Get pin-spired outfit #4

Sorry for the delay in outfit number four. Last Friday was our company picnic and I was required to wear our company shirt and we were actually allowed to wear shorts to work so I wasn't going to pass up that opportunity. So you had to wait an entire week for this casual Friday! Let's get on with the inspiration look.

Casual Friday: Jeans, flip flops, striped tank & cardigan {See pin}

This outfit is so basic but I just really liked the look of it and of course I had every piece in my closet already which was a double bonus! Here's my look ...

I really need to invest in some navy pieces, I think it would've looked much better with navy and brown but I worked with what I had. Being so warm outside I opted for a short sleeve black cardigan (if it doesn't button is it still a cardigan? don't judge me!) with a striped tank, jeans and of course flip flops. This outfit didn't really push me out of my comfort zone but I normally wouldn't have worn the cardigan with jeans to work so I guess I did try something new. Here's the side-by-side comparison. How'd I do?

Well that's all I have for this go around of Pinterest inspired outfits. 

Play catch up ...
The plan
Outfit #1
Outfit #2
Outfit #3

One run down

Well I didn't set a PR or win the whole race but that wasn't my goal for this run. I haven't run much this year and that makes me sad. There have been a whole bunch of reasons why but none of them seem like a good enough excuse for not getting up off my ass so I won't even bother trying to tell you what they are.

I got up early and got my run on Father's Day weekend for the Diva Dash 2013. It felt good. I love this race because it's an all women's race. Of course there are the super fit ladies that win every race they run but there are also ladies who are running for the first time or maybe not even running at all they are just there to walk and support the cause. It doesn't matter how fast you are going, what matters is you got up and made it there. I kept reminding myself that it doesn't matter how fast I run, I'm still lapping everyone on the couch. Running makes me happy. I hate taking pictures of my face after I run. It's always beet red and I'm sweating like nobody's business. But for some reason after this race, I thought ... "I did it, I ran this race why not show off my sweat and red face with pride?". So I did -- a little selfie photo before I hopped back in my car to leave. 

It wasn't so terrible after all. I ran this same race last year and beat my time by almost 2 minutes. That felt good. I know I'm just getting better and stronger every time I run. I just need to kick myself more often to get up and do it. I have a 10k coming up in September, I better kick it into high gear. 6 miles is a long way, but I know I'll be ready! Remember ... just keep running!

I'll do a food related post soon, but had to put this out there. I love finding new inspirational bloggers out there in the healthy food and fitness area. Check out Peas and Crayons and her What I Ate Wednesday link up. Seriously addicting to look through all the blogs!

Get pin-spired outfit #3

So outfit #2 was all white and bright and outfit number 3 is the complete opposite -- a little more my personal style. Here's the inspiration outfit.

Office Basics: neutrals with a pop of color in the accessories {See pin}

I love this look. However, I don't really own any "statement" necklaces that I could use. So my take was to add a colorful accessory to make the outfit pop. Here's my version.

I don't have a really fitted black blazer so I did a black cardigan with grey tank and black capris topped off with a bright yellow scarf. I don't think the scarf achieves the exact look that I was going for but it was my best option. Maybe it's time to invest in some statement jewelry.  Here's the side-by-side comparison.

So is this look a winner or a loser? Sorry for the self photo, no A around to take my photo that day :) Onward to the last and final day!

Play catch up ...
The plan
Outfit #1
Outfit #2

Get pin-spired outfit #2

I made it through day #1, let's keep the ball rolling with outfit number #2. You can check out all my pinned outfits here.

At the Office: light colors, add accessories {See pin}

This was a stretch for me. If I'm going to do all neutrals it's usually black and grey. Light colors just aren't my thing. But since this is a challenge, I decided to challenge myself. I don't own a plain white button down, yes I know it's a wardrobe staple but let's face it ... white and kids don't mix so I stay away from it. Here's what I came up with.

Not let me explain a couple things here. The shirt looks blue, it's actually white with a thin black pinstripe. I never wear it, ever. I don't know why, I just don't. When I put it on I asked A how I looked and she said "did you buy a new shirt?". Point taken, I don't wear this shirt yet it's still in my closet. I debated this look for quite awhile before sucking it up and deciding, "this is a challenge I'm just going to do it!" By the time I made it to work I felt confident in my choice. Pairing the khaki capris and light colored shirt with the brown belt and shoes helped to break up the outfit. This is much more summery feeling than my basic black and grey choices I usually make. Here's the side-by-side comparison.

I didn't copy what was done, but I was certainly inspired. I think this outfit turned out better than the previous. Two down, two to go!

Get pin-spired outfit #1

My Pinterest challenge has begun! Here we go, let's kick this off with outfit number one! Here was the inspiration look from Pinterest.

Weekend Look: colored shorts, neutral top, chic accessories {See pin}

Even though I love all the pieces in this look from Anthropologie I certainly don't own any of them. I do however have colored shorts, a neutral top and accessories! Here's my look.

I wore my lilac shorts and black top. Since my top already had some blingy/shiny stuff at the top I didn't wear a necklace. I did wear my Noonday bracelet and since we were headed to Rib Fest I kept it comfy with Old Navy flip flops in purple. Here's the side-by-side comparison.

I don't think this was a total winner, but I did pair a few things together that I normally wouldn't have for my inspiration outfit. One day down, three more to go!

Pinterest Inspiration: Summer style edition

I gave myself a Pinterest style challenge previously and it was a major success. I put things together that I normally wouldn't have and got a little more out of my closet than I expected. See my previous outfits #1, #2, #3 and #4.
I figured I needed another challenge. A summer inspiration challenge. I'll stick with my 4 days of outfits inspired by my pins because 7 days just isn't realistic. Here are my four looks that I'm going to recreate or take inspiration from. Wish me luck!

Weekend Look: colored shorts, neutral top, chic accessories {See pin}

Casual Friday: Jeans, flip flops, striped tank & cardigan {See pin}

Office Basics: neutrals with a pop of color in the accessories {See pin}

At the Office: light colors, add accessories {See pin}

Make your own: Taco Seasoning

How many times have you gone to the store and bought the packets of taco seasoning? I used to do it all the time. And then I thought ... why am I spending money on this little packet when I probably have all this stuff in my cabinet to make it myself?! And then I would know exactly what was inside. Thus the homemade taco seasoning was created in my kitchen.

It's so easy to make and can easily be customized for your family's taste. Here's what you need:

• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 Tbsp ground cumin
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1/4 Tbsp ground red pepper (cayenne)
• Mason jar or some sort of container to hold it all

Put everything in your jar, put on the lid and shake it up! If you add more red pepper or more chili powder you will have a spicier seasoning so adjust it for your family. I made a double batch just to get started but you could make this in much larger quantities once you get your mixture the way you like it. Enjoy!

*Linking up with Not Just a Housewife

Writing, laundry & exercise

School is out, I'm going to miss having her writing sent home every day "I like to hold the cats but my eyes get red." - at least she is aware of her allergies :)

We were almost out of laundry soap so I whipped up a homemade batch. This was my second time making it, it works just as well as the regular stuff. I use this tutorial. You'll get about 10 gallons of soap

I've really been trying with my food and exercise. The exercise is sort of lacking so I've been trying to do this every morning. I found it on Pinterest so don't ask me if it really burns 100 calories or not, but I figured hey it's better than nothing.

What's up with you lately?

Noonday Collection

Have you heard of Noonday Collection? You simply must check them out.

They sell handmade goods from across the world to help fund adoptions and help to provide a stable income for families in less fortunate countries so that the rate of child abandonment goes down and their quality of life goes up. I was lucky enough to win a $75 gift card to go shopping from Delighted Momma (if you aren't following Lindsay you should, she's awesome!). I was so excited to get shopping! There were so many great choices that I had to limit myself to three. Here are the pieces that I chose ... what do you think?

Stacked Arrows Necklace - made in India

Brightly wound bracelet in mint - made in India

Pelotas Bracelet in tangerine - made in Ecuador

And here's how I wore each one. I love that each piece has a story behind it and now instead of saying "I picked this up at the store." I can tell people the story of who made it. I love companies that give back!

Necklace with a mustard tank and purple cardi

Bracelet with a grey and orange striped tee and greenish cargos

Bracelet with mustard top, skinny jeans and brown boots