some social media rabbit hole and found herself watching them.  So the kiss cam focuses in on all these different people....some are happy couples who kiss sweetly, others are couples that play jokes or dump popcorn on the others head (sounds rude, but ok).  And in one of the videos this woman turns to her date for a kiss and he laughs, shrugs his shoulders and turns away.  So what does she do?  She turns right around to the guy on the OTHER side of her, and leaned in for a kiss.  

I guess the point of this little story was just that, you, on the fly, can change it up.  Just. Like. That.  You can take something, and turn it into a totally different thing.  You can change your attitude, your relationships, your health, your look, your whatever, at the drop of a hat. Just because you can.  It's never too late, and nothing is "fixed". It's pretty empowering when you remind yourself of that fact.

On a totally other note, HELLO FEBRUARY!!  I'm so ready for a new month, and SO ready for February.  I've always had a soft spot forthis odd little bridge month, with a love holiday smack down in the middle.  I dig it!  I'm super excited about our February challenge this month because we wanted an excuse to, on a daily basis, think about, and actualize loving things for ourselves and others.  It's not easy to do it every single day in a conscious way, but we're up for the challenge.

My loving act today is going to be my kick off of heart notes.  My plan is to take my 3" heart punch that I bought JUST for this lovely month, and make little notes for the kids each day with words of encouragement or love.  One a day, and today is day #1.

Happy Love Month people!!

Signed, ME {lv}

Self Love Reminder & Time Tracking

Good things so far this week.  Eileen Fisher and the new Olive & Loom (crazy for both).  Now the new PJ Salvage which is darling.  Kind of digging the love slides, these will be so fun to wear!! PJ Salvage always does really great cross-over pieces that go from lounge to sleepwear and back.  Their new basic tees are awesome though, I'll be wearing these all the times (I love the easy fit.)

Other than the ray of hope with spring clothes and colors, the day was shrouded in dark clouds and nonstop rain. I mean nonstop, literally.   I listened to more music than news (so fun to see everyone’s favorite musicians in the survey results), and in particular I listened to Romeo trying to strum out Pat Benatar’s “I love Rock n’ Roll” on his electric guitar.  He’s been playing for two years, and it’s been a slow climb, but he’s finally getting the hang of it.  His instructor is a young guy that comes to the house religiously every Tuesday with his funky nail polish and colorful streaks thru his hair--spicing up Romeo’s world with some cool music and spreading his own love of music.  It’s awesome.

I did go to yoga, but I managed to come out of class feeling good but with no big takeaway...my takeaway came in the afternoon when I got a pop up on my phone from the studio’s app which said, “mid-week check in…be kinder to yourself.”  I thought that was a lovely thing to get.  So here's the reminder for you all, be KIND to yourself today!

I also decided today (after doing some more reading in my book) that I'm going to do some time tracking.  The idea being that if you really want to get the things you want in life, you have to first be able to manage your time so you have the TIME to do the things you want to do.  The book's point ws that there are all kinds of bits and pieces of your day that go by "unintentionally" that can be harnessed if you wanted to.  It doesn't mean you have to make every minute productive, but it is a way to make every minute intentional so you don't "lose" time you didn't mean to lose.  The challenge is to track EVERY minute of your day for 7 days.  Actually sounds like a ton of work, but does sound like a really good way to find the issues with your time--where it goes, where it shouldn't go, and that type of thing.  I also downloaded the app "Moment" which tracks activities on your phone.  How many times you pick it up, surf the net, check emails etc.  I'm sure it'll be scary to see the results.  I'll keep you posted....

Signed, ME {lv}

Living Under a Rock, Music Instead of Politics, Confirmation Bias & New EF

My day started out less than great, with a series of 20 or so heartbreaking texts from Gia as she rode the bus to school. The short version is that "no one likes her, school is horrible, all her friends left her and got rides to school instead, life sucks, she might cry, and we forgot to buy art class materials."  That last one is on me because I did in fact get two emails reminding me, but I still forgot.  Suffice it to say, NOT a pleasant way to start the day because there is nothing worse than watching your kid struggle thru the awkward middle school social years. She was fine by the end of the day, and I knew she would be, but it still sucked.

Yoga was good though and it helped me separate myself from her temporary angst (always a parents' struggle.) I am loving my new mat that I can use for hot class because it doesn't require a sweat mat on top of it.  It’s from Manduka, and the thing is brilliant.  I’ve used it twice now in a hot class (98 degrees), and indeed, I did NOT need my sweat towel over my mat.   Take note hot yoga class lovers.

Music is on my mind because I’ve officially listened to WAY too much of the impeachment trial.  I waffle between wanting to be informed, and then being SO sick of hearing about it and listening to the same things over and over.  It makes matters worse that so much of the news is bias to the left or right, you have to pull from SO many different news sources just to get a global perspective on anything or hear fair representation of both sides of the arguments. Who has time for that? Infuriating, exhausting, and more and more I think the answer is to just shut it all off and listen to music. Which I did today, and I can tell you right now, it was much more enjoyable.

Sometimes I feel like I’m in the know, and then I’m reminded that NOPE, I’m not…I’ve actually been living under a rock.  Have you heard of Sofar Sounds?  Google it if you haven’t.  It’s a super cool music dealio that until very recently, I didn’t know existed.   Just figured I should pass it on since we are talkin’ music.

I also listened to more of my self help book (Everything is Figureoutable), which I wasn’t lovin’ on yesterday, but it’s growing on me because it reiterates some solid points that are good to have hammered in again and again (and if it’s delivered in a self-help format, I’ll just have to tolerate it.)  I was reminded while reading today of confirmation bias, which amounts to seeing and hearing what you want to see and hear—what confirms your already held beliefs (whether those are accurate or not).  We all have a story we tell ourselves in our head, we all have those beliefs that are cemented down in there and then we filter the world based on what confirms those beliefs, EVEN in the face of contradictory information. My other favorite thing I read today from her book was the key distinction between I can’t, and I won’t. I am guilty of this…saying “I can’t do that”, or “I can’t make that happen” or whatever it is, when REALLY the word should be “I won’t do that”, or “ I won’t make that happen.”  It’s just simply more accurate most of the time, and more empowering to use the word “I won’t.”  Example: The only time I have to work out is at 5:00 a.m., so I say, “I can’t fit in a workout”.  It’s not that you can’t, but you WON’T because you aren’t willing to do what it takes to fit it in (and no judgment there, working out at 5 a.m. sounds dreadful and sleep is the most important thing ever.)  But if you own the decision, doesn’t it instantly feel different? Doesn't it give you control back?

The new Eileen Fisher is dreamy.  I’ve got a love affair going on with that wisteria color.  So gorgeous.  Love all the white too with just that little pop of fuchsia…it’s all very spring inspiring. For all of those people out there knee deep in cold weather, maybe even snow, who are currently wondering how they can possibly even think about spring, I've got two things. First: We’ve got to think about spring because we are all getting just a tiny bit tired of our Winter clothes. Two: If we don’t snatch up the cool spring clothes now, they will be long gone by the time we actually have weather that warrants wearing them.  I don’t make the rules, I just follow them.

Signed, ME {lv}

Swaddled, Book Mania, & Tulips

You know those awesome gauzy cotton blankets that you swaddle babies in like little burritos? Well, the new line we got in, Olive & Loom, feels like the adult version of that.  Need I really say more?  It’s awesome.   We're doing a little promo today on the new line to celebrate. I can already picture have several of these throws on our terrace draped across the lounge chairs for cooler spring & summer evenings.

I’m currently now obsessively ready and listening to too many books.  I tend to go in spurts where I have tons of book inspirations thrown at me all at once. I mentioned my current read, How to Do Nothing book, which I’m finding very interesting.  Then someone mentioned another recommendation, Everything is Figureoutable” by Marie Forleo. I got this one on audibles, it seemed like a good “listening to” book while chauffeuring around the kids.  I started it today.  Definitely a self-help book, and I bristle at those when they don’t come at me slyly, but I think it might have some good info buried in there somewhere so I’m giving it more time despite my lukewarm feeling so far.

THEN I bought The Telomere Effect and The Longevity Diet.  The kids noticed the books and wanted to know if I was “trying to live forever.”  Uhm, yeah.  They both look promising though, lots of good health info.

Lastly, I bought myself a large bouquet of happy tulips, because it felt like I deserved some tulips. We all deserve tulips don't we?

My parting words I have were from my yoga class this morning when she asked, “what are you doing today, to make the vision you want for tomorrow?”  That doesn’t sound as good as it did when I heard it this morning. 

Signed, ME {lv}

How To Do Nothing

I got my new book in the mail today, How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy, by Jenny Odell.  I saw it referenced in some article, and notably it was on Barack Obama's "favorite books of 2019" list. Has to be good, right?

So far, it's super interesting, and inspiring.  I'm sucked into the attention economy like everyone else, but really it's with my teens that I really see the devil at work.  They will never read this book, too philosophical and too judgmental of the status quo, so it'll be up to me to read it and try to gain some key pointers to pass on in a sly way.

Additionally, full disclosure, I also watched (and enjoyed) two of Gwyneth Paltrow's Netflix series from Goop.  I heard all about psychedelic drugs and psychological break-thrus, and anti-aging diets.  Truth? It sucked me in, and she takes a lot of heat but she seemed pretty cool (I'd be your friend Gwen.)

I'm excited for this week.  #1, it's the last week of January #2, we've got lots of new stuff coming, #3 the kids don't have school on Monday so I'm off lunch duty and driving duty #4 I get my new vitamin supplement on Tuesday which is going to help me live forever per my new favorite scientist David A. Sinclair (Lifspan is the book he wrote).  I might even reverse some of my grey hair.  It's not impossible.  #5, I take Saturday and Sunday off from yoga, but Monday I get to get back on the mat and I'm always ready.

Hope your Monday is amazing!

Signed, ME {lv}

 

ps.  I'm a little obsessed with these clips.  Love how unique they are, and the colors are so pretty!!  It is far better looking than my usual butterfly clip with two claws cracked off.

 

Sale on Sale, Relaxation & Hygge

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but 90% of my wardrobe is from the sale rack.  No joke.  No one ever believes me because it seems like having easy access to all these clothes I would grab things right out of the box.  I do…sometimes.  BUT, Amanda will tell you, I’m a sucker for the sale rack and the best is when I wear sometime and I get 10 different compliments on it.  In my head I’m thinking, “that’s right…70% off because everyone else rejected it, FOR NO GOOD REASON!!” 

Our sale rack is always a mixture of onesies that are randomly left and we move them out quickly so the store doesn’t look piecey with single sizes everywhere. Other things we just ordered (and sometimes re-ordered) too much of.  Still other pieces are just sitting there for NO good reason on the sale rack. I think that’s what always gets me. I’ll see something marked way down and I can NOT for the life of me figure out why someone didn’t snatch it up. Then it’s a challenge because if no one else thinks something is cool, then I have to definitely PROVE that’s it IS in fact cool. 

Hence, my wardrobe is a collection of random sale styles, sometimes even random sizes (I’ve been known to buy something too big and create a whole new slouchy vision where none was intended.)   There are some really great styles that end up on sale, and it’s like the orphanage, the older kids never get picked, and everyone wanders what’s wrong with them.  I’m here to say, 9 times out of 10, it’s seriously nothing.   All of this leads me to remind everyone, it's SALE ON SALE this weekend, which means an additional 40% off any of the awesome sale items! 

I did go to yoga today, and my take away was simple. Fun relaxation.  The power of fulling relaxing into whatever you are doing.   I’m not doing the message justice, but it was really well said, and the upshot was that you have to fully embrace and relax into whatever you are doing.  Accept it, even if it’s hard.  You can either resist it, or relax into it and the latter is so much easier on you in every way.

Lastly, it’s the weekend, and the weather is horrible.  It’s dark and stormy outside, ,and I plan on embracing the full hygge of the situation.  I’m going to make a fire, put on a candle, make a warm soup, maybe some cookies, and snuggle in.  Yes, I’m tired of these grey days, but we’re going to have them for awhile longer whether I like it or not so I’m making the best of it with some Danish-word-invoking-cozy-vibing-efforts.

Signed, ME {lv}

Tiny Transitions

Today’s yoga wisdom was about tiny transitions.  Tiny shifts or changes that can make a big impact on your yoga practice, your life and your happiness.  Her point was that sometimes it's the little things that make a difference--more than you'd think.  Everyone is always thinking BIG...but tiny is good too.

I’ve been pondering that all day.  Sometimes changing just small little things in your life CAN make such a big difference in your overall happiness.  I’m not even sure I have an example.  Wait, yes I do.  This really is a silly example, but I’m going to use it anyway because it illustrates the point (sort of.) 

We have a big hairy dog, Milo.  He’s not horribly stinky, and that’s just mostly because he is lazy and doesn’t go outside much so he doesn’t get dirty and wet often.  But he’s a dog, and generally speaking, they give off a doggy smell.  I almost always notice it when I walk into someone’s house that has a dog, because while YOU the dog owner might get use to the dog smell, other people coming over haven’t.   Anyway, I think of my doggy-house-smell on a regular basis…basically whenever I notice that Milo is indeed, a little smelly.

So recently I decided to stop hating on the dog smell and do something about it (something more than lighting a candle here or there).  I bought myself a new fancy air diffuser that sits in a little corner in the entry way right before the living room. You barely notice it because it’s tucked to the side of a entry table and it’s small.  I bought one with a timer, so it goes off for a number of hours when I hit the button.  Now, when I get up in the morning and walk thru the entry way, I hit the button.  My house smells AWESOME now, all the time.  I’ve got some yummy Nest diffuser oil that smells heavenly and it makes me happy every time I smell it.  

So I guess my point is only this.  I spent a lot of little milliseconds thinking about the stinky dog issue with negative energy, and those are gone now and replaced with something so simple that makes me happy. Is it subtle?  Of course.  We’re talking about a diffuser, nothing of consequence I realize.  Yet still, it adds something nice to my day and it took little money or energy to make the shift.  It was more just the small intention to change it up, and not run the same stupid negative dialogue in my head.  And before you wonder how it is I'm sitting around obsessing about my dog issues, I'm not really (at least intentionally), but I think I read somewhere that 90% of our thoughts are actually repetitive--we don't even NOTICE it.  Those silly stupid things that run around in a loop in your head, that involuntarily pop up whether you like it or not.  Like seeing a coaster on your coffee table that you actually hate but haven't gotten around to changing.  Every time you look at that coaster, that thought is there involuntarily.  Remove the coaster, remove the thought.  Replace with a beautiful coaster you love, create a new happy thought loop.

So now I’m going to try to make a list of some other small subtle transitions I can make in my life that either make me happy, or align me closer to where I want to go somehow (oh yeah, I have to figure that out too.)  I do believe that life is in the details, and that's definitely true with yoga too.  

I will conclude by saying, I’m also very grateful today for the tiny thing called hair scrunchies.  Who isn’t just over the moon that these silly little things came back into “du jour” and now we can get cute ones all the time?  They are SO much more comfortable than rubber bands. I’m particularly sweet on the new polka dotted ones from Pretty Simple.  Cute right?  

 

Signed, ME {lv}

Rolf Gates & Simplicity

"Yoga is not a work-out, it is a work-in. And this is the point of spiritual practice; to make us teachable; to open up our hearts and focus our awareness so that we can know what we already know and be who we already are.” — Rolf Gates

That was the offering today in yoga….she read the quote above, and just had us ponder it. I promptly went home, found the quote online and printed it out for my bulletin board.  I'm not sure it's really yoga specific necessarily.  You can sub in for "yoga" whatever it is that helps you center yourself, that allows you to clear your mind, reflect, and connect mind and body.

It’s the perfect time for simplicity.  Following the stupor of the holidays (and really, all of 4^thquarter 2019), I just want to keep things simple, in all respects.  The new Margret O’Leary is channeling that vibe.  Great simple pieces, in neutral colors, that you can cozy into now, and the all transition into spring.  Everything she does is so luxurious, the knits always feels so good and they stand the test of time.  I am a huge fan of hers (Margaret), she’s the real deal.

Hope everyone is having a week filled with simple lovely things.

Signed, ME {lv}

Finding Truth, Velvet Love, & Drinking Water

I like to start all blog posts with irreverent and random titles.  Today’s includes “drinking water” for NO other reason than I really need to drink more water.   I’m bad. I literally have to force myself and often I go to hot yoga so I sweat ½ a gallon and I STILL don’t drink water. I’m really trying to change that. 

Today’s yoga wisdom was about taking the time to find your truth.  Doesn’t that phrase, “finding your truth”, sound so self-helpy and a bit irritating? It does, I know.  Yet, somehow today, in the course of that hour on the mat, it did seem to make perfect sense and feel far less irritating than if I read it on a bumper sticker.  The angle that seemed to hit home for me was the concept of finding the time to find your truth.  So for some of us, moving in a blur of activity on a daily basis, it’s hard to quiet our mind, it’s hard to find time for ourselves and it’s hard to stop to pay attention to your own needs, or own inner voice.  Sometimes there are days, weeks…months even where every minute seems to be filled with demands, activities and “stuff.”  You move from minute to minute and there’s hardly space to breath let alone find your truth. You are lucky to get lunch.

Which is why I’m so religious about my yoga, because no matter WHAT it is that you do, everyone needs at least one hour of time for themselves, where you just pause the thinking. Pausing the thinking allows space for your thoughts to come back in with more clarity, and that’s when your truth is more evident. 

On a total other note, I just want to express my adoration for Velvet. I usually get tired of designers after this long (we’ve carried it for almost 20 years), but Velvet is just always awesome, and always so easy to wear.  I love that the casual pieces are a staple for me, and then the dressier pieces are dressy, but not TOO dressy, so they still fit into that casual lux category that I wear far more than actual “dressy” category.  It also washes great.  I usually wash and dry everything, even the stuff that says not to dry, and I’ve had some of those “dry clean” pieces shrink, but other than that they hold up great (so now I just buy stuff a little big and that accounts for my poor care capabilities.)  I’m super sweet on this sleeveless hoodie because I’ve always had a weakness for layered long sleeve tees under short sleeve things.  How great will this look with a pop of color under it?  It’s such a great wear now but also you could wear this on a day in June sleeveless!!  It's on my short list of must-haves!

Signed, ME {lv}

Just. because you can....

This post will be short and sweet (lucky you).  My yoga inspiration today was when the teacher said, "just because you can, doesn't mean you should."  For some reason that really resonated with me.  We don't have to do everything, just because we CAN do everything.  The other focus she had was on making sure that we asked ourselves during that hour on our mat, "what do YOU need?"  Which is an important reminder because if I'm not on the mat, it's pretty darn hard for me to remember to ask myself what I need.  Mostly because everyone else is clamoring for their needs so loudly I can't even hear myself think.  Note to self, ask me what I need.

I'm in love with the Satya tree of life prayer box....you can pop it open and put in a teeny tiny keepsake, or a tiny piece of paper with a word.  It's pretty awesome, and I love how rich the 24k gold plate looks!

See, I told you, short and sweet.  OH...lastly, I will note that based on the beauty deserted island entries, I'm going to try Vintner's Daughter Serum which I've heard is amazing and you all confirmed that yesterday!  Today's question (how long is your morning routine for real?) confuses me.  Does it mean morning routine when I want to look good, or just on a normal day?  Because on a normal day my routine includes a swipe of toner, moisturizer and 3 minute makeup while at stoplights on the morning drop offs.  However, if I wanted to look good every day, I think my routine could easily be a solid 30 minutes, more if I paid attention to anything below my neck.  So curious how much time the average person spends?  Side note, I did just read that the granddaughter of Estée Lauder (who is a theater actress of some kind) spends an hour in the morning getting ready, and she really looks like she spent an hour (i.e. she looks perfect.) Who has an hour though?  FYI, I read that on the Violet Grey blog which I'm a little hooked on.

Happy Thursday.

Signed, ME {lv}