Six Life Lessons Learned from a 5K

On Friday, I will be registering for my second 5K race.  What?!  Even seeing this in print, makes me smile.

See if you really knew me, you would know I had told myself for years that I just wasn't a runner, and would never have the stamina to complete a race.

Completing this 5K last year with my motivator and friend, Veronica Garza, was proudly added to my list of personal life accomplishments.  With the satisfaction of finishing something I secretly always wanted to do,  I was also  reminded of the following life lessons.

1. You Are What You Say You Are
When I began training for this 5K (on my elliptical at home) I began to chant in my mind 'You are a runner.'  It wasn't too far from the truth, I had legs, legs can run; therefore I really was a runner.  You see whatever story you are telling yourself will manifest in your life.  So how about changing the channel in you head to claim what you want to be... you are what you think.

Source: Pinterest

2. You Said Tomorrow Yesterday
Next year... when I'm skinnier... when I have more time ... when the kid gets older... when I feel better about myself... sound familiar?  Well, I got tired of waiting on tomorrow and decided to claim the only thing I could control-- that day.  That day, I got my butt on the elliptical when I could have nestled into the couch.  That day, I took my son downtown in frigid temps to pick up my 5K race packet to show him Mommy's commitment to health.  That day, I woke up at 4:00 a.m. on race day excited and nervous but determined to finish. If you keep breaking your promise with tomorrow, it may never really be a day away.

Source: Pinterest

3. Best Things in Life Are Free Scary
On 5K race day I was scared.  What if I fall an get trampled by a herd of angry runners.  What if I am the last to finish?  What if I can't finish?  Well those what ifs never happened. And I was reminded that some of the best moments in life are kinda scary.  My first kiss... my wedding day... moving away from home to live in the U.S.... the day my labor broke at the office... first day of graduate school.  I believe fear is misdirected passion and, if embraced, can lead to the happiest moments in our life.


4. Run Your Own Race 
As soon as the 5k started I had my earphones on, music cued and I literally zoned out.  The sound of my feet hitting the Chicago pavement was what I focused on.  I was not racing anyone but myself.   I stayed in my lane and webbed in and around of the crowd.   This was MY 5K, my story.

Source: Pinterest

5.  Finish Strong
As we turned the bend and saw the distant Finish sign, Veronica had some pain.  After she confirmed that she was OK to finish, I put my arms around her and we ran to the finish line together.  I could sense that I had strength to share and it wasn't even a question since we has come so far together.  Sometimes finishing is not exactly how you imagine, obstacles and hurdles come out of nowhere. But the real beauty is jumping those hurdles and running through the pain.


6.  Just Do It!!

Source: Pinterest

We all have capabilities beyond our own imagination. But the ignition comes from that passion that lives inside, the voice that whispers our dreams to us.  We have to strike the match so that we can let our light shine.  At some point you have to throw out the bullshit story you have told yourself as to why you can't succeed.  Put on your running shoes and just do it!

Peace & Blessings,

Fiona Olubunmi

Style Inspiration from Mini-Me

Recently, some co-workers and I had an awesome walk down our fashion memory lane when we reminisced on the HILARIOUS outfits we wore as kids.  It was comical to find out that some fashion statements such as huge collars, lace and crazy hats were things we all shared in our youth.

It also got me thinking about just how much fashion and style from the past can inspire our closets today. So here is my montage of favorite clothing items that will, well never be out of style :-)

1) A Statement Bag:  Yes, I was pretty gangtsa on my first day of school, but perhaps it was because my new leather cross-over school bag was SO on trend!  There is nothing a woman cannot stuff into the right bag, it's our armor of sorts. Knights have shields we have bags (an lots of them).

Moi, on the first day of school.  I'm also belting it!

2) Stripes:  I've never been a big fan of boating, but nautical stripes make me wanna sail away to a magical place called "In-style Forever Island."  Whether it's my navy and red striped Tee dressed up with a black pencil skit, or classic navy and white with some denim...I LOVE stripes (not so sure about the red short shorts :-)

Me on the right in the red shorts holding my sister Siobhan's hand (check out her Mary Janes). My stylish aunt Tish in the red skirt and Mom in the bold striped dress!

3) Cat-eye:  Anyone that knows me well knows I have been wearing a cat-eye since my teenage years.  Maybe it was infatuation with everything Egypt that started it, but I don't think I'm ever gonna stop.  There is a different length of cat-eye that is appropriate for day, night and costume. Obviously my 11-year old self hadn't got this memo yet.  But hey, I'm also rockin a black garbage bag in this pic so obviously style rules were meant to be broken.

Me, I think I was going to a concert that night!

4). Nude Shoes:  Wearing nude shoes is such a gleaming fashion trick-of-the-obvious....they make your legs look better ladies!  Today, there are so many shades of nude available every woman should be able to find a good skin-tone match.  Although buyer beware, wearing them with white angle socks kind of defeats the purpose :-)

Me on my many shopping trips with my Dad to Belfast.  Yes he is the reason I have a shopping problem today :-)

So, take a look back at some old pics of you, who knows what style inspiration you may find?! 

Would love to see your pics...email me at fionaodumosu@gmail.com

Peace & Blessings,

Fiona Olubunmi

Curvy Cover Girl

A couple of weeks ago the French press were thrown into the dog house of poor media ethics for  publishing the topless photos of  Kate Middleton.  I would like to take this moment to shake my head at this attempt for cheap sales, while also giving a standing ovation to the recent special edition of French Elle magazine for finally giving women a hope that the fashion industry can successfully promote the beauty of a real woman's body, hips, thighs and all.

Tara Lynn, a gorgeous and curvy fashion model was the featured star in this issue and her fashion spread was a refreshing taste of just how authentic fashion could be.  Her curvy figure showcases the clothes in a very flattering manner, and in my opinion made the designers' collections appear much more wearable.  And that has to be a good thing, right?

Photo credit: French Elle

My hope and prayer for our future generation of girls is that the media will evolve to the point that Tara Lynn's deliciously curvy body type becomes a norm in high fashion coverage.  So more women can relate and celebrate their true beauty, which should not be compared to an unattainable size 0.

The argument magazine publishers and advertisers give is that women don't want to purchase products or magazines that feature 'average'-sized women.  Well, how can you be sure when we women haven't really been given the chance to see a reflection of our own sizes in mainstream media?!

So, Tara Lynn, I admire your real beauty and thank you French Elle for breaking the mold.  Here's toasting to more curvy cover girls in the future.

Peace & Blessings,

Fiona Olubunmi

Timeless Stylin'

I love adore styling clothes!  I remember the first time my Mom allowed me and my friend Debbie to venture into the city centre to buy our own outfits.  The thrill, the excitement of putting together our own 'stylish' outfits...pure bliss. That lavender sweatshirt and white skin-tight jean buying shopping adventure is one of my all-time happiest tween memories. Years later, working as a fashion stylist/ women's boutique employee was probably the most fun I ever had at a part-time job.

Fast forward to this week when I interviewed a 60-something year-old woman fashion store owner for an article I am working on (more about that venture another time) I was inspired by her effortless elegance and style.  Belted maxi dress, cropped cardigan, brightly colored nails, rose red lipstick, all wrapped together with a confidence and love for fashion that oozed out of this woman's pores.  When I asked her what her best style advice is, without thinking she said, "Wear what you love!"   Yes, this woman was timeless stylin' indeed.

So in honor of New York Fashion Week (which I will one day hopefully attend), here are some of my favorite timeless stylin' fashion trends.

1.  Belt It.  Every woman has a waist no matter how many inches it comprises.  Belting an outfit showcases that waist and really makes a difference in your look and posture.  Just ask Nashville fashionista Miss Tiffany Johnson :-) Hey, Cleopatra wore a midriff belt so I'm thinking she knew what she was doing.

2.  Lipstick.  Ok, so Jedward wrote a song about it (Google Jedward and lipstick music video if you want a good laugh), and I shamefully admit they are right.  Wearing a great colored lipstick is a statement piece all by itself.  Burgundy is apparently a big trend for fall, but I love a soft baby pink or traditional red.

Photo Credit:  Keiko Lynn Fashion Blogger

3. Accessorize.  Adding a statement piece of jewelry is like placing a frame on a beautiful work of art.  Since I have a tendency to lose expensive jewelry, I actually prefer the low-investment involvement of trendy accessories from stores like Charming Charlie, Forever 21 and H&M.  Who said you can't make a statement with $10?!

Photo credit: Statement necklace from Piperlime

4. Shoes.  Ballet flats, pumps, wedges, boots...can a woman every have enough pairs of shoes? That would be a high-heeled Hell No! Comfort and style really do mix and don't forget to invest in some soft sole inserts; seriously changed my shoe life.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

5. Wrap Dress.  Flatters every shape and size... if you are a woman you need a wrap dress in your basic style pile.

Photo Credit: Polyvore

6. Confidence.  Fashion is what you buy but style is how you add in your personality and carry yourself with confidence.  Since it hasn't been socially appropriate to live a naked life full time, clothes are probably going to be a daily necessity for the rest of your life. If you wear clothes then you have a personal style, embrace it!

Peace & Blessings,
Fiona Olubunmi

What I'm Reading...

"There is no cheaper travel, education or humor than the reading of a good book!"

So, a couple of weeks ago I made a conscious decision to spend more time opening a book than changing the channel.  I am a non-committal TV watcher and often found myself flicking through mindless reality shows that was kind of like eating empty calories... unfulfilled at best.

So score! In the last six weeks, I have read three novels.  My favorite two are very different and I loved them both.

1)  Bossypants by Tina Fey

This autobiography is like watching Tina Fey's life journey being re-enacted live on the set of SNL.  In other words, you can't help but laugh at the scenarios and sense of humor that Fey weaves into her personal stories of youth, work, motherhood and her rise to fame.  But Fey's story is also one of inspiration and girl power, reminding us ladies that its ok to wear the pants now and then.

2) The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi Durrow

You know sometimes when you read a book and the characters become like old-friends and family members.  So much so, that you begin to hope and guess how people will act in future chapters.  Well, yes, this is one of those books.  There are many deep themes such as interracial relations, depression, alcoholism and family ties that penetrate the main character Rachel's young life.  However, most of all, this is a story that reminded me of the power of acceptance, personal recovery and hope.

Paris in Pictures

They say that when you travel you leave a peace of your heart in the places you visit.  However, for me Paris gave me a cardiac jolt of creativity, joy, peace, fashion...and love.  Merci Beaucoup!

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1)  Parisian Red door: saw this beautiful red door while strolling in Paris. In my dream house I would have a door just like this.

2) Le Louvre: We waited 45 minutes to visit this museum, which was so worth the wait. This place oozed creativity and history, and who doesn't love a "glass pyramid."

3) An intricately decorated ceiling in one of the exhibit spaced at the Louvre...golden beauty!

4) With lots of stone men and women hanging out, my brother didn't want to leave this one hangin'.

5) Notre Dame Cathedral: As a bustling tourist spot, this space is amazingly peaceful and spiritual.

6) Notre Dame Cathedral:  My Mommy took the time to light a candle and say a prayer :-)

7) Eiffel Tower:  Regal, powerful and sexy.

8) Parisian Water Fountain:  It was 80 degrees on this day... so tempted to join the water party goers, but refrained due to a later dinner date.

9) RIP Princess Diana:  While walking to lunch my sister saw a tunnel and as soon as she asked out loud if it was where Diana died, we saw this small memorial.  Princess Diana was one of my all-time heros, I was surprisingly moved and saddened by this memory :-(

10) EuroDisney:  Not quite the beauty of old Parisian architecture, but the Princess castle at Disneyland was a sight nonetheless.

11) Louboutin (aka Mecca):  As a shoe lover, this was simply a thrill of a lifetime...picked out my graduation shoes, hey a girl's gotta have something to shoot for.

12)  Statement tee:  Only my lovely sister could pull this shirt off in Paris...fun watching the looks she got from the locals that day :-)

Mourning the loss of my vacation days...

So today during my Monday morning email catch-up routine, the following headline woke me up: "More than 40% of U.S. workers do not get paid vacation time off." 

 I'm sorry, what?! You mean no vacation time whatsoever?!  Could this be that in the land of freedom, economic development and opportunity, four out of ten people are working year round with no chance of looking forward to a paid holiday, getaway, escape from the norm...time to recharge.

It got me thinking about my recent family trip home where family and friends would innocently and  inquisitively inquire, "So, why are only staying in Dublin for two weeks, gosh you must wish you could stay longer?!"

Wish?  Capital Yes.  Realistic? No.  I am luckily not one of the forty percent of employees in America who get no paid time off.  I currently get four weeks for my years of loyal service to my current employer.  However, the majority of my friends and America get a mere 10 paid days off...just two weeks!!!  But when you consider that there are 52 (sometimes long) weeks in the year, four weeks doesn't seem long at all, now does it?!

In my homeland of Ireland, 25 vacation days with nine glorious Bank holidays is pretty standard for the average employee. So, in doing the math, I figured that in my 10 professional years of working in the U.S. I have forfeited approximately 40 WEEKS, close to one full year of time off work.  Time to bask in the sunshine, let my hair down, visit new places, try new foods and simply not be at work.  

So tonight as I mourn the loss of my vacation days, I am reminded just how precious my time not working is.  And as we approach the American Labor Day holiday weekend, I plan on celebrating this  holiday in honor of the economic contributions of workers by guess what... NOT WORKING!

So my fellow Americans workers, join the movement of vacation day mourning by not working on Labor Day. We'll have the rest of the year to make it up!

                                        How I want to spend my Labor Day...

                                                  How I will probably spend my Labor Day morning...