one of those days

So this is how I feel today because I am SO OVER WINTER and it is just one of those days, and I'm also super unhappy with my hair.  Thinking a change to something like this might be just the thing to cheer me up.  Now to find a decent salon that's open for walk-ins on a Friday....

copycat - anthro zinc letters

I REALLY love these letters - 

but I thought they were kind of silly expensive for more than one.  They aren't that big, and they're also real heavy.  So, I decided to make my own.  Weird decision for me - I'm NOT a DIY person....it's genetic.  Every time I want to own something "crafty" I usually search Etsy to see if someone out there can make it for me.  

This project....well I wouldn't call it successful.  See, I may have forgotten to lay down newspaper before spray painting them on the porch, and then may have left a stencil of our initials on our apartment's porch.  Personalized graffiti.....at least the letters turned out cute?!

Also, these will hang with double sided mounting tape.  

Here's what I used:

(Disclaimer: this is NOT a DIY post.  

This is a "spray paint some cardboard, please remember to put down newspaper first" recommendation.)  

THESE letters & numbers

THIS spray paint

THIS mounting tape

and bonus, Hobby Lobby only charges $2 shipping.  So all in all, about a $20 project.  If I had bought them at Anthro, it would've been $60 for the three letters.  WIN!  

workout wear favorites

jacket/shoes/tank/crops

As a part of our resolutions, me and Darrell are heading to the gym after work to start our weight training program today (fyi, I'm gonna give THIS program a try...wish me luck).   Since I work from home, and I try to get in a run or yoga class at least 4-5 days a week, it's kind of shameful how much time I spend in workout wear.  Seriously, I used to write a fashion blog, and then I started only getting  dressed up on the weekends and that kind of fell by the wayside!  

Since it's pretty much all I wear, I'm kind of obsessed with nice workout gear.  As in, the kind of stuff you can wash every.  single.  week.  and still have it look good as new.  These are my favorite picks right now - although honestly if you asked me I'd say invest in anything from lululemon.com in general - your man will thank you for the improved rear view, their pants are magic!  ; )

wednesday/monday and our resolutions

So I know it's Wednesday, but it sure feels like Monday.  Ever the optimist, rather than be sad it's time to get back to work I'll just focus on the fact that it's only a three day week!  

I love resolutions - I really they work for me.  In 2011 my resolution was to lose weight, and I lost 30 pounds.  I don't know that it was the fact that it was a "new years resolution" that made it stick, but ever since then, they've worked for me.  In 2012, I resolved the start working out (I lost the weight through diet alone).  I ran my first half marathon in May, and have kept up a consistent yoga practice all year long.  

This year I have more health related goals and some financial ones.  The Darrell and I have found that if we share goals, we're way more likely to accomplish it, so we made our resolutions together.  

In no particular order....

1.   Read more books.  

I love the read, but sometimes just sitting down and getting started on a few chapters is half the battle. It's way easier to flip through a website or browse Pinterest when I have some free time.  Those things don't provide the same escape from work.  Since I'm in a creative field, every time I'm online I find myself unconsciously looking for new inspiration for designs.  Reading is a creative diversion that's totally relaxing.  And as for Darrell....well he doesn't read much besides news articles.  He's not a fiction person, so he'll be reading more autobiographies, non-fiction books, etc.  

2.  Run 4 days a week.  

In the past year, I fell into a pattern of only heading out for a run 2, maybe 3 days a week.  That may be find for some people who aren't trying to increase their mileage, but this year I really want to step up my running, and improve my times.  Darrell is finishing up Couch to 5K, and he's made it farther than he ever has before.  I really think I've finally gotten him into running for good, and I'm looking forward to having a running buddy!

3.  Eat out only twice a month, cook healthy meals at home instead.  

We probably already don't eat out as much as most people, but every time we do, we don't eat as healthily as we'd like and we spend money we don't need to.  I think putting a limit on when we eat out will honestly make it even more special.  We can keep it to date nights at our favorite places, as opposed to just something close by when we don't feel like cooking.  

4.  Start a weight training regimen.  

I am a cardio junkie.  I think lifting weights is incredibly boring, and I've always felt like yoga is enough strength training for me, but lately I've gotten it into my head that we need to build strength and not just burn fat (duh.)  There's a gym right by our house that only costs $20/month for two people, so we're joining up today.  Not to mention that I'll now have access to a treadmill when the weather isn't good for outdoor running.  

5.  Stick to our financial game plan.  

Me and Darrell both have some debt, and we'd really like to get it paid off so that we can start saving for important things, like buying him a new car in a year or two, and saving up for a down payment on a house (!!!)  I won't bore you with the details, but I worked out a plan that involves us not spending much on any miscellaneous extras.  Sad face for my closet.