… that launched a chic and interesting movement.

{above photo shot by Mikael Colville-Andersen founder of Copenhagen Cycle Chic}

Over the past few months I’ve thought about my exercise routine and how it’s basically nonexistent, except for my daily scrambling after the kids. This really scares me because my body isn’t getting younger, and it could use a bit of maintenance after being used as an hibernation chamber 6 times – once with double occupants.

So I thought of an idea to start the Lacing Up For Fitness Series, in which I share different ways I’m incorporating exercise into my lifestyle. There’s also a hashtag (#LacingUpForFitness) I created for you Twitter users to follow my adventures and share your own.

**********Running**********

A few weeks ago I drove to the park and started running. Okay, let me rewind. First I clumsily tried to imitate a stretching exercise I saw on the television. After I felt stretched enough I started a brisk walk. Then a slow jog ensued. Until eventually I was in full blown runner’s mode.

Boy, am I unfit! It was a struggle to catch my stride. My entire body was out of sync. I could barely control my breathing or my feet, and my ears were ringing, but I kept right on going until I reached a comfortable pace.

Please don’t be fooled into thinking I ran a marathon in one day. I ran around the park trail until I felt the need to stop. I didn’t measure the distance, nor did I time myself. I’ll do that next time.

It was painful. I threw up and shed a few tears. There were a few older ladies wearing long denim skirts running circles around me. But that’s okay. I’m coming back for more. I don’t like it when the twins push their fingers into my stomach and laugh when they pop out. I know.

Do you run? Are there any essential running tips for beginners that you’d like to share?

{above photo from Jamierabbit}

Nivea A Kiss Of Shine:
This lip shine is liptastic! I absolutely love it in a non-paid spokesperson type of way:) It gives your lips a natural shine and it’s not sticky at all. It’s part of my daily lip care routine. Even if I’m wearing lipstick this shine is always applied both underneath and over it.

Aveda Brightening Moisture Treatment:
I suffer from dry dull sensitive skin. Since I’ve added this (and drinking more water) to my morning and nightly routine I see drastic improvement. My skin is softer, better hydrated, and clearer.

The bottle says to apply after Aveda Brightening Essence but this was gifted to me and it’s seems to get the job done fairly well solo.

Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Creme Cleanser:
As you can tell I’m fond of Aveda products. Not all, but a good many of them. I’ve used this cleanser for a few years. It’s very light and has a refreshing smell that I love.

When I apply it to my face, I usually leave it on the length of my shower before rinsing it off. This does nothing special. It’s just a habit. My face always feels super clean after each use. I love that it comes in a recyclable glass bottle.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula:
This cocoa butter is like a family heirloom. All the woman in my family use it. It can be used as a moisturizer. Skin toner. Preventer of stretch marks. I use it as a heel softener. I apply a small amount onto my heels right before bedtime, then pull on my best long stripe socks. Oh, how my husband just loves this:) It’s very thick so I use only a pea size amount.

I like to experiment with different brands of creams, serums, moisturizers, and lip care goodies. What about you? What’s in your beauty bag?

Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
‘Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

{above photo from PMillera4} {lyrics by Francis Scott Key}

Unique Vintage is an online shop that specializes in vintage fashion. Their online shop has a wide array of pieces to select from. I was mesmerized by the pin up dresses and shoes.

I’d love to pair this Stop Staring 1940′s Style Navy Sexy Cadet Wiggle Dress with these Red Patent Leather Peep Toe Heels.

Stunning!

Unique Vintage just launched the Select the Sample program which allows buyers to vote on current samples to add to their online shop. A simple “love it” or “hate it” click and you’re done! If your pick garnishes the most votes you’ll have the first option to buy, so don’t forget to select the “notify me” option after casting your vote:)

Here’s a funny video that will put a smile on your face:) Siri is proof that there is humor in technology. This guy’s facial expressions (and voice) mingled with Siri’s responses are just hilarious.

We celebrated Kyndle’s 6th birthday today. Princess Tiana cake. Vanilla ice-cream. Balloons. Her gift of choice was a Barbie princess doll. Her kindergarten teacher made her a birthday hat to wear for the day! I think she was most excited about this. Yay for awesome birthdays and amazing kids!

{above photo from D Sharon Pruitt}

I’m always thinking of a goal to achieve. Big or small. It doesn’t matter. The trouble with this is I have a goal list miles long with not a single thing checked off.

It’s the thrill of thinking about doing these things that give me a rush. As soon as the planning and excitement tapers off I’m on to something else. Which is such a waste of time and energy that I can never get back!

A friend kindly pointed this out and suggested that I narrow down my goals to things that can be achieved right now. Today. This week. This month. She says I should select 4 important goals each month and make an honest attempt to complete them.

Sounds feasible.

These are my goals for this month:

1.) Take better care of my body. Exercise at least 30 minutes each day. Drink 8 glasses of water or more per day. Go to bed before 12 AM every night.

2.) Finish a special furniture/design project I’ve been working on.

3.) Finish the bookshelf.

4.) Organize our laundry room. It needs a major overhaul.

These things aren’t life altering but they are still important to me. Hopefully, I can follow through. How are you when it comes to completing your goals?

{above photo from By Claire}

I love this entire outfit! Classic cool weather chic. It was pinned from Polyvore. I’m always amazed by all the stylish people on there. If I’m fresh out of fashionable looks to create, it’s the first place I go to. I’m never disappointed.

Where does your style inspiration come from?

Happy Halloween! Are you preparing your trick-or- treaters for tonight, or are you still searching for last minute ideas and costumes? We’re taking the older kids to the neighborhood trunk-or-treat gathering. Our little kids are battling coughs, colds, and runny noses so no outside Halloween festivities for them.

Not to worry. We’re working out the details for Operation House-Or-Treat!

The house will be divided into stations that each child can visit. They can decorate pumpkins, face paint, or craft Halloween masks. One station the girls are really excited about is the Spooky Nail Spot. I found a not so spooky candy corn nail tutorial that I’ll use to polish their nails.

Sweet:)

What do you have prepared for your ghouls, goblins, and mini Lady Gagas?

{above photo from Indigo Prime}