Lessons From Fencing Class

Hello blog reader people! Hope your day is going well so far. Man, this shorter week (because of Labor Day) has sure gone by a lot faster than I was prepared for. At least we are rushing toward Saturday--my dear friend is getting married then! Woo-hoo!

But, I figured before celebrating with champagne and ... uh ... champagne*, let's reflect. Weddings signal the beginning of a life united together and in Our Lord. I remember when planning my own wedding, it wasn't difficult to get carried away with things like decorations, or food, or the infamous dress. However, it is most important to remember that a wedding is about the marriage with that person you love very much.

Being married will be hard, challenging, frustrating, and, at times upsetting. But instead of fighting, abandoning each other, or taking to bad habits, you and your partner should always choose to work together to fix the problem.

Or, you could do what we do to keep the marriage going: sword fight.

That's right everybody! It's time for lessons (and a couple pics) from fencing class! Get excited!

LESSONS FROM FENCING CLASS:

-If you are thinking that you have run out of gift ideas, try something unexpected. I bought Stephen and I fencing lessons, and he totally loved it! I was the cool wife. I had everything going for me. Great anniversary idea, ladies.

-Wear clothes that you will want to keep outside afterwards. Fencing makes you an unusually powerful and deadly ratio of sweaty-to-smelly. Either do laundry immediately, or regret it.

-Fencing swords hurt. Not a lot, but just enough so that every time I said "oww" from anticipation of someone poking me, I lost a little bit of that "cool wife" thing. Don't do this. Wait to actually be poked before saying oww, and try to be in actual pain. And, definitely don't say oww when you are only trying to put the face mask on. You lose major cool points there.

-The fencing jackets have a built-in, thong-like adjustable strap. Make sure your fencing jacket fits just right or is a little big. I'll let you figure out why.

-Face masks: also surprisingly sweaty. Prepare yourself with a bandana, as you cannot wipe the sweat off your brow at any time without knocking the mask off. You especially cannot try doing this during a match.

-If you happen to have a young whipper-snapper of only 16 as your teacher, try not to take offense when he mocks that hardly anyone in the adult beginning fencing class can touch their toes. He is young. He has no idea what's coming.

-Chest protectors are VERY important. Don't forget to wear them.

-Chest protectors only protect the chest.

-Listen carefully to the type of sword you will be working with. It affects your fighting strategy. A foil is like the sword the Three Musketeers use, and is meant to poke people in the torso only. You also have what is called "priority," which means that once the person who makes the first move is blocked (or "perried"), they can't get a point until the other person tries to make a move and you defend yourself against them. Sabre is the second type of sword. It is like a pirate sword, and your arms and legs are a target. These fights tend to go faster, as it is more "free:" anyone can poke anybody else at any time. Lastly, an epee is a bigger (and heavier) foil, and is good for tall people like my husband to repeatedly win matches against smaller, weaker individuals that he might have to drive home with.

-Be aggressive. The best fighters seem to be.

-Take out all of your anger at fencing. You can barely see the other guy's face. Sticking your tongue out at him while fighting is a total possibility, and I would dare say encouraged.

-Footwork is crucial to staying balanced and moving in the most powerful way. It will also be the source of major leg cramping about 36 hours after your first class. Prepare yourself with ice and stretching.

-Enjoy your moment of shining glory when you beat your husband in a match. He will claim it is because of the type of sword and fighting, but you will know it is because you couldn't lose 'em all.

Posed picture time!


Where we took our class



Me, post match. You understand the sweat thing now.



Stephen and me at the end of class. Awwww.



These lessons are certain not advice for marriage or for working through problems, but it was definitely a lot of fun to share this experience with the man I love. We recommend it!

Plus, my husband can never take that win away from me.



*What else do you celebrate with, really?

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Spark My Pinterest

Just wanted to share a quick note about my favorite new site: Pinterest. I know I am not the first person to discover it, but I have to say it is really so cool. In the past, the way I tried to collect neat images online would include e-mailing a link to myself and writing cryptic notes that were impossible to decipher later ("DIY combed chair," really?). However, Pinterest works perfectly as my new bookmarking site for neat things I see, from home inspiration to delicious-looking treats. Plus, it lets me see what inspires others, too.

Are you on Pinterest? I would love to get a chance to follow you. Please lhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifeave your link in the comments, or find me on Pinterest here.

Happy pinning!

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School's Back in Session

Hello out there! Apparently I went on an unplanned summer blog hiatus, as my last post was over two months ago. Like I'm guessing you had, I have had a very busy summer. Here's a bit of what I have been up to:

-It feels like every weekend had a birthday, party, or holiday, and I was finally able to visit my sister at her work in Disneyland. She is having a blast working in the happiest place on earth, and it wasn't too bad getting to spend a day in the park with her, either. My autumn weekends look like they will be just as busy, too. Good thing I have the work week to recover.

-I have been doing a lot of cooking lately (um, like always, actually). I have decided that I will be keeping a food diary of what I'm cooking with notes about what that food or recipe means to me. I will be sharing family memories, the special occasions at which we have this food, and anyone I cook with. This will be off the Internet, but I am thinking I will occasionally share the recipes as well as the notes here on the blog. Would you be interested in that?

-I have been taking some classes, including learning more about my faith at church, and I am about to start learning American Sign Language and taking another Bible study (super excited about both of these). And, this week Stephen and I finish up our introductory fencing lessons. That's right, fencing. Like with swords. I will have a larger post about what we have learned, and a bit of fencing humor for you guys in the next couple weeks, but I will tell you that it is just as fun as you expect it to be, and I highly recommend you make a "point" (eh? EH?) to try it for yourself! If you are in the Fresno-area, we went here, and recommend it very highly!

I plan to blog a bit more than I have been. I know you've heard this promise before, but I am ready (and really wanting to) get back into my writing routine. I miss writing and I miss the awesome feedback I get from anyone who reads about my crazy life.

See you very soon!

Learn From Me

Learn from me, the online shopper who has learned herself a valuable lesson:

I do love online shopping, but pressing "Submit" for that online traffic school and infraction total was a hard pill to swallow.

Guess I'm shopping bargain bins for at least...when is Christmas?

I guess there's always Ebay, an admittedly addictive lifeline for the bargain hunter, or a crazy bride.

The point is, do not wear your lead-filled shoes while driving, no matter how fabulous they look on top of those pedals.

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March? April? I Dunno...

I was just trotting along, living life, when all of a sudden, it was a month since I last wrote up anything on my blog.

There is no reason this should be the case, especially since I finished up school and have "tons of time on my hands" (or so one of my old professors claimed summer allowed).

Here's what's up:

-I went to go see Wicked in...March? April? I dunno. I was really good, and the actors are all very talented. Although I don't have pictures from the show (that's illegal, yo), I do have pictures of our seats.



Row six.

Jealous?

-I have started doing some work with my Dad, doing administrative and other work for his new accounting partnership. I started this in...March? April? I dunno. Anyway, I am still doing it and it's nice. I think we work well together, and I think I am helping him out in his new office. I also seem to be doing a lot of thinking, which is good because in summertime and 102-degree weather, I am notorious for not thinking.

-On June 1 (and 2), I had my first blogaversary. I totally forgot to get you anything. However, I'm gonna guess you forgot, too. How about as a gift, I write more? Yes, we like that? Cool. I also think I will be adding some new features to the blog, to keep it fresh for all of us. What? You double like that? Sweet.

-Stephen and I celebrated our own anniversary on May 1. We made it to our first of many more years of marriage. Woo! To celebrate, Stephen took me here.









Note: Several people have showed concern that for our anniversary my husband gave me weapon lessons, but I wanted to learn it, and to try something new. And you know what? Guns are terrifyingly loud and explode with a fireball out of the end when you fire them. Guns are real.*

-Oh, and my gift to Stephen for our anniversary was fencing lessons. Come August, we will be the best sword fighters this side of Pirates of the Caribbean.


*I am seriously not condoning or condemning gun use. This blog is neutral about pretty much all gun laws and in no way advocates having, not having, using, or not using a gun. Should you be around a gun, practice extreme caution. I do not recommend using a gun if not trained. Guns really can hurt and kill people, and neither of those is cool (or legal).**

**I figured this needed to be said.

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Fashion Friday Book Share

Hi there kids. It has been a crazy past couple of weeks for me (and probably for you, too--end of the school year, summer starting, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, shopping trips, Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo, summer food cravings, etc.). Here's what I have been up too:

-My Dad recently moved offices and started a new partnership. I have been helping him move and doing some office administrative work, with potential to help more during the summer. We've hit a few moving-related bumps ("Gee, I wonder what box that file is in), but nothing that can't be overcome with determination and comfy shoes. So far, I think things are going very well.

-And speaking of my folks, they are over in Ireland right now, hopefully having a great time. They told me they aren't going to kiss the Blarney Stone because they had heard from my grandma's brother (a.k.a. Uncle Tiny) that the janitors pee on it. Gross. Gross, yet, somehow, I still would want to do it to say that I did. On a scale of 1 to 10, how weird does that make me?

-I am in my last week of the paralegal program at Fresno City. The program is definitely set up and operated well, but right now the paralegal thing is not for me. I'm looking forward to a very nice summer.

-Amy, our guys, and myself went to Gilroy for our impromptu shopping trip, and were met with much success. Amy and her guy nabbed some accessories, while Stephen and I basically built up our wardrobe to a very solid level. We will definitely make it through a few summers.

-I had a very nice Easter and Mother's Day spent with Stephen's and my family. My weekends are starting (er, continuing) to fill up with birthdays, graduations, fundraisers, and other events. Right now, I am pretty much booked until mid-June. Are your weekends looking about the same? What fun activities will you be up to?

-And, in alignment with this post title, I have started a fabulous school-is-ending-so-let's-celebrate book called The Secret Lives of Dresses. It's fairly new and I'd heard some good things about it, so I thought I would give it a shot since I like clothes, vintage styling, and books with potential to become rom-com movies. I am only a couple chapters in, and it is everything I want it to be, and more. If you tend to wait until the movie to see such wonderful tales, I anticipate that you won't be waiting very long. Yeah, it is that good.

Happy weekend everyone!

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Garlic Jock Jams

Before you know it, it's been another week or so, and too long since I last posted something on this blog. With Easter coming, finishing up school assignments, and various other projects in the works, I am making less time for posting and more time for relaxing, eating dinner, and listening to songs that I call "Jock Jams"* on my newly-discovered, guilty-pleasure radio station, 103.7 FM.**

But today I am leaving it all behind (except maybe listening to Jock Jams) to head on a road trip. My best friend, Amy, and I (and maybe our guys) will be traveling to the Gilroy Outlets.

Now, many unfamiliar with Central California may not know this, but people from Fresno are single-handedly keeping all outlet centers with 3-4 hours operating.

It's true. Fresnans love taking trips to outlets, usually because you get to travel, end up in a cooler (in more ways than one) climate, and shop among good quality and cheap clothing. Since people from Fresno love all of these things, and since we have no outlet mall here, you can thank the prevention of complete economic collapse on Fresno.

And today, you can thank me and Amy.

Here are my items to look out for on the trip.

Need:
-Black pencil skirt
-Bermuda shorts that somehow don't look fitting for tourists
-Summer-style skirts for hot summer days (bonus points if they are twirly)
-Lighter-wash jeans
-New black pumps (I'm down to the nail on my current pair. Ouch!)
-Flat sandals that are not rubber, non-supportive flip flops
-Sonic New York Hot Dog

Want:
-Something yellow
-Vintage-looking scarves
-Brown, tortoise-shell sunglasses (polarized)
-Nude pumps
-The ever-allusive perfect red dress and/or cognac leather clutch

Will Probably Stumble Upon Anyway:
-Jeans that don't quite fit right
-A Starbucks
-Somebody I know from Fresno
-Garlic perfume

Put on your comfy shoes, pump your Jock Jams, and pop your lipstick, people: It's road trip time!




*If you grew up playing basketball on asphalt, finding the highest white socks you could to wear and keep up with tape, and listening to this music, thinking you were hot stuff, we might be the same person.

**Stephen informs me that this used to be the KRZR rock station, that played music that...well...wasn't my favorite. I am not sorry for your loss.

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What The Sell?

There are some combinations, some partnerships, that just feel right. Peanut butter and jelly. Abbott and Costello. Green eggs and ham.

And to me, antiques and sass.

I love antiques. I love items from different eras, whether they be clothing, furniture, housewares, or bigger pieces. I love walking through local shops, discovering interesting items, and learning an item's back story from the shop owner.

In general, antiques are a big ol' love fest for me. In fact, it may be too much of a love fest. My tiny apartment is beginning to show quite a collection of hand-me-down and new-to-me antiques, particularly with items that fit into my china cabinet.

I might have a problem.*

Naturally, when I heard of TLC's new show What The Sell?, that features three ladies and their antique store outside of Chicago, Illinois, I knew it would become my antique fix, since I probably shouldn't go out looking for anything else that could have me subconsciously opening my wallet and giving the nice people at the shop my dough.

Where does the sass come in on this partnership of love?

Meet Gloria.



One day I hope to be as sassy as Gloria. I think I will start on that now.

*My mom is nodding her head right now.

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Hello Out There!

I was just thinking to myself, as we begin to really welcome spring in Fresno, "I just finished that winter 30 for 30 challenge, right?"

Then I took a look at the blog and realized that it's been, like, 3 weeks, and that, with the exception of sharing some super awesome tunes with you, I've done nada.

Oops. Well, here's what's up with me lately.

I'm headed towards the last third of my semester of paralegal classes. I am learning a lot about the legal system and a paralegal's role in that, but at this time I don't think that going into this field is the right fit for me. I won't be continuing the program next semester, but I will be finishing up my courses in case I ever want to go back and finish it later. Hubby is also going to school and is both much better at it and is enjoying it much more than I am. So, next semester will be Stephen going to school full-time, and me trying to work more. Sound like a plan? Good, we thought so, too.

We've also lost a family member in the last week, so I have a renewed sense of love and thankfulness for all my family and friends. Not that we ever like to lose someone that we love to death, but Lent is probably one of the better times of the year for this to happen. It truly makes Easter that much more meaningful for us.

My dad's birthday is this Sunday, and I'm trying to remember if he has a favorite kind of cake or dessert that I can make.* It made me realize on a more general level that I don't really know the eating habits of my loved ones. I ate the majority of the meals of my youth with my immediate family, and eat most of my meals now with my husband, but I am still discovering food loves and food loathes among them. Just last month, I discovered that my sister didn't like tomatoes (which I seriously love), or mustard (which is seriously just a weird thing to not like). So, does anyone know what my Dad's favorite cake is, because right now I'm leaning towards a tomato-and-mustard cake since Steph will be gone.

Even though this is my blog, I do want to give everyone a bit of an update on Stephanie. She is really loving her time at Disneyland, and is all set to graduate from Cal Poly in June. We are very proud of her.

So proud that I'm sending her mustard packets in the mail, to remind her of her roots.

This will still not be the creepiest thing she's received in the mail.

And that will just have to remain a mystery...

(unless you just ask her).

So...

What have you been up to lately?


*Normally I wouldn't discuss my dad's birthday here since he is one of my three avid readers, but he's busy with tax season, and I'm gonna chance it. And if you are reading this, Dad, what's your favorite cake?

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Tuesday Tunes: 90's Childhood

I got into a fix this weekend on music I remember listening to on the radio as a kid.

You know, those songs that were so cool that you bought the artist's/band's album only to discover that, "Dang, the rest of this album stinks!"

Oh, the 90's. So fondly remembered, yet so bound to the confines of compact discs wrapped in impenetrable plastic while being, in general, incredibly embarrassing.

Except not as embarrassing as the 80's.

Fair warning on this post. If you elect to hang out and listen to the music videos embedded here, you will think that I am either:

a) Way too young with these choices, and that you really do need to head to YouTube for another era of choice.

b) Inside your head. I guess. Like, in the 90's (likely for those born between 1980 and 1994).

We begin!


This is third grade for me, people. Do we have a reference point now?


I feel like VH1 played this video for three years straight. Maybe people kept requesting it because we see the band members fighting. Or because it's an awesome song. Could be either.


I started singing along to this during a "90's at noon" type marathon and my sister looked at me like I had totally lost it. I must be the only person who has ever heard of this song.


Voted "most likely to get stuck in your head."


With the exception of the mall attack, this feels most 90's. Mall attacks feel more present day.

Since YouTube isn't letting me embed any Goo Goo Dolls, you'll have to do that on your own. Otherwise, this gives a good cross section of my childhood (at least the alternative and adult rock version).

Ok, your turn. What are your 90's picks?

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30 for 30, Day 30: The End

Here it is, people. The last day of this remix.

I wanted to pick something special and impractical out for you, like the diamond studs I've got my eye on. So, this is your "diamond studs."

You're welcome.

Outfit In Theory.


The blue dress, the green cardigan, and the camel boots are all part of my 30 for 30, while the necklace was my grandma's.

Outfit In Practice.


This outfit will be practical on a sunny winter day with some nylons, but not today's overcast weather. However, I gotta be honest: if I get called out for jury duty this afternoon, I am changing into something warmer.*

Alas, it is what we have learned that is most important now.

And what the heck was that?

-I can make a lot of outfits work from what I already own.

-Working with what you already own forces you to realize the items you actually need in your closet, and not just things that you think you need or you want when you are out shopping. I am totally making of list of things I need from now on.

-My lack-of-creativity burden can be aided by linking up with one of the many other remixers, and checking out their outfit creations.

-Including colorful pieces is a crucial part of getting through some dreary winter days.

-It's not just hype: accessories really can make outfits look different.

If I were to do this in the future: I would include an extra set of pants (or at least not lose one of the ones I selected from the start), include one less pair of shoes, and do my hair more often. Oh wait, I think that last one I already promised.

Oops.

Fellow remixers: did you learn anything from this challenge? Readers: did this inspire you to set your own wardrobe challenge? Others: want to grab some coffee sometime?**


*Ooo!--I just thought about how to change this up, too. I could put my white skirt over it. That would be fun. OK, pretend I wore that.

**I wanted everyone to feel included.

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Day 27, 28 and 29: Cooling (er, Slowing) Down

I am nearing the end of this 30 for 30, and I have to say that I am kinda glad. I miss my other clothes. This was a great experience in frugality and working with what I already own, and I'll have some very insightful reflections tomorrow with my last outfit post, but I am ready to blog about other things again. I hope you are too.

You are? Oh good. We can still be friends then.*

On to the clothes.

Sunday's Outfit In Theory.


The black cardigan, the blue skirt, and the black boots are all part of my 30 for 30 while the tights are extra and the purple is a color pop that I really needed on Sunday. You know, to deal with the lack of snow that was promised by deceitful weathermen.

Sunday's Outfit In Practice.


Boom. Sunday done.

Monday's Outfit In Theory.


The blue button up, the gray paper bag skirt, and the camel boots are all part of my 30 for 30, while the nylons are to keep me from freezing to death.**

Monday's Outfit In Practice.


This shirt is really comfy. I think when this challenge is over that I will wear it everyday for a week.

With jeans.

And slippers.

And occasionally substituting a sweatshirt.

Today's Outfit In Theory.


The brown shirt, the orange cardigan, the jeans, and the khaki heels are all part of my 30 for 30, while the necklace was a gift.

Today's Outfit In Practice.


I like the look, in general. I like my necklace. I felt extremely tall today.

Um. Yeah.

...

How did you feel today?


*I feel like I have been saying that a lot lately. I want you to know that our friendship isn't really in any danger. I am just running low on catch phrases.

**Excessive exaggeration will also return with posts not concerning clothing. Hurray!

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30 for 30, Days 24, 25 and 26: Catching Up

No cute little intro today--just getting the outfits down for the books.

Thursday's Outfit In Theory.


The black dress, khaki blazer and camel boots are all part of my 30 for 30. Belt is a bonus item.

Thursday's Outfit In Practice.


It worked very well for the office environment I was headed to that day. Will be repeated later in life.

Friday's Outfit In Theory.


The light gray/blue cardigan, the skinny jeans, and the black boots are all part of my 30 for 30, while the purple scarf was a necessary addition (because it was a freezing cold rain all day).

Friday's Outfit In Practice.


What you're not seeing is the black jacket I also added because, again, it was freezing. It worked. As did my umbrella.

Today's Outfit In Theory.


The gray sweater, the white blouse, the jeans, and the heels are part of my 30 for 30, while the belt is keeping it all together.

Today's Outfit In Practice.


I like it, except for the heels which I am going to get rid of after this challenge is over. They are too small for real walking. I have to bring a backup pair of shoes with me whenever I wear them. I guess this was a good part of the challenge: if forced me to realize that some things just don't work, and there is no use keeping them.

The end. Have a great rest of your weekend!

30 for 30, Days 22 and 23: Winter White and...Wednesday

Thanks for allowing me a temporary delay in getting this 30 for 30 thang all updated. Life comes up sometimes and gets in the way of creative and wallet-friendly challenges.

Here's yesterday's outfit du'jour*.

Outfit In Theory.


The gray cardigan, the white button up, the white skirt and the tan heels are all part of my 30 for 30, but the necklace was my grandma's (as is, upon further examination, a whole bunch of my jewelry).

Outfit In Practice.


This was not a very practical winter outfit, and, in fact, I didn't wear it for part of the day (doing heavy lifting). But it looks good. I'm sure it would look better if my legs were more tan, but hey, they're shaved. That's a victory.

Here's today's look:

Outfit In Theory.


The green jacket, the white blouse, the jeans, and the red heels are all part of my 30 for 30 swag, while the coral scarf is an extra item to give the look a little somethin' somethin'.

Outfit In Practice.


Comfy, easy, and it feels like I've worn this before in this challenge. But I checked and I haven't. I just own a lot of green.

Has a certain color taken over your closet?


*I took Spanish in high school, of which I don't remember a lot. I make no promises to ever put the correct French phrase or spelling. I also do not promise to stop.

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30 for 30, Days 19, 20, and 21: Long Weekend

Hello, internetally-active people! Did you have a nice three-day weekend? Did you sleep in, or get your chores done, or do your other preferred method of celebrating?

I did.

Which means that I got to go wine tasting!

Here's the loot I picked up:


All of the bottles are from local wineries except for the last one on the right, which I bought at a local liquor store because it had a really cute label, was all French, and was only $8.59. Did I mention the label was cute? Oh, I did...

On to the 30 for 30 then!

Here's a quick recap of my last three days* outfits.

Saturday's Outfit In Theory.


All of these items are items from my 30 for 30 draw.

Saturday's Outfit In Practice.


I would later regret my lack of tights added to this outfit. Stephen would also regret it, because he had to listen to me complain about being cold all day. Everything else worked, though.

Sunday's Outfit In Theory.


The white sweater, the black skirt and the boots are part of my 30 for 30, while the necklace was my grandma's. I added tights to remedy yesterday's life-altering mistake.

Sunday's Outfit In Practice.


Warmer than the day before, and great for wine tasting.

Monday's Outfit In Theory.


The skinny jeans and the boots are part of my 30 for 30 swag, while the jewelry and belt are added items. The orange cardigan is also part of my 30 for 30, but I wanted to give it its own sentence so that it can know how much I love it for sticking with me all these years. It is the oldest item in my 30 for 30. We have a long history together....

OK, I better stop before I get emotional over a cardigan. That would be uncomfortable for everyone.

Monday's Outfit In Practice.


Perfect for a busy day.

Now, on to the present day! See you on the flippity-flop.

...

Ooo, now everyone is uncomfortable. Sorry folks.


*Today's outfit will be posted tomorrow because it isn't yet loaded on the computer and I'm lamezy. That's "lame" and "lazy" portmanteau'd.

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30 for 30, Day 18: Just Tryin' To Stay Warm

As soon as I woke up this morning, I wanted to remedy how cold I was. However, since I can't go about my day in a sweatshirt, snow pants and 6 pairs of socks, I decided to go with the following outfit.

Outfit In Theory.


The black cardigan, the jeans, and the red heels are all part of my 30 for 30 haul. The black, white and red all over top is a bonus item.

Outfit In Practice.


Now all I need is a coat and some hot chocolate.

And breakfast. I waited way too long to have breakfast.

Happy Friday!

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30 for 30, Day 17: Going Green

It looks like the rain has cleared up a bit, so today is all about keeping warm on those days that look sunny but are deceivingly cold.

I know you know what I'm talking about.

Outfit In Theory.


The army green striped top, the green cardigan, the jeans, and the khaki heels are all part of my 30 for 30.

Outfit In Practice.


I normally wouldn't have put these two tops together, but I feel like I am now at the point of the challenge where I am running out of options. Somehow, it works.

Oh, I wanted to share something I saw on the way to school (in the rain) yesterday:



The editor side of me smiled, then shook my head in disgust. I don't know what a "forgien" car is, but I don't think I want to know.

For shame, Al. For shame.

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30 for 30, Day 16: Rain Ready

So, I know that we were expecting the rain, but given the weather lately, it still feels like it came out of nowhere. Now we are experiencing Fresno's true winter.

Since I'll be out running errands and heading to class this evening, I need to find something in my 30 for 30 that will work well in water.

Outfit In Theory.


The blue button up, the skinny jeans, and the black boots are all part of my 30 for 30.

Outfit In Practice.


I know it only looks like I'm adding a belt and a ring, but as soon as I have to step out of the house, I'm going to add an extra sweater.

And a coat. And maybe a poncho. I get really cold, OK?

Keep dry today!

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30 for 30, Day 15: Office Wear

How was your St. Valentine's Day, reader? Mine was very nice: I sat in my class for three hours, then ate ice cream with my husband. Take away the class and you have the ideal holiday.

Oh, and he got me these tulips, which I love.


So yay. :)

I'm doing some work in an office today, then headed to class in the evening. Here's what I thought up.

Outfit In Theory.


The grayish cardigan, the black skirt, and the black heels are all part of my 30 for 30. The pink camisole is an extra item.

Outfit In Practice.


I just realized I'm probably going to get cold today, so I think I'll add some tights. Otherwise, good office wear.

How are you spending your Tuesday?

30 for 30, Days 13 & 14: I Love You (x Infinity)

I love you.

I hope you don't think I'm being too forward. I really do. And today is the perfect day to tell you that.

And, since I love you, here is everything I promised yesterday but didn't do because I was lazy.

Yesterday's Outfit In Practice.


A pic from the church luncheon.


My winnings.


My Southern-style feast for Gone With The Wind (and somebody's husband who drove home for one and a half hours for it--the feast, not Gone With The Wind).


Stephen's St. Valentine's Day gift.


And, speaking of St. Valentine's Day, here's my in-theme outfit for the 30 for 30.

Today's Outfit In Theory.


The white sweater, the jeans, and the red heels are part of my 30 for 30 swag, while the infinity scarf* is a bonus item.

Today's Outfit In Practice.


A good outfit for keeping warm on what looks like a very cold day.

How are you celebrating today?


*Get it? Get it?

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