Ultimate Running Mix

I accomplished a goal of running my first half marathon on Thanksgiving day. It was a great adventure training, pushing my body, and achieving a goal. I was able to finish because my fabulous training buddies support and our new interactive training called "social running". We attached my friend's small speaker to my iPod so we could both hear the tunes and be able to talk and give motivation high fives, plus some sweet dance moves. For months I have been preparing the ultimate running mix to motivate our legs and I feel that my final list was perfection. I wanted to share some of the tunes because it is hard to find a great source for jams. Hopefully these beats will get you up and dancing, running, or whatever makes you want to move!

1. Dancing Machine (Polow Remix), by Jackson 5


2. Clap Your Hands, by Sia (thanks Hannah, also check out the video - memorizing in its strangeness)


3. Like A Prayer, Madonna


4. Doo Wop (That Thing), Lauryn Hill


5. Bulletproof, by La Roux


6. Bodyrock, by Moby


7. Many Moons, by Janelle Monae (thanks Monica)


8. Superstylin', by Groove Armada


9. Dynamite, by Taio Cruz


10. Only Girl (In the World), by Rihanna


11. Forget You, by Cee Lo Green (edited version preferible with social running)


12. Buttons (CSS Remix), by Sia


13. Raise Your Glass, by P!nk


14. Teenage Dream, by Katy Perry


15. Wrong Prayer, by Jaydiohead

Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! The best part of Thanksgiving is the family, food and relaxation. My mom is the best at setting an elegant and beautiful table for the family to enjoy. I have always loved finding new and unique pieces to add to the table. Each holiday or party gives you the chance to let your creativity flow with a fun table to enjoy the festivities. I've prepared two different table setting ideas. The first is modern and doesn't scream Thanksgiving. The second is a rustic, relaxed look. The fall is a beautiful time of year with the color of leaves changing so go hiking or running outdoors to become inspired by the changing of seasons. Hope you enjoy these ideas!

M O D E R N

~Images from top to right by row~

Court Dinnerware from Crate & Barrel

Marimekko Irmeli Tablecloth & Napkins from Crate & Barrel

Radiance Flatware from Anthropologie

Fluer-De-Lys Tumbler from Anthropologie

Plum Fleur de Lys Double Old Fashion Glass from World Market

Bladet Vase from IKEA

(you can fill this vase with branches of the Gingko Leaves or place them at the bottom and have tall branches coming out of the vase)

Metallic Leaf Dessert Plates from West Elm

Gingko Leaves. Image Source Marv Bondarowicz / The Oregonian

R U S T I C

~Images from left to right by row~

Birch Votive from Crate & Barrel

Gingko Napkin Rings from Four Seasons Design

Mendocino Hurricane from Crate & Barrel

(you can place the pumpkin candles in the hurrican vases)

Small Pumpkin Candles from Crate & Barrel

Classic Century Dinnerware from Crate & Barrel

Maple Leaf Place Cards from Timeless Paper

Eastleigh Rust Runner from Crate & Barrel

Decorative Stainless Steel Twig Flatware from Amazon

Design & Architecture Exhibit @ Art Institute of Chicago

I have been traveling the past two weekends and now I am back and ready to post! For Halloween weekend I went to Chicago to visit my friend's Hannah and Katie. We had a fabulous time going on the architectural boat tour, visiting the Art Institute, and eating delicious meals. Not to mention the fact that we were the Real Housewives of New York for Halloween! I wanted to share my trip especially the chair and Maharam fabric exhibit at the Art Institute!

My favorite chair is the Honeycomb Pop Chair by Tokujin Yoshioka, 2001. This is made from glassine, a paper used for lanterns and held together with glue. Using a traditional material that is lightweight and not usually used for seating in a unique design is refreshing to view.

I also love the Corallo Chair by the Campana Brothers. It was designed in 2006 and is made of bent steel wire and then painted. The lightweight design transforms a normal, everyday object into a furniture and design piece.

The Maharam Exhibit was beautiful with the draping of fabrics from new to old. The Eames design is a classic pattern. I also love the geometric black and white pattern from Verner Panton, Unisol, 1965. Maharam is a powerhouse of beautiful fabric and continues to have artful design.

The new addition in the Art Institute is beautiful with Renzo Piano's amazing new addition. The building has not been touched since 1893 when built. He designed the recent modern wing addition at the Atlanta High Museum of Art which is a close place to my favorites in Atlanta. The Art Institute has a similar light focused feel to the High Museum.

*Source from The Art Institute of Chicago

The ceiling being open and lofty to the elements creates natural light to shine in on the exhibit and allow viewers to have a feeling of the outdoors while observing the art. Light is extremely important to Mr. Piano's work and his designs illustrate that the main focus is what is being viewed. The light is an additional and necessary aid to the viewing. Such care and focus is giving to the details of his work. The new addition connects to Millennium Park and Frank Gehry's sprawling amphitheater design with a bridge that spans over the street. It is a very pedestrian friendly area and creates a friendly relationship with Millennium Park. Chicago is such a fabulous city with the architecture, restaurants, and shopping. Please take the architecture boat tour and go to the Art Institute next visit. Both will lead you to a real Chicago experience where you can learn about the city and the environment.