13.1

I did it! I wasn't sure I would be able to say that, but I DID IT!!!! Over the last few years I have watched countless friends run half marathons and always wondered if it was something I could also do. I started running this past summer and kept adding miles. I ran during my lunch break and on weekends. As I added miles my knees began to hurt and I wasn't sure I could continue. I went to see a PT and began doing strength exercises, icing, and massaging. The most I ran in my training was 9 miles, so I was nervous about making it to 13.1.

The race was so much fun! I met my cousin who happened to be in town running the race too and we started together. Running with a crowd cheering you along is MUCH easier than alone. Dan, Roman and our friend Ross came to cheer me on around mile 7, which really helped! I wanted to walk several times, but kept going! Miles 10-13 were the worst.

I finished and ran the half in 2:16. I'm pleased with my final time and pace. My goal was to finish under 2:30 and not to walk. I accomplished both! I know so much more about training now and if I do it again I will strength train as well to help with knee pain and  hopefully a faster pace. It was hard as hell and I don't know how my friends do this over and over again. It was a great experience!

High Top Sneakers

Kind of obsessed with high top sneakers this season. I feel like they are a cute alternative to ankle boots and a super comfortable option! I kind of LOVE the deep red velvet sneaker from Nordstrom Rack! But I also really like the suede camel version from H&M. There are so many cute options out there, these are some of my favorites.

Deep Red Velvet - Nordstrom Rack $39

Camel Suede - H&M $60

Olive Green - Nordstrom $98

Grey suede - Gap $69

Grey felt - Nordstrom $88

Black - Target $35 (exact dupe of Steve Madden)

Halloween

Our neighborhood has a huge Halloween festival every year and then goes all out Halloween night for trick or treating. This year, the weather was perfect for both the festival and Halloween night. Our neighbors all had bonfires and music playing. Everyone sat on their porches to hand out candy. It's such a great night for everyone! We even have a neighbor on the street over from us that puts on an entire production every Halloween that includes props, actors, and music!


We couldn't decide on a costume this year and decided to have 2! Roman was a dinosaur for his school party and Mickey Mouse for trick or treating. I wasn't sure how Roman would react and if he would understand the concept of Trick or Treating, but he figured it out at the first house and there was no stopping him after that. We hit about 6 houses of our close neighbors that we know really well and then headed over to see the production before handing out candy at our house. Roman ate way too much candy, but had a blast!

I made Mickey's shorts and boot covers. How cute are the boots?!?

 I sewed spikes onto a hooded sweatshirt and added a tail and eyes for Roman's dinosaur costume.

 

Dressing up as a Mummy at Roman's school party.

Roman's buddy Patrick as Elmo.

Could not get enough candy!

My Dad (Pop Pop) was in town and stopped by to trick or treat with Roman.

This is my neighbor that put on the production with a Men in Black theme this year.

crowd of people watching the production

Dress up, Dress down

Some of my favorite pieces right now. These high waist Levi's are on sale for $39 at Zappos and I've been wanting to try this style.

I really like this floral top with the cutout neck and back from H&M. I think it would be so pretty paired with jeans for date night and dying over these pale blue velvet pumps from Zara. All things velvet this season, I love them! Earring jackets are Bauble Bar. Found this cute hoodie with side zippers at H&M along with these sneakers for a casual look. Striped shirt BP from Nordstrom.

Over the Knee, Under $100.

Over the knee boots have been trending the last few fall/winter seasons and I have been hesitant to try them out. Like many trends I am unsure of I prefer to spend less on the item knowing I may not wear it as often. I have found several options of OTK boots under $100! Here are some of my favorites.

1. H&M - $59
2. Just Fab -$75
3. ASOS - $81
4. Express - $88
5. Nordstrom -$80
6. Target -$39 (on sale now!)
7. Target -$39 (on sale now!)
8. Old Navy -$53
9. DSW -Sam Edelman -$80

Sweater Weather

The temps are finally dropping in Indy and I am really into sweaters with interesting details. Some trends this season include cold shoulder, tie up, and cutouts. Not all are really practical for winter weather, but would be great this fall and spring.

And, how adorable are these toddler holiday sweaters? I can't get over the cuteness. These are all from Old Navy and I'm trying to decide which one Roman needs. :)

Fall shoe trends

These are some of my favorite shoe trends for fall.

Embellished. - I freaking love these black ankle boots with the embellished heel. Can you believe these are from Target?!?

Velvet - Loving these Sam Edelman pumps, but would also really love a pair of velvet flats!

Straps - Adorable red strappy flats. Perfect for the holidays! DSW (Under $50)

Over the Knee Boots- I am still deciding if I can pull these off, but I love how they look on other ladies. You can find them at all price points. This pair is a great knockoff from Target.

Metallic - I really like these loafers. I have a pair of silver flats are that so uncomfortable, so I would like to see how these fit. DSW (under $50)

Slides - These suede Steve Madden slides are super cute!

Ankle Boots - Still very trendy, but I like the idea of a color instead of black or brown. These Sole Society olive colored ones would be perfect because they are still neutral.