Building Blocks

I realize that I've only written one real post, and otherwise just in passing, about teacher training. Its a little crazy to me. That was three months ago, three crazy, busy months. YTT has become such a huge part of my life and such a constant thought influence, its weird that I'm not writing about it constantly. But life has been so full and busy that in some ways its not that surprising. Nonetheless, I want to say something before our last month flies by and its over (last month, holy smokes!).

There has been so much to learn. Anatomy, history, breath work, modifications, adjustments. Ten days ago I got to put it all into practice and teach my first hour long class. It was just to my fellow YTT girls, but it was a nerve-wracking experience. It was also a great preview of what's to come. Thankfully that preview was a great one. I felt good, it felt natural. It was still a bit nerve-racking, but I remembered my flow, I spoke well, and I felt really really good afterwards!

There is another full class to prep and teach for Thursday, and I can't wait to do it again! I'm excited to take the feedback and advice I got into account, and see if it can feel even more natural.

At the same time that I've been doing the YTT stuff, I've also been spending time finishing off some of the business side of my doula work. Last weekend I had my first client meeting. I wrote contracts, ordered packet items, and put together some really great materials. The meeting went well, I felt good about my answers to her questions, and I'm hoping that I'll be attending my first doula birth in August! Plus, thanks to all the pre-meeting work, I'm all ready now for whoever comes along!

It's been, as I like to call it, terriciting! Those first steps are always a little scary (especially when it comes to that business side of things), but it all feels right too. I'm making my way to where I am meant to be; throwing out what I had previously thought my career would look like. Years from now, I'll think I'll look back fondly on these newbie jitters!

The last two weeks were so full and crazy and busy, and a little overwhelming! But they were building block weeks, and I think things will only grow from here. 

French Treats

So, I don't do this often, but occasionally I find cause to do a sponsored post. I promise, I only pick companies I really like, and only share products I actually enjoy. I was provided with the yummy foods in this post free of charge, in exchange for my honest opinions.

I was approached a few weeks ago with an offer from a new to me company called Bakerly. Their email caught my eye initially because of the connection to France, you know I have a soft spot in my heart for France! But I actually said "Yes" because they offer all-natural, non-GMO goodies, made with no artificial flavoring, no artificial coloring and no preservatives. How can I not adore their philosophy of "simply ingredients, honest origins."? That, right there, is what I'm all about! 

Box full of happiness!

They are ready to bring their delicious French desserts to the USA (and have a handy "Find Us" page on their site)! Specifically, they are celebrating their arrival in the U.S., by becoming the main sponsor of The Transat bakerly race, the world’s oldest solo transatlantic sailing race held every four years from Plymouth, England to New York City, which began on May 2.  [Check it out, you can track the participants in real time. Very cool.]

This was a company that definitely grabbed my attention! 

I was so excited when my box of goodies arrived. I went for the Apricot filled petit cake first, and it was gooood. Sweet, but not too sweet, flavorful, and moist. It was hard not to go straight back for more! 

When I did go back, there was no disappointment! Everything I've tried has been wonderful. Let me tell you, the French, they know pastries!

Oh, how did that crepe get open...

And the best part is that these are snacks that I can feel good about. They are definitely treats, but look at this ingredient list! Its like something I would make at home!

These are really wonderful French delights that we'll be enjoying over the next few weeks. They are individually wrapped, so we can take our time to enjoy them (added bonus for both wallet and diet!). 

Thank you so much Bakerly, and best of luck in the USA! 

Wordless Wednesday {Yoga in California}

Emotional Sniffles and Solo Trips

Its amazing how long it took me to regroup from two trips back-to-back with my girl. I always get a little bit of ... something ... after coming back from vacation. Almost a case of the emotional sniffles. Just thrown off and different, and you know it will be back to normal soon, but in the meantime you aren't always sure what day it is, and you just want to sleep it off.

But in this case Gwen was off of school for another week, plus, so there was no sleeping anything off. In fact, I found myself falling into old bad habits of staying up too late because that was the only bit of quiet I could find. It took me almost that whole week just to get my car completely unpacked and all the laundry done, and I basically had to wait for her to go back to school before I could get the apartment cleaned up and put away. She was a little extra touchy... I think she had the emotional blahs too.

So two trips in two weeks = two or more weeks recovery. At least with a 6 year old home from school.

A picnic helped us chase away some of our blahs!

Ironically, I'm heading out again later next week, but this time for a solo trip! The last time that happened was Wanderlust just under a year ago, then Elise's Graduation almost 2 years ago, and California with Heather 3 years ago. Noticing a trend? I actually get two of these solo trips this year, and I can't even express how excited I am. I adore my trips with Gwen. I think they are ones we will both remember all our lives. But the upcoming 4 whole days of not having to be "on"... well that is a completely different kind of excitement!

Recharging, re-energizing, and I'm only packing a backpack full of stuff, so no extended clean up! Hallelujah!