Fabulous Friday #20: For the LOVE of Polka Dots!

I don't know about you, but I LOVE polka dots. And I mean, I LOVE them! Since I was a small girl. Maybe they remind me of Lucy. And well, she is a favorite of mine too!

But recently, I was going through my closet, changing out my clothes. Do you do that too? Putting away the winter wear. And getting out my summer clothes. My polka dot obsession, is a little out of control. But you know what? They put a smile on my face!

And even if I have a ton of polka dots already, I'm always looking for more. They are just too fun! So here are a few of my new favorites.

This top, is adorable. At $40, it's also a good buy. You could dress this up, or down. Depending on your mood. I would adore wearing this on the weekend, with my favorite jeans. Or pairing it with a pencil skirt or dress pants for work.

And this dress, is so cute! For just under $70, this would be perfect for Spring and Summer. Pair it with a blazer or cardigan, and I can also wear it to work. The fit of this dress, is very flattering as well.

A bit more dramatic, and pricey, is this little number. For $155, this would be cute to wear to a summer, outdoors wedding. Or maybe an outdoor festival. The cut is flattering, for most figures.

If you're not comfortable, with a head to toe, polka dot look...how about this blazer? $23 on eBay! I think this would look just as cute, with a red shirt and jeans. How fun, this piece would be!

For $55, these shoes sing to my heart! They'd be perfect for the weekends. When you just want to be comfy. And also a little stylish.

And I really LOVE these red peep toes. Oh, they are so cute. And add, just the right bit of fun, to my work clothes. No lie. I just ordered a pair. I couldn't resist. At $52, it was just what I needed, to make my day!

While I was at it, I ordered a couple of pairs, of these beauties. How cute! Knee high socks. With polka dots! My love! At $7.50 a pair, it was a good buy. So if you see some crazy lady running, with polka dots socks on, you know it's me. :)

My family knows, all about my polka dot obsession. Everyone always gives me scarves, socks, or other polka dot treasures. My Dad used to laugh at the silliness, that is me and my polka dots. But he also added to the madness. And bought me a few vintage, polka dot dresses.

So there you go. Polka dots, are a fun way to add some whimsy into your wardrobe. They are also classic, and timeless. A polka dot piece, can add fun to a professional wardrobe. And not make you look, like a 5 year old kid. So go try some polka dots. You can always start off small. With a pair of shoes...or even a scarf! ❤

Fabulous Friday #19: Planting Some Memories

Sunday is Mother's Day. How many of you are panicking? Right at this minute. Thinking, I need to go find my Mom a present. Hey, I've been thinking about it for weeks. You see, my Mom isn't your normal mom. She doesn't like getting boxes of chocolate, Edible Arrangements, flowers, balloons, that sort of thing. In fact, my Dad knew perfectly, how to treat my Mom.

We didn't buy her flower arrangements. No way! We'd buy her potted flowers. Or rose bushes. Something for the yard. My Mom spends a lot of time, crocheting. And sewing. In the winter. But once the weather starts warming up, and there is more daylight in the evening...she is in the yard. Pretty much, from Spring to Fall, my Mom is outside.

Last year, we spent most of the Summer outside. I'm not lying! After my Dad's passing, our friends came and cleaned our yard. And after my Dad's services, we pretty much spent all of our free time, outside. I'd begin with painting all of our outdoors stuff. We'd continue to clean the yard. My Mom would plant. We started a garden. And would eat most of our meals, outdoors.

It stayed that way, all Summer long. I'd get up in the morning, water the grass. Play with our dog. Make breakfast, and take it outside. My Mom would wake up, we'd eat. And then, get our hands dirty. Having a nice yard, is a lot of work! And at the time, it was very therapeutic.

Actually, I've always found yard work therapeutic. When I got my home, I'd spend hours and hours outside. Where my Mom is the Queen of Flowers, I was the Gardening Queen. And last year, our yard, really saw those benefits.

So when I was thinking about a Mother's Day gift, I was thinking of something for the yard. Since we no longer have a business, we have a TON of empty land! And every single time, I'm washing dishes, I'm reminded of it. Our backyard was split into, the Business Side. And the Fun Side. These days, it's more like the Gorgeous and Green side...and all that dirt.

My Mom had always remarked, about the Flower Gardens that I'd planted at my home. About 3 years, into living in my home, I bought these big Flower Garden packages. They come with all these bare roots, and bulbs. I planted them...some according to the enclosed diagrams...and others by my own taste.

I figured, that is what I'd get my Mom. Almost 4 months ago, I ordered this set. Because my Mom adores hummingbirds. She has about 6 feeders, in the backyard. And we get nearly 100 hummingbirds a year! So I placed the order. And it arrived yesterday. :)

I'll be doing a lot of planting today and tomorrow. And no, I'm not "out of the woods," to speak. I'm still heading out, and in need of some gifts. My Mom's birthday is on Thursday. And I wanted to get her a sentimental gift, for Mother's Day.

But if you are interested in something similar, let me help you out a bit. The set I ordered for my Mom was $130. It's meant for full sun. All the plants are small. Or bareroots. But they are all ready for planting.

I on the other hand, was looking for shade plants. When I ordered mine, years ago. Trying to replace the dying grass, under my gigantic pecan trees. They no longer have the set I ordered. But this one is interesting. At $160.

This set of ferns and hostas, would be amazing! Especially at $120. Could you imagine, how pretty your yard could look? When they are fully grown, it would be gorgeous. And from experience, I know these bad boys continue growing. Every year. Bigger and more beautiful! They are perfect for the shaded parts of your yard!

If you are more interested in the edibles, here is a perfect collection. For $35. It would be a nice little gift, for your Mom or Grandma. I know a few friends, who wouldn't mind getting this from their hubbys. Honestly, it is nice to go outside, and pick fresh veggies.

And if veggies seem like too much work, an herb garden would be perfect! For $32 you get just enough freshness, to add to your garden. And cooking!

Honestly, it doesn't have to be anything super crazy. Or HUGE. You can go to your local nursery, or super store, and pick up a couple of plants. Or flowers. And go make some memories with your mom. I know my Mom, appreciates things like this, much more than a bouquet of roses.

It's crazy how we can go out into the yard, and she'll tell me stories. About the trees my Dad and her planted, when I was just a baby. About the rose bushes, he gave her over the years. And the tons of flowers, we planted together. Try a new tradition this year. And see where it takes you! ❤

Fabulous Friday #6: Time for a Cut

I've just been feeling it. In my bones. It's time for a haircut. Not just a little trim. But a real cut. I've ALWAYS had long hair. ALWAYS!

The first time, I really chopped my hair off, I was in high school. A senior. Right about to leave for Florida. I thought, this is the chance. I was going to be in Florida, for something like 10 days. Then I was going to come back home, late in the evening. Early the next morning, I was headed to my state capital. For another 5 days.

This was my chance. And I chopped off my hair! It went from "past my bottom," to "just above my shoulders." I LOVED it! Even if one of my best friends, told me a looked like a mom. I didn't care! And I also managed to hide it from my parents. By the time I returned from my travels, it was halfway down my back! That's the thing, my hair grows fast. And has a fascination, with this same length. Right around the small of my back.

So I let me hair grow. From May, until October. When I was away at college, I went to one of those places in a strip mall. I paid $6, with my college ID. And I chopped it off again! This time, to just under my ears.

I LOVED it! I could get ready in minutes. When you are in college, that is a HUGE plus! So there I was, in LOVE with short hair. I think I let it grow out slightly, before the holidays. But in the Spring it returned. Just above the shoulders. And I managed to maintain a shorter hairstyle, until the following Summer.

I have sadly, been in a rut, for years now. At least, when I was actively performing, I would get a good haircut, every couple of months. But here, is were I get honest. It's been 27 months, since I last cut my hair. And that was just a trim!

For the last few months, I've had this itch. Just to go, chop it all off! My friends even sent me a gift certificate, for Christmas. It's still in the Christmas card, at the bottom of my purse. But really, it's time.

You see, I have a love-hate relationship, with my hair. When I was younger, I really did LOVE my hair. It was super thick. I could manage a little wave-like curl. For cheerleading, I could use the sponge rollers...and get "that look." It was love. Then my hair started to thin. It has gotten uncooperative. And well, we are at a "Hate" stage.

My older sisters, have this beautiful curly hair. Spiral curls. Only one of them, maintains her locks. And she has the most gorgeous, bouncy curls. Me? I've got frizzy hair. Poofy hair. Let's say, it reminds me of a Chia Pet, on most days...

There is nothing extra special, about my hair. My Mom has pin straight hair. My Dad had crazy curly locks. And me? I'm not sure what happened. When I was under 13, my hair was long, straight, and dark. Almost black. Over the years, it's gotten lighter in color, crazier in texture, and thinned.

But I can't always hate  my hair. And let's be honest, I do enjoy looking nice. My "go-to" bun, for the OR...has slowly transformed, into a messy "up-do," most days. During the warmer months, I might do a little braid near the front, and up it all goes. But it is time, for a more "Grown Up" style.

Nothing too fancy. If I'm feeling a little more fancy, or have some time on my hands, I might straighten my hair. Maybe put hot rollers on. Perhaps, get a curling iron out. But that's it. And I'm kind of tired of it all. I want something a little more, well styled. Put together. Grown up...

So I've been looking at tons of pictures. Been paying more attention to hairstyles. Asking nurses, what works best with surgical caps. That sort of thing. I might have also asked a couple of colleagues, what they like. Here are a couple of ideas, that I'm liking...

I really do like this haircut. I like the structure of it. The idea, that there is a bit of style. The long bangs. The length. But it seems too comfy. Similar, in many ways, to what I already have...

Again, I like the length. The texture. The idea of many layers. It gives some flair. Has some style. But isn't too crazy. It's also very comfortable. I think I cut my hair like this, when I was in medical school. But sort of, more "dressed up."

Yup, I do like this more "messy" look. A little more "I just rolled out of bed." It doesn't matter if it's not perfect. But it still looks nice. Like I might actually, be making some sort of an effort...

I think the reason I'm drawn to this hairstyle, has more to do with the bangs. I like that idea. I have a pretty large forehead. And probably could use some help. I also like the slightly messy look.

 

I really like this hairstyle. It's messy. Like me. Imperfect. But still looks somewhat "put together." Yup, I like it. My only question is, does it look too much, like the "Rachel?" 

 



This is one of those hairstyles, I've like for a while. Like I cut out a picture, and stuck it in my purse. Maybe I'll go cut my hair. Doesn't look too time consuming. Might actually work, with my natural texture. You know, on the days, when you just add some hair product, and run out the door. This is on my short list...

Everything about this style, is appealing to me. The cut, is something fun. Outside of my comfort zone. The color, I like it! It makes me actually want, to go color my hair. Which I've never done before. And probably should. My skin tone is pretty similar. So I'm thinking, it couldn't be a complete disaster.

And that appeal of short hair. It keeps coming back. But is this too short, for my round face? Will I look ridiculous? I like the idea of short hair. More structure. But will I be able, to maintain this?

This is probably my favorite of all! I LOVE the length! I LOVE the idea of a little bit of bangs and layers. Not to mention, it's not completely structured. It has some movement. And really, who is going to know, if every piece of hair, isn't doing what it's supposed to? This just might be it!

What do you guys think? What should I do? Especially, if you know me in real life. Let me know. Leave me a comment. Send me a message. Please help! I'm ready for some change. My hair, seems like the perfect place to start! ❤

Fabulous Friday #5: Valentine's Day Party for the Kiddos

I'm sure I told you guys, one of my goals this year, was to have more people over. To our home. One month, for the adults. One month, for the kiddos. Well, even if not over to our home, to plan an activity of sorts.

January was about the adults. We ended up, with a small group. And a movie, lunch, and casino date. It was fun. And nice to hangout with family. We saw a hilarious movie! And enjoyed each others' company. Next time, will definitely be something at the house. Maybe a dinner. Or game night.

But February, folks, is about the kiddos! And I wanted to keep it low key. Invite over the littles. Maybe have some spaghetti. Some goodies. And a few crafts! So here are a few ideas, that I've found floating around...

Some little bracelets. Fun and easy! These look like they are made, with that foam. You know, you buy it in little sheets like felt. Felt would work too. And some puffy paint, beads, jewels...fun and easy craft!

Here are a few good ideas. From the top, you just need some construction paper, pipe cleaners, feathers, google eyes, maybe some pom poms, ribbon, clothes pins, paper doilies, and paint. Honestly, all left over items, from our Kiddo Christmas Party!

These pom pom monsters are the cutest! Again, I'm pretty sure my Mom and I, have all the needed supplies. Hello! We're crafters! And a bit of craft supply hoarders. But I think that comes with the territory of crafting! :)

These little hearts look like fun. Cut out some hearts, let the littles have fun, with the hole punches. Tie them up with string. Quick and easy. I think they will look fun, in a window.

And you know my Mom and I's LOVE for owls. A paper plate, construction paper, and some eyes...make the perfect owl!

 

How about a few arrows? Some straws, construction paper, and either ribbon or streamers...will make for a ton of fun! I think the boys, will love these!

And this little pup. Isn't it cute? I just love all the hearts. And how the kiddos can really have some fun, creating something like this!

And I think this would be fun to recreate. Maybe just for me. Or maybe with the adults. I think you could use little hearts. Or even fingerprints. I think this would make for a fun decoration. Maybe I could make something similar, before the kiddos come over.

And last, a fun "gift" of sorts, to send the kiddos home with. Wouldn't this be fun? You know, instead of the pre-made Valentine's from the store...

Just a couple of fun ideas. All quick and easy. I didn't have to read through blogs. Or search on Pinterest. I just did a quick Google search. And came up with these goodies. Also, they are very affordable. A pack of construction paper, pipe cleaners, a few beads, google eyes, and other embellishments.

We have a little box, with this sort of supplies. And I always go through the clearance section. After the holidays. Or go on a little shopping adventure, at the Dollar Tree. So many ideas. For very little money. To have so much fun, with a group of your favorite kiddos! ❤

Fabulous Friday #4: The Puffer Jacket

Not going to lie here. I LOVE clothes. Always have. Always will! Accessories, shoes, and jewelry...they come along, for that same ride. Being a Puppy Momma, has only increased this! I probably have the best dressed dog, in the city. It's getting kind of crazy here!

Recently, my Mom and I took our dogs to PetSmart. And found some cute puffer jackets on clearance. Yes, I know. But it's been cold. And they need them. So we each made our purchases. And then, this past week, we decided to go on a walk. The pups and I.

It was a cold day. They had just had their baths. So out came, the new jackets. And oh, how cute they were! Pink and grey, at their very best. Honestly Miss B, didn't want to take hers off. Yes, that's how much she loved it!

Got me thinking. My Mom had bought a puffer jacket, back in the Fall. During one of Old Navy's crazy sales. I think she got it for $15. And she loves it! It is really warm. How do I know? Because a time or two, I've put it on. To chase down a puppy, at 2AM.

I got to thinking, I'd like one too. You see, 99% of my jackets, are Peacoats. The other 1%, are heavy blazers and denim jackets. So off to search out puffers...

I found this beauty. On clearance for $110. A little pricey. But the color, love it! Did I mention, it's Michael Kors. It's a down jacket. Which will be incredibly warm! And it comes in petite sizes. Hello! Short girl here!!!

There is also this wild jacket. Actually, it's similar to my Mom's. But in a much louder color. It's on clearance, for $20. And is only available in yellow. I have to think on this...

There is also this puffer vest. At Old Navy. On clearance for $18. I really like this. The color is something I like. Dark and rich. And I can see myself using it. Except, they don't have my size...

Ugh, you end of the season sales, and such! I guess I just continue to search. We have another winter storm headed our way. Cross your fingers and your toes, that I won't need anything like this. I mean, I do have a Peacoats in every single color! Maybe next year, I'll find my puffer jacket. ❤