February Resolution Recap

This month, I challenged myself to hike once every week. One of my new years resolutions is to spend more time in nature, and because the weather in Arizona is fantastic right now, I figured I'd be least likely to make excuses.

I hiked every Saturday:

Week 1: Barks Canyon Loop in the Superstition Mountains
Week 2: Papago Park
Week 3: Lake Pleasant
Week 4: Papago Park (again)


What Made it Difficult
I picked February because I knew the words "it's too hot!" wouldn't leave my mouth. The urges I did have to fight were: this early?? uuugh or I could stay in bed.... my to-do list is too big! so much to do! no time for a hike!

But I made myself go. On days that I couldn't go off for a full day's hike, I took a couple of hours to go to Papago Park instead.


What I Learned
I don't like exercising for the sake of it, but I learned that it's important for me to exercise so that I can explore parts of the world I wouldn't get to otherwise. I didn't even bother making a resolution to exercise more this year because I've never enjoyed the process of it, but I have a clearer goal now--exercising allows me to do more of what I want.

Now What?
I love the feeling of being in a desolate, natural space. I love plants, I love the breeze, I love the silence. I love how friendly everyone is (no really... look at this email!)

Everyone is always so happy to be in nature. There's such positive vibes flowing around, and I want to immerse myself in them. I want to challenge myself and do tougher hikes. Taller peaks = better views. Who knows, maybe I'll make it to the top of Mt. Humphreys this year!

Wearing a Garden: Valentino Pre-Fall 2015

I'm going to need two posts to write about Valentino's Pre Fall 2015 collection, not because the show blew me away, but because there are 95 (ninety five!!) pieces in the collection. It's easy to split up the show into four categories, and two of them stood out to me most.

The first was the plethora of floral prints and embroideries, a contribution by Celia Birtwell, a British textile designer. She joined Valentino's design team this year and says that she was inspired by Botticelli's La Primavera (pictured below) while designing her pieces.

(photo via wikimedia commons)

Here are my top 3 favorites from the floral looks:

3. The "My Body is a Scientific Journal" dress.

This dress reminds me of the roof at the Natural History Museum in London. I usually don't like floral prints on clothes (unless it's cactuses, because cacti are awesome) but I absolutely love botanical sketches. I don't really like the victorian(?) turtleneck-y shape up top, but the print is amazing. 

2. The "Wanna Have a Nighttime Garden Dance Party?" boots

Black on black on black on these boots would look incredible. 

1. The "I Took a Tumble Outside but DAMN Look at me Now" dress

Bridesmaid for a fairy wedding? Flower child prom attire? I don't know, but I love the sheer fabric against the embroidered flowers. This dress would look awesome against really dark skin, I don't know why they used a light-skinned model for this one. (I mean, I know, but still.)

Browse Valentino's Pre Fall 2015 collection here.