The past weekend offered some MUCH-NEEDED relaxation. Highlights included…

* Teaching 3 yoga classes to my fabulous PALS ladies

* Running through my newly discovered neighborhood park (I basically just ogle all the cute puppies)

* FroYo date/stroll in the sunshine with one of my best girlfriends

* Indulging in a magenta manicure

* Stella & Dot trunk show where I snagged a few sparkly spring statement necklaces (wine + amazing jewelry + me post break up = serious damage!)

* Quality time with my roomies

* Restorative yoga class at Tranquil Space

* Reading, blogging, catching up on my favorite CW shows and playing on Pinterest all Sunday afternoon from the comfort of my bed 🙂

Hope your weekend was lovely and your Monday is off to an excellent start!
xoxo

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”
― Marilyn Monroe

Have a fabulous week!
xx

This blog has been a bit quiet lately because, to be terribly honest, I’ve been less than my sparkly self. Due to a heart-wrenching break-up, the past three weeks have been some of the most painful, lost, guilt-ridden and confused I’ve felt in a long time (if ever). I’ve been forced to draw on all of my coping mechanisms: self-help books (I’m now the proud owner of “Better Single Than Sorry”, don’t judge), yoga, journaling, loooong talks with girlfriends, (many) Sex and The City re-runs, bubble baths (and a few less than healthy things I won’t mention here). As much as I’ve resisted, I am starting to see a few positive changes coming out of what I’ve deemed “Awful April”:

1. I’ve never felt closer to my girlfriends, mom and sister. In times of crisis, we have no choice but to open up and rely on people in ways we don’t normally. Interestingly, it seems to be through that totally uncomfortable vulnerability that real closeness and intimacy are achieved. Also, friends give wise & funny advice. For example, the following exerpt from a recent discussion about weekend plans:
Me: “I’m not doing bars these days”
Friend: “That’s definitely for the best. Nothing good ever comes from upset girl at a bar.”
TRUTH.

2. I’ve begun feathering the nest, totally de-cluttering my bedroom and closet and investing in a new mattress (If your going to be up all night crying, you better damn well do it somewhere comfy!)

3. I’ve been more creative and I can’t stop journaling. The (mostly dark) thoughts just keep pouring out of me and and are gradually becoming more positive.

4. I’ve been more active, doing heaps of yoga and running..it’s an awesome release and the endorphins aren’t so bad either.

For any readers who are also going through a scary/painful life transition, I’ve found the following quotes to be helpful:

“Life is divine chaos. Embrace it, forgive yourself, breathe and enjoy the ride.”

“Life can only be understood backwards but it must be lived forwards”

“When we are shaken out of our everyday experiences by intense emotions, we have an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to spiritual practice, and to come to terms with our lives, our relationships, and our experience of the world.”

Sending lots of love to all of you.
xoxo
Rebecca

Photo: Pinterest.com

“Yoga is about making friends with life and with yourself. There is no lifestyle, no occupation, no situation that cannot be greatly enhanced by yoga. Yoga is not something that should be set apart from one’s life. Rather it should become the taproot from which the other aspects of your life are nourished and regenerated.”
~ Godfrey Devereaux

“There are so many needs in the world that if I were simply dedicated to general service, I would sleeplessly endlessly be engaged in nonstop activity. My service to others is connected to my highest skill set. When I do what I do best for another, that service sings, and it assists the one served in being their best. It is a well-aimed action that precisely hits its mark.”
-Mary Anne Radmacher

I encourage you all to ponder what your unique strengths and talents are. How you can use them to make a difference in the world or engage in service that “sings”?

Just spend a lovely and rejuvenating weekend in Cape Cod with high school girlfriends. The much needed girl-time included…

Hiking to a private beach (we were very bundled!)

Photographing pretty views (I <3 sand dunes!)

Sipping tea by a cozy fireplace

Cooking and eaitng delicious cashew encrusted swordfish w/ mango salsa, rice, and mixed greens. I resolve to start venturing out of my culinary comfort zone more often!

Cupcakes, Champagne and good old Kings in celebration of my friend Nicole’s birthday 🙂

And finally, teaching a yoga class in a beautiful sun-drenched room this morning(unfortunately no photos).

Wishing everyone a wonderful week!

Here are few of the looks I’m loving so far…

Michael Kors

Tory Burch

Naeem Khan

J. Mendel

Photos courtesy of style.com

Happy Valentines Day lovelies! I invite you to peruse my romance-themed Pinterest Board entitled “L’amour”.

Just retuned home from a great weekend in Orlando repping my company Blue Water Media’s new franchise management software, Waterfall FMS, at the annual International Franchising Association Conference. Great sales experience, lot’s of fun, and epic people watching! Here are some snapshots…

Poolside at the hotel

Meeting SHAQ!

Team dinner at a Japanese restaurant (basically Crack for my inner Pyro…)

Photo opp with GW look-alike…I couldn’t resist

Party sponsored by my company at Cuba Libre. Passionfruit Mojitos=Delish!

Recently took part in an amazing 10-day trip to Israel through Birthright. In addition to eating enough falafel and Rugalah to last a lifetime, trip highlights included…

* Hiking to the top of Masada in time to watch the sunrise, and then teaching a yoga class at the top!

* Floating in the Dead Sea…

* And then getting covered head to toe in mud!

* Lots of quality time with my baby sister ☺

* Sipping freshly squeezed fruit juice…so yummy!

* Riding a (blonde!) camel through the Negev Desert (Linds and I named her Lady)

* Wandering through the charming cobblestone streets of Svat, where the roots of Kabala and Jewish mysticism can be found

* Celebrating Shabbat!

* Savoring all the colorful produce and spices in Jerusalem’s food markets

Taking part in a community service activity with adorable Israeli schoolchildren

* Making a wonderful new group of friends, most of whom live in the DC area!

I think the biggest highlight of the trip, however, is deeper connection I now feel to my Jewish identity (yes, I drank the Koolaid!). But in all seriousness, learning about Israeli history and politics, visiting important historical sites, getting to know Israeli soldiers on a personal level, and spending time with 38 Jewish peers created a rich, wonderful and multilayered experience for which I’m extremely grateful.