The Awkward Phase

Fall is sort of here, at least some days, so I tentatively pulled out my jeans from last fall.  You know, the ones that I searched and searched for, and then barely got to wear before I was pregnant again.  Miracle of miracles, they fit!  I was shocked because I still have about 15 extra pounds to get rid of.  

I think I have generally had a pretty healthy body image, but being pregnant for 18 of the last 24 months has sure taken a toll!  I don't even know how to dress myself anymore.  I managed to go shopping this week with both boys, which is an adventure.  My main goal was to find some tops that would be cute and easy to throw on with jeans or shorts.  Most of my shirts are a little snug right now, and would likely start rumors of a baby 3.  Or at least I feel self-conscious in them.  I need higher necklines, because I'm always carrying a kid that inevitably makes my perfectly modest shirt a little scandalous.  Shouldn't be too hard to find some cute, higher-necked tops, right?  Wrong!  I tried on a lot of shirts, and ended up buying one.  And a random dress, because I just can't help myself sometimes.  

So anyway, I kind of want to throw out my entire closet and start from scratch, but as my shopping outing suggests, that wouldn't solve the problem.  I need to remember that it took 9 months and a lot of ice cream to grow each baby, so I'm not going to go back to my old body in 2 (or ever, let's be honest here).  

In the meantime, I should probably start exercising again, and maybe cut back on the ice cream.

Tee & Jeans: Gap
Cardigan: JCF
Shoes: Target

#28 - Pretty or Stupid?

When John is playing photographer, I can never tell if the pictures are good, or if I'm making strange faces or awkward movements.  On this particular day, I said "Do I look pretty or stupid?"  He replied "yes."  I'm going to assume he didn't hear the second half of the question.

Cardigan & Skirt: Old Navy
Top: Gap
Necklace: Bass
Tights: Target
Boots: Steve Madden

#23 - Kansas Day

 

Happy Kansas Day, everyone!  I may live in Nebraska now, but I am a Kansas girl at heart, so I like to be obnoxious and celebrate Kansas things.  Here are some tips on how you can celebrate my home state's birthday!

• Make sure to sing "Home on the Range" as often as possible throughout the day. 
• Dress up like a prairie girl - don't forget the bonnet! (this definitely happened in elementary school, but I didn't have a prairie dress or bonnet, so I was always the prairie tomboy, in jeans and plaid)
• Create a tornado in a bottle. 
• Watch the Wizard of Oz.  And then NEVER EVER say "You're not in Kansas anymore" to a Kansan who is out of state. 
• If you are more into sports, watch the Jayhawks play basketball.  Rock Chalk!
• For dinner, enjoy a buffalo burger, some sunflower seeds, and anything made of wheat.  That's pretty much what Kansas is known for, right?  Amber waves of grain! 

For the record, I probably won't do any of these things, except eating something made of wheat.  And I might sing the state song a little bit.      


Shirt, Cardigan, Jeans: Gap
Scarf: H&M
Shoes: Old Navy

#16 - Book Nerds

Literary Junkies Day!  Here are this month's questions:

1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it.

I just started David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell.  Not very far in yet, but I've really enjoyed his other books.  

2. Out of the 16 books that will be turned into a movie adaptation, which one are you most looking forward to seeing this year? (Article Link)

Can I pick three?  I think I'm most excited about A Long Way Down, because it is my favorite Nick Hornby book.  I didn't even know they were making a movie until I saw this list, so I'm pretty excited.  Plus, it has Jesse Pinkman in it!  I'm also excited/nervous about TFIOS and Divergent.  I loved both books and hope the movies are worth seeing.

3. What was the worst book you've ever read?

Worst book I've ever finished reading: The Casual Vacancy
BUT I've stopped reading a few that were just terrible:  Atonement and Eat,Pray,Love

4. What foods or beverages have you spilled on a book while reading? Anything good?

Ummm, I don't think I've ever spilled anything noteworthy.  I don't usually eat while reading (except Cheerios which don't really matter when spilled).  

5. Do you pictures characters as popular film or tv actors? Or do you create a whole new person in your head?

I don't really make a picture in my head when I'm reading.  But sometimes I am surprised when the movie comes out at what the characters look like, and I can't always explain why or what is different than I expected.  So I guess I subconsciously picture the characters, I just can't articulate it. 

6. Out of all the authors you've read books by, who's brain would you want to pick the most?

This is a tough one, too.  I'm going with Malcolm Gladwell, and I don't think it's just because I'm reading one of his books right now.  He's been able to interview and research really cool people and ideas.  I think it would be interesting to talk to him about how his brain works and where his ideas come from.  

Cardigan: Old Navy
Tee & Jeans: Gap
Scarf: Target 
Boots: Steve Madden

 

Fashion Blogger Poses

For some reason, I happened upon the GOMI forums the other day.  I have mixed feelings about the whole thing, but I do think there are some interesting opinions out there, and most of the comments I read were more constructive criticism than just bullying/hostility.  (Granted, if I found anything mean about myself, I'd probably have a different opinion).

One of the threads was about annoying things fashion bloggers do, and I found myself being guilty of several!  One big complaint was having 10 pictures of almost the exact same pose.  I had to laugh.  I usually only post 3-4 pictures, but they tend to be pretty similar poses.  Both hands on my hips, only one hand on my hip, looking off to the side, looking down.  If I have on a jacket, I'll put my hands in my pockets for a bit.  And in my last picture up there, I just have my thumb in my pocket.  No idea why.  It's SO FASHION!  (I should really watch ANTM to get ideas)

So GOMI convicted me that I should have more diversity in my poses, and maybe even some close-up shots.  I'll try, but no promises!  I hope the critique is aimed more towards full-time bloggers.  I mean, if I didn't have a job, I could spend more time practicing my model poses and taking 100 pictures to choose from instead of about 10.

Finally, I've had a few people ask about color/fabric of this skirt.  The sparkliness doesn't always show up in pictures, so here's a closeup shot.  There's a sparkly gold thread overlay on the more shimmery gold netting of the skirt.   *It should be noted that my feet are slightly paler than my legs, but this is exaggerated by the way the sunlight was falling in this picture.   

Top & Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Target

Polka Dot Week - Shoes

Today's post features polka dot shoes, because it is POLKA DOT WEEK and these shoes are fun.  Also, this blazer wasn't part of my outfit very long, because it is hotter than hot this week.   

And now for a story not about polka dots that happened on the day I wore this outfit:

Have you heard of Which Wich?  Well, it's a sandwich place, and I go there ALL.THE.TIME.  It's kind of embarrassing, actually.  It isn't even very close to my office.  The workers pretty much all know me and know exactly what I'm going to get, because I order the same thing every time. 

ANYWAY, a couple days ago, I decided to go there for lunch.  When I walked in, one of my Which Wich BFFs said hi and asked if I had been in since they changed the menu.  I'm sorry, WHAT?  You can't change the menu!!!  After a few seconds of panic, I asked her if I could still get the same thing that I always get, and she explained that it isn't on the menu anymore, but I can still technically order the same thing.  Crisis averted.   She said she'd been hoping to catch me, because she knew I would be caught off guard by the change (how nice is that?)!  Then as I was waiting for my sandwich, another worker said hi, and told me no matter how the menu changes, they'd still make my sandwich, because I'm their favorite customer.  Awwww! 

I have mixed feelings about being a "regular" somewhere.  In a way, I like it, because they know me, and know what I'm going to order, and they are so friendly.  But on the other hand, it's kind of embarrassing that I go to this sandwich shop so often.  Especially when I go with someone else and all the workers are like "ANDI!  What's up!!"  Yeah, I frequent this place. 

Are you a regular anywhere?  Is it cool or embarrassing?

I'm linking up with What I Wore.

Blazer: H&M
Tee & Shoes: Gap
Skirt: Loft
Necklace: InPink
      
**And no, this is not a sponsored post (I wish!).  I just really like this sandwich shop.

Paisley Cardigan - 3 Ways!

I'm doing my Friday remix post a little different this week.  Instead of  scanning through my archives for all the ways I've worn a certain item, I'm bringing you THREE BRAND NEW OUTFITS!  Imagine I said that in the echoey movie announcer voice.  It will seem more exciting.

This cardigan is a recent purchase from Loft.  Anytime I buy something and want to wear it EVERY DAY, I know it was a good decision.  Anyway, here are 3 ways I've worn it in the past couple of weeks.

#1 - worn to work

#2 - church

#3 - casual date night

Pretty exciting, right?  I think I'll be wearing it quite a bit in the coming months.

Go check out the other remixers! I'm also linking up with Casual Friday  and Favorite Fashion Friday today! 

Outfit details
Cardigan: Loft

Outfit #1:
Dress: Ann Taylor
Belt: Old Navy
Necklace: Bass
Sandals: Love Culture

Outfit #2:
Tee: Gap
Skirt: Old Navy
Sandals: Carlos Santana 

Outfit #3:
Tee: Gap

Shorts: Gap
Sandals: Carlos Santana 

Orlando Advice

 

You guys, I need some advice!  I'm headed to Orlando next week for a work conference.  I'm going to be pretty busy while I am there, but I basically have one free evening.  I get done with meetings around 3pm, and I don't want to stay out too late, because our mornings will start much earlier than I am used to waking up.  What are your favorite Orlando spots?  I'm not sure if the Disney parks are worth the cost of a few hours, but I could go to the free "Downtown Disney" area.  What do you all recommend?

I'm linking up again for Accessory day of the We Love Target challenge!  Go check out the other blogs!

Scarf: Target
Shirt and Shoes: Gap
Blazer: H&M
Skirt: Limited

Guys and Ladies/Girls/Women

Have you all noticed there isn't a good female alternative for "guy"?  I mean, if I am talking about a male co-worker, I would say "this guy at work...", but if I am talking about a female co-worker, I'm stumped.  Woman?  Lady?  Girl?  Gal?  No, those all sound weird.  Is there a good alternative I am just forgetting?  These are the things I worry about.

In other news...

You guys, I finally found a leopard print scarf, and it was only $7!  I really wish there was an H&M in Omaha.  Although it might be trouble.  I also found these polka dot shoes on my shopping adventures in Arizona.  If you are wondering how many pairs of polka dot shoes a lady/woman/girl needs, the answer is at least 3 (exhibit A and B).

Scarf: H&M
Shirt: Gap
Jacket: Izod
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Gap Outlet

5 Days, 5 Ways - Casual Friday

 

1/2/3

Sometimes, there are too many good linky parties going on!  Like this week, I was so caught up in the 5 Days, 5 Ways adventure that I almost missed out on Bloggers Do It Better Black and White Stripes!  No worries, I can make it work with my frequently worn black and white Gap t-shirt!

One of the reasons I wear it so much is that I think it works just as well with cut off jean shorts as it does with a pencil skirt. Above, I show 3 dressier ways I have worn this shirt.

Now on to the 5 Days, 5 Ways theme of the day, which is Casual Friday.  My office has a very casual dress code every day, and I'm usually on the dressier side of things, but I probably wear a more "Casual Friday" type outfit once a week.  This shirt is frequently featured.    

Here are 2 casual summer looks (remember summer?):

4/5

This shirt is also a perfect piece for layering during the colder months.  On my least-inspired days, I can grab jeans and stripes, and then add a scarf or cardigan or both and I have a quick and easy solution! 

6/7/8/9

In conclusion, I think every woman should have a basic black and white striped shirt.  And probably a sweater, and a sweater dress, too.  I might have a slight stripes addiction. 

Resolute

I didn't get the black shirt/blue jean memo

Happy New Year!  I'll be like everyone else and say I CANNOT BELIEVE IT'S 2013!  I mean, seriously, how did this happen?  We had our traditional college friends NYE party.  I think it's pretty awesome that we get together every year.  It kind of blows my mind that I've known these people for almost 10 years!  Anyway, we had a lot of fun, and I stayed up way past my bedtime!    

After my lame attempt at goals in 2012, I need to figure out a better way to set and achieve goals in 2013.  I am keeping some of the same goals, but changing them a little bit, to be more specific and measurable.  I'm also going to do monthly check-ins.  When I did my quarterly check-in posts, I usually got back on track for a few weeks.  I'm hoping more frequent accountability will make me more successful!

So, on a monthly basis, I want to:

1. Do a project, mostly sewing - my craftiness got some practice in 2012, and I want to focus on sewing more in 2013.  I'd like to tackle at least 1 sewing project each month.  Ideally, some of these projects would involve refashioning items from Goodwill, like Marisa.  Plus, I really need to finish my t-shirt quilt that I started a few years ago.  
2. Work out - Since I am SO not motivated, I think I am going to bribe myself with rewards each month. So, if I meet my goal, I get to schedule a massage that month.  In January, I'm going to workout at least 3 days a week.  I have a new Jillian Michaels DVD, so it's just a 20 minute commitment and a pretty decent workout.  Each month, I will have a new goal to work on.  
3. Tackle a project around the house - I need to make a list of things that need to get done.  I really want to organize and get rid of things we don't need anymore.  I figure if I can manage one each month, that would be pretty good progress!
4. Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week.  I'm so bad at making dinner, and when I try to get motivated, I set unrealistic expectations, and then I fail and then I give up until I get motivated again.  So, instead of 7 days a week, I will try 3 days a week, and then fill in the other days with the "easy" options.  
5. Stick to a clothing budget - I don't think I am too bad, but I just don't keep good track of how much I am spending on clothes each month.  I need to start paying attention!  

My last goal is just for the year:

      6. Read 50 books.  I think this will be an ongoing goal.  I love to read, but without a goal, I tend to get           distracted with other things like TV, or perusing Pinterest.  Reading is a better use of my time!

I'm linking up with Sarah and Andrea today!  Go check out all the other resolutionizers!  I don't have 13 resolutions, but the rules state it is still legal.  

The Overlook

I think these are the only legit outfit photos from our trip.  We got dressed a little bit nicer for dinner one night, and I figured I should pose with the Southwestern decor.  I didn't even notice the kachina behind me!

Earlier that day, we took a walk from the house and ended up here:

These were taken from Overlook Park, which is just right in their neighborhood.  It kind of blows my mind that John's grandparents live less than a mile away from such an amazing view.  I guess it's a pretty popular spot for tourists to stop and take pictures.  John's grandma told me that she ran into a tourist there recently who said "well, now I don't have to go to the Grand Canyon!"  She told him he might still want to give the Grand Canyon a shot.  I mean, the Overlook is beautiful, but it's not quite as epic as the Grand Canyon.

You can hike down to the Rio, which we did back in October 2006.  It was quite a bit cooler in the fall, so we skipped the hike this time, but I would recommend it if you ever go there.

Outfit details:
Cardigan and shirt: Gap
Scarf: H&M
Shorts: J.Crew
Sandals: Carlos Santana

Closet Ultimatum #4 - Purple Skirt

 

This skirt was part of my Gap shopping spree which led to my shopping ban at the beginning of the year.  I was under the influence of my 4 adorable nieces, so I really can't be held responsible for the decisions I was making that day.  I mean, they really wanted me to buy the purple skirt!  What was I supposed to do?  I wore it 4 times between January and April (here, here, here, and here), but haven't worn it since then, which is why it was included in my ultimatum pile.  This outfit is inspired by Pinterest - Striped top, purple skirt, nude heels.  I just wish I had an elephant necklace.

Verdict:  I think it feels a little too short without tights.  I realize it is longer than some of my other skirts, but the flounciness (you know what I mean?) of the skirt makes it feel shorter than my straight skirts.  I think I will keep it, but save it for fall and winter days when I can wear tights.  What do you think?

Top and Skirt: Gap
Shoes: BCBGeneration
Necklace: inPink
Bracelet: from Kenya/gift from a friend

Deep Thoughts on Fro-Yo

A few weeks ago, I went to Red Mango with some co-workers.  It was my first time at one of the new (to Omaha), hip fro-yo places.  I wasn't sure I would like it, because I'm not a big fan of yogurt.  Turns out it was delicious.  Then I convinced John to swing by Peach Wave when we were running errands on a recent Saturday.  Also delicious.

We noticed that Orange Leaf just opened at the mall near our house, so on Tuesday night, we just had to go try it out.  This was my outfit of choice for a date to the fro-yo shop.  Turns out Orange Leaf is a pretty popular hangout spot for suburban teenagers, too.  At first, I thought this was weird, but then I remembered my friends and I used to hang out at Krispy Kreme (since it was open til midnight), so I really shouldn't be judging today's youth for their hangout spots.  I will continue to judge their outfit choices.  Seriously, put some clothes on!

Shirt: Gap
Shorts: American Eagle
Belt: TJ Maxx
Purse: Liz Claiborne (via Goodwill) - modified!
Shoes: Carlos Santana via DSW

Check out these linky parties!

Sporting a Mullet

No, I didn't get a new haircut.  I just got a new skirt!

After months of admiring other bloggers, and searching high and low (get it? high-low!), I've finally found the perfect mullet skirt for me.  I've tried on quite a few options over the past few months, but none were quite right.  Mostly, they were WAY too short in the front.  I mean, scandalously short.  So, I was pretty happy when I happened upon this skirt on the clearance rack at the Limited, and the length was actually reasonable for a taller-than-average classy lady in her mid- late-20s.

Now I just need to think of interesting ways to style this skirt.  What would you wear with it??

Shirt: Gap
Cardigan: Old Navy
Skirt: The Limited
Shoes: Steve Madden via Von Maur