inspired by Anthro

Doesn't this look like a dream world? My favorite shot from the Anthro video campaign shot in India.

morning work outs.

So I work out nearly every morning. (caveat-----with Aunt Anne's funeral and other dramas, I've been less diligent, but am getting back on the horse again, which started yesterday).

Now, let me just say, there are benefits to working out in the morning!!

1. You finish the worst part of your day, right at the beginning.

2. You burn calories all day long.

3. It helps you wake up.

4. You actually did the work out, instead of possibly putting it off.

5. Working out increases mental acuity, so you're more alert throughout the day.

6. Work out in the morning, and be less likely to eat crappy, greasy foods the rest of the day.

I do realize there are some negatives to working out in the morning!!!

1. O-m-g I have to get out of bed at what time?! I get it. It's tough. If you get up the same time every day (I get up at about 5:40), it'll get easier and easier.

2. Getting up early (It deserves two spots).

3. Getting to work later (I get in between 8:30 and 9, which means I work through lunch, or stay later).

4. Sweating for that first hour you get to work. Now I don't think this happens to everyone, but it does to me. My heart rate keeps pumping (plus add in the coffee) and causing me to sweat for a little while.

But seriously...if I leave my work out until the evening, I might as well kiss it goodbye. I'll find a happy hour, or a nap, or an errand to replace it within five seconds. Occasionally I work out in the morning, and then take another class or yoga in the evenings to get me extra tired so I sleep like a baby.

Also...who doesn't love cute work out clothes? Sometimes I splurge on Lululemon work out clothes (I love these pants, these, and these tanks), but Target has my favorite sports bras and tanks.

Things that make me smile today.

1. This jam, sent to me by DailyCandy. I have to get my hands on Miss Eliza.

2. Ava Witherspoon---seriously how adorable is she!? I was reading about them in the U.S. Weekly while enjoying some coffee this am.

3. Let's go ahead and make that #3 on the list...coffee. Coffee gives me that morning jolt I need to open my eyes a little bit wider (even though I endure 60 minutes of work out before it). It also makes my heart race just a bit so I plow through a few hours of work right in the morning.

4. A couple of Tumblrs I've tumbled upon (wah wah). First off-what they hey is a tumblr?! I'm working on figuring that out just yet. Nonetheless, the unofficial JCrew tumblr is fab (appropriately named 770 after their corporate store), as well as this tumblr called cognac and coffee (yes please).

I think that sums up my loves for the day..that is until I start perusing the Internet and that list continues to grow.

DIY Pouch.

My roommate and I really want one of these clutches. But wouldn't it be fun to customize it especially for you!?

Here's the DIY. It's something I might try this weekend if I can squeeze it in.

I'm in the mood to cut costs and find creative (and free or cheap) ways to spruce up the otherwise boring and plain. Are you with me?