Archive for the ‘beauty’ Category

Yoga isn’t just for your average Jennifer Aniston type body anymore.  With obesity in North America reaching epidemic proportions it really can’t be.

But when self-loathing is such a fundamental part of day-to-day life, where do the plus-size go to enjoy the effects of yoga but would rather not have to stare into a size-4 behind for 90 minutes?

Unfortunately, there aren’t many choices.  But, seeing the need, and knowing first-hand the difficulty, Texas yoga instructor Abby Lentz came up with a plan.

As an active plus-size woman, Abby knew the importance of not only a safe place in which to allow such physical vulnerability as learning postures in a body that would be perhaps less than receptive, but also founding principles that would facilitate participation.  She refers to them as the Three A’s-  awareness, acceptance and affection.

For people to start the program, and more importantly continue, Abby’s goal is to encourage women to accept and love their bodies NOW, not when they finally manage to lose pounds or shrink jeans sizes.  It’s about influencing the self-loathing before the weight-loss.

Read more….

If I had this… this handy, mcdandy Skort from gaiaconceptions over at Etsy, well, I too would prance around in my Wellingtons.

Gaiaconceptions offers a whole line of remarkably cute and functional items, all utilizing organic fabrics such as hemp and cotton.

As I peruse her shop, I’m really left conflicted as to which of her lovely items I plan to put on the old Christmas list!

But more likely, with the soft fabric and comfy, snug fitting boy short beneath, I’ll enjoy it for my summer practice out on my NEW DECK!

In this skort I will be sporty, in its function… stylish, in its short, skort-y sexiness and the colours, hand-dyed, a wonderful selection of  bold and bright..  and comfortable, in it’s fabric, soft organic cotton and hemp.

Just all ’round cute and functional- from yoga practice to a bike ride to lunch out with the gals.

I will so be sending the link to this, the Pokara Shirt of organic hemp and cotton, to hubby… I can see this for beginning practice, skating at the lake… or just sitting with a big bowl of popcorn with a movie in front of the fireplace.

I love, love, love the versatility of the cowl neck, especially living here in the frozen North as we do.  It’s lined with FLEECE, people!

I’m also a total sucker for extra-long sleeves with thumb holes!!

The hand-dyed fabrics, as with the skort above, come in a beautiful selection of bold and vibrant colours, making this a fall-winter must have for just about anyone!  A fantastic gift for that lover of the comfy-cozy… ahem.

Before I end this post… keeping myself from posting gaiaconceptions entire line… I had to include this unique and lovely skirt. I love this:

The Ruffle Butt Long Skirt. In a blend of organic cotton and hemp, it’s perfect for casual wear or to dress up for a night out.  The wonderful hand-dyed fabric colours are available as with the other items from gaiaconceptions.

The unique ruffle in the back is a wonderful “nod to the bustle Gaia Conceptions style“.  With a stretchy waist band it looks to be a comfortable and flattering choice for any woman’s body.

I’ll keep this in mind for next spring, as its “a fun skirt for all seasons.”

The Ruffle Butt Long Skirt is paired with the Drawstring Tank.

I will no doubt be featuring more of  gaiaconceptions amazing clothing here at MommyOm.

Peruse her shop and without a doubt you’ll be sure to find something…  it’s all just so beautiful!

If you’ve ever had the experience of walking in- or past, for that matter- a LUSH shop you know that the delectable smell is downright overwhelming… in the BEST possible way!

The delicious smelling beauty products are all unique in name and ingredients and, from the lack of uniformity from piece to piece, are also obviously beautifully handmade, such as the Buttercream soap and Bubble Bar.

There’s nothing like seeing the baskets and shelves overflowing with these goodies, where you can touch and smell each different chunk, ball or bowl of goo… and currently the internet isn’t quite able to echo the experience completely, but if you visit LUSH online, there’s bound to be something you won’t be able to resist.

I’ve tried the bath bombs and I love the massage bars… oh, and the facials… don’t get me started about the facials.  Just don’t mistake them for muesli… no, really.