Happiness Is...

Color

Skirt: c/o Karen Kane; Shirt: JCrew; Belt: Ann Taylor; Clutch: Aldo; Shoes: Nine West (TJ Maxx); Earrings: c/o LeMode Accessories; Sunglasses: BCBG

Hi Friends!  Happy Monday!  I hope you had a great weekend!  I spent the majority of mine restlessly searching for a paint color for our master bedroom.  Let's just say, my middle name should be 'Indecisive'.  I tried and tested thirteen different colors on the wall, before I committed to a final decision at 3:00 in the afternoon on Sunday; Benjamin Moore's 'White Sand'.  The rest of that afternoon, evening, and night, was purposefully spent coloring the walls.  And after all the searching, after all the effort, after all the paint in my hair and in my nails, I'm pleasantly surprised with the results.  Our room looks, and more importantly feels, fresh, bright and slightly modern.  I asked Husband what he thought, in which he replied, "It looks like the sand on the beach in Costa Rica.  Or a cloud."  Pleasantly, I smiled with satisfaction.  I'm a true believer that color effects the brain.  So, when I woke up this morning, I couldn't help but feel comfy, refreshed and at ease in our white bed, with our sandy white walls, and the beautiful sunshine cracking through the windows.

Insta-Lately

Find me on my favorite social media app, Instagram.  My username is runningonhappiness. 

Happy Friday!

P.S. the winner of the ad space on The Wiegand's is: Lesleigh!  Congrats and thanks to all who entered.

Todays Look: Comfortable

Blazer, Shirt and Shoes: Old Navy (All on sale); Jeans: AG; Hat: Lucky Brand;  Purse: Gucci; Ring: c/o Poshlocket

Today I'm sporting one of my favorite looks to run around town in.  It's simple, comfortable and effortless.  Just a pair of blue jeans, a crisp white shirt that's been half tucked in, a linen blazer, and an old lucky hat I've owned since my freshman year in college.  I think this might just be my happy outfit.

On another note, Husband and I are officially home owners!  Thanks for all your encouragement while we anxiously waited!  Happy Thursday!  XO

Stripe on Stripe

Skirt and Belt: Forever21; Shirt: BCBG (On sale at Macys); Shoes: Vince Camutto (On Sale at Dillards); Clutch: Aldo; Necklace: Stella & Dot

Felt a little daring to attempt my stripe on stripe look today.  I absolutely adored Atlantic Pacific's take on the original look.  Obviously, my budget and style know-hows are nowhere compared to hers, but she supplies some great inspiration.  I snagged this little striped pencil skirt at Forever21 for $11.00.  A couple days later, I found this BCBG top on sale at Macys and thought it was simple enough to offset the skirt.  To keep the look more sophisticated, I opted for nude peep toe heels and clutch, and brought in the red lips and belt to add a subtle touch playfulness.  What do you think, is stripe on stripe a look you're daring to try?

Flashback

Last night, while I was cooking, and by cooking, I mean microwaving dinner, I was watching The Voice on TV.  As I was watching it, I suddenly felt kinda sad that one of these two singers battling it out on stage had to lose.  This triggered a conflicting inner monologue which eventually ended with, "That's just they way it has to be."

Now, for a television show that I had never actually watched up until ten minutes ago, I was becoming far too emotionally attached to have even cared.  And then, out of nowhere.  I suddenly had a repressed memory flashback to when I was five years old.  It was the annual "Fun Run." 

With the risk of sounding like I'm bragging, I am.  You see, I have always been a very fast runner.  My whole life, people have likened me to that of a gazelle.  My awkwardly long and gangly body, somehow displayed swift grace when all parts were moving synchronously forward.

Now, if you're not familiar with track races, there are several different "heats."  The winners of each heat then run in the final event to determine the overall winner.  For my first race of the "Fun Run", I ran as fast as I could, and won.  I caught my breath, as my Mom and Dad hugged and congratulated me, and then waited under the glaring sun for the final heat.

When it was time, I stood up at the white chalked line, drawn on the dry grass.   My body was engaged.  My fists were clenched, my knees were in starting position.  My heart felt as though it was already racing; I was nervous.  With the words, "On your mark, get set, GO!"  I leaped into the air instantaneously, as my legs quickly propelled me forward.  There was no one in front of me.  There was no one beside me.  I was in the lead, and only a few steps away from the finish line when something suddenly came over me.  I didn't want to win.  I would feel bad if I won twice.  Someone else should win, I thought.  So, in an instant, my heart slowed down my legs.  Just enough, to take second place.

When the award ceremony rolled around, I regretfully watched first place collect her shiny gold trophy, as I received my red ribbon.
 

I don't know why, but I've always remembered that.  It's just one of those moments that stands out, in a distant childhood where memories blur together or simply fade away.  For the first time in my life, I knew regret.  I knew I let myself down.  But it was a good lesson to learn at a young age because from then on, I've always tried my very best.  Win. Or lose.

Our abilities are very special gifts.  We should never punish ourselves for having them, or try to hide them.  Rather, they should be celebrated.  If you can sing, sing.  If you can write, write.  If you can swim, swim.  And if you can run, run like the wind child.

Currently Obsessing

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 

Well, there's a lack of posts these past couple of weeks because I have been miserably sick.  So sick, I couldn't get out of bed over the weekend.  It was awful.  Luckily, I'm feeling much better today, and will be back tomorrow!  In the mean time, here a some items I am currently obsessing over!

I'm Giving Casey Away Today - Closed.

Ok, not exactly, Casey.  But, you have the chance to win a large ad spot, valued at $120 on Casey Wiegand's wonderful blog.  With over 7,500 readers via feedburner and over 5,700 followers via google friend connect, Casey generates some serious traffic to her site on a daily basis.  But it's no wonder. Because she is a beautiful wife, mother, artist, blogger, soul and friend.  A large ad spot on her site could help draw new attention for your own blog or business.  

To enter this giveaway:

Follow Casey's Blog.

Like Casey on FB.

Follow Casey via Twitter. 

Follow Casey on bloglovin'.

P.S., the randomly chosen winner of the Saressa Designs giveaway is:  Laura!  Congrats!  I will be contacting you!

P.P.S, Receive 10% off of Lovelina's store with the coupon code: ROH10.  Off good on any order until the end of March!

Happy Day

Blazer: Zara; Blouse: Thrifted; Cluctch: Aldo; Necklaces: c/o Stella & Dot; Jeans: AG; Shoes: Target

As I plopped into bed last night with Husband, I looked over at him and said, "I'm not tired."  But before he could respond, I fell asleep.  And I fell hard.  When I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to get up to start the day, I glanced at the clock softly glowing in the dark.  It read 1:00.  How could it only be 1, I thought.  The question was never pondered, because I quickly dozed back into a slumber.  Even though my body was sleeping, my mind was anxiously ready to start the day, as I continued to wake up every hour, on the hour.  I was anxious because it was Husband's birthday.  I was also anxious because I really wanted to be wearing this Italian polka dotted blouse I found that day at a thrift store.  Sometimes, I'm still like a little kid on the first day of school with a brand new outfit.  When I finally met my match with the clock at 5:30 AM, I rolled over to husband, kissed him on the forehead and whispered happy birthday.  Without hesitation, I then bounced out of bed, and four tiny paws softly followed behind me.  And even though it's just another Tuesday, on this thirteenth day of March, with no particular plans, I get to make the very best of it.  And quietly celebrate the life of someone very special to me.               

Birthday Card to Husband

Saressa Designs Giveaway! - Closed.

Saressa Designs has a wide range of beautifully handcrafted jewelry.  Bracelets, necklaces and earrings are draped with precious to semi precious metals and gemstones.  Each piece is unique, timeless and the perfect accessory to any outfit.  Above are a few pieces that I am absolutely adoring at the moment.  

Here I am wearing the "Rose Gold Hoops With White Jade".  These earrings were recently selected to go into 100 swag bags for this years MTV Movie Awards celebrity gift lounge, which is very exciting for Rachel, the creator, of Saressa Designs!  

  If you would like the chance to win a $30 credit to Saressa Designs to pick a piece to add to your jewelry collection:

 1. Check out either www.saressadesigns.com OR www.saressa.etsy.com and leave a comment below listing your favorite item.
2. Give Saressa Designs a Like on Facebook.
3. Pin a favorite item to Pinterest!

If you do more than one, leave separate entries below!  Good luck!

In other news, the winner of the JBella giveaway is: Haylee of the blog, Flashes of Life!  Congrats girly!!  I'll be contacting you!

Hi

Jeans: JBrand 'Love Story'; Blazer: TJMaxx (French Connection); Blouse, Top and Necklace: JCrew; Purse and Cocktail Ring: Francesca's Collections; Belt: Worn inside out (H&M);

Whoa, I got really creative with my post title today.  Anyways, bringing out the white jeans!  I mean, there's that whole rule about when you can and cannot wear them.  Which is such pish posh.  I mean, if every color under the rainbow is fashionably acceptable in the name of pants, then white should be too.  Just sayin'.
In another note, I'm kind of obsessed with the TJ Maxx by my house.  Which is a little dangerous, because I'll be driving home, and suddenly, out of nowhere, I've pulled into the parking lot, walked into the store, and find myself scouring the home goods and trying on two different pairs of shoes at once, with a cart full of clothes.  Max-aholic?  Maybe.  There are just so many cute finds, like this French Connection blazer I'm wearing.  It was still a little pricey for me (around $60 - 50% off) but, I knew it was one of those wardrobe staple pieces that would be a timeless edition.  Sometimes, you just have to splurge a little on great finds!
Anyways, I just wanted to say a quick hello today!  Hope you guys are having a great week!  I'm thinking about doing a vlog, so...if you have any questions for me, leave a comment below and I'll try to answer some!  Thanks guuuys!!

6 Things on March 6th

Top: Ruche; Jeans: JBrand "Kiki High Rise Flare"; Shoes: Steve Madden; Purse and Necklace: Francesca's Collections

1. Husband and I spent the better part of Sunday night and part of Monday night, DIY'ing an upholstered head board for our king size bed.  (See pic in my instagram photos). I'm pretty impressed with his handyman skills and precision to detail. It's the first major DIY we've tackled, and I'm in love with the results. And I've decided, making your own furniture is cool.

2. I had so much fun during my zoo adventure, that I want to start a little tour of all the museums/places with things to do, in the area. Next up on my list is to spend an afternoon at the Phoenix Art Museum.

3. I really want to draw a self-portrait. Maybe I'll get wild and throw in some paint. I also want to create a portrait of Husband. And maybe our dogs. If they turn out decent, frame and display in our home.

4. I haven't talked about this on the blog yet, because I don't want to jinx us, but we are in the process of purchasing our first home! It's been an extremely long process, and we keep waiting and waiting. Hopefully, we'll hear some good news soon, because we really, really love the house. Fingers and toes - Crossed.

5. Tomorrow I get to shoot a cute couple's engagement photos, which I'm super excited about.

6. I'm so glad I finished all my girl scout tag-a-long cookies. Those things were totally getting in the way of me trying to eat healthy.    

Fashion Animals

Over the weekend, I made a trip to the Phoenix Zoo.  All by myself.  It kind of made me insecure when I anxiously went up to feed a giraffe, and the zoo employee asked if I was with the family behind me.  I replied "No," and he stated, "It's just, you?"  I wanted to say, "it's not just me, it's ME!!"  But, I was so excited to get up close and personal with my soon to be long necked friend, that I handed him my money and went on my way.  I have to say, I had the best time at the zoo, walking around, enjoying the beautiful Arizona weather, and taking pictures of all the animals.  It was the perfect activity to push the reset button.  And I mean, after all, how often do you get to look an orangutan straight in the eyes?  Which has inspired me for a new adventure.  Happy Monday!