What's Up, Buttercups?!

As promised, I'm back! It sure is getting ToAsTy up in this joint...and that, my friends, is because it's time for some

Preguntas Ardientes!!! Translation: BuRniNg QuEsTiOnS!!!

There is no need for banter here...Let's get right to it!

Question Numero Uno:

• I have just recently signed up for a half marathon (gulp) and am beginning early morning trainings (5am, yikes). I am NOT, I repeat, NOT a morning person! However, I am most successful when I train before work (super busy during the day, then come home to perform my wifey duties) so I *must* train in the AM. How can I become a better morning person (aside from the obvi of going to sleep sooner) when I am a total night owl. - Krystina S.

Answer Numero Uno:

• Dear Krystina, first, I applaud you for taking on such a challenge! Running a 5K is something to be proud of, but heck, it takes serious physical and MENTAL strength to train for a half-marathon! Kudos to you!  ...Now, let's address the real issue here: How to wake up to train? Here's the bottom line: This wasn't an empty commitment you made.  Ask yourself WHY you decided to sign yourself up for such a thing in the first place? How did it make you feel once you did? What do you hope to gain from this experience? Finding such clarity will help you stay focused, and keep you motivated. Connecting your workouts with your goals will help you build the mental stamina required to achieve such a challenging goal, which will in turn, provide you with the PHYSICAL strength you need. It's ALL MENTAL, honey, so stop your whining about waking up super early! Wake up early, go to bed early. This isn't forever! Your body will adjust in no time, and you will only GAIN from doing so! Now, set that alarm, and COMMIT! ...Oh, and one other thing, I find it very helpful to schedule workouts, as in actually ENTERING them into your calendar/planner. You would be surprised how much more accountable you feel when you WRITE THINGS DOWN. Cute workout gear & fabulous music doesn't hurt either...Let's talk about THAT in your second question...

Moving on to...

Question Numero Dos:

• Please tell me there are some cute 'winter' workout clothes out there! I live on the beach in Carlsbad and the morning fog/mist is no bueno to run in (well, for me anyway). I noticed you had some cute jackets. Any Suggestions?

Answer Numero Dos:

• If it were up to me, I would spend every waking moment in my workout clothes. I kid you not. I know some of you might have the misconception that I'm always Miss Fancy Pants-dolled up to the nines-but that couldn't be further from the truth! While I do love wearing a ball gown, there is no in-between for me, as far as my preferred ensembles go - it's either lulu or fancy nancy! With that being said, here are some amazing jackets/pullovers I swear by. - Yes, they're All Lululemon - but seriously, I have yet to see anything that is comparable to the amazing functionality, comfort, quality, and style of Lululemon product. So there.
• JACKETS:

Run Take Flight Pullover

Cabin Long Sleeved Tee

Built-in gloves - amazing for running!

Define Jacket

Run: Inspire Jacket

These are all SUPERSTARS in my book! So, Krystina, take your pick! I'm sure you are aware that Lulu runs on the more expensive side, but 1 jacket is worth 3 of lesser quality. I believe it to be a smart investment, and a necessity in your case!  ..Oh, and throw in a pair of fresh new kicks - NikeID.com, and you'll be flying out the door at 5am, ready to take-on your workout! ...And don't forget your tunes! The playlist is just as important! SPOTIFY your life! It's the greatest!--> http://www.spotify.com/us/ ...

I hope I've sufficiently answered your Burning Q's! 

I'm signing off for the noche! 

Muchos Besos Pumps!

Love,

Mrs. Daily Dubes 

No no no...not THESE kind of buns...

THESE kind of buns...

Ballerina Buns! 

This week's BURNING QUESTION is infuego, and concerns, none other, than one of my most beloved 'dos.

Can you tell us how you get such a fab looking ballerina bun??? And what hair products do you use? - Laurie

Well, Darling Laurie, here is what I have to say about that...

Good Morning Lovers!

This is a reminder to send in any Burning Questions you have for me this week by tomorrow, WEDNESDAY!

Merci!

Laura xoxo

Good Day Dollies!

I'm coming at ya LIVE from the comfort-make that DISCOMFORT-of seat 14B (yes that's a middle seat).

That's right, I'm on my flight BACK to New York Citay! This in-flight internet stuff is fantastic! (Although the speed is not yet up to Daily Dubie standards, but It'll do). 

<<<Long Sigh>>>

Today we're going to get HOT & HEAVY again with DD 2.0's very first BURNING QUESTIONS POST! Hurraaaaaaaaayyyyyy! 

Are y'all ready for today's Big Q?! ...Let's do it!...

QUESTION:

Where does one shop to get super cute/chic clothes on a $1000 a month budget. That's not including rent/groceries, etc. but to get clothing, go out to lunch, you know- stuff that is considered "pleasure." I get amazing gifts from my parents every Christmas/b-day, and have all the necessary staples, BUT find it so hard to get cute clothing on a budget. HELP! 

ANSWER:

I think what first needs to get established here is what your priority is??? Is your lifestyle very social? Do you attend many different events & parties? If so, investing in new pieces of clothing often, might be worth it to you. Additionally, do you love to dine-out? Are you a foodie? If this is more important to you, investing in eating-out might be more worth splurging on than clothes you don't really need. Weigh the PRO's & CONS first, then establish which is of MORE VALUE TO YOU.

When it comes to shopping, I know some of you might find it hard to believe, but I'm not a big "shop-just-because" person. There has to be a purpose for my purchase. I have found that shopping with this in mind, helps me avoid making impulse decisions, and wasting money. Ask yourself why you need it, and when you'll wear it? If the answer is unknown, DON'T BUY IT! Also, if your "FUN priority" is to make monthly splurges on clothing, make sure you spend most of your alotted money on "high mileage" pieces that can be worn in many different ways, at many different times. Otherwise, buy cheaper, fill-in pieces, that you won't feel guilty about wearing only a few times. I still go to Forever21 occasionally, and I LOVE GAP, JCrew, and Target!  Cheap CAN be chic, Dolls!  It's all about HOW YOU WEAR it!

If your "Fun priority" is eating out, research delicious, but cheap-to-moderately priced restaurants, as well as your more expensive, fine dining places, so you have an array of equally delicious places, but at all different price points. At $1000/month, you won't be able to dine at fancy schmancy places frequently, so you must balance it out. Another tip is to split an entree with a friend, or order 2-3 appetizers instead of an entree. This saves $$$ AND calories, my friends! ...And, of course, I couldn't forget to encourage you to  START COOKING!

Cooking in, can be equally FUN & SOCIAL, and always ends up being a whole lot CHEAPER AND HEALTHIER! 

...And that's a wrap! I've said my peace! ... I hope y'all have found this helpful in some way, shape or form...

Who's up for next weeks BURNING Q!?!?

Email, Tweet, or FB ME! Y'all know where to look! 

Besos, 

Mrs. LDC* xo

In order to keep things saucy up in here, I need YOUR PARTICIPATION!

Burning Questions are an integral part of the Daily Dubie! We can all learn and benefit a great deal from each other! 

I encourage anyone & everyone to send in your Burning Question(s) via

• Email

• Twitter

• Facebook

I will do my best to address all questions in a timely manner.

xoxo