What did you wear? Do you dress up, or down in jeans? I do both, but I have had the dress itch this year. I think it's because I don't get to dress up for anything else. Next year: dates, parties, something!!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Sunday morning church style
What did you wear? Do you dress up, or down in jeans? I do both, but I have had the dress itch this year. I think it's because I don't get to dress up for anything else. Next year: dates, parties, something!!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Small Style (Little Leps)
Another classic Ava shot!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Be who you are
Part of developing personal style {a BIG part} is defining who you are. Once you are comfortable in your own skin, you can start to feel confident in your choices, decisions and preferences.
A big part of the package is feeling confident in choosing your friends. Choose to be with those girls that you feel secure and comfortable around. Girls that lift you up, and that you truly value. A good test of true friendship, for me at least, is if I can tell them something they won't want to hear and we are still friends. Or I can receive it from them! Something that takes some guts to say, and grit to hear.
I have a couple of old friends (over a decade. Hey, it's long for me!) that I just love being around. My dear oldest ever friend Taran called tonight. We talked about what's going on, high school days, how people change, how to get a baby to sleep through the night, mail, Gone With the Wind, my husband's deployment, her husband's Military orders, budgets, her kids, moving, kiddie pools, her {AwEsOmE!} momma, sugary treats we can't resist...and probably about 27 other things.
In less than a half hour. We are girls who cherish each other and know how to wring every drop from our time together. And as Army wives, we are necessarily efficient! Because we love each other too much to compare and put each other down, we make a great Lucy and Ethel. Well, both of us are actually Lucy's, but you get my point.
My other champion friend for distance is Kim. She's the one I call when I need advice, or a listening ear, or have great news I must share. We actually could both talk your ear right off, but we usually share the spotlight. I can give her advice on crafting and decorating, art and style. She can help me with baby stuff (She's a doula and ushered both my girls into the world!) and spiritual matters, and kitchen help... Because we both have something to offer, but enjoy similar things, we have an amazingly easy friendship. Actually, we are more Lucy's. Taran and I tend to the Thelma and Louise dynamic!
I love these dear friends and so many others. The reason we have stuck it out so many years though is because we are comfortable being ourselves with each other. I know myself, they know themselves, and there is no pretense or bad feelings, as we women so often deal with in our girl relationships. In other words, no drama!
Do you have an awesome girlfriend? Let me know! If you want to post about her, I'll link you up. Just leave a comment.
A big part of the package is feeling confident in choosing your friends. Choose to be with those girls that you feel secure and comfortable around. Girls that lift you up, and that you truly value. A good test of true friendship, for me at least, is if I can tell them something they won't want to hear and we are still friends. Or I can receive it from them! Something that takes some guts to say, and grit to hear.
I have a couple of old friends (over a decade. Hey, it's long for me!) that I just love being around. My dear oldest ever friend Taran called tonight. We talked about what's going on, high school days, how people change, how to get a baby to sleep through the night, mail, Gone With the Wind, my husband's deployment, her husband's Military orders, budgets, her kids, moving, kiddie pools, her {AwEsOmE!} momma, sugary treats we can't resist...and probably about 27 other things.
In less than a half hour. We are girls who cherish each other and know how to wring every drop from our time together. And as Army wives, we are necessarily efficient! Because we love each other too much to compare and put each other down, we make a great Lucy and Ethel. Well, both of us are actually Lucy's, but you get my point.
My other champion friend for distance is Kim. She's the one I call when I need advice, or a listening ear, or have great news I must share. We actually could both talk your ear right off, but we usually share the spotlight. I can give her advice on crafting and decorating, art and style. She can help me with baby stuff (She's a doula and ushered both my girls into the world!) and spiritual matters, and kitchen help... Because we both have something to offer, but enjoy similar things, we have an amazingly easy friendship. Actually, we are more Lucy's. Taran and I tend to the Thelma and Louise dynamic!
I love these dear friends and so many others. The reason we have stuck it out so many years though is because we are comfortable being ourselves with each other. I know myself, they know themselves, and there is no pretense or bad feelings, as we women so often deal with in our girl relationships. In other words, no drama!
Do you have an awesome girlfriend? Let me know! If you want to post about her, I'll link you up. Just leave a comment.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Mom Music and Memories
I remember Mom always had the radio on when I was pretty young, tuned to the local country station WCBK in Martinsvile. They still have the same DJ to this day, Randall Wayne! Whether she weeded the flowers, gave us baths, cooked, cleaned or did laundry, she did it with music. Her favorites that I remember were the Statler Brothers, Oak Ridge Boys and most especially Hank Williams.
I have always had a deep love for music. Country and gospel are nostalgic for me because I formed strong connections to them at a really young age. These are my foundation, and my first love. Even though I moved on to a lot of other stuff in high school, I have come full circle.
Although I loved the style she did, Mom was completely against the artists who stole my heart: George Jones? Rode a lawn mower to the liqueur store AND nicknamed the Possum. Johnny Cash? Drug addicted jail bird. Willie Nelson? Wife beating pot head. Hank Williams Jr? Poor reflection of his Daddy. I could go on.
Obviously Moms impressions of these guys did not stop me-I still love the sounds of their voices. And I love the Statler Brothers (given a huge boost by the Man in Black by the way!) and Hank too. We definitely agree on one thing though-we neither one can stand Conway Twitty. Ava does not have this hang up unfortunately.
I carry on the tradition-listening to the local country and oldies stations in the kitchen and the car. Ava has a strong idea of what she likes, and usually that is different from what I like. Clementine generally responds most to the stuff I like. She claps, squeals, and waves her hands over her head!
Let's not even get into gospel too much, beyond this: I miss it. I get so excited when the musicians do something "old" on Sunday mornings, but it's a rarity. I'm not a fan of modern Worship music, and no one seems to sing the old hymns I grew up with. I need to find some good CDs.
I love the way my girls love music, as I did. I love hearing something I listened to with my Mom and saying to them, "Grammy loved this song! It's..." I think it's important to include kids in your passions, instead of making the whole world kid-centric at all times. And I can't wait to take them to Nashville this fall...I know they'll love it!
What have you passed on to your kids from your mom? I'd love to know! I'm really into traditions, and it's so interesting what gets passed on isn't it?
I have always had a deep love for music. Country and gospel are nostalgic for me because I formed strong connections to them at a really young age. These are my foundation, and my first love. Even though I moved on to a lot of other stuff in high school, I have come full circle.
Although I loved the style she did, Mom was completely against the artists who stole my heart: George Jones? Rode a lawn mower to the liqueur store AND nicknamed the Possum. Johnny Cash? Drug addicted jail bird. Willie Nelson? Wife beating pot head. Hank Williams Jr? Poor reflection of his Daddy. I could go on.
I carry on the tradition-listening to the local country and oldies stations in the kitchen and the car. Ava has a strong idea of what she likes, and usually that is different from what I like. Clementine generally responds most to the stuff I like. She claps, squeals, and waves her hands over her head!
Let's not even get into gospel too much, beyond this: I miss it. I get so excited when the musicians do something "old" on Sunday mornings, but it's a rarity. I'm not a fan of modern Worship music, and no one seems to sing the old hymns I grew up with. I need to find some good CDs.
I love the way my girls love music, as I did. I love hearing something I listened to with my Mom and saying to them, "Grammy loved this song! It's..." I think it's important to include kids in your passions, instead of making the whole world kid-centric at all times. And I can't wait to take them to Nashville this fall...I know they'll love it!
What have you passed on to your kids from your mom? I'd love to know! I'm really into traditions, and it's so interesting what gets passed on isn't it?
Friday, July 22, 2011
What I Wore & Why
}1 it's classic
}2 it's fresh
}3 it's youthful but not too young.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Small Style (Little Leps)
As usual, I'm linking up with Morgan today!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Budget=Uniform
I used to be a trend shopper, and felt out of style if there was something new I didn't dip my little toes into. Now that I'm more confident in who I am, my style has fallen into place for me.
As my uniform is part of my persona, it's only fitting that it's regionally appropriate. I am a born and bred Hoosier, and I embrace the basic, long wearing staples of the mid-west: Jeans, cotton tees, cowboy boots. With my own twist-quirky, eclectic and fun. I call it my Doris Day side.
I should call it James Dean meets Doris Day, now that I think of it. Hey, James Dean was a born and bred Hoosier too!
(Doesn't he just look like the original GAP ad?)
The back bone of my look is the sturdy classics, jeans, tees and boots or flats, long hair, bangs. That is the biggest chunk of my spending ( I know I'll use these pieces a lot, so the cost per wear is better than a "big" trendy piece.) This is the hardest part to figure out-it only sounds effortless because I've got it down at this point.
I get a lot of inspiration from the forties, fifties and very early sixties. I love the fresh, clean look of the sixties shifts, big sunglasses and black and minty green. Very sophisticated but just as wearable. I love the exuberance and fun of the fifties, and the late forties vacation-nation attitude. I love the music, movies, cars, clothes, home trends, colors and the fun easy culture.
I think I'm drawn to this era because it idealized the family as well as glamor, travel, ease and sophistication. It was the first wave of leisure culture after world war II. It was optimistic (overly so) cheery and fun.
I used to have a certain amount in our budget (when we had one) for clothes every month, when I was working. Now I pretty much just try not to spend anything unless it's for a necessity. A necessity to me is a replacement item in most cases. It's not a good deal, something I just like, or retail therapy. Although I do infrequently indulge in all of the above!
What it is is replacing a black tee when it gets stained, replacing mascara when I run out, replacing flats when the soles are worn through. Actually, I have a pair of leopard flats from WalMart that I've used so much the heels are completely gone. But I won't buy a replacement until I find the perfect ones (That means I love them AND can afford them!) Which means when I wear them and it's raining...I always regret wearing them.
This is where having a "uniform" comes in. Having a wardrobe that I love, styles that are flattering, and colors that all go together keeps me "style-happy" instead of feeling deprived because I don't get a lot of new stuff. I feel good and like myself in what I wear, which has come by a lot of trial and error!
What inspires you? I love to hear of new ideas!
As my uniform is part of my persona, it's only fitting that it's regionally appropriate. I am a born and bred Hoosier, and I embrace the basic, long wearing staples of the mid-west: Jeans, cotton tees, cowboy boots. With my own twist-quirky, eclectic and fun. I call it my Doris Day side.
I should call it James Dean meets Doris Day, now that I think of it. Hey, James Dean was a born and bred Hoosier too!
The back bone of my look is the sturdy classics, jeans, tees and boots or flats, long hair, bangs. That is the biggest chunk of my spending ( I know I'll use these pieces a lot, so the cost per wear is better than a "big" trendy piece.) This is the hardest part to figure out-it only sounds effortless because I've got it down at this point.
I used to have a certain amount in our budget (when we had one) for clothes every month, when I was working. Now I pretty much just try not to spend anything unless it's for a necessity. A necessity to me is a replacement item in most cases. It's not a good deal, something I just like, or retail therapy. Although I do infrequently indulge in all of the above!
What it is is replacing a black tee when it gets stained, replacing mascara when I run out, replacing flats when the soles are worn through. Actually, I have a pair of leopard flats from WalMart that I've used so much the heels are completely gone. But I won't buy a replacement until I find the perfect ones (That means I love them AND can afford them!) Which means when I wear them and it's raining...I always regret wearing them.
This is where having a "uniform" comes in. Having a wardrobe that I love, styles that are flattering, and colors that all go together keeps me "style-happy" instead of feeling deprived because I don't get a lot of new stuff. I feel good and like myself in what I wear, which has come by a lot of trial and error!
What inspires you? I love to hear of new ideas!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Well, SOME people...
"Well, SOME people feel like they have to make birthday cakes from scratch."
"SOME people feel like they have to wear make up every day. SOME people even wear it around the house!"
"SOME people feel like they need to exercise and be skinny, wear nice clothes, eat out and waste money, drive a cute car, decorate the whole house for Christmas, dress their kids in matching outfits for Easter, give their kids a bath every night, use real beach towels at the public pool (instead of the most threadbare KMart towels left over from mom's college days, so no one will "steal it").
You know what? I always fantasized about living in "SOME peoples" house. I dreamed of having a real birthday party, with hats and favors even, of making Halloween costumes from more than threadbare towels and electrical tape and a 20 year old tempera set, which had been given to us because all the good colors were used up. I dreamed of picking out a new pair of shoes because I liked them, not just because "If I'm spending 50.00 on shoes, they have to last through you and the next three girls too!" (read: ugly!)
I desired a swim suit with a pattern I didn't hate, without a pilly bottom. Going to the Chocolate Moose and getting something besides the free torch we got coupons from at the doctor. I had a sense of pride about that-although Mom never minded that he gave us enough coupons to go twice, I did.
I wanted a doll house that wasn't just cardboard boxes and contact paper. Clothes that I liked-not all hand me downs my grandma had bought at garage sales.
I wanted to MATTER!
And I am here to say: I pray that my kids think I am SOME people. I fervently want them to know that they MATTER. To me, and to God.
I hope that they think, "SOME people's mommy's don't make them dresses, birthday cakes, and paint their rooms pink, but my mommy loves me enough to do that for me. SOME people don't get to go to the fair, get cotton candy, and ride the rides. SOME people aren't allowed to paint their nails, or play Play-Doh, or use glitter because they might stain things. SOME people have to sign a contract to borrow the car, only visit on Sunday after 5, and never feel like their parents actually take the time and effort to enjoy them. I am SOMEone! If mom and daddy love me this much, how much more God must love me!"
In hindsight, I think my mom felt less confident than I do and maybe that's why she made remarks about people who did things differently. Maybe she wanted to be some people too. Maybe she was really glad she was too practical to be some people.
In hindsight, I know that I will not be HOME til I get to heaven, and I realize that is the deep cavern I have in my heart. I want to be HOME. Not the viper pit of fighting and dirt and selfishness that is this world, but my eternal home that my Father has waiting for me. I know it will smell good, with soft clean sheets and fresh flowers. I believe that my heavenly family, although much bigger than the one here, will all get along and really love each other. Because heaven IS perfect.
In the here and now, I exhort you to be the SOME people God made you to be. Live it up! Let your daughter paint her nails (and yours) Passion Purple. Let them enjoy you. Enjoy them. You only have a little time to make a lifetime's impression.
Love hard. Be KIND. Be generous! Put your kids first in DEED. Don't let it be all about you-you will regret it someday. And your kids will too.
So put on a pretty dress and take your kids to the park. Take some pictures to capture the day (candid-no posin')
Have a tea party in your living room.
Pretend the bath tub is the ocean, the sand box is the beach, the trip to the grocery an adventure.
Let your kids see that the Lord is GOOD. Let Him fill you up to pour out good things for the children He has given you. And soak 'em!
"SOME people feel like they have to wear make up every day. SOME people even wear it around the house!"
"SOME people feel like they need to exercise and be skinny, wear nice clothes, eat out and waste money, drive a cute car, decorate the whole house for Christmas, dress their kids in matching outfits for Easter, give their kids a bath every night, use real beach towels at the public pool (instead of the most threadbare KMart towels left over from mom's college days, so no one will "steal it").
You know what? I always fantasized about living in "SOME peoples" house. I dreamed of having a real birthday party, with hats and favors even, of making Halloween costumes from more than threadbare towels and electrical tape and a 20 year old tempera set, which had been given to us because all the good colors were used up. I dreamed of picking out a new pair of shoes because I liked them, not just because "If I'm spending 50.00 on shoes, they have to last through you and the next three girls too!" (read: ugly!)
I desired a swim suit with a pattern I didn't hate, without a pilly bottom. Going to the Chocolate Moose and getting something besides the free torch we got coupons from at the doctor. I had a sense of pride about that-although Mom never minded that he gave us enough coupons to go twice, I did.
I wanted a doll house that wasn't just cardboard boxes and contact paper. Clothes that I liked-not all hand me downs my grandma had bought at garage sales.
I wanted to MATTER!
And I am here to say: I pray that my kids think I am SOME people. I fervently want them to know that they MATTER. To me, and to God.
I hope that they think, "SOME people's mommy's don't make them dresses, birthday cakes, and paint their rooms pink, but my mommy loves me enough to do that for me. SOME people don't get to go to the fair, get cotton candy, and ride the rides. SOME people aren't allowed to paint their nails, or play Play-Doh, or use glitter because they might stain things. SOME people have to sign a contract to borrow the car, only visit on Sunday after 5, and never feel like their parents actually take the time and effort to enjoy them. I am SOMEone! If mom and daddy love me this much, how much more God must love me!"
In hindsight, I think my mom felt less confident than I do and maybe that's why she made remarks about people who did things differently. Maybe she wanted to be some people too. Maybe she was really glad she was too practical to be some people.
In hindsight, I know that I will not be HOME til I get to heaven, and I realize that is the deep cavern I have in my heart. I want to be HOME. Not the viper pit of fighting and dirt and selfishness that is this world, but my eternal home that my Father has waiting for me. I know it will smell good, with soft clean sheets and fresh flowers. I believe that my heavenly family, although much bigger than the one here, will all get along and really love each other. Because heaven IS perfect.
In the here and now, I exhort you to be the SOME people God made you to be. Live it up! Let your daughter paint her nails (and yours) Passion Purple. Let them enjoy you. Enjoy them. You only have a little time to make a lifetime's impression.
Love hard. Be KIND. Be generous! Put your kids first in DEED. Don't let it be all about you-you will regret it someday. And your kids will too.
So put on a pretty dress and take your kids to the park. Take some pictures to capture the day (candid-no posin')
Have a tea party in your living room.
Pretend the bath tub is the ocean, the sand box is the beach, the trip to the grocery an adventure.
Let your kids see that the Lord is GOOD. Let Him fill you up to pour out good things for the children He has given you. And soak 'em!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
What I wore this week
Shorts, cutt off capri's from Charlotte Russe, 13. Boots, Ariat. Tee, Gap, gift. Gold bracelets, family heirloom and smaller one in Chicago, gold.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Feature Friday- Abra
Hi there lovelies! I'm Abra, a mama to two little girls ages 2.5 and 9 months. I like to get together with April about once a week so our girls can share dress up clothes and eat treats together. It's quite fun! Here's a little bit about my favorite outfit right now...
A family tradition of ours is to attend the Farmer's Market every Saturday if we can. I knew it was going to be hot, hot, hot, so I went with comfy, light clothes. A lot of times I like to dress in a neutral palette and then add color with accessories, sort of like I do with my house. The deep blue tank is J.Crew, I scored on clearance last fall for around $10. The gray skirt is a recent purchase from Urban Outfitters on sale for $14, I have a feeling this is going to be a staple piece in my closest. I'm loving it with a top tucked in. The yellow-mustard colored sandals are also from Urban Outfitters, on sale for $14. It is one of my favorite colors right now, to wear and decorate with! The necklace is handmade from Uganda and was a gift, it holds a special place in my heart. The ring is hard to see, but it's vintage and has a gorgeous yellow stone in the middle, I bought from an antique dealer for $30. The yellow stud earrings are from Etsy.com, and were gifted.
And just a few thoughts on style for mamas... I think it is so, so important to spend an extra five minutes a day making yourself feel confident, in which ever way that is for you. Whether it's lipstick, curling your hair, wearing your favorite shirt even if you just wore it yesterday. When I feel better about myself, I have the mindset that I can do anything including tackling being the best mom I can be. It's not about being materialistic or trying to draw attention to yourself, but feeling confident. Because you ARE one awesome gal.
*LOVE this thought. Thanks for reminding us that it IS okay to invest a little time into your appearance!*
*LOVE this thought. Thanks for reminding us that it IS okay to invest a little time into your appearance!*
You can find more about me over at my blog, Better Than Cupcakes, where I like to show off my two little girls and celebrate the little moments in life, house decorating and vintage finds as well.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Small Style (Little Leps)
On Clementine: Gymboree sun suit, 13. Daddy Doll,, abut 20.
On Ava: Top and Calvin Klein jeans, gifts from Aunt Val. Flip flops, Target, 10.
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