I have a confession to make...

I have a confession to make... These are words I thought I'd never say:  I started running.  And, what's crazier?  I don't hate it!  Just for a little bit of context - I'm the girl who has always said, "If I had to run for my life I wouldn't even try..."  Yes, I'd rather die than run for my life...   

Well, I recently stumbled upon this running guide via Pinterest.  And I was intrigued.  Plus I've been feeling guilty about not working out.  I mean, I do yoga regularly, but I have been ignoring cardio.  Plus, with my wedding coming up, I figured I should start "freaking out" about getting in shape.  I don't want to lose weight, but I do want to tone up the butt and thigh area...  

So I started this "Running for Beginners" and I actually like it.  Granted, I'm still in Week 1 and I'm only actually running for a total of 5 minutes, but it's better than nothing, right?

What do you do to exercise?  Do you like it?  Will you give running a try?  

Found HERE

I must point out some mathematical errors with this running guide.  The total times are wrong.  For example, on Week 1, if you want the total time to equal 22 minute then it should say "5 reps total" NOT "repeat 5 times."  

Thoughts 'n' Things - DO YOU DIY?

THOUGHTS
DIY is the big trend right now.  Do It Yourself.  Save money.  But is it worth it?  Here's what I ask myself before starting a DIY project:

1.  How much do each of the materials required cost?

2.  How many items can you make with each set of materials?

3.  How much time will it take to make?

If the materials themselves are more expensive than just buying the product already made, then it's not worth it to DIY.  If the ingredients are super cheap but it's going to take hours and hours of precious time, then it might not be worth it.

HOWEVER, if it's something you LOVE doing and it's a product that you will love and cherish forever, then investing some time and money into it might not be a bad idea.

I often find myself wanting to try a DIY project but never getting around to it.  These days I can't afford to purchase any crafting items I may not already have, and I don't have a bunch on hand.

THINGS
Here are a few CHEAP INEXPENSIVE DIY projects that I want to give a try as soon as Peter and I are settled in our new place (who knows when that will be!!!):

STRAPPY FLIP FLOP INSTRUCTIONS HERE

"GILDED PATTERN VOTIVE HOLDERS AND BUD VASES" INSTRUCTIONS HERE

DECOUPAGED VINTAGE APOTHECARY JARS FREE PRINTABLES AND INSTRUCTIONS HERE

NAUTICAL ROPE VASE INSTRUCTIONS HERE

Do you DIY?  What types of projects do you complete?

Macaroon? Macaron?

Hi friends, 

I had a professor tell us over and over again something along the lines of, "Ignorance is only a problem if it's a choice."  

In other words, if you are ignorant about something (uneducated, untrained, unknowledgeable, uninformed, etc.), but you want to learn more, then you should ask, google, search, find it out!  

If you know you are ignorant about something but refuse to find answers, then you are being dumb foolish.  

Don't judge someone for asking a "stupid" question if they are sincerely trying to remedy their ignorance.  

And don't be ignorant about something and purposefully continue in your ignorance once you have realized your ignorance.  

Does that make sense?  

Well, here I am today, ready to remedy your ignorance about a certain topic: Macarons!!!  

This photo comes from www.dearbabyg.com and click *here* to read all about the differences between a macaron and a macaroon.

Both taste amazing with a nice cup of cappuccino tea.  :)

Thanks for reading!

Thoughts 'n' Things - Ageism

"AGEISM"

/ˈājˌizəm/

Noun Prejudice or discrimination on the basis of a person's age.

Peter and I went to Safeway today.  We planned out our shared meals for the next 6 or so days, made a list, and went.  As we were done checking out, the cashier looked at the receipt and said, "You kids just saved $40 dollars today."  Kids?  KIDS... 

Now, I understand that I look young for my age.  And there was no way for her to know that I have a Master's degree, have been living independently for 8 years, and am getting married in 44 days.  BUT she did know that Peter and I were shopping together, we (Peter) have our own Safeway card, and we (I) paid with a 100 dollar bill.  

I don't know, maybe I'm overreacting, but this is something that has always bothered me.  To me, using the term "kid" to apply to anyone younger than you is condescending and rude.  Do I really look that young?  Or are people just not thinking before they speak?  

Actually, I had a friend, who is my same age, call me "kiddo" once.  Wha-? Why?  I don't get it.  Was I supposed to then refer to her as "mama?"  

When I took choral methods in Undergrad, my professor told us we should never call our students "kids."  We should address them as "Ladies and Gentlemen" and refer to them as "students."  This institutes a level of professionalism and respect that will be likewise reciprocated.  I found this to be insightful.  Thinking back, even when I was in middle school I hated being talked down to, segregated from the adults, or generally lumped into the "little kid" category.  

So the moral of the story is this - If you're old, don't demean your younger compatriots by referring to them in terms of condescension and/or superciliousness.  And besides, shouldn't we be encouraging independence, maturity, responsibility, and sophistication in our children/nieces/ nephews/students/friends?