Yoga on the Brain

One resolution I made this year was to practice yoga regularly. There is no question that it does a body and mind good-- see this interesting article about the positive neurological and psychological effects yoga has on one's body. I'm convinced. I always feel recharged and relaxed after a practice. My challenge is to keep motivated in my sleep-deprived mommy state.

This post is for me to put my resolution in writing and be held to it. Pittsburgh is a very yoga-friendly city with studios and activities all over:

We have a shiny new lululemon store that besides the amazing yoga wear, also offers free community yoga on most Sunday mornings.

There is a yoga expo this weekend, with demonstrations and classes.

Amazing Yoga is offering a $25 for 2 weeks unlimited special to new students and lapsed students who haven't been in a year.

Schoolhouse Yoga offers Mommy & Me, as does Yoga Matrika (where I enjoyed partaking in prenatal yoga regularly.)

As the saying goes, if it's a priority, you'll find a way. If it's not, you'll find an excuse. Here we go. Anyone care to join?

Top image and another article about yoga's benefits found here.

Saks and the City Finale

A very sad day is approaching us in Pittsburgh: after 60 years, Saks' downtown store is closing its doors on March 17th. I've ventured downtown a few times since the announcement and the atmosphere is noticeably melancholy: stylish shoppers are mourning the loss of a contemporary and luxury goods retailer and salespeople are mourning the loss of working in one.

While I sort of took it personally that Pittsburgh couldn't stay hip enough to support Saks, apparently Saks has closed many stores around the country including fashion-forward Southampton and Portland. So maybe it's more the sign of our economic times.

I stopped by earlier today and found the store to be buzzing with patrons navigating the racks. Run, do not walk, to Saks to score some good deals. All the sale items are up to an additional 60% off; and all full-price items are 10% off with a final sale.

Naturally, I did not leave empty handed. I found another pair of my favorite pants: camel J Brand pencil leg in luxe twill. Available in a variety of hues, most of them are on the sale side of the store. If you do not own a pair, I highly recommend them. I already have them in navy blue and dark red, dress them up and down, and wear them in my rotation constantly. And if you need further endorsement, Princess Kate has been seen frequently wearing the similar skinny leg version.

Luck of the Dragon

Happy 4710! Today began the 2 week celebration of the Chinese New Year and the year of the Dragon. Apparently, the only mythical creature of the zodiac signifies luck, happiness and prosperity, and to have a baby born in this year is much desired. If procreating isn't on your to-dos this year, apparently it is also encouraged to use energy of this vibrant sign to accomplish a significant goal. Something to ponder. Here is a yearly prediction horoscope for your sign's meaning. Mine is eerily applicable...

This pretty dragon print above is from The Pink Pagoda, which also has a cute blue print I'm contemplating for my dining room.

Ad Creative

Sometime last year I posted about Holstee's manifesto poster. This lifestyle company has a pretty inspiring message and now its been created into a short video and nominated for a TED award. Friends of friends are behind the creative, and I'm happy to share this ad worth spreading. Take a look and vote!