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Emily Kronyak

Spring Outfits 2021

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Spring Dresses

Light & bright midi

This off the shoulder tiered midi dress has me written all over it.

Pretty in pink

This eyelit smocked midi dress would be the perfect easter dress, but also can be dressed up or down for any occasion that calls for a little color!

Boho ruffled maxi

She’s elevated. She’s chic. She’s a gorgeous color. Gosh from date night to a spring wedding, this dress will be a show stopper!

Maxi wrap dress

This is a closet staple! You can style it so many different ways from sneakers to strappy sandals with a sun hat, hair scarf, sunnies, jean jacket. The options are LimitLes!

White dresses are my go-to for spring and summer! It’s a blank canvas begging for colorful accessories, chunky jewelry, and your favorite sunnies of the moment. My top 4 white dresses of the moment are below, but until my wedding day (TBD) I will be flaunting the bridal whites!

Pieces for the win

A little birdie told me travel is going to come back hot and heavy, so I may or may not be getting my travel wardrobe ready. If you’ve been here awhile, you know I’m a big believer in pieces! You can mix and match, accessorize, and make so many different outfits out of a few pieces making for a fashionable travel packing tip.

Outfit ideas

This is a pretty great example of what’s in my suitcase for a spring getaway! A few transition pieces, layering opportunities, and accessories that make any outfit a bit more elevated. This color theme is giving me alllllll the sunny feels!

Click to shop!

Go-to denim

Pre-pregnancy, I lived in Madewell denim and these genes still swear by these jeans. Get it?? Ok, I’m done. So I heard skinny jeans are out? I’m sorry WHAT? Thank goodness high-waisted and overalls are never going out of style.. at least in my book. Round up of my current crushes below!

The perfect vintage jean in vintage canvas

She’s high-waisted, tapered, and can be worn before/after Labor Day…all for breaking the rules.

The curvy vintage jean

These are the same jean style as above with a little more room in the booty and designed with a contoured waste to help with the infamous gapping issue. Again, these genes love these jeans!

Straight leg overalls in tile white

Because a white overall is always in style.

PSSST. Did you know that Madewell will give you $20 off a new pair of denim when you recycle an old pair of jeans?! Check out the full details of Blue Jeans initiative here. This is totally unsponsored, I just love this about the brand! Hi Madewell, sponsor me 🙂

Accesories

Ahhhh spring shoes, how my heart has yearned for you. I am a serial flip-flopper and though my planters fasciitis may not agree with spring shoe trends, the heart wants what the heart wants. I was going to round it down to my favorite five, but I simply cannot make the cuts. Below are my favorite spring shoes of the moment that all fit into the category of comfortable, but make it fashuuuuun!

Headbands, hair scarves, clips, scrunchies should be your best friends this spring! I’ve been a big fan of hair accessories forever, but the 90’s style claw clips that are trending have re-vamped the love affair.

If you need some how-to’s to get creative with hair accessories youtube will be your best friend! Check out my easy go-to bun with a hair scarf below.

Are there any new trends spring style trends you’re excited to try this year? Inspire me in the comments!

The Road Les Traveled Unseen: A Guide to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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It was October 2018. Our very first LimitLes Travel retreat in Bali had just come to an end. My assistant, Emily, and I were tying up loose ends from our business in Bali feeling exhausted, proud and in a state of pure elation. Enter Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Due to all hands on deck for our first LimitLes trip, we did very little research for KL. It was a pleasant surprise full of things to do and incredible places to eat. If you’re on this side of the world, I definitely recommend a KL stop!

guide to kuala lumpur

What to See

The Petronas Towers

guide to kuala lumpur

Petroonaaaaaaas! (insert cheeky Harry Potter comment). We spent a lot of time in this city experiencing the Petronas Towers from every angle, and it did not disappoint. The architecture of these twin towers gets more interesting with each view point!

Kuala Lumpur Tower

guide to kuala lumpur

This excursion will cost you about $24 USD for the full observation deck and skybox experience. We spent about 2 hours taking pictures and scoping out the city from a bird’s eye view. A bit touristy? Yes, but actually quite helpful for planning your city stay!

Batu Caves

guide to kuala lumpur

This limestone hill consisting of many caves is estimated to be 400 million years old. It takes its name from the Malay word batu, meaning ‘rock’. The complex, colorful, and seriously beautiful site is an important religious landmark so when visiting you’ll be asked to observe certain practices and leave your shoes, borrow some scarves, and donate a few ringgits. The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. Pictured below is actually the entrance (and workout) to one part of the famous attraction.

KL Eco Forest Reserve

guide to kuala lumpur

In need of some nature in a concrete jungle, we set out for this reserve even though the forecast didn’t look ideal. I have to admit, we did not give this one a fair first shot. Looking back through pictures though, I’d recommend it paired with good weather! Especially if you’re traveling with kids or looking to get your steps in. There is supposed to be some wildlife, which we didn’t experience so much of, but I’ll blame it on a rainy day.

Eating and Drinking

Heli Lounge Bar

guide to kuala lumpur
guide to kuala lumpur

We started the evening at Heli Lounge Bar where helipad meets bar smack in the middle of KL with a pretty stellar view. The vibe was chill, the people were plenty and the sunset was unbeatable. The menu is a bit pricey, so we paid for a drink with a view and saved our appetite for Jalon Alor for some street food!

Jalon Alor Night Market

guide to kuala lumpur

We had ourselves a four-course meal here composed of all the necessary food groups – fried bananas, fried sweet potatoes, mango coconut sticky rice and brown sugar ice cream in a coconut. Here you can find anything Malaysian, Thai, Chinese, ice cream, fruit, fried food, dim sum, and stingray (a delicacy). PLUS Crazy Rich Asians was filmed here so I was pumped. In case you were wondering, I 100% still dream about eating my way through this street.

Marini’s on 57th

guide to kuala lumpur

Marinis on 57th, the highest rooftop bar in Malaysia, served up a fine view of the (yeah, you guessed it) Pertonaaaaas towers and everything else in their path. The way up consisted of a security check and a few elevator transfers, but the view really was something else. This spot gave me all the cosmopolitan with Carrie Bradshaw vibes!

Fuego at Troika Sky Dining

guide to kuala lumpur

Aptly named, Fuego was lit and pretty much a poppin hole in the wall, quite literally. The experience consists of Mexican tapas (an extra special treat when traveling through Asia), great atmosphere and cocktails with a twist. Guac and churros are always a good idea, but don’t pass up the Mexican street corn eloté piled with cheese and jalapeño sour cream. Mouth. Watering.

Getting Around

When flying airlines in this part of the world, it can get a little dicey if you start doing some research. Southeast Asian airlines’ plane safety record is a bit of a concern, and a Lion Air plane crashed only a couple days after we left Indonesia. Less worried about accommodation, we were more worried about safety and finally just committed to Malindo Airlines. We were pleasantly surprised with the experience as they allowed check in 5 minutes after cutoff (…ooops!), didn’t charge a dime for our 25kilo checked bags and turned a blind eye for our one too many personal items. The flight itself was accompanied by friendly staff, roomy seats, and THE BEST VEGETARIAN MEAL my assistant ever had on an airplane. To be fair, we were starving, but that shouldn’t discount the 10/10 sticky rice, vegetarian curry and masala chickpeas. 

Pro travel tip: Stop at an ATM before leaving the airport so you have some local currency on you. Also, don’t be afraid to call the hotel and ask the best way to get there from the airport. This is a good habit I’ve picked up when traveling solo that can save you future headaches!

KLA express

We zoomed through customs without any problems. $13 and 5 minutes later, we hopped aboard the KLA express from the airport to KL Sentral Station. The train was clean, cool (AC), and collected. Plus, free wifi and luggage racks never hurt nobody!

Grab!

Taxis in foreign countries are not always the best experience. We’ve become quite familiar with Grab while traveling around Asia. Think Uber without the commitment… you don’t have to link your credit card up so say hello to cheap rides and goodbye to the $5 cancelation fee. From KL tower to Marina’s on 57th, we paid 6 ringgits VS the 35 that a taxi driver wanted to charge us.

Where to stay

Majestic Hotel has all the amenities of a 5-star hotel (including the 5-star rating) at a steal in terms of USD. The best time is tea time with enough food to be considered brunch! The pool had a nice view, the gym was an easy space to release energy, and the beds were oh so comfy. 

guide to kuala lumpur

We gladly jam-packed this 3-day trip and regret nothing. Looking back on all the travel I did pre-pandemic has made me extra grateful for all the well-documented trips living on my hard-drives. There are still so many stories to be told and photos to be shared! What destination would you like to see next in this series of The Road Les Traveled Unseen?!

An Introduction to the 7 Chakras

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Energy… it’s all around us and within us. It’s transferable, it’s organized, it is powerful, it’s simple and it can be complex. There are so many types of energy work, but here we’ll scratch the surface of the age-old chakras!

What is a chakra?

The concept comes from early Hinduism traditions and is first written about in the Hindu Vedas, but can also be found in Buddhism, and other Indian religions. Chakra is a Sanskrit word that translates to “wheel”. When in alignment you can imagine positive energy abundantly flowing from wheel to wheel throughout the vessel of your body. There are 7 of these energy centers located along the spine starting at the tailbone extending through the crown of the head.

First Chakra

Muladhara-chakra | Root

  • All about: instinct and survival. This chakra is responsible for our fight/flight instinct.
  • Location: base of the spine near the tailbone, but can be associated with the bigger muscles/grounded parts of the body like our seat, feet, and legs.
  • Color: red
  • Element: earth
  • Essential oils: patchouli, sandalwood, cedarwood, frankincense

When open we feel grounded and safe, physically and emotionally secure, firm and centered. When imbalanced we may feel restless, disorganized, insecure, and in need of more emotional support.

Second Chakra

Svadhisthana-chakra | Sacral

  • All about: pleasure, creativity, sexuality. It’s our center for self-worth and connected to self-expression.
  • Location: between the belly button and pubic bone
  • Color: orange
  • Element: water + connected with the moon
  • Essential oils: sensual and earthy scents like cardamon, patchouli, ylang-ylang

When in alignment we feel energized, passionate, confident, creative, emotionally intelligent, mindful, and patient. When imbalanced we may feel a lack of passion, fear of change, unable to shake a mood or feeling, and out of touch with our feelings.

Mandala coloring book

Fun ways to activate this chakra include freestyle dancing to music, getting creative in the kitchen, painting, or mandala coloring!

Third Chakra

Manipura-chakra | Solar plexus

  • All about: self esteem, personal responsibility, and expression of will.
  • Location: upper abdomen, near the naval
  • Color: yellow
  • Element: fire
  • Essential oils: chamomile, cypress, juniper, lemon, rosemary

When open our ego is in check, we feel self motivated, and able to bring ideas into reality. When imbalanced we may feel a lack of control, low self-esteem, and trust issues may arise.

The color associated with this chakra is yellow like sunshine! Soaking up some sunshine, getting into nature, and taking a digital detox will serve this chakra well.

Yoga heart
limitles in argentina
beginners guide to yoga

Fourth Chakra

Anahata-chakra | Heart

  • All about: giving and receiving love + compassion
  • Location: heart level in the center of the chest
  • Color: green
  • Element: air (all about creating space and feeling into the infinite})
  • Essential oils: Jasmine, lavender, orange, rose, ylang-ylang

When open and in alignment we are able to love ourselves and others unconditionally, have healthy relationships, a healthy immune system, and are able to forgive. When blocked, we may feel lonely, insecure, isolated, and struggle with jealousy and forgiveness.

The heart chakra is also associated with our immune systems. Yoga and activities that activate this chakra have a lot to do with gentle heart openers and leaning into love.

Fifth Chakra

Vishuddha-chakra | Throat

  • All about: communication
  • Location: throat
  • Color: bright blue
  • Element: air (beyond the confines of our earth)
  • Essential oils: basil, peppermint, chamomile.. did someone say tea time?

When balanced we are able to breathe deeply and evenly, communicate effectively, and share our truth. When imbalanced we may find difficulty expressing feels or finding words and be prone to gossiping.

Sixth Chakra

Ajna-chakra | Brow

  • All about: intuition, imagination, and wisdom
  • Location: on the forehead between the eyebrows aka our third eye
  • Color: indigo
  • Element: light
  • Essential oils: lavender, sandalwood, patchouli, frankincense, pine

When open we have clear vision and intuition, it’s easy to see the bigger picture, we are able to inspire and motivate, and we may be able to remember dreams. When imbalanced it may be difficult to concentrate, we will lack imagination, feel foggy, and may experience nightmares.

Seventh Chakra

Sahasrara-chakra | Crown

  • All about: spirituality and connecting to life’s purpose
  • Location: the crown of the head radiating up (yassss queeen)
  • Color: violet/white
  • Essential oils: cedarwood, frankincense, jasmine, rose, lavender

When our seventh chakra is in alignment, it is said that all chakras are aligned and we are nearing enlightenment. Also, the mind is open and we are balanced in mind, body, and spirit. When the crown chakra is blocked, we may dwell in our ego, be closed-minded, disconnected, and cynical. The crown chakra is known to develop when one is about 43-49 years of age.

When exploring and diving into any type of energy work be gentle, open, loving, and patient. But also, don’t be afraid to have fun with it! Join us on LimitLes Movement for a 7-class chakra activating series!

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Last-Minute Gifts For Everyone On Your List

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Top 10 Gifts Under $100

Back and Neck Massager

$65.99

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I cannot get enough of this gift I bought for myself in a weak moment. Everyone in my family who gave it a whirl agrees, and now there are 3 wrapped up under my tree. This year, we all deserve endless back and neck massages *for under $100*!

PhoneSoap Sanitizer & Universal Charger

$79.95

This gift has 2020 written all over it, but rightfully so. Give the gift of a sanitary phone with this easy-to-use gadget that will age well beyond 2020.

Master Non-Stick Pan

$79.81

When I look at this pan, I see brunch. Pancakes, sausage, hashbrowns, and bacon frying in the middle. For anyone wanting to get down in the kitchen, the possibilities for this A+ gift are LimitLes(s) 😉

16-quart Air Fryer

$79.99

This super-sized, easy-to-use air fryer is the coolest one I’ve seen. There’s something so satisfying about an air fried crunch without the extra fat from oil frying. Plus, the glass chamber means takes the guessing game out of over/undercooking. If you’re in the market for more of an Instant Pot, check out this Star Wars-themed Pressure Cooker or even the R2-D2 Toaster, fun for the whole fam!

Aervana Electric Wine Aerator, Pourer, and Dispenser

$99.00

Argentine malbec on tap, anyone? Yes please! Gift this luxury one-touch aerator to the vino lover in your life.

Work from Anywhere Lap Pad

$54.00

We all know what work from home really means – work from bed, work from the couch, work from the passenger seat… the list goes on. This little lap desk can help set you up for success from wherever your on-the-go office resides. Gift tip: pair with a memory foam back rest pillow to complete the system!

Rose Gold Dual Head Stethoscope

$69.99

Gift this highly-rated, stainless steel, and best of all *pretty* stethoscope to the healthcare hero in your life. It comes in lots of colors and is the perfect way to give a little thanks to a hardworking healthcare worker this year.

Wood-burning Fire Pit

$99.99

I gifted this exact fire pit to my dad last Christmas, and since then we’ve roasted s’more after s’more with the nephews and kept warm through two winters now! Can’t beat entertaining in the great outdoors in 2020.

KitchenAid Hand Mixer

$99.99

‘Twas the year of banana bread, and ’tis the season of endless baking. This tried-and-true stainless steel hand mixer is a timeless gift for every season! Pink is calling my name, but you can choose from 15 colors.

Old Dutch Tea Kettle

$83.00

I’m new to the tea game since trying to drink more tea than coffee while growing baby Kav. It may be just me, but an aesthetically pleasing tea kettle begs to be used. Crushing hard on this 2 and 1/2 quart, easy-to-clean beauty.

Top 5 Under $50

Amazon Echo Dot

$29.99

For your little cousin who likes to listen to music or your Dad who wants to tell Alexa to “turn on the Christmas tree,” this classic smart speaker is a crowd-pleaser.

The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big and Small

$29.00

A coffee table book that will NOT collect dust. For every travelista or earth lover, score this gift.

Portable Lounger

$47.00

Pack this inflatable seating for the beach, picnics, camping, and beyond! It’s the perfect gift for any kiddos, parents, or happy campers in your life.

MyCharge Portable Charger Power Bank

$58.79

I swear by this small, fast charge, all-in-one portable charger. It’s a practical gift for everyone on your list!

Philips Sunrise Wake Up Clock

$39.95

The best way to stay away from a screen first thing in the AM is by investing in an alarm clock. Set yourself up for success with a morning routine that starts with a stimulated sunrise. Jet lag, grogginess, waking up on the wrong side of the bed BE GONE with this simple but effective alarm clock.

The Latest & Greatest Gifts of the Decade

GoPro hero 9

Bring this baby on any bumpy road (such as The Road Les Traveled perhaps?!) and it will stabilize the video, creating a solid timelapse. With front LCD and touch rear screens, 5K ultra HD video, 20 MP photos, and 1080p live streaming, this is a no-brainer for the adventure lover in your life!

New Apple Watch Series 6

Another year, another Apple gadget. They have me in the palm of my hand. I have this watch in last year’s model and have loved syncing my workouts to know my stats better. I also loved going on walks with and being able to leave my phone at home, knowing I can take calls and see texts right on my wrist!

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

My fiancé gifted me these noise-cancelling headphones last year, and there’s no greater gift for anyone who loves music, air travel, or even some solitude every now and then. Put these babies on and let the noise of the world fade away…

Portable Laptop Monitor

This is the latest and greatest gift for any gamer (or traveling drone pilot) in your life!

Echo Show + Ring Bundle

See who is at your door no matter where in the world you are. We love our Ring Doorbell, and the bundle deal ups the ante of greatness for this gift!

iRobot Roomba

The best of the best for carpets, hardwood floor, pet hair, and beyond. The best part? It talks to Alexa!

My Passport Wireless Pro

This portable external hard drive stores all of my files AND has has a built in power bank to charge my phone. Double score.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Tool

The hot topic hair tool of the year will also be the hot topic of the holiday party.

Amazon Fire TV Stick

Netflix, Disney +, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO, ESPN.. need I say more? Anyone who doesn’t yet have this streaming stick definitely needs it in their life.

Stocking Stuffers

stocking

Hand Frother

Be your own barista with these easy-to-use, battery-operated hand frother. Cappuccinos, matcha, lattes, and whipped cream with one touch!

20oz Glass Tumbler

Eco-friendly, insulated, crazy convenient and available in all colors of the rainbow. So many accolades, so many plastic water bottles unused.

Portable Blender

Smoothie for one either en route, at the beach, on a hike or in your very own kitchen. This portable blender crushes ice, mixes protein shakes, and is easy to clean with the click of one button!

Homesick Scented Candle

I can smell the magnolias and Ozarks now 🙂 I have so much love for my home state of Arkansas, but gift any state for immediate time travel back home. After all, smell is the strongest link to memory.

Caudalie Beauty Elixer

When I mist these little babies on my face after a flight, I feel fresher than the Prince himself! A great wellness treat for the jet-setter in your life!

To Love and Let Go by Rachel Brathen

This book is filled with lessons of a lifetime, all somehow tightly wrapped up into 322 pages of darkness and light all the same. My yoga teacher wrote this beautiful story from the pages of her profound life.

Big Magic by Liz Gilbert

Lessons on creativity and leaning into fear – so nice I read it twice!

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

This is a memoir about Paul’s life and his battle with metastatic lung cancer. A tear jerker for sure, this book is chock full of all the feels.

To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins

Jed rode his bike from Oregon to Patagonia…so you know I am low-key obsessed 🙂 My favorite book from 2019 is all about saying yes to adventure, getting along with all walks of life and a relatable love/frustration with South America.

2020 Gift Guide Under $50

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Gifts that just make sense this year

Masterclass

$15.00

Give the *priceless* gift of knowledge from experts in every field you can think of. Learn all about food, arts, design, business, writing, music.. the list goes on from the very best in the business for as little as $15 a month.

Firestick

$29.99

If there is anyone left in your life that has yet to upgraded their viewing experience, this is the gift for them. Every streaming service brought to the big screen is a non-negotiable this year.

UVC sanitizer

$40.00

Give the gift of a sanitized phone with this nifty and 2020 necessary gadget.

Athleta face masks

$40.00

This mask is one of few created with an active lifestyle in mind complete with all the functional things (adjustable ear loops and moldable fit around nose + cheekbones) plus TurboDry fabric for exercise.

Bamboo laptop desk

$49.99

Call me old school, but I love this foldable bamboo tray. Yes, most of us are still working from home and this is a great way to work, read, and thrive from bed. My favorite use for this sturdy, environmentally friendly bed tray is obviously Sunday brekkie in bed.

Smart jump rope

$40.00

This inexpensive but genius gift will inspire any recipient for a new fun way to move! It’s the perfect addition to any at-home workout. Get that cardio in!

Smiley face pancake pan

$38.00

This one needs no explanation but definitely deserves a spot in every home and every stocking this year.

For the kiddos (in age or at heart)

I will be a mama come March, but for now I’m the cool aunt. The following gifts are fitting for my current title. Since I haven’t traveled this year to bring extra cool presents home from around the world, the boys will be spoiled the good old fashioned way. Also, some of these gifts are totally appropriate (and encouraged) to gift to the ones in your life who are kids at heart.

Table-top foosball

$32.99

All the things you love about the classic foosball made mini, easier to store and more affordable. This works the hand-eye coordination and involves no screen time which translates to educational, right? Right.

Karaoke microphone

$30.00

With a built in phone holder, this wireless mic does it all. Scan your songs, record your performances, and annoy the heck out of your S.O… I mean let your kids sing their heart out. 😉

Inflatable hammock

$37.99

This portable blow up can double as a cozy place to nap on the beach or add for game room seating. It’s a practical gift that feels fun! P.S. Adults fit too!

Globe basketball

$29.00

This was just too on-brand not to gift to my nephew! I hope this excites someone out there as much as it does me.

Table-top air hockey

$35.00

You may be noticing a theme.. sorry (not sorry) sis, your boys will be entering 2021 with all the table-top games!

Dinosaur waffle maker

$40.00

For any kid who shows interest in the kitchen, gift this fun and easy waffle maker! Also, check out this happy face waffle maker for anyone who’s outgrown the dinosaur phase.

Mask necklace

$31.00

Add some character to the new mask trend and make it a little more exciting with this cute necklace. In addition to being a conversation starter, it keeps the mask on your little one even if it’s off for lunch!

Classic Game

$26.00

Twister is a personal fav! Family fun made a comeback this year and I’m here for it. Inspire game night with classics like Trivial Pursuit, Guess Who, Taboo, Yahtzee, or Jenga.

For the bath-lover in your life

We all know one…and I am one. In fact, thanks to my mama every Murphy girl loves a good bubble bath! My current AR residence has a bath in every bathroom. Baths for all! SCORE!

Lux bathtub caddy

$49.99

With a wine holder, book holder, a place to put your phone and detachable trays, this upgrades the bath game to another level. Gifting tip: A basket with this as the centerpiece, scattered with candles, a pretty picture book, and some bath bombs.

Nellamoon candle

$27.00

I am high key obsessed with these hand poured, 100% natural soy wax candles made in Nashville. I’m currently buring the 48 oz which gives 200+ hours of burn time. These soft glow 10 oz jars will give you 75 hours of burn time.

Gorilla grip bath pillow

$31.99

To those who don’t love baths: I cannot relate, but I can suggest some improvements in your tub game. This little pillow is the key to making a bathtub comfortable. Hooray for waterproof qualities (obvi), and it has enough suction cups to really secure the grip.

Musee dreamwater bath set

These bath bombs and soaks are ethically sourced, cruelty free, and made in the USA. Plus, Musee is on a mission to provide work for vulnerable people in Mississippi. So you can feel extra good gifting these bath accessories!

All of the following bath mats speak to my heart and are #tubtalk approved.

Kitchen & Living

Pizza & beyond maker

$39.99

Make a 12 inch, crunchy crust, homemade pizza (or two) in minutes without turning on the oven. Quesadillas, nachos, quiche, GIANT COOKIES… the possibilities are limitless! 😉

Catstudio drinking glass

$17.00

A girlfriend recently gifted me the Arkansas, California and Georgia geography-inspired glasses from catstudio and I can’t get enough. Choose from alma matters, home states or foreign lands! They’re an equally perfect stocking stuffer for college kids or in-laws.

Hand Frother

$18.00

This easy to use hand frother makes every barista-style hot chocolate, matcha or cappuccino achievable. My fiancé is a coffee snob who sometimes travels with our beloved Delonghi. This hand frother paired with some coffee beans might be his travel-friendly solve for a Flat White.

The following books are meant to inspire. From Notorius RBG, landscapes that WOW to tips and tricks for LA style tacos, these books deserve to live on a coffee table.

Gifts to inspire self-care

Ice Roller

$24.99

It’s no secret that I’ve been loving this simple yet effective beauty secret. Catch me rolling every AM & PM this pregnancy, especially under my eyes, but I recently found out it can also be used on sore arms & legs!

Wellness Bundle

$49.00

This is the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone in your life who likes to try a little bit of everything on the market. I’ve personally tried and LOVE some of these products (Hum, Liquid IV, and kindroot).

Compact foot spa

$39.99

I’m learning that the trick to a spa-grade pedicure is a good hot soak. This HoMedics classic foot bath heats, massages, and collapses for easy storage.

Floor cushion

$44.99

Crafted in India, this floor cushion is the perfect place to meditate, read, or just make a room cozier.

Aria facial steamer

Bring the spa home with this facial steamer. Detoxify, cleanse, open up your pores, and even infuse with your favorite essential oils. I can’t get enough! Use this exclusive link for 56% off.

Amplifying cozy…

I don’t know if you know, but cozy is trending. “But Lesley, why amplify a look if you’re not leaving the house?” Allow me to explain. Without sacrificing comfort, putting myself together in the morning significantly helps me have a better day. Here are small ways to amplify a look and get excited about your cozy style.

Multi stick

$34.00

Ahhh, minimalism for the face. Add a little color to your cheeks and moisturize your lips with one stick. Ilia is cruelty-free, vegan and made with clean ingredients. The color “dreamer” is universally flattering on a range of skin tones.

Hair care kit

$47.00

Gift this USA-made, best selling hair kit by Crown Affair. Contents include satin silk scrunchie (no dents!), *magic* hair oil and a plant-based homemade comb that will take your hair care to the next level.

Dry shampoo

If you follow me on Instagram you know this is the secret to my unwashed hair of 15 days… Mic drop. This stocking stuffer is a no brainer.

Yoga Mat Guide for EveryBODY

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yoga mat guide

I remember meeting a woman named Emily at yoga camp where we bonded over vegan garlic butter, broken hearts and the mutual last minute acceptance into the month-long Aruba yoga teacher training. At 23 years old with 9 years of yoga under her belt, she quit her job at lululemon in order to meet me, become my assistant and of course, a yoga teacher. Just kidding… sort of. Emily is, in all seriousness, the Goddess, Keeper, and Knower of all things yoga mats, yoga clothes, and yoga leggings. Since embarking on The Road Les Traveled, she has schooled me on all the need-to-knows for yoga and is also to blame for most of my lululemon purchases… oops. #NOTANAD

What defines a good yoga mat? 

yoga mat guide

Thickness

Most mats will vary between 2mm-7mm (that’s in millimeters, y’all). The thicker the mat, the more cushion to protect your joints. A 2mm mat may lead you to a throbbing knee in crescent lunge and a 7mm mat may have you craving more connection with the ground below your mat during tree pose. A pretty safe bet is the middle ground 5mm mat. But do not be fooled…not all 5mm mats are made equal. Read on yogis…

Material

PVC, aka vinyl, is what the old age, tried-and-true yoga mats are made of. The newer eco friendly mats come in everything from recycled rubber to cotton. Natural rubber is great, don’t get me wrong. I urge you to save the ozone if you’re not allergic to latex, BUT air that baby out properly before being that girl in the studio.

Open cell VS closed cell

Go into any luluemon and they will school you on this terminology that sounds straight out of a high school biology textbook. Let me break it down for you. “Open cell” means you can sweat your heart out and the mat can handle/absorb it. In fact, if you opt for open cell tech, your mat will absorb anything that drips on it. So avoid the mat cleaners/oils to wipe down post-flow. Closed cell technology means your mat will not absorb moisture but needs to be wiped clean. Open cell tech is great for hot yoga, but it needs a warm soap and water rinse to refresh. Closed cell tech is great for those who don’t plan on dripping sweat every use and want to spray and wipe your mat clean.

Texture

Sticky, grippy, smooth, rough, grainy. All words to describe the texture of the (wind beneath your wings) mat below your feet. I say- to each their own. Personally, though they may seem mutually exclusive, I tend toward a smooth but sticky mat.

Price & Durability

I still have my very first yoga mat stored in my childhood closet for no particular reason other than nostalgia and that it was $20 from Marshalls. It served its purpose as a surface to move on, but let me be the first to advise you… invest in your yoga mat. The surface you move on can affect your practice, and the right tools really do make a difference. A good yoga mat should offer you up to 5 years of a non-slip, supported surface. Invest wherever your heart desires, but here’s my recommendations based on how you like to flow!

Best for: Hot yoga

yoga mat guide

Project OM: eQua Yoga Mat

  • Price: $150
  • Highlight features: The eKO mat base is made from sustainably harvested tree rubber, non-toxic, + practice yoga WHILE giving back and flowing for a cause!

Mastectomy tattoo artist David Allen collaborated with Manduka to produce the beautiful mat above with open cell technology where 100% of all net profits from this mat will directly benefit Susan G. Komen until December 31st, 2019. It’s like a yoga towel and a yoga mat had a baby and BOOM! This beauty was born.

Lululemon 5mm Reversible mat

  • Weight: 5.24 lbs
  • Price: $78
  • Highlight features: Open cell technology, natural rubber, reversible, and an antimicrobial additive

Tried and true. It’s never too early to start loving your joints. So say hello to this 5mm thick reversible Lululemon mat. With open cell technology, you can confidently power flow your ass off in a hot room. Bonus – due to the antimicrobial treatment you do not have to wash it every time. Sorry clean freaks, it’s the truth. I would hose mine down with soap and warm water then hang to dry. Note to all dirty hippies out there (hi Emily): throw a yoga towel down for added absorption and you can wait another few sessions before the hose down.

Best for: Travel

Lesley Murphy Yoga

To be honest, I haven’t carried a “travel yoga mat” with me in the past year. Since I got certified, I try to practice every day no matter where I am in the world. I lug my 5mm mat around every airport through every TSA check and smile at the flight attendants when I carry it on the plane accompanied by my personal item(s) & carry on.. Half hiding it, half praying they see it and say nothing.

Lululemon 3mm Reversible Mat

  • Weight: 3.87 lbs
  • Price: $68
  • Highlight features: Open cell technology, natural rubber, reversible, antimicrobial additive

Because The Road Les Traveled may take you to a yin class post-Patagonia trek or a power vinyasa flow in a Balinese hut, you can opt for the slightly thinner version of the Lululemon reversible mat. With the same exact reliable characteristics as its 5mm big sis, you can pack an extra few yoga pants with the 2 lb difference!

Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat

  • Weight: 2.2 lbs
  • Price: $44
  • Highlight features: 1.5mm closed cell tech, natural rubber, and 99% latex-free

This mat is thin, but boy is it light. With the classic Manduka grip, you can count on flowing without slipping. Would I practice on this mat everyday for a month? No. But I would suggest it as a packing essential if you don’t want to lug around your 5mm mat.

Best for: Everyday (the committed yogi)

yoga mat guide

Manduka Prolite Yoga Mat

  • Weight: 4 lbs
  • Price: $60 (starting rate)
  • Highlight features: 4.7mm, closed cell technology, zero waste, 100% latex-free, and a lifetime guarantee

Manduka has become the go-to yoga mat brand worldwide and for good reason. This is one of the most popular Manduka mats you will see. The closed cell technology makes it super easy to clean. If you plan on sweating, you can lay a Yogi Toes towel over your mat to accompany those extra sweaty vinyasas. Plus, it is made from sustainably harvested rubber contributing zero waste to the world in the process.

Best for: Every Other Day  (the sporadic yogi)

Yoga LimitLes in Bali

Welcome Yoga 5mm Mat

  • Weight: 2.3 lbs
  • Price: $48
  • Highlight features: Closed cell tech, lightweight, alignment strip, and eco-friendly manufacturing

Grippy & reversible with an alignment strip down the middle. We gifted this mat to all of our LimitLes in Bali 2018 babes. The lower price point, beginner friendly features, and eco friendly manufacturing will be an investment you can feel good about making. Plus, if your yoga practice becomes more frequent, this lightweight reliable mat can become your go-to travel mat.

Honorable Mentions

Jade Harmony Mat

  • 4.76mm thick
  • Weight: 5 pounds
  • Price: $79.95

For me, the lack of love for this mat is simply a texture preference. It’s a little too grainy for my linking. I’ve never slipped, but I did get calluses on my palms with frequent practice (TMI?!). BUT I love all that Jade is and does. Jade plants a tree for every mat sold and the purchase of certain color mats contributes $5 to charity. Plus, they are made in the good ole USA!

Other brands to check out: Prana, Hugger mugger, Alo, Gaiam.

So yogis, weather you’re a plant eating, daily practicing yogi or your practice is slow, sporadic, and followed by a glass of wine with friends (btw I’m both of these depending on the day)… there’s a yoga mat out there for you.

Are you in a committed relationship with a mat I haven’t mentioned above? Drop a comment below so I can expand my horizons. Happy flowing!

 

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