I’ve also been trying my hand at felt flowers for a wreath project that I hope to have done this week. Not too bad for my first felt flower, but more on that later.
Happy Tuesday!
Monthly Archives: November 2011
10K: Crushed!
Yesterday I was sitting on the couch, enjoying the reactivation of my cable and internet again, when I realized that I’m only 6 months to my 30th birthday. Not only do I have ‘Finish a 10K’ on my goal for this month, but it’s also on my 30 before 30 list (which needs to be revamped a bit). The original plan was to complete the Iron Girl 10K in Del Mar last weekend. However, while the training went well, I just wasn’t running fast enough to finish in the designated time. I never claimed to be a fast runner, my goal has always been to FINISH a 10K.
At first I was discouraged and felt a bit like a failure for not being able to complete the race. Then I had a second thought, I can still finish this 10K. I trained too hard to just give up or let the race get the better of me. So I decided to bypass the race and complete the 10K at home.
Yesterday I laced up my shoes, jumped on my treadmill and completed my 10K. I finished in 1:49:20. The treadmill reset when it hit 100 minutes so you can only see the last 9 minutes in the image.
Source: happyfitness.tumblr.com via Addison on Pinterest
I’m proud that I finished, even though I didn’t have a race course cheering me on. I’m proud that I made the decision to bypass the race when I knew I would miss the course limit.
I’m not letting anyone take this away from me. Because even though some people may think I copped out by skipping the race. I did it, and that’s more than most can say.
Source: squareone1226.blogspot.com via Kimberly on Pinterest
I’m still taking a break from running right now, but after a lengthy text conversation with my brother, I may be considering a Half Marathon next year. It would be fun to see them on the sidelines cheering me on.
I’m Feeling Inspired – Fall Fashions
So most of these outfits are things that I wish it was cold enough to wear, but lovely all the same.
This is my favorite, hands down. I could wear this easily in our climate and just add tights on the colder days.
Source: polyvore.com via Addison on Pinterest
Love the blue accents in this look.
Source: polyvore.com via Addison on Pinterest
I think it’s clear to say that I have a style. Jeans, neutral top and sweater, with pops of color. I like the green, it would feel springy on a fall day; although, I would swap out the style of green shoe…probably for flip flops (I’m a total Cali girl).
Source: scribbleandtone.blogspot.com via Addison on Pinterest
Love this so much, except I don’t have the boots…yet.
Source: polyvore.com via Addison on Pinterest
Probably more of a winter outfit in this part of the state, but the colors are very ‘me’.
Source: polyvore.com via Addison on Pinterest
Since I work at home this is a little too fancy for everyday,but it would be perfect for when I do have to go to an office.
Source: polyvore.com via Addison on Pinterest
Yet another favorite, the colors are just perfect for Fall.
Source: flickr.com via Addison on Pinterest
…and for a night out. Just pair with some tights, heels or boots. So versatile and looks so comfy.
Source: modcloth.com via Addison on Pinterest
Great casual look, though sheer tops have never been a favorite for me. I do love the pattern on this one though so it may work well.
Source: birdsnest.com.au via Addison on Pinterest
Love the top. Just wish I could pull off the higher waist jeans.
Source: southernbelleblog2.tumblr.com via Addison on Pinterest
Some more favorites…
Source: inthenameofbeauty.tumblr.com via Addison on Pinterest
Source: weheartit.com via Addison on Pinterest
Source: polyvore.com via Addison on Pinterest
Changing My Destiny Is Now On Tumblr
In between cleaning my entire house, I’m also working on the dining room moulding and refinishing the hope chest, along with a couple other fun crafts this weekend. I hope to share a few of those next week once I have Internet again.
In the meantime, I wanted to let you know that Changing My Destiny is now on Tumblr. The Tumblr feed will be different from the blog in the sense that it will be my random musing, fun/inspirational quotes, pictures that don’t necessarily relate to the blog posts for that day.
If your interested feel free to stop by and check it out. I’ll be back with a Fall Fashion Inspiration post tomorrow and hopefully some project fun next week.
Have a Great Weekend!!
Healthy Lifestyle Goal – Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis
In the journey of weight loss (which has been life long for me), my problem has never really been the workout side of things. Once I get into a rhythm of working out regularly I can often stick with it, and even look forward to it. However,I’ve been struggling lately with the type of exercise that I enjoy doing. For the past few months I was training for the 10K and even though I saw significant progress, I can’t really say that I truly liked it all the time. So as I ended my training, I decided to step back from the running and try out some other activities.
No matter how long I sit here, thinking about what I should do, the only thing I want to do is Dance.
Source: thanks-to-dance.tumblr.com via Addison on Pinterest
Dancing is a constant for me, it’s a passion, it’s a pivotal as breathing. I’ve danced in one way or another my entire life, covering all types of styles, but my own insecurities held me back from really pursuing my passion of being a dancer when I was younger.
It doesn’t have to be in a class or a social setting, just dancing in my living room gives me the same happiness. When I’m dancing, I feel the most like me. The me that isn’t silenced by insecurities. The me that isn’t afraid of being judged by others. The me that isn’t worried about tomorrow.
I feel like the strong, sexy, beautiful, smart woman that I know I am deep inside.
Source: bippityboppityboo.tumblr.com via Felecia on Pinterest
I enjoy running…I LOVE dancing.
Source: lalunemacherie.tumblr.com via Addison on Pinterest
So for this reason, I’m setting running aside for now (although I do plan to keep up with my promise of completing the 10K this month). In place of the recent training I’m starting a new workout program, Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis.
Per the website…
In the newly released Metamorphosis by Tracy, you will transform your body, defy your genetics, and create the body that you never thought possible. Prepare to be challenged throughout this 90-day program that includes 9 discs of transforming muscular structure work, designed for your specific body types, a cardio component, and a dynamic eating plan. Experience this total transformation through your own Metamorphosis!
The program is offered for several different body types, I chose Omnicentric, as it focuses on the whole body. The other options were Abcentric, Hipcentric, or Glutecentric. You can find out more about each program on her site.
Why did I choose this program?
I’ve tried out Tracy’s Method before and I liked the mix of dance and muscle work, it was easy enough to follow once you’ve done it a few times, yet incredibly challenging. I also know several others who have used Meta and saw amazing results. So after much thought I purchased the 90 day program which included the Cardio Dance sequence as well as Muscle work DVDs for the next 90 days. The workout takes only an hour a day, which is perfect for my schedule.
What about the included Food Plan?
The food plan for Meta is by far the most controversial part of the method, and I agree with a lot of the concerns. The plan, for the most part, is incredibly low calorie. However, the lowest calorie days are meant as a reset, they are not meant to be used long term as your primary eating lifestyle. Tracy is very honest that her plan is a lot of work and takes dedication, you get out what you put in. This is not a justification, I don’t agree with the low calorie diet included in the program, but I think a lot of people generalize that the eating plan included in the plan is meant to be eaten for the rest of your life. It’s not.
With that said, I’m not following the eating plan. I agree that I would probably see faster results by following the included diet, but it’s not how I want to live. I will be following my own eating plan and using the BodyBugg to keep track of my calorie burn, so that I can refuel appropriately. I feel that this would be the right course of action for me since I’m trying to get in a healthy lifestyle, not fit into a certain dress in 90 days. Based on the past few days, my calorie burn has been so high that I could eat up to 2000 calories still lose weight, so right now I’m on track.
Source: shredesign.com via Rae on Pinterest
I started this plan several days ago and I’m already seeing incredible progress. I feel stronger and I’m seeing an increase in my endurance everyday. I feel the burn…quite literally. My abs hurt so bad after day 2 that I nearly cried when I had to sneeze.
I’m also down 5 lbs already!!!
Now, this is almost 100% water weight, but I’ll take it anyway. It brings me halfway to my monthly goal of losing 10lbs and I’m officially down 20 lbs from my highest weight. (cue the happy dance!)
Progress/Rewards
I’m all about motivation and, let’s face it, that nice “I’m healthy” feeling just doesn’t do it all the time. So in an effort to keep myself motivated I’ve created a reward plan that would ‘give’ me a reward for every 5 lb weight loss. For every 5lbs lost, I get something. It could be a pedicure, new shoes, trip to the movies, a new book, mini shopping spree at Sephora…etc.
The program works off 10 day intervals, so I’ll be posting updates every 10 days for the next 90 days. During the 10 Day updates, I will also share any rewards I have earned and any new goals.
I’m excited about this new venture. If anyone is curious, I’ll be happy to share my honest opinions of the program along the way and answer any questions you may have. If you’re doing the program already I’d love to know that too.
I’m also looking for reward suggestions…What would be on your reward list??
Girls Shopping Day at The Forum, San Diego
Now, this center is not the biggest out there, but it has the best stores and atmosphere, in my opinion. The Forum is located in Carlsbad and always has front row parking (a very special thing indeed).
The day actually started at JoAnn’s, where I picked up the fabric for two different projects that should be posted in the next few weeks. Next up we stopped at the bookstore and Michael’s, just to browse. It happen to be raining on Sunday, and the entire populate of northern San Diego was out shopping so we hopped in the car and headed to our next stop.
We scored front row parking and stopped at all our favorite stores.
- Coldwater Creek
- Anthropologie (my personal favorite)
- ULTA
- Sur La Table
- Z Gallerie
- Ann Taylor Loft
They have plenty of other popular stores. The center is relaxed, near the ocean, and just plain awesome. Some of the stores we didn’t go into, but are pretty damn cool:
- Lululemon
- MAC
- Victoria’s Secret
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- White House/Black Market
They also have a dozen smaller, lesser known stores, and several restaurants.
Honestly I think I love this center because it reminds me of a shopping center I love in Newport Beach, only far less crowded. If only it was closer to me, I would be in heaven.
(I’ll be back later today to share my new workout program, and how I’m doing on the goal of losing 10 lbs this month. Hint: I’m crushing it so far!)
Spare Bathroom Reveal – 3rd Floor
Just like the Powder Room, and the Laundry Room…this room was all white when I purchased the house. I’m torn on whether this was a good or bad thing. It was so sterile I rushed to paint every room as quickly as possible; but on the other hand, they were an excellent blank canvas. Bad picture is courtesy of the home listing, apparently they were completely averse to vertical pictures. However, it’s the only one that still shows you the ugly brass door knobs and ‘padded room’ white design.
Unfortunately it was so much harder to figure out how to design this room. I started out with a light pink, and it was going to be very girly…too girly. Then I thought grey would be better since this was a spare bathroom, and I thought going gender neutral would be a smarter design choice. However, the grey I bought was really baby blue. I painted one wall in this bathroom three different colors before I landed on a deep olive green.
It’s actually very similar to a Semi Gloss Army Green.
In fact I was so giddy to finally find a color that worked that I bought a whole gallon of it. So now I have an almost full gallon of semi gloss olive green paint left to use somewhere else (not sure where yet).
So why did I pick green? It was all because of the towels I found at Target. It’s a little difficult to get a great picture of the deep tones, but they are a really rich palette; with dark brown, deep teal, rust, burgundy, and cream. Shortly after finding the towels,I came across the metal art at Homegoods, it was perfect.
Back when I lived in the apartment, I had purchased the dark wood hutch for extra storage. I almost didn’t bring it with me when I moved, but it actually worked out great in this room. It added the storage that is very lacking and matched the hardware that I added.
This is the bathroom overnight guests would use so it’s fully stocked with all the essentials in case anyone should forget something at home, or decide to stay last minute.
The knobs are from Anthropologie and make me swoon.
The towel hardware was on clearance at Bed Bath & Beyond. I picked up a second one for another bathroom as well. I actually wish I had bought a few more, but they were out by the time I went back. These replaced the cheapo builder grade silver hardware.
The curtain hardware was also a standard oil rubbed bronze rod purchased from BB & Beyond. However, the curtain itself is just fabric from JoAnn’s. I had used this as my bedroom curtains at the apartment, but the cream color matched the towels and the subtle design seemed to play well in the room.
I only needed to add a shower curtain liner which I picked up for super cheap at Wal-Mart.
…however the fabric is a little long and I still need to hem the curtains.
The accessories were random odds and ends that I had stashed around the house.
I love this statue. I wish I could recall where I bought it from. When in doubt, Homegoods is probably a good guess. (It may have also come from Cost Plus World Market)
Yet, my favorite part of the entire room is this section. I love the star and that candle, they make me happy.
I still have some things I’d like to do in here; such as replace the vanity and the flooring, but otherwise I love the way it turned out.
I don’t have a specific cost breakdown for this one since I didn’t itemize as much before I started the blog. Although, with the help of my trusty calculator (I suck at math), I estimate it was around $100. I bought a lot of things on clearance/sale and I used coupons as well, so this room was a bargain.
SHOWING THE LOVE!!
Linking To: Thrifty Decor Chick, Between Naps on the Porch, Keeping It Simple, Craft-O-Maniac, The Girl Creative, Making the World Cuter, Today’s Creative Blog, Not JUST A Housewife, Savvy Southern Style, We Are That Family, Very Merry Vintage Style, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Beyond The Picket Fence, The ArtsyGirl Connection, Between U & Me, The Crafty Nest, Remodelaholic, Addicted 2 Decorating, The Shabby Nest, The French Country Cottage, Dear Creatives, 5 Minutes Just For Me, The Not So Functional Housewife, Funky Junk Interiors
I’m Feeling Inspired – Fall/Autumn Inspired Crafts
Herbal Fire Starter
I think these are the coolest thing, but I can’t use them at my house since I have a gas fireplace. However, these would make a great filler for a Autumn housewarming basket for those that have traditional wood fireplaces. I can only imagine how great the house would smell with these crackling on the fire.
Source: wholeliving.com via Addison on Pinterest
Yarn Turkey
Ok, I know this is geared for kids. However, I really want to make this myself. Each ‘feather’ has a thing you’re thankful for listed on it.
The Thankful Tree
If the Thankful Turkey above doesn’t do it for you, maybe this Thankful tree will. I think I may make this for my ‘mantle’ this year. It’s simple, beautiful, and can act as a great conversation starter on Thanksgiving day as people read the messages.
Source: simplyvintagegirl.com via Addison on Pinterest
Tissue Paper Luminaries
This is such an easy way to dress up your glass candle holders for the holidays. Imagine all the possibilities year round. I’m picturing a beautiful collection of pastel papered luminaries for Easter/Spring.
Found Object Vase Filler
Granted you can buy everything in this vase, but I think it would be much more fun to take a walk with your kids (or dog…for us single gals/guys) on Thanksgiving morning and collect some twigs, acorns, and leaves for the dinner table centerpiece.
As a kid we always made a version of the Yarn Turkey, usually made out of pinecones, handprints, and/or gumdrops. To this day I don’t like gumdrops because of eating so many while making those turkeys in class.
Do you have any Thanksgiving/Autumn projects you are doing this year? Anything special you do with your kids, I’d love to hear about great holiday traditions.
On My Bookshelf – Life of Pi
In those last few weeks of existence, I roamed several Borders as if books themselves were never going to be found again. I love books, bookstores, and libraries. I bought close to a dozen books during those weeks, but one really stood out.
I had heard really great things about Life of Pi, and this was a hardcopy illustrated version. I ‘heart’ hardcopy books in particular, but that isn’t really what sold me on buying the book.
That little pink sticky note did it. As I flipped through the book in the store, I almost put it back. While it looked interesting, I just wasn’t sure if I wanted to buy it. I honestly thought I might just get it at the library.
However, as I closed the book, I noticed the pink note.
“Get This! (it’ll make you happy!)”
I don’t know why I trust a little pink sticky note left by a stranger, but I felt like I needed to follow the advice on this one, so I bought it that day. My mom actually started reading it first and spent quite some time in tears before giving it back to me, unfinished. So I’m not so sure how happy I’ll be in the end, but I’ll go with the note and give it a shot.
Have you read Life of Pi? What are you reading right now?
November Penny Donation Campaign – Toys for Tots
Some common ways you can help…
- Making financial donation to a charity of your choice
- Donate your time to a local soup kitchen or hospital
- Have your kids help you pick a toy to be donated to Toys for Tots or local family shelter (Get the entire family involved!)
If you live in a county that has a 211 help line then you can simply dial 211 from any landline (some counties support cell phone 211 calls) and be connected to social service resources in your area. Meaning you can call this line if you need help and also if you want to offer help. I used to work for a local 211 line and it is an amazing service. I can’t tell you how many people would call needing help with food, toys, child care, shelter, utility payments, etc. This resource, if offered in your county, is available year round. However, I point this out now, because these call centers should also have a list of locations that need donations and volunteers during the holidays.
If you need help at this time of year, please consider 211 a resource. There are amazing services out there that can help you and your family and asking for help is never something to be ashamed of. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help, and I applaud those that take action to help themselves and their families. There are even resources that can help you with obtaining a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving.
I strongly believe that a building a tradition of giving back during the holidays (and year round) is an amazing legacy you can leave. If you have the time or resources, please consider giving back this year. It doesn’t need to cost you a cent, your time can be a great help as well.
November Penny Donation Campaign
In fact, you can help me on the blog to give back, and it won’t cost you a cent. Consider your ‘visit’ a donation. In addition to other donations that I’ll be making, I am officially launching the November Penny Donation Campaign.
For every visit to this blog during the month of November, I will donate one penny to Toys for Tots. At the end of the month, I’ll take the final visit count and calculate the donation.
Only a penny?
Granted a penny doesn’t seem like much, but it adds up, and together I think we can gather a nice sum for them. I figured this would be an interactive way that others can give back without breaking into the bank, while also building my blog.
Every Visit Equals One Penny!
It’s as simple as that! Just visit the blog once a day and your visit will count toward a donation to Toys for Tots.
I would love to hear any stories about how you give back during the holidays. You can leave your story in the comments or feel free to email me. I’d love to put together a post near the end of the month with a collection of ways people help in their communities. Please feel free to tell your story anonymously as well.
*Based on current visit counts I don’t plan on setting a maximum amount that I will donate for this campaign; however, if the visit counter increases to an amazing number, I may need to put a maximum donation limit in place. I’ll let you know where we’re at as we approach the middle of the month. Also, at this time I do not employ any type of advertising on the site. I will not be financially profiting from an increase in visits, just in case anyone was wondering.
