I AM

My bones creak louder each day
I'm getting older
Gray hairs seem to come for a visit more often
I'm getting older
I actually enjoy the taste of prunes
I'm getting older
The bed calls my name at 8:30pm
I'm getting older
I appreciate antiques and my grandmothers jewelry
I'm getting older
I see the mountains in my hometown and I'm in awe
I'm getting older
I tell neighbors to turn their music down
I'm getting older
I don't know if I can do a cartwheel anymore
I'm getting older
I don't know where my 20's went
I'm getting older
I miss my grandparents
I'm getting older
Where has all the time gone? Where...
I'm getting older
Songs, words-bring back lost and forgotten memories
I'm getting older
I have grown into myself
I'm getting older
I can offer advice of where I've been and what I've done...and what not to do
I'm getting older
I raise a son with great intensity
I'm getting older
I see myself...feel my heartbeat...and want more
I'm getting older
I am older.

Red Stripe Red Circle

 

Happy Monday to all! I had a wonderful wonderful weekend! I did not want it to end. I got another birthday surprise on Sunday! Brian and I stopped to eat lunch a few towns away halfway through a long motorcycle ride. When we walked into the restaurant there was my mom, stepdad, aunt, brother and his fiance! It was soooooooo great! We had a great time talking, eating, catching up and eating some more! Brian and I were stuffed which made it really hard to get back on the bike. I got some excellent presents for the fall and a sweet dvd from my brother that might be pictures of us as kids in a slideshow...I've not watched it yet but he is known for doing that. I'm building myself up for crying puddles of tears.

This outfit was a casual Friday work outfit. I don't really wear jeans a great deal because I don't think they are the most flattering on me. I do have quite a bit of junk in the trunk ladies. Anyway, the red metal wheels behind this store really caught my eye. Riley, my son, helped me during the shoot. You'll see his final photo as well...He is a photo ham!

P.S. And thanks to all of you for all of the birthday wishes! You guys rock!

P.P.S. I am working on a giveaway for whenever I reach 15 followers. I will keep you up to date on what the item will be. Have a great week! ♥

 and here he is doing a pose of his own (this is all him - I gave no directions!)

 Photos by me

Shirt: Forever 21

Jacket: thrifted, Salvation Army

Jeans: local Family Dollar

Shoes: Target

Head scarf: thrifted, Hospice

Brooch & watch: thrifted, Goodwill

on my little man? There's no telling...

Post-Birthday-Dinner-Party Fun

Wow! I had such a great birthday! One of the best ever. Yesterday we were rushing to get to the restaurant at 7:30 for our reservations right? Well, when we got there we walked in and there I saw all of my friends at one big huge table! Brian had surprised me by having a huge dinner party! I was so shocked. It was great! We all had excellent dinners that were quite tasty, lots of wine flowed and even better - decadent chocolates, sorbets and peach crisps for desserts. After we were through we went around the corner to a cocktail lounge called "The Vault" that used to be a bank but is now a swanky little hot spot for a late night speakeasy. There was a room in the back (what used to be the actual bank vault) that is now decorated with lush velvets and oversized comfy couches in soft candlelight. Great place to chill and enjoy Friday night and a birthday! On our way back to the car we thought some funky pics in the parking garage would be fitting. Another birthday down! Hope it feels like a very very long time until the next one!

 Photos by Brian - love you!

Cardigan: UO

Tank: Vera Wang for Kohls

SkirtL NY&CO

Tights: Modcloth

Shoes: Sears

Clutch & belt: thrifted, Goodwill

Watch: thrifted, resale shop

It's My Birthday!

 Sorry this post is so short...but we have to make it to my birthday dinner reservations in about 20 minutes! Gotta hurry!

This dress reminded me of cupcakes and that's exactly what I like to eat on my birthday!

 

Photos by me

Dress & Belt: vintage, local shop Twice Round

Shoes: Target

Earrings: handmade, coworkers mom

Necklace: local shop, handmade

Straw bag: thrifted, Goodwill

Scrapped

Unfortunately, this house on Trotter Ave. in West Asheville did not work out for us. We love love love the look of the house and the style. The bungalow/arts crafts is where are hearts are at. This one, as precious as it was, just was a little too cramped for our family of four plus 35 pound dog. The living room was a plus as well as the dining room but I'm not sure I would've been able to fit my 3 year old's bed in the smallest bedrooms. And he has a toddler bed. Plus it looked like there was a LOT of work to be done in the basement. Brian couldn't stand up all the way and I only went down a few steps before I realized I was standing in the middle of a horror movie production set. Ok ok so it just felt like it! :) Anyway! This one is scrapped!

I couldn't help using the beautiful brick and rich reds as my background for today's shoot.

suffered several mosquito bites but hey, all in the name of thrifted fashion

Blouse, skirt, watch: Thrifted - Goodwill & resale shop

Belt: Charlotte Russe

Oxfords: Etsy

Long necklace: NY&Co

Smaller necklace: Local, handmade

Fishies and Grandmothers

Look at these little fish! I think they're precious. I found these pants at the Hospice thrift store here in town. Hospice is a charity organization that offers care to elderly, young - really anyone - who is terminally ill or nearing their final days on this earth. I feel good about purchases that I make there because I remember when my grandmother was very sick and getting close to the end of her life and Hospice was amazing to her. They really helped keep her comfortable and pain free. My mom was impressed by the care and attention they gave her. Unfortunately, I no longer have the chance to talk to my grandmother since she did pass away. But I have a few things of hers and it makes me proud to have them. Some of her beautiful dishes and some of her mother's crochet work that I shared with you guys recently.

I hope all of you had a good Monday. I actually had a great day! Considering Mondays are on my "hated-it!" list. Brian and I found a great house to put on our list of possibilities. We are waiting to get an appointment to go take a gander inside. It has a lot of charm and I think it is quite precious. I'm hoping the inside is what I think it is. Hopefully we won't find any secret disasters. It is in a great neighborhood (not far from where I am now) where we can walk to lots of shops, pubs and restaurants. I love the idea of walking wherever we want to go relax. I've never had that luxury!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy these little fishies as much as I do.

Photos by Brian - love you!

Shirt & pants: thrifted - Goodwill & Hospice

Oxfords: Etsy

Necklace: local shop, handmade

I kind of sleep like a stick

When I first tried on this maxi dress I thought it might look a little to nightgown-ie so I accessorized it up a little. Probably over-accessorized but I think its something about that boho look that makes you (or maybe just me!) want to throw every piece of jewelry I have on. I do think this dress would look great casual as well with some gladiator sandals and a head scarf. But it does have a nightgown feel. Speaking of sleeping, I do sleep kind of like a stick. Meaning, I sleep on my side or more recently on my back pretty much in a straight line. And I get pretty close to the edge of the bed. I used to never sleep on my back until after I had my son and my ginormous belly had gone away, therefore relieving my lungs from 10 pounds of pressure (or so it seemed) and allowed me to explore other ways to sleep rather than something resembling a beached whale in a sea of pillows. My son crawls in the bed with me sometimes and I believe I have trained myself to sleep in one spot taking up the least amount of space. Which leaves me waking up with stiff necks, limbs that are asleep, and all sorts of cramps and aches. Oh well. Anyway...here's the maxi dress with my new clogs that I plan to carry on through the fall with tights, tall socks or crop pants. Brian snapped a couple of pictures outside one of our favorite local pubs. Have a great Sunday!

Photos by Brian - love you!

Dress, cami & earrings: NY&Co

Denim shirt, bracelets & bag: Thrifted, Goodwill & resale shops

Belt: Charlotte Russe

Clogs: Go Jane

Heart necklace: Kohls (had a coupon and got this necklace and a shirt for $2.49!)

Love necklace: Local shop, handmade

Shades: RayBan

The Best Lunch Spot

What luck! A great resale shop right next to a delicious deli! And even better, it's about 3 minutes from work. I was lucky enough to take part in a 20% off sale today and got lots of stuff for $1, $4 and $5. Then I went next door and had the most delicious Italian sub....take a look!

Check this out: a great watch I bought from the resale shop for $4. I just need to grab a battery for it. It's stretch and it fits perfect. No sizing needed. Man, a great lunch today!!!

Happy Friday all! Thanks for stopping by!

Feeling Blue

I found this sweet little dress at my favorite local vintage shop. I fell in love with it immediately! I am a sucker for polka dots as you can see here and here. Sorry for the short post...its late and I am feeling kind of blue today...tomorrow will be better right? The photos came out a little grainy. Maybe it was because it was late in the evening...not sure?
Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to follow my blog. I love hearing everyone's comments and advice. Have a great evening! 

photos by Brian - love you!

Dress & scarf (as belt): vintage - Twice Round

Necklace & earrings: Goodwill

Shoes: Target

Lipstick: L'Oreal Red