To "Rock Your (or my) Body"

Before you get too far into this post I should warn you of something...

WARNING:

I was listening to Justin Timberlake yesterday.

As a result today we have pictures of me dancing.

White Blouse & Cuffed Tweedette Shorts: F21; Black Sweater Vest: Express
Black Sandals: Me TOO (via DSW); Red Tights: Target
Polka Dot Scarf: ABC Trading Co.

There's not a whole lot I can say other than his music makes me want to shake it.

What's making you want to dance today?

Good News / Bad News

Yesterday I had a big zit on my chin it was super rainy and dreary.
I left the house loving my outfit, tripod in the car and a bit of time blocked out to take some photos.

Unfortunately, my chin was in revolt the rain was so chilly and yuck I never got around to shooting anything.

So, there's good news and bad news.

Bad news: My chin thinking it was the first day of junior high Rain means no new outfit pictures today.

Good news for ME: I loved my outfit and therefore have an idea banked for another day

Good news for YOU: I've got some out takes that I think you might enjoy.

Nothing says, "It's so cold outside I have to wear mittens" like a bare mid drift.

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Hey KID! Me and all my chins are working here...

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Apparently I was not paying attention to the blinky orange light for the timer.

10 seconds is all you get, you gots to be ready!

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Outfit post picture or most wanted poster? You be the judge.

Jeez, I thought this whole blogging thing was supposed to be fun!

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I've got a doozy of an outfit planned for today and the sun is already shining.
So, I hope you'll tune in tomorrow for some new material.

To Apply for the Steno Pool

Apparently when I gave my closet a "talking to" yesterday, my clothes paid attention.
There's no other explanation for this rule breaking outfit.

Well, except maybe that I have an interview for a steno pool.

...circa 1957

See what I mean?

Although, I'm not sure stockings like this were de rigueur.

Bow Tie Blouse: Express
Black sweater and skirt: 2nd hand Brooks Bros & Loft
Tights: UO; Sandals: Me Too (via DSW)
Pink Faux Pearls: Macy's; Belt: Marshall's

Pearl Ring: Silpada

I'm head over heels in love with this outfit.  It makes me feel so pretty! And I do feel like I'm channeling the ladies of the Mad Men steno pool. And that is obviously fun.  I love that it breaks the old pink and red rule.  I love that there's a mix of patterns.  But most of all I love that it's totally comfortable.  PLUS, when my hubby came home from work he said enthusiastically, "You look PRETTY." That's a winner in my book.

Would you hire me?

To Put My Closet on Notice

Yesterday kind of felt like the first day of school. Vacation was over and it was back to ordinary. 

The return of "normality" got me thinking about the future and what's to come in 2011.

Let's just say, I was in the mood to whip my closet into shape.

I gave fair warning to each piece of clothing that I mean business!

No more lazy outfit pairings.  In 2011 we're mixing it up.

I made it clear that it's time to show me what they got or prepare for a trip to Goodwill.

All that harsh talk, made me feel a little guilty though.

After all, my clothes have served me well and change is a process.

Shirt, belt & Jacket: Express

Jeans: Old Navy; Boots: Candies

Stick Pin: Vintage

So we had a lovey dovey moment and agreed to work together as a team.

Awwwwwww.

Thanks to Lexi for braving my closet, standing on chairs and contorting herself on the ground to get "just the right angle."

Ummm, one final note:

{warning: there are risks one takes when inviting others into his or her closet...}

Is there anything in your closet you wouldn't want us to see?

To Practice Contentment

Happy New Year, Everybody!

I'm finally getting around to saying goodbye to 2010 after a wonderful weekend of celebrating with friends and family.  The last twenty four hours have been chock full of contemplation.
Looking back, it's become clear to me that last year was all about understanding contentment.

Yes, it took me a whole year. (And the 30 odd before it too, but who's counting?)

Last year, I was blessed to learn that true contentment cannot be based on circumstances.

Circumstances are just too dynamic, too unpredictable and too fleeting to rely solely on them for happiness.

In 2010 I learned (and forgot and learned about 20 more times) that I can find contentment despite circumstances that I categorize as "less than ideal."

I realized and truly celebrated moments where I understood that I am blessed even when I don't get/have everything I want.
Then usually a few minutes later, I was back to complaining or wanting again...
but let's focus on the positive, shall we?

Yesterday I got to put that revelation into practice as we left our hometown to head back to Chattanooga.
Spending a little over 48 hours with some of my favorite people on Earth was a little bitter sweet knowing that I would have to leave again.
But, on the road back to Chattanooga while watching a beautiful sunset, God reminded me of the lesson of last year.  (I'm counting on that happening a lot today also.)

 And as I look ahead to 2011 I'm confident in the knowledge that no matter what it has to offer, my peace comes from my relationship with my heavenly father and his abundant love for me.
And you know, that's something with which I can be content.

What did you learn (and re-learn over and over) in 2010?