As I went to title this, I almost put “Monday Thoughts.” I feel like yesterday and today have completely blurred together into one super long day.
Just wanted to pop in an say hello with a few things:
1. It was so hard to get out of bed this morning because of how dark it was from the rain. It poured for a few hours, but the sun has since come out. While I was walking the dogs, the sun actually felt warm. That’s one thing I miss about living in Florida and something that isn’t a guarantee up here, even in the summer. I could have sat right down on the sidewalk to soak up the warmth. (It’s also almost 60 degrees and feels so, so good.)
2. On Sunday night, I went to go see Lady Bird. I almost didn’t go because my schedule for the day got a little backed up. I’m so glad I saw it though. My mom and I spent quite a bit of time discussing the film at length. It was different than I was expecting it to be, but I really thought it was a fantastic movie. (I love Saoirse!)
3. Did you catch the hint on my Instagram Story that I’m moving?! I’m going to be sharing more of the details later (don’t worry!), but in the meantime… I’m drowning in logistics. Moving is overwhelming no matter how you slice it! I have a huge Google Doc going with everything I need to change (from health insurance to veterinarians).
4. Speaking of moving, knowing I was going to move paired with the extra spending I always do in December, I started a no-buy January. I’m still buying food and gas and the essentials, but I haven’t been buying any new clothes. I have SO many thoughts on this. First, I love it. I haven’t even really been tempted to break the freeze. Second, it’s a challenge to run a “fashion blog” when you’re not buying anything new. It’s driving me crazy because I don’t want to buy new clothes, but it is an element of what I do for my job. The last thing is that I’m now itching to do a huge closet cleanout! I need to do one before my move anyway, but not buying new clothes has inspired it in an even bigger way.
5. The flu this year has been so bad and I’m trying my best not to catch it. I’ve been washing my hands religiously, staying on top of my vitamins (and eating foods with lots of Vitamin C), and getting enough sleep! I normally opt for soap and water over hand sanitizer, but I have been using the sanitizer stations at the gym as an extra precaution.
6. 1 Second Everyday is such a fun app! Thank you to everyone who suggested it as a great way to record memories. I started on January 1 and I already know that I’m going to love the final product at the end of the year.
7. GIRL SCOUT COOKIES. My friends’ daughter is a Girls Scout and I ordered a few boxes of cookies from her. Dang! I love supporting these girls, but sheesh! The cookies are downright addicting. Thankfully it only comes around once a year and these Thin Mints will be gone before I know it. (Because I can’t stop eating them….)
8. I hurt my foot somehow last June. Since then, it’s been on and off in pain. Well, the past two weeks have been more painful. It’s definitely not broken, but because it’s my foot, it just hasn’t had time to heal. It’s the ball of my right foot so whenever I put pressure on it (for example when my right leg is the back leg of a lunge or when I’m in down dog) it hurts quite bad. I can’t even think about wearing heels because it puts too much pressure on it. I’ve been trying to wear sneakers that fully support my foot most of the day. Any other tips, I’m all ears.
That’s all I have for you today!
Get your foot to a doctor! I have a broken sesamoid bone in the ball of my right foot, and it feels just like what you’re describing.
oh gosh, even without any bruising or swelling?! It looks totally normal from the outside and doesn’t hurt if I touch, just when I shift my weight
It might be plantar fasciitis but only a doc will know for sure. I’ve been dealing with that on and off for months. It can be very stubborn to treat but calf stretching helps.
Yes, didn’t have any external signs. When the doctor pressed my toes back on my foot (like they are in downward dog), he was able to pinpoint which part hurt by pressing on it.
Go see a orthopedic ! I broke my foot several years ago. I had initially thought it was just a minor sprain. I was fractured in 2 places and hurt worse and worse as days went on. AND then because I let it go a few days it prolonged the healing process….I had a cast on for 6 weeks! I was going crazy. My Mom had a similar issue as you are describing which she healed with PT. But you can never be sure
oh gosh….. bah!
I have been wanting to see Lady Bird – I hear it is amazing! Can’t wait to see where you move – hope the process is going smoothly!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com
I love the idea that you are loving not buying clothes. I think our American consumerism can get out of hand and make us continue buying things when we already have a lot of what we need and want. I mean, there are only so many pairs of shoes you can wear, right?! At least that is what I keep telling myself. Also, I think its important to keep in mind that literally thousands of pounds of clothing gets sent to landfills in a year. Also, so many resources are spent making our clothes, and it is in effect, really not great for the environment. It doesn’t mean we should stop buying clothes, but we should value and take care of what we do buy. And at some point, maybe not buy so much. These are some things I have been thinking through. Really enjoying your blog, Carly!
I’m trying… J. Crew new arrivals can be tempting, but buying less is turning into a goal of mine this year.
About your foot, I would definitely suggest taking about a week off structured exercise. I know that sounds like the last thing you want to do, but trust me, it only makes the injury worse if you work out on it. A lot of time, we don’t give it enough time to heal, and then it gets even worse and takes EVEN LONGER to heal. I’ve been there. So to prevent having to wear a boot and not work out for a month, just take a week off 🙂 Hope this helps.
I know I really need to… but because I’m moving I hate having to miss a week of my gym because I’m going to miss it so much!!! So stupid but it’s true 😭
Hi Carly! I injured my knee in Barre earlier this year and I was too stubborn to take time off (plus the membership is so expensive) so I just did the exercises that didn’t put pressure on my knee. Listen to a doctor before me, but you might be able to keep exercising if you cut out anything that puts pressure on your foot (like lunges). Good luck babe!
Proper insoles make a huge difference! You wouldn’t believe how much it helps. Just that extra cushion, even with great shoes, can ease the pain.
Also, I would LOVE if you did a post about the logistics of moving (and all that you are planning for). I am moving at the end of May and am just starting my check lists now!
Can’t wait to see where you head next. Sending you positive thoughts for an effortless move!
Thank you! I appreciate it!
I’m also not spending any money on clothes this January, and it’s incredible how little I’ve been tempted! Especially after going crazy in December with all of the marvelous sales and frenzy of Christmas. I do hope your foot begins to feel better…I injured mine last week from running, and it sounds almost exactly the same as your problem (no bruising/swelling, and doesn’t hurt at the touch, but is incredibly painful when under pressure).
It may be plantar fasciitis. Is it worse in the morning when you first get up, in addition to when you put direct pressure via exercise on it? I tend to get it when I overtrain for a race, such asnincreasing my mileage too fast. It is also aggravated by footwear. Insoles have become my best friend since I first developed it.
It’s worse throughout the day as I walk on it more. My mom had PF so I’m pretty sure it’s not that based on what I know from her (horrible) experience!
Oh wow, I had no idea you were moving, Carly! Please blog all about it, can’t wait to follow you on your new journey ❤️
In the meantime, hope you’re having a great week! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
It could be plantar faciitis. Here is a YouTube video on how you can tape it with KT Tape: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge_K98lmUJc
Wow, I love this post. More of these would be great! Can’t wait to hear all about the move!!
Hi Carly,
Love your posts as always so honest. Sounds like plantar fascilitis. Does it hurt in particular in the morning?
Fiona
Been reading your site for years and while I do like the outfit posts, I love these type of posts even more! Hope your foot feels better!
You can tape around the bottom of your foot, you can buy prewrap and tape at any athletic store (like dicks) and it should provide enough cushion that it won’t hurt when you workout!
Oooooh, did I miss it? Where are you moving? Back to D.C. perhaps? 🙂
i love the idea of a no-buy month! have you ever used intuit’s mint? i just looked at my 2017 budget vs. what i actually spent money on & OH BOY! i’m definitely going to implement no-buy months this year & hope that will help my serious shopping problem!
I’m always trying not to buy more clothes I don’t need as well – and I’m sure several other readers are in the same boat! Capsule wardrobes have been very trendy recently – but I would love to see one from you, I think it could be a good opportunity to show how we can all wear the things we most likely already own in new, fun ways!
Moving is such a mix of emotions! From exciting to stressful I’m sure you’re feeling it all. Cannot wait to hear more about where you are moving and the fun adventures that lie ahead.
I love quick “thought dump” posts like this! They’re super fun to read 🙂
I love that you’re doing the no buying in January! Since I started med school back in August I definitely did a closet clean out and instead of buying clothes off the whim like I use to I make a little list in my notes whenever I see something I like. Then cross reference it with my closet because more often than my I already have something similar. So far no purchases in January for myself I’m hoping to continue it on for February too!
As for your foot, I’d definitely get it checked out by an athletic trainer or PT at the very least if not a orthopedic doctor. You should never risk your health!
The Year of Less is a great audiobook about buying less! You should check it out – I found it on Hoopla
I’ve had some foot pain too and just started going to physical therapy for it (as per a sports doctor’s recommendation). Hugely helpful and I’ve learned so much about how quirks in my anatomy affect the way I exercise.
Carly, this might sound strange, but one thing I have found helps with pain in the ball of my foot is rolling it on a trigger point ball at night before bed, and then when I wake up in the morning. Just a minute or two is all you need but it helps relax the muscle or something, which desperately helps when I have been walking around for miles on end in flats and the balls of my feet are aching! I found one at TJ Maxx last year and it has saved my life! I highly recommend it! Found one on Amazon for you: 🙂
https://www.amazon.com/Massage-Roller-Trigger-Massager-Therapy/dp/B01DZ9X84C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1516810754&sr=8-3&keywords=trigger+point+massage+ball+for+foot
Get thee to a podiatrist, forthwith!
You might have a stress fracture! That’s happened to me several times and it’s very painful. Definitely pop to the doc just to make sure.
Definitely go see your PCP and then to an ortho. You don’t want to mess around with a latent injury. If you truly can’t wear heels, it’s probably more serious than you think.
If you’ve never gone to an Active Release Therapist I highly recommend it! They combine PT with also deep tissue massaging – and typically give you stretches to work on at home. I was convinced I needed shoulder surgery but have been able to manage and rehab an old injury using these methods. Ask your trainer if he knows anyone who does ART -they’ll definitely be able to give you a recommendation!
Maybe it’s a heel spur, they can get pretty nasty. Hope it gets better but definitely get it checked if it’s carrying on for so long!
I’ve been doing a “no-buy” as well. Also moving this month. For those of us who are trying to save it would be great to see how you mix and match outfits with clothes that you already have, your closet staples, or how you change up outfits by adding new accessories. This is something I’ve been working on and it’s actually a fun challenge.
Your upcoming move is so exciting! I’d love if you did a post about how to move in an organized fashion. I bet you’re so good at it since you’re always so neat and organized! We have a move coming up in March and I already dread it…
Ooh oooh love this format! Such a fun post. Moving sounds intense but I am all about some spreadsheets and lists – would love to have a little peak into your planning and logistics!
Re: the foot injury – always check with an orthopedic, but when I had a similar pain, he suggested Metatarsal pads to wear in my shoes for a few weeks.
re: the no-buy January – that’s a great idea, as is the closet cleanout – I’ve started using Poshmark to attempt to sell my higher end things, then donations to the salvation army, or my local church for other items. Something about a new year and a fresh start with a cleaned out closet sounds great!
Thanks for sharing all these Carly! I hope your foot heals soon! I love the no buy January idea. I am actually trying to buy more consignment this year to save money and support other women selling their pieces. Would you ever sell the pieces you want to part with online?
I too am doing a no-buy January and loving it! I just kind of randomly thought of doing it and now that I am, I feel like I keep reading articles and hearing from others who are on that train as well. Great minds think alike! Now I’m even contemplating trying to do it for a whole year. Though that seems like a tough commitment to make at this point so maybe I’ll just go month-to-month and see how it goes haha.
For your foot, definitely see a podiatrist. The exact same thing happened to me. I was living in NYC, walking and taking stairs very often, had wood floors in my office and apartment, and quite honestly wasn’t wearing “supportive” shoes. Over time, it got worse and worse that I started walking on the outside of my foot, which only caused my ankle to start hurting. I also couldn’t bend my toes nearly as much as on the other foot. Otherwise, you couldn’t see any bruising or swelling. I never fell or had an injury…it wasn’t caused from one moment.
I was moving from NYC to Florida and saw podiatrists in both places. Long story short, I had an MRI that confirmed I fractured the sesamoid bone (the ball of my right foot too). I got cortisone shots in my foot every two weeks (hurts SO bad and honestly didn’t help me at all – was expensive too). I was told to take 2 Aleve twice a day (morning and night, with food) to relieve inflammation.
The only two things that truly made a difference were wearing a boot for a month and orthotics. As annoying as the boot was, especially being your right foot and driving, it took pressure and impact off of the fracture and allowed the Aleve to do it’s job. Long-term, the best treatment for me that made it go away almost completely was having my podiatrist make a custom mold of my foot and order custom orthotics for me. You use them as insoles in shoes (with removable insoles of course). The M. Gemi Cerchio were my favorites – size up 1/2 size if you use orthotics. They’re really comfortable and are custom made just for you. They weren’t cheap, but I see them lasting for a really long time. It was really hard not having the flexibility to wear any sandals, shoes with a little heel, etc. but it was worth the wait. Good luck!
Physical Therapy! They will be able to evaluate your foot pain and give you some stretching/ strengthening exercises along with advice to get back on your feet pain free 🙂
I’m dying for you to create a spring preppy wardrobe capsule. With pairing down your clothes, I’d love to see this feature.
That happened to me the first and only time I did a successful cartwheel (apparently not so successful). I never went to the doctor (this was like 25 years ago), and it would bother me periodically for years. Hopefully it’s nothing bad. It may just be ligament or muscle damage that can cause scar tissue and tighten things. On good days maybe try to stretch it a bit, not to the point of pain but to keep it loose.
http://www.holycitylife.com
I’m really hoping that 1) you’re moving to Hoboken and 2) I run into you next time I’m visiting my in-laws!
La Isla has the best cuban food and mojitos by the way, but Maxwell’s has the best truffle fries!
So I was catching up this week’s posts and found out this post about your feet. I practice Brazilian jiu jitsu so I have had a few injuries in my legs and feet. The pain won’t go away mostly because it’s the feet, and you’re always putting pressure on it. You should elevate it most of the time you can, because that lowers the inflammation and put ice as much as you can, that combination will help lower the swelling. My doctors always said that I try to rest for a few days, with the minimum of walking, and take Aleve for the pain and swelling. Also, they suspend any gym activities, or at least no leg day, for a week. Hope this helps!
I actually have had this, too, in my left foot and developed it from diving a manual transmission for a wbile. It’s called ‘ball joint’ and I found that icing it helped the pain, which can be intense. It took a couple years to completely fade, but icing always helps flareups.