Tag Archives: Shopping Addiction

Birthday Blues

21 Apr

It is my birthday today, and I have a bad case of the blues. I am not ready to turn 26. And it seems God has not answered my prayers to have a 25 re-do.

I haven’t felt like this about a birthday since I was turning 22. At 22, I was panicking about graduating college and leaving that life. I also had major anxiety about where life would take me and what was ahead.

22 year old me thought writing on myself was super cool.

Coincidentally, I am freaking out about turning 26 because I am not where my 22 year old self thought I would be at this age.

When I was 22, I knew that by the time I was 26 I would have this fabulous lifestyle. I would be married, living in a beautiful home that I had purchased, driving my Acura, buying Jimmy Choo shoes once a quarter (yes, I actually thought I would be able to buy Jimmy Choo shoes once a quarter for the new season ahead), and overall be happy with all aspects of my life.

So what the hell was the 22 year old version of me thinking?! Although I do have a great life…I am not married, not a homeowner, still driving my 2005 Ford Escape (no offense Scapey! I still love you very much), and I am not an owner of Jimmy Choo shoes anymore. Why? Because I sold them on eBay to make extra money!!!

I realize that I have a great life, and I have accomplished many things. I have amazing family, awesome friends, a Boston Qualifying Marathon time, a good job, a solid clothing and accessory collection, and many other things. But I am still singing the blues today.

Cheers to a year that MUST be a good one.

Hopefully throughout this day I will snap out of it. But if not, there is always tomorrow…which thankfully is just another day! And my first adventure in pacing a half marathon.

Thanks as always for listening to my rambles, and especially for listening to this cry – baby post.

Wishing you an awesome weekend ahead!

Ali

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Fashion Fridays – I Love Shoes

10 Feb

It is Friday again, and I want to talk shoes.

As most girls do, I love shoes. I love heels, I love flats and I love comfy.

Now keep reading to see just a few of my faves!

When I am not wearing these Tory Burch beauties…

Or these red-soled goddesses…

I am wearing these lovelies…

Flats are fab, heels are great, but the shoes that matter most to me are my running shoes.

I have been a huge fan of Brooks running shoes for quite a while.

Four years ago, I started wearing the Brooks Glycerin. I loved the support and the cushion. They were great.

This past fall I decided to try out the Brooks Ghost. Wow. These shoes are amazing, and I have never been so in love with shoes (and that is saying a lot!). In fact when it is time to get new shoes, I just pick up the exact same pair. Same color, same style, same everything. I am obsessed.

So what are your favorite types of shoes? And I am talking all shoes…flats, heels, running, whatever!

Let’s start this Friday off great. Let’s talk shoe talk.

xo,

Ali

P.S. Want to make me happy? Please “like” my facebook page! I think the only followers are me and my Mom šŸ™‚

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Fashion Fridays – I’m on a Budget

20 Jan

Welcome to the second installment of Fashion Fridays! The first one was such a success (page view wise), that I decided this weekly post will be the new norm for Friday!

I, along with many other people, am on a budget. Last week I featured a Lululemon top, which was a little pricey. This week I decided to post a budget friendly item, that almost anyone could purchase for their fitness wardrobe!

Old Navy Compression Tank Top

I will admit it, I am a total brand whore when it comes to running clothes. The pricier the outfit, the faster I think it will make me run.

This weekend I was out shopping, and decided to make a stop in Old Navy. I have been seeing their active wear commercials on TV, and thought it might be something worth trying. I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon this striped top, and it was on sale for $10!

I love wearing tanks to run in and in boot camp class. I get really hot when I have sleeves on, especially when working out inside or in the heat. This top was a dry fit material, which is perfect for a warm workout.

The top came with extra padding in the bust, however I removed these first thing. I always wear another sports bra under my running tops (unless it is a Lulu top), so I didn’t need the extra padding. It was a little large around my stomach, but that was ok seeing that I was wearing it at boot camp. Less clothing huggage, less I notice the results from donuts.

Overall, the top was comfy, and cozy. Not once did it annoy me during the workout, and I also managed to snag some compliments in between plank sets.

Should you buy one?

YES! For the price alone, this top is worth purchasing. It was just as comfortable and easy to wear as my pricey running tops, but one fifth the cost.

Anyone who is looking to refresh their running and workout wardrobe with cute clothes (which I would highly recommend), please head to Old Navy. The prices are amazing, and the clothes are cute.


Have you ever tried Old Navy clothes? Or are you a running clothes brand whore like me and afraid to venture out of the brand bubble?

TGIF!

Ali

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Marvelous Mondays – January 16th

16 Jan

Wow, I cannot believe it is Monday again! It feels like I was just sitting here writing my first Marvelous Monday post!

So let’s get to it. There are some pretty exciting things going on this week, and I am mighty excited to share them with you!

The Bachelor

What shenanigans will slut-tastic Blakely and full-of-herself Courtney be up to this week?

How do they not get cold sores or Mono on this show?

"How did that taste coming out of your mouth?"

Last week was pretty great, but I will admit that I was sad to see cry baby Jenna go home. She definitely added some entertainment to the already insane show.

Pinterest Baking Project

Saturday night I made a recipe I found on Pinterest, and it was amazing. I cannot wait to share my S’mores cookies with the Bachelor girl crew tonight!

NomNomNom

New Clothes

I went shopping this weekend, and got a few new outfits!

They were having incredible deals this weekend, and the best deal of all were jeans I got from the Gap. I scored three pairs of $21! Yes, $21 total! Oh emmmm geee!

I also got this fun sweater and shirt from Limited!

Like the cameo from the Baby Karly?

Happy Nails

If these nails don’t scream, “I’m happy!”, I don’t know what does!

Arbonne-Mainia

Tonight I will be receiving a “fit kit” from Arbonne.

I have always been a fan of Arbonne skin products, but have not ever tried the diet/health products.

Look out for the review in the next few weeks! And please let me know if you have tried any of these products. I would love to chat about them and get your tips and tricks!

Fashion Friday’s – Budget Edition

I was so pleased by everyone’s positive feedback of Fashion Fridays last week, and I am really looking forward to the review I have planned this week. This week will be a much more budget-friendly review, perfect for our New Year’s money saving resolutions!

DEG Holiday Party

My company Holiday party is this Friday, and it is going to be great one! And P.S., if you are looking for a great place to work, click here and tell them Ali sent you!

Twitter Road Race

My Twitter pal Doug, @seedouglasrun, had a genius idea to hold a virtual Twitter road race! The race is this Saturday and will be a 5K. I am excited to run the virtual race with Stacy and Diana on Saturday!

I would suggest that you sign up to run the race as well! Twitter Road Race.


What do you have planned for this week?

I always love seeing your feedback and comments, so make me smile and give my comments section some lovin’!

xoxo,

Ali

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Now what shall I wear?!

1 Dec

WEATHER UPDATE: Rain likely, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 46. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tonight I packed for my Dallas trip, and saying I am prepared is quite an understatement. I have at least 5 outfit options for the race. I will be prepared for any weather between 3o – 90 degrees. Rain or shine, wind or snow, cold or hot. Fingers crossed the weather is somewhere in the middle of those scenarios.

I named this blog miles with style for a reason – I love running, and I especially love running in cute running clothes. Below I have included photos of some of my potential outfits. As of now, the weather forecast is saying “a 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 45. North northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.” (lovely, huh?)

The options:

Outfit #1, This is my “Cold Case Scenario”. The Nike jacket is waterproof and lined, I also have a matching short sleeve Nike top to wear under it. The Nike shorts are there incase it is a warmer rain. Lulu pants are there for a colder rain. If it is a cold, windy rain as they predict, I will be wearing this outfit.

I am pretty obsessed with this jacket.

Outfit #2, This is my “Best Case Scenario”. I love this Lulu top and the capris are the most comfy things ever. If it is 45-48 and not raining, I will be wearing this outfit.

I wore this top in the 2010 KC Half Marathon.

Outfit #3, This is my “Warm Case Scenario”. Lulu skirt I ran in the Rock in Roll half and a black tank I wish I would have been wearing in the Rock in Roll half. If it is over 50, I will be wearing this outfit!

I love the bum ruffle on this skirt.

Now that you have seen the options and rationale behind each, what do you think I should wear?!

On a side note, I received some of the sweetest cards from my friends today. One of my favorites was from Lindsey. I love the front of it. It made me smile so big!!

Your good thoughts are working wonders for me, as always – keep ’em coming!

xoxo,

Ali

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A Fabulous Chicago Weekend!

21 Nov

First of all, I apologize for being away so long! Last week was quite busy at work, with running, and with life in general. But hey, I would much rather be busy than bored!

I just had a fabulous weekend in Chicago, and would love to tell you about it.

Saturday morning, my mom and I headed to Chicago from KC. My Aunt Holly was driving up from Louisville to meet us. We all arrived and got settled in around 11am. First stop would be eating (with a drink as well) at Frontera Grill.

Nothin like a little Mexican food! (And margs)

Following an amazing lunch, we hit Michigan Avenue and shopped. We shopped and shopped, and then it was time to get ready for dinner. Saturday night we had dinner at MK (my pick) and stuffed ourselves with some amazing food. If you are ever in Chicago, go to MK for dinner. And do the tasting menu with wine pairing,Ā it made the dinner. Following dinner, it was time for bed!

How many wine glasses can you count?

Ā 

Stuffed and happy

Sunday morning kicked off with a 5 mile run (for me). The weather was perfect and I was feeling great. I am pretty sure the Garmin was being funky though..because it read that I ran a 7:30 first mile. I mean, maybe I did – but after 5 glasses of wine the night before I wasn’t quite sure how the run would go! Halfway through the run I stopped and took some pics. They don’t do the city justice to how beautiful of a day it was.

Not sunny, but still lovely!

Following the run, we got ready and went to the Sunday Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues. It was the best Church service I have ever been to – what an experience!!

Amen! They could sing.

The rest of Sunday was reserved for shopping. And boy did we shop. Most exciting purchases of the day included a Christmas outfit from Ann Taylor, two pairs of Tory flats from Bloomie’s and some great steals at Banana. Let’s just say that by the end of the day, my shopping high was through the roof. Seriously, it was hard to contain my excitement from the purchses!

Shopped till we dropped!

After a LONG day of shopping, we needed some Chicago style pizza at Giordano’s. And it was good.

Who wants to guess the calorie count?

Monday morning, it was time to leave. We had breakfast at Corner Bakery and made a last minute trip Nordstrom. I got quite the amazing Christmas gift there,Ā but I can’t really talk about right now since it isn’t Christmas yet! I will give you hint though – PETA would not be happy with me.Ā 

A 6 hour car ride, and we were back to Louisville. We have a full week ahead, full of Thanksgiving preparations. Running a marathon the weekend after Thanksgiving might not have been the best idea….But I will make it work!

I hope that everyone reading also had a fabulous weekend. I promise to be a much better blogger this week.

Until next time, xo!

Ali

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Welcome to my Blog!

13 Oct

Welcome!

I am Ali. I am 25 years old, living in the wonderful midwest (Kansas City area). I love my life, and I love sharing my life with other people. I have many favorite things, one of which is running. I decided to write this blog to keep people posted on my running progress as I train for upcoming races. I will also share other important life updates, since I have many other interests in addition to running!

So why do I run? There areĀ numerous reasons why I run, aside from the obvious that I have always had a passion for it and IĀ love it. Many people donā€™t really understand why I run, and how I can actually enjoy it! For my first blog post I would like to explain my reasoning for why and how I could enjoy running miles and miles, and also give you a littleĀ taste as to who I am. So here we go!

I run becauseā€¦

My running buddies are the best
I love my running buddies and our morning chats. Sometimes when I donā€™t get myĀ morning started with my running girlfriends, my entire day is out of whack. I need them in my life to keep my sane.

The shoes are so dang comfy
No explanation needed on this one, I love my Brooks running shoes.

Running skirts are fabulous
Running skirts are the best thing that was ever introduced to running. I love skirts in general, and the fact that I can now incorporate them into my running attire makes me smile. Running skirts actually motivate me to run just so I canĀ put those cute things on!

It makes you feel like a bad ass
It is impossible to run 16 miles on a Saturday morning and not feel like a total bad ass. When your friends are sleeping, you are running. The high I get after running is similar to that high I get after shopping, and it is much better for my bank account.

Food is too good not to enjoy
I am a sugar-holic, most notably when it comes toĀ chocolate. I am also a carb-a-holic. Pasta, bread, donuts ā€“ bring it on!

I often indulge in wine
Nothing is better after a stressful day (or just a regular Tuesday evening) than a glass of chilled white wine. But then in college I learned the hard way that alcohol actually does make you gain weight (darn it!). I have to cancel it out somehow ā€“ because I refuse to give up my wine.

I like music
Few things relax me more than an evening run with Justin Beiber, Britney or MJ blaring in my ears.

My boyfriend lives far away
Zack lives in Texas. Running helps to take my mind off how much I miss him every day and gives me something else to focus on.

I love to shop
I am a certified shopaholic. I love it. I am one of those people you hear about that gets the incredible high after making an exciting purchase. Shopping would be my life if I didnā€™t make an effort to prevent that from happening (and didnā€™t have the financial constraints). ButĀ how does my obsession with shopping become one of the reasons why I run? Distraction. Running helps to distract me from thinking about shopping all day and to keep me from using all my spare time to shop!

You can always count on me to have a perfectly matching running outfit, and to repeat those outfits very rarely. You can also always count on me to share myĀ feelings on the latest fashion trends and trending topics during my morning runs.

I love running. I love shopping. I love life!Ā Ā I run miles and miles, and you bet I do it in my ā€œAli Styleā€ for each and every one of ā€˜em!

See you next time!

Ali

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