A Race a Month // April

UAB Scholarship Race - Birmingham, AL : 10k or 6.2 miles

Before: My first 10k race. I trained for 4 weeks and followed my training schedule exactly. I had run 6 miles the weekend before faster than my original goal time of 54:00, and so my new goal became 52:something. This was also the first afternoon race. It started at 6 pm. The UAB football team showed up and started the race for us, really cool.


Mile 1: Felt great. I knew I was going too fast, but it was really hard to hold myself back. I could only see one girl ahead of me and I tried to keep her in sight.

Mile 2-3: Mile 2 was pretty much all down hill and mile 3 was all uphill... like crazy uphill. I knew it was going to suck looping back around to do that at mile 6. We ran past the start at 3.1 miles and I got to see my mom and a friend! I really was ready to be done, haha. 

Mile 4-5: The first girl passed me, I really tried to keep up with her, but she was just too fast (she ended up being 1st in our age group). I really was starting to feel tired. My watch was telling me I was running 8:45 miles... I knew I needed to get my second wind if I wanted to hit my goal of 52:something. 

Mile 6: Another girl started to pass me. I stayed with her. I really wanted to place in my age group and I knew she was in mine. This was the mile with all the hills. I wanted to die several times, but kept going. With about a quarter of a mile left I passed her and sprinted for the finish line. She came in about 10 seconds after me. 

After: I was so proud of myself for really pushing it to beat the girl... but then I found out she actually had a time 2 seconds faster than me... she started the race after me so her chip was activated I'm guessing 8 seconds after mine... I was crushed. 2 seconds! 2 seconds! But I still placed 3rd in my age group and got my goal time! 

Time: 52:57 // 8:22 pace 
Results:  3rd (of 12) in 20-29 age group // 6th female over all (of 42) // 38 overall (of 132 runners) **race was actually 6.33 miles**

I'm On A Boat // Wake Boarding Adventures

It's been a year since I've been out on the water and boy have I missed it. Boat rides are my favorite! I love the way the water sprays me, the wind making my hair all crazy and going really fast over the waves. I'm a boat girl, that is for sure.

I went wake boarding with a few people I work with... I've only ever attempted it once... a year ago... to say I didn't do well is putting it nicely. Thankfully, my friends are very patient and kept encouraging me to keep trying. After what felt like a million tries I finally got up on the water... for about 5 seconds, haha. It was really fun though, but also freezing. Louisiana should not be this cold in April. I'm excited to get back out and try again soon.

3 Ways to Store Your Jewelry

**sources // x, x, x, x **

1) use dishes // Using vintage cups and dishes are a great way to keep your lovelies on display in the home. I really like the idea of using ice cube trays and porcelain fruit crates for my rings and bracelets. I'm gonna start keeping an eye out for pretty plates and cups now.

**sources // x, x, x, x **

2) store bought "trees" // there are so many cute jewelry trees in stores like anthropology, mod cloth and urban outfitters. I'm in love with the lace spiral display, sadly it is sold out. You could even get creative and make your own tree display from a vase and twigs. 

*sources // x, x, x, x **

3) frame it up // what a great way to add some art to your walls and be able to see all your jewelry. There are some great tutorials online on how to make your own and also some pre made frames on etsy. I'm planning on making one out of an ornate frame and spray painting it white. 

Have you found any creative ways to display your jewelry? I'm obsessed with finding the perfect solution. 

more thoughts.

Sometimes giving someone advice actually allows you to give yourself some advice. I'm a pretty happy person on the outside, I usually keep my issues to myself. I don't like telling people I'm not over my ex or that him being with someone else kills me inside... but sometimes when someone else says the exact same thing to you, you respond with words that hit home. Words you should have been able to tell yourself months ago, that could have saved you from many pints of ice cream and lots of self-doubt.

It's okay that I'm single. It's okay that someone didn't want to be with me. And if I just keep following my own dreams, I'll find someone along the way that is going in the same direction. I've tried to fit someone into my life for so long, and maybe that's why it has never ended well. I have to know what I want out of my life before I can expect someone to be apart of it.

I&C Photoshoot + 24hr SALE!

scroll to the bottom for SALE details. and shop here

A Cajun Crawfish Boil

Yesterday I experienced my second crawfish boil ever, in Baton Rouge Louisiana. We had the event at work and boiled over 140lbs of crawfish. We even raced a few before we cooked them... I named mine Melvin :) Eeek!

It was seriously so much fun and a good bonding time with other employees. Sometimes a nice laid back day is just what we all need to feel fresh again. I took some home with me and made a nice crawfish salad for dinner. Yum yum yum. I was really happy they made the last batch super spicy.

If you haven't experienced a crawfish boil you really need to find one. So much fun and it really isn't as much work as people make it out to be. I got pretty efficient at getting the meat out of the tails. Can't wait to do this again!

New Earrings // Get Excited

I feel like it's been forever since I debuted some new designs. I'm in love with the new earrings I'm about to share with you all. From tiny to statement earrings, you all should be able to find a pair you love. Let me know which new design is your favorite. xoxo

Four Petal Earrings // Ivory, Plum and Dark Gray

Four Petal Ear Posts // Plum

Leaf Collection // 4 different leaves

Mini Daisy Earrings // Black and Lavender

Gerber Daisy Ear Posts // 7 two toned colors

Chrysanthemum Post Earrings // Pastels & Brights

Ruffled Rose Earrings // Ivory, Rose, Gray, Peach & Blue

You can find all of Indie & Chic's new arrivals here :)