how to fall for fall

i've been loving the cooler weather that's greeted me a few mornings this past week.  with a subtle chill in the air, i'm totally feeling fall.  fall is my favorite season - made all the sweeter this year by our upcoming wedding in just TWO months!

so, with fall weather on the brain, here's a little "recipe" i cooked up to get you falling for fall, too.

drink this - something warm.  i personally love spicy, fallish brews like orange spice or chai tea.  add a teaspoon of sugar and a touch of cream (if you're doing chai).  remember: citrus-based teas can curdle milk - it doesn't taste bad but looks kinda gross.

eat this - apples.  no other fruit says fall quite like a crisp apple.  i can't wait until the orchards open for apple-picking.  craig and i got a little over-zealous a few falls ago and were eating apple-everything for weeks!

do this - go for a walk.  one of my favorite things to do when the weather gets a bit cooler is to pull on a comfy sweater and go for a walk with craig and olive.  (with the risk of sounding like a creeper, i especially like going for walks in the early evening when it's getting dark, because you can peek into the lovely glow that emanates from the houses.)

me sporting my t-shirt necklace

wear this - scarves.  i'm a sucker for a good scarf, pashmina or t-shirt necklace (learn how to make your very own t-shirt necklace in just 15 minutes {here}).  i <3 anything that makes me feel warm and cozy.  plus, they are a super simple way to jazz up your outfit - and considering my go-to is often yoga pants, a fun accessory can be the perfect thing to complete it!

well, mavens...whether you adore fall or are dreading the end of warm weather, i hope this little list has you (at least a little bit) excited and looking forward to fallish fun!

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growing into myself

hello, mavens!  i hope you're all enjoying this lovely tuesday so far.  i wanted to share an ego-boosting experience of late : )

yesterday, at the end of advanced vinyasa yoga, the teacher was discussing her upcoming teacher training that will be starting this september.  now, any of you who frequent lifestyle maven know that i am a yoga-phanatic.  and, yes, i have flirted with the idea of pursuing my teaching certification.  but, i was completely flattered (and surprised) when the teacher singled me out at the end of class and said "cailen, you should think about this" as she handed me a brochure about her teacher training.  umm, wow.  me?  i try not to allow my ego to get the best of me, but i adore yoga so much that this compliment lifted me up to cloud 9.

credit {here}

so...i am really considering starting the training this fall.  it's a commitment - 15 weekends (friday 5-9, saturday 12-6, sunday 12-6) from september 2011 through may of 2012.  but, i definitely think it would be worth it...

isn't it funny how our lives twist and turn and eventually lead us deeper into who we are truly meant to be?  i encourage all of you not to deny your true passions...and listen to what your world is telling you (even if it's not in words).

cheers!

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rainy day to-dos

don't know how the weather is where you are, but today is gray and rainy here in the northeast.  unlike many, i've always been a fan of rainy days.  there's something about the gray skies that makes everything feel cozier : )

in case you're under cloud cover too, i've pulled together some rainy day essentials to keep you smiling no matter what the weather's doing.

drink this: nothing is homier than hot tea on a gray day.  my personal favorite is chai.  i love the spiciness of it.  i let my tea steep for a few minutes, then add 1 tsp of sugar in the raw & 1 tbsp half & half.  (much tastier...and healthier...than starbucks' super sugary chai tea latte)

watch this: your favorite movie from when you were younger.  on my list would be father of the bride (with steve martin), only you or an alfred hitchcock flick

eat this: comfort food!  rainy days call for some old-fashioned staples.  like chicken soup, mac & cheese or some kind of yummy baked good.

do this: give yourself a break and indulge a bit.  read a book, take a bath or listen to some soft music.  rainy days are a great time to embrace the quiet and slow down.

rain, rain (don't) go away : ).

recipe for getting grounded

with the stressed-out craziness that tends to dominate our lives, sometimes we have to remind ourselves to get grounded.  stay present.  and take care of ourselves.  here are a few simple ways to embrace the here and now and slow down.

eat this: summer is a great time to enjoy fresh, local foods.  whole foods, like fruits and veggies, are filled with nutrients and antioxidants that leave us feeling healthy and refreshed.  my favorite seasonal treat lately?  cherries!

credit {here}

do this: take time for yourself.  my favorite "grounding" activity is yoga.  with all the breath work and concentrated focus on the poses, it keeps your mind present.  every time i leave class, i feel mentally (and physically) lighter.

wear this: give yourself a break from the high heels and skirts.  barefoot it and pull on a pair of comfy yoga pants or your favorite t-shirt.  we don't always have to be glamazons.

credit {here}

drink this: water (or sparkling water) with fresh fruit.  after all the summer bbqs, vacations and cocktails with the girls, we definitely need a bit of a detox.  h2o keeps you hydrated and revitalizes your skin & organs...but, it can get a little monotonous drinking 64oz a day...  so, infuse it with flavor.  squeeze an orange wedge into your glass, add some mint and cucumber slices or a bit of fresh ginger.  water is boring no more : )

what do you do to get grounded?

interested in "cutting the crap" on your plate, in your head and in your life?  read about the maven movement here..