The Crafty Cupcake Celebrates Earth Day

While a lot of people celebrate Earth Day by cleaning parks, planting trees, and other awesome outdoor activities we were faced with thunderstorms today. So I figured crafting with recycled materials would be a good way to celebrate indoors. I have been working on three projects and I would love to share them with you.

The first is a yoga mat bag made of from old Cargo pants. I came across this pattern at Vegetarian Frugal Housewife. I fell in love with the bag because it was simple yet features a pocket perfect for keys, phone, and a debit card or cash. While I didn't have any pants at home that fit the bill I found these pants at the thrift store. With the addition of a simple piece of pink webbing I have an awesome new Yoga Mat Bag and it took 40 minutes to make.

The next project was inspired by an awesome pair of leg warmers I saw last weekend at a yoga class. I may eventually knit a pair but for these I cut the sleeves from a sweater, made a casing for elastic using some interlock fabric, and added two inch elastic. The sleeve cuffs made the perfect bottom and they fit well. They will be great for early more yoga practice when it's still cold.

The next projects come from pieces of bike chain. My awesome bike tech asked if I wanted my old chain when I had some work done. I said "Yeah, I would love to make jewelry from it." He then looked at the chain and said "How about I do you one better. I will give you my leftover chain pieces and recycle this." Deal. So I have been making jewelry from the links and pieces. It takes a few special tools but I think it's worth it. So far I have made about six pairs of earring and a bracelet. I have a necklace in the works as well.

This has been an amazing way for me to recycle, be creative, and walk aways with some fun and unique items. The next time you're ready to throw something out or donate it, stop and think what it's second life might be.

The Love of a Good Mat

About a year ago I was very casual about my yoga practice. I did the occasional video at home or sometimes a group class but it wasn't a regular part of my fitness routine. I picked up my yoga mat like you would a pack of gum. It had a pretty color and was right there on the end of the aisle at Target.

Then I began working with an instructor. I learned about yoga beyond asanas (poses) and it's now a part of my life, not merely for fitness but for my spiritual and mental health. Naturally the more I practiced the more my sassy hot pink yoga mat began to fail me becoming sparse in areas and the cats new favorite scratching toy.

Around the time I began looking for a new yoga mat I was blessed with the PrAna Natural Sticky Mat. What I noticed immediately is how much heft the mat had. Unlike my other mats of the past this mat feels serious. The mat, made of rubber, provides enough cushioning for me to easily work on my concrete balcony with comfort and stability. The smooth texture of the mat is a nice feature as well. Compared to other mats with a basket-weave type texture this feels smooth and doesn't leave weird imprints on my skin after certain poses.

In addition to the cushion-factor I really like the level of stickiness the mat has. I feel I can move fluidly while still able to stick in poses. This confidence helps me focus on my breath and body rather than wondering if I am going to slip.

Another aspect I love about the mat is it's biodegradeable nature. While I have no plans to part with it any time soon I like that it won't live for centuries in a land fill after I am gone. I try to support companies who support my beliefs. PrAna not only matches my lifestyle but cares for the environment and that is important to me.

The mat retails for $68.00 which is a bit more than mats you will find at the sporting goods store or Target. I think that it's worth every penny. Just like a gym membership if you don't use it you won't get a return on your investment but if yoga is a regular part of your life I recommend you give the mat a try. It's really become a partner for me. Allowing me to move my solo practice forward with confidence.