Harvest Vision Boards with The Lemon Bowl DC
On Thursday, the 29th of September 2016, Kim Pendleton hosted
The Arrival of a Notable person: YOU!
The 25 day Advent Calendar is used to pass the time until some people's favorite day - Christmas! However, there are so many cultures and religions and celebrations, we must re-brand the Holiday season as something more universal. And what's more universal than spreading good cheer by doing some good for the people and community around us?
The 25 day Advent Calendar is used to pass the time until some people's favorite day - Christmas! However, there are so many cultures and religions and celebrations, we must re-brand the Holiday season as something more universal. And what's more universal than spreading good cheer by doing some good for the people and community around us?
Pick 25 of the below suggestions (or 2 a week, whatever you honestly can muster) and write them on scraps of paper and put them in a jar/ bow/ empty something and reach in a grab one each day - an act of service that will most-definitely lift yours and others' spirits during a sometimes challenging time of year.
Being happily and usefully whole is the strongest gift, and is the true source of the joy people seek.
I'm grateful for the moments we can communally share in that, religious title or not.
All the love. x/Amy
DELIVER TREATS
to neighbors, to a police or fire station, to those less fortunate, etc.
Bring hot drinks to someone who’s been outside in the cold all day
DONATIONS
Used clothing
Used books to library
Home Items and Toys
Give blankets to the homeless/ make Homeless Care Packages (don’t forget feminine hygeine products!) and keep them in your car or in your purse.
To a local religious, philanthropic, or community institution
Choose non-perishable food items to donate to a local food bank // find or help create a food bank.
Together choose an unused toy to donate to a charity, such as Toys for Tots
Gather games to donate to children at a children’s hospital
Donate food to an animal shelter – it’s a good idea to call ahead to see what type of food is needed or if there are special needs
Donate new pajamas to a local youth shelter
GENEROSITY
Pay for a stranger’s coffee.
Or library fines
Over-tip your waitress
Bring a DIY cooking or craft treat to someone who lives alone.
Adopt and partner with a low-income family via The Giving Tree – a Giving Tree pairs families with families in your area who can’t afford gifts for their children.
Leave a bag of quarters – with a note – on a washer at a laundromat or on a parking meter
Make a card and deliver it with flowers to an elderly neighbor
Deliver cases of bottled water to a local shelter or the Red Cross – you could also call ahead and ask if there are other emergency supplies that would be helpful to donate
GRATITUDE
Write gratitudes on strips of construction or metallic paper to make a paper chain or decorative flowers for easy, thoughtful holiday decorations.
Write lists or what you’re thankful for, alone or in groups.
Make a “grateful jar” for each family member and whenever you think of something you’re grateful for about that family member, write it down and place it in their jar
THANK YOU LETTERS
Mail deliverers
Garbage collectors
Create a Thank You basket (and see if you can empty it by Christmas!) – fill a basket with small gifts and supplies to write thank you notes and every time you have opportunity – the mail deliverer, the garbage collectors, the recycling truck driver, etc – grab a little gift or write them a thank you note to honor their service and tell you how much you appreciate them
Teachers or Supervisors
PRAY, formally, or in your own unique way - write “Let So-and-So be happy” once a day for the 25 days; Say, “Please,” in the morning and, “Thank You,” at night.
For all the people in our lives
To be happily and usefully whole
WRITE handwritten letters.
Mail a card to a relative that you have not seen in awhile
Send a birthday card or Christmas card to a missionary or to a member of their family
LET SOMEONE ahead of you in line.
HOLD THE DOOR open for someone.
VISIT nursing home.
Deposit coins in some parking meters downtown.
Serve at local soup kitchen.
HOST friends for dinner.
Take meal to a family.
Give your siblings a gift.
Record an audiobook for Librivox
With your child, fund a $25 micro-loan via Kiva.org and help them track how the loan is paid back. This is a FANTASTIC way to interface lessons about generosity, financial stewardship, and economics.
Pack a Christmas shoebox for Operation Shoebox
Draw a cheery picture for someone who’s ill or grieving.
Eat at least one meal a week as a family. If appropriate, volunteer ahead of time to help make or serve meals as well.
Read at a local nursing home
Sing Carols
Deliver or donate blankets to those who sleep in the cold – If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable delivering blankets yourself, take the blankets in person to a shelter.
Create a card to send to a hospitalized child
Sweep the walkway, shovel the sidewalk, or rake the yard for a neighbor or someone in need
Offer to carry someone’s groceries at the grocery store
Clean up trash in a park or playground
Help neighbors bring in their trash cans on trash day
Make a meal for someone
Participate in or organize a work bee at church, at the local community center, or in your neighborhood
Danielle LaPorte's Desire Map Planner 2017 - on sale now!
The 2017 Desire Map Planner Collection is here! It’s a radically different way to plan your day, because it puts your soul on the agenda.
This planner puts your desires on the map, and helps you plan your days and weeks according to how you most want to feel. The way it should be. Where most day planner systems are straight dates and to do’s, this planner is so much more…
The 2017 Desire Map Planner Collection is here! It’s a radically different way to plan your day, because it puts your soul on the agenda.
This planner puts your desires on the map, and helps you plan your days and weeks according to how you most want to feel. The way it should be. Where most day planner systems are straight dates and to do’s, this planner is so much more…
Based on the wildly popular book and workbook by Danielle LaPorte, The Desire Map - this planner system incorporates your soul and your to-do list; your gratitude and your goals; your deepest desires with your day-to-day. There are soul prompts to help you explore where you're going mentally and emotionally. There are lists for tasks and where you are going physically.
Every month you get to re-calibrate your mind and focus your intentions with monthly prompts followed by either weekly or daily sheets, that keep you on your spiritual path along with keeping you on time for all your #GirlBoss appointments!
The 2017 planner comes with two versions, the Daily and Weekly edition, for the any type of planner person:
The DAILY planner for the highly scheduled, detailed thinkers, and awesome A-types who love keeping track of all the big and little things. This planner takes you through the year day by day, with unique soul prompts to limber up your mind before you write, scheduling space, #Truthbombs, a Stop Doing list (because saying no is revolutionary) and a super condensed list called 3 Things so you can get your most important to-dos done.
The WEEKLY planner is for the big dreamers, Creatives, and entrepreneurs — the planner-types who want a bird’s eye view of their week. Sprinkled with prompts for positive declarations and #Truthbombs, the weekly spread also has space for your Core Desired Feelings, daily to-do’s, and a list of 3 Things so you can get your most important to-dos done. This planner also has an End of Week Check-in with unique Soul Prompts from Danielle and space for reflecting on life as you move through it week by week.
When you’re clear on how you want to feel, decisions come to you more easily, you’ll know when to say “No” and when to say “Hell, YES!” And then you can put it in writing. That’s what this planner does for me.
You can buy yours today and start planning the life you’ve always wanted!
GET YOURS NOW!
Style story: Pale-Neutral - Spring Purses for Every Budget
Pastels are IN this Spring and Summer (Thanks, Pantone). Unfortunately, I associate most pastels with my grandmother, babyshowers, and unfortunate interior design. I'm only recently coming back around to the idea of wearing pastels on my body - powder blue and baby pink, for me, are TOUGH. However, I've found some solutions and better yet - inspiration!
Here are the main categories of pastels we're working with in 2016...
Lou Lou Neutral Tassel Crossbody Bag $28.00
Color: Beige/ Iced Coffee Tone: Warm
Pastels are IN this Spring and Summer (Thanks, Pantone). Unfortunately, I associate most pastels with my grandmother, babyshowers, and unfortunate interior design. I'm only recently coming back around to the idea of wearing pastels on my body - powder blue and baby pink, for me, are TOUGH. However, I've found some solutions and better yet - inspiration!
Here are the main categories of pastels we're working with in 2016:
From Mauve to pale pink.
Iced Coffee or shades of Taupe
Lilac Grey
Ice Blue (which is this years' answer to 'mint')
Matte (even in darker shades) lend to this trend
Iridescent when including elements of 'pale goth'
A nice way to integrate softer hues if you're still "all black errrything" is with a seasonal purse change. Below are options for every budget and I would like one of each.
yoox.com volum handbag $27.00
Colors: Mauve, Grey Tone: Warm and Cool
This is a subtle nod to the trend. Structured and demure, the color split adds interest and the hardware is a fun detail.
Urban Outfitters Silence + Noise North Convertible Triple-Zip Clutch $34.99
Color: Baby Pink Tone: Cool
Soft and simple - how spring should be.
Modcloth Worth the Tassel Bag $59.99
Color: Blush Pink Tone: Warm
Bucket bags , which I can be skeptical of, are a huge trend this season as well. I am completely obsessed with this modcloth offering. This is the choice if you want a bag big enough to still fit all your stuff - while upholding the concept of light and airy.
Kate Spade Caution to the Wind Polar Bear on Ice Clutch $318.00
Color: Ice Blue Tone: Cool
This is the ultimate night-on-the-town statement clutch. Cool down every Summer night with this frosty sculpture of a bag.
Further Reading:
What's your go-to Spring or Summer bag? Post pictures, agree to disagree, share some insight - I'd love to hear if my feelings for pastels are shared or if they truly are a time-tested fashion love?
x/Amy
Radical Self Seeking
How long and hard have you worked on improving yourself? For me, it all culminated in spending most of 2015:
Organizing myself.
Finding myself.
Strengthening that self?
Facing setbacks.
- Delving into the tips and tricks of every self-help guru that has made a name for herself on the internet in the life-coach-blogger space.
To what end? Perhaps the acceptance of ‘there is no end’...
“Getting my shit together” was my motto for over a decade.
How long and hard have you worked on improving yourself? For me, it all culminated in spending most of 2015:
Organizing myself.
Finding myself.
Strengthening that self?
Facing setbacks.
- Delving into the tips and tricks of every self-help guru that has made a name for herself on the internet in the life-coach-blogger space.
It all started with Gala Darling and Ellen Fondiler's Miracle Worker career-enhancement course. I recommend.
To what end? Perhaps the acceptance of ‘there is no end’. As long as I’m living, I’m evolving! That’s something to be psyched about. No questions, it’s a struggle but that’s kinda the point. So, I’m here to save you some trouble, but not necessarily time. It was about a 10:1 rate of return. For every month and guru I explored I gleaned only a few things:
Being excited and expressive about self-love will move you in positive directions.
Monetize your opinions // people will spend big money on lists, templates, and simplicity.
There are 5 (ish?) basic story types and make yours fit into one of them.
You’ll do it when you’re ready.
Believe in how loving you are.
You are seeking a feeling that the surface goal is the face of getting to - seek feelings not tasks.
Set a bedtime alarm.
I’m an Obliger-Rebel
Spiritual progress can be monetized and I don’t know how I feel about that.
Curate yourself.
Do what’s easy.
Does it feel light?
Outer order = inner calm.
Keep only things that give you joy.
This is what I’ve retained from 8 months of exploration. My point, however, is that -- give yourself that 8 months (one year, 5 years) because you don’t know what will stick and when. This evolution in my life began in 2010, it took 5 years to get to these 14 compelling points - and I’m grateful for all of it. ALL the gurus emphasize gratitude, it truly is essential. If you have a specific problem (time-management, career momentum, healing from trauma, anything) over-saturate yourself with information and see what sticks - See what speaks to where your heart is right now. Being open-minded to new things to try is essential. Not worrying when new things fade away and you have to keep trying is even better.
The results? I’m calmer. I’m doing things for myself regardless of if it will make me successful. Moreover, I’m still preoccupied with most of it - but can re-direct myself toward something more positive with an ease I didn’t have before.
There is no eradicating the bad, there are just new approaches to moving forward. Be open to these new approaches - try them and challenge them.
Appreciate your lack of solutions - those who “have it all figured out” are mistaken or practicing all of the above all of the time, stumble, regain footing, and continuing on.
Would you like a list of resources? Do you agree with this approach or do you have some new methods for me? I’d love to hear them and try them out.
x/Amy
5 Elements of a Healthy Relationship
This post is inspired by Bree Ryback's 5-year wedding anniversary, written about on her lovely site Capitol Romance. For as hyped as DC is about weddings, I assume you've heard of it. Bree's reflecting this week spurred a quick Twitter exchange sharing our desire for more people to talk about (write, actually) their successful, loving relationships.
There are TOO MANY articles on, "how to win the guy", "when to lose the guy", "how to gay-flirt in a straight culture", "how to know when a relationship is toxic", and not enough expounding on what a good, healthy, long-term relationship looks and feels like.
I don't claim to know.
I'm here to acknowledge the void and need for such material...
This post is inspired by Bree Ryback's 5-year wedding anniversary, written about on her lovely site Capitol Romance. For as hyped as DC is about weddings, I assume you've heard of it. Bree's reflecting this week spurred a quick Twitter exchange sharing our desire for more people to talk about (write, actually) their successful, loving relationships.
There are TOO MANY articles on, "how to win the guy", "when to lose the guy", "how to gay-flirt in a straight culture", "how to know when a relationship is toxic", and not enough expounding on what a good, healthy, long-term relationship looks and feels like.
I don't claim to know.
I'm here to acknowledge the void and need for such material (to be present on more mainstream media outlets, I'm sure it's somewhere, but no one's digging for it). I am 9 months into a healthy, intimate, strongly committed relationship and I'm basically in the dark here. How do I gauge if we're "doing it right"? What did 9 months in look like for couples who are together 9 years? 29 years? My co-worker, Janna, is celebrating her 10 year anniversary this winter and I try to ask her about it regularly.
What I do know:
- Attraction isn't a question. I dated a 'good guy' for a long time not knowing if I was actually attracted to him. Now, this isn't to say looks are everything - they are not and they fade. But there is something I see when I look in my partner's eyes that makes me want to connect with him, physically, and emotionally.
- We want to do the work. A lot of people acknowledge that relationships take work but I would love to see some anecdotes on what this has looked like for long-term couples. Alex and I talk openly and honestly, however, we also seek support outside our partnership to sort of balance our emotional level before returning to any specific discussion. Also, having a tradition of 'surprise dates' helps reintroduce fun and play if we're too steeped in stress.
- My partner can handle my weaknesses. This falls in the "makes me want to be a better person" category. I struggle with food. My partner's obsessed with green smoothies. He struggles with tidiness. I find organizing really enhancing. Super nerdy, but there are also deeper emotional examples. To be able to hold each others vulnerabilities, I've heard, is what enables a pair to last.
- Dan Savage has taught me well. I didn't grow up with an extensive or helpful sexual education and it hindered me. If you don't know something and you want to know more, learn about it, don't just hope the problem corrects itself. In my 5-year span between serious relationships Dan Savage started a podcast, and I'm grateful for it. It has really served me to learn about being Good, Giving, and Game, rounding up to "the 1", and how to not let the past determine the future (also what 'sounding' is but those early episodes were wild).
- We value the same things. Nature. Quality time. Trying new things. Music. Travel. Spirituality. I worry sometimes that our sense of humor isn't the same or we don't hit certain socially-determined dating expectations. However, we have fun. Moreover, we have fun doing things we both value deeply. I grew up swimming in the ocean by my father's house but hadn't in well over 5 years, when I got out from under those waves this past August, Alex could see I was lit up in a way I hadn't been in too long. When I accompanied Alex to his childhood home and watched his daughter play along the lake as he did as a child I watched him overcome with emotion and how glorious life and love can be. He takes me out of my Washington, DC social media hyperdrive and we exist together in real life, in pure enjoyment. From the terrifying pitch-black darkness of Violet Locke at midnight to the most rambunctious Foo Fighters 4th of July, it's been incredible fun, in a slowed-down, be in the moment sort of way. For that, I am grateful.
I have no idea if these 5 things mean it will last. The Buddhist philosophy Alex has opened me to emphasizes impermanence. However, I'd like to think we're meant to last. Regardless, we do our best to stay in the now and focus on everything in front of us today. To see how that's worked for couples like Bree and Andy or Janna and Yao is encouraging and I'd love to read more.
All the love. x/Amy
Jersey Strong
Hurricane Sandy happened 3 years ago today. My parents were displaced from our home for at least half of that. They didn't want to leave as the first evacuation alerts went out and by June of this year we didn't know when or if they'd return. The first year was spent gutting the water-damaged first floor, disposing of many family belongings, and rebuilding. My parents were strong and while living out of a hotel spent much of their time caring for their pets and going to the church to have and help with meals.
Over the last year they were displaced again ...
Hurricane Sandy happened 3 years ago today. My parents were displaced from our home for at least half of that. They didn't want to leave as the first evacuation alerts went out and by June of this year we didn't know when or if they'd return. The first year was spent gutting the water-damaged first floor, disposing of many family belongings, and rebuilding. My parents were strong and while living out of a hotel spent much of their time caring for their pets and going to the church to have and help with meals.
Over the last year they were displaced again so the house could be lifted per a town zoning/ taxation mandate. They went to Ohio because gratefully my step-mothers family is there and had room for them. I am closer to my parents through this struggle and we are all more keenly aware of the value of a home. I suggested they just cut their losses and move to Ohio several times. That house, however, has been ours for generations - a home of life, death, and rebirth - well and truly.
Two weekends ago, I sat with my parents and the pets, out on our back deck in the trees (now 10 or so feet in the air). We drank coffee and enjoyed the shade and character of our renewed home. I am grateful for my parents strength to weather this storm (there had to be a pun) and to see everything through to the other side. They are a remarkable team and stayed so positive and loyal to our home and family throughout - that is the real definition of Jersey Strong.
The Whole 30 Halfway
I am halfway done with my first Whole 30 food challenge. The way this has worked for me is I plan my food weekly and I track my food daily. Weekly planning ranges from actually writing it down on a chart or a loose idea in my mind. I track daily using My Fitness Pal, for over a year and it's the backbone of my fitness transformation. My thoughts on The Whole 30 so far:
- I feel healthier.
- I'm skeptical about eating so much meat and eggs.
- I worry a lot about relying too much on fruit and almond butter.
- Within my support trio none of us abide the same 'version' of the plan.
- I feel like I've lost weight and my physique has shifted (I also exercise and have not actually weighed myself - we're supposed to wait until Day 30!)
- I have cooked more than I ever have in my entire life (honestly, the aspect I'm most proud of)!
- The beginning was REALLY hard.
The Whole 30 timeline is an invaluable resource. Having that as a guideline proves that nothing I'm experience is abnormal or something that needs to take me down (or cause me to go off plan).
The first 11 days I experienced the headaches, exhaustion, and irritability. My body went through a major shift. I am a person who can resort to eating total crap junk food on the regular. Even when I was eating healthy - structured eating helped me lose 55lbs over the last year - that food routine was full of carbs, dairy and permitted sugars. Read: just enough dopamine-inducing food drugs to get by. I have not attempted eating Paleo since it was called Atkins in the late 90s (wink). Inevitably, when I started, I was really grouchy and bitchy to my boyfriend who said I looked 'zapped' (drained) and grey or gaunt due to a rapid initial drop. Basically, I could tell my body was going through something. But I wanted to see what was on the other side.
Sugar and carbs are drugs and can have the same numbed-out impact of any wake and bake.
I kept on - acclimating myself to this structure has had surprising positives. Don't tell anyone but I LOVE COOKING. I have cooked more in the last two weeks than I have in my whole life. I cook large batches of blueberry hash or ground beef with red onion, tomato, and balsamic. I'm also more aware of my sleep hygiene, I see how my body fuels and restores itself. I'm more focused on goals and clear in my pursuits, personally -- The initial fog has truly fallen away to reveal a new, healthy aptitude.
The nice part about turning the corner after the detox/ sugar hangover is that I barely remember how or why it was so difficult. I casually plan my meals for the week. I cook in bulk to be prepared for work days. I have go-tos when I don't have time to cook. I am even focusing on how I'd like to refine my last 2 weeks to be more disciplined and get as much out of this as possible.
Once you hit the midway point The Whole 30 (or even just eating clean) is a healthy instance of, "if it feels good, do it."
I have struggled with food my whole life. Only in the last 2 years have I turned toward whole living, in many ways. I utilize support to help me through my struggles. I learn new and holistic ways to care for my body. I feel my feelings and inhabit my skin. I reach out to people who know more about topics I want to learn about. And I take action. The opposite of fear is action and all actions result in progress. So, while I'm glad this is only 30 days (or 20, or 3, or whatever you're ready to do in this moment) the amount of progress it speaks to is infinite.
I'd love to hear your Whole 30 hooray or horror stories below! Take care.
x/Amy
quirky minimalism
This reminds me of, on Project Runway, when they advise the designers to make sure their pieces look cohesive and part of a 'collection'. Jewel tones, A-lined or layers, and statement accessories. The end.
TIP: Try to sum up your style goals in 3 words -- That will provide focus. The more you focus what you're trying to express with your wardrobe the easier it is to tailor your closet to that goal.
Fashion rules are never hard and fast. However, when you're trying to talk yourself out of an impulse purchase or pressuring yourself to adopt some trendy style (pour one out for crop tops) go back to your own personal fashion foundation. It's more important to feel confident in what you're wearing than to stick with passing fads. Sure flares are coming back in style, and I may even wear some, but if I'm feeling out of sorts you know it's just gonna be leggings and that brown and black shirt and I'm just fine with that.
x/Amy
travelwear
Monday 31 August 2015
- Shoes: Forever 21; purchased 2015
- Leggings: unknown
- T-shirt: handmedown 2014
- Necklace: lou lou; forever ago
The last weekend of August was spend at the beach, rightfully so. It was nice to make up for literal years avoiding the beach and swimming by diving under waves at the Jersey shore (it's not so bad). Noticing the joy in your life is something that sometimes takes time and effort, if you're anything like me. So, please, take a moment, pause, and find something, 5 things, you're grateful for. If you practice this daily, things will shift.
TIP: COMFORT WHILE TRAVELING IS KEY
This was an interstate driving outfit and having something you don't mind sitting in is essential. Be mindful of bathroom rest stops, not being able to shift or adjust yourself for long stretches - find things that don't have seams that sit right on an annoying spot on your foot or crotch, you'll be glad you remembered that!
So long sweet summer, as some rando emo guy once said.
x/Amy
why don't I have any sandals this summer?
Saturday 29 August 2015
- Shoes: Aerosoles; purchased 2014
- Pants: Modcloth; purchased 2015
- Tank: Target; shapewear; purchased 2013
- Top: Target; purchased uknown
- Necklace: unknown; forever ago
- Rings: Forever 21; purchased 2015
I think I'd be coming up with more creative day-wear if I laid my outfits out the night before. However, a bit of backstory: I wake up between 4:30-5am for work for 10 hour shifts, my job is dusty and involves technical equipment. Dressing for ease and the context of the workplace is also a thing - at thing I used to blatantly ignore with my septum ring and Jeffrey Campbell Lita's at 7am, but it's a journey.
TIP: DESIGN YOUR ENSEMBLES THE NIGHT BEFORE -- yeah, I'll let you know when I heed my own advice on that one. -wink-
Sunday 30 August 2015
- Shoes: Charlotte Russe; purchased 2015
- Pants: Modcloth; purchased 2015
- Tank: Charlotte Russe; purchased 2014
- T-shirt: unknown; forever ago
- Purse: Forever 21; purchased 2015
- Necklace: lou lou; purchased forever ago
This was an outift for the Point Pleasant Beach, NJ boardwalk where it would be crowded and we'd be going on rides. Body-hugging clothing was a good choice. I love these Freelance Photographer Pants from Modcloth because they're on the pants side of leggings, which are kind of my favorite thing. I will probably never own chinos and that's okay. Luckily, tailored leggings make it even better than okay.
TIP: KNOW HOW DIFFERENT STYLES LAY ON YOUR BODY -- Take notice of feeling words when you put on different styles of pants. I love the culottes that are in but I'm only 5' tall - I do not feel the way the models seem to feel wearing them. Flared pants are back and I'm having a hard time with that. I enjoy how flares look on my body but for the LOOK I'm going for tailored leggings achieve best. Again, this speaks to my core fashion ideas of - try different things and feel your feelings. If it feels good on your body, making it look good is the easy part.
How was your Labor Day? (Yes, I know my chronology is all out of wack!)
x/Amy
Whole 30 Day 3, 4, headache-land and how I'm staying motivated
Go visit www.daniellelaporte.com for more inspiration. If I can't motivate you, she sure af can.
Beginning the Whole 30 is like voluntary PMS. I'm glad I mapped out my food for the week - I'm gonna keep it movin' - because I have a headache. So, we're not gonna talk about it. What we should talk about is the support around this process.
Any lifestyle change needs reinforcement in other areas of your life.
First off, the people around me are my main motivators. This is why so many bloggers write about surrounding yourself with people who move you in the right direction. My roommates eat well and take care of themselves. Brenna and Hafsah were trying this food plan right when I needed to shake up my weight loss, health, and fitness approach. It's an extension of the saying: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” ― Jim Rohn. Secondly, I'm listening to Helya Naghibi's podcast Fit Dirty Thirty, which gives daily assignments - the only one of which I excel at is drinking enough water. The first two I'll tack on at the bottom of this post. Mostly, it's a foundational tool, to start my day in the right mindset. I get in the car to go to work, I listen, I stick to my food plan. Simples.
The people and media you surround yourself with inform your behavior.
Lastly, and most importantly I'm exercising - not daily, not excessively, not even really enough - but it's something. My favorite class right now is Body Positive at Willow Street Yoga in Takoma Park, MD, where I'm also doing Yoga I (for the 30th time). It covers all the bases: the people inspire and guide me and what I hear and do transforms me.
I would love to be toned and fit and I'll keep working on it. For today, I'm grateful for the health my body has currently. I have what I need and I try to remember that because as long as I honor that and keep my surroundings positive, I seem to move in the right direction.
HELYA'S FIT DIRTY 30 PODCAST ASSIGNMENTS:
5 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MYSELF:
- My constant need to explore, that I'm 'always seeking', mentally and otherwise.
- That I am very attuned to design.
- My ability to see large-scale and singular focus. #perspective
- That I am very loyal.
- That I enjoy considering and being considerate of other people.
5 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY BODY:
- My eyes, primarily, though my whole face is worthy.
- That I am surprisingly strong.
- My legs.
- It communicates my health to me (through my skin, nails, tongue, eyes, and feelings).
- My hands.
X/Amy
Whole 30 Day 2: My first recipe!
I'm glad I remembered Helya's podcast this morning. Water truly is a revelation and I needed that reminder today. I'm a little foggy-headed and lethargic, just as the handy timeline says I will be. But I'm excited to be so open about my food plan, hearing from friends on facebook, and full of positive intention. I am told this will wane, but whatever, I'm just going to stay in today.
Last night was a major victory. I cooked dinner. I had ingredients and an idea in my head and I cooked it - basically made up from the mental reserve of years of watching my mother cook and marathoning Chopped as I fall asleep. I made a very simple turkey chilli, bare-bones, if you will.
- 1.25lb lean ground turkey
- 1 green pepper
- 1/2 white onion
- 3 tomatoes
- 1/2 can Goya coconut milk
- 2tbs EVOO
- 1-2tsp garlic
- Spices: sea salt; fresh ground pepper; oregano; cumin; basil; parsley; arrowroot; Mrs. Dash no salt added Garlic & Herb; Lowry's seasoned salt (the last 2 are totally optional and I only used because I was worried it'd be too bland - I don't have a firm grasp on seasoning - yet!)
One skillet:
- Dice pepper and onion
- Put EVOO and garlic in hot skillet
- Add pepper first; Cook for 1-2 minutes
- Add onion, oregano and cumin; Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground turkey; use wood spoon to cut up as it cooks; the color change/ cooking of the turkey is a good indicator of how long to cook
One small pot:
- Put 1/2 can of coconut milk to start.
- Add diced tomatoes
- Add arrowroot, liberally
- Add oregano, parsley, basil, cumin, salt, pepper, etc.
- Stir, letting the arrowroot help it thicken and come together
Drain the turkey skillet then add tomato cream sauce once turkey is cooked through. Let it simmer for a few minutes and then it's done! Makes 4-5 servings.
Drink water. Eat well. Enjoy life. I'm trying to keep it simple.
x/Amy
Day 1 of The Whole 30 (day 90-something of Prep)
I watched them with their scotch eggs and clean eating while I put back on 10+ pounds from the 60 or so I've lost over the last year.
I blame Brenna. 100%
She started a few months ago - The Whole 30. She completed one, then Hafsah joined her, they completed a second. So I decided -
Fine. I'll give it a go. I needed to because the second I fell out of consistency with my previous food plan (because fuck the word diet) is when I started eating poorly, putting weight back on, and feeling gross. Consistency is key.
I was happy to hear Helya reiterate that this morning when I needed some encouragement and found her 30 day podcast to supplement this journey. Along with consistency, I need support from many angles - people, media, self, near-constant reinforcement that I want to be making these positive changes. Why I can't just trust the fact that I feel better when in a consistent heatlhy eating/ exercising routine, I'll never know.
The ebb and flow of positive (and negative) phases in our lives 'starts' well before we consciously experience them.
Me falling off my 'diet' started well before my first pint of ice cream (#1 food drug, in my book) just the same as me trying to 'get back on track' started weeks ago, when I was still knee-deep in Chinese takeout (wonton soup is kind of a miracle cure for colds, though, I am convinced).
The only way we can ride this metaphoric wave is to stay aware. I am always aware that I want to be eating well, exercising, and living healthy - reality manifests the experience of that - when it's working and when it's not.
I wanted to start my whole 30 yesterday but my food choices Monday and yesterday didn't support that. I had to spend the day shopping and cooking. The key with The Whole 30 is planning and preparing, link much of life. Yesterday I cooked sausages, a sweet potato blueberry hash, and roasted veggies. Only then was I able to begin this morning. I had 2 hardboiled eggs, and 1.5 links of Kale & Balsamic Organic chicken sausage. Some quotes that pushed me along this journey over the last year have been:
If you fail to plan you plan to fail
The things we measure are the things we improve.
Don't let perfect be the enemy of good.
I'm looking forward to experiencing this month, no matter how this program works or doesn't work for me. Documenting is just another way for me to measure and share support for anyone going through similar things. Have you done The Whole 30? Let me know in the comments below or link me to your blog about the experience.
All the love. x/Amy
what would I do without black clothing
Thursday 27 August 2015
- Aerosoles; 2014
- Jeans: Target/ Denizen; 2013
- Tank: Charlotte Russe; 2015
- Cardigan: Target; forever ago
- Purse: Forever 21; 2015
- Necklace: Trunk show; forever ago
- Rings; Forever 21; heirlooms
Clean cut. I just feel tidy. I absolutely LOVE these jeans and find myself in the spot I referenced earlier. I wish I had bought more pairs. They still might be 'find-able' so I may remember to do that at some point. They hit -right- at my ankle which is near-impossible to find at a cool 5' tall.
TIP: CARDIGAN OVER A TANK IS A FAIL-SAFE -- Layering a sweater or shirt over a tank is always a good option. I dare you to prove this wrong (show me in the comments).
Friday 28 August 2015
- Shoes: Forever 21; 2015
- Tights: unknown
- Dress: Forever 21; 2015
- Necklace: Target; 2014
- Glasses: Tom Ford; 2010
These glasses are the cornerstone of my 'signature style'. I don't even wear them all the time (especially in the Summer, because, sweating and need for sunglasses) but there are people who don't recognize me with/ without these glasses. I saw them and said, "This is it, I will never want another pair of glasses again." I have a weakness for Tom Ford after seeing his Iconoclasts episode with Jeff Koons - I adore them both. You should absolutely find a way to watch it. These glasses are my statement piece.
TIP: LISTEN TO YOUR FEELS -- If you respond strongly to something, honor that. Notice, first, that you're having a reaction and then try to see what it is. Adults sometimes confuse excitement with fear and worry. CUT THROUGH THAT, and try to see if it's actually joy, excitement, titillation. I promise, there are always feelings to be explored.
Do you have a statement piece? I'd love to read about it or see a picture of it below.
x/Amy
clrblck
Tuesday 25 August 2015
- Shoes: Target; 2012
- Jeans: Denizen/ Target; 2013
- Tank: Charlotte Russe; 2014
- Top: Urban Outfitters; 2013
- Necklaces: heirlooms and/or gifts
I love layering. I'm short so I typically cuff my pants. I like to feel smoothed and covered so cami tanks are a must, which in August means layers in summer. Totally fine. A trend for this season is More is More and I love that.
TIP: OUTFIT AMENDMENTS BECOME SIGNATURE STYLE -- jean cuffing; shoes without socks; a favorite all-purpose hat. Something you incorporate into an outfit to "fix" something can easily become a signature. I feel better not having bunchy fabric at my ankles, I cuff my pants, it's "my thing". Your bad-hair-day go-to or way of cutting up t-shirts is your signature style, refine it and celebrate it.
Wednesday 26 August 2015
- Shoes: Nasty Gal; 2015 - They're the Married to the Mod boot, they're sold out so I'm gonna stop linking to it. Link is still in previous blogs.
- Leggings: Safeway
- Top: Amazon
- Necklace: Target
- Wallet: Target
This top was one of those amazon gambles. Very cheap but actually fits nicely and is wear-able. I like alternatives to button-downs and t-shirts, and this fall's trend of the "pussy-bow" (I don't really "do" bows). I like this because it's 'interesting-plain' IMO. Also I love the color combination of cream/beige/tan and black, it's one of my favorites and always looks classy.
TIP: PICK A PALETTE -- I stick to royal tones with a strong tendency toward black. My "pops of color" are usually red, yellow, orange, turquoise (NOT all together, of course). Imagine have an all-neutrals closet, a black/ white/ red closet, ONLY pastels? If you focus your wardrobe on a palette you enjoy seeing on yourself it will make pairing pieces much easier.
Do you stick to a palette? What's yours?
x/Amy
P.S. If you recognize this blog title we're probably best friends, let me know in the comments!
before and after
Sunday 23 August 2015
- Shoes: Charlotte Russe; 2015
- Dress: Forever 21
This look is BORING. In my defense, I was meeting my boyfriend's father for the first time so I was going for 'plain and conservative' but I think I went a little too far. This week I realized I wasn't being as adventurous as I'd like to be style-wise. I felt the 'boring'.
TIP: TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR OUTFITS -- This all started off a suggestion from Gala Darling so there's no reason you can't reap the benefits from this practice as well. I like to document my life. That happens in various forms from journaling to calendars to blogs, adding this visual element has been really fun but honestly it helps more in real time. I'm more aware of myself and who/ what I'm presenting to the world having these pictures to review. Yay, positive applications!
Monday 24 August 2015
- Shoes: Aerosoles; 2014
- Leather leggings: handmedown
- Dress: Charlotte Russe; 2014
- Necklace: Target; 2014
My only goal Monday was to not wear all black. Accomplished! I just love neutrals. If I had to have a closet of only varied shades of black, whites, and grey, I'm sure I could still have a great time with clothing.
TIP: COLORS CAN QUALIFY AS NEUTRALS -- Navy, Mustard, Burgundy, Brown, Tan, Rose pink. Nearly anything that isn't bold and bright, or neon, can slide into neutral territory and typically be very complimentary with most things.
I don't, however, know where I stand with powder blue and mint. Do you consider them to be neutrals? Let me know below!
x/Amy
limited prints edition
Friday 21 August 2015
- Shoes: Aerosoles; purchased; 2014
- Leggings: Target; purchased; 2012
- Top: handmedown
- Necklace: unknown; forever ago
- Phone case: Amazon
Two work outfits. I'm grateful I can dress fairly casually at work - not just casual, but in "my style". I would feel exceedingly oppressed if I had to figure out 'business' or 'business casual' dress on the regular. While most of what I wear is almost there, I don't really know what an actual office would say. Those space buns I rocked last week were definitely a Saturday-no-managers-around decision. -wink-
TIP: LET LIFESTYLE INFORM CAREER -- For the youth, let what you already prefer guide some of your "what should I do with my life" decision making. What is your favorite type of footwear? That could provide loads of information as to how you might want to make a living. Nikes? Maybe you're more hands on and want an active career. Loafers? Go Greek. Flatform sneakers? Maybe something in media. Too busy studying to care? Lawyer. Leave a comment if you'd like me to write more in-depth on what I mean by this.
Saturday 22 August 2015
- Shoes: Charlotte Russe; 2015
- Tights: Target or Safeway
- Dress: Urban Outfitters; 2014
- Cardigan: Target; 2012ish
- Purse: Forever 21; 2015
- Necklace: gift
I love this dress and these shoes. I like wearing clothes that make me happy, Sounds pretty rudimentary but I've watched enough What Not To Wear to know that comfort and joy are usual interchanged and misunderstood. My dear friend Kayla, fan of baseball caps and crocs (hey! they're comfy and have cute ones, relax), recently bought some skull print and floral dresses and the change in the brightness in her face when she wears them is undeniable. There's room in your wardrobe for both but - if it brings you joy, makes you smile, feels a little naughty - Do it. On the flip side, I banned prints from my life around the summer of 2009 when I saw a picture of myself in a cherry print babydoll top that looked horrific. What. Even. I decided then that I'd really limit the types of patters I wore. I consider myself to be kind of cartoonish and I just don't feel the need to layer loud prints on top of that. I like minimal design and bold statements.
TIP: INVENTORY PRINTS -- I don't wear loud prints or plaid. Plaid is one I question sometimes but have been resolute in it for years. Loud prints - I'm completely done. Pick a signature print you really love on you (I like stripes and abstract polka dots). If you're afraid something looks awkward on you (and that does NOT mean horizontal strips on an apple body type - you can rock that all day long) or it makes you uncomfortable, feels unnatural, or doesn't fit with your aesthetic - write it off for a little while. See if eliminating something makes shopping and dressing easier. You know, the way people give up Gluten, give up "shirts with words on them"; I bet your world would look totally different.
P.S. - I don't wear plaid because I'm not a lumberjack, a hipster, or a 70s punk, even if I want to be. I also don't need plaid to reference any of those if I want to add some of that flavor.
P.P.S. - Fashion's never set in stone. If I wanna rock a plaid mini I damn well will.
x/Amy
mildly disheveled pt. 2
Damn near the exact same outfits as a couple weeks ago. Wow!
Low budget may not equal no options, but laziness sure does. -wink-
TIP: REPEAT OUTFITS ARE 100% ALLOWED: For work, primarily, especially when you wake up before 5am like me! But also for casual. I think the 'repeat thing' is reserved for dressy functions hosted by the same person or group. I did not wear same dress to Maureen's bridal shower as her wedding, for instance.
This was the moment I realized I need to change it up more! Yay!
x/Amy
reclaiming basic
Saturday 15 August 2015
- Shoes: Nasty Gal; purchased; 2015
- Dress: Forever 21; purchased; 2015
- Necklace: gift
- Choker: take a simple chain and wrap it around yo' neck twice: instant trend-following.
Sunday 16 August 2015
- Shoes: Aerosoles; purchased; 2014
- Same everything else except the dress is in a different color, I bought all 3.
Cute. Cute. Cute. The sleeve length, the fit, the ease - an easy A-line dress is essential, IMO. When I saw this is fall colors I bought all 3, they're only $15. On these days I was driving to New Jersey, spending a day in the house with the family, incredibly simple while still feeling entirely put together - something that probably took my entire 20s to figure out.
TIP: MAKE LIFE EASY; BUY MULTIPLES -- There are several pairs of shoes I mourn only having bought one pair. If something works buy more when you can.
Is there a long-lost clothing item you still mourn? I'm still not over an olive green thermal shrug from 2008.
x/Amy