India chic?

My India outfits will be posted sporadically. My wardrobe is less than inspired here, since I really didn't know what to expect. It's funny. The Westerners here act like they don't care what they wear, and certainly things with labels are of no consequence. But people do pay attention to their clothes. I've seen lots of layers, scarves, and even harem pants! Only yogis can make harem pants look cool.


top: Anthro
skirt: Prana
sandals: J. Crew, remix'd
earrings: old, remix'd
necklace: Collingnon Designs, remix'd

Here I am in front of the door of my room.


top: Old Navy, remix'd
skirt: Gap, remix'd
sandals: J. Crew, remix'd
sunnies: Dsquared, remix'd

Here I am in front of the driveway. I don't have the nerve yet to take outfit photos in public. Maybe later...

So these looks are variations of a theme...loose top and bottom. The dress is very conservative here, so no exposed shoulders or knees. Maybe I will take a cue from the yogis who have been here for longer and get a bit more interesting, but this will do for now.

My practice

Today was my fourth practice at the shala. I can't begin to verbalize how different, how amazing, how alive it is here! Since I have a late start time (8 AM, which really means 7:45 AM because the shala clock is 15 minutes ahead), the room is nice and warm. The room almost feels alive because you can hear everyone breathing.


Before entering, you leave your shoes outside. This is customary for entering anyone's home in India. {My feet are going to be wrecked when I return!}

Sunday was led primary so no help for any poses (although someone did push me deeper into forward bend after backbends). On Monday I received help in Supta kurmasana and backbends, from his Western assistants, but yesterday and today Sharath himself helped me with my backbends. So he is officially my teacher here :)


This morning's practice was a bit trying as my nose was completely stuffed the whole time but it was still a practice in Mysore, India! Since Friday is a moon day we won't have practice and tomorrow will be Led instead of mysore. This practice is why I am here and I am doing my best to get everything I can out of it.

It's all about the coconut

Coconut is a very common food in South India. It can be found in chutneys, vegetables, desserts, you name it.


I've got quite a few coconut trees growing where I am staying.


Right outside the shala is the coconut man. I can't remember his name, but his father did the same thing before him, when Guruji (Sri K. Pattabhi Jois) was alive. Immediately after practice you can purchase coconuts from him. The water is so refreshing, especially after sweating profusely during practice.


He uses a mean looking knife to open the husk for you to drink the water.


But the best part of the coconut is the"gungy," or meat inside. When you finish drinking, he will cut open the coconut and scoop it out for you. I could eat these all day, but try to limit to 2-3.

So how much does this delicious treat cost? 10 rupees/coconut! The conversion is about 45 rupees to the dollar, so you do the math. I think I may go have one for lunch.

Week in photos

I thought it would be nice to recap my transition from the US to India. Because I am sure I will posting so many more photos, this will probably be my last "week in photos" until I return.


I spent every morning before yoga with the peanut and my sister. He's going through a shy phase, maybe because his molars are coming in and he's not feeling quite himself. Hopefully he won't completely forget me over the next 7 weeks. Tingaling, let's Skype!


On Tuesday I chopped off my hair. This has definitely made the bucket shower (more later) much easier!


Saying goodbye to my babes was the most difficult part of the trip. Luckily he will be here in about a month!


The time during my travel was a bit fuzzy. I took Luftansa from IAH to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to Bangalore. This photo is from the 2nd leg.


I am so accustomed to using my Amex to pay for things in the States that I almost never carry cash ("I have no money!"). Here in India everything is done in rupees. These are the shala fees, probably the most expensive part of the trip.


The fields along the way to the shala from Rachel's house.


Rickshaws! These are the most common methods of transportation for long-ish distances for people without a car or scooter.

Happy {belated} birthday Mom!

Thanks for being the best Mom (and grandma!) in the whole world. I love and miss you dearly. And please don't worry, I will take good care of myself in India!
oxox

Getting settled

The first thing Rach and I did this morning was eat breakfast at her rickshaw driver (Raju)'s house. I can even begin to express my amazement/gratitude/honor/whatever you want to call it at being invited to eat at someone's HOME the 2nd day I arrive. His wife Kousalya prepared us a traditional South Indian breakfast consisting of idly, a white rice pancake, sambar, a spicy soup, coconut chutney and vada, a lentil doughnut-looking item. It was delicious! I didn't take any photos because I didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable but I hope to return and take some when I get to know them better.

We spent the rest of the day brainstorming and buying what I would need for my place tomorrow. I made some friends along the way.

The goat at the bank.


The pigs in the field.


The cow outside Rach's place.

Tomorrow will be the start of my practice: led primary at 5:45 AM. I am taking a rickshaw to the shala because it will still be pretty dark outside. After practice I will be moving into my own place. I am sure Rach is ready to get me out of her hair and it's time for me to start exploring on my own.

Jet lag

After spending the last few days traveling, this girl is tired!


I am happy to report (again) that I made it safely to Mysore.

I took a brief nap while my friend was getting a massage, then she helped me go to the bank, get an Internet USB for my laptop, eat lunch, pay my driver, register for the shala, and walk around the city to get my bearings. We are actually in Gokulam, which is a more affluent suburb of Mysore. I haven't taken as many photos as I would like since I feel like the walking dead, but once I get adjusted you won't be able to stop me.

One for posterity

tank,cardi&jeans: Gap, remix'd
blazer: H&M
boots: Anthro, remix'd
sunnies: Dsquared, remix'd

This is the last outfit post from Houston. As I am typing this, I am waiting outside my friend's place while she comes back after yoga. Her husband gave me a key, but it doesn't work! This has been the only travel snafu of the last 24+ hours, so I can't complain.


Anyone who knows me knows pink is my signature color. Heck, even people who don't! The lady at the security check point saw my pink shirt, pink computer cover and case and commented that "pink must be your favorite color!"

I wish I had some photos of India to post, but seeing as I landed at 2 AM, there's nothing to see but dark building and a lot of dust. More to come later.

On the road

Just a quick hello. I am in Frankfurt right now, on my way to Bangalore!

Outwardly calm

all items remix'd
tank&jeans: Gap
tee: Proenza Schouler for Target
scarf&booties: Old Navy
sunnies: Dsquared

I am still a little behind on outfit photos. This is what I wore on Monday, getting ready for my trip.

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How do you pack for 7 weeks?

All yoga clothes go on one side of the suitcase. I didn't pack my favorites because I figure they will pretty much be finished at the end of the trip.


The rest of the stuff on the other. India is pretty conservative (i.e. no knees or shoulders) and the temperature during the day is going to be 90 degrees or higher where I am (but dry so that helps somewhat) so my typical summer attire of tanks and shorts isn't appropriate. I got some loose tees, blouses, capris and long skirts to get me by and I'm sure I will buy some local clothes while I am there.


Add shoes, toiletries and some random extras and the suitcase is almost full. I haven't even packed up any of my "electronics," such as my laptop, camera, phone and Ipod and their respective chargers. Most of that stuff will come with me on my carry-on. I hope it all fits!

Add a jacket

all items remix'd
sweater: Uniqlo
dress: ABS
boots: Anthro
sunnies: Dsquared
earrings: Collingnon Designs
tights: Loft

I wore this to the surprise baby shower my sister's friends threw for her. Although Brady Gaga is her 2nd babe, all of these mommy friends didn't get to know her until after the 1st one was born so they wanted to do something special for her.


blazer: Armani Exchange, remix'd

I didn't think to add to jacket until looking being inspired by Lucky magazine (and probably countless bloggers who wear jackets all the time). I'm not sure why I don't wear jackets more often...probably because it's either blazing hot here or cold enough for heavy coats. At any rate, I definitely like the polish the jacket brings to the look.


I didn't think I would be able to participate in this challenge, but I made it!

Inspired by...

all items remix'd
turtleneck: Gap
shirt: Anthro
cardi: UO
skirt: Old Navy
boots&tights: Loft
earrings: Collingnon Designs

I changed into this on Ice Day when I learned I didn't have to go into work. It was inspired by a new favorite blogger, kimmie. She is too cute and has great style on a budget. She is participating in the 30-for-30 challenge, so go check her out!


I remember when boyfriend cardis first starting becoming popular a few years back. I obsessed about buying one. So glad they are standing the test of time!


Turtlenecks are my go-to item when the weather turns chilly. I know not everyone likes them, but nothing helps keep me warm.

Week in photos

I had a busy, fun-filled weekend, away from the internet. Will resume regularly scheduled posts shortly.

Last week was my last full week in Houston before I embark on my next big adventure. I have been trying to spend as much time with my loved ones as possible.


JJ loves to be read to. Sometimes he will ask you to read a book 4-5 times!


I love his cute little outfit, with his new Crocs.


I love starting the morning off with a hot cup of coffee.


JJ loves his grandma!


The great freeze of 2011. My car was completely iced over and it took about 20 minutes to de-thaw.


My sister's mommy friends threw her a surprise baby shower for Brady Gaga on Saturday. They are a sweet bunch of ladies and I'm glad she has them in her life. I'm also glad Mom was here to take part in the festivities.


My friends threw me a going-away brunch yesterday. So no, we didn't watch the Superbowl, although we did see Christina sing, the halftime show and Glee afterwards.

Ice day** (Edited)

all items remix'd
sweater: J. Crew
skirt&belt: Ann Taylor
boots: Anthro
earrings: gift'd
tights (2 pair!): Loft

As I was getting dressed this morning, I got a text from work saying not to come in until noon. Hopefully the icy roads will clear by that time!

I am wearing red today. I am not sure what has possessed me to wear a skirt on possibly the coldest day of the year here in H-town, but there you have it.

{For the interest of full disclosure, I have now changed out of the aforementioned outfit and am donning a Lululemon yoga outfit. Hopefully yoga won't be cancelled this morning and I can practice before instead of after work!}

**Turns out I didn't have to go into the office at all! So my last day of work before my trip was a free day. I've been spending the afternoon getting photos and music organized on the computer, but mostly just goofing off. I am going to squeeze every last bit out of this weekend :)

Gong xi fa cai!

"Happy New Year!"

shirt: Banana, remix'd
sweater: H&M. remix'd
pants: Express, remix'd
shoes: Madden Girl, remix'd
earrings&necklace: Collingnon Designs, new&gift'd!
belt: Anthro, remix'd

Today is Chinese New Year. It is the year of the Rabbit. My family is not big on celebrating. I think my parents are the most non-tradional Chinese parents around! At any rate, I wish you the best for the new year.


The hubs is leaving today to go skiing in Breckenridge (fingers crossed he makes it there in spite of the weather). Since we won't be spending V-day together this year, he gave a me couple gifts early. The earrings are simply gorgeous and the necklace is simply fun and makes me smile. I will probably be wearing it the whole time I am away.


H&M is known for its fast fashion, but I like when I find staples there that a fun, flattering and cheap! This sweater is a great layering item.

I wonder if it will snow today...

Hello Sunshine

all items remix'd
top: Loft
cardi: J. Crew
pants&boots: Anthro
earrings&necklace: gift'd
belt: Gap

Since this week is yellow week, I thought I would brighten my day with a some bold color. Old Man Winter decided to revisit H-town and we could potentially get some snow by the end of the week. Mind you, a lot of snow here is just a little dust for most Northerners, but we take what we can get.

I apologize for the grainy photos; the clouds are covering what little sun we are getting this morning and I wanted to post before leaving for work.


I knew this when I bought this cardi, but for some reason I just realized it today: it has pockets! I also just realized I am wearing items from all of my favorite stores. Funny how things work out that way. Stay warm today!