life update + an impromptu links and loves

I'm using a status update I wanted to post as an excuse for a blog post :-) YOU'RE WELCOME!

So many things are happening right now.

About a month ago we bought a new car. Officially an SUV family! Going into it, I knew I didn't want another Chevy. We've just had far too many issues with ours. We've only had Chevy (Caprice, Lumina, Monte Carlo, Impala...) I didn't know that we'd end up with a Ford. But, I really love our new Explorer, so I'm glad we did. (Clearly we have a thing for cop cars lol)

I'm working on getting some new classes added to my schedule! I'm offering $5 drop-ins the month of August at FocusOm, and then from there the next series begins September 7th! I've added a new workshop class; Zumba + Curvy Yoga which my students LOVE! I'll be honest. It's intense. That Zumba, it hits you hard! But with the wonderful group of students that I've got, and the amazing newbies who try it out, we have so much fun in the process of adding a little movement back in. I find this class to be perfect if you've never done Zumba or yoga before. If you're so out of shape, going to a normal Zumba class would kill you... Well, not kill you, but literally kick your ass. even just doing 30 minutes of Zumba tires us out. I have no idea how people do it for longer. BUT, each time, you learn little more of a song, and it feels GOOD! You're laughing. You're moving. I love it! I have a couple people who I rotate through to lead the Zumba portion. Then I step in with a zenful cooldown right after. It's gone over really well and I'm continuing to add more classes!

Park Yoga is GREAT! I see new faces each month and I am enjoying meeting all of you! I'll be sad when winter comes and we have to break!

seriously though, how gorgeous is this photo she took?!

I'm in the middle of relaunching my brand and website. One of my good friends, Ami, has been taking some stellar photographs of me and I'm diligently working towards using them for marketing and eventually a website re-launch I've got planned for the first part of October. Seriously though, she is amazing and I have no idea what I'd do without her! An iPhone can only go so far for photography :-)

I've got an open house planned for the end of September as well! Super excited about that. Only now that it's almost exactly a month away, I'm freaking out over how much I've yet to do.

I've got so many ideas and so little time. Organizing my thoughts tonight and planning a few workshops for fall/winter! I can't wait to share with you!

I just ordered this jacket this morning, and I'm hoping I look half as good as the model wearing it. (You sold it hunny!!) By the way, can you tell I'm ready for fall?

I also am patiently waiting for these shoes to arrive in the mail. Man I sure miss school clothes shopping! I love that I work in an office because I get to splurge on office supplies every August! :-) Speaking of... I should be making my list before it all goes away!

Is anyone else excited that Teen Mom OG is back? I literally cannot contain my excitement for the 2-hour premier this week!

Friday night I went to The Max; the pop-up Saved By The Bell themed diner, with my friend Christina. We were late due to rain and traffic... So, when we got there, we got detention slips AND had to sit in Mr. Belding's office! It was actually pretty cute. We made reservations and you literally get SOOOO much food with your reservation! It's insane. Their mac + cheese was the best things I've ever tasted! I can't wait to go back with my yoga sisters!

Saturday I literally did NOTHING.... I had planned to clean, and get things done. But I just felt achy and like I was getting sick. So I literally went to bed at 7:30 and slept until 10 the next day! it felt SO good.. But I'm still paying for oversleeping!

Last week I took the car to get washed at the place by us. It's super convenient because it's literally 5 minutes away. When I got there, they literally had everything coned so that you HAD to wash your car before stopping to vacuum it. I understand that they only want this saved for customers. But I'm one of those people who HAS to clean the inside of their car out before washing it. Not only do I like going into the wash with a clean inside... I hate coming out of a hot air dry to let it sit while I clean the inside. Those blowers don't get all of the water off the car, AND then I'm left with water spots after I just paid damn near $20 to wash my car. SO, we re-signed back up with Delta Sonic, which is 20 minutes away from the house. BUT they let you clean it before you take it in to the wash AND they even have people who dry off your car for you. The monthly plan was sale for $15 a month and I just went ahead and did that with the option to always add things on if I want to. I even get a discount on those add-ons as well as gas!

I frequent the Montgomery Starbucks regularly and there is a barista there whom I've grown to love! Seriously, she just brightens my morning every time I go there. I don't even know her name, but knowing that it's her taking my coffee order and that I'll get to chat with her when I reach the window literally MAKES my entire day! Today was no exception. I'm so sorry that I don't know your name girl! (I'm going to find out, I swear lol)

Walsh wedding this weekend!!! Super excited for O'Regan festivities and Powers Whiskey!!!

Kate over at The Small Things Blog posted this rug in her latest links and loves post, and I've literally been obsessing over it ever since. I want to order one in each color! (Little did I know this was going to turn into a Links and Loves post... Sorry in advance)

YOU HAVE GOT TO TRY THIS MASK!!! Seriously! You won't be disappointed!

I'm also super excited to read this book... You know, whenever it arrives from Amazon!

Tamale pie sounds good for dinner this week. I think I'll make that tomorrow (and share the recipe here in a future links and loves)!

links and loves

A few months ago (I think starting in April) I made a decision to start to make a conscious effort into realizing the types of food I was putting inside of my body. I completely cut all morning coffee from my life (and coffee in general). Shortly realizing that I NEEDED coffee in my life, and realizing just HOW much sugar was in a Dunkin Donuts iced mocha; I decided that I would make healthier choices. These days, I pass Dunkin (this was my weakness) and Starbucks on my morning route no matter what. However, I've given myself the exception to the rule;

Unless I have a gift card, I will not get coffee from either place. This usually means come December and January, I've got gift cards like crazy and I should probably figure out how to make healthier choices with those AND attach a few guidelines for what I order. BUT, I'm just happy with where I am now.

Anyway, I recently just finished up a gift card that I received as a late birthday present from a friend. I even noted on Instagam (@mrsoregan & @savvyserenityyoga).

These days I find myself ALWAYS reaching for this brand of natural and healthy almond milk iced brews. (XX Espresso flavor is a serious staple for me!)

Some days though, I actually muster up the energy to make my own home cold brew by following this recipe with my Ikea coffee press. I just add my own almond milk to it. *For a sweet treat, try Silk Nuchello

You'll usually see me drinking it from this!

I've also been loving this recipe as well for a great almond iced brew.

CLEARLY, I'm on a coffee kick! lol

In other news;

This Milani Blush in Romantic Rose (also a dupe for Tarte's Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed) is FABULOUS and is very much so a dupe! I first fell in love with the shade at the drugstore and then found that it was on my list of dupes I wanted to try! It's the perfect natural color blush that's super subtle!

SalonCentric recently stopped carrying Kenra (SUPER UPSET ABOUT THIS!). So, I tried this hairspray and I absolutely LOVE it - especially for Summer! it's so lightweight and actually allows my hair to MOVE while also keeping it in place. It's hard to explain; but my hair doesn't feel like it's been sprayed. I like that.

I have always gotten cold sores/fever blisters. Eating/drinking anything with Mango and stress has become the biggest factor in getting them. I've not had anything Mango in over 2 years (unless it's been by accident) because as soon as I eat it, I will break out with them all over my lips. Lately, I have been extra stressed and that brought the latest one on. I skipped the Abreva this time and stuck with a L-Lysine supplement and Tee Tree Oil. It was gone and healed within a week. (Literally, in 7 days, I got one, had a huge blister, it popped, it healed and it's gone). I owe it all to this. I upped the dosage while I had the outbreak and now just include it in my daily vitamin collection.

I bought this aloe vera oil a while back and it has helped the bumps and redness in my skin tremendously. I just apply it prior to my moisturizer after washing my face.

I had Kohl's Cash to spend and picked this lippy up in Pink Taupe. 90s lips are back in full force, and this is the perfect color to jump on that trend with. I love it! The formula is great and I'm actually planning on scooping up a few more colors.

Hope you're all having an amazing week!!

-M

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!

links and loves

It’s been a while since I’ve been on social media other than planning/marketing for classes. Truth is, after Mindful March and daily posts,  I just needed a break! I feel like I’m still ‘detoxing’ but to get myself back into the swing of things, I thought I’d post one of my favorites to write and yours to read; links and loves.

O N E - Most of you know we took a trip to Florida a few weeks ago. Can I just say, I would move to Florida JUST for their water. It made my skin and my hair SO incredibly soft. Like I had bathed in the most moisturizing lotion the entire time I was there. My cousin had Ivory with Aloe, and in hopes that it would have the same effect with my hard water I bought it. I have to say I was really surprised! It is nearly the same, and almost makes my water when washing feel as soft as it did in Florida. It also soothes my itchy dry skin which I love!

T W O - When we came back, I also had a hard time with my hair getting used to the hard water once again. Well water is NO joke… It dries out your hair like no other. So it’s a real struggle to find a shampoo and conditioner that work with that. For a week straight I tried everything we had, then I grabbed my OmShe Botanicals. If you have hard water – this stuff is a MUST!

*I just bought a body wash to try the other day, so I'm excited to report back on that soon!

T H R E E - I also started using Johnson & Johnson No More Tangles. I know – back to basics. But I cringe every time I run even my wet brush through my hair. This stuff really helps! I was hesitant to try this again... BUT when I saw it here on InStyle, I felt better about my decision ^_^

Of course, I’ve since lightened my hair, so I’m back to finding things that work again. But these have both still remained staples!

F O U R – Isidris Apothecary Detoxifying Clay Face Mask – Never has a mask made my face feel as smooth as this did. I’ve been sick and blowing my nose constantly. This heeled the dry cracked areas around my nose almost instantly! And at $14, it’s a steal in my book! You can order directly through her Etsy shop OR find her on Facebook; here!

F I V E – Humble Hilo (as a company AND the bag in Nieve) I first saw this bag on Aubrey Kinch’s Instagram and fell in love! This company is really quite neat. The bags are individually handmade, handcrafted from one of a kind huipiles. Each bag is unique. They aren’t cheap. The small bags start at $69. However, the most amazing things about this company is they donate proceeds to women and children in need in other countries. Not only that, but you can choose where you want to send your money. Whether you want it to help feed the hungry, educate a child or provide a loan for a woman starting up her own business. It truly is amazing! The bags are amazing as well! I’ll be writing a more in depth review of my Nieve bag soon! So stay tuned for that.

S I X – Peaches!!! I’ve literally been obsessed with anything peach lately! Us stopping at Lane Peach Orchard in Georgia was no exception! In fact, it only added more fuel to my fire. Peach cobbler (the best I’ve ever had), peach lemonade, peach wine, peaches! Just peaches! Lol I also picked up Republic of Tea in Peach Ginger and made a Peach Ginger iced tea with honey and lemon. SO GOOD!

Upon searching, you can also order products online from Lane Peach Orchard! I cannot contain my excitement! The only thing I don't see (yet) is the Peach wine.... Maybe they'll eventually sell it online as well. I'll happily settle for the cider! ^_^

S E V E N –  Speaking of teas… Also a passion. Homemade or store bought, and I really prefer mine iced! Argo Tea in Carolina Honey is TO DIE FOR. Pure Leaf also makes Tea House teas in glad bottles! These are also DELICIOUS! My favorite from this brand is the Fuji Apple & Ginger. I’m also pretty partial to Panera’s green tea.

EIGHT – I mentioned being sick earlier. A dear friend of mine recommended taking an Olive Leaf Extract supplement. I have to say, it totally works! I googled dosage for this, and then doubled it to help get over my cold. Once I was over it and I knew it was ‘just allergies’ I lowered it to a normal dose to support healthy living. I can really tell a difference; in the amount of time I was sick, AND in day to day!

NINE – Avocado Toast… Literally, exactly how it sounds; toast with avocado cut or spread and put on top. However, I’ve also found some amazing recipes I’ve made as well as once I’ve winged or been inspired by. Open face sandwiches have been my thing lately. Kate over at The Small Things blog posted her recipe here, and linked other fabulous recipes as well.

TEN - Hey hard water users, I've found the cure all (at least for right now) for adding softness back to my hair. This stuff works amazing at restoring my hair back to a normal PH level

Mindful March: links and loves

One of my favorite things to share here on the blog are the things that I am loving at the moment. I figured I would carry that concept over to Mindful March and share with you the places I've found true inspiration in not only creating this course, but diving deeper - and them some!

In researching for the content I’ve written to share with you throughout Mindful March I came across a website called The Mindful Morning by a blogger named Joanne Poon. Joanne has some GREAT Mindful content on her site! The thing that caught my eye, as I am sure will you is this Weekly Mindful Planner. If you sign up on her website you can download yours for free (in black and white AND color). I don’t use it every week, but during those times I’m really looking for some inspiration or a pick me up, I will bust this out and work my way through the week a little more mindfully.

Find The Mindful Morning here;

I also came across Mindful.org which has some pretty awesome meditation and practices centered around mindfulness.

The Little Book of Mindfulness has tons of amazing 10 minutes (or less) prompts to bring in a little more mindfulness to your life. I ordered a few of these to giveaway also throughout the month just to be able to share with you all. I’m loving that it’s pocket sized and I can take it anywhere for a little inspiration!

Speaking of books, The Mindfulness Coloring book is PERFECT for on the go. It’s a pocket size coloring book for adults with images to help support your life being less stressful. Throw this in your bag with a few colored pencils or markers and you’re set for a car, plane or train ride.

I am loving this sweater from Fat Girl Flow. It is the perfect warm & comfy oversized sweater to get me through the remainder of Spring and cool nights. I also can’t wait to wear it as we sit around the fire this summer. I found Corissa on Instagram and she has been nothing but a true inspiration! Her work against fat shaming and body acceptance is simply amazing and I am truly grateful to have such an amazing person to look to for support & motivation!

Find the sweater and her website here.

If you follow me on social media, it’s no surprise that my family has been loving Hello Fresh!

I’ll be posting an in depth review of our Hello Fresh experience soon! If you’re interested in trying, I’ve got a coupon code for $40 off of your first box!

Use the code HQNLTJ at checkout for $40 off of your first box!

This stuff works beautifully! I am truly fascinated by how this hides my ends and makes my hair soft and smooth! I WILL GROW MY HAIR OUT DAMNIT! ^_^

Meet my new HOLY GRAIL go-to eye palette. Usually by the weekend I’m craving something more bold and dramatic. BUT for those days where I need to look put together and am in a rush, this just makes sense. All the colors are so blendable!

THIS CD! (I know, I'm late to the party, don't judge!) Click to purchase!

I should probably warn you that this palette is for those ‘no make-up” makeup looks. You can get some smoke out of it, but not much! So if you’re looking for something that’s going to pack a punch; this isn’t it.

Using products from this brand of greatly improved the integrity of my hair! I’ve probably mentioned this before, but I am still so impressed!

This playlist on Spotify!

Crispy Chicken Parmigiana Salad; so tasty! Click for recipe!

and last but not least; THIS CRISPY CAULIFLOWER RECIPE!

links and loves

I figured I haven't done one of these in quite sometime and there are tons of amazing things I've been loving lately. So, what better way to celebrate Friday than to share a few of my favorite things?

o n e-  If you know me, then you know I'm an avid YouTube beauty blogger/vlogger lover. I happened to watch a monthly favorites video where one of the girls mentioned loving candles by this company called Big White Yeti. She had talked about loving the scent Camp Kannickinnic and I knew I had to try. So, I jumped right over to Etsy and browsed their shop. I wanted to order more, but I just couldn't decide.  I figured I'd browse more later but I'd order just this one for now. Imagine my surprise when not only was the company so close to me (Milwaukee) but the owner had actually originally been from Aurora. My order caught her eye and she sent me some amazing goodies to which I am forever grateful for. Everything I've smelt so far (3 different scents - and the Camp Kannickinnic = a m a z i n g! It smells like campfires from my childhood when we went away to camp) I absolutely love! Since they're soy, they burn forever which is also nice. I can't wait to order more! You've got to check them out!

find big white yeti here!

t w o-  The Dearly Box by ElisabethAshlie jewelry (aka Lauren at The Lauren Elizabeth (dot com) I haven't even gotten it yet. But I am so so SO excited that Kate (also Lauren's sister) over at The Small Things Blog is curating March's box. You have until February 15th to secure your March box. I just ordered mine last night and I C A N N O T wait until it comes. Both are local to the Chicagoland area (well, Kate now lives in North Carolina). I'm loving finding so many amazing locals!

t h r e e-  If you've got dry, unruly, over processed "in desperate need of a trim" hair, Macadamia hair care is for you. I started using the oill I received in my Birchbox a while back. (Seriously, it's been months and I use this little 1 oz bottle every day, and I've still got half a bottle left) Macadamia hair care has recently become my new favorite. I have hands down noticed a drastic improvement in the integrity of my hair since I started using it. Then I received the spray oil in a following box. (Also good. Nice and light so it doesn't weigh your hair down). I finally broke down and decided to try another product. I picked up a conditioner last night at TJ MAXX and well, I'm hooked. Birchbox has a shampoo, conditioner and oil set for $26. There's also a discount code going around for 21% off which makes this even cheaper. ({21ANDCOUNTING})

f o u r-  BIRCHBOX! Which is no surprise! Birchbox is a $10/mo beauty subsciption service that lets you try new products (and some favorites). Each month you'll get 4-5 samples of which you can review for points. For every 100 points, you earn $10 (basically $5 each box you get). You can redeem those points for products or money off larger ticketed items. You also receive points if you order through them, which is also nice! Sort of like a little cash back in your pocket to try something else.

Sign up for Birchbox here!

f i v e-  I received this Caramel Cray Cray lip scrub by a brand called Perfectly Posh from a dear friend as a Christmas present. I am always weary about lip scrubs because sometimes they can be too hard on my lips and cause other issues. But this lip scrub... holy cow! It smells amazing.. it tastes amazing... and most of all, it works amazingly! This stuff literally makes my lips feel like a dream! I already ordered a back up and plan on continuing to re-order (and try new flavors too!)

s i x-  As a new blogger and yoga teacher, I use images to share on social media and for projects I do here on my website. Things like class listings, special projects and things like that. I can't always capture what I'm looking for and that's where a website like Unsplash comes in. Unsplash is a website that offers free high resolution images for you to do with however you please. I've found some GREAT ones that I plan on using during my upcoming Mindful March as well as a few other side projects I'm working on.

b o n u s! This meatball sub casserole

My family has absolutely been loving this casserole. It's delicious and best of all it is SUPER easy to make!