Off the Mat is a series on YBC that shares bits and pieces about what goes on off the yoga mat, and in my everyday life. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you happen to make a purchase, YBC will get a small commission. It doesn't change the cost to you at all. Thanks for supporting us!
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Between work and my personal life, the last few months have been a little overwhelming, so in my life off the mat, I've made even more of an effort than usual to steer clear of stress. Here's what I've been up to.
Loving Lately
Operation Have More Fun is a personal operation I put into effect a few weeks ago. The first order of business was to get back to my dancing roots, so I've hired a hip hop instructor to come twice a week during my lunch break to help me out. It's been so much fun and I think I might have worked up enough nerve to take a drop in class one of these days. Please feel free to share your pics and videos with the hashtag #operationhavemorefun if you want to join in on the fun party.
Reading Lately
I finally finished What She Knew. It was a good thriller - somewhat tame in the sense that you could read it alone before bed and not worry about whether you're going to have nightmares. It definitely was a who done it type of story that kept you guessing til the end.
Next up is A Gentleman in Moscow: A Novel. This is written by the same author who wrote Rules of Civility which was such a gorgeous book. I am hoping that this will be as beautifully written, but the jury's still out.
From around the web, I've enjoyed the following:
- 5 things to know about probiotics from my friend Nicole of Pumps and Iron - I freaking love Nicole and know that you guys will love her, too. Her posts are both educational and hilarious, so be sure to check out her blog when you have a sec.
- This article from the Washington Post on how and why we need to talk to our children about race was so enlightening.
- I can't decide if I like number four in the 5 ideas for switching up your classic red lips - or if it's really testing my OCD tendencies haha.
Watching Lately
I am loving that the new season of Grey's has started!!! I am equally loving the new show This Is Us. It is hands down the best show I've seen in ages, and I know that's saying a lot but for now, three episodes in, I'm sticking to it. I've also been watching jeopardy! every weekday. It's become kind of a ritual - get home from the gym, shower, make dinner, watch jeopardy, go to bed. I don't get a ton of answers, but I always learn something! #nerdalert
Wanting Lately
I am simultaneously bummed and psyched that fall is here. It seems like the second September rolled around the temps got slightly cooler, and now that we're in October it's definitely fall. The leaves are changing, it's frosty in the morning, before we know it, snow will be on the ground! I love both summer and fall, so I am both loathing and loving the change in weather. The one thing I am really looking forward to is fall fashion. I live for a good fall outfit and love cozying up in a soft pj set while at home. Here are a few things I'm eyeing:
Lola tampons - all natural, non-toxic tampons
Using Lately
I'm still really into the Lola tampons. They are 100% cotton, excellent quality, actually work, and are non-toxic, made without synthetics, fragrances or dyes.
Deep conditioning mask
Ever since lightening my hair (I have subtle ombre going on these days), the ends of my hair get so, so dry. I have been making an effort not to wash my hair as much as I used to because my colorist said it's not good for the hair, but when I do, I've been using this Briogeo deep conditioning mask that was in my POPsugar must have box last month. It is fantastic! Regardless of whether I put it in for just a few minutes because I'm rushing, or whether I leave it in for a while when I'm in the bath, my hair always feels hydrated and silky once its dried. If you have dry hair, I highly recommend this mask.
And that about does it! What's been going on in your life off the yoga mat? Any new finds you want to share with me? Are you reading anything good?