Thailand Travel- packing LIGHT

Hello!!! I have missed you all!  Well, I just got home from my 6 week trip to celebrate my 10year anniversary! We went to Thailand and since there was a stopover in Beijing along the way we spent some time in China at the beginning of our trip.  We both traveled with a 35 litre backpack, which you can see here if you click on the link... its small, yes, indeed. SO as you can imagine, I had to pack very efficiently. This was a fun challenge.  We mainly wanted to be able to move around easily and not  be smacking people on the bus with big overloaded backpacks and such!!!

  We wore old ugly clothes to Beijing since it was -20 and colder for the week we were there. Then once we left Beijing we ditched the ugly winter clothes and got into our clothes for 34 degree weather!!  Woo hooo bring on the heat!  We spent 5 days in Beijing and the remainder of the 5.5 weeks in Thailand both in the north and south.
 Basically all I packed was: 2 pairs of shorts, 3 tank tops, 1 skirt, 1 dress, 1 longsleeve, 1 tshirt, 1 pair of pants and a bikini.  It made coming up with outfits really easy.  And if I ever get up in the morning now that I am home and say " I have nothing to wear"- you have full freedom to pinch me and tell me to smarten up!!!  I can not believe I have the gall to say things like that with the amount of clothing I have in my closet!!  A big bar of soap for handwashing clothing and a natural air dryer (the sun) is all you need!! :)  Less clothing really does make life much much easier!!!

 I also wore no makeup and the only jewelry I had were a paid of silver hoops and my favorite turquoise earrings.

 I often wore a scarf since I  could use it to wear around my shoulders in case I needed to cover up if we came across a temple to visit (which there were many).  It also doubled as a face cloth when I was all sweaty :)  GROSS, I know, but hey- I never said I was a lady :P  And of course theres graceful me dripping pad thai sauce and tom yum curry all over it all the time!!

Thailand was exceptional. We like remote secluded places and we found many great places to explore from remote local villages to small islands with no electricity or internet.  We spent the first part of our trip on an island in the mid south, then traveled north and did a trek for 3 days over xmas. I must say, it was one of the most memorable xmas holidays I have ever had.  The people were so joyous and friendly and so generous and happy.  We also explored along the Myanmar and Laos border areas which was really interesting, as well as toured a coffee and tea plantation.  Then after taking a night train (now that was an adventure!!) we headed to some small southern islands where we basically lived in luxury in thatched huts on the beach with white sandy beaches and the sound of waves all around us. CAN YOU SAY HEAVEN???    We ate tons of amazing thai food and lots and lots of fruit (food there is awesome!! and we even did a cooking course!).

 I am now home feeling fully rested and rejuvenated and even a few pounds thinner!!   Let me tell you--- plans for next years trip are in full force all ready :)

I look forward to catching up with all of you and really hope you all had a super xmas and new year holiday season.  I also wish you all the absolute best for this upcoming year-- yes- a most fabulously stylish year at that, right ladies???

Back soon, MWAH, xoxo J

What to Wear in Beijing

And hello from Beijing!!  We flew here 1 week ago and I got to spend my birthday climing the Great Wall.  We explored tons and let me tell you... China is cold right now!  I am wearing 5 layers in this photo if you can believe it!!  We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary and are just now heading to a secluded island in Thailand.  I am not on the internet much so not sure when I can post another photo but wanted to pop in and say hi and let you all know I am still around!!  And I also must admit I am not exactly all that stylish for this trip since I am carrying a small day pack for the whole trip.  This means very simple, limited clothing items!!

I wish you all well til the next update!! over n out reporting live from Beijing!! xox Jodi

Animal and Bling

 

And I pulled out my favorite top from the drawer (how could I have forgotten about this one???).  I felt sassy today.. with my boots and  tights all I needed was  a cape to feel like a full Superhero!!   Inside photos today... not my specialty but you get the idea about the outfit.  It's freezing here tonight so I am now all bundled up in stretchy pants (as my mom calls them) and a big thick hoodie on- oh yeah, with some rooibos vanilla tea also!!

I am also going through my closet tonight to try to find something to wear to our Triathlon team xmas party this weekend.... ohhhh I don't know what to wear!!!

xoxo J

Green Black

And hello. Hump day. and guess what? I have 1 week til I seat my butt on a big airplane and leave for...drumroll please... THAILAND!!  Yes, fiance and I are going on a 6 week holiday and I  CAN. NOT.WAIT!!  I have been really busy traveling with work and trying to finish projects leading up to going away on this trip so haven't been posting on here very much as a result.  Outfits have been pretty good but by the time I get home its too dark for photos-- sorry about that!!!

I have my leopard tights on today but you can't see the subtle pattern.  and I actually am annoyed with these ones (from le Chateau) as they have stretched out and are way too big and baggy after only 2 wears. Not a recommended brand in my opinion.

Happy Wednesday everyone.. I hope you are having a super day so far!! xox oJ

Red and Leopard

Well hello my pretties! Yes, its been awhile! I was away with work and a family visit and ended up getting snowed in for 4 days with no flights leaving. The first few days were nice but then I began feeling like I was held hostage with no way to leave!!  AND the worst thing about it was I had no internet so couldn't come by to visit you OR post outfits.  Not that my outfits were fancy- I was mainly lounging in comfy clothes or outside bundled up in the snow.

Anyway, I am back and its the weekend. That's all that matters.  Am off for my Saturday ride and then running errands in preparation for our big trip.    Hope you are all doing well!!! xoxo J

Green Leather Skirt

Well, I thought this leather skirt was a good find, and a good price ($4.00).  Mixed reviews.  Someone told me it wasn't her favorite skirt on me (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE :) and someone else said they loved it.  I can't find the post, but one blogger wrote a really good post on the things to look for this season in thrift stores. It included things like leopard print blouses, leather skirts and I honestly can't remember the rest (oh am I losing my mind???).  The green of the top and skirt is hunters green but my photos sucked today so I played around with the color processing for fun. NOBODY SAID I WAS A GRAPHICS/DESIGN PERSON!!!

Went to Bikrams this morning and my head almost exploded it was so hot in there.. holy smokes- I guess thats what happens when the heater breaks down for a weekend.. they fix it up REAL good!!
Off to spin class tonight. Training begins!! woo hoo.  I will have sock lines on my lower legs from my knee highs but I dont mind looking like an old lady, heck, I am losing mind I might as well have sock marks too!!

Happy Tuesday Fashionistas around the world!! xoxo Jodi

Ragamuffin Saturday

I went on a 4 hour ride today and ended up coming home with completely frozen fingers and toes. Frozen to the point where I couldn't squeeze my hands to use the brakes.  I could have stayed in the bathtub all day if I hadn't drained the whole hot water tank of hot water. TALK ABOUT COLD.  So I have been chilled all day.  Then I had to go downtown to run errands...Do you have trouble finding casual clothes?  I have lots of work clothes and lots of workout and sports-like clothing but very little in the weekend casual category. Needless to say, half the time when I go downtown on weekends I probably set my fashionista reputation back  by leaps and bounds by the way I am dressed!!  And on these casual no-heels days  I often wear my very old beloved Blundstone booties that I used to wear back in New Zealand.  So, please do not hold it against me.. I am not always fashionably awesome- sometimes just a freezing cold athlete who has to go shopping when she doesn't want to!!

Happy Saturday!! xoxo J

Leopard Tights

My long journey to finding leopard tights is over. I found some in Montreal. Not exactly the pair I had been dreaming about but instead of not having any at all I splurged on these ones.  Got home late afternoon, threw on my brown tunic, tights and boots and went out to get some groceries and grab a quick cuppa with fiance.  Tonight we relax and watch movies. After being away all week for work the last thing I want to do is go out anywhere. I am hunkered down at home for the rest of the weekend-- except of course, for my run and bike workouts!!!

Hope you have an exceptional weekend yourselves!!! oxoxo Jodi

Leopard Shoes Camel Pants

 

It's a 24 dollar outfit day!!  Shoes- Nine West ($6), Pants- Banana Republic ($12), Sweater- Calvin Klein ($6). Well, I am not including the cost of my bra, undies and tank top.. will spare you the details on those (but the undergarmets ARE animal print of course :)... (and they are also NOT thrifted!!!).

Cinderita took my photo again today and its so much more fun having someone else take it for me!! Hmm maybe have to make this a regular thing.. (just saying :).  I rarely wear pants and actually am liking these ones, very comfy and versatile.  I have our triathlon team launch party to go to on Saturday night so can't wait to break out a funky outfit for that. Will make sure I get some photos for your viewing pleasure!!!  Most of the ladies dress all athletic in just plain jeans and fitted t-shirts so of course I stand out as a stylish one (which I LOVE!!).

Have a super Weekend everyone!! I am off to Montreal all next week and will do my best to get some outfit shots ala hotel room!!! Over n Out for this week. xxo Jodi

Vintage Retro blue and green

 

 

Oh I love this outfit. Another one I threw together this morning before teaching my spin class.. first time trying it on together was at the gym. Lucky it worked (yeah me!!).  This top is from the GREAT BAG SALE I went to where I stuffed as much as I could in a bag for $10 bucks.... once I counted all the items (and the blue trench was in there also) I think each piece ended up costing about 0.75 cents. YES I got ALOT of stuff in that bag let me tell you. Imagine what I am like a a buffet??? Not pretty.. heh heh.

Yes, I am actually (I dont want to admit this) getting into BLUE.  And I haven't worn this kind of empire waist before but I think this top works.    OH and if you would, please help me out by sharing any ideas you might have for new styles that could work on my body type.. or other bloggers that have a similar shape as me. I am looking for new ideas and then you get to say " I GET THE CREDIT FOR JODI'S NEW LOOK!!"  

Happy Thursday hotstuff bloggers.. hope you are looking Fantabulous today!!!  xoxo Jodi

Nautical Nellie

Happy September!! Yes, I am back. I didn't really go anywhere other than on a relaxing holiday and hanging out with friends and family, gardening, canning peaches, drying apricots, making applesauce, cycling, swimming, yoga, reading... actually LIFE stuff!!  It is my off season for a few months which means I don't have a regimented training plan and I have alot more time to hang out and do spontaneous stuff!!  So I think I read somewhere about some rule to NOT wear white after Labour Day??  Whatever! Rules are to be broken. Just like I am wearing flats and a skirt. My ankles are big so I am not supposed to wear flats with skirts or capri's (looks like my gargantuan legs smashed the heel flat on the shoes apparently :).    I have to walk downtown a few times today so comfort comes first!!  Ideally I would have worn my red patent sling backs but nope. Not today!!  PS-- see that cute little necklace I am wearing??  Marilou gave it to me when I came to Ottawa... it is the key to Ottawa :)  LOVE IT.

I MISSED YOU ALL.  Can't wait to read up and find out what you have been wearing and whats new in your lives!! And of course, what you have been planning for your FALL wardrobes!!!
MWAH, double MWAH xoxo J

Like a Tulip

Hello Lovelies!! Someone actually emailed me to ask if I was okay, that I hadn't posted since Friday (THANKS EDEN :)  Awww that was so nice!  Well, I did go AWOL and I apologize for that.  I went out of town to do a leadership training course for Fri/Sat/Sun and then Tuesday again. It was pretty amazing and I felt like I was turning inside out, or budding like a bran new tulip (I took these shots in my garden today).  I actually had to pack really light so didn't take my camera, hence, no outfit photos.

I love spring, the colors, the smell, the energy. Anyway, yes, this honeysuckle pink is IN for Spring 2011. I just saw a scarf this color and had it in my hand to take to the cash register then stopped myself. Jodi, you do not need this. I put it back.

Promise to wear something great tomorrow and be back in full swing!! I always miss you all when I miss a day or two on here as well. Like I miss my earl grey tea in the morning if I don't have it.  Life just isn't the same!!

MWAH xxoox Jodi

2011 Fashion Oath

I must say, I am copying ML of TwentyYorkStreet and her New Years NON Resolutions. Well, lets just say I am creating my 2011 Fashion Oath for myself and telling you all so it keeps me honest :)

Yes, thats me above... I took the picture through the window of a salon, into the reflection of the mirror inside. Cool Hey?

Jodi's day2daywear 2011 Fashion Oath:
I promise to love and honour the following:

1.  I only buy beautiful colors (no more black)
2.  I wear color abundantly
3.  I eagerly experiment with color combinations and patterns
4.  I buy Quality vs Quantity
5.  I  buy one, give one (as ML puts it!!) Love this!
6.  I love my body and feel svelte, sexy and fabulous in everything I wear
7.  I have fabulous jewelry and accessories (its all about the accessories!!)
8.  2011 is the funkiest fashion year I've ever had (I take risks and have FUN)
9.  All my friends and family see how much fun I am having with my wardrobe and they begin experimenting and having more fun with their wardrobe too!!
10.  My blog is a creative resource for twice as many people as it was in 2010.
11. I follow Wayne Dyer's Rule #6:  Don't Take Yourself so G*d dang seriously!!