Fashion Friday. . .How-To Perk Up Your Look

It happens to the best of us. . .we are working from home or at home, comfy in our yoga pants.  When we run to the store, we may throw on a pair of jeans and sneakers.

But that look won't work when you are out mixing and mingling and networking for your business.  You can wear jeans most of the time, but you need to kick it up a notch.

So what's a mom to do?

It never fails, when there's a blogger or social media event coming up, I tweet out "what's everyone wearing?". . .it helps me pick something for myself if I get a "feel" for what others are wearing.  If everyone tweets back jeans - I know my dark denim are a go.  If I see some dress or skirt replies. . .I'll probably kick up my own look a little.  Because trust me, you don't want to meet with a potential client and look like you just rolled out of bed or out of the garden.

Let's take some mixing and mingling outfit options:

#1 - Jeans

• make the denim dark and the style modern
• a dressy t-shirt may be fine
• dress them up with a cardi or jacket if you only have plain Ts
• try a bright scarf
• add jewelry
• don't underestimate the power of a good shoe (leave the sneakers for your workout)

#2 - Skirt

• denim is fine - it looks great with boots or a wedge heel
• a print skirt paired with a plain sweater or t will get you a lot of mileage
• not a mini - save those for date night please
• again consider scarves, jewelry, etc

Still struggling for ideas and on a budget? Do you have a stylish friend? She would be FLATTERED if you asked her to come over and help you shop your closet.   Sometimes all it takes is looking at what you have in a new light.

Personally, I lean towards classic pieces in classic cuts.  Which means I fall into a rut a LOT and have to get creative with what I have.  Remember that your goal is to look pulled together and competent, even if you feel like a hot mess on the inside.

What do you do when you need to perk up your look?  Check out All Things Chic for more ideas and inspiration everyday.

catch you soon -

Project Life Week #6

So I am still one week behind on Project Life.  And I think I didn't take many 4x6 pictures for weeks 7 and currently in week 8.  How are you guys handling a lack of pictures? Is that a problem ever?

I am proud of Week 6, because I recorded some good moments in time.

I went back and tried to jazz up the Title Cards for the past weeks too. . .at least adding a number besides the date.

I also figured out how to print my Instagram photos and I just added them to the 3x4 cards.

Because I was behind, I didn't journal on the photos or on labels on the photos. . .I may go back and add that if I get caught up on weeks 7 & 8.

How is your Project Life Status?

catch you soon -

wordless Wednesday. . .

catch you soon -

Book Club. . .Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

These warm winter days hold a promise of spring weather to come.  Whispers of short-sleeves, flip-flops and gardens ride the winds.

My family has had a garden as long as I can remember.  I recall my grandparent's gigantic garden full of everything you can think of: tomatoes, lettuce, chard, onions, carrots, squash cucumbers and more.  They also had raspberries, blackberries, cherry trees and persimmons. They took the state motto, "The Garden State" to heart.

My parents had a smaller-scale garden as well.  With all the usual suspects of a summer New Jersey garden.

There was an orchard nearby where we got apples and cider.  We picked our own strawberries every year.  One year, my dad planted a pumpkin patch.

Then I went away to college and moved to the city.  I grew tomato plants on my balcony.  We moved to a house in the burbs. . .but I didn't feel skilled enough to attempt a "real" garden.  We finally put in a raised bed and I have a large planter for herbs.  But besides lettuce, tomatoes and peppers. . .I haven't experimented too much.  And what I can produce (that the groundhogs don't eat) isn't enough to sustain us.  And that leaves me feeling inferior.  I try to shop at local markets and farm stands - but sometimes, the effort it takes and the cost involved makes it overwhelming.

As part of From Left to Write Book Club,  I read Barbara Kingsolver's Animal Vegetable, Miracle.  And the next step in my route to feeding my family better has been set. 

There are so many things I love about this book, and so many takeaways.  But it also leaves me with a feeling of want. . .wanting to do more, be more.  I love how the book is arranged into months. . .I have to confess, I read February and March first. . .since that is my current season, and I'm moving into garden planning mode.

Speaking of planning. . .I'm going to try sugar snap peas this spring and maybe spinach too, in addition to our tomatoes and peppers.  My herb planter is typically a success, and since this winter has been warm, I am still cutting rosemary.

But first, I'd better go find a book about thwarting groundhogs. . .and dust off the bread machine.

What are your gardening plans this year?

Could you live an entire year eating locally or the food from your garden? Barbara Kingsolver transplanted her family from the deserts of Arizona to the mountains of Virginia for their endeavor. Join From Left to Write on February 21 as we discuss Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. As a member of From Left to Write, I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Fashion Friday. . .a look ahead to spring

today is a beautiful day in the Philly burbs. . .the kind of day that makes you think about spring. . .about bare feet and short sleeves.

The fashion industry has had us thinking spring for a while now - the stores are stocked with images of warm days, free time and lighter clothing.

On a recent shopping trip, I spied a few spring trends I liked. . .color is a biggie.

Take these J. Crew pencil skirts and basic sweater.  They are carrying several colors and prints that mix and match - but they are built on the same shape.  Add a few accessories - and you've got several outfits with only a few pieces.  AND. . .if you stock up on basics (jeans, black skirt, black pants, white shirt, etc.) you can stretch these pieces even further.

I LOVED this Ralph Lauren dress I saw at Lord and Taylor.  It could even work going into spring with brown tights and boots, booties or closed up shoes.

And then John found the perfect shoes at J. Crew - and instant spring!

Coral and Brown is a great fresh color combination.  Be sure to put the color that flatters you best near your face.

Talbot's had some striking Kelly Green and Cobalt Blue pieces if you are feeling brave.  And Coldwater Creek had some gorgeous muted shades for spring.

What spring trends are you liking so far? Check out All Things Chic for some great ideas!

catch you soon -

Project Life 2012 - Week #5

So this update should include Week #6 too. . .but I've fallen a week behind.

Here's the thing I've learned about falling behind. . .it's hard to catch back up.  For me, once that momentum is lost. . .I might just give up.  And I love this project too much to give up. . .so I'm plugging along.

Here is Week #5 - I did much better in the journaling/storytelling aspect.  I also tucked in some great ephemera - like Owen's drawings and notes that John wrote to the boys.

I realized that I need to get decorative labels or journaling spots to add right on top of my photos.

This week I did NOT include a list of what we did each day. . .I forgot. . .and I think it's okay if I have more to say about what we did.

I have many OCD and Type-A tendencies. . .I am trying to just be free and creative with this project. . .let it take on a life of it's own.

I think I'm growing with the process each week. . .right now keeping up is my biggest struggle.

How are you finding yourself 6 weeks into the project? If you haven't started, it's not too late - start today!

catch you soon -

wordless wednesday. . .

a quick and easy (AND edible) Valentine's decoration.

to make flags:  Get a lollipop stick, tie festive ribbon at the top, glue on a gem.

catch you soon -