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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CONNECTICUT YOGIS: I am leading an arm balance workshop tomorrow!! Come join us!

Loving Lately

I am loving that I finally got my hurr did! I had waited a little too long and my grays were really starting to show, haha. I've been seeing the same colorist for the last year and she is fantastic. Her name is Krystal and she works at Antonio Prieto Salon in New York. She just did my roots and then toned down my blond ombre which had gotten a little brassy from the sun. She always cracks me up and makes me feel like a million bucks. I've also learned so much from her! I have never really learned how to style my hair until I started going to her. She's recommended some great products, too, including this heat protector (I curl my hair daily), and this hair oil.

Watching Lately

I saw a bunch of movies within the past few weeks and the following really stuck out.

Hard Candy - This was an interesting film with Ellen Page (who I really love!) and Patrick Wilson (who I can't remember what else he's been in, but I feel like I've liked him in other things?). Anyway, Ellen Page plays a fourteen year old girl who meets Patrick Wilson's character on the internet. Suspecting he is a pedophile, she goes to his house in an attempt to expose him. Things get pretty dicey, and let's just say that if you're looking for an uplifting, feel-good movie, this is not the one the pick. If you're looking for thought provoking and interesting, this should fit the bill, however.

Age of Adeline - I really like Blake Lively, but had avoided this movie for ages because of its weird time traveling weirdo plot. But in going through the videos available through Amazon Prime, I didn't see anything else I was interested in, so I put it on and was hooked from the first five minutes. It's not a particularly deep movie, but it's definitely a feel good drama.

Fittest on Earth - This was a documentary of the CrossFit Games of 2015. So good if you're into lifting!

Listening to

Not really sure how I went 32 years without hearing Vision of Love but I somehow stumbled upon it for the first time this month and it's reignited a slight obsession with Mariah Carey. She is crazy talented, no?!

Also currently into:

Alaska by Maggie Rogers - Great for warm up/cool down at the gym or self practice. (I don't care for songs with lyrics when teaching, but it could work for yoga class if you don't mind lyrics.)

Send my love by Adele - Super catchy song that will probably be stuck in your head after your hear it, sorry.

Monsoon by Amber Mark - Nice little chill out song that I listen to in my personal practice.

Darker than dawn by Cobi - Gah, I love this song so much for warm up/cool down at the gym, for a personal practice, or just a good Saturday morning jam as you make breakfast.

Reading

I've been incorporating refeeds every two weeks after hearing about them from James and reading about them here. It's been a fun challenge to hit those increased carb numbers, and I really feel a difference since starting them! I'll keep you guys updated at the end of the month in a macros update.

I absolutely love Cup of Jo's Motherhood Around the World series, and this month's, in Iceland, was no exception. You def don't need to be a mom to appreciate the series, so def check it out, especially if you're into travel.

I really loved this article on the healing power of Beyonce. And I really feel like I need to see her live.

I haven't stumbled upon any new books lately, so if you have something good to recommend, please help a sista out down in the comments below. I'm looking for a good summer page turner. Anyone?

Cleaned out my closet, found these pants! (on sale here)

Wearing Lately

I've been avoiding cleaning out my closet for literally months and I finally spent an entire Saturday morning weeding through my stuff to get rid of what I haven't worn in a while, to donate some stuff, and to store seasonal stuff. In doing all that I dug up these awesome J Brand chinos I'd bought ages ago and forgot I owned. They're so comfortable, and are on sale in grey and white! I wore them for work with a pair of slides (similar on sale) and a Brandy Melville cut out tank (similar).

A photo posted by Candace (@yogabycandace) on Jul 13, 2016 at 5:14am PDT

I also received these amazing earrings in my latest Rocksbox (use code Yogabycandacexoxo for your own free box). I am not much of a jewelry person but with the exception of studs, I am a Go Big, or Go Home kind of person when it comes to earrings, and these art deco bad boys just made my day (similar by same brand).

Also a huge fan of this Gorjana ring that looks a lot like my nail ring. Speaking of rings, someone had asked on instagram if I could do a run down of the rings I wear.

I love to mix metals. Gold, silver and rose gold all together are my jam. There's probably a silly fashion rule that says you shouldn't do that, but you all know what a fashionista I am (not), so I DGAF.

1. This is my wedding set. Well, the first two - my engagement ring and the X ring are my wedding set. The eternity band was an anniversary gift.

2. This midi ring was a gift from my dear friend Sophie, who got it in Greece at this incredible handmade jewelry store on the island of Sifnos.

3. This Gorjana ring is from my rocksbocks (use code yogabycandacexoxo for a free box).

4. This thumb ring was a splurge I got myself from the same jewelry store in Sifnos last year (see #2). I just love that the older man who makes the jewelry puts so much love and care into each piece he creates.

5. This square ring is another ring I bought from the jewelry store in Sifnos a few years ago.

6. This X ring (similar) is from a former rocksbox set I got.

7. The Juste un Clou ring was an anniversary gift. I absolutely love it. Here are a few other favorites:

Not Wearing Lately

I'll tell you what I have not been wearing lately! All the stuff sent in my Stitch Fix this month, which you saw if you follow along on snapchat. I swear I have had the worst luck with this service. I don't get it because I know so many bloggers who have showcased great pieces they've received. I've connected my Pinterest style board, I've left feedback asking for specific styles (last time I even asked for three pairs of shoes instead of outfits since they kept hitting the mark- they didn't listen haha). But I am over it. At this point, paying $20 bucks per fix and not liking anything is a waste.

Ouai beach wave spray from the Box of Style

In the Mail

I was recently sent the Rachel Zoe Box of Style, and was blown away by how good it was. If you follow me on snapchat (@yogaby_candace), you'll remember I shared each item. I was a huge fan of the Ouai wave spray which smells incredible and is the perfect product for an undone messy beachy look. Also included was a very Rachel-y caftan from Michael Stars which will make for a great beach cover up, a pair of sunglasses, moisturizer with sunscreen and a hair towel turban that's supposed to dry hair faster. It's a great box - costs $100 and the total cost of all the items inside were $268, so if you're looking to step up your fashion game, this might be a good box to try!

I'd love to know what's going on in your life out of the work place - any great new finds I should know about? Let me know down in the comments below.

Off the Mat - July