Training for my first 5K race!

My apologies for not adhering to my start-of-the-week post to lessen some of the Monday blues, but yesterday was Labor Day and I doubted there were blues in sight!  

One always feels more beautiful when they are healthy and physically fit.  I’m really not great at adhering to a regular gym routine—my workout preference includes hiking, biking, swimming, or any other sort of nature activity.  For the cold winter months, I prefer fun indoor classes like Zumba or Yoga. 

In order to push myself to stick to a workout, I’ve signed up for my first ever 5K on October 21!  I’m excited to participate in the Chicago Monster Dash and dress in a “toys” theme with a group of friends.  I’m now forced to stick to a running routine, so I’m not straggling behind during the race.  It is energizing me to not dare skip a workout.  It will be very exciting when I cross that finish line!  On top of the exercise, I’ve been hydrating more frequently and eating healthier, because it helps my runs.  

I found this routine that I’ve been trying to stick to, in order to train with ease:

Please send along any first 5k tips you may have!  Wish me luck!!

Packing for my beach getaway!

I'm sooo excited to be heading to Costa Rica later this week!!! The country has been on my bucket list for years ever since I was in grade school and learned about the tropical beaches, biodiversity, and gorgeous landscapes. 

Because the weather will be 90s at coolest all week (not that it's been that much cooler in Chicago lately), packing for a beach getaway should be easy and quite simple.  Here's what I'm throwing in my bag:

Passport & Travel Docs:  Most important of all and the most commonly forgotten item!

Swimsuits:  I intend to spend countless hours on the beach and by the pool.

Light sundresses:  Coolness and comfort are key to a beach wardrobe.

Sun Glasses: A super cheap pair that I won't have to worry about scratching or loosing down a volcano.

Skin Stuff:  Ultraviolet rays from the sun are much more intense as you move closer to the Equator.  I'm not leaving without plenty of sunscreen, aloe lotion and lip balm!

Flippy Floppies:  & sandals....because Life is Better in Flip Flops, plus one pair of sneakers for a day of a TBD adventure (hiking/zip-lining/off-roading!).  

 As they say in Costa Rica "Pura Vida."  One thing to know about the Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, is their free spirit and love for life. You will often hear the people greet or salute friends with the phrase "Pura Vida" which translates to Pure Life or "Pura Vida Mae", which translates to Pure Life Dude (usually said among friends or good acquaintances). 

I have a feeling I am going to love this country! Pura Vida readers! 

I'm still dreaming of Akira's bazaar

I've got to say, one of the best events I went to all summer was Akira's 10th anniversary bazaar.  Located in Wicker Park, this festival was complete with amazing Akira sales, street vendors, free drinks, and even a live camel (now that's not something you see in Chicago everyday).  Free of charge to everyone!

I can't decide if my favorite part of the day was winning these Fiebiger Shoes, or getting my new pair of TOMS custom designed by the artists:

 I've always wanted to get a pair of TOMS, and when I saw that they were doing free customizations, it was obviously the perfect time to buy-- absolute brilliant marketing by Akira and TOMS shoes.  The best part is, with every pair of TOMS you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

These TOMS are fly as S*%T! 

Well done, Akira.  I'm eagerly awaiting your next festival.

Sockbun!

I've been seeing the sockbun everywhere lately!  I decided I had to give it a go myself.  I quickly realized what all the hype is about-- it's quite easy to put your own hair up in a classic, no-fuss, beautiful hair bun.

All you need for this style is a hair elastic and a sock (I used no products or pins whatsoever, depending on the nature of your hair, however, you may find a spritz of hairspray or bobby pin helpful).

You simply cut the end of a sock, roll into a "doughnut" and use to roll your hair through, starting at the end of a ponytail.  There are countless video tutorials on YouTube.

This may sound like a strange tip-- but I was unable to make the sock bun while looking in the mirror.  Not sure if it was the"opposite effect" that confused me or what, but I was only able to successfully complete the sockbun very well without looking at my reflection.  I also found it easier to do the sockbun with damp hair. 

Some ladies even curl their hair using a sock bun (for the record, this did not work on my pin-straight hair-- but good luck)!

I finished the look off with an elastic flower headband wrapped around my bun a few times, which provided extra support.  Feel free to include your favorite hair accessory for extra fanciness. 

This look is pretty versatile, and it keeps your hair away from your face for hours.  Perfect for a night out, important business meeting, or even a formal event (will certainly save $$ by not using a hair dresser for a chic up-do).

Good luck with your sock bun!  Tweet me a pic-- @DianaRski!  

Welcome!

Thanks for reading!  I hope you enjoy scrolling the following topics discussed on my site:

Chi-guide:

Life led me to this treasure of a metropolis; here I’ll share only my favorite must-dos in dining, festivals, and night-life

Jet-Setter:

I’ve explored a fair portion of our nation and have been fortunate enough to visit over 15 countries.  Here I’ll share my journeys

Easy-Deliciousness:

Showcasing easy recipes and yummy delight

Beauty Buzz:

My Latest Beauty tricks, finds, and obsessions

Be sure to drop a line if you like what you read.  Follow me on Twitter @DianaRski

Peace & Love,

Diana