Show & Tell Tuesday

It’s time for Show & Tell Tuesday again! 

 

This time it’s all about my personal style. 

 

Now that I’m 40-something, I’ve decided that life should be all about comfort.  I mean seriously…..who wants to walk around in high heels or snug-fitting clothes?? 

 

For some reason, I tend to buy clothes a bit bigger than they should be.  The last thing I want is to feel like a sausage about to burst in a tight shirt or pair of pants. 

 

 

Since I’m not a morning person, it’s crucial for me to have my work outfits planned before I go to bed on Sunday.

 

I always put together 7-8 outfits so I’ll have choices throughout the week.  When I say plan, I mean PLAN!  Jewelry, scarves, jackets, shoes…..everything is laid out so there is no thinking required on a sleepy morning.

 

 

I’m more than a little embarrassed to admit this but I keep photos of my favorite outfits.  There…..I said it!

 

They aren’t flattering pictures and they’re always from a bad angle but I don’t care.  It’s all about remembering what pieces go together and feel/look good. 

 

 

I would consider my style preppy.  I wear cardigans year-round…..mostly layered on top of button-up shirts.  And loafers.  I love loafers!  Or Converse (you’re never too old to wear Chucks). 

 

 

And I hate hate hate long pants!  That’s the only thing about the winter that I dread.  I wish I could live in capris all year but that’s not possible.  Long pants just fit weird…..I can’t explain it. 

 

 

Apparently I love scarves……and denim…..and leopard flats!

 

 

When it comes to bedtime, you can find me in a Jim-sized Polo shirt and capri pajama bottoms.  Every.  Single.  Night.  I’m in my pajamas by 5:15pm and sometimes I stay in them all weekend.  My neighbors can vouch for this.  I wear them outside all the time.  (Sorry Jim!)  In the cooler months, I’ll add a huge sweatshirt.  HUGE!

 

 

It has to be a Polo shirt because the use the softest cotton known to man.  And it has to be at least Jim’s size or bigger. 

 

Once or twice a year, Jim & I will visit the Polo outlet mall and I will get every single color they have.  I swear by these things!  They get softer every time you wash them.  So soft, in fact, that Delanie used them as her wubby blanket when she was little.  (Sorry for the embarrassing tidbit, Delanie!)

  

Life lately: Delanie edition

Today’s post is all about this chickadee…..

 

 

Delanie & I spent the day together last weekend.  She ALWAYS has something going on……band, school, friends, etc……so it’s rare that I can get a few hours with her solo.  I took full advantage of it. 

 

The first thing on the agenda was the antique/flea market in downtown Minneapolis.  We left with a truck bed loaded down with an old rusty gate (I’m going to paint it!) and an old wooden ladder that I’m going to hang blankets on in the living room.  I’ll post about that later.

 

 

Since it was National Record Store Day, we stopped by the Electric Fetus.  Oh my goodness!  I could not have been more out of my element here.  Seriously.  Delanie, on the other hand, was in hog heaven (except for being aggravated that I was taking pictures of her)!

 

 

That night was her high school prom.   She and her friends decided to skip the prom and have a slumber party instead.  This was her leaving for the evening…….with her prom shoes on.

 

 

As soon as winter drum line was done, she started her Marching Band season.  They are practicing several days each week getting ready for the summer parades.

 

 

And…..as if Marching Band didn’t keep her busy enough, she’s also doing all the auxiliary percussion for the Center Stage musical again this year. 

 

 

I can’t wait to see her performing next week!  Here’s her view from the stage….

 

 

When she has some down time, she’s clicking away on the camera she got for her birthday.  In fact, most of the shots in this post are ones she’s taken.  She’s gotten really good!

 

 

That’s life lately for this goofball!

 

Life lately: Garrett edition

Today’s post is all about this cutie………

 

Garrett’s plate is pretty full lately!

 

He’s finishing up his junior year at UT Arlington and loves living the solo life in his own apartment.  I met his roommate – Hutch – last month and he’s just as goofy as Garrett. 

 

He & Hutch recently went to a job fair at the American Airlines Center.  Here they are looking pretty dapper!!

 

 

He was just named Employee of the Month at PetSmart……..woot woot!!

 

 

When I was in Texas last month, I went to visit him at work.  Any other kid would be mortified but not this one!  I met his manager and he gushed about what a great employee Garrett was. 

 

 

He’s still playing softball in the men’s league on the Sigma Pi 5 team.  They are pretty good!  Lots of laughter and goofing around in those games but they still seem to whip everyone’s behind. 

 

Sophie – Garrett and Maci’s adorable puppy - turned one on April 23nd!

 

 

A few days later, Maci was bending down to love on her when Sophie accidentally head-butted her!  It broke Maci’s nose!! 

 

 

They went to the ER but the doctor said there was really nothing they could do.  It’s still pretty sore but getting better.  Maci is one tough cookie. 

 

Mr. Serious.....

 

Even in the midst of school, work, trips to the ER, joy rides and softball……Garrett & Maci always have time to enjoy life!

 

 

That’s life lately for my sweet baby boy.  I can’t wait to see him this summer!!

 

Thank you, Maci, for all the pictures!!  

MS Walk 2016

Texas – Day Four

 

The reason for my trip south of the Mason-Dixon Line had finally arrived…….MS Walk 2016!!

We all donned our yellow Team Bea t-shirts and headed to Addison, TX to celebrate another year of Charlene kicking MS to the curb. 

 

My sister is a warrior. 

 

There’s no other way to describe it. 

 

She has faced this debilitating disease head-on for almost twenty years and still finds a reason to smile every single day. 

 

It doesn’t matter how many fun things we have packed into this weekend, the MS Walk is the main event. 

 

See that picture???  That’s one of the toughest people I know. 

 

 

Garrett, Maci and Maci’s parents brought their dogs to the walk.  Just like in years past, the walk is incredibly emotional.  We walk at Charlene’s pace but she is always the first to cross the finish line. 

 

Charlene ordered balloons for us all to carry during the 5k.  She wanted to release them at the end so Mom could celebrate with us. 

 

 

By the time we all met up at Cotton Patch Café, Charlene was completely wiped out.  She ordered a cheeseburger and was fighting to stay awake long enough to eat it.  I sat there watching her fall asleep in her chair and thought to myself:  Mom would be so proud. 

 

 

Then I looked to my left and found my sweet baby boy watching the hockey game.  Hahaha!!  There is never a dull moment with this group. J

 

After lunch, Bill took Charlene home to crawl into bed while Garrett, Maci,  Lauren, Tracey and I went to the movies to see Melissa McCarthy in “The Boss”.  I love going to the movies.  Evidently I’ve passed that love down to Garrett too. 

 

 

I couldn’t believe it was already the last night of my trip!  It’s never long enough. 

 

Saturday night, we met Denise - my best friend since 2^nd grade – and her mom for dinner at On The Border.  A trip to Texas would not be complete without a little lot of Tex-Mex.

 

It might be six months or a year since the last time Denise and I have seen each other but we always seem to settle back into the same routing.  There are always lots of chatting and laughing when we get together. 

 

The night ended with one last tight squeeze from my kiddo.  There’s nothing more bitter-sweet than that last hug from Garrett.