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!

Winter White!

I put on a completely different outfit this morning, but I decided to change because I though it was a little bit too fancy for today. I decided I would save it for Christmas. So stay tuned!

I opted instead to wear this mix of creams and white. Perfect for the day, and risky because I was surrounded by red wine and chili this evening. I also made a little Christmas punch, and, of course I spilled a few red drops down the front of my shirt right off the bat.  But that's what life's all about, right? Red stains on a white shirt.

I had an amazing evening seeing friends and family that I just don't get to see enough. I also got to tell my dear friend Tony that I am a jerk and very sorry for missing his birthday! In my defense, I was still in the hospital with HaHa on his birthday. However, that is really no excuse.

I hope to never forget Tony's birthday again because he is a truly amazing and talented person and I am very lucky to know him! So, happy belated birthday Totoro!!! You're the best!

Outfit:

Long sleeve shirt: Goodwill. James Pearse.

Sweater(Under): Old Navy.

Sweater (Outer): Cousin hand-me-down. Mossimo.

Skirt: Goodwill. This is a dress I cut off.

Skirt (Under): Salvation Army. I believe I got this in high school.


Shoes: Kenzie.

Battle of the Babes!

It's a good thing that toddlers are so small. If HaHa were he same size as me, and we were in a battle,  like we were just a few hours ago, she would absolutely win. First of all, she refused to put on her pajamas. Then she screamed when I told her she had to take off her five necklaces before bed, and insisted on sleeping with an old bill she seized from a book I was reading. She also was having melt-downs about not having enough toothpaste, which is like candy to her.

After all of this, she finally settled, but then changed her mind and decided that she wanted to "go downstairs" to see grandma and Aunt Janine. I spent the next half hour holding her still while she tried to escape my clutches. It was horrible and I was glad when she finally gave into sleep.

We have also been having a lot of battles over clothes. Believe it or not,  HaHa has a very keen sense of what she will and will not wear. Usually, every outfit battle begins with a "bathing suit" (an actual bathing suit or a pair of bloomer-like bottoms). It's amazing to me that she is so enamored with bathing suits, because I would do anything to avoid getting into one! I guess that's the joy of being a baby; your world view is minuscule. Societal pressure means as much to you as your mother saying,"It's time for bed". Body image does not exist. You are the perfect expression of presence in your body and your body is full of joy and cuteness!!!

Ah... to be young again!

Outfit:

Had very serious outfit deja-vu, but think I am just being paranoid... Ah well, only eight more days that I have to think of this stuff!!!

 HaHa in a victory pose after getting her way!

White shirt: Gift from friend.

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

Skirt: High school find. Salvation army.

Boots: Friend hand-me-down. Outside wear.

Shoes: American Eagle. Inside wear!

Giving Thanks!

I am thankful for all of the gifts in my life. The good times, the bad times and everything in between.

I am thankful for my amazing family and awesome friends.

I am thankful for the wonderful people I work with. The adults and the children.

I am thankful for the delicious meal prepared for us by the extraordinary and kind chef Palver.

I am thankful that today I got to "unplug" and read magazines, listen to the radio and hang at home. I kept my cell phone off and tucked away my computer. I did laundry, I baked, and I barely ate anything, much like yesterday, so I could stuff myself with all the Thanksgiving foods I love!

This turned out to be a mistake. I think that not eating much in two days made my stomach slightly smaller, so I got full really fast. And, this is the first Thanksgiving I can remember ever, that I did NOT eat desert!!! Me not eating desert is a big deal. I'm not really sure why I didn't. I guess I was too full.

I will have some pumpkin pie tomorrow, though. Actually, pumpkin-sweet-potato-pie! Yummy!

Oh, I am  also thankful for you kind souls who give my blog the time of day! Thank you all, so much! I hope you all had a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving!!!

Outfit:

Shirt: Salvation Army. I got this in high school. I love the texture and color.

Sweater: Fresh friend hand-me-down. H&M.

Skirt: Thrift store. Zara.

Shoes: Old Navy.

Downtown!

Today I took a little impromptu trip Downtown with Tay-Tay and HaHa. Tay-Tay had to get her newly re-sized engagement ring fixed, and I offered to accompany her. After we dropped off her ring, we strolled the streets and ended up in Pershing Square, the Metro station, the historic Alexandria Hotel, and a strange little shopping area complete with electronic fish tanks and velveteen dogs!

It was very fun to explore the city and see the interesting folk that roam the Downtown streets. For those of you who are interested, the Alexandria hosts free movie screenings on Wednesday nights. On August 4th they will be showing (500) Days of Summer in the Mezzanine for free! Refreshments are complimentary, and downstairs is the intriguing restaurant The Gorbals. I'm not one for chicken-skin sandwiches and haggis burgers, but I'd love to try the bacon-covered matzoh balls! Mmmm... bacon!

Outfit:

Shirt: Getting ready for my trip next week! I got this on the street in NYC several years ago.

Black shirt/dress: Forever 21. I bought this for a wedding when I was preggers with Leo.

Skirt: Salvation Army. I got this skirt in high school. That means it is SUPER old!

Shoes: Predictions.   HaHa in front of a rad sign!

Some creepy dolls at the bazaar.

Maliboo-boo!

I won't go into all the details of the day because it is 1:37 a.m., and I am tired. We got back from Malibu at 10:48, and after I got all the kids ready for bed, I fell asleep with HaHa on Charlie's bed. I just woke up a while ago and had to figure out how to import pictures with the camera I used today. My regular camera is not working, so I've been using different cameras for the past few days. It has made the process more arduous, and very frustrating. I had my little photo sessions down pat!

Anyway, as per usual we had a great time in Malibu. There were dogs and food and friends and good times. Everything was going great until Char-Char said "I hurt my knee". It turns out he cut himself with glass. The cut was not too deep, but it was in a bad place, and at first it didn't seem like the bleeding was stopping. I drove to the store because we didn't have proper bandages. I realized that we have two first aid kits at home and none in our green car. We won't be having this problem again. Will update about C-Dawg's boo-boo status tomorrow!




Outfit:


Charlie took my outfit pics today! Thanks Charlie! 
 

Top: This is the top half of a bathing suit I've had forever. I thought we would be on the beach today, but when we got to Malibu it was chilly! We played at the playground instead.

Skirt: My old high school stand-by purchased at Salvation Army.

Shoes: zoe & zac.

Sweater: Hand me down. Alfani.

Molecules!

Today I gave what might possibly be the worst lesson in my life. It was about molecules, and it was based on a lesson an actual science teacher told me about. However, without a science background, and a deep understanding of the subject, my lesson was shoddy at best. I was lucky that I had one student in my class who knew all about "hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen". He also knew about the periodic table, atoms, a bit about molecular structure. A different student knew some more interesting facts about molecules, including the fact that you need a "special microscope" to see them. Thank goodness they were there! They provided a buffer for me, and a little comic relief. I was seriously laughing when I discovered they had the answers I seemed to be lacking! Oh well, I tell my students all the time that I'm not perfect, and I don't know everything!

There, Richard. You have it in writing!

Outfit:

Shirt/dress: This was a gift. I love the colorful print!

Skirt: One of my Salvation Army high school finds! It's falling apart, but I'm hangin' on!

Shoes: Fit Flops. I was actually going to wear my favorite platforms, but I was wearing these outside and forgot to grab my other shoes.

More cranky HaHa...

At least the boys are happy!

A Theory!

As I spent day three with HaHa in constant misery mode, I happened upon a theory: perhaps she is so unhappy because we have reached the beginning of weaning. When I was in San Diego, my milk production slowed waaay down. However, it didn't stop altogether because I was handling a stunt baby. She was two months old, incredibly adorable, and I felt my milk let down when I was holding her.

I had to pump a few times, just to let off some pressure, but I tried not to because I had this idea that HaHa would give up the "bah-bah" while I was away. Of course, I should have known she wasn't going to do that when she said "bah-bah" every time I talked to her on the phone. "How are you, HaHa?"... "Bah-bah". "I miss you"... "Bah-bah"... "Are you having fun with grandma?" "Bah-bah"...

At any rate, when I finally got home and got to nursing her, it felt like there was very little milk coming out, and it continues to feel this way. Perhaps all of HaHa's wailing, and it is more crying than she has done in her entire 21- month old life, mind you, is due to this loss. I did not anticipate this. I hope the change is temporary because it is really tearing me up. My sunny bear is just miserable. I hope that it will pass soon.

Outfit:

When I can't remember what I've worn, I make sure to include at least ONE piece I know I have only worn once or twice. I grabbed these pants first, because I just got them from the dry cleaners.

Striped shirt: Goodwill. Banana Republic.

Floral leisure shirt: Salvation army. This was a high school find.

Pants: Forever 21.

Shoes: Mossimo.

On the Bright Side!

Tonight as Richard and I talked over kale, he told me that I could be a worse mother. He was referring to my post awhile back where I wished for more patience with the kids. After he said this, he read me the following headline: "Woman flushes newborn baby down toilet on plane". I can always count on Richard for some informative, thoughtful and sobering information at just the right time. 

Yes. No matter how miffed or irritated I have been with the kids of late, I have NOT tried to flush them down the toilet...

But maybe that's just because they're too big!

Just kidding! The kids have been lovely ever since they have gotten some sleep!

Today we hiked and played in Kenneth Hahn park after I finished working in the classroom! It was swell!

Outfit:

HaHa was in a very huggy mood. Lucky me!!!

Gray bodysuit: Goodwill. Star Cody. When I am working with kids I like to make sure I am covered. Even in the summer!

Shoulder-tie tank: From friend. Marc by Marc Jacobs.

White skirt: Salvation Army. I've had it since high school!

Shoes: Predictions.

Baronial Gothic!

Today when I was at work I got a message from my brother-in-law telling me there was an open house nearby that I had to see. He was right. I did have to see it. It was an awesome display of craftsmanship and history. Stained glass, multiple staircases, two fireplaces, servant's quarters, attic, basement, and so many rooms, I literally lost the boys. For a minute.

When I asked the man hosting the open house why the owners were selling he told me that he was the owner and he was selling because he was moving. He bought the house 13 years ago and did the rehab himself. When he bought the house it was a mess. My brother-in-law confirmed this. He had actually been in the house when he was younger and he said it was beat down. It had also been stucco-ed. I am not sure why anyone would cover a historical landmark with stucco, but I've seen it many a time in my hood.

If you are an open house junkie like I am, you should try to see this stunning example of Baronial Gothic architecture. It is also tastefully decorated, and the owner is an artist, so there is lots and lots of beauty to behold. The pictures on the website actually do not do the home justice. You just feel as though you are walking through a piece of history. I think we could afford it if we went in with a few other families and it is definitely big enough to share. Interested?

Outfit:

I pulled this old slip out of my drawer yesterday and decided that I should build an outfit around it. I have always been drawn to old slips and nightgowns. I just love them. I loved this one because the print is so lovely.


Sweater: Goodwill.

Slip: Thrift store. I've had this slip since I was in high school. I tied it in the back.

Skirt. Salvation Army. I bought this in high school as well. It is on it's last legs, but it is an oldie but goodie!

Shoes: Miz Moos by Gazith.

Here are the kids, 'cause I've had some requests!

My Cute Kids!

I hate to brag about my kids. I really do. I mean, I do go on about them to a small select group of folks I think might be interested, but otherwise I just go on about how crazy and wacko they are. And they are crazy. But in a good way. Most of the time.

Now today, I was crazy because I had the idea of "working" in the classroom while the kids "entertained" themselves. Why was this crazy you ask? Because two of my children are just not quite able to entertain themselves without parental participation. There is one who likes to climb anything stable, or unstable for that matter. There is another who manages to play by himself beautifully, but has to show me everything he has made, or tell me 18 million stories that start off with, "Mom, look...".  And he won't tell me the story unless I am giving him 100% eye contact. I tell him I'm working and it stops him for a bit, but by then Haha has spilled something, or tried again to start the computer, or taken a dump, or grabbed a sharpie, or unraveled an entire spool of string. Really, it was just a perfect illustration of why little kids and the workplace don't work so well. Or, maybe it was a reminder to me that I need to have reasonable expectations for my kids.

Oh. My kid brag of the day? Making dinner while the three little ones drew together on the white board. I have to thank Jordan for hauling it out of the garage at Char-bar's request. It was so sweet!

Outfit:

Grey heather tank (underneath): Urban Outfiters. This is very old and I adore it. Unfortunately, it has a small hole...

Striped tee: Hand me down. Gap.

Skirt: Salvation army. I got this in high school! I can't resist anything sparkly!

Gray cardigan: I gave this to my friend many years ago, and she was getting rid of it, so I took it back!

Shoes: American Eagle.

The Graduate!

Today I was supposed to go to Royce Hall to watch my fabulously talented cousin walk in her graduation cap and gown (which was compostable by the way). However,  I got a call in the morning from her asking if it would be okay with me if she skipped out on the ceremony and we celebrated at her house instead. Being someone who did not attend her own graduation, I was fine with it. In truth, I was relieved because she said the ceremony was going to be 3 hours long! The rest of her family was fine with it too, I suppose... Congratulations Taylor!!!
There was a period of time when HaHa would leap out of my arms and into Taylor's whenever she had the chance. Once Taylor and I came home after being out all day and HaHa ran into Taylor's arms when the door opened. At least HaHa has good taste!

Outfit:

Shirt: Salvation Army. This is a skirt that I have looped a tie through the belt loops to make a halter style strap. I got this skirt in high school and I am in love with the butterfly print. Seen in: V-Day! and Re-Fashionista!

Black Tank: (under) I have no idea where or when I got this. It is at least a few years old. I got it to exercise  in.

Jeans: Hand me down from friend. Express.

Shoes: Miz Moos by Gazith.

This is Taylor and her Fiance Adam! They are newly engaged and our whole family is thrilled!

Taylor is modeling her cap for us!

The best picture of my outfit did not include my face, but that's fine with me! Hopefully people won't think it's too weird.

Sick!

I am sick. I am going to bed. Will write more tomorrow. Leo has his culmination tomorrow. I don't even know what I'm wearing.

Peace out.

Outfit:

Shirt: Street vendor.

Sweater: Clothing swap. Express.

White Skirt: Salvation Army. I got it in high school.

Red Dress: Goodwill. Old Navy.

Shoes: zoe & zac