New Year in Neon

Just ordered my new 2012 datebook via Graphic Image and I chose neon pink.  It makes me giddy that my new planner will be on trend for Spring. 

Are you in need of a new datebook and you like to rock it old school like me?  Head over to Graphic Image, their beautiful leather planners are 50% off.

Stationary Envy

I swoon when I see this gorgeous pile of bold monogrammed notepads. I love them all and could easily use one in just about every room of my house; kitchen, study, sewing studio, nightstand, car, etc.

They make great practical gifts and I love a practical gift; especially when it’s packaged pretty.  Your, sister, mother, besties, teachers and bosses would love these I am sure of it.  You can find these pretty things over at WH Hostess. 

High vs Low JCrew Spring 2012

Obviously Kelly green is going to be one of the must have colors for Spring.  Why?  Because if JCrew (a.k.a. JCrack)  says so, then you know it's a must have necessity.  One of my favorite outfits from their spring show was this cute Kelly green and leopard number. 

Jcrew Spring 2012 RTW

After seeing the above, I got super excited when I strolled into Old Navy and say this beautiful Kelly green tunic for $30. It's so insanely cute on and made of a soft flowy fabric; perfect for spring and summer.  I am invisioning maybe those JCrew leopard shorts with it or white jeans.  Gotta have white jeans for spring/summer.  It's my uniform; skinny, cropped, boot cut or trouser, I've got them all. 

Old Navy Spring 2012

Marathon Motivation

It's that time of year again in Houston and I am running the Aramco Half Marathon this coming Sunday, January 15.  It will be my third time to run and I am every bit as excited as I was the first time.  The event is so exciting, inspiring and I always finish wth a huge sense of accomplishment. 

I had to skip last year's event because I had my little Sloaney Bear in my belly.  This year will make 4 years that I started running as a way to burn fat and get my booty in shape.  Prior to my first half I was never a runner, but I found myself at an interesting point in my life with time and a body that wasn't the same after baby.  So I decided to give running a try and I am addicted. 

When I started, I knew if I was really going to go for something big like 13.25 miles I needed the right gear.  Here are my must-have tools to becoming an avid runner.  I can't stress enough how important these tools are to keeping yourself motivated.  So please don't cheat yourself.  If you start out with an inexpensive $40 pair of running shoes, some daisy dukes and unrealistic goals you will give it up.  Gauranteed.  For what it's worth here's what works for me.

Running Shoes

I mean the real deal $100 plus running shoes.  I recommend you visit a true running store where someone can analize your gate and foot.  A great pair of running shoes are expensive for a reason.  Don't think you can save your self $50 or $60 and you won't notice the difference.  You will.  And you have to get running shoes, not crosstrainers, not aerobic and not tennis shoes.  Personally I like the Ascis Gel Nimbus. 

Run Wear

Find yourself a comfortable running outfit that won't ride up or rub in certain areas.  When you start running long distances you'll notice right away when the tag of your pants or shorts is suddenly irritating the heck out of your skin.  You also don't want to be self conscious or tugging at your clothes the entire time you are exercising.

 Ladies, find a great running bra.  This is one of the number one complaints I hear from friends, "I can't stand to have my boobs bouncing all over the place."  I say, double bag the produce.  I have been known to wear two running bras if needed.  If you are a large breasted woman, you want them pulled in and tight, if not you could end up with back and shoulder pains later. 

Shorts or pants, tees or tanks it doesn't really matter just as long as you are comfortable.  I have a huge selection of running clothes from Target.  I just recently discovered Lululemon and I am a diehard fan.  The running crops are phenonminal and worth every penny you'll pay for them.  Nothing jiggles when you run and you could bounce a quarter off your bum they fit so go. 

I have these

and these

I am also enjoying this running jacket and the super soft Swiftly tee when the weather is cooler.

Music Motivation

If you want to start running and you don't have some sort of MP3 Player, go buy one now.  Music can be extremely motivating on a run.  I change up my play list reguraly and always have a variety of songs on hand to keep me moving.  It can also help to clear your head of anything that's distracting. 

I recently discover this cool site called Rock My Run through Pinterest and I am constantly downloading new music and it's free.  Even better. 

Technological Support

Both of my next two items came out of necessity when running took over as my main form of exercise.  First, the Polar Heart Rate and Calorie Monitor.  I needed this when I was running pregnant and had to keep my heart rate below 140.  But now I use it all the time to track how many calories I burn.  It's fun to see if you are actually working off that bag of Shipley's donut holes you had for breakfast or the fajita dinner the night before. 

Next is my new favorite introduced to me by my friends, Amber and Lynn.  It's the RunMeter App and it rocks.  It's so dang cool even my hubby is hooked.  It tracks your distance, pace, maps out your routes and elevations and it's all done via GPS on your phone.  So darn cool you should try it.  This is helpful when I just want to run and not have to hope in my car and map out my route via my car's odometer.  Lame I know, but that's what I had to do before RunMeter.

Be Realistic

Lastly, I add this as a tool because it's so important and probably the most critical piece of advice I can share with you.  Have realistic goals.  If you are not a runner and want to give it a shot don't expect to head out your first day and crank out 3 miles.  You'll only dissapoint yourself.  Work your way up to a safe and healthy training schedule.  When I first started running after one mile I was spent.  I mean beat red in the face, sweating profusely and gasping for air. But hey, I ran a mile and for me that was a good start.  Each week I would push myself just a bit to increase my distance, but I did it slowly.  When I reached 3 miles I celebrated big time.  I think it involved margaritas or some form of alchol.

If you want to strive for something like a 10K or half marathon or even a full marathon give yourself plenty of time to train.  For my first half I trained for 10 months.  When the time came I was so worried I wasn't going to be ready, but I rocked it ;) 

Always listen to your body.  There are many days I'll head out for a run and have in my head I am going to run 6 or 7 miles and after 2 or 3 I have to turn home.  For whatever reason I just don't have it in me that day and that's okay because you never want to push yourself too far.  An injury can set you way back or stop you all together.  If my knee is sore or my ankle is tender from a long run I take a few days off and give my body a rest.

I hope this helps some of you with your new years resolutions or motivates you to give running a try.  This is what works for me; a mother of two approaching 40.  Eeek. 





A New Favorite

Hello bloggy friends! I am hear to share with you today one of my new favorite websites. TheBeautyDepartment.com founded by Lauren Conrad, Kristin Ess and Amy Nadine. The primary focus is beauty products, tutorials and to answer reader questions, but every now and then they'll highlight other fun stuff like this DIY table skirt.

Personally I love the fabulous beauty tutorials about hair and makeup.  They keep them short and simple so as not to overwhelm you and easy to practice at home.

Go see for yourselft it won't dissappoint.

My Fall Must Haves

It doesn't feel a bit like fall in Houston, nor will it any time soon, but I've already got a few fabulous items on my radar. Since I am still working on loosing the baby weight I am keeping my focus on accessories.

In no particular order...

Neutral ballet flats via Jcrew.com

Marc Jacobs shoulder bag in Dirty Olive

I've been looking for a flat black boot for a while and this one is perfect!

A muted and lightweight scarf to carry to help with summer/fall wardrobe crossover.

Penny Loafers are the shoe to have this fall and I love this gray suede one. 

 

I love a crisp demin shirt for the fall.  My eye is on this one.

And for a more lady like look, I love this versatile blouse.

Mom's One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book

Found this precious memory book for mothers. I love the idea of writing a simple one line a day journal entry to archive precious moments between you and your children. I've never been one to keep a journal, but a simple one line entry I can do.

Puttin' The Squeeze On My Post Pregnancy Belly

Have any of you ever tried these?

I've heard mixed reviews about the Belly Bandit and Belly Tauts, but I'm still giving it a try. You wear them for 6 to 8 weeks to help shrink your stomach and make your transition clothes more comfortable. I figured even if it only helps with the inevitable "jelly belly" feel you have after pregnancy it will be worth it.

I'll be sure to give you all a thorough report on the product. Fingers crossed...

Shellac Attack

Have you seen the latest in nail polish?  It's called Shellac and everyone swears by its durability.  I am very intrigued by this new product.  Friends that have tested it say their mani/pedi will last 2-3 weeks with no crack, chips or splits. 

That's impressive.  I'll have to do my own test run.  Sounds like a definite Mommy Must Have.

My Little Blue Book

I just ordered this blue beauty to keep me organized in 2011. I’ve been a long time fan of Graphic Image datebooks and I order a new one ever year. You could say I am a bit old school with my schedule. I don't sync my Blackberry to load my weekly agendas or schedule reminders to keep me on time. I like the feel of soft leather and smooth pages between my fingers to stay punctual and organized.

Here’s a tip, I always wait until February to order. Graphic Image typically puts their books half off after January.

A Mommy Must Have: Kid's Art Portfolio

I so need this.  What mother doesn't need this?  I feel like all my daughter's precious art from school is just sitting in a big dusty pile.  This is a great way to archive them and hopefully share them with her when she's older.

Shoe Love: Attention All Pregos!

Just bought these cuties for cheap at the Gap and I LOVE them.  They are so comfortable I feel like I am wearing house shoes, but I'm not!  Leather and worth every inexpensive penny.  I am considering getting a black pair.  You can never have too many comfortable black shoes. 

Summer Shoe Social

Just got these in the mail from Boden USA and I love them soooooooooo much.  I truly do.

I already have these Jack Rogers in gold and would also like them in silver.  I live in my Jack Rogers during the spring and summer.  In fact, I should take my gold ones to visit the shoe doctor, because they are in need of a little TLC.  They've seen a lot of miles.  I highly recommend these sandals. 

While browsing the Jack Rogers web site I spied these silver flats and of course I want these too.

 I am saving up my Banana Republic coupons and discounts to buy these must have summer essentials.

I spied these brilliant summer flats at Old Navy.  A linen espadrille flat for summer; how perfect!  Only $19.99; hope they are comfortable.  I may have to try these out and let you know how they feel.

And of course what summer shoe collection would be complete without a new pair of Torys.  I love the Miller Thong.

Oh and maybe the Patti Wedge too.  ;)

Mudrooms - A Definite Mommy Must Have

This awesome post on Mudrooms by Molly Frey Designs makes me wish we had one for all our clutter and crap that end up everywhere.  Check out the full post here.

The Nuddle Blanket-Isn't it just an overpriced SNUGGIE?

I stumble upon an ad for the Nuddle blanket (Nap+Cuddle=Nuddle; clever) and I was intrigued so I clicked on the link and found an overpriced Snuggie. Which by the way my friends, don't knock it till you try it. The Snuggie blankets are COMFORTABLE! I mean lay in a cocoon of comfort and warmth all day long on the couch comfortable. We got one from a white elephant gift exchange party and now my husband and I fight over it. I love my Snuggie, go by one for a family member or friend. They make great gifts and they are cheap!  $15 at Walgreens or CVS.

But anyway back to the real purpose of this post, so I found the Nuddle and I mean it's nice looking and all, but not for 4x the price of one Snuggie. I'm just sayin’...save your pennies.

Now I will give the Nuddle one advantage, they do have baby and kid sizes, which I have not found in the Snuggie. Okay, score one for the Nuddle. Do you Snuggie? Come on, you can tell, don’t be ashamed, be proud of your Snuggie.

See Look here. Doesn't this kid look Snuggie-I mean Nuddlie in this blanket?  This is kind of cool, I could use one of these for my car.  My daughter likes to snuggle.

Ultimate Crib Sheet - Does it live up to it's name?

So...I am curious about this Ultimate Crib Sheet accessory.  A lot of my clients want custom sheets for their cribs because they plan to use the UCS over their fancy custom made sheet.  I don't recall this when my daughter was born a few years back, but I am intrigued.  Apparently it makes changing the crib sheet a breeze and you don't even have to remove the bumpers or pull out the cumbersome mattress.  That's the ultimate crib accessory for someone who's barely 5'3". 

I am an Undercover Lover. Are you?

You will be once you check out this fabulous tutorial on how to make your own crate covers from Laura Gunn and her Paint in My Hair blog.  How beautiful are these DIY crate slipcovers?  I love them and definately need them in my life.  I have so many fabric swatches, sewing, craft supplies and kiddie stuff my house looks like it's in a constant state of chaos. 

If you can sew or have a crafty bone in your body try it out.  Laura even provides you with a step-by-step pdf instruction sheet.  Isn't that thoughtful of her?

Mission Organization: The Mom Agenda

Do you have a Mom Agenda planner?  I do and I can't live without it.  I am thinking of getting this faux crocodile one for the 2009-2010 year.

Of course I struggle with this decision every year because I love so many of their colors. 

Or perhaps I should upgrade this year and get an All-in-One Folio.  I like these.

Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-to-Be

Mmmmm!!!  This recipe book could come in real handy for a pregnant woman.  Buy it here and read more about it here. 

Simple and Sophisticated

I happened upon these gorgeous necklaces a while back and fell in love. I have seen several of these delicate custom charm necklaces but none that are this reasonable AND stylish.

I think they make the perfect gift for any woman. They are made by Three Sisters Jewelery and I hope I get one some day. Are you reading honey? Perhaps I should wait until baby #2. I love the thought of have three charms; one with each kid's name and a horseshoe charm. Or maybe the little Budha, he's kind of fun. To see their full line of jewelery click here. Click on the pics to get a detailed view.







Photography credits by Zoe