The Swap!

We had a clothing swap today. The amount of very cute and nice things was amazing.There were piles and piles, and then more piles... I guess we women really love to collect clothes! There were skirts and jackets, shirts and pants. Lingerie. Work out clothes. Roller skates. Hats. Winter coats and shoes. Many cute and very small shoes. It really was amazing.

What I loved were the stories that went with each item. Friends remembered where they had seen another friend rockin' an article of clothing. People told tales of where they found an item.  There were fond, fond memories for many of the items, and, even so, it was time to let go.

I got rid of 9 items! Even with 166 days left in my project, I realized that there were some items I was keeping for all the wrong reasons.

After the swap Pollyanna and I drove out to Malibu to see Josh and Brady. They made us a delicious dinner, and a delightful time was had by all!

Outfit:

Pink Shirt: Forever 21. I got this when I was pregnant with HaHa. I needed something to wear to a graduation.

Jeans: Big Sunday. Bu from Malibu Jeans.

Shoes: Fit Flops.

To The Cleaners!

Today my clothes were held hostage at Hollyway Cleaners. Richard and I had "won" four $25 gift certificates to the cleaners at an auction at Leo's pre-school. I took a boat-load of clothes (11 items) to the West Hollywood location. I was excited at the prospect of getting these much soiled items tidied up at a "green" cleaner. I haven't been to the dry cleaners in years, so it was about time.

Imagine my shock when I went to pick up my clothes and the total was $90.86! Now, that was before I applied the credit we had left over from last year, and before applying our auction gift certificate, but I was still surprised. I also thought it was pretty funny that it was so expensive to clean clothes I had paid so little, or nothing, for.

The people behind the counter did not want to honor our certificate, so I got into a heated debate with them where I explained that we already paid for the certificates, and I wasn't going to pay again. Phone calls ensued, with little resolution,  and one of the clerks told me they would honor $25 dollars, of the $100 that was owed to us. Again, I explained that we had paid for these in an auction, and we weren't going to pay again. If we didn't have the certificates, would I have taken my clothes there? I think not.

After arguing for a long time with the kids in various stages of calm and crazy, I finally told them that I would take a few items, and leave the rest there. They could figure it out, but I was not giving them a penny! So there, in West Hollywood, sit my clothes. Waiting patiently to come back home!

Outfit:

Brown Shirt, worn inside out. Clothing swap. Old Navy.

Skirt: Goodwill.

Dance sandals: Capezio.

Flower: One of my students walked into class today and handed me this! It matched the outfit perfectly, and we were talking about flowers and pollination! Synchronicity!

Here are my three angel/devil babies!!!

Roto-Copters!

Today, the highlight of my day was watching my first graders launch Roto-copters off of the landing outside our classroom! It was a simple exercise, used for our study of air, but the kids took so much delight in it, it was infectious! I made some for my kids too. Ah, the simple things...

Another simple moment was watching the kids play with the hose in the back yard. It was very old -school summer-time fun, except for the fact that I put the timer on for each of them in order to conserve water. Our grass in the back yard is almost completely dead, so I figured it could use a drink...  

Simple moment # 3: Charlie twisting/knocking his own tooth out! He said it was "hanging by a thread", an expression I didn't know he knew, so I said "take it out!" He did. Then he lost his tooth, so he wrote a note to the Tooth Fairy: "Dear Tooth Fairy, I lost my tooth And can't find it. Can you still $1?" I hope the Tooth Fairy gets the message!

Outfit:

Shirt: Hand me down from very stylish and generous cousin!  Torrid.

Pants: Goodwill. Mossimo. These are my summer pants. But I got paint on them today...

Shoes: Airwalk. HaHa and Leo have a sibling "simple moment".

Finally Summer!

Today was the first day that I have really felt the feeling of summer. It was hot, the wind was balmy, drops of perspiration formed on HaHa's forehead in the back seat. The boys wore shorts for the first time this year. It took a lot of nudging to get my little C-Dawg to wear short-sleeves, but he did!

As for me, I did what I always do when I am pressed for time in the morning. I grabbed some things I knew I had not worn together, and I ran out the door. It was slightly too much clothing for the day, but it is cold in our class room, so I was fine. I did take off my pink shirt once I got home, though. I often change when I get home because I am certain to get slimed by my little bundle of joy. I dropped some clothes off at the dry cleaners today, for the first time in years, and every stain I pointed out was courtesy of HaHa.

I guess she is another reason I had been in a fashion rut. What's the point of getting dressed up if you know your going to be knee deep in stains?

On  a completely different note, Richard sent me this link which made me shake my head in shame. It is the year 2010. Come on people! Evolve! I think I should make a section of my blog called "Richard's Corner". If it were not for him, I would be lacking on leads for interesting fodder.

Outfit:

Black dress: Urban Outfitters. I got this dress at least 15 years ago.

Pink Shirt: Forever 21. I tied it in the back instead of the front, to get this effect.

Pink Skirt: Hand me down from friend. It used to belong to my "painless mother" Maia!

Shoes: American Eagle.

Also, I am co-hosting a clothing swap this Saturday. If you want to come, hit me up in the comments!

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.

The Powerhouse!

I got invited to a reading at The Powerhouse tonight. The writers were all very entertaining and captivating, and the theme was "endings". Hearing stories about death, cancer, prison and the world ending (Cuban Missile Crisis), kind of puts things in perspective. I walked to my car feeling grateful, melancholy, and contemplative. The night was clear, and crisp, and as I walked I remembered what it felt like before, when I was just me, on my own. It's weird to feel the same, and yet not the same. I guess that's life, eh?

Outfit:

Blue Shirt: Walmart. No Boundaries. I got this when I was visiting my mom in her tiny Massachusetts town. I feel like I always have to say this, because I have Walmart guilt. Seen in Comments!

Sweater: Hand me down from friend. H&M. Still fighting the summer chill here in LaLa Land!

Jeans: Big Sunday. Bu from Malibu Jeans.

Shoes: Predictions. Today while I was waiting at carpool on of my students told me I need to wear socks with these shoes or my feet will stink! I love the candor of children!

HaHa Bear and her new baby!

Sushi Sunday!

Today, I slept in, and luxuriated in the warmth of bed. It was great, and when I woke I felt rested for the first time all week! Let's hope the trend continues...

In the afternoon, Pollyanna and I went to The Galleria Market in Koreatown. We had a plan to make sushi for dinner.  The market is almost like a Korean Costco, but on a smaller scale. There are little demo stations, and delicious Korean food, and tons and tons of fresh produce, fish, and meat. It's busy and bright and it's a fun place to venture. Next time I go, I'm going to visit the rest of the mall above the market.

Our sushi adventure was thwarted by a rice mishap, and we ended up making a sort of nori- burrito with the messed up rice. It wasn't perfect, but it worked.

Outfit:

Gray Tank: Urban Outfitters. A million years old.

Print tank: Salvation Army. Also a million years old.

Jeans: Goodwill. Gap.

Shoes: Fit Flops.

This is a summer version of an outfit I've already worn, but it's not a repeat! Boo-yah-shakah-lahka-boo-yah!!!

HaHa in her "Hammer-Pants" enjoying watermelon with Nana.

A picture C-Dawg wanted me to share with everyone!

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!
                              

Happy Birthday Cubed!!!

Today is the birthday of 3 of the greatest ladies on the planet! Two of them were born minutes apart, and five years later, on the very same day, the third sister was born!

My mom is one of seven children. They were born in Iowa, and moved to California when the family was one child shy of seven. My mom's sisters are like goddesses to me. They are full of humor and wisdom and compassion and love. I have many fond and awesome memories of growing up, at their heels, always intrigued by their beauty and wit.

So the twins. My mom and her sister are identical twins. They looked so much alike that at one point their mom put bells on one of their ankles to tell them apart. When they got older she would beckon them to her room by calling out "Twins!" They are twins, through and through, and they are double the pleasure, and double the fun! The baby of the family, my Aunt Julie, is also a lot of fun.

I love these ladies so, so much, and I wish them a happy, happy birthday!!! And many more!!! They are the greatest!!!

Outfit:

I made sure I was not repeating outfits by wearing something a little crazy!

White Sweater: Hand me down from cousin. Merona.

Long print dress: Goodwill. Forever 21.

Polka dot Wrap: Thrift store. Old.

Jeans: Hand me down from friend. Express.

Shoes: Predictions. 

A flower Cha-Cha made while I was working in the class!

Happy Birthday Weebee!!!!

Today is the birthday of one of my best and most brilliant friends! She is talented, beautiful, sweet as the day is long, and smart enough to run her own business while chasing a toddler and nursing a newborn!
She is also the only person I could give a package of Cock Flavoured Soup to who would get as excited as I did when I found the aforementioned product.

Another late night at Chez Shelayna. Every night I say I'm going to bed before midnight, and every night I've been going to bed at 1:00... And waking up at 6:30. I have to stop, but there is just too much to do! It also doesn't help that my children have been going to bed at 10:00, and Richard has been working late a lot. Last week he arrived from work at 4:00 a.m. and had to be back at the office for a 10 o' clock meeting!

Okay. Must. Go. To. Bed.

Outfit:

Another chilly summer day her in So Cal.

Sweater:  Hand me down from cousin. Mossimo.

Pink Top: Forever 21.

Jeans: Goodwill. Gap.

Shoes: Mossimo.

Three Sisters!

I just got back from seeing The Lower Depth Theater Ensemble's production of Three Sisters after Chekhov. It was the U.S. premiere and it was beautifully acted. I would go into more detail about it, but I have a curriculum letter that I forgot was due today, and I have an audition tomorrow, so I gotta keep it brief (never easy for me) (I hear Richard saying "Ha!" right now). Pollyanna and Ayiko graciously joined me, and they are always good company. We are three sisters too!

Independent Theater in L.A. is so difficult to sustain, and I am always happy to see live performance. If you enjoy the theater as well, I recommend that you get to The Lost Studio Theater A.S.A.P.!

Outfit:

Knit shirt: Goodwill. Urchin.

Apple print tee: Forever 21.

Pants: Goodwill.

Shoes: Predictions.

I threw on the jacket in the eve for the show and the chill. Summer? Not here. Jacket: Goodwill. Ann Taylor.

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!

A Wish!

I wish that I could be as patient with my own kids as I am with the children I teach. I really do. I guess I don't spend as much time with my students, and, it also help that I'm not related to them. I mean, there are aphorisms that speak to this: "You always hurt the one you love" or "Familiarity breeds contempt", come to mind.

And while I do not have contempt for my kids, there are days when I can't believe what I've said to them, what they've said to me, and everything in between. I think on these days it would behoove me to pretend that my boys are students in my class, and to be on my best, most patient behavior. At least that is what I wish for myself. Here's hoping!

Outfit:

Floral tie top: I got this probably more than 15 years ago and I honestly don't know why I keep it. It may be going into the small pile of clothes I am going to contribute to the clothing swap I am hosting.  I wear it about once every couple of years and I keep it, I think because I think the print is charming. I don't know where I bought it. Just in Time.

Cream tank: Old Navy.

Pants: Goodwill. Mossimo. I love these pants, but the pockets are in the completely wrong place for my body shape!

Shoes: I went walking with the kids today, so I opted for my foot friendly Fit Flops!

Fireworks!

I just got off of the roof where I enjoyed this year's fireworks! Climbing the ladder was a bit scary,  especially with  HaHa in my sling, but the risk was worth the excitement and howls of the boys. They were also a little scared, but they braved the heights, and had a good time. Ayiko, joined us, and she too, was very, very brave!

This morning, while I was taking a relaxing, 15 minute bath, I got to peruse one of my beloved unread Harper's Bazaar, and came upon an article which explained that it is now acceptable to wear "evening looks around the clock". The article was titled "Sequins At Breakfast". Sequins at breakfast?! How exciting! Now I have the green light to break out the fancy clothes for day! Whoopee! This will give me more wiggle room as I run out of things to wear. I also just love sequins.

So, having found this new fashion freedom, I decided to wear a dressier shoe with my daytime outfit. Leo picked out the shoes  when I gave him the choice between two pair. I must admit though, I felt somewhat silly at the grocery store and OSH walking around in gold heels. So, when I went to target with Ayiko, I wore my Fit Flops.

As I write this, Ayiko and Richard, are having an intense political and philosophical debate which is making it impossible for me to concentrate. If you ever want to talk politics, or religion, or any of the taboo subjects, come over to our house and sit down next to Richard. He'll debate about anything. ANYTHING. By the way, I should give a shout out to my brother and my cousin! They were both born on the Fourth of July, and they are both fine, kind, and upstanding young men. My cousin is a police officer who is dedicated and sincere in his desire to protect people. He is concerned about gangs and the youth who get sucked into that world. He is determined to see that the problem improves.

 My brother just graduated at the top of his class in the Air Force. He is in the engineering branch. He has always been at the top of his class! He's one smart cookie! Happy birthday officers!!!!

Outfit:

I call this outfit "Gypsy Meets House Frau".

Floral dress: Goodwill. Limited Express. This is a dress that I have decided I don't really love, butI am wearing it now because I need it. I got it when I was working in admissions.

Black dress: Urban Outfitters. I got this dress at least 15 years ago in New York. It's a keeper I guess. I rubberband-ed it in the back to allow the other dress to peek through.

Shoes: Goodwill. Jelly Beanz.