Simple Joys of the Week, January 4th Edition

Image via Yogadork.com

Welcome to the first SJOTW of 2013, bloggies! I hope this is the start of another wonderful year full of lots of simple, sensory joys for all of us :) 

The little, often unnoticed things that have made me smile over the past 7 days are below...what has brought you happiness during this past week of reflection, change, and new beginnings?

Image via Spinner.com

Hear: "Taro" by Alt-J

One of the best parts of having my yoga playlists and love of music out here for the world to see is all of the AMAZING song/music recommendations that I receive. So many of you send me great music suggestions (thank you so much!), and I'm able to put all of it to use in my classes. Just this month alone, 4 of the 13 songs on my playlist were recommendations! So anyways, this week's featured song was actually recommended to me by my brother (another great music resource of mine) and I'm obsessed with it. I've added it to my newest class playlist, and every time it comes on I get really happy. It's a very interesting song, and I think it's hard not to like it...you can listen below and see for yourself!

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Image via apple.com

See: Apple TV

Remember when I told you on New Years that Ben and I were getting rid of our cable service? Well it's done, and we've moved on to the best new technology I've seen in a while--Apple TV! It's honestly amazing. We just installed this little box under our TV, and we can now stream Netflix, HBO Go, network shows, YouTube videos (perfect for Ben's CrossFit video addiction), and more, straight from our computer and iPad. It's fabulous! I know I sound like a spokesperson for Apple TV or something, but honestly, I'm just so impressed by how much we can still watch without having to pay so much for hundreds of channels we never used. We were able to watch a movie we've been wanting to see forever and start a new show this week, and we've already cut down on the garbage we watch in the evenings! Yay! I highly recommend it...

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Taste: "Yummi Yogi" Cookie Cutters

Can you believe it?! Look how adorable these cookie cutters are!?!? I had heard about them and knew that they existed out there somewhere, but never actually seen them! They were sent to us by  Ben's Aunt and Uncle this week, and I just think they are the most clever things ever. Obviously, they shouldn't really be filed under "taste," as I haven't baked any cookies with them yet, but I know that when I do, they'll taste amazing and be super fun, so I'm going with it ;) Honestly, people are just so clever, aren't they? These are the kind of quirky, fun gifts that I love, and I'm so impressed that his Aunt & Uncle found these for us. I think I know what I'll be making for every event I attend this year...get ready for the yogi-shaped cookies, everyone! They're coming for you in 2013!

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Smell: French "Orange Tree" Scented Candle

Honestly, I don't think I'm ever going to tire of burning deliciously-scented candles around the home. I just think that candles have such a power to relax and soothe us, and when they're scented, they add that much more to the experience. So, you can imagine that when I opened a snail mail package full of birthday gifts from one of my friends, I was thrilled to receive this new candle! It smells amazing (Orange Tree scent--totally new to me) and I adore the french writing on the outside. BTW, does anyone else think that receiving gifts in the mail after the holidays is the best treat ever? It's such a fun surprise--it's like a second Christmas! Ben and I have enjoyed receiving lots of fun packages from friends and family this week, and opening thoughtful gifts each night has been a wonderful way to end each day :)

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Touch: New flannel sheets from L.L. Bean!

Another Christmas gift that we've just started using--brand new flannel sheets! We've wanted them forever (poor Ben REALLY wanted them, and we registered for them for our wedding forever ago and never got them...he was so sad!), so when we opened them up and put them on the bed this week, it felt like heaven. Really, I had no idea that they would make the bed feel SO much more comfortable, but they do! I'm a total covert and don't think I'll ever spend another winter season without them. Do you agree that there is just something special about putting on and using new sheets? Obviously, since sleeping is one of my very favorite activities, I'm always on the lookout for ways to make the experience that much more enjoyable. Flannel sheets = my newest love. 

See how easy that was? Simple, everyday experiences can bring on lots of joy and comfort, so if you stop and reflect on your week, you'll probably feel extremely grateful for all you experienced, too! We are so lucky to have all that we do, and it feels really nice to pause and appreciate it every once in a while. 

Another SJOTW for this girl? A completely open Saturday--with nothing that I have to do! So, I'm going to use almost the entire day (- yoga, of course) to fulfill my yearning for reorganization, cleaning, and apartment projects. I want to start this New Year off right!

I hope that your first weekend of 2013 brings you buckets of relaxation + happiness...

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

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