Pay Fashion Forward

Well friends, November is upon us. And for me, that means the start to my very first purpose project with Mochaclub:

After attending The Influence Conference again this year, and hearing about all the amazing projects so many women I know were doing to change the lives of other women and chatting with Barrett...I knew I had to sign up for a purpose project.

I wanted to pick something that had significance to me and felt like making a difference.

This month,
I'm going to raise $1000 to provide HIV/AIDS treatment and health care to 25 women.

25 women.
For an ENTIRE YEAR.
Isn't that crazy? It only costs $1000 to provide health care for 25 women. I can't imagine not having access to health care at all. What must it be like to be sick and not have any options to get the treatments you need? I think about all the luxuries I live with that I don't give a second thought to- health care being one of them.
I'm excited about doing my part to help fund health and wellness in the lives of 25 women!

As for my project....

Once I reach my $1000 goal of helping 25 women, I will sell 1/3 of my wardrobe.
I know I have more than enough clothing to sustain me and I'd like to use that to help others.
I will host a trunk show in December to sell the items I chose. My goal is to raise another $1000 dollars to fund my very first mission trip to El Salvador in February.

So- my purpose is two-fold:
1. Eliminate 1/3 of my wardrobe
2. Fund a mission trip to El Salvador

Watch this super awkward video where I show you a little bit of my closet situation and talk about why I chose this project:

http://youtu.be/BkLBZ8l34TA

(apparently, I roll my eyes to the side a lot when I talk? weird)

Here's how you can help!

Donate
Check out my personal site here: http://www.themochaclub.org/purpose-projects/nicole-pay-fashion-forward-project/
Any amount helps! Just know that whatever you give , you are changing the lives of women!

Share
Share the link to this post on your blog or your facebook page. Share the link to my personal purpose project page. Also, grab my purpose project off the sidebar and share it on your blog.

Do your OWN Purpose Project
Want to make a difference? Is there something you've always wanted to do? Read about how you can do your own purpose project on the website

I'm looking forward to sharing more with you each week as I work towards my goal of $1000.

THANK YOU for reading and sharing, together we can reach this goal!

xx,
N

March Recap & Fashion Fast Update

It's April!
Winter is over!

Well, sorta.
This is Iowa.

We definitely had more sunshiny days versus cold ones and I'm glad to say things are finally turning green with the rains of this month.
Even though the rain never stops.
I'm not complaining.
Sorta.

March came and went so fast. I literally blinked and we were 2/3 of the way through the month.
However, I did manage to meet some of my goals:

- Run 100 miles this month: I made 111 miles in the month of March! This turned out to be a goal that kept me sane during this busy month. You can follow all my training on dailymile (I have a widget on the sidebar)
- Finish War & Peace: I'm still reading. I have less than 500 pages to go and a few days to finish. I'm hoping to wrap this up mid-month. I have now checked this out from the library 4 times....

- Send out wedding save the dates: DONE!

- Make some progress on baby Gwen's blanket: About halfway. I didn't have as much time to work on this during March as I would have liked, but it'll get done in April. 

Here is a little update on the rest of my goals for 2013:

- Spend time in the word and prayer more

Thanks to some amazing She Reads Truth plans for Lent and Holy Week, this has been easy. Our small group also started back up and I'm feeling very encouraged and blessed by the things I'm reading in the Bible. I think this is the first time in my life that I really WANT to read the Bible. All of it. Over and over. I want to be one of those people that can relate real-life scenarios to a Bible story.

I've been trying to pray more often and more effectively. She Reads Truth plan for post- Easter is all about prayer and I'm learning so much! Mornings with devotions and prayer has really become a special time for me.

- Stop over committing (rule of 2)

This has been pretty easy. I think I'm getting better at saying 'no' and not having a license sort of makes it impossible to do just do whatever, whenever. I'm really, really, looking forward to tax season being over so I can spend time reading and sitting on my patio writing.

- Get simple (fashion & spending fast)

I broke down.

I forgot I scheduled a Stitch Fix box for the last week of March as a reward for not buying anything for the first quarter. This was before I decided to not buy for the whole year.

Of the 5 things, there were 2 shirts I really liked.

So I caved.

See? how could I resist? I'm calling it an early birthday present and I made myself get rid of 4 shirts as penance. #balance

As for other spending, we booked a trip for our birthdays and I hired a painter for my house...so yeah. I see the trip as a good investment and treat for us. We are seeing one of our favorite bands and visiting lots of friends. It will be a really good time and probably the only trip we take this year. Also- we paid cash for it with bonus/tax money so I didn't charge anything.

- Eat (mostly) vegan

I think I've mentioned more than once how my sugar habit is out.of.control.

Jami did a #whole30 and is now all hatin' on sugar. Like the sugar police.

(I kid, I kid. She's awesome and I live close enough to her we could be real life friends. That may just happen.)

But anyway- it inspired me to be more mindful about my sugar intake and QUIT FEEDING MY FACE WITH DESSERT.

Seriously.

I haven't broke myself of the chai or the latte (I love that creamy spiciness), but I do sugar free when I can and I'm considering a pre-30 years old 30 day clean up of me. In honor of getting old.

At this point, I'm picking one day a week that I get a treat on. This varies because things come up. Last night I had this.

I split it with T and it has vegetables in it so it basically doesn't count and makes up for the vegan peanut butter cup I had on Monday.
Right?

Obviously, I have work to do here.

Use the #imoversugar hashtag on Instagram to share your healthy eats. It's super inspiring.

Also, check back Saturday for  a Homemade Larabar Recipe.

- Give priorities priority (more family, regular volunteering, scheduled write sessions)

I got to spend a lot of time with family this month.

Maybe it doesn't seem like a lot but we aren't the 'see each other every week' kind of family, so a birthday dinner, Easter celebration and whole day with my nieces was a special treat.

Volunteering is going great. I love, love, love serving food to my people downtown.
I'm actually signing up for more days and hoping that I can get to know each one of them a little better.

My scheduled writing sessions have been damnear impossible during tax season, but I expect that to change very soon.
I can't wait.

- Rest in the big picture

You know, T and I have had so many talks about our upcoming marriage and what our future will look like. I was dealing with my old house this month (finding a renter which came through- seriously, Praise Jesus) and we had a serious discussion about our future living arrangement and fears with being in such close quarters together.
We love each other. A lot. But we also love our alone time. It was good to admit that and talk through all those things we might be feeling a little nervous about. And also, to remember that we get to be married. To each other.
It's pretty exciting stuff.
Our future is so bright and the big picture in front of us is an adventure I can't wait to start.

Goals for April:
-#imoversugar: Give this a real shot. No excuses
- Finish War & Peace: i swear. this time. for real. I WILL FINISH.
- Blanket: It's going to be too warm for blankets by the time I finish if it's not April. So this one is getting top priority.
- RELAX:  #restisbest Tax season is coming to a close. Bike season is starting. Taco Tuesdays!! Yesssssss.

How was your March? Can you believe 1/4 of the year is OVER??

What goals do you have for April? What is your favorite thing about spring?

Talk to me, people.

January Recap & Fashion Fast Update

Hi Friends.
How's February treating you so far?
I'm loving the longer days, milder temperatures and all things LOVE. <3
I'm also loving the opportunity to check in on where I'm at with sticking with my new mantra:

#restisbest

As I mentioned in my New Year's post, I had some more general guidelines for 2013 versus hard resolutions:

- Spend time in the word and prayer more
- Stop over committing (rule of 2)
- Get simple (fashion & spending fast)
- Eat (mostly) vegan
- Give priorities priority (more family, regular volunteering, scheduled write sessions)
- Rest in the big picture

I also had some specific goals in mind that I jotted down related to these guidelines:

- Finish 2 knitting projects
- Read a couple of books on my '30 before 30' list
- Find a volunteer gig

How did I do?
Let's recap:

I have really loved the #shereadstruth plans for January.

We started with the 'Fresh Start' plan and are now onto 'Soul Detox.' Both have encouraged me so much and as always- were right on time.
I'm trying to spend more time focusing on what I'm actually reading- taking notes and praying for clarity and guidance in understanding. It's been a good month for my soul!

I didn't finish my knitting projects.
Or my books.

BUt you know what? I didn't let those goals consume me...make me feel like I wasn't succeeding. I just read when I had time and it's been a lot more enjoyable. I finished a book I started in December and got a couple hundred pages into War and Peace.

Who cares if I don't finish that list before 30? I got plenty of life left to live and books to read!



And the fashion fast?

Success.

I tried to snap my outfit everyday so if I started feeling uninspired I could look back on how I mixed it up.
Honestly- not buying any clothes was surprisingly easy. I just avoided the fitness gear sale rack at Target- that's my weakness!

I did buy one book:

It's for a good cause though- started the study this week!
I'm excited about how this ties into what my goals are this year and I'm really looking forward to the challenge with my Influence ladies. (Get the details at Adrienne's blog).

I'm not all the way to a 'cash' only budget yet- but getting closer every week!

My eating habits have been pretty good this month. I've had to plan ahead a lot because of my work schedule- so that is making it pretty easy.
Also- I took on this challenge:

                           

It was a free e-book through Instagram and it's been really good for my waist and wallet. I've felt energized and healthy and have managed to avoid most of the stuff going around!
The more I figure out what my body likes best, the more I realize that a plant-based diet is really the best for me. I'll eat eggs and dairy occasionally but if I do- I try to get local and organic.
There is a LOT of information out there, but in my opinion it comes down to this: Know where your food comes from and know your farmer.

Even though my work schedule has been pretty crazy with tax season gearing up and it feels like my life is a repeat of wake/run/work/eat/sleep/repeat, I've made it a priority to use my free time more effectively and for those things I care about.

So....through a series of conversations about a work charitable event, I have found a 2x monthly volunteer gig! I'll be helping serving meals at the homeless youth shelter downtown every other week and I'm really excited about the opportunity. Also, I organized a big volunteer event at my work to help feed the homeless that was so much fun and very rewarding!

This month T and I were also able to have a few date nights:

Man.... I love that guy

I also spent an afternoon at my sister's house hanging with the kids and chatting about whatever- it was really nice! I'm looking forward to doing that again this month when my weekend work schedule slows. 

I even got in a girls dinner night full of rich Russian food and shots to our health!

Nostrovia!

As far as scheduled write sessions...I've had maybe one 'official' session. The funny thing is- I wrote a LOT in January on and off the blog. I guess I've been finding time after work/before bed or in between loads of laundry to jot things down. I'm finding that if I just START, I can always finish later. 

Writers- If you haven't checked out The Write Practice yet, you should

I didn't have a specific fitness goal documented for the year or the month...

...But I have been doing some new things this year:

- Yoga once a week at Iowa Powered Yoga. I'm seriously in love. The class I go to is on Monday nights and it is the BEST end to the beginning of the week.

- Pushup Challenge!

- I actually quit my gym...but I have been being active everyday and working up to running 25 miles/week and lifting weights 2-3 times. My one goal for 2013 is to add in some kind of speed drills and hill work into my runs. So far, so good!

I have a race coming up in 2 weeks and then races in March, April, May, June. Really, really, really considering another marathon this fall...best pre-wedding prep or worst idea ever? You tell me. 

Looking back on January- it was a really full month. Being active in body and mind really soothes my soul and I'm glad I can find balance among the tight schedule I had. 

However, there were some days where I wasn't feeling my best, and I recognized those times and did what I prescribed myself when this year started:

I took a break.

Listened to my body, mind and soul.

Maybe spent a whole afternoon on my couch. 

Because sometimes....

#restisbest

Your turn...How was your January? Did you meet any goals? Please feel free to share in the comments below. 

Sunday Seven 9/30/12

SUNDAY 7

Hey there friends.
How has your week been?
It is full-on fall here in Iowa.
And...I. Love. It.
Cool mornings. Crunchy leaves. Dirty Chais & Mexican Hot Chocolate for everyone.

Last week I forgot to do a Sunday Seven.
Which is weird because I really thought I did...and was convinced for about 10 minutes that blogger deleted my post.
Then I started this Sunday and got bogged down this week with stuff and am just now finishing it.
I seriously have issues.

Anyhoo...this is what has been going the past couple of weeks:

1 Road Trip

 Last Monday (well 2 weeks ago), I spent the day in Iowa City with my dear friend Jane.

 It was an awesome day. I drove to IA City in the AM and we had lunch at this farm to table place called Her Soup Kitchen.

I had the portabella sandwich and the carrot-ginger soup- check out the cream design!

 

Then we hit up a bunch of little shops and thrift/vintage stores before spending the afternoon chatting at Jane's favorite coffee shop.

I had a DELICIOUS pour over and macadamia nut cookie while we chatted and caught up on life.

Then we walked to grab dinner with her boyfriend at the local pub (I can't remember the name!) The food was great, baked brie app and some spicy cilantro olive pizza.

 

I found this hot pink waterproof trench from the 60's for $20!

And I LOVE this hand painted throw pillow. Pink guns on one side and artsy purple design on the other.

Perfect with my gray couch!

Both the jacket and the pillow came from White Rabbit in Iowa City, check out their Etsy shop here.

 

 It was an amazing day- I love spending time catching up with Jane. We always can just pick up wherever we left off. It's awesome.

 

2 Concerts

We also saw Mute Math in concert on Tuesday at Woolys. They were AWESOME.

Maybe one of my favorite shows ever.

The same night, we left one show and went to another.... Silversun Pickups at Hoyt Sherman.

They were also very good...but a little different to come from such a high energy concert to something in a venue that is much more structured and relaxed.

All in all, a great night! (ignore my really wide eyes in this pic...it was dark so I had to use flash and apparently I surprised myself.)

3 Homemade Dinners

Something about cooler weather and the approaching short days and long nights makes me want to cook.

I've been baking and cooking up a storm. Some of my fall favorites this year:

 

Moroccan Stuffed Acorn Squash

 

I served mine up with some Kale and red onion I sauteed in coconut oil. It was very fall and very yummy for not a lot of calories!

 

Roasted Red Pepper Spaghetti

 

At the suggestion of Dirt Farmer Larry, I roasted several peppers from his farm.

I then chopped them in the ninja and cooked on the stove with some chopped tomatoes and garlic.

I served it over wheat linguine with a side of garlic bread. Simple, fresh, cheap and tasty!

 

 

Cuban Black Bean & Cheddar Goat Cheese quesadillas

I'll be honest, this was a random meal...and pretty much all commercial bought items- but it was simple and turned out great for entertaining.

Cuban black beans, corn tortillas and cheddar goat cheese from Trader Joe's. Threw on some chili powder, cumin and Garlic Garlic from tastefully simple. Baked at 350 till cheese was melty. Sliced into wedges for finger food.

 

4 Steps to Pumpkin Oatmeal

I borrowed  this recipe from Naptime Diaries. She posted a pic on instagram with a recipe that looked so delicious so I gave it a go:







Who doesn't love pumpkin everything in the fall?

Step 1: Measure your ingredients and dump into a saucepan.

Step 2: Cook until desired consistency and temperature. (I simmered for 15 minutes or so- liquids absorbed and oats cooked.)

Step 3: Add your delicious toppings (For me- that was a drizzle of honey, butterscotch peanut butter (1/2 tbsp) and a pinch of chia seeds) and watch it cool in the fall morning light.

Step 4: Eat it. :)

 

5 Outfits

I've been trying to mix it up with my existing wardrobe and not buy too many new items this fall. I've also been trying to document my stylings with pictures so I have inspiration when I'm feeling bored and too lazy to figure out an outfit:

 

“Boyfriend”

BR button up, Target crewneck sweater, Target skinny jeans and Charlotte Russe flats

 

 

“Workster”

Target cords, Screen printed tee, Gap sweater, Market scarf, Target flats

 

“Rockster”

Same Target cords, Target tank, Gap cardigan, black flats



 

“Montana Biz Liz”

 

BR pencil skirt, Short sleeve button up, Target v neck sweater, Gap yellow skinny belt, Target boots

 

**I have never been to Montana. But I have a friend, Liz,  who lives there and I like to think that it's chilly and fallish there often in the mountains and that to look the mountainy/business part this is what she would wear.**

 “City Noir”
Gap leggings, J Crew shirt dress, BR sweater vest, Born boots

 

I'm enjoying mixing and matching the clothes that I've gotten at sales over the seasons and wasn't sure what to do with. Sometimes summer pieces can still work for fall and I'm loving pairing neutrals with the bright colors in vogue this season.

 

6 Sweets

What can I say? I have a sugar problem

 



Green Mint Latte from Mars Cafe

Snickerdoodle ice cream sandwich from Thelma's Treats

Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls from Eat Live Run

Butterscotch Peanut Butter Dough Balls from Mama Pea

White Chocolate Pudding cookie from my co-worker. Who doesn't love cookies with pudding in the mix and sprinkles?

Bowl of Orangeleaf yogurt: red velvet, coffee, vanilla, topped with cookie dough, strawberries and graham cracker dust.

 

 

7 Events

I have had the opportunity to be involved or invited to some pretty amazing events these past couple of weeks:

Our work area put on a United Way fundraiser called 'Caffeine for a Cause.' We were a simulated coffee shop complete with made-to-order lattes, hot coffees and a variety of baked goods. I pushed a cart around in the afternoon to sell treats...I may have found my calling. We raised almost $500 in one day!

A gal from my church helped bring this amazing documentary to the local college campus. Nefarious: Merchant of Souls is a documentary about human trafficking, specifically female sex trafficking across the globe. This movie changed my life.

 

 

My church, The Gateway Church, moved locations to our new Sunday spot in Central Campus downtown. We have a LOT of space and we are building some great relationships with our downtown neighbors. I feel so blessed to be part of such an amazing, hope-giving community.

Speaking of Central Campus, our church also had the opportunity to plan and produce an event for the Gateway Middle School located inside the campus. It was my first oversight of an event and it was pretty successful! The parents and kids had an amazing time and we all felt so grateful to share with in the fun.

 

I ran the Capital Striders Capital Pursuit race two weeks ago this Sunday.

I had signed up (or so I thought) months ago.

I walk to the start and my name is not on the list to get a packet.

So, with 20 minutes to race time, I return home (just a few blocks away) to get a credit card. When I return, the race volunteers inform me that it's cash only. At this point, I'm borderline about to cry. Race starts in less than 10 minutes- I have no packet and no cash. So...I ran anyway. Yep- I'm a bandit. I didn't get a medal and I didn't have any free food at the end so it was basically a normal run for me that I just happen to run with friends. It wasn't chip timed and only the first 850 entrants got a shirt so I didn't feel so bad for just tagging along. I was pretty pleased with my time too.  T took the Instagram picture of me speed walking back to the start to buy a packet...only to discover I had no cash.

Still a pretty cool picture though. :)

Just this last Sunday, I went with my mom, sister and niece on the Sherman Hill Tour of Homes.
Sherman Hill is this amazing neighborhood just east of downtown that I hope to live in someday! We got to see some amazing places.

This light fixture was so cool. From one of my favorite houses on the tour- a little bungalow renovated with green and reclaimed materials. ALSO- completely decorated by a man...and it was awesome. I was impressed actually.
The picture on the right is artwork by my friend Anna Frederick. It was in this guys house and I recognized her handwriting. :)

 There was also a church being renovated and it had so much intricate stained glass. An iPhone picture doesn't do it justice.










I took the most pictures in one of the last houses on the tour. This woman had so much stuff. It was a little cluttered for my tastes but much of it really beautiful. I especially loved the tin ceiling in the kitchen and fireplace built into the side wall!

 

Of course my little Lucy was there to tag along and just look cute. :)

I tried to capture the capital from down this street but it's barely recognizable in this picture. It was a fantastic view though!

 

And last, but certainly not least, I'll be going here in about a week and a half.

More to come on that.

 

 

 

So there you go. My life in the past 2 weeks. In a not-so-tiny-nutshell.

What have you been up to friends??