Life

Weekend recap! (Best weekend evahhh)

| cheriarmour

So, after the photoshoot on Saturday, I ran, and hopped in the car to head to Charlotte because I got me and Deb some tickets to see Demi Lovato. So first things first, after a 10-miler at my parents’ I met up with Deb and some of her work friends at a place called Georges Brasserie in the Southpark neighborhood of Charlotte.

P1160212

P1160202

The place was super nice, and turned out to be a French place, which means the menu was baller.

P1160203

Bottomless Mimosas were $12. Yes please!

P1160206

Cheers!

P1160204

We started off with an order of beignets for the table….

P1160205

And literally, almost every single girl at the table ordered the French Toast which was AH-maze. Go to Georges, and tell them I said hey!

So next up, the Demi Lovato concert!

If you guys know anything about you, you need to understand that I am ride or die for Demi.

P1160215

P1160216Me and Deb found giant Demi before the show, where the median age was like 15.  Seriously, besides moms, we were like the oldest people there.  But I knew every word so suck on that tweens!
photo-1Deb and I found the Tampax (weird) photobooth and took some really really cute pics.  I’m gonna hang onto these for a while.

P1160218The hot one from One Direction?  Zayn?  His lady-friend is in this group.  They were really cute, and played a bunch of adorable covers from the 90s, including a TLC cover of ‘No Scrubs’.  No one but us and the moms knew this one.

And finally!!!!

P1160223Demi!  And the seats were really good!

P1160219

P1160220

P1160221She was amazing.  Seriously amazing.  She seemed really happy, and sang strong for the entire time.  It wasn’t super overproduced, and the show really boiled down to her and the music.  Demi played the new stuff, the old stuff, and played the drums, the piano, and the guitar.

P1160225The coolest thing?  The Neon Lights app that you could download before the show.  During Neon Lights, the app created this really cool effect on everyone’s smartphone blinked to the beat of the song.  Such good energy!

So overall, that concert was amazing, and I actually found myself boo-hooing during her incredible rendition of ‘Let it Go’ from Frozen and ‘Nightingale,’ where she threw in this amazing key change at the last chorus.

So a photoshoot, a long run in beautiful weather, time with my sister, time with my parents, mimosas, and a Demi Lovato concert?  I’m now exhausted, but what a fantastic weekend.

What was the coolest thing you did this weekend?

 

 

 

 

 

The Breakup Playlist

| cheriarmour

So super fun blogger Helene had a guest blogger post on this topic, and I couldn’t resist snatching this post up.

So I have had two, grown up, adult heartbreaks in my life.  Both times, I thought I was in love, and both times, when it ended, I honestly felt crushed, and felt like I would not be involved in a relationship again.  But with some time, some self-love, and a few dates with this guy…

photo (22)

I am better than new (if you’re new, we’re getting married in August.)

But breakups are so shitty (sorry Mom), I’d like to help anyone who is going through one to not suffer the way I did.  So if any of you out there are going through a breakup, allow me to advise: it is GOING to suck, and probably for a while.  It’s imperative to do healthy things for you.  So more yoga, more salads, and less drinking.

And these songs. 

Best Thing I Never Had – Beyoncé

She’s gorgeous in this video, and singing along to this will at least make you feel like the other person is losing out 🙂  Doesn’t have to be true, but it’s allowed to feel like it.

Fearless – Colbie Caillat

“Go on, go on and break my heart, I’ll be okay, I’m fearless, you better believe I’m fearless, fearless.”  She’s getting broken up with.  Inviting it even.  And knows she’s gonna be okay.  Damn girl!

I’m Not Missing You – Stacie Orrico

She used to be a Christian singer.  She has a really cute mole.  And I listened to this song no less than 10,000 times after I broke up with this guy like my junior year in college.  I didn’t even realize how much I’d listened to it til iTunes calculated my Top 25 Most Played, and I saw that Stacie was number one, until this lady came along…

Every Time You Lie – Demi Lovato

My first year in grad school.  I moved to Raleigh for a boyfriend, and poof, as soon as I got here the relationship had dissolved.  But my relationship with Demi flourished!

Irreplaceable – Beyoncé

“So since I’m not your everything, how about I be nothing, nothing at all to you.”  I actually tear up during the live version of this song.

Realize – Colbie Caillat

This song actually brought me to tears once after my first real breakup.  I was up really really late one night, and watching music videos on MTV, and this came on.  She’s begging for it, and he doesn’t get it.  Colbie, guy’s a douche.

The One That Got Away – Katy Perry

This video.  You will cry.  And that is all.

So what have been your go-to breakup songs?  And don’t worry, we’re not all doom and gloom here, I will be posting later this week on my favorite luv songs ❤

It’s a beautiful day for a photoshoot!

| cheriarmour

So I had an amazing Saturday.  The weather was amazingly beautiful, and I was amazingly busy.  But one thing in particular, totally rocked my world.  The founder and CEO of Headbands of Hope, Jessica Ekstrom, invited me and a few other wonderful girls to participate in a photoshoot for Headbands of Hope.

So a little bit on HOH.  Jessica started HOH when she was 19 years old.  Yes, you read that correctly, Jess was 19 when she started HOH, and the premise is incredible, yet simple at the same time.  For every headband purchased through HOH, which you can view here, $1 is donated to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to fund research, and one headband is given to a girl with cancer.  The headbands are really, really, really cute, so it was a no-brainer when Jess reached out to invite us to participate in her photoshoot.

So, heads up, these photos are a sneak peek at the real deal, and the real post on our shoot will come in about a week-and-a-half or so, so I will totally fill you guys in on our awesome photographer and our awesome stylists who outfitted us for the shoot.  These are just a few shot from my vantage point!

P1160179

So we actually hiked out to the location – and if you thought I was exaggerating about how beautiful the weather was, I totally wasn’t.  It was like 75 degrees, and we did the shoot in Historic Yates Mill Park in Raleigh, a few minutes away from NC State.

P1160180

After we made it out to the location, we gathered around, finally all dressed and styled, while folks started arriving.

P1160181

A few gorgeous shots in a field…

P1160182

And even CEO Jess jumped in to take a few shots of her own with her camera.  I was able to sneak a peek at Jess’ camera to figure out what she shoots with because I’m really wanting to get a new camera for the blog soon.  Everyone is saying that this investment is definitely a good one for the blog, in order to get good, attractive shots.

P1160184

P1160185

My turn in the field!

P1160186 P1160187 P1160188 P1160189 P1160192 P1160193

The shoot wouldn’t be any fun without laughter!

P1160194 P1160195

My mom loved this one when I showed it to her.  I’m excited to see how it came out in the shoot!

P1160197 P1160198 P1160199 P1160200

And finally, the shoot ended up with us getting to try on a ton of Jess’ cool designs.  This one is one of my favorites because it’s super duper bridal!

It was such a fun day, and I can’t wait to show you guys the photos from the shoot, and introduce you to our photog and stylist, both incredibly talented ladies!

I hope your Saturday was as busy and awesome as mine was.

What is your feeling on a nicer camera?  Worth the investment to grow your blog? 

Happy Saturday Folks!

| cheriarmour

I’m sitting in the office, writing, and looking out the window at how gorgeous it is outside.

My plans for today?

Teaching a Zumba class at the Y, a photo-shoot that I think is gonna turn out really cool, a run, and then I’ll hop in my car so I can head to my parents’ house, where I’ll be staying with the dog so I can see my lady-friend, Demi Lovato tomorrow night!

So a busy Saturday on deck.

What are your plans for this beautiful weekend?  

Happy Friday! Here’s what! What three things are you obsessed with?

| cheriarmour

Hi sexy readers!

I have a confession.  Between the marathon training, trying to be a domestic goddess, and work, Mama is tired.  And I’m not sure what to do to get back to feeling like I’m well rested.  But I’ve been staying up late working on the blog, running a ton and not really sleeping a ton.  I really wish there were more hours in the day, but there aren’t, so I really really need to learn to maximize my time.  I’m figuring it out.

But at any rate, here’s what three things I’m obsessed with this week!

  • Demi Lovato.  Bitch is baaad.
1898189_10152271799579756_1532743934_n
This is from Demi’s IG, I obviously didn’t take this photo myself.

I have been a fan for a long time, and I bought tickets for me and my sister to go see her Neon Light’s Tour on Sunday night.  Eep!  I love the voice, and I especially love her because, 1, she is Mexican and doing it for the women of color, and 2, she’s been really open with her struggles with self-harm, an eating disorder, and her Bipolar Disorder.  It’s hard to be open about mental health issues, and she is so cool for doing that.

  • My Garmin.  I’m not getting paid by them (I wish I was) to say this, but I’m still rocking the 610 (now the 620), and I continue to be impressed by all the features I didn’t use until now.  Especially the customizable interval feature, which comes in super handy for speed work!
  • This dog.  I’m literally the biggest dog fan in the world, but I only have one because I live in an apartment.  But look at who I met today at Starbucks?

photo 1

This dog is a malti poo, and his name is Picasso.  He is so cute, but I’m so torn.  I’m a big big fan of rescuing your animals, but how do I acquire a mali-poo like Picacsso in an adoption fashion? Hm.

Happy Friday yawl!  What three things are you obsessed with this Friday?

I’m the Kind of Girl Who…

| cheriarmour

I totally stole this idea from I Wore Yoga Pants to Work  and Hey, Hollywood: – but I absolutely loved it so well I had to!

So.  I’m the kind of girl who..

…despite my vegetarianism, there are so many vegetables I hate.  I mean, I really hate so many.  These include, but are not limited to, mushrooms (and that’s what people always try to offer vegetarians when there is no other option.  Kill me).  I also hate cauliflower, the gourds, and certain peppers.

…naps like a damn champ.  When I was in college, I used to nap multiple times a day,  Now I’m an adult and I really almost never get the change to nap.  So when I do get the chance to nap, once or twice a month, I nap for like a thousand hours for the day.

…gets a little obsessive about certain things.  Lately I have been shampooing my carpets like the world is going to end.  Just did it again last night.  And I loved it.  I may have a disorder, and I’m completely okay with that.

…works out a ton.  I didn’t used to be, but I got sick of being annoyed with my body, and I started working out.  It’s amazing.  I try and do something every day.   I run, I yoga, I do Zumba, I lift, I try and do something, or I go crazy.

…gets in weird moods once in a while.  My weird moods usually mean I want to just lay on the couch and do nothing, or I want to pick a fight because I feel kind of irritable.  Two nights ago,  I was in a weird mood, so I took the dog, and sat on the patio at a sushi restaurant.  It really did my soul a lot of good.

photo (20)

…is an awesome cook despite the fact that people say skinny girls can’t cook.  I love taking comfort foods, like Mac + Cheese or a Grilled Cheese and turning it healthy.

…loves bright colors.  Bright, deep, amazing colors.  They make me happy!

…is getting married in a little than 6 months, and is surprisingly relaxed about the whole deal.  I honestly can’t wait!

Enjoy, and link up with these bloggers, or link up in the comments below!

Speed Workout + Reader Question

| cheriarmour

A few awesome things today.

So remember that incredible dish I had at Pop’s on Sunday?  The fusilli pasta with the mozzarella?

I slimmed it down, cut some of the oils, and made my own version, and it turned out awesome?  The only downside?  I made enough pasts for like 24 people, and now I’m trying to pawn large amounts of pasta off on anyone who will eat food fit for human consumption.

Here’s the side-by-side – Sunday’s meal is on type.  Mine is on the bottom.

photo 4Mine looks a little “drier” because I skimped on some of those oils that can pack on calories.  But it definitely was tasting good!  Now who wants pasta?

Moving right along!

The weather was beautiful in North Carolina today, literally like 75 degrees.  So I dragged my boss down to the track for a speed workout.

photo 2It was nice to run on the track on a pretty day, and I’ve been working out on such hard surfaces recently, I forgot how nice it is to run on a soft, springy surface.  My body is totally thanking me today.

Today’s interval was a 1 mi. by 6, with a 400m recovery.  It was cool, and I ended up being able to squeeze like 8 miles out of the deal without even realizing!  That’s one of the beautiful aspects of speed workouts!

photo 3Okay, I usually never do this, but this is actually pretty funny.

Mile 1: 7:46 – hysterical, because I told my boss that the first mile would be a nice and easy one, just for us.  I started to feel so crappy during the mile, and I couldn’t figure out why.  Yeah, that would be why, I was running at ungodly (for me) speeds.

Mile 2: 7:59

Mile 3: 8:12

Mile 4: 8:09

Mile 5: 8:14

Mile 6: 8:14

The best moment?  When a woman who was also working out on the track turned to me as she was leaving, gave me the thumbs up, and told me that I was awesome.  I, being hyper-emotional because I was working out, completely burst into tears right there on the track.  Whatevs man, working out is beautiful.

And now, it’s time for the reader question!

I got a text a few days ago, from a reader asking about tying running shoes!

I’m forever confused about the different ways to tie running shoes and have just recently learned the tighter you tie isn’t actually the better (I was wondering why my feet were going numb).

So Kim (reader in question) is certainly not the only one.  I was beyond shocked when I borrowed my boss’ shoes for a run, and his shoes were snatched down to beyond an inch of their lives, and I’ve seen the same in a lot of folks who come into Fleet Feet.  A lot of folks will come in and complain of their feet going numb especially.

So here’s the deal, and the way I would suggest that you tie your shoes in order to be comfortable.

photo 1Take a gander at the feets.

So your shoes do not need to be super tight, nor do they need to be flopping off of your feet (something I’ve certainly been guilty of).  But if you’re one of those people who love that tight feel, but concerned because your feet go numb every run, I have a fun trick for you.  Tie your shoes normally.  Don’t squeeze the heck out of your feet.

Then, do this.  We’re gonna backlace your shoe (and keep the shoe from sliding around on your ankle).

See that top eyelet on the shoe that you’ve always wondered about?  We’re going to use it today.  Poke the right lace through the right hole and the left lace through the left hole.  So we’re making bunny ears.  Now cut straight across the top of your foot and pierce the opposite ear.  Same thing, pierce the opposite ear.  Then pull both laces straight up, and this will lock the shoe on your ankle without killing the top of your food.  Here’s how it’s gonna go in YouTube form.

Do itttttt.  Now remember, chill on the laces.  Do not get fixated on tying  them so tight that you see life flash before your eyes.  It’s unnecessary, and the last thing you want to be thinking about is how bad your feet hurt 10 miles in.

Anyhoo, I miss you guys, come visit me in the comments.

Tell me something, what’d you eat for dinner last night?  Pictures are welcome!

My favorite scar.

| cheriarmour

I talk like Hilary Banks, and I’ve been asked many, many  a time, if I’m from California.  I can’t help it.  But that leads most people to believe I’m too la la la foufy to actually do anything or actually get hurt doing stuff, you’ve not spent enough time with me.  So I bring you this – my favorite scar. 

photoSo see that line on my thumb?  The story behind that scar is so weird.

When I was in 6th grade, after a particularly riveting CCD sesh (points for anyone who knows what that was), I was making a can of Chef Boyardee to eat for a late dinner.

Side note:  Despite how hard my parents worked to keep me in church (CCD, etc),  I am still a heathen, as well evidenced by my “Jesus Shaves” mug.

photo (2)Holla!

Anyhoo, so my scar.  Back in the day, when I was eating Boyardee, the way you opened the cans was just like a regular thing.  There were none of those easy like pop top cans like they have now.  So I used one of those old-school can openers, and got to work trying to open that can!  I shoved it open with my thumb and it started to open, then got stuck halfway.  And that’s when all hell broke loose.  The momentum from the shove kept my finger going, and before I knew it, I’d sliced my thumb wide open on this can.

I knew it was bad, so I close my eyes and started wailing.  With a kitchen towel sopping up the blood, my mom took me to the hospital where my brother’d been born, and once we got there, they stitched that sucker up.  I think a bunch of stitches on the inside, and some more on the outside to seal it up.

Evidently, when I sliced my finger, I got it pretty deep because I have nerve damage in the finger.  Even now, if I push on the thumb, I get this horrible sensation like I’ve hit my funny bone, so I just avoid it, and I’ve learned to type so I don’t hit that part in my finger.

And that, my dear friends, is the story of my favorite scar.

So tell me friends, what’s your favorite scar!  I want a good story!

Would you workout with an overweight trainer?

| cheriarmour

Okay, but before we get into all of that, look at what I ate for dinner last night.

I met up with Kelly, a good friend from Elon last night, and we met up at this place called Pop’s in Durham.  It was a Trattoria, and choc-full of a ton of good wines to choose from, so it was the perfect spot for us.  So look what I had.

photo (5)This delicious thing, which came in its own skillet thingie is a fusilli pasta with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.  It was literally to die for and so huge, that I could only eat like a little bit of it before I packed up the reset for lunch tomorrow.  Lunch is gonna be BALLER tomorrow.

But back to the topic at hand.  So I was taking to a friend yesterday, and he was describing how is accountant had a lot of bad, outstanding debt.

“It’s like working with a fat personal trainer,” he said. “It just doesn’t make sense!”

And I wasn’t sure what to make of that.

I’d like to think that you can be overweight, and fit, and that I would be okay working with a personal trainer who was overweight, ESPECIALLY if that personal trainer was well-versed in his or her craft, but I’m not sure.  I never want to discriminate against someone on the basis of how they look, especially given the fact that you cannot necessarily tell how healthy someone is by looking on the outside.  So I’ll pose these questions to you without any judgement, or leading.

Would you work out with an overweight personal trainer?  Why or why not?