Gilded Living

I went on a run this morning, breaking in some new sneakers: a pair of Brooks Launch 5 .  Brooks has been my sneaker of choice for many years now, but this gray and white pair (Aren't they cute?! And they go with everything!) are my first from the Launch family. I'm happy to report it was love at first run!  I found them to be really light while providing excellent support and I greatly enjoyed the layers of cushiony softness (especially since I've had a tinge of shin splints the past couple of weeks)! I already can’t wait to take ‘em for another spin tomorrow! Oh, and if you’re a runner, biker, kayaker, etc, I have one other recommendation from today's run. I also tested out a new app, Relive , today. It was fantastic! I was able to fully control my Apple Music running play list while Relive ran in the background, which I appreciate (it bothers me each time I try to skip a song in Map My Run ).  Watch this video of my course today and you'll see why I c...

A book I’m reading with my daughter, Hazel, summarizes each of the attendees of the Constitutional Convention in two paragraphs; needless to say, one of Alexander Hamilton ’s is devoted to his handsome calves. Lin-Manuel Miranda should have consulted with me while researching for Hamilton: An American Musical , I could have shared this important information along with some phrases that rhyme with breeches, silk stockings, calf muscle, sandbags, and turn of leg for his historical hits: BREEECHES: your calves suck like leeches, these pants perfectly fit my peaches, listen while I preaches, I’m so schooled in style I teaches SILK STOCKINGS: the fellas are a mocking but the ladies come a knocking, about my calves history will be talking, to see them people are flocking CALF MUSCLES: I don’t mean to start a tussle, to get calves like mine you must hustle SANDBAGS: don’t mean to brag, leaky bags are a drag, your weak calves should wave a white flag, my calves come with a h...

I do my best to focus on the good, to be mindful of gratitude, to keep it all positive. But life certainly isn’t all new boots and mojitos (I know that most people would use “sunshine and rainbows” or “something-or-other and unicorns,” but if I’m being honest, boots and really good mojitos, for me, are pretty sublime). Life can be tough, disappointing, and dreadful; it has been known to make me cry uncle, to wave a white flag, to bring me to my knees. A dear friend told me l ast week she was impressed by how I’m always happy. It was a lovely thing for her to say, but as I walked away I got to thinking, the accolade really isn’t mine. And it isn’t really happiness she was referring to. It’s joy. What’s the difference? Well, to always be happy would mean I’d always feel fortunate and cheerful and lucky. And that’s not true. There are definitely moments/days/weeks I’m not all that happy. Times when I have a lot on my mind, times when I may be quieter than normal, when I’m conce...

The nights are getting cooler and the days are getting shorter...fall is in full swing in Wisconsin.  Each year, as the leaves change color, my skin changes texture and becomes a bit drier...and I find myself turning time and time again to Dr.Hauschka's Soothing Mask . My skin is very sensitive to both the outdoor elements as well as most products with any sort of chemicals in them. Dr.Hauschka's  holistic products  work wonders on my skin! They're not cheap, but I've come to accept that my purchasing a few products that work perfectly saves me money in the long run since I'm no longer purchasing many different products at the drugstore in hopes one will work...and then throwing the majority away or giving it to a friend to sample. I simply buy what I know works and call it a day! And when used according to the directions, one tube of products last me almost all fall and winter! The mask has quince seed extract and hazel hydrosol which restores and maintains skin...

I first heard the term dry brushing back in 2010, but at that time, I only learned of the exfoliation benefits.  When I started incorporating the process into my morning routine a few years later (to prep my skin for bare legs and tank tops), I was pleasantly surprised to discover the additional health (and beauty) benefits. In addition to removing dry skin (think knees, ankles, elbows...), it also evens skin tone, stimulates blood flow, aids in cell renewal and tighter skin (goodbye cellulite), and helps the lymphatic system with toxin release, digestion and kidney function.  All of that from a quick two minute, pre-shower routine! The only tool needed is an inexpensive, natural bristle brush (not synthetic) that is sturdy, but not too rough.  One with a long handle is great for hard to reach areas. To dry brush, start at your feet, and then work your way up, making long sweeping strokes with enough pressure to feel it, but not hard enough fo...

A few years ago I found myself living out a dream: I was sitting in the studio audience of the Oprah show watching the taping of an episode of her final season!  The guest was Martha Stewart! (For those of you who don't know, I have a daughter named Martha...I'm kind of a big fan...)  As I sat there pinching myself, I saw a women with long hair pull out two twisted pieces of metal and pull her hair into a perfect bun in about 15 seconds flat. As a fellow long-haired girl I was in awe. I wasted no time asking her about the products during the next commercial break.  The next day I picked up my very own  Goody Spin Pins ! As Oprah would say, they are one of my Favorite Things.   I'll admit that they do take some practice and getting used to, but over the years I've mastered many different quick but stylish hair styles with these little gems...even my my Martha's waist-long, super thick hair!  As I type this, I have three small messy buns at t...

Dearest Anthropologie, You are a long-time, trusted friend...one who has proven to be there for me time and time again throughout each stage in life.  Our relationship began back in 1998 when I was on the market for a new blazer to wear to my college internship interview.  Of course you came through for me.  And as I saved money earned from that first job (landed in part, I'm sure, to my stylish jacket), I peppered my apartment with unique home goods I found in the pages of your catalog.  When my family expanded, you did too, opening brick and mortar stores in Chicago where you displayed a lovely dress for my bridal shower, detailed dog sweaters for my dear wire fox terrier Skone, unique shirts I could disguise as maternity clothing, and baby hats and sweaters for my children during the holiday seasons.  Oh, Anthro (can I call you Anthro?), how do I describe the joy I felt when it was announced you were opening a st...