At the Shop, Now!

Just a delectable sampling.

xoxo

Fancy-less

This is going to be a short post, for now. I started a new [non-fiction] book about Memphis, Tennessee during the yellow fever epidemic in the late 1800s. I know, sinister, but so interesting! (Title: The American Plague). I want to get outside to read before it gets dark on Monroe and I. Also...I dyed my hair, and well, it is not what I planned on (would be a nice way of putting it), so anything to get my mind off that is very welcomed.

So...

I don't have an IPhone, Galaxy, Blackberry, or any sort of "intelligent phone" for that matter. Therefore, when I run and see something amazing, weird, or beautiful, I can only capture the image in my head. Keep this in mind for the paragraph after I ramble about my shortcomings as a runner. 

My long run on Monday was 11 miles...scratch that. My long run was a very rough 11 miles this week. I unfortunately turned off the thinking part of my brain and did not bring any water or fuel. It wasn't that hot, but 11 miles, for me, is a distance that requires a certain amount of respect for my body. I was okay through mile 9 and then it hit me. My muscles were aching and I felt lethargic. I kept daydreaming about a nice biker who would have an extra water bottle...apparently he didn't ride the trail that day.

Part of my issue is that I was going too fast. Duh, right? But, really. My pace was hovering around a -9 min/mile and right now, where I am at, that is a tad too fast for this length. I kept telling myself to slow my pace, but my pride and lack of pacing practice disregarded my body's warnings.

I have to admit that on this run I took too many walking breaks. This is NOT a bad thing, to take walk breaks, but I should have treated my system better and the outcome would have been a much cleaner and healthier run.

On a great note, I did see a gorgeous rainbow, two doe playing in a field together, tons of pretty butterflies, and made at least 5 friends. Go on a walk, bike ride, or run and I bet you'll make twice the amount of "friends" as you would in a bar or restaurant. There is something about being outdoors, treating your body right that puts people (usually) in a better mood.

Hope your week starts off strong, and remember to slow down sometimes ;)

Friday Shop Girls

Shi leather lace-up heels

Top Shop skirt

Evan Picone blouse

Vintage metal belt and silk scarf

XXI high-waisted shorts

Charlotte Russe top

Anthropologie vest

{My} Outfit of the Day

Now, don't get too excited, this is a pretty simple outfit. But, this yellow top is one of my favorite blouses and can be worn in so many different ways. 

(Thanks Buffalo Exchange for the top!)

• Denim is XXI
• Tank is H&M
• Jewelry is handmade
• Shoes are Miss Me

Enjoy :)

Happy Slowpoke

Ooooo weeeee! You know when you have an amazing and strong run/bike/swim/walk (etc.) and how that is better than encouragement? It is determination wrapped in shiny paper and tied with a big sparkly ribbon!

Okay, okay, that might be quite the description, but there is nothing like a solid workout to boost your body's determination to keep going.

Yesterday was GORGEOUS...sunny and in the low to mid 70s. I didn't even leave for my run until after 11 a.m. I really like going before lunch (when I have the day off from work) so I can come home and reward myself with a delicious and well-earned meal. 

I started off thinking I would do 4-6 miles at most since I lifted total body yesterday and was pretty stiff. My first mile was my warm-up mile at a slower pace. Like, a really slow pace. But, I was happy and just enjoying my surroundings. I then picked up my speed without really even realizing it. Isn't that a nice feeling? Pushing yourself but having it feel strong, healthy, and natural. When I got to miles 3-4 I was feeling really great and knew I could do a longer run than anticipated. I ended up running 7 miles at a 9:18 min/mile and walked another mile just because it was so pretty. People on the trail were extra sweet and that was encouraging in itself.

Once I got home I had my usual Vega Energizing shake (have fallen in love with the Choco-lot and Vanilla Almond flavors) with some fruit and a bowl of Nature's Path cereal (mmhmm, my second bowl that day; first was a small one with some protein pancakes for breakfast). Okay, FINE, I ate a third bowl at bedtime, it was small, I promise. 

This run, as silly as it may seem, gave me hope for my future running endeavors and my half-marathon coming up in October. My pace and endurance has been iffy lately and this run proved that mindset can make THE difference. 

Now, get out there! ;)

Saturday Shop Girls

Our game (all day beach volleyball tournament!) is postponed for now because of flooding, so why not post what I was going to do tomorrow? 

These are some of the ladies in the shop that I dressed on Friday. [Will post full labels by tomorrow].

Enjoy!

 Evan Picone dress.

  Guess crop top; XXI denim

Free People knit dress

Devotional Turned Runvotional

Yes, I did come up with that title all on my own. 

But, seriously, I have some encouraging news to share with you! Whether you run, walk, have a demanding job, kids, bike, swim, anything!...This post is about determination and why it never goes away even when we feel like we have failed.

Here is the devotional (via my Dad) that prompted this post:

...................................................................................................................................................................

July 19

Getting Back on Course

2 Peter 3:17-18

No matter how far away from God you have drifted, you're always welcome back. That's the lesson from Jesus' parable about the prodigal son--the foolish boy who followed a pleasure-filled path to ruin before returning to his father and finding redemption (Luke 15:11-32). Perhaps ruin has not yet come to you, but you know that your heart has grown cool to the things of God. Whatever your drifting story, make this the day that you point yourself back to the Lord.

As with any sin, the first motion toward getting back on course is to acknowledge that you have slipped away from the Lord. Then you confess and repent, which is like turning your boat in the opposite direction and paddling toward God with all your strength. If you're wondering exactly how to do that, I suggest a strategy I use every morning. Before I step out of bed, I give myself to God by acknowledging, I surrender my entire life to You for this day. When something comes up that runs counter to His plan and I consider pursuing it, the Holy Spirit reminds me that I am not my own. Only God's way will do for me.

Every day we choose whether to row or drift. As for me, I choose to vigorously pursue God.

Peter gives a warning to be on guard against attitudes and ideologies that would carry you away from truth (2 Peter 3:17). Instead, choose to paddle your lifeboat toward the Lord by meditating on Scripture, praying, and living obediently. Practicing the spiritual disciplines keeps a heart warm toward God.

...................................................................................................................................................................

Lately I have seen my pace slow (I know in part due to the super warm weather) but also because I have not been as consistent with my training and diet. So, I renewed my gym membership so I would not have an excuse to strength train, cross train, and run inside if need be. I just go 2-3 times per week and run outside or bike the other days. It has only been a couple weeks but I want to feel myself "Getting Back on Course." I got a little freaked out when I saw a substantial amount of unwanted lbs. pop up, but I have to remember that those are not everything. I know I am gaining some of my 'old' muscle back and I also KNOW I need to make better diet choices to enhance my workouts and overall health/energy levels. 

Just like God will always welcome us back with open arms, our bodies are always ready for healthy habits or lifestyle changes. It is never too late to either begin these practices or return to them. As discouraging as weight gain, slower paces, or shorter distances may be they do not own us. Just like you accomplished something before, it is possible again. 

The 'sin' in this scenario might be food (too big of portions, not the right choices) or lack of determination. Does God turn away when we sin? Uhhh, no, because if He did we would all be feeling a lot more lost right now. He actually opens His arms wider when we are wandering without Him. Our bodies and our minds crave a healthy lifestyle. It does not mean we won't "flub" here and there, and it also does not mean we cannot enjoy food- that's just ridiculous! What it does mean is that you always have the power to surpass what you thought your potential was...you have all the abilities in the world to get to where you are proud of yourself.

There will be days better than others. There are days I am a more loving wife...there are days I am a more loyal friend...there are days I am a better listener. There are also days I workout harder...drink more water...am proud of my food choices. Each day is new- so treat your body and mind the same. Each day is an opportunity, don't get down on yourself for what may have happened before, get ready and excited about what is to come. Plus, they say stress makes the body hold onto fat more anyways ;)

Now, GO HAVE A   FANTASTIC day!

Hot Summer Styles: Resort and Boho Chic Inspirations

Who wears pants when it's close to 100 degrees outside? Well, okay, there are some exceptions, but basically I stick to dresses and skirt for this kind of heat- everything else just seems too confining.

The first look is a Blue Sky tie-dye sundresse with a simple XXI or Rue pulled apart rose scarf and a winged necklace all paired with a brown hobo tote.

The second look is an 80s crochet floral halter crop top paired with an early 90s faux silk paisley tea-length skirt, some thick beads, an ornamental pendant, and a gorgeous Mary Frances bag.

The last three looks are a silly little cutesy "resort" look. I was in the mood for vacation when I dressed her ;) It is a no label powder blue peasant blouse paired with a J. Crew floral mini,  a hand-made beaded necklace and blue patent pumps (but could totally be paired with some espadrilles or gladiators as well).

Enjoy!

Humidity

Shew Whee, is an understatement. Humidity kills when you are lazy and don't get out of the door till 10:30 a.m. for a long run. Oops, that's my fault isn't it...

Well that's my story. Yesterday my husband and I got a surprise and both had the day off. So, we had breakfast together (along with Monroe) and I didn't even think about running till 10. At that point I knew it was humid from taking Monroe outside a couple of times. I rambled on about this idea that "well you know sometimes runners just take off a week and run easy and let their joints rest," but I knew once I got out there I would kick my butt up a few gears. I had only drank two glasses of water and a cup of coffee before leaving to run, which only lasted me 3 miles before I had to stop for water. I had 3 total water stops during my 8 mile run/2 mile walk trek drag. Haha, but really, I did enjoy myself. As weird or gross as it may sound the feeling of being outside drenched in sweat and moving even though your body wants to stop is a fulfilling experience. (Which lasts until you step inside, then it just feels nasty). My pace pleasantly surprised me at 9:17 min/mile. 

One of my favorite parts of the run was during a stretch in some gorgeous woods along the trail. There was no one else in close proximity so I took out my ear buds and just enjoyed the shade. The breeze sounded beautiful coming through the trees and the only other noise were some birds chirping here and there. It calmed me even though I had been running for an hour in some mean heat. These are moments that I can say I run for. I even had the opportunity to spot two dear and one had their little one with them, too sweet. Also, these little periwinkle colored "mini" butterflies kept flying all around me, I have to admit it made me feel pretty magical ;) Never take these moments for granted, these are the moments that not only bring life to a run but prove time and again God's glory and love for beauty. He is full of surprises.

When I finished mile 7 I spotted Jake walking towards me (he said he would meet me on the trail) and he had run some but we walked together for a mile or so. It was hot. So, I did not mind the walk break. We got some water at the next fountain- he sprayed me with the dog fountain, of course, and then we got back on track. Jake kept walking (he is still new to running, so I give him credit for just coming out in this silly weather) and I ran my last mile. I ran about .70 out and ran the last .30 back to him. We then walked the last 2 miles back home, keeping a steady pace. I even embarrassed him and pulled out the power walking arms. 

Despite the heat and me skipping running on Monday (I did yoga instead) it was a really fun run. I always enjoy the solitude the trail brings and it always clears my head. Being an 'Anxious Annie,' any time I can get my mind to settle I take it! I hope you enjoy any activities you have planned, but PLEASE be careful in this kind of heat/humidity and listen to your body's signals.

Florals Upon Florals...and Some More Florals on Top

For this outfit post I tried something that I am not sure if it works yet or not, but why have limitations! I love florals, and my belief is that they will never go "out." Just like pearls, good denim, and a LBD- florals are classic. So, I went a little nuts. I piled floral crops under a floral mini all topped off with a knotted back textured floral tank. I accessorized with an emerald stone (vintage) and a similar colored Farm Hat brand cap. 

Enjoy!

All items can, of course, be found at Mosaic.

PS: running post coming later today- it's a good one, I think, so check back ;) If anything, it will make you laugh.

Outfit of the Week

Ah, I brought back the intermittent 'outfit of the week' posts. Although it has been overdue, JOUIR DE!

All items can be found at Mosaic, currently, so hurry!

(Pictured: Big Star denim skirt, Rue 21 sparkle tank, retro leopard zip up, vintage pearl strand, Urban charm necklace, and cargo green Keds)