Sidelined

My new mantra, for sure.  Lately though, this seems to be more and more difficult to achieve.  For the last month, I have been sidelined from my workouts with a slew of injuries...a torn meniscus, IT Band tendinitis, and a fun little thing called Patella Femoral Syndrome, which I have had forever and is the reason for my Lateral Release surgery in both knees when I was just 15 years old.  Ever since then, I have babied my knees and in doing that, some of the muscles in my legs are not as built as they should be.

As y'all probably know, in the last year I have really stepped up my workouts.  I get to a good point, and then plateau, so push myself even harder.  All this has resulted in good weight loss numbers, but unfortunately, I was slowly tearing up my body while doing so.  So when the pain was starting to get unbearable, I finally went to the doctor.  Enough was enough, and I sidelined myself for the past month in order to focus on healing so I can get back to training.  I stopped my workouts with Tony, stopped all my cardio, stopped pretty much everything except walking and PT.

Well, last week, I was feeling great.  Even though I have about 15 pounds to go, I have maintained my current weight for over a month now, which I am really happy about.  My PT was going great, and my knees were feeling great--no pain and much more stability.  So I started to pick up the pace a bit more--a few days on the elliptical (everything still felt good) and then I decide to go for a run.

What the hell was I thinking?

Now, on top of all my other issues, I've developed Trochanteric Bursitis in my left hip.  And let me tell you, it flipping hurts.  It hurts to walk, to sit, to stand, to sleep.  Even with icing it and resting it and taking prescription strength ibuprofen three times daily, it hurts.  Ugh, back to square one.

So what have I learned from all this?  For starters, I need to stop pushing to the point of hurting myself.  In my head, I feel so inferior--I should be able to run a mile without seriously injuring myself.  But my body is just going to take a long time to heal.  After all, it took years of abuse to get to this point, so why shouldn't take years to get it healthy and back to normal.  But it wasn't even "normal" to begin with--even as an elite athlete, I had major problems, so I need to keep that in perspective.

Also, as my mom said, I need to go "back home"--to the pool.  There is this internal struggle with me to do it...very emotional and humbling...but I know that it is the right move for me.  I just need to push past it.

Finally, I need to learn to stop being so hard on myself all the time--both mentally and physically.  I've come a long way in the past few years, and even though I still have a bit to go, I need to remember that when I'm too hard on myself, things start to break down.  I suppose this is all just part of the healing process, but boy is it frustrating.  But for now, I need to calm down, take a deep breathe, and focus on what's important--getting my body whole again.  The weight can come off later.  For now, I need to heal.

Currently Craving: Burgundy Booties

Madison Harding "Steven" Burgundy Booties

For some reason, I am so drawn to these booties.  They are, in a word, hot.  The price tag is not so friendly for me, even with the 20% off sale right now at Piperlime.  But oh, how I want them.  Will the 4 1/2 inch heel be comfortable?  Probably not.  Will burgundy booties be in next year or the year after?  Chances are, not so much.  Do I really care?  Not really.  When you know, you know, right?  I think they are the one! 

Now the real question is, think I can get them on a payment plan?

Weekend Wrap-Up

This weekend was the National Book Festival, which took place on the National Mall.  I volunteered on Sunday, and it turned out to be a gorgeous day and a big success!  If you've never been, I strongly encourage you to come out next year.  There are authors of all genres that sign books, speak, give readings and there is also a ton of activities for kids too.  Such a great event thrown by the Library of Congress with the help of the Junior League of Washington.

The rest of the weekend was pretty laid back, perfect since I was still in a bit of recovery mode from the wedding the weekend before.  I sadly watched the Razorbacks blow a huge lead and lose to Rutgers on Saturday, but I went to one of my favorites, Bistro du Coin, later that night to eat and drink it off.  All in all, another great weekend!

Boots & Leggings Weather

The weather this week has gotten dramatically cooler, and although it's still not quite time yet, I am itching for boots and leggings weather!  Like, for reals.  I seriously want to pack away all my sandals and sundresses...far, far away...and not see them again for six to eight months.  And if I wasn't on a spending freeze and had the budget, I think I would need to purchase the above outfits.  Like now.  Is it October yet?

Hot Mustard

Can we just pause for a moment and take in the incredible hotness of Blake Lively in Gucci?  Mustard yellow leather never looked so good.  The bronze heels and understated jewels and clutch perfectly complete the look, don't you think?  Obsessed with this outfit.  Her style is always on point...one of my favorite current style icons.  Well done, Blake Lively.  Well done.

Newest Obsession

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede

My newest obsession: Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne.  It smells AH-MAZING!  I am pretty loyal to my perfume, Miss Dior, which I have been wearing for years now, but this is a nice change.  It is fresh, light, and just a touch of sexy. I bought the little bottle, which is a perfect carry-on travel size, and I couldn't be happier with this purchase.  Love it!

Weekend Wrap-Up

The Peluchettes

My cousin, Nick Peluchette, got married this weekend in Evansville, Indiana, and most of my very large family made the trip.  He and his wonderful bride Maria hosted such a fabulous weekend, and I couldn't say more about how great it was.  To sum it up in a word, my family is fun.  We all try to outdo each other as the life of the party, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  In fact, I had so much fun that I currently have no voice.

Here are some photos of the weekend...hope you love my family as much as I do!

At the rehearsal dinner with my Uncle Mark (and godfather), with cousins Neil (the best man and brother-of-the-groom) and Valeri (DC cousin), and with my DC boys, cousins Matthew, Ryan and Jack.

 With my Aunt Judy, with my sisters, Marissa and Lindann, and with my mom at the rehearsal dinner.

Late night after the rehearsal dinner with my Uncle Richard and cousins Ashley, Neil, Maxx, Nathan, Alex, Lee, Joel, Nick and Maria.

After the wedding, with my beautiful sisters, Marissa and Lindann.  I'm the oldest, and Lindann is the baby (and married woman).

The wedding night with Marissa, my sisters and I posing with props at the photo booth (such a fun idea), and with the beautiful almost-teenager Valeri.

Last but not least, late night with the bride and groom...a sweaty mess, but that's what happens when you break it down on the dance floor for four hours!  How cute is Maria's late night reception dress?  Such a fun weekend...hope y'alls was just as great as mine!

Washington Navy Yard

I got back home late last night, so my Weekend Wrap-Up will have to post tomorrow.  For now, I am shocked and saddened by the news this morning of the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and all associated with the Navy Yard.  Those of us who work in the U.S. Capitol and its campus are safe, and I thank you that have reached out and checked on me this morning.  Security has tightened, and with this incident, and the 9/11 anniversary last week, I am once again reminded of the threats against us and am thankful for our Capitol Police and security and intelligence forces who work each day to protect us from such threats.  I'm working with a heavy heart this morning as our neighbors are in harms way, and ask that you to say extra prayers today for those involved.

Off to Indiana...

Today I'm flying off to Indiana to celebrate the nuptials of these crazy kids--my cousin Nick and his fabulous bride-to-be Maria!  They are so fun and such a sweet couple, and I am super excited to celebrate with them and my family.  Hope you have as much fun as I will this weekend!

Fall To-Do List

National Book Festival on the National Mall

This weather has been incredibly amazing this past week, and it has started me thinking about all the fun outdoors activities I get to do in the next few months.  Fall is my absolute favorite season for outdoor fun, primarily because the weather is crisp and perfect, and bonus...no pesky mosquitoes to eat me alive!

Here are a few DC area events that are already on my radar for the next two months:

National Book Festival--This year's festival will take place September 21st-22nd on the National Mall. Festival-goers can meet and hear firsthand from their favorite poets and authors, get books signed, hear special entertainment, have photos taken with storybook characters and participate in a variety of activities.  Some exciting authors attending this year are Khaled Hosseini, author of "The Kite Runner" and his newest, "And the Mountains Echoed" and Veronica Roth, author of my new favorites, "Divergent", "Insurgent" and the soon-to-be-released, "Allegiant".  I volunteer at the Festival each year for the Junior League of Washington, and my favorite part is seeing how excited the kids are when meeting and talking to their favorite authors.  Melts my heart!

Quattro Goomba's Winery

Winery Tour--It's been a few years since I've done a winery tour, and I'm excited to say that I've been invited to a fun birthday party at one the last weekend of September.  Virginia is home to over 200 wineries, some as close as about an hour outside of Washington.  Typically, I've gone with a big group on a party bus or van, and it is always a great day.  The birthday party will be at Quattro Goomba's Winery, and I'm super excited to check this one out since I've heard great things!  They also have a pizza shop inside the winery in case we imbibe in one too many tastings!  Perfection!

Billy Goat Trail

Hiking--I've been itching to go hiking for a few months now, and the weather is finally cool enough to hit the trails.  There are a lot of really great hiking trails right outside of DC, but I think this year I want to try White Oak Canyon in the Shenandoah National Park.  It's a 4.8-mile trail that takes you past some really great waterfalls, which are supposed to be surging in the fall.  Sounds perfect!

photo from Metro Weekly

Drag Queen Race--I have meant to go every year, and for one reason or another, have never made it to this iconic DC event.  This year, my calendar is marked for October 29th, where the area's most fabulous queens flaunt their stuff and race down 17th Street in high heels.  If you need me that night, be sure you can find me in Dupont Circle.

Which leads me to Halloween, my second most favorite holiday!  No idea what I will be dressing up as this year, or who I will be, but since I missed the last two years, I have some serious making up to do.  Translation--be prepared for pure awesomeness.  When it comes to Halloween, I hate to disappoint.

So, what are you looking forward to this fall?  A few more things I'm looking forward to as the temperatures cool:  making chili and apple crisp, drinking hot apple cider, roasting pumpkin seeds, and maybe even doing some weekend antiquing, enjoying a Oktoberfest party or hitting up a local county fair.  And obviously, if anyone wants to take me as their plus-one to a Redskins or Ravens game, I am so in!  Love me some football.  Looks like I'm going to have an action-packed, fun-filled fall.  So looking forward to it! 

Currently Craving: Leopard Print Sweater Dress!

C. Wonder Leopard Print Sweater Dress

If you don't know C. Wonder yet, get in the know!  The store is filled with adorable clothes, accessories, purses, and they even do their own monogramming on certain items.  In my opinion, their best items are the fabulous home and decor items in stock--many perfect for a housewarming or hostess gift.  Typically, I've found their clothes a bit too preppy for me, but when I saw this dress in a new arrivals email last week, I just couldn't keep my eyes off of it.  I love a good sweater dress, and this will be a perfect addition to my winter wardrobe--sweater dress, black tights, and black knee high boots.  This would even be cute with booties and a trench coat in the the fall.  Here's hoping it is still available when my spending freeze ends!

Weekend Wrap-Up

This weekend was incredibly low-key...apparently just what I needed.  My hives decided they didn't want to go away, so I went to my doctor and was put on some prescriptions strength steroids and anti-histamines to knock these things out.  My doc also agreed that this was stress-induced, so we had a long talk about managing my stress.  Done, and working on it.

These drugs though are like a magic sleeping potion--the first day on them I was so loopy after about 30 minutes of taking them that I had to go to sleep...and woke up seven hours later.  And then slept a full night too.  That was pretty much the theme for the weekend, which I suppose was fitting considering that Monday starts back-to-school week in the Senate, and it looks like it will be a very busy fall.

So, on top of sleeping my way through the past few days, I did manage to do a few things.  I finally used my Groupon for Age Smart by Mirka, the best facialist in DC.  Seriously, this woman works miracles.  I accidentally found her through another Groupon when she was working at a salon in Georgetown, and have since followed her to her own practice in Bethesda.  If you go see her, tell her I sent you!

Of course, I watched my Hogs play too.  It was a little closer than most of us Razorbacks would have liked, but Arkansas is now 2-0.  Woo Pig!

The rest of the weekend was just checking off my to-do list--oil change, alterations, dry cleaners, laundry, some cleaning, grocery store--yawn, I know.  So, not a particularly exciting weekend, but I did manage to get a lot done, heal up, and stick to the cleanse.  Anyone do anything fun this past weekend?

Blue Print Cleanse

Blue Print Cleanse, Foundation Level

Today I'm starting another round of a 3-Day Blue Print Cleanse.  Why, you ask, would I subject myself to three days of juice only?  Well for starters, the hives outbreak this week really made me think about what is going on with my body.  I eat well (most of the time), and workout, but still, my stress levels are high enough that everything is just out of whack.  While I am addressing this and taking avenues to alleviate this build up, I figured it might be time to rid all the toxins inside my body too.

I do the Foundation Level of the Blue Print Cleanse, which I really don't find to be that hard.  I suppose I could have stepped it up this time and done the Excavation level, but I really like the taste of all of the juices in the Foundation Level.  I'll drink six juices each day--three green juices (not my favorite, but drinkable), one pineapple apple mint (delicious), one spicy lemondade (spicy is right!) and one cashew milk (like a milkshake--AMAZING!!). 

Some people have complained about lightheadedness, cravings, withdrawls, or other side effects, but I really didn't experience any of this.  I think because I already eat pretty healthy, with no sugar and few carbs in my diet, that I had an easier time than many.  We'll see how this time around goes, but I'm thinking optimistically.

The best part about the Blue Print Cleanse, besides the taste of the juices, is that they overnight the three day cleanse to your home.  The raw, cold pressed juice is 100% USDA certified organic and are made the day before the delivery.  I know that it's not for everyone, but for me, I felt much more energetic, healthier and even my skin felt clearer and brighter after the cleanse. 

Since I start back to the crazy Senate schedule on Monday, I feel like this is just what I need to rejuvenate and prepare myself for what will be a busy fall.  Wish me luck...here I go!

Roberta Roller Rabbit

Roberta Roller Rabbit Sarong Jemina

Today I'm heading to the beach again for one more day in the sun.  Yesterday, my body decided to finally revolt against me, and I woke to a full-fledged set of stress-induced hives.  Lovely, right?  I am itchy and irritated and you know what...enough it enough.  I get it, okay.  I will stop swallowing my stress and get it all out.  So stop with the warning signs and hives go away, okay?!?!

Anyway, about the beach.  Nothing soothes me more than the sun and the water, so off I go.  But first, I want to share my absolutely favorite beach accessory...my Roberta Roller Rabbit sarong.

I own two RRR sarongs, and love them equally.  I bought my newest one on sale at Piperlime.  They are comfortable, versatile, and lightweight enough that you're not sticking to your clothes on hot summer days.  I typically wear mine tied as a strapless dress, but you can also wear it as a skirt or tied around your neck like the photo above (I have that one too in purple).  Even for buxom girls like me, the sarong is big enough to fully cover myself and still be a decent length to wear in boardwalk shops or bars.  I never go to the beach without mine! 

Yay or Nay? The Wedge Sneaker

Ash Cool Ter from Piperlime vs. Xhilaration Kahaha High Top from Target

For the past few years now, I have been going back and forth over the wedge sneaker.  I love the look of the high top sneaker with skinny jeans and sweaters, and even some dresses.  The comfort of them is also a selling point for me, plus I like the idea of mixing it up a bit...I get bored with wearing my boots day after day in the fall.  However, the price of them just doesn't seem to be worth it for me.  As much as I love the Ash brand wedge sneakers, I feel like the $34.99 price tag of the Target knock-offs is the smarter choice, even if it does look a bit cheaper.  But for trendy items, I try to buy as cheap as possible if I do give into the trend.  Since I'll only wear them for another season or two, I just can't justify paying over $100 for them.

What do you think?  Should I try out the Target brand wedge sneakers?  Or should I just go ahead and pass on the trend all together?  I have a feeling I know what most of you reading will say--PASS--but remember, my fashion is less preppy than most of you!  I don't mind being daring when it comes to fashion...just don't want to pay a fortune for my mistakes!  

Hmm, decisions, decisions.  Good think I have until next month to decide (spending freeze is still in effect)!

Weekend Wrap-Up

Sandy Point State Park

I am having a hard time believing that summer is now all but officially over.  Time has flown by, and even worse, I hadn't had one beach day this entire summer.  Not one.  Now typically, I am a planner...I love putting together a night or a weekend or a vacation, making sure to hit up all the restaurants and must-see places.  But with everything that has been going on these past few months, I just let planning a beach weekend slip by me.  So, what's a girl to do then when Labor Day weekend is here and the beach availability has far been sold out?  Research other options...and did I find a hidden gem just an hour outside of DC!

Sandy Point State Park is a 786-acre Maryland State Park located on the Annapolis shore of the Chesapeake Bay.  There are boat rentals, crabbing, hiking paths, fishing areas, tons of areas for cookouts & picnics and best of all, a beach.  The beach is small, and the sand is an odd texture, probably because there isn't really a tide on the Bay, but hey--a beach is a beach!  There were jellyfish out, so I didn't dare get in the water, but the view was beautiful with the Bay Bridge straight ahead and sailboats crowding the water.  

Since we were in Annapolis, we had to stop for dinner at Cantler's Riverside Inn, my favorite crab shack in Maryland.  We feasted on boiled jumbo shrimp, seared ahi tuna nachos, hush puppies, and of course, steamed Maryland crabs.  If you've never been, it is worth the trip!  So delicious, and made for a very satisfying day!

Steamed Maryland crabs at Cantler's

The rest of the weekend was filled with relaxation, watching football, and some well-needed down time.  I finished reading both Divergent and Insurgent this week...fantastic books that I couldn't put down!  I am anxiously waiting for the last of the trilogy, Allegiant, to debut in October.  A bit of the stomach bug was still lingering, probably thanks to my crab feast, but it was worth it.  Hope you all had a fun filled and relaxing Labor Day weekend!