A little back-story is necessary here. I’ve known Rebecca for some time. My high school beau (ASB) and her now husband (Mr. S) were best buddies. We spent a little time together between lake vacays and shenanigans around Greensboro and- I’ll admit- I always thought she was the absolute coolest.  but back to her question… Good for you for jumping back into the exercise pool. I’ve had another question about running (from Miss Emily D) recently so I’ll try to kill two birds with one stone in answering this.  Let’s start here… yes, it does get easier! As you said, just keep going until it does. You have to build up the lung capacity for those deep breaths you’re taking, gal. And unfortunately that doesn’t happen overnight. When I started running, I tried to exercise without headphones in [groan. how boring] so I could play close attention to my breathing. Half the trick of running is really getting your breath down so you aren’t huffing and puffing your miles away.  My favorite tip for anyone starting off on the trails [ne treaddreadmill] is to give yourself a goal [mine is always to run 3.1 miles without stopping to walk]. Once you get to that goal (and you will- whatever that goal is), push yourself juuuuusstt a little further. Some days, that might be just to the top of the next hill. Other days, you’ll surprise yourself and crank out another mile and a half (those are the BEST runs!). Whether it be for another step, 30 seconds, or five minutes— just dig deep and do it. I always say you’ll be surprised how much “go get ‘em” you have left buried in your hull. Plus, this will help you build endurance.  Other necessities- a great playlist on your iPod, tennis shoes that are fitted @ a running store, a great outfit (because, let’s be honest, you work harder when you feel cute), a favorite route to run (some days that path will be the only thing dragging you out of the house), and a hand-held water bottle (I have this one) for the NC heat.  A few of my tricks? Run near a road— the passers by hold me accountable (or at least that’s what I tell myself). Chase your shadow (it helps with the hilly bits). Live for the runner’s high (little else comes close to that feeling) and the endorphin’s. Oh, the endorphin’s! Here are a few of my favorite running posts & a few other tips: Watch out for snakes (true story- that happened 3 days after I found out I was pregnant), never sell yourself short, and ask yourself the comical question- what makes you run (you’ll never have a dull moment alone with your thoughts after that).  I take from everyday experiences; I pull energy from where I can and from those around me. I’m inspired by ordinary people called to do extraordinary things. I put one foot in front of another until I’m moving, running, flying. Somethings you can talk about, write about and dream about. Other things you just have to get out there and make happen. Running is one of them.  Peace, love, and swooshing pony tails. EPH  ps- ditto to you on the last bit (only, replace “dog” with “children”) oxo

A little back-story is necessary here. I’ve known Rebecca for some time. My high school beau (ASB) and her now husband (Mr. S) were best buddies. We spent a little time together between lake vacays and shenanigans around Greensboro and- I’ll admit- I always thought she was the absolute coolest. 

but back to her question…

Good for you for jumping back into the exercise pool. I’ve had another question about running (from Miss Emily D) recently so I’ll try to kill two birds with one stone in answering this. 

Let’s start here… yes, it does get easier! As you said, just keep going until it does. You have to build up the lung capacity for those deep breaths you’re taking, gal. And unfortunately that doesn’t happen overnight. When I started running, I tried to exercise without headphones in [groan. how boring] so I could play close attention to my breathing. Half the trick of running is really getting your breath down so you aren’t huffing and puffing your miles away. 

My favorite tip for anyone starting off on the trails [ne treaddreadmill] is to give yourself a goal [mine is always to run 3.1 miles without stopping to walk]. Once you get to that goal (and you will- whatever that goal is), push yourself juuuuusstt a little further. Some days, that might be just to the top of the next hill. Other days, you’ll surprise yourself and crank out another mile and a half (those are the BEST runs!). Whether it be for another step, 30 seconds, or five minutes— just dig deep and do it. I always say you’ll be surprised how much “go get ‘em” you have left buried in your hull. Plus, this will help you build endurance. 

Other necessities- a great playlist on your iPod, tennis shoes that are fitted @ a running store, a great outfit (because, let’s be honest, you work harder when you feel cute), a favorite route to run (some days that path will be the only thing dragging you out of the house), and a hand-held water bottle (I have this one) for the NC heat. 

A few of my tricks? Run near a road— the passers by hold me accountable (or at least that’s what I tell myself). Chase your shadow (it helps with the hilly bits). Live for the runner’s high (little else comes close to that feeling) and the endorphin’s. Oh, the endorphin’s!

Here are a few of my favorite running posts & a few other tips: Watch out for snakes (true story- that happened 3 days after I found out I was pregnant), never sell yourself short, and ask yourself the comical question- what makes you run (you’ll never have a dull moment alone with your thoughts after that). 

I take from everyday experiences; I pull energy from where I can and from those around me. I’m inspired by ordinary people called to do extraordinary things. I put one foot in front of another until I’m moving, running, flying. Somethings you can talk about, write about and dream about. Other things you just have to get out there and make happen. Running is one of them. 

Peace, love, and swooshing pony tails.

EPH 

ps- ditto to you on the last bit (only, replace “dog” with “children”) oxo

Friday Things A DIY honeycomb bookcase? Be still my bee loving heart! Boxwoods, glorious wide-open patio space, and vintage french doors = dream living. (photo via) For any of you fellow beach bums, this Bobbi Brown perfume is a must have. I’ve been sporting it all week & while I’d still much rather be lying face down in the sand, it’s a rather nice alternative.  A lightened up cucumber Pimm’s cup cocktail. Lemon, orange, mint, and rosemary (which happen to be flourishing in my herb garden)? Sign me up! Can’t wait to try this DIY gold polka-dot trick on some plain white serving pieces.  Peony season is one of my favorite times of the year and I love the single bud vases to hold the bright pink floral treasures. (photo via) This bedding option from Serena & Lilly. While I’m normally a fan of stark white sheets, something about this gingham, chambray, toile combo is so inviting. ((plus, take 20% off all Serena & Lilly orders now through 5/20)) not pictured: the Pretty Woman theme song I downloaded and have be-bopped on down the road to over the past few days. I do this super nifty shoulder dance while I’m driving and sing far too loud for my own good. It’s quite lame and I love it.  Happy almost weekend, folks!

Friday Things

A DIY honeycomb bookcase? Be still my bee loving heart!

Boxwoods, glorious wide-open patio space, and vintage french doors = dream living. (photo via)

For any of you fellow beach bums, this Bobbi Brown perfume is a must have. I’ve been sporting it all week & while I’d still much rather be lying face down in the sand, it’s a rather nice alternative. 

A lightened up cucumber Pimm’s cup cocktail. Lemon, orange, mint, and rosemary (which happen to be flourishing in my herb garden)? Sign me up!

Can’t wait to try this DIY gold polka-dot trick on some plain white serving pieces. 

Peony season is one of my favorite times of the year and I love the single bud vases to hold the bright pink floral treasures. (photo via)

This bedding option from Serena & Lilly. While I’m normally a fan of stark white sheets, something about this gingham, chambray, toile combo is so inviting. ((plus, take 20% off all Serena & Lilly orders now through 5/20))

not pictured: the Pretty Woman theme song I downloaded and have be-bopped on down the road to over the past few days. I do this super nifty shoulder dance while I’m driving and sing far too loud for my own good. It’s quite lame and I love it. 

Happy almost weekend, folks!

Wednesday Thursday Wonders: In addition to my regular loose, boho tops and flowy dresses for spring, apparently I’ve also fallen hard for patterns and prints. And really- I’m quite alright with that. Hopefully some of these goodies (that maxi dress is TDF) would give my regular rotation of neutrals a little more depth.  1- Leifsdottir buttondown // 2- Toms Ikat wedges // 3- Saturday “sexy back” tee (available in 5 colors; I’d go with tangerine) // 4- tiny heart ring // 5- Anthro necklace (which looks mighty fine with #7) // 6- Love & Ice Cream tee // 7- Club Monaco dress // 8- Anthro maxi dress // 9- Joie shorts // 10- Peony scented candle // 11- polka dot espadrilles 

Wednesday Thursday Wonders:

In addition to my regular loose, boho tops and flowy dresses for spring, apparently I’ve also fallen hard for patterns and prints. And really- I’m quite alright with that. Hopefully some of these goodies (that maxi dress is TDF) would give my regular rotation of neutrals a little more depth. 

1- Leifsdottir buttondown // 2- Toms Ikat wedges // 3- Saturday “sexy back” tee (available in 5 colors; I’d go with tangerine) // 4- tiny heart ring // 5- Anthro necklace (which looks mighty fine with #7) // 6- Love & Ice Cream tee // 7- Club Monaco dress // 8- Anthro maxi dress // 9- Joie shorts // 10- Peony scented candle // 11- polka dot espadrilles 

World, meet my fancy shorts.

When I splurged on these suckers a few weeks ago [and yes, they were quite the splurge] my coworkers and I joked that while cute, we weren’t sure I had many places to wear them. You know, being that they aren’t work appropriate and all and that my nightlife is rather trending toward the boring to nonexistent side these days. 

But fear not! I found a reason to break out the fancy shorts last weekend at the beach ((& the elastic waistband was quite appropriate given the gigantor honey glazed croissant I wolfed down in near record time)). 

shorts: DvF (also here) // vegan leather jacket: Free People (a few more sizes here) // sleeveless chambray blouse: Madewell // sunnies: House of Harlow (think these are pretty slick as well) // pumps: Steven by Steve Madden // woven bag: Target 

These here things are reusable “paper” towels from the Etsy shop mamamade, handmade in a bunch of patterns.  My inner tree-hugging hippie absolutely loves them and I just use them for nightly kitchen clean-up and toss them in the wash.  I have no idea how many paper towels we have saved, but our consumption has significantly decreased.  You attach them to an old cardboard roll and voila, they are “just” like what you are used to. [via linthemorning, thepreppyhippielife]  Remember way back when- I let you all in on my deep, dark secret of paper towel hoarding? Yeah, this just might be the perfect solution…  except without the chevron pattern. I can’t deal with anymore chevron. 

These here things are reusable “paper” towels from the Etsy shop mamamade, handmade in a bunch of patterns.  My inner tree-hugging hippie absolutely loves them and I just use them for nightly kitchen clean-up and toss them in the wash.  I have no idea how many paper towels we have saved, but our consumption has significantly decreased.  You attach them to an old cardboard roll and voila, they are “just” like what you are used to. [via linthemorning, thepreppyhippielife] 

Remember way back when- I let you all in on my deep, dark secret of paper towel hoarding? Yeah, this just might be the perfect solution… 

except without the chevron pattern. I can’t deal with anymore chevron. 

Considering my adoration for all things bee themed, I’m sure these honeycomb dining chairs would be an acceptable purchase. Only- I’ve been banned from buying any more chairs much in the same manner that I’ve been banned from buying throw pillows. drat.

Considering my adoration for all things bee themed, I’m sure these honeycomb dining chairs would be an acceptable purchase. Only- I’ve been banned from buying any more chairs much in the same manner that I’ve been banned from buying throw pillows.

drat.

Do you all remember the first time you felt like a true honest-to-goodness adult? 

I do (though I was far from it at the ripe old age of 13).

It was July 1996 (I only remember the date so vividly because I flew into LaGuardia – alone – two days after the TWA disaster). I was visiting my Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin Jane for a long week and had plans to hop from Greenwich to Manhattan and Quogue before ending up in Washington, DC to meet up with the rest of the family.

I don’t recall the specifics of that trip but strangely enough some of the most minute details [movie night in Quogue with Jane complete with Twizzlers, meeting Robert De Niro at her Tribeca office, a shopping spree at the REAL Saks Fifth Avenue, learning how to put gas in the car thanks to a complete stranger on the LIE] all still stick out fresh in my mind like they were just yesterday. I felt special. Very, very special. Pretty Woman-ish only without the prostitute part. And the falling in love bit. Okay, maybe it was more Eloise than Pretty Woman.

This flood of memories was all brought while reading the New York Times and learning about the death of Kenneth Battelle. That very same trip, I was treated to a serious big girl haircut (and I don’t think I’ve had one that fancy since) at Kenneth Salon in the Waldorf Astoria. Though I’m sure the tides have turned and it’s not nearly as booshie as it once was, I remember it as the Taj Mahal of hair salons. Kenneth himself had styled Jackie O. and Marilyn (imagine managing that book to be sure the two paths never crossed!) and what a treat it was to feel so grown up.

What are some of your favorite memories as an adult go-between? 

In totality, this is how I feel about today:

image

Go home Monday, you’re drunk. // via haygirlhay

this weekend I’ll spare you all the gushing- it was beyond perfect. I left the beach [& my parents] yesterday feeling refreshed and relaxed (though, with big fat tears in my eyes) for the first time in weeks. I was able to unwind and take it easy which I very much needed. It appears as a though the salty sea air was good for my soul and while I’m ready to tackle another week, I’m not super sure I wouldn’t rather be somewhere else… guess that’s just the way the cookie crumbles I hope all of you Mommies out there had a very special day yesterday. While I did have a rogue “feel sorry for myself moment” I whole-heartedly realize that my Mother-in-waiting status is exactly where the good Lord intended for me to be right this second. But for the record, Windsor & Blake did treat me to an obnoxious teetering sea salted caramel ice cream cone on our way home from Sunday supper with the H’s. Which- in my eyes- makes all right with the world. 

this weekend

I’ll spare you all the gushing- it was beyond perfect. I left the beach [& my parents] yesterday feeling refreshed and relaxed (though, with big fat tears in my eyes) for the first time in weeks. I was able to unwind and take it easy which I very much needed. It appears as a though the salty sea air was good for my soul and while I’m ready to tackle another week, I’m not super sure I wouldn’t rather be somewhere else…

guess that’s just the way the cookie crumbles

I hope all of you Mommies out there had a very special day yesterday. While I did have a rogue “feel sorry for myself moment” I whole-heartedly realize that my Mother-in-waiting status is exactly where the good Lord intended for me to be right this second. But for the record, Windsor & Blake did treat me to an obnoxious teetering sea salted caramel ice cream cone on our way home from Sunday supper with the H’s.

Which- in my eyes- makes all right with the world. 

breathe, stretch, shake, and take it easy on yourself, kid

This week… 

Where do I even start with explaining this? I had a revelation of sorts on Monday. The stress, the pressure, the feeling of constantly having to raise the bar that I’ve placed upon myself has got to stop.

I- for as long as I can remember- have been my own worst critic. I constantly feel that I’m the only person in the world that can really push myself as far as humanly possible. That I’m the only one [deep down] that understands my true wants, desires, and goals. Not that this is a downfall of any sorts (because it’s made me aggressive and I rather like that trait in myself) but I can be overbearing on pushing myself to go farther! dig deeper! make it work no matter what! Call me intense. Anyone that has ever met me in real life will agree; and let me raise my hand and second that nomination. 

After all the shit I’ve carried on my shoulders for the last 6 months, I have learned to let go of the external things I can’t control. And now it’s time to take it easy on myself. To throttle back and just coast for a little while. 

I realize that I can’t always be the best at everything but- for the longest time- that hasn’t kept me from trying. Even when the odds were insurmountably stacked against me I was bound and damn determined to make a go at it. Which sounds rather foolish at this point doesn’t it? Why not just cut my losses and save the energy for something that I’m really good at? 

Which is exactly what I plan to do moving forward. I can’t do it all. I can’t constantly make everyone happy and it’s time that I learn to accept that [before we make life real crazy when children are added to the picture]. And that’s okay. No one expects me to. Rather, I expected it of myself. 

So this week I’ve tried to scale back on everything. I’ve pushed myself a bit less on my runs— which have actually accounted for slower miles and more enjoyable alone time for me. I have started a regular yoga routine [with a high school bud of mine at the helm as my yogi]. I’ve taken some time for me to read and cook; two things that bring me great joy and balance.

And that leaves us here. On a gorgeous Southern Friday morning with the sun shining and a whole weekend ahead.Me- a gal with no plan for much of anything except wading [knee-deep] into her own happiness. 

TGIF, folks.

oxo