Comfort Zone Be Gone

Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a routine?  Mine happens more often than not.. Especially this time of year.

I'm just a super shy person who tends to be quite repetitive. 

And I'm easily embarrassed.. Even over the stupidest things... The whole "what would people think" crowds my mind more than necessary.

I'm trying to end it.  At least, damper it a tiny bit.

And you start that with baby steps, right?

First of all, ever since I got my DSLR camera, I want to take it EVERYWHERE with me.  I even went to a forest preserve right down the street to snap some photos... until I got there and realized that my memory card was still at home... sitting in the laptop.  (Bad habit of mine)
But even as I pulled up and stepped out of my car, I felt weird.  Secluded.  Alone.  I felt like all eyes were on me... It's silly.  I'm trying to enjoy winter to the fullest... And get out of this cabin fever...  But, I have to admit, I was a little excited that I didn't have my memory card... I was glad to be able to run off to my car and scurry on home.  Even though I regret not returning to capture the beauty of Mother Nature.  (It was beautiful seeing the sun shining through the trees and onto the snow covered lake.)  No.  I'm done feeling this way... (at least, I hope)
With my husband and I having opposite schedules and my friends being far and in between, I need to learn to get out there... By myself.  I don't need the companion of another human being.  Although I always feel like I do.  It's going to be a hard thing to break but I'm willing to try.

People like my husband cannot fathom the thought of this.  But he isn't shy.. Not one ounce.  He can talk to a crowd of strangers and have them laughing within just a few minutes.  I wish I was more like him.  But I'm not.  And I think that's why we work as well as we do. 

~~~~~

Moving on to fashion...

The old me would have never mixed colors/prints.  I had to make sure everything matched.  The right shade of pink could only go with that exact same shade or a neutral.  Now, I've been mixing prints, colors and textures and everything in between.  I wouldn't say I'm a fashionista; not even the slightest.  But I enjoy it.  I started with taking the smallest color out of one item and using that to complete the rest of the outfit.  Now, I'm out of control!  (Ok, no, not really..)  But it makes my outfit possibilities endless... Well.. almost.  I still have many days where I have "nothing to wear"...  And the piles of clothing stay lying on my chest at the end of the bed.  (Which my husband says is a big "no, no"... Even though it still happens, more often than not...)

And I'm trying things I've never liked before... ie. FRINGE. 
I don't know why, but it just screamed {hippie} to me... And then I would feel like I'm trying to be someone I'm not.  The minute my mind would be like "Ohhh.. That's kind of cute!"  I would hurriedly back that up with "You can't pull that look off.  But, so and so can!"
 
I am finding myself loving all sorts of styles and eras though but I feel you need to "act" a certain way in order to pull it off...   

Well, forget that! 

I received these amazing LC riding boots for Christmas and was *in heaven*... until I slipped my feet in them.  My calves were crying and screaming in pain.  Soooo... What do I do?  I try them again on another day.  Thinking maybe I was just having a "fat calves day". (Yes, really)  I was determined to make these work!  But they didn't.  I refuse to be in pain for a particle of clothing or shoes.  (Hence why you rarely catch me in heels, even though I love them so...)

BACK ON TOPIC:

I finally exchanged them.  And after a poll on Facebook asking "To Fringe or Not to Fringe", I purchased these:

Find them here.

I don't know why I'm drawn to them, but I am.  I like the way I've seen celebrities pair them with leggings, shorts and even dresses.

I'm still hesitant, but I'm wearing them right now.  I actually giggle when I hear them "swoosh" as I walk. :)

I'm eager to try them with shorts and dresses as the weather warms up.  We'll see if I can rock that look. ;)

Here's another thing I'm loving:

And I'm not really a "feather girl"... But I'm starting to become one.  I know this necklace falls into the category of you either "love it" or you "hate it".  It's part of HSN's Oz, The Great and Powerful Collection.  Designed by Raven Kauffman Couture, called the RAVEN feathered collar.

Ok.. That may be my draw.  I love Oz.  A lot.  But I still love the sassy and uniqueness of it.  I think I will attempt a DIY on this because there's no way I would spend $325 on an item I *think* I like and I *think* I will wear. 

It's definitely a daring piece and I'm quite excited to give it a whirl.

Find more on the first look to this collection here.

~~~~~

I'm even trying new foods!

I'm not a fish eater.  I am so skeptical on certain foods but ever since I started dating my husband, I've been trying to be more "open". (I've tried sushi, lobster tail, a few other kinds of fish)  That soon stopped completely.

However, once in a while, he'll insist I try something.. (And yes, sometimes I put up a tantrum...)  But he usually wins.  I just can't say no to his gorgeous face.

Well, he bought some frozen fish last time we went grocery shopping.  And it smelled so good whenever he cooked it.  It was a weird feeling.  Me + Fish? 

But, I have to say, I tried some the other night and actually liked it.

(My mother in law will be so proud!)

I could see myself eating one whole fish!  (Watch out, little fishies!!!  I'm coming for you!)  After I made this comment to my husband, I ended up thinking of Nemo and then became a little sad.  Sigh..

Still taking baby steps.  I figured if I like frozen fish, I should be able to like some more authentic kinds.  But, we'll see, we'll see. 

~~~~~

I'm trying to challenge myself.  And I'm off to a great start.  Although sometimes I run into a few bumps in the road and back away but that's normal.  I'm hoping to overcome them soon.

Baby steps, baby steps...

What ways are you challenging yourself?