Category: Life

Mom Jeans, A Two Part Tale: Part II

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“Just say no.” I had heard it so many times in reference to drugs, but never to mom jeans. I was having the similar symptoms to a first great high…no, I don’t know what that’s like, what are you talking about? I put them on for my first day of spring quarter, excited like a Kindergartner on their first day of school. The best part, no one would ever know. I pulled my shirt down over the expansive inseam.

I made it through class without a hitch, the tummy-slimming panel performing well. When I got home I decided to snap a selfie and send the pic to my best friend from high school. I thought at least one other soul should enjoy my secret. She guffawed as best she could via text message. But then, I felt the first ounce of shame in my little secret. What was I doing wearing mom jeans at 23?!

I had a small epiphany right then and there. I needed to do better by myself and my body. So here I am, starting to blog about my journey to be more fit. And then, I had a crazy idea. I’d train to run the Rock ‘N Roll Half Marathon in November. Frankly, I’m not sure if this will happen. But you’ll here about the journey nonetheless. So maybe mom jeans don’t look good on anyone, but it seems they contain some sort of inspirational magic. Sisterhood of the Traveling Mom Jeans, or whatever…

 

Mom Jeans, A Two Part Tale: Part 1

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I went to Kohl’s the other day with the intention of getting a new pair of jeans. What typically happens is that I buy a pair and then wear them to shreds, leaving the unmentionable area so close to tearing I fear wearing them in public. An apt description of my current situation, it was time to trade up. When I made it to the ladies’ section I perused my way around the juniors so-tight-they-look-painted-on numbers, past the Levi’s, to a friendly looking section with a sign that mentioned one of the many magical words in the female vocabulary, “slimming. ”

These beauties were by Gloria Vanderbilt, who may I remind you is a near nonagenarian, mother to Anderson Cooper and heir to a glorious fortune. My mom jean radar was ringing, but I loved it all the same. I grabbed two pairs of Levi’s to balance out the high-waisted situation and headed to the fitting room. I slipped first into the Levi’s, dark, low on the waist, my legs looked thinner but my muffin top spilled out over the edges of the pants. The second pair wouldn’t even go past my thighs. I threw them frustrated to the floor and heaved a sigh of relief and dread as I picked up Gloria’s latest design. They pulled smoothly over my curvy figure and buttoned easily…ABOVE MY BELLY BUTTON.

I pulled my blouse to cover the mom-age and then turned around to catch myself in the mirror. Wow, I thought, I actually look pretty dang good. i stayed in the fitting room for another long 10 minutes debating whether or not to cross the line, until my boyfriend texted me to tell me he was ready with his purchases at the front.

I walked to the front of the store and jumped in line behind him, mom jeans in tow. “I can’t believe I’m about to do this,” I muttered under my breath. “Words?” James said. “No, nothing,” I replied. I sulked out of the store glad that Kohl’s settled on opaque shopping bags to cover my illicit purchase.

Girly Gear: SLR Accessories

I have had a DSLR camera for awhile now. In fact, I bought into the hype when Ashton Kutcher was still touting the Nikon D40. Just recently, I dug my camera out and decided I needed a few accessories. First, I couldn’t resist this padded strap cover by Happy Snapz over on Etsy. The shop owner at Martilena is custom-making my DSLR bag insert in “Wine”, the deep red, for just thirty-five dollars! It also comes in nine other durable nylon fabrics. Now, I have no excuse not to shoot.

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Weekend Instagram

 

 

This weekend the boy and I are at the beach. There are so many images here that I love. Look out during the coming weeks for color studies based on my (Instagram’s) photography. Meanwhile, follow me on Instagram via RunsWithMarkers.bb6c1b80470711e2979222000a1f9bc6_6

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When in Asheville…

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Asheville, NC is a quaint little metropolis just under two hours from the Charlotte, NC and Greenville, SC areas respectively. Don’t dismiss this little town as too granola, too fast. It has many unique shops that have garnered wide recognition. My favorites include Malaprop’s Bookstore, with its own cafe inside, Chocolate Fetish, a gourmet chocolate shop, and of course the local art supply store, True Blue Art Supply. So grab a cabin on airbnb in nearby Weaverville, Hendersonville or Montreat and enjoy a scenic weekend in the Blue Ridge.

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Runs With Markers is Now On Facebook

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Now there is another way to keep up with Runs With Markers. Streamline your viewing by following us on Facebook! Don’t forget, we are also on Pinterest and Twitter.

 

Authors That Inspire: Rosie Molinary

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I met Rosie Molinary when I registered to take her workshop on memoir at my alma mater, Davidson College. Her author journey began from her own experience dealing with body image and self-confidence. Now, with two books under her belt, Molinary hosts workshops to empower other women to follow their own paths and dreams. If you live in the Charlotte, NC area, check out Molinary’s visionSPARK workshop to be held on January 5th at a local farm. You will leave the workshop with an inspiration board and a new mantra to build your new year upon.

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