My 5 Favorite Items I Walk With Every Day (Comfort, Style, Presence… and a Whole Lot of Miles)
by Nikki Walton of CurlyNikki.com
I walked ten miles today with no double espresso. Not to prove a point, at least not out loud, but maybe a little bit to prove one to myself, because both of my cafés were closed and I refused to let that be the thing that stopped me. So I walked, and somewhere between mile two and mile eight, I realized that I had no idea one pair of sneakers and one quiet morning would turn into a whole lifestyle that feels like prayer, therapy, clarity, and communion all at the same time. Feels like 2008… like 2009. Writing and walking. Bliss.
But here we are.
I walk nearly ten miles a day now, every single day, and these walks have become the place where my ideas come alive, where my questions settle, where my energy rises, where God speaks loudest, and where I feel the most like myself.
And because I know many of you are stepping into your own walking (with God) seasons and have been asking me what I carry, what I wear, and what makes ten miles feel peaceful instead of painful, I wanted to share the items that make my walks more comfortable, more stylish, and honestly, more sacred.
These are not sponsored. They are simply the things I reach for every single morning before my feet hit the pavement.
1. My Halara Everyday Leggings (I have a whole fleet of these)
These leggings (7/8 length, xs) changed my whole walking life. They don’t give camel toe. They don’t slide down. They somehow feel supportive while feeling like nothing at all, like air with structure, like someone engineered comfort in a lab. I don’t know what kind of sorcery this is, but I have many pairs. All black everything. I also have the insulated ones- also FIRE!
I wear them every day.
Every. Single. Day.
2. My 80s Baby Winter Look, Courtesy of This Cropped Puffer
On the days when Florida surprised us with three straight mornings of cold, this cropped puffer had me feeling like I was in an 80s movie montage where the main character is training for her comeback moment.
Warm, light, cute, and cropped in the perfect spot.
Gave me Janet Jackson CONTROL energy.
Saved by the Bell energy.
A little retro walk-to-school-in-the-snow-but-make-it-fashion energy.
**It layers perfectly over my usual light jacket. I have a fleet of these, too! All black! I wear this EVERY DAY.
3. These Leg Warmers That Balance My Whole Look
Yes, I wear leg warmers. Even when it’s not that cold. They came in the delivery with my Florida winter stuff but I kept wearing them even after that week lol. They were the missing link. Something about them balances out my silhouette, makes me feel pulled together in a low effort way, gives the outfit intentionality, and reminds me of the little joys in life.
4. My On-Deck Winter Hat and Face Cover-Upper Thingy lol
I haven’t worn this one yet, but it’s ready.
5. Rechargeable Hand Warmers (my winter secret weapon)
Forget those little shake-up bags with the heating crystals that die after 20 minutes.
These rechargeable hand warmers have been with me through winters in Italy and now Florida’s chilly mornings. This is my second set and I only bought these cause they’re cute and didn’t feel like figuring out which suitcase the other basic pair (just black rectangles) were still stashed in.
They give steady heat. They recharge quickly (usb cord included). They slip into pockets easily.
And most importantly, they let me walk without clenching my hands into little fists. Game-changing.
6. My Go-To Visor
This visor is simple, comfortable, and keeps the sun out of my eyes without making me feel closed off.
Perfect for sunrise walks. Perfect for long stretches over bridges and beach roads. Perfect for someone who likes to stay present and aware and lightly shaded at the same time… and for someone who doesn’t like chemically sunscreens. I am upgrading to one without velcro tho, cause my hair doesn’t like this one. I pull half my hair up, attach the visor, and then release the hair back down. So it’s just like a brim lost in the curls lol. I like wearing my hair out.
7. My Morning Ritual Drink Before Every Walk
This has nothing to do with clothes but everything to do with the walk. Every morning before I go out the door, I take my shot of key lime, cayenne pepper, extra virgin olive oil, Celtic salt, and spring water. Then, after that settles, I have my double-shot espresso (black) and my Italian sugar cookie.
Bonus Beauty: My Simple Walking-Skincare Ritual
Just two things every morning on my face.
Mad Hippie vitamin C serum.
And straight organic vitamin E oil.
Light, effective, glowy, clean. It works with the Florida sun and the sweat and all the miles.
Walking Is My Practice
While out walking today, no espresso… dragging a bit… on my period (tmi- but I had no idea it was even starting cause it wasn’t even dramatic! Maybe the cayenne…), I asked God to show me He’s with me, and within moments, while walking, I learned that Tampa Bay used to be labeled on maps, and called- The Bay of the Holy Spirit. WHAT?! Bahia Espiritu Santo. WOW. He answers in moments. I’ve lived here for 6 years. And never heard of that before. He always answers.
I love you!
nik
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