Yesterday, I spent the morning in training to be an Assistant Coach for Girls on the Run. I am part of the Cincinnati group of over 400 coaches! 400!!! It was an amazing 6 hours.
Girls on the Run is a life-changing, experiential learning program for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The 12-week programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. Each week, participants learn important life skills while completing a physical activity. The program culminates in a non-competitive 5K race event which gives the girls a chance to shine and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
We learned the history, goals, structure, administrative parts of the program. We also did a few practice sessions. My group is meeting Monday and Wednesday at a YMCA close to my work. I will be coaching every Monday and on Wednesday as my schedule allows. I think the work GOTR is doing is invaluable and so needed by girls today. Life is getting harder and more complicated at an earlier age for girls.
Here is a great video, featuring Founder Molly Barker.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Cheerful Flowers
We are having a snowstorm here on Thursday. I actually like the snow when I don't have to drive in it. But, it is gray here still, so I thought some lovely pictures taken last Spring at the Chicago Botanic Garden would be cheerful.
This is probably my favorite picture - all the tulips in bloom. I keep thinking I need to have this developed into a bigger size and frame it.
I would love to see these flowers in a cluster in a pretty white vase. 
The refreshing and pretty waterfall.
The Bell Tower on Evening Island. In the evenings during the summer they have concerts on Evening Island and also bring in bell ringers from all over the world to do a concert.
Keep thinking Happy Spring Thoughts!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Cheers to Art
As part of my 2011 Resolutions, I am trying some new hobbies. Last Friday, we went to Cheers to Art in Madeira. This store/studio is amazing. As you walk in, they have a cheerful reception desk with shelves of locally made jewelry, funky purses and a BAR. Yes, you can have a cocktail as you create your own work of art.
The space is clean and airy. They have tons of art on the wall. Each class paints the same picture with your own interpretation. They also have open studio time, where you can paint your own canvas. This wall shows a few of the options that are available.
This is me working on my masterpiece - of course it is pink and green. It is titled "Swirls"!
Once it dries, you can take it home and hang it up.
The space is clean and airy. They have tons of art on the wall. Each class paints the same picture with your own interpretation. They also have open studio time, where you can paint your own canvas. This wall shows a few of the options that are available.
This is me working on my masterpiece - of course it is pink and green. It is titled "Swirls"!
Once it dries, you can take it home and hang it up.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Vintage 338
One of my favorite places in Lincoln Park is Vintage 338. It is a wine bar that also serves an amazing brunch. I really like the building it is in and the decor inside is a little contemporary and a little retro.
I enjoyed a new take on a Croque Madame. It was delish!
The Wine Bar.
I love this chandelier. I like the luxury of the crystals, but the toned down look of the shades.
I enjoyed a new take on a Croque Madame. It was delish!
The Wine Bar.
I love this chandelier. I like the luxury of the crystals, but the toned down look of the shades.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Summer Essentials
We are two months into summer, but I wanted to do a little post on a few summer essentials for me. Of course, everyone loved Sandra Bullock (and her wardrobe) in The Blind Side. This movie inspired me to wear The White Watch. Mine is a Michael Kors from Nordstrom.
My summer bag is the Big Buddha Mia. (A funny note: this bag is vegan. Who would have thought?) This bag was an O magazine favorite in January 2010. I actually found it downstate at the gift shop in Starved Rock State Park. Definitely the best thing about our outdoor adventure. The color says tan, but it is actually almost a pearly light pink. This bag also graced the most recent Project Runway, runway in fuschia. There is a good chance the charcoal color will be my winter bag.
My summer shoe is the Elaine Turner Liz Flat in Raffia with Black Patent Leather Trim. This shoe also comes in a pink patent, but the black works with more of my wardrobe. I love these shoes because they are unique and comfortable. Most days my shoe choice is a peep toe heel, but depending on what I am doing at work, I have to cover my toes and these shoes do it perfectly.
My summer nail polish shade is OPI Strawberry Margarita. And yes, I like to wear it both my fingers and toes.
And with the ridiculous heat, I need the ever trusty Tervis Tumbler with me at all times. With a clear lid and a red straw!
I hope everyone is enjoying there summer!
My summer bag is the Big Buddha Mia. (A funny note: this bag is vegan. Who would have thought?) This bag was an O magazine favorite in January 2010. I actually found it downstate at the gift shop in Starved Rock State Park. Definitely the best thing about our outdoor adventure. The color says tan, but it is actually almost a pearly light pink. This bag also graced the most recent Project Runway, runway in fuschia. There is a good chance the charcoal color will be my winter bag.
My summer shoe is the Elaine Turner Liz Flat in Raffia with Black Patent Leather Trim. This shoe also comes in a pink patent, but the black works with more of my wardrobe. I love these shoes because they are unique and comfortable. Most days my shoe choice is a peep toe heel, but depending on what I am doing at work, I have to cover my toes and these shoes do it perfectly.
My summer nail polish shade is OPI Strawberry Margarita. And yes, I like to wear it both my fingers and toes.
And with the ridiculous heat, I need the ever trusty Tervis Tumbler with me at all times. With a clear lid and a red straw!
I hope everyone is enjoying there summer!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Cruisin'
This year for my birthday, all the besties pitched in and presented me with a wonderful Trek Cruiser in Pink! Here is a picture of my lovely bike. I love the attention to detail. The pink handlebars have dark pink stitching as does the seat. Everything on the bike is perfect. And pink!
They even put an adorable pink bell on my bike! Now all I need is a little basket for the front. I have been scouring the internet for the perfect basket (at the perfect price). I can't wait to spend the summer riding my cruiser.
They even put an adorable pink bell on my bike! Now all I need is a little basket for the front. I have been scouring the internet for the perfect basket (at the perfect price). I can't wait to spend the summer riding my cruiser.
Friday, June 18, 2010
A Peek Inside
On many blogs, the bloggers give you a peek inside their room, car, purse, backpack, etc. I was tiding my bathroom and thought a shot of the medicine cabinet would be fun. A warning: I am a product junkie.
Top Shelf: Neutrogena Active Sport SPF, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque, Fresh Linen Travel Candle, Eye Drops, Bumble & Bumble Straightening Gel, OPI Italian Love Affair Nail Polish (my go to color), Target Brand Eye Make-up Remover, Contact Solution and Contact Case.
Middle Shelf: Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid, Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade, Aveda Hang Straight, Aveda Be Curly, Aveda Smooth Infusion, 2 containers of floss (I'm militant), Crest Night Whitening Toothpaste, Crest Health Toothpaste, Special Dental Rinse.
Bottom Shelf: More Contact Solution, Alba Eye Serum, Alba Moisturizer, Clean & Clear Toner, Aveda Dual Elements SPF, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Fluid, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Eye Serum, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Protecting Lotion with SPF 15, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Creme, and finally Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist.
Obvi, I am a huge fan and buyer of Aveda. I have actually been an Aveda girl since 5th grade. I really believe in them as a company and trust in a product. When I am faithful to my skin care regime, these products are amazing. The Tourmaline Charged Products are wonderful, especially the eye creme.
Top Shelf: Neutrogena Active Sport SPF, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque, Fresh Linen Travel Candle, Eye Drops, Bumble & Bumble Straightening Gel, OPI Italian Love Affair Nail Polish (my go to color), Target Brand Eye Make-up Remover, Contact Solution and Contact Case.
Middle Shelf: Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid, Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade, Aveda Hang Straight, Aveda Be Curly, Aveda Smooth Infusion, 2 containers of floss (I'm militant), Crest Night Whitening Toothpaste, Crest Health Toothpaste, Special Dental Rinse.
Bottom Shelf: More Contact Solution, Alba Eye Serum, Alba Moisturizer, Clean & Clear Toner, Aveda Dual Elements SPF, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Fluid, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Eye Serum, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Protecting Lotion with SPF 15, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Creme, and finally Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist.
Obvi, I am a huge fan and buyer of Aveda. I have actually been an Aveda girl since 5th grade. I really believe in them as a company and trust in a product. When I am faithful to my skin care regime, these products are amazing. The Tourmaline Charged Products are wonderful, especially the eye creme.
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