Popsicles!

My husband picked me up a Zoku maker for Mother's Day (I had the color all chosen out, I've been wanting one for a bit now) and since then, we've been using it and our Tovolo molds non-stop.  The Popsicle is trending again and honestly, I'm not a bit surprised.  Such an easy way to get whole, organic foods into your diet, control the sugar content in sweets and enjoy fresh juices and fruits.  Or booze.  Or you know, whatever.  :)  xoxo Agnes

This and That: Handmade Scarves and Photography Stills

I fell deeply in love with the designs of two girls from Barcelona behind the shop Las Coleccionistas.  Their clever use of photography both in their pieces and in the way they capture their work is totally stunning.  Justin knows that there is only one thing on my wishlist for Mother's Day this year and that is one of their silken scarves.  Textile art, more like.  The use of warm colors with inky backdrops in Las Coleccionistas' shop reminded me of the work of Graham Lott.  Something so Renaissance in these still life floral images, don't you agree?  xoxo Agnes

Black Swan Yoga In Austin; My Secret Weapon

I can't begin to tell you what a life changing thing Black Swan Yoga TV has been for me, which is why I'm sharing this site with you.  I stumbled upon it one day through a friend's recommendation and never looked back.  Black Swan Yoga is a donation based yoga studio in Austin, Texas with four separate locations.  But that's not even the best part.  Through their website, the instructors have online channels.  Filmed all over our pretty town these classes have everything from specific times to types of yoga.  So if all you have are 20 minutes and you want a quick sweaty yoga class... boom.  45 minutes to power through some poses?  You've got it.  All levels from tired out mom to full time athlete.

I'm not the type of person who relaxes easily.  Whenever I sit down to a moment by myself I either worry needlessly or become distracted.  However the physical discipline and calm required to practice yoga forces my body to relax, and in so doing, my mind.  Since life is especially stressful with a special needs toddler, being caught up in the beauty and rhythm of yoga practiced all over our fun city allows me a real escape.  An escape I wouldn't have otherwise since attending a class in person is so hard to do these days.  I even do yoga at the hospital now on my iPhone!

All of the instructors rock, in my humble opinion, but I've really been enjoying Lilyana's channel and currently practice with her every day.  Reiko has moves like nobody's business and Melanie's classes are perfectly challenging while still staying fun.    But you really can't go wrong with any of the teachers.   And you don't need to live in Austin to partake in the abundance of yoga that Black Swan Yoga streams every day.  And for so little expense each month!  It's ridiculous people!  Ridiculous.  Do check it out and become a calmer, healthier person while so doing.  If I can do it, so can you.  And I do mean that.  xoxo Agnes
(Images via Black Swan Yoga and Reiko's Blog)