As an avid morning exerciser, once lunchtime rolled around today, I figured my chances of actually making it to the gym were slim to none.
Turns out I was right. I didn’t make it to the gym, but I did make it to a local yoga studio this evening for some much-needed stretching!
When a yoga craving hits me, it hits me hard. I start to feel antsy. My body starts yearning for a deep stretch. I needed yoga in my life today!
I was also anxious to try out my previously way-too-slippery mat again now that I wiped it down with tea tree oil and purchased a yoga towel to use on top of it during my practice.
I bought a Manduka eQua Plus Towel after reading all of your suggestions and receiving multiple texts and emails from my friend Leah telling me what a difference the use of a yoga towel made for her. (Most of you recommended Yogitoes towels, but since I’m not very regular in my yoga practice, I opted to save money and bought the Manduka towel for half off when it popped up on sale through RueLaLa back in June.)
So what did I think of the towel?
The towel made a huge difference!
I didn’t slip at all and felt very secure transitioning through all of the poses. I’d like to try my mat without the towel since I used the tea tree oil on it to see whether or not that made a difference as well, but I am definitely singing the praises of my new towel.
During today’s yoga class, the instructor asked if we had any areas we’d like to focus on and I was happy when she seemed enthusiastic about working on our hips. She said that the hips are the “junk drawer” of the body for many people where tension goes to hang out. They are definitely the junk drawer for this girl and I loved chilling in the pigeon pose at the end of the class. It felt amazing.
Dinner
When I arrived home, I wasn’t very hungry, but once I started assembling a plate of food my appetite returned without fail. I can always count on that little guy to pop up when tasty food is around.
Earlier today I prepped some chicken using my go-to crock pot method and by the time dinner rolled around, all I had to do was shred the chicken breasts, add some barbeque sauce and dig in.
I ate the chicken with a side of roasted broccoli and carrots that I tossed in olive oil and garlic salt.
For dessert, Ryan and I shared the most delectable bread pudding that he brought home from Betty Cakes, a local bakery that apparently believes in absolutely packing their bread pudding with pecans.
I was in heaven!
Now it is time to curl up in bed with my book. Goodnight!
Ellie@Fit for the Soul says
ahhh I’m definitely not a fan of slipping on yoga mats! Especially because I sweat so much and I can’t hold my poses. And that bread looks so good! Too much pecan=a good thing 😉
Jenny says
I need a towel like this so badly. My downward dog always turns into some sort of flimsy lizard looking thing. thanks for the tip!
Kristi says
Ahh, I am from Ocala and I love Betty Cakes! Every time I go back home to visit, Betty Cakes is a MUST!!,
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Wow! That bread pudding looks incredible. I’m sure the pecans were the highlight!
Amy says
that dessert looks amazing!!!
MegS says
All I can say is……………….
bread pudding with pecans!! 😛
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Is it weird that I’ve never had bread pudding before? Looking at that picture it might have to happen. 🙂
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
wow…that looks so good! seriously, get this girl some bread pudding! 😉
And I did a hip opening flow last night and it hurt but in the best way possible. It’s definitely the “junk drawer” and that’s not the first time I’ve heard that!
Rachel says
I need to start doing more yoga.. I love it when I do but just always get in the cardio zone lol
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says
That bread pudding looks amazing!!!! Haha I was going to say something about yoga but can’t even remember after getting distracted by your dessert!
TJ says
I hear all about Ruelala but I never have any luck finding deals or anything neat/cute.
Kathleen Alfano says
That bread pudding looks amazing!!!
I nominated you for a blog award!!!!! Head over to my blog to check it out! 🙂
I really enjoy reading your blog! Thanks for sharing your workout routines & healthy recipes!
-Kathleen
Kelly says
Bread pudding….YES!
Carolina @ Peas in a Blog says
The yoga towel makes a HUGE difference! I’m a sweater so by the end of yoga practice my mat used to be a slippery mess. After getting a couple of yoga towels (I go several times a week) I’m a convert, love them to pieces!
Brittany says
Pigeon Pose is by far my favourit! I could probably live in that pose. Also I couldn’t agree more with you about yoga towels in hot classes, without one I am sure I would have broken something by now, my mat turns into a slip and slide.
Jen says
Ive never had bread pudding but if they all look as good as that then I might have to give it a whirl! Speaking of desserts, have you ever posted your mom’s Oreo Cake recipe? I showed it to a friend and we are dying to try it!
Meredith says
I love bread pudding! I feel like a blew my diet just looking at those photos, though.. *Drool*
Julie @ Better Life with Burgers says
It’s so good to hear that the towel works! I haven’t purchased one because I wasn’t sure. And I LOVE nuts in any dessert, so that bread pudding looks awesome!
Lily @ Candied-Life says
Oh my gosh! Betty Cakes!! My best friend that goes to UF swears by her delicious baked goods. I was lucky enough to sample a slice (or three) of chocolate cake on her 21st birthday. Ridiculously moist, and apparently no one knows the recipe but Betty herself. That bread pudding looks seriously good..
Erica @ Love the Leap says
Definitely with you on craving a yoga session– I was in the same boat last night! It felt amazing to get a good, relaxing stretch in.
hello says
lolololololololololololololo
hello says
cool man
Carol @ Lucky Zucca says
Oh geeze now I really want some bread pudding. Can I have that instead of lunch?
Whitney says
I love that your instructor called hips the junk drawer – my hips are definitely in need a lot of attention. My instructor has been focusing on a lot of poses for IT Band which I’m grateful for!
Felicia @ LakeHouseEffect says
I totally need a yoga towel! I’m always slippin and slidin around!
Bek @ Crave says
ahh that cake looks good!
Lauren Shepherd says
Hey! how did you make the roasted veggies?
in the oven? and what temp?