Why I run...

View on the beach this morning. Nags Head, NC

Why I Run... There are many reasons why I run.

I love the freedom of the open road. I love the the clarity and silence I find in myself by the end of a long run. I love exploring new places and discovering beauty in unexpected spots. I love it because I could push myself as hard as I possibly could, drag my feet along on tired days, or just run without a thought about my pace. On bad days running is always there for me. On lonely days running is a good friend. On beautiful sunny days I couldn't imagine a better way to enjoy the afternoon. And in the middle of winter the brisk air fills me with life.

I guess running really has become such a huge part of who I am. I couldn't imagine my days without it, and tomorrow at 7:20 when the OBX marathon kicks off I am hoping for the energy to carry me to the finish. It is really an unpredictable experience, but truly one that leaves you changed for the rest of your life.

Some of my favorites...

Why I RUN...

"My philosophy: You never know how far you can go until you go too far. I love seeing just how far the body and mind can be pushed" - Jen Segger

" Running helps me achieve mental clarity and explore new places at my own pace."- Senja Palonen

"You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming."
-Frank Shorter

"The marathon's about being in contention over the last 10K. That's when it's about what you have in your core. You have run all the strength, all the superficial fitness out of yourself, and it really come down to what's left inside you. To be able to draw deep and pull something out of yourself is one of the most tremendous things about the marathon." - Rob de Castella

Friday Business Cards.....Orange

I couldn't resist...a sense of humor and great design..

Bravo Oranges Designs and Seth Hay who brightened up my day!

LSW

Tights...

What is it with tights??? I mean I seriously hated them as a child. Made of scratchy, itchy wool which lost their shape after 1 day!! But now with a little bit of stretch and a whole lot of color they can add happiness to a very dreary winter...

images via weheartit and imagefave.

LSW

Onward...

Two days until I run the OBX marathon. It is hard to believe after 18 weeks of training with Hal Higdon's program the week of the race is here.

In the spirit of the marathon, I came across this video today via wonting and it made me smile. The adventures of running, you never know what you will encounter on the open road. Hoping for a good weather day on Sunday.

The film was inspired by certain personal experiences in running – a favorite run over Blanchland moor in Northumberland, being attacked by a crow in Singapore – and also by the transcendent, almost psychedelic experience of the simple act of running. -James Jarvis

TRUE & WESSON Philosophy #41

Found via vi.sualize.us

LSW

A Memorable Day in CT... Open House Recap and Launch of Wedding Row

The Red House

110 E. Main Street, Home of True Event and Jennie Fresa Beauty Library

True Event

True and Wesson Portfolio. Some of our favorite events this season, collaboration of Chocolate Creative Design and True Event.The adorable Bruce Plotkin towering over meWesson & True

Jennie Fresa Beauty Library

Spa Room at the Beauty LibraryJustin Marantz, Jennie Fresa and Mary Marantz

On Sunday we opened the doors of the Red House and home of our new studio in Clinton, CT for a celebration that brought together brides, friends, family and industry experts for a truly memorable day. Not only an incredibly special day for True Event but for the other new businesses opening with us, Jennie Fresa Beauty Library (my housemate in the red house) and Beneath the Gown (Second Floor of 110 E. Main St.).

In collaboration with these incredibly talented, wonderful ladies and the ladies of Stonington Design and Paperie (110 E. Main St.) and the White Dress by the Shore (110 E. Main St.) we launched Wedding Row... Great Style, One Destination. Stretched between the historic properties of 104 East Main Street (Red House) and 110 East Main Street we have established a wedding community offering the best in events, bridal attire, lingerie, beauty, paper and design. The creative energy floating between the two houses is incredible and we are so excited about all that is to come over the next year on Wedding Row.

We feel so incredibly blessed to have such wonderful friends in the industry that supported us in this huge celebration to toast with us as guests and as sponsors of the event and would like to give an extra special thank you to all of you for making Sunday a huge success.

Collaboration:
Betty Parri of Perfect Parties, and her amazing crew crafted an incredible display of stationary and passed savory Hors D'oeuvres and sweet treats throughout the afternoon. Also showcasing the talents of her in house pastry chef, with a gorgeous collection of cakes that were designed and presented in the spirit of the four seasons.

The uber talented, Yumiko of Hana Floral Design, totally went above and beyond to decorate each one of our spaces and the tent. The arrangements were crafted in the theme and design of each space and season. Absolutely gorgeous!

Geof Gordon of Photobooth Planet kept the crowd entertained as they got together to take photos in his old school, fabulous photobooth. A huge hit at every event!

Chamard Vineyards treated guests to a tasting of their impressive portfolio of local wines. The winery is just a short trip up the road from the Red House.

Rentals Unlimited provided the fabulous linens and rentals throughout the properties and Sperry Tents set up two of their tents in between the houses, showcasing their gorgeous blue star tent.

Elan Artists and the talented ladies of Loukoum, an accordion and violin/cello duo, played as guests came in and out of the tent. They were not only absolutely adorable and super sweet but the sound that they created was brilliant. With a unique sound and combination of instruments they are the perfect accent of music for any special occasion and we were so lucky to have them be a part of our opening.

Lastly a huge thank you to Anna Sawin who captured all of the details so perfectly in a portfolio of pictures that will always mark November 1st as a day to remember.

Monday Typefaces...plastic bags

Created by Michelle Mac.

LSW

Happy Halloween!!

Found via FFFFOUND.

LSW

The Great Pumpkin....

Ahh..the classic American Halloween Party...Every American child has either hosted or been a guest at the most creative party of the year. But how do we communicate the fun and creativity as adults?! I absolutely LOVE this Halloween Party designed by Country Living (without the clown of course!). The re-use of the galvanized tub is to die for!!! Locate that inner child and for once let go and have fun!!

The way to a creative Halloween is in the pumpkin!!

You don't have to be a master carver just think outside the box and have fun!!

Image found via charmedtasha.blogspot.com

Image found via charmedtasha.blogspot.com

Image found via Country Living

Image found via Country Living

Image found via charmedtasha.blogspot.com

Maybe Ms. True should have some of these at her opening..hint hint..

Image found via Country Living.

Finally a use for Candy Corns!!

LSW

Tag Sale Find Turned Fabulous...

First Step was to clean with a metal wire brush, sand with an electric sander, and prime the chairs to be painted.(Biggest mistake in this project was not getting a real before picture.) These chairs had been sitting in an attic for over 30 years, and were filthy when I found them on the side of the street at a Tag Sale.

Then the painting began, requiring many coats. I chose a high gloss white enamel paint, which is much harder to work with then flat paint, but gave them a nice shiny finish.

Fabric by the absolutely fabulous designer Anna Maria from her Good Folks Collection, Kitchen Curtains.
Amy Butler, Lotus Wall Flower Taupe

The finished chairs lined up in my living room ready to go to the new studio.

As you recall I blogged about my tag sale chairs a while back and spent months looking at them in the garage painted but with no seats, until I finally decided on fabric. And I must say I am so pleased with the way they turned out. Alot of work from start to finish, but well worth the project.