FBFF: Fitness?

I’ll be honest I was hesitant to post about this FBFF topic. As you might have guessed fitness is not a focus in my daily life. Frankly, there are days it doesn’t get a moment’s consideration. While I would love to be fitter and dedicated to exercising more at all I don’t know where to start.

Image courtesy of Little Things of My Little Heart

I am not the person who wants to go to the gym; I am ridiculously self conscious even though I know no one is really paying attention to me. I don’t have friends who would make practical fitness buddies, many of them are in shape and all of them live far enough away that it isn’t convenient. I used to be really great at working out at home (woo hoo Tae Bo) but, as you might have noticed from the dated reference that was some time ago… Another major challenge is the fact that I barely have time to do my laundry/groceries/blog so when am I going to find time to exercise? 

All the excuses legit reasons aside fitness is something that I need to be more consistent about. I honestly want to go out and be active. There are plenty of ways to be get and stay in shape that do not require a gym. I really need to work it out because it would be good for my health, my energy levels, and myself overall self!

What are some tips and tricks do you have to work fitness into your busy schedule?

FBFF: Easter

For me Easter is a time for family and I can’t think of a more appropriate way to state it. Also: pastels, chocolate bunnies, and weird marshmallow birds… But, seriously every year it has been a Sunday where we spend the whole day (part of the day in recent years) together and enjoy each other’s company.

I would say the vast majority of people perceive New Years as the time for a fresh start but, for me I think Easter shares that property as well. It is a time of re-birth in nature and potentially in you! Also, this fantastic warm weather does wonders for my mood. 

 

What does Easter mean to you?

FBFF: Christmas Quiz

No holiday party is complete without:  Coquito an eggnog like drink with rum, very traditional for a Puerto Rican family like mine.


My favorite Christmas song/album: I love the Carol of the Bells among many other traditional songs but, my favorite iteration of it was the way that Saks Fifth Avenue used it in their snowflake show a few years ago.






 I wish they were still doing that instead of the bubble thing they have now... 


The perfect New Year's Eve outfit includes: Sequins, without a doubt!

Eggnog, good or bad? Yuck, it needs to be Coquito or not at all... 


Did you ever take pictures on Santa's lap at the mall? I don't know. I don't think so or at least I don't remember it...  we should ask my Mom.


Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha: Creme Brulée Latte!

My best bargain find for a gift this year: Well, I can't really answer that question yet. People still haven't gotten their gifts! 


If I could only buy all my gifts from one place, I'd shop at: Target, you could probably find a gift for everyone on your list there. It might not be the best gift but, it will be something they like. 


My favorite holiday memory: My mom's reaction to the gift my brother and I gave her last year


My favorite Christmas movie: The Nightmare Before Christmas... or is that a Halloween movie? 


The best part about holiday decorations is: The ornaments since I was a little kid...

Rip off the wrapping paper or neatly pull off the tape: Rip It!


Miracle on 34th Street or It's a Wonderful Life: I honestly can't remember either, I have that bad habit with tons of movies


It doesn't feel like the holiday season until: BF and I go buy our ornament.


All I want for Christmas is: For it to be here already!!! 




Don't forget to enter to win the Spanish Steps dress from Shabby Apple!

FBFF: In the "in-crowd"

1. Do you ever see a fad hit the stores and immediately dislike it? Has that fad ever began to grow on you?

I feel like all of these questions are going to inevitably lead back to skinny jeans or (shudder) jeggings so I'll just put that out there right now. I cannot think of an item of clothing that was super trendy but, I was more against when it hit stores than the skinny jean. I thought they were unflattering, sort of immodest, and all around not for me. I mean, not all trends are for everyone so how would these wierd legging like denim things work for me? I resolved that they wouldn't and they should be relegated to super skinny model like frames...

2. Has the popularity of a certain piece of clothing or line ever convinced you to try on something (or purchase something) you dislike?

I always try things on if I am the least bit interested (rompers, those wierd ankle sandal shoes, etc.) and they don't always work (rompers, those wierd ankle sandal shoes, etc.)  and that's ok because I know for sure! Since I have been curbing my shopping I have gotten alot better at recognizing what is flattering/fits and what doesn't. It is a waste of money to buy something that is trendy and maybe kinda sorta works for you but, you don't love/it fits strangely becuase it just sits in your closet and you will wear rarely if at all. It's happened to me plenty of times before and I've learned from those mistakes. If you don't love it don't buy it even if it is the height of fashion!

3. Have you ever changed your mind about a trend after seeing it around for a while?

Now we head back to skinny jeans... Last summer I went shopping with my mother for my birthday and decided if I could find a pair in my size that were a good color I would try them on and see what all the fuss was about. When I slipped into them I completely fell in love. The color was great, the fit was perfect, and they were BEYOND comfy. I am a believer fan now, you won skinny jeans.

4. Do you feel a certain pressure to have specific items in your closet because 'everyone' else does?

Not really, maybe when I was younger because I wanted to be super cool. Now that I am a bit older I think I have super cool style without overloading it with trends and things that everyone else wears.

5. Be honest, what do you think of the Missoni line? Did you grab any items? Is it worth the eBay prices?

Honestly, I think it is SO frustrating. I will start this out by saying that generally I love Target but, they did a horrible job with the Missoni launch.

Photo courtesy of fashioninaction.blogspot.com

The line was really lovely and well designed. For the first time in a long time I was actually excited to shop and potentially spend the still over-priced $30-$50+ on something (shoes possibly a dress even though they always end up being short) They might not have been the best quality but, I thought whatever piece I selected would be a nice addition to my fall wardrobe and it was worth heading to the store and taking a look at/trying on the actual items.

Unfortunatley, because I waited a hot second to scope it out everything was gone and Target's site was down before I even had a chance to change my mind about going. Then, I was reading people's reactions and experiences about the whole thing and I was even more disgusted that Target hadn't planned it out better. One woman actually had to fighr people to get her items, got stuck in line for 45+ minutes, and then had to leave in tears without purchasing anything because of a child related obligation. Overreacting? Maybe but, my heart went out to her anyway.

Photo courtesy of webguild.com

Maybe the Target by you is nice and friendly, maybe they still have some Missoni pieces left over (where do you live?) but, that does not describe the majority of the Targets by me. My experience would have been like that woman's (minus the child) or worse. If I come across Missoni in the sales racks or at a Target far away from home I will take a look, maybe even try the items on if they are in my size but, I am so beyond the sensationalized overraction that I never even got to really have in the first place.

Check out everyone else's answers over at Modly Chic!

FBFF: The Unsung Hero

This week we are supposed to be examining a favorite item from our wardrobe. That was such a difficult thing for me because in this personal style challenge I am trying to give the things in my wardrobe seemingly equal amounts of attention. I know there are going to be somethings that get worn more than other but, still...

With all that in mind today I am celebrating my watch! I wouldn't call it a favorite per say but, I would say that  this is a long overdue mention. Whether you noticed or not I wear my watch almost every day, look below.

See I told you! My watch doesn't always end up in the pictures because on picture taking Sundays all I am doing is hanging around the house but, it still deserves mention! I got this watch when I lost my old one which was a replacement for the graduation gift my parents got me a while back which I lost at a sleepover during a roadshow weekend. Still keeping up with me?

I wanted watch number three to be a whole new watch and it is! Here are some close ups so you and my watch can get acquainted. 

The only thing that all my watches have had in common since I was a freshman in high school is that they are Fossil watches. I don't know what it is about them exactly but, I am really attracted to that style and have been a dedicated customer ever since. So much so, that I have turned friends and even BF onto the magic that is Fossil. The best part is they have an awesome outlet that is not too far from my house so, it's an (even more) economical thing if I need to invest in a new timepiece. WIN all around!

FFBF: When I Grow Up I Want To Be...

1. Fess up - if you could do anything professionally what would it be?

If I could do anything I would want to be a professional personal organizer! Houses, offices, apartments, closets, desks, cabinets, purses; you name it, I could do it...

2. What draws you to this?

I like things to be orderly and when things are it makes life so much easier. Honestly, not everyone is capable of doing that in every aspect of their life all the time but, I have always been able to be impartial and practical when faced with these situations and come up with economical solutions if necessary. It just seems so natural and I'm sure I could be a help to lots of people who don't have these traits!

Photo Credit: www.sharonmross.com

3. When did you first start dreaming about this ideal?

It probably started when I was a personal assistant for a local doctor. She was smart and practical person who kept a beautiful home but, a train wreck of an office. I helped her put it all in order and worked with her every week to keep it that way for years! Did I mention this is when I was in high school? Yeah...

4. What's holding you back from going all in?

It seems unrealistic to me now. Who is going to pay me the hourly rate I would want to go through their mess/junk and potentially tell them they needed to buy more stuff to organize it. We are in just got out of a recession! I'm sure there are more important things for most people to spend their money on.

That being said being organized helps your save money in the end...

Photo credit: http://www.organizingsolutions.info/

5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest... what's one step you can take now on the way to realizing your dream?

I guess I could try to network with more people about my "talent" but, it might be more convincing if I didn't use quotes around the word like it's a fake thing or a foreign concept.

FBFF: Summer Lovin'

1. When it comes to packing for vacation what’s your mantra?

I am (admittedly) one of the worst packers ever! I have a serious tendency to over pack because I so nervous about needing wanting something from my expansive closet that I try to bring it all with me. I should follow my own advice: "Don't stress, there is probably a Target nearby!"

2. What are your must packs?

Do undies count? Seriously... The things I am most concerned with having besides that are my unique toiletries like my face stuff and my hair stuff. That isn't something I'm going to want to have to pick up on the fly or be able to buy at Target.

3. What are you happy to leave behind?

There isn't really anything that I am happy to leave behind but, I am more than happy to ignore my cell phone and leave it at the hotel or friend's/family's house where I am staying.

4. Any packing secrets that help you get everything into one suitcase?

If there is anything that comes close to helping me with this is making a list prior to packing at least so I get a visual idea of how many days I'll be gone and how much stuff I need to bring with me. Whether I follow the list or not is another story...

5. Beach reading… what are you taking with you to read in the sand?


I normally bring a bunch of glossies that I wouldn't normally spend money on and get in tune with what's coming up on the fashion horizon. If I'm reading a book that is too good to put down (most recently: The Hunger Games Trilogy) I will subject it to the sand as well.

Check out everyone else's answers over at ModlyChic!

FBFF: Surf It, Scroll It, Pose It, Click It... Technologic

1. What technology do you use in blogging? (computer, camera, video, camera, tripod, etc...)

Well I have some pretty decent cameras: SONY DSC-H3 and Canon Rebel DSLR. The Sony is a point an shoot but, the pictures are amazing quality even though it is "only" 8.1 MP. It also has 10x Optical Zoom! I didn't know what that meant in the beginning either but, it comes in handy. That camera is the one that is used more when BF takes my pictures because I like the way they come out better. The Canon is also amazing but, I like it better when I use it. I'll take a photographer over a tripod anyday but, I have one of the latter as well. I had a computer until is was left behind, found, and apparently stolen last weekend... now I am using my old school laptop.

2. What computer and online technology do you use? (blogging system, photo storage, photo editing tools, etc..)

I had a HP, and can't remember the specifics. I use blogger and I'm pretty satisfied with it. With that all of my pictures are stored in Picasa but, I also keep kept them on the hard drive of my computer. I edit the shots with Microsoft Picture Editor for basic stuff and Picnik when I need to add text  but, that is rare.

3. What is your process for taking pictures?

The process is definitely evolving. In the beginning it was me and a stack of shoe boxes situated precariously on top of a chair in my hallway plus the timer. Then BF got me a tripod which helped. Then I decided I wanted to take outdoor pictures and I am too much of a chicken to haul my tripod out there like some other awesome bloggers so I asked BF to start taking the pictures. Originally that meant everyday before or after work heading downstairs to take pictures. He was not a fan and it was really not that efficient so, now we have been trying out picture taking Sunday. So far so good except I need to check the weather for the week before I decide what I'm wearing.

4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do you scout locations or shoot the same spot daily?

I don't scout locations but, I try to change it up a little. There are alot of nice places around the building where I live. Maybe I should go further but, it's cold now and I don't want to go outside at all... In the spring/summer I plan on trying to be more adventurous.

5. If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would you be buying?

I would get some awesome software like Adobe Photoshop, that wouldn't really help the picture taking persay but, it would make editing or creating graphics alot more fun!

Check out everyone else's answers at ModlyChic!

FBFF: Planning Ahead

1. How do you determine what you will wear that day?

I organize my closet by color of clothing (it's just easier for me) and I go by that ex: "I am going to wear something red today!" The rest of it builds from that one piece I pick. Also, theme weeks/challenges help because they limit what I have to work with.

2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month, weekend?

I didn't used to plan my outfits in advance but, recently I have been looking at things a week at a time. This is mostly because my photographer AKA BF didn't really appreciate having to traipse downstairs after a long day everyday just to take my picture but, we discussed this already... It has kind of backfired on me though because thing happen (ahem, snow) and it hijacks me into altering the plan. I don't cry about it or anything but, I like to be authentic!

3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already worn so you don't repeat?

This was the first question I was asked by a reader, here is my answer. Long story short: I am a nerd. To be honest though, I haven't really been great at keeping up with it but, if I think I might be repeating an outfit I just search a piece of it on 260 Days, No Repeats and cross reference what I want to wear with what comes up. It's worked out so far...

4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet? (Trial try-ons? Hanging items together?)

I'm sure there are a bunch of different ways for this but, not being able to wear the same combination of things definitely helps. I can't rely on the same outfits over and over so I'm forced to be creative. Normally, I start by throwing things together on the bed and if I like the way that looks I'll try them on then search for accessories, it's a process.

5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do to cut down your dressing time?

I think the pre-planning of outfits will help tremendously and I have a few more theme weeks in the works so I am forced to focus on specific things in my closet but, I am open to suggestions!

Check out everyone elses answers over at Modly Chic!

FBFF: Weighed, Measured, and Found Lacking? Blog Envy.

1. Have you ever looked at someone's blog and thought yours will never measure up?

I think the better question is, "Have I ever looked at someone's blog and not negatively judged my blog" and if I am brutally honest with myself the answer is generally, "No." I'm not sure why that is per say, maybe it's the culture we live it where we seem to be conditioned to compare ourselves and our things to other peers and their things. I suppose it's only natural...

2. Do you (did you) feel pressure to meet some kind of undefined standard for fashion bloggers?

In terms of my personal style I really don't feel much pressure at all. I think I have a decent sense of fashion, what looks good on me, and what doesn't. If anything I am honestly inspired by, all of the people whose blogs I come across to try new things with what I already have!

There might have been more pressure in terms of what you see when you first arrive at any blog, that "home page" per say... people make quick judgements and I'm not sure 260 Days, No Repeats will always make the cut. I think my blog has experienced somewhat of a genesis since it's inception and that is continuing to improve the but, the layout and graphics are where I get the most critical and compare-crazy. I am not a graphic designer and I am not super savvy with HTML and such. If I had more money I could pay someone to create a header for me, design some buttons, change the font... In terms of layout I could probably manage that myself. We'll see what happens.

3. Many established fashion bloggers are also extraordinary DIYers, bakers, and crafty people. Do you think you need to combine all of these things to be successful at blogging?

It definitely doesn't hurt to share your creativity with everyone else, I think the reason that increases your level of success is because not everyone is going to be able to do what you do! It might be negative for me that I can "do it myself" bake, and be crafty but, that's not necessarily what I want to write about.

4. The most successful blogs are the ones that have their own personal voice - how are you developing your voice or how did you find yours?

I think I'm coming into the voice I want to share with people; It's the more loquacious version of my everyday self. I am sarcastic and silly but, generally more reserved. What? I work in HR. I find that it is similar to some other fashion bloggers and think we all must have been destined to be friends from the start!

5. Toot your own horn... what's one thing you do that is unique to you and your blog? What gives your blog an edge?

This is a hard question to answer! I thought one year of not repeating outfits to work would set me apart. That was what my intention was from the start but, there are people who have done this for a full year. Maybe I should have done that from the get go or maybe I should not wear the same outfit to work for 2 years or 5 years! Now, I'm getting ahead of myself... but, with so many other creative blogger out there how does one set themselves apart? The short of it is: I'm not sure but, I'll go with that no repeats thing. O, and maybe the handful of challenges that I have tried to get of the ground.

Check out everyone else's answers at ModlyChic!