Down to Business...

#20 of 30

Not the most exciting of outfits today, but it fit my agenda.  Busy day at work, visiting a radio station and then a pre-op physical.  Not sure of you can see the details in the photo, but the skirt is lace.  Such a comfy skirt and so versatile.
So it seems like I skipped outfit #19...no, it is not that I cannot count, but I wore #19 yesterday and the pictures turned out horrible, so there is no need to subject you all to the rechedness.  I wore a long drapey black and grey striped cardi, black leggings and black boots.  Not terribly exciting, but I I did on Sunday was lounge around with the boys and make a quick trip to Best Buy to look a cameras.
Did not sleep well last night...tossing and turning until 3am...so not fun.  I usually can sleep anywhere, anytime, but last night was a rough one.  Oh, well, I will just have to go get another cup of coffee!

I Am The Master of My Own Domain...

I am taking back control of my life and myself.  Lately things in my life have been all over the place...there has just been too much going on that I lost or given up control of.  Head games, preconceived notions, sickness, loneliness, want, need and desire.  But it ends now!  I wallowed long enough and I am putting myself back in charge.  Life is short and if I don't start to participate in it and enjoy it, it is just a waste.  I cannot promise all sunshine and unicorns, but I am trying to be positive and make my own decisions.  I cannot and will not make any excuses for who I am, neurosis, flaws and all.

This is what it is all about!

Taking Back What Is Mine...

Outfit #18 of 30

My friend brought me this necklace from my new favorite store Madewell when I was in NewYork.
I love this studded anchor that injects some fun and nauticalness into my basic outfit for running around with the boys.
So, I registered Jack for Kindergarten today.  Wow...my first baby is almost 5 and growing up too fast.  I am having trouble dealing with the fact he is becoming a big boy. Between that and Alex just moving into a big boy bed... No one needs me anymore...

The Envelope Please...
This week for Friend Friday we are talking blogger awards...the first ever FBFF blogger awards.  I think all bloggers need recognition, but since this is the real world these are my top favorites...

1. Creative Juices - most creative- I must say Hello, Monkey Face.  She always makes me laugh while looking great with her great outfits and "pretty" face


2. The Real Deal - authenticity-Melissa from A Working Mom's Closet always tells how it is in real life

3. Spark Notes - most helpful-For me it has to me Christine of My Style Pill her style is amazing, plus she show you how she put the outfits together and how she has remixed each piece

4. Newbie - best blogger less than a year old -I love Style Underdog...enough said!

5. Can You Hear Me Now - most connected- Collette of Statements in Fashion is everywhere.  She manages to visit everyone's blog and share her knowledge and ideas

6. If I had a Hammer - best DIY- Natasha of Required2beinspired has easy to follow and interesting DIY's and great style

7. Tribe Leader - blogger who leads others and brings bloggers together-It must go to Kendi of
Kendi Everyday.  Have you seen how many people are doing here 30 for 30...

8. Practically Perfect - most fashionable-Terra of Stylish White Female.  Love her outfits, style and great hair!

9. Paint by Numbers - best beauty blogger-Keiko Lynn is amazing with makeup

10. Renaissance Woman - best all around blogger, fashion, beauty, lifestyle- Kristina of
Pretty Shiny Sparkly.  She has great style, beauty posts, blogger tutorials and is all around beautiful and informative

I Shot an Arrow and I Totally Missed The Mark

Wednesday was one of those days when you look at the clock and have no idea how it could still be that long until the end of the day...until daddy gets home so mommy can take a deep breath...an excruciatingly long day, but a productive one. Alex and I went to the DMV to renew my drivers license and have the address changed... We moved to this "new" address two years ago... I got a nice surprise when I was informed that I had to take a written rules of the road test...last time I had to do that was 1992.... But I didn't panic, skimmed the study book and took the test. I must say I am pretty darn proud of myself...only got one wrong!! I was very proud of Alex, he behaved very well, didn't help me with the rules of the road and really wanted to have his picture taken too!

#16 of 30

I am not sure how I feel about the denim on denim look...but I thought I would try.  Very comfy outfit today...love this cozy sweater!

Also, I painted my nails...with no spills!

Today, is a busy day at work...

#17 of 30

 

Only fell three times while trying to run to the rocks to take this photo during the 10 timer...I need a remote very badly

It's not you, it is just what you represent...I remember what you said when you were rolling around on the bed...even if you pretend not to.

It's Not Me...It's you...

Worn to Work Tuesday, February 22

#15 of 30
Half Way Home

I love this skirt.  It has a great shape and can be styled with either black or brown.  I am not real sure what color it really is...dark denim, navy, black...take your pick.  My mom just bought me this necklace, so again I thought I would use this plain cardigan as a base for my new necklace.  I wanted to wear my brown brogues, but there was snow on the ground this morning...again...so boots were worn.
Not sure why...but I am in kind of a funk lately.  Between the fact that I am not feeling up to par, the boys are cranky and not feeling great...I am sure I passed the virus on to them...and work is really busy...I really want to just hide under the covers with a spinach stuffed pizza and eat them sleep...
all day.
NOT GONNA HAPPEN...Whatever...

The World Keeps on Spinning and I am Standing Still...

Worn to Work Monday, February 21

#14 of 30

Basic work outfit.  I wanted to keep the dress and blazer plain as to showcase my new necklace...no worries I actually bought it before the 30 x 30 started.  The fun necklace is from JewelMint...love all the colors and the random heart.  I am all about the jewelry...no matter how fat, skinny, tall, short...jewelry always fits...can fancy up or dress down any outfit.  My mom has always been one to wear a lot of colorful jewelry so I am pretty sure I got my love of jewelry from her.  Jewelry gives an outfit a personality...tells a story...commands attention.

Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy the Ride...

 Worn Friday, February 18

#13 of 30

On Friday I took the boys to Kids Town...such a great freakin place.  It is a big indoor jungle gym, with theme rooms, kitchen, police station, supermarket, train station...there is even a room where thay can dance and watch themselves on the TV.  The place is self contained so I don't have to chase after them.  Also, they have cushy chairs and tables for the parents and FREE COFFEE!!  I can bring my laptop and even get some work done.  Whenever I tell the boys we are going to go to Kids Town, they say "yeah fun town and free coffee for mommy"...I have them trained well!
I am feeling better today.  My throat is not as sore and I can eat other things besides soup. Fruit smoothies and soup are all I have had since last Tuesday....no more soup!!!  I am going to try pizza tonight...mmm. 

Big City Lights Calling Out My Name...

Wow, I cannot believe it has been a week since I left for New York.  I had such an amazing time and it gave me a lot of perspective on my life.

Things I learned in New York...

-I am who I am and I make no excuses for it...neurosis and all...take it or leave it

-I like people....now matter how hard it is for me to admit it, I need people

-I am not as important as I think I am...at least not to the general public...

-People are never exactly how you remember them...we all grow, change, mature...we have this vision  of what we thought they were in our head and reality never quite catches up.

-I have fallen in love...with Madewell and Top Shop.  I could have bought everything in both those stores.  Madewell was even more wonderful than I expected...cannot wait to go back and try on tons of jeans.  Besides the great clothes...Top Shop is accessory heaven.

-No matter what they look like on TV, celebrities are always prettier and tinier in person...we spent
 quality time celebrity stalking at Lincoln Center

-Whiskey and I are not quite as compatible as we used to be when I was younger...mornings after are much fuzzier and louder.

-The only thing better than Mexican food is Mexican food off a food truck, eaten while walking around Soho, in the sunny 40 degrees

I cannot wait to go back...

Open Up and Say AHHHHH!!

Mono...REALLY...only I could get a teenagers kissing disease! 
So, I went to the doctor because I was having trouble swallowing, my ears were ringing and my neck was killing me.  First thing she looked down my throat and said "wow"...that is not usually a good sign from a doctor.  I was then informed that my tonsils were so swollen that she was surprised I was still breathing.
hmmm....thanks! After some poking, proddding and a blood test, turns out I have mono. How freakin' wonderful.  DO you know what they do to treat mono....a big fat NOTHING!! They gave we steroids for the swelling in my tonsils and told me to rest and stay hydrated.  Oh yes, please tell the overworked mom of 2 boys under the age of 5 to rest...that's going to happen!!
After that fun, I went to take some out pics before I was late for work.  It was so windy that the tripod fell over twice.  So I only took a few and these are the best of the worst!

#12 of 30

 I just added this last one because the look on my face is exactly how I am feeling...

This is one of my favorite comfy dresses.  It was the first thing I bought after the first surgery.  Probably the first time in a decade that I had wanted to wear anything empire waisted...my boobs were just to big for this style to fit.  But, after the surgery, I ordered this dress from Target with the high hopes it would work...love it.  I even realized, after I tried it on, that it was a bit too big in the chest...TOO BIG...never heard those words before when it came to clothes and my boobs.  But, I kept it and I love to wear it. 
Off to rest....like that will ever happen...I wish!

All Around Me Are Familiar Places...

Worn to Work Tuesday, February 15

#11 of 30

 

Feeling a bit pensive today...can't you tell

When I threw on this outfit this morning without a lot of thought, I wasn't really feeling it.  But, as the day wore on, it grew on me.  Many textures going on here today...suede boots, corduroy skirt, lace tank, faux croc belt and cotton blazer.  I didn't thrown on a necklace like I usually do.  I am not a fan of having anything near my neck when I don't feel well...so I made sure I had on big earrings.

My boys welcomed me home Sunday night with flowers and a giant cookie cake...since I am kind of off of sugar, I think it was more for them than me...though I did have a small piece...Love them!

Back to Real Life...My Reality

I will post all of the details of my interesting weekend soon.  But for now I have some outfits... Not feeling to well today...sore throat, ear infection, sweats/chills...so much fun!! Blah!!

#8 of 30

#9 of 30

#10 of 30...Back to Reality

Rainbow of Fruit Flavors

Color...I have been trying to inject more color into my life and wardrobe lately...that is also the Topic for this weeks edition of Friend Friday by the wonderful Katy of Modly Chic

1. What color dominates your closet?

Looking around my closet I would have to say surprisingly...to myself...black is the most dominant color.  That venture into more black is a pretty recent thing, but I am not really sure why.

2. If money weren't an issue how would you change the color emphasis in your closet?

I think I would try to buy basics in colors, not just black and brown.  I would buy more quality classic pieces in color.

3. What is your mantra about mixing colors?

I am all for mixing colors.  Lately I am into mixing brown and black, black and blue and multiple jewel tones together.  For the spring, I am thinking about soft pastel mixing. 

4. For you, how do you incorporate color into your outfits?

I like to incorporate color via accessories...necklaces, scarfs and shoes.  I also like to layer, so I like to wear color tanks or t-shirts to add splash to an outfit.

5. Which blogger(s) do you think do a good job of incorporating color into their wardrobe?

Of course, the best wearer of color has to be Suze of Miss Vinyl Ahoy...she has no fear when it comes to color and mixing...Suze rocks the color! I also think Hillary of byhillary does a killer job of wearing colors and mixing them in her wardrobe.

Lucky #7...Jo-Dee and Bobby

#7 of 30

I must day I never thought about pairing this sweater and skirt together.  But this morning I new I wanted to wear this skirt with brown tights and boots.  I saw this pink sweater in my 30 for 30 pile and thought why not...I like the way this outfit turned out...love the poofey sleeves and the buttons on the wool skirt!

Tomorrow morning I am leaving for New York...YIPPEE!!!  I am so excited that I can barely sit still.  I am visiting some friends from college, shopping and attending some fashion related events.  I plan to take tons of pictures and have sooooo much fun!! This is my first vacation since Vegas before Alex was even born!  I have not finished packing yet, but I do have a few outfits picked out hanging in the closet...decisions, decisions.  But, I must say only having 30 items to choose from has made packing a lot easier....thanks Kendi!

666...Corporate Funk and Back Again

Everybody Everywhere is a very cool blog where is bloggers can show our style and get inspiration from others style.  This week it is all about the classic blazer.  So many ways to style it...I find myself using the blazer to style everything...from casual jeans to corporate chic.  Today I had a meeting at work, so I styled my blazer work chic...



#6 of 30

 

I had a different outfit picked out for today...but I had a last minute meeting, so I decided to go more business like.  yes this skirt is new, but I bought it before the 30 x 30 started.  I had admired it before at the Gap and when I went in on my lunch hour I notice it was on sale plus 40% off...19.99.  I love the exposed zipper and the fun pattern. Since I wear skirts and dress almost all the time, it had to be mine.  I am not sure if you can tell, but the tank under the blazer is purple with ruffles.  Also, the tights are thick and ribbed...had to stay warm, it is -14 degrees with the windchill here in Chicago
Back to blazers...love this one.  It is cotton, so it is comfy...and it has satin lapels...how fancy!!

Some life changes are in the works for me...I will keep you posted when decision are made!

Fabulous in February Five...See a Pattern...

#5 of 30

Dress-ATL/Cardigan-JCrew/Boots-OTBT/Scarf-H&M

Incredibly amazing Melissa of A Working Mom's Closet and the wonderful Hope of Hope and the Dress Code are challenging us bloggers to post three positive comments about ourselves every Monday in February...Fab in Feb!  I cannot speak for others, but I did not think it would be such a challenge to boost my own ego and talk about what makes me...so me...but I really had to think about it...

1. My vast knowledge and passion for baseball.  Not just the Chicago Cubs, but all baseball.     intimidating to some men, fascinating to others...I could wax poetic about baseball.

2. My muscles...I have been working out very regularly for the last year and I have seen such a difference in my body.  I always thought skinny was the way to be...all cardio, all the time.  But I know love to lift weights.  It has made my body strong, toned and made me feel much better about myself  and comfortable in my own skin.

3. My ability to be open-minded...If the events of this year have taught me anything, it is that you only live once, so try everything.

Wow, that was a lot harder than I thought...

It's going to be a busy week...a lot to do...so not prepared.

Are You Ready Four Some Football...

More snow...really...enough is enough...

#4 of 30

Just a casual outfit today...running errands.  This vest is so cozy...thought it look fun with the plaid shirt.  Added the the gold knotted necklace and chunky wood earrings for some flair.

My dip turned out well.  Cannot wait to get to our friends house so I can "dip" into it...ha!! Beans...spicy guacamole...sour cream with taco seasoning...mexican sheese blend...tomatoes...green onions...YUM!
Looking forward to watching the Super Bowl...go Steelers...cannot stand those Green Bay Cheese Heads.  Plus the friends house we are going to had two kids my sons love...so the boys will be occupied the whole time...win...win...

Thrice As Nice...

Today was a pretty lazy day...after going to the gym, I didn't really get dress until it was too dark to take pictures outside.  I really only put on "real" clothes because I had to go to Target to get all the ingredients for my famous 7-layer dip for our friends Super Bowl party tomorrow.  Famous is a relative term since the only people that love it are family and a few friends...It is really the only thing I bring to parties.

#3 of 30

Jeans...still not sure if I am a fan...but on a relaxed Saturday, they will work.  Love this t-shirt...stripes and lace...what a great combo.