Tomato Tomatoh - Shopping With Husband

Skirt: c/o Modcloth; Shirt: JCrew Factory; Vest: Rachel Roy for Macys; Shoes: Urban Outfitters (Similar Style); Purse: Francesca's; Bracelets and Rings: JCrew and Banana Republic; Nail Color: Essie Lapis of Luxury and Sally HansenSalon Effects in Love Letter

My Husband - Ryan- has been raving about Sports Chalet since Christmas when he bought us tennis rackets that sadly, we never use.  Fast forward to this past weekend, when he had a desire to go shopping at Sports Chalet again.  Enthusiastically, he asked if I would tag along.  I responded with an ambivalent answer of something that resembled "No."  But in the end, he won, and a brief car ride later, I found myself in the middle of a sporting good store.

Immediately when we arrived, our hands unlocked and I made a bee line straight to the women's clothing section.  Finding myself in a position of restraint, I soon found Husband's hand again.  And in the midst of our his shopping trip, I came to learn a few things:

One - Sports Chalet is really just a more fancy name for Sports Authority.  They look exactly alike, they carry the exact same stuff.  So when Husband asks, "Isn't this store waaay better than Sports Authority?" I simply nod my head in agreement, because, it makes him smile.

Two - Husband reminds me of a kid in a candy store when he screams, "What!?  They have a batting cage in here!"  Or my personal fave, "Katie, look!  A spear gun!"  I shared about as much excitement as he would if I showed him a pair of platform Loubitans at Barneys.

And Three - While shopping, I pondered, was he trying really hard to sell this place to me, or was Ryan just genuinely excited to be at the Sports Chalet, with all things manly?  I think he answered my question when he effortlessly stated in the middle of the slingshot aisle, "I could easily drop a grand here if I wanted to."  In which I sighed, "Story of my life".  I guess we're not so different, him and I.  Tomato, tomatoh.  Sports Authority, Sports Chalet.  Let's call the whole thing off.  But not.  Ever.  You see, I'm keeping that one. 

Happiness Is...

I think Jason Mraz sings says this best in his song, "Living in the Moment" off his latest album Love is a Four Letter Word.   His music inspires me.  He's one of those people with a positive soul, who has so much success, yet remains humble and human.  I follow him on instagram and the dude sleeps on an air mattress.  "Living in the Moment" is a positive affirmation for everyone who listens.  So, turn it up, download it, watch the video below, sing it, mean it, and remember the lyrics.

Purchase song here.

Jack Rogers Giveaway - Closed.

Shorts and Shirt: JCrew; Shoes: c/o Jack Rogers; Hat and Purse: H&M; Scarf: Old Navy; Sunnies: BCBG (Similar)

Happy Monday!!  I hope you all had a great weekend!  I have to say that summer reared it's ugly head and welcomed itself with a nice temperature of 105 degrees yesterday.  Wow.  It is officially shorts season.  You have a lot of cute shoe options to wear with shorts, like ballet flats, sandals, or top siders.  But I like to dress up shorts with cute wedges, like this colorful pair from Jack Rogers.  These are adorable with the cork heel, and dainty leather detail, and not to mention super comfy.  The thing about wedges is, their easy to walk in, stylish, and give your legs some shape.  If you're thinking, well, shoot, I don't have any cute wedges to wear for summer, well, I'm here to help you out.  Jack Rogers is offering one of you ladies a chance to win the Clare Wedge, at a $200 value.  Style icon and first lady, Jackie Kennedy, adored Jack Rogers sandals in the 60s.  How cool is that?!  To enter this giveaway:

Visit Jack Rogers and leave a comment below telling me which shoe you like best and why.

For additional entries:

Like Jack Rogers on Facebook

Follow Jack Rogers on Twitter

Follow Jack Rogers on Tumbler

Follow Jack Rogers on Pinterest

And/Or

Tweet about the giveaway.

That's six possible entries for you! Make sure to leave separate comments below for each one you do! Good luck!

Also, were you the winner of the Karen Kane giveaway? Click here to find out!

Winner:  Jessica!

Hair Color Identity

Blazer: Gap; Shirt, Skirt and Shoes: JCrew; Belt: Ann Taylor; Purse: Gucci; Watch: Juicy Couture

I've realized some things about myself; I'm fickle.  I kinda change my mind.  And I get bored easily.  I said I wouldn't do it again in this post, but I did.  I went blonde.

A couple days ago, I sat in the chair at Zolton's Salon, as Alayna foiled my hair.  We talked for a long time.  Then it was quiet.  At one point we laughed because I mentioned how I forgot what a process being blonde is.  Two and a half hours later, she rinsed the bleach, toner and familiar look from my hair. And as I caught the very first glimpse of my "new" hair, I suddenly felt shocked.  (Not in a bad way Alayna, if you're reading this.)  The thing is, I no longer identified myself as a blonde.  Even though the majority of my life, that was my hair color identity.  Blonde was my natural color by birth.  When I hit thirteen, I put lemon in my hair and laid in the sun, hoping for sun kissed highlights.  During my college years, I frequented the salon obsessively often, to brighten my mane.  I was blonde.

Three years ago, I changed my life.  I changed my marital status.  And, I changed my hair.  I felt as though I was growing up and no longer felt the desire, or the chase, of being blonde.  I was, and I am, happy being more natural.  Natural is less maintenance, and allows yourself to shine through.  For the first time in my life, I no longer viewed myself as blonde. 

So why did I do it?  Why did I go back to what I really call the dark side?  Well, refer back to my first few sentences of this post.  Even though I still don't identify as a blonde, I still like to surprise myself.  I'm not used to my new look yet, but 'll embrace it.  Because no matter what they say - blondes have more fun, brunettes are smarter, etc. etc., hair color doesn't change the heart.

Karen Kane Giveaway!!! - Closed.

Blouse - c/o Karen Kane; Jeans: AG; Shoes and Purse: H&M; Cross Necklace: c/o St. Eve; Bracelets: Urban Outfitters; Sunglasses: BCBG

Karen Kane has to be one of my favorite companies, and I'm not just saying that.  The thing is, I like to support good people with a good brand who make excellent quality clothes.  If you haven't checked out their latest line, please do yourself a favor, and click on over there.  I promise, you won't be disappointed.  This little skirt I wore in a previous post is probably one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe.  It's one of those pieces that will never go out of style.  Today I'm wearing another one of my faves from their spring collection - this feminine blouse with delicate embroidery.  The shoulder cut outs add an understated flirtiness.  Paired with a pair of jeans and some spring sandals, you've got yourself one cute outfit.  You could even tuck it into a pair of high-waisted flare jeans or a skirt for more of a boho look.

Kane Kane is offering one of you lucky ladies the opportunity to win this blouse or one of equal lessor value!  That's a $112 value!!  To enter this giveaway simply:

Like Karen Kane on Facebook

Follow Karen Kane on Twitter

Extra Credit Entry:

Follow Running on Happiness via Google Friend Connect!

Winner will be announced next week.  

PS, see if you are the winner of the Deuce Giveaway here!

P.S. don't forget to use your 15% discount code for Deuce Fashion with code ROH15!

And the winner is....

DIY Polka Dot Chambray Shirt

Two of my favorite style trends for spring, other than pink, are chambray tops and polka dots.  I have seen a couple chambray polka dotted tops floating around on these here internets.  However, most of them carry a heavy price tag around $60-120.  Since I had this old American Eagle chambray top lying around, I thought I would take matters into my own hands and give it a little face lift.  This project cost me around $7 total, and is super easy to do!  Just plop yourself in front of the TV for an evening, and get to polka-dotting already!

DIY Tools:

1.  Chambray Shirt (Or any shirt for that matter.)  Here are a few choices: 1, 2, 3

2.  Fabric Paint.  I used a 4 ounce bottle of Tulip's Soft Fabric Paint in White Velvet I bought at a local Michaels. (Similar)

3.  Plaid Daubers for stencil effects, in sizes 1/4 inch and 5/8 inch, also purchased at a local Michaels.

4.  Piece of cardboard or an old magazine to place between the shirt, to prevent any bleeding.

DIY Polka Dotted Chambray Shirt Directions:

1.  Lay a buttoned shirt on flat surface, with a piece of cardboard or an old magazine in between to prevent bleeding.

2.  Lightly dip your dauber into the paint, making sure to remove any excess.

3.  Start on the front right side of the shirt, placing polka dots in a straight line down the seam next to the buttons.  You can gauge how far apart you want your polka dots to be.

4.  Once that row is complete, begin placing polka dots to the right, in the middle of the first two polka dots you made, as such.

5.  You are basically creating a series of diamond shapes, or diagonal rows of lines.  Make sure to line up the dots.  But don't worry, it doesn't have to be perfect.

6.  If you find your dots uneven, take the smaller dauber, dip it in a little paint, and fill in the larger dot.  You'll be doing this a lot.

7.  Once the right side is completed, polka dot the left side in the same manner. 

8.  When it comes to the sleeves, lay the sleeve flat.  Start your first polka dot line closest to the outside seam, and work your way up and out. 

9.  Once the front of the shirt is dotted and dried, flip it over and repeat steps on the back.

10.  Let dry over night, and then wear!

Polka dotting this chambray top took me a total of 4 hours.  But it was all in the name of fashion and fun!  I'm surprised how much I am really loving the results.  Today I tucked it into a black pencil skirt for work.  I hope you found this DIY helpful, and maybe, even a little inspired to do some polka dotting on your own!

  

An Outfit + Giveaway = Deuce. Closed.

Blazer and Purse: c/o Windsor; Button Up: JCrew; Tank: BCBG; Skirt: Trouve via Nordstroms Rack; Sandals: Antonio Melani (old); XO Rings: c/o Jewelmint; Necklace: c/o Deuce

I don't know about you, but I think I asked myself every day this week, "Is it Friday?  Is it Friday?  Come on!"  I think it's because I am really looking forward to spending the weekend in Tucson with my number one.  It's been a while since we've made the little trip to hang out and see the family.  So, to celebrate it being Friday(!) we, as in me and Deuce Fashion, are offering one of you luckies a free piece of jewelry.  You seriously have to go check out Deuce's etsy shop because it's filled with really affordable, eclectic, kind of tribal-y pieces that make great additions to your accessory stock pile. Maybe you'll decide on this recycled sea glass necklace I'm wearing.  Or, maybe this ridiculously cool amazonite bracelet I'm lusting over.  I don't know, whatever your little heart desires.

  

To enter:

1.  Like Deuce on Facebook.

2.  Follow Deuce's blog.

Additional Entry:  (Little self-promotion here) Like me on Facebook. 

Also, redeem your 15% discount at checkout with the code ROH15 if you find you find something you just have to have today!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!  Finally, I get to say that.  

And the winner is...Allie!!  Congrats!  I'll be emailing you!

Light Gives Heat

Necklace: c/o Light Gives Heat

Light Gives Heat is a non-profit organization with a vision to rebuild and renew Africa from the inside out, as well as see people in the West live with hope.  Dave and Morgan Hansow quit their jobs, rented out their home, and boarded a plane bound with hope themselves, as they flew across the world to Uganda to adopt their child.  In the midst of finding her, Light Gives Heat was created.  Five years later, they are empowering Africans, and giving women the means to work with a steady income, to be able to provide for their families.  These talented women create products made from up-cycled paper beads.  Mokoda Hellen created the necklace I am wearing here.  She is 35 and has 4 children.  You can read more about Light Gives Heat here, about the women behind the products here, and help support the cause by visiting Light Gives Heat's shops here.

Lately

Pants: Urban Outfitters - BDG; Shirt: Splendid; Shoes: c/o Frock Candy; Clutch: c/o LeMode Accessories; Bracelet: Nordstroms

My older sister and two little nieces have been in town visiting us from Texas for the past week.  Today is the last day I get to spend time with them, which is pretty sad.  If it were up to me,  we all would live very close to each other so that time didn't feel as if it was catching up to us, on the infrequent occasions we get to share together.  But in the meantime, I have my three year old niece in my lap, and I'm going to soak them all in as much as possible before they catch the first plane home tomorrow morning.  Happy Monday!