CURRENTLY: Answer to Your Name

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

YOGA WEAR: Satva Living

**This content was created for Mass Musings, see the original post here.**

I don’t know about you, but I basically live in my yoga wear.  While I love a great pair of black leggings, I’m always on the lookout for stylish and sustainable items to add to my wardrobe.  For me, it is important that pieces be well-made, versatile, and blend seamlessly into my life, both on and off the mat.  

Enter Satva Living, makers of eco-chic apparel for the yoga loving lady.  All of their products are made from oh-so-soft organic cotton.  From strappy-back tanks, to bright patterned leggings, Satva Living’s new Summer line is available at Whole Foods nationwide.  Get this - a portion of all proceeds from Satva Living are invested back into the local communities and agricultural initiatives in India, where the cotton is grown and harvested.  Knowing that my clothes were crafted through environmentally and socially responsible production makes me feel really good.  As a recovering fast-fashion consumer, I’m learning to shop smarter, and support brands committed to providing quality pieces in a sustainable way.

When Satva Living offered me the opportunity to get sweaty in their gear - I happily obliged.  While I’m no fashion blogger (and certainly not a model), I have developed my own sense of style that works for me.  I wanted to show you how Satva Living’s Summer line can be styled effortlessly, whether you’re on your way to the yoga studio, grabbing a coffee after class, or hitting the mat at home.

TO PRACTICE:

I put the Tula Drape Back Tank to work on my mat, and sailed through Sun Salutations.  The drape back showed off my strappy sports bra, and looked graceful as I opened my heart into backbends. The longer hem was just right, making me feel comfortable and covered.  I didn’t have to tug at my shirt while practicing, which was wonderful.  If you’re an inversion junkie, I suggest pairing the tank with some high waisted leggings, as the tank will ride up a little due to it’s looser fit.  Hot yoga more your style?  The Tula Tank is super lightweight and breathable, but you might want to wear a moisture wicking sports bra or cami underneath to keep you dry!  

Tank: c/o Satva Living, Sports bra: Lululemon (similar) Leggings: Lululemon (similar), Cardigan: H&M, Mala: Tiny Devotions

TO AND FROM:

Need a more polished look for your commute to the studio? No problem.  When choosing items to wear to and from the studio, I tend to favor stylish, light layers, that are simple to put on and take off.  The Tula Tank moves easily from activewear to an everyday essential.  Paired with the bold Riva Wrap Skirt, a cute cardigan and some slip-on espadrilles - grab your mat and you’re good to go!  Pull on your leggings when you get to the studio and jump right back into your chaturanga without missing a breath.

Skirt: c/o Satva Living, Tank: c/o Satva Living, Cardigan: Madewell, Shoes: TOM’S, Yoga Mat: Manduka, Water bottle: bkr, Mala: Tiny Devotions Sunnies: A.J. Morgan

Until next time - peace + love,

Alex