The View Through the Trees

Chicago can be so pretty in every season.  There is always something stopping me in my tracks to pull out the camera (or wish I had it with me).  I admit, vibrant, leaf filled, blossoming trees of spring are my favorite (followed closely but summer) but then the bare trees can really hold their own and set such a pretty scene.  And can I just say - there is green grass in December in Chicago!  Seriously! 

The weather has been pretty much perfect for strolling this December.  One can enjoy the holiday festivities without being freezing.  It is all light winter jackets and sans-snow boots.  Love it.

Happy Wednesday!

wrap and tie

Scarf season is going to be around for quite a while yet...  I usually just do the wrap around and go but maybe switching that up would bring a freshness to the winter uniform as we get closer to spring...

Source: tipjunkie.com via Bethany on Pinterest

Although I have to say, I find wrapping the scarf around and tucking it under the parka to be the warmest. Maybe once we hit that magic day of March 20th cuteness can triumph over warmness? Let's hope so.

Gearing Up for Winter Running

One of the things I find very appealing about running is that it requires very little stuff.  Essentially just a good pair of shoes, a good supportive sports bra and a sidewalk.  Easy-peasy, no excuses, just go out the door and do it.

Outdoor running in the winter is a slightly different story.  Without good gear a run can turn from exhilarating to not-so-much fun in a matter of moments.  This winter I have been doing much longer runs outdoors and had to upgrade my workout wardrobe to include cold-weather running gear.  I was skeptical at first, heading out in my hodge-podge of random layers.  After a few runs turned damp and cold I gave in and placed an order for the real deal stuff.  It is so worth every penny. 

Sportswear Jackets by Nike
Gloves by Athleta

With the limited hours of daylight during this season I am also squeezing in some time on the treadmill for weekday runs.  While the scenery is lacking, the climate control is kind of nice.  And I can shed some layers so that is pretty nice too. I picked up some super cheap tanks from Forever21 that are working quite nicely for shorter runs.

Cropped Pants by Nike
Socks by Athleta

Healthy living things I am loving this week...

{At the Gym} Tempo runs 

{Cardio} The exhilaration from a nice long run on a cold, winter day.

{Eating} Frozen peaches simmered in a dash of sugar and vanilla for a light dessert

{Balance} Shoulder stands in Friday's yoga class

Snow Day

Just about three days ago I was whining about not having any real snow this winter.  Well, that clearly changed!  So now what to do on this snow day...

• make crepes filled with nutella and sauteed bananas
• play gin rummy and/or scrabble
• head out to walk climb through the drifts
• drink the yummiest chocolat chaud
• watch instant streaming movies (I am a huge fan of netflix instant set up to the TV) such as New York, I Love You

I personally would suggest skipping the bike ride today- I am just not as hardcore as some...

Disenchanted

Is it just me or is this winter lacking charm?  I am feeling down right disenchanted lately. 

So I have been plugging away at a few simple projects (which I will share soon), trying my hand at street photography (more on that to come) and planning little afternoon outings.  Tonight I might have to throw in some chocolat chaud for good measure.

And maybe this lady has the right idea... a little window shopping for sparkly things can work magic towards brightening a gray day.