Fun Fact Friday

FUN FACT FRIDAY 

I have a confession to make - I am ssssooooo nervous about going to Rwanda. I have traveled alone before, but this is the farthest I've ever gone by myself. Plus, there are a lot of things going on in Africa & every time I mention that I'm going there, people tell me how dangerous it is so after a while, you get a teeny bit nervous 

BUT

I am very excited to have found a couple of blogs about people living in Rwanda!!! Here are just a few - 

Living in Kigali  -  this is my favorite - 

from the blog

A Year in Kigali

from the blog

Portrait Rwanda

from the blog

OxFam Blogs

I decided to email the ladies from Living in Kigali and asked them a few questions. They answered right away and what they had to say was very relieving - 

*the Yellow Fever vaccine is the most important one to get (which I am scheduled to get in June)

*the weather is warm and dry (that's the type of temp I like) but can get cold at nights - and the culture is somewhat liberal for Africa so I can wear skirts/dresses - just try to make them below the knee (especially when traveling outside of Kigali) and not show too much cleavage - so essentially how I dress now - she said  some people even wear hotpants - and if I could find any, I'd probably wear them too

*there are no major issues in Rwanda - no dangerous animals or insects, very little crime, and not really that many malaria cases. She said it's one of the safest cities she's lived in and there are lots of good pharmacies and hospitals

That made me feel a little bit better just because she's living there now - it's not a story from the media or hearsay - it's a real person living in the country with hands on experience. 

Then, I read this article that I found on Inga's blog (a link) - 

Finding Rwanda's First Female Entrepreneur

After reading the article and just getting a feel for all of the good things going on in Rwanda, I got very excited. I'm so ready to go now!!! I think the thing that I have to remember sometimes is this - 

*We only know about other countries through what he see in the news and it's not in the news' best interest to talk about butterflies and sunshine

*People like to talk but most of them don't have experience in what they're saying. I would say that out of every one of my friends who has said something about Africa being dangerous has not been there. 

Which both of these things are fine, it's only when I let what other's tell me affect me in a way that creates fear and I don't' want to do that. So... 

Yeah for Rwanda!!

Namaste y'all!

Hubby is still sick

Turns out he does have kidney stones so we've been at the doctor's office all day. :(

Good news though - we have some home made vegetable soup - courtesy of granddaddy

and some home made cornbread - courtesy of Moi!

Yums!

Namaste, y'all

Breaking Old Thoughts

One of the things that I have been doing over the last 5 years (and really probably even before that) has been taking old beliefs that I had about myself, the world, other people and evaluating them. It's interesting how many I've realized how many of those beliefs have not been true and I've done a lot of work trying to figure out which of them work for me and which of them do not.

The ones that have been the worst are the ones I've told myself about myself. I realize that we are raised to believe certain things about ourselves, and we've created stories for ourselves that if we really take a look back and evaluate them, may find that they're not true.

Some "stories" I've believed about myself for some time now -

1 - I'm overly emotional (and that is bad)
2 - I am unathletic
3 - I have to weigh 152 lbs and be not only thing, but also muscular
4 - I am not very smart
5 - I am undisciplined
6 - I am self absorbed
7 - I am not creative
8 - if someone else says it, especially about me, it must be true


Those are just some. If I sit here long enough, I can probably think of some others. Not very nice, right? But I'm not the only one who thinks like this. From talking to others, especially women, we all think this type of stuff about ourselves. And the question is, why? Who has told us that any of these things are true? What purpose does it serve me to think of these things.

One thing that I've learned through studying yoga, and a lot of other stuff, is that our thoughts become our reality. Even just one thought takes it place in the world in some way. So am I perpetuating some version of myself that is all of these things? I believe so. But if my thoughts have power, then can't I change these things about myself? Or can't I at least learn to appreciate some of the beauty from these traits?

1. I'm not overly emotional, I'm passionate and that is something that is good. It means that I believe very strongly in things and while those things may change over time, at least it's authentic. You will always know who I am and where I stand - even if you don't agree with it.
2. This just simply isn't true. One thing Holly (my running coach) always says is if you have a body, you're an athlete. Am I winning any races, no. But does that matter, no. Does it mean I'm somehow unathletic if I'm not an Olympian, no.
3. read this blog post
4. I don't know where this came from. And I don't really have a response for it other than I am exactly as smart as I need to be. I will say that I'm fairly emotionally insightful.
5. I am not great at adhering to a schedule, but I think that has more to do with me be a little ADHD and maybe a bit to do with my dosha
6. Aren't we all? just kidding - I think that I am selfish but also do a lot for others so I'm good in this area
7. I never give myself the opportunity to be creative. I keep myself very busy and never allow myself to slow down. This is something I would like to do and am trying to do.
8. We're all at the mercy of our perceptions. And some never even consider that their perception might be wrong but luckily I do know that not only are my perceptions wrong, so are others. So I have the ability to review everything that comes my way and decide if it's something I should believe.


I want to be someone who is kind, loving, thoughtful, helpful, authentic, and productive so I'm going to believe that I am kind, loving, thoughtful, helpful, authentic, and productive. I'm going to wear my Snappy Band and be kind to myself!

Namaste Y'all

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Thanks Jamie

1. The Fog 

I know that sounds weird but I just think it looks so neat when it's foggy 

2. The weather

	Today	Tonight	Tomorrow
Partly Cloudy	Mostly Sunny	Mostly Clear	Mostly Sunny
56°F	82°	59°	84°
Feels Like: 56° Get FREE weather on your desktop	High	Low	High
Past 24-hr: Precip: 0 in Snow: 0 in	Chance of Rain: 10%	Chance of Rain: 10%	Chance of Rain: 0%
Wind: Calm	Wind: W at 5 mph	Wind: W at 3 mph	Wind: WSW at 9 mph
Through 3pm: Low clouds, fog and poor visibility conditions will improve by noon. Rapidly decreasing clouds with temperatures warming into the low to middle 80s. Winds light and variable.	Areas of patchy fog early. Partly cloudy. High 82F. Winds light and variable.	Generally clear. Low 59F. Winds light and variable.	Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. A stray afternoon thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.

Now, I am not saying I want it to get outrageously hot this summer, but for now, the sunny, warm days are so nice and making me yearn for the lake!

3. My Home Made Pizza

It was really good and I got the dough from the Publix bakery. Next time, I want to make it myself, but since my husband's been sick, I haven't had much time.

Pinterest Finds - 

Esther.com - cute little website

Young Southern Prep

someone's facebook page???

someone's tumblr

Namaste Y'all 

Local Highlight! - StylebyBecca

One thing I'd really like to do moving forward is focus on local business throughout the upstate. I think buying from local business is one of the most important things one can do. You're supporting your community when you shop local and helping build a stronger economy for the people in your area.

I met Rebecca Gordon Pike in my running group about a year ago. She always came out to Wednesday morning speed groups and killed it! So when I heard about her opening a new store (a year ago), I couldn't wait to visit. I found a cute store with lots of unique, stylish items at a reasonable price. I bought everything from nail polish, a sweater, some earrings and a ring. I can't wait to go back but have to hold back a bit simply because I always end up spending money!! I asked Rebecca if I could interview her for my blog because I want everyone to visit a hidden gem in the art district of Greenville.

1. Tell me a little bit about your store - 


    Style by Becca is a cozy and intimate boutique located in the Arts District - I offer cutting, coloring, waxing by appointment only Monday through Friday. The boutique is open for shopping Tuesday through Friday 9 until 5 and after hours by appointment only. I also offer personal shopping and styling

2. How did you come up with the idea for Style By Becca?


   Style by Becca is the name of the blog I have been writing for a few years... My clients always wanted to know how I would wear an accessory or item of clothing so I just thought hmmmm..... it's not wrong or right but it's Style by Becca's way, haha

3. Who are some of your style icons? 

    Audrey Hepburn and Rachel Zoe

4. How would you describe your style? 

    An eclectic mix for sure. I love layering and lots of lace. I am not a label girl - if it looks good and I love it, I will wear it - I love accessories and scarves and anything pretty 

5. Tell me a little bit about yourself. 

   I was born in New York state and grew up loving all things having to do with fashion. I told my mom at the age of 5 that I wanted to grow up and be a "hair person" haha. I went to Cosmetology school and graduated in 1991. I currently am licensed in both New York state and South Carolina. I opened my first hair salon almost 9 years ago and after my divorce and simplifying my life, I came to the tough decision to downsize and not have staff any longer. I wanted to have a cozy boutique and just work one on one with my clients. I wanted to have more time with each one and just be creative. I had the best staff but I just was not passionate about managing people any more. I am a runner and also love to practice yoga. I am a vegetarian and am very interested in a health lifestyle. 

6. Tell me about the location of your store - why did you choose it? 

I moved my business to the Arts District in March 2011 - I loved that area and being so close to my artists friends. It is close to downtown and just so quaint. 

7. What do you love about Greenville? 

I moved here almost 20 years ago now - time flies - I love downtown near my studio and I love that there are so many creative people as well as places to eat. It's also turned into a great running city. It's close to the mountains, big cities and the beach. 

8. You have some exciting news about Nick Arrojo - tell us about it. 

Well, I became an Ambassador store that exclusively carries his product line. I feel honored to be chosen. He is an amazing artist in my industry. I will be attending a two day class wit ARROJO at the end of April. I am so excited!

9. Any special events coming up?? 

   Style By Becca studio is usually open late for shopping the first Friday of most months 6 until 9 pm. I am currently brainstorming with some other gals for some fun shopping events featuring some artists that make homemade goodies

Please go visit Rebecca at her store at 1279 Pendleton Street, Greenville, SC 29611

Like her Facebook Page

Follow her blog

Weekend Recap

Well, this weekend has been an eventful one. Sorry I didn't post yesterday, I was in the doctor's office. I will explain later BUT this is a little bit how my weekend went -


Friday evening - I taught grandma some yoga. I meant to take some pictures but I forgot. It was a lot of fun though! My grandmother is a trip.

Saturday morning - Tigers for Tigers 5k

Me, my friend Jen, my mom, and Jen's friend, Jess

My friend Jen, just starting running over the past 6 months and wanted to run this 5k. It was in the Botanical Gardens of my Alma Mater, Clemson University. It was a lot of fun but it was almost like a trail run, it was so hilly. Because I haven't run more than 3 miles consistently since december more than once, I was a bit nervous about my time, but it ended up being 30:45 which for me is a win since it's still under a 10 minute pace! 

As I drove home, my husband called to tell me he was heading to the emergency room because he cut his finger with a chainsaw. I do have a picture but it's probably not appropriate to put on this blog so I'm not going to. Let's just say it was nasty. So we did that for pretty much the rest of the day. 

Saturday night, I made a pizza which was yummy and I'll probably post later. 

Sunday - I cleaned out the remainder of the bins from our move and found my favorite bunny from my childhood

After a trip down memory lane, I found some terrible pics that I might post later, I finally went on a walk with my husband and two stepdaughters

Yesterday, I had to take James to urgent care because in addition to cutting his finger, getting a tetanus shot, and taking a billion antibiotics, he also has kidney stones and spent the evening writhing in pain on the couch. I feel bad for him! But he is feeling much better. 

How was your weekend?? 

Namaste, y'all.