Archive for November 2014
It’s Football Season and Sunday’s usually mean watching games…
Not today…
Who wants to watch tv, when you have a last few moments with your children…
Linking Up Today with Visible Monday
I really wanted to take advantage of the nice weather…
My daughter and I both have the same Aigner black boots bought off season
from Amazon and available Here.
She’s worn hers a lot, but today was my first time…
Here’s how my daughter,23 chose to wear hers…
I actually asked her to add the vest to her look when I saw her in the t-shirt and jeans…
She reluctantly accommodated me, as she really hasn’t liked vests…
That is until she, encouraged by her 19 year old brother, looked in the mirror…
The cinched in waist and pockets on this one, changed her opinion…
I am giving her this vest now…
She picked up the snowflake necklace and earrings at Burlington….
She loves wearing holiday jewelry and each year adds a new one to her collection…
She tolerated having her picture done for me and I am grateful to her...
I felt very feminine and boho in this look…
It was nice to layer the kimono over a sweater for a Fall version…
Dear Readers, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend,
filled with family, friends, laughter and love!
Gratitude
I am grateful that it was so easy to say goodbye to my two heading back to college since they have a little over two weeks before returning for a nice stretch until mid January…
I am grateful to my daughter for indulging me and letting me post her pics…
I am grateful to my son for taking the photographs..
I am grateful we have airline tickets for my daughter’s next trip home, this last minute substitution when People’s Express refunded her tickets and stopped service led to a 14 hour train ride…
I am grateful for a warmer, sunny, breezy day…
Plaid Leggings and Poncho
Posted on: November 29, 2014
These photos are not the best lighting..
Normally I take pictures in the late afternoon, but I took these before heading out Black Friday Shopping around noon..
Not a good time for lighting…Lesson Learned..
I ordered these plaid legging from Old Navy, along with a polk a dot pair
It really was a great outfit for the day of shopping…
The poncho was perfect instead of a coat, which I know doubt would have removed and ended up carrying.
I ordered this poncho off season, so no info for you there…
I will say, I saw ponchos everywhere today…
Burlington had an entire row labeled Jackets, that was actually ponchos and wraps..
My daughter even picked out her first wrap, a lightweight black one.
I also bought a red poncho at Burlington Coat Factory, where we spent the most money today, and the longest time…I tried it on near the men’s fitting room and was using the outside mirror to see myself, which was surrounded by women waiting for their guys… They noticed me and parted ways so I could see the mirror and then all exclaimed and told me they loved it…. for just $16.99 -sold…my only self purchase.
I am tickled pink that my 3 adult children all wanted clothing items for Christmas…
They are surprised themselves. A great discussion about how they have great electronics and no other real needs took place… As did the point that college is taking so much of their time, that it lessens their needs for things like games as well. My oldest has always loved clothes and a definite style, my daughter is opening up to this for the first time, and my 19 year old son, is growing up his style now that he is in college and is adding jackets as completer pieces- 3 so far…
I got the biggest kick out of the woman checking receipts at Sam’s Club, moving her hand up and down to indicate my outfit and saying, “Beautiful!”
I have to say while shopping with DD that a few thoughts went through my head…That I love seeing her relaxed and giddy(she is such a focused stressed grad student) , I loved that she finds delight in the simplest of things, a trait we share… For example, she loved that the Dillards sign had a Santa hat attached to the D… I also noticed mothers and daughters in the dressing room with contention between them, while Ashley and I were having so much fun! Her facial expressions leave no doubt whether she likes something she’s tried on. I also noticed a lot of mothers who seem to have given up on themselves and it makes me quite sad..
I dream of having seminars for mothers, to remind them to put themselves on the list. So many women take care of their families and lose themselves… I am so grateful I had a mother who put herself on the list by having friends, hobbies, nice clothes, perfume, and accessories.
It truly was a beautiful day, because we really enjoy each other and their is so much humor and laughter with us all participating.. We noticed so many families in the mall who looked like zombies going through the process, while our eyes were twinkling and we are all totally engaged in pointing things out to each other. We all walk together in this tight group, not wanting to miss discussions , but then at moments break off in two’s or threes, then come back tight together again.. It feels like a family dance.. I wish I could explain that more poetically…
Dear Readers, I hope that you enjoyed a wonderful holiday with family and friends…
Gratitude
I am so grateful for time with all my children present… I know change will happen soon enough, but while they are all single and still so much a part of each other, I will cherish it…
I am grateful that my children who all have Iphones, aren’t addicted to them and didn’t bring them out during our day together...more importantly that it was their choice with nothing said by us…
I am grateful that I still have two more days with my middle children before they head back to college.
I am grateful that after just two and half weeks they will both be back for winter break, lasting almost a month.
I am grateful that we finished a huge portion of Christmas shopping done between online purchases and shopping.
I am grateful that my husband took the boys off and had time together, allowing my daughter and I time alone.. (Living with three energetic brothers means girl time is important!}
I am grateful that I didn’t gain any weight from Thanksgiving, and in fact lost a pound overnight… LOL.. my daughter told me it was because I never sat down the entire day…Not true, I took a break and let them peel potatoes…lol..
This is my final look of the week for Ideas for a Thanksgiving Outfit…
I am more apt to wear a skirt or a dress, but thought I should at least put together one pants outfit,..
And here’s what I came up with…
I can’t believe how many ways I’ve styled these red-orange jeans and how much I still love them…
I bought a set of these chevron scarves from NoMoreRack and was thrilled to see this color among the assortment…
They don’t have the set I bought but check here for their current scarf options…
My sweater is brand new from Old Navy….
I really love it and bought it in creme as well…
I love the texture of this sweater as it’s an important element in styling outfits…
I will get a lot of use from this sweater and hope to put it with a skirt soon…
My shoes are Aerosoles wedges that are not available anymore…
If you don’t already own a pair of patterned flats or wedges I highly recommend them,
as they can really change the entire feel of a look…
Dear Readers, Just Want to Wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
Please Pray for me that my daughter traveling from Boston makes it home and weather does not disrupt her train ride!
I will not be posting on Thanksgiving, but will post to show you my Black Friday Outfit….
One of the first questions my 19 year old asked, was whether we were going Black Friday shopping…
Gratitude
Of course my first gratitude has to be that my Nicholas came home from VCU today!
I am grateful that he shared stories all night about his roommates and college life…
I am grateful that he told me that his friends , especially the girls say they love me, only knowing me through my son’s description… Our bond is priceless to us both!
I am grateful that my dear son noticed my new habit from Ireland of asking questions and the higher tilt in my voice at the last words.. He actually told me I sounded English. Well that’s from the English Cousins we hung out with for 10 days... He is teasing me each time I do it…
I am grateful that my daughter called tonight and chatted with myself, and both her brothers who had just said, It feels so weird without Ashley home…
I am grateful for this time with family especially this year with two out of town for college..
Autumnal Boho for Thanksgiving
Posted on: November 25, 2014
Of course when the weather hits the mid 70’s and a blogger has dedicated this week to looks for Thanksgiving,
She responds with a flowing skirt in Autumn colors, well this boho lover does at least!
Nothing is more fun than a long flowing skirt on a warm windy day…
I loved taking the pictures and the feel of this outfit on the windy day, so much that I cancelled homeschooling…
I declared it a day to take a walk…
Taking a walk and talking with your teenager is priceless…
It’s one of my most cherished memories with my father!
Feeling so sentimental this Holiday Season, more so than most…
My father’s birthday was November 26th, so this time of year always makes me think of him…
I think wearing Autumnal colors for Thanksgiving is a great tribute to the season…
We had such fun on our walks and watching the leaves dance all around us on the street…
A fun thing on a windy day and when the road is silent with no cars, we noticed the sounds of the leaves, natures serenade… There is such beauty in nature and I am glad to have moments to just share in it with my youngest… These last few years with just him at home are going to fly by and I love moments like these….
No boho look is complete without arm candy…
These four bracelets are from a vintage lot I purchased on ebay a few years ago…
They are my favorites and I tend to wear them as a group sometimes just 3 , but today all 4…
Dear Readers, Our walk was to the Dollar Tree where we picked up round Christmas themed tins because my children love nothing more than to make fudge and give it away to friends and family… Some years we get busy and don’t do it, but this year I want to make sure that my two kids coming home for their month break from college get the experiences of home that comfort them…
Gratitude
I am grateful to have control of our days and make time for quality us time, not have our relationship be all about homeschooling.. I really hated what schooling and getting homework done did to my relationship with this child and am grateful for healing that!
I am grateful that my son delights and notices nature right along with me…
I am grateful for a warm day…
I am grateful that my Nicholas is coming home tomorrow!!!!!! (Tuesday)
Saying prayers for all the business owners in Ferguson who have lost their livelihoods.
As a previous owner of a store, I can only imagine how hard this is, especially this holiday season when a large part of the yearly sales takes place…
Multiple Shades of Brown
Posted on: November 23, 2014
This Week I am going to show some options I’d wear for
Thanksgiving…
First up is
Multiple Shades of Brown
Linking up with Visible Monday So go see what other wonderful bloggers are up to..
There are so many elements of this outfit that really appeal to me..
First off would have to be my fabulous brown riding boots..
Then I’d have to say the elements of texture and pattern with the sweater, animal print scarf and the embroidered bottom to the dress
And last of all would have to be bling in the shiny elements on the hem as well as movement that I always feel in a dress like this…
My young photographer mentioned that I didn’t look as comfortable as normal in this pose…
He’s very observant because I normally bend my leg when I cross it and did feel off…
My Dress is from Jane.com which changes inventory very quickly, but has a lot of cute tunic tops and dresses for great prices..
My sweater was found on Ebay last season… My boots were bought at the end of last season and are sold out…
However I discovered that 6pm.com has them in black
I didn’t even bother with a purse for the look because for Thanksgiving I am at home all day…
I will say that I could up the spunky factor of this look by adding different heeled boots or booties, but I actually took a walk in this look…
How could I not , it was a beautiful 60 degrees?
I would further winterize this look later in the season by adding a long sleeve top as an extra layer for the short sleeve dress and I would
replace the leggings with fleece lined tights…
If you haven’t tried fleece lined tights, I highly recommend them, they are amazingly warm!
Dear Readers, Come back tomorrow to see another option, I’d deem Thanksgiving worthy…
Gratitude
For today’s Gratitude section I am warning you, I am going to get very sappy….
4 years ago I began this homeschooling journey with my youngest because as we discovered they had a teaching disability and were labeling him with an unspecified learning disability…. As I’ve written before the first year we busted our butts and did an incredible phonetic program for 3rd graders to adults that did in one year what the school couldn’t accomplish in 6!
Now my child is reading above grade level and books his siblings read in their advanced English Classes…He would have started 6th grade at a 3rd grade reading level… Alas solving the problem takes more than just getting his reading levels up… His resistance to reading has been a tough nut to crack…I played hardball more than in other years and am pushing him to read daily….
So, last night he went to see The Maze Runner with his father He had just finished reading the book…. He texted me immediately after the movie was over and simply put,
“The book was better!”
That text took my breath away…There really are moments that happen that you recognize as a miracle and for me this was one…I literally cried for joy!
Of course my next reaction was to cry for my mother as this homeschooling journey is the first thing I’ve done as a mother without my mother there cheering me on… I so wished I could have picked up the phone to share it with her…I know that she is around me and in another realm is having a happy dance party of her own and bragging about me ….
Since I couldn’t share it with my mother, I texted it to his siblings as we all came together and wanted this journey for Connor..
My 19 year old texted me back, “It’s nice to see him enjoying reading!”
That says it all…
Next up, We start : To Kill a Mocking Bird
Thanks for letting me share my joy!
Inspirations..
Posted on: November 20, 2014
Feeling under the weather….LOL.. Literally the dramatic drop in temps from the 70’s to freezing messed up my sinuses..
So here’s so Inspirations since I did not get outfit photos…
This reminds me of a country song I love..
Unanswered prayers by Garth Brooks
We’ve all struggled at times and need to remember this one...
I wonder whose dream I’ve been in these past few weeks, LOL…
Only a true Optimist could appreciate the truth of this one….
It really is about how we chose to frame things…
This one is to honor my dear mother, who taught me by example
Dear Readers, Wishing You a Fabulous Day!
Gratitude
I am grateful that despite my missing the Homeschooling Holiday Feast that my oldest took my youngest…
I am grateful that after my youngest left near 11am that I went back to bed and slept until after 2pm… I miss the days when I had children in school and napped on days when I wasn’t feeling well… Now on 4th year homeschooling and I don’t do that anymore…
I am grateful to my dearest friend for texting me a message of pure love, and she didn’t even know I wasn’t feeling well!
I am grateful for having all the Thanksgiving grocery shopping is done and not having to fight the throngs of shoppers next week…
I am grateful for tea and hot chocolate and sweet moments of sharing a cup with my son….
I am grateful that a 20 degree warm up is on it’s way…even if it brings rain!
Pinterest Inspiration
Posted on: November 19, 2014
Last week I asked which Pinterst Inspirations you liked
to see which one to do next and here it is..
I had to add a necklace to my look….
I am very fond of creating a long vertical line with necklaces or scarves…
For a curvy woman , it’s a wonderful styling trick…
Notice my hair in the wind….
It was a cold and windy 40 degrees..
I braved it without my customary hat, but that didn’t last long…
I walked to the grocery store shortly after the photos and put on a hat and a long warm coat….
I knew that chunky sweaters were going to be big this season…
So I scored this Liz Claiborne from JCP online over the summer on clearance…
I love getting another chance to wear my newest investment purse…
It’s by Gili via QVC and can be found here
This was a perfect Mom on the Go look for my busy day…
The original had black leggings, but I chose to wear my Old Navy Pants found here
and the chambray shirt is Old Navy as well…
I have to say I really like the addition of the cognac boots in this look as another color…
I typically struggle to add a fourth color into outfits, so love that Pinterest advanced my style..
Gratitude
I am so grateful to my son’s friends at college who went above and beyond to make his Birthday day special…
I am grateful that my son called to share how his suite and hall mates had surprised him with a balloon filled room and Large Nicholas Cage picture and assorted quotes…. apparently they planned this for over a month!
I am grateful that when doing PT on this cold morning that they ended it early and that my son decided he needs gloves for next time….
I am grateful that when my Mom gene kicks in and I call my college son and ask if he is wearing a hat during morning PT, that he laughs with me and is never irritated ….
I am grateful that homeschooling went smoothly today and that he is on track and taking responsibility for keeping up the schedule…
Pretty in Purple
Posted on: November 18, 2014
- In: Boho Outfits | Fall Fashion Colors | Gratitude | Grey | Mom On the Go | Outfits with scarfs | pink | prints | Purple
- 3 Comments
I just loved the shades of purples and pinks in this outfit….
This scarf was a gift from my son and among my favorites!
Even my reusable grocery bag works with today’s look….
I was headed out to get ingredients for the vegetable tray and pasta salad
I will spend tomorrow putting together for the Homeschool Bowling Holiday Feast ….
With Temp in the mid 70’s and very windy, what to wear????
I opted to start with a lavendar 3/4 sleeve Geoffrey Beene sweater and layer it to give a Fall look…
The purple poncho is Old Navy and thrifted , while the scarf was a gift from Burlington Coat Factory..
I struck just the note I was hoping for…
Colorful and fun with layers that worked for the warm day…
The winds kicked up on and off all day, not so much during my photo shoot, though…
Dear Readers, Today (Monday) is my 3rd child’s 19th birthday… I can’t believe how wonderful it feels to celebrate this wonderful young man. So much is talked about how hard it is to have children move on and out of the house… Nobody mentions the pride you feel when you turn over the reigns and watch them make great choices for their lives. I look forward to this new chapter of seeing his young man soar. He really has everything he needs to make it and I keep pinching myself to be so blessed! Times like this really make me miss my parents and sharing this journey with them….
Gratitude
I am grateful for a warm windy day… don’t know why but I love windy days they energize me!
I am grateful that my youngest delights in watching the winds whipping the trees or at least humors me in joining in..
I am grateful that my children are all so close and keep in touch with each other.
I am grateful for my fun walk in the winds to get groceries…
I am grateful that I was wrong about having another payment for my son’s tuition and that I was able to move funds into savings since Ireland depleted it considerably- no regrets there though!!!
Daytime Sparkle
Posted on: November 17, 2014
- In: Boots | Fall Fashion Colors | Gratitude | Green | Mom On the Go | Navy | skinny jeans | Winter Looks
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Lucky me that I took these photos Friday…
as I got sidelined and didn’t get any weekend outfits….
We had such a bright sunny day, but this time of year we get others that are just down right gloomy and cloudy…
I really feel my mood changing when sunlight isn’t pouring in my house windows and greatly appreciate days like this one!
Daily when we move from my tree photo to the city driveway next door for the remaining photos, my son snaps this overhead picture of the leaves changing colors….So today I thought I’d indulge him and post one…
It’s the least I can do for my dedicated photographer…
I love wearing sequins in the daytime, as my generation certainly remembers a time when they were reserved for more formal evening wear. This top is from a company at ShopHQ called Glitterscape and while my navy top is sold out, it’s available in a teal color for just $12.97. This tee is lightweight, making it perfect for layering… I layered my chambray shirt underneath for added warmth…
While at the ShopHQ website you could check for other top options in this brand including short sleeved ones.
My Navy Moto is from last year F21, but here is this years collection….
I love rocking a fedora to keep my head warm of cooler days and will be using a lot of hats in the coming months, as I’ve collected a few in the past couple years. I’ve always loved hats, but blogging definitely opened me up to getting a bigger variety, something that delights me… It’s such a small expenditure for a great addition that lets my fun character come out.. I still can’t believe my daughter had this lace fedora and never wore it so she gave it to me…
Dear Readers, I am so happy cooler temps have arrived and that boot weather is upon us… Of course I’ll probably be regretting saying that later in full winter, but for now I embrace it!
I mentioned earlier that the lack of sunlight changes my mood, so wanted to share that I have a Verilux Sunlight Lamp that I use during winter months and indeed it does help…
Mine is like this one at Bed Bath and Beyond, I know there are more expensive therapy lights ,but since my symptoms are more on the mild range, this does the trick….
Gratitude
I was sad that I was sidelined with menstrual issues that made me not able to spend Sunday with my son at VCU in Richmond for his birthday celebration (his b’day is Monday and he is 19!), but there is always a reverse to every situation and I really am grateful for an entire day all alone…. it’s so rare these days with homeschooling….
I am grateful that I can see the end near and am looking forward to full menopause… and while I am at it,I am grateful that I’ve had easy cycles with very mild symptoms for my life….
I am grateful to my son for being so gracious about my not making it to see him…
I am grateful that the 3 guys got to spend a day together and that my husband brought a cake and has his 7 suite mates join in singing to him..
I am grateful for sappy Hallmark movies…
I am grateful for the sound of my content dog snoring deeply.
Texture & Pattern
Posted on: November 14, 2014
When thinking of this look I could only come up with the title
Texture and Pattern….
This open weaved sweater is actually a heavy weight, so why not extend it’s use for cooler temps…
Previously I wore it only in Spring or Summer with a tank underneath..
Make note of my Just Fab purse in this shot because I turned it backwards in the other pictures, LOL
My Gingham blouse and Jones NY sweater are both items I thrifted…
I especially love finding button up blouses when thrifting because I never owned any a few years ago and now have about 8-10…. For just $2 each , you would be surprised at the name brands and like new condition that you can find thrifting….
Again my son wanted me to stand in the leaves and I rather like it….
I wasn’t sure what shoes to pair with these cargo joggers and opted for the second pair of boots I bought in Ireland…
Of course in freezing temps I wouldn’t even want a sliver of my leg showing, but so many times our temps swing back and forth so much that perhaps I’ll manage a similar look with my tan cargo joggers, both from F21 from previous season…
I felt pretty boho in this look and liked that!
I definitely do more boho looks in Summer and Spring, but it’s nice to get that feel in cooler temps…
Dear Readers, tonight I tried a quick new recipe for Chicken with a very easy Feta sauce from Pinterest
You can find the info Here
I made a few changes, by adding in garlic powder and artichoke hearts and leaving out the chives…
I really liked it and think I could have even added in Spinach or mushrooms….which I will try next time….
I used 2% milk evaporated milk and 1/3 less fat Feta cheese
I paired it with grilled Zucchini .
Gratitude
I am grateful for Pinterest and have many recipes saved that I am going to do a better job of trying…
I am grateful that Redbook magazine which came in the mail today had a recipe for Vegetarian Lasagna , which I am going to try soon as I have deprived myself from Lasagna since my weight loss began…
I am grateful for the older man (think late 70’s) who came to me in Burlington to compliment my Fedora and show me his own…. He made me smile and I know I did the same…
I am grateful for my gutsy spirit and reply to the youngster in the Dollar Tree who yelled out rudely that they needed another cashier (there was only 3 people in each line)…. I told him it was an opportunity to learn Patience… I said it in a very laughing fun way and he smiled and calmed down….
I am grateful for the look the cashier gave me to say thank you…
I am grateful that I had a nice walk to the stores as it really lifts my spirits…
I am grateful that I didn’t buy anything at Burlington, as I really don’t need anything else for the Season….
Versatile Style by Tracey 