Yup, another fashion shoot

Monday, July 11, 2011

I took advantage of DH being home to spend some time at the mall without feeling like I had to rush right home. Usually I'm combining it with other errands and the dogs can only go about 5 hrs, so the truth is I often feel rushed. Which may explain why I buy stuff then decide later it wasn't right.

First stop was H&M to buy a blouse I didn't buy the other day when I was there. Just a casual blouse I can wear with my pencil skirts or just around the house that the animals won't destroy.



The one I'd bought previously in the week, same deal (except too casual for skirts). Simple, but feminine shaping & I like it more than I expected to.



Yes, I actually have a skirt in the exact same material that I shared with you not long ago. What can I say? I love what this dress does for me. Will be good for Miami in Oct, hopefully.



Side view (this isn't the dress for the wedding, btw).



THIS, hopefully, will be the wedding dress. I was walking by Burlington Coat Factory, & decided to go in since I had time for once. I so rarely go in there. You've got to hunt for it, but they do have some good stuff. This dress was actually in the window, and yes, it took some hunting to find it.



Love the color. Even tho it's a November wedding -- could be snow! or Indian summer! - it's a heavier material so it may work. I like the cut a lot, but it's a size 6 and the truth is even tho I can't zip it by myself because the zipper's really hard, it's probably just a hair big for me - like the shoulders stand up just a tad.

I tried on a size 4, which probably was the right size, but it was ripped. Opinions appreciated. I'm a bit afraid I'll find another dress I'll love even more later, but I like this dress a lot. Did I mention how much I love the color?

Side view.



Not sure what color shoes are best with it; it's a very bright color. Sort of like the red pumps, but maybe purple, or silver . . .

Actually feeling a bit fluffy & looking it in those photos. So little definition in those arms! But I hadn't been doing as much ST as usual til last week -- and it shows, to me, anyway. And still waiting on TOM which is a few days late. But there's plenty of time between now & Oct & Nov . . . now it's time to do some intervals on the treadmill.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

XFITSTRONG 7/14/2011 7:46AM

OMG I LOVE that blue dress!!!! We don't have BCF here or an H&M but they sound like stores I need to check out. I love your style of clothes! Report Inappropriate Comment

JENN03275 7/13/2011 9:28PM

Love the blue dress, looks great on you!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KANSASROSE67 7/13/2011 9:15PM

I really like the blue dress on you. The color and style are very flattering! Report Inappropriate Comment

IFDEEVARUNS2 7/12/2011 10:12AM

I love the color too! Report Inappropriate Comment

DISPATCHER04 7/12/2011 8:49AM

Love the tops! :) I prefer the 1st dress. To me, it's more flattering to your figure. I think you may be right about the blue dress being too big. IMO, not the red pumps at all. Maybe silver? Just my thoughts . . . ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

JUST_TRI_IT 7/12/2011 7:35AM

VERY nice! You are looking FINE :) Report Inappropriate Comment

PCOH051610 7/11/2011 6:05PM

Tops are nice but the bright dress really rocks! I would go with whatever shoe is the most comfortable but maybe silver would really compliment the colour the best. Report Inappropriate Comment

STIPER23 7/11/2011 10:38AM

I love Burlington and Ross! You're right though, you have to have time to dig around in there. Amazing that you found the dress in the window and then found it in the store! The tops are cute, I really like the pinkish dress with the belt. Do you have another BCF in the area where you could look for a size 4 that isn't torn? Or maybe there was one hanging in the fitting room waiting to be put back onto the salesfloor. There really is no telling in that store. lol Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 7/11/2011 10:11AM

The tops are cute and I love both dresses!! I like the red pumps but purple or silver would work well, too. Report Inappropriate Comment

JENNJO322 7/11/2011 10:00AM

I love the tops!! So cute. I think maybe you should go for a different color on the shoes for the dress. Maybe silver. You look fabulous, keep up the good work!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Instant weight loss! I swear it works!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Just 2 words: good posture.

Check out my buddy's www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_friends.a
sp?id=CAROLYN1213 blog - look at her photos - she has amazing posture & is SUCH an inspiration, too.

I've been aware for a while that my posture sucks & that when it's good, I definitely look better. They say good posture can make you look 10 lbs thinner & who doesn't want that?

I'm trying to be more aware of mine. It's amazing how much work it is to walk the dogs while making sure I walk tall - I haven't even got around to pulling my shoulders back & down yet, just trying to make sure I don't slump down!

Like anything it's hard at first, but I know eventually I won't have to think so much about it. Just another healthy habit, right?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DISPATCHER04 7/10/2011 7:29PM

I'm forever after my daughter about this. She's a majorette, so naturally, if she has great posture, it makes her moves and tricks look better. :) Always a good reminder for all of us. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

XFITSTRONG 7/10/2011 9:50AM

Great reminder!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUSIEWHITE1109 7/10/2011 9:33AM

I'm 5'11" and my Mom was also 5'11"...and boy, did I ever hear "stand up straight" ALOT when I was growing up!! Good advise...like Kaitlynsnammy said...stand up, tuck it in and smile!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 7/10/2011 9:31AM

I do try to correct it when I think about it. Thank you for the reminder, it'll make me think about it. Report Inappropriate Comment

BLH507 7/10/2011 9:15AM

I've been thinking about this alot lately too. I seem to notice it more when I am sitting and make myself sit up. I can hear my mother's voice!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KAITLYNSNAMMY 7/10/2011 8:41AM

Very true! Good posture also exudes confidence both internally and to the world! Shoulders back! Tuck your bum! Tighten your core! Chin up and Smile! Report Inappropriate Comment

PICKIE98 7/10/2011 8:34AM

My Grandma always snapped me in the shoulder and told me to stand up straight!! She was all hunched over from working in the fields and housework,, I listened to her.. Report Inappropriate Comment

SEKSUNSHINE 7/10/2011 8:34AM

You bet and it does work, it also helps tighten those abs! Report Inappropriate Comment

FCARMICH 7/10/2011 8:33AM

okay Report Inappropriate Comment

MEANCARLEEN 7/10/2011 8:32AM

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Farmer's market + LSD

Saturday, July 09, 2011

As in long, slow run, not drugs! This morning I went to the park where the farmer's market is an hour before it began so I could get my LSD in. That worked really well & I'll most likely do it again.

Going early insured that I could get a parking spot close to the market - not something I'd normally worry about, but since I wanted to change, it meant I didn't have to walk back & forth a few times after the run just to use the bathroom & change my clothes. Not to mention I got to park in the shade, too.

Today I discovered that twice around the outermost part of the park is about 5 miles, which was my objective for today. I also discovered that my running skirt begins chafing around 5 miles, too, at least when it's warmer - which worked out well, since I got to stop just as the chafing started and I'll know about it for next time.

The only downside is that there's not a lot of shade in the park, as it's relatively new & the trees are still fairly small. And I have to run later than I normally would on my own so it's warmer - but it's not too bad.

Finally, I discovered that I run faster than I think I will when I'm not worrying about speed. LSDs SHOULD be slow. Mine was mostly 12 min miles, which is still slower than I'd like, but I'm comfortable at that speed & feel like I could go on a long time at that speed, not to mention it was actually faster than my last, shorter LSD. And per my spark buddy's DDHEART's blog this morning, I did butt kicks & knee lifts on my walking breaks - which, I found, REALLY slow me down. But hopefully will help out my knees & hips.

I don't use set intervals for my walking breaks, either - I just kind of do what I feel like. Sometimes it's run 3 songs & walk half of one; sometimes it's run 2 songs, walk half a song. And sometimes I ran when normally I'd take a walking break because there was a hill. I enjoy challenging myself with hills; what can I say, I'm weird that way!

Which is another plus to the park, it's got short, rolling hills - many places I do my long runs are really flat. My neighborhood has some good hills, but I spend so much time walking & running here ( sometimes 3 x day!), I get really bored.

So, a nice LSD, a lovely day, some fresh corn to throw on the grill tonight. Life is good!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RATFINKROB 7/11/2011 9:12AM

I just love the farmers market! Report Inappropriate Comment

DISPATCHER04 7/9/2011 4:31PM

I must say, on reading your topic, I did wonder exactly what kind of farmer's market you had out there! LOL. Although, I do wonder at you being concerned about parking. Wow! Your farmer's market must do really well. Ours always has close parking. My son's cross-country team does the butt-kicks and knee lifts before their runs to warm up and active stretch. LOL--and if you like hills, it's too bad you don't live here. I have a 5 mile route with some SERIOUS hills. I don't run that one. It's strictly for walking for me right now. My son, who runs 10 miles a day uses that for his serious training days. ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

CRAZYDOGLADYBO 7/9/2011 1:07PM

I love your blog titles! Sounds like a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 7/9/2011 12:29PM

:)) Being from the UK originally, and showing my age, I thought LSD could mean Pounds (Sterling) Shillings and Pence from pre-decimalisation days! Good idea to use your time before the Farmers Market - well done! Report Inappropriate Comment

KISSFAN1 7/9/2011 11:21AM

Congrats on getting your exercise in! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 7/9/2011 11:13AM

Great run!!! Sorry about the skirt, but at least you'll know for any longer runs. What time is dinner? I want some corn ;-) Report Inappropriate Comment

EARTHY2 7/9/2011 11:13AM

I think you are on the right track with doing things that suit your needs and wants. I find that I drive faster when I turn up the music so I imagine it would work the same with walking or running. Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration to me. Thanks, Shirley Report Inappropriate Comment

TKTMTA 7/9/2011 11:11AM

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Commitment to movement

Friday, July 08, 2011

Most people would probably call me an active person. I walk the dogs an hour a day most days. And on top of that I run, or swim, or do ST, or do yoga, so on & so forth.

The real truth, tho, is I'm a slug. Left to my own devices I can sit for hours - reading, watching the Today show, drawing, what have you. My nature is truly sedentary. Not to mention I have the luxury of not working. Did I mention that I hate housework, too?

But I've been trying to commit to working more activity into my day. I try, most of the time, to get up from whatever sedentary activity I happen to be engaged in & move every 45 minutes.

For instance, I just ran the dogs around the yard for a few minutes before sitting down to write this blog. Before that, it was 10 jumping jacks after a bathroom visit. Well, you get the idea.

Because that's what an active lifestyle really looks like - not an intense hour of turbo jam followed by 2 hours sitting spdown & watching the Today show.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DDOORN 7/11/2011 10:32AM

Important point...yes...! I try to park further and either walk really fast or even jog back & forth from the car to the store. But I know too, I can fall victim to hours on end both at work and home sitting at the pc...! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

CRAZYDOGLADYBO 7/8/2011 8:03PM

I like your bathroom/jumping jack idea. I am so stealilng it!! I am exactly like you I am working on improving that area too! Report Inappropriate Comment

HALFFAST 7/8/2011 4:42PM

Definitely a big ditto on the housework! And I really am a lazy slug myself. I have to "schedule" runs in or I will not go! I don't know why though, because once I am out there running I feel GREAT! And I always feel so much better afterward. It's just getting going that takes all the effort ;) Oh, and I really like the idea of 10 jumping jacks after every bathroom visit - I'm gonna give that a shot! Report Inappropriate Comment

PCOH051610 7/8/2011 4:41PM

How apt that I read this today. I was always brought up to believe that a truly active lifestyle was the best exercise. Believe it or not I used to love mowing the lawn, digging in my garden, shoveling snow and I think I will do it all again gradually...except for the snow which I hope doesn't arrive back for months and months!!!!! Your jumping jacks reminds me of last week when I was standing outside of Walmart waiting for my husband to pick me up. I was just standing there so I used to curb as a step and went up and down for 10 minutes. You should have seen the looks I got!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 7/8/2011 11:35AM

I admit I'm much more active on days that I'm at work. The bathrooms are far away so I get a lot of walking in ;-) I hate housework, too. Only do it if I absolutely have to. Report Inappropriate Comment

GIGIHEALTHY 7/8/2011 11:27AM

Thank you! I needed to hear this. I don't feel that I'm exercising unless I'm in a class. Thanks for the ideas! Report Inappropriate Comment

Current fav salad + turning a corner

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

My current fav salad is a waldorf salad with tuna. So simple, so healthy, so filling!

1/2 bag romaine
1-2 stalks celery, sliced
1 tbsp walnuts
1 apple, diced
1/2 -1 cup grapes
2 tbsp mayo (I use vegenaise)
1 can tuna in olive oil

This is a HUGE, filling, satisfying salad. You can adjust the size to your own taste buds; I am a volume eater. You can use tuna in water. You can use whatever substitute for mayo you like - at least vegenaise doesn't have eggs. You could probably use less of it. I've been eating it about twice a week lately. I often skip my afternoon snack when I eat this, but I budget for one anyway.

As to turning a corner, DH actually offered to go to the movies today. We haven't been to the movies in months & there are ones I want to see. But it's just too nice, especially considering all the rain we've had this spring/summer.

It's gonna be a hot one today & humid, but it wasn't bad this morning & I wheedled him into taking the dogs to a local park. As usual, I didn't get to walk nearly as long as I wanted to, but at least I got him out & moving!

Have you turned any corners lately?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PATTYCAKE17 7/7/2011 11:39AM

Yesterday at a Ruby Tuesday's birthday lunch for a WW friend, I sampled their fruit salad on the salad bar. I think they used yogurt w/ apple chunks, grapes, and possibly cranberries or raisins. It was delicious,a wonderful side to their cheese quasadillas. I only took about 1/3 cup to taste, this time! I will try adding fruits to tuna and greens like your salad, which will be something new for me. Maybe that will give me a fresh alternative. Thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 7/7/2011 11:04AM

That salad looks delicious. I like combining fruit & veg in salad. Broccoli & apple is a favourite combo of mine. Glad you were able to get hubby out for a walk. Report Inappropriate Comment

RATFINKROB 7/7/2011 8:59AM

The salad sounds great. Send me some of your rain, we are dry as a bone here. Report Inappropriate Comment

DIKIWI85 7/7/2011 8:14AM

Sounds great! Thanks for sharing! Love that you motivate your DH! Report Inappropriate Comment

PCOH051610 7/6/2011 5:19PM

Salad sounds yummy! I must try that one as we like everything that goes in it. My hubby and I walk the dogs together now that he is finished with school. We really don't do a whole lot together though like some couples do. Oh well, whatever works. Report Inappropriate Comment

CRAZYDOGLADYBO 7/6/2011 2:07PM

Your salad sounds delicious! Actually so does FIT-WHIT's! Report Inappropriate Comment

DISPATCHER04 7/6/2011 1:31PM

It sounds wonderful! :) We're going to see Harry Potter 7 next Thursday night. :) We already have tickets. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 7/6/2011 1:30PM

That does sound yummy (even to a non salad eater like me ;-) Yay for getting DH out and walking. Enjoy your movie. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 7/6/2011 1:20PM

Good job on getting the DH out and moving. I eat a chicken salad which is similar, use canned chicken breast and I substitute walnuts with almond slivers, Yummy - have a bite for me. I tried to talk my DH into the movies over the weekend, I really wanted to see Transformers, but no deal, he didn't want to go. Enjoy your day. Report Inappropriate Comment

FIT-WHIT 7/6/2011 1:11PM

Ooooo the salad sounds GREAT!! I may have to try it!! One of my favs is with a can of tuna, too, mixed with romaine or spinach, and chickpeas! Toss with parmesan cheese and a dressing of 1 T. lemon juice and 1 tsp olive oil. Fresh and delish! Report Inappropriate Comment