As we all know yesterday was Mother's Day.  A day to celebrate the amazing women that brought us all into this world.  A day to let them know how much they mean to us.  Mother's Day for me is a little different than some; my mom lives 2,899 miles away (yes, I googled it).  I can't just give my Mom a hug and cook her breakfast in bed like I did when I was a kid.  This year I sent my Mom a pair of the Gazelle sandals for her Mothers Day gift (and she just loves them).  They are the 'most comfortable sandals, ever', she says. 

I spaced on sending a card (I am the world's worst pen pal) - so I improvised with a really nice text message- which she told me was 'the best Mother's Day gift ever'.  Who would have thought?

I sent her this picture of her that I keep in my bathroom:

And said this:

I look at this picture and I smile every time before I step outside to face the world.  I see your beauty inside of me.  I smile and I see you.  You give me courage.  I just hope you know how much you mean to me, how much you're a part of me, every day.  I love you.  Happy Mother's Day- to the strongest, most beautiful, loving woman I know.  Thank you for making me and helping me become the person I am so proud to be.  I love you.

(I'd say we look a little similar... ;)

I even teared up a bit when I wrote it.  Mostly because in that moment, I realized how much I missed my Mom.  I have lived far from home for nearly a decade now, only seeing my family a couple of times a year.  It's hard.  But in the end, it makes the time we do have together so special.  And it makes me thankful for email, skype & text messaging.  This digital age we live in, can be overwhelming, but it can also be incredibly convenient.  We are all connected, all the time, and that is pretty incredible.  

I spent yesterday feeling full of love.  I focused on feeling thankful & open.  So when I saw & smelled these lovely flowers at Trader Joes- I said, 'Don't mind if I do...'.  

I hope you all had a Happy Mother's Day and showed your mamas lots of love!

Share your Mother's Day stories & comment below! 

xo, 

Lindsey

Hello, Blowfish B.log readers! Chelsea here again, back to share some tips for making your graduation today the best it can be!

With graduation approaching fast, I've found myself thinking back to when I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in 2011. At the time I was SO excited to finally be done with my Journalism degree, but at the same time was a bit sad to be leaving a beautiful school and sweet classmates behind. However, knowing that I would be starting graduate school in the fall, and realizing that my classmates were only a text/phone call/tweet away, I eased my fears of what post-graduation life would be like. This time around, my emotions are running high once again, but I truly know that post-graduation life is going to be amazing and I am so ready to celebrate!

1. Wear comfy, low-heeled shoes! This was a big one for me, and something that I am so thankful that I did. I wasn't afraid of falling on my face when I had to walk across the stage to get my diploma, and I still had my shoes on come the end of the evening (when many other graduating ladies had tossed their's to the side). 

2. When it's time to line-up to walk out and get your diploma, get in line quick so that you don't have to wait a long time and let the nerves sink in anymore. Plus, afterward you get to watch all of your classmates get handed their diplomas from a comfy seat.

3. It's ok to be nervous, but realize that this moment is something you have worked SO hard for and you deserve to enjoy it!

4. When you walk out onto the stage and get handed your diploma, take a second to look out into the crowd and smile! All of your family, friends, classmates, and professors are watching!

5. Enjoy the experience! Take in every moment you can, and just have the best day ever!

I would love to hear if you all have any other tips or tricks for graduation day? And if you're graduation, please let us know what you're getting your degree in!

Congrats, fellow graduates! We did it! 

Thanks again for having me Blowfish Shoes, and until next time!

-Chelsea xo

Hello again guys! It’s the return of the running! Hopefully you all remember my past post about my 21 days of running?  My New Year Resolution was and still is to live a healthier lifestyle, meaning eating better, getting fit, and staying active! I decided to challenge myself and run a total of 21 days as a jumpstart to getting in shape. Since then, I completed my 21 days of running and I definitely saw great results. 

Due to my awesome new job here at Blowfish, It became a bit more difficult to run, by the time I got home it was already dark…grrrrrrr! But that didn’t stop my motivation towards a healthier me, so I spent a little (by little I mean a lot) more time at my apartment’s gym and ran on the weekends. Unfortunately, I experienced a minor foot injury so I was forced to lay low on working out for a couple of weeks. Bummer!!! 

But guess what guys…I’m better and back at it! What’s even better is that its spring time, also known as the best time for running. I whole heartedly prefer running over going to the gym, so I am ecstatic that I can now do just that! I purchased new running shoes as well, and I’m happy to say so far I’ve had no foot problems (knocks on wood).  This time around I’ve decide to try running early in the morning before work, Monday-Thursday. I really enjoy running in the morning, it’s a great way to clear your mind before you start the day, gets your blood flowing and metabolism pumping, and definitely frees up my evenings! 

Sooooo….in addition to my new running schedule, next week I want to start a cleanse! Who’s with me?! I’m thinking juicing, smoothies, fruits and veggies. I am going grocery shopping this weekend, so I will let you all know what goodies I picked up and how the cleanse went! If anyone has any good ideas, thoughts, or advice for cleansing let’s hear it! 

My running must-haves:

These are my new running shoes!  I love them, plus they're pink! :)

Water is so important! Not only for running, but as an everyday need! Keeping your body hydrated is key! So drink up!

I like listening to music while running, so this handy dandy armband for my phone is the best!

Do you have any workout essentials?  Comment below!

Stay motivated; summer is around the corner! :)

xo, 

Leslie

Hey Friends!

As we all know, it's Earth Day!  A day to celebrate the beauty in nature that surrounds us all!  I am a big fan of Mother Earth, so today makes me happy.  I love to see everyone coming together to pay a bit more attention to our beautiful planet.  Hopefully this day is a reminder to everyone to try to pay attention to Mother Earth more often.

Here's some free & easy ways you can celebrate Earth Day!

1. Plant something!  You have no idea how amazing it is to throw a seed in some dirt, give it a little water & see it turn into a mess of green beauty!  Seeds are quite cheap- so grab some seeds, plant them & see what happens.  Nature may just blow your mind...

2. Bike somewhere!  Rather than hop in the car, throw on some cropped pants & our reflect flats and go for a bike ride!  Spring is the prime time for great biking weather, and a little excercise never hurts... especially with summer around the corner!

3. Eat some veggies!  Did you know it's much better for the environment to eat a mostly plant based diet?  (According to earthsave.org, one pound of beef requires 12 lbs. of grain, 55 sq. feet of rainforest & 2500 gallons of water.  Crazy!!)  Plants grow back and just require a little sunshine and water- plus, they are packed with essential vitamins & minerals that keep you healthy!  Even if you just skip one meat-packed meal, you'll still be making a positive impact!

How will you celebrate Earth Day?  What are things you do to show Mother Earth you care?

xo, 

Lindsey