Life, Lemons, & Running...

What do you do when life hands you lemons... well if you are me... you run!!! I found out about a year ago that running was a great way for me to deal with stress of all kinds... be it work related, emotional, personal, etc. and also a great way to get an all body work out. I personally am an outdoor runner only... and while I know this is bad for my knees, I wouldn't trade the connection I feel with nature for any treadmill! The thing is, if you know me, you know I've always hated running... one of my best friend's was even surprised when I declared I was running the nyc half last year claiming he never thought of me as the athletic type... thanks... I think? But I did it and what's more, I fell in love/hate with the damn sport!

So now here I am a year later... in a foreign country, far away from family, friends, and most comforts (I still love you hubby!)... finding it hard to cope with the gloomy cold weather and even harder to find a job... so again, I am turning to running. With the encouragement of hub's and my friend Elan... I am happy to announce that I am now officially signed up for london's half this september!!! I will beat london yet and run circles around it so watch out!

sneak peek into my running jams...

American Boy by Estelle

That's Not My Name by The Ting Tings

Closer by Neo 

Paparazzi by Lady Gaga

You And Your Hand by Pink

Taper Jean Girl by Kings Of Leon

Please Don't Stop The Music by Rihanna

Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) by Beyonce

 The Way I Are by Timberland

The Chevron Trend...

What is the chevron exactly??? The exact definition pulled from wikipedia is:

A chevron (also spelled cheveron, especially in older documents) is an inverted V-shaped pattern. The word is usually used in reference to a kind of fret in architecture, or to a badge or insignia used in military or police uniforms to indicate rank or length of service, or in heraldry and the designs of flags (see flag terminology).

What I see is a trend with endless possibilities that can be translated across many mediums and altered to fit just about anyone's unique flair or desires. What can be seen as a bold design statement in a shocking color, can instantly become almost calm and soothing because of it's repetition in more subtle colors. You can use it as a focal point for instance by painting a wall or whole room in this pattern or simply use it as an accent to help spruce up areas in the home and office.

But it doesn't just end there... this trend has transcended into fashion too! I'm talking everything from women's to children's wear... even accessories! The chevron is definitely a fun way to add excitement to any outfit. Not ready for a whole ensemble? No problem! Try a clutch, a pair of heels, or even some bangles... there is something for everyone with this trend.

1. Mikasa Mugs
 2. Area Rug via House Beautiful
 3. Anthropologie Swimsuit
 4. Alice & Olivia Dress
 5. Frye Heels
 6. Oii Jumpsuit
 7. Dorthy Perkins Clutch
 8. PlumStreetPrints I Phone Cover
 9. Bloomingdales Bangles
10. DIY Dresser via Twice Lovely

What do you guys think??? Are you falling in love with this trend, cause I know I am! Now how to incorporate it in our flat... Happy Weekend!

Life & Presidents...

Hey guys! Another week gone by and I just can't believe we are coming into summer already!!! Maybe because I have yet to wear my legs bare since that one fatefully warm day back in the beginning of the month... boo London weather!!! It's actually very grey and very wet outside as I type all bundled up from inside my Starbucks... that's right, I'm claiming it as my ow! Alright let's see what I've been up to yea???


Thur. 19- Since I've had so much time on my hands, I started trying to focus more on the things that make me happy and leave me feeling accomplished. It's hard work trying to stay positive when life keeps throwing the occasional curb balls... I think exercise and a healthy diet affect me tremendously and so I've decided to tackle both head on! Food-wise, I'm doing my best to eat healthier and drink less. Exercise-wise, I am committing to running 4 days a week to build my stamina again... even contemplating running the London half... stay tuned!

my shoes after the brooklyn half last year...

Fri. 20- Having set my eyes and heart on the new white i phone 4g, I spent most of the day looking for cute phone covers and you can see them all here! Oh and hub's and I headed to his parent's for the weekend for a nice little get away... ah relaxing!

Sat. 21- We spent today visiting some local charity shops on the hunt to find wonderful treasures to furnish our new but still bare home. We saw a lot of potential pieces but decided we needed to organize another proper trip at a time when hub's dad could drive us and our finds back into the city. I did manage to snag a really cute bedside table... I plan on changing out the knobs!

Sun. 22- Happy 1 month baby Rosie!!! My baby niece that was coincidentally born on my b.day, just 26 years after, turns 1 month today! I can't believe how big and lively she has gotten in just a month! I'm really happy I'll get to see a lot more of her growing up since we're in London now. Lillie aka big sis now is loving her little one... and can now count to 3 and say hello in spanish... I'm glowing with pride!

Mon. 23- Back in the city and back to the swing of things! Exploring around my new hood, I happened upon this pop up art exhibit and was instantly blown away!!! I couldn't take any pics but got some of the web for you guys to see... def. go check out Hugh Miller! I'm not one for landscapes but really loved the abstract way he went about his paintings... new before 30 goal... buy a painting!!!

Tue. 24- I SAW MR. OBAMA TODAY!!!! It was such a bizarre feeling, I've never been one to be star struck and all that... and yet there I was... waiting by the palace gates for 2 hrs... just to catch a glimpse through semi tinted windows of my president... and now I have a giddy, school girl crush! I assure you I was able to see more than the pics lead on... all I had was my phone camera and it was dying! I did see him and he flashed a dazzling smile at me and waved... it was awesome!!!

 

Wed. 25- Still star struck from yesterday... you'll have to ahem, excuse me... Hub's work has softball team and we went out to cheer them on! They were short girl players so I even got to play for a bit! I even managed to hit the ball and run to first base... where I was tagged out =( Still had a lot of fun and contemplating maybe joining a team??? I've never been the athletic type, but then again I used to hate running so... maybe!

 What were you all up to this past week???

Blog Lovin...

This a just a test... blog lovin 1, 2, 3...


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MGMT...

Hello all! First let me start by saying... I saw Mr. Obama leaving the palace today!!! Must say, I have a bit of a crush now, his smile is dazzling and he just looked to friendly as he waved at us through his tintish car window... sigh! Unfortunately, I only had my phone on me (and it was dying) so while I did get some pics, they aren't the greatest... my memories will have to do. Will post as soon as I can!

OK now that I've just gushed that all out (I was just dying to share with someone!!!), onto music! It was around this time of year about 2 yrs ago that hub's, friends Anna, Rachel, Rory, and myself attempted to go see MGMT at McCarren Park Pool and failed... well kind of. Just one of the reasons I loved and miss NYC dearly... the free music in the park programs they have in the summers. When we found out that MGMT were playing... for free... and inside the old, now emptied pool of the park... well we were thrilled!!!!

Rory did it right and woke up extremely early and headed down by his lonesome to the park. We laughed at this and leisurely took our time getting ready, heading down, and then we sat it... the line to get in was wrapping around 2 blocks twice!!! We waited and moved forward in line, to no avail... Rory got in... we weren't laughing anymore. But since it was an out door thing, we stuck around and swung on the swings jamming out to to the music and every time the swing went high enough, I was able to catch a glimpse of the band!!!! Oh did I mention it was pouring and hub's decided we all needed to wear trashbags for protection... we rocked those trashbags!!!! I can honestly say it was a great day none the less and I will always think of us swinging in trashbags when I hear MGMT... hope you will too! I will post pics of this tomorrow for your entertainment!

my fave 10...

Electric Feel

Time To Pretend

Congratulations

Future Reflections

Love Always Remains

Indie Rokkers

Everythin'g's Happenin' So Fast

Weekend Wars

The Youth

Have any artists or bands that really jar up some good old memories??? Share with me! And let me know the memory too if you wanna.

Retro Kitchens...

Scouring the web for kitchen inspiration, I discovered another decor blog... meet Shelterness! Here you can find countless posts to inspire you in just about any area of the home and tons of diy projects. My favorite part... pictures galore!!! Hopefully this will make decorating with hub's loads easier... hopefully. Check out my favorite retro kitchens... all brought to by this post- 17 Retro Kitchens on Shelterness. I like the idea of mixing some retro and vintage pieces into our kitchen. Gives it a little more interest don't you think???

Decanters, Chandeliers, & Earrings...

clean graffiti...

Another reason why decanters are so freaking cool...

I'm loving this ballerina inspired outfit Bonnie is wearing at flashes of style...

Kid's say the darnest things...  

Swooning over chevron's over at srslyliz...

A book lover myself, these chandeliers are right up my alley...

Dreaming of the beach as I see Lina's fun pics over at rose a la mode....

An ever enchanting and whimsical photoshoot...

Perfectly styled outfits for floppy hats over at strawberry koi...

Some really nifty photography tips...

And another cool way to display and keep my earrings organized...

Just spending another lovely weekend with the hub's and his family out in the countryside... so nice to get away from the city sometimes you know? How are you spending your weekend? Lounging around or being active? Me, indulging in laziness... =)

I Phone 4G...

It's friday!!! I don't know about you guys, but the weeks seem to just fly by for me... maybe it's because I'm not working so everyday is a fun day, who knows =) As I stated earlier, I have my heart set on the white i phone 4g... and I have a one track mind! Those of you that know me... when I want something, I always get it... especially when I really, really want something! So I've been daydreaming about all the cute accessories for the i phone and am just thrilled to see how fashionable they've gotten. Here are some of my top picks on phone covers, all found on Etsy (i just love this place!)

1. dani notes stationary
2. hepburn 1028
3. plum street {prints}
4. rougue & co
5. cherry hill designs

With so many choices it'll be hard to choose... but I'm definitely leaning towards some sort of chevron or the heart initial tree... and my colors of preference are pale pink, grey, and white... surprise surprise! Well hubs and I are off to visit family this weekend and I can't wait! It's nice to be living in the hustle and bustle of the city and even nicer that we can get away when needed. On the agenda... family time, running, and more portfolio work... happy weekend all!!!

American Ladies & British Gents...

Hello friends!!! Is it all right if I call you that? Hope so cause I'm leaving it =) Well this week has been eventful but again, not quite sure if I captured all of it... must take more pics!!!

Thur. 12- Since hub's and I hadn't really purchased many pots, pans, and other necessarry kitchen items, we had been eating out or getting take out a lot! So much for saving money hu? But it's just so easy to do when your surrounded by so many yummy food places and I want to try them all!!! But anywho, we finally got our act together (sort of) and made our first home cooked meal... our favorite... shepard's pie!!!

perfectly toasted...

Fri. 13- Also known as denim day... also some dear friend's house warming party!!! Being the good little guest I am, I decided I would dazzle their taste buds with a really delish stuffed mushroom recipe from my all time fave cookbook.  I also had a killer outfit but forgot to have pics taken of me... oh well. Oh yea so when I arrived at the flat, I tripped on my heels and dropped my tray of mushrooms =( Talk about an entrance hu? But not to worry, friends quickly helped me scoop them off the floor and into the oven quoting the 5 second rule and that heat kills germs... we ate them and they were good!!! Oh and also, we pre-celebrated our 6 month wedding anniv. (yea I celebrate monthaversaries!) with some good old pizza and red wine, cause we're fancy!

before the floor & oven...

i'm such a good wife!!!

not the killer outfit i swear...

Sat. 14- Happy 6 months with hubs!!! I can't believe we've been married for half of a year already... it's nuts! We spent the morning together cuddling and then headed off to meet Shelby, Martin, Kathryn, and Michael for a triple date! These are my american friends (the gals) that I met nearly 4 yrs ago when I interned over here. The guys are brit... of course... and I couldn't help but smile at the fact that when we all first met, we were unmarried ladies. Now Kathryn and Michael have been married for about 3 yrs, hubs and I for half a yr., and Shelby is engaged to get married this Oct! Hooray for british men!!! Our date consisted of Richmond's May Fair, Pimm's at the local pub, and whole lot of german meats!!! It was magical =)

happy 6 months baby!!!

rings that bond us together...

fave game- crazy kitchen...

this was split by two...

kathryn & michael...

shelby & martin...

hubs & i...

Sun. 15- Just a lazy day... not much to report except we did a 5 mile walk, ate dinner at a cute little italian place just downstairs, and watched the kings speech... and yea it was pretty good!

Mon. 16- Finally found english muffins over here!!! Yep that's right folks, they aren't really english at all... who knew! Had a yummy breakfast after my run and worked on some projects...

Tue. 17- Kind of a repeat of Mon. ran, yummy breakfast, looked for more jobs online, and applied to some part time positions at local clothing and vintage stores... my new obsession/mission, getting enough money for an i phone!!! Hub's said if I can cover the cost of it and monthly service, it's mine!!! Hence the looking for any job now =)

Wed. 18- Kind of a repeat of Mon. and Tue... hmmm am I in a rut??? I had some success with the part time jobs and even managed to snag a couple of interviews... i phone I can almost feel you in my happy little hands already!!! Till next thur...