14 days to go

Another week has gone by and it started off great.  I took Sunday and Monday off with Labor Day and Darren's family golf outing meant I got to spend the day with Mrs. D.  It was a busy one as we worked on some computer items that she was needing help with and we looked at what could be done with the fabric I recently purchased.  

Day 15

Since it was to get warm I chose a light cotton charged racerback dress.  Its a favorite of mine for easy summer/warm days.  I wished they had more when I picked this great deal before Christmas when shopping with my mom and sister. 

I paired a thin quarter length tie up.  Its been in my closet forever but a nice easy cover up and with my brown sandals.

Day 16

 Back to the office on Tuesday and a great look to make it fun.  A favorite easy dress shirt that does not iron very easily as its part of the look and the material with easy dark green straight legs and gray straw heels-as I like to call them.  Sorry the green did not photograph well, but they are amazing.

 A fun leaf necklace in dark metal completed my look.

Day 17

This top rarely gets worn but its a classic piece that is so much fun that I had to put it on this week.  Add straight black dress pants with the t-strap sandals and its complete.  Well after I added a black fleece dress sweater that buttons up like a military coat.  Sorry grabbed it on my way out the door and did not have time to take another photo.

I like the added detail on the back as well, sorry forgot to adjust around my arms.

 Day 18

Fall thinks it is time to come and so I needed something warmer to make it in the ice box of an office.  I wore my vintage loose knitted sweater with black leggings and the t-straps. 

I also wore a vintage button up blouse that I love.  A favorite piece that I found this year as it reminds me of a dress that my mom wore and I have seen in photos.

Day 19

I worked my second job so I mostly wore Pj's, khakis with a black double v neck tee, and then some workout clothes.  I did purchase some candles in thoughts of household and they were 70 percent off definitely helped, some crayons and power bars that I use as grocery portion.

Day 20

Pj's, work clothes and back in pj's. Nothing exciting but its been a crazy week and I do not get dressed up for cleaning house.  But I did put on a bright orange tee as my under shirt for the short work day.

You can never have too many basic tee's or multiples in the same color, my thought at least.

Day 21
Today I put on my favorite pair of jeans, I own multiple pairs in different washes but only this set is wearable as I have the others in a smaller size.  Just fit great and easy to wear and pair with different tops.  Had to wear a lightweight sweater to keep warm at church but the faithful sandals complete my look.

Since it is so cold in church I had to cover up but wanted to show the details on my blouse.

That winds down another week.

2 down, 2 to go

Week 2 has gone really well.  I have been able to delete all emails in regards to shopping, quite easily for the most part also have thrown out any mailings- few but still possible to be tempted and I will not have it interfere with my self challenge.  I had some slight temptation but then I kept moving along with cleaning out the inbox.  I have purchased some fabric for a church event and some centerpieces, all was on sale or clearance and I had an additional coupon for the fabric and thread.

Day 8

A sleeveless dress, a cardigan button up with puffed shoulders and side bow kitten heels.

Day 9

A lace top in my signature color with black slacks that have silver pinstripes.

Day 10

Sheer tangerine blouse, navy blue sailor skirt with blue stone necklace and earrings as well as Gold wedges.

After wearing these wedges that I have had for awhile I have decided to donate them, as much as I love them my feet might be a tad small and as I walk my feet slip up.  So onto finding another pair to replace these amazing wedges.

We went to an extra nice dinner Tuesday, it was definitely great just to have a night out.  The chocolate cake was divine, must figure out how to duplicate.

Day 11

A white double V neck tee, vintage printed skirt and white jean jacket for the hot week.

I love these sandals also own them in brown but somehow wear the white ones more often. 

Day 12

Weightlifting started my day, then work and after dinner Darren and I went for fabric and this most recent purchase made my movie date option.  The capri pants fit differently, size S in european is not the same as american but with a loose blouse it works out together.  There are those white sandals.

Check out different patchwork, light in front, semi-dark on side and dark jean in back.  

Amazing and so comfy.

Day 13

I threw on some workout clothes for my bike ride and then house clothes as I worked the afternoon to evening.

Day 14

A patchwork bubble skirt, plain tee with my favorite white sandals.

On my way out the door I added a white cloth blazer as it is usually cold in church.  It is a gift from Darren that I wear a lot, so comfy and can be paired in many different ways.

Half way there!

Week 1 of Fashion it Again

Weekly roundup for my dress up everyday as I do not pay out for additional items.  It was a good week in the end, not too much temptation but enough to keep the challenge very real.  I almost bought a flash drive that was a great price on clearance for the amount of storage for the documents I had in mind but repeated to myself that I could just wait and buy an external that would be a much higher storage amount for the money I would invest into it. 

Day one:

Statement Scarf from Mrs. D, a birthday gift.

Day 2

Khaki straight legs with a teal button up and one of my favorite belts

Day 3

Basic black tee with a striped skirt

Day 4

A recent purchase, before my challenge, blouse with wide leg trousers

My shoes are amazing, they help me handle the long tax season days but ready to pull off once I sit down.  Thankfully I have an office where I can do just that and crawl into my chair.

Friday, Day 5

(Grocery shopping day)

My day started with a V neck tee, Khaki's and a basic brown woven belt

But it ended by pairing the basic black V neck tee with barely boot jeans, a white blazer and my newest scarf.

The belt gets a lot of use and I have had it since college, so a little while.

Day 6 

Sorry got too busy to turn on the computer for a photo before the crazy day started.

I wore white bermuda shorts, black t-strap sandals with a basic black tee, yes I own quite a few of the basic tee's and in different colors covered up with a pink sweater.

Then I changed my top into a button up flowered salmon colored blouse with other colors.

Day 7 

Today I worked so Khakis and a sweater it was, nothing too exciting but now I am in my pj bottoms and relaxing as it is much needed.  I did buy a pizza from a local place we love for dinner as we were both exhausted, using cash and not my bank card.

Getting closer to the goal, feeling empowered.

Also got to see some football downtown and got to treat my dad, mom and youngest siblings to the experience.

 My Saturday night outfit for day 6

Challenge Day 4

Day 2 of my no shopping challenge was hard, temptation from every angle as I had to go out and shop for our office for some redecorating that I have on deck.  One store has their furniture scattered throughout the entire building which means you are going to come across something's that should belong in your home. For me it was quatrefoil's, everywhere, art, mirrors, pillows, dog items- and I do not even have a dog but it was so awesome.  I made out without purchasing anything, not even the table I carried around the entire time as I realized that it had a funky leg while I checked out.  
Day 3 was easier as office shopping only led me to Lowe's for paint chips and counter top paint.  While at work in the evening I was too tired to care about the items that came in the check lane and cleaning up areas kept me away from the girls clothing and clearance.

I did decide to document my clothing choice for each day.  After a week or so I will post those.
26 more days to go in the first half of this challenge.

The many different quatrefoils that tempted me a few days ago.  Sorry about the burned bottom its due to my case shifting on the phone.

Fashion(ista?)

I LoVE fashion.  A LOT, would be an understatement its more like a need, must have, give it to me so I can live kind of obsession.  While I would still live and be happy without fashion it definitely makes getting dolled up so much more fun.  I like name brands but of course vintage has also become my newest favorite thing in the past couple of years.  I may not be buying Chanel, Vera Wang, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton or other high end pieces off the runways of Paris or New York but I do make sure to buy a variety that will not be lost in time or unwearable as I continue to grow up.  Rather they might be statement pieces that make me feel bold, a punch up, a fun cut to the piece or the bright colors of another with a nice collection of basics.  It just makes me happy.  After some thinking about my weakness for clothing/fashion and my desire to continue to thin out my closet of the un-used I will be taking a vacation from purchasing items for myself and gifts (which tend to be most of my spending in thinking of Christmas and birthdays, Tegan's fault for being such a cute little niece).  Even though most of my buys are bargains sometimes one just needs a break from something they like so much. Thanks to Amy who did this awhile back and blogged about her 1 month of no personal shopping, just the basic needs.  Today is Day 1.  I have deleted all email's that pertain to shopping.  I would like to make it atleast a month, September 20th but will extend to our Cruise in October.  Shopping is an extra in life, where my extra money is going and I can do without a couple weeks or months of it.  This will also help me reach some goals in other areas which is a plus.Will power, challenge accepted.  

Can you blame me?! Pieces from my wardrobe that will be reused over and over again as I fight the battle of shopping randomly.  I love so many of my pieces that I know I have the ability to mix and match in new and different ways.

Another year

I recently had a birthday and it made me feel, well, great!  Birthdays are still a challenge for me because I want to be with my parents and siblings but that’s not what happens when you live 3 hours away, have a husband, an office to be at and well I am now an adult so things have changed.  

I was so elated with the surprises Darren had in store for me.  All the things I love to have, my favorite ale with a bottle of something new to try, mini plants to have at the office (once I find a tray to hold them all), a set of quatrefoil mirrors and some workout clothing.  It’s okay to say that I am slightly spoiled but this only comes once a year. 

We had a great dinner at a restaurant on the north side of town, even sweeter that my meal ended up being free because I am on their birthday rewards program.  So free $30.00 made for a nice dinner just for myself.  Dinner included soup and salad, I added tempura fried veggies as my treat and then my main course steak with steamed rice.  It was so delicious and almost gave me a food baby so we walked around the mall to walk it down to a comfort level.  Of course I let Darren have some of my steak and he shared his tomatoes.  His meal looked just as great.

The day was filled with a few phone calls/texts, well wishes, my annual e-card from my aunt and lots of love in different forms.  But the love continued on Saturday as we spent some time driving to Michigan City for some shopping and time with my mom.  I accumulated some items I always wait to purchase until this trip as they can be pricey and mom likes to buy-some of my favorite brands and things to wear.  My baby brother got in on the shopping as well as he would be going back to school soon and of course Tegan got to pick out a “magical pink dress,” pink is her favorite color and she loves to wear dresses.  Oh how I wished the time would not pass just to walk and talk and see Tegan being silly while also being as helpful as I could be with Eze’s shopping needs and time with my mom. 

Recently I received some wonderfully wrapped gifts from Mr. & Mrs. D, a truffle bowl that I have talked about buying but never saw one that I really liked and a wonderful fluffy blanket with matching fuzzy socks in my signature color, pink.  I laughed at how great of a listener/observer my MIL is because I always wrap up in a similar blanket at their home to stay warm and take my naps as well as how I tried a truffle recipe of hers but had a bad container to display at the event.  She also sent me some additional recipes that I did not get to look at as Darren was too eager to put them in the recipe file that we were given at our wedding by her as well.  

All in all- great.  Grateful to have made it through another year, to be in such a great place in the life I have been given. 

I am not afraid of what is to come, because I am mostly stuck on today (or really trying to be) but I am ready for 30. 

Because: 

·          God has given me another day, to be loved and give love and any other support I can lend to those around me.

·          I am in the best shape of my life.  You did it 21 year old me!

·          I have a wonderful, loving, hardworking husband that brings so much laughter and light into our home.  Seriously, have you seen his perfect smile?!

·          I have evolved and am still working on myself inside and out.

·          I have an amazing support system, whatever tomorrow brings I know I will be held up by these amazing people God has blessed me with.

·          The additional adventures that have already started and hopefully a big cruise to celebrate.

Aging should not be feared but rather celebrated, its a day given by our almighty Lord to serve and love the way he loves us.  To give chances, take the unchosen route and see what he has in store for us and what we can conquer, give and do for others.  I am 29 years young, I am still growing up, learning and leaning on others around me to become a better person in this world that is not always nice.  Whatever tomorrow brings I know that I am not alone and my age only makes me better at taking on what is to come.

Year 2

It has been two years today.  Two years of wedded bliss, trials, adventures, joy and tears.  It has been exhaustion, teamwork, smiles and so many laughs that I wish I could time capsule it all and never forget the moments that lead us to the now.  So, since last year we have:

 

·         Evaluated and recognized as a family my career change and what it would mean, not always easy but we made a decision together.

·         Birthdays and Christmas shopping.  Darren’s gift to us were bicycles and initially not excited but now I look forward to putting on my buns(padded biking shorts) for a nice bike ride.

·         Family time with both our families at their homes and ours, shopping with my mom and sister while Tegan ran the show. 

·         Another cruise, only 3 days but it made me realize how much I enjoy them.

·         Our yearly ND football game and tailgating with great friends.

·         A weekend away as I went to homecoming in NC and we made our nightly phone calls to see how the other was doing.

·         Our 4^th annual Pumpkin carving with the little warriors, Carter, Chase, Noah.  And finding out we would soon be welcoming a 4^th that same day with Shana letting us know.

·         The change from Admin assistant to Office Manager and finding that I love what I am doing and the people who have the faith, support, encouragement in my work while being surrounded by a great work family.

·         The drives to our parents homes for the holidays, trying to read or nap only to be distracted by Darren until he decides to plug in his radio show to listen

·         New Years eve plans with friends that put us in bed early.

·         Making it through my first busy season while still eating well with Darren mostly cooking and hitting the gym.  And enjoying working even with the longer work days.

·         Helping out friends with different projects, hosting double dates, parties and savoring the time together.

·         A small party for Tegan at our home, watching her only eat the icing and apologize in her kid voice for staining the carpet.

·         The start of another race season, foot races for Darren and IndyCar races for both of us to enjoy.

·         Small groups with our church as well as my participation in the Co-ed volleyball team.

·         Getting stuck in Florida due to storms in Indy after trying to leave via plane to be back in the office after the long weekend.  The drive helped Darren have a sidekick plus I got to drive on this trip, felt like a big girl driving for the first time in Florida. 

·         Being able to catch Darren’s run times and location in his mini thanks to technology.

·         Picking up a second job and still trying to get used to the ever changing evening and weekend schedule.

·         Spending time with Mrs. D while Darren was at the track with Mr. D.  Then the trip to see Wicked in the Bend with Ash and Josh while also having Michelle along for the show and drive.

·         3 Races together this year with weekends filled with sun, lots of walking and great food.

·         Going home for a family event and spending time with loved ones I do not get to see very often as well as friends.  While Darren spent time with a friend in Iowa at a race.

·         Time with my work family outside of the office.  Lake, food, movies: it’s all very wonderful.

·         Long drives to various destinations including the North to the south of the country.

·         Darren working on our home projects while also refinishing a couple items for my personal use.

·         Trying to grow some garden veggies, no food just yet but the plants are growing.

 

I know I missed a lot of other things but this is what I recall and know I will remember years from now.  How exciting and crazed that this time has begun to fly by without us realizing it.  Looking very forward to the next year and the adventures in store for us.

Moments

 This time of year I reminisce about some moments that happened in 2010.  The trip we got engaged on, it was our second year to Toronto and now we are on our 5^th trip.  Something’s we never forget, this is one of the most vivid weekends I can recall.  The feelings, the shock, the whole scene replaying in my head for the rest of the weekend.  It’s hard to believe that we will be celebrating our second anniversary in just a few weeks and the whirlwind of planning a wedding in less than a year, from saying our “I Do’s” to relishing the time together surrounded by an amazing support system.  I can still see that hotel room, the pool and the ickyness I thought of it.  This weekend is almost like the moments at the Speedway over Memorial Day weekend, I hope to never forget how we met that led us to this moment.  I have to admit last year was a tough one and I believe this year started a little rough but right now it is amazing to see how much I feel we have each evolved, how much I have changed, in order to be a stronger, selfless partner (still working on this), sharing in life, home with all the little to big parts that make us and our dynamic.  It's quite a treat to know how a simple conversation brought us this far, looking for to adventure to continue.

Countdown

I have been keeping track of quite a few upcoming events, I have found that doing this helps in looking forward to more than the big events.  Seeing each one on my calendars (yes, I keep several to track home, office and work), and my countdown app makes it easier to know that there are quite a few small items to make it past before our big ones come to be.  Things to look forward to and make the tough, exhausting days a little easier to take on. It's like the excitement of going back to the dorms to see your closest friends and sisters come together from different parts of the globe for another exciting year of memories and adventures.  The joy and treasure of welcoming a new family member into the world after seeing them grow in the belly of someone you love and care for.  Being a part of special momentous occasions of those near and dear.  It is seeing your favorite people mingle in making new friends and connections, a party surrounded in love, laughs and my favorite-noise.  Its whispering a secret that makes the reality of it so much better, its making your kid sister from enemy to best friend, eating ice cream on a hot summer day and running in the rain on a steamy night.  Finding the perfect dress for that night out.  A water gun (propeller, as I had to say when working at camps) fight that makes the hot sun that much more sweet.  
In this, I keep thinking how close we are and hope to be in our home life.  The house has definitely changed and morphed into our (possibly forever-as Darren likes to think) home by the strength of Darren's hands along with those that have helped in its process-from my wonderful father to our friends.  It's a blessing to think that God has this for all of us and while trying to live in the moment that he has given us while looking towards an adventurous future that he has still in store for us.  
I guess countdowns may never lose their magic in making memories and adventures no matter the age.  They help me remember to be thankful for I have been given so much more than I could have imagined and its getting through the everyday moments that make it so much sweeter.  One item on my countdown before our 2 year anniversary and two more after that for our fall cruise.  I am certain to make more dates to look forward to but trying to enjoy this time before its gone.