Thursday, October 31, 2013

Fall for Cotton


Butterfly Earrings: Butterfly Garden when Hubby proposed
Butterfly Necklace: 18th birthday gift from Hubby - we were only dating then :o)
Ruby Brooch: Gift from Grandmother
Butterfly Ring: Gift from Hubby the day our first Son was born
Shawl: Crocheted by Hubby's Grandmother
Dress: Self Made (Butterick 5708)
Petticoat: Self Made
Vintage Green Snakeskin heels: Gift from Little Sister

This dress is the result of participating in my first ever sew along.  Lucky Lucille and Tasha hosted Fall for Cotton.  I knew just what I wanted to sew.  I have had this Fall cotton for ages!  Every year when Fall rolled around I'd say, "I'm going to use that gorgeous fabric THIS year!"  Well this was just the kick in the pants I needed to finally get to it.

I gave Hubby a big Thank You hug and kiss after this photo shoot.  As we were pulling into our drive I said how I liked the fluffy weeds grasses for my photos.  Hubby said he liked the gnarled old tree.  I said, "You're not going to be able to get that in there!"  He said, "I take that challenge!"

He succeeded!!!  These may be my favorite blog photos yet.

JJ

Linking up with Passion for Fashion



Friday, October 25, 2013

Balance



Ruby Ring and Earrings: Gifts from Hubby
Cha-Cha Ring: DIY
Scarf: Gift from a Friend
Dress: Khol's
Tights: TJMaxx
Vintage Heels: Thrifted
Suede Purse: Thrifted
Hair Clasp: Kolache Festival

On the way to our friend's house for lunch, I asked Hubby to keep his eyes open for a good spot to stop and take some outfit pictures.  They have a double pond on their property, so that's what I was thinking would be nice when Hubby starts pulling the car over before we even get to their gate.  I looked up a little confused, then realized he was looking at the train tracks.  "Oooo, fun," I said, then proceeded to try to break my ankles balancing on the rails.  Slick bottom heels and slick tracks are not a great mix, but you better believe I was gonna get at least one successful shot.

JJ

PS:  I have a "hair appointment" with my sister this weekend. :o)

Linking up with Passion for Fashion

Friday, October 18, 2013

Light Fall Layers


Vintage Umbrella: Antique Shop
Ceramic Watch: TJMaxx
Silver Ring: ???
Suede Purse: Thrifted
Lace Shawl/Pancho: Gift from a Friend
White Dress: TJMaxx or Ross???
Heart Tights: Target
Purple Suede Wedges: Dillards (clearance)

These layers were perfect for our only slightly Fall weather.

Hubby and I went on a Date Saturday night.  Woohoo!  I had cash burning a hole in my pocket, so of course he took me to TJMaxx.  I needed a wallet (I found an orange one) which just happened to be by the jewelry counter.  I have wanted a white ceramic watch for a while now.  I have been watching a particular one for it to go on sale (hehe, "Watching a Watch", I crack myself up).  So far it's still not on sale.  I started looking at other options a couple months ago and this was my lucky day!  This one was a 6th of the price of the one I had my eye on!

My sister, aka my hairdresser, saw me Saturday afternoon and declared me to be in need of her skills.  Pretty hair colors have been purchased and a new look awaits!  Until she gets me fixed up, we're calling my current look "Ombre".  Funny thing is a lady stopped me at church to tell me how much she liked my hair.  Anyone else ever get a hair compliment just when you're thinking it doesn't look its best?  It's happened to me quite a lot.

JJ

PS: The kittens seemed to like my Purple shoes! :o)

Lining up with Passion for Fashion

Monday, October 7, 2013

Autumn Brights

 Yes, I posed with my foot in the weeds!  Well, I was trying to show off my shoes...fail.

 I didn't know you were taking the picture yet!

 Wait!  Are you still taking photos?  I'm making goofy faces!

 Give me that camera!  I need to see what your doing.

Well that was fun.  Would you please take a picture of my earring and necklace?  Thank you.

Earrings and Necklace: Gifts from Hubby
Blazer: Thrifted
Silk Blouse: Grandmother's
Skirt: JCPenny's (clearance)
Tights: Hue via Macy's (clearance)
Heels: Marshall's

I've just been waiting for cool enough weather to wear tights and a blazer.  I had tried the entire outfit on back when it was too hot to even think about it.  Although with our mood swingy weather, that could've been last week. :o)

JJ

Linking up with Passion for Fashion

Thursday, October 3, 2013

The Long Story


Pearl Ring: Gift from Hubby
Pine Cone Necklace: Auction
Acorn Necklace: Swiped from Mom
Silk Blouse: Thrifted
Shorts: Khols (clearance)
Orange Leather Flats: Gift from Hubby

This was just my casual outfit for the day.  I ran some errands.  Did house work.  Played soccer in the [light] rain.  Bottle fed our orphan kittens.  Usual kind of every day stuff.

Ok so the promised story of my birthday ring...

Picture this, Hubby took the day off for my birthday so we could do whatever we wanted.  After picking up our 7 year old Opie from school we headed to town.  This would be after 3pm.  He hadn't given me a birthday present yet, usually he is trying to give me my present(s) the night before.  I'm thinking he's taking me shopping to pick something out.  I'm cool with that.

I realize I have a headache from skipping lunch (we had a big breakfast).  We eat an early supper and I feel a bit better, but the headache is still there.

We get to the mall.  I have to run back to the car for a forgotten coupon.  I get back in Macy's and Hubby and the boys are no where to be found!  I call.  He says they are cruising the mall so I can try things on in peace and they will come back when I have things to show him.  How thoughtful I think.  Not.One.Thing.Worked.

I call him feeling pretty grouchy and ask where they are.  They're looking at the puppies.  I hurry to meet them there saying how cute puppies will cheer me right up.

As we're leaving the mall (back through Macy's), I spy a dress that I had just pointed out in Lucky magazine on our drive over!  Hubby says, "Try it on."  I'm getting really excited.  As I'm looking for the size, my eyes land on the price!  I look at Hubby and say, "Um, that's too much isn't it?"  He doesn't say anything.  I sigh and put it back.

As we reach the car I remember the coupon!  I ask Hubby to do some quick math for me (I'm too muddled at that point for 2+2!).  He gives me the sum.  I say, "Well that's probably still too much."  He doesn't say a thing.

I get in the car.

Hubby asks, "Where to next?"  I know he's thinking I'll want to go to TJMaxx, but I'm kinda mad now.  I mean gosh, it IS my birthday, a little splurging wouldn't hurt.  He usually splurges a LOT!

I tell him to head to the grocery store.  Yes, I had my grocery list with me and it was actually in the plans to grocery shop AFTER the fun shopping.

I stomp my way through the grocery store marking stuff off my list.  I missed something a million aisles back.  Grrr!  I send Hubby (with the basket and 7 year old) to get it while I take the now clingy and fussy baby with me to get the last few items.

I end up at the front of the store with my arms full of cheese, yogurt, pasta, this and that, and the restless baby.  Hubby is MIA!  I call...no answer.  I wait.  I look back and forth and back and forth and backandforthand...you get it.  I stack my items on top of a display to get a better grip on the baby that has now turned into a floppy fish.

I call again...no answer.

I call again and he answers.  He had ran into his mom and ended up talking to his Out-of-State Sister on his mom's phone.  I grudgingly forgive my unanswered calls.

Hubby's Mom has a gift for me in her car.  Yay!  I get a bracelet and shirt that I wanted.

We load up in our car and Hubby again asks, "Where to?"  I say, "Home."  I'm thinking if he's gotta ask and we have cold stuff to put up, then I'd rather just get home.

I perk up a little on the way home.  Maybe he has a surprise for me waiting there???

We get home.  Hubby puts up the groceries (sweet of him) while I try on my new top.

New top doesn't fit.  Grrr.  At least the bracelet "fits".

It's past bedtime.  11:30pm.  No present.

I am in secret tears (really, in secret, in the bathroom).  I wash my face, take a deep breath, and step out to go to bed.  The kitchen light is on.

I start to turn off the kitchen lights and see one bag of groceries on the floor.  Now why in the world did he put up everything but that one little bag?  I'm irritated and start to turn the lights off and just put the stupid stuff up in the morning!

But no, I won't feel like doing it in the morning.  Might as well get it over with.  I pick up the bag and feel what seems to me a box of jello.  Jello?  I didn't buy jello.

I pull out the jewelry box, immediately drop it, flop down on my butt on the kitchen floor and burst into tears!

Yeah, I went all kinds of girly!

Hubby comes in, gets down on the floor with me, and scoops me up.  He asks if I like it?  I have to tell him I haven't even seen it yet 'cause I was crying too hard.  I open it and find the pearl ring of my dreams!

I cry some more. :o)

Hubby said he was sweating it out waiting for me to find that dang box.  I asked what he would've done if I hadn't found it?  He had already decided he would bring it to me in bed if he had to.

I did tell him that if only I had found the present 10 minutes earlier I wouldn't have cried in the bathroom, then flat out lost it when I DID find it. :o)

I think that's the best He's ever surprised me.

Oh and he totally knew how grouchy and irritated I was at the stores and just couldn't wait for the grand reveal.

And now you know the rest of the story.
JJ

PS:  He said he threatened our 7 year old with no video games, movies, and computer for a month if he even mentioned a hint of getting me a present!  He had bought it while I was in Macy's and had only just gotten to the puppy store when I met them!  I was so proud of Opie, he is just like his dad and usually can't wait to give someone their present (and wants to give hints). :o)

Linking up with Passion for Fashion