30 Before 30 Update - Run a 5K

Another one bites the dust! AKA another item on my 30 before 30 list has been completed! Over the weekend, I (mostly) ran a 5K! I finished the Easter Egg Scramble! 

Before I started training I couldn't remember the last time I ran a significant distance, (I'm more of a treadmill walker so I can read a book at the same time) so I was a bit super nervous about a 5K. I knew I needed some sort of plan for training because I had no idea of where to start. I was already using the app RunKeeper so I decided to sign up for the Beginner 5K plan. Every other day they gave me a different workout to complete.

I missed a few workouts and I didn't start the plan early enough to get the whole training plan completed before the race, but I definitely think it helped! 


Overall, I'm super happy with how I did! The elevation of the race was way harder than I had done in training, but I still ran my fastest pace ever! Plus it was fun and breakfast burritos were served at the finish line!

Read about my 30 before 30 list here or check out my progress here!

February Stitch Fix!

*This is not a sponsored post. I pay for these clothes myself. However, this post does provide referral links for new sign ups which gives me a little credit to go towards my next box. 

Getting a Stitch Fix was an item on my 30 before 30 list. I got my first box a few months after I created my list. I loved the surprise of it all, but the items are a bit of a splurge for me so I've spread out my fixes since.  

What is Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is a personal stylist service that ships directly to your door! You sign up by creating a "Style Profile" where they ask everything from what styles of clothes you like to your budget to your sizing. You can even link to a Pinterest board to help show what you like. You choose the date you want to get a shipment. A Stitch Fix stylist chooses 5 items of clothing or accessories and they are sent to you on that date. You determine how often you'd like fixes and pay a $20 styling fee for each box which goes toward your purchase. That fee is lost if you don't purchase any items. You can choose to get fixes automatically every month, but I schedule them individually. I got two last year and I'll probably do the same this year. Lastly, if you purchase everything in your box, you get 25% the total purchase. A prepaid shipping envelope is included for any items you want to return. 

To tide me over in the 6ish months that I've been waiting between fixes, I've been into reading Stitch Fix Reviews. Here are a few that I follow regularly:
Lauren's Latest
Spoonful of Flavor
The Box Queen

Feb. 2015 Fix!

Check out the items in my most recent Fix! 
(Sorry about the spotty pics - the fault of a cute vintage mirror!)

#1: Kensie - Conrad Speckled Chevron Dress

I loved the style and print of this dress. My stylist must know I have a weak spot for black and white dresses. The cut was girly, but there was a touch of wild with the faux leather on the shoulders. At nearly $90 this one would be a huge splurge for me right now plus I'm not kidding when I say that I have enough black/black & white dresses to wear one each day of the week (with 4 leftover...). Also it was a bit big and I don't think it does anything for my figure. I'll be sending this one back.

#2: 41Hawthorn - Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer

Loved this blazer! The fabric is of great quality - it feels sturdy, but soft. I almost always roll/push up long sleeves so I was glad to see that these sleeves were a 3/4 length. The ruched detail was girly and added interest without being distracting (sorry, it was hard for me to get a picture of it). I've been wanting to expand my blazer collection and this one may be my next purchase. 

Today's task will be to try it on with other items in my wardrobe to see how it fits in! This may be the item I keep...

#3: 41Hawthorn - Beatrice Exposed Zipper Dolman Top

This is a great basic top! It's flattering and easy to wear. I've imagined it being dressed up or down. The back zipper is a cute and sassy detail. 

At first sight, I thought I'd definitely be keeping it, but I'm less sure now. I think I could easily find something similar at a better price and I'm not sold on the polyester feel of the fabric. 

#4: Rune - Evelin Printed Pencil Skirt

My first thought upon pulling this out of the box was "There is no way this will fit me". I was partially right. I LOVE the print of this skirt, but its tight fit just isn't me. (Tight is for yoga pants and yoga pants alone) I loved it with the 41Hawthorn top, but I don't think I would wear the skirt much. 

#5: Octavia - Mondo Colorblock Cross Stitch Infinity Scarf
Such a cute scarf! Super cozy and I love the two types of stitching. However, I'm trying to think spring and my scarf collection is a bit obnoxious already.

Help! What do you think I should keep? 

Verdit: I kept the 41Hawthorn - Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer and I'm very happy with my choice! Overall, I enjoy the Stitch Fix experience including trying pieces I wouldn't pick up off the rack while shopping. I'll probably sign up for another box in the future. 

Are you interested in getting a Stitch Fix yourself? Check it out here! 

Friday Favs - QC Philanthropy Events

This week of Friday Favs has some set up...

Part 1:
Confession: I have a bit of an obsession with The Bachelor. I know, I wish I wasn't wasting my life watching, but I just can't look away. If you haven't heard, the current Bachelor is a farmer from Iowa. I have a love/hate relationship with that fact. 
Hate: I think that they are portraying Iowa in an unfair way at times. FYI it isn't full of hot farmers leaning on fences looking at fields. 
Love: The show did feature real Iowa places when they had dates in Iowa!
Because of the misconceptions fostered by the show, I've made it a personal mission to celebrate my home state. 

Part 2:
One item on my 30 Before 30 List is to attend Philanthropic Events. 

So, that leads me to today's Friday Favs...Philanthropy Events in the QC! 

1. HAVlife Martini Shake-Off
     

Picture taking is not a priority for me at this event!

     The Shake-Off is one of my favorite days of the year! A ticket gets you into this martini tasting event! Different QC restaurants and bars come to the event with 3-4 innovative martinis. Guests get to walk around tasting and socializing. They serve food too! This year it was a pasta bar. Last year they had a pasta bar and a mashed potato bar. Proceeds go to HAVlife, a local nonprofit foundation that works to prevent lost potential of youth through support of participation in athletics, music, and the arts. 
If you go in 2016, get a DD. For the past two years, a friend's mom drove us to the event and my dad drove everyone home. Having fun is so much easier when you're being safe! (Also it's usually chilly outside so the door to door service is pretty great!)

2. Davenport Jaycee's Brew Ha Ha
   

     This event is set up just like the shake-off but with beers. It's held in a park in the fall so there are a few tents holding tables with various beers to sample. A ticket gets you a glass that is used for tasting plus its a great way to give new beers a try! Proceeds of this event support local charities and programs. 

(This is by no means a comprehensive list of philanthropic events in the QC. These are just two of my favs.)

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Blood

30 Before 30 Update 

Celebratory snacks after my 1 gallon donation!

Last month I finally reached my 30 before 30 goal of donating a gallon of blood! I've earned a prestigious and coveted car window cling! (I've now edited that goal to give 2 gallons before I turn 30) I started giving in high school, but was not a very diligent donor so it took me a ridiculous amount of time to reach that one gallon goal.

I got to celebrate this accomplishment with a tour of the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (Well, I deemed it a celebration. It was really an event with my church 20's/30's group. Our gatherings are focused on service, study, or social so this week was all about service!) We got to follow a drop of blood through the whole donation process. The tour started with the donor area (in which I was very familiar) and then went to the labs where the blood is processed and tested and then finally to the area where the blood is package and sent to hospitals. It was so interesting to see all of the happenings between me donating and my blood actually reaching a donor! 

Why I Give

The post-donation snack is a huge perk, but I give because it feels good to help others. Donating blood takes less than an hour and each donation helps up to 3 people! I've had various family members who've received blood donations that have helped them in a time of need so I love being able to do that for others. 

Anyway, that's one thing off my 30 Before 30 list! I wonder what I will conquer next! 

30 Before 30

When I was preparing to turn 25 years old, I was inspired by a co-worker to make a list of goals to accomplish before I turned 30. She started her list about a month before her birthday, but I thought a more long-term thing would work better for me. I decided to call it my 30 Before 30. 

The goal of the list is to help me gain new experiences and expand my comfort zone while becoming more independent and having fun.

Mainly, I want the list to help me become more me. 

Here is said list:

1. Take a Cooking Class
2. Buy a Car
3. Donate a Gallon of Blood
4. Pay all my own bills (yeah, my parents still help me out a bit... to be fair, family phone plans are way better than plans for single people)
5. Take a Trip Out of the U.S.
6. Run a 5K
7. Finish Grad School
8. Go on (another) Mission Trip
9. Visit 4 new States
10. Dye my Hair
11. Host a Cocktail Party
12. Read 50 Books
13. Visit 5 (new) Wineries or Breweries
14. Attend a Major League Baseball Game
15. Log 1,000 Miles walking/jogging/running
16. Finish my College Scrapbook
17. Go Camping
18. Ride on a Boat on the Mississippi (or other River or Lake)
19. Take a Trip to Visit a Friend in a Different State
20. Buy a pair of designer shoes
21. Take an Architectural Tour
22. Volunteer in a new capacity/with new organization
23. Get a Stitch Fix
24. Attend an Auction
25. Visit 3 National Landmarks/Historic Places
26. Visit an Art Museum
27. Make a meal only using ingredients purchased from the farmer's market
28. Attend 5 Philanthropic Events
29. Join a Bible Study
30. See a Broadway Musical or Professional Ballet


I'm keeping track of my 30 Before 30 progress here! Check it out!  

Have you made a "Countdown List" before a big milestone? What was it?