My Addiction to Yoga

Hot Yoga, Yin Yoga, Vinyasa Flow...you name it, and I will guarantee you that I've tried almost every form of yoga known to man-kind. To say that I'm obsessed with yoga is an absolute understatement in my world. From the sound of the music to the refreshing towels that they hand out at the end of a sweaty class, it's thrilling to participate.

Why? Well, that's a good question. I think the obsession roots back to two years ago when a studio opened near my house. Breathe Yoga opened my eyes to a completely new kind of exercise. In fact, not only was I getting involved with fitness, but also with my mind. This idea was completely obscure to me prior to a few years ago. Double whammy! The fact that I could get both my brain and body in shape was incredible. Now, I'm addicted and there's no stopping me. I travel far and wide to try different studios, one of my new favorite's being CorePower Yoga. I love this studio because of the wide variety of classes offered. They provide classes such as Hot Yoga, a class done at 98 degrees, and Restorative Yoga, a meditative yoga. What I find so interesting about the yoga practice is how different each class can be. Despite the fact that they may be called the same name, each instructor provides new and unique opportunities. In doing so, I never get bored!

With final exams coming, I suggest my readers to participate in yoga. It's truly fascinating what just one class can do to you, and I promise that you will not be disappointed. There are numerous studies around that I can recommend. They are as follows:

Breathe Yoga, Glencoe

CorePower Yoga, Skokie

2Hot Yoga, Deerfield

Niyama Yoga, Wilmette

Or, if you don't have time check out this website which will allow you to receive the meditative aspect of yoga: The Quiet Place

Via chicagobeautyreview.tumblr.com

Namaste.

Jubilee Project: 50 People, 1 Question

via The Jubilee Project

What does this video mean to me?
This video really hit home for me, especially since 2012 is right around the corner. This video provoked me because of the amount of people that said they do not hold regrets. You see, as I started to watch this video, I thought the opposite. I was positive that I was in for 6:35 of stories; life stories that would teach me what not to do. Looking back, I can't believe that I thought this way. I asked myself afterward, "Why would you want to listen to 6 minutes of negativity, do you enjoy hearing about other people's problems?" Quickly, I responded "no." However, I do believe that by evaluating my response, I learned more about myself and society. I believe that I (a piece of society) focus too much on the negative. I constantly tell myself things like, "Don't fail," or "don't forget to..." Instead of saying things like "Pass," or "Remember to..." Surely these are minor things, but they definitely add up. Subconsciously, I hoped that this video would provide the same negative thoughts on what not to do.

What am I going to do?
There's no possible way for me to get rid of all the negative thoughts that stir in my head. However, as my New Year's resolution, I want to speak more positively about myself and others. I believe that if I try to do something more, rather than focus on not doing something, or doing it less, I will produce better results. I hope that this video, as well as my insight, made all of my readers think about themselves, their New Year's resolution, or anything else profound.

Also...

Be sure to watch more videos from The Jubilee Project! Every video that they post gives money to specific charities for a certain amount of views the video receives.

Holiday Cheer

Now that it's officially December, I think it's acceptable to acknowledge my obsession with the holiday season. I love the warm sweaters, hot chocolate, and festivities that come with it. And while I don't officially celebrate Christmas, I love the spirit and 93.9 music that it brings. Honestly, I find this season magical. I mean, what other time of the year puts some people in such a mood that they will go out of their way to spend extra money to either donate or put towards their family? I put together a list of my favorite parts of the month of December.

The following are my favorite things of the holiday season:

1. Observing Christmas lights like these
2. The Starbucks cups and drinks
3. Going to Florida with my family
4. Wearing scarves and sweaters
   
5. Eating lots and lots of food (specifically desserts)
   
6. Spending quality time with the people that are important to me

What I love so dearly about the month of December is that despite the freezing temperatures, people find happiness. Families come together, gifts are given, and and special moments are created. Not to mention a break from school! However, sometimes I'm disappointed that this spirit only lasts for a month. I question why our world can't keep it up throughout the year and why only holidays put us in this cheerful mood? Surely, this is a complex question that would take some serious dissecting. So for now, I'll leave it up for me and my readers to ponder.

via http://alldressedinargyle.tumblr.com/

A Week of Favorites

Background:

After a break from school, I've had the wonderful opportunity to focus on what I like to do. And boy, I cannot tell you how much that means to me! Frustratingly, my life as a student has taken priorities over my outside interests ever since I entered high school. I've been forced to cut back on numerous things: my amount of skating lessons, yoga classes, television shows, etc. While I can rant endlessly on how infuriating this sometimes is, I'd rather not. Instead, I'd like to focus on the best parts of this break and how I did not take one thing for granted.

Here's my list of favorites from this Thanksgiving break:

Favorite Song: Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson

Favorite Movie: Pay It Forward

via http://www.youtube.com/user/helenhuntorg

Favorite Activity: Yoga at CorePower

Favorite Purchase: Sweater from J. Crew

via dustyburrito.blogspot.com

Favorite Quote: "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." -Winston Churchill

Favorite Food: Turkey, duh! (and pie, and mashed potatoes, and... the list goes on!)

Favorite Book: If I Am Missing Or Dead by Janine Latus

All in all, I'm so so so thankful for this break! I hope that my readers enjoyed a relaxing, fun-filled break too! It's so great to know that stress isn't always associated with life. I know that I can easily get caught up with leading a busy life, but I'm so happy that I didn't feel this way for the past week.

What Are You Thankful For?

As Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays, rolls around the corner, I think it's important that we all take a moment to stop and give thanks. It's amazing how one holiday can capture so many specific feelings, traditions, and moments. This is why I am thankful for Thanksgiving. The holiday brings together a nation, regardless of religious beliefs, political viewpoints, or other various issues. What I find so interesting about this holiday is that even though it is celebrated across the country, it's never celebrated in the same way. In turn, I believe that Thanksgiving can reveal numerous aspects of one's identity.

So, in hopes of building my own identity throughthis blog, I'd like to share my own Thanksgiving traditions. Every year, I spend time with my dad's side of the family. My parents and I travel to Madison, WI to visit my dad's hometown. I look forward to seeing my grandparents, aunt, uncles, and cousins. We bond together over our interests, especially food. From turkey to pie, my family devours the Thanksgiving feast like it is nobody's business. My favorite food of Thanksgiving is my grandmother's fudge bottom pie. I'm not lying when I say it's addictive. Last year, I ate 6 pieces! Hopefully I can control myself more this year.

In addition to food, I also enjoy bonding with my older cousin. Despite us being six years apart, we always find something to chat about...fashion especially. We compare outfits, go shopping on Black Friday, and share our "wish lists" for the winter holidays. I love spending this time with my cousin because Thanksgiving is one of the rare opportunities that I have to see her.

All in all, Thanksgiving is a time for bonding. Whether your family bonds over television, clothes, food, or anything else, take the time to cherish it. I believe that this holiday is the best time to set our priorities straight, and realize that family is one of the most important parts of our life.

My parents, cousin, and I bonding over break in London last year. (via my own camera)

Chicago Edition

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to spend my day downtown. The streets were packed. From tourists to locals, it was clear that the holiday season is well on its way. Magnificent lights strung high above the buildings and pumpkin scents filled the air. Needless to say, I'm a sucker for this time of the year.

My first stop yesterday was Sprinkles Cupcakes. Sprinkles is an incredible bakery located between Michigan Avenue and Rush Street. Flavors range from red velvet to salty caramel, but I can honestly say that you won't go wrong with any flavor. Don't be intimidated by the long line outside. The workers at Sprinkles keep everything moving and the line moves very quickly. However, if you do have to wait, I believe that it's worth it.

In addition to food, I also shopped. While there were numerous stores that I enjoyed, my favorite was Topshop. It's a store that originated in Britain and now is located throughout the world. Honestly, the store is a bit overwhelming. It has 3 levels and ranges from make-up to men's denim. Loud music and bright lights surround the atmosphere. The clothes are very funky and many of them can be found on "Lookbook," the website mentioned in my last post. The following is what I purchased yesterday:

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my long weekend. I encourage all my readers to check out the downtown scene a.s.a.p. There's so much to see in Chicago! We're very lucky to have access to what I believe as one of the world's greatest cities.

Fashion is My Obsession

via http://lookbook.nu/user/224845-Sophia-B

Ever since I was a child, I've always found fashion fascinating. From the soft material of cashmere to the intricate details of a fine jewelry piece... you could say that I'm a bit obsessed. I'm not really sure why my obsession developed, but what I do know is that I cannot nor will I ever change this. So, this past week when I discovered a website called"Lookbook," it's easy for me to admit that finishing my homework was more challenging than normal.

The mission of "Lookbook" is to provide a fashion community for the world. On the site, you're able to "hype" your favorite looks of others, as well as share your own. What I find so amazing about this is that you can express your identity and become inspired by others. The outfits that I've found through this site are incredible, and I hope that soon I can share my own.

Scrolling through the site, it's challenging for me to choose my favorite outfit. This is probably because once I finally decide on one, another completely different look calls my attention. However, what I've realized about myself after coming across "Lookbook" is how fabulous I find diversity to be. The fact that I can't determine specifics just within a fashion website demonstrates my appreciation for differences. Fashion is how I like to express myself. Yet, I could never see myself labeling what I perceive my style to be. The reason for this is because if I were to put a label on myself, within the next few minutes I'd go against it.

I hope that if any of you check out "Lookbook," you too will be intrigued by our outstandingly creative and diverse world.

via http://lookbook.nu/behindtheseams