November

I can not believe how quickly the time has been going by lately.
Here we go, November!

Happy Halloween!

 

Wishing everyone a happy, safe, fun Halloween!

Definitely looking forward to seeing the crazy and creative costumes tonight. 

On another note, is it ever to early to have chocolate? 

I'm thinking "no"... at least for today.

Those 'Take-5' bars are my weakness right now.

xo Belle

OMg

"Ommmmm." silence. "Ommmmm." silence. "Ommmmm."
That last one's hum vibrated through the room.
It was hot. We were sardines in the square room. Mat, 4 inches, mat, 4 inches..."...."....wall.
We were just a few minutes in. I was already struggling.

I was at hot yoga with Cait and Mom.
It wasn't my first hot-class and by no means was it my first yoga session.
But, nonetheless, I was struggling.
For whatever reason, I just can not get into it. No matter how hard I try.
Is it a mind over matter thing that I just can't get past? -unable to stop my mind from wandering; unable to focus on my breath as I should be doing?

I've been to many many classes- some have definitely been better than others, but 90% of the time, I find myself more frustrated than peaceful, and more uncomfortable than relaxed. 

Om.

My mantra is often more along the lines of:
"Ommmmmggggg." "Ommmmmggggg." "Ommmmmggggg."

My thoughts, when actually thinking about yoga/what's going on at present (as opposed to wandering off) are often:

"Downward dog again? Seriously? Again? Can I just kill my shoulders now?"

"Headstand? Pshhh, yeah. I'll be right here in child's pose."

"Ugh, why did I put my mat next to this guy. Deodorant is necessary, people!"

"How many people have used this _____________ (block/mat/blanket/etc)?"

"Who the hell thought garlic was a good idea last night?"

"I don't think my hair can get any more frizzy."

"How has it only been 20 minutes?"

"You want me to do what? Is that physically possible?

"Warrior 1, Warrior 2, War -e- errrrr, how bout no more"

"Owww."

I could go on and on...

Seriously, though, what the heck!?
Sometimes I wonder why I even bother going. But then again, I guess that those thoughts make an even stronger case on why I should be going. Being in the present more; challenging myself physically and mentally; focusing my thoughts - these apparently are all things I need to work on.

So I will continue to go. And struggle. And hate on all things downward dog-ish.
And hopefully I'll improve. And start to enjoy it. And think a little less and relax a little more.
The major goal? - dropping that "g" in my om mantra.*

And having my experience go more like this:

As opposed to this:

Have you done yoga? - What are your thoughts?

xo Belle

*Slight confession: I never actually chant the "om." Maybe that's part of my problem!

Attitude - Monday's Motivation

My Monday Motivation.

xo Belle

Head of the Charles

Yesterday was the first day of the 'Head of the Charles Regatta.' Since 1964, every year come October, the rowing race is held on Boston's Charles River. It's the largest two-day boat race in the world- with over 9,000 rowers, about 1,900 boats and over 300,000 spectators partaking in the weekend's sport and festivities.

With a good view, merchandise and food tents, and good company around, it's a great way to enjoy the last of the crisp fall weather outside. Mom and I thought so at least!

 

Our hot drinks helped with the brisk weather.
Although you'd think there would be plenty of body heat with crowds like these:

We watched on the banks as the boats rowed by, along with a car?

And then headed over to one of the bridges for a better view.

Although it wasn't the sunniest of days, it was still a great spot with nice scenery all around.

Now I have to admit, as much as I wish I could say I knew what team was in the lead, who won each event, who was penalized etc. I actually have no idea. With the race spanning 3 miles of the river and events lasting quite a while; I'm always curious how anyone (including the judges!) can keep it all straight.

After a couple hours on the river, we headed over to Harvard Square for a drink and a little shopping escapade.

What were you up to this weekend?

xo Belle

Forever Friends and Mr. Humphries

Went out to dinner and drinks last night with some of my favorite people: Cait, Becca, and Meg.
It had been FOREVER since we all were together and it was so much fun catch-up with each other.

I love having friends who although you may not see for a while, you always pick up right where you left off - as if no time has passed. I call them "forever friends" - the ones you've known for so long, know so well, and know that no matter what you'll stay in touch.

We went to NEBO for carbs and wine. Too busy chatting and filling one another in on what we were up to, I sadly don't have any pictures. But from the various salads, pastas and pizzas we had, my favorite/recommendation would be the Prosciutto E Fichi pizza: prosciutto di parma, fig jam, gorgonzola and mozzarella cheeses.

It was super crowded and definitely the spot to be that night. As we finished up with our meal, we couldn't help but notice the extremely tall guy towering over everyone else in the busy restaurant. With a quick glance at his profile, we knew exactly who it was. No need to have the big "K" on his hat for a clue. It was Mr. Ex-Kardashian Humphries.

And apparently he wanted our table.

So much so that the hostess came over and made a deal with the four of us. We give Kris our table and he'll take a picture with us.
Slightly amused, and finished with our meal anyways, we agreed.
So here is my one picture from the night:

It was such a fun night and our little "celebrity" moment just added to it.
Forever friends + food & drink + serendipitous moments = Friday night done right.

What were you up to last night?
xo Belle

How Do You Operate?

Ever wondered why you operate they way you do? Are your more logical and rational? More creative and curious? Perhaps a little bit of both?
I took this quick little quiz I stumbled across. Who knows if its at all correct or accurate, but it was fun nonetheless.

So which are you... right? left? equal?

xo Belle