Think summer thoughts: a flip flop giveaway dedicated to Stacy King [Giveaway]
Spring Fashion
Written by cjhammon in Features
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When Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Who coined that phrase, anyway? Doesn’t the same go for Daddy, too? It does at our house. At the end of the day, my husband can set one foot in the door and I know immediately whether he is relaxed or stressed. He can do the same with me. In 23 years of marriage, we’ve learned how and when to give each other space.
It’s a beautiful thing when partners learn to read and respond to each other’s stress signals—even better when we learn to do that for ourselves. Now that science has so clearly shown the mind/body connection, we finally understand how the little things we do to manage stress can make a difference in overall health.
Here’s what’s been keeping me sane through one of the most stressful winters of my adult life:
Change your routine. I do yoga almost every day at home, saving part of my practice for prayer. Last Saturday morning, I switched things up by attending a yoga class at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. From my spot in the gallery, here’s what was in plain view: a famous Georgia O’Keeffe and the brilliant entrance to a Robert Indiana exhibit. As a bonus, I made a new friend, Debbie. Early in the practice, she turned to me and whispered, “I love this!” She expressed my exact thought. Debbie’s Saturday included two funerals. The class had been her good start. Mine, too. It reminded me that private yoga should be complimented by corporate yoga. Moving a regular habit to a new scene with new people can be a really good for your brain. So much the better when it’s something like yoga, designed with relaxation in mind.
Get creative. When I was five-years-old, a prissy art teacher scolded me for coloring outside the lines. (I’ve been doing it every since!) Despite the discouragement, I’ve always wished that I could draw or paint. When I learned about a Wine and Canvas event that involved painting Audrey Hepburn, I immediately thought of one of my closest friends, another Hepburn fanatic. We’ve been cooped up all winter, so we signed up together, hoping to blow the cobwebs out of our brains. Midway through the event, I looked at Julie and caught a glimpse of why we came: she was totally engrossed in her work—and so was I. Don’t drink? Don’t worry. These events aren’t all about the alcohol like some are. Order a soft drink and get lost in something creative. It’s one of the the most liberating things you can do when you’re feeling stressed. Resist the urge to rate it or compare it to everyone else’s creative work. (Remember your yoga thoughts?)
Look forward. I refuse to think about the latest winter storm coming our way. From now until spring, I’m only thinking summer thoughts.
I’m taking golf lessons, so I’ll be ready to play when the season starts. My husband gave me 20 lessons as a Christmas present. (My first thought: Gee, am I that bad?)
I ordered a Warby Parker kit of sunglasses. It’s an affordable way to buy prescription or non-prescription glasses, including sunglasses. They let you order five styles and send them to you to try before you buy. I’m leaning toward the oversize Reilly, which contributes to the vintage look above. For fun, I styled this after a certain film star with the initials AH. Can you guess who it is? Notice the flip flops? Read on…
I acquired a pair of flip flops. What is summer without flip flops? I am amazed at the selection at The Flip Flop Shop in Castleton Square Mall, where I discovered flip flops are more than they used to be. Two brands caught my attention: 1) Sanuk, offering super comfy styles, made with tee-shirt fabric and yoga mats. 2) OluKai, known for providing orthopedic support without compromising style. If you typically avoid flip flops because they don’t offer enough support, the OluKai line may cause you to rethink that. It’s one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I must admit that I only walked around the store in the OluKai, but they were mighty tempting.
I found three possible alternatives, but which pair? I couldn’t decide, so I did what any reasonable woman would do when she can’t make a choice. (No, I didn’t buy all three!) I asked myself, “What would Audrey choose?” I’m not saying Audrey would wear flip flops, but if she did, I think she might like these. (One has to be so careful when making assumptions about an icon.)
Stressed out? Get yourself to a Flip Flop Shop! And enter my Flip Flop Shop sponsored giveaway!
Did you know that people who wear flip flops have lower levels of stress than those who don’t? At least that’s the word from Alexander Babbage, a consumer research firm
While you’re shopping, please support the Flip Flop Shop’s charitable campaign, Heart to Soul Creating a Stress Free America. Donations fund an American Heart Association initiative devoted to helping Americans reduce stress with healthy lifestyle choices. Since stress is closely linked to heart disease, combat your risk for heart disease in flip flops!
Meanwhile, I’ve got good news for readers who are flip flop fans. (I’ve always been a fan of alliteration!) Thanks to the Flip Flop Shop in Castleton Square Mall, I’m giving away TWO pair of flip flops! To enter my giveaway, leave your favorite stress reduction tip by March 14 as a comment to this post.
If you live in Indianapolis and you win, you’ll have the advantage of visiting the Castleton Square Flip Flop Shop and selecting your own. (Prepare to be confused by the options.) Winners outside the area can give me their size and request a certain color. I’ll select something on your behalf.
I dedicate this post to Stacy King, a friend of mine who died much too young on Sunday. We weren’t the closest of friends, so I don’t know enough to write a whole post about her, though she certainly deserves it. What I can say about her is this: she was all heart, as beautiful as a summer day, and she left no doubt about whom she loved and where she was headed. I loved her and I know that she loved me. If you’re reading this and you know Stacy, please leave a comment and help me remember her just the way she was. Mercy, weren’t we blessed to know her? If you’d like to make a lasting tribute to Stacy, here’s the cause she cared most about.
Life is short. Wear the good stuff.
*This post was sponsored in part by The Flip Flop Shops in Castleton Square Mall, Indianapolis, Indiana.
33 comments
Sarah Mizell said:
March 5, 2014 at 7:27 am
Stacy was my cousin,( by marriage but I was closer to her than a lot of my blood cousins), & I loved the way she told it like it was, loved the pellet kind of ice, was a fountain drink “snob”, had an obsession with pens & sharpies, her dislike of “funeral flowers” all these things we had in common. She knew what she believed based on what she read in the Bible & there was no room for compromise where that was concerned. She handled her illness with determination, grit & an attitude of “I want to beat this & live but if I don’t it’s ok. I’ll be a winner either way.” I admired her faith during her 8 1/2 yr battle. She had an impact on everyone who met her & I feel so luck to have been able to call her my cousin. She was my cousin, not just by marriage.
cjhammon said:
March 5, 2014 at 8:14 am
Sarah, thank you for your touching words about Stacy. You’re love for her comes through so clearly–and I learned some things I didn’t know about her. Her pen obsession? I must hear more about that!
There was just so much to love and admire — her sense of humor, her forthright way of speaking her mind.
Blessings to you and your family in your time of grief, Sarah.
Georgean said:
March 5, 2014 at 9:20 am
I didn’t know Stacy, but I share her love of pebble ice in fountain drinks!
What I do to destress is work out. I have several DVDs I can pop in at home and sweat out anything that is bothering me.
I love your posts! I always get super excited when I see them in my inbox. Thanks!
cjhammon said:
March 5, 2014 at 11:21 am
Georgean, how lovely to hear from you! Thank you so much for your kind words of comfort and your coping tips. It’s been a LONG winter, hasn’t it?
Diane McGaughey said:
March 5, 2014 at 9:41 am
The best stress relief is prayer. I think Stacy would back me up on that one. Stacy was a beautiful person from the inside out. Although we are sad that she’s left this earth we are full of joy knowing where she is now. Thank you for mentioning her in your blog.
cjhammon said:
March 5, 2014 at 11:20 am
Thank you for your kind words, Diane. She certainly made an impression on a lot of us.
Maureen said:
March 5, 2014 at 10:49 am
I’m so sorry for your loss, Sarah and Crystal.
As for the stress reduction question, I’ve been in my kitchen constantly lately. Cooking up stews and soups, which help warm up the house and make the cold, snowy weather seem cozy. And I’ve been baking a lot, mostly my two favorite recipes, Marion Cunningham’s scones from Baking with Julia (http://www.alacartetv.com/baking/recipes/buttermilk_scones.htm) and a no knead bread that I can’t get over how good it is! (http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-noknead-bread-home-109343). I find cooking is both a creative and a zen activity for me.
Jody D said:
March 5, 2014 at 1:22 pm
So sorry for your loss, Crystal. One of my favorite stress relievers is spending time with a beloved pet – their empathy, acceptance, and love is unconditional and boundless, and has always made me feel better in challenging times.
Golf, on the other hand, is NOT a stress-reliever for me, though I enjoy it immensely. We will have to play this summer!
Couture Allure said:
March 6, 2014 at 5:58 am
When I am working on my computer, I play ambient music with nature sounds very softly on internet radio. Being outdoors listening to the birds or the ocean always relaxes me, and having those sounds as background to my work day helps keep my stress levels down in my studio.
cjhammon said:
March 10, 2014 at 3:35 pm
So nice of you to respond! There’s a radio show called Hearts of Space on our local public station, which I love for its ambient music.
Julie Hand said:
March 7, 2014 at 9:42 am
Step aside Audrey Hepburn! After 25+ years of friendship you continue to surprise and amaze me with your “cheeky” imagination and creativity. Sorry to say it really hasn’t rubbed off on me so I’ll continue to stay tuned to see what you’ll do next. I love you – Jules
cjhammon said:
March 10, 2014 at 3:37 pm
Girl, I don’t hold a candle to your creative genes. Can’t wait for our next adventure! I love you, too!
Kimann said:
March 11, 2014 at 12:01 pm
My condolences!
As for stress reduction if I can point to 2 quite diff ones, both = to me
Ohm is where the heart is – luv my yoga
And then I luv a glass o’ cab w my hubby, late in the eve
trina said:
March 11, 2014 at 12:52 pm
First off, your painting is really quite remarkable, I loved the chosen blue background.
Let’s see, my favorite stress reduction tips would be:
* go for a nice long walk (preferably alone)
* put on some fun music and sing at the top of my lungs, better yet, add some dancing to it as well. (this is also best done alone)
*brew a cup of tea and enjoy it with a very yummy kind of treat and a good book by my side.
*bag it all and go shopping! Actually this one is my favorite.
Bella Q said:
March 11, 2014 at 1:44 pm
I love your rendition of Audrey- both art and dress!
My condolences to you and Stacy’s family. It’s hard to lose a loved one, but I hope there’s peace for all in coming together to mourn the loss of someone so dear.
My stress reduction tip? Smoke pot. There I said it. And smoked it. Mah bad.
Linda Messick said:
March 11, 2014 at 1:51 pm
I LOVE your AH look AND painting! And you are so right about how stressful this winter has been (or in Narnia terms, “always winter and never Christmas.” ) I have a couple of activities that help me to destress (well, and being married to a treasure who is supportive and thoughtful is one of the best stress relievers EVER!) When the day has been a bit long and wearying, I seek sanctuary in a long, hot bath–low lights, a lightly scented candle and possibly some quiet music in the background. “Calgon, take me away!”
Another stress reducer for me is baking. Thankfully I practice “bake and take” and have the pleasure of baking a tasty treat, enjoying a bite or two and then taking the remainder of the goodies to work or a friend. The whole apartment smells heavenly, Mark and I get a treat and we can pass on the goodies to someone else.
Visiting with friends is another great way to put some sunshine in a dull, winter day, and even though we’ve made it through this winter, I would love to get together with you soon and catch up face to face!!
Miss you and think of you often, my friend!
Debbie Davis said:
March 11, 2014 at 3:39 pm
Crystal,
Thank you for the wonderful post and the great opportunity to share a stress relieving tip. My stress relievers are different music lists — I have one called “Feel good” and another merely labeled “Happy”. Playing some of these songs that remind me of the positive aspects of life or memorable moments lift my spirits.
Theresa said:
March 11, 2014 at 3:44 pm
A glass of wine… a bath… topped off with my own bag of sour wild berry gummy Life Savers, which lasts less than 10 minutes. ha! Just being honest here. : )
Olivia said:
March 11, 2014 at 3:45 pm
Watch Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn or lose myself in a history book. With either one, I like enjoying it by myself in my room.
jacquie reed said:
March 11, 2014 at 3:59 pm
I met you last Saturday at the IMA.
I liked your comment about ‘coloring in the lines’. My daughter’s kindergarten teacher told her the same thing. I never bought coloring books for my children because I read creativity is best inspired by blank sheets of paper. She’d never ‘colored’. She is now an accomplished artist and art teacher. I would really like to share her career with the teacher, who I feel certain is long retired. See you Saturday.
I like your blog!!
Lara Chandler said:
March 11, 2014 at 4:12 pm
I absolutely love reading your brilliant writing! It shows your love of friends, causes and life! My favorite way to de-stress is to take a long nap in the afternoon with all 4 of my cats!
Linda Kirchhoff said:
March 11, 2014 at 4:17 pm
My stress reliever is Laughter. I love to laugh at a Good comedy or with my grandchildren who of course are amazing. Great picture of you Crystal. Thanks for entering me in the Flip Flop Contest.
Theresa said:
March 11, 2014 at 4:25 pm
A glass of wine… a bath… and my own pack of wild berry sour gummy Life Savers, which lasts approximately 10 minutes. Ha! Just being honest.
nanette said:
March 12, 2014 at 12:06 am
Having family and friends (like you) to support me during stressful times has saved me. So thankful for all the wonderful people in my life.
Brenda Dant said:
March 12, 2014 at 9:02 am
My stress relief is dirt. As in playing in the dirt. There is nothing better than digging in my perennial garden and watching things grow. Even with this crazy winter there are still things that are popping their little heads up defying all that is dark and gray!
BTW I had the distinct honor of meeting Audrey Hepburn in her later years. She was class personified!
April said:
March 13, 2014 at 9:04 am
Favorite stress reduction? Reading a good book outdoors, preferably in beautiful surroundings, but any place with light, a gentle breeze, and a tree might do.
Sandy Harris said:
March 13, 2014 at 9:23 am
I love your painting, Crystal! And I also adore flip-flops. I can’t wait for warmer weather…
I’m not sure I can pick out a true favorite de-stressing method, but I like to go for a nature/birdwatching walk; go to the library with nothing particular in mind; shopping at thrift stores; go to a museum by myself so I can pore over each and every piece and its placquard!
Lisa said:
March 13, 2014 at 10:34 am
Crystal, reading your blogs are a a great stress reliever. I’m always amazed at the wisdom you have to share with us. Walking, especially in the woods, is my go to stress reliever. Being outside is where it’s at for me, especially when it involves wearing flip flops. Big warm hugs to you, my friend!
Jill said:
March 13, 2014 at 11:15 am
Hi Crystal,
I love, love, love OluKai flip flops. I discovered them a couple of years ago. They are the best, as soon as the weather is warm enough for them, they are my staple.
I, too, am an AH fan.
Your painting is adorable. It should be proudly displayed for a time in your home so you, your family and friends and enjoy it.
All the best. Thank you for the email. I have been out of touch lately.
Mary Adkisson said:
March 14, 2014 at 11:07 am
Crystal I didn’t know you had this blog. I’ve really enjoyed reading it. Your picture is very nice. You did a great job!
My best stress reliever is to go out and take a walk. Usually a couple of miles does the trick.
So glad Melanie shared this on FB. I’ll be reading your blog from now on.
Love you
Mary
Christy Merriman said:
March 14, 2014 at 11:11 am
I love your interpretation of Audrey – what a classy lady – both of you!
Anything that involves flip flops – I am in!
Madeline said:
March 14, 2014 at 11:55 am
My stress relief is singing! I love music and going into a practice room to a hit a high note in a song helps all stress flood out in my voice is so refreshing.
Janice Lemasters said:
March 14, 2014 at 7:38 pm
Our Dear Heart Stacy King…intered our Heart and Mind never to depart…