Hello friends! Right now, I feel like a chicken running around with my head cut off. I'm trying to meet some crazy deadlines on a couple volunteer projects, and unfortunately I've been neglecting ME. In an effort to remedy that (and adjust my work/life balance) - I'm here, putting together a little CURRENTLY post for you, because sharing things I like in this space makes me smile.

LISTENING

Pedro and I were listening to a playlist on YouTube, and this song came on. We both just kind of looked at each other, and were like, "this is awesome."

First of all, it just makes me want to dance around. Perfect for some early summertime fun. Second, there's a Prince Buster sample. Third, Protoje rocks some SICK bespoke suits and hats in this video. Seriously stylin'. Get your reggae on and groove to the sweet sounds.

PHOTOGRAPHING

Last weekend, the Mass Musings Tribe met up at Arnold Arboretum for a Festival Season themed shoot. (Above is the magical @scarletroots, and you can spot @lizandlavender in that first photo up top.) I managed to take some really great photos that have me planning my next shoots ASAP. I'm looking forward to shooting some fun yoga photos out in the middle of nowhere with my BFF while I'm back in my hometown (oh yeah, did I mention I'm headed for the Great White North?)!

I'm keeping up with my 365 Photo Project, so hooray for that. I think it's Day 160? 161? Longest time-based photo project I've done so far. Hooray!

TRAVELING

I'm homeward bound next week! The Peres - Pettinato fam is headed to Toronto for some summertime fun (watch out, Rude Boy is coming for you). I'll be hanging out in Toronto, and the suburbs for awhile if you want to hang out! Let's go to yoga class, eat tacos, drink iced americanos, hit the beach or the park, go for a hike, or... invite me over and I will come hang by your pool (I'll bring the sangria + guac) ;)

I'm so looking forward to photoshoots, visiting all my favourite (yeah, with a "u") spots, and a bunch of annual summertime family events that I will get the chance to be a part of.

PRACTICING

I've been doing so well with keeping my practice consistent (I try to practice 5x / week). Rachel Brathen (@yoga_girl) mentioned a little while back, how when she doesn't want to get on her mat, she will make herself do 10 rounds of Sun Salutations. By the 7th or 8th she can't remember why she didn't want to get on the mat in the first place. I've been trying to apply this to my own practice. The times I don't want to get on the mat, or when I "don't have time" to get on the mat, are often the times I need it the most.

Also not really related to my practice - but I'm practicing with my hula hoop! It arrived from Hipnotic Hoopla arrived today. I'm terrible, but I'm practicing keeping the hoop on my waist. Can anyone recommend some hooping tutorials? The lovely @scarletroots taught us how to hoop at Arnold Arboretum last weekend, and I just had to get in on the fun.

EATING + DRINKING

Pedro and I went to a new neighbourhood spot in Brookline called Sunny Boy! It's such a cute little spot, with a really great vibe. They have awesome food + drinks. I tried the Nitro Cold Brew Coffee, and it was bomb. Highly recommend. Sunny Boy focuses on serving REAL food, which is exactly what we've been looking for in the area. House-made sodas, delicious coffee, whole foods, acai bowls, yummy snacks, White Russians + Mai Tai's (and cheap beer), what more could a lady ask for in a local spot? Not much, but the sweet staff were a plus too! Check out Sunny Boy in Washington Square, you won't be disappointed.

WATCHING

OITNB, DUH! Bye, going to watch it now, while I play with my hula hoop.

Peace!

Alex

Hey guys! I've been crazy busy lately. Lots of projects and events going on. July is always a little hectic in my family. We have something like 6 birthdays, and an annual charity event tha we help to organize. So I've been back and forth from the city to the suburbs at least once a week.. Ah life. I've also been contributing my time and putting together graphics for the charity event that I just mentioned (on top of my other work).

BUT, I did have time to put together a little CURRENTLY post for you. Just thought I would share the things I am kind of obsessed with at the moment :)

CURRENTLY WATCHING: Orange is the New Black on Netflix. Can we talk about how good this show is, please? Based on Piper Kerman's memoir of the same title, and created by Jenji Kohan (who brought us the fantasic series, Weeds) - we are transported into the lives of female prisoners. It's a truly gripping series, and their are some really strong female characters. I think it's amazing, and you should definitely give it a watch. All episodes are now streaming on Netflix!

CURRENTLY LISTENING TO: Coconut Records, "Nighttiming". This album is from 2007. I have played it every summer since then, and still haven't gotten tired of it. If you're a Jason Schwartzman fan (and why wouldn't you be?), give his album a good listen. It sounds like California. Some of my favourite tracks are Nighttiming (the video link features J. Schwartz's brother, Robert - of Rooney or Michael Moscovitz as I fondly like to remember him), West Coast, and Easy Girl.

CURRENTLY READING: Mindy Kaling's, "Is Everyone Hanging Out WIthout Me? (And Other Concerns)" . This book is the best. I haven't laughed so hard in a really long time. I just want to be Mindy's BFF.

CURRENTLY LOVING: Frozen Yogurt. Of any kind. Yesterday I had a banana and coconut concoction. It was delicious.