Here’s a snippet from a recent conversation with her about embarking on my new yoga journey.

NYCEsthy: OK, so I bought some DVDs and am going to try yoga. Again.

Nancy: You really should get into a class to make sure you are doing it right.

NYCEsthy: Yeah, but I am not sure I am ready to look like an ass in front of people. I can barely do the beginner videos. Besides, I am looking for a more transcendent experience. I need to try something that takes me out of my own head and allows me to release some stress. And I can’t get into a meditative state if I look like an ass in front of a lot of people.

Nancy: Which DVD series are you trying?

NYCEsthy: Rodney Yee’s.

Nancy: He’s HOT! No wonder you can’t concentrate!

NYCEsthy: I don’t really think it’s his hotness (but yes he is indeed hot). A few years ago, I tried to follow Gurmukh’s method and failed miserably. (Note: she’s an LA based fancy-pants yogi to the stars that was introduced to me by, natch, entertainment industry people.)

Nancy: How do you fail at yoga?

NYCEsthy: Well, the first 10 minutes or so of her DVD was crazy easy and I was all like really, this is how Hollywood actresses keep themselves in shape, ’cause I don’t feel a damn thing. And then she started doing some weird wave-your-hands-in-the-air move that kept going for like 20 minutes. And at first I couldn’t do it because I was laughing so hard, and then after a while, my arms really hurt, so at least I was getting a workout. But I didn’t find my meditative state.

Nancy: That’s because you’re judging it!

NYCEsthy: No I’m not.

Nancy: Um, yes you totally are. Stop judging it and just do it!

I love Nancy–and this is why she is such a sensational trainer. I am still trying to find my meditative state, but some days I am still totally judging it. So at least I know why, and I’m working on it.

PS: If you are in the NYC area and are interested in Pilates, leave a comment below and I will put you in touch with Nancy. She’s seriously awesome and once my finances get back on track we will be training together again. She completely returned core strength to my body after having a kid, and fixed a lot of my postural problems. I also credit her for helping with my migraines–when I was training several times a week, I barely had any headaches. She is a body work rock star.

Musings of a Muse turns us on to a kick-ass sale on the Victoria’s Secret Pout Collection. At a top price of $3.50, I see a visit to Vicky’s in my near future.

StyleBelle offers a home-brewed recipe for an all natural frizz fighter.

British Beauty Blogger sounds off on the Daily Mail for plugging a crap product with an even crappier marketing strategy.

And esthetician Renee Rouleau, guest blogging at Beauty Snob, investigates the differences between French and American skincare routines. (And guess who comes out on top?)

And here’s a fun weekend assignment. Do 5 – 10 minutes of yoga stretching, followed by a few minutes of quiet meditation, before bed each night. It will help you sleep better!

Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend!

Vinnie trains the requisite celebrities and devotee Heather Graham is quoted, “Yoga people on the whole are super cool…I don’t find any creepy people in this class!” 

So this reminds me of my friend Jaene, who turned me on to NamasteMoFo, which is just filled with t-shirt awesome-ness! Their mission: “We at NamasteMofo believe that human beings are complex and can honestly embrace holistic ideals and still be totally punk rock.”

Check out the Yoga Bitches t-shirt designed by Jaene, in honor of her play of the same name.  Ladies, I sun salute you!