Author Archive
This holiday season hit me especially hard and that combined with my sister sending a psychic into my oldest son’s work with
messages, I spiraled into a crying mush for over 6 weeks!
While my sister’s messages for my son were incredible and letting him know she truly sees what is going on,
and reassuring him that he is on the right track with a new life decision, she told him to tell me to “BE STRONG”
I resented the heck out of that, as I was always the strong one, always caring for her. She joked all the time that
I was more the big sister than she was and it was true.
I was the one she relied on to counter her silly thoughts and keep her balanced.
I was the one who stood up to her emotionally abusive husband, cause he actually tried to tell me his
twisted version of who my sister was, yeah right!
I could write an entire blog on the ways I stood strong for my sister, but that is not the point.
The point is that the BE STRONG message spiraled into a 6 week pity-party of being tired of being strong and allowing myself
for the first time in my life, to just not be strong….
In the end, those 6 weeks and the “Be Strong” message were a fantastic gift and much needed for me to Soar Now!
A month before my funk I began taking CBD OIL and had amazing results of no more sinus
or migraine headaches, no more night sweats or hot flashes, improved sleep, and energy,
more clear and focused brain. I gave it to my son for anxiety and he was amazed!
So, of course, I had to start a business to spread the word about this amazing
product!
http://www.hempworx.com/TraceyJ
Instead of me trying to explain to you all the benefits of CBD OIL
(derived from marijuana and hemp plants
legal in all 50 states without the THC (the thing that makes you high) )
I am going to just ask you to please watch this video my brother found that explains whey
CBD puts our bodies in a state of Homeostasis and how our bodies have been waiting for it!
If you have any questions, please comment and let’s begin the conversation!
Gratitude
I am grateful for finding a business that fills my soul and helps people
(my first contact was a daughter wanting it for her PTSD-Desert Storm Veteran Father )
I am grateful to be sleeping well and have no headaches especially with these crazy 30 degree swings in temperature!
I am grateful to my brother who supports everything I do and for finding the above video!
I am grateful for a great Monday spent with my hairstylists and will show my cut and color tomorrow
I am grateful that today I am going to lunch with a friend!
I am grateful for MoviePass and the freedom to see a lot more movies for just $9.95 a month)
I am grateful to MY DEAR READERS who take the time to read my blog!
Busy Week!
Posted on: January 25, 2018
- In: Boots | Creating a versatile wardrobe | florals | Gratitude | Green | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | Petite | skinny jeans | Weight Loss | Winter Looks
- Leave a Comment
Wednesday I went to my son’s homeschool bowling, popped home for a quick bowl of plain greek yogurt and peaches for lunch
before heading out to use my Movie Pass for the first time!
$9.95 a month and my first movie was $9.05.
I chose “Forever My Girl”, one of those movies I would love but DH would not, lol
It was a cute story and I adored all the fabulous music throughout.
I wore my Amelia James Olive Aleyska Sweater Again, Lol
It was so tough to see the pictures and my weight gain, but it is my reality
and good for motivation. I feel like so much of myself has been lost these past
14 months of mourning, but am starting to slowly find my way back to being me.
A busy day and weeks means multi-tasking and I did just that…
I was talking on speakerphone to my 22 year old who is in college in Richmond.
I have been wearing these Aerosoles boots a lot lately and am in complete awe of their comfort.
I bought them last season , but did not wear them much and was disappointed to not find them still available for sale….
I am thinking next season I may need to stalk another pair of comfortable wedge version…
Follow this week to join my page and join me for a night of fun!
I am in a bit of a pickle with starting this business to soon after my sister passed and am trying to get myself
out of it, I have joined a group to learn more about Social Media for businesses and am having a clearance of
winter items tomorrow at 7:30 pm EST to see if I can sell of the winter items and not be stuck with that inventory
while I work on building my following to have better success in Spring and Summer!
Join me and share with friends, to help me sell these and generate funds to keep going with new fresh inventory.
Gratitude
I am grateful for the time spent with my youngest and his bowling.
I am grateful for my dearest friend giving me such a glowing review and asking her friends to support my business.
I am grateful for all the online supportive women in business who all support each other.
I am grateful that when my husband came home late last night with a friend from out of town to spend the night,
that I slept right through , their apparent loud talking that my children heard….
A Day in my PJ’S, Lol
Posted on: January 23, 2018
No worries it is not a sign of my funk, but a sign of my vigor to restart my Amelia James business.
I began my day dancing in the kitchen to my sister’s Ipod with
Lady Gaga
I love being the only one awake and freestyle crazy dancing ’cause no one is watching”,
not that my family isn’t used to seeing me do it because to great music, I have to move!
The rest of my day, I spent working on business marketing… Being 50 plus, there is a lot to learn
and today it was about getting the most out of Pinterest.
I cleaned up my business board so that now all pins link back to my blog here or to my facebook page!
And Pinterest now allows hashtags so I added those in too.
It might not look like a lot of work, but it really was..
Gratitude
I am Grateful for the new group I joined to help me learn the social media marketing stuff I need so much!
I am grateful for a decent amount of sleep ( cannot take that for granted, lol)
I am grateful my 17-year-old was safe at home today as I learned of a young man his age shot in Kentucky and having to have
his right arm amputated. (turns out his mother is part of the new marketing group)
I am grateful for being back on Weight Watchers, love their new Freestyle Program!
Dear Readers, Back with an outfit post tomorrow,
as I will not have a day in my PJ’s, lol I have homeschool bowling in the morning and
immediately afterward a movie with a friend.
A Good Start to the Week!
Posted on: January 22, 2018
- Monday’s can be difficult, especially when you are trying to get yourself out of a funk.
- A solid Determination is Key and that was how I began my day!
I had trouble falling asleep last night ( my sleep has been off for a week), but I managed to sleep until 10am, resulting in a good night’s rest!
Music is such a mood booster for me, so I began by turning on my sister’s Ipod, that girl had great taste in music!
I got some work things done, then got ready to go get my nails done.
I had been hibernating and fighting off sinus issues ( thank goodness I succeeded and it never got bad) ,
and had neglected my nails since before Christmas!
The other Key to my self-care of the day was that to get to the salon, I walked, hence my Sketchers for a shoe choice.
It was a beautiful day in the 60’s and a bit windy, hence my flat hair in this shot, lol.
I am wearing an Amelia James Aurora dress/ tunic, it actually goes to my knee like a dress.
I really love it and think it is such a versatile piece because it is a sleeveless dress that
can be worn layered, making it a full four- season piece.
I only have one more left in my stock, a size 2X if anyone is interested.
It comes in solid shades and I hope to order a few of those soon.
My sweater is also from my AJ line and I have it in sizes
XS, M, L, XL and 3X, comment if you’d like one.
They retail for $50 ,but I am selling them for $35 now.
Gratitude
I am grateful that my son’s financial aid came through before the government shut down allowing him a peaceful weekend.
I am grateful that I finally got my nails, done they were driving me nuts and I am sure my DH will be happy to stop hearing about it, lol
I am grateful for a decent amount of sleep as last week it suddenly went haywire!
I am grateful for my parents, as today a group I belong to posted how emotions were dealt with in family growing up and I was the only one
who commented in a positive way… You see my mother was so funny, she told us that when she said No, we could plead our case and sometimes she might
change her mind, but others she would remain firm, but would always explain her reason. She had telling us No in a compassionate way down to perfection!
I can’t imagine what losing my father at 13 would have been like if our emotions were something that was allowed!
I was truly blessed to feel seen heard and valued as a child!
So that begs the question my dear readers, how was your family regarding expressing emotions?
And, if you get in a funk, what do you do to help get yourself out of it?
Getting My SH** Together!
Posted on: January 19, 2018
My Dear Readers, as most of you know I just survived a total year of mourning hell when my healthy ,vibrant sister suddenly passed on last November. I am through the worst of it , but every time I say I am getting back on track, I get thrown for a loop and just can’t put it together.
Not Anymore, this time I mean it!
I am back on Weight Watchers and Started with coaching for my Amelia James Business.
Bookending my Amelia James Memphis Ruffle Top With
My new for the season,
Isaac Mizraahi burgundy flat ankle boots.
I am also wearing my much coveted Isaac Mizraahi leather jacket, that one piece I waited years to discover!
We had snow two days ago and it has mostly melted, unlike the foot the week before that stayed around and caused chaos for this unprepared southern region.
We are in the 50’s today, but last time we hung onto freezing temperatures, so our normal wait a day and it will begin to work was not happening. Public School kids now have I think 7 makeup days!
Taking off the jacket to get real about my weight gain
and have before pictures,lol!
Just kidding, just showing my Amelia James Top, Available in all sizes Small -3X .
If you haven’t already joined my Amelia James Facebook group page where I post pictures of items to sell and do live videos, please join me Here
Have a wonderful weekend, will start my Graitude Journal again Monday. I miss that and know it does wonders for me!
A Busy Time of Year!
Posted on: December 18, 2017
Dear Readers, I hope you all are doing well and having fun in the moment of the holiday happenings.
My son came home from college Friday, so all is right in my world. As a mother of 3 adult children (youngest 17),
I am very aware that we are blessed to have them all around us this holiday season and that may not always be the case.
Saturday was a very full day beginning with my son’s bowling league’s
potluck party where I can get away with letting my silly side come out to play.
Nothing like a gorgeous green sweater to dress up a pair of fun holiday leggings and t-shirt!
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- For the evening activities, I wore the Camden off the shoulder dress from
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the Amelia James line I sell.
I received so many compliments on my dress and was tickled pink when
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- I kicked butt in the Corn-hole game and got it in at the longest shot and won $60.
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- My children offered to take my money and were in awe when I told them I had pockets in my dress.
- My oldest was working ,but the rest all made sure to attend to support
- their father who received salesman of the year for the second year in a row.
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Just for fun and in case it helps someone else….
I bought these great boxes from Amazon to have a better way to store
my scarves without taking up two dresser drawers.
They are stacked nicely right next to my dresser and a fabulous solution.
Dear Readers, Wishing everyone a great week and hope if you celebrate
Christmas that despite the hustle and bustle you
laugh and have joy in the process and don’t stress yourself out.
I also hope in the spirit of the season you help someone less fortunate,
My family is going to spend one day this week shopping with my single my Mom,
non-driving friend to drive and shop for her daughter and keep her distracted so
the joy of surprises is in tact. We have done this every year for the past 11 years and it has
become part of our tradition. Prior to this we sponsored an Angel Tree child and some years still do that.
Does your family have a giving tradition this season, Comment and let me know?
My New Favorite Top!
Posted on: November 29, 2017
As a mother of three sons, I have always been careful about show cleavage in my tops.
I love a good v-neck and wear them often, but fell in love when Amelia James came out with their
Sedona Wrap Top. I actually have three now, that is how much I adore it.
Posting all the styles and sizes I have available at the bottom of this post
Three of any one style is my limit as I use to shop and get multiples like a crazy person when I liked them.
This pretty floral is one I have worn most often. I paired it with Leatherette
Leggings when I was in San Diego for the Amelia James REP retreat for a fun date night look.
I have also worn it with white jeans and a black skirt, I have yet to pair it with grey, but every intention as
another way to style this top. I am also wearing Amelia James Alyeska dolman sleeved cardigan.
My pants are new for the season, Crepe pull-on cargo pants by Lisa Rhinna
The Sedona wrap top has one snap at the top to keep it in place, cute balloon sleeves with bows at the wrist.
The bottom of the top is also elasticized, which allows it to blouse over perfectly. You can’t tell here, but I am showing a bit of cleavage, lol
A recent customer reported back that her husband adored this as a date night top,
but like that she could wear it with a cami and a skirt to see million dollar clients.
We had temps near 70 today, sunny and gorgeous!
I also bought Lisa Rhinna Cargo pants with the banded bottom for a jogger style and wore them all Summer!
Note to self, don’t put hands in your pockets, lol
To purchase simply email me @ KTStylists@gmail.com with size, style and color info and
I will email a PayPal invoice and ship it right out to you, Fingers crossed I get a website in January.
Sedona Tops run true to size :
XS 0-2, Small 2-4 Medium 6-8, Large 10-12 Xlarge 14-16 2X 18-20 3X 22-24
Retail for $50- $52 all on sale for $40
Last two Sedona Tops in this Pink Floral color sizes Large or Xlarge.
Retail $50 sale price $40
This was so popular when it launched that I only got two!
Size Small and Large, again $40 on sale
This green print would make a very subtle nod to the holiday season, but
still perfect for wearing for 3 seasons, easily,
Available in Size Small, Medium, Large and XLarge
Sale price $40
This Olive version has a ribbed texture.
Available in size XS, S, M, L, XL $40
This version is 3/4 sleeve and has a bigger bow detail. $40
Purple: Size 4X
Marigold: Size 2X
- Olive:3x
- please indicate 3/4 sleeve as not to confuse with other olive versions.
A Fabulous one in great Fall/Winter shades
Sizes S, M, L, Xl, 2X and 3X
$ 40
The Alyeska Dolman Sleeve Cardigan. You can downsize in this one as it runs big.
I am typically a medium and can wear a Small or X-Small
Available in Sizes S, M, L, XL Retail $50 sale $40 Super Soft!
Grey $40
Sizes S, M, L(2)
XL(3) , 2X , 3X
Blush marbled with grey $40
XS, M(2) , L, XL , 3X
- In: Boho Outfits | Creating a versatile wardrobe | Gratitude | Homeschooling | Mom On the Go | Navy | shoes | Trends
- 1 Comment
One of the biggest trends for the season is fun sleeve details.
A boho lover like myself is tickled about the bell sleeves and imagine my delight
when my new venture as an Independent Rep for Amelia James came out
with a cute bell sleeve top. I actually got to see the first one in person on my trip to
San Diego in October for our first Rep Retreat.
My first attempt at taking photos with daylights savings time in place, lol
We are experiencing beautiful 60 degree days after lows in the 30’s at night.
Even in the shade you can see the fun bell sleeve on the Memlo top by Amelia James.
I love the colored leaves, goes nicely with my hair…
I am also debuting my newest open wrap, this one is by Harve Bernard
I like the hi-low color contrast of the Menlo top with the navy in the wrap and the jeans.
Doing that contrasting of one color is such an easy formula for putting outfits together and one I use often.
You can’t wear a bell sleeve top( I am wearing a medium) and resist the urge to spread your arms out,
my photographer had to deal with my putting my awesome snakeskin purse down,
to pretend to fly, but alas the photos were not great….
Notice how my snakeskin purse brings out the shades of tan in the wrap,
and I intended to wear tan ankle boots with the look originally, which would have bookended it all.
Instead, I opted for my Naturalizer navy wedges, as soon enough,
winter will arrive and my boots will be my only option, lol
I adore the comfort of wedges and will opt for more of these classics in the future.
These striped versions of the Menlo top are currently available, they retail for $50 ,
but for are currently on sale for $38 and available in Medium6/8 (2) and Large10/12.
I do not have a website yet ,as my company is so new that they are getting one together in the new year,
and I did not want to do the work of one and have to re-do it. So, if you want one just email me @KTstylists@gmail.com
just let me know Menlo – Striped, and Size and I will send a Paypal Invoice and ship immediately.
The Blue option I have in Sizes Small2-4, Medium6/8, Large 10/12 and X-Large14/16.
Again, Reduced to $38 -email me Size & Blue Menlo @KTStylists@gmail.com
Gratitude
I am grateful to be back to blogging and the fun feeling I had today putting together this outfit and taking photos.
I am grateful that I took the time to mourn the loss of my sister, not that I am done, but I am ready to start living fully again.
I am grateful that my daughter is helping get my homeschooling son ready to take his first CLEP test for Biology.
I am grateful for some warm days, tomorrow will be 70!
Thanks for Stopping By!
Motivation!
Posted on: November 27, 2017
I have been wanting to get back into blogging, after mourning the loss of my sister for a year.
This truly has been the hardest year of my life as I struggle with the loss and the feeling of not understanding why this had to happen to
a beautiful woman who was not sick and in fact, was a healthy eater and exerciser.
I do not want to dwell on my pain and want to get back to
blogging, fashion and the joy it has brought to my life.
I have been wanting to get back to blogging for a while, but the motivation to be consistent has just escaped me.
Today, I saw an article on Pinterest of 100 Outfits and thought, what better way to challenge myself
than to use outfits as inspiration and how fun would it be for me to incorporate some of my business pieces of
Amelia James clothing into the mix. I began this company to honor my sister and her wish for me to have financial independence.
I began it too soon in the mourning process and have not done a good job of it, yet!
So Let’s take a look at some outfits I would like to recreate
If you know me at all, this one is right up my alley, with the perfect
Ying/Yang combo of feminine and edgy.
What a comfy outfit of neutrals that highlights the fun sporty trend.
This would be a perfect outfit to take my son to the bowling alley.
Blush and Denim with a white top, super easy combo.
I may have to do this one a few ways because the one piece
I invested in was a blush embroidered leather jacket.
I love a sweater dress with a plaid scarf!
Plaid is such a fun pattern for Fall.
I never would have thought to pair a red top with black pants
and tan accents. I do think to get this right, the scarf definitely needs
- to add the element of texture to fit my maximal style.
This is a nice mix of casual and dressy another way I am drawn to the ying/yang
balance to meet my various sides.
I love the mix of neutrals here paired with the patterned shoes.
I would definitely add a long necklace to this , but wearing white jeans
in Fall & Winter is so me…
One of my favorite things about Fall/Winter is breaking out the
boots and the ponchos, so, of course, I was drawn to this look, lol
I never did get to explore my love of the character
Nina Proudman’s boho looks.
I love burgundy and leopard, so this was an
obvious choice.
Dear Readers, I am so happy to report that while writing this post,
I left and went and put together two looks
that are not at all inspirations for these pictures, but ones
with newer pieces in my closet, lol
While I am sitting here still in my pj’s that I wore all day, tomorrow I will
definitely, get dressed and take photos!
My Favorite Things
Posted on: November 5, 2017
I apologize for such sporadic blog posting.
I can not believe that we are coming up on the year anniversary of my sister’s
passing and the emotions that have erupted in full force again…
The Toughest Loss of my life and this year has seemed to literally have flown by!
With the Holidays around the Corner, I thought I would just do a fun post on some of my favorite things.
I have always highly recommended that every woman needs a long necklace or
two as they are perfect for adding a vertical line and somewhere for the eye to go.
This Joan Rivers Tassle one is perfection in my humble opinion
It comes in both silver and gold and is a nice substantial piece, I must say for plus size women,
this bolder more substantial version is a definite must-have!
I thought I would add something for Men here and these Muk Luk Compression arch socks
for just $15 are an easy crowd pleaser.
If you haven’t tried compression arch socks, you most certainly should make that on your list too!
Sometimes we tend to forget those small luxury pieces like a wonderful leather cord tie belt.
This Halston one is just $14.76 and comes in 3 colors and sizes.
I own it in black and have to say that I use it quite often and can not even begin to describe how much I love it!
Last month I took a trip to San Diego and unbeknownst to me, the airline tickets
an associate bought for me, was so basic you did not get a carry-on , just an underneath the
seat personal item. I went searching and fell in love with this set and they were perfect.
Watch the video to see all the features on this Lug Puddle Jumper .
This Halston Navy Bomber Jaceket is one I bought in March and have worn so many times already.
A true work horse, so comfy , yet adds a fun sporty touch which is still running strong.
Good News is it is on Clearance at $34.98
Every woman should own a jean jacket or some kind of casual jacket to throw over dresses to make
them more versatile and enable them to be worn for several seasons and these fabulous pins are a perfect
way to spruce up a jacket. Don’t wait on these as they are on clearance for just $9.99 and come in three sets .
Embroidery is everywhere on trend right now and these
Vince Camuto Kassie boots are to die for fun!
I have worn these twice already (our temps have had a peak of Fall but not much more) and
- they really are such a fun twist to my love of boots.
One Last item for the traveler and this neat one works for both men and women.
It is on clearance now , so only available in black, but I bought the black for my husband and
purple for myself. These hold all your toiletries items in individual zippered bags that roll up into this case.
We both agreed that this has been that missing piece in our travel adventures !
Dear Readers, Remember I make no money off recommending these items and have no relationship other than a customer who
truly adored the items I have posted here.
I do have a wonderful Clothing Boutique with Amelia James Clothing I have started
and am just really starting to get motivated to work as I started too soon after my sister’s passing
and should have waited! I am even selling Gift Certificates!
You Can Check out my Faceboook Page and look for me to do some
live sales next week and put up some pictures of items as well.
Just message me there and I PayPal Invoice using your email address,
I can answer any questions on fit and sizing too.
This Camden Dress is one of our newest items and so flattering!
Jazzed up with a necklace and an Obi belt with pretty Gold Sandals is
how I plan to wear it for a holiday party, but shhh don’t tell anyone it is super soft, feels
like wearing a comfortable nightgown and you have to love a dress with pockets!
Versatile Style by Tracey 