Summer Reads: Short and Sweet Book Reviews

First things first - thank you so much for all the love regarding my last post. I tell you what - it has been really hard to blog about anything going on in my life without mentioning what seems to be the ONLY thing going on in my life. The last few months have been exciting and terrifying at the same time, and I can't believe how fast the weeks are flying by. December will be here before we know it!! Yikes.

Baby-talk aside, it's my intention to keep things business-as-usual around here. I will probably do some weekly pregnancy updates (although so far I haven't been that great at getting those pictures taken... it's more like an every other week thing. Oops.) and baby-related topics will inevitably come up, but I plan to keep things as random and normal as they always have been. Cool?

That said, I thought I'd share some recent reads today. Summer always seems to be the time when people are looking for a new book to pick up, so I've got a few on my list that I am highly recommending. These are great beach / pool / lake / weekend reads - so add them to your list and check them out the next time you need a great story!

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr // this is, by far, the best book I've read in years. I have recommended it to everyone I know, and only one person has come back to tell me they didn't like it as much as I did! The story takes place during World War II, and follows the very different lives of two children as they grow up through the war, slowly winding their paths towards one another. The writing is absolutely gorgeous, and the setting, Nazi-occupied Paris, is a different take on the usual backdrop. I found the story enthralling, and while obviously WWII-related, about so much more than the war.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes // A book club book that I failed to read in time for our meeting, this one was on the back burner until it finally became available at the library. I know everyone loves Jojo Moyes, but this was actually the first book of hers that I've read. The story is somewhat different than I expected when I first started reading - I expected a love story, and got one, but on different terms than I anticipated, and I found myself ugly-crying on the train on my way to work one day. Definitely get out your tissues for this one - it's a great easy read, but a tear-jerker!

My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares // This was a random find at the library, and I'm so glad I picked it up. The story is based on the idea that some people have what's called "the Memory," or the ability to remember all past lives, and follows the path of a young man who is always searching for his soulmate, no matter which life they are each in. It was just magical enough but not overly so, and I really enjoyed the parts where the book is set in Virginia - local always makes it a little more interesting. Beautiful story that had me wishing the book hadn't ended.

The Mapmaker's Children by Sarah McCoy* // I am a huge historical fiction fan, but this story was something new for me: Civil War, abolitionist-era America, following the story of John Brown's family - specifically, his oldest daughter, who has a gift for creating maps to help lead slaves to freedom. This is another book that jumps back and forth between stories, one set in the past and one set in the present, slowly weaving together two seemingly unrelated lives. It has a several twists that I wasn't expecting, and I thought that the story moved along at a good pace. Again, it was a semi-local setting, taking place around Harper's Ferry and other parts of West Virginia, so it was appealing to me in that regard. There are some characters that are easy to like, and some that are easy to dislike, which I always think is a sign of good writing. I found the dialogue a bit slow and unrealistic at times, but the rest of the story carried the book successfully. I liked it more than I thought I would, and found myself really wanting to get to the end to see what would happen. That's my kind of book!

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. Get more information about the author and the story here!

Winter Reads: short & sweet book reviews

I get some of my very best book recommendations from other bloggers, so I like to spread the love and share details about what I've been reading, in case anyone else is looking for a good book to pick up.

I've just started a brand-new annual reading challenge on goodreads (be my friend!) - I really like logging each book I read and seeing my progress, as well as that of my friends. My goal for last year was to read 30 books, and I finished with a grand total of 33. Based on that, I've set a 2015 goal of 35 books. I finished my first on the plane home from Nashville, and I've already started the second. Wahoo!

To be honest, I kind of got burnt out on reading towards the end of the year, so the ones I'm sharing with you today are actually what I read in November, December, and the beginning of January. There were some real winners, though, so I hope you'll check them out!

To me, the best review is a short review - so I'll try to keep these simple!

The Double Bind// Chris Bohjalian has become one of my favorite authors, and I love the way he twists his stories multiple times throughout the book. This one, featuring a plot line where nothing is as it seems and the characters are not who you think they are, may very well be one of my favorites of his so far.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane// This book got tons of great reviews this year, but it wasn't what I was expecting at all. I'm not much of a fantasy reader, but this one held my interest, regardless of the monsters and madness happening in the story.

Help for the Haunted// I liked this book all the way up until the very end - the final "whodunnit" answer was not what I expected or what I wanted. The story moves back and forth in time, which is a style that I generally like, and also features several sub-plots that I found interesting. It made for a good plane read.

Beautiful Ruins// Another that received tons of great reviews this year - I didn't love, love it, but it was pretty good. Another that jumps from time to time and character to character, so I felt a little lost at times, but the characters are well-developed and very realistic (to me, anyway!). I really connected with the characters' flaws and hopes.

Yes Please// I cannot say enough good things about this book. I feel like I know Amy personally, and I feel like she gets me - she is hilarious and honest and real about her life, and I finished this book in one sitting (and it was a fabulous way to spend a Sunday)! Highly recommend.

So there ya have it. Next on my list is Big Little Lies - a book I have been dying to read because I really like everything Liane Moriarty has written, but haven't gotten around to doing yet. Oops! Time to start.

What are you reading right now? What is the best book you read in 2014? I think mine was Every Last One by Anna Quindlen - it shook me in a way that I haven't really recovered from yet, and I still think about it regularly. Not many books are like that for me!

**affiliate links above

Take my advice: put it on the list

Last night, at book club, the discussion inevitably turned to weddings, as it almost always does. Between girls who are engaged, girls who are newlyweds, and girls (like me) who are new-ish-weds, we run the gamut of "experience" when it comes to wedding planning.

The question last night was about wedding registries (dun, dun, dun) and what to do if you don't really need anything because you have an established household and have been living together already and whatever else. There was talk about honeymoon registries and out-of-the-box registries, like using Amazon to register for all kinds of things, but there was also some emphasis on the value of a "traditional" registry. Trust me - there is value. Let me tell you why...

It can be hard, when you're in your early 20s or whatever, to think way ahead. Like, ahead past your wedding, and certainly further than that down the road. However, your wedding registry is an opportunity where you should try to think way ahead. Try to think about the future, and register for things that you may not need right this very second, but could need in a few years. Sure, right now, you've got all your Craigs-list and Thrift store finds from college. You've got a $10 toaster from Wal-mart. You've got 2/3s of a set of plates and (mostly) matching bowls. That's great. A few years from now, though, you may start feeling like an actual adult, and you might find that the mismatched conglomeration of crap you have isn't really working for you. Guess what! Your wedding registry is a great time to remedy that.

As a favor to you (because I am clearly a wedding expert, having had one and been married for 2.5 years [ha]), I came up with the four things I think everyone should register for, at the bare minimum, even if they are things you "already have." Take a look!

1 // Sheets

[source]

Sleeping on nice (I mean really nice) sheets is one of the best feelings in the world. However, those suckers are expensive! Weddings are a great time to get a few nice sets of sheets that won't look ratty after 10 washes and might actually have matching pillow cases (what a novel concept!). Do it - your dreams will thank you.

2 // Towels

[source]

This is basically for the same reason as above. Towels (good ones) are not cheap. Register for a set, and for more than you think you need. FYI: if there are two of you (now), you need more than two towels, two hand towels, and two wash clothes - unless you A) never wash your towels (ew) or B) wash your towels constantly.  Additional thought: someday, down the road, you might have children who need towels. Or guests who stay who need towels. A second set of towels is another novel concept! There is no such thing as too many towels, and, if you have the storage space, I highly recommend putting them on the list.

3 // Serving trays, platters, bowls, and utensils

[source]

This is one of those times when that foresight business is hard. Sure, you have no use for a giant platter right now or a set of matching serving bowls. Bear with me! Someday, just someday, you might be hosting Thanksgiving. Or Christmas dinner. Or a birthday party for adults. Guess what you'll need? Adult dishes! Do yourself a favor, and get some now - before you realize you have nothing to put the turkey on after you pull it out of the oven.

4 // A Dyson

[source]

This one is a little different. The recommendation here is to register for that expensive thing that you think no one will buy you. For C & I, it was a Dyson. We actually argued about this one - C really didn't want to register for it, because it was so expensive. I insisted to him that it didn't hurt to have it on there; you never know what people will buy. If we didn't get it, we didn't get it, and that was fine. Guess what?? We got it (clearly). His aunt and grandmother went in on it together and used a store discount they had to surprise us with it after the wedding. It was awesome, and it is going to last us forever (knock on wood). If we hadn't asked for it, we wouldn't have gotten it. Put the "stretch" gift on the registry, because you definitely won't get it if no one knows you want it.

So tell me...

• Did you / do you / will you have a wedding registry? Why or why not?
• What do you wish you had registered for that you didn't?
• Feelings on people who stray from the registry? (We got both good and bad gifts that were "off registry"... touchy subject!)

This winter, I'm fighting back

Every winter, without fail, it's like all the moisture in my body suddenly evacuates. My skin is dry, my hair is dry, my throat is parched... every drop of water is gone! This winter, I've been trying my best to fight back. It's hard for me to find products that moisturize without feeling greasy or wet, and I have sensitive skin and thin hair, so I need products that won't worsen the issues, but will provide some relief. I've rounded up a few of my favorites, and maybe you will see something here that will help you battle winter dryness!

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask // I've been using this mask for several years now, and it's one of the only things I've found that doesn't make my hair greasy and weighed down, and actually does add moisture. I use it once a week or so - schmear it on, leave for a few minutes, comb through, and rinse. And it smells nice, too!

Aveeno Skin Relief Overnight Cream // This lotion is intensely thick and rich. It smells kind of oatmeal-y, but it doesn't bother me. I'm not sure what it is about using it overnight that helps, but I put it on right before I go to bed and the moisture usually holds through the next day

Aveeno Skin Relief Shower & Bath Oil // I just found this product this year, and I love it so far. You use it at the very end of your shower, and it locks in the moisture. It's only of the only things I've found that helps me not feel like my skin is on fire the minute I step out of the shower. Plus, it hasn't left my shower super greasy and slippery, the way other similar products have in the past.

Eos Vanilla Bliss Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream // This is another product I just found this year, and I'm really happy with it. Usually, when I use shaving cream to shave, even if it's a "deep moisture" or "dry skin" version, I can practically feel it drying my skin as I go. Not with this! It's more like a lotion than a shaving cream, and it actually moisturizes while you shave. I'm not sure I agree with the "24 hour" claim on the bottle, but as long as I use this and lotion afterwards, my legs feel alright.

Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly // Perhaps the least glamorous product on the list, petroleum jelly is what I use when nothing else is working. It is rather greasy, so I try to use it before bed or when I don't have to go anywhere for a bit. However, it's one of the only things that helps when my hands get cracked and dry, and it works wonders for knees and elbows, too. Better than any hand cream I've tried, and cheaper, too!

What products do you use to survive the winter? Any secret weapons? The worse my skin gets, the more I consider migrating somewhere warm this time of year!

Lucky number 9

Remember when I (tried to) participated in Blog Every Day in May? Well, I've just learned that Jenni is hosting another month of blogging prompts & link-ups, this time called Blogtember. I had such a good time with the prompts (that I kept up with) last time, that I've decided to jump on the wagon again. Yes, I'm already a few days late (typical - remember the name of this here blog??), but I'm diving right in and going to do my best to keep up! Off we go :)

Thursday, September 5: Pass on some useful advice or information you learned and always remembered. 

I tossed around many "deep" lessons I've learned and pieces of advice for having a rich, wonderful life... and then I threw that out the window and decided to go with something actually useful.

I have always been bad at math. It's a fact. For me, numbers just do not make sense. I've accepted it, and I've learned that there are lots of tricks out there to help with some of the basics. These have been key to my math success (right up until I failed Calculus in 12th grade.... whoops. Actually, they let me drop after the drop date so that I didn't have a big ol' red F on my beautiful report card... sigh of relief!). Anyway.

Here's a trick I learned in 2nd grade, and literally still use to this day: How to multiply by 9.

Example: 9 x 5 = ???

When multiplying by 9, take whatever number you want to multiply (5) and subtract one (now it's 4). That's the first digit in your answer.

Example: 9 x 5 = 4___???

The second digit in your answer is whatever number adds to the first number to make 9 (that would be a 5).

Ba-da-bing, ba-da-boom, there's your answer!

9 x 5 = 45!

We win!

This really does work. Look:

• 9 x 8 = 72 (7+2 = 9)
• 9 x 6 = 54 (5+4 = 9)
• 9 x 2 = 18 (1+8 = 9)

Granted, this only works when multiplying single digits, but it's still very useful. Amiright?! All you lovely blog readers will now always know how to multiply by 9s. You're welcome.

Do you have any useful advice or information to pass along? Is it deep, or something handy?

Just what I needed!

Day 8: A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.

I had no idea what to write for this particular prompt. I’ve given and received a LOT of advice in my lifetime (haven’t we all??), and I just couldn’t find the right thing to settle on. As I was sitting at my desk this morning, pondering this blog post and discussing a Major Life Event with a co-worker, she offered just the wisdom I needed, and I knew I had to share it:

“If you’re already traveling to Europe,  just pay the hotel to do your laundry.”
Sometimes it’s just better to let go of the tiny details – if you’re going all the way to Europe, and paying the money to take a big trip, maybe it’s better to just pay the hotel to do your laundry: don’t waste the time and the effort to do something so mundane. Let someone else do it, and enjoy your adventure. If sometime tiny is going to cause you heartache and stress, just let it go – stick to the major details, and everything else will fall into place.

Is this the deepest advice I've ever received? No. Is it the best advice I've ever gotten? Probably not. Was it just what I needed to hear this morning? Absolutely. And so I'm passing it along to you.

Words of Wisdom

So I've already fallen behind in the Blog Every Day in May challenge... shocking. In my defense, we had a jam-packed weekend, and I thoroughly enjoyed being present with my family and friends rather than spending time on the computer writing blog posts. Some things are just more important! I spent a lot of the weekend taking care of C while he recovered from his wisdom-tooth-removal, visited with L2 on Saturday evening (pedicures, Target, and Chipotle - perfect!) for what is most likely our last visit before the baby comes, and went out to dinner with the in-laws last night. Didn't get much done around the house and the laundry has piled up, but thoroughly enjoyed our weekend nonetheless.

Anyway, I'm going to pick back up with Day 6, but first I wanted to go back to Day 4 - the prompt really spoke to me, and I'd still like to touch on it!

~~~

Day 4: Favorite quote (from a person, from a book, etc) and why you love it

I've always been a "quotes" person - I love song lyrics, book excerpts, sayings and phrases, etc. I have always been a word-lover, and sometimes things just strike a cord with me. I have a long list of "favorites"!

One of my ultimate favorites is this:

"Be kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

This quote is attributed to several different people, and worded several different ways on the internet, but the gist of it is the same. I originally found this quote a few years ago when I was working in health care, and it really grabbed at my heart. It is the ultimate truth - every single person is fighting a battle. It may be harder or not as hard as another person's; it may be more important or less important, bigger or smaller. In the end, though, every battle is just that - a fight. A struggle to get by. And for that reason, it's important to remember to just be kind to people. You just never know what people are dealing with, or going through behind the scenes. Working in health care taught me so many important lessons about people and humanity and relationships, and I have found myself to be far more compassionate and mindful of other people's battles, thanks to that experience.

What's your favorite quote? 
Link up with the BEDiM challenge!

 

How to Get Out of Running a Race You Really Want to Run

Alternately titled, "I'm Too Stubborn for My Own Damn Good."

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Sign up for a race (for example, the Wicked 10K) months in advance (at least four. maybe five).
2. Injure your back, approximately two months before the race.
3. Ignore that injury, and continue exercising strenuously (for ideas, try lifting heavier weights than usual or running 11 miles...... just suggestions).
4. Complain a lot about said injury.
5. Finally see a chiropractor, who promptly tells you to ice your back 3-4 times daily and refrain from strenuous activity anything (like weight-lifting, or running) but the elliptical.
6. Rejoice in the glory that is being pain-free and gush about your chiropractor.
7. Ignore the chiropractor's advice - instead, ice one time daily and go for three runs.
8. Be confused when not only does your back hurt again, but it hurts worse.
9. See chiropractor again. He promptly yells at you for ignoring his advice and undoing the amazing work that he did on your back.
10. Decide to listen to chiropractor (he is a medical professional, after all) and finally start icing and stop exercising.
11. Heal - very, very slowly. Definitely not in time for your race. Which you could have run, had you:
1. Taken it easier when your back first started hurting.
2. See a doctor sooner.
3. Taken the doctor's advice.
4. Not been so freaking stubborn.
12. Be very, very sad about the fact that you will probably have to walk most of this race because there is an ice-cube's-chance-in-hell likelihood that the chiropractor will clear you to run 10k this weekend.

This is clearly a hypothetical suggestion, because obviously I would never be the person so dumb as to do all of these things. This is a horrible plan. Who would do these things??

Anyone else going to be at the Wicked 10K this weekend?? Wave to me as you run by. I'll be the crying dumb sad girl.

Pajamas at work are frowned upon

Contrary to how it may appear, I have not forgotten about posting my last piece of the “How to Dress like an Adult” puzzle. I actually put together the pictures (saying that makes it sound legit, and not like I did it in Paint) one day last week, and then life happened (doesn’t it always) and I never got around to writing the accompanying post. C’est la vie.

So here it is – Week 4 of “professional” outfits. I’m actually really impressed with myself regarding this little project, for two reasons.

• One: I forced myself to think about what I was putting on a little bit more than usual. I wanted to ensure that I had no repeats, and I wanted to show outfits that had potential for other people –  because I, personally, hate it when I see an outfit post and a blogger is talking about her “totally affordable!!!” whatever and I find the same article of clothing and its $200. Because there is nothing in my wardrobe that is that expensive, and I like to think that that is applicable to the majority of other girls my age as well, despite what the blogosphere would like to indicate. So, like I was saying. I thought my way through these last four weeks with the goal of showing actually inspiring combinations that normal people could recreate or use.
• Two: I actually finished this project. I took pictures of my outfits every single day for four weeks, just like I said I would. I didn’t have to recreate anything – I actually remembered to take the picture every day. And I didn’t abandon it after two weeks! For someone who is a chronic start-and-not-finish-er (so, so guilty), this is a major accomplishment. Gold stars all around! Hooray!

Enough chit-chat; on to the pictures!

 

Week 4

• Monday: Shirt – Express; Pants – LOFT; Sandals – DSW; Necklace – “borrowed” from a friend (AKA she left it at my house – thanks, Lush!)
• Tuesday: Dress – Target; Sandals – DSW
• Wednesday: Wrap – Express; Tank – Express; Pants – The Limited; Shoes – Calvin Klein/Macy’s
• Thursday: Shirt – Express; Pants – The Limited; Flats – Target
• Friday: Blouse – Target; Jeans – LOFT; Flats – Target

Fin.

I really, really appreciate the comments I’ve gotten regarding this series – it makes me happy to know that there are a few people out there who have found this useful, or at least worth taking 60 seconds to write a comment. Writing a comment means you didn’t immediately dismiss the post, and that, in itself, is worth my taking the time to take all these ridiculous pictures.

It is 100% likely that I will never be a fashion blogger, or a fashionista, or anything related to fashion. I will still always be happiest in sweats, and I will always be most comfortable in my workout clothes. It’s just who I am. However, I have embraced the fact that, during the day, I have to be dressed appropriately for “public” and therefore I do my best. As the title says, pajamas at work are frowned upon. The reasoning here will always be a mystery to me, because I maintain I'd be more productive if I was wearing flannel pants... Sigh. Anyway. I take my inspiration from the people I see around me (the ones who aren’t frumpy old ladies – because there are some. Avoid avoid avoid!) and I repeat what works and nix what doesn’t. I get by until I can get home from work and immediately put on my "comfies." That is the only goal most days. Normal!

And now that you’ve completed reading this post, you’ve successfully finished this Crash Course in Dressing like an Adult! A+, everyone. A+.  

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Sadly, I do not have Carrie Bradshaw's closet

...but I still manage to make it work. It's Week 3 of "How to Dress Like an Adult (Or at least fake it!)" and we're still going strong. I'm actually shocked that I've managed to take a picture every single day and haven't had to recreate my outfit a single time... thought for sure that would have happened by now!

This week's lesson: taking pictures like this is really awkward. It's also really hard to hold an iPhone steady while trying to get your entire body in a picture and have the picture turn out clear - solution to this problem is obvi to have your husband take the picture, but then there's a lot of pressure because he will only take the picture one time (unless I beg really bad for a second try) so I have to not look awkward and make sure my clothes are straight and blah blah blah..... pressure, I tell ya. I can't imagine actually being a model and needing to do these things correctly. Although, I guess, in that case, there would be a hundred people standing around making sure everything was correct for me and taking a zillion shots and then someone else could pick the best one..... that doesn't sound so bad........ ok sorry. Distraction. Onto the pictures!

Week 3



• Monday: no picture - it was a holiday! Honestly, I spent the morning wearing a Ninja Turtles T-shirt and compression socks (so cute!) and I'm sure that no one wants to see a picture of that. The afternoon and evening were spent in various VT gear while running errands and watching the football game.
• Tuesday: T-Shirt - LOFT; Pants - LOFT; Brown Pumps - Target
• Wednesday: Dress - LOFT; Belt - LOFT; Sandals - Unknown/DSW
• Thursday: T-Shirt - Express; Pants - The Limited, Black Flats - Target
• Friday: Button-Down Shirt - The Limited; Pencil Skirt - The Limited; Belt - Target; Black Pumps - Nine West

Two some-what casual looks balanced with two dressier looks - that's what I call "business casual." Easy-peasy. You may have started to notice some repeat pieces... duh! Mixing and matching is essential to a good, functional wardrobe. The majority of articles of clothing that I own can all be mixed with a number of other pieces to create "different" outfits. No one notices, believe me! Those staples are essentials. A few unique items and a few bright spots of color totally work to stretch out the "boring" pieces, like plain black pants. And mixing and matching means its usually pretty easy to find an outfit in the morning! Which is perfect for someone like me, who hates (I mean, truly hates) getting out of bed.

Looking for more ideas? Check out Week 1 and Week 2.

**Kudos & a cookie if you noticed something change between Wednesday and Thursday of this week... that would be my hair color. Back to dark brown for fall! Wheeeee!

Nope... still not a fashion blogger.

Last week, I started something new – a month’s worth of showing you what I wear to work, week by week, in order to demonstrate some ways to dress professionally and fit into the working world.

This is generally hilarious, because I’m pretty much the worst adult ever and have a really hard time being a “Working Professional” but c’est la vie. I will do my best. I’ve been told that I have “good fashion sense” which I also think is a joke, but people keep asking where I get my clothes and how to shop on a budget, so maybe those people are serious… which I find shocking. I will ALWAYS be that girl who wants to wear my “comfies” at all time – I hate being dressed in real clothes. Give me sweat pants, leggings, PJ pants, old t-shirts, and hoodies any time, and I will be your best friend. Promise. (Sorry, L2, you’re easily replaced. Love you!)

Anyway. 

Week 2

• Monday: Button-down shirt – The Limited; Pencil Skirt – The Limited; Black Pumps – Nine West
• Tuesday: Cardigan – J. Crew; Tank top – Target (actually a deep ocean blue, with ruffles on the front… photo skillz lacking); Pants – LOFT; Flats – Target
• Wednesday: Cardigan – Target; Tank – Target; Pants – Express; Flats - Target
• Thursday: Blouse – The Limited; Skirt – The Limited; Black Pumps – Nine West
• Friday: Cardigan – Target; Dress – LOFT; Sandals – DSW (Brand unknown, as they are so old that it’s completely worn away)

And there ya have it. Days 5-10, in the books!

Tips for this week:

• Again, I shop sales. Sale, sale, sale. It’s rare that I purchase something (from anywhere other than Target) for full price – I always look for free shipping, coupon codes online, and/or in-store sales.
• Take full advantage of discounts! Don’t be afraid to ask if a store offers discounts. Some of my favorites are the Teacher Discount that LOFT offers (my mom pays for everything with her ID, then I pay her back) and the student discount that The Limited and J.Crew offer. I carry my student ID everywhere – yes, I graduated 3 (EEEEEK) years ago, but that baby has no date on it, and I pretty much still look the same. Except for my hair color. But that’s never the same. Totally fine.
• Everything you own does not have to be name-brand. Embrace Target. Just do it. You’ll thank me later. Are the clothes the absolute-best quality? No. Is that fine for staples that I wear the heck out of, like my black cardigans, and definitely get my $15’s worth? You betcha. Trust me: no one knows the difference between my cardigan from Target and my cardigan from J.Crew. And honestly, I think I like the Target one’s better… they hold their shape better, and they are a little thicker.

I have successfully been taking my pictures to go with Week 3, and will have that up sometime next week.

Any secret tips for me? Anyone actually reading this and enjoying it? I’m enjoying the fact that this is forcing me to (somewhat) keep my bedroom clean… HA!

Also, C is clearly enjoying this project as well - or at least, he enjoys photo-bombing me while I take silly pictures of myself.

Yup.

Proof That I'm Not a Fashion Blogger

I've found that it can be hard to piece together outfits that work in the "professional" world when you're fresh out of school (or a few years removed...), especially if you're working on a limited budget. There is an art to the mixing of cheap and expensive pieces, and there is skill required to put together a combination of "the basics" plus some pieces that are unique and fun. I'm certainly no fashion blogger, and I don't claim to have to amazing, fantastic outfits that everyone wants copy - but I do think that I put together outfits that are office-appropriate, comfortable, affordable, and not too entirely shabby. Mostly.

Jill over at Strawberry Blonde Life recently did a series where she photographed herself every day during the week to show her outfit and then went on to describe where she got the pieces and some basic details about how she gets dressed for work. After seeing her posts for a month, I figured that was something that wasn't too difficult - even I can commit to taking a picture five times a week! And so, here you have it: Week 1 of "How to Dress Like a 'Professional'" (because I'm not entirely sure I really qualify as a professional yet).

**Disclaimer: As it says in my profile, I am NOT a professional photographer (duh). I am not a fashion blogger. I am not anything other than a girl who got a college degree, has a job she's good at but doesn't necessarily love, and doesn't particularly like getting up at 5:15 AM therefore gets dressed with her eyes half closed. What do you expect from me?? Jeeeez.

Week 1

• Monday: Sweater - Target; Shirt - LOFT; Skirt - LOFT Outlet; Pumps - Nine West
• Tuesday: Shirt - Express (it's actually purple... hmph); Pants - Express; Flats - Target
• Wednesday: Shirt - Express; Pants - American Eagle (they have an indistinguishable blue, white, and black plaid pattern); Flats - Target
• Thursday: Dress - LOFT Outlet; Sandals - BareTraps (DSW)
• Friday: Dress - Lands' End; Belt - Express; Sandals - BareTraps (DSW)

And there you have it. The majority of these were purchased over the course of the last three or four years, so I can't tell you where to find it right now. There's your first hint from me: buy items that last. If I buy a dress, I don't want to get two wears out of it, I want to get two years out of it. Same goes for pants. Shoes should also be good quality - it's so much better to get a good, sturdy pair of pumps that fit well and feel good, and have to get the heels repaired a year later, than to buy crappy pair after crappy pair. Trust me - investing is worth it! As long as you will actually wear whatever it is you're buying.

I'll be honest - I'm currently having an issue because a lot of the things I bought right when I graduated from college don't fit me anymore. I was probably a good two sizes bigger then (let's not talk about it... or at least talk a different day) and I needed 'professional' clothes that fit, so I had to shop. Now, those things look ridiculous on me. I can't tell you how many times my mom has looked at me and said, "Lindsay, your butt looks so saggy in those pants." It's NOT because my butt is saggy - it's because my pants are too big and therefore loose and silly looking! So that's a struggle. I don't really want to replace my whole wardrobe, so I'm working with the pieces that sort of fit (belts are fantastic) and researching how much it is to get a few pieces tailored rather than discarding and rebuying. Hint #2: tailoring can be very, very worth it. It's amazing what a stitch here and there (or ten or a hundred) will do for an article of clothing that you didn't think fit. So consider that as an option, too! (Also, I've realized I need to get the pants I wore last week hemmed, or stop wearing flats - those make me look shorter than I already am. Sigh.)

I realize that this post is coming almost a full week after Week 1 finished - sorry 'bout it. I'll try to get Week 2 up quicker. I've been taking the pictures, and finding that knowing that I have to document what I'm wearing makes me think a little harder in the morning - even if it is the crack of dawn and I'm more or less still asleep.

Any suggestions of your own for dressing like an adult? I love a good sale, I love coupons, and I seriously love outlets. Where do you shop??

But comfort zones are so... comfy!

Comfort zones are called just that for a reason: because they are the places where we feel safe, secure, and calm. They are the easy places, the places where we are sheltered and protected, the places where we just float along with the gently bobbing current. It’s so simple to get into an area where we are comfortable and just stay there, for days or weeks or years even. It happens in all facets of life – family, friendships, fitness, careers, hobbies. We find the things that we like that come naturally to us, and we hunker down. I, most definitely, am guilty of this. I am a creature of habit and comfort. Hell, I prefer “comfort” everything: comfort zones, comfort clothes, comfort foods… I just like to be comfy!

Every now and then, I have to give myself a little kick in the rear and force my way out of those safe places that I find. It isn’t easy. It makes me look long and hard at myself, and really evaluate the situation, and it forces internal honesty that sometimes makes me uncomfortable. But it is so necessary. It is so important to get outside of comfort zones, and find the amazing things that lie around you that you may never otherwise see (there is a possibility that I am just trying to convince myself of this, but I'm pretty sure it's true).

An easy current example of this is my fitness comfort zone. I have found routines and workouts that I like. I do the same mix of things week in and week out – I take the same classes, go for runs in the same areas, and stick to the same basic schedule. I like what I do. I’ve seen results from what I do. I still work really, really hard, and find myself out of breath and sore and sweaty – it’s not that my comfort zones are simple, they’re just my habits. And I forget sometimes to push myself just as hard in other directions. Sometimes I need a good shove.

In the last couple of weeks, I was coerced attended not one, but two new group fitness classes: Body Attack & Body Combat. And they were hard. It was pretty much as bad as I imagined, even hiding in the back of the room. I was uncoordinated. I didn’t know the moves. I was sweating like crazy and working muscle groups that I’d forgotten that I don’t necessarily work all the time. Let me tell you, I figured that out, because the day after Body Combat, I was so sore that it literally hurt to brush my teeth. I work those muscle groups (shoulders, arms, back) regularly – but not like that. It was such an eye-opener for me. Attending both of those classes reminded me about muscle memory – that even though I’m regularly working my muscles and my body hard, it’s necessary to throw myself for a loop sometimes, just to recharge and reactivate the muscles that get lazy and comfortable in their very own comfort zones. Besides, I actually really enjoyed both classes, which I’ve always previously said were “not my thing.” Maybe they are my thing, after all!

I’m currently out of my comfort zone in my professional life as well, and it’s not by choice, but it is necessary. I’m trying very hard to see it as a positive thing, and keep telling myself that perhaps this is the universe kicking me in the pants. Perhaps this is life’s way of pushing me out of the very comfortable spot I’ve been in for the last few months. After all, growth and learning do not occur if everything always stays the same. Change is necessary. Sometimes you find yourself in a big black hole, and it’s really scary – but if you walk a little farther, you realize that it isn’t a hole at all; it’s actually a tunnel, and you just hadn’t gotten far enough before to see the light. I had a serious talk with myself last night (not uncommon, apparently) and came to the conclusion that I can do this. Comfort zone, schmomfort zone. I feel like breaking into some sort of inspiring song and dance. Or hugging someone. Or at least high-fiving? YEAH. Hooray for pep talks!

Moral of the story: do the scary things. Do the hard things. Do the things that are “not your thing.” Get yourself out of your comfort zone, and grow a little, in ways you hadn’t even imagined. Annnnnd I’m off to take my own advice… (in my comfy clothes. Some things do not change.)

Running Safety - A Plea & A PSA

Y'all, I usually try to keep things pretty light around here. Every now and then, though, we need to get serious. (In my head, that is pronounced "sUrious," and it's how you know I'm really for real.)

I know that I don't have a million readers and that my words don't reach very far, but I have a few, and of the few I have, a smaller few are runners. So what I'm about to write is especially important for those people, and for myself, and if I can make one iota of difference in the life of one single person, then I will consider myself successful.

Yesterday, I read this post on Shut Up and Run, and it hit me hard. There have been two stories in the news in the six months about female runners who were murdered while they were out running: Sherry Arnold (Beth's cousin), in Montana, and now Sarah Hart, in Kentucky. I am not so naive as to think that these are the only two incidents of their kind; they are just the two that have made the news most heavily.

These stories scare me. They sadden me. They are tragedies that simply should not have happened. But they did. And the best thing to do after the fact is learn from these two women. Running is important. Running safely is more important. (This message is not just for female runners, but is especially crucial for the girls. Just FYI.)

I live in a pretty safe town, and in a pretty safe neighborhood. I have no problem heading out to run the streets around my house. However, (again) I am not naive, and I know that things do happen. It is key to realize that neither of those women were doing anything "wrong" - they simply had terrible, terrible luck. Sherry Arnold was killed by two men who were not from her safe little Midwest town; they had driven in from another state and crossed her regular running path. Just because your next door neighbors are sweet as pie doesn't mean you won't interact with someone who is not while you're running. Be aware.

Here's my advice: Don't stop running. Do (start to) run safely.

Basic tips and safety precautions:

1. Be hyper-aware of your surroundings. Know where you're going. Know where you are. Just like tourists in big cities, runners make themselves targets if they are standing around looking confused about their path. Also, if something doesn't seem right, or you have a "gut feeling," go with it. It's better to cut your run short than run straight into danger. This has happened to me before (think creepy forest trail that was probably perfectly safe, but felt weird when I got about a half mile in... I turned around and went home!) and I was probably being silly, but better safe than sorry.
2. Take your phone. I know a lot of people think this is uncomfortable. I'm sorry - being uncomfortable is better than being dead. Get an armband or a belted pouch or a jacket with pockets. Just take it with you. If nothing else, most phones have GPS tracking on them, and it can be used to find you (or wherever your phone was left) in the event you go missing.
3. Don't run alone at night or in the early morning. This seems so obvious - if it's dark, don't head out alone.
4. Turn down the tunes. I am one of those bajillion people who prefers running with music. That's fine (though some would tell you for absolutely safety, don't do it) - but keep the volume low. I know it's fun to jam out, but save it for the treadmill. I keep my music loud enough that it keeps me going, but low enough that I can hear a car coming or people talking to me.
5. Make eye contact with people you pass. I always, always try to look any walker, runner, dog-walker, or random person in the eye and say "hello" as I pass by. It's the same concept as any time you're out - if a person feels like you could potentially identify them, or that you are confident enough to look them in the eye, they are more likely to not see you as a potential victim.
6. Tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back. Make sure that someone knows that you are going out running. Give at least a rough estimate of how long you'll be gone. When I head out before C is awake, I leave a note, and I put the time that I left. That way, when he reads it, he's not wondering if I've been gone for five minutes or five hours. I tell him I'm doing "about an hour" (or however long) so that if I'm gone for two hours, he knows something isn't right. I also give him a basic idea of which route I'm taking, so that he'd would know where to start looking, should the occasion arise. 
7. Carry identification. I personally wear a RoadID when I'm out running. Put your driver's license in your pocket or wear a chain with something like dog tags on it. This is more for medical safety - think being ID'd by EMTs after falling or something - but equally important for basic safety. If, heaven forbid, something happens to you, this may make identifying you, and therefore notifying your loved ones, easier. Don't make yourself Jane Doe.

There are so many more things you can do - carry mace/pepper spray, take a self defense course, always run with a buddy... but those listed above are just the things I, personally, do to stay safe. I know there are runners out there who take it so far as to carry a weapon or never run outdoors - I hope that I never become one of those people. I hope that I will always feel safe enough to put on my running shoes and head out my front door. However, I want to make sure that I always come back through that front door after a run, so I do the things that I need to do to stay safe. Please do the same.

I don't want to scare anyone, and I don't want anyone to think my message is "RAWR! Running is scary!" The stories in the news haven't stopped me - just like I haven't stopped flying because the plane could crash, or swimming because I could drown, or driving because I could be in an accident. But with all those things, I take the necessary precautions.

I could go on for days about this topic, but I think I've said enough. I really just felt, in my heart, that I needed to address this topic. As I said, if even one person runs a little safer after reading this, that is a win in my book.

Take care of yourself when you run. Girls and boys alike. Do everything you can to keep yourself from being a target or a victim, so that you can keep doing what you love: running!

Any other safety tips or suggestions? How do you keep yourself safe when you run? Would you prefer I go back to regularly scheduled programming instead of PSAs? Sorry 'bout it.