Hello!

Hi all! I have surprisingly little to say today...it was a long (though wonderful) day at work, followed by helping my mom out as she continues to recover from her surgery. Somehow, we squeezed in pictures, but that's about all I've got for you. Well that, and life is so exciting right now!

Skirt and Shoes:Kohl's/Long Sleeve Tee:J. Crew/Necklace, Earrings, Bangles, Belt:Target/Cuff: Ruche/Charm Bracelet: Lia Sophia

See how excited I am? I'm busting at the seams!

And look at how much my little "Monkey" adores me...I'm the luckiest!

Should I Stay or Should I go?

Megan over at Feathers and Freckles has started a challenge for herself and all of us (Should we choose to accept the mission-hehe). Over the next two weeks, the goal is to pick 10 items from our closets that we either avoid or have never worn. We should wear at least one of these 10 items once a day for 2 weeks and make a final decision on whether or not to toss said item. 

Everyone who knows me says I have too many clothes. (No mom, I don't...really I NEED all of them!) I keep things forever, accumulate more and never seem to toss anything. There are items that I just avoid or don't know what to do with, so this is a great opportunity for me to make some space for new stuff to breath. But I want your help. I'd like you to tell me what you think, I'll never make final decisions on my own and I'll still have tons of things that I don't know what to do with!

So, here goes. Item #1, this blouse from Ruche.

I bought it last winter with a dress they had it paired with in a lookbook. I was totally unoriginal and wore it the way they had styled it, and now I don't know what else to do with it. Today I tried with a skirt. I pull it out a lot and then decide I  don't think it will look right with the items I've picked. (Styling suggestions welcome!)

Blouse and Belt:Ruche/Skirt:JCPenney/Shoes, Necklace and Bangles:Target/Charm Bracelet:Lia Sophia

Wow, maybe if I smiled? LOL so, what do you think it? Keep it, donate it or styling thoughts?

Meanwhile, go visit Megan and check out everyone else's items.

Summer's Almost Gone

Quoting songs again...I know, but at least this time it's not Queen! Speaking of Queen, James and I went out last night and enjoyed Karaoke with friends...some may think it's lame, but I have a blast and if it makes me happy, that's all that matters!

So, there we are. James and I hanging out at the Youngstown Club and me singing my heart out to some Queen! As you can see, we only spend our time having fun in high style! LOL

 

 Meanwhile, it's in the 90's again today, but starting tomorrow temperatures will be dropping to more September-like numbers. I love fall, can't wait for fall, it's my favorite season  and I'm ready to layer my clothes, see changing colors on the trees and drink apple cider! But, since it was so hot today, I felt as though I was getting a chance to say a final goodbye to summer...being aware that today will probably be the last humid 90+ day of the year. So goodbye summer...see you again next year!

Shirt:Target/Skirt:H&M/Wedges:American Eagle For Payless/Necklace:Lia Sophia/Earrings:NY&Co.

To kiss summer goodbye, I felt it only appropriate to wear summer colors and take the opportunity to go sleeveless while I still can!

I did it again...

Well, there was no post yesterday because I looked like this...

I was comfy and cozy in my house all day as I worked from home and attempted to get over this flare up I'm having. Today I did get dressed, but I've gone and done it again...I'm wearing pleats!

Well...I was wearing pleats. I've since changed into black skinnies as I'll be hanging out with James this evening. But, for at least part of the day I looked much better than I did yesterday!

Blouse, Shoes and Necklace:Target/Skirt:H&M/Ring:Trendz The Salon Spa

Hopefully, tomorrow I'll feel some inspiration for something new...but inspiration is hard to come by when it's back to 95 degrees and muggy and my body is being a big meanie! worry not...I shall overcome big meanie body and yucky temps!

The Weekend Before School Starts

One more day and the kids are back in school...My oldest seems to think it's the end of life as we know it! I on the other hand, am thrilled. So it's a nice quiet weekend at home before all of our schedules get a little busier!

So, there are the kids...it must be a national holiday because Tyler agreed to let me take his picture (after he did the dishes for me, what a nice young gentleman). Savannah and Ashton take much less coaxing, they love to be in front of the camera!

See, there they are again! My fashionsitas! Savannah is wearing: Jeggings and Tank:H&M/Shoes:Marshall's/Hat:Target/Grey Tank:Aeropostale

On Ashton:Head to toe Target! They really sell great quality items for girls at terrific prices! She loves to be girly, and Target has their share of girly items! Her pockets in this shirt are stuffed full of toys...Ashton tends to be a hoarder...I used to find pounds of rocks in her coat pockets! (The washing machine was not a fan).

 

On me: Blouse:Ruche/Skirt:B. Moss/Shoes:Target/Necklace:Lia Sophia/Bracelet:Tiffany/Watch:Eddie Bauer

Meanwhile that's what I wore today for errands and a nap! (hehe) That skirt is probably 13 years old or so. It's in great condition and I think still fashionable. It really is worth it to invest in classic, well made pieces that will last for ages!

Anyway, gotta go, apparently I'm playing shopkeeper with Ashton. She likes to resell items that she has hoarded to me at exorbitant prices...like $250.00 for an old rock! fortunately, it's play money!

Yup...I got nothin'

So, normally I have tons of things to say in a blog post...today, I got nothin'. Except maybe to say that wow, I own a lot of blue! Looks like I need to branch out a little more on the good ol' colour wheel!

 

Top:Ruche/Skirt:J.Crew/Necklace;Lia Sophia/Shoes:TJ Maxx

oh...and hehe, look at my freckles...the camera doesn't usually pick them up, but trust me, I'm covered in them!

Poor Bessie!

I don't know if I've told you this, but I practically live in my car. Between my two primary jobs I cover a 10 (or more) county area. On any given day I may be commuting at least two hours away from home. This morning was such a day. I was headed to Clarion County, about a two hour drive, to give two classes. I was excited because it was a new training I had written and today would be the first time I tested it out. So, I left my house, all prettied up and ready for my exciting day, and several miles from home I noted a clanking sound coming from my car. "hmmmm?" thinks I, "does it always do that?" and continued to drive. 

Me, pouting about what you are about to read...

 

By the time I got to the toll road, the noise got louder.----Now, let's pause here for a moment before I describe what I did next, because I really am a bright woman. I mean, I'm no rocket scientist, but I have a brain that functions quite well 99% of the time. OK, to resume story----Apparently, my reaction to the louder clanking noise was to enter some strange grieving process, the first step of which is denial. I turned up the radio! As if drowning out the noise would make it go away? ( really Cheryl? Really?!) Then Bessie (my car) made it clear I could ignore her exhaustion no longer...BOOM, BAM, a thud...then smoke! I managed to pull Bessie over to the side of the road, where I sat astonished for a moment.

Poor, poor Bessie...OK, this isn't her in the picture, because Bessie is at the car doctor...but you get the point!

Long story short...I managed to make it to Clarion after making some calls, even though I made it late, and Bessie will hopefully be fixed. I was shaken, on the verge of tears, and prepared to have a nervous breakdown, but, everyone I really needed in that moment, from James, to my mom, to my sister, my co-worker and my boss, acted swiftly and primarily with concern for me. While I don't recommend starting your day this way...I have to say that when Bessie gets sick, or there is some other horrible thing happening in my life, people amaze me with their love and support. So the next time it's a tough day, don't be afraid to reach out for help, because it's amazing how many people are willing, and you discover the strength of your support system! I am one lucky woman....with one tired car.

Skirt:B.Moss/Cardigan:NY&Co./Dress (Worn as Blouse)(remix) and Cuff:Ruche/Necklace:Lia Sophia/Earrings:Target/Belt:Thrifted/Shoes:TJ Maxx

Casual Friday

This picture almost says everything you need to know about my life...some strange controlled chaos!

Tee, Earrings and Flip Flops;Target/Scarf: Liberty of London for Target/Cargo Skirt and Belt:Shop Kempt/Necklace:The Shine Project

On Ashton-Tee (stained from lunch) and skirt:Justice/Flip Flops:Target/Scarf:Stolen from my neck!

After coming from home work and being greeted by the controlled chaos that is my life, I think I'm going to nap...

Be You!

This process of blogging has taught me many things about myself already. It's amazing how taking pictures every day can help to clarify your style. 

Ive never been sure what to call "my style." I'm not even sure that I have one. I'm inspired by many of the blogs I read and sometimes they prompt me to try a new trend...sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. What I'm learning for myself is that the latest trends don't always feel comfortable to me, and then my clothes wear me instead of the other way around. 

When I wear what speaks to me...even if it's not trendy, I am more confident, I feel better and I look better! So, here's a little nugget for you...Be you! Know your style, embrace your style, don't be afraid to try new things but know that you are a classic...you will never go out of style as long as you're true to you!

Skirt:B.Moss/Shoes:Journey's/Top:Express/Cardigan and Belt:Target/Necklace:Lia Sophia/Earrings:gift

Ruffles, Pleats, Oh the Romance!

I put on today's outfit and immediately felt romantic. Between the rich hues, ruffles, pleats and vintage style jewels I felt like being swept off my feet...then I remembered that my life is neither glamorous or romantic, in fact I was dressing to go to the grocery store! Doubtful that I'd be getting swept into muscular arms in the produce section!

Skirt:H&M/Top:Ruche/Necklace:Lia Sophia/Shoes,Cocktail Ring and Bracelet:Target/Watch:Eddie Bauer(gift)

James and I have been together for practically the entirety of our adult lives thus far. There are occasional romantic moments, but what is more important is the life we've built together and the lovely things he does that remind me of that peaceful life.

1. James sends texts in the middle of the day, seemingly out of the blue that read either I love you, I miss you or both.

2. When James stops at the store he will bring me home some Starburst without me having to ask.

3. My favorite place to sleep is snuggled on this one perfect spot on his chest, he can't fall asleep laying on his back, but James stays there for me.

4. James and I laugh together at the most ridiculous things.

5.He listens attentively, even when all he wants me to do is shut-up!

6. When we first met, he told me the difference between love and dating is that you don't have to get out of bed to pass gas...let me tell you, he loves a whole lot!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! See, he makes me laugh!

Switzerland

Dressed in a neutral pallet, I decided to name this post Switzerland (get it?)-tee hee!

I love that I'm covered from practically head to toe in flowers, yet it's all so subtle,one may not even notice until close inspection.It's like I'm a magician! Well, OK not really, but let's not quibble over details!

Almost this entire outfit comes from Ruche...what can I say? they are one of my favorites!

Shoes:Target/Skirt, Blouse, Necklace, Purse, Ring, Flower Cuff:Ruche/Gold Cuff:B.Moss

Psssst: yup, you, click on one of these pretty pics to follow!

 

Label Jars

It doesn't matter if you are non-disabled, disabled, straight, gay, bi, transgender, short, tall, slender or curvy. it doesn't matter from where you are descended or what your religious beliefs.

You are human and you are beautiful! The only label that matters is the one you give yourself and when you accept you free from judgement, you stop judging others and can embrace everyone as the incredible, beautiful, powerful people they are!

 

You, yes you are beautiful! Own it, wear it proudly along with your individuality and everything that makes you the unique and beautiful creature you are! So worry not about how others may label you or even try to oppress you, you have the power within yourself to define you!

I am woman, I am mother, I am survivor, I am "warrior princess" (OK, I didn't give myself that label, someone else called me that-thanks Doug-and I rather like it so I'm keeping it!), I am fabulous! Who are you?

Top:Izod/Skirt, necklace and belt: thrifted/Shoes: Target

Pink, Blue and "Junk"

After getting home from work today, the girls and I headed over to the elementary school where they have this great one room school house. Savannah enjoyed taking pictures, while Ashton enjoyed eating chocolate...which then got everywhere. To take a look at her covered in chocolate head to facebook, where you can also see some other outtakes. Meanwhile, I realized I own a lot of blue! I love this blouse paired with the light pink bandage skirt though, it definitely made me happy today. This skirt highlights a feature I didn't even know I had before I put it on! You see, I have none of the proverbial "junk in the trunk," this trunk is empty, but this skirt somehow made it look like there was some "junk" back there! So I had fun as J Lo for a day...ok so maybe not that much "junk," but a girl can dream!

 Blouse:H&M/Skirt, Lace Socks and Earrings:Ruche/Tank:Target/Shoes:Kohl's