Family Ties

Top: Marshalls Clearance, Skirt: So old I don't remember,  Shoes: Marshalls oldies,
Jewelry: Pearls- Nordstrom Rack, beads-Stella & Dot

Some of my mother's family came in to town today. I met them as a child, but today their stories were so much more interesting. I love to hear old family stories, to listen to the history of what brought us to where we are today. To hear about the personality traits that have been passed down for years. I listened to them talk about when they were kids and the silly things that the "uncles" would do and how the aunts were always annoyed. At one point I looked over at my 94 year old grandfather and almost cried. His face aged and the sparkle out of his eye today, no spunky combacks like in the past. I wondered to myself, am I at the point when I have to face the fact that he is not going to live forever? I think I put myself in denial because he has always been here and I just don't know what it will be like without him. I am glad for days like today. When I left, I kissed him on the cheek and accepted the fact that I may not get many more.

Birthdays, Sparklers and Blessings

Don't you just love these sparkler candles? SO fun!

Top: Old Navy, Shorts: Banana Republic, Owl Necklace: Vintage

I'm really not old..hee hee, but I do have a 16 year old today! I started really early! :) My Kyle is a sweetie. He has always been a self entertainer and a pleaser. A bit on the lazy side, but who's complaining!! This kid is never in trouble at school, and actually turns in most of his work! Best of all he is kind. He cares about people and I couldn't be more proud of that! I think back to when I had him and how much time has flown by. It brings tears to my eyes. His father and I divorced when he was 5. For a while it was just he, Leanna and I. Living as a single mom for those years taught me so much. Some of my hardest and sweetest days were spent in that small bungalow apartment. But my Kyle was always there with a hug and a smile when I needed it. God has blessed me, and I am so thankful!

Obsessed

Obsessed by cathykhayes featuring pearl jewelry

Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

Awkward:

• My moves/facial expressions in these pics. Explaination: my 9 year old said "work it" and it was all over! 
• The looks I got at lunch from the people who clearly thought I had no control over my two toddlers. Have they never had small children? Bad parenting is NOT the problem..its the toddlers!
• My husband accidently sharing a link that I "like" Captian Morgan to my facebook page not realizing I was logged in. Me worried that all my "friends" think I am an alcoholic. 

Awesome:

• This new dress from m. marie boutique! Check out Megan she is amazing and her boutique ROCKS! 
• The fact that through a random tweet I sent, Richard Laermer skyped in to the PR 101 seminar that I was giving yesterday! It was AMAZING!!! 
• E.L. Fudge cookies
• When my toddlers grab my face and kiss me. Even though they don't behave in public, these moments make up for it
• My "venting" run with Angela this morning! 

Real Friends Thrift For You!

Tank: Banana Republic, Top: Nordstrom Rack, Jeans: Old Navy, Jewelry: Stella & Dot, Shoes: THRIFTED! 

Nordstrom Rack, bought it for the back! I am obsessed with shirts with detailed backs!

Stuart Weitzman, Thrifted for me by my amazing friend,  $12.00!!!!

When my dear friend Trisha texted me Saturday about a pair of unworn Stuart Weitzman pumps she found in MY size for $12.00, I KNEW she loved me! Want to show your love? Thrift for a friend! I was so excied that I had to wear them today. I thought to myself, WHO would donate these to Goodwill??? WOW! I had to be comfortable today, so I knew my new to me shoes would jazz up my look. Apparantly so did Trisha!

Happiness and New Blog Header

Top: Esley, Hattie's Branches, Jeans: Old Navy, Shoes: Nine West,  Jewelry: Stella & Dot

Don't you just love the ruffles? So girly and fun!

Woo Whoo it's the weekend! I am a day ahead with photos so I am sitting in my workout gear and posting what I wore yesterday! FUN! I would like to give a shout out to Christina with Creative Freedom Design Company for my new blog header! She made a few and emailed them to me. I am so excited to change them up! They are all great!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

Top: BCBG, Nordstrom Rack, Shorts: Banana Republic, Shoes: BCBG, Watch: Michele, Jewelry, Stella & Dot

My favorite part of this top, the back! I just love the romantic lines and how the fabric flows! 

I was thrilled to make a pit stop into one of my favorite shopping destinations, Nordstrom Rack, on the way home from conference last weekend! This top was by far my favorite find of the weekend. Already marked down and additional 60% off, it had my name all over it! Sometimes I feel silly to walk straight to the clearance section, but when I sit back and think about it...unless you have endless funds...it would be silly to pay full price! I don't know what I get a kick out of more: my new items, or the deals I find! Cheers to clearance racks, and on to Awesome and Awkward!

Awkward: 

-Telling my 3 y/o to take off the plastic princess heels and put on "sensible" shoes and having her look back at me and say: "But you aren't wearing sensible shoes."

-Stalking Ken Suarez at the produce stand after spotting the FOX 13 News van. Trying to get him to interview me like any good PR person would do! Unsucessfully, I am sad to say, as the elderly couple would not stop talking!

-The lip spasm that would NOT stop when I knew the camera was rolling at our fashion for fitness taping for True Style today. I hope my smile doesn't look like the "Chandler" smile! 

Awesome: 

-Hello...this new top! 

-Clearance racks!! For giving me the opportunity to wear items I could NOT pay full price for! 

-Handwritten letters in the mail.

-A singing voicemail from a great friend.

-Pinterest, I am addicted.

-The last piece of Godiva chocolate I am about to indulge in!

Spring Break Part. 1

ME: Tank: Banana Republic, Cardigan & Skirt: J. Crew, Shoes: MIA, Sunnies: Tom Ford, Jewelry: Stella & Dot
MY GIRLS: A random mixture of their choice! I am all about self expression! Ha!

Giradelli Shakes....put the AH in Amazing!!!

We took a mini-cation Monday and Tuesday. We hit Orlando for Downtown Disney and then Aquatica Tuesday morning! So FUN! We ate burgers, had shakes and played in the water. It doesn't get much better than that...especially when you are with the ones that you love! 

Weekend Escape

There is nothing like a much needed break. This weekend was a learning experience through the Jr. League, but most of all it was a much needed break! I really enjoyed meeting other girls in the League that have the same passions for bettering their communities! Tampa was beautiful and staying at International Plaza was amazing! Shopping, pedicures, and laughs with great friends! J. Crew and Banana Republic were good to me! Bonus: We got a Tory Burch goodie bag with a candle and a $25.00 gift card!! I used mine to puchase a new business card holder! It's orange, for Crescendo of coarse! Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!! XXOO

Awesome and Awkward Thursday

The best cheese ever, well carnival food that is! 

So much for fashion, comfort comes first in Dirtyville Strawberry Festival Land! Check out my 2 y/o Punky Brewster! Ha

One of our new fish, and the grand finale: St. Clements Shortcake! YUM!

Awkward:
-Laughing at the Pajama Jeans informercial then actually spotting someone wearing them at the Strawberry Festival.
-My 15 y/o's expression in the photo above. He thinks it's funny to look shocked in all pics.
-The fact that the carnie for the ride my kids HAD to ride was clearly drunk, or high.
-The tummy ache I got from fried wisconsin cheese.
-Winning 5, yes 5, goldfish and having to explain to the kids we just can't take them all home!

Awesome:
-The Strawberry Festival
-Carinval food
-People watching
-A rainy day today spent making homemade granola bars and inside picnics.
-Packing for a weekend conference, bonus: I'm going alone!!!

Laaa Teee Dottie!!!

Tunic: Free People, Polka Dot Top: Thrifted, Leggings: J. Crew, Wedges: BCBG, Pearls: Nordstrom

Taa Daaa...in honor of Polka Dot Day which I found out about on Every Body Every Wear! Have a super Tuesday!

Fun in the Sun

Ran 5 miles this morning and just ate the calories I burned off at the Bloomin' Arts Festival! I bought some great vintage hankys and 2 beautiful vintage needle point pictures for my bathroom! I smiled when I turned one of them over and it said, "Made for our first home in 1941".  What a beautiful Florida day!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

Awkward:
-Thinking I hung up but leaving a voicemail message screaming at my kids on my mom's phone.
-The lecture she gave me about loosing my cool with them.

Awesome:
-My new hair
-Sabra hummus dip
-Fresh grapefruit
-5 mile run with Andrea
-Wearing something other than my 30 day picks

Today was more awesome than awkward! YAY! Happy Thursday! XXOO

29 & 30 of 30-Woo HOO!

I did not cut my head off on purpose, I promise! No time to retake!

Well, the winter 30 day remix has come to an end. But honestly, remixing will forever be a part of my life! I love that over the past 30 days, I have been able to mix and match outfits and still get the same thrill as wearing a new outfit for the first time! As with the 30 day dress project, this has taught me a new appreciation for a closet full of clothes and GREAT staples! I have really enjoyed following other bloggers and getting inspiration from them, what a great resource! Day 29 was tons of fun! Top: Thrifted, Jeans: Old Navy, Cardigan: Nordstrom, Belt: J. Crew, Shoes: Guess, Watch: Michael Kors. My day 30 outfit was a tribute to my company Crescendo! We had a press conference this morning and it went fabulously! Our colors are orange and white so I was so excited to sport my orange lips today, a wonderful spring trend! Top & Scarf: Banana Republic, Pants: Victoria's Secret, Shoes: Nordstrom, Watch: Michael Kors.

TIRED!!

I am tired! I will finish this 30 for 30 out though, I promise! I have been busy with 3 sick children this week, and Sunday I missed posting because I was running a half marathon! I promise, I will catch up soon! Have a GREAT week!!!