Lions, and tigers, and shoes, oh my!

I'm still around! I just haven't been by my computer 24/7 like I usually am. :)

Sounds like everyone's been suffering in the heat this week, yuck! Our temperatures are back down to the 80s now though, which is just about perfect. And not a cloud in sight for once!

So what have I been doing?

I did find these gorgeous shoes on sale. 

And this dress...

with pockets. POCKETS. So excited. 

Aaaand this gorgeous dress that I am in love with even though apparently I don't know how to hang it properly on the hanger.

Aside from shopping and working out and taking pictures, there hasn't been too much going on around here. And that's just the way I like it during the summer! Lots of time for reading (and tv marathons), and hanging out with the fam in general. 

Also:
The best smoothie you will ever have:
3/4 cup of flavored carbonated water
1 cup frozen pineapple
1/2 cup frozen cherries
4 ice cubes
Blend & enjoy. Seriously.


There are a few things in the works in my life right now that I wish I could share with everyone here, but I can't...yet! I can promise that they're exciting (and a little scary for me), and maybe even educational, too.

Dots of Summer

Yesterday and today has been seriously SO. HOT. 

As much as I want to complain about it for real, I just can't! I know that by next week we'll be back to wearing sweatshirts and jeans.

So for right now I'm all about the polka-dots.

And, like, jorts. Totally. All about the jorts. 

(Crappy picture thanks to Lily-Mae, my obviously not a 4G iPhone)

Okay, no. But that is my 4th of July outfit and I think jean shorts (and gold cowboy boots AND a gold cowboy boot necklace) are totally acceptable on that one day of the year. Right??!

Anyone else melting? I know the East coast has been getting some hot weather lately, and I know y'all down South are always hot and super humid!

PS: Anybody interested in nail-related youtube videos? Anything you'd like to see a video on? Just something that's rolling around in my (semi-empty?) head these days. :)

Workin' it Out - Monday & Wednesday

Contrary to popular belief, I have been working out this week! On Monday I ventured over to the gym - along with everyone else in our town. The place was packed. Lots of guys with tiny heads and biceps as big as my thigh, and lots of gym bunnies on the ellipticals. The weights section of this gym is tiny but really crowded...the machines and benches are about 18 inches apart and I almost died multiple times. Party because I'm an idiot and partly because of the lack of space. Soooo that was not a fun workout. I didn't know where anything was and the big boys kept sassing me. But I was back again today and kicked some major booty.

Anyway, I won't bore y'all with what exercises I did on Monday or this morning, but I will say that I can't walk. And I'm pretty sure I can't lift my arms over my head. Laughing would be a terrible (painful) idea right now. Mission accomplished.


This gym doesn't have too many classes, but once it cools down again I'm going to give Zumba and Turbo-Kick a try. So much of it depends on the instructor!

Here are the playlists!
Monday's music (weights):

• Your Love is My Drug - Ke$ha - I'm officially sick of this song.
• Touch - Natasha Bedingfield
• Dynamite - Taio Cruz
• I Never Told You - Colbie Caillat
• Savior - Lights
• Rose Colored Glasses - Kelly Rowland
• Kissin' U - Miranda Cosgrove
• So Big - Iyaz
• Something More - Secondhand Serenade
• Raindrop - Carmen Reece

Wednesday's music (weights + 15 mins cardio):

• Spending All My Time - Aaron Fresh
• Misery - Maroon 5
• Dynamite - Taio Cruz
• I Run To You - Lady Antebellum 
• Got Your Back - T.I. ft. Keri Hilson
• Mockingbird - Rob Thomas
• Dancin' Around The Truth - The Stunners ft. New Boyz
• Lay Me Down - The Dirty Heads ft. Rome
• Gettin' Over You - David Guetta & Chris Willis ft. Fergie & LMFAO - I can't stand this song, so why do I keep listening to it? One of life's little mysteries.
• Ghost - Fefe Dobson
• Magic - Emii
• September - Daughtry
• 143 - Bobby Brackins ft. Ray J - This song = my jam. And probably the reason the boys were staring this morning. Sometimes I forget I'm supposed to be doing lunges and I dance instead. 

Does anyone else hate 'cardio' as much as I do? I get bored out of my mind on the elliptical, bike, treadmill, etc etc. How do you stand doing 45 minutes? 

Me, speechless?

Apparently I am this week. I don't know why, but I've lost my blogging mojo. I know it'll come back though, so all I have to do is wait it out. ANYWAY.

Finally it's feeling more like summer here! Tomorrow's supposed to be in the 90s and on Thursday we might be hitting 100. That's more like it! I'm so ready for it to FEEL like SUMMER.

My apron is finished! Here's a few pictures...

The reverse side.

A little hard to see because the pattern lined up so well, but this is one of the pockets. There are 4 in all (2 on each side), and each one has a few rhinestones.

Also, today's nails!

If you're on Twitter, I'd love for you to follow me! I'm always looking for new tweeps.

How was your 4th of July?

2 Things to Love Today (in pictures!)

Pretty fabric & sewing my very own (reversible!!) apron.

4 of (blobby) July nails!  

I couldn't find my dotter tool, so I decided to embrace the blobbiness of my shaky hand dots.

Does anyone else sew? I'm not the best, but I'm learning! My next project will be a quilt! I made one last summer, and it's almost finished and I'd like to try again now that I have a liiiiiittle bit more experience with the sewing machine.

What do you like making?

Summer Reads: Mermaids in the Basement (+ Raindrops on Roses!)

Mermaids in the Basement by Michael Lee West

Book number five for the month of June is finished! And just in time, right? I was doing so well for the first part of the month, and then this last book took me forever and a day to read. I really wanted to like it, but things just moved so. slowly. and looking back, I'm not sure if anything actually happened. I enjoyed the characters, and they were quirky in the way Southern lit characters usually are. I loved the descriptions and the little details that made the environment and the atmosphere come alive. That was fantastic. But really the main character, Renata, wasn't my favorite, and I got a little tired of hearing about the various short-comings of her parents relationship. The point of view changes chapter by chapter, so make sure you check the chapter titles before you begin, or else you might get a little bit confused. (Guilty! I kept getting lost.) So this book was okay, but not my favorite. I gave it a 3 out of 5 stars on Goodreads but when I looked at the reviews from other people most of them gave it 4 or 5 stars. Who knows!

Books for July:

This is the tentative list for July (depending on library availability!)

1. Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett 
2. Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach
3. Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott
4. Letters from New Orleans by Rob Walker

Have you read any of these books? What are you reading right now? I'm always looking for more books to add to my pile!

Also, thank you so much for the sweet comments on the post about my 5k! There are a few more races (closer to home) coming up soon, so hopefully I'll be able to do one or two of those in the coming month or so. And I think it's about time I get back into lifting weights at the gym, so I'm really looking forward to that.

And finally...I mentioned a few posts ago that I won a giveaway! I wanted to share this with you all because I'm a really big fan of the collection and the meaning behind the pieces, and I think some of them might resonate with you guys too.

Jess from Makeunder My Life and Jess LC Jewelry hosted a 9 piece giveaway a few weeks ago on 9 different blogs (including her own). The necklaces were from the Soc Chic collection, which is really unique! Each necklace has a different meaning behind it, and they're all linked to different non-profits. So if you buy one of the necklaces a piece of the profit is donated to the attached organization! I love anything like this - I get something cute, and someone else gets help with a cause. 

And here it is, the raindrops on roses necklace!

This benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

And I absolutely love it! Sometimes it really is the simplest pleasures that make life beautiful! I put this on when I received it last Friday and I haven't taken it off since. 

If you haven't visited Makeunder My Life I definitely recommend it, I love reading about the ins and outs of running a business and she has some awesome posts about living a life full of intention so you can do what you love. And all of her jewelry is gorgeous.

I think that's it! I had my 2nd photography class this morning and even though I've been doing a lot of reading and research on my own this past week, it was great to have someone explain the same concepts in person so we could all ask questions. I took all of the above pictures in manual mode! (Which could explain why they look a little funky.) I'm loving what I've learned so far.

Sometimes a manicure

....looks better in your head! This is proof that I frequently encounter nail-fail.

This sounded like such a cute idea when I thought of it, but on my nails...yikes.

My other hand is dot-less and while I like that better, I'm not really a fan of the yellow in general. Almost looks like I dipped them in mustard! Yummmm - or not. 

(Also, I took this with my iPhone. I updated it over the weekend and apparently 3GS owners now have all of the features of the 4G? Including zoom and sharper pictures and bigger picture sizes, I guess! Who knew?)

Couch to 5K - Complete!

(Big thanks to my madre for taking all of these pictures. :) )

Well kids, I did it. I ran my (second) 5k without keeling over or giving up halfway through! I'd call that a relatively decent accomplishment. :)

The race started across the street from NW Personal Training and it continued through downtown Vancouver, WA, across some bridges, and through some kind of historical battlefield! This was my first time in Vancouver so I'm not the greatest tourguide, but the course was beautiful. Remember, when a race director tells you it will be relatively flat, they're lying. 

Sure, it's relatively flat when you're walking or looking at a map, but those itty bitty hills KILLED ME. And when I looked around, everyone was walking those hills. Even the big muscular guys that could have crushed my head with a bicep. I was feeling pretty discouraged about how much walking I was doing, but when I pulled myself out of my pity party world I realized that I wasn't the only one having a hard time!

Timing chip!

So yeah, I guess I really do like to match and accessorize even on race days.

I promise you I don't usually wear Nicole Richie sunglasses to work out. Really! I wasn't planning on it being so freaking sunny or HOT. 80 degrees is gorgeous when you're hanging out, but awful awful awful when you're running up and down hills and across sunny battlefields. Also, I'm just a wimp when it comes to being hot. I live in awe of all of you that run outside in Florida during the summer. CRAZY PEOPLE! 

My dad decided last minute to participate in the 5k too! He signed up for the walking division and kicked some serious booty. 2nd place overall booty - holla!

There's my dad! This was the start/finish line (duh, obviously...big sign up there!). There was a TON of police support along the route, but the last 1/2 mile or so was when things fell apart - runners kept getting lost! We didn't really know where to go and the officers were trying to direct us and stop traffic at the same time, which made things a little bit confusing.

Such. A. Dork. 

This was right after I finished and about 30 seconds before I had a mini temper tantrum because I was hot and didn't feel good and I wanted to sit. down. right. now. (I'm sorry mom, thank you for putting up with me!)

Oh and guess what? 2nd place in my age group! I was NOT expecting this at all. Seriously. My time was 34:06 - almost a minute slower than my first 5k (33:11). But hey, I was still under 35 minutes, which makes me happy because I'm slow. Okay, maybe it's not that I'm slow...I just like to walk a lot!

Whew. I can honestly say I'm glad this is over. This was a really tough race for me both mentally and physically. I sound like I was running a marathon or something, but the shorter races can be a challenge too! 

Almost forgot...the music! I don't remember listening to these songs at all, but my iphone says I did! haha I guess that goes to show how focused on putting one foot in front of the other I was. 

• Shirt Off - Blank & Young Ivy
• Rude Boy - Rihanna
• We'll Be Alright - Travie McCoy
• Typical - MuteMath
• Run Joey Run - Glee Cast
• Women Lie, Men Lie - Yo Gotti ft. Lil Wayne - TWICE! Told you it's my fave running song.
• Summer Girl - Jessica Andrews 
• California Gurls - Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg
• Bottoms Up - Keke Palmer

Aside from the random country song that slipped in there, this was a pretty sweet playlist for the run. 

Okay, I've got a few more posts coming up (probably today), including one about the giveaway I won from the fabulous Jess of Makeunder My Life and Jess LC Jewelry.

Kick Ass Rockstars - Sarah

This is Sarah and she is a kick ass rockstar.

Seriously!

We were roommates (apartment-mates?) last year at school, and I stopped by to visit her on my way through Washington yesterday. I miss having her around all the time! 

The weather was gorgeous and we had a picnic at the park in her hometown. 

 

 

Such a great lunch, simple but the perfect foods for a picnic. I would call her a mini Martha Stewart, but I know how she feels about that! :)

After lunch we ran around downtown and I tortured her with my camera. Um. I mean, she graciously agreed to be a guinea pig for me.  (Could this girl get any prettier?!)

She just started a blog of her own and she bakes adorable cupcakes that I'm totally jealous of, so of course you should stop by and say hello! :)

It's Thursday, which means Burn Notice and Royal Pains tonight. I'm a sucker for all of the summer shows (True Blood, anyone? Mad Men?). What have you guys been watching lately?

Couch to 5K - Second to last run?

65 degrees and sunny when I headed out this morning. Finally. SUMMER! Yesterday it was in the mid-80s and there was lots of sunshine and I about died of happiness. So gorgeous.

Today's run was...well, it was a run. I didn't have fun and I wanted it to be over. Maybe because it was warm outside? I don't know, but I wish I could have an easier time enjoying my runs. I see people out there and read blogs of people that love running and I wish I could feel the same way!

Today's playlist:
Chillin' - Wale ft. Lady Gaga
Rude Boy - Rihanna
Women Lie, Men Lie - Yo Gotti ft. Lil Wayne (This is the BEST song for running)
Drop the World - Eminem ft. Lil Wayne
Pretty Girls - Wale ft. Gucci Mane
Ridin' Solo - Jason Derulo
Becky - Plies
All the Way Turned Up - Soulja Boy ft. Roscoe

If only the people driving by knew what I was listening to! haha Definitely not what you would expect from the little girl jogging by in her all-pink outfit and sunglasses.

I just finished making a green smoothie and it's in the freezer right now. I know they're really good for you, but I can't bring myself to drink it! haha I'm hoping the extra cold-ness will help...I'm not a fan of a warm smoothie.
Do you drink these green monsters? What's your favorite recipe? 


Race on Saturday! 

Kissing Frogs

Have you ever found something that for no particular reason pulls you in? There's a feeling you can't shake. I know I know, I'm getting kind of woo-woo on you here.

This is my frog. I found him at the cutest, quirkiest store in Portland last summer. I saw him the instant I walked into the store and as I circled around looking at everything (this place is packed with all kinds of vintage jewelry, decor, clothes, everything), I kept coming back to him.

After my third pass, the young man working picked up the frog and thrust him into my arms. Take it, his juju is speaking to you, I can tell, he said. Juju? Speaking to me? I laughed, but carried around the heavy statue for the next 45 minutes as I browsed through the store.

He was right though, I couldn't leave without my little frog prince.

And lately, his juju has been at an all time high. He's been living in my bookcase and for some reason he'll catch my eye at random times throughout the day. I woke up last night and my eyes flew directly to the statue on the shelf. Weird! I'm being stalked by a frog! Wearing a crown!

I think this frog is trying to tell me something. Stay with me here! We've all heard of intuition, right? And how we should follow that little feeling in our stomach, even if it feels super crazy and out there? You know exactly what I mean!

And that's what I've been doing this week. And you know what, since I've listened to my frog prince crazy weird juju, some crazy things have happened. Crazy awesome things. Coincidence? Maybe. But I think mr. frog prince deserves a little bit of credit for this!

Instead of doing what I usually do (endless research, list-making and planning), I jumped headfirst into something. In a big way! And things are happening - good things! I'm enjoying this whole listening to your intuition thing.

And because this is a weird, scatter-brained post, here's today's current ring + manicure (from my iphone before class this morning!).

Coming soon:

- The final push before this weekend's 5k!

- Bedroom makeover

- Pretty pictures, we've had gorgeous weather!

- I don't know what else, I have a list of stuff somewhere. :)

Couch to 5K - The final countdown!

5 days and counting until the 5k this weekend! I'm excited, even if I'm still not over this cold I think it's going to be a really fun race. They have bands and a costume contest! When we lived in Portland I noticed that PDX-ers love any excuse to dress up in crazy costumes.

Today's run...55 degrees and cloudy (of course). So so so humid! I'm still really congested in my chest, so I made sure to take it easy while I was out there. 20 minutes of running, with one walk break in the middle. Not an epic run by any means, but it got the job done. I'm looking forward to doing more strength training after this weekend. I really miss lifting weights!

Today's music...

• Liberty Walk - Miley Cyrus
• Oops, I Did it Again - Britney Spears
• Obsessed With You - The Orion Experience 
• Magic - B.O.B. ft Rivers Cuomo
• Nth Degree - Morningwood
• We'll Be Alright - Travie McCoy
• Don't Pretend - Travie McCoy

Lots of good sing-along-songs! 

Today's question...

What's your favorite song right now? I'm loving California Gurls by Katy Perry, it's seriously the perfect summer song. How fitting for today - the first official day of summer!

Weekend in Pictures

Well it's past midnight, which means today is officially my daddy's birthday! And it's finally the first day of summer! Happy Birthday Dad, I love you!

I have a lot of pictures from this weekend. The camera hasn't left my hands since Friday afternoon. I've been bitten - hard.

Ready? Let's go.

Miss Pearl.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all lounge around like this?

Breakfast Saturday morning...

Oh yeah, this happened.

With ice cream. This wasn't mine though! (I just ate half of it.) What'd I have?

Pure strawberry deliciousness. And I don't even like crepes.

Slipped these on for a walk around downtown.

Back home for some b-ball with dad for Father's Day!

I wore these, obviously. 

Kidding, but I love them. They're GOLD.

Switched out this lens for the 50mm. Tricky little thing, but I'm enjoying using my feet as my zoom. Golden cowgirl style, of course. Yee haw

Look at that depth of focus! (I think? Still learning my terms. My brain is in summer-mode!)

ps I'm not engaged, so let's call this my single girl right hand ring. Keepin' it classy, folks.

Finally, my last project for the weekend.

Soft pretzels for my dad! 

Just an FYI, if you put parchment paper into an oven that's over 400 degrees, it will

a) turn brown

b) smoke furiously

c) eventually catch on fire

I managed to um, heat things up not once but twice today in the kitchen. Obviously, I have skills. Everything tasted great though! My dad and I also watched Cupcake Wars, which may be my new favorite Food Network show, even though the cheese factor is through the roof.

Tomorrow:

- I'm running! Finally. I suck at working out these days, but I have a 5k on Saturday! 

I hope you guys all had great weekends, and a (somewhat belated) Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there! 

And, happy 1st day of summer! Today's weather was 55 degrees and rainy. I haven't worn a sundress in weeks. Heard a rumor we'll be seeing some sun soon. Fingers crossed, like always!

What'd you do this weekend?