Weekend Roundup!

What a fun weekend I had the past few days! It was a pretty crazy weekend but I had so much fun visiting one of my good friends from college! On Friday after work, I headed up to Richmond (after a pit stop to drop Rusty off at his grandparents' house haha) to see my friend Kori since she just bought a new (and seriously beautiful) house in Richmond.  We usually go to football games together in the fall so it was great getting to hang out and catch up with both of our MANY life stories!! I didn't get to Richmond until after 10pm on Friday and we were up late catching up and sharing some ridiculous stories about life happenings along with some red moscato (who knew there was such a thing?? It tasted so good and was so pretty).  

Saturday, we ended up going to Claytor Lake for one of her grad school friends' baby shower.  It was so nice being in that area of Virginia again and we both didn't realize until that morning before we left Richmond that it was so close to Blacksburg (home of our alma mater Virginia Tech) so NATURALLY we had to make a detour on our way home.  We stopped by the Volume 2 bookstore and then had an early dinner at our favorite- Macado's! Before leaving town, we drove around campus just a little to see all the changes and reminisce of our college days.  We also drove through Oak Lane, the Greek community on campus and even saw the new phase/development with the first true Southern-style Greek house belonging to Sigma Phi Epsilon.  Their new house is GORGEOUS and I am so jealous we didn't have houses like that when I was in college! We ended up getting back to Richmond pretty late so we hung out and shared more stories (seriously, Kori and I can occupy ourselves for HOURS sharing ridiculous/hilarious life happenings) until I eventually fell asleep on her living room floor since I was up ridiculously late the night before ahhh.

ANYways, enough about that- but we had such a fun weekend! Sunday we had a nice relaxing breakfast at home while I drooled over her beautiful/large kitchen and I let her know of my jealousy of all that kitchen space! We talked about recipes and entertaining ideas- ahh so much fun! I love having dinner parties and having people over at my house but it tends to be difficult with such a small kitchen and limited space in a townhouse.

Here are some fun pictures from the past few days:

Our BEAUTIFUL campus, even in the cloudy/rainy mess!

made a quick stop at my parents' townhouse when we got into Blacksburg to make sure everything was OK! So many memories (good&bad) here!

typical for Kori and I! 

My standard meal from Macados- Gibson Girl, no mayo no pickle

I can NEVER finish all my sandwich because I always get a cup of my favorite soup no matter what!

Kori's signature Macado's meal- Johnny D no tomatoes!

how beautiful is this fraternity house???! SO jealous we didn't have sorority houses like this back when I was in college!

AND here is my OOTD for today- I felt so amazing in this outfit today! I had an early morning 6.1 mile run before work and it really uplifted my mood all day long! I love pretty much everything about what I wore today!

• Dress: Target
• Belt: White House Black Market
• Blazer: LOFT
• Shoes: White House Black Market (originally worn for my law school graduation)
• Jewelry: David Yurman Black Onyx earrings, necklace; David Yurman Petite Wheaton ring in Black Onyx; VT Class Ring
• Watch: Rolex
• Bangles: Malani Jewelers

I love everything about these shoes!

my sweet Rusty on our way home from work/daycare! 

 

How was your weekend??

Hey, it's ok to love these things…!

OK so here is what I'm loving this week:

• Chanel Chance Eau Tendre

I love this perfume! I was looking for a new scent for a while this past spring and once I tried this one at Sephora, I knew it had to be mine! It's such a feminine and delicate floral perfume with minimal fruity notes so it literally embodies all my favorite aspects in a perfume. Next time you are at Sephora or Macy's, etc., definitely try this perfume- you'll love it!

• Sephora by OPI Nail Polish

OK so if you know me, you know about my nail polish obsession. I love getting manicures as much as the next girl but there's something so wonderfully relaxing and satisfying as doing your own nails.  I've been a fan of OPI for well over 12 years and when I found out they were collaborating with Sephora, I was beyond excited! I've accumulated quite a number of these polishes and when my older sister told me earlier this summer that Sephora was discontinuing this line (and that all of them were on clearance/sale), I had to stock up on my favorite shades. When I went to Sephora here over the weekend, I picked up this color below called "How Cute is That?" and I love it! I put it on last night and it looks great with my tanned brown skin haha! Definitely run by your local Sephora or check out their website because now all of their polishes are 3 for $10 and I stocked up when they were $4.50!!! Some of my favorite shades ("I'm Wired"; "Mr. Right Now"; "I Think I Cayenne") are sold out but they still have a TON of options left online!

• Seche Vite Top Coat

On top of loving to do my own nails rather than getting manicures, I have to have the best tools/options. I am obsessed with this top coat (find it at Sally Beauty Supply or Amazon for an economical price and free shipping) since it dries almost instantly! I put a layer of this top coat on after two coats of color, even if the color layer isn't completely dry.  This top coat dries within 30 seconds to the touch and leaves a hard protective layer over your polish and gives it a beautiful shine.  I usually put a fresh layer of this top coat every few days if my nails start looking dull and usually keeps my polish from chipping for 10 days minimum! Definitely check this out and try it for yourself!!!

• Amazon Prime Instant Video

Ooooh, Amazon prime. One of the best investments I've made since I like to order things online and on top of free two-day shipping, I get unlimited instant streaming from their collection of tv shows and movies! I love watching shows (from the beginning of the series) that aren't on Netflix yet or if I want to start a new series.  Lately, so many people have been telling me to watch Suits (from USA) and I never really got into it until a couple weekends ago when I marathon-ed seasons 1-2 of Suits (currently in the 3rd season) and 1-3 of Covert Affairs (currently in the 4th season).  I must say, because of Amazon Prime, I am now obsessed with Mike Ross on Suits (ugh even though he's breaking so many laws practicing as a lawyer without a JD or license!!!) and the budget version of Alias, also known as Covert Affairs.  

• Este Lauder Pure Color Intense Kajal Eyeliner in Blackened Cocoa

Finally, I am obsessed with this eyeliner. I posted about my love for the Blackened Black version of this eyeliner before but I am seriously in love with the Blackened Cocoa one.  I felt like the black version was a bit too severe for everyday/office wear so I decided to try a little brown option and I layer this with the brown liquid liner from Sephora's makeup line.  Not only does it define my eyes really well, it rarely smudges and looks great with my skin! Definitely check this one out if you are looking for a classic liner but perfect for day-wear!

What are you loving this week??

Four Years Running!

Happy 4 Year Running Anniversary to me! August 8th holds a very special place in my life. I started running four years ago in hopes of changing the direction my life was going and to try and be happy again. It's been an incredible journey and I am thankful that I've been able to stick with it even after all these years of ups and downs.

after my last half marathon in April!

On August 7, 2009, I was at my cousin's son's wedding in New Jersey and completely miserable. I was extremely overweight, stressed out from my first year of law school, and generally felt more alone than I ever had in my life. Annnnd to top it all off, I was sitting at the reception with all these beautiful skinny Indian girls as if that wasn't intimidating enough!

My sister, mom, and I at the wedding reception I mentioned- August 2009

The very next day, I chose to make some changes in my life and vowed to get healthy because I 1- didn't want to have the health problems that my parents/grandparents do/did and 2- for my own vanity (I mean, who doesn't want to look their best at all times??).  The very next day I started doing research online and found Women's Health Magazine's website and some weight loss articles that helped jumpstart this new stage in my life.  I started walking on my treadmill at home 3x a week for 15 minutes at first and increasing the duration by 15 minutes every 3 weeks until I was eventually running for 45 minutes straight through September 2009. I was pretty intense with changing what I ate and making sure I ran every other day in order to turn my life around. The first 40lbs came off quickly but the second 45lbs took nearly a year, which culminated with my first half marathon February 2011! During my last semester of law school, I had some health issues but I ultimately got through that time in life and even though I still see the after-effects, I am trying to do things the healthy way now.

After my first half marathon- Disney Princess HM 2011

After law school, my running journey was a very up-and-down/bumpy so it's taken me a while to get where I am now.  I used running as my outlet during probably the most frustrating 15 months of my life thus far and it really was one of the main reasons I made it through with my sanity!

I ran quite a number of races and 2013 has been probably my best year of racing! I have PR-ed in the following distances this year: 5K, 8K, 10K, and Half Marathon! I'm hoping for another half marathon PR when I am in Detroit in October but I'll be happy to just finish.  I'm excited for the actual course so time won't be an additional pressure to get over the Ambassador Bridge fast enough or even to get through the Windsor Tunnel in record time! 

I'm excited to keep running.  I literally ran to save my life and even though I've plateaued with a net 60-65lb loss since my heaviest, I am happy.  It's been a long time since I could say that but I am actually happy with myself.  Yes, I may have a glass (or three) of wine one night but I still am active and make sure that I don't restrict too much from my diet or else I will just binge on it the next day.  If I want a tootsie roll, then I will eat a tootsie roll! 

ANYways, today's post was to recognize this milestone in my life and share a little of my story! Here's a picture of all my race bibs (minus my PTI Runway 5K bib) and medals I earned over the past four years:

What was the trigger that got you running/active?

 

 

 

I Just Wanna Wear Those Fourteen Pearls: Greek is Greek Link-Up

I'm excited to share a little of my experience with my sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, for this Greek is Greek Link-Up with Carolina Fireflies!!

Alpha Gamma Delta Armorial Bearings

I am beyond lucky to be a sister of such an amazing organization.  I had a little different Greek experience than most people- I joined via informal recruitment (continuous open bidding) during the fall of my junior year in college.  I was pretty involved in student affairs during my undergraduate years and I knew that joining a sorority was something I wanted to do- I just never had the appropriate timing with formal recruitment my first two years in college. Alpha Gam was colonized the previous spring and I always saw the fliers and emails for the informational sessions but I was extremely sick that semester so that left very little time for any other organization/involvement.  I decided that I wanted to join Alpha Gam in the fall and immediately sought out their Informal Recruitment Chair to see if they had any upcoming events since there wasn't anything specific on their website.  I remember my very first AGD event was dessert meet and greet at their sorority house.  I was so nervous driving into Oak Lane (the Greek Community at Virginia Tech) and once I got there and signed in, I met so many great women! Conversations weren't awkward or uncomfortable and I felt like I just clicked with so many of these women. At my next event, a bowling get together at Squires Student Center, as soon as I walked in, 2 sisters recognized me from the previous event (HEY JACKIE & AUDREY) and they immediately called out for me to bowl with them in their lane! It wasn't soon after this that I had an email (or phone call?) to my residence hall room asking if I was studying in my room or the library that night (um, I RARELY went to the library in college, let's be real).  Before I knew it, I had a knock on my door and 4 sisters were there to give me a bid to join Alpha Gamma Delta! I was so happy and they gave me my bid gifts (assortment of AGD items and a beautiful AGD lettered fleece blanket that I still use and love) and I was literally speechless! Later that night, my best friend April (who lived one floor below my room in Payne Hall) who is also a Kappa Kappa Gamma sister took me to get fabric to make my first sets of sorority letters and later on in the semester she and I got matching AGD and KKG hokie themed letters! (Panhellenic LOVE! I have so many girlfriends who are Kappas so no matter where I am, if I see a Kappa or an AGD, I feel an instant connection!).

I know I'm going to regret putting this picture up since I look terrible but this shows the level of love between my best friend April and I with our 'matching' letters! She was probably the one person who was most excited for me to Go Greek!

my big and grandbig after my pre-initiation ceremonies

From my initiation- Beta class of the Theta Chi chapter

I met some amazing women that I now have lifelong ties with and no matter where I am in life, they will always be there for me no matter how far we grow apart.  We all have this amazing bond of Alpha Gamma Delta and I'm so proud to call them my sisters!

Gam Week 2007- sisters in a snowy Lane Stadium

Preference Night- Formal Recruitment 2007

Alpha Angel Family Tree- after Preference Round Formal Recruitment 2007

Philanthropy Round- Formal Recruitment 2008

Theta Chi Chapter Fall 2007

Oooh I just wanna wear those Fourteen Pearls! Isn't our badge beautiful!

Some graduating sisters- May 2008

My cap representing two VERY important life decisions I made through age 22

Lisa from Sorority Life to Army Wife and I during her senior year formal recruitment! I went back in 2010 to help the chapter out!

my rosevine! I believe this was International Reunion Day 2010!

throw what you know!
Hokie Alpha Gams at Disney Princess HM 2013! 

I have to admit, my collegiate years in Alpha Gamma Delta weren't always so ideal and albeit short, but I truly hold close to my heart our Purpose and all that Alpha Gamma Delta believes.  Everyday I strive to live by our purpose, whether its "to possess high ideals and to attain somewhat unto them" or "to develop and prize health and vigor of body" or "to hold truth inviable, sincerity essential, kindness invaluable." Literally, each statement of our purpose has a special meaning to me and I try to live my life by those guiding principals.  

As an alumna, I immediately became involved with the Gamma Eta chapter as Scholarship Advisor for four years.  I learned a great deal about how different chapters operate and of course leadership and cultivating sisterhood with my fellow advisors.  We had some rough times during my years advising but the chapter and advisor team ultimately grew and learned from those experiences to make AGD at High Point University one of the most thriving chapters. 

I definitely enjoyed my collegian years as an Alpha Gamma Delta sister but I love my experience as an alumna so much because I able to use my experience, knowledge, and leadership (and especially as an attorney!) to guide younger sisters through their college years.  I am definitely lucky beyond words to be a member of such a strong sisterhood!

Where you a member of a Greek organization in college? Which Greek organization did you join?

Playlist Wednesday!

What a week so far! I've been trying to stay on track with my Detroit training plan since I am officially in week 2! This is a lot harder than I remember so I am really proud of myself for not getting lazy thinking "Oh I can do that run tomorrow" and then never get it done.  I did skip Sunday's 6 miler but caught up on Monday and kept on track with my 5 mile ''short run' yesterday! I am hoping I can stay on track through week 3 so I can create this into a habit that I can stick with for the following 9 weeks! A post on my training plan is coming soon! In the meantime, here is this week's playlist!

• Live Your Life (feat. Rihanna)- T.I.
• OK so I have always LOVED T.I. (well, since high school) and last summer when I was in Raleigh for the bar exam, I rediscovered my love for him.  I watched a T.I. and Tiny (his wife) marathon on VH1 and I just love how real he is. Granted, yeah he had some gun issues but I feel like since his house arrest, he actually turned some things around and is actually doing some good.  I don't know but I love him! I love this song especially the message.  I love the theme of just living your life and not worrying about what other people are doing as long as you move forward, not backwards.  I'd like to think that's how I'm living my life and this song always makes me think about things like that while I run and then 30 minutes have passed and I haven't even realized it! Definitely check out the link, download it from iTunes (or any other legal method of downloading music!) and love it! I know I do!
• '03 Bonnie and Clyde- Jay-Z & Beyonce
• Ahhh, another high school favorite.  I love how this song was the beginning of the JayZ& Beyonce empire we know nowadays.  I love running to this song because I use the different rap portions by JayZ and Beyonce to do sprint intervals during a run.  Definitely a great song when working on speed!
• Young Forever- Jay-Z & Mr. Hudson
• I guess this song has been in my head this week more so because it reminds me of life and just enjoying being young and single. Lately, things have been hectic but this song always reminds me to enjoy life and make good (maybe bad) life decisions because what I'm doing now will be my memories that I'll reminisce about when I'm old and grey (ugh I don't want to be grey).
• Can I Get A…- Jay-Z feat. Amil & Ja Rule
• I LOVE this song from the Rush Hour soundtrack.  I swear, the first time I heard this song was because my brother made me watch Rush Hour and I heard it in the closing credits (I think?).  I remember being so scandalous and watching this rap video on MTV back in the day. I guess this song is a great addition to the playlist for the same reason as the '03 Bonnie and Clyde. I love doing sprint intervals/speedwork with rap songs that have been somewhat mainstream.
• Honey (Bad Boy remix)- Mariah Carey feat. Puff Daddy, Mase, & Jadakiss
• Ok so this song is purely on my playlist because I just love MC so much AND this remix. 1- it reminds me of simpler times in life when people/things weren't so crazy and complicated and 2- I love how this song was a sort of release for MC and like a theme song for the next stage in her life. Ok, I am getting way deep here but seriously check out the amazing video, listen to the song, and add it to your next playlist!

These songs definitely helped me get through my first 'long run' on Monday and I even finished with a most amazing pace! Here are my stats:

pretty fantastic pace, right??!! Slowly but surely building up my speed!

and my cutiepie Rusty from our walk Tuesday evening! He was freaking out excited .5 seconds after this picture since it started raining and that means MUD, his favorite (not mine!!)!!

What songs got you going this week during your workouts??