Fitness is Fashionable!

The wonderful Katy of Modly Chic brings us bloggers together each week to answer a series of thought provoking questions.  This weeks Friend Friday topic is Fitness and Fashion.    

1. Do you keep some kind of fitness routine? Why?
I go to the gym 3 or 4 days per week.  I work out for about 2 hours.  I do a 30 minute warm up intervals on the bike, hour weight training and about 20 minute interval cool down on the bike.  I find that if I do not have some kind of structured routine, I tend to wander.  I am trying to make exercising a part of my life, not just something I "have to" do.  After my surgery, I had to take it easy, but I really missed going to the gym and sweating and that surprised me!

2. Has working out, maybe training for a marathon or something of that nature, helped with your own perception of body image?
Since I started working out again, over a year ago, I have just felt so much better about my body and myself.  I might have only dropped one size, but my body is much more tones and I just feel better in my own skin.

3. When you are hitting the gym or just going out for a long walk what do you wear? Is it about functionality or fashion?
It is all about function for me.  I usually wear yoga pants and a short sleeved dri-fit t-shirt... just throw my hair in a ponytail and go.  I don't go to the gym worrying about how I look, I go to get a good sweat!

4. Do you feel there is a cultural perception of what you ‘should’ be doing for your own physical fitness?
I think culture seems to show physically fit as skinny...but I have realized that being "fit" is all about how you feel in your own skin.  As long as you feel comfortable with how your body looks, that is all that matters...or should matter.

5. Dream big… what would be your ultimate fitness goal.
I would like to drop about 10 pounds and tone my legs, hips and back more.  But I am good with how things are currently going, since the surgery.  I am feeling better about my body each day!!

The Sun In My Eyes And The Wind In My Hair...

Worn to work Tuesday, April 26

 

Dress-Calvin Klein/Shoes-Me Too/Blazer-Gap/Jewelry-Black Sheep

Yes...my legs are that white...hope I didn't blind you!!
While taking these photos, the weather was a bit schizophrenic...sunny, then windy, then dark clouds, then the rain started, so I ran back to the car...good thing because then the monsoon downpour started and it has not let up since.  So, where exactly is spring!

I wore this outfit to a luncheon yesterday because I wanted to look professional but a little funky.  I hope that came across...

Busy few days here in my piece of the world.  Work has been busy...the house has been busy...the kids have been busy...so I will be short today...I need a nap!

I am Rochelle Approved and I Feel Special...

I am here today...but not really here...

Today I am guest posting over at Rochelle Approved while the wonderful Rochelle and her husband get settled over in Japan.  So stop on over and check out my ode to my favorite clothing item! 
Please visit Rochelle Approved...my name is Randi and I approve of this message!

It's A Wrap...

 

Shirt-ATL/Jeans-Express/Jewelry-Madewell/Brogues-Lori's 

 

This weekend was pretty relaxing.  Saturday we when to see Thomas the Tank Engine live on stage.  We sat right on the floor, so the boys had a great time...singing and dancing along to the music.  But I think their favorite part was the big, refillable bucket of popcorn they got.  Jack just kind of stuck his face in it and went to town!

 

Skirt-Express/Cardi-BR/Jewlery-Norsdtroms/Sandals-Urban Outfitters 

Sunday, for Easter we went to our aunt and uncle's house...a lot of good food. The boys had so much candy...chocolate eggs, chocolate bunnies, Peeps...mmm...love me some sugar coated marshmallows.    I had so much sugar this weekend...ahhh!!

An Old Man Mowing A Lawn Made Me Do It!

Worn to work Thursday, April 21

 

Dress-Ann Taylor Loft/Cardi-BR/Necklace-Macy's/Shoes-Urban Outfitters

Never before have I worn socks (tights) with open toes sandals...so today is huge milestone!!  Just bought these shoes at Urban Outfitters and they reminded me of something at Andrea from
The Blonde Bedhead or Jen from Jen Loves Kev would wear with tights or socks...so I thought, I love their style, so I will try it too...force myself to think outside my comfort zone. Know what...I love the look.  These sandals have enough of a wedge to  make me feel tall and the open toes remind me that spring might just be coming.  I have a feeling that these sandals are going to become a staple this spring and summer...cannot wait to wear them sans socks! Since it was sunny out today...just so you know, sunny does not mean warm here in Chicago...I decided to take a detour via the lake front on my way to work.  Evanston has so many great places to take pictures...there are just not enough days that I actually have the time to explore them.

Now that I have my timing issues worked out with my camera remote, it definitely makes taking pictures more fun and much easier!

I Want A Burrito...Covered In Guacamole...Now!

Worn to Work Tuesday, April 19

 

Skirt-Fox's/Cardi-Jcrew/Brouges-Steve Madden

When I got dressed this morning, I did not plan to match the wall by my office...I swear...it just ended up that way.  Today I was styled my my 2 year old Alex.  I had on the skirt with the cardi zippered while I was decided what jewelry and shoes to wear.  Alex looks at me and says, "no zipper" and unzips the cardi.  Then, Alex hands me this necklace...it happened to be on the closest hook, but I say he chose it with his incredible eye for style. When I went to pick out my shoes, he brought be these brogues saying, "wear shoes like mine".  Alex has on his saddle shoes today.  I took them out so he could get all dressed up for the Seder tonight, but he wanted to wear them all day...with his camouflage pants...and red polo shirt...he insists on picking out his own clothes...and mine!

Jack and Alex wish you and yours a happy passover!

Mondays Are Not Fundays...

Worn to work Monday, April 18

Skirt-Fox's/Top-Nordstroms/Cardi-Gap/Necklace-Macy's

Don't you love it when you have an outfit all planned out and laid out ready to go....and then the weather does not cooperate...so at 7am you are running around your closet trying to find something half stylish to wear as your little boys are jumping on your bed in their underwear...??
No, so maybe it is just me...oh, and also I forgot my tripod...

On a more uplifting note...like the new hair color...no more gray...nice coppery color...  I like it, the lack of gray makes me feel like at least I look a little bit younger even if I don't feel like it.  Please just let me think that even if it not remotely true!

Also...why is it snowing in April...I had to dig out a pair of tights...my stomach incision is not a fan!

I was planning to clean out my closet and organize my clothes yesterday.  But, when I got home, my husband was constructing the the attic...whose entrance is in my closet...so I used that as an excuse to forgoe my organization attempt and take a nap on the couch!  I now can blame my lack of outfit preparation for the week on him...thanks

You Made Me Who I Am Today...

I decided to jump back on the Friend Friday train this week...thanks to Katy from Modly Chic...
This weeks topic was gratitude...so thank you!

1. When it comes to me personally – I owe a lot of who I am to: I owe a lot to my mom...she is everything to me...friend, nana, nanny and mom.  I learned to be strong by watching here battle breast cancer and come out amazing on the other side...thanks mom.

2. When it comes to me professionally – I owe a lot of who I am to: to my dad.  He taught be everything I know and love about the advertising industry.  He had faith in my and gave me a job and let me flourish.

3. When it comes to the art of blogging, I’m grateful to these people for helping me through some
rough spots: So many bloggers out there have things to teach.  I have been motivated and educated by Katy from Modly Chic for introducing me to a whole group of other bloggers through Friend Friday, Kristin from Pretty, Shiny, Sparkly for showing me how to promote myself and my blog and
Elizabeth from delightfully-tacky for teaching me everything I can dream I can acheive. Thank you to all the bloggers out there...I have learned something from all of you and I could have never done it without you!

4. One blogging challenge I’m grateful happened because it made me stronger was…I have to thank Kendi from Kendi Everyday for starting her 30 x 30 Challenge.  I was never one that was very good at remixing, I always wore the same combination of top and bottoms.  But now I love to mix it up and pair items with other items I never would have thought of.


5. To my readers, I’d like to say…Thank you, thank you, thank you.  I appreciate all my followers and readers for coming back and checking out what I have to say.  Thanks for listening to my rants about my clothes, kids, surgery and life in general. I plan to expand more posting to new topics including, DIY's, makeup and my nature photography...stay tuned!

I Know I Put It Somewhere...

Worn to Work Thursday, April 14

Skirt-Ann Taylor Loft/jacket-Urban Outfitters/Shoes-Me Too

Wow...my legs are a scary shade of white...I almost forgot how pale I was.  I thought the weather was supposed to be nice today, so I ditched the boots for a pair of low wedges...walked outside this morning and froze.  Between the unexpected (by me only) 40 degree temperature and the howling wind taking outfit photos today was not fun.  I tried two different times in two different locations...and you are seeing the best I could get under the circumstances.

Tuesday, there was a package waiting at the door for me when I got home...my wireless camera remote!! I was so excited...like one of my boys with a new toy!  I read the manual, set it up and practiced with it. But, I did not practice enough...I was having a heck of a time with it today.  There is a delay one you press the button...I am impatient, so I then pressed it again. by the time the camera snapped the photo, I had moved.  Then, it kept taking photos repeatedly since I had pressed the button more than once.  It was like a comedy of errors...standing in the middle of the sidewalk, me freezing, the wind blowing my hair and my skirt everywhere...ah!

Here is something to make you laugh...

Alex fell asleep white riding his bike home from the Dairy Queen.  I use the term "riding" loosely.  He doesn't pedal...he just walks the bike with his feet! We have to loop a belt around the handles of his bike and pull him while he pedals with his feet on the ground.  Half way back from Dairy Queen, I turn around and see his head slumped to the side, eyes shut, but feet still moving!!

Mini To Maxi and Back Again Safely...

Worn to Work Tuesday, April 12

Today is Maxi Day over at Everybody, Everywear...so of course, I had to join in on the fun!

Skirt-Express/Blazer-Semantics/Tank-Old Navy/Necklace-H&M/Ring-House of Harlow

I went to bed last night with visions of this outfit in my head...multiple changes later at 7:00 AM this is what I walked out of the house wearing.  Totally a different vibe than I was planning, but I think I pulled it off pretty well! I am loving the maxi skirt look.  So comfy, perfect for the warm summer to come, cannot tell if I forgot to shave my legs...I think I am going to have to invest in another one, maybe a print.  I cannot wait to style them up with some fun wedges and a strappy tank when the thermometer rises.

Contrary to arbitrary style "rules", short girls can rock the maxi skirt!

I am feeling better today, pretty darn chipper...not sure why...but i am just going with it...never question the internal smiles.

Go check out Everybody, Everwear to see how many other fabulous ladies are styling their maxi skirts or dresses today!

The Round Peg Does Not Fit in The Square Hole

Some days you just don't have it...today was one of them.

Been feeling very "off", uncomfortable, frumpy and foggy all day...

Things I think have contributed to my funk today...

-This is not what I had planned on wearing today
-Boys did not sleep well last night and Alex ended up sleeping in my bed with his sweaty arms wrapped
 around my neck and his foot digging into my side.
-Ended up shutting off my alarm clock as not to wake Alex, so I got the day started about 45
 minutes late...
-I wear this dress alot...just with different cardigans...I am just not feeling very creative...when I am not
 a fan of my outfit, it ruins my whole day...
-The air conditioning is on in my office and I am FREEZING!

Now on to more positive endeavors...

The Adorable and wonderful Elena of Caffeinerd awarded me a Versatile Blogger Award...Thanks
I am honored, truly.  So, now I am supposed to share 7 things about myself...well ok...

1.  When I was 13, I went to overnight camp where I slept in a tree house and bathed in a spicket for 4
     weeks...the next year we slept in tents.
2.  I have never met a pizza I did not like.
3.  I love to knit.  My Nana taught me when I was about 9.  I made matching hats, scarfs and
     sweaters for all my dolls and stuffed animals.  When my boys were born, they each has many
     home made blankets waiting for them. I find knitting very relaxing and therapeutic.
4.  I am an only child.
5.  I have naturally very curly hair
6.  I didn't learn how to ride a two-wheel bike until I was 12
7.  I always wanted to be an FBI agent

Wow...I am really kinda weird...I am ok with that!

Super Sunny Saturday

So I decided to jump on the maxi skirt band wagon...

Skirt-Express/Tank, Jacket-Old Navy/Jewelry-F21, Nordstroms

I was not sure how I felt about maxi skirts, being a gigantic 5'4", but I thought I would try the style and see if it floats.  Verdict...I like it.  The skirt is so comfy and flowy.  Next time, I think I am going to wear a top that has more waist definition or maybe a belt.  I cannot wait to style it during the the summer months with tank tops and wedge sandals.  I would love to find another one, maybe with fun pattern.

Had a great day Saturday....this was the perfect outfit for the days activities...it was 60 degrees and sunny. I went out for lunch with my mom and aunt to The Palace for chinese food...mmm...yum! We had such a good time telling stories, laughing, and eating way too much Chow Mein.  Then my mom and I went shopping...bra shopping!  Not very exciting for most people, but it was monumental for me.  After all the surgeries, my chest was finally small enough I could wear pretty, lacy bras in fun colors...yeah...they might not be real, but they are healthy!!  I also bought a pair of Toms shoes.  I wasn't sure it they would have enough support to be comfy, but they are sturdier and have more of an arch than expected.  I took home a pair in gray and I cannot wait to wear them.
 
All in all it was a wonderful and productive day!

I Cannot Even See Tired In The Rear View Mirror...

Worn to Work Thursday, April 7
Wow...I am having trouble dealing with the fact that it is already April...

skirt-ReneeC via Presence/cardigan-Loehmann's/necklace-mom via Mexico/Boots-ATL

I tried to find a good location to take pictures today, but work was too busy and I had a doctors appointment after wards.  So, these pictures were taken in the parking lot of my plastic surgeons office.  I havee spent way too much time with him over the last year.  I found a lump sticking out of my stomach the other day...I freaked out...ahhhh an alien. NOT!  The surgeon told me it was a lump of scar tissue...the way my body is reacting from the trauma of the surgeries...wonderful.  I absolutely love having no control of my body (note the sarcasm).  It is like a foreign object that does whatever it wants with no regard for its host!
So, I joined twitter.  I feel like I am finally catching up with technology...I am sure it will change tomorrow.  If you like what I have to say, follow me LutzRL.  If you just tolerate men because you have nothing better to do....oh well.
I must go to bed...I am beyond tired!!

Designer of My Own Life....

Today I want to share with you a product whose 100% proceeds are donated to KIDSS for KIDS, a foundation that supports Child and Family Services at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

 The Yali's Carry On

The peacock that you see is a bird that replaces it's feathers annually, a symbol of renewal and new beginnings, whose feathers are said to be protective and lucky.  The peacock's tail is comprised of paisley patterns that represent the paisley-laden bandannas that cancer patients wear during their treatment.  Each distinct paisley pattern illustrates each individuals unique story and the aggregate beauty is indicative of the collective bond among survivors, family and community that energises the patients triumph over adversity.

The expansiveness of the peacock's tail represents how every survivors story is wide and intricate.  The tails, however, does not encircle the bag as a reminder that every survivors story is still ongoing.
This bag represents how the bags designer, Yali Derman, chooses to lead her life...with elegance, purpose and a meaningful voice for the cancer experience. Yali is a 20 year old cancer survivor, diagnosed at age 4. At 16, she was granted the opportunity to design a handbag with Kate Spade, and then at 18 designed her Yali's Carry On.

Please check out Yali's website yaliscarryon.com to take a look at her bags, hear her story, learn about her foundation.  I was in no way paid to endorse this product.  My mother bought it for me at Saks, knowing I would appreciate the story and significance of the design on the bag.

Hold On Tight...It's About to get Lumpy!

Worn to Work Tuesday, April 5

Dress-Target/Cardi, Boots-Ann Taylor Loft/Jewelry-Lori's, NY street vendor

I learned two important things today while taking my outfit photos...

-I desperately need a remote for my camera.  I still focus on a spot, set the :10 timer, and run into the   photo...such a pain, especially when the terrain is rocky... A remote would really make my life so much easier...that and a maid and nanny... I guess I will just settle for the remote!

-Underwire bras are your friend when wearing cotton dresses...the foundation does make all the difference.  I looked at older pictures of me wearing this dress and I hate to say it, but it looks better when my boobs don't hang if I have on a better bra...oh well, I am not ready for one yet...so the boobs will stay where they hang for now!

Today's post is a bit photo heavy because I loved the way the background of these photos came out.  Instead of taking my pics in front of the boring fence by my office, I stopped at the park along the lake.  I am going to try to stop there more often...try being the key....since that would require me and the boys actually getting out of the house early not late like usual!

Back On The Horse...But I Lost My Saddle...

Worn to work Monday, April 4

Skirt-Anthropologie/Sweater-Nordstroms/boots-Zara

Do not be disturbed by the whiteness of my legs...the will not blind you...at least not permanently!
Today is the first day my legs have seen the open air this year.  Wow...they are white!! 

I dreaded getting dressed today.  The dress code at work is not that formal unless we have a client meeting, but I still cannot wear my the loose pajamas I had on all weekend.  The thought of tights or dress pants pulling on my incision made me cringe, so I thought I would try my jean skirt with the elastic waist with bare legs since it was going to be above 40 degrees here today.  I chose this cardigan because I love the lace detailing, it was loose and flowy but still had shape...I did not want anything too form fitting since underwire bras and I are not on speaking terms yet!
I like how this outfit turned out comfy, professional enough yet stylish!

So, this is my first week back at full speed with my work/kids school schedule...just thinking about it makes me tired!

GO BUTLER BULLDOGS!!!