Month in Review: May 2013

Ahhhh May. This month has flown by if you ask me! It was a pretty disappointing month run-wise and health-wise but I'm slot getting back to my old self!

Week1- This week was pretty low key since it was right after my massive PR at the Divas HM so I spent the week working on stretching, strength, and circuit training so I still got those bursts of cardio. I did a lot of Jillian Michaels dvds (30 DS & Ripped in 30).  Sadly, no running but a lot of walking with Rusty (that I forgot to log).

Week 2- This week was crap. One of my blisters on my foot from the Divas HM was infected and I couldn't really even wear shoes, my toe turned purple, and I was on antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Again, no running this week since my foot was so swollen and I even tried to do some dvd workouts but that was clearly a BAD idea.

Week 3- ughh this was the worst of the month. I had a terrible fever on Monday & Tuesday of this week and then on Wednesday I was so sick and throwing up and had to call into work and went to the doctor in Danville, told me i had a GI virus after taking blood from both arms and making me wait 2+hrs in the exam room, and he gave me some meds for the nausea and for the rest of the week all I consumed was yellow Gatorade. I lost about 10lbs that entire week.

Week 4- this week was pretty much recovery. I haven't been able to eat hardly anything since the week I had the virus and I'm still down all that weight. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving this weight loss but I wish it was a result of my hard work and running and not my body rejecting all food I attempt to eat. I started running this week and got a 4mi run and a 2.8mi run but at a slow pace since my endurance has dwindled and I'm still pretty weak.

Week 5- This last week was pretty good. I'm still down in weight and still struggling to keep food down but I got THREE runs in this past week!!! Two super short runs of 2.8mi and then today I had a great 5mile run!

All in all, it was a mediocre month for me. With all of my health issues, I'm glad that I got the 25 miles in that I did. It was hard but I'm glad I'm getting back into my running groove and start thinking of a training plan for Detroit.

Just an FYI- National Running Day is next week (June 5th) so I hope everyone can get a run in that day! If you don't run, just try to get out of the house and be active-whether its power walking, gardening, swimming, or any other activity!

Here's to having a healthy June and a great start to the summer running season!

xoxo Manisha

Outfit of the Day (Friday)

Well, here I am in the sketch PTI airport waiting to go to NJ....hey at least I don't have to sit in the car for 10hrs!

Today's OOTD will be abbreviated since I'm blogging from my phone and I generally suck at technology haha!

Dress: Old Navy
Cardigan: Target
Shoes: Charming Charlie
Watch: Rolex
Earrings &Bangles: Malani Jewelers
Necklace: my monogram necklace
Rings: VT Class Ring & David Yurman Petite Wheaton Ring in Black Onyx

I got this dress earlier in the spring but I thought it was perfect for travel! It's a strapless dress in an orange/coral eyelet fabric. The cardigan is one of my all time favorite Target finds! It fits so well and I'm pretty sure I have them in every color!

Today has been super hectic already even though it's only 3pm! I walked Rusty as soon as I got up and played with him some before I dropped him off for boarding (he absolutely did not want to go.. look how sad he looks in the picture below!!).  I had a nice hour long run afterwards and got 5 miles in before we left! I was mostly packed so I just had to remember all the little things (the hardest part of packing if you ask me)! I totally forgot my nausea meds so this weekend will definitely be interesting! I was advised that benadryl is a suitable substitute and I have plenty of that packed!

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather!!

xoxo Manisha

Outfit of the Day (Thursday) & Other Important Things

Today's post is dedicated to my mom! She found this amazing skirt for me and I promised her I would wear it this week and do a blog post so Mommy, here you go!

OK so after a week of dark/neutrals, today was the perfect day for a lovely spring/bright option! I went a little casual since I knew I didn't have to go to the courthouse or meet with any clients and this outfit was perfect! So comfy and still appropriate for a law office!

• Top & Cardigan: LOFT (I got them YEARS ago and still love them!)
• Skirt: Target (like a spring multi-colored tweed)
• Necklace& Earrings: Black Onyx with Jade and Pink Coral from Hawaii (Waikiki trip 2012)
• Rings: VT Class Ring & David Yurman Petite Wheaton Ring in Black Onyx
• Watch: Rolex
• Bangles: Malani Jewelers
• Shoes: Audrey Brooke Kristin Flats via DSW

Look at that gorgeous necklace! I love Hawaii so much and I thought this was the PERFECT outfit to wear my onyx/jade/pink coral necklace.  My earrings are just black onyx studs but you know how much I love anything with black onyx! My hair was extra full/fluffy (haha) today since I washed it last night and put it up half dry so I could get some curls/waves for today.  Yeah that happened and my hair was BIG haha I had to comb it out before I got to the office!

I love this outfit!

 I got these shoes last weekend when I made a trip to DSW with my mom. I had been sweating those gorg Tory Burch flats forever now but after hearing about so many people having to return them because they hurt so bad, I was still on the quest to find some professional looking flats that I can wear to work and to court if I needed.  I found these and they look like the Tory Burch ones but that's not why I love them.  They are BEYOND comfortable.  I used some body glide on the knuckles by my big toes and I didn't feel a thing! 

 And they look super cute on my wide, flat, runner's feet.

My sweet Rusty on our drive home after a LONG day at work (I didn't leave until 6:30pm!)

ALSO, I got this super exciting email this morning:

In 3 years and 1 month, I've worked out 850 times!!! It's so hard to believe that and where I've come since then.  I started this life/weight loss journey in August 2009 and it's great to see things like this to remind me that it's ok to take a day off here and there and make sure my body is strong so I can improve for my future races!

SPEAKING OF WHICH: I've signed up for 2 new races!  1= Blue 5K & 10K on the Runway at PTI (I'm doing the 5K) on June 8 annnnnd #2=  

 

I'M FINALLY REGISTERED FOR THE DETROIT INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON!!!

I had a minor freakout when I couldn't find my passport last night but I realized that I don't need it to register so I just need to find it before October! YES! I AM SO EXCITED! This race sounds nothing but amazing-- running through DT Detroit (hope I don't get shot but I'm sure my surgeon bro will save me if I am), Greektown, Mexicotown (sp??), running INTO Canada, the "Underwater Mile" in the Windsor Tunnel, running OUT of Canada, and then back into DT! I can't wait for this fabulous race!

 

Anything exciting happen today??

 

 

 

  

Playlist Wednesday (a day late!)

OK so I am FINALLY getting back into running after almost a month of injury and infections and viruses.  Let's be honest, my body was not too happy with the way I treated it in April (90+ miles, 3 PR races, etc.).  I started back with short 30-45 minute treadmill runs so I can get my heart rate up and slowly build my endurance back up! I have some exciting races planned for this summer and fall and I want to be on the top of my game when those races arrive!

Without further ado, here is the return of Playlist Wednesday (a day late since my life this week is OOC) and the highlight of what I'm listening to this week:

• Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams)- Daft Punk
• This song was found on a fluke when I was perusing the iTunes Top Singles list the other day! I love it and I'm always down for anything with Pharrell! It's a new addition to my running playlist so I still need to hear it a few more times to figure out my groove with the beat and running!
• No Church In the Wild (feat. Frank Ocean & The-Dream)- Jay-Z & Kanye West
• Sooo, I was delirious one night and totally downloaded The Great Gatsby soundtrack in the middle of the night a few weeks ago. This song is in a lot of the previews (and a commercial too I think?) but it's great if you like rap songs when you run! I love the beat to this and its like OTP Jay&Kanye are reunited once again!
• A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)- Fergie, Q-Tip, & GoonRock
• This too is from The Great Gatsby soundtrack I downloaded a few weeks ago in an insomniac rage. I love this song! It's so true, a little party  never killed anybody! Every time I hear this when I run, I just want to have a dance party and drink champagne!
• Feel This Moment (feat. Christina Aguilera)- Pitbull
• Now, let me just say for the record, I do not listen to Pitbull recreationally but I heard this song on the radio couple weeks ago and it's so freaking perfect for running! I love the upbeat parts of the song that it just makes me want to sprint during those parts! Maybe it'll be my speedwork song?? PS Christina sounds so AMAZING in this song!!
• 22- Taylor Swift
• I know I'll regret this later but it is so damn catchy! I love singing along with the chorus when I run haha! Sometimes, I do wish I could act like I'm 22 again!

What's your favorite running/workout song this week??

109 Years of Alpha Gamma Delta

Happy Founder's Day to ALL of my Alpha Gamma Delta Sisters!

 

Alpha Gamma Delta was officially founded on May 30, 1904 at the home of Dr. Wellesley Perry Coddington, a professor at Syracuse University who was instrumental in the early development of Alpha Gamma Delta. Each of the Fraternity's 11 founders were progressive women who selflessly contributed to the foundation and growth of Alpha Gamma Delta. Since the founding, collegiate chapters have been installed at 188 colleges and universities across North America and more than 160,000 women have become Alpha Gam sisters. Guided by our Purpose, Alpha Gamma Deltas are impacting our communities and contributing to the world's work.

  

Outfit of the Day (Wednesday)

 

Life is out of control crazy right now (so crazy that abbrievs aren't sufficient)! I'm going to keep this short (by my standards haha) and sweet!

I really enjoyed today's outfit but after losing 10+ lbs in recent weeks, this suit was swimming on me! All my clothes are getting too big but I guess that's a good thing right? I had a meeting with a client today so I thought I would wear one of my favorite suits with a POP of color :) Rusty was clearly not amused that I made him wait to go out so I could take these pictures!

• Suit: Kasper
• Shell: jcp
• Pearl Necklace: Maui Divers Jewelry from my trip to Waikiki in 2010
• Pearl Earrings: Had them set in gold prongs after opening an oyster in Waikiki in 2010 and two beautiful black pearls appeared! (Maui Divers Jewelry- Pick a Pearl)
• Rings: VT Class Ring & David Yurman Petite Wheaton in Black Onyx
• Watch: Rolex
• Bangles: Malani Jewelers
• Shoes (not pictured): Nine West- the same as yesterday!

 The shell/top was super comfy (especially when the temps have been inching towards 90 this week) and looked great with my black suit.  My only issue is that it was SO big on me! I love the shade of pink though, perfect pop of color and my nail polish matched too! Haha Rusty HATES having his picture taken!

These pearls are without a doubt my favorite strand of the (very) many that I have! I love the earrings because they are so unique in color and the golden prong setting is verrry different for me!

ALSO- today, I finally made it to the courthouse in time and got this bad boy! It's the little things in life that make me happy and finally having an attorney badge for the Guilford County courthouses is one of them!

Hope everyone had a fab Wednesday! Tomorrow is my last day of work in this short week! I'm super excited about what I have planned for a BUSY day tomorrow!

What is your favorite aspect about your current job?
(I love that I get to actually help people whether it's explaining a document/pleading or just listening to their situation in which they need legal assistance.)

 

 

 

 

Outfit of the Day (Tuesday)

OK so today totally felt like Monday, right? I went into the office last night even though it was closed to get some work done since we have a ton of deadlines this week (it's always the end of the month that gets crazy), I'll be out of town May 31st-June 3rd for a family wedding in NJ, and the other attorney will be out this Thursday& Friday. So, needless to say, this week will be bananas.

Well today, I had big plans to leave the house early, drop Rusty off at daycare early, and then head over to the courthouse to get my attorney badge before work so I don't have to go through the security line anymore (which makes me feel so dirty when they have to wand me or I leave smelling like cigarettes). Um, yeah that didn't quite happen.  I left the house maybe 7 minutes early and got to the courthouse well before the office closed to get the badges and when I got to the security line, I asked if I could just go down to the office to get my badge and I showed them my State Bar card but to no avail, I was rejected and told that I wouldn't make it to the office before it closed anyway since the line was so long (it was still about 15 minutes before it closed!!). WELL that was frustrating and annoying but I did have a really great suit on.

• Suit: Ann Taylor 
• Flutter Sleeve Top: Ann Taylor
• Shoes: Nine West via DSW
• Double Strand Pearl Necklace: Christmas Gift circa 2009 from parents (via Carlyle& Co.)
• Pearl drop Earrings: Honora (birthday 2010 present from sister- similar to this set but mine had light pink ones instead of the bluish ones)
• Watch: Rolex (law school graduation present)
• Rings: VT Class Ring & David Yurman Petite Albion Ring in Garnet
• Bangles: Malani Jewelers

I got this suit when I was in Myrtle Beach for the Divas Half Marathon and we hit up the outlets the day before the race (remember my frustration that day??). There's nothing I love more than a great suit than a great suit on sale!!! I am literally obsessed with this suit, flutter sleeve top, and shoes.  Today's whole outfit made me feel great and confident about life! Yeah life! It's days like today and little things like a new suit that make me feel like an attorney after all these years of wanting nothing but this! It really is a great feeling when you've achieved what you worked for the past 13 years of life (sorry to get so emotional there, I guess it just goes with this fantastic mood that makes me reminisce about the past so many years I've wanted nothing but to be where I am in life right now).

I just got these shoes last weekend when I hit up DSW with my mom and I love how they look professional yet are still super comfy and perfect for this outstanding start to summer we've been having in North Carolina!

In other Manisha world news today, I had a really great walk with Rusty this morning but as we approached my front door, one of my random neighbors who let their cat roam the neighborhood and we found this not cute fat cat was sitting on my front stoop and Rusty went WILD.  He is not a fan of strange cats and this one just startled him so I went to pick him up so we could go through the garage since the cat refused to move and he lunged right as my hand was going around him and my pointer finger now is in tremendous pain!

Gross right?? Well, the whole finger turned red since I forgot that you need to keep wounds above your heart to keep from bleeding out (thanks lifeguarding CPR/First Aid class circa 2002!) and I dripped blood all over my kitchen as Rusty had his breakfast haha! You're welcome for that visual!  Even though this morning was the epitome of crazieness, I had this little guy to brighten up my life when I picked him up from daycare! 

that smile makes my heart melt!

Finally, here is my current life description:

Sometimes, I feel like a neurotic mess like my bff Kelly Kapoor. BUT I'm probably more like Mindy Lahari nowadays? 

What is your favorite accessory you had on today? What's your power color you wear when you need a pick-me-up?
(I loved my double strand pearls and shoes the most about today! Red is without a doubt my 'power color'!)

 

Product Review: Brooks Women's D'lite Mesh Tank

OK so I ordered the Brooks women's d'lite micro mesh racerback last month when I was training for my Divas Half Marathon and the weather was never quite warm enough to wear this tank so it just sat in the plastic wrapper it came in on my dresser. I finally decided to pull it out for my first real run of May last week since I've been sidelined for what it seems like forever with health issues. 

I found it on sale on the Brooks website when I was perusing the shoe options after first seeing Jenelle from Mile 28 wear it on her blog for a beach run. This tank was only $18 and there are 5 other colors also on sale but there are 3 color options that are regular priced ($28) and that seems a bit hefty to me based on the quality of the tank.

I liked this top since it was super lightweight and the mesh was VERY breathable but for some reason, it irritated and rubbed under my arms quite a bit! I like how it's a longer tank that I can layer with a compression tank! For this run, I just had my compression capris on but I think that this tank would look really great with my sparkleskirts, which would be an even more comfortable outfit than with the capris!

Here is a closer-up view of the tank.  The edges look like they're unfinished and it isn't the most polished looking tank but I think it totally got the job done since I am a heavy sweater (gross) when I run and I just know this will keep me cool during all of my summer runs!

As for cleaning, I'm still trying to figure out how I should wash this.  I let it air dry after my run and it's still on the hook on the back of my door since I haven't figured out if I want to hand wash (probably) or put it in the machine on gentle.  There isn't a tag so I can't really use that and there weren't instructions on the little slip that came with the tank.

Ultimately, if you're into tanks for working out, then definitely check this Brooks D'lite mesh tank out! I love it!

***DISCLAIMER: The opinions and statements about the Brooks Women's D'lite Mesh Tank are my own and I was NOT provided any products to sample or compensated to include on this blog.***

Outfits of the Day (Thursday)

Today was quite a busy day for me! This morning, I had a quasi-interview and then I ran home to change into something a little more casual for work since the entire office was closed for a training session so I had the whole place to myself to get work done uninterrupted (and I did)!!! I had such a productive day that included some fun outfits.  Right now, I'm about to go for a run- my first in 25 days (which included an infection, virus, & a couple rounds of RXs)! Hopefully I survive and don't pass out!

Here is my morning outfit (for the quasi-interview):

• Suit: Kasper
• Shirt: jcp
• Pearls: my very first string of pearls my mom got me in 2006
• Earrings: Pearl earrings from my 27th birthday
• Shoes (not pictured): Black pumps 
• Watch: Rolex (law school graduation present)
• Rings: VT Class Ring & David Yurman Petite Wheaton in Black Onyx
• Bangles: Malani Jewelers

Annnd here is this afternoon's outfit from work:

Skirt & Shell: LOFT
Cardigan: Old Navy
Jewelry: All the same from the morning
Sandals: Charming Charlie

I was doubly excited to wear this new skirt since it was the first time I could fit into it since I bought it! I guess that GI virus is great for my closet options too!! Since the office was closed today and no one was there, I took advantage of the situation and wore some comfy sandals since I knew I would be at my desk all afternoon catching up on uninterrupted work! My foot stupidly ran into my vaccum cleaner last night and so I now have another toe on my right foot that has a layer of skin missing and in severe pain.  Hopefully I can keep it clean and prevent an infection like what happened a couple weeks ago on my left foot!

AND since the weather is so beautiful, here are some gorgeous flowers in my front yard! My amazing mom planted these gorgeous marigolds and gerbera daisy on Mother's Day weekend and my roses are finally blooming! I think Greensboro skipped spring and went straight to Summer!

Go Hokies!

 

What's your favorite thing to do in this great spring/summer weather we've had lately??!! 

 

 

 

Outfit of the Day (Wednesday)

Here we are again for another OOTD post!

I had a lot of fun with today's outfit since the temperatures were inching towards 90 and I felt like I needed a change from my typical black/white/red/fuchsia options. So what do I pick? BLUE! A color I usually loathe but when I saw this skirt in the store a few weeks ago, I was in love!

• Blazer & Shell: LOFT
• Pencil Skirt: jcp
• Necklace: Roberto Coin Diamond Heart Pendant 
• Watch: Rolex (law school graduation present)
• Rings: VT Class Ring & David Yurman Petite Albion Ring in Garnet
• Bangles & Earrings (white gold/diamond hoops you can't see in this picture): Malani Jewelers
• Shoes: Etienne Aigner via Marshall's 

I am pretty much obsessed with these shoes! I've had them for what seems forever and they are perfectly worn but still look great! I love the mini wedge heel and that they are still professional looking enough for work when it's warmer out!

In other world news, I'm feeling a lot better but still pretty tired and I can't really stomach any food and I keep dropping weight (which is a great thing if you ask me haha but my mom doesn't think as much).  I had a pretty good day at work and this outfit gave me a lot of confidence too! It's funny how wearing a great outfit you love gives you so much confidence and really uplifts your mood! Tomorrow will be an interesting day since the majority office will be close for a training day but I will still go in to catch up on some work before the holiday weekend coming up!

What was your favorite thing you wore today?

My Beauty Essentials

I thought I would share some of my favorite beauty items this week instead of Playlist Wednesday while I'm still recovering from that horrible virus. I created this set on Polyvore so be sure to check my page out there and follow me on there too!

Beauty Essentials by mppvt08 featuring a sugar lip treatment

Estée Lauder black eye makeup, $22 / Buxom false eyelash / Face moisturizer / Clinique sugar lip treatment / Palmer s beauty product

Beauty Essentials by mppvt08 featuring a black eye liner

 

1. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick: I love this for everyday all day! I use it on my lips in the mornings and every night before bed.  This is also great for cracked heels (after wearing pumps all day or even running!), or dry spots on your knees &/or elbows. I've been using this for probably the past 4-5 years and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon! I keep a tube of this everywhere, on my nightstand, purse, my car, etc.
    
2. Oil of Olay All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen: OK so this option came from my mom. After YEARS of watching my mom put this all over her face, neck, arms, & everywhere else when I was little, I knew this was the one thing that I would use as an adult.  I've actually been using Oil of Olay on my face, neck, and arms since I was in college.  I credit this moisturizer for my lack of breakouts, etc and it keeps my face feeling fresh and not greasy/oily all day long.  I want to try the new Olay BB cream since sometimes I layer a tinted moisturizer with my daily moisturizer so that might be a better option for those days!
    
3. Estée Lauder Pure Color Intense Kajal Eyeliner in Blackened Black: Again, this is an absolute favorite of mine. I'm pretty low-key when it comes to makeup but I never leave the house without applying my favorite eyeliner! This eyeliner reminds me of Indian Kajal eyeliner my mom/relatives used to get me from India that also had a reputation of staying on all day without smudges/running.  I also love how easy this particular liner goes on and very rarely smudges or runs after a long day at the office. I've tried my share of eyeliners from both high end and drugstore brands and this one is without a doubt the best for my skin.
    
4. Clinque Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color in Mega Melon: This lip balm is one of my favorites and I literally have some color option of the chubby stick in every probable location-makeup bag, in the car, purse, etc.  I love love love how much color a few swipes gives but there is no heavy/sticky mess that most lip glosses have!! Clinique recently came out with an "Intense" version of the chubby stick but I'm still not quite sold on those. They do not not last for more than the typical time but the one upside is that the colors are much more intense and vibrant.
   
   
5. Buxom Lash in Blackest Black:  Oh this goes along with the eyeliner as the only makeup I refuse to leave the house without applying.  I love how this mascara makes my piney eyelashes look full and thick. After using this mascara, I never have to worry about clumps or flaking, etc. I first got this at Sephora in a gift set and I've gone through so many tubes of this mascara since the Buxom line began it's crazy!
    

What are some of your favorite beauty products? What is your favorite product you use everyday??

Where Have I Been?

Sorry I've been MIA since last Tuesday..I was victim to a terrrrrible GI virus all last week.  Everything was fine and dandy last Monday and then everything went to shit and went downhill when I came home from work that evening.

When I got home, I laid down on the sofa and eventually I had a fever when I woke up from an unintentional nap--I checked my temperature Monday night when I got in bed and it was around 102.3 so I did what any normal individual would do and took some Tylenol and went to bed.  I woke up Tuesday feeling just as gross but chalked it all up to missing my Monday night dose of antibiotics because of that nap. Well, Tuesday morning I threw up on my walk with Rusty and I had a fever all morning even with taking Tylenol but I figured it would eventually go away so I went to work anyway with a massive headache and fever.  Let me just say, Tuesday day was unbearable. When I got home, it was like a repeat of Monday night but worse. My fever had gotten up to 102.9 so my mom told me to take more Tylenol and then go to sleep so I did. WELL, I woke up Wednesday feeling TERRIBLE.  I started throwing up around 7-7:15am and it didn't stop until around 11am when my mom got to my house.  In between running to the bathroom, I called my mom and my doctor and I made an appointment with him in Danville for that afternoon so my mom left to come pick me up from my house since I could barely hold my head up.  It was so uncomfortable because I was beyond nauseous all morning/day/afternoon.  My mom got me to Danville in time for my doctor's appointment and that took almost two hours so that was a lot of fun. They tried to take blood (when one arm fails, just try the other one!) and then I fell asleep while we waited for the results and from there my doctor told me it was a virus, gave me an RX for a super powerful anti-nausea medicine and we were off.  My  mom took me to Target to get my meds and stock up on gatorade  since it was/is the only thing I can stomach. After, I just passed out for the next 18 hours. Annnnd that was my Wednesday & Thursday last week.

The rest of the week were a bit of a blur with a dash of depression on Saturday because I was way too weak to run in one of my favorite 5Ks in Danville- the Nestle 5K they hold every year during Festival in the Park weekend.  Also depressing= missing Festival.  My mom took me to Festival just to get a little change of scenery on Saturday so I went and was totally exhausted after.  When we got home, I literally slept for 5-6 hours without any benadryl inducement! 

Needless to say, the past week away from my blog (I left my computer here in Greensboro all week) was rough but it was nice to be able to get rest, sleep, and recover from the virus without the distraction of keeping up with my blog posts!  Don't worry, this week I will be back in full force with my posts, even though I'm still too weak for any kind of exercise (still can't stomach any food). 

Finally, i would like to dedicate this post to the 3 things that got me through last week: Rusty, my momma, and yellow gatorade.

love her so much!

he kept me company when I fell asleep on my mom's bed :)

 

How do you deal with unexpected illnesses? Do you still need your mom's TLC when you're sick like me??!