Spring Scents

Spring is finally here and I've been shopping around for spring candles. This season I'm in the mood for soft fruity, herbal scents. Nothing too overpowering. Below are some I've bought so far (they are so good you'll want to eat them!).

Honey Almond Soy Candle by Cottage Garden Therapies, $11.50

Pacifica's Tahitian Gardenia, $22.

 Pacifica's Brazilian Mango Grapefruit, $22. Smells like a yummy smoothie!

L'Occitane's Lavender from Provence Candle, $23

Bringin It Back Brady Style

Have a great weekend everyone :)

Acck, I'm Late!

My girl @ Beauty & a Budget tagged me in January to post an old photo and explain what it means to me...and I completely forgot to! It's now April. Don't hate me!!

Here's my photo and description:
My brother and I are 7 years apart but still manage to stay close. Here he is taking care of his little sister, as always :)

Shopping For A Cause

In the mood to give back a little? The Somali Mam Foundation is launching a line of products made by sex slave survivors. All proceeds will go to the foundation.

Press Release
The product launch will feature the Somaly Mam empowerment scarves and pendants. Both carry the heart and hand symbol designed by Somaly Mam. This iconic design serves as a reminder that the world will only be changed when we bring together hearts and hands, merging compassion with action.
“This is a milestone event for the survivors of modern day slavery. It embodies Somaly Mam’s personal strength and commitment to eradicating human trafficking and helping its victims rebuild their lives. Survivors are taking their futures into their own hands by raising their voices and creating products that share their message of empowerment and freedom with the world,” says Bill Livermore, Executive Director of the Somaly Mam Foundation. 

1+1+1= Dijon Balsamic Dressing

Balsamic Vinegar  +

Extra Virgin Olive Oil  +

Pepper  =

Dijon Balsamic Dressing
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt


Whisk all ingredients together and pour over a lovely green salad. This keeps me going until dinner.

Get Your Free Magazines Here!

It's Earth Day month and in honor of this lovely holiday, Yoga Journal & Vegetarian Times are once again offering their magazines FREE in digital form. You can get the current issue for free, instantly on your browser or iPhone.  


Click here for YJ

 Click here for VT

7 Days of FREE Yoga

If you live in NY or CA you are in luck this week. YogaWorks yoga studios are promoting a Free 7 day trial membership. They are offering unlimited yoga classes for new members only- but it expires tomorrow.

Click here to sign up!

Get Out & About

The weather is starting to warm up and the bunnies are peeking out of their rabbit holes, Spring is here :) Since I was holed up in my apartment the entire winter the 50 degree weather feels like an old friend. Jason and I have been running around this past week, trying to find a new apartment and get a jump start on Spring cleaning. But to be honest, the last thing I want to do is stay inside and clean. So, I decided to make a list of fun, healthy activities I'm gong to start Monday AM.

Before I can bust out my favorite pair of flip-flops, I am in serious need of a spa mani/pedi. I won't be seen in public with nasty toes or flaky skin. If you live in NYC, check out the following places:
Spa Butterfly on 44th between Lex and 3rd ave
New York Nails on 55th between 6th and 7th

For lunch I'm off to a healthy eatery, such as:
Candle Cafe on 75th and 3rd
Press 195 on Bell Blvd in Bayside, Queens

Since I don't want to be inside, I'm going to avoid the gym and get my exercise in elsewhere.
Yoga outdoors. Just head out to your backyard or local park with your mat and get your vinyasa on!

Dinner al fresco.
There are too many to name, but my neighborhood has several restaurants with outdoor seating.

1+1+1= SPRING

Peeps  +

Outdoor Parties  +

Weddings  =

= SPRING!

Behind All of The Makeup

Recently I got a chance to watch The Eyes of Tammy Faye, a documentary about her life through the 'eyes' of Tammy Faye Bakker. I don't know if any of you got a chance to see her son's documentary that used to air on the Sundance Channel, One Punk Under God, but it was a great little series. It followed his life and you got to see Tammy Faye during her last years. Both give you a great insight into their past and see how the downfall of Jim Bakker affected their way of thinking and their take on religion.

What struck me most about the Bakker scandal was that after all was said and done, their religious community wouldn't take them back, wouldn't forgive them. They were ostracized by their community and eventually Jim was sentenced to jail. Tammy Faye and their kids were left to deal with the media and the fact that they were alone in this. Mind you, I don't approve or think that what the Bakkers did was right, fair, or just, BUT I do believe in forgiveness. I am often heard saying "I forgive, but I might not forget". Which can be considered one of my faults, but I truly am a big believer in forgiveness. Forgiveness unto oneself and forgiveness to others. And at the end of the day it makes me feel good.
 
Tammy Faye had a long fight with cancer and lost out in 2007. Behind all of the makeup, I think she had a very forgiving, open, and genuine spirit.