Simple Joys of the Week, May 3rd Edition

Oh MAYgoodness. Can you believe it's already the 5th month of the year? What the H? This is why I practice yoga and meditate--to try and bask in the present moment before it's gone, because it's always gone too quickly. 

The ol' hubby and I are heading off to South Carolina to watch my youngest brother graduate from college this weekend (= life goes by too fast + I'm old), so I'd better make this snappy, as we hit the road in 30 minutes (!). Here are the simple, sensory joys that made me happy this past week. What brought a smile to your face?

HEAR: "Toxic" by The Chapin Sisters
I found this song on iTunes when making my new May Class Playlist this week, and upon hearing it, I knew that it was meant for me. You know how I feel about acoustic-ish covers of pop songs, right? This one is epic. Listen to it below:

SEE: BellaVita iPhone Wristlet
The fabulous people over at BellaVita recently sent me one of their adorable iPhone wristlets to try out. At first I thought, "Hmmm, I already have a case, why would I need a wristlet?" But then I tried it, and I'm smitten. Granted, I don't go out as much as I used to (read: never), but the few times that I have enjoyed an evening event since receiving this wristlet, I've found it to be a perfect fit. It fits my iPhone, a credit card or two, and my ID; It even has a little hole for the camera, so I don't have to take my phone out of my wristlet to snap a shot. So cute! You can get your own here. 
[Stay tuned! I'll be giving one of these away during my next giveaway...]

TASTE: Pound Cake
As Ben mentioned last week, I made him a very special [family recipe] "Sour Cream Pound Cake" for his 30th birthday on Friday. This was my very first time making this world-famous cake--which has always been my favorite, and which we also had as our wedding cake--and it turned out exactly as it does when my mom makes it, which made me very, very happy. Did I go non-gluten-free for this special event? Absolutely. And maybe the day after. And the day after. But don't worry, I'm back on the wagon now ;) Worth. Every. Minute. 

SMELL: China Gel
I know I've mentioned this before, but people, China Gel really helps out a yogi in pain (FYI, a yogi in pain is not typically a happy yogi). It has a very strong smell and it's pretty intense, but it works. This week, I taught tripod headstand a couple of different ways in all of my classes, and on Wednesday, between teaching and taking class, I realized that I did tripod headstand 9 different times in one day, often while demonstrating and talking people into it. But, even after all of that, when I went to bed Wednesday night, I thought I was fine. Then, I woke up in the middle of the night with a CRAZY neck-ache, and have been nursing a pulled/cricked neck muscle and rubbing it down with China Gel ever since. Lesson learned + China Gel worshipped. 

TOUCH: Fibre Tibet Scarf
I just received this scarf in the mail last week, and I simply love it (I only wish I had gotten it when it was a bit cooler outside!). The scarf is one of the softest I've ever worn (cashmere!), it's beautiful, and the company has a conscience; Fibre Tibet is a non-profit, and all profits are returned to the Tibetan nomads who collect the cashmere and the Himalayan weavers who create the scarves. The people who make these scarves live on less than $1 per day, and the sale of these scarves goes to helping them live a better life. Beautiful, soft, meaningful, perfect for snuggling up during savasana, worthy cause--what's not to like? Pick one up for yourself here.  

Other SJOTW? A gorgeous "Soar Bracelet" (pictured above) by Nella Designs, which was gifted to me by a friend, the anticipation and excitement about getting to see my family this weekend, celebrating Ben's birthday with him last weekend, yummy yoga classes, admiring all of the spring flowers while on a short run/walk outside (in gorgeous spring weather!), working on a bunch of different painting commissions, and taking part in my Teacher Training mentees' "Final Teaching" last weekend. Great, great week. 

What about you? What were your SJOTW? I hope your week was full of simple pleasures, and that you find the time to reflect on them, as well :)  Have a great weekend!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine