Thanks and an outfit post

You guys all need to skype in with me in the morning, then before I leave for work, I'll look like a super model every day ;-).

So the jury is in and it's decided - the shirt will be sent on to bless anothers wardrobe.  Thanks guys, I appreciate the honesty and Mz T, you simply rock and when are you starting your blog?

So yesterdays outfit was made up of the following which included this gorgeous jacket that I needed to wear one more time before the warm weather sets in.

Details :  Skirt - Merien Hall @ Edgars | Top - Truworths | Jacket - Oasis @ Foschini | Shoes : Truworths |

Todays look

Details : Skirt : Exact (bought on sale August 2011) | Cami : Woolworths - old as the hills it is | Cardigan : Pick 'n Pay and given to me by my sister about 4 years ago | Boots : Truworths | Belt : Edgars  | Necklace : Miladys

This afternoon we had a social after work.  It was really enjoyable and since I don't usually attend such events, it was a nice change.  Since going back to work in 2005, I've socialized very little with people I work with.  Our company is planning these socials for once a month in future and I think when possible, I'll at least stop in for one coolie.  We had a good time ragging and our end of the table were so noisy that at one point everyone turned to look at us and at that moment I knocked over an empty bottle that met with a side plate and had a couple of people jump ... lol.  I was home just after 6pm and in time for dinner with the little people.

Today I kinda paid it forward ... I gave my sister a jacket and a top that she absolutely loves from my wardrobe.  Now you must understand, she's about two sizes smaller than me so at first I was hesitant about the top, but when she tried it on, it fit as though it were made for her.  The jacket which I've since before Miss Boo was born, although old, is in excellent condition, but the sad reality is that its too small over the hips and can't close, so I offered it to her.  I think she's happy with her little shopping trip to Wendy's Boutique :-)

Well, I'm tired and feeling a bit outa sorts and just saw the size of my tummy - oooh boy, I'd best get on that eating plan tomorrow ;-)

Hugs y'all and remember, be stunning, be fabulous and simply, be you.

Girl crush

no, let me correct that - its more a 'style crush' ... and mine is Eva Mendes ... oh man, right now she cannot seem to disapoint me with her wardrobe choices ... (please don't go breaking my heart now Eva)

I mean really : style, class, sassy ... colourful, elegant, chique ... she has it all ... or at least, her stylist does, if she has one.

Opinions Please

I adore these shoes!

Details : Shirt - Kelso at Edgars (still available) | Pants : Finnigans at Truworths | Cardigan : Truworths? | Belt and Ring : Edgars | Sunnies : RayBan

I do believe this is only the second time I've worn this top.  The reason?  It just does not seem to 'fit'.  I can't quite make up my mind.  If I tuck it, it looks worse.  I do think that the frills are too high and close to my neck, which seems to make my chest look huge and my boobies out of place.  Is it just me thinking this, do you agree?  Any suggestions?  Should this stay or should it go ... da da da dah ... ?  Let me know your opinions please.

August 21st, 2011 ...

Was the day I celebrated my 45th birthday.  It was a lovely day.  On Saturday, a special friend of mine came and spent the day and stayed over.  We stayed up until past 2am catching up, discussing life, love and everything inbetween and beyond.  Sadly, she lives very far away and when she returns in a few weeks time, we have no idea how long until we'll see each other again.

Sunday morning, G-man took her back to her moms and just before leaving, told me I needed to be ready by 10am.  When he got back I was still faffing, so I had to hot-tail to get done, collect young Jarod and head to my 'surprise'.  Between our house keeper and my dd and G-man, they'd arrange a stunning cake for me as well.  So off we headed, virtually across the road to breakfast at Thaba Ya Batswana and when we arrived, my sisters were there.  They'd kept it a complete surprise, which was fabulous. 

I took some photos but still need to download them.  Although as we were leaving, the wind was howling - welcome to the end of August in Jozie.

As far as gifts go, I got money from G-man, my mom and sisters (which is what I asked for towards my course) and Lynn had included a huge bag of Kettle Corn from Woolies, a Lindt Chocolate and a shopping bag.  Courteney gave me a box of Lindt Lindor Chocolate Balls (so yumm) and Liam spoilt me with three little photo frames and a bottle of Essie Nail Polish.  Estelle gave me two cravats (spelling?) and a stone.  Yesterday morning I got a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from the office and Sharon gave me a stunning camel and black striped top from Foschini ... all in all, a very spoilt girl I am.  Of course, Mz T had sent me money earlier which was my Mother's Day and Birthday gifts together. 

My gift to myself this  year - I bought myself a hair straightener.  I usually give myself a gift, and this year, I decided on something for my hair. I can't remember what I got myself last year, but the year before it was a lamp. 

But now that the festivities are drawing to a close, (as they usually do, but I'm still enjoying the flowers on my desk and am yet to tackle the Lindt and Kettle Corn), it's time to start plotting the next year.

First up, my photography course.  I'll be booking for the course that starts on the 1st October.  I'm so excited.  Other things on my list for the coming year are:

1. These other courses : Dynamic Photography Expressive Photography and Wedding Photography or Portrait Photography


2. A new lens, mentioned previously - Nikon 50mm


3. Start shadowing on a few weddings and anything else I'm able to wangle my way into


4. Save towards studio lights and backdrops


5. Remote light metre


6. Then we get to the personal things and one of the big ones I'm not able, or to be more specific, willing to discuss in public, but it's something big and it's a huge weight I'm carrying around and I need to settle it once and for all.


7. Work hard at maintaining and fostering a good relationship with my little girl when she moves to her dad.


8. Earn enough through the photography to either fly both my girls home for a visit next Christmas, or be able to fly to them for Christmas ... that would be so kewl.


9. Work on managing my time and space better so that I can start producing creatively.


10. I really need to work on my overall health and fitness level.  It's a sad state of affairs in that department after this cold winter we've had and I've picked back up the weight I'd lost.


11. Spend more time doing activities with the family.

Those are just a few of the thoughts mulling in my head.  I will not mention scrapbooking, reading or writing, nor any other 'hobby' type activity. 

So, I'm a little older and a wee bit wiser and maybe a little sadder or mader than I was, but I'm alive and well and all is right with my world.

Something to share : A positive thought

At 211 degrees...water is hot.

At 212 degrees...it boils.

And with boiling water, comes steam.

And steam can power a locomotive.

And, it's that one extra degree...

That makes all the difference.

I'm working on that one degree as part of my year ahead - how about you?

Wicked Wednesday

Not that it was a wicked day, but I'm feeling title challenged.

I took my photos really late as I got home a little late as I stopped to buy a collegue a birthday gift.

 Details:  Skirt : Truworths | T-shirt : Mr. Price | Jacket : Pick 'n Pay | Booties : Woolworths |

Necklace : Miladys

 While taking my photos, the kids were boogying to "Blister in the sun" and attempting to get me to dance along.  So, I got them to come on my side of the lens and carry on ... young master L was doing a hillbilly impersonation ... silly bug.  Silly bunch.

In other news, Miss Beans visa application to the USA is approved :-(.  Not sure when she'll move, but once the papers are received by her dad on Friday, we'll make some decisions.  Ideally, she wants to finish the school year.

... and as they used to say in the movies after the cartoons ... That's all Folks!!

Til we meet again ... be fabulous, be sassy, be strong.

Pretty in purple ... or is it lilac

Hiya friends, family and visitors, it's so fabulous to have you drop by my little spot on the www.

It's been cold, really cold here.  This morning I woke up with all kinds of aches and pains that don't seem to have left me yet.  I saw pictures from Secunda and sent up a whisper of thanks that I don't live there - it's even colder.

This afternoon when I got home, it was just warm enough to dash outside without a coat or jacket on and take a few photies.

I have not been planning my outfits in advance of late, so my outfits have all been grab 'n goes.

Despite not planning my outfits, I must admit that I enjoy outfits that have surprise fun elements, additions that are not necessarily immediately visible.  I like to see it on other people as well, where for example you see their outfit, then when the sit down, or stretch their leg suddenly, there's something unexpected to see, like unusual pantihose patterns, or funky shoes, or a sassy belt, or a kewl and funky design element on their trousers, skirt or shirt.  If it's a man, it could be an unexpected tie or kewl cufflinks (when last did you see a man wearing cufflinks?)

Before you view the photos - any guess what my unexpected surprise item is?

Here's the photos

 Details : Shirt : Studio W - Woolworths | Skirt : Exact | Boots : Kelso - Edgars | Necklace : Exact

 ... my surprise item ... my funky lil boots.  I bought them on a whim one day about 4 years ago while shopping the Edgars Sale with Mis T.  I don't wear them often and I do believe they did not make it onto my feet last winter, but today, I needed something 'unexpected'.  I do adore these boots.

The applicae and stones don't show up too well on the photos

I tried a different side of the garden, inspired (although not successful) by Chic on the Cheap's photos - I love how she gets the sunlight streaming into her afternoon photos ... a little more practise and I'll eventually get it right. 

This skirt previously worn :

Here's a little quote for all the fashionistas that pass by ... this made me giggle

What a man most enjoys about a woman's clothes

are his fantasies

of how she would look without them. 

~Brendan Francis

'Til the next time, be fabulous.

Sunday Seven

Something to do on a Sunday morning ... found here ... if you join in, please let me know in the comments, I'd love to read your answers

Name seven gifts you’d really like to receive if tomorrow were Christmas morning.

1. Taryn being home


2. A hair straightener


3. A french style bureau


4. A red belt


5. A Nikon 50mm f1.8 lens


6. This course - paid in full


7. A kitchen island

Friday - at last

So I've been scarce of late and yesterday was feeling pretty grotty, but did take 5 minutes to photograph my outfit.  Some people find mightly amusing when they hear about this whole fiasco ... guess some think I'm downright vain or maybe a little insane.  Anyways, what I see in the photos compared to the mirror are frighteningly different at times.

So yesterdays look featured my new Chata Romano jacket.  I'm a little concerned about a bit of pulling on it and need to get to a good haberdashery to get some dressmakers tape, not sure what they'd call it now, but I need it as there is fraying going on and I'm a bit worried about it.

Thursday, 11 August 2011

Details : Shirt : Truworths | Jacket : Chata Romano | Skirt - Chinese Store | Shoes : Mr. Price | Belt : Edgars | Pearls : Fresh Water pearls from my ex-hub | Bracelet : Charlotte Russe

I'm not too sure about the overall look, I can't decide if the belt was too dark, if the shirt should have had more collar or the jacket too bright - your thoughts?

Wednesday, 10 August 2011

Details : Jacket : Edgars (08/2011) | Knit top : Truworths | Skirt : Truworths | Shoes : | Necklace : Contempo 

I've been super challenged this week, the weather is warming up and my legs are so white, they're blinding.  Our offices are still a little cool at times, so dressed in super light clothes is not recommended at this point. 

Other news - I passed the three exams I wrote in June - a great big sigh of relief, it's done ... I'm officially finished with High School.  My sister who wrote two exams also passed hers.  It's one of those little niggles that has hung over my head for years and finally its behind me.

It's Friday and of course, that spells weekend.  Do you have anything fabulous or exciting planned?

Be fabulous, be stylish!



DANG

A little rant ... when 'followers' was not showing, it was no problem commenting on other blogs, but since the 'followers' are showing again, I'm having endless issue posting comments.  Although I'm signed it, it keeps asking me to sign in, then says I don't some permission or other.  Heck, I'm about done with Blogger at this point - maybe it's time to toddle on over to wordpress?!!!!

And, another double bill

I did photograph Thursdays look after my visit to the hairdresser ... she left my hair about10 cm longer than the picture I took with, but maybe it's just as well.  It's similar to the last cut, just a little shorter and she thinned it out quite a bit.

My outfit of the day consisted of one of my favouirte skirts, a grey cami, green cardigan and grey shoes.

Details : Cardigan : Jet | Skirt and shoes : Truworths | Necklace : Uhhh ??? | Bracelet : Charlotte Russ | Belt : Edgars

 Friday saw me 'dressed down' in my OBR jeans, crinkly top and blazer.

Details : except for the shoes and brooch - everything is from Truworths.  I picked up this top on sale and loved the print.  It's a great summer piece and I'd have loved to pair it with a white linen boyfriend jacket, but I'm yet to see one, although I must admit, I'm not the biggest linen fan since it creases so easily.

Closer look at my haircut

Let me say this, I'm so looking forward to spring ... roll on, roll on. 

Now I'm going to go and do something constructive like hang up my load that's just finishing and put another on ... I also have not started preparing for the scrapbooking day on Tuesday.  So much to do.

Comments welcome. 

Be fabulous, be gorgeous ... relax and do something fun.

Friday Lust List/Luv List

It's Friday, and a lot of us here in SA are having a super long weekend ... with Tuesday being Women's Day (Read the story behind this special day here), we're taking Monday off and having a four day weekend. 

Besides scrapbooking on Tuesday, I don't have very much planned outside of the house, but there are few things I'd like to work on at home like some wardrobe planning, decluttering, tidy a draw or two and see how the gardens really looking.

But, since the weekend only starts later today here's a little lust list/luv list of mine for the moment :

Luv List

No. 1 on my luv list

My favourite 'foreigner' ... how much I'd luv to hug this little person on the right - oh okay, I'd give him a hug too, but I miss this beauty on a dialy basis.  She's number one on my luv list.



No. 2 on my luv list

Most often, I cannot understand why Cover stick/concealers are so darn expensive.  But earlier this week, I popped into Clicks for some items and saw this product, it's a range that's new to me and I stopped to look at what was on offer, then noticed their cover stick and the price - gasp at R35.00 - I had to give it a try.  I'm hooked, it goes on softly where so many feel like you're attempting to put chalk on your face, spreads easily and feels light as air.  I'm sold on this.

No. 3 on my luv list



When bagging the concealer I came across this awesome hand cream.  I usually avoid Nivea moisturisers as I find them too oily, but was so surprised by this hand cream and their blurb "fast absorbing" is true.  It really does absorb quickly and my hands feel amazing.

Lust List




No. 1 on my lust list ... THESE SHOES from ANTHROPOLOGIE 'SPEAK TO ME'

Although way out of my price range, these shoes are just awesome, but at $158 which is roughly R1100.00, nope, now way, I have never bought shoes that cost that much... Y.E.T.    

No. 2 of the Lust list



Working towards a room in the above style ... getting there, slowly but surely.





Lust No. 3

Well friends, that's it for the moment ... be fabulous, be stunning ... 'n dream a little.

Double bill

Hello friends ... today I have a double bill for you.

This jacket is divine ... I could not resist the colour.  Sadly though, my trousers are a little big ... except for my black pants, both my cream and this biscuity colour pants are now looking a little yuck.  Guess I really  need to look at replacing them.

I do love the different textures on these shoes

Details : Trousers : Edgars | Shirt : Truworths | Jacket : Chata Romano | Shoes : Edgars |

In the mirror this morning, this outfit did not look too bad, but now that I'm reviewing it in the photo, I'm none too impressed.  I don't think this lenght of skirt with the length of boot is working too well and the belt maybe should have been dropped all together.   Trial and error ... the joy of trying things out.

Yippee - I'm seeing my hairdresser tomorrow ... my hair is so due for a trim.  I'm almost considering going a little shorter and more whispy ...  considering, not decided.  But here are two thoughs in my head, althought I'm more likely to go for the straight styling as opposed to the layered as it's a bit more work and as I'm all for what will get me out the house the quickest.

My sister Noleen is going to freak out when she sees these, as I know she prefers me with my hair a little longer ... so to placate her ... here's a little longer length choices.  Although the image below if similar to my previous cut just with a heavier fringe.  Ah, decisions.

Any comments, recommendations or inputs will be appreciated?

The Outfit Reviews : (based on personal observation and reading input - my favourite people)
Monday - Fabulous
Tuesday - Neat
Wednesday - Try again

Well y'all, it's getting late here in the southern hemisphere and I'd best get going to bed ... need to still put an outfit together for tomorrow.

Hope everyone is doing great.

Be fabulous, be smart, be daring ... 'til next time

August ... the windy month

Ah, here we are!  August ... the month the wind blows winter away (we hope), the month of my birth, the month for Leos and Lioness' ... the month of ummmm ... considering starting the beach diet, the near end to winter month!  At last.

So here is the first outfit for the month ... F.I.E.R.C.E ... that's how I felt, for the first time in forever - I felt fierce today.

Details : Black Shift : Jet | Shoes : Plum | Jacket : Oasis, Foschini | Belt : Edgars | Necklace : Contempo

I finished the Jodi Picoult book I was reading, Perfect Match, and was a wee bit disappointed at the ending.  Not sure exactly why, but I felt it was a little weak.  Maybe I expected more.  Overall, a good story and interesting read.

Next on the list, I think I'll read One True Thing, which I did start previously, but then the studying was knocking, so I put it aside.  If you have not read any of Anna Quindlen's work, I strongly suggest it.  Blessings is fantastic and Every last one is thrilling.

Do you use Groupon?  At first I was really hesitant, but have bought three vouchers myself and G-man bought one as well.  I have to behave in fact, because there are so many fantastic offers.  On the 13th, I'm going for a 'right brain' therapy - quite intrigued, and tomorrow I need to call and book for a chemical peel.  The discounts are amazing!  I'm looking forward to when they offer shoes at these discounted prices.  G-man was lamenting that there's not much on offer for 'boys'.  I have to agree with that.  But then, just shows how much money can be made off of a woman ... facial, liposuction, manicure, pedicure, brazilian blow drys, waxes, etc. etc. etc. ... quite unbelievable in fact.

Well, I'm tired and need to fish out stockings for Jazz as he needs them for a school project and since he was already in trouble for not having the items at school last week, I don't want to be the cause of another demit.

'Til next time ... be fabulous, oh heck, just be fierce! (Not mean fierce, sexy, sassy and smart Fierce)