A Mess!

Oh. My. What has wearing a different outfit everyday turned me into?

A person who experiments.

A person who has to think about what they wear.

A person who looks ridiculous.

I have had many a day up here where I look at my photos and say, "What was I thinking?" (Today, anyone?)

However, I do have to admit that I've been pretty pleased with some of my outfits. And, I would like to reiterate that most of my outfits are "new". That is, I've never worn them before...

I guess my primary thought is, "Did I wear this combination yet?"

And not shopping? It's pretty easy, especially since I can't. And, contrary to expectations, I have not channeled my shopping urges into sprees for HaHa or the boys. They have closets full of hand-me-downs too. And, like me, they're fine with it!

Outfit:

Shirt: Salvation Army. I got this in high school. I love it. It had big huge shoulder pads that I removed. Shoulder pads and I do not mix. Chaus.

Skirt: Friend hand-me-down. Ella Moss. Dress worn as skirt.

Shoes: Capezio. However, I wanted to wear these lovely heels. Working with first graders, I just can't wear heels all day!

HaHa sitting with Daddy in the back room! She's my smile bear! I asked her to say cheese, and she obliged!

Better!

Oh, what a Hot Toddy and a long night of sleep will do! My nose has stopped pouring like a faucet, and I feel well enough to go to work and flourish tomorrow! That said, I was still pretty ornery today. Maybe because even though I was not feeling well, I still had to do many things I did not want to do, which included buying groceries. That is the only reason I got dressed today.

I guess that's life when you're a grown up. No playing hooky anymore...

I remember the days when I was single in New York. No one to answer to. No bed time. Sometimes I could sleep all day. Although I rarely did. Not my style. I could go out every night of the week and do whatever I wanted. I only had me to think of. I never cooked and I rode my bike home across the Brooklyn Bridge at the craziest hours of the day and night. I only had me to think of.

Once, when I was riding across the bridge at 3 a.m.,  I heard some wheels behind me. I was a little bit startled, but the cyclist passed me, and a while later we caught up with each other at the red light near the end of the bridge where the street began. We said "Hi," and talked about how nice it was to ride on the bridge when it was quiet and empty. We continued talking as we rode further in to Brooklyn and talked for at least a half hour when we stopped in front of his place. At some point he asked me if I wanted to come up for tea.  I said, "What if you kill me or something?" He said, "Don't you think I would have killed you by now if I wanted to?" I realized he had a point. So, trusting my gut, although now it sounds crazy, I went upstairs to his place and had a cup of almost 4 a.m. tea. We talked about California (he was from there too), The Beach Boys (he was a huge fan), and about exes. He was in the process of separating from his girlfriend even though he was still in love with her. I had also just gone through a tough break up, so I guess we were kindred souls.

I rode home when the sun was just coming up, and I never saw Mr. Brooklyn Bridge again. Crazy, huh?    

That's New York for you.

Outfit:

Shirt: Goodwill. Banana Republic.

Dress: Hand me down from friend. Ella Moss. I'm wearing it backwards. This project has made me much more experimental with my garments. It's freeing!

Shoes: Capezio.

Applause!

Okay. I wrote the title of this post and proceeded to fall asleep while sitting upright! Yikes! I guess it was a long day.

Aren't they all?

I got out of the house early and alone so I could prepare for my  8:30 a.m. performance. Much to my surprise I was able to hit the high notes without having talked all day.  Yay!

The outfit that I wore today was also my "costume" for the performance.

*Note. I just took a two hour nap on the couch. It is now 1:13 a.m. Richard is still awake and he just woke me up so I could post. He tried twice before. Rather than write in this fog, I am going to put up my pictures and go back to bed!







Outfit:

I wore this combination before, then I threw another dress! Clever, huh? I was supposed to be a Russian peasant circa early 1900's.

Shirt: Goodwill. Forever 21.

Skirt: Hand me down from friend.

Dress: Hand me down from friend. Ella moss. I really love this dress. It is so comfy and easy and versatile.

Shoes: Capezio.

See the original outfit in Gathering!

Rockin' Out!

I just got home at 10:30 (p.m.), after being gone since 7:10 this morning. I went to work, had parent-teacher conferences, grabbed the boys, picked HaHa up from daycare, took Leo to get new sneakers, dropped the kids off at Richard's office, and drove straight to rehearsal with the Monte Carlo Band.

We have a wedding to perform at on Saturday, so we wanted to get in one last practice. We also have a new guitar player. He is really great, and he sings. The more voices, the merrier! I have to say, despite the oppressive heat in our rehearsal space, we rocked! And we had so much fun. It is really great to sing and play with a bunch of skilled and talented musicians. And they are. I am the least talented of the bunch.

Anyway, when I got home, I was shocked to be greeted by my little HaHa bear! She came running to the door shouting "Hi mom!"  She seems to be a night owl like some other people I know...

I didn't bring my camera to work, so I had to take my photos when I got home. I dislike the indoor light, but at least you can see that I am not wearing a repeated outfit!

OUTFIT:

Wrap shirt: I scored this at a photo shoot! Deletta.

Butterfly skirt: Salvation Army. I got this in high school. It's falling apart, but I love it!

Green dress (under layer): Friend hand-me-down. Ella Moss.

Shoes: Predictions. This is the last time I will wear these. They have a hole, and they stink!

270 Days!

It's been a looooong weekend and I am spent! Today I went from wedding brunch, to band rehearsal, to the annual party my school throws! Wow! What a day.

And it was fun.

That's about all I have in me right now. Tomorrow is another day.

If you want to read a thoughtful and well written post, check out my Fresh Friends' PSA, "In Defense of Children".

Outfit:

Shirt: Goodwill. Old Navy. It's a maternity shirt.

Dress: Hand me down from friend. Ella moss.

Shoes: zoe & zac.

Jettin' Out!

Okay. By the time you read this I will be in New York! I will have hopefully had a smooth flight with my little HaHa bear, and will have made it uptown, to the Bronx, where I will be staying for the last time, at Josh and Brady's. It's like the end of an era. I can't believe it.

I haven't been to New York in two years. That is the longest I've gone without visiting since I moved back to L.A. in March, 2001. The last time I was here I was pregnant with HaHa. The first year after I moved I went back at least three times. The next few years I went back a couple of times. The more children I add to my brood, the less I manage to go. It just seems like so much work. One of the reasons I moved from New York is because I did NOT want to have a family there. It just seemed like so much work...

Now, of course, I realize that it's "so much work" to have children anywhere. However, at least here, in my hometown Cali, I don't have to put a snowsuit on the kids while I'm doing the work! Peace out Cali! Hello Big Apple!!!!

Outfit:

Shirt: Forever 21. Pregnancy top turned cozy tee...

Sweater: Clothing swap. Express. I hate being cold on planes.

Skirt: Goodwill. This skirt just got dry cleaned, but I found several stains on it. It may be going to the clothing graveyard after this trip!

Belt: This is from a handed down Ella Moss dress.

Shoes: FitFlops. I need easy on and off access for security!

Here is a picture of my clothes for the week. I packed 8 items! And one extra pair of shoes. That's 8 items for six days! Plus the clothes on my back. And unders, of course. I sure hope it works out! If I get stains on my bottoms, or something rips, it could be the end of my project... Or god forbid if my suitcase gets lost!

Birthday Mania!!!

Today we celebrated THREE birthdays, and I was out of the house with the kids for 11 hours straight! The three birthdays belonged to some very sweet and adorable boys, and both parties had pizza, juice, and cake. I think the kids drank their weight in juice even though I gave them the red light on sugary potables. One party included a pool, and the other a jumper! Boy, oh boy, it was a fun-filled day!

I got to be with both of my families. My blood relatives, and my painless family (my best friend's family). It was absolutely fun, and I am beat.

Richard keeps telling me that my posts have been stinking lately because I have been saying "I'm tired" and writing about nothing. But, in my defense, I am tired, and, I am doing a blog about NOT repeating outfits, and NOT adding or buying any clothing for a year. If I wanted to, I could just upload a picture each day. But we all know how I love to blabber on about my pizzicaca life!

It's 1 a.m. yet again. Will I ever learn?

When we were leaving the second party, we saw a rainbow! This made Cha-Cha say "we're very lucky!" I agree Cha Cha, I agree.

 Outfit:

Green dress: Hand me down from friend. Ella Moss. I felt so fresh and lovely when I got dressed, and within minutes of arriving at the party I got slimed by HaHa. It continued throughout the day, and by the end I looked like a small disaster. At one point I was wearing a large piece of pizza on my shoulder. Leo had placed it there after I told him to out it in the trash.  My cousin and I decided that it was the latest trend in "mom wear". Campaign: "You're going to be wearing food all over anyway, so why not really make a statement?"

Floral skirt: Thrift store.

Black shirt: Hand me down from friend. Alicia Lawhon.

Shoes: Hand me down from friend.

HaHa has a new baby that she adores!
                              

Big Blue Bus!

I am writing my post on the Big Blue Bus! Exciting, I know! I am meeting Richard at his job and we are finally going to see The Wonder of Learning Exhibit. I don't know why we waited so long to go to see it, but it is closing on Saturday. Everyone I know who has seen it has raved about it. As an educator, I feel it is very important for me to see it - as a parent also.

After the exhibit Richard and I are going out to dinner alone! When my mom comes out to visit, we try to squeeze in as much alone time as we can. That way, we don't have to bother Aunt Janine all the time. Actually, tonight the kids have double the fun because they are with Grandma and Aunt Janine (identical twins)!

Anyway, as I am on the bus, I will keep it brief, but I did want to say that according to my mom I have always been a night owl. When I was little they used to put me down for the night and she would come and check on me and I would still be up at 11! I guess so much of who we are is nature...

Yikes! I am on the "agro driver" bus. He is cursing at cars and calling people "sons of bitches" as he rides very close to their tails. Fun, fun, fun!

P.S. I finished this post in the car while driving home on the freeway thanks to modern technology! Our car has a power outlet! The future is now!

Outfit:

This was really thrown together last minute as I was running out the door to get Leo. I started with the polka dot skirt, and began pouring layers over it! I added the long sleeve sweater before I left because I was cold when I took my pictures, but just as I was finishing up, the sun came out and it warmed up. Go figure!

Sweater: From cousin.

Velvet Jacket: Forever 21.

Dress: From Friend. Ella Moss.

Skirt: My mom gave this to me when I was in high school. Express.

Shoes: From a little shop in Park Slope circa1999. Janet& Janet.

Death and Taxes!

Oh NO! I am sitting down at the computer for the first time today, its late, and I just looked at my photos  and they are not good! I had to work today, so I threw something on without much thought. The only thing I did think about was, "Am I repeating?" Once I was certain that I was not wearing a repeat, I quickly went about my morning madness.

I felt fine in my outfit all day. I even got a couple of compliments. But when I saw the pictures I took of myself upon arriving home, I thought "Yikes! What was I thinking?!" I look totally preggers, and the layers are not working today.

Speaking of being preggers, last night I spied a suspicious curve in my belly as I got ready for bed. Given Richard's recent permanent procedure, I knew what I was thinking was impossible, but I still got a little nervous. Maybe I wanted to believe I was pregnant because then I wouldn't have to admit that I had eaten one too many slices of cake in celebrating my birthday last week. Cake and drinks and pasta and sorbetto and bread...


On to pictures! I am hoping Hollis will save me today because she took the cutest photo ever! See Below!


Outfit:

Tunic: Goodwill. I believe this is handmade. I love the print! Seen in: Salutations! and Surprise!

Dress: From friend. Ella Moss. Seen in: Non-Buyer's Remorse!

Cap sleeve jacket: Forever 21. Seen in: Into The Woods!

Shoes: Predictions.

Night Noise!

Last night, for some reason unbeknown to me, Hollis was up for about two hours. It was somewhere between madness and hilarity! She was singing, dancing and playing. She went over my facial features ad nauseum, poking me along the way, "Eyes, nooo, mow (like cow)..." She mimicked Richard's snoring, sat on my head, tried to go into Charlie and Leo's room, kept taking her diaper off, and entertained herself fairly well. I got out of bed three times to bring her back into our room. I didn't want to put her in her crib because I was afraid she would wake the boys or try to climb out. She has already attempted to climb out of her crib several times, and she is very close to succeeding. The girl is a dynamo!

Today the boys climbed on the front porch wall and she followed them right up without a moment's hesitation. It's about a two foot drop, but that doesn't scare my HaHa! When I think about it, this is the second time this week Hollis has been playing in the middle of the night. I think this night waking is part of her next developmental leap. She is starting to talk a lot and I think this is making her more restless. Last night I wanted to get the video camera to record her sounds and songs. But I was too tired to get up. Her little voice is so sweet, albeit a wee bit annoying when one is trying to catch up on some zzz's. Who knows, maybe tonight will be round three? I'll keep the camera close...

Outfit:

This is another outfit where four out of five pieces were given to me. The only thing I bought was the teal shirt which was a pregnancy purchase.

Blue sweater: From clothing swap. Express Studio Design. Seen in: Host Party!

Teal shirt: Forever 21.

White embroidered skirt: From the lovely Ayiko. Free People.

Green Belt: From Ella Moss dress given to me by the lovely Wendy, creator of awesome I heart Guts!

Coral skirt: From the lovely Lesley Alexander. Seen in: 100 Posts! I am repeating the coral skirt, red shoe combo! Oh well, I'm sure it's bound to happen again, I've got 252 more days to go!!!

Shoes: Lower East Side.

As I write this post the boys are in the backyard wrestling and going crazy on each other. I told them they had to go outside if they wanted to act crazy and they bounded out with glee! A 15 year old, 6 1/2 year old, and five year old boys going wild! Yikes! Hollis wanted to join, but I made her stay in and she cried. Poor little girl!

You can see Hollis playing in the car behind me as I take photos. I tried to take photos earlier in the day, but the light didn't work! Hollis' dress/shirt is from a thrift store too!

Happy Anniversary!

April 1st! One of my very favorite days. In the words of Mark Twain, "This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four." I, for one, plead guilty to being foolish much of the time. Only a fool would blog about their wardrobe!

My New Yorkers left today. I was thinking about Emily and I realized that she was a very pivotal role model in my life. I met her when I was a student in New York. It was not the happiest time of my life, and ALL of my family was on the west coast. I was a little homesick, a LOT confused, and Emily was a young mom with her stuff together. We met at an all-class east coast high school reunion. She was five years older than me, almost to the day (our birthdays are two days apart), and she had a baby. As you know from my Baby Love post, I love babies. Emily had her very adorable baby with her the night we met, and that first encounter led into an occasional baby sitting gig. That occasional gig led into a regular weekly gig, which led into a part-time gig, which led into a full-time gig, and eventually led back into a part-time fun-filled gig.

Being around a stable and happy couple was medicine for me. Spending time with the cutest baby in the world was also restorative. Everything the city took out of me, I got back in giggles and hugs, and lovely moments. Being around their family made the city bearable and much more enjoyable than it had been before, and, I learned a lot. I also laughed all the time with them, and danced, and ate, and just really had a great time. Over the years, they grew from three to five, and they are all incredible people!

Emily was also the reason I became interested in natural childbirth. She became a childbirth and parenting educator after she had three very different birthing experiences (all natural). Her final baby was delivered on her own at home (the midwives got stuck on the subway!) After hearing her home birth story I knew I wanted to have my babies at home as well. For that, and for so many other nuggets of parental wisdom, I cannot thank Emily enough! And Eric too, of course! They Rock!

Outfit:

Tie: From dress, from friend. Ella Moss.

Shirt: From Cousin. Forever 21.

Blue halter dress: From street fair in New York a million years ago. I started with the halter up, but then took it down for easier nursing.

Tights: Black Hue tights under, hand-dyed blue-grey fishnets.

Shoes: Friend hand me down. Nine West. I love T-Straps!

I've included a picture of Emily, because she is a layering master! I got her as she was rushing out the door to meet a friend. I wish you could see the prints of the fabric better. Today was my 100th post, by the way. Proving once again what a fool I am.

Baby Love!

I really, really love babies. I love newborns, infants, toddlers... I have been into babies ever since I, myself was a little girl. When I was 7, I took care of my infant cousin while her dad was sleeping in another room, and I started babysitting professionally when I was 11.  I always had a rapport with babies, and I always felt that I understood them.

I love babies because they will dance any time they hear music. They are always excited about things, even things they've seen a hundred times before. You point out a flower or a bird or a dog to a baby, and they will smile and delight in it every time! A baby, especially a baby you know, will also smile and get excited when they see you, even if you just walked out of the room for a minute and came right back. A baby doesn't hold a grudge. A baby doesn't care if you're wearing the ugliest outfit in the world. Or if you are missing teeth. A baby might shy away from you if you look menacing or severe, but if they get to know you, they'll most likely befriend you. A baby lets you know when they need you to hold them, and a baby, especially a baby you know, will always give you a hug.

Now, don't get me wrong, I know babies aren't perfect, but they're pretty close!

I thought about this as I watched Hollis play this morning. Her joy, her innocence, her love for people, is infectious. It reminds me of human potential. We are so powerful, yet so vulnerable. And, if we're lucky, we are happy to be here!

Outfit:

Navy Dress: I got this at Goodwill, and I wore it under a skirt in Tuesday Blues.

Green Dress Underneath: From friend. Ella Moss. I wore it over another dress in MLK.

Tube top: I got this in a store in NYC called Weber's. I think we called it Weeber's because our friend's nickname was Weeber. They had a lot of dead-stock items, including a mess of blue and black tube tops which I bought up and distributed to my friends. Who can resist a sparkly tube top?

Shoes: Predictions. Hollis at Ben &Jerry's free cone day!

Non-Buyer's Remorse!

I had a fine time with the 7th graders. They were quite funny and mostly polite. They did try to pull a few "fool the sub" stunts, but I'm too old to fall for any of that. Right as I was waiting for the class to come in, the Director of the middle school saw me and asked where the regular teacher was. I said I was subbing and he informed me that there was a visitor from another school who was going to observe the class. She was the head of the drama department at her school, and I was mortified! Not only was I teaching middle-schoolers in a subject I've never taught before, I was going to be "observed". I quickly explained the situation and suggested that the visitor might want to lead some exercises, as she was an expert, but she had recently undergone a throat operation and declined. I was a little unnerved, but I was prepared and I do know how to lead a class. I'm nothing if not bossy! A few times I asked her if she had any thoughts or comments to add, and she had some great advice for the kids. After the class, the woman was very complimentary to me, so I thanked her for her input and secretly hoped she would pass her thoughts on to the director. Good press never hurts.

Last night I had a moment of regret when I realized I should never have passed up the Lacroix jacket. Not for me, of course, but I'm sure I could have sold it, or given it away to the right person. I went back to the Goodwill with Hollis hoping it might be there among the rubble, but, alas, it was not. I even made a second trip back with Hollis and Leo, still, nada. I may, if Richard gets back early enough, go back one more time today. Three's a charm, right?... And hope springs eternal!

Outfit:

I thought it was time for a dress, so I started there. I needed to rush out, so it was a quickly thrown together outfit. I realized as I tried to find the right shoes, that I should have purchased a neutral-toned flat. This is one of the missing pieces in my collection. I had these great snake-skin flats that were the same style as the red shoes I wore yesterday, but I got rid of them because they were pretty worn. I'm wishing I hadn't. I'm sure I could have squeezed another year into them!

Dress: This dress is exactly like the green dress I wore on MLK. It is by Ella Moss. It was given to me by a friend.

Shirt: I got this orange poppy print from Goodwill when I was working in admissions. Jones New York.

Shoes: My Capezio dance sandals circa 1993. I wore them when I was playing Eve in The Apple Tree at NYU.

Rusty, formerly known as Cocoa Butter Formula, got cozy with my coat as I was taking pictures. He's a great kitty!