Ello, ello! Last week, we went on a mini vacay to the Windy City with some good friends. It was nice to get out and explore another town for a bit. We went to a cool science museum, ate delicious food, and saw one of Andrew's favorite EDM artists - Porter Robinson & Madeon. Amongst the site seeing, we snuck in a little yoga sesh. Aaaaand I brought along my new pretty yoga mat to test out (thank you, Free Thirty Three!) In short, I'm in love. More about this rad brand below.

A Yoga Design Co. with a Heartbeat

When I first opened up the packaging, my first thought was, "Wow, this mat is gorgeous." Yes, this is probably the most beautiful yoga mat I've ever seen. But, she isn't just a pretty face. The more I read on, the more I fell in love with this brand. You all know how much I love supporting brands that are contributing good to this world. Free Thirty Three is doing just that.

The Story

Free Thirty Three was founded this year by a beautiful soul named Shawna. Her story is so inspiring - it is one I feel very connected to, and I bet you will feel it too... After 10 years of a successful corporate career, Shawna took a leap of faith and quit her job. She sold her belongings and moved from Canada to Japan in search of a more adventurous, freeing, and fulfilling lifestyle.

Chasing everything on her bucket list, she became a certified yoga instructor (woo hoo!) and spent two months living in Bali. She trekked the mystical rainforests of Borneo, hiked mountains in the whimsical forests of Japan, swam in an infinity pool on top of Singapore, and met with native tribes in the sprawling rice fields of Vietnam. Talk about hitting the ground running! #Goals

But in all seriousness, the most moving experience of all was finding my heartbeat. I was truly living. Through yoga and explorative self inquiry I have been able to hear my soul speak and fall wildly in love with the process. - Shawna

Fast forward to today, she has created a vibrant brand out of her passion for yoga, style, design and a desire to aid in our global environmental challenges.

The Technology

One - The designs are stunning. I have the Bermuda Triangle mat, and it's my favorite - mainly because it encompasses all of my favorite colors and shades! Two - It's a top-notch mat in terms of quality. For those of you who love practicing bikram or hot yoga, this mat actually enhances grip the more you sweat! My hands are almost always sweaty when I practice yoga, so this is perfect for me. #TeamClammyHands. Since the top layer is an ultra absorbent vegan micro-suede, you don't need your yoga towel for this one! 2-in-1 yoga mat + towel, for the win! It's machine washable, and you just need to hang it to dry.

Alsooooo, your mat comes with a yoga carrying strap that doubles as a high performance yoga strap! Say whaaaa? Very cool. So, really it's a 3-in-1. *ba dum tshhh

The Ethics // Giving Back

Free Thirty Three mats are 100% natural, biodegradable and made with recyclable tree rubber and water-based, fade-resistant inks. There is no chemical processing whatsoever, and all of the yoga mats are PVC, Chlorine, Silicone, Latex, Phthalates and toxic glue FREE. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Here's the cherry on top...For every mat sold, Free Thirty Three will plant a tree. Practice in good karma, knowing your purchase is making a difference.

I am so grateful to be a part of the yoga community. Never have I felt so connected to the earth, my body, my spirit, and to those around me sharing the same love and passion. Yoga is open to anyone and everyone, so come as you are!

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love, it will not lead you astray” - Rumi

*Note: This post was sponsored by Free Thirty Three. All thoughts and opinions are completely (and always will be) my own. Thank you for your continued support, and for allowing me to write authentic content that I strongly believe in ! x Jules