Random

Hello, O-HI-30 readers! Ready for some random-ness?

Nash’s Wedding
It’s been a couple of weeks since my last post, and this time, that’s for good reason. I’ve been BUSY! Busy with work, of course, but also busy with my dear friend Laura Nash’s wedding this past weekend!

The fun started Friday morning, when I drove south to the ‘Nati for lunch and mani/pedis, followed by a quick stop back at the hotel (which overlooked the Ohio River and downtown Cincy and was beautiful!) and then the ceremony rehearsal and dinner. Saturday was a whirlwind, as weddings always are…hair/makeup followed by ceremony followed by limo-ing/pictures followed by partying! And did I mention speech-giving?! As her maid-of-honor, it was my honor (along with her sister and two best men) to give a toast to the bride and groom. And although I felt less prepared for this toast then the other two I’ve given (perhaps I should start a MOH speech writing business?), it was very well-received, and I think I did my relationship with Nash and Kyle proud. The newlyweds are currently honeymooning in Hawaii…#jealous.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Those of you who follow my personal trainer (aka, me…ghost writer…or is it ghost poster?) on social media (Dustin Kelch @ Sweatbox) have already heard about this one! Dustin has been preaching the powers of apple cider vinegar for as long as I’ve known him. Naturalists claim that a tablespoon of the good stuff a day aids digestion, helps keep blood sugar levels in check, boosts metabolism, and strengthens the immune system. And according to Dustin, is to credit with him warding off even the slightest of colds for 3+ years!

When I felt one coming on last week in the midst of a crazy work schedule and the wedding, I decided it was time to give it a try myself. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar a day keeps the doctor away? Who knows if that’s really true, but I figured at the very least it wouldn’t hurt. I had been avoiding it because I thought it would taste horrible, but guess what? I actually kind of like it! I drink mine before I drink my coffee in the morning, with warm water, a squeeze of lemon, and the tiniest bit of honey. If the thought of drinking it turns you off, check out this article for other ways you can work it into your diet.

Brassica
I wrote about my company’s latest concept Brassica (love the website!!!) in this post, but after having lunch there with Karen today I thought it deserved another quick shout-out! If you haven’t checked out Brassica yet, what are you waiting for?! This veggie-licious chicken salad bowl was packed with flavor. And don’t forget the special sauce (and fries)! Also…did I mention it’s my downstairs neighbor?!

Fall Running
I’ve been loving this fall running weather lately! I’m one of those runners who would take a 40-degree day over an 80-degree one any day of the week. There are few things I enjoy more than a brisk run through the leaves on a cold day. It hasn’t actually been that cold, but I’ve still managed to fully enjoy some runs as of late. A few weeks ago, Ashley, Johnny, and I participated in a 10K trail run north of Columbus at HighBanks metro park. Having capped most of my runs post-triathlon at four miles, I was completely unprepared for 6.2 miles – let alone 6.2 hilly, trail miles! But all three of us surprised ourselves, running together and feeling strong and great all the way. Fun way to spend a Sunday morning! And then I went to work….and ended up with 31,000 steps that day. #restaurantlife

I went for a run this morning up to campus and snapped this pic of Mirror Lake. Come to think of it, back in my day, this would have been the Thursday of the Mirror Lake jump, because we used to play M*ch*gan the weekend before Thanksgiving. Time and Change….

Fall Uniform
Speaking of fall, I’ve been wearing roughly the same outfit all season and thought it deserved a shout-out! I don’t know about you, but pretty much each season every year I have one or two outfits that I find myself wearing over and over. It’s never the same outfit from year to year – last year, at this time, I was obsessed with sweater dresses and riding boots and wasn’t wearing jeans much. But this year? I’m loving the heck out of my new jeans, booties, and coat!

Ash, Jackie and I went shopping last month and I treated myself to a new pair of jeans. My new non-corporate lifestyle has me wearing casual clothes more often (that is, when I’m not wearing khakis and clogs), so I thought a new pair of jeans was only fair. I purchased these high-waisted dark skinny jeans at J-Crew, and bonus, they were 25% off! I LOVE them – I’ve been wearing the high-waisted thing for a couple of years now, but these are so comfortable and forgiving.

On my feet I’ve been living in these booties – in two colors! The tan-ish colored ones I originally bought were so comfortable that I decided a black pair was also in order. I typically don’t wear heels on a regular basis, but I feel very sturdy and confident in these. So much so that they’ve become an everyday staple – even just to Sunday brunch (when I’m not serving it, that is!).

And last but definitely not least, my fall coat! One of the biggest things I noticed when changing jobs was that most of my wardrobe was just too nice for the restaurant. I don’t want to wear a nice trench coat with my work uniform, especially when it would drag on the floor from the low hanger I hang it on in our tiny office! Enter this amazing hipster fall coat from Loft (40% off, of course). I am OBSESSED. I usually remove my coat immediately upon entering indoors, but not with this coat. With its soft fleece lining, it’s more like a comfy blanket than a coat. And at the end of a long workday, it feels so comforting to put this on. Love!