What I LOVE About My Body

I wrote a little something for “This One Thing I Really LoveAbout My Body” over at The Militant Baker. Many thanks to Jes for hosting such a wonderful series of body loving images and stories.

52 Lists: Healthy Mind, Body & Soul

I was so happy when I read what this week’s list was to be about health. Physical health has been at the forefront of my motivation to be more active and eat more balanced foods in the last year or so. I’ve become fit, strong and healthier. As I learn that I can challenge my body, I try new things that I never thought I could do, like pull ups! I’m even considering signing up for a half marathon with some of my gym friends even though the farthest I’ve ran has been 5 miles. I feel much more balanced now with a healthy mind, body and soul.

 

Desert Driving

I am a huge fan of rolling down the car window and snapping shots. Sometimes the shots are blurry, sometimes they aren’t, and not knowing makes it even more thrilling. This weekend we met some friends in Las Vegas and I took the opportunity to document our drive.

Let me point out that this is a drive I do not like very much. It is so very unpredictable. It should take just under four hours, but sometimes it can take up to 8. I would love to fly to visit our friends, but I can’t bring myself to pay hundreds of dollars for a 45 minute flight. The result: desert landscape photos.

 

 

52 Lists: Love, Love, Love For Others

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day with your loved ones! I spent mine at the gym, going for a run and then cooking dinner for my family. Jeremy and I aren’t very romantic when it comes to heart shaped holidays. We don’t do cards, big gifts or boxes of candy, however I was secretly hoping for some chocolate.

Here’s the big question: Is romance synonymous with love? Our good friend called us and reminded us that Vegas is a very romantic destination for Valentine’s Day weekend. With promises of romance we took the 6 hour drive to Nevada and proceeded to have a great weekend. Apparently Valentine’s weekend is a big one in Vegas. All of the chapels are booked up, hotels are without vacancies and brides and grooms are running around the strip getting in their last hurrah.

The reality is, our Valentine’s weekend in Vegas wasn’t romantic, but it was filled with love. We spent time with friends we hadn’t seen in a while, enjoyed dinner together, clapped loudly at our friend’s gig after every song and spent time on their couch just catching up. We didn’t need flowers, cards or candles. We just needed the people we love and the time to enjoy them.

Leopard Shoe Love Affair

This love affair started in New York City. I was walking down the street in Battery Park when I first saw them. Their look made me smile and I knew I had to have them. It was too late to ask the girl wearing them where she bought her fabulous leopard print shoes but as I watched her walk away my brow narrowed. C-R-O-C-S. Crocs? Hmm.

Sure I had seen Crocs before but they were large and bulky. Perfect for bathing the dog or watering the garden, but as a fashion statement? I remained unsure. Weeks after having returned home we were preparing to plant our garden and loving to have the perfect gear for any occasion I remembered the fabulous shoes from NYC.

After browsing online I found a Crocs store not too far from home. I somehow talked Jeremy into going with me and a half hour later I was slipping my feet into my favorite shoes, ever. See I need arch support, but shoes with good arch support usually look like they belong on my grandmother's feet. And even she is too cool to wear them. I like room in the toes and plenty of cushion at the heel. These shoes had it all.

Being that they are rubber and it was summer I quickly noticed that my feet would sweat when walking but that's a quick fix with some little no show socks. Otherwise, when I walk these shoes give me the support and comfort. They are low maintenance too! If they get dirty or a bit stinky, I take them outside and spray them off with the hose. They can dry in the sun, or if I need to wear them right away I can clean them off with some baby wipes and a towel. These shoes are that easy.

It is a fact that I love these shoes, but do other people? Compliments came all the time, and when I told people they were Crocs, they were just as surprised as I was. I just hope they are willing to give them a chance too.

I wish I had these shoes while we were in New York. Scratch that. I wish I had them 8 years ago walking through Europe. Trust me, you don't want to be walking with me if my feet hurt. I'll take you on a cocktail detour to numb the pain and we might miss a train or two.

Fast forward to today. I wear my leopard Crocs all the time with jeans, shorts, skirts, pajamas, even sweatpants. Even a year after wearing them religiously, they are looking and feeling great.
Who ever thought that my go to shoes would be leopard print? I guess this confirms it; I'm a vintage loving girl.

52 Lists: I Am Grateful

When we watch the news and see so much bad in the world, it helps to stop and think of the good in our lives. Most tend to stop and think of what they are grateful for in November, so it’s nice to see this list not being prompted by a holiday.

 Moorea, who is the wonderful host behind 52 lists, and her family received some bad news this week. Positive vibes being sent her way. May we all take a moment to really reflect on the goodness of what we do have. That includes the wonderful thunderstorms in Southern California today!

 

Pantone Color of the Year 2013: Emerald

A few of my favorite Etsy finds in that oh so bold Emerald Pantone 2013 color of the year!

Wiggle Dress by We Had a Time Vintage, 1950s Lucite Cat Eye Glasses by Vera Mode, Art Deco Earrings by Chloe's Vintage Jewelry

1950s Hat by Ginny & Harriot, 1980s Pumps by Fashion ReRun, Rough Cut Ring by Metalmorphoz, 1920s Compact by Lisa Loot

Vintage Inspired Bathingsuit by Nashville Rejects, Sweater Knit Shorts by Erin Elsie

1933 Cup & Saucer by Keepsies, Art Deco Triangle Bowls by iones Attic, Gold Bar Bracelet by Ayo Femi Jewelry, Lucite Earrings by Leetie, Pastel Hair Dye by Nymph Adora

52 Lists: Goals & Dreams

I was expecting the goals & dreams list, and was a little worried. I made 8 goals for this year instead of resolutions, so I knew I needed to come up with new ones for the list. Once I got to thinking, it wasn’t so hard. I closed my eyes and thought of my future and then wrote down the things I saw. This list makes me very happy.