Current obsession: Block heel sandals

August makes it tough to look both professional and stylish, and far too many of my coworkers are wearing flip flops to get through these hot days. Besides investing in quality cotton and linen clothing, a solid, block heel sandal is on my current list of wardrobe obsessions.  

Clockwise, from top left, sandals from:

Steven, Ralph Lauren, Aquatalia by Marvin K., and Geox

Clockwise, from top left, sandals from:

 Cole Haan, Via Spiga, Calvin Klein, and Report 

I'm especially partial those black Geox sandals up top - they look sturdy despite their higher heel, the crossed ankle strap is flattering on any leg, and I think they'll go with everything. Guess I know what's coming out of my next paycheck!

Thoughts on happiness

Since this blog is mainly about my journey to find happiness, I guess it is not surprising for me to say that I am learning how to actively seek out and promote the joy in my everyday life. It is not always easy for me to be happy.

Self-doubt and self-criticism can fester in my mind no matter how strong I imagine my foundation of joy and happiness to be. The negativity can seep in through the tiniest crack in that foundation and leave me feeling uprooted and weak. And staying positive in the face of this self-imposed negativity can be a tremendous struggle.

I have always been hard on myself, and there is still a part of me that feels like I should have "figured everything out" about ten years ago. That I haven't done nearly enough good with my life already, and that I have wasted my intelligence and have so much more potential than you would guess from my accomplishments.

I have to constantly remind myself that I always tend to take myself far too seriously, and that no one has it figured out. Even the people who you think have it together are fighting the same fight. Even the most beautiful women in the world have self-doubts. Even millionaires struggle to find satisfaction. We all have room to grow.

But lately I find that the more I focus on the everyday small things that bring me happiness - a beautiful view, a gorgeous flower, a smiling face - the more I can dwell on how lucky I am and how wonderful my life really is, the easier it becomes to maintain that feeling of happiness. The big parts of my life like my career, my family, my vision of the future, all can still make me feel worried and frankly, lost. But I know that fundamentally, I am very fortunate. For that, I am happy, and I am lucky to be able to hold onto that happiness.

Hello!

Well, hello there! It's sure been awhile. Here's what I've been up to:

Working on my daytime, work appropriate cat eye with my tried-and-true Loreal Lineur Intense liquid liner in Black Noir

Planting an herb garden on my patio. I also planted a jalapeno to go along with all that cilantro I'll be harvesting for fresh salsa - ole!

Obsessing over California-fresh produce. It's out of this world good.

And dreaming of having my own backyard citrus. If you have never smelled a blooming citrus tree, you need to come visit me in the springtime, stat. When I step out for morning and evening walks, it smells like heaven in my neighborhood. Growing a huge one of these in my backyard is in my long term plan to happiness.

Post-workout recovery (bliss!)

I know it's been a while... so peek at this post-workout recovery (bliss!) post I wrote for HonestlyJamie.com

Shopping for: Office gear

Now that I have a new job, I have a new desk space to call my own. Nothing brightens up a dreary cubicle like having some personal items to help you really settle in, right?

Smartphone stand, $15

I definitely could use something like this - use your phone with only one hand instead of having to hold it in the other. 

Aroma2Go USB Diffuser, $25

This amazing little thing is a USB powered oil diffuser. Use your own essential oils or a blend of your own choice in order to clear away the smell from your neighbor's lunch, or just to create a relaxing space in the midst of a hectic day. Want! 

Making cocktails: The Shandy

I made this Shandy for queenofthequarterlifecrisis.com and never got around to posting it here!

Fitness gear review: Lorna Jane

I recently got treated to some new gear by Lorna Jane, an Australian based fitness and lifestyle brand. They've been producing women's activewear for 20+ years, but only recently became available in the US. I decided I needed to try their stuff out after I saw a student wearing a pair of super cute leggings from the brand.

Their clothes have these cute little tags on them:



Here's the strappy tank top (with a polka dot sports bra underneath) after teaching a double last week:


(Can't find it on the LJ website!)
The tank top is made of a super light material. I cut out and threw away the tags already otherwise I'd tell you what they're made of. I know you can't tell from the pictures, but it has really beautifully done mesh inserts. It wicks sweat well and felt great on. It was the perfect fit - not too tight, not too loose, and it moved comfortably with me through my full range of motion.

Here are my new super fun neon! printed leggings:


Lorna Jane Dimension 7/8 tight

The leggings are a sturdier, thicker material than the top, but they still wicked sweat really well. The neon is super vibrant and the pattern is great. They were not see through at all, even in deep squats and full forward bends. They didn't sag or stretch out at all.

Here's the whole ensemble:



Don't mind the funny face.

After more than three hours in the hot room in this outfit, they were still mostly dry to the touch. Both the top and the leggings washed really well (with no fabric softener, and air dried, of course) and they seem like they will be durable, but only time will tell. Overall, I love the clothes, and I'll definitely consider more from Lorna Jane in the future.

I was told in the store that the material will stretch up to15%, which is so practical for the full extension and stretching of a good yoga class. It's also good if you're between sizes. I found them true to size and completely comfortable to wear. The brand offers new styles on a monthly basis, which means they also always have stuff on sale. Their mission statement is "to inspire women to live their best life through Active Living" which is something I can definitely get behind.