Friday, December 20, 2013

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Sweater: Target; Necklace: Vintage; Bracelets: Ralph Lauren; Belt: Ralph Lauren; Jeans: Lucky; Boots: Vintage Lucchese

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Sweater: Sophia Milano; Necklace: J Crew; Belt: Nine West, Jeans: Lucky; Boots: Ugg

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Sweater: Gap; Camisole: Target; Jeans: Lucky; Necklaces (top to bottom): vintage, Megan Goldkamp; Ring: antique; Belt: Nine West; Boots: Ugg

Monday, December 16, 2013

Sweater: Dana Buchman; Jeans: Lucky; Scarf: Frank Lloyd Wright Collection; Belt: Ralph Lauren; Boot Cuffs: made by me; Boots: White Mountain

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Had to get dressed for the christmas party for Hubby's Gram at the old folks home.  It was great...  A lady in lame singing christmas songs complete with the history of each song!  (I won't even talk about what she did during "Santa Baby"...)

Well, Babygirl and Gram loved it anyway...  Not my cup of tea, but Gram was thrilled that so many of us showed up (Hubby and I were really surprised at the lack of other families there) so it was worth sitting through. :) 

Sweater: Ralph Lauren; Jeans: Pepe; Earrings: pearl studs; Bracelets (top to bottom): made by me, J Crew; Ring: antique; Belt: Nine West; Boots: Ugg

Friday, Decmber 13, 2013: Radiant Orchid

Sweater: Old Navy; Necklaces (top to bottom): my own design, Megan Goldkamp; Jeans: Lucky; Boots: Ugg

I love this color.  I bought this sweater a couple of weeks ago at the Old Navy outlet for about $20.  Mostly I bought it because I loved the color and it is big and comfy.  Big plans to wear it with leggings on days I don't leave the house.

Anyway, I really love that Pantone has declared radiant orchid the color of the year.  It is a beautiful color, and a nice pop of color for just about anything. 

This room is one of my favorite examples using the color I have seen yet.  I just love the way the color pops against the white trim.  I would definitely do this if my house had more character.  Alas, it does not.  Maybe next house.

I actually almost did my front room in purple when I re-did it three years ago.  I use a lot of neutrals, but like to have some color in each room.  The carpet is neutral, so I wasn't replacing it, but the walls got painted a pale greige (it is actually the background for most of my outfit pictures) and I have teal drapes and teal throw pillows with gold accents.  I have been looking for some pink throw pillows to punch it up (my house is always a work in progress--it never stops!) but haven't found anything I'm willing to live with.  Anyway, the drapes are what decided to go with the teal over the purple.  I just thought the purple would be too formal for my house.  Definitely want to have a purple room in the next house though, and all the great radiant orchid pictures I am seeing lately are helping to inspire me!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013: Baby its Cold Outside!

Its been really cold lately here in the Southeastern corner of Wisconsin.  I guess we have broke some records for getting cold this early in winter.  It was -11 the other night when I went to bed, and Hubby said it was even colder when he checked later!

All this means staying in when possible (it hasn't been lately) and dressing warm when you have to go out.  Since daytime temperatures have been in the mid teens, I haven't broke out the long underwear yet, but I did make Babygirl wear tights under her jeans today when we headed out to the grocery store...

Ratty Old Warm Sweater: Pure Cashmere; Jeans: Lucky; Belt: Nine West; Hat: Filippo Catarzi; Keeping My Toes Warm: Ugg Boots

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Sweater: Maggie by Magaschoni; Scarf: Oscar de la Renta; Bracelet: Pandora; Jeans: Lucky; Belt: Nine West; Shoes: Ugg

Monday, December 9, 2013

Sweater: Lands End; Bracelet: made by me; Jeans: Lucky; Belt: Nine West; Boots: Ugg

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Sweater: Mercer & Madison; Necklace: Target; Jeans: Lucky; Belt: Ralph Lauren; Boots: Croft & Barrow

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Cardigan: Gap; Camisole: Target; Necklaces (top to bottom): my own design, Megan Goldkamp; Jeans: Lucky; Belt: Nine West; Boots: Ugg

Monday, December 2, 2013

Top: Kenar; Tank Top: Gap; Necklace: Megan Goldkamp; Bracelets: souvenirs of Florence, Italy; Jeans: Lucky; Belt: Nine West; Boots: Ugg

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Sweater: Banana Republic; Bracelet: made by me; Jeans: Lucky; Belt: Ralph Lauren; Boots: Croft & Barrow

Thursday, November 28, 2013: Happy Thanksgiving

I am thankful for my family, friends, all the wondrous things in my life, and that my husband loves to cook!

Sweater: Paul James; Necklace: antique; Jeans: Lucky; Shoes: Indian shoes (I've had them so long I don't remember where they came from anymore!)

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Sweater: Mercer & Madison; Scarf: Hubby brought back from a business trip to China; Jeans: Lucky; Belt: Nine West; Boots: Ugg

Monday, November 25, 2013: Grief, and Thanksgiving Prep

Grief is a funny thing.  There are things you don't think will bother you that make you fall apart after you lose someone.  It was my Aunt's (who Babygirl is named for) birthday Friday.  She would have been 60, but unfortunately we lost her due to multiple systems atrophy this February.  This is the first birthday she has missed, and I didn't think it was going to affect me so much.  My whole family has had several months to morn at this point, but...

When she passed away, my Uncle (her husband) described grief as being "like nausea: sudden and overpowering."  I remember thinking at the time that for me it is more like a poorly secured load of bricks: every once in a while one falls off and hits you.  It is different for everyone.  I still frequently think of my Aunt and then think that she will never be able to do this or that again, and it does make me sad.  She will never go down to Chinatown for dim sum with us again.  She will never visit another art exhibit with us again.  She will never enjoy the company of her beloved dogs again.  It helps immensely to remember how much she suffered in the end and to remind myself that she is in a better place.  But it is still difficult.  We all would have liked her to be here to celebrate her milestone birthday, but we are also happy that she no longer suffers.  We want her back, but as she was before the disease caused her such misery.  We want back the wonderful person, to celebrate with her, but we don't want her suffering.  It is one of those paradoxes that we cannot overcome.  We just must hope that when we meet her again, she is once again the beautiful happy, active, wonderful person we knew before she was afflicted.

Life must go on for the rest of us.


It turned quite cold this weekend, and snowed today.  Hubby and I are hosting Thanksgiving dinner for a select group, and dessert for several more and we had yet to buy a turkey.  I did finally decide on the menu Thursday night: turkey, cornbread and prosciutto stuffing, cranberry orange quinoa salad, sweet potato casserole, brussels sprouts, carrots, mashed potatoes, green salad, wheat bread with honey butter, and a cheese plate for and appetizer, and possibly a pumpkin dessert.

My Mom always used to do Thanksgiving until my parents bought a winter house in Florida a few years ago.  She cooked for her side of the family, and being one of nine children it was a lot of food, even though several people no longer live in this area.  I miss the big gathering and my Mom's food.  She was the one that started making the cornbread and prosciutto stuffing.  Mine just isn't as good as hers, but I keep trying...

We finally managed to get to the grocery store Sunday, and got a lot of the needed items that could be bought that far ahead.  I'll go back tomorrow or Wednesday to get salad greens, herbs and some other veggies (and forgotten items.)

We also (finally!) managed to get the patio items put away in the 19 degree weather.  I guess we shouldn't put it off because the weather seems unseasonably nice.  Oh well.

This promises to be a short but busy week.  It should help me get back into my normal self (whoever that may be this week...)

 Sunday's Outfit

Sweater: Grace Cashmere
Jeans: Lucky
Belt: Nine West
Boots: Ugg (keeping the toes warm at 19 degrees!)
Bracelet: Simply Vera

  Today's Outfit

Sweater: Susan Bristol
Belt: Nine West
Jeans: Lucky
Boots: Ugg
Necklace: my own design
Bracelets (top to bottom): made by me; Banana Republic

Thursday, November 21, 2013: A trip to the jeweler

Received word last week that my favorite jeweler (who designed my engagement and wedding rings) was retiring.  Obviously this makes me very sad, because he is a wonderful artist, and every woman should be allowed to own at least one of his fabulous pieces.  While I am privileged enough to have two of his wonderful works of art on my hand, clearly I do not own enough of his beautiful jewelry.  (I was hoping to talk Hubby in to an anniversary band next year for our five year anniversary.)

His store is over an hour away from my house, so it is a trip to even get up there, but I finally made time, and today Babygirl and I trekked north to the jewelery store.  As of today, the sale has been opened up to the public, not just to previous customers, so I wasn't too hopeful, but wanted to find something for my Christmas present from Hubby (it is not unusual in our house for us to select our own presents--we are both difficult to buy for.) 

When I arrived there was still quite a bit of stuff left, including a gorgeous sapphire ring that I loved right away, but immediately decided was too expensive (nearly $6000!)  I looked around for a bit, but wasn't falling in love with anything I deemed reasonable.  The jeweler came back in and right away, he picked out the sapphire ring for me!  (Apparently he just finished it yesterday.)  Even though he offered to give me an additional discount, and I tried it on (of course it fit perfectly!) it was just too much.  He showed me another project he was working on--an anniversary band for someone else--and told me I needed an anniversary band!  I told him that I was hoping Hubby would get me one next year, but that I couldn't get one from him because he was retiring and wouldn't be able to add the stones for me...  Turns out he is semi-retiring.  He has decided that the store has gotten to be too much, but will still be doing select work for people who have done custom orders in the past!  Way to make my day!  So I will be getting my anniversary band for Christmas.  I did decide to start with five stones, even though it won't be five years until next August, because things look much better with odd numbers, or as the jeweler put it "you have a focal point."  I'll likely add to it every two years (as opposed to yearly) for the same reason.  The jeweler says it will take 20-25 years before it is done.  Let us hope that the remaining years are as happy as the first ones!

Sweater: The Limited; Jeans: Lucky; Bracelet: Banana Republic; Belt: Nine West; Boots: Ugg

Tuesday, November 20, 2013

Top: Kenar; Jeans: Lucky; Boot Toppers: made by me; Necklace: my own design; Bracelet: made by me; Boots: White Mountain

All additional dog hair based accessories courtesy of Max (partially pictured at left).

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Top: Eddie Bauer; Sweater: Banana Republic; Jeans: Lucky; Necklace: Target; Bracelet: my own; Belt: Nine West; Boots: Ugg

Monday, November 18, 2013

Sweater: Polo; Jeans: Lucky; Scarf: Lucky; Bracelet: naptime project; Belt: Nine West; Boots: Ugg

Saturday, November 16, 2013: Shopping with BFF

Left Babygirl and Hubby alone Saturday night so my BFF and I could go shopping.  I don't leave them too much, I enjoy spending time with my family, but every once in a while I need some time away!  (I think anyone can probably relate, especially if they are a stay at home mom!)

I don't know why I worry about leaving them; they had a great time!  Hubby (who is an excellent cook) made fish sandwiches for dinner--Babygirl LOVES fish and they had a great time making homemade pretzels.

We didn't buy much, but BFF and I had a great time in spite of the pouring rain!  We did have quite the storm system rip through here this weekend, but nothing as bad as what the same system caused south of us in Illinois and Indiana.  My heart goes out to all of those who lost homes and loved ones.  The worst I have seen around here are down trees, and one of my parents' neighbors had a tree land squarely down the center of their truck.  We did have the tornado sirens go off Sunday due to "rotation" but we were very fortunate around here--no loss of life or homes that I have heard. 

Sweater: Simply Cashmere; Camisole: Target; Jeans: Lucky; Purse: Coach; Belt: Nine West; Boot Toppers: Knitting Pattern Inspired by Homespun Living; Boots: White Mountain; Necklaces (top to bottom): my own design, Megan Goldkamp; Bracelets (top to bottom): pintrest inspired (see previous post), Banana Republic

Friday, November 15, 2013: Family Pictures and Naptime Projects

I did us all (well most of us anyway, holy unflattering wrinkles!) a favor today and took pictures with an ACTUAL CAMERA today instead of my phone!  I probabaly should do this more often!

We are going to have family pictures taken tonight, and I hope it doesn't turn out to be a mistake to have scheduled them in the evening instead of the weekend morning.  I usually try to schedule Babygirl's pictures earlier in the day in case she doesn't nap well, and so I don't have to worry about her being cranky because she is hungry.  A cranky toddler does not make for good pictures!

I haven't had any updates the last few days because Babygirl and I have been homebodies, so I've been living in leggings and oversize sweaters.  This does mean that I have had time for some nap time projects, and the house is a bit cleaner than normal! 

I am working on knitting a pair of cabled boot toppers in an ivory worsted wool based on a design from homespun living I found on pintrest.  Mine will be a bit different, because I think the original pattern has too much rib, but thus far I am pleased with how they are turning out and excited about learning to knit cabling!  Suddenly I am aspiring to knit Irish fisherman sweaters, which I have always loved.  At this point I am pretty certain they are beyond my skills and paitence, but maybe some day...  For now I will continue to content myself will small projects suited to my beginner skills.

The shorter project was a wrap bracelet based on a tutorial (also found on pintrest--who doesn't love pintrest!?)  The tutorial was not the best, no actual instructions, just pictures, but the bracelet turned out ok.  It should probably have three wraps instead of two, and it is very likely I am going to take it apart and make it with three wraps and use a different technique, but it turned out well for a first attempt.

The beads are some fancy jasper I found in my bead stash, and I had all the other materials around! I used a large bead instead of the usual button closure (which I'm not sure I like, but I do like the added sparkle.)  As I said, I'll probably take it apart and re-do it now that I have learned from it, but I'll wear it some before I get around to buying more beads to add to it!  I also have some pearls I am going to turn into another bracelet, but I'll need to buy (or find) more leather cord before I can start on that one!





Today's Outfit:
Sweater: Evelyn Grace Cashmere; Jeans: Lucky; Belt: Nine West; Bracelets (top to bottom): Banana Republic, J Crew; Shoes: Coach.
I'll probably change the shoes to a pair of ballet flats for the pictures, but these are comfy for running around.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013: Happy Birthday Mooey!

First off, a very happy birthday to our favorite Mooey!  I can't believe that you are eight already, it seems like just yesterday that Daddy adopted a little (and very sickly) puppy, and you have grown into our big, handsome, loving Max!  I am so grateful to have you in our lives.  We all love you very much!

The weather here has turned very quickly!  We had quite mild weather until not very long ago, but it is definitely time to start dragging out the winter clothes in earnest!  The calendar may say autumn, but the thermometer says winter...

I'll be wearing more layers and more of my chunky wool and cashmere sweaters from now on.  I am certain boots will be a near permanent fixture for the next few months as well!  I promise not to start dragging out the long underwear quite yet though!  (Don't laugh, I'm serious.  How do you think I manage to stay warm through Wisconsin winters??)

Sweater: Italtempo; Jeans: Lucky; Bracelet: Banana Republic; Belt: Nine West; Boots: Ugg

Monday, November 11, 2013: First Snow (Freezing Toes)

We have our first snowfall today!  It isn't much, probably less than an inch, but it makes everything look so pretty, and no one is sick of it yet!

I didn't think it was supposed to change over to snow until a couple hours later than it actually changed, and even then, I didn't expect it to stick for a while, so I ended up with freezing toes!  I wore my new rain boots (from Marshalls $70) which are great for the rain and slush I was expecting, but if you want to wear rubber boots in the snow you should probably wear boot liners (which I don't even own) or at least wool socks (got plenty of those, but did I wear them??)  These boots are Uggs, so they do have the wool in the foot, but only on the bottom.  It could have been worse--my feet could have been cold and wet!  Anyway now that I'm home, a cup of tea and some better socks should fix my frozen toes, and tomorrow hopefully the weather will be as expected and my footwear will be practical for the day!

Sweater: Ralph Lauren; Jeans: Lucky; Boots: Ugg

Monday, November 4, 2013

Sweater: Target; Jeans: Lucky; Necklace: my own design; Boots: White Mountain

Friday, November 1, 2013

Sweater: Gap; Camisole: Target; Jeans: Lucky; Legwarmers: my own design; Necklace: my own design; Rings (right hand): TJ Maxx (sapphires), the other two (gold and gold with diamonds) are antique; Belt: Nine West; Boots: Ugg

Thursday, October 31, 2013: Happy Halloween!

First off, my sincere apologies for the crappiness of this picture.  Being that it was pouring rain pretty much all day, the light was really bad, plus Moose just wouldn't stay out of the pictures!  The sweater is a dark green, and the jeans aren't quite a light of a wash as they appear; really they are just old, and they are getting too big.  Hubby keeps telling me to pitch them because they don't fit anymore, but I'm guessing the toddler-chasing weight loss is temporary.  If the weight isn't back after the holidays I'll consider pitching them.

So, the rain...  It poured rain pretty much all day.  And yes, trick or treating was today in our neighborhood.  Every kid that showed up at my door got at least two pieces of candy; if you had a really awesome costume and Babygirl was helping hand out candy, you might have got five pieces of candy at our house.  And we give out good candy.  Given the rain we got a fraction of our normal trick or treaters.  I was expecting to run out of candy and we have a whole pumpkin full of candy left. 

Babygirl was an awesome Holly Golightly, although most people thought she was a princess...  The people that got it thought it was awesome.  And a two year old sounds incredibly cute trying to pronounce "Holly Golightly"!  Hubby left work early and managed to take her around a block between cloudbursts.  She had a GREAT time and came home with her bag full of candy.  I guess I wasn't the only one giving out extra this year.  She also refused to wear a coat (good thing it was warmer than your average Wisconsin Halloween!) and splashed in every puddle she came across.  I guess Holly Golightly should have worn her "puddle boots"; she came back soaked.


On Mommy
Sweater: Maggie by Magaschoni; Jeans: Lucky; Earrings: World Market; Necklace: vintage; Belt: Nine West; NO SHOES!! :)

On Babygirl
Dress (turned inside out): vintage Gymboree; Tiara: Hobby Lobby; Glasses: Gymboree; Necklace: vintage; Brooch (on necklace): vintage; Gloves: amazon.com; Tights: TJ Maxx; Shoes: Unlisted; Treat Bag: TJ Maxx

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Sweater: Tahari; Camisole: Old Navy; Jeans: Lucky; Necklaces (top to bottom): my own design; antique lavalier; Rings (right hand): TJ Maxx (sapphires), the other two (gold and gold with diamonds) are antique; Belt: Nine West; Shoes: Sofft

Monday, October 28, 2013

Sweater: Tweeds; Jeans: Lucky; Necklace: antique; Belt: Nine West; Shoes: Nine West

Friday, September 27, 2013

Shirt: Gap; Cardigan: Gap; Jeans: Lucky; Scarf: Echo; Necklace (worn as bracelet): my own design; Shoes: Bandolino

Saturday, October 26, 2013: Trick or Treating

Today was trick or treating day for the local businesses; it doesn't happen in our neighborhood until Thursday.  Hubby and I like to take Babygirl to the business trick or treating because we have a dog who would go crazy if we left him home alone during trick or treating in our neighborhood, so we can't really take Babygirl in the neighborhood unless Hubby could get home early enough that she could go before her nap.  Given how busy he has been at work this does not seem likely this year.  That may seem like Babygirl is getting the short end of the stick, but she really loved putting on her costume and helping to hand out candy last year.  Added Bonus: she gets to show off her costume without wearing a coat over it OR freezing her butt off!

Sweater: Sophia Milano; Jeans: Lucky; Necklaces (top to bottom): my own design; Megan Goldkamp; Belt: Ralph Lauren; Boots: White Mountain

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Ugh.  Spent WAY too much money at the grocery store today.  I should not go shopping if I am even just a little bit hungry...

No idea what I am going to do with those key limes, maybe I can get motivated and make a pie this weekend?

Big plans to not leave the house tomorrow!

Sweater: Land's End; Jeans: Lucky; Necklace: Megan Goldkamp; Boots: Ugg

Wednesday, October 23, 2013: Long Delayed Pictures for Babygirl

FINALLY took Babygirl in for her two year old pictures today...  She is a February baby, so she is past 2 1/2 at this point, but we just hadn't gotten to it yet.

I feel really bad, because my MIL has been bugging me for them forever, but I just hadn't dealt with it for a couple of reasons.  The first reason is that my Aunt that Babygirl is named after passed away two days after Babygirl's second birthday after a battle with what was believed to be Parkinson's Disease at that time.  (The diagnosis has since been changed to Multiple Systems Atrophy.)  While it is a blessing that my Aunt no longer suffers, the whole family has been distressed at the loss of such a wonderful, caring, selfless person.  I hope my daughter grows up to be half the person her Great Aunt was.

Also, I have not really been happy with any of the pictures I have had professionally taken of her; she is very photogenic, yet their pictures typically seem not to capture "her".  For another thing, I am not a framed pictures person.  I can probably count on one hand the number of framed family pictures in the house.  It just isn't my thing.  I am more into digital images which I can display on my computer, digital frame, and make into printed books (of which I have several in the living room) and most of these places want a small fortune for the pictures cd, especially if you don't buy any prints.

That being said, I saw a groupon a few months ago for Picture People that included a high resolution cd for $75.  Having heard good things about Picture People, I figured it was worth a try, even though the closest location is about an hour away.  I must say that I was pleased enough with the pictures to even order some prints!  Which is really surprising considering Babygirl decided to be a total grumpy brat!  The photographer was great, really patient, and worked really hard to get some pleasant looks out of Babygirl.  I will be returning to Picture People in the future, even at double the price, however, I will not order prints from them in the future as I was not really thrilled with the quality of the paper they use (I know, I'm way to picky for my own good!)

Sweater: Autumn Cashmere; Jeans: Lucky; Necklace: Megan Goldkamp; Bracelet: Banana Republic; Belt: Nine West; Shoes: Cole Haan

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Top: Ann Taylor; Sweater: The Limited; Jeans: Lucky; Necklaces (from top): my own design, Megan Goldkamp; Belt: H&M; Boots: Ugg

Monday, October 21, 2013: Cold Weather Knitting

Sweater: Evelyn Grace Cashmere; Jeans: Lucky; Belt: Nine West; Boots: Ugg; Necklace: Megan Goldkamp; Necklace (worn as bracelet): my own design

New knitting!  I made Babygirl and I matching fingerless gloves!

They are nice now that the weather is getting colder, and Babygirl can almost put them on by herself!  Plus, she thinks they are nifty so she actually wants to wear them!

Sunday, October 20, 2013: Happy BIrthday to Me!

Today is my birthday!  On a similar note, I am no longer getting older, just wiser...  (This has been the case for several years now.)

Hubby and Babygirl took me out for brunch and we had a lovely walk in a local lakeside resort town.  We got home to find that my brother and his girlfriend had just pulled up to visit!  Overall, it was a lovely day, but we did all eat too much at brunch!

These are my new boots (happy birthday!)  I chose the Brooks from Ugg.  Uggs may not be the best looking boots out there (but they are working on the styling), but they are the only boots I have found that keep my feet warm through our Wisconsin winters, so I am sold!  The Brooks are better looking than my old ones (the traditional suede tall boots), and I am sure I will get many years out of them as well.

Sweater: Gap; Camisole: Target; Jeans: Lucky; Necklace: TJ Maxx; Boots: Ugg

Friday, October 18, 2013: Trip to the Aquarium

Hubby took the day off today so we could take Babygirl down to the "Big Fishy House" (a.k.a. the Shedd Aquarium) in Chicago.  Babygirl loves fish, so she thought it was loads of fun!  Neither Hubby nor I had been there in 15+ years, so we all  had a great time!

This was Babygirl's first big trip away from home in big girl underwear, so I must admit I was quite apprehensive, but all went well!  Hooray for (hopefully) no more pull-ups!

On Babygirl
Shirt: Gymboree; Sweater: Gymboree; Jeans: Levis; Boots: Igor
A side note, decent looking rain boots are rather difficult to find in toddler sizes, so I was thrilled to find these on My Habit about a month ago when Babygirl was insisting that she needed "puddle boots."

On Me
Shirt: Josephine Chaus; Cardigan: Banana Republic; Jeans: Lucky; Necklace: Megan Goldkamp; Bag: Kate Spade; Bracelets (top to bottom): Banana Republic, J Crew; Boots: White Mountain

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Lots of running around today to get all of the things I didn't get done earlier in the week due to the insanity of this week.  BIG PLANS to stay home tomorrow and let Babygirl have a day to not be crazy!  Oh, and uncover the laundry room from the mound of laundry...

This is another sweater that I have had for several years.  It is so warm and cozy; like wearing a cashmere blanket!

Sweater: A. Giannetti; Shirt: Gap; Jeans: Lucky; Necklace: J Crew; Belt: Ralph Lauren; Boots: White Mountain

Tuesday, October 15th, 2013

Daytime outfit: story time with Babygirl, Lunch with MIL and GG, and assorted running around.  I have owned this sweater for a while, and it is one of my favorites.  It is just such a lovely soft cashmere, comfortable and warm.  My parents gave it to me for my birthday several years ago, and it gets worn quite frequently in cooler weather. 

Sweater: Daniel Bishop; Jeans: Pepe; Boots: White Mountain; Necklace (worn as bracelet): my own design





















This was the outfit I wore to attend the wake of the Deacon who performed our marriage ceremony and conducted the ceremony during which Babygirl was baptized, he was also a long time friend of Hubby's family.  I just felt that my outfit from earlier was a bit too casual for the service I was attending.  With a little more forethought and better weather I probably would have chosen different footwear as well...

The wake included a wonderful ceremony with thought and humor that Deacon would have enjoyed.  It even included a mention of the pink (!) sport coat that he wore to our wedding reception...  Needless to say for someone so well liked and  involved in the community, it was very well attended.

If Hubby were here instead of traveling for work (he was very upset not to be able to attend) we would probably attend the funeral mass tomorrow as well.  Given the busyness of this week, I think Babygirl and I will likely not attend. 

Deacon is fondly remembered and sadly missed by many.

Dress: Cynthia Rowley; Boots: White Mountain; Necklace (worn as bracelet): my own design

Monday, October 14, 2013

Jacket: Cinzia Picci (bought in Italy several years ago); Sweater: J Crew; Jeans: Lucky; Scarf: Echo; Boots: Vintage Lucchese (from the late 70s or early 80s: I bought them as old new stock from a store I used to work at when I was going to school); Belt: Ralph Lauren; Bracelets (top to bottom): Kate Spade, Target

It is going to be another long week.  We are finishing up moving Hubby's Gram to assisted living (although MIL corrects anyone who calls it assisted living--"its a senior community".)  Hence the lacking outfits from last week; I didn't really think you wanted to see my grubby packing clothes!  Gram's new apartment is beautiful with a great view of the forest preserve, and in my opinion, much nicer than her old apartment.  It does mean she is further from everyone, but only about 10-15 minutes further. 

As if that isn't depressing enough, we received the sad news last week that the Deacon who married Hubby and I and preformed the ceremony during which Babygirl was baptized (and has been a long time friend of Hubby's family) passed away suddenly due to an accident last week.  Hubby is traveling for work this week, and the services are mid week, so looks like Babygirl and I will be heading to this one without him.  Hubby was quite upset to find out that he was not going to be able to make any of the services.

On a happier note, we have plans to take Babygirl to Chicago to the Shedd Aquarium (she loves fishies!) on Friday.  We were going to take the train down because Babygirl is also currently a bit train obsessed, but I don't think the train is going to work out for us time-wise, so we will likely be driving down.

Hopefully we will also get a chance to stop at the Ugg store down there so I can replace my sorry looking pair (happy birthday me!)  I was trying to figure out how old my Uggs are the other day, and I'm pretty sure they are seven or eight years old!  I have the traditional suede ones, which I personally do not find very attractive, but they are one of the few pairs of boots that actually keep my feet warm throughout the winter here!  This time around the styles have gotten better looking; I think I want one of the smooth leather styles.  I'm sure there will be pictures in the near future!