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!