Crazy Feeling

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Remember how I wrote in my last weekly obsessions post that I have good vibes about this year? Well, I do. I only know for *sure* a few of the things that are happening in 2016, but I just have this crazy feeling that whatever else does happen, it’s going to be good.

Here’s what I DO know is happening in 2016:
– In April, my brother-in-law is getting married in Italy, which means Nate and I are going to Italy! We have very vague travels plans right now, but we’re sure that many Italian cities, hopefully Zurich, and definitely Barcelona are on our list to explore. Travel tips for any of those places are welcome!
– One Saturday a month in May, June, July and August, I’ll have a small booth at my town’s Farmer’s Market to sell my lettering work! Come visit!! I’ll be sure to request the booth next to the Bagel Man.;)
– For all of July and August, my lettering work will be hanging in the local coffee shop!
– Nate and I recently joined a Bible study group, so I am really excited to get to know all these new friends better this year! We’ll also be helping spread the word about a new church plant in our town, so that’s exciting.

That’s all I know! And for the rest, I’m gonna let God take the wheel!

Winter Running Gear

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Hey y’all. We’re here today to talk about WINTER RUNNING! Running outside in the winter months can be bruuutal, but all the cool kids are doing it. Not gonna lie, a morning run in a fresh covering of snow is one of my favorite past times… But YEAH, it’s cold! So I wanted to share my typical winter running get-up in case you are new at this winter running thing and need some guidance! (I should note: I don’t run outside below like 18 degrees. So the following is my running gear for 18-35 degrees.)

Remember that you will be your coldest during the first 5 minutes of your run. After that, your body is warmed up and you’ll start feeling that warmth. The only things that will probably still be cold are your hands and your butt. Hashtag just being honest.

Bottom half! I wear taller-than-ankle socks, to keep my ankles warm. I don’t think there is anything worse than cold (or snowy) ankles. For pants, I always wear my fleece-lined running leggings. I’m partial to Champion brand, but I’m sure most brands have a fleece-lined version! I add leg-warmers over my leggings for extra warmth. When I say leg warmers, I’m talking like, a cheap “fashion” pair from Target. As silly as that sounds, leg warmers are my winter running secret! And then to top the bottom off, sneakers! Duh.

On top! I wear a long tank top as my first layer so that I can easily tuck it into my pants. I haaaate when cold wind gets up my shirt, ha! So this helps prevent that! A long sleeved, wicking shirt goes on as my second layer. For me, these are usually race shirts, but you can find the same type at any sports store. As my last layer, I have a BRIGHT orange Avalanche Fleece pullover that I love because A) it’s warm, but B) it’s also moveable. Way better than running in a stiff winter coat, ya feel?

On my head I wear a fleece-lined headband. I have a Nike one, but they all make them! And… you’re going to think I’m INSANE, but I don’t wear gloves. I can’t. As soon as I start running with a pair of gloves on, my arms get super tingly and that to me feels worse than my hands being a little cold. I just tuck my hands up into my sleeves to keep them warm!

OVERVIEW
Tall socks
Fleece-lined leggings
Leg warmers (or tall socks)
Long tank top
Wicking shirt
Thick/warm fleece or running jacket
Fleece-lined headband
Gloves for the normal ones

What are you guys all wearing!! I’d actually love to find some other brands of great fleece-lined pants… do you have suggestions?

P.S. After you super snowy runs, stuff your sneakers with newspaper so that the moisture will disappear! Otherwise your shoes will stank.

Weekly Obsessions

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2016
Since it’s my first Weekly Obsessions post of 2016, let me just say that I have good vibes about this year. God’s been giving me a lot of peace about what’s ahead for this year, even though a lot of it is very unknown to me/us. But I just know that it will be a life-changing year!

NEW MUSIC
Duh. New years mean new(ly-ish discovered) music! Right now I’m loving Smithfield (a new country duo), James Bay (I’m late on this bandwagon), Maren Morris (I’ve told you about her before), and A Great Big World‘s new single Oasis — Listen to all of these and more on my Winter 2016 Spotify playlist!!

READING
I made an important goal for 2016: to read a book instead of looking at my phone before going to sleep. It’s only been two weeks and I’ve already finished a book! (Jack’s Notebook, if you’re wondering). Basically this goal has proven that I can’t use that excuse “I don’t have time to read” – because my phone knows exactly how much time I have.

WRIST WRAPS
Crossfit tends to put a lot of strain on my wrists (I also just have weak wrists in general, ha) so I bought myself these wraps for Christmas… annnnnddd I’m obsessed. Because A) they’re purple and I like that color and B) my wrists don’t hurt anymore! I can do all the things!

SWEET POTATOES
Nate and I have been eating cleaner since the start of 2016 (haven’t we all? #resolutions) and sweet potatoes are my saving grace!! They are so versatile and delish and I can make a ton of different recipes with them. Some current faves: Rosemary Roasted, Fries, Honey-Glazed. Try them!

Have a good Friday, yaaaallz.

Best Art Supply Stores

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I’m an art supply hoarder. There I said it. If it’s on sale and I could potentially use it in the next 8 months, I’m probably going to purchase it. This mostly goes for pens, canvas, acrylic paint, paint brushes, notebooks and more pens. You should see my office, or more like, room of random piles. I do end up using it all, (eventually)! I want to share a couple of stores from where I like to get my supplies!

I’ve found that if I really need something that is “high-quality artsy” (say, an obscure pen brand or a specific size of canvas or specialty paper) I go to Blick and it will be there. They are my go-to for legit art supplies. They have everything. Plus, they have different versions and brands of everything. They also have great sales, and you can get a member card to save even more.

The only problem is, it takes me about an hour to get to the closest Blick in my area. So if I don’t have the time for that, I go to A.C.Moore. It’s closer to home, and it carries most of the same major art supply brands. It doesn’t have as much of a variety, but it definitely works. A.C.Moore also has a member card and I end up saving a lot with that!

Now, if I am looking for home decor or craft-specific items, like a chalk or oil pen or a variety of chalkboards, I go to Michael’s. They also have a fair amount of scrapbook / paper supplies. Michael’s is like the more homey, crafty version of A.C.Moore. A.C.Moore is the more basic version of Blick. Blick is the bomb.com. They are all important in their own way and I need them all in my life.

That being said, I have stumbled upon some other awesome local art stores with smaller selections of more high-quality products. I try to visit these places every so often because A) I love supporting local and B) I love art stores.

Artist Craftsman in Cambridge – They have a few locations around the US. This one is in a basement and it smells like oil paint when you walk in. If you know oil paint, you know that’s a good smell.
Johnson Paint Company on Newbury – The first floor is an interior/home paint store, but if you go to the top floor you’ll find the art supplies!

My Top 15 Songs of 2015

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This comes as no surprise to any of you – I love music. The lyrics and words and beats of it all. And obviously I love doodling when the mood strikes (like every other hour). Anyways, I wanted to share my favorite artists and songs of 2015! I hope that you will get inspired by them as well! And if you like these songs, please listen to the whole albums / EPs because ALL of them are amazing as a whole!! I linked you up! Check them!

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST : Top 15 of 2015