this is the first day of my life

I haven't listened to Bright Eyes in quite a while but once I clicked play I instantly missed them. I could go on and on about how special the music is to me, but just click below and see for yourself.

mrs press obsessed

Australian designer, Clare Press, has stolen my heart with her sweet designs and appreciation of all things vintage and silk. If I weren't living on a student loan, the Mrs. Press collection would be a staple in my wardrobe.



(About Mrs. Press Clothing, from their website)
Mrs. Press is a thoroughly modern girl to be sure, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t like things to be done properly. That means silk knickers at all times, and the perfect vintage-inspired going out dress to make her look the bee’s knees.

Our girl loves to loll about at home dressed to thrill. She loves parties too, of course. Who doesn’t? Sometimes it feels as if life is one big party. Thank heavens for the divinely scented Mrs. Press candles – we all need to relax sometimes, no?

The Mrs. Press label is stocked in our flagship Sydney boutique as well as chic boutiques throughout Australia. Luxurious finishes, the very best fabrics and posh details have won these impeccably styled pieces a cult following.

quick read

I had seen the books everywhere - from grocery stores to billboards - and decided to be stubborn and not read the book that everyone seemed to be talking about. (I automatically hold a grudge against any book that has been sold more than a couple million times. I still haven't even read Eat, Pray, Love). Eventually, after having it recommended to me again and again AND again, I gave up and picked up a copy.

If you're looking for a series of books you can't put down and relentlessly turn the pages despite the fact that it's 4 am and you have to get up for class in a few hours, then these are the books for you! Sure, the writing might not be stellar and there is a unnatural amount of coffee being consumed every few pages, but the plot is amazing and characters are addictive. I definitely recommend them. Sadly, the author of the trilogy, Stieg Larsson, died shortly after delivering the manuscripts so he never knew how wildly popular they would be, and his fans have to suffice with these three books when Larsson most likely had more amazing stories up his sleeve.

Here's the description from the first book: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Harriet Vanger, scion of one of Sweden's wealthiest families, disappeared over forty years ago. All these years later, her aged uncle continues to seek the truth. He hires Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently trapped by a libel conviction, to investigate. He is aided by the pierced and tattooed punk prodigy Lisbeth Salander. Together they tap into a vein of unfathomable iniquity and astonishing corruption.

some like it hot

AAAAAGGGHHHHRRRRRAAAAAWWWRRRR.

This is what you would hear from me if the Bikram Hot Yoga Studio wasn't so damn quiet. I was dragged to my first class about a year ago and protested the entire way there. I've never done regular yoga! How can I handle a class done in a room that's 105 degrees? I'm not flexible enough! I have to wax the kitchen floors.... and so on.

The room was stuffy from an earlier class when me and about 40 others filed in - clad in florescent spandex, bikinis and itty bitty shorts. We bent this way and that through 26 postures and in the 90 minutes I dripped more sweat then I knew was possible. It poured into my eyes, ears, and mouth. Each time I attempted the 'head to knee' pose a generous sprinkling of glistening sweat sprinkled onto my towel. Several times I thought I might pass out (note to self: replace coffee with water). 3/4 of the class was painful, ungraceful and downright embarrassing BUT the last 1/4 felt so amazing that it made it all worth it. I stopped holding my breath and my muscles relaxed into some semblance of the intended pose.

The most amazing part was leaving the yoga studio and catching that first breath of crisp night air. Ah! I'm alive! I'm invincible! My body feels incredible! I can do anything! I went home and immediately fell into a deep sleep.


Yes, yes, I realize using a photo of supermodel Gisele Bundchen isn't the best way to portray yoga... but wouldn't you love to be as graceful as this yoga-buff?
Below are some of the health benefits from a Bikram Hot Yoga studio website:

Yoga is not an enigma. It is a 5000 year old science. It is unrivaled as a means of improving body health and suppleness, of creating peace of mind and absence of stress. A regular Bikram Yoga practice will change your life in the most wonderful ways and can help: weight loss, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, immune deficiencies, skin conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, arthritis, joint pain, chronic back pain, scoliosis, spinal injury, high cholesterol, heart disease, poor circulation, diabetes, hypoglycemia, sciatica, menstrual cycles, menopause, accident recovery, injury & pain, endocrine function, metabolism and emotional healing.

Effects of the HEAT: Fat reduction, weight loss and increased muscle tone, Increased range of movement in joints, muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues, Tissue, muscle, organ and gland oxygenation, Waste product elimination, Improved circulation, Increased metabolism, Willpower, self control, concentration and determination, Increased cardiovascular, Greater flexibility, less chance of injury and improved resolution of injury, Detoxification, Improved immune system functioning, Nervous system function optimized, Enhanced digestive system, Improves athletic performance

rainy day music

Jack Johnson used to be my go-to guy for rainy day music but when a friend posted this video to Facebook I fell in love. Priscilla Ahn's songs are perfect for life on the west coast! Bundle up in a blanket, put on the kettle, and relax with a book and a few of Ahn's songs.

style envy: georgia may jagger

a warm space

Disregard the crooked map :)