Here are my latest pictures from Instagram. I've included pictures from the last couple of months minus my outfit pictures as they've already made an appearance on the blog. The first set are from the Sydney Harbour 10km last weekend, which I'll share a few words about first:The Sydney Harbour 10km was my first ever running event. The Parkrun is the only organised run I've ever participated in and that's hardly the same. I'm sure I would have been capable of participating in running events before, but I always doubt my confidence and like to ensure I'm well and truly prepared before attempting anything. I've run a few 10kms in training before so I knew I'd be able to make the distance. The time felt right. I had the best time ever!! It was incredible being a part of an event of this nature. The environment and atmosphere was amazing to witness. I'll remember it for a long time to come. The best aspect was a personal best time of approximately three minutes. I completed the 10km in 54 minutes and 40 seconds. I never expected to be able to maintain 5 minutes 28 seconds per kilometre for the whole 10km. I felt a whole range of emotions at the end. I felt so proud because competing in running is so new for me. My background is in swimming and not running. It's the swimming training that got me to this level with running; I was very average at running before becoming serious about swimming this year. After such a positive experience, I've now signed up to the City 2 Surf in August which is 14km. ![]()
![]()
This set were taken on a sunny Saturday morning at the Parkrun:
L-R: 1. Juliette Princess Miracle wearing my wedding dress (taken a few years ago but re-shared) 2. A good temporary fix for a missing button 3. Cupcakes at work to celebrate the launch of 'Facebook at Work' 4. The finish line for the Sydney Harbour 10km 5. New personal best for 5km at Parkrun of 25:02 (now desperate to get under 25 minutes) 6. Husband came to Parkrun 7. Selfie with the husband 8. Trying out the new Polaroid camera 9. Monday 5.30am swims are the hardest 10. Trying to fit in some hill runs and interval trainingFollow me on instagram as chelsea_miracle
↧
It's almost the end of July and I haven't even posted my swimming and running stats for June. 139km combined total for swimming and running which is the most I've ever done in a month. I really wanted to reach 60km for swimming rather than the usual 55km. I'm also enjoying running a lot lately because I don't get nervous or feel pressure competing the way I do with swimming. The training has been hard given the winter weather but I told myself I wouldn't miss a training session because of rain or cold. That makes it even more satisfying. It's paying off because I'm improving my personal best times. Here are my swimming stats for June:
and for running:
In terms of my goal to achieve the Million Metre award with Masters Swimming Australia, I'm now 37% of the way there (as at today, not sure end of June).
Here's what else happened for the month:![]()
-achieved a new personal best time at the Parkrun of 25 minutes and 2 seconds for 5km. I'm slightly disappointed to miss sub 25 minutes but can't complain given that my goal for this year was under 27. I know I'll get there.-attended all four Parkruns for the month. -participated in another 4 swim club nights, very close to 25 consecutive weeks award. -continued working towards the million metres award with Masters Swimming Australia. I've completed almost 37% of the total distance required so far.-kept up with the routine of training 10 times a week (5 swimming training, 1 racing swimming, 1 bootcamp, 3 runs)-continued working on te Endurance Program with Masters Swimming Australia which involvces 62 long distance swims over the course of the year. By the end of June I'd completed 21/62. This is a tough program as the swims range from 400m to a continuous hour. -participated in a swim meet with Masters Swimming NSW with all personal best times- 100m breastroke 1.36.56, 50m backstroke 39.81 and 200m freestyle 2.48.06.
What did you achieve last month?
↧
↧
![]()
I'm a bit late in posting this since the National Velvet Lilac Dita Cardigan from Wheels and Dollbaby was released a few weeks ago. However, it's one of my more recent purchases and is yet to make an appearance in an outfit post so that still counts as new. I love the Dita Cardigans as the embroidery is very beautiful and the tie collar is adorable. The buttons and trim are even velvet. I'm very pleased with this colourway, especially given I didn't like the last two colour releases (plain black and gold). It's very pretty in person and anything in the purple/pink range of shades is always a winner for me.
I now have three colourways of the Dita Cardigan and I can't choose a favourite. Lately I've been wearing the lilac version the most because it's new but overall I've had the most use from the Rouge Noir colourway so far. The green cardigan was my very first. I also purchased a red one and a coral one from ebay but ended up selling them both.
This was because I didn't like the fit and the sleeves were very long and loose. The newer release cardigans are a much smaller tighter fit. They feel and look much better.
I cannot believe the following these cardigans have; I've never seen anything like it before. Many people I've seen in the 'Buy, Swap and Sell Group' on Facebook have a collection of 20 +. As much as I love them I'd never own the same cardigan in that many different colours. It's unbelievable seeing some of the older colourways, in pre-owned condition, going for $400 on ebay when the RRP was $190. I was just following one on there today which ended up going for $375. I hope one day there will be a yellow version and a re-release of pink and also pale blue. The black with red embroidery is also a favourite too.
![]()
I only discovered these cardigans relatively recently so my collection just started about a year ago. As a result, I'm sure my collection will never become as large as my Alannah Hill Collection of cardigans!
I'm sure one of my next outfit posts will be of the lilac version. Until then, I've put together a few previous outfit pictures of the Emerald colourway and the Rouge Noir colourway. They are all very versatile and have proven to match with many different outfits. I prefer to wear these cardigans with dresses than skirts for some reason.
Do you have any Dita Cardigans? What do you collect?
Looks cool in black and whiteDita Cardigans from Wheels and Dollbaby
↧
It's been the busiest week ever; these photos have been ready to upload for almost a week now but I couldn't find a spare moment to write the post. An average day this week has involved waking up at 5am for sport, rushing to get to work on time, cramming in work on the train, working all day, more working on the train, showing up for a night time session of sport, and then working for an hour once arriving home. My life outside work has been incredibly busy all year but it's a routine I'm now used to and has overall been successful. However, the addition of a busy work week (where work is also an outside hours activity like it was last year) is enough to take me to burnout point. I'll have to make sure work remains during work hours from now on because this week was a timely reminder I cannot do both. I need my mornings and nights for running and swimming. On another note, I was appointed Captain of my swim club at the AGM on Wednesday night (effective for a year). My main responsibility, among others, will be running Wednesday night racing. I'm also rather excited about having control of the club Facebook page. I'm very much looking forward to the opportunity.Now onto the outfit pictures. As you can see, I finally attended to my excessively bad regrowth and my hair is completely red again. I hope it stays this way for as long as possible with all the swimming I'm doing. This dress would be one of my top few all time favourites (first worn here). I haven't worn it for awhile but I plan on changing that. I always love a red dress and the detailing is super pretty. The dress was also released in pale blue earlier, which I'd love to one day add to my Kitten D'Amour collection as it reminds me of Princess Elsa. The cardigan is a recent purchase from Alannah Hill. Despite a number of months of hardly buying any clothes, I have acquired a few new pieces recently. I've finally liked a few things in the shops and thank you massive tax refund! This shade of blue is lovely and unique. I think it also pairs well with red. Alannah Hill all the way for cardigans. My uniform certainly is Kitten D'Amour dresses, Alannah Hill cardigans and B.A.I.T Footwear shoes.
![IMG_1203]()
![IMG_1353]()
![IMG_1408]()
![IMG_1266]()
![IMG_1366]()
![IMG_1357]()
![IMG_1283]()
![IMG_1376]()
![IMG_1193]()
Kitten D'Amour Scarlet Tie DressAlannah Hill The Wild Heart CardiganB.A.I.T Footwear Gloria Flats Kitten D'Amour Castaway Kitten BagLinking to: Fashion Should Be Fun
↧
↧
↧
It’s almost the end of August and I’m only just getting around to posting my swimming and running stats for July. It seems like so long ago; I had to think hard about what actually happened in during the month of July. For the second month in a row I reached over 60km for swimming and I achieved my maximum running distance in a month. I’m enjoying running a lot lately and it’s become more serious ever since I entered my first ever running event in July which was the Sydney Harbour 10k (post about it here). I cannot wait until we get some warmer weather in the next couple of weeks because it’s required dedication to keep going through the winter months especially during the early mornings.
Here are my swimming stats for July:
and for running:![]()
In terms of my goal to achieve the Million Metre award with Masters Swimming Australia, I'm now 43% of the way there (as at today, not sure end of July). Here's what else happened for the month:![]()
- for the Parkrun I finally reached a significant milestone of under 25 minutes for the first time. It took quite a few attempts to get within the 24 minute range, and I'm still not able to do it every week (but have a total of three times now). My best time is 24 minutes and 33 seconds for the 5km.- attended four Parkruns for the month.- attended all swim club nights and reached the 25 consecutive weeks award.- continued working towards the million metres award with Masters Swimming Australia. I've completed almost 42% of the total distance required so far (not sure exactly as at the end of July)-kept up with the routine of training 10 times a week (5 swimming, 1 racing swimming, 1 bootcamp, 3 runs)
-participated in first ever running event (Sydney Harbour 10k) and achived a new best 10km time of 54 minutes and 40 seconds-continued working on the Endurance Program with Masters Swimming Australia which involves 62 long distance swims over the course of the year. By the end of July I'd completed 28/62.-participated in a long distance swim meet with Masters Swimming NSW with both personal best times- 800m backstroke 13:02.79 and 400m breastroke 7:22.86
↧
This is one of my absolute favourite cardigans at the moment. I've always loved the provence design from Wheels and Dollbaby and I was really surprised when another range of this print was recently released. I thought it would be in the archives forever and I'd never get to add it to my wardrobe. I've substantially increased my collection of Wheels and Dollbaby cardigans this year; I only had two last year. Interestingly, other than the cardigans, I don't like anything else from Wheels and Dollbaby; I think it's the use of leather and silk, combined with pencil silhouettes which isn't my style. This skirt has to be one of the most worn pieces I've ever owned. It goes with everything! I'm sure it'll be ready for a remix post soon (previously worn here, here and here).
It's my first day of annual leave and my sister has arrived from London. It's going to be the best nine days away from work!![IMG_1519]()
![IMG_1589]()
![IMG_1660]()
![IMG_1539]()
![IMG_1675]()
![IMG_1634]()
![IMG_1600]()
![IMG_1514]()
Wheels and Dollbaby Provence Floral CardiganKitten D'Amour Forget Me Not SkirtKurt Geiger HeelsKitten D'Amour Petite Bow Belt
↧
September 5, 2016, 4:45 am
It's been a week since my sister arrived and I've had the best time. I literally cannot comprehend how the time has gone so fast. My annual leave is over in just two days and what I'd do for just a few more days away from work. It's so hard knowing this time isn't forever and she will be returning to London in less than two weeks. Here are a few activities we've been up to!The Bay RunThis is a popular 7km pathway/running track/cycle course along the waterside of the inner western suburbs of Sydney. I have surprisingly never run the course before, mainly because it's quite far away from where I live. However, it's something I've always wanted to do. There's a fun run held there annually, but this year it was unfortunately on the same day as a masters swimming carnival so I couldn't attend. Running here is so much nicer than elsewhere else and the course is overall relatively flat. I ran a total of 12km- almost two laps of the course (decided to walk the last 2km of the second lap to take in more of the scenery and enjoy the experience). I really want to come back. Bike RidingI haven't been out on the bikes for months now so it was lots of fun to go for a ride around the streets. By the end of it, sister had decided bike riding wasn't for her! I'm always surprised how hard bike riding is on the legs. If it was easier I'd probably consider signing up for a triathlon some day. ParkrunAs a regular at the Parkrun, it was so nice to finally be able to take my sister to her first one- we'd been looking forward to this event for ages! She really enjoyed the experience. The weather was incredibly windy and the track was very wet so not the best conditions; I unfortunately just missed my goal time. I feel so annoyed at myself whenever my 5km time exceeds 25 minutes these days. How times have changed given my first ever Parkrun last year took me over 30 minutes to complete.
CityWe've been into the big city a couple of times now- once for drinks at the Opera Bar and Shangri La, and the other for Barangaroo on Father's Day. I love the first picture- she hates hugs, especially from me.
Shopping and MoviesWe've done so much shopping and seen three movies so far. I love seeing movies on weekdays since the cinema is so empty. I often make a point of doing this when I have a day off from work, and generally avoid movies at all other times. We've seen Absolutely Fabulous, David Brent: Life on the Road and Bad Moms.
↧
September 11, 2016, 3:17 am
This weekend we had a family trip to Palm Beach for my dad's birthday. It's very rare the five of us are all together especially with my sister living in London these days. Palm Beach is the northernmost suburb of Sydney and features beautiful landscape including an historic lighthouse. I actually haven't been here for years. It was such lovely and warm weather. Ever since the start of September, the weather has improved almost instantly. Life seems so much better in all respects. I'm particularly pleased because training can only get easier now- those 5.30am starts at the pool in the middle of winter were brutal!
![IMG_3166]()
![IMG_3124]()
![IMG_3135]()
![IMG_3172]()
![IMG_3151]()
![IMG_3129]()
![IMG_3148]()
Kitten D'Amour Girl Friday Spot TopKitten D'Amour Girl Friday Full Skirt
↧
↧
September 20, 2016, 1:26 am
Half MarathonTwo days ago I participated in my first ever half marathon at the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. I'd been considering a half marathon for a couple of months now but the thought of running 21.1km is very overwhelming so left the decision until only a couple of weeks before. I couldn't get the idea of a half marathon out of my mind so I knew I wouldn't be satisfied until I tried it. My goal was to run the whole thing and not worry about a specific goal time. I achieved this and did run the entire distance- time in the end was 2:03.51. I'd definitely do another half marathon (not for awhile!) my goal next time would be to get under 2 hours. The reason this feels like a huge achievement is because running is a new sport for me. I've only done it seriously for a few months now, July was my first ever running event and prior to the City2Surf in August, I'd never run more than 10km. I don't have the background in running that I do in swimming. Also, I've never done any specific training for a running event or for this half marathon. I've relied on my swimming training and, as a result of having a good fitness level, I'm able to give long distance running a go. There's no way I could have done this without the swimming. I convinced the husband to participate in the Family Fun Run which is a 4km. He came in the top half without running any of it! He's also agreed to come to the next running event which is in two weeks time.
Back to LondonMy sister went back to London yesterday after being here for three weeks. We had the best time together but now I'm really feeling her absence. We tried not to make a big deal of her leaving as I knew we'd talk again the next day. The hardest part for me is knowing this is intended as permanent- - we won't live in the same country again, the most I can expect is a couple of weeks together every year. I get through it by keeping incredibly busy especially with sport. If I need to be somewhere and I'm constantly around other people, I can't possibly feel what I might otherwise. Keeping busy and taking it one day at a time is the only way I get through anything in life and it's taken me awhile to learn that. Here is a re-post of my favourite picture of our time together.
SwimmingSwimming is still taking up a lot of my time. I've taken a two day break after running the half marathon and I think that's actually the longest I've gone without swimming all year. More than enjoying swimming, it's the desire to improve which motivates me to continue. Daily exercise and early mornings have become a way of life now; it doesn't feel right when I'm not doing that. It was amazing to do some swimming with my sister while she was here; I'm surprised she wanted to swim so often. I took her to weekly racing at swim club and it reminded me of when we were kids. I tried some outdoor swimming last week to see if it was warm enough again- I had the whole pool to myself!
SpringI'm enjoying the spring weather; everything in life seems better and more manageable in this weather. It changed so quickly, almost overnight it became warm again. I keep reminding myself training can only get easier now, I truly have no idea how I showed up to the pool at 5.30am each Monday throughout winter, for example. It'll be so enjoyable in coming months when it's hot at those early hours of the day. I took this picture at lunch time on a work day. I rarely see the city other than while in the area for work.
SmoothiesAbout a month ago I incorporated fruit smoothies into my diet. For as long as I can remember, I've had the worst possible diet, it'would be embarrassing to even mentioned it! In fact it wasn't until I discussed it out loud that I felt motivated to make some changes. I haven't changed completely but this is one daily improvement I've made. I previously didn't eat fruit at all and one of these contains berries and a banana. The other benefit is it takes about 5 minutes to make. I often have them for dinner after training. I previously would have ordered takeaway because of being too tired to do anything else. The husband will drink one if I make them so that's a bonus too.
What have you been up to recently?
↧
The Bossa Nova dress from Kitten D'Amour is the latest addition to my wardrobe and I wore it for the first time last night to a work function at the NRL grand final. It's been so many months since I've had a night out; because of my routine of early morning sport, I struggle to stay awake past 9pm. Luckily it's a long weekend here so I had a very rare sleep in this morning. Yes, I was a little overdressed but I don't do casual clothes; I'm either wearing dressy clothes or sportswear and there's no in between. This outfit also proves that I do occasionally wear black! I haven't liked as many pieces from Kitten D'Amour this year as I did in the past but finally this dress was a winner for me. As soon as I tried it on I knew I couldn't leave the store without it. The flower embroidery is so beautiful and I love the overlay. The cameo brooch coincidentally matches the bow in my hair. The dress is a strapless design but it's still a little cold here for that. Also, to be perfectly honest, I feel very self conscious about my arms these days. Strapless designs always used to be my favourite but this year the shape of my arms have changed from swimming and strength training. It's only been the arms as I still fit in the same clothes. A part of me will never be happy about that but there's no way I could compete or do my current routine having been as underweight as I was a couple of years ago. Overall I know I'm much happier these days and it's a small price to pay compared to the pain, anxiety and depression I used to feel when I had the "perfect" body. I remind myself of that whenever I need it. ![IMG_0243]()
![IMG_0171]()
![IMG_0265]()
![IMG_0267]()
![IMG_0227]()
![IMG_0255]()
![IMG_0207]()
![IMG_0185]()
Kitten D'Amour Bossa Nova DressKitten D'Amour Bow Belt in RedKurt Geiger HeelsAlannah Hill Cest La Vie Cardigan
↧
October 16, 2016, 8:54 pm
1, 2. Halloween decorations I made for upcoming themed swimming carnival we are hosting. 3. Parkrun. 4. Selfie. 5, 6. Tennis, considering joining the tennis club in a couple of months. 7, 8. Juliette Princess Miracle. 9. Cupcakes for Juliette's 6th birthday. 10. Medals from Western Sydney Marathon (10km). 11. New best time for 10km (52:43). 12. Spring blossoms. 13, 14. Lunchtime walks in Sydney. 15. Swimming. 16. New phone- iphone 7 plus in rose gold. 17. Getting ready for State Short Course Championships. 18. Swimming meet at MaroubraFollow me on Instagram as chelsea_miracle
↧
October 20, 2016, 4:51 pm
Last weekend I went to the Central Coast for swimming State Short Course Championships. I've been there a couple of times this year for swimming and it's one of my favourite ever locations. It is so incredibly beautiful. I also like Pearl Beach specifically because it's so secluded at the bottom of a mountain. It's like being in another world and provides the opportunity to forget about real life for awhile sometimes. There was also enough time after the swimming to enjoy the area. We went for a bushwalk on the Sunday to the top of the mountain and witnessed an amazing outlook into Pearl Beach and Patonga. I've always loved the Central Coast. Since I already live in the north of Sydney, it's not that far away (the start of the Central Coast is only 40 minutes up the freeway). My Nana lived on the Central Coast (but much further up) for most of my childhood so I've spent lots of time there previously and have many memories. I would very seriously consider moving out of Sydney and to the Central Coast one day. I'd definitely be willing to commute into Sydney City for work each day (as it couldn't be worse than the 1.5 hours each way I do currently within Sydney). Here are my pictures from the weekend (I'll provide an update on the swimming meet later).
![IMG_3446]()
![IMG_3440]()
![IMG_3444]()
![IMG_3437]()
![IMG_3445]()
![IMG_3439]()
![IMG_3442]()
![IMG_3438]()
![image1 (20)]()
![IMG_3441]()
Back up the coast for swimming tomorrow.
↧
↧
November 5, 2016, 1:30 am
reorkef
Que Sera Sera Peekaboo DressI tried on the new Kitten D'Amour collection in store on Thursday and purchased one of the other dresses (think it will be my next outfit post). However, this was a close second and I'll keep my eye on it. I love this particular peekaboo cut and wish there were more dresses like it. I also like the patterns in this dress, both of them alone are amazing but I adore them even more when mixed. Plus anything pink and purple is definitely my style. The one aspect of this piece I didn't like was the absence of lining in the skirt section. I'm very particular about the quality of clothes (and most Kitten D'Amour dresses are lined) so that was disappointing. If it had lining it probably would have justified purchasing two dresses from the one collection.
Nike Free RN in PinkEver since I started a routine involving A LOT a sport this year, I've loved Nike shoes. I'm not quite sure how I managed to acquire four pairs since the beginning of the year. The beautiful bright colours means there's always a design I have my eye on; at the moment it's this pink pair. I like both the Free Run design and the Free Run Distance design for training. For long runs and racing I like to run in Nike Fly Knit.
Alannah Hill Sunny Days SkirtI see a theme here; everything so far has been pink. It's been a long time since I've purchased a piece other than a cardigan from Alannah Hill but at the moment I like many of the skirts and dresses. The floral print is very much my style and the fit and flare design is the only type of skirt I wear. I haven't seen it in person yet, only online but I'm sure it's just as pretty.
Alannah Hill Takes the Cake HeelI love these heels more than I can put into words. They are super pretty and I adore the vintage inspiration. These heels remind me very much of a pair I used to have from Modcloth about five years ago. They were my favourite ever shoes but completely wore out and I've been desperate to replace them ever since. I think this would be the closest match I've ever seen. They also look comfortable as far as heels go. I'm not as willing to wear comfortable shoes as I used to be; need to save my feet and ankles for the long distance running.
Guess Linnea Small Classic ToteI'm drawn to many of the patterned bags in Guess at the moment and this is my favourite. I see another theme developing here and that is florals. It's very classy with the black background against the floral accents. I haven't purchased a Guess bag since maybe the start of the year. I was very put off by the experience I had with a Guess bag about a year ago (extremely poor quality where I ended up sending even the replacement back). But if I like a Guess bag enough now it might be time once again to get into the market again.
What is on your wishlist right now?
↧
November 11, 2016, 1:20 am
![IMG_2089]()
Finally an outfit picture, it's been way too long. I'm hoping to post more regularly from now on; I'm definitely still busy but the lighter nights help with taking pictures and creating blog material. As I mentioned in my last post, this is the newest dress in my collection. It's the Que Sera Sera collar dress from Kitten D'Amour. I had mixed feelings regarding this collection. The quality wasn't as high as some of the kitten designs. That's not to say there's an issue with the quality because there certainly wasn't. I'm just extremely particular and I like all my dresses to be lined in the skirt part and this wasn't. If they were I may well have purchased two designs from the collection. This particular dress was by far my favourite. The only potential issue is how low cut it is on me. However, I'm fine with it because I'm prepared for my undergarments to show and form part of the outfit; I don't think it looks much different from having a top underneath. The dress also came with a matching belt but on this occasion I liked the red belt. I don't like Kitten D'Amour as much as I used to. There are my pieces in the store which are not my style these days and, although it remains the shop I go to most, I purchase less than I used to. There are other aspects which I find frustrating too. Many of the staff (but certainly not all!) are too pushy and don't even allow privacy when trying on clothes in the change rooms. I don't like the censorship on their Facebook page and discussion group. I've seen comments deleted whenever someone expresses a negative view towards the store. They are implementing petty rules such as not allowing customers to take pictures in the store. I believe customers and supporters of the brand should be allowed to openly and objectively have discussions. I am not a fan of the restrictions and censorship.
I couldn't be happier the weekend is here. It's beautiful spring weather and I'm enjoying simple aspects of life such as walking in the sunshine, sitting on the balcony and having an afternoon off work. I will also do some training for both swimming and running. I have the Long Distance Championships for swimming on Sunday. I'll be racing the 400m backstroke and 800m freestyle. I can't say I'm looking forward to it because racing makes me nervous (don't know why given I race weekly and started competitive swimming when I was nine years old) but hopefully it'll feel like a achievement once it's over.
![IMG_1982]()
![IMG_1914]()
![IMG_2007]()
![IMG_2032]()
![IMG_1929]()
![IMG_1916]()
![IMG_2018]()
![IMG_1934]()
Kitten D'Amour Que Sera Sera Collar DressKitten D'Amour Velvet Bow Belt in RedGuess Flats
Linking to: Fun Fashion Friday
↧
November 18, 2016, 2:01 am
I'm wearing one of my favourite ever dresses today as the weather is perfect. I've said this a lot lately but it's incredible how much better and how different life seems in the beautiful weather. I seem to forget this from year to year; each October/November it appears even nicer than the year before. I purchased this dress about a year ago and posted it here. I used to always wear it as a skirt with a cardigan over the top because it was too big in the bust and too long in the bodice. Although not the perfect fit, it does fit me a lot better now than it did a year ago so I can finally use it as a dress. It's a very pretty design; I love the pastels and the velvet blue ribbon. Not much else to say at the moment. Happy it's the weekend! ![IMG_2159]()
![IMG_2231]()
![IMG_2213]()
![IMG_2292]()
![IMG_2262]()
![IMG_2197]()
![IMG_2240]()
![IMG_2311]()
Kitten D'Amour Eloise DressFlorsheim Shoes
↧
November 27, 2016, 7:47 pm
↧
↧
December 4, 2016, 12:14 am
It's been ages since I've done a remix post and this skirt is perfect for it given it's one of my most worn pieces ever. It's from the Forget Me Not Collection at Kitten D'Amour which was one of my favourites from that store. I love the matching top but there are so many other pairing possibilities too. It's one of my go to pieces when I don't know what to wear. I adore the embroidered lace and the colour is so pretty. What are your favourite pieces to wear over and over again?
↧
December 9, 2016, 2:02 am
Today I added to my wardrobe quite possible the most beautiful gorgeous piece I've ever owned. I have a large quantity of clothes so that's really saying something; it's right up there with my all time favourites. As you probably know by now, I love these Dita Cardigans and have five of them , mainly the newer release colourways as I only discovered them last year. I am always on the lookout for some of the rarer and older versions on ebay and the facebook group. Since they are very expensive and often sell at above retail price, I'm trying to be sensible about it and only buy my top couple of colourways if they ever come on sale, that being the black version with white trim and the pale blue version with white embroidery and black trim. Very surprisingly this beauty was listed on ebay earlier in the week and I snapped it up immediately. I never thought I'd find one. In person it's everything I wanted and I'm so happy. I've had mixed success buying these online and in pre owned condition before. I'm taken a risk on a couple on ebay before and ended up reselling them (which isn't a problem as they are always resellable). However, this one is in excellent condition and feels almost as though I'd just bought it new directly from the website. It's a lovely tight fit including the sleeves, impressive quality. I cannot wait to wear it!
![IMG_2933[1]]()
![IMG_2946[1]]()
Wheels and Dollbaby Dita Cardigan
↧
December 26, 2016, 2:51 am
It's holiday time and I'm on a break from work for the next twelve days. I couldn't be happier; this is the longest break I've had from work since I started at my current workplace which was almost three and a half years ago. I've been looking forward to this time for a long time now. I don't have any major plans, after the 26th of December all my days are free so far. I prefer it that way. This year has been so incredibly busy and I never have enough time at home. I'm most looking forward to doing lots of sport and being at home watching Youtube and Netflix.
It's the time of year for posts which review the year that's been. I'll create a separate post with my outfits from 2016. For now I'll write about some other aspects of the year. I can easily say (so far) 2016 has been the best year of my life (at least my life as an adult). Prior to last year I had a number of terrible years and I've been through a lot in my life so because of that I am incredibly grateful. The reason for such a positive year is taking up sport again particularly swimming. It's been my number one priority all year at the expense of anything else. I had a lot of very specific goals for swimming and there's nothing I wouldn't have done to achieve them. I accepted zero excuses from myself for missing training and racing. I became a lot tougher this year which feels like an achievement. I never say any of this to brag, I don't think I'm particularly amazing or impressive. But I like to acknowledge the progress I have made because it proves what can be done with a dream and wanting something enough. For me this sense of dedication and purpose comes out in sport. Despite a twelve year break from swimming prior to this year, it's a feeling I've never experienced in any other context of life. However, it could be from anything else for a range of people. Never stop setting goals and doing whatever it takes to achieve them.
Here's what happened in 2016:
Tennis: three weeks ago I joined tennis club. It's been the best decision and I look forward to it every week. It's for three hours on Sunday morning and is very relaxed. At first I thought the easy going nature would be frustrating for me because I get really competitive with sports but actually it's perfect. I already have swimming to be competitive about and I often feel lots of pressure from myself so tennis works out really well. My husband also joined tennis with me so it's nice to have an activity to do together, especially since he generally hates sport. ![]()
![]()
Running: after many recurring ankle and foot injuries towards the end of last year and the beginning of this year, I've been back into running since March. With improved fitness and strength I believe my body finally got used to long distance running. I'm very grateful for that because of the problems I've had previously. I usually run three times a week- Tuesday mornings, Thursday nights and Saturday morning (which is Parkrun). Parkrun has been my main involvement with running. I've attended 35 times this year and would have more if I didn't have conflicting swimming commitments. I can't wait to receive the 50 Parkruns shirt which I'm aiming for around next March. I'm also aiming to come top three in the pointscore for my local Parkrun. It's been hard since I attend a very popular Parkrun location. 5km is now my best time because it's the only distance I race regularly. I improved my time by over seven minutes in the last year. ![]()
In July I participated in my first ever running event which was the Sydney Harbour 10km. It was the best experience and I enjoyed the atmosphere of being a part of it. My background is in swimming and not running so I felt a self of achievement completing the event. It motivated me to complete three more running events for the year and I'm intending to do others next year.
Next was the City to Surf in August which was a 14km run from the city to Bondi Beach. It's a hugely popular event with over 67 000 finishers. It was an incredibly tough course because of the terrain. A significant part of the course was up hill which I didn't expect, in addition to a huge hill in the middle. In the end I got through it.![]()
In September I participated in my first ever half marathon at the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. I'd been considering a half marathon for a couple of months but wasn't sure if the goal to run 21.1km was just too big. I couldn't get the idea of a half marathon out of my mind so that's why I knew I'd give it a go. I didn't have a time specific goal but just wanted to run the entire course. I achieved that and finished in 2:03.51. I'd definitely be up for more half marathons and I'm considering two next year. I am set on getting under 2 hours next time. Prior to a month before I'd never run 10km. I didn't do any specific training for the event and was lucky enough to be able to rely on swimming training and have a good overall fitness level. ![]()
The final running event I participated in for the year was the Western Sydney 10km in October. It was a great event by Western Sydney and so nice not to have to get into the city, the less crowds and much more space was appreciated. Knowing it was the last one for the year I put in maximum effort and went out for a best time. I was very happy with 52 minutes, 43 seconds for the 10km.
Swimming is big enough for its own post so I'll have that up soon.
What have you achieved in 2016?
↧
![IMG_2933[1]](http://c5.staticflickr.com/1/67/31153711980_f50342206b_o.jpg)
![IMG_2946[1]](http://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5539/30684756904_d6daf1f185_o.jpg)
