Simple Joys of the Week, December 2nd Edition

Happy December, blogosphere! We made it. The last month of the year. Phew! The season of reflection is definitely upon us...but since we're still at the beginning of the month, I'll spare you my reflection for a couple of weeks ;) In the meantime, my simple, sensory joys of the week are below.

Have you taken some time to appreciate the little things that made you smile this past week?

_Hear: Ceremonials by Florence + the Machine

I've been listening to this album non-stop this week. Seriously, non-stop. I painted for about 6 hours yesterday and had it playing on repeat the entire time. If you're familiar with her music, it's typical Florence. Haunting, powerful, emotional, strong, and energizing. I really like every single song on the album, and can't wait to mix a few of them into my December yoga playlist. I heart Florence!

Take a listen to a wonderful track from this album, "Shake it Out," below:

---

See: Three Wishes Necklace by Dogeared

I've been eyeing this simply scrumptious necklace in the Tranquil Space boutique for months, and finally treated myself to it last week during the "Yogi Appreciation Week" sale. I simply love it! It's a quiet necklace that definitely does not make a statement (or get in the way when practicing), but it just adds a special shimmer around the neck.  Plus, I like the meaning and it's by Dogeared, a brand that I really respect because they do so much giving-back and their designs usually have wonderful ideas/concepts/meanings behind them.

---

Taste: Avocado

Although it's totally not avocado season, I had a craving for them recently so I picked some up on Sunday. Needless to say, I've been eating avocado all week and have been super-happy about it. Sometimes you just need something a little thick, rich, and grounding, no? Especially in such an airy (or Vata, for my Ayurveda friends) season...my favorite ways to eat them? Sliced on a sandwich or cubed and thrown into a leafy green salad. YUM.

---

Touch: Thai Yoga Massage (at Chaan Thai Yoga)

When I first started my blog (feels like years ago, now!), I wrote about the wonders of Thai Yoga Massage. Then last weekend, I had my second Thai Yoga Massage ever, and WOW. I was reminded why I loved it so much. It's basically the best of both worlds--the therapists put you into a pose and then massage you there--they walk on you, use their feet, and elbows and forearms to really get in there and massage you while moving you around. It's divine (and also pretty hard-core, so be mentally prepared!). Also, I highly recommend Chaan Thai Yoga if you live in the DC/VA area. They are AMAZING!!!

---

Smell: Clementines

Yay for Clementine season! For me, Clementines = holidays with the family. You know those foods that just transport you to a specific time and place every time you eat them? Every time I eat Clementines I am taken to the dining room table with my family, sitting around talking, peeling Clementines, and playing games or just chatting. There are always buckets of Clementines in the house when I go home for the holidays, and it makes me really happy. So I bought some this week and have been loving them! Oh yeah, and they smell amazing :)

---

And of course, this post wouldn't be complete without mentioning another GREAT simple joy of the week--"Yoga Girl." If you haven't seen it yet, check out yesterday's post :)

Have a wonderful day and a glorious weekend!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine