Notes from a Swimmer / 3

In this little series, you'll find notes from my swimming heart. Because through and through, I'll always be a water girl. You can catch up on past Notes from a Swimmer here and here.

Oh this suit ! Its nautical stripes and high waisted synch have caught my eye ever since Natalie's post (and you guys, its on sale!) I don't need another swimsuit, but I just thought I should point out the fact that Anthropologie seems to be clearing out their summer swim collection in case you still have a trip planned to a beachside villa or a week of houseboating at the lake (I wish I did!). Also at Anthropologie, this darling menagerie juice glass.

1 & 3 // Lately when it comes to pool workouts, my bag of tricks is pretty empty. I rotate through the same sets. Over and over. Two workout tools I would love to add poolside to my kickboard, fins, and buoy are The Waterproof Coach and Workouts in a Binder. They are waterproof and have tons and tons of workouts, and are great for triathletes too.

2 // Can we just note how adorable the illustration is on this journal?

4 // Another book on my "to read" queue: Leanne Shapton's Swimming Studies (Winner of the 2012 National Book Critics Circle Award). The description of the book won me over:

" Swimming Studies is a brilliantly original, meditative memoir that explores the worlds of competitive and recreational swimming. From her training for the Olympic trials as a teenager to enjoying pools and beaches around the world as an adult, Leanne Shapton offers a fascinating glimpse into the private, often solitary, realm of swimming. Her spare and elegant writing reveals an intimate narrative of suburban adolescence, spent underwater in a discipline that continues to inspire Shapton’s work as an artist and author. Her illustrations throughout the book offer an intuitive perspective on the landscapes and imagery of the sport. Shapton’s emphasis is on the smaller moments of athletic pursuit rather than its triumphs. For the accomplished athlete, aspiring amateur, or habitual practicer, this remarkable work of written and visual sketches propels the reader through a beautifully personal and universally appealing exercise in reflection." 

What's the trouble with slowing down?

Yesterday I woke up feeling a little bit like this pup. But adamant I was, because it was July 4th, and we had all these fun things planned, therefore I wouldn't be defeated (my pride most definitely getting in the way). We even made a trip to Bonnie Brae Icecream, because how can you feel sick with a summer cold when eating a delicious scoop of old fashioned toffee melt in your mouth goodness? 

Today, I am paying for it--summer bug in full force. And it is a definite a lesson learned. Matt has full rights to say to me "I told you so" as he all day yesterday told me I need to just crawl back in bed. But I would not have it. I do this a lot, not allowing myself to slow down and stay in bed all day if that's what I need. I tend to feel guilty if I'm not "productive" or not making things happen. This even is true when I am completely well, without a summer cold, and just want to do some reading. I have difficulty sitting and reading a book for large parts of my day without feeling guilty that I am being the complete opposite of productive. Do you ever do this? 

I've set this goal for myself, time and time again, to slow down. But what have I mindfully done this week, this month, to really take time to slow down if I need it, without feeling guilty? I can't even fully answer that question myself, so I am heading off into this weekend with the mindset of rest taking the lead and the goal to finish a few books that have been collecting dust just waiting to be opened again. 

photo via modernhepburn

More On That "Joy Stealing" Business

One way I've shared that I am living more simply, is by taking time in my otherwise brimming day to read.  (You can read more about that here). When I first set out to do this, novels and fiction were mostly on my mind. Its interesting though, that now as I've taken time in my day to read, I find myself enjoying the newspaper, magazines, my devotional, and authentic conversation on blogs more than I ever have. Its quite possible that the goal of reading actually has taken a cultivating in my heart, to teach me how to slow down. Something, that if you ask Matt, I have a hard time with.

I say I have a difficult time with slowing down. In that same sentence I could add, "a lack of understanding true solitude". Can you relate? Time and time again, I measure the success of my day by the length and completion of my to-do list. I find myself feeling rushed, pressured, all by my own doing, to have every box checked neatly. Then, repeat the following day. As I just wrote on how words and comparison often robs us of our joy in the realm of body and self image, I have also experienced my to-do list robbing me of that very same life-giving joy. The joy that comes with taking in the simple things. The joy that comes with slowing down. The joy that comes with being available to those around us. The joy that's left waiting while we finish our "to-dos".

I by no means am writing that a to-do list is a negative thing. In fact, being organized and on top of the daily tasks can leave more room to take time and enjoy those simple things. But there is a difference that can be seen in the heart of the person, the task completer. Where I can often find my heart, and my mind, is caught up with everything that I have on my plate that day, and I forget to smell the roses--as cliché as this sounds. I miss out on moments of simplicity.

This 'joy-stealing' business, I am done with. And thankfully, God is teaching me how to be more mindful and prayerful, in turn cultivating my heart to seek solitude rather than cringe at the thought of how it might make it challenging to check of my boxes for the day. Reading has helped with that. Books have become a place of recovery for my otherwise task-minded default. I am learning how to find joy and happiness in the simple small moments, rather than joy solely from how I've measured up to my tasks for the day (although, how satisfying it does feel to check scrubbing the bathtub off that list!).

Photograph taken along the California Coast, by me, when taking a moment to find joy in the simplest of things.

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Below are a few articles on being still, taking time, and simplicity--to start your day this Thursday:

• Thoughts By Natalie | Just Breathe
• Darling Magazine | What You See is What You Get
• Anne the Adventurer | My Self Care Bag
• Going Home To Roost | Simple Living Inspiration
• On Books And Taking Time | Pearls Poppies Pinkies Up

Short Stories & Children's Lit.

Children's stories capture the heart and desires of the most pure. While reading and writing today, I came across the words from a short story called "Awake" by Florence Bass. It is part of a collection called Nature Stories for Young Readers. I love one part so much I have to share. As simple as it is, my sentiments are the same as those of the South Wind. I want what he wants. 

The gentle South Wind has come again. He says : "Go back, cold North Wind, to your home. You have played your rough pranks long enough. You have had your time playing with the ice and snow. The Spring Sun and April Rain and I must have our time now. All the little people in the big brown house have been asleep all winter. We mean to call them up. The Sun makes the big room warm. The Rain taps gently on their doors. I call softly: 'Wake up, little people; your long winter sleep is over. Come, little ants, you may begin your work now. Wake up, Mr. Frog, and creep out of your mud house. Come, little bees; the flowers are getting your breakfast ready. They will soon be calling you to come and help them at seed-making. Come, butterflies and moths; creep out of your cradles on the tree-tops and in the ground. Make the country more beautiful, you flying flowers.' "

In my quest to read more (more on that here), I have decided to revisit a few of the most cherished stories from my childhood. Although this short story was new to me today, it instilled a sense of imagination and purity that, sometimes, you can only find in literature for young readers. A few on my list are A Wrinkle in Time, The Chronicles of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland, Little Women and James and the Giant Peach. What are your most loved children's stories?

On books and taking time.

To be a better writer, thinker, and leader, reading is simply essential. A goal of mine is to read all of the books that sit on my bookshelf that have either been half read or untouched since the day they arrived in my home, by next year. And yes, if I am completely honest, there are a lot that stack up in this category. This goal has come and gone and come back again, but this time I am taking it seriously.  Life in the past has seemed to steal away moments where I could curl up with a good book. Lack of discipline and complacency have been the culprit more often than not. How am I not going to let this happen anymore?-- always have a book with me. There are so many little moments throughout the day where I could sit and read while waiting for whatever it is I'm waiting for. Reading turns on my creative gears and brings out the best person in me. Just like water and exercise, reading is a key ingredient to life. Is it funny that I get excited about setting aside a full hour to just read tomorrow morning? What are your thoughts on books and taking time to be still and just read?

Guest Post: Confessions of a Thrifting Momma

photo source 1/ 2

Thrift store hunts may be a daunting endeavor to some, and an even bigger scare when thinking about thrifting with children in tow. To encourage you to brave the thrift store treasure hunt, my friend Noelle is here to share her experience and attest that it is not the impossible {even as a mom with two little ones}! 

In her words:

Lauren has inspired me so much with this little blog of hers, that I’ve gotten back into my love of frugal treasure hunting, repurposing and handmade gift-making with a renewed passion. I’ve been wanting to jump into the blog world for quite some time since I am a graphic designer and also a mom: (lots of stuff to write about, be inspired by, etc). But alas, life gets the best of me and I’d rather be busy playing with my kids and making things. I have so many projects in my head right now. I can barely think because all I want to do is go cut some fabric and start sewing! It’s literally killing me to sit here, knowing that I have brand-new fabric downstairs waiting for me to start planning with. Anyway, I told Lauren that thrifting with kids was a whole new ballgame and thought that sharing my experience might be fun for others to read about.

Last week I had the itch, so I decided to stop by my local Goodwill (conveniently right next door to our Vons grocery store) before going grocery shopping. At noon. Before feeding the children. Genius idea #1. Then I got sucked into the New Arrivals rack and found tons of brand name, new clothing and decided to try some things on. Genius idea #2. I asked if I could take the kids into the changing room in the cart with me and the clerk said sure (14 year old boy who has no clue), and dangit, they put a flag on the cart so no one will TAKE CARTS in the dressing room. So I took the baby out of the carrier and the 3 yr old out of the cart and entered the dressing room. Genius idea #3. Mind you, it’s about 12:45 at this point and we haven’t eaten or done our grocery shopping yet.....ughhh. I’m getting tired just thinking about that trip! I ripped through the clothes all while yanking my 1 yr old back under the very high doors and making the 3 yr old stand up after peeking at the next door neighbor and asking loudly why someone was in the room next to us, all while constantly apologizing to the neighbors. Tired yet? I sure was!

Despite the craziness of hunting with kids, I managed to come away with a Forever 21 hoodie, a Target tanktop, a Banana Republic sweater top, a comfy new jersey knit dress, a gorgeous lacy blouse, a Lauren Conrad t-shirt, and these BEAUTIFUL gems:

Tray and gold dish were each only 99 cents! EEK! Jar is for my sis-in-law for Christmas, hope she doesn’t read this. But only if I’m willing to give it up!

My favorite aisle is always the kitchen/housewares section. People walk right past these treasures thinking they’re dated or too beat up and completely miss the beauty in them. I’m going to hang the tray on the wall near my kitchen to tie into another piece of artwork with similar colors. I was planning on using the gold dish for rings in the bathroom, but it found a new home as you’ll see below.

Well, the itch wasn’t thoroughly scratched, because the very next day I had already planned a treasure-hunting trip with my good friend Danielle, who also has a love for all things worn, peeling and rusty. We somehow escaped our houses and children for an entire afternoon alone together (thank you hubbies!!) and just went from shop to shop exploring. That’s when I found a huge collection of old Reader’s Digest short story compilations from the 60’s with GORGEOUS covers, full-color interiors and beautiful illustrations. I was in love, and I got 26 books for, wait for it, $3.25!!!! They were marked as 25 cents each and I found them on the 50% off table! 

It made my day, my week, my month!

Some of the beautiful books I picked up for a steal.
I actually only bought 10 and then was so sad about leaving   their friends behind, I headed back (with children) for 16 more and made the store clerk carry them out ha! 

I was so inspired by my finds that I finally had purpose for my drab living room built-in that had been sitting half-empty for 2.5 years since we bought the house and moved in. It has been a thorn in my side forever and I finally had enough treasures to fill all those daunting shelves. Filling shelves is LAST on the priority list when you have 2 small children and are self-employed and working from home. But I did it! It took probably 3 hrs on a Sunday afternoon, but I did it and boy am I proud of myself and can’t stop staring at my creative masterpiece!

Even the sconces were $2 from a garage sale!
The huge rustic U was from Ross for $3 on clearance.

The only letter they had and it’s our last name, booya! 

Disclaimer, the baby was NOT a thrift store purchase! ;)

  Frame: Flea market, $2. 

  Bird: hardware store(?!), $1. 

  Gold dish: thrift store, 99 cents.

  Books: library sale, $5.

 Books: thrift store, 12.5 cents each. 

 Vintage Golden book: thrift store, $1. 

 Glass jars: garage sale, 3 for $1 

 (gave one away and now regretting it, I’m a hoarder) 

 Bird: gift from my mom who knows me :)

  Books: library sale, $7. 

  Potpurri: Big Lots, $2.

I can’t stand throwing away beautiful cards 

so I just decided to tuck this one into an 
empty frame and it perfectly ties in the 

mint color on the book binding, I love it!
Frame: Flea market, $3. 
Letters box: library sale, $5. 
Mirror: Ross, $20 (pricey for me!) 
Book: thrift store, 12.5 cents.
Bird candle holder: gift from my momma again!

I knew something was missing, so I stole an Ikea lamp from my office and added it later in the evening, and it was just what the space needed. Now I sit under it’s warm light while chilling with the hubby and working on new projects after the kiddos are down each night. It was light I desperately needed to be able to see my needle and thread.

I truly hope this post inspires someone else out there who’s feeling frozen by lack of time, resources, etc. because all of these shelves were filled with thrift store, garage sale and Ross finds from over the years. And that’s the biggest part, it took me a few years to feel like I had the right stuff to fill these shelves and finally call this project complete. Or maybe just complete for now. Anyway, it has already inspired me to make new pillows for the couch (hence the fabric taunting me downstairs!) Maybe I’ll send an update when those are done. But with my kiddos, that could be next Spring!

Noelle Uzzi is a wife, momma to two awesome little girls, and designer extraordinaire! She spends most of her days wiping butts and taking names on the Central Coast of California, also known as the Happiest Place in America {according to Oprah}. You can follow her creative work at www.uzzicreative.com.

Thoughts for Thursday: Bookstore Inspiration.

The Tattered Cover, Denver's Gem of a Bookstore.

If you take a book worm to Denver, she's going to want to find a bookstore. If you take her to a bookstore, she'll walk the aisles for hours until her feet are tired. And if her feet are tired, she's going to want to plop down into a comfy chair. Once she plops in her comfy chair, she'll notice the fabric, the worn in feel, the beauty. She'll be reminded of her love for old and vintage. And when reminded of this, she'll want to find a book filled with pages of things past. And when looking at book with antiques and pickers' treasures, she'll want to bring these into her home. And when she thinks of her home and design, she'll want to read Flea Market Chic. And as she reads this book, in her comfy chair, she'll feel inspired. And when she feels inspired, she feels the sky's the limit. And when the sky's the limit, anything is possible for this book worm girl in Denver.

What inspires you today?

Goodwill {Denver} finds: Polkasquares, books, and snakeskin orange.

Yesterday was a crazy day. Our dog Shelby, who is the sweetest rescue dog I could have ever asked for and the best companion, jumped out my car window and was hit by a car. I know, this seems really scary, but she is doing okay. God was totally watching over us. Anyways, with her in ICU last night and today, I had to get out of the house because it was too still and quiet at home without her. I found myself at the Denver Goodwill because (one) I needed a little retail therapy and (two) only wanted that therapy to max out at ten dollars, given the up and coming vet bills as well as just wanting browse old things (sometimes there is comfort in that for me).

This is from the Goodwill Denver site (since I'm a local now). Although, there are Goodwill stores nationwide. If you don't know that much about Goodwill stores, here is a little more about them, from Denver to you:

We are Goodwill Denver – we translate the good in the local community to programs and resources that change lives. While you might know us through our Denver thrift stores, we're more than just a place for great deals – we have programs that improve our community and inspire hope, one person at a time. Goodwill’s retail division is comprised of a network of 22 retail stores, 3 outlet worlds and 16 donation centers throughout metro Denver and northern Colorado. Profits from these retail stores, as well as donor contributions, fund Goodwill’s highly successful programs in workforce development. We help people find the tools to success at work and in life.

You can read more about Goodwill Denver here.

These are the fun things I walked away with, all for $10. 

 

My heart swoons for navy with red. 

Both in outfits and in home design. 

Huaraches: From my San Miguel de Allende travels (with genuine tire rubber soles). Button up navy polka-square shirt: $4. Orange belt: $2. Red skinny jeans: Marshalls. Oh happy me.

A little bit old and grimy, but the spine of the books are what caught my eye. Such pretty colors. Two for $2 each.

If you live in the Denver area, this Sunday EVERYTHING is 50% in the store. What are some of your favorite thrifting finds? Enjoy your weekend!