Fashion Week Inspiration

If there was one thing (just one thing) that someone said I could do, it would be attend Fashion Week-in Milan, in London, Paris, or New York.  What I love about the WWW is that the blogs of late of been featuring lovely and surreal pictures of the latest runway clothing.  Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring 2012 collection probably hands down is my favorite and it is sincerely heaven on earth!  Her dresses are what I imagine it would be like to walk on fluffy clouds of sequins, flowing tulle, and frilly lace.  It is the ultimate indulgence!  But it is the hair, oh the hair, that caught my attention.  Those pretty chic ponytails will be my spring and summer coif of choice. 

via This is Glamorous

.Now if I only had one of those lovely dresses to prance around in!


via This is Glamorous

A girl can dream right?

Marathon Monday

Last week I only logged 3 miles.  Between traveling for work, closing on our new house, trying to work on the new house, and a pre-scheduled birthday party running was pretty much harder than hard to fit into my schedule.  And I feel like crap!  So this week is getting back to it.  Start from the beginning again and remember why I started and why I am not giving up.

Pinterest via ?

Marathon Monday

Wednesday: cross-training (skiing)

Thursday: 4 miles in 45 minutes

Saturday: 3 miles in 35 minutes

Sunday: 9 miles in 1 hour and 40 minutes

This week was a little rough, that 9 mile run exhausted me last night, putting me to sleep by 8:30pm and missing my favorite new show "Downton Abbey."  But I did it, I kept to my training schedule and worked it into my busy/hectic weekend.

So this week's blog will be focused on WHY?  Why do you want to run a marathon?  Some people do it to set personal records, to help lose weight, to win, or because they like to run.  Jokingly, my reasoning is a momentary relapse in judgement.  All kidding aside, I suppose one reason I want to run 26.2 miles is to prove to myself that I can push my body and mind to the fullest maximum potential.  When I was younger I had exercise induced asthma and even running 1 mile killed my lungs.  It wasn't until 6 years ago when my husband signed us up for a 10k and we trained together that I realized I can control my asthma with proper training.  Since then, I've done random races leading up to last year, my longest ever, I did the half marathon to help kick start the post baby weight loss.  I figure, if I can run 13.1 miles who says I can't run 26.2?

So, I'm not looking to set a PR or to win the race, my goal is to JUST RUN and cross that finish line feeling strong and feeling like I've accomplished something I never thought possible.  My goal is just to say: "I DID IT! I FINISHED 26.2 MILES!"

Pinterest via cafepress.ca

4 weeks down, 10 more to go!

No Closet Solution

HER new bedroom has no closet.  It is actually a den but we are making it a bedroom because I can't stand the idea of being on a separate sleeping level than HER yet.  So, I've been racking my brain on what to do and thanks to the WWW found these creative solutions.

Hanging bar to display HER clothes...only problem is I'd have to keep it neat and organized all of the time and make it high enough SHE can't reach up and pull it down.

Pinterest via readymade.com

I pretty much stalk Craigslist.com everyday to find an inexpensive armoire I can re-do like this lovely shabby chic style.  No luck yet.

Pinterest via ?

We can always create an open concept closet system but again, we'd have to be mindful that we have a curious little baby.

Pinterest via decomyplace.com

And then there is always the no fail option of just buying a wardrobe at IKEA. 

Birkeland Style at IKEA, $299

Good news is we are going to IKEA this weekend so I'll get to check out some options in person.  Now I'll just have to convince the hubby to let us buy one :).

More White Floors and Pinterest

I have a love/love/hate relationship with Pinterest.  As we about to embark on another house transformation Pinterest has been my source for inspiration in home design.  Goodness, I just love LOVE that I can find thousands and thousands of ideas but I also hate that I can find thousands and thousands of ideas on Pinterest.  How do you choose just one when there are so many good ones out there?

Like white floors which I blogged about last week, there are so many good options and Pinterest just feeds the inspiration....

 

So do you go all white?  Is this even practical with a baby running around?

Pinterest via 10rooms.blogspot.com

If not all white, do you then can add subtle neutrals?  Like my new favorite paint color: greige?

Pinterest via 10rooms.blogspot.com

Perhaps, do you go the modern route with natural wood and metal accessories and accents?

Pinterest via bellemasion23.com

But then there is always the complete opposite of white floors...dark floors with white in other places.

Like this pretty room with natural wood floors that allow the white washed walls to steal the show.

Pinterest via sarahrichardsondesign.com

Or maybe go very dark floors that perfectly complement the dramatic white walls, furniture, and accessories...and that view!

Pinterest via luxefinds.com

So does any one else see my dilemma....these are all beautiful and perfect how do you choose just one?

Marathon Monday (on Tuesday again)

Wednesday: 4 miles in 45 minutes

Thursday: 3 miles in 40 minutes

skipped a 3 mile!

Monday: 5 miles in 60 minutes

I skipped this week!  And while packing and moving is an excuse (officially no longer residents of our house but that is a different blog post) I've got to remember:

Pinterest via fresh15nomore.tumblr.com

If I Could Have it All, I'd have Anthropologie

To me, Anthropologie is like an artist who is in the midst of creating their ultimate masterpiece...each piece they sell is an artist's brush stroke meticulously thought out, scrutinized, and carefully placed until the blank canvas is styled to look effortless, opulent, beautiful, and (in lack of better words) perfect.

And if I could have it all, I'd have Anthropolgie...just like this...

Into the Lighthouse by Sibella Court

Whitewashed shelving would display globes of trinkets, glass bowls filled with shells from beach walks with HER, and pictures of our most special memories

Draper Shelf, $998

And we'd sit next to our memories on this pretty watercolor chair recalling every detail of our special days Calandria Armchair, Longshore $1598

As pretty curtains billowed in the wind

Linen Ladder Curtain, $108-$168

Or we'd lay in beautiful bedding and play make believe and talk about where we want to go and what we want to do

Camille Bedding, $148-$748

Right before breakfast was served in bed on simple delicate plates

Pie Crust Dinnerware, $12-$20

All the while enjoying this simply stunning view...

HOT for Headboards

So our new house has a huge master bedroom.  And when I say huge, I mean HUGE-like 20 ft x 20 ft HUGE!  The current bedroom furniture we have just won't cut it in our new room, it is going to look miniature in our new room.  So we finally broke down and agreed we need to upgrade and we'll definitely be investing in a king size bed and use the headboard as the focus of the room. Knowing how expensive headboards cans get a DIY project will be in our future.  Whatever direction we decide to go will be the catalyst to the design aesthetic for the rest of the room.  Now to decide....

HOT for these headboards:

Should we go shabby chic and use reclaimed mantel as the focus piece?

via spiritofhome.tumblr

Should we go a little more romantic with a tufted headboard?

via erineverafter.blogspot.com

Should we use some old pallets that we have to make a show stopping piece?

via Pinterest (original source?)

Or maybe we should go with a fun fabric headboard to bring in some pattern and color?

via decorpad.com

Maybe we should go with something multidimensional to create drama?

via aliciabdesigns.blogspot.com

I'm leaning towards the pallet headboard.  One, because we already have pallets we can use and two, it would go with the whole European Nautical decor I've decided will be our new house theme.  I'll be using this blog as inspiration lovelycrafthome.com.

Marathon Monday (on Tuesday)

A very sick baby the last 2 days made blogging, and well, pretty much everything else difficult.  I was still able to fit my runs in though thanks to my husband so here is what I logged last week:

Wednesday: 3 miles in 40 minutes

Thursday: 45 minutes Pilate's and 3 miles on treadmill

Friday: 45 minutes of Pilate's 

Saturday: 3 miles in 40 minutes

Sunday: 7 miles in 1 hour 20 minutes

All in all, another successful week but I figured out I need to get new laces on my shoes to loosen them up a bit.  That 7 miler gave me some small blisters so I need to fix the problem ASAP before it gets any worse.

So speaking of blisters, one of the key things I have noticed with running is what you run in.  The right clothes, accessories, and shoes will make all the difference.  My training schedule logs a total of around 420 miles, that is 16 marathons if you look at it in terms of racing lengths.  You'll be spending as much time running as you do at work so looking good and being comfortable are key.

Here are my go-to running clothing suggestions. 

SHOES: invest, invest, invest.  Go to a local running shop who are experts in fitting your feet to the proper shoe.  They'll look at your feet, your stride, your arches, your toes, everything to get you the proper shoes.  They are going to be expensive, but to me, the proper shoe is worth every penny!

PANTS AND SHORTS: buy a pair of good running shorts and if you train in the cold, like me, go buy a pair of nice running tights.  My favorite are a pair of Nike Filament Tights you can buy at Dick's Sporting Goods.  They are comfy and warm!

TOPS AND BRAS: Old Navy has some the best active wear around in my opinion.  Their GoDry and Compression fit active wear is light weight and moisture-wicking.  Another of my favorites is the Champion brand at Target.  Who says you can't look good while being active?

SOCKS: get blister resistant with some padding.  Trust me, it will save you feet and your manicure!

RUNNING PACK: This nifty thing secures around your waist and holds some necessities like chap stick, extra hair band, water bottles, etc.  My favorite is the Nathan Hydration Belts that includes water bottles for extra hydration.

OTHER: some type of light reflect ant material or runner's flash light, hats and gloves, and music.  Keeps you safe, keeps you warm, and keeps you entertained.

And if all else fails, this helpful guide and advice above can narrow it down for you.

Pinterest via becausewecandoit.tumblr

Happy running!

Cap-Toe Flats

I know winter isn't over yet and I know that the groundhog saw his shadow which supposedly predicts 6 more weeks of cold and snow, but I can't help to be thinking of spring already!

And with spring comes all whole new set of shoes to breakout for the warmer weather.  Currently I am loving cap-toe flats.  These will instantly add some feminity and class to any outfit.  Tres Chic!

Looks very similar to a regular ballerina flat but with unexpected snake skin that comes in 3 colors.

Old Navy, $22.94

Woven flats in a pretty neutral and a great price.  I'm loving that little bow too!

Forever 21, $15.80

An unusal version with an off kilter cap-toe in metal. 

Deena & Ozzy at Urban Outfitters, $34

Audrey Hepburn would have styled these with cropped black pants.  The best part is buy these and TOM's will give a pair of shoes to a child in need.

TOM's, $79

White Floors

Good news, we are finally under contract on a new house!  Your not supposed to get emotionally attached to a house but too late!  I'm already dreaming of what we are going to do to make this house "ours" and there are still lots of variables that can happen to make things fall through. 

First thing I'd do are the floors and I'm taking some cues from beachy decors and I am currently obsessing over white floors.  Whether they are bleached, stained, painted, or pickled I'm loving them all.

And I think they would look great with these paint colors...

Pinterest via 10rooms.blogspot.com


Bleached floors lighten up the space...and highlight that view!

Martha Stewart

Another version of bleached floors.  I am loving how you can still see the natural grain of the wood through the bleach stain.
Materiadesigns.wordpress.com

White on white on white.

mylovelylife-blog.blogspot.com

The perfect beach bedroom with glossy white floors.
morningt.blogspot.com


Painted beach house floors are perfect!
Apartment Therapy