Simple Joys of the Week, August 17th Edition

After returning from such an amazing trip to the beach last weekend,  this week has been a really rough one on a number of levels. So, it's been wonderful to look back over the past couple of days and remember all of the small, simple joys that the week has held (even when life gets hard). Since the beach trip was full of so many wonderful sensory pleasures--but I already shared many of them--I've tried to stick to *mostly* post-beach simple joys, to keep things fresh ;)

 So, lets get to it, shall we?

Image via myplay.com

Hear: "Everything'll Be Alright (Will's Lullaby)" by Joshua Radin

Some weeks, or some days, you just need to hear that "everything will be alright," you know? I don't mean to be dramatic, but I really think this is true. Don't you agree with me?  That's where Josha Radin comes in, with his super-sweet voice, soft, comforting melodies, and emotional yet nurturing lyrics :) I adore this song, which I've added to my August playlist (finally up, yay!), and hope that you enjoy it, too. Oh, and when I went to Radin's website for more info about him, I found out that he just released a new album on July 31st! So, I'll definitely be buying that one and will let you know what I think of it. I'm sure it's wonderful--how could it not be with a voice like that?  Take a listen to the song below...

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See: TOMS Fall 2012 Catalog

Um, look what I got in the mail this week? And look at how cute the new styles are!? I've been wearing down the two pairs of TOMS that I already have all summer (both have slight holes in the right heel--do I really walk with such a crazy stride!?), so I think it's definitely time to pick up a new one. But, I'm having a really hard time choosing between the new Pink Tamin Classics and the Ash Indo Classics. What do you think? Help me--this is a hard one! I don't think I've ever owned such a versatile, comfortable, AND do-gooding shoe in my life, and I'll definitely be a TOMS fan for many years to come. Plus, the photography in their new catalog is gorgeous and the stories about their "Giving Trips" are truly inspirational. Check them out!

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Taste: BIG summer salads

If you've ever eaten more than a few meals with me, you know that I am a TOTAL salad girl. I mean, literally, when I lived in NYC on my own I ate a salad every single weeknight--without question (and it was usually the exact same thing...). I still eat them 2-3 nights per week, but I've tried to add a little more variety into my life these days, whenever possible. Anyways, when I got home from the bachelorette trip this past weekend, I needed a SERIOUS detox. So, I made this enormous  salad. What was in it? Mixed greens, spinach, red peppers, yellow peppers, cucumber, carrots, walnuts, avocado, tofu, some mixed cheeses, and Ben's famous homemade "Belly to Belly Salad Dressing." DELICIOUS. Nothing makes you feeling healthier than downing a salad like this...

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Smell: The Beach

See? I couldn't avoid sharing this one--it's just too wonderful! Even though we were only granted about 2 non-raining/downpour hours at the beach last weekend, it was perfect. It wasn't too hot, the water was really chilly (in a fun way!), and we all enjoyed some great conversation while lying on our blankets and not getting burnt (always a big deal for me if this actually happens!). I was sad that we weren't able to spend all day each day doing this, but since it was such a short amount of time I think we all tried to appreciate it and savor it that much more. I'd never been to any Delaware beaches and was really impressed with how nice they were (compared to some beaches along the East Coast)...there's just no place like the beach. Sigh. Can I go back this weekend?

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Touch: Shoes for the rehearsal dinner (via the most amazing company ever, Zappos!)

Will you look at these shoes? They're totally not my usual style for a number of reasons (huge sparkly brooch, high heels, and satin!!?), but because they were the perfect color, really affordable, and found on Zappos, I bought them. And crazy enough, I kind of love them!? I mean, enough to wear them--and be tall, and maybe in pain--for one, special night. Plus, I figured that since I'm wearing flats for the wedding, I can wear some fancy, totally-out-of-character shoes for the rehearsal, right? A girls gotta live a little sometimes...just keep your fingers crossed that I don't twist an ankle or hurt my back for the big day (OMG, just thought of this!? Maybe I'll return them...). 

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So that was my week in simple, sensory joys! What made you smile over the past 7 days?

Oh, and speaking of simple pleasures, I'll be spending this weekend preparing for, and then giving my Advanced Teacher Training Final Thesis Presentation on Yoga & Body Image! I am extremely nervous, excited, and overwhelmed by the amount of work that I still have to do for it. But, after this weekend, I'll be done!?!? That's going to feel amazing...

Wish me luck and join if you can! I believe there is one space left ;)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine