Simple Joys of the Week, April 19th Edition

4/19/2013

Even though I technically spent the first few days of this SJOTW-week in CA, I've decided that today, for the sake of the blog, I'll share only simple joys that I've experienced since returning to the DC area last weekend (I don't want to risk having Starr Struck become a blog all about my love for vacations and San Diego ;)

Usually, the week after a vacation is a super stressful one that erases all memories of the vacay, and ultimately, negates the very reason that you took it in the first place. But somehow, that hasn't happened to me this time around, and I'm very thankful for that. Why, you might ask? Probably because I've been really working to keep a little perspective from the trip this week (yay), and also, because I've been able to experience many simple pleasures since returning home--this week has been a very fun, very exciting one--and I'm awfully glad that it's worked out that way.

You can read all about my SJOTW below. What made you happy over the past 7 days? I'd love to know...

HEAR: The Karmin cover of "Super Bass" by Nicki Minaj
Um, how did I not know about Karmin's covers until this week? Unacceptable. Don't all of you know that you're supposed to alert me to music/musicians/songs that you know I would love? Thank goodness one of my friends did, or I would still be in the dark. If you don't know about Karmin, please check out the video below (there are many more covers where this one came from)--this talented white girl can seriously rap with the best of 'em. New personal role model? I think so. Watch her do her thang (yeah, I said it) below:

BONUS HEAR: Being featured in an "Artist Up-Close & Personal" interview on UK-based blogger Jane Hinchcliffe's blog this week!
You can watch my interview with the ADORABLE Jane here. So honored to have been asked and had a blast talking with her about art + my artistic process. Why is it listed under "hear?" Because I can't stand to watch myself on video (kind of a spaz) so I just listen ;)

SEE: Wedding gifts from two of my besties/bridesmaids
I received a package in the mail yesterday that brought tears to my eyes--both from laughing and from crying with joy/love. To understand, you have to see the images of these gifts, below.

Here's the deal: remember the week before our wedding ("Starr Struck Wedding Week") when I shared paintings by the artist who does beautiful watercolors of wedding dresses? Well, my friends commissioned her to paint my wedding dress. I know. When I opened the package yesterday, I was simply blown away. The painting is beautiful and just I cannot believe that they did this for me. I can't wait to hang it up and know that I will cherish it forever. So, so, so sweet. Of course, they also got Ben a few choice CrossFit gifts, so that he wouldn't feel left out ;) I feel so lucky to have such thoughtful, loving people in my life. Thank you, Laura and Jess.

TASTE: Goûter Tonics
For Tranquil Space yogis, Goûter = the equivalent of crack. At $7 a pop, these little drinks are no joke, but wow, are they worth every silly little penny because they are just. that. good. My favorite tonic? "Detox" (pictured above). It's a little green drink made with kale, lemon, coconut nectar, cayenne, and lots of other yummy goodness. I've been treating myself to one a week since we started carrying them. Delicious.

SMELL: Paddywax "Pattern Play" Candle Collection
OMG, these candles smell amazing. We've been burning them at the studio all week (just got some testers) and I honestly could eat one, they smell that good. It's the simple things, people...!

TOUCH: Child's Pose
After a week off, getting back into teaching every day has been rough on my body this week. I've noticed things tightening up, getting sore, and starting to ache a little more than usual, which is a GREAT reminder that I need to stretch more before teaching (and before demonstrating advanced poses...when will I learn?). Anyways, I've been really needing my morning lower-back release routine this week, and child's pose has felt especially wonderful each day.

Other amazing SJOTW? Signing up for the Alt For Everyone Online Summit in May (I'm SO excited to learn lots of ways to make the blog even better!), getting back to teaching and taking classes at TS, launching my first e-course (yay!), taking a long walk outside in the beautiful spring weather, and painting, painting, painting. Such a great week.

I hope your weekend is full of simple pleasures. You deserve it.

Namaste!
Mary Catherine

DISCLOSURE

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. From time to time, I accept compensation for sponsored posts and campaigns. However, any sponsored content will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored. Even though I receive compensation for sponsored posts, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.

I am also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Jeanette link

4/19/2013 12:18:17 am

Okay, I’m loving the SJOTW blogs. I’m sitting at my computer thinking of what joys did I hear, see, taste…This requires a bit of effort and some searching through photos, tweets, blogs, etc. to remind myself of all that happened this week. I read a book recently, “Steal Like An Artist”, that suggests you ask people what the best part of their day was instead of asking how their day went because it automatically conjures a different emotional response. So, your question has shifted my thinking. This week I got some awesome mail from Amazon of a book that I’ve wanted to read for a while. I meditated by the water for 15 minutes while letting the sun shine on my face. I reflected on my past life as a marathoner after the Boston tragedy by looking through old photos and reminiscing over great times. I taught my first yoga class in over 2 weeks from being sick from strep throat and it felt amazing. And I gave my body the rest it’s been craving by going to bed at a decent hour all week.

Mary Catherine

4/21/2013 09:52:50 pm

Thanks SOOOO much for sharing your SJOTW, Jeanette! Sounds like a great week full of simple pleasures and time spent in reflection (which is equally important in my mind). I love your insight from "Steal Like An Artist"--sounds like a book I should definitely pick-up! Hope your weekend was fab.

xoxo

Liz

4/19/2013 01:20:04 am

I love those new paddywax candles too! I actually picked one up at the studio this morning to give to a friend that I'm visiting this week. I hope she loves it as much as I do. I agree about the vegan tonics too -- love the detox one, wish I could afford to have them more often!

4/21/2013 09:53:27 pm

Yay, and ditto! Wish I could have a tonic everyday, but alas, it would run my bank account dry ;)

Jane Hinchliffe link

4/20/2013 02:35:22 am

I was so honoured to have you featured on my blog and my FIRST video interview. You were great and it was a wonderful insight into your life as an artist and yogini - so glad we had a chat... Take care, Jane x

4/21/2013 09:53:50 pm

Thank YOU, Jane! Honored to be a part of your fabulous blog :) xoxo

Kristina Bailey link

4/28/2013 02:25:27 pm

How thoughtful are your bridesmaids! I am so glad you like your wedding dress portrait painting. The photos I referenced to paint your dress were stunning and the details of your wedding were so creative. Thank you for your kind words and your promotion of my artwork on your blog. Your work is quite inspiring as well! I wish you much success as you pursue your creative endeavors! Congratulations and blessings on your marriage! And look for your photo and dress portrait on www.portraitofadress.com in the coming week!
Kristina Bailey

4/28/2013 10:23:56 pm

I absolutely LOVE it! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world--I feel so lucky to have one of your pieces :) I'll definitely share the link to my dress when you put it up--please be sure to send it to me!

Thanks again for creating this for me. I can't think of a better way to commemorate the wedding and the dress.

xoxo
MC

Comments are closed.