Weekend Finds

This weekend our church hosted a garage sale. My mom was a pro at garage sale-ing, but I never got the hang of it. That's why I liked this one. Tons of people dropped off their stuff and we only had to go to one location. I found two lovely vases that I scooped up all for two bucks.

Following the sale, Freddy and I decided to check out a local antique shop, Country Junque. 

It's packed floor to ceiling with treasures: dishes, furniture, and vintage gems. The owners are delightful, the prices are fair, you can find items for as little as a few dollars and browsing is welcomed.

I picked up a piece of green depression glass to go with my tiny collection and a little amber bowl.

My favorite piece was this gorgeous piece of carnival glass.

 Love its opalescent look and architectural feel.

Did you pick up any new-to-you treasures this weekend?

We have a winner!

Using random.org our winner is...our first commenter, Conni! Conni is a scrapper, crafter, photographer and loyal blog follower. We both are What I Wore Wednesday participants and that's how we met in the blogosphere.

Conni, send me an email at kath323 at aol dot com with the type of cards you want (monogramed and with what initials or if you'd prefer, what celebrations) and the length/color of your necklace!

Hi, Followers! {and a giveaway}

Um, hi, 52 followers!!! How did that happen? I won't lie, I find it totally flattering that anyone would want to read my random blatherings, but that's the joy of blogland.

Since I passed 50 followers, I feel a giveaway is in order.

One lucky fan will receive ten made by me cards and a beaded necklace.

You can pick monogramed cards or an assortment of birthday/thank you/celebration.

And the beaded necklace can be any color ya want.

The winner and I will chat and figure out color, lengths, card preferences. 

It's totally about honoring you fun ladies who make my day sweet with encouraging comments and fun.

To win, leave a comment with the jewelry color you wear most often. I'll pick the winner Sunday night, so comment before 5pm Eastern Sunday. Winner will be announced Monday.

Love ya, Dad

He's a cool dude, always supports our family and is my first dance partner.

I love this photo of us together. At any party where there's music (even if it's in a backyard or a parking lot) my dad and I are dancin'. And he's usually 'doo doo doo' singing along. 

My father constantly makes us laugh, especially when he shares tales of golf course moments gone mad. He makes sure to keep my brother and I on our toes and loves a good political debate. Most of all, he is an example of unconditional love. He adores my mother calling her his young 19-year old bride after 51 years together and really does take being a father very seriously. 

I love you, Dad and always will.

What I Wore Wednesday 6/15/11

Hi, everyone! 

I'm linking up with the Pleated Poppy and lots of other peeps for What I Wore Wednesday.

For the most part, this was a pop of accessories kind of week. Lots of big, bold statement necklaces. 

Wednesday, 6/8
Work day.
Told 'ya I'd wear this often. And it is the exact same combo down to the gems that I wore a few weeks ago. And I'm totally ok with that.

Top: Ann Taylor

Skirt: Target

Cardigan: DKNY

Belt: Calvin Klein

Shoes: Clarks

Earrings: Jcrew

Necklace: Gojo Designs

Thursday, 6/9

We had a staff retreat for two days. Being that it was in a hotel, I opted for layering. You never know if the room will be chilly or stuffy.

Top: Alfani, Macy's

Jacket: Kate Hill, Lord and Taylor

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Naturalizer

Earrings: gift

Necklace: bought in Paris, super cheap, little boutique, my guess is it's not one of a kind.

Friday, 6/10

I'm also dealing with the struggle of growing my hair out. This is trying to get it out of my face!

Top: Anthropologie

Sweater: Marshalls

Pants: Van Heusen

Shoes: Nine West

Earrings: Surf and Sand

Necklace: Allora Handmade

Saturday, 6/11

Had a doctor's appointment (turns out I'm allergic to more than I thought). A very relaxing day.

Top: Target

Cardigan: Target, from a clothing swap

Jeans: Gap

Sandals: Clarks

Necklace: Errsuz

Posy Pin: The Pleated Poppy

Earrings: Honora, QVC

Sunday, 6/12

Church and another quiet day.

Top: Loft

Jackie Cardigan: Jcrew

Pants: Old Navy

Sandals: Style and Co, Macy's

Belt: Jcrew Factory

Earrings: Glitz Glitter

Necklace: Allora Handmade

Monday, 6/13

Meetings and a hectic day at work.

Top: Ann Taylor

CardiganL Jcrew

Pants: Calvin Klein

Belt: Jcrew

Shoes: Target

Earrings: Lisa Leonard

Necklace: Arielle and Pamela

Tuesday, 6/14

Is it only Tuesday???? Not going to lie, this has been a crazy week and it's barely gotten started!

I love navy and green. My navy jacket that I usually wear is pinstriped and from a suit. Found this one in the thrift shop and was thrilled! It's fully lined, has great buttons and a lovely shape.

Top: Ann Taylor

Jacket: Talbots (thrifted)

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Clarks

Necklace: Gojo Designs

Flower Pin: Jcrew

Earrings: Rhonda Designs

Thank you again for stopping here today! 

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.