Summer Uniform

Winter is all about black, black and more black. But summer is when I whip out the white. And this summer is no exception, especially with the modern shapes and crisp perfection of the latest white blouses for inspiration. From a simple white tee to a complicated structured blouse, I'm ready for summer.

Images L to R: Budget Babe, The Glamourai, Harper and Harley

I'd love this cotton blouse by C/Meo with a nice peekaboo in back, a soft Vince top that bares your shoulders, this Tibi one that has more structure, or this ruffle crop by Madewell. But I might just have to get one with bell sleeves by Topshop similar to the photo on left. Which one is your favorite?

Pedaling into Fall

This post is sponsored by Flonase® Allergy Relief. 

One the days I don’t have time to hike, I still have to get outdoors. Biking saves me when I’m in a time crunch, when I’m looking for a low-impact way to spend the afternoon outdoors, or when I feel like exploring Denver.

Luckily, I’m not the only one in the family who enjoys riding bikes. In fact, our garage is completely overrun with cruisers, mountain bikes, and road bikes… and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Although a few of us in the family enjoy hiking, everyone looks forward to our bike rides. It may have something to do with the fact that our favorite pathway leads right to our favorite ice-cream shop!

I also love how biking has become so popular. There are tons of new products on the market, and some other items that every rider must-have! A few of my must-haves (and wants) for my bike rides include:

1. Bike: Go high tech, go cute or go both. In pink, obviously.

2. Pink helmet:  Since you’re going to wear a helmet, make it a fancy one that also protects. Bonus points to this helmet for also fitting with the sunglasses.

3. FLONASE® Allergy Relief: Blowing your nose on a bike ride is not only hard, but annoying. My allergies won’t give me a rest! Fall is one of the worst times for my allergies and Flonase is my go-to remedy. Suffering from fall allergies? Here are some fun facts that may explain why:

“Ragweed pollen is the source for many common fall allergy symptoms. It grows throughout the United States and releases pollen from August to November. Mold is also a typical trigger for autumn allergies. Molds are fungi (not the ones you eat in salads) that thrive in moist, damp environments. The rotting leaves of fall provide an excellent home for mold growth, and to the detriment of allergy sufferers, release spores into the air to reproduce. These tiny spores are often the culprit for those runny noses and watery, itchy eyes you see in allergy sufferers.” You can read the full article on Flonase.com here. 

4. Bike bell:  Don’t be that person who scares runners by not letting them know you are coming!

5. Pink sunglasses:  Why wear cycling sunglasses? Well, yes, they are definitely a fashion accessory but lightweight, polarized sunglasses protect your eyes from bright sunlight and harmful UV rays, and also offer shield you from the wind, rain, dust, grit and bugs that can impair your vision. 

6. Smarthalo:  I’m dying to get this smart hub for your bike. The SmartHalo finds routes and bike paths by syncing with your phone and giving you directions on a light halo right on your handlebars. It also tracks your progress as soon as you start pedaling. It’s a night light, that can’t be stolen. But wait, there’s more. SmartHalo notifies you of incoming calls and SMS, directly on your handlebar and also gives weather alerts. But the best feature is that if anyone bothers your bike, a loud alarm will sound. Seems like the only thing it can’t do is pedal for me.

Image by Terry Bicycles via Pinterest

After your bike ride, wind down and check out the Flonase® Fall of Fame to see some of the cutest pets in the country. Be sure to vote for your favorite submission here.

Have fun pedaling your way into fall!

~Kim

Hiking

This post is sponsored by Flonase®

I always look forward to fall with its crisp, fresh air, turning leaves, and a promise of flaming fireplaces and snuggly sweaters. Since moving to Colorado and taking up hiking, I’m also anticipating cooler days and changing scenery as I explore some new areas and return to some well-worn ones. Looking at the fall colors from the car is always a treat, but walking in the middle of the changing scenery is a majestic treat! But it’s not only the fall foliage that captivates me, I’ve realized there are 3 things I really look forward to seeing on a hike:

1.    Kids and parents. I remember when I used to go hiking with my parents in the woods behind our home. We would hike for hours, or so it seemed, until we came to the end of the wooded area, or one of us sat on a cactus (that would be me). Those days instilled in me a love of wandering and a thrill in being outdoors. It’s a place where I find myself thinking more logically, letting go of the mundane, and focusing more intently on tasks at hand. There’s no other activity that revitalizes me so completely.

2.     A beautiful view. Considering that I’m in Colorado and the landscape is so different from anywhere I’ve lived, every view in Colorado is spectacular. But some are more memorable than others, such as The Burro Trail in Breckenridge or a view of Red Rocks from multiple hiking areas. The wildflowers and the peaks remind me of Switzerland… or the opening from the Sound of Music. My only drawback while outdoors on a hike is my allergies. When a breeze kicks up dust or we are hiking after a rainy day, my allergies can spring up and ruin my day. I’ve learned that the one thing I have to remember before heading out is to take Flonase® Allergy Relief (now available over the counter!), which allows me to be greater than my allergies. Once I do, I feel set for whatever adventures await on our hike!

3.     Hikers and their dogs. What is it about a trotting, panting dog that makes me smile? It’s probably the memories of the dogs in my life, and the love I see between the owners and dogs that I pass on the trails. They are all filled with happiness, and the energy they give off is contagious. Some dogs are carrying packs, some are happy to see people, and some are intent on finding wildlife in the area. But all of them are bursting with energy, which must mean they are enjoying their hike as much as their owners.

Seeing so many dogs on our hikes has made the conversation of having another dog in our family a constant discussion. We are seriously considering having a dog again and if we get one soon, I’m definitely going to enter our dog, who will undoubtedly be adorable, in the Flonase® Pet #FallofFame photo and video contest. Entering is easy. Show you and your pet being greater this fall for a chance to win the $5,000 grand prize & other prizes (like $250 in gift cards) here.

Please let us know if you enter, we would love to see your dog!! This weekend we are off on another hike… and I hope you are enjoying fall too.

Happy Hiking! ~Kim