Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters + Fashion

March 31, 2011 Leave a Comment
I am planning on posting a Friday playlist tomorrow but had to do a little preview after hearing “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” this morning.

For some reason it really stuck a chord. I love this song. And I missed it. It reminds me of Almost Famous which makes me happy. I sang along right in front of my students as they wrote, and they didn’t mind. The really cool ones Some of them even sang along,too.

I wish one of the Idol’s would’ve sang this song on Elton John night, though I loved Paul’s “Rocket Man,” and Casey’s “Your Song.” Hailey’s  “Bennie and the Jetts” was my favorite! I love when she gets all Janis-y. 
Here is the video for “Mona Lisas..”
and a few of my favorite lines…
…And I thank the Lord there’s people out there like you
I thank the Lord there’s people out there like you
While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say good morning to the night
For unless they see the sky
But they can’t and that is why
They know not if it’s dark outside or light
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When: Thursday, March31st
Where:Work (teaching high school)
What: Comfy Boho Bag Lady
Tank Top: (under the dress) Old Navy, jersey stretch tank in heather oatmeal, this season
Dress: from Old Navy, winter 2011
Cardigan: Mossimo Supply Co. Boyfriend Cardigan sweater in Just Blush from Target
Leggings: from T.J. Maxx in grey
Earrings: turquoise flowers from Anne Vaughan Designs

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I thank the Lord there’s people out there like
YOU!

Filed Under: Entertainment, Fashion Tagged With: ,

Virtual Pinboard + Tuesday Fashion

March 30, 2011 1 Comment
I have been looking for a way to put virtual pins in all of the things I love and hang them on a  nice, little virtual pin board (because the real life version would require printing multiple pages and be annoying). Well, I have finally found what I’ve been looking for…
You have to be “invited” to join which makes you feel all important, though an email is all that’s required to be put on their list. It only took me a few days and I was in!
Follow me at http://pinterest.com/makeitbeautiful/ to see what I am currently loving…
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When: Tuesday, March 29th
Where:Work (teaching high school)
What: Mixing brown and black yet again!
Top: (under the dress) from Target, winter 2011
Dress: from Target, winter 2011
Cardigan: from T.J. Maxx, winter 2011
Leggings: from Old Navy in black
Boots: Steve Madden via T.J. Maxx, two seasons ago
Earrings: hammered gold from Target

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: ,

Spring Cleaning + Weekend Fashion

March 28, 2011 Leave a Comment
Every year about this time, while more motivated people are doing real spring cleaning, I’m doing the metaphoric version…in my journal. I love this activity and encourage everyone to participate and let me know how it goes. 
I found it especially interesting to look back on what I wanted to “get rid of” in March of 2009 and was thrilled to see that I have not reneged on my desire to let go of the Bad Girls Club and  Myspace. I am equally glad that I am still keeping Mamaw’s well-stickered envelopes and The Bachelor…both have served me well.
Click here to see my lists for the original post. Make your own list of 50 things to get rid of and 50 things to keep.  Doing so will  help you to realize that maybe “finding your life” isn’t just about clearing the clutter, but also remembering what’s worth keeping.
This morning one of my students also added a third column–things to embrace. How insightful for a junior in high school to realize that some things in life aren’t meant to be let go or held on to…just accepted, acknowledged and embraced.

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*Weekend Fashion Parade*
When: Saturday, March 26th
Where:running errands around town
What:Comfortable mommy
Top: floral print thermal shirt from Target, winter 2011
Jacket: (not pictured) Patagonia Retro-X jacket in french roast
Jeans: Seven For All Mankind, Dojo shorter inseam wide leg
Shoes: New Balance found at T.J. Maxx, this season, similar to these but in pink
Earrings:fake pearls 

AJH’S outfit
Top: Target
Jeans: Target
Vest: hand-me-down from Baby Gap
Shoes: from Polo outlet

*later*

Where: baby shower
What:Mommy heaven
Top:  Merona Collection Tallara top in Bone from Target this season (got mistaken for Anthropologie :)
Sweater: Fee people via T.J. Maxx several years ago on clearance for $7
Jeans: Seven For All Mankind, Dojo shorter inseam wide leg
Shoes: metallic tiny wedge heel from Target fall 2010
Earrings: ceramic dangles made by Pam Ungar of Cedar Hill Pottery


When: Sunday, March 27th
Where: Our daughter’s birthday party with my side of the family
What: Springy mommy
Top: Old Navy tiered top in blue print
Cardigan: from Ross last summer
Shoes: metallic tiny wedge heel from Target fall 2010
Earrings: yellow rose studs from Rugged Wearhouse

When: Monday, March 28th
Where: Work (teaching high school)
What: “I’m so excited to wear my new tank and cardigan” outfit
Tank Top: Mossimo Supply Co. Long and Lean tank in sapphire flower from Target
Cardigan: Mossimo Supply Co. Boyfriend Cardigan sweater in Just Blush from Target
Pants: Limited dressy khakis via Rugged Wearhouse years ago
Shoes: metallic tiny wedge heel from Target fall 2010
Earrings: found at a yard sale two years ago


So, posting these outfits has made me realize a few things…
1. Those metallic shoes have been a lifesaver! I love that they have the perfect slight heel to help me with all of the pants that are just a little too long to wear with flats. I also love that they match the metallic Coach bag I got from my mother-in-law for Christmas this year. It’s the Mia Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag in gun metal, which I wear as a cross-body purse. It has been a life saver since entering mommy-hood. The color goes with everything, and of course, matches these favorite shoes. Luckily we found it at the Coach outlet and got a great deal!
2. Really nice jeans are SO worth it. Look how many times I’ve already worn my new Dojo’s! The length makes them work casually with tennis shoes but the dark color and sharp pockets dress them up for night time.

3. I am all about some tank tops and cardigans right now. My little sister said I look very “preppy” but I think it’s just more “mommy” and I’m okay with that.

What’s your favorite look right now?
*ps, I am adding a watermark to some of my pictures, not because I think I am THAT cool, but because there are creepy people on the internet!
Filed Under: Fashion, Jounaling Tools + Topics Tagged With: , ,

Friday Playlist +Fashion Parade

March 25, 2011 Leave a Comment
I typically listen to my QuickMix Pandora station through my phone, day in and day out at work. My students pretend to dig it, and some of them actually do. Since I teach primarily writing classes, we spend a lot of time listening to music and writing. Of course, I have it going non- stop during my planning period. I just realized today that www.pandora.com is no longer blocked on my school computer! Yipee! I am so excited to finally stop using my phone and have more options from the real website.
If you’re interested, these are the stations that make up my QuickMix (oldest one added is listed first):
Jack Johnson
The Avett Brothers
Mumford & Sons
Moonlight Mile (Rolling Stones Song)
Van Morrison
Sons of Bill
Goose Creek Symphony
Janelle Monae
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes
Zac Brown Band
Nicki Minaj
Heavenly Lullabies Children Music
From this list of artists/songs/genres that make up my QuickMix these are my favorite songs I’ve heard this week. Some are classics, some are new, some are new takes on classics. I love them all. Click the link to watch the videos on YouTube, if available. 
Enjoy and add some of them to your own QuickMix!
1. Boss DJ, Sublime
2. Heartbeats, Jose Gonzalez
3. Rivers of Babylon, Sublime
4. Sweet Child ‘O Mine, Guns and Roses
5. When I Drink, The Avett Brothers
6. Dream On, Aerosmith
7. Hiroshima, Ben Folds
8. True Affection, The Blow
10. What Makes the Irish Heart Beat, Van Morrison
11. Jealous Guy, John Lennon
12. When U Love Somebody, Fruit Bats
13. A Pirate Looks at Forty, Jimmy Buffett or this version by Roger Creager
14. Blue Sky, The Allman Brothers
15. If you Want to Sing Out, Sing Out, Cat Steven

*bonus songs* added Friday afternoon

Close to Me, The Cure
Orphan Girl, Gillian Welch

What’s your favorite?

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You guys asked for it… so here is more of my Fashion Parade! Some of you suggested I do this daily, rather than weekly, and since my brain works better that way, I think I’m gonna give it a go. Here is my outfit from Thursday since I didn’t add it to yesterday’s post and I don’t want to wait until next week to post!
Someone asked me if I get stressed out in the mornings, knowing I’m going to be posting everything on my blog. I replied that I was too rushed to think about my blog in the mornings and normally just hope to find something clean that matches and is somewhat appropriate. I am still in a very “in between” post-baby phase with some clothes too big, and some too small so I normally just go with whatever fits and makes me feel comfortable.

When: Thursday, March 24th

Where: Work (teaching high school), then dinner banquet
What: An outfit to take me from day to night
Dress: made by Soprano found at T.J. Maxx this season
Sweater: from Express in ivory, winter 2011, similar to this one
Leggings: from Old Navy in brown
Boots: Made by Coconuts and found at T.J. Maxx, fall 2010 for only $40. Coconuts can also be found at Piperlime.
I’ve gotten lots of compliments on these and have been told they look a lot more expensive than what I paid. These and my Target boots have been my “go-to” pieces this winter.
Earrings: found at Rugged Wearhouse years ago
I think I could’ve used a necklace, but it’s hard to pull it all together in the mornings with a baby! Sometimes for school I also tend to just go really basic and don’t like to get too crazy since I’m working with high school kids, though it’s nice to at least make an effort. I also tried the straight across bangs today, which changes things up. I love the versatility of bangs…I can pull them back, wear them to the side, or go all Kelle Hampton if I’m in the mood.

When: Friday, March 25th: Blue and White spirit day
Where: Work (teaching high school)
What: Casual Friday with dirty hair and my new fav. cardy
Tank top: Ralph Lauren found at Polo outlet many seasons ago
Cardigan: Old Navy V-Neck cardigan in gray combo, spring 2011
(love the color and it’s sooo soft)
Jeans: Seven For All Mankind, Dojo shorter inseam wide leg
Tennis shoes: New Balance found at T.J. Maxx, this season, similar to these but in pink
Earrings: large (fake) pearls

The rule for Fridays is if we wear jeans, we’re supposed to wear blue and white, our school colors. I almost made it today. 

Happy Friday and leave me a comment with your favorites…
Filed Under: Entertainment, Fashion Tagged With: ,

Suggestions welcome

March 24, 2011 2 Comments
This is an in-between post for an in-between day.
Not quite Friday, I’m just kinda
waiting.
For some fun
or something.
I’ve been working on my weekly fashion parade for next Wednesday
and my Friday Playlist post which I think is a fun tradition I’d like to keep up.
But what about today? Not much going on
but these are some things on my mind.
And suggestions are welcome.
1. Should I do a daily fashion post rather than putting them all together once a week? Would that get annoying? Would they fit daily into my normal posts? Hmm, please give your thoughts.
2. Should I give my baby whole milk in a cup and take away her bottle soon? I am lost on this one. But not really. I’ve done my research. I think I know the answer but I’m afraid to go against THE MAN. The MILK man to be exact. More to come.

3. More on the milk topic…could I be lactose intolerant? My mom recently told me I rejected milk as a baby. I projectile vomited formula until I was about one and then refused to drink milk in general. I still refuse to drink it. But I love cheese, and especially sour cream. But my stomach hurts almost constantly, and particularly after I eat dairy. I’ve been wondering for years now what causes the stomach issues…is it anxiety? Meat? Gluten? Dairy? I’ve never eliminated anything long enough to figure it out. Looking back, that makes me seem pretty stupid. Hmm…maybe it’s time for a change, but how can I deal with giving up my feta? Any suggestions? Should I just give in and go to a nutritionist?

4. What kind of camera should I get? I am in desperate need. Our really nice digital just stopped working (the lens went wacky) and I think it will be too expensive to fix and may as well get a new one, though I’m too lazy to actually check on this and see if it’s even fixable. Of course we realized that it broke the day AFTER our warranty ran out. Typical. I borrow the school yearbook camera a lot, which is nice, (a Canon Rebel XS E0S with a 105 mm lens) but I really want something small that I can just throw into my purse and have on me at all times, but still takes really good, professional-like pictures.  Is that too much to ask ? haha.I am so sick of taking cell phone pictures. Any ideas?

5.I have always been a lover of super-flares and bell-bottoms and had the most perfect pair of vintage, bell-bottom Levi’s in high school that are covered in holes, found at Good Will. They were perfect. I used to wear them with neon tights underneath when I went through what my dad liked to call the “freak phase.” My favorite outfit was the famous jeans, with a thermal shirt under a floral chiffon top from Express and some awesome Lucky work boots.

Here’s a little glimpse of the outfit, fresh from the archives. Love little T (who hated that jacket) and R (who LOVED his jacket), too. 
I like to call it the “grunge hippie” phase. And I sometimes miss it. 
I was a hippie five years in a row for Halloween for goodness sakes. 
Here is one of my favorite ensembles:
 I would die to still have that dress. It has a beautiful crochet top…ahh.
These jeans are making a “comeback,” though in my eyes they’ve never been out.
And I want some.
Any suggestions on where to find the perfect pair?
I die for this entire outfit. The pretty blouse, simple cardigan, super flares and that amazing, wedgy shoe peeking out.
Image via Peter Stigter
Thank you for your help on this
in-between day with all of my 
in-between thoughts.
xoxo, P
Filed Under: Beautiful Family, Fashion Tagged With: ,

Weekly Fashion Parade: March 17-23, 2011

March 23, 2011 3 Comments
I used to do “What I wore today” posts on my old fashion blog, “Prissy’s Closet.” After AJH was born I decided it was too hard to keep 3 separate blogs up and running (My family blog, my fashion blog, and my writing blog) so I merged them happily into one central location where I focus on ALL things beautiful, whether in family, words, fashion, or music.
I follow other blogs with “what I wore” posts and I always look forward to seeing them. Even if we share different taste, I find it very interesting and intriguing to see what other people choose to wear on a daily basis, whether going to work, going to church, or staying home with the kids.

Here are some of my favorite:
-What I Wore: A personal style blog (one of, if not, THE original what I wore bloggers)
-Dear Baby (she posts the cutest maternity outfits)
-A Room Somewhere (she does a weekly What I Wore post every Wednesday)

-The Posessionista (she doesn’t give her own outfits, but she does post where to find all of your favorite tv personalities’ outfits! Thank you to MHH for passing this one along.)

As I get older and embrace mommyhood, I am finding my style evolve into something both comfortable and authentic. I hope my upcoming fashion posts will be just as much fun for you as they are for me!

*Bare with me this week as I forgot to get good pictures of each outfit. If I decide to continue this, I’ll step it up next week!

When: Thursday, March 17th: St. Patrick’s Day
Where: Work (teaching high school)
What: My version of dressed up, yet festive
Tank Top: Walmart organic cotton ribbed tank, only $3.50 and perfect for the holiday
Cardigan: Target, Mossimo Supply Co., Boyfriend cardigan
Pants: very old Limited, via Rugged Wearhouse
Shoes: quite comfortable Nine West heels
Earrings: found a few years ago at a jewelry booth at the Maple Festival in Highland County
Ring: vintage, sterling silver, marcasite and probably fake peridot found this summer for $4 at Rocky’s Gold and Silver

When: Friday, March 18th: Blue and White Spirit Day
Where: Work (teaching high school)
What: Lazy casual Friday
Tank Top: Old Navy (similar to picture)
Cardigan: Target, Mossimo Supply Co., Boyfriend cardigan
Pants: Seven for all Mankind, Lexi A pocket jeans (petite with shorter inseam), found for $45 at the Off Saks outlet this winter
Earrings: ceramic earrings, made from left over pottery by Pam Unger (similar to picture but teardrop shaped). Earrings pictured are from Tropical Earth Etsy shop.
 *update*the real shirt and earrings*

When: Saturday, March 19th

Where: St. Patrick’s Day Barn party
What: A “me” outfit–great jeans with a pretty top and old boots
Top: Target, Mossimo Supply Co., Juniors Crochet V-neck top in precious jasper
Cardigan: Charlotte Russe
Shoes: vintage cowboy boots (picture added below)
Earrings: River’s Edge “nest” earrings
Purse: Vintage hand-tooled leather from my personal collection (picture added below)
*update* my purse and boots*

When: Sunday, March 20th

Where: AJH’s first birthday party, our home
What: Pure mommy outfit in full effect
Top: T.J. Maxx
Cardigan: from Urban Gypsy featured in this post
Jeans: Seven for all Mankind, Dojo A-pocket with shorter inseam
Shoes: BCBG be-jeweled flats via T.J. Maxx this season (picture added below)
Earrings: from Premier Designs Jewelry this season
*update*close-up of shoes added*

I was too busy to scrape the “size 8″ tags off the inside!

When: Monday, March 21st
Where: Work (teaching high school)
What:Color + comfort= perfect for rainy Monday
Top: Charlotte Russe
Cardigan:T.J. Maxx
Pants: cheapo brown dress pants made by Studio Y
Shoes: metallic tiny wedge heel from Target fall 2010
Earrings: Gold lace from Premier Designs Jewelry this season

When: Tuesday, March 22nd
Where: Work (teaching high school)
What: Basic with a leopard punch
Top: Old Gap three-quarter length sleeve in black
Cardigan: a Christmas gift made by Style and Co. in black with ruffles
Pants: Old Gap, slim leg cropped pants in brown
Shoes: Leopard print kitten heels from Target last summer
Earrings: basic (fake) pearls

I don’t normally wear black and brown but thought the shoes pulled it together. The pants are ill-fitting, very baggy up top and then tight at the bottom so I’ll probably give them away!

When: Wednesday, March 23rd
Where: Work (teaching high school)
What: Bohemian bag lady
Dress: from Target, last season. I love that print!
Cardigan: from Urban Gypsy, featured in this post
Leggings: from Old Navy in brown
Shoes:(my favorite) boots from Target,Mossimo Supply Co., Kachiri, Leather Americana Boots in Taupe, from fall 2010 which I’ve worn the heck out of this year. 
They’re so comfortable and have even been mistaken for Frye!
Earrings: from Anne Vaughan Designs,featured in this post

Let me know what you think and I may do another edition next week!
Happy birthday to my soul sister!
xoxo, P
Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With:

More Black Lab Birthday shots…presents, cake, and the birthday girl!

March 22, 2011 Leave a Comment
Here are some more shots from AJH’s black lab themed first birthday party:

Opening presents…

And more presents…

And “eating” her smash cake
 She handled her “smash cake” quite daintily. Instead of eating it, she insisted on giving it away. She took a few bites, made some funny faces and then turned it upside down and cried to get out of her high chair.Like mother, like daughter…I’ve never liked sweets and don’t enjoy getting dirty, either.
And winding down…

Overall, it was a wonderful night and I must thank all of those who helped out and came to celebrate with us. We are our so blessed to have such an awesome circle of love surrounding AJH. 
In other news…I will be launching a “Weekly Fashion Parade” post tomorrow chronicling my outfits from the past week. Stay tuned!

Also, a friend from college started her own blog recently and mentioned me in her first post. Thank you, Megan, and please know that it makes my LIFE when I hear that I have inspired others to join this journey of writing and healing. 

Much love!
Filed Under: Beautiful Family Tagged With: ,

Black Lab Themed First Birthday Party

March 22, 2011 5 Comments
AJH’s big first birthday bash was a hit and I’d love to share some of the intimate details.We went with a black lab theme because our black lab, Henry, is one of her favorite things. She loves to watch him run in the yard with his cousin, Hokie, and feed treats to them through the window. Since birth, she has been very attached to her Henry dolls (we have one in pink and blue to avoid too much wear and tear, and,of course, match her different outfits) so when I sat down to really plan her first party it seemed only right to go with the one thing she really understands and loves at such a young age. As she gets older and understands things like The Wizard of Oz and rock-and-roll, we’ll definitely branch into those kinds of fun themes, but for now, her life is all about HENRY!
I couldn’t find where I packed my “spring” doormat so I had to buy a new one. I thought this  would be fitting for the party theme. 
from Walmart
I would say our amazing cake, modeled after AJH’s Henry doll, was definitely the highlight of the decor.
The cupcakes were made my mother-in-law. I printed the black lab silhouette, cut them out, and attached them to toothpicks to make my own cupcake toppers.
I was inspired by these adorable baby face cupcake toppers from the “One Year in a Flash” birthday party on Hostess With the Mostess and decided to make my own. I  just cropped a picture of AJH’s face, attached a party hat on Picnik.com, cut them out, glued a mini-pom to the top of the hat, and glued it all to a toothpick. 

The cake table.
 Party Poms by Martha Stewart (next time I will use clear fishing line rather than white string to hang them). The “Happy Birthday” banner is from Old Navy.
“A” picture holder found at T.J. Maxx. Polaroid shots taken at AJH’s 2.5 month photo shoot with Jason Keefer Photography.
The birthday girl having fun!
 Shirt from Stitch This Etsy shop. Skirt from Target dress-up aisle. Shoes from Target. Headband from 2 Little Birdies Etsy shop.
The food table (missing some of the food).
 Circle garland from Lazy Catepillar Etsy shop.
 Animal crackers in mason jars with gingham ribbon and personalized stickers from Zazzle.com.


“Puppy Chow” made by my sister-in-law.

Check out this post to see her recipe. Dog bowls from T.J. Maxx.

Pictures of AJH with her Henry doll from 2 days to eleven months old, hanging from an abandoned window pane that’s been in my basement for a few years. It’s my favorite color…antique aqua/teal blue.
Paper Pennant Bunting from Lazy Catepillar Etsy shop. 
The favors were dog bone and black lab sugar cookies, made by my mother and sister-in-law and party bags for the kids filled with puppy stamps and puppy silly bandz.
Favor tags printed from Print Your Party Etsy shop. Stickers on bags from Zazzle.com. Personalized party tub from Ida Claire.
Sonogram pictures hanging from our book shelves.

 Some favorite pictures of AJH over the past year, hung in my favorite antique window pane frame.

A birthday greeting on my homemade chalk board (also made from a window pane).

Her birthday cake eating attire, which didn’t last long!

 Matching hat and big from Dainty Couture Etsy shop.
And, of course, the party wouldn’t be complete without some black lab puppy ears, which also didn’t last long!

More pictures of the birthday girl and presents to come tomorrow…
…but for now, how could I resist posting this gift from her brother, Henry!
from Rhoadworks Etsy shop
xoxo, P
Filed Under: Beautiful Family Tagged With: ,

“Bring on Spring” playlist

March 18, 2011 Leave a Comment
If I had to add one more fold into this blog besides family, writing, and fashion, it would be
I often write about the songs I find inspiring (especially The Avett Brothers) and
so many good songs are coming through my Pandora playlist right now that I must share. 
Here are the top 20 I heard today:
3. Tangerine, Led Zeppelin (Almost Famous clip)



This is why I love Pandora. 
We have a high of 78 degrees today and these are the perfect songs to soak up the sun.
I’ve linked to videos for most of them, and I suggest you add them to your very own YouTube playlist and think of me!
Happy Friday!
Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: ,

Happy Day

March 17, 2011 1 Comment
 Today is not just St. Patrick’s Day…

(Yes, I am one of THOSE moms that buys photo props for every holiday…

…and, no she wasn’t having it!)
…It’s also Clara’s first birthday!!
Happy Birthday, Clara!
During our fund raising time, which was only two short months, $1,430 was raised for  Sophie and Clara and it wouldn’t have been possible without your support! Please keep these girls on your mind and continue helping them any way you can. Pray for their adoption. They may not be on my blog every day, but they are not going anywhere. We will go on with our daily lives and they will remain in an orphanage until their forever family steps up to bring them home. They both need medical attention and the longer they are kept there, the more sick they will become. They need us and if you feel it in your heart, please pass on their story and continue to support them!
The winner of our massage giveaway is Michelle Weaver. Please send your address to makeitbeautifultoo@gmail.com and I will mail your massage voucher!
Thanks again for all of your help and support for Sophie and Clara during the past few months. I will keep you updated on their story as it unfolds.
I hope and pray that they feel our love.
Filed Under: Beautiful Family Tagged With: , ,
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