My 5K Race Experience

I have to say I had a great time with the 5k! I met some great people and beat my goal! If you would have asked me last year this team if I could see myself running in a race, I would have said absolutely not! But I did it and plan on doing it again. Here are a few photos from race day!

The start of the marathon

Me before the race (with my sister making a crazy face in the background)

My friend Jesse and I

My cousins and I

Me and my cheering section back at the light rail

New MHB Branding

I want to share a couple of images with you from the new identity package for Must-Have Boutique! Early this summer, before I made the decision to close my online store, I had been working with designer Alexa Roy to develop a new look for the shop. I wanted something fun, feminine and colorful and she gave me just that!

I love the branding and Alexa really translated what I wanted into these beautiful images! Now that my shop is closing at the end of the month, I will be using these illustrations for the blog! Check out Alexa's Etsy Shop WhatHeLoves!

My New Favorite Jeans

Yes, a post about jeans. Not just any jeans. My favorite ones. :o) I bought my second pair of Gap Always Skinny jeans over the weekend. This pair is destructed denim. I am happy to find nice pairs of jeans that fit me (and there is nothing wrong with a little vanity sizing either). LOL In J. Crew and Gap I am a size 4... I think there is something to this vanity sizing thing that makes a woman want to purchase. ;o)

Preparing for a 5k

Yes, you read that correctly. While away from the blog for awhile, I have been preparing for a 5k. For those that do not know, a 5k (five kilometers) is equivalent to 3.10685596 miles.

I am slowly working my way up.

I am pretty proud of myself because I never really considered myself to be a runner. I have a lot of friends that run all-of-the-time. I am getting better but I am not quite there yet.

One thing I have been working on is building up my thigh muscles. It seems like those muscles get tired before any other part of me does!

Even if I end up walking some of the run I am just excited to be out there! This is definitely something I never expected to see myself doing!

It brings to mind Philippians 3:12-14:

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Feel free to shoot me an encouraging message as I push myself to keep running/walking to get ready for the race! kara [at] musthaveboutique [dot] com

Shoe Obsessed... Lately

So, lately I've been into shoes more than usual. Okay, when I say lately I mean a few months! :o)

Here are my latest finds, that have not been purchased... as of yet. As you have probably already noticed, I like to shop. Perhaps blogging will help me to shop less by sharing more... who knows. ;o)

But as a great woman once said:

"I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet."

-Carrie, from Sex and the City

I recently came across this line called Butter. Butter is a fairly new (2007) New York based company that carries adorable shoes. As you can see, I am going through a bows and ruffles phase. :o)

What do you think? Aren't these pretty? :o) They can all be found on Endless.com.

MHB Blog

Although I have been busy planning for the closing of Must-Have Boutique the online store in the past couple of weeks, I want to let you know that the blog will still be around! I will continue to share musings about things I find beautiful, fun and interesting. Feel free to tag along! Thanks for your support!

Going Out of Business Sale! Everything 40% - 80% Off!

Due to the economic downturn currently facing the economy, Must-Have Boutique is forced to close its doors. It has truly been a pleasure offering unique gifts to such very pleasant customers over the past two years. Thank you all for your support!

Feel free to do some early Christmas shopping, buy birthday presents or give just-because-gifts by shopping the items in the store. Everything is 40% - 80% OFF!

Best,

Kara

Wickedly Delicious- Yogurt with Personality!

So, long story short, I like to try different yogurts for breakfast depending upon the weekly sale at Whole Foods. I have tried many but keep coming back to my favorite- Rachel's! The flavor is incredible and it is really good for you! I also love the style and color of the packaging, not to mention the slogan- "wickedly delicious". To think that a yogurt can be "wickedly" anything is hilarious to me...

High Heel Cake Server with Sparkle Heel!

This gorgeous Sparkle High Heel Cake Server has recently been added to the Home and Hostess collection here at Must-Have Boutique! It's sure to be a great conversation piece at your next bridal shower, party or family gathering. Step it up with something fun and functional!

Lovely Leandra Drumm Switchplates

Last week I went to Home Depot to purchase new switchplates for my bedroom. I love updating my place and having all of the decor "blend well", so I opted for plain, "stainless steel-esque" switchplates/outlet covers.

When I went to put them on I noticed that the main switchplate was too small to cover the area not painted by the previous owner! So, instead of repainting the entire bedroom (out of the question), I decided to go online and see what creative switchplates were out there to replace my current one. I was having no luck until I came across Drumm Studios!

Enter Leandra Drumm from Ohio... She makes the most creative and whimsical switchplates with handcast lead-free pewter! Check out a few of them below!

Little House

Neighborhood

Leaf

The Princess and the Pea

Dancing Fairy

My Favorite!!!

Bizzare Birds

Check all of the other great work by Leandra and other artists at Drumm Studios!