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