Tag Archives: Yes and Yes

Blogs I Love: Yes and Yes

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Blog I Love: Yes and Yes

Who they are:

Yes and Yes is written by the effervescent Sarah Von Bargen - a globe-trotting, cheese loving, list making, business woman of the most awesome variety. I’ve had the pleasure of brunching with her while she visited Sacramento and was pleasantly surprised that she is even more awesome in person than she is online.

Did I also mention she has taught English in Taiwan? A girl after my own heart.

Why I love Yes and Yes and what I learn from it:

What isn’t to love? I mean, seriously. Sarah starting writing the blog she wanted to read and as it turns out found exactly what other people want to read too: smart, funny, thought-provoking, inspiring, and helpful posts on a variety of topics.

I’ve learned how to solo lady travel, pack, create a list of new experiences and follow through on them, say NO, restart a new year, give a compliment. Seriously, the list goes on and on, but I think you get the point.

Sarah writes to help her readers. In a clever way. So refreshing!

I’ve even written about adoption for Yes and Yes and was honored to be included in the Yes and Yes community.

Posts I find inspiring:

Greatest Hits! Titles include: How To Create An Amazing Group of Friends, Settle the Eff Down: (Or How to Avoid Psyching Yourself Out), How to Get Over A Break Up, How Do I Become a Grown Up Parts 1 and 2!

Mini Travel Guides

Taiwan - Since we are totally taking little girl back to Taiwan at some point, I loved this travel guide.

Sarah revisited Taiwan recently on her way back home. Here are some Notes from the Road.

Sarah’s advice for Getting A Good ESL Job may come in super handy when we return to Taiwan.

If you haven’t already, go check out Yes and Yes and then tell me what you think.

What blogs do you love?

Talking Adoption on Yes and Yes

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Today I am guest posting about adoption over at one of my favorite of all times blogs – Yes and Yes. If you are curious about the hows and whys of our adoption journey, this is where you’ll find some answers.

Sarah Von is a world traveling former ESL teacher with a love of Taiwan and a contagious laugh.

I hope you stop over to read my post and while you are there stay awhile and get to know Sarah a bit.

My Favorite Things! {Like Oprah and Sarah Von}

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Sarah Von from Yes and Yes published her Favorite Things à la Oprah and I was inspired. Not a gift guide, but rather a list of products that make her life better.

While you’re checking out Sarah’s list be sure to hop over to Jezebel’s Worth It feature and see more about products that work for them.

TGBTS’s Favorite Things

Dawn simulating alarm clock completely changed my relationship with morning. At $120 it is not cheap, but my first one lasted more than 10 years and made me a better person. Totally worth it if you ask me.

Hugger Mugger Standard Bolster – in Golden Leaf.  Perfect for restorative yoga. This baby sits on my bed and gets used almost daily. Sometimes I use it to sit, sometimes to sleep, sometimes for a 30 minute Savasana. Another product that has changed my life. Again, a bit pricey at $82, but totally worth it.

Book light has become one of my use it everyday items. I’m not sure I can remember life without it. I got mine in the book section of my local Target for less than $8. No wonder why I am getting so much reading done while Ruby sleeps.

Aroma therapy rice bag I made by tossing in a pound of long grain rice, whole cloves, cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon sticks into a pillow case and tying the end {I don’t sew and I’m fancy that way}. I microwave it for 3-5 minutes and use it as a bed warmer, sore back soother and all around comfort delivery system.

What are your can’t live without items?

43 Things Before 43

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For months I’ve been reading about other people’s Life Lists and wondering if I could ever make one without driving myself crazy with all the achieving and in-my-head competition.

Would my list be cool enough?

Would I really do everything I said I would?

What huge adventures await?

Inspired by Rosie’s birthday list, Sarah’s try new things before her birthday list and Amy’s Life List, I’ve decided to put together a list of things I would like to do before I turn 43.

Why 43 instead of 42?

My birthday is in 4 months and I don’t want to hurt myself getting it all done before then. My list is l-o-n-g, makes me think I needed to start this  thing in my 20s.

My intention with this list is to remind myself to have more fun, take care of myself and to do things out of the ordinary.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

The List:

1. Take my birthday (March 20th) off – no work, no obligations – just fun.

2. Take an anti-gravity yoga class.

3. Road trip to Portland with Ruby.

4. Take Ruby to see live music.

5. Read 43 books.

6. Put my feet in the ocean with Ruby.

7. Pick berries.

8. Go on retreat.

9. Teach an active yoga class.

10. Go to the movies by myself. {Yep, I’ve never done this. I have, however, gone to a rock show on my own so don’t feel too sorry for me.}

11. Attend a service at a Universal Unitarian church.

12. Explore the Taiwanese culture in Sacramento.

13. Learn 10 words/phrases in Mandarin.

14. Run a 5K.

15. Write a fan letter.

16. Rent a house at the coast or in the mountains.

17. Teach a class on social media and blogging to teachers.

18. Sleep outside.

19. Do a swim workout.

20. Watch my first students graduate from high school.

21. Spend a week away from the Internet.

22. See a play.

23. Go to a sing along at the Crest.

24. Take a photography class.

25. Take a cooking class.

26. Take a private yoga class.

27. Actually make something I’ve pinned on Pinterest.

28. Go to the ballet.

29. Have a family portrait taken.

30. Watch a movie outside in the backyard.

31. Take Ruby on a hike.

32. Help a friend start a blog.

33. Build an outdoor shower.

34. Make a wall of bookshelves in the dining room.

35. Redesign the entryway and make it pretty and useful.

36. Start a mom/play group in Midtown.

37. Teach a class at my gym.

38. Organize the pantry.

39. Get rid of all the shoes I don’t wear because they are uncomfortable.

40. Take a nap in a hammock.

41. Host a baby shower.

42. Take a photo every day.

43. Make the Book of Me into a book.

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Do you make yearly plans? A Life List? Would you like to?

I’d love to hear about yours.

And I’d love for you to join me in making my list a reality. Please let me know if you’d like to do any of my 43 with me.

In Case You Missed It Edition! Volume 33 {kids, creativity, confidence and summer}

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I’ve found some links to posts that made me laugh, cry, think or at least raise an eyebrow. Please click the links and check out the posts. You may find something that rocks your world too.

Leave me some feedback in the form of comments below on what you liked, what you hated and what you’d like to see more of. I’m here to help you find the best of what is online.

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My Best Of…

As a teacher and mom-to-be I am very interested in the topic of classic play for kids. No plugs, no batteries, no bells or whistles – basically how I grew up playing. Being a kid of the 70′s really was all about having a ton of free time to create from our own imagination: games, imaginary play, arts and crafts with the supplies from around the house. Seems quaint now, but there is a lot of value in being able to create something from nothing.

Recently I’ve found a blog called Classic Play run by Jennifer Cooper of Ellie Bellie Kids (thanks to Jennifer of Sophie and Lili!) and I’ve fallen in love with their Creative Families Series. The most current interview is with one of my favorite bloggers, Molly from Charlotte’s Fancy.

Read here how Molly marries family and creativity.

Kyla Roma wrote a wonderful post about Making Space for A Creative Life. I especially loved the part about not needing to quit your day job in order to have a life filled with creativity as much of the blogosphere would lead you to believe. It’s all in the intention and attention. Hallelujah!

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Do you ever find it difficult to say nice things about yourself? I didn’t think I did until Sarah Von from Yes and Yes challenged all of us to discuss All The Ways We’re Adorable.

Need a little confidence boost? Check out Lady Smaggle guest posting on Just A Titch.

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Because it’s summer:

Top 10 Reasons To Practice Outdoor Yoga – Maria from Daily Downdog is absolutely spot on. Read it, then go outside for a little practice yourself.

A perfect salad recipe from Sarah at Pink of Perfection.

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That is the In Case You Missed It Edition, folks.

Remember to click the links and leave some comments. This is a conversation, you know.

In Case You Missed Edition Archives -click it to see them all.


In Case You Missed It Edition! Volume 27

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Each week I’ll give you links to posts that made me laugh, cry, think or at least raise an eyebrow. Please click the links and check out the posts. You may find something that rocks your world too.

Leave me some feedback in the form of comments below on what you liked, what you hated and what you’d like to see more of. I’m here to help you find the best of what is online.

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2 words: SPRING. BREAK.

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My Best Of…

An interview with the It’s All Yoga Curvy Crew over at Curvy Yoga. Part 1 today and Part 2 later this week. So.Much.Love.

Good Enough Is the New Perfect is now a real book! I’ve read it and I loved it.

Yes and Yes makes me happy. If you aren’t reading it yet, please stop what you’re doing (ok, after you’ve finished reading TGBTS!) and get yourself over there.  Sarah has created a Post College Survival Kit I wish had existed when I was graduating. Some sound enticing now as a grown up. Do you think she’d notice if a 41-year-old signed up?

Loved this post from Seth Godin. Turning The Habit of Self-Criticism Upside Down

Have you checked in with your 3rd Chakra lately? Michelle’s exploration of this feisty one and her questions got me thinking.

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Curvy yogis Photoshoot/ Yoga Journal Talent Search Update:

Thank you all who five-starred our photos over at Yoga Journal’s Talent Search! A strange experience seemed to be had by all.

I’m still shaking my head about that rating business.

In any case you’ll be able to see the finalists on April 21st.

The Curvy Yogi Gallery is up! Check out the lovelies. One of them appears to be sleeping…

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Speaking of curvy (and not) Northern California/Sacramento friends – are you coming to the nextSwapAsana?

{THIS SATURDAY – April 23rd- start saving your swapables now.}

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That is the In Case You Missed It Edition for this week, folks.

Remember to click the links and leave some comments. This is a conversation, you know.

In Case You Missed Edition Archives -click it to see them all.


In Case You Missed It Edition! Volume 25

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Each week I’ll give you links to posts that made me laugh, cry, think or at least raise an eyebrow. Please click the links and check out the posts. You may find something that rocks your world too.

Leave me some feedback in the form of comments below on what you liked, what you hated and what you’d like to see more of. I’m here to help you find the best of what is online.

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We are FINISHED (!!!!!) with our adoption paperwork. It has never felt so good to just wait.

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My Best Of…

From Bows and Sparrows – {a contender for kcra’s best local blogger – I voted here} - Vegan Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes! Someone needs to make these for me. STAT.

Just a Titch is looking for gardening tips. Do you have any? Please click over and leave your two cents.

Yes and Yes: 10 Things to Do on Your Lunch Break that Don’t Involve Facebook or Lean Cuisine – anyone want to try these out over Spring Break?

What I do believe – and what I feel perfectly qualified to proclaim from the rooftops -  is that every woman at every weight, shape, and size deserves to be treated with respect, deserves to feel loved, deserves to make her own decisions about her own body. – Sally McGraw, Already Pretty - The Question of Healthy

From The Art of Non-Conformity – The Family Who Doesn’t Understand – it spoke to me.

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Curvy yogis Photoshoot/ Yoga Journal Talent Search Update:

Madeleine reports about diversity in yoga – make sure to click through to see our entries.

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Speaking of curvy (and not) Northern California/Sacramento friends – are you coming to the nextSwapAsana?

{April 23rd- start saving your swapables now.}

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That is the In Case You Missed It Edition for this week, folks.

Remember to click the links and leave some comments. This is a conversation, you know.

In Case You Missed Edition Archives -click it to see them all.


In Case You Missed It Edition, Volume 18

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Each week I’ll give you links to posts that made me laugh, cry, think or at least raise an eyebrow. Please click the links and check out the posts. You may find something that rocks your world too.

Leave me some feedback in the form of comments below on what you liked, what you hated and what you’d like to see more of. I’m here to help you find the best of what is online.

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My Best Of…

Leave out Savasana and replace it with a sitting meditation?!?!? I have to admit I’m ready to start a revolution over the very thought! Madeleine brings it back to what it is all about – the letting go and preparation for the final rest in her post called You’re Dying! Now Try to Relax.

{Funny sidenote: once in a yoga class I was teaching, I referred to Corpse pose as “practicing for death” and the room went really, really quiet for a minute before everyone gave into fits of nervous giggles.}

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In case you haven’t heard, we’re adopting from Thailand. We spent a month there in 2005 and I fell head over heals in love with Asian elephants: The freckles! The chubby cheeks! The ears shaped like India! Sarah at Yes and Yes just spent time in an elephant rescue camp in Chiang Mai – check out these enviable photos.

Just so we’re clear, I will be going there someday.

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This next post has so much to love, I’m not even sure where to start. Becky (from The New Perfect) wrote about how her 9 year old daughter just got her first journalism job carrying the profession into the fourth generation in their family. What an accomplishment!

It also reminded me of New Moon, a girls’ magazine and online space, written by and for girls. L-O-V-E!

Speaking of young people publishing…. my students have been blogging up a storm and are super excited when people leave comments on their posts. If you are so inclined, feel free to stop by and say hi.

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Who likes read alouds???? I do! World Read Aloud Day is March 9th. Go sign up and help celebrate the written word with those you love.

Have you met Mrs. Mimi yet? We share some opinions and I love her so much I sent her a fan letter. For reals.

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Curvy Yogis UPDATE! I’m still working out the details of a photo shoot for our Sacramento yogis – I’m lining up a photographer and a location. I’ll post details when I have them.

For now, stop on by YogaDork for up to the minute details on Curvy Yoga’s campaign for real sized bodies to be represented in the pages of Yoga Journal.

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We’re still looking for ideas for San Francisco – so please leave a comment about your favorite thing to do, place to stay, and food not to miss in San Francisco.

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That is the In Case You Missed It Edition for this week, folks.

Remember to click the links and leave some comments. This is a conversation, you know.

In Case You Missed Edition Archives -click it to see them all.