Three Things Tuesday

Just popping in to share a few links that can give you a sneak peek into my inner thoughts since my Tuesdays are non-stop busy between dragging my feet to get ready for work, actually going to work, and then heading to host trivia immediately from work.

Onto some linkage!

This Huffington Post article on 5 Things Every Yogi Needs to Know is so significant to my life as of late, and totally validates my addiction...but that's just my opinion. I'm not exactly sure which is influencing which, but I've noticed a huge difference both on and off the mat in the past few months. As I'm working on being more flexible in my everyday life by letting go of stupid "eating rules"and forcing myself to be more social, I'm seeing an increase in my physical flexibility in my yoga practice. I have to say, it feels pretty amazing.

I love partner yoga. And how cute/creative is Paula? Best instructor ever!
Check out Shanti Yoga & Fitness!

Can you believe Christmas is less than a month away? IT hasn't felt the same since my Dad passed away. He LOVED Christmas, like a little kid who still believes in Santa. It just doesn't seem as special without him here. The last three years, I've wanted nothing for gifts, but this year I actually really want to buy myself an iPad mini.

All I want for Christmas...ipad mini with a keyboard attachment.

An iPad mini would make my life so much easier. I wouldn't have to retype all those notes and waste paper on printouts for reference. Plus, I could totally browse instagram when meetings are a snoozefest.

My mom suggested buying it for me, but I really can't let her. I'd rather see her put that money toward my sisters. I'll let her buy me a case or something.

And to further justify my long-standing disdain for The Little Mermaid, a hilariously accurate Buzzfeed article ranking Disney Princesses on their intelligence. Or lack thereof.

Yes, I may be bitter and blame The Little Mermaid for my Bloody Monday incident at age 4, but that's neither here nor there. She is the reason so many girls are relationship-dependent skanks today (Sorry, not sorry). Think about it: all she aspired to be was a voiceless, naked woman to impress some dude she didn't even know. I love how this list points out that she never thought to WRITE A NOTE to Eric. DUH. 

P.S. - the rest of the list is just as amusing and spot-on. I love Buzzfeed.
Until next time.

What I'm reading on a Wednesday

No work for me today. The office is closed, but I was (again) expected to drive to one of the group homes to work for the day or take a forced vacation day. Considering it takes 30 minutes to get to the nearest house on a normal day, I didn't feel like finding out how long it would have taken today. When precipitation falls, New Englanders forget how to operate a vehicle. Clearly, I took today off. It's not even the end of January, and I've already wasted two vacation days to snow. And I just found out they are predicting more snow for next week. Not to mention it feels like -9°F with the windchill today in RI. Come on, winter! Enough already!

Since I didn't have to get up for any particular reason today, I actually slept in until 9:15am, which is unheard of for me. I'm such an insomniac, but my body and mind apparently needed a rest. It felt awesome.

My day today has really consisted of playing Candy Crush on my iPad, an hour of shoveling, a makeshift kettlebell workout at home, and marathoning episodes of Portlandia and Best Ink. Nothing exciting, so I thought I'd share some articles that caught my attention over the last week.

How to Make Sweet Potato Caramel via Bon Appetit

Who knew that healthy, refined sugar-free caramel was awaiting me right on my countertop at almost all times? I definitely need to give this a shot. Worst case scenario, I've cooked some sweet potatoes.

4 Natural Sweeteners That Are Actually Healthy via eatlocalgrown

I sometimes engage in an internal battle about my daily use of stevia in my coffee, tea, or food. Realistically, I use at least two servings of stevia a day, some days more than that. I know it's not as bad as Splenda, but I really feel like I should try to cut it out completely. It's nice to read some positive potential side effects of stevia. I still want to cut back, but maybe there are definitely worse things I could be putting into my body. Like heroin.

10 Benefits of Yoga via yoganonymous

Just more justification for my yoga obsession. I seriously cannot say enough about how much my body and mind has changed for the better since I traded in running and kickboxing for yoga. Miracle exercise, I tell you.

A Horrifying Picture of What Sleep Loss Will Do To You via Huffington Post

Okay, this article freaks me out. I need to start getting more sleep ASAP.

Saturday Shares

I've been sleeping like shit lately and totally needed a boring day to recuperate. Nothing exciting to report: I went to Saturday morning yoga x2 (feels so good to be back, I haven't been since Monday!), did some grocery shopping, ate all day, and got a little paperwork done for work. Normally I hate staying home with nothing to do on a Saturday, but I've been keeping pretty busy lately and have a lot on my mind, so googling new recipes with a Modern Family marathon is a-okay with me.

I wanted to use this post to share some interesting things that I've come across online this week:

I GOT SIX-PACK ABS IN SIX WEEKS. HERE’S HOW I FEEL ONE YEAR LATER. via greatist.com

This was a great article about a fitness experiment that lead to some unpleasant, unexpected results. I think this is hugely relevant to our society today. We are so obsessed with obtaining the "perfect body," but it really just isn't worth the price you pay. Orthorexia and exercise bulimia are definitely on the rise, especially amongst young American women, and the obsession never seems to end. 

Post-workout meals via skinnymom.com

I really struggle to put together a meal that's nutritious and high in protein when I get home after a long day at work followed by a yoga class or two. Definitely need to keep these options in mind. It takes just as much time to pop a bag of popcorn and snack on random goodies from the fridge as it would for me to throw together a much healthier wrap. 

Quinoa and black bean dinner via lowfatveganchef.com

I'm trying to be more versatile in my sources of whole grains. Rice cakes, lavash wraps, and popcorn just aren't sufficient. I need to switch it up and eat actual meals rather than snacking all the time. This recipe sounds really easy and right up my alley. You bet your ass I'm making it extra spicy.

A guide to 10 different types of flour via jillcoyners.com

Super helpful with the holidays approaching and my intentions to experiment with some baked goods.

Modcloth.com

I am seriously in love with their clothes. I lustfully stare at everything I stumble upon through this site and struggle not to make an impulsive purchase. 

For example:

Cozy Time Cardigan - so cute, but not even available on the site anymore :(

Unfortunately, I'm someone who needs to try clothes on before buying because nothing seems to fit right. For now, Modcloth, our relationship remains detached.