Category Archives: Wonderful

She Da Cheetah

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After reading my sister’s most recent post, I began to question my own intentions.  Everyone says, “Be yourself.”  which seems to be easy enough advice.  However, what about those of us who are unsure of who they are or where they are heading?  I find myself in the exact position, wondering how to act natural in this superficial world of ours.

There is only one thing I know for sure, and that is shoes.  I used to be the girl wearing every color of the rainbow plus some.  I like to be wild and vibrant, and anyone who “knows” me would agree.  If you’ve seen “What Not to Wear”, the television show, you know that every day real people struggle to let go of their over-the-top style in fear of losing themselves.  Its only natural to feel stripped of your identity.  I can’t help but think of the many animals that I have encountered that very much have a personality, and are sporting the same coat as their pack.  I, in turn, think of the neutral shoe.  It is completely wearable with every color, during every season.  Some of us might think of our favorite taupe boot, or favorite nude pump, or my personal favorite, the blush colored loafer.  What do we love so much about the natural colored souls?  Just like an animal in the wild, we are stripped of our intentional differences and we say “yeah, this is what color I am, so what?”  It is nakedness in its most pure form.

You may realized now that I am probably digging a bit further into this neutral shoe thing than what most people are actually thinking when they put them on.  Nevertheless, if you want to really embrace your wild woman, put aside your hot pink stilettos for a splash of the wild and take a dance with my friend, the cheetah.  It says, “I like to run free, I challenge you to tame me.”  Wild animals and humans are not so different, so trade in your Birthday Suit shoes for some Cheetah Suit shoes and watch the heads turn.

There are not many things I know for sure about myself, but I do know shoes.  As Hannah mentioned, life can throw you curve-balls, the only thing you can do is be on your toes (or the tips of your cheetah shoes).  All you can do is put yourself out there, it can be vulnerable and scary, but with a power shoe, I believe anything is possible.

See how Kim Kardashian pairs Cheetah shoes with this outfit that could have also easily worked great with a nude shoe?

Image from www.fashionistazlife.com

I for one just picked up these casual Sperry Top-Sider Brantpoints in Cheetah print and cannot WAIT to embrace my inner animal when I wear them!

Image from www.nordstrom.com

xoxo

-s

Change is … (shudder) good!

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There has been a lot going on in our household lately.  Most of you probably know that it has been almost 8 months since I left my job as Communications Coordinator for (The) Canyons Resort.  I’ll admit, I always knew that I wanted to work within the ski industry.  My mom recently found a school project of mine from high school that listed 5, 10, and 15 year goals that included working as Events Manager at Park City Mountain Resort.  My time at Canyons was nothing short of an amazing learning experience with some serious ups and downs.  It was a roller coaster ride with the marketing team as I went through major life events (breaking my back, FINALLY turning 21, going to Kenya, getting engaged, and then married).  And now, here I am, wondering what is next for me – another ski resort? A whole different industry?

As an intern in 2007

Interning in 2007

This winter I waitressed, which some days I believe I am truly wonderful at (accomplishment highlight – selling about 30 t-shirt/shot specials at $10 a pop) and most days, I am truly terrible at.  What I learned, is that it is not a career for me.

Just a day in the life working at the Pig Pen Saloon last winter.

Anyways, here I am feeling a little lost as I take the next steps in my life.  For the first time ever, I don’t have a backup plan for a job and I don’t know where I’ll be living in 2 months.  What I’m getting at, is that it doesn’t matter how much you plan, life will always through curve-balls at you, (please let one of those be a JOB)!

But, whatever you want to happen, tell people your goals, because the more you project, the more you have to make them come true, people will ask you and hold you to what you told them.  Plus, it really is all about who you know, and you never know who is going to have a wonderful tip.

Change, whatever it is, maybe a new job, city, friends, or significant other always has a way of making you stronger.

In the mean time, my move is taking us back to the Pacific Northwest, and hopefully the Portland area.  If anyone knows of any companies hiring for PR, marketing, wineries or breweries, please don’t hesitate to let me know. (Thanks!)

-h

Love, Love, Love…Yourself!

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Welcome to full-on summer time.  About this time of year is when I start to remember that I was going to do that “bikini bootcamp” starting in March, not starting 5 days ago.  What’s that? I was on a road trip and ate everything in sight plus enough cocktails to make the kids who lived in my college dorm blush.  Okay, so the whole “bikini bootcamp” thing didn’t work out.  It’s time to re-evaluate.  So here my friends, are my tips to feeling good even when it’s really, really, ridiculously hard.

1.  Drink water. Hmm, all of a sudden it’s 3pm and all you’ve had to drink is your morning coffee? Get on it, slurp down 8, 12, or even 16 ounces of cool, refreshing h20.  Awww, feel your cells appreciate.

photo: Newspick

2.  Get outside. It’s summer, I get it, you’ve been trying to soak up as much sun as possible. But I mean, really get your body moving while soaking up some of that Vitamin D.  Even if it’s only for 5 mins, it will feel good to walk to wherever you need to go instead of pumping that air conditioner from your car into your pores.  Trust me, sweating isn’t so bad if you’re prepared for it. P.S. swimming counts (do some laps, you can do one more, okay one more, okay one more….you get the point, yes I’m talking to you, the one doggie paddling, I’m right there with you on that one), even if it’s in a normal pool, not this gorgeous one at the Santorini Grace Hotel.  If you do get the chance to go there, OMG. I am JEALOUS!

3.  Circuit/Interval work-outs. Sweat, lift, cardio, repeat, QUICKLY.  I’m talking curls with jump lunges, shoulder press on a bosu, lunge kicks, chest presses with a band, all strength training circuits that  can be easily found on Women’s Health’s Burt-Fat Fast workouts. I’m telling you, they work-really, really, well.  Add in some interval cardio: Also from Women’s Health – my favorite so far (like I said, I’m only 5 days in, is the Calorie Crusher) and I’m telling you.  You’ll be feeling more fit in just a couple of days. And if you aren’t, then you’re not pushing it hard enough on those intervals. (It’s all for love, I promise, and I promise, I need the push just as much as you do.)

4.  Summer means fresh fruit and veggies. YAY!  My favorites from the farmers’ market right now? Uber, duber fresh tomatoes, paired with grilled chicken, cous cous, cucumber, olives and feta. Drizzle it with a bit of balsamic and olive oil and you’ve got a wonderfully delicious and healthy meal.

At any rate, do what makes you feel wonderful, happy, and confident.   And just remember, everyone has their doubts, it’s the people who can rise above those to let their confidence shine that will feel, act, and treat other the most wonderfully!

xx

-h

P.S. I’ll be the one with the purple face at the gym.

Stripe OBSESSED!

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I’m following up Sarah’s post with more stripes!  I’ll admit that I’ve been obsessed with stripes since about January, my friends can attest (“You wore stripes yesterday, too.” -k).  However, I can’t stop.  And, when I saw the Island Stripe Bedding Set on Company Store, let’s just say, we’re lucky it’s backordered.

photo: Company Store

It’s the perfect amount of rainbow to brighten a dark bedroom. (I’m convinced whoever built our apartment complex was a vampire.)  Accent with gray, yellow, or white pillow cases and it would downplay it a bit. Or go full out like in the photo and stripe it up!  Whatever, you’re choice, pick fabrics like a light cotton for summer bedding, because no one likes to sweat while they sleep.

-h

Red, White and Stripes

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There used to be only two options when it came to wearing stripes.  You could look fat or you could look thin, depending horizontal versus vertical direction.  Well, I say there is much more to stripe-wearing than that.  I think other people have noticed too because stripes are on everyone you see this summer.  So with the upcoming holiday that often features red, white, blue, stars and of course STRIPES, I challenge you to embrace the trend.

Dare to go against the grain with this oh-so flattering horizontal striped top.  Found at Nordstrom for $44.

Or try this maxi skirt (also so in right now) with a red top to complete your patriotic colors.  Also found at Nordstrom, for $58.

Any way you wear them this Fourth of July, you’ll be sure to be looking classic American.  Just the way you should celebrate the birth of our nation!

xoxo

-s

Embracing the pale

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What is going to be extra wonderful this summer? Being pale.  I’ll admit, I looove the sun, I could lay out for hours reading a book, listening to music, or watching the kids run around at the pool.  It’s been engraved into our heads that the dangers of skin cancer are accessible to everyone.  Even more accessible when you live at 7,000 feet in the high desert.  And, I will fully admit that I’ve spent my fair share of time in the tanning bed and days in a row on the lake wearing nothing but my swimmie and SPF 8.  (awww lake!)

photo: hh

But, this summer, when I am laying out, I will be wearing SPF 30, or maybe even 50!  The wrinkles that I’m seeing develop not only on my face, but also on my hands will come.  I understand this.  However, if I can take steps to slow those wrinkles from arriving, by golly miss molly, I will.  If you aren’t ready to embrace the wonderful pale, I also understand this.  In the mean time, I’ll be slathering up with Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer sunscreen in at least 30 on my face and hands or Banana Boat’s Ultra Defense on the rest of my bikini bod.

photo: Neutrogena

photo: banana boat/stockngo

Whatever you’re choice, be wonderful.

-h

The first sign of summer? Peonies…

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Last week I was in hot pursuit of peonies.  I love having fresh flowers in the house, simply because I think they add a bright element to any room.  Peonies are particularly exciting because they trigger memories of the beginning of summer for me.  I love that within a few days of having them they aren’t dying, they’re opening up and revealing their full glory of color.

Historically, the peony is native to Asia, southern Europe and western North America.  Since the late 900s, the flower has been seen in Chinese art as a symbol of riches and honor.

photo: hh

Lucky for us, it is pretty easy to find peonies in local flower shops or specialty grocery stores this time of year.  The ballet slipper pink, fuschia, and violet all caught my eye at my local Whole Foods.  However, an all white bouquet can be incredibly breathtaking as well.

Whether you favor peonies or not, I have to say that any fresh flowers will add a surprising positive addition to your day and your space.

-h

Mirror, Mirror, On the wall…

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photo: PotteryBarn.com

Cannot help but think how lovely this mirror would be in an entrance way, the perfect spot to take your last look before heading out the door.  The driftwood has a calming effect that would be perfectly paired with white details, and pretty sea glass.

I can’t help that driftwood also makes me think of the beach, warm breezes, skim boarding, sunglasses, and a great book.

What are you reading these days?

-h

Pansies

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Pansy.  The word that has been on the tip of my tongue since spring hit.

Growing up with two walking plant encyclopedias (Thank you, Mom and Dad) is no joke, but you begin to have an exceptional appreciation for flowers of all kind.  When spring comes each year it seems that each has its own festival: Rhododendron Festival in Port Townsend, WA, Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley, WA and Daffodil Festival in Puyallup, WA.  These are the popular flowers (and festivals), but what about the ones most people can’t name instantly?

Spring came late this year in the Northwest, causing flowers to bloom later than usual.  As colors sprouted all around, I began to think of when our mom would take us each year to pick out a pansy plant of whatever color we wanted.  Pansies are a flower that returns each year, so it was always exciting to get to add to the collection from previous years.  Remembering this tradition this spring put a smile on my face and I hope these beautiful pictures put a smile on yours.

The last picture is one my mom sent me just today from outside her office!

Enjoy!

-S