Duly Noted

Saturday I planned to run somewhere around 12 miles for Saturday's long run, but due to the steamy temps and my tired legs, I ended somewhere in the 11 mile range including a few walking intervals.  Saturday's saving grace was a running buddy who kept me entertained with explanations of cultural theory and a goal setting session for our thirties.  We wondered...how to be glamorous thirty year-olds on a budget? We passed a family placing a red wagon and cute blue chair out on the curb.  We confirmed that the goods were free and convinced the family to put the goods in their backyard so we could grab them post-run.  If only folks were leaving little black dresses and kate spade bags curbside... Sunday Sunday was an easy five mile run to stretch out my legs after Saturday's slog.  I like to go out with Misha on Sunday am's since we often aren't together anymore in the mornings.  Misha likes to be my coach, smile at me, and look around as w...

*invite friends- new and old- over for a home-cooked dinner . *practice good table manners as a guest. *exist as a tourist..even in my own city . *only keep things that I need or I consider beautiful . *make something.  use my hands. *try something just a little exotic . *write something.  document. *Embrace the season .

This list mostly speaks for itself.  I tried to keep this list short and focused on a few small changes and goals that will hopefully make a big impact.  Quality over quantity, folks.  I am going to adopt that as my 2012 motto.  Some of you, dear readers, may be alarmed that I included buying matching underwear on my blog, but everyone wears underwear, right?  So, it might as well be cute.  My thinking is that if one buys a set a month, one would have nearly two weeks worth of matching underwear by the end of the year!  That's just fabulous.  Now, I'll be honest; I was apprehensive about mentioning this resolution on Duly Noted, BUT after sharing this resolution with several female friends and all of whom except ONE immediately decided that they too would make this a resolution, I felt confident that my readership would understand that this goal is not about being seductive...it's about self-love.  (Duly note: the ONE friend who did not...

 To honor the memories of 2011 (despite a reported 7/10 Americans who claimed that 2011 was a bad year) and welcome in 2012, an old friend and neighbor, Sara, Mike, and I decided to host a Mad Men/Sparkles themed New Year's Party.  The night was complete with dancing (thanks to the unexpected hits on the night's playlist alà Mike Vasich), the festive appetizers and treats prepared by the classy hosts and their friends, and the spirits (booze and otherwise) running aplenty. And not to be forgotten, a post midnight jam session in our basement studio, legible and illegible notes in the guest book as well as some interesting observations recorded on the house typewriter, kisses at midnight, and muffins in the morning. I feel such gratitude to have such a lovely group of friends- new and old to welcome in the new year.

Duly note the following: 1. two TWO cozy sweaters. 2. Duffy!  He's cute but I prefer my own bearded wonderboy. 3. bonne maman jam collection. 4. oversized straw market bag. 5. having a critical distance.  I wonder how a small Minnesota cabin would fare.  Thank Lucy Chadwick for your take on the good life.

Finally found my dream camel coat.

Inspired by the "Three Things Thursday" trend as exhibited on the blog Run Girl Run and other healthy living related blogs, I am going to start my own TTT series! So here's three things for this Thursday: 1. The weather has been totally FUNKY: the morning started dark, cloudy, and wet. Then a snowstorm during my 2nd period English 11 class! As we turned from our books, Their Eyes Were Watching God, to look out the window, I heard one teenage guy gasp, "A Christmas Miracle!" Although he wouldn't admit to the comment later, I found it totally amazing. Now, it's four; I am about to leave school, and fittingly...the sun is out! What a day. 2. Brought some almonds to work today for a snack and surprisingly, they really filled me up and kept my energy going. I always knew almonds were supposed to be highly beneficial, but I had yet to experience the effects myself. I will have to see how they sustain mean during the evening run with Ray the dog. 3. We...

Slowly getting back into the groove after wireless and incredible ten day honeymoon. Over the next weeks, I will provide a smattering of glimpses into our magical and love-filled wedding week! Custom-made clutches courtesy of AtelierEdytaLoukia on Etsy . The silk flowers matched the bridesmaid dresses perfectly! (Sunglasses courtesy of Urban Outfitters!)

Two black dress finds. I am serious when I say the best time to shop for something is when you are not looking for it. Truth. I adore this black lace cocktail dress! For weddings and fancy dates. This plain black dress with the bolero is Calvin Klein (50$). I imagine dinner parties on summer nights, Jackie O look-alike contests, and practical conferences/impractical days in the classroom.