Nothing to Wear.

This morning when I got dressed.  I was faced with an age old dilemma.  What was I going to wear?  I am not sure if it is me, the time of year, or the contents of my closet, but I have nothing to wear these days.  Biggest and Littlest disagree, believing Mom’s closet to have endless possibilities and sparkles hidden within its depths.  I just don’t see it myself.   Even today, as I dressed in an outfit which I know was probably cute and got a few compliments on, I was over it by about noon.  Sad, but true.  

So what is the problem?  I think I am getting the mid-winter blues.  A six months ago, I was aching to pull out the sweaters and boots and pack away the strappy sandals and shorts.  Anyone remember this earlier post:  Seasons Change?  My love for sweaters and boots is starting to dwindle as all the light, airy fabrics and colors of spring start to arrive at the store.  I am constantly surrounded by a barrage of tank tops, shorts, and maxi-dresses just beckoning me to buy and wear them.  Maybe that is the problem.  I have not bought anything new for awhile (with the exception of two pairs of jeans which I needed, to replace some jeans which I wore out, it has actually been a long while). 

I am not sure if the cure for my mid-winter doldrums is a shopping excursion, a purge of the closet, or bringing someone else in to get a fresh take on the contents of my closet.  Or maybe it is all three that I need.  I don’t know.  The idea of living out of my current closet for much longer is starting to make me nutty (well, nuttier than before).

Hubby will tell you (he is most likely screaming this at the computer as he reads it) that shopping never solves anything. Um, yeah.  Right. Let me tell you something, Hubby.  Shopping is cheaper than therapy.  If I don’t get something new in that closet, I might need therapy.  I am on the brink of being bored out of my mind!  If this keeps up, I might resort to letting Biggest and Littlest dress me every day. While I am sure they would enjoy it immensely, I am not sure I could survive the style choices of our four and five year olds.  Besides, they have a hard time agreeing who will pick out what color undies I am wearing on any given day.  Can you imagine the bloody, violent, girl-tastic war that would break out over an entire outfit?  God help us all.

So spring, please hurry along.  Bring with you warm weather and new trends.  I need something to wear.

 

 

Time for a Change.

My friends and family know I am frequently changing my hair and makeup.  I have had almost every single hair color you could imagine, most within the past year.  Sometimes I am craving something in particular, sometimes I am at the mercy of my talented stylist, Tracy (who always has ideas and never gets bored with me).  So lately, I have been craving something different.  Tracy talked me off the ledge at my January appointment, reminding me spring is a better time for change.  Well, it is now mid-February.  Close enough!  I was dying for something new.   The question was…..what to do?

So today, I went into my appointment with a big idea.  A very big idea.  After meeting some friends last week, I was encouraged to check out the March issue of InStyle for hair inspiration.  Michelle Williams always has great hair.  She is one of the people who inspired my own pixie cut.  I loved her hair in the magazine. 

But she is not the only celeb who’s style I was coveting this week.  Call me crazy but I have been digging the latest and greatest from Miss Miley Cyrus too!  Her quiff is amaze-balls (yes, that is a word…kind of).  I have been jonesing to do a quiff for awhile now.  Add platinum blonde to the equation and I am in heaven. 

Lets be real. I am a busy mom. This style requires less work. Yes, you have to do it, but to be honest, the shorter your hair gets, the faster it is to do everyday. It probably takes me less time to style my hair start to finish (including drying time) than it does most of my friends to brush through their long hair. True story.  Once you go short, you just get shorter and shorter.  It becomes an addiction.  Thankfully, my stylist understands this. 

New hair must have been on everyone’s mind today.  While I was waiting for my turn at glory, I saw my friend and fellow mom blogger, Evil Joy checking out.  She was rocking her own new do, courtesy of Tracy as well.  Great (evil?) minds think alike!  (SJ&YP note:  Go check out Evil Joy’s blog, http://eviljoyspeaks.wordpress.com/.  She is spunky, fun, and says it like it is.)

We got started overhauling my hair.  People kept walking by her station to see what was going on. I think the best word to describe her as we worked was giddy.  Apparently, I might be the client who takes the most risks in her chair.  The way I see it, is it is just hair.  If you don’t like it, you can always change it again. It is never permanent.  I still find it amazing that someone with short hair like mine could make such a drastic change anyway.

Curious about the end result yet????

 

 

 

Biggest and Littlest are fans already.  Biggest called me a rock star and asked me to keep the faux-hawk in the back everyday (sorry, I didn’t get a good picture of the back).  Littlest told me I looked like a ballerina princess.  Hubby just stared.  I am going to assume that means he likes it.

 

The Pressure of a Present.

Hubby and I don’t have it easy when it comes to gift giving.  For six months of the year, we have no need to buy each other gifts.  Then December rolls around and we have our birthdays three days apart.  Our birthdays are immediately followed by Christmas, which is followed by Valentine’s Day.  Two months later is our anniversary in April, with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day closely behind.  To be honest, it gets exhausting trying to constantly come up with gift ideas or event plans. 

I will be the first to admit, Hubby can sometimes be a much better gift giver than me.  He has had some huge wins in the past, big surprises or things I didn’t even know I wanted.  For example, one year he got me TiVo.  I had no clue what it was at the time and it took me a few months to get used to it but I ended up loving it.  Or the year he got me a Breville toaster oven.  We use that thing every day.  Yes, it is an appliance but I wanted it!

On the other hand, Hubby has had a few epic fails.  For our fourth anniversary, I bought Hubby the boat he had always dreamed of having.  He bought me nothing, not even a card.  One Mother’s Day, he bought the card with me standing ten feet away, while we were out for breakfast.  Last year, for Valentine’s Day, I got an anniversary card from the gas station.  He crossed out the word anniversary and wrote in V-Day.  Very special.  He has also used the gas station for several cards in the past, it seems to be his go-to when he needs a card, an orange soda and some gas.

So now we have made it past our birthday’s and Christmas (which both went very well).  I have told Hubby not to go crazy for Valentine’s Day, since I have to work later and we could save a little money for other things.  It will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow.  I just hope for a card bought from a normal store that he signs before he walks in the door…

Things I Learned from GG.

Today is the second anniversary of losing my grandmother, affectionately dubbed GG by her great grandchildren.  Her loss was sudden, even though she was 93 years old.  She is still in my thoughts constantly, especially the memories that make me smile.  There are things I learned from GG which will never be forgotten, which I will have to share with Biggest and Littlest.   Who couldn’t benefit from a little GG wisdom?

• Speak your mind.  I don’t think there is a family member who will say GG didn’t have a mind of her own and wasn’t afraid to share it.  While there were a few times I wished she had a filter, at least GG was not afraid to make her story known. 
• Carry a handkerchief. You never know when you will need one. I have a stack of GG’s old hankies hidden away for Biggest and Littlest to carry on their wedding days (or any other important day in which they will need a hanky).
• Sometimes it is OK to be stubborn.  I think GG was independent as long as she was because of her stubbornness.  She was working, driving herself around, and living alone well into her mid 80’s.  It kept her sharp and I think it made her feel alive.  Find what makes you feel alive and hang on to it.  Be stubborn.
• Have a signature drink. My sister, my cousin and I try to meet for a drink twice a year to celebrate the beginning and end of GG’s life.  Of course, we choose her signature drink.  GG was always known for her love of rum and cokes (no lime, because that would be a Cuba Libre).   If GG and Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City) could have a signature drink, why shouldn’t everyone else?  My only debate is does red wine count as a signature drink or is it too broad.
• Cheat at cards.  GG was a master card player.  Of course, she cheated like the devil when it came to cribbage and other card games.   Now, I am not encouraging cheating, because that would be wrong. I am encouraging being cunning.  GG chose to use her cunning for wrongdoing (yes, I think cheating your grandkids out of quarters is slightly wrong), but at least she possessed the guile and the gumption to try, even up to the end of her days.

In loving memory of Lorraine “GG” Williams

August 16, 1917 – February 11, 2011

Guest Blog Post: Picks of the Week with Biggest and Littlest.

Since I am raising two bossy, little fashionistas, I thought it was only fitting to get them involved in my blog.  Biggest and Littlest were more than willing to help out.  Actually, they got into a fight over who was going to help me first.  Littlest won. 

I often ask them for their opinions on what I should wear because, let’s face it, they are sometimes wildly stylish.  So I thought I would share three of their favorite items from a different store every week and their rationale behind the selection.  This week we started with the store closest to my heart, Hot Mama.  So I gave them free reign on the website to pick whatever they wanted, tops, jeans, dresses, jewelry, etc. Then I interviewed them about their selections. 

I hope you enjoy their picks of the week!

LITTLEST’S PICKS 

 

#1 Stripe Maxi Dress by Unit

SJ&YP: What do you like about it?

L:  It is beautiful.

SJ&YP:  OK, but why is it beautiful?

L:  Because I like her. I like it.

SJ&YP:  What do you like about it?

L:   The stripes.

 

 

 

 

 

#2 Geometric Pendant by Linden Hills

SJ&YP:  What do you like about it?

L:  Um, I like it when it is long.

SJ&YP:  What else do you like?

L:  I like it when I pick it…..yes, don't laugh about it. (SJ&YP note:  I couldn’t help it)

SJ&YP:  Anything else you want to say?

L:  No thanks, Mom. Now can we go to earrings?

 

 

 

 

 

#3 Sara Skirt by XCVI

SJ&YP:  What do you like about this?

L:  I like the stripes.  (SJ&YP note:  I think she meant the ruching.)

SJ&YP:  Anything else?

L:  No. (SJ&YP note:  She is a woman of few words.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIGGEST’S PICKS

 

#1 Sleeveless Camp Shirt by Sweet Pea

SJ&YP:  What do you like about this?

B:  It looks pretty.

SJ&YP:  Why does it look pretty?

B:  Because of the black.

SJ&YP:  What else do you like?

B:  Nothing else.

SJ&YP:  What should somebody know if they want to buy this shirt?

B:  That it's coooool.

 

 

 #2 Sparkle Bead Chain Wrap Necklace by Gilded

SJ&YP:  Why do you like this?

B:  Because I like the sparkles. The light on it.

SJ&YP:  What else do you like?

B:  Nothing else.

SY&YP:  What would you recommend wearing this with?

B:  Some earrings.

SJ&YP:  What kind of outfit would you wear this with?

B:  The one you wore today.

SJ&YP:  Anything else?

                                  B:  No.

(SY&YP note:  Today I was wearing Slim Cigarette Jeans from 7 for All Mankind and a Sequin Stripe Crew Sweater from Design History.)

 

 

#3 Midway Luv Maxi Skirt by Billabong

SJ&YP:  What do you like about this?

B:  Uh....that it's animal printed. (SJ&YP:  Um…does she mean tie-dyed?)

SJ&YP:  What else do you like?

B:  Nothing else.

SJ&YP:  You are not very descriptive. What would you wear this skirt with?

B:  The orange shirt up there.

SJ&YP:  Where would you wear this skirt?

B:  Don't know.

 

As all moms know, it is never that easy.  So while Biggest was taking her turn, Littlest threw a tantrum so she could pick more.  Apparently, she felt she had not chosen enough dresses.  Since Hubby is a sucker, he told her she could pick again.  Since Biggest refuses to let her sister have something she isn’t getting, she had to have another turn too.  So…..welcome to the bonus picks!

Littlest Bonus Pick – Mosaic Tube Maxi Dress by Susanna Monaco

SJ&YP:  I already posted this dress to the blog, do you want to pick another one?

L:  No.

SJ&YP:  Why do you like this dress?

L:  Because it looks pretty.

SJ&YP:  What else?

L:  Because it doesn't have sleeves.

SJ&YP:  Where would you wear this dress?

L:  I don't know.

SJ&YP:  Anything you think people should know?

                       L:  Hmm.....no. I am all done.

 

 

Biggest Bonus Pick – Tie Dye High Low Dress by Sweet Pea

SJ&YP:  Why do you like this dress?

B:  Because it looks cool.

SJ&YP:  What else?

B:  Don't know.

SJ&YP:  Where would you wear this dress?

B:  Texas.

SJ&YP:  Why Texas?

B:  Because *giggles*, ok Florida.

                                                   SJ&YP:  What would somebody want to know if they want to buy this dress?

                                                                               B:  Oooooh, that looks cool.

 

Only my kids…..

Dirty Little Secret.

OK, I have a confession to make.  We all do things which we are not proud of.  We may or may not share some of these secret behaviors with our family and friends, but they are there nonetheless.  I can’t even begin to guess what other people do, but I know what my dirty little secret is (or at least which one I am willing to admit to on the blog).  I have a feeling it is something many of you do too.  I, my hopefully understanding readers, am a Facebook stalker. 

Now, I don’t mean I have a crazy weird obsession with anyone in particular.  I am not doing anything my husband is not aware of or that would constitute a restraining order.   But I sometimes find myself six degrees of Kevin Bacon away from the person I was originally looking at, who hopefully was someone on my friends list.  For me, it is better than checking out the lives of celebrities.  I love seeing how other people live their lives, even if I don’t know you.  You know why?  Because you are a real person!  You have normal adventures and interests.  Celebrities don’t excite me half as much as everyday people.  Isn’t this the reason reality TV is so popular?  I just prefer a more real reality.

Now be honest.  You too are a social media analyst (that sounds much nicer than Facebook stalker).  I have friends that do it.  I have family that does it.  I have even “helped” others do it by letting them dig around using my profile.  Heck, even Hubby, who doesn’t have a Facebook profile has been known to jump on mine and see what other people are up to.  After all, it is technically the point of Facebook, the only difference is you typically check out people you are friends with.  Somehow in the process, you get sucked into snooping on others.  Sometimes it is hard to resist the pull of an ex-boyfriend/friend/acquaintance/co-worker, whatever.  We can take a peek at their lives, without being a part of them.  Is it a little nutty?  Yup.  Does it stop us?  Nope.  We just have to be careful not to hit the accidental “like” button, because that blows our cover.

Oddly enough, as much as I “analyze” the profiles of others ), I go to great pains to make sure mine is completely private.  I am constantly checking to see how it is viewed by the public frequently.  God forbid someone see my info, right?! 

OK, so I have confessed.  Will I stop doing it?  Probably not.  Will you stop?  Probably not.  But we can all feel better knowing we are not alone in our dirty little secrets.

 

You know what the best part of this confession is?  You are all wondering if I have ever checked out your profile. 

*giggles*

Don’t Let Anyone Ever Dull Your Sparkle.

Today, I was moved by a post on a friend’s Facebook wall.  The post was regarding a conversation between two adults discussing the appropriateness of the principal at their school to have a nose ring.  Obviously, they were not in favor of it.  Several of the comments made me think about what kids might be learning today and the impact adults can have on shaping their beliefs.  I know the first two I can impact are my own kidlets.  Hopefully, the impact I make on them can ripple out to others.  So here is a letter to my girls, in hopes they will make some waves.

 

Dear Biggest and Littlest,

When Biggest was little, you saw your first black person at the doctors office (Actually, that is not true.  You had seen other black people before but they were kids.  Somehow seeing the mom of the little boy you were currently playing with made something seem strange to you).  You asked me why the lady was so dark brown (special thank you to the nice woman who did not burst into laughter when my daughter questioned her skin color, I could tell she wanted to).  I calmly explained to you that God loves to use all of his crayons to color, the same way that you do.  That was the first time we ever talked about people being different.  But it has not been and will not be the last.

As you grow, you will encounter many different people in many different situations. You at some point or another find yourselves surrounded by people who are different than you. They may look different, dress different, talk different, or even think different from what you are used to. And you know what?  That is OK. 

The things which make us different are what makes us special.  Some things we cannot control, like skin color, gender, or sexual orientation (I will tell you what that is when you are older).  Some things we can, like hair color, tattoos, or personal style.  Whether the things that make someone different can be controlled or not, does not make them any less special.  Those are the things you should look to celebrate whenever possible, the things that make us sparkle as individuals.

You may encounter people who wish to dull the sparkle of yourself and others, but you must try not to let them.  Stand up for the things you believe in.  Help grow acceptance whenever possible, but do not stoop to a lower level to prove a point.  Prove them wrong with the strength of your words and actions, and teach others to do the same.  This will not always be easy for you to do, God knows I sure as heck don’t always do it right myself.  But you both possess a strong spirit and I know you will rise to the challenge.  Please know I will always do my best to support and guide you whenever I can.

So please don’t let anyone ever dull your sparkle.  You are absolutely beautiful when you shine.

 

Much love,

Mom

(AKA Skinny Jeans & Yoga Pants)

 

 

 

*SJ&YP Note:  I wrote and re-wrote this post several times in order to keep myself off the soapbox as much as possible and to try and keep the positivity I hope I typically share in the blog.  If my opinions, and they are just that, have offended anyone, my apologies. I am far from perfect.  I like to think it is part of my own sparkle.*