Simple Joys of the Week: August 5th Edition

Although this has been a totally yoga-filled week (so much fun!), I've still been able to sneak in the time to indulge in a number of small, sensory pleasures. Sometimes when you get extra-busy, it's even more important to take the time to treat yourself and to rest, in order to stay sane. My extracurriculars this week? Treating myself to a hot bath, a night of catching up on The Bachelorette on DVR, and the simple joys below.

What brought a smile to my face this past week? Read on...

Hear: "Your Song" by Ellie Goulding

I saw Ellie Goulding perform on SNL months ago, and thought she was really, really good, but completely forgot to download her music afterward. It wasn't until my brother was here and played a dubstep (don't ask) version of one of her songs that I remembered how much I liked her voice. It's beautiful and very unique. So, I downloaded her CD last weekend and have been listening to it all week. I absolutely ADORE this song ("Your Song") and think you will, too. I've already added it to my new yoga playlist! Yay!

Take a listen below: 

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Taste: Trader Joes Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

OMG, YUM. I am obsessed with these. They used to be my special treat that I would pick up whenever we went to Trader Joes (once every few months), but now that we've moved closer to TJ's--and now that it's becoming our weekly grocery trip--I'm going to have to change that habit. But, they are amazing. It makes you feel like they're "healthier" because they're dark chocolate and organic, but sadly, I just don't think they are...either way, they're still delicious! I like them more than reeces. The key is to buy a box, and then eat 1-2 at a time as a special treat when you're in the mood for a sweet :) Moderation, right?

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See: Barbie Does Yoga on the Spirit Voyage Blog

When I saw this posted by one of my fellow teachers on FB, I HAD to click through. It's just *too* funny not to! I love it that some yogi spent the time to put barbie into all of these poses and take pictures, then post and label them. I pretty much love people like this (looks like they're in a bar, too? hehe!). Anyways, you should really see all of the poses, as she does about 10 more. Not sure where they got such a bendy barbie (her spine moves?), but it's pretty great. See her rock out a few more asanas here :)

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Touch: Teacher Training Level 1

I know this sounds weird, but this is how I mean it: I was totally touched by the amazing group of TT1 students at Tranquil Space this past week. We spent a lot of time talking about touch, trying different assists, teaching different assists, discussing the mechanics of touch (good v. creepy), and it was absolutely WONDERFUL. This was my first time teaching other teachers, and I found it to be a really enlightening, interesting, and rewarding experience. The group did an amazing job and it was a great reminder of where we start as teachers, and all that we must learn and think about on the journey to teaching yoga...yay! Congrats to all the TT1-ers :)

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Smell: Rustico Restaurant in Ballston

We ate here for the first time last weekend, when my brother was in town, and it was very. very. good. They make really delicious and unique wood-fired pizzas, but they also have a number of other delicious items on the menu, including a "grilled" caesar salad (they grill the lettuce for a second!) that tasted divine. So yes, I enjoyed the amazing aromas while dining at Rustico last weekend. Can't wait to go back soon, as it's just around the corner from our new place :)

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And those are just a few of the simple things that brought me joy this past week...what small pleasures did you indulge in over the past 7 days?

Have a WONDERFUL Friday!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine