Simple Joys of the Week: August 19th Edition

Where has August gone? Seriously, where has it gone? This is crazy!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, just had to get that off of my chest. Now on to my simple joys of the week...and there were lots this past week due to an amazing trip to Chicago to visit my BFF, a triumphant return to Arlington, VA (hehe!), and of course, a return to yoga at Tranquil Space :)

Read on for the details...

Hear: "The Cave" by Mumford and Sons

I'm obsessed with this band! I've been listening to their album, Sigh No More, all week and just can't get enough. They're definitely up there with The Avett Brothers in my mind (and they performed together at the Grammys last year...it was great!), and although I'm listing one of their most well-known songs here--while the entire album is full of gems--this is the song that lured me in and made me truly adore them from the start. Such a catchy tune that also showcases their talent and Marcus Mumford's gorgeous voice. If you can't tell, I'm kind of in love with them :) Take a listen below!

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Taste: Quartino Restaurant in Chicago

On my last night in Chicago, Kelly and I visited this restaurant, Quartino. It's Italian, but each dish is smaller and designed to be shared, so you can taste lots of different Italian delicacies. It was some of the most delicious Italian food that I've had in recent memory, and our dessert--Profiteroles--was to die for. Never had them? They're puff-pastries filled with vanilla gelato and covered in chocolate sauce and almonds. Um, yeah.

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See: Giant Marilyn Monroe Sculpture on Michigan Ave in Chicago

Look at this! It's crazy big and totally fun! I adore Marilyn Monroe (check out these amazing pics of her doing yoga), so was very excited to come across this sculpture of her on Michigan Ave. It was unveiled on July 15th and has supposedly caused quite the controversy because you can look up her skirt and see her lace panties (oh my!). I say kudos to the artist, Seward Johnson, for creating such an amazing depiction of Marilyn at such a large scale--and for including the panties. What would he have done down there, otherwise? Definitely a sight worth seeing if you're in Chicago, even if it's just for the novelty of it. View more images of the sculpture here.

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Touch: The Help (the movie version, although the book is amazing!)

Such a touching story (that's why I included it here...). It truly was. I loved the book, and usually when I love a book the movie turns out to be a letdown, but I didn't feel letdown by The Help at all. Granted, since I've read the book I have a different viewpoint on it, but I feel that the movie included most of the important parts of the book, that the actresses were chosen well and did a great job in their roles, and that overall, the film conveyed the correct tone. Sure, there were a lot of great parts that were left out of the movie version, but that's to be expected when turning a book into a feature film. I definitely recommend it, whether you've read the book or not!

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Smell: Tranquil Space Lavender Aromatherapy Spray

After being gone for four days, it was wonderful to get back to yoga at Tranquil Space. As I've mentioned before, it's truly my yoga home and I miss it whenever I'm away! So, after receiving my spritz of lavender spray at the end of class on Tuesday (an amazing way to end a day of travel!), I was completely  content. There's nothing like the small, sensory pleasures that we grow accustomed to in our lives, and associate with feelings of relaxation, happiness, and peace. Don't live near Tranquil Space? Pick up some lavender essential oil or a spray at Whole Foods...you won't regret it :)

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What made you smile, laugh, and/or relax this week? Please do share!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine