Monday, October 31, 2011

Monday Love...

Beginning every week with a bit of inspiration...


Have an amazing week!


♥Jen

photo credit: pinterest

Happy Halloween!





Have a fabulous, fun, safe, Happy Halloween all!


♥Jen

photo credits: 123

Friday, October 28, 2011

Your Weekend...


How gorgeous is this photo? Alas, I am not spending my weekend in Paris, but a girl can dream. No, I'll be in Seattle, clouds and all, studying and readying for Halloween and forthcoming Birthdays. I hope you have something fabulously fun planned for your weekend. In case you are imminently homebound with various life obligations, here are a few fun links to peruse with your Saturday cup of coffee.

Still need a Halloween Costume? {Here} are some family friendly ideas for you...
Pregnant? No... well you and I seem to be in the minority these days as it seems every partnered gal I know is wielding a baby bump. {These} fun maternity dresses make pregnancy {almost} desirable!
So for us not pregnant ladies, {here} are some fun frocks ~on the cheap!~ courtesy of target!

Have a fabulous weekend all!


♥Jen

Healthy Living: My Favorite at Home Workout DVD's


I am soooo not a gym person. I don't like the general atmosphere, nor do I like to "glisten" in public. As working out has become an essential to me, this has led me on a never ending search for good workout DVD's. I've pretty much done them all, PX90, Hip Hop Whatever, Zumba, and many, many others. I get bored easily, and find myself annoyed quickly by the quirks of most "trainers" or "DVD personalities" as I like to think of them. It is really quite rare to come across a workout that is both effective and non-boring. With that in mind, I thought I would share a few of my favorites for all of my fellow gym-a-phobes out there! 



An excellent 40 minute strength workout combining techniques from yoga, ballet, and Pilates. The creator and instructor of this program, Sadie Lincoln, has a great {not annoying!} presence and exudes positivity in every second of this workout. Her goal is firm, long, lean muscles, with no bulk, and I can definitely support that goal! Throughout the workout she reasserts her focus on proper form, giving pointers on how to ensure you remain in proper alignment during the moves. This DVD has an excellent core segment that is challenging, yet puts no strain on your back thanks to the unique placement of a soft exercise ball or towel under your tailbone. I love the leg/back body segment, and always feel it the next day. The arm segment is a bit brief, but can made made more challenging with a slight weight increase (Sadie uses 2lb hand weights) for those more experienced. With its moderate length and nice flow, its easy to fit into any time of the day, and simple modifications can make it easier for beginners, or more challenging for those who are more experienced. This one is a definite favorite, that I look forward to doing, and I usually fit it in at least a few days a week.





Both of these workout are excellent, quick, but high intensity interval training workouts. Honestly, no matter what level I'm doing, I am usually pretty well exhausted by the end of a 30 minute period, and I think thats a good thing. Jillian uses a 3-2-1 circuit method, with 3 minutes of active strength training using weights, 2 minutes of high intensity cardio, and one minute of ab work for both programs. 30 day shred has 3 different workouts ranging from "beginner" level one to "advanced" level 3. Ripped in 30 has four different workouts, and is intended to progress weekly from the beginners to the most advanced workout. 




The "Rock it Out" workout is another great cardio workout, which also incorporates weights (can you tell I like to multitask in my workouts?) Its a pretty intense 46 minutes, but it  is choreographed well to the music and is dance oriented, so it's "fun." While I can't say I love Shaun T, he isn't bad...at his best he is unintentionally funny and at his worst is repetitive. The "hard-core abs" and "booty time" segments are intense targeted strength workouts, don't be fooled by the 10 minute time frame- you will be working! Bottom line, this is a good, intense workout with a dance theme, which well knock out your strength and cardio training for the day in under an hour. 




This is another great workout combining ballet, Pilates, and dance. A little longer than Barre3 at close to 60 minutes, this workout has a much longer Barre segment focusing on strength, grace, and balance in the body. It is also a fairly high tempo workout, so you will be getting some light cardio throughout, and should definitely work up a sweat. The trainer is easy to follow, and the set is light and bright... and the use Louis Ghost Chairs for their Barre work, so I have to give them some style points for that! I can not say enough about how much I have enjoyed incorporating this style of workout into my regime. While Pilates and Ballet are great on their own, I enjoy the variety of moves incorporated into these combined styles. They are fun, effective, and I feel like my overall posture and balance has improved since beginning them. 




You need a solid cardio workout? This is it. Hands down this is the best cardio workout I've done. A lot of classic moves like jumping jacks, burpees, mountain climbers, ect. incorporated with strength moves and plyometrics {read: explosive jumping} which those of you who have done the P90 series will be very familiar with. While this workout is INTENSE, and fairly high impact, Amy is personable, and there are very clear modifiers offered for those of us who need them. My knees can't handle a ton of jumping or direct strain (Can't do lunges or side squats. Boo) so I have to follow the less intense modifiers for a portion of this workout, but I can tell you I am definitely still breathless! This workout follows the Tabata style of interval training with 20 seconds of intense cardio followed by 10 seconds of "rest" repeated multiple times to create a circuit. You will sweat. You will want to scream at the TV. But you also will get results! Isn't that the point after all?



I've got quite a few yoga DVD's and this is one of the only ones that I regularly use. Along the lines of "power yoga" this workout incorporates a relatively fast paced Vinyasa flow, along with strength and core moves. The instructor Ashley definitely proves her point that yoga can increase self-confidence, as this is definitely not an area in which she is lacking, but all of her training enables her to communicate exceptionally well throughout the workout. A nice addition to the standard cardio and strength training workouts in regular rotation.


So there you have it...A thorough round-up of my current faves for at home workouts. Do you have any tips to share for a gym-a-phobe? What are your favorite at home workouts?


♥Jen

photo credits: 12, 3-7


Thursday, October 27, 2011

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: MASQUERADE DINNER VIA CAMILLE STYLES & COCO+KELLY





So, if I were to throw a Halloween party, it would look exactly like this! I adore Camille Styles, who has a fabulously inspiring blog, and also runs an event styling business {obviously, right? Her concept boards are to die for!} Hop on over to Coco+Kelley for the full post!



♥Jen



Crafty and Creative: DIY Jewelry


Alright, so its almost November. This is the time of year I tend to get a little anxious about the holidays. What to give, where to get it, ect. It's an awful lot of unessecary stress in my opinion. So with that in mind, and in plenty of time for you to get crafty for holiday gifting, I've gathered a round-up of some of the best jewelry DIY's I've come across. Now I forewarn you... every one of these are fabulous. You will want to make them all for yourself. So do. You deserve some extra gorgeousness in your life! And if you decide to let in that spirit of generosity, make one for a friend, or sister, or whatever amazing gal you have in your life. Just make them! You'll thank me when you do.











DIY Crystal Ball Drop Earrings {via ...Love Maegan}











I personally think this one would be great with leather instead of thread...






I don't know about you, but I am utterly inspired by all of these amazing, crafty gals. I am so ready to hit up my local craft store and get to creating some of these gorgeous little numbers. And most of these are great platforms for customization, to really make a unique piece. So fun! Make sure to check out the blogs of all of the ladies who took the time to put together these tutorials, each has great and inspiring content, and lots of other great DIY ideas!


♥ Jen

photo credits: {all via the respective project owners blogs} 1 & 2 3,4, & 5; 6 & 8; 7

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Taking a Deep Breath... In Faith


Inhale in... Exhale out... Repeat. Last week was not fun. Three exams. 8 page research paper. On top of the normal reading and discussion assignments. Mommy duty. Wife duty. I pretty much felt like this all week:


Generally, altogether, completely, hair-raisingly overwhelmed. But the best part was...I was so wrapped up in myself, that I didn't really realize it! That is, until a conversation with my husband at breakfast on Sunday went like this: Husband: "you are totally stressed out, nobody wants to be around you." Me: {feelings hurt, am silent for a moment} "Okay, fine. I won't be around to bother you!" {proceed to me stubbornly stomping out of the restaurant, tripping on my own high heels as I'm stomping with such ferocity, and nearly breaking my ankle in the parking lot} So I hobble to my car, am asked by a very nice couple if I'm okay, and proceed to fully absorb the embarrassing event that has just occurred while smiling, nodding, and blushing furiously. 

Not very fun times. But... as I'm driving home, still miffed at the husbands comments, I realize he is right. I spent at least 8-10 hours each day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with a glazed look on my face re-reading text books, or absorbed in internet research for the paper I was writing. I recalled a moment when the little one had tried to get my attention for something and I completely snapped at her. "Don't talk to me right now!" I had said. I definitely was not fun to be around. How did I let myself get to that point without realizing it? Pretty simple actually... I was trying to do everything, and do it with my own accord, will, and strength. 

You know what? I get a lot more accomplished, and am a lot more pleasant to be around when I simply accept the truth. I am not in control of anything. I can't do anything of my own strength with as much success as I would attain if I relied on Christ, my rock,  to carry me through. Its as if I can hear him asking me as I'm driving... "I'm here, didn't you know? Why don't you just lean on me... I'll carry you." It seems so easy... but why is it so hard for me to do?

I've learned very quickly in my faith, that my biggest struggle is going to be to get out of my own way. I have been trained since birth by my family, and the world, to be strong. With discipline and focus you can accomplish anything, right? Sure... but you are very likely to lose something along the way. How many moments did I miss with my family while I was so focused? How many questions was I not there to answer for my little one? If I had simply stopped focusing on the problem, on what needed to be done, and kept my focus where it belonged, on my faith, on Jesus... I still would have needed to study, but I wouldn't have lost myself along the way. Through his grace, I would have retained the balance and patience I needed to work through the challenges of the week, without losing control of my heart and attitude. I wouldn't have been too stubborn to ask the husband for help. I would have known that it would be okay to leave the house for a few hours to really focus on my studies without interruption. All I really had to do was listen to Him calling, and answer. To give up the worldly will that I have been taught to impose on my life, and to let Him take the wheel.

Since when has focusing on a problem ever really fixed anything? When you focus on something, all you are really doing is seeing it larger, more intricately, seeing how it permeates your world. Pretty soon, the only thing you can see is the problem. What if you put that focus elsewhere? What if you gave that intensity, that focus, up to the only true hope? Gave it all to the only answer for the world, and for each tiny issue in our individual lives? 
"Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:29-30 NLV
God is Love. Faith in him is fulfilling, and truly the answer to all of my problems. I believe that Jesus {as God incarnate...Yup, God with skin on.} made the best offer any of us have ever been given: Give me your sin, give me your troubles, your sadness, your brokenness, your fears, your unfulfillement, your insecurities... I will give you forgiveness, joy, wholeness, courage, fulfillment, confidence, love... I will be ALL you need.  All He requires of us is faith and love. We are human, we will make mistakes, and He knows this. He does not expect us to be perfect, as we are incapable of achieving true perfection. That is why God gifted us Jesus, the only sinless man whom has ever walked the earth, to be a sacrifice for our sins. To make us right with God for all we have done, and will do. I believe that all that he truly desires of us is to humble ourselves when we do make a mistake, to genuinely ask for forgiveness, and to move forward in faith. 

I think many people have been scared away from Religion, particularly Christianity, due to the preposition that Christians are trying to be "perfect" and will not accept anything less. I can count myself as believing that assumption as well, prior to truly encountering Jesus. I remember reading a bumper sticker early on in my faith. It was a quote by Ghandi, and it went something like this: "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ." Well, for the most part, Ghandi has been right. In general, I don't think that a large population of Christianity truly portrays the heart of Christ. Jesus said do not judge, yet often Christians are extremely judgmental.  Jesus said love everyone, but often Christians are very "closed-minded" about who is "worthy" of their love. Jesus ate and drank with the worst of the worst in his times, and through this open love and acceptance, saved many sinners.  Often Christians would not be caught anywhere near a drug dealer, prostitute, or even simply a non-christian. Jesus said love your enemies, and yet how many wars have been fought, how many millions have died, in "his" name? When Jesus walked the earth, sinners flocked to him as a safe harbor, and while they still come to Him today searching for that love and forgiveness, sadly, often churches today present nothing resembling his true message. 

While there are no perfect churches, I am truly blessed to have become part of a good one. Through the amazing, profound guidance of this spiritually grounded church, I am truly growing in my faith. I do not believe that in order to be a good Christian, and a good person, that we need to work harder to "be like Jesus." What I believe is that we need to give up ourselves, and let the real Jesus do his work through us. I believe the best way for that to happen is to be honest with yourself, and to present yourself as you really are to others. Admit the imperfections. Attempting to "set a good example" typically results in superficiality at its best, and hypocrisy at its worst. And I am not a fan of superficiality or hypocrisy. In fact, they may be two of my least favorite human traits. Do I love nice clothes... sure! Do I present myself to the world a certain way, of course. But I don't dress how I dress or put on make up to impress others, or to meet a certain standard. I try to do it for my own joy. I {me, the person I am on the inside} loves clothes, and loves make-up. I have since I was a little girl. I didn't play with my Barbie's, I dressed them up and decorated their house. Then I left them alone, perfectly styled, in their dream house. And point blank, I look better with a bit of make-up than bare-faced. And I'd rather look better. For me. But, I like to think that I am a transparent person. If you ask me my opinion about something, I will give it to you honestly. If you ask me a question about marriage, I will tell you that I am struggling in  my own, and offer my ear to listen. The only way I believe it is possible to truly draw others to the perfection and love of Christ is through the honest admittance and acceptance of our own imperfections. I am not perfect, and I make mistakes every day, but I want to let Him shine through the brokenness in my life, and I believe that He will.

So, with that in mind, I am taking a deep breath this week. I am going to make it a point to start each day with focus on faith. I am not going to let my life, or the problems in it, run me over. I am going to believe that through Christ, I can do all things, and I am going to make sure to anchor myself to him, and not the world. He gives me genuine hope, for my genuine problems. He has rescued me time, and time again... always coming through in the nick of time. Regardless of the fact that I may at times make mistakes, I may run from him, or question his plans, or hold anger in my heart... regardless of what I do, or don't do... I know that He is there for me. That He wants to help me. That He is the answer to all of my needs. He gives me rest, and gives me Peace. And that, my friends, is something we can all use a little more of.

♥Jen



photo credit: unknown & edited by me, pinterest.com


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Trend Watching:A Pop of Pink...

What is the easiest way to give anything neutral a hint of femininity? Why, add a pop of pink, of course! Pops of pink are showing up everywhere, from interior decor to makeup to fashion. And I think I'm kind of loving it...










Now sadly, as far as decor goes, I think the best I might be able to talk the husband into is a pink throw pillow... but that won't stop me from daydreaming about putting a whole room together!
Or for that matter, gushing over a classy chic outfit and this delicious pair of pink suede heels!




T by Alexander Wang short sleeve tee, $81
DKNY black tweed jacket, $639
True Religion slim jeans, £245
Pierre Hardy suede pumps, $595
Marc Jacobs cross body handbag, $595
MICHAEL Michael Kors summer watch, $180
Alexandra Beth Designs silver bib necklace, $75



How do you feel about pink? Love it or leave it? Will you wear it in small doses, or are you brave enough to rock it in all its feminine fierceness as the basis of an outfit? I think the photos above speak for themselves. Pink is definitely a do in my book! Now, I'm going to go closet shopping and see what I can come up with...where are my pink pumps?

♥Jen

Friday, October 21, 2011

Healthy Living: Surprisingly Awesome Snacks


I love food. I try to eat conscientiously and healthily. I have moments of weakness when I want nothing more than something ridiculously bad for me. Sometimes I cave. Then I feel bad about. Thankfully, most of the time, I'm prepared and rely on a healthy alternative snack to kill the craving. Since the weather is shifting to gloomy and gray, and that tends to lead to more time indoors... which leads to more opportunities for snack time, I thought I'd share some of the best healthy snacks I've come across over the last few years. 

Craving Creamy?

Sophisticated Strawberries: Halve strawberries and smear with soft chevre {goat cheese}. Drizzle with Balsamic vinegar and a bit of honey.
Banana Softserve: Freeze some banana slices, then pulse in a food processor with some toasted cashews and a splash of almond milk
Make your own Edamame Hummus: Combine 1/2 cup cooked edamame, 1/2 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp tahini, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a food processor, pulsing until smooth. Serve with mini carrots.
Mini Polenta Melts: Slice a few thin slices of store bought polenta. Top with each with 1/2 a slice roasted red pepper and a bit of italian cheese blend. Microwave about 20 seconds, until warm.
Radiccio Wraps: Mash 1/2 cup canned white beans with 1/2 tsp olive oil, a bit of chopped rosemary and a dash of salt and pepper. Pile onto radiccio leaves. 
Easy Cali Rolls: Nuke a package of pre-cooked brown rice. Drizzle 1/2 cup rice with 1 Tsp rice wine vinegar. Combine 1/4 ripe chopped avocado, 1/4 cup chopped cucumber, and 1/4 cup chopped imitation crab with 1 Tsp grapeseed veganaise. Scoop rice and a bit of filling onto a nori sheet and roll up. Looks are not the goal here. Enjoy.
Simple Classic: Enjoy 1/2 cup cottage cheese or low-fat yogurt with fresh berries or other fruit of choice.

Craving Sweet?

♦ Chocolate Pudding: Combine 114 Oz Package Soft Silken Tofu, 1/3 Cup Pure Cocoa Powder, 1/3 Cup Agave Nectar, and 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract in blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Serve chilled.
Almond Coconut Bars: Combine 3 Cups puffed brown rice cereal with 1/2-3/4 {just enough to hold together} cups almond butter, 4 Tbs honey, 1 cup dried coconut, and  1 cup dried fruit/nuts of choice or mini chocolate chips. Press into a pan and chill. Cut into small bars and enjoy.
No Bake Fruit "Crisp": Sprinkle fresh berries of choice with your favorite type of granola. Microwave until warm.
Banana Cream Crackers: Top organic graham crackers with a bit of vanilla greek yogurt and banana slices. 
♦ "Caramel" Walnut Apples: Boil one cup of organic apple cider until it become thick and syrupy. Add some chopped walnuts. Drizzle over fresh apple slices.
Chocolate Goodness: Combine 1/4 cup Pam's Gluten Free Baking Mix {or whole wheat flour}, 1/8 Tsp Baking Powder, 2 Tbs Baking Cocoa, 1 Packet Stevia or 2 Tbs palm sugar,1/4 cup water, 1/8 Tsp Vanilla extract and a small handful of chocolate chips in small microwavable bowl. You can also use 1/2 cup of your favorite chocolate cake mix with 1/8 cup water. Microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Enjoy warm. If you're craving extra decadence, top with a scoop of natural vanilla ice cream or froyo. Yum.


Craving Crunchy?

♦ Grown Up Ants on a Log: Stuff celery sticks with your favorite nut butter and top with dried goji berries or currants.
Chickpea Poppers: Thoroughly dry canned chickpeas. Toss with a small amount of olive oil and season with dried oregano and garlic salt. Roast at 400 until crispy.
Veggie Chips and Dip: Dip Terra Chips in a bit of sour cream seasoned with a dash of garlic salt.
Thai Slaw Roll-Ups: Fill rice wrappers with thai slaw. Combine 1/2 package store bought coleslaw mix with  a bit of toasted sesame oil, lime juice, honey, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Toss in some chopped peanuts. 
Fruit & Nuts: Spread crisp, thinly sliced pears or apples with crunchy cashew or almond butter.  Top with sesame seeds. Or, layer the fruit and nut butter onto a thin cracker, such as a rye crisp.
♦Indian Spiced Cashews: Toss raw cashews in curry powder and a bit of melted coconut oil. Roast at 400 until golden. 


Craving Salty?


♦Quick Antipasto Plate: Wrap a part skim cheese stick in a slice of prosciutto. Enjoy with a handful of olives and some cherry tomatoes.
♦Smoked Salmon Wraps: Combine a bit of chopped smoked salmon with light cream cheese. Mound onto large lettuce leaves. Top with dill.
♦Chessy Kale Chips: Tear kale leaves into large pieces and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spritz with olive oil and bake at 350 until crisp. While warm, sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
♦Tuna Salad Rounds: Combine a bit of tuna with a small amount of veganaise and lemon juice. Mound onto rice chips.
♦Turkey Roll Ups: Spread a bit of softned light cream cheese on sliced turkey breast and top with thinly sliced tomato. Roll up.


Hungry Yet?


♥Jen


photo credit: Ann Straton for Real Simple

Thursday, October 20, 2011

GET THE LOOK :: PRINTED PENCIL SKIRT

Ok another ensemble I could definitely get in to~ quite literally of course, courtesy of Coco+Kelley. I love me a pencil skirt, and this one is particularly fabulous with its bold geometric print, in one of my favorite color combos: black+white+gold. Not to mention the fact that I've been obsessed with those Zara heels for about 6 weeks solid. Might have to work those into the crazy budget for the next couple of months {little one's forthcoming 5th birthday blowout+holidays sneaking up on me have halted any "unnecessary" buys... I think these may qualify as necessary!} Follow the link here to get full outfit details and some further inspiration!



Quite the snazzy little outfit! Love it!

♥Jen

Fabulous Fall Color Combo: Camel+Bright

I tend to wear black. A lot. Its slimming. It goes with everything. It doesn't show that I spilled coffee all over myself as I was rushing out the door carrying enough stuff to make a pack mule feel unworthy {Moms, you know what I'm talking about}. But lately I have been wanting to lighten it up, so to speak. And what better way to do that than with one of the most classic fall colors, Camel. One of the best things about the color Camel, or its close cousin, taupe, is that it pairs wonderfully with bolder colors. Two of my favorite combos for fall are mustard+camel and red or pink+taupe. Lets reference these stylish gals for some inspiration, shall we?










Let's fantasize a bit, shall we?


Red and Taupe

Vince oversized top, £305
J Crew wool blend coat, $350
Current/Elliott leopard print jeans, $239
Christian louboutin shoes, $995
Mulberry chocolate handbag, £925
Dorothy Perkins square shawl, £12


Mustard+Camel


EQUIPMENT silk shirt, £230
Ann Harvey cowl neck top, £28
J crew Coat, $325
Goldsign skinny jeans, $240
Dries Van Noten leather pumps, £370
Mulberry genuine leather handbag, £750



♥Jen

photo credits: 1-8 original photo sources via pinterest; 9/10 via polyvore

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

A Visit to The Farm

Yesterday we had a little class field trip to visit Fall City Farm. What a gorgeous fall day we had! We were incredibly blessed with clear blue skies, and relatively warm temps. While the tour was pretty short and didn't allow for a ton of time for photos, the kids still had fun. We picked Pumpkins, learned about farm life {do you know what the most important animal on the farm is?} and learned how to press apple cider. Here are a few of the snaps I did get:


The Farm.


Making Apple Cider


Which Bee's are really into {literally, this one climbed right into the cup for a sip!}By the way, the most important animal on a farm is the Bee. Pollination and all... Who knew?


So pretty!

For those of you in the Northwest, I hope you were able to enjoy at least a little of the beautiful day we had yesterday! Have you got your pumpkins yet???

♥Jen