Happy Sunday...on a Monday

So far today has been a total self care Sunday. Barely left the house except to gas up my Jeep and grab some of my favorite clothing items that I saw were on sale at Target. I didn't even go to yoga. Haven't really been committed to it lately and I have been okay with that. I've been working on a mandala. Still one of my favorite self care hobbies. This one even turned out to have a subtle St. Patrick's Day flair....

Published this late as the app has been wonky. Totally not letting me upload pics either.

Oh well. I am still alive and well...or at least keeping my head above water...

Vacation traditions

For the second year in a row we have booked a "glamping" trip in the Virginia Beach area of Virginia.
We are staying at a place called North Landing Beach camping resort in a fully stocked cottage.

It is super budget friendly, clean and fairly new with great amenities.

What we like the most is that while it's not the ocean by any means (I believe they refer to this area as the "back bay") the water is super shallow and calm and perfect for kids.

It's also NOT crowded which is wonderful. Last year we were told this tends to be a local camping spot, that is just starting to become known because of social media.  They also have a pool and a hot tub too and the entire resort area is walkable.

My husband and son enjoy being able to fish and ride their bikes.

I enjoy just sitting on the beach or working on my coloring at our picnic table.

The resort also tries to plan fun activities and events for all ages at no extra cost to keep everyone occupied as well as to facilitate meeting new friends.

It is a bit of a ride for us from the metro NYC area, but we stay 7 nights to ensure a very restful, recharging vacation.

This year, while not staying on site, my family has decided to join us, and are staying in the city of Virginia Beach on the oceanfront. We plan to get together with them at their resort as well.

The only con which is not really a con since we know what to expect now, is the resort is in the middle of no where and about 30-40 minutes on local roads from shopping and restaurants. There is a small country store that is fully stocked however about 5 minutes away. We went here a few times last summer to buy meat or seafood to grill.

If you are looking for a hidden gem to get away to this summer, I highly recommend checking out North Landing Beach.

Happy spring and vacation planning friends :)

Do you have any hidden gem vacation spots to share? I love vacation planning as a form of self-care, even if it's a long way off.

Up early

My stomach started bothering me at 3:50 am so I got up and I never went back to sleep.
Too bad it's only Tuesday but I feel better already and I've been enjoying my morning ritual of sitting quietly in the dark, sipping good french press and catching up on social media.
Thinking about a good group to facilitate with my clients this morning and the idea of rituals and routines seems like a great topic.
Because they can be very therapeutic and are one of the small things in life that are pretty big in the grand scheme of things.
I for one am completely thrown off if I don't have this quiet time alone to ease into my day.
Even if it's much earlier than I expected ;).....

Almost 2 weeks!!

That is the length of time I've been gone from the yoga room and my body unfortunately really feels it.

This month has been so crazy busy that I've chosen to embrace that knowing the yoga will always be there waiting for me.

Today I am going to purchase my annual Christmas gift though--my unlimited yearly--to help myself get back into the game.

The best part is I can get this covered through my work HSA!!

Self care. It is so needed!!

Happy weekending all. We almost made it thru the stressfulness of the holiday season....

Got thru the first hard week

First stressful week of December is in the books.
And it ended up so much better than I could've hoped.
Will keep reminding myself that obstacles are often just those barriers we build up in our mind.
Onwards and upwards!!

Monday

The holiday season kicks off big time at work this week.
I know this makes me sound like a crotchety old social worker but I really hate this time of year.
I wish we could continue to operate business as usual and not make a big huge deal of things.
The holidays often just lead to undue stress and aggravation.
I'm filling up on French Press this morning and still feel there's not enough coffee in the world.
Here's hoping this week fly's by!!

Purple love

Happy Thanksgiving all!!!

Same mandala different colors

Soothing blues, purples, greens

Dunkin' Donuts colors

I always gravitate towards these pops of color. TGIF all!!

Feelin' blue today

Got the idea for these soothing colors from the side of my water bottle in yoga earlier today.

I also think I want to do a print in the colors of the yoga studio--which is like the sun. Orange, yellows and faint reds.

To be continued.

Can't believe the weekend is almost over but it's been a relaxing one :).

Sooth my soul

Created this one in a couple hours this afternoon. Coloring always, always makes me feel better.

Off to yoga soon.

I went last night and it was only 2 of us in class. Took advantage to getting extra attention from the teacher and it was an extremely motivating class.

I am enjoying these tiny classes while I can lately. With the holidays and new year around the corner I know the resolution crowd will be upon us soon at the studio!

Hope you are having a relaxing weekend full of your favorite self-care.

Last two days

Brain break finished product

Used gel crayons for background.
Again not sure how I feel about them but could never use markers to fill up the whole background.

Long hot shower time!!

Sunday funday

I have no immediate plans for today which makes the best kind of weekend day. I am debating taking the day off from yoga even. I went on Friday and Saturday so it wouldn't be the worst thing to take a break. Right now I'm drinking a pot of coffee and enjoying these relaxing magenta and purple shades. Cheers to some relaxation before a crazy work week ahead. Speaking of crazy....I'm actually contemplating giving up my counseling clients in the new year to make more time for self-care. 

Love these colors

A mandala a day keeps the doctor away?
And back to yoga tonight after a FOUR day break from the hot room.
Happy weekending friends!

Some of this weeks mandalas

Finished 20!

I was able to stay and get through the two classes yesterday.

I definitely feel like a yoga rockstar.

And I'm definitely taking tonight off from yoga lol.

The biggest thoughts I take from this experience is how much yoga can impact my life and those around me.  

I also have found that EVERYONE has something to say about yoga....sometimes good and sometimes not so good.

This too has been a struggle as of late.

In any event, I am looking forward to keeping a consistent practice now of at least 3 days per week.

Double down, double to go

18 classes down!! I stayed for a double last night and it was great. While I hate morning yoga tremendously, it's my goal to finish up the challenge this morning. Even if that means laying out on my mat--that is still yoga.
I am really dragging this morning. Really.
Also if I can get thru just one class, I will still have Monday and Tuesday to finish up. Wish me luck that I can overcome the negative self-talk today....

All the yoga feels

I pushed myself to go to the 8pm last night and had a great class 16.

I felt exhausted before the session even began but somehow all the strength I needed was there to do every pose to the best of my ability.

I remember in a recent class the instructor saying that if you come consistently, it's easier to recover and go into each pose. Your body also is not as affected by the environmental elements either.

In any event I'm super proud of making it this far, and finding a new routine to keep me happy and healthy during the fall and winter months ahead.

I feel strong this weekend and hope to finish the full 20.

15 classes down

And I'm exhausted so I took tonight off.
Back to the mat tomorrow though!!