Q&A with Leni Kotsonis, Lawyer and Yoga Instructor at Greener Postures Yoga 

If you’re a Greener Postures fan (let’s face it, who isn’t?), then you’ve most likely seen Leni’s smiling face and gorgeous locks at the front of the studio.  But what you may not have known is just moments before, she was in heels and slacks doing another sort of practice – being a lawyer at a top downtown firm.  This talented gal shares with MainelyMara how she balances it all…one breath at a time. 

What inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

It was perfect timing.  I had been practicing 4-5 times a week for about 5 years, and my good friends had just opened up Greener Postures Yoga and decided to host a teacher training.  I had just graduated from law school, was working full time, and back into a “normal” routine; I had the time and desire to study one of my greatest passions – Yoga.  So many positive signs encouraging me to take the leap, it was a no-brainer.

Can you take us through a typical day of teaching at Greener Postures & working in the corporate world?  How do you balance it all?

It can get a bit nutty, but I’ve managed to find a good groove.  Honestly, I’m just grateful that I can do both, that helps to put things into perspective.  On the days that I’m at the office and teach, I breathe A LOT, do my best to honor each transition mindfully.  Sometimes I’ll sit in my car before class or before the office and take 10 deep breaths to mark the transition from one to the next, so in essence I’m committed to my yoga practice all day.  Some days the transition isn’t so smooth, but that’s also practicing yoga too, working with whatever gets thrown your way.

Why would you recommend yoga to others?

As with anything new, it’s so important to have an open mind and to be kind to yourself!  I will say yoga communities are a fantastic way to meet new friends.  Also, as a former athlete, I’m drawn to group exercise…seems more motivating when you are surrounded by others in the same boat.  That being said, yoga is also a wonderful individual practice, so it can be attractive to all types of people.

What’s the biggest misconception about yoga?

That it’s boring.  I was guilty of believing this one too.  But with a yoga studio cropping up on almost every corner and with how packed the classes are getting, it can’t be all these people are showing up to be bored!  Again, have an open-mind, and bring a friend so you can download the experience with each other.  We should all be open to try anything once.

Tell us about the very first yoga class you taught.

I can’t really remember, probably because I was just trying to get through it!

What is your most embarrassing moment as a yoga instructor? Your most rewarding?

Hmm, embarrassing?  Luckily I haven’t had anything too crazy happen to me, but I have a lot of time for this one to get fulfilled.  Stay tuned!  I’d have to say the most rewarding experience I have as a yoga teacher is to be witness to the student’s willingness to be open and adventurous – this is not an easy thing to do.  They are true rockstars!  Another bonus is when a select few laugh at my silly jokes!

What’s your go-to outfit for teaching & taking class?

I love colored crop pants, I’m starting a collection.  Which is funny because my so many of my “street” clothes are black.  I guess it’s my yogi alter-ego coming out.

When you’re not in your yoga gear, what’s your go-to outfit?  What’s one item you can’t live without?

All black, easy and simple.  Honestly, this time of year I can’t live without my Bean Boots!

You are constantly switching back and forth between your corporate life and your yoga life.  Besides throwing your hair back in a pony, any tips for making the quick switch between the yoga studio and the office?

Keeping the work outfit simple is key, most likely all black, of course.  I also never wear tights the days I teach, too complicated.

If you could do only one yoga pose from now on, what would it be?

This is tough, but I’d have to go with pigeon.  My hips are perpetually tight!

We hear you’re getting married in the fall (congrats!).  How is yoga helping you prepare for this momentous day?

A lot of breath!  I am not into event planning so at times it’s easy to feel pretty overwhelmed and bogged down with details.  But yoga gives me the skills to pause and recognize how lucky I am to be marrying a wonderful man, my best friend.  What my table settings look like will have no impact on that relationship.  Perspective is so key.

It just may be the most exciting new venture to hit Portland in months.  We’ve heard all the press and read all the stories about the Portland Flea-for-All, but one thing no one has covered is what does one of the founders, Erin Kiley, carry around with her every day?  As you can imagine, the contents are as unique & cool as Erin herself.  Let’s take a look…

 

 

Handmade Handbag -

Erin’s passion for all things salvaged and handmade was evident right off the bat.  When I asked where she got her bag, her response was a simple “I made it.”  (No big deal, right?)  Wanting a bag that fit everything but didn’t look like a “giant bag,” Erin made it by piecing together material & bits from other bags like the rivets & leather trim.  It even has a contrasting stripe lining that she salvaged from an old bag as well.  Cute, stylish & practical…if this bag was for sale at the Flea-for-All, it would get snagged right up.

Go Green -

Although the bag was blue & gray, you’d be hard-pressed to find a bag that was “greener” than Erin’s.  She truly lives a recycled, restored and salvaged lifestyle.  She made her “notebook” (for taking notes at auctions) out of scrap paper that she cut & stapled together.  She carries not one, but two, ChicoBags for her groceries.  Her checkbook – recycled.  Her wallet – she’s had since she was 16, and even though it’s leather and she’s a vegetarian, she still refuses to throw it away.  Erin’s basic mentality is that she rarely has to buy new things…she can either buy old things or make them herself.  Hmm, sounds like a great motto for the Flea-for-All, huh?

Who Needs Sephora?

Beautiful & vintage, Erin carries a perfume locket that was her Grandmother’s.  Inside is her homemade solid perfume she made with beeswax and essential oils.  Her combination of choice – vetivert, bergamot, and neroli.  Smells wonderful and is so much prettier than those silly little plastic bottles.  Again, if Erin wasn’t the owner, she could be a top seller at the Flea.  This gal is super talented.

Flea Essentials -

As we neared the end of Erin’s bag, more evidence of her love for antiquing and salvaging surfaced.  Her trusty tape measure, for all of those awesome pieces of furniture she scores for the Flea.  Some pretty handmade flowers from one of the Flea vendors that she’ll be making into pincushions (is there anything this gal doesn’t make?).  And finally, some fun random matches she found in an antique dresser she bought in Cape Elizabeth.

A big THANKS to Erin for sharing your bag (and your talents!) with us!  See you at the Flea!

By:  Michelle McNickle, Guest Blogger & Editor at Fashion Hippo

What is an arm party you ask?  Good question.  For the past few months, street style blogs and magazines alike have featured wrists filled with bracelets, bangles, beads, and more, all mixed together to create an eclectic look that’s all your own.  The best part about this trend?  With the right accessories, it requires minimal time and effort, all while adding a personal touch to whatever you’re wearing.  

From dainty, simple links to beaded friendship bracelets, anything flies when it comes to your arm party.  And, to put a spin on our wrist-worthy gathering, we looked to our favorite local boutiques to add some Maine-based flair.

But, before we show you our picks for Maine arm party must-haves, let’s examine a few ways to craft your own wrist revelry, shall we?

Cue my lovely roommate and arm-party aficionado, Christine Hultgren.  Christine is the Operations Manager for the Maine Red Claws, and given her hectic schedule, this pint-size professional prefers a wrist full of eye-catching accessories to instantly take any outfit to the next level.

 

For a simple, monochromatic look, opt for bracelets and beads in the same color family.  As shown here, a wrist full of silver bangles and muted beads creates a fun yet toned-down version of the arm party trend.

And, of course, we can’t forget about yours truly.  Thankfully, my wrist tends to photograph better than my face, which is why I included a few different “parties” of sorts to showcase the many ways to stack your favorite bracelets.  

Here, it’s easy to see how one piece of costume jewelry can do all the talking.  Pair more simple bangles and beads with one chunky piece, especially if you’re trying to avoid overwhelming a small wrist.

Here, I used a favorite piece from J.Crew and framed it with like-colored bracelets in golds and tans.  This mash-up is perfect for the winter season. 

And lastly, if you’re looking to invite anyone and everyone to your arm party, try stacking a bunch of bracelets, bangles, and beads for the ultimate eclectic look.  Granted, a wrist full of stacked, chunky accessories isn’t ideal for the office, but nothing adds a personal touch more on a night out then all your personal accessories piled together on one arm.

Ready to create your own arm party?  Take a peek at our favorite finds from Maine-based boutiques and see if you can’t create an arm party that’s all your own.

Nothing screams east-coast style more than this Nantucket Knotworks Bracelet, $10, from Sea Bags.

Bright and fun, this The Ropes Maine bracelet can be worn on its own or mixed with your favorite beads.

Add the perfect juxtaposition of hard and soft with this Ponomo Leather with Rhinestones and Cut Steel Bangle Bracelet, $118.

A dainty bangle never looked so clever as this Elizabeth Prior Latitude and Longitude Bangle Bracelet, $170.

This Toko Indo Three Abalone Piece Elastic Bracelet, $8, adds a certain beach-inspired flair.

This Abacus Black Spinel Bracelet, $98, is simple and intricate, making it a necessity to counter-balance large bangles.

And lastly, we loved this Keishi Pearl Bracelet from Wilder Designs to add a home-made feel to your Maine-inspired arm party.