Sep 6, 2013
I can pretty much guarantee that you don’t have enough tortoise shell in your life. What better time to fix that than right now?
Tortoise shell is HUGE for fall. You’ll find it on everything from earrings to belt buckles. I, for one, couldn’t be happier. It’s just so classic and chic. Pick up a piece or two to add to your collection. I already have the watch and bracelet and just ordered the flats. How fabulously perfect are those Anne Klein flats?
[1. Earrings: Fossil/2. Watch: Michael Kors/3. Sunglasses: Tory Burch/4. Flats: Anne Klein/5. Bangle: Fossil/6. Monogram Belt Buckle: C. Wonder]
It’s Your Turn: Will you be adding tortoise shell to your fall faves?
Getting my pretty on with Lulu, Friday’s Fab Faves, Fashion Friday, Friday’s Fancies.
Jan 7, 2013
Hello and welcome to day one of Resolution Week at Get Your Pretty On!
By now you all know that I started this blog as a way to get myself out of my yoga pants on a daily basis (if you’re new, you can get caught up on that HERE.) Well today I’m going against all that I stand for because…
It’s Yoga Pants Day!
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against yoga pants in and of themselves. I was just abusing their use and not wearing them for what they were intended for.
My yoga pants were my work from home mom uniform. And a crutch for not getting ready on a daily basis.
I was definitely NOT June Cleaver…
And while I don’t flit around the house in pearls and a dress, I do at least clean up, get dressed and *try* to look put together now. My yoga pants get worn to yoga and for working out.
One of my 2013 resolutions is to re-commit to healthier living. This is something I generally do pretty well but have slacked on for the past six months or so. At first, I got away with it just fine. Then I started to slowly gain weight and feel sluggish. Now I’m up six pounds since October and lack energy. No bueno.
If I’m being honest, I work out for the following reasons (in this order):
1. So I can eat more.
2. So I feel good and have energy.
3. So my jeans fit.
Yes, I love food. And I eat a lot of it. I can keep up with my husband and teenaged son at most meals.
I try to eat mostly healthy but I do enjoy chocolate (daily) and cheese and an occasional glass of wine. Working out allows me to have my indulgences.
Which brings me to this year’s goal. I want to commit to working out at least four times a week doing a combo of cardio intervals, weights and yoga. This is the magic formula to kick start my metabolism like nothing else.
Alison’s “Get Your Work Out On” Plan
(choose four per week)
1. Jillian Michaels “Ripped in 30” DVD
2. Run/Walk Intervals on the treadmill (2 miles)
3. Jillian Michaels “Kickbox Fast Fix” DVD
4. Yoga Class (Heated Vinyasa Flow)
5. Jillian Michaels “Killer Buns and Thighs” DVD
6. At home weights workout (from Fitness Magazine)
Yes, I’m kind of a Jillian fan. You either love her or hate her. If you hate her, just turn down the volume and follow along because her workouts will kick your butt. They’re fast (20-25 minutes), challenging and effective. I swear by her DVD’s when I need to get into shape for a beach vacation or special event.
One of my big motivators for working out (other than the three I listed above) is wearing something cute during it. There’s nothing like a new colorful sports tank or some cross trainers to light my motivation fire.
Here’s my typical workout uniform.
And here are the ingredients.
[Compression Capri – Nike]
I work out in capris almost year-round. They’re perfect for yoga, running and just about everything else. The print on this pair makes them more fun than basic black.
[Tank with Built-in Bra – Nike]
Sometimes I layer a sports bra under a regular tank but usually I prefer one of these two-for-one combos.
[Cross Trainer – Nike]
Colorful cross trainers instantly put me in a good mood! This pair is super comfy, I have them in two bright colors.
[Half Zip Hoodie – Nike]
This half zip hoodie adds just the right layer of warmth.
And on a related note…
Ladies, if you practice yoga, then a good mat is a MUST have. My friend Joseph bought me this Manduka mat for my birthday a few years ago and it’s made a big difference in my practice. He’s also a yoga instructor and the owner of Soul Motivation yoga studio so he knows his stuff (that’s a blatant plug, btw. If you live in Dallas you MUST take one of his classes.)
I have this mat along with the tote and the mat towel.
[Manduka eKO Mat]
And one last story before I go…
Last summer my hubby was in Burlington, VT for a business trip. While working out there, he was approached by one of the locals at the gym.
Local: “You’re not from around here, are you?”
Hubby: “No, I’m from Dallas. Why do you ask?”
Local (laughing): “Oh, OK, that makes sense. Only someone from Dallas would wear matching workout clothes.”
Hubby wasn’t sure how to respond to that.
I say there’s nothing wrong with looking good while working out! Then again, I bought him that matching outfit. 🙂
It’s Your Turn: What are your workout resolutions? Do you wear matching work out clothes or tend to mix it up? Tell me in the comments.
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TOP 25 FASHION AND BEAUTY MOMS
I’m in the running as one of the Top 25 Fashion and Beauty Moms on Circle of Moms and would REALLY appreciate your vote. If you’d like to, please take a moment and vote for me by clicking the badge below. You can come back and vote every day.
Getting my pretty on with Monday Meet Up.
Nov 24, 2012
This is totally off-topic from fashion but since a lot my readers are moms, I decided to document our scout elf’s adventures on the blog this year. Last December, he arrived at our front door step and instantly brought daily delight to our two daughters. They agreed upon the name Mickey and eagerly searched for him each morning in his new position in our house.
For his initial arrival, our door bell rang and there he was in his box on our front porch along with this arrival letter:
Dear Aubrey and Ava,
I’m so excited to have been dispatched to be your own personal scout elf. Santa sent me all the way from the North Pole to spend every day with you until Christmas. During my stay, I’ll be keeping a close eye on things in your house so I can give a report back to Santa each night. Be sure to be on your best behavior! Every morning when I return, you’ll find me in a new place in your house. Read the book inside my box to learn more about me. I’m so happy to be a part of your family and can’t wait for you to give me a name!
Love,
Your Scout Elf
Even though they were thrilled to find him every morning last Christmas, he seemed to lack creativity in his adventures. After a full year of Scout Elf training at the North Pole, he’s returned and is full of adventures this year!
Mickey made his grand entrance for this year last evening. Down the chimney he came in his own miniature sleigh pulled by one tiny reindeer.
This year he had an arrival letter tucked under his arm.
Hi Aubrey and Ava,
I missed you so much during this past year at the North Pole. But Santa put me to work to keep me busy! I had an advent calendar to count down the days until December 1st so I could come back and see you again. I can’t wait to visit with you and fly back to the North Pole every night with my report. You are so special to me and I am so lucky to have you as my family.
Love,
Mickey, your elf
P.S. I’m going to be extra careful this year to stay away from Bailey! (the golden retriever)
The next morning, we found Mickey sleeping. He made a bed out of tissues after a rough night of OD’ing on Hershey kisses!
See the chocolate on his mouth and pillow?
Before falling asleep he cut a tiny sleep mask out of a tissue with my eyebrow scissors.
When the girls woke up for school the next day, they found that Mickey had built a zipline across the kitchen! The tag says “PULL ME”.
I really wish he would learn to clean up after himself, sigh…
Apparently he’s a GREAT baker too. Check out this giant gingerbread man. Impressive!
Uh oh! Someone got busted shopping at the Toys R Us web site!
Then he rode on the back of a magical golden reindeer.
He got a bird’s eye view of the goings on in our house from his hiding place atop the hallway light fixture.
Hiding out and blending in with the poinsettia.
Cradling the baby Jesus from our nativity scene.
Is he ornery or what? Spilled the sugar bowl to make snow angels… 
Day two of playing in the sugar. This time he made a snowman out of clementine oranges!
Can’t wait to see what he gets into next!
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Be sure to bookmark this post and keep checking back. I will be updating it throughout the month with Mickey’s adventures!
Adopt your own Elf on the Shelf HERE!
[Elf on the Shelf: Nordstrom – $29.99]
It’s Your Turn: What are some of your favorite creative Elf on the Shelf ideas? Tell me in the comments!
