Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Monday, September 15, 2014
Apple Picking
I love fall, all things fall. I especially love apple picking. We have the best farm. Great Country Farms in Bluemont, Virginia. It is the perfect farm if you have children. They make it super easy on you. So often apple picking in Virginia is an extreme sport and you have to be ready for an all day, athletic event. But not so at Great Country. You don't need to bring anything... except maybe a sturdy bag to hold the apples (they have plastic ones.) I bring my Boat and Tote, because it holds a ton and it is easy to carry... and could I really go anywhere without.
They have great set up for entertainment. The tractor pulled hay ride come about every 15 minutes. So you never have to wait long to get out there, or come back. The farm usually have live music and cider or apple butter demonstrations. There is an apple festival every weekend in September. My son loves the little barn animals and the huge playground.
They also have a "Roosteraunt" where they sell amazing cider donuts and coffee for your morning fix. After you are done with the farm and apples you can grab a lunch outside the barn. They sell hotdogs and BBQ, homemade pies, and old fashioned glass Cokes.
On your way out you can stop through their farm stand to pick up some fresh local produce, so you get some grocery shopping done.
It is a working mother's dream for a family day: healthy, outside, quality time, and great pictures. I heart you Great Country.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
NYC Rooftop Party Styling
When it comes to beauty, I think manners and kindness matter so much more than what you wear or who did your hair. Just being authentic and interested in others is what people will remember. Whenever I write a fashion or a beauty post, I always want to remind myself that the most important thing a woman can wear is compassion.
For my dress, I chose this long sleeve black tee-shirt dress Velvet By Graham & Spencer, which I bought at Nordstorm Rack for under $150. I'm not going to wear any nylons, because it is not really worth hassle, as long as your legs are shaved.
Accessories: I am going to go with a nude pump because they make your legs look fantastically long, my pair are from Sam Elderman. I love the D'orsay style because they fit my feet and you can stand and walk in them for hours, I literally do, these are my pumps I wear to work. I love my Moda Lux nude clutch with gold detailing. When you hold the clutch low, it has an elongating effect to your silhouette. To compliment the gold detailing in the clutch, I choose my gold Marc Jacobs watch and some understated but elegant Kendra Scott earrings.
Beautywise, I'm not doing much. I am currently on a no makeup kick. I like my freckles and my tan, I don't want to cover that up. It took a lot of beer drinking in the pool to get it, and I am proud of that. I do love the way my hair feels and looks after a blow out so I am going to get my haircut and highlighted on Friday. Because, I think second day hair looks better.
Scent, I am loving the sexy vanilla scent BYWAY eau de parfum. It is a sweet fragrance with warm notes of caramel, wild rose, vanilla candy, honeysuckle. To me it smells like amber moonlight, it is both fun and sexy. Also, it is made in the USA, which is exactly what I am looking for these days.
More than anything, I'm just excited to celebrate a wonderful couple's engagement and a have a fun night out with the hubby. I can't wait! Congratulations Jeff and Cara!
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Love Hate Running
I run, I am not a runner, that is to say I run but I do not enjoy it. I run because my body hates running so much it is the only thing that motivates my post-baby, post-30 metabolism. I love running because it is fast, easy, requires no special equipment, I can do it anywhere, and I can do it early in the morning before the boys wake. I hate running because it is hard, it is mental, and I have terrible knees. I ran from when I was 16 until when my second trimester of pregnancy. Now, after many failed diets, too much money spent on trainers and on gym memberships, I am going back to what I know works, sweating it out to Nelly and Jay-Z every other morning at 4:30 am. There are few things that I use to help make running a little more fun and here are my crutches:
- MUSIC - If I had to pick one thing that is an absolute must, I would pick music. I wouldn't make it six blocks without it. Even in the military we ran to cadences. You don't have to spend a heap ton of money on it either, if you have an iPhone you can download Pandora or Spotify for free and they have some awesome powerhouse workout stations.
- Good Shoes - Shoes are essential. If your feet hurt you can't do much of anything. I have weird shaped feet and that makes it difficult, but there are plenty of running stores that will let you run in a pair of shoes or have special equipment that you stand on to help you get the perfect pair. For me, I love New Balances, I have been using them for 15 years. But, every body is different and every foot is too.
- Hydrate or die - You can run hungry or tried, but you can't run dry. You have to drink water the night before and after. I have a CamelBak Glass water bottle that I use constantly. Somehow the straw makes it easier for me to hydrate. Try a bottle you like in your favorite color, put on your desk or carry it around the house while you are doing chores. You will be amazed at how much better you feel when you drink water.
- Running App Coach- I love my running app. It tells me when to walk, and when to run, it lets me know if I am going to fast or not fast enough and when I have reached the halfway mark. You can try plenty of running apps for free. I love them.
- Fuel - I don't eat before I run, I used to when I was running for time or with others and wanted to perform well. I eat after, and I am currently loving Larabar Protein Bars. I am on a Paleo kick and I really think it has improved my runs and my energy in general. They sell these at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and, of course, Amazon.
- Happy Workout Gear - You can run in any clothes you like, I spent a good chunk of my life running in BDUs and boots. But you should try and find some clothes that make you happy. Maybe its an old t-shirt, or your favorite old sports watch that doesn't work anymore. Whatever it is, wherever you get it, it should make you happy because you will need that little bit of umph to get out the door.
- Mental Game - Remember that Native Americans used to run for hours across expansive distances, running is all mental. If you pray, ask for some extra power, if you mediate, visualize yourself at the end of the run. Think about attaining your goal and how you will feel when you do, just don't stop, it is all in your head. Your body will want to fight you to rest, but push through. You can do it.
So those are my tips from someone who runs but does not enjoy it. All the best and happy work-outs.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Outer Banks Vacation Momma's Packing List
I am super excited about going to the beach soon... We are beyond blessed to go with two other families who are our close friends. This year we are going to have 4 kids ranging in age from 6 months to 3 years. Its going to be a little bit cray, and a lot bit fun.
As far as what to pack, I'm somewhere between "can't we just wear sweatpants the whole time", and "a lady should always look pleasing". I add the extra complication of being morally against over-packing, especially if we are going to a house with laundry facilities. So this is my list for a 7 day trip to the beach in the South in August (translation heat and humidity):
- 2 tank tops
- 2 button downs shirts
- 2 t-shirts
- 1 long sleeve shirt
- 1 fishing shirt
- 1 sweater
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 2 pairs of sweats
- 2 jammie pants
- one maxi dress
- 4 bathing suits
- 4 sets of unmentionables
- 2 sets of running clothes
- 1 pair of running shoes
- 1 pair of everyday flip flops
- 1 pair of going out sandals
- 1 pair of boat shoes
As far as accessories, I am pretty minimal at the beach. I have already lost my one of my favorite pearl earrings to great blue ocean. So I don't tend to wear jewelry down to the beach. I usually just bring whatever I am wearing when I am traveling which means:
- pearl earrings or diamond studs
- i'm really into double necklaces and I have two sets that I alternate between
- string of pearls and gold monogram necklace
- dogeared karma necklace and a cross
- ribbon belt
- tortoise watch or a stainless steel watch
- baseball cap or sunhat
- diet coke in a koozie
- glass waterbottle
- my sunglasses with a croakies, so they don't fall and crack because I am on my second generation
For my toiletries, I don't really have any beauty products I cannot live without. I am currently on a not-so-much-makeup kick, which definitely makes everything easier. If I had to recommend some products this is what I would...
- Swissco Natural Toothbrush
- Redmond Eartpaste Toothpaste
- Radius Floss
- Wooden Brush
- Luminious BB Cream
- Tarte Cheek Stain
- Miracle 10 Leave in Conditioner
- Sun Bum Sunscreen and After Sun Care
- Organic Coconut Oil (shaving cream and lotion)
- Dove deodorant
- Castile Soap (for hair and body)
- Razor
Entertainment, I don't bring much it is the beach after all but I am bringing:
- iPhone and headphones for music, podcasts, and audible books
- Waterproof speakers to take out by the beach or pool
- Kinfolk
- One and Only by Emily Griffin
- Dominos... I will beat you Dave... I will beat you
- Awesome float water hammock... heaven
So, that's the plan Stan. What I am bringing to the beach... so much for minimalist huh...
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