2011 Competition Season... Just Around The Corner

In less than 2 months I will officially begin my 2011 season… and my road to the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, Korea and London 2012.  This was the first time in 7 years I did not compete indoors, and as such I can’t deny I have a heightened sense of nerves and excitement.  Yesterday, I had a peak at my tentative schedule and I’m loving it… though the nearness of the season has just been amplified. 

In Track & Field we have a saying… “You’re as good as your last competition.”  In my case that would be my Commonwealth Games gold medal performance.  As a result, I do feel a sense of pressure to have a solid performance opener.  Every day in training, I can feel and see my body transform before my very eyes.  And, while I like my fitness progression, execution of the technical elements is really the most important thing.  This is where I am in training currently… and there are some days I’ve been seriously ecstatic (when I’m executing things phenomenally) and some frustrating days (when it’s just not clicking).  In a week I can feel I’ve been riding a rollercoaster of emotions.  As I progress through this phase of training, the hope is that I have mainly days of feeling ecstatic with my technical execution.  This is called the pursuit of consistency… consistent in executing technical elements well.

 I do love Track & Field… It’s a sport constantly that builds you up, but also reminds you to be humble…. If your ego is too big you will inevitably be swallowed up.  If you snooze you will lose, there are way too many people ready to take your place.  Indeed you can be replaced.  You can go from being ranked number 1 to 10 in a blink and from obscurity to number 1, equally as fast.   Staying healthy, confident and mastery focused are your best allies… And literally anything is possible! 

2 months and counting,

Nicole

Party for a Friend

 Milestone birthdays....we all have them. There are some who would like to hide under a blanket and just let them slip by. But I say, why not celebrate who you have become every time a milestone roles around? You have reached a new level of accomplishment, and hopefully, wisdom...reason enough to celebrate, no?

Last weekend, we had my friend Leanne and her beau, John over for a special birthday dinner. Instead of going out, we decided that since we all love to cook, we would share our talents and make a meal together. Leanne and  John participate in a Farm Fresh to You program and they were expecting a delivery of asparagus, beets, and chard. We happen to live two blocks from a wonderful butcher who specializes in locally grown free range meats. Because of Spring's awakening, we all had Lamb on our minds.

Perhaps a book I have been reading lately has been influencing my food choices, so the theme seemed to be going in a "locally grown" direction. Barbara Kingsolver's newest book, Animal Vegetable, Miracle has been on my nightstand, and I cannot help but tell everyone about the stockpile of information I have found in this book! There are recipes and ideas for every taste....and easy too. But perhaps most interesting is all of the information about the affects corporate farming has had on the lives of everyone in our country. (IOW....I recommend the book!)

Anyway....back to the party! Spring is heating up around here, I harvested some blooming Bridal Veil from the garden along with some new fern shoots to create individual arrangements that I put into hand blown glasses I found at Anthropologie a few years ago.

 I set the table with a tablecloth of natural burlap topped with a white tablecloth. A few green glass votive holders, grass green napkins, and my Mexican glass candelabra...simple and Spring fresh!

 Back to the menu......we made a salad of arugula, roasted beets, goat cheese and pine nuts with a blood orange vinaigrette. Grilled lamb with rosemary and garlic was next, accompanied by a mushroom risotto, sauteed Swiss chard with apples and fresh asparagus.........

Lucky for me, my college student was home for Spring Break and threw together her homemade German Chocolate Cake for dessert.....

The wonderful thing about cooking with friends....everyone gets to contribute, we all get to learn new tricks and  techniques from each other, and the conversation is always flowing,  right along with the wine.

Never pass up an opportunity to celebrate with with friends.

Happy Birthday John!

P.S......Don't miss your own opportunity to celebrate by winning a copy of Rizzoli's latest

 design book by designer Kelly Hoppen! 

Get all the scoop HERE!

Single In The City - 8 Great Places to Meet Someone New

So you’re Single in the city…. Well not much longer… All you need is confidence, openness, and a willingness to converse while trying new things.

Today’s blog was written with a bit of humour.  While, my suggested sites are valid, I did have some fun with my reasoning. 

Last week I wrote about getting over an Ex.  If you took my non-professional advice you may find yourself at Step 5, where you are meeting new people.  Meeting someone new is actually a lot easier than it may seem.  The world is literally a well-spring of many possibilities to be discovered.  However, you have to believe YOU (the product) are incredible.  You cannot carry any hint of desperation or your attempts will be futile.  You just need to be open to the possibility of meeting new people, without any expectations.  Learn how to make small talk.  This is essential!  And always take care of your appearance.  You never know when someone may be giving you a second glance.

	FOR WOMEN	FOR MEN
1.	Church – Possibly the best place to meet someone, especially if you engage in community events, outside of church service.	Church – Possibly the best place to meet someone, especially if you engage in community events, outside of church service.
2.	Gym – This is literally a meat market.  It is the day version to the bar scene, especially if you go after work hours.  Don’t be afraid to check out the free weight areas… especially the bench press station…  That seems to be where most men will eventually make their way to.	Gym – This is literally a meat market.  I can attest to being in the change room and seeing women primping themselves as they are about to begin working out.  The gym is the day version to the bar scene, especially if you go after work hours.  Don’t be afraid to use mainly machine exercise equipment.  Women tend to use these equipments more  then the free weights.
3.	Electronic Store – A place like Best Buy has all the makings for a “Man Cave.”  On any given day, you will find more men in an electronic store than females.  Most importantly, they will linger for a long time in this venue… ample time to make eye contact, small chat and help him pick out his Man Cave duds.	Supermarket – Say no more.  Especially, if you linger in the fruits and vegetable sections.  However, do not attempt to talk to a woman in the feminine protection aisle.  That could be awkward.
4.	Airport – This might also be a strong day contender to the gym, as another meat market.  People are super friendly, nosey and have plenty of time to kill…. Ladies, this a perfect example of you never know who you might meet, so always look sharp while travelling and be sure to carry yourself with confidence but approachable.    Also, if you can visit the lounge area of an airline.  It’s literally 1 woman to 50 men in the lounge.  It could feel like you are a woman in China… that’s how good your odds are.	Airport - This might also be a strong day contender to the gym, as another meat market.  People are super friendly, nosey and have plenty of time to kill….  Your job is to make small talk while you wait for your flight.  Even if you are an elite traveler with lounge access it’s better to spend your time outside of the lounge.  Fewer women may be found in the lounge area.
5.	Bookstore – A great place to get an understanding of people’s interest.  A book can tell a lot about someone.  However, try to stay away from the “Self-Help” section on this outing.	Bookstore - A great place to get an understanding of people’s interest.  A book can tell a lot about someone.  However, try to stay away from the “Self-Help” section on this outing.
6.	Sporting Store – Say no more…	Mall – Great place for men… But, do not go into Victoria Secret and act as if you are shopping for your sister.  Perhaps, a better alternative is to walk by Victoria Secret and catch women as they are leaving or entering.
7.	Sporting Event (i.e. NHL or NBA game) Men and sports go together like peanut butter and jam.  Pretty much at any testosterone pumping sporting event, you are guaranteed to be the minority.  My suggestions know a little a bit about the teams playing before picking your outing.  Also, dress the part, while managing to look fabulous.	Salon – Say no more…. A haven for women and a place where open conversations are as common as nail polish.  Don’t be afraid to go to a salon to get a pedicure.  GUARANTTEED to engage in a long conversation with an attractive woman…. GUARANTEED! Plus, we women enjoy seeing the rare appearance of a man in a salon!
8.	Coffee Shop – The coffee shop is a sure place to meet new people.  People are really friendly in this environment for some reason, and eager to engage in short conversations.  Also, if you look up from your book every now and then you might catch the eye of glancing stranger, possibly checking you out for the last hour.	Coffee Shop – The coffee shop is a sure place to meet new people.  People are really friendly in this environment for some reason, and eager to engage in short conversations.  Also, if you look up from your book every now and then you might catch the eye of glancing stranger, possibly checking you out for the last hour.

Kelly Hoppen Interiors - A Give Away !

 I must admit, I have an addiction. I am easily led astray from other duties when a new design book crosses my path. I have no will power. I have to sit and open the book. And that is not all. I am moody and uncommunicative until I have had a chance to flip every page. Even then, it takes a huge effort not to flip through again and again.

Any of you out there have this same addiction? I am sorry to say, I am not the one who can help you overcome it. In fact, you may consider me an enabler. I am even going to take it one step further ..... I have a new fix for you right here....and trust me when I say, it is really good.

Rizzoli is just about to release the newest of designer Kelly Hoppen's books:

Kelly Hoppen Interiors, Inspiration and Design Solutions for Stylish, Comfortable Interiors.

The best part?....

Rizzoli and I are partnering again for another

Give Away

to one of you lucky design addicts!

There is a section on kitchens, and Kelly's approach is practical and beautiful....and perfect for entertaining.

 Just a few comments to get those hearts racing.....

Kelly Hoppen is a designer who's aesthetic is luxurious, yet comfortable, simple, and very uniquely beautiful. Kelly has a modern vibe, that seems to work in any environment, rustic country to New York penthouse.

This book is beautifully done....text written by Sarah Stewart-Smith and lots of gorgeous photos by the estimable Mel Yates just to start. The book begins with how to plan your space, then on to advice for all of the finishes for the floors, walls and ceilings and on to lighting.  The organization of the book takes one through a section for each room of a home....Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom.... offering ideas and tips for the design of each space, from lighting and drapes to bedding and tile. The photos illuminate all of the concepts brilliantly. It is, after all, the photos that I look for in a design book, and really.... they do not disappoint.

I love the comfort of this Dining Room, cozy but still airy with a view out the gracious windows.

One of the things I really like about this book is that it speaks to the end user with very practical advise. Here is a little excerpt that, as a designer, I have great appreciation to Kelly for including:

CHECK OFF THOSE BOXES:

• You are your own designer, and a "little black book of ideas" will be your safety net for ensuring that you create an environment that best suited your style of living.
• Study you list of needs against your budget, and accept that you will have to compromise. Each and every one of us has to do so.
• You cannot run away from the cost. The cost is the cost.
• Make informed decisions on the basis of your priorities, to find less expensive options and solutions

Perhaps my favorite part of the book is all of the delicious photos. I know that showing just a few of the images from the book is just about the cruelest thing I could do to a true design addict. But one lucky winner will get their hands on a copy soon enough. 

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the beauty!

All of the details work so well together here. The window sheers are unexpected with the rustic wood paneling, but the taupe color makes them blend perfectly. The touch of orange on the velvet chair and a half perks up the otherwise tonal color palette.

 So here's the scoop for the Give Away:

1) Hop on over to the Rizzoli website and take a look at all of the design book treasures.

2) Click on the "comment" link at the bottom of this post and leave a comment.

3) Make sure I can contact you by including an email address, or make sure your username has a link to a contact email.
4) The Cut Off date to enter is April 11th at 5:00PM PST. I will announce the winner the next day, April 12th!

Light, bright and fun. I love the green stripe on the bedspread. I would have to wait til kids and dogs are long gone before I could consider the floor draping length of the spread however. But it is dramatic, no?

 And that is it. Easy.

A cozy cocoon of a bedroom. Having the paneled ceiling adds so much to what might have been an otherwise plain room.

 OH! And for the rest of you looking for that design fix, this luscious book will be available in April, so do not worry....you do not have to wait for your very own copy!

I like this idea of having different floor finishes here with both the stone and wood. The dark shutters beautifully punctuate the white walls. I could relax in this tub with a glass of wine and a good book for a very long time.

Have a beautiful day and Good Luck!

For Lillian and Missah

Someone has bothered to accompany the song with the listed imagery. See climax at 0:56, "when the dog bites." 

HIGH JUMP 101: What's this thing called the High Jump?

The high jump is physics in motion.  It involves converting speed forward into height upwards.   It is one of the most reactive events in track and field.  In a given jump, an athlete will apply 4 to 10 times her body weight.  And while the image of an athlete clearing a bar is the one most often seen, actually more than 90% of the work is done on the ground.  Once an athlete is in air, there is little that she can do, to change the outcome of the performance. It is a very technical event,  demanding, physical strength, power, speed and stamina… and most importantly psychological prowess. 

An athlete has 3 attempts to clear a height.  If you survive the height you move on to the next height progression.  The athlete who clears the highest height wins.  Incidentally, the high jump and pole vault, are the only the events in Athletics where an athlete will end on a failure… failure to clear a certain height.  Each competition offers the opportunity to win and the certainty of a maximum height cleared on that particular day. 

And, while it is a technical event it would be impossible to jump everyday in training.  In fact at the elite level, an athlete may only jump at most twice a week in training.  Instead, plyometrics, strength training and running are the necessary ingredients.

Perhaps why I love this event is at the end of the day, it is just me and the bar.  It’s as much a mental game as a physical game.  My quest involves exploring just how high I can really jump…

Exploring,
Nicole

Strong Woman vs. Damsel in Distress - ACHTUNG Series

For as long as I can remember I’ve desired to be a strong, thriving and independent woman.  Dependency was as scary and foreign to me as an alien.  While, as a kid I read classic stories of “damsels in distress” like Cinderella or Rapunzel, the protagonist (main character) never seemed to resonate with me.  They were fun stories to read, but in the back of my 5 year old mind, I was thinking “Yeah, right! As if I’d wait for my knight in shining armor to save me…. I’d find a way to build a ladder to climb out of that tower.”

Every day I am thankful for the women’s movement. It wasn’t so long ago women were believed to be intelligently inferior to men. The women’s movement, has made it possible for women to leave the kitchen and join the workforce (if they so choose).  Post-secondary education has no longer become a place of finding a husband, but rather a place of learning.  Today, more women are exploring their non-domestic interests… and yet there is a balance to this equation.  I have a lot of male friends who would prefer to have a housewife.  Likewise, for the longest time, I wanted to marry a house husband.  (While there have been some claims of their existence, I now realize they are largely a myth.)

I believe it takes an equally strong man to be with a strong and assertive woman.  Just as girls learn about the “damsel in distress”, boys are also taught the value of being a hero and prince charming combined.  A powerful woman changes the fairytale story for a man, and so the look of being “saved” takes on a whole new meaning. 

It cannot be an easy task for a man to walk in the shadow of a strong, impressionable woman.  For the few men, who are able to do this, they demonstrate the essence of being a strong man. 

Damsel not in distress … but, just trying to rule the world,

Nicole

Whether You Think You Can or Think You Can't You Probably Are Right

LYRICS & INSPIRATION 

If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think that you dare not, you don’t;
If you’d like to win, but you think you can’t,
It’s almost certain you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost;
For out in the world you’ll find
Success begins with a fellow’s will
It’s all in the sate of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are;
You’ve got to think high to rise;
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.

Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.

A plaque has hung in my office for many years carrying the above selection of free verse. I am not aware of its origin, but consider it a pertinent guideline for one to pursue in life and toward specific goals as well. It has always provided an energizing thrust to my career in golf.

Arnold Palmer
Winner of 61 P.G.A Tournaments
Including One U.S Open, Two British Opens and Four Masters

Lugano

You are among the fortunate and more certainly very moneyed if you live in Lugano. It is wonderful to be here and to see Joe -- oldest and dearest!

Giorgio de Chirico, anyone? I got chills walking through the arcades.

Blue Doors for Baby Ella

The English love their saturated blue doors. I have to agree!

WSJ Getaway

Photo by Simon Upton

It is Friday....the perfect time to think about what I might do this weekend.

It would be grand to get away from all of the rain, take a quick jet across the pond to visit the estate of  Interior Decorator, Nicky Haslam. His estate in the English countryside is a 16th century hunting lodge and is the stuff of dreams and fairy tales.

Rita Konig recently had the pleasure of a grand tour and recounts her adventures in the upcoming April  issue of WSJ magazine HERE. 

As much as I would like to jet across the globe at a moment's notice, there is reality to consider. It looks like I will  be conjuring a getaway from my armchair where I will be dreaming right alongside this little girl....not such a bad prospect:

I hope you all have your own dreamy weekend planned!

WINNERS

Best of Show! Elaine's Betty

Tim and I took a quick morning trip to the 87th Annual Camellia Show hosted by the Camellia Society of Sacramento a couple of weeks ago. Tim, because Spring has sprung and he is anxious to get the garden in order. Sacramento has a pretty much perfect climate for Camellias and you can find every variety imaginable. Tim was on the hunt for ideas. Me, well.... I will take any opportunity to gaze at the beauty and practice with the camera.

The Show always presents a Best of Show Winner, and the bloom that won was certainly an amazing specimen of floral fabulosity. The winning variety, "Elaine's Betty" was grown by Mr. and Mrs. Don Lesmeister and was presented the Rosalie Lee Memorial Trophy by the Camellia Society of Sacramento. Spectacular.

So....who, you may be wondering, is the next "winner", and what did they win? The beautiful Rizzoli book, Walls: The Best of Decorative Treatments was the latest katiedid Give Away....and the winner is Mary! Congratulations Mary! Rizzoli is sending you a copy right away.

But for those of you who didn't win this time, do not despair. I have another great Give Away coming up this week! Rizzoli is graciously giving away another fantastic design book. It is not even on the shelves yet! Designer Kelly Hoppen has just put together another collection of wonderful design ideas in her latest book:

  Kelly Hoppen Interiors, Inspiration and Design Solutions for Stylish, Comfortable Interiors


More winners to look forward to!


Back to the Camellia Show.....I was able to snap some "winning" photos as well....hehe. Here are just a few:

The Camellia Show was held at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium which is listed on the National Historic Register. The National trust for Historic Preservation has named the Memorial Auditorium as one of five winners of "Protecting America's Treasures". So clearly....another winner.

So.....I took a few more pictures. There is nothing quite like playing tourist in your own town on a rainy Sunday morning. It makes what might have been a ho hum day into .........a winner.

All photos copyright by Katie Denham

 (Exception, Walls Book Cover.)

Have a Winner of a day!

The EX Factor: How To Get Over An Ex

*RELATIONSHIP CORNER

So, he/she told you it's over!  They've moved on, but you can't.... Waiting and hoping that your special ex will change their mind or come back to you is NOT advisable (I'll address this in another blog).  

  

A Note on the "Real" Loss -  People (especially women) will often fall for the idea of what they think someone is.  Sadly, when the relationship fails, the feeling of loss that descends over you, isn’t necessarily the loss of the person or even the relationship itself.  Rather, it may be the idea/fantasy of what one had hoped for, which is the true source of pain.     

So, how DO you let go and move on??? 


Step 1. Poof! Be Gone! – Cut-off All Contact

You need to give yourself time to heal and accept the finale of your relationship/dating/talking or whatever you were doing.  By cutting off all contact, you provide yourself with some space and the ability to free your mind.  Remember as long as you are in a head space about that ex, you’re never available for someone better.  Cutting off contact means no calling, texting, g-mailing, blackberry messaging, skyping, or FaceBook messaging.  If you think you'll be tempted to reconnect, than DELETE all contact info.  Yes, this may be drastic, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Also, do not update your status (through the various media channels) with subliminal messages.  This is transparent and will not help you!  I usually recommend at least a 30 days of Poof! Be Gone!  But, depending on the seriousness of your relationship you may need to extend it to 90 days.

Step 2. Acceptance

In the beginning of a relationship people tend to see only the good stuff, while negating the lesser qualities he/she is also presenting.  When the relationship ends, you may realize the presence of those lesser qualities have always existed.  By paying attention to these lesser qualities now, you may find yourself glad you are no longer with your ex. 

You need to confront the brutal facts.  Take note of what fantasies you may have created AND what you were not getting from the relationship.  If you do this honestly, I guarantee you’ll be glad you are no longer with your ex.

Step 3. Realize Your Worth

You have to KNOW your strengths and practice self-love.  If you don’t know this, how can you ever expect anyone else to know it?  If you’re having a hard time with this, make a list of the amazing qualities that define you, and say it to yourself.  You have to truly realize YOU are awesome and worth being with someone who values you.  If the person you were with before doesn’t want you, then clearly he/she doesn’t deserve you… KEEP IT MOVING… Onto, a bigger and better fish in the sea!

Step 4.  Find a New Passion

This is a chance to gain a new love outside the realm of a relationship.  Take a moment to think about what you really love or would like to do, and busy yourself with it.  This is another way to free up your headspace.

Step 5.  Get Out There & Date Again

Date with no expectations.  Create a roster of new possible candidates, always reminding yourself of how AMAZING you are.  Don’t settle too quickly on a new interest either, as this may only be a rebound and prevent you from truly moving on.  And most importantly, always be yourself. 

As you embark on a new relationship, always be sure to park any fantasies you may have.  Stay in the moment and let the future unveil for you what it has planned.  Let him/her prove he deserves you and allow whatever is to happen, happen.  Plain and simple, go with the flow!  No expectations, no fantasies and no limitations.  Finally, don’t paint the next person with the same brush.  Everybody deserves a fresh start.

*Please note, I am not an expert on relationships. I only offer my tried and tested knowledge...  I have never broken anyone's heart (a feat I am quite proud of) so there are certainly some limits to my scope of knowledge on relationships.

"Poof! Be Gone!" Inventor, 
 Nicole