Back to Reality

 

The first few days at work after a vacation are rough.  It's been such a busy week, just trying to get caught up on everything I missed, and on top of that, we are having some internal training this week, so I'm in meetings most of the day.  Trouble.  I'm tempted to go back to the mountains where the internet doesn't work.

I'm hoping to find time this weekend to sort through my vacation pictures so I can share them with you. Warning - Glacier National Park is sort of beautiful, so you might want to go there!

Top, Cardigan, Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Michelle D

Plaid Shirt Remix

 

Happy Monday!  I got home late last night from a pretty epic best friend weekend in Arizona, so I will be sorting pictures and posting more about that later this week.  For now, a little remix to kick off the week!

This picture reminded me that I have been neglecting my plaid shirt for a few months!  I specifically thought I would wear it frequently throughout the winter, because it has so many colors that I could pretty much throw any cardigan over it and look put together.   

I'm also learning that a statement necklace doesn't make a very loud statement if it is the same color as my skin.   Be honest, did you even notice that I am wearing a necklace in these pictures? 

If my archive searching is correct, this is only the 5th time I've worn this shirt.   Disgraceful, but still enough for a remix collage!  

1/2/3/4

Plaid Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Cardigan: Gap
Necklace: H&M
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Michelle D via Dillard's

I'm also linking up with AJ for her weekly remix!  You should do the same!

Third Quarter Reflection

Where did Jul-Sep go?  I can't believe it is already time to review my goals.  My instinct tells me I am not doing very well, but let's have a look:

1. Be more active!  Um....pass?  Jul-Sep was not awesome for motivation.  I mostly blame my own laziness, but it was also ridiculously hot outside for most of the summer and we were traveling more than usual.  John and I played tennis a few times, but I have not had a consistent routine at all.  I have a coupon for 30 days at Curves, so I am starting that this week.  I've never been to a Curves, so I hope it's a good gym for me! 
2. Be a More Discerning Shopper.  This is so subjective, but I think I am doing better.  I have been trying harder to have list in mind of things I want to add to my wardrobe instead of just buying whatever is cute and on sale.  Just this past weekend, I had an armload of clearance dresses from Banana Republic that I was going to try on, because they were like $15 each!  Then I thought about it, and realized they were all summer dresses that wouldn't transition into fall/winter very well.  And I wasn't sure I would like any of them next summer, so I put them back without even taking the time to try on.  That's progress, my friends!
3. Be a better wife!  Mostly in the realm of dinner preparation.  I haven't been keeping track of this, but I think I am doing better.  I should really have a measurable goal for this.  I'll have to think about that and determine one. 
4. Be more creative!   The beginning of July was a good time for creativity.  I made the July 4th tank top, and fixed up my purse from Goodwill.   I also recently painted my front door, which is kind of creative, right?  I'm also re-decorating the hall bathroom, and am halfway through attempting this project.     
5.  Read 50 books in 2012.  It was a good quarter for reading, at least!  I read 17 books in Jul-Sep and am now at 40 for the year, which puts me 3 books ahead of schedule.   I was worried I wouldn't be able to hit my goal on this, but I feel like I am on track now.  Just have to read 10 books in the next 3 months - shouldn't be a problem!


Top: J. Crew
Cardigan: Gap
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Michelle D via Dillard's

To Cardi or Not to Cardi

I started off the day wearing this blue cardigan.  Then I remembered how warm my office gets in the afternoon and I had to shed the extra layer. 

So, what do you think?  Is this outfit better with or without the cardigan?

Dress: Gap
Cardigan: Loft
Belt: Limited
Shoes: Michelle D via Dillard's
Necklace: inPink

Swapping Baubles

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I signed up for a couple blogger swaps recently.  For Shanna's Bauble Swap, I was paired up with the lovely Terri.  It was so fun to read through her blog and get ideas of what she might like.  And of course, I loved it when a box came in the mail with a new piece of jewelry for me!

extreme close up!

 
Terri did a great job picking out this green necklace for me!  I love the bright color, and the multiple strands of beads make it more of a statement piece.  I will definitely be wearing this on a regular basis!

Thanks to Shanna for hosting, and to Terri for the cute necklace!  Head on over to Terri's blog to see what I picked out for her!

Here's a close up on my shoes, since this is their first time on the blog!   I got these when my sister was visiting (big surprise), from the Dillard's clearance rack.  I love my gray boots and gray flats so much that it just seemed like a good idea to get some gray peep-toe wedges! 

Dress: Gap
Shoes: Michelle D (from Dillard's)