Miscellany Monday 6/6/11

I'm linking up with Carissa at Lowercase Letters for Miscellany Monday.

1. We enjoyed really stunning weather here this past week. If we could bottle this up and use it all year long that would be perfect.

This is a scene from the local East End vineyards we visited Saturday.

We spent the day relaxing with great friends.

2. Loved these bubbly chandeliers from Sparkling Pointe, a sparkling wine exclusive vineyard.

3. Roses are in full-bloom too.

I'm trying to remember to take more everyday photos. This was something I used to do all the time. Take shots of the little delightful things that made up a normal day. But the past two years I have stopped doing that and Miscellany Monday is suffering as a result. Here's to hoping that I can find more cool moments to embrace and share.

Style Splurges

Someone recently left a comment and asked how many cardigans and jackets I owned. I went and counted them up only to discover that the answer was too many (about 100 of each). Even if they were a minimum of $20.00 each (and that's a dream amount, trust me) that's just too much money. As my mother would say, it's probably not the best idea to wear your assets on your...well, you know where she meant.

Now I am learning the lesson of saving on the trendy items and semi-splurging on the classic, luxe pieces. Classic and luxury for me may not be the same for you, however. Luxury for me is Banana Republic, Jcrew and Talbots, not real uber-expensive items like Manolos or a Louis Vuitton bag, even if I wish it was. All the splurges on this list (save for the last one) were $100 or less. My personal splurges have to be items that go with several pieces I already own, have a traditional fit, and are neutral, go with everything colors.

The recent items that have been splurges are:

-White tailored fit, no iron shirt from Brooks Brothers (but on sale at the outlets).

Source: brooksbrothers.com via Kathleen on Pinterest

It's great with a suit, under a sleeveless dress, or under a tank.

Here it is 2 ways, one for work and one a little dressier:

Jcrew Driving Scarf (at the outlets)

Source: jcrew.com via Kathleen on Pinterest

Normally I buy scarves at Marshall's because they tend to be trendy, but this one was too eye-catching to ignore. I think I loved the colors, that I have cardigans and jackets to match through the seasons, and the 100% silky softness.

-Clarks sandals 

Source: endless.com via Kathleen on Pinterest

Shoes are typical splurges for me because I hate shoe shopping. If I find a great pair of shoes that I know are comfortable, can be worn for a while before wearing out, and come in great colors, I'll spend $50-$100. But I also look for coupons, outlet sales, etc. Clarks has a frequent buyer card that after spending $400 you save $40 on your next purchase. Since both my husband and I buy at least 2 pairs of shoes each per year, we do end up saving quite a bit with that incentive.

-Vera Bradley Convertible Bag in Black

Source: verabradley.com via Kathleen on Pinterest

I like me a nice bag. I have since my cousin took me shopping my junior year of high school to pick out any Coach bag I wanted (I opted for the Hobo Clip and I still love it). I've amassed a silly collection of Vera, Coach, and Dooney and Burke bags, but this one microfiber bag is perfect for travel, day-to-day use and outdoes any pricer bag I own. I'm very pleased with it.

-My Hermes scarf, the biggest splurge of all.

We bought this scarf on our honeymoon to Paris (one of two actual souvenirs) and I do have a regret about it. I wanted it to be a noticeable Hermes, so I bought it in the traditional Hermes orange. Now, it's gorgeous and I love it and I will always treasure it, but I should have opted for a navy or black scarf. I would just get more use out of it.

What are some style splurges for you? Or what pieces do you invest in (jackets, boots, etc). I hope to do a post next week about my favorite saves. There are just so many pieces in my wardrobe that I have happily purchased for a steal and they have been wardrobe staples almost by accident.

 

Miscellany Monday 5/23/11

This week was simple, low-key, and not filled with much stress. 

That alone could be a Miscellany Monday post topic.

You can join in the fun over at lowercase letters.

 But there were three celebrations (and a surprise fourth) for the week that caused lots of excitement.

My friend Crystal and her husband are moving to Minneapolis for Crystal to continue her studies in midwifery. She's brilliant, always has been independent and has a passion for women and children. We got together for a little farewell dinner where we reminded each other to talk and skype and most importantly to write. She and I used to write these awesome, handwritten letters to one another, but it's since been replaced by technology. We want to get back into that habit. 

We are wishing her so much luck during this exciting time.

Here's a shot of us at her wedding celebration.

My brother celebrated his 26th birthday. 

We enjoyed a night rocking out to Big Shot (an incredible Billy Joel cover band).

The weekend ended with a dinner celebration with the whole family.

My sister in law came home from college. Missed her so very much.

And the biggest news of all: 

Paige and her husband Michael welcomed Molly Eileen into the world.

(Photo courtesy of her sister, Ashley)

 I'm freaking out excited for these three. 

They just exude sheer joy.

Sending your new family lots and lots of wishes for constant blessings.

Miscellany Monday 5/16/11

I'm joining lots of other bloggers over at lowercase letters in Miscellany Monday. 

1. I went for my first wellness physical in 10 years. Yes, I realize that's stupid, considering I go for dentist appointments, eye doctor appointments and 'lady-doctor' appointments, but for some reason I've been afraid of going to the doctor. It ended up being totally fine.
Plus, no copay because it's a welness visit??? Extra bonus.
Just another reason why I should have been doing this annually for the past six years.
Now I know.

By the way, it's also not a good idea to take Benadryl and Zyrtec all year long to control allergies.

2. We washed my husband's bathrobe and now it is leaving little babies (it is shedding like crazzzzy) everywhere in our apartment.

3. I brought several scrapbooks home from my parents' to scan in the old photos. I seriously love thumbing through snapshots of my parents when they were little and from early in their marriage.

This photo is lovingly referred to as the Kennedy Shot because my dad looks like JFK (he's all the way in the back) and my uncle (striped shirt) looks like Bobby Kennedy. Love it!!

4. Clinique's revamped Chubby Sticks are so worth the $15.00. They glide on like a gloss but have saturated color like a lipstick. I remember these (a long time ago, maybe 8 years ago??)when you had to actually sharpen them and they were much too dry to wear without gloss. Now they are an absolute dream.

5. Been thinking lots about miss Paige. She and her husband are anxiously awaiting the birth of their first child and she has been one of the most graceful expectant moms I've met, just embracing the blessing in her life and going with the flow. If anyone can handle mommy-hood it will be her.

Our photographer snapped this shot of us together at our wedding. 

Golden Plus One

This year my parents celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. 

I've been wanting to share their story of loving perseverance for a while now.

 This is the perfect opportunity.

My parents married in 1960, were very much in love and ready for whatever life handed them.

They enjoyed a wedding day with beautiful weather and crazy winds.

 Most of their shots have Mom's veil flowing and dress billowing in the breeze.

Their honeymoon in the Poconos included hikes to waterfalls and dinners for two.

I did check with my mom to see if this dress could be hiding in the attic...it has long since been donated.

They arrived home greeted by family and baby booties. 

My mom's sisters both had several children and my dad's brothers and sisters (9 total) 

would eventually have large families with as many as seven children. 

Children of their own were expected and anticipated.

But sadly my parents struggled with infertility, which was devastating, medically difficult and expensive at the time to treat, and quite uncommon in their circle. 

Over and over they welcomed nieces and nephews into the world while they just prayed for one child.

Their faith was what  sustained them.

They continued to pray for a child for  over 20 years. 

They trusted that the situation was in the Lord's hands, not theirs. 

Shockingly, 22  long years later, my parents learned they were expecting. 

The moment my father was told that my mother had given birth to a baby girl 

he swung the nurse around lifting her off her feet with a great big hug.

Possibly more shocking, after 25 years of marriage,  my mom gave birth to my brother.

 Their wedding anniversary usually falls just before Mother's Day. 

It is now such a perfect celebration of family and the blessings in our lives.

Over the past 28 years many couples have spoken with my parents as they travel through marriage waiting for children, constantly hoping to be blessed.

And their advice is always the same: 

pray constantly and focus on each other.

Oh, and buying a Thunderbird doesn't hurt either, apparently.

Most of all, they encourage couples to use this struggle to make marriage stronger. 

I am so grateful for their unceasing prayers, their constant love, 

and their marriage which grows more golden each year. 

Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad.  You are so very loved.

A Mother's Love

I'm not a mom (at this point in my life I don't know how I could be a mom...) but love reading blogs by mothers and moms-to-be. It's refreshing to see happy families and the craziness that life brings.

As Mother's Day approaches I am reminded of how much my mom sacrificed for me and my brother, these unexpected additions to her family in her early 40s. Just as most of the family was welcoming grandchildren, my mom had me, her first child.

(1983 - Mom and me on my christening day)

My mom stayed home with us until we went to middle school and I know that was financially difficult for my family, but we never wanted for anything. My mom and dad made sending us to private school a priority and looking back I have no idea how they made that happen. But they did. And now I am so very grateful for the wonderful education I received.

Mom cooked well-balanced, healthy meals every day. Rarely do I remember a night of leftovers and I never heard my mom complain about food or dieting. It gave me a healthy sense of body image and I don't really have food issues (I have other issues, don't worry).

Mom instilled faith into my life and lived each day with an attitude of patience and peace.

The way my mom manages emotions is admirable. She's strong, very very strong.

My mom always looks put together and beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen her in loungewear. Plus, Mom was the thrifting queen long before it was cool to buy pre-owned.

(2010-Mom and me on my wedding day)

So, Mom (even though you'll never read this because blogs scare you) thank you for all the love you share.

And to all the blogging mamas, have a beautiful Mother's Day filled with blessings!

What I Wore Wednesday 5/4/11

Hi, all! It's time for another edition of What I Wore Wednesday. I'm linking up with the Pleated Poppy and lots of other ladies who are taking this challenge.

On to the outfits!

Wednesday, 4/27

Day at work

 Top and Sweater/Jacket: INC from Macy's

Pants: Talbots

Shoes: Aerosoles

Earrings: Pear22 on Etsy

Posy Pin: The Pleated Poppy

Vintage Necklace: Sarah Coventry

Thursday, 4/28

Work

I was very excited to get this Garnet Hill sweater...it was callin' my name and I can't wait to wear it through the spring and summer

Cardigan: Garnet Hill

Dress: Target

Belt: Ann Taylor

Tights: Kohl's

Shoes: DSW

Necklace and Earrings: Liz Palacios

Friday, 4/29

Day off :)

Spent the day cleaning and doing some shopping.

Top: Jcrew

Sweater: Marshall's

Jeans: Loft (thrifted)

Shoes: Clarks

Earrings: Sueanne Shirzay

Wish Necklace: Lisa Leonard

Posy Pin: the Pleated Poppy

Saturday, 4/30

Celebrated a coworker's wedding and we were really looking forward to this. A great excuse to enjoy a night getting all dressed up and dance the night away. And the hair got cut and brightened.

Outfit for the church:

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer

Wrap: Jones NY

Shoes: Naturalizer

Earrings: Rhonda Jewelry

Outfit for the reception 

Dress: Ann Klein

Shoes: my wedding shoes, dyed black

My hubby's suit is from Kohls

I love the beaded cap sleeves and the little flair of the dress. 

Again, I just love to get all girly and dressed up.

This is the best shot of the jewelry. I kinda forgot about that shot.

Necklace: Swarovski

Earrings: Givenchy

Sunday, 5/1

Church and family gathering to celebrate my cousin's communion. Beautiful weather and the entire family got together, so it was pretty perfect.

Top and Cardigan: Jcrew Factory

Jeans: Gap

Belt: Jcrew Factory

Shoes: Nine West

Earrings: Jewelscapes

Monday, 5/2

Day off, spent the day doing laundry and cleaning.

I also really dove into working on the scrapbook I was commissioned for. And watched the first season of Mad Men. I wish I could wear such pretty dresses to work without being made fun of.

Tee: Target

Sweater: Jcrew Factory

Jeans: Calvin Klein

Shoes: DSW

Word of the Year Necklace: Lisa Leonard

Earrings: Lisa Leonard

Tuesday, 5/3

Meetings at work and filmed a clip for a commercial.

Top: Target

Jacket: Old Navy

Skirt: Jcrew

Belt: Target

Shoes: Naturalizer

Earrings: Lord and Taylor

Necklace: Tiffany's (this was a staple necklace for me a few years ago. I had the chain custom made to 15 inches so that I can have it sit just at that perfect spot.)

Lots of allergies this time of year, hence the glasses. 

I also picked up some new foundation (Laura Mercier moisturizing) on Saturday and I am really happy with the clean face look. It was much pricier than I would usually spend, but it really matches my skin tone, so it was worth it for me.

Have a wonderful week and thanks for stopping by!