Cold Weather Style

With less than a month to go until my girls’ Christmas shopping weekend in New York I have started thinking about what I need to pack (yes three weeks in advance). Ahem. Anyway, considering the temperature, the amount of walking we are planning to do, and the fact that I refuse to dismiss style for comfort (though I NEED comfort on this trip) I am making a list of winter trip “Must Haves”. So far here is what has made the cut:

1. A warm stylish hat (or two). You can only take off a hat but so many times before you have a permanent case of bed head. This is why I nabbed this cute basic hat with some hardware detail. It can be worn for warmth or part of an outfit. I am also taking a slouchy hat or two just because I can’t seem to get enough of them.

2. Comfy (yet cute) boots. I can’t wear any of my boots with heels because I know after a super-sized all day shopping marathon around the big apple I would be ready to murder someone from the sheer pain but I also don’t want to wear dumpy looking shoes in New York. That is why I am thinking these Whooga Ugg style boots might be the way to go. I am dying for this woven tall boot in black by Whooga. Whooga is a company who manufactures Ugg style boots (similar to those by Emu, Mukluk, and UGG). I am also kind of loving Whooga’s lower price point. I think I might also need the short brown style to stay comfy on the train ride up (and it could even multi-task as my post running shoe of choice when it’s too cold for flip flops. Ugg style boots are very forgiving of swollen feet!) PS: Whooga is currently running a fun promotion/giveaway right now. Just sign up for their monthly newsletter HERE and be entered to win a super cute pair of Whooga boots!

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3. A stylish warm coat. Since we are taking the train our luggage space is limited. I am planning to take two coats, one black and one either red or ivory. These are classic colors that will match everything including my boots and hat (look at that all coming together!) 🙂

4. Black is the new black. It is super easy to mix and match black basics with various scarves, sweaters and jackets. This is why black trousers, black casual pants, and a black dress are all going in my pink suitcase!

5. A sturdy bag with a pop of color or bold print. A midsize tote in a fun color would be perfect for carrying all of my essentials. I love this bag by Kate Spade (though I will probably carry something I already own and save my $$ for the city!)

What is the one thing you can’t travel without during the winter? What items should I add to my “must pack” list?

Where to buy:

-Winter hat by Tarnish Italy…..Nordstrom
-Vera Wang slouchy hat……Kohls
-Whooga black woven and Wh0oga short tan…….http://www.whooga-eu.co.uk/(also use the code 1060RUNNING at checkout for a 10% off discount for Running In Pink Project readers. (1 week only) Also click HERE to enter Whooga’s giveaway).
-Coats….Bloomingdales or http://www.bloomingdales.com
-Bag……www.bloomingdales.com

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So We Never Made It To The Movie….

Ahhh you know what they say about the best laid plans…. One of my best girlfriends Kristen and I had planned a “do-over” of our Twilight day out a couple of months ago.  However, after some early morning issues and a late start we decided to nix our plans and go a different route. Kristen arrived in town just in time for us to head over to Magnolia Foods for a perfect Saturday lunch.  I chose to get my favorite: a Turkey, Swiss, Apples, and Spicy Honey Mustard on whole grain. (a number 3 should you want to order it yourself. ) 😉 Since Saturday is my flex day I also ordered a cupcake. Magnolia’s cupcakes are amazing and something about the vanilla reminds me of my Grandmother’s cakes so I love them!

After some talking and lunching Kris and I headed out for some shopping..Five hours of shopping to be exact. There were shoes (80.00 9 West flats for 15.00! – thank you Macys), sweaters (50 off 100 coupon and NY and Co) and even leather jackets (well at least for her. Not that I wouldn’t love one!). We got some killer deals and I am pretty certain we are all stocked up for a fashionable fall! It was a good thing we ran out of time because my little bug ran out of space to put everything!

It was a great day and the start to a great weekend. I took a little blog break over this labor day weekend but I am back tomorrow with blogs on the regular! Have a Happy and Healthy Week!

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Sunday Funday

Sunday is usually my hang out at home, go to the grocery store, maybe see a movie, lazy day. However, today I had a Sunday jam packed full of fun and happy goodness.  I am much too exhausted to give you all of the details but it involved

• A favorite (quick) breakfast
• Traveling to Roanoke
• Brunch at a place I love
• A trip to BubbleCake (which I will not be partaking in the consumption of until later in the week)
• Fall clothes shopping (including some really cute sweaters from The Limited)
• Movie watching with the hubs when I finally made it home.

One of today's fall purchases (LOVE)

How was YOUR weekend??

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The Cure For Anything Is Salt Water- Sweat, Tears, or The Sea

I found the quote in my title today and it sort of sums up how I am feeling tonight. Tonight I am getting a little more personal with the blog. For weeks now I have struggled with a plateau, a lack of drive (in many ways), and a plummeting attitude as a result.  I have thought a lot about it and sometimes it feels like that’s all I do. I think, I plan, I talk, and nothing is really getting done.

I’ve decided to use vacation as a time to rejuvenate and re-motivate. I am not going to try to lose any weight while I am at the beach. I do however plan to continue to maintain my 35 lb loss while I am there. When I get back I will be ready to take on the weight loss full force. I am just sick of trying and I am ready to do no matter what it takes. I am ready for the sweat and the tears. I am certainly ready for the sea. Sometimes all it takes is a little change in perspective to get us on the right path. I am going to lumber along until I find my path this week.

Aside from the OpenSky store that I have been talking about this week there are still more changes coming to the blog. Some of these changes are going to help this process along and in my opinion are long overdue.  Thanks for sticking with me.

I can’t be too down on things. Today was great. It was my last workday before leaving for vacation. I officially have 10 days of pure blissful freedom in front of me and I am excited! I am kicking off my vacation tomorrow with a great workout, a mani/pedi at an organic spa, and dinner /drinks with some friends at one of my favorite local places. Then, Saturday will be all about packing and buying those last minute vacation items and finally Sunday morning we will be on our way to South Carolina.

Thankfully tonight is our last night of operation “eat random items in the house”. You can’t hate too much on frozen pizza though I will be glad to get back to actual fresh food while we are on vacation.

I  did a pain free three miles for my training run. I think I was just too excited about vacation to care about the heat or the tiny lizards running around on the trail. Also, it was so crowded this afternoon. Sometimes that annoys me but tonight it felt like a kinship of sorts- a group of grumpy sweaty runners and cyclists brave enough to face the heat and humidity. 😉 Even though I am painfully slow I like being included in that group. People have been surprisingly supportive of me. There are a few jerks (always are right?) but for the most part I have felt welcomed in this community. I think it is more natural for someone to want to share his or her passion so in a way it makes sense. I was just finishing up as the sky opened up and it poured the rain. I smiled because I knew that somewhere out on the trails my hubs was getting drenched too!

I was also sure to get in my huge serving of water today. I have been feeling a little bit gross (yes that is the technical name for it) lately and I think it’s because I haven’t been drinking enough water. I think this ginormous pink container took care of that!

I finally finished up my list for the beach today. Are you a list maker? We always forget something when I don’t make a list. It’s one of life’s little necessary evils for me.

Tonight I am staying up late, watching cheesy movies and snuggling up the hubs and the pups. I cant think a of a sweeter way to start my vacation.

Have a Happy and Healthy Thursday!

PS:  Click HERE to enter my Delicate Soles giveaway for some fabulous rollable flats

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Baby Your Feet (Delicate Soles Product Review)

So my penchant for shoes likes these….

is why I need shoes like these.

BUT the fabulous features, colors, and style of Delicate Soles are why
I want them.

Other than the occasional pedicure our tootsies have a pretty rough go of things. We cram them into heels, wedges, peep-toes, and boots. We use them to run and workout. We walk across campuses, offices, and shopping centers. Our feet carry us through it all. Why not baby them a little in return?

Delicate Soles are a fantastic pair of shoes that you can put on and get immediate relief from high heel pain. They are also great for just tossing on and wearing on their own. I have been living in these fabulous pixie dust ones since they were sent to me to review. (I love a pink shoe!).

Delicate Soles are comfortable, durable, and cute. They may look, well, delicate but in fact are sturdy enough to wear out for a day of shopping, to the office, or walking the pups. (Carrie is pleased these shoes match her collar). 😉

The other fun thing about Delicate Soles is just how tiny you can make them. Simply roll the shoes up, place them in their delicate soles bag, and they fit comfortably in your gym bag, briefcase, or even your purse. How perfect would that be after a night out with friends to slip these on for your walk from the restaurant to the cab or from the club to your apartment?

I can think of oodles of great uses for these adorable flats. You could give them as part of your bridesmaid’s gifts (I’m sure my girls would have greatly appreciated that).

You could give them as a baby shower gift for when mom’s feet are starting to swell a little. They would be great for a runner to put on after a race, a 20-something to put on after dancing the night away at a club, a 30-something to put on while commuting to and from work or for anyone to put on to just look stylish and cute. Personally, I cannot wait to use mine later this month when I fly to Chicago! They are going to fit SO nicely in my carry-on.

Delicate Soles come in a variety of colors ( I think I am buying the red ones next) and 3 sizes (S, M, L). The website has a guide to assist you in picking the size that is right for you.

They are portable, easy to incorporate into your wardrobe and have a great price-point- 19.99 with free shipping! (I love some free shipping).

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I am a total shoe girl and I heart these flats! Delicate Soles = Happy Feet. 😉

www.delicatesoles.com

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me by Delicate Soles to review
but the opinions expressed in this blog are my own.

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Total Eclipse

On Saturday I was so excited for my friend Kristen to come into town for our Eclipse themed girl’s day out. The hubs had plans with the guys down at the lake but he did fill up my car and make me a yummy breakfast panini before heading out. Sweet right?

Then it was time for our Eclipse day out! Twilight (and that hottie Jacob) is for sure one of my guilty pleasures. Truth be told it took some restraint to wait until Saturday to see it. I usually see the Twilight movies once with the hubs, once with Kristen, and then one last time when it comes to the dollar movies here in town. I should be embarrassed about this but, Im not (not even a little). Kristen arrived bright and early and  we started off our day of Eclipse fun!

I even gave myself a blood red pedicure for the occasion!

We immediately headed to the earliest showing of the movie. We thought why not start of Eclipse girl’s day the right way?! I won’t give anything away but I will say the movie is great. There is lots of action, its very romantic, and the best part is Jacob is shirtless 98% of the movie it hits all of the best parts of the book. Also for those who HAVE seen it What did you think of the scene at Bella’s school when Jacob shows up in this movie for the first time? I have to say I LOVED his “theme” music in the background. Good stuff!After the movies we were all smiles and ready to head to lunch.

In keeping with our Eclipse theme we chose Isabellas Italian Trattoria in Lynchburg, Va. This is probably my favorite Italian restraunt ever and one of my top three picks in Lynchburg overall. I was so excited to learn they are now open for lunch on Saturdays!

Everything here is fantastic but in keeping with the theme we decided to go for the Bella’s chicken panini. It’s been an oddly panini filled weekend for me. 🙂

I cannot say enough good things about this place. Our lunch was fantastic. We started with some warm bread with vinegar and olive oil. Do you love balsamic vinegar as much as I do?

Then came our fabulous lunches. I chose the 1/2 panini and 1/2 soup with a side of the greatest pasta salad maybe ever. 🙂 Can you tell I heart this place? I chose a Tuscan white bean soup: fresh tomatoes, cherrywood smoked bacon, onions, basil & a touch of garlic and the Bella’s chicken panini : chicken marinated in rosemary dijon vinaigrette with prosciutto and fresh mozzarella; grilled on a Bakery de France ciabatta roll with garlic-reggiano aioli. Mmmm!

After a wonderful lunch we finished up the day shopping. We found ton’s of great deals and I think we are shaping up our fall wardrobes quite nicely.  In terms of NSV (non scale victories) I was able to get 2 dresses and a vest for fall in a L instead of an XL at New York and Co. (when I started this process I could not fit the XL items at all) I also purchased several fabulous wide belts that they had on clearance. Kristen’s most envy worthy find- some leather BCBG pumps for 12.00! I promise to snap some photos of my next shopping outing. It was a perfect girls day out. What is your favorite thing to do with your girlfriends?

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Fab Finds

I have not done a fashion blog in a while so I thought I would toss in a little mini blog tonight about my girl’s night out. My friend Melissa and I went bargain shopping tonight so we could walk around, talk, and catch up. It also happens that I found 3 fantastic new finds to add to my fall wardrobe (hey it will be here before you know it).

First is this fabulous green dress. The “retail” on the dress was 145.00 and I got it for 8.47. That’s almost free. 🙂 Now vision this dress with a cami underneath, the lace peeping over the top of the v neck, some Chinese Laundry suede knee boots in brown. A funky Lucky or Fossil necklace and an over-sized bag in some completely different color. That is how my little 8.00 dress will become and outfit!

Next, I found some really cute Jessica Simpson sunglasses. They retail for 65.00 and my price was 11.00. I LOVE sunglasses so this was an easy sell. Hey maybe I can wear them with my new awesome dress! 😉

Finally, I found a super cute Lucky Brand scarf. Not only was this at the discount store (Ross, TJ Maxx etc) but it was on clearance there. The retail was 45.00 and I paid 5.00. I am visioning this with a dark denim skirt, white tank, camel casual blazer and flats. YAY!

Total Retail: 255.00

Total Paid by Me: 24.47 plus tax. 🙂

I HEART a good deal and a girl’s night out!

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Friday Night Highlights :)

Tonight was the kick off of my weekend mini-challenge to let someone else have complete and total control of the weekend. It made me smile when the hubs got home that he remembered we needed to take a couple of pictures for the blog. I was so excited about my outfit in my favorite summer color combo and we did a super quick Running in Pink Project photo session before heading out.

I had a sneaking suspicion this next part was going to be in the plans. Bryan decided “why mess with a good thing” and we stayed true to our Friday night movie out. Since I picked Killers last week it was his turn to pick this week and so he chose the remake of The Karate Kid. It was no cinematic masterpiece by any means but it was a lot of fun AND one of my most favorite odd occurrences happened: spontaneous outbreak of applause at the movies. I am not sure why this makes me smile but it does. It doesn’t happen very often but I heart it when it does.

Since the theater was at the mall the hubs decided we would take a little stroll. We went to the bookstore and then stopped to look at shoes. We found a pair of super cute Mukluks for me on final clearance for 10.00!! Crazy! They are black and cream and fantastic. I got on a Mukluk kick last winter and they rock my socks!! Speaking of shoes I am currently lusting after the following pairs-

• Pink rollable flats from Delicate Soles
• The Lorane by Steve Madden in blush
• The Vella in black by Nine West
• The Tracy by Dolce and Gabanna at Zappos

After the movie we headed out for Mexican food. I ordered a quesadilla with grilled chicken/shrimp/onions/mushrooms/peppers/goat cheese which came with rice and guacamole. I didnt touch the guacamole and I barely got through half of my food but it was still really good.

For tomorrow I was told “we are getting up early” and “pack a bag”. Stop by tomorrow night for an update and have a happy and healthy weekend.

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Smile It’s Friday~

So today kicks off my mini challenge of leaving the planning to
someone else for one weekend. That someone else is my husband and I am
patiently waiting for him to get home and let me know what’s going on.
It is kind of exciting to be the one just going along for the ride. I
am normally planning and timing and multi-tasking all over the place.
Instead I am blogging and scoping out the delicate soles website which is a
welcome change of pace. I will be sure to check in with you this
weekend and keep you updated on what the hubs has planned.

So far, today has been relaxing even though there was that whole going
in to the office thing involved. 😉 Sometimes I don’t work on Fridays
but I had to go in for a few hours today. I made the hubs and I ham
and egg English muffins with a touch of mustard for a quick “to go”
breakfast. I also grabbed an organic milk to make sure I got in my
serving of dairy.

Work was quiet as work tends to be on Friday and I was out and about
in that beautiful VA sunshine before I knew it! I had some errands to
run so I headed out to get those taken care of. Today I chose a work
to day out to date night dress. It was the yellow/gray/white dress I
was so excited about last week. I paired it with some strappy brown
sandals and a brown leather bag per the hubs request (hes precious
right?) and my oversized gray sunglasses that I picked up at Sex and
The City girls day out with Kristen a few weeks ago. I went simple
with the jewelry and added a cardigan to keep “the girls” in check. 🙂
I cannot sing the praises of these NY&CO Maxi Dresses enough. I got
oodles of compliments and whats awesome is it felt like I was wearing
my jammies all day. They are so soft and comfy. Pics to come later. 🙂

Now I am home from errand running waiting to see what the weekend has
in store. If you haven’t done so already you should enter my Armpocket
giveaway in your choice of colors! They are a really fun way to store
your stuff while you workout. 🙂 Have a Happy and Healthy weekend !

Just for fun: Any thoughts on what my husband might have planned this weekend? Gosh I hope it involves new shoes or Mexican food!! 😉

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The Yin and The Yang

I was SO looking forward to my full day on Sunday and I am happy to say it did not disappoint. I was meeting a friend really early so I grabbed a super quick breakfast of a Whole Grain English muffin with organic peanut butter and some V8 fusion. I decided my fabulous day warranted a fabulous glass for juice drinking!

After breakfast I got all packed up in the Wonderbug to head to Roanoke, VA to meet my friend Kristen for a girly day of fabulousness.

Our “main event” for the day was seeing Sex and The City 2 but we figured it would be almost against the law to see this movie without some shopping first. Now let me just say on the days that Kristen and I go shopping with no plan we end up just buying a little bit of everything. That is why normally we pick a store or a mission like shoes or dresses but Saturday was a super fantastic day of shopping bliss! Do you prefer to shop with pals or alone? I definitely prefer shopping with friends! Here are some of my favorite finds:

new gray shades

love the side detail

We moved on from sunglasses shopping to housewares and I got some fantastic coffee mugs and a matching serving plate.

Next we moved on to my personal favorite.. Shoe Shopping! I had some Macy’s dollars from an unfortunate run in with a rude sales person a few weeks back so I was looking for some fabulous finds.

Lucky Brand "Birna" flats in dusky citron. I have been stalking these all Spring!

Love the detail!

I also got these vintage collection 9 west flats for 1/2 price. I cant wait to wear these this fall with a fabulous gray dress and some tights!

I also picked up an embellished cardigan…

Finally, I picked up a couple of  dresses. The dark pink is very casual and I have plans to pair it with a black cropped cardigan, some chunky jewelry and some random flats or wedges in a totally different fun color. The second dress is my husband’s fave. I have big plans to wear it with some Steve Madden stilettos that I am currently stalking. I was also stoked that the second dress had 86.00 on the tag but came home with me for 9.99!! It was marked down twice and half off. Its one of my favorite styles. So classic and I ❤ the color combination!

After shopping the rain came. Fast and furious and out of nowhere. Thankfully Kristen had a huge golf umbrella and the only casualties were her soaked jeans and our hair. We managed to fight the storm and made it over to Panera for a quick lunch. The storm made me want something cozy so I got some potato soup and 1/2 chicken panini.

We loaded up the car and headed over to see Carrie and the gang in Sex and The City 2!!

Having always loved the show I of course loved the movie. I thought it was really fun. Some of my favorite parts without giving anything away….

• The “take a sip” conversation
• The gold sparkly shoes
• The “Single Ladies”
• The Dior T-shirt outfit
• Aiden (helloooo the hotness)
• A dog in a top hat
• The “Jude Law”

What was your favorite part?

After the movie it was back to the house for an absolute flip-flop for a night of urban camping.The hubs wanted to have the guys over for some camp fire/drinking/smores kind of night. I of course did not want hot dogs cooked on a stick so I had sushi and martinis.  I thought the sitting in nature thing warranted a martini!

Our make shift camp site

Carrie was jazzed for camping!

The hubs making a fire

My kind of camping dinner!

Harlow keeping us all safe!

smores -yum!

NIght Night! (No we didnt sleep outside after all but I gave it a good try)

Weight Watchers was closed today so next Monday will have to be the May wrap up. I think after the weekend of slightly overeating, having too much salt and too much alcohol this is probably a good thing. I have been drinking water today like it’s my job.  It’s funny how things have changed. I am actually looking forward to getting back to working out and clean eating tomorrow. I can tell a HUGE difference in my body when I overindulge. I like the person Im becoming. 🙂 I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!!

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