New jeans and a big bun

      My new clothes from Limited-Jeans, 35 and sweater 30. Boots Ariat. Top, American Eagle, 29.
And then this charged in front of my mirror!!!

 ......proceeding to admire herself, then point to her boots to inquire if I had gotten them in the shot. I told I her yes.

 

Then I finished photographing my outfit, which just doesn't look that cute anymore. I mean, did you she the roll around her waist?!

Grey metallic cardigan

      My dear husband was so kind to let me hit after-Christmas sales at the mall on his day off. He didn't give me any limit, and didn't ask what I spent (scared?) It wasn't too bad, I only went to a few stores before I couldn't handle it and went home. The only sore I bought from was Limited, which was running a 40 percent off sale that day, in addition to the 15 military discount the offer all the time.

     So any way, I got this sweater there, for about 30.
Tee, American eagle, 9. The infamous 90 Mavi jeans. And prolific Ariat boots from Texas. Belt, Gap forever ago, 6.

Big and little

     I used to feel I must do great things. Growing up with a mother who felt trampled and unappreciated made me certain I did not want this same fate.
     I did what  I wanted when I felt like doing it, and no one was going to stop me. I painted, drew, created, made jewelry and wore mostly vintage clothes; 60's prom gowns, mink coats, Army boots and lots of costume jewelry. And then I worked really long hours to put myself through college, and rearranged my plans: I was going to open a vintage shop. I got a business degree and started selling old things I collected, locally and online. Really, I have done a lot of cool things.
     But the thing is this: I have come to be content with being a stay at home mom, and that's not small!
Really. I've seen that it's not the big things you'll be grateful you did-it's the small things. You know, the peanut butter sandwiches that look like hearts. The fourteenth time you read Olivia out loud today. The Halloween party, the Christmas Cookies, Candy Land, planting flowers, talking about heaven and hell and the big bad wolf (what, they all go together when you're 4!) The frilly pink stuff that you have to iron and they wear for two hours, but look so cute in.

    It's not the big things, its the little things done with great love that seem to make my life fulfilling these days.

Leopard print sweater

      Jeans, Mavi, 90. Top, Old Navy, gift from my mom and sister. Mocs, Minnetonka, gift from my husband. Bracelet, gift from my mom and sister. Belt, Gap about 8 years ago, 6.

     Lipstick, L'Oreal, British Red, 6. Note my ever-present assistant on the right. Leg.

Fancy

      This was what I wore to the Christmas Eve service at church. I couldn't get a good picture because C was following me and pulling on te dress, but I tried.
     On me: Dress, Limited, 29.00 several years ago on clearance. Tights, several years ago, Old Navy, 6.00. Shoes, Steve Madden via ideeli.com, 39.00. Coat, yard sale, 1.00. Lipstick, L'Oreal British Red, 6.00.

New years eve

      So, as most any mother of young kids, I was rushing to get out teh door to drop the kids off. Ideal pictures do NOT follow, obviously. But this is pretty normal-often my best outfits don't get snapped because I'm already late before I pull out of the drive way.

      Lipstick, L'Oreal British Red. I did my hair up in back, but you can't really tell.

     On me: vintage wool coat, fur trim. 1.00. Snakeskin jeggings, Gap, 69. Shoes, Guess via TJ Maxx, 3 years ago. 60.00.
     On R: Tie and shirt, Target. Jeans, Old Navy. Sneakers, Converse lo tops, from my mom. Glasses, Ray Ban Wayfarers.

      Did you make any resolutions? I love making them and I always keep them too!
This year, I resolve to get back into traditional arts, spending at least 10 minutes every day doing something artistic. Do share!
     Happy 2012!!