FBFF: Fashion and Fitness go together like peas and carrots

College roomie and I after running our first real race (Turkey Trot 5k)

And then we really stepped it up and ran a 1k :) I know, we're hard core :)

Howdy folks! Happy Friday! In just a few hours I will be making my way up to Boston to go watch my brother play baseball, visit friends and attend my first ever RED SOX GAME!! I've already posted about my excitement on that front, so I'll spare you a repeat and get down to business. Since I know you are all little smarty pants you have probably already figured out from the above photos and the post title that today's FBFF post is all about fitness and how it fits in the world of fashion. (Sorry for my very wordy answers!)

1. Do you keep some kind of fitness routine? Why? Currently, yes (thank goodness) but it hasn't always been the case. From the time I was six years old all the way through high school I was a competitive swimmer, swimming year round and training under a pretty intense schedule (well obviously not when I was six, but you get what I mean!) I had horrid eating habits because I  was able to get away with eating whatever I wanted without it showing, due to the training I was doing. As much as I loved the sport, I burnt myself out competing at that level and got very frustrated with my body when it wasn't able to push past the "puberty plateau" that many female swimmers hit around 14. The greats break through, but most of us peak around 14. I was a peaker. Though I swam in college, it was not at an intense level and was more for the social aspect than the exercise. While my activity level significantly decreased, my poor eating habits remained, and thus I gained weight. Nothing huge, but enough to make me feel very self-conscious about my body. And in turn I decreased my activity level even more because I hated the way everything fit on me, and I wasn't comfortable with myself. After college, I did nothing exercise wise for a good 8 months and that was my low point. My body was really starting to look noticeably different and I was fed up with how crummy I felt about myself. Finally, after I moved in with my roommate (who is a runner and a very fit person!) I started to make some changes. She convinced me to try running with her even though I told her I hated running with a passion. Surprisingly, as we eased into it I found myself not hating it. And then shockingly, I found myself starting to enjoy it and even look forward to our runs each night. For me, it is all about having a buddy to keep me accountable (keep me entertained!) and to keep me motivated to keep going when all I feel like doing is collapsing.

2. Has working out, maybe training for a marathon or something of that nature, helped with your own perception of body image? More than I can even express! Working out for the right reasons has had this effect. I have finally learned that there is no right way to look, and that I have to stop comparing my weight to those around me and focus on what feels right for me. Now that I have gotten into the groove of an exercise program, I have found that I am doing it purely to feel comfortable in my own body and not for numbers on a scale, or to look a certain way. Though the actual weight loss has been small in the last couple months, I feel completely different about my body. Although I would like to lose a few more pounds and tone certain areas (my arms!!) more, I am comfortable with my shape again and that is the best feeling in the world.

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? I would say I am a mix. Functionality is a must for my workout clothes, for sure as I want to be able to move around comfortably in whatever I wear. But you won't see me in boy shorts and a baggy shirt hitting the gym, because I personally feel confident when I wear clothing that emphasizes my femininity. I am not willing to sacrifice feeling confident, even when I am working out. So I like to balance function and fashion by choosing form-fitting, but still flattering, silhouettes for workout gear. Yoga pants and a tank like the one above are my ideal gear. And I also like to keep my pension for color alive while working out because I truly believe I get a boost of energy from dressing myself in something bright.

4. Do you feel there is a cultural perception of what you ‘should’ be doing for your own physical fitness? I think society puts way more pressure on us to be "thin" than "fit" and that is really backwards. Total body fitness is much more important than the number you see on the scale, and we tend to forget that. I know that even when I got to my worst physical fitness point, I still looked an average size, so no one really urged me to do anything different. Because I wasn't a larger girl, they didn't think I needed to change my routine. But I did because my routine was nothing. I needed to be staying active and doing something to improve my health daily, and that wasn't necessarily reflected in my outward appearance. Only you can know what your body needs, and yet we are still pressured by outside forces to "think" we need to be a certain weight or size.

5.  Dream big… what would be your ultimate fitness goal. Though I am enjoying getting more into running, I am not a person who ever wants to run a marathon or anything like that. I get bored running for more than an hour. However, I do think it would be cool to say I completed a 10k maybe? And I would definitely like to look into doing a triathlon of some form, since my real exercise passion is swimming.

What are your thoughts on fitness and fashion? I'd love to know! And don't forget to check out Modly Chic to see lots of other awesome thoughts on the topic! 

Bisous!

An attitude of gratitude

Happy Friday dolls! I have to say I have been looking forward to this particular Friday for awhile because it means I am finally heading down to the beach!! Yes sirree as soon as roommate gets off of work we are hopping in the car and road tripping down to Wilmington for the weekend. And the best part? Brother will be playing baseball there, too!! I've got my magazines, my swimming trunks and my flippy floppies but I don't have le parfait floppy hat! Mission for this afternoon peut-être?

Today marks the one year anniversary of the creation of the Friend Friday (FBFF) group Katy started, and while I have only been a part of the group for a few weeks, I have already seen how wonderfully inclusive and helpful the community is. With over 630 members, you can always find someone who knows what you are trying to learn and is willing to teach you. And in the spirit of celebrating, this week's questions are all about that magical word of appreciation: gratitude.

1.  When it comes to me personally – I owe a lot of who I am to: I am so fortunate to have many incredible people in my life who have helped make me who I am today, but there are two people who definitely come to mind when I answer this question. First and foremost, my mom of course. She's the reason for my existence and has influenced me in more ways than I can count. I notice that I am becoming more and more like her everyday and I am darn tooting proud of that fact! And the other person is absolutely my little brother. He inspires me so much and pushes me to be a better person. I so admire the boy's work ethic, his many talents and most of all the way he moves through life with a quiet humility.

2. When it comes to me professionally – I owe a lot of who I am to:My college roommate! I honestly hadn't ever considered a career in writing and I was heading down a path towards a career in law without even knowing why. Thank goodness I was living with an incredibly talented newspaper woman, who encouraged me to pursue my interest in writing and supported me at every turn when I had no idea what I was doing. And now we are both pursuing our passion and enjoying every minute of it. So thank you ever so much my darling Ashley!

3. When it comes to the art of blogging, I’m grateful to these people
for helping me through some rough spots: I have been blessed so far not to run into too many obstacles and I have just been able to enjoy the company of other wonderfully supportive bloggers. Hannah was really the first blogger I felt like I connected with and I learned so much just from watching what she did. Collette is always there for a quick twitter chat or a day-brightening comment. And my new friend Liz is so fun and positive and has organized a little local blogger group for us to make even more friends! Oh and I can't say thank you without mentioning my roommate who so graciously takes my photos and puts up with my diva-ness!

4. One blogging challenge I’m grateful happened because it made me
stronger was… Again, I (knock on wood) have been fortunate not to have encountered any blogging "challenges", but I am sure it will happen eventually and I feel very comfortable that the terrific community of friends I have built here, both in FBFF and the general blogosphere, would be there to help me work through any issue that I encounter.

5. To my readers, I’d like to say… You make my day, every day! Yes, it is cliched and overused but it is the truth. I am always so humbled to think that anyone would want to read my little musings and I greatly appreciate it. THANK YOU for making this little blogging adventure a complete blast and encouraging me everyday. You are all the best and I hope you will stick around :)
 

And in the spirit of gratitude, don't forget to enter my "Thank You" giveaway before Monday!

Bisous!

Rules of engagement

Aloha chickies!! Oh boy even just saying that tropical word is dangerous because of how badly I want a vacation. I'm not unbearably stressed or anything and I totally love my job, but I am just craving a trip. Ideally it would be international (Greece please??) because my passport is burning a hole in my pocket (more like my desk), but I would definitely settle for a Caribbean cruise or a Hawaiian adventure! Who's with me?

Ok, so you might remember that awhile back I was very excited to have joined the awesome FBFF group. And then I posted once and fell off the wagon. Well it was definitely not for a lack of interest, and I am making a pledge to get back on track in April because the topics this month are awesome! If you want more info on FBFF or how to join in the fun head on over to our ring leader Katy's blog, ModlyChic, and she'll hook you up with all the dets. Plus, then you can see some other fabulous ladies take on various fashion/beauty/blog subjects. So now, sit back and relax and let's discuss "the rules of engagement."

*cue dimmed lights and roll credits*

Oh you thought I meant that kind of engagement? Nope, sorry no diamond talk today. Try again later.

1. Guest posts are a good way to gain new exposure. What do you think is the appropriate way to go about securing a guest spot? I personally would only be comfortable offering to guest post if another blogger has either personally asked me, or has put out a general call for guest bloggers and I think that I have content that would jive well with the existing feel of their blog. Having said that, I wouldn't be offended if another blogger asked if they could guest post for me, even if I hadn't put a call out because I would take it as a compliment that they want my readers to hear their voice, too.I just don't feel comfortable soliciting myself to other bloggers.

2. Leaving comments is essential to growing your blog. But how can you leave a comment without coming across as ‘Follow Me. Follow Me!’? I think this one is simple: just don't flat out ask a blogger to follow you. I think it is perfectly acceptable to let a blogger know that you are now following them, because it is a compliment that they have gained a follower in you thanks to their quality content. But no one likes to be bombarded by insincere "follow me" requests, so just try and avoid those. While I sincerely appreciate any non-spam comment left on my blog, the ones that stick out the most, and the ones that make me want to click to your blog, are the ones that show that a commenter has actually read my post. If you are leaving thoughtful and responsive comments on other blogs regularly and producing quality content yourself, the followers are going to come naturally and you won't have to force it. I personally always make sure to respond to at least one thing the blogger has written about and comment specifically on some aspect of the outfit that I love to let the blogger know that I appreciate the content they are generating and that I have taken the time to fully enjoy it, since we all know it takes a lot of effort to produce each post. I hope that each comment I leave brings a smile to a blogger's face (that means no negativity) and shows that I respect the effort they are putting in.

3. We’ve all gotten a mass email at one time or another asking for blog exposure, a link exchange, etc… But the mass emails don’t work. How do you make your email stand out from the crowd? I don't send mass emails (for this very reason) unless I am responding to a FBFF email thread. If I am emailing a blogger I am going to send an individual email that I can thoughtfully construct to make it personal and meaningful to accomplish whatever purpose is intended with the email. My goal in all blog interactions is to establish positive connections and be genuine.

4. In interacting with other bloggers where do you draw the line between seeking support and begging for exposure? I think as long as you are being sincere in your interactions with other bloggers and you express an interest in their blog/growth, too, then you will be fine. Making friends and connections is one of the best aspects of blogging, for me, so that support is crucial. If you genuinely care about the other blogger than you aren't going to be thinking purely of your own interests or about blogging as a numbers game, and it will be reflected in the interaction. I always think the best thing you can do in any blogger-to-blogger interaction is to be real and genuine because others will pick up on that vibe, just as easily as they will pick up on a fake vibe. 

5. What’s one rule of engagement error you made and how have you remedied that? I have definitely been guilty of leaving quick "cute outfit!" comments when I am in a rush and now I realize that those aren't very well received. I have found that it is much better to go back and comment thoughtfully later if I am jammed for time rather than leaving a quippy comment that doesn't really add anything to the discussion.

Do you have any particular rules of engagement that you blog by? I'd love to hear them! And don't forget to check out ModlyChic for other insightful takes on blogger-to-blogger interaction!

Bisous!

And the award goes to...

Hi friends! Happy Oscars night! This may be the one night of the year that makes me wish we had a working TV. C'est la vie. I did follow many of the twitter updates though, to keep up with the big wins, and the fashion of the evening. I have still only seen a handful of gowns, but I think Sandra Bullock rocked the red, and Hailee Steinfeld looked cute as a button. Personally, I love that she dressed so age appropriately and doesn't seem to be trying so hard to rush her youth.

I'd like to announce another winner tonight, as well! Though it may not be a televised event where we all dress up in fabulous gowns, dripping with carats, I am very happy to announce that the incredibly sweet Courtney of Sartorial Sidelines is the winner of the $40 CSN gift code! Courtney, congratulations and I will send you your winning email in the morning! Thanks to all of you lovely readers who joined the fun and of course thank you to CSN for making the fun possible!

And to keep right on in the spirit of awards and celebration, even though I am un peu late to the party of posting my FBFF blog award nominees, I decided to go ahead and post them anyways because these blogs are so important to me. I want to show some blog appreciation to the ladies who inspire me on a daily basis, and some who even inspired me to join this amazing little community in the first place! They are my must-reads, they make me laugh, they make me smile, they are people that I would love to have as friends in my everyday life, and most of all they are women that I think have an amazing talent and their passion shines brilliantly on their blogs. Check them out and I know you won't be disappointed.

1. Creative Juices - most creative

Gabby

This blog was the very first one I ever bookmarked and to this day it is one of the very first reads of my day. Her life is thrilling and I love catching up on whatever adventure she is tackling next! Gabby is also one of the most talented photographers I have ever come across, and I love when she shares her personal work because it takes my breath away. I am always inspired to chase my passions after reading her blog and that is invaluable Thanks Gabby and I can't wait to keep following your journeys! 

2. The Real Deal - authenticity

Hannah

 Oh man this is a hard one to write, because of how much I adore her. Hannah is someone I consider a real friend, even though I have never met her and she is hands down the most genuine person I have connected with in the blogosphere. I get so excited when I see she has a new post, because each one only seems to be more amazing than the last. Oh and did I mention this incredibly talented woman is only 17?? I seriously can't even begin to imagine what she will accomplish! I have no doubt that we will one day see her name on the masthead of the glossy pages we love to lust over month in and month out and I hope I get to keep getting to know her!

3. Spark Notes - most helpful

 Katy

 Katy could be nominated for sooo many of these awards (and has been!) as she is the genius behind FBFF and a blogger who is definitely making a huge impact in the community, bringing us all together and uniting us in our shared passions. Even though I am sure she is majorly busy and slammed with emails, anytime I have ever reached out to her for help, she has kindly and helpfully responded to my inquiry, no matter how small. I sincerely appreciate her guidance as a new(ish) blogger and value her not only as a stylish maven, but a wonderful resource as well.

4. Newbie - best blogger less than a year old

 Linley

Another very new blog discovery for me, but even after only reading for a few weeks I can tell that Linley is going to be huge in the blogosphere! She has it all: style, grace, class, wit, and quality photos to boot! Not only will you leave her blog coveting her hair, you will have gotten to read a very genuine entry and probably been completely inspired to test out a new look. Plus, she is one of the most down to earth and relatable girls you will encounter on a blog!

5. Can You Hear Me Now - most connected

 Collette

 Another very popular nominee would have to be the ever wonderful, supportive, motivational, down to hearth sweetie that is Collette! I think her readers all think of her as a close friend, because she makes everyone feel important and special. She truly is everywhere, doing it all and still making time for any reader who wants to connect with her! And she is one of the most caring people I have been fortunate to have "met" on this adventure. She deserves a medal, and perhaps a day of rest!

6. If I had a Hammer - best DIY

 Natasha 

 This blog is a very new find for me, and oh boy am I ever glad to have discovered it! Not only has chica got an amazing sense of style (I mean hello, look at that fantastic outfit above!) but she is one wizard in the crafts department as well! I love her embellished scarf and DEFINITELY want to try out the faux fur boot cuff before next year! If you want to be seriously inspired, I suggest you check Natasha out asap!

7. Tribe Leader - blogger who leads others and brings bloggers

together

 Kileen 

I started reading this incredible blog a few months ago and let me tell you I am hooked! I relate to her style because she is always donning incredibly chic office wear and always pushing herself to be bold with color! She is now the fearless leader of 40 some bloggers (and growing like wild fire every week) who also want to experiment with color palettes! Her Color Brigade has led me to many new amazing blog friends, and she really encourages us all to be social and get to know one another. She is definitely doing great things in our community and I am so glad to "get to know her" a little more each day through her blog.

8. Practically Perfect - most fashionable

 Sydney

 No surprise here that this babe got hoardes of nominations and is now in the top three for this category, and two others. She wears some of the most amazing combination I have ever seen, and helps me to push my own style boundaries just by sharing her daily outfits with us. Plus, I love that she is wearing pieces that the rest of us can afford. Her blog is the first thing I check out every morning because I literally can't wait to see what stylish garments she is sporting and funny tale she is telling. Her outfits attracted me to the blog originally, but her writing is what caught me hook, line and sinker for good. I always giggle reading her posts and still want more when I'm done. Not to mention, she and her hubby may be the world's most in love couple ever. I kind of secretly not so secretly hope to meet her one day because I would just bet that her positive energy is contagious! 

9. Paint by Numbers - best beauty blogger

 Katie

I don't know if you can technically classify Katie as a beauty blogger, because her blog is chock full of other fabulous posts on fashion. music, decorating you name it, but to me she is the go to gal for makeup info. She always knows the latest product, gives very informative and helpful reviews that you know are her honest opinion and makes you feel like she is talking to you as a girlfriend. Plus, she has a really cute little pup who often makes an appearance!

10. Renaissance Woman - best all around blogger, fashion, beauty,

lifestyle

 Kendi 

I'm not even sure there is much explanation needed here! She is fabulous, we all love her, we all want to be her best friend and her entries will always bring a smile to my face. I kind of think she is the fashion blogging world's superwoman. 

I truly can't say enough wonderful things about these women. Each and everyone one of them has impacted me in a way that I never imagined would happen by reading a blog, and I am thankful that they share piece of their world with me each day. 

Check out Modly Chic for the official voting of these awards, and to see all the incredible nominees! 

 (All photos belong to the individual bloggers they represent)

Bisous!