What Happens in Vegas...

This weekend, Richard and I stole away together alone overnight for the first time in seven and a half years! Well, for the first time for more than 14 hours... A few years back, 6, to be exact, we flew to Vegas to see Prince's closing show. We left at 6 in the evening the night of the concert, and flew back to L.A. at 6 a.m. the following morning. Leo was a baby, so I couldn't bring myself to stay overnight. I also think I was nursing at the time, and that was a huge factor. At any rate, Richard and I have never been away together from the kids overnight until this weekend. Crazy huh?

Actually, come to think of it, December was the first time I had been kid-free for more than a few hours since Charlie was born. I was away for THREE days. And, we all know how that turned out; HaHa hospitalized upon my return... Mom punished for abandoning children...

Anyway, back to Vegas. We went to celebrate the wedding of my lovely cousin Dee, who is half of the reason Richard and I met. The other half, Richard's dear friend Brian, welcomed his baby daughter to the world on the same day that Dee and her beloved Paul got hitched! Coincidence? 

We had so much fun at the wedding, and the reception lasted long enough to kick off Richard's birthday! It was a perfect first weekend away from the kids! And, my wedding outfit was comprised of hand-me-downs courtesy of one Nancy Bryan. Thank you, Nancy!

By the way, if any of you reader's have a burning question you should check out my friend's new site Bad Advice for Good People. Anonymous questions are welcome!

Congratulations Paul, Dee, Brian and Jill!!!

Outfit:

White Jacket: Macy's. I had been wanting a white jacket after I saw an outfit in Vogue, et voila!

Black dress: Banana Republic. The black lace peeking out is from a slip underneath.

Shoes: American Eagle.

Flower: My cousin gave this to me. It's from Anthropologie. The perfect accent!

Three More No Repeat Days!

Okay people this is one of my final three outfits!!! Final three! Awesome, dude!

I took a page out of HaHa's book, (which was really my book, of course), and decided to go poncho with my skirt. Why not, right? This is all about experimenting and mixing it up. So, that was my inspiration.

Interestingly, when I was enjoying my 15 minutes of kid-free time of the day, leafing through a much appreciated copy of Vogue brought to me by my mother-in-law, I found a picture of a woman wearing a look not quite unlike mine and HaHa's. So, my fashion instincts are not so wacko after all...

I was going to write about the gift I was given today in a garment bag with a note that says: "Do Not Open Until January 1st", but I'll talk about that tomorrow!

I gotta get some sleep!

Outfit:

Skirt: Salvation Army. High School purchase. This is probably the seventh time I've worn it this year. (I can't wait to see if I'm right!)

Sweater: Cousin hand-me-down. Tulle.

Skirt: Thrift store. Another oldie-but-goody!

Boots: Fresh friend hand-me-down. It rained again today!

Still Sick HaHa!

So the rash that I thought I saw developing last night on HaHa's cheeks, was all over her torso today. After having an argument with Richard about what a "rash" was, he agreed, after looking at her, that HaHa did, indeed, have a rash. So we called the doctor.

As I was speaking to the doctor, I could hear screaming children in the back ground, so I thought she was at the ER or something. As I was telling her my homeopathic treatment remedies I have used in the past she said, "Excuse me, for one moment", and put down the phone. I heard her walk away and give her kid a "time out" for making such a racket while mommy was "on the phone". Her kids are 3 1/2 and 1 and 1/2.

I guess mommy doctors know the clarion call of toddlers too!

On a completely different note, I just found out that two of the most stylish and amazing women I know are writing about "Clothes Stories" here: http://theclothesstory.blogspot.com/ 

The outfits I have seen them wear over the years are to die for, and I am so excited I get to see some of the outfits I've missed! (Like Holly's Silver Stella McCartney Jumpsuit).

Outfit:

Sweater: Cousin hand-me-down. Mossimo. Very soft.

Skirt: Cousin hand-me-down. Ralph Lauren. Thank you cousin! See said cousin perform on Friday night! Very funny!

Shoes: American Eagle.

Oops!

This is the first time I almost went a day without posting! And why, you may ask? I am still knee- deep in progress reports, and they are progressing nicely, if I do say so myself! Thus, I am going to keep it short and sweet. 

Oh. I just saw the craziest infomercial ever. It was for Pajama Jeans, the "Hot new fashion sensation!" See what you can stumble upon when you stay up late?If you have a few minutes to spare, check them out. I think they may be a new fashion low, albeit an understandable one... Yikes! I love the line that says "It's a struggle to get into ordinary jeans." Okay, Pajama Jeans, I hear you!

Outfit:

Dress: I threw this on as I had to rush out of the house. I have not worn this dress since I attended the wedding that I bought it for. Five years ago!  It was a few months after Leo was born, and I guess I didn't have anything else that fit me. I actually wore it as a skirt at the wedding, with a floaty lavender top. At any rate, I've kept it for five years for some reason, but I think it will have to go if I don't thnk I'm going to wear it for another five years! 

Sweater: Hand me down from cousin, who rocked her show last night! Congratulations little cousin! Mossimo.

Vest: EMS. Courtesy of a gift certificate I was given more than ten years ago!

Shoes: Fit Flops.

Voter Information!

Okay, It is 3:00 a.m. I just took a 4 hour "nap" on the couch while Richard read over the propositions for the upcoming elections. He is the "Master of Ceremonies"for a party we are having tomorrow. It is  a "Political Party", where friends and family come to discuss the content of the voter information guide, as well as the various candidates running for office.

Diverse opinions are welcome, and it is very helpful to hear other people's opinions before going to the polls. It also is an effective way to actually get through all of the material in an amusing way. We've had confrontations, drunken displays, and insightful political discourse at these events, and, usually, a good time is had by all.

Tomorrow will certainly be interesting. The voter guide is thick this year, and the candidates are "interesting" to say the least.

Oh well, I better get to bed so I can wake up in the morning and prepare for guests. And, if I can offer one piece of voting advice, it would be: "If you don't understand something on the ballot, vote NO." Complicated language is a smoke screen for questionable proposals!  Oh. One more piece of advice: Vote!

As it is 3:19 I am not really editing this, so forgive me if there are grammatical errors!

Outfit:

It was raining when I left the house today. It stopped by the time I got to work, so I looked rather dubious waddling around in rubber boots all day. However, in my race to get out the door in order to drop Jordan off at school, I forgot to bring extra footwear.


Shirt: Forever 21.

Jacket: Goodwill. Allegory.

Pants: Hand me down from Cousin! Gap.

Boots: Friend hand-me-downs.

HaHa and Papa! I include these photos for Grandma!

294 Days Down!

I have 71 days left! If I can avoid making a careless outfit repeat, then I will have achieved what I set out to accomplish! I can honestly say that whether or not I repeat, I will NOT shop before 2010 is over. I can also say that when I do shop again, it will probably be secondhand. I think I can commit to avoiding retail unless I have a very specific need, or unless I see something that I am absolutely in love with.

As for footwear, I will avoid crazy shoes that I buy on sale, and will be on the lookout for classic and comfy well-made shoes. I am looking forward to new shoes.

I will be getting rid of a lot of clothes when this is done. I have so many hand-me-downs, and things that don't fit right, and clothes that I've been hanging on to that I have lost the love for. Time to let go. Edit. Move on.


Outfit:

Print Shirt: Forever 21.

Brown Shirt: Friend hand-me-down.

Skirt: Salvation Army. I got this in high school... Maybe this should be on the out pile!

Shoes: American Eagle.

Jacket: Cousin hand-me-down. Mossimo.

Realization!

Last night as I did another "excuse post", I realized that I would have never been able to start this project if I had been working full time. I just wouldn't have had the time or steam. Also, it took me awhile to learn how to take, upload, and edit my photos. I wasn't so savvy with the posting either. However, I do think my early writing was much more enthusiastic. I was excited, and it was new.

Now, after I get the kids to bed I have more to do than before, and, often, the last thing I want to do is write. But I do. And, lately, it has been lacking. Sorry, lovely readers. I promise to do better as I reach the home stretch. I love the idea of going out with a bang!

That said, I'm giving myself a gold star for perseverance!

All of our plans for the day were canceled on account of the rain. It was a blessing in disguise. I think the boys would have been exhausted by the day. All we did today was drive Aunt Janine home. Aunt Janine was also kind enough to sit in the car with kids while I popped into Trader Joe's.

Outfit:

Keeping it simple.

Sweater: Cousin hand-me-down. Old Navy.

Shirt: This was a gift from a first grade class. The kids each made a leaf, and the amazing art teacher hand painted them along with a lovely tree! American Apparel.

Jeans: I think these were from a clothing swap. Gap.

Boots: Fresh Friend hand-me-down.

A Late Post!

Oh, boy, am I late to post tonight. And, it's a school night! I need to try to post right after I put the kids to bed. However, we got home late tonight and after I made dinner and dealt with Charlie's injustice inspired melt-down, I fell asleep nursing HaHa.

Yes, she is still nursing. Much to my dismay. I don't offer, and I do refuse as much as I can, but she still is very dedicated to "bah-bah". I am thinking that it has only to do with the comfort aspect. I really thought she would be done when she started daycare.

Oh, well. Maybe one day.

Outfit:

Shirt: Friend hand me down. Sweet pea. This particular friend got rid of a bunch of perfect condition clothes because she got her colors done and they were not in her "spectrum". Lucky me!

Pants: Cousin hand me down. Again a lucky score. Brand new from the Gap, tags still on!

Shoes: Mossimo. My old stand-by's!

Home Day!

We don't have them that often, but occasionally we have days when we get to stay home! It is always nice. No car, no getting dressed up, no need to put a comb through my hair... Wait, that's most days.

We did have a few impromptu guests, and we did throw the football around outside, but other than that it was a quiet day with just me and the kids. Richard was out all day, and is at poker night right now.
At some point during the day my nose started to pour. Really, really, pour. I guess that my fatigue last night may have been because my body was trying to fight something off.

Our bodies are amazing!

What was also amazing was listening to the boys create a "playhouse" for one of Leo's little stuffed animal called "Tiki". They worked collaboratively and sweetly and it was nice to see them at peace for such a length of time. It also always makes me happy that my boys can amuse themselves with their minds and a few random items.

As for me, I am going to amuse myself with a hot beverage and a warm bed! Hopefully I will wake up feeling much better! Good night!


Outfit:

Since we stayed at home, I kept it simple.

Tank: Old Navy.

Pants: Hand me down from cousin. Gap. My cousin gave me these with the tags still on! Thanks 'cuz!


Two snapshots from "Tiki's Playhouse". It had a tight rope!

Stage Fright!

Tomorrow I am doing something that I am quite nervous about: performing a musical theater piece I am not completely comfortable with in front of my whole school! Luckily it is a short piece so the torture will only last a few minutes. I wouldn't be doing it if not for the very talented and inspirational man I'm performing with. I guess as long as I remember my lines, I'll be okay.

Here's hoping!

When I picked HaHa up I noticed that she was wearing a super-cute outfit. I asked Richard if he picked it out, and he said that she's pretty much been picking out her outfits on her own for several weeks. He says it takes them a lot longer to get out of the house now.

Go figure. She's definitely a girl!

Anyway, since I am singing at the crack of dawn, I should get myself to bed!

Outfit:

When I got home and took my pictures I had yet another flash of "I've worn this before." And yet, I have not. However, it is a very Shelayna outfit, and I've definitely used this color palate before. I love me some pink and gray!

Shirt: Forever 21. I got this when I worked in admissions.

Sweater: Hand me down from cousin. Forever 21.

Skirt: Goodwill. Zara.

Slip: Thrift store.

Shoes: Mossimo.                                     The L.A. sky at dusk.

Conferenced Out!

There is something absolutely wonderful about parent-teacher conferences, and then, there is something absolutely exhausting that comes with talking non-stop for hours about important matters. I got to be on both ends of conferences this year, as parent and teacher. Both were swell.

I always feel guilty when I've done a short post, but It was a long day, and I had company over for dinner. Lovely company. My cousin made red-velvet cake balls. Yummy and unexpected.

One day I will write a substantial post, but for now I have to respect my limitations!

Outfit:

Lace shirt: Hand me down from friend. I think it must have been from a play or movie because it has no labels, but it has some numbers in black ink written on the inside.

Grey shirt: Another friend hand-me-down. I put it underneath so I would not show any skin at school.

Jeans: Goodwill. Gap.

Shoes: Miz Mooz by Gazith.

The Pants!

I finally decided to break out the awesome pants from my thrift-store-leisure-suit-score of yore. In addition to them being ultra-awesome, they also have the excellent quality of being an unworn element! This makes it extra-easy for me to know that I have not inadvertently repeated a combo of clothes! I have a few of these unworn items left, and they are my lynch pins as I get closer to the end. Heaven knows I'm going to need them!

Richard and I finally went out for our anniversary dinner. Thanks to his mom for sending us, and my aunt for baby sitting! We went out early because it had been a long day. A fun day, but a long one. This morning I had the pleasure of playing "Apples to Apples" with First Graders. A little girl brought it in, and it was hysterically funny helping them navigate the adult version. 

I have to mend my prom dress for tomorrow, so I need to keep my post short! Happy Friday! Until tomorrow!!!




Outfit:

Shirt: Hand me down from talented and stylish cousin.  Old Navy.

Pants: Thrift Store. I bought this so long ago, I don't remember which one.

Shoes: Fit Flops.

LAX!

Long story. Short post. That's all I can say for now as it is 12:33 a.m., and I have to get up at 6:30. It's a school night for goodness sakes! That said, you have to go with the flow and enjoy the now as much as possible.

I did. So now I am going to bed. And...

Oh!  The  Hanson's shirt, as my cousin pointed out is NOT 17 years old. It's Probably more like 13 years old, which means I bought it when I was 24. But, ohhh man, I can tell you- 24 feels like 17 years ago.

Apparently, someone who read this post also rocked the same shirt back in the day! Awesome! I guess I could ask her when she got it for confirmation.

Outfit:

Tee Shirt: From friend. Crowded Teeth (perfect for first grade!)

Sheer blouse: Thrift store. Very old.

Skirt: Hand me down from friend, which she got from a friend. Old Navy.

Shoes: American Eagle.

Day 261! 104 to Go!

I fell asleep on the couch tonight. This is a sign that I have not been going to sleep early enough during the week. And in truth, I know this to be the case. I find getting myself into bed a difficult task. However, unlike my other half, I will crash and burn on the weekends. I might sleep until noon on Saturday and Sunday, if I am able. I am keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow! I could use some long and luxurious shut-eye!

I realize that I am in the home stretch now. All I have to do for these last 100 days is keep my eye on the prize, and my wardrobe rotating! I feel pretty confident that I can come up with 100+ new combinations from my closet. That said, more and more I leave the house with that "Did I wear this already?" feeling. I have to do my "Pic of the Day" addendum soon! I hope this will make it easier for me. I also have to remind myself that I am supposed to be "mixing it up". Working with 6 and 7-year-olds is very conducive to jean wearing!

Outfit:

I had to wear black on top for a little presentation I was part of this morning. I also had to wear a hat. I chose this floral number that I got when I was in high school. I found this hat on Venice Beach and I fell in love with it. I wore it all the time, and, I even bought two because I lost one. I thought it was the greatest. Wearing it today I realize that it is really like a chef's hat gone wrong. At least I have the common sense to no longer sport said chapeau! Ah, youth. A time for experimentation.

Black shirt: Goodwill. Forever 21.

Sweater: From cousin. Mossimo.

Jacket: Jones New York.

Jeans: Goodwill. Gap.

The kids.

Shoes: Predictions.

Spider Webs.

Feelin' himself!

Turn-Around!

Oh, how the mighty have fallen! HaHa must have read my post yesterday because she went from terrific to terror in no time flat. She was quite unlike herself today, crying and screaming, and carrying on. It made me realize how grateful I am that I did not give birth to constant criers, and, it made me wonder what in the world was wrong with her? Does she have the pre-terrible twos blues? (try saying that three times quickly)

I guess she must have had an off day. Perhaps it's because she was wearing shoes two sizes too big... Perhaps it was because she was wearing a mismatched outfit... I don't know.

When I was putting the boys to bed she was jumping on me, and dragging pillows about, and hiding under the blankets. After I left the boys she was doing all kind of crazy things, including dumping out my fresh out-of-the-dryer laundry so she could play in the basket. Oh well.
                  Tomorrow is another day!

Leo has a contemplative moment.

Outfit:

White shirt: From cousin. Old Navy.

Floral shirt: Goodwill. Clio. (I threw this on because I wanted to make sure I did not repeat.) HaHa's daycare provider said that Lilly of the Valley is her favorite flower, so this shirt will be going her way soon!

Skirt: Salvation Army. This was a dress that I cut. I'm wishing I had kept it intact. Oh well. Hindsight.

Shoes: Predictions.

Brother and sister.