om monday: yoga pants

hello mavens!  i hope you all had a terrific weekend and are enjoying the 1st day of august.  (can you believe it's august already?!)  as i mentioned in friday's post about blogging your way to the front row, i'm loving the new ideas the book has regarding building your blog/brand.  that said, i'm going to make a subtle change to lifestyle maven.  every week, i'll have recurring post themes:

om monday - covering yoga and healthy living inspiration
foodie wednesday - recipe or similar food-related post
happy hour friday - cocktail recipes & weekend fun

tuesday & thursday will remain open for posts on a whim.  so, without further ado, om monday commences : )

as you know, i <3 yoga and practice several times a week.  (i actually just got back from vinyasa yoga class as i write this.)  this love affair did not bloom overnight, but has taken time to develop and grow.  but, no matter how seasoned you are, novice or full-out yogi, there is one must.  yoga pants.  (they will instantly make you feel more zen.)

with all the inverted poses one finds oneself in during a typical class, it's much more comfortable to wear fitted yoga pants rather than shorts or looser fitting pants.  even if you're just beginning your yoga practice, i highly recommend investing in a pair (or two).  they're inexpensive, and you'll feel much more comfortable in class.  and, even if you never attend another yoga class again in your life, i guarantee you'll get good use out of them.  i often find myself sporting mine on days when class is not on the schedule...

so, where to buy them?  the latest pairs i purchased were from victoria's secret.  they often have sales or deals if you buy more than one pair.  plus, they have lots of cute colors and patterns, so you can select which ones best reflect your yoga style : )  you can also find (more serious) options at gaiam as well as a lot of other yoga products - like mats, blocks, etc.  and, of course, you can usually locate yoga-style pants at kohl's, target and marshalls.  (so now you have no excuse not to get yourself some asap!)

namaste.

do you <3 yoga (pants) too?

blogging book

blogging book

attention all blogging mavens!  i just got blogging your way to the front row by yuli ziv in the mail on wednesday.  i started reading it yesterday, and i could not put it down.  yuli is the blogger behind www.MyItThings.com and also the owner/founder of www.StyleCoalition.com.  she is an extremely successful blogtrepreneur (that's blogger + entrepreneur) and in her book, she shares her experiences as well as real, actionable tips to build your blog.

if you're a serious blogger...or want to become one.  this book is a must read.  she discusses branding, image, networking, content and much, much more.

me & my book : )

since her industry is fashion, she does highlight fashion blogging a bit, but (as you know) i am not a fashion blogger, but still found her advice helpful, inspiring and motivating.  in addition to advice, she also provides an "action plan" to solidify your goals and brand image.  all the exercises i've completed so far have been eye-opening and left me feeling much more focused about my blogging goals.

note-taking

so, if you're interested in building your brand/blog and online presence, i highly recommend giving this book a chance.

change is a-brewin'

like the new header?!  designed it myself : )

since the start of the new year, i’ve been dreaming up (and getting ready to put into action) some exciting changes for my blog (and my life).  but before we delve into those…full disclosure – my ultimate goal is to make a full time living from my blog.  i love, more than anything, to share my lifestyle ideas and recommendations, and i’ve finally come to realize (or maybe, finally come to accept) it’s my true calling.  it keeps me up at night thinking.  makes my stomach leap with excitement.  has me jotting notes and ideas down non-stop.  and energizes me in a way that few other things can.  lucky for me, i’ve already begun to build the foundation, and thanks to you, my mini mavens, i’ve received invaluable support and feedback.

picture credit {here}

so, what catalyst has me so gung-ho to pursue my dreams and live my passion? i read a fantastic book in early january called crush it! by gary vaynerchuk.  it’s all about building your brand with social media, and it got my wheels turning…full force.  i started thinking about all the potential ways to grow my blog and expand my brand, and i’m psyched.  for the first time in my life, i feel totally on track, inspired, focused and ready.  like everything’s been leading up to this point.  i’ve been on a precipice, waiting for my parachute, and i’m finally ready to jump.  i realize now, i don’t need a parachute…i’ll grow wings instead.

picture credit {here}

with growth comes change.  good change.  fun change.  and necessary change.  starting february 1st, lifestyle maven, is going to become a fabulous blog/magazine (a blogazine if you will) replete with essential, motivational and entertaining lifestyle advice and information.  at the beginning of each month, i’ll provide a teaser of what’s in store – so you know what to look forward to. monthly features will include menu of the month full of delicious recipes, party ideas and date night suggestions, healthy living advice & fitness info, expert interviews to get the latest lifestyle tips & trends, wine of month, blog/blogger of note, photo of the month and much, much more!  in addition to these monthly features, there will be tons of other special topics that will crop up from time to time such as fashion & style, interior design & décor, travel, wedding planning, giving back, book reviews and giveaways to name a few : )

starting february 1st, lifestyle maven is taking it to a whole new level.  are you excited yet?  i am.  get ready. awesomeness awaits.

credit {here}