Yoga, Mind and Body ?

Do you do yoga? Do you practice religiously? or just every now and again?

I've been going to yoga classes for about 4 months now and I still have a really hard time. Downward Dog is a bitch on my arms,

back bends are no fun. Oh and warrior three? you kill me.

My hamstrings (among other things) are constantly sore. But the first time I correctly did pigeon pose, oh, I was sold on the amazing benefits on yoga.

Apparently I've never stretched my hips before, because MAN were they tight. Needless to say, I feel better about my life, now that I go to a yoga class once a week. I try to practice on my own, but I always seem to get bored, and can't really do much more than 30 minutes. I need the instructor there to push me. (PS if you are in DC go to Yoga District-- Bethany is AMAZING)

I started going more for fitness, more than a mental outlet, but I've quickly realized I need yoga for my mind even more than I need it for my body.

Last night I went to my usual class where my instructor announced we would be focusing on hips (yes!) As always we set an intention for this class, this time focusing on something we want to let go of. I don't really want to go into this now, but I picked a person I've been trying to let go of for a very long time. So, we get going in class, lots of sun salutations, warrior one, two and three. Then we went into a low lunge.

I was very focused on my breathing and deepening the hip stretch. THEN out of no where I got smacked with a wave of emotion and I started crying. I don't even know how to explain it. It wasn't a loud cry, I wasn't making noises, but tears were rolling down my face as if I were sobbing. I was baffled, but somehow I wasn't concerned. I just continued to focus on my breath and continuing my practice. My savasana was like none I've ever had before. I had this deep feeling of calm, and for once my mind was actually quiet.

I briefly spoke to my instructor afterwards about what had happened. She said she's seen it before, it's especially common with hip stretches as we store emotion in our hips. She was so excited for me, as this is the goal I've been working towards, moving beyond a physical release to an emotional one. I thanked her and left. I was still feeling a little upset, and quietly reflected on it the rest of the evening. I'm not really sure how I feel about it this morning. I've never really been one of those mind body hippy kind of people, but how can I ignore what happened? Maybe I'm turning into one?

I don't even know y'all. It was a strange class. Maybe it was my intention? maybe I was just letting go of all the stress from the last few weeks?

Has anything like this ever happened to you? I'm really intrigued by the whole thing. Please let me know!

Two Years Later

Two years ago today I officially became an alumna of The University of Georgia. It's hard to believe it's really been two whole years since I walked under the arch, rang the chapel bell and turned my tassel to have my two degrees (Political Science and Spanish) conferred upon me. In honor of this anniversary I wanted to share with you a few things I've learned about life and myself since my time as an undergrad.

• Life can really  kick you in the butt sometimes
• No matter what happens though, you'll get through it so keep smiling, because this too shall pass.
• I never thought I would get used to having to wake up before 8 am everyday.
• I never thought I would yearn to go back to class.
• When it rains, it has a tendency to pour.
• You can't pick who your family is
• You definitely can't pick who you love
• But you can pick who your friends are, so pick wisely. No point in spending time with people you don't enjoy your company and vice versa.
• I actually enjoy reading for fun (what a novel concept.) get it? ha-ha. it was too easy. sorry
• Creative outlets are necessary.
• Walking does wonders to help clear the head.
• Budgets are really important. You feel even better when you stick to one.
• You're really not as old and wise as you think. 

I know there are a million more, but my coffee refuses to kick in, and I actually need to go work. So. Have a lovely day ladies!

Weekend, Where did you go?

I mean really, that weekend came and went in a blink. We had so much fun, but it's Monday morning again and  my tequila haze is finally catching up to me. Get ready for an intense amount of photos. Two of our Favorite People in the WHOLE WORLD came to visit this weekend. Mr. and Mrs. Lawfully Wedded Wife! They were fresh off their law school exams, so we tried to treat them to a jam packed vacation where they could let loose a bit. 

Lauren, being the expert food blogger that she is, LOVES food trucks. Obviously we had to hit up food truck fest, and boy am I glad we did. Empanadas, Gyros, Popcorn, Ice Cream, Pop-cycles. I mean, wow. It was awesome. 

Then we set off to do a few of the obligatory touristy sites. Fortunately for those of us who have phobias of crowds of tourists (*cough cough, me), we got a sweet parking spot, and it wasn't too crowded! We hit up the Lincoln Memorial and checked out the new MLK memorial that opened on the tidal basin last fall. For those of you who don't live in DC there has been a bit of backlash from this new memorial. Dr. King is misquoted a few times, his statue was carved by oppressed and underpaid Chinese people, while the statue is in his likeness, he looks slightly Asian, the list goes on and on. I guess people are always going to find a reason to complain. 

I have to say, I was pretty impressed by it all. The park they build around the tidal basin in beautiful and very peaceful. While not huge, the statue definitely has a resonating presence, and the walls of water and inspirational quotes bring a sense of tranquility. It's slightly off the beaten path (if that's possible on the national mall), so it wasn't super crowded. If you haven't made it down there yet I highly recommend it. 

This is Oliver, isn't he cute? 

The Silver and Gold Cinco de Mayo party went off with out a hitch on Saturday and we all had a great time. All my pinteresting paid off, and the house looked super festive with tissue pom poms, banners, some yummy food (be on the look out for a recipe) and of course some Mexican mustaches. 

Mr. and Mrs. LWW

photos courtesy of LWW

Lots of Beer Pong was played (not very well though), new friends were made. Too many cupcakes were eaten, and a few too many margaritas were had. OH, speaking of Margaritas. I want to follow up on my last post.  So, I love me some Bethenny Frankel, but girlfriend, that skinny girl margarita is gross. I mean really. It tastes like chemicals. I thought it was supposed to be natural? hmm.... AND on top of that, my roommate KJ says she read an article about how there is some ingredient in it that, when combined with citrus (limes anyone?) becomes carcinogenic. Cancer? From a Margarita? no thank you.

We also had this

There were some mixed review, but I have to say, I loved it! We made the crystal light as instructed (with water) then let folks add tequila to it as they desired. It was a very green color (a tad scary), but I thought it had a great flavor. 5 calories? I'm sold. 

hahahaha. 

Please have mustaches at your next party. They're so fun. Hope y'all have a great Monday!

{Friday Cocktail} 5.5.12 Double Cocktail Craziness

So tomorrow is a big day. Cinco de Mayo woohoo!!! oh yah. AND the Kentucky derby. I don't know about you, but when I think about both of these holidays two things come to mind. Margaritas and Mint Juleps. How could you pick just one? Since I'm still working working on eating well, I haven't been drinking. Okay, that's kind of a lie, I've been trying not to drink, and have for the most part been pretty successful. Still thinking about my may goals and having to be in a bathing suit in 10 days (eek) I'm going to really try to be good this weekend. It's going to be tough though. Good thing I'm the one throwing the party.

We are having a smallish Cinco de Mayo party so we'll have the traditional margarita mix, but I'm going to pick up a bottle or two of my girl Bethenny's Skinny Girl Margarita. 100 calories a serving? Sign me up.

Now I'm a southern gal, but we were never really in to the derby growing up. During college I went to a super fun Derby party, and ever since I love dressing up in a big floppy hat and sipping on some minty goodness. 

BW at last year's derby party

I'm going to attempt to make a skinny mint julep, but lets be honest, I still don't quite have the taste for bourbon, I need me some sugar.

Ingredients: 10 mint leaves, 1 Tbsp Simple Syrup, 3 oz bourbon, 1 cup crushed ice

1. Muddle 10 mint leaves with 1 Tbsp simple syrup and a tiny splash of the bourbon.
2. Let that mixture set for 3-5 minutes so the mint can release its flavor (take this opportunity to crush the ice)
3. Strain the mint mixture and pour into your julep glass and swirl it around the glass. 
4. Add the crushed ice to the top of the glass
5. Add the remainder of the the bourbon
6. Garnish with mint

Put on your finest hat (be it a big floppy one or a sombrero) and relax. I know that's what I'll be doing!