tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67728949823231035552024-01-13T23:18:20.841-05:00 The Chronicles of Lady KKarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-83712106434740318262013-12-09T22:04:00.003-05:002013-12-09T22:16:30.705-05:00Having Fun I was lamenting over the sad state of my blog to a friend — and she said to just do what was fun. So here's me having fun with it! <br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">turtleneck — Basic Editions (thrifted)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">sweater — Jackie Chalkley (thrifted)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">pants — Express (Express*) </span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">boots — Pierre Dumas</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I really did buy them in a real store, <br />but I still didn't pay full price! </span></div>
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My boots are really cool (and nice and warm), so they deserve a close up. Browns and blacks like my sweater. <br />
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<b>What worked?</b> I was proud of my jewelery picks — I didn't go crazy and keep piling piece after piece until I was so weighted down that I could barely get out the door. No. I managed to keep it simple with just a necklace and earrings that were in the same color family as my shirt, pants, and boots.<br />
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<b>What didn't work?</b> Well, it was kind of boring being in browns and blacks from head to toe. But I don't think that I'd change it. It was comfortable, and I have actually worn this outfit several times this year already. Wait! Maybe, that's what's boring about it ... <br />
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<b>Trivia Tidbit:</b> I actually wore this sweater with rolled-up cut-off jean shorts and black tights a few years ago to see the very cool Loring Cornish Mosaic House in Baltimore, Maryland (back when wearing dark tights with shorts in the dead of winter was all the rage). Seriously, what else would you wear to an art exhibition but the latest trendy style? I thought I was right on point until I saw my pictures, that is. You know it must have been bad, since I have the memory of what I wore permanently etched on my retinas, even without having saved a picture. <br />
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<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-45914971538950157722013-11-18T22:03:00.003-05:002013-11-18T22:03:55.503-05:00Look!Up in the sky! It's a bird. It's a plane. No. Not Superman.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">sweater — Old Navy (Old Navy) </span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">dress — Rag (thrifted)</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">shoes — Dansko (Dansko Factory Outlet)</span></span></i></b></div>
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Just Kari, trying to find a way back to her blog. I've missed it, but life has been just crazy hectic lately and something had to give. <br />
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But I still make so many mistakes in my outfits, or <i>fit outs</i>, as one ELI* student thought the saying was. I used to board international students in my home <b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">—</span></span></i></b> a wonderful experience, if you don't mind having strangers (that you may or may not get along with) sharing your living space for two months or more.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* ELI - English Language Institute</span></div>
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Take this outfit, for example. I was pretty happy with it when I left for work, and I got a fair number of compliments. But now, looking at the pictures, it seems like the proportions are off. What say all y'all (if there are any all y'all left reading this <b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">— </span></span></i></b>I had all of one view today, and frankly, I was surprised at that one)? Maybe it's time to retire skirts that fall above the knee? <br />
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Back to the blog. What to do? I can't post unless I have something to say. But having something to say, and then saying it well, takes so much time. Time that I haven't been able to find much of lately. But then I think that the main reason I started blogging was to give me more confidence in what I wear and how I felt about myself so maybe I should just post pictures. But then I think some more, and I end up thinking it's kind of weird to just post pictures of myself. <br />
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Agggh. What to do? What to do?</div>
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I'm going to link up to Patty at <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Not Dead Yet Style</a> for <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2013/11/visible-monday-117-look-good-and-do-good.html" target="_blank">Visible Monday</a>, because I'm a bit more visible today and because maybe all the great ladies over there can help me out with this age-old quandary. </div>
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<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-231741655019656832013-05-21T23:44:00.000-04:002013-05-22T00:27:43.112-04:00Plane ClothesI wore plane clothes the other day. (Actually it was more like several weeks ago now. I am so far behind in posts!) I really do have more current outfits that are of more springy-type clothes, but I wanted to post this before it looked too hopelessly wintery. It's ummm ... shall we say, interesting? <br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">shirt — Hot Ginger (thrifted) </span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">pants — Gap (Gap)</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">boots — DSW</span></span></i></b></div>
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Say what you will about this outfit, it definitely wasn't plain ... these plane clothes definitely could not and would not be confused with "plain clothes." <br />
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Needless to say, this outfit was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay outside my comfort zone. I took a short break to visit my parents before I started my new job, and wore this on the plane. It was the perfect outfit for the plane — very comfortable, and it dealt with all the weird temperature changes that you go through at the airport. It's another one of those polyester tunic tops that is so comfortable (similar to the one <a href="http://ladykchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/03/shopping-for-labels.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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But then I got back from visiting my parents, had a few more days at my old job, and would you believe that I actually wore it to my last day of work at my old job? Yes, I did. Oh my ... (I figured that I would go out with a bang
and make sure that everybody noticed me. LOL.)<br />
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And notice me, they did. One of the ladies at work, when she saw me, went, "Woohoo <span style="font-size: x-large;">G</span><span style="font-size: large;">IR</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">L!</span> Look at
you!" It kind of made me feel good, but kind of silly too.<br />
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Honestly? I regretted wearing it to work, because I felt a bit too VISIBLE — as if I was trying a bit too hard. It was a perfect outfit for the plane, but not so perfect for work ... It just really wasn't me. Maybe if my top was a little longer? Where the length falls is right at the widest part of my thighs, which is a fashion no no. Or maybe if my leggings were not quite so tight (although that would probably defeat the purpose of leggings ...). And then my biker boots ... I dunno. (I wanted to wear the army boot style, but I wasn't that crazy), and don't know what other kind of shoes would look okay with this.<br />
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I dunno ... maybe this outfit needs to be relegated to the youngster pile, which bums me out a bit, because I really like all the different pieces to it, and it was OH. SO. VERY. comfortable.<br />
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Thank you all for the good wishes about my new job. I absolutely love it! I have been super busy learning all sorts of new stuff, doing training, and I even had two business trips to New York. <br />
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Linking up to Patti at <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Not Dead Yet Style</a> for <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2013/05/visible-monday-98-all-white-before.html" target="_blank">Visible Monday</a>. I'm not dead yet, and I was awfully visible (awful being the operative word here LOL). Thank you Patti for your Visible Mondays! Such a wonderful community of women.<br />
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-72484391121671810302013-04-30T01:51:00.002-04:002013-04-30T22:12:07.026-04:00Ch-ch-Changes <div style="text-align: left;">
Lots of changes lately, including this color change to my blog. Not sure yet what I think about it. It probably just needs to grow on me a bit.</div>
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As for me? I'm not sure that I've changed all that much. In fact, Here's something I wore a couple of weeks ago. </div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">shirt </span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">—</span></b></i> Trnka (warehouse sale)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">pants — London Jean (Victoria's Secrets)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">boots — Trumpet by Wanted (DSW</span>)</b></i></div>
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And now look! Here's an outfit from over a year ago ...<br />
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Pretty much the same, huh?<br />
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I still gravitate to the same old same old that I always have ... I'm still the same old same old person I always was — part goofy, part nerdy, part silly, part serious, part cold ... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmWl6CKLQmkqTdCzyTrLODW5qoXt7LkmGm9VR7ClGpEHQlCM7NQqw2T1jtRTL8bCQG2QJk2rwI7PUbJq9Q-YmnRG6BRDIgl9s0z5ZbkQP0Xt7sIovn51o-H3ciD7eosmXZfdW9lSLgBM/s1600/2-11_29_12+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmWl6CKLQmkqTdCzyTrLODW5qoXt7LkmGm9VR7ClGpEHQlCM7NQqw2T1jtRTL8bCQG2QJk2rwI7PUbJq9Q-YmnRG6BRDIgl9s0z5ZbkQP0Xt7sIovn51o-H3ciD7eosmXZfdW9lSLgBM/s1600/2-11_29_12+012.jpg" /></a></div>
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Brrrrr .... it's been cold this year</div>
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But yeah, I have changed ... it's all a part of growing up and growing older <as growing="" old="" opposed="" to="">. </as><br />
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<i><b>Changes</b></i> </div>
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Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes<br />
(Turn and face the stranger)<br />
Ch-ch-Changes<br />
Don't want to be a richer man<br />
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes<br />
(Turn and face the stranger)<br />
Ch-ch-Changes<br />
Just gonna have to be a different man<br />
Time may change me<br />
But I can't trace time<br />
<br />
I watch the ripples change their size<br />
But never leave the stream<br />
Of warm impermanence and<br />
So the days float through my eyes<br />
But still the days seem the same<br />
And these children that you spit on<br />
As they try to change their worlds<br />
Are immune to your consultations<br />
They're quite aware <br />
of what they're going through<br />
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I can't believe that David Bowie wrote Ch-ch-Changes in 1971! Geez, that was even before my time! (sort of, but not really ... I was in 7th or 8th grade ...)<br />
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Speaking of change ... What do you think of the new layout? I went from mustard yellow to pale blue. Is it too pale?<br />
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Linking up to Patti at <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2013/04/visible-monday-95-dressed-my-age-with.html" target="_blank">Not Dead Yet Style</a> because it's Monday ... <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Visible Monday! </b></i></span></div>
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<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-25507954861938008372013-04-16T23:07:00.002-04:002013-04-17T20:37:36.990-04:00A Heavy HeartBombings and shootings are starting to seem all too commonplace — and it's not just that, it's the way these horrific events are touching each and every one of our lives. I don't know. I just don't know. It's just overwhelming. I wore an old racing T-shirt to work today, and when I got home, I went out and ran 2 miles. It wasn't much, but it helped me deal with the sadness a little bit better. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>a college campus, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>a meet and greet your representative, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>a movie theater,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>a church, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>a grammar school, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and now the finish line of a road race. </i></b></span><br />
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I wore an old racing T-shirt to work today, and when I got home, I went out and ran 2 miles. It wasn't much, but it helped me deal with the sadness a little bit better.
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-quieJhnvfhFZokBP_6INpLrXWRQWg263tDJgSwpUEGpTe8tj-QySXgjX7yavMUCLyORRCzOtYZWvxjaWFf7UMIwulUrofMLM7Ll34BCcXkm_HlpCEVnOPXcsWHQzB4jGT2j4UUH2HTY/s1600/05-flowers+090.jpg" /></div>
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My daughter also ran today, and her words hit home for me, "<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Today
I ran 3.25 miles. I ran because I could. I ran for those that couldn't.
I ran for all of those killed and injured yesterday in Boston. I ran
for all of those runners who worked so hard to get to Boston and did not
get the chance to finish."</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDaa_5MluRLLA6PsFK42l5Z6LvRAAt8Yhwvebk-TPlXvohV3b0P7CE57_vb2t7WigrH7_3xv-TB99HCje2B2qe28dpRDoyBZSN6Gh_KPFO8H05ABqnZeV1bnAwsq8Msj2loK-XBK5nn0/s1600/1-577728_455955267817662_565366083_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDaa_5MluRLLA6PsFK42l5Z6LvRAAt8Yhwvebk-TPlXvohV3b0P7CE57_vb2t7WigrH7_3xv-TB99HCje2B2qe28dpRDoyBZSN6Gh_KPFO8H05ABqnZeV1bnAwsq8Msj2loK-XBK5nn0/s320/1-577728_455955267817662_565366083_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Image by Aaron Bouvier Design</b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aaronbouvierdesign">https://www.facebook.com/aaronbouvierdesign</a></span><br />
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Love and prayers go out to all who have been affected by these horrific and senseless acts of violence everywhere.</div>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-38605142784870727192013-04-10T00:05:00.001-04:002013-04-10T16:37:27.340-04:00Brand NewI've got something that's brand new! Can you tell what it is?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Id1QGlnpRVnHfOrZ_WeSuIstV7j3aBCBKNp_aBmb5nknUkzn2-R9LYZYSVD8jLcU9_ye8vUCtyZ8lqgyNB1XmzF-BkTGhMeBlWlBfBpL1yO4iDmtgmDvfEfeYzDIe995n9IVHnmGudM/s1600/3-first+day+068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Id1QGlnpRVnHfOrZ_WeSuIstV7j3aBCBKNp_aBmb5nknUkzn2-R9LYZYSVD8jLcU9_ye8vUCtyZ8lqgyNB1XmzF-BkTGhMeBlWlBfBpL1yO4iDmtgmDvfEfeYzDIe995n9IVHnmGudM/s1600/3-first+day+068.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">shirt — Old Navy (Old Navy)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">pants — Impressions Lifestyle (older than dirt, can't remember)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">shoes — Thom Mcan (Kmart) </span></b></i></div>
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I'll give you a hint ... I'm not wearing it. But my somewhat conservative outfit should give you a clue as to what it is. </div>
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Give up? I got a brand new job! Woo Hoo! and Woot! Woot! And yes, I am over the moon!</div>
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Not only is it a job, but it's an amazing job. And not only is it an amazing job, but it's doing exactly what I want to be doing. And not only is it doing exactly what I want to be doing, but it's also good pay, great benefits, great people, and the office is close by. Really close by. </div>
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I started on Monday, and it just feels right <i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">—</span></b></i> like I'm where I belong. For this girl, who never felt like she fit in, this is the most wonderful feeling. I have been floating and grinning and beaming and dancing and skipping for the past couple of weeks. I'm not sure if I mentioned that I'm excited about it, but in case I didn't <i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">—</span></b></i> I am excited and thrilled and ... well, I think you get the idea. LOL. </div>
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Linking up to Patti at <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Not Dead Yet Style</a>, because I'M.<span style="font-size: large;">NOT</span>.<span style="font-size: x-large;">DEAD</span>.<b>YET</b>! Oh no, I'm <b>NOT</b>! I'm also linking up because it's <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2013/04/visible-monday-92-blue-mood.html" target="_blank">Visible Monday</a>, and my jumping around these past few days has made me very very visible.<br />
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-51786904716966877532013-03-03T22:52:00.001-05:002013-03-03T23:31:30.674-05:00Shopping for LabelsI have fallen in love with these polyester tunic tops. They are super comfortable, and they still look somewhat dressy — at least I think so ... YMMV. LOL. (I wore a similar one <a href="http://ladykchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/stained-glass.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and look for a few more up in the coming days.)<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">shirt — Suzie in the City (thrifted)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">sweater — Amanda Smith (thrifted)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">pants — RockStar (Old Navy)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">belt — (thrifted) </span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">boots — </span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kirkland Signature (</span></b></i>Costco)</span></b></i></div>
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It really is a tunic style, but I thought it looked much better tucked in, don't you?</div>
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It looks pretty dorky with it not tucked in! A completely different look. </div>
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One of the reason that I bought this top was because I loved its label (being comfy was an added plus!). <br />
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Not because it's a "name brand" — I don't much go in for those, but because I'm always on the lookout for cool labels.<br />
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So what was so special about this label? My mom's name is Suzie (short for Suzanne), and she was the one who got me hooked on saving clothing labels. She would make these pillows out of the ones she collected. Each pillow was unique and the labels she used would reflect the person she was making the pillow for. My pillow had a Crazy Horse label on it to commemorate the time I rode a crazy horse as a geology student on field camp. <br />
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Linking up to Patti at Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday, because it's almost Monday!<br />
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Happy Work Week everyone! Stay Visible! </div>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-74922740401323537032013-02-18T21:25:00.002-05:002013-03-03T23:31:06.930-05:00True LoveNo. I didn't find it ... I wore it, and on Valentine's Day no less. I kid you not. My cardigan was a case of True Love. <br />
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I'll say it again. True Love. On Valentine's Day.<i> <b>Snort</b>. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCW6JsdngPKildcs2perg4pxs6RzwjTbBQhbUgk3Auf40JvkPePcHiAO21EklOHy83Hmw-QneVYMUml99Np15lI96as13jl7kvklGP6utVZfw4uROBEUHdVku7Rpaxi1XAneIitx3HcQ/s1600/05-01_31_13+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCW6JsdngPKildcs2perg4pxs6RzwjTbBQhbUgk3Auf40JvkPePcHiAO21EklOHy83Hmw-QneVYMUml99Np15lI96as13jl7kvklGP6utVZfw4uROBEUHdVku7Rpaxi1XAneIitx3HcQ/s1600/05-01_31_13+015.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">shirt —Gap (thrifted)</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">cardigan — True Love (thrifted) </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">pants — London Jean (Victoria's Secrets)</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">boots — Hayley by Faded Glory (thrifted)</span></i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>necklace — thrifted </b></span></i></div>
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I was trying for a monochromatic color look, and I wanted to do the red family because <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>... well, because it was </b></i></span><b><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></i></b>Valentine's Day, of course! I pulled this cardigan out to wear, when I saw that the label read "True Love," I just had to wear it.<br />
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It wasn't a true monochrome look ... I should have switched out the black shirt for a bright pink one or a deep red.<br />
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Unfortunately, I don't work in the kind of place where I can play around with what I wear all that much. My goal, dress wise, is to look "conservative" so I tone down what I wear accordingly. It's kind of strange. I can wear jeans day in and day out, but a lot of chothing choices are simply out of the question.<br />
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I'm totally exhausted these days ... I've had parental health issues, I've been job interviewing, and I went through the most traumatic house appraisal ever, and then there has been work. Still no vacation or sick time, so if I take any time off, I have to make up by working 10- to 12-hour days. I seriously don't know if I am coming or going these days. Just trying to hold it together these days. <br />
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Linking up with Patti at <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Not Dead Yet Style</a> for <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2013/02/visible-monday-85-loving-enormous-scarf.html" target="_blank">Visible Monday</a>. <br />
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-77320902825912393072013-02-04T21:43:00.001-05:002013-03-03T23:32:09.624-05:00Wearing Lime GreenI've been trying to amp up my style a bit at work lately, and really, to just put a little more effort into what I wear. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOADpu7rLtaKLuj-6thAuo-tF-UXW0W1x6uOEtlIFAdBoOQEW5utqiLgvzz3juhlB6Ok94p6FET-mPtRA3b_OOGHzc9wR3nih1PV_5ebw8pTfOPNXsMq_V7pfU7YAcHzzDLSxzt9KztM/s1600/02-01_31_13+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOADpu7rLtaKLuj-6thAuo-tF-UXW0W1x6uOEtlIFAdBoOQEW5utqiLgvzz3juhlB6Ok94p6FET-mPtRA3b_OOGHzc9wR3nih1PV_5ebw8pTfOPNXsMq_V7pfU7YAcHzzDLSxzt9KztM/s1600/02-01_31_13+004.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>shirt — Old Navy (thrifted)</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>skirt — (thrifted)</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>boots — Chinese Laundry (DSW)</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>necklace — JC Penneys</b></i></span><br />
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This was a pretty straightforward outfit, but one that was still somewhat outside my comfort zone. Can you guess why? Hint ... it's not the length of my skirt (like <a href="http://ladykchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/01/mint-chocolate-chip.html" target="_blank">here</a>) or the height of my boots (like <a href="http://ladykchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/01/not-to-work.html" target="_blank">here</a>). </div>
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Stumped? This time, it was the color of my shirt! You know, like the color of limes and Granny Smith apples? ... (Really wondering why my clothing choices these days remind me of food ...)<br />
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<a href="http://whatscookingamerica.net/juicing.htm" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://whatscookingamerica.net/Fruit/Limes2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Lime green is definitely not a color that I typically wear. For one
thing, it's a bit brighter than what I typically wear, especially during the mid-winter. And second, I always thought it was too much in the yellow
family for a redhead. I'm thinking that I may have to revise that thinking.<br />
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Linking up to Patti at <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Not Dead Yet Style</a> for <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2013/02/visible-monday-83-nice-tough-girl.html" target="_blank">Visible Monday</a>, because</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>you can't really hide </i></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>when you're stuck inside</i></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>so look real keen and wear lime green! </i></span></b></span></span></div>
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LOL. (It's dorky things like that that keeps me more visible than I want to be ...)</div>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-28210611147634797152013-01-30T12:44:00.000-05:002013-04-23T23:03:16.405-04:00Teenage ClothesYeah. I wore this to work — all day long, boots and all. How cute am I with the great big boots? LOL. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCHi2LSHIK6M89XA6deCdW1_FqMxta7Ycy2qDuQldKsCATQtw4pDiStAR_zVijZ5bcvr5Gn_jpDR10ZJ2-NEwxAIguoA0JgX2pge04JzBs5vwVutavfISV2GRLMfdEI0w2TIl6fzoBx0/s1600/07-01_19_13+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCHi2LSHIK6M89XA6deCdW1_FqMxta7Ycy2qDuQldKsCATQtw4pDiStAR_zVijZ5bcvr5Gn_jpDR10ZJ2-NEwxAIguoA0JgX2pge04JzBs5vwVutavfISV2GRLMfdEI0w2TIl6fzoBx0/s1600/07-01_19_13+040.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKl2L06CoPMmhLuUV_QrMMh_1pW4hQzxwgmsjj8sqdWBKvFTjEpi_xgNAvrtC30AIdPfykRBqfh0l4jW8B_-i2T6WSOZ_M8h2mKpr8FFsyxvtbsfndNQrjdBSK2dpAYKoEhNuzE5evKI/s1600/02-01_19_13+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKl2L06CoPMmhLuUV_QrMMh_1pW4hQzxwgmsjj8sqdWBKvFTjEpi_xgNAvrtC30AIdPfykRBqfh0l4jW8B_-i2T6WSOZ_M8h2mKpr8FFsyxvtbsfndNQrjdBSK2dpAYKoEhNuzE5evKI/s1600/02-01_19_13+016.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">shirt — Coldwater Creek (can't remember ... older than dirt)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">skirt — Her Majesty (thrifted)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">boots — Kirkland Signature (Costco)</span></b></i></div>
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And I really did wear the boots all day long! It's been cold and rainy and slushy in Delaware, so I needed to wear something that would keep my feet from getting soaked while I slogged through the parking lot. (I get in so late that I end up having to park way out in jabip land ...)<br />
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Once I got into the building and up to my desk, I had planned on taking the boots off and wear these shoes. (I even carried them into work ... but then they sat in a bag under my desk all day long. Smack head.)<br />
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Anyway, the boots were just so warm and comfy that I couldn't resist keeping them on my feet (it's like wearing slippers!), and let me check ... Yep! They're still on. LOL.<br />
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I know ... I know ... the mules / clogs / slides are not much better than the boots (fashion-forward style wise), but my shoe choices have to be very practical these days. I work in a huge
building — in a manufacturing production plant, and my desk is at one
end of the building. The people I work with are at opposite ends of
the building. (Think of a T-shape ... I am at the base, and I have to
constantly see the people at each end of the T during the course of the day.) And when I say my building is huge? I mean that I basically have to pack a survival kit before I set off to see them, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.<br />
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Besides the fact that my feet do not do all that well in extended walks in heels, I also have to go into
the warehouse and into chemical labs, and 6-inch (okay, 1-inch) heels don't
go over real well in those environments. You can't exactly jump out of
the way of a forklift at a moment's notice in heels. Well, you could ...
but the aftermath wouldn't look too pretty. <br />
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I was really happy with the way this came together. (very sorry about the crappy pictures — I really need to ramp up my camera skills because you can't see the colors at all!). The shirt is actually brown with black trim, the boots were brown, my tights were black, and then my skirt was mustard yellow with another kind of a brown. Anyway, the colors really worked well together. The bottom of the skirt is a really cool beaded fringe, which you can see better here. <br />
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I got a lot of compliments on this outfit. In fact, one of the older men in my office (I shouldn't say "older" because I'm
probably older than he is) came up to me and told me that I looked like a teenager. I gasped, and looked at him horrified, and shrieked "OH NO!" in my old lady voice. He said, "No no no ... That was a compliment." LOL.<br />
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I can't think of anything too much worse than being an old lady who is making an obvious attempt of trying to look young. (Well, I can think of something much much worse — having an appraiser come through your house. But that's a story for another day.)Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-92109368843334421282013-01-17T13:17:00.003-05:002013-03-03T23:33:43.969-05:00Mint Chocolate ChipYes. I regret wearing this outfit. (Can you tell by the pained expression on my face?) Seriously. I look like a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream! If not that, maybe an Andes chocolate mint? <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcrLDRISOgfXrq3jAl3jI4_0w_aNap1yrizoBBg8hP2WooIsqqOzdOFea1kkKCV0knSk80Y9LK8LMxvgNfm8T1etvqw6XuN3HQY5tPZtEQSIJmnUwh4QO1zktGov_k2SWCiHdgF52zdw/s1600/11-2013_jan+058.jpg" /> </div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">dress — Old Navy (Old Navy)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">jacket —Gap (thrifted)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">boots — Enzo Angiolini (thrifted)</span></b></i></div>
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In case you can't tell, I'm the one on the right (the yummy stuff is on the right ...) (and yeah, I'm wearing that jacket, again!)<br />
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This was another disastrous outfit, and in some respects it's worse than the one I wore here. Why is it worse? Because I actually did wear it to work. Ack! Too wrinkled. Too short. Too ... ACK! (fill in the blank) ... (I left the jacket on ALL day! and not because I was or afraid of forgetting it. See <a href="http://ladykchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/01/forgetting-my-jacket-or-not.html" target="_blank">here</a>. LOL.) To be fair to myself, I did get a fair number of compliments... but more than likely that was because I wore it on a gray and dreary day, and the colors were bright and cheery.<br />
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I'm not sure if this is salvageable, but I'm going to try — I just love the color! I think that if I wore it with heavier tights, I could get away with it being too short. Or maybe I just need to cut it off and wear it as more of a longer sweater? </div>
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What have you regretted wearing to work? </div>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-69588593726121458272013-01-15T01:48:00.000-05:002013-01-15T19:02:52.976-05:00Back in My DayI've always loved the flowing Indian-print cotton wrap skirts. They were really popular in the seventies when I was a kid (or, I should say, more of a kid than I am now). You know the skirts that I'm talking about — I think that back in the day we probably called them hippie style ...The one I'm wearing kind of reminds me of them.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGhIWOPKZfRzQWglnjIBvB8NH4r4-AiuF-JYMgS_-rw_Ths0FT3oDpJEOKfydEHXon75B0nnFHhv9H5CIWXwbKe8wCr7z1MC5-JSP5mYk0-iri7ZbVLx4kOnaoMDg_kwJ8VDCWRzPsx0/s1600/17-2013_jan_14+016.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>shirt — Dia (can't remember ... it's older than dirt) </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>skirt — Belma (thrifted)</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>boots — Dansko (Dansko Factory Warehouse)</b></i></span></div>
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These days, I think these kind of skirts are part of a fashion style called boho chic. (I'm not quite sure what the difference between hippie and boho chic is ... but I don't think it matters too much — I like them no matter what the style is called.)<br />
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They came in lots of different colors, but I always gravitated toward the beige and black prints ... I probably had a half-dozen or more of them, and I probably still have a couple of them buried in some box in this house. <br />
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The biggest problem for me was that I loved them in theory but not in practice, meaning I couldn't figure out how to wear them ... the girls in my day typically wore them with "water buffalo hippie Jesus sandals," but my legs were too pale and too short to wear like that ...<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51d1Kkg1LIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51d1Kkg1LIL.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
As an aside ... Remember Jesus sandals? I had a pair (or two or three or more ...) of them as well, but unlike my hippie skirts, I wore my Jesus sandals nonstop (don't remember what I wore them with or even why I stopped wearing them — maybe my big toe just got too tuckered out trying to toe the line? Remember how you had to curl your big toe to kind of keep the sandal in the right spot?). I actually found two of my old pairs in a box earlier this year. I pulled them out to show them to my daughters, when I found out that they are back in vogue again!<br />
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Back to my hippie skirt ... This one isn't quite the same as the ones that I had and didn't wear (it has an elastic waist, for example — it's actually called an umbrella skirt), but it still brings me right back to those days! And this one is even better, because I figured out at least one way to wear it! <br />
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Linking up to Patti at <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Not Dead Yet Style</a> for <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2013/01/visible-monday-80-great-scarf-bed-head.html" target="_blank">Visible Monday</a>. </div>
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And I'm closing with a premonition ... I am crazy busy for the next week or so, <br />
so my presence is probably going to be a bit spotty ... </div>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-16552639586599957082013-01-09T23:54:00.002-05:002013-01-15T21:01:30.514-05:00Purses that Grow ... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Why</span>, why, <span style="font-size: x-small;">why?</span>," I ask. "<span style="font-size: x-small;">What</span>? What? <span style="font-size: large;">What?"</span> you say.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>shirt — </b></i><i><b>Lizwear Jeans by Liz Claiborne (thrifted)</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>pants — Chor (thrifted)</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>shoes — Sonoma (thrifted)</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>necklace — Santa shop (handcrafted)</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>purse — (thrifted)</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>watch </b></i></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>— </b></i></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b><i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Citizen </span></b></i>(gifted)</b></i></span></div>
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What on Earth am I talking about? I'm talking about how whenever I think I have this really snazzy outfit put together, it turns out to be a hot mess. A really hot mess ... (like yesterday's outfit, for example). Or, even worse? I end up falling flat on my face (like <a href="http://ladykchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/10/confucius-says.html" target="_blank">here</a>). And then when I crawl, half-blind and half-dead, out of bed in the morning and just throw on whatever I can put my hands on ... the outfit works. How is that fair? I guess it works out in the long run. (or maybe even more than works out ... I crawl more than I run these days.)<br />
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I seriously took most of my pictures today looking down at my feet because I thought my face would be just way too scary to look at head on first thing in the morning. (I haven't been sleeping very well, and it caught up with me full force this morning!)<br />
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And then I looked at these pictures ... and I couldn't believe it! I was like, "WTF?!" I liked them! Even the ones that showed my face! It wasn't all that scary! LOL!<br />
And another thing ... Why did my purse get big<span style="font-size: large;">ger</span> and
<span style="font-size: large;">big</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">ger</span> in each picture? It looks big enough to crawl inside and take a nap! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWsW-zDkTEQICsD0t_P8vXNW4kOSzt6dNhTNet8DaiVcev_qt517zxaEYXRWxZBTucOS512sUeqRawSSxKGKaiiaEyhtA8L_QU2aut56F0qC-StgMLG0a12ftz1p_zvs5uGihTOdJrY8/s1600/7-2013_jan_7+064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWsW-zDkTEQICsD0t_P8vXNW4kOSzt6dNhTNet8DaiVcev_qt517zxaEYXRWxZBTucOS512sUeqRawSSxKGKaiiaEyhtA8L_QU2aut56F0qC-StgMLG0a12ftz1p_zvs5uGihTOdJrY8/s1600/7-2013_jan_7+064.jpg" /></a></div>
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My watch is a Christmas present from my son, and it's just perfect for me — silver with gold accents. I love it!<br />
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Hopefully it will help make my minutes matter ...<br />
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com3Newark, DE, USA39.6837226 -75.749657239.5859566 -75.9110187 39.7814886 -75.5882957tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-77412976667809851682013-01-09T01:17:00.003-05:002013-01-15T20:55:19.310-05:00Not to WorkNo. I didn't wear this to work ... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpBPoYyRs_WyTyz5Ysm8Rj0kl8HpCBiDENLPjPOdQzRzM5b7vw-xX2VTCEFcMPeY3oepyk0FKmnRhQxF3r51tiDBKjWO3A9RqUxKZ6Ijb80r9_jQFyUe0djwHPYL1frVmOIVmeiy-wzM/s1600/1-2013_jan+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpBPoYyRs_WyTyz5Ysm8Rj0kl8HpCBiDENLPjPOdQzRzM5b7vw-xX2VTCEFcMPeY3oepyk0FKmnRhQxF3r51tiDBKjWO3A9RqUxKZ6Ijb80r9_jQFyUe0djwHPYL1frVmOIVmeiy-wzM/s1600/1-2013_jan+014.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>jacket —Old Navy (thrifted)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>shirt — Old Navy (Old Navy)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>skirt — Moda (Victoria's Secrets)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>boots — Chinese Laundry (DSW)</i></b></span></div>
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But I was thinking of it... (OMG! What *was* I thinking?!) If I did wear it to work, I would've been <span style="font-size: large;">very</span> visible ... a bit too visible, if you ask me. The boots were <strike>a little</strike> WAY too much, so I tried switching them out for my Danskos. Unfortunately, they didn't help. Something was really weird about the proportions or the colors (the tights and boots are too dark?). Something's wrong somewhere! <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPMswc_G0AU_xdgqHI2uIxscxq9_rycMywqFj07O9irXpR1rGBuGDbp3kjbyj6XlQWp3PTRdL-GEt14Kd9vhaKQx8_oRBzuIiuSk2q6K7_fqimJZGPobbFbb4a1OabMR1Qqmzkb-MZGo/s1600/5-2013_jan_6+005.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0sC_SN4bnCU9csrgSLiUV2bkXZR8csuMWll27U1qF0WFYpnvBeFdGROlT7VmYPo-_WLX44yfN_Hq7Pv7TP1F9zrT_Ht5BLuj5UO75-QK-_Vj50BkR15AJUvJlNWws1i5t9yPHgN2ziw/s1600/4-2013_jan_6+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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I was actually kind of bummed. Do you see the great big grin on my face? I was thinking it was this great outfit, and that I
had nailed it. But it just didn't pan out. It didn't look the same in real life
as it did in my head. Oh well. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUtKv2s22H7hi4KJAkzlnCzqFYPR2lwzn1vquhaNyUDmbnRDbi9_h2mcvbIv_Ok-ohLPszJ2j9Y-yy1lQue3L1meY8MogQ52Nxs_Xkz4DksyqT0QRJxudHtZ2carTdHoV43XGE84YHcU/s1600/7-2013_jan_6+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUtKv2s22H7hi4KJAkzlnCzqFYPR2lwzn1vquhaNyUDmbnRDbi9_h2mcvbIv_Ok-ohLPszJ2j9Y-yy1lQue3L1meY8MogQ52Nxs_Xkz4DksyqT0QRJxudHtZ2carTdHoV43XGE84YHcU/s1600/7-2013_jan_6+025.jpg" /></a></div>
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I actually do love rouched skirts and dresses. They are so totally forgiving, except for when you don't pull the rouching up, and it ends up giving you a saggy baggy b*tt ... Stay tuned to see what I ended up wearing to work. <br />
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Linking up to Patti at <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Not Dead Yet Style</a> for <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2013/01/visible-monday-79-karina-dress-love-and.html" target="_blank">Visible Monday</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5ViilJWlDjZRKO-n068zr2_UR_qUPmFLWq9p-3_m4LQQce7h7Vn4lAApasmtm6O1hR-OCDrK6en2I5cmJbDoS693oekGBWGiAkYZgtxs2jd00VMS_5rVP7KgBmOR6mOEDN11JgSzVGlX/s250/Visible-Monday-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5ViilJWlDjZRKO-n068zr2_UR_qUPmFLWq9p-3_m4LQQce7h7Vn4lAApasmtm6O1hR-OCDrK6en2I5cmJbDoS693oekGBWGiAkYZgtxs2jd00VMS_5rVP7KgBmOR6mOEDN11JgSzVGlX/s250/Visible-Monday-Logo.png" /></a></div>
Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-81728033040656850522013-01-04T23:43:00.000-05:002013-01-05T13:43:22.545-05:00Three in a RowCan it be? Is it true? Have I really posted three days in a row?! LOL. And yes, that's the same shirt that I was wearing in my pictures yesterday! But I didn't wear it to work two days in a row, pinky swear. (Note the use of the word "work" in that sentence.) <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNt0XQU07jmUC3AzLjA14pAxTTsbFN5z7ByXI57qClN0ZVRtIuYW2I8mqCOjsmmsXEaJ-QGgQ8xupz9L5BNSbZnFEK9C1Hp10mv8VuEcuZhygzelhJ7GywPiZ3dV5xGt8i9mNxinjLdhw/s1600/09-12_20_12+179.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>shirt — Tommy Hilfiger (thrifted)</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>pants — Hind (Women's Sports Specialty shop)</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>boots — Hayley (Faded Glory, thrifted)</b></i></span></div>
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I'm still super excited for my daughter, so I'm posting another picture with my pseudo Breton shirt. But look closely ... can you tell what's different about this outfit when compared to yesterday's? If you guessed my pants and my <strike>shoes</strike> footwear, then SCORE! LOL. Seriously speaking now, my pants are really glorified sweat pants, but they're super comfy so I wear them all the time (like even two days in a row! LOL).<br />
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I got this pair of rain boots (thrifted) a while ago, and I've been wanting to see what they would like. And now that I see them on, they look kind of silly. But I'm not giving up ... I'm sure I'll find a way to wear them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCraB0QAIR79jsfk9cTtlvF0vGaCzYX5KYeOdc4znD-UwTKgCFV6AL-khJRDBteiENrkCkuNOJXcJrTYYrV22_8y7pdVXfmKcLjYAw-IDBcq-ioBlzA1qJsq_p4uWwbM6we94pAqvJKWw/s1600/12-12_20_12+205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCraB0QAIR79jsfk9cTtlvF0vGaCzYX5KYeOdc4znD-UwTKgCFV6AL-khJRDBteiENrkCkuNOJXcJrTYYrV22_8y7pdVXfmKcLjYAw-IDBcq-ioBlzA1qJsq_p4uWwbM6we94pAqvJKWw/s1600/12-12_20_12+205.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhtf8Xz8xorJS2RQouHSgySLg4Hn6Qvcgevclu_UaHyc6_IXmc4tw4qeR0tOmnl3EJEzUXpk0re6D-AWwtnhV5fnhcxC6Iv-vDtALstcPJswYO-0Q2FZyxLk5GQwckn63RT86lFHb3Og/s1600/10-12_20_12+181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhtf8Xz8xorJS2RQouHSgySLg4Hn6Qvcgevclu_UaHyc6_IXmc4tw4qeR0tOmnl3EJEzUXpk0re6D-AWwtnhV5fnhcxC6Iv-vDtALstcPJswYO-0Q2FZyxLk5GQwckn63RT86lFHb3Og/s1600/10-12_20_12+181.jpg" /></a></div>
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I stayed up all night watching my daughter's plane as it crossed the Atlantic Ocean, using <a href="http://flightaware.com/" target="_blank">FlightAware</a> — just amazing that we can do that. I could even watch her plane circle Charles de Gaulle Airport as it came in for a landing. I knew almost to the second when she was on the ground. And then it was just a matter of minutes before her status showed up on Facebook ... "Hello France, is it really 8:30 AM?<span class="userContentSecondary fcg"> — at Aéroport de Paris - CDG."</span> Wow ... Technology is just so cool these days. She posting her experiences on Tumblr <a href="http://kristineinparis.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">here</a>, so I (the world) can see and hear about what she's doing. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish this picture was in focus ... Oh well, I'm posting it anyway. </td></tr>
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And now it's off to bed so I can make my sleeping moments matter ... </div>
<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-12751251833215749432013-01-03T00:27:00.001-05:002013-01-03T18:48:30.076-05:00Tears in My Eyes When was the last time you burst into tears for something seemingly silly? I had it happen just a few minutes ago — I got a text from my youngest, saying that she had "Boarded!" I couldn't help but feel her excitement, got all choked up, and then burst into tears. But they were happy tears, not sad ones.<br />
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My daughter is on her way to Paris, where she'll be spending four glorious weeks, taking two classes<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> — one </span>in fashion photography and one in food photography. Doesn't that sound like a blast?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW8OTgOkSzaWXKFE6xmQkyJmg22vy-O3xFUer9NRgfE8Zx3SZlG-GCPfEW8awEFjIgtzqsIcUYGOSkgS0s1yMizuqlXs4sdg4hGggcKYBzfvm9-HWa3_ye6bs9Ir-O1A9LmGC5D7pg9Q/s1600/01-12_20_12+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW8OTgOkSzaWXKFE6xmQkyJmg22vy-O3xFUer9NRgfE8Zx3SZlG-GCPfEW8awEFjIgtzqsIcUYGOSkgS0s1yMizuqlXs4sdg4hGggcKYBzfvm9-HWa3_ye6bs9Ir-O1A9LmGC5D7pg9Q/s1600/01-12_20_12+025.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">shirt — Tommy Hilfiger (thrifted)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">tee — French Dressing (CostCo)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">pants — RockStar (Old Navy)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">shoes — Blowfish (DSW)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">magnetic bracelet — store in the mall / necklace — thrifted </span></b></i></div>
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In honor of her trip, I'm sporting my French Dressing tee and Breton stripes. Okay. So, it's not an honest-to-goodness real-live Breton shirt, but don't you think I should get some points for the black-and-white stripes?<br />
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I'm so excited for my daughter — I've always wanted to do something like this, so I will be living vicariously through her for the next month. She will even be there during Fashion Week, and take pictures! How cool is that? She will be sharing an apartment, near Notre Dame and Luxembourg Gardens, with her college roommate. <br />
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Sometimes I'm so jealous of kids who are growing up in today's world. They have the entire world at their fingertips, and girls? They just have so many opportunities, and they don't need to fight for them. (Well, they don't have to fight quite so hard anyway ... ) We still have lots to conquer, but I do see progress.<br />
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Today's thought for "making my minutes matter" is to figure out how I can make four weeks in Europe become my reality. Any ideas?<br />
<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-7800029146180453882013-01-02T00:00:00.001-05:002013-01-03T00:35:43.621-05:00Out with the Old and In with the New ...Here's hoping that this coming year will be healthier, happier, and more prosperous than the one we just closed the books on (or slammed the door shut, as the case may be). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxjuUHqRFBCkbNzkRwvRwo4T8mGftzqye5Q39-wgzGK6bsaCDqVnFluE_LWBLshQNBOkNsl0EpKB7l2XsS-uDYSX1XSWAPyCEqTWfIMHPCs8KnAHA8RCqly8Y5LObRjcTFL0AIewQ03w/s1600/1-12_20_12+109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxjuUHqRFBCkbNzkRwvRwo4T8mGftzqye5Q39-wgzGK6bsaCDqVnFluE_LWBLshQNBOkNsl0EpKB7l2XsS-uDYSX1XSWAPyCEqTWfIMHPCs8KnAHA8RCqly8Y5LObRjcTFL0AIewQ03w/s1600/1-12_20_12+109.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">tank </span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">--</span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> French Dressing (Costco) </span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">shirt — ax<u>c</u>ess (thrifted)</b></i></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">jacket — Old Navy (thrifted)</b></i></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">pants — RockStar (Old Navy)</b></i></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">shoes — Sonoma (thrifted)</b></i></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">necklace — thrifted</b></i></span></div>
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The holidays were bittersweet this year. It was hard to get into the spirit knowing that the families in Newtown, Connecticut, were struggling with unimaginable pain. The horror of what happened has given way to an overwhelming sadness and a fear that things will stay the same even as things change.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlF7cz7WNjlkqc8Mlske77AFg5YdZp1jLF_ZD8l6q47ioktfv_gRrLgGX-rYVrNoU2oQDMG2eagdPEQPiWVW0-zly3rcCB_7kKkT9tm7subW0YX7t3IEpiMR4kscND-kP6P5W1OcSNHY/s1600/1-12_20_12+254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlF7cz7WNjlkqc8Mlske77AFg5YdZp1jLF_ZD8l6q47ioktfv_gRrLgGX-rYVrNoU2oQDMG2eagdPEQPiWVW0-zly3rcCB_7kKkT9tm7subW0YX7t3IEpiMR4kscND-kP6P5W1OcSNHY/s320/1-12_20_12+254.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>20 green stars and 6 white </b></i><i><b>stars</b></i></span></td></tr>
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We don't know what
tomorrow, or even what the next minute, will bring. It's up to us to make the best
of those minutes. That's what my New Year's resolution is – to make my minutes matter.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy 2013<span style="font-size: large;">! </span></span></b></i></span></div>
<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-74741152192110758312012-12-04T00:36:00.000-05:002012-12-04T18:45:06.073-05:00Missing in ActionYes. I have been, haven't I?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8w6j_hteCAql7Jv1xjajhbfZurOXiSs50gIEa1NH3dJkb1bkJcxh71ZD7T44fsyyJ-itqUdxEaoElJXO14E5QSseuDTfC2f7JoUyK-Xiu-Lbi0fbVho8eRUTwE5dIalblOXDGDnrMHhg/s1600/1-11_28_12+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8w6j_hteCAql7Jv1xjajhbfZurOXiSs50gIEa1NH3dJkb1bkJcxh71ZD7T44fsyyJ-itqUdxEaoElJXO14E5QSseuDTfC2f7JoUyK-Xiu-Lbi0fbVho8eRUTwE5dIalblOXDGDnrMHhg/s1600/1-11_28_12+004.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">jacket — Liz Claiborne Liz & Co (thrifted)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">tee — French Dressing (Costco) </span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">pants — RockStar (Old Navy)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">shoes — Blowfish (DSW)</span></b></i></div>
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I keep looking at my feet, thinking that I'll find the answer down there, but it's of no use ... I admit it. I'm just a slacker. That, and I've been insanely busy ... and stressed. And when I wasn't insanely busy or stressed, I was resting and recuperating from being insanely busy and stressed. So I wasn't really slacking. Really and truly I wasn't ... cross my heart and hope to die [who knew that <i>Cross My Heart and Hope to Die</i> was a Norwegian movie? <a href="http://www.filmweb.no/film/article269113.ece" target="_blank"><span lang="no"><i>Ti kniver i hjertet</i></span></a>].<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCejYlmTibLFPRpUM4KAaG9S37a1odSnhh5HDZZo4_FIDJqJFJFmbExUw2v-8f-3qbazovCcsyUHWNJch3H7DhhP6LVfN2Kwdq2thCH9n8u0m4mS6r9FvFCBH1STEE8hcbRiIgLLJ7X8/s1600/2-11_28_12+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCejYlmTibLFPRpUM4KAaG9S37a1odSnhh5HDZZo4_FIDJqJFJFmbExUw2v-8f-3qbazovCcsyUHWNJch3H7DhhP6LVfN2Kwdq2thCH9n8u0m4mS6r9FvFCBH1STEE8hcbRiIgLLJ7X8/s1600/2-11_28_12+005.jpg" /></a></div>
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I look at these pictures and see one thing — my sleeves pushed up.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Hello, world!" she shouts! "I am ready to get to work!" </span>Yes, indeedy, I am ... <snort><br />
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I am a BIG sleeve pusher upper. I can't wear a long-sleeved anything without pushing up the sleeves. Even now, I am sitting at the computer wearing a long-sleeved shirt, and the sleeves are pushed up. It's instinctive. I have absolutely no control over it.<br />
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But these pictures are convincing me that this is a habit that really must go (along with many others ... biting your nails, anyone?). I mean, do you ever see really cool women pushing their sleeves up (or biting their nails, or any other awful habits?!)?<br />
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<a href="http://cdn.thedailybeast.com/content/dailybeast/articles/2012/03/10/meryl-streep-to-play-hillary-clinton/_jcr_content/body/inlineimage.img.503.jpg/1337256000000.cached.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.thedailybeast.com/content/dailybeast/articles/2012/03/10/meryl-streep-to-play-hillary-clinton/_jcr_content/body/inlineimage.img.503.jpg/1337256000000.cached.jpg" /> </a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">from http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/03/10/meryl-streep-to-play-hillary-clinton.html </span></i></div>
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Dreaming about a woman president, yes, I am ... WOW! It's just so so exciting to think of it being an honest to goodness possibility! (Yes. I know that we are four years away from another election, but still ... It really never seemed to be quite possible before, and now it does!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHWiUUuinK8saYi3OJRe9drDMEZyShXhZebWuBDPLCWPLVKV47rqMMZGPJWzSWpwKpfuyWI6Eem9HeszsiV2NmjTRMfVypEZoCnPLvDG5WNTYIPYiRii88FsNHm3GaKpRJn0X-X8oay0/s1600/3-11_28_12+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHWiUUuinK8saYi3OJRe9drDMEZyShXhZebWuBDPLCWPLVKV47rqMMZGPJWzSWpwKpfuyWI6Eem9HeszsiV2NmjTRMfVypEZoCnPLvDG5WNTYIPYiRii88FsNHm3GaKpRJn0X-X8oay0/s1600/3-11_28_12+010.jpg" /></a></div>
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As silly as it sounds, I'll bet a woman president wouldn't have her sleeves pushed up ... I think that it's probably something that the photographers tell the movers and the shakers of the world — do NOT push up your sleeves! Don't you think so? <br />
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<a href="http://newnownext.mtvnimages.com/2012/12/meryl-streep-hillary-clinton.jpg?width=634&height=403" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://newnownext.mtvnimages.com/2012/12/meryl-streep-hillary-clinton.jpg?width=634&height=403" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> <a href="http://www.newnownext.com/meryl-streep-hilary-clinton-movie/12/2012/">http://www.newnownext.com/meryl-streep-hilary-clinton-movie/12/2012/</a></i></span></div>
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I just absolutely adore this picture of Meryl Streep and Hillary Clinton! What strong and beautiful women in their own right — their strength is what makes them beautiful!<br />
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Linking up to <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2012/12/visible-monday-75-aunt-of-groom-wore.html" target="_blank">Visible Monday</a>, sponsored by my lovely friend Patti at <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Not Dead Yet Style</a>. "Why?" you ask. Because even though I have been MIA, I'm not dead yet! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5ViilJWlDjZRKO-n068zr2_UR_qUPmFLWq9p-3_m4LQQce7h7Vn4lAApasmtm6O1hR-OCDrK6en2I5cmJbDoS693oekGBWGiAkYZgtxs2jd00VMS_5rVP7KgBmOR6mOEDN11JgSzVGlX/s250/Visible-Monday-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5ViilJWlDjZRKO-n068zr2_UR_qUPmFLWq9p-3_m4LQQce7h7Vn4lAApasmtm6O1hR-OCDrK6en2I5cmJbDoS693oekGBWGiAkYZgtxs2jd00VMS_5rVP7KgBmOR6mOEDN11JgSzVGlX/s250/Visible-Monday-Logo.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-20384022557082250652012-07-31T20:45:00.000-04:002012-07-31T21:11:02.329-04:00A Day Without WaterA day without water is like a day without ... Hmmm ... Anyway, pardon me for looking a bit scattered in this picture ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDBEdW7U96n41xR3qYw-_ZgWEPN94Z2ssaqQkRux4cPfclE7nYsrNp1wZtYtQPh1K8QdwS0xC_LlFCacOrIgxZN5r_c1j68E9QWhHzHShCBG0A8EqtTOw5K9Eg06H3RHKXhI4eAGa1Xc/s1600/2-July_30+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDBEdW7U96n41xR3qYw-_ZgWEPN94Z2ssaqQkRux4cPfclE7nYsrNp1wZtYtQPh1K8QdwS0xC_LlFCacOrIgxZN5r_c1j68E9QWhHzHShCBG0A8EqtTOw5K9Eg06H3RHKXhI4eAGa1Xc/s1600/2-July_30+006.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><b>shirt — J. A. C. (thrifted)</b></i></div>
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<i><b>pants — </b></i><b><i>Impressions Lifestyle (can't remember; older than dirt)</i></b></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">shoes — Dansko (thrifted) </span></b></i></div>
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I was in the shower this morning (having a really lovely shower, I might add), when all of a sudden, the water slowed to a trickle and then nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch ... eek! Kari was not a happy girl. In fact, you could even say that she was quite unhappy. EXTREMELY unhappy! LOL ... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8V6aXrnqU1mg06NnDuY2mFvzJyaRbIjnpHQ9LyR2nH6YJ-CZI2-Ft45twsjoESPzmWa4GbZDX1F_ME_5-h7gkATlxkIyfK_6uglb12QoJcQ-FnIDKgA4gL_MPHxg2k7TBr-ZJoVH9Fs/s1600/3-July_30+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8V6aXrnqU1mg06NnDuY2mFvzJyaRbIjnpHQ9LyR2nH6YJ-CZI2-Ft45twsjoESPzmWa4GbZDX1F_ME_5-h7gkATlxkIyfK_6uglb12QoJcQ-FnIDKgA4gL_MPHxg2k7TBr-ZJoVH9Fs/s1600/3-July_30+007.jpg" /></a> </div>
<br />
Ordinarily, I would have been more than unhappy. I would have been freaking out ... thinking, "What the hell happened now?" This time, however, I had a pretty good idea that it didn't have anything to do with my money pit of a house. The city has been doing something with the water lines on my street, and I was pretty sure that it was related to that. I'm not quite sure what they're doing — but they not only shut off my water this morning, but they also blocked my driveway and my street. Somebody just didn't want me to go to work this morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDK2Fyq6v4xrd6KPcz9_FBJk3Ej19ZkpQ3J8h12vgL4OZJvaqAfrgtJki6JeGdPwycbanbx9O_iM4HkeUwweSc_Gz7DZbkb199oB7vO8PyPL9pst1MmDNoDimLGXAielz2p2IZeyEbFsA/s1600/1-July_30+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDK2Fyq6v4xrd6KPcz9_FBJk3Ej19ZkpQ3J8h12vgL4OZJvaqAfrgtJki6JeGdPwycbanbx9O_iM4HkeUwweSc_Gz7DZbkb199oB7vO8PyPL9pst1MmDNoDimLGXAielz2p2IZeyEbFsA/s320/1-July_30+022.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My street doesn't look in very good shape either ... </td></tr>
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Luckily, I was just luxuriating under the shower at that point (I love when I can linger in a shower), and I was able to throw on some old faithful clothes. I've had these pants for longer than I can remember and the shirt has three-quarter sleeves — so I was good to go, even if I was a bit worse for wear by the end of the day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlmt4tlDx1yLY4jWiMXGUTQR2hLtOfRL0CXGhABDlx5ubnRp_oe0eQkqrhSdQLYPrq0JTzHlrToISviKko_aqUaWAO4phKIWCJiQSrqvGaGfJ5S7AP39lAAlMQgSMk8H2QHAvYNNgw2o/s1600/4-July_30+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlmt4tlDx1yLY4jWiMXGUTQR2hLtOfRL0CXGhABDlx5ubnRp_oe0eQkqrhSdQLYPrq0JTzHlrToISviKko_aqUaWAO4phKIWCJiQSrqvGaGfJ5S7AP39lAAlMQgSMk8H2QHAvYNNgw2o/s1600/4-July_30+009.jpg" /></a></div>
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I came home to a sign on my front door saying that the water was still off, and they were working on it. You never know how much you need water until you don't have it (I mean, that would be the day that the cat gaks all over the kitchen floor!)... <br />
<br />
And speaking about water ... How is your region doing, rainfall wise, this summer? I have friends living in the Midwestern United States, and they are saying that this drought is the big one ... that there is a good possibility that we may run out of corn, which would be devastating.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/239106/slide_239106_1269609_free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="219" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/239106/slide_239106_1269609_free.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rows of corn stalks stand under a cloudless sky south of Blair, Neb., Monday, July 23, 2012. <br />
The drought-damaged field was cut down for silage. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)</td></tr>
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<br />
To end on a happy water note though ... How about that Melissa Franklin in the 100 backstroke? Wow! So happy to see a girl (she's only 17!) who lives at home, living a normal life and succeeding. She refuses endorsements so she can keep competing for her high school. Love that! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Melissa+Franklin+10th+FINA+World+Swimming+fPuBxCmurbXl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Melissa+Franklin+10th+FINA+World+Swimming+fPuBxCmurbXl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa Franklin during the semifinal of the 100m Backstroke <br />
2010 FINA World Swimming Championships. <br />
(Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I still get all choked up when I see and hear some of these stories. <br />
(Absolutely thrilled for the British men's gymnastic team!)</div>
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<br /></div>
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And I finally have my act together so that I can link up to Patti at Not Dead Yet Style for <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2012/07/visible-monday-57-lazy-lacy-look.html" target="_blank">Visible Monday</a>. Yes. I was scattered and wore comfy clothes, but I would argue to say that I did it with style :-)</div>
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<br /></div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-55554033981478132322012-07-19T00:17:00.000-04:002012-07-19T00:17:39.579-04:00Summer SurvivalOne of the best things about going back to work is being able to get out of the summer heat on a regular basis. And this summer, the heat has been unreal! At 8:30 this morning, it was already 88° outside. That is absolutely insane!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdILBCoLNkRJPVn_gUFosE8fIs4kdLed16Fu_RG-UUMOgvkp-kY8tUeo_D9vMWcX920-RZJ7JrmUSTq8OBWQhXeEqLQpQHCyIDzdQcLkJcvxn-RsWW9_JUpck4vdM8yYrnywSeM5HRJkU/s1600/5-July_11+012.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><b>shirt —Nine West (thrifted)</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><b>skirt — </b></i><i><b>I.Q. & Co.</b></i><i><b> (thrifted)</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><b>sandals — Born (DSW)</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><b>necklace — gift (Thanks, Mom!)<br />
</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>bracelet — thrifted</b></i></div><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr align="center" valign="top"><td width="50%"><br />
</td><td width="50%"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Needless to say, that is what I dress for these days <b><i>—</i></b> to be comfortable in these kind of temperatures, especially since my house doesn't have air conditioning."Oy vey!" After a couple of days of temperatures over 90°, the inside of my house is literally and figuratively an OVEN! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHOuwE-3J36gok7N27lsJTeL0XaqijKBBnwv3NuDC7ITvYkn575nQ3vLoKCkQapvMccpjFeCr_w65EkLRgxGRDax2waJVt1CEbhvc8O14ksM21BDEWNAUhP-exQj9j8osniKb0y4IZjA/s1600/1-July_11+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHOuwE-3J36gok7N27lsJTeL0XaqijKBBnwv3NuDC7ITvYkn575nQ3vLoKCkQapvMccpjFeCr_w65EkLRgxGRDax2waJVt1CEbhvc8O14ksM21BDEWNAUhP-exQj9j8osniKb0y4IZjA/s1600/1-July_11+001.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
With temperatures like that at home? I especially love going in to work! This particular outfit was perfect <b><i>—</i></b> sleeveless, loose, and barelegged, with a slit up the front of my skirt to increase air circulation. LOL. (I wore this skirt another way <a href="http://ladykchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/08/same-old-same-old.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) <br />
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<tr align="center"><td width="50%"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CKzcEk8yKoI3kCTzVAGuefeg_yEqgBi2tQUx2XSUfuZsL6vyjewDElUBWKVYIuM3-svwTzZKf6UDV96t9Cg29yGWxPFci1PbPKWgFinJrM8HeK04e1OpAOA62bV7iQU648qR0LVvWCI/s1600/4-July_11+009.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_YJUfMH8zSC_GpW0DnBtM_uKe4A2QUcNBrEwTUX0aINKbomSkJsD2kgp9giOqdY-Of4gyA22V32YY83-L_J5PuiumH1FSmv3PTJjTryMrgXpSE2ZxqM1iOwf_vsHphJFm6mTC_B8Ccg/s1600/misc+409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
</td> <td valign="center" width="50%"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mlFaSLoKbw_8V5V3qhfX8cbG1f8gVud3oOyXtNB4FOblSgtjSg_2Kh14JI6BwZ_mqIyc8SoZ1JhtYqc64XxwkfatuHNfalJJaj2MPeJy1DBwaY8SHL_oe_XB-FZ59pFi6sDIVvssLG4/s200/6-July_11+017.jpg" width="166" /></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>What may even be worse than hot summer days are even hotter summer nights! There is just no escape from the heat. And I'm afraid that it has also affected my posting. I get home and I just can't move, let alone take pictures or sit at a hot computer to write a post. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ODOj2jBUKW0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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What summer survival skills (SSS) have you learned to keep yourself cool and productive? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for all the good wishes about the new job. And guess what? It's only 4.7 miles away! I could walk all the way there and back in less time that it took me to get to my last job!</div></div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-10747765097035291472012-07-10T07:31:00.000-04:002012-07-11T22:36:18.304-04:00First Day of WorkYes. I got a new job, and I started today! Hip, <span style="font-size: large;">hip,</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">HOORAY!</span> Honestly? For me, working a 9 to 5 job is one of the best feelings in the world!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQE7gkg0wuvJl8UMlGUDK812zrnonKc8VPk6nCgV7CeMBJX1dIV_aypK5cEpk5LniP6gwKjZH84FCU7Q6WmheNG1v6iEmuq2X8Yv-B3ZbDal7g3PFBIap5pC0bNxftFPQI0nw2P3TA4M/s1600/2-July_9+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQE7gkg0wuvJl8UMlGUDK812zrnonKc8VPk6nCgV7CeMBJX1dIV_aypK5cEpk5LniP6gwKjZH84FCU7Q6WmheNG1v6iEmuq2X8Yv-B3ZbDal7g3PFBIap5pC0bNxftFPQI0nw2P3TA4M/s1600/2-July_9+003.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<b><i>shirt — Express Essential Stretch (Express)<br />
</i></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<b><i>pants — Impressions Lifestyle (can't remember; they're older than dirt)<br />
</i></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<b><i>shoes — Dansko (thrifted)<br />
</i></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<b><i>belt — Land's End (thrifted)</i></b></div>
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I also wore this jacket going in to work, but I took it off as the day progressed <i>—</i> it was just too hot to keep it on. <br />
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<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<b><i>jacket — Chequers (thrifted)<br />
</i></b></div>
<br />
I really wanted to wear this necklace, but I chickened out at the last moment, and switched it out for something more conservative. I kind of wish that I hadn't. <br />
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<img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianrscIWS74a0YfV0E6KF0H1We08mM3g_I79g6h3pRlolCaaZ8B-gqipdB_BvmNhYOwn7uMGQ8qXz9bV5N64Civib1SxzABHZKNfNZyA7joLYpYQggwjrp4KdfmRFhK0I0BWpTjAtXapA/s320/5-July_9+044.jpg" width="320" /> </div>
<br />
Anyway, all truth be told ... I'm not so sure of this outfit. I felt okay leaving the house in the morning, but when I see the pictures? I just groan. My hair. My weight. And maybe the belt was a bad idea <i>—</i> it probably cut me in half or some such fashion rule that I flubbed. I dunno. All I know is that it was tough to even find a picture to post because I hated them all <i>—</i> pained expression and all ... I guess I knew what I was going to look like before I even saw the pictures.<br />
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So ... now the big question <i>— </i>what happened to me? I disappeared after I was laid off at the end of March. It probably comes as no surprise (you all have probably gone through a similar thing) that my identity is so tied up in having a job that I get kind of lost when I don't have one. I took one day off, which stretched to another, and another, and another ... and before I knew it? I didn't know how to start back up.<br />
<br />
On top of not having a job, I was dealing with this menopausal weight-gain thing, and that totally freaked me out. A couple of years ago, it had started to get harder and harder to lose weight and easier and easier to pack it on. When I had a somewhat normal job, I could eat sensibly and keep up some semblance of an exercise routine, but then when I started commuting to Herndon, Virginia? Everything went to hell in a handbasket at lightning speed. I not only became sedentary (no time to exercise thanks to that hellish and god-forsaken commute) but also started to eat junk food like my life depended on it (and maybe it did ... I was always on a bus or a train or in a car on in a train station). That's not particularly healthy, and I'm paying for that now in spades. <br />
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I'd love to say that I got a whole lot done and came to some remarkable revelations during my self-imposed sabbatical, but that would be <strike>lying</strike> stretching the truth a <strike>bit</strike> <span style="font-size: large;">lot</span>. I'm just as mixed up now as I was before. I'll probably be a whole lot better about posting now that order (a job) has been restored to my life, but my underlying angst is just as great as it was before so I will probably disappear again from time to time.Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-61017899733191005482012-04-06T18:09:00.015-04:002012-04-07T21:01:43.660-04:00Black and BlueWere you able to wear your school colors during the excitement of March Madness? I'd like to say that I color coordinated this black-and-blue outfit to my school colors but unfortunately that would make me a mighty tall stretcher of truth. <br />
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</td> <td width="50%"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89KfiZ1D0srdPpYIEEw_J1ivl9VJn0L6RUZeeMc0P33csI7djHGxtfsiobgVlQ9LxCoSqUnrt7-2IZuhE9QLdbJjggBL0QTMRcJzXPX4NQWUvJFnSSuZ26yUUkPcW2WsmL_hCtzlP_5w/s1600/misc+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89KfiZ1D0srdPpYIEEw_J1ivl9VJn0L6RUZeeMc0P33csI7djHGxtfsiobgVlQ9LxCoSqUnrt7-2IZuhE9QLdbJjggBL0QTMRcJzXPX4NQWUvJFnSSuZ26yUUkPcW2WsmL_hCtzlP_5w/s200/misc+008.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHVDQXJPCqPjrf13qNrhr_qWfbmuU0p8XYX36g8EV1uJoZwH0HMxgdxb0o568G3LB4Jqk-SKE9j7WuIwzBqNegqkt2OUIxYDtnJfIDAOELoZQRccJ6iQ3Qg7AXLoX_ub3UyJ8UM6ZXNM/s1600/2012-04-03_1745.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHVDQXJPCqPjrf13qNrhr_qWfbmuU0p8XYX36g8EV1uJoZwH0HMxgdxb0o568G3LB4Jqk-SKE9j7WuIwzBqNegqkt2OUIxYDtnJfIDAOELoZQRccJ6iQ3Qg7AXLoX_ub3UyJ8UM6ZXNM/s200/2012-04-03_1745.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<i><b>shirt — D.K. Gold (thrifted)</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>skirt — Express Design Studio (Express)</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>shoes — Blowfish (DSW)</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>necklace — thrifted</b></i></div><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>belt — thrifted</b></i></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>The truth is that no special thought went into selecting the colors for this outfit. Well ... that's not entirely true. I do happen to really like how black and blue looks together. What I couldn't decide about though was whether the multistrand necklace or the single strand one was better. Which do you think? (Ignore the fact that I was committing a fashion faux pas by wearing a necklace and earrings at the same time! Oh the horror of it.) <br />
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></b></i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></b></i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEnZpBanixufyrn18e6E87s8Done_IIbCu6Tz7p12P2-ISwnBWnjD1WVUdDI0vMfvq8Dra8PI-i1l_yK6TqgCujEj-eWK9PdZJXnUxrWDhTlowaNDgMQ_xlDFw10NrUqhhSqUPTLVT44/s1600/misc+445.jpg" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPG_JAJcevi2VwEQPAS-4eu38-r5EIVHXFn9Ylz3rAG41V7COJLQhldrnJe1Nh2bvzT-90stdPxtrZv6v3ZoJijQqqjjeziNHECTPel0L91t5pL_SxdM9nnqnvOMdK1aurtLJ9SHOhHHE/s1600/misc+397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>I also was a little nervous about wearing this skirt, which was <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">a </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">bit too tight and a bit too short</span>,</b>* to work. You know what they say about <strike>old</strike> ladies of a certain age wearing short skirts ... <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">They say,</span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> "No-o-o-o-o-o</span><span style="font-size: large;">!</span><span style="font-size: large;">"</span></b> The fashion police would probably say that it's worse than wearing a necklace and earrings at the same time! Shudder! I did try to disguise the fact that the skirt was <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">a </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">bit too tight and a bit too short</span></b> by pairing it with an overly big shirt (aka a bag). Seriously speaking now, I think the outfit was okay — I don't think it was scandalous, and I even received <strike>some</strike> a few compliments.<br />
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<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>* If I put it in teeny tiny letters nobody will notice that my skirt was maybe </i><span style="font-size: x-small;">a bit too tight and a bit too short.</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB_ROuS1bwC_TUpYRJaJqqqAS7CaOBFOJ5ZKfxfJg5YVfLyRPChJqW_rAlLAIj1biWXrzPAKM3Y3AFdl7WF5RC_capGC-y-tcZxTLqP8XmakLdMaGw6nBfcNzO23hGPrM4UXLykJWbOk/s1600/misc+402.jpg" /></div><br />
But back to the excitement of March Madness ... <i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Woo hoo!</b></span></i> and <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Woot! Woot!</span></i></b> "What excitement?" you ask. Why, the excitement of the Lehigh University men's basketball team (my alma mater) beating Duke in the first round. This was a big deal. a HUGE deal. a gigantic enormous amazing HUGE deal. Did I say it was a big deal? LOL. Oh my. Not only was it Lehigh's first-ever NCAA Tournament win — as a 15th seed, but also they beat Duke (a 2nd seed) in doing it. They BEAT Duke! Now, c'mon that is huge. HUGE. Duke is Duke. Who hasn't heard of Duke? They're a powerhouse. Don't get me wrong, Lehigh is amazing, and I feel so fortunate and lucky that I was able to go there as an undergraduate. But sports is just not all that emphasized (except for wrestling. Oh, and then there's that annual Lehigh versus Lafayette rivalry thing) Whatever. You don't go to Lehigh to play sports — to make it to the big leagues. You just don't. And they won in style and class, and pulled off an upset! How I wish that I could have been back on South Mountain to celebrate. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyANMWeXs-hd-cS5jNa1ihlSLcyBEKATeEbnAxqVmBTFIS0qmxsMdUwHDbvDP2cP35Z24SdP86c5wNlUl21auyOIAPjiiy3gO_7ll8BV5VZdTI45yosAed6qMi2cdQCEE3gLoBqjojs3o/s1600/misc+409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyANMWeXs-hd-cS5jNa1ihlSLcyBEKATeEbnAxqVmBTFIS0qmxsMdUwHDbvDP2cP35Z24SdP86c5wNlUl21auyOIAPjiiy3gO_7ll8BV5VZdTI45yosAed6qMi2cdQCEE3gLoBqjojs3o/s1600/misc+409.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And then there was the excitement on the women's side as well! My second alma mater, the University of Delaware, was playing as a 3rd seed! <i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Woo hoo!</b></span></i> and <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Woot! Woot </span></i></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">again</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">!</span><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b>Even though they were expected to do well and to play in the tournament, their story was just as exciting.<br />
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Four years ago, when Elena Delle Donne graduated from high school in our tiny little state, she was the number one college recruit for women's basketball in the country. No surprise, she signed with basketball powerhouse — the University of Connecticut. She left for college, and the story turned upside down and inside out. Two days later she left UConn, came back home, gave up her scholarship, and enrolled at the University of Delaware. The women's hoops world was abuzz as to what would possess her to do this. (You've got to understand — UD is not what you would call a basketball school. In fact, it's probably more well known for producing our vice president, Joe Biden, than for women's basketball. Nobody knew why she left and people speculated, and some really nasty and cruel things were said about this 18-year-old kid.) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It turns out that Elena was homesick, and mostly homesick for her older sister, who was born without sight or hearing and with cerebral palsy. Elena sat out basketball for a year (UConn didn't release her), and then started playing basketball for UD. This was her third year, the team has finally been able to gel around the superstar player that is Elena Delle Donne and come into their own. And make no mistake — Elena is a superstar. Her story is an amazing feel good story — read more about Elena <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/frank_deford/02/08/Elena-Della-Donne/index.html#ixzz1rIVbToBs" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/03/why-a-rising-womens-basketball-star-left-hoops-heaven-for-the-home-team/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUlHc8OZqCqRU656PQTo34zu75WNLnsPcTmZeyrz-5B3fXSAdTJAOnyvN8xvoc0h7aeOPOjb_R0YlcjyeWSPJ2xnEy9SmoBddd1e3RVNwy8HQv2ECmkq65aEEoDaj0EzsStgK1bQf4lk/s1600/misc+457.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I would like to say that both my teams went on to win and win big. I think you could safely say that they did and they didn't. To me, we can take lessons from both teams — from the Lehigh men's team to believe in yourself and the UD women's team of what is really important. And those are wins — that is what sports really should be all about. <br />
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Linking up to <a href="http://www.blondeepisodes.com/2012/04/fashion-friday-pastel-paradise_05.html" target="_blank">Fashion Friday</a> at Blonde Episodes.<br />
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<br />
<center><a href="http://www.blondeepisodes.com/"><img height="200" src="http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u392/dirtandlacedesigns1/fashionfriday.png" width="180" /></a></center>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-69359212321211948342012-03-28T21:15:00.010-04:002012-03-29T16:17:34.613-04:00Guilty Pleasures<div style="text-align: center;">What's your number one guilty pleasure? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Before I tell you mine, here's the obligatory outfit picture ... </div><br />
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<tr align="center" valign="top"> <td width="50%"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJT8JvvsvVhBQ-ED0YgM-Itej4xYd24GF7GuFEO9t4U5iozICZhGq4b_v5oTToIfeNahTqr_YopG_UYhljPn4Hs87WJx1C2w_1bTaDripgD7U5WPSS7k9T1OSi2WW2ZqcGFB3f9bGjp0/s1600/green+shirt+014.jpg" /></td> <td width="50%"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKTWk1zRjM7XFs7zT-yuF1NUIGFRbppe5uprTigAcWfx_41NF2gY3eoRPmMM4_j2JZzF64WB-zm9rEad7UOrgGQRZsmmym0H2rGcKqKIgtYDGSDE7CAldhFZs3b9iGabtD1gKUgXlCWw/s320/green+shirt+151.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4wq9YBFqEIE79EcpPXX0AHmw5-gk4Y_HkgcZNWys5JEFqdF5BUOmtGXDWuQ2F25SiJoxLQX4TtmlKuv2fxEDF-DDbcS8upCwSdX1xJysjkBjGzSjkSx0OoTZkAwL2M8jTz-Fx1xfyU8/s320/2012-03-28_2007.png" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<i><b>shirt set — Andria Lieu Collection (thrifted)</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>skirt — twenty-one (Forever 21)</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>boots — Dansko (Dansko Factory Store)</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>necklace — (thrifted)</b></i></div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjap0v371q-P9XACAOctjy2HM1VWQpncX2rhy-cszNo1eTNsCxRoR58igBjkHUt07G0A8Od5dzSyymKXylEpo3visFSS10Pgc5YOJmQC4P8sV4Dmye-G6gjLrNX-5TwN5aCdS8JeBczTA/s1600/green+shirt+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>I'm really disappointed about these pictures. It was one of those days when I just couldn't get a picture that I was happy with. The pictures that showed the outfit and the colors the best? My eyes were closed, or I have this pained expression on my face (see the above picture ...). And if my eyes were open? The colors were all washed out. I even tried to retake the pictures the next morning, and I finally had to admit defeat and go with what I had. Oh well ... I can always crop off my head! LOL. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN60CnlYR-qqk5mr7azSu09Q2ezY7IXsxWN0mrWShhn_6p_uMUUki5SuM-N_eosLgMwVESzArFJO0MWeqxWJT6nGeYJjWUU5bI754_8MZ2QON9PLK9nkoaDbktMn4FlpVE8ZwSHXKQOrM/s1600/green+shirt+053-001.jpg" /> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anyway ... this was another outfit that got compliments at work <i><b>—</b></i> both the shirt and the necklace. The shirt has one of my favorite things of all times <i><b>—</b></i> three-quarter sleeves. Yes. I absolutely adore three-quarter sleeves. I love them so much, that if it wasn't for the fact that three-quarter sleeves are hard to find, all my upper-body clothing for fall and winter (and cold spring days) would sport this feature. I don't know what it is about long sleeves, but they get on my <span style="font-size: large;">NERVES </span>big time<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">!</span></span> If I have something with long sleeves on? I push them up, I fold them up, I roll them up ... I do whatever is needed to get them out of my way (even now I am sitting here with my sleeves folded and pushed up)! I used to think it was weird and unique to me, but I've found that a lot of bloggers share the same idiosyncrasy. And even though I usually wear bracelets, the first thing I do when I get to work is to take them off and push up my sleeves! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQDLdJRhwtbul5TKHHVP4pg2IBnMFPNUiBvsPJ5JMD5_p3T-CAGRLBPhyphenhyphenr1sKLKUgXkR5ZFkK5uLxgkpxTi0FeUwVBUUeSzIa8kyvOdLWN-w2IDY3PttZUJr5VHLcjVuah2KYKTxs99Y/s1600/green+shirt+003-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQDLdJRhwtbul5TKHHVP4pg2IBnMFPNUiBvsPJ5JMD5_p3T-CAGRLBPhyphenhyphenr1sKLKUgXkR5ZFkK5uLxgkpxTi0FeUwVBUUeSzIa8kyvOdLWN-w2IDY3PttZUJr5VHLcjVuah2KYKTxs99Y/s1600/green+shirt+003-001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>My necklace? I have gotten so many compliments on it! And it's always from people who I would have never expected to like it. Or maybe it's not that I'm surprised that they would like it <i><b>—</b></i> it's more that I'm surprised that they would say something to me. People have mostly told me that they like it because it's so big and that they didn't think that they could wear it. And you know what? I never would have worn it a few years ago either! But I don't think twice about wearing a statement necklace these days. It looks great with so many outfits!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eo6ly7WBtB4grYGvHhyphenhyphengPHkOvBWr0BhfyTq3SMdmyxi3e6RdEnj3fELqu06uknYqQaQkkKNEvLe4RovDVGaEQBm1wzGzdv-JXTdNmHp__xcH97LULmIke7KT-YF7XvQ96jrhcPxHS9o/s1600/green+shirt+009.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So ... what's my guilty pleasure? Reality TV, and one of my favorite ones was on tonight <i><b>—</b></i> <i>Survivor. </i>(Oh man. I admit it. I would dearly love to be on that show. I have even contemplated on submitting a video as to why they should select me. Unfortunately, I don't think that I would be all that good at the social game.) I love those shows. I absolutely love them. Yeah, there are some that I hate ... but for the most part, I love watching these stupid silly shows. Yes, even <i>The Real Housewives</i> of where ever ... LOL! (My daughter refused to believe that I would actual watch these women b*tch at each other <i><b>—</b></i> she said that they were worse than the <strike>witches</strike> girls in high school. I think they're hysterical! And you know? As bad as my life can get at times? I am never tempted to become a reality witch.)<br />
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I love seeing how people "choose" to behave when they're put in a fishbowl. Do they become a fame whore and do whatever and say whatever they need so they can extend their moment of fame? or do they stick to their morals and stay true to themselves? But then again, maybe the fame whores are being true to themselves. Who knows? And the best part about watching these shows? I don't have to think. No brain cells are involved. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-82892908481497170852012-03-27T11:31:00.008-04:002012-03-27T21:38:19.932-04:00In Like a Lamb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How's the weather where you are? It's been nuts in Delaware — last week, we had record high temperatures,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and then last night? Temperatures went below freezing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczOFM8KAKDGJBJaLF_drr92NMcHZ9XCJtQ9Dhv4VLWJVP15avjhRQA6xK4h8hb-ztnHudb9XLMlIJRZ9Z1JR3RDtAIFkD8zIWRMVzCNoIF1D8TAmS0ZHZ_Y3_lM9RlmHqp-8i51CoMao/s1600/purple+dress+056.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><b>shirt — Danar Hedi (thrifted)</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><b>dress — Express (Marshalls, I think? It's older than dirt)</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><b>necklace — thrifted </b></i></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><b>boots — Dansko (Dansko Factory Store)</b></i></div><br />
On top of that, the wind was just roaring here yesterday! Br-r-r-r-r. I even had to turn the heat back on (the wind just whips through my walls), and bring all my plants back inside. Instead of March coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb, it's been the opposite around here. <br />
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</td> <td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3FD-qN7LXTrIIm9B3gmZ2HCBxOw91hME_gQ3OZ7swLFsSvW895_66RpFD23x3dPY8zbHqpmC-_PP-f1q7-HblajHDu7AAMeT2khwmmi4kcM8HvQStvdoGgYVKNhjElGeLRfmpCCPkmI/s1600/purple+dress+141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3FD-qN7LXTrIIm9B3gmZ2HCBxOw91hME_gQ3OZ7swLFsSvW895_66RpFD23x3dPY8zbHqpmC-_PP-f1q7-HblajHDu7AAMeT2khwmmi4kcM8HvQStvdoGgYVKNhjElGeLRfmpCCPkmI/s320/purple+dress+141.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
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</tbody></table>And then how do you dress for this flip-flopping weather? I'm kind of lucky because the colder weather of the past few days is giving me the opportunity to recreate some of the outfits that I wore back in February. I was so busy before that I didn't get the chance to take pictures. Actually, it wasn't that I was busy, because I definitely had time during the day to go outside and snap a few pictures. Mostly, it's that I still feel so self-conscious about taking my pictures that I would put it off and put it off, and then it just wouldn't happen. It feels really strange to pose in front of a camera, and to take my own pictures (as opposed to somebody else taking them) on top of that? It just seems weird and self-absorbed to me. It would be one thing if somebody wanted all these pictures of me, then I would have an excuse, right? Instead, it's all about ME,<span style="font-size: large;"> ME,</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> ME! </span>And I dunno ... I have a hard time coming to grips with that. <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Z9GqUvPoRZ5RYVZBxxIPu6wdXy1CMPMr-rySkJ20fSB2HEhjC66Giv7k2dL-bj0s7ob_kba-qyhqdxwd_j-oATXSSoEumf5Lp6BFJEeKDuq3Ed_4zXRFW_32Pw_vsF1kcwBOj8e1RfU/s1600/purple+dress+090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Z9GqUvPoRZ5RYVZBxxIPu6wdXy1CMPMr-rySkJ20fSB2HEhjC66Giv7k2dL-bj0s7ob_kba-qyhqdxwd_j-oATXSSoEumf5Lp6BFJEeKDuq3Ed_4zXRFW_32Pw_vsF1kcwBOj8e1RfU/s1600/purple+dress+090.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, back to the outfit ... The shirt is way too big (note the folded up cuffs), but I still felt pretty snazzy in this outfit. I even received several compliments on how I looked that day (I was having an awful day at work <i><b>—</b></i> one of my "deliverables" had been ripped apart, and I was feeling pretty crappy and upset. Usually my emotions show all over my face, so it was a nice surprise when people told me that I looked good.)</div><br />
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<i><b>BTW, one bad thing about recreating outfits is trying to remember exactly what I wore. Sometimes that's a good thing, because I can improve the outfit for the pictures . But this time I screwed up. The belt that I actually wore was this gold-tone one and went with the shirt much better (it didn't dangle either). I'm disappointed that I forgot, because it looked pretty cool.</b></i></td> <td width="50%"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD9YoFbQcdOWBxqhSyh49jsuVNJitCBDcOLvgRujF6E7C2RA7P70uhsR-b-_BwmUQRVbGdN8zk3vMmiQVIxwN5sYXxi_oYr3cnxu9asKnHS8nl_R-Iam6O_ukHKssWoFNPZn6fxnGbR0/s1600/green+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD9YoFbQcdOWBxqhSyh49jsuVNJitCBDcOLvgRujF6E7C2RA7P70uhsR-b-_BwmUQRVbGdN8zk3vMmiQVIxwN5sYXxi_oYr3cnxu9asKnHS8nl_R-Iam6O_ukHKssWoFNPZn6fxnGbR0/s200/green+shirt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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</tbody></table>One last thing ... it's kind of exciting to see how my style has evolved since I started this blog! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0UCuZscWyCU92iSVl0_P1YOkJ3594YPBGmLPTh2M50balog7txgnbNvY3GxGKsV8Xq5LEKC2emHCJP6SCLkB2u6-jxLVsA9_wOQD_zX33mDmpfybIr8OQvQ0Q77_XEWlNuNuwk5Ej-g/s400/purple+dress+063.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="223" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2012</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkpXY1VJ30R6lAf0rnpZz6Og-ZuDtPIRGO5xEw92k1XUee9v0NBqOM2dVmF6c6StqjlHQcu7KiNU3EV3KZnIvr9kQ4zeG9h-4eXWqIAgDFmVBCEjEMSedmONhyphenhyphenlymgwEMNrn1we3h9lY/s400/random+014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="225" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November 2010</td></tr>
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I've had this black dress for forever <i><b>—</b></i> easily over 10 years, and probably more like 15, and maybe even 20 (seriously, when I find something I like? I hang onto it until death us do part). I loved it when I first got it, and I still love it. It's a black sheath, and it's another very, very comfortable and forgiving dress. I used to wear it a lot, and when I say a lot, I mean <b><span style="font-size: large;">a LOT </span></b><i><b>—</b></i> maybe once a week during the winter (and this is once a week for years!), and always with that same sweater/cardigan and the same slip-on clogs. I would even wear it in the summer, because the a/c was so cold in my office! It was like a uniform for me (no lie. My kids could vouch for me!). It's not that it was a bad outfit, but it Never. Ever. Changed. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">It does now. </span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Linking up to Apron Thrift Girl and <a href="http://apronthriftgirl.typepad.com/apron_thrift_girl/2012/03/thrift-share-monday-silver-and-gold-weekend.html" target="_blank">Thrift Share Monday</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772894982323103555.post-3948480476836519902012-03-25T22:19:00.009-04:002012-03-26T07:59:20.497-04:00Just like PajamasHave I ever said how much I love sweater dresses?! Yes. I adore them (please ignore the wrinkles — it was left in the laundry basket a bit too long!). <br />
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<tr> <td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElY5j5CTrQ4mcscVlDqn6OIqJ85RipowNLrZICRpIJiGxaAfsCddYOcV-sr9mGpkejyk9ZEfuQZDI58-vkVz2x3_Rr93aHuQFqLwoXc1GFokft3Y8G450ThhgPJfWv3IyuDAVNeKQ0b8/s1600/purple+dress+146.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElY5j5CTrQ4mcscVlDqn6OIqJ85RipowNLrZICRpIJiGxaAfsCddYOcV-sr9mGpkejyk9ZEfuQZDI58-vkVz2x3_Rr93aHuQFqLwoXc1GFokft3Y8G450ThhgPJfWv3IyuDAVNeKQ0b8/s200/purple+dress+146.jpg" width="164" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Yrn2MUF0OFs2TnmtRPGs7Pg20N53uYSKCXj64tHW6Za377H66vYpFg7bZ-2scG3O_36urV_g1rDmTPZvkLkv_IXkChIdkCCjr9_4ZRkQ1Mi0j-Ng7SfAcvlwXrgaK0P2LbY3JPas6Q0/s1600/purple+dress+025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Yrn2MUF0OFs2TnmtRPGs7Pg20N53uYSKCXj64tHW6Za377H66vYpFg7bZ-2scG3O_36urV_g1rDmTPZvkLkv_IXkChIdkCCjr9_4ZRkQ1Mi0j-Ng7SfAcvlwXrgaK0P2LbY3JPas6Q0/s1600/purple+dress+025.jpg" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmF8UsL_Ak-Nj7rMPb6E7-6CgMHoARJC7ON6czAJ4Q1Ow2pqcG_qyjegvg0oOuxuWUAmzVK1oGg8ndV9S7bRkX5eJSTVCQxuElCXpmE4SgCvzn88dWd0c4a5tDB-4-spZHSZMHbhS-8wI/s1600/purple+dress+143.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmF8UsL_Ak-Nj7rMPb6E7-6CgMHoARJC7ON6czAJ4Q1Ow2pqcG_qyjegvg0oOuxuWUAmzVK1oGg8ndV9S7bRkX5eJSTVCQxuElCXpmE4SgCvzn88dWd0c4a5tDB-4-spZHSZMHbhS-8wI/s200/purple+dress+143.jpg" width="186" /></a></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><b><i>dress — Weekenders (thrifted)</i></b></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><b><i>boots — Dansko (Dansko Factory Store)</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">belt — (thrifted) </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div>I think it's hard not to look good in one (they're so forgiving), and besides that? They are so-o-o-o comfortable! To me, they're the closest thing to being able to wear pajamas at work.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSALGTazZiIReqDN_DaA7FwfDeIMTD4plSyxAA9AR__ekBD1pn8g1lPyEtmt-ixxN9zYjs4uvZMfNQwfn-4j-Oy27Xke-7MoAUo45zDSZ1yJJ8TO4SbrBFT_vA0NhOteRtzIZJJ9qoLjA/s1600/purple+dress+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSALGTazZiIReqDN_DaA7FwfDeIMTD4plSyxAA9AR__ekBD1pn8g1lPyEtmt-ixxN9zYjs4uvZMfNQwfn-4j-Oy27Xke-7MoAUo45zDSZ1yJJ8TO4SbrBFT_vA0NhOteRtzIZJJ9qoLjA/s1600/purple+dress+023.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And speaking about work ... I was laid off last week. Yes. Here I go again (read about how I got laid off last year <a href="http://ladykchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/07/open-doors.html" target="_blank">here</a>), worrying about money and wondering when and if I'll get another job. It wasn't entirely a surprise — the project that I was working on had ended last month, so I knew the ax was going to fall at some point. I just didn't know when exactly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcK-Rc50Jm8n6bGefehJnyovZ5eCreqGBDjIjCEir7Bf1hZRqoiqDVaQgr8k4vnIQrG8YsKN1VEFGr8GHsRecoj0ClUmK9BSM8R5oI6zO1h69TdX0NiSuvoq1-B3at1X_mZs9sOyKzQA/s1600/purple+dress+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcK-Rc50Jm8n6bGefehJnyovZ5eCreqGBDjIjCEir7Bf1hZRqoiqDVaQgr8k4vnIQrG8YsKN1VEFGr8GHsRecoj0ClUmK9BSM8R5oI6zO1h69TdX0NiSuvoq1-B3at1X_mZs9sOyKzQA/s1600/purple+dress+037.jpg" /></a></div><br />
But on the bright side of things. . . good-bye to one hell of a commute. No more putting in 12-hour or 18-hour days, or even staying up all night because there was no point in trying to sleep before getting on the road. No more packing up in the wee hours of Monday morning to spend the next three or four days on the road. And no more getting dressed in the dark! Can you tell that I'm a bit relieved?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OG4K74s-QCBOV-_ozSef1BsIoh4NdWPgCbMFmEhnyGhDZ9Z5h9W5wqX_69aV8xNjdzLWo0I_KJk4pYLFsymEkiblF9nj60YtX7H0KBVsd8U3xaZWTCZTLkZfds2yyRolPjvfTiO-Dfs/s1600/purple+dress+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OG4K74s-QCBOV-_ozSef1BsIoh4NdWPgCbMFmEhnyGhDZ9Z5h9W5wqX_69aV8xNjdzLWo0I_KJk4pYLFsymEkiblF9nj60YtX7H0KBVsd8U3xaZWTCZTLkZfds2yyRolPjvfTiO-Dfs/s1600/purple+dress+045.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Even though it's scary to be unemployed, getting laid off is probably a blessing in disguise. My commute was just completely wearing me down. The days that I wasn't commuting, I was living out of a suitcase. It seemed like I was never home, and if I was home, I was so exhausted that I couldn't really do anything that needed to be done. I think that I spent enough time commuting in the past 6 months to last me a lifetime!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaF4s6SrDMoTD-rhc3_JfLmk8wLOln90pqDE9eXBF8X56gWJoXvEmZ2o_VdcAdcgMpn7OvLFXjCyESLDecvWVbn82J_0So45RxHvnS7nehbfJplrhZVW1TFVsno1v3SGmSFQ2lJcgbys8/s1600/purple+dress+050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaF4s6SrDMoTD-rhc3_JfLmk8wLOln90pqDE9eXBF8X56gWJoXvEmZ2o_VdcAdcgMpn7OvLFXjCyESLDecvWVbn82J_0So45RxHvnS7nehbfJplrhZVW1TFVsno1v3SGmSFQ2lJcgbys8/s1600/purple+dress+050.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I do think the economy is getting better, and I got some really good experience that should help me find another job this time around. But still ... keep your fingers (and toes) crossed that something will come up soon, and that it won't involve commuting for hours upon hours every day. In the meantime though, I'm going to start catching up on everything that went by the wayside for the past 6 months. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Linking up to Patti at <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Not Dead Yet Style</a> for <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2012/03/visible-monday-39-black-and-blue-and.html" target="_blank">Visible Monday</a> once again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5ViilJWlDjZRKO-n068zr2_UR_qUPmFLWq9p-3_m4LQQce7h7Vn4lAApasmtm6O1hR-OCDrK6en2I5cmJbDoS693oekGBWGiAkYZgtxs2jd00VMS_5rVP7KgBmOR6mOEDN11JgSzVGlX/s250/Visible-Monday-Logo.png" width="184" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And since my dress (and my bangle and my belt) was thifted? </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm going to link up to Megan at <a href="http://www.brassinpocketblog.com/" target="_blank">Brass in Pocket</a> for <a href="http://www.brassinpocketblog.com/2012/03/thursdays-are-for-thrifters-link-party_22.html" target="_blank">Thursdays Are for Thrifters</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511313445464560085noreply@blogger.com15