links and loves

It's been a while since I've done one of these and I've got a growing list of things I absolutely NEED to share with you!

I posted my official Summer Bucket List a few days ago and this past weekend I finally was able to knock some things out. We had SO much fun over the holiday!

We took a trip to Johnson's Farm in Hobart Indiana. Super cute and reasonably priced place that's about 15 minutes from the Dunes which we hit up after berry picking; of course!

Of course blueberry picking led to blueberry recipe madness on Pinterest for me. I managed to find these two recipes to which I can now say are tried and true - and a definite family favorite!

Blueberry Crumble Bars
*my husband says these are the best thing I've ever made. Yeah, that's right! In 11 years; they're the BEST THING I'VE EVER MADE! (gasp!)

Slow Cooker Blueberry Butter
*turned out fabulous! I really love that you can customize the undertones of the butter with any spices you'd like. We also made this recipe with Strawberries and it turned out equally as tasty!
 

I've been absolutely LOVING this facewash; and dreaming of being able to make this on my own. I haven't been brave enough to try yet, but I did manage to find something similar (and cheaper) at Trader Joe's the other night. I actually prefer the smell for when I typically wash my face (mornings). It's super energizing and just lovely. I'll insert a link here; Don't buy it from this link, but check it out so you know what it looks like. (Isidris Apothecary)

I'm determined to drink more water! This seems like just the ticket!

If you know me or even follow me on Instagram, it's no secret I'm addicted to tarot cards! This was the very first set I purchased and happens to be my very favorite! Of any deck I've ever used, I seem to connect the most to this. Reading's I've done for myself and for others have been eerily spot on! (The Wild Unknown)

Lately I find myself drawn to a good ol' graphic tee. Seriously; I'm o b s e s s e d! The more Plus Size/Curvy yoga gets popular; the easier I am finding myself able to find plus size yoga wear for class. Kohl's and Target have been the best places for me to find things! In fact, I just placed an order at Target that included this screen tee (among many others).

This one I purchased at Kohl's and it is literally my FAVORITE tank. (pictured) So much so, I ordered a back up in case anything ever happens to this one. The fit is spectacular!

Lastly, if you're a yoga teacher (or into yoga at all for that matter) then you need this app like yesterday!

Holiday Gift Guide

And just like that, it's December 1st! Can you believe it? Time literally flies by! It's insane! I know I say that all the time. But I truly don't know how to make it slow down!

I thought it might be fun to compile all of my favorites into a blog post. (Not that you're looking to buy for me; and in that case, I would have most likely included things that I didn't already have LOL) But things that I've come to love as I have dove deeper into the yoga world. Hugger Mugger is truly becoming one of my favorite brands! Specifically for their patterns. They have such fun beautiful patterns in just about everything. Having pretty things motivates me to practice more! So... If you're looking for the perfect gift (or gifts) for the yogi in your life, look no further!

one - Hugger Mugger Batik mat bag  $34.95; I may or may not already have this. (actually, I do) Hugger Mugger has become my new favorite simply based off of their ADORABLE patterns. Seriously, I'm in love! This bag is perfect for carrying your yoga mat to and from class. I especially love the zipper compartments to carry things like my wallet, keys and or phone when I'm on the go because I HATE lugging around tons of bags!

two - Elisabeth Ashlie elastic ties  $4/3 hair ties; Although these aren't what she is known for, these ties are the cutest things ever! They won't cause damage to your hair like the normal ones do. In fact; I like a looser pony tail holder these days. These come in so many fun patterns; they're great! *also check out her jewelry while you're at it. She makes some spectacular things and she is local too! Right here in the Chicagoland area!

three - Hugger Mugger Cotton D-Ring Strap (10 in) $11.95; (typically on sale for $8.99); If you seriously loathe using the strap, or you get frustrated with how short they are you have g o t to try this 10-inch strap. Especially if you're curvy; you'll notice these longer straps working 10 times better for you.

four - Hibiscus Headband  (Beautiful Boundaries Etsy Shop) $8.40;  what yogi couldn't use a headband? This shop has the CUTEST ones I've seen in quite some time. The patterns are absolutely gorgeous and she has all kinds of various shapes and sizes! She recently had a by 2 get 1 free sale. If you happen to check her out while this sale is going on, I encourage you to take advantage of it! You won't be disappointed!

five - The Original Super Block $29.99; Get ready for a whole lotta block! This thing is freaking AMAZING! Seriously, I can't even describe it! You can use it for so many things other than just a block! I recently attended a hot yoga class where they did not have bolsters. Using two of these and a blanket, I created my own and made myself a thousand times more comfortable than I would have been with nothing. This is probably my favorite yoga prop at the moment!

six - The Yamas & Niyamas $8.00 - $15 respectively; THIS BOOK! This book will change your life! We read this in training, and while we went rather fast through it; it still changed my life! It will open you to your core and you will become so much more of a happier; more open person. I will warn you though; the process is lengthy and it sucks! It's raw and it's emotional, so be ready for that. I'm actually taking 2016 to restart the book, and complete each exercise in the book instead of one per chapter!

seven - Hugger Mugger Meditation Cushion (also available in patterned; because why not) $46.95 solid and $56.95 for patterned; meditation cushions are the new yoga mat! Have you not heard this yet? lol Seriously though, if I can't get in an asana practice, I will at least take the time to meditate. I can do this so much better with a pretty cushion! I'm a sucker for Hugger Mugger's patterns! (clearly) so while this is a little hefty on the price tag, I promise, it's totally worth it!