WINTER FITNESS GEAR
The cold weather in Victoria has returned...booooooo. Tomorrow morning's forecast is "-3 feels like -7". I know some of you in your blizzard like conditions are laughing as I complain about -3 weather but us islanders just aren't used to that kinda cold. Torrential rain? Now that is something we can handle.
When it comes to running, I'm more of a fall runner than a summer one. I'm even ok with running in the winter (just not -10 please). But I'm only ok with it, if my running jacket is good to go. I live in that thang in the winter time. I purchased it 7 years (!!!!) ago and I still use it all the time. It just goes to show investing in good gear is definitely worth it.
Below are some winter running essentials. You can't just slap on some capris and hope for the best. If you're taking on winter running, you gots to be prepared!
ONE WORD 2014 // AMY
Hey! I’m Amy! After giving it a lot of thought, I decided that 2014 needed a word that I could hold onto during the ebb and flow of the challenging and beautiful times ahead. I chose the word ‘cherish’ because I wanted to see the value in each situation, and to foster a hope for each day. Sometimes I find it easy to be worried with the unknowns in the future. Often, I voice my frustrations more frequently than my gratitude. My husband recently joined the army, and the decision was a substantial one. We will be given orders on when and where to move, and we can certainly expect to move often. This did not originally fit with my “plan” for our future together. My career plans, and hopes to settle down and buy a house suddenly need to be drastically modified. As the unknowns ahead started to fill my mind, and I lost sight of what truly matters. Then I read 1 John 2:15-17:
“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”
I realized that my own achievements and possessions had become a major priority. Yikes! I also realized that in all things, I needed to rejoice, and to find moments and people to cherish and appreciate. Life is a gift, and I have been given so much to be thankful for. Living for Christ and loving others is much more important than the career and possessions that the world makes so appealing.
Thank you for sharing your heart Amy and again, thank you for taking all the beautiful photos!! (Hire her!!)
xo,
s.s.♥.
ONE WORD BRUNCH
FYI I am a straight up lover of brunch. You want to take me out for dinner? Ahhh, let's do brunch instead? Waffles, morning light, pretty flowers, the comforting smell of coffee and bacon...now those are my game. Orange juice? Oh, you got me hooked. Now add inspiring conversation to the mix...a little piece of Heaven.
And that's what last Saturday morning was. I invited some girlfriends over to have a One Word brunch. As you know, I've been doing this One Word thang for a few years now (2012, 2013, 2014). Last year I hosted a One Word dinner (which was so lovely). This year I decided upon brunch because as you know, I'm a lover of brunch. Basically each girl brought her incredible self, some delicious food and the word God had given her for 2014.
I made waffles (which my sister in law had made on Christmas day and are THE BEST and yes, I'll be sure to share the recipe soon) and Danae made candied bacon (which was ahhhmaazing!) We ate a lot and laughed a lot...the best combo.
Ok, and can we talk about the elephant in the room for just a moment? You may be wondering why I have pictures of a lovely girly brunch with a "Let's get it on" chalkboard in the background? Ha, it's only up because of sheer laziness. It's been up since I hosted a lingerie shower for a friend in October…October, oh gosh, I know. Note to self: get around to decorating dining room...
It was so incredibly, cool to see how God gave each of us unique words. I'm in awe of how good our God is. He cares for each of us individually and He speaks clearly today!
Each girl's word was so inspiring that I have decided to feature them all. Yes, you'll be hearing from five beautiful women of God over the next couple weeks...get pumped!
You may notice only five women appear in these photos, that's because the incredible Amy was taking the photos (hire her, she's amazing!) You'll get to meet her soon enough though, because she's sharing her one word tomorrow.
We each left that brunch feeling soooo refreshed. It was so so so so good to gather with intentionality and bacon too of course.
xoxo,
s.s.♥.
P.S. Do you have a word for 2014? if so, I want to hear from you! Blog about it or comment below :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSALYN!
Two weekends ago we celebrated my beautiful sister, Rosalyn's birthday. Rosalyn is such an incredible momma, sister and all round person. She is just as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside, so caring and nurturing. Love you Rosalyn! Praying that this year will be your best ever!!!!
I sure love my famjam :)
xo,
s.s.♥.
WHAT I'VE BEEN READING // 1
I'm a major fan of the public library. My favourite lunch breaks are those spent power walking to the downtown branch, finding a book and then sitting in the glass courtyard while I soak up the first couple pages.
I fell in love with books in grade 6. I had an incredible teacher named Mrs. Sinclair. She obviously loved reading and it rubbed off on me. I began devouring books. Today I don't have as much spare time as I did when I was eleven but my love for books hasn't fizzled. I usually have a library book on my nightstand or in my purse and if it's a gooder, I read it any spare moment I can.
Here's what I've been reading the past few months:
1. The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin- This one's a historical fiction novel about Charles and Anne Lindbergh. Charles Lindbergh was a famous aviator in the 30's. Because I LOVED The Paris Wife, I thought I would love this guy but honestly, I found it kind of boring. The Lindbergh's story was very sad and tragic but the book just didn't captivate me.
2. Z: A novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler- I went into this one with crazy high hopes. From what I knew of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald (mainly from my favourite movie, Midnight in Paris, ha!), I thought they were a fascinating couple but I finished this book feeling depressed. I also was incredibly thankful I didn't grow up in the 20s. If you want a sad, downer novel then read this one.
3. Tell The Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt- I really, really, really enjoyed this novel. Mostly because I loved the main character, June. Great characters, great writing. It also made me cry, so that gets double points.
4. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes- This was a cute read to begin with but ended very tragically and not how I wanted it at all. I'm kind of mad at the author and of the character's decision at the end of the novel. It was a good read though, so I recommend it!
5. Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella- Nothing like a good ol' Sophie Kinsella book. It was a funny, light read but not as good as some of her past novels.
6. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh- This was actually my pick for our book club (when are we meeting next ladies!!!). I've read it before and loved it all over again. It's a beautiful story about love, grace and restoration. I highly recommend it!
Can't say I was thrilled on my most recent reads but there were definitely some gems in there. I'm always looking for a new book to read. Let me know what you've read lately!
xoxo,
s.s.♥.