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A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Third Trimester Update and Favorites

Third Trimester Pregnancy Update and Favorites

It’s getting real, folks. I am currently 34 weeks pregnant with a fast-approaching due date. Today I wanted to share my third trimester pregancy update and favorite products, which are items I am loving because they are making me more comfortable as our baby girl’s birth nears.

My most persistent symptom this trimester has been heartburn. I cut back on cheese and citrusy and spicy foods to try to alleviate it as much as possible. I’ve had mixed success with that. I use heartburn chews and my sister-in-law sent me some heartburn tea, which helps for the most part!

The hormones have made me even more emotional than I already am, which hasn’t been easy to deal with. I am extremely sensitive to the things people say and my reactions can sometimes be heightened. I think everything’s going to be OK, though!

I’ve also had some physical pain. I feel a pulling in my hip area that has not gone away. I thought yoga would help, but I am also afraid of overstretching so I tend to be super careful in many poses. I stopped running completely because I believe it makes the pulling sensation worse, but I have been able to use the elliptical and do such exercises as squats. I also was able to hike in Phoenix, Hawaii and San Francisco while I was there, so I’m grateful for that. As probably every pregnant woman will say, I also have back pain. My belly has expanded exponentially in just the last two or three weeks. I have a small, short frame, so really it makes sense that the baby has nowhere to grow but outward!

I feel our baby girl moving constantly, and I love every second of it. It’s just so special! I’ve definitely felt the nesting instinct lately, too: I have been nonstop decluttering and cleaning since February. I just could not wait any longer. As far as baby prep, we have everything we will need when she arrives. Because we don’t know when we will be moving, we are holding off on such items as a crib.  Luckily our friends and family have been generous enough to gift us pretty much all of the essentials and a ton of baby clothes and items. (I will be sharing the remaining items on my baby wish list soon in a post!) I’m super eager to pack my hospital bag because I like to be prepared AHEAD of time, but I’ll wait a week or two longer.

My third trimester favorites are those items that help me make more comfortable and happy in general. While every pregnancy is different, I’m convinced these items would be appreciated by any pregnant woman.

Third Trimester Pregnancy Favorites:

  • Bio Oil: I read about this in January in a blogger’s pregnancy update and immediately purchased it. It smells amazing! The bottle says it must be used for at least three months, so I won’t know how well it works until later on, but I feel like it keeps my skin soft and I haven’t developed any new marks.
  • Baths: I love my daily baths, whether using bath bombs or just foaming bath. It helps me relax and soothes my sore muscles. Baths have become a part of my nighttime routine after V’s bedtime story. I take the time to listen to an Audible book or music or watch a YouTube video (usually on hospital bags! haha).
  • Slippers: I wear them all the time. Who wants to wear real shoes?
  • Prenatal massage: Why did I wait so long to get one? Oh yeah, I don’t like to spend money! Graham booked one for me and it was much needed and appreciated. I would love to book another before baby as well. I’m also still loving our neck and shoulder massager.
  • Boppy/Pillows in general: I use them on my back, to support my belly, between my legs, you name it. I would love to spend all day cozied up in pillows. As I write this I have about five pillows behind my back.
  • Belly bands: They make a huge difference at the end of the day. On days I don’t wear them I can hardly move by the end of the day. When I wear them I feel 1,000 times better! I have tried two kinds. One that is just an elastic band (They say to buy one size larger than pre-pregnancy.) and one that adjusts. I like both!

What are you excited about in this new season? Do you have any current favorite items?

Related post:

Current Nighttime Essentials and Bedtime Routine

Family-Friendly Snorkeling at Kahaluu Beach Park

When we decided to visit the Big Island again, I wondered if the beaches would be suitable for a toddler. Many of the beaches we had visited during our Hawaii honeymoon in 2014 were rocky and the waves were sometimes rough. We were pleasantly surprised by how family-friendly Kahaluu Beach Park, a popular snorkeling beach in Hawaii, turned out to be.

The park doesn’t have a huge chunk of sand, but it has food trucks, picnic tables, a snack shop and restrooms. We spent our last full day on the Big Island at this beach. I relaxed and snacked on nachos (about $6) while G and V swam with the fish and turtles. Tip: Bring water shoes! (You can also rent snorkel gear and get reef-safe sunscreen, though on the day we visited rentals were halted due to the water conditions.) V had a wonderful time in the water and then making sand castles with me. Tip: We purchased a sand castle toy set for about $9 at an ABC Store in Kailua-Kona and we brought it back home with us. A life jacket was also super helpful for us. You can save money by bringing your own beverages and snacks vs. buying from a food truck.

One part of the beach is for surfing and the other is for snorkeling, so be aware of where you are swimming. (Lifeguards were on duty when we were there.)

The Kahaluu Beach Park parking lot filled up quickly, but we found that if you drove around someone was always leaving.

Have you visited Kahaluu Beach Park or the Big Island? What was your favorite snorkeling spot?

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Related posts:

Big Island Fun: Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaii
EXPLORING HILO, HAWAII
PU’UHONUA O HONAUNAU NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK IN HAWAII

 

 

 

Benefits of Taking a Birth Class

We crossed off a major item on my pre-baby to-do list over the weekend: the birth class! When I signed up for the Preparation for Childbirth workshop a couple of months ago, I wasn’t sure if it was necessary or worth the money. But now that we’ve completed the class I can safely say it was a worthy investment. I wanted to share some reasons I found it to be helpful to take advantage of the education classes offered at your hospital or in your area.

Reasons to take a birth class:

  • Receive clarification on your hospital’s philosophy and policies: It was nice to know that our hospital already plans to do skin-to-skin contact and delayed cord clamping, which I was already planning to request. You can also find out the hospital’s rates for such things as C-sections. We also learned about how the hospital’s security.
  • Go on a hospital tour: Getting to labor and delivery can be a source of stress if you don’t know where to park, where to check-in, what your room will look like, etc. Now that we know where to go, what to expect from our stay and the services that are offered we feel more comfortable and relieved.
  • Know your pain management options: We learned exactly what medication options are available and the hospital’s philosophy and policies surrounding them. If you’re considering an epidural you watch a video and hear about how they are given so you know what you expect. If you’re considering an unmedicated birth you can learn techniques for coping with pain as well. In fact, the entire first day of the workshop focused on unmedicated birth coping mechanisms.
  • Practice massage techniques and breathing exercises: Part of learning about your pain management options is learning specific massage and support techniques your partner can do to help you during labor. The hip squeeze I found especially helpful! You also do breathing exercises that help not only in labor and delivery but in everyday life.
  • Get support from other couples: You meet couples from diverse backgrounds and of different ages, but you all share many of the same fears. Talking about those concerns helps alleviate some of the stress and helps you find solutions. You are not alone! Many of the men, for example, shared the feeling of helplessness and fear of not knowing how to help their partners, but they walked away with specific ways to be an active part of the labor process.
  • Ask questions and get suggestions on outside resources: You are getting information from an expert rather than friends and family who may not be as informed or who may exaggerate their stories. The class debunked popular myths people can sometimes fill your head with. The class was a safe space to ask all the questions you had about giving birth. The instructor also had handouts with contact information for lactation consultants, support groups for postpartum depression, and other classes that may be helpful. (There’s even a class on how to get your dog to adjust to a new baby!)
  • Taste the hospital food: You will likely be staying int he hospital for two or three days, so it’s not a bad idea to try out the food. Of course, you don’t have to, but we enjoyed checking out the cafeteria options and seeing what we would have available.
  • Gain reassurance: Overall I felt more confident in myself. The biggest takeaway: I learned to keep an open mind and not set my heart on a given plan. I now have tools I can use, but I don’t need to commit to anything. If I adjust my expectations I can avoid feeling disappointed. At the end of the day the best outcome if a healthy and happy baby, not matter how that happens.

If you plan to have children in the future, will you take one? If you already have kiddos, what did you learn about giving birth?

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Safari Animal Baby Shower

Recent Cruelty-Free Beauty Empties

** This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise!

It’s time for another empties update! I wish I had photos of the used-up products, but I was traveling when I finished many of these cruelty-free beauty goodies. Let me know if you’ve tried any of them and what you thought about them! Bonus: These makeup and skin-care items are all affordable!

My recent cruelty-free beauty empties:

  • Mario Badescu Skin Care Hit Refresh Set: I mentioned this in a haul I shared in November. I liked the Facial Spray and the Botanical Exfoliating Scrub, but I didn’t like the Cleansing Gel enough to buy the full size. I already repurchased the facial spray, but this time I got the lavender, which I love more than the cucumber. I don’t always feel the need to use an exfoliating scrub, so I am unsure if I’d repurchase for that reason. I would prefer an exfoliating mask instead. Note: I don’t think this set is available anymore, but you can find the individual products or similar Mario Badescu sets.

  • Milani Make It Last Setting Spray: This is my favorite setting spray, but I haven’t repurchased it yet. I have been using my Mario Badescu facial spray to set my makeup instead to minimize my products. Once I use that up I plan to repurchase the Milani setting spray, which smells really nice! I have my eye on the Make It Dewy spray, too.
  • Wet ‘n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder: I used this for a year, and I liked it! People tend to say in reviews that the various shades have slightly different formulas. I used up Crown of my Canopy, and I loved the way it looked on my skin. It’s also super affordable.
  • IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream (travel size): I purchase this cream a few times a year. I like to get the travel size for vacations because it’s easier than taking the larger size in my suitcase.
  • Essence False Lash Effect Mascara: I love this mascara! I plan to repurchase this once I am done with another mascara I own. (I am currently on a makeup no-buy.)

What products have you been loving lately? Was there anything you didn’t enjoy?

Shop some of my empties**:

Pre-Baby Spending Ban

I have been in decluttering, organization and cleaning mode for a couple of weeks now. There’s something about the approaching change of seasons that inspired this, but mostly it’s preparation for the baby’s arrival! As part of my simplifying, I decided after analyzing my February expenses that I also want to implement a mini pre-baby spending ban in March (and possibly April, too!). The main idea is that I don’t want to spend money outside of baby items, groceries and replacing necessities.

Pre-baby spending ban categories:

Gifts: I don’t have any occasions I need to buy gifts for in March, so this should be easy. I do have a wedding gift to purchase in April.

Makeup/hair products/skin care: I already replaced my mascara after I ran out, so I should not need anything else. It’s possible I will run out of foundation in March and I’ll replace that if needed, but I won’t buy more makeup. I’ll admit it’s hard for me to not want to try new cruelty-free products after watching YouTube videos or reading blog posts, though.

Nail polish: I will use the polish shades I have.

Audible books: I have three books to finish, which might be enough reading material until after maternity leave. I put my membership on hold, so I am not buying more monthly credits.

Clothing: I won’t be buying any clothing until after the baby is born. I am instead selling and donating items I don’t wear. (I’m not counting nursing bras/tops because those are considered items for the baby.)

Planner stickers: I stretched out a mini kit for two months and I still have $3 sticker set from Target that I use. I used a birthday gift card to order another mini kit, but other than that I don’t plan to buy any stickers until after our baby is born. If I run out I can always decorate with markers.

Home decor items: We don’t have a need for it, nor do we have space! I just replaced an old rug under my desk chair, but I plan to not buy anything else unless it’s something we need for the baby.

Plants: We typically buy plants/seedlings in the spring or summer, but I’m not sure if we will this year. It’s probably not a great idea to add to our plant collection or start our summer garden before moving, which we want to do this year. (Note: We want a bigger place; we’re not leaving Chicago. Another note: I can’t control the actions of my husband, who loves to buy plants. haha)

Starbucks: I am not completely cutting it out, though I have already cut back. I want to keep it to once a week. (I haven’t been drinking much coffee but I do enjoy a refreshing drink or a breakfast while I’m on the go.)

Dining out/takeout/food delivery: I want to limit this to once per week in March. This will be the hardest category to even cut back on for us and I am the least optimistic about how we’ll do. Just being honest! But we are going to try. I am going to allow myself a couple of friend dates that will involve going out to eat.

Not included in the ban: Blog expenses, transportation, groceries and other essentials.

I’ll be posting an update at the end of March listing any times I break the spending ban. I hope it’s not too long! Have you ever done a spending ban? What are expenses that are worth it to you? Let me know in the comments!

Related posts:

Decluttering and Items I Wish I Didn’t Buy
End-of-Summer Cleaning and Decluttering List

Toddler-Friendly Visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

 

There’s plenty for families to do at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. You can still take in the sites and explore with a toddler. We recently spent a day visiting the park for our second time. (Our first trip to the island of Hawaii was in 2014 on our honeymoon.) You could spend days here, or you can squeeze in quite a bit of adventure in just part of one day.

What we did at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with a toddler:

  • Thurston Lava Tube. Though the walk is somewhat dark, it was easy for V to walk through it. It isn’t long at all. (You can find other lava tubes to visit, but they might not be suitable for toddlers.) Hold your toddler’s hand in any wet areas. Rain boots wouldn’t be a bad idea.
  • Admire the craters/views from the viewpoints. Bring snacks and water!
  • Drive to sea arch and grab ice pops from the stand next to the ranger station. Along the drive you can stop and see the craters and lava rocks. At the end of the drive you park and walk toward the sea arch. It isn’t a long walk. You have to keep an eye on your children here because the barrier wall does not extend all the way. Then grab some popsicles for $6 each (It’s worth it on a hot day.) for the drive back. There are restrooms here as well.
  • Lunch at Volcano House. We admired a view of the volcano from our table. Our toddler loved looking out the window at the smoke.

Have you been to the Big Island or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

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Hawaii Eats: Restaurants on the Big Island

Probably my favorite thing to do on vacation is try local restaurants. I’m excited to share the delicious food we had at Hawaii restaurants! We try to mix it up between more casual dining and restaurants that a bit pricier. In Hawaii, we found that most places were more expensive than the mainland, which is to be expected. Here are most of my meals (with some of G’s also pictured), plus where the restaurants are on the Big Island of Hawaii. Note: Most of these are pescatarian rather than vegetarian because when in a place with good seafood, I tend to go for it. In my daily life I am mostly veggie, though.

Island Lava Java, Kailua-Kona

We stopped at Island Lava Java for breakfast and were not disappointed. I devoured every bite of this Waipio Stack Breakfast ($14), plus some of V’s chocolate pancakes. It contained two eggs, which I ordered over hard, wheat toast, fresh avocado, tomato, arugula and chipotle aioli. (It typically comes with bacon, but I don’t eat that.) Served with fresh fruit I paired it with a vanilla frappe. SO good.

Island Lava Java, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Island Lava Java, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Basik Cafe, Kailua-Kona

Basik Cafe was mostly an acai bowl restaurant. I enjoyed the Islander ($11, small), which was acai, hemp milk, granola, banana, strawberries, goji berries, coco shavings and honey. Yum!

 

Basik Cafe, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Basik Cafe, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Kona Coffee & Tea Company, Kailua-Kona

We visited Kona Coffee  & Tea Co. twice to pick up a quick breakfast before doing other activities. The first time we all got bagels ($2.59) and yogurt and granola. The second time I ordered a spinach tart ($6.49), which was OK. I really liked the vanilla cold brew though!

Kona Coffee & Tea Company, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Kona Coffee & Tea Company, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Volcano House, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

We were starving when we arrived at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, so we decided to try one of the restaurants. Volcano House was the closest option. I ordered the fish and chips ($14) while G had Asian barbecue prawns ($16). They weren’t the best fish and chips I’ve had but they did the trick. This place is more about the view! You can see the crater from your table.

Volcano House, Hawaii

Volcano House, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Volcano House, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

 

Boat Landing Cantina, Waikoloa

While staying at the Hilton Waikola Village, we dined at Boat Landing Cantina, which was just underneath our tower. We also ordered some to-go on another night when we were too tired to actually dine there. I wasn’t disappointed with the nachos ($14) or the fish tacos ($19). The prices are high for what you get, but the resort is so large that it’s super inconvenient to leave to grab food, especially when you’re an exhausted pregnant person.

Boat Landing Cantina, Waikoloa, Hawaii

 

Boat Landing Cantina, Waikoloa, Hawaii

Cafe Pesto, Hilo

After working up an appetite on a helicopter tour, we explored downtown Hilo looking for a lunch option. We stumbled across Cafe Pesto. I loved every bite of the crab cakes ($16), which came with salad. V enjoyed her pasta with veggies and G had a pizza luau pizza ($14).

Cafe Pesto, Hilo, Hawaii

Cafe Pesto, Hilo, Hawaii

Cafe Pesto, Hilo, Hawaii

Kope Lani, Kailua-Kona

We couldn’t go without ice cream for dessert, especially on a warm Hawaii afternoon. I loved the Kona coffee flavored cone I had at Kope Lani!

Kope Lani ice cream, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Big Island Burritos, Waikoloa

On our last night we wanted something casual again, so we opted for takeout from Big Island Burritos. Shown below is a burrito bowl for G ($12) and more tacos for me ($12).

Big Island Burritos, Waikoloa

Big Island Burritos, Waikoloa

 

Waikoloa Coffee, Waikoloa

Breakfast came from Waikoloa Coffee a couple times because it was conveniently located under our hotel tower. It was pricey for what it was ($40 for two coffees, a juice and breakfast sandwiches), but it was tasty coffee.

Waikoloa Coffee, Hawaii

 

Do you see anything you’d like to try on this list? What are some of your favorite recent restaurant meals? Let me know in the comments!

New Fabletics Workout Attire & My Pregnancy Fitness Routine

** This post is sponsored by Fabletics. All opinions are my own.

Fitness has been an important part of my life for seven years now. I have known that I want to stay as active as possible throughout my pregnancy, but my fitness routine has certainly changed. What motivates me to want to work out still involves cute athletic wear though! Today I’m sharing my pregnancy fitness routine and the new workout outfit I am loving to help me not only look great but feel confident during this special but challenging time.

I have written about Fabletics before because I have been impressed with their workout attire. They have such pretty designs, and I’ve found that they hold up well to frequent use and washes. I wear this Fabletics top all the time because I love the coverage in the back and it’s comfortable.

My Pregnancy Fitness Routine | New Fabletics Workout Outfit

My Pregnancy Fitness Routine | New Fabletics Workout Outfit

My New Fabletics Workout Outfit + Wish List:

I recently received the Aubrey Tank (White) and the Salar Mesh Powerhold Capri (Aegean) from Fabletics to try. The new collection is so adorable that it was difficult to choose an outfit! I wanted everything!

The Aubrey Tank is super comfortable and moisture-wicking. It’s meant to have a loose fit, but during pregnancy it fits around the belly. (You could also size up if you’re pregnant if you still want that relaxed fit.)  I chose capri leggings from Fabletics because I am short and I always prefer the shorter style. The side panels add a nice touch.

 

 

Other legging features:

  • Chafe resistant
  • All-way stretch
  • Sculpting
  • UPF protection
  • Quick dry

My Pregnancy Fitness Routine:

I’ve had to adjust my fitness routine since becoming pregnant. In the beginning, I was running regularly as before, but then I had to listen to my body and cut back. I now focus most of my attention to yoga and walking at an incline on the treadmill or hiking. I’ve had the opportunity to hike in the Phoenix mountains during my visit and when I’m back home in Chicago I use the treadmill two or three times a week. When I run on the treadmill, I alternate between jogging and walking on an incline. I plan to return to running as my primary workout as soon as possible after baby so I can train for the Chicago Half-Marathon in September.

To sum up my pregnancy workouts:

  • Yoga (in class or on my own)
  • Jogging
  • Walking on the treadmill at an incline (alternating with jogging)
  • Random at-home strength exercises such as lunges and squats

Have you tried Fabletics? Check out the new styles and let me know what items you’d love to get! This month you can get 2 pairs of leggings for $24 – a $99 value – when you sign up for their flexible VIP membership program!

Shop my Fabletics outfit**:

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Related post:

A Phoenix Hike

Galentine’s Day Gifts

** This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise!

 

I’ve written about how much I love Etsy for personalized or handmade gifts. You can find so many adorable and unique gifts for Galentine’s Day (as well as Valentine’s Day). I’m sharing some cute options I’ve found that I think would make amazing presents! Which would you pick?

Birthstone jewelry: You can find no shortage of handmade birthstone jewelry on Etsy. I love the look of the stones. I am an amethyst, in case you’re wondering!

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Photo via CustomBrites

Doughnut Decor: Because who doesn’t love doughnuts?

Doughtnut Print Gift for Galentine's Day
Photo via EmilyPetiteDesigns

Cool set of coasters: Whether it’s maps for the traveler or these W-I-N-E Scrabble letter coasters, you can’t go wrong with a functional yet cute gift.

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Photo via StoneArchMerchants

Watercolor Scratch-Off Map: I bought this for family members for Christmas, but I really wanted one for myself. haha I love the watercolors that are exposed when you scratch off a place you have visited. It can be just the U.S. or a world map!

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Photo via KristinDouglasART

A pretty print to display: I bought a print from Meera Lee Patel on Etsy a couple of years ago for my office, and I love it. It’s now in V’s room. A motivational quote on a pretty print is a lovely gift, especially if it’s hand-drawn! You could order the print and then purchase a pretty frame to gift it in.

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Photo via meeraleepatel

 

Related post:

Thoughtful Gifts Found on Etsy

Tips for Practicing Yoga While Pregnant

Tips for Practicing Yoga While Pregnant

Before I was pregnant, I thought I would be able to keep up with running when I was expecting. I have been so wrong. I have run, but not at the same intensity, frequency or mileage as before. Instead, I have turned back to yoga. My goal has been to go to a class at least once a week and then practice a bit on my own the rest of the week. Throughout this current journey I have discovered many things about practicing yoga while pregnant. I wanted to share some tips on the best way to find the right prenatal yoga class/practice for you.

Tips for practicing yoga while pregnant:

  1. Talk to your doctor about what is safe to do. My OB advised not to attend any heated fitness classes or do movements that compress the belly, aka ab work. You might have other modifications depending on your health history and current condition.
  2. Ask questions of the studio beforehand. First, if the class isn’t labeled as prenatal, let the instructor know you are pregnant (don’t assume it’s obvious) and where you might have any pain or discomfort. A good instructor will suggest modifications to do.
  3. During class, don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. You know your body better than anyone!
  4. Try out different studios and prenatal classes to find what is best for you. I have found vast differences among classes labeled as prenatal. In one class, we only stood for a couple of poses, while in another class we did a “normal” flow-style class in which the instructor taught modifications to do for various poses. The idea was that you could then take any other class and know how to safely modify the practice for pregnancy.
  5. Use props to help you. Your balance gets thrown off as your baby grows. I find myself needing props to help make me more comfortable and get the most out of the poses. In savasana, for example, I place two blocks toward the back of the mat (where my head would normally be) with a bolster placed lengthwise on top of it. I then sit with my low back against the bolster and I lean back and rest on the bolster for an elevated savasana.
  6. Widen your stances. You will find that you might need to place your feet wider apart in many poses, like Warrior, any lunges, or standing forward folds.
  7. Don’t compare yourself to the other women in the class. No pregnancy is the same and students in the class won’t all have the same energy or practice. Don’t feel badly about yourself if you can’t seem to move in the same ways as before or as other people. Focus on your own mat, body and baby!

Do you practice yoga?

 

Related post:

My Go-To All-Levels Yoga Flow
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