Simple Joys of the Week: June 6th Edition

...And I'm back in DC! But, since I spent the week in Atlanta, most of my simple joys of the week are centered around the sensory experiences that I indulged in while at "home" (and by home, I mean at the hospital with glimpses of home in-between...). Although it was a busy week, I was still able to stop and enjoy some of the simple things in life--especially those related to family!

Peruse my simple joys from the past 7 days below...

Hear: "Rewrite" by Paul Simon

Ever since I heard Paul Simon perform this song on SNL a few weeks ago, I've been in love with it. Then, when I was home my Dad had Mr. Simon's newest CD, So Beautiful or So What, so I burned it to my iTunes and this song has been in my head ever since. It's such a plucky, simple, quirky little tune, but I find it really pleasant. Maybe I'll add it to my next yoga playlist...hmmm?

Listen to the song below!

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Taste: Kashi GOLEAN Crunchy! Bar

I'm actually shocked to realize that I've gone 3 months without mentioning a single Kashi product on my blog. I've been enjoying everything Kashi for years now, and was super-excited when I discovered these bars. They're packed with protein and fiber but aren't trying to be a full meal or a major source of daily nutrition--they're just a simple, perfect pick-me-up/snack between activities on a busy day. Only catch--it's hard to find them in a box. I've only been able to purchase them individually at the grocery store, so they're somewhat pricey for a bar (but totally worth it!). Also, I only like (and by like, I mean am addicted to) the Chocolate Peanut flavor. You can try the others, but at your own risk :)

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See: New American Paintings

My stepmom has been buying me these catalogs for years. They're super-inspiring, juried painting"exhibitions" in print, and they put them out for different regions of the country each year. Every time I get a new one, I can't wait to tear through it, soaking up the creativity and reading about the various artists that are featured. When I went home this past week, the latest edition was lying on my bed along with a few other art magazines. Such a treat! For those of you who have been following my blog, I learned about both Laura Sanders and Kevin Cyr from this catalog :)

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 Touch: Burt's Bees Fragrance Free Shea Butter & Vitamin E Body Lotion

I know, fragrance free? Shouldn't that suck because you can't enjoy the smell? Normally, yes. But, just like everything else they do, Burt's Bees does fragrance free right. It doesn't have some creepy non-fragrance fragrance. Yes, it has a subtle smell, but it mostly smells healthy and natural to me. Plus, the most important part is how it feels, and it is SUPER creamy and luscious. All I can say is that you should buy it and try it--you won't be disappointed. My stepmom had one at home and brought another tube to the hospital to keep by the bed, and I kept lathering it on so much that I am now completely obsessed with it. Can't wait to pick up a tube of my own!

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Smell: Lavender Oil

At the Atlanta studio that I attended this past week (Decatur Yoga & Pilates), they placed a lavender oil-dipped washcloth on your forehead during savasana. It. Was. Amazing. A relaxing, nurturing, sensory explosion (did I just contradict myself? I'm not sure, but it was that wonderful). Since I attended 3 classes there over the time that I was visiting, I got addicted to this treatment very quickly. Not only was it extremely soothing and delicious-smelling during savasana, but it was also a great rag to use to wipe off your face, body, and even your mat after practice (it was a heated practice, so a wipe down was necessary!). Then, when you left, everything smelled like lavender and you were able to continue your day in post-savasana bliss AND surrounded by a lavender cloud. Ahhhh....

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So there you have it! What brought you simple, sensory joy this past week?

Namaste,
Mary Catherine