Finally Accepting Winter

There was a huge development in Portland, Oregon this week and it deserves a mention. 

This season I felt the weather take a sharper turn than I ever remember from the past and it impacted me in a big way. I also think there was a part of me that has become a wuss amongst the elements over the past year since I stopped running. I used to be out stomping pavement no matter what weather. 10 degrees colder, add another layer. 20 degrees colder, wear gloves (or socks on your hands. Don't make fun, it works). 

Because of whatever excuses I want to make, I've become quite sensitive to the rain, the cold and the sudden change of the seasons. 

Therefore I bought a jacket, and it's everything I need. 

It's long, it's waterproof, it's warm, it has multiple pockets, waist defining details, zippers, buttons, a hood, and even the most ridiculous fur detail and obviously aggressive eskimo hood. 

I didn't find this jacket, this jacket found me. 

It was spotted at Costco after an afternoon of work beers on my usual quest for steak strips, gum and those delightful sample booths. Somehow I even managed to pass up the 5-pack of EOS lip balms, something I can't usually accomplish even in the Target check-out lane. 

My purchase makes me happy and might also make me feel a little ridiculous. 

Okay a lot ridiculous. #WinterIsComing

My Fall Uniform

I left out one incredibly important confession yesterday that just struck me as I made dinner last night so let's just get it out of the way now. 

:: I've consumed hot dogs every day this week. 

It's really not as bad as it sounds - I make a 2-3 egg scramble most nights for dinner and always have some form of protein (usually chicken, sausage, etc). There were heaps of leftovers from the party my mom threw for dad's retirement/birthday/brother's homecoming and I was lucky enough to snag-a-bag of this sweet meat treat for myself. 

Now that we have that awkward thing out of the way I can get to what we really want to talk about today.

My Fall Uniform.

This post was inspired by Melissa's October Challenge, even though this specific topic was the prompt a few days ago - I suppose you could say I'm fashionably late? (bah-dum - chhh!)

This fall (and most every fall) my uniform has elements of the following:

:: Sleeved dresses

A dress with sleeves, a waist enhancing detail and pockets is the holy grail of dresses in my book. It's the most flattering, sophisticated and functional silhouette for my body - so why not let it work for me?

:: Simple accessories

I used to be the girl that wore every accessory possible - loud and proud. Dangly earrings, obnoxious bracelets, you name it. My mom used to say that I was a Christmas Tree. As I've grown older (and honestly a little lazier) I appreciate fine accessories that don't draw too much attention or pull the charm from the outfit.

:: Classic comfort

I work in a very casual environment so in the fall and winter 90% of my coworkers are in hoodies, jeans and sneakers. While once upon a time that was my style, I now take the approach that there's an opportunity to make a first impression each and every day - so dress for success. Look good, feel good - right?

:: A Smile

Above all else, my favorite accessory is a smile (okay and maybe my backside). A happy girl is a pretty girl and the smile is the foundation of it all. Something you won't see me without.

How about you pretty ladies - what's your Fall Uniform?

Lighter Fare

It's Wednesday and I'm ready for something a little less heavy to share with you!

First of all, I've missed the weekly Cohabitation posts and I'm sure you have too. Expect to see me get back on track this Friday with some fun you've missed since Dan and I moved in together. Also expect to be flooded with my life, via instagram.

I've been doing a great job with prepping my meals on the weekend for easy grab & go tupperware containers for my busy schedule. I've enjoyed sharing my daily eats with my instagram followers and think you should see a round up of what my co-workers get to see and smell everyday exactly at around noon.

You'll see a lot of protein, a lot of veggies and a lot of yummy grains + legumes. Main ingredients used, depending on the mix:

Meal 1

• 4 oz Tempeh (20g Protein!!) - What is Tempeh?


• Lettuce


• 1/3 cup Lentils


• Avocado


• Sriracha - What is Sriracha?

Meal 2

• 4 oz Tempeh
  


• Quinoa - What is Quinoa?


• Mixed Veggies


• Sriracha

This meal gives me a lot of energy for my afternoon workouts, makes me excited to take a moment away from my desk to allow my taste buds to savor the creation and never ever gets boring. Ever.  You should really give weekend meal prep a try, it's been making a serious impact on my leisure time and even the way that my co-workers perceive me.

Then I know you'd all love to see what I've been wearing lately:

Mom once again floors me with an amazing pair of Tom's Tribal's, gifted for Valentine's Day! I've been playing around with my hair a little more lately, but typically default to my thick 2" curler or sticking a sock in it every now and then.

Come back tomorrow for some hearts and loving as we throwback on a special valentine's Thursday!

<3 JE