I think I've finally experienced the runner's high.

This is what it felt like: all I wanted to do was to keep running. I didn't want to stop, I didn't want to slow down, I just wanted to run. In addition I wanted an extra challenge - another hill ahead, a steeper incline, a rougher terrain. It was a sweetly masochistic moment.

If these snapshots can be translated at all into life lessons, maybe in the most demanding times, we just need to push a little harder.

Fall wishlist.

Being no longer a working woman, I wear about 1/4 of my clothes and 1/8 of my shoes now. It's time for my wardrobe to slowly make the transition that my life has made. And since all good things arise from lists, here is a back-to-school wishlist:

1. J. Crew Cashmere Slouchy Sweater. I like the idea of being able to throw this on in the morning when I'm running late and still look somewhat polished, and I can probably wear this at least 7 months out of the year.



2. TOMS Natural Canvas Shoes in Grey. The hippie in me actually likes the way these look. Let's hope the day that I start liking the way those "nurse clogs" look is a day that never comes.



3. Marc Jacobs Court Cards Ring. I'm not a big ring person, but how cute is this?



4. Frye Campus Boot in Saddle. The next pair of boots I buy will be Frye. I know I will look like I'm ready to go work on a farm, but that's the point.



5. Rugby Baldwin Piped Tweed Jacket. Ignore the rest of her dumb outfit, but that jacket is lust worthy. I like everything about it: the texture, the trimming, the crest, the shape, the small lapels.



6. Gap Jeans. All my jeans are skinny, because they fit better into boots (ironic - you would think BOOTcut would fit better), but I'm growing tired of just one style. Has anyone tried the new Gap jeans that are supposed to fit better? I for one am swayed by their advertising.


7. Anthropologie Transcendent Encounter Chemise. This is the perfect sweet and romantic nightdress, and would make me look forward to going to bed every night (like I need more incentive). They also have very enticing robes on the website, not that I've worn a robe since I was six.



8. Land's End Sidney Long Down Coat. This is really for practical reasons only.



9. Lululemon Define Jacket. Sometimes I will put on sporty clothes just to not feel like a bum.



10. Michael Kors Astor Satchel. I really like a good-sized bag, in a neutral color, with hardware details, so this is pretty much perfect.

Bier!

I'm normally a red wine fanatic, but thanks to the heat of summer, I've been gravitating towards this cooler, more refreshing drink (although red wine stays part of my diet with a killer sangria recipe). When it comes to beer I used to stick to safe choices like Stella, Sierra Nevada PA or a satisfying #9 but this summer I've been more adventurous and have garnered the following list of beers that make me eager to expand my repertoire further...

1. Unibroue - La Fin du Monde
Not only does this have a badass name but it is also from a brewery in Quebec. It's a Belgian ale that is very drinkable: not too heavy, not too hoppy, with a hint of citrus and spice. It can be found at your Trader Joe's in a sizable bottle (perfect for two), which was definitely the best part.

2. Abita - Purple Haze
This was an unexpected find right from our neighborhood liquor store when we just decided to pick up a sampler pack. Some of the other varieties were kind of gross but the Purple Haze was definitely the best one. It's not intensely fruity or sweet, the raspberry taste is wonderfully integrated and I prefer it over the Harpoon UFO Raspberry Hefeweizen (which is a bit cloying), or even the Sea Dog Blueberry Wheat Ale (which doesn't have enough fruit).

3. Rogue - Dead Guy
Don't let the name of this one make you think that only bikers or old guys with arms full of tattoos should be drinking this. It's actually a well balanced honey ale that is a bit on the malty side. Chris ordered this at Novare Res in Portland (while Jacquie and I went with our staple Allagash White), but then I tried his and ordered one for myself. Delish!

4. Samuel Adams - Summer Ale
This one was drunk many times because in Boston, often it's either Sam or Bud. It's a lemony, malty, and spicy brew, reminds me of a nicer version of Blue Moon, and tastes like Boston.

5. Dogfish Head - Raison d'etre
Maybe I'm just piqued by philosophical-sounding french beer names, but this was another one that I kept on my radar. It's probably the most unique out of all of them. It's a bit more alcoholic at 8%, and is a complex mahogany ale that's a bit fruity, malty, even sour. Perfect when you want a beer to challenge your taste buds.

6. Don't remember who made it - Peach Ale
We had this at the Great Lost Bear - Qui probably knows which one this is. Another fruitastic one! I tried the Dogfish Head Festina Peche which was actually weird tasting, this one was way better. The downside is this one is probably a microbrew which will make it hard to find.

What are your favorite beers?