Simple Joys of the Week, January 6th Edition

First "Simple Joys of the Week" in January--yay! Also, my little brother's birthday today, so I have to give him a shout-out (Happy Birthday, Patrick!!!). Thus far, 2012 has been wonderful. If every week of the year was similarly-structured, I'd be very happy (and I hope that you feel the same way!).  Also, I've enjoyed plenty of simple joys this past week--including the two that I listed yesterday, and therefore won't repeat today.

What has made you smile so far in 2012? I hope you've already enjoyed a number of sensory pleasures...mine are below:

Hear: "Carolina in My Mind" by James Taylor and the Dixie Chicks

When I was home for the holidays, my Dad gave me some music that I didn't have/hadn't heard, and one of the songs that he gave me was this one. I love James Taylor, I love the Dixie Chicks (have since I was in middle school!), and I love this song--it's a perfect combo of truly gorgeous voices! If you haven't heard it before, take a listen below, because it's really beautiful...

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See: "The Bachelor" (my guiltiest pleasure of all!)

It's baaack...for what feels like the millionth season! And I'm having mixed feelings about this. "The Bachelor" is the one show on TV that truly sucks me in--in the same way that cartoons can suck in little children. I don't want to watch it, but I can't help myself. It's like I have no control over my body or mind and once I've started, I must watch every minute of every episode before I can get off of the couch (thank goodness for DVR!). It's bad TV, the contestants are insane, and yet, I just can't stop. So, that being said, this week it came back and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it :) Also, for once I actually really love the bachelor this time around (Ben from last season, for those who watched!) and if I were single, I would totally try to go on and snag him up ;)

P.S. I hope that reading this didn't make you lose all faith in me! We all have guilty pleasures, right? Right?

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Taste: Tahitian Vanilla Hazelnut Yogi Tea

This is my new tea of 2012. It  was given to me by one of my students a month or two ago, and at the time she said, "I like to drink it after dinner because it's kind of sweet, and if you add a bit of milk, it tastes like a dessert." Well, hello! Since giving up sweets and desserts for the month of January, this subtly sweet vanilla tea with a dash of milk has been a savior. It's not too sweet, so it's been the perfect after-dinner drink and has helped to squash my need for something dessert-y after eating. Thank you, Sarah, for introducing me to this tea!!

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Smell: Philosophy "Here Comes the Bride" Set

I was so touched this week when I received this adorable Philosophy gift set from a thoughtful TS yogini and friend (another Sarah!). It made me realize that I'm really getting married this year...um, wow! Big year. The student who gave it to me is getting married in 8 days (yay!), so I guess weddings are kind of on her mind :) Anyways, the products inside smell amazing and it really made me feel super-excited about all of the upcoming planning and events. Thanks so much, Sarah, and have a blast at your wedding next week! (xoxo).

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Touch: New Circle Scarf from American Apparel

I'm head over heals for my new circle scarf. I've been wanting one since last winter and finally got one for Christmas. It is SO warm and snuggly! The best part about circle (or infinity) scarves is that once you put them on, they're on and warm and aren't going anywhere, plus there aren't any ends to get in your way (primarily when teaching yoga or zipping up a coat :) Anyways, I love mine! I've worn it almost every day this week and think it will definitely be a staple for the rest of the cold weather months. I love the American Apparel versions of this scarf, because they have TONS of extra fabric and are extra-soft.

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Other joys of my week? Ringing in the New Year with Ben and some wonderful friends, teaching my NYE workshop, getting back to my normal teaching schedule (and routine!), doing yoga and 2 intense CrossFit classes, catching up with a few good friends on the phone, and of course, painting :)

Now I'm back in Advanced Teacher Training for the weekend--nothing like starting 2012 off with a bang! Have a great one :)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine