Organized Chaos

Met a blogger friend for dinner last weekend! We had so much fun!

...would describe my life right now. I have transitioned my life from a 9-5 office to full-time freelance for the time being. I count is as a blessing from the Lord to allow me to have this opportunity right now. It also means the organization for multiple projects and clients has increased drastically. I am a strong Type-A personality and am extremely organized. I have five email addresses on my BlackBerry and it is constantly ringing or as I say, "blowing up!"

I thrive on that, though. Keeps me fueled. Well, that and my 8 cups of coffee.

I guess I have summed up this year as one big transition. But, I am okay with that. I would rather this happen at my young age and I welcome it.

However...let's just say that I do look forward to moving into my own place in the next few months (possibly will be purchasing a condo!), getting plugged into a church, meeting a core group of girlfriends and establishing a good schedule.

My bags are still packed. I have all my furniture and half my wardrobe still up in Virginia. And get this.... my jewelry is in Ziploc bags. In my trunk! UGH! You can imagine me trying to get ready--I have to run out to my car to find matching accessories!

I am leaving tomorrow morning to head to Virginia for one of my best friend's wedding. I will probably stick around for Labor Day to visit with some friends. We are going to have a blast!

Anything You Wanna Know?

I haven't hosted a Q&A in quite some time, so I thought, why not? If you are a new follower or an old follower and have a question for me, feel free to leave a comment and ask!

Or, if you think your question is worthy of a full blog post to answer it, let me know!

An fyi -- in the next month, my blog will be under construction! I look forward to launching my new blog sometime in October. I have already received several sponsorship questions and requests, so if you are interested in advertising on my blog with your blog or business logo, shoot me an email!

Gold's Gym

I am and always will be a Gold's Gym girl. When I lived in DC, I went to the Gold's Gym on 3rd Street -- right near the capitol on the House side. That's when I fell in love with it.

You can probably assume that the surrounding areas of Atlanta are filled with Gold's. I joined one three days after moving down here. They offer fantastic rates and the classes are downright awesome!

Last night, I attended two hour-long classes back-to-back. The first was called Group Kick and it was an hour of punching and kickboxing at an incredibly fast pace. There were girls really getting into it -- doing the "hiiii-ya" yells and all. I was joining them by the end of class, feeling like a black belt karate girl. The instructor greeted me after class and told me that you can burn up to 600 calories per hour class. Sounded like a winner to me!

Though running is my number one passion, I think doing kickboxing once or twice a week will be a good change knowing that it is essential to mix things up.

I then stayed for the next class called Body Chisel. Ya, I can barely move today. Someone who has been lifting heavy weight for a while, I thought I would be good to go in that class. Not so much. This class specifically focuses on repetition. Like, an entire rap song was devoted to lunges -- lunges for just the left leg. Then another song for the right leg. It felt amazing and I will definitely be back!

Protein Bars

I receive a lot of questions about fitness. Recently, a friend tweeted a question asking, "What are some good protein bars?" Being the protein junkie that I am, I immediately replied via twitter and rambled off this exact list.

Protein bars are a good choice to use as a meal replacement or a post-workout snack. Protein not only keeps you full, but also provides the nutrients necessary to build lean muscle. I have listed my top 4 favorites below. Keep in mind to monitor the calories -- each bar is different! Also, each bar contains different amounts of protein, so choose based on your allotted protein count per day.

I shop for my bars at Kroger because I find that they have the best deals, like 10 for $10! Target also runs specials on the bars as well.

Pure Protein has many yummy flavors with 18-22 grams of protein. They run approx.200 calories each and are around 5 grams of fat. The chewy chocolate chip is my personal favorite!

CLIF Builder's bars have 20g of protein, but run about 270 calories. They are the biggest of the bars and should be used for more of a meal replacement. Their flavors range between peanut butter and cookie-n-cream.

ZONE bars have approx. 14g of protein and approximately 180 calories.

I had my first LUNA protein bar at the ZOOMA Annapolis marathon in June. Of course, my favorite is cookie dough. These are smaller bars and are a good snack/post-workout option.

Sponsorship

In the next few weeks, I will be launching a new blog and I am so excited! I am now accepting sponsorship inquiries for small businesses, Etsy shops, blog designers, services, etc. Sponsorships will contain your blog button on the landing page to drive traffic directly to your blog or site!

Please email me for more information and pricing packages. I am offering 3, 6 and 12 month package options.

runninginhiheels {at} {gmail}.{com}

Thanks!

Guy-Friends

Guy-friend. It's a term that can hold a lot of weight. It holds a lot of ..... I can't even think of the word. But, you may know what I mean.

For me, not every guy acquaintance has been labeled a guy-friend. I've had many guy acquaintances. The reason I don't classify them as a friend is because for someone to be a friend, you have to invest time and effort into that relationship. Therefore, I have always had many more girlfriends than guy friends.

Throughout college and my time since college, I have had a few good guy friends. With some, the emotional boundaries are set up-front on both ends. You don't even necessarily have to discuss it; you both just know. You will have those guy friends who you know will always remain just that -- a guy friend. He knows it too and wants nothing more. It makes for a pretty clean breeze relationship, that's for sure.

On the flip side, then you have those guy friends that the relationship is a tad different. There is a cloud of uncertainty that lingers over you both every time you hang out or talk. There can be casual flirting that makes it so confusing that you can't decipher if that 'friend' is being merely a friend, or thinking of crossing the friend boundary.

At times, feelings have the possibility of getting in the way of that friendship. Sometimes it happens for each person at a different time and not at the same time, which can make things confusing as well. It may even happen at the same time, but the conversation is left untouched because both people are scared to death!

You almost think that at some point someone has to fess up, right? What are both people scared of.... getting hurt? The thought of not being able to be friends anymore if it doesn't work out? Maybe just wrong timing? I'm not sure...

The real question is...Can you live your life always wondering, "What if?"

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Calling all runners and walkers!

As you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This is a topic close to my heart, being that my grandmother passed away of this and it runs heavily in my family.

I have the opportunity to introduce a unique campaign to you in the next few weeks. Until that time, I cannot say too much just yet, other than a portion of the proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research.

This product is an accessory for women who enjoy walking or running, so if you have an interest in that as well as supporting breast cancer research, please shoot me an email at:

runninginhiheels {at} {gmail}. {com}

I will then get in touch with you about this exciting campaign!

Also, feel free to leave your email address as a comment and I will email you!

Wedding & Blue Ridge Grille

I had a great weekend in Alabama and in my new home, Atlanta! On Saturday, one of my sweet friends got married -- Laura and Hamilton! They are moving to Georgia in a few weeks so I am excited to live closer to her! The wedding was absolutely beautiful!

Sunday, I attended First Baptist Church, Atlanta. This is Dr. Charles Stanley's church, a dear friend of our family. After church, I went to brunch with my grandparents at The Blue Ridge Grille. It was amazing!

When I got home Sunday afternoon, I took a three hour nap and then went to bed at 10 pm. I was wiped out from the busy, yet exciting weekend! Hope you all had a good weekend, too!

Weekend trip to College

It is 2:00 in the morning. I have slept 4 hours in the past 36 and I am dragging! It has all been worth it though because I got to take my little sis to college today and help her move into her dorm!

I went to college 11 hours away from my family. I came home maybe twice a year. Therefore, I missed five years worth of my sister's high school experience. I feel that I missed out on a lot in her life and couldn't be that big sister she could come to on a daily basis for questions or advice because I was never home.

Since moving to Atlanta, I now only live 3 hours from home! I was so thankful for the opportunity to take Ashlyn to college and be there for her this weekend.

We had a fun and special time as a family. Ashlyn and I also took a little video -- we are complete nerds...let's just leave it at that!

Tried very hard to assemble a shelf....I failed...

Moving everything in! I felt like I wanted to be back in college again!

We left at 6 am! We went to bed at 3.

A little Fall Shopping

After a really busy day yesterday, I was in need of a little breather. I do not shop too often, primarily because I have lots of clothing and I am also trying to save money. Due to the weight I lost, I did need some new jeans for Fall and Winter.

I hate jean shopping. Hate it. I don't know much about them either. I am un-jean-educated. I have no clue what the cool brands are or what fits are good. My friends get texts and calls from me often asking about what jeans I should try on when I planned my jean shopping trip. Although, 7 for all mankind jeans are great I hear, they are a tad too expensive for my budget at the moment with moving, etc.

To my pleasant surprise, on my impromptu pop-in to the mall yesterday, I waltzed into a store that I NEVER shop at and found 2 amazing pairs that fit me to tee. American Eagle is not my typical classic 'look', but I do have to say that I am in love with these jeans. Also, they are buy 1 get 1 half off!

I then went to Express and picked up two ruffled tops for fall. They were also buy 1, get 1 half off!

Blog Sale 2 - Just a few things

I used to wear a lot of suits to work, therefore, I have a lot of button-up shirts. I have 6 here.

J.Crew - sz. M -brand new pin-stripe

Tommy pink oxford with sherbet pinstripe collar

GAP pink pin-stripe size 6

Old Navy Black size M

GAP grey pin-stripe size 6

NY&Co mauve/white pin-stripe size S

These can be combined.

$8 a piece or LOT set for $35

Polo Ralph Lauren polo orange/navy - Size M - $10

LOFT plum sweater - size S - $20

Target dress - size small - but roomy enough for a medium frame -- asking $15- this dress was a tad too Bohemian for my taste. It is a silky material.

Picture of the dress on (and you can see a snippet of a day in my life as a marketing director!)

*Polos can be combines into bundles. Scroll down to see J.Crew polos that are still available.

*I also have a pair of GAP long-and-lean jeans size 6R. The picture was awkward so I did not post. Asking $10. They are a light wash.

*I also have a beautiful tan suit from NY&CO. If you are about my build/shape and are interested, email me for more info. The pants are now too big for me, but the jacket is a 4.

My Diet Pitfalls

I get a lot of emails and comments about my diet and exercise routine. How do I stay motivated? What do I eat? How often do I exercise? Albeit, I am flattered that some of you say I inspire you to get fit -- I think that's great! I have my inspirations as well to help me on a daily basis!

Fitness and overall health is such a strong passion of mine. On top of my marketing contracting job, I also am a freelancer for (yes the magazine of my beloved Lynchburg town that I just left) a writing studio in California. I have the opportunity to choose my topics...and I will give you one good guess on the topic I pick! Fitness! Exercise! Weight-lifting! Diet & Nutrition! I can't believe I make money writing about things I am passionate about!

If you have been reading my blog for a little while now, I hope you know how honest, upfront, and plain ol' real I am. I seriously type whatever comes to my mind. And though I have succeeded in the fitness area this year, I need you to know that I am a lot like many of you that do fall off the wagon and do have struggles too. So, I thought I would get real with you all again and give you some of my fitness/diet pitfalls that I struggle with.

1. Snacking late. There are many night when I stay up until midnight or 1:00 a.m. If I eat dinner at 6, I do get hungry around 11 or so. A few months ago I got into the habit of pouring a bowl of cereal late at night. This is something I have been monitoring lately. I cannot be putting 200+ calories in my body at midnight. I came across a little saying a few days ago, "Eat past 8, you'll gain weight." That hit home to me and made me straighten up. But it's still a struggle when I want to pop open the box of Special K cereal at 10:30.

2. Drinking diet soda. It's diet, yes I know. I am not advocating that you should not drink it. I know there are so many opinions on diet sodas. I stand loud and proud and tell you that I will always drink Diet Coke. So, there. However, I don't need to drink 6 of them a day. >>>>>YIKES. Hanging my head in SHAME!

3. Not eating breakfast. A few days last week, my grandfather had a wonderful healthy breakfast consisting of eggs and whole wheat toast when I woke up. I noticed that on those days, I was extra fueled to take on the day. I ate less for lunch and dinner. Though some may skip breakfast to 'save calories because they aren't very hungry', I am learning more and more that it is essential and gets your metabolism going! I am going to do my best to eat a good breakfast from now on. Not eggs and toast each day, but even grabbing a fiber bar or having a bowl of cereal. Eat something!

I apologize that this post is a tad rambled and probably holds a lot of grammatical errors. I was in a hurry!

Have a great week! I am heading to Alabama at the end of this week to help my sister move to college and also attend a wedding of a dear friend. I have lost my camera cord in my move, so I will be relying on my mother for any pictures she may take. I need to find my cord asap or you all may stop reading my blog because it's all words and no pictures! Uh oh!

Yellow Lab

You may recall many posts from last year and such when I mentioned Hutch. Hutch was the yellow lab that I helped raise. I met him when he was 3 months old and I was his mommy. He definitely became my child. I firmly believe that dogs have a keen sense when something is wrong. I remember the night everything happened and I had to tell Hutch goodbye. I walked down the hall to where his play area is and he was just sitting there on the couch looking at me. He was as calm as could be and I think he could sense something was not right. I hugged him and held him tight and told him I loved him and to be a good boy. It was heartbreaking to say the least. That dog became part of me.

Reason I am writing this is because I have been bombarded by yellow labs lately. I see them everywhere and it just reminds me of how much I miss sweet Hutch. I always thought I would be a little dog-type person, but after seeing how sweet and loving labs can be, I have been smitten ever since.

I can't wait until I can purchase a yellow lab puppy of my own one day. And I won't have to tell him goodbye!

Summer Blog Sale

SOLD J.Crew Linen pink ruffle dress - Size 6 - Never worn- $45 OBO

SOLD Forever 21 Cream Silky dress - Size M - $12 OBO

SOLD Forever 21 Floral Dress - Size M- $15 OBO

Forever 21 Ruffly Beach Dress - Size M- never worn - $8 OBO

SOLD Forever 21 Dress - Size M - $10 OBO

Kristin Davis Collection skirt - Size 6 - $12 OBO

Old Nay Linen Skirt - size 6 - $10

Banana Republic Top w/ 2 buttons at the neckline - Size M - $5

SOLD AE Light Cardigan - Size M - $10

SOLD Forever 21 Black top - Sort of longer - Size M - wear with skinnies/leggings, etc - $5

GAP pink/green polo - Size M - $5

J. Crew Pique Polos - Red ruffle - Size S, Navy - Size M - $5 each

AE dotted sundress - Size 6 - $15

J. Crew empire waist top - $8

Old Nay Grey A-line skirt - Size 6 - $7

SOLD Vera Bradley "Vera" bag - Peacock print - $20

During my move, one of my best friends, David, helped me drag all my clothes into my little VW bug. We were worn out to say the least. We actually ended up falling on the floor (or at least I did) laughing at how many clothes I had. He really encouraged me to weed out my summer stash, so last night I did! I have yet to get to fall yet -- that post will come in September. Needless to say, not everything fit and I had to leave a lot of things in my storage closet in my apartment. Luckily, I will be up Lynchburg again a few times this fall for weddings and Homecoming, etc. Okay... I am rambling on about my clothes. Sorry.

That is a list of items I have that I really do not wear much. All items have been well taken care of and come from a smoke-free home. If you are looking for Chanel or Prada outfits, you are at the wrong blog. I own down-to-earth, everyday-woman, average clothing pieces, but I do take great pride in what I own. As you know, my favorite stores are J.Crew and Banana Republic. That is the style of my wardrobe for the most part.

Please email me if you are interested in anything or if you have any questions! I will ship upon paypal payment.

Runninginhiheels@gmail.com

Shipping is flat $4 rate.

To be continued...

Hello! I have moved down and am getting settled into my temporary home. I probably will be absent from the blog this week. I am pretty busy this week getting accustomed to working virtual and also having several articles due this week. My mind is in a million places!

All Packed Up

Goodbyes are never fun, nor are they easy. I just was dropped off by one of my best friends, Nikki, after our girls sleepover last night and Starbucks run this morning. I told her I knew she had been placed in my life for a reason, though we are about as opposite as night and day. It was so fun to cram into that King size bed with my girls last night and laugh and cuddle.

One of my best friends Dave came into town this weekend too. We went to dinner last night with Jen and Dustin, who are getting married in one month! We were all just rolling in laughter. Such a good time.

I had a heart-to-heart with my roomie, Stephanie, a few nights ago after a midnight candy run to Kroger. What originally started as a 'roommate only' situation, has blossomed into a friendship. I apologized to her for having to deal with all the emotional ups and downs this year (she clearly did not sign up for that).... yet thanked her for just being there on the days when I needed to spill and just let loose. I will miss her so much.

For those of you who don't know, I took a job in February just one week before the engagement was called off (ya, makes you sort of wish he could have told me one week sooner, haha). The job is one hour away from where I live up a mountain back road driving up towards where 'he' lives. 'His' job is one of our largest clients and I had to hear it all the time. I have had to drive that 2 hour drive (some days longer when stuck behind a freaking log truck) each day for six months. I am happy to report that I am about to embark on that last drive for my last day at work.

I will also be moving out of the apartment that 'he' helped move me into. Though I have pretty much completely healed, I am excited that the last few strings still attaching me to the 'situation' will be cut today.

I will officially be on a new journey with nothing holding me to that 'memory' any longer. I no longer have to drive up to a job I took for him. I no longer have to come home to an apartment that he helped me move into.

It feels good.

Nail Salon Confessions

Nail salons are funny places. I found myself in one this morning and I took a good look around me and got to thinking. Nail salons are just about the only place that brings all sorts of women from different lifestyles and backgrounds together for a short amount of time. It's hilarious, really, if you think about it. I say nail salons because they are an inexpensive pit-stop for nail care. You may ask why I don't include hair salons in there, but I think different hair salons cater to each 'brand' of lady. The expensive salons will bring in those who are willing to pay and who dress the part, whereas, those who don't want to spend a lot of money or who don't have high expectations for their hair will settle for chain cutteries.

Not nail salons... they charge one flat rate no matter who the person is or what they may wear. Thereby, bringing in all walks of life into one salon at one time.

When a woman walked in today and plopped down beside me with a big black gun holstered to her hip, blue eye shadow, and work boots I was blown away with wanting to outline the different types of women you will find in nail salons. Maybe you can relate...

The business woman who comes walking in with a suit on, stilettos chatting on her BlackBerry asking that contact to hold on one moment as she motions to her fingers that she needs a french fill-in.

The mom with 3 children behind her that makes them wait for 2 hours while she gets pampered. Her kids drive everyone in the salon crazy.

The woman who looks disheveled and could care less what she may look like, but will never go without getting long hot red nails. Because...they were the thing back in the 80s.

The teenybopper who opts for flower power designs on her middle fingers. She's texting non-stop.

The sweet little ol' lady who just wants a clear coat painted on.

The rich lady that pulls up in her Mercedes for her bi-weekly, on-the-dot, french appointment. She orders the deluxe pedicure as well and refuses to talk to anyone in the room.

The girl who comes in and spends half her paycheck on the most expensive nail service possible. She really should be spending it on other things and everyone in the salon can tell.

The redneck lady who gets hot pink tips. Long, hot pink tips.

The group of girlfriends who all want pedicures. There are five of them who want them all at once. Thereby, taking up all the chairs and appointments for 3 hours.

The little 5 year old who begs her mom to get her little nails painted and is fascinated with it!

The lady who gets annoyed and makes a fool of herself when she walks in and finds out there is a 30 minute wait.

The girl with the boyfriend she drug in with her who is hanging out in the corner looking bored as all get out.

...and you can't forget the Vietnamese nail techs who are speaking in a different language (possibly about you) and asking if you have 'job' or 'boyfriend.'

You are all in that one little salon... for nails... but boy, is it a riot when you really think about who all is in there and what walks of life they come from!

Weekend Recap

I haven't really done too much of anything this weekend other than pack up my things. You don't realize how much you have until you move. For me, I have moved four times in the last two years, so I would consider myself sort-of used to this by now. Hopefully I will only move just one more time in the next year (into a place of my own) and then we'll call it a day for as long as I can! My grandfather has been so gracious to allow me to move in with him until I get my feet on the ground and get things straightened out. I am excited to save on rent, that's for sure.

To add to my list of "hilarious annoyances", I got into a car accident last week. Though very minor and not my fault, it still damaged my car and I will be in a rental car until next Friday when my VW is ready to be picked up from the body shop. I will have to pack up my car that night so I can hit the road on Saturday. Again...I can't help but laugh these days. I have never been more care-free!

I did take a break from packing yesterday to try out a new DVD - Biggest Loser Power Sculpt. My take on it -- it was alright. It did not 'kill' me by any means, then again, I lift heavy weights. It was 50 minutes of 3 segments which incorporated a ton of lunges, squats, and upper body moves. I used 5lb and 10lb dumbbells. My upper body is a tad tight today, but my lower body feels no different.

If you are new to weight lifting and are just looking for a little tone, then this is the dvd for you. You will probably be challenged.

If you are used to lifting more heavy weights (ex: I leg curl 60 lbs for hamstrings and use 15lb dumbbells for bicep curls, etc.), then you probably won't benefit from this like you may want to.

It really just depends on what your fitness goals are and what stage you are in your weight training routine.

Thanks everyone for your sweet emails and facebook posts this week! I am excited about my move, although it feels very weird right now. Leaving a place that has been home for 5 years, my comfort zone, etc. I drove around last night thanking God for my time here. All the memories, lessons learned, mistakes made, forgiveness found, friends made, experience gained-- I wouldn't trade it for anything. As I was driving though, a sense of calmness came over me and I just felt like it is time to leave.

Now, I see a mound of boxes needing to be packed up. I think a 5-mile run is calling my name too. Have a great Sunday!