Friday loves: monograms, Bikram yoga, Hunters + more

Hello, Friday! First of all, let's clear the air: I see white and gold on the dress. Glad that's out in the open.

Anyway. We're not here to argue, are we? Back to the business at hand.

One. I bought a circle monogram for our front door from an online shop that shall remain nameless because I definitely ordered it in November and received it in February. After reporting them to the BBB, I (shocker) finally got my monogram! It was black when I got it but that wouldn't cut it on our black front door. Enter seafoam green spray paint and burlap ribbon. Love how it turned out - even if I had to wait 3 months to get it. 

Two. I went to my very first Bikram Yoga class on Sunday night and wow. If you've never been, Bikram Yoga is typically 105 degrees for 90 minutes (my class was a private class for Junior League, so it was only 60 minutes) during which you go through 26 different positions twice. I was truly scared to try this and there was a point during the class that I thought I might actually die - but then the instructor said "Do you feel your heart pounding? You're getting a great cardio workout right now" (oh good, so that is normal). And then I thought: wait - yoga? Cardio? Sweating bullets? This is actually pretty cool (ha). The heat also allows you to get deeper into stretches than you think is possible and you will be sore the next day! On top of it all, I had SO MUCH energy the next day it wasn't even funny. 

Three. Do y'all get the Skimm?? I signed up a few months ago and it is hilarious way to get the news. I love that it takes me 5 minutes to get up to speed on the most important world news of the day. And I feel smarter. At least once a week, I actually laugh out loud while reading. Sign up here for free. 

Four. I finally pulled the trigger and bought some Hunters! I've been going back and forth for oh, about 2 years on what style and color I wanted. I landed on the Adjustable Back - so I could actually fit them over jeans - in Black Gloss. So excited to have them in time for the rainy spring! Is it wrong to hope for rain for fashion purposes?

Five. If you need some inspiration, watch this clip from the Today Show this morning. This precious  91-year-old woman decided to become a tech designer in Silicon Valley - proving you're never too old to go for the things you really want in life! She actually told a guidance counselor when she was young that she wanted to be an inventor or designer, but he told her that was a job only for men. I love this story: we can all learn a lot from her. 

Y'all have a wonderful weekend full of your favorite things! Stay warm out there. Might we even see some warm-ish weather next week?? 

xo

KH 

Linking up with

 April, Christina, Natasha and Darci! 

My decision to go without gluten: Day One

I'll be the first to admit that I think cutting out any whole food group sounds ridiculous. I firmly believe that the things we consider part of our food supply were put on this earth for our nourishment...and enjoyment. One of the best things in life is a good meal.

I've been perplexed by the gluten-free trend since I first heard of it. The whole gluten-free thing has been gaining traction for a few years and I've continued to think, WHY would anyone willingly go without cupcakes, bread and pasta?? (Unless they have to for allergy reasons). And aren't whole grains supposed to be good for you?? Then I started hearing - from people I know and trust - how removing gluten from your diet can make you feel better, help digestive issues, reduce swelling in joints, and make you less mentally "foggy." And the more research I've done, the more I've come to understand that gluten is linked to many autoimmune diseases, including Crohn's Disease. Huh.

So I'm here today to say that I am joining the growing number of people who have given up gluten in hopes that it will change my life. Gosh, I hope it does. 

I am actually really excited to start this experiment. After a terrible flare that lasted nearly two months and the constant fear that any old meal will make me sick, I'm willing to try anything. Even giving up cupcakes, bread and pasta - arguably three of my most favorite things on earth.

I've had a few weeks to mentally and otherwise prepare for this lifestyle change. I decided around Christmas time that I'd try it in the new year for 30 days - the length of time it might take to see if it's making a difference. This gave us (yep, hubby's joining me for this experiment!) time to enjoy our favorite foods containing gluten "one last time," clean out the pantry, read up on making the switch to gluten-free and stockpile gluten-free staples.

Left: pantry before the Gluten Purge of 2015
Right: what remains! 

I am so, so optimistic about this change. But I'm also scared out of my mind. What if it works and I'm stuck in a gluten-free diet for the rest of my life? What if I can never again carelessly eat off a buffet at a Super Bowl party or baby shower? You know what? It will be worth it. I pray this works and my biggest worry becomes how to perfect a gluten-free pizza crust rather than how I'm going to manage to get to work when I can't even keep food down due to Crohn's.

Have you tried gluten-free or are you currently living a gluten-free life? What are your favorite resources, recipes, tips and tricks? I would LOVE to hear your advice as I make this change for the next 30 days - and maybe forever.

Wish me luck!

xo
KH