Kenneth Cole Shoes + Food Journals

Kenneth Cole Shoes!

So, I understand that I have a shopping problem... But I consider it pretty much my only hobby these days :)  My hubby has Charger's football (season tickets), fishing, Duck's football games, hmmm... I know there are more!  But my favorite relaxing activity is SHOPPING!!!  I love vintage/thrift stores for unique items, and I love the outlets for beautiful pieces at crazy low prices!  Today I dusted, vacuumed, mopped the house, AND mowed my hugely overgrown lawn.  What a great productive workout!  So, while honey was at the Charger's game, off to the outlets I went.  I'm pretty happy to shop without purchasing, so I don't always bring home the huge bag of goodies like I did today :) 



Holiday Shoes XOXO

  I tried on shoes at Kenneth Cole in a size 10, wishing a lil wish... but really not expecting them to fit.  But slingbacks tend to be a bit forgiving :) and the others worked too.  Yay!
Incredibly, all three pairs you see here rang up to a grand total of $36.00.  No joke.  It was a 40% off sale on the clearance.  My lucky day!  If you live anywhere on the 10 freeway, head toward Palm Springs and stop by the Cabazon Outlets.  Amazing deals on end of season goods! 

I didn't think I would like the thick heel, but ladies they are SO EASY TO WALK IN!  My ankles can't handle skinny heels, and I really prefer platforms or wedges, but these are a close third!  So stoked ;)


 

Cuteness! 





I also got this cute little wallet at Liz Claiborne on another 60% off sale. 

FOOD JOURNALS

Ok, enough with the shopping, and seriously, I need to calm down with it. Besides shopping in my spare time, I'm also doing a 30 day fitness challenge and it's caused me to be more mindful about my body.  What I do with it, what I put into it.  All good stuff. 
So...Food Journal are the BOMB!  Just sayin.  If you have never tried one, start tomorrow.  Write down what you eat, what time, and approx. how much of it you ate.  Record your drinks, water, coffee, soda.  I'll put a day of mine up here sometime this week so you can see what it looks like.  You will be SHOCKED at what you're putting in your mouth!  I am always horrified to see how much processed food I'm eating and how my green veggies are lacking.  But I need to do it from time to time to get back on track.
If you need a good read, try "The Eat-Clean Diet" by Tosca Reno.  Her website is here:
http://www.eatcleandiet.com/
It's full of inspirational stories and Tosca Reno being amazing all over the place.  The concept of "clean eating" is something I think about a lot and strive to incorporate into my daily eats when I can.
That's it for tonight!  I'm off the prepare for the week.

Have a fabulous Monday :)
XOXO
Andrea

Fall Fashion+ Clean Lines + Size 11 Shoes

The military trend commands attention!



Sofft size 11 on ebay :)



I was browsing on Ann Taylor Loft website recently... Such gorgeous pieces!  but I have to say... I don't see myself wearing most of the looks.  Messy layers with belts on top, rumpled jeans shoved into boots.  Super cute on some people, not so much on me.  I feel undone and BULKY with all those layers.  And I'm all about comfort.  I LOVE the clean look of a men's shirt, maybe belted, little Audrey Hepburn pants and flats, but I can't do it.  The restricting feel of tailored shirts makes me crazy.  Am I the only weird one?  Is the rest of the world just suffering for fashion?

Fall Looks I love:

fitted top

ladylike jacket - military is the look this season  
slim pants w/o big bulky pockets

flats or BOOTS

slim leg jeans

oversized top w/belt - just one top, though!  I can't handle three tops and a sweater with a belt.  gigantasaurus!  Really, I feel constricted. 

A little sparkle peeking out from under a jacket, black trousers, pumps

Leggings with boots, tunic, double clasp belt, flat, over the knee boots

tissue thin, long swingy sweaters

Here's a Lane Bryant outfit that works... I would add a belt though...



Add a belt



http://www.lanebryant.com/plus-size-new-arrivals/plus-size-outfits/cowl-neck-is-it-ponte-legging-croco-trim-handbag/4000c4001e1303/index.ens?Mcatn=Outfits&Mcatpn=New+Arrivals&Mcatg=category_root&Mcatp=cat_4000%406000&Mcat=4001%406000



So simple!  Love it



http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/outfit.jsp?ensembleId=5051&N=1200024&pCategoryId=3362&categoryId=246&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_246&loc=TN

Ann Taylor Loft sizes go up to an 18 online, and their shoes to a size 11.  I find they have pretty true sizing, so a 12 works for me there...

I just purchased some boots, and pics will be coming soon... I now have far too many shoes, I'm sure over 50 pairs.  With a size 11, as a kid I could never find shoes.  I have some ugggggly pics of me from those days.  Now I can find 11's everywhere.  Ok, everywhere online!

Size 11 Shoes:

Target

Nordstrom

Steve Madden

Chinese Laundry -  I have some over the knee boots from this brand, amazing

Stuart Weitzman

Enzo Anglioni

Born - Some grama lookin stuff, but check the website http://borncrown.com/ and see the new stuff.  Amazingly comfortable.  I'm a teacher, so they have to be...

Clarks - Same thing.  Some fugly stuff, but their clogs are super comfy
Cole Haan - although I find their 11's to be a bit narrower than the norm

Nine West

Sofft



Use ebay as a resource for  shoes!  I try on shoes in the store, then order then online if I find a deal.  And now... I finally have those nude pumps I've been looking for all season!  Too bad I didn't have them for the summer when I really needed them... sigh... but I luv them :)



Fall Fashion Overview

I say... Clean Lines for all.  Limit the ruffles, cinch in at the waist, forgo the bulky pants for a slim line.  Who needs giant pocket flaps on their butt anyway?!

Peep toe, boots, flats, quality.



Don't do all the looks at once.  If you have ruffles, please don't do ruffles with a military jacket with big buttons, over the knee boots and  rumply boyfriend jeans.  Mostly, just don't do rumply boyfriend jeans.  I don't even like them on the little people.  Maybe because I used to wear them back in the day...

I'm a minimalist, generally.  More is more.. as in, it's too much.  Pick a piece, pick a theme, and stick with it.  Not a combo bohemian, military, ruffle thing.  I'm begging you.  Unless it's for Halloween.

So have fun browsing the gorgeous fall fashion.  Cuddly sweaters with slim leggings and boots... Military jackets with clogs? 

You decide, and enjoy!  I love me some ebay shoppin...

XOXO

Andrea

Don't Underestimate Your Influence

The Weight Room
Getting into the weight room today was a big reality check.  Seeing myself in all those mirrors, full length no less, motivated me more than ever to get back on the weights wagon.  I miss seeing muscle definition in my arms!  I miss lifting heavy ## and feeling strong.  Although my weight is steady, standing in front of those walls of mirrors reminded me of what once was... and could be again!  lol.  It's time for me to get back my muscles ;)

Influencing Others
Coaching again has been a really positive thing.  How many of us need a challenge, accountability, or both?!  My b.ball team looks to me to design their strength, skill and conditioning programs, so the least I can do is work on my own fitness as a positive example for them.

Saying NO to the Couch
How many of you are struggling with your weight/fitness level?  How many of you find excuses every day to stay in front of the TV with your kids or spouse, or even your pets?  Drop the excuses and get moving.  Each and every day you possibly can.  Living life to the fullest and knowing that others are watching YOU to see what you'll do, how you'll do it, and if you can manage to keep it all together.  Working out has been shown not only to offer amazing health benefits, but mental and psychological benefits as well.
So... what are you waiting for?

Get off that couch!
XOXO 
Andrea

30 Day Workout Challenge - Weekend Update!

Workout Update

Today was a great workout, hiking with the kids (dogs) in the hills, a little jog here and there, some intense inclines... I love being out in nature and it's so fun to see my hilarious workout partners running along side me :)  My basset hound, Toby, especially.  His ears are so long, and his legs are so short!  On to yoga/pilates in the form of Louis Solomon's Yoga and Pilates Total Body Toner.  Don't laugh!  I'm still sore from this video a few days back.  Even though I do lunges all the time, the pilates moves really burned my butt and hamstrings.  Love it.



Did any of you make it to this fabulous event?



Party eating and drinking

Last night I went to a GREAT party.  Red wine, sangria flowing... tequila shots in the kitchen and beer in the fridge!  It was in LA, and although I wanted to hit up Love Your Body Day while I was out there, my dear friend's 30th b.day won out for sure!  There were tacos and more tacos and everything good that goes with them.  Yum.  I enjoyed every bite I'm working out a little extra today to make up for it.

Halloween Costumes

Aren't they fun?!  The party last night was a 90's theme, so my husband and I were Bill Clinton and ... drumroll please... Monica Lewinsky!  There are some compromising photos of this that may or may not show up on facebook later ;)



Go Karen!



College Friends



A friend of mine from college was at the party and we had a chance to catch up.  She was one of (un)lucky ones to know me when I was a crazy compulsive eater and exerciser.  We talked about it last night, she remembers my midnight workouts, but sadly, we also remembered that my weirdness went unnoticed because many other girls we knew were dealing with more severe issues... lots of bulimia, extreme food restrictions, etc. within the college population.  So sad!  I hate to think that I was a part of that and even encouraging others to be unhealthy during those years :(  On a positive note, she is running in a half-marathon today, Go Karen!  Hopefully she'll leave a comment later and we can find out how it went for her.

Honesty on the Internet

I had this epiphany today about blogging.  I realized that I could be telling you anything!  Making up stuff about my workouts, eating ice cream while I write my blog... lol.  Ok, I'm not!  But I am a part of the 30 day challenge, and I did miss a workout yesterday.  OMG!  I wonder if they'll kick me out?!  Not only did I attend two parties, which also involved over 4 hours of driving, I didn't plan out my day well enough.  I waited to workout, and then my husband needed help at work... and that was it!  We were two hours late to our first party and barely made it on time to LA.  I actually considered trying to workout when I got home at 1 am.  But I realized it was a. already tomorrow and b. completely nuts. 

Whatev... Don't those just sound like EXCUSES?  They do to me, too!  So that's the confession of the day, and it's back on track for the upcoming week :)

Dangerous Work Environments

I have had a plugged right ear since the beginning of the month.  It has been frustrating, painful, and generally a nuisance through multiple dr. appointments and lots of drugs (antibiotics, steroids...)  I work in an old, moldy portable classroom, and I believe that the possibility my ear issue is being caused by mold is HIGH.  I found out Friday that I'm one of three teachers with the same problem, ongoing, at the school.  I'm not sure who's going to address it, but this week we are going have to tackle the problem.  This is my first year in this classroom, so it makes sense it's just now hitting me.  Hopefully that means it's a problem that can be solved!  My last visit with the ENT was NOT encouraging, so this gives me hope the problem can be reversed and I can get my hearing, balance and SANITY back soon!  Wish me luck.

Cheers to another week of FITNESS!  What's your GOAL this week???

XOXO

Andrea

 

Day 3 Workout Challenge!

30 Day Fitness Challenge Update!!

• Day 1 - Stationary Bike
• Day 2 - Weights
• Day 3 - Walk, Lunges, Abs

Ladies!  Now listen up Workout Warriors, you are going on a 30 day adventure of fitness starting right now!
A word of caution for those who are doing this for the first time ever...

• START OFF WITH A PLAN
• BE REALISTIC AND MODERATE
• DON'T INJURE YOURSELF!!! 

If you are concerned about your feet, joints, or old injuries, try some of the following low impact exercises:
swimming
stationary bike
yoga
elliptical machine
walking
pilates
rowing machine
In my great excitement of starting a new program... I have time and time again tried to make myself into a RUNNER.  I'm not a runner!  Two weeks in I usually have some knee flare-ups and I have to take a total break from exercise.  Don't be like me :)  Start out slow/moderate and work up to your more, um, ambitious endeavors.  Trust me on this one.

XOXO
Good Luck :)
Andrea

Doctor Visits and Setbacks

     I've been complaining and overall kind of whiny for a couple weeks about my earache/sinuses etc.  I went to my 3rd dr. appointment this evening, finally an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist because I've had sinus surgery in the past... His idea?  Oh, there's no infection, so maybe I just lost my hearing.  all of a sudden.  just cuz. So he wanted me to schedule a hearing test.  and he wanted to send me home... Whaaa?  

      Not so fast!  I have learned in the past few years of various doctor's appointments and misdiagnoses (is that a word, anyone?) not to leave the appointment without clearly communicating what I need to say. Even if I have to pull out my notes.  Which I do... Doctors are in a hurry, and we have to be proactive (demanding?) to get what we need!
A more likely scenario  for my issue is a chronic inflammation, which is causing a loud rushing sound, pain, pressure, and other icky things.  Needless to say, it's torture in a classroom with 40 noisy students all day.  Three different doctors, four meds.  So now it's on to prednizone, which is an anti-inflammatory, Flo-nase, Azithromyacin, and a decongestant.  I HATE taking meds, so this is hard for me, but the Doc assures me that once I get the swelling down, I can take steps to keep this from happening again. 

     It's scary to think about losing my hearing, so I'm willing right now to do just about whatever he says.. But I'm still going to research a bit more and see what foods have natural anti-inflammatory qualities.  I don't want to EVER get stuck like this for weeks at a time again... It's certainly messing with my fitness goals and productivity!  I hate to admit it, but I'm going to have to get serious about this before it gets any worse :( 
      In other fun news, Doc stuck a lighted tube up into my sinuses and shoved it around for a bit.  I don't recommend it... not even a lil bit.
     How does this affect my fitness goals?  First off, I can't put my head toward the ground = no pushups.  Other than that, I plan to sit on the stationary bike tonight and do some ab work to kick off the first day of my 30 day fitness challenge!  Join me!  I'm keeping track of my weight and I'll let you know if it changes now that I'm going to be an every-day-exerciser :)

Yup, I'm a winner :)

XOXO
Andrea

Meeting my Goals :)

Hi Ladies - Hope you had a wonderful weekend!  I know I did :)  Relaxing at the campground pool in Arizona, maxin' and relaxin' as my friend Lisa likes to say...

On my way to Arizona!

Ahhhh yesss...

Just me and the snowbirds!  Retirement campground lol

Here are some updates...

Workout Goals:

I've been working on upping my activity level, but it's time to shock my body back into shape one day at a time... for 30 days in a row!  I've committed to being active for 30 consecutive days, starting bright and early tomorrow.  I'm hoping I can get my brain trained to expect it!  Lucky me - I got the keys to the school weight room :)  So get ready for blogs about weights, reps, and getting sore! 
What about you, would you commit to 10, 20, or even 30 days in a row of physical activity? 

Food Goals:

A couple weeks ago I committed to digging out the old cookbooks and making real food.  Sitting around eating Cheetos for dinner does not a fit girl make!  My husband did the hunter/gatherer thing and brought home several quail.  Butter, red wine, consomme... and QUAIL!  Delicious.  A side of rice and two little quail breasts made for a fab dinner.  Amazing how rich, quality food satisfies in such small amounts!  Don't be afraid of beautiful food.  Savor it and appreciate how amazing it is, knowing you can eat a salad later to get your greens, drink water instead of soda, and save your calories for something you love.  The more you respect and love your food, the less likely you'll be to abuse it!  Come to think of it... that sounds like a good quote for a lot of stuff in life :)  Have a lovely week.

XOXO
Andrea