Hey everyone! Writing from my desk in Connecticut, where I am barely able to keep my eyes open. I've been up since 4:00am (#jetlag probs) but thought I'd share with you a little about my life off the mat. This post was written about a week ago, and I promise to update you soon about the most recent things (like getting interrogated by the US Border Patrol last night coming back from Marrakesh). Chat soon! xo
Off the mat
Outfit details - off the mat.
Hello from the beautiful Greek island of Sifnos, where our first yoga retreat of the month is winding down. We’ll say goodbye to the group this weekend and welcome our second group soon after. It’s been an amazing week so far of laughs, sunshine, and lots of yoga play.
Wearing
So, I’m not going to lie. My ankle sprain has put a bit of a damper on my attitude lately. When it first happened, I was in pain and I was scared I wouldn’t be able to make the trip to Greece. I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to shoot any of the projects I had coming up for the blog. It seemed like in an instant I went from being free to do anything I wanted to being laid up, unable to get to the other side of the room for a glass of water. As with everything, I suppose, the ankle slowly started to get better, but I was still a little depressed that I didn’t have 100% mobility and wasn't my normal, active self.
Then, I received a package from Crocs. I’ve never owned a pair of Crocs and when I opened up the box, I was surprised to see a pair of wedges. Who knew they made other shoes besides their clogs?! I had no idea. I was a little worried I wouldn’t even be able to put them on, given the still swollen ankle, but the buckle slipped open easily and my feet slid in without a problem. I was pretty pumped because they’re super comfortable and simple with thin straps, yet interesting with a funky pattern in bright, vibrant colors. I know it sounds ridiculous, because they’re just a pair of shoes, but my mood lifted when I put them on. Could I run and jump? No. But I could actually wear them and walk around! I felt inspired and hopeful and so much happier than I had in days. They’re really different from what I normally wear - I mean, let’s be real, when you’re in activewear for most of your day the opportunity to put on a wedge is slim to none - but I instantly liked them a lot, given their bright colors and subtle pattern. Don’t you love when that happens?! The best part is that since they’re not that high, they were really wearable because the rubber sole is really soft and gives a bit so that each step feels like you’re walking on carpeting. Just what I needed after an ankle injury, you know? The shoes were kind of a little reminder and boost of confidence that things were slowly returning to normal.
With a renewed outlook, before I left for Greece, Greg and I spent an afternoon out and about just enjoying the town and each other’s company and I took the opportunity to dress up from my normal everyday uniform (some variation of leggings, a tank and flip flops or sneakers). Now you all know that fashion is not my strong suit, but I wanted the patterned shoes to be the focus of the outfit, so I wore white J Brand skinny jeans which I love because the material is just stretchy enough to resemble leggings so I don’t feel too out of my comfort zone, an old H&M chambray boyfriend shirt (similar) that I tied at the bottom, and I brought along my J Crew denim jacket in case it got chilly. I know that it doesn’t really look like dressing up but believe me, when you wear leggings or sweatpants 95% of the time, jeans and some wedges feel like you’re going to the ball! What would you have paired with these wedges?
Reading
On Instagram, I had asked if anyone had a great book recommendation. The last one I really loved was called Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar. After that I really, really enjoyed I'll Give You the Sun. And you know when you’ve finished a great book and then you’re just sort of depressed because you feel like no other book will be nearly as good? That’s how I’m feeling. I did pick up The Vacationers to read while I’m in Greece and it’s entertaining. What are you reading these days?
Eating
Travel is always tough when you’re on a special diet, and I’ve been trying to get back on to being pretty strict with the GAPS diet because I cheated a bit in Costa Rica (with pineapple, rice and beans - I know, the horror!) and I paid the price. So frustrating that I can’t even have that stuff but oh well. For travel snacks I brought along a bunch of RxBars. I really love these things. I’ve also been eating Nick's Sticks as well just to switch it up once in a while. Are you snacking on anything I might be into?
Watching
I normally don’t watch a ton of movies but since I’m away from my weekly Grey’s Anatomy show, I rented a bunch of movies for my Greece trip. I’ve been busy getting settled in and am waiting for the perfect time to watch them, but in case you’re looking for a movie to check out, I got Cake with Jennifer Aniston, who I am normally not a huge fan of (please don’t shoot me!) but I’m psyched for this one because it’s a more serious role for her. I also rented Wild with Reese Witherspoon, Taken 3 with Liam Neeson, and Adult Beginners with Rose Byrne. Have you seen anything recently that was great?
Listening
I sort of want to preface the listening section with an apology but I know that my people who were in high school the same time I was will understand that Britney Spears can do no wrong and will forever reign on my cardio playlists. I recently heard her and Iggy Izalea’s new song Pretty Girls and while I do admit it took a couple listens before I decided I liked it, it’s now currently on repeat - I love it! I’m also really, really into this song called SuperLove - Single - Charli XCX that I discovered on Spotify (I’m yogabycandace on there, if you find it more user-friendly than I do). Are you listening to anything I should add to my cardio playlists?
How will your #FindYourFun with Crocs this summer?