Jay Miranda

Good Taste, Mom Life, Homeschooling

Desert Flower

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Dress, Heels: Joie

When my soul needs some replenishing, I go to the desert. I know it sounds counter-intuitive. What does an arid place have to give? Well, quite a bit. I’m inspired by the things that grow in the desert. Keep your roses; I want desert blooms and cactus. They’re my personal symbol of 2015 because this year I was able to blossom in the midst of harsh conditions. I started the year still deep in grief over personal loss. I had zero feelings about the new year. I had nothing to celebrate.

But in the spring, everything changed. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, I know it might seem like I started practicing yoga out of the blue. It came into my life randomly, but it was such a gift. It gave me one of the biggest realizations of my life: I’m not just my mind existing through time and space. I’m also my body and my spirit. All three need nourishing. That’s what I’ve been doing.

I ended up having one of the best years of my life.

Here’s to a year of healing. Here’s to finding a door and walking through it.

Here’s to all the desert flowers.

 

 

Sugar Plum

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This post is brought to you by Maurices.

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jay-miranda-maurices-pajamas-holiday4Sleepwear set: c/o Maurices, Robe: Ugg, Socks: Nordstrom

Let’s be real: the best part of the holidays is lounging around your home in cute and comfy pajamas. Don’t get me wrong: I love the art of the slay (#sleigh?) as much as any other girl with a carefully curated instagram. But in-real-life and especially during time off, I like spending my days in loungewear that is superbly cozy. Major bonus points for cute prints and colors.

This owl print set in sugar plum hues hits all the notes I love. I’ve wanted nordic print pajamas for a long time, but never found them in my size until now. I mean, look at the little owls and snowflakes! When I opened the box, I couldn’t wait to get them on. These waffle knit pajamas are available in mint too. Sidenote: they run true to size. Pick up a pair with the current promo.

Perfect pajamas are how I style the holidays. Add your favorite festive flick (Miracle on 34th Street; A Christmas Carol,) a homemade treat (peppermint chocolate s’mores,) and a snuggly blanket.

 

Balance Act: Plus-Size Yoga

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Yoga at any size: plus size blogger Jay Miranda

Without a doubt, the biggest change I made this year was starting to practice yoga. The previous year was a tough one for me, marked by loss. It left me physically and emotionally depleted. At the time, I’d much rather lie under the covers than anything else. But then someone talked to me about yoga. Any time the universe reaches out to you, you have to REACH BACK. That’s what I did when I signed up for my first class back in April. As they say: when the student is ready, the teacher shall appear.

Yoga at any size: plus size blogger Jay Miranda

It’s amazing what you can learn through stillness. I got a deeper appreciation of my body, its limits, my strength, my wellbeing, and balance. These days, I practice Kundalini yoga, which is like yoga for the soul. I also practice Vinyasa yoga—which tends to be more physical.

Yoga at any size: plus size blogger Jay Miranda

Yoga at any size: plus size blogger Jay Miranda

When I practice Vinyasa, I sweat—a lot! While I do practice in my garden (pictured here) or in my office, the studio classes challenge me the most. In these pictures, yoga looks serene, but the classes are exhilarating (and yes, sweat-inducing.) I always wear something that can perform.

Yoga at any size: plus size blogger Jay Miranda

Sports bra (straight; plus-size) abstract printed leggings (straight; plus-size) c/o Kohl’s

While I like my activewear to be functional, I need it to be cute too. It just boosts my spirit! Love this bright combination from Tek Gear. The style, quality, and price point all make me happy. I have to say: actually getting a couple pieces of activewear way back in the beginning really helped me to BE more active. I think it just inspired me to go out and do it. I appreciate brands that have cute styles available in straight- and plus-size; another reason I like Tek Gear. I’m totally activewear obsessed now.

My activewear tips for yoga class:

  • First and foremost, look for function: breathable fabrics, sturdy seams, supportive sports bras, etc.
  • For Vinyasa, I like clothes that stay close to my body since we do a lot of inversions.
  • Mix patterns and solid pieces.
  • Pick options that reflect your style—you don’t have to look like anyone but yourself.
  • I love fun sports bras with strappy or cut-out details.
  • Don’t shy away from bright colors, these can lift your mood and get you to studio for that early morning class.

I’ll be sharing more about my yoga journey and hope that this might inspire someone to try it for the first time. Oh! And if you’re eyeing this activewear set, remember you can get EXTRA 15% off by entering promo code MYSTYLE at checkout. Valid online only and available during 10/15-10/25.

Thanks to Kohl’s for sponsoring this post.
Find Tek Gear in stores and online.

Off to a Smooth Start

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This post is brought to you by Playtex.

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playtex bra

One thing I’ve learned since becoming a grown woman: my morning will make or break my day. On those days when I can get out of bed just as the morning light is starting to flood into my bedroom, I will usually have a good day. Why? Because I have time to perform my ritual: a glass of cold water, a quiet yoga session right on my living room floor, then showering and dressing. Then it’s go, go, go.

I need my intimates and clothes to be low-fuss so I can approach my day from a solid place. I haven’t always been the best at choosing the right bra and like a lot of women, I often can’t wait to take mine off at the end of the day. But I recently got the chance to try this PLAYTEX undercover smoothing bra which has wide straps, shapewear panels on the sides, and zero padding. It’s available through size 44 DDD.

It’s SO comfortable. I tried it before I agreed to write about it because I wanted to make sure I loved it. These bras are what I’ve been reaching for morning after morning. I’m wearing it here under my striped, jeweled top. The makings of a great outfit start from the inside out.

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Plus size blush and stripe outfit{Outfit: Pants, Jewel top, Bag, Shoes}

Playtex Giveaway!

Want to try a Playtex secrets undercover bra?

You can enter to win one here. Just leave a comment on this blog post—tell me a little about your morning routine (e.g. what makes for a great morning, share a tip that works for you, or other morning rituals.) That’s it! I will notify the winner in a week’s time.

Available to US residents only. Void where prohibited.

 

 

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