Fashion-Forward-Friday : Fabulous @ Every Age (dress your best @ all stages of life)

zest/zest/

Noun:	Great enthusiasm and energy. A quality of excitement and piquancy.
Synonyms:	relish - gusto - savour - savor "Zest is the secret of all beauty. There is no beauty attractive without zest."  -Christian Dior No doubt these thoughts have gone through your mind when you've stood in front of the mirror:  Am I dressing like my mother? Do I look like I'm wearing my daughter's clothes? Am I dressing age appropriately? Am I making the most of my looks? Perhaps your frock is in an eye-popping color or print, skims the body, plunges low in front or back, or shows too much skin. Maybe it doesn't show enough skin and adds years. And with all the boundary breaking in fashion today, it is not always clear who should wear what. What to consider when dressing your age: 20s There are no boundaries for twentysomethings when it comes to fashion. It's about personal style and adding whimsical touches you can get away with only when you're young, whether that means playing with color, mixing and matching, or wearing high heels and high hemlines.  Ah, youth! Being under 30 allows you to get away with a lot when it comes to dressing.  *Pick a fun frock. Ultrafeminine, lighthearted, colorful, and flirty are the qualities to look for in a dress, whether it's for night or day. Don't be afraid to show a little skin here and there, but remember to maintain a level of polish. If your dress is too revealing on top, make sure the hemline is a little longer. If it's short, the silhouette should be more restrained. *Try a top with personality. It could have loads of ruffles, highlight your decolletage in a strapless cut, or even be a washed-out rocker tee- as long as it's interesting. We all know the youthful set loves jeans, which go with every sort of shirt and blouse, so let your top set the tone. *When it comes to skirts, think sweet or sexy. Twentysomethings can pull off charming pouf, pleated, and bubble-hemmed (my personal least favorite; but some can pull it off) skirts. If you have the body for it, go for minis, tight or full. Either way, Your top should be toned down when your skirt is special. *Experiment with jackets and coats. Wear a tailored blazer over a floaty frock, a sleek leather bomber with a breezy, floral blouse, or a girly, princess-cut coat atop skinny jeans and a tank. "A girl in her 20s can rev up everyday basics with something outlandish." -Michael Kors 30s More pulled together, serious looks are what your 30s are about, but you don't have to be a total square. The trick is to experiment with fashion-forward styles while maintaining a level of polish. A honed sense of style lead to sophistication, but don't put your risk-taking days behind.  *Go for a dress in a new silhouette. Whether it's below the knee or well above, revealing, roomy, or in between, pick a shape that's interesting and unique. Try contrasting shades, metallics, and pops of brights. The idea is to look cool and confident. Move beyond the superslinky and girly stuff. *Your shirt should have an edge. It can be a crisp button-up, a silk blouse, or a simple tee, but it should be a fresh twist. Neat ruffles, a prim scarf tie, or a bit of ruching can turn a basic into something bold.  *Seek out skirts with style. Though it's a feminine signature, a skirt doesn't have to be mumsy. Look for pieces that are either sharp and severe or soft and subtle. A sculpted pencil shape with a high waist is seriously sophisticated but not stuffy, while a swingy, short skirt adds attitude.  *Top off your look with something striking. Your coat or jacket is an integral part of your wardrobe, so pick a piece that makes a statement. A trim, architectural jacket can be just as dramatic as a bold animal-print coat.  "I don't know if I really understand the idea of dressing one's age. All you need is confidence, comfort, and the pleasure of dressing." -Marc Jacobs 40s Classic silhouettes and colors may start to dominate your wardrobe, but each piece should be full of personality. Think interesting embellishment, feminine volume, and bursts of rich color and pattern.  It's important to look smart and conservative, but that doesn't have to mean buttoned up. *Find a refined frock. You want to look mature but not matronly. More covered up cuts that fall at the knee or just below are appropriate, but there are plenty of pieces out there that still have sex appeal.  *Opt for a subdued yet modern top. A stark shirt is uberversatile and universally flattering-it's really a no-brainer. Choose wisely when you're going for something with detail; pick a solid, sophisticated shade.  *Stick to fine and feminine skirts. Demonstrate more restrain when it comes to showing leg- but not necessarily with your skirt style. A full-pleated cut looks sweet and womanly, while a below-the-knee pencil is a sleek standard.  *Consider a well-constructed jacket cut. Whether it's to be worn with jeans or a dress, your blazer or coat should have strict structure.  "I am going to wear the shortest skirts possible, as long as they look good on me." -Sharon Stone 50s Refined, tasteful choices are the foundations of age-appropriate dressing. Tailoring and structure are key, as are clean lines and fuss-free frocks in a simple palette.  Now is the time to embrace traditional elegance with uptown appeal. Leave the latest trends by the wayside.  *Dress up in classic colors.  *Look for ladylike tops. *Keep your skirt simple or luxe it up. *Start with a clean cut jacket. "I think it's better to tell the truth about your age and surprise people with how good you look." -Iman 60s Elegance is the idea, and so timeless, traditional pieces are the mainstays. Tweed suits, trousers, and coatdresses dominate the closet. Contrasting hues-black, white, and red-are the most chic.  Know your style and be true to your instincts. Fads come and go, but enduring standards will serve you well.  *Opt for classic-cut dresses. *Try a top that's eye-catching. *Select a soft swingy A-line skirt. *Pick a top-notch topper. "It makes much more sent not to be encumbered by trends and not to be too caught up in fashion, no matter your age." -Narciso Rodriguez 70+ Looking dignified and distinguished is of the utmost importance- and that means splurging on a little luxury. Fabrics should be of the highest quality, and tailoring should be precise. Stay true to timeless, tailored shapes, but add lushness to your look with embellished pieces. Classic hues will ensure the elegance you aim for.    *Turn up the volume on top. *A structured suit is standard. *Go to great lengths for the perfect skirt. *Jackets and coats should be standouts. "I think an older woman can be more fascinating than a younger one. Dress elegantly and you will possess timeless and ageless style." -Giorgio Armani "Age is but a number! Wear what you like and LOVE what you wear!" -Kate Hudson And Happy Friday to you! May you have a great (well dressed to impress) weekend!!!

2012: The Happy Home Project (REVISED)

How many times can one say that they've started off the new year with a project to transform their home into one filled with happiness to turn around 6 months later, be moved into a completely different house located across an entire city, a different state altogether really; and still has succeeded in maintaining their goal?

Just goes to show you, or anyone for that matter, that a home is really just a house until it's filled with your heart (which usually resides within the hands of those you love).

I'm certain those kids of mine are running around here somewhere :)

The children and I have adjusted well. It hasn't been easy up to this point but we've managed to find our new house, do some major updating, and today we are hanging out and laughing between the walls of a completely different house, yet we are here, healthy and happy to be home :)

The small cottage we've managed to move into is situated right on the lake. The city has really done some amazing things with the area over the years that I was even surprised to have seen. My mother used to live in the house next door and that yellow house next door to us is where my younger brother and sister both were raised, learning to ride their bicycles, making friends, being involved in the community, and making memories; which is exactly what I intend for my little ones :)

The house has potential, lots of it; but it was lacking in TLC entirely. Here's where I come in!!!

The walls were in complete disrepair and the painter that was hired went above the call of duty to get the plaster up to par. Aside from that: LOOK @ the VIEW! :)

Curtains = privacy. These just so happen to be pretty to look at on top of it!

This is my sanctuary, it was! 

And that's exactly what it is now! 

This doesn't appear to be much fit for a princess but...

amazing how curtains can really set the mood. It's everything girly to fit her personality to a "T" and it's perfectly fit for a princess now.

Doesn't leave much for an appetite 

Not a total Betty but a vast improvement. I'll get my creative mind stirring and figure out something to cook up in here!

Anyone would be leery of walking up these old rickety stairs

Paint and Carpet does wonders

A purple room was NOT going to cut it for my 6 year old son. Although he hadn't seen it before the transformation, I'm happy he is content now.

Like a glove! It houses a small couch where he can invite his friends over to place xbox, his own 1/2 bath for added privacy, his own floor altogether for a growing boy.

And, after the kids drift off to sleep, I can relax outside for a bit in the back of the house to recharge my batteries

Some front patio furniture is needed for the large deck across the front of the house, some potted plants, some major landscaping. It's just been so hot, it's been enough to just get the inside of the place done and ready for the move. 

It's been a long haul, I haven't lost touch of the person I truly am or what keeps me alive. There was just a minor hiccup, we've drank the water upside down to cure our ailment, and we're settled. We're here, in our home, and happy!

I am truly grateful for the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, kids that need bathing, and sheets that need washing: it means I have a home, a happy one! :) and the view ain't so bad either

Stay tuned for more updates on The Happy Home Project (2012)

Is something burning?

The amount of words that have flooded my brain and found their way into a book I'd someday like to publish have been brewing like hot lava bubbling from within. Like that inside of a dark volcano...just patiently awaiting some shifting before spewing out and leaving a lasting imprint upon the surface of the Earth, (or the hearts of those friendly followers who enjoy the written words).


I'm going through what some would call a "transition"(al) period. Hmmm...

tran-si-tion
-nounmovement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject,concept, etc., to another; change

And I'd say that that certainly describes a portion of what I've felt over the course of this entire process. 

However, I'd add in a dash of 

train-wreck

-noun

someone or something that has suffered ruin or calamity

a pinch of 

de-spair

-noun

loss of hope; hopelessness

and just a smidge of

lost

-adjective

no longer possessed or retained

no longer to be found

having gone astray or missed the way

being something that someone has failed to win

I'd mix the combination up real well and form the contents into a ball. Place into a colder than cold stainless steel baking dish that you have removed from the freezer and place into the hottest of hot ovens. It'd then capture the essence after staying stagnant in the walls and confinement of its current home until the baker found out that the center was still pink and the outside burned to a crisp; feeling completely set on fire and later reduce to ashes that would blow away in the exhaust from overhead. 

It's like I had set out with a set of perfectly prepared directions. It was longhanded in angelic penmanship on lined papers with rolled edges and stains from previous chefs trying to master the delectable delight. I had remembered it fondly, took a mental snapshot and stowed it away in the back of the file cabinet where I left the other recipes and roadmaps; like   Herb Roasted Chicken with Au Gratin Potatoes or Chocolate Torte with Hazelnut Ganache; only upon recently doing some Spring cleaning and throwing out some things have I come across it. It wasn't what I remember it to be. Today it reads: Recipe for Disaster clearly across the top of the page and I just so happened to have all the ingredients tucked neatly away in my chaotic cupboard I've been too many cursing rather than organizing. 

I'm not bitter. That never has left a taste in my mouth. I don't feel sorry for myself, although sometimes I could use a little sympathy rather than the anger I feel towards the direction I've taken and the situation as a whole. I feel normal in the aspect that I've witnessed this already happening to so many people I love that are still around me. They all seemed to get knocked down, brush themselves off, and continue on their journey. Some even had a smile on their face as that time approached. 

The world is full of those much stronger, much braver than I. I find the sun still shines, the seasons still change, the clock keeps tick tocking it's way through the 24 hours in a day and I?!...I keep breathing. I find happiness within the laughter of my children, the light behind their eyes, the innocence in their adolescence, the skip in their step, the curiousity in their minds, the delight in their hearts at the simplest of things, the love in their entire aura and existence of tiny little beings. 

And you know what?!... that's more than enough to get me through the rainy days until the sun shines again. 

Most of all? I'm sorry for not writing more, and more, and more! Not having this other part of my life has really opened up quite a bit of time to go explore such said volcano to the depths of its core and really figure out who I am again. It's been rather ... awakening!

I wish everyone a sunshine filled summer (filled with smiles)

((( the black veil )))

...She had envisioned herself; while she lay awake in bed; in a long satin gown with chiffon detail stretched down past her ankles and a small train delicately draped behind her on the floor. She had on a veil made of lace; something she had picked up in a roadside flea market on a trip back from visiting her father years before. She threw it into a stamped burlap sack and placed it next to the silver candlesticks, inside of a cedar chest with leather straps and brass buckles. She felt accomplished by the wheeling and dealing that bantered back and forth between the keeper of the market and herself. They got some laughs out of the entire ordeal. She laughed at his southern hillbilly accent and he laughed at her stilettos and excessively large sunglasses. "City Girl," he'd say, to point out another gem he thought she'd enjoy having a look at. She could have walked away with much more, having had the room in the car. She thought of bungee straps and the need to always keep an extra set in the car for such instances. She promised she'd revisit soon and continually bring back treasures each and every time.

The veil was handcrafted and in pristine condition with black jewels dangling from the edges and a slight metallic sheen woven between the threads. She often thought of the stories behind its life, full of travels and endless pages filling leather bound books found in vintage suitcases that were carried on steam powered railroad locomotives with white smoke blowing hastily out of its stack. 

The veil covered her face; covering the black mascara that ran down her jawbone like the chills down her spine knowing he was not only fooling around with someone but treating her much like a foreign substance all the while. Not that she minded much with the lack of attention, just the sound of his voice made her skin crawl and her central nervous system gag in reflex.

The entire ensemble; excluding  her blonde hair pulled taut in a classic chignon, veil neatly pressed against her dampened face, all the way to the extension of the train that flowed behind her like the past that seemed to follow her around; was jet black, the exact color of the soul that currently fed the relationship. Black like a top hat, black like night, black like tar and black like the innards of the eye that was bruised upon the weight from his right hand...

Tidbit Tuesday :: Color w/Confidence

The weather today was irresistible and I matched my outfit to my mood, bright and cheerful. That got me thinking: with Spring being right around the corner, it's going to be time for everyone to get busy with DIY projects around their homes to get them prepped and primped for proper Spring and Summer partying. 












First and foremost: a fresh coat of paint to any interior (or exterior wall) will do wonders to liven up any space. I paint any and everything to add new life to old things and to surround myself with the colors that brighten my day.


A successful color palette creates a smooth flow room to room and can help a small house feel larger. Here is how to put color to work:


Spread the love around- Connecting with color doesn't mean that every room should use exactly the same hues in the same proportions. For color to flow, start at the front door, then move that shade through the house along with the others you pick up along the way. You dn't need to migrate the entire palette every time- just pieces of it. For example, if you start with rich coral walls in the entry, carry that hue to pillows in the living room. Continuing through the house, the coral might evolve into pink in the bedrooms or even yellow in the kitchen.


Use are to transport color- Select artwork or make your own pieces featuring the dominant colors in your palette to help pull the hues neatly together.


Let architectural features provide a smooth transition- Trimwork and molding create definitive starting and stopping points that make switching colors between rooms easier. To maintain a united front, keep your trim color consistent from room to room.




With that being said, let's discuss the basics behind wall painting.


Painting 101:


1) Prep School- Before getting started on any painting project, prepare the surface. Fill nail holes with a small dab of patching compound. No need to sand such petite blemishes; simply wipe with a damp rag. Larger holes and cracks may need to be patched and gently sanded. Finally, be sure walls are clean. Remove any grease or residue.


2) Cutting Class- Before dipping your brush for the first time, cover floors and furniture with drop cloths and plastic. And be sure to remove outlet and light switch covers. Tape around windows, doors, and trim with low-tack painter's tape. Then start small. Cut in around the room's edges with a quality 2-inch brush, hold it near the base of the handle. Keep a wet edge as you work around the room.




3) The Big W- Painting isn't brain surgery, but knowing proper techniques will make you more efficient and give you better results. Using a quality roller, start in a corner painting as close to the edges as possible. Paint a large W on the wall, filling in and overlapping areas while the paint is still wet. Repeat around the room until complete. 




4) Edge perfect- An edging tool may allow you to skip a step when dealing with windows, doors and other trim. The small wheel on the tool allows you to glide it along flat woodwork without taping it off. Take your time, though. Patience is key.




5) Clean Sweep- Cleaning up the mess after working with latex paint is fairly simple. Wash brushes and rollers with soap and water until water runs clear. To remove excess water and paint, run the curved edge of a painter's tool along the roller. When the water runs clear again, dry the roller or brush on a roller spinner, holding it inside a garbage bin or deep sink. 






Spend more for Quality- Choose your paint wisely. You'd be surprised (like a great pair of denim or stellar suit) what the extra bucks can get you!


Consider Luster- Sheen refers to the degree of shine. Generally, the higher the gloss the better the finish will stand up to stains, abrasions, and cleaning.
How to Choose a Paint Finish


Use the Right Equipment- Choose brushes with long and dense bristles. Nylon for latex and natural for oil-based paints. Talk to your local paint store employee. They should be able to set you up with all the necessities.


And?... Don't be afraid! Paint, although permanent, can always be redone. If you don't love it, change it until you do! 

Have fun with it! Not only do bright colors really liven up the space and get us looking forward to spring and summer but it's therapeutic for me. Whether you are choosing a plain white to add freshness and crispness for the approaching season or adding chartreuse to your master bathroom to liven it up. Either way, enjoy yourself! 


"One must act in painting as in life, directly."
-Pablo Picasso

2012: The Happy Home Project (Cutting out Clutter)

I am not certain if it's the weather but something specific has put an extra spring into my step. It seems each and every time I turn around, I am bagging up excess stuff and filling bags that will be hauled to the Goodwill. I haven't actually taken any loads to the G'will, only because I can't seem to stop from bagging up more and more and figured I can make one trip with ALL the stuff versus trip after trip with bag after bag.


I've managed to accumulate 9 entire garbage bags full of this stuff that we just haven't a use for any longer. Most of the bags are filled to the brim with clothing; old, new, outgrown, outlived, and likewise. Having 4 growing children in the house, a husband that keeps fluctuating in weight and years and years of having held onto things, its time to let it go. And it feels great! Everything is getting neatly organized, de-cluttered, and eventually each and every item will have a home to be placed within, even if that means hanging on a rack at the Goodwill for other people to be able to get some use out of.


I dig and dive into dresser drawers, clothes hanging in the closet, a basement excessively filled with the excess and as I hold something up to examine for either garbage bin or goodwill bag; it becomes absolute apparent how extremely fast these small beings in my home have not only grown; but matured. There are themed shirts; anything Pixar and/or Disney themed whetherbeit Cars, Despicable Me, Princess & The Frog, monster trucks, soccer balls, flowers power, and glitter glam, etc and I realize that not only do these items not fit their bodies, the propaganda covering the front, sides, backs, all the way around no longer fits their personalities. Its stripes, plaid, cool DJ prints, skateboarding gear, and anything with graffiti tagged across the chest. It's leggings and a knee high boots with a vest and finger-less gloves.




















It's a great wonderful feeling knowing that excess is being diminished, clutter is being kicked to the curb, and everything will have a place and be out of our face. The curtains are all tied back in the house, the sun glowing through the clean windows; a few which have been cracked open to circulate some fresh air into the space; Febreze is being implemented thoroughly and all seems right in the world while the smell of fresh bread is baking in the oven and filling the house with an ever pleasant aroma that every home should have so often, especially on Sundays :) 


As as great as it is that we're letting go of items to make room for new things that start new chapters in our lives, it's also surreal knowing that these kids grow so very fast. Day by day goes by and our routines remain true. We each grow in our ways, taking on new traits that make up our individualized personalities. But where does the time go? Must they grow so darned fast? I have an infant that has bags full of clothing that is already too small :( I find pictures of children that have baby faces and pigtails and OshKosh overalls and find that they're being replaced with the same kids except with a mouth full of missing teeth with each smile captured by the camera, a little girl that has a tooth popping through her gum filled smile, and sometimes; even though it's just stuff; it's harder to let go of the memory than it is the actual item. 


I think down the road a bit. I daydream of what the future might have in store; for each being in the household. Although I know each will be absolutely perfect in his or her own way, I sometimes want to freeze time and hold on tightly to the memories I have of them while they are still young. It seems like tomorrow we'll be preparing for high school graduations, meeting boyfriends and girlfriends they enjoying hanging out with, when we can't seem to keep them home while they are running around to high school basketballs games, taking tours of colleges they wish to attend, and preparing to take on a life of their own. 


Call me sentimental. It wouldn't be the first time, nor the last someone called me such; overly sensitive, delicate, or high-strung. I take everything to heart; spoken aloud or quietly gestured. It makes a difference to me knowing that every single aspect of our lives is shaping the character of these children; forming them into the adults they will grow up to be. 









There will be many more springs of cleaning and de-cluttering; getting rid of the old and too small and making way for new and what is trendy. I am certain that every spring as we make way for new life of our surroundings, get ready for growth and rebirth of the things in our lives that we do on an annual basis this time of year; that a tear (or two) will be shed at the speed in which it all goes hurling by.


...Stop this Train... (sometimes I simply cannot take the speed it's moving in)


"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth - and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up - that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had."

-Fashion-Forward-Friday- ::: Personal Style (Your Own Look) :::

Some say there is an art to dressing well. That may be true. Mastering what goes with what, knowing which designers are in and which are out, and eyeing exactly where the hemline should hit and how high the heel should certainly take talent.


But let's face it, most of us don't have the time, energy, or patience to elevate what we wear every day to an art form. Our goal is usually to find some that feels comfortable, makes us feel confident, and looks chic. We want dressing to be effortless-and we want to look effortlessly dressed. Yes, there are the enviable lucky few who have a knack for looking oh-so-perfectly pulled together every time they step out the door, and then there are the rest of us, who have to try a little harder (and still those who don't bother at all).  But with the proper tools, the right mind-set, and a little direction, we all can be well dressed in no time. 


Express Your Inner Fashion Sense


Here are tips to find your own style:


-Don't dress in a look straight off the runway or all in one trend.


-Feel free to mix and match.


-Don't be stuck on one style; experiment with new looks. Or, find a signature look and be true to it.


-If you like it, buy it and wear it (with confidence).


-Have fun with trends, but don't be a slave to them.


-Know that keeping it simple is often the best way to go.


-Add your own touch to a look, whether it's a bow, belt, or brooch.


-Do the unexpected. Don't always wear things in the traditional way. 








(((On a side note)))
There are 3 ways to Wear a Blazer-Know the value of a good suit. The traditional twosome looks smart as a set, but the jacket alone is just as chic.


1) A dark suit: You can rest assured you'll look appropriate-say, at work or on evenings out-in a sleek suit. Try a classic, frill-free cut and avoid getting caught up in short-lived trends. Plus, black will always be flattering (and slimming). Find a cut that works for you and stick with it.


2) A jacket * jeans: Your favorite blues with a tailored jacket is what casual chic is all about. A fitted jacket is the most polished.


3) A mismatched suit: Try your blazer with different trousers. A wide-leg style in crisp white, for example, is dressier than denim and a nice alternative in warmer weather. 














It really THAT easy with a great black blazer :) 


I hope everyone enjoys their (well-dressed to impress) weekend! Be safe out there and most of all be fashionable!!!

Tidbit Tuesday :: St Patricks Day Ideas

St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic.

With St Patrick's Day approaching faster than a leprechaun chasing after a pot of gold, it's time we get into the spring of things and start preparing for the decorating for the holiday. 

No need to get all clover'ed out and splash shamrocks from floor to ceiling. There are plenty of ideas you can do to get your pad prepped for patty's day and here a few:

Add a centerpiece to your dining table or ottoman/coffee table that is emphasized in the green family. Green vases and jars, greenery from your own yard or even faux picked up at the local JoAnn's. Either way, you can go all out without going all gaudy. 

(Anything set upon a gold tray is GOLDEN in my book...PERIOD!)

http://recycledcrafts.craftgossip.com/recycle-green-bottles-into-the-perfect-st-patricks-day-decorations/2011/02/23/

A simple ribbon tacked into place with pearls push pins and placed upon a small saucer (from any local dollar store) will lighten the mood.

Placing Granny Smith apples into a glass vase or jar will add some eye-popping color to any corner.

You can also do this with leftover green ornaments from Christmas. Get out the box of decorations from this past holiday and see what you got to work with that is clever.

And don't forget: If you are entertaining for the evening, nothing screams Happy St Patrick's Day like corned beef and cabbage. 

Corned Beef & Cabbage Recipe

If prepared properly, it'll have all your guest feeling lucky you invited them. 

A good drink I'd like to offer would be the classic Mint Julep. It's refreshing, down home, and sure to be a crowd pleaser. Garnish with a couple mint sprigs (or even a four leaved clover if you come across any) would be festive.

Mint Julep Recipe

Happy Decorating for St Patrick's Day! I wish you all but luck (you'll get plenty of that when you find the pot o' gold :)