Down running pullover

I am so sick of being cold. Really, I am not sure why I still live in Canada (it’s not normal to live in these conditions…I am still trying to figure out why people thought it would be a good idea to settle here in the first place). However, while I am living in Canada, I need to find ways to stay warm while working out.

I love running outside, but winter can be tough. Generally I run with a friend. I start of cold, get comfortable while running, then after our run we grab a coffee. By the time I am ready to walk back to my house or car from the coffee, I have cooled down. There is nothing worse than putting on a damp running jacket before going out into the freezing cold!

That’s why when my friend showed me lulu’s down-filled running jacket, I didn’t even pause to think before going online to order it. The jacket arrived within the week and I was able to wear it before my next weekend run.

The weather today was -4 Celsius (probably not cold for most people, but freezing for me). It was just the right temperature to pull out my new down running jacket without wearing too many layers underneath. I started my run feeling perfectly comfortable. I was toasty while running (but thanks to the spandex panels under my arms, I didn’t get too hot). Then after my run, I was able to walk around comfortably without adding more layers or switching jackets.

I won’t like, as I expected, I did get many looks from other runners; runners whom I can only imagine were judging my running abilities based on my jacket. Less runners exchanged a runners wave with me as I jogged passed and I know they did not consider me a real runner (it’s for this judging…and my total klutziness…that I chose to get the black jacket over the white one). Yet I didn’t care, because I was warm! I love my down-filled running pullover from lululemon!

Aggravations: My friendly cult-like community ignoring me for not fitting the mould

Thrills: staying warm before, during, and after the run

Moral:don’t worry about what others think or say, do what’s best for you!

stay warm even on the cold Canadian runs

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Yoga Jeans – $110

I have serious issues with the skinny jean trend. Skinny jeans make bending over and climbing over baby/pet gates even more difficult than in regular jeans. But even worse than that, they don’t make me look skinny – if anything, they make me look fat.

That was before someone turned me on to Yoga Jeans. My pair is made by Second Denim Co. and they are the answer to the tight jeans woes.

After buying my first pair of Yoga jeans, two things struck me right away:

1.  I could move
2.  I was wearing jeans that were three sizes smaller than my regular jeans!

Of course after discovering that I had miraculously lost three inches off my waist, I had to buy three pairs (one in each colour). I love these jeans because they’re so tight and they smooth and lift in all the right places. In addition to making my thighs look lean and trim, I can squat down to pick up things that I’ve dropped and even sit cross legged with ease.

Make sure to wash after purchasing with vinegar and salt to hold in the dye.

Find them in Toronto at www.shopgirls.ca or check out www.secondclothing.com for other locations

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Hotter than a sunburn

Lightweight, breathable, stylish, and no need for sunscreen!

Let’s face it, who remembers to reapply their sunscreen (until it’s too late)!

For years I’ve been watching my cousins deck their kids out in florescent UV clothing and hats (sorry, but those clothes are by no means stylish and your kids look foolish).

I used to wonder why they would put their children through such humility. However, in principle, these clothes are very smart. When I wear sunscreen, I have to put it on early enough that I can apply it while naked and ensure it’s worked in before I put on my clothes (because let’s be honest, I’m not concerned as much with the “apply 30 minutes before leaving the house” rule as I am with the fact that sunscreen can stain your clothes). Then there’s the obvious other negative to sunscreen, I’m often forgetting to reapply. As someone who spends a lot of time outside during the summer, I am very aware of  how much sun exposure I am getting because as much as I love a nice tan, I don’t want to look like a California Raisin in another few years.

I recently saw a group of very stylish pre-teens in UV clothing that was actually trendy! This got me looking at UV clothing differently. The trick is to find something that is breathable in the heat, loose (but still has a shape), and not heinous looking.

To my surprise, I found out that stylish UV clothing is out there. So, get yourself a UV jersey and the next time you forget to put sunscreen on 30min before leaving the house, just throw on your well designed UV jersey.

It’s time to look hotter than a sunburn!

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Sporty with hint of Sparkle

Ever wonder what to wear with jeans, tight pants, or skirts when sandals just won’t do?

I had heard about Toms for a while, but until a recent trip to New York, I had never found a pair that I was willing to try out. I bought a pair of Toms’ Glitters and proceeded to wear them all over New York. Not only were my Toms comfortable to walk in, but I got compliments wherever I went…and as a bonus, I knew that my purchase was also socially responsible.

Whether you’re searching for a gift for a friend or simply a find for yourself, Toms’ shoes are comfortable, yet stylish and ethical.

Check out the Toms’ website to find out more about their One for One program, where their shoes are made, and the styles of shoes available (at $54, how can you go wrong!)

http://www.toms.com/womens/glitters/silver-glitters-shoes

 

“if you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” – Mother Teresa

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