Why I Run

Why do I run?

This is a loaded question, because let me tell you, some days I hate it. Some days I do not want to go, I just want to stay in bed and watch Hulu or eat a half pound (or two) of grapes and snuggle with my puppy. OR I do the whole "well the dishes need to get done," or even better "I have homework..." HA, like that should stop me, we all know I procrastinate anyways (not encouraging this though, please).

So, then you wonder, why does this crazy girl run then if it bugs her so much? The positives outweigh the negatives I make up :)

-I love the strength it gives my muscles and my body as a whole
-I really enjoy having goals, i.e. a faster pace, longer distances, training for races
-The endurance from running seeps into all other physical activities in your life (um, volleyball!)
-The feeling of overcoming something that once seemed impossible
-Getting to eat more carbs and frozen yogurt ;)
-The time I get to myself to think, pray, and just relax and clear my mind
-The sights and sounds I am able to experience (My last run I saw 10 beautiful deer!)
-All the awesome people you meet through blogs, websites, races, ect. that are helpful and encouraging
-The pretty nifty running gear I save up for...just got new Brooks Ravenna's
-The tight feeling in my chest that becomes a healthy pulse when I get my pace down
-Running with friends and enjoying seeing them accomplish their goals also
-Learning from more experienced runners who are happy to rub it in how much faster they are, haha
-The major stretch you get from using ALL your muscle groups when running
-Sprinting as fast as I can while feeling like I will die...but I never do
-Fitting into clothes better after a run
-The feeling during an awesome run that makes you feel like you could do anything...and even the feeling during a hard run knowing that you will not quit

Why do YOU run?

xoxo

Fashion Potluck

It's Spring, It's Spring, It's Spring...If I keep saying this over and over again and wear shorts will it come true? Lately it has still been chilly outside, but in Mosaic we are celebrating SPRING whether or not the outdoors cooperates.

 

This week we had a mini photo shoot for an ad campaign coming up and so the ladies (mannequins) were on their best behavior. I chose to do hues of purples and oranges with pops of green. These are some of the most up and coming colors...and besides that they just look so pretty together! You can easily go from feminine to edgy to boho chic with these combos.

 

Enjoy a few of the 'models' I got to style...

 

 

(If you have any questions or want to know prices give us a call or post on Mosaic's facebook wall, we'd be happy to help...)

 

See you in the shop!

Chanel, darling

2oceansvibe.com



This is a column I wrote for a historical journal for their "A Day in the Life" series. It concerns Coco Chanel and her business during WWII: The Cave: A Day in the Life of Coco Chanel: Circa 1941

 

Enjoy, xoxo!

Internship Piece No. 6: Kazar

If you enjoy and appreciate all things crinkled, beaded, sparkly, gem stoned, and over the top glamour then you need Laurence Kazar in your life. He is a designer through some of the most intense decades: 70s, 80s, and early 90s fashion. Kazar's pieces accentuate everything bedazzled, but still hone in on awe inspiring beauty. The delicate placing of each gem or bead must be excruciating, but the final result will leave you wondering how you can work it into your (now less exciting seeming) wardrobe. There is not much information out there about this designer, but his work is so unique and loud that maybe he is fine with this obscure legacy.

In Mosaic we have a Laurence Kazar: NY original; a cobalt, silver gem covered, beaded cocktail dress. Good luck finding a spot that is not dripping in pretty hues of blue and shimmered beading; if worn you will mostly likely be a walking prism...which I think is pretty neat. Although the dress is well accessorised it exudes old Hollywood style and swankiness. Pair with simple stud earrings, a rhinestone hair piece, and some T-strap heels and you have yourself a statement outfit that will never become outdated.

                                                                                                       Our piece is selling for a very striking $55.00, but hurry...she is not going to stick around long.

 

See you in the shop!

FuFu Friday?

I couldn't think of a better word that began with "F" to pair with Friday. I was hoping for something relating to crafts or DIY, so if you have one please share! I am going to post another internship installment later this afternoon, but for now here are some beginnings of DIY fun that took place in our home recently. And, cut me some slack, I am new to this ;)

 

 

xoxo.

Jumping Off a Very Tiny Cliff

Today I will not count calories. Today I will not count calories. Today I will not count calories.

I started counting calories quite a while ago (not much over a year, if that). But, I was pretty "strict" about it and staying under my limit that I had calculated. Looking back I know I was not eating enough. From that point I went into maintenance mode and upped my calories some and stayed the same weight. But, do you know how hard it is to break a habit? Really hard. Counting calories gave some control, and what I thought was peace of mind over my health. In reality it was screwing me up even more.

Over the past few months I have gotten somewhat more lax in my calculations, but mostly still keep a tally. What began as a method to teach myself what I am taking in turned into a unhealthy habit. Again, I am sure there are people who can count calories all their life and feel solid about it, I am just not there right now. I would like to enjoy my food without the calculator in my head buzzing. This does not mean I am going to gorge on whatever, but I began my day earlier than normal: 4:50 a.m. I don't now about you, but when I wake up I am hungry. So I ate my breakfast, got some reading and things done and by 9 a.m. I was really hungry again. Instead of strictly counting my calories I had a small breakfast, again, and fed my growling stomach. My mom always said if your body is hungry it is telling you something. This is a big difference from eating just to eat (which many of us do from time to time).

When I made my lunch today I tried to stop myself from loosely calculating my caloric intake for the day and just pack a healthy variety. Today's afternoon menu includes: Nature's Path Spinach Crackers, blueberries, about 100 calories worth of grapes (oops, calorie counting!), Kashi bar, half a cucumber and carrots mix together, and a weight watchers cheese stick. Also, tonight for dinner I will be making "healthier" chicken and veggie spicy garlic fried rice with maybe some egg rolls. And...big news, my favorite fro-yo place is opening for the season today so I know we will be stopping there, haha. Ice cream and cereal why can't you be healthier for me?

Anyways, today I am starting that tiny little leap off the cliff of counting daily calories and learning more about my body's needs. When I run more, am active, am lazy, it all needs to be taken into account- not everyday is the same and neither will my appetite. Enjoy your day, and your food!

xoxo

Early Spring Break

So, I had bronchitis. I forgot how much of a bully it can be. And, I have to be honest with you...my last run was LAST Monday (the 8 miler). I did yoga one day and walked here and there, but I really just took off a week+

Milk chocolate and yellow cupcake
with cream cheese frosting topped
 with dark chocolate chunk and a blueberry.

I struggled with this, not only did I miss the activity, but I was anxious about losing my momentum, speed and distance work, and my overall fitness (especially with those extra few lbs. hanging out after I told them to leave the party). Therefore, later today, I am going to make my triumphant huffing and puffing return to the gym. There is some ice outside so I am not going to chance that (plus I do not want the cold to mess up my chest again). I went by a "rule" or guideline I heard once from a runner..."If you are sick above the throat, like congestion, it will be quicker and safer to jump back into training, but if your infection is in the chest area then give it the time it needs to recover." Whether or not this is true, I somewhat followed it. My husband, who I always listen to and never give attitude....also strongly advised me to just relax, rest, and take off as much as I needed. Therefore, I probably sat around too much, ate too much fun food, and thought too much about feeling guilty. My lesson to you: do not go this route. Yes, I am on spring break and I do want to indulge some, but I  also don't want to feel that nagging guilt either. That is why I say eat your cravings in due time, when you know you will enjoy them, no restriction just smart choices...and a few iffy ones here and there.

I am going to start slowly back in with my running, probably just a slow paced (9+ min/mile) 3 miles, some incline walking, and then about 15-20 minutes between the elliptical and stair-climber. I have two volleyball games later tonight so I don't think I will be lifting legs or arms today as I know I will be sore from the non-usage.

I hope you listen to your body, what it needs, and when to let it rest...and when to push it! Happy training, xoxo.