The Commute: October 16, 2017
Oct 16, 2017
Quote of the Day.
“And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” — John Steinbeck, East of Eden.
The Top Story.
How to Build a Skincare Routine. (The New York Times)
Because what seems like a no-brainer often isn’t. This article was amazing for explaining what you need, why you need it, and how to use it. So if you’re mystified by cleansers, toners, and moisturizers, click.
Your Daily Reads and Links.
1) BR’s open cardigan is the perfect blazer alternative. Also, this bow-hem shirt.
2) Ask a Boss: How do I get over my impostor syndrome? (The Cut)
3) I need gym (not running) shoes, suggestions? Maybe these Nikes?
4) Lay off the almond milk, you ignorant hipsters. (Mother Jones)
5) J.Crew Factory Musts: a tweed dress, a $150 wool coat, a striped boatneck.
6) How to get your boss to trust you. (Above the Law)
7) This $14 mixed-texture bracelet would look amazing solo or layered.
8) Fell asleep in your makeup? How to save your skin. (Vogue)
The Daily Ws.
What I’m Watching. I got sucked into 13 Reasons Why.
What I’m Sharing. This slow-cooker garlic mashed potatoes recipe.
What I Bought. A desk humidifier, because it’s so dry.
Instagram of the Day.
Jamie Chung is one of the few celebs I follow on Instagram. Her blog, What the Chung, is kind of fun, but I’m solely a social follower. Her outfits are a bit avant garde for my taste, but she always has good ideas.
loved 13 reasons why. Showed just how complex and shallow high school can be.
Lifting weights, free weights, or going from machine to machine? I’d go low top Chuck. HIIT, boot camp, or more plyometric exercise? I like the Reebok Crossfit Nano 7 — they’re tough, supportive, and cradle your foot. Half size up from your normal shoe size. I have the white/grey and I think they look chic!
Thank you for finding that wonderful quote. I tend to get so caught up in everything being perfect that I get overwhelmed and can’t even start.
Ditto, Lauren. Thanks Abra, needed this.
I have the Women’s Nike Air Zoom Strong Training Shoes from Finish Line – I love them, and they’re on clearance right now… grab them if they’re still in stock in your size!
If you’re going to be lifting you should prioritize a “low drop” shoe like a “training” shoe or a “barefoot running” shoe. If you go to the manufacturer’s site and check the details on the shoe, it should tell your “3mm drop” or whatever. I picked up a set of new balance barefoot running shoes off TJMaxx and they’ve been terrific for my elliptical/free-weight habit. They’re not as squishy as you’re used to, but they’re safer.
Safer how, explain why low drop and free weights work better.
They’re more stable and they’re not designed to make your foot rock forward, which is helpful with running but not with exercises where it’s important to keep your weight in your heels.
Second the barefoot style shoe for gym workouts. The zero drop style means that your body is aligned naturally, rather than tipped forward like a lot of running shoes with thick heel support are designed. I use my Merrill Pace Glove (https://www.zappos.com/p/merrell-pace-glove-3-black/product/8458710/color/3) for everything actually, I run on the treadmill, lift weights, walk. I’ve been using barefoot style shoes for 5 years, and I love them.
Second on the Merrell Pace/Gove, although I use them mostly for the rowing machine. Mine were a bit less expensive on Amazon.
Pace Glove*
I was shocked when I first read the ingredient label on a jug of almond milk. It’s actually pretty easy to just make your own with almonds, water, a high powered blender, and a nut milk bag.
For working out, I LOVE the Inov-8 shoes. In fact, I’m on my third pair, about to order a 4th. You can often find great deals o 6pm.com.
They are designed for Crossfit, so they are supportive, minimal, durable. They are minimal enough for squats/deadlifts when you need more stability, but cushioned enough for sprints, HIIT, and short runs (2miles ish). Great for walks, too.
Unless I’m running 3+ miles, I don’t wear running shoes. I’ve worked out with Nike Frees, but found the construction lacking in structure/longevity compared to shoes built for crossfit.
I don’t do crossfit, by the way, but the shoes are awesome.