13.1

Today I got to finish something that a year ago I couldn't even fathom..... I completed my first Half Marathon (Seattle Half Marathon):

At the finish line with my Medal

Start line for the Half

In the I90 tunnel

Final time: 3:05:09 which is about 5 min over my original aim.  I used this Half training schedule from about.com, chosen after having such success using the same type of program for 10k training.

I can honestly say that I wasn't able to give the schedule the real time necessary to train properly with the long runs in the latter part; even though the step up in mileage was manageable, the 1.5-2+ hours needed for the runs after about 8 miles is a hard one to fit into a traveling schedule.  No, that's not an excuse, I made the choice of work over the run and will admit my last 3 miles suffered immensely for that.  I know know exactly what "The Wall" feels like, and it sucks.  

I was lucky enough to have the greatest support team EVER consisting of my BF and our 2 close friends; over the course I saw them 3 times, which is pretty impressive when you think that they had to battle closed roads for the course to do it.  Seeing my bf on that last mile helped me push through one of the hardest runs of my life and get it done.  Crossing the finish line and getting that medal put on me was more emotional than I thought it would be; what a great experience... but I think that I'll be sticking with 5k's & 10k's for a while.

And really, right now, running pretty much the last thing on my mind... time for a little recovery.

Golden Feature:

Since I can't seem to get my hands on Usain Bolt's Gold Olympia shoes, I'd settle for these Gold ones by Adidas (On Sale for $95.99!)  Those wings just scream Speedy!

Golden Tidbit:" The difference between the mile and the marathon is the difference between burning your fingers with a match and being slowly roasted over hot coals."  Hal Higdon

Rules for the Marathon Shopper

Today I took a friend of mine on what was supposed to be a short shopping venture to get these Quilted Sperry Top-Sider "Pelican Too" Rainboots:

(Currently available at Nordstrom for $77.95)

What happened instead was a 3.5 hour mini-marathon (for me) shopping adventure to The Rack & Old Navy. Let me explain the marathon part.  I don't shop quickly.  I.Marathon.Shop. Ask any of my friends (or my very patient bf) if I've ever shopped (happily) for less than 2 hours at a time.  When I go shopping, I mean it. I will dig through racks, looking for exactly the right item, and am willing to spend the time to find the gem I know is there.  And of course, I have marathon shopping rules:

1.  Keep breakfast light, but protein & caffeine loaded -You don't want to be bloated when trying on clothes, it makes it harder to imagine if that fitted sheath dress will look just right.  (hint: Starbucks is a shoppers friend, before and during a shopping marathon) The protein will keep you full for a bit, but it's never a bad idea to keep a bar in your purse just in case you go longer than 5 hours.

2. Go early - Why fight mid-day or evening crowds or risk post-lunch rushed choices?  added bonus: when you arrive at opening, racks are organized & you have the first pick!  

3. Consider your purse carefully - I recommend a smallish crossbag, large enough to carry phone, wallet, lipgloss and any layer of clothing you need to shed, or even small purchases throughout your day. This will also free your hands to carry more items at a time.

4. Leave the layers at home/in the car - Even if it's raining cats & dogs outside (yes Seattle, I'm talking to you) when you get in the store and 3 racks in, that big rain jacket will take you quickly from Marathon shopper to sweaty, frustrated mess.  Layers are best when it's a flattering cami & cardi combo; easy to change in/out of 100 times.  Also an easy way to tell if your ideal outfit is right or not: if you like what you came in better, maybe your last item wasn't the right choice.

5.  Wear comfortable flats - Easy to slip on/off when in the shoe section, you'll make it through quicker than having to take boots or tennis shoes on and off at every possible shoe option.

6.If you take it off the rack for a better look, you must try it on - yes, this is the hardest and most dangerous rule.  But this happens to be one of the best ways to get out of your comfort zone, and can also result in some of the most hilarious dressing room try-ons I've ever done.  I've discovered patterns, colors and cuts I would have never thought worked for me just by virtue of this rule.  The rule can also be veto'ed by a friend in order to stop you from trying on 1993 throwbacks.

7.  When in doubt, decide in the checkout line -  Pressure.  Probably the best way to really find out if you love an item.  Carry your Maybe item around, try it on with your other selections, and let the pressure of the impending register help you find your true feelings on the deal that might just be too good to pass up.

FYI, I didn't get the boots. yet.

Golden Feature:

This Rag and Bone Gold tuxedo jacket is GORGEOUS! But I couldn't quite afford it...So I got the Chloe K version at The Rack today for a little less ($39.79)

Golden Tidbit:  Carrie: "Honey, if it hurts so much, why are we going shopping?"

                        Samantha: "I have a broken toe, not a broken spirit!"

All that Glitters is not Golden

On Saturday I conned convinced my friend Krystal to wake up at 5am and stand in like with me for the 29th Annual Glitter Sale, Seattle Goodwill's amazing annual event.  All year long they hold Designer items back and then put them all out for this 2 day sale.  We arrived at about 6:30 am and the line was already down the side of the building and around the corner.  After a quick run to Starbucks, we found out spot in line.  About 35 degrees but armed with hot coffee, we were prepared and ready to make some new line friends.

The line behind us

Coffee keeping myself & friend Krystal alert & warm

They handed out numbered Lanyards this year (286 for me & 287 for Krystal) which allowed us some time to dash back to the car and thaw our toes.  Nine am came and the doors opened.... and then we were in line again just to get back into the special Glitter Sale room. Once in, it was truly amazing to see such a frenzy from the 250+ women who had taken over the room ahead of us.  Keeping our strategy, we bee-lined for the purses - A day later and I'm finding a few bruises from the couple of careless elbows thrown in the sale induced haze.

So 4 1/2 hours total, after 3 trips through the vintage fur racks, about an hour at thejewelry counter, and more trips back through the purses than I care to count, this is my haul:

The Glitter Sale Haul

• brand new Kenneth Cole leather briefcase for the bf (really brand new, the warranty & cardboard were still in it, and the strap was still in the plastic wrapper) $49.99
• Vintage Bobby Jerome black glitch with gold hardware (the original mirror and comb are still in it, unbroken!) $6.99
• Pearl & Gold ring $19.99
• Coral & Gold bracelet $7.99 

 

I have had very few ultra-sale experiences that have exhausted me quite like that sale.  It was a great experience, we we both had a great time, but I'm not sure if the Glitter Sale will call my name for next year.  Unless a cold snap makes me think of those furs..... then I may be convinced a trip back is exactly in order.

Golden Feature:

In honor of the Glitter sale experience, I thought this would be a perfect suggestion for making sure NYE was a sparkling night.  The DKNY Sparkle Strap Watch is the perfect accessory when you want to stand out a bit.  I haven't seen it in person yet but what an eye catcher!

*The Golden Tidbits today are inspired by an important purchase I made this weekend; my very first brand new car!

Golden Tidbit: "Second Place is just the first place loser" - Dale Earnhardt

Bonus quote, for because I just can't help myself: "No, no, no. There's no such thing as cheap and cheerful. It's cheap and nasty, & expensive and cheerful." - Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear

The beginning

So this is the beginning. The beginning of many posts about....well, pretty much everything.  I've been wanting to start a blog for a while now but couldn't manage to just settle on one topic.

I tried to narrow down but ended up with a lengthy list covering fashion, fitness, food, entertaining, wine, tech, travel and just about anything in-between.  So, I decided to throw it all in (yes, into the Kitchen Sink).  I'll be covering a Golden Feature (you'll get to know my love for everything gold), fashion tips, product reviews, recipes, how to entertain, the newest gadgets, how to be the best frequent flyer, even wine recommendations. 

So here it is, I give you a golden guide to everything. 

Golden Feature:

West Elm Gold Flatware

I purchased 4 sets of these for entertaining a few weeks ago and LOVE them (I got them on sale, get them before the price goes back up!)  What's better than eating with gold flatware?  Link: West Elm Gold Flatware

Golden Tidbit: "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine