Simple Joys of the Week, November 9th Edition

What a week. It was so jam-packed that it just flew by! Crazy when that happens, isn't it? So, before today flies by, too, lets get right to it! Below are a few of the simple things that brought me joy over the past week. Sensory pleasures, little moments, time with loved ones--they're not to be taken for granted! November, the month of gratitude, is a great time to reflect on all that we have in life, so that's what we're doing here today. What brought you happiness over the past 7 days?

Hear: "To Build a Home" by The Cinematic Orchestra (featuring Patrick Watson)

My November class playlist is a special one--it was put together with a *great* sense of gratitude for all of you, as I used a number of songs that have been recommended to me by my readers, my students, and other teachers who have stumbled across my playlists page online. One of the songs on this playlist that I've become completely obsessed with is my new Savasana song, "To Build a Home" by The Cinematic Orchestra. One of my students emailed it to me with a quick note saying that he thought I would like it, and he was right! I think it's an absolutely beautiful song and I'm delighted to be able to play it in class. If you've never heard it, I urge you to listen to it below:

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See: Election Results!

As you've probably seen, I try not to get too political here on Starr Struck, because that's not what this blog is about. I'm a big believer in honoring differing beliefs, and after living in DC for the past few years--where politics are such a big part of everything--I often find it nice to visit forums where this subject isn't beaten into the ground (thus, my avoidance of this subject on most occasions). But, because hearing the Election results was *such* a joyful moment for me this week, I just had to list it here. To each her own, but YAY, Obama! #bigfanoftheentirefamily ;)

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Taste: Tahitian Vanilla Yogi Tea 

At this point, you obviously know I'm a fan of Yogi Tea. I like it for obvious reasons (I'm a yogi, I like tea, I often fall for good marketing/package design), but I also love it for the sweet little sayings on their tea tags, which are always extremely wise, and for the fact that no matter what variety you choose, their tea is one of the most flavorful I've come across. So anyways, I was really loving their Tahitian Vanilla tea this week (with a little milk), as it's just sweet enough that it's the perfect post-meal treat. You know how when it gets cold outside, tea takes on a whole new meaning--even if you drink it year round, like I do? That's what's begun to happen this week, and I've had a huge appreciation for it. 
Nothing calms me like a cuppa tea, no matter what time of day...

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Burning in my studio yesterday :)

Smell: My newest incense obsession, myInsens

Every once in a while, you come across a product that is really well done, one seems to be doing things better than many of the others that are out there on the market. This week, I've decided that myInsens is one of those brands. The lovely people over at myInsens sent me a sample box to try last week, and I was delighted when I received it in the mail, as the packaging was very well crafted and the presentation is spot on ;)  I promise you that I don't ever post reviews unless I truly like a product, and I really do like theirs. The company was started fairly recently (2011) in the Indian state of Gujarat, where the founder worked closely with local villagers to produce incense that is geared towards "celebrating and enhancing the various human emotions." The sampler they sent me includes a bunch of different scents, all meant to be used to cultivate different moods/environments. They smell great, burn for a long time, and I truly recommend the product. Thanks to the sweet people over at myInsens for sending me a sample! You can find out more about them here :) 

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Touch: Pedicure (gets me every time)

Such an obvious simple joy, but such a wonderful one. I'm sad to admit that due to the sheer craziness of life lately, I hadn't gotten a pedicure since before our wedding (!!!). As a yoga teacher--whose feet are close to people's faces all the time--this is unacceptable and embarrassing. So, last night after class (during which I stared at my feet and became more and more horrified by the dry skin and flaking polish!), I rushed over to my local salon, 30 minutes before they closed, to get a quick pedi. As I sat in the massage chair and had my feet pampered, I thought, how did I let it go this long? It felt so good to treat myself to a little luxury, and was a great reminder that no matter what is happening in life, it's always important to set aside a little time to take care of yourself. Sigh. 

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So there you have it. What little moments from the past week are you grateful for? What little things made your days a little more special? Other simple joys for this girl? Getting back to my daily yoga practice, voting (!), painting in my studio, making lots of new twitter friends, and taking a walk in the chilly air with my "husband" on Thursday afternoon. 

I'm headed back to Atlanta this weekend to spend more much-needed time with my dad and stepmom, and although it will be hard, I'm grateful that home is only a quick flight away...

I hope your weekend is FULL of simple, sensory pleasures :)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine