Trick or Treat

I love Halloween!

The pumpkins have been carved.

The porch is decked out with witches and bats.

The pups have their orange and black gear ready to go.

I'm sporting a vampy, red nail polish. 

The candy has been purchased. Oh so much candy.

Flashback, I missed out on Halloween candy the first year the hubs and I were in our house. I had a work trip to New Orleans and while I did appreciate the Bourbon Street (catching a theme here???) atmosphere I definitely missed handing out candy to trick or treaters. 

Last year after just a few groups had come to our house I told the hubs, "we need more candy - we're almost out!" 

Turns out when a ballerina troupe of first timers comes to my porch, complete with video taking parental chaperones I went a bit over board on their candy allotment. My bad. 

This year the hubs bought 4x as much candy and hopefully I can control myself this year. Hopefully. I just love handing out candy to kids! I really don't want to dip into my backup supply of 100 calorie mixed nut, snack packs if I run out of candy. 

What are your Halloween plans this evening? 

American Made Sweatshirts You Can Wear in Public

Top: Milly //  Bailley44 // Gibson // 

Bottom: T-Bags by Los Angeles // Wildfox // Olivia Moon //

Every once in a while the fashion rules make being fashionable a tad bit more comfortable. I'm not talking Uggs, because I don't think those things every looked good, but rather the latest trend of fancy sweatshirts has got me grinning like a fool. 

Bring on the silk sleeves, leather paneling, sequins, texture, embellished necklines, and bows! This isn't your old college sweatshirt, but rather the current sweatshirt trend is more polished, yet comfortable. I like a sweatshirt that can go from nap time to cocktail time in nanoseconds. 

Which one is your favorite? If I had to pick (and this is like picking a favorite pair of shoes) then I'd have to go with the Bailey44 in the top middle. Sequins + raglan sleeves. Yes please!

Inspired at Marine Corps Marathon 2013

I absolutely love the running community. That welcoming camaraderie among runners was one of my favorite pieces of Bourbon Chase, yet it is probably the most difficult to explain. Runners are a crazy bunch, but I'm constantly inspired by other runners and if I could bottle up that feeling I'd never have to fuel again. 

This past weekend I went down to DC to cheer on some of my running group buddies as they trekked through DC to complete the Marine Corps Marathon.  I got to my spot on the mall just in time to see the lead women go by and then I started walking the mall to cheer for runners.  I only snapped a few quick photos because my hands were too busy clapping, holding up a sign, and doling out high fives to passing runners. 

I was inspired by the kids who strategically waited near the top of a hill to cheer on competitors with a safe, "you've got this hill!" In the world of video games, cell phone games, and a million other distractions it was amazing to see a group of kids stand outside for hours and never complain once that they were bored. 

Running a marathon is hard enough, but I can't even comprehend the strength it would take to push an adult the entire 26.2 miles. And this guy was flying! 

Inspired by the Marines who showed up well before I did and stayed far long after I left to watch the 5:30 pace group make the last turn around the mall to head over the dreaded bridge.  These Marines were cheering the entire time, but ready to provide assistance at a seconds notice. 

Inspired by our brothers in sisters in arms who ran in their gear and many honored their fallen brethren. 

Inspired by those that take a different path in life and say, "running a marathon barefoot isn't so crazy." 

Inspiring is watching Dorothy Beal run. Her 3:13 on Sunday was impressive on its own, but add to the equation that she's worked her way down to that blazing time from more earthly times and the work she's put in makes her marathon time super human. And she has three kids! Dorothy - you are an inspiration. 

And then there are the inspiring moments where words escape me. 

Dear Marine Corps Marathon runners. Thank you for the inspiration. My runs this week will be fueled by witnessing your determination. The strength and perseverance you displayed will guide me through my darkest miles in my next marathon. And for that I can never thank you enough. 

Bourbon Chase 2013 Recap

Team Stay Vertical at Jim Beam

The start line at Jim Beam.

Two Heidi's (yes, you read that right) rocking our "Stay Vertical: It's just a 200 mile bar crawl" temporary tattoos. 

Oscar finishing the first leg strong. 

More temporary tattoos! 

Van 2 finished with their first legs in Danville. 

It's only slightly cold when you're not running and instead cheering for people in the middle of the night! 

Breaking out the hammock to catch a few hours of zzzs in a park. 

Of course there would be shots of bourbon involved! 

The finish line in Lexington! 200 miles DONE! 

Race medals from all five years. 

Official Maker's Mark Bourbon Chase items. 

Stay Vertical: It's Just a 200-Mile Bar Crawl 

Last weekend I ran in the Bourbon Chase relay with my best friend and her crazy running friends. It was a 200 mile relay that started at Jim Beam and then ran through the distilleries of Heaven Hills, Maker's Mark, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve before ending in Lexington, KY.   I had no idea what to expect going in because I had never done a relay event like this before! 

I knew I had three legs to run and two of them gave me some serious concerns. My second leg was projected to start around 1:30am. I haven't run in the middle of the night in quite some time. Plus, I was tremendously worried about getting lost and wandering off in the middle of Kentucky by myself.  My third leg involved running over the Kentucky River and anyone who knows me knows I am NOT A FAN of bridges. Especially bridges that come with directions of, "please yield to vehicle traffic if a vehicle will not yield of you."  Are you freaking kidding me?!?!?!

Conclusion: The race was amazing. I was in Van 1 and the weather was drastically different for all three legs. Leg #1 was hot and in the middle of the afternoon.  Leg #2 was chilly in the middle of the night (I went with capris, a long sleeve, short sleeve, night time gear, and a hat). Leg #3 was the hilliest leg for me, included descending and climbing a gorge, a massive scary bridge, and pouring rain. 

Yes, this was an exhausting relay because I think I only managed a few hours of interrupted sleep over the course of the entire 200 miles. There was a moment in the middle of the night where everyone in our van was so exhausted that things started to get a tad bit testy. One of my teammates has done a few relays like this in the past and he calmly stated, "guys, there is going to be a time when we're too tired to be polite. Things will get misstated and misheard. Just give everyone a pass."  His timing was impeccable. He broke the sleep deprived tension and we were good to go. 

The running wasn't the most challenging part of this relay. Well, I'm sure it was for the more competitive teams but our team wasn't being overly competitive. Everyone ran hard, but we're just not the overly speedy type! The challenging part was the sleep deprivation. I thought, "oh I can sleep when other people in my van are running." Nope! When you're van is "active" it's always moving: picking up the last running, driving to the next location, cheering along the way, driving to the next location, cheering, dropping off the next runner." Lather, rinse, repeat! There wasn't even time to stop for food along the way because you can't just tell someone to get in the car after they've ran. They needed time to stretch because they were going to have to run again in a few hours. Once your van is done and the other van starts its legs you've got to get food, calm down, and then try to get an hour or two of sleep. 

But then you want to go and cheer for your other's vans runners and you realize that you can catch up on sleep later in life! 

Bourbon Chase was amazing. Yes, the roads were not closed to vehicle traffic, but who in their right mind would think they would be during a 200 mile road race! However, every single intersection had multiple signs pointing runners in the correct direction. Larger intersections had police escorts to stop traffic and let runners pass through. I never once had to stop at an intersection because even at the smaller ones vehicles would see a runner coming and they would stop traffic and let you pass. 

Plus, running along open roads in Kentucky meant for beautiful scenery, lots of cheering from other vans shuffling their own runners, and cheering from local residents. Oh, and a lot of horse farms. I'm going to post more photos next week of just some of the scenery because it was jaw dropping. Well done Kentucky, well done. 

The Big Chop

Made in the USA: Jeans: James Jean 'Neo Beau'  // Pumps: Julie Bee's 'New Yorker' // Purse: Vintage Coach  // Lips: Revlon 'Berry Allure' Lipgloss 

In my nightmares mind, if I'm ever presented with a cancer diagnosis I have my first two questions ready for my doctor:

1. How do we beat this?

2. Am I going to lose my hair?

I know that's a crazy thing to think, but I'm terrified of getting cancer. I hate to say it, but my irrational fear of getting cancer stems from the fear that I can't comprehend living without my red hair. I tend to dwell on the potential hair loss piece of a cancer diagnoses because I can't wrap my head around the potentially fatal disease aspect.  I can't explain it, but my hair is such a massive piece of my identity. When in doubt people call me "Red" or "Ginger." But those monikers dig deeper than simple terms of endearment. Being a red head is my connection to my family. We're a crazy, feisty bunch and we've each got our own shade of red. 

My fear of losing my hair began in my teenage years and started with me begging my parents to buy me a more expensive shampoo. The fear now includes an even more expensive shampoo, prenatal vitamins, lots of water, wearing a hat when running (slightly less worry about sun damage), using heat products sparingly, eating lots of fatty fish and high protein foods, and other odds and ends. 

A week after graduating from high school I chopped off 12 inches from my hair.  Then, 14 inches came off after I graduated from grad school. I had a long pixie cut for a few months. A measly 8 inches came off three years ago and it was barely noticeable. I still feel bad about that one. In February of this year I got my first hair cut since I was 20 years old where I took off more than a few inches, but not enough to donate. And I felt guilty about it. Really, ridiculously, guilty. 

Last Monday night I sat down in a salon chair and said, "chop it off." I cringed when that first cut was made. It took 4 hacks to make it through all my hair (it's a lot thicker than it looks!). I had wanted to give 12 inches, but one thing led to another and I was left holding 15 inches of a red hair in my lap. 

Gulp. There it was staring at me. But you know what - red heads get cancer too. It takes at least 4-10 donations to collect enough hair to make a wig for one person. That's a lot of hair!

So the reason I don't style my hair every day, blow dry my hair often, or color my hair in any way is because I'm paying it forward with my hair. Somewhere there's a red head rocking an amazing wig that contains a few of my strands. I hope that she's able to feel just a bit confident with her wig.

Rational thought would have dictated that I would have waited until after my next marathon to chop off my hair (my pre-race routine is a well oiled machine at this point). However, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and it only made sense to chop off my hair now and donate it to a woman who is facing something far more difficult than how to wear her hair on race day. 

For additional information on how you can donate your hair I recommend both Locks of Love and Pantene Beautiful Lengths. I've used both organizations twice now. For additional information on how you can get involved and make a donation, in any way shape or form, please visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website. 

If you're thinking about donating your hair I highly recommend making the cut. Go short. I'm not a fan of my own hair when it's short, but anytime I get frustrated by my limited hair style selections I remember how much I love playing with my hair and if I can do anything to give someone else that happy feeling then I'm doing it. Gotta grow it out so I can donate again in another 3 years. 

Cancer is an absolute b*tch and anything that can be done to help out a family battling that monster is a good thing in my book. 

Made in USA Plaid

Top Row: Rag and Bone 'The Fleece Plaid Jacket' // Steven Alan 'Engineered Garments Long Plaid Scarf' //  Tradlands 'The Sunset' 

Bottom Row: Stormy Kromer 'Partridge Plaid Wool' Original Wool Cap // Pendleton 'Tattersall Plaid Fitted Shirt' // Filson 'Plaid Tote' 

Fall is officially here! There were a few rough weeks where the weather was a bit erratic, but now the weather has cooled and it's time to bring on fall's greatest print - plaid! Whether you want a little plaid or a lot there are plenty of made in the USA plaid items available.

My hubs is a huge hoarder fan of plaid and his plaid collection far outnumbers mine. I wish I could steal a few of his broken in plaid shirts, but alas that's just not in the cards. Now, if anyone buys him that plaid hat or scarf well then it's game on and I could totally "borrow" those beauties.

What's your favorite plaid piece in your wardrobe? Are you looking to pick up anymore plaid now that the weather has finally cooled to seasonally appropriate temperatures?

SHOPBOP Friends and Family Sale

Kenneth Jay Lane 'Polished Drop Earrings'  // Alexis Bittar 'Crystal Encrusted Horseshoe Necklace' // Tucker 'Button Wrap Skirt' //  Clover Canyon 'Russian Enamel Pencil Skirt' //
Nanette Lepore 'Grand Bazaar' Coat // Heidi Merrick 'Riding Jacket' // David Lerner 'The Madison' Colorblock Dress // Bailey44 Sleeveless Lace Detail Dress //


Let's be honest, one of the cruel downsides of online shopping is that dreaded moment when you order something and it just doesn't work for you. The fit is off, the color doesn't mirror what was on your monitor, it didn't give you goosebumps in person, or you just don't have the body type of a standard fit model. Been there done that. That little moment of glee that accompanied your wrapped package is now replaced by guilt and the shame that accompanies having to send something back. Especially if it didn't fit!

If you're like me  you keep those moments as infrequent as possible by sticking with a few brands. This can make you skeptical of trying something new without trying it on first in person. However, every once in a while a great sale comes around and that allows me to step out of my comfort zone and try a new brand.

HURRY! Shopbop's friends and family sale is going on NOW and ends TOMORROW, October 17th. Try something new or stick with a classic piece. Whatever you do, please check out those gorgeous beauties above and take comfort knowing that each and every one of them was made in the USA.

Use code INTHEFAMILY25 at checkout to score 25%. Some exclusions do apply.

What are you scoring during the friends and family sale?