Mile a Day Challenge: January 2013

This goal needed its own post. 

Anyone following my Instagram needs a "thank you" for their encouragement (and understanding as I flooded their feeds with running shoes). 

One month after my last #mileaday I struggle with the motivation, confidence, and time to throw my shoes on every day and run; however, in January I proved to myself that it’s possible.  In January I became a runner.  That’s a pretty awesome statement to make.

I was inspired to challenge myself by Elise  (she has a very informative section of her blog devoted to running).  My sister, the marathon running extraordinaire, also inspired me, who kicked me in the butt to start running. That’s the key: just start. (Thanks, J).

Thoughts on Mile a Day...

Pros

• I got outdoors with Bauer almost every day - even the cold ones
• I enjoyed (almost) every run
• I ran more than a mile quite regularly because I wanted to
•  I experimented with running on an indoor track/ treadmill/ and snowy sidewalks to keep it interesting and less stale (I bore easily)
• I accomplished my first health and fitness goal of the year
•  I was in a cardio slump so I lost some weight
• Some days my runs energized me 
• I slept well and went to bed earlier (if you know me you understand how significant this bullet is)

Cons

• Scheduling: working 40 + hours a week at my 9-5, meal planning and cleaning at home, and travelling between Kamloops and Vancouver several times made it difficult to fit runs in some days
•  Some days my runs absolutely drained my energy
• It was difficult to fit extra curricular activities (i.e. blogging) in

As you see, the pros outweigh the cons. At times I loved to hate this challenge but in the end I loved it. I plan on incorporating another month or two of “Mile A Day” in 2013’s fitness goals and I’d love you to join me if you’re interested.

Cheers to Jen + Kelsie, my Kamloops pals who also completed Mile a Day in January. (I can’t wait to run outside without the snow).

Do you have any fitness goals/ ambitions/ resolutions that you’re working on, currently? Are you a runner?

January 2013 Goals

I'm back on the blogging train & two months behind on content. Bare with me as I play catch up. 

I decided to change the way I set goals this year to make my goals more measurable and to challenge myself on a continual basis. I will set three goals every month: a fitness goal, a creative goal, and a personal goal. I haven’t made any “rules” around this format, which means goals may re-appear from month to month or change throughout the month. The important part for me is that I remain both inspired and challenged.

January.

My fitness goal was to run a mile a day for the month: completed successfully (more on that, later).

My creative goal was to start and keep up with Project Life: completed & ongoing (definitely more on this, later).

My personal goal was to purge the stuff I/ we no longer need: in progress.

My fitness and creative goals are getting their own posts, so I thought I’d talk a little about January's personal goal.

Since I can remember I’ve been a pack rat hoarder collector. Throughout my life I have amassed a collection of stamps, rocks, books, magazines, clothes, DVD’s…  the list goes on. I have a hard time parting with things. I get it from my dad (who just so happens to have an amazing matchbook collection).

Simply put: I have a lot of stuff.

At this point in our lives, Ben and I live in a five-bedroom home. This means I have a lot of space to store my stuff: a scary reality. I labeled this goal “in progress” as I feel I have a ways to go. We’ve donated several large pieces of furniture; however, my hoody and shoe collections require an overhaul and are next on the chopping block. I'm inspired for a thorough spring-cleaning.

My question for you: do you “collect” stuff or am I alone in my hoarder-like tendencies? Anyone? Bueller? 

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), Mindy Kaling

After last month's tearjerker, I needed a book to make me smile. This book made me smile, laugh, and - on occasion - snort. I love Mindy Kaling and her smart, spit-fire humour; her book surpassed my expectations. I'm recommending this book to all of my girlfriends as it's a great summer read and the perfect companion to your lawn chair.

Have you read it? What did you think? Also, have you seen the preview for her new sitcom (Joanna Goddard posted about it here)? Suffice it to say I'm excited.

It's Always Something, Gilda Radner

This book left me with so much more than its (thrifted) $1.99 price tag may suggest.

I was introduced to Gilda Radner's work at a young age and immediately admired the cast of characters she introduced to SNL as an inaugural cast member (if you're not already familiar with these clips do yourself a favour and find them).

Gilda's story - told in her own, honest, words - is heartbreaking but altogether inspiring. I found myself savouring each chapter. On one hand, I didn't want to reach the end of the book because I knew the outcome of Gilda's courageous fight with ovarian cancer; on the other hand, I felt the book was like a great conversation shared with a friend that takes you into the early hours of the morning. Even though you know it inevitably has to wrap up, you'd love nothing more than the chance to keep talking.

{have a great book to suggest or one you'd love to discuss? drop me a line, I'd love to chat. also, check out the new book club portion of the blog & weigh in with your feedback and favourites.} 

the rundown: 2012 (check in #1)

As per usual, I've let the months get away from me. It's half way through April which means we're almost 1/3 of the way through 2012! For this reason, now is as good a time as any for a status update on my 12 goals for 2012. Go!


1. Complete [one] wedding-related DIY project per month between January and August.

{status update} My goal was to start these project and complete them one.at.a.time. So far I've started 3 of the 8 projects I have planned and the napkins pictured above are almost completed. As soon as each project is finished I will post about the ups, (melt)downs, and everything in between. I am confident I'll have everything finished as long as I can model a little focus.

2. Write one sentence a day for 365 days... and then for another 4 years thereafter.

{status update} I'm happy to report that I'm up to date on my daily entries! Although some days I could fill the entire page and other days I could enter a single word ("blah" comes to mind), it's been an interesting exercise in exploring the comings and goings of daily life. I am so looking forward to years 2, 3, 4, and 5 to look back and remember what I did or didn't do each day.



3. Work out [three] times a week and do yoga [once] a week.

{status update} With a form fitting wedding dress to fit into this coming September, let's just say this one is a priority. That being said, I've never been one to crash diet or work out 5+ times a week. I've found a manageable balance and I'm enjoying the results: my clothes look better and my energy is higher, it's a win-win. I'm currently attending 2 boot camp classes a week with my partner-in-crime and fellow September bride, Jennifer, and although I'm on a studio yoga hiatus (my favourite instructor is having a baby next month) I'm stretching regularly on my own. Also, Spring means walking, hiking, and jogging with my favourite 4-legged friend outside: my favourite.

4. Try [one] new recipe a month.

{status update} Hurray! Ben and I have tried a new recipe each month, 3 of the 4 being winners. (I'll share links to them soon, I promise). This goal has been a fun challenge to help us think outside the box when it comes to meal planning. We're still working out the "who cooks, what night" details to make dinner time a more seamless production but until that is mastered, we're having fun, even if we don't eat until 9 pm.



5. Organize my art room.

{status update} Clearly, I should have made this a goal some time ago. Already, this room has seen a new coat of paint, re-organization, and developments in the storage department. It's a prettier, more inviting space, with a few DIY projects in the works to make it a space I frequent on a daily basis. Everyone should have a creative-friendly space to play in.

6. Run a Half Marathon in May.

{status update} Crap. Here is where the triumphs end. I gave this one as valiant an effort as I could and I've come to one conclusion: at this time in my life I don't enjoy competitive running. Sure, one can suggest that running a Half Marathon isn't necessarily a competitive experience; in my opinion, however, it is. I'm a competitive person by nature, mainly with myself. When I set out to do something, I do it. I do it even if I have to go through hell to finish. For this reason, walking away from this goal is particularly difficult. I still feel like I'm letting myself off the hook and it stings; however, I'm also open to the possibility that one day I may be interested in running a half marathon. Until then, I'm going to run like Phoebe through Central Park with the brunette in the photo below.



7. Document our wedding planning adventures on the blog.

{status update} Eeps. This is one I want to get better at. As the projects start completing, look for more wedding posts. PS: isn't my bridal party beautiful? (This photo is missing a very important Angela).

8. Read at least [six] of the books currently in my pile.

{status update} I've been reading up a storm lately. Feel like following along? Check out the C Star Events Book Club tab.



9. Watch one documentary a month.

{status update} The first three documentaries we've watched have been great: Food, Inc, The Whale (read more about this one here), and The Union. We're taking recommendations for April's pick.

10. Eat more cleanly.

{status update} I can safely say, our intentions to eat more cleanly and to purchase quality over quantity have started to pay off. I wouldn't say we're saving any money at the grocery store; however, we have FAR less food waste (and knowing we're consuming higher quality products is enough a reason to be more cautious, in my opinion). This is something I've become quite passionate about so I plan on exploring this topic further in future posts.



11. BE Original. BE Authentic.

{status update} I'm trying to incorporate this into my every-day reflections and interactions with others and it's helped with approaching situations objectively and honestly. I'm learning to say no and I'm learning to give myself realistic guidelines. This comes down to budgets, time frames, and manageable workloads. It's a daily battle for someone who considers herself a "Yes Man" but I'm working to get there.

12. Learn more about photography and how to use my camera.

{status update} I didn't add a by/when indication for this one as I'm not sure when I'll have the time to sit down and learn the mechanics of my trusty camera. I'm enjoying playing and practicing (I recently shot photos of the Healing Hearts event for Lisa McCauley which was great); much more work to come on this one. Stay tuned...


There we have it. A glimpse into life as I know it, live it, and stumble through it. I'm interested in knowing how your New Years Resolutions/ Goals are going? Are you still working towards any? Are there any that you have changed? Removed entirely?

The Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins

So March came and went and - since we're being honest - I have to admit that I spent most of the month with my nose in a book. More specifically, one of these three books. The Hunger Games trilogy was on my list of books to read for quite some time; I regret not starting it earlier. I devoured every page, enjoying Katniss' every thought and marvelling at each piece of creatively incorporated symbolism, irony, and social commentary. Suzanne Collins is fantastic. Without saying anything further, not wanting to give anything away, I would recommend this book to anyone. I plan to re-read the trilogy shortly.

Also, I've seen the movie twice already. It's fantastic and worth the cinema lineups. I promise. (I officially have a crush on Josh Hutcherson and I want to be BFF's with Jennifer Lawrence). That's all.

Have you read the books? Seen the movie? Has the series taken over your life as it has mine? What's next on your to read list?



Looking back... what I read in January & February.

Let the Great World Spin, Colum McCann

I changed my mind at the last minute and decided to start Let The Great World Spin by Colum McCann next. (Although I am excited to ready Then Again by Diane Keaton I wanted to break up the biographies).

I'm about half way through Let The Great World Spin and so far I'm really enjoying it. The book is a collection of unique stories, each one being a glimpse into the lives of various New York residents and an exploration into the characters' pasts, struggles, and personal demons. The stories are so well crafted that they cleverly intertwine throughout the book and loop back to one event on an August morning in 1974 wherein a tightrope walker embarks on a journey between the twin towers.

I can't wait to see where this story goes and how the characters are connected. It also makes me want to visit New York City again very soon.

Have you read this book? What are you reading now?

Psst... January's Book.

Scar Tissue, Anthony Kiedis

Hi friends. I'd love to know what you're reading at the moment. I'm at the end of Anthony Kiedis' memoir Scar Tissue and it was a book that I absolutely loved. Have you read it? What did you think?

B and I are leaving for LA at the end of the month and the book to accompany me on this trip will be... Diane Keaton's Then Again.

What books are currently on your to read list?

Belmondo Organic Skincare

One of my New Years' Resolutions is a goal to eat more cleanly. I've extended this to all aspects of my body in efforts to live more cleanly. First on the docket: my skin. I've successfully incorporated water into my daily practise, carrying it with me everywhere. I've noticed that my skin improves when I make a conscious effort to drink water regularly. It's no wonder why I instantly fell in love with Daniela Belmondo's (Vancouver-based) organic skin care line, Belmondo; it makes my skin feel just as amazing.

I am fortunate enough to be friends with some pretty wonderful people, one of whom is Nicole. My favourite shop-owner and eco fashionista recently gifted me this travel sample set and I was instantly hooked.

If you follow this blog you know that I don't often write product-heavy posts. You also know that I don't write "sponsor posts." I write about what I like and I like Belmondo. As women, we spend countless hours poking and prodding at our faces and absorbent amounts of money on products to cover them up. For me, it was time to simplify.

Enter, Daniela: "I believe that beautiful skin comes from products derived from the earth’s pure and restorative ingredients. I’ve formulated this organic olive oil-based skin care line to protect, nourish, and enhance the natural beauty of those who use my products." I dig it. (and if that wasn't enough... she, and the company she founded, love animals, respect mama earth, think local, and are helping to build an orphanage in South Africa. What a mantra).

If you're interested in having a look at these products in person (or in giving them a smell) pop into body politic. Otherwise, the products are available online. If you end up giving any a try, I'd love to hear what you think.

Which leads me to my next questions: what is your current skin care routine? what products do you love?




(Photo courtesy of Belmondo via body politic).

the rundown: 2012

Here I sit at the crux of a new year, attempting to prepare a list of goals. Looking back at the last few months of 2011, I see that my wondrous list of ideas somehow got away from me. I began what felt like 80 concurrent projects, while only following through on a handful of them. As a goal-oriented and somewhat organized individual this has been eating away at me slowly to the point of creative eruption, both figuratively and literally (at this point I must interrupt myself to thank my sweet fiancé for putting up with the numerous piles of half-completed projects and art supplies scattered throughout the house. I love you, B).

As I set forth into 2012, I must remind myself to slow down and to focus.

Setting accurate, thoughtful, goals is important. Although we may not meet all of our goals, we must set them at a measurable level to set ourselves up for successes rather than failures. Don't know where to start? Start here.

With that, I present to you my list...

1.
Complete [one] wedding-related DIY project per month between January and August. If you follow me on Pinterest you may have noticed the DIY projects accumulating on our wedding inspiration board. The time has come to narrow down the projects to an achievable number and start working on them, one.at.a.time.

2.

(The Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal, $12.26 at Amazon.ca)
Write one sentence a day for 365 days... and then for another 4 years thereafter. My friend Jillian bought me this lovely little journal based on Gretchen Rubin's best selling book. She also picked up one for herself and we've made a pact to write one sentence a day for the duration of the year to chronicle the ups (and even the downs) that come our way. I'm excited to have something to look back on, especially with this being the year of our wedding. What a thoughtful gift; thanks, again, Jill!

3.
Work out [three] times a week and do yoga [once] a week. Let bridal bootcamp rein in 2012 and beyond! My fitness regime has needed a kick in the junk for a while now and, as it turns out, the wedding was just the motivation I needed to tighten + flatten + stretch out my tired body. I've been (moderately) consistent with my gym-going and yoga-stretching as of late; however, it's time to kick it into high gear. Operation: "Get a Middleton-style butt" starts now!

4.

(This Martha recipe for Shrimp and Pesto Pizza is on my list).
Try [one] new recipe a month. Yes, I admit this is probably the easiest of my goals to accomplish. That being said, I added it because I wanted an excuse to blog about food and a way of keeping Ben and myself from falling into familiar-dinner-ruts. Get ready for a new feature on C Star Events: dinner at our house.

5.
Organize my art room. I am a creator who best functions in a space I am comfortable in. My mission for the early months of the year is to give my art room a face lift and make it functional; my mission for the remainder of the year is to keep it fresh. Photos and progress reports to follow on the blog & Instagram.

6.

Run a Half Marathon in May. This goal both exhilarates and frightens the daylights out of me. I have a training plan in place and I'm doing research on all types of conditioning. I am particularly fond of this short video featured on the New York Times describing the 100-up and how it breaks it down into the mechanics of perfect running. There. I've said it out loud. Now I have to do it. In 2012 I WILL become a runner.

7.
Document our wedding planning adventures on the blog. This is something that I haven't been diligent about chronicling. Until now. Like it or not, this blog is going back to it's wedding panning roots and is about to get an inspiration overload in the name of Ben + Courtney Getting Hitched.

8.

(Then Again is available at Chapters, $30).
Read at least [six] of the books currently in my pile. In no particular order, the next half dozen books on my list are Then Again (Diane Keaton), Sleeping With the Enemy (Hal Vaughan), Let the Great World Spin (Colum McCann), Fifth Avenue 5 AM (Sam Wasson), Is Everyone Hanging out Without me? (Mindy Kaling), and The Hunger Games trilogy (Suzanne Collins).

9.
Watch one documentary a month. Ben and I added this one as a fun way of doing something different each month. We've always enjoyed watching documentaries and there seem to be so many good ones that we've yet to see. We're using this once-a-month date as a way of seeing our world through a new perspective and staying informed. What are some of your favourite documentaries?

10.


Eat more cleanly. Speaking of documentaries, B and I watched Food Inc. the other night and we'll never be the same. I've been interested in finding organic, locally grown produce and meat for a while and this film put me over the edge. We've made a lifestyle change by way of our eating habits and will choose local, organic, and fair trade wherever possible. I'm interested in reading more and I'd love to hear your recommendations for books and cookbooks on the subject. Also, feel free to pass along any delicious recipes you may have; I promise to do the same!

11.
BE Original. BE Authentic. Authentic is one of my new power words. I love how it encompasses ideas of originality and honesty. It's genuine and real. This goal is going to include original and authentic content for this blog and art work for our walls. I'm buzzing with inspiration on this one.

12.

(Photo taken by Angela).
Learn more about photography and how to use my camera. Last Valentine's Day B bought me an amazing Nikon D-90. Although I've enjoyed every moment of playing with it, I have a lot to learn. I plan to go on many photo walks and to take a couple of courses on how to maximize its photographic potential. (Progress to be documented on the blog).




Phew! If you've read this far I applaud you. I'm excited to see how these goals transform, explode, fall apart, and come together again. I hope you'll join me on the crazy year ahead and play along! I'd love to hear your goals and touch base in the months ahead.

Find me on facebook, twitter, and Instagram (username: courtneystarheim) to join the party!

a common thing.

Why, yes. I think this would be a lovely New Years Resolution, indeed.




image via The Indigo Bunting.

P.S. I love this

{Images Courtesy of French Toast Friday}

I am doing my best to stick to my New Year's Resolution of writing one non-birthday card/letter a month; however, correspondence via snail mail is much harder than I imagined. I am very tempted to purchase this special little message to send some love by post.

In keeping with resolutions and correspondence, I ask you friends:

What is the nicest thing you've ever received by mail?
Are you sticking to your New Year's Resolutions?

I can't believe 2010 is almost 1/2 over...

The rundown

2010, eh? You're already here. Rad.

One of the amazingly refreshing things about greeting a new year is the opportunity to create goals, visions, and plans for the year ahead. Although this is a topic that is joked about often, I have found goal setting to work wonders.

Ever since I had the privilege to work for lululemon last year I have been a goal-making-machine. You see, one of the perks for working for this Vancouver-based company (Woot!) is their "practice what they preach attitude" stemming all the way to employee development. They train their employees with an effective goal setting regime and encourage goal setters to share their goals with the individuals around them. If you're interested, you can find out more on this process here.

I have the following goals written to jive with the 5-steps of goal setting (they're measurable) but here's a run down. If you're wondering, I'm posting these on my blog to hold myself accountable and maybe even collaborate with some of you! I will intermittently post "progress reports," "updates," and other fun tidbits as I go. So, in no particular order...

1.
Try my hand at something new every month. This can be a recipe or food, an activity or class, or even a new genre of film, music, or literature. If I haven't tried it before, I'm diving in headfirst. [I've decided that I'll also log all of the fun things I learn & try in my lovely new day planner].

2.

{motley photos}
Attend 5 classes per month of dance, pilates, yoga, or cardio. Although I'm an exercise-outdoors-kind-of-girl I do love the atmosphere of indoor classes and look forward to shake, bend, stretch, and move what my momma gave me.

3.
Have one "date" with B. per week. This can be a breakfast date, a dinner date, a Monday, or a Friday. Extra efforts will be made to schedule some {unplugged} one-on-one time, free of distractions.

4.
{Down and Out Chic}
Join or start a book club. Much to my pleasant surprise, I found this post on Monday morning: the answer to my goal. {Insert the "that was easy" Staples 'easy button' here}. Thank you Christina. You rock! I can't wait to start Jeanette Walls' follow up to The Glass Castle (one of my favourites) and hash out plot and character development with the Club (gee, can you tell I was an English Major)?

5.
Save money for the camera-of-my-dreams. Included in this goal is a to do list of the following: take more photos/ print them off and make photo books of B.'s Grad & New York.

6.

{Canadian House & Home}
Finish decorating my living room, my office, and my bedroom. I'm quite enjoying my subscription to Canadian House & Home; every issue is just chalked full of inspiration. Best.gift.ever. (Thanks Jill)!

I'm giving myself a bit of time for this one as B. and I want to ensure we pick the right pieces that work with our style. More on this to come...

7.
Help two of my favourite people plan their wedding. MUCH more to come on this one...

8.

{Cards by elise joy}
Hand write and mail one "Just 'cause" card per month to someone special. Birthdays, congratulations, etc are excluded. These handwritten notes will be for no reason other than saying "hello," "I miss you," or "you're a pretty cool human being."
. . .

So... that's pretty much it: nothing exciting or groundbreaking, just small steps to live, enjoy, and celebrate life in the healthiest and happiest way possible.

Do you make resolutions? If so, what are they? If you feel the urge, share them here or shoot me an email. I'd love to chat.

Happy 2010 all. It's going to be good. I can feel it.