Nose Ring: Yay or Nay?

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I wear a nose ring.  A small, diamond stud that has been a part of my face since I was 12 years old.  Back in 1997, it was not yet a fad, or at least I wasn't aware of it - I just really liked the idea of a nose ring and was thankful to be of Indian decent where nose rings on young girls are perfectly acceptable (i.e. no fighting with the parents for it - ya!).  I felt proud to be the first 12-year-old in my school with a nose ring and have rocked the look ever since. 
 

In the meantime, the nose ring became popular amongst young girls - I remember a period of about 5 years between 1999-2004 where it felt like every third girl had the same piercing.  Since then, I believe the trend has faded - I don't see it on many people anymore...but I still continue to wear mine simply because I like it.  I never did it as a fashion statement or to be proud of a crowd, I genuinely liked the look of a nose ring! 

 

Recently, a few people have asked when I'm going to take it out?  Take it out?  Why??? I asked.  I've never really thought about if/when I'll take it out.  Over the past 15 years I feel like it has become a natural part of my face that I don't even notice anymore.  Well, here are some responses I received when I asked why:

1.  It's a "young" look - meaning I'm almost 27, it's about time I grow up and take the face accessory off.

2.  It looks like you're stuck in the last decade - meaning no one really has a nose ring anymore, let go of the trend and move on.  Mind you, I don't wear it for the trend, I wear it because I like it and now I'm very used to it!

3.  It's not professional - those conservative, corporate types wouldn't appreciate it and when I start having more face-to-face meetings with clients it may be perceived in a negative way.  Keep in mind though, that I've gone through job interviews and have met some fairly high profile people who haven't seemed to care (that I know of).  

4.  It's very Indian - not that there's anything wrong with looking Indian, but if that's not the look you're going for, you should take it out.  Or so I've been told. 

5.  It's not very classy - no justification for that one.  It was just a statement.

So I've thought about this for some time now, and while I am not totally ready to let go of it, I've decided to give the bare-nose a try:

 
It was REALLY weird to look at myself at first.  It felt like something was missing and I was caught off-guard every time I looked in the mirror.  But as the days went by I got more and more used it.  I have to admit, I'm now actually liking the look with no nose ring.  It feels a little more grown-up and professional, it also shows more of ME.  MY face.  I know it sounds silly that a such a small stud can make a difference, but it really does!  Although...not one person that I interact with on a daily basis noticed the change until I pointed it out.  I guess it just became such a normal thing to look at when people saw my face.  Anyway, the point is that I kinda like my face without the piercing. 

BUT like I said earlier, I'm not totally ready to let go of it, so I wear it at night to make sure the hole doesn't close any time soon. 

So here are my questions to you:

Do you have a nose ring/face peircing?  If yes, how long have you had it?  Do you intend to take it out?  Why?  When?

 

What do you think of nose rings?  

Do you agree with any of the arguments against the piercing that I mentioned above?

Do you agree that it's time I take it out?

I'm looking forward to hearing your feedback :)

30km Training Weeks 4-7

Wow.  I can't believe I'm already 7 weeks into training for the 30km race - it feels like just yesterday that I decided to take on the challenge of preparing for this beast.  Going into my 8th week, I feel like I am running stronger, faster, and with more confidence...but I have to admit, I haven't been the best runner on the block:

1.  I have not stuck to my training plan.  The plan involves 5 runs per week - short, fast runs on weekdays and long, slow, distance runs on Sundays.  I can tell you that I'd be lucky if I could squeeze 4 in one week.  I'm trying to be realistic about this whole thing so I am really using this plan as a guide rather than an agenda that I have to follow.  So far I am on track with distances and speeds that I should be attaining, so I feel good about it.

2.  I have not been eating to run.  I've been running for 7 weeks and have not lost a pound.  Tell me how that happens?  Because I have not be following the eating-to-run mentality that someone training for this kind of challenge should have.  I know I need to step up my nutrition game and I am really hoping I can start to do so now.  My runs are only getting longer and harder which means I need to fuel my body with healthy foods that will help me perform better as runner and burn more fat.  I know it's easy to say type all of this, but I've found a wave of inspiration this weekend I am hoping it will last.

3.  I had crappy shoes.  In distance running, shoes are everything.  I was getting serious shin, calf and ankle cramps during the first few weeks of running.  This is normal for someone who hasn't run in a while...but after the 4 week mark, my body should have adapted.  I went to the Running Room a few weeks ago and picked up a pair of New Balance MR940's.  Because my feet pronate (roll in) quite a bit, I need a stability shoe that will support my ankles and knees while I run - switching to these shoes made all the difference in my running.  In a previous post, I mentioned that the quality of a shoe running shoe can be determined by trying to roll the toe into the laces.  If you can do so successfully, the shoe is worn out and not safe for running.  If the shoe is still stiff with little room to bend it upward, the stability supports and cushioning are still strong and you should be okay to run in them.  

When I tried to bend my new shoe, this is how far I got:

This was me, a sweaty mess, after a run one day, don't judge :P

Compare that with the old pair:

When I first got this pair, they were as stiff as the New Balance shoes.  But after training for and running a half marathon in them, they became worn out and no longer have the support I need to run well.  If you are planning to train for any kind of long distance run or walk, I highly recommend you go to a running store or running club like the Running Room where they can analyze your gait and recommend the best shoe for your body.

I took a picture of the soles of my new shoes - I thought it would be cool to compare pictures of before and after the 30km race, just so you can see how much wear and tear is actually done on shoes as we run in them.  Here they are, brand-spanking new (okay I think I may have ran 6km in them before taking the pics):

The rubber is solid and the grips are prominent.  Just wait and see how different they will look in a few months - after the 30km run they'll be just as bendy as my last pair and the soles will be completely worn down.  That's when I'll have to buy a new pair, to protect my ankles, knees and hips from damage from running.

That said, here are the runs I completed in the past 4 weeks:

WEEK 4:
Date              Distance     Time          Run Time      Pace
Monday         CT*                                45min
Tuesday         MISSED
Wednesday    5.7km          6:33am       39m12s          6m56s/km
Thursday       5.7km          8:05pm       39m35s          6m59s/km
Saturday        MISSED
Sunday          10.2km        10:50am     1h13m23s      7m11s/km

*CT = Cross Trained at the gym on the eliptical machine


WEEK 5 (this was a baaaad week):  
Date              Distance     Time          Run Time      Pace

Tuesday         MISSED
Wednesday    3.7km          7:24pm       22m28s          6m04s/km
Thursday       MISSED
Friday            CT                                  45min 
Sunday          MISSED

WEEK 6:
Date              Distance     Time          Run Time      Pace
Monday          3.7km          6:50am      23m57s           6m30s/km
Tuesday         3.7km         6:45am - my watch battery died so I don't know distance/time :(
Wednesday    OFF
Thursday        5.7km          8:05pm      38m16s          6m46s/km
Saturday        OFF
Sunday          12km           4:13pm     1h26m54s        7m13s/km

WEEK 7:
Date              Distance     Time          Run Time      Pace
Tuesday         MISSED
Wednesday    MISSED
Thursday        5.7km          8:15pm       37m17s          6m34s/km
Saturday        MISSED
Sunday          14km           4:31pm       1h42m55s      7m21s/km

This last one, a 14km run yesterday afternoon was going really great.  I had tons of energy, plenty of water and was running at a great pace, until I reached the 11km mark.  I did not bring any sport gels with me, which I usually use to fuel the last half of my long runs.  Unfortunately that took its toll on my body and I struggled to get through the last 3km, which slowed me down quite a bit.  I think I'll do much better next weekend, as long as I have the proper fuel to get through it.  I'm am happy that the timing on my 5.7km run has improved by 4minutes from the first time I ran it this season - yaaaaa boyyy!  

Going into week 8, my goal is to run 3x during the week and to beat my 14km time on Sunday's long run.  I want to complete it in under 1hr40min.  Wish me luck.

Hope you are all doing fabulous!!!!

- Anjali
xoxoxo

Saturday Afternoon Haul

After running errands this afternoon I found myself in the mall - how convenient.  Over the past few months I've been making a conscious effort to reduce my spending.  I started off with NOT buying everything I liked.  Sounds silly right?  Trust me, it was not too long ago that I was living a lifestyle where if I wanted something, I'd maybe hesitate a little, but eventually I'd buy it.  Taking control and finally saying "no" has been quite empowering and has done small wonders for my wallet.  Now that I know I'm capable of restraint, I'm trying a more focused approach to shopping.  Here are my two rules:

1) Only pay full price for items under $20

2) Only buy if you can wear the item on multiple occasions with multiple outfits.

Here's how I did: 

Item #1: White & Navy Striped Tank, H&M $14.95

Item #2: Coral Tank Top, H&M $6.95 (cheap!!!)

Item #3: Pink & Beige Patterned Tube Dress, H&M  $24.95

Okay so this was over $20 and wasn't on sale...

JUSTIFICATION: I need fun dresses for going out.  I went to a club last weekend and was appalled at the lack of fun going-out-clothes in my closet.  I can see myself wearing this casually with a light cardi during the summer days, or I could dress it up with some hot accessories and sandals for the evening. 

Item #4: Jean Blazer, Le Chateau, $39.99 (reduced from $89.99)

 

JUSTIFICATION: I've been on the lookout for a casual blazer.  I really only have 1 other blazer that is black, unfitted, and simply untrendy.  This is something I can see myself wearing to work (business casual environment) but also out casually with a tank and leggings...and for $50 off, I thought it was a great deal.

 Item #5: Printed Scarf, Le Chateau, $25.00

JUSTIFICATION:  Okay I don't have one.  This was simply an impulse buy.  I liked the print and really wanted a light scarf for the Spring.  I completed broke the rules on this...so let's move on.

Item #6: Black Spring Jacket, EDIT by Jeanne Beker, The Bay, $89.99 (reduced from $150)

JUSTIFICATION:  I don't have a light-weight black jacket.  Well I didn't...before today :)  As much as I know I shouldn't be wearing black jackets in the Spring/Summer anyway, it's another item that I think is kind of an essential.  I used to have a nice one but it got old and started to fall apart so I was forced to toss it last year.  The quality of this is superb and I know I can wear it in the early Fall - so I'll get great use out of it.  AND for $60 off, I thought it was another great deal...BUT again, I don't know if I'll keep it.  Considering the weather is going to warm up over the next few months, I won't be wearing it much...and I can always buy a new black jacket in the Fall.  I'm debating this one...

Item #7: American Eagle Black Flats, Payless Shoes, $39.99

JUSTIFICATION: If you read my blog, you know of my struggle when it comes to finding shoes that actually fit.  With size 11 feet, I have to jump on any pair of shoes I can find that look good and feel comfortable.  I only have 1 pair of closed-toed flats that are about 3 years old and embarrass me everytime I wear them (they are silver, metallic, loafer-like and just need to be replaced).  I was very hesitant to pay $40 for this pair of black flats considering the quality at Payless is not the greatest, BUT I've been looking for them for months and have not had any luck, so I figured I better buy a pair that fits and at least feels comfortable for now. 

Item #8: Lower East Side Grey Sequined Flats, $17.50 (with Payless BOGO sale)

JUSTIFICATION: Of course Payless was having a BOGO sale - buy one get one half off, so I thought if they had my size in something I'd try for another pair.  And they did.  So I bought these.  Now I can replace my ugly metallic gray embarrassments with some cuter, cleaner, and more up-to-date flats.

And that's it!  For the most part I am happy with the deals I got.  I'm not sure that I should have spent $25 on the scarf, but I know I'll make good use of it...so I'm going to let that one go.  The only item I'm really debating is the black jacket.  I'm wondering if I should keep it at the discounted price I got, or if I should return it and wait until the Fall to buy a black jacket.  I'm just thinking that the jackets in the Fall will be more expensive and a lot heavier.  What would you do?

I'm looking forward to showing you some OOTDs with these new items :)

Happy Weekend!

- Anjali

xoxoxo

A Spring Look! ft. Vasanti Coral Sea Lip Shine and Urban Decay's Naked Palette

Sometimes it's the small things in life that make us happiest.  For me, it was waking up to the sun yesterday morning!  It's been a little drab here in Toronto for the past few days so even a tiny ray of sunshine was enough to put me in a good mood and inspire a fresh Springtime look!  And what better way to add brightness to your face than with Vasanti's Coral Sea lip shine?  With a name like "Coral Sea", the gloss better deliver, right?  It does.  Here she is folks, Coral Sea:

Coral Sea lip shine from Vasanti Cosmetics

In case you haven't tried Vasanti lip shines before, these are ultra smooth, non-sticky and they smell deeeelicious!  Coral Sea is a favourite amongst my bridal clients - it's a beautiful subtle pink with a touch of coral that creates a luscious lip on almost anyone.
With the Coral Sea lip shine, I used "Half Baked" and "Smog" eye shadows from Urban Decay's Naked Palette to create this FOTD: 

 

I applied Half Baked, a very shimmery and bright gold, all over the lid (from lash line to crease) then blended Smog, a shimmery but darker brown, along the crease.  To add an extra pop to the lids I added  a touch of Sin, a pale shimmery pink, to just the center of the lids.

Ugggh.  It's a great palette.  I wanted to get a little Springy in my outfit as well, so I threw on a gray rouched dress from Dynamite and paired it with this coral caridgan from, you guessed it, Ricki's!  

I love the rouching around the top button of the cardi - it's a small detail that adds so much to the look and structure of the sweater.  It felt good to rock a bright look yesterday!  I'm usually a black and gray kinda gal, but lately I've been throwing in some springtime colours and am really enjoying it.  Hey, if the weather is going to be crap in May, doesn't mean my look has to be!  Right?

What's your inspiration this Spring?

Finally a Nude Polish That Works For ME: Sally Hansen's "Cafe Au Lait"

I think I've written about my hand complex before.  If not, well, here it is:  I hate my hands.  I think they are too big, too dark, and too man-like.  I like to try different nail polishes but have a hard time wearing the fun pretty colours that people with lighter or darker skin tones can pull off so well (i.e. Chanel's Jade).  I feel like most shades clash with my skin tone, especially those pretty nude shades that look stunning on Caucasian and Asian hands.  Many people look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them this, but I guess we all have quirky complexes about silly things.

Anyway, the point of this post is that I think I finally found a light, nude polish that I actually works on my hands!  Here is Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure nail polish in "Cafe Au Lait":

And here it is on me (please excuse the messy application.  I'm in desperate need for a manicure but just haven't taken the time to actually go for one):

 

Not bad, huh?  I really like the Complete Salon Manicure line - they have a wide range of shades that suit all skin tones and the polish generally lasts 5-7 days on my nails.

What do you think of this shade?  ROCK IT or KNOCK IT? 
(haha I just came up with that, I kinda like it!)

Your input is greatly appreciated :)

- Anjali
xoxoxo