I am feeling the holiday crazies something serious this year. When my editor told me my book deadline was January 5 and apologized for the holiday timeline, I didn’t think much of it. Now that I’m in the moment…I have to admit that I’m dying a little. I want to be shopping, baking cookies and seeing friends. Instead, I am sitting in front of the computer writing about over 100 arm balances, inversions and advanced asanas. It’s so awesome to have the honor of writing a book about one of the things I love most in this world…just a tough time to do it. Work/life balance struggles!
So let’s talk about work, life AND workout balance for a second.
By the time I get to Friday night after a long and busy week of work…I am DONE. Y’all know pizza is my #1 Friday food so I eagerly accepted an invitation last Friday night for dinner at the pizza bar at Stagioni. It was quite an upgrade from my regular at home pizza night.
We started with an eggplant spread and truffled deviled eggs.
Let’s talk about this pizza. It was GLORIOUS. I went in with intentions of ordering Stagioni’s delicious truffle/mushroom pizza but got talked into ordering the brussels sprouts pizza instead. It was being offered as a special and was the hot ticket of the night. Here’s what went into it…house made dough, celery root puree, roasted brussels sprouts, pancetta, pickled shallots and yummy cheeses. I was in food and flavor heaven. This pizza was ridiculous and you better bet I’ll try to recreate it at home (in addition to ordering take out many times before brussels sprouts are out of season.)
There is nothing like a cozy, warm dinner in front of an open kitchen. Such an awesome night.
Here’s where the yoga thing comes in. During my 7:45 a.m. yoga class on Saturday morning I told my students the story of this pizza while they were doing abs. That might sound a little bit cruel but I ended it with telling them to go have some pizza, eat some Christmas cookies and have a glass of wine. Life is WAY TOO SHORT not to enjoy the sweet stuff! We all work way to hard not to.
So my message to you this holiday season is to live and love your life. xoxo
And it’s been a while since I posted a playlist. Here is my yoga playlist for the week. It’s a recent fave.
Many of you have asked about Spotify. I’m using it now…but not quite yet for playlists. Baby steps…it’s coming. Here are my faves from this playlist:
- Solsbury Hill – a great cover of Peter Gabriel
- Boys Don’t Cry – THIS SONG. Everything about it, yes.
- Looking Too Closely – the build is so good.
- Something New – great energy song with a fun build.
And that’s all I’ve got for y’all. Happiest of holidays, cheers and happy pizza eating. I’m baking cookies tomorrow…join me?
You are awesome, Jen. Thank you for being you!
Life is definitely too short not to enjoy some pizza every now and then!
YES, I’ve been doing lots of cookie baking this week! I made chocolate peanut butter buckeyes, toffee bars, and cranberry white chocolate oat cookies, and am getting ready to give lots of them away 🙂
I love that pizza at Stagioni! The purée is a great alternative to a white sauce 🙂 will you be teaching yoga in Charlotte next week?
Yes, Cameron! Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Oh, I love this. I told my pump class the same thing this morning! They work so hard — they are so committed to being healthy and staying fit — it’s a perfect time of the year to give ourselves a little grace and enjoy indulging in the sweet and warm things of life. It IS too short.
Thanks for your constant inspiration. Happy happy Christmas to you, Jen.
Oh, how I love this! I told my pump class the very same thing this morning. They work so hard, they are so committed to being fit and staying healthy — this is a perfect time of year to enjoy the sweet and warm things in life without guilt. Life IS too short.
Thanks for being a constant source of inspiration, Jen! Happy Christmas to you.
I love your music taste. Great playlist. Thank you for sharing.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
You are a constant inspiration! Thank you so much for giving of yourself to the education of others towards a balanced healthy lifestyle. I wish you all good things in the coming year. I am so looking forward to your book!
Enjoy every minute!
Any gift suggestions for the yogis in our lives??
Jen, I just discovered your site a few months ago, and I just have to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading your posts, learning from you, and downloading your *awesome* workouts. Thank you so much for your inspiration! Happy Holidays! 🙂