five little things that made my week.
1. these fan blades.
{for being clean.}
2. these undies. 
{in a grown-up size.}
3. these dried flowers.
{for holding onto all their color, two weeks later.}
4. this gift of lip balm.
{for being all the makeup i’ve worn for two weeks running.}
5. these drippy shades.
{for matching everything else, against all odds.}
other things:
play!
failure to notice a clown on a unicycle.
teaching boys to do unpaid work.
hunting for backpack bling. (got distracted.)
redolent with the bright scent of a coniferous forest.
we’re having a knife dilemma. to consider.
i need to get moving. also considering. (and accepting recommendations!)
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24 Comments
Great links, as always. Thanks Erin! Happy long weekend!!
To you, too!
such great links! thank you 🙂
a note from a runner (who has gone through enough shin splints and stress fractures to learn a lesson) – do yourself a favor and go to an actual running store (in chicago, we have a chain called Fleet Feet that is amazing). They will fit you, have you run on a treadmill to watch your gait, stride, etc. And, if you go for a few runs and aren’t happy/they hurt your feet, you can bring them back (although Nordstrom would honor that return, too, I think, you just won’t have the specialized attention to fitting/etc).
good luck & may the wind be always at your back 🙂
thank you!
I also think you should go to an actual running store. It’s such a different and better experience! Like others have commented, they will fit you, you’ll be able to test them in store, and you’ll be able to return/exchange if they end up not working for you (my husband has definitely made use of this.) They’ll ALSO have a wider array of options specifically for running. I’ve always loved running in Newtons myself, and for a while my husband was running in Altras….both are definitely not mainstream brands outside of running stores but are great options. Newtons, admittedly, might take some adjustment for a color-phobic person… 😉
Ha! See? That’s my problem…I want them to be cute, too…
Yeah, I have some pretty ugly Newtons. BUT they are really, really comfortable for me to run in. Plus, everyone will be able to see you, so no worries about safety!
Bonus!!
Not a runner but I swear by a few sun salutations first thing in the morning! And a walk in the evening. I envy you new yorkers who get to walk everywhere, I have to put two kids in the car to walk (no sidewalks on our street).
I have two athletic shoes that I highly recommend:
1) Running (Only!): Newtons (great for running–I found they place my foot in the prime position.)
2) All-Around Shoe: New Balance Minimus 10v1 (I have these in all black and have worn them for everything from runs and bike rides to traveling in Europe.)
I agree with the other readers who said to check out a local running store. I have had great experiences with Fleet Feet as well.
I second the New Balance Minimus 10v1! I’ve worn pairs of these since 2012 and I love them!
Thanks so much for bringing Olio E Osso to my attention — I’ve had a rough summer skin-wise. This hot, dry western summer is new to my east coast skin, and it turns out that zinc oxide, the active ingredient in most of the sunblock I have been using has done some weird thing to my skin (that’s the current diagnosis, anyway), so I’m all about trying oils and balms that don’t have too many ingredients. And I’m tickled to learn that Olio E Osso makes their products here in Portland!
Also thank you for yesterday’s cabbage post — I love making cabbage salads, but am not always sure what dressings will work best. That post will become my go-to from now on.
Happy Labor Day — One of my strongest Labor Day memories is of marching in a Labor Day parade with my husband’s union when my two kids were about the ages of yours.
oh, good! i hope you like it! i’ve been really enjoying them! Cheers for cabbage (and labor unions!).
Color-phobic minimalist runner over, can sadly attest that the Flyknit shoes are completely insufficient for actual running. Wistfully returned them and continue to hide my bulky neon shoes in the closet (why?! why?! a grey option would be so nice!)
Even very short runs by a very low-key runner?!
The Flyknits seem perfect for sprinting to your sister…
I love your blog and your aesthetics, Erin! And I totally agree with you about Olio e Osso. It is the best – a perfect minimalist multitasker, and such great packaging! Added bonus – the woman who makes it is super-nice. (I use crimson #3 on lips and cheeks and it always delivers a (faux) post-workout dewy flush.)
Stoked that you’re getting back to running! I’m an endurance coach, there are a ton of resources up on my website for folks interested in cultivating a mindful endurance practice.
Happy trails!
Highly recommend going to Jackrabbit in Park Slope for advice choosing a running shoe that’s right for you! Just went today 🙂
From a very unsophisticated runner :), I have a pair of Nike Revolutions that I really like for my short running, like less thank 5k. And they come in some good neutrals. Also considered a pair of new balances… they have such a classic design.
Tempted by those Arq undies. Have been on a pathetic search to find some that don’t dig into my thighs or rear. Thoughts on these?
They’re excellent. High waisted so you have to like that!
Adding to the choir that the only place to buy running shoes is from a running store that knows how to fit you properly. If you really want to stick with running, even short distances, you need the right pair of shoes. In my local running store in CT, if you don’t like the colors that they have for the brand and style you have selected, they can special order you a different color. Usually there will be some more minimal options online or in the brand catalog.
Running shoes: Vivobarefoot?
I am a) not a runner and b) currently only have a pair of their boots, but when the time comes for me to replace my gym/extensive walking/light to moderate hiking shoes (currently minimalist Merrell shoes), I’ll buy Vivos based on the absolutely terrific experience I’ve had with the boots (my every-single-day-from-October-through-April shoes for two years now).
I really love minimalist shoes with their thin soles and wide toe boxes. I find them very comfortable for walking extensively on pavement and hiking on uneven terrain, but as a non-runner I can’t speak to how it feels to run in them.
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