Beach Scenes 2013

This week is our annual family beach trip. I'm focusing on family and fun this week. Blogging has taken a backseat but I thought I would share some photos with you that I've snapped of our fun.

Our first evening here we took the kids down to the beach to play a but before bed.

A late night wicked storm rolled in and washed us out.

This morning the kids got to play in the huge puddles created by the storm.

I always bring craft projects for the week. It's my relaxation time. This week I created two new cell phone cases.

There will be other DIY projects coming this week.

This quartz skull pendant is my best vacation purchase so far. I can't wait to add it to my favorite silver chain and rock it with a concert t-shirt.

We all take turns cooking. Tonight is my nephew Tommy's turn. The best part is that I get to drink wine (or vodka) and watch someone else cook.

There will be more vacation fun soon. Have a great day and night Real Girls!

In Your Easter Bonnet

Over the weekend, we went to visit my Mom. She lives in a rural area of Virginia. She and my Dad moved back to the area where they grew up, when they retired. It's a beautiful part of the state and since they sold my childhood home, this area is home to me. Many of my relatives live close and I went to college near by.

Jacket - Target (no longer available), Dress - Donna Rico via alight (no longer available), Bag - vintage, Shoes - Ferragamo via Goodwill, Necklace - Target (no longer available), Earrings - JewelMint. Bracelets - F21 and gift, Watch - Relic via Kohl's, Nails - Wet n' Wlld Spoiled Lox-y Lady, Lips - Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter Sweet Tart

When I visit Mom, I dress pretty casual. We are usually helping her with repairs and things around the house and on her property. We also go walking and hiking on trails close to her house. There isn't much call for stilettos and sequin skirts. On Sunday we went to Easter service at Mom's church and I took the opportunity to dress up a little. We watched the kids hunt for eggs before church and then attended the lovely service. After service, we went home and had a yummy lunch prepared by my Mom.  The weather was perfect and it was a great day (and weekend) with family.



I also tried out a new hairstyle. The fun of having long hair is the ability to change up my style. I get tired of the same old ponies and up dos.  This faux bob was a fun and easy option.  I curled my fine hair to give it some volume and waves and sprayed it with a small amount of hair spray.  I love L'Oreal Elnett hairspray because it gives great hold without being sticky or crazy stiff and brushes out easily. I took sections about two inches wide and rolled them under with my fingers. I left a few pieces around the front hanging to give it some interest.  Then I spritzed it with hairspray one last time.

Several years ago I stopped at a little antique shop, on the way to my parent's house.  Small town antique shops have some of the best items I've found when it comes to accessories.  I think this is because many people go to these shops looking for furniture and dishes. This little bag is one of my favorite finds.  It has a tiny bit of wear on the inside of the handle but otherwise it's perfect. It also holds a bit more than just your lipstick and some money.

I snagged this necklace a couple of years ago at Target, prior to an event. I usually wear it as a bracelet (here). . 

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  Happy Monday!

Man of Style

Three years ago today my dad passed away after a long illness. I miss him every day. He made a huge impact on all who met and knew him.  His kindness and graciousness made you feel welcome and loved. He was always willing to share his knowledge with those who asked. My cousin says that he was the smartest man he's ever known.  I think that's because my dad was a life long learner. He loved to learn and was interested in everything.  He even surprised me once, when in his sixties, he proceeded to explain to my mom who Snoop Dog was. He was a very tall man (6'6") and despite the fact that clothes weren't always easy for him to find, he was a snappy dresser. But even though he had cool personal style, it was his personality and the way he carried himself that drew people to him.

One of my favorite photos - taken when my parents were dating (He was 20)

Love you Daddy!

The Best Example Ever

Today is a themed post for the Feminist Fashion Bloggers group.  Our theme for the day is dating and relationships.  It’s a happy coincidence that today is also my parents’ 48^th wedding anniversary.  They are such an amazing example of a loving, caring, and solid relationship.  My dad passed away February 15, 2009.  I miss him every day.  I’m sure how I feel is nothing compared to how my Mom feels. 



Always laughing

  

My parents had a wonderful relationship.  My mom always said they were best friends.  My dad said that he couldn’t remember life without my mom. In fact they have known each other since childhood.  They began dating their senior year in high school.  As of December of 2008 (just two short months before my dad died), they had been together as a couple for 50 years.  It’s a lifelong love story and the strength of their relationship is something I try to emulate every day in my own relationship.  I asked them both, at different times, what the secret was to staying together and loving each other for all those years. Here is what they said:

Mom’s Advice

• Make sure you like spending time with the person you choose.  Passion and hot sex only get you so far.  You can’t live your whole life in bed.
•  Relationships aren’t always perfect.  They take hard work and you have to work on them daily.
• Don’t try to change someone.
• Pick your battles.  Not every argument is important.  Sometimes you just have to let the other person win.
• Find someone who makes you laugh.
• Be partners.  Working together gets you through the tough times.

Dad’s Advice

• Love is important but like is more important.  When my Dad asked my grandfather for permission to marry my mom, my dad said that he loved her and wanted to marry her. My grandfather said, “You love her but do you like her? Liking her will keep you together."
• Any qualities or habits that bug you early on will irritate you a million times more as the years go by.  Make sure they are things you can live with.
• Make time for each other no matter how busy you get. 
• Pick someone who has the same values as you.
• A person who is smart will challenge you and make you want to be better.
• Find someone you can have fun with.

Before a College Dance

It’s such great advice from two people who know how to make a great relationship work and last.  They had such admiration and respect for each other.  My mom is a strong independent woman and my dad loved those qualities in her.  They both had great careers and were successful professionally. They enjoyed their life with each other. Together they raised two strong independent women (my sister and I).   

In the spirit of fun and fashion, here are a few pictures of Mom and Dad at their fashionable best.

I’m spending the day with my Mom.  I know it’s not an easy day for her.  She’ll be missing my dad so much today and I don’t want her to be alone. Hopefully, we can have a good day and smile about their happy times.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Mom and Dad!

So Thankful

Spending time with my family this weekend reminds me even more, how lucky I am. I'm so thankful to have such an amazing family and a wonderful legacy. About a year and a half ago, my parents' home caught fire. Many of our family photos were very close to being destroyed. Thankfully they were saved. We've been slowly transferring them to digital copies and will be storing them for safe keeping. As I looked through them today, I was inspired by the decades of fashion and their great style. Generations of style. My great grandparents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and my amazing parents.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.