Archive for March 2016
- In: Brown | Cobalt | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | shoes
- 5 Comments
Well, I loved this outfit in the mirror,
but don’t think I quite captured it right…
First of all I took photos in the morning around 10:30am and that was a mistake…
This outfit has a lot of matchy-matchy elements with the blue flats, purse and necklace,
but that’s precisely what I liked about it.
I like a column of color like the creme top and bottoms and the addition of a printed topper all in neutral shades and then the addition of a brighter pop of color in acessories.
It’s a different way of doing color than I’ve done in the past.
Definitely an outfit formula I’d like to explore more.
Perhaps I could have chosen a plain silver or gold necklace instead to be less matchy.
Here is a close up of the new Joan Rivers Cardigan in brown.
This line runs very big, as I am wearing an XS.
It comes in a black and white and magenta and black.
I love browns a lot and know this one will be very versatile for me.
These are my shoes from Amazon,
Blues are so big for the season and I need flats for my Mom on the Go style.
Dear readers, I hated the other pictures I took of this look, as I pulled the sweater closed instead of letting it hang naturally, which meant it didn’t create the vertical lines I need to break up this stupid menopausal weight gain in my mid-region. I just couldn’t see me posting pictures I wasn’t comfortable with.. All this experience did was make me grateful that I am on day three of my banana and protein kick start and for my commitment to Pilates exercizing.
Gratitude
I am grateful that my son got a new high score of 191 at howling today , as he inches closer to the goal he has of reaching 200.
I am grateful that we decided to just stay after the morning bowling league instead of going home , then back out the the bowling clinic in the late afternoon. We are both having sinus issues and crashed later in the day!
I am grateful that my husband is supporting my needs for proteins on this current diet I am using to kick start my way off carbs and took me shopping to BJ’s to stock up.
I am grateful that I ventured outside today to pick up those pesky newspaper ads that were in my driveway at the exact time my mailman came to deliver and that we shared a short chat and a laugh! He actually joked about no packages today, as I’ve been ordering clothes for my son and some kitchen gadgets and other items along with some new things for myself.
I am grateful for the love and support of our homeschooling team and how it benefits not just me, but has given me Mom of teens friends!
Loving Long Vest Trend
Posted on: March 30, 2016
- In: florals | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | Navy | Pattern Mixing | prints | shoes | Spring Outfits | Vest
- 9 Comments
As my Regular Readers are Well Aware,
This curvy woman loves completer pieces and
vests for Spring/ Summer are perfect because they are sleeveless and don’t add extra warmth.
Linking up Today with Two Teens and Their Mama
When I saw this one on TJ Maxx online (Sold Out) , I just had to have it.
I can also wear it open, with the tie in the back and will do so in the future.
These shoes are fast becoming a favorite, so much so that I tried to order the second color offered,
but when it came in the mail, I was sadly disappointed that it looks more like lavender than pink.
Will see about styling them before deciding if I will return them.
I really like how the vest breaks up the two different patterns.
The sweater is Ann Taylor, one of my favorite lines, which I never buy unless on clearance.
With the super clearance it cost me just $11.95 and I’ll get a chance to wear it a time or two for Spring
before I put it away for Fall and look forward to for the full season.
Here is another long vest, I have my eye on!
Dear Readers, so far on day two of my banana and hot beverage
for breakfast and protein high lunch and dinners,
I am doing very well. I love that after just two days I am no longer craving sugar
and look forward to a full
two weeks of this before adding in vegetables and healthy carbs.
Here is ten health benefits of bananas
Gratitude
I am grateful to my son who wasn’t feeling good, but graciously got up to take my blog photos today.
I am grateful for the fun surprise of walking outside to take photos to see my husband pulling in the driveway, mind you it was not even 4:30 and he was home, as a salesman he is usually out until 10 pm or later.
I am grateful that we used the time with him home to head to BJ’s to stock up on lots of protein options for me for this new journey to jumpstart weight loss.
I am grateful for a fun texting conversation with a dear friend.
I am grateful that my son said he isn’t up to our planned picnic and venture to Mt. Trashmore between our two bowling events tomorrow, as the high pollen is really messing me up and I am quite tired.
Dare to Wear: Culottes
Posted on: March 29, 2016
- In: Petite | prints | Purple | shoes | Spring Outfits | vintage jewelry | Yellow
- 2 Comments
Last Year I bought a pair of black Culottes and I loved them,
so this season I decided to hit Amazon up to see if I could find some more.
Alas Amazon didn’t disappoint and I ended up with three pairs.
Navy, Olive and Purple.
These are just 15.95 each and come in so many colors.
Since I am not much for wearing shorts, I liked this as an option for Spring/Summer
Here is the original pair from last year.
And just for fun, how I wore the kimono style jacket last Summer.
My photographer asked me if this was the 70’s due to the colors
swirled in my kimono jacket.
I bought these Vince Camuto laser cut sandals (via Hsn- Sold out) at the end of the Summer Season,
and am thrilled to put away my boots and embrace these.
I am looking forward to wedges and other sandals too.
This necklace is a vinatage Avon piece that was my mother’s from either the late 70’s to early 80’s.
I love this little guy and wearing it makes me feel close to my mother who I am missing terribly,
as we approach my daughter’s upcoming college graduation.
I am going to try to expirement to see if I can get any proportions
to work that would allow me to wear the cullotes with flats,
I don’t know with my petite height and this volume if I can do so,
but I will give it a try and take pictures to see if it works, cause
as I’ve said before, mirrors lie when it comes to proportions.
Dear Readers, I have to get my butt in gear and lose this darn weight that I’ve gained back,
as I don’t wish to struggle all Summer to find looks that I feel good in. This darn menopausal weight
gain, mostly in my middle,is denying me my hourglass body shape that’s been true my entire adult life.
I am so out of proportion that I feel like I am styling oufits for somebody else and my creative outlet needs to be a fun place in my life.
I am doing a silly thing for the next two weeks to get myself off sugar and carbs and back to healthy eating and you can blame it all on Facebook.
Apparently there is a banana diet that suggests eating a banana or more along with a warm beverage for breakfast, then eating normally for lunch and dinner.
Some proponents say only warm water while others say coffee or tea is ok as well. I decided to give it a try this morning , but tweaked it a bit by dipping my bananas into cinnamon. I was surprised that it indeed held me until lunch in which I decided to stick with just proteins for both lunch and dinner.
As luck would have it , I had leftover ham from Easter dinner and
also added a snack of peanuts in the afternoon.
I feel great so will do something similar tomorrow and hard boiled up egss for my lunch.
Note I am only doing this protein, banana thing for two weeks at which point I may keep the banana breakfast and add in lots more vegetables for the next round. Perhaps the third round I will add small carbs like quinoa. I just know it’s time to do something serious and protein is easy and will definitely, get me out of the sugar cravings.
While Doing this I am also researching Trim Healthy Mama, which isn’t easy to read with my ADD, so not sure how far I will get with that and I am also looking into the Superfood Swap as they both do a lot of subbing for things I have cut out of my diet like spagetti for zuchini noodles or white flour for Coconut or Almond flour and I’d like to expirment with those a lot more.
Dear Readers are any of you doing any of these types of changes or have experience with the idea of superfood swapping?
Chime in I love hearing from You!
Pink and Purple for Spring
Posted on: March 28, 2016
- In: florals | Gratitude | pink | prints | Purple | Spring Outfits
- 2 Comments
I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Weekend!
Our weather took a cold turn with rain, so it was a nice
chance to break out one of my leather jackets.
I orginally took this shot without my glasses, but in order to indulge my
photographer who thinks my glasses add character,
I happily put them back on and posed again.
Love that kid of mine!
For a few months, I had misplaced my camera and recently found it in the back pocket
of my purple purse. After recharging the battery, my son couldn’t wait to take my photos,
even making me wait for him to get dressed when his father was right there willing to take my pictures.
I love how invested he is in my blogging journey!
My husband hadn’t noticed this Gili leather jacket despite my having worn it before.
He actually complimented it three times , once when he first saw me in it, once when we were at
the grocery store and again when we got home as I took it off to get cooking dinner.
It’s currently on sale in several colors for $109 on QVC with payments of just $18.16 available.
I am wearing a size 10 in this line, which was perfect as the arms fit snug,
so an 8 would have been too tight.
My Liz Claiborne NY blouse, which I absolutely love, is the opposite
and runs big as I am wearing an xs and it’s not tight on my 34DDD chest.
You can’t see it very well, but I am also wearing a Halston Belt from QVC ,which I recently bought in a size xs/s , as I didn’t want it long enough to have to tie it in a bow.
Jeans are wonderful bootcuts by Diane Gilman and a great weight for Spring/Summer.
Purse by JOY & IMANfrom Hsn as well.
My Peep toe booties are last year’s from Payless.
Gratitude
I am grateful my daughter used her boyfriend’s cell phone to call me Saturday night after her Anime conference to share with me all that happened and how much fun she had. Her own phone is shutting off and messing up.
I am grateful that my husband took our son to see Batman Vs Superman movie, allowing me a rare night at home alone.
I am grateful for all the texts I received from my siblings on Easter and the one my sister shared where she had made a donation to church in memory of our parents and their names were printed in the bulletin.
I am grateful for a fun evening of cooking Easter dinner together with my husband, as we don’t get to cook together often.
White Before Memorial Day…
Posted on: March 22, 2016
- In: Mom On the Go | Navy | Pattern Mixing | prints | Purple | shoes | Spring Outfits
- 2 Comments
I’ve been out for a few days with a painful stye,
nursing the swollen mess with hot cloths .
Four days and that’s now gone, but yesterday the huge
swings in our temperatures from the storm messed up my
sinuses leaving me with a sore throat and low-grade fever.
Not much getting dressed going on these past few days…
I wore this outfit last Friday night when I went out with
a friend to dinner and a play.
I joked with my teen son about wearing white shoes before memorial day,
when I explained that use to be a hard and fast rule for my mother and grandmother’s
generation, he laughed and said it sounded ridiculous.
I wore my new necklace, I bought recently from Jane.com
My white shoes I bought new for this season from Amazon
You can find them HERE
Gratitude
I am grateful that despite my not feeling very well, that I have managed to continue my pilates exercizes every other day, and in fact it helped me get rid of the kink in my shoulder.
I am grateful that after one very painful day , that the remaining two days of the stye were better.
I am grateful that I felt well enough despite my sore throat and sinus issues today to get my winter items packed away and out of site, although I still have to put all my boots away.
I am grateful that my bank gave back the money from the stupid website that hijacked onto my reservations for my daughter’s graduation.
Black and White Prints
Posted on: March 17, 2016
I have this real love of pattern in my outfits,
and one that I love is anything in black and white.
I’ve had this zebra print jean jacket for awhile and never tire of it.
It might just have been the beginning of my love of black and white patterns.
Black and white with pops of any color leads to so many outfit
opportunities and that’s why I now own lots of options for that.
I have polka dot cardigan, pants and a skirt.
I also have a black and white aztec cardigan that makes a big impact.
I like having pieces of each category meaning, bottoms, tops and toppers in the black and white prints
and even added a pair of houndstooth print shoes as another option.
I highly encourage you my dear readers to evaluate your wardrobe and see if adding a touch of any black and white print in say a pair of pants or a shoe are in order to add versatility into your style?
My hair started off like this….
Then in seconds, onto this
And even this, with my jacket blowing open, lol.
I get a kick out of photos my young photographer catches like this.
And promptly thought I always hope I have hair to blow in the wind
and don’t go to shorter haircuts as I age, lol…
I broke out my Diane Gilman trouser jeans for this look.
This was actually Tuesday’s outfit as I am behind.
This along with a salad was my dinner Tuesday night and a family favorite.
It’s barbecue chicken breast layered with slices of tomato, bacon and topped with
sharp cheddar that has been put in the oven on broil to melt.
Over the years I’ve discovered I like grilling the chicken plain, then dumping it into a
bowl of the barbecue sauce to coat it for more barbecue flavor that doesn’t melt off in the cooking.
I eat it in this dish, but my guys pile it on a nice roll for a sandwhich!
Looking for some white dishes like this to make individual dishes , Here is what I found at Amazon.
Gratitude
I am grateful for a fabulous , fun Wednesday spent with great people for lunch, a walk at Mt. Trashmore and the bowling clinic.
I am grateful for the women in my life and friendships that enrich my spirit.
I am grateful to my husband’s dear friend who met him for lunch yesterday and brought him Irish Soda Bread, tasted just like the beloved scones we ate daily in Ireland!
I am grateful that after having a few bites of the bread, my dear husband asked me if I wanted to go for a late night walk and is supporting my wanting to lose this menopausal weight gain.
I am grateful for quality time on our hour long late night walk.
I am grateful to my son away at college who had a wonderful surprise package waiting for his younger brother when we returned from our day of adventure. It was a wonderful Star Wars poster for the redecorating we are doing of his room. I love this relationship between my two youngest!
I am grateful that when we were in the car on our way to the second bowling of the day, that my son away at college called to talk to his brother and asked to be put on speaker phone to share his funny adventure with our rabbit that he has at school with him… She jumped up on his bed right into his plate of curry chicken, turned herself orange and had to be bathed, lol.
And Oh Yeah, Happy ST. Patrick’s Day!
I’ll post my Green Outfit Later this afternoon…
Boho in Navy & White
Posted on: March 15, 2016
- In: Boho Outfits | Mom On the Go | My Lucky Finds | Navy | Spring Outfits
- 2 Comments
I love Navy and White for Spring and Summer
So , it makes perfect sense for me to add a blue and white
kimono for the season.
Linking up with Turning Heads and I Will Wear What I Like- I Will Wear What I Like-
so go see other fabulous bloggers
My kimono is from TJ Maxx , but is now sold out.
They do still have a fun tropical print one.…
My shoes are new as well from TJ Maxx and almost sold out
Here are some other great shoes at TJ Maxx, right now.
I love a good wedge sandal and really love the height and comfort of this one.
I think I will get a lot of use out of this one.
My photographer, DS 16 wasn’t impressed with my mint tote choice,
but I liked it with the mint necklace.
It’s funny when he gives me his input and doesn’t just go
through the motions of taking my photos.
I took off the kimono and added my patterned trench
for my walk to the store with my rolling cart.
I found this trench several years ago at Sears and my DH
actually went to another location in a nearby city to pick it up in my size.
Gratitude
I am grateful that when I ended up back in bed for a nap, that my son was responsible in doing his homeschooling.
I am grateful for the fun my son and I are having with sign language.
I am grateful for a call from my daughter, it seemed like such a short Spring Break…
I am grateful for the arrival of Spring , and seeing the wild rabbits in the evenings.
I am grateful for my strong faith and the legacy of my parents as today is the anniversary of the day my mother passed on seven years ago.
A Trio of Weekend Wear
Posted on: March 14, 2016
A trio of looks of what I wore,
Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
We had beautiful temps in the morning and it got colder as the day
went on, I walked to the store in my vest and 3/4 sleeve top and a few hours
later had to trade out the vest for a navy sweater…
I bought this navy vest recently via TJ maxx , and it’s now sold out.
The marbled top is from Jane .com and one I talked about previously being long for my petite height
and taking the two assymetrical longer parts and tying them in a knot to shorten it.
I liked the Navy and mint touches with the necklaces and purse.
When grocery shopping at BJ’s the girl at the door complimented my necklaces.
I have the voice of YOULOOKFAB, stylist Angie in my head as I look at this photo , as she’d
say that with my glasses and headband, I could forgo the earrings, lol
Now onto Saturday’s Look, debuting my new shoes , which unfortunately sold out already!
I steer clear of kitchy items , but these BEE Happy shoes are my wild card purchase.
Having wild card items that are not your norm are fun,
and I doubt anyone who knows me at all
would say this doesn’t fit my personality.
The shoes are by Brad Goreski (his C. Wonder Line -QVC) , who I adored in
Rachel Zoe’s show days and have followed his career since.
I also love bees because of Joan Rivers and her wonder that they could fly ,
despite body size that says they shouldn’t be able to achieve that.
I showed my shoes off to DH this morning and was pleased that he actually liked them
and was sincere with no indication of thinking I was out of my mind, silly.
This outfit Saturday was for going to take my son bowling in the morning and to Outback to dinner after we bid our two college kids goodbye as they headed back for the final two months!
Next up is what I wore Sunday , to attend the play “James and the Giant Peach” , which my best friend’s daughter had a role in and as “Auntie Tracey” my presence is important!
I thrifted this lovely linen floral jacket and it was perfect for our
warm day that led into going out to dinner at Jason’s Deli.
Dear Readers, I hope you all had a great weekend!
I am late getting this out because daylight’s saving’s messed me up…
I went to bed at 9 pm Sunday night, woke up at 5:30am , but headed back to bed
by noon as my headache was intense and causing me to be very tired….
Did Springing Forward mess up your Monday????
Crazy Dash- Norfolk, VA
Posted on: March 11, 2016
With my children home for Spring Break,
I jumped at a Groupon for Crazy Dash,
a fun scavenger hunt where they give you directions for a walking tour
and ask you to answer questions regarding the sites.
They also encourage silly acts and photos with your group.
We took picture of things we wanted to , but not neccesarily the 8 different sites
we were directed to by Crazy Dash.
This is actually a very neat site geared towards honoring our strong military precsence in Norfolk.
On the ground scatttered about are metal “Letters” from soldiers all throughout history .
I really liked reading them all and had no idea this tribute existed.
I love all the Mermaids around Norfolk, so stopped along our route at each one.
We were taken to several historic sites in the city, from the spot marking the Northen spot of the original city
of Norfolk, to MacArthur Memorial and Art Instiallations and even a huge Fountain.
It really was a fun afternoon and you know it’s a hit when 2o minutes into it,
your youngest teen at almost 16 thanks you for getting him out and about with his siblings.
The route took us near the mall, so we stopped in and enjoyed lunch before heading on our way.
The guys my son’s Connor almost 16 and Nicholas 20.
We had them pose in front of the USS Wisconsin that now is retired and
has a permanent spot in Norfolk and was one of the stops directed by Crazy Dash.
We got a kick out of the the number 64 on the side as yesterday was my brother’s
birthday and that is the year he was born…
Yet another Mermaid.
Crazy Dash sent us in search of fun things like the name on the bag of the
Lone Sailor who sits watching over the USS Wisconsin.
His name was engraved on the seabag that stood beside him.
My apologies for not taking more pictures of all the stops Crazy Dash
directed us to , but for my local friends, that just leaves the element
of surprise should you decide to give this a try.
Look what the walk along the water did to my hair!
My sons got a good laugh about my “big hair” .
I am wearing my new spring purchase of moto leggings I bought from Jane.com
Crazy Dash has locations in several areas including my hometown of Virginia Beach and my son’s college town of Richmond, VA. I would absolutely do this again in another city, but I think the price per person was a bit of a rip off.
With my Groupon I paid for all four of us which came to $36, but since it’s just an app on your phone they have no way of knowing how big your party is. In the future I think I’d feel like paying for just two at $18 as more reasonable. I highly recommend this for homeschooling families!
In conclusion everyone had a great time and it took us about 3 hours including our stop for lunch.
Wishing all my Dear Readers, a Fabulous Weekend!
I have just another two days with my kids who head back Saturday afternoon!
These Colors Make Me Happy!
Posted on: March 9, 2016
- In: florals | Gratitude | Mom On the Go | prints | Purple | shoes | Spring Outfits
- 2 Comments
We had a very warm 80 degree day,
but this Mom has to dress for the frigid bowling alley on Wedenedays!
The cocoon sweater, olive pants and the purse all are in the same hues and
work beautifully together.
I added the one light element of the shoes to bookend the light shade in the print.
For jewelry I wore the purple and silver tassel necklace my daughter
gave me for Christmas.
My earrings are part of the set I purchased at the Italian Festival
from a Capidimonte Artist.
You can find the Artist’s website, HERE !
After bowling we headed to Walmart to pick up some windshield wipers for my son
and the manager there compliemented my shoes.
I picked them up for a clearance crazy price of $6 from Red Dress boutique.
as one of my off season buys in the Fall of this past year.
Self Care
I took a nap today at 6pm as I was exhausted!
I also told my kids to fend for themselves for dinner, lol!
They are all definitely capable…
Gratitude
I am so grateful for Amazon’s fast shipping as the Dress and shoes for my friend’s daughter arrived today , and I was able to run it to her and had the fun experience of seeing her try it on and squeal in delight and the best part was hearing her say she couldn’t wait to go to the dress rehearsel and tell her friends about it!
I am grateful for my husband’s support in my desires to be “Auntie Tracey” and honor my mother’s giving spirit by helping my dear friend and her daughter.
I am grateful that my husband got his new tires put on his car today and I can now feel confident that he is safe on the roads, with as much driving as he does daily.
I am grateful for oppportunities and exciting things on the horizon, of which I can not really reveal.
I am grateful that after 25 years of marriage that we still reach for each other and don’t take this relationship for granted. We are still a work in progress, lol.
Versatile Style by Tracey 