Warmer winter days

suede skirt and fendi dot comfendi dot com satchel turtleneck sweater and fendi dot com

Pictured: Sunglasses: Chanel / Lipstick: Chanel Mighty / Earrings: Kendra Scott / Sweater: Banana Republic (on major sale!!) / Handbag: Fendi / Ring: c/o Official Larimar Shop / Nail Polish: Dior Bleuette / Skirt: Nordstrom Collection / Shoes: Prada

As we head towards February, the temperatures have been hovering in the 50’s to high 60’s. This has allowed me to start wearing skirts again! There are even Magnolia blossoms starting to pop up around town. Love that!

You might be getting tired of seeing me in this turtleneck sweater in various colors on the blog. I just cannot help myself, it is so comfortable; I love it! If you are looking for a classic turtleneck sweater you can wear now, and next winter, definitely check this one out. It comes in several colors, and neutral hues; and the best part is the price! This sweater is on major sale, it is worth it to pick up a few in different colors.

My cute little nine-year-old daughter took these photos. She told me to stand in front of the fountain as we were walking towards The Village Cafe for brunch at Santana Row. She is really artistic and would like to be both a fashion designer, and interior decorator when she grows up. She definitely has an artistic eye!

I am looking forward to more spring-like temperatures this month; I have a few new items for spring I would like to wear!

Thank you for stopping by 🙂

XOXO

Cathy


How to stick to your fitness routine

how to stay motivated with your fitness routine

Jogging outfit details: earrings / sports bra (sold out, also love this one) / tank top / lipstick / pants: Nike (sold out, also love this pair) /nail polish / socks / shoes: c/o Nike

Do you ever trouble staying motivated when it comes to your fitness routine? Do you need ideas about how to stick to your fitness routine? You are not alone! Sticking to a workout regime, and staying motivated, can be hard! I have had days when I would rather stay home, or do something else besides workout; but I have to overcome those thoughts and keep my workout schedule. It is not just your weight that you are trying to maintain with fitness, it is staying heart healthy; and healthy overall!

There are so many things which can get in the way of staying motivated to workout. Sometimes you feel tired, sometimes you are sore; these are not good excuses! When you are tired, a workout can invigorate you, and give you energy. How cool is that?! When you are sore, just workout a different set of muscles, or do a low impact workout such as a treadmill walk or yoga.

Set goals: The best way to stay on track with your workout is to find the triggers which motivate you! Are you trying to lose weight? Get a bikini body for summer? Stay at your current weight? Train for an event such as marathon, or swimming across the bay to Alcatraz? Whatever your motivation for staying fit, use it to motivate you!

Leave Reminders: It may sound cliché, but posting photos or notes with your fitness goals on the refrigerator door, front door, bathroom mirror, or closet door, will remind you of what you are working towards. I keep a pair of skinny jeans in plain sight in my closet to remind me of my weight goals. This keeps me motivated to wake up early on Saturdays and get to the gym. It also keeps me motivated to get out there during the week and run, swim, play tennis, or workout at the gym. My Mom leaves notes around her house to remind her of her fitness goals, and keep on track. Use what works to motivate you!

Reward System: The reward system is a great way to stay motivated to keep fit. For every pound you lose, why not reward yourself with something? Perhaps give yourself points towards a big purchase such as a handbag or piece of jewelry. If you want to lose ten pounds, give yourself a point per pound, when you reach ten pounds buy the prize! Or take a trip somewhere you have always wanted to go when you reach your goal weight. If you are trying to lose over thirty pounds, you can have millstone prizes for every ten pounds, and then a grand prize for the entire amount! Try not to reward yourself with sweet treats, this could throw off your calorie count, and set you back a few days.

Friendship Fitness:  Do you have a friend or relative with similar fitness goals? Why not go it together! You can easily stay motivated to workout when you have to meet your friend at a certain time. You don’t want to be a flake who no-shows for a workout! For shame! I have a friend I meet every Monday on the treadmill. We get in some cardio, ab work, and we enjoy talking to each other. The ninety minutes we workout flies by!

Take a class: If money is not an issue, sign up for a short-term personal training, or group workout class such as The Bay Club’s “Slim in Seven.” You will be in a class you paid dearly for, with a trainer who will push you to the limit, and you will meet other like-minded people who have similar fitness goals. Not only will you stay motivated, you will lose some weight, increase your fitness level, and make new friends! Fabulous!

Get Sporty: Do you like team sports? Do you like swimming, or tennis? If you already have the skills, join a team, and train your way to your fitness goals. If you have always wanted to learn a sport, then join a group lesson. You will have fun while exercising, meet new friends, and learn a fabulous new sport which you can eventually compete in, and stay fit for many years to come! I did this after having my second child. I took some tennis lessons, joined my club’s tennis team, made a ton of new friends, and had fun! It keeps you motivated because you don’t want to miss a class or lesson you already paid for, and when you join a team, you cannot let them down by not showing up; you will find yourself motivated, fit, and having a blast!

These are ways I stay motivated in order to help me stick to my fitness routine, and get my workouts in. What are some ways you stay motivated to stick to your routine?


Winter suede skirt and neutrals

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Pictured: Sunglasses: Chanel / Earrings: Kendra Scott / Lipstick: Chanel Mighty / Sweater: White + Warren ( less expensive option here) / Handbag: Chloe / Ring: c/o Official Larimar Shop / Nail Polish: Dior Bleuette / Skirt: Joie / Shoes: Valentino (less expensive option here)

We had a little break in the rain, so I was able to wear this suede skirt; I will call it my winter suede skirt! Normally suede, and winter, do not go together. Suede is fragile, and cannot be worn during a rain storm. So, on rainy days, I look at my suede skirts in my closet and dream about wearing them! I am so glad I was able to sneak in a suede day!

I wore this outfit to Church last week. After mass, we took the kids down to Santana Row and enjoyed a yummy brunch at Left Bank. They have a fabulous kids menu, and a booth big enough to fit us all! If you are local to the San Francisco Bay Area, and looking for a kid friendly brunch spot, Left Bank is the place! My kids had fun using the crayons, drawing hearts and happy faces, while they waited for their food. The great thing about Left Bank is that you have the option to order brunch, or a lunch item. My middle child decided she wanted lunch, while my youngest and oldest were in a brunch mood. It worked out perfectly! Love that!

Can we talk about this door for a moment? Santana Row has the most amazing design, and these vintage doors are so beautiful! I love the old world feel of the doors; I felt like I was in Europe on vacation! Ah . . . if only I really was . .

I know we need the rain, but it is nice to have a few sunny days here and there to break up the grey skies. When the rain does clear, I love wearing this skirt! What do you reach for on cold, yet sunny, days during the winter season?