Gettin' By

A poll on pantyhose. Yes, really.

As promised, I'm back today to report on the enthralling saga of my quest to find the perfect accessories for my LBD.  It's not exactly breaking-headline material, but it's probably more entertaining than my usual MO of whining, right?  So, onto the pretty stuff!

After a few frenzied trips to retail establishments around the area, I've procured what I think are the perfect shoes and jewelry for the evening.  Rather than the statement necklace (which I may end up getting anyway, but I couldn't get in time for this party!) I opted to go with a dangling earring:

 

I loved the vintage-y feel with just a bit of sparkle.  Let's just pretend they came from an estate sale and not the clearance section at Target, ok? I'm planning to show them off by wearing my hair pulled back in a simple chignon or ponytail.

I adore big funky rings so was thrilled to find this beaded rose ring at Forever 21 - another totally cheap find that coordinates with the beading on my dress:

 

Won't this look smashing while holding a glass of champagne?!? It is a cocktail ring, after all!

Finally, the shoes. This purchase totally came down to comfort.  I tried on several of the pairs I posted last week, but this platform peep toe just felt the best on my tootsies. I loved the combo of satin and sequins and the hint of shimmer they have.  And I can totally see wearing them again to dress up jeans for date night.  Or for vacuuming.  Whatever.

And now the final decision:  Should my stockings be black or nude?  Were it not January in Colorado, I'd forego the whole hosiery thing and just go bare-legged.  Because frankly, wearing pantyhose sucks. Unless, of course, it's on your face, because that can be downright funny, no?!?  Son, you got a panty on your head!¹  But, alas, I'm going to have to wear them on my legs.  And while I bought both colors (and am strongly leaning towards one) I need you dear Internet, to confirm or deny my fashion hunch. 

So back to the poll:  What do you think?  Black or nude? 

If you'll voice your opinion by Saturday, I'll be much obliged. And on Monday, I'll post a photo of what I opted to wear and draw a random name from the comments to get a little RAK.  Now you take that diaper off your head and you put it back on your sister!² 

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^{1, 2} Bonus points if you can name the movie these quotes are from!

Straight from the cutting room floor.

Several months back, I was asked to contribute a layout to an article for Scrapbooks, Etc. February issue in which I transformed an everyday embellishment into a winter-themed accent.  Here's the page I made, which features Miss R at her very first ski lesson:

patterned paper (ki memories) + tag (collage press) + chipboard letters (basics grey) + glitter shapes (melissa frances) + stickers (american crafts) + button (basic grey) + font (Ieister) + machine stitching

I created the snowflake next to the title by combining shapes from a sheet of Melissa Frances glitter chipboard flowers. The center is a flower, accented on the end of each petal with the "x" shapes, which were cut in half.

Unfortunately, my page was cut from the article, so the only place you'll get to see it is here on my ol' bloggeroo. :)  But hey, I got paid, so I'm not complaining!  And I'll be using that compensation today to purchase the perfect shoes for my formal dress (will post more on that tomorrow!)  Today's to-do list also includes spending a big chunk of time working on freelance projects, getting a birthday gift for one of Hayden's classmates, a grocery trip, a 7-mile tempo run, and finalizing my accessory selection for the big event on Saturday night  - back tomorrow with an update, alrighty?!? 

Monday Marathon Update.

So as most of you know, I am currently training to run a marathon.  My friend Alison (who has run several previous marathons and is just generally an all-around bad ass) qualified to run Boston this year, and since that race is in April, she is in the throws of training for that.  Like the sucker I am (and possibly because I was asked after consuming too many glasses of wine) I agreed to join her in the training for this race.  I do not plan to run a marathon in April.  I'm shooting more for, say, October. Because why not extend the torture throughout the year, right? And I'm nothing if not an excellent procrastinator.

At any rate, despite my eternal cynicism, the training is going quite well.  The past three weekends we have run 15, 17, and 18-mile runs and I have not self-combusted into a pile of sweaty spandex.  Yet.  The 18-miler almost did me in, but I'm trying to take what I learned from that run and apply it to my relatively sparse wealth of knowledge on long-distance running.  Here are a few things I've learned so far:

1.  15, 17, and 18 mile runs are extremely taxing on a mommy bladder. Running for three hours with no potty break?  Ain't gonna happen.  But the dirt backroads we run on have a surprising lack of port-o-potties (must write to city council on that one) or public restrooms.  Luckily, the so-called "runners high" of endorphins also lessens any modesty issues you might have with squatting on the side of the road.

2.  Regardless of what you wear on a long run, be it high-tech, moisture-wicking, flat-seamed running apparel or your favorite flannel pjs (speaking from experience, I do not recommend the latter), at some point, there's gonna be chafing.  It's then you realize that maybe those runners with the band-aids over their nipples and stash of vaseline in their fuel belt aren't deviant pervs after all, they're just trying to protect their poor skin.

3.  At some point during a long run, you will feel the overwhelming urge to cry like a baby.  On our last run, I held off until I was home, where I collapsed face-down on the living room rug and sobbed uncontrollably for about 10 minutes.  I'm not exactly sure what to attribute the emotional outburst to, but I'm guessing it was (a). sheer physical exhaustion; (b). the realization while lying on the floor that there is a startling amount of food particles and dust bunnies under my sofa and this must mean I'm horrible housekeeper (and I think I should feel bad about this, right?) or (c). the fact that three of my ten toenails have declared mutiny, are turning black and threatening to fall off one week before I have to attend an event to which I will likely be wearing open-toed shoes (see post below.)

I'm sure this new-found knowledge I'm sharing today is making you all want to become runners, right?!  Ha!  Nope, it's not a pretty sport, but right now there's one thing motivating me to continue:  the promise that once I've done a 20-mile run, I can purchase these babies:

I know, I know -  it's not as much fun as purchasing uber-girly platform heels, but c'mon, people - they're day-glo PINK! The 11-year old me is screaming excitedly while jumping up & down in her black lace leggings and gummi bracelets!  Besides, I've got to find little things to keep me motivated... I've got seven more months of this torture ahead! :)  Happy  Monday!

Stylists Needed.

Since Clinton Kelly is still not returning my phone calls (well, unless you count that voice mail I received from his lawyer, requesting that I cease from further contact with Mr. Kelly because he really has no vested interest in what you should or should not wear to PTA meetings and went on to suggest that I seek out  "real life" friends to help me through my wardrobe crises, as if my television friends aren't "real!" So I suppose the standing Wednesday night date I've had with Jack & Sawyer for the last four years is just "pretend," too?!?) I thought I would call on all of you to aid me in my latest conundrum. Besides, you tend to be less judgmental about my occasional frequent daily delusions.

Next weekend, the hubby and I are attending a black tie event, which means two things: (1) I will have to end my quest to go without shaving my legs this winter; and (2) I need to find something fabulous to wear!  Luckily, I have the dress already, due to an extremely fortunate instance of fashion clairvoyance I had back in 1996 while living in Longview, Texas, home of The Bargain Box, a treasure trove of deeply discounted Neiman Marcus merchandise.  It was there I discovered this little Carmen Marc Valvo lace cocktail dress (with the original price tag of $595 still attached!) for the insanely low price of $35.  So naturally, it became mine and is now my go-to formalwear in those rare instances that my life requires it:

 

I like to think of it as the fashion equivalent of a little black convertible Thunderbird:  classic, sleek, and makes a girl feel damn sexy when she's in it. :)

So over the course of the next week, I just need to find the perfect accessories for it.  After a super fast spin through some of my favorite online sites, I've found a few possible options:

 

 

 
 

 

1.  Garland Chain Beaded Necklace from ShopRuche.com

2.  Pleasant Reveries Necklace from ShopRuche.com

3.  Betsey Johnson Pearl Charm Necklace at Nordstrom

4.  Garnet Flower Valentine Necklace from etsy

5.  Key to the Attic Necklace from etsy

6. Holly Go Lightly Recycled necklace from etsy

7.  Midnight Garden rose necklace from etsy

So, dear readers, what do you think? Got opinions?  Suggestions? Links to better stuff?  The unlisted number for Clinton's house in Connecticut?  Leave them here!  And please don't be offended if, while reading these, I imagine you in a gorgeous cashmere cardigan with a fierce silk tie, sporting the perfectly touseled hair and sparkling blue eyes, umkay?  Smooches!

Well Bowl Me Over.

Just stopping by with a quick post today, as I'm currently busy putting the final touches on this event:

 

I've got a to-do list a mile long that includes ordering a cake, finding favors (any suggestions as to where I might find some bowling-themed stuff?) and determining everyone's shoe size.  Also hoping to squeeze in a workout, some laundry, and a few straggling assignments.  It's a list that's definitely gonna require the consumption of one (or several) Rock Stars.

I'll leave you with a couple of two-page spreads that I recently completed for Write.Click.Scrapbook and Scrapbook & Cards Today.  Enjoy your Thursday!

patterned paper (October Afternoon, Cosmo Cricket) + rub-ons (Hambly) + letters (American Crafts) + labels (Jenni Bowlin) + brads (Basic Grey) + font (Traveling Typewriter) + machine stitching

patterned paper (Basic Grey, Studio Calico) + die cut paper (Making Memories) + letters (Basic Grey) + chipboard buttons (Jenni Bowlin Studio) + glitter (Jenni Bowlin Studio) + rhinestones (Making Memories) + font (Disproporz)

My Birthday Boy.

Nine years ago today, Hayden made his way into the world, making us first-time parents and quite frankly, rocking our world in ways we never imagined.  Luckily he's been patient with our inexperience and fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants parenting style, and every day with him has made our lives richer, deeper, and so much more fun.  It's been a wild and crazy adventure thus far, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

I've spent some time over the past day looking through Hayden's scrapbooks, and revisiting so many amazing memories that he's brought to our lives. In honor of his ninth birthday today, I thought I'd post nine of my favorites - enjoy!

 

 

{you can read the journaling for this page here.}

 

Happy Birthday, sweet Hayden!  Thank you for making me a mama.  Thank you for giving my life new purpose and direction.  Thank you for being patient while I learn, and for not getting too screwed up by my mistakes.  But mostly, thank you for the incredible, life-altering love you brought to my heart.  I love you!

First order of the day is to announce the winner of the eBook, A Year in the Life!  Random.org selected comment #3, which happens to be ShellyJ:

Shelly, your email address didn't appear in the comment, so please shoot me an email and I will get you your coupon code for the free download.

•  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  

Moving on to other happenings....this weekend after Hayden's basketball game, we headed west for a bit of fun up in the mountains, which included night skiing, a bonfire + s'mores, and the most popular activity, Disco Night Tubing:

(which is really, really hard to get a good photo of!)

And after the late night, we had an unexpected morning visit from Mama Moose, who stopped by my parents house to nibble on the shrubs:

Later, we managed to hit the slopes again, despite not getting much sleep the night before:



We called it a day when mid-afternoon the whining reached excessive levels and this mama's patience ran out.  Luckily, the drive home was peaceful with two sleeping kiddos in the backseat.

Today with both kids out of school, we are catching up on work assignments and homework, baking some bread, and making a trip to the library later this afternoon. Here's hoping your Monday is relaxing, reflective, and most of all, whine-free. :)  Have a good one!

A Friday Freebie.

So have you seen the newest Ella Publishing eBook?  A Year in the Life features pages from the girls at Write.Click.Scrapbook (myself included!) who share the belief that scrapbooking can be simple, stress-free, and fun.  This 30-page eBook includes 24 layouts—both digital and paper—and enough inspiration to see you through the year in style.

 

And do you see that page with filmstrip-bordered photos on there?  That just might be my two-page layout showing how to incorporate all your less-than-perfect Thanksgiving photos onto a meaningful page. 

If you'd like to win a free download of this eBook, just leave me a comment here and on Monday I'll draw a winner!  And have a fabulous weekend!

Signs of a sick day.

Yesterday the stomach bug took up residence in our house, as evidenced by the lovingly named "barf bowl" near the sofa:

And the continual loop of little girl movies playing on the television: 

And the many ounces of fluids drunk through a fancy schmancy straw: 

All to make this little chica feel better:
Luckily, she is feeling much, much better today and no one else in the house seems to have fallen victim to the icky stomach thing.  All hail Clorox Wipes!

While R was napping yesterday, I completed this:

It's a mix of supplies from the December & January JBS kits (how cute are those little Maya Road houses??) plus this die cut paper and patterned paper, both from JBS.  You can check out more details (and get a sneak peek of Jenni's new release!) right here.

Enjoy your Thursday!

Reviving my old-lady hobbies.

A few years ago, I asked my Oma to teach me to knit.  She patiently sat and demonstrated the basics of casting on, knitting and purling, never once getting frustrated at my clumsy and awkward technique (unlike my tennis instructor, who after one lesson, told me I needed to find a sport that didn't require hand-eye coordination.)  Oma was an amazing knitter - my kids have the sweaters to prove it - and even though I knew I'd never be as advanced as she was, I knew it was a skill I wanted her to teach me.

After learning the basics, I practiced by knitting countless simple scarves, gifting many of them to my tactful friends and family, who kindly wore them even if they were ugly and less than perfect.  I eventually stepped up my technique, finishing this cable scarf and even a felted bag.

But sometime last winter after Oma passed away, I stopped knitting.  I kept a big basket full of yarn and patterns in the living room, but I never felt the urge to pick up the needles. Until last weekend.  I was moving the large basket to vacuum behind it, and happened to notice a half-way finished scarf project in there.  I remember finding this pattern and being so excited to start it.  And then grabbing this soft bamboo yarn, thinking it would be the perfect drape-y texture for the scarf (and also loving the thought of this soft aqua color against my brown coat!) Oma would have been proud.  She would have chewed me out for buying the yarn without using a coupon or waiting for a sale, but she would have been proud. :)

So I started back up again, having to re-train my fingers in the rhythms of knit, purl, knit, purl. And after stumbling a bit initially, I can now say I'm back into knitting full-force.  I spent some time yesterday perusing Ravelry and bookmarking several projects I want to undertake.  And since I am getting ever closer to that 40-year birthday, I figure I might as well give in to the old lady thing gracefully, right?!?

Do you have a hobby that's fallen by the wayside? Do you miss the pleasure or relaxation it used to bring you?  I encourage everyone to carve out a bit of spare time today and revisit a hobby you once enjoyed...and have a wonderful Wednesday, my friends!