Simple Joys of the Week, May 4th Edition

Happy Friday, SJOTW-ers! First Friday in May...yep, crazy. I don't mean to sound like the psycho bride-to-be, but because I just got back from dropping Ben off at the airport for his bachelor party/trip (he's headed to Vegas for the weekend--yes, Vegas!), I realized today that our wedding is about 5 months away. 5 months!?!?! That's insane to me, since we planned a longer engagement on purpose (to have more time to plan, ha!), and really makes me realize how quickly the last year or so has gone by. So, in order to slow things down a bit, lets take a look back at the past week and reflect on our simple, sensory joys. 

What brought you happiness over the past 7 days? My simple joys are below...

Image via 1.kplu.org

Hear: NPR iPhone App

I know I'm probably totally slow on this one, but I just realized that I can listen to the radio on my phone (there's an app for that!?!?), and more specifically, to NPR! Prompted by the fun CrossFit DC story on NPR last week (another audible SJOTW), I've been a bit obsessed with NPR for the past week or so. I guess I had just forgotten how much fun it can be to listen to "talk radio," but am so glad that my love for NPR has been ignited, and I feel like I'm getting smarter and more well-rounded by the minute (am listening right now!). Anyways, I'm somewhat app-illiterate (just don't think much about them, about getting/researching them, and/or using them), so every time I get one that I really use, I'm excited. So try it! It's free and wonderful :)

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See: New Oliva + Joy Allusion Tote 

I've been looking for a big, black, vegan purse for a while now, so was very excited when I got a Groupon-esque deal for Olivia + Joy purses through DailyCandy Deals last week. I got this new purse/tote on sale, since it was from their winter collection, and when it arrived yesterday, I was super excited because it's EXACTLY what I've been looking for! I know it's not exactly the most summery bag, but I believe that black never goes out of style ;) Check out Olivia + Joy's affordable bags here (I can vouch for their quality!), and grab the DailyCandy Deal here. Happy shopping!

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Image via traderjoesblog.blogspot.com

Taste: Trader Joe's Soft and Juicy Dried Mango

Have you ever tried dried mango? If not, you should, because it's amazing. Seriously, it tastes like candy! Granted, the "Soft and Juicy Mango" version from Trader Joe's does have some added sugar, but it's still much healthier than, say, Sour Patch Kids (one of my favorites from childhood!), and I think it's just as tasty--if not better. I've been munching on this fruit as a dessert-like treat all week, and I'm definitely a convert, although I do think that it should be treated as a dessert, not a snack, because of the added sugar. I've also had their "Just Mango Slices" version  (unsulfured and unsweetened), and I have to say, not quite so good...

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Smell: These flats from Loft ;)

First off, yes, I'm doing it again--categorizing shoes under "smell" because of that "new shoes" scent (as opposed to the scent of old shoes, which isn't always as pleasant...). Second off, as you can tell, I went on a bit of an online shopping bender late last week. But, when I saw these flats, I thought they were just perfect for our wedding festivities. I'm not sure when I'll wear them yet, but am thinking I may wear them with my wedding dress on our wedding day (!!). I've been looking for a pair of colored flats that match our wedding color scheme for a while, and I think that these *may* be a great choice. I'll try them on with my dress (already received it and it's hanging in a bag in my closet...eek!) sometime soon and keep you posted. Exciting stuff! 

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My latest tools for a pain-free back :)

Touch: Tennis ball rolling of muscles in the back...

I've been getting it from all angles--my Chiropractor, Ben, my CrossFit coaches, and then, last weekend at Advanced Teacher Training--so now, I'm a convert. I've started carrying a tennis ball in my purse, and I'm not afraid to use it (have already been mixing it into my sessions with private clients this week, and have definitely been making it a part of my own mobility routine!). What am I talking about? Using a tennis ball, or golf, lacross, or softball (depending on the size you need) to roll out sore muscles and to increase blood flow and healing in the body. It really works, and as I'm learning, all of the experts swear by it. So, grab a tennis ball and get going! Not sure how to use it? There are tons of videos online about how to do it--just google "using tennis ball to roll out muscles." Enjoy! 

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So there you have it! Now I'm off to get going for the busy day and (fiance-less) weekend ahead, as I've got lots on the agenda: yoga (of course!), working a 5-hour shift at Artomatic, prepping my "gallery space" for Artomatic, a trip to the Chiro, leading the Tranquil Space SA/TC retreat, CrossFit, and visiting with friends...

What's on your agenda for the weekend? No matter what it is, be sure to take a moment to pause and reflect on the simple things in life...

Namaste!
Mary Catherine