Good Day Bad Day

1.  My feet look and feel their best when I am headed home from getting a pedicure.  I am feeling very zen and relaxed.  I am in my comfortable gym attire and very casual, My skin is soft and smooth and my feet are perfectly painted and have no calluses or rough areas.   My whole body feels awesome since I just got a massage on my feet, legs and neck and got to sit in the massage chair. I feel great and usually show off my latest color choice from the salon.

2.  Today my feet didn't feel great at all.  I have been packing for our move and my feet are sadly neglected.  I am in desperate need of a pedicure and my paint is chipping.  I can't wear sandals or any open toed shoes and need to wear flats for comfort. I don't feel fashionable and am embarrassed at my outfit choice. I wish I had more time and didn't feel so stressed. 

Happy Feet Heather

 Heather wakes up and cant wait to star her day.  She is well rested and her body is feeing great.  She jumps into the shower to start her day.  As she is in there she thinks about her agenda and meetings and ponders how to plan a fabulous outfit around her favorite shoes.  She loves to wear her leopard heels, especially to big meetings or events since they always seem to bring her luck.  As she heads into the office she has a spring in her step and feels as though she is still wearing bedroom slippers.  She heads from one meeting to the next, confident and enthusiastic.  She can tackle anything that comes her way.  As she is getting read to head out for the day, her co-worker stops her in the hallway to ask her about her fabulous shoes.  Heather pauses and decides to keep her "secret weapon" a secret and pretends to forget where she got these shoes.  She stops at the gym for a killer workout and picks up her favorite meal for takeout to reward herself for a great day.  She gets changed for bed and puts her shoes back into their box - almost like they were being put on a pedestal.  As she heads to bed and begins to fall asleep she thinks about how blessed she is to have had such a successful day and can't wait to see what tomorrow holds.

Painful Feet Patty. 

As her alarm goes off Patty quickly hits snooze and groans,  Her body is aching her from her crazy day yesterday and her poor decision to wear her new shoes all day at the office.  She hits snooze two more times and eventually rolls out of bed.  As she stands in the shower letting the hot water pour over her body, she wishes she could just jump back into bed.  She tries on a few outfits and even pulls out a pair of heels, but today is just not that day.  She looks at herself in the mirror, frustrated that she has to wear such an unflattering outfit complete with boring shoes.  She is already running late and rushes out the door without her cellphone.  She feel frustrated and lost all day.

As she walks through the office, she feels like people are judging and staring at her. She decides to take her last meeting as a conference call from her office  rather than walk the 50 yards to the conference room.  During the call she takes her shoes off and closes her door, frantic to find something in her purse that will soothe her aching feet and muscles.  She skips the gym and grabs some fast food - hoping this will make her feel better, but 30 minutes after eating she just regrets her decision and feels even worse.  She takes two advil and climbs into bed, hoping that tomorrow will be better. 

4. I certainly relate more to Heather, although I feel like I have had to have my fair share of Patty days to get where I am today.  How my feet feel and look plays a big part in my day.  It dictates what shoes I wear, how I can dress and even how I feel.  Recently I wore one of my new dresses with my favorite shoes and a co-worker said "you know I need to take some fashion tips from you, you always look so put together".  More often than not, if my feet look good they feel good and vice versa.  This weekend was a great example of the exception.  I need a pedicure and then I can't wear open toe shoes or sandals.   As I mentioned above, I have been moving and I don't have time to get a pedicure. I have to sacrifice the time it would take to do this because I'm so busy with other things in my life.  I also made the mistake of packing and moving several boxes in flip flops because they were right there and it seemed like a good idea at the time.  I could tell that my feet were achy and swollen by the end of today and I should have made a better choice - but I was rushing.  

5.  My secret weapon in the story IS my secret weapon in real life.  I love those shoes and I feel like a million bucks when I wear them.  I am never worried about how long I will need to wear them.  I can focus on my job and the task at hand knowing that I'm not going to be wishing that I wore a different pair of shoes come lunchtime. 

In My Shoes

Let me tell you all about my shoes!!!!


Persona 1 Working Girl Ginny


Coach leopard heels.  I chose these shoes because I saw them on the sales girl in the store and I loved the way they look.  I love how high the heel is because they make me tall.  When I wear them I exude confidence and folks around me can tell I am fashionable.  I feel sexy and confident when I wear them ( and my husband loves them).  I bought them a 1/2 larger than normal since they were sold out of my regular size.  It was probably smart since my toes don't get smushed  or swollen. They are surprisingly comfortable and I never feel uncomfortable wearing them.




Coach D'orsay heels.  I chose these shoes because they make my foot look so pretty.  They are a great two tone color and go with everything.  Just like my other coach shoes, I feel like people can tell I am fashionable and professional and put together.  They make me feel like I am stylish and dressed for success when I wear them. These are also very comfortable - I wouldn't have invested this much money in them if I couldn't last a full day in them.

b. I don't think I could ever have everything I wanted in one shoe.  Sometimes I need a different color shoe, sometimes I need a boot versus a heel versus a sandal.  Aside from wanting to have variety, I need to have shoes that work with the environment around me, but also look great.  Often times I have to wear boots and change my shoes so I don't ruin them.  Its completely worth it for me because I'd rather wear fashionable shoes in the office and change versus wear practical shoes that look silly or boring or unfashionable.

c. If a company could find a way to make my 4" heels snow/salt/rainproof and warm my feet while walking outside, I would gladly leave my snow boots at home for walking the dog.

Persona 2 Foodie Faith

JCrew Blue Suede Flats.  I chose these shoes because they show off the fun side of me.  I love to wear blue because that highlights my eyes. Everyone around me notices me when I wear them.  These shoes go great with a blue outfit, or a neutral outfit when I want a pop of color. When I wear these I feel happy and spunky. They are like little slippers for my feet.

Franco Sarto Black wedges.  I chose these shoes because they look great with jeans or a pair of white shorts.  I can wear them all year long and they go with EVERYTHING.  My neighbor went out and bought the same pair because she loved how versatile they were. I also love they are a wedge. I can wear them for hours, whether walking a few city blocks to dinner, or standing a a bar for hours, I don't even remember I have heels on.

b.  I could never have everything in one shoe because I love variety.  Depending on where I am headed for the weekend I might need a sandal or a flat or a heel.  I need shoes that look great but feel comfortable and somewhat casual because I like to look put together, but still feel relaxed.  I don't really have to compromise anything here because I'm choosing what I want to wear and what works best for me.

c. For me, I don't think anything would change what I wear here. I already am happy with my shoe selection and don't really have any qualms.  Its easy these days to find fun fashionable shoes that are super comfortable

Persona 3 Workout Wendy

New Balance Sneakers- Blue.  I chose these because I love the color. I needed a second pair of sneakers because I sweat alot at the gym and needed to start rotating my sneakers.  I noticed a lot of other ladies at the gym had colorful sneakers so I gave these a try.  I like to match them to my workout outfits so from head to toe I look put together. I have had many people ask me where I got them so they portray to others that I not only work out hard  - but I look good doing it.  I feel light on my feet when I wear them, and always get a great workout when I do.  I've notices that my feet don't hurt as much as they used to since I got these sneakers.

New Balance Sneakers. - Black  I got these for xmas from my husband because he wanted me to learn why he loves new balance so much (he has 10 pairs) and I think he got tired of rubbing my feet every night. I like that they are black and go with everything, but I added pink laces so they would be more "fun".  I realized I needed a 2nd pair - not because these weren't holding up well - but because I needed to find a way to make sure they got time to "breathe".


b. I think I can have everything in one shoe here.  New balance does that for me - they are made in the USA which means they are great quality, they have an awesome insole, good stability and they look great.  I want a shoe that feels good on my foot, prevents injury and also looks good. This shoe does that all for me. I wish there was an easier way to clean them / remove the odor from them!

c.  The only thing I wish that sneaker companies -new balance specifically - could figure out is how to keep my sneakers smelling fresh and new without me having to put a lot of effort into washing or cleaning them.  If this were the case, my only motivation to get a new pair of sneakers is because my current pair was falling apart.


2. I think about my feet when I am laying on the couch with my husband.  I love that he will rub my feet for me so it is one of the first things that I think of when I lay down.  We normally rub each others feet - sometimes because one or the others feet ache after a long workout, but mostly its because its our "thing" that we do. I especially like the arch and in between my toes rubbed.
I also think about my feet when I am in the shower and see that I need a pedicure. Today I noticed that my paint was chipping badly and I made plans to get a pedicure tomorrow!

3.  I like my feet - they are my friend.  They are pretty and cute and small.  They support me, rarely complain about anything.  I have a much better relationship with my feet now that I don't stand on them all day. I think they appreciate I give them a break! I do wish they were just a bit larger so I could have a better shoe selection.
a.  I feel best about my feet when they look pretty and I've just gotten a pedicure.  They are nicely manicured, the skin looks great, and they get to soak in the water and get a massage.
b. I feel worst about my feet in the winter when the never get to see the light of day and I neglect them.
c.  When I used to work in retail and was on the sales floor - I would hate how much my feet ached.  I also didn't have much money so I wouldn't buy the best shoes and my feet would tell me so... every - single - night!

 4. My husband and I love to get pedicures together.  I don't really have any at home tools because we like to spend the money to sit in the massage chair and get our feet "done".  We spend anywhere from $25-$50/per pedicure especially in the winter so we can get the dead/dry skin off.  I feel so relaxed after a nice pedicure.  Some people don't like to have their feet touched, but I just love how it feels to have someone pamper me!



 5.a Sometimes when I buy new shoes I have to break them in and I get blisters.  Normally this happens around the ankle area or the heel of my foot.  I hate when this happens because then I have to strategically build a whole outfit around the shoes I can wear that wont rub my blister.
b.  The only thing contributing to this is the fact that the shoe is new.  I've accepted that this is a fact of life and rarely do I buy a shoe that gives me trouble after the first few weeks.  If it does, then I get annoyed and give the shoes away to the salvation army.
c. I get those little band aids that are specific to blisters and put them on.  They are WAY better than regular band aids that just fall off or end up getting scrunched and rub at my blisters.
d.  I don't think there is any way around this since you really have to take a crap shoot when you buy shoes, Even if they have the best reviews and everyone says they are comfortable - that doesn't guarantee they will be comfortable on you.

5a.  I also hate when I go too long from getting a pedicure and my feet get "ashy" and dry. I get embarrassed and feel like my appearance is compromised.
b.  I should probably put lotion on my feet every time I get out of the shower, but I'm too lazy and forgetful to do it.
c. I usually try to put extra lotion on them and book a pedicure asap. I could probably do more at home or DIY in between pedicures, but I'm too lazy.

5a. I also hate having such a small feet.  I can rarely find shoes that I love in my size.  I feel left out and forced to compromise on what shoes I can buy.  This happens every time I go to shop for shoes - I'm always concerned they don't make my size or are sold out.
b. the only thing that contributes to this is my genetics.
c. There have been many times that I have bought shoes that are not the right size and stuffed them with tissue or pads.  This usually results in my feet hurting from not being in the right size shoe.  I'm sure that there are more things I could buy that would help me but I don't have time to research them, and usually I solve the problem by getting frustrated and giving the shoes away.

5a.  Finally I absolutely HATE when my toes cramp.  The pain is pretty intense and I usually have to curl my toes or stretch them in some weird fashion to get them to relax and feel better.  I would say this happens at least once a month.
b. This happens when I am dehydrated and working out at the gym.  I know that I should drink more water throughout the day, but if I forget to fill my cup in the morning, then I'm doomed.
c.  I need to remember to stay hydrated but I get so focused at work and busy that by they time I have a second to breathe I'm at the gym - 20 minutes in - and my toes are cramping - and I think SHIT I should have drank more water today, I need to do that tomorrow.

 6. At times, If I have to travel back and forth through the office to a lot of meetings and I am wearing very high heels - my feet tend to get tired at the end of the day. Usually the pain resides in the balls of my feet. I would never take off my shoes and usually just "suck it up" for fashion, then I beg my husband to rub my feet for me when I get home. I probably could wear flats more (I usually wear them a lot in the summer) but I just don't think they are as fashionable.  Fortunately I have worked hard to find brands of shoes that feel great on my feet so I don't run into this problem as often anymore - usually just in the fall and winter.

I will also never give up a workout because I have a blister from my "day shoes".  Once I forgot my socks at the gym and knew I would give myself a blister if I worked out without socks - but I did it anyway and I just didn't care. Working out is way more important than getting a blister.

All About Me

#1

I am a high energy fun loving person. I come from a large Italian family and they are everything to me.  My husband and I were married 6 years ago in Breckenridge Colorado.  We met at Starbucks and bonded over our love for coffee, food, fitness and music.  We have 2 labrador retrievers and love spending time with them outside. We always joke that we live in a 4 bedroom house because of our dogs, so they have plenty of room both inside and out.


I recently moved from working for small companies, to working for a multi billion dollar corporation. As a motivated and fast paced individual, the struggle to adapt to the new culture and slower pace was challenging.  I am a project manager for a team that works on R&D for the company.  In my past life I was always driving for results and success was defined by getting things done.  Here success is defined by how much you learn and the understanding that failure or incomplete work is not a bad thing. I have adapted well and brought my positive attitude and enthusiasm to every project that I encounter.


I also an a huge "foodie" and cook. I love to try new restaurants, make interesting dishes and share my love for food with others.  Loving great food and balancing that with a healthy lifestyle can present a problem, but I would never give it up. I just work out and do everything in moderation.
My husband recently introduced me to Crossfit and boxing to enhance my fitness routine and push me even harder.  At almost 40, Im in the best shape of my life.

My friends are just as important to me as family.  They have many nick names for me that I think embody their perception for me. TooTall, Pit Bull in a Prom dress, Firecracker, Wild Child.  Since I am Italian, I always talk with my hands and you can tell how I am feeling by the emotion on my face. They would say that I am technically savvy and always have the latest gadgets (I had the apple watch on the first day).  I am always the first to throw a party and frequently they are themed with tons of food, I do carry stress and am not good at letting things just roll off my back.  My friends are always there to lend an ear and help me get through even the most difficult times.

#2

My first persona would be Working Girl Ginny.  Ginny is always polished and preppy. She has a classic and current look (Ralph Lauren) and her hair and clothing are always "on point".  she wears a minimum amount of makeup and prefers to always look "natural".   She works at a retail company so attire is an important part of the culture. Ginny is always trying to get things done in an efficient and perfect way.  She has a high attention to deal and super organized.  Aside from her work duties, she also has to balance her house duties and managing her family/social calendar. At times she feels stressed, but she never lets that show.   While she is a do it all kind of a girl, she appears calm, cool and polished at all times.

To accomplish all of this and be high-functioning she needs to be organized and on point. Some tools she uses are her iPhone, Apple Watch, Company Laptop, and a Notebook with Lists.
She loves the Apple ecosystem and loves that apps and tools are all integrated and making lists and reminders sharable with her husband.  Sometimes she still likes to go "old school" and write down and cross off items in a notebook as well, especially during company meetings.





My second persona would be Foodie Faith.  Faith loves to eat great food and try new places. Whether it is an impromptu stop at a new spot while driving or a planned meal out at a favorite spot, Faith is up for it.  Faith never goes out of the house in clothing that she wouldn't feel comfortable being seen in, so her attire is usually guaranteed to be acceptable for this restaurant or food establishment. She also doesn't like pretentious or fancy restaurants, and more often than not will pick a gastropub, tapas style restaurant or farm to table spot over a 4star expensive restaurant where you need formal attire and a lot of $$$.  She likes to go to many places, so she wants to eat out a few times a month versus just once. Faith always wants a good meal, and at times she is weary of trying some place new since she has really high expectations.   She frequently does research of reviews online at places like yelp, or openable or even just reads any information she can gather quickly from the internet.  Sometimes she will be driving by a spot and remember a friend or relative suggested and use that as a deciding factor. She loves to use open table to make reservations and earn points.  She also loves that both of these apps are on her apple watch!











 

My third persona would be Workout Wendy.  Wendy LOVES to workout. While she would workout everyday if she could, she knows that taking of a few days for rest at her age are helpful in preventing injury and overtraining. She is always looking for a challenging workout that will help her maintain her weight, allow her to have a balanced diet, and release stress from work.  Wendy is approaching 40, but many people comment that she looks much younger than she is. She wants to make sure that she lives a long life and continues to have a youthful glow without lots of makeup or using botox - she is very anti surgery. Although she is small she is a powerhouse and can keep up with many of the men that workout with her.   She uses my fitness pal and her apple watch to track her activity and calories.  She loves feeling like she has accomplished her goals of working out each day and the apple watch helps her do that! She also loves this new subscription based fitness gear service called Fabletics where she can get quality workout gear. for under $70.00 she can get a fashionable outfit with sportsbra, top and pants that looks like lululemon but doesn't break the bank.

3. I love this image and what it says.  So many people just focus or diet or an "easy fit" to lose weight.  My definition of health and wellness is everything in moderation.  5 nights a week I make a healthy clean meal at home, with the trade off of "cheating" one or two of the other nights.  I never feel deprived or like I "can't" eat something, but rather that I choose not to. I make time in my weekly schedule to work out at the gym.  I know that I need to pay to work out so it keeps me honest and gives me that added motivation when I'm tired or don't want to go.





4.  I always want to look and feel polished when putting my best self together. I think outward appearance is very important.  I always make sure that my clothing is clean and pressed and fashionable. I have a huge wardrobe and buying new clothes, shoes or accessories makes me feel good about myself.  I like to invest in a few great basics and then spend less on accessories or trendy items that I can wear for a season and then donate.  I care about what others think about me and people judge with their eyes first before they get to know you. When I am physically put together, it makes me feel stronger mentally  I also believe this to be true about my personal hygiene and health.   I recently invested in a clairsonic, a $200 hair dryer and wen shampoo.  2 years ago I would have scoffed at spending money on any of these things, but I feel all of them help me get ready in the morning and enhance my look in a positive way.  I'd rather spend a bit of money for a way to accomplish this every day versus spending a ton of money at a salon or spa for facials or getting my hair done.

5.  I am so proud of how I have transformed my body over the past 2 years.  I think joining a new company, being in a new culture, and being exposed to different things has really changed how I approach caring for myself.  I am most proud of how healthy I am.  I know that if I continue this routine I will live a long and happy life and maintain my youthful appearance.

I wish that I could find some way to make my legs look thinner.  Im not sure if this qualifies for "use more work" but rather something that I have always been unhappy about. I am very short and I was born with certain bone structure, proportions and genetics.  I have to lose a significant amount of weight on my upper body to even make a dent in my lower body.  No matter what I do, I will never have long skinny legs.  I know this - but it still is always on my mind.   I also would love to have some sort of magic tool to make my hair look salon perfect every day.  I feel like I have to spend a fair amount of time to wash, blow dry and style my hair to make it look somewhat like what I see on TV or the internet.  I have accepted that this is not my are of expertise!