Growing Up Giving: raising a generation of charitable children

- Mel

The holiday season is more than giving gifts, it’s also about giving back. I love the idea concept of teaching children about charity because instilling these values early on truly promotes a philanthropic lifestyle.

The “Growing Up Giving” guide, from partners Macy’s Heart of Haiti and the Everywhere Society, is for parents, teachers and caregivers. Full of information, memorable quotes from society members and beautiful imagery, the guide promotes ideas about how to raise a generation of charitable children.

How are you inspiring and/or raising the next generation to be conscious of charitable causes?

Every 30-something needs… to vent.

- Mel

So, after leaving a comment on a fellow blogger’s recent post about “finding yourself,” I felt like maybe I should vent. Here.

My comment:

I went through a lot of this “finding myself” crap in my 20s, including moving across the country (mostly, to escape a lot of thing) and living my life how I thought I should be living it… but in the eyes of others — writing about all my mistakes and turmoil via a decade-long blog that was most definitely written to sound like my life was awesome, regardless of all the buillshit.

I had my shit together for a little while, but here I am, at 36, having a breakdown on a daily basis trying to figure out how the hell did I get here? I feel like I have zero direction in life and so many things I still want to do — with too many rough patches (they feel extended now, for some reason) for one person. I feel more a “messy, terrified cog” at this point in my 30s, then I did in my 20s. Maybe because I felt like those things are supposed to happen in your 20s. (??)

By 36, I should have my life together, right? *sigh* I don’t know if that helps one bit, but I guess I find some solace to commiserate in numbers.

What do you do when passion wanes for one thing — something you used to love and feel changed by… changes? Leave it, and find something else? Rediscover (somehow) the passion?

Naturally, I am inclined to go about the discovery route, but what if I’m wrong? This is about relationships, but not romantic relationships… or maybe not really about relationships at all. Although I’m sure it could be. I don’t know why there is still a sense of “needing to belong” or a “sense of purpose” for women in their 30s, but… it’s there. Just being is no way to live, it seems — especially, when alone. I mean, do I really need a job or a degree to define me? It seems, yes, especially if you need funds to cultivate passions and friendships. And don’t want to get those looks from strangers when you tell them you only work part-time in a zoo. A stranger’s rejection hurts as much as romantic rejection. And then there is this “grass is always greener” façade — that you don’t know if this would happen here or there, or under different circumstances or places. Or, people. But it feels like it would be different because no one is showing you otherwise. My situation isn’t necessary about being overtly snubbed, but rather ignored.

I feel like an outsider.

So many damn feelings, and yet, so much life hanging in the balance. Or, is it “in the valance”? And yes, this is incredibly and intentionally vague because… well, life is complicated.

More reading:
Sense of Belonging Increases Meaningfulness of Life {from PsyBlog}

5 Reasons You’re Feeling More Emotional Lately – stress, natch. {via PsychCentral}

This article, about social rejection and the brain dealing with that kind of pain, might be of interest too. {also from PsyBlog}

Weekly Therapy: More Thanks

- Mel

the week:
We were anticipating “Gobblegeddon” to arrive in Pittsburgh just prior to Thanksgiving, and we were thankfully spared (but definitely not from all the doomsday MAKE SURE YOU HAVE TOILET PAPER AND BREAD!!!! style weather reporting).

Hosting our first Thanksgiving dinner with mixed family was so wonderful, and we were squeezed in! I loved having people in our home and planning a meal for 12 people… and decorating the table for a REAL dinner party. I loved not having to drive somewhere (especially considering my work schedule around the holiday). My nieces were adorably high strung; the cats were beyond terrified. And besides the boyfriend chopping off a small section of his finger cutting the absolutely last item (ahem), there was no bloodshed! My dad took over turkey carving duties — his first attempt; he cut that dang bird perfectly.

weekend:
CHRISTMAS DECORATING! Our tree isn’t being delivered until the first week of December, but I’m bringing up the bins from the basement to prepare. And there WILL be glitter nutcrackers adorning my mantel.

seven things, seven days:
1. I started Thanksgiving running the PNC YMCA Turkey Trot. Not only did I run the entire 5K (my ultimate goal of the race), I freakin PR’d that thing! Did I mention it was 17 degrees?!
2. I wore my new Splendid boots the ENTIRE day of Thanksgiving. They were so comfortable, I wanted to sleep in them. Hey, I wonder if Splendid makes slippers…
3. My Black Friday treat this year was a MVP pass to Rollercon.
4. A portion of our back roof is getting replaced. Finally. The contractor is going to seal the chimney too. Praise Tiny Baby Jesus, these leaks just may stop in time for Christmas!
5. I found someone on Etsy that makes frames for those photo booth strips. We have so many of those cute pictures that I want to hang.
6. Doctor bills are SO much more manageable when your yearly deductible has been met. And I get to see hot doctor again this week.
7. If you missed it on Facebook, I shared this story from Door Sixteen about her 30-something experiences with acne and skin problems. I can’t tell you how much I can relate.

Giving thanks.

- Mel

Thankful for: the last two months off derby to clear my head, refocus and recharge. AND spend more “free” time with the boyfriend and friends.

Thankful for: the physical ability to run and CrossFit and skate and yoga to keep my mental sanity (and get a great ass in the meantime).

Thankful for: the boyfriend’s support — mentally and financially — in my (seemingly) never-ending job search.

Thankful for: having an extra dining room chairs to seat additional adults at Thanksgiving dinner.

Thankful for: my boyfriend being responsible for planning, purchasing and making said dinner.

Thankful for: spending the holiday with my sisters, nieces and dad.

Thankful for: having a blended family get-together.

Thankful for: an upcoming week off in December to travel.

Thankful for: these three cats that keep me warm in winter with furry snuggles.

Thankful for: feeling more like “me”… and getting back to the things I love.

Weekly Therapy: it’s the holiday season, so whoop-dee-do!

- Mel

the week:
Is it odd that, last Friday, for the first in the longest of times that I felt “pretty”? Maybe it was just my new eye makeup, or that the boyfriend and I had a really good date night, or maybe-just-maybe I am finally coming out of this stupid depressive, apathetic hole. I’m getting excited about coming back to derby within the next couple weeks too (hopefully this dang foot cooperates).

weekend:
Light Up Night! One of my favorite nights out in Pittsburgh. Also, one of the worst hangovers every year, so working ALL WEEKEND will be interesting. And then there’s Friendsgiving on Saturday…

There will be the usual carriage rides and gingerbread houses and the opening of the Christkindlmarkt in Market Square (People’s Gas Holiday Market) and fireworks (natch, it’s Pittsburgh), but this year’s celebrations also include FOOD TRUCKS. Get your nom on.

seven things, seven days:
1. I won a free piece of jewelry from local shop Jupe Boutique in a twitter contest — how nice is that?!
2. Trying not to think about my half birthday passing recently. How does this keep happening?! Age: What a bitch. The title of my memoir.
3. Ordered new skate boots for roller derby. And yes, they will be hot pink.
4. And then I had to order new boots from Splendid to offset my bank account being used solely for derby.
5. We spent three HOURS with an architect talking about possible renovations/gut job in our house (the second level needs help; and we need a real guest room).
6. My transcripts are complete, my transcripts are complete! Now if I could only get my advisor to return my emails.
7. It’s time to get Christmas Crazy! {via BurghBaby}

Don’t forget to hang up your sock!

30-day Challenges: on hiatus, but back for the new year

- Mel

It’s not too early to think about resolutions.

Yeah, life is not full of guarantees.
Yeah, life is not full of guarantees – money-back or otherwise.

To say the last year has been difficult is an understatement. As you know, I lost my grandfather in March, was told I had skin cancer in April (subsequent surgery in May), and then my grandmother passed in July. After grieving and vacationing and catching back up on life, I feel like I’ve spent the better part of the last six months… well, not feeling “better.” On the upside, I’m starting to feel like myself again. And feeling like I can handle a few 30-day challenges in the new year that were long-forgotten in 2013.

Promises Made, Promises Broken.

I started off the year with 30 days of NO ALCOHOL – my second year meeting the challenge; third-year attempt (I made it 28 days the first year). February was a lesson in waking up early; March, well, that’s when everything started to fail with my addiction to sweets. My 30-day yoga challenge for May was not possible because of my two-week healing (and no exercise) from MOHs surgery. For what it’s worth, I did NOT spend any money in June — that month’s intended challenge. (yay?) And I accepted a workout challenge in September (to replace giving up social media because… no) to start a fundamentals CrossFit program (not exercising every DAY, mind you, but starting the program AND going to all classes at 6am). Help.

A Year of Promises – 2013
January: 30 days of no alcohol.
February: 30 days of WAKING UP BEFORE 8am.
March: 30 days of no sweets
April: 30 days of “something new”
May: 30 days of yoga
June: 30 days spending freeze
July: 30 days of NO PANTS (dresses and skirts only; save for working out)
August: 30 days of volunteering
September: 30 days without social media
October: 30 days of dates!
November: 30 days of blog posts
December: 30 days of relaxing

Once you get off the ride, it’s hard to get back on.

Anyways, my 30-day challenges took a back seat to life, and I’m ready to go again January 1 with my annual no-alcohol challenge. But I’m also considering coordinating with a total Paleo month as well (I mean, since there’s no alcohol allowed anyway). But oh, THE CHEESE. I don’t know if I’ll keep the same list, but I’ll spend the next month figuring out how to plan the next year.

December, relaxing? Pssh.

What 30-day challenge ideas do you have — or do you complete — as part of your New Year’s goals or resolutions?

Image credit: from Stuart Miles via FreeDigitalPhotos.

The Steel City Garden — gardening with Doug Oster and a book giveaway!

- Mel

Approaching winter, it’s hard to think about gardening. But it’s the time of year to plant and plan certain outdoor tasks (and clean up all those leaves before the snow falls). And I feel like we’re constantly making outdoor plans (and pinning… lots of pinning). Gardening is a year-round sport, what with our courtyard and community garden plot. Shade plants, potted flowers and herbs, veggies and fruit… for a novice gardener, it can be overwhelming.

I was not born with a green — or black-and-gold — thumb, which is why I was excited to receive a book specifically about gardening. Garden personality Doug Oster brings local pride into the garden with his recent book: The Steel City Garden: Creating a One-of-a-Kind Garden in Black and Gold.

Steel City Garden Jacket Image

Why black and gold? Pittsburgh is the only city in the United States where all of its major sports teams share the same colors (it’s a way of life). The Steel City Garden introduces readers to eye-catching vegetation, like black tulips and buttercup shrubs, and quirky garden décor that all fit into our prideful color scheme. My favorite black-and-gold flower? Sunflower.

black and gold veggies steel city garden

You don’t have to call Western Pennsylvania home to enjoy this book either — Pittsburgh natives all over the country can still be found cheering on their favorite black-and-gold teams, even in their outdoor spaces. This book is the perfect gift idea for any Yinzer or ex-Pittsburgher garden lover looking to embrace a whole new level of loyalty.

black and gold flowers steel city gard

Black tulips… how beautiful are those?!

“The Steel City Garden can be a tribute to a city, a way of life, your favorite sports team or just a beautiful place to sit and enjoy.” – Doug Oster, from the Introduction

The Steel City Garden includes a variety of flowers, fruits and vegetables along with planting advice, gardening tips and info on each: where it works best, pests and diseases, and plant partners to consider. I enjoyed the added personal garden stories and the decor section — and especially that the entire book is dedicated to organic gardening. I was EXTRA GEEKED after opening the book and seeing a photo of a Steel City Derby Demons t-shirt too!

photo (5)

Skater? Fan? Lover of black-and-gold gardening!

Giveaway UPDATED: Want to get your own copy of The Steel City Garden book? Leave a comment on this post, and I’ll select a random winner on December 1, 2013 December 7, 2013 (retail value: $17.95).

About the Author: 
Doug Oster is The Backyard Gardener for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. An Emmy Award-winning documentarian, he also won the Garden Writers Association (GWA) National Media Award in 2011 and 2013 for his work on “Digging with Doug,” a weekly video blog series through the Post-Gazette.

Steel City Flower image

Disclosure: I received a personal copy of The Steel City Garden book for review, and the publisher is sending one lucky winner his/her own copy. All opinions herein are my own. Read my disclosure policy for more info.

Weekly Therapy: if it ain’t broke… it’s probably ligament damage.

- Mel

the week:
How did this week go by so fast?

I had my first follow-up dermatology appointment since my MOHs surgery. Everyone keeps telling me the scar “looks really good!” or “they did a good job!” And why do I still feel, like, HAVE YOU SEEN MY FACE?! I know, I need to get that looked at… I did get a referral for another dermatologist in the area who can treat some of my other face “issues” — procedures they don’t do in my doc’s office (microderm, deep peels, laser). So, yay?

MOHs scar, circa four months ago
MOHs scar, circa four months ago

I also openly admitted that I’m all for Botox, just “not yet.” How you know you’re a 30-something.

weekend:
Date night at the Three Rivers Film Festival. We’re going to see the Lance Armstrong documentary, and then probably get some more bourbon and snacks at Butcher & the Rye. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been dreaming about that cauliflower dish since last weekend. Yes, CAULIFLOWER.

Saturday, my team is hosting a derby training camp. Which, meh, I’m off skates because my foot started bothering me again this week (I was actually starting to get excited about skating again). Scheduling an MRI as we speak.
Sigh.

seven things, seven days:
1. Took my few days off this week to binge-watch the first two seasons of Scandal. OBSESSED!
2. A day spa is opening in my neighborhood — I’m so freaking excited!
3. Also back on the Sprig box bandwagon.
4. Now that I know we’re hosting some family for Thanksgiving, I’m starting some Holiday Meal Planning Pinning. Leave me some ideas, please!
5. The coffee table I wanted from West Elm is DISCONTINUED. I’m so mad. SO MAD.
6. Running outside in the cold. Nope. Can’t get used to it.
7. We all have people like this in our lives. Energy vampires: how to avoid being drained (and a quiz!). {via Psych Central}

You’ve Got Klout: Eclos skin care challenge

- Mel

Eclos™ is high-tech anti-aging skin care created from nature. Apple Stem Cells, extracted from a rare Swiss Apple, are clinically proven to rejuvenate skin and delay the signs of aging. Everyday use promises a youthful, more vibrant appearance.

eclos apple skin care

100% of 20 participants in a clinical study on Apple Stem Cells experienced a decrease in wrinkle depth after 28 days. That’s a strong claim. And thanks to Klout perks, I received a package for a two-week challenge containing FULL SIZES of Skin Prep Cleanser, Daily HydraPrimer and Moisture Therapy Regeneration Cream (for AM & PM).

The cleanser is AMAZING: non-abrasive and makes my face feel really soft and clean — AND takes off even my waterproof eye makeup without scrubbing. No toner needed either!
Formulated with:
• Apple Stem Cells to help reduce appearance of wrinkles + improve skin texture.
• Ginkgo Biloba, Turmeric + Green Tea to help guard against free radical damage.
• Chamomile to help revitalize and hydrate skin.
• Cucumber to soothe skin stress.

The primer will remain in my skin care routine: tinted, with SPF — and it REALLY keeps the shine away for most of the day, especially when I’m not wearing any other makeup.
Formulated with:
• Apple Stem Cells to help reduce appearance of wrinkles + improve skin texture.
• Soy to hydrate and firm.
• Iron Oxides provide a light tint; Broad Spectrum SPF provides UV defense.
• Antioxidant Vitamin E helps scavenge free radicals.

The cream was a little too heavy for AM use (oily face within an hour of doing my makeup), but I loved slathering it on before bedtime.
Formulated with:
• Apple Stem Cells to help reduce appearance of wrinkles + improve skin texture.
• Palmitoyl Glycene, which acts as a skin nutrient, helps minimize signs of aging.
• Shea Butter & Olive Oil to nourish + moisturize. • Antioxidant Vitamin E to help scavenge free radicals.

eclos banner

I didn’t notice any more breakouts than I typically have (stupid hormones), but not any real changes in the structure/imperfections of my skin either. I did love the “glow” I got from using the cleanser regularly, and I also like the cleanser didn’t make my face feel tight. I’m definitely interested in including their serum into my daily routine.

I was especially impressed by their price points. I’ve been bouncing around several different cleansers and lotions and night creams for the better part of my 30s and there’s always something I don’t like. But something that does the job of preventing future aging and sun damage AND is budget friendly, this 30-something can get behind. Check out a “before” picture from this #barenaked story at Point Park News article (taken right about when I started the challenge).

Like Eclos on Facebook and purchase their products at Freeman Beauty.

Disclosure: I received product samples from Eclos, on behalf of the Klout Perks program. All opinions herein are my own.

New running goals, new headphones.

- Mel

I need a workout playlist to keep myself motivated to run (hello Marathon relay training!) and endure through tough uncoached workout sessions (I’m drowning out the guys who won’t leave me alone to my weights and machines, for real). But boy do I have a real problem with earbuds. Forget the ones that come with an iPhone — they were definitely not designed with small ear canals in mind; no, not even you “redesigned” iPhone 5 ‘buds. The current pair I use for exercise fit into my ear (thank you, Five Below impulse purchase), but I need to wrap around my headband in order to keep located within my ears area. And then there’s the problem with WHERE DO I PUT ALL THESE WIRES?!

It’s all very #firstworldproblems.

I’ve been looking around for other options of headphones to purchase, especially ones that are wire-free and runner-friendly. Enter: Jaybird.

Jaybird creates state-of-the-art headphones for active lifestyles. The company has a variety of bluetooth headphones that are perfect for every sport and activity! Plus, they have GOOD quality audio, which helps me train away the nagging YOU WILL NEVER BE A RUNNER thoughts that run through my head. Who keeps saying that?!

BlueBuds are the smallest Bluetooth headphones in the world — with remarkable playtime — and are possibly the most progressive headphones available.

Some other sweet benefits:

  • BlueBuds come with multiple size ear buds for comfort AND an over/under-ear fit options. Over-ear lifts cord off the neck, liberating your workout.
  • Do you know about the relationship between white noise and headphones? All other headsets produce listener fatigue. Pure Sound features in these BlueBuds filter white noise out for a better listening experience.
  • BlueBuds have an 8-hour battery life and charge via micro USB.
  • All JayBird products have a lifetime sweat-proof guarantee. I won’t get into sweat issues. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you know.
  • Compatible with iPhone, iPod Nano and Touch, iPad mini and Android models — basically any bluetooth-enabled stereo device.

Extreme athlete approved… Oh, hey CrossFit athletes:

I bet these would even be awesome for derby, pre-bout warmup too.

Voice prompts? You have my attention, Jenna. With voice prompts, getting to your first track is smooth and simple: put your headphones on, hold the power button and Jenna takes over saying “power on” then “headphones connected.” Push play and your music begins. I’m also digging the music and call controls to change tracks and volume without having to fumble with my iPhone through its armband case.

A special bonus for my 30-something workout warriors: Jaybird is giving away a pair of BlueBuds headphones every. single. day. Giveaway ends December 8, 2013; and one winner is selected daily. You can enter-to-win every day.

Christmas is coming! Wouldn’t these make the perfect gift idea for your fellow fitness enthusiasts! I know these BlueBuds are going on my wish list this year. But I’m definitely entering the daily contest too (Merry Christmas to me!).
30-something approved: BlueBuds retail at $169.95, available in storm white or midnight black, sold via the Jaybird website.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of JayBird.