Horse Head

Horses have always been a recurring theme here on ye olde blog, and they continue to be as visions of the big, beautiful creatures dance in my head. This week, my favorite morning escape The Today Show did a profile on an organization located here in sunny San Diego. TROTT helps retrain and find new homes for former racehorses who've passed their prime racing years (2 or 3 years old!). I won't get all negative on you here, because this is a happy blog - but animals who are useless to people after two years, not a good thing.

Anywho, I'm now volunteering with TROTT to help get some visibility for a fundraiser they're putting on later this month. It's so much fun, and lets me get a little horse back in my life. There are TROTT-like organizations all over this great big world, and they all can use your help in one way or another. Find one, and let God's creatures back into your heart...and head.

40 and Fabulous?

Fabuless is more like it. I turned 40 this May, and like magic when the clock struck twelve, I became some weird, self aware, awake person. Wait a minute, I actually feel kind of like I did before I went to college!

I told you (all 24 of you dear readers) when I started this blog it would not be about me. This post is an exception and I hope it will be the only one. But, I wanted to share my plight in a public forum not only to keep myself honest as I trudge through my fourth decade on this planet, but also so that those of you who haven’t yet reached this ripe old age can learn from my mistakes. For aging wisely is also an ingredient of a fabulous, fun life.

So, why the mid-life crisis? I realized today while in the presence of some truly amazing women at BlogHer that I completely lost myself somewhere in my early 20s. How, I do not know. I was always clear about who I wanted to be and what I would be doing by now. If you’d asked me at 23 where I would be today, I would have stated definitively “living in France with my horses, dogs and sheep, doing marketing for Chanel and being a happy, fulfilled and fit me.”

What happened isn’t far off. I live in a beautiful seaside town, I have the most adorable dog, a wonderful husband, and I do marketing (ok, PR) for…a chicken company. I am also carrying around about 20 extra pounds, haven’t ridden a horse in two years and only see France in my dreams and on (very) occasional visits. Maybe I’m a little off track, but it’s not what worries me. I’m still missing something, and it isn’t the horses. Can blogging help get your groove back? For some reason, I think it can help and I’m willing to put everything I can into it to find out!

Black Tied

Lounging around in yoga pants, tank tops and sweat shirts has never been my thing. However, I've become one of those workfromhomeneverbrushyourhairneverputonmakeuporheels kind of gals since I moved to sunny SoCal. Man, I'm missing a little fancy in my life.

So, here goes. A round up of a few of my favorite glammed up looks from the past few weeks. I think it's time we ladies put an emphasis on being elegant again. Now, someone have a black tie party so I can go buy a dress!

Occupied by Octopi

One of the disadvantages in being somewhat creatively inclined is that it's easy to get fixated on something. Like finding the perfect pair of black pants with just the right flap pockets and leg width. Or the perfect pillow, throw blanket or piece of artwork depicting an eight-legged sea creature.

Yes, that's right. I'm fixated on that eight-legged wonder, the octopus, right now. Why, you might ask? Well, have you ever noticed that in cartoons, they're always smiling? They also display some of nature's most interesting colors and gelatinous transparency. And, when you go visit them at the zoo, they're always in hiding, so it's pretty rare that you get to see them in action. Much cooler than the alien-esque squid, the octopus always keeps you guessing.

Pin It!

Want to be visually inspired and stimulated without ever leaving the comfort of the recliner? Click on over to Pinterest - a community of creatives who share images that inspire. I've been pinning for a while now and it's a lot of work just to fill up one board, but I'm constantly amazed how many cool photos there are out there in this great, big world. Follow me while you're at it!

Made to Run

I'm not a runner, never have been. I mean this in the most non-runner way...really. Like Forrest Gump, I was advised to wear leg braces as a child. But like the Taurus that I am, I rejected the unfashionable footware, so my legs aren't exactly the model of efficiency. For some crazy reason when my hubby got deployed to Iraq in 2009 I decided it might be a good year to try running...a half marathon. Let's just say I checked that off my list and I haven't run more than three miles in a day since. But, I've got the bug again and thought it might be fun to share some things that helped make me into a runner. If you're considering starting or continuing a running program, I hope this helps:

1. Madonna - Any Madonna track will do, but for me, it was the song Jump that got me through the long runs when I just didn't think I could go another step. Start with Jump, then make yourself a running playlist the length of your target run - that way, you can keep going till the songs run out.
2. Nike capri running pants - Even when I was sweating to the core, I still felt chic in these things. I like these new Livestrong ones for a good cause.
3. Balega socks - Without the purchase of my first pair, I never would have run a half marathon. These socks are like clouds for your feet.
4. Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap - Totally reinvigorating when you're achy and tired
5. Reward - I don't have a competitive bone in my body, so reward is important to me. It could be an extra big glass of wine that night, or a piece of chocolate...or a new running outfit. Whatever, make sure the reward is in line with the goal (i.e., hitting your first five miles = new outfit).
6. Setting - Pick somewhere that inspires you to do better. Don't just run by the side of any old road - run along the river, on the beach, in a beautiful park. If you're traveling, take your running shoes and see the sights - running is free after all.

Walkin' on Sunshine

I've never been a tennis shoes sort of gal. Walking the dog in these parts means my Chanel ballet slippers, Frye boots or some other sort of sandal. Until I stepped in a big ole pile of dog poo, my go to dog walking shoes (and neighborhood cruisers) were my leopard flats. Since those went the way of the trash, I've been searching endlessly for the right pair of leopards to get my walk on, while still looking somewhat cute.

Well ladies, I've found the answer. Toms has entered into partnership with Neiman Marcus (or Needless Mark-up for those so inclined) to create the most fab, comfortable and thoughtful urban walkers yet. These have unique designs (big skulls on black velvet, stripes, zebra, the aforementioned leopard), and special bouncy soles and insoles.

The best part? When you buy a pair, they give a pair to a child in need. One for One. You can thank me later.