Confession time

I have a confession to make. Remember how I said I'm going to 5:30am boot camp all week to write an article? Well, as I was driving home from this morning's session, I did something I haven't done in years. I went to McDonald's and ordered an Egg McMuffin.

No offense is intended if you're into McD's, but I am just not. I read Fast Food Nation, watched Supersize Me and Food, Inc., and have long since dismissed almost all fast food from my diet (Chick-Fil-A doesn't count, right?). Well, apparently boot camp brings out the McD craving in me, because I simply couldn't resist going through the drive-through and ordering not only an Egg McMuffin, but also one of those hash browns that kind of look like shoe horns. Before ordering, I was asked by the muffled, disembodied voice if I wanted to try the new [something] milkshake. A milkshake? At 6:45am? And we wonder why America has obesity/diabetes/heart problems.

Some of you expressed interest in the boot camp, so I'll be sure to post a link to the article once it's finished and published. I will give you a bit of a preview by saying that a boot camp is certainly an amazing way to maximize your work out time; you figure you'll have to spend about an hour a day being active to see results over time, right? Well, I'm seeing (and feeling) in just four days the toning and firming that would normally take a month or two (or three) of my normal aerobic (running, gym-going) work out to produce. It's definitely an efficient way to make fit happen. (see what I did there? Make fit happen...?)

If you're in Orange County, I recommend trying Total Training by Tammy, the camp I've been going to. Tammy is just great. I'm getting coffee with her this afternoon to talk about the article, but really all I want to do is just gab (did I really just use the word 'gab'?) about life and boys and making my clothes fit the way I want them to.

Oh, right- speaking of clothes...

My hair is getting long enough to flip out- something it's been doing on its own- and I've decided to embrace it. It makes me look peppy, does it not?

I realized when I got to work that both this necklace and this bracelet were purchased on separate visits to France (I have a cousin who lived in Aix en Provence for several years). Looks like I started a little, accidental tradition of buying red jewelry in France. You know, for my yearly trips out there....*cough*

This is the second time I've worn my new ban.do heart pin- I love it! So what if Jordan teases me that it's a bit "valentiney"? That isn't a bad thing in my book. Oh, and guess what? ban.do is currently giving 25% of all heart sales to Aid Relief in Japan. Unfortunately, I ordered mine a couple weeks ago, but if you order yours by next Tuesday, April 5th, a quarter of that goes to Japan!

[shirt- nordstrom | skirt- h&m | socks- j crew | shoes- target

necklace & bracelet- souvenirs from france | heart pin- ban.do]

Hope you're having a great day! Check back tomorrow for another great Five Things Friday post!

"Let the street speak to you"

I went and saw Bill Cunningham New York on Saturday with Shannon and Blaire. I'll be honest: I didn't really know much about Bill Cunningham before seeing the documentary, other than knowing he's a bike-riding street fashion photographer.

WELL. I was pleasantly surprised by the humor, wit, and attention to detail of both the filmmakers and Bill Cunningham himself. I'm hesitant to give you too much information since a 'blank slate' is kind of a good way to go into seeing this film, but I will say that Bill Cunningham has managed to retain the fascination of a child when photographing though he's over 80. He has a sort of quiet joy. At one point in the film, he's photographing a couple teenage girls who start swearing at him. Bill stops photographing, but the smile never leaves his face.

I don't want to build up the hype so much that you're expecting the best movie ever and are subsequently disappointed (i.e., what happened to me when I saw Garden State); just try to keep an open mind and I think you'll be in for a delightful experience.

"The best fashion show in the world is on the street." -Bill Cunningham

To anyone who has even the slightest interest in fashion, photography, or culture, I strongly recommend this film. Click here for the "tour dates" - it's playing in select cities for about a week at a time, so plan ahead!

I changed my status on Facebook to read, "I <3 Bill Cunningham" and one commenter wrote, "from Happy Days?" That made me laugh. Well, sure, him too. But no.

[Above Image: here]

I watched the sun rise...

Guess what? This week is my spring break! I know what you're thinking- all nighters and party buses, right? Ok, so my spring breaks have never involved either of those; but at they have included sleeping in and taking it easy. Not this year. You see, I work for an Orange County magazine, and I'm currently working on a story about a fitness boot camp. Last week, my boss and I were discussing the angle of the article, and somehow I managed to suggest that I go to a week of boot camp and then write about it. It does sound like a pretty good approach to writing a story about it, right? Well, said boot camp is at 5:30 in the morning. Every morning. Today was only day two and I am feeling it all. over. I've never done so many squats in my entire life! Muscles I didn't know I had are now fully alert and screaming at me. And this is after the two ibuprofens I took when I got home!

[shirt- thrifted | vest- target | boots- urban outfitters

pants- old navy | bolo tie- thrifted]

If you're a new reader, welcome! Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog.
I hope your day's off to a good start! Make sure to tell your friends about my Modcloth gift certificate giveaway! :]

$100 Modcloth Giveaway

I've been looking forward to this for awhile now! I'm giving away a $100 Modcloth gift certificate (out of my own pocket)! Modcloth has tons of great clothing items and housewares- their shoes alone make me drool! You could probably tell by the surplus of shoes I put in the header above....!

To enter, simply become a follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect (look for it on the right hand side of this page) and leave a comment letting me know you follow. You'll get an additional entry if you become a follower on Bloglovin, and another extra entry if you post about this giveaway on your blog, Twitter, or Facebook and leave the link to your post in a separate comment.

****Please also leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!  (I forgot to say this when I first posted, so if you already commented, don't worry; we'll figure it out)

A winner will be selected using Random.org on Monday, 4/11 at 12pm PST.

Best of luck!

FTF # 6

Today's FTF is brought to you by the amazing Lynn of Hearted Girl! I was so excited when she agreed to guest post this week! Without further ado, take it away Lynn!

My hearts a thumpin' just thinking about it:

Five Thriller-ish Films - for a different kinda FTF to tha FTF

These are ones I wish I coulda MONSTER-STOMPED in; either that or per-swayed them to wanna hug it out instead of wreak havoc on the ladies. For shame dudes!

Feeling the muahahahaha's lately; it likely has to do with some rather monster-ish folks trying to get the best of me. These kinds of creepies make my lady guts come alive though and face the combat head on. The fact is heroines have for the most part been pinned to a box entitled mentally-challenged femme fatale - please compromise your worth by seducing the baddies and making most men weep with irresistible desire. Oh I josh you! Really I dig a good slasher scene sometimes, even if it's viewed while peering through my finger barricade just to be able to bare the gory stuff. Predictable plot lines, alien enemies or ghostly embodiment...yes i occasionally partake. Massive monster loves!
When I was a kid we used to sneak out with my besties older sisters to the double feature drive-in and stare in awe at the ghastly scenes. Mom said I'd get nightmares and that I did but it was still worth all the trembling nights, lying awake with baited breath for an inexplicable tug on my leg or one of my dollies heads to turn ever so slightly my way. It's rather an acquired taste but those times really were magical, it's not that often that you feel glued to your seat without one other focus in your mind but the monstah on the big screen staring your way. Now if that ain't a ZEN-like experience than I don't know what is ; )

So I'm assuming these are all familiar to you, but if not the credz are at the bottom.

Thanks so much Blythe for allowing me to run wild and free with this chilla-killa-filla! You are the best and I had such an adrenaline-rush when you invited me over here to take part. You know your collages from previous FTF got my attention so piqued I practically forgot where I was for a moment. It's an honor to be a cast-mate for the day! High held toasts to you lades and thanks to everyone in advance for joining me on this movie monster mayhem!

images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

 -Lynn

Check out Lynn's blog here, and check back next Friday for another inspiring edition of Five Things Friday!

Some past FTF include:

Five Fictional Characters I'd Like To Hang Out With & The Things We Would Do On Said Hang Out

Five of My Current Favorite Bands/Musicians

My Five Favorite Words in My Five Favorite Fonts

Five Chick Flicks I'd Like To Be In
Five Classic Rock Bands/Musicians I wish I got to be a groupie for (Guest post)

"Garden Dreams"

The latest Ruche look book, "Garden Dreams" is divine, is it not? I could flip through it endlessly. :)

Newsprint Nails

These are too good. Instructions here. I can't read French, but I'll be trying to decipher it soon! :D

[found via refinery29]

THURS

Thursday might be my new favorite day. Why, you ask? Because the week is over halfway over, and I have the weekend (and Five Things Friday) to look forward to! To most people, this would mean that Friday or either of the weekend days should be my real favorite days, but I think I'm the kind of person that enjoys the anticipation of those days more than the actual days. At least lately, where my Saturdays consist of staying home literally all day to read for school, and Sundays involve much of the same, combined with plenty of lazy time. I'm a person who likes productivity. I also like my job, for the most part, and I like it most on Thursdays and Fridays. Maybe it's that I appreciate it most those days, when I have the weekend so close to look forward to and I'm not bitter about there being five whole days till my next weekend, like on Mondays.

Know what I mean? Maybe you can relate if you have a job you like, but also love the weekend?

This outfit makes me feel like a dressed up little girl.

When I was little, my grandma used to dress me up in frilly blouses and pinafore dresses and tights. The only thing missing in this ensemble is those fluffy bloomers. I'm pretty sure you can buy those in adult sizes, which is pretty funny to me.

[dress- urban outfitters | blouse- vintage | shoes- urban outfitters | bracelet- nordstrom]

Enjoy the day today! There is beauty to be found in every moment, friend. :)
ALSO: tomorrow is Friday, which means FIVE THINGS FRIDAY, and tomorrow's post is going to be glorious! Check back in the morning!

Fitter, happier, more productive

After being uninsured for a long time, I just got back onto a plan with great coverage and have been milking it for all I can. I went to the dentist last week (no cavities!), and this morning I had a medical check up. 1 flu shot, 1 whooping cough shot, and 3 referrals later (one of which will involve a blood test...boo), I left. Being someone who doesn't visit the doctor unless something's wrong, today's experience was a bit overwhelming.

Something about the sterile, medical environment freaks me out. I also have a fairly low pain tolerance, so just thinking about the blood test is already freaking me out. The shots weren't too bad, but the anxiety leading up to them makes the whole process worse. I wish I were the type not to sweat it, but I'm not. The whole thing gives me the heebie jeebies. Deep breath.

Anyway. The day goes on! No more medical stuff today, God willing.
A little color to brighten up life:

I like this middle of the action shot:

yes, I'm pale, I know. Don't expect that to change much this summer (I don't tan):

My coworkers joined in on the fun! Well, Amy always joins in the fun, being my partner in all work day photo shoots, but Guillermo joined in for once:

Me and Guillermo:

[top- h&m | skirt- zara | cardigan- target | shoes- charlotte russe]

I'll be honest: I don't have much else to say today. Part of that might have to do with my right arm being slightly sore (they warned me that the whooping cough shot is also a tetanus shot, which would mean soreness) which means even typing isn't so joyous right about now. I'll leave you now- hope you have a happy and healthy Wednesday!

MK&A

I love Mary Kate and Ashley. I can't help it: I grew up with them.
I think a lot of people feel that way- a whole generation of us (what I'll call the Full House Generation, for the purpose of this post) watched them grow up as we did, and could identify with every step of their journey. Ok, maybe not the How the West Was Fun period so much, but Two of a Kind? Yep.

So then the problem comes when someone like me faces reality: I might be the same age as these lovely ladies, but I do not have nearly as much to show for myself. Enter personal crisis. A billion dollar industry centered around my identity? Nope. My own couture clothing label? Fashion icon status? No and no. A twin? Big no.

Maybe I'm alone in this, but I feel like every time I see Mary Kate and Ashley, there's a mix of supreme fascination/respect and a twinge of jealousy. These recent pictures from Vogue only reinforce my point. I bring this up because if it's not MK&A for you, I'm sure there's someone (or multiple someones, as there are for me) who you find yourself loving and kind of hating at the same time (hating here meaning jealous of). It's probably intensified when you can identify with them, and even more so if you saw them bloom from relatively humble beginnings (I know, a stretch to call a spot on Full House humble, but relative to their current status? yes).

The truth to remember is that people are just people. You get to choose how you respond to the success of others; I think it's wise to choose to be inspired instead of envious. This is something that kind of goes against the instinctual first response, but is worth practicing. Comparing yourself to someone else never breeds goodness. I'm also learning that comparing yourself to a past or ideal self doesn't always promote progress either- often the opposite: discouragement. But that's a whole other topic for a whole other day.

I usually try to quit talking when I feel like I'm beginning to ramble, so I'll end this post here. Hope I gave you some things to think about. My blog exists, among many other reasons, to encourage thought and positive introspection. :)

Stunning photos, huh? See the full article by Sarah Mower on VOGUE.com.

Trend Alert: Flower Crowns

You may or may not have noticed a major trend emerging in the blogosphere: flower crowns. Here are a handful of lovely ladies I've seen sporting crowns:

[Claire of Stolen From Grandma]

[one of the Red Velvet models on A Beautiful Mess]

[Elsie of A Beautiful Mess]

[Maria of Lulu Letty]

[Beatrice of Dear Beatrice]

 [James of Bleubird Vintage on Delightful Dozen]

What do you think of this movement? It certainly screams "spring," which I think we're all eagerly anticipating!

James has a tutorial to make your own floral crown on her blog, if you're interested.

Go with it

I've been thinking about how our little jaunt to the flea market went so terribly wrong yesterday, due to the inclement weather. You know what's interesting? Amy and I agreed this morning that we actually had a lot of fun; that the craziness of the weather, the shortage of sellers, all of it served to make a pretty fun memory- one we'll always be able to describe with incredulity:

"Remember that time we went to the flea market and it RAINED?"
"Yeah! So fun!"

All this has made me think about how often my plans or expectations are met with something unexpected. I'm such a planner by nature that it can be hard to let go of what was supposed to happen, but once I finally do, I think I have a better, more relaxed time than I would have otherwise. The key for me is getting to the point where I let go and go with it.

(that's my $10 globe! My globe collection is growing...!)

a picture of dishevelment:

[coat- thrifted | pants- old navy | boots- steve madden via nordstrom]

See more pictures from our day below and on Beatrice's post about it!
Hope today is a great day for you, and the beginning of a great week!