Just a few of my favorite things

First of all, training has been exhausting. I say has been because though I'm currently home, after this week I travel back to dreary Bellevue for two more weeks of training. I know that Arcata gets more rain than Bellevue, but I'm pretty sure they don't make sun up in that part of Washington. I would hate to live there.

Outfit from the "first day of work." Grey sweater: Elle for Kohl's, $3.99; Black silk Tommy Hilfinger tank: garage sale, $0.50; Belt: came with something else from Kohl's; Pants: Lucky Lulu's in San Luis Obispo, $60; Necklace: Kohl's, $12.99

Training. Hmm. How many words? We're there 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though the trainer — a nice young man named Tyler — said with some enthusiasm last week, "Hey guys, guess what? There's a day in week two that you'll get out at 4!"

There were a few ragged cheers. And then he finished the statement, "...but you have to get here at 7 a.m."

Bugger.

Training is interesting though. I haven't lost my positive attitude about the job, and even if the job isn't my favorite thing in the world well, let's just say that Verizon Wireless is nationally recognized as the fourth best company to work for. They put an average of $22,000 into each employee before we even hit the sales floor and start making them money. They have the third best training program in the nation.

Ironically, I feel like I'm a PolyRep again, spouting awesome facts like that. I never thought that I should mention my PolyReps position for a sales position other than the fact that they were (duh) kickass and extremely prestigious, but in retrospect, I should have. I sold Cal Poly to incoming students and their parents. It's one thing to sell a cellphone, it's quite another to sell a university to a bored 18-year-old whose feet hurt and has been on fourteen other campus tours. Basically, I'm highly qualified for sales.

PolyReps 2008-2009. I'm in the middle (to the immediate right of the two girls wearing yellow headbands).

Boo-yah.

Oh, and did I mention that apparently it's more difficult to become an employee at Verizon Wireless than it is to get into Harvard? That's a big selling point for them. Harvard's acceptance rate is 3%. VZW's hire rate is 0.5%. Granted, more people apply for jobs at VZW than to Harvard, but still. Talk about impressive metrics.

Okay, enough about my job.

I did a bad thing yesterday. Well, not bad bad, but let's just say that every thrifty bone in my body is in agony, and while I'd do it again, I wouldn't do it frequently as it goes against every single grain of how I was raised.

Let's rewind.

I'm sure you've all come to realize that I'm a bit of a shopaholic. It is my drug of choice, but it's something I can choose not to do. But why should I when I am a smart, sensible shopper who puts time and energy into creating a budget based on my income that gives me wiggle room for shopping? Yes, my friends, I budget for shopping. But that's what makes it okay. It's my hard earned money, and so long as I'm still paying my bills on time and saving money, I can spend it any way I want.

Top: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's, $24 (60% off original ticket); black pencil skirt & belt: Apt 9 for Kohl's, 24.99; shoes: Versace, consignment (so I wouldn't actually wear the shoes to work — standing in those for 8 hours? I think not! — but they're my babies and they're pretty!)

One thing you may or may not have realized (though as you are all wonderfully intelligent, so I'm going to assume you have) is that I am a smart shopper. I can wait ages for that sweater I like to come down to a price that I'm willing to pay. After all, why would I pay $40 when I can wait four weeks and get it on clearance for $8? I do like new, but I don't mind wearing secondhand...though I think my attachment to new is the fact that I grew up wearing mostly handmedowns. Nothing wrong with it, but it's much like my mild attraction to TV — I didn't have it (much) growing up, so now that I can, I do, within reason.

Okay, so on to the bad thing.

Sonoma Life & Style ballet flats: Kohl's, $29.99

I went to Macy's. And I bought something. Granted, I also went to Kohl's, but let's face it, Kohl's is amazing. Everything I bought at Kohl's was marked at 40 or 50% off and then I got my 15% off on top of that for being a Kohl's cardholder. It's hard not to be happy about that. I never feel guilty about shopping at Kohl's.

But Macy's. Ouch ouch ouch ouch.

But, in my defense, I need work clothes. I have business casual attire, but VZW has a pretty strict dress code. Close-toed shoes, slacks, sweater or button-down, no cleavage (like that's a problem for me) and I can wear skirts and dresses but I have to wear tights or nylons and no visible tattoos. And let's face it, a girl like me doesn't want to wear the same thing every week. I like options. I like to mix and match. And since I'm not allowed to wear certain things in my wardrobe, I had to update.

Striped sweater: INC International Concepts for Macy's, you REALLY don't want to know; black dress slacks: INC International Concepts for Macy's, can't tell you (these are a bizarre fabric too, but super super super comfy to wear); shoes: Versace, consignment

Yes, I could have waited, because I have two serviceable pairs of slacks. But I have two weeks of training coming up, and let me tell you about these slacks. The first pair is a pair I shelled out a good deal of money for ($60, I think), because I needed dress pants and didn't have much time to find some. But I bought them ten pounds ago. So I can wiggle into them, and they fit all right (i.e. they don't look like I'm about to explode out of them), but it makes for a long day as they're not especially comfortable. My other pair, I got at a bargain price ($6 at Kohl's!), but they are a size 8. And I kind of float somewhere a little north of a solid 6, but I'm not an 8 — kind of unfortunately, as then they would fit and I wouldn't be having this problem. So they're a little big. But not so big that I can take them in myself — I really ought to take them in to a tailor — so by the end of the day, I've got saggy-butt syndrome going on, and while that means that they are super comfortable, it means that after two hours, they're not super attractive or professional. In a business that's one part first impression, well, let's just say I would be skeptical about someone whose pants don't fit.

Not saying everyone would be skeptical, but I would be. And I'd be distracted by it.

So, with my very lucrative job (I get my first paycheck on Wednesday...they pay us for training and travel time and expenses, so it's a hefty one), I went for it. Please don't judge me, this doesn't happen often, sometimes it's just necessary. I did get some lovely slacks and a sweater. Though be proud of me, I walked away from a gorgeous pair of chocolate brown leather riding boots that actually zipped up my calves over my jeans — which hardly ever happens.

Cranberry sweater: Nordstrom Rack, $14.99; gold sequin tank: Ross Dress for Less, $4.59;
brown dress slacks: Daisy Fuentes for Kohl's, $27.99; shoes: see previous photo

But I did apply for (and plan on immediately cancelling) the Macy's card, so I did get 15% off. And in the spirit of thrift and streamlining, and curbing shopping, I cancelled my Victoria's Secret credit card (and I was even a VIP member...). Mostly because I realized that I hardly ever used it, and didn't really take advantage of it, and when you buy one bra a year it's not really necessary. In addition, I even cleaned out my closet of the stuff that now that I can't wear them, I'll really never wear them. Also, the stuff that missed the first round of culling (from my move) that really needed to go still. I've noticed too, that now that I can dress fancy, I don't dress down very often. I mean, I dress in jeans, but I still dress up.

Grey sweater: Nordstrom Rack, $19.99; black dress slacks: Daisy Fuentes for Kohl's, $27.99; black ballet flats: Target, $12.99

Except when I'm in my sweatpants, and let's face it, that's just unavoidable. At any rate, that means my selection of casual tees has gone down. Not to say that I don't have casual tees, I just mean the ones with graphics on them.

Button detail on collar of grey sweater

Though I'll never get rid of my Ed Hardy. Call me silly, but I really like it! And I only have one. So it's okay.

Black crop sweater: remnant from a sorority recruiting event; ruffle top: Candies for Kohl's, $22.80; grey striped dress slacks: Macy's, $39.98; shoes: Versace, consignment

I'd like to apologize for today's fashions not being my normal thrifty, sale-digging finds. Girl's gotta splurge sometimes. Anyways, tell me about your shopping experience. Are there times when you pay full price even when you don't necessarily have to?

In other news, my lovely friend moved to Portland on Friday. I'm so proud of her! She got a job and made the commitment. I know she'll be much happier as an Oregonian, and we're only 3.5 hours apart now instead of 6.5. Which is super exciting. It means that if we really really need to see each other, we could do a day trip. And that makes me so happy, you have no idea.

Also, it's been snowing again. Yay! The mountain is projected to open Wednesday, but boyfriend isn't optimistic, as it needs to get dumped on in order for that to happen. Though it's predicted to get 10 inches of snow by then, so perhaps.

I ran again yesterday. I forgot my running shoes for training, which had me smacking myself for as the very nice hotel we were staying at offered free access to a nearby Bally's Fitness Center for its visitors. Oh well, next time. My Garmin's back from the Garmin doctor, and now actually works properly. It even told me the battery was low! It didn't used to do that! They actually ended up just sending me a brand new one, but they were so efficient about it, that even though my first Forerunner 205 was a poop, I'd still recommend getting one.

Just a heads up too, my posting will probably continue to be spotty as I start work in the store on Monday and my out-laws (boyfriend's parents, grandma, and sister) are coming to stay with us for Thanksgiving. So we'll have a full house on top of me being busy with work. But I'll make an attempt!

I'll leave you with one of my family's favorite Thanksgiving recipes, just in case, in celebration of one of my favorite holidays. They are delicious and always get gobbled up — but if we can managed to squirrel some away we do, as they're amazing the day after Thanksgiving with leftover turkey and some cranberry sauce! Also, in the summertime, you can use this recipe to make homemade burger buns or just as a bread to bring to a barbecue. The recipe even says it can be used for pizza dough. If you try the pizza dough, let me know how it goes! They go great with any holiday meal as well, not just Thanksgiving.

Refrigerator Rolls (recipe from San Fransisco - A La Carte)

Makes approx. 5 dozen rolls

Ingredients
2 packages (2 tbsp) active dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water
3/4 cup butter
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
7 to 8 cups unbleached white flour, unsifted

Dissolve yeast in the warm water for 5 min. Set aside. Combine butter with the boiling water and stir until butter is melted. Cool and place in very large bowl. Add cold water, sugar, salt, eggs and yeast. Mix well. Add enough flour (between 7 and 8 cups) to make a soft dough that when beaten does not stick to the sides of the bowl. Cover and refrigerate immediately for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Dough can be kept in refrigerator for 7 to 10 days. When ready to use, remove any amount needed, place on a floured board, roll out about 1 inch thick, and cut or shape into any size desired. Place rolls on an ungreased cookie sheet and let rise for 1 to 2 hrs. Bake in an oven preheated to 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, depending upon the size of the rolls.

Enjoy!

Ciao,
kc

TODAY: 4.45 miles
YESTERDAY: 3.1 miles

Shoes

I love shoes. Have I mentioned that I love shoes?

You might have noticed when I dedicated an entire post to these:

Or when I posted TWO photos of these:

I can't help myself. I love shoes. There are so many reasons to love shoes.

1. You can get perfectly good shoes, gently used, at thrift stores, garage sales, second-hand shops for very little money and not have that weird gross feeling that I get when buying clothes at those places. I still do it, but they require a couple washings first. Shoes don't require that.

2. Shoes always fit. Even if you gain weight. Even if you lose weight. Even if your boyfriend dumps you, they are still there for you.

3. They will never leave you. They won't be offended if you box them up and put them in the back of your closet for months at a time only to pull them out to wear them once and return them to the back again. They don't mind if you stop wearing them in lieu of a younger, sleeker model. They don't mind if you consider them frumpy, dumpy, sexy or smart.

4. You can never have "enough" shoes. It's not like cars or jeans or sweatshirts. There's always a drastically different pair to be had.

5. I'm sure there are more reasons, TELL ME SOME OF YOURS.

Basically, I love shoes.

Even these shoes:

These shoes support me even at 7 a.m. this morning, when the moon was still out in the lightening sky and while my body wasn't quite awake, my brain was courtesy of the espresso I had before hopping in the car to go rouse my lovely running buddy to go run 5 miles, 3 of which were fast, one of which was sub-9. They support me even then.

Coming soon: moving news, fall favorites (recipes and more!), tea party preparations, and lots more running and fashion.

Ciao,
kc

THIS MORNING: 5 miles, tempo
YESTERDAY: 4 miles

The Waist Belt

Two posts in one day? Sure, I'm bored enough. Why not.

The greatest trend ever in fashion is the waist belt. Why did I not discover this years ago?

Perpetually flattering to any (like myself) who have a lovely narrow waist (or can at least pretend to have one) that is constantly cast into the sidelines by "baby-making" hips (not my quote, but appropriate, nevertheless). I love the tunic-length trend, as I'm fairly long-waisted and short-legged, so in the shorter years it was harder to find clothing that properly covered my tummy.

Luckily those years were in high school when showing my cute, flat tummy was age-appropriate. Now, not so much (nevermind that the "cute, flat" bit comes and goes as well).

As such, I can still purchase looser-fitting (read: correctly-sized garments) without losing my petite waist in the process. No longer does the rule tight-fit-or-not-at-all apply to me. Granted, when wearing tight, tight jeans or my prevailing ultra-favorite — the legging (it's like wearing sweats, but you're not!) — I tend more towards flowy and not bringing it in at the waist (I've got good legs, it works), but with skirts and more loosely-tailored bottoms, I need something to balance out the hippage.

Introducing the waist belt.

I'm becoming quite the accessory-diva. I never would have thought. I've come so far from the girl who thought one sensible pair of black heels, one pair of sensible brown heels, maybe a nice neutral flat, a pair of sandals and running shoes were all the shoes one could ever possibly need. I've sprung miles from the girl who thought her belts should stay in the belt loops and only be worn when necessary. Eons from the girl who wore the same small silver hoops everyday and thought necklaces were a nuisance.

How wrong I was.

People, I have discovered fashion. It could be considered a travesty, and certainly something many (my mother, sister and boyfriend included) will never understand, but I am no longer the girl who is satisfied with just five pairs of shoes.

My Versaces will attest, nothing is better than having choices.

Especially when they're so deliciously black and patent and leather. Mm, mm, good.

Just for the record, my Auntie Carol's cardinal rule of never throwing anything away (clothes/accessories-wise) that still fits and isn't worn out just because it's not in fashion at the moment suddenly came true for me today. And I didn't think it would happen.

A dear friend gave me this faux pas of a shirt for my birthday/Christmas. A brilliant jewel-tone teal, with dolman sleeves and a drapey collar. Awkward through the bustline and horrible in the sleeve length. I did what I could to salvage it — cutting the sleeves to near-shoulder length (from wrist!) saved it somewhat — but mostly just sighed and shoved it in my drawer, not willing to immediately goodwill it as he had worked so hard to find something he'd thought I'd like.

Here we are ten months later, and I'm in a hurry, clad in a charcoal grey tulip skirt that somehow always manages avoid the goodwill bag by being worn every three or six months and determined to wear my Versace stilettos practically pulling out my hair as — miraculously — it's sunny outside so the sweater I was originally going to wear was so not appropriate* and I couldn't find a shirt when lo-and-behold in the back of my drawer is this brilliant jewel-tone teal that I had very nearly forgotten as I have never worn it.

I pull it out and shake out the wrinkles and put it on. It needs the touch of a black waist-belt, but then it's done and it looks pretty good! Next time I'll wear a tank top underneath as it gapes rather significantly if I bend over, and the material isn't all that nice so it shows the waistband of my skirt (which is rather awkwardly placed and the skirt was cheap, so it's poorly sewn to boot), but ultimately, I'm excited as I have a new outfit!

Apparently, saving pays off.

Just promise me you won't go overboard with it and become a hoarder, m'kay? Thanks much.

Ciao,
kc

* Yes, the weather does affect my clothing choices. If it's sunny, I celebrate by wearing colors. If it's not, whatever.

Today was a good day

This morning, well, afternoon I suppose, I had a rare opportunity. I was bereft as my lovely friend had a lunchtime meeting and I was working the night shift so we couldn't run together today. I was having a hard time getting motivated when I thought, "Hey, my mommy could ride her bike with me as I run!"

Luckily, my mommy agreed that that was a good idea. She hasn't been training for half marathons, so there was no way she would be able to run with me, but bike? Most definitely.

As I started out (she caught up with me, as my ever-industrious mommy was finishing up making yummy jam from fresh, local blackberries), I dropped down from our "moutain-side" home that was firmly ensconced in the fog — part of my motivational problem — and into beautiful Humboldt County sunshine. Who'd have thought? Desperately wishing I'd brought my sunglasses, I nevertheless had lifted spirits as I grumblingly proceeded to run my Fartlek.

My mom caught up with me after my fourth or fifth stride-out (I lose track really quick with those and just go by time), and exclaimed that she was surprised I had gotten as far as I had so quickly. I pointed out that I'd been running for nearly 30 minutes at that point, so I should have been at least 3 miles out. After that, she pedaled along cheering me on when I picked up and chatting with me during the intervals. It was wonderful and fun to get to spend some quality time with my mommy in the sunshine.

I got to spend quality time with my mommy this weekend, too.

This weekend was a local "Bargain Lovers'" weekend in Ferndale (you know, where The Majestic was filmed). The whole community turns out with various and sundry yard, garage, and rummage sales. After snapping up a tattered, but full-of-potential end of the bed bench for a measly $1.50 (marked at $2! I exercised my bargaining muscles early and often) as my first purchase, I knew it was going to be a good day.

We arrived in Ferndale (braced with coffee and small bills) at about 9:30 a.m. and didn't call it quits until 3 or 4 p.m. The sun was out and it was beautiful as we scampered happily from sale to sale throughout town — unknowingly getting sunburned and walking miles and miles without noticing.

The day's best buy would have to be a pair of black leather boots I found.

Jacket: Express, hand-me-down; black & teal tanks: boutique in San Luis Obispo, Five Dollar Fabulous; black leggings: Impressions at the Bayshore Mall (where Gap used to be), Five Dollar Fabulous; BLACK LEATHER BOOTS!!!: garage sale thrift!

I joyously picked them up (where they were slyly tucked beneath a table amidst a jumble of other shoes) along with a soft grey cardigan — of that earthy, warmer grey like the infamous Italy boots — and practically skipped to the lady running that particular sale.

Now for those of you who are experienced bargain hunters know this cardinal rule, for those of you who aren't, here it is: never offer what you would be willing to pay, always go lower and be willing to walk away if they demand more than the item is worth to you. Many garage sale managers will "panic" when you set down the item and turn to leave and will let it go for a more reasonable price. If they don't, set it down, walk away, and come back later. If the item still hasn't sold, likely it will be released at the price you want it.

Never pay more than it is worth to you.

This is a double edged sword however, and be reasonable and true to yourself. If you actually want the item, need the item, whatever, pay the piper. Because it would be terrible if that's just the thing and you come back and it's gone. If it's an impulse buy — and most things are — walk away. Likely, you can come back and it'll be there.

Back to the boots.

So I walked up to the woman in charge of that particular sale, cardigan and boots in hand, and blithely offer two dollars. Now, I wasn't all that attached to the sweater, but we girls all know that good, cheap boots are hard to find and so I was willing to go as high as $5 for those puppies. Imagine my surprise when the woman said, "Well, actually, everything is 50 cents, so both is just a dollar."

Was she nuts???

Why let them go at half what I offered? I was the idiot who didn't see the sign! What would I have possibly done if I had paid the two bucks and then seen the sign? Nothing!

I think we need to see them again, don't you? Yes, yes, I agree.

Score!

I snatched up a bunch of other goodies as well, spending $35 in total.

Cute ballet flats by Soda: 50 cents!

Then I just had to do a photo shoot with the rest of my finds!

Black silk Tommy Hilfinger tank: 50 cents; necklace: Elle for Kohl's, $12.99; pants: Elle for Kohl's, $8.80; Versace pumps: consignment, $75

Brown sweater: $3 garage sale find; brown belt: came with a shirtdress; red leather skirt: hand-me-down; opaque tights: Target, $10; brown boots: Payless Shoe Source, gift from a friend because I kept borrowing them

And lastly, I picked up some snuggly snow-worthy wear as I'm moving to Bend, Ore. with the boy and that's snow country!

Vest: $1; blue jacket: 50 cents

I also snagged some other things for my move north — a rug, more winter wear, and some picture frames — and rounded out the day with a 6 mile run with my lovely friend (this was on Saturday).

Whew. That was a lot. I'm moving on and getting back to work!

Ciao,
kc

TODAY: 60 minute Fartlek run

Where'd it go?

1. Today, my head is not attached. I'm not sure where I left it, but it wasn't on when I got up this morning. God help me, as I don't know how I'm going to get through today.

2. Seriously, I did one of those classic put-conditioner-on-my-loufah-instead-of-soap things this morning, and very nearly left the shower with shampoo in my hair.

3. "Coffee Break" down by the Sunny Brae Murphy's Market makes the best cappucino I've tasted since Italy. And it's hard to beat Italy with espresso.

4. I need to write their owner a note expressing my expressions of their espresso.

5. Did I mention my head was missing?

6. I can't remember the last time I was this tired. But it may have been the last spring quarter of college in my print quality class where we were discussing the pros and cons of gravure versus litho for the umpteenth time in my 3 years as a Graphic Communication major and I fell asleep — in the back of the room mind you — because I was cozy and warm and soooo tired and Dr. Keif stopped his lecture to yell at me.

7. I like sleep. Sleep is good.

8. I got dressed no less than four times this morning. For some reason, I could not put together an outfit this morning. It may have been because my brain was not properly functioning. Luckily, I was lucid enough to realize that the first three outfits just did. not. work. As much as I love reading the "What was she thinking?" column, I never really want to appear in one — or be a nominee for one.

•  Outfit #1: Red-brown leather tulip-pencil skirt, heather-grey sweater, Versace pumps. Realized that the skirt called for more browns, less blacks.
• Outfit #2: Tried different skirt (houndstooth wool in red/cream/darkbrown). Grey sweater clashed. Tried with stockings.
• Outfit #3:Houndstooth wool pencil skirt with Versace pumps and black top and stockings. Gold zipped pockets on skirt showed and clashed with silver work on pumps. Ooops. Different shoes not an option as bare legs were too cold today and don't have brown stockings.
• Conclusion: need to invest in opaque tights so I can wear boots with my pencil skirts.

9. In case you were wondering, I settled for jeans and a black wrap sweater I've liberated from my mother's closet. (What? She wasn't wearing it!) Dressed it up with my beloved Versace pumps and a new chunky necklace (my Auntie Carol loves me) and was able to get out the door presentably.

Chunky statement necklace courtesy of Auntie Carol

10. Sans coffee.

11. Hence the expressing my espresso at Coffee Break. There is a God.

12. My brain not being attached today could prove problematic (I mean, unusually so, rather than just standardly) as today is Wednesday.

13. Wednesday is a busy day.

14. Lots of brain-requiring tasks on Wednesday.

15. Thank God I got both my stories written this week yesterday. You know, when my head was still attached to my neck. Before I lost it.

16. Speaking of stories, I wrote the cover story this week! It's about running. Go running. Go me. Read it here. And here. And here.

17. I'll bet you didn't know I could write! I'm not just a pretty face. Or just an artist. I have a myriad of talents. That's right, myriad. Wow, I need more coffee...

18. We made a delicious pizza last weekend. That I really wish I could talk about right now, but I'm just too tired. And you shouldn't have to deal with my lack of brain-age right now. I'm sure this sounds like the most intelligent post I've ever written. I apologize.

19. Profusely.

20. I'm sorry. I'm done, I promise.

Ciao,
kc


YESTERDAY: 60 minute Fartlek
SUNDAY: 3 miles

Confessions of a Fashionista

I can't help myself. I have to present the best news first.

Eeeeeee! I cannot help but be shrill with thrill. My aunt introduced me to her favorite haunt in Walnut Creek, Labels, a designer consignment store. We walked in and were confronted by a wall of shoes. Prada, Blahnik, Gucci, Coach, Vesace, Loubiton...sigh. I didn't have myself pegged as a label sort of girl, but one has a hard time not drooling over deliciously soft leather tooled in Italia at more reasonable prices than the original label.

For instance, these delightfully drool-worthy babies are Versace leather pumps that run in the $1,000- to $2,000-range were a highly attainable $75.

And please, don't judge. I'm not the kind of girl to normally drop that kind of dough on a pair of shoes (other than running shoes, that is), but I just couldn't say no! Not this time...

Next on the list. A little fun "beach sheik."

Green tank: Kohl's, $5. Grey lace tank: Abercrombie & Fitch sale rack, $14.99 (first and last time I will ever go there). Denim shorts: Target, $15.99. Gold charm necklace (60"): borrowed.

Sorry about the picture quality, by the way. Cell phone camera. A little touseled hair, a fun gold necklace. Fun stuff!

Moving on.

This weekend I got to spend with my grandmother (along with various and sundry aunts, uncles, and cousins). This is the woman who gives my mother and I those phenomenal cooking genes.

Nana in her kitchen.

Wonton soup bubbling on the stove (for what, we're still not sure), fresh herbs from Nana's garden.

She watches cooking shows, mixes up fabulous things and as the cranky matron of our family, imperiously directs people in her kitchen. Sigh. Apparently, she's running her caretaker ragged and cuts out recipes from the newspaper every morning for her to make.

This was lunch at Nana's, whipped up my my other aunt. Watermelon soup (yum yum yum!), and puposas (cheese stuffed tortillas) with homemade avocado salsa (not guacamole). So delicious!

So, as I have no more words today, I'll leave it this and let you drool over pictures worth a thousand words.

Ciao,
kc

Running Diva Meets Rock Glam

I don't know if you remember our conversation (my blog post) about "rock glam" earlier, but I do. I recall it because it's my new favorite thing — layering of my chain necklaces paired with my winged earrings an my Italy boots. Today, I paired it with black leggings instead of my jeans and my canvas London Jean by Victoria's Secret motorcycle jacket in mahogany. And I took pictures!

From left to right: wing earrings, Target — $7.99; grey Italian leather slouch boots, Los Lolitas, Florence, Italia — E 159, approx. U.S.$200; [jacket] London Jean by Victoria's Secret canvas motorcycle jacket in mahogany, Victoria's Secret — $29.99 (clearance); [white top] long-sleeved white shirt, Target — $9.99; [not seen, grey tank] grey tank top, Five Dollar Fabulous; [chains] 3-layered chain, Express — $29.99; single silver chain with crystals, gift; single gold chain with gold locket, family heirloom.

Go me, eh? Very rock glam. Aren't the famous Italy boots just divine? I love them so much. 

I also wanted to brag about the 6 miles I ran yesterday. 1:07:31, with hills. Not particularly fast or anything, but the big deal was that I did it by myself for the first time (running the Iron Horse Trail on Sunday with my aunt's out of shape black lab, Trooper, doesn't count...as we went "his pace" for the last 2 miles as he kind of died and I mean, head down, don't wanna go no more, died). I did a decent pace and didn't walk the hills, not even the last huge hill that my parent's house is perched on top of. Kind of proud of myself.

Also, at my lovely friend's marathon on Sunday (which she rocked, did I mention?)  she got me this uber adorable (and yes, that is the technical term) tank from Running Divas.

The front says "Happy / when / she's running / she's flying," and the back says, "girls gotta run" in the middle, with "running divas" towards the bottom left. I feel rather awesome/baller when wearing it. 

So that's pretty much it for today, I hope you enjoyed my little collages and photos.

Ciao,

kc

TODAY: (haven't run yet, but will) 3 miles
YESTERDAY: 1 hour gentle yoga, 6 mile run

Fashion Statement

So I discovered yesterday that I'm different from the other women in my immediate family. I've always known this really, but not on quite such an obvious level. I mean, my sister dresses quite nicely, though she does have her "what was she thinking" moments, my mom is a bit of a loss but she's more concerned about the people in her life and what makes her happy then what she's wearing, which is admirable, but...

Let me rewind.

I was wearing new biker-esque wing earrings yesterday (Target: $7.99), and my sister went, "Hey k, cool earrings." And I said (at this point I was post-run and was in sweats and cute, lounge-sweater that I got for $6 at this cheapy boutique at the mall — best 6 bucks I've spent), "Thanks, they really went with my work outfit today — very rock glam."

The blank stare that was incited by the words "rock glam" was a mild shock.

She said, "See, k, this is how you and I are different. I never wake up in the morning and think, 'I'm going to dress rock glam today.' I wake up in the morning and think, 'Okay, clothes...'"

At this point I had to defend myself and explain that I don't think like that, it's more of a process — I want to wear this dress/shirt/sweater, my feet hurt/don't hurt so I want/don't want to wear heels, and build from there. My shoes and the main "piece" usually defines the outfit. And then I cock my head and look in the mirror and think, "Okay, now what can I do to make this outfit interesting?" Because it's really more fun to have an outfit that's interesting.

Again though, this is not to say that I dress "interesting" on a daily basis. My main staple is t-shirt, jeans, scarf and ballet flats — cashmere sweater when it's cold, heels if I'm feeling perky. Today for instance, black $5 tee, American Eagle jeans, faux-animal print cashmere scarf in white/grey/black from Italy and snazzy pointy-toed heels in electric pink that I rescued from a thrift store for $1.99. That's not glam anything, it's just me.

Yesterday was a bit different. I wanted to wear my skinny jeans because they're comfy, but I hate the ballet-flat look with them (I'm a bit too pear-shaped for it to be flattering, I can do it, it's just not a look that does much for me), so I wanted to wear my Italy boots (grey leather, slouchy, nearly-knee-high, classic heel and toe, yum yum yum) over them. And I wanted to wear my new earrings.

Pondering my closet I pulled out a grey blazer and eyed it. I put on a white tank top (again, five-dollar fabulous) and threw on the blazer, rolling up the sleeves. Even with the earrings it needed a bit of something.

I added a layered long necklace I got as a gift from Express a couple years ago that used to be silver and now is a brassy-tarnish that won't go away and added a long rhinestone chain, a long silver chain and a gold chain with a gold heirloom locket pendant. Add the earrings and a bit of heavy eyeliner and voila: rock glam.

I was rather proud of the outfit, and really it just kind of happened. That's how all great outfits (and masterpieces) really happen. You just keep going until it's just right. Try new things, wear something a different way, and all of a sudden you have a brand new piece.

My sister later brought up my rock glam comment to my mother who looked at me and said, "Isn't Adam Lambert rock glam?"

Oy vey.

TODAY: rest day
MONDAY RUN: 3 miles

And I just did the math and I've rocked 28 miles since last Tuesday. No wonder my knees are bitching so loud.