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HOME + LIFE: / 1 / BE MERRY /

December 2, 2015 Alexandra Pettinato

Why hello there friends.  It's always too long between posts, isn't it?  If you've been following along with me on Instagram (I'm @photolexx), you know that the holidays have been in full swing around our little home (YASSSS for crossing another thing off my 26 before 27 list - decorate for the holidays).  

I've decided that this year, I'm going to participate in Darling Magazine's, "#12DaysofDarling" winter photo challenge.  I thought it would be a fun way to challenge myself and make some pretty pictures.

I have been using Instagram as a blogging outlet, because I find it so easy.  However, with the app's latest update, there is a noticeable shift moving away from text heavy posts.  I guess that means it's time to take my content back to where it was originally meant to be read/seen/shared - this space!  This little experiment in posting will have me "micro-blogging" on YYZ to BOS, instead of on Instagram.  Shifting the medium to make it work for me (and I like the sounds of that).

Today's challenge was to photograph what makes you merry.  You can see my photo above.

May your days be merry and bright.  What makes you merry? For me - it's light!

This season is all about creating the warmth + light that is lacking from these long, cold, winer nights.  So I am finding ways to shine a light in the dark.

Waking up an hour earlier to bask in the morning glow with my coffee.  Lighting candles for my evening practice, and sparking a fire with warm vinyasa flows.  Using an off camera flash + bounce for photos (as seen here), because let's be honest - my apartment gets 0% light these days.

So this is me reminding you to make this holiday a mindful one.  Keep your yoga + meditation practice (if you have one) consistent.  Take lots of deep breaths full of cold air, and warm hugs from close friends.  Cherish small moments of calm amidst the chaos.

Be present, spread love, and shop small.

Pssst... speaking of shopping small - stay tuned for my yogi gift guide up on Mass Musings and YYZ to BOS next week!

 

In HOME, LIFE, PHOTOGRAPHY Tags HOME, PHOTOGRAPHY, #12DAYSOFDARLING, HOLIDAYS, CHRISTMAS, LOVE, P.F. CANDLE CO., BEE RAW, CANDLE, HONEY, DECOR, DECORATION, LIFESTYLE, LIFE, WELLNESS, LOCAL LOVE, STYLING, STYLE, YOGI STYLE, GIFT GUIDE, BOSTON GENERAL STORE, DARLING, DARLING MAGAZINE, MINDFUL, MINDFULNESS, YOGA, #YOGAEVERYDAMNDAY, LIGHT
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YOGA & WELLNESS: On Living W.E.L.L.

October 19, 2015 Alexandra Pettinato

I've been thinking a lot about my path the wellness recently.  Why it is that I've chosen to share it with the world, why I want to teach and write about yoga, and to love wildly...  Why I've made the choice to choose love over fear, every damn day.  I've come to realize that taking care of + caring for others has always been second nature, but caring for myself unconditionally is a rather new concept for me.  Though it's one that I've embraced wholeheartedly.

The last few weeks (as I deal with the final leg of my immigration to the USA), have been really challenging.  I've been anxious, frazzled, frantic, and at moments - broken-hearted, and oh so sad.

It's been incredibly comforting to lean into my practice.  To return to this place, not only when things are great, but when they all fall apart as well.  To come to the mat, without judgement or expectation.  Where there are no rights or wrongs, or immigration statuses, or paperwork... The place where I'm allowed to move + breathe + play + just be.  Not a place to escape to, but rather a place to feel it all + let it all go.

I'm learning to accept the things that I can not change.  To enjoy the little things - a backbend with a smile, the leaves in mid-October, a matinee with an old friend...  And I'm doing my best to navigate this crazy journey, with my (open) heart as my compass.

How are you taking care of yourselves?  Do you need some ideas?  Meditate, get on the mat, treat yourself to a massage, eat nourishing foods, go for a hike in the woods, play with your pup, take a workshop, start a project - get inspired!

Or why not come hang at the W.E.L.L. Summit with the Mass Musings Tribe?  My friend, Kayte (from Mass Musings), and I will be there, living W.E.L.L., from November 6 - 8!  

What is the W.E.L.L. Summit?  Let me tell you!  It's an urban weekend wellness retreat, taking place in the heart of Boston.  Come practice, listen, play, eat, grow, and learn with some of the most inspiring and open-hearted individuals in the wellness field.

I'm really looking forward to nourishing meals, morning yoga, and taking some extra time for myself after the chaos that has infiltrated my life.  I'm looking forward to slowing down, and doing the work.

Photo Credit, Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day!

Photo Credit, Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day!

I'm super excited for the Breakout Session speakers!  My Instagram idol, Ksenia Avdulova, who you may know better as the acai aficionado, Breakfast Criminals, is talking all about using social media to market your business.  She's super awesome, and I'm really hoping I'll get to chat Brazilian superfruits and heart bowl love with her.  

Brandie Gilliam, Founder and Creative Director of Thoughtfully Magazine, will also be attending as a business expert.  As a graphic designer, yoga teacher, wellness enthusiast, and aspiring writer - it's safe to say that I love Thoughtfully Magazine.   I was so thrilled when they made my fav @yoga_girl, Rachel Brathen, made the Issue 3 cover - and they didn't photoshop her image.  How refreshing is that?  I'd love to hear more from this lady and her inspiring project.

So what do you say?  Want to join in the fun, my fellow wellness warriors?

well_summit.jpg

Wellness, Empowerment, Learning, Luxury.

There are three ways to attend, Full Experience, Weekender Pass, and Weekend Warrior Pass.

Full Experience

Farm-To-Table Welcome Dinner

Lunch on Friday, November 6th & Saturday, November 7th

Breakfast on Saturday, November 7th

Brunch on Sunday, November 8th

2 days of interactive and educational breakout sessions and access to wellness leaders. All breakout sessions will be capped at 30 people ensuring you will have a chance to connect with the speaker, ask questions and get your questions answered!

Networking opportunities with wellness professionals and enthusiasts

Exclusive gift bag filled with wellness goodies

Exclusive offers from our Sponsors such as a two month membership to Thrive Market + 15% off of your first purchase

Full Experience Pass $549. **

Weekender Pass

Here’s what your W.E.L.L.come Weekender Pass will include:

Farm-To-Table Welcome Dinner with Keynote Speaker Latham Thomas

Check-in Gift Bag

Turn-Down Gift Bag

Access to your choice of Breakout Sessions (Saturday & Sunday)

Saturday morning yoga class with Boston Yogi Emily Griffin (optional)

 All inclusive Saturday lunch

Access to the L.I.V.E. W.E.L.L. Marketplace

Sunday morning movement class (optional)

Sunday brunch

Weekender Pass Price: $350.**

 

Get your own all-inclusive ticket at a discounted price, just for Mass Musings + YYZ->BOS readers!

Enjoy $75 off the the full conference ticket with the code MASSMUSINGS

or

Enjoy $30 off the Weekender ticket with the code MASSWEEKENDER

For more updates and information, check out the W.E.L.L. Summit Blog!

 

Hopefully I'll see you at the Summit!

Until next time friends - peace + love,

Alex

 

In YOGA, WELLNESS, MASS MUSINGS, MEDITATION, LIFE, BALANCE Tags WELLNESS, THE WELL SUMMIT, WELL SUMMIT, LIVING WELL, SELF LOVE, YOGA, #YOGAEVERYDAMNDAY, YOGA GIRL, THOUGHTFULLY, RACHEL BRATHEN, BREAKFAST CRIMINALS, KSENIA AVDULOVA, PRACTICE, YOGA PRACTICE, LOVE, LET GO, SELF CARE, CONFERENCE, MINDFULNESS, MINDFUL, BOSTON, BALANCE, MASS MUSINGS, MM TRIBE
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