fashionCHICsta

This is the last week you can save $25 off of your Manduka purchase.  Wondering if these yoga mats are worth the hype? Well, I own 3 of variying thickness so I have one for every occasion: travel, terrain, pro. Listen, I have purchased super cute, inexpensive yoga mats and they disintegrate. I believe in buying the best mat that you can, even if that means using your crappy one a little while longer. #BeingHonest Manduka yoga mats are durable, made from recycled materials, and ultra-sticky. No matter how hot the room or hot sweaty my body, I have never slipped off of a Manduka mat and knowing how secure I am makes me relax and focus on my practice rather than modifying moves so I do not fall.  Click any of the images to shop my personal recommendations:

Today was the day where it all went wrong and I was not making it to class.... but I pushed through, adjusted my attitude - which was more important them adjusting my schedule. I couldn't find my pass.... couldn't find the garage door opener..... Made 2 wrong turns. I started to come home and got pretty close when the  + CorePower Yoga  app saved the day. I logged on real quick and found another class starting only 30 minutes later.  Since I missed CorePower 1 I grabbed another day of Yoga Sculpt , new instructor, new moves. I never recommend doubling down on back to back classes but I am determined to make the most of my 30 day pass. Am I ever glad that I did. It was divine.

I won a super cool giveaway with  + LATHER  and  + Core Power Yoga  that included 1 month of unlimited CPY classes.  Challenge accepted. Today I jumped in head first and went with Yoga Sculpt.  Turns out you should do a few other Core Power Yoga classes, first, to prepare yourself for this class.  When muscle meets yoga, Sculpt is born. Boost metabolism and build lean muscle mass as you move to upbeat tracks. You’ll combine free weights with CorePower Yoga 2 (C2) sequencing and cardio to intensify each pose while mixing in strength-training moves like squats, lunges and bicep curls. It is recommended that you take at least one CorePower level 1 or 2 (C1 or C2) class before a Yoga Sculpt class. Missed that part.

You know I love my diffuser. Here is a great chance to see why I incorporate oils into both my yoga routine and daily life. On Saturday September 24 , starting at 8:30am sharp,  + Athleta Valley Fair is hosting an interactive workshop featuring a fabulous distributer from   + Young Living Essential Oils . This special class will begin with an overview of oils  and how they can be incorporated into your yoga practice and beyond. After, we'll move into  a 30-minute vinyasa flow which will give us the chance to experience a deepened practice. Questions? Call the Santa Clara  +Athleta  team at  408-246-6273. See you Saturday!! xoxo •Nancy-Lee

Join me Sunday July 24th at the Santa Clara Convention Center. I will be attending The Yoga Expo for the first time, hoping to catch the Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Bath at 10:30am, EDM Vinyasa Flow at 11:40am and Yoga + Essential Oils at 12:50pm. Tickets can be purchased here   and on  + Groupon  until 9am. Doors open at 10:00am with classes starting at 10:30am, sharp. xoxo •Nancy-Lee

What are you doing Saturday? Or any Saturday, now through mid-September?!! Join lululemon for their complimentary Summer Yoga Series beginning Saturday, May 14th. It will be held in Santana Row Park across from Left Bank Brasserie. Bring your mat and a friend and enjoy this free, outdoor morning workout. Franci and I have been attending for the past 3 years. Registration begins at 8:30am, and class begins at 9am. Get there early, spaces fill up quickly! Don't skip the registration table, when you sign in you are also entered to win a $50 gift card to lululemon athletica . One winner is selected each week! I hope to see you there!! •Nancy-Lee

Missed Yoga Month? Let's continue to bring awareness to yoga and awareness to ourselves and our practice. Whether you're new to stepping on a mat or you're at a level where you're teaching others, there are so many ways to enrich your life with yoga. What I use to stay stretched These days, keeping a gym membership doesn't fit into our lifestyle. Not only is it expensive, we found it to be a huge waste of time. We were spending 27 minutes getting to and from the gym, including finding a place to park, and countless minutes were spent looking for equipment never returned to it's proper place by other members or staff alike; It was as if people were blinded by the clutter of weights on the floor. In a nut shell, we discovered Fitness Blender and it forever changed the way we workout. Whether you are trying to lose weight, increase flexibility, endurance and/or strength, Kelli and Daniel are there to offer more than 400 videos, recipes and meal prep...

I love crystal healing. And I especially love wearing crystal art. Take this gorgeous necklace by The Chakra Stop for example. At the heart of the wire wrap is Calcite , a stone designed to bring inner peace. It's one of the most popular necklaces that I have ever owned. People gravitate toward it, they are mesmerized having to pick it up and hold it, discovering the weight and rough-cut that this  Calcite  features. Click image to enlarge for detail.

I obtained my yoga teaching certification in the Summer of 2011, so it should come as no surprise that I own 4 yoga mats, in varying thicknesses and brands. What is a bit surprising is, I have never found a mat bag that I liked or even came close to feeling the need to buy. I just shove it in whatever bag I'm taking to the field that day and 'deal' with the fact it doesn't fit. One evening we were making a quick run to  +Whole Foods Market  where I rounded the corner and BAM! There it was, this gorgeous  Chakra Mat Bag  by  + Gaiam . Presented in a rich black 100% cotton canvas, the bag features each of the chakras embroidered in vibrant thread, with an e xterior zip pocket,  cinch closure,  and an a djustable shoulder strap to customize the drop.