How to care for, and style watches

This was a difficult post to solidify into words. When creating my outfits to wear to work, I also accessorize and decide what shoes I’m also going to be wearing with the certain pieces.

If a certain watch doesn’t go with the item I thought worked, I pick another one. It’s as simple as that. I don’t think there are any rules with fashion, and what you should/should not wear. So here are some very light guidelines that I’ve laid out for myself. Basically, if it looks like you put some thought together into what you’re wearing, including the watch — it looks great. Bottom line, a white watch like the ceramic Skagen, you can wear during every season. It can look striking if coordinated with what you’re wearing.

White watches for instance, especially ceramic you can wear all year round. I have both black and white watches but I gravitate towards the white more so in the winter, I think it’s a sharper look in a colder climate.

I’ve accumulated some arm candy and love to mix and match different bangles and bracelets with my watches on a daily basis. Here are some of my favourite creations on how to style Skagen watches:

New trick, doubling up scarves to make a completely different look. Polk a dot + leopard. Looks neat right? The claw ring was from eBay ($0.99), and the two bracelets were from Etsy. Isn’t the watch a beaut? I’ve been posting it on Instagram and twitter lately, and everyone’s been loving on it. It’s from The Watch Co. Skagen-006

This combo shouts spring to me. Fun playful shirt with some inexpensive accessories. The ring is from RW&Co, the purple bracelet from Ardene and the cloth purple hair tie (hard to see) from Sephora. Skagen-008

I like to call this a preppy look. I love pairing expensive with inexpensive, to make it look chic. For instance the jeans were from H&M, belt (on clearance for $1.94!) and white sweater from Joe Fresh, the orange bracelet from Etsy, and rose gold bracelet from H&M last summer.Skagen-005

This is an outfit I wore to the mall the other day. Everything kept pretty neutral. Paired the Skagen watch with rose gold accessories.Skagen-004

Urban hippy. That’s what I’m going to name this photograph. I was eating breakfast and thought I’d take a snapshot of what I was wearing and liked the outcome. Sweater is from H&M and was purchased last week, the wooden bracelet is also from H&M, and the one behind it with turquoise rocks poking out was a gift from my cousin who visited Thailand recently. Skagen-003

I’ve been on a rose gold or gold wearing kick the past year. Recently I noticed that I didn’t have any silver bracelets to pair with my new Skagen so I went scouring eBay for some deals and found these David Yurman knock-off’s. The one that looks like rocks was given to me by my co-worker. The ring is from an independent store in my local city. The purse was bought from ASOS online in the fall.Skagen-002

Finally, I’ve added a little splash of colour with this watch pairing. The red bracelet is from MaeMovement and the white bracelet next to it is from H&M, as is the blazer peeking through the photo. Skagen-001

Since you probably didn’t get the hint that I like pairing bracelets and rings with my watches, here are the other one’s I own. You know, in case you want ideas on how to style other types of watches: arm-partyTop row, left to right: With white watches I feel you can play so much more. Here is my Fossil stella paired with some bright fun coloured bracelets which add a pop of colour. Keeping things classy with black on black on the top right image.

Bottom row, left to right: This is my favourite combination. I wear this trio shown above more than any other combo I’ve created. Love the brown and rose golds. As you can tell in most photos, I like to keep it pretty natural, and stick to mostly neutral colours. I try to steer clear of trendy watches, one being the Rose Gold trend that has been going on for a few years. I wasn’t sure how often I’d wear that colour of a watch, so I ended up purchasing mine on eBay last summer for less than $30. So far so good!Or you can wear your watches plain, to blend in with the clothing you’re wearing (see bottom right). Minimal yet smart.

If you want more ideas on how to style your watch, go here for some great visuals.

Lastly, I like to keep my watches in top notch shape. Watches are so easy to clean.

How to clean ceramic (and resin) watches:

  1. Wipe over the watch with a soft cloth to remove any loose dust. Sometimes I use a q-tip and toothpick.
  2. Spray the cloth, not the watch directly with window cleaner or water. (My preference being water).
  3. Wipe gently and then dry with a clean soft cloth.

Simple as that. Ideally you could store them in a dust-free case. Whereas mine are right now being put on display on my dresser. I wear them enough so they don’t collect dust.  But if you don’t wear wrist watches often, I would put them back in their boxes or a nice decorative tin.

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On cloud 9 feelin’ fresh faced and fancy free

I just want to pop in here this evening to tell you all that I feel like I’m on cloud 9 right now.

A weight has been lifted off my shoulders which seemed like it was on me since September/October of last year. Without getting into too much detail for personal reasons, I said what was needed to be said and it felt amazing. I feel amazing and so very proud of myself for telling it like it is. Even if I got a little purple in the face and needed to step away to “take a breather” after all was said and done.

vitamin-water-zeroThen. I sat back down — cracked open a bottle of vitamin water zero and enjoyed. So fruity, so juicy. I felt like I was getting hugs and kisses hence the perfect name, for the perfect opportunity to drink it.

Have you guys ever tried this out? I’ve had the original vitamin water’s before but there’s new ones out with zero calories. Or something. It’s delicious. I reserve them for my 3pm snack time at work. I do not share.

I tweeted the other day this funny one liner (if I do say so myself) to vitamin water:

tweetThey apparently loved my enthusiasm. Psh, who doesn’t? ;)

vitamin-water_zeroOh the triple threat. Three delicious flavors (go-go, xoxox, and resilent-c). Three different flavor parties in my mouth. Honestly? I had no idea what to expect when drinking it. I thought it was going to taste either like watered down juice, or water with a hint of flavor. But it’s thirst quenching goodness that my taste buds are happy that I fulfill.

bulk-barn-valentines-day-caI went to Bulk Barn right after work and picked up some sweets for my sweet for Valentines Day tomorrow ;) Isn’t the bag the cutest?

Anyway. Enough blabbering on. Have a great night folks!

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My CrossFit Journal (Year 1, week 46)

I hit a mental block in January and I didn’t workout much.  Which is why you haven’t seen the weekly CrossFit recaps, or running stories from me.

I don’t know why I stopped working out for a few weeks, and to be quite honest I enjoyed it while it lasted! My running Coach decided to stop working with me for the remainder of the winter to focus on his own skills. So I’ve been grabbing the Boyfriend to run my Sunday runs with me, and so far so good.

I’ve been cleaning house in January, and getting rid of a lot of clutter in my life. It feels very good to have a clean desk, a clean bedroom and more organized system of doing things around the apartment. I’ve chucked out countless bags of garbage, and donated 5 grocery bags full of clothes and shoes.

I went to CrossFit twice last week, but before that I went once since returning from Christmas vacation! Jeeze. Thankfully, I wasn’t eating terribly so I didn’t feel lethargic upon returning to exercising. I also started taking vitamins the second week of January. So while it takes a while for vitamins to have a noticeable effect on your body, I’m glad I’m doing something good to my body.

daily-vitaminsI’m taking vitamin D, B12 and iron supplements. I can only handle taking the iron 3x/week since it’s quite harsh on the system.

Since I’m nearly at the 2 year mark of attending CrossFit (February 24, 2011!), I decided to get my booty in gear again. I’m not going to be a slacker.

In lieu of celebrating my month off “comeback” I’ve decided to host a little give-away for all of you great readers. Scroll to the bottom of the post to see that :)

Onto my workouts from last week! I planned on going to CrossFit three days last week but took a break since I couldn’t stand up straight from the soreness in my abs.

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year 1, week 46, day one

Back Push Press
8-8-5-5

First set of eight’s I used 35lbs. Second set of eights I went up to 55lbs. First set of five’s I used 65lbs and the last five I was up at 70lbs!

15 minute time limit for 3 rounds of the below. My time – 14:28, and I used an 8kg KB! Felt awesome.

3 Rounds
15 LS KB Snatch;16/12kg
15 V-Sits
15 RS KB Snatch;16/12kg
15 Toes to bar

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year 1, week 46, day two

10 Rounds:
11 Chest to bar pull-ups
22 Front squat (75/55)

We had 26 minutes to complete the 10 rounds. This WOD was so brutal on my wrists that I was close to tears lol. I ended up only doing 4.5 rounds of the WOD. I got a pat on the back from one of the female coaches saying good work. Which was pretty great feeling. That’s what I get for taking a month off. Oy!

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soccer

I cannot stand the way soccer makes me feel lately. Ever since leaving the ladies league in Summer 2011 I thought I had stopped soccer forever. I’m in a non-competitive co-ed soccer league now with my CrossFit crowd.

I feel SO self-conscious and I dread going to every single game. So much, I sometimes say I can’t make it. I went from scoring goals every game (on the ladies league), being aggressive on the field to the shittiest (on the co-ed league) person on the team. When I’m open, they don’t pass. When I’m not ready for a pass, they give me the ball and I fumble it and people stop passing it to me. It’s very frustrating and I’m considering quitting (again). I just really dread it, and wish I didn’t pay the money to play. It’ll all be over in March. So there ya have it. All out.

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[older crossfit journal entries]

Onto the giveaway:

Brooke Burke has come out with new fitness programs, the DVDs Sexy Abs, and 30 Day Slim Down hit shelves just on New Years Eve. If you’re looking to start working out, and are more comfortable doing so at home, this would be a good treat to try out for yourself.

Did you know she’s a mother of FOUR? Woah.

These two DVDs will be a challenging workout to help you sculpt, tone and tighten your muscles, with the aid of eating well in the kitchen of course. You do know the statistics for getting in shape, right? 80% is made in the kitchen, and 20% of it is working out. Which is why I still don’t have abs. I love candy too much. That’s besides the point though ;)

Exclusive to the DVDs are her favourite smoothie recipes that are fast and apparently delicious. Wait. Honestly? I don’t own the DVD so I can’t tell you if they’re really delish or not. But I’m sure they are!

Brooke Burke Body: 30-Day Slim DownBrooke Burke Body: 30 Day Slim Down

Brooke Burke Body: Sexy AbsBrooke Burke Body: Sexy Abs

Five winners will be eligible to win both copies of the Brooke Burke Body DVDs. I’ll run the contest for 5 days since any longer, people either forget to check back, or they get annoyed with long contests. I know I do.

Once I draw the names the winner has 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise I will draw another name.

Canadians only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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