Neon Love August 1, 2012

I think I’ve contracted a Summer cold.  That’s my name for it.  I don’t really know what it is.  All I know is it started with a nasty sore throat, graduated to a constant running nose, and now has settled into my chest leaving me with a pretty sexy voice.  That was all in a span of only three days.  Can’t wait to see what I feel like tomorrow…hopefully better!

 

My new love {without even realizing} it is Neon.  Today I looked around and noted that a lot of my newest accessories are neon.  Who knew I would be into this throw back to the 80s trend?  Check it out:

First Neon Purchase

I bought these after my bunion surgery when I needed ‘supportive’ shoes.  I almost didn’t buy them because the laces were so intense.  I even went out and bought white laces in case I decided I couldn’t pull off the neon pink.  I don’t even know where those white laces are now!  Everyone compliments the pink and turns out I love them.

Target Insulated Cup

I saw my friend Lei with this cup and had to know where it was from.  She told me Target and originally I went in there thinking I would see what other colors were available.  And even though I walked to the register with the turquoise one, I marched back and snagged this neon green one instead.  Sorry I’m a copy cat Lei!

Gap Socks

Then last week I was at the GAP trying to shop for my sister and miraculously ended up buying things for myself instead.  To be fair I tried shopping for her, but they didn’t have the specific jeans she wanted and then I saw a lovely pair of dress pants on sale and had to try them on.  Once I decided to buy them I was at the counter and saw these socks {that happen to be neon} on sale and I couldn’t pass them by.  I mean the middle ones practically match my new gym shoes up above!

Tri-Neon Dress

After the GAP on the same night I was trying to leave the mall and got caught up at the sale rack of dresses in Von Maur.  By the way a lot of people ask what Von Maur is whenever I mention it.  I guess it doesn’t exist in many malls, but its a department store.  Although its usually on the pricey side, I’ve found they do have good sales.  This dress originally $50, but I got it for only $24!  I love it and as a side note it looks better on rather than on the hanger.

 

I also received a pair of neon yellow stone earrings for my birthday, but I really couldn’t get a good picture of them.  I am so sad because I LOVE these earrings.  I seriously cannot wear them enough.  That’s a lot of neon things for someone who didn’t realize they liked neon.  I guess sometimes things work their way into your heart without you noticing!

 

Start with a Bang! April 25, 2011

The  new family Easter tradition? Drive out to a shooting range and fire off a few rounds at a target. I’m being serious. This is what my family did for Easter weekend.

We decided a new family bonding experience could freshen up our time together, not that we ever have trouble finding fun things to do (going out to eat, family vacations or going out to Great America).  So with the schedule in place, my Dad, two brothers, sister and my hunny, I headed out to the shooting range.

Now I’ve shot guns before, in fact, I’ve been firing at targets since I was 5 years old. I used to find shooting a rifle strangely satisfying… checking out where on the target the bullet hit and how close I was to where I was aiming. After this weekend, I also feel empowered. This weekend I shot my first handgun… and I shot several kinds. We had a .22 revolver (formerly my Grandpa’s), a .38 revolver, a Colt .45 and a 9mm semi-automatic police-type gun with a laser. I shot all 4, but as surprisingly as this may be, had the best luck with the Colt.

Not sure how much you all know about guns, but the number (.45, .38, etc.) refers to the size of the bullet. A .45 is a BIG bullet. As a result, when you shoot a firearm with a short barrel and a big bullet (ie the Colt .45) you are going to experience a bit of a kick back… meaning lock your elbows or you will hit yourself in the head. I got a workout in just from firing these bad boys!

I’m all for gun safety and I respect firearms immensely. I’m not one of those people who is going to tell everyone that they should own one, but what I can tell you is that there is something very exciting about going to the shooting range and firing at a target. I like the symbolism of it all… aim for something you want, work hard to get it there and then observe your success and learn from it for your next bullet (or goal). It’s scary, yes, but also makes you feel strong and you learn a lot. It’s quite the experience.

Everyone had a great time and stayed safe. If you’re looking for more information about guns or about placing to go to a shooting range, let me know. I’d be happy to share what I know! I vote,  let the new Easter Tradition continue!