Poses for Paws Retreat

So here are some Instagram shots from my first week in Mexico (28 Before 28, woo woo!).

I'm here for Kathryn Budig's Poses for Paws Yoga Retreat, an amazing opportunity for me to center myself, work on my practice, and help save animals at the same time. If you're not familiar with the program, Poses for Paws donates money to organizations that help animals.

This year, the funds go to the Beagle Freedom Project, which helps rescue beagles after they've been used for animal experimentation (another reminder to choose cruelty free products, my friends).

As Thanksgiving approaches, it's a great time of year to reflect on what you're thankful for, and maybe find some time to give back to the community, whether it's for animals, the environment, or people in need.

♥ Shannon

Happy Monday: A Bit of My Morning

Hello loves! It's day one of my tropical yoga retreat with Kathryn Budig (um, hello, have you seen her sensational Toe Sox ad??), and it's divine. I just wanted to give you a little peek at what my morning looked like:

I've got another fun outfit post coming up this week, and tomorrow I want to see what YOU are doing! Link up your fall crafts and I'll post my favorites here on Little Luck Tree.

I'm feelin' a lot of love and gratitude right now, and you know what? That extends to you.

That's right, I love you. Yeah, you.

♥ Shannon

Yoga in the Park

Matt and I went for a walk today and we came upon a lovely avenue with cherry blossom coverage, and I felt the need to do some yoga.

I like having pictures of myself as I learn challenging poses so I can actually see my alignment and what I need to work on (flexibility in the lower back, melting the heart forward to bring my shoulders over my wrists, rooting down through my feet to help straighten the legs more).

I'm learning that backbends encourage playfulness and foster courage; with that in mind, I felt a little more light-hearted and empowered as we went about our day.

Just thought I'd give you a peek at my process!

♥ Shannon

Tutorial Tuesday

Today I made myself a lavender eye pillow and I thought I'd show you how to make one, too! They are quite simple, and a perfect use of fabric scraps!

Things you'll need: rice or flaxseed, herbs (optional--I used lavender), rule, scissors, sewing pins, needle and thread, sewing machine (optional, but ideal), fabric scraps: one for lining (muslin or cotton) and one for the outer pillow (something soft--I used a soft satin blend).

Step 1: Cut a 9 x 6 inch rectangle out of the lining.

Step 2: Fold in half lengthwise and pin edges together, leaving one short end unpinned.

Step 3: Sew the edges together (I used a zig zag stitch). Turn inside out.

Step 4: Measure about 2/3 cup rice. Add herbs to preference and mix.

Step 5: Fill inner pillow about 3/4 full (I made a makeshift funnel out of a scrap piece of paper). You want to leave a little bit of space in the pillow for flexibility. Sew the open edge shut.

Step 6: Cut a 10 x 7 inch rectangle out of the satin. Fold in half lengthwise with right sides in. Pin two edges and sew. Turn right side out. Iron smooth and flat.

Step 7: Slide inner pillow into satin case. 

Step 8: Fold rough edges in and iron. Use a slip stitch to close the hole.

Step 9: You're done! Enjoy.

♥ Shannon

Sunday Lovely

I just spent my first weekend in Yoga Teacher Training and I just feel so...content. I felt deeply grateful for such an honest experience, full of learning and willingness to learn. I can think of no better way to begin 2011. Here are a few lovely images that inspire me greatly:

First, these images of Kathryn Budig blow my mind. Any day I feel sluggish on the mat, I think of her. (Plus I have some pink toesox and I love 'em!)

Jasper Johal is a fantastic photographer, these poses are so dynamic, and the yoga clothes are so cheerful! A resounding yes, I cry!

I thought these origami lotus flowers were precious even before I realized they were made by Jessica at How About Orange! 

I just think of a warming essential oil like cinnamon and holding hot stones during savasana. Oh, yes.

When yoga meets modern photography. I love it. (Photo by Michael O'Neill)

Christy Turlington again. I find this photograph stunning. I tell myself that is how I would look during lotus. If I could do lotus...

♥ Shannon